South Dakota loves mini-cheeses Monday, April 2, 2012 South Dakota could soon be known as a dairy powerhouse thanks to a popular snacking cheese. In February, Bel Brands USA announced it would build a US$100 million cheese plant near Brookings, described on a state website as having an ideal climate location for milking cows. The plant will be operating by the end of 2013. Just the first phase will produce about 22 million pounds of cheese annually. The company's signature product is Mini Baby Bel snacking cheeses. It represents close to one third of Bel Brands' U.S. sales with consistent 25 per cent plus growth per year. State officials were recruiting farmers from outside the Dakotas at the World Ag Expo in California. Bel Brands, based in Elk Grove Village, Ill., is the American subsidiary of Fromageries Bel, based in Paris, France, with sales of nearly US$3.2 billion in 2010. BF Planting Season: Advice from the front lines on eliminating those costly and time-consuming bottlenecks Transportation system in jeopardy
Canadian Grain and Pork Sectors Join Others in Sound Alarm Over AAFC Research Cuts Friday, February 6, 2026 The Grain Growers of Canada (CGC), the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), and Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) are expressing serious concern following recently announced staff reductions and facility closures or consolidations within Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC). The groups warn that... Read this article online
Red Tape Pushes 70% of Agri Businesses to Deter Next Generation from Farming Thursday, February 5, 2026 Canada’s food production system is under mounting pressure as agri-businesses warn that regulatory overload is discouraging the next generation from entering the industry. A new snapshot from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that almost 70% of agri... Read this article online
Ontario maple producers to kick off 2026 syrup season with First Tapping Ceremony Thursday, February 5, 2026 The start of Ontario’s maple syrup season will be officially welcomed next month as the Grey Bruce and District Maple Syrup Producers prepare to host their annual in Grey Highlands on February 8, 2026. The event marks the symbolic launch of the new maple season, when producers,... Read this article online
Canada’s Ag Day Is Coming Soon – Here is why it matters! Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Canada’s Ag Day is a national moment to recognize the people who grow, raise, make, and move our food. Ag Day will be on February 10th and it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. But beneath the celebration lies something even more essential: our food system depends on... Read this article online
Growing Home with BASF Opens 2026 Nominations Wednesday, February 4, 2026 After strong community engagement in 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is inviting Canadians to take part once again as nominations open for the 2026 Growing Home with BASF program. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative continues to support organizations that play an... Read this article online