A pilot program to collect and recycle baling twine and grain bags will keep rolling in part thanks to a fresh influx of cash from the province. “I think farmers, they’re always looking for ways to improve the sustainability of their farm,” said Kim Timmer, manager of stakeholder relations with Cleanfarms. “Our challenge is we
Province pledges cash to ag plastic recycling
Last year Cleanfarms collected 51 tons of twine, grain bags, containers and totes in Manitoba
Provincial tribunal rules contentious quarry can proceed
Province has done what needs to be done to provide affordable aggregate to taxpayers, says owner
[UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2020] After over a decade of dispute, a limestone quarry is under construction at Lilyfield in the RM of Rosser. Owner Colleen Munro expressed relief and satisfaction — “… can I say finally?” she told the Co-operator — while nearby residents were decidedly displeased. “Where is the justice here?” wrote Karen Kaplen,
Creative pivots help small-scale food producers, sellers weather pandemic
COVID-19, hot and dry weather, grasshoppers and flea beetles made for a challenging growing season for Manitoba’s small food producers
COVID-19 threatened their markets and pests plagued their crops, but two small-scale vegetable growers say this has been a rewarding growing season. “In all regards, it’s been our best year,” said Chad Wiens, who, along with Laura Tait, runs Heart Acres Farm south of Winnipeg. When the pandemic hit Manitoba in March, it was unclear
Legal on-farm slaughter a potential boon for producers
Scale-appropriate regulation may benefit remote communities, create an entry point to direct market meat
Legalizing on-farm slaughter of livestock would be more humane, benefit remote communities and beef up producers’ bottom line, say two Manitoba producers. Recent regulatory changes in Alberta are “exactly what we’re looking for,” said Ian Thorleifson, president of the Manitoba Elk Growers Association. On July 29, Alberta announced changes to slaughter regulations which included the creation of an on-farm slaughter operation licence. The licence
Queens, drones and bees that fly backwards
Three beekeeping experts explain honeybee breeding in Manitoba
To most of us, a bee is probably just a bee. Sure, there’s honeybees, bumblebees, and whatever that bee is that lives in huts on farmers’ fields (leafcutters, of course). But otherwise, a bee’s a bee, right? No, as it turns out. Like cattle ranchers and horse breeders, beekeepers pay a lot of attention to
Provincial tribunal rules quarry can proceed in precedent-setting case
Construction of the contentious Lilyfield Quarry will go forward under stringent conditions
A limestone quarry will be built at Lilyfield in the RM of Rosser the Municipal Board has ruled in what has been called a precedent-setting decision. Lilyfield Quarry Inc. and owner Colleen Munro are the first to appeal under changes to the Planning Act made in 2018. The changes allow aggregate quarry owners to appeal
COVID-19 no cause for course change on protein, says ag-minister Pedersen
Animal protein a likely weak spot and more agronomic support needed for peas to fill growing demand
Ag Minister Blaine Pedersen says he doesn’t anticipate any changes to Manitoba’s protein strategy despite the adversity of COVID-19. “It is progressing very well,” he told the Co-operator. “I don’t really foresee any changes.” The strategy, with the vision of making Manitoba North America’s protein supplier of choice by 2025, rolled out last September. Its goals include attracting
Rewriting the outcome on the future of agriculture
The Kwayeskastasowin Wahkohtowin project is looking for a more equitable, sustainable future for agriculture, and is now a top 10 finalist for the Rockefeller Foundation’s Food Systems Vision Prize
Paul Hanley, along with a team with ties to the University of Manitoba, wants to tell you a story about a more just, sustainable agri-food system, one he envisions transforming the Prairies by 2050. In it, food production systems are developed with an eye to reducing climate change impacts on agriculture. They incorporate Indigenous perspectives
Province asking people to weigh in on trespassing, biosecurity laws
The province is also considering laws to deter metal theft through more record-keeping
The province is asking Manitobans if it should follow the other Prairie provinces in updating laws to clarify landowners’ rights on trespassers and enforcing biosecurity, as well as deterring metal theft. “I think what we need is clarity around what is trespassing and how it can be enforced,” Minister of Justice Cliff Cullen said. Why
Province announces disaster financial assistance for three 2020 floods
Southwest and southeast saw disastrous overland flooding after heavy rains in June, July
The province will give disaster financial assistance for victims of three high-water events this year, announced infrastructure minister Ron Schuler today. Schuler pledged over $2 million to communities in Southeastern Manitoba. Heavy rains in early June caused heavy overland flooding along the Rat River and in six southeastern municipalities. Local news outlet Steinbach Online reported
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