Two parliamentary assistants assigned to Ontario ag minister

Apr 09, 2024

Anthony Leardi, MPP-Essex, has been assigned new duties in the government of Premier Doug Ford. Mr. Leardi assumes the role of Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“We all know how important agriculture is to the Riding of Essex. And, of course, we all know that good things grow in Ontario!” said Leardi. “I’m looking forward to working with Minister Lisa Thompson on agricultural initiatives.”

John Jordan, MPP-Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, also assumes the role of Parliamentary Assistant. Representing eastern Ontario, he and his family own a small farm.

Trevor Jones, MPP – Chatham-Kent-Leamington moves to the role of parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

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Video: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?

At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.

Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.

These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.