Saskatchewan Farm Life, July 3, 2023

FARM EQUIPMENT

TRACTOR

NEW2022MF4710, 100hpw/loader ..........................$114,000

New2022MF2860, 60hp,hydro,cabloader10yrpowertrain

warranty .............................................................................$80,500

New2022GC1725, 24hp,loader,10yrpowertrainwarranty, 0%fin. .................................................................................$26,250

2013KubotaBX2370, loader,60”bellymower511hrs

..............................................................................................$16,500

2019KubotaM7-152D, loadergrapple .........................$155,000

2011Leon10’4wayblade, cameoff1486IHtractor.....$9,500

Misc

2022KubotaSVL75skidsteer, 535hrsbucket ............$92,500

2022KubotaSVL75skidsteer, 435hrsbucket............$92,500

Sprayers

1fullsetof540floattiresforRG700............................$10,000

1997Rogator854, 5665hrs ..................................................SOLD

LAWN&GARDEN

9620FarmKing3ptsnowblower, 8’,540pto,hyd.Chute

................................................................................................$4,850

202086”skidsteerquickattachblade...........................$2950

2010FarmKing8’3pointsnowblower............................$4,850

FarmKing3pt.hitch60”finishingmower......................$1,000

SEEDING&TILLAGE

NEW2022Morris78’heavyharrow, carbide ...............$81,500

2019MorrisQuantum70’airdrill, dualchute,pairedrow

...........................................................................................$245,000

HAYEQUIPMENT

NEW2023Morris1400hayhiker...................................$53,500

NEW2022MF2956A, baler,net&twine .......................$79,500

2010MasseyFerguson2856ABaler, mesh,twine,largetires

.............................................................................................$24,500

2006Hesston956Abaler, 12000bales ........................$12,500

SWATHERS

2013MFWR9735,36’, sheers,770hrs ...........................$75,000

2018MFW9950, 35’dualswath,GPS,480hrs ...................SOLD

2012ChallengerWR974030’..........................................Coming

COMBINES&HEADERS

Riteway3500, headertransport .......................................$3,500

2019HoneyBeeF240AirFlexheader, CNHadapter ...Coming

1997MF8780, w/pickuphead ......................................$19,500

GRAINHANDLING

NEW2022AkronEXG300 bagextractor......................$60,000

Photo by Mattea Jacklyn

Photo by Dwight Teale

Photo by Jennifer Berry

Don’t poop in the water!

That’s what society says to a ranching family that has been herding their cattle through a stream for over a century.

“OK” says the rancher. “I’ll fence off the creek, drill wells and install water systems.”

“Oh, by the way, it’s going to cost about $50,000 to do this. Who do I send the bill to? Or will I get more money for my beef because I done the “sustainable” thing?”, asks the rancher.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address environmental concerns, farmers are finding themselves under increasing pressure to modify their practices and adopt new technologies to promote sustainability in agriculture. However, a significant question arises: who will bear the financial burden of these changes?

This article delves into the dilemma faced by farmers and explores whether consumers are truly willing to invest their money in supporting sustainable agriculture.

The Challenge for Farmers:

Farmers often face resistance and financial strain when asked to adopt more sustainable methods or integrate new technologies. Consider additional costs of air seeders and sprayers equipped with sectional shut off, variable rate capability or turn compensation. The cost of such modifications can be significant, placing an added burden on the already slim margins of farmers.

The question of who should pay for these changes is crucial. While society benefits from sustainable practices, farmers bear the immediate financial consequences. Is the cost to be borne by the farmer, the government or passed onto consumers?

Consumer Willingness to Invest

To achieve true sustainability in agriculture, consumers need to actively support farmers by choosing sustainable products and being willing to pay a premium for them. However, the willingness of consumers to back their sustainability rhetoric with their wallets is still uncertain. While surveys often show that consumers prioritize sustainable practices, their actions at the checkout counter may not align with their stated values.

Creating a Sustainability Index

One proposed solution is the implementation of a sustainability index

on packaged food products. Such an index would provide consumers with information about the environmental impact of the food they purchase, enabling them to make more informed choices. Would a sustainability index on a package of pasta be better than having a nonsensical non-GMO label on the item? And would consumers pay $.50 more for a spaghetti with a sustainability index of 89 verses one at 53?

Would consumers truly walk the talk?

Potential Benefits for Farmers

The introduction of a sustainability index could have positive implications for farmers and ranchers. A higher sustainability index on their products could potentially command a higher price, providing financial incentives to adopt sustainable practices. This could help offset the costs of implementing environmental improvements, such as erecting fences or drilling wells, and encourage broaderadoptionofsustainable methods throughout the agricultural sector.

Conclusion

The quest for sustainable agriculture necessitates changes in farming practices, often at a considerable financial cost to farmers.

The question of who should bear this burden remains complex. While consumers express support for sustainable agriculture, their willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products is uncertain. Implementing a sustainability index on packaged food may help bridge this gap, potentially driving consumer behavior and rewarding farmers for their sustainable practices. However, further research and evaluation are needed to determine the effectiveness of such initiatives in ensuring a fair distribution of the costs associated with sustainable agriculture.

Robert Saik is a professional agrologist and certified agriculture consultant.HeisanauthorofFOOD5.0and

The Agriculture Manifesto and CEO, of AGvisorPRO an app that connects thoseseekingagricultureadvicewith experts who provide answers. You can reach Rob by downloading and connectingtohimonAGvisorPRO

Photo by Claire Paradis

Photo by Emma Fehr

Photo by Dwight Teale