Saskatchewan Wheat Pool story preserved in new exhibitRegina, Saskatchewan, June 15, 1999 — The story of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool's creation, told in a new permanent exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, shows the qualities of determination and innovation that are needed more than ever in today's business climate, according to the Pool's Chief Executive Officer Don Loewen.
Mr. Loewen commented on the opening last Thursday in Hull, Quebec of King Wheat, an exhibit on Prairie life and wheat farming in the Museum's Canada Hall. It tells how 75 years ago, farmers formed the co-operative to market their wheat.
"It is inspiring to look back upon history and remember what people are capable of creating when they face seemingly insurmountable odds," Mr. Loewen said.
"I can assure you that the vision and determination are stronger than ever, as yet again the Prairie farmer has been hurtled into an environment unlike anything the Pool pioneers might have envisioned 75 years ago. Shifting trading patterns, deregulation, intense competition, market instability, countries in financial chaos are part of this new environment in which only the fittest will survive.
"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool — and its producer-members — are determined to be not only survivors, but to become the most dynamic agribusiness co-operative in the world. We are now implementing growth-oriented strategies and initiatives that we believe will enable us to achieve this goal — for Saskatchewan farmers, for our shareholders, for the agricultural industry as a whole, and for the nation."
As an example, Mr. Loewen cited Saskatchewan Wheat Pool's investment in state-of-the-art grain handling facilities in Western Canada, its acquisitions in the food processing industry, strategic partnerships, and international joint ventures. The Pool is involved in joint ventures in a grain terminal and port facility in Manzanillo, Mexico, as well as a similar facility in Gdansk, Poland.
"When I look at this exhibit...I see an unflagging spirit of determination and innovation that will propel us into the future," concluded Mr. Loewen. "The story of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool will continue to be written."
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