PRODUCER CAR LOADING

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Saskatchewan Grain Car Corporation (SGCC) will be co-sponsoring a Producer Car Loading Conference on April 11th, 2003.

The Conference provides farmers an opportunity to learn more about producer car loading. The conference will be held on April 11th, 2003 at the Quality Inn, Commonwealth Ballroom in Saskatoon from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no registration fee.

"With farm incomes stretched as a result of low commodity prices, poor weather, and US countervailing duties, we must look for new and innovative ways to reduce costs," SGCC Minister Mark Wartman said. "Recent experience has shown that producer car loading can save $10 per tonne on the cost of shipping grain to market."

With the introduction of new technologies as demonstrated by West Central Road & Rail, producer car loading has become a practical alternative to the conventional grain handling and transportation system.

"Farmers are looking for alternatives to the current system that will improve their bottom line and support their community," said SARM President Neal Hardy. "Producer car loading provides farmers with an opportunity to save money, maintain local rail access, and ensure that the financial savings stay within their local communities."

Producer car loading has grown dramatically in the past few years. Since 1999, the number of producer cars loaded in western Canada has increased by over 100 per cent.

"Many communities have been hurt by elevator consolidation and branch line abandonment," said SUMA President Mike Badham. "Producer car loading helps to maintain local facilities and supports the continued growth and viability of local communities."

The seminar will examine benefits and potential risks of producer car loading. There will be four different sessions covering the actual experience of users, loading facilities, rail operators, port terminals, and regulators.

Seminar organizers say that a typical farmer could gain as much as $10,000 by loading their grain directly into producer cars. Individuals wanting more information about the conference can contact Shannon at (306)787-1137.

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For More Information, Contact:

Tim Shoulak Saskatchewan Grain Car Corportation Regina Phone: (306)787-9245 Email: tshoulak@highways.gov.sk.ca