A wind of change blowing in markets and society presents new opportunities for farmers willing to set their sails and steer into new waters. Bioproducts, functional foods and new dining and leisure trends present business options to break from traditional commodity production and to increase revenue on the farm without expanding the amount of land […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Fish, fruit, flowers – finding new ways to increase farm revenue without expanding acreage – Special Report (about)
It’s a risky venture to leave the familiar for the unknown, but in some cases new strategies are needed to make farms profitable and sustain rural lifestyles. Western Producer reporter Karen Morrison looks at ways to add value to farm businesses, identifies trends that hold opportunities for farmers and profiles innovators who are making this […] Read more
Fish, fruit, flowers – finding new ways to increase farm revenue without expanding acreage – Special Report (main story)
Dan Menard’s protein production per acre stands out even in Alberta, a province known for leading edge livestock operations. The surprise is that the protein comes not from beef, but from rainbow trout produced at Smoky Trout Farm, a 20 acre operation near Red Deer, owned by Menard, his wife, Joan, and son Max. The […] Read more
Profiting from agritourism – Special Report (story 2)
Snow had turned to puddles on most Alberta farms in late March but grower John Mills was intent on getting away for a few days of spring skiing in the Rockies. Mills, 26, is an anomaly in an industry where most farmers are closer to the retirement home than the ski hill. Mills has travelled […] Read more
Sask. farmers seek help from afar
KINCAID, Sask. – Unable to find enough good farm help in rural Saskatchewan, Paul Lacasse looked farther afield to South America. In Paraguay, he found Enoir Treichel, who arrived last summer with his wife and preschooler to help Paul run his 11,000 acre farm and cow-calf operation near Kincaid. Paul, a bachelor who operates the […] Read more
Keep eye out for Swede midge
Swede midge arrived in Canada in 2000 but has yet to make an appearance in the West. Dale Risula of Saskatchewan Agriculture said the tiny fly has caused damage in Ontario, so producers need to watch for it. “There’s no need for alarm bells but just start to be aware,” he said. The midge prefers […] Read more
Maple Leaf plans to open new facility in Saskatoon
Maple Leaf Foods is planning to open a new warehouse and distribution centre in Saskatoon next spring, transferring 90 jobs from its existing 11th Street plant. Its main slaughter facility will close in June, with a date not yet set for the closure of the secondary processing division at that plant. A second Maple Leaf […] Read more
Sask. takes aim at growing deer numbers
April could be a make or break month for prairie deer populations. Shawn Burke, wildlife manager with Saskatchewan Environment, said deer are coming off a difficult winter of deep snow and cold temperatures. That could mean a higher than normal death rate among stressed animals. “If (April’s) a cold month, we could see numbers going […] Read more
Piglets need care given to any baby
Newborn piglets, like human babies, have basic needs fundamental to their survival, an American veterinarian told a swine conference in Saskatoon March 27. James Lowe, director of health and production services with Maschhoffs Farms of Carlyle, Illinois, said a piglet’s body temperature can quickly drop four degrees from its birth temperature of 40 C. It […] Read more
Horse helpers honoured
Equine welfare is a message Amanda Duerr takes with her to presentations across North America. “There are more humane methods to go about things,” said the 19-year-old certified equine therapist from Fulda, Sask. The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Horse Federation recognized her with an equine welfare steward of the future award […] Read more
