Keeping the cows fed all winter can be a real chore. First, you have to remember to keep the tractor plugged in so it will start when it’s needed. If it’s an old junker, you might want to keep a can of ether handy, too, for a good snort up the intake when it’s really
Keeping Wires Hot Amid Ice, Snow
New Book Takes Aim At Global Food Issues
The continuing exodus of rural peasants to urban centres is the result of “capitalist agriculture” and hampers the planet’s ability to feed itself, according to a new book published by the National Farmers Union. Rural depopulation is the legacy of Britain’s 18th century pursuit of mercantilist dominance of global trade which promoted urbanization as progress
Friction Boffins See Future In Plant-Based Oils
There’s one simple reason why Linnaeus Plant Sciences founder Jack Grushcow would rather talk about camelina as a lubricant than as camelina in your tank. Fuel sells for around $1 per litre, but hydraulic fluid sells for $5 per litre. The Vancouver-based entrepreneur told the recent Canadian Weed Science Society’s annual meeting there are a
One-Man Silage Rig Helps Beat The Deluge
What do you do when it’s the end of June and the first cut is ready, but there’s rain in the forecast? The answer, generally, is silage. The problem is a silaging operation typically requires at least three people operating three machines – unless you have a self-loading silage wagon. Don Green, who runs a
Women Are Ranching For Themselves
Don’t let the menfolk hear you say it, but women can ranch solo just as well as any bachelor. “I’ve done it a lot of years, and you know there isn’t anything that requires so much physical strength that a woman can’t do it,” said Myna Cryderman, who gave an overview of her 80-head operation
Three Ranchers Face Court Over TB Testing
Ranchers at odds with Canadian Food Inspection Agency over testing for bovine tuberculosis are continuing to fight their cases in court. Clanwilliam-area rancher Nick Synchyshyn will face trial May 16 on three charges under the Health of Animals Act related to an incident that occurred on Nov. 17, 2009. Synchyshyn, who was fined $3,000 earlier
Weed Science Meet Looks At Risk Of Runaway Crops
Creating super varieties through genetic modification and introducing new crops could open a Pandora’s box of problems, according to some leading weed scientists. Farmers have long battled introduced crops such as kochia – a drought-tolerant, prolific forage that is now one of the most abundant weeds in North America. “The invasion by crops is not
Call For Brand Inspection Shot Down
The Manitoba Cattle Producers Association has voted to stop pushing for province-wide, mandatory brand inspection. In a hotly debated resolut ion at the group’s recent annual general meet ing, voices calling for Manitoba to join Alberta and Saskatchewan in maintaining brand inspectors were outnumbered by those who argued that such a system was too costly,
MCPA Airs Range Of Wildlife Beefs
Robin Hood famously hunted the king’s deer in Sherwood Forest. Should Manitoba’s ranchers be allowed to do the same? As part of a wide-ranging discussion of wildlife issues at the Manitoba Cattle Producer’s Association annual general meeting, Don Ransom spoke in favour of a resolution carried by the MCPA to lobby the provincial government to
New Animal Welfare Laws Give Enforcement Officials New Power
Manitoba’s new Animal Care Act gives enforcement officers sweeping powers to investigate and prosecute cases of animal abuse whether they are in the city or on the farm, the province’s top animal welfare officer says. “We really have police powers. We can enter and collect evidence. You must cooperate with me when I ask you
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