The difficulty of moving grain by rail dominated conversation today between Saskatchewan Ag Minister Lyle Stewart and his federal counterpart Lawrence MacAuley.

The backlog has been a serious problem for farmers all winter, and both ministers are in agreement things have to get better.

MacAuley said the situation has improved recently.  "There have been a number of actions taken but it's still a serious situation and this is something that can not continue to happen".

Stewart sees a similar picture.

“I think the railways have stepped up as far as grain car deliveries go, their numbers are to where they probably should’ve been all winter.”

It may be too late for some farmers who are trying to get their grain to market before spring seeding starts.

MacAuley said the economic crunch caused by the delay may need to be addressed.

“If there’s any financial issues that we’re able to deal with them, like advanced payment and this type of thing, too make sure that they’re able to get their crop in.”

Bill C-49 is currently awaiting senate approval.  It would hold railways more accountable to deliver the grain cars required by the industry.