If researchers have their way, farmers may some day be able to irrigate using only water and the power of the sun. The Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre at Outlook, Sask., is conducting trials to determine the feasibility of using only solar power to operate and supply water to a centre pivot irrigation system. “It is […] Read more
Stories by Mark Oddan
New oat varieties show promise
Two seed oat varieties relatively new to the commercial seed market could mean yield increases for grain and forage oat producers alike. AC Lu and AC Murphy, developed by the late Solomon Kibite at the Agriculture Canada research centre in Lacombe, Alta., produce high yields, although they mature at much different rates. “Comparison-wise, you’re looking […] Read more
No fuss, no muss barley shows good silage potential
A new barley variety is expected to be a hit with ranchers, organic producers and other low-input feed growers because it fares better than others when left to its own devices, says its breeder. CDC Cowboy is a new two-row feed and forage barley line developed to perform well under less than ideal conditions. “I […] Read more
Serengeti in Saskatchewan?
An American ecologist would like to establish the Serengeti in Saskatchewan, but opponents say the plan is as endangered as the species it hopes to save. In an article published recently in Nature journal, ecologist Josh Donlan from Cornell University and a team of his colleagues proposed replacing the large animals that disappeared from North […] Read more
Need milk? Dixie delivers
OSLER, Sask. – She doesn’t look different from the other Holsteins in the barn, nor is she pampered for the show ring. Nonetheless, Kawartha Misty Dixie is one super cow. How does one lactating bovine earn such a description? By winning the national and international titles in the same year for superior milk production. Owners […] Read more
Teenager takes future by the tails
NEUHORST, Sask. – A farm across the field from this central Saskatchewan hamlet has played a major role in a somewhat atypical farm succession plan. A teenage son of non-farming parents has procured his own farm almost overnight, instead of the more typical succession plan in which parents gradually transfer their operation to their middle-aged […] Read more
Pet food with a difference
In an industry increasingly influenced by low-cost imports, two rural pet food makers are hoping to stand out by focusing on quality. Using only quality, locally grown ingredients is a high priority for the latest company to join the Prairie pet food processing industry. “I’m not going to be putting in any ingredients I wouldn’t […] Read more
Banned antibiotic uncommon in Canada
A recent ban by the United States Food and Drug Administration on the use of a poultry antibiotic made by Bayer shouldn’t affect use of the drug on this side of the border. The drug known as Baytril has as its main ingredient enrofloxacin. It is a member of the newest, most potent family of […] Read more
Producers give feeder school A+
Most producers shudder at the thought of going back to school, but for rancher Aaron Hougham from Frenchman Butte, Sask., the recent Western Canada Feedlot Management School had one advantage: “You come willingly to this one.” The school, held Aug. 9-11 in Saskatoon, covered all the bases. It was designed for people already in the […] Read more
Purebred records surpass 100 years
Purebred animals may come and go, but the Canadian Livestock Records Corp. is here to stay. That’s the impression of Ron Black, general manager of the CLRC, as it celebrates 100 years of service. The national agency has seen much growth and change over its first century and its mandate has never wavered from providing […] Read more
