Cuba has been in the news with recent visits by U.S. President Barack Obama and the Rolling Stones. Though less newsworthy, we also made a recent visit to the island where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492. He found no gold, so proceeded on to explore other islands. Guava and Cheese Sandwich One of our tour […] Read more
Farm Living
Pre-teen years can be stressful
Q: We are not sure what to do with our little girl. She has always been the greatest kid and we naturally expected that she would stay that way, but this year things have changed. She is in Grade 8, but the way that she is going, she may not graduate from elementary school. Her […] Read more
Switchgrass in the garden?
DRESDEN, Ont. — It’s been eight years since Charles Forman became interested in switchgrass. He and his partner at SwitchGreen now think they have a winner with Veggy Mulch. Test marketing of the pelleted product is set to begin this spring. It’s likely too expensive for a commercial farming operation, but Forman sees a niche […] Read more
Back to the future in Maple Creek
MAPLE CREEK, Sask. — The history of a century-old landmark in Maple Creek is the story of a community bringing back its western heritage. Tina Cresswell, co-owner of the Star Cafe and Grill in Maple Creek, said her building has deep ties to the community. “It’s going back to your roots and finding the culture […] Read more
Death Valley springs to life
A sea of Desert Gold wildflowers lined the valley slopes on both sides of the road. Farther on, we drove past Golden Evening Primrose, mixed with bluish-purple Phacelia and dotted with wispy white blossoms of Gravel Ghost. For a closer look, we took a wildflower hike guided by a park ranger who pointed out 10 […] Read more
Farming in two provinces lowers risk, allows expansion
Seeing the risk of having all their eggs in one basket after the avian flu outbreak, B.C. poultry producers decided to move part of their operation to Saskatchewan
The new Outstanding Young Farmers for British Columbia and Yukon aren’t satisfied with farming in just one province. Brian and Jewel Pauls are based in Chilliwack, B.C., but when the first avian influenza outbreak in B.C.’s Fraser Valley in 2004, they decided to split the operation and invest in poultry farming in Saskatchewan. They also […] Read more
Think spring with leafy greens
We are gently transitioning to the spring season after a short and manageable winter. I must say that this is my favourite time of year. The smell of the fresh air and the tulips pushing through the wet dirt signify the start of the growing season. We can get outside without bulky winter clothing and […] Read more
Parents can help child overcome shyness
Q: Our farm is a bit out of the way. That is fine for my husband and me but it may not be so great for our little boy. He is three now and should be spending time with other kids. When he does, he is so shy that he is isolated even in the […] Read more
Dairy couple eager to meet 800-cow capacity
Producers grow corn to feed their cattle and hope to expand this summer to fill their high-tech, 100,000 sq. foot barn
WARMAN, Sask. — For many dairy farmers, the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement posed a serious threat to their livelihood. For Don and Yvonne Feitsma, it presented a golden opportunity to re-enter the dairy business after a brief hiatus and milk even more cows than before. Don grew up on a grain farm in Calmar, Alta. […] Read more
Living life of ancestors gives insight into future
Surviving off the land has sparked panic from not knowing if the food will last, and satisfaction in learning how to make do with less
VIKING, Alta. — Are we as tough and resourceful as our pioneer ancestors? It’s a question farmers Danny and Shannon Ruzicka asked. After six months of eating like pioneers, they know they aren’t even close. “What sucks we are today,” said Shannon Ruzicka, whose family launched a yearlong quest of buying nothing, including food. Instead, […] Read more
