HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1989-12-20, Page 5Lucknow Sentinel, Wettaesday, December 2S, 1989—Page 5
Speakers believe in the family farm
by :Debbie Stall
WvA� dRTON .F� can look for-
ward,
or
wa, with "caribous'optimism", to 'a
brighter future.
Dr. George . Brinkman, professor of
agricultural economic and `business at
the University sof Guelph, spoke to about
200 .Grey200 Greytanite farmers at the Walkerton
'Knights of Columbus 'Hall on Tuesday
evening, Dec. 5. The information meeting,
sponsored by the Royal Bank's Hanover
Agricultural tie, also featured guest
speakers Robert Mercer, editor of the
Broadwater Newsletter, and George Ar-
nold,
rnoid, manager of Agricultural Services
with the Royal Bank.
All three speakers said they believed
the family farm, which survived the hard
times in the 1960s, sw81 survive the 1990s.
"We've come through a period of pro-
longed survival management. I believe in
the survival of the family farm, :but
we're also going to see sophisticated
farm operations," :said Dr. Brinkman
Sophisticated farms will be operated by
multiple families with a high level of
technology, or by joint ownership and
leasing. Family farms will dominate in
Ontario, but the farms will be ,different
because of more environmental concerns,
taxation, trade negotiations and animal
welfare, he said.
"Farmers will need better access to
ministries of finance, external affairs,
revenue and envirt. I't see it's
going to be easy, but it has never been
easy," added Dr. Brinkman
Mercer said the next 10 years will
bring both difficulties and great oppor-
tunities to n ► :, 'o farmers.
"Based on 20 years of observation, I
believe cash will be king in the next two
to three years. Well be living beyond our
economic means and beable to bargain
with cash, not credit.
"I'm also a strong believer in :global
warming. You should be prepared for
more droughts and you must be certain
of your water supply," said Mercer.
He said .he sees international trading
groups, bice GATT (General Agreement
an Trade and Tariffs), essential to
agriculture, and renewed consumerism in
food. However, he also warned farmers
to "prepare for world famine, because
the ._potential is there."
"Farmers should be :prepared to take
on ,a new image in the political field.
Food should not be taken for granted,"
said Mercer.
"One word of advice to the farm corn-
riwiity," lidded Arnold. "I suggest farm
people lobby real hard against GST
(general sales tax) ... lobby to be comp.
ted from GST because it will cause cash
flow problems for the farmer."
Arnold toll farmers the Royal Bank
has made the ,commitment to provide
high quality service to agricultu a clients.
"From a banker's view of the next 10
years, we're looking ahead optiaiLstical-
ly. The fanning survivors of the 19110s are
in a stronger financial position and
they're ready for the opportunities of the
1990s," said Arnold.
Thebank's customer profile of people
in •agriculture include more part-time
farmers with gross sales less than
million and more large commercial
farms with gross sales over $50 million.
"This broad mix of customers means
we have to offer a broad mix of banking
services. Although the Royal Bank's
agricultural centres were hand to develop
and not "well received at first, I believe
it's the way to go today," said Arnold.
"We're starting the 1990s on a much
stronger base than any other province. I
believe the worst is behind us.
"We've got good farmers, and that's
what it takes," said Dr. Brinkman.
The general agreement of the three
speakers was that the 1980s were tough
on Ontario farmers and that the 1990s
look brighter, but no one offered any
predictions on farm foreclosures or
derlining interest rates.
Band maintains hectic schedule
The Lucknow Central Concert Band has
enjoyed a full, yet fun year so far. Since
the Fall Fair, we have been in three
parades and have held a Christmas
concert.
The band participated in the Remem-
brance day parade along with all the
other local supporters of the community
We have travelled to Seaforth for their
annual night Christmas parade and what
a night that was. The cold caused the in-
struments to freeze up, but the band stili
marched on and the members whose in-
struments were still working played even
harder to cover for the others until they
could get their instrujents to work again
The Lucknow Santa Oaus parade was 'a
bit again this year and it showed what
great support this community can put
forth and the pride- that the people have
for Lucknow
On Thursday December seventh the
band held its second annual Christmas
Youth Music Night at the Know Com-
munity Centre. Many young children
from the surrounding :schools and the
band• participated to raise money for the
Lucicnow and District Christmas Fund for
the less fortunate people at Christmas
time. We would like to thank the children
from Brookside and the Lucknow Chris-
tian School for their help in making the
concert the success that it was. We would
also :hike to thank the people of the com-
munity that showed up and supported the
Christmas fund.
Now that these events are over the
band is practicing hard for their trip to
Frankerunuth U.S.A. in May. Have a safe
and merry Christmas.
Town and
Country Club
Christmas
program
The Lucknow Town and Country Club
met December 11 and enjoyed a pot luck
meal.
The meeting was chaired by the Presi-
dent Joan Robinson. O Canada and the
Theme Song were sung.
Nominations for 1990 officers are:
President, Joan Robinson; 1st Vice, Ber-
nice Johnstone; 2nd Vice, Vera Schmidt;
Secretary, Mary Laois; Treasurer, Tena
Gardner.
The programme followed with the sing-
ing of carols with Vera Schmidt as ac-
companist. ompanist. Readings were by Evelyn
Henderson, My Christmas Wish; Mary
Levis, A Christmas poem; Anna
Johnstone, I saw a little Teddy Bear;
also a kazoo number by Anna and two
musical numbers by Jean Conley.
At the previous meeting Novewmber-27
Constable Andy Burgess O.P.P. Kincar-
dine was the guest speaker. Comments
were food for thought - Alcohol is a drug.
It goes straight to the brain and has a
tremendous impact on the ability to drive
safely. Also beware of door to door
salesmen. Driving drunk is a life or
death situation.
At look bach at Donnybrook
• frmpage4
Lkewise for loaf sugar which he did
And mixed well with butter for Don-
nybrook Fair.
Young Enoch Shorts got a prize for some
wool,
And so did Tom Taylor for a thorobred
bull;
While little Andrew Black came in for a
share
With a prize for a colt out Dinny's old
mare
The show about over and coming on
night,
A few lively Irishmen started a fight;
When Robin Buchanan got a box on the
His friends standing by all trembled with
fear.
'Till wee Peter MacDonald who never
was slack,
Says fight away Robin, I'm here at your
back.
Old Billy -Farguarson, to pieces well
tear,
And we'll have satisfaction at Don-
nybrook Fair.
Now, I hope you've enjoyed this song I
have given.
And I'll promise another in 1867.
Now don't disappoint me, be sure and be
there
AAnd � all your friends to Donnybrook
tiff