Ian Bell

A citizens’ commission last week called for a full-scale public review of Manitoba’s expanding hog industry. Members of the commission prepared a 32-page report that raises questions about the social, economic and environmental implications of that expansion. “We need to have some credible, comprehensive review of what the heck’s really going on in this industry,” […] Read more

Alberta’s legislation on private health care became the wedge that split opinion at the western premiers’ conference at Brandon last week. Alberta Conservative premier Ralph Klein found himself fending off questions about Bill 11, legislation that could extend the services of private health clinics. Other western premiers worry the legislation may become another nail in […] Read more

While prairie farmers were crisscrossing their fields with spray coupes, the House of Commons environment committee was issuing a report supporting sharp cuts to pesticide use in Canada. Part of the report criticizes the cosmetic use of chemicals, such as controlling dandelions in lawns, but the document also affects farmers. Those ramifications are not lost […] Read more

Peter Watts sees an upside and a downside to the European Union’s move to lower support prices for grain. The move away from the subsidy means there should be less price distortion in world grain markets, said Watts, a Canadian Wheat Board market analyst for Western Europe. “The fact that Europe is moving away from […] Read more

One of the main players in the development of canola was recognized this month by the province of Manitoba. Baldur Stefansson, an oilseed breeder who helped transform rapeseed into canola, was named one of the first members of the Order of Manitoba. It was established this year to recognize people whose efforts and achievements benefited […] Read more

Eva Luk left a large Winnipeg law firm four years ago determined to establish herself as an independent lawyer. She wanted to gain more control of her life and spend more time with her two young children. Luk, a member of the city’s Chinese community, knew that she had the support of that community behind […] Read more

DOUGLAS, Man. – Todd Wallace was four years old when he first tagged along with his father to the annual sale at the Manitoba Bull Test Station. After that, going to the sale with his dad became an almost annual tradition. It was a place to meet other cattle producers, while studying more than 200 […] Read more

Wanted: Two couples willing to spend a year carving out a homestead the way prairie settlers did more than a century ago. Qualifications: Should be strong, hardy, intelligent and willing to forgo the amenities of modern-day living. Some knowledge of farming would be an asset. Salary: The two couples each will receive $100,000 if they […] Read more

A bull owned by a farmer in southwestern Manitoba was euthanized late last month, adding to the tally of livestock claimed by rabies during a peak in the disease’s cycle. The farm where the bull was penned was also placed under a two-month quarantine as a precaution in case other livestock were infected. Tom Walshe, […] Read more

Maxine Plesiuk liked what she heard May 5 as the Manitoba government introduced its proposed Railways Amendment Act. The legislation is meant to encourage investment in short-line railroads and to address community concerns about rail-line abandonment. “It’s welcome news,” said Plesiuk, reeve for the Rural Municipality of Ethelbert and an advocate of short-line rail service. […] Read more