The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates from Central America — a distance of up to 6,000 km.

Long-distance flyers

Many migrating birds travel an astonishing number of kilometres and some even make the trip non-stop

It’s migration time, not just for “Canadian snowbirds” returning from a winter in the southern U.S. or Mexico, but for actual birds returning north for the nesting season. April and May are prime months for migrating birds to reach Manitoba, although a few early species may appear in March, and late ones in June. Horned

Weanling pigs can thrive on plant-based protein diets, 
a recent study shows.

Soy protein concentrate a replacement in piglet diets

It’s a functional — and less expensive — alternative to 
animal protein sources

Animal nutritionists have long known that plant-based protein sources are less expensive for swine feed rations. But until recently they’ve worried over some anti-nutritional factors that can negatively affect gut health and growth performance in weanling pigs. Recent research from the University of Illinois has shown that soy protein concentrate (SPC) may be partly or


cartoon image of a family seated at a table

The Easter bunny pays the kids a visit

The Jacksons from the April 20, 2017 issue of the Manitoba Co-operator

Grandma! Look what I got!” Little Allison Jackson burst into the front door of Andrew and Rose’s house holding up a brightly coloured basket for her grandmother to see. Rose bent down to look. “Oh my goodness,” she exclaimed. “What are those, my dear?” “Easter eggs!” said Allison excitedly. “The Easter bunny was in our

A formal table setting may include a lineup of utensils and glasses.

Table etiquette 101

Prairie Fare: It’s a rare thing in this busy era, but try to have a dining experience now and then

Mom, just because they put it on your plate doesn’t mean you have to eat it,” my 12-year-old commented as we sat at a table at a culinary college in another state. Every time I finished a slice of fresh bread, one of the attentive culinary students placed another slice on my plate. I finally


Pulverize, crush and level with the Acme Harrow

Pulverize, crush and level with the Acme Harrow

Our History: April 1887

Advertisements in the April 1887 issue of The Nor-West Farmer and Manitoba Miller included the Acme Pulverizing Harrow, Clod Crusher and Leveler as well as Sedgwick Woven Steel Wire Fence and Gates. The issue contained an extensive article on dairying, beginning with plans for a creamery, which could be built for an estimated $1,800. However,

Developing a love of nature at an early age can help produce a next generation that will care about the environment.

Children who play outside more likely to protect nature

Development of environmental awareness 
necessary for next generation to care for the Earth

University of British Columbia researcher Catherine Broom says children who play outside are likely to care more about nature as adults than kids who don’t spend time outdoors. Research by Broom, assistant professor in the faculty of education at UBC Okanagan, shows that 87 per cent of study respondents who played outside as children expressed


Wendy Gilbert-Armstrong drives Lovie Smith to first in the single pony pleasure driving 
championship during the 2017 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

Gilbert Farm still at the reins after 60 years at Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

Gilbert Farm near Brandon, well known in Hackney pony-showing circles, 
marked its 60th anniversary at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in 2017

The first time Fred Gilbert walked into the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, Elvis was an exciting and controversial young performer and the baby boomers were in their teen years. He has warmed horses up for the evening show by car headlights, next to the now demolished Wheat City Arena, competed in rubber boots at the

These stalks are not too thick so will be very tender.

Rhubarb season is almost here

There’s nothing better after a long winter than that first taste of rhubarb from the garden

We all eagerly look forward to the first tastes of spring from our gardens, keeping our eye on the asparagus patch, the chives and that clump of winter onions. Another plant that we watch carefully for is rhubarb. There’s nothing more tantalizing than that first bowl of stewed rhubarb — unless it is a delicious


Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth can devastate crop yields.

Palmer amaranth resistance more complex

Two new mechanisms for herbicide resistance 
have been found in Palmer amaranth

Scientists are continuing to discover just what a difficult foe the weed Palmer amaranth can be. It can cause yield losses as high as 80 per cent for soybean growers and has already developed resistance to six classes of herbicide since its discovery in North America 100 years ago. It’s recently been found in North

We're throwing out more food than ever before, wasting time, money and effort while contributing to the waste stream.

How much food do you toss?

Here are eight tips to help you avoid food waste

A few years ago, I found a container of frosting in my cupboard that required a ladder to retrieve. I had completely forgotten that I had it. When I opened the container, the frosting had the consistency and colour of a tire. The rich brown chocolate was now black. That container ended up in the