Columns & Farming Articles - Manitoba Co-operator

An established relationship with a veterinarian is key to future use of antimicrobial products.

Handle antibiotics with care

Horse Health: How the ‘new’ veterinary oversight affects horse ownership

By Carol Shwetz December 29, 2018

First of all, the idea of veterinary oversight regarding the use of antibiotics in animals is nothing new. However, as of December 1, 2018 what animal owners will notice as “new” regarding the purchase of all antimicrobials for animal health is the need for the involvement with a veterinarian to ensure prudent use of antibiotics.

One type of mosquito, the Culex tarsal, spreads WNV to horses and humans and this species usually appears later in the summer season.

Columns, Livestock, Other

West Nile virus revisits horses in the Prairies

Horse Health: There can be cycles of this disease, which are subject to a complex interplay

By Carol Shwetz November 21, 2018

Since the first horse was detected with West Nile virus (WNV) in Canada in 2002 the prevalence of the disease has cycled annually through peaks and troughs. The initial peak prevalence occurred in 2003 following its introduction. In the following years much fewer cases were reported until 2007 when the incidence of the disease spiked

Processed feeds are especially prone to short shelf life, but there’s no requirement for formal expiry dates.

Columns, Livestock

Expiry dates matter to horses too

Keep an eye on the freshness of everything from medications to feed

By Carol Shwetz September 25, 2018

Modern horse keeping carries a responsibility of housekeeping that pertains to periodically reviewing the expiry dates of products routinely used in the care of the horse. Most horse owners will immediately consider the expiry dates of drugs and medications, however, there are other items that also carry expiry dates that may be even more relevant

Columns, Livestock

Be on guard for neurotropic equine herpesvirus-1 (nEHV-1)

Symptoms range from none through mild respiratory infection to abortion and paralysis 

By Carol Shwetz August 29, 2018

A diagnosis of neurotropic equine herpesvirus (nEHV-1) in a horse displaying neurological symptoms has recently been confirmed in Saskatchewan. Prior to diagnosis this horse had travelled to a number of rodeos in Alberta and thus there is the potential for exposure of numerous horses. As a result, horse owners have been alerted and are advised

Saskatchewan farming prices – in 2016 dollars per acre.

Columns, Markets, Other

Risk and volatility not necessarily same

Hedging Your Bets: Current canola and farmland prices are examples of markets at risk of a sudden change

By David Derwin August 1, 2018

When thinking about risk, there can be a lot of different interpretations. Risk does not have to mean volatility but the two tend to work in conjunction. One way to define risk is ‘the consequence of not meeting your goals.’ One of my favourite authors on the topic of market risk and practical trading ideas

Columns, Weather, Weather Vane

Forecast: A potential heat wave, again

By Daniel Bezte July 20, 2017

Last week’s forecast began with a much-stronger-than-anticipated area of low pressure that brought some welcome rains to a good portion of southern and central Manitoba. The rest of the forecast played out fairly well, but once again, the forecast heat didn’t really materialize as the western ridge of high pressure is continually knocked down every

Columns, Editorial, Opinion

Editorial: New opportunities

By Gord Gilmour July 20, 2017

Agriculture is often viewed, especially by outsiders, as a staid and conservative place where things are done by tradition. To be fair, it’s often true. After all, you’re practising a craft that’s 12,000 years old and the foundation of human civilization. Without farming we’d all be hunting and gathering our next meal with no time

Blue and purple fruits and vegetables frequently are packed with these powerful antioxidants.

Columns, Country Crossroads

Prairie Fare: Enjoyed any anthocyanins lately?

By Julie Garden-Robinson July 19, 2017

What colour scheme should we have this year?” I asked my older daughter as we surveyed the flower pots we needed to fill earlier this summer. “Mom, you always get pink and purple flowers,” she replied with a grin. Yes, she knows her mother. I usually fill my cart with pink and purple flowers. Just

Columns, Weather, Weather Vane

Forecast: Warm, with scattered thunderstorms

By Daniel Bezte July 13, 2017

Well, for once, our weather over the last forecast period played out fairly close to what the weather models were calling for and we didn’t get hijacked by an upper-level low. What didn’t pan out as forecast was the extreme heat that was expected to move in — at least, not yet. The weather models

Columns, Editorial, Opinion, Other

Editorial: Midpoint

By Gord Gilmour July 13, 2017

It’s that point of the summer when the crops are really getting their legs. They’re growing, stretching and filling and now success or failure is largely between themselves and Mother Nature. As a farmer, you’ve done what you can to set them up for success, and that’s no doubt made for some hard work, long

Daily Network News

Canadian Cattle Association won’t back traceability changes

Farmers’ Almanac rescued from closure; fate of Canadian content unknown

Do More Ag to fund rural groups’ mental health workshops

Columns