Every year the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) asks Canadians how they feel about the country’s agriculture and food systems. The 2020 report, Trends in Trust & The Path Forward, shows that the proportion of Canadians who feel that the food system is headed in the right direction has reached a five-year high, despite… Read More
If you’re a 4-H’er, you’re more than aware of Show Your 4-H Colours Day, which is annually held on November 4. Typically, this means the gathering of thousands of youth, volunteers, alumni, and supporters from coast to coast to celebrate 4-H by giving back to their communities, all while wearing their favourite shade of green…. Read More
In a recent RealAg LIVE feature with Michelle Miller (aka The Farm Babe), the issue of advocacy in agriculture came up. Promoting the industry and connecting with consumers has become more important, but how does agriculture amplify its voice? Miller, and others, think a celebrity might be the ticket. They would appeal to the general… Read More
A first-of-its-kind partnership between Ontario’s TVO and the Dairy Farmers of Ontario has not received the warmest welcome by some of its viewers and readers. TVO is a publicly-funded educational television network and media organization operated by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority, a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Ontario. Dairy Farmers of Ontario… Read More
When Burger King launched a lemongrass and methane-filled advertisement that grossly misrepresented farming, Michelle Miller was having none of it. So, the farmer and speaker from Iowa who goes by “The Farm Babe” contacted Burger King and invited them out to her farm. The result was a new commercial and a new conversation about sustainability… Read More
This past summer, Burger King released a rather distasteful advertisement, claiming that a lemongrass feed additive would reduce the amount of methane from cow farts. The ad was changed back in July, with a resulting apology to ranchers, and a review of their feed additive study. In the latest instalment of their advertising campaign, farmer,… Read More
I know I’m not alone when I say the recent decision by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) surprised me. I’m also likely not alone when I say the decision made me incredibly angry. And angry for a few reasons, I might add. Angry, because I assumed (wrongly) that my name… Read More
Each year, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) recognizes producers that exceed standard industry conservation practices through the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), in recognition that Canada’s beef cattle producers serve as stewards for a vast portion of land and play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. This year’s award winner was announced at… Read More
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Put another way, if you can’t take care of you, you can’t take care of others, including livestock. The connection between farmers’ own mental wellness and livestock care is a direct link; in many cases of animal welfare complaints, the root cause is a stressed and/or mentally ill… Read More
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the 25 members of its Canadian Agricultural Youth Council recently. In the application process, AAFC committed to regional representation and choosing members with a diversity of backgrounds. In naming the 25 members, AAFC has certainly achieved that — with people from every province and one from the northern territories, and… Read More
If ever you’ve been asked about a food or agriculture topic and not known where to send someone for more answers, Utensil.ca may be your new go-to online resource. Utensil.ca offers tools to build knowledge and confidence in Canada’s food chain, from farms to kitchens. It starts with Utensil Guide, the plain language guide to… Read More
Anyone and everyone who loves Canadian food is encouraged to show appreciation to the food industry every year on the Saturday of the August long weekend during Food Day Canada — this year it’s Saturday, August 1. Food Day Canada’s first iteration was back in 2003 during the BSE crisis, and was started by Anita… Read More
A recent Burger King advertisement has caused a stir for its claims about cows and methane, and its portrayal of farmers, but it’s ended with an outcome that’s a step in the right direction, according to many farmers and ranchers. Burger King released a letter, dated July 21, announcing their new partnership in the Global… Read More
You can be forgiven if you don’t remember the first Food Day Canada. After all, it wasn’t even called that in 2003. At the time, the Canadian border was closed to livestock movement and protein trade because of BSE. It was an economic disaster for the beef industry, but it also spurred the creation of… Read More
With nearly all farm shows and in-person events cancelled or moved online, a community event is rather rare this time of year. And that’s proving rather challenging for many rural communities who are so used to using the warm summer field days as a way to learn, connect, and maybe even commiserate in the beverage… Read More
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