Over a number of years we have had visitors come to our farm from various parts of the world. In showing them our farm and how we approach farming, the inevitable question that seems to be asked is "What is an average year like in Saskatchewan?" That is a tough question. No two years seem to be the same and averages in Saskatchewan are made up of extremes, particularly when it comes to the weather. Thus was Saskatchewan's weather this year.
If we are to generalize we note that the west was dry with just enough moisture for an average or slightly below average crop while the east side of the province was excessively wet at certain times of the summer resulting in very dense crop canopies which did not always translate into exceptional yields. However, we should remember that if you come from the Vanguard area there was certainly no lack of water. The excessive moisture, heavy dews, and dense crop canopies on the east side of the province resulted in leaf diseases in both pulse crops and cereals. Chickpeas, in particular, in spite of being treated with fungicides, suffered to the point of producing little or no crop. In our area northeast of Regina, cereals also suffered from leaf disease affecting both yield and quality. Spraying those cereals with fungicide made a tremendous difference to both the yield and quality. On our farm treating with fungicides made a difference in wheat yield in the range of 25%, a sample made up of plump and uniform kernels. We only treated part of our cereal crop with fungicide and need to become more comfortable in making the call to spend the extra money on a fungicide.
The other major crop event again tending to be on the east side of the province was the week of rain at the beginning of September. Continually moist conditions combined with warm temperatures created conditions that were just right for germination. As a result some swaths took on the appearance of a large rope and even standing crops had significant germination.
While we hear much these days about problems with drought, excessive moisture, and poor prices, I think it is important to note the positive. Some areas of the province had excellent yields of good quality chickpeas that brought excellent returns. Cattle prices are up, and as usual the dairy and feather people are quietly going about their business. Our ability to produce even under adverse conditions is something of which we should all be proud.
In fact it is very important that as farmers we sing the praises of our efforts and our achievements. We live in a changing world and agriculture in Saskatchewan or might I say the prairies have felt the full effect. As an industry we have made big changes both in what it is we produce and the production systems we use. I think of the crops like lentils, peas, canary seed, coriander, chickpeas and the list goes on. Not only are we growing a number of new crops but also an important processing industry has sprung up as a result of these crops. I think of livestock like bison, deer, reindeer, etc. and of the machinery that is manufactured here because of some farmer beginning with an idea about doing something in a better way. I think of farming practices that have changed, and I would be amiss if I didn't mention direct seeding-a system of farming that is widely accepted by the agricultural community. A system that conserves the soil, sequesters carbon to help society with our greenhouse gases, and is an efficient farming system. So let us be proud of our many achievements.
Our achievements in the area of production are so good that we might describe it as our Achilles heel. The consuming public has come to expect as a right a dependable high quality product. As producers we strive to supply such a product and I know many farmers, myself included, who get great pleasure from growing a good crop. But how do we market to extract a fair price from the consumer? At a time where the catch phrase is "globalization" and most organizations we deal with, for inputs or to sell our product, are merging; as farmers we have done the opposite. We have many organizations with polarized views on marketing.
Finally, before closing I would like to take time to say a few words about SSCA. This of course has been a year of change, last year at this time we weren't sure if or from where our future funding was coming. Prior to last years conference the board set out somewhat ifs. These options covered all scenarios from no funding to full funding. However, at last years conference Sask. Ag. and Food announced significant funding that resulted in a three-year contract. This allowed us, with a reduction in staff time, with a change in emphasis, and by using some of our reserves, to continue functioning in an effective manner. The change in emphasis involved less fieldwork and more time spent on the web site, Prairie Steward and this conference. As I write this, November 29, other organizations are in the final stages of negotiating contracts with SSCA. Our future for the next three years appears to be secure.
With that I will not wish you luck in this coming year but I will wish you much success. I hope this year's conference meets some of your needs, that the speakers challenge your thoughts, and that you have an enjoyable time.