There was a good, frank, open discussion among farm groups, government, grain companies and the railways at last week’s Grain Transportation Roundtable.

That’s the opinion of APAS President Todd Lewis.

Lewis says there’s already been poor service in some areas.

“Some producers on the eastern side of the Province are being told that some of their delivery contracts won’t be honored until later on, with October deliveries being pushed back. Certainly if you live in the Northern corridor, mostly served by CN, they’ve got a good crop up there and unfortunately, that’s where a lot of the carryout was focused as well. There’s going to be a lot of grain to move in Northern Saskatchewan and Northern Alberta this year and CN is going to have to step up to the plate and do a good job and that’s what we’re expecting.”

APAS says the industry needs to recognize there are going to be problems and do something about it sooner rather than later.

When it comes to the Federal Government’s Livestock Tax Deferral program, Lewis says it’s a good start!

Lewis says only some designated area RM’s are included in the program and like others, he’s concerned that they’ll be some producers that could fall through the system.

“If you feel that your RM should be included let your administrator know, let your council know, let APAS know and we’ll take that forward. You know it’s so variable this year with the rainfall that we did have and the other part is this is the second year for decreased moisture across the province. So, hay availability just isn’t there for purchase or movement.”

Under the program producers in the government’s designated areas who are selling off part of their breeding herd due to drought, flooding or excess moisture can defer that income for a year in order to help replenish the herd later on.