The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan continues to gain traction as farmers’ lobbying voice.

Membership grew from 86 full and 10 transitional rural municipalities last year to 104 full and 12 transitional members in 2017, according to general manager Duane Haave.

The organization also has 26 associate members such as commodity groups and short-line railways.

Haave told the group’s annual general meeting that the APAS voice is becoming more respected and heard more loudly.

APAS has hired more staff to deal with the variety of issues it is being asked to work on.

It is also seen as an organization working to engage more young producers and women. Haave said nine people are participating in the youth leadership and mentorship program running until July. Seven of them are women.

Todd Lewis of Gray was re-elected president at the recent meeting. Ian Boxall from Tisdale and James Vogt from Francis were elected vice-presidents.

Vogt is one of several new directors to the board following retirements. He and Ray Donald from Moosomin are both new in District 1, replacing long-time representatives Arlynn Kurtz and Marion McBride.

District 6 also elected two new directors, Scott Owens from Maidstone and Bill Warrington from Loverna. They replace Jeremy Welter and Jeff Simpson.

In District 4, Bill Prybylski from Willowbrook takes over from former president and current Canadian Federation of Agriculture vice-president Norm Hall.