Ag News

Stats show that for the first quarter of 2023 agri-food exports are estimated to be $6 million, that's up 75 percent from the same period last year.

Agriculture Minister David Marit says increased export numbers demonstrate the strength and resilience of our agri-food sector,

"Trade statistics like these reinforce Saskatchewan's sustainability story internationally, showing global investors that Saskatchewan producers are in an excellent position to feed the world today and in the future."

Most of the province received some moisture over the last week, including some of the drier areas in the southwest.

The rain delayed some field work for producers trying to wrap up seeding.

Precipitation ranged from trace amounts up to 54 mm in the Dinsmore area and 64 mm around Glenavon.

Heavy rain and winds also resulted in reports of hail and localized flooding in some areas.

Crops Extension Specialist Sara Tetland says the rain has helped to improve moisture conditions.

Angus breeders from across Canada are gathering in Saskatoon this week for the Canadian Angus Association's annual meeting and convention.

The Chair of the Convention Committee is Michelle Sauder from Windy Willow Farms in the Hodgeville area.

She says the Angus breed is a cornerstone of the beef cattle sector.

Manitoba Agriculture's weekly crop report shows 97 per cent of the provincial crop has been seeded, that's slightly ahead of the five-year average of 96 per cent.

Provincial Pulse Specialist Dennis Lange is reporting good emergence on spring cereals and field peas, spring cereals are at that one to four-leaf stage with some herbicide spraying underway.

The farm equipment manufacturer headquartered in Swift Current has announced plans to expand into Medicine Hat.

President and CEO Richelle Andreas says they've been looking at doing an expansion for a couple of years, and logistically it's a great location.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities have been holding their June Division Meetings.

On Tuesday, SARM representatives met in Moose Jaw and Swift Current, in Kipling on Wednesday, and Thursday in Kelvington and North Battleford.

President Ray Orb says one common theme at all the meetings this year has been the wildlife damage.

There are a lot of unofficial rumors about a potential merger between Viterra and Bunge.

Company representatives are keeping tightlipped, but the Grain Services Union has released a statement.

"Any merger or acquisition between these two companies could spur considerable job loss resulting from office closures and corporate restructuring and create a reduction of competition in grain handling and processing that directly affects Canadian producers."

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Convention and AGM  wrapped up yesterday in Moose Jaw.     

One of the highlights of the two-day event was the presentation of The Environmental Stewardship Award to Brian and Debbie Highsaw of Clear View Angus at Mankota.

The farm bio notes the land has been in the family for over 100 years and is in close proximity to Grasslands National Park and Mankota Community Pasture.

A reminder for livestock producers the deadline to purchase calf price insurance is Thursday, June 8th.

The Livestock Price Insurance Program is a risk-management tool that gives producers the opportunity to purchase price protection on cattle and hogs. 

The program is available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba and provides producers with protection against an unexpected drop in prices over a defined period of time.

Saskatchewan's Livestock Price Insurance Co-ordinator Jodi Griffin says they've seen a resurgence in the program.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has launched its Prairie Grasslands Action Plan.

The overall goal is to conserve more than 500,000 hectares by 2030, or about an area six times the size of Calgary.

Jeremy Hogan, the Director of Prairie Grasslands Conservation with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) says as part of that plan they are focusing on three major projects.