Grow Hope Saskatchewan continues to grow

Grow Hope Saskatchewan is launching its eigth season with a new national partner - Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank's 'Grow Hope Saskatchewan' project connects farmers who donate land with donors who help to cover input costs.

The project started in 2017 as a way to get more people involved in the effort to help end global hunger, originally a collaboration between the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Lounge closure could jeopardize curling club, impact economy

Cochrane Curling Club president Kendall Waiting says user groups left last night’s committee-of-the-whole meeting with more questions than answers regarding the proposed takeover of the SLS Centre by YMCA Calgary.

“What was presented did little to quell our questions, provide any clarity, and did nothing but promote more questions and fears,” said Waiting. “The crowd was left very disappointed, with far more questions than answers. I think that was evident in council, which had just as many questions—and no answers—from town administration.”

CCA names Jennifer Babcock as Chief Government and International Affairs Officer

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is announcing some key moves within the organization.

Jennifer Babcock has been promoted to the Chief Government and International Affairs Officer.

She has a proven track record of advocacy successes.

Babcock will lead CCA’s initiatives to promote and protect the interests of Canada’s beef cattle industry domestically and internationally.

In a recent CCA Action News Blog, Babcock says she looks forward to her new and expanded leadership role on CCA’s advocacy efforts.

Sclerotinia-resistant canola varieties may be in the cards

A U.S. company develops a trait that it says provides genetic resistance to sclerotinia, which can be challenging for growers.

A San Diego company is closer to commercializing a trait that could protect canola from sclerotinia.

In April, Cibus announced that two of its disease resistance traits for canola have been designated as “not regulated” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We are encouraged by USDA-APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) broad designation for these traits being developed,” said Cibus co-founder Peter Beetham.

Mounties urge parents to talk safety with kids as summer approaches

With summer just around the corner and more children heading outdoors to play, the Alberta RCMP is reminding parents and guardians to have meaningful conversations with their kids about personal safety.

“As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s natural for children to want to spend more time outside,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, Alberta RCMP spokesperson. “We want to ensure they have the confidence and knowledge to stay safe while they enjoy their independence.”

Seeding of potatoes almost complete in Manitoba

Manitoba's latest potato report shows planting in the province is now estimated to be 95 per cent complete. 

Planting has been going very smoothly, with most farms now finished.

Potato and Horticulture Crops Pathologist Vikram Bisht says with planting nearly over, it's now time to take care of cull piles in and around fields and farmyards, as cull piles can be a source of disease inoculum and may harbour Colorado potato beetles and aphids.

Alberta Grains names acting chair as Tara Sawyer runs for UCP in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills by-election

Scott Jespersen has been named the acting chair for Alberta Grains. 

Chair Tara Sawyer is taking a leave of absence effective immediately following her appointment by Premier Danielle Smith as the United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate for the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills by-election. 

Sawyer, a wheat and barley farmer from Acme, Alberta, was elected as Alberta Grains’ inaugural chair in 2023 after the amalgamation of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions.

Olds College signs training agreement with Uzbekistan

The training agreement will establish an environment, social and governance program that will be offered to students in Uzbekistan.

Countries across the globe are seeking out Canadian post-secondary institutions for partnerships focused on learning and exchanging knowledge.

Olds College in Olds, Alta., is one of the latest, signing an international training agreement with Uzbekistan April 29 following a memorandum of understanding signed last November.

Cochrane gears up to celebrate seniors with week-long event

Cochrane is set to honour its older residents with a full week of free events and activities as part of Seniors’ Week, running June 2 to 8.

Organized by Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) with the help of community partners and sponsors, the celebration will include workshops, health and wellness sessions, entertainment, luncheons, and games, all geared toward residents aged 50 and up.