Do you vote in director elections?

[gustgd]

At the SPG meeting the other day they
reported16000 ballots went out to people who had
grain sold in their name. (Note I never said
farmers) of that 1500 ish were returned and 75
were spoiled.

Is it important?

What would it take to improve participation?

What would you like to see commissions do?

Are most content, or mad and disengaged?

Voter turnout is low for all commodities, most
have acclaimed directors.

These farmer elected directors have access to
real money to be spent on your behalf. Most are
doing the best they can with the experience and
info they bing to the table. Some are just in it for
the per diem.

[$short]

To answer your question do I vote? I have in the
past a few times but never voted in this past SPG
election.

Are you wondering about how your going to get
farmers to participate in the sask wheat
commission they are trying to establish?

Somehow we need to streamline all of these
separate commodity groups. There's too many of
them. That's why we are short of quality people to
go on these boards. The talent and funding is
spread too thin.

Directing levy dollars as to where they get spent is
a function that all these separate boards have is
one thing. Another important task these boards
have to look at is trade issues when something
happens. For example, the triffid issue with flax.
What happens when our wheat is rejected by a
country because it contains something it's not
supposed to.

That situation will require a lot of money and
expertise to defend....

[Rareearth]

I wonder if a association management, ag
producer groups is workable?

No I haven't thought this through, just concept.

Some groups are large enough for full time staff,
others are small and voluntary. A harmonized
system, shared office building, board rooms,etc,
etc,.
Large groups pulse, canola, etc they could have
there staff, smaller groups could share executive
directors.

Potential small cost savings administratively. all
issues big, small or common could be addressed
strategically.

This is no solution for voter turn out, but would
help in the efficiency and functionality

I'll stop here and listen

[BTO_farmall]

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wd9]

why are there so many boards?

Cereals board, Legume board and oilseeds
board max. The last 2 could certainly be
one.

[sumdumguy]

What about Canaryseed? At least the Pulse
Board has had purpose and we have benefitted
from the breeding that was supported by levy. In
the beginning, the producer paid for research,
then had first crack at the Laird Lentil through
registered seed growers. In 1980, foundation
Lairds cost us $1.20/lb. Thankful to have a
chance at the seed.
And yes, we vote for board SPG board members.

[food4u]

Yes, I vote in every election.

[oneoff]

There's proof that worrying about serious voter participation in elections is a waste of time.

[wd9]

sumdumguy, can not the funding still
exist with less 'administration'?
wouldn't there be even more for MD and
research?

[bluefargo]

I vote in all Federal, Prov and municipal election. I see it as my duty and obligation as a citizen in this wonderful country.

I vote in all SPG elections also. Since it's my money they are spending I want a say in who spends it.

As for the low voter interest It does bother me a little. But I am of the opinion that if people aren't interested then they better be happy to accept the decisions of those who are.