Online Net Grain Sales Calculator

OTTAWA - Mar 17/04 - SNS -- Agriculture Canada is pushing an internet-based tool developed by Quorum Corporation, which is intended to help grain producers calculate net returns on grain deliveries to any location in western Canada.

There is currently no charge being assessed for using the tool. But, all producers must create an account, providing at least their name, province, email address, and the precise location of their home quarter.

In doing so, users grant Quorum Corporation "a perpetual, unlimited, royalty-free, world wide, non-exclusive, irrevocable, transferable license to use, store and aggregate the information entered by you on the web site." On the other hand, Quorum's privacy policy says, "Your information is not sold, disclosed or made available to any person."

The tool is called Producer Netback Calculator. It allows farmers to simulate grain delivery to elevators in their area and provides important local handling and transportation cost data. The press release announcing the website said, "Farmers have traditionally relied on information received after sale on what are known as grain cash tickets. The calculator will provide them with that information in advance and allow them to make their delivery decisions with the benefit of that knowledge."

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