canola and cwb

[oldbob]

I'm very concerned about the idea of canola being marketed under the Canadian Wheat Board. Of course this is just a "trial balloon" at the moment but what if it actually comes to pass. Wouldn't this just be another way to guarantee a loss which is the way it is with wheat or barley? When prices recover does anyone in their wildest imagination believe the Wheat Board could keep up?
Let's hear your remarks.

[Zaphod]

I don't think there's much to be concerned about for three reasons:

One: the people pushing this are a small socialist minority that have hijacked the Manitoba Canola Growers Board. Butch Harder (former CWB director) is one of that group.

Two: The CWB doesn't want to do it. They are very lukewarm to the idea. If they take it on and it works, it tells farmers that a dual market can work. If they try it and it fails, it confirms that the CWB is a lousy marketer. Either way, they're screwed.

Three: The CWB says (this is their "out") that this change will require federal government approval. Somehow, I don't think the conservatives would let this one get through. Even the liberals would be hesitant without a farmer plebiscite.

[oldbob]

Hope you're correct Zaphod.
I heard a blurb from the CWB yesterday saying they might be willing to do a trial marketing program.
This is the reason I'm getting concerned.

[Zaphod]

I think they have to say that publicly just to save face, but behind the scenes, they'll be stonewalling. Don't forget, the idea is for a voluntary canola pool. A mandatory canola pool would never fly in government or with a majority of farmers. If some farmers who are afraid of doing their own marketing want to sell through the board, that's their funeral.

Plus, if canola rallies by another $20 a tonne, this idea will be long forgotten. The basic complaint that got this ball rolling was that the canola market wasn't performing. Meanwhile, exports and crush are way ahead of average. So much for an inefficient market.

If these farmers would give their head a shake and look at the board's performance with selling our wheat this year, they would be protesting in front of the CWB offices right now. Exports are way behind last year even though the grades are better than 2004. Plus, the CWB hasn't been able to sell into the rally in US wheat futures. They got so excited about feed barley that they forgot they are the Canadian WHEAT Board.

[Southpaw]

This group of socialist farmers are trying to get either the Manitoba Canola Growers or Keystone Ag Producers to move forward with this. Someone has to lobby the Feds to allow the CWB to do this. But think for a moment, if the CWB does this and it shows no advantage, then they (CWB) can say that shows why you have to have a monoply. Talk about screwing up one of the best things to happened to Western Agriculture in a long, long time.

[Southpaw]

Sorry for rambling on but. Canola farmers really need to be concerned about who they elect to these boards. Mr. Harder is not the only Left Wing socialist on the canola growers board. Where are all the canola farmers that are in favor of the open free market.

[TOM4CWB]

Southpaw;

I really would like the opportunity for any group to market any crop... including the CWB to market Canola.

BUT FIRST We need a choice in wheat and barley marketing... then everything else will be rather simple!

[oldbob]

I think there are a majority of free-marketers when it comes to canola. If not then we're in serious trouble. If we don't show up at the annual meetings of these boards then perhaps we deserve what we get.