Letters: Agriculture deemed essential

The COVID-19 virus is impacting all facets of our communities, the economy and our province. On March 30, the chief provincial public health officer issued the new health order with a schedule of critical services. Agriculture and all aspects related to food production and the food supply chain are listed as essential services. Our government

Letters: Border open for business

I enjoyed reading your article “Are farm machinery parts essential business?” in last week’s Co-operator however, I feel I could add valuable information for farmers. I work as a consultant in agriculture and also run a small manufacturing business out of my home shop. Many of the materials needed for my small business come from


2020 U.S. farm income prospects in the aftermath of COVID-19 are dismal.

Comment: Prepare for the worst, pray for the best

One thing is certain, the pain from COVID-19 will be very real

Despite overwhelming evidence from literally every corner of the world, a farmer friend recently related to me that three rural acquaintances had assured him that “this whole virus thing is just a big hoax to bring down Trump.” If so, there’s now 100,000-plus graves, more than a half-million hospital patients, and trillions of dollars of

Opinion: COVID-19 reveals a labour weakness

COVID-19: Foreign workers a delicate issue as domestic unemployment soars

Glacier FarmMedia – A weak spot in Canada’s food system is being revealed by COVID-19. Despite the federal government allowing temporary foreign workers into the country, there are still concerns not enough will be able to reach Canada in time. Whole sections of foreign bureaucracies are closed, including visa offices in some countries, making it


Comment: ‘Behold the fowls of the air… ’

Comment: ‘Behold the fowls of the air… ’

We can plan all we want but luck will weigh in too

My father wasn’t a stoic. Instead, his temperament was one of acceptance. He simply accepted the fact that he wasn’t in complete control of most things on the farm. Sure, he was boss over everything in sight: hundreds of acres, 100 dairy cows, five farmhand sons, three hired men, and his unpredictable, iron-bending Uncle Honey.

Comment: February was a paradox. March delivered a pandemic

Coronavirus is taking the spring out of spring

February is a paradox. Leap year or not, it’s the shortest month of the year yet it always feels like the longest month of winter. Then March appears with its light, colour, and hope. That’s what is needed this March as political leaders, markets, and the world economy tumble into a virus-choked mudhole. Worse, this


Debate over seed royalties could be nearing end

Debate over seed royalties could be nearing end

A pilot project could be the beginning of the end for this long-standing issue

The long-awaited process of determining the future of seed royalty rates in Canada is approaching its final stages. At least, it seems that way. Consider first the process officially began in 2013 when the then federal government led by the Conservative party introduced a law allowing royalty collection on seeds. (Some may recognize this as

Comment: Homesick? Try Mom or Grandma’s cure-all

Comment: Homesick? Try Mom or Grandma’s cure-all

Frequently the cures were worse than the illnesses

The onset of a deep chest cold recently pushed me to wander the aisles of the drugstore for any cure that might halt the hacking. Three days and three placebos later, my hack weakened to a wheeze. Time, and the lovely Catherine’s chicken soup, did the trick. Had I been on the southern Illinois dairy


Comment: Let’s get it right

Will individual commodity issues be sidelined by new organization?

The Manitoba Corn Growers Association (MCGA), Manitoba Flax Growers Association, National Sunflower Association, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association and Winter Cereals Manitoba are involved in a proposed amalgamation to become one large entity and represent all of these crops. These organizations have improved farming practices and returns to growers for each of their respected

Comment: Growing agriculture’s next generation

Comment: Growing agriculture’s next generation

More needs to be done to demonstrate agriculture is a great career choice

The agriculture industry is a vital driver of the Canadian economy, contributing over $122 billion each year to the national GDP. With the world’s population expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, the industry has a significant opportunity to grow in economic importance as it expands to feed a growing global community. However, the agricultural


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