If a no-till field in Saskatchewan stores carbon in the soil and no one in Toronto, Amsterdam or Tokyo hears about it, does the environmental benefit really matter? It probably does matter, but consumers, investors and companies are seeking foods that will make a difference around climate change. If they’re not aware of zero tillage, […] Read more
Farm Living
Finding moments of happiness in periods of grief
Q: Not that long ago my husband died. His death was not entirely unexpected, he had been dealing with exploding cancer cells for much of the past few years. Nevertheless, when he finally did pass it came as something as a shock both to me and to our now adult sons. All of us were […] Read more
Food lessons from Second World War still relevant
In honour of Remembrance Day a reflection on the food culture of the Second World War years seems appropriate. A closer look at the food situation may help us appreciate the food values that came out of that era. It is also interesting to compare those values with our current situation and values. After Canada […] Read more
Woman shares dementia struggle
Author goes public with what is usually a private battle after diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 58
Wendy Mitchell has had her share of challenges. As a child growing up in England she struggled academically. In college she found it difficult to make friends. After her marriage ended, she struggled with loneliness as she worked two cleaning jobs to support two young daughters. By nature a self-sufficient person, she put a smile […] Read more
Study finds burnout a real risk for producers
University of Guelph data shows many are on the verge of burnout, especially when financial and workload stress is high
QUEBEC CITY — Many farmers in Canada are on the verge of burnout, according to a study, putting them at risk of developing chronic diseases and mental health challenges. The new study, conducted by the University of Guelph in Ontario, found that nearly half of participants felt ineffective, disengaged or overextended. Canadian farmers also scored […] Read more
Celebrity pig defies odds, wins hearts
Found on the side of a road and rescued from the slaughter plant, Mango inspires hundreds of people with his unlikely story
When Mango the Pig is old and grey, he’ll have quite the story to share with the other animals at his farm sanctuary near Ottawa. Not long ago, Mango was just a typical young hog on a fast-track to the slaughterhouse. But today, thanks to an odd twist of fate and the help of a […] Read moreAuthor offers practical tips for travelling with dementia
When people first meet Wendy Mitchell, or read her book or her blog, or hear her being interviewed, they sometimes find it hard to believe that she has dementia. She travels around England speaking, attending meetings and visiting friends. Traveling alone, in a densely populated country with a robust public transportation system that is heavily […] Read more
Language choice important when dealing with dementia
Wendy Mitchell still remembers the dismay she felt when she was getting the results of her latest memory tests. “You’re a little worse than last time,” the doctor told her. She felt her heart sink inside her chest. Related stories: Woman shares dementia struggle Author offers practical tips for travelling with dementia She knows she […] Read more
Those suffering from ‘shy bladder’ are definitely not alone
Q: I have what I think is a problem that is somewhat unique; at least, as far as I know, it is. My problem is that I am so self-conscious when I go to the washroom that I cannot pee anywhere other than my own home unless I am certain that no one is around. […] Read more
Farmers move beyond the air waves and the rink
On the Farm: Rusti Dean worked in radio and TV while Brendon Sobchuk played hockey; now they’re helping operate the family farm
LANG, Sask. — Early risers in southern Saskatchewan might have listened to Rustie Dean on one of several radio stations, or watched her as the weather morning host on Regina’s Global television station. Earlier this year, she announced she was stepping away from her most recent radio show, putting an end to a 3 a.m. […] Read more
