It's been a while that politicians have spent gearing up for the national spotlight on agriculture and yesterday was the big day. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) webcast the National Ag Leaders Debate on their website Wednesday morning.

In a phone interview leading up to the debate, NDP agriculture critic Malcolm Allen said one of the biggest issues for producers on the prairies is centered around transportation.

"I think what we need to do is take a good look at the rail systems specifically because that's what pretty well everyone is dependent upon, is the rail system and the fact that there's a duopoly there. We need to look at how do we move product efficient, how do we move it for a price that's reasonable, and how farmers know they're actually getting a good deal," said Allen.

He says a costing review of the system is really needed.