Manitobans will be allowed to use whichever federally approved pesticide they’d like on their lawns if newly introduced rules are passed. “We’ve heard from Manitobans and their concerns that current methods are ineffective,” said Jeff Wharton, the minister of environment, climate and parks in a March 14 news release. “This legislation would help protect areas
Province proposes relaxed rules on lawn pesticides
Wharton says the province will follow Health Canada’s lead on lawn chemical safety
Canola theft sees Rivers farmer warn others to secure farmyards
Thieves made off with a B-train load of canola, an estimated value of $40,000
A Rivers-area farmer is warning others to take farm security seriously after thieves made off with about $40,000 worth of his canola. “I don’t think farmers realize how vulnerable they are,” said Les Wedderburn. “We didn’t.” Wedderburn farms southwest of Rivers, growing grain and oilseeds with his brother. In early March, they opened up a
Overwhelming uncertainty this spring’s constant
Despite high prices and glitchy supply chains, farmers aren’t without optimism
In the face of volatility on all sides, some Manitoba farmers are leaving nothing to chance — and that’s a good call, says one expert. “It’s overwhelming uncertainty,” said Darren Bond, a farm management specialist with the province. At the midpoint of March, hulking heaps of snow had just begun to melt. Despite flood predictions
The Conservation Trust pledges $2.86 million to conservation projects
The investments will make the landscape more resilient to the effects of climate change, says MHHC
A Ducks Unlimited project to restore native grasslands; support for cattle producers to conserve grasslands; and an initiative to protect land along Lake Winnipeg are among projects funded by the Conservation Trust this year. “These funds provide new opportunities to improve wildlife, water and soil conservation across the province,” said Stephen Carlyle, chief executive officer
Province continues to predict moderate to major flooding
Snowmelt needed in both the rivers and reservoirs, and in the soil, says AAFC expert
How Manitoba’s mounds of snow will translate to floods and soil moisture remains to be seen, but they still represent a remarkable turnaround from last year’s severe drought. “The moisture situation has improved unbelievably,” said Trevor Hadwen, an agroclimate specialist with Agriculture Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). He spoke with the Co-operator on March 15. The magnitude
Manitoba growers pleased to see Peak of the Market deregulate
Held back by its own rules, Peak wants to be free to expand, say CEO, chair
If a recently announced bill passes, Peak of the Market’s quasi-monopoly over Manitoba potatoes and root veggies will come to an end — and it seems no one will be sad to see it go. “As Peak of the Market growers we are unanimous in this decision,” said Peter Loewen, a vegetable grower and chair
Farm accident sends harvesting company to court
Protective equipment, while the law, is actually the last line of defence, says safety expert
An on-farm incident that injured a worker and landed his employer in court isn’t as simple as broken regulations, says an ag safety expert. “It’s bigger than just PPE (personal protective equipment),” said Robert Gobeil, agricultural safety and health specialist with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). Skyline Harvest Corp., a Blumenort-based company, received an
One-size-fits-all approach won’t work for Indigenous protein innovation: experts
Remote communities and lack of access to sales, processing infrastructure a barrier to Indigenous food entrepreneurs
A lack of appreciation for Indigenous communities’ knowledge, goals and approaches to food production is hampering business development, experts told the Manitoba Protein Summit. “We don’t want pilot projects. We want equitable access to capital. We want equitable access to programs, and we want programs that aren’t broken,” said Bruce Hardy, president of the Myera
Reward farmers for digitalization, says Farmers’ Edge CEO
Digital tracking of all aspects of farm production could bring economic opportunities for farms and governments alike
Governments should incentivize farm digitalization like they incentivize environmental farm plans, Farmers’ Edge CEO Wade Barnes told participants in the Manitoba Protein Summit. “The opportunity that comes out of it is just enormous,” he said. Barnes took part in a panel discussion on digital innovation alongside other experts in farm technology during the virtual summit
Foodgrains Bank partners bringing aid to Ukrainian refugees
Ukraine a stark example of how conflict is increasing hunger around the world, Foodgrains Bank says
Food, shelter, transportation and personal supplies are priority for Canadian Foodgrains Bank partner groups on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries. “We’re working with local agencies and supporting them. So providing them with resources so they can provide those supports within the country,” said Musu Taylor-Lewis, director of resources and public engagement. Partner groups
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
