Betty Sawatzky

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB) is preparing the next team of Canadians to travel overseas on the next Learning Tour, this time to Nepal, where food insecurity and poor nutrition are addressed through four major projects. These in partnership with local Nepalese groups that are already in place.

Going into 2024 the fundamentals all indicate we should have a strong cattle market for cattle producers in Manitoba, especially cow-calf producers, says Rick Wright, Executive Director for the Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association.

Johannes Olwage and Jonah Neufeld are the two head horticulturalists working directly with the cacti and succulent collection at the International Peace Garden, and it has certainly taken a team effort from the staff to transplant and move the collection into its new home in the recently expanded Conservatory, but that task is still in the works.

In early December, the Peace Garden opened its doors to the public for its first Santa Day celebration, but also to offer tours through the Conservatory at this stage of the planting process.

Canada's largest indoor farm show is returning to Brandon mid-January and as always, promises to feature everything we love about agriculture!

The Manitoba AG DAYS will be held January 16-18, taking up most every room and hallway at the Keystone Centre.

The new 24-7 centralized dispatch service for Manitoba conservation officers is now fully operational, announced Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses on Wednesday morning.

The 24-7 dispatch service is provided through the Brandon Public-Safety Communication Centre, which also provides emergency dispatch services for seven police agencies and 192 fire departments throughout the province, as well as to Manitoba-based enforcement officers of the Canadian Wildlife Service.  

Hunting season for specific game and fowl are in full swing, and now is a good time to ensure you have your Hunters' Safety Certificate.  And there are two ways you can acquire your Certificate; through an in-person course or online.

"Both are great courses and both courses, and both will provide the hunter with a lot of information so that they can go out and enjoy the field with their friends and family," says Program and Events Coordinator for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, Chris Benson.  "This is a wonderful time of year to be outdoors and enjoy the Fall hunting."

On Wednesday, November 1st, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) launched their 36th Annual Red Ribbon Campaign, this to raise awareness of the dangers of driving impaired during the upcoming holiday season, when there are more festivities taking place, and more folks on the road. 

The Red Ribbon Campaign runs from November 1st to the first Monday after New Year's, where red ribbons and decals are displayed as a symbol of that wearer's pledge to never drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The campaign is also to honour the victims and survivors of impaired drivers.

In 2019 the Manitoba government proclaimed October 1st as Conservation Officer Day, in appreciation for the hard work and vital role these officers play in the protection of wildlife and fisheries resources and the safety of citizens across the province.  

Since that announcement, there have been significant changes to Manitoba's Conservation Officers abilities, tools of law enforcement and abilities.

Many Manitobans have embraced the new e-licensing way of purchasing hunting and fishing licenses as it can be done entirely online.  For those who prefer a face-to-face way of buying their licenses, there are still those who do sell them over the counter.

Program and Event Coordinator for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, Chris Benson, says e-licensing is a great step forward for those of us who want to get a license quickly.

Whitetail deer hunting season in Manitoba began October 23rd for muzzleloader in most areas and the general rifle season for whitetails begins on November 13th, and there are a few things our hunters need to remember when it comes to CWD and mandatory tissue testing.