Rob O’Connor is leaving his position as manager of Canada’s Farm Progress Show in Regina to become general manager of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba in Brandon. He leaves Regina at the end of January after 10 years as show manager and takes over in Brandon Feb. 17. “I really still have that great passion […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Community pasture transition to provincial control on track
Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle Stewart says the transition of former federal pastures to patrons is proceeding on schedule. Patrons of the first 10 pastures will have completed lease agreements by the time they need grazing land for their cattle in spring, he said. “The Dec. 1 date for signing is not set in stone,” he […] Read more
Flu in Sask. sparks calls for flu shot
Saskatchewan residents are urged to get their flu shots after 161 confirmed cases and three deaths. All three deaths occurred in people with underlying medical conditions and included two children under age five, said the province’s deputy chief medical health officer, Denise Werker. Most of the confirmed cases are of pandemic H1N1, which is included […] Read more
Saskatchewan challenging Quebec food sale restrictions
A dispute resolution panel Jan. 8 in Quebec City will hear a Saskatchewan-led challenge of Quebec’s restrictions against the sale of certain food products. The governments of Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia all support Saskatchewan’s challenge under the Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade that Quebec restrictions preventing the sale of certain margarines, coffee whiteners and […] Read more
Now: Science and experience help prepare for future; Then: When dry turns to drought
NOW: It might be hard for farmers who have been coping with flooding for the past few years to imagine dealing with drought, but that day is coming. Scientists just can’t say exactly when. Drought has been a major threat since agricultural production began on the Prairies. The region is typically dry and often affected […] Read more
Now: Tens of thousands of farmers participate in protests; Then: Ottawa delegation to be 1000 strong
NOW: It’s March 1959, and Keith Dryden is on a special Canadian National Railway train bound for Ottawa. The Western Producer reporter is on assignment, joining carloads of prairie farmers, led by then-Saskatchewan Wheat Pool president Jack Wesson, who are on their way to ask prime minister John Diefenbaker for deficiency payments. His editor, Tom […] Read more
Keep irrigation in mind, WSA told
Farmers who want to tap into Saskatchewan’s proposed Upper Qu’Appelle water supply project are frustrated by another delay and the possibility that they won’t be able to participate. The province’s Water Security Agency is undertaking another study of the project, which would convey water from Lake Diefenbaker through the Qu’Appelle Dam to serve the Regina-Moose […] Read more
Producer groups to take over livestock brand inspection
Efficiency, flexibility sought | Inspection cost expected to remain at $2 per head
Saskatchewan livestock organizations will take over brand inspection in the province Jan. 1 through a new non-profit corporation. Five producer groups have formed the Livestock Services of Saskatchewan Corp. (LSS) to deliver inspection services previously offered by the provincial government. The 41 full-time equivalent staff working in the inspection service will transfer to the corporation. […] Read moreWeyburn terminal looks for investors
Board of directors split | Two directors resign over the decision to seek potential buyers
The possible sale of all or part of Weyburn Inland Terminal has prompted two board members to resign and set off speculation about potential buyers. There was no definitive agreement at press time, and any sale would only go forward after shareholders vote, said chief executive officer Rob Davies. In fact, it might not happen […] Read moreRCMP look into cattle thefts
RCMP in Bengough, Sask., would like to talk to anyone with information about a recent cattle theft. Six Charolais-Angus cross calves were taken from a pasture near Viceroy, Sask., between Nov. 4 and Nov. 8. The calves are not branded but have ear tags with the letters GN in the left ear. The calves were […] Read more
