Prairie Winter Grain Checkoff Proposed

SASKATOON - Jan 24/05 - SNS -- Creation of a Winter Cereals Commission is being proposed for Manitoba and Saskatchewan which would be funded by a CDN 50 cent per metric ton (MT) check-off on all winter wheat, fall rye and winter triticale sold in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The proposal by the grower association, Winter Cereals Canada would see the commission use the money for research and market development. It would also make it easier for the sector to get more federal money because the group would be able to qualify for programs that require matching investment from the private sector.

Winter Cereals Canada president, Garth Butcher of Birtle, Manitoba, said the association has identified several areas where funding would be helpful. These include:

Variety Development: The breeders of winter wheat, fall rye and winter triticale need support to develop varieties with higher yields, improved quality, better disease resistance and enhanced winter survival.

Market Development: In addition to export sales, winter wheat has a bright future within the ethanol industry and as a livestock feed source.

Agronomic Research: Fertility, seeding improvements and weed control are among the areas needing work.

Producers Awareness: Information will be conveyed to producers through seminars, diagnostic schools, newsletters and through a Web site.

The Western Grains Research Foundation deducts a levy from the final payment of all wheat sold through the Canadian Wheat Board. The WGRF has provided support to a number of winter wheat projects, but more needs to be done.

As well, the WGRF levy only applies to Canadian Wheat Board sales of winter wheat. The new Winter Wheat Commission would apply a check-off on all sales of all winter cereals. The check-off would be eligible for a full refund upon application from growers not wanting to participate.

The new check-off would only apply to Manitoba and Saskatchewan since Alberta already has a producer-funded commission for winter wheat.

For Manitoba, the rules require a vote of growers before a check-off can be established. Manitoba Crop Insurance will be asked to send information and a ballot to growers to determine their support for the concept. In Saskatchewan, surveys will be done to gauge producer support.

The production of winter wheat will be a big part of the ManDak (the Manitoba - North Dakota Zero-till) conference February 1 and 2 in Brandon. The annual meeting of Winter Cereals Canada will be held in Saskatoon February 14, just ahead of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association (SSCA) annual meeting, conference and trade show on February 15 and 16.

"We'll have a display booth at both ManDak and the SSCA so producers can drop by for more information about the proposed check-off," notes Bob Linnell, the executive manager of Winter Cereals Canada. "A commission can only be established if producers are supportive and see the value."