A private member’s bill working its way through Parliament doesn’t sound controversial at first blush. Most parliamentarians don’t seem to have thought so, either. Bill C-293, the Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Act, was approved by the House of Commons in June by a vote of 164-144, albeit with reservations from some MPs, and is now […] Read more
Opinion
AgriStability deadline changes to make it more responsive
Historically, the AgriStability filing deadline is Sept. 30. However, for the 2024 program year, the deadline is changing to June 30, 2025, to submit the 2024 forms without penalties. If you don’t participate in AgriStability, the AgriInvest deadline is still Sept. 30, 2025, for the 2024 program year. However, for the 2025 program year, the […] Read more
Injuries, health problems worsen labour shortage
I texted a neighbour at the farm asking if he could help me out. We work back and forth a bit on various projects. “I have a buyer that wants two loads of maple peas next Tuesday, but I’m away next week,” I texted. “If I get the conveyor all set up, could you load […] Read more
WP reporter leaves for new adventures
A familiar name to Western Producer readers has left the building. Ed White, who has been reporting for the paper for 30 years, has taken another job. His last day with us was Sept. 30. Ed brought with him a passion for journalism that couldn’t help but spread to his colleagues. He probably covered almost […] Read more
Dumping probe guaranteed to hurt
China’s investigation of Canadian canola for potential dumping came after Canada announced the upcoming 100 per cent tariff on electric vehicles and 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium from China. It’s clear this move by China is direct retaliation. Trade tensions between countries can severely disrupt international trade. The mere threat of an […] Read more
Farmers’ waning fortunes revive interest in U.S. farm bill
A late September, 300-kilometre drive through the sunny centre of northern and central Illinois reveals blue sky, yellowing fields and not one roaring red, green or silver combine gathering in any of the anticipated abundant crops. “We’re a solid 10 days from corn harvest,” a central Illinois farmer relates in conversation later that day. “Delayed […] Read more
Buckle up on policy; trade is getting bumpy
Canada needs a Team Canada approach to face a decaying multilateral, rules-based trading environment, similar to how it approached the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations a few years ago. During these negotiations, Canadian officials attempted to mitigate then-President Donald Trump’s unpredictability by meeting with political and business leaders across the United States to explain the benefits of […] Read more
Letters to the editor – October 3, 2024
Irrigation expansion fiscally irresponsible I read with interest the article titled “Irrigators say Sask. expansion plan is necessary” in the Sept. 12 edition of the Western Producer. Aaron Gray, co-chair of Irrigation Saskatchewan, said he is frustrated by opposition to the project from those who say it will only benefit a few farmers. His comments […] Read more
Power of attorney is an integral part of estate planning
Who do you want to make decisions for you when you no longer can? This is an important question to consider. A power of attorney can accomplish this and provide you peace of mind that your affairs will be managed when you can no longer do so. What is a power of attorney? A power […] Read more
Chickpea acres prepare to mount a comeback
With harvest in the home stretch in southern regions, thoughts turn to cropping plans for next year. In the typically drier brown and dark brown soil zones, more chickpeas will be seeded next spring. Chickpeas don’t get a lot of attention because they aren’t a widespread cropping choice. The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. will only […] Read more
