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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1988-07-20, Page 7Drought has reduced soybean crop drastically A July 5 survey of soybean growers from across Ontario indicates that the drought may have already reduced this year's soy- bean crop by 32%. The most severe ' damage was reported in Kent' and Essex counties, where a 40% crop reduction is ex- pected based on the hope that normal rain- fall will return by mid July. At 1,300,000 acres, soybeans are the se- cond largest acreage cash crop in Ontario, after corn. They are grown across southern Ontario, with the heaviest con- centration of acres in the five southwestern counties which have been hit hardest by the drought, high heat and low humidity. The 1987 'soybean crop had a farm value of $320 million. The March to June period of 1988 has been the driest ever recorded in Windsor, according to weatherman Richard Zurawski. Temperatures in Windsor tied or broke eight June maximum readings and an all time high termperature of 40.2 degrees was set on June 25. Soybean grower Hugh Scott of Staffa, near Strat- ford, has been a volunteer weather observer for nineteen years. His farm recorded only 6.9 millimeters of rain dur- ing June, compared to the average of 72.00 millimeters. The low rainfall and high temperatures have stunted the growth of the soybean plants and caused leaves to curl and wilt. Many fields have experienced poor seed germination. Severe weed problems are also a concern because most herbicides are not effective without rain. Crop insurance was available for soy- beans but only 50% of Ontario's acres are enrolled in the program. Many growers feel the benefits of the crop insurance pro- gram are too limited and costly, under nor- mal conditions. Two key recommenda- tions for changes to the program will be discussed at the July 11 agriculture ministers' meeting. Owen Dobbyn, Chairman of the Ontario Soya -Bean Growers' Marketing Board believes that the condition of the soybean crop has become critical. The Board will continue to monitor the condition of the crop and in consultation with other farm groups, will be preparing recommenda- tions to the federal and provincial govern- ments for drought assistance, should the condition of the crop continue to deteriorate. Joint proposal prepared CHECK -OFF ' There has been a joint proposal prepared by the. Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. This proposal is for an automatic, multiple-choice, refundable check -off of fees to fund general farm organizations of Ontario. The primary purpose of the proposal is to better fund .general farm organizations in Ontario. The present limitation of finances thwarts these organizations into dealing with short-term bandaid issues. These organizations have a duty and a desire to do more long-term research and policy development. Why support such an idea? The work of these. general farm groups benefits all farmers, not just those paying member- ship fees. More resources will allow these organizations a better chance to be seen as the legitimate spokesmen for farmers. Perhaps the "common good" is more im- portant than the "individual gain" or sav- ings by not paying a membership. Refunds will be available to farmers upon written request. For those who do not choose a specific general farm organiza- tion, there will be a fund jointly set up for cooperative activities such as research, education or charity. The question is: Will this check -off make general farm organizations stronger as spokesmen and more visible or will it just water down the present concentration of effort? Will the organizations become in- sensitive to grassroots feelings? The intent is just the opposite. Perhaps the challenge will be for the organizations to use the extra funds to do more long-term research and development for the benefit of all farmers, not only to- day in Ontario, but also in the future for the "common good" of all farmers everywhere. As individual food producers we are a part of the world's many food growers and a policy to our benefit should likewise be of benefit to all farmers, the world over. Perhaps the challenge to work for the common good is tougher than policies to benefit the individual producer or his marketing board. Are our organizations up to the challenge? We'll find out if the pro- posal becomes relaity. Respectfully Submitted, Bruce County Federation of Agriculture Public Relations Committee Tripartite pays $6. 5 m An interim payment of $6.5 million will be sent to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia ap- ple producers enrolled in the National Tripartite Price Stabilization program. The announcement was made June 27 by the National Apple Tripartite Stabilization Committee representing producers and the federal and provincial governments About 2,500 apple growers in the five pi o- vinces are eligible for this stabilization payment based on 1987 crop yields. On August 1, 1988, producers involved in the program will receive an interim payment of 1.59 cents per kilogram. The interim payment represents an estimated 75 per cent of the final payment. This is the first year apple producers have been covered by the tripartite stabilization program. A stabilization payment is triggered when the market price drops below the support price outlined in the tripartite agreement. The stabilization payment is based on the difference between the support price and the estimated average market returns. The 1987 support price is 23.97 cents pei kilogram for apples. Producer premiums for the 1988 crop have been set at $5.35 per tonne. Outside of any supplementary premiums which are required to keep the plan financially viable, producers and both levels of government contribute equally Stockyards All classes of steers and heifers sold under pressure at the Brussels Stockyards last week. Cows traded higher and pigs sold stronger. There were 554 cattle and 236 pigs on offer. Choice steers sold 83 to 87 with sales to 100 whiel good steers sold 79 to 83. A gold steer consigned by Maple Emblem Farms, Dungannon, weighing 1240 lbs., sold for 88.75 with their total of- fering of 43 steers selling for an average price of 84.12. Six steers consigned by Gord Roulston of RRl Ripley, averaging 1360 lbs., sold for an overall price of 80.50 with sales to 84.25. Choice exotic heifers sold 83 to 85 with sales to 86.50. Good heifers sold 78 to 82. Choice cows sold 57 to 61; good cows sold 53 to 56 Pigs 20 to 30 pounds traded to a high of .70 per pound; 30 to 40 pound traded to a high of .66 per pound; 50 to 60 pounds trad- ed to a high of .52 per pound. Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, July 20,1988—Page 7 Cattlemen's barbecue Plan to attend the Bruce County Cat- tlemen's Association Annual Beef Barbecue! Dinner will be served from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Chesley Communi- ty Centre on Wednesday, July 27, 1988. A special feature this year will be the presentation of the OMAF Centennial Awards. In recognition for their contribu- tions to agriculture, the awards will be presented to Andy McTavish of Walkerton' and to George Gear and Walter Warder posthumously. This is part of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Centennial celebrations. Tickets for the barbecue are $10.00 per person and are available from the direc- tors of the Association or the OMAF office. Please reserve your tickets by July 22, 1988. ARM REPORT Bruce County OMAF AGRICREW UPDATE Bruce County's two Agricrews, based in Walkerton and in Kincardine are currently working five days a week on farms throughout the area. There are still a few days available to be booked by farmers in August. The crew consists of four young people in their mid to late teens which can help with various farm jobs for $110/crew/day. Young people may still ap- ply for positions with Agricrew. Farmers and youths both may make inquiries by phoning 881-3671. "One in every crowd" Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards In every crowd there 'is a young person aged h to 18 years, who is involved in worthwhile community service, overcoming physical or psychological limitation's, or 'has performed an act of heroism. You can honour this young person, with the help of Canadian Airlines International and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association by nominating them for an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Since 1981• the prestigious Ontario junior ('hien of the Year' Awards Program has recognized the hest in Ontario's youth. Official nomination forms arc available at the ()Ili( e of cvury member Community Newspaper in Ontario or the Ontario Community Newspapers Association, 1'.O Box 431. Oakville Ontario. I.dJ 5A8. phone 1-410-844-0184. Nominations arc accepted up to October 31st. hvcry nominee receives ,r certrtuatc and up -to I.'. individuals and one group will he recipient, of ,in ,i\\,11 1 presentee) 1,N the 1 ieutcn.cnl (,o� ernor nt OnLrnn CITl4, J_ ONTARIO JUNIOR CITIZENt�.� �, W OF THE so„,ARDS YEAR AWARDS o nominate a worng person In your e ommunih ple,ese e unt,re t Your lunuv (iti/en (o -ordinator Pat Livingston - 528-2822 Or complete and maul this coupon to. The Lucknow Sentinel Box 400, Lucknow NOG 2H0 I wish to nominate as an Ontario Junior C.iti,cn of thc,Ycar Please send nomination corm to. My Name Address. Postal Cock- I elephone• ontario Canadian cn community zonsw J ,