Ontario farmer gets another shot at justice Monday, November 3, 2014 In January 2013, a former American military sniper who now lives near St. Thomas, Ont., was convicted of careless use of a firearm after firing his gun to scare away a stray dog, The Canadian Press reports. But after a September decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario, John Batty will be entitled to another trial.In handing down its ruling, the Court of Appeal considered the implications a guilty verdict could have on rural residents. As Batty's lawyer put it, "(Farmers) can't be at risk of being convicted because somebody heard a shot." In his appeal, Batty pointed out his experience with firearms and his routine practice of shooting weasels and rats headed for the chicken coop.This was Batty's second appeal. He lost the first one in December, even though there were no eyewitnesses to say how the gun was fired. BF Feathers ruffled over U.S. mislabelling Behind the Lines - November 2014
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Friday, February 20, 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
Looking for a heritage machine Friday, February 20, 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
Ontario beef farms honoured for pasture innovation and environmental stewardship Friday, February 20, 2026 Two Ontario beef operations earn top 2026 awards for pasture and environmental excellence. At the Beef Farmers of Ontario’s (BFO) 64th annual general meeting banquet in Toronto on February 18, 2026, two standout Ontario beef operations were recognized for their commitment to... Read this article online
New Leadership Team Named at OFVGA Friday, February 20, 2026 The Ontario Fruit & VegetableGrowersAssociation has announced a new leadership team following recent elections. Mike Chromczak has been selected as chair, and MatthiasOppenlaenderhas beenelectedvice chair. Chromczak brings more than a decade of industry involvement to the position.... Read this article online
Food Freedom Day 2026 - What Canada’s Grocery Costs Really Tell Us Thursday, February 19, 2026 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has announced that Sunday, February 8th, 2026, markedFood 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