Scott Boulton

SaskPower is encouraging farmers to make safety a priority this harvest season.

This year, SaskPower has observed 187 incidents involving farm equipment as of August 8, which is up from 169 on the same day last year.

They say it's likely due to seeding and harvest beginning earlier. 2022 had a total of 248 farm-related incidents.

As smoke is once again creeping up around the province, attention should not only be on those with breathing problems but also on pets.

Prairie Animal Health Centre Veterinarian Greg Douglas says that they experience problems with the smoke just like we do.

With crops dried out for harvest, that can also pose a decent fire risk that farmers in their combines should be ready for.

Whether through a mechanical breakdown, the machinery running too hot, or just a freak accident, fires should be something every farmer is prepared for.

Mike Kwasnica, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs, details some of those tips.

$700,000 is going to agricultural producers and local governments in an effort by the Water Security Agency to support water management projects.

The funding comes from a $1.5 million two-year commitment meant to support agricultural growth and sustainability in the province.

As smoke is once again creeping over the region, attention should not only be on those with breathing problems but also on pets.

Prairie Animal Health Centre Veterinarian Greg Douglas says that they experience problems with the smoke just like we do.

The Government of Saskatchewan is asking for public feedback on employment standards around the province.

That's part of its review of the employment standards provisions in Part II of The Saskatchewan Employment Act and the accompanying regulations.

The federal government has announced new funding for grain research in western Canada focused on a number of topics.

Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced the investment of over $4 million to the Western Grains Research Foundation.

That will go towards the WGRF's AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The Water Security Agency is now offering a cost-sharing rebate as part of their protection against flash floods.

Their Flood Damage Reduction Program is part of an overall $500,000 investment from the province, meant to support cities, towns, villages, and hamlets at risk of recurrent flood damage.

With the approaching fall season, railways are getting ready to ship a lot of grain soon.

That includes CN Rail, with Assistant Vice President of Grain David Przednowick saying that they're trying to estimate those crop sizes by the end of the month.

SaskTel is announcing a new CEO and President is stepping into the role immediately.

Charlene Gavel was appointed to the role by the board of directors on August 3 after the previous CEO and President retired in February.

Gavel has been Chief Financial Officer for SaskTel for 9 years, with the board relaying their confidence in her.