OUR HISTORY: August 23, 1962

Our Aug. 23, 1962 issue reported on record yields in prospect despite heavy rains and flooding from storms in southern Manitoba — a tornado had struck between Elgin and Underhill on Aug. 14. However, editor Q.H. Martinson reflected that despite fertilizer, chemicals, better cultural practices and improved varieties, farmers were still having trouble beating the

Letters, July 5, 2012

We welcome readers’ comments on issues that have been covered in the Manitoba Co-operator. In most cases we cannot accept “open” letters or copies of letters which have been sent to several publications. Letters are subject to editing for length or taste. We suggest a maximum of about 300 words. Please forward letters to Manitoba


Are you ready to give up your WeedEx?

The provincial government wants public input before deciding whether to ban cosmetic pesticide use in Manitoba. Although pesticides used in agriculture — including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides — aren’t included in consultations, a possible ban on cosmetic pesticides would still have repercussions for farmers, said Doug Chorney, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “We need to

Valent Canada will now market through Nufarm

Ag and turf chemical firm Valent Canada will now market 17 of its products in the Canadian market through Nufarm Agriculture. The two companies made a deal March 1 that will see five herbicides, six insecticides, five plant growth regulators and Presidio fungicide marketed in Canada through Nufarm’s distribution channels. The distribution deal follows Nufarm’s


Cosmetic pesticide dilemma

While working from a home office a few years ago, I looked out the window and saw a young guy holding a wand and spraying liquid on the front lawn. He was at the wrong address — a neighbour across the lane had ordered his lawn-care service, and I was able to direct him before

Manitoba government preparing to ban cosmetic pesticides

Farmers will be allowed to spray their crops if the Manitoba government bans the use of cosmetic “chemical” pesticides. But farmers will still suffer, say CropLife Canada and the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP). And so will homeowners. Last week Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh confirmed this spring the Manitoba government will consult the


What Health Canada says about pesticides and cancer

PMRA says all products undergo rigorous scientific tests STAFF / Question: Some groups indicate that there is a “growing body of evidence suggesting a connection between pesticides and cancer.” What is Health Canada doing about this? Answer: Health Canada does not register pesticides that are known to cause cancer or other illnesses when used according

Award Recipient Pioneered Pesticide Container Recycling

STAFF / Cam Davreux, vice-president of stewardship for CropLife Canada from 1989 until his retirement in June 2011, was honoured for his commitment to environmental stewardship at the Conference on Canadian Stewardship in Halifax Sept. 20. Davreux was the push behind three stewardship programs in the Canadian crop protection industry that have gone on to


Timely Weed Control In Challenging Conditions

With challeng- ing spray conditions, including crop and weeds weakened by frost and cool weather, growers need to consider steps to improve herbicide performance and limit crop damage. These steps will be different for each herbicide, so pay attention to product label instructions and restrictions. Here are key points from the recent webinar on spraying

PMRA Talking GROU Regulations – for Jul. 29, 2010

The Grower Requested Own Use Import Program has proved very successful with farmers and the Pesticide Management Review Agency must not dilute its ability to save farmers money, says Bob Friesen, CEO of Farmers of North America Strategic Agriculture Institute. The PMRA has been working on developing a set of regulations governing GROU, but the