GM's Report: July'09
June 24 - July 20, 2009
Key Activities of the Staff Group
- As a staff group, we were pleased with the Mid Term Meeting in terms of the quality of the agenda and the success of the Wednesday evening function at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market.
- Follow-up to the Mid Term Meeting has included invoicing, mailing of packages to RM Representatives who did not attend, and media inquiries.
- Aj Thakker has begun the task of editing the tapes of the Ecological Goods and Services conference to develop segments for broadcast on the Access Cable system and for distribution by CD to interested audiences.
- Letters of invitation were distributed for the meeting of livestock organizations which APAS is organizing for August 6, 2009.
- A letter was sent to Minister Bjornerud commending him on the changes announced for Crop Insurance and conveying the resolutions from the Mid Term Meeting on crown leases and crop insurance.
Key Activities Specific to the General Manager
- With Board members Ernie Briggs and Norm Nordgulen, I attended the Farming for Profit conference in Moose Jaw on June 28 And 29. As a pinch hitter for the President, I did a presentation on behalf of APAS in a panel discussion on the future of agricultural policy. In terms of the conference overall, year after year, Andy Schmitz assembles a relevant agenda and quality presenters and participants.
- Luncheon meeting with Joel Pederson, Head of Industry and Government Relations with Ducks Unlimited, to discuss follow-up to the Ecological Goods and Services conference.
- Participated in a conference call with the Farm Leadership Council and Canadian Farm Advisors Association to further discuss the potential of a joint conference between the three organizations in Saskatoon on November 19, 2009.
- Participated in a conference call of the Producer Payment Security working group to discuss the application for Phase 11: More Detailed Assessment of Insurance and Fund-based approaches. APAS supports the application for Phase 11 and will continue to serve on the steering committee.
- Radio interview with CKRM on the Farming for Profit conference and interview with the Leader Post on the Crop Insurance changes announced by Minister Bjornerud.