Cheap Farmland Lures Foreign Buyers

[smcgrath76]

We don't purchase enough stuff from UFA to
justify having a credit line, but I would
echo the "watch what you sign" warning. I
think UFA has moved more towards chasing
the acreage market than the farm/ranch
marketplace. I firmly decided that was
the case when I went one day and they
didn't have staples in the farm store.

[wilagro]

Kathy: Things are tough all over. Management runs most of the Co-ops anymore and the grassroots owners are just around to BUY what they wnat to sell you and on their terms.

I either pay cash or by Visa or MasterCard. Head Offices set policy and you either go along with that or too bad, tough luck...shop elsewhere.

The little (or big) owner is just a small cog in a big machine and the big machine REALLY DOESN'T CARE if you squawk or not.

[perfecho]

But somewhere we (some) have to draw the line in the sand........because of many saying "Oh well, that’s the way it is".....we have become complacent and do allow systems that leave us frustrated. One day when enough is enough, it will be too late.
And modern day agriculture is an example.
But hey, don't sweat the small stuff, ......and it's all small stuff.

[Kathy]

I have received very good feedback on my concerns including that which is written here at agriville.

I did call the 1-877 number on the contract paperwork and complain. I did then get a call from a member of the UFA board and later the Chairman. Earlier, I had emailed by area rep, and he did get back to me, also.

All failed to satisfy any of my questions or concerns. The conversations were under-scored by what has been said here: UFA is going after the non-agriculture market (supposedly to support and prop up the agriculture stores in our little communities - as they would otherwise not survive) at least that is their story/opinion.

Section 18 which deals with proceeds of sale of seed, grain, crops or livestock does not apply to the non-agriculture customer, and according to one banker I spoke with, does constitute a "Livestock Security Interest". Still waiting for a legal opinion from LIS and the AB Auction Market Association.

If the majority of the UFA account/Scotiabank credit lines are non-secured... then there would be no need for the lengthy brochure outlining the terms and conditions of the agreement. There are plenty of areas where, without defaulting, you could be put into a tightly secured position by Scotia Bank - at their discretion. Section 14 is frightening!

I don't think UFA stands for United Farmers of Alberta anymore. I told the Chairman this, and that I am aware of the corporate attitude that prevails today, aka "whatever it takes to make a corporation profitable..." Unfortunately, this is not in line with the basic foundations of the UFA history or farmer intentions.

What will UFA members do?

I think that calling and letting them know what you don't like about this Scotia Bank agreement is necessary. Cancelling your account is optional, you can pay for everything with VISA or cash....

I know that this seriously hurts my level of loyalty to the UFA system. UFA was supposed to be working for the farmers of Alberta to provide them a group purchasing power that would save us money. Things have changed at headoffice, have they changed elsewhere is the question.

[per]

They changed years ago Kathy. The stores morphed into peavey mart home hardware hybrids with packaged hardware instead of bulk and little 100 packs of staples instead of in a large pail. It wanted to and has appeal to the town customer and acreage client and only marginally to the original farm base. I suppose the exception to that would be the bins, posts, water tanks etc. This issue is the final piece to their transformation. Keep up the fight and the calls and as in most of these things they will do what they want anyway but at least we went down fighting.

[smcgrath76]

I have long suspected that over time
"cooperatives" in the acting sense of the
word will re-emerge from a producer level.
Look at the neighbours that go on drug
runs to the US, or other examples of guys
working together/sharing equipment, etc.
Working together to overcome tough times
is pretty standard in agriculture and it
will come full circle. This is probably
going to be in the form of new businesses.

[smcgrath76]

I have long suspected that over time
"cooperatives" in the acting sense of the
word will re-emerge from a producer level.
Look at the neighbours that go on drug
runs to the US, or other examples of guys
working together/sharing equipment, etc.
Working together to overcome tough times
is pretty standard in agriculture and it
will come full circle. This is probably
going to be in the form of new businesses.

[grassfarmer]

Must say I've always found their stores pretty useless. Always overstaffed with people who never know where anything is. On occasion they do have very good buys on some products but do a p.poor job of letting you know about them. I usually go look at the stuff at UFA then go buy it at Peavey Mart instead - usually cheaper, more helpful staff etc.
I do like UFA for fuel though - for our one bulk load a year plus the cardlocks.
Scotia bank being involved won't put me off as I use UFA credit like I use my visa card - pay it all off in full the next month and you have no interest and no problems.