Joe Dales's Blog (72)

2025-2026 Agronomy Resources Survey

Attention agricultural producers and agrologists: We need your input on publicly available agronomic resources to inform future funding and research! Please click on the following link to answer the short online survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/AgronomyResourcesSurvey The  Agronomy Resources Survey, conducted through the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan, studies the outcomes of public and producer investment in agronomic research. This survey is intended for both agricultural producers and agrologists. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the impact of agronomic resources developed through research co-funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as part of due diligence to ensure the effective use of public and producer funds. The results of this impact assessment study will provide insight to policy makers and researchers on what agronomic resources are useful to producers and agrologists which can then inform future funding of res

Twelve USask students receive Sask Wheat 2024-2025 scholarships and awards

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) committed $165,000 to six undergraduate and six graduate student awards and scholarships to students at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources in 2024. That brought Sask Wheat’s total commitment to student scholarships and awards to $1,055,000 since 2015. Sask Wheat’s objective when establishing the Sask Wheat Undergraduate Awards and Scholarships and Graduate Scholarships at USask was to assist in the education of Agriculture and Bioresources students, strengthening the development of Saskatchewan’s next generation of producers, agronomists, and researchers. Further, the graduate scholarships enhance the college’s research capabilities and complement research being undertaken by the faculty.

Welcoming new Board chair and vice-chair 2026

The Board of Directors of Sask Wheat elected Jocelyn Velestuk as chair and Rob Stone as vice-chair. Their positions became effective Jan. 13, 2026. Based near Broadview, SK, Velestuk farms with her husband working with a mix of beef and grain. She has an M.Sc. in Soil Science, and a B.Sc. in Agriculture, Environmental and Soil Science, both from the University of Saskatchewan. As someone who notes her interest and passion for bridging the communication between producers and researchers, she looks to garner a growth mindset. Velestuk is also the current chair of the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition, and sits on the Sask Wheat Research Committee. The newly-appointed Sask Wheat chair is entering her seventh year as a member after being acclaimed to the board following the 2020 director nominations. When it comes to her plans, she wants to see an upward trajectory when it comes to growth while continuing the ongoing efforts to be leaders in the agriculture sector. “I hope to continue th

Monette Farms Puts 16 Saskatchewan Farm Packages Up for Sale in Major Land Offering

Monette Farms—one of Western Canada’s biggest farming operations—is offering 16 “well stewarded” Saskatchewan farms for sale.

Ag highlighted in some Super Bowl LX commercials

PepsiCo’s commercial for Lay’s chips is called “Last Harvest”