The Manitoba horse crowd just refuses to quit having their sale in Pierson, Man., despite the best efforts of the weather gods to ruin it for them. “We’re die-hard horse people. That’s the problem,” said Karen Wheelans, one of the organizers of the Manitoba Paint and Quarter Horse Association. “There’s a group of us. We’ve […] Read more
Farm Living
Bad weather not a deterrent for sale organizers
Need a big guard dog? Consider a Kuvasz
WOODSTOCK, Ont. — Ranchers and farmers looking for a large dog capable of guarding family, flock and herd should consider a Kuvasz, a relatively rare breed. Amber Kunz, secretary-treasurer with the Kuvasz Club of Canada, explained why at the organization’s booth at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in September. “They don’t attack. They’re not mean. They […] Read more
From the garden to the Thanksgiving table
There is much to be thankful for in freshly dug, home-grown potatoes, not only for their taste and traditional place on the Thanksgiving menu but also their versatility. Don’t let the mashed potatoes placed between stuffing and turkey and smothered in gravy be the only way you serve them. Include them as an appetizer, soup […] Read more
When kids won’t sleep
Q: Our oldest boy was seven last July. He has always been a great kid and was a lot of fun for both my wife and me when he was younger. Lately he has not been so accommodating. He seems to have developed a sleep problem. He is reluctant to go to bed and once […] Read more
CFIA confirms new EU horse meat rules
New regulations that might hamper Canada’s horse slaughter industry will take effect early next year. Horses imported to Canada from the United States or other countries will have to remain in Canada for six months if the horse meat is destined for Europe. “(CFIA) received a letter from the European Commission on Sept. 28, 2016, […] Read more
Grain safety program gets $120,000 boost
Safety advocates say a $120,000 donation by four agricultural commodity groups will make Canadian farms safer and help spread an important safety message that grain can be dangerous. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association announced recently that four grower groups have donated $120,000 to its grain safety program. Donors to the program include the Canadian Canola […] Read more
VIDEO: Harvest 2016
The 2016 growing season will be remembered for its promising start that ran into mid-season rain clouds that wouldn’t stop releasing moisture. The result was drowned out and diseased crops, but the harvest is still expected to be impressive. Our Western Producer reporters and editors have been with you in the field this season. In […] Read more
Couple creates thriving butcher shop
WESTLOCK, Alta. — A hunting blind that greets customers entering the Westlock Butcher Shop signals the time of year when wild game needs to be processed into steaks and sausages. “I’m surprised by the amount of walk-in traffic,” said owner Brian Mendieta. He opened the shop recently after he and his wife, Jen, outgrew the […] Read more
Poultry producers move from mainstream to niche market
Couple sells commercial broiler operation to build abattoir, sausage kitchen as they switch to specialty products
FALKLAND, B.C. — North Okanagan specialty bird producers are helping others to farm and giving their children a business education. Hans and Lisa Dueck moved from commercial chicken production to specialty birds for direct sales to consumers and restaurants. “I bought my first quota from my dad and spent 26 years in the business,” said […] Read more
Pressure canning the answer to preserving low-acid foods
I grew up with preserved food as pantry staples, like most other prairie kids of my generation. I loved home canned chickens but my home economics course at university showed me that it was not a safe method of food preservation for meat. A good alternative is pressure canning. Foods that benefit from a long […] Read more
