More Community Composting Programs Eyed

Carman saved $35,000 last year in landfill operation costs by residents putting out their empty jars, tins and plastic tubs for a curbside recycling program. Now the town hopes to achieve more savings doing the same thing with potato peels and apple cores. Earlier this spring free plastic compost pails were delivered to every one

Safe Manure Handling Vital

Recent cases of people becoming ill in Europe from vegetables contaminated with human fecal matter remind producers that handling animal manure safely is important. “Animal manures contain pathogens that can cause health issues in animals and humans if the manure isn’t managed properly,” says Chris Augustin, nutrient management specialist at North Dakota State University’s Carrington


What’s Up – for Jun. 23, 2011

——— Please forward your agricultural events to [email protected] or call 204-944-5762. June 28-29:Compost Matters in Manitoba, AAFC Brandon Research Station. Two-day workshop for “organics recycling and compost advocates.” For more info call 1-877-571-4769 or email [email protected]. July 6-8:Canadian Seed Growers’ Association annual general meeting, Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King St. W., Hamilton. For more info



Tapping Alberta’s “Other” Liquid Gold Resource

Mention the term “liquid gold” in Alberta and livestock manure isn’t likely the first thing that jumps to mind. But it’s slowly becoming part of the conversation as researchers learn more about how to harvest the nutrient benefits of this potentially abundant resource and byproduct of the livestock industry. One of the latest and most

French Farmers Turning To Renewable Energy

An increasing number of farmers will try to claim a share of France’s renewable energy sector to help cope with farm price volatility and counter environmental criticism that has tarnished their rural image. Solar, wind and biomass energy are taking off in France in the wake of national and European energy targets. Farmers see them


Research Project To Focus On Agricultural Waste

CleanFarms has received $25,000 from the governments of Canada and Manitoba to examine how best to collect and responsibly manage agricultural waste generated on farms. CleanFarms research will identify the types and quantities of waste paper, plastic and other materials generated by Manitoba farmers. The industry stewardship organization will then look at potential options for

Human Waste Could Be Phosphate Source

Human excreta could have a key role in securing future food security, helping prevent a sharp drop in yields of crops such as wheat due to a shortage of phosphorus inputs, a U.K. organic body said Nov. 29. “It is estimated that only 10 per cent of the three million tonnes of phosphorus excreted by


The Pas Incinerator Supported

Berscheid Meats of The Pas is receiving more than $360,000 for the purchase and installation of an incinerator and handling equipment for the disposal of specified risk material (SRM) both from its own slaughter facilities and from nearby communities. Federal and provincial officials made the announcement Oct. 8. The new equipment, which operates at temperatures

Markets Within Reach For Farms’ Pent-Up Energy

Manitoba farmers could become major players in the energy marketplace with the right programs. No, that doesn’t mean finding oil under the farm – though that never hurts. It means tapping into markets for the energy products we already produce. As farmers, we are really just managing the landscape to use the sun, water and