PED update Tuesday, February 25, 2014 by SUSAN MANNFive per cent of 721 trailers transporting pigs tested to date have been positive for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and positive results continue to be detected on a regular basis, says the provincial agriculture ministry in a Feb. 25 industry update.The ministry is also reporting two new confirmed cases on Ontario farms, both on farrow-to-finish operations. One was confirmed in Oxford on Feb. 25, while the other was confirmed in Essex on Feb. 26. There are now confirmed cases on 23 farms in the province.Positive trailer results could occur “as a result of cross contamination, hogs from already known positive farms and other unconfirmed farms with mild PED infections,” says the ministry’s update posted on Ontario Pork’s website. “So far, trace backs of these positive trailers have not uncovered any new serious PED virus infections on farms. This indicates the virus is still circulating but at a low level in Ontario at this time.”The ministry also notes PED is an emerging disease that veterinarians must report to the provincial agriculture ministry under the Ontario Animal Health Act. To date, the rate of new cases remains low.“What we have learned and observed thus far indicates there is every hope we can keep the impact of PED at a low level in Ontario with continued vigilance and strict biosecurity, particularly at the farm gate,” the ministry says.Ontario Pork communications and consumer marketing manager Mary Jane Quinn says “we would support that. We feel increased biosecurity and having pork producers remain vigilant is going to be the key.” Another key to helping manage PED in Ontario is maintaining truck cleaning and disinfection as a top priority.The agriculture ministry says the original case farms are working with their veterinarians and “continue to successfully manage this serious disease. Some farms are again farrowing healthy piglets.” BF Tests inconclusive on link between PED and feed Program helps Ontario's swine industry enhance PED biosecurity measures
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