A high level of sclerotinia in last fall’s sunflower crop is forcing many Manitoba producers to destroy the seeds they have in storage. “This particular year, the quality is probably poorer than normal and there are no markets developing at the moment,” said David Koroscil, manager of insurance projects with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. “A […] Read more
Robert Arnason
Stories by Robert Arnason
Prairie food marketing possibilities abound
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. – Many people have heard about the Mediterranean diet, but what about the Canadian climate advantage diet? John Oliver, a former agrifood business executive who now runs a consulting firm specializing in biotechnology and government policy, says farmers have an opportunity to convince consumers to eat healthier food, particularly healthy food […] Read more
Dogs eat better than people
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. – Dogs eat a healthier diet than most Canadians, says biotechnology consultant John Oliver. “If we could get the level of compliance and the level of nutrition that our dogs have … we would’ve moved the Canadian health-care system an immeasurable distance,” he said. Oliver said comparing the North American food […] Read more
Questions remain on variable rate
CARBERRY, Man. – The jury is still out on variable rate fertilizer applications. Alan Moulin, a soil scientist at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Brandon, is trying to determine if the practice makes economic sense. Working with researchers at the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association, Moulin began a three-year study last summer to assess the […] Read more
Budget cuts take agriculture sector by surprise
For Manitoba’s farm leaders, this year’s provincial budget was the same old song and dance. The government focused on other priorities and agriculture was ignored. “A stable agriculture sector is important to the entire province and that has been too often overlooked,” said Jay Fox, president of the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, in a statement. […] Read more
Man. Interlake appears to be finally drying up
After two years of staring and shaking their heads at soaked fields, producers in Manitoba’s Interlake are finally feeling more optimistic about soil conditions in the region, said Darvin Firman, who farms north of Arborg. “To have all the snow basically gone, other than in the tree line, we’re in pretty good shape I’d say,” […] Read more
Nitrogen right on the mark
Nitrogen calibration strips are a way for growers to gauge nitrogen application and optimize yields, says a soil fertility specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. “(They) basically help the grower to have a bit of an eyeball,” said Heard, who works with the department’s crops branch in Carman. “Did I hit the mark right with my fertility […] Read more
Loss of single desk lowered Aussie prices: CWB
Two years ago, Australian farmers were receiving a premium price for their wheat on the world market. But Canadian Wheat Board director Bill Nicholson says Australian wheat is now selling at a discount to U.S. wheat. The difference maker, he said, was the deregulation of the country’s grain marketing system. “There was clear evidence that […] Read more
Sewage ejector ban raises stink in Man.
A ban on sewage ejectors remains the number one issue in rural Manitoba, says Doug Dobrowolski, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. It’s been six months since the provincial government changed the rules regarding residential sewage disposal. New sewage ejectors are now banned and homeowners must re-place existing sewage ejectors when they sell their […] Read more
Sunspots have far-reaching effects for farmers
Prairie residents may have noticed something missing in the sky this winter, which could be good and bad for farmers. The past two winters have been an exceptionally quiet period for the aurora borealis, which is normally visible across the Prairies several times in a year. The lack of lights can be explained by lack […] Read more
