Man. research manager worries about input supply chains, child care disruptions and threats to older farmers
The COVID-19 pandemic is a Friday the 13th scenario that threatens spring seeding and supply chains for inputs, a crop specialist says. It also puts at risk the storehouse of knowledge kept by farmers, most of whom are up in years and most vulnerable to the illness, said Scott Chalmers, manager of the Westman Agricultural […] Read moreStories by Brad Bird
Sask. researcher sees intercropping on the rise
Three of last year’s top crop combinations were canola and peas, peas and oats (for silage), and flax and chickpeas
An old farming practice is winning new adherents across the Prairies. Intercropping — the growing of two or more types of plants in the same row or field, such as peas and canola — is catching on as good yields and lower production costs improve the bottom line. Crop specialists say healthier soils are another […] Read more
Videos turn spotlight on grasslands
Manitoba Beef Producers has made two videos to help the public understand the importance of beef production to grassland and wildlife preservation. The short videos, shot last year, were shown recently at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon and helped to generate a good panel discussion, said Carson Callum, the group’s general manager. One of them […] Read more
Producers struggle with seeding decisions
If you’re uncertain about what to plant this spring, you’re not alone. Given the markets and a wet, late harvest last fall, a lot of producers are uncommitted, a veteran crop specialist says. “It’s kind of up in the air,” said Scott Chalmers, manager of the research farm in Melita, Man., who has worked there […] Read more
Buckwheat offers advantages in right situation
Acres have fallen drastically in Manitoba, but proponents say the crop can still play a role in farmers’ rotations
Many farmers may have dismissed buckwheat as an option for their rotations. After all, in terms of yields and markets, buckwheat can’t compete with canola, soybeans and wheat. From a high of 100,000 or more acres seeded in the 1970s and 1980s in Manitoba, buckwheat fell to 6,766 acres last year. However, that’s still an […] Read more
Farm changes watched from auction podium
Manitoba auctioneer moves from clipboards to computers and farm sites to websites after 50 years in the business
Every day at noon, Bill Klassen huddled with his father near the big floor-model radio in the kitchen to hear the farm report from Fargo, North Dakota. It was music to his ears and held the boy in rapture — not the prices of hogs and heifers, but the staccato rhythm of the auctioneer whose […] Read more
Farmers warned about losing public support
Rex Murphy points out similarities between western farmers and the east coast fishery during Manitoba Ag Days
A CBC icon praised producers at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon late last month, noting their “absolute genius” on the land and calling them the inheritors of a great tradition of hard work and helping one’s neighbour. However, he warned that Canadians are losing appreciation for farming and other key industries that built this country, […] Read moreFloods drive rats out from countryside
DELORAINE, Man. — Rats are on the increase in parts of southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Even Alberta has had flare-ups, a pest control officer says. Forced from their nests by flood waters near Winnipeg, the rodents are infesting granaries, buildings and dumps. Rats can carry disease and fleas and are a public health nuisance. In […] Read more
Reunion recalls long distance snowmobile rally
BOISSEVAIN, Man. – Bill Hammond remembers well the first long-distance snowmobile rally in Manitoba. It took place in February 1970 and lasted five sometimes-painful days, from the International Peace Garden at the United States border to The Pas in northwestern Manitoba. Hammond remembers the sore butt, the big supper steaks and the great fun with […] Read more
South Africa battles locusts
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) – Farmers in South Africa’s Northern Cape province are fighting to eradicate swarms of locusts that threaten corn and grape vines. “In some places there are swarms up to 10 kilometres long, but we have started spraying to get the situation under control,” said Hoffie Joubert, speaking for the Northern Cape […] Read more
