Historic Saskatchewan grain elevators, once numbering over 3,000 in 1950, have declined by 94% to fewer than 185, making them endangered icons of prairie agricultural heritage. These wooden structures, formerly operated by companies like Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, UGG, and Federal Grain, are being lost at a rate of 5–10 per year.

Rural life is defined by a strong, diversified economy, a deep sense of community, and a high quality of life centered around family, agriculture and natural resources.