No takers for ‘pasture swaps’

The studies show running goats with cattle could create a “serious win-win,” but Saskatchewan goatherd Brian Payne is having trouble getting buy-in. Payne, who runs 225 Savanna goats near Humboldt, has been running ads and making pitches at livestock meetings looking for cattle producers willing to enter into “pasture swaps.” “I haven’t found anybody yet,”


Agriculture Hall of Fame

Charles John Froebe was a significant force behind the development of cash advance programs

There were six Manitoban’s inducted to the Manitoba Agricultural Hall 
of Fame July 10. The Co-operator will publish the inductee profiles over the next six weeks.

Charlie Froebe was born at Carman, Man., Nov. 27, 1941. He grew up on the family farm in the Homewood district where he attended grade school and was a member of the Manitoba Sugar Beet 4-H Club. His secondary education was at St. John’s Ravenscourt in Winnipeg and Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois. He

Farm group fingers agency for slow introduction of generic pesticides

Farmers of North America say Canada’s overly onerous regulations mean cheaper generic 
farm chemicals are hard to find north of the U.S. border

Afederal agency that’s supposed to help farmers get their hands on cheaper generic pesticides is instead throwing up roadblocks to their introduction, according to critics. Ottawa introduced regulatory changes three years ago to speed up the introduction of generic versions of off-patent pesticides, but the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency “has not bought into that agenda,”



Weekly Grain Market Report

For the week ended July 12/2013

ICE Futures Canada canola futures saw some mixed activity during the week ended July 12, but were lower overall by July 12 as relatively favourable crop prospects and a jump in the Canadian dollar weighed on values. The November canola contract finished the week at $530.80 which is right at the low end of a


Leadership takes many forms

It’s safe to say that Wilf Harder of Lowe Farm and Ernie Sirski of Dauphin have been on different sides of a debate in agriculture a time or two over the years, but there is one thing upon which these farmers do agree. This industry needs more people willing to step up, speak their minds

Look to winter hay stocks now

Look to winter hay stocks now

With U.S. alfalfa fields recovering from 
extensive winterkill, Manitoba producers 
should expect to see hay flow south this fall

A provincial forage specialist is urging cattle and dairy producers who plan to buy hay to lock in their winter supplies early or risk losing out to U.S. buyers again this year. Last year, drought in the American Midwest drew hay south, and a second year of poor production will likely see a repeat this


Seed producer says vertical tillage is just the ticket

Greg Smith says vertical tillage has worked so well on his perennial grasses and alfalfa, 
he’s now using it for his grains and oilseed crops to manage residue

Looking to breathe new life into perennial seed crop stands? Consider vertical tillage. Beginning with his meadow fescue fields, forage seed producer Greg Smith began using vertical tillage two years ago to loosen up sod-bound fields and has been pleased with the results — higher yields in second- and even third-year plant stands. “Meadow fescue

file photo

Corn good for Manitoba’s economy

Manitoba’s corn industry punches above its weight when contributing to the provincial and national economy, according to a study prepared for Informa Economics for the Manitoba Corn Growers Association (MCGA). The consulting company estimates Manitoba corn production provided nearly $117 million in added value to the provincial economy in 2012 based on direct and indirect