The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) today launched its Master Grower awards program for the 2005-06 crop year. The program recognizes the achievements of some of Western Canada's most successful wheat and barley farmers.

For the 2005-06 crop year, CWB Master Growers will be named for malting barley, Canada Western Red Winter Select wheat (CWRW Select) and Canada Western Hard White Spring wheat (CWHWS).

"This program allows the CWB to recognize the successful efforts of western Canadian farmers," said Ken Ritter, chair of the farmer-controlled board of directors. "It also helps to strengthen the entire western Canadian wheat and barley industry by promoting the production of high-quality grain."

Farmers who want to participate in the Master Grower program must submit grain samples and information about their crop management practices between August 2 and the entry deadline of October 14, 2005. Samples will initially be screened on visual quality; those with the highest quality will undergo further quality analysis to determine end-use market suitability. As well, the crop-management information submitted will be evaluated for best management practices.

Awards will be based on the best overall scores attained by combining visual inspection, quality analysis and management. Farmers whose samples are selected will be designated CWB Master Growers and information about their experiences and growing techniques will be shared with other farmers and the grain industry. Judging will take place in early winter and will be carried out by the CWB and selected external quality experts.

Farmers who are designated CWB Master Growers will be recognized at a special event where each will receive a leather and wool jacket with the CWB Master Grower logo embroidered on the back in gold. Each farmer will also receive a personalized plaque and an invitation to participate in a Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) CWB Master Grower program to be held in Winnipeg.

Sample envelopes and entry forms are available on request by phoning 1-800-275-4292 or contacting your local CWB Farm Business Representative. More information about the program is available on the CWB Web site, www.cwb.ca.

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.