CARMICHAEL, Sask. — It’s hard to reach Rita Wells at home because most days, she’s outside tending her stock. She embraces an outdoor lifestyle and freely admits to liking horses more than people. “They don’t talk back and are forgiving. You do something wrong with them and they forgive you two minutes later,” she said, […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Rural eatery serves up delicious in casual comfort
Small towns benefit when entrepreneurs set up shop and rural business owners achieve better work-life balance
SHAUNAVON, Sask. — Finding the sweet spot between upscale cuisine and kick off your shoes comfort is the goal of the Harvest Eatery and Fresh Market. This afternoon, friends Wayd Sagal and Nick Smith of Shaunavon meet Chad Auty of Regina at the Shaun-avon restaurant for a little of both. Sitting at bar stools overlooking […] Read more
Country vet recalls stories, challenges on Sask. farms
REGINA — Dr. Wolfgang von Staden saw himself as part of the farm management team during his 39 years as a veterinarian in Redvers, Sask. “My whole basis is to give sound advice. If not, the farmer goes bankrupt,” said von Staden, who would often drive around a pasture to get “an overall feeling.” He […] Read more
Couple balances off-farm job, family, marketing
SPRING VALLEY, Sask. — The pigs are rooting around the remains of a carragana grove and the chickens are pecking at the dry ground beneath a portable coop while a 17-month-old toddler sleeps soundly inside the farmhouse. It’s all part of a family friendly approach for farmers Rhonda and Ralph Martin, who believe that careful […] Read more
Unique landscapes alive with stroke of the brush
MAPLE CREEK, Sask. — Geoff Phillips lets art tell his story. Tall and lean, the soft-spoken artist likes to tackle large art projects, with canvases measured in feet instead of inches. “Going big really helps me open up as an artist, gives me lots of room to play. It helps me frame in my mind, […] Read more
Produce growers continue to learn tricks of the trade
Fruit and vegetable growers say they learn how to battle new bugs every year
GULL LAKE, Sask. — The greenhouse offers a garden-like setting complete with above ground swimming pool, patio furniture, tropical plants, flowers, vegetables and the warmth and bright light of a summer day. Diana and Kevin Baumann of Pick Me Produce grow a host of edibles in and outside of this greenhouse near Gull Lake. They […] Read more
Agriculture draws interest from international buyers
LA MALBAIE, Que. — Farms and rural businesses are a comfortable choice for Europeans looking to buy in British Columbia, said Lori Camire, manager and director of Venture Connect on Vancouver Island. “There’s more comfort in rural areas where they can get tracts of land and where they can grow and sell things,” she said […] Read more
Local weather data boon for agriculture
LA MALBAIE, Que. — Accurate weather data that targets specific regions has opened up opportunities for new agricultural ventures in southern Nova Scotia. Chris Atwood, a professional agrologist and executive director of Community Business Development Corporations Yarmouth, said 42 stations were set up to collect information in an area encompassing 250 kilo-metres in southwestern Nova […] Read more
Program empowers youth, builds business spirit
LA MALBAIE, Que. — Tristan Babin, dressed in a suit and tie, alternated seamlessly between French and English as he answered questions about his home-based soap enterprise for a standing room only crowd of rural business lenders and economic development volunteers. Following the presentation inside the opulent salon of an historic hotel nestled between the […] Read more
Turning loss into new ventures
LA MALBAIE, Que. — Losing a job in rural Alberta can have a silver lining for those who have harboured dreams of creating their own businesses. Shane Stewart, chair of the Community Futures Network of Alberta and a building contractor near Blairmore, said many would like to get started but need support and money. “That’s […] Read more
