Meridian Source - March 12, 2020 by Meridian Source

Thursday, March 12, 2020

VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 37

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SEE PAGES 19-38 FOR OUR 2020 AGRICULTURE WEEK FEATURE | CHECK INSIDE FOR YOUR 2020 SHOWCASE GUIDE

Pedal for a Purpose a joy ride GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. A novel Lloydminster educational experience using smart bike trainers could spin itself into an annual event for all Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) schools. That’s the word from Rendell Park Elementary School principal Sheldon Gallagher, as a cycle relay to ride virtually across Canada to raise funds for local Lloydminster charities rolls on. Five other LPSD schools will carry on similar rides until the end of the school year with College Park School next in line, followed by Jack Kemp, Winston Churchill and Barr Colony schools. “It’s a pretty cool project. They are learning about Canada, about the community; they are learning technology, it’s all-encompassing,” said Gallagher on March 9. Gallagher says he is hoping it can expand to all 10 LPSD schools next year given the outstanding reaction from his students, teachers, guest riders and partner charities and sponsors. “It’s kind of a one-of-akind thing. It’s very unique. The other schools, they heard about it and I said ‘does anyone want to challenge us’ and

we had five other schools join in,” he said. The Pedal for a Purpose program is a partnership with Grindin’ Gears Bikes n’ Boards and First General Services in Lloydminster, who are providing the smart trainers and bikes. They can change resistance on hills, flats and downhill using Zwift software to track the distance they ride displayed on TV monitors. “It was all about getting kids on bikes; that’s what I’m all about. I just want to get involved in that,” said Jim Taylor, owner of Grindin Gears, who was thrilled to help out. He found the right hardware and the right bike that’s going to fit the age of the group that is riding at Rendell. “It’s awesome; these kids are loving it,” he said, with a small kids’ bike connected to a Kinetic trainer. Rory Christie, general manager of First General, contributed a high-tech Wahoo Kickr smart trainer. “We really feel strongly about having kids being active and being involved to have a direction for their energy,” said Christie. “I’ve got kids who cycle and I cycle myself, so I’d like to

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Hayden, a Grade 1 student at Rendell Park Elementary School, takes a short ride on a smart trainer in a unique Pedal for a Purpose virtual cycling ride across Canada for Lloydminster charities.

share it with everyone and let everyone have fun.” Shelley Merth, an LPSD educational technology consultant, says the idea is for each kid to ride up to 15 minutes throughout the school day for charity. “Basically, we want kids to ‘Give to Ride’ and ‘Ride to Give’,” said Merth. “We will also track our progress online using Google Earth Tours and students will learn about the geography and culture of the provinces, towns, and cities along our

Trans Canada route.” Merth says LPSD has added a Read Across Canada challenge, whereby authors from each province will be highlighted so students can read along as they ride along. “It’s got the whole package; we have technology, geography, fitness, literacy all built into one program and supporting charity behind it— pedalling for a purpose,” said Merth. She notes Zwift donated two free accounts when they heard about the community-

based program. The Rendell Pedal for a Purpose kids cover about 300 kilometres a day on the smart trainers. “The love it. They can’t wait to get on here,” said Merth, with everything set up in the school foyer. Grade 6 student Connor Frerichs helps to time younger kids while keeping in mind the disabled people who use the Border City Connects wheelchair accessible bus they are raising money for. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Oil producers in market shock GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) presented a “deer in the headlights” industry speech in Lloydminster as oil prices and global stock markets were in free-fall. Chris Montgomery, CAPP’s manager of Western Canadian Outreach, adjusted his talk on the state of the industry to the shock of oil producers seeing oil prices fall more than 30 per cent along with the markets on Monday. That is the biggest drop since the Gulf War in 1991. Montgomery says the drop is due to a steep decline in oil demand due to the coronavirus and a price war that broke out between Russia and Saudi Arabia this past weekend. “Right now, it’s a bit early to know exactly what those impacts

will be locally or in Calgary, but obviously, producers are having to take a second look at their spending plans and what that looks like for the year,” he said. Canadian producers were already reevaluating their capital expenditures for 2020 because of the coronavirus. “You can be sure they are sitting in Calgary today taking in this new reality and trying to figure out how they survive these low prices,” he told Chamber members at a Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre lunch. Cenovus Energy Inc. reported on March 10 it is cutting capital spending by 32 per cent in 2020 due to the recent plunge in

Chris Montgomery, manager of Western Canadian Outreach for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, had to adjust his talk to the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Monday as oil prices went to a free fall. Geoff Lee Meridian Source

world oil prices. Husky Energy, that produces heavy oil in the Lloydminster area, announced in December it would cut capital spending by $500 million over the next two years.

“

You can be sure they are sitting in Calgary today taking in this new reality and trying to figure out how they survive these low prices.

Montgomery says it’s a bit early for any public announcements by Husky, but he expects they will be looking at their spending plans in light of the new economic realities they are facing on the market. “We’re in for another period of uncertainly, but we’re going to have to wait for a little bit to figure out what that looks like,” he said “The market is being hit on both sides of the supply and demand equation.” Montgomery says there was some optimism at the beginning of the year by producers, but new economic realities have hit. He says aside from the current oil supply and demand dilemma, one of CAPP’s main advocacy issues is market access and pipeline capacity. “It continues to be a primary driver of our

advocacy work to make sure those pipelines that are on the books get built so that we can deliver additional product to market,” he said. In Saskatchewan, he says municipal taxes and fees, including those in rural municipalities, are the number-one operating costs for producers. “We have real concerns around transparency, not so much on taxes, but on the fees side. So our members are seeing an increase in fees; it’s not always clear where they are coming from and what the rationale for those fees are,” said Montgomery. He says CAPP doesn’t expect to see a lot of progress on that file before the provincial election, but he hopes changes will come. “We have some concerns about the impacts it has on our members’ ability to continue to produce and operate in those rural municipalities,” said Montgomery. CAPP members represent 80 per cent of Canadian oil and gas production. The top issue for CAPP in Alberta is working with government on the red tape reduction program and advocating regulations that will reduce timelines and the cost of doing business. “There is certainly the political will there to improve the situation the industry is facing,” said Montgomery. Montgomery says CAPP can’t foresee asking for government help in the coming days due to the fallout in the oil market. “We’ll have to see how the markets play out. That’s what companies will be looking at. It’s an overwhelming market situation that we are dealing with in the short term,” he said.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Badges vs badges is back Church Directory

Call our sales team if you would like to advertise your church in our directory

306-825-5111

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Call it a dress rehearsal for a longstanding fun hockey rivalry between the Lloydminster Fire Department and the Lloydminster RCMP. Both teams kicked off the promotional phase of the sixth annual Todd Gustavson “Battle of the Badges” Memorial Hockey Tournament with a floor hockey game at College Park School on March 4. The 6-3 score for Fire was officially deemed “too close to call” in keeping with the spirit of the official charity game, which will take place at the Centennial Civic Centre on March 28. The puck drop will take place at 2:30 p.m. with two charities to share the spoils. “We are raising money for both school divisions,” said assistant fire

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

The flloor hockey action was fast and furious between the Lloydminster RCMP and fire department team at College Park School on March 4 to promote the 6th annual Battle of the Badges fundraising ice hockey game on March 28.

chief Bill Heesing. The fire department is raising money for the Lloydminster Public School Division for the breakfast program and the RCMP is raising money for the Catholic School Division for their Outreach program. “We always like raising money for the local charities, and at the end of the game, that’s what

it’s all about. The winners of the game are the charities that we raise money for.” Heesing says the annual event is great for teamwork amongst all the emergency response agencies. He is quoted in a news release vowing to beat his rivals this year on the ice. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Pedal power promotes healthy education FROM PAGE 1

“Part of the reason why I am supervising is for charity and maybe because everybody’s having fun and they are asking questions,” said Connor. He says when he took a turn on the bike it was

a lot of fun. “Probably the most fun was riding the bigger bike and probably going down a hill was my favourite part,” he said. The Wahoo Kickr can simulate course grade changes for realistic

indoor training. Fans can track progress and some of the celebrity endorsements from LPSD alumni at the https://sites. google.com/lpsd.ca/ lpsd-tech-connect/ pedal-for-a-purpose website.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

City hosting Your Voice Open House MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The City of Lloydminster wants to hear what you have to say about the future of the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre (LCSC). Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the LCSC’s Your Voice Open House, which is being held on March 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the LCSC, 4515 44 Street. During the Feb. 24, meeting of city council, members approved administration’s request to negotiate a 10-year FROM PAGE 4

“Last year, the RCMP got lucky. This year, we’re going to win. So, if the Mounties ever want to see the trophy again, it’ll be on display at the fire hall,” he officially stated. Despite the floor hockey “loss,” Const. Mike Hagel expects his side to win the ice hockey game. “We haven’t lost yet. We’re excited to do it again,” he said. “We’re going to use our big size. A Mountie is just naturally bigger than a firefighter, so

lease rate for a facility that will provide space for the temporary relocation of the LCSC.

Council also directed administration to host a community engage-

ment session about the future of the LCSC, which is what led to the March 19 meeting. “It’s important residents are provided with the opportunity to have an open dialogue with members of council and administration,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “We want to ensure the community understands the steps moving forward.” Feedback collected will be taken into consideration in deciding what steps the City will take next. Based on the var-

ious reports, two options have been presented: either relocate for approximately a 10-year term while considering the construction of building a new facility; or renovate the existing building. “As Council, we have to decide what is the best use of taxpayers money while keeping arts and culture alive in Lloydminster,” said Aalbers. Attendees can provide feedback at the event or by emailing yourvoice@lloydminster.ca.

we will use that to our advantage.” This is the first year the Battle of the Badges kicked off with a floor hockey game, and Hagel says it’s all part of a good cause. “I am very excited that we are here in College Park. It’s very nice of them to allow us to use their facility. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said in advance. Students at both divisional schools will also sell tickets to the arena game with the top-selling class getting a pizza party as an incentive.

Battle of the Badges tickets are $10, children under eight are free. Tickets are also available for purchase online at lloydminster. ca/BOTB, at Fire Station No. 1, the RCMP Detachment and at City Hall. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s all in good sportsmanship,” said Coun. Aaron Buckingham. “For me personally, it’s really great to see members of both our police force and the fire department being out and actively involved in the community.”

Buckingham joked he came to College Park to “make sure that the rivalry stays fun” with no referee duty for him in the school gym. That sounded odd given Heesing suggested his guys might let their elbows fly on their floor hockey opponents. “We will try our best,” he joked. “We hope we get some energy from the kids and hopefully they cheer for their fire department when we start scoring some goals.”

“

It’s important residents are provided with the opportunity to have an open dialogue with members of council and administration.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Machine IQ key to profit data Machine Intelligence is an application of AI that gives machines access to data to learn from data.

“

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Cathy King, director of education with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, helped to put on an artificial intelligence (AI) clinic at the StartUp Lloydminster office for local businesses on March 6. GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. It took a human being to deliver a course on artificial machine intelligence at StartUp Lloydminster. Cathy King, director of education at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, introduced the

basics of machine intelligence to a few business people, engineers and knowledge seekers on March 6. “Machine intelligence is another way to describe artificial intelligence (AI). When you look at the big domain of computer science,

artificial intelligence is a subdomain,” said King. “AI is teaching computers to solve problems like humans would. We use the term machine intelligence because of how we use the computer to solve the problem.”

AI is teaching computers to solve problems like humans would. We use the term machine intelligence because of how we use the computer to solve the problem.

“ So w e u se t hat by having labelled or unlabelled data to work with a human to then solve a business problem,” explained King. King says there are several business applications for machine intelligence, including customer prediction in

terms of what they will buy and action control that a factory could use to cut costs. Another application might be the personalization of the customer

experience through a phone App, for example, to make a purchase and understanding the data points that are collected. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

StartUp Lloydminster talk artificial intelligence FROM PAGE 7

“What I’m looking for is for those applications for my clients for businesses in the region— how they can integrate artificial machine intelligence in their businesses to be more successful long term,” said Johnston. King says it’s her role as an educator to build literacy about machine intelligence across Alberta and to help to “upskill” individuals in Alberta via technical and non-technical programs. “We are finding in Alberta a lot of people are wanting to know more about artificial intelligence and how they can leverage it to improve their business,” she said. “So we’re out here building the literacy, basic technical training and business understanding to start them

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Heather von Stackelberg, an educator with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, helped to deliver a course on machine intelligence at StartUp Lloydminster on March 6.

on that journey.” King says artificial machine intelligence can help businesses become more profitable too. “It can decrease operational costs for sure, s o y o u ’l l h ave a be tter understanding of the need to not have so much inventory and

decreasing your costs in that regard,” said King. She notes being able to better connect at any time or anywhere with your customer can increase your revenue. “You’re going to make more money because you are going to understand them better,” said King.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

St. Joseph students take acting notes from peers

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Students from Holy Rosary High School helped out some of their younger peers at St. Jospeh’s Elementary School with the dramatic arts last week. TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

..................................

To be involved in drama or not to be involved in drama. That was a question being asked as students from Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) made a

dramatic impression on Grade 7 students from St. Joseph Elementary School. Students from the HRHS Drama 10/20/30 class brought their lessons on Victorian Melodrama, French Farce

and stage fighting to life last Friday morning for Ashley Foster’s Grade 7 drama class in an interactive presentation. “My group was focused on stage fighting and there were other groups that did

everything from demonstrations on Victorian Melodrama, where they hold up a sign that says boo or applause, and there’s also a presentation that involves the kids heckling them while they’re giving their presentation,” said Grade 12 HRHS student Brett Rowan. “Our goal is to give them something fun to learn about and try to give them some sort of basic knowledge on the world of theatre, and if they have an interest in theatre, they can learn more about those opportunities at Holy.” Foster explained this was a great opportunity for her students to step outside of their comfort zone and learn from some of HRHS’ seasoned drama vets. “Especially being in Grade 7 at St. Joe’s, the students are very excited to get to Holy Rosary next year, so any ideas, activities, performances, something to get them inter-

ested in going to Holy is great, something like joining a club or a group,” she said. This was the first time HRHS students

put on a workshop such as this after teacher Beatriz Bonilla Sand pitched the idea to Foster, and they’re hoping it won’t be the last.

PAGE 10 Thursday, March 12, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday. All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Sports Editor Jamie Harkins sports@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Leave it to Weaver Will TP be the world’s new currency? EDITOR Taylor Weaver

Marketing Consultant Catherine Kruining catherine@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher Reid Keebaugh Production Manager Amanda Richard Classified advertising admin@meridiansource.ca Newspaper delivery If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

2017

With many unknowns, the coronavirus has caused worldwide hysteria, and the most recent panic-buy for citizens globally, including many right here in the Border City, is toilet paper. If you’re out on the hunt for toilet paper, good luck because most retailers are hard-pressed to spare a square. Grocery stores in Australia have even hired security guards to patrol customers. So why are people stocking up on toilet paper? I’m no psychologist, but I will say this mass panic may have something to do with how the outbreak is being covered in the

media, which can lead to people resorting to extremes when they hear conflicting messages. “On the one hand, (the response is) understandable, but on the other hand it’s excessive,” said Steven Taylor, a professor and clinical psychologist at the University of British Columbia. “We can prepare without panicking. “When people are told something dangerous is coming, but all you need to do is wash your hands, the action doesn’t seem proportionate to the threat,” he said. “Special danger needs special precautions.” There is also a lack of clear direction from officials in regards to mass quarantines, which has people stocking up on anything and everything they can get their hands on. Right here in Lloydminster, the shelves where toilet paper

once sat are bare, hand sanitizer is a scarce commodity, and I’m sure stocks for Cup Noodles are on the rise. There seems to be a great deal of confusion surrounding the current global situation and it’s natural to want to over-prepare, but I don’t think toilet paper is going to be the new lifeblood of society. The general consensus among clinical experts is if you want to be proactive and stock up on items in the event of a quarantine, go for it, but aim for two weeks, not two years. So wash your hands, don’t touch your face (especially your mouth or your nose), and if you have the urge to buy that last remaining four pack of TP at the grocery store, “just in case,” consider leaving it for the next person. He might actually need it.

Letters to the Editor We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

PAGE 11 Thursday, March 12, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Lottery at odds with luck STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

I don’t think a week goes by in the first few months of the year when another spring charity lottery brochure arrives in the mail. If you are like me, your mind instantly fixates on the prospect of getting that surprise phone call announcing you as the grand prize winner of a multi-million dream home.

Once I see a single chance ticket costs $100 or more, I conclude that only the rich or riverboat gamblers actually win these big prizes. But, if you are going to buy a lottery ticket, these hospital or health-related charities are worth an investment starting with the usual $10 ticket for the 50/50 cash draw to $100 or

more for a house. The odds are way better on these home province lotteries that usually sell way less than a million tickets. I don’t mind “losing” $10 to help a good charity though. The fact that I have never won anything in all the years I have bought tickets convinces me the $10 investment is the best deal. If I had $100 to buy a ticket, I would probably have just won a lottery, so why waste all this money.

Too bad the 50/50 draw doesn’t mean 50 per cent odds of winning. However, lottery tickets are all about hope and anyone who buys at least one ticket a week may have more hope than those who don’t. Conversely, those who don’t are likely smarter and richer than the rest of us suckers. My favourite song is “wish upon a star” but someone at lotto central is not listening.

I would have given up a long time ago, but it’s those free play and $10 payouts that convince you the big one is just around the corner—I’m thinking $60 million. The first thing I would do is count it to make sure it’s all there, then I would invest in one of those $100 home lotteries I could never afford. I would still have $59,999,900 to my credit. Who says lotteries are for losers!!

Through the reader’s lens ... Left: Mike from Canmore, submitted to the Meridian Source

Thanks, Mike, for this great photo of some perfect skating weather from Lake Louise.

Bottom: John Van Cleemput, submitted to the Meridian Source Thanks, John, for another great photo displaying some of our local wildlife. If you would like to see your photos in the Meridian Source, please email them to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Parent information for LPSD students regarding STF sanctions Dear Parent(s)/ Guardian(s), The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) and the Saskatchewan Government have been working on a new collective agreement. We wish to share information regarding the recent announcement of labour sanctions that were approved by a vote of teachers in the STF. The STF informed boards of education the March 9 sanctions will be imposed

beginning Thursday, March 12. These sanctions include the following: • Teachers shall report to school and provide professional services no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the school day and not later than 15 minutes after the conclusion of the school day. • Teachers will continue to provide student supervision during recess and during lunch. • Teachers will not provide

any voluntary or extracurricular services. For LPSD, this means • All extra-curricular and voluntary activities are cancelled until further notice, effective March 12. • All buses will run as scheduled and supervision will be provided by nonteaching staff before and after school, as per the existing school schedules. • There will be no changes

to lunch supervision practices at this time. Our teachers will need to respect the instructions of their provincial dederation, just as we respect how the Provincial process must unfold. Despite these sanctions, we value our teachers and look forward to a resolution. Lloydminster Public School Division prides itself on ensuring personal excellence for all students. We hope for your understand-

ing and trust as we navigate through this process. I can assure you that our team will continue to prioritize your children and their education. We will continue to keep you updated as we have more information. If you have questions, we invite you to contact us at our Division office. Thank you, Todd Robinson, Director of Education, LPSD

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

BINGO EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY Bingo is held every Monday and Wednesday at the Moose Lodge, at 5213-57 Street, with a 7 p.m. start. EVERY MONDAY EXCEPT LONG WEEKENDS There will be Square Dancing from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Legacy Centre, 5101 - 46 Street, BACK Door (West door). Singles & Couples: inexpensive FUN & ACTION in a Co-operative, Brain Active, Mildly Aerobic Environment. Your first evening is free. No experience needed. Call Kendall, 306-825-3770, or email Esther, moment101@ hotmail.com for more info. EVERY TUESDAY — VOLLEYBALL Drop in volleyball from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Takes place at the Servus Sports Centre and everyone is welcome, noncompetitive and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and exercise and meet some great people. EVERY TUESDAY — ADAPTED YOGA From 10 – 11 a.m. at the Community Service Centre. For more information please contact Ann-Dee at 780-8710513. EVERY TUESDAY — DIABETES 102 The new schedule for PNRHA Diabetes Education Classes is ready! Everyone starts with Diabetes 101 and then follows up with Diabetes 102 (people on diabetes pills) or Diabetes 103 (people on insulin). All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Please contact Nancy Johnston at 306-820-6096 or H e l e n R o g e r s a t 306-820-6291 to pre-register. EVERY TUESDAY

Passport to YLL

— SENIORS MEET The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meets at the Legacy Centre from noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $10. Please reserve before Tuesday morning at 780-8754584. Everyone welcome. EVERY TUESDAY Join the LABIS Walking Group at the Servus Sports Center Tuesdays 1-2:30pm and Thursdays 4-5pm. FREE of CHARGE EVERY WEDNESDAY — CRAFTERNOON Join Midwest Family Connections at the lower level of Prairie North Plaza and bring your budding artist to explore and create with materials in the craft centre. EVERY SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re on Facebook. PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP Have you or someone you care for been diagnosed with Parkinson Disease? The Parkinson Association of Alberta holds a support group the 4th Tuesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Southridge Church, 5701 41 St. Please feel welcome to join us. For information call Sherry at 780808-5006. CARE PARTNER SUPPORT GROUP Caring for a loved one can be a very rewarding experience, yet at times becomes stressful. If you are a caregiver you are welcome to join this Care-Partner support group. Come gain some knowledge about Self - Care and join a group of individuals who may

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147 have similar experiences. For information call Sherry with the Parkinson Association of Alberta at 780-808-5006. PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA VOICE AND MOVEMENT Monday’s from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come join this free, fun group. Come share and learn from your peers. Stretch your body and voice while having a great time! Free! For information call Sherry at 780-8085006. MARCH 13 – OLD TIME FAMILY DANCE The Legacy Centre is hosting an Old Time Family Dance on March 13 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Lunch will be served and the band is Leon Ochs. Everyone is welcome! MARCH 14 – ROLL OUT THE PIE On March 14, you are invited to roll out the PIE at the Grace United Church Hall, 4708 - 50 Ave. This is an Affirming afternoon starting at 1 p.m. when we’ll get the pies in the oven then listen to family stories about accomplishing full inclusion of all people in our communities. Then everyone will enjoy the fresh pies! We’ll be public, intentional and explicit about our goals for equality and justice. Everyone is welcome! MARCH 15 – MOOSE BREAKFAST There will be a Moose Breakfast on March 15 at the Moose Lodge, 5213 - 57 Street, Lloydminster, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Adults are $8, children 7-12 are $4 and child under 6 are free. Bring a friend to come and enjoy a good breakfast! MARCH 19 – SPADES TOURNAMENT The Legacy Centre is host-

ing a Spades Tournament on March 19. Play begins at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone Welcome! Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584. MARCH 21 – TEXAS HOLD’EM There will be a Texas Hold’em tournament on March 21 at the Maidstone Legion Clubhouse, 102-1081st AVE W. Tickets are $50 and there are only 40 entries. Registration starts at 6 p.m. and the tournament starts at 7 p.m. To register call Royal Canadian Legion Clubroom at 306-893-4048. License # TH19-0022. MARCH 22 – PANCAKE SUPPER & PIE BINGO Pancake Supper & Pie Bingo hosted by the Hillmond 4-H Club, March 22 at the Hillmond Hall. Pancake Supper at 4:30 p.m. Pie Bingo & Cake Auction to follow at 5:30 p.m. Every Bingo wins a pie! Silent Auction items available to bid on. MARCH 26 – CRIB TOURNAMENT The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage Tournament on March 26. Play begins at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone Welcome! Call Legacy office for more info at 780-8754584. MARCH 29 – PANCAKE BREAKFAST The Legacy Centre is hosting a pancake breakfast on March 29 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Cost is $10/person, $5/12 years and unde. Everyone Welcome! Call Legacy office for more info at 780875-4584. APRIL 4 – TEA AND BAKE SALE The Lloydminster Girl Guides are hosting their 80th

annual Strawberry Tea & Bake Sale & Drive Threw Cookie Sale and 80th Anniversary Memorabilia Table on April 4 from 2 - 4 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, 4709 - 49 Ave. Cost is $4 per adult or child. Tickets are available from Guiding memebrs and at the door. APRIL 4 –EASTER BAKE SALE & LUNCH From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Come get your Pierogies, Paskas & Babkas, 5120 - 54A Street, Lloydminster. APRIL 18 – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST Lloydminster Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, presented by Spectrum Restoration DKI, on April 18 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre, 4706 54 St, Lloydminster, Sask. Deadline to RSVP is April 10 and there is no cost to attend with an RSVP. Nonprofit organizations are asked to contact fcss@lloydminster.ca or call 780-875-6184 Ext. 2919 with their number of attendees. Limited seats available. APRIL 25 – TRANSPLANT TROT Please save the date! The Lloydminster branch of the Canadian Transplant Association is hosting TRANSPLANT TROT 2020 on April 25, to coincide with National Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness Week. The event will take place on the indoor track at Servus Sports Center from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Registration is now open on the Running Room website (https:// www.events.runningroom. com/site/?raceId=16694) See you there!

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Lloyd kid lit author shortlisted

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. It may be time to close the book on fictional teen detectives Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Lloydminster author, Michael James, has published his first children’s book with fresh-faced characters Hanna and Ben Littleton from Lloydminster as modern-day amateur sleuths. The Haunting of Room 909, the first Junior Paranormal Investigators adventure in a series, is nominated for this year’s Saskatchewan Book Awards (SBA) for children’s literature. “It came as a bit of a surprise with so many great children’s books being released in the province this year, but it’s nice to be recognized and it was an honour just to be shortlisted,” said James. The winners in 13 categories will be

announced at the 27th annual SBA ceremonies at the Connexus Arts Centre in Regina on April 25. James was previously shortlisted in the best first novel category at the 2017 SBA. He says he attended those awards by himself, but this time around he’ll have family members by his side. James is originally from Saskatoon and has lived in Lloydminster for about seven years as an oil and gas industry consultant. “It’s a fantastic city and I’ve met a lot of great people who call Lloydminster home,” he said, noting writing is a hobby. “I’ve written three novels so far, but this Junior Paranormal Investigators book is my first children’s book,” he said. “The Haunting of Room 909 was published by Hollow Hills Publishing out of North Carolina and

they’ve been great to work with through the whole process.” James is set to release two more books in the adventure series and one of them includes a few plot settings in the Lloydminster area. He says the series is similar in style to the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, but with the Littleton kids as pre-teen characters from Lloydminster who set out to solve or investigate paranormal mysteries. They often find themselves in dangerous situations along the way, while solving the case before their famous paranormal investigator dad. James notes the two main characters are based on his own two kids who were both preteens when he wrote the book. “They offered various suggestions on how someone their age might think or react to a situation and what paranormal topics were of interest to their age group,” he said. James says he gets his inspiration to write the series for children from books he liked as a kid. “Growing up, I read a lot of middle-grade horror novels like the Goosebumps series and anything else that had paranormal or supernatural elements to the story,” he said. He says he liked other scary reads including Fear Street as a kid and horror-occult books by Stephen King and Dean Koontz when he was a

little bit older. “I knew for a while I wanted to create my own horror series for kids who enjoy those types of stories as much as I did back then,” he said. James says he finds the stories enjoyable to research, write, and eventually share with young readers. He says the first book, The Haunting of Room 909 for children, came together fairly quickly as it was just fun to write. James says he has given all of his copies to the McNally Robinson book store in Saskatoon, but he’s open to the idea of a book reading in Lloydminster. “I believe there will be shortlist readings taking place in Saskatoon and Regina as well,” he said following the SBA. He will head to Regina not counting on an award. “There was a lot of great children’s books released this year, so

it’s an honour just to be

shortlisted,” said James.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Sask funds Coronavirus vaccine research MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Innovation Saskatchewan is providing researchers at the University of Saskatchewan with $200,000 to help find a vaccine for COVID-19. The university’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease OrganizationInternational Vaccine Centre is at the forefront of a global search, having previously worked on vaccines for SARS and the Zika virus. The Saskatoon lab is one of the few research facilities with regulatory approval to work on the new virus. “Saskatchewan’s infectious disease researchers are among the best in the world and our government is proud to support their efforts in the development of a vac-

cine to protect against COVID-19,” said Minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina Beaudry-Mellor. USask researchers are evaluating the safety and efficiency of potential vaccines and medications to reduce the ability of the virus to multiply. Both are key requirements for regulatory approval of new medicines. The team hopes to know within weeks whether an effective vaccine has been developed. If animal trials prove successful, clinical testing involving humans would take place as soon as possible. “The Saskatchewan government is committed to providing innovators with the support to achieve results that

File Photo impact people in our province and around the world,” BeaudryMellor said. Collaborating with the World Health Organization and researchers in several countries,

the Saskatoon team received a significant grant earlier this month from Canadian federal funding agencies - part of a $26.7-million rapid research initiative to contain the coronavirus

outbreak. “Support for this research is increasingly important as the disease continues to spread,” Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-Interna-

tional Vaccine Centre director and chief executive officer Dr. Volker Gerdts said. “This support will help in our worldwide efforts to develop a solution for this disease.”

ASK THE EXPERTS

Are you an expert in your field? Want to share your expertise while promoting your business? Give us a call to advertise in our monthly feature section

“Ask the Experts”

306.825.5111

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Live long and prosper PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

Lately, with so much information in the media on staying healthy and living a full, vigorous life, I started thinking of the folks I know who’ve done just that. Perhaps you’d like to hear their tips for enjoying a long, healthy life. The first is Nan Lampitt, mother of a dear childhood friend. I’ve spent many a wonderful hour around her kitchen table sipping tea. Only at the age of 92 did she reluctantly leave the farm near Marshall where she grew up to live with her daughter in Kelowna, B.C. She’ll be 97-years-old this March. “Only the good die young,” she laughingly quipped before saying how important it was to keep active and avoid anxiety. “Keep busy,” she insisted, “I’ve always had something to do! And I’m now telling everyone to not worry. Worry is so bad for you and there’s usually nothing you can do about it anyway.” Then, stroking one of her beloved cats she added, “And having pets is really important. Every old folk’s home should have a cat or a dog, or both.” Considering I’ve always waded through

flocks of furry cats and dogs when visiting her home, I’d expect nothing less. Next is Maurice Anderson of Ardrossan, Alta., who turns 90 this March. He’s lived a life of service to others, working as a psychiatric nurse. A more compassionate, genuine, loving man would be hard to find and I’m honoured to call him family. He attributes his long life to good genes inherited from his Scottish ancestors who instilled in him a strong faith in God. He believes this is key. “Also, the pace of living when we were young was so much slower,” he and wife of 70 years, Shirley said. “We didn’t rush about like people do now; there was less stress and tension. We worked hard, but took time to rest and enjoy life with family and neighbours.” Terence Bexson, from Marshall, Sask., himself attaining the grand age of 90, also has something to contribute. He’s a renowned horseman in this area and beyond. He’s certain we need to keep not only our body active, but our brain as well. Terence is a living testament to this truth as he still raises Percheron

File Photo horses; keeping a stallion and 11 mares, five of which will foal this spring, and has likely forgotten more about horses than most of us will ever know. “If you let your mind stop working and just say to yourself, well, I don’t remember that, and let it go— pretty soon your mind ain’t gonna work at all. You’ve got to MAKE it work or you’ll lose it.” Wise words indeed. Finally, we arrive at my dad, Les Row from Marshall. He has confidence that eating nutritious food is vital to good health, and has stayed in fine physical shape by working hard on the farm. Starting each day with lemon water and a brimming bowl of oatmeal, he finishes up with wholesome fare like good, home-

grown Charolais beef (SUPRISE) and fresh vegetables. On the day of dad’s recent 90th birthday celebration, he came in from feeding livestock, as usual, changed clothes, donned his cowboy hat and boots, and declared himself to be, “Feeling fine as frog’s hair Helen. Let’s go!” Much can be learned from those who have lived full, rewarding lives and continue to do so past 90 years of age. Let’s check in with them in another 10, shall we?

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Transplant hosts to celebrate life

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Registration is open

for the 5th annual Transplant Trot. The 5-kilometre walk

or run will take place on the fitness track at the Servus Sports Centre on April 25 to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. It’s organized by the Canadian Transplant Association (CTA) with similar events going on across the country. The Lloyd program includes an honorary lap with red bandanas identifying transplant donors, green for recipients and blue for living and deceased donor families. Leading the way will be the extended host family of Leanne and Larry Sauer from Lloydminster as organ donors and recipients. “They’ve been with us sort of from the beginning,” said Donna Krilow-Lorenz, the Lloydminster regional CTA coordinator. Krilow-Lorenz says the Sauers have always been big supporters of all of the events in Lloydminster. “It was really nice to honour that as a living donor and a recipient,” she said. Leanne’s history as a donor dates back to 2001 when her sister Elaine Pelletier needed a kidney transplant and asked her and their two brothers Gerry and Doug if they’d be willing to donate. They all did and it

turned out Gerry was the best match, but some health issues prevented him from donating, so Leanne, being the second-best match, stepped up. “My sister couldn’t go through the day without having a couple of hours of rest,” said Leanne. “The ones that are on dialysis are really tired having to go through that procedure three or four times a week, so it really affects their lifestyle.” She says her sister has been very active for the past 19 years. Larry says being a recipient of a cornea in 2006 has made him more aware of how important that transplant is to people and how it can save lives or improve your health. He says the trot is a very emotional event and a very important one, especially for those who received an organ including, Krilow-Lorenz, who received a kidney. “It’s pretty special. In my case, it helped for my eyesight, but in a lot of cases like Leanne’s sister and Donna Krilow-Lorenz, it saved their lives,” said Larry. Elaine and her husband George will walk with the Sauers, who urge others to register to become donors and talk to your family and loved ones about your intentions. “If it comes to that, i t ’s g o i n g t o b e y o u r family that makes the ultimate decision,” said Leanne. There are about

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Larry Sauer (green recipient bandana), pictured beside his wife Leanne (red donor bandana), as the lead runners on the outer lane of the track at the Servus Sports Centre for the start of the 2016 Transplant Trot, will be the host family for the 2020 trot on (Saturday) April 25.

4,500 Canadians awaiting a lifesaving-organ transplant. Saskatchewan donors have a red dot applied to their provincial health card and sign the back of it to provide consent. Albertans can go to an online registry through Alberta Health Services or visit a Registry Agent office to register, or sign the back of their personal health cards. Registration information will be available at the trot, with up to 160 people expected to attend thanks to a decision by the Lloyd CTA to move the event from January to April. “We did have the weather to deal with the last couple of years,” said Krilow-Lorenz, who noted there is much more focus on organ and tissue donations in April, starting with Green Shirt Day on April 7. That marks the day Logan Boulet, a hockey player on the Humboldt Broncos, became

an organ donor after the bus crash in 2018 that took his and 15 other lives. The entire week of April 19-25 leading up to the trot is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. The trot is billed as an opportunity to celebrate life and helps spread the word that organ donation works. The track will be open at 8:30 a.m. with the program rolling out at 9:30 a.m. Participants can register at the Running Room website. It’s just $25 for adults, $10 youth 11 to 17 and kids 10 and under free. “We’re just in the final planning stages and people can start registering and we hope it will be another successful event,” said Krilow-Lorenz. “We’ve got lots of corporate sponsorship and lots of volunteers stepping forward. There is no reason it’s not to be a 100 per cent event again.”

Thursday, March 12, 2020

LGCC continues improvements MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Following the analysis of a survey in late 2019, it’s evident the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre (LGCC) is moving in the right direction.

“

We’re looking forward to a great season and welcome everyone to join us on the course this spring.

“The feedback received will help shape the facility in years to come,” said Joel Turcotte, director of recreation and cultural services, adding the City is pleased with the quality of responses received. Feedback received includes: • Positive response regarding customer service and quality of staff - 93 per cent of

File Photo respondents said they are p le ase d w ith th e customer service and quality of staff • The introduction of free golf for those seven and under was well received - Introduced in 2019 to enhance golf accessibility for families while growing the game amongst youth. - Capital investments and improvements to the course are appreciated

- In the past three years, the City of Lloydminster has invested $1.5 million into the facility and course. Notably, Phase 1 of the main line irrigation system was replaced in 2019, along with the purchase of 15 new, replacement golf carts for the 2020 season. - The facility’s website is outdated and at times, difficult to use. - A new website will be launched in April

2020 to mitigate several challenges users are facing when accessing lgcc.ca. “We’re looking forward to a great season and welcome everyone to join us on the course this spring,” said Turcotte, adding LGCC will host the golf events during the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games. The survey was open from Sept. 19 to Oct. 11, 2019, and received 168 responses.

Musical theatre starts now in Border City MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The students of Lakeland College’s Musical Theatre program are set to perform Mary Poppins Jr. on stage. The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s musical will hold a full dress rehearsal for schools only at Vic Juba Community Theatre from noon to 1 p.m. today and March 13 at 1 p.m. Public performances will be held on March

13 at 7 p.m. and March 14 and 15 at 1 p.m. Approximately 90 students have been rehearsing for the production since September and are excited to bring everyone’s favourite nanny and family story to life on the Vic Juba stage. As part of their preparation, the students participated in workshops at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton to obtain dialect training for these special

characters. Along with the students, numerous parents and volunteers have spent hours creating the costumes and set design for this production. The play is directed by Kathryn Edwards, who has directed Lakeland College’s Musical Theat re program f or the past eight years. This is the 10th musical production she has undertaken. The show is suitable for audi-

ences of all ages.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Spring weight restrictions on secondary highways MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

As the weather warms and the daylight-hours increase, truckers and shippers are being reminded to begin reducing truck loads on some provincial highways. During this time of year, secondary highways revert back to regulation weights, which will prevent damage to

these roads. “Weight restrictions are put in place at various times of the year on provincial highways as a measure to prevent damage to the surface or road bed,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “As the weather warms up, some roads in the province can become vulnerable

to soft spots and surface cracks as the frost comes out of the roadbed.” During the cold, dark, winter months of December, January and February, the road bed freezes and becomes stronger which supports heavier truck loads. Due to mild temperatures in the forecast, winter weights are being removed. Effective Monday, March 9 at 12:01 a.m., existing winter weights are removed across southern Saskatchewan and revert back to normal regulation weight. Typically, winter weights are removed province-wide on March 15 weather permitting. Spring Road Bans Spring road restrictions are used by the province and rural municipalities to mitigate damage to infrastructure.

Typically, these road restrictions start in March in southwest Saskatchewan and remain over a two to three-week period. “Preserving Saskatchewan’s road network is vital for transporting goods to market,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said. “By reducing weights during the spring, we can reduce maintenance costs and ensure our roadways remain intact.” The road bans reduce allowable weights on RM roads and secondary weight provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent and typically last about six weeks. Nine-Month Primary Weights Originally, the ninemonth primary highways are designed and constructed to carry only lower secondary weight loads. Weights are reverted

File Photo back to the design loads (secondary weight) during spring to reduce damage from the spring-thaw. As a large province with considerable difference in climate in the north and the south, there are different dates for when the primary weights are in effect. In the north of the province, the annual weight increase on the nine-month primary highways are from July 1 to March 31 of the following year. In the south of the province, the annual

weight increase on the nine-month primary highways will occur earlier, from June 15 to March 15 of the following year. This change will help to sustain road conditions in the south, where spring thaw occurs earlier. To check which highways are impacted by weight restrictions, please visit truck weight classifications and restrictions at www.saskatchewan.ca/trucking. Spring road bans will be posted as necessary under the “New Spring Order” link.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Province proclaims Agriculture Literacy Month

Videre Images By Jason Whiting MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Earlier this month,

the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed March as Agri-

culture Literacy Month in Saskatchewan. Agriculture Literacy

Month brings producers and industry professionals to the class-

room to give students the opportunity to learn where the food on their plate comes from.

“

Our food has a story and Agriculture Literacy Month allows students to hear that story first hand from producers.

“Our food has a story and Agriculture Literacy Month allows students to hear that story first hand from producers,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit. “It is important that our children and grandchildren receive accurate information about the work done by our agriculture industry straight from the

experts.” This year’s theme is technology, which will teach students about development, uses and the importance of innovation on modern farms and ranches. “Agriculture has always been, and continues to be, a significant part of the province,” said Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant. “Our government supports classroom opportunities for Saskatchewan students to learn about agriculture and its contribution to our province.” “There are so many myths and misconceptions about food and agriculture today, it is difficult for people to know what to believe,” said agriculture in the classroom executive director Sara Shymko.

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Pick your sprayer by colour ers this year could boil down to paint colour with the display sprayers loaded with comparable features to apply herbicides and pesticides to crops for the best possible yield. Most sprayers come with basic components including an agitator, control valves, gauges, hoses and a pump, strainer and tank with

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Dustin Weinkauf, right, product specialist for Agland ran a demo of the ExactApply technology built into the John Deere R4060 sprayer (in the background) parked in the Innovation Zone at Agri-Visions at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds Feb. 12-13. GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. It was a sprayer showdown in the Innovation Zone during this year’s Agri-Visions at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. Visitors could kick the tires of sprayers made by John Deere, Case, Agrifac, and New Holland with techni-

cal demos by respective dealer reps from Agland, Redhead Equipment, Tingley’s Harvest Centre, and Novlan Bros. “Every year we try to bring in the latest in innovation for our farmers and ranchers that are out there so that’s an important component of

the show,” said Jackie Tomayer, marketing manager Lloyd Exh. “They get to showcase what’s new in the spring. They can compare machines against ot her machines and we have all the area reps there giving their specs and that sort of thing.” The choice for buy-

specific technology to allow a farmer to cover his crops with an efficient spray pattern using a boom. John Deere R4060 “The big thing with sprayers today is obviously the technology, so the guidance systems and then the individual nozzle control, so we’re taking

a 120 ft. sprayer and breaking it down into 20-inch sections,” said Dustin Weinkauf, product specialist at Agland. Weinkauf was speaking about the new John Deere R4060 sprayer that has a 1,600-gallon solution tank with a 120 or 132 ft. booms. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Are you ready for the field this year? tain the same rate across the boom is key in getting the proper application and helping the resistance,” said Weinkauf.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

MIke Klassen, a territory manager for Reesink Canada, an importer of the Agrifac Condor Endurance II sprayer, was set to make his technical presentation in the Innovation Zone at Agri-Visions. FROM PAGE 21

“With that, we can spray more acres with less fills and less passes across the field and overall be more efficient,” he said. The key to the task is the pulse width mod-

ulation or PWM that sprayers come with. With the R4060, the PWM allows the operator to set the spray pressure and rate and maintain that same droplet and rate through an array of

speed ranges. “It just gives you a better opportunity to spray in varying conditions,” said Weinkauf especially with turn compensation on the R4060. He explains while

going around corners or sloughs, the flow on the inside of the boom will slow right down to match the speed of that, while on the outside, the flow will speed up. “Having that turn compensation to main-

Agrifac Condor Endurance II Mike Klassen, territorial sales manager for Reesink Canada that imports the Agrifac sprayers from Holland was stoked to showcase the Condor Endurance II for Tingley’s at AgriVisions. “It’s a great opportunity to get in front of some people and share what we got that we do a little differently from the rest of the world with sprayers,” said Klassen. He says one of the features unique to the Endurance is its proprietary StabiloPlus chassis. “It’s a very unique dog walking chassis design that creates a lot of boom stability and machine stability,”

he said. The sprayer also has its own auto boom system with a very unique way of managing boom height and control and a StrictSpray PWM spray system that controls individual nozzle sections. Klassen says boom height and boom stability are very important on sprayers. “There’s a lot of dollars going through these machines in chemicals, and to get the best use out of those chemicals, that’s what we want. We want an accurate boom height and stable boom,” he said. New Holland SP410F Novlan Bros. rolled in a New Holland SP410F sprayer with Grant Milne, crop production specialist for Alberta and Saskatchewan ready to talk about it in the Innovation Zone. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Get to know the bells and whistles as you buy FROM PAGE 22

“I think it’s a great opportunity for New Holland and for the local dealers here to be able to do that,” said Milne. “We don’t often get an opportunity to have an audience that’s entirely focused on the product—this gives us that true focal point.” The eye focal point of any New Holland sprayer is its signature front boom. “We only build front boom sprayers, which gives us some comfort in that the customer can always see the boom in front of them when they are closing or starting out a field— and obstacles like fence lines,” said Milne. He says it’s also more comfortable to operate because you are not always looking behind yourself to find where your boom is. New Holland has its own PWM system

called IntelliSpray for application control. “What the computer system does, is it maintains your pressure, rate and speed. As you’re speeding up and down, it will maintain that rate by adjusting the pressure internally,” explained Milne. Another cool feature is an auto fold boom control. A one-button touch and release and the boom will fold up or fully extend in about 35 seconds. The SP410F comes in boom widths of 90-135 ft. with the capacity of a solution of 1,200 to 1,600 gallons. Milne thinks a sprayer is the most important piece of equipment on the farm because after you have seeded your crop, the only protection you have is by applying herbicides or pesticides. Case Patriot 4440 Curtis Vogelsang, product support spe-

cialist for Redhead, says farmers might want a sprayer like the Case Patriot 4440 he spoke about, to get the job done well. “With the Case spr ay er , t he way t he boom is attached to the sprayer has always been the biggest selling point. We have a nice stable boom, so it’s not hitting your crop on your turns,” said Vogelsang. He says another feature that attracted a lot of attention during his presentation in the Innovation Zone was, Aim Command that runs the PWM technology. “Now we are on the third generation of that, down to individual nozzle control with the PWM,” he said, noting most farmers aren’t professional spray operators. He says by using the Patriot PWM, the farmer can slow down for that outside edge, get that same rate, same

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

A potential customer of this Case 4440 sprayer reaches for the boom while Curtis Vogelsang, a product support specialist with RedHead Equipment, right, answers questions.

pressure, the same kill (spray) job that they can get as the professionals do at 15 mph. Vogelsang says Redhead is at Agri-Visions every year since a lot of their customers come to the forum to see what they have to show them —with foot traffic strong on the opening morning of Feb. 12.

“The show has been a lot busier than it has in past years. This morning, we had more customers than we had in previous years already and we are only halfway through the first day,” he said, noting it could have something to do with the importance of sprayers. “It’s usually the first

thing that’s out in the field and it’s always the last thing in,” said Vogelsang. He says a farmer will probably go over the field four or five times in a season with the sprayer. As for maintenance, he said, “Your grease gun is your best friend.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

How wetlands impact water quality, support ag

Photo courtesy of Ducks Unlimited Canada DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA

..................................

For more than a decade, researcher Pascal Badiou’s exper-

tise in water – and more specifically, what’s in the water – has been nurtured on the rich landscape of

the Prairies. “Like kids and puddles – I have an unbreakable attraction to aquatic ecosys-

tems,” says Badiou, a research scientist with DUC’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research. But it’s his recent work in Alberta’s parkland region that is providing some important food for thought for farmers, especially those who are considering draining their wetlands. “Canadian Prairie wetlands are the single most understudied aquatic ecosystem in the world,” he said. “Our previous work in Saskatchewan and Manitoba has shown that wetlands are great at dealing with contaminants. The Alberta-based project supported these findings and helped to quantify just how important these ecosystems are for regulating water quality and quantity.” During the last three years, Badiou and his team focused on the

Camrose Creek Watershed and the Battle River Watershed, an area of land covering 30,000 square kilometres in east-central Alberta.

“

Our previous work in Saskatchewan and Manitoba has shown that wetlands are great at dealing with contaminants.

While the first two years of the Camrose Creek project had some challenges with minimal snowpack resulting in little water running off the land, the third year, with more significant snowpack, gave the team their best opportunity to monitor water headed downstream. The results were telling. Key findings of the

Alberta-based research project included: • Wetland loss in the Camrose Creek watershed has greatly expanded the contributing area of the watershed. This means that more water from a larger surrounding area is coming into the watershed. • While wetland loss in the Camrose Creek watershed is moderate as compared to other prairie watersheds, it is approaching a critical threshold. Continued losses will impact the watershed’s ability to handle extreme precipitation and will contribute to nutrient loading in downstream rivers and lakes. • Existing wetlands in the Camrose Creek watershed provide $1.8 million in social benefits, including $1.2 million in flood benefits. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Carbon costing review confirms huge loss to farm income bills in 2019.” APAS’s costing review takes into consideration all major farm expenses not currently exempt from the carbon tax. These include grain drying, rail transportation,

heating and electricity, and truck hauling of crops off the farm. The evidence is stark: on average, Saskatchewan farmers can expect t o l ose 8 p e r ce nt of their total net income in

2020 to the carbon tax. For a household managing a 5,000-acre grain farm in Saskatchewan, this will take the form of a $8,00010,000 bill. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

20032DD0

File Photo AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF SASKATCHEWAN

..................................

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has released updated estimates on the finanFROM PAGE 24

• Prairie wetlands like those in Camrose Creek watershed are important regulators of water quality and water quantity. • When wetlands are lost, the watershed’s ability to hold heavy amounts of precipitation is reduced. This contributes to flooding and increases the volume of harmful nutrients, including phosphorus, that flow downstream via runoff. What’s in the Water There are considerable water quality issues across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba that adversely affect farmers, residents and water users down-

cial impacts of the federal carbon tax on Saskatchewan producers. “Federal Minister of Agriculture MarieClaude Bibeau has asked the agriculture industry for evidence

of what the carbon tax is costing Canadian f armers,” say s APAS president Todd Lewis, who farms near Gray, SK. “We’ve responded with estimates that are backed up by producer

stream. Wetlands provide a natural solution. “Pollutants contained in run-off are broken down, consumed and stored within wetland vegetation and sediment, sending cleaner water downstream. Wetlands in cropland generally have high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and pesticides, relative to wetlands in grasslands and pastures,” said Badiou. “This demonstrates the importance of keeping wetlands on the landscape, in terms of mitigating pollution from cropland.” As contaminant levels increase, communities can experience other water quality concerns, too. “We know that

wetland drainage increases the amount of nutrients sent downstream. That has the potential to cause other water quality issues. Think of the algae blooms we see in Pigeon Lake, Lake Winnipeg, and Lake Diefenbaker,” said Badiou. “ It ’s happening all across the Prairies.” Linking the Science By researching watersheds, Badiou and his DUC team can better demonstrate what happens when people make changes to the Prairie’s natural systems, such as draining wetlands. It’s important information that all farmers in Alberta need to think about.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Planning for risk on the family farm MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Risks are a given for any farming operation, many of which are beyond a farmer’s control. These include weather conditions, political changes and market pricing. But that doesn’t mean operations should be left to the mercy of the elements when it comes

to risk management. In a capital-intensive industry like farming, losses in a given year are not only a blow to the immediate bottom line, they can also hamper a producer’s ability to invest in the new technologies or skills that will be needed for their future security. That’s why it’s important to prepare for them.

“While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risks, farmers can mitigate the negative effects with proactive risk planning,” explained Ryan Riese, national director, agriculture at RBC. “This begins with a hard look at the worstcase scenarios that could impact your business and reflecting on potential effects

from a financial, operational and reputational perspective.” He shares the following insights on what producers can do to manage risks and minimize the negative impact: Make risk-planning part of your business strategy Proactively doing this as part of your regular business planning rather than waiting until you need it will ensure that you’re better prepared to quickly act and weather a crisis. The more you understand the types of risk you are exposed to, the more likely your decisions will be based on facts and analysis rather than emotion or instinct. Follow systematic assessment and analysis processes in order to arrive at a proper riskmanagement strategy. CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

FROM PAGE 25

In less than two years, when the carbon tax increases to $50/tonne in 2022, this bill will go up to $ 13,0 0 0 - 17 ,0 0 0 f o r the same household – the equivalent of a 12 per cent decrease in net income. “It’s comparable to having 12 per cent of your pay cheque disappear,” says Lewis. “Farmers don’t set our prices, so those increased costs are coming directly off our bottom line.” “APAS’s numbers reflect my personal experience down to the penny,” says APAS Vice-President Bill Prybylski, who operates a grain, oilseed, pulse and cattle farm with his son, brother, and nephews near Willowbrook, Sask. “This past year was unprecedented in terms of the role grain drying played for farmers in our province. Without using propane to dry

our grain, the wet fall would have meant losing a huge portion of our crop.” Rail transportation is another huge and unavoidable taxable expense incurred by farmers. “Trucking my crop to the grain elevator, and then shipping it by rail to the coast is one of my biggest annual expenses,” says APAS Vice-President Ian Boxall, who farms at his century farm near Tisdale, Sask. “Transporting crops is a necessary farm expense, but for some reason it’s not exempt from the carbon tax.” APAS is advocating, on behalf of Saskatchewan farmers, for a carbon tax exemption on all farm expenses, including those from 2019. “Our hope is that this is the evidence the Minister is looking for,” says Lewis, “and that the Federal Government will step in to help farmers.”

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

This March, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is encouraging all Canadians to celebrate Safe & Strong Farms.

“

We recognize that this past year was a difficult one for many farmers.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual public campaign focusing on the importance of safe agriculture. Safe & Strong Farms: Grow an AgSafe Canada is the second year of a three-year campaign celebrating farm safety across Canada. The aim of the campaign is to empower

farmers, farm families and farming communities to build (2019), grow (2020), and lead (2021) the agricultural industry in safety and sustainability. In 2020 organizers are focusing on supporting farmers, farm families and farming communities through resources, safety advice articles, an AgSafe Ribbon campaign and more. “We recognize that this past year was a difficult one for many farmers,” says Marcel Hacault, CASA’s executive director. “That’s why we’ve focused resources on supporting wellness, resilience and safety on the farm.” CASW 2020 also marks the fourth year of the AgSafe Ribbon campaign. The AgSafe Ribbon campaign celebrates Safe & Strong Farms and raises awareness

File Photo about the importance of farm safety. Farm Credit Canada is the presenting sponsor of CASW and longtime supporter of other farm safety programs, including the Back to Ag Program that supports the cost of adaptive

technology for farmers that have experienced a traumatic injury. “At FCC, we understand that people are the most precious asset in any operation and promoting safety to prevent accidents is the best investment we

can make in supporting farm operators and their families,” said Sophie Perreault, executive vice-president and chief operating officer at FCC. “We also know that accidents happen, so the Back to Ag Program

is another way FCC can help injured farmers fulfill their dreams and return to the important work they’re doing as soon as possible.” For more details on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week visit agsafetyweek.ca.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Wild Child sprouts from garden GREEN FILE MARK & BEN CULLEN

Where did you first connect with nature? For most of us, a relationship with the natural world happens during childhood. For Mark, it was a garden toad who (we s p e a k of h i m l i k e h e was a person) hopped into the window well of his childhood home, right under the kitchen. Mr. Toad would bury himself in the sand with his head exposed, waiting for insects to fly by to their unfortunate fate. Mark would wait until the toad flipped out his tongue to catch a fly. He didn’t know why the toad caught a fly, we guess the fly died (sorry, we couldn’t resist). Hunkered down with Toad he connected with

this pet in a unique way. Mark even asked his dad to call him by the same name, “Toad”. And he did. Yo u c o uld say th at the rest is history and you would be right. The fact is, seemingly small experiences like this set us on a trajectory. This path can change a life. A fascination with small garden critters developed into a fullblown interest in the garden realm. When a youngster is taken to the park to play catch or to a playing field for a formal game of soccer, we cannot assume that they will only learn a few things about tossing a ball or playing a team sport. When Ben experimented with organized soccer and joined the

local team, he spent his first season picking daisies, literally. Dandelions and clover too. He was only seven years old and his parents were not expecting the next Beckham to emerge. This was ok. In his miraculous second year (miraculous because there was a second year) he received the award for the most improved player, the result of kicking the ball and an inspired coach. Last year, the venerable Kew Gardens in London, U.K. opened a long-awaited children’s garden. It is a masterpiece that will no doubt inspire many children to connect with nature. Much talent, time and money has been invested. Here in Canada, Adam Bienenstock of Bienenst ock Nat u r al Playgrounds is creating a special installation at this year’s edition of

Photo courtesy of Mark Cullen Canada Blooms. The Bienenstock approach to family fun is rooted in fallen trees, mu sical inst rument s made of wood, clean

sand, tree swings and naturally soft surfaces. Adam combines the old-fashioned play space of a century ago, when we didn’t have the

modern materials that we do now, with current concepts of play and standards of safety. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Taking a walk on the wild side

FROM PAGE 29

The result is a fun, secure place for kids to explore, learn and connect with nature. During a recent trip to Maine, Mark visited the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden where a sophisticated approach to natural playgrounds is combined with an introduction to the world of plants.

Children can explore the scented garden and learn how many common scents and tastes are found out of doors. Mint, peppermint and licorice for example. Another corner of the children’s garden engages touch through a tactile experience. Soft leaved Lambs Ears (stachys) is the perfect touchable plant:

give the leaf a gentle rub and you instantly know how the plant got its name. We are in favour of investing in children’s gardens. They enhance the value of the botanical garden experience for everyone, including those who visit public gardens without any children.

The sounds of kids playing and laughing are the perfect backdrop to a day in the sun. But not every kid can spend time in a formal children’s garden. So where can we take kids to connect with nature that is a short walk away? We suggest that a child’s imagination is more useful than we give them credit for. No one held Mark’s hand 60 years ago and lead him to a window well to find a toad. He discovered it by himself. There, crouched in a small space he was free of parent’s rules and was alone but not lonely. Ben was lost in his thoughts as he examined the flora of a soccer field. He was also free, for brief moments, of parent’s rules. The trajectory of these experiences cannot be foretold; however, experience

File Photo teaches us that the childhood lessons of nature are more powerful than we often think. Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author, broadcaster, tree advocate and Member of the Order

of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of University of Guelph and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Follow them at markcullen.com, @ markcullengardening, and on Facebook.

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Prepping for the next generation of farmers MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

A new agricultural revolution is underway, as we enter an era where advanced technologies are transforming the way operations will run in the future. At the same time, the industry is facing a crisis as it prepares for a historic retirement wave, with fewer young people stepping in to fill the gap, according to a recently released report from RBC. The report states that one in four Canadian farmers will be 65 or older by 2025. The average age of farmers today is 55, which means that over the next decade, 37 per cent of the agricultural FROM PAGE 26

Consider risk factors such as an economic downturn, a change in trade relationships, adverse climate changes, labour shortages or diseased crops and/or livestock. Know your baseline for risk and be comfortable with it Ask yourself, how much could you afford to lose in your very worst year? For example, if the weather takes out 20 per cent of your production, how does that translate into dollars and cents? When you know your bottom line, you’ll be more comfortable taking measures to adjust your financial and business priorities and compensate where you can. Balance business risk and financial risk A key to any riskmanagement plan is having a balance between business risks (weather, labour capacity, yield) and financial risks (interest rates, lending relationships, market variability). An agriculture advisor at your local bank has their ear to the ground on these issues. Seek their advice to

workforce will be set to retire. Yet 600 fewer young people are entering the sector every year, which will have a significant impact on succession planning in the future. “Agriculture is a dynamic industry with lots of potential for innovation and evolution, with new technologies shaping the future of the industry,” says Ryan Riese, national director, agriculture at RBC. “Policy-makers, industry leaders and educators have the opportunity to collaborate in attracting and preparing the next generation by creating early awareness around find out how the landscape is evolving. Work with a trusted advisor Now, risk-management planning is increasingly complex, as operations get larger and technology advances.

“

This begins with a hard look at the worst-case scenarios that could impact your business and reflecting on potential effects from a financial, operational and reputational perspective.

Risk assessments need to factor in a broad range of considerations, from potential investment opportunities to strategic capital allocation to scenario planning. The right advisor can be an invaluable resource in helping guide farmers through the risk assessment process and provide the right business and financial solutions to support your contingency plan so that you’re prepared to weather a crisis.

File Photo the exciting future of agriculture and mod-

ernizing education programs to help build

new, digitally enabled skills that will be rele-

vant in the future.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Strength of a seed

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

You don’t need a farming background to fully appreciate the countless contributions of farmers and agriculture to our area’s development and progress. Many of our early British settlers weren’t farmers to begin with; this was a new experience. Many had never driven a team of horses or oxen before. Some folks looked forward to drinking milk from their oxen as they did from cows back home. “One man seeded rolled oats and thought he’d reap rolled oats.” Yet, in a very short time, the entire Dominion and world were aware of their accomplishments and agricultural contributions. Each of which contributed to moving the

settlement forward. By the 1930s most had established farms and were able to weather the Depression. Large steers sold for $20 and No. 1 wheat brought in .17 cents a bushel. The economy slowly collapsed but prairie folks persevered. The small community slowly grew from servicing an area of farmers to housing industries and businesses. Once the Joint Pool in Alberta was newly launched (circa 1920s), locals held a meeting. As the local chairman and member in the Alberta House, Mr. P. Enzenauer hoped, “this meeting would form the nucleus of developments that would create better conditions for the farmers”.

Mr. Walton Peteet was the secretary of the National Council of Farmer’s Marketing Association from Washington DC and was joined by the Joint Pool in Alberta secretary. In his opening remarks, Mr. Peteet stated how impressed he was with the land in Western Canada; in fact it was some of the best land he had ever seen. Members of the Dominion and provincial governments, Board of Trade, businessmen and press met with him. All had something in common; an interest in improving marketing for farmers. Peteet creatively drew an analogy between a factory and farm. A modern factory delegates staff to deal with production of the end product or sales. Each staff had a distinctive role; these roles aren’t interchangeable.

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

File Photo Peteet felt that 100 percent should be devoted to each of production and sales. He drew their attention to the pool’s success and how everyone came out ahead. Farmers needed to pool their products and only sell through one channel. “The farmers or producers marketing their produce through the pools are receiving more for their goods, yet the consumer was

paying less; the reason being that the overhead expense was cut considerably.” The main objective of cooperative farming was to raise the price of agricultural products to a basic level and put the farmers in the same place as a merchant. This would increase the farmers’ overall value. The guest speaker claimed that farmers did not keep up with

commercial progress. Farmers should also be valued for their continuous contribution to area growth and forward thinking from when we were a mere dot on uncharted land. Despite dealing with virgin land, prairie fires, insects, drought, herd law, technological advances and more; our early farmers steadily progressed forward alongside the communities they wholeheartedly supported.

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Unifying the national voice of cereals

CAM DAHL CEREALS CANADA

..................................

The Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) and Cereal s C a nad a a r e m o v ing forward towards an amalgamated organization. This is a positive development.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Working together has also benefited the industry as a whole, which is one of the key advantages of amalgamation.

If one were to start with a blank page in designing how the cereal grains sector were to be represented, we would not have started with two separate organizations. But that is not how the sector has developed. Moving operations into a single organization under the direction of a single Board of Directors is part of the ongoing evolution of the industry. For the last 40 plus years, Cigi has built a reputation internationally for technical and functional quality analysis and support. Cigi has effectively helped to develop markets for Canadian wheat through training and information sessions with customers, held both in Canada and inmarket. In addition to these roles, the international brand and relationships that Cigi has established will all continue under the amalgamated organization. Cereals Canada grew out of the change in marketing for Canadian wheat and barley. The organization is designed to be the national umbrella for the cereal grain value chain, addressing policy issues both in Canada and internationally, tackling an increasing number of market access issues and providing a bridge

between customers of Canadian cereal grains and Canadian farmers, exporters and research community. These functions are complementary to the work that Cigi has been carrying out. The collaboration between Cereals Canada and Cigi started long before discussions began on unifying the two organizations. The cohesive Canadian voice provided through the annual New Crop Missions is one example of the benefits of collaboration. Working together has also benefited the industry as a whole, which is one of the key advantages of amalgamation. The coordinated approach to outreach from Canada that has resulted from our informal collaboration will be cemented in place under a single roof. Throughout the discussions on amalgamation, which have taken place over the past three years, the directors of the two organizations have been guided by a key question â&#x20AC;&#x153;what is in the best interest of the Canadian industry going forward.â&#x20AC;? This has not been about protecting the turf of either of the two organizations but looking for a renewed governance model that will more efficiently and effectively deliver the

File Photo services the industry needs around market development, policy, market access, research and communication. A coordinated value chain approach is becoming more and more important as the world enters into a new age of protectionism and trade barriers. Canadian farmers, exporters and processors also face growing competition from emerging exporters, like the rising competition from Black Sea countries. While finances have not been the primary driver of change, the amalgamation also will see cost savings. For example, all of the members of Cigi are also members of Cereals

Canada and moving to a single board of directors will reduce travel and meeting costs. Having leadership, administration and

overhead under one organization will also result in cost savings. Early on in the process, the membership of Cigi and Cereals Canada

agreed to a set of principles that would guide the development of the new governance model. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Demonstrating sustainability on the farm

FROM PAGE 33

These are: - The amalgamated organization will be national in scope; - The full value chain will be represented within the organization; - Representation at the Board table will

have a linkage to financial contribution to the organization; - All Members, regardless of representation on the Board of Directors, will have the opportunity to participate in the work of the organization through standing committees

and ad hoc working groups; and - The organization will strive for consensus decision making at both the board and member level. Th i s p a s t Ju n e t h e Boards of both Cigi and Cereals Canada signed a formal letter of intent

that charged us with the task of developing an amalgamation agreement, including bylaws, based on these key principles. This goal has been accomplished. Under the direction of both boards a governance model and bylaws have been developed and are being taken to members for review. Members are scheduled to vote on this package this spring with June as our target for integration. This is an exciting time for Canadian agriculture. We are seeing new challenges, like the rapid growth of competitors around the Black Sea and the increase of nontariff trade barriers. We are seeing new opportunities with millers in markets like Nigeria and Bangladesh adding Canadian wheat to their blends to create cost effective products. New plant breeding

File Photo technologies will allow us to respond more rapidly to the changing needs of our customers both in Canada and offshore. We are seeing more demands for demonstration of the sustainability of our production practices; a task at which Canadian farmers can excel. World markets are changing, and the value

chain organizations designed to represent the industry must continually evolve to adapt to these changes. We are excited by the opportunity that this evolution presents and know that a new and more effective organization is emerging, one that is built on the foundation of success established by both Cigi and Cereals Canada.

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Phosphorus 101: the basic BMPs WARREN WARD

.................................. Phosphorus soil tests are fairly low for some fields and unless fertilizer rates are high enough to match crop removal, this will start to affect yield potential. Here are the basic best management practices for phosphorus fertilizer. Use the right soil test The Olsen test is effective across a wide range of soils, including the high pH calcareous soils common in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, while the Bray test is effective only in neutral to lower pH, non-calcareous soil as are found in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Kelowna and modified Kelowna tests are also considered effective in the pH range on most of the soils in the Northern Great Plains. FROM PAGE 31

Here are some actions that need to be taken: - Start the integration of agriculture and learning early. Given that onequarter of young farm operators entered the industry directly from high school, the earlier industry can integrate agricultural learning, the better. Beyond that, nearly three-quarters of farm operators under 40 attended college or university majored in business, health, education and technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all invaluable skills that can be integrated into agricultural programming. - Design education programs to build critical skills for the future. Post-secondary education is now stepping up to the plate, developing programs that expose students to the new knowledge and skillsets they will need in the future. These include digital skills, science and environmental studies,

Think about the right rate Canola takes up 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of phosphate for each bushel, and about one pound per bushel is removed in the seed. Soybeans remove about 0.85 pounds of phosphate per bushel. Peas are 0.68 pounds per bushel, wheat is 0.59 and barley is 0.43. Corn is also fairly low, at 0.44 pounds per bushel of yield, but with its high yields, the actual amount removed is higher than most other crops. Farmers tend to follow one of these three philosophies when it comes to P fertilizer rates: Sufficiency approach. Apply just enough to meet the bare minimum for yield, with the crop taking up the rest of what it needs from soil reserves. This can maximize net return from fertilizer in the year of applibusiness, economics and global affairs to be successful in a rapidly evolving and globalized world. Introducing a more scientific and experiential learning approach has already generated an increase in enrolment in agriculture programs. - Showcase the evolution and innovation potential of the sector. Younger-generation farmers are drawn to innovation and the part they can play in creating and sustaining that change. New generation farmers are also interested in new and creative investment and financing solutions, agricultural methodologies and sustainable practices that are tailored to their needs and alig n w ith their o w n personal and business values. Creating awareness around the new opportunities and exciting changes facing the industry can help spur young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in agriculture.

File Photo cation but will drain soil reserves.

Once soil reserves are medium to low, as

show n i n a so i l t e s t , this approach will hurt

yields and profitability. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

MERIDIAN SOURCE

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Knowing your yield potential this year

FROM PAGE 35

Removal approach. This aims to match application rate to expected crop removal based on yield targets. This will not build soil P amounts but should not reduce them either. Build and Maintenance approach. Apply fertilizer P at rates in excess of crop removal to slowly increase soil P levels to an adequate level. Even for soil with high levels of phosphate, Albertabased soil fertility expert Ross McKenzie recommends 15 lb./ac. of seed-placed phosphate for the pop-up benefit. However, once soil P levels are very high, he says phosphate fertilizer is not needed. Choose the right product Most phosphate fertilizer products will do the job. Whether monoammonium phosphate (11-52-0/1251-0) or liquid polyphosphate (10-34-0), the key is to apply enough to match crop removal or, as a short-term alternative, meet the sufficiency requirement.

If applying manure … A 40-ton-per-acre application of feedlot manure can provide about 600 lb./ac. of phosphate. Swine and poultry manure will have higher concentrations, and phosphorus and nitrogen can be in almost equal parts. Test manures to avoid over-application of phosphate. Soil with manure applications may not require P fertilizer (or potassium, sulphur and micronutrients) for five years or more depending on application rates and type of manure applied. Figure out the right placement Seed-placed rates that exceed 15-20 lb./ac. of phosphate can start to reduce plant counts. Dry conditions and lighttextured soil increase risk of stand thinning from seedplaced fertilizer. Increased soil moisture lowers the risk to seedling injury. This rate also ensures all seeds are in fairly close prox-

File Photo imity to phosphate prills or droplets. Because this rate is not enough to match crop removal, the ideal practice is to split the application and put the rest in a side or midrow band. Another option is to put higher rates with other crops in the rotation, achieving the

crop-removal balance with a whole-farm approach applied over time. Deficiency symptoms not obvious These are very difficult to identify with phosphorus. Often severely deficient fields don’t show any major outward symptoms, which is

why Jeff Schoenau, professor of soil fertility at the University of Saskatchewan, uses the term “hidden hunger” to describe phosphorus deficiencies. Growth rate and vigour are often stunted, but this only becomes obvious when compared side by side with plants that are not deficient.

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Is it time to review your “right rate” for nitrogen? WARREN WARD

.................................. We know canola has the genetic potential to yield 80 bu./ac. or more because we see these yields from time to time in fields in Western Canada. Achieving high yields depends on some help from nature (not too dry, not too wet, not too cold, not too hot), but having the nutrients available to feed a big crop is also essential. The question is, could farmers increase their nitrogen rates for canola and improve their profitability? In some cases, they definitely can. According to wellused data from the Canadian Fertilizer Institute, canola needs around three pounds of available nitrogen per bushel of seed yield. This nitrogen comes from soil reserves, mineralization of residue and from fertilizer. As yields get higher, the ratio of three pounds of nitrogen per bushel of canola yield could be a little lower. Rigas Karamanos, a soil scientist with decades of experience in Western Canada, says that with yields of 50 bu./ac. or more, nitrogen uptake for modern hybrids could be as low as two pounds per bushel. A good range for targeting high yields, therefore, would be two to three pounds per bushel. (If ratios of nitrogen rate to yield are over three pounds

per bushel, farmers will want to examine what other inputs may be limiting yields.) “Right rate” is one of the 4R principles of g ood fertilizer stew ardship. The others are “right source”, “right time” and “right place”. For more on the 4Rs, see the Nutrient Stewardship section at fertilizercanada.ca and the Fertilizer Management section at canolaencyclopedia.ca. How do you know what nitrogen rate is the right one? Soil tests can certainly help. This provides a picture of actual nitrogen reserves in the soil and organic matter levels can hint at mineralization potential. Labs also provide a recommended rate that could be used as a baseline. F o r a te st to see if their current rates are still the right rates, farmers could try a few strips in 2020 with rates higher than their usual rate. An Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) inputs study completed in 2010 found that with extra dollars to spend on inputs, the best return on investment came from an increased rate of nitrogen fertilizer. CCC Ultimate Canola Challenge on-farm trials in 2016 and 2017 found that seven of 17 trial sites across the Prairies had a statistically significant yield

increase when nitrogen rates were increased by 25 per cent compared to the standard rate for the field. The average base rate for farms that participated in the UCC trials was 127 lb./ac. of nitrogen, and the average yield increase across all 17 sites was 2.2 bu./ac. for the higher nitrogen rate. It is reasonable to expect a greater yield increase and therefore a larger ROI when the base nitrogen rate is lower to start with. Going from 100 to 125 lb./ac. of nitrogen will cost $12.50 (based on 50 cents per pound of nitrogen) and should, on average, increase yields by at least the 2.2 bu./ac. shown in the UCC trials. Of course, the actual on-farm results will depend on weather and yield potential for the area. In general, while the return on investment for extra nitrogen is not near as high as the first 50 pounds, the return can still be positive. This limits the risk of experimenting with higher nitrogen rates and might provide farmers with some motivation to test higher rates for broad strips within a few fields. Farmers willing to try this in 2020 should make sure to try incremental increases in nitrogen without varying anything else – so they get a true test of the nitrogen effect.

Obviously, the farm has to make decisions that will increase profits – if not on every field every year, then at least overall. A review of nitrogen rates in light of canola genetic yield potential could provide a positive economic boost for the farm. Another good reason to look at higher nitrogen rates is that higher productivity per acre makes better use of the farmland we have and reduces emissions per tonne of canola produced. These will be important considerations for Canada’s canola industry going forward. Nitrogen is a large

File Photo input cost for canola, and farmers operating on thin margins have to pay attention to their return on investment for all inputs. With the proven benefits of an input like nitrogen, farmers looking at costs and profit potential have good reasons to consider increas-

ing their nitrogen investment per acre. Warren Ward is an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. Email wardw@canolacouncil.org. These canola management tips are brought to you by the Canola Council and SaskCanola.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

SPRING AG WEEK 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Province funds three energy innovators ince’s tech sector while having a significant impact on related industry’s that drive the Saskatchewan economy,” Beaudry-Mellor said.

“

File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $658,000 for three Saskatchewan energy innovators through the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF). SAIF supports commercialization of gamechanging technological innovations in the province’s core economic sectors. On Tuesday, the Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina BeaudryMellor, outlined three

emerging technologies in the energy sector, developed with assistance from the SAIF: • Ground Effects Environmental Services - $395,000 to support development of a cutting-edge water treatment system for oil extraction that operates on a reduced environmental footprint, removing key contaminants from waste water at a fraction of the cost. • LiEP Energy $113,000 to support the development, validation and scale-up of a working prototype for

new lithium resource extraction technology to pull lithium ions out of concentrated brines faster and using less energy and chemical inputs. • Wave9 - $150,000 f or an oil sit e monitoring system which uses remote cameras and sensors to feed information into artificial intelligence software and issues alerts through a smartphone app, reducing operating costs and improve worker efficiency. “These investments help grow the prov-

It is important that we continue to support these industries so they can continue to develop technologies that benefit our province.

“It is important that we continue to support these industries so they can continue to develop technologies that benefit our province.” Since 2012, Innovation Saskatchewan has

provided a $10.7 million investment in SAIF and attracted $38.5 million in private and

federal money. For more about the innovators, see the attached backgrounder.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Alberta to focus on jobs, health, economy at First Ministers’ Meeting MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Premier Jason Kenney will emphasize job protection and economic relief for workers and employers threatened by COVID-19 and th e i n t e rn a t i on al o il price war as he joins federal, provincial and territorial leaders in Ottawa at the First Ministers’ Meeting. The public health threat of the COVID-19 virus, which has already resulted in a global economic slowdown, will be top of mind for the Alberta delegation at the meeting. Kenney welcomes the federal government’s recent announcement to expand eligibility for the Employment Insurance program and looks forward to working with the federal government to ensure that

Albertans following medical advice and selfisolating or in quarantine from COVID-19 can access necessary financial supports without delay. “Alberta and Canada are currently in uncharted territory, facing an economic cris is c o m p l ic at e d b y a public health threat, so it’s more important than ever for Canada’s premiers and prime minister to be laserfocused on protecting jobs and providing relief,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “I’m looking forward to ensuring Alberta jobs and the unique concerns of our provincial economy are priorities on the national stage.” Kenney will also be sending the message that shocks to our energy industry

File Photo from an oil price war between Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States is a national economic concern, not just a western issue.

It will require federal as well as provincial help to protect workers and employers, including measures such as payroll tax relief, job-

creating stimulus, and access to capital to ensure our companies do not become collateral damage in a geopolitical economic war

and to help our economy survive the worst that is ahead and emerge stronger when it ends. CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Thursday, March 12, 2020

FROM PAGE 40

These global threats transcend provinc i a l b o u nd a r i e s a n d require bold leadership to ensure our province is resilient and safe. Our workers and companies, as well as global investors, need to see that we have a plan to protect jobs and our economy during these uncertain times. Among the requests Kenney will be making or reiterating in Ottawa are: - An “equalization rebate” and reform of the Fiscal Stabilization Program - Immediate relief for job creators and workers to get them through the current crisis, including expanded EI rules, payroll tax relief, and access to capital - Economic competitiveness to show global investors Canada is still a place that can approve and build major projects - Funding, such as flow-through shares, to stimulate clean and

emissions-reducing technology - Job-creating funding for decommissioning or orphan and inactive wells - Stimulus through accelerated infrastructure spending and funds to match Alberta’s new Blueprint for Jobs “Even before the current fiscal crisis, our province has led the way in reaching out to other provinces to build a consensus on issues such as reforming the federal Fiscal Stabilization Program to provide an ‘Equalization Rebate,’ building pipelines and economic corridors to get our goods to global markets, opening up interprovincial free trade, and calling for regulatory certainty on permitting and approval for major projects,” said Kenney. “Now more than ever, we will continue to stand up for Alberta and make the case for these priorities in the interest of Albertans

and all Canadians.” At the Council of the Federation meeting in December 2019, Canada’s premiers unilaterally supported Alberta’s call for retroactive reforms to the Fiscal Stabilization Program that remove unreasonable and outdated caps and provides Alberta with a retroactive payment of $2.4 billion that the government would use to get Albertans back to work. The Alberta delegation will continue to push for the federal government to adopt these changes, along with new actions from the provinces and the federal government to address the “perfect storm” of economic threats posed by COVID-19 and the Russia-Saudi oil price war. With or without Ottawa, the Government of Alberta will consider all options and take all necessary action to protect Alberta jobs and employers.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Improving access to health data MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The Government of Alberta is seeking a vendor to help design a world-class health data warehouse and strategy to drive research and innovation for healthsystem improvement. The project will strengthen health analytics and set the vision for a “data access safe haven.” The safe haven will store valuable provincial health and non-health data in a secure environment that will safeguard and protect personal information. “Alberta is joining other leading jurisdictions by developing a data-sharing environment and process with real-world applications,” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro. “Improving access to data in a safe, secure and strategic way with government partners, academics and health organizations will mean we can drive investment and cutting-edge research and development to

help improve health outcomes.” The province will leverage its existing data warehouse to grant safe access to select health organizations, some Alberta government ministries, researchers,

and data analysts so they can use this rich bank of information to improve Alberta’s health system and other government services and programs. The data of Alberta citizens will not be for sale. CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Government seeks world-class data warehouse

FROM PAGE 41

Interested vendors have one month to submit their proposals. “The Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is driven to create the future of health,” said Dr. Jon Meddings, dean, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. “Our Centre for Health Informatics is a brilliant example, accelerating our effort to harness the power of data to innovate since opening in 2018. When health researchers, clinicians and educators are able to leverage data, they’re better able to detect disease, personalize interventions and improve

health. We look forward to continued collaboration in data management with Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, and the many other partners that will be required to ensure world-class technology solutions are working together to make lives better for Albertans.” Th e g o vernm ent is also open to private-sector partners who want to invest in research that can transform frontline care and lead to better health outcomes and quality of life for patients and Albertans. “We are very excited at the prospect of an enhanced data storage system and accompanying strategy for

File Photo our province,” said Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, dean, Faculty of Medi20032DE0 20032DE1

cine and Dentistry, University of Alberta. “A major strength in Alberta is access our researchers have to valuable health data, allowing them to conduct high-quality medical research that advances the health outcomes of Albertans. The improved access provided by a digital data warehouse of this kind will further st r engt hen Alber t a’s reputation as a leading

academic research hub in Canada and globally.” The government aims to have the new data warehouse ready for its first users in fall 2020. Quick facts - Alberta Health will lead, govern and manage the new data safe haven, using clear controls and agreements to protect the privacy of individuals. - Alberta Health holds up to 35 years of health

data for Albertans. - Other provincial ministries will be able to access data to develop strong policy and align work across government. - The academic sector, as well as organizations such as Alberta Health Services, the Alberta Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, will be granted secure access to the data. 20032DG0

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

PAGE 44 Thursday, March 12, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Rustlers win ACAC women’s basketball gold JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

..................................

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team has made history. The Rustlers came back from a late fourth-quarter deficit, grinded past the reigning national champions and overcame injuries and tired muscles to win the school’s first Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) basketball championship on Saturday evening. Despite being a little beat up after a few days of intense competition, the Rustlers charged into the ACAC final at Medicine Hat College putting up a 22-4 first-quarter advantage on the North Division rival Keyano College Huskies. The strong play of Moiyan Toure near the rim helped the Huskies get back into the contest during the next three quarters, but the Rustlers stayed focused and matched their opponents hoop for hoop leading to a 64-50 win. Chris King, head coach

Submitted

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team won ACAC gold this past weekend.

of the Rustlers, said they were down eight points with four-and-a-half minutes left to the Lethbridge College Kodiaks in the opening game of the ACAC championships, but the girls showed their resiliency taking the contest 72-64 on a late-game charge.

He said their defence then set the tone in a 58-50 semifinal win versus the Olds College Broncos with Bilge Topaloglu controlling the boards, while Tori Dugan made shots and Jaden Cook spread the ball around. “Both games were an absolute battle,” said King. “By

the time we got to the final, we had three rolled ankles, a bruised knee and some players barely walking. But, they found the courage and the energy to fight through.” King said the team’s reading week trip to Paris where they played a couple of games against some good pro teams despite being tired and jet-lagged played a part in the girls’ ability to battle through adversity at the championships. He said they also have a veteran squad of one fifthyear (Brianne Hergott), three fourth years (Angela Baran, Dugan and Ally Pilgrim) and three third years (Cook, Hailey Somers and Topaloglu) who know what it takes to win and what it means to bring home a banner. “On the women’s side, we’ve been a top three or four program for the last six years in the ACAC and probably a top 10 program in the nation,” he said. “It’s nice to finally put our stamp on that. We’re the best in the conference this year.

And, hopefully, we can have a good showing at nationals. Hopefully, we continue to show what we’re made of. But, the fact that we finally got that championship banner is massive for Lakeland basketball.” The Rustlers will travel to Nanaimo, B.C., early next week to compete in the eight-team Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships at Vancouver Island University from March 18 to 21. The girls’ first game will come against the PacWest No. 2 seed Capilano College Blues on March 19. “To be honest, this week (now) is all about getting healed up,” said King. “It’s getting all the rolled ankles and popped fingers back to 100 per cent. And then we’ve got to really focus on us. With only being able to see one game tape and a little bit of film on these teams, the focus has to be on what we can do and to make sure we’re playing our best basketball.”

Atom Blazers ready for provincials The Lloydminster atom female #3 Blazers, with AydenLynne Kloster, Samantha Holman, Brynn Deeks, Shella Khan, Avery Redhead, Taylor Green, Calla Schlosser, Jaeda Schlosser, Kirsten Ross, Ella Wutzke, Rynn Oliver, London Mann, Rose Tindall, Sabri Garrett and Sloane Schaab finished atop the East Central Alberta Female Hockey League this season. However, the Lloydminster atom female #1 Blazers, with Bree Harbin, Taydra Wolfe, Brittney Basset, Autumn Gray, Jayce Miazga, Katie Smith, Esme Loney, Darby Husch, Kate Peregrym, Sophie Strilchuk, Alexis Lefebvre, Annika Aggarwal, Grace Pawliuk, Dalyn Steinhauer, Alexandra Firus and Maya Jessome weren’t far behind. The Blazers #3 and #1 will play for a provincial championship in Bentley from March 19 to 22.

Submitted

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Sobeys AA Blazers win division playoff JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

..................................

A complete shutdown effort coupled with the fast-skating play of a called-in winger helped the Lloydminster Sobeys midget AA Blazers rise to the top of the Northern Alberta Hockey League’s Canaccom Division. The Blazers beat the favoured Beaumont Braves 4-1 in front of a packed crowd of supporters during the championship final of the Canaccom Division regional playoff tournament at the Servus Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon. The victory allows the Blazers a shot to compete against the Peace River Royals at Red Deer this weekend for the chance of a Hockey Alberta provincial berth. Damien Covey, a right wing for the Blazers who shone against the Braves for his hardworking 200-foot play, noted the opposition had their number during the regular season, but it’s a different game in the playoffs. He said the hundreds of people lining the lower

and upper stands at the Rusway Arena who screamed their support during the contest also proved an advantage. “That was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” said Covey. “It was nerve-wracking, but it helped us a lot. We had lots of people supporting us and here for us, so I think it made us play harder.”

“

We had to keep it even keel in the third. We couldn’t get cocky.

The Braves pushed the dial early and looked poised to take advantage on a tripping call against Blazers affiliate Connor Roscoe two minutes in. However, the defence held getting in shooting lanes and clearing the zone leading to a two-on-two break made out of the box by Roscoe that the regular Marwayne Sled Dog completed by saucing a pass to Nicholas Severin for a deflection at

the top of the crease. Following a greasy goal courtesy of Blazers captain Ethan MacDuff four minutes into the second, the home side fell into penalty trouble taking four consecutive minors. The Braves earned their chances, bu t cou ld n’t e xe cu t e due to the sacrifice of the Blazers defenders and square to the puck play of netminder Ries Light. Braves captain Jacob Cammock finally broke Light’s shutout attempt during the final minute of the second period. But, the Blazers got it right back on Elijah Lopez’s last-second shot from the top of the circle that squeezed between Akashdeep Nijjar’s pads. “That was big,” said Roscoe. “But, we had to keep it even keel in the third. We couldn’t get cocky. We still had to go out and play a full 20 minutes to win the game.” With the music of Alice In Chains periodically raining from the speakers, the Blazers took control in the final frame. Left wing Parker Selte put the 20032TS0 20032TS1

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Blazers centre Liam Houcher fires a shot on the Braves net.

game away 17 minutes in on a jam at the top of the crease. “We’ve only played Peace River once and we lost,” said Covey, about their next round opponent. “They have one guy (Blake Anderson) who has 70 points. He’s just ahead of everybody. So, we’ll probably stick on him and just work our hardest.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

20032ZF0

Riptides at Winterfest

Lloydminster Riptides athletes Shaina Allsop, Venna Andersen, Ava Benoit, Anna Clements, Mary Clements, Evey Hage, Madison Hoehn, Matia Kuehn, Anastasia Lavrinenco, Elizaveta Lavrinenco, Austin Midgley, Madeline Osman, Stephen Ostrowski, Julianna Perkins, Makayla Price, Abbie Redden, Udaya Reddy, Kailyn Schwartz, Tymofii Slyvchak, Breanna White and Julia de la Torre competed at the Winterfest Swim Meet in Grande Prairie, Alta., from Feb. 29 to March 1. Andersen captured gold in 50-metre fly, 50-m free and 50-m breast as well as silver in 100-m free and 100-m breast. Anna Clements finished second in 100-m breast and 50-m breast and took bronze in 50-m free and 50-m back. Hage brought home a silver from the 50-m free competition and a bronze from the 100-m free event. Kuehn placed first in 50-m back, second in 100-m free and third in 200-m free. Elizaveta Lavrinenco picked up a second-place finish in the 50-m fly, Ostrowski took third in the 50-m back and Osman won silver in 50-m breast and bronze in the 400-m IM. Slyvchak had a big weekend in the pool placing first in 100-m breast, 200-m IM, 50-m breast and 50-m fly, second in the 400-m free and 50-m free, and third in the 100-m free and 200-m free. Submitted

Steelers force third game JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

..................................

Improved discipline, execution and a touch of clutch goaltending have given the Lloydminster PWM midget AAA Steelers a chance to win at home. The Steelers will welcome the Rocky Mountain Raiders to the Centennial Civic Centre this Saturday with puck drop scheduled for 4:30 p.m. for a do-or-die third game of their best-of-three Alberta Female Hockey League opening-round playoff series. The girls earned a split at the Raiders’ Scott Seaman Sports Centre this past weekend and can book a trip to provincials with a victory on home ice. Alexandria Spence, captain of the Steelers, said there definitely has been a momentum shift since the Raiders beat them 2-1 in the playoff opener almost a week ago. She said penalty trouble cost them in that match, but they showed better discipline in Game 2 on Sunday leading to

a 4-1 win. “Whenever we play the Raiders it’s always a very physical game,” said Spence. “It’s always back and forth. That’s why we were super pumped when it turned out that we got to play them in the first round of the playoffs. We know what type of team they are and we know we’re capable of beating them.” Spence, who was rewarded the C in late January after the team went without a captain during the first few months of the season, noted they have a lot of leaders in the room who helped keep the mood light following the opening game loss. She added their group of graduating players has been through the pressure situations before and knows what it takes to come out on top evidenced by their bronze medal win at provincials last year. “Being on that provincial stage and representing Lloydminster there is huge,” she said. “We’ve worked hard all season. It just comes down to this. It’s really about who wants it more.”

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Submitted

The Raiders junior girls curling team, with from left Kya Patterson, Aleshia Reiland, Chelsey Chaychuk and Aila Quiring, won districts silver earlier this month.

Raiders take silver and gold JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

..................................

The Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) Raiders junior boys and girls curling teams earned gold and silver, respectively, at districts earlier this month. Mike Hagel, coach of the Raiders junior boys curling team, noted both his squad and the Raider girls won their bracket at the North West High School Athletic Association district championships in St. Walburg on March 3. He said they each

followed the top-place finishes with semifinal wins against Lashburn securing an all-Raiders championship final. “The boys won by one point, so it came down to our skip Alex Passmore making an open hit and roll out for three,” said Hagel, who added he was stressing and pacing the whole time in the stands. “It was an amazing game. There is a very good rivalry between those two teams.” Hagel said there aren’t enough clubs in

junior curling to have separate boys and girls divisions, so they compete against each other. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police constable added the Raiders finishing No. 1 and No. 2 is great for the school and bodes well for the future. “It was such a cool experience,” he said. “I am very touched the school would even offer to let me coach. It was just awesome.” -with files from Geoff Lee

Raiders junior curlers, from left, Joel Gebhardt, Jonathan Rolheiser, Drew Passmore, Ethan Wildeman and Alex Passmore captured districts gold.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Weight thrower aiming for national gold JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

..................................

The track and field discipline of weight throw has come easy for Jake McEachern. McEachern, 14, almost immediately set a new Alberta under-16 distance record of 17.93 metres upon taking up the sport this past November. He’s since broken the mark twice more over the winter months reaching 19.80 metres and, most recently, 20.24 metres. “In weight throw I either do really good or really bad,” said McEachern, a Grade 9 student at Bishop Lloyd Middle School. “During the first practice of 2020, right after the break, I threw 21.5 metres or something. I remember it vividly because it just felt really good. But, in my last meet I didn’t even break 19. It varies. I still haven’t found that consistency, but it will come with time.” Weight throw is an indoor track and field event that resembles the outdoor hammer throw competition. An athlete is tasking with

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Bishop Lloyd Middle School ninth-grader Jake McEachern will compete in weight throw and shot put at the Canadian Indoor National Championships in Montreal later this month.

swinging the heavy weight, 7.26 kilograms for U16 com-

petitors, by its attached ring overhead at a standing posi-

tion before transitioning into a spinning movement that

ends with the ball’s release into a V-shaped landing area. McEachern said the Split City Sonics coaching staff have helped him develop the proper weight throw technique over these past few months, while also allowing ample time to practise and build muscle memory. He said the training also flows into his preferred summer track-and-field events of shot put and the hammer throw, so he’s excited for the snow to melt and the outside meets to begin. However, the U16 No. 2 ranked weight throw athlete in the country still has one more roofed competition to conquer. McEachern will go for gold at the Canadian Indoor National Championships in Montreal this March 21 to 22. “I feel that going for any medal is setting the bar a little too low because there won’t be a lot of people competing,” said McEachern, who will also enter the shot put event at nationals as the No. 1 ranked athlete for his age class. “So, I guess I’ll say I want to win.” 20032OS0

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sask Games are almost here SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS

Rustlers reach Division 1

The Lloydminster under-15 Rustlers BlackGold and Rustlers Green volleyball club teams achieved a Saskatchewan Volleyball first earlier this month. Both the BlackGold and Green, above photo, with back row from left coach Caitlin Atkins, Daelyn Israelson, Nina Jimmy, Kayla Stelmaschuk, Brianne Pegg, Dayna Higgins, Emma Gray, Shaniqua Walkingbear-Jimmy; front row, Charlene Anacio, Hanna Berndt, Billie Long, Rachel Farkas, Ally Sestoso and Taeya Wiens, earned a berth in the Division 1 playoffs in SaskCup #2 at the Servus Sports Centre on Feb. 29 and March 1. The teams finished atop their respective pools in round-robin play and won the crossover match. Team BlackGold, with back row from left, Kamryn Hanley, Briza Zacharias, Sarah Minish, Norah Matthews, Kira MacDuff, Ryann Weigel, Reese Hassall; front row, Brookelyn Hart, Kadi Biensch, Jayva Andersen, KC Ubaldo, Shayla Bessey and Hailey Hart finished the tournament with a seven-eight game victory over Team Green. Submitted

I had the privilege to cover the Saskatchewan Summer Games as a sports reporter for the Estevan Mercury three-and-a-half years ago. The opportunity was both exhilarating and exhausting. And, I can hardly wait for t he chance t o d o it ag ain this July 26 to Aug. 1 when the Games come to Lloydminster. Here’s a little preview of what you will see. Approximately 1,800 athletes between the ages of 10 and 18 will take over the Border City over these seven days. They’ll be trying their all to win a place atop the podium in the sports of archery, athletics, baseball, canoe/ kayak racing, soccer, triathlon, volleyball, basketball, golf, rugby sevens, softball, swimming, Special Olympics swimming and tennis. Some of these kids are veterans of their respective sports, while others will be

competing for the first time. Not all regions of the province can field a full team of dedicated athletes in each event, so they’ll be looking for rookies to fill out the rosters. It’s these latter athletes who should be cheered for the loudest. But, remember to save a few screams for the bronze, silver and gold medallists too. “Earn Your Edge,” the tagline for the Lloydminster 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games, is exactly what the athletes will be attempting. Winning and losing doesn’t really matter to a lot of these kids as just getting into competition during a major multi-sport event marks the greatest reward. The Games will take over the city’s streets, schools, hotels, sports venues, restaurants and shops. Sport isn’t the only aspect as there will also be cultural workshops, concerts, historical exhibits and artist showcases running alongside the event. The expectation is 6,000 spectators will descend on

Lloydminster during the Games. And, everyone in Saskatchewan who can’t make it will be keeping close tabs on what’s going down in the Border City over the course of those seven days. A few venues in town such as the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School track, tennis courts at Bud Miller Park and the Hospital Diamond ballpark have already undergone renovations in anticipation of the Games. More legacy projects are expected. This event is community driven and your help is needed. Approximately 1,000 volunteers have to be recruited in order to stage the Games. I’ve had the chance to cover a few major events during my career as a sports reporter, but the Saskatchewan Summer Games remains the highlight. Everyone who has had an opportunity to experience the event knows why and those who are about to take in their first Games are definitely in for a treat.

PAGE 50 Thursday, March 12, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Oil and gas sector increases responsible well abandonment MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Saskatchewan’s oil and gas companies have continued their commitment to environmental stewardship by responsibly completing a record number of oil and gas well abandonments in 2019 and into 2020. The province saw a total of 2,030 well abandonments completed between April 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020.

Th i s re p re s e n t s an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to 2018-19 and 240 per cent compared to 2016-17. An abandoned well is one that is no longer supporting a company’s oil and gas development and has been decommissioned to a safe and environmentally-sound condition. This includes plugging the downhole producing zones, cutting off the well casing

File Photo below the surface and sealing it with a welded cap. “Saskatchewan’s oil and gas sector is one of the most environ-

mentally responsible in the world,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “This increase in well abandonments demon-

strates the commitment by industry and government to manage the entire life-cycle of provincial wells and ensure the safe retirement of unused infrastructure to protect our environment, landowners and the public.”

“

These changes have allowed companies to conduct well abandonments in a more efficient and timely manner, which has resulted in this significant increase.

In July 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan implemented changes to Directive PNG015: Well Abandonment Requirements, which resulted in a more streamlined process and contains clear standards for oil and gas companies to responsibly abandon oil and gas wells. The revised directive is a result of extensive consultation with industry, which pays for well decommissioning. In all cases, the regulatory arm of the Min-

istry of Energy and Resources oversees and carries out technical reviews, as part of the decommissioning process, to ensure sites are abandoned and reclaimed to an environmentally-sound standard. “These changes have allowed companies to conduct well abandonments in a more efficient and timely manner, which has resulted in this significant increase,” Eyre said. “Timely abandonment strengthens the long-term financial health of oil operators and supports future investment in the oil and gas sector.” “We appreciate the provincial government’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the closure process, thereby accelerating the reclamation of inactive oil and natural gas sites in Saskatchewan,” Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) Vice-President of Western Canada Operations Brad Herald said. “CAPP is committed to continuing collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan to develop a long-term strategy to manage closure and liability issues in the upstream oil and natural gas industry.”

PAGE 51 Thursday, March 12, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

Announcements POWER ENGINEERS! Steam Smart has posted new exam preparation courses for people working on their next steam ticket. 2A1, 2A2, 3B2 www.SteamSmart.ca.

employment opportunities SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper business? Post your resume for free right where the publishers are looking. Visit http://awna.com/resumes_add.

Classifieds For sAle

Auctions

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 37+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 24-48 hour Express Service available at supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m

coming events

mAnuFActured Homes

HeAltH / Fitness

HeAltH / Fitness For Sale Philips - Respironics sleep apnea machine. Like new, used only few times. Purchased locally. Complete with all attachments and case. Phone 780-8083515 HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30, 000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1844-453-5372.

services oFFered

Houses For rent House For Rent 5 bedroom home, on quiet cul-de-sac. Alberta side. Extremely beautiful home. 4 bay garage. Call Ross 250-808-3605 or email pilgram4@gmail.com

business opportunities BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 97 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 200; www.awna.com.

employment opportunities

For sAle INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com. STEEL BUILDING SALEÃ&#x201A; "Big Blowout Sale - All Buildings Priced to Clear!" 20X23 $6,249. 25X27 $7,334. 28X29 $7,877. 30X31 $8,965. 32X31 $9,863. One End Wall included. Pioneer Steel 1855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca.

Feed & seed

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. "On Farm Pickup" Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad 5252. credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp . Member BBB. Call 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

miscellAneous

HeAltH / Fitness DRUGS or ALCOHOL AFFECTING your home/work life? iRecover Addiction Treatment Centers rehab facility provides medical detox and substance abuse treatment. www.iRecover.ca; 1-877-3874155.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Livestock 21st Annual KuntzMcIntosh-SAJ Simmental Bull Sale Tuesday March 17, 1:00 pm CST, Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. Selling 70 yearling red, black Fullblood & full Fleckvieh Simmental bulls. For info contact Trevor Kuntz 306441-1308, Blair McIntosh 306-441-7755, Stuart Jamieson 306-397-2708 or T Bar C Cattle Co. 306220-5006. Watch and bid online at www.DLMS.ca and view the catalogue o n l i n e a t www.BuyAgro.com. (PL#116061)

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Tenders HAY & GRAZING TENDERS. Ducks Unlimited Canada is now accepting tenders for grazing on its projects. Visit ducks.ca/albertahaygraze for locations of properties available for 2020 in Alberta.

Wanted WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO Equipment. 40 years or older. Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition. Call Toll-Free 1800-947-0393.

Agriculture

Local news is more important to more Albertans than any other type The printed local newspaper is the most trusted medium for news and advertising.

The printed local newspaper is the preferred source for:

Readers find ads in the printed local newspaper useful Ads in the printed local community newspaper were said to be more likely than ads in other media to INSPIRE ACTION for all the products and services tested. survey respondents read a typical issue of the printed local newspaper WEEKLY DISTRUST the news and advertising in SOCIAL MEDIA

LAND FOR SALE

Community Newspapers Our Readers are Your Customers Print Advertising • Display • Career • Classifieds Inserts/Flyer Distribution Digital Advertising Market Analysis

Campaign Planning

Let us send you more information about our readers - your customers. We’ve got some exciting results to share from the latest research in advertising reach and readership. Plus coverage maps and demographic reports. Let us help your advertising reach farther, be more effective and efficient.

Obituaries

Ph: 306.825.5111 | 5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK | meridiansource.ca

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Obituaries & Memoriams

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Local Business Directory

Celebrations

Share your jubilations, love and best wishes in the Meridian Source newspaper.

Call 306-825-5111 To celebrate the happenings in your life.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 You’ll plan a last-minute romantic getaway. You need to recharge your batteries and take the time to think about a situation that’s worrying you.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 By changing your direction or objective, you’ll finally reach your full potential. No matter what your goals are, you’ll put everything you have into achieving them.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 In your love life, you may consider marriage, if only to make you feel more secure. At work, you’ll negotiate more effectively if you’re not too emotionally involved.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 You’ll get the green light at work to take a course that could lead to new career opportunities. Abundance will follow. Your relationship could benefit from a break in the same old routine.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 You’ll save someone from an unfortunate situation by simply listening for a few minutes. This person will be forever grateful to you.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 You’ll probably hear about a birth in the family. Also, you’ll be faced with an opportunity to acquire a home that perfectly suits your needs and budget.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 You’ll be motivated to get a new car. Or, you may be invited to join someone on an adventure. At work, you might have to negotiate with people who don’t speak your language.

LEO July 23 – August 22 You’ll find the solution to all your financial troubles. At work, you’ll have the opportunity to advance to a better position and benefit from the salary increase that comes with it.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 Sometimes you get the feeling that life is moving too fast. Also, you’ll want to treat yourself at the mall. Take the opportunity to revamp your wardrobe and your style.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 You’ll put aside your worries and fears and plunge head first into your passion. You’ll be inspired to create, which sets you on the right track to build your masterpiece.

CROSSWORD

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 People will ask a lot of you. At work and within your circle of friends, you’ll be very popular this week. Professionally, you’ll increase your client base.

SAGITTARIUS

March 5 Answers

November 22 – December 21 After lengthy negotiations, the bank director will give you the green light to acquire a property or to finance a project that’s close to your heart. Your future will be all that you hope for.

SUDOKU March 5 Answers

ACROSS 1. Lingers 5. Snaky curve 8. Uncomplicated 12. Healing plant 13. Presently 14. Particular place 15. Young adult 16. Librarian’s date 17. Black bird 18. Cattle group 19. Valuable rock 20. Deadly serpents 21. Be mistaken 23. Father 25. Leading lady 29. Showy flower 33. Luau necklace

34. Playing card 36. Deep sadness 37. Lively 39. PTA members 41. Besides 43. Large tub 44. Narrow piece of wood 47. Have bills 49. Hammer part 53. Every 54. Poorly lit 55. Add to the work force 56. Repeated sound 57. Jungle animal 58. Spew out 59. Zealous 60. Desire 61. Curtain holders

DOWN 1. Thin strip 2. Out of the wind 3. Attendee 4. Return to ____ 5. Sign, as a check 6. Rotten 7. Clean with a broom 8. Run away 9. Broadcasts 10. Halt! 11. Certain evergreens 22. Tint again 24. “Aida,” e.g. 25. Heidi’s mountain 26. Average grade 27. Peak

28. Dine in the evening 30. Have 31. ____ on your life! 32. Correct! 35. Some prehistoric people 38. Big snake 40. Engraver 42. Tomorrow’s eve 44. Try to obtain 45. Ornamental fabric 46. Dull pain 48. Rub 50. Exec’s car 51. Saharan 52. Moistens

May you touch dragonflies & stars, dance with fairies & talk to the moon. Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our May you grow up with love & gracious hearts & people who care. Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Welcome to the world little one. It’s been waiting for you! Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Rentals

Real Estate NEW LISTINGS 4203 - 37

Property Management FEATURED LISTINGS #8 4251 - 41 STREET

AVENUE

• Convenience of condo living with an attached garage. • South facing, covered front veranda & rear patio. All applicants included. $

• Large 2.03 acre yard space with fenced compound, office & shop. • Excellent access to Hwy 16.

880,000

• Well maintained 4 bedroom bi-level. • Backs onto green space. Includes a

PENDING

double attached garage.

349,500

PENDING

244,900

MLS 66112 3709 - 42ND AVENUE

MLS 66115

3003 - 47TH AVENUE • Nice family home that is a close walk to Father Gorman School. • 3 beds / 2 bath, huge backyard, single detached garage. $

5117 - 31ST STREET

219,900

MLS 64318

534,900

AB $2,400,000 MLS 65659

HWY 16 EAST

155,000

MLS 66118

MLS 66116 SK

REVENUE PROPERTY

720,000

TRANS CANADA TRUCK WASH

GUIDING YOU HOME

COMMERCIAL

• Charming 1.5 storey character home. Private, fully fenced yard with single garage & alley access. • Cozy woodlined master loft.

329,900 MLS 64117

MLS 66114

4713 - 43RD STREET

• Open concept, updated kitchen, 3 bedrooms up - ensuite bathroom. • Lovely well treed yard is fully fenced, close to schools & parks.

214,000

MLS 66127

NEW PRICE

MLS 64733

529,900

MLS 65628

900,000 MLS 64583

HWY 16 FRONTAGE IRON WELLS

482,500

MLS 65067

829,000 MLS 64145

PLAZA 51

469,900

MLS 64622

455,000

MLS 65901

389,900

MLS 65488

354,900

MLS 64979

535,000 MLS 65396

GLEN E. NIELSON INDUSTRIAL PARK

324,900

MLS 65536

329,900

MLS 65357

293,000

MLS 64095

282,000

MLS 65365

330,000 MLS 65793

FOOT INDUSTRIAL PARK

275,000

Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner

MLS 65430

264,900

MLS 65552

257,000

MLS 65923

249,900

Jennifer Gilbert Associate Broker

MLS 65459

209,000 MLS 64144

Rick Schesnuk Realtor®

Judy Bexson Realtor®

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Pattie Todd Associate Broker

Sandy Hardy Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Caleb McLean Realtor®

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty