A sight for sore noses

Livestock barns with shelterbelts around them smell better 
because they look better, says Iowa University researcher

Intensive livestock operations are tremendously efficient at converting grain into meat. But all those animals gorging themselves under one roof generate a lot of odoriferous byproducts. Shelterbelts, known in academic circles as vegetative environmental buffers (VEB), can help such operations stay on friendly terms with neighbours downwind by trapping and dispersing odours. What’s more, beautifying

It’s a “boy!”

“Come right away!” I called to my husband at 5 a.m. Hearing the urgency in my voice, he scrambled into his clothes and came to join me. Together we were about to witness a miracle. Two weeks before, a neighbour had come to ask me for a large jar. “What for?” I asked. “You’ll see!”



Canadian farm groups want curbs on Agrium’s clout

Reuters / Two influential Canadian farm groups will urge the country’s Competition Bureau to scale back Agrium Inc.’s proposed purchase of Viterra Inc. assets, saying Agrium might become too powerful in the sale of fertilizer and other crop supplies. In a $6.1-billion deal, global commodities giant Glencore International PLC will buy Viterra, Canada’s biggest grain

BASF sees strong growth tied to GMO crop traits

Reuters / Global conglomerate BASF is rolling out a series of new plant science and plant protection products for farmers in the United States as it aims to increase its share of fast-growing markets, executives of the German chemical giant said. South America is also a target as BASF shifts its agricultural emphasis — and


On rural romanticism and “natural” foods

The proliferation on our grocery shelves of foods with “natural” claims shows no sign of abating. With the growing recognition that organic food is not any safer, tastier, more nutritious or more sustainable, in spite of the higher price, consumers now want foods that are produced the old-fashioned way on the small family farm. Not

Dow’s new biotech corn enters final stage of regulatory approval

Reuters / A new biotech corn developed by Dow AgroSciences could answer the prayers of U.S. farmers plagued by a fierce epidemic of super-weeds. Or it could trigger a flood of dangerous chemicals that may make weeds even more resistant and damage other important U.S. crops. Or, it could do both. “Enlist,” entering the final

Organic forage seed a hot market

The market for organic forage seed is currently undersupplied and offers large and growing demand over the next few years. It’s such a good business, said Laura Telford, a MAFRI organic specialist, that even people who hate organic can’t resist its allure. In preparation for her presentation on marketing opportunities at the Portage Food Development


Adverse consequences of phenylbutazone

Phenylbutazone, referred to as “bute” amongst horsemen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and fever in horses. It is one of the most common medications administered to horses but indiscriminate use is wrought with adverse consequences. Therefore horse owners must be aware of its appropriate and prudent use.

Questions for Reena

Dear Reena, I have taken on a new hobby — growing popcorn in my garden! What is the best way to store popcorn so that it stays fresh? — Biannce Hi Biannce, Popcorn is a great treat year round. One of the advantages of growing it in your garden is that you can sample some