A proposed $15 million kaolin mine near Wood Mountain, Sask., could be the first step toward revitalizing the community of 20 people. If the mine goes ahead, it could employ everyone in the village. An environmental assessment is under way as Calgary’s Whitemud Resources Inc. works toward establishing the mine on agricultural land long known […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Ranchers demand tax cut
Saskatchewan cattle producers are continuing to call for a reduction in education tax on farmland. Members of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association who attended their organization’s semi-annual meeting in Regina passed a resolution supporting two groups with different ideas about how the problem should be addressed. The resolution, passed by a unanimous vote, called on […] Read more
CCA plans more U.S. activity
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association plans to be more active south of the border. CCA vice-president Hugh Lynch-Staunton told the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association semi-annual meeting that the closed U.S. border following the discovery of BSE in Canada in 2003 prompted the national organization to step up its activity in the United States. He said the […] Read more
Producers optimistic about packer plans
MOSSBANK, Sask. – A proposed packing plant for southwestern Saskatchewan is moving closer to reality, proponents told a Jan. 26 meeting in Mossbank. Great West Beef and Bison Inc., which would kill mature cattle, dairy steers and heifers, finished cattle and bison could be under construction in Swift Current, Sask., later this year, said spokesperson […] Read more
Sask. pork plant nears reopening
Creditors of Worldwide Pork in Moose Jaw, Sask., approved a plan last week that could see the processor reopen in March. The majority of producers and employees, as well as the provincial government and the City of Moose Jaw, agreed to a proposal that will see some creditors receive common shares in a new company […] Read more
Couple has faith in elk industry
STAR CITY, Sask. – Switching from dairy to elk farming might seem unusual to some, but it made perfect sense to Luke and Stephanie Perkins. Luke grew up on a dairy just west of Star City but trained and worked as a conservation officer. He and Stephanie met while they were attending Lakeland College. Postings […] Read more
Nystrom’s bid fails
A philosophical Lorne Nystrom didn’t rule out another comeback attempt after failing to regain the Regina-Qu’Appelle seat for the New Democratic Party Jan. 23. The veteran of 12 campaigns said he likes to keep his options open. Nystrom thinks the timing of this long campaign prevented the NDP from winning back seats it lost in […] Read more
Goodale holds seat; will sit in opposition
Ralph Goodale will have company from Saskatchewan in the opposition benches in Ottawa, after he and one other Liberal were elected in the province on Jan. 23. As the last poll in the northern riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River came in, Gary Merasty edged incumbent Conservative candidate Jeremy Harrison by 106 votes. The Conservatives took the […] Read more
Farmers sue over export charges
Fifteen prairie farmers filed a statement of claim in a Regina court last week seeking $2 million each in damages from the federal government for malicious prosecution. The 15 are among 22 farmers who last May had their convictions for illegally exporting grain to the United States in 1996 overturned or new trials ordered. Art […] Read more
Velvet antler venture targets pet health market
A value-added venture focusing on the pet health market could be just what the doctor ordered for elk producers. Norelkco, the North American Natural Health Products Co-operative, hopes to have its first six products available through veterinarians’ offices by mid-February. Russell Sawchuk, the Edmonton-based project manager, said the products include elk velvet antler capsules to […] Read more
