Ag News

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission is now officially a member of the Grain Growers of Canada.

The two organizations are focused on improving on-farm sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian agriculture sector. 

Earlier this year, Sask Wheat partnered with the GGC on their ‘Road to 2050’ climate solutions initiative. 

GGC Chair Andre Harpe says adding their voice to the table means that we are an even stronger advocate for grain farmers

The GGC now represents approximately 90,000 grain farmers across the country.

The Alberta Barley Commission and the Alberta Wheat Commission releasing the preliminary results today.

Two plebiscites were held one for each commodity where a majority of eligible producers voted in favour of amalgamating the two commissions.

Alberta Barley Chair, Tara Sawyer says a clear direction was provided by both wheat and barley farmers on the preferred path forward for the organizations.
 
The preliminary results from each plebiscite was 89 per cent of barley farmers and 88 per cent of wheat farmers in support of forming one commission. 

The transition to more sustainable farming practices often requires up-front investments in new equipment and practices from farmers.

Smart and sustainable farming is a key pillar of McCain's commitment to be a more environmentally conscious company.

McCain Foods and Farm Credit Canada are working together to help potato farmers who are transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices reduce financial barriers.

The open fall has meant farmers have a window of opportunity to get their fall soil tests done.

Crops Extension Specialist Matt Struthers says there are a number of methods to consider, but it all begins with knowing what your field needs are.

The Competition Tribunal has issued a decision dismissing the Competition Bureau's challenge of Parrish & Heimbecker's (P&H) acquisition of the Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) grain elevator at Virden, Manitoba.

The elevator in question was part of a strategic acquisition announced in September of 2019 where P&H would purchase ten Louis Dreyfus facilities.

Also included in that deal P&H would acquire LDC facilities in Dawson Creek, BC; Tisdale, Aberdeen, Kegworth and Wilkie, Saskatchewan as well as operations in Joffre, Lyalta, and Rycroft, Alberta.

Prairie farmers produced a large crop this past year. We are quite aware of some dry spots in West Central Saskatchewan, but Western Canada in general had a big harvest. All that extra grain may cause supply chain problems, it certainly has caused problems in the past. See the link to Bill C-94 below.

While a number of producers got the moisture they needed for a great hay crop, others are once again looking at tight feed supplies

Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist Travis Peardon says that may mean trying to stretch out feed by adding straw to the daily rations.

"Usually we want to feed some sort of a concentrate with straw just to bring up specifically those energy and protein levels. Then you have to look at the total ration and see what we need from minerals and vitamins just to make sure our cows requirements are being met."

4-H Canada's 2022 Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D) have been announced.

The program recognizes outstanding 4-H’ers who show 4-H values in the way they live their lives. 

Each L.E.A.D. recipient receives a $20,000 scholarship for higher education, an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the 4-H Leadership Awards, ongoing mentorship from an expert in their field of study and the opportunity to be a 4-H L.E.A.D. spokesperson.

Four L.E.A.D. recipients are selected each year, one for each of 4-H Canada’s Leadership Development pillars.

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is expanding its agricultural programming for 2023.

Applications are now being accepted for the new Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management degree.

Students can enter the BSc in Food Industry Management program directly from high school or transfer in from another post-secondary program. 

Classes will begin in September 2023 and will cover food science, agri-food economics, food management practices, and food industry policy.

Students interested in agriculture and furthering their education will want to check out the 2023 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Program.

This year's theme is 'farming and the environment' with applicants encouraged to focus on environmental sustainability within farming and the importance of public perception on modern farming practices. 

Students can submit a three-minute video or 1,000-word essay on the topic.

Scholarships will be awarded to students in Grade 12 and/or recent graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in 2023.