Rural areas face will face greater challenges in resuming economic activity following the pandemic. The lack of rural amenities, education and infrastructure “ although high speed internet is finally coming “ will continue to make it tough to attract and keep skilled labour. A more targeted approach with greater industry “ community action may be part of the solution. Photo: infrastructurecanada.ca
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Mistyglen Creamery near Belmont, Ontario will open its doors this fall to day-trippers from London and beyond. The family owners are offering what they call “homespun dairy products,†pasture-raised poultry and nutritious specialty treats.
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Five years ago, research at the U of G revealed just how poorly many farmers were coping with tough conditions on and off the farm. Since then, there’s been a flurry of mental health programs rolled out and destigmatizing discussions in the media? Have they helped? A new survey aims to find out. Photo: Ruralhealthinfo.org
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The latest federal budget provides a carbon tax rebate for the natural gas and propane farmers need for grain drying. It’s a vote of confidence for an industry that’s consistently innovating to save money and reduce their environmental impact. Photo: OntarioGrainFarmer
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Animal activists in Colorado are pushing for a state ballot that could devastate livestock production in that state. Their proposals regarding minimum livestock lifespans and banned artificial insemination promise to raise meat prices through the roof and threaten gains made in healthier, better producing animals through decades of careful breeding.
Photo: denverpost.com
Owen Roberts is an agricultural journalist and communications instructor based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a trustee on the Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism and an associate editor (communications) for the Journal of Agromedicine. Previously, Owen was president of the International Forum for Agricultural Journalists, an agricultural communications faculty member at the University of Illinois, and research communications director at the University of Guelph. His programs and research papers have been recognized through awards from the Journal of Applied Communications, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Association for Communications Excellence and the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation.