Members attending Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association meeting say talk of changing group’s name is a distraction
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — The idea of changing the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association name did not sit well with producers attending their fall district meeting here late last month. They overwhelmingly spoke in favour of maintaining the name as is and passed a resolution saying so. Chief executive officer Grant McLellan said the organization isn’t contemplating […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Sask. irrigation analysis finds economic benefit
The first phase of a three-phase megaproject in province’s Lake Diefenbaker region could begin construction next year
REGINA — Rehabilitating the Westside Irrigation Project at Lake Diefenbaker will boost gross domestic product by at least $5.9 billion over 50 years, according to the Saskatchewan government. The economic analysis of the proposed project, the first of three, was done by KPMG LLP and released Sept. 26. It said the $1.15 billion project will […] Read more
Senators told biosecurity bill is really about trespassing
REGINA — Witnesses at last week’s Senate agriculture committee meetings said a bill purporting to be about biosecurity is not about biosecurity at all. Bill C-275 would amend the Health of Animals Act and make it illegal for anyone to unlawfully enter a barn or building where livestock are kept. The private member’s bill was […] Read more
Farm group formalizes ag data recommendations
Canadian Federation of Agriculture also signs on to a data transparency and protection initiative that started in the U.S.
REGINA — The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has formalized its recommendations for a national agricultural data strategy. It has also become the first Canadian farm industry member of the Ag Data Transparent organization. ADT was formed after the American Farm Bureau Federation noted concern among farmers about agricultural data products and how data provided to […] Read more
Sask. election has agriculture sector’s attention
REGINA — Saskatchewan is about to enter a formal election campaign for an Oct. 28 vote. The writ had not been formally dropped as of Sept. 23 but was expected no later than Oct. 1. The Western Producer asked organizations what they had on their wish lists for those vying to govern. SSGA president Jeff […] Read more
Expedited ag claims compensate First Nations
Canada’s treaties promised First Nations a way to participate in agriculture, but those commitments were rarely met
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place Sept. 30. REGINA — Agriculture is very much an ongoing part of Canada’s truth and reconciliation process. The announcements that First Nations are signing what are colloquially known as “cows and plows” agreements represent that effort. Related story: Responsibility seen as key component of reconciliation […] Read more
Producers help fund new Winnipeg grain facility
Three Prairie crop commissions announce funding will come from producer checkoffs paid to their provincial associations
REGINA — Funding commitments from producer organizations to a new Cereals Canada facility should help secure money from other sources, including governments, said chair Brett Halstead. Last week, Alberta Grains, SaskWheat and Manitoba Crop Alliance announced a collective contribution of $13.2 million to the proposed Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) in Winnipeg. Grain Farmers of […] Read more
Pilot hunting program to help with wildlife damage
Landowners in five rural Sask. areas will have access to more licences
REGINA — A new pilot program in five Saskatchewan rural municipalities is launching to help landowners deal with excessive wildlife damage. The Big Game Management Extended Hunt will occur Nov. 1-10 in the RMs of Livingstone, Hazel Dell, Kelvington, Bjorkdale and Leask. Each of these will have 50 antlerless elk licences available in addition to […] Read more
Network promotes better farm drainage communication
Farmer-led initiative says producers, public need better information about how to handle too much or too little water
REGINA — A new collaboration in Saskatchewan is meant to improve communication about agricultural water. The Saskatchewan Drainage Extension Network (SK DEN) is a partnership led by farmers and farm organizations who want water better managed. Related story: Landowners struggle with unapproved drainage “When it comes to drainage management and irrigation, I think we have […] Read more
Landowners struggle with unapproved drainage
Water quality is the latest concern for one Saskatchewan downstream landowner who receives water from a large area
WAWOTA, Sask. — Lane Mountney doesn’t want his neighbours’ water. However, one quarter section of his land in southeastern Saskatchewan was designated the adequate outlet for a 28-quarter drainage project and, even though the Water Security Agency hasn’t approved the project, the water has already started to arrive. Related story: Network promotes better farm drainage […] Read more
