ec ni ues or reducin cattle et ane e issions awarded nnovation o t e ear award
BY CATE WILLIS
A University of Guelph innovation that uses genetic selection methods to reduce methane emissions in dairy cattle has received the University’s Innovation of the Year Award for 2023.
The annual awards from the Office of Research and the Research Innovation Office recognize researchers for creative strategies or products that make a difference in people’s lives.
The team behind this year’s winning innovation comprise an international collaboration of researchers and industry partners, including U of G researchers Dr. Christine Baes, Dr. Flavio Schenkel and Dr. Saeed Shadpour from the Department of Animal Biosciences in the Ontario Agricultural College, as well as Dr. Filippo Miglior from Lactanet Canada and Dr. Francesca Malchiodi from Semex.
They developed a national genetic evaluation to identify dairy cattle with traits that help reduce methane emissions.
“At the University of Guelph, we transform knowledge into real-world innovations,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim vice-president (research). “Driven by ingenu-
ity, we’re dedicated to finding solutions that address global challenges, making a lasting impact on the world around us.”
The team gathered data on milk, feed intake, methane emissions, fertility and health in dairy cattle, and genomic information. This comprehensive collection enabled them to establish a significant reference population, measuring individual cows’ methane emissions and creating a dataset for genetic selection.
The researchers then used mid-infrared reflectance spec-
troscopy data (MIRS) from milk samples to accurately predict cows’ methane emissions.
Genomic selection holds significant potential
“I believe genomic selection holds significant potential in addressing challenging traits,” said Baes. “Whether it’s grappling with the complexities of climate change or other environmental issues, the right people and a strategic movement forward can play a crucial role in contributing to their resolution.”
Baes and her team collabo-
rated with two key industry partners: Lactanet, a prominent milk recording agency responsible for national genetic evaluations in dairy; and Semex, a leading genetics company. These partners played pivotal roles in transforming research findings into practical applications.
“Lactanet and Semex were instrumental in financing, providing data, and driving the practical application of the research,” said Baes. “Thanks to this collaboration, Canada has become the first country in the world to have national evaluations for methane emissions.”
In response to climate change, the dairy industry aims to achieve a net-zero status by 2050.
“Their breakthrough in predicting methane emissions from a milk sample has led to the development of genetic rankings, simplifying the selection of lower methane genetics for dairy producers,” says Michael Lohuis, vice president of research and innovation at Semex.
The research, started in 2012 and Lactanet has been storing MIRS data for national genetic evaluations of dairy cattle ever since.
Measuring GHG emissions from dairy cattle
The Efficient Dairy Genome Project, launched in 2015 focused on gathering methane emission and feed efficiency data for a standardized database. The Resilient Dairy Genome Project began in 2019 and grew from the EDGP. Baes says a new project in this series has recently been approved. The team will aim to collect large-scale data on commercial farms in Canada, further developing the reference population.
“The goal is to collaborate with Environment and Climate Change Canada as well as dairy nutritionists and life cycle analysts to quantify greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cattle more accurately,” says Baes. “The ultimate goal is to contribute to Canada’s greenhouse gas emission inventory in reducing its environmental footprint.”
This research was funded by various organizations including theOntario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph, and took place, in part, at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre, which is owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and managed by U of G through the Alliance.
Research technician Gail Ritchie holds the “green machine” in place to conduct methane testing on a cow at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre in Elora. Photo by Martin Schwalbe.
Above: It’s lunch time for beef cattle at a farm on Watts Pond Road.
Photo by Bob Howes
At right: A horse enjoys a sunny day at a farm on German School Road.
Photo by Geoff Adeney
FARM 911 began out of the tragic loss of life of Emily Trudeau, which in turn brought a committee of volunteers together who asked, “How we can we ensure this never happens again?”
The Emily Project took root and blossomed into a province-wide campaign to assign 911 identification numbers to farm fields.
According to the website farm911.ca:
“In the event of an emergency, no one should have to wait helplessly for first responders to find them. Time is everything, and a civic address at the entrance to a va-
cant farm field could make all the difference.”
“Farm accidents can occur in the most remote locations, making it difficult for first responders to easily locate the situation. We have found there is a flaw in the system – not all rural property entrances have signage.”
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is one of the founding organizations of The Emily Project.
To order a sign visit the website www.farm911.ca/order-your-sign.
Farm property owners in Oxford County can email addressing@oxfordcounty.ca.
A vacant lot 911 Sign. Photo from haldimandcounty.ca
A warm spring has farmers preparing the fields earlier this year including this property on Highway 2. Photo by Bob Howes.
DAIRY CALF WINNERS AT THE OXFORD 4-H DAIRY SHOW – From left: Zachary Da Silva (Honourable Mention), Taylor Buckrell (Reserve Champion), Amber Warboys (Grand Champion), and Judge Brian Slaughter. Photo provided.
The Champion Showmen at the New Hamburg Fair 4-H Show last September. Holding the ribbon for Grand Champion 4-H Showman overall is Flynn Reinhart. To learn more about the 4-H program in Waterloo, visit www.waterloo4-h.ca. Photo provided.
u ort or yout e loy ent in a riculture and a end ents to o yri t
Hello eighbours,
It is a pleasure to write to you all in the Ayr ews Farm Edition. As your Member of Parliament, I would like to outline our work at the Federal level directed at rural communities.
pring has sprung, and agricultural workers are preparing for another busy season. Many farmers will be starting up their machinery and testing e uipment after the winter. Certain copyright issues continue to present challenges to farmers who operate complex e uipment.
Although repair is legal under copyright and patent law, owners are often unable to make their own repairs due to manufacturer limitations on patented materials such as parts, tools, diagnostics, documentation, and firmware.
I am pleased to see that my Private Member s ill, C- , lives on as ill C- , championed by MP Wilson Miao. The ill outlines rights for consumers to diagnose and repair their machinery, bypassing protection measures created by manufacturers. It gives Canadians greater ownership rights over their devices, including the right to repair them at more affordable rates while minimizing e-waste. This bill has passed its third reading in the House of Commons and is currently in the enate for its second reading. I look forward to seeing this ill return
to the House, where I hope my colleagues will support it to receive Royal Assent
ike many rural communities across Canada, orth umfries has a strong team of volunteer firefighters who deliver essential services. Ahead of the Federal udget, I wrote to the Minister of Finance to support an increase in tax credits for firefighting and search-and-rescue volunteers from , to 1 , . This increase would reward the men and women who give so much back to their communities, help support their retention and recruitment, and ensure our communities are protected. udget will be tabled on April 1 th, and I hope to see support for the orth umfries olunteer Fire epartment included in our legislation.
orth umfries is home to longestablished farms, whose farmers and their families help create a vibrant community. Our government is working to provide opportunities for their growth, particularly those that engage the next generation of Canadian farmers. Recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced 1 . -million in funding to create over 1, agriculture jobs under the outh Employment and kills Program. The initiative will provide employers in the agriculture sector with wage support
and resources to hire young people, helping them gain the skills and work experience they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.
Ensuring we tackle issues specific to rural areas is essential to supporting competitive and robust rural communities. If you need support with federal
services or programs, please don t hesitate to reach out to my office at 19- .
I m proud to support a diverse riding filled with thriving urban and rural communities. As always, I ll continue to represent our evolving needs, including the changing demands of agriculture-related work, in Ottawa.
MP Bryan May and some kids.
Photo submitted
Report Farm Stray Voltage
A curious goat at a farm in Etonia.
Photo by Geoff Adeney
istrict is loo in or all air ud es
Have you ever thought about becoming a Fair udge at local fall fairs?
The Ontario Association of Agricultural ocieties OAA istrict is holding four judg-
ing schools this year. The intent is to encourage people who may not be involved in fairs but are interested in how various categories are judged and want to learn the steps they need to take to become a certified OAA judge.
Fairs across Ontario need new judges, in all categories from uilts, needlework, crafts, baking, canning, woodworking to produce, eggs, honey and maple syrup.
istrict judging schools will take place at various locations in the province and will cover different categories: rains and Hay, hosted by Erin Agricultural ociety on April th Anti ues and Woodworking, hosted by Fergus Agricultural ociety, May 11th Flowers and Arrangements, hosted by Arthur Agricultural ociety, une nd and Hobby crafts, to be announced this fall. There is a fee to participate in the schools, ranging from to each.
Participants will learn how to judge each of the categories and what they should be looking for by using the judging standards book. This will ensure that judging across Ontario is consistent.
To become a certified OAA judge you need to attend one judging school in a category that you are interested in and apprentice judge with three different certified OAA judges at three different fairs.
All are welcome to attend our judging schools.
“ ou never know what you might learn,” said aurie Cadwell, istrict irector/ udging contact.
For more information, please contact aurie Cadwell, istrict udging Contact at district judgingcontact@ gmail.com
The Ontario government is investing up to $836,250 to increase the capacity of rural volunteers at more than 200 agricultural societies across the province.
The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies in partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute will provide training and workshops to agricultural society volunteers to enhance leadership and governance skills as well as management practices. The funding will also aid the development of other resources that will help agricultural societies hold fairs and events promoting agriculture and the agri-food industry.
“Ontario’s agricultural societies play an important role in leading amazing, annual rural community activities. This educational initiative will enhance the leadership, governance skills and best management practices in important
rural organizations, and by extension our agriculture and food industry across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By investing in people who give so much to maintain our rural traditions and communities, we are showing our appreciation for their commitment and leadership.”
Agricultural societies are run mainly by volunteers and play a critical role in educating people about the importance of agriculture and celebrating a rural way of life. Supporting this important sector will ensure the long traditions and economic contributions of agricultural societies continue to thrive and attract new talent.
For more information contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre by phone at 1-877-424-1300 or by e-mail at ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s annual Name the Foal contest is returning, from April 8 to 26. Children ages 14 years and younger, along with school classes from across Canada, are encouraged to submit their best names for 10 newborn horses. This year, the RCMP is looking for names starting with the letter “A.” The contest is running until April 26 and the link to enter will be available on the RCMP website at https://www.rcmp-grc. gc.ca/corporate-organisation/musical-ride-carrousel/name-foalcontest-concours-nommez-poulain-eng.htm.
ole o wo en evolvin in ar in sector
BY SARA WOOD, DIRECTOR, ONTARIO FEDERATIONOF AGRICULTURE
Traditionally, agriculture has been a male-dominated industry, but women have always played very pivotal roles in farm businesses – just mostly behind the scenes or in a supportive capacity.
That is definitely changing, however. As a female farmer myself, it’s something that I can confirm first-hand, but it’s also backed up by data from the most recent Canadian Census of Agriculture.
In 2021, Canada had just under 80,000 female farm operators, making up 30.4% of the farm population compared to 28.7% during the previous census in 2016. In fact, this was the first time the number of female farmers in Canada has increased since 1991.
Statistics Canada attributes this increase to a rise in what they call “one-operator farmers” or women who farm on their own. The data also shows that more women are now running large farm businesses than ever before, and that Ontario is home to just over one quarter of our country’s female farmers.
Our family farm is located near the Perth County town of Mitchell, west of Stratford, where we raise broiler chickens and grow crops. For me, being an active female farmer has always been a given. That’s because our family farm is somewhat unique in our industry in that it has always had a woman as the main farm decisionmaker – first my grandmother, then my mother and now me.
My husband and I have now taken over the day-to-day farm operations, so my mom has become more of an advisor, but she still pitches in if my offfarm activities, like serving as a board director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), take me away from the business.
Historically, involvement with farm organizations has also been mostly by men, but here too, things are changing. This week, for example, OFA members are gathering for our annual conference, where we’ll be saying good-bye to our outgoing provincial president, Peggy Brekveld, who is the third woman to lead Ontario’s largest general farm organization.
I’m currently one of seven women on the OFA board, and two of the four candidates who have let their names stand for a director-at-large position on our board this year are female.
As more women, particularly from younger generations, become farm business partners and decision-makers, I believe it’s important that we are around those board room tables and that our voices are heard.
Women still face barriers in our industry, however. For example, we often still have to fight to have agricultural service providers, from ani-
mal nutritionists and agricultural lenders to farm equipment service managers and agronomists, view us as equal farm partners and informed decision-makers. It can also be intimidating to step forward to take on a leadership position, particularly in organizations where women haven’t previously played very visible roles. And just like women across Ontario and Canada, we face challenges like childcare and more when it comes to juggling work and community involvement.
These are the types of issues that helped lead to the creation of the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference that is happening this week in Niagara Falls. The event was created for women passionate about agriculture to provide training, networking and development opportunities unique to their roles in the agri-food sector, and it annually brings together hundreds of like-minded people in both eastern and west-
ern Canada. The newest resource for female farmers is the AgriMentor program for Canadian women in agriculture, funded by the federal government. It offers six months of individual coaching in English or French for women in agri-food sector and matches mentees with experienced female mentors working in agriculture nationwide. The OFA is proud to be supporting its francophone counterpart, the Union des cultivateurs franco-ontariens, in the launch and delivery of the program.
I encourage women across our sector to take advantage of these resources – and others –and to not be afraid to take a chance, whether it’s speaking up at a meeting, dealing with service providers or deciding to take on a leadership role. It won’t always be easy, but when it comes to farming, I believe we can do everything a man does – we just may do it a bit differently.
SEED TO HARVEST
ALTER DEDMAN CONSTR CTION
This newly constructed building features an insulated cathedral ceiling and heated floor.
Megan Ball shows her pig in the Senior Showmanship Class at the Oxford 4-H Swine Show. Photo provided.
Fallen trees are sectioned at a farm is on Nith Road. Photo by Bob Howes.
C Farming can be an extremely rewarding career, giving you a hands-on opportunity to provide food for your family and people across the country or even around the world. ut it can also be a challenge financially with several factors, including unpredictable weather, making it hard to know precisely how much money you will make from year to year. If you are facing financial difficulties with your farming operation, here are three ways you can find help.
o co t loan
As the old saying goes,
ree t in s ar ers can do to t nancial stress
sometimes you have to spend money to make money. For example, you may want to invest in more land, purchase solar panels, or need to construct new buildings, repair existing ones or even purchase more e uipment, such as a tractor.
While you can apply for a general business loan from your financial institution, as a farmer you can access up to , in governmentbacked loans through the Canadian Agricultural oans Act known as the CA A Program. The program is open to full- and part-time farmers, and there are incentives
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for start-up farmers. ou can apply for these loans through your lender.
e t mana ement
If you are struggling to pay off debt, there is another program that can help: the Farm ebt Mediation ervice. Through this voluntary, confidential program, you can get free financial counselling and access to mediation services where you can meet with your creditor s to develop a recov-
ery plan. ental ealt Mental health is part of overall health. And the stress of struggling to make ends meet can impact your life in many ways, from loss of sleep and irritability, to increasing your risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke.
Whether it is talking to a family member, a fellow farmer or a trained professional, speaking about your concerns
is the first step in getting them under control. There are a several free resources you can access including an episode of the First ixteen podcast, “Mental health on the farm” that provide more insight into common issues many farmers face.
earn more about these programs and other supports for farmers at agriculture. canada.ca/manage-farm-riskand-finance.
by MPP Will bouMa
Ontario s farmers are entrusted with the responsibility of nourishing our province s future generations and maintaining the fertile soil we are so fortunate to have. They play a crucial role in Ontario s economy, environment, and society, making them an integral part of the province s identity and development. Ontario is growing at an unprecedented pace, a feat that would not be possible if it were not for our farmers.
Having been born on a farm in the etherlands, and spending most of my childhood on a dairy farm near Forest, Ontario, I am acutely aware of the challenges that farmers face. That is why I have advocated, and will continue to advocate, for farmers in my community of rantford- rant. rantford- rant is home to
countless farms and farmers who grow everything from cucumbers to soybeans and raise all kinds of livestock. As such, rantford- rant has emerged as a hub for agri-tech innovation that is fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
In February, our government launched the -million-dollar agri-tech innovation initiative, which will help fund the development of cutting-edge solutions in precision farming and automation. y collaborating with local farms, our government is empowering farmers to boost productivity and profitability in rantfordrant and beyond.
I not only realize the importance of funding technological progress in the agriculture sector, but also ensuring that food makes it to grocery store shelves and kitchen tables.
That is why I brought a motion that was passed in that focused on food security and strengthening the agriculture supply chain throughout the province. I know that
almost everybody remembers, at some point during CO I , the gaps we witnessed in grocery shelves, and it is important that Ontarians realize that food doesn t just magically appear in grocery stores. My motion has ensured that our province will develop its agricultural policy with an emphasis on food security and consideration of the entire agri-food supply chain and advocate to the federal government to adopt similar policies related to agriculture and food processing, in the spirit of ensuring Ontario farmers remain productive and competitive. As such, Ontario will not be dependent on foreign countries that do not adhere to the same environmental standards that we do, while at the same time, ensuring that our local farmers are able to export food to those countries
that cannot achieve the same levels of responsible production.
Furthermore, my motion led to the creation of the row Ontario trategy, which aims to strengthen the agrifood sector, support economic growth, and ensure an efficient, reliable, and responsive food supply for Ontarians. Through the row Ontario trategy, our government will increase both the consumption and production of food grown and prepared in Ontario by per cent, increase Ontario s food and beverage manufacturing P by 1 per cent and boost Ontario s agri-food exports eight per cent annually by . Additionally, our government will boost research infrastructure, advance the uptake of new technologies, grow the market for Ontario innovative technologies domestically and globally, and grow the use of data to support efficiencies in the agrifood sector and value chain.
Through the row Ontario trategy, our government also aims to increase total agrifood sector employment by 1 per cent by , as well as increased awareness of modern, high-tech agri-food careers, opportunities for mentorship and hands-on job training, and support efforts to increase veterinary capacity in underserviced areas of the province.
I am pleased to say that the grow Ontario trategy is working ince the strategy s implementation in , the province has seen a .9 increase from 1 in agriculture and food exports. Our government is also aiming to grant patents through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairsfunded research, and since , patents and licenses have been granted. Another key indication of the row Ontario trategy s success is that our government is creating new vet school spaces per year through the new Collaborative octor of eterinary Medicine program, which is the first increase in vet school space since 19
Our government is not only investing in technologies that will shape the agricultural landscape in Ontario, but it is also ensuring that farmers and those living in rural communities remain connected to the rest of the province via the best internet technology available. That is why this past ecember, our government delivered on its promise to bring high-speed internet services to rant County.
For those in rant County to prosper in our increasingly digital world, it is essential for them to have access to online services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.
...continued on next page
MPP Will Bouma
I recognize that accessible broadband is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity for education, work, and everyday business-to-business transactions. That is why I am proud to represent a government that understands the importance of levelling the playing field for rural communities by providing broadband internet.
These initiatives are among many that our government is implementing across Ontario to uplift farmers and rural
communities so that they may continue to nourish our great province. As a government, we’re committed to fostering economic growth throughout communities across Ontario.
We understand that a strong and dynamic rural Ontario is essential for the province’s economy and new demographic trends are presenting new opportunities for rural Ontario. That is why the Ontario Ministry Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs is consulting
with stakeholders and the public to help inform the development of a new Rural Economic Development Strategy. A Rural Economic Development Strategy will help to improve economic opportunities, create jobs, and support economic growth and resilience in rural and Indigenous communities. I am excited to continue working to improve the lives of farmers and rural Ontarians as we move into the future.
ow a anadian wo an scientist is drivin innovation in a riculture
(NC) When it comes to the sciences, there’s a wide range of career opportunities. But without unique and diverse perspectives, the ability to address and overcome challenges is limited.
Women bring valuable knowledge, skill sets and ideas to the field, and the increase in women scientists is helping drive innovation. In the agricultural sector, Dr. Christine Noronha is leading the way for young women with her ground-breaking work.
An entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for more than 20 years, Dr. Noronha is one of Canada’s leading experts on crop insects and how to contain them. She designed the NELT or Noronha Elaterid Light Trap. This device shines a small solar-powered light into a cup that is placed in the ground. It’s the world’s first device that attracts and drowns female click beetles, which would otherwise give way to thousands of wireworms, a common potato plant predator.
As a leader in her field, Dr. Noronha understands the importance of mentorship, particularly when it comes to young women.
“I want to make it easier to continue to break down barriers for women in science and agriculture. I’ve had to overcome many obstacles to get where I am today and to help others reach their goals is a great honour.”
For those looking to embark on a career in science and agriculture, there are a variety of career options in the agricultural or agri-food sector. Find more information on inclusive and collaborative government science opportunities at agriculture.canada.ca.
Dr. Christine Noronha
by MP a Pa a a Canadian producers, consumers, and families feel the chill of this costly iberalP coalition as inflation rates remain high, leading to higher food costs for families and input costs for farmers.
Canadians are struggling to put food on the table as a direct result of Trudeau s carbon tax on food producers last year, million Canadians visited a foodbank in a single month. The average Canadian family will have to pay more for food in than in the previous year.
The Common ense Conservative ill C- will make food cheaper by axing the carbon tax on farmers. My colleagues and I pushed throughout the fall session to get this vital lesson passed, but the Trudeau-appointed enators voted to gut it before sending it back to the House of Commons this session.
The panicking iberals are resorting to every trick in the book, trying desperately to prevent farmers from getting a carbon tax carveout for grain drying, barn heating and other farm operations.
On April 1, ustin Trudeau hiked his carbon tax by percent. This is the next step in his plan to uadruple the carbon tax over the next six years, making everything more expensive.
The Parliamentary udget Officer has made it clear that this bill will save Canadian farmers 1 billion by , reducing the cost of food for Canadian families currently struggling to afford groceries. When you tax the farmer who
grows the food and the trucker who transports the food, you tax the Canadian who buys the food.
Conservatives have introduced an amendment to reject the enate s amendments and demand the bill be passed in its original form to support farmers and families. All opposition parties supported this bill during its first iteration they must hold to their original vote and restore it to its original form.
Conservatives rejected the enate s amendments and demanded the bill be passed in its original form to support farmers and families.
Farmers feed cities they feed Canadians.
Only Common-sense Conservatives will continue fighting to axe the tax on everything, for everyone, so our farmers can keep feeding everyone.
Arpan Khanna
Pur le cone ower su le ents in dairy calves i roves i unity
BY KATIE DUNCAN
Natural supplements are commonly used in human medicine, but could dairy calves also benefit from medicinal plants? Researchers at the University of Guelph are investigating the effects of purple coneflower on immunity, health, and performance of dairy calves.
Dr. Trevor DeVries, professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and Canada Research Chair in Dairy Cattle Behaviour and Welfare, studied 240 male Holstein calves to evaluate how purple coneflower supplementation, scientifically called Echinacea purpurea, could affect immunity markers, disease, feed intake, and growth of these calves.
Purple coneflower has long been used by humans to try and prevent the common cold, infection and skin wounds and conditions. It is thought to stimulate immune function.
“Like humans, dairy calves are susceptible to diseases like diarrhea and respiratory problems, which can cause high levels of morbidity and mortality,” says Dr. DeVries. “We are particularly looking for ways to improve the health and welfare of male calves because they often have the added stress of transportation to another facility. This medicinal herb could improve animal health and reduce antimicrobial use in dairy and dairy beef calves.”
In collaboration with Mapleview Agri Ltd., located in Palmerston, Dr. DeVries and MSc student, Brooke McNeil, studied 80 dairy calves split into three treatments: Control (no supplementation), supplementation with 3 grams per day of Echinacea purpurea powder mixed into the milk replacer for 14 days (from day 14 to 28 of this study), or 56 days (from day 1 to 56 of this study).
Supplementation of purple coneflower had promising effects, especially on immunity and inflammation of calves supplemented during the whole study (from day 1 to 56). Some changes in blood mark-
ers, including lower levels of haptoglobin (an indicator of inflammation) and segmented neutrophils, and higher levels of lymphocytes, indicated better immunity and anti-inflammatory properties. Supplementation of purple cone-
flower was also associated with a higher post-weaning body weight among calves that were heavier at the beginning of the study.
“This study lays the ground for additional research on the benefits of purple coneflower.
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Just like in male calves, this medicinal herb could also help female calves,” said Dr. DeVries. “More studies are needed to investigate the effects of this herb under different conditions, classes of animals, or periods of supplementation.”
* * * This research project was funded by the Ontario AgriFood Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the University of Guelph.
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Potato wart not detected in national soil survey
C W – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFIA has completed its ational urvey for Potato Wart and confirms the pest was not detected in any of the soil samples tested.
According to the website inspection.canada.ca: “Potato wart, or potato canker, isa plant disease caused by a soil-borne fungus. Although it poses no risk to human or animal health, it reduces yield and makes potatoes disfigured.”
Over , soil samples collected from fields in ritish Columbia, Alberta, askatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, uebec, ew runswick, ova cotia, and Prince Edward Island PEI were included in the survey.
urveillance is an important element of the overnment of Canada s efforts to help contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart.
pecific and general visual potato wart surveillance that has been ongoing in PEI since . These activities provide data to demonstrate the effectiveness of control measures, such as the Ministerial Order, that are in place.
According to inspection. canada.ca: “The Ministerial Order restricts the movement of potatoes seed, table stock and processing potatoes and other regulated things farm e uipment, soil, sod, etc. within the province of PEI and to other parts of Canada. Movement of potatoes and regulated items may be permitted with written authorization if certain conditions are met.”
urveillance and control measures help to minimize the impact on market access for all of Canada s potatoes which is the country s fifthlargest primary agriculture crop.
CFIA will continue using science to inform its evidencebased decision-making in managing potato wart and is committed tocreating a path forward for PEI potatoes, including implementing the Ministerial Order to help to contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart in PEI and protect this important sector of the Canadian economy. The CFIA recently invited stakeholders, the provinces, and trading partners to share their input into risk management documents to help inform the new ational Potato Wart Response Plan which the CFIA plans to share a draft of with stakeholders for comment this spring.
earnin t e an ua e o Plants ould rove ro ields
BY LOIS HARRIS FOODFROM THOUGHT
Learning more about how crop plants communicate –especially under competition from weeds – is the goal of University of Guelph research funded by Food from Thought.
Dr. Clarence Swanton, a weed scientist in the Department of Plant Agriculture within the Ontario Agricultural College, studies how corn and soybean plants interact and communicate.
More important, he’s looking at how weeds affect that communication as well as the physiology and yield potential of crop plants. To compete with weeds, plants need to ex-
pend energy that they would normally use to grow and produce.
“The detrimental changes to the plant – including the suppression of photosynthesis and the expression of free radicals and oxygen – are irreversible to the crop,” Swanton says.
“Up to now, competition has meant for light, water, nutrients and space, but we asked, what if there’s more to it than that?”
Swanton and his team have discovered that the mere presence of a weed – even one that’s not touching a corn plant – can affect how nitrogen is distributed in the plant.
The secret lies in light
“It has to do with far-red light signals with which the plants detect their neighbours,” Swanton says.
To observe how plants interpret those light signals, the researchers placed potted crop plants and weeds near one another and gave them adequate space, light, water and nutrients. For comparison purposes, potted crop plants were grown in exactly the same way but had no weeds nearby.
The results were intriguing
During the research, the corn growing near weeds stopped mobilizing nitrogen.
“It’s a very subtle form of communication in which a crop
plant can detect a neighbour plant and determine whether it’s a competitor and, if so, gets stressed and reduces its yield potential,” Swanton says.
These previously unreported mechanisms mark a new understanding of how plant communities are shaped, says Swanton. They also help explain why it’s so important to control weeds in the field early.
He says researchers might ultimately design crop plants that are more tolerant of weeds. “If we could shift the yield loss curve so that it’s slower and later, it would have a significant impact on agronomy,” he says.
While crop plants may not
become completely tolerant of weeds, this research “would definitely make a big difference in terms of sustainable crop production,” he says.
He says the work may further enhance crop production in Canada and adds that it is garnering attention from researchers around the world.
The University of Guelph plant scientist is ranked seventh in Canada by Research. com for his impact in plant science and agronomy.
This research was supported by the Food from Thought research program at the University of Guelph, funded by the Canada FirstResearch Excellence Fund.
Tours every Saturday in May.
See our website for more info
Waterloo Dairy 4-H member Aden Van Bergijk of New Hamburg prepares his 4-H project animal to show at the Cambridge Fall Fair last September. To learn more about the 4-H program in Waterloo, visit www.waterloo4-h.ca. Photo provided.
Pump technology developed by a niversity of uelph researcher may help save almost half of the energy used for irrigation by Canada s growing number of indoor farms, including greenhouses,
vertical farms and hydroponics facilities.
r. Wael Ahmed, a professor in the chool of Engineering within the College of Engineering and Physical ciences, has already made waves in the a uaculture industry with his energy-saving water
pump, now commercialized by the company Flo ergia under the name FloMov . FloMov is saving fish farmers to per cent of the energy used in conventional systems, while reducing operating costs, increasing aeration efficiency and improving water uality.
“With rapidly increasing demand for food and spiralling costs of energy, I have been focused on creating new technologies to improve the sustainability of different food production systems,” Ahmed says.
searchers evaluate farmers needs and optimize the pump design.
Adapted for indoor farms, his new airlift pumping technology called Flo ft uses air, re uires no moving parts or lubrication, creates no noise or vibrations and needs little maintenance.
In developing and commercializing the FloMov and Flo ft pumps, Ahmed has received support and funding from the niversity of uelphResearch Innovation Officeand theOntario AgriFood Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between OMAFRA and the niversity.
The technology needs lower capital investment than traditional pumps and integrates easily with growing columns for vertical farming. The new pump enables high flow rates and has a high head, meaning it can effectively push water upward, says Ahmed. esides its promise for indoor farming, the new Flo ft pump may benefit other agrifood applications, such as food processing and production, he says.
“The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance played an essential role in creating these new products and allowed applied research in my lab to turn into a product ready for the market,” Ahmed says. “The funding makes it possible to test, validate and prototype out-of-the-box ideas like mine. This made it easy to introduce new products to end users through funded field trials.”
The laboratory is validating Flo ft prototypes before the pump is tested under realworld conditions.
The pump can move heavy, high-viscosity resistant to flow or non- ewtonian fluid mixtures that can change from runny to thick when under stress , which makes it ideal for transferring muddy, sand-laden or other food waste to treatment systems, Ahmed says.
Industrial partners and specialists from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs OMAFRA have provided vital product development support as re-
Ahmed is confident that the high-efficiency pump design can help reduce energy use –which accounts for up to 1 per cent of total greenhouse production costs – to improve the environmental and financial sustainability of indoor farms.
This research was funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between OMAFRA and the niversity of uelph.
of sheep at a farm on Blenheim Road. Photo by Geoff Adeney.
A century farm home on West River Road maintains a traditional cedar post fence.
Photo by Bob Howes.
Specializing in organically raised grass fed Bison
a r d e A re o n ry ea ore ro de a de ran e o na rally and e ally ra ed ea rod ro o er lo al ar er and rod er are a a la le n ore
ustaina le anadian ricultural Partners i ro ra will rovide illion to su ort a ri ood industry
BY MPP BRIAN RIDDELL
It is my honour to pay tribute to the farmers of North Dumfries Township in this special farm edition of the Ayr News.
Ontario is home to some of the best farms in the world, including those here in North Dumfries Township where some of the best locally grown food can be found.
Our government is proud to support Ontario farmers and has introduced the Grow Ontario Strategy, an ambitious plan to strengthen the agriculture and food industry and fuel economic growth.
Last year, we signed the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year agreement with the Government of Canada that will see up to $1.77 billion in support for the agri-food industry.
Through Sustainable CAP, Ontario and Canada invested:
• Up to $1.3-million in the Honey Bee Health Initiative to help improve the resiliency and competitiveness of beekeeper operations.
• Up to $1-million in the Maple Production Improvement Initiative to support growth and productivity in the maple syrup sector.
• Up to $8 million in the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative to help apple, tender fruit, and wine grape producers modernize varieties of produce.
Recently, we invested an additional $6-million in the Grow Ontario Market Initiative, bringing the total investment to $12-million. This initiative will provide primary producers, food processors, and industry organizations with cost-sharing funding to increase sales in domestic and foreign markets through: market analysis and planning; new product development; and marketing strategies.
It is interesting to note that our government has set a goal to increase the consumption of food grown and prepared in Ontario by 30 per cent in 2032.
Finally, we’re investing in Ontario’s dairy sector with the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative, an $8 million incentive program providing eligible dairy processors with funding for equipment upgrades that make processing more efficient and/or improve food safety. The initiative is open to cow, goat, sheep and water buffalo milk processors. Applications open in April.
For information about these and other exciting initiatives of Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visit https://omafra.gov.on.ca/ english or call 1-877-424-1300.
To our local farmers, I want you to know that your hard work and dedication to putting food on our tables is appreciated today and every day.
I look forward to seeing all of you at the Ayr Farmers’ Market this summer.
MPP Brian Riddell (left) with Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompsonat the 2023 International Plowing Match. Photo provided.
s etective urdoc was ins ired y sleut w o crac ed enwell wa urder near Princeton
by ba y P al
When I was a toddler with hard-working parents building a business of their own, I spent considerable time at my paternal grandparents home in the unction district of Toronto. Though I was her grandson, I believe my grandmother, ucy anders Penhale b. 1 1 , thought of me as yet another son in a rather large brood that included my father. My grandma and my grandpa, Richard “ ick” Penhale, were both from the Exeter area, with similar Huron County farm backgrounds. I tell you this because it would be almost impossible for Ontarians of their era, and especially rural-raised folks, to not be aware of what was often labelled “The irchall- enwell Affair.” One of my lingering memories from childhood is a precious time at my grandmother s side in the kitchen at 9 eele treet, when “Maw,” as she was endearingly known to the family would spontaneously begin singing unaccompanied the lyrics to a ditty she knew by heart. I think she would have been barely into her fifties when I first heard her sing the folk song inspired by a tragedy and a celebrated murder trial that was headline news when she herself was still a youngster. It was titled e a ad o . . i c a .” Here are the lyrics:
o e a ou tende i tian e e e ou a e p a ou pa attention to t e e e o d o e
n t e ou teent o o e e a conde ned to die o t e u de o . . en
e upon a ca o d ig .
na e i . . i c a t at na e not den ea e aged pa ent in o o o to die o itt e did t e t in t at in out and oo d e ta en to t e ca o d to eet an a u doo .
o en e a an ng i an o ad not et a i e
e ca e out e e to anada to ee an one t i e e aid t at et a ed i unto a ce tain pot nd t e e it a e o e poo en e e a ot.
t ied to p a o innocent ut ound it ou d not do e e idence eing again t e it p o ed ad no o . e udge e ga e t e en tence t e c e e ote it do n nd to t e ca o d u t go to eet ea u doo .
iend t e ca e to ee e to ta e t ei a t a e e e ee ed o t o en ea ted to ee e in ce a ing o ade da ing co ade ed t o e tea o e o en to o o un a et o t ou e e ee.
i e e ca e to ee e to ta e e a t a e e e aid it a ea t end ing to ea e e in ce e aid dea e t u and ou no t at ou u t die o t e u de o . . en e upon a ca o d ig .
t a nine o c oc in t e o ning ne doo a nea id a e e to a on ea t to iend and o ed one dea . e a t e o d e e po en t e o d i e done. e t ap doo a no opened and i c a e a anged.
The accused was a handsome Oxford niversity-educated man by the name of Reginald irchall, a vicar s son who during a stay in Woodstock had mas ueraded as ord omerset, accompanied
by his wife Florence, mas uerading as ady omerset. The victim, a young man in his twenties, was uncovered in an Oxford County swamp near Woodstock, Ontario, on February 1, 1 9 . The discovery, made by two local woodcutters, led to a trial of major importance and furthered the already impressive reputation of the Ontario government s Chief etective at the time, ohn Wilson Murray. The cottish-born ohn Wilson Murray portrait shown here followed his father when he enlisted in the nited tates avy in 1 .
It was during his naval career that he discovered a plot to free , Confederate prisoners from an island prison in ake Erie. This experience prompted him to leave a life at sea and pursue a career in policing. In time, he became Head of etectives of the Canadian outhern Railway, bringing him north to Canada. Attorney eneral Oliver Mowat was so impressed by ohn Wilson Murray as to appoint him Provincial etective of Ontario in 1 . Much ahead of his time in scientific investigation, ohn Wilson
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Book written by Wilson Murray, includes #20 “Reginald Birchall: Occupation, Murderer. On the book cover is a photograph from the murder scene.
s etective urdoc was ins ired y sleut w o crac ed enwell wa urder ro a
Murray became internationally-known and some of his most famous cases make up the contents of his book, Memoirs of a reat Canadi-
an etective, originally published in 19 and reprinted in 19 and 19 by Collins Publishers, Toronto. Though the legendary detective died in Toronto in 19 , he lives on as the central character in the best-selling books by noted Canadian author Maureen ennings. es, it was ohn Wilson Murray s career that inspired the creation of the extraordinarily popular fictional etective William Murdoch, so very well known today as the central figure in both the book series and the television show.
o one charged with a crime in Canada up to that time had attracted the amount of interest as did Reginald irchall. The case even attracted attention in Europe. Cable connections put in place made it
possible for the proceedings in the Woodstock Court House to be fed directly to ondon, . ot only English newspapers but their counterparts in France, Italy, and ermany published reams of copy concerning the trial.
etective Murray, having had the remains of Frederick enwell photographed, saw to it that engravings made from the photographs were circulated to the press. This marked the first time that a victim s likeness had appeared in Ontario newspapers to aid with an investigation. Already, etective ohn Wilson Murray was making forensic history.
In preparation for writing this article, I came across my souvenir program marking the 1 th anniversary of The irchall- enwell Affair pic-
tured here . The huge organizational efforts of a irchall Committee comprised of prominent Oxford County personalities made possible a marvellous three-day gathering in Woodstock during the month of October 199 . Tours and theatre were focused, as never before or since I believe, on this great murder trial of yesteryear. Coordinated by an old friend, heila M. ohnson, the organizing team did themselves proud. Everything was so very special but for many in attendance the play “ wamp Murders” was a particular highlight. The production, presented by Woodstock ittle Theatre, featured the drama written by ill utt whose contributions to the cultural life of Oxford County remain unprecedented. Perhaps the
time is right for a revival. e e co e ac to t e e page a en a e a i e ong co unicato it exten i e c edit in oadca ting ou na i and pu i ing. o in i and p e ent tu ning to t e a ea o podca t ing en a e i a ied to ane i on e de t daug te o t e ate ed and e en itc e i on and e e e e ed o e oca in o e ent it o e pa ticu a t e ea pent co peting in d a t o e co petition it e iend ince c i d ood eci e . en a e a t e tit e o a e oi a ead en ne oo o e not e pen and ugge ted i i e i o exact t e i e e a no n to date. ig t u
...continued on next page
Celebrating over 75 Years in Business
John Wilson Murray
historians believe it started in the United States, others believe it was from China or the United Kingdom. The first cases were reported in 1917 and by 1918 it had gripped Europe.
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a o i app ication o a o onto adio tation i cence. u cient i p e ed t e eco endation e a u ed a o a oadca t o e once e ad i adio ta tion unde a . o o ing a e a ea e p o
It was named ‘Spanish flu’ because it received more press in Spain, a neutral country during WWI that did not have wartime censorship. Censorship of the disease was encouraged, on both sides of the war, because officials felt it would bring down morale of the soldiers and the public. Because Spain was more vocal, especially when their king was affected, the people thought it was only prevalent in that country, adding to the popularity of the name ‘Spanish flu’.
ent at ood toc a got t e ca t at ound i ac in o onto a t e ne appointed po t i ecto o . nte ie ing a ou po t pe ona itie and oadca ting e t ing i e o t e gondo a in ap e ea a den ound a oung a en a e udden ac ti e in t e ig eague o oad ca ting. n i po tant doo ad opened and o tunate nu e ou i e en ic ing op po tunitie a a ead a u tu e doo c o ed and ot e opened. ope u to e captu ed in t e e oi an a e encou aged. ontact a at a natu a e itage oo .co .
It is possible that the death of soldiers serving overseas, could have been caused by the Spanish flu. The United States identified military personnel arriving home with Spanish flu in the spring of 1918. In Canada, it arrived in the port cities of Quebec City, Montreal and Halifax and then spread west.
e Staff at the Ayr News everyone a Ha y Canada
According to Ayr News archives, by 1918, the Spanish flu had arrived in Ayr and the surrounding community. It appears that some editions of the Ayr News are missing during this period, and it is not known whether those papers chives, publishing. From ies of pear One have George Dr. in Ayr, was He was Margaret opened ried four According ter family was who look
