Minister Ritz Holds Ongoing Pre-Budget Consultations with Farmers

Jan 09, 2013

Federal Agriculture Minister Holds Pre-Budget Meeting with Farmers in Saskatchewan

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz met with farmers and ranchers in the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan area on Tuesday to seek input on agriculture policies and share ideas on how to boost growth in the agriculture sector.

The roundtable is part of Minister Ritz’s effort to host ongoing pre-budget consultations with farmers and the agriculture industry. The minister was also joined by Kelly Block, MP for Saskatatoon-Rosetown-Biggar.

"Our government is focused on policies that create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity for all Canadians," said Minister Ritz. "Meetings like this allow our government to work directly with farmers to develop innovative programs that will ensure agriculture remains a key driver of the Canadian economy."

Some of the key topics discussed where changes in the grain industry, with farmers having the freedom to market their grain on an open market, to changes made to the Canadian Grain Act, which will modernize the Canadian grain industry, and also the introduction of the Fair Rail Freight Service Act. Much of the discussion revolved around topics related to Saskatchewan and Western Canadian agriculture.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.