CWB Producer Survey Released

[charliep]

Just a note to highlight the CWB survey has been released.

http://www.cwb.ca/public/en/farmers/surveys/producer/pdf/survey_full_060608.pdf

My observations on the differences between Alberta and Manitoba/Saskatchwan. I also found the questions fairly leading to an end result. Will look forward to the full documentation/demographic survey breakdown that has been provided in the past.

Will leave for comments.

[charliep]

Said I wouldn't do it but the survey is way too interesting.

Will note the difference in how farmers respond between when they are asked a point blank question about barley and one coached in politics/who makes the decision.

Slide 24 asked point blank question single desk for export feed and malt barley versus open market. 52 % of survey respondents said they support open market. No provincial breakdown similar to that provided for wheat. Wonder why?

In slides 37 to 40, the questions are oriented to who should make the decision and process.

I find slides 43 and 44 scary. On slide 43, only 6 % of barley growers indicated they have a good handle on malt barley cash plus. 44 % are somewhat. 50 % admit they don't understand the program. On slide 44, 73 % of barley producers said the cashplus meets their needs. Perhaps someone can explain how a person can say a program meets their needs when they freely admit they don't understand it.

I also found slides 41 and 42 interesting - introduction of grain company/CWB arbitration. It would seem farmers support this concept.

[charliep]

Will note that 2 producer surveys were done this year. It would appear the Gandalf Group was able to tap into the farmer money well twice this year. Its a good thing there is lots of money in it as a result of high prices - you likely won't miss the extra expense.

[Fransisco]

32% of farmers are either somewhat or strongly opposed to the CWB.

That's a lot of unhappy customers.

The main two reasons why:

1. Takes away farmer control/ could market own grain

2. Do not get best price/fair price

45% or the majority favour dual marketing for wheat,42% the CWB,12% couldn't care less.