COVID-19 safety concerns have added a few new complications to the already busy spring season. KAP safety consultant Morag Marjerison said the questions she’s getting from producers are falling into roughly six categories. Here are answers to those questions, and resources to dig deeper on what is required for each specific farm. What are my
Farm COVID safety Q-and-A
KAP safety consultant Morag Marjerison answers some of the most common questions she’s heard from farmers on COVID-19 safety
Livestock price insurance a hard sell
Producers say it’s too expensive, too complex and lacks the supports seen in the crops sector
Despite current market uncertainty, cattle producers remain reluctant to buy price insurance. About 10 per cent of calves in Manitoba are insured annually under the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP), said David Van Deynze, vice-president of innovation and product support with MASC. By comparison, about 90 per cent of annual crop acres are insured. WLPIP began in Alberta in 2009 and came to
Rain pounds southeast, leaves Interlake wanting
Flooding caused by torrential rains over the weekend caused the RM of Stuartburn in southeastern Manitoba to declare a state of emergency. In announcement on June 8, the municipality advised residents that multiple roads were washed out and they should travel with extreme caution. CBC reported on June 9 that 20 roads were washed out
Young farmers more stressed, less able to cope, study finds
Business planning and other management practices contribute to peace of mind, but younger farmers less likely to engage in these for several reasons
A recent study has shown that young farmers are more stressed than older ones — and less likely to be effective at dealing with that stress. “Have you ever heard a farmer say, ‘I have peace of mind’”? said Jake Ayre, a young farmer and second vice-president of Keystone Agriculture Producers (KAP). His tongue may
WLPIP premiums won’t be subsidized, says ag-minister Pedersen
Deadline for producers to buy policies extended by three weeks
The province will not subsidize price insurance premiums for beef producers ag minister Blaine Pedersen has said. Western Livestock Price Insurance (WLPIP) premiums have come down since Manitoba Beef Producers asked the province for help, Pedersen added. “Premiums change every week, and that’s something that producers need to keep on,” Pedersen told the Co-operator on
U-pick operations to open with safety precautions
Online stores set up to assist sales of pre-picked berries
U-picks for strawberries, saskatoon berries and other fruits will open this June with safety measures in place, the Prairie Fruit Growers Association announced on May 20. PFGA, which represents 70 U-pick farms in Manitoba, has been working with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development fruit crops specialist, Anthony Mintenko, to develop COVID-19 guidelines. “Some of the
Faith, family give strength to go on
Faces of Ag: Connie Spenst and family began their butcher shop and pizza business when a crisis pushed their farm to the breaking point
While the show goes on for Spenst Brothers in Winkler, the day to day looks a bit different. Markers on the floor show customers where to stand. Staff are signing in each day to say they have no symptoms of COVID-19. People call in wondering if they need to stockpile meat — they don’t, said
An uptick in online sales may help Manitoba farmers
E-commerce shift could spell opportunity for local producers
On May long weekend, St. Norbert opened its outdoor market to the least fanfare in recent memory. Market co-ordinators had prepared to limit shoppers, but that proved not to be necessary. According to a Facebook post, they never reached capacity as crowd-leery folks stayed away. While the physical market continues to operate, more and more
Direct Farm Manitoba calls for changes to meat regulations
Direct sales of meat have increased, but the capacity to ramp up production isn’t there, producers say
Direct Farm Manitoba is calling on the province to increase capacity for local meat sales in light of recent meat plant closures. Direct sales of meat like beef and roasting chickens have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Manitoba, said Phil Veldhuis, Direct Farm Manitoba president, but producers have limited ability to capitalize on the
Vegetable, honey producers still waiting on workers
Less than half of international workers expected for the season have arrived, province says
Despite efforts to bring in international workers, vegetable growers and beekeepers are still severely understaffed, according to provincial numbers. “I’m hurting not having my help,” said Mark Friesen, chair of the Manitoba Beekeepers Association. Friesen’s Canadian employee is living abroad and hasn’t been able to get back into the country, he said. As of May 11, according to numbers
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
