The prairie grass has grown high near the wall of the farmhouse where they pose for the picture. Halina Zaleski sits on the porch holding her daughter on her lap. Sitting nearby is her partner Chris Mewhort, with the couple’s other daughter perched on his shoulders. Chris’ brother Richard leans against the wall of a […] Read more
Stories by Michael Bell
What’s for dinner? Think durum
A thousand years from now, an archeologist will discover that her ancestors were prairie farmers. This finding will provoke an intense desire to know more. Her thesis will be called The Culture and Habits of Western Canadian Prairie Communities of the Late 20th Century. She will lead an archeological excavation and discover the foundation of […] Read more
Life is a grind for Ellison Milling
In the heart of southern Alberta’s durum country is a milling company with a history that stretches back 100 years. Located in Lethbridge, Ellison Milling Co. began in 1906 as a family-owned and operated business. The Canadian grain company Parrish and Heimbecker bought Ellison in 1975, but the mill continues as part of a processing […] Read more
Pasta maker prefers local durum
Much of what we eat in North America comes from places far away. Sometimes it’s unavoidable – mangos don’t grow on the Prairies. But sometimes food like pasta, which is made from prairie durum, travels thousands of kilometres before being stocked on the shelves of local grocery stores. That is why it seems remarkable to […] Read more
Pasta rebounds
Let’s review. Just outside of Lethbridge, Alta., Alex Russell grows durum. R.K. Heggie Grain transports it to the Ellison Milling Co., also in Lethbridge. Ellison mills it into semolina and sends it across town to Let’s Pasta Food Services. And Let’s Pasta makes it into delicious cannelloni, gnocchi, manicotti and tortellini. But there is one […] Read more
CFIA wants vets to join emergency reserve
Veterinarians: Johnny Canuck wants you. A pool of private sector veterinarians, called the Canadian Veterinary Reserve, will be created to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency deal with emergency disease outbreaks. “(In an emergency) qualified veterinarians from the reserve would come to work with CFIA to supplement our ranks,” said George Luterbach, CFIA program manager […] Read more
Farms change as oil dries up, says author
When the oil runs out, ruralization will be the dominant social trend of the 21st century. After the oil peak, the United States will need 40 to 50 million farmers to feed its population, said one author. It’s a prediction that seems to fly in the face of current agricultural realities, but Richard Heinberg presents […] Read more
Scientists release DNA map of sheep genome
Taking a trip to an unknown place can be an exciting adventure. But after taking wrong turns, getting lost on unfamiliar roads and asking for directions from passersby, sometimes you just wish you had a map. In Paul Rodgers’ case, his wish came true. He just got a new map. “It’s quite an accomplishment for […] Read more
Rodeo world honours horse with attitude
Shane Franklin laughs a lot when he talks about Airwolf. But his laughter is mixed with wonder and respect for a 22-year-old, one-of-a-kind rodeo horse. “There’s only one way you could describe that horse’s personality,” he said. “He’s a Jesse James.” And like an outlaw, Airwolf submitted to no one throughout his entire career. The […] Read more
FCC award recognizes rural women
Five Canadian women involved in agriculture could be the winners of a new Farm Credit Canada award. The Rosemary Davis Award will send five winners to Chicago, Ill., to participate in the 2007 Athena International conference. The conference focuses on building strong leadership skills and provides networking opportunities for women. “We’ve opened it up to […] Read more
