STETTLER, Alta. – Paul Schorak likes the new marketing alternatives developed by the Canadian Wheat Board.
He likes the option of the pool price or the fixed price contracts and basis payment contracts in the futures markets.
Listening to the options now available, the Forestburg, Alta., farmer said he needs more details of how each program fits into his farm.
“My first reaction is to holler help,” said Schorak during a CWB Farmer Forum.
What Schorak would like is to have the Canadian Wheat Board farm business representatives across the Prairies hold regularly scheduled appointments, possibly in the local seed cleaning plants, where farmers could go for individual marketing advice.
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“These contracts open up a huge window of opportunity, but they’re scary,” said Schorak.
In the past, grain elevator agents or provincial government staff used to be available to help farmers work through the marketing options, but there are few people left who specialize in grain marketing.
“The local help isn’t there,” said Schorak. “That’s what farmers are looking for.”
Brian Wittal, one of the board’s regional farm business representatives, said he doesn’t know if he could set up regular hours at a seed cleaning plant, but he is willing to explain the new programs to farmers.
“We’re glad to come out every time,” said Wittal.
Rob Somerville of Endiang said he came to the meeting to learn more about the board’s marketing programs.
“I’ve heard a few people say they used the programs and I wanted to find out more. There will be a time when they offer opportunity and other times I’ll be happy to be part of the pool,” said Somerville.
Dale Schug of Altario said he wanted to add one more voice to the growing chorus of farmers looking for some kind of financial help.
“Farmers just got no income left,” said Schug. “I just came out to say it’s too late. I didn’t expect nothing.”
Ken Ritter, chair of the Canadian Wheat Board, said the board is aware of the difficult financial problems farmers face. The combination of low protein grain, increased costs of doing business and the rising Canadian dollar all have forced grain prices down.
Ritter said changes to how farmers market grain is one way the board is trying to help.
“As a board we have tried to bring this organization to a place that serves everybody – those who want the pool account and those who want other options.”
