By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday January 27, 2021

Jan 27, 2021 | 10:23 AM

MELFORT, Sask. – Canadian fertilizer giant Nutrien said it will expand its use of contact tracing technology to help protect its 14,500 employees from COVID-19.

The Saskatoon-based company said it has rolled out its Proximity Trace equipment, made by U.S.-based Triax Technologies, to more than 8,000 employees to date.

Trace tags are attached to workers’ clothing or hard hats and produce an audio and visual alert to those who come within two metres of one another.

Nutrien said the sensors also automatically log data to allow contact tracing if a positive case is found, helping limit further spread and reassuring those not at risk.

The system is expected to help it minimize operational shutdowns and related costs and product delivery delays from disease outbreaks.

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The first sensors were deployed last July at fertilizer plant sites in the United States and are used at Nutrien’s potash mines in Saskatchewan and at corporate offices in Colorado, Illinois, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

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The latest Sask. Wheat outlook said world wheat futures fell sharply last week as the debate about the unresolved export tax issues in Russia dominates markets.

The report said North American wheat is increasingly competitive on the world market but until the Black Sea grain market settles down, the extent of any change in market demand switching will be tough to assess.

The outlook says number one spring wheat 13.5 per cent protein should still sell for $7.75 to $8 or more per bushel in Saskatchewan.

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Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is supporting Saskatchewan 4-H clubs to the tune of roughly $15,000.

Thirty-one clubs received up to $500 for program development, covering costs associated with local events and exchanges, supporting volunteers, or purchasing resource materials.

Clubs in east and central Saskatchewan receiving funds include North Battleford, Foam Lake, Hudson Bay, Wadena, Melfort, Carrot River, Spruce Home, Wynyard, Kinistino and Prince Albert.

The fund is part of FCC’s commitment of $250,000 to 4-H Canada.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF