This fall, Saskatchewan's farming community can easily act in an environmentally friendly manner. Cleanfarms, an agricultural stewardship pioneer, is rolling out a collection drive, inviting farmers to dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock and equine medications.
Farmers around south Saskatchewan, including those operating smaller farms, can rally behind this noble cause, understanding the program's environmental benefits, ensuring harmful substances stay clear of our landfills.
They can also appreciate the cost-free nature of the program, made possible through the support of the crop protection industry and the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI).
The collection events, spanning 20 different sites, are a testament to the farming community's unwavering commitment to environmental health. These gatherings are not just about disposal but serve as vibrant hubs for farmers to connect, share, and learn.
The program accepts a range of materials, primarily obsolete pesticides and certain animal medications. However, it's critical to note the exclusions, which encompass various items like fertilizers, needles, and domestic pesticides, among others.
If you're not nearby don't worry, Cleanfarms' program operates on a three-year rotational basis across Canada. So, if you're not close to this year's event, you'll get your chance in 2024 or 2026, depending on your location.
Beyond the fall program, Cleanfarms shows its dedication to a healthier environment through year-round initiatives. These include the recycling of agricultural plastics and containers, demonstrating that environmental stewardship is not an event but a lifestyle.
This initiative is a call to all farmers, especially small farm owners, to embrace sustainable practices. It's about making each farm, regardless of its size, a cornerstone of Canada's environmental sustainability efforts. Your farm might be small, but your role in our shared eco-friendly journey is massive.
Here is a 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”.