Terry and Allyson McNish live in a grand “revitalized” 1902 farmhouse south of Strathclair Manitoba in the Rural Municipality of Oakview. They both work off farm and still find time to raise Angus-cross cattle, Berkshire pigs, sheep, alpacas, and chickens. The “Little Eden Farm” is comprised of a quarter section and is a labour of love for Terry and Allyson. … Read More
Habitat Protection Made Easy Through Partnership Agreement
Benito area grain farmer John Sandborn recently donated 58.5 acres of pristine woodland habitat to the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) through a Conservation Agreement. The agreement will protect the habitat forever. The Swan Lake Watershed District partnered with John and MHC to facilitate signing of the Conservation Agreement. The mixed coniferous and deciduous forest is located south of Benito on … Read More
Incentives to Preserve Pasture Lands
Brian and Kristen Breemersch operate a cow-calf farming operation located southwest of Brandon. Their land is primarily pastureland that is interspersed with wetlands. They bought the land from Kristen’s parents about 20 years ago to start a family run farm. Their land attracts a rich variety of waterfowl and wildlife, which Brian and Kristen enjoy. Several years ago, Brian visited … Read More
Canada invests $25 million to protect wetlands and grasslands in the Prairies
“Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced more than $25 million in funding to conserve, restore, and enhance critical wetlands and grasslands in the Prairie provinces” “Manitoba Habitat Conservancy will receive up to $2.4 million over three years for projects to … Read More
Healthy Habitat Welcomes Waterfowl
April is prime time for migrating waterfowl to return to south western Manitoba. Why is this area so special to waterfowl? The wetlands and grasslands of the Prairie Pothole Region are some of the best waterfowl breeding grounds on the planet. Spring is a critical time in the life cycle of a duck. The migration from their south winter home … Read More
Grazed Pastures Essential to Songbird Survival
After a long Covid 19 winter, many look forward to spring and the return of Manitoba’s migratory birds. Canada Geese have already arrived, much earlier than their long term average spring arrival date of March 23rd. Unfortunately, there are fewer songbirds arriving every spring. Migratory songbird populations are suffering a serious decline. The Bank Swallow has lost 98% of its … Read More
Grass Fed Beef Helps Grasslands Thrive
“There’s no excuse not to try grass-fed beef,” says the recently mailed A&W coupon book. Why would A&W move to serving customers only grass-fed beef? “It is all about feeling good about the food you eat,” says the coupon book. Okay, but what is so special about grass-fed beef? It’s simple says A&W, “cattle graze on pasture and the grazing … Read More