Science behind organic systems gains ground

Organic agriculture’s critics routinely claim the practice is more philosophy than agronomy — and the worst cut of all — lacking in “sound science.” Not anymore. Organic is pushing back one peer-reviewed research paper at a time. “We can claim science and we are,” declared Ralph Martin at the opening of the first Canadian Organic

Sustainability equals profitability

Bigger doesn’t mean better and unconventional doesn’t mean unprofitable. In fact, Lisa Clouston of Spring Creek Farms, a holistic rancher and part-time social worker, thinks it’s time to toss those ideas aside when it comes to farming. “You need to look at your costs, your time, and quality of life … higher volume doesn’t mean


Briefs Feb. 23

La Broquerie farmer recognized Staff / La Broquerie farmer Gerry Dube has been honoured by the Manitoba Eco-Network for his efforts in sustainable agriculture. Dube was among four recipients of the annual Anne Lindsey Protecting Our Earth Awards Feb. 3. Dube was a founding member of the Organic Food Council of Manitoba as well as

“Natural” is their middle name

St. Claude dairy farmers Roger and Rachel Philippe were raising their male calves instead of disposing of them, but they weren’t happy with the prices they received when they sold them for slaughter. The couple, who has 200 milk cows, don’t use antibiotics or growth hormones and use feed regimes that produce quality meat. But


Fertilizer Prices Higher, But Relief May Come

Fertilizer prices across Western Canada are considerably higher than earlier this year. However, some price relief may be on the way. Fertilizer prices have really stayed high all through the season, said Doug Chorney, president of the Manitoba Keystone Agricultural Producers Association. Prices over the past 12 months in Manitoba have increased for some nitrogen

Farmers Turn To The Web To Burnish Image

October is a busy month for Kansas farmer Darin Grimm. With 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans to harvest, the third-generation family farmer is running a combine nearly dawn to dusk. But he still makes time to tweet. Whether it s touting the benefits of a new fertilizer, sharing photos of a newborn calf, debating


Ottawa Backs Push To Increase Exports Of Organic Foods

STAFF / The federal government is spending $195,000 to promote Canadian organic products abroad. The money will go to the Canada Organic Trade Association to enhance the industry s competitiveness in global markets, said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Canada s organic farmers produce some of the world s most wholesome and healthy food, and are

A Fresh Look At Our Organic Roots

Janine Gibson isn t surprised when she hears about studies that find organic farming to be as productive as conventional production methods. To think that it couldn t be, well that s just garbage, said the organic inspector and cofounder of the Organic Food Council of Manitoba. According to an American study released this year,


Product Awareness

Priscilla Reimer heads the Manitoba Organic Alliance, an umbrella organization for organic associations and producers. The organic inspector said sound scientific research is an important aspect of promoting organic production methods, but added current findings are not unexpected. To me it s a non-argument … yes, we can feed the world using organic systems, she

Grain Growers Offers Budget Wish List

Modest changes in government policy could reap major benefits for farmers, the Grain Growers of Canada says in a pre-budget consultation paper for the Commons Finance Committee. Making agriculture research a key priority and rewarding producers for good environmental farm practices are among the suggestions GGC has for the committee, which holds hearings this fall