It’s true that cattle produce greenhouse gas, but not as much as they’re often blamed for. And there’s help on the way to reduce that even further. Feed supplements are now on the market that will reduce the gas emissions, and many more dietary alternatives will soon be available. Image: Letstalkscience.ca

Every five years, the federal government sets out a national agri-food policy framework. It’s like a roadmap with priorities – and the next one is due in 2023. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses says the framework needs to enable Canadian agri-businesses to become more competitive in world markets. But first, they say, the sector faces other challenges that need governments’ immediate attention. Image: cfa-fca.ca

Six British Columbia beef farmers are working with municipalities there local groups to graze their animals on crown land close to Kelowna and Cranbrook. It’s a novel way to remove underbrush that can quickly fuel wildfires. UBC residence chef Johnny Bridge also thinks creatively about B.C. beef. He marries it with a layer of roasted root vegetable for a burger that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Premier Ford’s had a reasonable track record of supporting Ontario agriculture – particularly when it comes to research investments aimed at improving productivity. But his election promise of a new highway 413 makes it clear that transportation trumps food production, at least in the GTA. Which leads local farmers to ponder how much longer they can hold onto their land. Image: enviromentaldefense.ca

Canada’s ethnic make-up continues to change, and there are new market opportunities for non-traditional foods and agricultural products. The federal government has announced funding to five national industry organizations. It will help them encourage the growth of more diverse products and people in Canadian agriculture. Photo: gardenerspath.com

Many of us took up vegetable gardening during the pandemic, but learned we’d be hard pressed to grow enough to feed ourselves. By contrast, Ukrainians have always raised livestock and crops on plots large and small – knowing it could be a necessity, not a novelty, in times of conflict. Photo: Fao.org

Statistics Canada released its 2021 report on farm numbers last week. (The survey is done every five years.) The agency cautions against comparisons with past reports because it has redefined what constitutes a farm. Still, some of the trends since 2016 might surprise you. Image: census.gc.ca

It isn’t just the war in Ukraine that’s forecast to dampen grain supply on world markets. Farmers – and other businesses in rural Canada – continue to be limited by expensive and unreliable internet access that undermines their efficiency. Image: CENG.ca

The latest University of Guelph survey of farmers’ mental health in Canada reveals some worrisome results. And even more so for women. The good news is that it shines a light on the struggles of these very essential workers. Image: https://ontario.cmha.ca/intheknow