Glacier FarmMedia – In the wake of a lawsuit filed against a Steinbach-area dairy farm, Keystone Agricultural Producers has joined a working group on highway debris and road safety. In addition to KAP, the working group includes the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups, Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure, Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Public Insurance, the RCMP and […] Read more
Don Norman
Stories by Don Norman
Manitoba farm opens doors to the public
Green Pastures Farm in southeastern Manitoba has turned itself into an environmentally friendly day-trip destination
Glacier FarmMedia – Leah and Guy Bouchard of Green Pastures Farm didn’t expect that opening their operation to visitors would net them provincial recognition as an environmentally friendly day-trip destination, but that’s exactly what happened when Tourism Awards Winnipeg announced this year’s picks in the sustainable tourism category. “I just wasn’t expecting that,” Leah said. […] Read more
Rains recharge groundwater
Farmers in Western Canada can breathe a sigh of relief. Rain across most of the Prairies this spring has helped recharge groundwater and lowered drought risk across the region. “We had an extremely warm winter with lower than normal precipitation in most areas,” said Trevor Hadwen, agroclimate specialist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. “We were […] Read more
Early weed identification means easier control
Misidentifying a young weed can make managing it much harder and more expensive later in the growing season
Glacier FarmMedia – Different weeds might warrant different responses if they’re found in a field. The problem is, they might look frustratingly similar in their early stages. “You need to be going out for waterhemp or Palmer amaranth before they’re four inches tall,” said Manitoba Agriculture weed specialist Kim Brown. Those species have provoked a […] Read more
Water-infused feed enhances feedlot results
A new study at the U of S determines that water in the ration might be an effective binder for even feed distribution
Glacier FarmMedia – New research from the University of Saskatchewan could lead to reduced days on feed for cattle in feedlots. The secret may be as simple as adding water to the ration. Catherine Seidle, an animal science masters student, led the study and presented her findings May 15 at the Animal Nutrition Conference of […] Read more
Biomass takes the heat out of the carbon tax
Manitoba company turns major farm expense into an asset by using alternative fuel sources for grain drying
With all the grumblings about the federal carbon levy’s effect on grain drying costs, a company that promises its technology can use a fuel source exempt from the tax should have customers lining up. “There are two sides to that,” said Triple Green chief executive officer Lyall Wiebe. “Obviously, there’s lots of interest, but there […] Read more
Biofuel boom may help drive down feed prices
Glacier FarmMedia – Food and feed are the main sources of global demand for crops, but climate-related policies could tip that apple cart. Governments are making legislative overtures to boost production of biofuel. In Canada, that includes the Canadian Clean Fuels Regulation, which lays out rules for fuel production and aims to encourage development of […] Read more
Grazing prospects improve
The grazing season has had some memorably bad starts in recent years, but 2024 promises to break the cycle across much of the Prairies. “This is the best start we’ve had for a year for a long time,” said Graeme Finn, founder of Union Forage and rancher near Crossfield, Alta. “These pastures now are looking […] Read more
Pasture outlook seen as ‘cautiously optimistic’
Agronomists urge cattle producers to practise patience when they are tempted to graze immature pastures this spring
The grazing season has had some memorably bad starts in recent years, but 2024 won’t likely be one of them. Producers had a better feed buffer last fall. In 2022, for example, turnout was hindered by the double whammy of a cold, wet spring and the lingering impacts of the 2021 drought on feed supplies […] Read more
Keep It Clean urges caution with product use
Glacier FarmMedia – It’s nearly impossible for farmers to stay on top of the varied regulations set by various countries where their grain may be destined. Fortunately, Canadian farmers have an easy-to-follow tool to help them navigate these murky waters. “What we produce here in Canada far exceeds our domestic demand, so we need to […] Read more
