Livestock specialists say the disease is a deadly threat lurking in western Canadian cattle herds and is difficult to prevent
Glacier FarmMedia – There’s no cure for it, it can take years to show up and, once cattle get it, it’s a matter of time until they waste away and die. It’s Johne’s disease, and experts are warning producers to take it more seriously. Dr. Cheryl Waldner, professor with the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College […] Read more
Miranda Leybourne
Miranda Leybourne is a Glacier FarmMedia reporter based in Neepawa, Manitoba with eight years of journalism experience, specializing in agricultural reporting. Born in northern Ontario and raised in northern Manitoba, she brings a deep, personal understanding of rural life to her storytelling.
A graduate of Assiniboine College’s media production program, Miranda began her journalism career in 2007 as the agriculture reporter at 730 CKDM in Dauphin. After taking time off to raise her two children, she returned to the newsroom once they were in full-time elementary school. From June 2022 to May 2024, she covered the ag sector for the Brandon Sun before joining Glacier FarmMedia. Miranda has a strong interest in organic and regenerative agriculture and is passionate about reporting on sustainable farming practices. You can reach Miranda at mleybourne@farmmedia.com.
Stories by Miranda Leybourne
Low-stress succession needs everyone on the same page
Consultant says she has found that clear, consistent communication is key to navigating the high waters of farm transition
Glacier FarmMedia – Passing the torch can add stress to a farm family’s already stressful lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way, says Patti Durand of Brightrack Consulting. Before starting her consulting business, Durand worked for five years as a business adviser at Farm Credit Canada, during which she helped more than 350 […] Read more
Avian flu is back
As migratory birds wing their way south, they’re leaving cases of bird flu in their wake across the country. The problem is especially acute in British Columbia, where producers, industry groups and governments are trying to keep the seasonal problem from worsening. Eight premises are currently infected with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in […] Read more
Rolling budgets, storage costs can help farm decisions
One-and-done crop budgeting leaves room for profit to fall through the cracks; also, remember that storing grain is not free
Effective grain storage strategies and budgeting in the year to come will be crucial to maximize profitability, says Darren Bond, a farm management specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. Speaking in the final Crop Talk webinar hosted by the province this year, Bond urged farmers to regularly update crop budgets throughout the season and understand the cost […] Read more
Sask. farm among those infected with HPAI
Glacier FarmMedia – As migratory birds wing their way south, some of them leave cases of bird flu in their wake, especially in British Columbia, where producers, industry groups and governments are trying to keep the seasonal problem from worsening. There are 10 premises infected with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in B.C. and […] Read more
Anhydrous ammonia boosts forage
If done safely, ammoniated forage can encourage livestock to eat more and result in better nutrition and less spoilage
Glacier FarmMedia – Anhydrous ammonia has long been a critical input for Manitoba’s field crops — now it’s also increasingly finding its way onto livestock operations as a feed enrichment strategy. Molasses has historically been used to enrich lower value forages, but when used safely, farmers are finding anhydrous ammonia can be a better option. […] Read more
Reduce compaction with crop and path planning
Soil compaction can be a persistent challenge for farmers and, much like salinity, it starts with moisture. “When the soil is dry — we have a nice, dry fall and are doing harvest — we’re not really causing a lot of issues,” said Marla Riekman, a soil management specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. “It’s when we […] Read more
Food sentiment report shows inflation pressure
Survey finds that Canadians continue to seek cheaper options in the grocery store as they grapple with food inflation
Glacier FarmMedia – The rate of inflation has slowed in Canada, but a report from a major food research institution shows prices have a major effect on what goes into consumers’ grocery carts. The Canadian Food Sentiment Index, released Oct. 10 by Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, said Canadians have changed shopping habits significantly in […] Read more
Livestock operation turns unused meat into dog treats
Manitoba cattle farm finds a new source of customers for unpopular meat cuts for which there was previously no market
Glacier FarmMedia – Nerbas Bros. Angus near Shellmouth, Man., has a philosophy of whole-animal utilization where possible. Its new value-added business venture fits that theme. The farm has launched Juno Bites, dog treats made from beef organs that previously had no market. Diversifying into animal treats adds a new facet of direct marketing for Nerbas […] Read more
Website launched to fight pulse root rot
Glacier FarmMedia – Pea and lentil growers looking to gain the upper hand against root rot diseases have a new resource. A website, rootrot.ca, has been launched through the Pulse Root Rot Network. Users can access information on agronomy, breeding and pathology to advance research and management practices. The website is part of the Manitoba […] Read more
