A device slightly bigger than a deck of cards could soon be helping to protect rural property. Two Saskatchewan technology startups have been selected to develop a prototype system of hardware and software as part of the provincial government’s rural crime reduction strategy. Jeff Shirley, owner of Rivercity Technology Services Ltd. in Saskatoon, and William […] Read more
Farm Living — page 286
Study looks at why rural workers on disability longer
Rural workers who get hurt on the job in Alberta are slower than urban workers to return to work after injury. They are also more likely to get reinjured once back at work compared to urban workers. These are among the findings from University of Alberta research using Workers Compensation Board injury claim data from […] Read more
Bite into your Christmas list with a cookie exchange
A Christmas cookie exchange is a fun and social event during the holiday season. For ease of sharing, package your contribution in individual take-home containers for each person and include the ingredient list and storage suggestions. Chocolate Roll-out Cookies 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 625 mL 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 60 mL 1/2 tsp. […] Read more
Garden gifts that keep on giving, growing
Gifts from your garden or garden themed gifts will be appreciated now and throughout 2018. If you are giving a plant, think beyond the familiar but delicate poinsettia and consider the Christmas cactus that will bloom in coming years with minimal care. The ultimate low-maintenance choice would be bulbs. The amaryllis will progress from a […] Read more
Don’t let your farm get stuck in a rut
PENTICTON, B.C. — The status quo is not sustainable in a rapidly changing agricultural climate, delegates heard during Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers conference Dec. 1. “If you are not focused on growth, you are going backwards,” said Kevin Stewart, who operates AgVision Media. “In this disruptive environment, 70 percent of our decisions will be wrong […] Read more
Farmers’ sustainability focus rewarded
PENTICTON, B.C. — Sustainable farming was rewarded at this year’s Outstanding Young Farmers awards ceremony with both national winners focused on soil ecology and the environment. Grain farmers Derek and Tannis Axten of Minton, Sask., and produce growers Francois Handfield and Veronique Bouchard of Mont Tremblant, Que., were selected from seven provincial nominees during an […] Read more
Couple finds ways to remain on the farm
The Warwaruks raise chickens and gather eggs for sale and market their hand-woven items at farmers markets and trade shows
NEVIS, Alta. — Corwyn and Nancy Warwaruk may have one of the smaller farms in central Alberta but they are finding unique ways to make a living and raise their two young children. The Warwaruks’ hilly three-acre farm houses several dozen goats, 100 chickens, an alpaca, a horse, and Rosa, the dog. Corwyn and Nancy […] Read more
Cree teacher keeps traditions alive stitch by stitch
JOUSSARD, Alta. — Margaret Cardinal has made it her mission to teach young people the skills that her Cree mother and grandmother had passed down to her. “Teachers like me are pretty rare,” said Cardinal during an interview in her studio at Joussard, Alta. “My grandmother and mother, they always told me I had to […] Read more
Childrens’ toys teach and entertain
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Toy shopping can be stressful for parents trying to decide between trends that are played with today and shelved tomorrow or educational interactive toys that offer continuous engagement. Perhaps a little of both is the answer. Many toys such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Lego have stood the test of time and […] Read more
Technology is not a good babysitter
Expert says children need stimulating activities and interaction with others to reduce anxiety and develop social skills
PENTICTON, B.C. — Developmental and language delays, increased depression, distracted behaviour and less empathy in children are red flags for parents who need to better manage technology use in their homes. Elad Milman presented a session on keeping human connections in the technological age at a recent parenting conference in Penticton. “I think the concern […] Read more
