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 farmers spotlight supply management at Ottawa event Friday, November 6, 2026 Canadian farmers from the dairy, chicken, turkey and egg sectors gathered in Ottawa this week to highlight the role supply management plays in supporting Canada’s food system and economy. The event, dubbed the Downtown Diner, was held on October 27, 2026, bringing together... Read this article online
Farming Forward in Watford scheduled for Dec. 1 Thursday, November 5, 2026 Farmers and farm families across Lambton County are invited to attend an event to hear from speakers on topics like succession planning, funding programs, ag policy, and mental health. Farming Forward, scheduled for Dec. 1 at the East Lambton Community Complex in Watford, is a joint... Read this article online
Nearly $4 Million Invested in Northern Ontario Agriculture and Food Projects Thursday, October 29, 2026 Northern Ontario farmers and agri-food businesses are receiving nearly $4 million in federal funding for projects designed to expand agricultural infrastructure, improve production efficiency and connect businesses with new markets. The federal government announced $3,817,640 in... Read this article online
Grain Growers of Canada Appoints Kate Sauser as Interim Executive Director Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Canada's national grain farmer organization has appointed an interim leader as it continues its advocacy work on behalf of producers across the country. Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) announced that Kate Sauser has been appointed Interim Executive Director effective October 14, 2026,... Read this article online
Canadian Food & AgTech Innovation Challenge Launches with $150,000 Prize Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Canadian innovators working on the next generation of agricultural and food technologies have a new opportunity to bring their ideas to market. Verdex Capital and XPRIZE Canada Hub have launched the Food & AgTech Innovation Challenge, a competition designed to identify technologies... Read this article online