Demand for forages strong in other countries, but Canadian forage growers face major hurdles getting their products to market
So close, but yet so far away. Although Churchill is the nearest saltwater port for Prairie forage growers, a consultant’s analysis has ruled out its potential as a cheaper option shipping hay to other countries. “We had hoped the Churchill port would be able to play an important part in the development of an overseasChurchill port no solution for forage exporters, report says
Hay is here, markets are there
The hay is here, it’s moving it that’s the problem. The Tyrchniewicz report found that the Manitoba and Saskatchewan forage industry has sufficient quality and quantities of forage for export markets, the spotty availability of up-to-date market intelligence and a lack of compressing, pelleting and cubing facilities hinders the export trade. Portage la Prairie and
Brandon to host Best of Belgian Breed event
Draft horse fans can look forward to an extra treat as the North American Belgian Championships returns July 17-21
If you didn’t get enough of the heavy horses at the recent Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, take heart, because more is on the way this summer. For the first time since 1996, the North American Belgian Championships is coming on July 17 to 21, said Brenda Hunter, secretary of the Manitoba Percheron & Belgian ClubFairgoers perk up ears for Whistlin’ Dixie
The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is pitched as one of the top horse events in Canada. So what was old Long Ears doing there? Whistlin’ Dixie, a thoroughbred-cross molly mule, was there to compete in the dressage and jumping events. But after a minor leg injury left her on the sidelines, owner Katherine Cook of
MLMMI calls for “commercially available” solid manure solutions
With a November 2013 deadline looming for compliance with the province’s manure phosphorus regulations, the Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI) continues to look for solutions. In a recent call for proposals, the organization invited applications for projects examining commercially available technologies for storing, distributing, and making value-added use of the phosphorus-rich solid component of
Flax plant’s future up in the air
The flames that consumed the Glanbia flax-processing plant south of Angusville were doused last week, but a smouldering sense of uncertainty lingers. The plant formerly owned by Glen and Linda Pizzey was the largest employer in the RM of Silver Creek, providing not only 58 good-paying, full-time jobs, but also a large chunk of the
Better times ahead for organic farmers held on through downturn
The recession has taken its toll on Canada’s certified organic sector, but the worst may already be over. The number of Canadian certified organic farms peaked at 3,914 in 2009. Then the recession hit and that number fell 4.5 per cent nationwide, with a 16 per cent plunge in Saskatchewan, once home to the largest
Organic hemp a money-maker
Manitoba organic farmers could be reaping excellent returns from the “green buffalo,” according to the co-founder of the world’s largest vertically integrated hemp food-processing facility based in Winnipeg. Only five per cent of the 7,000 acres of organic hemp seed contracted each year by Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods and Oils comes from its home province,
GMO proliferation an existential threat to organic farmers
Sourcing organic alfalfa seed has become more complicated since the commercial release of genetically modified alfalfa in the U.S., the executive director of the Canadian Organic Trade Association says. Although it is not yet grown commercially in Canada, the herbicide-tolerant forage crop was given a green light by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 2005
Too soon to give up on winter wheat
The Prairie winter wheat crop may have been left looking a bit worse for wear due to unusually low snowfall cover, but there’s still life lurking below those browned-off stalks. That’s because it takes more than just a tap on the head to kill winter wheat, said Outlook, Sask.-area farmer Dale Hicks, who is also
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