Agriculture committee  It's been mentioned earlier today, too, that farmers don't want to farm the mail box. I don't want to go looking for a cheque from the government every week. I don't like ad hoc programs. I would just as soon be dealing in a competitive environment where I can make my living from what I grow rather than having to depend on programs.

Agriculture committee  I wouldn't say get out of the way. We can't do it all on our own, either. We need the contacts; we need the help the government agencies have. I farm to the best of my ability. I use GPS and EZ-Steer, I use my BlackBerry. There is only so much I can do, so the help is still needed from government.

Agriculture committee  That's pretty deep.

Agriculture committee  Can I come back tomorrow with my answer?

Agriculture committee  Certainly paperwork, yes, is one of them. I think a big frustration, and it's been brought up here today, is the lack of competition for what I have to buy to grow my crop.

Agriculture committee  Well, I'm the only one in the food chain I can think of who takes whatever someone will give me, but I have to give what other businesses want, otherwise I don't get my product. If I want fertilizer, if I want fuel...whatever price they tell me, unless I do a little bit of shopping....

Agriculture committee  It doesn't make sense. So I have a real issue with the lack of competition.

Agriculture committee  I'm currently aware of money from overseas that wants to come in for malt. They're just sitting on their laurels, waiting to see when that's going to happen, and if it's going to happen. I know there will be a tremendous influx of money into Canada, just with the contacts the Alberta Barley Commission has and some of the grain buyers I deal with.

Agriculture committee  May I add a comment?

Agriculture committee  As a farmer, whether I agree or disagree with the Wheat Board and its stance, all I want is a choice. I don't want somebody telling me that I have to sell my malt barley or my milling grade wheat through the board. All I've ever asked for is a choice, and I haven't been offered that.

Agriculture committee  I guess what I need for my farm is help in creating the new markets. So many markets out there are untapped, but we don't have the ability or the capacity to access some of them with current programs. There has to be such a huge volume a lot of the time to access some of the smaller niche markets.

Agriculture committee  I believe the expansion is to double their actual holding capacity.

Agriculture committee  They're doubling.

Agriculture committee  No. Actually, I'm only 10 minutes south of Red Deer.

Agriculture committee  It could be. I'm not familiar with the numbers.