The unique nature of Federated Co-operatives Ltd. is its greatest strength in competing against large chain stores and multinational businesses, says president Dennis Banda. Speaking to 500 delegates at FCL’s annual meeting in Saskatoon March 5, he said FCL has deep roots in the communities it serves. It grew from the efforts of pioneers banding […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Farm transfer rests on son’s off-farm job
VAWN, Sask. – At age 10, Tyler Blanchette haltered and tethered two steers fresh off the truck by himself. By 14, he had opened his own chequing account and was buying and selling pigs. “He has lived and breathed cattle,” says his father Maurice Blanchette. “He has natural gifts in animal husbandry.” Now 21, Tyler […] Read more
Bed and breakfasts always a surprise
Unpaid calls to sex lines and the solitation of sexual favors are the exception rather than the rule at bed and breakfasts, say two Saskatchewan guest home operators. Barb Clay of Brighton House in Saskatoon said housekeeping head-aches like broken items and makeup-stained towels pale in comparison with one well-dressed con artist who racked up […] Read more
Overtime exemption comes to halt
Grain elevator companies could lose more than 300 hours a year in unpaid overtime because of changes to the Canada Labor Code. Legislative changes to the code, which became effective Feb. 1, mean grain companies will no longer be exempt from paying overtime to elevator employees who work more than the standard 40-hour week. Hugh […] Read more
Businesses succeed off the beaten path
KINDERSLEY, Sask. — Saskatchewan entrepreneurs who risked everything to establish businesses in “the middle of nowhere” shared their success stories at the Agrowoman conference held in Kindersley Feb. 2. The second annual self-improvement conference focused on helping participants set goals and play to their strengths. Rural business operators Barb Wyman, Paul Letkeman and Laurie Besplug […] Read more
Goodale assures Japan grain is moving again
TOKYO, Japan – Members of a trade mission to Japan last week tried to reassure customers that shipping delays are being resolved. “What the (Japanese agriculture) minister wanted to know, what the Japanese Food Agency wanted to know and JOPA (Japanese Oilseed Processors Association), grain millers and feed manufacturers wanted to know was: Does Canada […] Read more
