Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall has appointed a cabinet delegation to deal with the grain transportation backlog. Agriculture minister Lyle Stewart, economy minister Bill Boyd, highways and infrastructure minister Don McMorris and MLA Scott Moe, legislative secretary to Stewart, are meeting with major grain companies this week, and will continue to press the federal government to […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Federal budget boosts funding for CFIA
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is getting about $400 million over the next five years to hire more inspectors and strengthen food safety programs, according to the federal budget announced Feb. 11. Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said more than 200 inspectors will be hired as a result of the extra funding. He noted the government […] Read more
Sask. crop insurance improves corn coverage
Saskatchewan’s crop insurance program for 2014 will include improvements to coverage for corn crops. A pilot yield-loss program in east-central and southeastern Saskatchewan will be conducted. As well, the establishment benefit feature has been expanded to include corn at $65 per acre. Provincial agriculture minister Lyle Stewart announced program details today in Melville at the […] Read more
Earlier calving, heavier weaned calves reaped from timed AI
Reduce cow handling, labour costs | Artificial insemination allows producer to shorten breeding season and improve pregnancy rates
SASKATOON — The hassle factor has kept many commercial cattle producers from using estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination. However, Cliff Lamb, an animal science professor at the University of Florida, says they should reconsider. Time, sire selection, facilities and labour are all complicating factors that can be overcome and lead to a shorter calving […] Read moreCost, benefit study shows AI pays off
SASKATOON — At least one Sask-atchewan study shows that cattle producers who use fixed time artificial insemination in their herds can see greater economic returns. Travis Peardon, a regional livestock specialist and producer near Outlook, Sask., said a 2012 study involving three herds of heifers found the procedure cost producers more, but they made it […] Read more
Get flu shot to ward off expected March wave
Feb. 10 deadline | Influenza has peaked in Saskatchewan but some expect another outbreak next month
Saskatchewan residents have until Feb. 10 to protect themselves from an expected second wave of H1N1. Until that date, health regions will offer drop-in and by appointment clinics to vaccinate as many people as possible. Dr. Denise Werker, the province’s deputy chief medical health officer, said Jan. 31 that public health officials have a limited […] Read moreGenomics coming to a cow near you
Cattle breeding | Better technology will allow industry to test animals with greater accuracy
SASKATOON — The beef industry will eventually use genomics, says an extension specialist, even though the first version of the science gave way to what she called the “trough of disillusionment.” Alison Van Eenennaam, a researcher with the University of California, Davis, said genomics was oversold in the beginning. “When genomics first came out, I […] Read moreErgot consequences are drastic; meticulous testing necessary
Testing is important | Ergot is among the major threats that can cause widespread damage
SASKATOON — Chris Clark will never forget the day he rolled a cow over and its two hind feet stayed behind. “The legs had actually completely separated,” said the Western College of Veterinary Medicine professor. “It is a particularly unpleasant thing to have to deal with.” He and colleagues were investigating a complaint from a […] Read moreSask. producers seek payment guarantee
SASKATOON — Saskatchewan cattle producers have voted to establish a fund that will insure payment in the event a livestock dealer doesn’t pay them. However, just how the fund will work is still to be determined. The provincial government has amended legislation to allow for the fund but is looking to industry for direction. A […] Read more
Pasture group seeks reduced liabilities, grazing fee for patrons
Saskatchewan ag minister says the leasing fee is fair and he may provide money for noxious weed control
DAVIDSON, Sask. — The organization that represents most of the federal pastures switching over to patron administration says grazing costs will be too high and patrons are taking on too much risk. The Community Pasture Patron Association of Saskatchewan wants changes to the lease agreements its members are signing with the province and told agriculture […] Read more
