Topics were wide ranging at an APAS prairie farm leaders forum Thursday in Regina.

The forum included farm leaders from the three prairie provinces and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture vice president from Ontario.

Trade, harvest weather and farm support programs dominated the discussion.

Manitoba’s Bill Campbell talked about the amount of crop severely downgraded by wet weather and the huge stress faced by farmers.

He says calls are up on the Manitoba farm stress line.

In Alberta, 45 percent of the sugar beet crop has been frozen and in Manitoba, 45 percent of the potato crop has been frozen and not harvested.

APAS president Todd Lewis pointed to ongoing sales of Canola to China despite some trade issues.

He says there is demand for canola and felt the grain industry was not reflecting market signals.

Lewis questioned the lower price when canola remains in strong demand.

He also pointed to U.S. farm subsidies and the impact on farm inputs in Canada.

Alberta’s Lynn Jacobson told APAS delegates farm business risk management programs may need further review.

Lewis also said agristability is not effective and needs more work.