VIDO-InterVac is helping lead the way developing a vaccine for African swine fever. In May, more than 30 different vaccine candidates for the disease are scheduled for efficacy testing at the International Development Research Centre in Winnipeg. The current candidates are the result of a six-year collaboration between VIDO-InterVac at the University of Saskatchewan, Canadian […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Sask. couple roots farm business from home
On the Farm: U & K Greenhouses is a roadside operation with eight greenhouses equalling 21,000 sq. feet under glass
INDIAN HEAD, Sask. — Ursula and Karl Schiffer walk 20 metres out their front door for their hot holiday. “We don’t have to go to Mexico. We’ve got our tropical climate right here. We just need some sand and a little pool and we can pretend we’re there,” said Karl jokingly. The couple own and […] Read more
Students go hands-on in the kitchen
High school students participating in a Farm to Fork event also toured greenhouses and visited a grocery store
Cool and awesome were how students described their recent experience at the Local Kitchen in Saskatoon. “Getting to work hands-on and learn how to make some of this stuff and talking to my other peers here” was the best part of the day, said Abigail Graham, who is in Grade 12 at Loreburn Central School. […] Read moreRural politicians boo Goodale at convention
Ralph Goodale, federal minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, heard boos and jeers from delegates at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention in Saskatoon last week. As Goodale was introduced, some delegates booed at the mention of the Trudeau name, both Pierre and Justin. It prompted SARM president Ray Orb to call for […] Read more
Biosecurity plan: one program doesn’t fit all
It’s important to consider the people and the facilities as well as the animals when developing an on-farm program
A strong offence is an effective defence to stop the spread of infectious diseases in horses, says a leading veterinarian, and that includes an on-farm biosecurity program. Brandy Burgess of the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, director of infection control at the U of G Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a past grad student […] Read more
Keeping horses healthy depends on cleaning
Not all disinfectants are created equal when it comes to protecting horses from bacteria and illness in barns, stables and stalls. “Disinfectants all have a label claim on them so we really need to have an understanding of the types of bugs you’re trying to kill. Make sure that you’re picking a disinfectant that makes […] Read more
Spring expected to start on time
From snow squalls in Eastern Canada to a deep freeze in the West, “good, old-fashioned February weather” will continue into March, says a meteorologist. “We’re coming out of a month where Western Canada has just been especially cold, just fierce cold. Really, some of the coldest air we’ve seen anywhere around the globe has been […] Read more
Unique snapshot looks into a parasite paradise
A study of the wild horses of Nova Scotia’s Sable Island shows that worms may not be as fearful as once thought
A study of small, feral Sable Island horses is providing valuable information for domestic horse populations, said a veterinarian. As a parasitologist in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, Emily Jenkins said she jumped at the chance in 2017 to travel to the small island, situated 300 kilometres southeast of […] Read more
Input revolution will change farmer relationship: Nutrien
The world’s largest fertilizer and agriculture-supply retailer sees itself as a one-stop shop for grain farmers and at the forefront of a changing industry. “This integrated business allows us to start with the farmer first and work backwards. Everyone else in our industry is doing it the other way around and in my humble view, […] Read more
The horse whisperers
Now in its eighth consecutive year, the trainer challenge continues to be one of the top draws at the Saskatchewan Equine Expo, held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. After choosing their mounts, the three contestants have four one-hour sessions during the expo to display their individual methods and techniques for starting a filly Quarter horse. Judges look at how each horse responds to the trainer’s communication skills and horsemanship as well as showmanship, based on audience response. In a close competition between all three trainers, Amos Abrahamson of Maple Creek, Sask., accumulated the most points over the four-day competition to be this year’s winner. William DeKay photos
Now in its eighth consecutive year, the trainer challenge continues to be one of the top draws at the Saskatchewan Equine Expo, held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. After choosing their mounts, the three contestants have four one-hour sessions during the expo to display their individual methods and techniques for starting a filly Quarter horse. […] Read more
