Recent Articles
VIDEO: Struvite shows promise as organic fertilizer
Manitoba trials show a fertilizer recycled from waste water has promise as an organic phosphorus amendment — if it’s approved for organic use, that is. “Phosphorus is a non-renewable source,” said researcher Joanne Thiessen Martens. “We need to be thinking about recycling as much as possible. Phosphorus deficiencies are common on organic farms because of
March 1, 2022A family life in patterns
My family’s farm near Glenboro, Manitoba continues to thrive as five generations have worked the land and built their farming business. Farming runs deep in the hearts of the Jefferies family. My great-grandfather, Sidney Jefferies of England, purchased a 320-acre farm in 1896 after working in the area for several years. As with many others,
February 23, 2022Direct-market farmers on diversifying without sapping the joy from farming
How do you know when you’ve over-diversified the farm? The question came up during the Direct Marketing Conference, held virtually February 3-5 during a panel on diversification led by three farming women. Lourdes Still farms flowers she turns into dye for lavish wearable art and experiential tourism. Anna Hunter raises sheep, mills wool, and teaches
February 22, 2022Synergistic farming system teaches kids business, science
Outside snow is piled high and despite the bright sun, it’s a frigid Winnipeg afternoon. Cars whiz by on McPhillips Street. But out of sight of traffic and the railway tracks, fish swirl past the windows of two blue tanks and lettuce, chard and herbs dangle roots from bobbing Styrofoam rafts. In a warm, sunlit
February 18, 2022Acreage requirement drop for veggie insurance first step for small-scale farmers
A drop in acreage required to insure vegetable crops has opened a door for smaller-scale and direct-marketing farmers. “This has really changed our ability to be insured quite significantly,” said Jeff Veenstra who farms northeast of Winnipeg. On January 25, the province announced it would reduce the minimum required acres for vegetable acreage loss insurance
February 15, 2022Forget Super Bowl Day let’s talk Superb Owl Day
Recently someone suggested a single letter change in a news headline. For those more interested in outside activities than watching American football, move a single letter and it becomes ‘Superb Owl Day.’ Manitoba has a variety of owls that both birders and non-birders might enjoy viewing. (And if February 13 is already past, don’t worry;
February 11, 2022