Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Even though it has been operating in Saskatchewan for almost 90 years, 4-H has never been an organization that rests on its laurels.
Valerie Pearson, the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council, says the agency is always looking at ways to ensure it remains relevant to youth, while, at the same time, maintaining its core values and objectives.
“We’ve always said our claim to fame is our leadership. We’re developing responsible citizens for the future, to take leadership roles,” Pearson explained. “But that’s not always a good selling pitch to an eight-year-old or a 10-year-old, so we really strive to promote the fun aspect of belonging to a 4-H club in everything we do. While having fun, there are all sorts of activities through which these young people learn leadership skills, which is certainly something that parents appreciate.”
Pearson said a new national initiative has been undertaken which will soon thrust 4-H more prominently into the spotlight. The initiative was largely spearheaded by 4-H members from across Canada, who were given the opportunity to apply to be part of a “youth advertising team” for the organization, she noted.
The team spent two weekends working with advertising agencies to develop ads for a public awareness and promotional campaign that will roll out across the nation in the coming months, targeting young people.
“The initiative just launched on October 31, so we’ll be starting to see radio and TV ads down the road as things get into full swing,” Pearson noted. “The horse isn’t out of the barn yet, but it’s approaching the gate.”
Pearson said the main reason for the campaign was to ensure people know and understand what the 4-H program is all about, and to attract new members to the organization. “In some areas, our membership has been declining over the years, and we want to address that,” she stated. “This is one way we felt we could get youth interested in 4-H, to learn about the program and to join the program, eventually.”
The 4-H program in Saskatchewan is in good shape overall, Pearson said, but the Provincial Council is fully behind the initiative to increase membership.
“In the last couple of years, we’ve developed many new programs. We’ve got these programs in place, as well as new and energetic staff who are going out and meeting with clubs and districts as much as they can,” she stated. “Now we’re going to shift our focus to increasing our membership numbers, as well, for the long-term stability of 4-H in Saskatchewan.”
One of the more recent initiatives of 4-H in Saskatchewan has been to work more closely with First Nations in attracting youth and introducing new learning components. “We’re working hand-in-hand with the First Nations Agricultural Council of Saskatchewan,” Pearson said. “The goals of both organizations are essentially the same. We both want to work with youth; we both want to pass on information to the youth through knowledgeable, respected people. The First Nations call them elders; we call them leaders. Since we’re trying to do the same thing, and 4-H has an effective model already in place, we felt it would be very beneficial for us to work together.”
First Nations' participation in 4-H is beginning to increase, as a result, both within existing clubs and in the establishment of new clubs on reserves where sufficient interest exists. For example, almost 40 youth from Turner Lake, in the northern part of the province, recently attended a 4-H night.
The partnership has also enabled 4-H to augment its current programming with an aboriginal learning component. “A couple of years ago we received some federal funding through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,” Pearson said. “We were able to have some aboriginal project material written for us by aboriginal people, themselves, covering topics such as culture and traditions, foods, quilting and so forth. This material is available for all clubs to use, so that non-aboriginal 4-H members can also learn about another culture.”
Pearson says that young people who participate in 4-H clubs get hands-on experience doing a lot of neat things, while at the same time learning new skills, building leadership qualities and, most importantly, having fun. “We always stick to our motto: ‘Learn to do by doing.’ This is an organization that lets everyone try, lets everyone excel,” she said. “And you can bet they’re going to have fun doing it.”
For further information, contact:
Valerie Pearson, Executive Director
4-H Council of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 933-7729
Website: www.4-h.sk.ca
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Articifial insemination (AI) expert to teach producer workshop
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
When a man’s got more than three decades of experience under his belt, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable authority. Given the credentials of Albert Harrison, producers attending the upcoming Artificial Insemination (AI) School in Shaunavon will have a chance to learn from a real expert.
“I’ve been in the business for over 35 years,” said Harrison. “I run an artificial insemination business out of Swift Current, arming anywhere from two to three thousand head of cattle a year for customers.”
Harrison will be the instructor for a comprehensive five-day workshop on AI, scheduled to take place December 12-16 at the Shaunavon Auction Mart. Producers taking the course will receive extensive training in all aspects of AI.
“What they’re going to do is go through anatomy and physiology, they’re going to learn about the process of artificially inseminating cattle, about semen handling and placement, about proper storage and the liquid nitrogen tanks where you keep the semen, and a whole lot more” said Harrison. “I have a number of speakers come in, like nutritionists, veterinarians, and owners from a couple of different studs.”
But the training won’t be limited to the classroom. Harrison notes that a considerable portion of the workshop will be spent in the barn, learning through doing. “We spend about an hour-and-a-half in the classroom in the morning and an hour-and-a-half in the afternoon, and the rest of the time is spent working on live cows,” he said.
The AI School would be of interest to anyone in the cattle business or dairy industry, according to Harrison, since the practice offers a number of significant benefits over conventional livestock breeding. The primary benefit is genetics, particularly the ability to select from a broader range of bulls with specific characteristics that a producer might want to match with his or her cows.
Artificial insemination is cost-effective from the standpoint of not having to purchase, feed and keep as many bulls on the farm. Additionally, AI offers the opportunity for farmers to better co-ordinate their calving period. “If you synchronize a group of 100 head through AI, you’re going to have the ones that conceive on that breeding drop their calves [within a period of] probably 10 days; whereas, if you have them bull-bred, it’s spread out over at least 30 days, if they all conceive on that breeding,” said Harrison.
“So if you’re a producer, that puts more pounds on the calves, more pounds when you sell them, more money in your pocket.”
Harrison notes that even people who don’t intend to practice AI on their farms have taken his course in the past, simply because it is so comprehensive. “Some people go just for the education part of it, whether they arm any cows afterward or not, because what they learn at the school really opens their eyes to their own operations.”
The cost of attending the AI School is $800 per person for the full five-day workshop. However, it is recognized as an approved course under the federal Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program, meaning that farmers who have qualified for CASS can obtain funding to help defray their costs. Producers interested in finding out more about CASS, including whether or not they might be eligible, can call toll-free 1-888-887-7977.
To register for the AI School on December 12-16 in Shaunavon, producers can call Albert Harrison at (306) 297-3139.
For more information, contact:
Albert Harrison
Phone: (306) 297-3139
Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS)
Phone: 1-888-887-7977
When a man’s got more than three decades of experience under his belt, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable authority. Given the credentials of Albert Harrison, producers attending the upcoming Artificial Insemination (AI) School in Shaunavon will have a chance to learn from a real expert.
“I’ve been in the business for over 35 years,” said Harrison. “I run an artificial insemination business out of Swift Current, arming anywhere from two to three thousand head of cattle a year for customers.”
Harrison will be the instructor for a comprehensive five-day workshop on AI, scheduled to take place December 12-16 at the Shaunavon Auction Mart. Producers taking the course will receive extensive training in all aspects of AI.
“What they’re going to do is go through anatomy and physiology, they’re going to learn about the process of artificially inseminating cattle, about semen handling and placement, about proper storage and the liquid nitrogen tanks where you keep the semen, and a whole lot more” said Harrison. “I have a number of speakers come in, like nutritionists, veterinarians, and owners from a couple of different studs.”
But the training won’t be limited to the classroom. Harrison notes that a considerable portion of the workshop will be spent in the barn, learning through doing. “We spend about an hour-and-a-half in the classroom in the morning and an hour-and-a-half in the afternoon, and the rest of the time is spent working on live cows,” he said.
The AI School would be of interest to anyone in the cattle business or dairy industry, according to Harrison, since the practice offers a number of significant benefits over conventional livestock breeding. The primary benefit is genetics, particularly the ability to select from a broader range of bulls with specific characteristics that a producer might want to match with his or her cows.
Artificial insemination is cost-effective from the standpoint of not having to purchase, feed and keep as many bulls on the farm. Additionally, AI offers the opportunity for farmers to better co-ordinate their calving period. “If you synchronize a group of 100 head through AI, you’re going to have the ones that conceive on that breeding drop their calves [within a period of] probably 10 days; whereas, if you have them bull-bred, it’s spread out over at least 30 days, if they all conceive on that breeding,” said Harrison.
“So if you’re a producer, that puts more pounds on the calves, more pounds when you sell them, more money in your pocket.”
Harrison notes that even people who don’t intend to practice AI on their farms have taken his course in the past, simply because it is so comprehensive. “Some people go just for the education part of it, whether they arm any cows afterward or not, because what they learn at the school really opens their eyes to their own operations.”
The cost of attending the AI School is $800 per person for the full five-day workshop. However, it is recognized as an approved course under the federal Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program, meaning that farmers who have qualified for CASS can obtain funding to help defray their costs. Producers interested in finding out more about CASS, including whether or not they might be eligible, can call toll-free 1-888-887-7977.
To register for the AI School on December 12-16 in Shaunavon, producers can call Albert Harrison at (306) 297-3139.
For more information, contact:
Albert Harrison
Phone: (306) 297-3139
Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS)
Phone: 1-888-887-7977
Agriculture health and safety gets big boost with donations
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
The Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA) at the University of Saskatchewan is having a celebratory month, with a 20th anniversary as well as new donations to its “Founding Chairs” program.
The CCHSA held an appreciation event in November to celebrate contributions to its “Founding Chairs” program from some familiar agricultural partners: Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (SWP) and a special investment from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
The three companies each donated $250,000 towards the program, which provides research funds for special projects, student training and knowledge translation in the area of agricultural health and safety. The University of Saskatchewan committed $125,000 to the program from the Dr. Peter D. Stewart Trust.
“These organizations, Farm Credit Canada, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Federated Co-op, are intricately linked to the very people that the CCHSA reaches out to – farm families and workers,” said Dr. James Dosman, Director of the CCHSA.
A portion of the funds will be used to help equip the centre when it makes the move to new headquarters in the Academic Health Sciences Building on the U of S campus. The remainder of the funds will go toward new research projects or ongoing development of existing projects.
Acknowledging two decades of projects and research is also on the agenda for CCHSA in early December. The centre is celebrating the evolution it has undergone since its beginnings as the Centre for Agricultural Medicine. The CCHSA is now co-located with the Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health (IAREH) at the U of S. It officially turns 20 this month, and its anniversary celebrations are taking place at various locations throughout Saskatoon.
“The anniversary celebrates how the Centre for Agricultural Medicine has kept evolving and growing over the last 20 years to become a national centre of excellence,” said Maura Gillis-Cipywnyk with IAREH.
The CCHSA is now home to a national lab, as well as being linked to a network of 66 scientists working at 14 different universities across the country. The scientists and their research focus on four themes of agricultural health: what we breathe, what we eat and drink, how we work and how we live. “This centre is the first of its kind in Canada,” said Gillis-Cipywnyk.
Anniversary celebrations include several conferences looking at various research issues, including a research conference on farm injuries that examines the issues and competencies that underlie injury prevention strategies.
For more information, contact:
Maura Gillis-Cipywnyk
Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health
Phone: (306) 966-8302
Leann Labrash
Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health
Phone: (306) 966-6647
The Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA) at the University of Saskatchewan is having a celebratory month, with a 20th anniversary as well as new donations to its “Founding Chairs” program.
The CCHSA held an appreciation event in November to celebrate contributions to its “Founding Chairs” program from some familiar agricultural partners: Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (SWP) and a special investment from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
The three companies each donated $250,000 towards the program, which provides research funds for special projects, student training and knowledge translation in the area of agricultural health and safety. The University of Saskatchewan committed $125,000 to the program from the Dr. Peter D. Stewart Trust.
“These organizations, Farm Credit Canada, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Federated Co-op, are intricately linked to the very people that the CCHSA reaches out to – farm families and workers,” said Dr. James Dosman, Director of the CCHSA.
A portion of the funds will be used to help equip the centre when it makes the move to new headquarters in the Academic Health Sciences Building on the U of S campus. The remainder of the funds will go toward new research projects or ongoing development of existing projects.
Acknowledging two decades of projects and research is also on the agenda for CCHSA in early December. The centre is celebrating the evolution it has undergone since its beginnings as the Centre for Agricultural Medicine. The CCHSA is now co-located with the Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health (IAREH) at the U of S. It officially turns 20 this month, and its anniversary celebrations are taking place at various locations throughout Saskatoon.
“The anniversary celebrates how the Centre for Agricultural Medicine has kept evolving and growing over the last 20 years to become a national centre of excellence,” said Maura Gillis-Cipywnyk with IAREH.
The CCHSA is now home to a national lab, as well as being linked to a network of 66 scientists working at 14 different universities across the country. The scientists and their research focus on four themes of agricultural health: what we breathe, what we eat and drink, how we work and how we live. “This centre is the first of its kind in Canada,” said Gillis-Cipywnyk.
Anniversary celebrations include several conferences looking at various research issues, including a research conference on farm injuries that examines the issues and competencies that underlie injury prevention strategies.
For more information, contact:
Maura Gillis-Cipywnyk
Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health
Phone: (306) 966-8302
Leann Labrash
Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health
Phone: (306) 966-6647
Feeds innovation institute emphasizes value-added production
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
He's only been on the job for a few months, but the executive director of the new Feeds Innovation Institute (FII) is excited by what’s happening.
Dr. Scott Wright heads the institute, based at the University of Saskatchewan. The FII evolved from the former Prairie Feed Research Centre, which had been operating at the university under the leadership of Vern Racz.
“While Vern has retired as executive director, he continues to work with us as a consulting research scientist,” said Wright. “We are fortunate to have his experience and the continuity he provides.”
According to Wright, “There has been scientific co-operation. The gap has been in connecting that to the industry priorities and to value-creation. We have a clearly expanding and growing market for enhanced livestock production in the province, as well as a demand for specialized feed products.” He sees the FII as “moving from a pure science response to a broader business and enterprise development response in the emerging markets for new feed crop technologies and processes.”
Currently, though Saskatchewan produces around 50 per cent of Canada’s grain crop, only about 10 per cent of that production is being used for domestic feed.
Wright noted, “We’re only just beginning to get a solid handle on value chain development, and how to create workable value chains that share risk-for-profit in a highly globalized market.”
He points to the tonnes of grain screenings now being used to feed livestock and the development of the new super-oat strain as just some of the evidence that feed research and development is paying off in the field.
The FII will emphasize partnerships and draw on the strength of the bio-products innovation cluster centred at the University of Saskatchewan. This cluster includes the Departments of Animal and Poultry Science, Agriculture Economics, Bioresource Engineering and the Crop Development Centre. It will also maintain close links with associated groups like the Prairie Swine Centre, Ag-West Bio Inc. and PAMI, to name a few.
In the short term, Wright says the institute’s work will “focus on creating additional value from feed in areas of the bio-economy like bio-fuels, and in satisfying demand for specialized feed products.” He also looks forward to future work on what he calls the “golden triangle:” the relationship between crops used for animal feed, crops used for food and crops used for industrial purposes.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Scott Wright, Executive Director
Feeds Innovation Institute
Phone: (306) 966-4120
He's only been on the job for a few months, but the executive director of the new Feeds Innovation Institute (FII) is excited by what’s happening.
Dr. Scott Wright heads the institute, based at the University of Saskatchewan. The FII evolved from the former Prairie Feed Research Centre, which had been operating at the university under the leadership of Vern Racz.
“While Vern has retired as executive director, he continues to work with us as a consulting research scientist,” said Wright. “We are fortunate to have his experience and the continuity he provides.”
According to Wright, “There has been scientific co-operation. The gap has been in connecting that to the industry priorities and to value-creation. We have a clearly expanding and growing market for enhanced livestock production in the province, as well as a demand for specialized feed products.” He sees the FII as “moving from a pure science response to a broader business and enterprise development response in the emerging markets for new feed crop technologies and processes.”
Currently, though Saskatchewan produces around 50 per cent of Canada’s grain crop, only about 10 per cent of that production is being used for domestic feed.
Wright noted, “We’re only just beginning to get a solid handle on value chain development, and how to create workable value chains that share risk-for-profit in a highly globalized market.”
He points to the tonnes of grain screenings now being used to feed livestock and the development of the new super-oat strain as just some of the evidence that feed research and development is paying off in the field.
The FII will emphasize partnerships and draw on the strength of the bio-products innovation cluster centred at the University of Saskatchewan. This cluster includes the Departments of Animal and Poultry Science, Agriculture Economics, Bioresource Engineering and the Crop Development Centre. It will also maintain close links with associated groups like the Prairie Swine Centre, Ag-West Bio Inc. and PAMI, to name a few.
In the short term, Wright says the institute’s work will “focus on creating additional value from feed in areas of the bio-economy like bio-fuels, and in satisfying demand for specialized feed products.” He also looks forward to future work on what he calls the “golden triangle:” the relationship between crops used for animal feed, crops used for food and crops used for industrial purposes.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Scott Wright, Executive Director
Feeds Innovation Institute
Phone: (306) 966-4120
Major grazing and forage conference set for swift current
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
A major livestock and grazing event is set to occur in Swift Current on December 12-13. This will be the fourth “Foraging into the Future” workshop to take place in the city, with the theme of this year’s session being “Understanding Selective Grazing Behaviour on the Range.”
Previous “Foraging into the Future” workshops have attracted anywhere from 125-225 participants. Trevor Lennox, a Forage Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF), says organizers are expecting the 2006 version to be just as well-received, if not more popular.
“The workshop will put producers in contact with some of North America’s leading forage and grazing researchers,” Lennox noted.
One such expert is Dr. Derek Bailey of New Mexico State University, who will speak about improving ranch profitability by selecting animals that are better adapted to the topography of one’s rangeland. In this session, Bailey will address topics such as grazing distribution and why it matters to producers, differences in the ability of individual animals to graze rugged farmland, and better developing animals to their rangeland conditions.
Bailey will further discuss his research on using grazing management tools, such as supplemental feeding and herding, to improve animal distribution into areas where forage resources are underutilized. He will also speak on the use of livestock as a tool to improve wildlife habitat on rangeland.
Dr. Jeff Mosley from Montana State University will help producers gain a better understanding of grazing behaviour of rangeland cattle, and what techniques can be used for limiting the affects of grazing on riparian areas. By understanding their habits, farmers can better manage where cattle will graze on their rangeland.
“Retaining youth in agriculture is an issue near and dear to the hearts of everyone involved in the industry,” said Lennox. “That topic will be discussed at this year’s conference by Christoph Weder, recently named the 2006 Alberta Outstanding Young Farmer, who will be sharing his experiences with participants.”
Weder recently left his job as a beef specialist in Alberta to pursue his dream of ranching on a full-time basis. He will also talk about methods he has found to improve the cow/calf producer's profitability in the beef industry.
A popular feature that will continue from previous workshops is the producer panel, which, this year, will discuss various methods of improving distribution on rangeland. “The producer panel provides an excellent forum in which participants can hear what their colleagues are doing, and perhaps pick up some useful tips in the process,” Lennox said.
A new item added for the 2006 workshop is “Tips and Tricks for Training Cattle Dogs,” a topic that will be presented by a very popular trainer from southwest Saskatchewan. “Cattle dogs are an important asset when it comes to working with animals, and this session will give producers an inside perspective from the eyes of a professional dog handler,” Lennox stated.
The program will finish with several updates from groups doing forage research on the Canadian Prairies, including the Western Beef Development Centre in Lanigan, the Chinook Applied Research Association in Oyen, Alberta, and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities in Swift Current, Scott and Brandon.
The planning committee has worked hard to attract funding for this event, and is very proud to be able to offer a two-day event of this quality for only $50 per person or $80 per family couple. Producers interested in attending the workshop must pre-register by calling the SAF regional office in Swift Current at (306) 778-8285.
For further information, contact:
Trevor Lennox, Forage Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 778-8294
A major livestock and grazing event is set to occur in Swift Current on December 12-13. This will be the fourth “Foraging into the Future” workshop to take place in the city, with the theme of this year’s session being “Understanding Selective Grazing Behaviour on the Range.”
Previous “Foraging into the Future” workshops have attracted anywhere from 125-225 participants. Trevor Lennox, a Forage Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF), says organizers are expecting the 2006 version to be just as well-received, if not more popular.
“The workshop will put producers in contact with some of North America’s leading forage and grazing researchers,” Lennox noted.
One such expert is Dr. Derek Bailey of New Mexico State University, who will speak about improving ranch profitability by selecting animals that are better adapted to the topography of one’s rangeland. In this session, Bailey will address topics such as grazing distribution and why it matters to producers, differences in the ability of individual animals to graze rugged farmland, and better developing animals to their rangeland conditions.
Bailey will further discuss his research on using grazing management tools, such as supplemental feeding and herding, to improve animal distribution into areas where forage resources are underutilized. He will also speak on the use of livestock as a tool to improve wildlife habitat on rangeland.
Dr. Jeff Mosley from Montana State University will help producers gain a better understanding of grazing behaviour of rangeland cattle, and what techniques can be used for limiting the affects of grazing on riparian areas. By understanding their habits, farmers can better manage where cattle will graze on their rangeland.
“Retaining youth in agriculture is an issue near and dear to the hearts of everyone involved in the industry,” said Lennox. “That topic will be discussed at this year’s conference by Christoph Weder, recently named the 2006 Alberta Outstanding Young Farmer, who will be sharing his experiences with participants.”
Weder recently left his job as a beef specialist in Alberta to pursue his dream of ranching on a full-time basis. He will also talk about methods he has found to improve the cow/calf producer's profitability in the beef industry.
A popular feature that will continue from previous workshops is the producer panel, which, this year, will discuss various methods of improving distribution on rangeland. “The producer panel provides an excellent forum in which participants can hear what their colleagues are doing, and perhaps pick up some useful tips in the process,” Lennox said.
A new item added for the 2006 workshop is “Tips and Tricks for Training Cattle Dogs,” a topic that will be presented by a very popular trainer from southwest Saskatchewan. “Cattle dogs are an important asset when it comes to working with animals, and this session will give producers an inside perspective from the eyes of a professional dog handler,” Lennox stated.
The program will finish with several updates from groups doing forage research on the Canadian Prairies, including the Western Beef Development Centre in Lanigan, the Chinook Applied Research Association in Oyen, Alberta, and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities in Swift Current, Scott and Brandon.
The planning committee has worked hard to attract funding for this event, and is very proud to be able to offer a two-day event of this quality for only $50 per person or $80 per family couple. Producers interested in attending the workshop must pre-register by calling the SAF regional office in Swift Current at (306) 778-8285.
For further information, contact:
Trevor Lennox, Forage Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 778-8294
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Saskatchewan innovator honoured with agri-food award of excellence
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
The Canadian Agri-Food Awards of Excellence have been handed out each year since 2001 to recognize outstanding achievement in five areas that are considered vital to the continued success of the agricultural sector.
Unbelievably, no one from Saskatchewan, the province with the most diverse and innovative agricultural sector in the land, had ever been honoured with such an award - until now.
Lee Whittington is the Manager of Information Services with the Prairie Swine Centre, a non-profit research and technology organization affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan. At the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair last month in Toronto, he took home the province's first ever Agri-Food Award of Excellence, in the category of Agricultural Awareness and Education.
Whittington received the honour for his "dedication, enthusiasm and vision in establishing the Pork Interpretive Gallery," or PIG, at the Prairie Swine Centre's Elstow Research Farm.
"The Pork Interpretive Gallery is basically a science centre that is located in the attic of a commercial-style pork barn," Whittington said. The concept stemmed from a set of meetings that took place in 1998, when the Prairie Swine Centre was looking at establishing a new research farm. Officials from the centre traveled Western Canada, meeting with researchers, farmers, veterinarians and other people associated with the pig industry to see what questions they felt would need to be answered by research in the coming years.
"One of the things that kept coming up at these meetings, which was completely unexpected, was the request by the industry to allow people into the hog barns," Whittington said.
However, there are considerable bio-security precautions incorporated into the pork industry, and access to the barns is very restricted. "Basically, nobody gets in unless they've got a really good reason for being there," he stated. "Doors are locked tight, there are shower facilities for people to use before they enter, and all clothing worn inside is supplied by the farm." Because of these precautions, the notion of taking tour groups or school students through such facilities was simply unworkable.
But when Whittington and his counterparts looked into the design of the barn as they were building it, they realized there was a lot of space up in the attic, and saw a great opportunity to build a bio-secure walkway. Visitors could be brought inside the shell of the barn, then view the pigs through windows in the ceiling, thereby maintaining a separate air space between the animals and the observers.
"We've got a dozen great big, 12-foot-wide windows that look into every aspect of the barn," Whittington stated. "You can see pigs at all stages of growth, and different types of housing configurations that are available in the barn. Then, between the windows are displays talking about what the pork industry is all about." There are exhibits discussing issues such as odour management and the use of by-products generated by pork processing, such as hog hair, and the pigs' ears that end up as dog treats.
The project became a collaborative effort, with producers and pork associations from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario all participating and contributing more than $500,000 towards the initiative.
To date, more than 4,000 people have visited the "living classroom" that helps dispel myths and misconceptions about the pork industry. But Whittington humbly defers the credit he receives for the PIG interpretive centre.
"PIG is an educational exhibit that tries to address and provide facts about the pork industry. The pork industry has a wonderful story to tell, but that story tends not to get told, or certainly doesn't get as much press as the negatives that surround livestock agriculture," he said.
"So, the award is a tremendous acknowledgement of the importance of keeping agriculture in the forefront of all the population. To me, it really points to the fact that there is a keen interest by many groups out there to see agriculture's story updated and told in modern terms as to what exactly happens in a modern pork production facility."
Whittington says the centre has done a terrific job of advancing public awareness and education about the pork industry. "When you take a group of kids through, and they see what a barn is really all about, some of the comments you get back are, 'Gee, I hope I can work in a place like this some day.' I'm sure that's not the discussion they had with their parents the night before when they said they were going out to a pig barn."
Guided tours of the PIG facility are available to interested individuals, groups or school classes. They can be arranged by contacting Jessica Podhordeski, the Agricultural Education Co-ordinator for the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board in Saskatoon, at (306) 343-3508.
For more information, contact:
Lee Whittington, Manager of Information Services
Prairie Swine Centre
Phone: (306) 373-9922
Website: www.prairieswine.com
The Canadian Agri-Food Awards of Excellence have been handed out each year since 2001 to recognize outstanding achievement in five areas that are considered vital to the continued success of the agricultural sector.
Unbelievably, no one from Saskatchewan, the province with the most diverse and innovative agricultural sector in the land, had ever been honoured with such an award - until now.
Lee Whittington is the Manager of Information Services with the Prairie Swine Centre, a non-profit research and technology organization affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan. At the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair last month in Toronto, he took home the province's first ever Agri-Food Award of Excellence, in the category of Agricultural Awareness and Education.
Whittington received the honour for his "dedication, enthusiasm and vision in establishing the Pork Interpretive Gallery," or PIG, at the Prairie Swine Centre's Elstow Research Farm.
"The Pork Interpretive Gallery is basically a science centre that is located in the attic of a commercial-style pork barn," Whittington said. The concept stemmed from a set of meetings that took place in 1998, when the Prairie Swine Centre was looking at establishing a new research farm. Officials from the centre traveled Western Canada, meeting with researchers, farmers, veterinarians and other people associated with the pig industry to see what questions they felt would need to be answered by research in the coming years.
"One of the things that kept coming up at these meetings, which was completely unexpected, was the request by the industry to allow people into the hog barns," Whittington said.
However, there are considerable bio-security precautions incorporated into the pork industry, and access to the barns is very restricted. "Basically, nobody gets in unless they've got a really good reason for being there," he stated. "Doors are locked tight, there are shower facilities for people to use before they enter, and all clothing worn inside is supplied by the farm." Because of these precautions, the notion of taking tour groups or school students through such facilities was simply unworkable.
But when Whittington and his counterparts looked into the design of the barn as they were building it, they realized there was a lot of space up in the attic, and saw a great opportunity to build a bio-secure walkway. Visitors could be brought inside the shell of the barn, then view the pigs through windows in the ceiling, thereby maintaining a separate air space between the animals and the observers.
"We've got a dozen great big, 12-foot-wide windows that look into every aspect of the barn," Whittington stated. "You can see pigs at all stages of growth, and different types of housing configurations that are available in the barn. Then, between the windows are displays talking about what the pork industry is all about." There are exhibits discussing issues such as odour management and the use of by-products generated by pork processing, such as hog hair, and the pigs' ears that end up as dog treats.
The project became a collaborative effort, with producers and pork associations from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario all participating and contributing more than $500,000 towards the initiative.
To date, more than 4,000 people have visited the "living classroom" that helps dispel myths and misconceptions about the pork industry. But Whittington humbly defers the credit he receives for the PIG interpretive centre.
"PIG is an educational exhibit that tries to address and provide facts about the pork industry. The pork industry has a wonderful story to tell, but that story tends not to get told, or certainly doesn't get as much press as the negatives that surround livestock agriculture," he said.
"So, the award is a tremendous acknowledgement of the importance of keeping agriculture in the forefront of all the population. To me, it really points to the fact that there is a keen interest by many groups out there to see agriculture's story updated and told in modern terms as to what exactly happens in a modern pork production facility."
Whittington says the centre has done a terrific job of advancing public awareness and education about the pork industry. "When you take a group of kids through, and they see what a barn is really all about, some of the comments you get back are, 'Gee, I hope I can work in a place like this some day.' I'm sure that's not the discussion they had with their parents the night before when they said they were going out to a pig barn."
Guided tours of the PIG facility are available to interested individuals, groups or school classes. They can be arranged by contacting Jessica Podhordeski, the Agricultural Education Co-ordinator for the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board in Saskatoon, at (306) 343-3508.
For more information, contact:
Lee Whittington, Manager of Information Services
Prairie Swine Centre
Phone: (306) 373-9922
Website: www.prairieswine.com
Saskatchewan grain drives activity at port of Churchill
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Once again, in 2006, Saskatchewan grain made up the vast majority of the shipping through the Port of Churchill, Manitoba.
According to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), there were 384,000 tonnes of wheat and durum shipped through Churchill this year. The total was an increase over the 353,000 tonnes in 2005, as well as the 361,000 tonnes shipped in 2004.
OmnxiTRAX Inc. owns and manages the port facility and the single rail line that connects to Churchill from The Pas, Manitoba. Michael Ogborn, managing director of OmniTRAX, said, "We have repeatedly shown that this port operation is more than capable of efficiently handling grain and other cargos. It has a very bright future, provided our core wheat traffic remains strong."
This year, grain was loaded on a total of 12 vessels, which were destined to deliver to customers in Mexico, Europe and Africa. The final departure of the season left on November 2, carrying 44,000 tonnes destined for Sudan. Past delivery destinations have included Belgium, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, Morocco, Norway and Turkey. Over the past four years, the biggest customer for Churchill shipments has been Italy, which has received some 283,000 tonnes.
CWB shipments represent approximately 80 per cent of the grain passing through Churchill. Board spokesperson Maureen Fitzhenry said the CWB remains committed to Churchill "because it makes economic sense to farmers." She added that the agency is supportive of non-Board shipments, as well, in order to "maintain the viability of the port." The CWB is targeted to deliver about 400,000 tonnes per year to Churchill, with the port's continued operation based on an objective of 500,000 tonnes per year, total.
The primary catchment area for Churchill deliveries is northeast Saskatchewan, comprising the regions around Prince Albert, Humboldt, Canora and points north. For producers in these areas, the Churchill route is simply less expensive than shipping through Thunder Bay or Vancouver. Approximately 35 to 40 per cent of producers receive a Churchill Freight Adjustment Rebate to guarantee that cost difference.
The port is normally ice-free for five months per year, with the shipping season beginning in July and running to November. In 2006, the port operators, local workers in Churchill and the railways worked together to maximize shipments, despite facing some stormy weather in October. Workers remained on the job around the clock during the last few weeks of the season to meet shipping schedules set by the Canadian Coast Guard.
According to Fitzhenry, "the railways made a considerable effort" to provide and turn around grain cars in a timely fashion.
Since 1996, Saskatchewan wheat and durum have comprised the bulk of shipments through the Port of Churchill, which have totalled some 4.2 million tones.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Fitzhenry, Media Relations Manager
Canadian Wheat Board
Phone: (204) 983-3101
Once again, in 2006, Saskatchewan grain made up the vast majority of the shipping through the Port of Churchill, Manitoba.
According to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), there were 384,000 tonnes of wheat and durum shipped through Churchill this year. The total was an increase over the 353,000 tonnes in 2005, as well as the 361,000 tonnes shipped in 2004.
OmnxiTRAX Inc. owns and manages the port facility and the single rail line that connects to Churchill from The Pas, Manitoba. Michael Ogborn, managing director of OmniTRAX, said, "We have repeatedly shown that this port operation is more than capable of efficiently handling grain and other cargos. It has a very bright future, provided our core wheat traffic remains strong."
This year, grain was loaded on a total of 12 vessels, which were destined to deliver to customers in Mexico, Europe and Africa. The final departure of the season left on November 2, carrying 44,000 tonnes destined for Sudan. Past delivery destinations have included Belgium, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, Morocco, Norway and Turkey. Over the past four years, the biggest customer for Churchill shipments has been Italy, which has received some 283,000 tonnes.
CWB shipments represent approximately 80 per cent of the grain passing through Churchill. Board spokesperson Maureen Fitzhenry said the CWB remains committed to Churchill "because it makes economic sense to farmers." She added that the agency is supportive of non-Board shipments, as well, in order to "maintain the viability of the port." The CWB is targeted to deliver about 400,000 tonnes per year to Churchill, with the port's continued operation based on an objective of 500,000 tonnes per year, total.
The primary catchment area for Churchill deliveries is northeast Saskatchewan, comprising the regions around Prince Albert, Humboldt, Canora and points north. For producers in these areas, the Churchill route is simply less expensive than shipping through Thunder Bay or Vancouver. Approximately 35 to 40 per cent of producers receive a Churchill Freight Adjustment Rebate to guarantee that cost difference.
The port is normally ice-free for five months per year, with the shipping season beginning in July and running to November. In 2006, the port operators, local workers in Churchill and the railways worked together to maximize shipments, despite facing some stormy weather in October. Workers remained on the job around the clock during the last few weeks of the season to meet shipping schedules set by the Canadian Coast Guard.
According to Fitzhenry, "the railways made a considerable effort" to provide and turn around grain cars in a timely fashion.
Since 1996, Saskatchewan wheat and durum have comprised the bulk of shipments through the Port of Churchill, which have totalled some 4.2 million tones.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Fitzhenry, Media Relations Manager
Canadian Wheat Board
Phone: (204) 983-3101
Keeping cool this winter
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
It is never that hard to keep yourself cool in Saskatchewan in winter, but the Canola Council of Canada is urging producers to make sure their crop stays cool as well.
Canola Council of Canada agronomist David Vanthuyne says crop temperature is critical to maintaining quality and maximizing canola profit. He says monitoring is even more important this year. "Much of the canola crop went into the bin hot this year," he noted.
Vanthuyne says grain temperature monitoring systems or bin probes provide the most accurate assessment of the health of stored canola. Alternatively, Vanthuyne suggests that growers take proactive measures by removing a load of canola from different bins when they're filling canola contracts.
At the very least, he recommends that growers turn the canola regularly by taking one or a number of loads out of each canola bin to break up any pockets of unstable canola within the mass of the grain.
Vanthuyne, the council's agronomist in eastern Saskatchewan, says growers can look at various conditioning systems, but "the object is to cool the seed and/or lower its moisture content to below 15 degrees Celsius and eight per cent moisture. Ideally, the lower the temperature, the better," he said.
Canola seed tends to sweat or respire for up to six weeks before becoming dormant, leading to heat damage and mould growth. To avoid spoilage, Vanthuyne advises producers to consider going beyond aeration to condition their canola to safe temperature and moisture levels.
Aeration can be an effective way to avoid spoilage and maintain quality, but Vanthuyne suggests that, if late-harvested canola contains moisture levels above 10 to 12 per cent, growers should consider heated air drying.
For more information on safe canola storage, producers should visit the Canola Council of Canada website, at http://www.canola-council.org/store.aspx.
For more information, contact:
David Vanthuyne, Agronomist
Canada Canola Council of Canada
Phone: (306) 782-7799
It is never that hard to keep yourself cool in Saskatchewan in winter, but the Canola Council of Canada is urging producers to make sure their crop stays cool as well.
Canola Council of Canada agronomist David Vanthuyne says crop temperature is critical to maintaining quality and maximizing canola profit. He says monitoring is even more important this year. "Much of the canola crop went into the bin hot this year," he noted.
Vanthuyne says grain temperature monitoring systems or bin probes provide the most accurate assessment of the health of stored canola. Alternatively, Vanthuyne suggests that growers take proactive measures by removing a load of canola from different bins when they're filling canola contracts.
At the very least, he recommends that growers turn the canola regularly by taking one or a number of loads out of each canola bin to break up any pockets of unstable canola within the mass of the grain.
Vanthuyne, the council's agronomist in eastern Saskatchewan, says growers can look at various conditioning systems, but "the object is to cool the seed and/or lower its moisture content to below 15 degrees Celsius and eight per cent moisture. Ideally, the lower the temperature, the better," he said.
Canola seed tends to sweat or respire for up to six weeks before becoming dormant, leading to heat damage and mould growth. To avoid spoilage, Vanthuyne advises producers to consider going beyond aeration to condition their canola to safe temperature and moisture levels.
Aeration can be an effective way to avoid spoilage and maintain quality, but Vanthuyne suggests that, if late-harvested canola contains moisture levels above 10 to 12 per cent, growers should consider heated air drying.
For more information on safe canola storage, producers should visit the Canola Council of Canada website, at http://www.canola-council.org/store.aspx.
For more information, contact:
David Vanthuyne, Agronomist
Canada Canola Council of Canada
Phone: (306) 782-7799
4-H earns support through good work with youth
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
It's not always easy balancing the books when you're a non-profit organization. But because of the important work it does in youth development, often with an agricultural focus, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council gets by with a little help from its friends.
As in past years, the council received a $300,000 grant this year from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF).
"Saskatchewan 4-H is a trusted, respected organization in the province," said Lyle Stavness, Manager of Renewal Programming with SAF. "Its goals are in line with things SAF would like to promote and see continued in the province, such as working with youth and encouraging their interest in agricultural activities."
Stavness said there are a number of areas that the funding goes towards, including supporting 4-H local and regional club activities; specific projects undertaken by 4-H members at the club level; "4-H Leaders" programs, so that youth are able to receive leadership training and mentorship in a particular project area; and "4-H Extras" initiatives, such as public speaking competitions and livestock judging.
"The 4-H leadership is providing those activities to 4-H members, and SAF is providing support to see that those programs can get delivered," said Stavness.
In addition to the direct financial assistance, SAF provides considerable in-kind support to the organization. For example, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council head office is located in the SAF regional office in Saskatoon.
Stavness noted, "We understand what their strategic plan is and what they are trying to do in terms of working with youth and the agricultural side, and we support generally all of the initiatives that are there. So, SAF is supporting the development of youth through supporting 4-H in its programs."
Saskatchewan 4-H Council Executive Director Valerie Pearson says these contributions are essential to the council's continued operation. "As with most non-profits, managing the books is a challenge we face every year. We receive funding from three sources. We receive a grant from the department (SAF), we have membership fees that we receive from our members, and we receive funding from sponsors," Pearson said.
"We're very thankful for the government support. We receive that as cash, and then we also receive the in-kind support, which includes our office space. Without that, we wouldn't be here," she added.
Pearson said the SAF assistance actually enables 4-H to operate as an independent non-profit entity, rather than as an agency of government as is the case in many jurisdictions across Canada.
"We're one of the few provinces where the staff members are not government staff. In many provinces, 4-H is actually administered as an office of government. We're structured as a non-profit organization," she said.
"So we're very appreciative of the support we get from government. Without it, we wouldn't be around, certainly not as we are today."
For further information, contact:
Lyle Stavness, Manager of Renewal Programming
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 787-4323
Valerie Pearson, Executive Director
Saskatchewan 4-H Council
Phone: (306) 933-7729
Website: www.4-h.sk.ca
It's not always easy balancing the books when you're a non-profit organization. But because of the important work it does in youth development, often with an agricultural focus, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council gets by with a little help from its friends.
As in past years, the council received a $300,000 grant this year from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF).
"Saskatchewan 4-H is a trusted, respected organization in the province," said Lyle Stavness, Manager of Renewal Programming with SAF. "Its goals are in line with things SAF would like to promote and see continued in the province, such as working with youth and encouraging their interest in agricultural activities."
Stavness said there are a number of areas that the funding goes towards, including supporting 4-H local and regional club activities; specific projects undertaken by 4-H members at the club level; "4-H Leaders" programs, so that youth are able to receive leadership training and mentorship in a particular project area; and "4-H Extras" initiatives, such as public speaking competitions and livestock judging.
"The 4-H leadership is providing those activities to 4-H members, and SAF is providing support to see that those programs can get delivered," said Stavness.
In addition to the direct financial assistance, SAF provides considerable in-kind support to the organization. For example, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council head office is located in the SAF regional office in Saskatoon.
Stavness noted, "We understand what their strategic plan is and what they are trying to do in terms of working with youth and the agricultural side, and we support generally all of the initiatives that are there. So, SAF is supporting the development of youth through supporting 4-H in its programs."
Saskatchewan 4-H Council Executive Director Valerie Pearson says these contributions are essential to the council's continued operation. "As with most non-profits, managing the books is a challenge we face every year. We receive funding from three sources. We receive a grant from the department (SAF), we have membership fees that we receive from our members, and we receive funding from sponsors," Pearson said.
"We're very thankful for the government support. We receive that as cash, and then we also receive the in-kind support, which includes our office space. Without that, we wouldn't be here," she added.
Pearson said the SAF assistance actually enables 4-H to operate as an independent non-profit entity, rather than as an agency of government as is the case in many jurisdictions across Canada.
"We're one of the few provinces where the staff members are not government staff. In many provinces, 4-H is actually administered as an office of government. We're structured as a non-profit organization," she said.
"So we're very appreciative of the support we get from government. Without it, we wouldn't be around, certainly not as we are today."
For further information, contact:
Lyle Stavness, Manager of Renewal Programming
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 787-4323
Valerie Pearson, Executive Director
Saskatchewan 4-H Council
Phone: (306) 933-7729
Website: www.4-h.sk.ca
Oat growers to feature research and market tips
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
The informal theme of the ninth annual Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) conference is "oats and canola go together like a horse and carriage," a nod to the recent buzz over two new canola crushing plants planned for Yorkton.
"The continuing theme is really agronomics," said Jack Dawes with POGA. "It's already known that oats and canola make good rotation crops, and with the buzz about the new canola crush plants in Yorkton, we're expecting a lot of interest."
Yorkton has previously hosted two very successful POGA conferences, and Dawes said this year is looking very promising as well. "The Yorkton conference is always good, in part because we are right in the heart of the oat-growing region," said Dawes. "We expect about 150 in attendance, most of whom will be producers."
The conference is also a great networking opportunity for producers to speak directly to representatives of the buyers for their product. Industry representatives from Agricore United, Can-Oat Milling, Grain Millers, Quaker-PepsiCo and General Mills will all be in attendance. "It's a chance for producers to talk one-on-one with some of the movers and shakers," said Dawes.
The conference organizers aim to include, as much as possible, all of the issues that they think will be of interest to oat producers. Dawes says there is a focus on both research and marketing at this year's conference. "We're looking at 'what are some of the issues in oat breeding and research?'" said Dawes. "That's where the title, 'Thinking Outside the (Research) Box,' comes in."
That presentation will feature Dr. Brian Rossnagel with the Crop Development Centre in Saskatoon, Dr. Jennifer Mitchell-Fetch with the Cereal Research Centre of Winnipeg and Dr. John McKinnon of the University of Saskatchewan. The session is a general update on the latest oat varieties and oat research, as well as information about newly developed feed oat varieties from Dr. McKinnon.
Another conference highlight will be some spirited debate to close the day: a session called "Face-off Time" with David Drozd of Ag-Chieve Corporation and Randy Strychar with Ag Resources Publishing. "These two bring different, unique insights into the industry," said Dawes. "It should be interesting, because they both managed to be quite close in their predictions this year about the upswing in oats along with other commodities."
Lunch for the day is included with conference registration prices, and there is a special market development being served up: oat pasta and oat soup, courtesy of the efforts of the Saskatchewan Oat Development Commission. The commission looks at all areas of market and research development, but the food market is a natural fit for oats, so conference attendees will be given the chance to sample potential new products.
The conference also features a trade show with exhibits from conference sponsors, including buyers, crop input suppliers and the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre.
The ninth annual Prairie Oat Growers Association conference takes place at St. Mary's Parish Centre in Yorkton on Thursday, December 7, 2006. The cost to register is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Participants can also register to attend the wrap-up banquet, held at the Yorkton Best Western Hotel, for a cost of $25 per person. A block of rooms for conference participants is reserved at the Yorkton Best Western Hotel. Call 1-800-667-1585 and mention your attendance at the conference to receive a special rate.
For more information, contact:
Jack Dawes
Prairie Oat Growers Association
Phone: (306) 744-2775
E-mail: poga@imagewireless.ca
The informal theme of the ninth annual Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) conference is "oats and canola go together like a horse and carriage," a nod to the recent buzz over two new canola crushing plants planned for Yorkton.
"The continuing theme is really agronomics," said Jack Dawes with POGA. "It's already known that oats and canola make good rotation crops, and with the buzz about the new canola crush plants in Yorkton, we're expecting a lot of interest."
Yorkton has previously hosted two very successful POGA conferences, and Dawes said this year is looking very promising as well. "The Yorkton conference is always good, in part because we are right in the heart of the oat-growing region," said Dawes. "We expect about 150 in attendance, most of whom will be producers."
The conference is also a great networking opportunity for producers to speak directly to representatives of the buyers for their product. Industry representatives from Agricore United, Can-Oat Milling, Grain Millers, Quaker-PepsiCo and General Mills will all be in attendance. "It's a chance for producers to talk one-on-one with some of the movers and shakers," said Dawes.
The conference organizers aim to include, as much as possible, all of the issues that they think will be of interest to oat producers. Dawes says there is a focus on both research and marketing at this year's conference. "We're looking at 'what are some of the issues in oat breeding and research?'" said Dawes. "That's where the title, 'Thinking Outside the (Research) Box,' comes in."
That presentation will feature Dr. Brian Rossnagel with the Crop Development Centre in Saskatoon, Dr. Jennifer Mitchell-Fetch with the Cereal Research Centre of Winnipeg and Dr. John McKinnon of the University of Saskatchewan. The session is a general update on the latest oat varieties and oat research, as well as information about newly developed feed oat varieties from Dr. McKinnon.
Another conference highlight will be some spirited debate to close the day: a session called "Face-off Time" with David Drozd of Ag-Chieve Corporation and Randy Strychar with Ag Resources Publishing. "These two bring different, unique insights into the industry," said Dawes. "It should be interesting, because they both managed to be quite close in their predictions this year about the upswing in oats along with other commodities."
Lunch for the day is included with conference registration prices, and there is a special market development being served up: oat pasta and oat soup, courtesy of the efforts of the Saskatchewan Oat Development Commission. The commission looks at all areas of market and research development, but the food market is a natural fit for oats, so conference attendees will be given the chance to sample potential new products.
The conference also features a trade show with exhibits from conference sponsors, including buyers, crop input suppliers and the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre.
The ninth annual Prairie Oat Growers Association conference takes place at St. Mary's Parish Centre in Yorkton on Thursday, December 7, 2006. The cost to register is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Participants can also register to attend the wrap-up banquet, held at the Yorkton Best Western Hotel, for a cost of $25 per person. A block of rooms for conference participants is reserved at the Yorkton Best Western Hotel. Call 1-800-667-1585 and mention your attendance at the conference to receive a special rate.
For more information, contact:
Jack Dawes
Prairie Oat Growers Association
Phone: (306) 744-2775
E-mail: poga@imagewireless.ca
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Gear up for Agribition
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Preparations are well underway for the 36th annual Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in Regina.
“It’s a huge machine that kicks into gear, and we are now gearing up,” said CWA General Manager Leon Brin.
“Right now we are into set-up mode. As we get closer and closer to the 20th, we bring more staff on. There are barns to be set up, the tradeshow component is established, there is lots of work to do,” said Brin.
“Thankfully, we are blessed with a staff that is highly experienced. Most of the people are into the double-digits in terms of how many years they’ve spent here. There aren’t too many surprises.”
By the numbers, the show is pretty impressive: 4,000 head of livestock, 186,000 square feet of tradeshow with 450 exhibitors, and over 140,000 people expected to go through the turnstiles during the run of Agribition.
The theme of this year’s show is “A World of Opportunity.” Brin says that theme will be demonstrated by the number of international guests.
“I think the international profile that Agribition has built for itself over the past few years is going to pay off this year. I think we are going to see a bigger number of international visitors. We are getting a lot of inquiries from around the world,” said Brin.
Brin says they won’t know what the actual number will be until the international guests arrive and register, but they know the importance of putting international buyers together with Western Canadian sellers.
“If you look at the beef sector, for example, recent developments have led the industry to understand that it has to diversify its marketing. You can’t just concentrate on one market,” Brin observed. “The beef industry is focused on marketing itself to international clients, and are looking to Agribition to do whatever we can to encourage [international] potential buyers to attend in order to make the connections with exporters.”
In 2005, 385 international guests representing 46 countries and 17 American states registered in the International Business Centre.
The full schedule of events for Agribition can be found at www.agribition.com. Agribition 2006 officially opens November 20 and runs until November 25 at Ipsco Place in Regina.
For more information, contact:
Leon Brin, General Manager
Canadian Western Agribition
Phone: (306) 924-9600
Website: www.agribition.com
Preparations are well underway for the 36th annual Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in Regina.
“It’s a huge machine that kicks into gear, and we are now gearing up,” said CWA General Manager Leon Brin.
“Right now we are into set-up mode. As we get closer and closer to the 20th, we bring more staff on. There are barns to be set up, the tradeshow component is established, there is lots of work to do,” said Brin.
“Thankfully, we are blessed with a staff that is highly experienced. Most of the people are into the double-digits in terms of how many years they’ve spent here. There aren’t too many surprises.”
By the numbers, the show is pretty impressive: 4,000 head of livestock, 186,000 square feet of tradeshow with 450 exhibitors, and over 140,000 people expected to go through the turnstiles during the run of Agribition.
The theme of this year’s show is “A World of Opportunity.” Brin says that theme will be demonstrated by the number of international guests.
“I think the international profile that Agribition has built for itself over the past few years is going to pay off this year. I think we are going to see a bigger number of international visitors. We are getting a lot of inquiries from around the world,” said Brin.
Brin says they won’t know what the actual number will be until the international guests arrive and register, but they know the importance of putting international buyers together with Western Canadian sellers.
“If you look at the beef sector, for example, recent developments have led the industry to understand that it has to diversify its marketing. You can’t just concentrate on one market,” Brin observed. “The beef industry is focused on marketing itself to international clients, and are looking to Agribition to do whatever we can to encourage [international] potential buyers to attend in order to make the connections with exporters.”
In 2005, 385 international guests representing 46 countries and 17 American states registered in the International Business Centre.
The full schedule of events for Agribition can be found at www.agribition.com. Agribition 2006 officially opens November 20 and runs until November 25 at Ipsco Place in Regina.
For more information, contact:
Leon Brin, General Manager
Canadian Western Agribition
Phone: (306) 924-9600
Website: www.agribition.com
Heart health claim a boon for canola growers
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
The Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association (SCGA) is welcoming news of a powerful new tool to sell canola oil in one of the largest markets in the world.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recently announced that canola oil can now bear a qualified health claim on its labelling.
Manufacturers can now use the following claim on their products:
Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1.5 tablespoons of canola oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in canola oil. To achieve this possible benefit, canola oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.
While the claim may be “qualified,” SCGA Executive Director Judie Dyck doesn't think the impact will be.
“It is very exciting, because the U.S. is a big market for canola. We are going to have two more crushing plants in Yorkton, and we will want to be moving more canola oil south. Most of our oil that we crush here now is going into the U.S. marketplace. So when you are going into the market to promote canola oil, you can now include the qualified health claim,” explains Dyck.
As the largest generation in the history of the human race ages, the importance of a heart-healthy diet is becoming an evermore prominent consumer demand to which manufacturers are responding.
“Just look at some of the labelling that has occurred in the past few years,” says Dyck. “Cholesterol-free, trans fat-free – consumers are becoming more educated, and more people are reading the packaging and the labelling. As consumers become more aware, they will start recognizing that they have to eat healthily, and canola is the healthiest oil.”
At seven per cent, canola oil is lowest in saturated fats, and the health benefits of canola have been front and centre in past marketing efforts. However, the USFDA ruling lends credibility to the message.
“You now have an independent third party that is ratifying what [the canola industry] has been saying for years,” says Dyck.
The SCGA is hoping all of this will benefit the bottom line of producers.
“There are a lot of factors happening in canola, including the impact of biodiesel. A million metric tonnes of last year’s seed went to Europe for biodiesel. We want to make sure that both the food and fuel markets can be expanded, and we are starting to see the price improve for canola,” says Dyck.
Canola Council of Canada president Barb Isman likewise welcomes the USFDA’s stamp of approval.
“Canola oil is a good fat. We’ve said it all along, and now the USFDA agrees. Canola oil provides a simple and affordable way to improve heart health, and that’s great news. We’re hoping, as an industry, that the claim will encourage more food product designers and manufacturers to use canola oil rather than less healthy choices,” says Isman.
Health Canada does not have a similar health claim system, so the U.S. designation will hold no legal weight in this country. However, the USFDA qualified claim will still influence Canadian consumers, since it will likely appear in U.S. advertising or on products that are imported from the States.
Health Canada does approve the following statement regarding canola:
A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. Canola oil is low in saturated and trans fats.
For more information, contact:
Judie Dyck, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association
Phone: (306) 668-2380
The Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association (SCGA) is welcoming news of a powerful new tool to sell canola oil in one of the largest markets in the world.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recently announced that canola oil can now bear a qualified health claim on its labelling.
Manufacturers can now use the following claim on their products:
Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1.5 tablespoons of canola oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in canola oil. To achieve this possible benefit, canola oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.
While the claim may be “qualified,” SCGA Executive Director Judie Dyck doesn't think the impact will be.
“It is very exciting, because the U.S. is a big market for canola. We are going to have two more crushing plants in Yorkton, and we will want to be moving more canola oil south. Most of our oil that we crush here now is going into the U.S. marketplace. So when you are going into the market to promote canola oil, you can now include the qualified health claim,” explains Dyck.
As the largest generation in the history of the human race ages, the importance of a heart-healthy diet is becoming an evermore prominent consumer demand to which manufacturers are responding.
“Just look at some of the labelling that has occurred in the past few years,” says Dyck. “Cholesterol-free, trans fat-free – consumers are becoming more educated, and more people are reading the packaging and the labelling. As consumers become more aware, they will start recognizing that they have to eat healthily, and canola is the healthiest oil.”
At seven per cent, canola oil is lowest in saturated fats, and the health benefits of canola have been front and centre in past marketing efforts. However, the USFDA ruling lends credibility to the message.
“You now have an independent third party that is ratifying what [the canola industry] has been saying for years,” says Dyck.
The SCGA is hoping all of this will benefit the bottom line of producers.
“There are a lot of factors happening in canola, including the impact of biodiesel. A million metric tonnes of last year’s seed went to Europe for biodiesel. We want to make sure that both the food and fuel markets can be expanded, and we are starting to see the price improve for canola,” says Dyck.
Canola Council of Canada president Barb Isman likewise welcomes the USFDA’s stamp of approval.
“Canola oil is a good fat. We’ve said it all along, and now the USFDA agrees. Canola oil provides a simple and affordable way to improve heart health, and that’s great news. We’re hoping, as an industry, that the claim will encourage more food product designers and manufacturers to use canola oil rather than less healthy choices,” says Isman.
Health Canada does not have a similar health claim system, so the U.S. designation will hold no legal weight in this country. However, the USFDA qualified claim will still influence Canadian consumers, since it will likely appear in U.S. advertising or on products that are imported from the States.
Health Canada does approve the following statement regarding canola:
A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. Canola oil is low in saturated and trans fats.
For more information, contact:
Judie Dyck, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association
Phone: (306) 668-2380
Friday, November 24, 2006
"Noses that know" turn in research on hog barns
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
For 700 days over the last two years, professional sniffers—also known as the “Nasal Rangers”—rode tall in their truck seats, testing the air and sniffing out potential problems with the intensive livestock operations near Good Spirit Lake and the surrounding communities. Their mission: to sniff out offensive odours that could be coming from the nearby operations, from as close as half a kilometre to as far away as six kilometres.
What the hired noses, as well as the other community residents asked to participate, found was that there was not much to smell. “This is a good news story,” says Don Walters with the Spirit Creek Watershed Monitoring Committee (SCWMC). “This is about good management, government and community groups forming regulations that are good for the environment and the rural economy. We can all work together.”
Walters should know about working together, after spending the last five years involved with the SCWMC. He says the committee was initially formed because residents were concerned about what hog barns operating in the area might bring with them. “Some of us weren’t in favour of hog barns at the start,” says Walters. “We knew nothing, though, and we learned a lot.”
Over the last five years, the SCWMC worked with residents, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, and the barn owners to collect baseline data on their community before the barns even went into production. The SCWMC then monitored water and soil quality in the area surrounding the barns, testing for any contaminants and even just unpleasant smells. They hired “Nasal Rangers,” who, along with local residents, made up the sniff-test team. “They’d have to get up in the morning and calibrate their noses,” jokes Walters. “That creates the standard for odour monitoring.”
The SCWMC’s five-year report found that some odour was detected two per cent of the time. Out of that portion, 60 per cent of odours reported were rated as a level one or two on a scale of one to five, with one being the least offensive.
The monitoring also yielded some surprising – and important – results about local drinking water: it needed attention regardless of whether hog barns were established in the area. Before the operation began, residents were asked to test their drinking water, with the results staying confidential. “We realized there were some water concerns,” said Walters, “which is a good thing, because the people didn’t realize it themselves. They’d been drinking it for years.”
The SCWMC will continue to test the soil around the operations for the next six years. Walters says overly wet and rainy seasons over the last couple of years may have affected some of the testing they have been doing, so the group just wants to continue testing to make sure there are no adverse affects. Water testing at Good Spirit Creek (which feeds into Good Spirit Lake) will also continue.
As for the hog barns, Walters says, in the end, they have made the communities of Rama and Buchanan very happy. “We found it’s good for the rural economy, and people are happy working there. It kept people here and provided jobs.”
Walters says, besides the satisfaction of knowing their communities are working hand-in-hand with the barns to keep their environment clean, they have some home-grown information to go on. “This has given us some very good information that’s not from down south, or Denmark, or wherever.”
The local information also serves Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. “Our livestock producers are good stewards of the environment and the report confirms this fact,” says Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman. “Growing Saskatchewan’s livestock industry is key to stimulating the province’s rural economy.”
The full results and a copy of the report are available on the SCWMC website at http://spiritcreek.ca.
For more information, contact:
Don Walters
Spirit Creek Watershed Monitoring Committee
Phone: (306) 783-4828
E-mail: rwalters@sasktel.net
Website: http://spiritcreek.ca
For 700 days over the last two years, professional sniffers—also known as the “Nasal Rangers”—rode tall in their truck seats, testing the air and sniffing out potential problems with the intensive livestock operations near Good Spirit Lake and the surrounding communities. Their mission: to sniff out offensive odours that could be coming from the nearby operations, from as close as half a kilometre to as far away as six kilometres.
What the hired noses, as well as the other community residents asked to participate, found was that there was not much to smell. “This is a good news story,” says Don Walters with the Spirit Creek Watershed Monitoring Committee (SCWMC). “This is about good management, government and community groups forming regulations that are good for the environment and the rural economy. We can all work together.”
Walters should know about working together, after spending the last five years involved with the SCWMC. He says the committee was initially formed because residents were concerned about what hog barns operating in the area might bring with them. “Some of us weren’t in favour of hog barns at the start,” says Walters. “We knew nothing, though, and we learned a lot.”
Over the last five years, the SCWMC worked with residents, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, and the barn owners to collect baseline data on their community before the barns even went into production. The SCWMC then monitored water and soil quality in the area surrounding the barns, testing for any contaminants and even just unpleasant smells. They hired “Nasal Rangers,” who, along with local residents, made up the sniff-test team. “They’d have to get up in the morning and calibrate their noses,” jokes Walters. “That creates the standard for odour monitoring.”
The SCWMC’s five-year report found that some odour was detected two per cent of the time. Out of that portion, 60 per cent of odours reported were rated as a level one or two on a scale of one to five, with one being the least offensive.
The monitoring also yielded some surprising – and important – results about local drinking water: it needed attention regardless of whether hog barns were established in the area. Before the operation began, residents were asked to test their drinking water, with the results staying confidential. “We realized there were some water concerns,” said Walters, “which is a good thing, because the people didn’t realize it themselves. They’d been drinking it for years.”
The SCWMC will continue to test the soil around the operations for the next six years. Walters says overly wet and rainy seasons over the last couple of years may have affected some of the testing they have been doing, so the group just wants to continue testing to make sure there are no adverse affects. Water testing at Good Spirit Creek (which feeds into Good Spirit Lake) will also continue.
As for the hog barns, Walters says, in the end, they have made the communities of Rama and Buchanan very happy. “We found it’s good for the rural economy, and people are happy working there. It kept people here and provided jobs.”
Walters says, besides the satisfaction of knowing their communities are working hand-in-hand with the barns to keep their environment clean, they have some home-grown information to go on. “This has given us some very good information that’s not from down south, or Denmark, or wherever.”
The local information also serves Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. “Our livestock producers are good stewards of the environment and the report confirms this fact,” says Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman. “Growing Saskatchewan’s livestock industry is key to stimulating the province’s rural economy.”
The full results and a copy of the report are available on the SCWMC website at http://spiritcreek.ca.
For more information, contact:
Don Walters
Spirit Creek Watershed Monitoring Committee
Phone: (306) 783-4828
E-mail: rwalters@sasktel.net
Website: http://spiritcreek.ca
Oil and water: do they mix?
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
An upcoming conference in Moose Jaw will investigate the connection between irrigation and bio-fuels. The 11th annual Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association (SIPA) conference on December 5 and 6 is expected to draw over 100 irrigators.
SIPA Chairman Roger Pederson says the showcase session is called “Bio-fuels and Irrigation: Oil and Water, Do They Mix?”
The session, moderated by agricultural commentator Kevin Hursh, will feature presentations from Lionel LaBelle of the Ethanol Development Council, Judie Dyck of the Biodiesel Development Task Force, John Ippolito from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and Keith Rueve from Pound-Maker AgVentures.
Pederson says the goal is to explore how irrigation and bio-fuels can complement one another.
“We think there is a good mix for irrigation with some of the bio-fuels,” says Pederson. “Under irrigation, production is much higher than on dry land, and our production on a year-to-year basis is pretty much assured, barring some catastrophe. So it makes the number of acres you need to draw from in order to support those plants less than what it would be in a dry-land situation.”
Pederson says there are also transportation advantages if the feedstock for a bio-fuel plant is being drawn from nearby irrigated land.
“With irrigation, you can get more of your product closer to the location of the plant. Transportation is a factor, and obviously, if you do not have to go so far away for the raw product to supply your plant, that should be an advantage. One of the reasons for this topic at the conference is to find out just what those advantages might be,” explains Pederson.
While the session is aimed at giving existing irrigators the opportunity to relate this seminar back to their own operations, Pederson says it would be of interest to a much broader audience.
“There have been a lot of meetings about biodiesel and ethanol, but I think none quite like this one. We hope that it will answer some specific questions for irrigation farmers, but it will be useful information whether you are a dry-land farmer or an irrigation farmer,” says Pederson.
Anyone interested in attending the conference can register online at www.irrigationsaskatchewan.com, or call Sandra Bathgate at (306) 796-4420.
For more information, contact:
Roger Pederson, Chairman
Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association
Phone: (306) 867-8460
An upcoming conference in Moose Jaw will investigate the connection between irrigation and bio-fuels. The 11th annual Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association (SIPA) conference on December 5 and 6 is expected to draw over 100 irrigators.
SIPA Chairman Roger Pederson says the showcase session is called “Bio-fuels and Irrigation: Oil and Water, Do They Mix?”
The session, moderated by agricultural commentator Kevin Hursh, will feature presentations from Lionel LaBelle of the Ethanol Development Council, Judie Dyck of the Biodiesel Development Task Force, John Ippolito from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and Keith Rueve from Pound-Maker AgVentures.
Pederson says the goal is to explore how irrigation and bio-fuels can complement one another.
“We think there is a good mix for irrigation with some of the bio-fuels,” says Pederson. “Under irrigation, production is much higher than on dry land, and our production on a year-to-year basis is pretty much assured, barring some catastrophe. So it makes the number of acres you need to draw from in order to support those plants less than what it would be in a dry-land situation.”
Pederson says there are also transportation advantages if the feedstock for a bio-fuel plant is being drawn from nearby irrigated land.
“With irrigation, you can get more of your product closer to the location of the plant. Transportation is a factor, and obviously, if you do not have to go so far away for the raw product to supply your plant, that should be an advantage. One of the reasons for this topic at the conference is to find out just what those advantages might be,” explains Pederson.
While the session is aimed at giving existing irrigators the opportunity to relate this seminar back to their own operations, Pederson says it would be of interest to a much broader audience.
“There have been a lot of meetings about biodiesel and ethanol, but I think none quite like this one. We hope that it will answer some specific questions for irrigation farmers, but it will be useful information whether you are a dry-land farmer or an irrigation farmer,” says Pederson.
Anyone interested in attending the conference can register online at www.irrigationsaskatchewan.com, or call Sandra Bathgate at (306) 796-4420.
For more information, contact:
Roger Pederson, Chairman
Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association
Phone: (306) 867-8460
Saskatchewan goat breeders working to grow sector
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
As producers seek new and innovative ways to diversify, the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association invites them to “think goat.”
The association’s president is Guenette Bautz, who raises goats for both the meat and milk markets on her Country Log Ranch near Middle Lake in the Humboldt area.
“Saskatchewan is the perfect place to raise goats in terms of land base and cost of production,” says Bautz. “Goats are a good option for diversification.”
The goat industry has three main operation sectors: dairy, meat and mohair, which can add diversification to any agricultural operation.
Bautz and husband Ryan started with a grain and cattle operation. After much research, she concluded goats would be the perfect addition to their farm. Now, some six years later, she is the owner of approximately 130 breeding stock for meat production, and a further 50 animals that produce milk and associated products. In fact, the Country Log Ranch operates the only health-district-approved Category 2 goat milk dairy in Saskatchewan.
“We recognize the need for a processing plant to further develop the milk industry in our province. We are, therefore, currently investigating and submitting plans to expand our operation into a processing plant that would enable us to transform goats’ milk into other dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, butter and ice cream,” Bautz says.
She says consumers are attracted by the health benefits of goats’ milk, which is produced without any additives, hormones or stimulants. It has much lower lactose content than cows’ milk or human mothers’ milk, and is well-tolerated by those who suffer from certain intestinal disorders and infants whose digestive systems have not yet fully matured. Live animals are currently shipped out of province for finishing and processing, with meat distributed at the farm gate or through local stores.
According to the latest available Statistics Canada data, there are approximately 16,000 goats in the Saskatchewan herd. Because there are many hobbyists keeping only a few animals, it is difficult to estimate the total number of producers in the province.
For a milk producer, approximately 40 animals are required to start, with the herd growing to about 50 milking does if the producer wishes to make a living solely on the dairy side. The largest single meat herd in the province numbers some 400 goats. There are currently 63 members in the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association, and they are very willing to share what they have learned with producers who may be interested in getting into the sector.
Bautz describes the stock as “easy to manage and safe with kids,” making them a perfect alternative for any family farm. They are browsers of widely available natural pastures, feeding on grasses, leaves, brush and even bark. They also graze well alongside cattle.
On her operation, she has an unusual helper, a llama named “Peace.” “Not only does she herd them back from pasture, but she also patrols the perimeter of their enclosure like a sentry,” said Bautz. While dogs are commonly used to assist in herding, young llamas will bond with the goats and demonstrate strong protective instincts. “She is an effective deterrent to predators like coyotes,” Bautz adds.
Goat breeding offers a great opportunity for new producers to enter the business, with markets still being established in Canada and a shortage of supply to meet demand. Saskatchewan breeders are also members of the Canadian National Goat Breeders Association, which is building education resources for its members across the country, and implementing important initiatives such as on-farm food safety and a national traceability program.
Bautz will be showing her animals at Canadian Western Agribition, and says she looks forward to talking to interested producers about the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association and topics like dairy, meat and fibre production.
More information is available through the Bautz operation website, www.milkandmore.ca, and she welcomes customer and producer inquiries via her e-mail address, info@countrylogranch.com.
For more information, contact:
Guenette Bautz
Phone: (306) 367-2404
E-mail: info@countrylogranch.com
As producers seek new and innovative ways to diversify, the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association invites them to “think goat.”
The association’s president is Guenette Bautz, who raises goats for both the meat and milk markets on her Country Log Ranch near Middle Lake in the Humboldt area.
“Saskatchewan is the perfect place to raise goats in terms of land base and cost of production,” says Bautz. “Goats are a good option for diversification.”
The goat industry has three main operation sectors: dairy, meat and mohair, which can add diversification to any agricultural operation.
Bautz and husband Ryan started with a grain and cattle operation. After much research, she concluded goats would be the perfect addition to their farm. Now, some six years later, she is the owner of approximately 130 breeding stock for meat production, and a further 50 animals that produce milk and associated products. In fact, the Country Log Ranch operates the only health-district-approved Category 2 goat milk dairy in Saskatchewan.
“We recognize the need for a processing plant to further develop the milk industry in our province. We are, therefore, currently investigating and submitting plans to expand our operation into a processing plant that would enable us to transform goats’ milk into other dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, butter and ice cream,” Bautz says.
She says consumers are attracted by the health benefits of goats’ milk, which is produced without any additives, hormones or stimulants. It has much lower lactose content than cows’ milk or human mothers’ milk, and is well-tolerated by those who suffer from certain intestinal disorders and infants whose digestive systems have not yet fully matured. Live animals are currently shipped out of province for finishing and processing, with meat distributed at the farm gate or through local stores.
According to the latest available Statistics Canada data, there are approximately 16,000 goats in the Saskatchewan herd. Because there are many hobbyists keeping only a few animals, it is difficult to estimate the total number of producers in the province.
For a milk producer, approximately 40 animals are required to start, with the herd growing to about 50 milking does if the producer wishes to make a living solely on the dairy side. The largest single meat herd in the province numbers some 400 goats. There are currently 63 members in the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association, and they are very willing to share what they have learned with producers who may be interested in getting into the sector.
Bautz describes the stock as “easy to manage and safe with kids,” making them a perfect alternative for any family farm. They are browsers of widely available natural pastures, feeding on grasses, leaves, brush and even bark. They also graze well alongside cattle.
On her operation, she has an unusual helper, a llama named “Peace.” “Not only does she herd them back from pasture, but she also patrols the perimeter of their enclosure like a sentry,” said Bautz. While dogs are commonly used to assist in herding, young llamas will bond with the goats and demonstrate strong protective instincts. “She is an effective deterrent to predators like coyotes,” Bautz adds.
Goat breeding offers a great opportunity for new producers to enter the business, with markets still being established in Canada and a shortage of supply to meet demand. Saskatchewan breeders are also members of the Canadian National Goat Breeders Association, which is building education resources for its members across the country, and implementing important initiatives such as on-farm food safety and a national traceability program.
Bautz will be showing her animals at Canadian Western Agribition, and says she looks forward to talking to interested producers about the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association and topics like dairy, meat and fibre production.
More information is available through the Bautz operation website, www.milkandmore.ca, and she welcomes customer and producer inquiries via her e-mail address, info@countrylogranch.com.
For more information, contact:
Guenette Bautz
Phone: (306) 367-2404
E-mail: info@countrylogranch.com
Issues and action plans for rural women the focus of conference
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
A series of meetings throughout Saskatchewan will culminate with the “Rural Women’s Policy Forum” November 24-26 in Muenster. The process began with a grant from Status of Women Canada to fund a project called “Empowering Rural Women’s Voices.” The program has been co-ordinated through the Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence at the University of Regina.
“The rural women's issues committee is a result of a seminar put on by the centre,” says policy analyst and committee member Joanne Havelock. “We had participated with other centres across Canada in a national study of women living in rural, remote and northern locations. So we decided to follow up the recommendations of that study, to see how they relate particularly to Saskatchewan.”
After an initial workshop in Young focusing on rural women's health issues, the participants expressed a desire to make that kind of opportunity available to other women across the province. Along with Havelock, they put together the committee and sought out the grant money to fund further activity. Starting about two years ago, the committee sponsored workshops in Nipawin, Swift Current, Carlyle, Unity and Christopher Lake.
“We’ve talked about what is affecting women's well-being, and that of their families and communities,” says Havelock. “It’s an evening and a day, and we start by asking participants what is the thing they’re most proud of accomplishing. It can range from putting nutritious meals on the table for the family, to running for council, to jumping off the high-diving board. The point is that women do a lot and accomplish a lot, and should be very proud of what they’ve done.”
The workshops seek to identify what issues are affecting the local community, and ask those attending to imagine a new vision of how things can change if that issue is resolved. The participants are challenged to generate action lists to move toward those new visions. Each workshop has attracted 15 to 25 women, from farms and small rural communities.
“Each workshop has its own individual report, which is available on our website,” says Havelock. “We will pull together a comprehensive report after the November forum.”
The Rural Women’s Policy Forum will be held at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, and remains open to registration. The agenda calls for sessions to be held on a variety of topics, such as Women and Leadership, Women in the Rural Economy, and Health Care. Havelock says organizers hope to see positive actions by participants to resolve issues in their communities when they return home.
The forum is free for participants, with mileage, food and accommodation all covered by the program grant. Registration information is available by calling Joanne Havelock at the Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence, (306) 585-5727.
For more information, contact:
Joanne Havelock
Phone: (306) 585-5727
Mobile: (306) 535-9570
A series of meetings throughout Saskatchewan will culminate with the “Rural Women’s Policy Forum” November 24-26 in Muenster. The process began with a grant from Status of Women Canada to fund a project called “Empowering Rural Women’s Voices.” The program has been co-ordinated through the Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence at the University of Regina.
“The rural women's issues committee is a result of a seminar put on by the centre,” says policy analyst and committee member Joanne Havelock. “We had participated with other centres across Canada in a national study of women living in rural, remote and northern locations. So we decided to follow up the recommendations of that study, to see how they relate particularly to Saskatchewan.”
After an initial workshop in Young focusing on rural women's health issues, the participants expressed a desire to make that kind of opportunity available to other women across the province. Along with Havelock, they put together the committee and sought out the grant money to fund further activity. Starting about two years ago, the committee sponsored workshops in Nipawin, Swift Current, Carlyle, Unity and Christopher Lake.
“We’ve talked about what is affecting women's well-being, and that of their families and communities,” says Havelock. “It’s an evening and a day, and we start by asking participants what is the thing they’re most proud of accomplishing. It can range from putting nutritious meals on the table for the family, to running for council, to jumping off the high-diving board. The point is that women do a lot and accomplish a lot, and should be very proud of what they’ve done.”
The workshops seek to identify what issues are affecting the local community, and ask those attending to imagine a new vision of how things can change if that issue is resolved. The participants are challenged to generate action lists to move toward those new visions. Each workshop has attracted 15 to 25 women, from farms and small rural communities.
“Each workshop has its own individual report, which is available on our website,” says Havelock. “We will pull together a comprehensive report after the November forum.”
The Rural Women’s Policy Forum will be held at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, and remains open to registration. The agenda calls for sessions to be held on a variety of topics, such as Women and Leadership, Women in the Rural Economy, and Health Care. Havelock says organizers hope to see positive actions by participants to resolve issues in their communities when they return home.
The forum is free for participants, with mileage, food and accommodation all covered by the program grant. Registration information is available by calling Joanne Havelock at the Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence, (306) 585-5727.
For more information, contact:
Joanne Havelock
Phone: (306) 585-5727
Mobile: (306) 535-9570
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
New award recognizes province's best hog drivers
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
The care and handling of animals beyond the farm gate is left in the hands of the transporter, who can significantly affect the health of the animals in their care. That’s why the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) and the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan (FACS) are teaming up to hand out the first ever Award of Distinction for Hog Transportation Handling.
“The transportation process is very stressful for livestock, and the truckers’ approach to animal handling makes all the difference,” says Harvey Wagner, Producer Services Manager with Sask Pork.
With consumers increasingly wanting assurance that the food they purchase and consume was raised and cared for in a humane manner, it is important that every step in the production process remains careful and connected. Truckers and transporters are a vital part of that link, since losses from inadequate care or handling can cost the industry millions of dollars each year.
The selection process for the award is dependent on nominees meeting the following criteria: the forms must meet the deadline; the nominee must have completed the pork industry Trucker Quality Assurance (TQA) program; and the nominee must be seen to be doing an exceptional job of transporting live hogs.
“It’s a seal of approval,” says Wagner. “People like to be recognized for doing a good job, and it’s time we gave out recognition for the transportation side.”
Nominations can come from people in all the stages of the pork production chain: producers, employees of producers or processors, receivers like plants or assembly yards and companies all deal with hog truckers and could know someone deserving of recognition.
“The trucker is an important part in the process for reducing stress on animals, and, as we do with everything, we ask that they keep the animals in mind. We want to single out the best of the best,” says Wagner.
Those who think they have a suitable candidate for the award can visit the Sask Pork (www.saskpork.com) or FACS (www.facs.sk.ca/welfare_awards) websites to download an electronic nomination form, or contact the FACS office at (306) 244-7752 to make a nomination by phone. Wagner says they have already received a number of nominations, but since this is the first year for the award, “we’re looking for more.”
If you know a transporter who is deserving of the Award of Distinction for Hog Transportation Handling, hurry: the nomination deadline is Wednesday, November 15, 2006. The award will be presented on December 12, 2006 at the annual general meeting of FACS in Saskatoon.
For more information, contact:
Harvey Wagner, Producer Services Manager
Saskatchewan Pork Development Board
Phone: (306) 244-7752
Website: www.saskpork.com
Adele Buettner, Executive Director
Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 249-3227
Website: www.facs.sk.ca
The care and handling of animals beyond the farm gate is left in the hands of the transporter, who can significantly affect the health of the animals in their care. That’s why the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) and the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan (FACS) are teaming up to hand out the first ever Award of Distinction for Hog Transportation Handling.
“The transportation process is very stressful for livestock, and the truckers’ approach to animal handling makes all the difference,” says Harvey Wagner, Producer Services Manager with Sask Pork.
With consumers increasingly wanting assurance that the food they purchase and consume was raised and cared for in a humane manner, it is important that every step in the production process remains careful and connected. Truckers and transporters are a vital part of that link, since losses from inadequate care or handling can cost the industry millions of dollars each year.
The selection process for the award is dependent on nominees meeting the following criteria: the forms must meet the deadline; the nominee must have completed the pork industry Trucker Quality Assurance (TQA) program; and the nominee must be seen to be doing an exceptional job of transporting live hogs.
“It’s a seal of approval,” says Wagner. “People like to be recognized for doing a good job, and it’s time we gave out recognition for the transportation side.”
Nominations can come from people in all the stages of the pork production chain: producers, employees of producers or processors, receivers like plants or assembly yards and companies all deal with hog truckers and could know someone deserving of recognition.
“The trucker is an important part in the process for reducing stress on animals, and, as we do with everything, we ask that they keep the animals in mind. We want to single out the best of the best,” says Wagner.
Those who think they have a suitable candidate for the award can visit the Sask Pork (www.saskpork.com) or FACS (www.facs.sk.ca/welfare_awards) websites to download an electronic nomination form, or contact the FACS office at (306) 244-7752 to make a nomination by phone. Wagner says they have already received a number of nominations, but since this is the first year for the award, “we’re looking for more.”
If you know a transporter who is deserving of the Award of Distinction for Hog Transportation Handling, hurry: the nomination deadline is Wednesday, November 15, 2006. The award will be presented on December 12, 2006 at the annual general meeting of FACS in Saskatoon.
For more information, contact:
Harvey Wagner, Producer Services Manager
Saskatchewan Pork Development Board
Phone: (306) 244-7752
Website: www.saskpork.com
Adele Buettner, Executive Director
Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 249-3227
Website: www.facs.sk.ca
Saskatchewan seed system goes international
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Farmers in eastern Europe will soon be planting their crops with made-in-Saskatchewan equipment and technology, thanks to a new partnership between Seed Hawk manufacturing of Langbank and Swedish manufacturer Vaderstad-Verken.
Seed Hawk is the creation of Pat Beaujot, an agronomist and farmer from the Langbank area. The company began in 1992 with an idea to improve seeding technology. Seed Hawk equipment is now at work on some 700 farms, primarily in Western Canada.
Seed Hawk had been selling the vast majority of its equipment on the prairies. Just a few units were heading for Europe – until the principals of Vaderstad-Verken came looking for new products.
“The owner came over to look at seeding equipment built in Western Canada,” said Beaujot. “They were starting to see some growth in eastern Europe, and they really didn’t have a product line for that market.” Vaderstad-Verken primarily served western European farmers, where average soil moisture is greater and field sizes are much smaller.
“It was flattering to hear that not only did they feel we had the best technology, but that we were the best company to deliver that technology,” said Beaujot.
The result was an agreement which saw Vaderstad-Verken purchase a 49-per-cent equity interest in Seed Hawk Inc. The capital will be used to dramatically expand the manufacturing plant near Langbank in order to create the capacity that the new eastern European market will demand. With Vaderstad-Verken’s significant distribution network, Beaujot is projecting sales growth of up to 300 per cent over the next two years.
Ground work has begun on the new manufacturing plant, with full construction scheduled during 2007. Seed Hawk will satisfy initial demand from its current facilities.
Seed Hawk currently employs 40 people, and Beaujot expects that workforce to increase by 20 to 30 more people during the next 16 months. The new relationship will also mean improvements to Seed Hawk’s seeders, because they will gain access to proprietary Vaderstad-Verken technology for variable rate seeding.
Beaujot and his partner Brian Dean will retain controlling interest in Seed Hawk and manage all manufacturing. The two will also continue handling distribution within Canada, while Vaderstad-Verken will be responsible for international marketing.
Vaderstad-Verken is a privately-owned company that employs 450 people at its 25,000-square-metre plant in Sweden. It has eight subsidiary companies distributing farm machinery throughout Europe.
For more information, contact:
Pat Beaujot, President
Seed Hawk Inc.
Phone: 1-800-667-4295
E-mail: pat@seedhawk.com
Farmers in eastern Europe will soon be planting their crops with made-in-Saskatchewan equipment and technology, thanks to a new partnership between Seed Hawk manufacturing of Langbank and Swedish manufacturer Vaderstad-Verken.
Seed Hawk is the creation of Pat Beaujot, an agronomist and farmer from the Langbank area. The company began in 1992 with an idea to improve seeding technology. Seed Hawk equipment is now at work on some 700 farms, primarily in Western Canada.
Seed Hawk had been selling the vast majority of its equipment on the prairies. Just a few units were heading for Europe – until the principals of Vaderstad-Verken came looking for new products.
“The owner came over to look at seeding equipment built in Western Canada,” said Beaujot. “They were starting to see some growth in eastern Europe, and they really didn’t have a product line for that market.” Vaderstad-Verken primarily served western European farmers, where average soil moisture is greater and field sizes are much smaller.
“It was flattering to hear that not only did they feel we had the best technology, but that we were the best company to deliver that technology,” said Beaujot.
The result was an agreement which saw Vaderstad-Verken purchase a 49-per-cent equity interest in Seed Hawk Inc. The capital will be used to dramatically expand the manufacturing plant near Langbank in order to create the capacity that the new eastern European market will demand. With Vaderstad-Verken’s significant distribution network, Beaujot is projecting sales growth of up to 300 per cent over the next two years.
Ground work has begun on the new manufacturing plant, with full construction scheduled during 2007. Seed Hawk will satisfy initial demand from its current facilities.
Seed Hawk currently employs 40 people, and Beaujot expects that workforce to increase by 20 to 30 more people during the next 16 months. The new relationship will also mean improvements to Seed Hawk’s seeders, because they will gain access to proprietary Vaderstad-Verken technology for variable rate seeding.
Beaujot and his partner Brian Dean will retain controlling interest in Seed Hawk and manage all manufacturing. The two will also continue handling distribution within Canada, while Vaderstad-Verken will be responsible for international marketing.
Vaderstad-Verken is a privately-owned company that employs 450 people at its 25,000-square-metre plant in Sweden. It has eight subsidiary companies distributing farm machinery throughout Europe.
For more information, contact:
Pat Beaujot, President
Seed Hawk Inc.
Phone: 1-800-667-4295
E-mail: pat@seedhawk.com
Producers encouraged to monitor stored grain
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
The crop is in the bin, but the question that some Saskatchewan producers are dealing with is: What else is in there?
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Crop Specialist Dale Risula says a number of conditions have combined to make stored grain monitoring more important than usual this year. Risula notes there have been reports of beetle infestations in stored grain from all over the province.
“The key is for farmers to harvest the grain dry, and to aerate it and try to get it below 15 degrees Celsius as quickly as possible, because, at that temperature, the grain beetles become inactive,” said Risula. “To ensure that they lessen the likelihood of infestation, they should clean bins thoroughly, avoid putting new grain on top of old grain, and make sure the area surrounding the storage bin is clean and free of any spilled grain on the ground.”
Beetles can also survive a winter under the bark of trees near a grain storage area, so spraying the trees with insecticide is another preventative option.
But the first line of defence is close monitoring, and Risula says temperature is a good indicator.
“Monitoring your grain is critical. Check it fairly frequently for any build up of heat. Temperature is really the key to know if anything is happening in the bin,” said Risula.
The most uncontrollable factor of farming – weather – was a big contributor to the increased prevalence of grain beetles this year.
“The major reason for it has been the fact that last fall and the fall before saw the harvest take place under fairly adverse condition – that being the excessive frost or rain – which resulted in a lot of grain being harvested under inappropriate moisture and temperature conditions,” said Risula.
“When it is harvested in that fashion and then not stored properly, it is subject to infestation of bugs and various grain beetles that feed on broken or whole kernels. The moisture and the heat migrate in a storage bin and accumulate in areas. Before you know it, you can have a situation where the grain begins to spoil fairly rapidly, and this is an ideal breeding ground for bugs,” said Risula.
This year’s harvest conditions are another factor.
“This summer, a lot of grains were harvested under hot temperatures and stored at too warm a temperature. The moisture content was okay, but the temperature was a factor, and that’s why the beetle activity was so high. Because there were so many bugs around (due to the conditions in previous years), a lot of grain was infested this fall,” said Risula.
With the market having no tolerance for grain beetles, producers have to deal with the issue. But Risula said the options become a bit more challenging when the beetles are already in the bin.
“There are only a few choices for farmers. They can treat chemically or culturally. All of the methods are slow, and all of them are incomplete in terms of their efficiency, except for one – the use of phostoxin. It is a fumigant that basically kills all of the bugs within the grain. However, the problem is that phostoxin requires a license to apply the product,” explained Risula.
Cultural controls include moving the grain with grain vacuums, cooling the grain below minus 20 degrees Celsius or heating it above 50 degrees Celsius. That requires a lot of time and effort on the farmer’s part, and is not always 100 per cent effective.
SAF has prepared a very thorough, useful guide to assist producers, entitled Detecting Insects in Stored Grain. It can be found in the “Crops” section of the SAF website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, or obtained by calling the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
For more information, contact:
Dale Risula, Integrated Cropping Management Systems Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 694-3714
The crop is in the bin, but the question that some Saskatchewan producers are dealing with is: What else is in there?
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Crop Specialist Dale Risula says a number of conditions have combined to make stored grain monitoring more important than usual this year. Risula notes there have been reports of beetle infestations in stored grain from all over the province.
“The key is for farmers to harvest the grain dry, and to aerate it and try to get it below 15 degrees Celsius as quickly as possible, because, at that temperature, the grain beetles become inactive,” said Risula. “To ensure that they lessen the likelihood of infestation, they should clean bins thoroughly, avoid putting new grain on top of old grain, and make sure the area surrounding the storage bin is clean and free of any spilled grain on the ground.”
Beetles can also survive a winter under the bark of trees near a grain storage area, so spraying the trees with insecticide is another preventative option.
But the first line of defence is close monitoring, and Risula says temperature is a good indicator.
“Monitoring your grain is critical. Check it fairly frequently for any build up of heat. Temperature is really the key to know if anything is happening in the bin,” said Risula.
The most uncontrollable factor of farming – weather – was a big contributor to the increased prevalence of grain beetles this year.
“The major reason for it has been the fact that last fall and the fall before saw the harvest take place under fairly adverse condition – that being the excessive frost or rain – which resulted in a lot of grain being harvested under inappropriate moisture and temperature conditions,” said Risula.
“When it is harvested in that fashion and then not stored properly, it is subject to infestation of bugs and various grain beetles that feed on broken or whole kernels. The moisture and the heat migrate in a storage bin and accumulate in areas. Before you know it, you can have a situation where the grain begins to spoil fairly rapidly, and this is an ideal breeding ground for bugs,” said Risula.
This year’s harvest conditions are another factor.
“This summer, a lot of grains were harvested under hot temperatures and stored at too warm a temperature. The moisture content was okay, but the temperature was a factor, and that’s why the beetle activity was so high. Because there were so many bugs around (due to the conditions in previous years), a lot of grain was infested this fall,” said Risula.
With the market having no tolerance for grain beetles, producers have to deal with the issue. But Risula said the options become a bit more challenging when the beetles are already in the bin.
“There are only a few choices for farmers. They can treat chemically or culturally. All of the methods are slow, and all of them are incomplete in terms of their efficiency, except for one – the use of phostoxin. It is a fumigant that basically kills all of the bugs within the grain. However, the problem is that phostoxin requires a license to apply the product,” explained Risula.
Cultural controls include moving the grain with grain vacuums, cooling the grain below minus 20 degrees Celsius or heating it above 50 degrees Celsius. That requires a lot of time and effort on the farmer’s part, and is not always 100 per cent effective.
SAF has prepared a very thorough, useful guide to assist producers, entitled Detecting Insects in Stored Grain. It can be found in the “Crops” section of the SAF website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, or obtained by calling the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
For more information, contact:
Dale Risula, Integrated Cropping Management Systems Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 694-3714
Sheep Development Board Meeting Serves as Forum
Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
A diverse and international slate of speakers is set to be a part of the 2006 Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB) annual meeting and seminar, taking place December 1 and 2 in Saskatoon.
Colleen Sawyer, Manager of Extension and Marketing for the SSDB, says one of the more anticipated discussions will be the Pasture Lambing Forum on the afternoon of December 1. “We’ll be talking about lowering costs and expanding your flock, and possibly how to change the time of year that producers lamb,” said Sawyer. “It’s going to be a real bonus to have people there who are presently doing it, so producers will have them present to ask questions and have discussions.”
The SSDB is still confirming some speakers and participants, but one returning presenter is Dr. Chris Clark with the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Clark’s seminar on December 1 will discuss common sheep and lamb diseases, as well as effective treatments.
“He’s a very good presenter,” said Sawyer. “He’s got a very practical approach to veterinary care and he’s very straightforward.”
There will be opportunities to speak to each of the presenters throughout the meeting, but Sawyer says the best chance to ask an expert some questions or to have a good conversation will be at the Friday night social. “It’s a good opportunity to talk to our presenters, and a great opportunity to get to know other sheep producers from the province.”
The SSDB also holds its annual general meeting (AGM) on December 2. Sawyer says there are no pressing industry issues to discuss this year, because the sheep industry seems to be doing fairly well in Saskatchewan.
“Most people come to hear the reports,” Sawyer noted. “We report on the various programs we’re running and give an update on the whole year in the industry.”
Information and trade show booths will also be set up for both days of seminars and meetings. Custom Woolen Mills, a custom processor out of Carstairs, Alberta, will have a booth at the event, and several feed and mineral businesses will also be represented.
The meeting and seminars should be of interest to anyone having anything to do with the sheep industry, from feed and feed sales to veterinary supplies. Up to 100 people are expected to attend, but registration is still available, and can be arranged by calling the SSDB office at (306) 933-5200.
Registration for Friday, December 1, is $35, which covers the day’s seminars and lunch. Registration for Saturday, December 2, is $20, and also includes all seminars, the AGM and lunch. Registration for both days offers a price break: $50 for all of the activities.
A block of rooms at the host hotel, the Ramada Saskatoon, is reserved for the meeting, but attendees are advised to book the rooms early, as they will likely sell out.
For more information, contact:
Colleen Sawyer, Manager of Extension and Marketing
Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board
Phone: (306) 933-5200
E-mail: sheepdb@sasktel.ne
Website: www.sksheep.com
A diverse and international slate of speakers is set to be a part of the 2006 Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB) annual meeting and seminar, taking place December 1 and 2 in Saskatoon.
Colleen Sawyer, Manager of Extension and Marketing for the SSDB, says one of the more anticipated discussions will be the Pasture Lambing Forum on the afternoon of December 1. “We’ll be talking about lowering costs and expanding your flock, and possibly how to change the time of year that producers lamb,” said Sawyer. “It’s going to be a real bonus to have people there who are presently doing it, so producers will have them present to ask questions and have discussions.”
The SSDB is still confirming some speakers and participants, but one returning presenter is Dr. Chris Clark with the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Clark’s seminar on December 1 will discuss common sheep and lamb diseases, as well as effective treatments.
“He’s a very good presenter,” said Sawyer. “He’s got a very practical approach to veterinary care and he’s very straightforward.”
There will be opportunities to speak to each of the presenters throughout the meeting, but Sawyer says the best chance to ask an expert some questions or to have a good conversation will be at the Friday night social. “It’s a good opportunity to talk to our presenters, and a great opportunity to get to know other sheep producers from the province.”
The SSDB also holds its annual general meeting (AGM) on December 2. Sawyer says there are no pressing industry issues to discuss this year, because the sheep industry seems to be doing fairly well in Saskatchewan.
“Most people come to hear the reports,” Sawyer noted. “We report on the various programs we’re running and give an update on the whole year in the industry.”
Information and trade show booths will also be set up for both days of seminars and meetings. Custom Woolen Mills, a custom processor out of Carstairs, Alberta, will have a booth at the event, and several feed and mineral businesses will also be represented.
The meeting and seminars should be of interest to anyone having anything to do with the sheep industry, from feed and feed sales to veterinary supplies. Up to 100 people are expected to attend, but registration is still available, and can be arranged by calling the SSDB office at (306) 933-5200.
Registration for Friday, December 1, is $35, which covers the day’s seminars and lunch. Registration for Saturday, December 2, is $20, and also includes all seminars, the AGM and lunch. Registration for both days offers a price break: $50 for all of the activities.
A block of rooms at the host hotel, the Ramada Saskatoon, is reserved for the meeting, but attendees are advised to book the rooms early, as they will likely sell out.
For more information, contact:
Colleen Sawyer, Manager of Extension and Marketing
Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board
Phone: (306) 933-5200
E-mail: sheepdb@sasktel.ne
Website: www.sksheep.com
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