On June 29, as part of a regional tour of southern Ontario, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture Pierre Lemieux toured a farm here to learn about the adverse effects stable flies have on dairy and beef farms.
“Our Government is always interested in practical science and common sense solutions that can help our farmers grow their profits,” said Lemieux. As part of the tour, Lemieux learned that biting-flies on livestock farms can significantly affect the bottom line of farmers, but that these pests can be controlled.
Dr. David Beresford, biology professor at the University of Trent, has studied ways of mitigating the problem.
“I am pleased that our government is interested in practical research. Biting flies, for example, costs the dairy and beef industries in North America $3 billion per year in lost weight and production,” said Beresford.
“Based on my research, I have been able to slowdown the growth rate of stable flies on farms by 15%, and with further research I hope to halt their population growth entirely.”
Lemieux highlighted government funding for science and innovation, including the Agriculture Innovation Program (two years, $50-million), which helps to get new products and technologies to market, and improves productivity and competitiveness.
