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Local farmer believes wheat commission needs new direction

Nov 17, 2017 | 8:00 AM

The agriculture industry is facing many changes in the years to come and one candidate for the upcoming Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (SWDC) Board of Directors elections feels it’s time the elected officials that provide governance for the commission followed suit.

Trevor Scherman, who owns and operates a farm between Battleford and Wilkie, believes the time is ripe for change with SWDC and that is why he is seeking a seat on the commission board.

“I have been approached by several area farmers who feel my expertise would be an asset to the board,” said Scherman. “The industry is changing and I feel the board has to change with it.”

Ten candidates are vying for four board of director positions on the SWDC. Area producers have until Nov. 24 to cast their ballots either online or by mail-in ballot.

Not only a farmer, which he enjoys immensely, Scherman’s business acumen includes being a co-founder of ScherGrain Solutions Systems and he is very passionate about technology and how it relates to the agriculture industry.

“We need to invest in technology, we need to invest in research,” he added. “As a board when must move forward for new and better varieties and it needs to come from sources whether public, private or partnerships.”

He also believes that co-operation between various boards and agencies is vital to maintaining long term growth for the industry.

“The reputation of Canadian wheat needs to be promoted and the Canadian Wheat brand needs to be upheld,” Scherman said. “If elected, I will urge the board to open dialogue with other national organizations like Cereals Canada, the Canadian International Grains Institute and Canadian Grain Commission on activities like the annual New Crop Trade Missions.”

In opening these lines of communications, Scherman believes the SWDC will both learn and grow from it.

“I have travelled extensively to many farming operations and have seen how farming practices differ from one location to another,” added Scherman. “You then take the best ideas from these farms and implement them to your own operation.”

“The end result is more money in farmer’s pockets and a healthy agriculture industry which is what everybody wants.”

 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter