A prairie farm group is concerned about the federal government's recently announced, “Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie Claude Bibeau says the sector needs to work together to develop a roadmap to improving environmental performance.

Western Canadian Wheat Growers President Gunter Jochum will share what is most worrying to their organization about the process.

Bill C-21 and its recent amendments will criminalize Saskatchewan residents. That according to the Ray Orb the president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.

He says Bill C-21 does nothing to target the illegal use of firearms; instead, it targets lawfully licensed firearms owners and their legally acquired firearms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oat prices fell sharply just prior to harvest as it became apparent the 2022 crop was going to produce large yields. Good rain at just the right time in prime growing regions of eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba contributed to the good crop.

Jonathan Dreidger with Leftfield Commodity Research shares what is happening with the oat prices and what to expect in the coming months.

Statistics Canada cut its final canola production estimate by nearly one million tonnes compared to the September estimate which surprised the trade. The wheat estimate is also lower.

Ken Ball with P.I. Financial in Winnipeg will have his reaction to the final crop estimates.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) has a new affiliation agreement with its seven regional branches. The agreement includes the Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers, Saskatchewan Seed Growers, and the Manitoba Seed Grower Associations.

CSGA Executive Director Doug Miller says with the industry going through a seed industry modernization initiative it's important to have unity and a clear message


Overall demand for farm equipment is projected to remain strong into 2023, despite rising interest rates and a weakening Canadian US exchange rate.

Farm Credit Canada's 2023 outlook for the farm equipment market indicates demand is being supported by strong farm cash receipts, even with commodity prices softening from peak levels. FCC Chief agricultural economist J.P. Gervais believes as supply chains recover, equipment manufacturers are expected to increase the delivery of new equipment orders. But inventory levels will remain below pre-pandemic levels and will remain tight beyond 2024.

Gervais will talk about the farm equipment sector and the recent food and beverage report.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows the importance of doing things in a safe manner on the farm. Sometimes it's hard to get started creating a strategy. Dean Anderson is the Strategic Advisor for Agriculture with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services.

Dean will talk about some of the greatest risk factors on the farm, how to avoid injury and how to create a farm safety plan for your own operation.

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Winter Cereals Development Commission’s are considering amalgamating. Resolutions were passed in January so the two organizations could explore options for amalgamation. An initial online survey found producers were overwhelmingly in favor of exploring options for amalgamation.

Carol Ann Patterson with the winter cereals commission will talk about the process and why its important for farmers to participate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan is looking at the effect of feed processing on ergot toxicity. The work is expected to change how feed samples are analysed.

Monogastric Nutrition assistant professor Dr. Denice Beaulieu says researchers are examining the ability of heat and steam to alter a certain ratio of the ergot.

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame officially welcomed four new inductees at a ceremony in Toronto as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Hall president Ted Menzies says it was an extra special event as the organization celebrated its 60th Anniversary.

He will tell us about the four outstanding individuals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first ever Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index suggests there is short term optimism tempered by longer term concerns. About 3,000 farms across the country have agreed to enter information into the data base---so they can participate in the nationwide survey. Justin Funk is the managing partner of Agri Studies.

He'll share more on the 900 farmers and ranchers that answered last month's survey which contained a series of questions, and how they can access to the numbers so they can see how their responses stack up with their counterparts.

There is growing interest globally in Canada's plant-based food sector. Last week delegates from around the world took part in the first Plant Forward conference in Toronto. The event was organized by Protein Industries Canada, Pulse Canada, and Plant-Based Foods of Canada.

PIC CEO Bill Greuel will share more about the conference and how the international guests responded to the information shared during the event.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (LEAD) recognize outstanding members who show 4-H values in the way they live their lives. The awards honour youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share the best of themselves with their community.

Kate Axton from Saskatchewan is one of the recipients of the $20,000 scholarship for her post secondary education. Kate will talk the award and her passion for agriculture.

Kendall Wicks was looking for a story about combining to share with her son. When she couldn't find one, she decided to write her own story. A Harvest Story is now part of the Agriculture in the Classroom-Saskatchewan resources.

Kendall will share the process of getting the story printed and the response she has received so far.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association continues its effort to fight Ottawa's proposed fertilizer emission reduction policy. The federal government wants to reduce those emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030.

Wheat Growers President Gunter Jochum believes it could result in a food shortage.

Over the last several years, there have seen more cow/calf producers try their hand at direct-to-consumer marketing. Mark Hoimyr and his wife Laura own Box H Farm near Gladmar, straight south of Regina, Sask. near the U.S. border.

Box H Farm has 250 head of breeding stock---plus replacements. There is about 5,000 acres of tame grass and native prairie---with a heavy emphasis on rotational grazing.

Mark Hoimyr is here to talk about selling his grass-fed beef direct to consumers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is creating problems for two major exporters of potash fertilizer.

Prior to the conflict, Russia and its close ally---Belarus----accounted for a combined 40 percent of global potash production. Both countries are going through challenges selling their product.

Nutrien has six potash mines in Saskatchewan and is in the process of expanding production at three of those mines.

Ken Seitz is Nutrien's Chief Executive Officer.

He says while Russia has managed to skirt around European sanctions by moving more oil and natural gas to China and India---it is a much different story for potash, which is a bulk commodity.

Farm Credit Canada is working with indigenous peoples to expand agricultural ventures---both large and small.

However, accessing capital from banks has been a major challenge for First Nations and Farm Credit Canada want to make the process easier.

Shaun Soonias is the Director of Indigenous Relations with FCC.

He says First Nations already have business experience in other economic sectors.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The two major railways are having a more difficult time filling hopper car orders and the number of unfulfilled orders is increasing rapidly.

The Ag Transport Coalition monitors railway performance on behalf of grain companies and various producer organizations. The organization is concerned the rail companies are falling behind on rail car deliveries.

However, the assistant vice president of grain at CN Rail, David Przednowek said CN is prepared to move this falls’ larger prairie crop to market.

He'll talk about the company's winter rail plan has been released.

-

The province of Saskatchewan celebrates agriculture month in October.

It's a time for the industry and consumers to learn more about the products produced right here in our own province.

Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan Executive Director Clinton Monchuk says the agriculture industry is thriving thanks to the dedicated individuals that make up the value-chain and have a passion for producing healthy and affordable food.

He says the public is encouraged to share their connection to food through the theme, "#MealsFromtheFarm."

-

After the break..... David Przednowek.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.