Manitoba’s sheep flock is growing faster than anywhere else in Canada. The latest Census of Agriculture figures show flock expansion of 43.2 per cent between 2011 and 2016, to 90,423 animals in 2016. Elsewhere in Canada the sheep flock declined in that same time period by 4.9 per cent. Jonathon Nichol isn’t surprised to hear
Manitoba sheep flock expands
Consistent profitability and growing market driving producers to expand flocks, MSA spokesman says
Newdale sign tells the story of Manitoba’s official soil
A committee in the village worked alongside soil scientists and others to see signs developed and placed in and around the southwestern Manitoba village. They tell the story of the province’s official soil and the farm community it’s named after
Newdale’s name is officially a “dirt-y” word and those living and farming here are proud of it. This past weekend local farm families and townsfolk unveiled a large sign on its Main Street showing how their community shares its name with the province’s official soil. The celebration comes precisely seven years to the day since
The elevator repairman
Country elevators are a rarer site nowadays. George Payette’s business is keeping those few left in good working order
Country elevators are disappearing, but so long as George Payette can swing a sledgehammer or pound a nail, a few lone survivors stand a chance. Payette’s business is elevator repair and maintenance, making him the guy farmers who now own these sites regularly call when a roof, siding or cribbing needs work, or a foundation
VIDEO: New sign in Newdale pays tribute to provincial soil
On June 17, Manitoba Co-operator reporter Lorraine Stevenson visited the town of Newdale, Man., to take in the unveiling event for a new town sign that honours the provincial soil that shares its name.
Dry spell sparks call for voluntary water use reduction in Pembina Valley area
Longer-term plan needed to avoid water shortages in more drastic situations, officials say
Parts of the Pembina Valley were asked last week to reduce their water use as a dry spell across the region endured and demand for water peaked as farmers sprayed fields and residents watered lawns. The Pembina Valley Water Co-op’s CEO Greg Archibald said the request was voluntary and came after they had problems with
Consultations begin toward national food policy
Online survey and Ottawa summit will capture Canadians’ ideas about access to food and sustainable food systems
Canadians now have their chance to weigh in on what they think is essential for a nationwide food policy. Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced late last month that national consultations toward developing the complex policy initiative will take place this spring and early summer. The consultations, which include an online survey, will invite Canadians
VIDEO: The man who fixes elevators
George Payette has a long history of working in the grain elevator business, and he calls his current work “a joy to do.” He helps farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan keep some of the few remaining country grain elevators in good working condition. Read more about Payette’s story in an upcoming issue of the Manitoba Co-operator.
Conference board issues provincial food ‘report card’
Manitoba rates high on food safety but low on security and manufacturing growth
Saskatchewan has earned nearly all As for industry prosperity, household food security and other areas in Canada’s Food Report Card 2016. Funded by the Conference Board of Canada and released last week, the report is a series of provincial report cards looking at domestic food by comparing the 10 provinces against each other. The report
Interlake greenhouse operators aim for lightest possible environmental footprint
This greenhouse’s pest management strategy uses a sophisticated system of interconnected biological controls
A first impression upon stepping inside this Interlake greenhouse is its owners must have a lot of pairs of hands helping them keep their plants so green and healthy. But Karen and Allan Sabados don’t have a big payroll at all. Sabados Greenhouse is a family business and the couple employs only their daughter. The
La Salle couple earns recognition for 4-H leadership
4-H Canada presented awards to exceptional 4-H leaders during National Volunteer Week
A Manitoba couple who received national recognition this spring for leadership with the 4-H program says one of the reasons they moved to rural Manitoba was so their own children could be involved in the program. Philip and Leanne Fenez, who have a small farm near La Salle, were among nine individuals across Canada to
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
