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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-03-03, Page 13Don Sholdice LIVESTOCK Order buyer of fat cattle, stockers and feeders Box 389, Brussels Cell 519-357-5135 • Fax 519-887-6836 THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016. PAGE 13. Agriculture Brussels Livestock report wHURON TRACTOR B LYT H..}TAS-.. JOHN DEERE 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com Over 2,000 animals sold at Brussels sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Feb. 26 were 1,700 cattle and 302 lambs and goats. On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold on an active trade at barely steady prices. Fancy cattle sold on a premium. Choice steers and heifers sold $168 to $171 with sales to $192. Second cut sold $164 to $168. Cows sold on a good steady trade. On Thursday veal sold under pressure. Lambs and goats sold steady while sheep sold slightly lower. On Friday calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade at steady prices. Doug Sholdice of Brussels, consigned 10 cattle that averaged 1,382 lbs. and sold for an average price of $170.82. One red steer weighed 1,340 lbs. and sold to Cargill Meat Solutions for $175. Francis Riley of Walkerton, consigned 20 steers that averaged 1,493 lbs. and sold for an average price of $168.36. One red steer weighed 1,535 lbs. and sold to Cargill Meat Solutions for $174. Murray Johnstone of Coldwater, consigned 42 cattle that averaged 1,331 lbs. and sold for an average price of $167.70. Eleven black heifers averaged 1,388 lbs. and sold to Clark Brothers Livestock for an average price of $173.25. Matthew Bros. Farms of Durham, consigned 12 heifers that averaged 1,477 lbs. and sold for an average price of $168.87. Six red heifers averaged 1,506 lbs. and sold to Clark Brothers Livestock for an average price of $172. There were 400 cows on offer. Export types sold $92 to $97 with sales to $109; beef, $105 to $117 with sales to $147; D1 and D2, $90 to $95; D3, $85 to $90; D4, $75 to $87. Seeson Ranch of New Liskeard, consigned 39 cows. Six black cows averaged 1,072 lbs. and sold for an average price of $147. There were eight bulls selling $125 to $140. Steven Huether of Londesborough, consigned one wagyu bull that weighed 1,320 lbs. and sold for $140. There were 135 head of veal on offer. Beef sold $170 to $210 with sales to $221; good holsteins, $155 to $165 with sales to $167; medium holsteins, $140 to $150; heavy holsteins, $145 to $155; plain holsteins, $120 to $135. Lamar Frey of Listowel, consigned eight calves that averaged 871 lbs. and sold for an average price of $190.41. One pied -cross steer weighed 885 lbs. and sold for $221. Justin Ulch of Dublin, consigned one blue heifer that weighed 775 lbs. and sold for $213. Lambs, 50 - 64 lbs. sold $285 to $299; 65 - 79 lbs., $238 to $288; 80 - 94 lbs., $203 to $216; 95 - 110 lbs., $176 to $184 / lb. Sheep sold $90 to $170 / lb. Goats: kids sold $250 to $400; nannies, $90 to $150; billies, $150 to $350 / lb. Top quality stocker steers 400 - 499 lbs., sold $268 to $315; 500 - 599 lbs., $270 to $296; 600 - 699 lbs., $245 to $268; 700 - 799 lbs., $229 to $237; 800 - 899 lbs., $215 to $225; 900 - 999 lbs., $208 to $224; 1,000 lbs. and over, $182 to $189. Top quality stocker heifers, 400 - 499 lbs. sold $230 to $291; 500 - 599 lbs., $219 to $242; 600 - 699 lbs., $221 to $237; 700 - 799 lbs., $214 to $219; 800 - 899 lbs., $191 to $205; 900 lbs. and over, $184 to $198. Bob J. Phibbs of Jarvis, consigned 22 head. Eight charolais steers averaged 909 lbs. and sold for an average price of $224. Bruce McTeer of Paisley, consigned seven heifers. Three charolais heifer averaged 427 lbs. and sold for an average price of $291. Cap -and -trade plan unpopular with farm groups An annual consultation The Huron County Federation of Agriculture held its annual Local Politician's Forum on Friday, welcoming Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb, left, and Huron -Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, right, to speak on a number of issues of concern to local farmers. The meeting, hosted by Federation President Joan Vincent, centre, was well attended and raised a number of crucial points concerning the future of farming. (Lisa Pot photo) By Lisa Pot North Huron Publishing The Ontario government's new cap -and -trade plan was met with hearty disapproval by farm leaders and politicians alike at the Local Politician's Forum hosted by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture (HCFA) at the Clinton Legion on Feb. 26. "The provincial government should not impose a tax in the name of the environment," stated Huron - Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson in her opening remarks. "The dollars raised through this cap and trade will not benefit the environment... they will go directly into the government's coffers." Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb agreed. "Is this a tax to protect the environment? No. This is a tax to fund a government in debt." She estimates the new tax will cost individuals $400 more per year in fuel and another $475 in heating costs. Details about the Ontario government's new cap -and -trade plan from the 2016 budget indicate it will bring in $1.9 billion per year starting in 2017, making it by far the province's largest new revenue generator. That money, the government has promised, will be spent on initiatives to cut greenhouse gases, including investments in public transit, clean technology and making homes and businesses more energy efficient. However, Thompson said putting a price on carbon is not an effective way to reduce emissions. "What we need to do is make Toronto understand what we (farmers) already do to protect the environment and share how cap and trade will have a negative impact on your farm and small business," said Thompson. Farmers were thankful for the government support in trade negotiations and bringing local issues to parliament. The egg, grain, dairy, beef and pork producers have more issues to present to Thompson and Ben Lobb who encouraged them to "fire away" because it was the first time he was sitting at the table in an offensive, rather than defensive position. • Rural Internet: `Internet is a huge issue," said Huron County Warden, Paul Gowing. Complaints were made about the slowness of SWIFT (Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology) with Paul Klopp urging SWIFT to bow out and let the independents come up with a viable plan to ensure speedier internet access to everyone in the province. • Phosphorous in the Great Lakes: Larry Lynn, a board member with the HCFA said the federation is very committed to programs that develop best management practices and fund projects to reduce soil and nutrient runoff from the land. Lobb commended farmers on their efforts and said the hypocrisy of placing blame on farmers should be addressed when cities like Montreal release eight billion litres of sewage into the St. Lawrence River. Thompson encouraged farmers to have patience for new "technologies coming down the pipeline" which will address algae bloom issues and to "keep talking" because she is considering a private members bill regarding the issue. • G2G Rail Trail: Landowners are continuing to raise concerns about liability with the proposed trail and the HCFA is trying to support those landowners. Lobb said trails need a balanced approach. "Not all hikers are like my mother and her friends who are peaceful and respectful," he said. "Some are from organizations like the Humane Society who are looking for trouble." • Agrilnvest and AgriStability Programs: Paul Klopp said adding equipment repairs as an allowable expense in Agristability would be very beneficial to farmers. "It is galling to think they will not cover certain expenses out of fear farmers may go out and buy new equipment. Surely to heavens, is it such a terrible thing when farmers are spending money in their communities? The government is always looking for economic stimulus...sounds like it's a good thing for the entire community." Lobb said it's highly unlikely the new government will make changes to the existing program but advised farmers to be ready to give input next year when a new five-year plan for the program will commence. • Increase cattle numbers: Harvey Hoggart from the Huron County Beef Producers said beef farmers want to increase numbers to be able to meet the demands for beef but they need more grazing land to do it. He urged the province to release crown lands in northern Ontario and improve access to funding (specifically the Risk Management Insurance Program) and the Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program to spur growth. "Ontario can address this shortfall and improve the sustainability of the cattle supply by increasing the government guarantee from 32.5 million to 65 million at no direct cost to taxpayers," read Hoggart from his report. "Doubling the government guarantee will allow the program lending cap to increase to $260 million, double the current capacity." He says young farmers under 40 account for 41 per cent of the program participants and there has never been a claim on the guarantee. "Even a program to fund perimeter fencing can help get suitable land back into pasture." Thompson said crown land will be one of her "pet projects" this year and that when beef farmers go to Toronto for the annual Queen's Park barbecue, "tickets sold should include a full understanding of what issues face beef farmers today." • Neonicotinoids: Keith Black from the Grain Farmers of Ontario said he is thankful a more scientific approach is being taken to neonicotinoid research. Thompson said she believes the neonic ban is "unfounded" and that work needs to be done on the current "ridiculous" legislation because "it commands so much paperwork and there are issues regarding the number of certified crop advisors who can implement the program." • Processing Plants: The pork producers raised concerns about the lack of processing plants in the province, revealing over 20,000 hogs are being shipped into Quebec each week with more going to Manitoba and the U.S. because there aren't enough processing plants to handle the volume here. Thompson agreed, saying "We need to be value-added right here in Ontario because it translates into jobs and quality goods right at home." The meeting wrapped up with very little resolved but lots of discussion regarding the issues facing farmers in Huron County and across the province. BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd. UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m. Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows THURSDAYS 8:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep FRIDAYS 10:00 a.m. Stockers Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@ brusselslivestock.ca Call us 519-887-6461