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
Feds say Provinces Need to Act on Interprovincial Alcohol Sales Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada’s federal government is intensifying pressure on provinces and territories to complete negotiations and implement direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, a move expected to benefit agricultural producers, small businesses, and consumers across the country. The statement comes out... 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
Rural Canada Is Critical to Trade, Food Security and Economic Recovery Friday, June 5, 2026 Canada is facing global instability, affordability pressures and growing urgency to rebuild its economic foundations. Rural Canada is one of the country’s most important economic assets. Although only about 16% to 18% of Canadians live in rural communities, leaders say those regions... Read this article online
Kudrinkos Store Shines with Farm Focused Award Thursday, June 4, 2026 A grocery store in Ontario,Kudrinkoin Westporthas 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
Transforming Brewers’ Spent Grain into High-Value Ingredients Wednesday, June 3, 2026 A new Canadian agri-food innovation project is set to turn brewery waste into high-value ingredients. Protein Industries Canada has announced a $1.1 million investment to support a collaboration between Terra Bioindustries and Great Western Brewing Company (GWBC). The initiative... Read this article online