Episode 30: Early Adopters and Innovations in Ontario’s Poultry Industry
In The Coop
From the days of cassette tapes and clunky waterers to today’s smart barns and data-driven decisions — innovation in poultry has come a long way! Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall sit down with Kelly Sommerville from the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) to talk about how Ontario’s poultry farmers are leading the charge in adopting new technologies, collaborating across sectors, and shaping a sustainable future for farming. 🎧 Tune in for a fun, insightful look at how innovation has evolved — and what early adopters are gaining by staying ahead of the curve.
info_outline
Episode 29: Cracking into Ontario Ag Week with an Early Adopter and Agvocate Egg Farmer in Ontario
In The Coop
🥚 In the Coop – Cracking into Ontario Ag Week with Egg Farmers of Ontario 🐔 It’s Ontario Agriculture Week! Anneke Donkers-Stickney from Egg Farmers of Ontario to celebrate the egg industry and the farmers who keep Ontario supplied with fresh, local eggs year-round. She shares how she went about building a new barn, finding the best fit for the birds and her busy life as well as how an early adopter can succeed as the pave the way forward. From the importance of connecting with consumers, to fun ways to celebrate Ag Week at home or in your community, this lighthearted...
info_outline
Episode 28: Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword
In The Coop
🌱 In the Coop – Sustainability in Poultry 🐔 Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s shaping the way Ontario’s poultry sector grows, innovates, and connects with consumers. In this episode of In the Coop, Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall welcome Christoph Wand to break down what sustainability really means for poultry production. From defining the term in practical farm-focused language to discussing real-world examples, Christoph shares insights on balancing economics, environment, and animal care, while also building public trust in Ontario-grown food. 🎧 Tune in for a...
info_outline
Episode 27: Cool Birds, Calm Barns: Hot Weather Ventilation with Luke Groszeibl
In The Coop
As summer temperatures rise, so does the pressure on poultry farmers to keep their barns comfortable and their birds thriving. In this hot-topic episode of In the Coop, Tom and Charlotte welcome Luke Groszeibl, Poultry territory manager at Trouw Nutrition and owner operator of Site Solutions, to talk all things ventilation. (Contact information below). Luke shares practical tips and insights on how to manage airflow, reduce heat stress, and avoid common summertime mistakes in broiler and layer barns. Whether you're troubleshooting fan performance, tweaking inlets, or just trying to beat the...
info_outline
Episode 26: Meet Maggy Watson, Leading Ontario Poultry’s Biosecurity Response
In The Coop
In this episode of In the Coop, Charlotte Wall and Tom Lewis sit down with Maggy Watson, the newly appointed General Manager of the Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC). Maggy shares her vision for strengthening Ontario’s poultry biosecurity, how FBCC supports producers during disease outbreaks, and what tools and training are available to help you stay prepared. Learn about Rapid Response Teams, proactive planning, and why staying informed matters more than ever. For more information and resources, visit .
info_outline
Episode 25: Chickens, Choices and Checkout lines
In The Coop
Local Food Week Special Just in time for Local Food Week 2025, we’re cracking open an important conversation about how farmers can confidently engage with the public about poultry production. Our guest this week is none other than Janelle Cardiff—Field Operations Manager at Grey Ridge Eggs and Chair of Farm & Food Care Ontario. Janelle brings her passion for farming, her experience in egg production, and her leadership in public outreach to the coop. We talk about why public trust matters, how to tackle tricky questions from consumers, and simple ways farmers can share their...
info_outline
Episode 24: Artificial Intelligence in your Poultry Barn
In The Coop
🐔💻 Poultry farming meets artificial intelligence! 🎧 Listen now and see what’s possible. In this episode, I sat down with David Speller from @OptiFarm to talk about how artificial intelligence is already changing barns around the world — and what it could mean for your farm. We discuss how to get started, and what it can actually do for you. After this you will not only know more about aritifical intelligence, you will understand how it can integrate to make you great! Better bird health, faster decisions, more efficiency... the future is here. 🔥 Do you still want more? To find...
info_outline
Episode 23: Managing Manure, Maximizing Potential
In The Coop
In this episode we will explore poultry manure insights with Christine Brown. She is the Sustainability Specialist – Field Crops, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA). We will discuss what makes poultry manure unique, and the strategies that will sult in the best use as well as profitability of your nutrients. You may want to check out the , as well as the to help calculate the value of your black gold! Manure Monday webinars are posted online by Field Crop News. There is one that directly addresses poultry, and could be a great place to...
info_outline
Episode 22: Managing Deadstock
In The Coop
In this epsidoe we will discuss the methods of deadstock management. Key themes will include the importancce of proper deadstock management, common deadstock disposal methods, and biosecurity best practices. Guest speakers include Al Dam, and Dan Ward from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Al is the Provincial Poultry Specialist, and Dan is the Agricultural Engineer. They will discuss the methods, and techniques of each method, as well as what you might need to be prepared to manage if you are choosing to invest in a particular method. They will use their...
info_outline
Episode 21: Cultivating Wellness A Conversation with the Canadian Mental Health Association on Agriculture Wellness Ontario
In The Coop
Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall interview Michelle deNijs, from the Canadian Mental Health Association The agricultural community plays a vital role in ensuring Ontario has a healthy economy and local food security – supporting the well-being of all Ontarians. Their programs are tailored specifically for the Ontario agricultural community to provide for their well-being as well. Listen to their podcast to find out how you can access resources, and support your community. For more details check out their website: To speak with Michelle, feel free to contact her at:
info_outlineThis episode covers all things ventilation for a poultry barn. Our guest speakers is Bob Swayze. He is a poultry sales representative at Wallenstein Feed and Supply with a dynamic history in the industry. Bob is passionate about continuous learning, and has spent considerable time focused on ventilation. Bob shares what he has learned from the types of ventilation and how the size and design of barns can impact the results. He will dive into how technology has evolved to offer us more information and insight into managing your bans for optimal success!