Regenerative agriculture champion Ryan Boyd says he benefited from solid advice from the older generation upon his return to the farm—when he listened.

Two generations benefit when implementing new ideas on the farm

A successful farm transition will rely on the skills and abilities of both parties


When Ryan Boyd returned to the family operation, South Glanton Farms, near Forrest, he knew he wanted to do things a bit differently. His interest had been sparked in the concept of regenerative agriculture, a farming system that aims to increase biodiversity, enrich soils, improve watersheds, enhance ecosystem services and capture carbon in the soil.

Justin Girard shows how 100 km/h winds bent the metal frame of a hoop house, destroying the structure.

Catastrophic crop loss highlights need for small-farm insurance

Four years after the Small Scale Farm Manitoba report, crop insurance for small-scale food producers doesn’t seem to be on the province’s radar

It was shaping up to be a banner year for Justin Girard. Hearts and Roots, which Girard runs with wife Britt Embry, is a certified organic farm that sells veggies through farmers’ markets, wholesale and Instagram-worthy subscription boxes. But on July 14, instead of shots of glistening greens or farm dog Merle, Hearts and Roots


Editor’s Take: Fair’s fair

An old friend lives in Winnipeg along a major thoroughfare that’s slated for expansion at some yet-to-be-determined future date. He and his wife have lived there for nearly 20 years, and the word of the planned roadwork came down shortly after they bought the house. They’ve been told, in no uncertain terms, that once the

Ongoing flooding issues, such as this during the spring of 2011, have made an outlet channel a necessity.

Divided by a ditch: Landowners left in limbo

Lake St. Martin-area landowners say they can’t get on with their lives until the expropriation process ends

David Gall of Moosehorn doesn’t know where his family will be living in two years, nor does he know how much he will be paid for his house, his barns or the rest of his home quarter, land already expropriated by the province. Gall is among the Interlake farmers in the direct path of the


Bison producers chime in on Crown lands

Bison producers chime in on Crown lands

Bison producers have their own opinions and concerns when it comes to Crown land changes

Manitoba’s bison producers are hoping for a bigger piece of the pie when it comes to Agricultural Crown Lands. The Manitoba Bison Association is among the producer groups weighing in as the provincial government looks to overhaul Crown land allocations. In fall 2018, the province changed the Crown Lands Act to include open auctions instead

Some producers are worried of the financial impact to their operations once the province releases their new Crown lands regulations.

Ranchers call for certainty on unit transfers

Northern ranchers are worried that Crown land unit transfers might disappear ‘with a stroke of the pen’

Northern beef producers say they stand to take a big hit on farm value, should unit transfers not be on the table when the province releases their Crown lands regulations. The province froze both new Crown land leases and unit transfer applications in the wake of changes to the Crown Lands Act, pending a review.


Bringing in the next generation isn’t easy but it’s been a focus for the Hilton family. From left, Sterling, Dane, Reid, Lynne and Spencer Hilton (pictured in the early fall when snow held up combining).

Five generations strong: Putting success into farm succession

Hilton Ventures has grown by leaps and bounds but the greatest accomplishment is bringing in the next generation

By virtually any measure, the Hilton family is successful. Over the past three decades, the family has expanded its Strathmore, Alta.-area operation from just over 2,800 acres to around 13,000, diversified crop production, and started a successful malting and brewing company that complements the core farm business. As well, family members have taken leadership roles

Revised commodity group merger proposal responds to farmer concerns

Revised commodity group merger proposal responds to farmer concerns

Crop committees and delegates will help with the workload and encourage engagement with members

Manitoba commodity groups seeking amalgamation say their proposal to create four crop committees and a delegate system should allay concerns about a bigger workload for directors and engaging members. The proposal, and the process leading up to a merger vote by farmer-members set for February 2020, were released last month and explained in depth during


Crown lands can make up a significant proportion of some operations’ land bases, which means clarity is needed quickly 
within the regulations.

Playing the waiting game on Crown lands

Anyone hoping to put their bid in for Agricultural Crown Lands access was out of luck this fall as everything has been put on hold

Producers are still in limbo if they are looking to transfer their right to Agricultural Crown Lands. The province’s freeze on new lease applications and unit transfers is still in effect, following the end of the points system and the adoption of tenders or open auctions last year. The province has said that applications received

Speaker lineup underlines advocacy pitch

More than 60 presenters educate, entertain and inspire at this year’s event

If your show’s theme is to tell the world about agriculture, it sure doesn’t hurt to assemble 60 world-class speakers to help get the agriculture message across, which is exactly what Manitoba Ag Days has done. “It takes a lot of time, preparation and planning to bring in a speaker lineup like we have for