Livestock breeding patent unites German farmers and environmentalists Tuesday, June 2, 2009 German farmers and environmentalists have something in common for once. Both groups object to a patent being granted on a gene that is linked to rapid growth in pigs. In a rare show of solidarity, 400 of them protested in front of the European Patent Office in Munich in mid-April. Their shared goal – to prevent a patent application for livestock breeding from being granted. The technique, described in Patent EP 1651777, is not a genetic modification, but a screening process to find and mate pigs that naturally grow fast. Farmers believe that eventually they might have to pay a private company a royalty to produce livestock they have raised themselves. Originally filed in the patent office in 2004 by Monsanto, the patent has since been granted to Newsham Choice Genetics. BP Pork campaign targets younger females Solutions to labour shortages may lie offshore
Driving farm equipment in Saskatchewan Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The start of seeding season across the Prairies means an increased presence of tractors and other pieces of equipment on roads and farms. But for a farmer or equipment operator is it as simple as turning the tractor on and going about his or her day? It depends. With that at top of... Read this article online
Prairie Farmers Get Timely Pest Control Relief Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Canadian farmers are currently facing many challenges, including market uncertainty, trade barriers, and changing environmental conditions. These issues have made farming more difficult, especially in prairie regions like Alberta and Saskatchewan. One major problem is the rapid increase in... Read this article online
CCA opposes CFIA livestock traceability proposal Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) doesn’t support the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) proposed livestock traceability regulations. “After extensive producer engagement and input from provincial beef organizations, the Canadian Cattle Association does not support proceeding... Read this article online
A Young Farmer Finds the Perfect Combine Wednesday, April 1, 2026 At Farms.com, nurturing a passion for agriculture starts early, and nothing illustrates that better than a recent heartwarming video featuring young Jared Altmann and the Farms.com Ag Buyer’s Guide. In the video, Jared can be seen carefully combing through the pages of the Ag Buyer’s... Read this article online
Ontario Soybean Acres to Rise in 2026 as Economics and Weather Shape Planting Decisions Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Ontario farmers are planning a modest expansion in total acres for 2026, with soybeans emerging as a key driver of change across the province, according to the 2026 annual Farms.com Risk Management Ontario Planting Intentions Farmer Survey. The survey, conducted between January 12 and... Read this article online