Don’t forget about the phosphorus. Forage producers were reminded of the importance of the much maligned nutrient during the province’s annual Hay and Silage Day at the Friedensfeld Community Centre recently. “The perception out there is that we’re awash in phosphorus,” said John Heard of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. “But the reality is
If you don’t test, you don’t know
Economic truths have forced some producers to cut back on nutrients for their forage, but a little phosphorus can go a long ways
Cigi to probe effects of inputs on wheat quality
With $5 million in funding in hand, Cigi hopes to address issues around Canadian wheat quality, while also expanding its research on pulse crops
The Canadian International Grains Institute, better known as Cigi, is moving into research in a big way in an attempt to better serve its clients. “Since 2010, Cigi has been moving in a new strategic direction,” said CEO Earl Geddes. “And this whole move to a sustainable, independent, technical institute has been core to our
Cattle producers embracing price insurance
With solid cattle prices, price insurance can be an expense, but those who remember BSE say it can also be a lifesaver
It’s only been available for 2-1/2 months, but already the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program is picking up steam among Manitoba’s cattle producers. Since being introduced on April 8, approximately 550 ranchers have signed up for the long-awaited program, including cow-calf producers like Jason McKelvy of MacGregor, who said the process was a simple one.
Piglet processing arm takes off
A Manitoba inventor’s passion for health and safety has changed the way piglets are handled
When Helmut Janz sees a problem, the self-professed tinkerer likes to solve it. So when he found himself and other employees at a Maple Leaf hog barn in Zhoda suffering from sore wrists and carpal tunnel syndrome after the process of castrating, tail notching, ear tattooing and oral drenching piglets, he decided there had to
Changes to drainage regulations on tap
Government is promising an end to red tape for farmers looking to complete minor drainage works, while increasing fines for illegal drainage
Manitoba farmers will be consulted on changes to drainage licensing as part of the province’s plan to restore Lake Winnipeg and better prepare for periods of drought and flooding. Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh revealed the province’s new surface water management strategy in Winnipeg last week, which allocates $320 million to the initiative
Cereals crops have beverage potential
Health claims made by beverage manufacturers continue to grow as consumers demand more nutritious alternatives to traditional canned colas and bottled water
Reaching for a refreshing beverage after a long, hot day could someday mean guzzling back a tall glass of barley water. And no, that doesn’t mean beer. Beverages are the fastest-growing category in food development with new products popping up all the time, says Roberta Irvine at the Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie.
Hydro buys a farm to make way for Bipole project
Manitoba Hydro is moving forward with plans for the Riel Converter Station’s ground electrode as Bipole III goes ahead
Manitoba Hydro has bought an entire farm near Oakbank as it makes way for an important component of the Bipole III high-voltage line and its accompanying converter station. The farm’s implements, tractors and house and buildings will all be auctioned on June 17 without reserve to make way for the Riel Converter Station’s ground electrode.
Bringing skills home
Students at Lundar School are building on a solid foundation of industrial arts education
The crew constructing this 1,026-sq.-ft. ready-to-move bungalow is just like any other, judging from the hardhat-covered heads ducking in and out, the careful measurements and high-quality workmanship. That is, until the buzzer rings signalling the end of class. “For an industrial arts program its pretty unique,” said Donald Nikkel, during a brief pause in the
Hog shortage forces ‘non-production days’ at Maple Leaf
Pork producers say lifting anaerobic digester requirement would make building more barns affordable
A shortage of hogs has forced Maple Leaf Foods to implement one “non-production” day a week at its Brandon processing plant. While the reasons for the shortage are complex, some in the industry say the solution is simple‚ more pigs. The Manitoba Pork Council says that means building more finisher barns, which hasn’t happened since
Late corn planting sees more bees flying
Keeping bees at bay when it comes to corn planting isn’t always possible, but good communication goes a long way
Manitoba corn growers and beekeepers have been meeting to talk about how to communicate better for the benefit of bees. The Manitoba Corn Growers Association invited members of the Manitoba Beekeeper’s Association to a spring board meeting, to discuss how to best protect honeybees from the pesticides used to coat corn seeds. “Both sides need
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