Strathmore

This week's crop report shows provincially 85 per cent of the crop is in the ground; that is up from last week's report of 57 per cent and ahead of the 5-year average of 69 per cent. 

Oilseed Specialist Sonia Wilson puts together the weekly crop report and says most of the spring wheat, oats, barley, as well as grain and silage corn have gone in, while progress is also being made on the other crops.

Analysts say Agriculture Canada may have to cut its ending canola stocks estimate in half in response to booming exports

It is highly unusual to see a red number in the sea of black on Agriculture Canada’s monthly Grains and Oilseeds Supply and Disposition report.

But it happened in the May report when the department penciled in minus 609,000 tonnes for its canola feed, waste and dockage (FWD) number for the current crop year.

The best defence against flea beetles in canola is a fast-growing, uniformly emerging crop with five to eight plants per square foot that quickly reaches the four-leaf stage. However, unpredictable weather often forces growers to rely on plan B: foliar sprays.

To reduce the need for multiple sprays, consider these strategies.

Spray when flea beetles are active

Wheat prices would get a boost if the country’s exports remain as low as much of the trade is beginning to forecast

A big debate is once again brewing about how much wheat the world’s leading exporter will ship out in the upcoming crop year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting Russia will produce 83 million tonnes of the crop and export 45 million tonnes.

SovEcon is forecasting 81 million tonnes of production and 39.7 million tonnes of exports.

Strathmore RCMP have arrested a man following a hold and secure at every school in town.

According to police, they received reports of a man acting in a threatening manner at around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at Second Street in Strathmore. The report included that the man had a weapon on him. 

As crops begin to emerge across the Prairies, farmers are being reminded to regularly scout their fields for insect activity. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, emphasizes the importance of vigilance, particularly concerning grasshoppers.

Westmount School will be going through a significant upgrade.

Earlier this month it was announced that the design phase has begun for the new school due to funding from the province's School Construction Accelerator Program.

"This initiative will support the current and upcoming growth in Strathmore and area," wrote Golden Hills School Division in a news release. "Golden Hills is proud to lead innovative projects that engage students in meaningful, future-focused learning."

God's Closet handed out free children's clothes to Strathmore families on Wednesday, May 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The nonprofit organization had tables stacked with clothes for children of all ages in the Lord of All Lutheran Church. 

Participants paid a $1 entrance fee and were given two grocery bags to fill with free clothes. 

"We collect children's clothes for three months and then we have a shop day," explained retired director Debbie Schwartz. 

FeelGood Gym and Wellness Centre is celebrating their one-year anniversary on Sunday, June 1, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The in-house market is taking place at the centre and will feature various prizes, food from B-Ranch Smokehouse, and games for all ages. They also are giving away a golf day pass for up to four people.  

Brooks RCMP are looking for help identifying a suspect in a sexual assault investigation.

According to police, the assault happened near Pleasant Park at around 6:45 a.m. on May 18. The suspect was requesting a ride to a gas station and sexually assaulted the victim during the conversation.

"The victim was able to get into her vehicle and leave. She was not injured," wrote Brooks RCMP.

Police described the suspect as: