The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is generally satisfied with the direction of the 2019 Saskatchewan Budget.

President Todd Lewis says he’s pleased with the funding for the agricultural programs.

“There’s continued funding for our Business Risk Management programs, they could always be improved but we appreciate the funding that does come for them. You know certainly the announcement last week for the $5 million dollars for establishing c and d’s (conservation and development areas) in the province as they pertain to water management that’s another important piece that will go a long way to licensing our waterworks and moving water properly within the province.”

Lewis says they also appreciate the Province’s continued commitment to funding research and development in the agriculture sector.

The livestock industry was watching the budget closely.

The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to see some of the program funding coming through.

Past Chair Ryan Brierbach says he would give the Provincial Budget an A, but adds they definitely have some ideas on what we can do when the economy does strengthen.

The SCA was happy to see the province committing funds for the previously announced crop insurance enhancements.

More money was allocated in the budget for the higher coverage of hay and pasture acres, as well as the newly announced corn rainfall insurance.

He notes they were also happy to see enhancements for the Verified Beef Production Plus program.

“They’ve set up the Best Management Practices and some of the funding that is available through that. Where if you’re certified and audited you get a higher level of funding, that should help encourage producers to sign up.”

He says there’s definitely a couple of positives there and no new taxes is a positive when you’re looking at a government that’s trying to balance a budget under an economy that’s not real strong.