The University of Manitoba’s Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals (RCFFN) has always been about bringing the food industry in Manitoba and Western Canada to the next level. The centre has produced research into how canola and flax oil impact cardiovascular health, or analysis to help develop food products in a bid for later
Pilot mill gets food-grade green light
Developing Future Food: Experts at the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals are on the cutting edge of food development
Cleanfarms completes count of Canadian ag plastics
Manitoba agriculture generates about seven per cent of ag plastic in Canada
The count is in. Canada produces just under 62,000 tonnes of agriculture plastic a year, and Cleanfarms hopes to collect it all. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” Barry Friesen, executive director of Cleanfarms, told the Co-operator. “Our goal is to move towards collecting all of the agricultural plastics and we need to know
Extreme caution urged while haying, harvesting tinder-dry fields
The RM of Oakland-Wawanesa reported two fires caused by farm equipment in two days
A rural fire department is urging farmers to be extra cautious this year after haying equipment caused two fires in its area. “We encourage farmers to carry either a jug of water or an extinguisher with them so at least they can slow it down until we get there,” said Dennis Gullet, fire chief in
Cattle sector says long-term plan needed
Relief has been promised, but with many ranchers selling down herds, producers say there must be a long-term plan to get them back in the game
Though the gears of government relief programs have begun grinding into motion, that aid will come far too late for many drought-stricken ranchers. “It’s taking so long,” said Arnthor Jonasson, who is a cattle farmer and the reeve of the RM of West-Interlake. “If the government is at all interested in trying to save the
Province encourages farmers to use mental health supports
Drought conditions have added a new level to farm stress this year
Farmers are encouraged to reach out for mental health support as drought conditions wear on. “Mental health is something we can never take serious enough. We want to make sure we have those support services for any help that they might need,” provincial Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler told the Co-operator. Intense stress
Fruit farmers call for better insurance safety net
Exiting berry farmer says her experience illustrates a lack of support, forethought from provincial government
First there was winterkill, then frost damage and finally lab tests confirmed what Colleen Edmunds of Grunthal Berries feared — the majority of her strawberry field was dead. Edmunds was ready to retire, and this was the final straw. “Why keep doing it?” she said. They finished out the raspberry picking season and pulled the
More drought support than promised needed for farmers, say producer groups
Manitobans are waiting with high hopes for province-specific plans for AgriRecovery funding
[UPDATED] August, 10, 2021 – A federal pledge of $100 million in AgriRecovery funds for drought-stricken farmers is a good start – but far more is needed to save farms and herds say producer groups. “MBP strongly believes additional support will be required and asks for swift action on this,” Manitoba Beef Producers said in
Federal government announces $100 million for AgriRecovery
Provincial, federal governments agree to increased AgriStability interim payments
The federal government has pledged $100 million through AgriRecovery to aid drought-stricken farmers. Today we are announcing $100 million to add to provincial AgriRecovery initiatives, ready to be delivered as quickly as we can turn around provincial submissions, and ready to seek further funding for requests exceeding this amount,” said federal Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude
Feed hazards lying in wait
Feed testing an absolute must for cattle producers sourcing greenfeed, straw: experts
Cattle producers are urged to get greenfeed and straw tested for potentially deadly nitrates this year. “Basically, we know there’s going to be nitrates in some of the feed. Especially cereal,” said Jo-Lene Gardiner, who works with the Border Agriculture Stewardship Association and is a cattle farmer in the Clearwater area. “It’s just been that
Water efficiency, climate adaptation not optional for Manitoba: IISD
The province asks for the public for feedback on what to include in its new water strategy
Despite its thousand lakes, Manitoba needs to plan to use its water more efficiently as it develops a new water management strategy, says the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD). “We’ve always thought of ourselves as a water-rich jurisdiction,” said Dimple Roy, IISD’s director of water management. In May, the province announced up to $1
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