Porcine epidemic diarrhea, which has reached over 3,500 farms in 25 U.S. states since last April, is now confirmed on 23 farms in Ontario, Manitoba and P.E.I. (Photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

PEDv confirmed in Manitoba, suspected in P.E.I.

The piglet-killing porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) is now suspected to have reached Canadian hog farms in three provinces. The Manitoba government and Manitoba Pork Council on Friday reported the virus is now confirmed in hogs at a wean-to-finish operation in the province’s southeast, a region known for intensive livestock production and considered to be […] Read more


Newborn piglets under four weeks of age are considered to be at the greatest risk from the PED virus. (Laura Rance photo)

PEDv suspected on Manitoba hog farm

Winnipeg’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease is testing samples from a Manitoba wean-to-finish hog operation suspected of having the province’s first case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv). The Manitoba Pork Council late Thursday announced that the province’s chief veterinary officer had reported what are believed to be positive samples of PEDv from hogs […] Read more

Ag crowdfunding platform launches first deal

Reuters — Crowdfunding has found the farm. AgFunder, an online platform for agriculture-related companies to seek capital through a form of crowd-sourced fundraising, said Wednesday it was launching its first campaign by focusing on a California agricultural data company. Through the online platform, Fresno, California-based OnFarm is looking to raise $400,000 in capital to grow […] Read more


At more than 67,000 square feet, the new Agco parts and distribution centre in Woodstock, Ont. can house 40 per cent more parts than its previous facility. (Ralph Pearce photo)

Pearce: Agco focuses on S. Ontario, East with new distribution centre

Recognizing agriculture in Ontario is β€œon the move,” one machinery company is showing its commitment, planting an investment in the heart of southern Ontario. Agco, the U.S.-based manufacturer of 11 brands including Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Gleaner and White, last week opened its new full-stocking parts and distribution centre in Woodstock. At more than 67,000 square […] Read more

Coop Federee to close Que. hardware distribution centre

Agricultural co-operative La Coop federee plans to close the distribution centre supplying “hardware and material” to its Unimat chain of ag supply and hardware retail stores by early next year. The Quebec co-op giant, whose operations also include fuel company Sonic and meat packer Olymel, said Friday it will gradually shut down those distribution operations […] Read more


PEDv hits more Ont. farrowing barns

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, most often fatal to new young piglets, has appeared so far this week at three more farrow-to-finish operations in southwestern Ontario. Ontario Pork on its website reported two new cases of PEDv at farrow-to-finish barns in Perth and Wellington counties, confirmed Wednesday, along with a case confirmed Tuesday at another […] Read more

CN’s last work stoppage saw its Teamster-represented engineers walk the picket line in 2009. (File photo by Dave Bedard)

CN, Teamsters reach new deal to avoid conductors’ strike

Conductors, trainmen and yardmen for Canadian National Railway (CN) will remain on the job following an 11th-hour tentative agreement under threat of back-to-work legislation. “We commend the leadership of the (Teamsters Canada Rail Conference unit) for reaching consensus with the company and averting a possible strike,” CN chief operating officer Jim Vena said in a […] Read more


CN’s last work stoppage saw its Teamster-represented engineers walk the picket line in 2009. (File photo by Dave Bedard)

Back-to-work legislation planned against possible CN strike

Canada’s Labour Minister Kellie Leitch said Wednesday the federal government plans to introduce back-to-work legislation to deal with a potential strike at Canadian National Railway (CN). “Today, our Conservative government is taking action to protect Canada’s economy and Canadian grain farmers by indicating our intention to introduce legislation to make sure CN stays on track,” […] Read more