Flatulent cow story is overblown Friday, April 4, 2014 In late January, news outlets were abuzz with the story of how 90 flatulent cows at a German dairy farm released enough methane gas to blow up their own barn. In fact, manure may have been the culprit. Reuters reported that the explosion was severe enough to damage the roof of the cow shed and injure one of the cows, that had to be treated for burns. Local police said high levels of methane had built up within the shed, then "a static electric charge caused the gas to explode with flashes of flame." Naturally, burping and farting cows were blamed. After all, cows can produce 250 to 500 litres of methane per day, according to the Journal of Animal Science. But Modern Farmer magazine says a follow-up report from German newspaper Hünfelder Zeitung points the finger at manure slurry, which can produce high levels of concentrated methane. BF In the works: an ambitious plan to bring High-Speed Internat to rural western Ontario Mounties investigate horse tail hackers
Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start Monday, July 14, 2025 Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online
Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades Friday, July 11, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online