Notices

Petition to Allow Strychnine Use

The RM has a petition that can be signed to request the use of strychnine for gophers. This petition will be available for signing at the RM Office until September 16th. Office hours are from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 12:30 to 4:00 pm.

Gopher Poison

As a result of the Ministry of Agriculture performing a strychnine alternative study in the RM of Maple Creek this spring and having great success with a different product, the RM of Excelsior has ordered Burrow Oat Bait and Rodent Bait to be used on gophers. The bait is a pasteurized oat bait and is treated with zinc phosphide which means it will not germinate. It was found to be as effective as strychnine and less expensive. It is also less prone to leaving dangerous residue in dead gophers. Pending any shipping concerns, this product should arrive at the end of June. Cost is $120 plus GST for a 20 kg bag. If you would like to purchase this product, please let the RM Office know so we can add you to our list.

Train Blocking Crossing?

Is a train blocking a crossing for more than five minutes? Call the CP number found on the yellow sticker on the warning system. You should also send a note to PNRWebRPN@tc.gc.ca which is Transport Canada. Information that is important is the date, time, rail car number, locomotive number. Video evidence is also a good thing. Trains must be fully stopped for five minutes or more before you report it.

Recycling of pesticide & fertilizer containers

Farmers can start recycling empty pesticide and fertilizer containers on May 2.

In addition to empty small plastic containers for pesticides and fertilizers, Cleanfarms’ programs include:

A nation-wide recycling program for large non-deposit plastic totes and drums for pesticides and fertilizers,
Recycling programs for grain bags and baler twine,
A nation-wide collection and proper disposal program for unwanted pesticides and old, obsolete livestock and equine medications, and
A disposal program for see and pesticide bags in Quebec.

Visit www.cleanfarms.ca for location collections.

Dust Control

Ratepayers are reminded that putting their own dust suppressant on RM roads is not permitted. Please contact the RM Office for further information regarding the cost sharing program for dust control.

Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detector

The Province has passed new legislation that requires all residential occupancies to have carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, regardless of the building’s age or size, in place by July 1, 2022. Did you know that Saskatchewan averages 1200 carbon monoxide incidents each year? For your own safety, please comply.

Sowing the Seeds of Mental Health

The Agricultural Health & Safety Network and the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety are offering free webinar sessions on Sowing the Seeds of Mental Health: Supporting the Mental Health of Canadian Farmers. Please click on the link for more information. Poster SOWING THE SEEDS OF MENTAL HEALTH

Free Rapid Tests Available at RM Office

Free rapid tests for Covid-19 are now available for pick-up at the RM Office. A reminder that we are closed December 24th, 27th and January 3rd. Office hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed from 12:00 to 12:30 pm.

Need feed for your cattle? Have feed for sale?

The Saskatchewan Cattleman’s Association (SCA) has set up a Facebook buy and sell page in hopes it helps agriculture producers that have feed for sale or are looking for feed connect by posting their needs on the page.

You can access that Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1075936942575507

Comment

Expansion of SaskPower Farmyard Line Relocation Program

Working underneath overhead power lines in farmyards can be inconvenient and risky. SaskPower is expanding their Farmyard Line Relocation Program for 2021-2022 and is looking for qualified farm applicants who want to replace their overhead lines with underground cable.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

The Farmyard Line Relocation Program makes the option of burying or relocating overhead lines in farmyards available to eligible landowners. SaskPower will invest a major portion of the cost to bury or relocate overhead power lines in farmyards.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

The Farmyard Line Relocation Program uses a cost-shared approach. SaskPower will invest a major portion of the cost to bury or relocate overhead power lines in farmyards. SaskPower will invest 75 per cent – all you pay is 25 per cent of the total construction cost to a maximum of $2000. The budget for this year’s program has more than doubled to $5 million, with funds to

carry out about 300 projects this year. It’s a great time to get your application in.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Customers who pay SaskPower’s farm rate (E34) are eligible for the program. While SaskPower has expanded the program this year, spots are limited. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate! Approved applications will be carried out subject to construction schedules on a first-come, first-paid, first-served basis.

To apply, call 1-888-757-6937 or visit www.saskpower.com/farmyardlines