New guidelines for reducing salmonella risks in eggs voluntary - for now Wednesday, October 16, 2013 by SUSAN MANN Health Canada’s new guidelines on reducing salmonella risks in Canadian egg production will be voluntary for now but they may become mandatory regulations in the future, says a department spokesperson. Blossom Leung, Health Canada media relations officer, says by email the department’s new guide to reducing the risk of salmonella enteritidis, scheduled for release in December, focuses its recommendations on table eggs from regulated flocks produced under the quota system administered by Egg Farmers of Canada. That’s because most eggs offered for sale on the table market are from these flocks, she says. The guidance document is voluntary, she says “with the possibility of regulatory backstops in the future, if warranted.” Small flock egg farmers are exempt from the new guidelines but the department recognizes people could potentially become sick “from eggs originating from sources other than regulated flocks.” Leung says small flock owners are exempt from the guidelines if their eggs are sold at the farm gate or at farmers’ markets, which are under provincial jurisdiction. In Ontario, people can have up to 100 laying hens without holding quota. Health Canada’s document covers best management practices for the egg industry. Food safety enforcement agencies at the federal, provincial and territorial level may use the guidance document as a reference to assess if the egg industry is following good agricultural practices to reduce salmonella enteritidis, she says. BF Too much cheese says Canada's dairy industry Ontario Cattlemen's Association now Beef Farmers of Ontario
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online