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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday November 13, 2019

Nov 13, 2019 | 9:57 AM

Farm producers have more than weather on their mind.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) said a recent survey shows farmers are also thinking about commodity prices and yields when it comes to weighing their risks.

FCC principal agricultural economist Craig Klemmer said while production-related risks are still top of mind in every sector of agriculture, producers are also keenly aware of risks related to marketing, financial and human resource matters namely employees, partners and family.

The survey showed 67 per cent of farm operators reported a high level of concern for marketing, 60 per cent were worried about production and 53 per cent were focused on risks. Human resources and legal issues were less of a concern at 31 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.

Marketing risks were most prominent among beef, grains and oilseed sector producers at 74 per cent. Price and market access were among the top concerns.

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Financial risk ranked highest among dairy, hog, cattle and other livestock producers. Sufficient working capital was the most prominent financial concern across all sectors. Transitioning farm operations to the next generation was identified as a concern for 44 per cent of respondents.

The survey conducted July 11-15 involved 1,363 producers that are considered key decision makers for their operations.

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Saskatchewan industry and government leaders are in Germany and France to look for new opportunities.

Innovation Saskatchewan and Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said Germany’s AgriTechnica is the world’s premiere showcase for new technology and innovation in agriculture.

More than 450,000 visitors from 130 countries will visit the trade fair over the course of the week. The event features 2,750 exhibitors from 51 countries.

Saskatchewan will also have a presence at the 40th annual United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) general conference in France. UNESCO’s 193 Member States and ten Associate Members will focus on issues ranging from higher education to artificial intelligence.

Saskatchewan will represent Canada’s interests on improving labour mobility and the recognition of academic credentials across international borders.

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The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) launched their third annual Beef Drive for the Food Banks of Saskatchewan (FBS).

SSGA has set a goal of collecting 10,000 pounds of beef this year.

The first event was held on World Food Day in the fall of 2016 as a way for beef producers to support the 28 food banks in the province.

Producers or individuals can donate an animal or make a cash donation to help cover the processing costs of the donated animals. Saskatchewan’s beef producers contributed over 25,000 pounds of ground beef for FBS with a retail value of over $120,000.

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Grain Farmers of Ontario called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to exempt the carbon tax on fuel used for drying grain.

G-F-O said grain farmers were paying more taxes and taking in less money.

It said extreme weather conditions have created a difficult growing season in Ontario and other provinces.

G-F-O said the carbon tax would make it even more expensive to dry grain.

The organization represents Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF