Quilting is therapeutic for Georgette Ehr, who suffers from fibromyalgia. She can pace herself with the craft and take the time to rest as required from a condition that contributes to chronic fatigue. “It’s something I can do that doesn’t expend a lot of energy,” said Ehr, who lives near Delisle, Sask. Her quilts will […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Rodeo an integral part of life for entire family
INGLIS, Man. — The western lifestyle and cowboy culture epitomize the Larsen family of Shell Valley Ranch. “We never had quads; everything was done on horseback. The kids cut their teeth on horses,” said Kevin. His wife, Wanda, recalled their younger years in Hanna, Alta., when the Hand Hills community of ranchers would get together […] Read more
Producers enjoy hands-on approach
Couple upgrades heritage homestead while operating a mixed farm they hope will some day pass to the next generation
As ancestors pass, the barn still remains and remembers their calloused hands — excerpt from The Old Barn by Bea Janssens HARDING, Man. — They live in a 1900 house a stone’s throw from a 100-year-old barn on a farm homesteaded in 1881, and they have vacationed at Alberta’s historic Bar U Ranch. “We are […] Read more
Introducing north to 4-Hers goal of new Man. president
MINITONAS, Man. — Introducing 4-Hers to northern Manitoba has long been a goal of incoming Manitoba 4-H Council president Brandy Dvorak. She recalled her own experience as a child in 4-H travelling to Churchill by train to whale watch and see the nickel mine, Prince of Wales Fort and Pisew Falls. “I’d like to expand […] Read more
Community cashes in on old bank
Fundraising events and volunteer labour turn heritage building into a hub for dance, arts and social events
HAMIOTA, Man. — In a Manitoba community known more for baseball than fine art, a repurposed 1903 bank building is making inroads. The Hamiota Heritage Arts Centre provides space for art displays, art and dance classes and live shows, the Hamiota and District Archives and a gift boutique. As the Baseball Capital of Manitoba, Hamiota […] Read more
Working with horses a family tradition
VIRDEN, Man. — Merle Coleman met her husband, Ron, by accident. The 90-year-old diminutive horsewoman and former nurse recalled him needing medical aid after getting hit in the face with a pulley. He recovered and went on to live a long life, passing away last year, while Merle gave up nursing at age 60 after […] Read more
Sask. growers spice it up clove by clove
YORKTON, Sask. — The best advertising for the Garlic Garden comes from its customers. Darrel and Anna Schaab operate the five-acre plot of garlic near Yorkton, mainly for direct-to-consumer sales at weekly farmers markets in Saskatoon and Regina. Such sales eliminate the middleman and get them closer to end users, said Anna. For her, that’s […] Read more
Couple’s hard work a ‘labour of love’
Manitoba cattle producers striving to improve and expand herd, minimize workload and enjoy family life
LAURIER, Man. — Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmer nominees know the value of hard work. “Everything we have, we’ve worked for,” said Clint Desjardins, who operates Cattle Drive Ranch east of Riding Mountain national park with his wife, Shannon. “Clint is never happy unless he’s doing something. He needs to be busy,” said Shannon, citing how […] Read more
Prairie icon gets fresh new look
INGLIS, Man. — Stuart Breckon was suspended high above the prairie, painting an old elevator while his home in Houston, Texas, was being ravaged by Hurricane Harvey. Breckon, whose face and arms were splattered with white paint, was just one of many senior-aged volunteers who spent close to a week in August at the national […] Read more
Produce a growing concern for Alberta trio
IRMA, Alta. — A perk of market gardening is the opportunity to work inside a warm sunny greenhouse on a brisk winter’s day. “It’s therapeutic,” said Amy Newton, who with fellow growers Kristal MacKay and Janel Fenton operate Spade to Spoon Garden Market and Greenhouse near Irma, Alta. As with most gardeners, growing started as […] Read more
