Low interest rates help | Producers must understand the risks of expansion, say experts
CYPRESS HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK, Sask. — Low interest rates present an attractive option for livestock producers looking to expand their herds. However, Paul Hammerton of MNP cautioned producers to look before they leap. He told the recent Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association convention that the combination of low interest rates, high cattle prices and optimism allows […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Stronger feeder prices in cards for summer, fall
CYPRESS HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK, Sask. —Producers can expect a continuing wild ride through the cattle markets as prices remain strong and supplies stay tight, says analyst Anne Dunford. The president of Cattle Trends Inc. told the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual convention that the volatility and risk of the current market is bound to continue. […] Read more
Sask. Stock Growers Association in brief
Cattle theft a problem CYPRESS HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK, Sask. — RCMP should better address the growing problem of cattle theft, say the province’s cow-calf producers. A resolution passed at the recent annual meeting of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association called on the organization to work with rural municipalities and the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association to lobby […] Read more
Rain brings flood damage program applications
Heavy spring rain in some parts of Saskatchewan has prompted 35 applications to the province’s emergency flood damage reduction program since April 1. The program was implemented last year after widespread flooding threatened many communities and farms. It helps pay the cost of flood reduction or prevention measures. The program was used to help 330 […] Read more
Wall, Sask. Party remake government
Only two of 18 Saskatchewan cabinet ministers retained their existing portfolios after premier Brad Wall announced a large-scale shuffle last week and reorganized ministries. Seven people were dropped in the May 25 changes, seven were added and nine were moved to different ministries. Among the changes are three ministries that now have two ministers. Kindersley […] Read more
New ag minister has high praise for Bjornerud
Stewart takes over | Outgoing minister cites tax reduction, crop insurance and AgriStability as highlights
Saskatchewan’s new agriculture minister said last week he was a little concerned about filling his predecessor’s shoes. Lyle Stewart, MLA for Thunder Creek, took over from Bob Bjornerud after the May 25 cabinet shuffle. He immediately paid tribute to Bjornerud, noting his popularity within the agricultural community. Bjornerud had been the Saskatchewan Party’s only agriculture […] Read moreNew products needed to cover off regional disparity: researcher
Call for risk management programs National program preferred to allow level playing field for cattle producers
CYPRESS HILLS PARK, Sask. — Cattle price insurance based on the existing Alberta program is feasible in Western Canada but would require new products to make it work. Iebeling Kaastra, research director with Gibson Capital Inc., told the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual convention that a study done by his company found that eight new […] Read moreSaskatchewan stock growers receive money for two cattle traceability projects
$50,000 pledged Money earmarked for cattle tag retention, greater awareness of premise registry
CYPRESS HILLS PARK, Sask. — Lyle Stewart used his first appearance as Saskatchewan’s new agriculture minister May 27 to announce $50,000 in funding for traceability projects. Speaking to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual convention, Stewart said the organization would receive the money for two projects. Half will go to a cattle tag retention project, […] Read moreAgribition posts profit
Canadian Western Agribition has reported a record-setting profit of $307,616 for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2012. At the organization’s annual meeting in Regina May 31, chief executive officer Marty Seymour said increases in attendance, sponsorship and sales were responsible for a remarkable turnaround from a $205,000 loss the previous year. More than 126,000 […] Read more
Ecojustice files lawsuit seeking sage-grouse’s protection
Bird numbers plummet in Canada Energy, infrastructure blamed for greater sage-grouse demise since 1988
Organizations concerned about the future of the greater sage-grouse are stepping up their pressure on Ottawa to save the endangered species. Ecojustice filed a lawsuit against the federal environment minister in February to force Peter Kent to recommend emergency protection for the birds. A provision in the Species At Risk Act provides for this action. […] Read more
