Eco-buffers | Dense tree and shrub system is designed to trap more snow, improve yields and provide habitat for bees, insects and birds
Shelterbelts are getting more complicated. Called eco-buffers, they are a complex tree system that encourages biodiversity. This new approach to shelterbelts involves planting two to seven rows of trees and shrubs in a narrow, dense arrangement. The goal is to quickly establish a concentrated group of plants that models a natural hedgerow. The trees and […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Ranch family’s values provide foundation
Looking to the future | Ranching family talks about succession plan
BRODERICK, Sask. — The Abrahamsons know they are wealthy with faith, friends and family. David and Rose Abrahamson grew up in Christian homes surrounded by close-knit extended families in communities where good neighbours are valued and respected. Their four-generation ranch, which was homesteaded in 1903, is tucked along the South Saskatchewan River near Broderick, Sask. […] Read more
Crop Production Show well attended
There’s an optimistic mood among attendees and exhibitors at this year’s Western Canadian Crop Production Show. Lori Cates, agriculture manager at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park, says the show is sold out for the third year in a row with 307 exhibitors, 1002 booths and a long waiting list to get in. This year’s show is expected […] Read more
2012 Crop Production Show off to a good start
There’s an optimistic mood among attendees and exhibitors at this year’s Western Canadian Crop Production Show. Lori Cates, agriculture manager at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park, says the show is sold out for the third year in a row with 307 exhibitors, 1002 booths and a long waiting list to get in. This year’s show is expected […] Read more
Value of shelterbelts evident when wind blows
There was a time, during early settlement of the Prairies, that homesteaders believed it was impossible to grow trees and became resigned to a wind-swept existence. Seedlings brought in from Eastern Canada failed to grow because they were non-hardy species. Tenacious farmers using native species had better success in establishing the first shelterbelts. The Canadian […] Read more
Cattle breeders’ winning streak no accident
DRAKE, Sask. — Scott and Calla Blair are riding a winning streak. They took three pens to Canadian Western Agribition held in Regina Nov. 21-26 and returned home with three championships: bred heifers, feeder steers and open heifers in the futurity. “We worked a long time to try and win one banner at Agribition and […] Read more
Calves stolen from Sask. pasture
About 20 calves were stolen from a private pasture north of Neilburg, Sask., between the last week of November and Dec. 3. The RCMP detachment at Cut Knife, Sask., is familiar with farm machinery thefts, but it hasn’t seen this before. “It’s a first for us,” said const. Gary Lariviere. “It’s the first call I’ve […] Read more
Aboriginal education vital to economy
Saskatchewan farmers have a vested interest in seeing aboriginal education increase in the province, says a university economist. According to a recent report by University of Saskatchewan economist Eric Howe, closing the education gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal residents comes with significant economic benefits. “I think farmers have more on the line in these issues […] Read more
Family debuts in show ring
This was the year the Berting family jumped the fence. After years of watching from the stands as spectators, the family from Middle Lake, Sask., arrived eager and ready to compete at the Saskatoon Fall Fair, held Nov. 9-12. Garry and Donna Berting and their four children started preparing for the show weeks ago. “For […] Read more
Report recommends closing aboriginal education gap in Sask.
The economic and social benefits of closing the aboriginal education gap in Saskatchewan would be worth 20 percent more than all sales of potash in the province’s history, says a report by University of Saskatchewan economist Eric Howe. Howe discussed the data in his three-part report today at a news conference in Saskatoon. “Closing Saskatchewan’s […] Read more
