From Fragmented to Flourishing: Rebuilding Canada’s Knowledge Transfer System in Agriculture

Last month, we shared our thoughts on the value of scientific communication in agriculture—and the response was loud and clear: this conversation matters. 

So this month, we’re diving deeper into key questions:

• What happens when you take away a centralized public extension model—but don’t replace it with anything cohesive?

• What does it look like when great work is happening all over the agri-food sector—but it’s not aligned?

Our latest piece looks at the fragmentation in Canada’s agricultural knowledge ecosystem, and what it’s costing us.

TLDR: We don’t need to go back to the old model—but we do need systems that allow research, communication, and practice to connect, grow, and create real impact. In the article, we explore:

• Why decentralization without coordination is leaving gaps

• Why “just communicate more” isn’t the answer

• The case for knowledge brokers and cross-sector synthesis

• Five strategic ideas for moving forward

• How ACER supports KTT that actually works

Give the full article a read below!

What Are We Reading This Month?

Enhancing movement opportunity to support behavioral needs for movement-restricted cattle through different conditions of access to exercise

In a nutshell: Intensive livestock systems increase indoor confinement, reducing cows’ ability to move freely and engage in natural behaviours like walking and exploring. This research looked at how giving dairy cows in tie-stalls access to extra space could support their need for movement. Specifically, they examined: (1) how time in a designated exercise area influenced movement patterns; (2) how access to exercise conditions benefit cows; and (3) how cows spent their time during sessions in an exercise area. Studies were done involving 141 lactating Holsteins, testing various setups (indoor vs. outdoor space, time allowed, area size, surface type). Statistical models and a meta-analysis were used to compare step counts with and without exercise access. One hour of daily exercise led to 53% more steps, and was influenced by type of space, larger spaces, and longer sessions. While cows were mostly inactive during this time (50–85%), they also explored (5–20%) and interacted with others (5%). Findings show that even limited daily exercise substantially improved mobility in tie-stall cows.

Real-World Resources

Preventing an outbreak: H5N1 in dairy cattle with Dr. Murray Gillies and Dr. Henry Ceelen

What is the Canadian situation when it comes to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in the dairy industry? How is it affecting the livestock and production of U.S. farms and what is our risk in Canada?

🎧 Check out this new podcast produced for the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS), and join Dr. Steven Roche as he discusses these developments with Dr. Murray Gillies and Dr. Henry Ceelen, who offer an inside perspective on how Canada is responding to the evolving risk of HPAI.

Click below to listen to the full podcast.