Todd Lewis is the new president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan.
Lewis, who farms in the Gray-Riceton area, has been an APAS vice-president for five years during the tenure of Norm Hall, who chose not to seek re-election as president this year.
However, Hall was returned as a director and vice-president.
Ian Boxall of Tisdale was also elected vice-president.
Lewis said he is happy to have the opportunity to tell agriculture’s story in Saskatchewan and nationally.
He said the challenges of this past harvest season will likely be on the agenda this winter, along with new federal grain transportation legislation and carbon tax concerns.
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“Of course, in Saskatchewan, there’s always water issues, and I think we have a pending problem,” Lewis said.
“As someone said, we’re three feet of snow and a warm week in April away from having a real big problem again.”
And with at least five percent of the province’s crop still out, it’s going to be a tough winter for many, he said.
Lewis grows durum, oilseeds and pulses with his father, brother and nephew. They finished harvest in mid-November.
He said APAS is on a steady growth curve.
It represents 86 rural municipalities and 10 transitional member RMs, which may elect to become full members after a one-year trial.
The organization has a surplus of about $150,000, largely because of a membership stake in The Co-operators insurance company and increasing membership revenue.
Lewis said APAS will continue to work with other organizations to speak with a unified voice on issues such as transportation and carbon pricing.
“It’s not about who’s in the lead or who’s following,” he said. “It’s about having one voice, how are we going to work with other groups.”
Also elected last week were two directors in each of six districts: District 1, Arlynn Kurtz, Marion McBride; District 2, Lewis, Terry Anthony; District 3, Don Connick, Rick Jensen; District 4, Hall, Boxall; District 5, Donavon Block, Mickey Palfy; and District 6, Jeff Simpson, Jeremy Welter.
