Spray22 is on the horizon, and it cannot come soon enough for many after drought-like conditions plagued many operators in Saskatchewan in 2021. As I write this president message in Yorkton, a large amount of snow remains on the ground and temperatures have remained below O resulting in a slow melt but in southern Saskatchewan, I have reports that the snow is now long gone. I do remember spray15 being a bust very similar to spray21 and spray16 was a year for the record books so I am optimistic mother nature will do her thing and bring those timely rains yet again. 

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The SAAA Board had their spring meeting in March, and we learned that our gamble paid off and we had a very successful in-person Wings of Saskatchewan Conference in November after both the SAAA and SAC were prepared to take a loss. I'm also very happy to announce for the 2nd consecutive Wing of Saskatchewan conference the SAAA represented over 50% of all in attendance. At our in-person AGM the idea of approaching the University of Saskatchewan was discussed to provide more information to the university regarding aerial application and educate the professors and students. Chad Vanderbyl and I both presented to an ag engineering class of 30+ with the majority of the students having a farm background and half had hired an airplane to treat their farm. Chad and I both were given a tour and met multiple professors to pitch our ideas to. Every professor was intrigued with our ideas and provided information and program ideas to have the university students begin to research and understand the aerial application. This was a very successful visit that went better than I ever imagined and is step one in our relationship with the University of Saskatchewan. 

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The SAAA Sustainability Committee was tasked to provide information to the Gov. of Saskatchewan to help them develop an Ag Equipment Tech Curriculum and include an aerial application section for our education systems that will bring awareness and knowledge of the spray systems we operate. They completed this work in January. We await implementation and feedback. 

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The S.E.A.T Program is evolving in 2022. The Saskatchewan Government has released a SaskTender for helicopter/fixed-wing aviation services to aid with wildland fire suppression and crew moves. The SAAA encourages interested operators to visit the site and read about equipment requirements. Our Association will continue to inform and advocate for our industry and aircraft capabilities with the Government. We will also remain a direct line of communication to our operator membership in this program.

 

CAAA board work over the past year has provided current modern evidence of how important our provincial and national associations are to our industry that is easily forgotten over time when .there isn't an issue jeopardizing our industry. We had a bombshell dropped on us in 2021 regarding spray volumes. We reacted quickly to meet with registrants and Crop Life Canada. Bayer did agree to start testing the aircraft capabilities at 5gal, 3gal, 2gal, and 2gal with atomizers. Unfortunately, we had a dry year and the results were not night and day; but even in a dry year, the aircraft capabilities did show themselves. I'm very excited to see Spray22 trial data next spring. I have said from day one that the airplane and quality job we provide growers are ready for the microscope, and I was met with pushback that the CAAA board has barked up this tree before, but I saw that as no reason to give up. I'm extremely happy with the way the board has conducted themselves with PRMA and Registrants and after meeting with Bayer in March they said, "We see this as an opportunity to work with the CAAA and properly test our product and we (Bayer) see this as a great selling point to change our label". BOOM THERE IT IS! That's all we needed was one registrant to test their product and provide data and amendments to PRMA. I expect this will start a domino effect for other registrants to properly test their products and have their label volumes reduced. The board has made a huge step in the water volume argument and I'm very happy to be a part of this progress. 

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This brings me to the Light Weight Data Record NPA Transport Canada tried to push by the entire Canadian Aviation community in December. This was a true blindside and when Transport Canada held a virtual O&A, it was apparent every sector of aviation in Canada was up in arms, so much so they extended the comment period to the end of March. My interpretation is Transport Canada's inbox is full and they are taking the time to consider all comments. We are currently waiting for Transport Canada's reaction to this united Canadian Aviation community pushback and the direction they will take. I want to thank all SAAA 702 Operators who promptly came on the side and signed the SAAA opposition letter. 

Between Water Volume, LDRs, and the U of S it has been a busy offseason, but proof of how important it is to be a member of our provincial and national associations. We are not out of the woods on water volumes or the LDR and we will have issues in the future I can guarantee you that. SAAA & CAAA 2022 Membership Renewal Opened on January 1st and is now available through our respected website stores. I cannot stress enough how important every member is to our associations. If you are reading this you are already a member. If you know a non-member, share this newsletter with them and ask them to pay their dues too

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Thank you for your continued support., I hope you all have a safe and productive Spray22.

 

Sincerely,

Tanner Denesowych,

SAAA President