Ag News

Over the last few weeks, we've seen grain shipments picking up in the Prairies. 

CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain David Przednowek says they saw fairly consistent grain movement for March with demand picking up.

"CN shipped over 530,000 tons of grain and processed grain products out of the country in grain week #34. That's slightly below supply chain targets, but very similar to the average of the past three years for that specific week."

There's a new face at the Board table for the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

Darren Steinley a councillor from the RM of Excelsior #166 has replaced Larry Grant as the Division 3 Director.

Grant has been a Director for SARM at the board level for the past nine years. He is also Reeve of the RM of Val Marie and has served as an RM councillor for 27 years.

SARM President Ray Orb says Grant has been a real asset to the Board of Directors over the years.

Canola markets have been very bearish over the last few months.

Senior Market Analyst with MarketsFarm Mike Jubenville says we've seen some correction in the last month, adding he's optimistic that we'll see some positive opportunities through the Spring.

According to the province, Algeria, Indonesia and Morocco, three of Saskatchewan's key international markets, saw significant increases in provincial agri-food exports in 2023 over, the previous year. 

Deputy Agriculture Minister Rick Burton says the total volume of agri-food exports hit $20.2 billion with significant increases for wheat, durum and lentils coming from Algeria, Indonesia and Morocco.

Participants at last week's Canada Grain Act Summit covered a lot of topics from the mandate of the Canadian Grain Commission to issues around delivery contracts
and market information.

The event brought together producers, industry and government representatives from across the prairies.

The President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) Ian Boxall says one thing everyone agrees on is that the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) must focus on following its mandate of protecting producers.

MarketsFarm 2024 Spring Market report looks promising if we get timely rains throughout the growing season.

The Director of Markets and Weather says we're hitting a record pace for Canadian wheat exports.

Bruce Burnett says wheat exports are our one bright spot with exports hitting 13.5 million tonnes, demand is expected to remain strong through most of this crop year with tight supplies in the prairies.

 Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn spent some time at the Manitoba Royal Winter Fair in Brandon this week.

Today, the Province and the Federal Government announced $20,000 in financial support for the event through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The funding to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is for a one-year sponsorship of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. 

The sponsorship supports agriculture as the backbone of the provincial economy as a leader in innovation, research and job creation.

The Canadian Cattle Association's Young Leaders Program has helped to mentor 180 participants in the beef industry.

The CYL program was established in 2010 as an industry succession tool for the beef sector. 

CCA Youth Programs and Engagement Manager Jessica Radau says the program is open to young people 18-35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain.

The grain sector is coming together in Saskatoon to discuss the Canada Grain Act.

The summit is being hosted by the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission.

APAS President Ian Boxall says the Canada Grain Act Summit is an opportunity to discuss key issues, innovations, regulations, and competitiveness within the grain sector.

He says they've invited 40 organizations to attend with producer groups, researchers, stakeholders and government officials both Federal and Provincial.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is raising the interest free limit on the 2024 Advance Payments Program.

The Advance Payments Program gives producers access to cash advances of up to $1 million, with the first $250 thousand dollars now being interest free.

He says in the face of so many challenges, our hardworking producers continue to show their resilience and produce top-quality products for Canadians, and the world.