The Editor:
In these last two weeks I have received cards in the mail promoting Team Barley and Team Wheat.
As farmers are aware, the Saskatchewan Wheat and Barley Commission elections are underway and it now appears there are candidates running under the banners of Team Wheat and Team Barley.
Here we have it, a slate of candidates attempting to defeat the incumbent members of the Wheat Commission and the chairman of the Barley Commission. Maybe we should call them a “bloc.” In my definition, they are people who have only personal self-interest in mind who are funded by unknown sources.
It would appear that Team Barley and Team Wheat have some heavy financial backers as is evidenced by the cards I received in the mail. They have also set up websites, held a web broadcast, and who know what else.
There are two questions farmers must ask themselves before they vote: Who is backing these teams, and what impact will it have on representing farmers’ best interests?
With the kind of money these teams are throwing around to get elected, one might be inclined to believe there is some big business or political money at play.
For corporate plant breeders, I am suspicious that it is about getting access to check-off money; and do you really want to see the exorbitant seed costs we are experiencing in some other commodities? If these teams are elected, will it mean there are people at the table more interested in supporting their financial backers and personal self-interest, rather than working to benefit all farmers?
I would urge my fellow farmers to consider the old saying: “you dance with the one who brought you.” If it is big money that brings Team Wheat and Team Barley to the board tables of the Wheat and Barley Commissions then keep in mind that when big money wins elections, it never is a win for farmers.
Leo Howse
Porcupine Plain, Sask.
