Brock Weston is unexpectedly home helping with calving after COVID-19 ended his university semester and then laid him low. The 25-year-old would typically be completing classes at the Wisconsin university where he was set to finish a biology degree and was also playing hockey. Instead, he is on the family farm near Maidstone, Sask., trying […] Read more
Farm Living
Alta. introduces fines for COVID violations
Alberta confirmed 61 new cases of COVID-19 in the province within the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 419. The continuing rise in cases has led the government to impose fines on violators of certain health protection requirements. As many as 33 of the 419 confirmed cases may have been community transmitted as opposed […] Read more
Alta. pledges $50 million for COVID-19 isolation assistance
Albertans who are self-isolating or who are sole caregivers for someone in isolation can apply for financial support from the province. The government has set aside $50 million to help those in the above situation who have no other source of income. To be eligible, applicants must have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or be caring […] Read more
COVID-19 resources for producers
The Western Producer has compiled the following resources so readers can get the most up-to-date-information available on the COVID-19 pandemic. WP coverage of #COVID19 can be found below. This page will be updated daily. Saskatchewan Government of Saskatchewan online Self-Assessment Tool – use the self-assessment tool as a first step to determine if you may […] Read more
Case argued that farmers markets be declared essential
Worries about food supply chains in the face of COVID-19 virus effects and restrictions have prompted the National Farmers Union to demand that farmers markets be declared as essential services. There are more than 650 farmers markets operating in Canada, some of them year round and most only seasonally. The NFU believes the markets to […] Read more
Sask., smaller gatherings, more infections, tighter COVID-19 rules
The Saskatchewan government clarified today that emergency orders issued by the province to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic take precedence over those issued by individual municipalities. There was confusion last Friday after the city of Regina issued orders different from the province’s. Government relations minister Lori Carr said she has spoken to Regina mayor Michael […] Read more
Ag seen as saviour of rural Alta. school
ROUND HILL, Alta. — Families, students and community members are counting on agriculture to save their rural school. They’re counting on chickens, cows, gardening and dozens of other agricultural projects to build enthusiasm needed to stop their school from being closed. Round Hill School is one of just four schools in the Battle River School […] Read more
Safe storage tips to prevent food waste
Food is perishable. To enjoy the best flavour, texture and appearance fresh foods need to be handled and stored properly. Even processed, canned, and packaged foods need to be stored with care and used within a reasonable time. Foods that are allowed to deteriorate and spoil become wasted food and a food safety hazard. When […] Read more
Sask. farmer happy that flood years in past
On the Farm: Nearly a third of cultivated acres on farm near Peterson, Sask., lost over a five-year period
Slowly but surely, Saskatchewan farmer Jason Basset is reclaiming the farmland that he lost during “the wet years.” Between 2010 and 2014, Basset’s farm, located an hour’s drive east of Saskatoon, was swamped by excess rainfall. In 2010 alone, the area received more than 40 inches of rain, ranking it as the wettest year in […] Read more
Book addresses myths to cultivate mental well-being
Prairie farmers invest a great deal of time and energy each year into sustainable food production. But is all that effort and investment taking a toll on their well-being? How much time and energy do farmers invest into sustaining their own mental health? These are questions that Allan Kehler wants to address. Kehler, an author […] Read more
