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'
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online
Research Projects and Companies Supported Through OAFRI Tuesday, September 9, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced an investment of up to $4.77 million to strengthen the province’s agri-food sector. This funding, delivered through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable... Read this article online
Two-pass Weed Control Critical in Managing Herbicide-Resistant Waterhemp in Ontario Monday, September 8, 2025 Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph recently shared insights into the growing challenge of multiple herbicide-resistant water hemp at the 2025 Great Ontario Yield Tour final event in Woodstock Ontario. Dr. Sikkema research highlights both the biology of the weed and practical... Read this article online
First Northern Cohort Joins Ontario Vet Program Thursday, September 4, 2025 This September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph welcomed its inaugural Northern Cohort of 20 students through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP). This initiative, created in partnership with Lakehead University, marks a milestone... Read this article online
Manitoba Farmers Defend Their Whisky Roots Amid Ontario Backlash Thursday, September 4, 2025 As most reader will know by now, on August 28, beverage alcohol giant Diageo announced it will be closing its Amherstburg, Ontario bottling plant. Located just 25 kilometres from the nearest U.S. border crossing, the company says the decision is part of a strategy to streamline its supply... Read this article online