SaskOilseeds’ 2024 Key Takeaways

In an effort to share more of the day-to-day work the Commission Board & Staff are responsible for, in the form of key takeaways, we will feature insights gathered from meetings, conferences, interviews, and other engagements. Follow along to discover how SaskOilseeds’ dedicated team is working to provide value to Saskatchewan canola producers.

November

• November 4, 2025 - CTV News Interview
  Kade Kettenbach, SaskOilseeds’ Flax Research & Extension Specialist, recently highlighted exciting new flax research being conducted at the University of Saskatchewan during an interview with CTV News.

• November 5, 2024 - Lobby Day on the Hill
  SaskOilseeds’ Policy Manager and several board members attended Lobby Day on the Hill and sat in on discussions about key policy topics such as trade & market diversification and reliable rail transportation. Read more in the November issue of Canola Digest.

• November 14, 2024 - German Delegation Tour
  Our Flax Research & Extension Specialist recently organized a tour for German delegates to explore the flax production industry in Saskatchewan. This visit aimed to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the flax industry value chain. By engaging directly with our local producers, the delegates were able to witness firsthand the quality and practices involved in flax production. This tour represents a renewed commitment to fostering relationships with potential markets and is a step forward in our ongoing efforts to develop and enhance collaboration within the industry.

• November 20, 2024 - The Cult Gathering Marketing Conference
  Our Communications Manager attended the Cult Gathering marketing conference. Timely and inspiring for her to attend as we continue to work through our exciting re-brand to SaskOilseeds! “The Gathering marketing conference was a masterclass in sotrytelling! Both (a) the importance of it to building brand loyalty and (b) how to do it well, ie. what stories resonate with your audience.” - Ellen Grueter

• November 28, 2024 - Sask Ag Matters Sponsorship
  Sask Ag Matters aims to bridge the gap between producers and mental wellness by providing Saskatchewan producers with 6 free one-hour councelling sessions with licensed professionals that come from farming backgrounds. SaskOilseeds’ recent $15k sponsorship will cover the cost of 75 sessions to support Saskatchewan producers. Listen to this recent interview to learn more.

• November 29, 2024 - Grade School 2024
  This month, Sask Wheat partnered with SaskOilseeds, SaskBarley and Sask Pulse Growers to bring Saskatchewan producers Grade School 2024! This year’s attendees gained hands-on knowledge about grading factors for wheat, canola, flax, barley and pulses through in-person demonstrations led by The Canadian Grain Commission. Producers also explored representative sampling, grain contracts, and the benefits of tools like the Harvest Sample Program—equipping them to negotiate confidently at local elevators and optimize their marketing strategies. Looking to learn more? Visit CCGA's KnowYourGrade.ca for excellent resources on representative sampling, dockage, grading, and available producer protections.

October

• October 1, 2024 - SaskOilseeds Announces Election for Board of Directors
  Five nominations have been received to fill four director positions on the recently formed Saskatchewan Oilseeds Development Commission Board of Directors. Three of the nominees are current SaskOilseeds directors who are eligible to run for a second term, while the other two nominees are former SaskFlax directors. An election will take place in November. Read the full release.

• October 2, 2024 - SaskOilseeds Sponsors New Podcast - The Extensionists
  SaskOilseeds is a proud sponsor of the brand new podcast, The Extensionists. Tune in bi-weekly and listen to hosts Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter as they chat with researchers, innovators and farmers, bringing a fresh perspective to agricultural extension. Listen here.

• October 11, 2024 - Sask Crop Commissions Host Lunch-and-Learn for UofS Agros
  Our canola & flax extension specialists, together with SaskBarley, Sask Wheat and Sask Pulse Growers, hosted a lunch & learn for agriculture students at the UofS to highlight the Commissions' initiatives—from research and agronomy to scholarships and more.

• October 17, 2024 - ADF Research Committee Meeting
  After thoroughly reviewing 69 LOIs in the spring, SaskOilseeds' Research Manager and Canola Agronomy Extension Specialist selected 18 ADF proposals to present to our research committee this month. Half of these proposals were approved for potential funding and will make it into the final step in the process of negotiating co-funding amounts with other organizations before final amounts are awarded in 2025.

• October 24, 2024 - SaskOilseeds’ Policy Manager Attends Tri-National Accord
  SaskOilseeds' Policy Manager, Dale Leftwich, attended the 33rd Tri-National Agricultural Accord and got to participate in discussions on key policy topics including the CUSMA review, issues surrounding Bill C-282 and regulatory harmonization.

• October 25, 2024 - The Cult Gathering Marketing Conference
  Our Communications Manager attended the Cult Gathering marketing conference. Timely and inspiring for her to attend as we continue to work through our exciting re-brand to SaskOilseeds! “The Gathering marketing conference was a masterclass in sotrytelling! Both (a) the importance of it to building brand loyalty and (b) how to do it well, ie. what stories resonate with your audience.” - Ellen Grueter

• October 31, 2024 - Research Committee Meeting
  After thoroughly reviewing 69 letters of intent in the spring, SaskOilseeds’ Research Manager and Canola Agronomy Extension Specialist selected 18 research proposals to present to our Research Committee this month. Out of the 18 research proposals presented, half have been approved for potential funding and will move on to the final stage of negotiating co-funding amounts with other organizations before final amounts are awarded in 2025.

September

• September 4, 2024 - SaskOilseeds Engages with AAFC to Strengthen Research Funding for Saskatchewan Canola Industry
  SaskOilseeds' Executive Director, Policy Manager, and Research Manager met with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Director Generals to discuss the importance of research funding, and help to enhance the success and efficiency of future funding programs. Research investments have substantially improved the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the Saskatchewan canola industry. Unpack farmer-funded project results using our extensive database.

• September 4, 2024 - SaskOilseeds Collaborates with Canola Partners on Advocacy for Farmers and Industry
  SaskOilseeds participated in frequent meetings with CCC, CCGA, Manitoba Canola Growers and Alberta Canola this month to discuss advocacy efforts in support of farmers and the Canadian canola industry.

• September 12, 2024 - Canola Disease Training Workshops
  SaskOilseeds' Agronomy Extension Specialist presented at three canola disease training workshops this month, co-hosted by SaskOilseeds, Agri-ARM, and the Canola Council of Canada. Attendees gained hands-on experience in disease scouting techniques and learned how to submit samples to SaskOilseeds' Disease Testing Program.

• September 13, 2024 - SaskOilseeds Intern Shares Recipe on CTV Morning Live
  Emma, a nutrition student who recently completed a summer internship with SaskOilseeds, shares a quick and easy microwavable “omelette-in-a-mug” recipe, perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious start to their day.

• September 23, 2024 - SaskOilseeds Supports FFC-SK’s Mission to Educate Consumers on Canadian Agriculture
  SaskOilseeds Exec Director and Comms Manager attended FFC-SK's 10 year anniversary celebration. SaskOilseeds is a proud member of Farm & Food Care Sask, an organization that helps connect consumers with credible information about farming through their Canadian Food Focus initiative! Canadian Food Focus is a trusted resource of reliable, science-based information on Canadian food production. Their goal is to educate consumers on how food is grown & raised and provide advice from experts to help people make informed food choices.

August

• August 7, 2024 - Call for Farmer Nominations for SaskOilseeds Board of Directors
  Nominations have opened this month to fill four positions on the newly formed SaskOilseeds Board, with terms starting in January 2025. Outgoing SaskCanola Board Chair Keith Fournier encourages farmers to run, reflecting on his rewarding experience: “Eight years tenure adds up to countless conversations that both challenged and inspired me. It has been incredibly rewarding to help guide investments in canola research, influence government policy, inform consumers and expand our markets. Time well spent, memories and an enhanced network to last a lifetime. I urge my fellow farmers to consider putting their names forward for election.” Applications are due September 30th. Find more information here.

• August 15, 2024 - Flax Disease Survey Review Meeting
  SaskOilseeds' Flax & Research Extension Specialist met with representatives from the Ministry of Ag and USask researchers, to review the procedures of the flax disease survey which will be conducted over the next few weeks. The survey aims to identify the prevalence and severity of various flax diseases. The primary focus is on Pasmo, with additional attention given to sclerotinia, alternaria, and aster yellows.

• August 21, 2024 - CTV Interview about Rail Strike
  In this recent interview, SaskOilseeds' Policy Manager spoke with CTV News about the pending rail strike and its impact on farmers.

• August 28, 2024 - Agri-ARM Capacity Funding
  Agri-ARM sites across the province have each received $100k in capacity funding from SaskOilseeds. The funding has been used to improve research operations through the acquisition of new equipment and buildings, including the purchase of a mobile office by the Yorkton location.

July

• July 4, 2024 - Sask Crop Commissions Coffee Shop Talk
  The Sask Crop Commissions hosted a Coffee Shop Talk on June 26th that marked the kick-off to summer field days! These events offer a valuable opportunity to learn the latest research, connect with other local farmers, and network with experienced industry experts to talk through your pressing agronomy questions.

• July 5, 2024 - RealAgriculture Interview Featuring SaskCanola’s On-Farm Research Trials
  In this recent interview, SaskCanola’s agronomy extension specialist talked with RealAgriculture about our on-farm research trials. Field scale research allows farmers to test practices being studied on their own fields using their own equipment and methods. Our Top Notch Farming research program is driven by farmers bringing us ideas for trials. Participants work alongside a research expert and an agronomist throughout the growing season, with the collected data analyzed and compiled into a usable booklet for growers. Find more information on trials being conducted this year, and to find the results of our 2023 research trials here.

• July 11, 2024 - SaskCanola’s Summer Board Meeting
  SaskCanola Staff and Board of Directors met in St. Walburg for our summer board meeting to present, review and approve the 2024/25 budget. Thank you to Director Ed Shafer and family for hosting a farm tour and to the community of St. Walburg for the hospitality.

• July 13, 2024 - Why Disease Testing Matters
  Kaeley Kindrachuk, our Agronomy Extension Specialist, was interviewed by RealAgriculture to discuss the importance of disease testing. We can’t manage what we don’t know, and disease testing can identify what diseases are present in the field. SaskCanola’s free disease testing program provides farmers and agronomists with lab results to help make informed decisions for canola production in future years. Learn how to submit samples to SaskCanola’s free disease testing program.

• July 25, 2024 - Crop Diagnostic School
  SaskOilseeds' Communications Specialist and Flax Research & Extension Specialist volunteered at the popular Crop Diagnostic School in Melfort, guiding groups through the stations and taking the opportunity to participate in a full day of learning.

June

• June 1, 2024 - SFWA Spring Tour
  SaskCanola's Communications Specialist participated in the Saskatchewan Farm Writers (SFWA) Spring Tour; visiting various farms and Ag businesses to gain deeper insights into the industry. SaskCanola’s relationship with SFWA enhances communication between our Commission and farmers. It ensures that our Communications staff stay connected with agriculture communicators both provincially and nationally; fostering unity across different agricultural sectors. Strengthening these relationships enables us to collaborate effectively and bring the best information to our stakeholders.

• June 7, 2024 - Thirteen New Projects Underway for CARP in 2024
  SaskCanola, Alberta Canola, and Manitoba Canola Growers and Western Grains Research Federation (WGRF) have collectively committed over $3.7 million to fund 13 new Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) projects aimed at investigating management solutions for various threats including blackleg, clubroot, flea beetles, midges, sclerotinia, verticillium stripe and other biotic and abiotic challenges. “There is huge value in pooling levy dollars to invest in research projects that address canola agronomic issues that farmers in all three provinces face,” says Keith Fournier, SaskCanola Chair. “WGRF’s investment is an added bonus to the funding equation, as it allows levy dollars to stretch further for more important research to occur.”

• June 14, 2024 - 2024 Top Notch Farming Trial Reel
  This reel highlights our seeding rate trial, one of the protocols of our 2024 Top Notch Farming Research Trials. This on-farm trial examines three different seeding rates and their survivability. WARC is leading and managing this project by Unity, SK.

• June 19, 2024 - Collaborative Agronomy Resource Documents
  SaskCanola has recently collaborated with SaskBarley, SaskWheat, SaskPulse, and WARC_SK to provide new and updated resources this growing season. Visit the Agronomy Resources section on our website to access the latest Insecticide Options, Herbicide Carryover, and Split N Applications documents and more. SaskCanola’s collaborative work with other Commissions aims to ensure the most complete and relevant information is available and easily accessible for farmers. We are committed to unifying our efforts to enhance crop management strategies and drive informed decision-making. By working together, we aim to equip our growers with the tools they need to achieve optimal results.

• June 21, 2024 - Administrative Professionals Conference of Canada
  SaskCanola's Admin Team attended the Administrative Professionals Conference of Canada earlier this week. The highlight was a change leadership session with timely principles that we can implement to help guide our administrative processes through the merger of SaskCanola & SaskFlax which officially becomes a single organization on August 1st.

• June 27, 2024 - Get Agronomy Tips with SaskCanola’s Texting Service
  This week our Office Admin sent out 50+ complementary plant count rings in response to a message we sent our texting subscribers. SaskCanola's texting service sends farmers weekly oilseed market outlook reports and canola agronomy updates tailored to the current stage in-season. Farmers can also text our dedicated number to start a two-way conversation with Staff to address questions they have in the field.

May

• May 1, 2024 - Agri-Value Forum
  SaskCanola's Exec Director & Policy Manager participated alongside industry leaders in the Agri-Value Forum hosted by the Sask Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to excellent networking opportunities, the agenda was geared towards understanding how consumer trends impact Saskatchewan farmers.

• May 2, 2024 - Canola Communicators Collaborative Meeting
  Communications Staff from Canola Council of Canada, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Alberta Canola, SaskCanola and Manitoba Canola Growers Association gathered at CCGA headquarters to explore new ways we can collaborate to communicate valuable research, policy and market development information to Western Canadian canola farmers.

• May 3, 2024 - Regulatory Pathway for Plant Breeding Innovation
  The Canadian canola industry welcomes new guidance on livestock feed from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The guidance clears the final hurdle to establishing a regulatory pathway for gene-edited products in Canada, as stated in the Canola Council of Canada’s news release. “It is welcome news that Canada continues to make policy decisions that are informed by scientific evidence. Gene editing is a tool to make the most precise genetic improvements in history, and will help breeders develop more nutritious and environmentally sustainable crops,” says Doug Health, Research Manager.

• May 9, 2024 - Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Seminar
  Our Policy Manager, attended a seminar 'The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Explained' (CUSMA) hosted by the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership. CUSMA is due for a mandatory review in 2026. STEP has launched a new program to assist Saskatchewan exporters in promoting the advantages of free trade. “Our Commission monitors the CUSMA agreement through relationships with the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance to ensure farmers’ interested are protected,” says Dale Leftwich, SaskCanola’s Policy Manager.

• May 14, 2024 - Review of Letters of Intent from the Agriculture Development Fund
  SaskCanola's Research Manager & Agronomy Extension Specialist are in the thick of reviewing 60+ letters of intent (LOIs) this week from the Agriculture Development Fund research proposal intake, administered by the Government of Saskatchewan. The leading LOIs will be requested to go to full proposal stage, which will then be vetted by the 4 farmer Directors on our Research Committee this Fall to determine which projects will be funded by SaskCanola levy dollars.

• May 21, 2024 - CTV Morning Live Highlights the Importance of Bees
  The latest CTV Morning Live instalment highlights the importance of bees and the impact canola has on honey production. Canola is the most important crop for honey production in Western Canada due to its provision of high-quality pollen. This mutual relationship benefits growers and bees; bees can increase canola yields by up to 50%, while canola offers bees pollen rich in essential nutrients and amino acids.

• May 22, 2024 - Accepting Letters of Intent for 2025 Canola Agronomic Research Program
  Attention researchers: On behalf of AB, SK, and MB, the Canola Council of Canada is now accepting letters of intent for the 2025 Canola Agronomic Research Program until June 28, 2024. Download the LOI template, learn more about research priorities and find contact info for any inquiries on the CCC website. “This competition remains focused on developing canola as a crop and improving the agronomics for growing it,” says Doug Heath, SaskCanola’s Research Manager.

• May 22, 2024 - 2024 On-Farm Research Trials Underway
  SaskCanola’s Agronomy Extension Specialist was onsite at one of SaskCanola’s on-farm research trial cooperators’ farms near the Cut Knife area to view the seeding rate protocol as it was going in.

• May 29, 2024 - Top Crop Manager Publication
  SaskCanola's Board Chair, Keith Fournier, recently participated as 1 of 5 representatives of Canadian crop grower organizations to share his thoughts with Top Crop Manager on what factors and trends are likely to influence crop production over the next decade and how to capture opportunities and overcome the challenges ahead. Fournier highlighted both the importance of ongoing investment in research and the valuable role of crop-related research, including developing better crop varieties to help growers keep ahead of the game on things like changing disease and insect problems and developing more efficient practices for managing fertilizers, land and water.

• May 31, 2024 - Latest Buzz in Pollinator Research
  SaskCanola co-funds the Pollinator Health Research Chair that Dr. Sarah Wood holds at the University of Saskatchewan. This recent research by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine highlights the potential of vaporized oxalic acid as an effective and safe control method against Varroa mites in honey bee colonies. These mites pose a significant threat to bees, leading to substantial losses in honey production and agriculture.

April

• April 10, 2024 - AITC-SK AGM & Strategy Workshop
  SaskCanola applauds AITC-SK on their impressive reach of 73,177 students, 658 schools, and 261 communities in 2023! Saskatchewan has 195,500 students today, and the future of agriculture rests in their hands. How can AITC-SK reach them all? That was the critical topic of discussion during AITC-SK's AGM & 30th Anniversary celebration and strategy workshop - with SaskCanola's Board Chair and Communications Staff participating in the conversation. SaskCanola is a proud Hero Sponsor of AITC-SK, investing $50,000 annually towards agriculture education in Saskatchewan classrooms.

• April 10, 2024 - Collaborative Policy Issue Workshop
  SaskCanola’s ED & Policy Manager alongside other ag leaders provided feedback in a workshop held by Stuart Smyth to prioritize policy issues and mobilize the agriculture message to Canadians. SaskCanola co-funds the Agri-Food Innovation and Sustainability Enhancement Chair that Stuart Smyth holds at the University of Saskatchewan.

• April 16, 2024 - CCFI AGM
  SaskCanola's Exec Director attended the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity's (CCFI) Annual General Meeting. SaskCanola’s membership of the CCFI includes access to valuable market research on consumer perceptions of agriculture - insights that help drive how we invest levy dollars into domestic market development initiatives.

• April 19, 2024 - Dietitian Masters Student Internship
  SaskCanola's Market Development Manager recently mentored Ashley Williams, a dietitian masters student, for a six-week internship. As part of her grad studies, Ashley is conducting research on how agricultural university courses are presented in Canada. “As a registered dietitian, Ashley will have a significant impact on thousands of Canadians throughout her career and continue to be a credible voice, connecting consumers with agriculture,” says Lynn Weaver, Market Development Manager.

• April 25, 2024 - Canola Shatter Committee Meeting
  The Canola Shatter Committee's first meeting took place earlier this month. The Committee's purpose is to evaluate check varieties and manage extension messaging related to canola shatter ratings. “The resources developed by this committee will help growers choose canola cultivars with appropriate shatter ratings for their farm. The committee will continue to ensure these ratings and extension materials are valuable for growers across the prairies,” says Kaeley Kindrachuk, SaskCanola’s Agronomy Extension Specialist.

March

• March 20, 2024 - Provincial Budget Announcement
  SaskCanola's Vice-Chair, Exec. Director & Policy Manager travelled to Regina to participate in the Government of Saskatchewan's budget announcement which included a 5.6% increase to the ag budget specifically. "It is because of this commitment to research by our governments and the sector that Saskatchewan famers are able to be the most innovative in the country," says Tracy Broughton, SaskCanola's Executive Director.

• March 21, 2024 - Collaborative Ag Research Meeting
  SaskCanola's Research Manager, Doug Heath, attended a collaborative meeting to cultivate connections by bringing funders and innovators in agriculture research together. Heath reported, "Adoption was the theme that emerged from the meeting. As a Commission, when it comes to farmers' adoption of research results, we need to find harmony between 'best practice' and the realities of embracing new tech or management practices on-farm."

• March 25, 2204 - SaskCanola’s Research Committee Meeting
  SaskCanola’s Research Committee met to discuss a number of projects in preparation for our upcoming Board meeting. "Strong participation (27 sites and counting) signed up for year two of SaskCanola's on-farm research trials is evidence that farmers find value in the new program," said Jon Fehr, SaskCanola Director. 

• March 28, 2024 - Western Producer Interview
  SaskCanola's Market Development Manager, Lynn Weaver (a registered dietitian), addressed seed oil misconceptions in an interview aiming to dispel misinformation being spread on social media.

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For more information, contact:
Ellen Grueter, Communications Manager
egrueter@saskcanola.com
(306) 975-0262