Insights and Stories of Shannon VanRaes

Jul. 23, 2015 at 1:53 pm CDT

While many crops across Western Canada are withering under intensifying drought, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says ad hoc programs are not the answer should producers require assistance. However, tax deferral will be available for affected ranchers. “We don’t need ad hoc (assistance), we’ve got a very comprehensive system of business risk […]

By Shannon VanRaes

Jul. 20, 2015 at 4:44 pm CDT

Winnipeg — Ongoing assessment of the grain transportation system and better protection for small shippers are two of the eight recommendations made by the Crop Logistics Working Group (CLWG). They will now be submitted to the Canada Transportation Act Review for consideration. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was in Winnipeg Monday […]

By Shannon VanRaes

Jul. 17, 2015 at 11:08 am CDT

Ruth Kost has never seen a wild boar before but she’s hoping that will change after a summer spent tracking the elusive beast. “They don’t like to show themselves,” said the University of Saskatchewan master’s student. “They are kind of reclusive, they avoid people… and they’re very aware of hunting […]

By Shannon VanRaes

Feb. 28, 2014 at 1:04 pm CST

Staying small has benefits in the farming world: less costs, more time and greater agility It’s not the size of your farm that counts, it’s what you do with it. “It comes down to attitude,” said Kevin Hursh, a Saskatoon-based farm consultant. “Sometimes I think we feel inferior to the […]

By Shannon VanRaes

Feb. 21, 2014 at 10:35 am CST

Pork producers can say that consumers don’t get it, that science is the basis for welfare and that castration doesn’t hurt, but the public won’t buy it — and that’s bad for business If you’re a pork producer trying to convince someone your welfare practices are up to snuff, the […]

By Shannon VanRaes