An American environmental group says widespread use of glyphosate is killing milkweed and devastating monarch butterfly populations. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) singles out glyphosate because of its widespread use, but states other herbicides can also damage the insect’s population. “At the same time that spraying of glyphosate has soared, the monarch butterfly population […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Cows, pig shot on Saskatchewan farm
Police are investigating the March 7 shooting of three cows and a pig on a farm near Carmel, Sask. Two of the cows and the pig were shot several times in the belly and died at the scene. The third animal is being treated at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. It has […] Read more
A whole lot of beef at Ramsay bull sale
CUT KNIFE, Sask. — Good food and good fellowship are key ingredients that keep people coming back year after year for the Moving On Bull Sale at Carlrams Ranching near Cut Knife. “We just enjoy the sale as being able to treat our neighbours once a year, even if they come for Randy’s good cooking. […] Read more
Elk feeding frenzy forces farmer to make changes
Feed shortage | Saskatchewan farmer unable to make claim under Wildlife Damage Compensation Program
PARKSIDE, Sask. — Percy Waterhouse is fed up with elk herds eating away at his bottom line. Hundreds of elk have been stopping daily at his farm this winter, destroying his hay bale supply and polishing off 100 acres of swathed green feed. He said the loss has forced him to change his feeding program […] Read moreFederated Co-op posts record sales
Changing business | Co-op membership growing as number of stores drops due to consolidation
Federated Co-operatives Ltd. had a record-setting year in 2013, led by a profitable retail sector. “The results speak for themselves in terms of financial results,” chief executive officer Scott Banda said during the company’s 85th annual meeting in Saskatoon. “Our retails all across Western Canada and the north put in great efforts and they’re the […] Read moreFederated Co-op posts record year
Federated Co-operatives Ltd. had a record-setting year in 2013, led by a profitable retail sector. “The results speak for themselves in terms of financial results,” chief executive officer Scott Banda said during the company’s 85th annual meeting in Saskatoon. “Our retails all across Western Canada and the north put in great efforts and they’re the […] Read more
Report links glyphosate to monarch butterfly decline
Widespread use of glyphosate is devastating the monarch butterfly population, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council in the United States. The council says the current use of the herbicide is causing the insect’s population to decline throughout Canada, United States and Mexico. The report said recent information indicates the number of monarchs wintering in […] Read more
Student eager for knowledge, skills to succeed
Agricultural machinery technician | Agronomy student learns how to grow crops and to keep equipment running
Next time your clutch is slipping, ask Katelyn Duncan about it. The young farmer has wanted to learn the mechanical side of agriculture for years. Now she can tear down an engine and put it back together with no missing pieces. When it’s running, she can visualize and hear its moving parts, understanding how they […] Read more
Saddle fit becoming priority
A revolution is happening in the saddle fitting industry. “Horses are changing and saddles are trying catch up,” said Jonathan Field, a horse trainer, equine educator and saddle designer. Based in Abbotsford, B.C., and the James Creek Ranch near Merritt, B.C., Field spends a good part of his year travelling to horse events in North […] Read more
Co-op expands western Canadian presence by acquiring grocery stores
Federated Co-op Ltd. will buy 14 food stores from Sobeys Inc., including four with gas bars. The agreement includes four stores in Edmonton, four in Winnipeg and one each in Saskatoon, Regina, Taber, Leduc, Wetaskiwin and Fort Saskatchewan. “This transaction raises the profile of Co-op in Western Canada,” FCL chief executive officer Scott Banda said […] Read more
