Flags at legislature flew at half-mast on the news of Lyle Stewart’s death; he headed the ag department from 2012-18
REGINA — Former Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle Stewart was remembered last week for his tough, no-nonsense style — both in and out of politics. Whether he was riding a steer at Canadian Western Agribition, fighting off a carjacker or debating in the legislature, he was defined by his years as a farmer and rancher who could, […] Read moreTag Archives Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan — page 2
Integrity key for grain export system
The Canada Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission are pillars established to serve grain producers. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that the framework governing grain regulation and oversight prioritizes the interests of the backbone of our industry — farmers. Established in 1912, the Canada Grain Act sets standards for Canada’s grain industry, ensuring […] Read more
New report highlights farmer share of food dollar
Commodity prices dropped and retail prices rose, leaving both farmers and consumers unhappy
REGINA — A new report from the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan highlights the increasing discrepancy between what farmers get for their products and retail food costs. The 2024 Farmers and Food Prices report found prices for commodities like canola, wheat, lentils, barley and hogs dropped between five and 16 per cent from 2022 to […] Read more
Recent carbon price hike pushes issue to top agenda
REGINA —Opposition to the federal carbon tax ramped up last week as several premiers called for a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the issue. Many have opposed carbon pricing since it was implemented in 2019 but the rhetoric has been heating up due to cost-of-living pressures. The hike in the consumer tax earlier […] Read more
Sask. pledges support if drought costs materialize
REGINA — Saskatchewan finance minister Donna Harpauer has always said a crop failure is her worst budget nightmare. The possibility of yet another drought in parts of the province loomed over her seventh and final budget delivered last week. She has announced she won’t run in the next election expected this fall. However, the financial […] Read more
Producers welcome change to cash advance program
After much lobbying, federal government decides to increase interest-free portion of program to $250,000 for this year
REGINA — The interest-free portion of the federal Advance Payments Program will be $250,000 this year, much to farmers’ relief. The amount had been set to drop back to $100,000 at the end of this month after sitting at $350,000 for 2023. Federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay announced the change March 25. “In the face […] Read more
Sask. farm group asks for drought committee
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan says the province needs to do more to prepare for drought
WINNIPEG — Saskatchewan needs to prepare for drought. Not just in 2024 but for future droughts as well, says the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan. That’s why APAS is asking for a Provincial Drought Preparedness Committee, which will help farmers and the province respond more effectively to dry and difficult conditions. “The whole idea is […] Read more
Farmers fight changes to cash advance program
Producers applying to the program for the coming year have discovered that the interest-free portion has been reduced
REGINA — Farmers may have to wait until the federal budget to find out if the interest-free portion of cash advances will be available at the same level as last year. The Advance Payment Program offers up to $1 million in loans, and $100,000 is normally interest-free. However, in the last few years the government […] Read more
Feds reduce interest-free portion of cash advance
Increases implemented over the last few years have been discontinued, leaving farmers to pay higher interest cost
REGINA — Farmers applying for spring cash advances should be aware the interest-free portion has dropped back to 2021 levels. For the last few years the government temporarily increased the interest-free amounts to reflect challenging conditions including high interest rates. In 2023, farmers were eligible to receive up to $350,000 interest-free; the maximum total advance […] Read more
APAS takes stock of ’23; looks ahead
REGINA — Tisdale farmer Ian Boxall was re-elected president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan at the organization’s annual meeting earlier this month. Vice-president Bill Prybylski of Willowbrook and Bev Pirio of Radville were also re-elected. Two board members, Donovan Block in District 5 and Wanda Reid in District 1, stepped down. Christopher Procyk […] Read more
