Planting on clean field is still the best way to avoid having weeds invade a perennial seed crop. Photos: Shannon VanRaes

Canada thistle an issue for alfalfa

Herbicide trials underway for Canada thistle

The Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA) is running herbicide trials with the hopes of providing producers more options for weed control. “Perennial weeds are typically the biggest issue with alfalfa, the one that we seem to have the most trouble with is Canada thistle,” said Kevin Gulay, research manager for the organization. “It’s tough to

Dough is weighed at Cigi’s baking facility during its 46th annual Grain Industry Program.  Photo: Shannon VanRaes

Cigi holds 46th annual program for international grain buyers

The Canadian International Grains Institute has expanded its annual Grain Industry Program 
to include more information on pulse crops as well as flax and canola

Leonardo Salazar says he believes Canadian wheat is the best in the world, but would like assurances it will stay that way. The Venezuelan miller was one of 22 international grain buyers from 15 countries who took part in the Canadian International Grains Institute’s 46th annual Grain Industry Program, which wrapped up last week. Salazar


two men in a storm-damage crop

Weather damage hints at new normal under climate change

After western Manitoba has been battered by storm 
after storm, residents say they’re convinced

Kendon Campbell was only half a mile from home when the storm hit his Reston-area farm, but he and wife Shirley were stranded as torrents of water flooded their road and drowned four of their cows. It was the third flash flood the Campbells have experienced this year. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and

Look to winter hay stocks now

Look to winter hay stocks now

With U.S. alfalfa fields recovering from 
extensive winterkill, Manitoba producers 
should expect to see hay flow south this fall

A provincial forage specialist is urging cattle and dairy producers who plan to buy hay to lock in their winter supplies early or risk losing out to U.S. buyers again this year. Last year, drought in the American Midwest drew hay south, and a second year of poor production will likely see a repeat this


Bipole’s green light leaves farmers seeing red

The CEC criticized Manitoba Hydro’s environmental assessments and says more consultation is needed with farmers, but it granted the environmental licence

Manitoba’s Clean Environment Commission (CEC) has granted an environment licence for Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole III transmission line, despite issuing a report criticizing the Crown corporation’s lack of consideration for agricultural and environmental concerns. “I’m extremely disappointed… it’s a sad, sad day for agriculture,” said Karen Friesen, president of the Bipole III Coalition, which represents affected

Seed producer says vertical tillage is just the ticket

Greg Smith says vertical tillage has worked so well on his perennial grasses and alfalfa, 
he’s now using it for his grains and oilseed crops to manage residue

Looking to breathe new life into perennial seed crop stands? Consider vertical tillage. Beginning with his meadow fescue fields, forage seed producer Greg Smith began using vertical tillage two years ago to loosen up sod-bound fields and has been pleased with the results — higher yields in second- and even third-year plant stands. “Meadow fescue


Manitobans helping North Korean farmers

Manitobans with expertise in zero till and soil health are helping farmers increase productivity in the isolated nation

When it comes to North Korea, agriculture may not be the first thing that pops into people’s minds. But for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) it’s been front and centre for the last five years. The Winnipeg-based organization has been providing farmers in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with assistance with soil conservation and

Stock dog competition makes successful Ex debut

Stock dog competition makes successful Ex debut

Eriksdale father-daughter duo beat out competitors from across North America
to grab top spots in Continental Stock Dog Competition

Only a couple of dozen spectators — huddled beneath umbrellas and blankets — braved rain and gale-force winds to take in the finals of the newest event at the Red River Exhibition. But the stars of the show didn’t seem to mind the weather at all. “I think the rain is a lot harder on


Sarah Jaibes is a Zimbabwean farmer practising conservation agriculture. 
Photo: Shannon VanRaes

Conservation agriculture will play a key role in feeding future populations

Conference told that by employing permaculture, cover crops, strategic rotation and reduced tillage, small landowners can generate surpluses and contribute to food security

Sarah Jaibes isn’t a soil scientist, or an international development expert, but she knows a lot about how to make small farms work and what it will take to feed nine billion people by 2050. The Zimbabwean farmer became involved in conservation agriculture in 2009, after rising inflation made it difficult to live on her

Owner of seized horses faces charges

The owner of seven horses seized by provincial officials earlier this month has been charged under the Animal Care Act for failing to provide food, water, and medical care. “It’s not completely my fault,” said Nancy Martens, 19. “I tried as hard as I could to get these horses out of there and provide them