MOOSE JAW – Calculating the cost of implementing rotational grazing in riparian areas is one thing. Calculating the benefits is another. Etienne Soulodre, rangeland agrologist with the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, said there are few hard numbers on the benefits. “Environmental valuation is a pretty green science,” he told the recent Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards […] Read more
Stories by Karen Briere
APAS board agrees to downsize, refocus
Saskatchewan’s general farm organization will reduce the size of its board in an attempt to streamline and focus on policy issues. At a meeting in Regina April 1, representatives from member rural municipalities and the board agreed that the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan has to function better to regain credibility. But at least one […] Read more
Sask. economy tops list
A Calgary economist says Saskatchewan will lead the nation in economic growth this year. Brett Gartner, senior economist with Canada West Foundation, said in a report released March 26 that every sector in Saskatchewan’s economy is firing. He predicted real economic growth of 3.6 percent this year, led by mining, construction, retail sales and oil […] Read more
Biofuel firm plans upgrade
Regina-based Canadian Green Fuels has announced plans to spend $50 million to build and upgrade facilities to produce 240 million litres a year of biofuel from oilseeds. The project would proceed at two locations and potentially earn gross revenue of $300 million annually. Construction could begin within the next two months, said CGF chief development […] Read more
Biofuel subsidy slammed
Saskatchewan and Canadian biofuel policies are not working, said a report released last week by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The report written by Ted Boyle, former executive director of communications for the Crown Investments Corp., said the policies are failing as rural economic development and environmental protection vehicles. “They were based on faulty […] Read more
Agribition records small loss
Canadian Western Agribition nearly broke even last year, posting a small loss of $1,204. The annual Regina show’s fiscal year ended Jan. 31 and doesn’t include financial information from its first year of managing the Spring Steer and Heifer Show. Revenue in 2007 totalled $2.85 million, and attendance was 137,500. At last week’s annual meeting, […] Read more
Viterra sponsors ag shows
The country’s largest grain handler is now the presenting sponsor for the next two Western Canada Farm Progress Shows. Viterra and the show announced the sponsorship agreement last week. Financial details were not disclosed. A Viterra spokesperson said the deal would include things such as more visibility on the show grounds through signs. Both parties […] Read more
Small railways unite
Saskatchewan’s short-line railways operate independently but they have begun to work together on common concerns. The Saskatchewan Shortline Railroad Association held its first formal meeting last month and is already looking at the benefits of group buying and speaking with one voice on regulatory matters. President Roger Gadd, who is general manager of the Great […] Read more
Summer means highway upgrades
Portions of two roads considered among the worst in Saskatchewan will be upgraded as part of the 1,400-kilometre construction schedule announced in the province last week. Ten km of Highway 368, the access to St. Brieux and home of Bourgault Industries, will be graded and paved this year. The road has been raised often in […] Read more
Livestock producers look for money-saving options
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – Economic conditions have pushed cattle producers to manage their herds far differently than they did 10 years ago, producers attending a livestock conference heard last week. Bart Lardner, senior research scientist at the Western Beef Development Centre, said change is happening everywhere, particularly over the last several years with BSE border […] Read more