Larry Gusta watched crops endure searing heat, icy frost and raging floods while growing up on a southern Interlake farm in Manitoba. “People can lose their whole crop in one night and there goes all their livelihood and money to raise their family,” he said. Witnessing that perennial struggle on his parents’ modest sod and […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Construction of new slaughter plant to begin in July
Nesco Meats is hoping a smaller-sized multi-species slaughter plant will reap big benefits for its producer owners. Lorne Thomson, who is co-ordinating the launch of the new slaughter and processing centre in Melfort, Sask., said the focus is on creating a network between grower, retailer and consumer. It will provide slaughter facilities for numerous species […] Read more
Alberta subsidizes youth farm labour
Alberta farmers looking for workers this summer will get some help from the Summer Farm Employment Program. Julie Splawinski administers the provincial program, which provides up to $375, or half the monthly salary, for youth workers aged 15 to 24 during July and August. Workers must be residents of Alberta and not relatives of the […] Read more
Pioneer family’s last member sells farm
LUCKY LAKE, Sask. – Herb Nelson gazes out over the prairie where another growing season is starting. A heavily lined face and muscled hands attest to a lifetime of work on the farm for the 90 year old, who moved to a care centre here this year from his longtime home at Davidson, Sask. He, […] Read more
Eggs used in medicine
Eggs have always been eaten for breakfast, but now they are also being used to treat acne and may one day prevent stomach cancer. Since 2004, Isotech Research Inc. in Airdrie, Alta., has studied the applications of immunoglobulin yolk, or IgY, which occurs in the yolk of an egg and is produced by hens as […] Read more
New water policy urged
An updated national water policy could protect Canadians from the dangers that threaten their safe, reliable water supply, says an Ottawa-based activist. Susan Howatt of The Council of Canadians, a watchdog group examining issues ranging from the environment to health, said water is a public resource that must be protected from those who would want […] Read more
Farmers suited to life in the wilderness
LIVELONG, Sask. – Bison producers Judy and Kevin Wilkinson believe their animals are a good fit with the marginal lands of the wilderness farm they established in northwestern Sask-atchewan in 1977. Bordered by the Thunderchild Indian reserve, Meadow Lake forest reserve and Turtle Lake, Trail’s End Farm offers a remote setting for about 150 head […] Read more
Pet food company hits Cowtown market
Pet food processed in Rosthern, Sask., is moving onto Calgary store shelves this month. Horizon Manufacturing Inc., which opened a 6,000-sq. foot $1.8 million plant in the north-central Saskatchewan community in April, is currently processing 4,000 pounds of raw frozen and dry food an hour two days each week. Jason Skotheim, vice-president of operations and […] Read more
Small town, big store
BULYEA, Sask. – The wind sweeps across the wide main street here, a loose gathering of weathered buildings north of the Qu’Appelle Valley. Greying grain elevators formerly known as Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1 tower over the road and the village’s newest addition, a teal-trimmed agro centre and gas bar. The Bulyea Community Co-operative stretches […] Read more
Conference focuses on genetics
The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association will use a $500,000 federal contribution to highlight Canadian dairy genetics at an international conference this fall. CLGA executive director Rick McRonald said the Nov. 5-7 conference in Ottawa will focus on performance and include Canadian and international experts in genetics, management, trade, marketing and health. “We’re hoping this will […] Read more
