A make-your-own sub sandwich bar is an easy option for a guy gathering. Choose a selection of meats, cheeses, vegetables, pickles, condiments and buns and the guys can build their perfect sandwich.  |  Betty Ann Deobald photo

Nutrition can be on the menu when the guys get together

When guys get together to watch a game, go hunting, have a meeting or hang out, hearty and hopefully healthy foods are needed. For ease of serving and convenience, use tin foil pie plates rather than paper plates, as they are sturdier, have a higher rim and can be washed for reuse if desired. Slow […] Read more




This photo of the Inuvik Community Greenhouse plots from the upper-level nursery area was taken in mid-June, so many of the plants had been growing for only a month or less. The metal roofing from the former hockey arena was removed and replaced with translucent polycarbonate glazing. An automatically opening ridge vent runs the length of the roof for ventilation.  |  Betty Ann Deobald photo

Gardening produces food, fun and learning in the far north

After 25 gardening seasons, the Inuvik Community Greenhouse has created a community of avid gardeners who look forward to another season of growing their own food in the warm inviting atmosphere of the largest, most northern greenhouse in Canada. It is situated 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and 97 km south of the […] Read more

Flax banana bread is an easy and delicious way to include nutritious flax seed in our diets.  |  Betty Ann Deobald photo

The 1990s saw end of The Western Producer’s Ducie era

For 60 years the Ducie sisters contributed significantly to the women’s section of The Western Producer. Rose and Emmie were raised, along with their brother, Harold, on a farm northeast of Dundurn, Sask. They were strongly influenced by their feminist mother, Emma Ducie, who participated in volunteer work, took an interest in politics and was […] Read more


A salmon dinner cooked together on a large cookie sheet makes a quick, easy and nutritious meal.  |  Betty Ann Deobald photo

There are many options for a nutritious Pacific salmon meal

When traveling in the Yukon and Alaska last summer, Pacific salmon was one of the foods I enjoyed most, especially salmon tacos and salmon chowder. Sheet Pan Salmon Add potatoes and fresh asparagus to make a quick and easy salmon dinner. Add extra fillets for a planned second-day meal of tacos. Serves four. 2 lb. […] Read more

Bison steak with a saskatoon berry jam glaze, wild rice and asparagus were all foods that helped increase cash flow on many farms during the 1980s. | Betty Ann Deobald photo

Agricultural diversification was a big focus in the 1980s

The early 1980s featured interest rates as high as 21 percent, drought, and low commodity prices, so many farmers sought ways to diversify their sources of income and create more cash flow. Beekeeping, speciality livestock, fruit trees, garden produce or opening homes as bed and breakfast or vacation farms were among the many options explored. […] Read more

A chocolate fondue is a fun way to finish a special family meal.  |  Betty Ann Deobald photo

The 1970s introduced new crops and cooking methods

During the 1970s, farmers were looking for new crops to improve their cash flow, and consumers had a variety of new cooking methods. Microwave ovens offered quicker cooking options, while fondue pots offered a more leisurely way of entertaining and eating. Due to innovative research by Al Slinkard at the University of Saskatchewan in the […] Read more


Marilyn Hynes, photographed by Walter Kerber for the May 20, 1979, issue of The Western Producer, stands outside the Alberta Wheat Pool elevator at Pincher Creek, Alta., where she was an assistant manager. Hynes was the first woman elevator manager hired by the pool and also the first woman graduate from the company’s elevator manager training course at Olds College. Previously she had earned an agriculture degree from the University of British Columbia. She began her three months of studies at Olds in September 1977. Hynes earned equal pay with other assistant elevator managers.  |  Betty Ann Deobald photo

The need for social, farming changes recognized in 1970s

In the early 1970s, two things were very apparent: the changing attitude toward women in society and the need for prairie farmers to reduce their dependency on cereal grain crops. Among the news stories of 1971, an article by Catherine Shorten, in the Jan. 6, 1972, issue of The Western Producer, revealed that the world […] Read more

The dough for German honey cakes is made and then allowed to sit for several days before baking. A small batch of warm cookies can then be made as needed.  |  Betty Ann Deobald

Centennial good reason to reflect on nation’s food history

Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967 seemed to be an appropriate time to explore and enjoy the exciting recipes that made up the Canadian cuisine culture. Emmie Oddie’s “I’d Like To Know?” column in The Western Producer received numerous request for recipes that reflected this heritage for use at centennial buffets, family gatherings and picnics. One […] Read more