Attendees of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, at Woodstock, ON, were treated this week to North America’s first look at DeLaval’s VMS V300 in action. RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin was there, and spoke with Francisco Rodriquez, DeLaval marketing manager, robotic milking/feeding, to get a full run-down on what the new voluntary milking system has on offer. Rodriquez… Read More

Having undergone recent changes by the former Liberal government, Ontario’s new government has announced its own changes for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, with more consultation planned. “We heard livestock farmers’ concerns with the program so we’re making the first changes effective immediately,” says Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in a… Read More

In an effort to continue to reduce the potential spread of Johne’s Disease, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) has announced the Johne’s Disease Surveillance Program has been renewed. “It’s been a popular program among both purebred and commercial beef producers,” says SSGA president, Bill Huber. “The renewal of this program will go a long way to… Read More

What do you get when you connect two ‘city kid’ filmmakers, a world-class chef, and nine farmers and their families? You get Before The Plate, a genuine behind-the-kitchen-door, on-the-farm look at how food is produced in Canada, and the passion and commitment chefs and farmers apply to their craft. The driving force behind the film… Read More

Announced today, the first human case of the West Nile virus (WNv) was found in Manitoba for the year. The child, under 10-years-old, likely got the virus near the beginning of July. In other parts of the Prairies, Saskatchewan so far has one positive lab test and those who live in Alberta are lucky enough… Read More

In the words of country music star Keith Urban: “It’s going to be a long, hot summer.” That’s according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose recent global report states 2018 is shaping up to be the fourth hottest year on record. 2016 remains in the top spot for the hottest year with… Read More

Water quality can affect animal welfare and the financial bottom line long before visual symptoms start to appear. “It never bothered them before” is an often-heard refrain when the welfare of animals is impaired by poor water quality. “We just can’t determine the quality of water by just looking at it,” explains Leah Clark of… Read More

What we know A tweet posted July 26th by Dr. Egan Brockhoff, DVM, stated that two environmental samples (not livestock) in Saskatchewan had tested positive for PEDv.   Heads up! PED Virus +ve environmental samples. Saskatchewan has found a #livestock trailer and #truckwash positive for the virus. Direct connection to US transportation identified as the… Read More

Questions are being raised about the connection between wild ducks in Ontario, an emerging avian virus, and egg production drop in a turkey breeder flock in the province. A research team, including Ontario Veterinary College pathobiology professor Claire Jardine, found 22 per cent of almost 400 live wild ducks sampled from 23 Ontario lakes tested… Read More