A batch of cheese underway at the Bothwell Cheese factory in New Bothwell.

Bothwell, Dairy Farmers turning excess milk into cheese donation

Dairy producers are advised to reduce production after drop in demand due to the COVID-19 crisis

After a drop in dairy demand, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and Bothwell Cheese are turning excess milk into thousands of kilograms of cheese for Winnipeg Harvest. “Everyone is under hardship,” said David Wiens, chair of the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba. “The need for food banks will only go up at this time.” DFM, Bothwell Cheese,

Pastures are stressed after two dry years, and another slow, cool spring, leading to worries there could be another conception wreck this season.

Cow conception concerns return with cold start to spring

Manitoba might be in for a repeat of last year’s high open rates, given tight feed and another slow start

Livestock experts worry that history might be repeating itself when it comes to nutrition and the upcoming breeding season. Last spring, veterinarians and provincial livestock extension staff raised the alarm over open cow rates. Short feed in 2018 had been compounded by a brutally cold winter in early 2019, as well as cold temperatures in


Younger farmers say cash advance delays are preventing them from accessing spring inputs.

Canola Growers’ cash advances delayed by COVID, new rules

Canadian Canola Growers Association has made some changes that are causing farmers some short-term pain for long-term gain

COVID-19 and new government cash advance rules are slowing Canada’s biggest cash advance administrator from getting badly needed money to farmers this spring. But the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) says it’s now in a better position to serve farmers no matter how long the pandemic lasts. In mid-March CCGA CEO Rick White moved 50 employees focused on the

Has COVID-19 nixed AAFC’s 2020 research program?

Has COVID-19 nixed AAFC’s 2020 research program?

With spring seeding underway Prairie wheat and cereal commissions are urging AAFC to find ways to do some of its research, while keeping staff safe

It could be the lost year for agriculture research in Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) says its research could be sidelined by COVID-19 this year. But the Prairie wheat and barley commissions that invest millions of dollars in that work are urging the federal department to reconsider and continue important projects. Why it matters: A disruption in research will mean


Matt Kynoch, solutions supply specialist with Enns Brothers, demonstrates a worn spray nozzle at the June 22, 2017 canolaPalooza event in Portage la Prairie. The 2020 events have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Canola council wants federal research to go forward

However, because of the pandemic, 2020 canolaPaloozas have been cancelled

The Canola Council of Canada believes Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) can still take on high-priority research projects this growing season, including canola yield trials and research into yield-robbing canola diseases, despite COVID-19. However, this year’s canolaPalooza events in the three Prairie provinces showcasing the latest canola agronomy have been cancelled because of the virus,

CN posts larger profit in first quarter

Income was up, despite the effect of rail blockades earlier this year

Despite Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) having taken the brunt of the rail blockades earlier this year, the company saw its net income in the first quarter of 2020 increase by 29 per cent. The railway recorded a total net income of C$1.011 billion, according to documents on CN’s website. A good portion of that net income


Crop input supplies not hit by Brandon COVID-19 cluster

Crop input supplies not hit by Brandon COVID-19 cluster

News recently broke that a number of service staff at a trucking firm that hauls fertilizer had tested positive but so far there's been no delays

Koch Fertilizer Canada says it has not been impacted by news that its major trucking provider has had several confirmed cases of COVID-19 among maintenance staff. On May 6, The Brandon Sun reported that seven cases had been linked to Oak Point Service, the maintenance branch of Paul’s Hauling Ltd. A number of employees of

Manitoba Stampede, July 2019.

Life is a rodeo

Rodeo cancellations have widespread effects on the towns that host them

Cancelling the Manitoba Stampede is a gut-punch to the small town of Morris, Manitoba — and this year, the hits just keep on coming. “It’s a very important part of our community identity,” says Morris Mayor Scott Crick. “It’s so beneficial for the community.” In a ‘normal’ year, calling off the town’s biggest event would


Cam and Myrna Schweitzer, from left, accepted the award from Blair McRae, Canadian Simmental Association representative.

Schweitzer Simmentals honoured with distinguished service award

Cam and Myrna Schweitzer have been breed supporters for 37 years

Dedication and perseverance play important roles in the cattle industry, from farm gate to association perspective. Showcasing those elements, Cam and Myrna Schweitzer of Schweitzer Simmentals, near Decker, were recognized by the Manitoba Simmental Association (MSA) at the Premium Beef Bull Sale held on March 18 in Neepawa. It was here where the couple received

The downturn has come as an abrupt shift from expected demand for Manitoba potatoes.

COVID-19 puts the brakes on potato acres

The potato sector is bracing for long-term impacts as the COVID-19 pandemic shrinks demand

Manitoba’s potato acres will take a hit this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and plummeting demand. According to multiple industry sources, McCain Foods has dropped 16 per cent of acres from its contracts with Manitoba farmers, while Simplot has also made smaller cuts from its agreements. Why it matters: As demands shrinks,


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