According to an RBC report, 600 fewer young people are entering the ag sector each year, despite a 29 percent jump in students enrolling in post-secondary agricultural programs. As well, as the rural population dwindles, cities grow and that means more people become more removed from the farm and are less aware of how their food is produced.
Stories by Brenda Hunter
Dramatic Kentucky Derby winner has Man. roots
Horse that shocked the racing world by coming from behind to win prestigious event was born to a mare from Manitoba
Rich Strike, the 80-1 longshot that staged a dramatic come-from-behind win at the recent Kentucky Derby, has roots in Canada. His mother, Gold Strike, was a Manitoba product. In fact, Gold Strike was not only bred, born, raised and started near Brunkild, Man., but she was raced at Assiniboia Downs near Winnipeg as a two-year […] Read more
Adventures on the wagon trail east
It’s not every day that two 70-something-year-old men set out on a nearly 700-kilometre horse-drawn wagon adventure spanning two provinces. But try telling that to cousins Joe Alexander of Virden, Manitoba and Derwin Clarke of Balzac, Alberta who recently did just that. The duo made the journey from Eastend, Saskatchewan to Virden, Manitoba to reenact […] Read more
Man. 4-H develops scholarships
A new Manitoba 4-H scholarship program has been established using money from a $1 million endowment fund that the provincial government announced last fall. Created in conjunction with the Brandon Area Community Foundation, the fund will set up four scholarships named in honour of four long-standing 4-H leaders: Fleurette Geirnaert, Mariapolis-Baldur 4-H Club, 48 years […] Read more
Couple’s IVF story has happy ending
In vitro fertilization treatments are an expensive and emotionally exhausting option for those struggling with infertility
Many couples cope with the heartbreak and stress of infertility. For those living in rural areas, where access to specialists is limited, treatment options can often be less accessible and more costly than they are for urban residents. On top of the actual treatments, some of which are not covered by provincial health-care plans, rural […] Read more
Man. farmers make decision to return home
On the Farm: David and Jean Caldwell emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1995 — now they’re moving back
For just over a quarter of a century, David and Jean Caldwell of Kenton, Man., have called Canada home. But by their own admission, their Scottish roots run deep, and on April 30, their life will come full circle as they head into retirement with a move back to their bonny homeland. The decision to […] Read more
Cattle give preemies a second chance at life
Extremely premature babies whose lungs aren’t fully developed can be treated with lung surfactant harvested from cattle
Little Avery Hopp of Birtle, Man., recently celebrated her second birthday. Like most two-year olds, the occasion was marked with much love and celebration from her family and friends as another milestone in her young life was reached. But unlike most other two-year-olds, for her parents, Haley Johnston and Tyrell Hopp, the celebration was a […] Read more
Farmer’s songs capture life on the Prairies
Saskatchewan singer/songwriter celebrates an appreciation of the realities that are found on the Canadian Prairies
Farming and rural living are the driving forces behind singer/songwriter Corinne Newton (nee Mervyn), originally from the Strathclair, Man., area, who now lives and farms with her husband and two children on their century farm near Central Butte, Sask. Her latest release, a five-song extended play album, Real Life Reality, is an extension of her […] Read more
Sask. farmer takes off his 71st crop
Mel Paton, his two sons and their families farm 12,000 acres, a far cry from where he began as a 14-year-old in 1949
Mel Paton has been at this farming thing awhile now. At nearly 86 years old, his 71st harvest is in the bin. “It is one of the best crops I have grown and weather-wise, it’s been one of the best years, especially after last year,” said the veteran rancher and farmer. “But it can start […] Read more
Sisters use Instagram to share farm support message
Two sisters from Rivers, Man., are showing they are a force to be reckoned with in farming and fashion. But more importantly, they are increasing awareness on topics such as mental health and the agri-food industry, while empowering women and creating a positive space via their Instagram platform @thetulepps. “One of our goals with The […] Read more
