Steve Shirtliffe is in Madison, Wisconsin, on sabbatical, but his enthusiasm about a new opportunity back in Saskatoon comes through the phone line loud and clear. “I’m excited,” he said, about the news that he will fill the new research chair in organic crop production at the University of Saskatchewan. However, he had few details. […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Beef groups shuffle deck
Dissatisfaction at the top of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association leadership chain has led the organization to reshuffle its executive positions. At the end of February, the board of directors ousted president Dennis Fuglerud on a confidence motion, which was followed by the resignation of second vice-president Jack Hextall. Both men remain on the board […] Read more
Hereford breeder sees 50 years of change
MAPLE CREEK, Sask. – Hector Schneider says today’s Horned Hereford bulls look better than ever. He should know. He bought his first bull at the Maple Creek Beef Breeders’ Association annual sale in 1950, back when the show and sale were held in the fall. Records show the event was being held as early as […] Read more
School protesters get no satisfaction
They came by the hundreds, from places like Burstall and Wilcox, Chaplin and Tompkins, and other Saskatchewan communities where residents are concerned about keeping rural schools open. They waved signs and chanted “save our schools” while parading in front of the Saskatchewan legislature as MLAs and political staffers watched. But they didn’t get any assurances […] Read more
Sask. budget offers no surprises for farmers
Saskatchewan farmers got what they expected in last week’s provincial budget but not everything they wanted. In keeping with earlier promises to fully fund the 2007 Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization program, the budget set aside $118 million to do that. In past years the government was criticized for budgeting a set amount and then topping […] Read more
Sask. Health hits record
The Saskatchewan government announced health spending for both the old and the young in its budget last week, with initiatives ranging from a seniors’ drug plan to a school dental sealant program. Beginning July 1, seniors won’t pay more than $15 for each approved prescription, resulting in annual savings of about $400 per person, said […] Read more
Spending criticized
The Saskatchewan NDP government last week unveiled a budget that boosts spending by nine percent but has many questioning its sustainability. The opposition Saskatchewan Party said the government is trying to buy votes. An election is widely expected later this year. “This budget is reckless and irresponsible,” said finance critic Ken Cheveldayoff. The budget calls […] Read more
Sask. spends on climate change
On the eve of a new budget, the Saskatchewan government spent money from the old budget on environmental and climate change initiatives. The province announced March 21 it would provide $4.64 million to 20 organizations and projects. Premier Lorne Calvert said the spending addressed immediate concerns raised by people with whom the government met while […] Read more
Sask. scraps ag society legislation
Rather than make 26 amendments to legislation that hasn’t been changed since 1978, the Saskatchewan government intends to repeal the act governing agricultural societies. It does so with the full support of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions. Executive director Glen Duck said the organization approved the move at its 2005 annual general […] Read more
Sask. highway in spotlight
The Saskatchewan community of Leader has named Highway 32 after the province’s highways minister. But Eldon Lautermilch Way is not an honour. Instead, it’s the latest attempt to get the road between Leader and Swift Current fixed. Last year, the community used bumper stickers, a website and a calendar featuring naked and nearly naked community […] Read more
