Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan for the Next Decade of Growth features 20 actions for the 2020s which will work to achieve 30 goals for 2030.
Growing our agricultural economy and adding value; increasing Saskatchewan-based processing of agricultural products and marketing products are among the key action items as we move into a new decade. Among our goals for 2030, is increasing crop production to 45 million metric tonnes and livestock cash receipts to $3 billion.
Each and every year, Saskatchewan’s agricultural and manufacturing strength is on display at Canadian Western Agribition – the best beef show on the continent and the largest livestock show in Canada is taking place all this week in Regina.
Since 1971, Agribition has strived to create and maintain an effective, hospitable and entertaining atmosphere to market our agriculture products and expertise to the world. The event hosts over 1,250 international guests from over 86 countries and showcases our livestock industries, including cattle, bison, alpaca, sheep, horses and stock dogs. Exhibits demonstrate our products and industries that may be in demand around the world.
Agribition isn’t just for farmers. It’s worth the visit just for the rodeo events, shopping, food, Indigenous entertainment and live music. Using live animals and interactive stations, the education program is very effective in teaching urban and rural youth about where the food on their table comes from. The program has taught thousands of school children the important role agriculture plays in the food industry.
The Government of Saskatchewan knows that the agriculture industry can continue to grow through the next decade and will thrive even more with the right supports in place. That is why there is a financial commitment to Canadian Western Agribition to support its work with international buyers and developing markets. The province will provide funding up to $100,000 annually (2018-2023). Agribition’s market development program goals include increasing registered international buyers at the show and conducting outgoing missions to high-value markets.
At the same time that Agribition is going on, our province is celebrating Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week (November 25th to 29th). While Manufacturing week recognizes all manufacturing industries in Saskatchewan, we will see the work of some of our successful manufacturers of agricultural equipment on display during Agribition.
Nearly 40 per cent of Western Canada’s 11,000 farm and ranch implement manufacturing jobs are based in Saskatchewan. Located in the heart of the Canadian Prairies, Saskatchewan is well positioned to meet the needs of the agricultural equipment sector. Saskatchewan's top-quality farm equipment can be found at work all around the world; from the United States, Australia, Mexico and Western Europe to Eastern Europe, South America, Kazakhstan, the Middle East and Africa.
Some of our world-class, innovative products include equipment for:
- Tillage and rock removal;
- Spraying and fertilizing;
- Livestock and forage;
- Zero- and minimum-tillage seeding; and
- Grain handling, storage and transportation.
We have agricultural manufacturers right in our local area. Doepker Industries manufactures grain handling equipment while, just down the road at Mortlach, Haukaas Manufacturing serves our agricultural industries with bale handling equipment and power lift doors. You would find both of these companies displaying their products at Agribition.
Manufacturing plays a key role in Saskatchewan, making up 7 per cent of the provincial GDP. Saskatchewan’s agri-food exports were valued at $13.4 billion in 2018.
We appreciate the hard work of our manufacturing industries and our agriculture industry. Their innovative practices and products help to feed the world. This is a key part of our government’s Growth Plan for a strong economy, strong communities, strong families and a stronger Saskatchewan.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
