The CWB is upgrading 3,411 hopper cars with government-backed credit to extend the fleet's service time by 16 years and deliver about C$34 million (US$31.6 million) in net benefits to farmers.

"Leasing hopper cars to the railways generates revenue for farmers," explained Ian White, CWB president and CEO. "The upgrades will pay for themselves over the extended life of all 3,411 cars, as well as generating additional revenue.''

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz noted that western Canadian farmers depend on hopper cars to move their crop to market.

It's important to keep these hopper cars on the track and in good condition to make sure western Canadian farmers can deliver their grains to markets across the country and around the world, said Ritz.

The upgrades will extend the life of the CWB hopper car fleet to 2030. The upgrades to the brakes and other equipment are vital to ensure the fleet is able to meet increased standards the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is bringing into effect on January 1, 2014.

The upgrades will also increase load capacity for wheat by about seven percent. Cars under lease to CN are being upgraded at CN's Transcona, Winnipeg railyards, where maintenance workers will complete the work at the rate of 60 cars per week.

When the upgrades are complete, CWB will lease the hopper cars to the railways.

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