Urban bees use plastic to build hives Thursday, May 1, 2014 "Busy" may need to be changed to "resourceful." A recent study by scientists from the University of Guelph and York University shows that two Toronto bee species are using bits of plastic waste as construction material for their brood cells. Scott MacIvor and Andrew Moore published their findings in Ecosphere in December. By observing trap nests in Toronto, they discovered that the Megachile campanulae hives, traditionally made with plant and tree resins, had bits of polyurethane exterior house sealant incorporated into them. And the hives of Megachile rotundata (leafcutter bees), usually made with leaves, contained chewed-up pieces of plastic bags. The study shows that the use of plastics was "incidental" rather than accidental and not a result of a shortage of natural building materials. Larvae developed successfully from the trap nests. Plastic may have an advantage as it can physically impede parasites. BF Herbicide resistance a problem . . . for somebody else Behind the Lines - May 2014
Canada and Ontario Invest $12M in Farm Sustainability Program Tuesday, June 16, 2026 The governments of Canada and Ontario are providing an additional $12 million through the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers invest in technologies and management practices that improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of... Read this article online
Rappa High-Speed Electric Fencing System Friday, June 12, 2026 Rappa has introduced its vehicle-mounted fencing solution, the Rappa Winder, to the U.S. market, offering a faster and more efficient way to install and retrieve electric fencing. The system reduces fencing time by up to 80 percent, allowing producers to deploy approximately 650... Read this article online
P&H and Picton Terminals officially open new Picton grain facility after months of early operations Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) and Picton Terminals formally opened their new bulk agricultural marine terminal today, June 10, 2026—an event that marks the public debut of a facility that has already been operating for months. Construction wrapped up in February, with... Read this article online
: Ontario Crops Show Strong Start Despite Weather Challenges Friday, June 5, 2026 Acorrding to the OMAFA fieldcropnews.com, crop conditions across Ontario indicate a generally positive start to the growing season, although dry weather and cool soil temperatures have created uneven growth and management challenges. Corn planting is nearly complete across most... Read this article online
Kudrinkos Store Shines with Farm Focused Award Thursday, June 4, 2026 A grocery store in Ontario, Kudrinko in Westport has been recognized for its strong commitment to promoting locally grown food and supporting farmers. The recognition was presented as part of a well-known provincial awards program that highlights retailers who actively encourage the sale of... Read this article online