Ag News

Canadian farmers can take advantage of a program that can give them a leg up this harvest season through the Canadian Grain Commission's (CGC) annual Harvest Sample Program.

Through that farmers get an unofficial grading from the CGC which they can use to help market their commodities.

Program Manager of Analytical Services Kerri Pleskach talks about the program and how it helps out Canadian producers.

A new resource for farmers and researchers has been launched with the Root Rot Network covering advances in combatting diseases for crops in the prairies.

That includes both resources and research papers featured on rootrot.ca.

Sherrilyn Phelps, Director of Research and Development for the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, talks about the partnership behind the website.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada released their Canadian Drought Monitor Map earlier this month, painting an expected picture of drought conditions throughout Canada, including here in southeast Saskatchewan. 

Parts of southwestern Saskatchewan have returned to drought conditions after a dry summer.

According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada drought map published on August 31, much of the region ranges is listed in moderate or severe drought. With a few spots close to the Montana and Alberta borders in the abnormally dry category.

The severe drought spot runs from Swift Current north to the Rosetown area and west to Kindersley. 

Trevor Hadwen, an agriclimate specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, said much of the province's moisture levels are adequate.

A farm setting in Biggar will soon be established with two new group homes and day programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The pair of five-bedroom homes and 96 acres of land, donated by the town of Biggar, will be operated by Farm in the Dell. The non-profit organization already runs a similar type of operation in Aberdeen.

Tom Miller, a Craik area producer is trying to regroup after a long stressful ordeal and trial on charges of animal neglect that resulted in the Crown staying the charges against him before the closing arguments were heard.

The decision to "stay the charges" means that the trial and verdict have been put on hold, however, the charges are still in play and can be enacted anytime within the next year.

Miller says it's been a long haul, but it showed I was right.

The Saskatchewan Pulse Growers are looking to fill three positions on their Board of Directors. 

Nominations are now being accepted for the three-year term positions. 

SPG sees particular value in candidates with the following characteristics and experience: 

China's Ministry of Commerce has announced plans to launch an anti-dumping case into Canadian canola seed imports.

The action was initiated in response to a Canadian decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.

Canadian Canola Council of Canada ((CCC) CEO and President Chris Davison says China is an important and valued market for Canadian canola.

“We are confident that an investigation into Canada’s canola trade with China will demonstrate alignment with and reinforce our support for rules-based trade.”

This year marks what would have been the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, which started as the Saskatchewan Co-operative Wheat Producers in 1923. 

Farmers joined together with a goal of trying to get a fair price for their wheat by selling directly to importers rather than through the futures market or grain exchange.

Wymark area farmer, Marvin Wiens was a director with the Pool for 20 years and served as president from 2000 to 2004 and admires the drive and determination of the farmers that came together to form the SWP.

SaskCrops sent in their annual submission last week for Finance Canada’s federal pre-budget consultations. 

SaskCrops represents the vast majority of grain and oilseed producers in Saskatchewan through the participating growers' associations - SaskBarley, SaskCanola, SaskFlax, SaskOats, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and Sask Wheat. 

The groups note that research funding remains a key advocacy priority for SaskCrops and want to see significant, predictable, and sustained investment in research from the government.