The gender and cut of bison meat might mean significant differences in nutrient content, a small Alberta study has found. Jason Galbraith, a bison specialist with Alberta’s agriculture department, recently told Canadian bison producers that the department initiated the study with a view to establishing Canadian information that could potentially be used on product labels. […] Read more
Stories by Karen Briere
Goodale’s riding quiet
There are few visible signs of the federal election campaign during a drive through a rural section of the Wascana riding southeast of Regina. There are a handful of small Liberal red Ralph Goodale signs, and one large Conservative blue Brad Farquhar sign. At one stop, a woman isn’t sure who all her candidates are. […] Read more
Packer struggles to reopen
A business plan designed to reopen a Saskatchewan packing and processing company was reworked over the holidays after the provincial government offered financial assistance substantially below what the company hoped to receive. Rick Van Beselaere, the lawyer representing Worldwide Pork of Moose Jaw, wouldn’t say how much the government came up with. “By no means […] Read more
Sask. Wheat Pool’s delegate co-op touts diversity
The diversity of delegates to a new producer arm of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool reflects reality and ensures representation for all types of farmers, says the executive director of the Western Farm Leadership Co-operative. Linda Pipke said the FLC will work to improve the business of farming. “We want to develop leaders interested in finding, understanding […] Read more
Can-Oat announces $12 million expansion
For the past few years, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool announcements have tended toward downsizing, divestitures and recapitalization. Last week, the Regina-based grain handler announced a capital expansion, one of the first since it completed 22 inland terminals under Project Horizon in 2001. Chief executive officer Mayo Schmidt told shareholders attending the Dec. 13 annual meeting that […] Read more
Book remembers settlers
STOCKHOLM, Sask. – On Jan. 2, 1888, Emanuel Ohlen sent an immigration report to the agriculture minister in Ottawa noting Scandinavian immigration to Manitoba and “the North-West” during the previous year. “From the 1st of January 1887, up to the 1st of January 1888, arrived at Winnipeg 220 Swedes, 49 Norwegians, 63 Danes or altogether, […] Read more
Candidates split on campaigning via internet
Candidates campaigning in rural prairie ridings won’t likely be making fashion statements this winter as they bundle up in boots and toques and pray they don’t slide off an icy road. Then again, they might not have to worry about wardrobe or winter roads if they’re relying on websites and other media to get their […] Read more
Transformed pool charts future course
Shareholders in Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Inc. were reminded last week how the company recovered from staggering debt and the brink of bankruptcy to post two consecutive profitable years. Next month, business leaders from around the world will hear the story, too. A team from Harvard University business school just completed a case study of the […] Read more
Brand book fancied up for centennial
For those still shopping for the cattle rancher on their Christmas list, Saskatchewan Agriculture might have the perfect gift. The annual directory of registered cattle and horse brands has been issued in hard cover to mark the province’s centennial. Usually, the list of about 19,000 brands is in a binder but brand registrar Rusty Hawryluk […] Read more
More Sask. RMs join school tax revolt
The education tax revolt is growing. Now, more than 50 Saskatchewan rural municipalities are refusing to pay the education portion of property tax collected on farmland. Three weeks ago, there were 17. Glenn Blakely, spokesperson for the Tax Action Group and a councillor for the RM of Spy Hill, said Dec. 5 that as the […] Read more