“I have been at the helm of this organization since its inception, and I have watched it grow and mature into a strong organization that represents producer interests in a comprehensive manner that we can all be proud of,’ stated Mr. Hildebrandt “While our bylaws would allow me to run for one more year, a new family business venture that will be operational in the new year must receive my focus now. I’ve always been an advocate that fresh ideas and energy are necessary if an organization is to continue to be successful and thrive. Within the organization there are many highly qualified people who can take on the leadership role.”

Mr. Hildebrandt was the inaugural President of the association and has held the post for the past five terms. APAS has seen rapid growth during the past five years and is expected to continue its growth as farm issues relative to sustainability are escalating and farm policy reform is seen as a necessity.

The association has achieved a membership of the producers of one hundred and twenty four Rural Municipalities and is formally recognized as a representative organization of Saskatchewan’s primary producers by all levels of Canadian government, and their regulatory bodies, and all other provincial and national agricultural organizations. In a survey conducted by IPSOS Reid and released earlier this year, Saskatchewan producers identified APAS as the farm organization or association that best represented their farms needs most effectively.

The organization has been instrumental in a number of effective lobbying efforts including breaking the Fredericton Formula, removing the requirement for deposit in the CAIS program, the Federal Government’s Farm Income Payment Program, reinstatement of the Farm Improvement Loan Program, and defending the rights of farmers to reproduce their own seed. A major achievement of the organization has been to bring commodity groups and farm organizations together to network for change.

APAS recognizes the contribution and dedication that Terry has brought to the organization and wishes him well in his new business venture. Mr. Hildebrandt will remain in the organization as the elected representative of the producers of R.M. 181.

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(Authored and distributed by APAS)