After years of dealing with new diseases, hog barn restrictions and country-of-origin labelling, pork producers at the annual Manitoba Swine Seminar were told things are looking up for the industry. “There is a lot of good news,” said Andrew Dickson, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, during his state-of-the-industry address. He cited the U.S.
Pork sector builds on hope
Four new barns will be built in 2016
MPC hopes to relaunch social media presence in wake of threats
Staff at the Manitoba Pork Council were threatened after a pig named Mercy was sent to slaughter
It started with a loose sow and ended with death threats. “It really got out of control very quickly,” said Andrew Dickson, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, recalling how public interest in a pig found near Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway last May quickly evolved into something more sinister. Nicknamed “Mercy the Pig” the sow
Pictures help avoid confusion in the barn
Hiring employees from diverse cultural backgrounds has rewards and challenges
Communicating well with employees can be challenging at the best of times, but throw additional languages and new customs into the mix, and it can be a minefield for the unprepared. “I think we’ve become way too politically correct in this country and we need to call a spade a spade… because it would really
China’s demand for food stays strong
China’s decreased rate of growth might be a concern for some, but agriculture should be fine as long as China’s consumers retain purchasing power
It was bound to happen. China’s economy is slowing down or at least its rate of growth is. However, those in the agriculture sector shouldn’t be concerned about the impact here at home, according to Farm Credit Canada’s chief agricultural economist. “We monitor China all the time, but especially a week ago when they released
Low dollar helps exporters
Canadian exporters are seeing increased profits due to a sagging loonie
While many industries are cursing the low Canadian dollar, the agriculture sector isn’t one of them. As the loonie continues to head towards the 60-cent range, Farm Credit Canada’s chief agricultural economist said there are benefits to those selling agricultural goods into other markets. “I think there is a benefit right now as we speak,”
Consumers seek paradise lost on grocery store shelves
Author Alan Levinovitz believes there is a role for storytelling in changing public perceptions of agriculture
What can a scholar of classical Chinese religions add to the agriculture debate? A lot as it turns out. Speaking at Keystone Agricultural Producers’ annual general meeting in downtown Winnipeg, Virginia-based author Alan Levinovitz said the debate around which foods are good for you and which are not has been going on for thousands of
More MAFRD staff needed
Producers must travel farther than ever before to speak to provincial agriculture specialists in person
The Keystone Agricultural Producers is hoping to reverse a downward trend in the amount of support and outreach offered to farmers by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD). Members of the province’s largest general farm organization resolved at their annual general meeting in Winnipeg last week, to lobby the provincial government to fill vacant
Salt of the earth
Salinity exists in Manitoba, but producers might not be aware of it until it's too late
Switching from forages to soybeans is one way to see if you’ve got saline soil, but it’s not the method Marla Riekman recommends. The provincial land management specialist told producers attending Manitoba Ag Days that testing is the only surefire way to learn what kind of salinity you have on your farm, although there are
Business interests can’t be dictated by family interests
Protecting both family and business interests can only be accomplished through prudent planning and ongoing dialogue
Ask Jolene Brown when the best time to start planning for farm succession is and you get a one-word answer. “Yesterday,” said the professional speaker and Iowa grain farmer. “It is never too soon to begin planning for the future.” Without a plan, the death of a parent can leave siblings fighting on the way
Election blackout begins in Manitoba
MASC meetings have been cancelled as a cone of silence descends on government departments in preparation for this spring’s provincial election
The curtain on government communication has fallen as Manitoba prepares to head to the polls on April 19. Already signs of the changes were visible at Ag Days in Brandon, or rather, they weren’t visible. “MAFRD staff will be part of the Ag Days trade show booths but will not be providing hand-outs or hanging
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
