Grow-ops cause Pacific power blowouts Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Legal marijuana grow operations are putting such a strain on the power grid in Oregon and Washington states that they're blowing out transformers.In a November Statesman Journal article, Portland General Electric spokesman Steve Corson estimated that the grow-ops account for 10 per cent of the roughly 400 transformer blowouts the Oregon utility experiences in a year.The article also quotes Roger Blank, director of safety for Pacific Power, as saying a grow-op with four plants under standard lights "is like hooking up 29 refrigerators that run 24/7."Corson told Portland Business Journal in November that the popularization of LED lighting, more expensive to install than traditional lighting, is easing the situation. One grower quoted in the story estimated that 200 lights per 10,000 square feet of an indoor operation would take US$10,000 a month to light by LED and double that amount by traditional light. BF Irrigating precious crops equals jobs Behind the Lines - February 2016
CFIA Proposes Changes to Expand Interprovincial Meat Movement Friday, July 10, 2026 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing temporary regulatory changes aimed at improving interprovincial trade of red meat while supporting food security and strengthening Canada's food system. The proposed amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations would... Read this article online
Lutz Lube Drive Cuts Workplace Strain Friday, July 10, 2026 Lutz Pumpen has introduced a mobile grease pump powered by a cordless screwdriver. Their goal is to help farmers, and others who work regularly with grease pumps to reduce ergonomic strain. Workplace ergonomic strain continues to cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars each year,... Read this article online
Greenfield Global Expands U.S. High-Purity Alcohol Supply Friday, July 10, 2026 Greenfield Global is strengthening its position in the North American high-purity alcohol market through a new long-term agreement with Missouri-based Show Me Ethanol (SME), a move designed to provide customers with enhanced supply security, faster delivery times, and greater protection... Read this article online
Ontario Plowmen's Association Vows to Keep 2027 International Plowing Match in Lambton County on Track Thursday, July 9, 2026 The Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA) says it remains fully committed to hosting the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in Lambton County, despite recent reports that the local volunteer committee has withdrawn from the event following unsuccessful negotiations with... Read this article online
Canadian Grain Commission Updates Grain Grading Rules for 2026-27 Crop Year Wednesday, July 8, 2026 The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is introducing several important changes to grain grading procedures for the 2026-27 crop year, including updates affecting Canada Western Amber Durum, wheat and red lentils. The revisions, which take effect August 1, were developed following... Read this article online