Farm tires from dandelions? Sunday, March 8, 2015 Mitas, the Czech Republic tire maker, plans to test agricultural tires made with dandelion rubber, Modern Farmer reports.Natural rubber, typically harvested from the rubber tree, is an integral part of the tire industry. According to Reuters, passenger car tires need to be 10-40 per cent natural rubber to stay flexible in cold weather and to prevent significant cracking. But there has always been concern over of the risks and volatility of rubber tree farming. Taraxacum koksaghyz – commonly called the Kazakh dandelion, native to the Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan region and a source of natural rubber – is hoped to be a future answer to those concerns.According to Modern Farmer, in North America Mitas exclusively produces agricultural tires. Its sales and marketing director, Andrew Mabin, told AgWeb that Mitas, "is actively seeking new ways of improving our manufacturing process, which includes researching new raw materials or substitutes." BF Purple Loosestrife not so bad after all Fewer allergies for children on the farm
Royal Canin Clarifies Groundwater Use With Amended Water Permit Near Guelph Thursday, April 16, 2026 Royal Canin Canada Company has received approval from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to amend its Permit to Take Water (PTTW) for its pet food manufacturing facility near Guelph, Ontario, following weeks of public consultation and local... Read this article online
Proposed USDA budget cuts could shift the North American ag landscape Wednesday, April 15, 2026 The US administration’s latest budget proposal includes a significant reduction to the US Department of Agriculture’s discretionary spending, a move that could have ripple effects across North American agriculture. According to Farms.com reporting, the proposal outlines a... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Tuesday, April 14, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Canadian farmers are set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Ontario Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for Ontario. Do Ontarians need a license to drive a tractor? No license is required for a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment whether on private... Read this article online