Submitted by Steve Wilson 

 

Mike Giesbrecht was our MC. Wayne Storozuk (Avis assisting) was on cash, Paul Gauthier was on Visitor's and Guests, Dave Sundby was Greeter and Al Morton on set-up.

 

 O Canada and Rotary Grace were sung.

 

 

Ruth Aschim, who was our guest speaker.

 

 

The project in Nepal is underway and support for their literacy program is needed. Dave Sundby put out information/donation handouts on the tables.

 

Dave has brought honey for sale at $10.00 a jar.

 

On September 18th there is a World Community Service meeting at 6:15 pm at the Saskatoon Club. Please let Dave know if you plan to attend.

 

President Vic confirms the night at the races at Marquis Downs on August 30th (Friday). Post time begins at 6:30. There is a buffet before post time and an area reserved for the 'radio' event and the Rotarians who signed up.

 

 

Avis is now officially retired and appears very happy to be so. She spent time in Creston B.C. and attended a Rotary meeting there (6:30 am).

 

Paul Gauthier was invited to fish in Missinnippi and enjoyed the time, although no fish were caught.

 

Mark Gryba is happy with the new house purchased at the Willows. Also happy with the 2 and 0 start for the Hilltops. The coach is at 200 wins vs. only 30 losses.

 

Vic attended the Rattlers final game where they won. They had a good season. This is a local basketball team for those who members who don't know.

 

Graham Pearson gave $ 50.00 as penance for being away a long time (in the Okanagan)

 

Mike Grisbrecht is sad because his car window was smashed and his sweater stolen. He is happy because Dave gave him a ride to the meeting.

 

 

 

Gary Rusu introduced Ruth Aschim. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science and Agriculture and Bio Resources, specializing in Wild Pigs, which is the subject of her PhD thesis. She had a paper published in May and as a result has been consulted by the U.S. in this area.

 

The definition of a wild pig is any pig outside a fence. The European breeding stock of the pig can dig under fences and can also jump over them. There has also been some voluntary release of breeding stock pigs as they can be very aggressive and disruptive.

 

Pigs are omnivores and have very few natural predators, and when they reach more than 300 pounds few predators would attack them. In Saskatchewan, in particular, they have ample food and other resources and are very adaptable. They can also survive our winters.

 

The old stock are dark in colour and the new stock is lighter. The old stock has a sloping snout and they exhibit rooting behaviour. The top tusks can reach 7 inches and the bottom tusks actually sharpen them.

 

They are certainly considered an invasive species. There used to be wild boar farms in Saskatchewan, from which they have primarily spread. They cause vegetation loss, resultant weed issues, and damage from wallowing behaviour. They eat the eggs of ground nesting birds. They can even kill young livestock by breaking into pens.

 

They are big enough to cause some vehicle collisions, some of which are even fatal.

 

In the wild if you stumble on them, 9 out of 10 times they will not charge but don't take any chances. Hunting of the pigs should be done carefully. Although there are no restrictions to hunting them you are better off to call in expert hunters. Wild pigs are cunning and they remember. You will not succeed if you hunt a group the same way twice - they learn. They are nocturnal animals.

 

African swine fever is a problem and can spread to livestock.

 

They reproduce rapidly as the sows can have two litters a year with 6 to 10 offspring with each litter. There numbers have grown significantly in Saskatchewan, with the densest population in Canada. Because they are elusive the counting is difficult but with spot counts and extrapolation we are at the point where we can no longer eradicate them. It is the same in Texas and California where their numbers can no longer be controlled as well.

 

 

 

Adjournment