Farmers and rural residents, at least in Saskatchewan, are sick of crime and criminals. Break-ins, vandalism and personal protection dominated the conversation at this year’s annual meeting of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, as councillors and reeves debated more than 10 resolutions on the topic. Chris Sobchuk, ag division manager for Allen Leigh Security […] Read more
Farm Living
Green certificate ag programs made free in Alta.
Participants in Alberta Green Certificate agricultural programs will have course fees covered by the provincial government as of this fall. The green certificate program was established in 1975 through the agriculture department to address labour market needs for the sector. Students can enroll in 10 programs: • beekeeper production technician • cow-calf beef production technician […] Read more
The road ahead for farming is branching out — and that’s how consumers like it
Public polling shows that millions of Canadian consumers remain hostile to growth hormones and GM foods, despite overwhelming evidence showing the technologies are safe. If explaining and defending ag practices with science isn’t feasible, what are the alternatives for Canadian farmers? Western Producer reporters Ed White and Robert Arnason explore this question.
Kevin Folta took more than a decade to understand why science isn’t a great way to change people’s minds in the debate over genetically modified foods and pesticides. “It only took me 12 years, of really working hard to share science and give people facts, to realize that it wasn’t working,” said Folta, professor and […] Read more
Sun works its magic in Saskatchewan
The Canadian Prairies have the world’s most stunning sunrises and sunsets. Match a colourful sky with dynamite scenery and the effect can be even more dazzling. If you’re wandering around southern Saskatchewan this summer, try these five fabulous and easy to reach viewpoints to watch the sun do its magic. The name comes from the […] Read more
Diverse Alberta farm focuses on consumer
BIG VALLEY, Alta. — When Cremona Primrose fills egg cartons for her city customers, she always adds a blue-green egg for a little variety. Those added touches are part of the direct marketing plan Cornel and Cremona Primrose have created for their farm near Big Valley in central Alberta. A commercial dairy is the mainstay […] Read more
Artist has a head for creativity
BRANDON, Man. — Buffalo skulls long saved from her father’s herd became a unique canvas for Kathleen Jenson of Churchbridge, Sask. The artist and single mother of two could immediately imagine what she’d do with them. She recently showcased her skull designs at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon. She carves an assortment of […] Read more
Saskatchewan crop roughly 80 percent seeded — report
WINNIPEG, June 1 (CNS) – Farmers in Saskatchewan have planted about 81 percent of this year’s crop, according to the provincial crop report. That is slightly behind the five-year pace of 82 percent. The report covers the week to May 29. The southeast corner of the province is the farthest along and the northeast is […] Read more
Wet conditions leave Saskatchewan bugged out
Winnipeg, June 1 (CNS Canada) – Seeding delays in Saskatchewan means little buzz-worthy news about insects, but producers should still be scouting fields moving into the growing season. “The bigger issue is that it’s been wet,” said Scott Hartley, insect and vertebrate pest specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture. That wetness delayed seeding in much of the […] Read more
CN conductors issue strike notice
More than 3,000 workers at Canadian National Railway including train conductors and yard workers could go on strike as early as Tuesday, May 30. Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) gave the railway 72-hours notice of its plan to go on strike as of 4 a.m. May 30. TCRC workers have been working without a contract […] Read more
CGC licensing review temporarily set aside
A proposal that would require producer car loading facilities and feed mills to be licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission has been put on the backburner for the time being. CGC spokesperson Remi Gosselin told The Western Producer that the proposal to license loading sites and feed mills has been set aside while CGC commissioners […] Read more
