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
Canadian Ethanol Industry Pushes Ottawa to Act as U.S. Imports Gain Market Share Saturday, October 10, 2026 Canada's ethanol industry is renewing pressure on the federal government to finalize long-promised changes to the Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), arguing that delays are allowing imported U.S. ethanol to capture a growing share of Canada's expanding market. The call comes from the Farms... Read this article online
Farmland Demand Strong in Alberta, Not so for the Rest of Canada Friday, October 9, 2026 Canadian farmland values continued their upward trend during the first half of 2026, although growth has moderated compared to the rapid gains seen in recent years. According to Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) mid-year farmland values review, cultivated farmland increased by an average of... Read this article online
Small Plane Crashes Near Fergus Into a Corn Field Friday, October 9, 2026 A small aircraft crashed into a corn field north of Fergus on Friday morning, sparking a fire and prompting a major emergency response in rural Wellington County. Witnesses reported hearing unusual noises from the aircraft before the collision, while police and aviation authorities... Read this article online
Meat industry leaders honoured at MPO awards gala Friday, October 9, 2026 Leaders from Ontario’s meat and poultry sector were recognized during the 2026 Meat & Poultry Ontario Awards Gala, which brought together industry members to celebrate achievements, community involvement and long-term commitment to the sector. Held October 3, 2026, at The Westin Toronto... Read this article online
Crack a Canadian egg and celebrate farmers on World Egg Day Friday, October 9, 2026 Egg Farmers of Canada is celebrating—October 9—by recognizing the 1,290 egg farmers and farm families who produce eggs across the country. Observed annually on the second Friday of October, World Egg Day shines a spotlight on the nutritional value of eggs and the farmers responsible for... Read this article online