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Manitoba Crunching The Numbers On AgriStability

The Manitoba government is reviewing an AgriStability proposal put on the table last week by Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.
 
"Right now Manitoba spends $150 million plus each year in terms of support to agriculture. It's a substantial number," said Blaine Pedersen, Minister for Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development. "This proposed AgriStability proposal, that the federal government's brought forward, will cost Manitoba approximately $15 million per year. So that would be for 2020, 2021, and 2022 and then whatever happens with the new agreement come April 2023."
 
Pedersen has concerns that the proposal could impact future support for AgriInvest and AgriInsurance.
 
"We will look at the proposals but farther down the road into a new agreement, the federal government seems to have implied that they're putting out some money now but they're going to claw back the money later," added Pedersen "That's really our big concern in this. We want to look at the long term ability of farm programs to make sure that they are bankable, timely, and that they work for the farm community."
 
The federal government's AgriStability proposal includes removing the Reference Margin Limit and increasing payment levels from 70 to 80 per cent.
 
Pedersen added that there's work to develop a more responsive program, noting that margin-based insurance is one of those proposals that is really gaining some traction. He says there is work that has been done at the FPT level. A report is expected to be complete in July of 2021 as to how that type of program would work.
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Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.