News & Opinion & Farming Articles - Manitoba Co-operator

Manitoba’s cannabis homegrow ban a mistake

Consumer’s group compares the restriction to outdated home-brewing regulations that were phased out

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff December 15, 2017

A consumer’s group says the Manitoba government is wrong to ban growing recreational marijuana for personal consumption. The Consumers Choice Centre notes medical cannabis patients have the right to grow plants at home and calls restrictions for recreational users “incredibly silly.” “Having different rules for different residents of Manitoba makes the law significantly more difficult

Food retail economist John F.T. Scott says trust and transparency are key to marketing food these days.

News, Other

Consumers are demanding companies prove their sustainability commitment

The rapidly changing retail food sector wants to know what you do on your farm

By Laura Rance-Unger December 15, 2017

The $118-billion retail food sector in Canada is becoming increasingly fragmented but it still shares one thing in common: a commitment to trust and transparency, a retail food expert told delegates at the recent GrowCanada conference. That has repercussions that trace through the value chain all the way to the farm, John F.T. Scott said.

Beef cattle, Local news

Town hall speakers talk about where the money goes

Manitoba Beef Producers hosted one of a series of cross-Canada information meetings on the national checkoff

By Lorraine Stevenson December 14, 2017

A pound of beef takes about 17 per cent less water to produce than it once did, new research being released by the beef industry this week will show. The findings are part of ongoing efforts to measure how the Canadian beef industry has been lightening its environmental footprint as it improves productivity efficiencies since

Editorial, Opinion

Editorial: Building bridges

By Gord Gilmour December 14, 2017

Earlier this month the A&W restaurant chain may have taken a significant step towards rebuilding its battered image with the nation’s cattle farmers. The company has been the source of much controversy in recent years after it introduced a marketing strategy branding the beef in its burgers as free of hormones and other growth promoters.

Craig Koenig, CFIA’s regional chief inspector for Manitoba, told a Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association meeting his staff are willing to work with private pedigreed seed inspectors to help them do a better job.

Crops, News

Privatized seed inspection sore point for growers

Critics say the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is treating Manitoba differently than other provinces, but add it can fix the problem by working more closely with private inspectors

By Allan Dawson December 14, 2017

Manitoba pedigreed seed growers say they’re being held to a more rigid standard than farmers in other provinces. The complaints, levelled at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) were raised at a Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association (MSGA) meeting here Nov. 30. The allegations, which CFIA officials denied, come from some seed growers and companies providing

Country Crossroads, Local news, Other

CN Police Services encourages people to use caution this winter

By CN Release December 13, 2017

As part of its ongoing commitment to rail safety, CN is encouraging drivers to use caution around railway crossings and reminding winter outdoor enthusiasts to stay away from railway tracks. “Icy roads, reduced visibility and storms are a potentially dangerous combination and we encourage people to drive safely and use caution around railway crossings,” said

News

Canadian Hall of Fame inducts three

A Nov. 30 ceremony in Calgary made the previously announced inductions official

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff December 13, 2017

An all-female slate of inductees have been ushered into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Robynne Anderson, Patty Jones and Jean Szkotnicki were inducted in a Nov. 30 ceremony in Calgary. The three accomplished women are joining an exclusive group — of the more than 210 individuals named to the organization since its founding in

A lygus bug prepares to wreak havoc on a canola plant.

Crops, Local news

Manitoba crop insects seen in 2017

Manitoba Agriculture entomologist offers his yearly summary of bugs

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff December 12, 2017

From aphids to wheat midge, a wide variety of insects made their presence known in Manitoba crops in 2017. John Gavloski, entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, has compiled a summary entitled ‘Summary of Insects on Crops in Manitoba in 2017‘ of the insects observed in fields across the province. Much of the crop insects identified in

John Jones, director of the Medical Transportation Coordination Centre in Brandon, speaks Nov. 28 on what will change when 23 rural EMS stations close, replaced by five regional stations and two station upgrades.

Local news, Other

Municipalities not convinced on rural EMS changes

The province says closing 23 low-call stations and replacing them with more regional stations will enhance service, but local governments have concerns

By Alexis Stockford December 12, 2017

Municipalities have serious concerns about proposed changes to rural EMS, and western Manitoba is at the head of the pack. The western region is expected to take the greatest hit if the province moves ahead with its plan to close 23 community ambulance bays, replacing them with five larger centres and two more enhanced stations

Local news, Other

Bullying message hits Manitoba municipalities

Resolution brought forward at convention sees overwhelming support

By Lorraine Stevenson December 12, 2017

Municipal leaders have sent a strong message that rude, belligerent and bullying behaviour by council members will no longer be tolerated. Delegates at last week’s Association of Manitoba Municipalities convention overwhelmingly supported two resolutions which would give municipal leaders recourse if they’re subject to harassment or other forms of misconduct by fellow councillors. Read more: No

Daily Network News

Southern California honeybees show resistance to varroa mites

Pulse Weekly: SaskPulse optimistic despite input, crop price concerns

Canadian aquaculture should be classed as agriculture, industry groups say

News & Opinion