Estevan

Some areas of the prairies have received some rain over the past few days, but the weeks of hot, dry weather have had an impact on crops, hay, and pastureland. 

With the dry conditions across so much of the Prairies, there's been an increased concern about grasshopper infestations.

Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a research scientist in field crop entomology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, says grasshoppers could be shaping up to be an important story again this year.

Farmers across the G7 are confronting unprecedented pressures as the world faces overlapping geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges. Inflation, high interest rates, and continued fallout from recent financial shocks have destabilized farm economies. At the same time, trade disruptions, and fractured supply chains are compounding uncertainty in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the impacts of climate change—more frequent droughts, floods, and extreme weather—are threatening productivity and straining rural infrastructure.

The Energy City Ex brought thousands to the Estevan fairgrounds for a weekend filled with entertainment, community spirit and family fun. From the bustling midway and packed rodeo stands to agricultural exhibits and live music, the event offered something for everyone. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and energy throughout the three-day celebration, calling it a resounding success and a reflection of Estevan’s strong community support.

Two Estevan athletes reached the podium at the Special Olympics Provincial Bocce Championships this past weekend.

The Estevan U13A Bulldogs were busy over the weekend, playing four games against two different opponents.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs hosted the Regina Royals Purge for a doubleheader at home. Estevan came out swinging, taking both games with scores of 10–7 and 12–6. The Bulldogs' pitchers held the Purge to just eight hits across the two games, while Madison Zukewich and Quinn Zahn each launched home runs to power the offence.

The Energy City Ex wrapped up Sunday after a weekend packed with laughter, excitement and record-setting attendance. More than 11,000 people came through the gates over the three-day event, taking in everything from rodeo action and midway thrills to agricultural exhibits and live entertainment.

Exhibition Association President Crystal Ross reflected on the weekend’s success.

“The community just brings me to tears,” she said. “The smiles, the laughter, from the midway to the rodeo contestants to the ag pavilion, it was all just unbelievable.”

This week is Native Prairie Appreciation Week, where environmental groups take the time to recognize the prairie's unique ecosystem and how people can learn more about it. For the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP), the week is an opportunity to talk about how we can keep the prairie ecosystem resilient.

Manager for PCAP, Carolyn Gaudet, talks about the week and why she feels it is important to celebrate the week as it enters its 27th year.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald recently spent Friday and Saturday touring Saskatchewan.

During his visit, he had an opportunity to talk with producers and stakeholders about key agricultural issues and concerns and the potential opportunities that exist within the industry today and in the future.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney gets ready to host U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders at the G7 summit in Alberta, analysts say Canada's most important goal will be to keep the G7 from falling apart — even if that means not issuing a joint statement.

"Keeping this informal international organization together will, I think, be a mark of success," said Sen. Peter Boehm, a former diplomat who played a central role in Canada’s participation in the G7 for decades.

The historic ties and long-standing working relationship between the United Kingdom and Canada are not just reflections of the past, but are very much needed "in the here and now," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday. 

Starmer said the two Commonwealth members think and work alike, having collaborated for years on issues of security, defence, trade and the economy.

Starmer met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Sunday before the two leaders headed for the G7 leaders' summit in Alberta.