Today

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.

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 t AgriStability Advisors are in place to achieve just that.

Based out of the SCIC Customer Service Offices, they are available to meet and discuss any AgriStability issues or concerns. Backed with strong agriculture and program knowledge, these individuals can consult with participants ensuring effective use of this business risk management program.

Find your closest AgriStability Advisor.

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

Coming Up

JULY 2010

July 27- 29 - CFA Semi-Annual Meeting - Halifax, NS

FOr an up to date report - Click HERE

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)

Goodale Calls for Clarity on Federal Flood Response

REGINA – Following a day-long tour of flood-affected areas facilitated by the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), Wascana MP Ralph Goodale called on the Federal Government to immediately give Western Grain Producers basic reassurance with respect to the assistance they can expect from their governments. Read More HERE

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

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is researching the labour needs on farms with less than $100,000 in gross receipts. Your responses will be used to better understand employment needs of smaller farms and will ensure that operations from Saskatchewan are represented in the research.

Go to www.cahrc-ccrha.ca or call CAHRC at 1-866-430-7457 ext. 228 to complete the survey by phone. All respondents can enter for a chance to win $100.