By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday, May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024 | 12:05 PM

As farm incomes continue to be strained by lower commodity prices, there is concern how this will affect sales of agriculture equipment.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) reports on new equipment sales in Canada and the United States.

AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades said modest growth in agriculture 4-Wheel-Drive tractor sales in April 2024 is an indicator of resilience in the overall ag industry.

“The smaller horsepower market continues to be a challenge, but we remain optimistic for the long-term strength of the ag equipment market,” he said.

Canadian sales of combines also skyrocketed 73.5 per cent in April compared to 2023 and are up 17.7 per cent year-to-date. 4-Wheel-Drive tractor sales grew 7.2 per cent year-over-year and 9.2 per cent year-to-date.

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Saskatchewan exported $7.28 billion worth of agri-food products to the Indo-Pacific Region.

The top exporting destination was China, with $4.3 billion worth of agri-food products exported to the country followed by Japan, India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said China is also Saskatchewan’s second largest export market.

“The billions of dollars in high quality exports to the Indo-Pacific region are the result of the strong and sustainable agriculture sector in Saskatchewan,” Marit said. “We will remain steadfast in our trade partnerships across the globe to support Saskatchewan’s economic goals while continuing to feed a growing world.”

Saskatchewan has already surpassed its 2030 Growth Plan target of $20 billion in agri-food exports with total shipments of $20.2 billion in 2023.

The total value of Saskatchewan’s agri-food exports increased nearly 10 per cent over the previous year. The top agri-food exports in the Indo-Pacific region were canola seed, non-durum wheat, dry peas, lentils and barley.

There are five Saskatchewan International Trade Offices in the Indo-Pacific Region located in China, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and India.

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The Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) is making changes to its brand, new member portal, and website.

Executive Director Myrna Grahn said CAAR is committed to representing ag retailers as the voice of responsible retailing.

“Our new brand, member portal and website convey CAAR’s commitment to the continued success and growth of the ag-retail industry,” Grahn said. ‘We are excited to build upon our almost 30-year history of serving as a trusted partner to unite, educate, and advocate for safe and effective agriculture.”

Grahn said its key role is providing national representation to the industry, helping retailers operate environmentally, socially responsibly, and economically.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW