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 Should climate change deniers be found liable? Protests halt release of GM alfalfa
New marketing board possible for Ont. agriculture Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Ontario’s dairy goat industry could have its own marketing board. If approved, the marketing board would focus on four pillars, said Lindsay Dykeman, general manager of the Ontario Dairy Goat Co-operative. “Those pillars are advocacy, business risk management, research and education,... Read this article online
Compassionate Online Support Hub for Coping with Pet Loss Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Losing a pet is an emotional experience for many families, and having access to supportive information can make the healing process easier. To help caregivers during these challenging moments, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph has launched a new online resource... Read this article online
Ontario harvest outlook: 2025 challenges and maybe a 2026 recovery Tuesday, December 2, 2025 It’s December 2025, and Ontario farmers are wrapping up one of the most challenging harvest seasons in recent memory. Extended drought conditions through August and September left a mark on corn yields, while soybeans and winter wheat fared better thanks to timely rains and favourable... Read this article online
Ontario and Quebec farmers named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025 Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Two farming families from Ontario and Québec have been named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for 2025. The announcement came during the national event held in Toronto from November 27–30, where six regional finalists were honoured for their contributions to Canadian... Read this article online
Help Guide Climate Ready Farm Practices Monday, December 1, 2025 A new intake for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) will open in 2026for Ontario farmers, focusing on cost-share opportunities that support the adoption of innovative best management practices. Program organizers are requesting feedback from producers to better understand interest,... Read this article online