New Zealand clamps down on sow stalls Sunday, February 6, 2011 In a December editorial, The New Zealand Herald credits "the power of shoppers" for forcing a new country-wide pig handling code that will limit the time sows spend in dry stalls beginning in late 2012 and ban stalls outright three years later.A furor followed the May 2009 televising of a tape made during a night-time break-in at a pig barn by a radical group, accompanied by former pork industry pitchman, an iconic New Zealand comedian. Agriculture Minister David Carter ordered an urgent review of the pig welfare code, which allowed pregnant sows to be kept in individual stalls with a minimum area of 1.2 square metres.In December, 2009, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee announced that the pork industry threatened legal action if draft rewritten regulations were published. There were 18,000 separate public submissions to subsequent hearings, according to the Herald.New Zealand pork farmers have a marketing opportunity through country-of-origin labelling, the Herald editorial said. "The fact that sow stalls are still used in North America, the source of most imported pork, will not be lost on ethical shoppers." BP Commercial feed is the salmonella culprit Behind the Lines - February 2011
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