Looking at changes in Canadian Agriculture

[charliep]

ValueChainFX;

I am always hesitant to give names because I always leave people out but here are a couple of ideas.

1) Warbutons contract with United Agricore/Patterson Grain and the CWB.

2) Agtrace (http://www.agtrace.com/)

3) Graintrax (contact Paul Cassidy - Mitcon).

4) SGS (http://www.sgs.com/sgsagri.nsf/pages/home.html) - International company mainly at port but have seen the hint of business relationships within Canada at farm level.

There are others I have left out. Hopefully others can fill in some of my gaps.

[charliep]

One more.

http://www.acurum.com

[ValueChainFX]

Thanks charlie, do you think this is the tracking that we will see coming in or do you feel we are going to end up with something a little different?

Can you think of any way it would be made easier for the producer? Or is this system easy throughout the system?

Thanks

[charliep]

I forgot all the specialty oil canola and other crops. Somehow these products are monitored through the system to ensure what is delivered matches what was contracted.

Most of the products computerized tracking systems supported by sampling along the way. They can involve recording at the farm level (prior rotations, agronomic practices, herbicides/pesticides used/timing, etc.). Sampling at every stage of the is also a critical element. Dealing with people that can be trusted and accepted protocols are critical to success. An outside agency (CGC, SGS) is needed to verify/mediate disputes in the case of disagreement.

Are there ways to make easy for the farmer? There is no getting around the extra time/effort but perhaps this is a cost of good business. Maybe a bad example but I look at two farmers maintaining equipment. One just gets in an goes - the benefit is less time spent but the cost is more breakdowns. Another goes over their equipment every morning in a disciplined fashion. Who is going to be better off long run?

[charliep]

As a note, I appreciate your comments WD9. The issues you mention are key to the future of your business. I don't have all the answers and I benefit greatly from the ideas presented here.

[ValueChainFX]

Thanks again charlie, I feel a little out of my element in this area, but I know I will be working with some good people here and it is nice to feel you have a little knowledge there.

I to appreciate the comments in this thread, this is the information we all need to make good choices. In fact the communication issue is critical to our success and we just don't do it enough.

[TOM4CWB]

Charlie;

Our HEAR contract with CanAmera is another IP system, totally segregated with confetti and all. Field border requirements etc. etc.

Building new bins to condition and store these new crops, is one additional cost to the higher returns these opportunities create.

At least if someone steals this grain we will know where it went and who stole it if it ever ends up at an elevator!