Pathetic

[silverback]

Just spoke with my cousin about today's farmer forum in Bassano, AB. (We finally got to ship some wheat at 30 below)

Jeff Nielsen was given the job of discussing the financial results. Nice of them to have the new guy try and explain what happened last year.

Barley marketing guy talked about the outlook for the coming years crops.

Sounds like they had some lawyer of the board there for some reason. Mostly to try and blame the PPO program and the farmers that asked for it for all the problems.

No explanation as to how they could lose so much money other than "mistakes were made". No word on who lost their jobs so far.

He counted 21 hutterite men. (None of whom asked any questions other than one about malt barley)

Counted about 20? regular farmers. None younger than 50 except the farmer rep for the board. One lady farmer.

Some questions about why they were speculating so massively last year with no valid explanation.

Meeting took two hours then lunch.

Apparently no younger farmers between Wetaskawin and Bassano that give a crap what kind of money gets lost. Does no wheat get grown between there?

I guess their all expense paid trips for selected people is also paying off.

[charliep]

To be fair, there were younger farmers at Wetaskwin. You also have to look at farm demographics - average age of farmers has been 56 - seems to me I have seen something that puts at 57 or 58. Meetings reflect both the age of farmers and permit book holders.

Off topic but also highlights the structure change which will occur in farming. The only ones left to buy the retiring farmers land will be big farmers or corporate farms like the One Nation. Retiring farmers (including single desk ones) will sell their farm to the highest bidder.

[furrowtickler]

Good point charlie, also those of us younger guys left(30-40) are working off the farm and runnin kids around like crazy b/c our wives have full time jobs as well. No time left over to go to cwb town hall meetings and listen to the same b/s and excuses over and over with no meaningfull insight. Well most everyone, except for saskfarmer who seems to have nothing but time to holiday and travel all corners of North America - lol.

[Ron]

Furrow tickler has it right. I work full time, have 3 boys in hockey and try to haul grain when Viagra permits. I dont have time to go to these meetings. Why cant they have a webcast, youtube, or at least have transcripts posted for younger farmers with commitments?

[furrowtickler]

Right on Ron, on top of that I have been building a house, almost finished, and coaching two kids in hockey and on the local bio-deisel board. All winter i have had one night off a week - about 3 hrs from 8 till 11pm. I squeek in a 1/2 hour here and there to check markets and a few web sites in between hauling grain. BTW, just tried out the new 10*41 wheat heart - increadibly fast - but do not leave it full of wheat!!!!! Going to town tomorow for two new belts!! Live and learn.

[Jeff Nielsen]

Silverback
commented on your previous thread as well. Bassano there were good questions on the annual report, and well not young but active producers at both meetings.
As to how to get the meetings out more - via utube or webnair good question, perhaps it is something to consider having a feed from Winnipeg.
Perhaps it could be set up on specific topics and having the qualified personal there to respond. I is worth mentioning, and will do at our next board meeting.
Jeff