Decision in animal seizure case expected by summer Sunday, April 5, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by BETTER FARMING STAFFA decision is expected by the summer in the case of an Elgin County father and son sued for the cost of caring for animals the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized in 2006.The trial of Steve and John Straub, heard by Ontario Superior Court Justice William Jenkins, began March 30 in St. Thomas and wrapped up the next day. It was expected to last a week.The Society’s statement of claim ascribes a cost of $168,746.86 to the seizing and caring of 87 animals found on the Straub property. The Straubs’ statement of defense described the Society’s claim as “excessive, remote and not recoverable at law.”The statement asked for a dismissal, citing the seizure as “unnecessary and not carried out in accordance with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.” Contacted by telephone today, Steve Straub said he could not comment on the trial until he received the ruling. BF Tribunal rules in favour of former dairy farmers Cover Story - Solar Power: The growing debate about using prime agricultural land for power generation
March 8 is International Women’s Day Friday, March 13, 2026 Across the United States and Canada, women are taking on increasingly visible roles in agriculture—managing farms, leading ag-tech startups, advancing research, and strengthening the rural economies that feed both nations. Their work reflects a shift in an industry once defined... Read this article online
Middle East conflict pushes fertilizer costs higher, forcing Ontario growers to rethink corn acres Friday, March 13, 2026 Ontario farmers are bracing for a turbulent spring as fertilizer and fuel prices surge in response to the escalating conflict involving Iran, a development that analysts say could reshape planting decisions across North America. The spike in nitrogen costs—the most critical and... Read this article online
Sask Farmer Say he Knows Why Fertilizer Companies Come Out Ahead When Markets are Disrupted Friday, March 13, 2026 As farmers continue to grapple with volatile input costs (Read: Fertilizer Prices Rise as Gulf Supply Tightens, one Saskatchewan farmer has offered a blunt assessment of why he believes fertilizer companies often appear to come out ahead during wars, sanctions, and global supply... Read this article online
PEI introduces one of Canada’s strictest honey bee import protocols for 2026 Friday, March 13, 2026 Prince Edward Island has released its updated 2026 protocol regarding the importation of honey bees, establishing some of the most stringent movement rules in the country. The protocol outlines new inspection, disease control, and transport requirements for any beekeeper or broker moving... Read this article online
Ontario Young Farmer Award Finalists 2026 Friday, March 13, 2026 The Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer (OOYF) Program will announce the province’s top young farmer during the 2026 awards banquet on April 8 at Cellar 52 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. The event will recognize young agricultural leaders whodemonstratestrong farming skills, innovation, and community... Read this article online