New U.S. slaughter capacity may create opportunities for Canadian producers if they hang onto their cows and heifers
REGINA — Western Canadian cattle producers able to retain cows and heifers through the drought have an opportunity south of the border. Travis Hickey, founder of Cattlenomics in Colorado, told the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference that there aren’t enough cows to support the feeding and packing capacity in the United States. Peak daily slaughter capacity […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Feds plan to invest in processing projects
The money comes from a fund earmarked to help supply managed sectors hurt by trade deal
REGINA — The federal government will invest $89 million in 49 processing projects in the supply managed sector. Agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay was in Ingleside, Ont., at the Lactalis Canada cheese plant to make the Feb. 5 announcement. The projects are through the six-year, $397.5-million Supply Management Processing Investment Fund, which is part of Ottawa’s […] Read more
Feds called on to change disease outbreak policy
Producers think Ottawa should help pay for clean-up and disinfection after a federally reportable disease outbreak
REGINA — Cattle producers say the federal government should offer better compensation to those affected by reportable diseases. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency pays maximums of $4,500 per commercial animal and $10,000 for each registered animal when ordered destroyed, but nothing else. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association members voted at their semi-annual meeting to lobby Ottawa […] Read more
Sask. freezes lease rate for cattle producers
REGINA — In anticipation of another dry year, the Saskatchewan government has already announced two drought-related measures for cattle producers. Agriculture minister David Marit told the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference last week that grazing rates on crown land would be frozen at 2022 levels and producers who have to reduce stocking rates on leased crown […] Read more
Livestock, forage research projects approved in Sask.
One of the projects will check back in with young cattle producers who participated in a management study 10 years ago
REGINA — If you were one of the 35 young Saskatchewan cattle producers involved in a research project 10 years ago, Kathy Larson wants to talk to you again. The research associate at the University of Saskatchewan is revisiting an earlier project with the help of Agriculture Development Fund money. Saskatchewan agriculture minister David Marit […] Read more
Beef checkoff set to increase in Sask. next year
Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association says it must prepare for lower revenues once sales fall off following a red hot run
REGINA — The Saskatchewan beef checkoff is set to rise 75 percent in 2025 from $2 to $3.50 per head. Producers attending the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association annual general meeting voted in favour of the hike as of April 1, 2025, although some worried more producers would request refunds because of all the escalating costs they […] Read more
Sask. livestock drought program extended
REGINA — Governments have expanded and extended the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program available to the province’s livestock producers. Ten rural municipalities have been added to the area eligible for the initial $150 per head payment, and the application deadline has been extended to March 15. “We recognize the areas significantly impacted by drought this past fall […] Read more
Carbon exemption bill back in House
REGINA — Bill C-234 was first on the agenda when Parliament returned Jan. 29 as members debated a motion to tell the Senate it was wrong. Ontario Conservative MP Ben Lobb, who introduced Bill C-234 two years ago, is now asking MPs to send a message “that this House disagrees with the amendments made by […] Read more
Farmers demand incentives for environmental changes
REGINA — A federal environmental strategy for the agriculture sector should be viewed through an economic lens, says a report from consultations on the proposed Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. It should reflect regional differences, recognize early adopters and improve data and measurement. The “what we heard” report was posted to Agriculture Canada’s website during the holiday […] Read more
Farmers frustrated with equipment manufacturer
Multiple producers lodge complaints against Leon’s Manufacturing; company blames problems on supply chain issues
REGINA — Yorkton-based equipment manufacturer Leon’s Manufacturing has been the subject of multiple complaints about its sales and delivery practices over the past five years. The company’s name quickly pops up in posts by disgruntled customers in an online search with the Better Business Bureau website and farmers’ forums. Yet Leon’s continues to attract more […] Read more
