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Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021

Sep 1, 2021 | 11:48 AM

MELFORT, Sask. – Sask. Wheat has found its next executive director.

Blair Goldade served as the executive director for the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan (ACS) from June 2012 to October 2014, overseeing agricultural projects through programs like the canadian agricultural adaptation program. Recently he had been Sask. Wheat’s research program manager and science coordinator of the Canadian National Wheat Cluster for the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition.

Sask. Wheat board chair Brett Halstead said Goldade has strong roots in Saskatchewan’s agriculture community.

“He is well known and respected by the research community and government officials across Canada. He will represent the interests of Saskatchewan wheat farmers well,” Halstead said in a media release.

Goldade will replace Harvey Brooks, who is retiring from the position this fall after seven years as Sask. Wheat’s executive director.

August was a busy month for hail adjusters in Western Canada.

Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA) said growers reported minor storm damage.

CCHA member companies are investigating more than 53 claims of crop damage from storms that occurred Aug. 15 to 22.

Scott McQueen with Palliser Insurance said storms damaged crops in Alberta and Manitoba with hail ranging from pea to marble size. The damaged was mostly minor.

“Rainfall has slowed harvest in many areas as adjusters move quickly to wrap up claims. Claims are finishing quickly as many of the fields have been opened up for easy access,” McQueen said.

Cassandra Holt, of Canadian Hail Agencies, said storms damaged crops in the Saskatchewan community of Strathclair.

Ellen Grant, of AG Direct Hail Insurance, said storms damaged crops in the Alberta communities of Hussar and Standard. In Manitoba, she said storms damaged crops in Oakburn, Sandy Lake, and Boissevain.

Murray Bantle, of Co-operative Hail Insurance Company, said storms damaged canola and wheat in the central Manitoba communities of Shoal Lake, Elphinstone, Sandy Lake and Strathclair. The damage ranged from light to medium.

The BASF Community Challenge will back for a second year.

BASF will donate $65,000 to community organizations, recognizing the critical role farming communities play in the lives of growers.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of InVigor hybrid canola, BASF has introduced a $25,000 grand prize, where western Canadian growers and retail partners are invited to nominate a deserving local organization.

InVigor growers have until Oct. 15 to nominate an organization or initiative in their community for the chance to receive one of eight $5,000 donations.

In 2020, the Community Challenge saw $40,000 donated to community organizations across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, supporting everything from critical emergency services to recreational youth clubs.

Information on the program is available here.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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