ESTEVAN, Sask. — What started out as a small request from one oil patch worker to another has turned into a $60,000 memorial project that has captured the imaginations of veterans and the public alike. Estevan oilfield worker Lester Hinzman grew up hearing Second World War stories from his father, who landed in Normandy on […] Read more
Stories by Christalee Froese
Study examines how shock wave therapy reduces horse lameness
SASKATOON — A viral video calling for lame horses has meant that two University of Saskatchewan vets will be busy. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine video requesting equine participants for its caudal heel pain study drew more than 40,000 views. Researchers Dr. Kate Robinson and Dr. Angela MacKay were surprised by the response and […] Read more
Robot seeder nets Sask. engineer third in competition
ODESSA, Sask. — Engineer Nathan Muchowski expects robots to be seeding for farmers within the next five years. He built a prototype to test his theory that won third place in the 2016 agBOT Challenge in Rockville, Indiana. The idea for an unmanned seeder had been on the 26-year-old’s mind for several years, so when […] Read more
Ag tourism risky, but satisfying
MAPLE CREEK, Sask. — When Dan Sellinger and Dana Hassett returned to their hometown of Maple Creek, Sask., they could not convince lenders that an agri-tourism business would work. The couple purchased Sellinger’s 20-acre family property in 2007, moving in 2011 and putting in 10 acres of saskatoons and a new retail and bakery space. […] Read more
Bruised bodies, egos part of cowboy culture, western heritage
MAPLE CREEK, Sask. — Marg Perrin watched as the bulls were loaded into the chutes at the Maple Creek Pro Rodeo in July. As a member of the Girls’ International Rodeo League in the 1960s, she participated in every event from bareback bronc riding to barrel racing to bull riding. “It only looks scary, but […] Read more
Supports sought for rural women
FORT QU’APPELLE, Sask. — Statistics showing that rural women are at a greater risk of domestic abuse have prompted one group to take action. The Saskatchewan Women’s Institute recently submitted a resolution calling for the provincial government to address violence against women and increase funding for safe shelters. At its recent annual meeting, Marian Ogrodnick, […] Read more
Fifth generation appears likely for Kress family
KENDAL, Sask. — Fourth generation farmers Jodi and Dennis Kress didn’t have to work hard to get the fifth generation involved. As soon as their first child, Owen, could walk, he was interested in helping with chores. By the time Zoe and Cole came along, the kids were part of the operation. Now that the […] Read more
4-H combines work and fun for cattle producers
MONTMARTRE, Sask. — What started as a fun new activity to try has turned into a serious business for the Sebastian family. The family of five now dedicates nearly every day to selecting, feeding and training their 4-H cattle. And as for the fun, they say that has only increased as they become more involved. […] Read more
Stories celebrate Aboriginal culture
REGINA — Aboriginal performer Kevin Wesaquate shared his experience recently, taking his Regina audience on a walk down Saskatoon’s 20th Street and through his childhood as a “little Indian kid.” “I remember as a kid my nimosom (grandfather in Cree) telling me never to speak aboriginal if I wanted to survive,” said Wesaquate, a founder […] Read more
Big acres, big animals, big workload
CARNDUFF, Sask. — A strong work ethic is what it’s all about for the Patons. They have 450 head of commercial Charolais cattle, 200 purebred Belgian horses and 11,000 total acres of owned and rented land. “You get up every morning at 6 a.m. and you work until everything is done,” said Melvin Paton, the […] Read more
