Regina, Saskatchewan
September 26, 2002

Farmers looking to take advantage of recent rains can start buying inputs for next year's crop now and not pay until January 2004, with an innovative financing program offered by the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (SWP), in partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

The crop input loan program, one of several in the Pool's Farm Smart financing options package, was introduced in January of this year. The first of its kind for Western Canadian farmers, it allows farmers to purchase crop inputs for next year's crop any time after September 1 of this year, with the loan not due and payable until January 31, 2004.

"The rain we've seen in recent weeks has not only begun to renew soil moisture, it's also boosted farmers' optimism for next year's crop," Pool CEO Mayo Schmidt says. "The low-cost extended-term financing offered by FCC through this program allows them to buy inputs for next year now and conserve their cash. It increases farmers' flexibility and allows them to plan and schedule their payments around their cash flow cycle."

Farmers who used the input financing program in the first year are now eligible to renew for the 2003 crop year. Renewal forms were mailed in early September and many farmers have already reapplied for next year.

The renewal forms, as well as initial applications, are available on the Pool's web site, www.swp.com  and can be returned to Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and AgPro outlets across Western Canada.

Saskatchewan Wheat Pool is a publicly traded agribusiness headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan. Anchored by a prairie-wide grain handling and agri-products marketing network, the Pool channels prairie production to end-use markets in North America and around the world. These operations are complemented by value-added businesses and strategic alliances, which allow the Pool to leverage its pivotal position between prairie farmers and destination customers. The Pool's Class B shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SWP.B.

Farm Credit Canada provides financial products and services to primary producers and agribusiness via a network of 100 offices - primarily located in rural areas. With a singular focus on agriculture, FCC is committed to helping the industry thrive in the long term. The corporation is self-sustaining and has a national portfolio of $7.5 billion.