WestCentral

Prairie farmers may have to contend with rust this year, a disease that can significantly impact crop yields.

Dr. Kelly Turkington, a research scientist in plant pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Lacombe, explains that rust spores typically originate from the Pacific Northwest and the Texas-to-Nebraska corridor in the U.S. These spores, which include stripe rust, leaf rust, stem rust, and crown rust in oats, are carried by the wind and usually start appearing in the prairies in June.

Almost no rain has fallen since April 1 in Nipawin and Prince Albert 

Rain has become a rarity in Nipawin, Sask.

In the 30 days of April, Nipawin received one millimetre of precipitation. In the first 27 days of May, the Environment Canada weather station in Nipawin recorded 1.5 mm of rain and snow.

It’s a similar story across the northern agricultural region of Saskatchewan. There’s been almost no rain this spring in Hudson Bay, Carrot River and Prince Albert.

The department says producer engagement, field demonstrations and making data available online are expected of its researchers

Agriculture Canada employs about 380 scientists at its 20 research centres across the country.

Their job?

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This week has seen significant fluctuations in the commodity markets, particularly in wheat and canola prices. Following the U.S. Memorial Day long weekend, wheat prices dropped sharply on Tuesday, falling by $10 to $15 per tonne.

Farmers have been making good progress in the field; so far 88 per cent of the provincial crop in the ground. 

According to Saskatchewan's weekly crop report seeding is most advanced in the southwest at 95 per cent, followed by the west-central region at 94 per cent, the northwest at 93, the northeast at 92, the east central at 81, and the southeast at 80 per cent seeded.

The West Central Saskatchewan Oilmen's Association is hosting over 100 golfers for their annual rodeo weekend golf tournament.

Two groups of golfers will be in action tomorrow, the first group teeing off around 7:00 AM while the second group waits until 10:00. Each group plays nine holes before switching off and then repeat the process in the afternoon. 

Over 100 golfers are registered for the 2-man team scramble event. Everyone who entered had a golf cart provided, and free tickets to the rodeo dance Saturday night after a supper at the rink.

WILKIE, Sask. — Wilkie RCMP responded to a range of incidents between May 20 and 26, including thefts, a vehicle collision, and multiple mental health calls.

Mounties responded to two separate theft complaints. One remains under investigation, while the other was closed due to insufficient evidence. Officers also attended a break-and-enter complaint, which was closed for similar reasons.

A convoy of chrome, camaraderie and community spirit took over the streets of Burstall on May 24 for the annual Poker Rally hosted by Pam and Darryl Fitterer — the final one under the Burstall Fuels name.

The event drew riders from across the region for a full day of motorcycles, road stops, and home-cooked food. Registration opened at 11 a.m. at Burstall Fuels, giving participants time to connect before kick stands were raised at 1 p.m.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has released its third Farmers and Food Price Report.

The report shows that while food prices remain high, the share of the food dollar reaching Saskatchewan farmers continues to decline.

The Kindersley Indoor Rodeo is back on this weekend, actually firing up Thursday night with a full slate of action inside the West Central Events Centre.