Province names new deputy minister of agriculture

Brenda DeSerranno has been named deputy minister of agriculture.

DeSerranno has worked for the Manitoba government since 2005.

Since 2019 she has been assistant deputy minister of analytical services at the provincial treasury board secretariat.

She takes on the new role effective Jan. 7, 2023.

The appointment of DeSerranno will follow the upcoming retirement of Dori Gingera-Beauchemin, who has been deputy minister since 2013 and has held many positions during her 43 years with Manitoba Agriculture.

SPG director election results are in

There will be two new faces at the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers board table next year. 

SPG's director election wrapped up yesterday.

Brad Blackwell of Dinsmore was re-elected, while new board members include Robyn Henry of Hodgeville and Stuart Lawrence of Rosetown. 

The newly elected members will take on their new roles following SPG’s Annual General Meeting in January of 2023.

CWA and Saskatchewan Roughriders provide a new experience for displaced Ukrainians

Canadian Western Agribition is partnering with the Saskatchewan Roughriders to provide admission for more than 500 displaced Ukrainians and newcomers to Agribition this year. 

CEO Shaun Kindopp says as Ukrainians and refugees transition into this new way of life, it's important for them to feel welcome and safe in our province.

Roughrider President and CEO Craig Reynolds says as a community-owned team, we know how important genuine connections and experiences are to feeling a sense of belonging where we live and work.

Government launches SustainableSK brand

A new SustainableSK brand and website was launched this week. 

Premier Scott Moes says Saskatchewan has some of the highest-quality and sustainably produced food, fuel, and fertilizer and the new website will share that story.

He says the province is rising to the challenge when it comes to sustainable resources, environmental stewardship, community support, and clean energy.

Canadian National Texas Longhorns show at Agribition

The Canadian National Texas Longhorn Show kicked off the first purebred beef events at Agribition earlier this week.

Pete Hildebrand, President of the Canadian Texas Longhorn Association says there are Longhorn breeders now from British Columbia right through to Ontario.

This year's National show featured eight exhibitors from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta with 46 cattle entered.

The Grand Champion Heifer was exhibited by Kari Regenski of Patricia, Alberta.

Top quality genetics on display for Agribition all-breed competition

There was some tough competition in the show ring yesterday for Agribition's First Lady Classic a yearling bred heifer all breed  competition.

Justin Van de Woestyne from Benson, Sk was part of the judging panel and says he feels the show was one of the toughest and most competitive bred heifer shows in Western Canada if not the country.

"I think we all know the amount of work time effort the years of planning that goes into these genetics and what a what an absolute accomplishment it is not only to be here at the show but to be here in this ring."

CN featured during Canadian Western Agribition's Food, Fuel and Free Trade breakfast

Canadian Western Agribition's Food, Fuel and Free Trade breakfast was held on Tuesday. 

CN's President and CEO Tracy Robinson gave the keynote address.

During the event, she also announced a $100,000 donation to STARS Air Ambulance.

David Przednowek, CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain says terminal productivity issues really slowed down grain shipments for about three weeks but things started turning around last week.

Strong prices reported for Agribition Bison Sale

The Canadian Bison Association's Convention wrapped up with the National Sale at Agribition.

The video sale brought top dollars for some top quality animals. 

The Grand Champion Male from Last Chance Bison Ranch sold for $3200, while the Reserve Champion Male from Roaming K Bison Ranch at Foam Lake sold for $5500.

The top selling bull came from the Shale Creek Bison Ranch at Russell, Manitoba and sold for $8000