Ten years ago Linda and Ron Catt came up with an unusual strategy for cutting the cost of feed for their cattle. They went into a corn-breeding partnership with Mother Nature. The husband and wife team knew if their small mixed farm north of Treherne was going to survive, they would need to keep feed
From hand shelling to seed selling
Dairy farmers reach out to public through social media
The Dairy Farmers of Canada is urging its members to bypass the mainstream media and use social media to win the support of Canadians. “If we can’t get our message out into the mainstream media, and we have been very unsuccessful in trying to achieve that, one way we can do that as farmers is
Pelly’s Lake project moving ahead
Chilly? Just throw a few more cattails on the fire. The La Salle Red-boine Conservation District (LSRBCD) Pelly’s Lake back-flood project has grown in scope from water retention to cattail harvest, phosphorus reduction and biomass production. “The cattails used to be confined to the edges of the lake, but in the last few years we’ve
Corral water after in-field feeding
In-field winter feeding can save time and money, while fostering healthy crop and forage growth, according to Jeff Schoenau of the University of Saskatchewan. Schoenau and colleagues at the university’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources conducted a three-year study following the effects of in-field winter feeding on animal and pasture health, as well as on
Shiver me timbers… again
J Neufeld didn’t intend to start an environmentally sustainable business when he and Grant Dyck launched Wood Anchor in 2005 — he just loved the look and texture of reclaimed wood. He’s now a passionate advocate of both sustainability and repurposed timber, and has made unique furniture and architectural products out of everything from downed
Professor says farmers and ranchers are “an endangered species”
The rural landscape is changing, and not for the better. “Farm and ranch people are an endangered species, without the benefit of protective legislation,” Roger Epp told farmers attending a recent grazing conference in Winnipeg. “Their habitat has also become subject to persistent encroachment over time.” Agriculture and rural life on the Prairies were once
Grit leader says farmers need simplified flood compensation
Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard has released a self-authored report on the 2011 flood that calls for a full and independent review of how it was handled. In his report, Gerrard makes 33 recommendations and offers seven “main” conclusions, while accusing the province of providing inadequate warning and support to those in the Lake Winnipeg area.
Experts cautiously bullish on prospects for Canadian cattle producers
The future holds both opportunities and risks for Canadian cattle producers. “In this economic environment, for those who are flexible and willing to look around the corner in their decision-making… there will be opportunities,” U.S. beef market expert Jim Robb told ranchers attending the Manitoba Forage Council’s recent grazing school in Winnipeg. Overseas demand, particularly
Corral water after in-field feeding
In-field winter feeding can save time and money, while fostering healthy crop and forage growth, according to Jeff Schoenau of the University of Saskatchewan. Schoenau and colleagues at the university’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources conducted a three-year study following the effects of in-field winter feeding on animal and pasture health, as well as on
Winnipeg beef packing project to press ahead
A new Winnipeg slaughter plant will go ahead despite the loss of $10 million in federal funding and an effort by Manitoba Beef Producers to end the voluntary $2 checkoff funding the project, according to its chief executive. "We are ready for shovels in the ground when we finish our financing, and when Mother Nature
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