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
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
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
Bernier would prorate quota compensation
Politician says plan to end supply management wouldn’t compensate ‘somebody who has received a quota for free’
Supply management will end and farmers’ quotas will be prorated if the People’s Party of Canada becomes the next government. “I will have a transition period of four to eight years,” said party leader Maxime Bernier. “We’ll buy back their quota. People who want to stay in their industry, they will be able to put […] Read moreProperty rights protection supported
Maxime Bernier wants to stand up for rural residents and stop what he calls the harassment of law-abiding gun owners. He said Canada’s firearms laws are broken and need to be replaced with effective legislation that protects property rights and cracks down on dangerous criminals. As leader of the People’s Party of Canada, Bernier suggested […] Read more
Alta., Ont. producers named Outstanding Young Farmers
This year’s national winners for Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Program are Craig and Jinel Ference of Double F Farms in Kirriemuir, Alta., and brothers, Jordan and Alex McKay of Willow Tree Farms in Port Perry, Ont. Seven regional farmers between 18 and 39 years of age competed at the 38th annual competition, which recognizes producers […] Read more
Organic weed war uses ‘many little hammers’
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 more
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
