“Has shown great improvement, but needs to do better.” That’s David Rourke’s report card on progress to improve soil health on the Prairies. “We will need to look at minimizing soil disturbance, more plant diversity and keeping something growing on our land from snow to snow,” the Minto-area producer told the Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association
Reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint by focusing on soil
Storing water where it falls is another area where agriculture should do a better job
The outlook for 2016: not good, but not a disaster: FCC
FCC’s chief economist says to aim for many small improvements in your operation
Sharpen your pencils for the coming year, says the chief economist for Farm Credit Canada. “We all know that we are in a sluggish economic environment. It is not going to be a good year but it won’t be a disastrous year,” J.P. Gervais told FCC’s Ag Outlook 2016 event in Brandon on Feb. 9.
Get ready for more ‘weather whiplash’
Unlike other regions, Manitoba may be able to benefit from climate change
As climate change warms the globe, Manitoba may be well poised to become an agriculture superpower because of its proven ability to adapt, says the senior climatologist with Environment Canada. “I am optimistic about the future of agriculture in the Prairies because I have always been fascinated and intrigued with the ingenuity, resourcefulness and survivability
Cattle producers warned to avoid transport violations
'Out of sight and out of mind' is the wrong attitude when shipping animals
Cattle producers should keep an extra-close eye on their animals’ condition before loading for transport, says a Canadian Food Inspection Agency veterinarian. “Cattle hide their pain so that they don’t look vulnerable to predators. Keep that in mind when monitoring your herd,” said Max Popp, CFIA animal health district veterinarian, western area operations. “The primary
Discussing drones
A panel of industry experts sheds some light on the drone landscape for producers interested in investing in the equipment
Interested in diving into the world of drones? Start small, a panel of agronomists told farmers attending Manitoba Potato Production Days Jan. 27. “I would suggest starting with a small piece of equipment,” said Trevor Thornton, president of Crop Care Consulting. “A lot of guys want something that they can keep in their truck and
Small Farms Manitoba marks second anniversary
Small Farms Manitoba has a busy year ahead with a number of initiatives on the agenda, including website upgrades, strengthening industry relationships and the development of a food hub
The founder of Small Farms Manitoba is hoping the organization can grow its membership and raise consumer awareness about locally produced foods. “Marketing yourself individually is important but we are also a community and a network and the bigger we can promote this across Manitoba, we can inform more consumers about the small-scale movement and
McDonald’s Canada announces investment in beef research
One of Canada’s largest fast-food companies sees value in the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative
McDonald’s Canada has put its money where its mouth is with an investment into the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative (MBFI). “We are trying to balance being responsive to our customers and responsible to our downstream supply chain,” said Jeffery Fitzpatrick-Stilwell, manager of sustainability and government relations for McDonald’s Canada. “I really look at this
International potato success
From a modest potato farmer to international capitalist, Ron Offutt says his success has come on the backs of strong partnerships
International farmer and businessman, Ron Offutt contributes his success to strong partnerships, finding marketplace voids and focusing on customer satisfaction. “What has been a key to our success has been looking for a void in the marketplace and finding a way to fill that void,” said Offutt on the final day of Manitoba Potato Production
Cattle industry cycle to trend lower through 2018
A livestock market expert predicts 2016 to be the third best year for cow-calf producers, but sees vulnerability in summer stocker programs
Cattle prices will continue to decline until 2018, but will remain profitable, says a livestock marketing expert. “2016-17 will not be the same as last year and our long-term forecast is that we are in a cyclical decline,” said Jim Robb, director of the Livestock Marketing Information Centre, who spoke on the current price situation
Protecting the farm from labour-related grief
The most important thing employers can do to protect themselves from labour-related headaches is to have employment contracts in place, says lawyer
Employment contracts are a farmer’s best insurance against costly and stressful disputes with workers hired to help out on the farm, a labour and employment lawyer told an Ag Days crowd recently. Taking the time to understand your obligations to workers is an investment that can protect your wallet in the long run, Shereese Qually,
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
