WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) Market Research Services (MRS) will host grain industry members for the second annual Western Canadian crop tour and seminar, July 21 - 24. The tour will provide detailed insight into the state and expected market impact of the 2015 Western Canadian crop at a critical point in the growing season.

“The hot, dry weather experienced so far this year is in such contrast to the wet start we had last year, but the lack of widespread meaningful rain isn’t the whole story.” said Neil Townsend, head of CWB Market Research Services. “We are also very interested to see first-hand what effects the late frost has had on replanted crops.”

Participants on the crop tour will actively work with MRS experts in collecting data to assess the potential of the 2015 Western Canadian crop. Participants can choose to start their three-day tour from Winnipeg, Canada; Saskatoon Canada; or Calgary, Canada, and can expect to cover more than 400 kilometers and make between eight and 10 field stops daily.

“Crop tours are an important tool in a market analyst’s tool box,” said Townsend. “Having feet on the ground this time of year allows us to get a handle on the development of the crop and where we are headed.  Good market projections start with good information, and that’s what this crop tour is all about.”

All three tours will finish in Regina, Canada with a concluding seminar that is open to all crop tour participants, as well as any interested individuals who cannot attend the full crop tour. All crop tour data will be collated and presented to seminar participants by CWB Weather and Crop Specialist Bruce Burnett, along with crop projections. The seminar will also feature a 2014-15 grains and oilseeds outlook by Dan Basse of AgResource Company.

The crop tour and seminar are free to attend, but participants must register and are expected to cover their own costs. Limited space is available. Full details can be found at www.cwb.ca/croptour. The tour can also be followed on Twitter under the handle @cwbmrs.