U.S. report downplays pesticides as colony collapse cause Thursday, June 6, 2013 Pesticides are commonly blamed for bee colony collapse. But they are way down the list of causes cited by a multi-department U.S. government report released in early May. The study cites the parasitic mite Varroa destructor as the primary underlying cause. Also named are "multiple virus species," bacterial disease European foulbrood, nutrition, and gut microbes that "play key roles in enhancement of nutrition, detoxification of chemicals and protection against diseases." The solutions include: greater genetic diversity among honeybee colonies with breeding to emphasize traits such as hygienic behaviour that would improve disease resistance. And there is the issue of nutrition. Row crops aren't good for bees. Forage crops are. Supplemental feeding doesn't make up the difference. A press release says the role of pesticides needs more study. The report is from a stakeholder conference organized in Alexandria Va. last October. BF Raw milk cheeses scrutinized in U.S. Survey says organic label 'an excuse to charge more'
How Busch turned bales into advertising dollars for farmers Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Busch is taking a different approach to advertising in rural Canada by moving marketing dollars from city billboards directly into farmers’ fields. The brand’s new “Baleboard” campaign transforms hay bales into oversized six-pack displays inspired by Busch’s limited-edition Farmer’s Pack.... Read this article online
Great Ontario Yield Tour Seeks Volunteer Farm Fields as Final Crop Tour Events Approach Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Ontario farmers have an opportunity to help shape one of the province's most closely watched crop assessments as the Farms.com Great Ontario Yield Tour prepares for another season of field scouting and yield forecasting. The annual tour is currently seeking volunteer farmers who are... Read this article online
Canada Opens Interprovincial Alcohol Sales Monday, July 27, 2026 A major change to Canada's internal marketplace is set to create new opportunities for wineries, breweries and distilleries after nine provinces signed a landmark agreement allowing direct-to-consumer sales of alcoholic beverages across participating jurisdictions. The deal is being hailed... Read this article online
Ontario Spinach is a Relatively Small Crop for the Province Monday, July 27, 2026 Canadians are eating more fresh leafy greens than ever, and spinach continues to be one of the most popular choices in salads,smoothiesand prepared foods– but it islikely notCanadian. Spinach production is highly concentrated in a small number of growing regions across North America.... Read this article online
Ontario Grows Most of the Nation's Celery Friday, July 24, 2026 When Canadians reach for a stalk of celery at the grocery store, there is a good chance it began its journey on an Ontario farm. While celery occupies only a small share of Canada's overall vegetable acreage, the crop continues to play an important role in the country's fresh... Read this article online