What I got fromCombine to customer program

[Raven]

Tom and Francisco, they overlook that the single-desk is coercion, backed up by jailing.
Amazing!

[Raven]

There's an old court statement in the early 1900's that says that the phrase "thou shall not steal" does not apply to Parliament. This is the problem the CWB has. They need the government to steal farmers' grain for them but that's all they want from the government.

[silverback]

Fear.

That is all it is ever about.

They are afraid that they may have to stand on their own two feet and make real decisions.

Cowards.

[charliep]

mbratrud

What are the rules and processes around the basis only contract?

Also found the consideration of a durum cashplus contract. Why not all
wheats? Would allow the CWB to put the flexpro contract out of its misery.

Any mention of barley (feed or malt) and new ideas?

[mbratrud]

Charlie,

As for the Basis Pool, its in the the Idea stage. Got the scense from Ian White this is something he is really behind. I think this would be a good option for HRS Wheat.

The reason they are looking at the cash plus for Durum is the fact there is now good hedging mechanism the trading is cash. Step in the right direction I think.

As for Malt Barley I think they just simply want to improve the Cash Plus and expand tonnage. Cash plus is working well so far.

Grain flo is on the table for change, some considerations are attaching price via cash plus to Grain Flo, or putting individual contract tonnage caps in place.

[mbratrud]

Charlie

Basis Pool Contract. Details were scetchy but it would use sales throughout the year like the pool, but the Basis would be the only thing priced. Farmers would be able to pick their futures, and there would be a good possibility futures months would be associated with delivery. Possibly replacing Grain Flo. For example Jan, Feb March would be off the March Future. I think this has possibilties.

[blackpowder]

TOM4CWB et al

It seems you and I would agree everytime regarding the sanctity of property rights. I have helped fund legal chalenges to some Orders in Council gun laws. I generally let people more focused and eloquent like yourself do most of the lifting. I would merely draw your attention to a pivotal leaders' comments on another conflict over certain 'rights' property being among them "a nation divided amongst itself can not stand"
2/3 of this week was spent on other matters. Access to information was unparalleled. For too long I treated 2/3 of my gross sales like cow manure. (fork it to 'em shovel it out). I now have contacts on almost all future questions. There are also future international trips scheduled.

[Raven]

Jag, Mbra, Blackp - I swear you have some form of Stockholm Syndrome. Thank goodness for you it is only your grain that is held captive.

[charliep]

Interesting. One of the areas of concern from the outside is the
increase in the number of programs and the cost of running. The cash
plus is a case in point. Good presentation at the WBGA on the costing
behind and expense allocation with the malt cashplus program.
Average basis program (maybe the wrong terminology) may sound
interesting but at cost/complexity? The goal should be a simple
reflection of real prices on a given day based on actual sales that day.

Sorry for the questions but was there discussion of more/shorter
pooling periods? Shorter pooling periods should reduce risk.

Also discussions about the contingency fund both as needed to back
the current producer payment options and to financially backstop a
CWB without government guarantees?

[Jeff Nielsen]

Hey Jag, Blackpowder and Mbratrud, thanks for your comments on the CIGI course. As I mentioned in a previous thread I have been on it, and feel it is an excellent course in what it shows producers.
On the day at the CWB, it is good that management was frank with you on the challenges and ideas of going forward. Currently the BOD won't go too far especially on pooling, for those who have stanch monopolist directors you best question them why.
There is some fear of the unknown going forward, yet where the CWB has failed somewhat in my opinion is not being as prepared as they could have. We have known since the Liberals gave away the financial guarantees back in 2004, that we needed to be seeking a replacement.The CWB should have a plan ready to work when and if the Doha round is finished.
The CWB has challenges yes, it is the producers who must see value in the CWB, your thoughts ideas and suggestions are key to this.
Jeff Nielsen