Newsroom
2004
New CWB program to recognize cream of the crop
August 30, 2004
Winnipeg - The CWB today launched its new Master Grower awards program, which will recognize excellence among western Canadian wheat and barley farmers.
For the 2004-05 crop year (August 1, 2004 to July 31, 2005), CWB Master Growers will be named for durum, malting barley, Canada Western Red Winter Select wheat (CWRW Select) and Canada Western Hard White wheat (CWHW). Classes and varieties may be added or removed from the program in the future to complement CWB market development activities. Both CWRW Select and CWHW are covered by Market Development Contract Programs.
"This program is an opportunity for the CWB to recognize and celebrate the cream of the crop," said Ken Ritter, chair of the farmer-controlled board of directors. "At the same time, participating farmers will contribute to a stronger grain industry in Western Canada by sharing information on crop management based on their own experience."
Farmers who want to participate in the Master Grower program can submit grain samples each fall, along with information about their crop management practices. Samples will initially be screened on visual quality, with those that make the cut undergoing further quality analysis to determine end-use market suitability. As well, the crop-management information will be evaluated for best management practices.
"Awards will be based on the best overall scores attained by combining visual inspection, quality analysis and management," said Gord Flaten, Director, Product Development and Marketing Support. "Farmers whose samples are selected will be designated Master Growers and information about their experiences and growing techniques will be shared with other farmers and the grain industry." Judging will take place in early winter and will be carried out by the CWB and selected external quality experts.
Farmers who are designated CWB Master Growers will be recognized at a special event, receive a leather and wool jacket with the CWB Master Grower logo embroidered on the back in gold, a personalized plaque and an invitation to participate in a Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) CWB Master Grower program to be held in Winnipeg.
Sample envelopes and entry forms are available on request by phoning 1-800-275-4292, e-mailing questions@cwb.ca or contacting your local CWB Farm Business Representative. The deadline to enter is October 29, 2004. More information about the program is available on the CWB Web site, www.cwb.ca.
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.
For more information, please contact:
Louise Waldman
Manager, Media Relations
Tel: (204) 983-3101
Cell: (204) 479-2451