Pay workers more, increase benefits and provide more education and training for potential workers to improve the ag industry’s labour prospects. That’s a summary of comments from groups who responded to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s “What We Heard” report, released May 18, on the federal agricultural labour strategy. AAFC spent the last year surveying industry
Better pay, better opportunities: labour report
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada got comments from agriculture, food and labour groups about workforce challenges
Kaminski to head Canadian Wheat Research Coalition
Coalition sets Manitoba roots
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition has a new, Manitoba-based president. Lori-Ann Kaminski, research programs manager for cereals with the Manitoba Crop Alliance, will be adding the role to her portfolio. Kaminski takes the reins as the organization shifts its home base to the eastern Prairies. A joint venture between the Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat
Free water testing if you’ve been affected by flooding
The province will waive water testing fees for flooded cisterns and wells for four months
Flood-impacted Manitobans will not have to pay to ensure their water is safe to drink. The province has announced a four-month period in which water testing fees will be waived for owners who had flooded wells and cisterns. Free tests are only available through Winnipeg’s Horizon Lab Ltd., until Aug. 31. Manitoba Environment and Climate
RME ag society grant open for applications
2023 will be the third year for the program
Manitoba’s agricultural societies will again have a chance the get extra funding this year from Rocky Mountain Equipment. On May 1, the major equipment dealer confirmed that the Right by You Ag Society Grant program will continue for 2023. Four ag societies across the Prairies will be chosen this year. Each will receive $10,000 for
For the birds
Regen ag farms to measure impact of practices on bird populations
Four farms linked to the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association will be counting birds this summer. The new study, a joint brainchild between the MFGA, Manitoba Wildlife Branch and Manitoba Important Bird Area, will gauge bird populations on dairy, beef, grain and mixed farms that are also proponents of regenerative agriculture. All the farms belong
Ag Days funds safety equipment upgrade at Keystone Centre
Automatic external defibrillator replacements will enhance patron safety
Manitoba Ag Days is providing funds for a public health upgrade at its home facility. It is buying five new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the Keystone Centre in Brandon, by way of the Ag Days Gives Back program. Keystone Centre management described the devices at an “absolute necessity,” in a media release announcing the
Stockford new associate editor of the Co-operator
Co-operator reporter to take leadership role with publication
The Manitoba Co-operator has a new hand at the wheel. Reporter Alexis Stockford has been named associate editor, effective immediately. Stockford joined the Co-operator six years ago, and has proven herself an able and dedicated reporter with a keen interest in all facets of agriculture. Gord Gilmour will remain active with the publication, but is
Pork council promises food bank funds
$150,000 will be going to Harvest Manitoba over three years
A major food bank network in the province is getting a windfall from Manitoba’s pork producers. On April 13, the Manitoba Pork Council said it would give $150,000 over three years to Harvest Manitoba. The money will be used by rural food banks to purchase both more freezers and an amount of ground pork, the
Ice storm bottlenecks CFIA import system
Outages led to a temporary backlog of digital declaration paperwork awaiting processing
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency was among the victims of an ice storm that struck Eastern Canada in early April. On April 6, the national agency announced it was experiencing delays in processing import declarations. The CFIA’s systems were functional, users of the online portal were told, and Canadians were urged to continue submitting information
Co-operator reporter makes international honour list
Geralyn Wichers was named by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists
A Manitoba Co-operator reporter is one of 10 ag writers to win the 2023 Young Leaders award, given out by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. Geralyn Wichers was chosen from a global list of nominees spanning the IFAJ’s 60 participating nations. The prestigious award is judged by an international jury and “recognizes the individuals’
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
