It’s been a while since Shadybrook Shorthorns appeared in the barns at Canadian Western Agribition. The operation at West Brome, Que., sent one calf out with another exhibitor in 2011, but farm manager Lloyd Wright said it’s been 14 years since the operation made the more than 40-hour trip from southeast of Montreal near the […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Scholarship winners enthusiastic about ag
This year’s Canadian Western Agribition scholarship recipients could be found all over the show doing the things for which they were recognized. The show awards three $2,500 scholarships for involvement in the show, plus the Barry Andrew Family Scholarship and William M. Farley Memorial Scholarship, each worth $1,500. Sadie Anwender of Radville, Sask., who received […] Read more
Sask. offers wildfire assistance for grazing land
Saskatchewan producers affected by wildfires will be eligible for some coverage under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program after all. The government had said that typically PDAP didn’t cover insurable losses. However, Government Relations Minister Larry Doke announced Dec. 6 that grazing land would be covered. “Tame and native grazing lands are not insurable,” he said […] Read more
Sask. developing rural crime app
The Saskatchewan government has selected a team of technology startups to develop prototype systems to help reduce rural crime. Jeff Shirley, owner of Rivercity Technology Services Ltd. in Saskatoon, and William Topping, founder of Brand X Technologies also in Saskatoon, will work in a joint venture partnership to design an app and GPS device that […] Read more
Sask Wheat directors elected
Sask Wheat has elected four directors to serve for the next four years. Bill Gehl of Regina, the most recent chair of the development commission, was re-elected, as was Ken Rosaasen, who farms near Preeceville. Both have served on the board since 2014. Joining them are newcomers Brett Halstead from Nokomis and Jake Leguee from […] Read more
Agribition makes the most of its brand new facilities
Canadian Western Agribition will set records this year, say organizers. They just have to wait for final figures to make it official. “This has been a benchmark year for us in a lot of ways,” said chief executive officer Chris Lane as the 47th annual show wrapped up last week. Cattle entries were up by […] Read more
Environmental farm plan programs fit well together
OTTAWA — Preliminary work indicates that existing provincial environmental farm plans align fairly well and that could make it easier to establish national EFP stands, a recent conference heard. The idea isn’t to replace the provincial programs but ensure they are equivalent by establishing a base line. A national EFP is one way that Canada […] Read more
Purebred beef show highlights several breeds
A 2016 Simmental was in the winner’s circle for top female, while a Charolais took top spot in the bull calf show
Four different breeds took home banners from Canadian Western Agribition’s first purebred beef shows of the event last week. The interbreed First Lady Classic and President’s Classic each drew more than 90 entries. Rising to the top on the female side was SFI Miss Seein Purple, a 2016 Simmental entry from Wheatland Cattle Co. at […] Read more
Bison sale sees more animals, higher prices
Brian and Eleanor Brown bolstered their bison herd last week after taking home both the grand champion bull and the high selling animal. Sixty-seven animals sold during the Canadian National Sale at Canadian Western Agribition Nov. 21. The Browns have operated High Plains Drifters at Hodgeville, Sask., since 1998. Brian Brown said he spent money […] Read more
Federal gov’t announces new ag programs
Federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced that Ottawa plans to spend $1 billion on federal agriculture programs and share the $2 billion cost of federal-provincial initiatives. The programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership begin April 1, 2018, after Growing Forward 2 programs expire. However, some of the programs will take effect before then. “These […] Read more
