Eastern bluebird fledglings in a nesting box.

Birtle birders take bluebirds under their wing

Manitoba organization has a long history of preserving bluebird population

Two Birtle bird lovers are flying high in the Friends of the Bluebirds organization, a group that has saved a couple of species from possible extinction. As woodlands continue to be cleared, nesting boxes help keep bluebird numbers up across the province. Roberta Hutchison and Pat Farquhar watch over 14 of these boxes. Friends of

Ed Brown speaks, sings western lore.

Manitoba’s cowboy poet

Ed Brown of Oak Lake is an award-winning storyteller known throughout North America

Cowboy poet Ed Brown draws on his diverse experience as a rodeo cowboy, trapper and artist to paint scenes of western life through poetry and song. “My performances are an expression of a lifelong love,” said Brown. “It’s a way of life that stubbornly hangs on in the face of drastic global changes.” Brown, 73,

Graham Rannie checks over a full body of spring-sheared wool.

Binscarth sheep producers take farming from hobby to full-time job

Graham Rannie and Janice Johnstone have been raising sheep for years

The Parkland region of the province takes pride in the quality of its grains and livestock, says a Binscarth sheep producer. Graham Rannie, along with wife Janice Johnstone, raise commercial and purebred sheep which they’ve sold to producers across Canada. Up until last July, shepherding was a hobby for Rannie, who worked at the Mosaic

Paige Swain, a 14-year-old student, chalks up barrel racing as her favourite event.

Horsemanship brings life lessons to Shoal Lake student

From competition to leisurely trail rides, Paige Swain cherishes cowgirl lifestyle

The cowgirl lifestyle is building responsibility and dedication for one Shoal Lake student. “As a person the rodeo lifestyle has taught me so much,” said Paige Swain, who will soon graduate Grade 9. “It has taught me how to interact with all types of people, responsibility and dedication to not only my wants but also

Fifteen-year-old Ty solely competes in team roping (l), while his younger brother Lane is a five-event junior high cowboy, shown here wrangling a steer in chute dogging.

The life of a working cowboy

Nykoliation brothers Ty and Lane are living the lifestyle of lariats and horses

Real ranches, rodeos and cattle drives aren’t just preserving the frontier spirit, they’re actively practising it. Much the same can be said for a couple of young cowpokes, living the dream on the escarpment carved out in the western region of Manitoba. The Nykoliation family of Crandall has been cattle ranching for over 40 years,


Members of the McIntyre clan, Lacey, Shane, Kelly, Pam with Dayce, and Kayla, from left, enjoy horses, along with the horse operation founders Randy and Pat.

McIntyre family exploding into performance horse market

Six-year-old stallion Smokin’ N Rockin’ top rope horse in the United States

There’s something special about life with horses, as the McIntyre family of Strathclair has come to learn, both from a business and pleasure standpoint. Prodigy of River Hills Ranch Ltd., located approximately nine kilometres northwest of the community, can be found in multiple disciplines from a local, provincial, national and international perspective. Four generations of

Crop input supplies not hit by Brandon COVID-19 cluster

Crop input supplies not hit by Brandon COVID-19 cluster

News recently broke that a number of service staff at a trucking firm that hauls fertilizer had tested positive but so far there's been no delays

Koch Fertilizer Canada says it has not been impacted by news that its major trucking provider has had several confirmed cases of COVID-19 among maintenance staff. On May 6, The Brandon Sun reported that seven cases had been linked to Oak Point Service, the maintenance branch of Paul’s Hauling Ltd. A number of employees of

Cam and Myrna Schweitzer, from left, accepted the award from Blair McRae, Canadian Simmental Association representative.

Schweitzer Simmentals honoured with distinguished service award

Cam and Myrna Schweitzer have been breed supporters for 37 years

Dedication and perseverance play important roles in the cattle industry, from farm gate to association perspective. Showcasing those elements, Cam and Myrna Schweitzer of Schweitzer Simmentals, near Decker, were recognized by the Manitoba Simmental Association (MSA) at the Premium Beef Bull Sale held on March 18 in Neepawa. It was here where the couple received


USGS personnel measure flood overflow at a bridge on the Red River near Thompson, North Dakota on April 6 during the flood of 2006.

Province says flood outlook remains weather dependent

FLOOD: Forecasters expect high water levels similar to last spring, barring major weather events

With rivers near Fargo and Grand Forks at flood stage, a significant inflow of water is expected in Manitoba soon, the province announced March 31. “Our outlook remains similar to the first outlook we released in late February and our focus continues to be on the Red River this spring,” said minister of infrastructure Ron

Manitoba government proclaims Watershed District Act

Manitoba government proclaims Watershed District Act

District members had expressed concern that act would be delayed, complicating plans

The act that reforms conservation districts along watershed lines was proclaimed Dec. 30, slightly ahead of schedule. “This new model of improved watershed management strategies will improve the quality of our water in lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams, an important step towards mitigating climate change locally and globally,” said Blaine Pedersen, minister of Agriculture and