Cutting into these apples revealed the many brown tunnels made by maggots; the apples were inedible.

Protecting against apple maggots

There are a couple of things that can be done to prevent this pest from destroying your apples

Last summer, friends brought my wife and I two big bags of apples from their tree. They were quite large and looked wonderful, but we soon discovered that most of them were inedible because they were full of dark-brown tunnels — a sure sign that they were infested with apple maggots. The life of the

Cars are well marked to alert others of a novice driver.

Driver Education a valuable high school program

Local instructors help teens develop safe driving habits

Reasons may vary why adults are lending, or have lent, time to the High School Driver Education (Driver Ed) program, but one thing is clear — they are dedicated to helping teens get off to a good start in the graduated licensing process. “Certainly the people who teach Driver Ed do so out of a


A new problem weed arrives in Manitoba fields

A new problem weed arrives in Manitoba fields

Our History: June 2001

One of our front-page stories on June 28, 2001 was on a new problem weed — glyphosate-resistant canola. Several farmers, including some who had never grown Roundup Ready canola, were reporting the plants in their fields. A Monsanto representative acknowledged the problem but said it was not widespread and it was sending workers to hand-pick

Randy Sandstrom has been flying since 2008.

Birtle pilot does aerial spraying in warmer climate over winter

When fields are snow covered in Manitoba, Randy Sandstrom is busy spraying in Australia

With aerial spraying being so specialized, it’s not uncommon to have pilots from other countries working on Canadian soil and vice versa. Among Manitoba’s specialized pilots is Randy Sandstrom of Birtle, who is now home from his fourth year travelling to Australia. “As aerial application is seasonal, we are able to work during Canada’s winter


A new report prepared by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities cites the key role rural communities continue to play in nation building but the considerable limitations and challenges they also face.

Rural reality — new report cites ways to tackle the challenges

FCM report details the challenges of thinning populations and what’s needed for small-town Canada to grow and prosper

A new report from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities hopes to convince Ottawa to revive the Rural Secretariat. The chair of the national municipal lobby group’s rural forum says they hope the federal government can come to better understand the challenges and opportunities of rural Canada. The FCM’s 28-page report Rural Challenges — National Opportunity:

An elevator at Croll, on the CPR line about nine miles northwest of Boissevain, was operated by the Croll Cooperative Elevator Association as part of the Manitoba Pool network. An original 50,000-bushel elevator, built in 1930 to replace an elevator destroyed by fire, was joined by a 30,000-bushel elevator in 1940. Designated A and B respectively, they were merged into a single 80,000-bushel facility around 1952. Seen here in May 1972, the elevator was closed in December 1974, after the railway line was abandoned, and demolished in October 1976.

PHOTOS: This Old Elevator: May 2018

The Manitoba Historical Society wants to gather information about all the grain elevators in Manitoba

In the 1950s, there were over 700 grain elevators in Manitoba. Today, there are fewer than 200. You can help to preserve the legacy of these disappearing “Prairie sentinels.” The Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) is gathering information about all elevators that ever stood in Manitoba, regardless of their present status. Collaborating with the Manitoba Co-operator it is supplying these


A research project in China has confirmed adding enzymes to the pig genomes allows them to digest nitrogen and phosphorus much more efficiently.

Just passing through

Pigs that better digest their nutrients could reduce 
pork industry’s carbon footprint

Pigs will eat what’s put in front of them — but digesting it is another question. In particular, according to one research scientist from the South China Agricultural University, nitrogen and phosphorus can pass through the pig undigested, causing downstream environmental challenges. Lead author of the study Xianwei Zhang, published recently in the online journal

Planning ahead is one of the keys for preparing nutritious meals for the busy seasons on the farm.

Food for farmers in the field

Prairie Fare: Chickpea Salad Sandwich or Wrap or how about Crunchy Oats & Honey Bars

Feeding farmers on the field and feeding them well is no easy task. You want to provide nourishing, tasty food that’s quick and easy to prepare, transport and eat. You also want to offer variety and make sure hot food stays hot and cold food stays cold. That’s a tall order, especially when you’re likely


The contrasting centre of this bloom creates a dazzling, almost glowing effect.

Morning glories — a glorious annual climber

Blooms attract hummingbirds and will put on a display until freeze-up

Annual vines are a nice addition to the garden, adding colour, texture, and a vertical dimension. There are many from which to choose such as thunbergia and sweet peas, and my wife’s favourite — so they must be grown — morning glories. It is not easy to find places where vines will look good and

cartoon image of a family seated at a table

The most important thing when baking cookies

The Jacksons from the May 24, 2018 issue of the Manitoba Co-operator

What should we do Grandma?” Allison Jackson looked up from her bowl of cereal. “Can I have some more orange juice?” she added. “What’s the magic word darling?” said Rose. “Abracadabra,” said Allison, eyes twinkling. “The other magic word,” said Rose. “Please?” said Allison. “That’s the one,” said Rose. She poured half a glass of