Saskatchewan livestock producers have a new co-operative to finance purchases of feeder and breeder cattle and bison. Saskatchewan Livestock Finance Co-operative Ltd. replaced the provincial government’s Livestock Loan Guarantee Program earlier this year. The government announced last year it would wind down the lending program that began in 1984. General manager Terry Wensley said co-op […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Liberals hint at AgriStability support
The federal Liberals are hinting that more money could be available for farm business risk management programs. The party’s platform says it would expand support for farmers who face major environmental and business risks, if re-elected Oct. 21. The document refers to the review of BRM programs, with a focus on AgriStability. “(We) are prepared […] Read more
Greens weigh in on agriculture
A Green party government in Canada would implement national use standards for nitrogen fertilizer and move away from what it calls industrial livestock production. Leader Elizabeth May released the party’s full platform last week. It notes that a report from climate scientists in August said agriculture must be transformed to meet climate change goals. “Canada […] Read more
Meatless burger debate bruises football team
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association continues to meet with the Saskatchewan Roughriders football club after beef producers raised concerns about a television commercial filmed during a game. An A&W ad currently running shows people wearing Rider gear trying the restaurant’s meatless Beyond Meat burgers outside Regina’s Mosaic Stadium. Beef producers and others complained that it […] Read more
Farmland value increases slow down
Farmland values across Canada are still rising but at a lower rate than recent years. Farm Credit Canada reviewed the first six months of 2019 and found a national average increase of three percent, compared to 6.6 percent for the entire year of 2018. However, FCC chief economist J.P. Gervais said he expects little change […] Read more
Producers release their key issues for election
Political parties running in the federal election will be asked for their solutions to the growing loss of market access
Farmers want the federal election campaign to focus on solutions to their market access challenges. From canola, soybeans and meat in China to durum in Italy, pulses in India and other products in other countries, farmers say these issues must take priority. “They know the problems, or they darn well better know the problems we’re […] Read more
Sask. takes brunt of hail damage
Hail claims on the Prairies are tracking similar to last year with Saskatchewan farmers reporting the most damage so far. However, there are still six weeks or so that could result in hail storms, leading Canadian Crop Hail Association president Rick Omelchenko to speculate that final numbers could be higher. More than 10,000 claims have […] Read more
Proposed potash mine clears hurdle in Sask.
The provincial government grants a conditional environmental assessment approval for CanPacific Potash’s Albany project near Sedley
A proposed potash mine in southeastern Saskatchewan has cleared one environmental hurdle but has several more ahead before the project can proceed. The provincial government has granted conditional environmental assessment approval to CanPacific Potash’s Albany project, which is to be located in the Sedley-Francis area. But it must meet several more conditions, including mitigating or […] Read more
Football team dragged into meatless burger debate
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association continues to meet with the Saskatchewan Roughriders football club after beef producers raised concerns about a television commercial filmed during a game. An A&W ad currently running shows people wearing Rider gear trying the restaurant’s meatless Beyond Meat burgers outside Regina’s Mosaic Stadium. Beef producers and others complained that it […] Read more
Farm group questions gov’t Grain Act review
Federal agriculture officials say all stakeholders will be consulted as the review of the Canada Grain Act proceeds. Last week the National Farmers Union suggested that the government was listening only to grain companies as it reviews the legislation as promised in the budget earlier this year. It called on the government to stop the […] Read more
