Ag News

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is excited to present the sixth edition of the Celebrating Rural Ranching Women conference in Maple Creek on February 2 and 3, 2023. Join us in celebrating the strength of Saskatchewan’s rural women where presentation topics will include research updates, a cattle market update, mineral management and will feature perspectives from industry partners, extension specialists, researchers and producers.

Farmers are busy pricing out and lining up crop inputs for spring seeding.

The rising cost of fertilizer and supply chain challenges has been an increasing concern for producers, especially over the last couple of years.

StoneX is a global financial services organization focusing on commercial hedging, global payments, securities, physical commodities, foreign trade and clearing and execution services.

Josh Linville, vice president of Fertilizer at StoneX says when it comes to fertilizer this year, he doesn't believe we'll see a supply shortage.

Concerns over potential animal health diseases is leading to more investment in preparedness.

The province of Saskatchewan and Sask Pork are investing $1 million in swine disease mitigation efforts.

A key concern for the pork industry is African Swine Fever, a viral disease that has been found in Africa, and some parts of Europe and Asia. 

To date, the disease has never been found in Canada, but should it occur somewhere borders would likely be closed and export markets shut down for the whole country.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba appeared before the Federal Court this week to intervene in a judicial review of the Vancouver Port Authority’s new gateway infrastructure fees.

The fees which increased January 1, 2023 range from eight to 40 cents per tonne for bulk, non-containerized cargo, including potash and grain.

As a result of the increase, a number of companies, are seeking a judicial review of the decision.

Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson says the costs and risks relating to farming continue to climb.

As a result total AgriInsurance coverage for this year is expected to reach $5.3 billion, up from the $4.7 billion projected last spring.

That puts the average coverage at an estimated $560 per acre, up from $499 per acre for 2022. 

The increase in coverage reflects the projected strength in commodity prices for 2023.

SARM president Ray Orb sees the legislation as a tool to help Saskatchewan residents especially those in rural areas insulate themselves from misguided federal policies.

SARM members are concerned these are ineffective and politically motivated infringements on the rights and freedoms of farmers, ranchers, and all law-abiding recreational firearm users.

Orb notes SARM is a strong advocate for responsible and safe firearm ownership. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to support the agricultural industry and help farm producers develop climate change resiliency, the Manitoba government is launching a new fertilizer efficiency calculator tool, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced here today.

When it comes to agriculture a number of outside influences from weather to politics, can have a major impact on your operation.

In the last couple of years, supply chain challenges have had a major impact on everything including agriculture.

Another key factor right now is the Russia/Ukraine war.

Geopolitical economist Peter Zeihan says we're in a situation where the world's number one wheat exporter is deliberately destroying the fifth largest wheat exporter.

The latest cattle marketing report shows an increase in activity.

Saskatchewan feeder cattle volumes totaled 7,860 head sold over the last week, up from 6,274 head marketed during the same week last year. 

Feeder steer prices ranged from $340.83 per cwt for the 300-400 pound weight category, to $236.83 per cwt for the 900+ category.

Meantime, feeder heifer prices ranged for the 300-400 pound category was at $262.67 per cwt to $212.50 per cwt.

The Alberta Canola Conference kicked off yesterday in Lethbridge.

Producers taking part in the group's AGM heard the details of a spear-phishing attack that occurred in August.

Alberta Canola has implemented new ongoing cyber security training for staff and directors following a spear-phishing attack in August.

Director Ian Chitwood says payment for one invoice was diverted to a fraudulent account, the attack was discovered when the perpetrators tried a second attempt.