Karen Briere

A long-term strategy to help Saskatchewan livestock producers is in the works but the opposition says producers need help now. In last week’s throne speech, the Saskatchewan Party government acknowledged the challenges in the livestock sector. “Long-term strategies for growth must be developed in co-operation with industry,” read lt.-gov. Gordon Barnhart. “This work is underway.” […] Read more

Saskatchewan farmers will benefit from provincial income tax cuts announced last week, said agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud. “Most of them are in taxable positions from one time to another,” he said at the legislature. “I think this year, (the) crop side is going to be a point where many have to pay more income tax.” […] Read more

Former agriculture minister and deputy premier Dwain Lingenfelter could be in the running as the next leader of Saskatchewan’s NDP. Lorne Calvert, who led the party as premier since 2001 and as opposition leader after the November 2007 election, announced his resignation Oct. 16. Amid a celebratory atmosphere at an NDP event in Saskatoon, Calvert […] Read more

Ralph Goodale is often referred to as Saskatchewan’s lone Liberal. The phrase could just as easily be lonely Liberal after prairie voters rejected the party’s platform and sent only him and a Manitoba representative, Anita Neville in Winnipeg South Centre, to Ottawa. British Columbians elected five Liberals while Albertans elected none. Canadians as a whole […] Read more

Saskatchewan’s general farm organization has reacted to the recent resignation of its president with a news release that highlights its internal turmoil. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan directed allegations at Glenn Blakley’s personal life and leadership skills in an Oct. 16 release. Blakley had earlier issued a memo to APAS representatives that criticized certain […] Read more

Saskatchewan producers who have spent millions of dollars trying to control gophers are now able to get half their money back. The provincial government last week announced a rebate program for poison purchased between Aug. 1, 2007, and Oct. 1, 2008. Agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud said individual producers, First Nations and rural municipalities are eligible […] Read more

Glenn Blakley resigned as president of Saskatchewan’s general farm organization last week, citing numerous difficulties with board members and staff. In a scathing three page memo to representatives of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan Oct. 10, he said he “can no longer in good conscience continue to support a board of directors that focuses […] Read more

Yield trending and cushioning could be among the program improvements next year at Saskatchewan’s crop insurance agency. The two methods were recommended in a report to agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud from Meyers Norris Penny last week. Officials are now analyzing the suggestions and costing them out. Cam Swan, general manager of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance […] Read more

Governments have increased the share they will pay for Saskatchewan water projects after farmers found the costs too high. Agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud said about a third of the $15 million available through the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program has been allocated. There are about 25 community wells in the works. He said the […] Read more