Osteoarthritis is often considered a relatively common, normal part of aging.

Osteoarthritis — a very common diagnosis

Fit to Farm: It is most common in knees, hips, low back and hands but can affect any joint

Joint pain during movement, aching joints at rest or during weather shifts, stiffness and even audible grinding or clicking during movement are all symptoms of a common diagnosis: osteoarthritis. Classified as the symptoms associated with the gradual wear and tear on the joint cartilage, osteoarthritis is most commonly experienced in the knees, hips, low back […] Read more

Froese: Can farm dad become mentor coach?

Froese: Can farm dad become mentor coach?

Try not to be a micromanager as you let go of your CEO role and transition to mentor

Dick Wittman, a longtime farm management consultant and farmer has transitioned from being the CEO of a 22,000-acre Idaho farm to being his daughter’s mentor coach. His session at Ag Excellence’s 2021 conference was “How to get out of the way without going away.” Google the session and invest 90 minutes towards having better transition […] Read more


Umami dates back to 1907, when a Japanese chemist discovered that kombu seaweed formed crystals of glutamate — an abundant amino acid — for a taste neither sweet, sour, salty or bitter, but savoury, rich and meaty.

Becoming a better cook — Part 2: The taste of umami

First We Eat: This Japanese word has various translations such as ‘savoury’ or ‘deliciousness’

The four tastes — sweet, salty, sour, bitter — underpin every dish we eat. Smart cooks reach routinely for a bit of honey, a smidgeon of salt, a splash of lemon, or a drop of bitters to balance a dish, and fat too, like butter, oil, or whipping cream. Asian and Latin cooks add pungent […] Read more

Your attitude about conflict needs to be positive, knowing that positive conflict behaviours are going to help everyone get what they want.

Froese: Transition planning does not have to be tough

Transitioning management and ownership of a farm business is a journey that begins with taking that first step

Susan Forward, author of Emotional Blackmail gave me a key phrase for coaching that is life changing. She used the term, “Where is it written… (insert issue)? As a farm family coach who is currently in her third succession/transition journey, I would like to challenge you with, “Where is it written that transition planning has […] Read more


Becoming a better cook — Part 1: By the book

Becoming a better cook — Part 1: By the book

First We Eat: A list of food books that explain the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of cooking

My son recently served me a meal of spatchcocked (butterflied) chicken. It was sensational, crisp and juicy. “Butterflied is the only way I roast a whole bird anymore,” he told me. Then I watched as he made brownies. His recipe was more complex than mine, and he spent longer on the process. They were addictive, […] Read more

One trigger for upper body, neck and face tension can be as simple as seasonal changes.

Tension can cause discomfort in the shoulders and neck

Fit to Farm: Here are some self-treatments to try that may bring some relief

You’ve probably heard someone say that they hold all their tension in their shoulders and neck, and that’s not uncommon. Environmental and emotional stress often shows up in our posture, and often in our upper shoulders, neck and even our face and jaw. For the vast majority of us in one way or another, the […] Read more


A couple of steel rims off old wooden wagon wheels can be welded with spacers to create an attractive, useful and history filled firewood holder.

Handy firewood holder with a history

New use for steel rims off long-retired wooden wheels

Here on our ranch, we’ve always stacked a little extra firewood on our porch for easy grabbing. This makes it a lot closer than trudging across the driveway and carrying some in from the woodpile, especially if the weather is cold and snowy. However, this year we made it even better. We created a really […] Read more

All of us go through storms, and 2021 was a doozy for weather stress, drought, price rallies, contract obligations, lockdowns, social isolation and many more.

Froese: Why I’m glad I took Mental Health First Aid

Whether you’re looking for help with self-care or how to be more supportive to others — this could be the course for you

Recently I was saddened by the passing of three folks in the space of one week whom I had a connection with. I suspect many of you are grieving losses experienced in the past 22 months during this Great Pause. I want you to explore some new learning and consider signing up for the virtual […] Read more


Jonita Johnston harvests Bluebell grapes for fresh eating and juicing. The speed and enthusiasm with which she picks loads of grapes, apples and other fruit and veggies is amazing. Bluebell is hardy in Zone 3 Prairie winters.

Meet a Manitoba grape grower

Singing Gardener: Plus, the health benefits of carrots as well as their tops

This is the month for seasonal Christmas carols, lots of home baking, giving and receiving of gifts. Need I say more? This is also my final Grainews column for 2021 and more Singing Gardener wandering words to come in 2022. If you’re looking to buy a Christmas gift for someone you’ve not seen for a considerable […] Read more

In a family committed to homemade gifts, food is often the medium that makes the rounds as presents.

Try this Carrot Pickle recipe over the holidays

First We Eat: If you grew a good crop of carrots this year you’ll want to make some jars of this for sure

All month I’ve been pestering Mom for stories. You’d think I was five again. But no. Truth is, we’ve been in closer proximity than usual. She’s recovering from glaucoma surgery, which has eliminated lifting, bending over, or carrying anything heavier than a supper plate. So I am at her house, lifting, bending over, and carrying. […] Read more