‘Better Farming – Bigger Profits’

‘Better Farming – Bigger Profits’

Our History: September 1954

In 1954 many farmers were still getting used to the novelty of electricity and the Manitoba Power Commission (later Manitoba Hydro) was promoting its use. This ad in our Sept. 2 issue said that on Hydro’s “third block rate,” 200 lbs. of grain could be ground for only one cent. The year 1954 saw one

Manitoba Flavours: Irish Pork Stew

Manitoba Flavours: Irish Pork Stew

Plus, Velvety Bean Bread

Irish Pork Stew Ingredients 1/3 c. / 80 ml all-purpose flour 1 tsp. / 5 ml salt 1/4 tsp. / 1 ml ground black pepper 2 lbs. / 1 kg pork stewing cubes, well trimmed 1 tbsp. / 15 ml canola oil 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 c. /

Virden Hargrave Pool: An elevator one mile northwest of Virden was built between 1977 and 1978 by Manitoba Pool, replacing a smaller elevator in town. The 110,000-bushel facility was one of the first modern “high-throughput” composite designs, featuring twin metal legs, a digital scale, and exposed spouts on top. Dubbed “Virden Hargrave” for the area it would serve, the elevator was barely 24 years old when it was closed by Agricore United in February 2002, then used for private grain storage until around 2013.

PHOTOS: This Old Elevator: August 2019

In the 1950s, there were over 700 grain elevators in Manitoba. Today, there are fewer than 200. You can help to preserve the legacy of these disappearing “Prairie sentinels.” The Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) is gathering information about all elevators that ever stood in Manitoba, regardless of their present status. Collaborating with the Manitoba Co-operator it is supplying these

Grilled margarita pork chops.

Manitoba Flavours: Grilled Margarita Chops

Plus, Chicken Salad Chapala and a Honey-Cumin Vinaigrette

Grilled Margarita Chops Ingredients 4 pork rib chops, bone-in, about 1-1/2 inch Juice of 2 limes 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. EACH garlic powder, dried oregano leaves and ground cumin 1/2 tsp. EACH coarse salt and chipotle chili powder 3 tbsp. tequila 2 tbsp. canola oilChopped fresh cilantro and wedges of lime for garnish

Two wet years and cool to boot

Two wet years and cool to boot

Our History: September 2009

This year the Interlake has been the driest part of the province, but during the late 2000s it went through some unusually wet years, and 2009 was the second in a row. This aerial photo from our Sept. 10, 2009 issue was taken Aug. 22 and showed the area around Arnes north of Gimli. That


Manitoba Flavours: Baked Apple and Bacon Pancake

Manitoba Flavours: Baked Apple and Bacon Pancake

Plus, Lentil Cakes with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Baked Apple and Bacon Pancake Ingredients 4 tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1/3 c. (80 ml) dark brown sugar 1 tsp. (5 ml) ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. (2 ml) ground nutmeg 2 tbsp. (30 ml) butter 6 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked, drained and torn into small pieces 3 large eggs 1 c.

Solving storage space problems for farmers

Solving storage space problems for farmers

Our History: August 1968

Canadian grain carry-overs were building in the late 1960s, prompting farmers to look for more storage space. This ad in our Aug. 15, 1968 issue said that a shed with whole year’s storage could be purchased for 15 cents per bushel, leaving a machinery storage building for the future. The year turned out to have

Manitoba Flavours: Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Manitoba Flavours: Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Plus, Broccoli and Cheddar White Bean Spread

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients 1 tbsp. (15 ml) canola oil 1 c. (250 ml) chopped yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb. (0.5 kg) lean ground pork 1 10-oz. (284-ml) can sodium-reduced beef broth 2 tbsp. (30 ml) tomato paste 2 tbsp. (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp. (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme


This crop-duster is a dual-purpose firefighting machine.

Birtle crop-dusters add firefighting to their profile

First-of-its-kind multi-purpose plane that can battle blazes ready for take off

A Birtle-area crop-duster is getting into the firefighting business. Randy and Janet Sandstrom have expanded their crop-dusting business to now offer aerial firefighting assistance to local fire departments. They are the proud owners of a serial No. 1 from Thrush Aircraft, a single cockpit plane with a switchback fire gate, the first-of-its-kind, multi-purpose aircraft capable

Harvest all your grain

Harvest all your grain

Our History: August 1978

One of the earliest combine monitors in Western Canada was advertised by Smith-Roles in our August 17, 1978 issue. Above the ad was a story about the second year of tests of zero tillage at seven farms in northwestern Manitoba. A Manitoba Agriculture representative said it seemed to be working well. “Neighbours were skeptical at

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