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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


SL virtual reality game . . . for chickens

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

An assistant professor at Iowa State University has created what may be the first video game for chickens. Second Livestock, named after the online game Second Life, uses a virtual reality headset and an omnidirectional treadmill to give a caged bird the illusion of wandering around a field.

"Even the best-intentioned producers only have so much land available to raise chickens," says the Second Livestock website. 'Virtual Free Range' allows chickens to be truly free range with no confines on their movements about their virtual worlds."

So is this for real? Yes and no. The Ames Tribune reported that designer Austin Stewart debuted a version adapted for human use at an exhibition in Ames, Iowa. But, Stewart told the Tribune, implementing the full system for chickens would be too expensive to be practical. The game's true purpose is to open a discussion about animal husbandry. BF

Current Issue

September 2024

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

IPM needs volunteers

Thursday, September 5, 2024

The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2024 (IPM) could use a helping hand for volunteers. The IPM is being held this year in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, between October 1 and 5, 2024. While we are aware that the majority of the popular event is being held during... Read this article online

2025 Grain Fund Invites Innovators

Thursday, September 5, 2024

The Grain Farmers of Ontario are now welcoming applications for its 2025 Grains Innovation Fund. This initiative offers up to 60% funding, capped at $50,000, for eligible projects focused on Ontario grains such as barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat. Targeted at a broad range of innovators,... Read this article online

HeatMasterSS G4000 Outdoor Wood Boiler

Thursday, September 5, 2024

With constantly rising energy costs, it can be expensive to heat different types of farm buildings and homes. If this situation sounds all too familiar, maybe it’s time to consider investing in cheap and sustainable alternative fuel sources - such as a HeatMaster Wood Burning Boiler.... Read this article online

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