single desk comments 4 yrs on in aust

[hobbyfrmr]

Allis, I think the organic market for Hard Red is already saturated, or the big bad organic buyers are not paying as much as they should. This may get worse, and the big bad organic buyers will use the loss of the CWB as the scapegoat to make a few more bucks. After all, it plays right into the message that it would happen. Many (not all) organic producers will be insulted and dejected at the loss of the CWB and will be thinking "I told you so" Others will be pleased to load shipping containers and rail cars to export markets anywhere in the world without a buyback penalty, or the chance of going to jail.
Some organic farmers are going to continue growing non board grains like peas, oats, lentils, flax etc. Other organic farmers will grow wheat like they always did because it is a financially viable crop for them.
If the European financial crisis really implodes, or the US goes into a double dip recession, I think organic producers are going to have a hard time because "nobody" will be able to "afford" to buy expensive organic grain.
I have a neighbor that is organic farming and really thinking of bailing out. The guy is 60yrs old and thinking very strongly to put his clover plowdown/black dirt into canola for the big score! He can then rent out to the big renters without the organic stigma attached. Its all about money for this guy.

[parsley]

"Milady, I siimply don't understand the rabble."

"Oh, Milord, it is unconscionable that the
peasants are once more asking for their own
plots of land."

"Milady, my astronomer has charted the seasons
of the moon, at great expense, I might add, from
the profits the unpleasantly complaining peasants
might have realized. My learned astonomer
studied the effects of the fullness of the moon
and it's effects thereof, and he has concluded
that the sporadic requests that these peasant
workers make, to own their own homes and
land, is caused by the full moon."

" How disconcerting, Milord, for you to bear the
burden of responsibility for their welfare. They
couldn't eat without your oversee."

"True, Milady, they are helpless and uninformed.
They need me to make decisions for them
whether they realize it or not. They are like my
children."

"Which reminds me Milord, the children and I
need new frocks for the ball. You were paid
yeaterday, for the wheat the peasants grew last
year. I hear you did quite well. How many
bushels?"

"Milady, I never worry about the quantity! Thats a
detail for the peasants. I sign the cheques; thats
the hard part."

"Milord, every peasant on this parcel of land
would curse the day you no longer managed their
affairs. . A toast to you Milord" pars

[wakopa]

when they disappear in 5 years lets have another celebration

[oneoff]

Read what you write chuck. "The world is being WalMarted"; paraphrased you say "we are headed for 50,000 acres or more" and I might add have gone from a very few quarter sections to where we are in farm size (today); all under the watch of the CWB.
Just what role or lack of role does the CWB take responsibility for.

Looks like the CWB has been pretty ineffective in meeting your expectations in the past. What more could they have offered?.

[LWeber]

Thank you for the correct interpretation of the graph, Oneoff.

Chuck can't answer because no one has written him speaking notes on that subject yet.

[oneoff]

And chuck; tell me what percent of your gross income is derived from grains that you use the CWB to determine the price that you receive. The wrong answer to that question will destroy your credibility.
And claiming that some farmers bully their way to assembling all the land available is a bull shit example and excuse to attempt to add shine to your perfect situation. I suspect you have used the CWB for personal (or special group) gain; and that's why this organization is being overhauled; and more importantly after your entitlements are lost; you will be amongst the first not to use the "new" CWB.

[oneoff]

And while I'm wound up; it isn't a matter of "lucky" kids. Farming is; or should be a business. Living off the government subsidy payments; and off farm income; and the pittances of averaged CWB returns that have been shaved off compulsory sales to a single desk have not been a recipe for a healthy farming business in my eyes. There are plenty of examples of prosperity; but the factors involved are:

- timing in decision making
- smart use of time and productive long hours of work.
- requirement of honesty and fair play in business dealings (usually important)
- steady relationship for labor and help required in primary production.
- financial backing and a plan for long term success. (That can take many forms and does't have to majically fall into one's lap)
- a start from which you can grow (or have a reasonable chance if your middle name isn't disaster).
And none of that is dependent on the single desk of the CWB. So why not debate really important factors in the farming business.

[oneoff]

And finally; as for ending up as "an employee rather than an owner".
I can think of very good reasons for the majority of persons to strive for just that. If it were minimum wage jobs; then there should be grave concerns. But there are job choices (in the plains provinces and states especially) that no one who is willing to work would turn their noses up at. Not everyone is cut out to build and manage thousands of acres and certainly there is no opportunity or labor pool available to do this for 20,000 or 50,000 farmers (see weber's statscan figures above). Let alone even thinking everyone should be a farmer again.
Some people are just going to have to change and/or move on. In fact we're all going to have to change and/or move on. That's life.

[pgluca]

Oneoff, a quite complete reply to Chuck's bitter tirade, I could see very little connection between what he write and marketing.

[pgluca]

One other thing besides the fact I should proof read what I type.
Parsley....Your Sarcasm is really under appreciated, I was going to say all that effort too but I will bet it flows quite profusely and easily.