Saskatchewan took its anti-carbon tax message to the Canadian Senate last month, telling the agriculture and forestry committee that focusing on adaptation is a better idea than a tax. Environment Minister Dustin Duncan and Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart appeared before the committee via video link as part of the committee’s study of the potential impact […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
The allelopathy effect: how it can benefit organics
Some crops affect others by releasing chemical compounds, which could be beneficial to organic producers for weed and disease control
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — The idea that some crops affect others by releasing chemical compounds, and what that could mean for weed and disease control, is under study at the Swift Current Research Centre. Allelopathy, as this is known, is difficult to observe and separate from other factors that might be affecting crops planted together, […] Read more
4R fertilizer program extended in Sask.
Saskatchewan and Fertilizer Canada have renewed their memorandum of understanding in support of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The province and association that represents fertilizer manufacturers and distributors signed an agreement in 2016 to support the Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place program to promote proper fertilizer management. That agreement has been extended for […] Read more
Potash company blames early layoffs on rail service
Potash giant Nutrien is blaming poor rail service for earlier-than-normal layoffs at two Saskatchewan mines. Richard Downey, vice-president of investor and corporate relations, said rail shipments have slowed down, particularly through Canadian Pacific Railway. Canadian National Railway said it is current on orders for Nutrien. Downey said the company’s six Saskatchewan mines take regular down […] Read more
Farmland values rise in Canada
Canadian farmland values increased at a higher rate in 2017 after a three-year slow-down, but that isn’t necessarily the beginning of a new trend, says Farm Credit Canada chief economist JP Gervais. The agency reported that the national average value increased by 8.4 percent in 2017, up from 7.9 percent the previous year and the […] Read more
Farm groups repeat demand for Bill C-49 passage
Canadian farmers have once again urged passage of Bill C-49, as amended, by the House of Commons as soon as possible. In an open letter to members of Parliament April 26, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and its prairie members said farmers are struggling with cash flow because not enough grain has moved. “Farm groups […] Read more
Ag committee to study mental health
The House of Commons agriculture committee has agreed to study rural mental health. Committee members voted unanimously in favour of a motion put forward by Liberal MP Pierre Breton at their Monday meeting. The motion called on the committee to study mental health challenges faced by farmers, ranchers and producers. The committee will meet with […] Read more
Rancher ordered to pay for drowned cattle in his care
A Saskatchewan farmer has been ordered to pay $28,600 after 27 head of cattle he was looking after fell through ice and drowned four years ago. Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Meghan McCreary ruled in April that Darren Shindle of the Dysart area failed to provide adequate care to the animals he was leasing from […] Read more
Sask. takes federal carbon plan to court
Saskatchewan has launched a constitutional reference case in court against a federally imposed carbon tax. The government took action in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal today, asking the court to decide the constitutionality of the federal legislation. The specific question for the court is: the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was introduced into Parliament on […] Read more
Farmland values rise in Canada
A modest increase in Canadian farmland values last year after three years of declining rates is not necessarily the beginning of a new trend, says Farm Credit Canada chief economist J. P. Gervais. The agency reported that the national average value increased by 8.4 percent in 2017, up from 7.9 percent the previous year and […] Read more
