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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Thursday January 19, 2023

Jan 19, 2023 | 10:51 AM

MELFORT, Sask. – The group that represents rural municipalities is putting its support behind the Saskatchewan Firearms Act.

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) president Ray Orb said the act will protect law-abiding firearm owners.

“This legislation is another tool to help the people of rural Saskatchewan insulate ourselves from misguided federal policies. SARM is a strong advocate for responsible and safe firearm ownership,” Orb said in a news release. “The provincial plan is more practical and is more in line with the needs of rural Saskatchewan. Establishing Saskatchewan-based criteria for responsible firearms ownership is much preferred over the federal government setting the requirements.”

Orb said concerns are growing over the federal gun bans, and SARM members are concerned these are ineffective and politically motivated infringements on the rights and freedoms of farmers, ranchers, and recreational firearm users.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Act will also establish a provincial firearms regulatory system that will promote the safe use of firearms, according to Orb.

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“The Saskatchewan Firearms Office is a great resource to promote firearm safety messages and support ongoing safety and education initiatives,” he said.

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A new fertilizer efficiency calculator tool was launched at Manitoba Ag Days.

Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson said the calculator uses field-specific soil test results and science-based analysis to provide application recommendations.

The calculator compares a producer’s fertilizer plans to the most- and least-efficient fertilizer application cost per acre and net profit per acre.

It also provides a user-friendly dashboard score for cost efficiency, greenhouse gas efficiency, maximum profitability, and maximum yield.

The Excel version of the calculator is available on the Manitoba Agriculture website.

A mobile-friendly, web-based version is in development.

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The Saskatchewan government and SaskPork are investing $1 million in preparation for a possible outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Agriculture Minister David Marit said responding to animal diseases is critical to supporting the Saskatchewan swine industry.

“This funding will support a healthy hog sector and protect hog producers and abattoirs during potential market disruptions,” Marit said.

The funding will support the creation of a cull line at the sow processing facility Donald’s Fine Foods is constructing in Moose Jaw. It would allow for humane slaughter of domestic hogs if a serious swine disease outbreak ever temporarily stopped trade.

ASF is a viral disease that only impacts pigs. To date, ASF has never been detected in Canada.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW