Lake Diefenbaker's waters set to flow - boosting Ag sector

Feb 15, 2024

By farms.com

Announced in 2020 by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project stands as a crucial water management initiative, poised to invigorate over 500,000 acres of agricultural land.

Supported by both federal and provincial investments, this project is a symbol of hope for numerous rural municipalities (RMs) affected by persistent drought conditions, aiming to fortify the viability of their farmland and the economic resilience of rural communities.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), along with its member RMs, has actively advocated for the expedited commencement of this project. With 90% of the canal infrastructure for Phase 1 already completed by 2023, the anticipation for water delivery is high.

Beyond the scope of irrigation, the project is anticipated to catalyze economic growth in various smaller communities, enhance construction employment, encourage farm expansion, and increase local traffic. The forthcoming Phase 2, dubbed Project 2 Westside, promises to extend irrigation to an additional 260,000 acres, amplifying these advantages.

Ray Orb, SARM's President, has highlighted the enduring benefits of the project for enhancing crop diversity and improving farm profitability. In the wake of agricultural disaster declarations due to drought in 2023, the need for the project's swift realization is more pressing than ever.

Saskatchewan's farmers, lauded for their commitment to land stewardship, urgently require this irrigation infrastructure to boost food production for both Canadian and international consumers.

SARM's request to the provincial government for a clear launch date for Phase 1 underscores the critical demand and enthusiasm for the project. With the canal system nearly complete, it's time for action and to witness the transformative power of water flow, heralding a promising future for Saskatchewan's agricultural landscape.

Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm