Saskatchewan has announced another incentive program as it tries to sell agricultural crown land. This program is being described as “targeted” because it is aimed at current leaseholders of cultivated or formerly cultivated land and offers them a 10 percent incentive until March 31, 2018. Lessees aren’t obligated to buy, but if they don’t they […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Irrigation groups plan merger for efficiency
The Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association and Irrigation Crop Diversification Corp. will hold joint meetings with producers next year
Saskatchewan’s two irrigation organizations are considering a merger. The Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association, which focuses on policy and development, and the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corp., which focuses on research and agronomic practices, have been exploring that idea for the last year. They intend to hold joint meetings next year with a final decision possible at […] Read moreSask. may consolidate meat inspection
The Saskatchewan government is considering a single meat inspection system for slaughter plants currently covered by two different ministries. According to Volume 2 of the Provincial Auditor’s report released Dec. 12, the health ministry inspects 80 facilities and the agriculture ministry inspects 10. The health ministry uses public health officials to examine facilities, while agriculture […] Read more
BRM review advisory panel members appointed
The members of the external panel for Canada’s business risk management program review were announced today. The 11 experts are: Mark Brock, Grain Farmers of Ontario director and AgGrowth Coalition member Chris Simpson, Alberta beef producer and MNP accountant Mary Robinson, Prince Edward Island crop farmer and chair of the Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council […] Read more
Alert device designed to tackle rural crime
A device slightly bigger than a deck of cards could soon be helping to protect rural property. Two Saskatchewan technology startups have been selected to develop a prototype system of hardware and software as part of the provincial government’s rural crime reduction strategy. Jeff Shirley, owner of Rivercity Technology Services Ltd. in Saskatoon, and William […] Read more
Feds warn Sask. carbon plan not up to standard
The federal government said last week Saskatchewan’s climate change strategy likely doesn’t meet its standard, which could set the stage for a carbon pricing showdown. Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna posted her response to the province’s Dec. 4 announcement on Facebook, saying she was encouraged by the commitment to adaptation and resilience to climate change. […] Read more
Animal Protection Act changes give inspectors wider access
Updates to Saskatchewan’s laws will give animal protection officers more power and potentially give that power to more officers. Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart introduced the Animal Protection Act amendments in late November. During second reading debate, he said the amendments would allow the ministry to approve organizations other than humane societies to enforce provisions of […] Read more
APAS gains respect along with staff, membership
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan continues to gain traction as farmers’ lobbying voice. Membership grew from 86 full and 10 transitional rural municipalities last year to 104 full and 12 transitional members in 2017, according to general manager Duane Haave. The organization also has 26 associate members such as commodity groups and short-line railways. […] Read more
Senate holds up transportation legislation
Canada’s transportation modernization act won’t get through the Senate before Christmas, leaving grain shippers to cross their fingers and hope the weather and railways co-operate this winter. Statistics Canada last week released 2017 production estimates showing larger than expected canola and wheat crops and a 93 million tonne overall crop. No one wants a repeat […] Read more
Biochar research finds limited yield benefit on Prairies
Research has found that adding biochar to prairie soil has little to no effect on soil conditions, plant nutrition or crop growth, says a University of Saskatchewan soil scientist. However, farmers may realize other benefits from the product. Dr. Jeff Schoenau told the recent Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan annual meeting that biochar has long […] Read more
