Decision in animal seizure case expected by summer Sunday, April 5, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by BETTER FARMING STAFFA decision is expected by the summer in the case of an Elgin County father and son sued for the cost of caring for animals the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized in 2006.The trial of Steve and John Straub, heard by Ontario Superior Court Justice William Jenkins, began March 30 in St. Thomas and wrapped up the next day. It was expected to last a week.The Society’s statement of claim ascribes a cost of $168,746.86 to the seizing and caring of 87 animals found on the Straub property. The Straubs’ statement of defense described the Society’s claim as “excessive, remote and not recoverable at law.”The statement asked for a dismissal, citing the seizure as “unnecessary and not carried out in accordance with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.” Contacted by telephone today, Steve Straub said he could not comment on the trial until he received the ruling. BF Tribunal rules in favour of former dairy farmers Cover Story - Solar Power: The growing debate about using prime agricultural land for power generation
Looking for a heritage machine Tuesday, February 10, 2026 A Brantford, Ontario area heritage organization—the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)—is putting out a call to the Canadian agricultural community in hopes of locating a rare piece of machinery that helped transform grain harvesting around the world. The CIHC is preparing... Read this article online
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Tuesday, February 10, 2026 When renewable energy developers come knocking on rural doors, farmers often find themselves staring at 40-page leases, unfamiliar terminology, and long-term commitments that could shape their land for decades. For many, the opportunity is exciting and enticing—but also... Read this article online
Food Freedom Day 2026 - What Canada’s Grocery Costs Really Tell Us Monday, February 9, 2026 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that Sunday, February 8th, 2026, marked Food Freedom Day—the date by which the average Canadian household has earned enough income to cover its entire annual grocery bill. Each year, CFA analyzes how much of Canadians’... Read this article online
Canadian Grain and Pork Sectors Join Others in Sound Alarm Over AAFC Research Cuts Friday, February 6, 2026 The Grain Growers of Canada (CGC), the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) are expressing serious concern following recently announced staff reductions and facility closures or consolidations within Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC). The groups warn that... Read this article online
Red Tape Pushes 70% of Agri Businesses to Deter Next Generation from Farming Thursday, February 5, 2026 Canada’s food production system is under mounting pressure as agri-businesses warn that regulatory overload is discouraging the next generation from entering the industry. A new snapshot from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that almost 70% of agri... Read this article online