Unharvested acres, cash flow, and poor Internet, among farmers鈥� main concerns heading into spring.
Nearly 40 per cent of respondents to the Agricultural Producer鈥檚 Association of Saskatchewan鈥檚 (APAS) most recent farm survey still have unharvested crop left in the field from last year as of mid-April, according to a release. The weekly survey tracks the ongoing situation for the province鈥檚 farmers as they cope with a spring that is even more stressful than usual.
Cold weather and recent precipitation in many parts of the province have left farmers unable to get into their fields to complete the 2019 harvest. 鈥淚t means double the work in a spring when stress is already high in the farm community,鈥� said Todd Lewis, farmer and APAS President. 鈥淣ot only are folks unable to finish their harvest and start seeding, but we鈥檙e hearing more and more about how the impacts of COVID-19 are making the situation more difficult.鈥�
A full one third of survey respondents indicated that they are experiencing COVID-19-related disruptions to the purchase and delivery of farm inputs, as well as to the sale and delivery of their farm production.
A number of respondents also reported concerns with recent declines in the cattle market. 鈥淚 was wanting to sell some feeder cattle, but markets have canceled some sales and the prices have been so uncertain,鈥� wrote one producer, echoing the experience of others who are also grappling with falling prices and difficult marketing decisions.
The impact of poor and unreliable telecommunications was another theme that came out loud and clear in this week鈥檚 results, continued the release. Fifty-one percent of respondents reported higher than average disruptions to cell and internet service, a trend that shines light on a long-standing problem.
Respondents to this week鈥檚 survey are continuing to report significant cash flow challenges and financial pressure, problems that APAS would like to see addressed through government policy at a time when agriculture is so crucial. 鈥淛ust like people in every industry across the country, cash flow is a huge problem for Saskatchewan farmers right now,鈥� said Lewis, noting that of the 37 per cent of respondents who indicated that they are experiencing immediate financial need as a result of COVID-19, an overwhelming 94 per cent identified cash flow as a primary concern. 鈥淚f you can鈥檛 pay your bills and buy your supplies, it鈥檚 going to be hard to keep your business afloat. Whether you鈥檙e a farmer or not, most everyone can relate to that.鈥�
In an effort to collect and communicate the most up-to-date data related to COVID-19 and agriculture, APAS is asking Saskatchewan producers to complete updated online surveys at apas.ca/survey every week during the pandemic, which includes follow up questions related to the 2019 harvest. Results will be communicated directly to government officials and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and can be viewed at apas.ca/survey.
