Eight new hunger strikers join Michael Schmidt Monday, October 10, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFEight people have joined Durham, Ontario area dairy farmer Michael Schmidt in the hunger strike he began Sept. 29 to protest his recent conviction on charges related to the distribution of raw, unpasteurized milk. The Bovine, a blog supporting Schmidt's efforts, reports that a separate group in Toronto is on a rotational fast in support of Schmidt’s “Hunger Strike For Responsible Food Freedom.”The Sept. 28 verdict, written by Justice Peter Tetley of the Ontario Court of Justice, reversed a 2010 decision made by a justice of the peace who acquitted Schmidt of the same charges. It is unclear what the decision means for the future of Schmidt’s farm, a cow-share operation in which raw milk and related products are provided to about 150 shareholders. Raw milk from the farm is not sold commercially.A second legal battle looms for Schmidt in B.C. He has been served with contempt of court charges that threaten a $55,000 fine that stem from his involvement in Our Cows Inc., a Chilliwack, B.C. cow share that authorities attempted to shut down last year. Operator Alice Jongerden was charged with contempt for distributing raw milk, considered a hazardous substance under provincial health laws. Schmidt stepped in and figured out how to keep milk flowing to members by relabeling products as cosmetics “not for human consumption.” According to an Oct. 10 news release issued on Schmidt’s behalf, the eight fellow hunger strikers include Max Kane and Vernon Hershberger, both of Wisconsin, and Alberta farmer Bernie Cosgrove. Five others do not want to be named, the release said. The release quotes Schmidt as asking the Ontario and B.C. governments to legalize the sale of raw milk and cow share operations. “This objective also includes the end of the current prosecutions of cow shares which meet proper production standards," he states. In an Oct. 9 entry on The Bovine Schmidt noted that he is only drinking water and lemon juice and has lost 20 pounds since he started. BF Soybean prices looking brighter Decline noted in agricultural employment
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
Growing Home with BASF Opens 2026 Nominations Monday, February 16, 2026 After strong community engagement in 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is inviting Canadians to take part once again as nominations open for the 2026 Growing Home with BASF program. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative continues to support organizations that play an... 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
Bonnefield joins Canadian Agriculture Investment Coalition Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Bonnefield Financial Inc. announced its participation in a new investment coalition focused on strengthening Canada’s agriculture and food industry. The coalition, brought together by Farm Credit Canada, includes more than 20 investment organizations. Together, they are prepared to invest... Read this article online
Looking for a heritage machine Tuesday, February 10, 2026 A Brantford, Ontario area heritage organization—the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)—is putting out a call to the Canadian agricultural community in hopes of locating a rare piece of machinery that helped transform grain harvesting around the world. The CIHC is preparing... Read this article online