Researchers identify three mechanical control practices for organic farming, but none of them work well on their own
Organic crop researchers are now focused on developing a larger, more diverse tool kit to control weeds. “The research has kind of evolved to the point where we’ve looked at things in isolation and now we’re looking at integrating a number of different factors,” Eric Johnson of the University of Saskatchewan’s agriculture college said during […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Harvest 2018 almost a wrap across the Prairies
The harvest window has closed again after rain followed by sub-zero temperatures and snow swept the Prairies Nov. 4-5. However, most crops are now in the bin, thanks to a two-week window of warm, dry conditions opening up in October. After multiple weeks of delay, many producers were able to return to their fields and […] Read more
Yields to take tumble in Western Canada
Growing conditions and harvest production trends are swinging widely this year across Canada, which has affected the national economy, the Bank of Montreal says in its annual harvest report. According to the report, Ontario is experiencing record corn and soybean production, while the Prairies are seeing crop yields for corn, soybeans, wheat and canola come […] Read more
Sask. cattle producers had good year
Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association chief executive officer looks back at the positive developments of 2018
KINDERSLEY, Sask. — It has been a good year for Saskatchewan cattle producers, according to Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association chief executive officer Ryder Lee. He listed changes to compensation, trade agreements and the opening of the new livestock and forage centre as positives during the Oct. 22 District 7 meeting in Kindersley. Lee said compensation for […] Read moreFinancial trouble requires quick action: FCC
Possible options for farmers include postponing payments or making capital injections to reduce the financial pressure
Farm Credit Canada is encouraging its grain-producing customers experiencing financial difficulties to get in touch sooner rather than later. “People should not be shy in contacting their FCC office and setting up a time to even just have a quick conversation with their relationship manager about what options they do have and what’s needed to […] Read more
More ‘retired’ farmers keep their land
Auctioneers say they are seeing fewer estate sales now than 10 to 15 years ago as retirees keep ties to their farms
“They always say to leave the party when you’re having the most fun,” says Betty Turner. She and husband, Dennis Turner, love farming. But on Oct. 25, after 40 years of farming, the couple are having an equipment auction and retiring. “There comes a time to make some new memories, and that time is now,” […] Read more
Livestock research enters new era in Sask.
CLAVET, Sask. — The University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence is being hailed as a world-class complex of field and science laboratories that is expected to trail blaze innovative research, hands-on learning and teaching, and industry engagement in all aspects of livestock and forage production on the Prairies. The $38 million facility, […] Read more
Iconic photograph sparks humbling journey
Depression-era story inspires Alberta couple to retrace Saskatchewan family’s steps with vintage car, 84 years later
ROSTHERN, Sask. — In 1933, Abe and Elizabeth Fehr of Neuanlage, Sask., took their seven children on a desperate journey. Across Canada, the economic collapse of the Great Depression forced them and other families to uproot their lives in search of a better future. As crops withered in drought and poverty deepened, Abe took his […] Read more
Low-stress handling gets attention
The provincial co-ordinator of Saskatchewan VBP says the practice has an important role in animal welfare production
LANGHAM, Sask. — A small herd of freshly weaned calves were a test of low-stress cattle handling techniques. “These cattle were a little flightier, so pressure and release. I put some pressure on them and then released that pressure hoping to draw their movement past me,” Lee Sinclair of Merck Animal Health said Oct. 1 […] Read more
Research focuses on flooring design as possible disease cause
Toe tip necrosis syndrome often misdiagnosed, and likely more common than had been thought: vet researcher
Toe tip necrosis syndrome, a disease that causes lameness in the hind feet of cattle, is often overlooked, said a veterinary researcher. “I think the disease has always been there and we’ve just misdiagnosed it,” said Murray Jelinski from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. “It’s probably much, […] Read more
