Dec. 4-5 - Foraging Into the Future (SAW booth), Swift Current Living Sky Casino
Dec. 12 - Eco-Shelterbelt Workshop, Borden Community Centre
JANUARY 2025
Jan. 14 - Rotational Grazing Workshop, Maple Creek
Jan. 29 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Grenfell Legacy Inn
FEBRUARY 2025
Feb. 6 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Milestone Elks Hall
Feb. 26 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Carnduff Legion Hall
Cover Photo by Maddy Brown Borkowsky, 2024
ROTATIONAL GRAZING BENEFITS AND PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES
Rotational grazing is a Best Management Practice (BMP) that ranchers can use to increase the health of their pastures, cattle and the environment. A sound plan relies on the four principles of grazing management:
• Balancing forage supply and livestock demand.
• Distributing grazing pressure across paddocks.
• Planned recovery (rest) to allow plants to regenerate during the growing season.
• Avoiding grazing during sensitive times.
These principles are foundational concepts of a grazing management strategy. When effectively implemented, these principles can boost pasture productivity, enhance soil health and improve overall sustainability of a ranch.
A first step in developing a grazing management plan is knowing what you have through a resource inventory. Take stock of land available to you and when to use it. Considerations must include forage availability, quality and timing of grazing. Knowing forage types is important as native grasslands, tame pastures, annual seeded forages and crop residues all have different optimal grazing times. Water infrastructure also must be considered in grazing timing. A good way to take inventory to map out your land base, fencing infrastructure and water sources.
Using your inventory, you can now build your plan, mapping out when, where and for how long cattle expect to be grazing. Paddock systems can vary greatly across operations depending on land base, forage type, soil types and many other variables. Knowing historical grazing patterns is a good basis to developing a plan and implementing or enhancing a rotational grazing system.
When starting a rotational grazing system, moving from continuous grazing of a paddock to a single cross fenced system has the greatest impact as it allows for planned rest during the grazing season. From there a producer can move to an increasingly complex system of paddocks depending on the ranch’s needs.
Assessment to analyze the fiscal feasibility of the plan. Cost benefits must be measured to ensure the plans are feasible. Factors to consider are using permanent versus temporary fencing infrastructure and water infrastructure costs.
Implementation of grazing plans are often long term. Most plans are phased through many years to build out as resources are available. Plans must be flexible based on forage and climate conditions.
Grazing plans need to be monitored and adapted on a regular basis to ensure that goals are being met. Variations in seasonal moisture, cow numbers, and forage availability will all affect a plan. Keeping detailed records of the plan and implementation will allow ranchers to make informed decisions on plan modifications over time.
The Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds has professional agrologists on staff that help producers develop rotational grazing plans as part of the Prairie Watershed Climate Program Rotational Grazing BMP. The program offers rebates for fencing infrastructure, watering systems and pasture composition improvement to support a Rotational Grazing Plan. Funding for this project in part has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.
For more information, please click the link below.
STEWARDSHIP ON THE SHORE PROGRAM
LAUNCHED
Healthy shorelines serve as nature’s guardians in keeping our lakes clean, clear, and full of life. They play a critical role in maintaining and improving lake quality.
Native vegetation on healthy shorelines reduce erosion and preventing sediment from entering the lake, reducing nutrient loading. Nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, are major contributors to algal blooms in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Algae blooms significantly impact the ecological and health of the lakes. Plants and trees along the shoreline act as a natural filter and trap pollutants and nutrients before they reach the water.
Healthy shorelines provide vital habitat for wildlife, insects, aquatic species, and birds. This biodiversity creates a balanced ecosystem and enhances lake resiliency. They regulate water temperature and provide a more stable environment for aquatic species. Additionally, they absorb excess rainwater, reduce the risk of flooding, and protect the lake from sudden water influxes such as extreme precipitation events or stormwater.
Over the next two years, SAW will be developing lake stewardship educational materials that can be implemented by lake community residents to improve water quality of their lake.
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES: REMAINING DILIGENT IN WINTER MONTHS
Many Saskatchewan residents relate Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and their prevention to the lazy days of summer, when cleaning, draining, and drying your boat or watercraft is common practice to prevent spreading aquatic invasive species. However, those that enjoy ice fishing should also be familiar with AIS prevention – after all, many aquatic invasive species can survive in some of the worst conditions.
The Spiny Water Flea, for example, has eggs that can survive freezing temperatures. These eggs remain dormant until water temperatures rise above 4°C, and can be accidentally transported on ice fishing gear. Other aquatic invasive species such as Curly-leaved pond weed and Eurasian Milfoil can also remain hardy under the ice and be accidentally transported to other areas or lakes.
What can you do to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the winter? We recommend the same things that are done in the summer: be sure to inspect, drain and dry all gear including boots, pails, lures, ice augers, snowmobiles, ice fishing tents, and any other equipment used during the ice season. By doing your part to reduce the chance of spreading aquatic invasive species, you can help ensure Saskatchewan lakes remain healthy for years to come.
For more information about aquatic invasive species and their prevention, please click the link below.
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Invasive Species Centre)
Spiny Waterflea and Eggs (Invasive Species Centre)
ALUS - SAW CARROT RIVER WATERSHED PROGRAM UPDATE
The ALUS-SAW Carrot River Watershed Partnership Advisory Council (PAC) toured a project site at Bez Wood Farms near Melfort on Oct. 22, that highlighted the merits of exclusion fencing.
As part of the work, a portion of the Carrot River that runs through the farm was fenced off to keep sheep away from the riparian area of the Carrot River as well as the waterway itself. However, sheep still had access to graze the nearby corn field in the fall. Several benefits resulted. Water quality of the Carrot River improved. Greater biodiversity followed because the riparian area was less disturbed.
The ALUS program is a payment-for-ecosystem services model which allows society to recognize the benefits which are provided to nature because of the stewardship of farmers and ranchers. Farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land. They make daily decisions that benefit the environment, their communities and future generations. Farmers and ranchers are paid for the additional ecosystem services produced because of their management change through cost-shared establishment expenses and annual payments.
The ALUS-SAW Carrot River Watershed project will start accepting project proposals for 2025 funding in February. Funding is available for perennial forage conversions, exclusion fencing, alternative watering systems, shelterbelt/tree plantings and regenerative ag practices. SAW will host a Regenerative Ag Workshop in Melfort in February 2025. Please watch our social media and newsletter for more information or contact our ALUS Project Coordinator: Jennifer Redekop at (306) 321-7757, or by email at j.redekop@saskwatersheds.ca.
SAW DEVELOPS CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANS FOR SASKATCHEWAN
SAW is continuing to develop watershed-based climate adaptation plans for Saskatchewan through support from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Throughout the three-year Watershed Stewardship for a Changing Climate project, SAW will complete five regional watershed district climate adaptation plans. In addition, SAW will host six climate adaptation demonstration sites and workshops that showcase best management practices (BMPs) that can be adopted to build resiliency to the impacts and effects of climate variability and extremes, such as more frequent and severe drought or flood events.
Throughout the second year of the project, SAW will complete three demonstration sites and workshops.
1. Floating Treatment Wetland at the Kensington Storm Pond in Saskatoon (Aug. 28)
2. Forestry and Climate Resiliency in Hudson Bay (Sept. 17 - 18)
3. Rotational Grazing and Climate Resiliency in Maple Creek (Jan. 14, 2025)
SAW will also begin the community engagement meetings in the Southwest Watershed District in April 2025. More details will be shared soon.
If you are interested in attending the Rotational Grazing and Climate Resiliency Workshop in Maple Creek, or one of the upcoming community engagement meetings in the Southwest Watershed District, please contact Samantha at ccap@saskwatersheds.ca
For more information about the Water Stewardship for a Changing Climate, please click the link below.
Riparian Area Exclusion Fencing Project funded by ALUS
WATERSHED DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE
The latest round of District Advisory Committee (DAC) meetings wrapped up on Nov. 12. The Northeast (NE) DAC on Oct. 24 in Stenen, the Southwest (SW) DAC was held on Oct. 29 in Ponteix, the Southeast (SE) DAC on Nov. 7 in Emerald Park, and the Northwest (NW) DAC on Nov. 12 in Saskatoon.
We had presentations from Ryan Husband (Irrigation Saskatchewan) on the Westside Irrigation Project and Charles Deschamps (Ducks Unlimited Canada) on Wetlands at the NW DAC. Jennifer Redekop spoke about the SAW-ALUS Carrot River Watershed Program, and Aron Hershmiller provided an update on the City of Yorkton’s Infrastructure and Wastewater Treatment Operations at the NE DAC.
Updates from SAW were provided for the following programs, by watershed district:
• Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP)
• Water Stewardship for a Changing Climate (CCAP)
• Aquatic Invasive Mussels Monitoring
• Caring for our Watersheds
• Drought Preparedness Planning (SW and NE Districts)
• Rural Water Testing (SW District)
• Habitat Restoration and Enhancement (SW District)
• Applying a Landscape Approach to Improve Biodiversity (NW District)
• ALUS – Carrot River Watershed (NE District)
• Lake Stewardship Strategy (NW District)
DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
UPCOMING MEETINGS
JAN. 22 - NORTHEAST
Tisdale, 10 AM - 3 PM
FEB. 25 - NORTHWEST
Saskatoon, 10 AM - 3 PM
If you have any questions, please email s.kerr@saskwatersheds.ca
FEB. 12 - SOUTHWEST
Shaunavon, 10 AM - 3 PM
FEB. 28 - SOUTHEAST
Regina, 10 AM - 3 PM
Key issues and concerns were identified throughout the district meetings. They included the continued need for education and communication about watersheds, water resources and water quality; youth engagement; riparian health management; lake stewardship management planning; water quality monitoring expanding throughout the watershed districts; source water protection planning; agricultural water management planning; and understanding current and future infrastructure and water management.
The next round of DAC meetings will begin in February/March. If you have any questions, please reach out to SAW’s Program Director: Samantha Kerr (s.kerr@ saskwatersheds.ca), Eastern District Manager: Karmen Kyle (k.kyle@saskwatersheds.ca), or Western District Manager: Ryder Rutko (r.rutko@saskwatersheds.ca).
Northwest DAC Meeting , Nov. 2024 (Samantha Kerr - Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds)
HOW ECO-BUFFER SHELTERBELTS IMPROVE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Eco-buffers are plantings of perennial trees, shrubs and flowers near water bodies. Like traditional shelterbelts, eco-buffers reduce wind erosion, provide habitat for livestock and wildlife and trap and store snow and water.
Eco-buffer shelterbelts are unique as they are arranged to mimic natural forests with higher density planting with more diverse species. Majority of the time, native species are utilized in the planning process because they are better adapted to prairie conditions and require less maintenance. Other benefits include:
• Mitigate flooding and store water during dry periods.
• Ability to recharge aquifers.
• Filter out pollutants and nutrients.
• Prevent soil erosion and sediment from entering water bodies.
• Provide habitat and biodiversity for wildlife, insects and pollinators.
To learn more about eco-buffer shelterbelts and pollinators, join us on Dec. 12, at the Borden Community Centre from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by clicking the link below.
FISH HABITAT ENHANCEMENT IN SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN
Since the 1970s, government agencies and non-profit organizations have implemented fish habitat projects in Saskatchewan such as spawning riffles, streambank stabilization, and the remediation of fish migration barriers such as dams and weirs. These projects are critical for successful fish spawning, fish migration, and overall ecosystem health. Now, with funding provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, SAW will build on this work in 2024 and 2025 by implementing two spawning riffles in Southwest Saskatchewan for Plains Sucker (Pantosteus Jordani).
This summer, SAW staff visited creeks and streams in southwest Saskatchewan to identify locations where a rock riffle could be implemented to benefit Plains Sucker. One location with great potential was the headwaters of Swift Current Creek within Pine Cree Regional Park, just a few minutes northeast of Eastend, Sask. With approval from the board of Pine Cree Regional Park, SAW contracted an assessment of the site for the construction of a rock riffle to promote fish spawning in the area. Implementation of the spawning riffle is set to take place over winter in 2024-2025.
With funding provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the 2025 fiscal year, SAW will be looking for an additional site to implement another rock riffle project to promote the spawning of Plains Sucker. For more information, or if you are interested in participating, please contact Ryder at r.rutko@saskwatersheds.ca or 306-774-2136.
Pine Cree Park Proposed Riffle Site for Plains Sucker (Ryder Rutko - Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds)
KACEY MCBAIN , NE AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
Kacey McBain started with SAW in November as the North East Agri-Environmental Coordinator. She is excited to meet a variety of people through this role and learn new things.
Raised on a garlic and grain farm, she also has experience with a variety of animals through the years, namely chickens, pigs, cows, and pets. She has worked in a variety of agriculture and environmental jobs in addition to years on the family farm, such as vegetation management, licensed seed crop inspection, and agronomy assistant.
Whenever not working, you will find her with family and friends. Kacey enjoys golfing, being at the curling rink or helping out at other rinks. She also volunteers as co-president of the Kinette Club of Nipawin where she meets new people and have fun while giving back to the community.
SANDRA YOUNIE , AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
Sandra Younie started working with SAW in May. She has rural roots, growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg. While attending the University of Manitoba, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in February 2024. Now she spends a lot of her working time dealing with insects in the entomology field. These range from agricultural pests to beneficial pollinators. Her experience also includes time working in Switzerland focusing on the biological control of a stink bug.
In her free time, she enjoys creative hands-on hobbies, such as drawing, painting, and pretty much any craft DIY she comes across. She also enjoys reading and playing some of her favourite video games, as well as sitting outside and relaxing.
ERIN CASEY , SW AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
Erin Casey joined SAW at the end of April, serving as the new Agri-Environmental Coordinator for the Southwest District. She completed a Agriculture Communication course at Olds College.
She grew up on a ranch near Tompkins, where her family raises a commercial and purebred Hereford cattle. From a young age, she has had a passion for being involved in the agriculture industry. In her free time, she enjoys helping with her family’s cattle operation as well as baking and photography. Much of her work with SAW will be to help deliver the PWCP program.
KIRSTEN LEIGH , SE AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
Kirsten Leigh is SAW’s new Southeast Agri-Environmental Coordinator. She grew up on a grain farm in Fort Qu’Appelle with three siblings. Her education includes an agriculture degree from the University of Saskatchewan, where she majored in Environmental Sciences. Her academic journey helped take her down the agricultural road professionally. For 10 years, she worked in small plot research for 10 years and then started a position with Providence Grain Solutions in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. There, she served as the agronomist and helped with elevator operations. When the company sold out of Crop Inputs, she transferred over to operations full time and spent the last four years as Operations Manager in Marengo. When not at work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and playing rugby.
She is excited to be a part of SAW and working with producers who are interested in implementing Best Management Practices on their farms.
Livestock producers, as well as industry and government representatives are gathering in Swift Current for the Foraging into the Future workshop at the Living Sky Casino on Dec. 4-5.
Registration is now open for this event, which gives attendees a chance to learn about advances in the livestock and forage industries. Some speakers scheduled to present include Lee Sinclair of Merck who will be giving a presentation on livestock handling and welfare, and Dr. Richard Waterman from Utah State University to talk about Rangeland Nutrition for Cattle Reproduction.
In addition to our impressive lineup of speakers, there is a trade show with several companies and organizations active in the livestock and forage industry.
Don’t miss out. Find more event information and to book your spot for Foraging into the Future by scanning the QR code below.
Chris consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and an in-depth knowledge of agriculture. He pays close attention to detail in his work, particularly with PWCP applications, ensuring a high standard of accuracy and professionalism. Committed to providing excellent customer service, Chris is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Chris also demonstrates a strong eagerness to learn and grow. These are among the ways Chris is a dedicated and knowledgeable team member of SAW.
CONGRATS CHRIS!
OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS
Our office locations are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM (closed 12 PM - 1 PM).
HEAD OFFICE
300B - 99 Diefenbaker Dr., Moose Jaw, Sask.
NORTHWEST DISTRICT OFFICE
Norplex Business Center, 221 - 2366 Ave. C N, Saskatoon, Sask.
