SARM Calls for More Business Risk Management Support for Saskatchewan Producers

Agriculture in Saskatchewan plays a lead role in economic stability and environmental sustainability, it’s the fabric of our rural communities. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) shares the responsibility of ensuring our producers are given the opportunity to succeed. One in eight jobs in Saskatchewan are tied to agriculture, underscoring how deeply it affects the vibrance of rural economics.

“Producers play a pivotal role in the fabric of our province, we can’t deny the frustrations in our agriculture sector with the lack of business risk management resources, particularly for cattle producers in the province. Producers already play the game of risk with weather, disease, feed shortages, and price fluctuations. For the livestock industry to continue to thrive, we need the right business risk management resources tailored to them,” says Bill Huber, Acting President of SARM.

The livestock industry has dealt with drought resulting in feed shortage, an exit of producers from the industry, a turnover of land from grass to crop, and non transparent pricing. Saskatchewan producers are sought after, their products feed the world. SARM believes the government should support livestock producers on the same playing field as other commodity producers.

“The current eight years of drought has exposed the lack of responsive Business Risk Management (BRM) programs for Saskatchewan’s livestock producers. Spotty rains can provide a false sense of security and allow policy makers to delay implementation. If the province of Saskatchewan wants a healthy, thriving beef cattle sector, BRM programs must be addressed now to stem the tide of producers leaving the industry and allow for long-term planning,” says Jeff Yorga, President of Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association.

The province leads the nation in various agricultural outputs, including livestock. In 2021 alone, agriculture contributed over $13 billion to Saskatchewan’s GDP, employing thousands across the province directly and indirectly. The struggles of producers should not be overshadowed, they are a pillar of prosperity for the province. SARM wants a future with our livestock producers given ample opportunity for BRM programming that assists in price transparency, risk support for climate variability, market fluctuations, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

The next step in supporting the livestock industry is establishing made-in-Saskatchewan solutions. There are numerous options that could be implemented to support the industry in the coming calendar year:

• Cost share Livestock Price Insurance
• Fast track the satellite-based forage rainfall pilot
• Implement Alberta’s beef-focused AgriStability pilot in Saskatchewan
• Work with Ag Canada to speed the development of the revenue insurance mode

“We must address these challenges and the risks producers face. This requires proactive policies that support producers, promote research and development, and enhance market access. Agriculture is crucial for Saskatchewan’s prosperity and growth. We need the government to support agriculture by investing in the future of our livestock industry. If we can foster programs that encourage producers to stay in the game, the ripple effect will enhance rural communities, foster economic resilience, and ensure Saskatchewan remains a global leader in sustainable and innovative agriculture,” says Huber.

2024 Provincial Election Priorities

The following are SARM’s key areas of focus for the upcoming provincial election. This release is the fourth in a series highlighting the rural challenges around each.

• Infrastructure
• Health Care
• Policing & Crime
• Agriculture

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Background: SARM is the independent association representing rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, serving as the primary advocate for its members before senior governments.