This autumn, an exceptional environmental initiative is unfolding in South Saskatchewan. Cleanfarms, a renowned agricultural stewardship organization, is launching a collection drive for unwanted agricultural pesticides and outdated livestock and equine medications. This program is a boon for farmers south of Davidson, who can now contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.
Barry Friesen shares the enthusiasm farmers display towards this program. They acknowledge its significance, seizing the opportunity to contribute positively to their farms and the broader community, all at no extra cost. The initiative underscores the agricultural community's commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
What's remarkable? The crop protection industry, together with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), funds the program, relieving farmers of the financial burden and ensuring the safe disposal of these materials.
Since its inception, the program has successfully gathered over 4,200 Tonnes of unwanted pesticides and 67.3 Tonnes of obsolete farm animal medications across Canada.
This year, the collection encompasses 20 sites, including Avonlea, Balcarres, and Balgonie, with events scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Detailed information is accessible on Cleanfarms.ca, guiding participants on what materials are acceptable.
The scope of the collection is comprehensive, accepting materials such as obsolete agricultural pesticides and on-farm livestock/equine medications. However, the program does exclude certain items like fertilizers, treated seeds, needles, and domestic pesticides among others.
For those unable to participate this year, Cleanfarms operates on a three-year rotational basis across different regions. The northern areas of Saskatchewan can expect the program in 2024, while the southern locales will have another chance in 2026.
Cleanfarms' broader mission transcends this program. They are pivotal in recovering and recycling agricultural plastics, packaging, and products, all aimed at fostering a healthier environment and a sustainable future. Their operations extend to recycling empty pesticide containers, grain bags, and twine, with an expanding footprint across Canada.
This initiative isn't just about safe disposal; it's a testament to the agricultural community's dedication to sustainability. It's a reminder that every effort, big or small, paves the way for a greener tomorrow.
list of this year’s Saskatchewan collection sites and dates, listed alphabetically by location:
· Avonlea – October 27 – Genesis Co-op, 300 McRorie Ave., 306-868-2133
· Balcarres – October 25 – Synergy AG, 200 Hwy. 10, 306-331-5706
· Balgonie – October 24 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 228 Old Hwy., 306-771-2032
· Central Butte – October 24 – Hawks Agro, South Hwy. SK-19, 306-796-4787
· Coronach – October 24 – Richardson Pioneer, 130 Railway Ave., 306-267-2100
· Davidson – October 23 – Richardson Pioneer, Hwy. 11 S., 306-567-4778
· Estevan – October 25 – Richardson Pioneer, Intersection of Bienfait Municipal Rd. and Sister Roddy Rd., Hwy. 39 W., 306-634-2342
· Eston – October 23 – Emerge Ag Solutions, 708 Hwy. 44 W., 306-962-4132
· Fillmore– October 27 – Top Notch Farm Supple Inc., Hwy. 33, 306-722-3200
· Grenfell – October 26 – Richardson Pioneer, 1110 Hwy. 47 N., 306-679-3377
· Gull Lake – October 26 – South West Terminal, Hwy. 1, 7 miles east of Gull Lake, 306-672-4112
· Leader – October 24 – Simplot, Hwy. 21 S., 306-628-3886
· Limerick – October 23 – Limerick Co-op, 1100 Railway Ave., 306-263-2033
· Maple Creek – October 25 – Richardson Pioneer, 305 1st Ave. N., 306-662-2420
· Moose Jaw – October 26 – Parrish & Heimbecker, 1-501 High St. W., 306-693-2977
· Moosomin – October 27 – Parrish & Heimbecker, 1 mile west of Hwy. 1, 639-877-9010
· Raymore – October 23 – Cargill, CNR Right of Way Elevator Rd., 306-746-2055
· Shaunavon – October 27 – Southwest Terminal Ltd., 815 Hwy. 37, 306-297-4045
· Swift Current – October 25 – Pioneer Co-op Agronomy Center, 2284 South Service Rd. W., 306-778-8705
· Weyburn – October 26 – Parrish & Heimbecker, 1 mile east of Hwy. 39 S., 306-842-7436
Each event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional details can be found on Cleanfarms.ca under “what to recycle & where”.
Source : wisconsinagconnection