'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
Updates to Case IH RB566 Round Baler Wednesday, October 29, 2025 The Case IH RB566 round baler has been redesigned with a strong focus on serviceability, dependability, and efficiency, offering farmers a more advanced and reliable baling experience. According to Brian Williams, livestock product specialist with Case IH, the latest improvements... Read this article online
22 young leaders graduate from Rural Ontario Institute’s Change Makers Program Tuesday, October 28, 2025 The Rural Ontario Institute () has marked a milestone in rural leadership development with the graduation of 22 participants from its () program. The private ceremony, held this October, celebrated a year of learning, collaboration, and community impact. “We are excited to... Read this article online
Demco-Welker Farms Collab Delivers Big Buddy Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Demco recently introduced the Big Buddy grain cart, a product of collaboration with Big Equipment, the makers of Big Bud tractors, Titan Tires, and the well-known Montana-based Welker Farms. The project began when the Welker family decided to rebuild and modify their iconic Big Bud... Read this article online
New MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header Monday, October 27, 2025 Case IH continues to expand its innovative harvest equipment lineup with the launch of the MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header, a new series designed to provide farmers with smoother, cleaner, and more efficient harvesting. Available in multiple widths — 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 61... Read this article online
Lots of news from the Ontario Pork Congress Monday, October 27, 2025 The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) took place on October 20, 2020, at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, with over 50 attendees. At the event, Arnold Drung, President of Conestoga Meats, was honoured with the . Drung has been a dedicated supporter of the OPC for over 23... Read this article online