Canaryseed levy increase requested
During the annual meeting of the Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan in Regina Dec. 14, a resolution will be presented asking for an increase in the check-off levy paid by producers.
Saskatchewan canaryseed producers pay a levy of $1.75 per tonne. The new levy would be $2.50 a tonne effective Aug. 1.
Assuming an average yield of 1,300 pounds per acre, the current levy of $1.75 per tonne equates to $1.03 per acre. An increase in levy to $2.50 per tonne would equate to $1.47 per acre on an average crop.
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This would be similar to the per acre levy cost for barley and flax, but much less than the per acre cost for pulse crops and mustard.
The per acre cost of levy for wheat, durum, canola and oats would be less than the increased canaryseed levy. However, those crops benefit from a much larger acreage base that includes check-off programs in neighbouring provinces.
Organics scholarship nominees sought
Nominations are open until Dec. 31 for the SaskOrganics’ Education Scholarship and Outstanding Organic Farmer Awards.
The $1,000 education bursary is open to a student pursuing post-secondary education in an agriculture-related field with an interest in organics.
The farmer organic award will be given to a certified organic producer making an outstanding contribution to the organic sector.
More information is at sask-organics.org.
Olds College appoints new president
Ben Cecil has been appointed 14th president of Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, and will assume the role in January.
Most recently, Cecil served as vice-president of academics at triOS College. Before that, he was the provost and vice-president of academic and students at Langara College, the associate vice-president of academics at Fanshawe College and the chief executive officer for the college’s research venture.
Cecil has also held dean roles with Niagara College, and academic administrative roles at the University of Regina.
Climate initiative gets new partner
Fertilizer Canada and Grain Growers of Canada have partnered on the Road to 2050 climate solution initiative.
Following Corteva Agriscience, Fertilizer Canada is the second industry partner to join Grain Growers in the initiative.
Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship helps to optimize fertilizer use to increase nutrient uptake and crop production, while reducing environmental costs.
The Road to 2050 plan is expected to identify opportunities for the sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recommendations will be made to guide government policies and programming directed at Canada’s grains sector.
Agri-food hub proposed for Lethbridge
Lethbridge County is committing $2 million to the development of the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, schedule to be completed in spring 2023.
The facility will highlight the importance that southern Alberta’s agricultural producers have across the region and country.
It will also help facilitate education to a wider audience about where food comes from as well as the opportunities in agriculture.
More information is at agrifoodhub.ca.
