The Weston Family Foundation has launched the $33 million Homegrown Innovation Challenge that it says is part of an effort to future-proof Canada’s food production. Organizers said they want to encourage new ideas to boost the sustainable production of fruits and vegetables in Canada. “Innovation challenges draw out creative people and incentivize them to solve […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Optimism makes return to summer fair circuit
Organizers hopeful COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted, but they still face volunteer shortage, infrastructure challenges
Organizers of rodeos, shows and agriculture society events are anticipating a successful summer after two years of pandemic-related postponements. “There’s a lot of optimism out there for this summer and everybody’s hoping they can get back to doing what they do and inviting people out to events,” said Glen Duck, executive director of the Saskatchewan […] Read more
Prairie canners in a jam — again
Bernardin’s decision to stop making its 78-millimetre gem lids is the same one that caused controversy 20 years ago
Bernardin, the company that makes canning jars, metal snap lids and bands, has announced it will discontinue production of its 78-millimetre gem lid this spring. It’s a repeat of 20 years ago, when the Muncie, Indiana-based factory shut down production for the same-sized lids, leaving many canners in Western Canada livid. The lids in question […] Read more
Farmer issues warning after theft
A farmer who has had $40,000 worth of canola stolen said he is too trusting. “I’m 70 years old and I farmed most all my life and up till now I haven’t had much problems, so you trust people. You don’t think somebody will do this to you,” said Miles Moore, who farms near Outlook, […] Read more
Fourth generation farmer returns
On the Farm: Saskatchewan couple decide to resurrect the old family farm and turn it into a viable 21st century operation
HENRIBOURG, Sask. — Colin MacDonald has visited with thousands of farmers in more than 30 countries. From Australia to Kazakhstan, Bulgaria to Finland and throughout all of Western Europe, MacDonald has a front-row seat into global farming practices thanks to his job as the international sales manager for Honey Bee Manufacturing. “When I get somewhere […] Read more
Farm equipment dealers association plans name change
Change intended to solidify industry recognition and maintain group’s relationship with regional dealers’ associations
Something old is new again. The Equipment Dealers Association, which represents more than 4,000 dealers, plans to return to its roots by again operating as the North American Equipment Dealers Association. Officials say the change will solidify industry recognition and maintain the group’s relationship with regional dealers’ associations across the continent. The joint boards of […] Read more
GIFS works with Bangladesh on food security
Andrew Sharpe’s long-time fondness for curries, vegetables and spices, which were first developed during his days at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, is a bonus for his new job as Bangabandhu Research Chair in Food Security. “Food is a big thing in Bangladesh and one of the main exports is the cooking.” […] Read more
Post-secondary schools work with new ag-tech accelerator
The list of Saskatchewan post-secondary schools that are partnering with the Agtech Accelerator is growing. The University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytech are all working to advance agriculture technology in the province. The Regina-based Agtech Accelerator is a venture-capital-backed accelerator to help early-stage start-ups that are developing technological innovations for agriculture. […] Read more
Biogas system an option for sustainable livestock farms
On-farm biogas systems use anaerobic digestion to recycle livestock manure and crop residue, which can create environmental and business opportunities
Rob and Rachel McKinlay say they have future-proofed their Woodstock, Ont., dairy farm. Using a factory-built anaerobic digestor, Harcolm Farms has created a closed-loop system to supply the total electrical needs for the family’s dairy operation and household. Through summer heat and winter cold, the system breaks down manure to produce methane-based gas used for […] Read more
Reinventing roles
The tables have turned for Elaine Froese. Today, she finds herself on the other side when it comes to discussions about farm retirement. Over the years, the farm family coach helped thousands of people manage farm transitions and develop succession plans. Now Froese and her husband, Wes, who are both in their mid-60s, are stepping […] Read more
