Agri-Food exports to Vietnam grow 227 per cent

Saskatchewan has already surpassed its 2030 Growth Plan target of $20 billion in agri-food exports hitting $20.2 billion in 2023. 
 
Vietnam is among the countries increasing their investment in Saskatchewan products.

In 2023, agri-food exports to Vietnam were reported to be worth $46 million, that marks a  227 percent increase into the country, going from $3.7 million in 2022.

The province says the most significant increase in value came from the export of non-durum wheat which skyrocketed to $40.6 million from $3.7 million the previous year. 

Prairie Auction Marts see an increase in volumes

It was a busy week at auction marts across the Prairies with more animals moving to town.

The information below is based on the Manitoba Cattle Marketing Report, Saskatchewan Cattle Marketing Report and the Canfax Report for Alberta Beef Producers.

In Manitoba:

The Manitoba Cattle Marketing Report shows 8,658 animals moved through seven of the province's eight auction marts last week.

Could we see another rail strike?

Members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) are in the middle of a strike vote after three collective agreements expired December 31st.

The agreements include CN and CPKC engineers and conductors and the rail traffic controllers at CPKC.

The union represents about 9300 workers, including 6000 conductors, locomotive engineers, and yard workers with CN and  3200 conductors, locomotive engineers, and yard workers at CPKC, as well as the 90 rail traffic controllers with CPKC.

WSA issues update to Spring Runoff Forecast for 2024

Above freezing temperatures throughout the middle of March resulted in snowmelt runoff either beginning, or in some instances being complete, over much of southern Saskatchewan.

While many areas of the province's moisture levels remain below normal or well-below normal in many areas of the province, late season snowfalls at the end of March have improved conditions.

Calving and Postpartum Nutrition for a Successful Breeding Season

As calving season progresses, many of us look forward to green spring pastures and summer turnout for the cow herd. However, our cows still have several challenges ahead: colostrum production, initiation of lactation, and returning to estrus prior to the start of breeding season. Closer nutritional management during these periods may help to set your herd up early for a successful breeding season.

Ag Tech is the focus for Canada's Farm Show


Canada's Farm Show held its official launch on Thursday.

The event presented by Viterra runs June 18th to 20th in Regina.

Over the years it has become a key event on the calendar, attracting farmers, industry reps, farm equipment dealers and manufacturers, visitors from around the province, the prairies and internationally.

The show has become a staple for many producers allowing them to do side-by-side comparisons with all of the latest farm equipment and technology on site in one location.

Pulse sector pleased to see India extend its tariff-free deadline


India is once again extending the exemption on its import tariffs on yellow peas.

India initially imposed a 50 per cent duty on peas in November of 2017, followed by other restrictions limiting import volumes in 2018.

That move virtually shut Canada out of the market at that time, up until that point India had been Canada's number one market for peas.
 
On December 8, 2023, India announced it would temporarily lift the import tariffs from December 8, 2023  to March 31st, 2024 allowing unrestricted imports.

GGC releases 'Road to 2050' recommendations

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) have released their Road to 2050 policy recommendations to help shape federal programs while making farming more profitable and sustainable.

Chair Andre Harpe says the launch comes as we face the urgent need to feed more people, tackle climate change, and keep grain farms profitable.

"Canadian grain growers are leading with innovative sustainable practices. These efforts not only reduce our carbon footprint but also play a crucial role in achieving Canada's climate goals."

Top up for the 2023 Canada Saskatchewan Feed program is on its way

Agriculture Minister David Marit announced Monday that the top-up for eligible livestock producers through the 2023 Canada Saskatchewan Feed program, is on its way.

The program was put in place last fall to help producers maintain the breeding herd in drought-impacted areas of the province, by covering up to 70 per cent of extraordinary costs related to feed and freight from May 1st, 2023 to March 15th, 2024.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay says drought conditions are having a serious impact on livestock producers right across Saskatchewan.