Weed Notes - Nov 21

Details

Published on Friday, November 21, 2014

By Sid Lewis

      Supervisor

A long time ago when most of our meetings, training seminars, etc. were conducted at the Ag Centre in Brandon, there were a couple of gentlemen who trained us in various aspects of weed control.

Owen Beever, whom most will know, was an instructor and the second was Jim Lapka. Both were top notch in their field and in some cases — mine being one — they had a tough job getting their points to sink in. I still run into Owen at times as he was instrumental in seeing Ag Days run without a hitch, but when Jim retired, I lost touch with him.

The last few years I have occasionally phoned both of them to catch up with their world and reminisce. A little time ago I ran into a relative of Jim’s and apparently he is an avid reader of Rivers Banner so is able to keep in touch what old Ragweed is up to. With the editor’s permission, I would like to say hello to Jim and “will have a coffee with ya soon, hopefully!” Speaking of Ag Days, last week six weed control supervisors were at ACC planting weed seeds! Talk about job security. We were planting these seeds, and crop seed, in pots for the upcoming Ag Days event in January in Brandon. For years we were able to plant them at the Brandon Research Centre but due to stricter security measures in all federal buildings, we couldn’t use that facility anymore. My question is why are strong character individuals like us deemed a security risk? With agreement then with ACC, we use a greenhouse there for the time being. After Ag Days, ACC will take the plants and use them for their two-year ag course, so this agreement is a mutual benefit to both parties.

Finishing the planting at noon, we discussed where to have dinner. Montanas was the choice, and since I was the first person there, I waited behind a girl at the counter who was waiting for a staff member to escort her and her friend behind me to their table. I am guessing the girl in front of me didn’t realize I was behind her because she tilted her head to the side a little and asked, “Does my butt look good to you?” I replied I would sooner not make a comment, if she didn’t mind. She jumped in surprise, and as a result, all three of us had a good laugh!

If you have any questions or concerns for Midwest Weed District please phone 204-764-2128.