Glenda-Lee Vossler

Manitoba's AgriInsurance program is expected to provide farmers with nearly $5 billion in coverage for the upcoming crop year on an estimated 9.55 million acres.

The program delivered through MASC helps producers manage production shortfalls and quality losses.

Manitoba has over 90 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,650 farms enrolled in the program.

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says managing costs and risks will be critical for success as margins are projected to tighten.

Premier Wab Kinew announced an investment of $450 thousand over the next three years for the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program  during Manitoba Ag Days.

He says the government supports the hard work that farmers have committed their lives to and knows that being a producer in the Ag industry can be difficult.

"This is why it is important to have specialized mental health resources available specifically for producers and their families, and why we are proud to partner with the federal government on this key initiative."

Cattle can handle fairly cold temperatures, but extra measures are needed when the temperature hits -20 or colder.

Jordan Johnson, a livestock and feed extension specialist, says animals start preparing for the cold through a process called 'photoperiod sensitivity'.

A devastating fire near Cudworth on Thursday night resulted in the loss of thousands of pigs.

The on-site barn manager called in the fire at about 7:00 p.m.

Reeve for the RM of Hoodoo Derreck Kolla says volunteer fire crews from Cudworth and Wakaw responded.

"They were hoping they could do a little more, but the problem was it just moved so fast."

The fire quickly spread through all four barns which were connected by hallways.

One of the key stories in 2023 was the economy with higher interest rates and increased costs.

JP Gervais, Farm Credit Canada's vice president and chief economist says the 2023 crop was the most expensive crop farmers have ever put in the ground with higher input costs and lower commodity prices as compared to 2022.

He says those factors had a key impact on farm profitability along with weather-related issues.

This year farmers were tested with tough conditions that ranged from a drought out west to challenging financial issues.

In Manitoba, crops were a bit wetter, but those costs still played a part in the industry.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says the area did alright over 2023.

This year farmers were tested with tough conditions that ranged from a drought out west to challenging financial issues.

In Manitoba, crops were a bit wetter, but those costs still played a part in the industry.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says the area did alright over 2023.

How much have you paid in carbon taxes for essential farming operations such as drying grain, heating barns and greenhouses, irrigating land, or preparing feed?

The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) has launched a campaign around that question asking producers to show the impact the carbon tax is having on their operations.

The '#ShowYourReceipts' encourages producers to upload their receipts showing the carbon tax portion of the bill.

The province and Ottawa announced plans this week to expand the eligibility of carbon sequestration and grassland resilience practices under Manitoba’s Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program.

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says with increased climate variability making it even more difficult for producers, we need to make sure our programs align with the needs of Manitoba producers to encourage sustainable farming.

The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is designed to help bridge the gap to mental health services for the agriculture industry.

The program launched in the fall of 2021 helps provide six, one on one counselling sessions free of charge for farmers and their families with professional counselors who have a background in agriculture.

Chair Marcel Hacault says starting January 1st the program will also be available to farm workers.