Columns

By Gary Sliworsky OMAFRA Rep. Nitrate is the form of nitrogen that plant roots take up from the soil. It is transported to the leaves where it is eventually converted into protein. When plants are stressed or injured this process is interrupted and excess nitrates accumulate. Drought, hot dry winds, hail or frost can result in high nitrate levels. Even cool, cloudy weather can cause the problem. Read more...

By Melanie Mathieson Gardening Guru It is true that weeds and unwanted plants are present in almost every garden, but there are some ways to control weeds without them getting out of hand and taking over the garden. With some patience diligence and some early attack methods you’ll soon be keeping weeds at bay and enjoying the later part of the season a little more ‘weed free’. Read more...

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

We have a habit on Sunday evenings. We call our sons shortly after they should have finished supper in Calgary. It has been ongoing since they left home for university. One might think that with twitter, Facebook, Facetime, and Skype that the old fashion phone call would continue to be used, but it is our preferred way of keeping in touch. Read more....

When I was growing up, one of the carrots that my mother would use to get us to help when she was baking was the opportunity to lick the beaters or spatulas. Or sometimes when she was baking cookies my mom would roll some dough into a small ball and offer it to us to taste the cookies before they were baked. Chocolate cake batter was always my favorite, although a lemon cake was equally good.

By Michael Dawber Librarian/CEO The TD Summer Reading Club is back at the Rainy River Public Library! This summer, we’re going “Wild” at the Library. Read more...

By Melanie Mathieson Gardening Guru Gardener’s always have questions about what is going on with their own plants. Here are a few questions I have had recently from area gardeners and some of the answers to their questions. You may want to clip and save this column for your future reference as you never know when the same situation may occur in your own garden. Read more...

By Gary Sliworsky OMAFRA Rep. This is part 2 of a two part article on pasture management. Fly Control Livestock that are being irritated by flies are not going to be as productive as those that can focus on grazing undisturbed. Early fly control measures, such as back rubbers and ear tags, will pay off later in the season. These are two available options that will reduce the fly population and provide relief for your livestock, resulting in improved gains. Read more...

Facebook and Twitter were alive with photos and memories of Dads yesterday. I didn’t post anything, but the number of memories of fathers got me to thinking about the impact my father had on my life. I remember a saying that he often used “If everyone is thinking and saying the same thing, then someone is not thinking.” He could play the “devil’s advocate” taking a contrary view to determine how well thought out your argument or opinion was. Read more...

By Carolee Hogue On June 8, 2016, thirteen members of the Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary met at Haner’s Roadside Restaurant for their luncheon meeting at 12:30 p.m. Read more...