'Sheep-eating plant' blooms in Britain Monday, August 5, 2013 According to The Huffington Post and other, perhaps more reliable, news sources such as the BBC, a so-called "sheep eating-plant" bloomed for the first time in June at the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden Wisley in the U.K. where it had been located for 15 years. Puya chilensis, a native of an arid area of Chile, uses razor-sharp hooked-shaped spines to protect its soft inner core from attack by birds and small animals. A press release from the horticultural society says those spines are also known to ensnare sheep. After they die and decompose, the animals nourish the plant by providing fertilizer. According to the society's press release, horticulturalist Cara Smith says, "We keep it well fed with liquid fertilizer as feeding it on its natural diet might prove a bit problematic." The society spokesperson adds that the plant is placed so that it doesn't ensnare children either. According to The Guardian Express, shepherds in Chile set fire to the plant in order to protect their flocks. Not hard to do in Chile's arid desert where it lives. The plant in the garden in Britain is 10 feet tall. BF Really local tries to dodge regulatory bullet Behind the Lines - August/September 2013
Documentary Sheds Light on Farmerettes who Helped Feed a Nation Saturday, August 2, 2025 During World War II, food shortages became a serious issue for Canada and its allies. With many men away at war, the government formed the Ontario Farm Service Force, sending 40,000 teenage girls from Ontario and Quebec —known as the Farmerettes—to help farms in Southwestern... Read this article online
Sowing the Seeds of the Future -- A Fresh Look at Farm Succession in Canada Friday, August 1, 2025 “You’ve worked the land for decades—through changing seasons, shifting markets, and long days that begin before sunrise," says Jason Castellan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Skyline when he spoke with Farms.com. “You know every acre, every decision, every responsibility that... Read this article online
Do you have a grain bin that needs repair? Friday, August 1, 2025 Maintaining grain bins in optimal condition is a constant challenge for farmers. However, with the cool tools InstaGRIP Tile and GlassSTEEL, this task becomes significantly easier and more efficient. These cutting-edge solutions offer quick and durable repairs, ensuring your grain bins... Read this article online
CN’s 2025-26 Grain Plan is now available Friday, August 1, 2025 CN (Canadian National Railway) has released its . It’s a plan that demonstrates CN’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-performance service through disciplined planning, targeted infrastructure investments, and proactive supply chain collaboration. For this past crop year,... Read this article online
Ontario’s AALP Class 21 Leaders Announced for 2025 Friday, August 1, 2025 The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is proud to announce the selection of 18 emerging leaders from across Ontario for Class 21 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP). Set to begin their leadership journey in August 2025, these participants represent diverse sectors of Ontario’s... Read this article online