Food — Blending Science and Passion
JULY 9—12, 2007
This year's group of Agriculture Roadshow participants experienced first-hand the various steps involved in food production. While touring various farm operations in north central Saskatchewan and spending time at the College of Agriculture and Saskatchewan Food Centre, a group of 15 teachers from across the province learned how complex the agriculture and food industry can be. Highlights of the Roadshow included:
Addressing Misconceptions in Agriculture - What is the difference between a myth and a fact? When does a statement become a fact? Did you know that DDT has not been proven to cause thinning in the eggshells of bald eagles? Leanne Campbell from Manitoba AITC facilitated this session based on the resource "Addressing Misconceptions in Agriculture".
Contact AITC office.
Nutrition and Functional Foods - Dr. Mascarenhas, Vice-President of Health & Nutrition at AgWest Bio led an interactive presentation on health, nutrition, determining validity of nutritional claims and the increasing role Saskatchewan agriculture will play in the functional foods market.
Lunch sponsored by Farm Pure Foods - Who knew oats could taste so good and have so many healthy benefits? FarmPure Foods, an exciting addition to the new entrants producing consumer ready products for people afflicted with celiac disease and other discerning health food markets. They are owned by a select group of farmer/pedigreed seed growers across Western Canada who are their source of pure grain. The teaches were amazed by the meal featuring OnlyOatsTM products that Chef Rob Fuller prepared.
Saskatchewan Food Centre - Do you have a favourite recipe that your family tells you would be famous? If so there is a place in Saskatoon that can help you do this! The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre assists in the development and continued growth of a dynamic food processing sector by providing an extensive understanding of markets and support mechanisms for technology and human resource development.
Enns & Fehr Dairy Farms - Up at 5:00 am the teachers had a chance to get really involved and milk some cows and feed calves. Taking part in early morning chores gave a real life perspective on the high level of commitment necessary to be a successful dairy producer.
Pine View Farms - Kevin and Melanie Boldt established their business Pine View Farms in 1998 diversifying the existing family farm. They are concerned with community health and food needs offering poultry and livestock products naturally raised in a humane and stress-free environment. Capturing a niche market using strategic marketing and excellent business skills has allowed Kevin and Melanie to do what they love while maintaining their ideals and lifestyle.
Carlton Trail Guest Ranch - After an early morning the peace and serenity offered by Carlton Trail Guest Ranch were more than welcome. The Carlton Trail Guest Ranch was a dream that was built from the standing trees to the finished cabins. It is an agri-tourism business under the charter of the Carlton Trail Nature & Wildlife Sanctuary and the 1100 acres are farmed and ranched organically. The participants were introduced to their organic products including the Texas Longhorn steak and pancakes from Red Fyfe wheat.
Mumm's Sprouting - The competitive spirit of the teachers was tested as two teams competed for bragging rights in the sprout identification test. Results…inconclusive!
Jim and Maggie Mumm started farming by "going back to the land" in the mid 1970's. One of the main crops they grew on their small organic farm was alfalfa. An idea spouted to sell the seed to other people to sprout (sprouts have excellent nutritional value). Their sprouting business has kept growing and about 7 years ago they moved their sprouting seeds and office from the farm to an old curling rink.
Hannigans Honey Operation - Can you find the Queen Bee? Murray Hannigan graciously took a few hours from his busy honey operation to give us some insight into the honey-making process. With over 3500 colonies, Hannigan's honey is one of the largest operations in Saskatchewan.
Champetre County - After a long day our group enjoyed a hayride, walk through the maze and pig-on-a-spit at Champetre County. The Sheriff was a wonderful host of the Frontier Town of Tumbleweed. School tours of Champetre County can be arranged in Spring and Fall.
Here's what some of the teachers had to say...
"Cleanliness of operations amazing! The producers, tour guides,
business
owners and their enthusiasm & passion for what they were doing leave a
big
impression."
"It was a very informative experience. I will certainly recommend it
to my
colleagues. The overnight accommodations at vacation farms and guest
ranches was very unique rather than staying at hotels or motels. The
promotion of Saskatchewan products/snacks was appreciated. I would
certainly attend another "roadshow" if I had the opportunity. Thanks
for
all your efforts into producing these 4 super days."
"All good - very good; glad I took part. I came to improve my approach
and
got ideas for teaching Bio 20 and Gr. 9 Science Sask - the environment;
and
know more about agriculture in general because lots of my students live
on
farms."
Special thanks to our generous supporters of the 2007 Roadshow
Financial support for this tour has been provided by the Saskatchewan Council for Community Development through the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan (ACAAFS) program. Funding for the ACAAFS program is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada .
^ Back to top
