VIMY, Alta. — Coloured cauliflower is in and kale is out, say produce growers Ron and Wendy Erdmann. They, with their sons, Cody and Shane, operate Erdmann Gardens and Greenhouses in Alberta’s Westlock County. The family must keep abreast of people’s eating habits and plant accordingly each year. Next spring, the Erdmanns will drop their […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Couple creates thriving butcher shop
WESTLOCK, Alta. — A hunting blind that greets customers entering the Westlock Butcher Shop signals the time of year when wild game needs to be processed into steaks and sausages. “I’m surprised by the amount of walk-in traffic,” said owner Brian Mendieta. He opened the shop recently after he and his wife, Jen, outgrew the […] Read more
Pioneer’s memories kept alive
“I know, no more than you, how this story is coming out but I shall write it day by day and we shall see what we shall see with a wee bit of prayer that it may be brave and bright.” — Diary of Alda Dale Randall, 1920 Alda Dale Randall braved the harsh conditions […] Read more
Continuous education key to success: farmer
WILLINGDON, Alta. — Transportation and trade are the two big issues facing farmers, says the past chair of Cereals Canada. Greg Porozni, who now serves as the association’s producer representative from the Alberta Wheat Commission, recently saw Russian wheat blended with Canadian wheat on a Singapore-Indonesia trade mission. “That’s the new norm, it’s not going […] Read more
Hard work keeps family grain farm afloat
WILLINGDON, Alta. — Ample rain hasn’t dampened the Porozni family’s optimistic outlook for harvest this year. Jeff, while stepping off the combine during pea harvest in August to check under his machine, said peas in this field are expected to go above 40 bushels per acre, which is down from the usual 56. “There’s too […] Read more
Sustainable agriculture offers satisfaction
Couple direct markets their heritage poultry and heirloom vegetables and preserves food for their own use
TAWATINAW, Alta. — Beans are planted beside potatoes to keep beetles at bay, hygienic Saskatraz queen bees from Saskatchewan keep hives clean and rooting pigs rototill the corrals. Sheldon Marko and Natalie Pepin employ these sustainable practices on their Stoney Creek Farms in north-central Alberta where they produce a variety of heirloom vegetables and heritage […] Read more
Services ranged from bread to babies
Longtime business owner in Pine River, Man., offers words of wisdom to others seeking success in life and careers
PINE RIVER, Man. — Anthony Semeniuk delivered six babies in his taxi, ran a general store and cut hair. His cab service often became an ambulance for locals in medical distress and sometimes women in labour couldn’t wait to get to the hospital. “The doctor told me what to expect and from then on, I […] Read morePilot project aims to find ag jobs for workers of all abilities
Program designed to help disabled workers find employment in a sector where they are often overlooked
A pilot project is matching people underrepresented in agricultural sectors with farmers and agribusiness operators needing workers. Kim Kennett of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council’s Partners in Employment said the project targets the disabled but also identifies others who experience barriers to obtaining work, including immigrants and aboriginals. “The goal is to provide individuals with varying […] Read more
Trial and error for startup U-pick berry farm
Operation still learning which strawberry varieties are best suited to the area and how to water to prevent mould
PINE RIVER, Man. — Life is good on the farm for 11-year-old Levi Williamason. A swimming pool, trampoline, all-terrain vehicle, horses, chickens and rows of sweet strawberries fill his farmyard. He has easy access to his maternal grandparents across the cow pasture, target practice with his bow and arrow and fishing with his dad on […] Read moreNational school board chair willing to listen
ROBLIN, Man. — Representing a region’s interest and giving voice to its concerns are behind Floyd Martens’ longtime service on school boards in Manitoba and now nationally. “When decisions are made from somewhere else by people who don’t understand the local community, it may or may not be in the best interest of the community,” […] Read more
