Behind the Lines - February 2016 Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Based in the heart of western Ontario's pork-producing belt and with a long history in the hog transporting business, Doug Luckhart saw a need for a better way to move hogs to market coming. He was already working with trailer manufacturers in Europe and the United States when animal rightists stepped up their activities in 2015 and Toronto-based animal activist Anita Krajnc made herself famous last summer by being arrested for mischief for watering pigs outside the Sofina plant in Burlington. Truckers and farmers can't win this battle, Luckhart says. "We can do better." Senior Staff Editor Don Stoneman's story on humane trucking starts on page 6.While Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea has garnered huge headlines in the last couple of years (that's what happens when an epidemic skews a commodity's prices), our resident contributing veterinarian Ernest Sanford points out that Porcine Reproductive Syndrome Virus and Porcine Parvovirus are still the most profit-robbing diseases hurting pork profits. Read what Sanford has to say about that starting on page 18.Computer algorithms may already be a familiar term to farmers who use higher-tech methods in their fields to determine where fertilizer should be spread. But in the pig barn to monitor and analyze when coughing pigs are becoming sick? Our Europe writer Norman Dunn is always bringing us new technology from across the pond. His story starts on page 21. BPROBERT IRWIN Sizzle hasn't left the price of bacon Pork council victor in ear tag dust-up
Essential Pre-Season Seeder Prep Every Farmer Should Do Tuesday, February 17, 2026 A successful planting season starts long before the tractor hits the field. Whether you run an air seeder, box drill, or precision planter, proper preseason maintenance ensures accurate seed placement, consistent emergence, and fewer costly breakdowns. Here is a guide to getting your... Read this article online
Ag in the House: Feb. 9 – 13 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 John Barlow, the Conservative agriculture critic, wanted answers about Canada’s dealings with China and how it pertains to canola farmers. On Feb. 12, and citing a Reuters report, Barlow asked for clarification about when Canadian canola farmers would see the tariff relief the prime... Read this article online
AWC Helps Women Navigate Hard Moments in Agriculture Tuesday, February 17, 2026 In these difficult economic times in agriculture, you may be needing to have a few hard conversations. When a conversation feels tough, it’s often because something meaningful is on the line — a relationship, a job, respect, expectations, or even your own boundaries. No wonder your nervous... Read this article online
Kelle Neufeld Appointed New General Manager of Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention Tuesday, February 17, 2026 The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC), whose annual convention is Feberuary 18 and19, has named Kelle Neufeld as its new General Manager, effective May 1, 2026. Neufeld brings more than 12 years of experience in the Canadian agriculture sector, with a career focused on... Read this article online
OPP Wrangle Runaway Horses Monday, February 16, 2026 Earlier this month, Lambton County residents saw a bit of unexpected horsepower trotting through Enniskillen Township—minus the engine. According to OPP West Region, officers were called out to rescue a loose horse that had taken itself on a brisk winter outing. Under the... Read this article online