The industry says newer varieties and the changing climate could increase acres, particularly in east-central Saskatchewan
Soy Canada is looking to western Canadian growers, particularly in the black and grey soil zones, to meet its goal of 10 million acres by 2027. East-central Saskatchewan shows potential, thanks to newer varieties and the changing climate. Executive director Brian Innes told a recent SaskPulse seminar that climate trends projecting hotter weather might be […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Respiratory disease detection turns technical
Researchers hope to more quickly detect BRD in feedlot animals using blood tests and perhaps even breath analysis
SASKATOON — New technology could help the cattle industry better manage bovine respiratory disease, a veterinarian told the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference. Dr. Emily Snyder, assistant professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine with a research focus on BRD, said current treatment methods have led to concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Widespread treatment of all […] Read more
Ag exports hit record
Saskatchewan agri-food exports hit another high in 2022, posting a third consecutive record. Total value was $18.4 billion, with canola oil, non-durum wheat, canola seed, lentils, durum and dry peas leading the way. The top buyers were the United States, China, Japan, Mexico and Algeria. Exports in 2021 were worth $17.5 billion. The province has […] Read more
Senators want early no-till adopters recognized
Senators on the agriculture committee studying soil health questioned departmental officials last week on how and why they left early adopters of no-till out of incentive programs. Quebec senator Chantal Petitclerc said the early adopters started storing carbon without the benefit of grants, programs and subsidies that are now available from the federal government. “What […] Read more
First Nations request better soil health data
Soil health on First Nations land should be part of a national soil strategy, witnesses told the Senate agriculture committee last week. Because much of the farmland owned by First Nations is leased to other farmers, the data associated with that soil isn’t necessarily available. Melissa Arcand, a soil biogeochemist at the University of Saskatchewan […] Read more
Bill to protect supply management progresses
Private member’s bill would prevent federal government from making market access concessions in future trade deals
A private member’s bill to protect supply managed sectors in future trade negotiations has passed second reading in the House of Commons and been referred to committee. Bill C-282 would amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act so that dairy, eggs and poultry would not be on the table during trade talks. […] Read more
CFIA, ag dep’t make changes
Chris Forbes, the deputy agriculture minister in Ottawa, is moving to environment and climate change as of Feb. 20. Prime minister Justin Trudeau announced several changes to the public service Feb. 10. Forbes will be replaced by Stefanie Beck, currently associate deputy minister of national defence. Beck began her career with the public service in […] Read more
Moisture outlook grim for southwestern Sask.
It’s only February, but preliminary runoff estimates in Saskatchewan show that drought areas from the last couple of years may face more dry conditions if there isn’t more snow and spring rain. The report released by the Water Security Agency Feb. 8 shows a wide swath from northwestern through central and southeastern regions with near […] Read more
Grocery executives on hot seat at ag committee
Commons agriculture committee members from all political parties last week grilled grocery retailers over food prices. Francois Thibault, executive vice-president and chief financial officer for Quebec-based Metro Inc., was particularly taken to task by Conservative MP Lianne Rood for fees retailers charge produce growers to place their products in stores and by NDP MP Alistair […] Read more
Former cattle industry advocate recognized
Harold Martens served numerous organizations throughout his life, including the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association
SASKATOON — Former Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president and MLA Harold Martens was remembered for his agricultural contributions during the recent Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference. Martens was 81 when he died in early January. He only curtailed his involvement in his agricultural and municipal commitments last October when cancer prevented him from attending. Jason Pollock, […] Read more
