Ag News

Livestock producers in Saskatchewan have an opportunity to take part in a Herd Improvement Workshop next week. 

This year's event is taking place Friday, December 9th at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at Clavet

Dale Weinbender, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture says a number of topics will be covered throughout the day.

There was some tough competition in the Brandt Centre this week for the Chore Team Competition. 

Bill Aulie is a volunteer with Agribition and says the event replicates what our ancestors did 50 to 100 years ago.

"We had them doing things like pulling a sleigh, backing a wagon into a dock, turning a wagon around in a tight circle without stepping on chalk lines, having them pick up their mail and back down a tight alley.  Lots of intricate things to test the skill of the driver and the horses."

Today is Giving Tuesday and the Nature Conservancy of Canada is asking people to help them conserve some of the country's most
important forests, wetlands, grasslands and coastal areas.

On this day, all gifts to NCC will be matched, meaning people can double their donations and make a major impact by protecting important habitats and the wildlife they sustain.

Native grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, and their loss means that many native species are now critically endangered. 

It's a busy day in the purebred cattle barns as exhibitors prepare for a couple of all-breed competitions. 

Agribition Director Kim McLean says they'll be some top-quality livestock from across Canada in the ring today for the First Lady Futurity, First Lady Classic and Presidents Classic.

Canadian Western Agribition welcomes a wide variety of livestock from beef to bison, horse to alpaca's.

The Alpaca events continue Tuesday at the show with the Halter event..

Kelsey Kaban is with the Saskatchewan Alpaca Breeders Network.

She says everything kicked off on Monday with the judging of the fleece.

"It's basically the raw product that we shear off the alpacas.  We judge them for density, fibre, length, shine and fineness, that sort of thing."

The Alpaca Halter Show takes place Tuesday from 9 am to 6pm in the Canada Centre Arena.

Canadian Western Agribition announcing a key branding commitment to STARS Air Ambulance in Saskatchewan. 

The CWA brand is now permanently displayed on a helicopter in the STARS fleet after CWA raised a total of $250,000 for the organization over the past eight years. 

STARS is the charity of choice for Agribition's 50/50 draw and other activities during the show. 

President Kim Hextall says they are proud to continue their partnership with this valuable organization.

Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers Program held their annual convention this week in Saskatoon.

Each year two operations from across Canada are chosen for the national title.

This year's national event winners are from Saskatchewan and Quebec.

Cody Straza and Allison Squires own and operate Upland Organics at Wood Mountain (Saskatchewan).

The couple met at university and started their organic farm in 2010.

He notes that they farmed for a few years with his parents.

Canadian Western Agribition kicks off today at Regina's REAL District. 

The six-day show welcomes over 100 thousand visitors from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world.

It's a busy day at the show with the Canadian National 4H and Youth Judging Competition, the Youth Showmanship and Team Grooming events.

The Chore Team events gett underway in the Brandt Centre, the Alpaca's are in the show ring in the Canada Centre Arena and the Bison are on display in the Stock Exchange.

While food prices continue to rise, local producers and business owners are trying to keep costs as low as possible. 

Earl Funk from Earl’s Meat Market in Steinbach says they have noticed fewer increases than many other businesses. 

Bison producers from across Canada are gathering in Regina for their annual convention.

The executive director of the Canadian Bison Association, Carl Flis says this year's theme is Change, Challenge and Opportunity.