Smartphone app ideal for those working alone and in remote locations, say STARS officials
A new smartphone app won’t make harvest safer, but it could make it easier to get help if emergencies occur. Farm workers who are working alone in remote locations now have access to a new technology developed by Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). SOLUS™ is a new smartphone app that enables a person to […] Read more
More taxes and more complexity in succession planning expected
Tax law experts fear a nasty surprise awaits many farmers as the end of harvest nears and they begin to grapple with changes the federal government is proposing to the income tax act. Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced tax reforms July 18 in a move the Liberals say is aimed at limiting the use […] Read more
Conservation district managers say they welcome proposed changes to legislation governing conservation districts that would make it easier to work with Indigenous communities. The province is proposing amendments to the Conservation Districts Act — which would be renamed the Watershed Authorities Act — that would allow these new watershed entities to strike one-on-one partnership agreements […] Read more
Manitoba has released three new environmental initiatives to improve water management and watershed planning
The provincial government is mulling a new focus on watersheds, modelled after the grassroots Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program. GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) is one of three proposals within a new policy framework for water management the provincial government is seeking public input on. The government has released three major documents including one […] Read more
‘Hempcrete,’ soy-based roof panels and other Manitoba-grown biomass products are tested and evaluated at University of Manitoba’s Alternative Village
It looks like any other shipping container, but what’s inside could help boost food security in remote areas of the country one day. Biosystems engineers at the University of Manitoba are perfecting a self-contained unit which includes a biomass boiler that produces up to 56 kW of heat. The unit also has a Stirling engine […] Read more
A University of Guelph researcher takes a close look at Canada’s evolving alternative food market
Kelly Hodgins was selling garden produce at a B.C. farmers’ market in 2013 when she began noticing something was different about her customers. There were new faces arriving at the market. The province had introduced a new program making coupons available to lower-income families to shop B.C.’s well-established farmers’ markets. “It was kind of an […] Read more
‘Single portal’ procedure should make applying for funding easier, AMM official says
The province has rolled out a simpler way for communities to apply for funding to support community economic development. Last week Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke said the province is revamping its community development programs and has created a single-application process to apply for funding through programs including Community Places, Community Planning Assistance, […] Read more
The ISCM declared August Invasive Species Month and is highlighting the risks associated with the potential spread of spotted knapweed
The Invasive Species Council of Manitoba wants all Manitobans to be on the lookout for an invasive plant species now spreading across Manitoba that has the potential to do as much or more damage as leafy spurge. Spotted knapweed was first detected in southeastern Manitoba in 2009 but has more recently been found at sites […] Read more
Alternatives to rising cost of electricity need serious thought, says RM official
Municipal leaders say the 3.36 per cent interim rate increase granted Manitoba Hydro this month offers only temporary relief from higher energy costs and longer-term solutions are needed. “It’s certainly better than 7.9 per cent but it’s still an increase everyone is going to have to deal with,” said Randy Henuset, deputy reeve of the […] Read more
Burwalde Juice Co. owner expects business to be brisk
A new Manitoba farm-based company offering apple pressing for backyard growers expects to start operations this week. Burwalde Juice Co., located on a farm north of Winkler, is the newest apple press providing cold-pressing, pasteurizing and bottling services to those who drop off loads of apples to be made into cider. They purchased the press […] Read more
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