Six agricultural leaders with experience in all facets of the industry will officially join the hall of fame in April
Depth is how Reed Andrew describes the six agricultural leaders that will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame April 18. “It’s a really strong group. A lot of Saskatchewan agriculture to the core this year,” said Andrew, president of the hall of fame. “The thing I noticed is pretty well every one […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Prairie growers focus on year-round products
Small-scale producers selling locally grown produce are starting to compete side-by-side with California vegetables on store shelves throughout the cold prairie winters. The Prairies are famous for shipping massive amounts of food and food ingredients around the world, but many prairie residents are used to importing fresh fruits and vegetables to get through winter. Now, […] Read more
Producers warned to get their costs in line
A financial adviser says farmers must learn to adjust to the leaner times ahead, particularly how to handle cash
Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked, said Shannon Lueke, quoting Warren Buffett. That scenario applies to farming today, which after a decade of good years has seen markets tumble and total costs per acre increase. “There is no hiding place when growing conditions, market prices and interest […] Read more
One-third of public has faith in food system
Survey finds 91 percent of Canadians believe they know little about agriculture, but 60 percent want to learn more
Canadian consumers now care more than ever about their food, but most say they know little to nothing about modern farming practices. John Jamieson, president of the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, said this shouldn’t be surprising, considering that only two to four percent of them live on farms and are actively engaged in food […] Read more
Mental wellness goes to school
A new course in Saskatchewan teaches high school and university students how to manage mental health challenges
Alexis Epp has turned a negative situation positive. Her years of battling mental illness are now being directed to helping other young people who might experience similar issues. As a teenager she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as a medical system that did not seem able to help her. Eventually, she got […] Read moreFCL cracks into new egg program
Federated Co-op Limited has adapted an egg quality program designed to further consumers’ trust in products. In a partnership with Egg Farmers of Canada, FCL will put the Egg Quality Assurance certification mark on select egg cartons in co-op food stores in Western Canada this month. Featuring a red Canadian maple leaf inside an egg, […] Read more
Competition finds innovation
The finalists in the US$1 million growth-stage category:
All the pieces fell into place for a young ag innovator to win US$1 million. “It’s been an incredible process and the timing couldn’t be more perfect,” said Karn Manhas, founder and chief executive officer of Terramera, which emerged victorious Oct. 2 in the first ever Nutrien-Radicle Challenge Canada. The Vancouver company develops high-performance natural […] Read more
Animal abuse: the tip of the iceberg
There is an understanding that domestic violence, animal abuse, child abuse and elder abuse are interrelated
It is a troubling story that Leanne Sillars, animal safekeeping co-ordinator with the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, vividly recalls. A woman subject to domestic abuse sought a way to leave the farm along with her children, their pets, their horses and the cow herd. She had seen how cruelly the […] Read more
Family strives for healthier food
DENZIL, Sask. — The Witzaneys love to grow food for local customers. That’s the niche market they have moved into after starting New Life Organic Foods to market their homegrown produce, which includes beef, sheep, pork, poultry, eggs and milled grains. “We really found that connection to growing food for families when we actually started […] Read more
Charcoal: ages-old practice meets the new age
Saskatchewan company makes charcoal boluses to treat livestock ailments such as scours, coccidiosis and diarrhea
CRAIK, Sask. — What’s old is new again. Charcoal, one of earth’s oldest substances, is being used to improve animal health, enhance soil quality, reduce methane emissions and control odour. It also has a role in personal care and bio-plastics. Since 2008, Titan Clean Energy Projects, a Craik, Sask.,-based company, has been at the forefront […] Read more
