Dry weather reducing Prairie wheat midge problems

CNS Canada — Wheat midge hasn’t been causing as many problems as first anticipated in Western Canada this year, as a dry spring hindered the pests’ emergence. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s wheat midge forecast, released earlier this year, initially showed high risk levels for the insect, but the dryness is hampering their effects on […] Read more



Recent bison deaths in North Battleford caused by anthrax

Recent bison deaths in North Battleford caused by anthrax

Disease has a highly rapid onset in cattle resulting in sudden death

With high temperatures and drought, cattle and bison are at a higher risk of anthrax. Two bison deaths northwest of North Battleford, Saskatchewan have recently been confirmed as caused by anthrax, and seven others are suspected. Producers are encouraged to keep a watchful eye and to refresh their memories on what to do when anthrax […] Read more

Prairies should see rain this week, except where needed most

Prairies should see rain this week, except where needed most

CNS Canada –– Most of the Prairies are expected to get well-timed rain that will maximize growing potential, except for where it’s needed most, according to a U.S. weather specialist. Saskatchewan Drew Lerner, president at World Weather Inc., based near Kansas City, said the driest areas in southwestern Saskatchewan will not get rain. “That region […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Sask. to open protected grasslands for grazing

Crown-held native prairie and other grasslands held for wildlife conservation in Saskatchewan will be opened up to ranchers needing grazing land for cattle in dry areas. Environment Minister Herb Cox announced Tuesday the province will make about 90,000 acres of Fish and Wildlife Development Fund (FWDF) land available to cattle producers. The same grazing lease […] Read more

Parched Prairie forages hang in under stress

Parched Prairie forages hang in under stress

CNS Canada — Sporadic rains and prolonged periods of dryness are taking their toll on forage crops in Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan. According to Terry Kowalchuk, a forage crop specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Regina, the eastern half of the province is managing, but the situation is worse in the province’s west. The western […] Read more



(l-r) Sue and Richard DeBruijn, Sam and Janeen Covlin, Arlette Seib.

The basics of farm sustainability

Three farm families from Saskatchewan offer their approach to sustainable farming

The heart of sustainability for three Saskatchewan ranch families is the deep desire to make a living from the land. While many have chosen to move on to other careers with a steady income, these families have found ways to stay in farming. For Arlette and Allen Seib of Watrous, the journey toward sustainability meant […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Sask. extends greenfeed seeding deadline

Livestock producers in parched areas of Saskatchewan now have until mid-month to seed insured acres to cereal greenfeed. The federal and provincial governments on Thursday announced an extension of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp.’s deadline for seeding greenfeed to July 15, from June 30. Producers signed up for crop insurance will now be able to seed […] Read more

Sask. dryness could impact global canaryseed prices

CNS Canada –– Dryness in Saskatchewan could support global canaryseed prices, as the province produces nearly all of Canada’s crop. Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of canaryseed worldwide, according to a federal government report. Kevin Hursh, executive director for the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan, expects global canaryseed prices will eventually react […] Read more