Viterra / Cargil in Humboldt...

[Klause]

How are they to deal with?

[malta]

I haven't dealt with those two locations specifically. I have a freind who deals with viterra Humbolt and is satisfied. My general experience dealining with several locations is that viterra and cargill run about 2% higher on dockage than Richardson or Dreyfuss. One test I use is to phone with a question, leave a message and see if they call back and how long it takes. My Cargill experience is that they seldom do.

[bucket]

It seems the longer you deal with a grain company, the more they like to try to screw you.

Then you just go somewhere else that is looking for your business.

[Braveheart]

Bucket, for myself I find the opposite. I find my loyalty to one company is rewarded.

I don't take things for granted though. I do ask for incentives from their large car spot to be passed on in trucking premiums. Grades are always negotiable. Farm input prices are not as flexible as I'd like though.

The thing to remember is it takes ten times the resources to get a customer to return as it does to keep a current customer. That alone is a great negotiating motivator.

[wmoebis]

Malta, 2% higher dockage I assume your talking canola.

Where is the extra dockage comming from? Over the round hole, through the slotted, asperation or hand pick. The dockage should be the same everywhere if it is done accurately.

Which one is accurate? The high dockage or the low?

[wilagro]

Dockage is(tookage)and it depends on the use of standard or "enhanced" screens and how you manipulate them. Its just like panning for gold...some have the knack and some don't.

Anyway the grain buyer should always be regarded as your friend/buddy/amigo/brother/father/mother or rich great aunt...treat 'em right and the rewards will be forthcoming. If you don't then their Xmas bonus will be courtesy of YOU.

[wmoebis]

Assessing grade and dockage to me is the same as taking a check to the bank to get it cashed.

It is up to me to make sure that the teller assesses the proper amount that is showen on check and I stand there and make sure they count and double check the value accurately. If they make a mistake I get them to recount and make it right.

I wouldn't leave the counter if they were out 2% when assessing the value or cashing the check.

[grrrr]

I have found my local pioneer to be 1%-2% higher in dockage for canola. I don't go there anymore. As for Viterra in Humboldt, I have had some minor dealings with them and found them fair. However, I don't like how they have a wall to hide behind while they do the grading. They are totally unaccessable and they seem to like it that way.

[Hopperbin]

Gotta admit I have not dealt extensively with Viterra Humboldt but did a large sale there with canola at harvest time and the dockage was very commendable some loads at 1 percent or less. My last sale there I think a little tougher on the dockage. Then again it also has to do with who is taking the dockage at any location. Every location varies in my opinion on who is taking the dockage. One thing I have learned is if having fine canola seeds in the sample then the crusher is best as they typically use a finer screan, or Bunge canola gathering station by Humboldt. Klause, Bunge also still does grade averaging. Something to take into account if pre pricing without knowing green count or heated. I had a 30,000 payment at the end of the year once when delivering green count to Bunge. Something to take into account.

[Hopperbin]

Myself The local now Richardsons is high on Canola dockage but still good at taking malt barley, for malt I would go no where else.