| The smell of burning stubble is a sure sign that this year's crop has been harvested.
This field is one of many throughout the province that did its duty this year producing
flax. But flax not only produces an oil seed, its fibres are almost indestructible
and farmers have not choice but to incinerate the remainder. In this field the farmer
used a chopper to mulch up the straw and is able to burn it in a swath. Many farmers
have to go out with haying equipment and pile the stuff up. It is a considerable
waste as the material can be used for a wide range of fibre products but the only
processing plant in the area was shut down said this farmer, because of pollution
Then he shook his head and pointed at the burning field. A large operation has been
established near Portage La Prairie but it is not economical to move material that
far for processing. |
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