WHEAT IN WESTERN CANADA 141 



has not yet been placed on a commercial basis ; but, should 

 that happen in the near or distant future, it might well 

 have a very important effect not only upon farm life but 

 upon the whole course of the grain business. 



.---''''^XXXI. The Agrarian Movement 



For the purpose of advancing their social and economic 

 interests, the farmers of the West have organized them- 

 selves into associations in each of the three Prairie Pro- 

 vinces. The movement began in 1901 at Indian Head and 

 spread rapidly, with the result that there are now in exist- 

 ence: in Manitoba, The Manitoba Grain Growers Associa- 

 tion; in Saskatchewan, The Saskatchewan Grain Growers 

 Association; and, in Alberta, The United Farmers of Al- 

 berta. Each of these associations has its local units scat- 

 tered throughout its own province. Por the last few years, 

 therefore, the farmers of the West have had an opportunity 

 of realizing the power and the benefits that accrue from 

 organization. The latest phase of this activity is the 

 adoption of a political platform which may lead to legis- 

 lation of great importance not only to all grain growers but 

 to the whole of the Dominion of Canada. 



To advance their business interests, the farmers of the 

 West have organized two great trading cmnpani ps in which 

 there are already 65,000 shareholders. These companies 

 are: United Grain Growers Limited, and The Saskatche- 

 wan Co-operative Elevator Company. The former car- 

 ries on a general grain business through its country ele- 

 vators scattered throughout the three provinces and, by 

 means of oars consigned by farmers, handles live-stock on 

 commission, and supplies farmers with machinery and 

 general commodities. The latter handles grain through 

 its elevators or on consignment, but, as yet, has not en- 



