Thomas Eckschmidt's Page

Woolwich Farmland Fight - Petition Urges Council to Protect Prime Ontario Agricultural Land

A proposed development in Woolwich Township has sparked community opposition as residents seek to protect more than 100 acres of prime agricultural land from being redesignated for employment use.

Canadian Ag Minister Works to Strengthen US Farm Trade Ties at Iowa State Fair

Canada’s agriculture minister used the Iowa State Fair to strengthen relationships with key U.S. agricultural leaders, highlighting the importance of the $101.2 billion Canada-U.S. agricultural trading partnership

SHIC-Funded Study Examines Mammalian Orthoreovirus, Adenovirus, Novel Pathogens in US Swine Herd

The Swine Health Information Center funded a study to examine whether mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) and porcine adenovirus (PAdV) are present in US swine herds and whether they pose health risks. Led by Dr. Wenjun Ma, University of Missouri, the study suggests that MRV and PAdV can infect pigs and contribute to general enteric disease but that these viruses are not associated with severe or unique clinical signs. These findings suggest that both viruses circulate in swine populations, with evidence pointing toward intestinal shedding or prior exposure rather than widespread active disease in routine tissue submissions. For producers and their veterinarians, this study helps interpret diagnostic findings on MRV or PAdV, enabling more informed herd health decisions. Read the industry summary of study #24-022 here. Emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens remain an ongoing threat to the US swine industry, and undiagnosed disease outbreaks continue to highlight important gaps in pathogen

Grain Markets Climb on Weather and Supply Concerns

Grain markets finished higher during the week ending August 14, 2026, driven by a supportive USDA crop report, heavy Midwest weather risks, lower private yield estimates, and Black Sea geopolitical tensions.

Gay Lea Expands Dairy Plant for Protein Demand

Gay Lea Foods is investing more than $200 million to expand its Toronto dairy plant, helping meet growing demand for high-protein dairy products while creating jobs and supporting Canadian farmers.