The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) today announced that Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has generously agreed to renew their sponsorship of a special prize for the CWB Master Grower program for Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) Select award recipients in 2005-06. CWRW Select is part of the CWB's Identity Preserved Contract Program, which pays farmers a premium for producing grains aimed at developing customer markets.

The CWB Master Grower program recognizes the success of western Canadian wheat and barley farmers by evaluating samples entered for quality and best management practices. Information on successful management practices is then shared with other farmers to strengthen their ability to produce high-quality grain.

In partnership with the CWB, DUC will provide the 2005-06 CWRW Select CWB Master Growers with the opportunity to "Migrate with the Pintails", by providing airfare and accommodation for two to California. The U.S. state is a major wintering area for northern pintail ducks, a species whose numbers have declined dramatically due to a lack of nesting cover. While in California, CWRW Select Master Growers will tour local attractions including Sacramento Wildlife Refuge, Alcatraz, Rice Farms and wineries in the Napa Valley. DUC sponsored a similar trip for CWB CWRW Select Master Growers in 2004-05.

"The CWB Master Grower program for Select winter wheat allows us to celebrate the accomplishment of Prairie farmers and strengthens our ability to provide an increased number of customers with premium Select wheat," explained Mike Grenier, CWB agronomist. "Through DUC's continued generosity, those farmers who entered the program for 2005-06 will get a chance to enjoy a first-class trip."

Research has shown that winter wheat provides safe nesting habitat for upland nesting waterfowl, like northern pintail," said Paul Thoroughgood, DUC agrologist. "Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased to work with the CWB on a program that will encourage farmers to seed a crop that has been shown to provide financial and time management benefits, while also providing habitat for ducks."

DUC conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

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.