Voices of Agribition: state of agriculture under discussion in Sask. amid trade uncertainty

Thousands of producers from many markets have convened in Regina under unique conditions for the Canadian Western Agribition.

International trade barriers and tariffs are causing uncertainty for small producers. The effects have varied, however. Consumers are seeing sky-high beef prices, while crop values are dropping significantly.

Saskatchewan Cattle Association chair Chad Ross said the beef margins are some of the best he's seen in 27 years.

"Everyone seems to be pretty darn happy with the the fall run and the prices we've had," he said.

"We've had some political instability here south of the border that's caused the markets to be very volatile, and that always does cause concern. The other thing that is very important to us is the [Canada-United States-Mexico] agreement being renegotiated here next year."

Last year, the federal government reported more than 11.9 million cattle on 71,280 farms and ranches across Canada. Ross said the country exports about half of its beef, 75 per cent of which goes to the U.S.

Former premier Brad Wall, who is a beef rancher, attended Agribition for a ‘fireside chat’ about the state of agriculture. He said Saskatchewan should advocate for its own international trade, rather than depending on the federal government.

"What is the current federal government's focus when it comes to trade issues? Is it yellow peas and canola seed, or pork? … Or is their focus the auto sector and steel and aluminum?" he asked.

"Because ladies and gentlemen, the votes are where those industries are in this country. That's where the seats are. That's the reality of the federation."

A sheep farmer from Hanley, Sask. said international trade signals an opportunity for his sector.

Brian Hunstad, volunteering at Agribition for the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, said about 75 per cent of the lamb consumed in Canada is imported, while only 25 per cent is homegrown. That space for growth makes the market very attractive, he said.

“We get a lot of guys reaching out, just curious about it, because they know it's a growing industry. But there's not a lot of information about it because we're a cattle industry,” Hunstad said.

“The reason why a lot of guys like it: it’s low entry-level cost, so a quicker return on your investment, and three markets, possibly.” 

He is also seeing a shift in the wool market, where farmers like himself have begun to take cleaning and manufacturing into their own hands rather than through more expensive, national processors, he said.