Country Crossroads & Farming Articles

A new star on the horizon for canola growers

Our History: January 1984

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff January 24, 2018

Westar was the “new star on the horizon” for canola growers when advertised in our January 1984 issues. But the news in our January 26 edition was not particularly good, other than news that the Soviet Union had agreed to purchase another million tonnes of Canadian wheat that year, which was over and above the

A robotic weeder in a vegetable field near Davis, California. The rows must be very straight and precise for the weeder to properly do its job.

Crops, Did you know?, News

A row to hoe

Robots are the future of weed control, one researcher says

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff January 22, 2018

Forget about that old hoe — it’s time to go high tech with weed control. Researchers at the University of California-Davis say robotic weeders are already making headway in high-value vegetable crops, fuelled by a lack of chemical controls and lack of affordable labour. Steven Fennimore, an extension specialist at the university, pegs the cost

cartoon image of a family seated at a table

Other, The Jacksons

Literally, another political accord

The Jacksons from the January 18, 2018 issue of the Manitoba Co-operator

By Rollin Penner January 19, 2018

Andrew Jackson pulled into the last open parking spot in front of the café, turned off the ignition, and began preparations for the 30-foot journey from his truck to the door. First he pulled the hood of his Viking-brand parka up over his John Deere hat, then pulled his scarf up over his face leaving

Plunging mercury usually means warm and filling meals.

Other, Recipe Swap

Be ready for extreme cold this winter

Prairie Fare: Dress appropriately, have emergency equipment and supplies on hand,  and enjoy hearty filling fare

By Julie Garden-Robinson January 19, 2018

Jake looked up at me with his dark brown eyes. He appeared kind of sad. He was standing by his blue sweater, which one of my daughters had removed. She thought he was too warm in his woolly sweater because he already has a fur coat. Yes, Jake is a dog. Our bitterly cold January

Andrea Maendel shows a snowflake table runner while Anna Maendel  looks on.

Country Crossroads, Other

Fairholme Colony hosts quilting retreat

One-day event produces many different projects displayed at the show-and-tell

By Dora Maendel January 19, 2018

On an overcast morning last autumn, several dozen women from area towns — toting sewing machines and bags of quilting fabric — arrived at Fairholme Colony School and assembled in both upper classrooms for a day of quilting hosted by the three Fairholme members of the St. Claude Quilters Guild, “The Material Girls,” Serena, Andrea

The town of Roblin has recently installed new cost-saving aeration systems at a series of local lakes as part of its ongoing investment in the region’s recreational fishery.

Country Crossroads

Recreational fishery at Roblin luring visitors year round

Tourism doesn’t stop in the Parklands when the temperature drops, and now aeration upgrades to a series of local lakes will enhance fishing in all seasons

By Lorraine Stevenson January 17, 2018

It’s not just the wind biting in this wintry corner of the Parklands these days. So are the fish. Fly-fishers across Canada and the U.S. have long known some of the best fly-fishing is to be found here. The town is designated “Fly Fishing Capital of Manitoba” and has regularly hosted national championships since 2003.

Comparing canola flowers opening under control and high nighttime temperature allows researchers to understand the different impacts of stress on yield.

Did you know?, News, Oilseeds

No rest for weary canola plants

You’re not the only one who can’t get any ‘sleep’ during those sweltering summer nights

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff January 15, 2018

Turns out your canola plants just need to get a little rest. When high temperatures, especially at night, prevent them from “sleeping” properly productivity takes a hit, and now researchers from Kansas State University are trying to figure out why. What exactly is the plant doing at night? It’s not sleeping like humans do, but

Other, The Jacksons

Only time will tell

The Jacksons from the January 4, 2018 issue of the Manitoba Co-operator

By Rollin Penner January 12, 2018

Andrew Jackson pressed the power button on the remote control and watched the TV screen blink off across the room. He picked up a noisemaker from the end table beside his armchair and blew into it, producing a rather unconvincing celebratory squawk. “Well, so much for that,” he said. “Another year is shot.” “Happy New

Microwave ovens are a convenient way to cook and don’t destroy nutrients at all.

Recipe Swap

Do microwave ovens zap nutrients in foods?

Prairie Fare: Actually, cooking in a microwave can help you preserve the nutrients in your food

By Julie Garden-Robinson January 12, 2018

The other day, I received a message when I returned to my desk after a meeting. Someone had called to ask about microwave ovens and nutrition. As I listened to the question, I decided that I was settling a bet. When people are making wagers about nutrition, I don’t mind being involved. The gentleman caller’s

There are nearly 200 museums in Manitoba and 75 per cent are small rural locations often housed inside heritage sites. The Sipiweske Museum in Wawanesa is in the original office building of the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company built here in 1901.

Country Crossroads, Local news, Other

Heritage Trust program rolled out to support small-town museums

The new program will provide $5 million over three years to create endowment funds within local community foundations for museums and archives across Manitoba

By Lorraine Stevenson January 10, 2018

Small museums and archive sites across Manitoba begin a new year on a high note with the creation of a new endowment fund to help them along financially. Last month the provincial government rolled out its new Heritage Trust program which will provide $5 million over three years to create endowment funds within local community

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