dairy cow

Editorial: More to TPP than milk and eggs

The Trans-Pacific Partnership and what a deal could mean for Canadian producers

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement now under negotiation involves 12 of the world’s largest economies, and has been described as “NAFTA on steroids.” What’s holding it up? Canadian dairy farmers. Or so you’d think about reading some of the national and international media coverage. Some of it made us think of the coverage of

James Battershill

KAP seeks members’ input on Growing Forward 3

By starting early Manitoba’s general farm organization hopes to have more influence 
over the outcome than it did with Growing Forward 2

Which farm programs are working and which are not? That’s what Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) staff is asking members as it and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture prepare for Growing Forward 3, the federal-provincial framework for farm programs to take effect April 1, 2017. “We felt we needed to be as proactive as possible to


man and woman standing beside car

Weather watchers keep eyes on the rural skies

Steinbach’s Storm Ready volunteer weather-spotter pilot program has been active since 2010. EMO and Environment Canada are working to see it expanded and taken up by more communities, say EMO officials

You’re a true weather hound if you volunteer to have a siren go off in your house whenever a storm is brewing. Blumenort resident Amy Ginn gets a rush of adrenalin every time she hears it — especially when it goes off in the middle of the night. “It does get your attention when it

flooded farmland

Changes to cost sharing could hit Manitoba hard

Federal government changes DFAA, increases amount provinces 
must pay to trigger for federal disaster relief payouts

Floods and other disasters are about to become even more expensive for Manitobans. That’s the inevitable outcome of a federal government change to how it contributes to disaster financial assistance, say provincial and municipal leaders. Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Steven Blaney announced changes last month to federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements


Assiniboine River Basin

Assiniboine River Basin Initiative a good first step

But 'there be dragons' to tame for it to be a success

Those who attended the meeting in Regina that established the Assiniboine River Basin Initiative deserve credit for their effort. Their determination to come up with a plan to address land and water issues within the basin should be welcomed by all, but the obstacles they face are many. The biggest by far is the poor

flooded farmer's field

Changes needed to farm supports undermined by climate change

The Manitoba government also promises to help promote Manitoba farms and food

Making farm support programs more responsive to climate change and promoting farms and food are two measures promised by the Manitoba government in its speech from the throne Nov. 20. “(O)ur government will establish a new working group with industry to ensure risk management tools are responsive to changing climate,” Lieutenant-Governor Phillip Lee said while


Manitoba flooding at the Portage Diversion

Manitoba flood compensation dollars flow

Landowners along the Portage Diversion are eligible

The flood waters have receded and now it’s cash that is flowing. The Manitoba government announced last week that farmers whose lands were flooded as a result of the decision to use the Portage Diversion this past summer will be eligible for $1.15 million in compensation. “During our flood response, the Manitoba government used the

Simon Ellis, Manitoba farmer

With no AgriRecovery yet in sight, farmers face a tough winter ahead

KAP is still pushing for AgriRecovery to offset what was for many farmers a terrible growing season

It was a tough year for many Manitoba farmers and it could be an even tougher winter, according to farmers speaking at Keystone Agricultural Producers’ (KAP) fall General Council meeting Oct. 30. “There will be farmers who will not make land payments and machinery payments due to the fact they have not got their crop,


Editorial: The waiting game

Editorial: The waiting game

Support is greatly needed for farmers affected by flooding, but what will it be and when?

“May the odds be forever in your favour” is a memorable quote from the The Hunger Games, a popular book trilogy later made into movies. Although it is voiced as a cheery sendoff into competition, the irony is that the child protagonists face unspeakably cruel odds, pitted against one another in a fight-to-the-finish match from

FILE PHOTO

Feed shortages could push flooded farmers to sell cattle

This year’s flood has created more uncertainty for Manitoba’s cattle sector

The stress of extended flooding losses followed by a harsh winter prompted Scott Kolomaya to make a tough decision in the spring. He sold three-quarters of his cattle herd. His hayfields were flooded in 2011 and had not yet been returned to production. After a long and bitter winter, he was running short of feed.