The Mini ROTT at its unveiling demonstration at Glenlea Research Farm July 16.

Rollover training tractor unveiled

The collaboration by three Manitoba groups is aimed at building a safer farm sector

A new agriculture safety tool to train operators to prevent tractor rollovers has been unveiled by a Manitoba collaboration. The University of Manitoba (UM), Red River College (RRC) and Keystone Agricultural Producers, demonstrated the Mini Roll Over Training Tractor (Mini ROTT) at the UM’s Glenlea Research Station on July 16. The teaching vehicle will help

The ROTT has rear and side outriggers to prevent it from tipping over entirely.

Tiny tractor to train farmers on rollover prevention

The remote-controlled vehicle is a collaboration between KAP, the University of Manitoba and Red River College

A remote-controlled mini-tractor will train ag students and farmers on rollover prevention without putting them in harms’ way. The Mini Rollover Training Tractor (or “tippy tractor” as one collaborator called it) is a to-scale, electric, remote-controlled tractor which ag students and farmers can use to experiment and problem-solve in situations that might lead to tractor


Chris Kirouac of Beeproject Apiaries demonstrates honey extraction at 
Red River College.

Rooftop hives educating college

Red River College continues to grow its urban apiaries with sweet results

It’s all about the honey — sort of. Red River College has expanded its urban beekeeping project in partnership with Beeproject Apiaries, adding three new rooftop beehives on the school’s Notre Dame Campus. But Beeproject founder Chris Kirouac said the expansion is about far more than honey production. “The honey is really a secondary bonus

Gord Gilmour

Twist and turns

Returning to the Manitoba Co-operator feels a lot like coming home

You never really know where life is going to take you. About 20 years ago, I was working at a potato-processing plant in Carberry, making french fries for the U.S. market, where I’d been employed since 1993, and decided it was time to go back to school. I applied to the communications program at Red

two students with award

Grain-shipping focus of students’ winning business plan

Assiniboine Community College students focus on grain transportation woes to earn top spot in provincial competition

Two second-year agribusiness students from Assiniboine Community College were recently awarded first place in an annual provincial business competition after focusing in on producer car shipping. Matt Tolton and Will Turner were awarded the top spot in the Manitoba New Venture Championship on April 11 at the University of Manitoba. Both Tolton and Turner grew


bottles of high-end canola oil

Culinary experts get to test – and taste – artisanal canola oil

Manitoba chefs were recently offered a taste of cold-pressed, extra-virgin canola oil

Culinary experts throughout the province recently got their hands on a few samples of an innovative new canola product, straight out of the product development department at Portage’s Food Development Centre. The Manitoba Canola Growers Association in collaboration with the Manitoba Agri-Health Research Network Inc. (MAHRN) have started cold pressing canola to develop virgin canola

Agriculture Hall of Fame

Charles John Froebe was a significant force behind the development of cash advance programs

There were six Manitoban’s inducted to the Manitoba Agricultural Hall 
of Fame July 10. The Co-operator will publish the inductee profiles over the next six weeks.

Charlie Froebe was born at Carman, Man., Nov. 27, 1941. He grew up on the family farm in the Homewood district where he attended grade school and was a member of the Manitoba Sugar Beet 4-H Club. His secondary education was at St. John’s Ravenscourt in Winnipeg and Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois. He

Canine blood donors don’t seem to mind — maybe it’s because of the treats.  photo: Brady Knight

They’re typical blood donors — except their tails are wagging

The Canadian Animal Blood Bank is a Manitoba initiative that, 
like its human equivalent, is a lifesaver for those in need

Byron doesn’t stop smiling. From the minute he rushes into the exam room of the Brandon Hills Veterinary Clinic and scrambles up onto the table, to when he makes a mad dash for the door 10 minutes later, there is a permanent grin on his face, his tail happily wagging behind him. It’s a good