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The Loon Creek Walk

Tuesday October 20, 2015 at 10:30.  Gather at the Markinch Hall to travel to Loon Creek.  There are short and long walks available and they will close with a picnic.

The purpose of this two-day event is to provide Loon Creek Landowners, Neighbours and the Public with opportunities to:

o   Build support for long-term sustainability and protection of Loon Creek
o   Walk and experience the pastures of Loon Creek
o   Talk about and learn about Loon Creek history, flora and fauna, etc.
o   Introduce Nature Conservancy of Canada and their interest in and support for building long-term sustainability and protection of Loon
Guests include:
  • Ruth Blaser – Loon Creek Landowner
  • Barbara Barnett – Friend of Look Creek
  • Trevor Herriot – Writer, Naturalist, Activist
  • Mark Wartman – Nature Conservancy of Canada
Please see http://buffalo-rock-facilitation.com/ for more details on The Loon Creek Walk which will be available on my web site in the next while.   RSVP by Oct 12 – 533-4174.

 

Crop Report Sept 1-7

For the Period September 1 to 7, 2015

One year ago
Fourteen per cent of the 2014 crop had been combined with an additional 39 per cent swathed or ready to straight cut. Heavy rain was received in some areas, causing crop quality concerns.

Follow the 2015 Crop Report on Twitter @SKAgriculture

Harvest Progress in SK
Per cent Combined
All Crops

Sept 7/15

40

5 year avg. (2010-2014)

25

Sept 8/14

14

Sept 9/13

30

Sept 3/12

38

Sept 5/11

32

Sept 6/10

13

10 year avg.
(2005-2014)

30

Saskatchewan Harvest
September 7, 2015
% combined

Winter wheat

98

Fall rye*

97

Spring wheat

31

Durum

46

Oats*

22

Barley

40

Canaryseed

15

Flax

7

Canola

25

Mustard

45

Soybeans

18

Lentils

85

Peas

92

Chickpeas

13

*includes  three per cent ‘other’

Forty per cent of the 2015 crop is now in the bin and an additional 33 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according the Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report. The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 25 per cent combined.

Regionally, producers in the southwest are furthest advanced, having 61 per cent of the crop combined.  Producers in the southeast have 59 per cent combined.  Thirty-three per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 22 per cent in both the east-central northwestern regions, and 20 per cent in the northeast.

Heavy rain over the weekend has delayed producers in many parts of the province. Warm and dry weather will be needed to help fields dry.  Rainfall ranged from small amounts to over four inches in some southeastern areas.

Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 16 per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as six per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Strong winds and heavy rain have lodged some crops and quality is a concern in areas.  Yields vary greatly across the province, but overall are estimated to be close to average. Winter cereals are being seeded as time allows.

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.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations.

Provincial Estimated Crop Yields – September 7, 2015

Winter wheat

Fall rye

HRSW

Other wheat*

Durum

Oat

Barley

Canaryseed

Southeast

44

47

36

40

32

67

56

913

Southwest

24

27

27

28

29

46

41

785

East Central

38

34

36

43

35

79

58

953

West Central

35

24

30

37

30

66

48

961

Northeast

31

30

43

50

36

98

68

1426

Northwest

30

35

39

43

N/A

75

58

N/A

Provincial

37

32

35

40

30

81

56

1157

Flax

Canola

Mustard

Soybean

Pea

Lentil 

Chickpea

Southeast

21

29

1008

26

32

1306

1200

Southwest

18

25

1065

23

25

1188

1157

East Central

23

31

1079

25

34

1295

1100

West Central

23

28

1002

25

29

1236

1050

Northeast

25

36

600

19

37

1090

N/A

Northwest

20

33

N/A

N/A

35

1800

N/A

Provincial

21

31

1047

25

29

1225

1157

* ‘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)

Thanks to relatively warm and dry weather earlier in the week, 22 per cent of the crop in east-central Saskatchewan is in the bin, up from 11 per cent last week. The five-year (2010-2015) average for this time of year is 18 per cent combined.

Like most of the province, the region received heavy rain that lodged many crops and postponed harvest. Warm and dry weather will be needed to dry up those fields that cannot currently support equipment. Most producers are hoping to be back in the field by the weekend if drying weather is received. Little winter cereal seeding has been done to date, although many producers will likely begin seeding soon if time allows. Downgrading of cereals is expected at the elevator as the rain has bleached, stained and sprouted some crops. Harvest operations remain difficult in some areas as straw is still green and there are new flushes of weeds. Yields vary greatly throughout the region, although many crops are yielding higher than first expected.

Rainfall ranged from small amounts to 65 mm in the Kelvington area. At 401 mm, the Meacham area holds the regional record for the greatest amount of rainfall since April 1. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 29 per cent surplus, 68 per cent adequate, two per cent short and one per cent very short, while hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as 16 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, three per cent short and one per cent very short.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations and waiting for fields to dry.

 

Be Prepared (Part 2) – What to do after the Emergency

After an emergency

These are general instructions that apply to many emergencies but not every situation is the same. These tips can also apply during an emergency.

  • Try to stay calm.
  • Check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid to people who are injured or trapped. Take care of life-threatening situations first. Get help if necessary.
  • Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.
  • Confine or secure pets.
  • Use the battery-operated radio from your emergency kit to listen for information and instructions.
  • Do not use the telephone except to report a life-threatening injury. Please leave the lines free for official use.
  • If possible, put on sturdy shoes and protective clothing to help prevent injury from debris, especially broken glass.
  • If you are inside, check the building for structural damage. If you suspect it is unsafe, leave and do not re-enter.
  • Do not turn on light switches or light matches until you are sure that there aren’t any gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. Use a flashlight to check utilities.
  • Do not shut off utilities unless they are damaged, leaking (a gas leak smells like rotten eggs) or if there is a fire. If you turn the gas off, don’t turn it on again. That must be done by a qualified technician.

If tap water is available, fill a bathtub and other containers in case the supply gets cut off.

If there is no running water, remember that you may have water available in a hot water tank, toilet reservoir or in ice cube trays.

  • Water supplies may be contaminated so purify your water.
  • Do not flush toilets if you suspect that sewer lines are broken.
  • If you are in a high-rise building, do not use the elevator in case of power outage. If you are in an elevator, push every floor button and get out as soon as possible.
  • Pick up your children from school or the pre-determined collection point.
  • Stay away from damaged areas unless you are asked to help or are qualified to give assistance.
  • Do not go near loose or dangling power lines. Downed power lines can cause fires and carry sufficient power to cause harm. Report them and any broken sewer and water mains to the authorities.
  • If the power has been off for several hours, check the food in the refrigerator and freezer in case it has spoiled.

Crop Report August 25-31

Crop Report for the Period August 25 to 31, 2015
One year ago
Seven per cent of the 2014 crop had been combined with an additional 28 per cent swathed or ready to straight cut. Crop quality deteriorated as hail, wind and heavy rain lodged crops.
Follow the 2015 Crop Report on Twitter @SKAgriculture
Harvest Progress in SK
Per cent Combined
All Crops
Aug 31/15
29
5 year avg.
(2010-2014)
14
Sept 1/14
7
Sept 2/13
14
Aug 27/12
21
Aug 29/11
21
Aug 30/10
8
10 year avg.
(2005-2014)
19
Saskatchewan Harvest
August 31, 2015
% combined
Winter wheat
95
Fall rye*
96
Spring wheat
17
Durum
36
Oats**
11
Barley
23
Canaryseed
9
Flax
3
Canola
14
Mustard
35
Soybeans
16
Lentils
72
Peas
85
Chickpeas
8
*includes  three per cent ‘other’
**includes two per cent ‘other’

Warm and relatively dry weather has allowed producers to make good progress on harvest. Twenty-nine per cent of the crop is now combined and an additional 30 per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut. The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is 14 per cent combined and 26 per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut.

Regionally, producers in the southwest are furthest advanced, having 51 per cent of the crop combined. Producers in the southeast have 45 per cent of the crop combined. Twenty per cent of the crop is combined in the west-central region; 13 per cent in the northwest; 11 per cent in the east-central region; and 10 per cent in the northeast.

Rainfall this past week ranged from nil to 22 mm in some southeastern areas. Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as three per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and two per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as one per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate, 27 per cent short and five per cent very short.

Pasture conditions across the province are rated as four per cent excellent, 43 per cent good, 36 per cent fair, 14 per cent poor and three per cent very poor. At this time, crop reporters are indicating that 11 per cent of the forage crops did not get cut or baled, mainly due to lack of growth.

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

Localized hail and wind has damaged some crops and there are reports of bleaching, staining or sprouting of cereal and pulse crops in some areas. Crop reporters are indicating that yields and grades are average overall. Some winter cereals are being seeded as time allows.

Farmers are busy with harvest operations.

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)

Eleven per cent of the crop is now combined in the region, up from three per cent last week. The five-year (2010-2014) average for this time of year is eight per cent combined. Rain showers and high humidity are delaying combining in many areas, although swathing is in full swing.

Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to 19 mm in the Esterhazy area. At 376 mm, the Meacham area holds the regional record for the greatest amount of rainfall since April 1. Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are rated as eight per cent surplus, 89 per cent adequate, two per cent short and one per cent very short, while hay land and pasture topsoil moisture conditions are rated as four per cent surplus, 88 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short.

Pasture conditions are rated as five per cent excellent, 66 per cent good, 27 per cent fair and two per cent poor. At this time, it is estimated that four per cent of forage crops did not get cut or baled, mainly due to lack of growth.

Wind has blown swaths around and lodged some crops. Harvest has been difficult in some fields as many crops have not ripened evenly and there is much secondary plant growth. There are some reports of high levels of green seed in harvested canola and some crops are being aerated. Overall, producers are indicating that yields and grades are average, although there are some reports of higher-than-expected yields.

Farmers are busy swathing, spraying weeds and combining.

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.