Heartland Canada: Agricultural News and Information about Farming and Ranch Country

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99811292010-03-16T21:29:24.137-06:00Heartland Canada: Agricultural News and Information about Farming and Ranch CountryPrairie perspectives on agriculture, food and rural prosperity. From specialty crops to value chains; from agritourism to range management, the articles published here are all relevant to today's agricultural operators in Canada's Heartland.Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.comBlogger689125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-41394148954858591662010-03-16T21:29:00.001-06:002010-03-16T21:29:24.327-06:00This blog has moved

This blog is now located at http://heartlandcanada.blogspot.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://heartlandcanada.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-16406908962253348672009-02-20T14:22:00.002-06:002009-02-20T14:25:55.703-06:00Terroir, Identity and Seduction Symposium

Saskatoon Inn – February 20 to 22, 2009The conference aims to officially launch a collective reflection on terroir products through workshops and networking. These activities will point the way to introducing and developing collective projects related to the terroir. These projects will allow us to redefine and promote the revitalization of our rural communities as well as our entire community's

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-1249525780152439282008-04-06T16:03:00.000-06:002008-04-06T16:04:14.403-06:00Regina-Based Venture Uncaps Gluten-Free "Beer"

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodA Regina-based company owned by over 200 Western Canadian seed growers is providing an alternative alcoholic beverage to people with celiac disease and wheat allergies.Nubru Gluten Free, developed by FarmPure Beverages, is about to sell out of its first 6,000 cases of product that have been tested in the Manitoba market.FarmPure uses an innovative,

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-89525346228898355292008-04-06T16:01:00.000-06:002008-04-06T16:02:25.536-06:00Tricks of the Trade When Marketing Riding Horses

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodAs the snow melts off the Prairies, many horse enthusiasts are turning their thoughts to the upcoming riding season. Equine enthusiasts from all disciplines and competitive levels will be marketing their animals to meet the needs of prospective buyers.Adrienne Hanson, a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, says regardless of the

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-74106928154891083592008-04-06T15:57:00.000-06:002008-04-06T15:58:15.892-06:00Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Clinic to Cultivate Skills

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodWith rodeo season fast approaching, young barrel racers and pole benders will have an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations by participating in a clinic to be held in Fort Qu'Appelle on March 22 and 23.The clinic, hosted by Clearview Stables, will be led by Kelley Byrne, a professional rider, with the assistance of Gloria Kadlec, who serves on the

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-20309968195173937942008-04-06T15:56:00.001-06:002008-04-06T15:56:57.766-06:00Cow Horseman Impresses Across The Continent

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodCow horseman competitions are growing in popularity, largely because crowds are fascinated by watching a horse and rider work a cow in patterns and maneuvers.Saskatchewan has one of the best in the business in Dale Clearwater of Hanley. At a competition in Stephenville, Texas this February, Clearwater earned top honours and over $17,000 for his

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-13309589643691597142008-04-06T13:49:00.002-06:002008-04-06T13:50:14.207-06:00Ukrainian Ag Entrepreneurs Seek Solutions In Saskatchewan

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodWith the world's population on the rise, countries that export agricultural goods will become essential to meeting the increasing global demand for food. That reality applies to Canada, and it also applies to another country with which Canada has many connections: Ukraine."Ukraine is one of a few places on earth where real potential for significant

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-23053965848608606132008-04-06T13:46:00.002-06:002008-04-06T13:48:22.508-06:00Value Chain Development Brings Western Provinces Together

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodEfforts to develop agri-food value chains are growing from a single province base to be delivered right across western Canada, with a new agreement between provinces."The Saskatchewan Agri-Food Value Chain Initiative was developed approximately seven years ago, originally funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada," says Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-62419212443484162552008-04-06T13:46:00.001-06:002008-04-06T13:46:46.087-06:00Grazing Mentors Are In Demand

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodProducers interested in improving their grazing management are urged to sign up for this year's "Grazing Mentorship Program." The program is operated by the Saskatchewan Forage Council with funding from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada."The program is designed to hook grazing mentors up with individuals who are

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-9153034283507726272008-04-06T13:44:00.002-06:002008-04-06T13:45:21.082-06:002008 Grasshopper Forecast Shows Few Pockets of Concern

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodIt appears that most of Saskatchewan should be relatively safe from major grasshopper infestations for 2008, although there are some pockets of concern around the province.That's the prognosis contained in the "2008 Grasshopper Forecast" compiled by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance.The forecast, along

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-63136161347123915402008-04-06T13:42:00.000-06:002008-04-06T13:43:07.813-06:00Forage Selection Made Easy With New CD

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodThe Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) has developed a new forage management tool that is available free of charge to producers, agrologists, conservationists and any other interested parties.The "Dryland Forage Species Adaptation" CD provides valuable technical information to assist in planning the use of forages.According to SFC Executive Director Janice

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-84910685840487442972008-04-06T13:39:00.000-06:002008-04-06T13:41:42.998-06:00Agri-Tourism Answers Demand for Real-Life Experiences

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and FoodA group of farm buildings and a herd of cattle may look pretty ordinary to Saskatchewan residents, but they could be a tourist gold mine, according to Claude-Jean Harel.Harel should know. He's the owner of Great Excursions of Regina, and a specialist in agri-tourism development."The time has never been better to look at agri-tourism opportunities," Harel

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-65457821585720500112008-03-30T19:59:00.001-06:002008-03-30T19:59:52.520-06:00Top Holsteins Live the High Life on Osler-Area Farm

Life is good for the 20 competitive Holstein cows on Bryce Fisher's dairy farm near Osler. He maintains the special group as his star exhibits, and as a result, has collected a mantle full of ribbons, including Grand Champion Holstein at the 2007 Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.Fisher's national champion is Silverridge Leduc Noleta, a cow he has been showing for six years."I bought her when she was

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-77964282795843694312008-03-30T19:58:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:59:07.933-06:00Log On, Sip Coffee, Learn

Producers across Canada are upgrading their skills and knowledge in the comfort of their own homes, thanks to a series of "agriwebinars" offered by the Canadian Farm Business Management Council. The current series of Internet seminars are hosted by Regina-based agri-tourism entrepreneur Claude-Jean Harel."They involve a presenter who comes from across Canada, the United States, Australia, or

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-10954158650566678522008-03-30T19:57:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:58:03.758-06:00Border Opening Prompts Optimism for Saskatchewan Bison Industry

The recent re-opening of the American border is putting upward pressure on bison prices and a smile on the faces of bison producers'.Saskatchewan Bison Association president Mark Silzer said the price increase was almost immediate."We had our national sale a day after the scheduled opening of the border. There were some American buyers up, and that saw the first breeding stock animals cross the

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-68311692713092096932008-03-30T19:56:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:57:19.739-06:00Raising Sheep the New Zealand Way

You might think there is a not a lot in common between New Zealand and Saskatchewan. For starters, there is no such thing as "winter" as we know it in New Zealand.However, Colleen Sawyer with the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board points out there is a lot Saskatchewan sheep producers can learn from their Kiwi counterparts. Sawyer said that knowledge will be showcased later this month at two

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-35747253667934339292008-03-30T19:55:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:56:34.601-06:00Fact Sheet on Revegetating Saline Soils Now Available

A new fact sheet put out by the Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) will help producers return land with saline soil to greater productive capacity by using grasses.Saline soils are those which contain sufficient soluble salts to impair productivity. In Saskatchewan, saline soils are generally rich in sulphate salts, existing as compounds of sodium, magnesium and calcium.Agriculture and Agri-Food

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-77811025088410914032008-03-30T19:54:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:55:05.186-06:00Climate Change Research Looks to the Past to Predict the Future

Hearing the weather forecast for the coming week helps agricultural producers make decisions about regular farm activities like seeding, spraying, swathing and harvesting. But hearing the weather forecast for the coming decade could conceivably help them with all sorts of major decisions like seeding intentions, rotation patterns and insurance coverage, or perhaps whether to switch sectors

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-80472693917712313792008-03-30T19:52:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:54:07.846-06:00Saskatchewan Students to Sell Tortillas to Mexico

There's an old expression to describe an excellent sales person: "She could sell sand in the desert." In the case of two University of Regina students, they're going to try selling tortillas made from Saskatchewan roasted barley to Mexico.Students Chelsea Stulberg and Mathew Zook drew that assignment, thanks to winning the latest Bridges to International Practice competition at the University of

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-46160169106627808862008-03-30T19:51:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:52:07.513-06:00Agri-Food Companies Get Student Research Help

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 edition of the Student Assisted Business and Marketing Plan program offered by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan (ACS) and the University of Saskatchewan. The program matches up agri-food companies with the research talents of U of S agriculture students."During the first year-and-a-half of the program, we had approximately 38 projects split

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-62955115518386966472008-03-30T19:49:00.002-06:002008-03-30T19:51:17.980-06:00Be It Cattle Or Crops, It All Begins With The Soil

Crop production and cattle production are often viewed as two separate streams in the overall agricultural industry. Although there are many differences between them, these two sectors have one major factor in common: soil quality is the basic foundation for a successful operation.Adrienne Hanson, a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, says soil is the starting point

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-14549856959066258362008-03-30T19:49:00.001-06:002008-03-30T19:49:46.986-06:00Mechanical Weed Control For Organic Producers

"Many organic growers say that mechanical weed control is more like an art than a science. Well, we are trying to find out what the science is behind the art." That is how Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) researcher Dr. Steve Shirtliffe sums up some new research into herbicide alternatives.In 2004, Shirtliffe and co-researcher Eric Johnson with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada set out to

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-34399597048274511352008-03-30T19:47:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:48:35.128-06:00A prestigious national award recognizing outstanding Canadian women in agriculture is now accepting nominations.

The Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Rosemary Davis Award honours women who are active leaders in Canadian agriculture. FCC said these are women who give of themselves in their communities or beyond - producers, veterinarians, teachers, researchers, agribusiness operators and more."The award is intended to promote agriculture as a viable career option for women, and to highlight the contributions that

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-70723464184462949892008-03-30T19:46:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:47:28.679-06:00Christmas Tree Farms Bring Smiles To Many Families

Santa seems to get all the credit at Christmas time, even though he has many helpers who pitch in to make the season bright. Among them are Saskatchewan's two dozen or so commercial Christmas tree growers, who can spend a decade or more nurturing tiny seedlings into the perfectly shaped conifers that eventually find their way into family rooms around the province.One such operation is the Come

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9981129.post-79117288367607270902008-03-30T19:45:00.000-06:002008-03-30T19:46:15.472-06:00Corporate Leadership From The Horse’s Mouth

Using horses as teachers is the foundation of the program offered at the Beaver Creek Ranch and Horse Centre, located near Lumsden. The ranch provides skills training using an approach calledEquine-Assisted Learning."Your reaction with the animal is the same in your approach to people," said owner and instructor Brenda Clemens. "We use horses as a barometer to tell what a person's energy is

Claude-Jean Harel, MA MAHIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294817290810956633noreply@blogger.com0