October 2, 2007

The general meeting was held at the Parkland Best Western in Yorkton. Guest Speaker was Aron Hershmiller, Manager, Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association Inc. (AWSA). His presentation highlighted Source Water Protection – protecting our water supply at the source to ensure safe drinking water for the future.

The AWSA administers and is responsible for two Source Water Protection Plans: (1) Assiniboine River Watershed, and (2) Yorkton Area Aquifers.

Discussed Environmental Farm Plans and well decommissioning work.

April 19, 2007

The general meeting was held at the Parkland Best Western in Yorkton. Special guests included Jim Stalwick, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, Environmental Policy, Livestock Division; Bill Henley, Manager Environmental-Strategic Planning Policy; and Keith Head, Agrologist, Head & Associates Ltd.

Jim Stalwick’s presentation on Green Livestock highlighted:

• Strategic Direction – the primary goal is for a prosperous, sustainable agricultural production and supported by value-added processing industries in Saskatchewan.
• Livestock Development – the industry will evolve according to market forces.
• Environmental Direction – the objective is Enhanced Environmental Stewardship.
• Green Issues – climate change, water quality, growth hormones and E-coli health scares.
• Conclusions – no high profile issues/problems arose in Saskatchewan. We are noted for being on top of point source issues. The key is regulation of the livestock operations since 1971, and we continue to build monitoring efforts.

Chairman Don Walters commented on the tremendously encouraging feedback he has received regarding our 5 Year Report.