Seeding is nearing completion with 96 percent of the crop in the ground, significantly higher than the five-year (2008-12) average of 89 percent seeded for this time of year. Most fall cereals are in the tillering to jointed stages, while most spring cereals are in the emerging to tillering stages. Most pulse crops are emerging […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
NWMP history closely tied to prairie settlement
140th anniversary marked last week | Formation of North West Mounted Police part of national policy to settle the West
Some of the first ranchers and homesteaders in Western Canada were former North West Mounted Police. The history of the police force coincides with the history of settlement on the Prairies. The Mounties came west before most European settlers did. May 23 marked the official day 140 years ago in 1873 when the Dominion Parliament […] Read more
U of S tractor team competing in Peoria
The Sled Dogs have arrived. Despite travelling for 26 hours and 25 minutes from Saskatoon, the Sled Dogs were one of the first to arrive in Peoria, writes Allison Graham, co-captain for the crew. “We were the second team to arrive, with only the Modesto Junior College team from California arriving before. Throughout today the […] Read more
Federal food safety plan launched in Saskatoon
Against a backdrop of fresh vegetables at the Stonebridge Co-op in Saskatoon, federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz announced the launch of the Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan today. The plan aims to strengthen food safety rules with more effective inspections and make consumer information more available. In an effort to improve control of E. […] Read more
Budget crisis puts sheep on chopping block
Sheep sale | University looks to reduce maintenance costs by selling flock of sheep
The University of Saskatchewan’s flock of 300 sheep has not escaped the latest round of budget cuts. The university will soon sell the flock as part of its ongoing efforts to shear tens of millions from its operating budget. Sheep have been kept on campus since 1911. “While we are dispersing the sheep flock, we […] Read moreInterest in sheep may spur new course
Hands-on experience | University students learned about reproduction, breeding, and diseases
Sheep could be on a future course curriculum for students at the University of Saskatchewan, thanks to a popular pilot program launched this past term. Interest in sheep is on the rise at the university, said Fiona Buchanan, a professor in the agriculture college’s animal and poultry science department. The idea was met with skepticism […] Read moreVolunteers flock to help embattled Sask. town
Mayor praises efforts | Thousands of volunteers help Borden, Sask., with sandbagging, flood fighting
BORDEN, Sask. — A massive outpouring of volunteerism has helped stave off flooding disaster in the village of Borden. More than 1,000 people have come forward to lend a hand since the village declared a state of emergency April 29. Mayor Dave Buckingham said the community would have been overrun with water without their support. […] Read more
Better water makes better glyphosate
Better burn off | High quality water provides a strong foundation for spring weed control
Farmers need to pay attention to their water when spraying glyphosate, says Chelsea Norheim of Rack Petroleum in Biggar, Sask. “With all spray solutions, 99 percent of what you spray out is water,” the agrologist said. “It only makes sense that water should be the first thing you should be looking at in terms of […] Read moreOlds College instructors receive coaching awards
Two instructors at Olds College are recipients of Equine Canada awards of excellence in coaching, mentoring and instruction. Wendy Johnston recently received the western coach 2 and coaching leadership awards, while Cathy Chalack was recognized for excellence in coaching for learning facilitation and mentorship and for coaching leadership. Johnston teaches equine genetics, equine nutrition, conditioning […] Read more
Protesting farmers say GM alfalfa will do more harm than good
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — Glenn Tait doesn’t think genetically modified alfalfa should be introduced to the marketplace, period. “Genetically modified alfalfa is going to do a lot more harm than good,” said the National Farmers Union board member. Tait and 20 other farmers and their supporters gathered during the noon hour April 9 outside federal […] Read more
