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Author: Nicole Czemeres

Be Prepared (Part 1)

It seems every day there is some type of emergency event reported on the news.  I am hoping to do a quick series of information days on Thursdays about emergency preparedness.  While many things are common sense, it never hurts to go through a quick review.  So a quick overview:

Who does what in an emergency?

When it comes to emergency preparedness and emergency management, we all have a role to play.

  • You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours during an emergency. You should also understand the basic principles of first aid and safety.

Every disaster is a local disaster. Different levels of organizations respond progressively as an emergency escalates and their resources are needed. The first ones to respond are closest to the emergency.

When to call 9-1-1

  • Report a fire
  • Report a crime
  • Save a life

For non-emergency calls, use the 310-RCMP number.

In case of a major emergency

  • Follow your emergency plan
  • Get your emergency kit
  • Make sure you are safe before assisting others.
  • Listen to the radio or television for information from local officials and follow their instructions.
  • Stay put until all is safe or until you are ordered to evacuate.

Shelter-in-place

You may be instructed to “shelter-in-place” if chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are released into the environment. This means you must remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. The following steps will help maximize your protection:

  • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
  • Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems to avoid drawing in air from the outside.
  • Close the fireplace damper.
  • Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working.
  • Go to an interior room that’s above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
  • Using duct or other wide tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
  • Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate.

Evacuation orders

Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.  Listen to them.

If you are ordered to evacuate, take:

  • your emergency kit
  • your emergency plan
  • essential medications and copies of prescriptions
  • a cellular phone (if you have one)
  • your pets

Pets are not allowed in some emergency shelters, so plan in advance for a pet-friendly location.

Protect your home:

  • Shut off water.
  • Leave natural gas service on, unless officials tell you to turn it off. (If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond. You would be without gas for heating and cooking).
  • Lock your home.

If you have time:

  • Call or e-mail your out-of-town contact. Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. (Once you are safe, let them know. Tell them if any family members have become separated.)
  • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

New Drainage Regulations

Province Announces New Agriculture Drainage Regulations

First Phase in the Development of an Agricultural Water Management Strategy

Sept. 1, 2015 – Today, Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency Herb Cox announced new drainage regulations in Saskatchewan.  The new regulations are the first phase of an agricultural water management strategy that recognizes the benefits of drainage and the importance of mitigating negative impacts.

“We recognize drainage is an important water management tool for producers and these new regulations will help us streamline the approval process to help producers become compliant while mitigating damage downstream,” Cox said. “These new regulations are part of the development of a risk based agricultural water management strategy that will improve the overall process, including applications and investigating complaints, and will help prevent future issues.”

The key changes in the new regulations are:

  • ensuring that impacts related to flooding, water quality and habitat loss are addressed as part of the drainage works approval process;
  • allowing landowner agreements as evidence of land control;
  • simplifying and streamlining the application approval process;
  • no longer exempting works constructed before 1981 from requiring an approval; and
  • enabling the use of “qualified persons” in the design of higher risk drainage works.

These drainage regulations fulfill a commitment made in the 2014 Speech from the Throne. This is the first significant change to drainage regulations in 35 years.

The new drainage regulations were created after extensive online and industry stakeholder consultations.  More than 500 public participants and 15 industry and environmental groups provided input into the creation of the new approach to drainage in Saskatchewan.

The new regulations are the first step in a phased-in approach to bring all drainage in the province into compliance over the next 10 years.  These changes facilitate the start of the overall approach to the agricultural water management strategy.

The next phase of the agricultural water management strategy will be the development and refining of policies and program delivery which will be used in a series of pilot projects and then expanded to the rest of the province.

The pilot projects are based in the Souris Basin near Stoughton and the Assiniboine Basin near Canora.  Local producers, watershed authorities and representatives in those areas have committed to working with the WSA to implement the new agricultural water management strategy and to help bring existing drainage projects into compliance.

The WSA will continue working with stakeholders on this strategy to develop policies on mitigation, application processes and informational materials.

“Drainage is one of the major issues facing rural Saskatchewan so we are pleased that the government is implementing regulations meant to address deficiencies with the current system,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said.  “We have been awaiting this announcement and look forward to working with the government on the implementation of these regulations and further refinement of the agriculture water management strategy as it is phased in over the next few years.”

-30-

For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 306-631-6997

Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program

The Farm and Rand Water Infrastructure Program is to develop sustainable non-potable water supplies for agricultural use* to meet the needs of agricultural producers in Saskatchewan.  Is there a project that maybe eligible for funding in your farming operation?

Eligible Projects

  • Small-diameter and large-diameter on-farm wells;
    • Crop spraying projects will be evaluated on a case by case basis and must be for substantial agriculture use and have adequate water storage to be eligible.
  • Shallow buried pasture pipelines;
  • Deep buried pipelines;
  • Deep buried pipelines that connect to an established municipal water source;
  • Dugouts and dugout expansions (minimum one-third size increase);
  • Relocation of existing livestock water systems for environmental purposes;
    • This includes preventing livestock from directly accessing a water source (e.g. creek, dugout, spring, etc.) or developing a remote watering system (e.g. solar watering system) for livestock to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and protect shorelines and riparian areas are examples of eligible activities.
  • Protecting existing wells; and
  • Decommissioning wells

Application Process and Deadlines

  • Applications will be received on an on-going basis until August 1, 2017.
  • Projects must be completed and a claim form submitted the earlier of 18 months from the date receiving written approval of the project, or February 15, 2018.
  • Paid receipts and proof of payment for all invoices over $2,500 must be submitted with the claim form. Proof of payment includes processed cheque and bank/credit card statement.

How to Apply

Applications are available at Ministry of Agriculture Regional Offices and on the Ministry of Agriculture website at http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ or by calling toll free at 1-877-874-5365.

Crop Report August 18-24

For the Period August 18 to 24, 2015

One year ago
Two per cent of the 2014 crop had been combined with an additional 12 per cent swathed or ready to straight cut. Some parts of the east-central region received over five inches of rain.
Follow the 2015 Crop Report on Twitter @SKAgriculture
Harvest Progress in SK
Per cent Combined
All Crops
Aug 24/15
16
5 year avg. (2010-2014)
6
Aug 25/14
2
Aug 26/13
5
Aug 20/12
11
Aug 22/11
9
Aug 23/10
2
10 year avg.
(2005-2014)
9
Saskatchewan Harvest
August 24, 2015
% combined
Winter wheat
81
Fall rye*
89
Spring wheat
5
Durum
15
Oats*
2
Barley
8
Canola
7
Mustard
27
Soybeans
3
Lentils
53
Peas
58
Chickpeas
2
*includes  two per cent ‘other’

Producers across the province now have 16 per cent of the 2015 crop combined and 19 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of the year is six per cent combined and 14 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.

Regionally, producers in the southwest have 33 per cent of the crop combined, while those in the southeast have 27 per cent combined. Eight per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region, three per cent in the east-central and northwestern regions, and two per cent in the northeast.

Rainfall and cool temperatures during the week caused some delays in harvesting. Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to two and a half inches in some areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as seven per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate, 11 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 19 per cent short and five per cent very short.

The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products. It is available at: www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing

There are reports of bleaching, staining or sprouting of some cereal crops due to weather conditions. Localized hail, wind and frost caused some crop damage. Farmers are busy with harvesting.

East-Central Saskatchewan (Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas; Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas)

Three per cent of the 2015 crop is now in the bin and an additional 19 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut.

Rainfall in the region ranged from two mm in the Foam Lake area to 33 mm in the Lumsden area. The Meacham area has received 376 mm of rainfall since April 1, the greatest amount for the region. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 10 per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, three per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate, four per cent short and two per cent very short.

Rain and cool weather delayed harvesting in some areas. Some crop damage was caused by strong winds and flooding.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations.

BMP Funding Available

BMP Funding is Available for:

  • Relocation of Livestock Confinement Facilities – 60% up to $50,000 (if near groundwater)
  • Farmyard Run-Off Control – 50% up to $30,000
  • Protecting High Risk Erodible Soils – 50% up to $10,000
  • Riparian Area Grazing Management – 50% up to $10,000
  • Natural Waterway Erosion Control – 75% up to $30,000
  • Creek and Stream Crossings – 50% up to $20,000
  • Variable Rate Fertilizer Technology – 30% up to $5,000
  • Shelterbelt Establishment – $1200/mile
  • Plastic Grain Bag Roller – 50% up to $5,000
  • Environmental Solutions – 20-50% up to $50,000
  • Carcass Disposal Planning – 75% up to $30,000
  • Weather Data Collection and Monitoring – 50% up to $1,000
  • Fencing to protect surface water – 50% up to $10,000
  • Native Rangeland Grazing Management – 50% up to $10,000

For more information, Call Bonnie @ 306-795-7279

 

 

Crop Report Aug 11-17

For the Period August 11 to 17, 2015

One year ago
Just over one per cent of the 2014 crop had been combined with an additional four per cent swathed or ready to straight cut. Average yields were being reported in most areas.
Follow the 2015 Crop Report on Twitter @SKAgriculture
Harvest Progress in SK
Per cent Combined
All Crops
Aug 17/15
9
5 year avg. (2010-2014)
2
Aug 18/14
1
Aug 19/13
1
Aug 13/12
4
Aug 15/11
3
Aug 16/10
1
10 year avg.
(2005-2014)

Producers have nine per cent of the 2015 crop combined and 10 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year average at this time of the year is two per cent combined and five per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.

Sixty-three per cent of the fall rye, 59 per cent of the winter wheat, 40 per cent of the field peas, 34 per cent of the lentils and 14 per cent of the chickpeas are now in the bin. Three per cent of the canola and four per cent of the mustard are now in the bin, with 14 per cent of the canola and 21 per cent of the mustard swathed or ready to straight-cut. Warm and relatively dry conditions have helped crops develop quickly in many areas.

Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to nearly three inches in some areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as seven per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 28 per cent short and five per cent very short.

The Ministry of Agriculture has a Forage, Feed and Custom Service listing for producers to advertise and source feed products. It is available at: www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/FeedForageListing

Some crop damage was caused by localized hail, wind and insects such as aphids, grasshoppers and diamondback moths.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations and hauling bales.

Provincial Estimated Crop Yields – August 17, 2015
Winter wheat
Fall rye
HRSW
Other wheat*
Durum
Oat
Barley
Canaryseed
Southeast
36
36
32
33
25
67
48
750
Southwest
20
16
25
N/A
25
53
41
1200
East Central
34
33
38
43
32
76
62
1500
West Central
30
25
26
N/A
24
41
42
417
Northeast
40
25
44
58
55
114
73
1004
Northwest 
N/A
N/A
35
37
N/A
81
60
N/A
Provincial
32
19
34
42
25
84
57
768
Flax
Canola
Mustard
Soybean
Pea
Lentil 
Chickpea
Southeast
18
25
1000
26
24
998
N/A
Southwest
20
28
1200
N/A
27
1085
1491
East Central
22
34
1100
N/A
33
1143
N/A
West Central
18
23
800
25
28
1128
800
Northeast
26
37
1000
23
36
N/A
N/A
Northwest 
N/A
32
N/A
N/A
39
N/A
N/A
Provincial
20
30
1158
26
29
1158
1466
* ‘Other wheat’ includes all wheat classes other than Hard Red Spring Wheat
** Crop yield predictions at this point in time. Please keep in mind these are regional averages, and yields can vary greatly across an area.
*** canaryseed, mustard, lentil and chickpea in lbs/ac. All other crops in bu/ac.

 East-Central Saskatchewan (Crop District 5 – Melville, Yorkton, Cupar, Kamsack, Foam Lake, Preeceville and Kelvington areas; Crop District 6A – Lumsden, Craik, Watrous and Clavet areas)

One per cent of the crop is now in the bin, with six per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Thirty-five per cent of the fall rye and 31 per cent of the winter wheat have been combined, with an additional 51 per cent and 47 per cent, respectively, swathed or ready to straight-cut. Eleven per cent of the peas have been combined, with an additional 30 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Six per cent of the canola has been swathed.

Rainfall in the region ranged from small amounts to 38 mm in the Rose Valley area. The Craik area has received 346 mm of rainfall since April 1, the greatest amount for the region. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 13 per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, three per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 83 per cent adequate, eight per cent short and two per cent very short.

Despite the recent rain that has delayed harvest operations, pulse crops are being desiccated and combining is just beginning. However, there are concerns that recent rainfall may cause a decline in the quality of some cereals.  As well, damp cool weather may delay swathing and desiccation of crops. Crop damage this past week was attributed to localized flooding, strong wind and insects such as aphids and diamondback moths.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations.

ATV Safety

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety (from the Town of Cupar Newsletter for August)

Introduction:

All-terrain vehicles, better known as ATV’s, can be three or four wheeled motorized cycles with large, low-pressure tires, designed for a single operator riding in off-road areas. ATV’s are a common item included in most rural households used for a variety of chores. ATV’s are also viewed as a recreational vehicle used in conjunction with other activities such as hunting, or alone such as trail riding or “mud bogging.” ATV’s are available in a range of sizes, from 50cc to greater than 700cc engines and can have an automatic or manual transmission.  ATV’s are essential to many work sites as work horses or for transportation through difficult terrain. Most employers have strict guidelines as per their operation and employees are required to become familiar with the equipment through an ATV operation course. The ATV’s are often used at a job site and not public land.

Recreational ATV operators represent the majority of riders, and have a lesser degree of accountability to safe handling practices as they ultimately decide what safety equipment they will put on or the manner in which they choose to operate the ATV. Recreational ATV operators almost always operate on public land.

Unfortunately ATV’s have become the cause of several devastating injuries and deaths to residents of Saskatchewan. These injuries and deaths are not isolated incidents and occur in various geographical locations and involve differing age groups, including seniors and toddlers. All of the injuries and deaths are preventable. There seems to be some confusion regarding ATV use in rural Saskatchewan. The Town of Cupar has many concerned citizens making reports to the Town Office and to the RCMP that describe very young riders operating ATV’s through the communities and on the public roadways, including the provincial highways. The operators are often doing so without possessing a valid driver’s license or wearing any mandatory safety equipment.

Objective:

The Southey RCMP is looking for the public’s assistance involving ATV use in the town of Cupar and the surrounding R.M. of Cupar. There are many ATV’s being operated unlawfully and in a manner that is concerning. The RCMP request that anyone who owns an ATV ensure that the vehicle is secured against un-permitted use and theft. Due to the large volume of complaints received, the Southey RCMP detachment is stepping up their patrols in their jurisdiction to prevent unlawful use of ATV’s. There will be zero tolerance exercised by the police and the purpose of this letter is to educate ATV owners to ensure they are both knowledgeable and lawful in the use of their ATV’s.

Did you know:

  1. No one under the age of twelve can lawfully operate an ATV on public land, only on their family’s land or if they have permission from the land owner.
  2. Youth between the age of 12 – 15 can operate an ATV on public land only if they are under the direct supervision of a person over the age of 16 who’s possessed a valid driver’s license for more than one year.
  3. A person over the age of 16 may operate an ATV on public land only if they possess a valid driver’s license.
  4. Public land means Crown land or land vested in a municipality such as Town of Cupar.
  5. No ATV is permitted to be operated on any road, highway or surface accessed by registered motor vehicles.
  6. It is lawful to operate an ATV on a highway for the purpose of using a bridge or weir if the operator stays as far to the right away from the traveled portion of the road as practicable.
  7. License must be presented to the Police when requested, so carry your license with you when operating an ATV.
  8. An ATV being used unlawfully may be seized and the owner will have to pay all costs of towing and storage prior to the vehicle being released.
  9. ATV’s are motorized vehicles and therefore all provincial driving suspensions and criminal prohibitions apply to their use.
  10. ATV’s cannot be registered to be operated on roads accessed by registered vehicles in Saskatchewan, therefore if found doing so, a fine of $580.00 would be applicable and the person operating would be arrest able under the Traffic Safety Act.
  11. Operating an ATV with a passenger is unlawful unless specifically designed for that purpose, i.e.: side-by-side vehicle, resulting with a fine of $90.00.
  12. Failing to wear a helmet and eye protection carries a fine of $100.00.
  13. Operators failing to produce their license will receive a fine of $100.00 or a fine of $150.00 if they don’t have a valid license at all.
  14. Supervising operators that fail to produce a license will receive a fine of $100.00
  15. Operating an ATV at a speed that is greater than is reasonable and safe in the circumstances or in any case at a speed greater than 80 km/hour will result in a fine of $150.00.

This is only a brief summary outlining some of the common offences observed, for a full review please refer to the Provinces Traffic Safety Act and ATV ACT or contact the Southey RCMP Detachment..

Conclusion:

Strict laws are in place to ensure safety, and a lack of knowledge of the law is no excuse. All ATV operators are recommended to brush up on the provincial statutes including the Traffic Safety Act and the All-Terrain Vehicle Act and operate their ATV accordingly. Copies of the ATV and Traffic Safety Act’s are available on line at the following website ( www.canlii.org ) The Southey RCMP is committed to educating the public about ATV safety and an increased enforcement of the Traffic Safety Act and All Terrain Vehicle Act. Those found operating ATV’s unlawfully will be fined and their ATV’s may be seized. Our mandate is to prevent dangerous and unlawful operation of ATV’s in the communities in which we work and live in order to “to ensure safe homes and safe communities.”

Sgt. Dean Gherasim

NCO i/c Southey RCMP