Live cattle prices have risen $8 to $122 per hundredweight since March and packer margins are up over $500 per head
Demand for beef is through the roof in the United States, and at least one analyst expects it to continue for months. Rob Murphy, executive vice-president of research and analysis at J.S. Ferraro, said during a webinar that prices are surging along with the demand as some individual beef cuts trade in triple digits. “We […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Sask. community restores neglected wetland
Local residents will install a drainage system to re-establish a healthy water level, plant trees and build a walking trail
An unsightly slough at the entrance to Riverhurst, Sask., is getting a makeover thanks to local volunteers and a federal grant. The Riverhurst Communities in Bloom committee wanted to improve the first impression people have of the village by restoring the wetland. Penny Gustafson said the surface-fed wetland has been there for decades. The site […] Read more
Fibre optics seen as solution to rural internet problems
An Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan task force examined rural connectivity issues, including funding
The Saskatchewan farmers who looked at rural connectivity issues say the future of better service lies in an older technology. Members of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan task force who studied internet speed, funding, and other factors found that fibre optic technology is still best. Governments are promoting technology like low earth orbit satellites […] Read more
Goodale new high commissioner to U.K.
Former federal agriculture minister from Saskatchewan will focus on trade as Great Britain adjusts to life after Brexit
Former Canadian agriculture minister Ralph Goodale is now the country’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom. Goodale left late last month for his new position, which is equivalent to an ambassador in countries outside the British Commonwealth. He said in an interview that agriculture and trade will be key parts of his work. “That was […] Read more
Agribition plans to go live in the fall
Twelve breed shows will be featured, the first time that all breeds will hold their national competitions under one roof
Canadian Western Agribition plans to be back with a full, live event in Regina this fall, despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and posting a significant loss in 2020. Chief executive officer Chris Lane said during the show’s recent annual general meeting that work has begun for the 50th show. This will include 12 […] Read more
Last elevator in Pense falls
The last remaining elevator in Pense, Sask. was demolished May 3 by Adair’s Demolition. It was owned by Viterra, officially closed in 2001 and then used for storage until last year. At one time the community had six elevators, beginning with the first built in 1892. This one had actually been moved down the track […] Read more
Farmers welcome budget’s low-carbon focus
Ottawa allocates about $270 million to encourage producers to adopt lower-carbon and climate-friendly practices
The recent federal budget represents a turning point for farmers, says a Saskatchewan producer who helped draft recommendations funded in the document. About $270 million allocated to encourage farmers to adopt lower-carbon and climate-friendly practices will also serve as a bridge to the next agricultural policy framework, said Ian McCreary from Bladworth, Sask. He said […] Read more
Viterra calls crush plant a ‘very significant facility’
Viterra plans to build what it says would be the world’s largest integrated canola crush facility on land it recently optioned from the City of Regina. Rumours of the plan had circulated for weeks and were confirmed April 26. Kyle Jeworski, chief executive officer of Viterra North America, said engineering and other preliminary work are […] Read more
NDP leaders call for AgriStability funding
The three provincial parties join forces to demand their provinces’ governments agree to increase the compensation rate
Prairie NDP opposition leaders last week called on their provincial governments to fund the proposed increase to compensation under AgriStability. Alberta’s Rachel Notley, Ryan Meili in Saskatchewan and Wab Kinew in Manitoba said the economic recovery from COVID and the prosperity of the Prairies depends on farmers. “That’s why we’re joining here today to call […] Read more
Sask. announces steps to attract rural vets
The Saskatchewan government has recognized the concern about the lack of rural veterinary service and introduced several measures designed to entice more people to rural practice. These include a new virtual option to train registered veterinary technologists and a loan forgiveness program. “This program is important to addressing a labour market shortage in rural Saskatchewan,” […] Read more
