Hog barns’ loadout docks are key entry points for PED-carrying dust, and they require close attention as a 2021 outbreak of the virus continues, says a Manitoba veterinarian. “All of our hog barns are essentially gigantic vacuum cleaners, and the warmer the conditions outside, of course, the greater the suction of our vacuum cleaners,” said
In PED biosecurity, barns are ‘vacuum cleaners’: vet
Despite a steep upward trend in cases, there’s hope winter conditions may mitigate virus spread
Manitoba couple thankful for friends, knowledge gained at national competition
Innovative dairy, hops farmers honoured as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers of 2021
Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2020 say ag leaders should encourage young, progressive farmers to highlight their operations through the Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (COYF) competition. Andre and Katie Steppler represented Manitoba while competing for the title of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers of 2021 at an event held in Saskatoon, Sask., and online, from Dec.
Bad cheer for beer
A rough year for North American barley quality and quantity means a tough year for maltsters and brewers, training program hears
A bad year for barley means maltsters and brewers will have to get creative on where and how they get their malt. “The North American brewing industry in general is going to be facing a lot of challenges this year,” said Peter Watts, managing director of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC). Watts spoke
Altona oat processor expanding with innovative tech
Buffalo Creek Mills hopes to branch products further into plant-based beverage and foods markets
Altona oat processor Buffalo Creek Mills is expanding its capacity and technology to make inroads into emerging oat markets such as dairy alternatives. The expansion will also add nearly 20 jobs at the facility said CEO Ryan Penner, and it will increase the plant’s capacity to 54,000 metric tons per year. Ryan Penner and Buffalo
Canola industry bullish on demand, nervous about emission targets
Greenhouse gas emission targets bring both potential boon and hardship to Canadian canola growers
Canadian farmers will need to grow a lot more canola to meet global demand, with emission reduction goals both a key driver and central concern, said agriculture leaders during the Canola Council of Canada’s (CCC) “Canola Week” conference on November 30. “The long-term demand signal for canola is strong,” said CCC president Jim Everson. Why
MOA, MFGA teaming up to launch grazing exchange
Website will be based on South Dakota grazing exchange model
A platform to connect livestock farmers and crop farmers with land they’d like grazed will go live early in the new year, says the Manitoba Organic Alliance (MOA). The group is teaming up with the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) to launch the online platform, but all producers are welcome to use the service,
PED trajectory mirroring previous big outbreaks
The majority of the 21 cases remain in Southeastern Manitoba
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) cases this year are thus far on a similar trajectory to peak case years of 2017 and 2019 the Manitoba Pork Council (MPC) said in a townhall meeting Dec. 7. “Not to say that it will continue in 2019 and 2017 trajectories, however what we’re seeing now is not really what
Carbon offset program made for regenerative individuality
REGENERATIVE | Researchers created a carbon map of Alberta so they could zoom in on farms’ soil carbon content
A developing carbon offset program is designed to encourage and incentivize regenerative farming without forcing producers to fit a cookie-cutter protocol. “To try to standardize something that is fundamentally adaptive and site specific, and also based on a lot of innovation, it’s going to put a cap on the innovation that can happen,” said Kimberly
Dairy farmers well positioned for regenerative ag, producers say
BALANCES | Increased grazing has seen decreases in butterfat but overall increases in cows’ health, reduced input costs
Canadian dairy farmers may be among the best positioned to take up regenerative farming practices, said producers during a panel discussion at the 2021 Regenerative Ag Conference, held in Brandon Nov. 15 to 17. Supply management means a steady income which can give farmers more confidence to take risks, said Sean Smith, a dairy farmer near Minnedosa. Fairly small herds
A peek inside a brand new grain elevator
The P&H site, chock full of safety features, replaces an elevator famous for a structural failure over a century ago
It’s an icy, wind-whipped day. The brand new Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H) grain elevator outside Dugald towers above the snow-covered fields like its iconic ‘Prairie sentinel’ ancestors. It’s big, modern, full service, and importantly — perfectly upright. On the wall inside the main office hangs a photo of the elevator’s predecessor at Transcona, which operated
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
