Relationships matter. This might sound like a cliché to some, but that does not make it any less true. Agriculture in Western Canada is dependent on trade. Maintaining our relationships with our partners in other countries is one of the most important things agriculture representatives do, and no relationship is more important than with our
Comment: A most important relationship
Farmers on both sides of the border will benefit if they work together
Comment: Disease, drought, and war – a time of volatility
Despite these challenges, farmers remain surprisingly optimistic
Anyone who tells you that they know where commodity prices will be six months from now is either being misleading or fails to have a firm grip on reality. We are in a time where contradictory pressures on supply and demand are combined with political upheavals. As a result, farmers can expect an extended period
Comment: A tale of two pandemics
Both COVID and PED suggest finding new solutions is key to future
It has been over two years since we first heard the words COVID-19. Since then, we have seen over 130,000 Manitobans become ill from the virus and over 1,500 deaths from the disease. Our mental health has taken a hit too, families kept apart, kids seeing extended time away from school, and the normal interactions
Comment: Solving the ag-labour crunch
The agriculture sector will need a united effort to address this issue
The availability of labour is a critical factor in determining the long-term growth and profitability of Canadian agriculture. The ongoing viability of many farm businesses will be determined by labour. Farms, rural communities, value-added processing, and key support sectors like transportation, are all struggling to find and keep staff. This is not a new story,
Comment: We need trade agreements that work
A top priority of the incoming government should be ensuring trade deals are respected
We have had an election and now government priorities are being set and ministers who will implement the plan are being selected. What would you tell them if you had the chance? The pork sector is hoping that policy-makers are focusing on securing international access for our products. Trade is critically important to Manitoba’s hog
Comment: Your voice matters this election – let it be heard
Vote. This is your chance to ensure agriculture’s voice is heard in government
Political campaigners have an adage, “public policy is set by those who show up.” We are in the middle of a federal election and now is the best time for individual producers to influence policy. Now is the time for you to actively participate in the political process and let your voice be heard, and
Comment: Wild pigs an alien invasion
It’s time for co-ordinated, targeted eradication efforts on wild pigs
We have been invaded by aliens. No, not green creatures from Area 51, but by plants and animals that don’t belong here. Take, for example, the common dandelion, which is not native to North America. European settlers brought dandelions here in the mid-1600s to enhance their gardens. Zebra mussels are another example; they are not
Opinion: Public trust and modern agriculture
Don’t dread the public’s newfound interest — treat it as an opportunity
I find that many farmers react to the words “public trust” like a cat running across hot pavement. The subject is often viewed as a threat, seen by some as rhetorical cover for those who want to dismantle modern agriculture. While I understand the reaction, I have a different response. I see public questions on
Comment: Agriculture, the environment, and animal care
Pork producers have stringent care standards and deserve protection from intruders
Legislation brought forward by the provincial government has sparked debate about agriculture in Manitoba. The Animal Diseases Amendment Act has drawn comments about environmental impact and animal care. In the past, farmers produced a little of everything. A few animals, a bit of grain, produced with minimal inputs. Some nostalgically view this bygone era as
Comment: COVID-19 pandemic – lessons to keep
Most of us can’t wait to turn the page on the pandemic, but we’ve also learned a lot
As we approach the one-year anniversary of pandemic lockdowns, COVID-19 fatigue has set in for most. We want to see our families again. We want to have a barbecue with our neighbours. We want to be able to meet a group of friends at a restaurant. While we don’t want to talk about positives coming
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
