Oat breeding funds
A University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre project to develop a high-fat oat variety for the livestock feed industry is among the first to receive support through the recently formed Saskatchewan Oat Development Commission.
SODC will provide a $25,000 grant-in-aid to help develop the new variety.
The CDC breeding program will work with existing oat germplasm that offers up to 14 percent fat, making appropriate crosses and selecting among the progeny that offer increased groat fat and acceptable performance under Saskatchewan growing conditions.
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Land crash warning rejected
A technical analyst believes that Saskatchewan land values could be due for a correction, but land owners and FCC say supply/demand fundamentals drive land prices – not mathematical models
Alta. funds agribusiness
Alberta Agriculture will provide a $500,000 grant to the Alberta Agriculture and Food Council’s Innovation in Agribusiness Management Fund.
The money will allow more agribusiness managers to upgrade their training and finance projects aimed at advancing human resource management, development and leadership in the agri-food industry.
New foodgrains members
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has added two new members: the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace and the Anglican Church of Canada’s Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.
The move brings to 15 the number of church-based agencies engaged in the foodgrains bank’s mission to end hunger in less developed countries. Its membership now includes almost all Christian denominations in Canada.
West Nile websites
Saskatchewan’s first West Nile Virus-positive Culex tarsalis mosquitoes have been identified in the Estevan area. Culex tarsalis mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus and are most active in late June, July and August.
Although the risk of contracting West Nile Virus varies depending on the mosquito population, Saskatchewan Health is reminding people to protect themselves against mosquitoes throughout the summer.
People are urged to use repellent, wear light-coloured clothes with long sleeves and legs. As well, people should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating standing water and clearing shady, protected places where mosquitoes breed and rest.
Saskatchewan Health monitors mosquito populations and posts surveillance results on-line at www.health.gov.sk.ca.
As of last week, six cases of West Nile have been reported in Manitoba. For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
In Alberta, no human cases have been reported yet this year. For more information, visit www.health.gov.ab.ca/public/wnv.html.
Hereford official
The Canadian Hereford Association has named Karin Schmid as its new industry relations co-ordinator.
She replaces Katelin Wildeman, who left in February.
Schmid’s responsibilities will include monitoring and implementing member recognition programs, overseeing activities and promoting the Hereford breed at industry events.
Originally from a purebred ranch in Keoma, Alta., Schmid comes to the CHA with a strong scientific background, including a masters of science degree in agriculture from the University of Alberta.
Syngenta supports 4-H
Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc. plans to donate $30,000 to the Canadian 4-H Council.
The funds will allow Canadian 4-H delegates to travel to the national 4-H conference and support volunteer development through the national 4-H volunteer leaders’ conference.
