New Year, New Goals

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Prairie Ag Leaders’ Wishes For 2025

By Mary Loggan

The agricultural community across the Prairies can reflect on 2024 as a year filled with both challenges and achievements. With the dawn of 2025, farmers and industry leaders are already focused on new goals and opportunities.

As the agricultural sector faces a range of uncertainties from supply chain disruptions to shifting trade dynamics, there’s a shared hope for more stability, continued innovation, and strengthened support systems to help ensure the success and sustainability of the Prairie’s vital farming industries.

Better Farming recently connected with Prairie industry leaders to ask them what they wish for agriculture in 2025.

Dean Roberts, Vice Chair, Canola Council of Canada

“Canola is one of Canada’s most valuable agricultural exports and a significant source of income for approximately 40,000 Canadian farmers, as part of an industry generating $43.7 billion annually. As we look ahead to 2025, our New Year’s wish is to ensure that we can continue to build on our sector’s success, resilience and commitment to help keep Canadian canola thriving.

“While many factors play into this, recent and ongoing headwinds that our industry is navigating include shipping and labour disruptions, and geopolitical and trade-related issues, highlighting our hope for more predictability and stability in the marketplace.

“We also look forward to continued innovation, advancements in agronomy and access to new tools and technologies that will help support even more productive and resilient canola crops and continue to set Canadian canola apart as a leading food, feed and fuel source.”

Gordon Ell, Chair, SaskMilk

“Looking to 2025, SaskMilk and Saskatchewan dairy farmers wish for continued development and implementation of current projects and initiatives seeking to further efficiencies both on the farm and within our business models.

“We are so proud of everything our industry has accomplished in recent years, and are heartened to see the support of our consumers for our agricultural sector. We are committed to bringing the same nutritious, quality milk from farm to table for years to come.

“SaskMilk hopes for 2025 and into the future that continued growth and success in our industry and across agriculture can continue to bring consumers locally grown and made products that reflect the industries and people within Saskatchewan.”

Matthew Atkinson, President, Manitoba Beef Producers

“If I had a specific wish for the agriculture industry for 2025, it would probably be no surprise that it would be specific to the beef/livestock sector. In general, it would be to achieve more equitable business risk management tools that are on par with other agriculture sectors and countries with whom we trade. This would include completing a cost-shared premium on livestock price insurance.

“Another wish would be to see forage and pasture insurance go to a simpler, easier-to-understand, and less subjective weather station data-driven model.

“With the high cattle prices we are seeing, we continue to see farmers and ranchers exiting the beef industry. While we have many other things that also need attention, the lack of ability to protect oneself from weather and market events as well and as affordably as other sectors appears to be one of the great causes.”

Keith Fournier, Chair, SaskCanola

“The new year for grain producers is a time for optimism, with another fresh start to a growing year.

“My wish for the ag industry is for increased respect and understanding between rural and urban people. As farmers, we are working hard to meet national and global food security needs. This requires the right to ‘farm responsibly,’ and that can only happen with the trust and confidence of the consumer.

“This same consumer is also working hard to provide us with services that we need to keep our farms going and make sure the needs of our families are met. We are fortunate to have organizations like Farm & Food Care and Agriculture in the Classroom to help build this understanding. Both the urban and rural communities are stronger when we work together.

“All the best in 2025.”

Cam Dahl, General Manager, Manitoba Pork

“Agriculture is a key pillar of the economy in every region of Canada. My first wish is therefore not just for farmers, but for the country. First on my wish list is completing an emergency response plan for a foreign animal disease, like African swine fever.

“Governments must be ready to support farmers when an outbreak is announced.

“The second key item on my wish list is the development of a strategic plan for agriculture trade negotiations, mainly targeted at the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.

“Protectionism is on the rise around the world, including in the U.S., and Canada needs a comprehensive plan of response.

“My third key wish is for governments to provide incentives for farmers to adopt new technologies and management practices that increase productivity or reduce costs while advancing sustainability objectives. Mitigating the risks taken on by farmers who are early adopters of new technology and beneficial management practices is far more effective than regulations.” BF