Manitoba has its first national TESA winner of the 21st century. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s ‘The Environmental Stewardship Award’ was given to Circle H Farms, owned and operated by the Harper family of Brandon, August 15 during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. That event was held in London, Ont. this year. TESA is for producers
Brandon farmer wins national TESA award
Circle H Farms near Brandon is the latest national TESA winner
Dry weather forecasts a season of hard choices
With pastures burning up and the forage harvest a fraction of normal, cattle producers are searching for affordable feed alternatives while considering how many cattle they must sell
Mike Duguid knew it would be a tough year for feed in the spring while he was assessing the winterkill in his alfalfa and poor pasture growth on his Interlake farm. “Some of the grasses had windburn and there was no moisture,” the Camp Morton-area producer said. “Lots of grasses require more moisture than southern
Straw shortfalls throw a wrench in feed plans
There have been widespread reports of straw shortages, with producers pointing to drought stress on cereals, as well as harvest technologies that pulverize it
Straw is in high demand and short supply in Manitoba. Producers looking to it as an alternative feed source are finding there is little to be had due to drought-shortened cereal crops, crop rotation shifts, and the proliferation of rotary combines. Ray Bittner, provincial livestock specialist in the Interlake, said there is “almost no straw
Setting up for success as planting season approaches for winter wheat
Winter wheat specialists anticipating another dry seeding season have some advice on the best recipe for success
Manitoba’s winter wheat woes this year may have some lessons for the coming crop. Ken Gross, agronomist with the Western Winter Wheat Initiative, says fields that survived their dry planting, harsh winter and hot, dry, growing season this year might offer insight for what will likely be similarly moisture-starved conditions this fall. Winter wheat acreage
Adapting the adaptive grazing program
Planned grazing must be flexible enough to fit real life, experts say
The term may be “planned” grazing, but the plan may not survive contact with the field. That was the message that provincial livestock specialists Pam Iwanchysko and Jane Thornton recently made during a planned grazing workshop at the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives site. “There’s no silver bullet in any grazing system,” Thornton said. “I
Feed shortage looms
Livestock industry warns of short feed supplies due to dry conditions as pastures start to run out of both forage and water
Manitoba livestock producers are bracing for a double hit. They’re facing their second extended feeding season at the same time as forage yields have fallen short. Extension staff are predicting feed shortages in some regions. Herds were already late coming onto pasture this spring after conditions slowed regrowth. Now, herds in Manitoba’s driest areas may
Breaking down the basics of organic compost in windrows
Organic producers got some expert advice on composting during a July 21 field tour near Boissevain
Organic farmers may want to refine that manure before spreading it. Dale Overton, CEO of Overton Environmental Enterprises, urges organic farmers to add a composting step to their fertility programs, something he says will provide better long-term organic matter gain, fight off weeds and save money on fertilizer. Overton’s arguments echo advice from provincial Agriculture
Made-in-Manitoba meat to head south of the border
True North Foods is already Manitoba’s only federally certified slaughter option for beef. Now, it says USDA approval is imminent
True North Foods in Carman might be days away from federal certification in the U.S. Owner and operator, Calvin Vaags, says they are expecting their USDA certification for beef to be finalized any day now. The milestone would open up the American market for the facility, which is currently the only CFIA certified slaughter plant
Campbell takes the reins at KAP
Bill Campbell has been appointed president until KAP’s next regular elections
*[UPDATED: Aug. 13, 2018] Former Keystone Agricultural Producers vice-president Bill Campbell has moved to the head of the table. The Minto-area producer has been appointed KAP’s next president, replacing Dan Mazier, who left the organization to pursue politics. “I’m really enthusiastic about it,” the fourth-generation farmer said. “I’m encouraged. I really, strongly believe in the KAP
Straight-cutting canola growers urged to be patient on desiccant spray
Producers may be chomping to get the crop off the field, but experts say an early desiccant application in canola might mean loss of quality
Don’t jump the gun on canola desiccation. The growing number of farmers who are straight cutting canola are once again pondering the right time to cut off their growing season, a decision that Canola Council of Canada agronomist Angela Brackenreed says is always difficult, even for experienced producers. Lionel Kaskiw, farm production adviser with Manitoba