composting Archives - Manitoba Co-operator

Funding set to improve Ontario deadstock removal, disposal

Application intake open as of Sept. 21

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News September 25, 2023

Ontario’s livestock producers could see more and improved options for pickup and sustainable disposal of deadstock through a new federal/provincial program now on offer. The Ontario and federal governments on Thursday opened the intake for applications under what they’re calling the Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative, budgeted for $1.5 million over two years. The program, to

We urban gardeners envy the space available to rural gardeners for growing lots of vegetables.

Country Crossroads

Planning and planting the veggie garden

Whether it’s a large patch or a smaller one, there’s a few things that will help to make it a success

By Albert Parsons May 24, 2019

Growing your own vegetables is a great way to connect with nature and to gain a supply of good-quality food, and for those who prefer organic, growing your own veggies ensures control over what techniques (and chemicals) are used. There is great satisfaction in being able to grow some of your own food and I

Take a bite out of food waste by making sure you use fruits and vegetables before they spoil.

Recipe Swap

Be a superhero by trimming food waste

Small steps can make a big impact in the 1.3 billion tons of food that’s wasted every year

By Julie Garden-Robinson November 23, 2018

On a recent flight, I was pleasantly surprised by the built-in video screens with free movies in the seat backs. I settled in and decided on entertainment for my 2-1/2-hour flight. I tuned into an animated movie, “The Incredibles 2,” which tells the story of a superhero family. The supermom (Elastigirl) has the ability to

Bishop’s goutweed looks effective along a north-facing foundation in a raised bed, and a wagon wheel adds interest.

Country Crossroads, Other

Foundation plantings — an important part of the landscape

There are a few considerations before deciding what you may or may not want to use

By Albert Parsons August 17, 2018

Foundation plantings are an important feature, and as they are located near a house, help to transition the house into the landscape. Typically shrubs and pyramidal trees have been used as foundation plants, but some homeowners may be reluctant to use these, fearing that the roots will harm the foundation or the constant watering will

Manitoba’s organic growers got a close look at composting windrows at Boundy Farms near Boissevain July 21 during an Organic Producers Association of Manitoba field tour.

Local news, News, Other

Breaking down the basics of organic compost in windrows

Organic producers got some expert advice on composting during a July 21 field tour near Boissevain

By Alexis Stockford August 13, 2018

Organic farmers may want to refine that manure before spreading it. Dale Overton, CEO of Overton Environmental Enterprises, urges organic farmers to add a composting step to their fertility programs, something he says will provide better long-term organic matter gain, fight off weeds and save money on fertilizer. Overton’s arguments echo advice from provincial Agriculture

Jen Unwin of Nature’s Perfect Plant Food grabs a handful of red wiggler worms from a vermicomposting tub.

Crops, Local news

Expansion possible as cannabis market grows

Small companies could see host of new opportunities in the wake of cannabis legalization

By Shannon VanRaes November 29, 2017

A Manitoba entrepreneur has high hopes that pending changes to cannabis laws will help expand her fertilizer business. Jen Unwin of Nature’s Perfect Plant Food said the ability for Canadians to grow their own marijuana could be a “huge boon” to small input providers, as consumers learn more about indoor plant production. “In eight short

A mulch of dry leaves helps protect a perennial border.

Country Crossroads, Other

Protecting plants from winter damage

You’ll be glad you did when you see healthy plants come back in the spring

By Albert Parsons November 8, 2017

Late October/early November is the ideal time to plan on how you are going to protect vulnerable plants from our severe winter. The first step has hopefully already been taken where you have chosen most of your plants that are hardy to your climate zone. Many gardeners, however, like to try a few “challenging” plants

A thatch layer builds from the declining clover as the season progresses.  The thatch decomposes and nitrogen becomes available for corn nutrition.

Did you know?, News

Night of the living mulch

It’s more fairy tale than horror story, according to researchers  studying the technique

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff October 30, 2017

Living mulch may be a way to benefit both soil and the bottom line. The technique uses a perennial crop sown between the rows of an annual crop and University of Georgia researchers are studying how to make this old technique work even better. They’re studying the use of white clover between the rows of

Five tips for eco-friendly gardening

By Red River Basin Commission May 31, 2017

The word eco-friendly can be used in many areas of our lives: at work, at home, at play. Being eco-friendly in all these aspects is quite a simple concept with incredible opportunities for creativity. The bottom line is eco-friendly is all about working with nature, not against it. As gardeners we play an ever-increasing unique

Cattle and other animals alter antibiotics as they pass through their digestive systems.

Did you know?, News

Antibiotics manure risk requires a rethink

Manitoba researchers say previous studies ignore the interplay of animals’ digestive systems on the drugs

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff June 28, 2016

A University of Manitoba research paper may upend the way environmental scientists consider the issue of residual antibiotics in manure. They’re a cause of concern because when they’re fed to animals, a lot of the antibiotics pass right through the animal and into the manure. Scientists have worried that could promote antibiotic resistance. “Often, 90 per

Daily Network News

U.S. grains: Corn, soybeans higher in technical bounce; wheat firms

Bring focused approach to target systems, not producers says animal activist

Canada’s Food Price Report shows meat, pantry goods prices expected to rise “a lot” in 2026

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