The first woman elected to lead the Saskatchewan NDP says it’s time for a change when voters go to the polls Oct. 28
REGINA — Saskatchewan election campaigns are largely fought in the cities these days. It’s been years since party leaders took buses around the province, hitting every nook and cranny in their bids for votes. Today, they’re more likely to be found travelling Highway 11 between Regina and Saskatoon with a few side trips to smaller […] Read moreTag Archives Ian Boxall
Agriculture, rural issues to be part of Sask. election debate
Producers will ask candidates about issues such as crop insurance changes as the province prepares to go to the polls
REGINA — Farmers are busy trying to wrap up harvest and complete other fall work, but they may also be thinking about their vote in the expected Oct. 28 provincial election. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan president had another task on his list — preparing for an election debate. Ian Boxall will represent the […] Read more
Grain trade reputation on the line
Industry worries about what ‘double whammy’ labour disputes will mean for the country following Vancouver port strike
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada’s reputation in international grain markets took another hit when the most recent labour dispute shut down six grain terminals in Vancouver, industry says. Workers reached a tentative deal late last week, but transportation observers say the damage is being done. “Every two years, roughly, we end up with some form of […] Read more
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
Farmers urged to be ‘pushy’ on grain commission
Industry leaders say sector must identify areas of agreement as the federal government continues its Grain Act review
SASKATOON — Farmers need to get their act together if they want to influence the Canada Grain Act review, says a farm leader. “We need to identify the areas of broad support and what we agree on,” Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission director Brett Halstead said during the Canada Grain Act Summit 2024, an event organized […] 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
