The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has a new chair, elected into the position earlier this year. Scott Hepworth, who farms near Assiniboia with his farmer, moved into the role after the previous chair stepped away from the position.
Having previously been the vice chair at the GGC and currently a director with Sask Wheat, Hepworth is confident they'll be able to meet some of the goals he wants to solve.
"Our priorities at Grain Growers of Canada are pretty straightforward. We represent 65,000 farmers from 14 member organizations across Canada, and our goal is to take a unified voice and advocate for farmers in Ottawa."
Meanwhile, Sally Parsonage moves into the 1st vice chair position, while Daryl Fransoo becomes the 2nd vice chair.
Hepworth is stepping into the role at a time when international trade is shaky, especially with our biggest partner, the US.
He's confident that the file will be handled well, as they have plenty of experience getting trade moving.
"That's always something that we're working on. Farmers typically are in the crossfire of some of these trade negotiations and trade wars, and it's something that we work on every day."
Right now, the GGC is waiting for parliament to get back into session, as Hepworth says they've got some work to do.
"There are a number of different bills that we will be ready to advocate for farmers on once they're back in session."
Personally, Hepworth is optimistic on his own farm, having gone through dry and wet spells that have left him with the hopes he'll be left with an average crop year.
As he moves into the role, Hepworth says he hopes to have the confidence of those farmers that he'll do the best job possible.
"We're working for you every day in Ottawa, and we'll continue to do so."
Hepworth wishes everybody the best of luck with this year's crop.