Author: Nicole Czemeres

The Rural Municipality of Cupar #218, the Village of Markinch and the Town of Cupar have issued a fire ban effective May 16, 2018.  This ban includes all open fires, camp fires, fires used for cooking, briquette barbecues, burning barrels, chimneys, briquette fire pits, portable fire pits including those contained in designated fire facilities and the discharge of all fireworks.

The ban does not apply to fires contained in cooking appliances fueled by propane or natural gas such as BBQ’s or Coleman stoves.

This order takes effect on May 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. and is in effect until further notice.  Please be advised a minimum fine for starting a fire is $500.

For further information contact the RM office at (306) 723-4726 or [email protected]

For the Period May 1 to 7, 2018

Seeding is underway for many producers, with more expecting to hit the field in the coming week.  Nine per cent of the crop is now in the ground, behind the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 19 per cent for this time of year.  A slow start to spring has delayed field operations in much of the province.

Seeding is furthest advanced in the southwestern region, where 18 per cent of the crop is in the ground.  Fifteen per cent is seeded in the southeast, while all other regions in the province are reporting three per cent seeded.

Little to no rainfall was reported last week in most regions, with the Swift Current area receiving the most – 9.5 mm.  Many areas received rain earlier this week that will help with the dry field conditions.

Strong and warm winds have dried fields throughout the province, and many producers will need rain in the coming weeks to help crops germinate and establish.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as three per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 25 per cent short and five per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 55 per cent adequate, 31 per cent short and 12 per cent very short.

Winter wheat assessment continues as fields green up.  Pasture and hay land growth has been slow and some cattle producers are supplementing feed.  There have been multiple reports of grass and stubble fires due to the dry conditions and rain would be welcomed to help alleviate concerns.

Farmers are busy seeding, working fields, controlling weeds and moving cattle.

SaskPower reports 25 cases of farm machinery coming into contact with electrical equipment over the last week, bringing the total for this month to 27.  SaskPower reminds producers that most farming-related incidents happen during seeding and spraying.  Check for overhead lines before beginning your work.  More safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety.

The hay salvage and mowing program provides:

• free hay to farmers
• a neat appearance
• improved visibility
• better control of brush and noxious weed growth
• adequate snow storage in ditches during the winter months

Farmers may salvage hay anytime during the spring or summer months. Landowners or lessees nearest/adjacent to the highway ditch have the first option to cut or bale this material unless the mowing contractor has begun salvage.

Cut hay at a uniform height in the ditches. Place hay bales no less than eight metres away from the shoulder of the highway. Hay bales will be removed in locations deemed dangerous for motorists.

The Government of Saskatchewan hires contractors to mow a four-metre-wide swath along the highway shoulders. Mowing may also be completed near some highway intersections and interchanges, railway crossings and tourism facilities.

Key Dates

• June 7 – July 15: Mowing includes a four-metre shoulder cut adjacent to the road. Highways 1, 7, 11, 16 and 39, along with portions of Highways 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10. Some highway intersections may receive a full ditch cut to ensure good sightlines.
• July 8: Prior to this date, a landowner or lessee nearest to a highway ditch has the first option to cut or bale hay. After this date, anyone may cut and bale hay or grass in a highway ditch without getting the permission of the adjacent landowner.
• July 15 – Oct. 15: Contractors begin mowing the width of ditches along all four-lane highways. All other highways get a four-metre cut adjacent to the highway shoulder.
• August 8: all hay bales must be removed from ditches or they will be removed

SoutheyTHposter

CTV News did a piece on Mental Health in Agriculture.  A good watch

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1315684

There have been some recent changes to PDAP since insurance companies are now offering overland flood insurance.  PDAP covers non-insurable losses, however overland flooding is no longer considered non-insurable.

PDAP Q & A Overland Flood Insurance

PDAP & Overland Flood Insurance

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Cupar #218 intends to Set the annual remuneration rate and custom work rate for Council at a meeting to be held on Friday January 19, 2018, in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 113 Landsdowne Street in Cupar, SK 10:00 am.