Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and La Fête nationale du Québec

Jun 25, 2018

OTTAWA - The origins of the June 24 festivities can be traced back to Roman times. Celebrating the light of the summer solstice, this event highlighted the importance of the sun for life and for agriculture. Bonfires and community gatherings were part of the occasion, a tradition still practiced today.

Here in Canada, June 24 highlights the long-awaited arrival of summer and the vitality of French-speaking communities across the country.

In Quebec, it is National Day! A greatly anticipated holiday, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with family, friends and neighbours. This year, the theme celebrates the stories of our heroes who inspire us and push us to excel.

On June 24, join in the celebration! Happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day!

-Julie Payette

Source : newswire.ca

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.