Cattle producers and grain growers who enter into grazing partnerships are urged to write a rock-solid agreement
Working with crop farmers may be one answer for cattle producers struggling with feed shortages. Kevin Elmy told the recent Advancing Organics conference in Saskatoon that he started looking for alternative management practices when he moved back to the family seed operation near Saltcoats, Sask., in 1999. What he came up with was a partnership […] Read moreStories by Becky Zimmer
Farmers’ health is now on the agenda at more ag shows
Farm organizations want the vocation’s physical and mental strains to be included in daily planning discussions
Farming conferences around the province have been adding a new topic in recent years — health. Booths and presentations have been raising awareness about mental and physical health problems that could be a concern for farmers and their families. Megz Reynolds, executive director of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, has been raising awareness about the […] Read more
Kochia in pulse crops a growing concern
Concerns about the spread of kochia continue to grow for Saskatchewan pulse growers. Michael Brown, agronomy manager for Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and Martin Carr, agronomy manager for WinField United, have seen the pesky tumbleweed spread throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and the United States. The weed is resistant to some herbicides, among them groups 4, 9 and […] Read more
Looking abroad for some extra help on the farm
If more Canadians participate in the international exchange, more workers can come to help out on farms here
Farm labour is in short supply across Canada, and one solution could be finding skilled workers from farms overseas. Anita Warriner, executive director of A-Way to Work International Rural Exchange, made an urgent call for host farms at the SaskOrganic’s Advanced Organics conference in Saskatoon on March 27. Two programs provide opportunities for Canadian farmers. […] Read more
Film series focuses on ag diversity
The National Farmers Union’s Depth of Field project features 40 videos produced to tell the story of Canadian farmers
Rachelle Ternier walks along her driveway with her father, Jim, as she heads to one of her many garden plots. Their conversation is typical for a pair of farmers: which corn plants are ready to harvest, how much rain do they have in the rain gauge and their hopes for drier weather so Ternier can […] Read more
International pressures challenge pulse growers
Producers urged to pay closer attention to the rest of the world because their global market clout is not what it once was
Canada is losing its impact on global pulse markets, producers attending a Saskatchewan Pulse Growers meeting in Humboldt, Sask., late last month were told. Chuck Penner, president of LeftField Commodity Research, said farmers must pay more attention to the rest of the world. “We are kind of past the stage now where Canada is the […] Read more
Study determines night spraying can benefit pollinators
Spraying for the lesser clover leaf weevil is not only easier on pollinators but also provides more effective pest control
Forage and seed producers heard about the benefits of night spraying for red clover crops during the Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission’s recent annual meeting. The commission conducted two on-farm experiments of night spraying in June 2021. Graham Parsons, pollinator biosecurity specialist with the Saskatchewan agriculture department, identified the pollinators that benefit from nighttime pesticide […] Read more
Seniors must often face loneliness
Visit with an elderly uncle reminds author of recent survey that found 1.1 million older Canadians report feeling lonely
“You have no idea how happy I am to see you.” His hug is tight as I start to let go, but I realize how much he needs this right now. I’m a hugger anyway so I don’t mind, especially when it’s a hug from my last remaining great Zimmer uncle. It’s a Wednesday and […] Read more
Forage seed sector faces challenges
Markets were an important issue for producers and experts at the Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission’s annual general meeting in White Fox, Sask., held last month. Members from different growing regions across the Prairies and from around the world spoke about what the markets were like for producers in their areas. Dale Risula, provincial specialist […] Read more
Irrigation sector ratifies amalgamation in Sask.
The Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association and Irrigation Crop Diversification Corp. formally agree to join forces
Irrigation Saskatchewan is now the lead irrigation organization in the province following the successful amalgamation of two provincial organizations. Talks to join Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association (SIPA) and Irrigation Crop Diversification Corp. (ICDC) into one entity have been ongoing for years. A joint executive working committee was formed in March 2022 and both organizations voted […] Read more
