Ranchers and prairie grassland birds have something in common: they’re both endangered species
Home on Manitoba’s range, there are some discouraging words, especially when talk turns to bird habitat and populations. At a recent meeting in Winnipeg that flagged the importance of conservationists supporting the beef sector and their record of preserving habitat, it soon became clear that stemming the decline of forage-based beef production in the province […] Read more
The Ellice-Archie Spy Hill community pastures are now officially an Important Bird Area (IBA)
The Ellice-Archie and Spy Hill community pastures have been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA), highlighting the western Manitoba site as key habitat for endangered birds and the role grazing cattle play to maintain it. The designation comes from Nature Manitoba, Bird Studies Canada and Nature Saskatchewan, groups that say they hope this focuses more […] Read more
Land use and habitat index values for beef cattle production and other agricultural areas in Canada
Cattle producers and conservationists need to team up to defeat the perception beef is bad for the environment. Unless they do so, both sides risk losing ground. Why it matters: The conservation community and the cattle sector in Canada must put their differences aside and start telling consumers about the environmental benefits of eating beef. […] Read more
Manitoba Agriculture is offering two seminars March 6 and March 7 to help build skills for effective leadership
Anyone who lives in a rural community knows the value of volunteer boards, and how important it is that those who serve on them know how to run them effectively. Board members for organizations large and small are regularly in high demand, and those who accept these jobs, will often attest to the benefits of […] Read more
Increasing visitor traffic to farmers’ markets would help, says Jeff Veenstra, Wild Earth Farms owner
The perception is farmers’ markets are booming, and that’s true if you’re a consumer. More farmers’ markets with more vendors selling at them is great for customers, but it’s adding challenges for those whose livelihood hinges on how well a day’s sales goes — especially when customer traffic falls off. Jeff Veenstra, is co-owner of […] Read more
2016 census revealed a vibrant direct-marketing sector in Manitoba, but that hasn’t translated into memberships in the organization
There are 900 farms in Manitoba selling agricultural product of one kind or another direct to customers, and Direct Farm Manitoba (DFM) wants to connect with more of them. The farm number comes from the 2016 Census of Agriculture data which revealed both a vibrant direct-marketing sector for Manitoba and one probably a whole lot […] Read more
A small group of local food producers are taking their marketing efforts online
Squinting through blowing snow isn’t how most vendors travel to farmers’ markets across Manitoba — but that’s the sort of trip owners of Thousand Hills Ranch take once in a while. Tiina and Dean Hildebrand, who raise grass-fed beef and lamb near Morden, keep a segment of the Morden summer farmers’ market going through the […] Read more
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program matches immigrants to jobs and could help agricultural recruiters fill vacancies
It’s no secret — finding employees to work on the farm isn’t getting any easier. Rural populations are dwindling, fewer have skills or aptitudes for farm work, or even any interest in finding out about jobs in agriculture. But a new initiative announced in late January could potentially send experienced farm managers, equipment operators, meat […] Read more
Even those with limited product volumes should explore these opportunities, business development specialist tells St. Jean Farm Days
It’s never been a better time to start a food-processing business. Where in years gone by there were nothing but barriers, now more grocery stores are keen to stock locally produced products, says a Manitoba Agriculture business development specialist. Gone are expensive listing fees to buy shelf space in stores, and you won’t find yourself […] Read more
This is the first site approved by Transport Canada outside Winnipeg. Ste. Anne’s Hospital is also awaiting approval of a newly constructed site
Every minute matters when a life is in danger, and with a new ‘heliport’ becoming operational this month at the Portage la Prairie District General Hospital, critical time will be saved during emergency response efforts. Why it matters: Cutting down transport times of critically ill or injured patients can save a life. The hospital’s newly […] Read more
