Country Crossroads & Farming Articles

cartoon image of a family seated at a table

A toast to Christmas, and the right amount of garlic

The Jacksons from the December 14, 2017 issue of the Manitoba Co-operator

By Rollin Penner December 20, 2017

This is unbelievably good!” Randy Jackson leaned back in his chair and surveyed his plate, which was loaded with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, roasted asparagus, cranberry sauce and a slice of fresh white bread. He picked up his glass of wine and held it high. “Here’s to the chef!” “Hear hear!” A chorus of

Looming hydro rate increases have municipal leaders worried about the rising costs to operate community infrastructure.

Country Crossroads, Local news, Other

Carbon tax revenue use options pitched at AMM

Rural and small-town government leaders pass resolutions, propose ideas for recycling carbon taxes at 2017 fall convention

By Lorraine Stevenson December 20, 2017

Municipal leaders in Manitoba bracing for future hydro rate increases want the province to use carbon tax revenues to offset the higher costs to their energy bills. It’s costing a small fortune now to heat spaces like public arenas and curling clubs, said Al Abraham, deputy mayor of the LGD of Pinawa. Read more: AMM

Plants crave light and even grow towards it. Now researchers understand how they do that.

Did you know?, News

Shine a light on plant growth

Researchers have discovered how plants respond to changes in light  at the molecular level

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff December 20, 2017

Plants don’t have eyes, but it would seem they do “see” their surroundings using light. That’s made possible by proteins called photoreceptors that absorb light and convert it into a signal that turns genes on or off. Until now, scientists haven’t fully understood the molecular mechanism underlying that process, which allows plants to recognize when

If you have a plan it’s less likely your leftovers will languish in the fridge until they’ve spoiled.

Recipe Swap

Plan-overs beat leftovers

Prairie Fare: By planning ahead you can minimize food waste by creating new dishes

By Julie Garden-Robinson December 15, 2017

What do you think?” my husband asked as I took a taste of the piping hot casserole. “It’s kind of bland. It needs more pepper,” I said a little too quickly. I noticed his expression resembled that of a sad puppy. I had criticized the entree he made. Note to self: Always compliment the cook.

Country Crossroads, Other

Get ready for the Christmas Bird Count

This annual event has become a holiday tradition for birders

By Donna Gamache December 14, 2017

It’s almost that time of year again — for religious observances, holiday celebrations and family get-togethers. But for birders, it’s also time for the annual Christmas bird counts, a tradition that has been carried out since the first one was held on Christmas Day in 1900. Prior to that, it had been a custom to

Country Crossroads, Local news, Other

CN Police Services encourages people to use caution this winter

By CN Release December 13, 2017

As part of its ongoing commitment to rail safety, CN is encouraging drivers to use caution around railway crossings and reminding winter outdoor enthusiasts to stay away from railway tracks. “Icy roads, reduced visibility and storms are a potentially dangerous combination and we encourage people to drive safely and use caution around railway crossings,” said

The Peter and Duncan Henderson threshing outfit in the field, near Boissevain.

Country Crossroads, Other

The Peter and Duncan Henderson outfit

These early Boissevain-area settlers were noted threshermen of their day

By Alex Campbell December 13, 2017

While the image you see above is not of the best quality, it is worthy of an article, as it was taken sometime around 1890 and shows a Cornell portable steam engine powering a “Wide Awake” separator. The outfit belonged to Duncan and Peter Henderson who were early settlers in the Boissevain area. Peter Henderson

Our History

Save time and money with accurate farm records

Our History: December 1981

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff December 13, 2017

Farm records were still kept on paper in December 1981, when a Manitoba Agriculture ad invited farmers to talk to their ag rep about the new farm record book. Our Dec. 3 edition reported that 38-year-old former RCMP officer Bill Uruski of Poplarfield had been appointed as the new minister of agriculture in the Howard

Lake Winnipeg algae blooms can create, under certain conditions,
powerful neurotoxins.

Did you know?, News, Other

Lake Winnipeg blooms create neurotoxins

Researchers say the substances have been associated with  several health conditions

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff December 11, 2017

Manitoba’s largest lake is the host to potentially harmful toxins caused by cyanobacteria, more commonly known as “blue-green algae.” Researchers from the University of British Columbia, working with the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium, were looking for a specific toxin called BMAA that’s been linked with conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s to Lou Gehrig’s disease. “Cyanobacteria blooms

Diabetes can sneak up on you without warning, but it can also be managed effectively and even prevented.

Recipe Swap

Are you among the one in three with prediabetes?

Millions in North America have prediabetes and most don’t even know it

By Julie Garden-Robinson December 8, 2017

Millions of North Americans have this condition and 90 per cent do not know they have it. Do you know what it is? Here’s a hint: The condition occurs when the cells in your body do not respond normally to insulin, which is made by your pancreas. The answer is “prediabetes.” Having prediabetes means you

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