Darren Wiesner stopped to pose for Mom, Treena, before moving on to the next field to rake hay at their family farm south of Montmartre.
Photo - Treena Wiesner
It is common knowledge that most of the pre-sorted sales in Weyburn are usually full We generally have a waiting list!
Why are we full and others always have room?
Could it be we are getting more money for the cattle?
Could it be we sort more evenly and accurately than anyone else?
Could it be the fact that we are well organized and both buyer and seller benefit?
Could it be that our regular following of major order buyers are here at every sale?
Could it be that our management team has more experience than anyone else? (4 million head and counting!!)
Could it be that we feed and water the cattle in big spacious pens immediately after weighing? (They arrive at their destinations in far better health.)
To book your cattle at the Weyburn Livestock Exchange call well in advance, we recommend 2 weeks in advance!
Phone 306-842-4574
Website www.weyburnlivestock.com
Weyburn Livestock Exchange SPRING SCHEDULE
March 17 Presorted All Breed Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. (Internet)
March 26 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m. Followed by Bred Cows & Hfrs. 12 p.m.
March 31 Presorted All Breed Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. (Internet)
April 9 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m. Followed by Bred Cows & Hfrs.
April 14 Presorted All Breed Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. (Internet)
April 23 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m.
April 28 Presorted All Breed Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. (Internet)
SARM: reinstatement of strychnine would help deal with ground squirrels
Ryan Young SaskAgToday.com
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities wants strychnine to be re-instated so farmers can use it to deal with the rising population of Richardson ground squirrels.
Strychnine is an animal toxicant, or poison, used as a predacide to kill predators such as wolves, coyotes, and black bears when paired with meat bait, as well as skunks when used with egg bait, says Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Its typically used to protect livestock, vulnerable wildlife such as Woodland Caribou, and people.
The PMRA banned all uses of strychnine in March 2024 following public consultation and a re-valuation process. In a summary of its decision, which can found on the federal government’s website, one reason was the increased risk of secondary poisoning – other animals feeding on carcasses that have been exposed to strychnine. Another was the belief that the ban will have a low impact on pest management since there are alternatives products available.
Richardson ground squirrels are considered to be pests by creating borrowing holes in cropland and pasture land that can result
in injury to livestock and crop damage. There is also a financial impact with rising costs and increasing crop insurance payouts.
In a news release from SARM, Provincial Specialist of Insect/Pest Management with the Sask. Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. James Tansey, said, “Richardson’s ground squirrels are native to the prairies and consume a variety of plant species, nuts, grains, seeds, and insects.
Although RGS burrowing can have positive effects on nutrient cycling and plant species diversity, and they are important prey to many birds and animals, large populations can be very damaging to crop, forage, and livestock production.”
Acting President of SARM Bill Huber said many areas have struggled to deal with the growing number of ground squirrels. They have used alternatives but Huber said nothing works better than strychnine. “This is a time consuming thing to poison gophers. You got to bait every hole … and producers wwant something that’s going to work – they don’t to go back out to their field or their crops and see gophers running around that haven’t been controlled.”
Huber says cost-shared programs SARM administers, such as the Gopher Control Program (GCP),
have been fully utilized, but it hasn’t been enough to fully control RGS.
SARM wants the provincial government to use the Saskatchewan First Act to re-instate the use of strychnine for RGS. Huber believes it can be done.
“We’ve talked to (provincial government officials) a bit before and you know they’re not real aggressive to do it, but I think with some explanation and dialogue with the Minister of Agriculture and some of the staff, I feel hopeful we could do it.”
Huber noted a study ed by Tansey. Huber claims the study showed “strychnine is really, really safe” with “zero secondary kills”. Huber adds the results were shown to PMRA during SARM’s annual meeting with federal officials but they didn’t seem to “get the message”.
“The concerning thing is they never really have anybody really come out here and look at the devastation,” Huber added of the damage Richardson Ground Squirrels can do.
Lobbying for its use again was a resolution passed at last year’s Annual Convention and SARM will have more information about the topic at this year’s Convention on March 11. Huber says its use has been an off-again, on-again issue for years.
A silver-laced Wyandotte rooster and chicken posed for a photo at the Wiesner farm south of Montmartre.
Photo - Treena Wiesner
Ice fishing shelter removal deadlines approaching
As winter winds down, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding anglers to remove their ice fishing shelters from provincial waterways before warming temperatures create unsafe ice conditions.
Shelters must be taken off the ice by March 15 in all areas south of Highway 16 and by March 31 in northern regions of Saskatchewan.
Spring weather can be unpredictable, and deteriorating ice conditions can make it dangerous to retrieve shelters later in the season. It is the responsibility of all anglers to ensure they remove their structures and any associated debris before these deadlines.
Failure to remove shelters by the deadlines can result in hefty fines and the confiscation of the structures and their contents. Abandoned shelters pose unnecessary risks to everyone who enjoys Saskatchewan lakes in the summer and to the wildlife who call our lakes home. Anglers are encouraged to properly dispose of waste and debris when dismantling shelters to help preserve Saskatchewan lakes.
A camper trailer resting on ice during winter, set against a backdrop of blue skies and snow, with another trailer afar.
Ice fishing shelters must be marked on the outside
in legible letters of at least 2.5 cm high, displaying the owner’s complete name, address and phone number. Shelters cannot be left on the shore.
Be extremely cautious when travelling on ice, as thickness and strength can vary. Signs of unsafe ice include slush, pressure ridges and thermal cracks.
This year’s ice fishing season closes on March 31 in southern and central Saskatchewan and on April 15 in
northern Saskatchewan. For more information, check the Anglers Guide online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing. If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800667-7561 or report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You don’t have to give your name and you may be eligible for a cash reward from the SaskTIP Reward Program.
ServingSouthern Saskatchewan
Photo – Treena Wiesner
Saralyn Wiesner, with the help of her younger cousin, Georgie, prepared to feed the bottle calf and collected eggs for hatching at their family farm near Montmartre.
Continued commitment announced for Crop Insurance Program
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison announced continued funding and commitment through the 2025 Crop Insurance Program, administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).
“Our business risk management programs are a producer’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting their operation,” MacAulay said. “Our government is pleased to partner with Saskatchewan to
make sure producers have access to the support they need, when they need it.”
“SCIC’s Business Risk Management programs remain strong and are here for Saskatchewan producers when they have challenging times,” Harrison said. “The Crop Insurance Program offers producers the security they need, no matter what 2025 may have in store. I encourage all Saskatchewan producers to take a proactive approach to their coverage: select options, fine-tune and adjust coverage and costs within the program
to further mitigate their risks.”
SCIC’s existing suite of Business Risk Management programs continues to demonstrate support for Saskatchewan producers. Over the last four years, the Crop Insurance Program paid approximately $7 billion in claims, in addition to other program benefits. Crop Insurance continues to be a sound program, with premiums set to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.
A combination of Crop Insurance premium and government funds, along
with private reinsurance, is in place to ensure the program remains stable. Funds are managed to build premium reserves in good production years, in order for money to flow back to producers during challenging ones. Premiums are cost-shared 60 per cent by federal and provincial governments and 40 per cent by producers. Administration costs are fully funded by federal and provincial governments.
Trusted and relevant partnerships ensure the Crop Insurance Program remains innovative and responsive for Saskatchewan producers. SCIC collaborates regularly with industry groups to support farmers and ranchers, assisting with overall direction of policy and program offerings. Work continues developing future opportunities to enhance support for the livestock sector.
SCIC is evaluating new remote sensing technologies to measure soil moisture and plant growth, to evaluate potential improvements to forage and pasture insurance. This focus will ensure forage insurance is relevant and accessible for Saskatchewan livestock producers.
The deadline for Saskatchewan producers to
apply, reinstate or cancel their Crop Insurance contract is March 31. Producers must select their insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by this date. Producers can speak with their local SCIC office to make changes or options will remain the same as the previous year. For more information, contact a local SCIC office, call 1-888-935-0000 or visit: scic.ca.
You’rethe expertwhenit comestogrowing your crops and we’d love to offer ourexpertstohelp you grow your business! We have localexperts who specialize in agricultural lendingand understand the uniquechallenges and opportunites of operating a farm business in Southeast Saskatchewan.
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Photo – Kirsten Collins
This young lady took a tractor ride through the hay field with her Dad on the Collins family farm near Tyvan.
APAS calls for pause on capital gains tax changes
Ryan Kiedrowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The World-Spectator
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is expressing concern over the proposed changes to capital gains tax regulations and calling for a pause on them.
With parliament’s recent prorogation, many people are left wondering how the proposed changes to capital gains tax rules are allowed to continue. While the changes are left in limbo, the Canada Revenue Agency will continue to collect new charges in the coming tax season.
In last year’s federal budget, an increase to the capital gains inclusion rate was proposed on any gains realized on or after June 25, 2024. Instead of the previous 50 per cent, the inclusion rate rose to 66.67 per cent—except for individuals and certain trusts (graduated real estate and qualified disability trusts), who still fall under the old rate on the first $250,000. Corporations and the majority of family trusts are affected by the new rate, and for individuals, the increase in the top tax rate on capital gains above $250,000 is approximately nine percentage points.
Meanwhile, agricultural producers are also left wondering exactly how the proposed changes will affect their operations, especially those with succession planning at top of mind.
“The majority of producers who do retire use the revenue from the sale of their land as their retirement fund,” explained APAS president Bill Pry -
bylski. “The uncertainty of not knowing what are the tax rules right now? What are the capital gains rules? Is CRA going to enforce the rules, even though that they haven’t actually been passed through Parliament? So the biggest thing is the is the uncertainty.”
Since much of farm value is linked to land assets, the changes can have a huge impact on the family farm.
“It’s not a small amount of dollars we’re talking about anymore,” Prybylski
said. “So it is very significant, the tax implications. How do producers plan but they don’t know what rules they have to follow?”
APAS is looking for a clearer picture on what the tax changes mean for farmers, requesting a meeting with the federal minister of national revenue, MarieClaude Bibeau, but no answer has been forthcoming.
“We’ve sent her a letter requesting a meeting with her,” Prybylski said. “I will be in Ottawa for some other things, so I was hoping for
a chance to meet with her while I’m in Ottawa, but we have, as of yet not heard back from her office.”
In addition to detailed information, APAS wants to see a pause in the changes until more in-depth talks can take place.
“We’re not optimistic a whole lot will happen, but we would like to see the changes paused until there can be some consultation and some some clarity from the government as to what the actual rules are going to be,” Prybylski
says. “Even going forward from there, we’re not sure what the government is going to look like if there’s going to be an election call shortly after. There will be a non-confidence vote to call an election, there’s just so much uncertainty, and we would like to see things just put on hold until we can clarify.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce agrees with APAS, noting that the CRA “lacks clear legislative authority to implement this tax,” lauding an early
campaign promise from the Conservatives to nix the change.
“Reversing this tax increase will help to bolster investment and entrepreneurship, and signal to the world that Canada is open for business,” said Jessica Brandon-Jepp, Senior Director, Fiscal and Financial Services Policy with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage the federal government and other political parties to also commit to not implementing this tax.”
Reid Kosior’s drone captured swathing of canola on their family farm.
Photo - Reid Kosior
New livestock manifests now in use in Saskatchewan
Janelle Rudolph Western Producer
It’s time for Saskatchewan livestock producers to start memorizing their premises identification number.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, producers are required to fill out their origin and destination PIDs on livestock manifests.
“The premise ID, origin and destination, have been on the manifest for several years now,” said Jason Pollock, chief executive officer of Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS).
“But as an organization, we’ve never really taken any sort of interest in asking whether or not that’s on there, or requiring it to be on there to be a properly filled-in manifest.”
That’s now changed.
In accordance with new legislation under the amalgamated Animal Production Act, PID must be recorded on the manifest when handed to the inspector. The cattle’s destination, such as an auction mart or feedlot, is also required to have their PID clearly posted and available for a pro-
ducer to find upon arrival.
Pollock raised awareness of this regulatory change and others at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association’s semi-annual meeting Feb. 7.
He said this change and others, such as a manifest security declaration, brand types, purebred inspection and licensing, were in the works for nearly five years at Saskatchewan Agriculture. Some of the new regulations came into effect in July, but others, such as the security declaration and PID, are more recent.
The changes are intended to increase efficiency, eliminate future confusion and ultimately make things easier for inspectors and producers. In the example of the PID requirement, it is a “tightening up” of security, allowing for better tracing ability in the case of an animal health emergency.
The regulatory change also brings about a new section on the manifests — a security declaration. It’s below the animal table and reads, “name and address of the holder of any livestock
security interest in the livestock or the dam of the livestock or if none so indicate by writing ‘none.’ ”
The declaration is in addition to the consigner, contributor and producer information, all of which must be filled out by the producer.
The change is to provide the marketer and buyer with protection in case there are issues with distributing funds from the sale, such as disputes of ownership or events of fraudulent activity.
It also aligns Saskatchewan’s manifest with that of Alberta, which has a similar declaration to provide protection.
“If there’s no lien or no financial encumbrance on those animals, you’re writing ‘none,’ ” Pollock said.
“And then, if you supply a clearance, there’s a check box for you to say that the clearance is provided in documentation that is attached to the manifest.”
The new Saskatchewan livestock manifest features a security declaration that is required to be filled out, along with the premise identification number. |
Livestock Services of Saskatchewan photo
When discussing the technicalities of “financial encumbrance,” it’s understood that a majority of producers have a general security agreement (GSA) for their operation. This declaration is intended for producers to state any applicable livestock loans or livestock purchasing credit such as those from the Saskatchewan Livestock Finance Co-operative, Canadian Cattle Buyers Credit and other financial institutions.
“What this is designed to do is have the producer say, ‘oh right, I did get a loan for these (animals) from XYZ, and I need to provide clearance.’ ”
It’s also intended to eliminate unnecessary withholds and redirections that LSS puts in place when financial security clearances aren’t provided by the seller. It increases the efficiency of the sale process for those with loans or credit.
Because the declaration is a new section and a new requirement, it means new manifests.
However, producers won’t be penalized or fined for not having the updated manifests right away.
“There’s going to be a period of time where there’s a lot of (old) mani-
fests in circulation — glove boxes of trucks, dashes, everywhere,” said Pollock.
“You know they are going to still come in over time, and we’ll honour those.”
Producers aren’t expect to rush out to get new ones immediately but are encouraged to obtain the updated version at their ear-
liest opportunity. There will be a similar, “graduated” approach to the new PID requirement as well.
“We always encourage, with all of our inspectors, to use a soft awareness approach and not really a hard-nosed approach to all of these things,” he said of the changes.
Photo – Treena Wiesner
Darren Wiesner and his goat, Carter, pose for a picture on a beautiful sunny day.
The 4-H Public Speaking Districts for the East Region were held in Weyburn on March 1. The group photo includes the top three competitors in each of the four age categories, and public speaking judges. In the back row, from left, are Andie Fradette, Kaitlyn Stepp, Griffin Howse, Lejla Gilchrist, Madisyn Frischholz, Jyllian Payak and June Bloor. In the front row, from left, are Madeline Cascagnette, Claire Muxlow, Josie Lees, Eva Muxlow and Luke Beckstead.
Public Speaking 4-H districts held in Weyburn
The 4-H Public Speaking Districts for the East Region were held in Weyburn on March 1.
In the Cloverbud category, first place was won by Luke Beckstead - Fillmore Home and Ag 4-H Club; second was won by Josie Lees - Arcola / Kisbey 4-H Beef Club; and third was won by Claire Muxlow - Radville 4-H Beef Club.
In the Junior category, first place was won by Eva Muxlow - Radville Beef Club; second was won by
Lejla Gilchrist - Soo Line 4-H Light Horse Club; and third was won by Madaline Cascagnette - Lomond 4-H Light Horse Club.
In the Intermediate category, first place was won by Griffin HowseLomond 4-H Light Horse Club, second was won by Kaitlyn Stepp - Lomond 4-H Beef Club; and third was won by Andie Fradette - Pangman Ogema 4-H Beef Club.
In the Senior category, first place was won by
Madisyn FrischholzRadville 4-H Beef Club, second place went to Jyllian Payak - Weyburn 4-H Beef Club and third was won by June Bloor - Lomond 4-H Beef Club.
There was a total of 26 Club members that attend the District Speeches. Speech lengths by age category include: Cloverbud: one to three minutes, Junior: two to four minutes, Intermediate: three to five minutes, and Senior: four to eight minutes.
Members of all age categories may compete at club, district and regional competitions each spring. Regional winners in all age categories qualify for the Provincial 4-H Public Speaking competition, held each April in a different location in the province.
The 4-H program strives to encourage individual growth in young people by developing self-confidence, and a responsible attitude toward community service.
Photo – Submitted
Spraying for fusarium recommended
Robert Arnason
Western
Producer
Prairie wheat growers could be getting poor control of fusarium head blight because they’re applying fungicides too early.
Research and field testing has found that the best time to spray for fusarium head blight is when the first flowers appear in the centre of the wheat head.
Once those initial flowers are visible, a farmer has about a week to spray the crop for maximum control of fusarium.“What we’ve seen from our data across North Dakota, we can spray up to seven days past what we would call ‘early flowering’ in
the field,” said Andrew Friskop, a cereal crop plant pathologist with North Dakota State University.
Fusarium head blight, also called scab, is a fungal disease that affects yield and grain quality in wheat, barley, oats and barley.
Many wheat growers in North Dakota have followed Friskop’s advice about fungicide timing and are now waiting until flowers appear on wheat heads before spraying. That’s different from Western Canada, where spraying before flowering is still a recommended practice.
SaskWheat has a webpage on fungicide timing for fusarium that features an
illustration telling growers to start spraying when 75 per cent of the heads on main stems are fully emerged and to stop spraying when 50 per cent of the heads on the main stem are in flower. Those recommendations are likely out of date, said Randy Kutcher, a cereal crop and flax pathologist at the University of Sask. In 2021, paper was published n the journal Plant Disease that looked at fungicide timing for fusarium in durum wheat. They found that fungicides can be applied at the end of flowering and still be highly effective. The window for spraying begins when flowers first appear.
Seeding continues long past dusk on the Leguee land located in the RM of Lomond, south of Weyburn.
Photo - Sarah Leguee
Ryan Young SaskAgToday.com
The University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre will continue its wheat breeding programs for the next few years.
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) committed $11.8 million over five years as part of a core breeding agreement (CBA) with the Crop Development Centre.
The funding will help in the research and de -
velopment of new wheat varieties with improved resistance to diseases such as wheat rusts, common bunt, and Fusarium Head Blight, improved yields, and better adaptation to growing conditions in Western Canada.
“This funding will also support the application of genomic assisted selection across all wheat breeding programs at the CDC, a technology that is used in part to “stack” genes for disease resistance, pest resistance and
end-use quality in new varieties.” CWRC adds in a news release.
New varieties include Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR), Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) and Canadian Prairie Spring Red (CPSR).
“This renewed investment by the CWRC will directly benefit western Canadian farmers by supporting the development of wheat varieties with
improved yields, stronger disease resistance and better adaptation to our growing conditions,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, Alberta.
“Farmer-funded breeding programs like this ensure that producers have access to innovative, high-performing varieties that are in demand and help make their farms more productive and sustainable.”
“We have had a tremendously successful partnership with the CWRC and we are grate -
ful for their continued support,” said Dr. Curtis Pozniak, CDC director and wheat breeder. “The continued investment from the CWRC will help support the CDC’s mission to deliver highyielding and reliable wheat varieties for western Canadian farmers.”
“Over its history, innovations from USask’s CDC have significantly helped producers by enhancing the value of their operations,” said Baljit Singh, vice-president of research at USask. “The CWRC’s investment will
allow the CDC to continue to make positive impact in Canada’s agriculture sector and around the world.”
The new agreement provides $2 million more in funding compared to the previous five year agreement. The new agreement is in effect until 2029.
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition also has core breeding agreements with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Manitoba, and University of Alberta.
double rainbow over the Johnston farm, hopefully a sign that the bins will be full. Photo - Ellen Johnston
Federal, prov’l governments invest in livestock research
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced $6.9 million to jointly support livestock and foragerelated scientific research in Saskatchewan in 2025, combined with co-funding from industry partners for a total of $7.2 million.
The investment is part of Saskatchewan’s 202425 Budget of $37 million for agriculture research and is delivered through the province’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The ADF is supporting 30 livestock and forage-related research projects this year which focus on a variety of topics.
“We are working with the provinces and territories to deliver vitally important programming through Sustainable CAP,” MacAulay said. “Our shared investment with the Government of Saskatchewan in these Agriculture Development Fund research projects will help create growth and make sure our great sector remains on the cutting edge.”
“Innovation is the key
to staying competitive and allowing Saskatchewan to remain a global leader when it comes to new and best practices in agriculture,” Harrison said. “We continue to support this and help Saskatchewan’s livestock producers to keep doing what they do best through investments of this nature, which enables the kind of world-class scientific work that constantly moves the industry forward.”
The selection and approval of projects supported by the ADF is based on an annual competitive process to identify research with the potential to help Saskatchewan’s livestock producers and agriculture industry remain innovative, profitable and competitive. This year’s livestock and forage-related projects include a range of topics such as enhancing the capacity to research pathogens and manufacture vaccines and therapeutics to help control infectious diseases, including those that cause pandemics; evaluating the combined impact of prescribed fire and post-fire herbicide applications to control woody plants (snowberry) in rangelands; and investigating how trace-mineral
supplementation could help feeder calves respond better to vaccines.
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan work closely with industry partners to leverage funding to support research that aligns with industry priorities. This year’s ADF projects were supported by an additional $216,000 contributed to 10 projects by the following industry partners: Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission, SaskPork, and the Western Dairy Research Collaboration (BC Dairy, Alberta Milk, SaskMilk, and Dairy Farmers of Manitoba).
“Investment in research is critical for our industry,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Keith Day said. “We appreciate both levels of government recognizing its value and investing in our research priorities, which focused on animal health and forage production this year.”
The ADF is supported through Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-product sectors.
Retired veterinarian, Gary Hoium, and his city-born and raised grandchilden toured around his pasture land south of Radville in the R.M. of Laurier, learning about raising cattle.
Photo - Gary Hoium
Feeding round hay bales in the winter requires someone to cut the twine, or in this case unwrap the net wrap. Calf shelter shown in the back.
Sadie, adopted from Bright Eyes Dog Rescue, keeps watch over her family’s farm. She and her litter mates were rescued from La Loche after their mother died, and she has happily resided with the Collins family near Tyvan for over four years.
Drive Away Hunger initiative contributed over 500 million meals in 2024
Ryan Young SaskAgToday.com
Partners of Drive Away Hunger contributed 514 million meals in 2024, announced Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
Drive Away Hunger is an agriculture and food industry initiative aimed at fighting food insecurity in Canada.
“Drive Away Hunger partners donate food and
dollars to charitable food security agencies in communities across Canada, connecting nutritious food to those in need and redirecting food surpluses that would otherwise go to waste.” said FCC in a news release.
“Hunger doesn’t take a break and neither does the Drive Away Hunger program,” says Carla Warnyca, Manager of
Community Investment with FCC, “we are accepting donations yearround and looking for partnerships year-round.” FCC is encouraging more collaboration and for partners to do more. They pointed to a report from Food Banks Canada, called HungerCount 2024, that said over two million visits to food banks were made nation -
SE Research Farm
Paul Kimball, Freelance Reporter SaskToday.ca
The South East Research Farm (SERF) is a non-profit organization located in Redvers.
It was established in 1997 and currently employs 11 people. Although it may not be a huge company, it has quadrupled in size since its inception. Despite its work and its growth, it continues to be a “hidden gem”, according to research manager Lana Shaw.
wide in March last year, a 90 per cent increase from 2019.
Warnyca says “it’s really about rallying together, giving generously, looking for new solutions, and growing our collective impact, and these amazing industries are already doing so much and we know we can really create change and doing it more together.”
SERF’s mandate is to conduct research into innovative ideas that farmers can tap into, allowing them to become more efficient in producing crops. Rather than each individual farmer experimenting with different ways to increase productivity and profitability, SERF does that on their behalf, freeing the farmers to focus on what they do best.
As well as partnering with the farmers, SERF works alongside the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, various agribusinesses, universities, commodity groups, rural municipalities and Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada.
Farmers aren’t the only beneficiaries of the research. Much of the crop that SERF produces ends up in the hands of the local food bank, thus benefitting residents of Redvers and area.
SERF is always looking for ways to create awareness in what it does. In an effort to shed its “hidden gem” identity, an hour-long question and answer coffee time took place on Feb. 5 at the clubhouse of the Redvers Golf and Country Club. Several farmers attended with the hopes of gaining knowledge from the research that SERF does.
In order to serve the research and demonstration needs of diverse kinds of farmers, South East Research Farm works with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, agri-businesses, universities, commodity groups, rural municipalities, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
The organization strives to connect innovative ideas originating on farms to the research capacity to test those ideas.
Photo - Kirsten Collins
Innovation Sask
in research and development projects
Innovation Saskatchewan is investing $1.09 million in four industryled research and development (R&D) technologies through the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) and Agtech Growth Fund (AGF).
These dual R&D grant programs advance commercialization of gamechanging technologies in agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing and health care and help bring them to market.
“Saskatchewan companies continue to develop impactful technological solutions for critical industry challenges in our core sectors,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. “Funding programs like SAIF and AGF help accelerate madein-Saskatchewan innovations to reach new global markets, driving economic and employment growth in communities across the province.”
SAIF and AGF funding will support four innovative companies from the Spring 2024 cohort:
• EcoLoop Sustainable Technologies – Developing a process that eliminates chemicals found in firefighting foams from soil and water while producing a material that can be used as a fertilizer. ($450,000 in SAIF support)
• Greenwave Innovations – Developing a data-driven platform that automates industrial equipment monitoring, eliminating waste and unnecessary
costs. ($255,000 in SAIF support)
• Archetype Global 3D ($250,000 in SAIF support)
– Developing an easy-to-assemble concrete 3D printer that produces building materials faster than current models on the market.
• BetterCart Analytics ($135,000 in AGF support)
– Developing an advanced AI-driven price analytics platform that that reduces food costs in the supply chain from distributor to customer.
The announcement took place in Saskatoon at Co.Labs, Saskatchewan’s first tech incubator and one of Innovation Saskatchewan’s funded Tech Partners. The incubator has successfully supported over 200 startups that have generated more than $85 million in revenue and $50 million in private investment, making it a foundational support in Saskatchewan’s startup ecosystem.
Since 2012, SAIF has committed over $15.7 million in 61 projects, resulting in more than $52.4 million in private investment, $8.5 million in federal investment, $106 million in post-project investment and 288 per cent return on investment (ROI). Similarly, since AGF launched in 2020, the program has invested over $4.5 million in 24 projects, resulting in more than $19.5 million in private investment, $3 million in federal investment, $41.4 million post-project investment and 398 per cent ROI.
Harvest completed at the Johnston farm.
Photo - Curtis Johnston
SARM calls for funding to cleanup of abandoned buildings, yard sites
Saskatchewan rural municipalities (RMs) continue to battle the increasing number of abandoned buildings and yard sites that litter our province.
Many RMs struggle with limited funds, legal powers, and technical know-how to effectively manage derelict buildings in a timely manner. Support from the provincial government could ease this challenge, helping communities remain safe, attractive, and economically vibrant.
Derelict buildings and yard sites pose significant financial burdens and jeopardize public safety through heightened fire hazards, potential structural failures, increased criminal activity, and health risks from pests and mold. As well, environmental regulations around the disposal of these buildings have become increasingly costly. These properties also negatively impact property values and detract from the
visual appeal and charm of Saskatchewan’s communities.
If the RM has been forced to assume title of the property, it becomes their financial burden and responsibility to maintain, demolish, or re-purpose.
Most structures are unsafe for entry by the time the RM gains title through tax enforcement proceedings, combine that with environmental regulations and policies on the demolition and clean-up
of such properties and the distance to local landfills for the disposal of the materials; the costs associated become extremely out of reach.
“Derelict buildings and yard sites are not only an eye sore but also threaten community safety. SARM invites the provincial government to step up and assist in the removal and remediation of these buildings.”
Rural municipalities want to encourage families to live, work, and stay in rural Saskatchewan, and nothing is
more discouraging than a surplus of abandoned buildings and yard sites.
Financial help from the provincial government would allow RMs to develop plans and take action on abandoned properties,” said Bill Huber, SARM President.
Many areas in North America receive grants to demolish derelict buildings and properties. The District of Kitimat in British Columbia has developed a grant program to demolish vacant and derelict buildings and properties. SARM is ad -
vocating that the provincial government develop a Derelict Building Grant program, similar in nature, to aid RMs. To assist in the removal and clean-up, so the property could be built on again or planted to native grass. Grant funding would target the decommissioning of impacted sites, landfill management, and cleanup of derelict buildings, and enable RMs to mitigate environmental risks, improve public health, and foster long-term economic opportunities in rural Saskatchewan.
A Leguee farms tractor sits under a cotton-candy sky during farming operations in a field near Talmage.
Photo - Sarah Leguee
‘Harvest Academy’ will launch at Farm Show
SaskToday.ca
Farmers attending Canada’s Farm Show in March will be able to take advantage of an interesting educational opportunity.
The Farm Show runs from March 18-20 at REAL District in Regina, and an attraction announced Friday, will see Bushel Plus presenting the “Harvest Academy.”
It will take place on the final day of the show,
Thursday, March 20, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., at the Launch Pad.
Producers face the never-ending challenge of trying to maximize yields while keeping costs down, and Bushel Plus looks to help farmers accomplish that at harvest time.
The Harvest Academy is a hands-on session, aimed at teaching farmers practical strategies on how to get the most out of their equip-
ment, and to unlock the full production and profit potential of their farms, especially during harvest.
The interactive sessions will feature discussions on how to minimize crop loss at harvest time, how to adjust and fine-tune equipment to get peak performance from harvest equipment and how to run at peak efficiency while keeping operational costs down.
“Hands-on learning,
interactive learning is a key feature of Canada’s Farm Show,” CFS Show Manager Carla Vipond says. “…we are here to help farmers prepare for the growing season, and the Harvest Academy will do this by helping them achieve annual measurable improvements on the farm and contributing to longterm success.”
