Grain contracts and the problems many farmers had during last year’s drought were discussed during a panel discussion at the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) annual general meeting in Saskatoon on Friday.
APAS and the various producer grower commissions—SaskWheat, SaskBarley, SaskOats, SaskFlax and the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers—commissioned a report that was written by Marlene Boersch with Mercantile Consulting Venture.
Her 35-page report was released in July.
Many farmers unable to meet fulfill their 2021 production contracts had to pay sizeable penalties, that would often differ from company to company.
Boersch says current grain purchase contracts are heavily tilted in favor of grain buyers, putting Saskatchewan farmers at a distinct disadvantage.
The same report also found that only 46 per cent of Prairie grain farmers feel that they are being treated fairly by contracts.
Boersch suggested much simpler contracts that both sides can live with.
She also suggested improved information flow and outlined a standard contract used in Australia.
A couple of changes to the APAS Executive.
Devon Walker from Maidstone and Kevin Gilbert will join the Board of Directors.
Ian Boxall returns as President. APAS has two vice-presidents.
Bill Prybylski from Willowbrook returns, but Scott Owens is stepping aside.
He will be replaced by Bev Pirio from Radville.
—-
(with files from cjww)
