Local news & Farming Articles - Manitoba Co-operator

The Doerksens’ layer barn the day after the fire. Much of the metal sheeting from the exterior was pulled away to access the fire and is stacked off to the side. The fire is estimated to have caused $2.5 million in damages.

Farm family picking up pieces after devastating fire

Fire wiped out half of the Doerksens’ layer flock and demolished their free-range barn

By Geralyn Wichers May 17, 2019

An egg-farming family is putting the pieces back together after a fire wiped out half their flock and razed their state-of-the-art free-run barn on May 5. “Personally, emotionally, it’s a really hard question to answer, how it affects (us),” said Joel Doerksen. “Our farm will never look the same again.” Doerksen’s farm, near Blumenort in

Crop Report, Local news, Weather

Cool, drier soils sees soybeans planted ahead of canola

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for May 14

By Manitoba Agriculture May 14, 2019

Southwest Region Very little to no rainfall over the past week has producers concerned about dry soil conditions. Overnight lows still reaching -5 to -9 C in the region. Only 4mm rain reported in Russell area and some localised showers close to Riding Mountain National Park. Most of other areas in the southwest region are

Local news, News

Prairie Oat Growers Association announces new president

Enns: It’s time for the younger generation to be the face of the organization

By Geralyn Wichers May 14, 2019

A Manitoban will be the new president of the Prairie Oat Growers Association, the organization announced May 1. Jenneth Johanson of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, will take over for outgoing president Art Enns. “It has been an incredible ‘run’ as president of POGA and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s now time for the younger

Country Crossroads, Local news, Other

Visit the site of old Fort Ellice

A good destination for birdwatchers and those interested in history

By Donna Gamache May 13, 2019

For history buffs and keen birders, an interesting spot to visit is the site of old Fort Ellice, southwest of St. Lazare, Manitoba. This area is also part of the Ellice-Archie and Spy Hill Community Pasture, formerly PFRA (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration), that straddles the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. It was recently included as part of Manitoba’s

Crops, Local news, Other

Tips for when crop profits appear elusive

Assess in-crop spending relative to the crop that is coming

By Allan Dawson May 13, 2019

Profits are going to be a challenge for canola if current prices persist. They are depressed in part because China, Canada’s largest canola seed market, isn’t buying. But most other crops aren’t looking much better. To improve profitability farmers can cut costs and/or increase production, says Manitoba Agriculture farm management specialist Roy Arnott. Both are

Manitoba’s beekeepers say they saw less winterkill this year, despite frigid temperatures.

Local news, News

Beekeepers dodge winter loss woes

Initial reports hint at good winter survival for Manitoba’s bees

By Alexis Stockford May 13, 2019

Manitoba’s frigid start to 2019 did little to phase the honey industry. The Manitoba Beekeepers Association says most of its members reported good winter survival rates, with the exception of some parts of the Interlake. Why it matters: Manitoba’s honey sector took a hit on winter survival last year, but this year’s numbers look more

Black-legged ticks (or deer ticks) can range from the size of a poppy seed as a nymph, to a sesame seed as an adult.

Local news, Other

Farmers at high risk for tick exposure

Spring brings the return of these creepy crawlies — and the risk of Lyme disease infection

By Geralyn Wichers May 10, 2019

Farmers need to be aware of the risks associated with tick bites and be prepared to protect their own health this spring. That’s according to Kateryn Rochon, an entomologist and associate professor at the University of Manitoba, who says the province’s farm population is a high-risk group. “By virtue of your job, you are exposed

Pot Hole On City Street, A Hazard To Motorists

Local news, News, Other

Rural routes prominent on CAA’s worst road list

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff May 8, 2019

Three rural roads made the top ten of CAA’s list of Manitoba’s worst roads. Coming in second, Provincial Trunk Highway 34 near Austin. PTH 23, which runs roughly from Hartney in Southwestern Manitoba to La Rochelle in Southeastern Manitoba, is seventh on the list. PTH 32, near Winkler, rounds out the list at number 10.

Local news, News, Other

Mound Wildlife Association recognized for efforts

The revitalized group received the PVCD 2019 conservation award

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff May 8, 2019

A revitalized wildlife group is the recipient of the 2019 Pembina Valley Conservation District conservation award. The Mound Wildlife Association (MWA) ceased operation in 2000 after a 15-year run but was revived in 2015, with an emphasis on youth involvement. An inaugural free Kids Fishing Derby in 2015 attracted 24 participants to Goudney Reservoir for

Crop Report, Local news, Weather

Cold, damp conditions slow field operations

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for May 7

By Manitoba Agriculture May 7, 2019

Southwest Region Very little precipitation over the last week, but some localized showers on both sides of the Trans-Canada Highway. Below normal temperatures throughout the week, with hard frosts and some snowfall. Minimum overnight temperature reached -8 C in some parts of the region. Most seeding done in southern areas, but in northern region is

Daily Network News

U.S. grains: Soybeans continue gains on Trump’s China comments

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures end week higher on tight supply

Pea, lentil outlooks have some positive signals – Penner

Local news