A provincial surveillance veterinarian is hoping producers are vaccinating their livestock from anthrax after confirmation of two bison deaths at a ranch northwest of North Battleford, Sask., July 8. Seven more bison also died in the same herd within 72 hours, and it’s suspected the bacterial disease is the culprit. “One of the first things […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Parched crops, pastures suffer severe stress
Below average cereal crop yields are expected, and poor forage crops have livestock producers worried about winter feed
Crop conditions and yields throughout much of the Prairies continue to fail with little chance of a turnaround, says a crop and weather specialist. “The crops are obviously deteriorating, and we’re getting close to the point where most of those crops are going to be in the reproductive stage, and that basically means that they […] Read moreManagement key to tapping pasture potential
Matching the stocking rate to the capacity of the pasture requires a seasonal approach, says a grazing expert
Most pastures in North America are producing only one-quarter to half of their potential, says a grazing management expert. “Those that are producing at higher levels are often not doing so profitably because the operators have tried to substitute purchased inputs for sound management,” Jim Gerrish told the Western Beef Development Centre’s annual summer field […] Read moreWorries grow as crops wither
Forage and grain producers assess situation
Scorching hot and dry conditions are posing a significant threat to prairie crops and pastures. “How many more days can we survive at 30 degrees?” said Andrew Clements of Agri-Trend. Nevertheless, he said producers are readjusting their prospects as each rainless day goes by. “In my area, I’d say we’re definitely looking at half the […] Read more
Sea containers get new life: thinking outside the box
Cattle feeders or dog kennels, office or storage facility — imagination is the limit
The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing shipping containers for use on the farm, says Joe Hamilton. The half owner of Bond Industrial Direct Inc. in Saskatoon has been modifying and retrofitting containers for the mining and construction industries since 2009. He said the functional structures that are created from recycled sea containers […] Read more
Doctor enjoys building relationship with rural patients
Farmer patients often told to get regular checkups so they can ‘work longer and be happier’
LEADER, Sask. — Dr. Paul Dhillon has learned a thing or two about farmers. “You can tell a farmer by his hands,” he said. “There is not a farmer in the world that would be a hand model.” Dhillon is one of about 20 doctors with the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Rural Relief Program. He travels […] Read more
Tough rodeo bulls made user friendly
Affable rodeo stock contractor develops a reputation for quality bucking animals from his herd of 60 Brahma-cross bulls
Some of the rankest, orneriest and smartest bucking bulls are owned by one of the nicest and youngest stock contractors in the rodeo world. Easy-going and quick with a smile, 18-year-old Cody Strandquist has been in the business for more than five years at his parents farm near Kyle, Sask. However, his experience and professional […] Read more
Saskatchewan’s canola kings will seek crown again
Scott Effa is shooting for a hat trick after back-to-back wins in the King of Canola contest. Effa-Toffan Farms near Norquay, Sask., was recently crowned Hudye Soil Services’ Canola King Challenge winner from last year. Brother-in-laws Scott Effa and Justin Toffan achieved the winning yield of 71.57 bushels per acre, which is more than 2.3 […] Read more
A Dad that can’t be forgotten — despite trying
Pat Trask rarely visits the vacant old farmhouse near Tessier, Sask., anymore. The chimney has fallen into the kitchen, where crushing memories linger. Slices of paint bend and curl down from the ceiling like giant tears. She can still see her mother, Ivy Faris, bent over the old wood stove, hard at work while her […] Read more
T-shirt campaign supports farm families under stress
Funds raised by HereForFarmers will be used to operate a farm stress line to provide counselling and referral services
A crowd sourcing campaign is raising money and awareness for the plight of farmers living with mental illness — one T-shirt at a time. “Our campaign is aimed at bringing awareness to the stress that farmers undergo every year and how it affects their mental health,” said Kim Keller, co-founder of Farm At Hand. The […] Read more
