Producers in Manitoba’s Red River Valley, who have been coping with water soaked fields this spring and summer, are now faced with soybean plants suffering from iron chlorosis. Heavy downpours in July dumped several inches of rain on the valley, Manitoba’s primary region for soybeans. Brian Jack, a crop production adviser with Manitoba Agriculture in […] Read more
Robert Arnason
Stories by Robert Arnason
Manitoba appears keen on slaughter loan
Manitoba is one step closer to a federally inspected cattle slaughterhouse. The federal government has released guidelines for its $50 million Slaughter Improvement Program, which is designed to assist the red meat packing industry and address slaughter capacity gaps in Canada. “The Slaughter Improvement Program, a commitment made in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is now […] Read more
Charity spends record amount helping poor
Last year was a record year for the Mennonite Central Committee but it’s not the type of record the aid organization plans to celebrate. From April 2008 to March of 2009, MCC spent $15.75 milion (US) on food assistance around the world, compared to $13 million the previous year. Two primary factors drove up MCC’s […] Read more
Monsanto plans yield boost with Man. research centre
WINNIPEG – Monsanto Canada broke ground on its new plant breeding centre in Winnipeg July 27, as part of the company’s $15 million commitment to develop high yielding canola varieties that are drought resistant and use nitrogen more efficiently. The company plans to spend $12 million on the new facility in Winnipeg, which will employ […] Read more
Cereal crop ready to yield when following alfalfa
MINNEDOSA, Man. – It’s never easy to make a speech when the wind is gusting to 75 km-h, but Lindsay Coulthard did his best as he stood in an alfalfa field at the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association (MZTRA) farm. Over the wind, Coulthard told the 50 people at the association’s summer tour about the […] Read more
Updated flu vaccine offers increased flexibility
The swine influenza virus is known for its ability to morph into new strains, which is why it’s difficult to develop vaccines that keep up with the ever-changing target. Pfizer Animal Health believes its new vaccine, FluSure XP, will make it easier for researchers and hog producers to chase the latest strains of SIV. “Our […] Read more
Security system options a priority
Minnedosa, Man. – Most people wouldn’t be comfortable making a speech from a narrow trench, but Alan Moulin is in his element as he talks about the varying soil characteristics at the Manitoba Zero Till Research Farm. Starting at the highest elevation of the metre wide and metre deep trench, Moulin, a soil scientist with […] Read more
Off-farm investments a wise idea
For years, farm groups have sought a better way to ensure grain producers are paid when they sell their crop. But it’s not easy finding a replacement to the existing model, which requires grain companies to post security with the Canadian Grain Commission, says Robert Hyde, president of Scott Wolfe Management, a farm business planning […] Read more
Newdale may become Manitoba’s official soil
Minnedosa, Man. – Most people wouldn’t be comfortable making a speech from a narrow trench, but Alan Moulin is in his element as he talks about the varying soil characteristics at the Manitoba Zero Till Research Farm. Starting at the highest elevation of the metre wide and metre deep trench, Moulin, a soil scientist with […] Read more
Shape Foods to reopen this fall
After closing its doors nine months ago, Shape Foods will resume bottling flaxseed oil this September, said Jim Downey, the co-owner and chief executive officer of the processing plant in Brandon. “I believe very strongly in value-added processing of grains that are grown in the Prairies,” said Downey, explaining why he bought the plant. “And […] Read more
