Weyburn

The federal government plans to work urgently to remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday.

"The Canadian government is engaging with its Chinese counterparts at the ministerial level and we'll continue those discussions," Carney told reporters after meeting with premiers in Saskatoon.

"They're a top priority for us." 

The commitment came in a statement after the meeting and it says premiers want Canada's trading relationship with China to improve. 

The 116th annual Weyburn Fair Days are only a month away as the Weyburn Agricultural Society gets ready for a week of fun over at the Weyburn Exhibition Grounds. One of the many fan-favourite events that are taking place that week is their Rumble in the Ring. On Thursday, July 3rd, engines will roar as there’s everything from quad pulls, lawnmower races, and their demolition derby. 

Farm groups across the prairies are always looking for producers to take an active role in helping to determine the organization goals.

The nomination period is now open for director positions with the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission (Sask Mustard) and Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat).

Newcomers can get in free to this Wednesday night's Weyburn Beavers game, as it's 'Newcomers Night', sponsored by Nexans Weyburn.

"I've got lots of tickets if anybody wants any," shared Settlement Advisor with Southeast Advocates, Helen Crocombe.

She said anyone new to Canada who wants to attend can pick up tickets at the Southeast Advocates office on Second Street.

Nexans Weyburn will have people on site volunteering to collect items during the game as the Beavers host the Moose Jaw Miller Express, with the first pitch at 7 p.m. at Tom Laing Park.

The federal government is investing $15 million into Protein Industries Canada; the funding is being used to strengthen Canada's agri-food sector.

The new funding will focus on genomics and AI programs by bringing new tools to plant breeders, farmers, ingredient processors, and food manufacturers.

The programs will enable farmers and companies across Canada’s agrifood sector to build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable food system. 

Alberta is working on strengthening its market presence in Southeast Asia.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson is in Southeast Asia to promote Alberta as a reliable supplier of agricultural products.

The overall goal is to strengthen relationships with Vietnam and the Philippines to increase trade and investment opportunities that 
will directly benefit producers and processors by opening new markets for Alberta agriculture and food products.

Wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, with some evacuees now taking refuge in communities across the province, including Weyburn. 

Alberta's latest crop report shows 90 per cent of the provincial crop is now in; that's ahead of the 5-year average of 81 per cent. 

Roy Larsen, the director of Statistics and Data Development for Agriculture and Irrigation says seeding progress in the South is at 97 per cent complete, the North West at 93 per cent, the Central region is at 89 per cent, the North East at 86  per cent, and the Peace at 84 per cent.

Crop progress shows 99 per cent of the dry peas have been planted, while oats lag behind at 74 per cent. 

The Sunrise Early Learning Centre preschool group braved the rain on Friday afternoon, hosting a lemonade stand outside their facility on King Street. 

Renee MacDonald, an early childhood educator at Sunrise, says the idea came from one of their students. 

“The kids have been really into doing lemonade things in in the center and playing lemonade stand in the cafe and stuff, and one of the kids asked if we could do a lemonade stand. We kind of took it from there and they helped us plan and make a poster and make the lemonade.” 

The Family Place is marking a major milestone this week, 30 years of supporting families in the community. 

To celebrate, the organization is hosting a special anniversary event on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 744 McLelland Street. The celebration is a come-and-go event, open to all, with plenty of activities for both kids and adults.