PFRA Melfort District Office

Assistance available

PFRA staff work with local people and groups on a variety of concerns ranging from agricultural issues to rural development projects. Technical assistance is available for rural water development projects ranging from farm wells and community pipelines to water quality issues. Financial assistance is available for some water development work.

Technical assistance is also available to people dealing with soil and land use issues including soil conservation practices, shelterbelt establishment and environmental issues related to agriculture.

Assistance is also available in the area of rural development. Local entrepreneurs and business people can contact the office for various services that may help them achieve their business goals.

District description

This district is located in the north east agricultural area of Saskatchewan, sometimes described as the Parkland area. Rough boundaries are the 3rd meridian, which is located near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan as the western edge, east to the Manitoba border. Southern boundary is roughly through Humboldt, Saskatchewan. To the north this office has been active as far as clients and programs have currently demanded.

This area is considered one of the prime agricultural areas of the province. The climate and soil conditions allow for a wide range of agricultural products. Crops grown in the district include wheat, barley, canola, peas, flax, lentils, alfalfa (for dehydration and seed production), canaryseed, rye, various forage crops (much for seed production) as well as spices and other specialty crops. Livestock production is mostly cattle and hogs but does include some specialty livestock such as elk and deer.

The area also represents the transition between agricultural and forestry land. This leads to some added economic opportunity within the district, such as small woodlot operations as well as commercial timber and wild fruit and berry production.

Non-agricultural activities include tourism especially around the numerous lakes and resorts in the area and manufacturing farm equipment for export throughout the world.