WINNIPEG — Prime Minister Stephen Harper's new agriculture minister is widely expected to continue the government's battle with the Canadian Wheat Board -- a fight that has divided farmers and politicians across the Prairies.

Gerry Ritz, a longtime Saskatchewan MP, was appointed agriculture minister as part of Tuesday's federal cabinet shuffle. He takes over from Chuck Strahl, who was shuffled to Indian affairs.

Ritz was immediately praised by farm groups who support the government's plan to end the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly on western barley sales.

"Two of our members met with the prime minister and Mr. Ritz ... a week ago in Lloydminster and got affirmation from the prime minister and Mr. Ritz that they are going forward," said Jeff Nielsen, president of the Western Barley Growers Association.

"(Ritz) has been a strong supporter of choice."

Wheat board officials said they were hoping to have positive discussions with the new minister, but admitted the shuffle is unlikely to alter the government's plan.

"I would rather doubt that the overall policy platform of the Conservative party is going to change because of a different minister," said wheat board chairman Ken Ritter.

Manitoba Agriculture Minister Rosann Wowchuk, who along with many Manitoba farm groups has butted heads with Ottawa, seemed pleased with Strahl's departure.

"I hope that Minister Ritz will have a different approach when it comes to the Canadian Wheat Board and he will show greater respect for producers," Wowchuk said.

Such a turnaround isn't likely, said Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen.

"Typically and historically, Saskatchewan people would have been very happy to have seen an agriculture minister from Saskatchewan. But in this particular case I think we're heading for a major confrontation," he said.

"Two out of three Saskatchewan farmers support the Canadian Wheat Board, Ottawa does not. Where is Mr. Ritz going to go with this?"

Wheat board supporters say the agency's monopoly, which requires producers to sell through the board for all barley exports and some domestic sales, guarantees high prices for farmers. But opponents say farmers should have the right to sell independently and can get better deals on their own.

The federal government held a plebiscite last winter in which a majority of barley producers voted to open up the barley market to independent sales. But critics say the plebiscite was flawed, and point out that most wheat board directors elected by farmers support the status quo.

Last month, a Federal Court judge quashed the government's attempt to end the monopoly, saying the change must be approved by Parliament, not the Tory cabinet. The prime minister quickly vowed to continue the battle and vowed that changes will come "one way or another."

The National Farmers Union said Tuesday the timing of the cabinet shuffle is unfortunate for Strahl.

"In one way ... it looks like the prime minister shot the messenger," said NFU President Stewart Wells from his farm near Swift Current, Sask.