Research scientist Philip Lyons stands in front of a tank holding rainbow carp at Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre, in Leende, Netherlands.

New technology allows more sustainable aquaculture

Alternative protein sources such as insect meal could replace fish meal fed to fish

Many are familiar with farmed salmon, catfish or tilapia. But there are many more potential species, says a research scientist at an aquaculture facility here. “When you compare fish farming to terrestrial farming we have thousands of different fish species that we could potentially farm… and when you compare that to terrestrial farming we have

Dutch dairy farmer Bas Hofman cares for his dairy cattle at Golden Raand, his ‘care farm’ near Noordwolde, Netherlands.

‘Care farm’ model allows Dutch dairy farm to expand

Couple combines their professions to create a farm that provides care for those with intellectual challenges

It was long lonely days for Bas Hofman. He would milk his 70 cows every morning and night, while his wife, Greet Cazemier, worked as a psychiatric nurse at a large care institution. Hofman knew if he wanted to continue as a farmer he would have to expand his farm. Cazemier, on the other hand,


VIDEO: Overland through Zambia

VIDEO: Overland through Zambia

In 2015, Manitoba Co-operator Shannon VanRaes travelled to Zambia with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists to see first hand the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the landlocked African nation. From dusty roads, to bustling cities, crocodile to dairy farms, irrigation and Victoria Falls, get a glimpse of what farming looks like in Zambia,

VIDEO: Diverse lessons from New Zealand farms

VIDEO: Diverse lessons from New Zealand farms

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes wraps up her visit to New Zealand at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes wraps up her visit to the southern hemisphere by reflecting on what she has seen and learned during her time in New Zealand. From dairy aspirations and the TPP, to the country’s export philosophy and horticulture, Kiwi farmers offer a perspective on agriculture that is both in sync and at

VIDEO: Volcanic soil and coastal conditions make NZ grapes unique

VIDEO: Volcanic soil and coastal conditions make NZ grapes unique

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes is on assignment at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists in New Zealand

New Zealand wines are already a staple on the shelves of Manitoba liquor stores, but the New Zealand Winegrowers association would like to see an even greater flow of product to North American markets — like Canada. Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes speaks to Jeffrey Clark in Hamilton, New Zealand about what makes that country’s wine


VIDEO: It’s a bird, it’s a person … No! It’s a fruit

VIDEO: It’s a bird, it’s a person … No! It’s a fruit

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes is on assignment at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists in New Zealand

It’s furry, brown, delicious and nutritious. But the Kiwi fruit isn’t just a part of the New Zealand psyche, it a big part of the country’s export economy. Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes speaks to Shane Max, orchard productivity manager with Zespri about the fruit’s origins and visits Whitehall Fruitpackers, where Mark Gardiner speaks about

VIDEO: Man’s best friend helps maintain biosecurity in New Zealand

VIDEO: Man’s best friend helps maintain biosecurity in New Zealand

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes on assignment at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists in New Zealand

One of Brett Hickman’s duties with New Zealand’s border patrol is on maintaining biosecurity, especially important with travellers attempting to bring in fruit, vegetables or animals. Sniffer dogs – in this case, Kelsie, a beagle puppy in training – are one important tool border patrol uses to prohibit people from bringing items such as these into

VIDEO: What might New Zealand and Manitoba producers have in common?

VIDEO: What might New Zealand and Manitoba producers have in common?

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Shannon VanRaes is on assignment at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists in New Zealand

Shannon VanRaes of the Manitoba Co-operator is at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists in Hamilton, New Zealand. Sheep, kiwi, dairy and the Trans-Pacific Partnership are on VanRaes’ agenda as she meets with some of the country’s producers to learn if there’s anything Manitoba producers can learn from New Zealand. Visit the Manitoba Co-operator often as VanRaes’ files videos of


A farm employee pulls out cornstalks on an 18-hectare operation owned by a retired educator near Livingstone.  hotos: Shannon VanRaes

A mix of pragmatism and fear keeps GMOs out of Zambia

While the debate over GMO labelling continues in North America, Zambians take it for granted that they aren’t consuming products made with genetically modified ingredients

In Zambia, it’s practically everywhere. Maize is in tiny garden plots, on small farms, huge estates, in markets and on dinner plates. Since its introduction to Africa by the Portuguese in the 16th century, maize has become the main staple crop in this region. Two megalithic-size cobs even flank the entrance to the Zambia National