Ryan Simpson

National Farmers Union (NFU) president Jenn Pfenning says Canadian farmers need greater support for domestic food production as uncertainty over tariffs continues to disrupt trade. 

"We in Canada have focused a lot of our efforts in agriculture around export markets. Successive governments have pushed Canadian farmers to scale up to meet export demand, largely outside our borders." 

That focus, she says, has increased reliance on imported food, leaving the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. 

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has announced the continuation of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) following its initial success. With renewed funding under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund, the program will receive up to $40 million over the next three years. The expansion will focus in Manitoba will continue to support local producers in sustainable land management practices. Programs will continue is Saskatchewan as well but will be handled separately.

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing recently launched a new initiative to support the mental health of Canadian farmers, their families, and agricultural workers. The National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line is a free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support tailored specifically to the agricultural community. 

The idea behind the crisis line is to ensure that farmers across the country have access to farm-specific crisis services delivered by licensed professionals trained in the Canadian Agricultural Literacy Program (CALP). 

It’s annual general meeting time for the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) and president Jill Verwey from the Portage area says there is plenty to cover. The AGM is happening today, February 4th, at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg.

Verwey noted that, overall, Manitoba producers experienced a productive year in 2024. However, she highlighted concerns regarding crop pricing and the logistics of shipping grain.  

"It's been a tight fall and going into spring there several challenges faced by farmers.” 

Insects are always a challenge for farmers on the prairies. The unpredictable weather in Manitoba played a significant role in shaping that province’s insect activity in 2024. According to John Gavloski, an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, the cold, wet spring had both positive and negative effects on various pest populations. Gavloski shared insights into the challenges farmers faced and what they can expect heading into 2025.

Cattle producers across the Prairies looking to optimize growth and health in their herds can benefit from the insights shared by Elizabeth Nernberg, Livestock Extension Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. Speaking at a recent producer presentation, Nernberg provided practical advice on backgrounding calves—a critical stage between weaning and feedlot finishing.

Harvest is pretty much complete in the prairie provinces and we are entering the time of year when plans are starting for 2025. Over the next several months, many big events will be held from conferences to trade shows and more. Some of these events focus on woman and all they bring to the industry.

In 2015 when Portage hosted the RBC, the Terriers ended the event hoisting the trophy while a snowstorm raged outside. This time around, it was the Brooks Bandits having that honour, although this time it was sunny and warm outside as May long weekend continued on.

It was a funeral lunch that mourners won't soon forget. As people gathered in the Swan Lake Community Centre, strange noises started coming from the roof. Shortly after that, with everyone safely evacuated, a large chunk of the roof crashed down. Chair of the hall committee Leonard Decosse describes what happened.