At the beginning of the 21st century, scientists, governments and individuals were becoming more aware of the nutrients in foods and how they affected health. Scientific and medical research focusing on how lifestyle and food contributed to certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, began to recommend lower fat, higher fibre diets. […] Read more
Betty Ann Deobald, BSHEc
Stories by Betty Ann Deobald, BSHEc
New century offered new opportunities for farm families
Research, technology and consumer trends in the 2000s were creating opportunities and different farming options for western Canadian farmers and their families. At the University of Saskatchewan, facilities were being built and expanded that would facilitate research and biotech product development. The Canadian Light Source facility would provide scientists with clear images of the inner […] Read more
Gardening produces food, fun and learning in the far north
After 25 gardening seasons, the Inuvik Community Greenhouse has created a community of avid gardeners who look forward to another season of growing their own food in the warm inviting atmosphere of the largest, most northern greenhouse in Canada. It is situated 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and 97 km south of the […] Read more
The 1990s saw end of The Western Producer’s Ducie era
For 60 years the Ducie sisters contributed significantly to the women’s section of The Western Producer. Rose and Emmie were raised, along with their brother, Harold, on a farm northeast of Dundurn, Sask. They were strongly influenced by their feminist mother, Emma Ducie, who participated in volunteer work, took an interest in politics and was […] Read more
Y2K worries, farm income challenges dominated the 1990s
The 1990s were a time of study and crisis for the Canadian Prairies. The aftermath of the previous decade’s recession, low commodity prices, drought and skyrocketing interest rates had ruined many farmers and those still hanging on were coping with stress and uncertainty. The new millennia brought many questions about how computerized world systems would […] Read more
There are many options for a nutritious Pacific salmon meal
When traveling in the Yukon and Alaska last summer, Pacific salmon was one of the foods I enjoyed most, especially salmon tacos and salmon chowder. Sheet Pan Salmon Add potatoes and fresh asparagus to make a quick and easy salmon dinner. Add extra fillets for a planned second-day meal of tacos. Serves four. 2 lb. […] Read more
Agricultural diversification was a big focus in the 1980s
The early 1980s featured interest rates as high as 21 percent, drought, and low commodity prices, so many farmers sought ways to diversify their sources of income and create more cash flow. Beekeeping, speciality livestock, fruit trees, garden produce or opening homes as bed and breakfast or vacation farms were among the many options explored. […] Read more
High interest rates, inflation led to off-farm work in 1980s
The disastrous economic situation of the 1980s was the result of changes in oil production in the Middle East, a worldwide recession, record high interest rates, inflation and drought. High interest rates were the main concern of farmers in the summer of 1981, a Canadian Bankers’ Association poll discovered. Inflation caused fuel prices to rise […] Read more
The 1970s introduced new crops and cooking methods
During the 1970s, farmers were looking for new crops to improve their cash flow, and consumers had a variety of new cooking methods. Microwave ovens offered quicker cooking options, while fondue pots offered a more leisurely way of entertaining and eating. Due to innovative research by Al Slinkard at the University of Saskatchewan in the […] Read more
The need for social, farming changes recognized in 1970s
In the early 1970s, two things were very apparent: the changing attitude toward women in society and the need for prairie farmers to reduce their dependency on cereal grain crops. Among the news stories of 1971, an article by Catherine Shorten, in the Jan. 6, 1972, issue of The Western Producer, revealed that the world […] Read more
