Manitoba sheep producers are missing a market opportunity shipping bulk wool out of province when there are fibre artists, spinners and knitters right here at home who’d love to get their hands on locally raised wool. Unfortunately, these potential buyers have no idea who has fleeces to sell. Meanwhile, the handful of sheep producers who
Knitters Look For Local Wool Sources – for Sep. 9, 2010
More Seats Are Up For Grabs But Who Wants The Job? – for Sep. 2, 2010
Rural Manitoba may see a major turnover of municipal leaders come this fall’s elections. An “usually high number” of long-serving leaders say they’re not seeking re-election this October, says the president of Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “It’s a sign big change is coming,” said Doug Dobrowolski. “Most people keep it pretty close to the chest
Women Of The “Old Boys Club” – for Sep. 2, 2010
When municipal leaders were surveyed last winter and asked, “What’s keeping women from running for office?” relatively few filled out the questionnaire – just 160 out of nearly 1,000 responded. Ninety-one replied saying they saw no barriers for women to serve on local councils and that they were “free to run just like men.” It
Gathering Of The Flock – for Aug. 26, 2010
Some might have thought something biblical was unfolding at the Neepawa fairgrounds earlier this month, where a sign directed the crowds to “Gathering of the Flock” and “Run for the Gate.” Indeed, the events of August 13 to 15 may yet prove to be a kind of “revival” for its host groups – the Manitoba
Vintage General Store Still Open For Business After 60 Years – for Aug. 19, 2010
The vintage general store in this tiny whistle-stop community marked its 60th year in business in 2010, a milestone remarkable for many reasons. It’s been continuously open since 1905, and under the same owner these last 60 years. “And we never went broke,” jokes Baker, a farm boy turned stock boy and eventually store owner,
MAFRI Study Explores Opportunities In Halal And Kosher Markets – for Aug. 19, 2010
North Americans’ growing appetite for halal and kosher foods, in particular specialized beef products, is an untapped market for Manitoba farmers, according to a new report commissioned by the province. A sizable and increasing Muslim population in Canada, now estimated at about one million people, a population seven times that large in the U. S.,
Sheep Producers Unite With Processors, Retailers – for Aug. 19, 2010
While 75 per cent of the lambs in Manitoba are exported, lamb products are being imported from New Zealand to meet burgeoning local demand. The Manitoba Sheep Association is hoping to change that starting with a series of meetings next week to explore a value chain linking local producers with processors and retail outlets. The
Allowing “Wannabe” Farmers To Taste Their Dream – for Aug. 12, 2010
After her husband passed away in 2004, Pam Jenkins had no desire to leave the fifth-generation farm where the couple had raised their three children. But as time passed, Jenkins felt overwhelmed looking after the half section of land near Selkirk on her own. Outbuildings needed repairs or demolition. Weeds were spreading. Then she learned
An innovative program connects small landholders with new farmers Allowing “Wannabe” Farmers To Taste Their Dream
“A unique type of exchange where a landowner is willing to make land available, either for free or low rent is very helpful for people trying to get a start.” – SHARON TAYLOR, MANITOBA FARM MENTORSHIP CO-ORDINATOR After her husband passed away in 2004, Pam Jenkins had no desire to leave the fifth-generation farm where
Morden To Host Traditional BBQ Competition – for Jul. 29, 2010
The best seats in the house for this event are definitely downwind. You’ll want to line up for a mouthwatering sample afterward too. About 25 teams are expected to fire up their barbecues for the 2010 Manitoba Open Barbecue Championship August 28 and 29 in Morden, a newcomer event on the Manitoba festival scene that’s
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