COLONSAY, Sask. — Deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland addressed criticism last week regarding the federal government’s target to lower fertilizer emissions after touring the Mosaic Colonsay potash mine east of Saskatoon. The government plan would have farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer by 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030. Freeland said farmers […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Grasshopper hordes wreak harvest havoc
A population explosion in parts of the Prairies damages crops and causes equipment and storage headaches
Swarms of grasshoppers are chewing their way through prairie fields this harvest. The plant-eating pests are also wreaking havoc with machinery and grain storage, testing the patience of farmers trying to get their crops in the bin. “The ground is moving in front of the combine. They’re fluttering and going everywhere. It’s like a cloud […] Read more
Sask. irrigators urged to make straw available for feed
Irrigation district organizes a drop straw campaign again this year for livestock producers who may face shortages
Grain producers are again being encouraged to drop their straw at harvest so it can be baled and used by others for feed and bedding. For the second straight year, the South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District No. 1 (SSRID) in Outlook, Sask., is co-ordinating a drop straw campaign for livestock producers who may face feed […] Read more
Ultralight aircraft offers farmer breathing room
Producer also owns a drone but says he gets a better picture of his fields in his mind when he checks them in person
Corey Doerksen loves flying. During calm summer evenings, neighbours and a few photographers have spotted Doerksen flying his powered parachute over the gentle rolling countryside north of Eyebrow, Sask. “If I hadn’t been a farmer, I would have been a pilot because I love being up in the air,” he said. “So many people think […] Read more
Brothers rescue weather-beaten barn
The Schmids’ grandfather built the barn in central Saskatchewan in 1935, but Mother Nature had exacted a heavy toll
MIDDLE LAKE, Sask. — A labour of love — that’s how brothers Lorne, Brian and Murray Schmid feel about saving their farm’s old red barn. Painted bright red with a green metal roof, the barn is once again a beacon for travellers west of Middle Lake. “Dad always used this as a landmark when he […] Read more
National day helps consumers celebrate food
Food Day Canada evolves into a celebration for Canadians to share their food, stories, recipes and favourite restaurants
Canadians had an opportunity to take a seat at the table to celebrate Food Day Canada on July 30. It was an occasion to acknowledge the work of farmers, chefs, researchers, home cooks and barbecue masters. From bison tartare to black oysters to corn on the cob and bottled wines, foodies spent their long weekend […] Read more
Bison producers embrace low-stress handling
Reverse psychology isn’t reserved for human animals. It’s a technique Whit Hibbard also practices and promotes for low-stress handling of bovines, particularly bison. “When it comes to working livestock, do the opposite of what we’d normally do and it would probably be the right thing,” he said during the recent International Bison Convention in Saskatoon. […] Read more
Sask. Pulse Growers find new research partner
Partnership with Limagrain Field Seeds is expected to work on herbicide tolerance, disease, protein content and yields
A new future is possible for pulse breeding in Saskatchewan, industry officials say. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Limagrain Field Seeds last week announced a collaboration to develop better performing varieties of peas and lentils. The major areas of focus include herbicide tolerance levels in lentils, resistance to root disease in peas and lentils, increased protein […] Read more
Genomics project aims to improve bison health
Bison Integrated Genomics Project will focus on a vaccine to control bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in wild herds
Researchers plan to use the latest genomic tools to target disease and create healthier bison herds in Canada. Genome Canada recently announced a $5.1 million genomics project to protect threatened Canadian bison populations in and around Wood Buffalo National Park, as well as other captive and farmed bison herds. The Bison Integrated Genomics Project, or […] Read more
Direct from the farm to the customer
Farming was particularly tough 25 years ago when Lionel and Melody Ector started looking for options at their five-generation farm near Loreburn, just north of Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan. “We decided to go into the post-processing export business,” Lionel said. “Pulse Canada had set up and arranged an international delegation to go over to Bangladesh […] Read more
