Empowering Producers through Progressive Agricultural Policy.
Tenth Anniversary AGM - March 23 & 24, 2010
(Regina) The Tenth Anniversary Annual General Meeting of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) was held on March 22, 23 and 24 in the Wascan Ballroom of the Regina Inn in Regina. The primary objectives of the meeting were to:
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Download the complete 2010 AGM agenda [HERE]
Scroll down for a few photos and links to the presentations.
Buying Local Feeding Global
Monday, March 22
APAS delegates and spouses arrived in Regina through the late afternoon as the 10th Anniversary AGM got underway at the Regina Inn. The BOD met throughout the day and at 4 pm, delegates gathered for a short orientation regarding the organization's history and tonight's agenda. At 6:30 and 6:45 pm, buses arrived to transport APAS delegates, spouses, speakers and their guests to the Queensbury Convention Centre for tonight's celebration of Saskatchewan made foods and culture.
At Evraz Place, APAS delegates and their guests joinmed together with representatives and guests of the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association (SFPA), Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), the Regina and Saskatoon Farmers Markets and our sponsors and supporters as we experienced Saskatchewan-Made foods and culture at the Buying Local Feeding Global reception.
Registered guests were provided a beautifully detailed 'passport' that led them to four corner of the globe to sample how Saskatchewan commodities and foods are transformed into exceptional culinary dishes around the world.The passport included information about the food and culture of the region as well as details regarding Saskatchewan's trade with the region. In this engaging and educational manner, all of the guests were able to learn about (and take pride in) where and to whom Saskatchewan foods travel as share our brand around the world.
To demonstrate how Saskatchewan's agricultural food products - both raw commodities and manufactured exports - travel around the world; each of the four 'global' food stations was uniquely decorated to represent Saskatchewan's major trading partners - the USA, Latin America, Europe and South Asia. At each station, a menu of locally-sourced items authentically prepared by the chef and served by staff at Queensbury Convention Centre ensured that guests were able to clearly see and taste how Saskatchewan's farm gates are directly connected to the world's dinner plates.
The South Asian Food Station featured sumptuous buttered chicken from the Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan, along with Willow Creek Grain Company chick peas and Living Soil Farms lentils cooked in a Saskatchewan mustard curry and served with pot sticker samosas and warm naan bread.
The American Food Station served locally-sourced Roast Beef, Pork Loin (donated by SaskPork) and Roasted Turkey Breast (donated by the Sask Turkey Marketing Board); each served with delicious side dishes and accompaniments produced by members of the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association (SFPA).
The centre of the room included numerous tables featuring a wide variety of locally produced breads, dips, salads dressings and desserts, including a wonderful Humus made by Teresa Giesbrecht, owner of the Garlic Guru in Saskatoon (pictured above).
A Five Star attraction for all the guests was Prairie Orchard Ice Cream with Sour Cherry Topping. Wayne Pearson, owner of Prairie rRchards was kept busy all night as he served up over 150 scoops of ice cream and topping.
Some people couldn't resist serving it with a slice or two of the amazing fesh baked pies available exclusively at the Saskatoon Farmers Market..
To strengthen the 'buy local' connection in attendees minds, organizers worked with the Saskatoon and Regina Farmers Markets to source locally prepared products including Saskatoon Berry and Sour Cherry Pies the Prairie Pie Company and Pistachio Sheets from Pastryworld Enterprises Ltd.
To 'feed the soul', we invited Saskatchewan musician, Nadeem Naz and his band, Free Range, featuring an eclectic mix of Indian tabla, bagpipes, saxaphone and banjo music. They truly provided guests with an entertaining and fascinating global music experience.
Throughout the evening, guests were encouraged to take home and share a taste of Saskatchewan by purchasing a $10, $20 or $30 gift bag filled with Saskatchewan Made food products and information.
Buying was brisk as a number of the gift bags also included gift certificates from the Hotel Saskatchewan, the Delta Bessborough and Hilton Garden Inn in Saskatoon, tickets to upcoming events at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina and Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon AND an amazing culinary evening of food and wine pairings at the Willow on Wascana.
Sask Culture and the Saskatchewan Made Marketplace also generously donated valuable gift baskets as door prizes for the evening. Attendees were excited by the many unique opportunites to experience Saskatchewan food and culture.
Deb Claude and Teresa Giesbrecht of the Saskatoon Farmers Market helped APAS' General Manager, Nial Kuyek award the gift baskets to a number of lucky winners.
Every guest attending also received free gifts form Great Western Brewing and Sask Music. APAS , STEP and SFPA would like to extend a very special "Thank You" to all of our partners and sponsors for their generous contributions and support towards this exceptional evening.
APAS is Saskatchewan’s general farm organization formed to provide farmers and ranchers with a united voice.
SFPA is a nonprofit organization designed to strengthen he rapidly growing food processing industry in askatchewan.
STEP champions the province’s export industry and ssists provincial businesses in realizing global arketing opportunities.
Together we encourage you to explore and enjoy the vast treasure of Saskatchewan made food products available at the Saskmade marketplace, at farmers markets across the province and on dinner plates around the world.
2010 AGM - Plenary & Presentations
Tuesday, March 23
Photo: Co-Chiar Norm Hall, President Greg Marshall and Co-Chair Todd Lewis confer at the podium as the 2010 AGM gets underway.
Tuesday morning's agenda began sharply at 8 am. President Greg Marshall called the meeting to order and welcomed the delegates and guest to the AGM. Norm Hall of the RM of Emerald #277 and Todd Lewis of the RM of Lajord #128 were elected co-chairs of the 2010 AGM. Together, they will jointly chair the following two days of meetings and presentations.
(Photo: President Greg Marshall recognizes some of the special guests who attended the 2010 AGM.)
Tuesday morning's agenda began at 8 am. President Greg Marshall called the meeting to order and welcomed the delegates and guest to the AGM.
Norm Hall of the RM of Emerald #277 and Todd Lewis of the RM of Lajord #128 were elected co-chairs of the 2010 AGM. They will jointly chair the following two days of meetings and presentations.
Following the adoption of the official minutes from the December 2009 Mid Term Meeting & this year's agenda, Norm Hall invited the 2009-2010 President, Greg Marshall to provide the opening address.
(Photo: General Manager, Nial Kuyek identifies some of the RMs that have recently become members of APAS)
Greg's address was followed by an update by General Manager Nial Kuyek on the success of the membership retention and recruitment activities undertaken following the 2009 Winter Mid Term Meeting as well as a brief overview of the current staff focus.
Following some of the more tedious business of the plenary, (including the renaming of the auditor and the reading of the financial statements) Nial provided some key instructions as the delegates broke of into one of four policy committee meetings to discuss key issues in depth and to prepare important resolutions for debate on the convention floor tomorrow.
Delegates returned from their respective Policy Committee meetings shortly after 11 am in order to hear from each of the Policy Chairs regarding current concerns and to listen to an update from APAS representatives on important external committees prior to lunch.
1:00 pm: Issues in the Current Crop Year & Potential Changes to the Canada Grains Act
Following an excellent lunch and networking break, delegates reconvened in the Wascana Ballroom to hear about CGC Issues in the Current Crop Year & Potential Changes to the Canada Grains Act by Elwin Hermanson, Chief Commissioner of CGC.
Download Elwin's presentation HERE
2:00 pm: The Saskatchewan Livestock Industry Issues and Policy Needs
At 2 pm, Ryan Thompson of Sask Cattleemen’s Association, Jay McGrath & Mark Ferguson of SaskPork, Mark Silzer of Sask Bison Association, and Jim Ross of Dairy Farmers of Saskatchewan participated in a lively panel discussion with APAS Livestock Committee Chair Norm Nordgulen on the Saskatchewan Livestock Industry's Issues and Policy Needs.
Click the images below to download a PDF version of each of the presentations.
SCA - A Unified Voice - Working Together for the Future of Our Industry - PDF version.
SaskPork - Pork Industry Update - PDF version.
Canadian Bison Indusrty Update - PDF version.
The Saskatchewan Dairy Industry - Issues and Poilcy Needs- PDF version.
4:00 pm - Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Bob Bjornerud
Following the afternoon networking break, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Saskatchewan, Mr Bob Bjornerud addressed the delegates. Delegates were pleased that the Minster was able to break away form his busy schedule to attend the AGM, but somewhat disappointed that Minister Bjornerud spoke primarily on the province's coyote and gopher eradication programs.
The Minister was able to respond to delegate's pressing questions and he did take time to assure APAS Reps that the Association would be consulted in the upcoming provincial/federal BRM Program reviews that are scheduled to take place this spring and summer.
Minister Bjornerud concluded his comments by commending APAS, STEP and SFPA on partnering together to present the Buying Local Feeding Global reception, which he felt was a highly original, engaging and entertaining way to promote Saskatchewan agriculture.
The meeting adjourned for the day at 5 pm as delegates, guests and spouses prepared for the formal banquet and reception featuring a keynote address entitled "The Future of Food" by CFA President Laurent Pellerin.
5:30-11 pm: 10th Anniversary Banquet & Keynote Address
On Tuesday evening, President Greg Marshall welcomed 125 reps, spouses and special guests to a joint celebration of CFA's 75th and APAS' 10th anniversaries. Guests were treated to an exceptional meal (served in a unique and original manner by the excellent staff at the Regina Inn) and an entertaining evening of speakers and comedy.
Greg spoke briefly about last night's reception and today's meetings before introducing APAS' first President (and still an active and vocal RM Representative) Mr. Terry Hildebrandt to commemorate the organization's 10th year serving as the united voice of Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers.
A Past President, founding member and still active Rep, Terry Hildebrandt, spoke eloquently and passionately regarding the continuing and pressing need for a strong and active general farm organization in the province.
He congratulated the current BOD and staff for their commitment over the past yaer and a half as the organization has turned the corner in regards to the recent growing pains. He reminded the assembled producers that only by standing together can today's and tomorrow's farmers and ranchers have an effective voice in the halls of power.
As usual, Terry challenged the delegates to think outside the box and, in his usual manner, he closed with the thought that if each of the attending reps could just secure one additional RM as a member; by next year, APAS would be double to size and twice as effective.
Laurent Pellerin, President of the CFA, was the keynote speaker at the 10th anniversary banquet on Tuesday evening at the Regina Inn.Laurent began by commending APAS on the organization's 10th anniversary and he congratulated the staff, executive and President for the exceptional work done over the last year to strengthen APAS and the organization's reputation.He also reminded the assembled delegates that we rarely stop to thank those that came before and he was pleased to see that we did not wait like CFA did for another 65 years before recognizing the important work done by leaders like Past President Terry Hildebrand and APAS current President, Greg Marshall.
Laurent commended the chef on the excellent meal and used the opportunity focus on the theme of tonight's keynote address: The Future of Food - an outline of the CFA's National Food Strategy> Laurent demonstrated how CFA is striving to work with all the participants in the food production industry to ensure that we develop a comprehensive and complete food strategy to lead Canada into the next decade and beyond.
Photo: APAS President Greg Marshall and his spouse, Edie, laughed loud and long at the antics of Doug Arden as he involved some of the APAS staff in his magic and comedy show.
Saskatchewan's very own comedian, master magician and talented ventriloquist, Doug Arden, rounded out the evening's agenda on a lighter note; inviting retiring APAS Administrator, Sonia Korpus and General Manager Nial Kuyek to assist him on stage. Unfortunately, as my General Manager and Executive Assistant, the two of them somehow managed to delete all those photos ...they think.
However, we did manage to capture Doug's new routine with District Five Director Garth Burns as his faithful sidekick. (Watch for a You Tube link to the video soon)
Doug's show brought the crowd to its knees and then to their feet for a rousing standing ovation to finish an exceptional evening. (Pictured; APAS Rep Dorothy Weetman and her husband, Richard appeared to thoroughly enjoy their evening - even when Doug apparently burned one of Richard's hard-earned $20 bills)
2010 AGM - Plenary & Presentations - Wednesday, March 24 (Day 2)
8:00 am - Weather Farm & Weather Riisk Insurance
Wednesday's agenda starts with two important presentation on CWB's Weather Farm and the related session on Weather Risk Insurance.Due to the extremely large number of photos (and resulting file size) that both presentations included, we are unable to post them for download here. Please contact our office if you wish to review a printed or electronic copy of the presentation.
9:30 am: The Future of Food- CFA's National Food Strategy
APAS delegates had an opportunity to hear from Brigitte Riviore, CFA Executive Director, regarding the CFA's National Food Strategy proposed mission and vision statement. APAS delegates endorsed the strategy's draft statements and directed the BOD to fully participate in the CFA's upcoming consultations.
For more information about the CFA's National Food Strategy, The Future of Food, please click [HERE]
10:00 am: The 2010-2011 Elections
(Photo: Director and AGM Co-Chair Norm Hall introduces the 2010-2011 Board of Directors)
District, Committee and Executive elections were held after the morning refreshment break and the 2010/2011 Board and Exxecutive were introduced before breaking for lunch.
The twelve District Directors elected for 2010-2011 are:
| District 1: | District 2 | ||
| Arlynn Kurtz - RM #183 | Norm Nordgulen - RM #72 | ||
| Ernie Briggs - RM #153 | Todd Lewis - RM #128 | ||
| District 3 | District 4 | ||
| Kevin Gilbert - RM #110 | Norm Hall - RM #277 | ||
| Don Connick - RM #109 | David Spencer - RM #457 | ||
| District 5 | District 6 | ||
| Greg Marshall - RM #279 | | Charles Boser - RM #381 | |
| Garth Burns - RM #309 | Jeff Simpson - RM #318 | ||
Returning as President for another year will be Greg Marshall, a grains and oilseeds farmer from the Seimens area. Jeff Simpson of Ruthilda and Don Connick of Gull Lake will also be returning in their roles as Vice-Presidents of the organization.
"The election results clearly indicate the confidence and support of our members for the leadership and excellent staff that we have in the organization," said Marshall. "I'm extremely proud to be re-elected as APAS President and I look forward to working diligently with the Board, staff and our partners to promote Saskatchewan agriculture and to protect the interests of our members and all Saskatchewan farm families."
New members were also elected or appointed to APAS various Policy and Operational Committees. A complete list of committee members can be downloaded [HERE].
11:00 am Competition in Grain Transportation by Harold Koberinski, Railway Management Ltd.
(Photo: Doug Faller introduces Mr Koberinski.)
Doug Faller, APAS Policy Manger introduced Harold Koberinski, Railway Management Ltd as he presented the case for Short Line Railways.Harold's presentation clearly demonstrated the value of short lines to both grain producers and rural communities.
12:00 noon - Luncheon with Keynote Address
Shortly after noon, past CFA President and current FNA-STAG President and CEO, Bob Friessen ( a familiar face to many APAS delegates) provided a heartfelt and passionate defense of working together entitled "Empowering Farmers". His message was clear - that only by working together - as individual farmers and as their representative organizations - can agricultural producers ever hope to affect political change.
1:00 Update from the Prairie Farm Leaders
At 1 pm, Executives from APAS, KAP and WRAP each provided short updates on the specific issues they are facing in their home provinces. WRAP's President, Humphrey Banack took the opportunity to lighten the mood somewhat by filling his presentation with amusing photos and references to Saskatchewan 'mythology'.
2:30 pm: 2010 Policy Resolutions Debate
Delegates discussed, debated and passed a number of important resolutions prior to wrapping up the meeting late Wednesday afternoon. A PDF of the passed resolutions is below.
PDF of Resolutions passed at 2010 AGM
Click here to learn about the Buying Local Feeding Global Reception on March 22, 2010
Click here to download the FINAL AGENDA
Download the media advisory sent on March 22
The 2010 Tenth Anniversary AGM is sponored by
APAS is Saskatchewan’s general farm organization formed to provide farmers and ranchers with a democratically elected, grassroots, non-partisan, producer organization based on rural municipal boundaries. As the united voice of thousands of agricultural producers in Saskatchewan, we strive to represent the views of a wide variety of agricultural stakeholders in order to form comprehensive policies that can benefit all sectors of society.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Marshall, APAS President
Office: (306) 789-7774 ext 151
Cell: (306) 746-7747
Email: president@apas.ca
Nial Kuyek, APAS General Manager
Office: (306) 789-7774 ext 154
Cell: (306) 535-3684
Email: nkuyek@apas.ca
To schedule media interviews or to request printed or electronic copies of the presentations, releases or other materials, please contact:
Aj Thakker, APAS Communications Consultant
Office: (306) 789-7774 ext 152
Cell: (306)531-7955
Email: athakker@apas.ca
Download the complete 2010 AGM Agenda [HERE]
Download the 2010 AGM Resolutions [HERE]