Saskatchewan’s general farm organization turned from infant to toddler
last week and at least one older relative couldn’t be happier.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Bob Friesen congratulated
the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan on its second
birthday, praising it for adding strength to the national farm lobby.
“APAS has been unapologetic in representing the Saskatchewan position,”
Friesen said.
The other CFA member based in the province is Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.
Friesen said when APAS joined a year ago it provided a more balanced
Read Also
U.S. government investigates high input costs
The USDA and DOJ are investigating high input costs, but nothing is happening in Canada.
membership from the province as it represents more than one commodity
group.
APAS president Terry Hildebrandt said 109 of the province’s 297 rural
municipalities now belong to the organization. That’s 20 more than a
year ago. He said he would like to see others sign on.
Friesen also urged farmers to join.
“They should recognize the excellent representation that (APAS is)
providing for Saskatchewan in Ottawa,” he said.
Hildebrandt told APAS delegates at the Regina meeting held Dec. 4-5
that the group’s development hasn’t been without mistakes or bickering.
At last year’s annual meeting, Jim Stalwick was introduced as the new
general manager, but the former provincial agriculture department
employee has since left.
“That simply just didn’t work out,” Hildebrandt said. “It quickly
became two visions.”
He urged all delegates to remain focused on what is best for farmers
and reminded them what they could do if they double the size of the
group. The nucleus is there, he said.
“I don’t think we should get too alarmed by growing pains,” he said.
“We need one voice. I think we can build it.”
According to financial statements, APAS earned nearly $1.4 million in
membership fees for the year ended Oct. 31. Total revenue was $1.46
million. It also spent almost that much, including $800,000 on staff
wages, board per diems and travel.
Membership in the CFA cost $48,000.
