Amy Holmberg runs a farm market, orchard and winery at Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry, Conn. | Karen Morrison photo

Strong marketing plan key to success

MYSTIC, Conn. — People spend so much money developing their new products that they often don’t leave enough to get them to market. Gary Morton of SKUFood and Morton Horticultural Associates in Coldbrook, N.S., said most don’t realize the challenges of launching a new enterprise. “Sitting on the loading dock, they’re only 10 percent of […] Read more

Mike Bomford thinks organic farming can pull more carbon from the atmosphere to store in the soil and avoid nitrous oxide emissions from nitrogen fertilizers.  |  Mike Bomford photo

Food, lifestyle choices can help fight climate change

Climate change and urbanization are changing both the landscape and food production, said an instructor in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Mike Bomford of Kwantlen Polytechnic University brought the two together in a recent presentation to suggest a plan for urban residents who want to make a difference in the world one bite at a […] Read more

Shingling and repairs are underway on the Fluet barn, built in 1933 near Mosside, Alta.  |  Les Dunford photo

Future brightens as barn gets new bones

For more than 84 years, the big, old barn on the Fluet farm just east of Mosside, Alta., has been part of the scenery. It has stood out as a landmark that many people may not give more than a glance. But there is a lot of history to it, some still being learned, and […] Read more



Treat guests to shrimp malacca with rice.  |  Sarah Galvin photo

Let the celebration begin with Mardi Gras flavour

Mardi Gras, which comes after the Christian feasts of Epiphany, is the last night of eating rich foods before fasting for the Lenten season. Translated from French, it means fat Tuesday and is synonymous with the colourful festival in New Orleans that includes parades, dancing, music and food. Create festive meals with these tasty and […] Read more


Open water was hard to miss Feb. 22, along the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg and Brandon because nearly every field had a small or large pond of melt water. | Robert Arnason photo

Warm weather gets water flowing

On the Prairies, water flowing in a ditch is about as common as, well, ditches and water. But water flowing in a ditch in southern Manitoba in the third week of February is a long way from common. Open water was hard to miss Feb. 22, along the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg and Brandon because […] Read more

The report estimated that a flood similar to the one that occurred in 1894 would cause more than $800 million in damages to crops, agricultural buildings and equipment in the district. | Screencap via www.bcagclimateaction.ca

Fraser Valley farming faces flood risk due to climate change

SUMMERLAND, B.C. — A new study raises alarms about potential high agricultural damages should peak water flows on the Fraser River increase as some climate change models predict. A report published by the Fraser Valley Regional District and British Columbia Agriculture and Food Climate Change Initiative calculated flood losses for three scenarios: ■ a flood […] Read more

The provincial highways department says warmer winter weather will affect truck haul weights on some highways, beginning this week. | File photo

Mild weather affects winter road weights in Sask.

The Saskatchewan government is reminding truckers to watch for regional weight restrictions on some provincial highways. The provincial highways department says warmer winter weather will affect truck haul weights on some highways, beginning this week. Increased winter weights will be removed in southwestern Saskatchewan beginning Friday. “Truckers and shippers are advised to monitor their loads […] Read more


Credit cards are ideal for convenience and the exchange rate, but not all countries accept them, or they may charge a premium for the service. |  Getty photo

How to get the most for your money when travelling

A big decision to make when travelling abroad is how to manage your money. Should you take a pocketful of cash, bank cards, credit cards or travellers cheques? The answer varies depending on where you’re going, but here’s a few things to consider. Our first choice is using credit cards where possible, followed by cash […] Read more

Sneaking education into agriculture

MYSTIC, Ct. — Fans of Peterson Farm Bros viral videos lined up to pay $5 each for an autographed poster and a photo with one of the video’s stars. “The excitement and response is as strong as it’s ever been,” said Greg Peterson, a featured speaker at the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association meeting […] Read more