What to do with the railroaded over payments?

[haveapulse]

We are not talking about giving money back to farmers, we are talking a about how to reinvest the money IN CAPITAL PROJECTS for the benefite of farmers, at the decision of a farmer directed board.

And yes, I do believe that given our corporate expertise in this industry that we can, with a pool of 60 odd million dollars in capital to begin with, begin the process of building the value add projects. We could do better good for the industry than
anyone else.

For example is a pool of 60 million dollars were avaiable, North Battleford would be applying to the board right now for 10 miilion to build a biofuel/canola crush plant.

Based upon a diligent set of criteria and governed by a scrupulous body of individuals, if a fertilizer plant worked or a flour mill or for that matter someone wanting to make mustard in their making gourmet mustards in their kitchen met the criteria they would receive money from the fund for investment.

[haveapulse]

Besides that if we assume 500 employees can market our grain better than we do, we should take a huge leap of faith and assume that a smaller pool of money might be equally well directed by a board of business men who just happen to have a busines which is a farm.

[cottonpicken]

Wow 60 million eh?

Follow and understand do you?

Know what the market cap of other ferts are do you?

Of course you do your smart and we should listen right?

POT is around 27 billion.

You knew that right?

Why dont we just start building are own tractors?

John deeres market cap is only 15 billion.

Easy eh?

Economy of scale eh?

YOUR ****IN RETARDED EH?

[haveapulse]

Some of us are so negative that we cannot even imagine what taking the 60 odd million given to Western Grains and redicting into value add could do.

I note the difference; some of us are builders and want to talk about ideas and envision changes and possible ideas for improvement and empowerment of our industry others in this forum prefer to be just destructive and negative.

[haveapulse]

So to go forward in a proactive manner it is fair to say that most producers do not support the government giving away our money to the WGRF. While returning the funds to growers has some appeal the reality of this idea means much of the money would be lost in adminstration,

Investing in value add industry, whereby the farmer investment fund secure shares in value add facilities definately has merit.

I believe a formal process should be embarked upon via the Federal and Provincial governments to have the money returned from the WGRF to beigin this fund Asap.

Very simply:
1. it is our money
2. We want to direct the money into agri value ventures
3. Via a board, established by farmers
4. who will seek the necessary advise they require
5. To direct
6. the railroaded overpayments
7. to value add applicants
8. based upon a criteria
9. and formulas which are reasonable and equitable
10. to reinvest in agri industry across the WEST.

[vvalk]

What I can't figure out is everyone is talking about using this money for capital projects, clubs etc. So since 20% of farmers own about 85% of the 60 million, do they then own 85% of the fert plant or whatever project. Not sure why people here think this money should be spent for a common purpose when not everyone is even CLOSE to owning equal amounts of the $60 million. Why do I need to subsidize other farmers for any reason. Give me a cheque plus interest for the illegal overcharging.

[Hopperbin]

One problem I have is with giving the money back directly to farmers as a check on tonnage delivered is that farmers made marketing decisions based on the best price available or sometimes not on the best price available. If a check is stroked it should be on gross revenue of all grain sales. Gov't could take the money and offer farmers a tax credit. Would be the easiest way to do it.

[gustgd]

Mcfarms how would the investment tax credit work?
Who pays for credits
How to administer given complexities of transactions.

cotton
who would direct your team of 24/7 lawyers I for one don't want to see another farmer election for a board, spending other farmers money given all the nonsense of CWB elections
and voters lists?

[gustgd]

Since its a given that WGRF will almost certainly get the money (unless the railroads lawyers win)
What type of research would all of you like to see.

Should legislation be changed going forward so that different outcomes come out of any future overpayment for freight?

[charliep]

From another project I am involved in, investing in WGRF maybe a good thing (as
long as feed grain is a priority). My understanding WGRF mainly plant breeding.
Also assume oilseeds and pulses are a part of over payments - no money for
them. What about market development/CIGI? Research and development on new
uses/products (barley/ethanol/beta gluten)?