The Do More Agriculture Foundation has named Merle Massie as the organization’s new executive director. Massie is a writer, researcher and farmer who has dedicated her life to telling stories about agriculture, local history and mental health. Drawing from her experience at the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health at the University of Saskatchewan, Massie is committed to improving mental health outcomes for agricultural producers throughout Canada. As an active grain farmer at Massie Panoramic Farm in west-central Saskatchewan alongside her family, Massie brings a unique dual perspective, both personal and professional, to lead the Do More Agriculture Foundation in its mission of promoting mental well-being in the agricultural sector. Massie combines academic rigour with community engagement to bring substantial and sustainable change through her work as an author and researcher. Her vision as executive director is to ensure The Do More Agriculture Foundation continues to foster and grow an agriculture industry where mental health is supported, prioritized and normalized.
Millborn Seeds, Inc. has acquired Kaste Seed near Fertile, Minnesota, a well-known specialty seed business. Millborn Seeds is a family-owned company with over 37 years of experience in the seed industry. Millborn focuses on creating an integrated seed supply chain to deliver more than 1,200 species of seed solutions to farmers, ranchers and landowners in North America. Kaste Seed specializes in native grass and wildflower seed production and is known for its superior seed quality. Its proximity to Canada also aligns well with Millborn’s recent acquisition of Union Forage in Calgary, Alta., which will allow the company to expand their reclamation seed options for customers in Canada, as well as the United States. Garth Kaste, the president of Kaste Seed, will be staying on to ensure a smooth transition.
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This is my first column since the federal election. The Canadian Cattle Association works with all elected officials and parliamentarians, regardless…
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is pleased to announce the six recipients of its $1,000 scholarship awards for students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture, acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would benefit the rural economy. They include Annika Sund from Woodlands, who is pursuing a diploma in animal science technology in beef science at Lakeland College; Keenan Karish from Fraserwood, who is pursuing a bachelor of science in agriculture with a focus on animal science at the University of Manitoba; Lainie Muir from Glenella, who is pursuing a bachelor of science in agri- culture, focusing on soil science at the University of Saskatchewan; Madisyn Robertson from Neepawa who is pur- suing a bachelor of science in agriculture and bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan; Megan Beswitherick from Austin, who is pursuing an agriculture advanced diploma at Assiniboine Community College; and Shayla Woychyshyn from Minnedosa, who is pursuing a bachelor of science in agriculture and bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan.
Following the Saskatchewan provincial election, Daryl Harrison of the Saskatchewan Party has been named the new minister of agriculture. Harrison, the MLA for Cannington in the province’s southeast, takes over from David Marit, who moved to the highways portfolio when premier Scott Moe announced his first cabinet after the election. Harrison spent 30 years in the oil industry and also raised cattle. He was first elected in 2020 and has served as legislative secretary to Marit in the areas of value-added agriculture and livestock engagement. Marit previously held the position of minister of agriculture for six years.
Congrats to Drayson Jones of Paradise Valley, Alta., who received the Cattleman of the Year Award from the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association. Jones has been farming since the 1960s when he inherited the family cattle herd from his father. Jones and his wife Pat raised and worked cattle for decades, their herd consist- ing mainly of Black Angus. The family switched focus to grain in December 2022 and sold all the cattle. During his time in the industry, Jones was a strong supporter of the 4-H program, holding positions as leader and assistant leader, and he still supports 4-H at the age of 80 by buying beef at member auctions and helping kids get awards for their communications events. The Cattleman of the Year award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the cattle industry and their commitment to excellence, exemplifying quality rural life and involvement in the community.
Two Ontario beef farms took home Excellence in Agriculture Awards at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto at the beginning of November. ELD Farms of Minnitaki, Ont., won the Farm Family Excellence award for the north. Bujold Farms of Rainy River, Ont., won the Northern Business Excellence Award. ELD Farms is owned and operated by Evan and Linda Debney. They own around 625 acres of land where they raise their commercial cattle herd alongside laying hens and some sheep. They focus on healthy and sustainable cattle management practices. Bujold Farms is a family-owned breeder of purebred Hereford cattle and commercial Angus and is operated by Aaron Bujold.
