FortSask

The survey deadline for the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's (CAHRC) Labour Market Survey has been extended.

The goal of the survey is to identify labour shortage issues in the agriculture sector.

CAHRC’s Executive Director Jennifer Wright says the Canadian agriculture industry has been experiencing a growing labour shortage that is turning into a labour crisis.

Farm Credit Canada’s Sustainability Incentive Program is once again open to applicants in partnership with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and McCain Foods.

Through the program, eligible cattle producers and potato growers receive incentive payments through the CRSB certification initiative and the McCain Foods potato growers’ framework for increasing the adoption of sustainable practices in their operations.

Incentive payments are calculated on a portion of a customer’s lending through FCC.

Another county has put a fire ban in place.

Sturgeon County has announced that starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday (May 2), no more outdoor fires will be allowed. 

Propane appliances such as barbecues will still be permitted.

Sturgeon isn't the only county to announce a fire ban. On Monday, Lamont County and Strathcona County put bans in place due to the dry, hot weather.

Applications are now open for Rocky Mountain Equipment's Right by You Ag Society Grant. 

Through the program, four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba will each receive $10,000 in funding to go towards eligible projects that enhance the lives of community residents.

RME notes that agricultural societies are an integral part of rural communities and provide opportunities to help strengthen and enhance the lives of those living there.

Fire bans have been put in effect for Strathcona County and Lamont County.

Starting Monday (May 1), no outdoor fires are permitted in either county, including burning barrels, charcoal barbecues, exploding targets, and fireworks. 

The counties announced the bans in response to the dry, hot, and windy weather. The bans will be in place until further notice.

Propane-fueled barbecues are still allowed.

Those caught breaking the fire ban may be fined up to $2,000 in Strathcona County, with a minimum $1,500 charge in Lamont County.

Gordon Lightfoot, the legendary folk musician whose silvery refrains told a tale of Canadian identity that was exported to listeners worldwide, has died at 84.

The singer-songwriter died of natural causes at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto on Monday evening, said Victoria Lord, the musician's longtime publicist and a representative for the family. He had suffered numerous health issues in recent decades.

An update has been given on a fire in Lamont County.

Multiple fire crews were on the scene of a structure fire near Highway 15 and Range Road 182 on Saturday (Apr. 29).

Due to dry conditions, the fire quickly spread.

Jay Zaal, the communications coordinator with the county, said that the fire is now under control and fire crews are patrolling the area for hot spots and flare-ups. 

No injuries were reported and no buildings were damaged other than the initial structure.

There was a huge turnout at the Mayor's Supper in Bruderheim on Saturday (Apr. 29). 

Council members, industry partners, and business owners from Lamont County, Sturgeon County, Strathcona County, and Fort Saskatchewan were at the event, which included a dinner and wine at every table, a special guest speaker, and a variety of entertainment.

CPKC's assistant vice president of sales and marketing - bulk  Elizabeth Hucker says for the last three weeks they've moved an average of 539 thousand metric tonnes of grain per week.

She notes that's well below their weekly target of 683, 850 metric tonnes outlined in the Grain Service Outlook Report.

A teenager from Fort Saskatchewan has been charged after being caught going 146 km/h over the speed limit. 

In mid-April, Fort Saskatchewan RCMP was on Highway 15 near Old Fort Trail when they noticed a black Camaro register a speed of 246 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on their laser gun.

Police said that the driver was also passing other cars on the shoulder of the highway.

Landyn Riley, 19, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Riley is scheduled to appear in court on May 11.