News & Farming Articles - Manitoba Co-operator

Cattle move into a new intercropped paddock at Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives north of Brandon. Both simple and complex intercrop mixes got put to the test for grazing at the applied research farm this year.

Using brassicas to feed cattle could pose a challenge

The best intercrop or cover  crop grazing plans may hit a wall  if the cattle turn into fussy eaters

By Alexis Stockford September 17, 2019

Brassicas feature in most polycrop seed mixes on the market, but feeding cattle on those mixes may require some extra consideration. Jillian Bainard, of AAFC Swift Current, noted that cattle were less likely to graze brassicas during her ongoing study into grazing intercrops. The study hosted plots at Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives in Manitoba,

Markets, News

Argentine farmers favouring safe-bet soy over corn

Political and economic uncertainty hang over farmers’ heads as they plan their next crop

By Maximilian Heath September 17, 2019

Reuters – Argentine farmers, anxious about an increasingly murky political outlook and economic turmoil, are turning towards soy over more expensive corn to cut costs, a shift that could impact next season’s harvest in one of the world’s top grain exporters. Farmers said a volatile economic situation in Argentina and the likelihood of a new

Soybean plant with nematode filled cysts.

Crops, News

Soybean Cyst Nematode confirmed in four Manitoba RMs

The populations remain low and manageable, but it will be a challenge

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff September 17, 2019

A study at the University of Manitoba has confirmed the presence of soybean cyst nematode in the province. Soil scientist Mario Tenuta, of the University of Manitoba, have confirmed it visually and through molecular DNA methods in four fields, out of a total of 106 fields tested, in a study running from 2012-2019. At this

The farm groups involved have remained open minded about options for a new system.

Cereals, News

Oct. 15 deadline to comment on proposed cereal royalties

The online survey will allow farm groups  to best represent grower interests

By Allan Dawson September 16, 2019

Farmers have until Oct. 15 to comment on proposed changes to cereal seed royalties at seedroyaltysurvey.com. Survey results will be presented to the federal agriculture minister after the Oct. 21 federal election. The online survey was launched in July by the Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA), the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) and Manitoba’s

A Manitoba livestock specialist is stressing the importance of, “getting those livestock out of the dugouts,” as water supplies in her area continue to lag.

Livestock, News

Has the time come to ditch your dugout?

After three years of dry conditions, a new approach to watering systems may be needed

By Alexis Stockford September 16, 2019

Manitoba’s dwindling pastures have some provincial livestock specialists urging producers to take another look at watering systems. Pam Iwanchysko, livestock specialist in the northwest, is stressing the importance of, “getting those livestock out of the dugouts,” as water supplies in her area continue to lag in some areas. “Certainly that could be something that could

Jill Verwey’s beef, dairy and grain farm is dry and water levels are low, although not quite as low as last year before they deepened their dugouts.

Livestock, News

Recent rains fail to slake water concerns

Dry dugouts have finally got some rain, but experts say dugouts still have a long way to go

By Alexis Stockford September 16, 2019

Jill Verwey is not hauling water to her cattle, although plenty of her neighbours have had to at some point this year. Like most with cattle in Manitoba, Verwey’s beef, grain and dairy operation near Portage la Prairie is dry. Feed is short. Pastures are browning and she has watched with concern as dugouts drop

Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company, attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 18, 2017.

News, Other

Canada’s new ambassador to China authored landmark report on agri-food’s potential

Dominic Barton’s appointment welcomed by farm organization representatives

By Alex Binkley September 16, 2019

The appointment of Dominic Barton as Canadian ambassador to China was welcomed by farm leaders but the former business leader and university chancellor will have a lot of issues to deal with besides blocked shipments of canola, pork and beef. The arrest of a Chinese executive in Vancouver on a U.S. arrest warrant soured relations

News

Elk producers call for review of mule deer hunting policy

By Geralyn Wichers September 16, 2019

The Manitoba Elk Growers Association is pleased to hear the province is building a new big game health lab in Dauphin but is calling for more action to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease. A spokesperson from the province confirmed that a request for proposals was issued in mid-August for the building of the

“My hackles rise when I hear people say farmers want to ‘douse’ their crops with chemicals or ‘slaughter’ their land with fertilizer.” – Robert Saik.

Farmit Manitoba, News, Other

Food 5.0 challenges agriculture misconceptions

Book tackles fear of pesticides, GMOs and new technologies with facts and common sense

By Alex Binkley September 13, 2019

Author Robert Saik concludes his just-released book Food 5.0 with the following observation — “I have immense faith in our farmers to feed the future… we just have to let them.” The book is aimed at the 99.8 per cent of the population who Saik figures have no on-the-ground knowledge of modern agriculture and explains

Farmit Manitoba, News

Consumers and chemicals: The battle for a balanced pest management system

The preference of your customers is changing and it’s important for your business that you’re aware of it

By Spencer Myers September 13, 2019

The feud between farmers and pests is a never-ending story, and changes in consumer preferences might force producers to look at new ways to battle their microscopic foes. While farmers are in the midst of a constant struggle to protect their crops against bugs and diseases, at the same time consumers on a wide scale

Daily Network News

U.S. livestock: Cattle slip back, hogs gain

U.S. grains: Soy futures post biggest monthly gain in nearly five years on China trade optimism

Farm gate milk price to rise in 2026