Saskatchewan promotes safety as spring seeding kicks off

Between cold weather and rising fuel and input costs, Saskatchewan farmers have a tough growing season on the horizon. Wayne Mantyka reports.

As the province enters spring seeding season, the Government of Saskatchewan says safety should be top of mind.

In a Monday news release, the government reminded farmers to follow safe practices in the field and when moving equipment on the roadways, while also reminding the public to stay alert and patient when sharing the road with farm equipment.

“The largest annual private investment in Saskatchewan is now underway as spring seeding begins,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in the announcement. “During this busy time of year, I encourage everyone to stay safe and be mindful of farm equipment on roadways.”

The call for safety didn’t just end with physical risks, as the province also reminded farmers to also take care of their mental health.

“When stressed or fatigued, good decision-making is more difficult, and safety can slip,” said SaskAgMatters chair Cynthia Beck.

“Taking care of yourself is just as important as the farm work. Keep in mind, a farm’s number one asset is the people. A seeder cannot run itself. If the workload or life in general feels overwhelming, it is the perfect time to reach out for support and learn strategies to help manage.

“Producers and farm families are encouraged to contact the Farm Stress Line or SaskAgMatters for free mental health support.”

Since April 1, SaskAgMatters has assumed management of the provincial Farm Stress Line – a 24/7 confidential mental health service for producers.

SaskAgMatters also offers free counselling. Counsellors with the Farm Stress Line and SaskAgMatters both have prior agricultural training.

The Farm Stress Line can be accessed at 1-800-667-4442 and addresses concerns related to burnout, financial stress, family pressures, anxiety, depression or concern for others.

The program receives $200,000 per year from the federal and provincial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Farmers facing delays, rising costs

While seeding is now underway across much of southern Saskatchewan, some farmers say cold weather has delayed operations by more than a week.

On the Schikowski farm outside Regina, crews are roughly 10 days behind schedule.

“We got out, we started Friday. We started spraying on Thursday and then started on Friday and it’s been a good start,” said farmer Parker Schikowski.

Farmers are also dealing with rising fuel, land and equipment costs heading into the growing season.

“We’re feeling the fuel, but in retrospect fuel is a small part, but every bit counts,” he said.

“Other big farms coming in and driving up rent and land prices and family farms have to compete somehow so we kind of have to pony up.”

Despite the late start, the province says favourable moisture conditions could still help produce a strong crop.

“If we get some pretty good heat, get that crop established, it can develop a lot in a short period of time,” said Legislative Secretary for Agriculture James Thorsteinson.

The Saskatchewan NDP says producers should be consulted on the economic pressures facing the industry.

“It should be done in an urgent way. We should be hearing from producers and their organizations now and we clearly need some actions that are in the interests of producers and this industry,” said NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon.