PDCoV outbreak in Huron

 

Swine Health Ontario reports an outbreak of porcine deltacoronavus at a finisher barn in Huron County.

Supreme Court strikes down tariffs

The United State. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Donald Trump lacked the authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under a 1977 emergency powers law, reinforcing Congress’ constitutional role over tariffs.

In a majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president unilateral authority to levy broad, indefinite tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners.

Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose a 10 per cent global tariff and higher “reciprocal” tariffs on certain nations after declaring the U.S. trade deficit a national emergency. 

The Constitution assigns the power to set tariffs to Congress, while IEEPA authorizes the president to “regulate” imports and exports in response to an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”

The law does not specifically mention tariffs — an omission that proved central to the dispute.

The decision has only a minor impact on Canadian exports, most of them exempted because they are covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico (CUSMA) free trade agreement.

Nestlé spinning off ice cream division

 

Nestlé is preparing to separate its global ice cream business, marking a significant strategic change for one of the world’s largest dairy and food manufacturers.

The ice cream division has faced operations and market pressures in recent years. Spinning off the business would allow it to operate independently, potentially unlocking value while enabling Nestlé to concentrate resources on higher-margin segments within its food and beverage portfolio, market watchers wrote.

PDCoV outbreak in Huron

 

Swine Health Ontario reports an outbreak of porcine deltacoronavus at a finisher barn in Huron County.

Beef farmers honour two producers

 

Will and Tara MacArthur of MacArthur Farms have been named the 2026 Ontario recipients of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), sponsored by RBC Royal Bank and organized by Beef Farmers of Ontario.

Robert and Emily McKinlay of Silver Springs Farmn near Ravenna are the recipients of the 2026 Ontario Pasture Award. 

In recognition of their environmental improvements and exceptional pasture management, the McKinlays received a $500 cash award and a bag of forage seed courtesy of DLF.

The MacArthurs manage approximately 100 cow-calf pairs, 40 replacement heifers and 20 steers on 220 acres which they manage with rotational grazing and another 250 acres dedicated to grazing.

More than two kilometres of streams and drainage ditches have been fenced to prevent livestock access, helping to safeguard water quality.

Water lines have been installed in every paddock to ensure consistent access while minimizing nutrient concentration in any one area. 

On their crop acres, the MacArthurs implement reduced tillage practices and follow 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles to optimize fertilizer efficiency and enhance soil health.

Robert McKinlay farms with his parents, James and Joan McKinlay, and they manage a beef and cash crop farm with approximately 200 cow-calf pairs on 2,500 acres near Ravenna, as well as 120 cow-calf pairs on 800 acres on Manitoulin Island. 

They family operate distinct herds at the two locations. 

They sell about 30 bulls and 100 bred heifers a year.

The operation transitioned in the 1990s from Fleckvieh genetics to a Red Angus/Simmental-based herd to better align with evolving market demands. 

Now the Manitoulin location is primarily focused on the crossbred herd and supports a strong regional heifer market.

A commitment to land stewardship and forage excellence underpins both locations. 

The northern farm rotates cash crops with about 300 acres of pasture.  

The Ravenna-area farm maintains about 500 acres of pasture and uses double-cut red clover frost seeding to enhance pasture density, productivity and longevity. 

A select group of bred heifers is also pastured at the southern farm.

                           

 

 

Two more PED outbreaks

There have been two more outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in finisher barns.

One is in Middlesex County, the other in Perth County.

PED outbreaks continue

 

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus has broken out in two barns in Huron County, one a nursery-to-finish operation, the other a finishing barn.

PED has also broke out in a finisher barn in Golden Horseshoe reported Swine Health Ontario.