On the Farm: Jessica and Michael Lovich ‘play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses’ as they build their dairy farm
BALGONIE, Sask. — Jessica and Michael Lovich laugh when they remember the day their three young daughters defined their farm roles when they grow up. “They decided when they get bigger, the oldest one (Reata) will be the farm veterinarian because she’s into pets and animals,” Jessica said with a smile. “The middle one (Renelle) […] Read moreAuthor Archives
‘Reason is slave to the passions’
An American journalist argues that science and facts are no way to win an argument, and agriculture is no exception
How can two well-educated, intelligent people consider the science and come to diametrically opposed conclusions? Tamar Haspel, a Washington Post correspondent and columnist, asked that question — and answered it. “It’s because we make our decisions with our guts,” she said during the Dec. 6 Farms at the Table conference in Saskatoon, organized by Farm […] Read more
‘It’s the girl with the pink wagon’
A driver from Saskatchewan will be the first female to compete in Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association races
History will be made in June when the 2019 Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association season kick offs in North Battleford, Sask. Amber L’Heureux will be the first woman in the organization’s six-decade history to be in the driver’s seat at the sound of the horn. “It’s pretty big deal. It’s the first time we’ve ever had […] Read more
Grasping at straws
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan test treated barley straw to absorb chemical pollutants from waterways
It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Where some see waste moving out the back end of combines, Catherine Hui Niu sees great opportunity. “Can we explore new use of those materials? Can we make better use, discover new technology to reuse those materials, recycle them, or add value to them?” asked Niu, associate […] Read more
Small satellite networks: more than a pretty picture
Faster, smarter, sharper with more options describes the latest satellite technology information and services being delivered to growers. Hundreds of the toaster-sized units orbit the Earth taking thousands of snapshots of all corners of the globe every day. The rapid evolution in satellite technology has made high-resolution aerial field photos readily available to all farmers. […] Read more
Young farmer winners focus on diversification
Outstanding Young Farmer winners are Craig and Jinel Ference from Alberta and Jordan and Alex McKay from Ontario
For the first time in the 38-year history of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer program, two brothers from Ontario are sharing top honours alongside a husband and wife team from Alberta. Jordan McKay and his brother, Alex, from Port Perry, Ont., along with Craig and Jinel Ference from Kirriemuir, Alta., were chosen as the national winners […] Read more
Boot camp kicks off new AET courses
Sask. Polytechnic’s high school curriculum includes online theory, practical work at a dealership and a boot camp
Many of the 55 high school students came a long way to attend the agriculture equipment technician boot camp held Nov. 29-30 at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon. “I guess what was really kind of impressive for all of us was the distance that these kids have travelled,” said Chris Thomson, head of Sask Polytech’s agricultural […] Read more
Stimulation can help keep pigs healthy
The Prairie Swine Centre is identifying object enrichments for sows and comparing the types of presentation methods
A healthy pig is a happy pig. Studies have shown that animals that have enrichment and stimulation do better and produce better. “So you’re looking at healthier and happier pigs,” said Murray Pettitt, chief executive officer of the Prairie Swine Centre, who presented its latest research findings during the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium in Saskatoon […] Read more
New trailer design tested for hogs
Efforts to maintain good health in pigs during transport has the Prairie Swine Centre testing a new trailer design. Murray Pettitt, the centre’s chief executive officer, summarized several projects underway at the research facility during the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium held in Saskatoon Nov. 14-15. One key study is development of an air filter transport […] Read more
Researchers explore nutrition-animal health link
Research in swine nutrition and health is a continued focus at the Prairie Swine Centre, said its new chief executive officer. Murray Pettitt, who took over from former CEO Lee Whittington in June, outlined what’s new at the research facility during the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium held in Saskatoon Nov. 14-15. One project is looking […] Read more
