Agriculture sustainability and biotech go hand in hand

Sep 27, 2024

The achievements of biotech, especially in agriculture, are being celebrated during Global Biotech Week in Saskatchewan, Sept. 22 to 28.

"Biotech is transforming the future of farming, from enhancing crop and livestock production to improving sustainability," Agriculture Minister David Marit said.

Agricultural biotechnology equips Saskatchewan producers with improved productivity and management practices, resulting in higher yields and product quality, Sask. Agriculture states in a press release. The ministry says Saskatchewan's biotech sector is recognized internationally, with one-third of Canada's agricultural biotechnology sector in the province.

Saskatchewan institutes are leaders in the field of crop breeding, genetics and genomics, the release states.

“Ag-West Bio co-ordinates activities across the province to mark Global Biotech Week," Biotech president and CEO Karen Churchill said.

"The goal of Global Biotech Week is to bring attention to the ways that biotechnology benefits society. The world would look very different without biotechnology. Sustainable agriculture production, innovations in food and medicine are made possible thanks to science. We need to take time to celebrate!"

Activities planned showcase the province's bioeconomy, including how science benefits agriculture. A full list of this year's events, including several in Saskatoon and online,

Click here to see more...

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.