On the Farm: An Alberta family looks for ways to become more efficient so that they don’t have to become bigger
CROSSFIELD, Alta — Returning to the farm does not mean going back to the simple life. At the Hurt family farm at Crossfield, the next generation is transitioning into the 75-year-old business. Adopting new plans, doing more business analysis, handling the division of responsibility and learning new technology is all part of life on a […] Read moreFarm Living
Documentary delves into farm succession
Filmmaker focuses on the story of a retiring Ontario farmer who is passing on his operation to a non-family member
Filmmaker Brina Romanek was working on a project about food waste in Canada when one of her subjects showed her how many farms in the area were not being passed down to the next generation. It sparked an interest in her, and also anxiety about what it would mean for farming’s future. The feeling was […] Read more
High energy sessions puts shine on agricultural careers
Motivating teenagers and getting them interested in anything other than their phones is not easy. But one model that seems to work is We Day — an inspirational event that encourages youth to shift their thinking from “me” to “we.” That’s why Farm Credit Canada and Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Canada are launching a […] Read more
Regular exercise is beneficial, even for senior citizens
Q: I am finding that some things are difficult to take as I get older. The young lady who is covering for my doctor while he is on holidays is probably younger than most of my grandchildren. I am not sure that I can take her seriously. She thinks that I do not exercise enough. […] Read more
Farmer prepares for 70th harvest
RAYMORE, Sask. — For 85-year-old Herman Kirstein, nothing beats a fried egg sandwich washed down with ice tea while combining late into the night. He’s working his 70th harvest right now — his favourite time of year. “It’s just so enjoyable,” he said Aug. 22 from his favourite chair on the front porch of the […] Read more
Power line contacts up this harvest season: SaskPower
SaskPower is reminding farmers to take care around power lines during harvest after an increasing number of contacts through the growing season. Since April 1, there have been 240 reported incidents of machinery contacting electrical lines. That’s up from 230 at the same time last year. Spokesperson Joel Cherry said despite continuous efforts to remind […] Read more
It’s a good idea to make the most out of melon season
Melons begin to ripen in mid-August. Most people eat them simply sliced and as a snack or dessert. However, they deserve more credit. They are a good source of fibre and fill you up quickly. Melons have high nutritional value. They are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamins of the B group, […] Read more
Honey producers earn sweet reward
A couple from central Alberta got into the beekeeping business by accident and now they help others succeed
LACOMBE, Alta. — Nestled in the grass near a field of brilliant canola sits a bee yard containing multi-coloured hives, most in shades of green, yellow, pink, red, and coral. The cheerful colour scheme identifies the hives as belonging to Howard Oudman and Freda Molenkamp-Oudman. Stacked among them are a few hives owned by Krystal […] Read more
Alta. centre provides wildlife a place to heal
The centre takes in 2,000 patients a year but also works with the public on wildlife conflict — from skunks to bats
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. — Otis the great horned owl has become a star of stage, screen and television. A resident of the Medicine River Wildlife Centre near Rocky Mountain House, Alta., the owl came to the centre when he was five days old. Injured and orphaned, he became part of the centre’s wildlife education […] Read more
Farm has high hopes for the next generation
On the Farm: The Monchuks turn their farm into a modern operation and hope to pass it on to their children
Maintaining strong family ties has always been an important consideration at the Monchuk family farm near Lanigan, Sask. So it brings a smile to Clinton Monchuk’s face when his son Jackson, 10, talks about carrying on the family tradition. “It kind of warms my heart because I remember sitting on my dad’s lap when I […] Read more
