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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1971-07-22, Page 8The rapid increase in the use of power equipment and chemicals on Canada's farms makes rural safety praetices much more important, The Canada Safety Council in co-operation with The Canadian Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute is sponsoring Farm Safety Week nationally from July 25,31. The aim of the campaign is to bring the urgent need for safer farming methods to the attention of the rural population. "This is part of the safety movement's programme to change attitudes towards safety from apathy to concern, "J, C. Thackray, President of the Canada Safety Council, said in his campaign message. "The great majority of accidents including farm accidents are caused by unsafe individual acts. Disregard of common sense safety practices causes far too many deaths and injuries on the farm. Often the victims are young children, "Despite the great pressure to `make hay while the sun shines,' there is no need to sacrifice safety in the name of speed," Mr. Thackray said. The Canada Safety Council believes the proper place to start creating this new attitude towards safety is in the home when children are very young.{, cheese plants July 21-31 THE SUPREME COURT DECISION The June 28 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada respecting the Maititoba interprovincial trade reference has important implications for provincial farm product marketing plans whose operations would in any way confliet with the free commercial flow of products between provinces throughout Canada. In a unanimous decision the Supreme Court upheld the March 1971 judgment of the Manitoba Court of Appeal, which had also been unanimous, This judgment was that a proposed Manitoba egg marketing plan which would give a provincial producer board extensive powers to control and regulate the marketing of all eggs sold in Manitoba, whether produced in the province or outside of it, was beyond the legislative competence of the province, i.e. constitutionally invalid, This latest bench-mark decision of the Supreme Court makes it crystal clear that to stay .within bounds of constitutional validity, provincial marketing plans may only control and regulate a product to the extent it is produced and sold locally within a province, They do not have jurisdiction over outside product which has entered the flow of interprovincial trade and comes into the province, nor over persons engaged in such interprovincial trade. The Supreme Court decision should not, it may be noted, affect the basic framework of provincial Farm Product Marketing Acts, Nor should it affect the operations of the traditional type of provincial marketing plan, such as the Ontario Hog Marketing Plan, which by definition and regulation, confines itself to hogs produced in Ontario and marketed for slaughter. It does not attempt to interfere with hogs or pork coming into the province and where Ontario hogs leave the province, the support of federal legislation is secured. The main impact of the Supreme Court decision will be on provincial marketing plans such as some current ones for eggs or broilers whose regulations are broadly framed to include all broiler chickens or eggs sold in the province, regardless of where they are originally produced and consigned to market. If in any way such plans can be construed as interfering with interprovincial trade, no matter how their regulations are worded or framed, the Supreme Court says they are beyond the legislative competence of the province, and hence invalid or unconstitutional. Unless the regulations of some existing marketing plans are changed to bring them within , provincial legislative competence, they will be clearly open to challenge in the courts, and if carried eventually to the Supreme Court, the way it would rule is unmistakeably shown by this latest decision. The Meat Packers Council, as one of the respondents arguing for the principle of freedom of interprovincial trade in the cases heard both by the Manitoba Appeal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, welcome this important decision and the timeliness with which it was rendered. One of the objects of Confederation was to foster and facilitate trade between the different parts of Canada, To permit departure from this principle now would only be to encourage a disastrous balkanization of Canada which no thinking Canadians would want to see happen. DROUGHT A CONCERN IN SOUTHERN U.S. Severe drought throughout a wide area of the Southern U.S. is still causing serious concern. The U.S.D.A. recently reported that parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico have been classified as having extreme drought as of June 1, 1971. Areas surrounding this pocket have also been dry. Pasture feed conditions are reported as a percentage of normal. The June 1 condition in Texas was 45 per cent, a 52 year low for that date. New Mexico was rated at 46 per cent and Oklahoma was 57 per cent. These were the three lowest 'Mates in the U.S. Ranches in this area have had to provide supplemental feed and hauling of water has been reported. Also, the three states have critically short irrigation water supplies. . The June 1 range conditions were somewhat improved from the low reached in April. For example; the range feea, index reported for Texas was 65 for February, 64 in March and e .) in April. The following months were above this level. More rect.,atly, substantial rains have been reported in the northern Texas-Oklahoma area resulting in an easing of the drought in these areas as of mid-June. However, in central and southern Texas, the drought intensified. This past spring, there have been reports of forced cattle marketings because of the drought conditions. Unfortunately the drought has occurred in those states with a large beef cattle industry. The three-state region most severly concerned has a cattle population of about 19 million head or 17 per cent of the total cattle inventory for the U.S, Texas with over 12 million head is by far the largest cattle state, It has been mated that culling of herds has facilitated the increased placethents in commercial feedlots as well as the recent gains in cow slAnghter. A moiler of principle 011.1111111MMINIMMIN BY J. CARL HEMINGWAY STOREWIDE CLEARANCE *BATHING SUITS *SPORTS WEAR *PANT DRESSES *DRESSES *COATS MOT PANTS b SHOPPE GODERICH The Square OPEN ALL DAY WEDNESDAY — OPEN FRIDAY NITE TILL a P.M. QiiritOn News-Record, Thursday, 2?, 1971 PREVENT FOREST FIRES Farthing is just about, the last stronghold of free enterprise. In fact I really feel it is the only "free enterprise" occuptition left. Can you give me any examples? I'm sure some storekeepers -would disagree with me but how- Many of them are "free"? Certainly the large chain stores with the Interlocking directorate can hardly claim to be "free' What about the member of the chain wholesale? With volume discounts or bonuses the operator is effectively tied to his wholesale. When you come to large industries and businesses the amazing combinations of Board of Director members is post confusing. Every board member of a large corporation must continually consider how his vote on one.botird is going to affect the other half dozen or more corpOratiohS he is involved in. Hardly free enterprise, is it? Now I can hear the remarks of our "free enterprise" farmers about our Marketing Boards. it is a good point and I think we need to get down to basic objectives. For example, let's look at the Ontario Hog Producers Marketing Board. It gained its greatest support on the idea it would get better prices for the hog producer. I think the Hog Marketing Board in the early days, by correcting glaring abuses in the marketing of hogs and perhaps also by creating some pressure on the packers, did get a little More. However as time has passed, I think, the price is pretty well in the hands of the buyers. • I ath 'still a strong supporter of the Hog Marketing Board but for a different reason, If I am to operate my farm on a free enterprise basis 'I must have equal opportunity in the niarketplace. This the Hog Marketing Board has given Me, The result is that I am still producing hogs. I am no longer in the poultry business, I just couldn't compete With the "egg-factory" at from six to 10 cents less per dozen at the market-place. In the summer 1971 Market Place Quarterly, on page six, the statement is 'made that "more than SO percent of Ontario's hogs ate produced on farms marketing 200 animals or less a year" Equal price for equal quality provided by the "Ilog Board" has made this possible, not any gain in price that may have been made. I wonder what the objective of the Milk Marketing Board is, Prom the editorial in the July $ issue of the News-ttecord and from other areas of information it seems to me that the Ontario Milk Marketing Board is following very closely in the footsteps of Government in assisting big business at the expense of the farmer. The government provided a $500,000 forgiveable loan for Xraft to expand its operation and the Milk Board is doing its best to provide the milk, Producer controlled Marketing Boards with a clear understanding that their objective is firstly to provide equal price for equal quality and secondly to 'get best possible price can make it possible for the family to continue. Phis type of Marketing Board doesn't curtail "free enterprise:" It makes "free enterprise" possible. The Huron County Holstein Club held their annual twilight meeting .on July 19 at the farm of Mr, and Mrs. Harvey Hodgiria„ RR 2, Ailsa Craig. Harvey introduced his family and told the group about his farming operation. While at the farm we judged as class of four cows with Stuart Smale, St. Marys acting As the official judge. From the farm we went to the Crediton Hall where we saw slides on Cuba presented by Wilbur Shantz of United Breeders Inc., Guelph, Ont. Mr, Ross Marshall, Kirkton, National Director for the Holstein- Friesian Association gave a report and presented a 40-year membership pin to Mr. flume The monthly meeting of the South Huron Rabbit Breeders Association was held on Tuesday evening, July 13, in Elmville Hall. A marketing report, read by Bill Dickey, followed the reading of the minutes. A treasurer's report was given by Angus Murray. Guest speaker of the evening was Mr. Ib Peters of St. George, Ontario, a member of the Grand Valley Rabbit Club and secre,tary of the Canadian The Ontario Federation of Agriculture proposed a plan to relieve cheese plants of some of the' pressure due to apparent shortages of industrial milk. At a Toronto hearing on The Government of Ontario has announced it will increase its assistance to the Ontario Crop Insurance program. The Hon. Wm. A. Stewart, Minister of Agriculture and Food, announced in the Legislature on Thursday, June 24, 1971, that the Government of Ontario will increase its contribution to the cost of the crop insurance premiums in the fall of 1971, to 26 pertene'froirrthe present five percent. Since the introduction of crop insurance in Ontario, under the authority of the Crop Insurance Act (1966), the two levels of government, provincial and federal, have been contributing significantly toward the cost of this insurance. The total cost of administering the program has been shared equally by the two governments, and the cost of the farmer's premiums has been subsidized to the extent of 25 percent by the Government of Canada, and five percent by the Province of Ontario. The farmer has been paying only 70 percent of the cost of the premium, which in turn has not reflected any of the costs of administration. The Government announcement indicates that Ontario will increase its contribution to the premium subsidization from five percent to 25 percent on all crop insurance policies; effective with the fall wheat policies covering the crop planted .in the fall of Clutton, Goderich and was received by his on Bill, The liotigins family entertained the group with musical selections and step dancing. Mr. Gordon Bell, St. Marys, fieldman for the Holstein-Friesian gave a report and tried to encourage everyone to attend, an educational day at Medway Farms, Ilderton on July 27. The following people were the lucky winners of the prizes for judging: 4,11 Girls under 20, Maureen- Erb, Zurich, donated by Exeter Co-op; 4-H Boys under 20, Russell Berry, Goderich, donated by Simon Brand, DeLaval Dealer, Crediton; Ladies, Donna Gibbings, Clinton, donated by Commercial Rabbit Growers' Association, who spoke on the advantages of that association, Mr, Peters also gave an exhibition of articles made of rabbit fur, which included men's vests and hats and ladies' jackets and purses. There followed considerable discussion of members on small acreages having trouble with building restrictions in regards to raising rabbits. The annual club picnic will be Friday, July 16, conducted by the Milk Commission of Ontario, OFA executive director and dairyman Delmer Bennett recommended that milk for cheddar cheese, sold over the Harvey Rats. Farm Supply, Shipka; Men, first, Alvin Betties, Bayfield, donated by United Breeders, second, Doug Trewartha, Clinton, donated by, Cann's Mill, Exeter; Guessing Weight of Steer, J. Lynn, Woodham, donated by Norm Brook of Finn's Mineral, Exeter; Largest Family Attending, Bill Gibbings, Clinton, donated by Centralia Farm Supply; Coming the Farthest Distance, Elmer Harding, Gorrie, donated by Exeter Co-op; Birthday nearest the date, Jerome Andrews, Scarboro, donated by Norm Brock. The 'evening closed with lunch and a social get together. held in August. Club crests are now available to club members. Auctioneer for the Dutch Auction was Bob Brand and winner of the prize was Norris Desjardine, The name of Lewis Davey was drawn on the accumulated prize, but as he was absent, the prize was held and will be drawn on the next meeting. The next meeting will be held on August 10. cheddar counter to consumers be exempt from quotas. The quotas for cheese plants permit fair distribution of milk left after the prime markets fluid milk, ice cream and speciality, cheeses have been satisfied. Bennett told Milk Commission chairman, Dr. Kenneth McEwen, that many small cheese plants may have to close because of the shortage of milk. Overall milk production this year is down 3.3 per cent from last year, while the milk supply to cheese plants is down considerably more--by 13 per cent. "Small cheese plants such as Plum Hollow and Forfar and Union Star are having a tough time ofit right now," Bennett said, "Some of them just aren't getting enough milk to continue profitable operation." "The Milk Commission Paying attention to teaching children safety in the farm home is partieularly important because of the extra hazards found in a rural environment, such as chemicals and poison sprays. The farm population also faces extra highway hazards because of faster speeds on rural 'highways and ever-increasing traffic density. Rural areas are the sites Of three quarters of all traffic deaths and more than 42 per cent of traffic injuries although their populations represent less than 40 per cent of the national total. Accidents take place when people are subjected to uncontrolled forces. , The possibility of this happening is greater in the uncontrolled farm work environment, The new sources of power and more powerful ewuipment are inherently progressive developments which save considerable manual labour and increase productivity to the benefit of farmers and the population they feed. They become hazardous only when they are used improperly. There is plenty of evidence that this takes place much too frequently on farms. A survey by the Farm Safety Council of Ontario embracing 200 farms found that 40 per cent of the tractor master shields were missing and 20 per cent of the power take-off shields were either missing or ineffective. Apparently, many farmers considered adequate shielding as too much of a bother. But this safety malpractice greatly increases the uncontrolled power hazard and thus the risk of accidents. While there are many modern machines in use on farms, there are still a great number of older models being operated. Many of these have inadequate brakes and steering which result accidents, Farmers are urged to foil safety instructions when usi new machinery and to keep th older machines proper maintained. Tractors, because of th braking characteristics and hi center of gravity, are n designed for highway use. farmers must use their tracto on roads, they should make su children are not allowed accompany them. Nowhere else is a work ar employing powerful machine so integrated with home lif One result of this is a hi proportion of young childre killed or injured on farms. The can be prevented by keepin children away from the wor area and being especially alei for children when usin machinery around the house an barn. The big majority of farr accidents are caused b improper operating procedure: Modern farming requires moder safety practices. Farmers must think about th safety consequences of thel operations before they sta work and make sure they a what is required to make the] farms safer, healthier places i which to work and live. Huron holstein club holds Farm safety stressed during twilight meeting week-long safety campaign should exempt over-the-counter sales of these plants from quota restrictions. Some plants sell as much as half their cheese directly over the counter and its exemption from quota would make a considerable difference in many cases." Bennett called on milk processors to increase prices to producers. "If processors find present supplies inadequate," he said, "the surest and quickest way to increase supplies is by immediately paying producers more for their product." Several processors at the bearing were apparently willing to pay more for milk. "The Ontario Milk Marketing Board's supply management program is obviously working," Bennett said, "This is the first time in 25 years of dairy farming that I've heard processors so willing to pay higher prices." Increased assistance lowers insurance casts 1971. Participating farmers will then be paying only 50 percent of the actual premium cost of crop insurance protection, The Ontario Crop Insurance Program has expanded steadily since it was introduced in 1967. This year, the Crop Insurance Commission is offering 12 plans covering 13 crops: winter wheat, spring grains, forage, grain corn, , soyheans, white beans, potatoes, tomatoes, green peas, sweet corn, apples, and corn silage. In addition, in 1971 the Commission made available "Bare Ground" coverage to provide compensation to growers who have insured their crops with the Commission and are prevented from planting due to adverse weather. In announcing the increased government assistance to the Ontario Crop Insurance program, the Minister noted, "Crop insurance in Ontario has always represented good value for the money invested. With the Government of Ontario absorbing a greater proportion of the cost of the program, it means that crop insurance will, be an even better investment for the farm people of this province in terms of security and peace of mind. We hope this net reduction in premium costs will result in a substantial increase in producer participation in the Ontario Crop Insurance program with attendant benefits to all." Huron Rabbit Breeders meet at Elmville OFA proposes plan to save small 1 NEW / 3 DOWN COMBINES BALANCE "FREE" Ceilial — INTEREST TO APRIL, 1972 SPECIAL INVENTORY ON IN PRICES STOCK ..m....... FORAGE 1RANGING 9 IN rnom USED HARVESTERS STOCK 3 YEARS OLD) 482-9431 H. LOBE EQUIPMENT 8, SONS Ciintor, , I