|
Regina, Saskatchewan
April 8, 2002
This spring, Prairie farmers will
have access to a new mid-maturity canola variety with
consistently higher yields, as
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool
launches SP Banner into the primary growing regions in Western
Canada. Developed by scientists at the Pool's state-of-the-art
research facility in Saskatoon, SP Banner utilizes a fast
breeding method that enabled scientists and breeders to perfect
the seed in less than half the time it generally takes to bring
a new variety to market. Registration is pending, however the
Pool expects to be able to sell seed of the new variety in time
for planting this spring.
The Pool's Vice President, Agri-Products, Bill Dorgan says,
"We are extremely proud of the success of our canola breeding
program. In the past two years, the Pool has received support
for registration on six canola varieties, four from our own
breeding program. With this new Roundup Ready(Reg.) canola, the
Pool is providing farmers an all around performance package that
extends well beyond higher yields. SP Banner is slightly earlier
maturing. It has good resistance to both lodging and blackleg
with an R rating. We anticipate strong end-use demand, as the
oil content for SP Banner is 2% higher and low in saturated
fats."
"This is a product that is offering new solutions to farmers
who are looking for seed varieties that enhance their potential
to boost profits," says Monte Kesslering, the Pool's Manager,
Seed Business Unit. "Through the advanced breeding technology
that is used at the Pool's research lab, we have been able to
bring this open-pollinated canola to market in 52 months. We're
working hard to bring farmers the very best in new seed
varieties because better seeds mean better profits for them."
Pedigreed seed growers are also impressed with SP Banner's
performance. Lee Bryant is a Battleford seed grower involved in
field tests. "We plan to grow SP Banner again and expect this
variety will be selected over other varieties. Although we
seeded quite late last year, and despite the drier conditions
and generally poorer yields overall, SP Banner's production
level was very decent."
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool is a publicly traded agri-business
co-operative 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.
|
