A hemispheric lens captures a 180-degree image over a silvopasture — a combined forestry and grazing site. (Charlie Feldhake photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Farm emissions research program renewed

A federal program backing research into farm-level technologies and practices that limit farms’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been picked up for another five-year run. Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Wednesday announced $27 million is budgeted over the 2016-21 period for the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AGGP). More information about criteria for the renewed program


dairy cattle feeding

A little Italian seasoning cuts greenhouse gases

Oregano is believed to reduce methane levels in cow burps

Scientists with Aarhus University in Denmark have launched a four-year study studying the effects of adding oregano to dairy rations as a means of reducing the amount of methane they burp. If their theory that methane emissions from dairy cows can be reduced by up to 25 per cent is confirmed, the tactic would become

Green Party leader, James Beddome, speaks during a press conference, while David Nickarzn looks on.

Manitoba needs a carbon tax: Beddome

Another voice is added to the debate over farming and greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba

The word “agriculture” may not have made it into the text of the Paris climate agreement, but in Manitoba, climate change and agriculture have been appearing together a lot in recent days. Only a few weeks ago the Manitoba government released its Climate Change and Green Economy Action Plan, and now Manitoba’s Green Party has


Save the planet: Eat more bacon, less lettuce

Save the planet: Eat more bacon, less lettuce

Vegetables use more resources and produce more 
greenhouse gases per calorie

Contrary to recent headlines — and a talk by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the United Nations Paris Climate Change Conference — eating a vegetarian diet could contribute to climate change. In fact, according to new research from Carnegie Mellon University, following the USDA recommendations to consume more fruits, vegetables, dairy and seafood is more harmful

Animal industry efficiency and environmental sustainability are improving.

Livestock sector has multi-faceted plan to tackle climate changes

The industry is tackling the challenge — and its critics — by being proactive

The climate change conference in Paris brought together world leaders and countless economic organizations vowing to improve the environment. Among them was the International Meat Secretariat, which represents livestock and meat groups. Jurgen Preugschas, former chairman of the Canadian Pork Council, is chairman of the IMS Sustainable meat committee. “We are working together with many


Manitoba to adopt cap and trade

Manitoba to adopt cap and trade

The province is offering to work with farm organizations to reduce farm emissions

A cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions is a key pillar of a new plan to reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions. Premier Greg Selinger made the announcement last week, outlining a plan to cut greenhouse gases by one-third by the year 2030, while also promising to create 6,000 “new green jobs” in the next four

Editorial: The green world’s breadbasket?

Editorial: The green world’s breadbasket?

Jeff Rubin, the former chief economist for CIBC World Markets turned bestselling author, knows all about adaptation. His first book, Why Your World Is About To Get A Whole Lot Smaller grabbed international attention with predictions that world oil prices would climb to more than $200 a barrel by 2012, forcing a rethink of almost


smokestacks emitting CO2 emissions

Editorial: Canada’s GHG stance tarnishes our brand

Things aren’t going too well in the international trade agreement department. At the World Trade Organization (WTO) round, which has been dragging along since 1991, it’s come to the point where the director general is actually being honest about its prospects. “Taking an overview of all of these consultations it is hard to see a

cattle in a feedlot

Health Canada reviews water quality impact of popular growth promoter

Manitoba Beef Producers says the environmental benefits of growth hormones 
in cattle production outweigh the risks

More research has emerged suggesting that growth promoters used in the cattle-feeding business may persist in the environment longer than previously thought. Researchers at Indiana University’s Bloomington School of Public and Environmental Affairs found that while the synthetic testosterone known as trenbolone acetate or TBA breaks down in sunlight, darkness allows it to revert back