Grain versus grass-fed sparks beef sustainability debate

Glacier FarmMedia – Comparing the climate impact of grass-fed versus grain-fed beef isn’t straightforward, according to panelists at the Guelph Organic Conference. A recent study claimed grain-fed beef has less of a carbon impact, but Ontario farmer Ted Zettel believes that research failed to account for the long-term capacity of pasture-based farming to sequester carbon[...]







Calmer dairy waters predicted for 2024

A recent outlook released by Farm Credit Canada says there’s room for optimism in the dairy sector. “It has been a volatile few years for dairy producers, but 2024 is shaping up to be calmer — a return to a more normal environment, if you will,” FCC senior economist Graeme Crosbie said in a Feb.[...]



Biofertilizer made from insects comes to market

Glacier FarmMedia – Ontario-based firm SureSource Agronomy is rolling out a line of crop nutrient products derived from the excrement, exoskeletons and discarded feed materials of crickets. The insects are raised in the firm’s Aspire insect farming facility in London, and their byproduct is called frass. The company announced Feb. 20 that it has received[...]


Flu strain in U.S. dairy cattle may be a different beast

Veterinarians and food safety officials have been scrambling for about a month to understand the origin and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in U.S. dairy herds across several states. Many potential vectors have been considered, from migratory birds, direct cow-to-cow transmission and milking equipment. A University of Guelph veterinary professor has one word to[...]

New additive touted for feed efficiency, SNF control

Glacier FarmMedia – Calgary-based feed additive maker CBS Bio Platforms is trumpeting the feed efficiency benefits of its new Optimax E enzyme-based biocatalyst, at the same time as the dairy industry is looking for tools to reach its stated goals on carbon neutrality. The product has also garnered interest for its potential impact on solids-not-fat[...]