McGill University researcher Anjaly Paul says that converting farm waste into biogas and organic fertilizer through anaerobic digestion could provide farmers with additional income and support Canada’s net-zero emissions goals.

Biogas pitched to turn farm waste into renewable energy

Anaerobic digestion can convert manure and other agricultural waste into renewable energy as well as fertilizer, but Manitoba farmers don’t have the best history with the technology

Anaerobic digestion can convert manure and other agricultural waste into renewable energy as well as fertilizer, but Manitoba farmers don’t have the best history with the technology

Manure may not be biggest culprit for nutrient runoff

Manure may not be biggest culprit for nutrient runoff

Soil and vegetation may play larger role in excess nutrient runoff, new study suggests

Findings suggested that manure was, at most, a secondary source of nitrogen and phosphorus in those watersheds. They also found that nutrient levels ascribed to manure were relatively constant during the simulation period between 2005 and 2019, despite variation in precipitation.


Letters: Manure and E. coli go together

The Manitoba Co-operator’s election campaign story on Sept. 21, 2023, contained the following quote: “The Green Party platform contains numerous water-related plans, including a note to strengthen manure management regulations in the Red River Basin ‘to eliminate manure run-off.’ [Liberal candidate Neil] Stewart said water-related incidents are likely to become larger, and the province needs

File photo of a garbage dump at Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T. (Rlesyk/iStock/Getty Images)

Canada launches offset credits to help tackle emissions

Landfill gas protocols now launched; ag-related protocols soon to follow

Reuters — Canada on Wednesday launched a credit system for greenhouse gas offsets, a major part of its plan to cut carbon emissions, starting with a set of rules stipulating how projects can generate tradeable credits by capturing gas from landfills. The government said protocols for four other sectors including agriculture and forest management are

Manure releases from Smithfield hog farms raise environmental concerns

Reuters – More than 20 Missouri hog farms have reported an increase in emergency manure releases since U.S. pork producer Smithfield Foods took them over in 2006, an environmental advocacy group says, citing equipment failures and improper maintenance that raise concerns about the impact on air and water quality. The group, Socially Responsible Agriculture Project



Regenerative dairy farmers Henry Nyhof (left to right), Sean Smith and Paul Kernaleguen with conference organizer Ryan Boyd.

Dairy farmers well positioned for regenerative ag, producers say

BALANCES | Increased grazing has seen decreases in butterfat but overall increases in cows’ health, reduced input costs

Canadian dairy farmers may be among the best positioned to take up regenerative farming practices, said producers during a panel discussion at the 2021 Regenerative Ag Conference, held in Brandon Nov. 15 to 17. Supply management means a steady income which can give farmers more confidence to take risks, said Sean Smith, a dairy farmer near Minnedosa. Fairly small herds

Manure being spread at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center.

Troublesome weeds spread through manure

Weed seeds pass unharmed through the digestive tracts of animals such as cattle and sheep

Using some kinds of manure as fertilizer can lead to the spread of noxious and troublesome weeds. “It is a known fact that weed seeds pass unharmed through the digestive tracts of ruminant animals (cattle, sheep),” says Mary Keena, livestock environmental management specialist based at North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center. “This means that whatever weed seeds


A truck spreads manure onto a field in this file photo.

Province issues variance on nutrient application

Based on soil conditions and weather forecasts, Manitoba Conservation and Climate has issued a variance on winter application of nutrients. Producers could begin applying nutrients as of 12:01 a.m. March 23, 2021. Manitoba Conservation and Climate reminds producers to assess current weather conditions and periodically check weather forecasts when applying nutrients prior to April 11.

Thanks to Jim Lundgren, who farms at Glenora, Man., about 85 km west of Morden, for this photo of his early start to spring tillage on March 20, 2021, owing to the recent absence of snow and/or rain in the area. Not that it’s a race, but is spring fieldwork already underway where you are? If yes, feel free to snap a photo and email us at daveb@fbcpublishing.com. (Photo courtesy Jim Lundgren)

Manitoba soil temperatures allow for spring fertilizer

Winter ban lifted, with cautions

Farmers across Manitoba are now cleared to apply spring fertilizers including livestock manure on their fields, thanks to sufficiently warm soil temperatures, the province said Tuesday. Though the winter nutrient ban has been lifted, the province cautioned producers to “assess current weather conditions and periodically check weather forecasts” if they’re applying anytime between now and