As it turns out, there’s a reason why some people believe that vaccines cause autism, exposure to glyphosate causes Alzheimer’s disease and genetically modified food causes allergies. The reason is that lies spread faster than truth, especially on social media. In a paper published March 8 in the journal Science, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute […] Read more
Farm Living — page 277
Growers commit to connecting consumers
Armena, Alta. — Through the months of July to September, as many as eight people might be pulling weeds or harvesting vegetables on Denis and Andrea Forstbauer’s farm. The people aren’t there for a paycheque. Instead, they’re picking food that will likely end up on their dinner plate the following day. The Forstbauers operate a […] Read more
Changing seasons means changing the way we cook
We are seeing more daylight, with colourful sunrises and sunsets as winter nears an end. We are starting to put away red decor and move into the pastels of spring. I use my beautiful spring-themed serviettes around the kitchen and dining table. This small little change makes the mood fresh and light. There is a […] Read more
More automation increases the safety danger
FARM SAFETY Too much automation can reduce operator awareness and contribute to more worker injuries
Today’s farm machinery is bigger, faster, more powerful and more expensive than ever before. And in many cases, it also offers a greater level of automation, taking pressure off the operator to perform mundane tasks accurately and efficiently, such as steering in a straight line between headlands. However, according to University of Saskatchewan researcher Behzad […] Read more
Back pain risks high when riding horseback
FARM SAFETY Research has found that sitting in machinery for too long without a break can also put farmers at risk
A recent study is suggesting farmers may want to take breaks more often to prevent back pain because risks can become high when horseback riding or sitting in cabs for too long. The research, conducted by the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, analyzed vibration and shock rates when farmers are using equipment […] Read more
‘Third shift’ leads to healthier women
FARM SAFETY Research finds women who work both on and off the farm and care for children are likely to be healthier
In a twist that has surprised researchers, a study has found that farm women who do more work are likely to be healthier than those who do less. Their study, spearheaded by the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, looks at what they call the third shift. Women who are part of this […] Read more
Farms and rural communities key to Namibian tourism
Sprawling along the Atlantic coast of southwestern Africa, Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with just over two million people and only a handful of cities. In some areas, it wasn’t unusual for us to drive over an hour without meeting another car. Urban areas and popular national parks are […] Read more
Respirators key in reducing health risk from dust and gas
Health experts say farmers should always have respirators on hand because the devices are a last-defence tool when dealing with dust and gases. Respirators, which are equipped with refillable cartridges, should be used when spraying, dealing with mould in grain bins, cutting older hay, cleaning off the combine and other tasks that could involve lots […] Read more
Creating a safe workplace
Q: The #Me Too thing that is happening in the United States is making me nervous. Don’t get me wrong. I think that it is great that so many people are speaking out and taking their abusers to task. My problem is that I do not know where it stops. I am the manager-owner of […] Read more
Archeology road show planned for Alta.
Farmers and ranchers find things when they’re out on the land. Strange objects, odd rocks and historical artifacts have all been known to turn up. Those who have made such finds in southwestern Alberta can have them examined and perhaps explained by experts during an event planned March 24-25 at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre […] Read more
