Request made for assurance fund
Saskatchewan cow-calf producers want better protection against companies that don’t pay them.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association passed a resolution at its recent annual meeting in Swift Current that called on the province to establish a livestock patrons assurance fund similar to the one in Alberta.
The call comes after a Manitobabased trucking company went under earlier this year, still owing producers millions of dollars.
Public funding wanted for traceability
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Livestock producers say they have paid enough for traceability efforts and someone else should now foot the bill.
They want the federal government to fully fund traceability beyond the farmgate.
Pat Hayes, who represents the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association at the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, said producers already have their skin in the game.
The cost of full traceability, which was supposed to be implemented this year, has yet to be determined.
“The numbers we are coming up with are astronomical,” Hayes said.
Executive members elected
Harold Martens of Morse is the new SSGA president. Calvin Knoss of Rockglen becomes past president.
The two vice-presidents are Doug Gillespie of Neville and Shane Jahnke of Gouldtown.
New directors elected at the June meeting were Gerry Duckworth of Courval and Robin Wiggins from Fox Valley.
