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WBGA News Release BARLEY PRODUCTION COULD INCREASE TO INSURE SUPPLIES Airdrie, AB.- “The Western Barley Growers Association (WBGA) is confident western Canadian barley producers will increase production to meet current end user needs as well as new entrants. "We are entering a new era of growth and value added here in the west” says Jeff Nielsen, President of the WBGA. "With the growth in biofuels, producers will see many advantages to improve their farm incomes. This new growth will add another market for our commodities and not grossly affect our current customer needs." “Price increases to Canadian feed stocks are lower than the US” Nielsen continues saying “cattle feeders and biofuel processors will still enjoy a competitive advantage over competitors in the North American market.” With new value-added markets, western Canadian producers will take up the challenge and increase production. This increase in production will insure our strong relationships with our livestock industry remains constant and that they have access to a constant supply of excellent quality feed in the future as they do today. "Barley producers and our livestock producers have worked closely in the past, have been through major crisis and been supportive of each other along the way. This will continue to grow, and will result in stronger markets for both" states Nielsen. A western Canada biofuel industry will add value to livestock production with wet and dried distilled grains as a high protein, low cost new ration addition. -30- |