Manitoba Canola Growers Elect New President

The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) Board of Directors elected Randy Betcher of Swan River as their 2004 president. Randy Betcher served as the Vice-President and Treasurer last year and has been a director with MCGA since 2000. "I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and capturing new opportunities for growers in 2004" said Betcher.

Also elected to the executive is Brad Day of Deloraine as the new Vice-President, newly elected Brian Chorney as the Treasurer, Ernie Sirski as the Secretary who will also remain the Public Relations Chairperson and Bruce Dalgarno the past president will take on the role of Marketing Chairperson.

MCGA would like to welcome new directors, Ed Rempel of Starbuck and Brian Chorney of East Selkirk to the 2004 Board of Directors. Following the MCGA Annual General Meeting at Ag Days in Brandon, Manitoba the directors took their official seats on the board.

In 2004 MCGA will focus on working with other grower organizations to improve the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange canola contract, continue supporting canola biodiesel initiatives and will emphasize the importance of a marketing plan for canola. "Know Your Target Price, Maximize Your Returns, is our 2004 canola marketing slogan" explains Betcher. MCGA will pair this slogan with their new Canola Basis fact sheet that will be available to the public shortly.

Betcher commented that 2004 will be a productive year for MCGA and that he looks forward to working with directors, members, and staff to make it happen.

MCGA is a non-profit organization made up of members, Directors and staff whose mandate is to enhance profitability for Manitoba canola growers through research, marketing and policy.

For More Information Contact:

Bill Ross
Executive Manager
Manitoba Canola Growers Association
(204) 982-2120 or (204) 729-1328
rossb@mcgacanola.org

Randy Betcher
President
Manitoba Canola Growers Association
(204) 525-4433
betcherr@mb.sympatico.ca