Duane gave an update on his recent trip to Saskatchewan for a family reunion and the Canadian Potash Industry.
He highlighted the strategic importance of Saskatchewan’s potash industry as a major economic driver for Saskatchewan, Canada and global agriculture.
Duane's family reunion was in Guernsey which is 1 hour east of Saskatoon and included his only surviving aunt who is 98 years old and his first cousins of which 14 were able to attend with spouses. During this visit Duane was able to find the one room schoolhouse that he attended for grade 1 which had been moved several times over the past 56 years but was still recognizable.
Saskatchewan produces over 20 million tons of potash annually, with reserves estimated at 15 billion tons, enough for up to 1,000 years of mining. The province hosts 11 potash mines, including the largest, Rocanville, and the Lanigan Mine near Guernsey, which has operated for over 60 years. The new mine near Janssen, developed by Australia’s BHP, will start production next year and is supported by a massive LNG power plant capable of powering a city of 350,000 people.
Family members working underground as mechanics and bore operators underscore the deep local connection and workforce expertise. Canada supplies 85% of the US potash imports, with half of Canadian production destined for the US, making it a critical trade relationship unaffected by current tariffs.
Speaker shared optimism that demand remains steady despite potential tariff threats due to agriculture’s essential food production role.