Speaking of the CWB

[jamesb]

If a group of farmers believe that marketing their grain collectively to obtain what they feel is the highest price, they should and can do so. As an individual farmer I and many other farmers do not want to be included in any mandatory marketing scheme (single desk CWB ). Those days are gone. I admit the current CWB needs years to develop into a viable and competitive outfit. I may choose to participate on a yearly basis with the new CWB but you pro single desk folks have to realize that we don't ever want to go back to the government controlling our property. Its folly to continue down this single desk mind set.

[bucket]

Fair comments but you are fooling yourself if you believe we have a open market in Canada.

It's controlled by families.

It's not even transparent for market prices.

Example. Graincos use mpls Dec at 5.50.

They have a zero basis and the price is cdn 5.50. No foreign exchange. 75 cents a bushel out of your pocket into thin air.

[CptnObvious]

A noble sentiment jamesb, and to my mind the only real argument against the Board. Even if 80% of farmers wanted to keep the monopoly, as was demonstrated by BOD election after election, there is technically such a thing as 'tyranny of the majority.' However: one could always speculate and trade as much wheat as one wanted, one could even sell his own physical product to whomever he wanted( unless it was for less than the pooled price) with a direct sale contract, and whereas the great stinkin' mess we have now clearly illustrates the benefits of orderly marketing, I would hardly call the old Board tyranny.

[jamesb]

the main thing for me was that up until the early 90's when we grew mostly wheat on our farm I was content to let the CWB do the marketing for me. As we and other farmers like me diversified into other crops like lentils, specialty canola, soybeans, peas, etc and they all being cash crops the percentage of my income marketed through the CWB gradually tapered off. I figured what the heck, why not have HRS as a cash crop as well and make my own choices for marketing it like my other crops. I must say I am satisfied with the current situation in that its my responsibility to grow the crops for the market demand and sell at the right time. I don't miss the single desk. I remember my time years ago as secretary of the local SWP committee and we where always feed the advantages of the single desk. I believed it then but I don't now. I have teenage sons that are contemplating farming and its imperative that they learn the marketing skills that will help them navigate the realties of todays markets. Our parents didn't need the skills because the CWB was there. Time have changed. Cheers.