Country Crossroads & Farming Articles

Tobogganing at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

Where to celebrate Louis Riel Day

With a variety of activities to choose from there’s sure to be something to interest you on this long weekend 

By Donna Gamache February 17, 2018

Do you have plans for the Louis Riel Day long weekend? Are you getting a little tired of winter? Why not use the holiday to do something different, choosing from the many activities happening. A February holiday was originally started in Alberta in 1990 to celebrate the family life of the early pioneers and to

Modern electric pressure cookers are far safer and easier to use than the old stovetop models.

Recipe Swap

Under pressure

Prairie Fare: New ‘smart’ electric pressure cookers are safer and easier than ever

By Julie Garden-Robinson February 16, 2018

Are you enjoying your coffee?” my husband asked our 19-year-old daughter. “Please stop spying on me!” she exclaimed as she opened the front door of our home. She was not impressed with her parents. “I could turn off the lights in the house now,” my husband said to me a little mischievously. “No, we better

Jamie McDonald, a.k.a. Adventureman, urges everyone to find the superhero within themselves.

Country Crossroads, Other

A real-life superhero in action

In and out of hospital as a child, Jamie McDonald now gives back to children’s charities

By Donna Gamache February 16, 2018

Jamie McDonald, a.k.a. “Adventureman,” made stops in rural Manitoba on his second passage through the province, and just like on his first trip to Canada, he is raising funds for children’s charities. But this time he is driving across the country, not running, and giving motivational presentations and selling his book, Adventureman: Anyone Can Be

Our History

Swift’s Sky-Hi Layers

Our History: February 1956

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff February 14, 2018

This Swift’s Hatchery ad from our Feb. 23, 1956 issue reminds of a time when most readers kept at least a few laying hens. Among the news items we reported that month were that scientists at the university had developed methods of chemical control of wild oats in certain crops, and a wheat-rye cross that

Margruite Krahn, holding a copy of Resurfacing a field journal containing samples of floor designs, is a well-known Manitoba artist who lives in Neubergthal in southern Manitoba. The village is a national heritage site and was founded in 1876 by Mennonites who came from Prussia.

Country Crossroads, Other

Folk art reveals a lesser known side of Mennonite life, says Manitoba artist

Artist Margruite Krahn says vivid designs are a reminder of the value of bringing more colour into our lives

By Lorraine Stevenson February 13, 2018

Like most Mennonites, Margruite Krahn knew women on southern Manitoba farms once hand-painted their homes with lively and colourful designs. But it wasn’t until the Neubergthal artist became involved with a local housebarn preservation that she began to truly see these floors for herself. That was several years ago, while serving as chair of the

The Carson family (l to r): Cody, Neil, Carly-Jo and Denise.

Country Crossroads, Local news

Rossburn family recognized with MSA award

Northern Light Simmentals has been dedicated to the breed for many years

By Darrell Nesbitt February 12, 2018

Since 1995, the Manitoba Simmental Association (MSA) has presented the A.O. Henuset Memorial Distinguished Service Award, to persons who have helped establish the Simmental industry in Manitoba. As the 2017 winners, the Carson family of Northern Light Simmentals, located approximately 15 km southwest of Rossburn, exemplify dedication to the Simmental breed through the cattle program

Recent research says fish, like these chinook salmon, may be the better source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Did you know?, News

Not all omega-3s are created equal

It turns out the source of these healthy fatty acids is important

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff February 12, 2018

Fish or flax? That’s the question researchers from the University of Guelph have been trying to answer when looking at the cancer-prevention qualities of various sources of omega-3 fatty acids. David Ma, a professor in the university’s department of human health and nutritional sciences, says so far fish is coming out on top. His work

Some research indicates that warm, steaming broth may help clear congestion, and the protein and veggies in chicken soup may help your body repair itself.

Recipe Swap

Diet can give your immune system the advantage

You have several ways to help your immune system resist colds and flu this season

By Julie Garden-Robinson February 9, 2018

Recently, I was on six flights during the course of five days, with about 250 people per flight. Every flight had several people who were sneezing or coughing. So, I was exposed to at least 1,500 people all nestled in a pressurized tube, breathing the same recycled air. Now I wait to see if my

Our History

A seven year round of trade talks?

Our History: February 1992

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff February 7, 2018

The Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) had been going on for 5-1/2 years in February 1992. Though it continued to stretch for another two years, there was concern that an impending agreement would limit Canada’s ability to maintain supply management. A crowd of farmers and other supporters, estimated at

Kudzu, or Japanese arrowroot, is an invasive vine that climbs and encases anything it encounters, including native vegetation like these trees in Mississippi. It’s sometimes called ‘the vine that ate the South.’

Did you know?, News

Scientists want to understand behaviour of invasive weeds

Why are certain plants able to enter a new ecosystem and run riot?

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff February 6, 2018

Is it possible to predict which non-native plant species will become invasive weeds and when? According to research featured in the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management, the answer is “hopefully yes.” Researchers say invasive species generally follow a three-phase development curve — from lag to expansion to plateau. The length and rapidity of the

Daily Network News

U.S. livestock: CME cattle tick lower in thin pre-holiday trade

U.S. grains: Wheat extends gains on short covering, war risk

Prairie forecast: Plenty more chances for snow over Holidays

Country Crossroads