Released on August 25, 2011
Today, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture officially opened a new satellite office in Meadow Lake, where producers can access crops, livestock, forage and farm business management information and advice.
"We are pleased to return local, hands-on, one-on-one services to producers in the Meadow Lake area after being limited to a toll-free line and website for information under the previous government," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Our government's focus has been on improving services and this new office will help producers access the advice and information they need."
Producers in the area had been without provincial extension services since 2004, when the previous government closed the rural service centre in Meadow Lake.
"We have made it a priority to address the needs of farmers and ranchers, because they need the best information available in order to compete in the global marketplace," Enterprise Minister and MLA for Meadow Lake Jeremy Harrison said. "This new office will provide producers with advice and information on crops, livestock, forage and farm business management."
The Meadow Lake office is one of seven new Saskatchewan Agriculture satellite offices that have been opened this year to better serve farmers and ranchers. The other new satellite offices are located in Lloydminster, Estevan, Moosomin, Assiniboia, Shaunavon and Wadena. The satellite offices will operate as a two-year pilot project.
The seven new satellite offices are in addition to the 10 existing regional offices in Tisdale, Watrous, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Kindersley, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Weyburn and Outlook.
The Meadow Lake office is open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Producers can also book an appointment with a specialist by calling 306-446-7962.
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For more information, contact:
Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: Jenna.Webb@gov.sk.ca