Today

Winter-wheat sample request

The Canadian Wheat Board is encouraging farmers to submit winter-wheat samples as soon as possible after harvest. Samples from Manitoba, where harvest is further along, confirm that many winter-wheat fields have been hit hard by the fungal disease fusarium head blight. Samples from Saskatchewan and Alberta will fill out the quality picture, allowing the CWB to solidify its marketing strategy and determine what kind of special fusarium program may be offered.Click HERE to Read More.

Farmers pay more than fair share!

Canada’s farm groups call for government review

Western Canadian farmers have been paying $200 million per year more for rail service than was considered fair under former legislation, a new study suggests.

The study by respected rail analyst John Edsforth of Travacon Research suggests that farmers have not been sharing in railway efficiencies.

In 2008-09, farmers paid $8.81 per tonne ($275 million overall), more than what was considered fair and reasonable compensation for moving grain under the former Western Grain Transportation Act. In 2007-08, they paid $4.61 per tonne ($123 million) more than was considered fair.

To get a rough idea of what this means for your farm, use the Canadian Wheat Board's rail cost calculator. Click HERE

To download and hear the radio ads, encouraging farmers to demand a full cost reveiw, click HERE

Tied to the Tracks.

Full Costing Review

Recent studies (Travacon) show that grain producers are being overcharged at least $4 per tonne under the Revenue Cap implemented in 1999. This issue has a huge impact on the competitiveness of Canadian farmers. A costing review was recommended for 2004-05 but has never been done. The need for a costing review is widely supported by farmer organizations and shippers.

APAS urges producers to contact the Minister of Transportation Baird and your local MP to ask for a costing review.

Send Electronic Postcards to Minister Baird: http://cfa-fca.ca/pages/emailer.php. In addition, questions about an immediate costing review can be directed to: Helena Borges the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy for Transportation Canada at 613-997-2689 or by email at helena.borges@tc.gc.ca.

Rail Freight Service Review

APAS' submission to the Service Review Panel focused on four service areas: access to producer cars; better service to elevators; promoting short line railways; and access to Churchill. The submission can be found here.

What is WeatherFarm™?

It's weather in a whole new vane! WeatherFarm is a free, online weather information centre designed exclusively for Prairie farmers. Its innovative agronomic tools can make your farm-management decisions easier.

Is it really free?
Absolutely! All you need is a computer with high speed Internet access. Registration is easy at www.weatherfarm.com. You do not need to own a weather station to use the online WeatherFarm centre.

Learn More [HERE]or watch the WeatherFarm YouTube video

APAS in ACTION

Each week, we report on where APAS Executive and Staff are, which meetings they attend and any issues that are emerging or evolving.

For a look at APAS in Action, click here.

Canadian Grain Commission

The Canadian Grain Commission has recently received inquiries regarding the changes to the calculation of moisture shrinkage. As you are aware, primary elevators that artificially dry grain must do so in accordance with Canadian Grain Commission Order 2010 – 34 – Calculation of moisture shrinkage allowance for grain artificially dried at primary elevators. An operator of a licensed primary elevator may dry tough, damp, moist or wet grain at the elevator in accordance with orders of the Commission.

There is an online calculator for your convenience at: http://grainscanada.gc.ca/guides-guides/drying-sechage/cwldd-pprsc-eng.asp. By simply inputting the original moisture, the final moisture and tonnage delivered, it will calculate your gross dry tonnes delivered.

AgriStability – Closer than ever to Saskatchewan producers

One of the key reasons why the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) was chosen to administer the AgriStability program was its strong connection to Saskatchewan producers. The goal is to provide timelier, reliable and direct support and eight strategically located AgriStability Advisors are in place to achieve just that. To find your closest AgriStability Advisor.

To view the Industry Advisory, Click HERE, careful it's a large file.

Coming Up

SEPTEMBER 2010

Sept 2 - SFPA Golf Tournament

Sept 23 & 24 - CFA Managers Meeting, Saskatoon

Sept 2 - SFPA Golf Tournament

Sept 23 & 24 - CFA Managers Meeting, Saskatoon

OCTOBER 2010

Oct 19-21 - CFA Board Meeting - Ottawa, Ont

Oct 28 - Media Training Workshop by FACS & sponsored by APAS

For more information, Click here

APAS Members Benefit

APAS offers exceptional benefits to all rural ratepayers that live in Member RMs. From long distance savings to private health services plans (PHSP) - APAS members benefit directly.

CLICK HERE to explore our current benefits offerings, download the appropriate registration or rebate forms for the current offerings.

For more information, you can also call toll free 1-877-306-APAS (2727)

2010 RM Elections

All even-numbered member RMs are required to hold an election for their APAS Representative this year. APAS elections closely parallel the election process for RM Councils.

To review and download all necessary documents, please click HERE

APAS and FNA announce strategic partnership

(August 16, 2010) The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) and the Farmers of North America-Strategic Ag Institute (FNA-STAG) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership between the two organizations that will benefit APAS members across the province.Read More HERE

Learn more about the program HERE

Do you operate a small-scale farm? Have your say!

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is conducting research about the labour requirements of small-scale farm operations across Canada.

The on-line survey closes on 30 September 2010.

CAHRC plans to use this information to better understand the labour needs on farms with annual gross receipts of less than $100,000 and to develop tools and resources to meet those needs. Responses to the survey are strictly confidential.

Farm operators who complete the survey can enter a draw for a chance to win $100.

Visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca or call 1-866-430-7457 ext. 228 to participate and tell us about your labour needs.