Aging baby boomers are practising preventive medicine now to avoid major disease later in life. A joint conference of the Natural Health Products Research Society of Canada and the Canadian Herb, Spice and Natural Health Products Coalition recently discussed how agricultural crops and their “bioactive” components can help meet these goals by contributing to healthy […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Prairie firefighters prepare for battle
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. – Broken glass and twisted metal are all that remain of the flattened and burned cars that once carried families across Saskatchewan. Nearby, small concrete vaults and long, narrow pipes sit ready to be connected and buried to make a maze of tunnels. Only a fire hydrant set into the dirt hints […] Read more
Native plants could hold benefits for First Nations
A British Columbia researcher is seeking traditional remedies from plants close to home to combat health issues in many native communities. Allison McCutcheon, president of the Natural Health Product Research Society of Canada, cited the artemisia family of plants as holding the most promise. They range from tarragon to mugwort and grow wild on many […] Read more
Fast food promotions help turkey take off
The increased promotion of turkey in Canadian fast food menus is driving record production levels. John Sheldon, manager of markets information with the Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency, cited increased promotion and rising demand by fast food restaurants as driving the current increases. “There’s a big push towards turkey in food service,” he said, noting it […] Read more
Life booming in small Sask. town
HERBERT, Sask. – Fifty families have moved to this southwestern Saskatchewan town in the last 18 months, filling all available properties, doubling local house values and raising hopes for the future of other small communities. Mayor Al Kildaw attributes the mini boom to a province-wide advertising campaign to retain and attract people to Saskatchewan and […] Read more
New needles show benefits
TOMPKINS, Sask. – Good tools make good work for cow-calf operator Wilfred Campbell, who counts detectable needles and pistol-style syringes among the most valuable items in his toolbox. Campbell is an outspoken supporter of an industry-wide switch to a new type of syringe and alloy needles. Interviewed at the height of calving season on his […] Read more
Instant garden trend key business focus
SHAUNAVON, Sask. – Shaunavon greenhouse growers are cashing in on hot trends in outdoor living. Jacqueline and Ron White say people are working longer days and want to retreat to their yards when at home. Most have little time to do the work, so turn to greenhouses and garden centres to supply shrubs, urns, obelisks […] Read more
Farm odours can attract bears
If the bears smell it, they will come. Lyle Fullerton of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development says bears are attracted to strong odours on farms, such as livestock carcasses and rotting garbage. “A general rule of thumb is if it smells bad, they like to eat it.” Fullerton said the most effective way to bear-proof the […] Read more
Tagging continues of turkey vultures
Turkey vultures returning to the Prairies this spring could be sporting new colours. Saskatoon naturalist Stuart Houston and his team of birders attached green tags sporting a number and letter to many of the birds spotted in Saskatchewan in recent years. They have also outfitted a handful with transmitters to track their migration route. This […] Read more
Town fulfilling dreams of its pioneers
ST. BRIEUX, Sask. – Banners hanging from street lamps bill the newly crowned town as the place to be in the 21st century. This north-central Saskatchewan community of 600, which officially became a town in 2006, is holding onto its population and services at a time when less than a handful of villages have made […] Read more
