Agriculture organizations hopeful as new provincial budget released

Mar 24, 2023

Following the release of the provincial budget for 2023-24, agricultural organizations have been voicing their approval.

Included in the release is $548 million going to the ministry of agriculture, a 19% increase from last year.

Chad Ross, the vice-chair for the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association, says that the increase in funding is good for them.

"The Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association is pleased with today's announcement. It shows continued commitment by the government to the agriculture sector. These investments to the livestock sector are particularly important. our producers have been through many challenges in the past few years and so assistance from our government is very welcome."

Of that figure, $89.8 million is for strategic initiatives, including $38 million for agricultural research and innovation.

APAS Vice President Bill Prybylski details some of the notable programs funded by this year's budget.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.