The Rural Voice, 1979-01, Page 46Perth wants convention
resolutions streamlined
Past President of the Perth County
Federation of Agriculture, Ken Green,
thinks the system of handling resolutions
at the Ontario Federation's annual conven-
tion could be streamlined.
Green made some suggestions to the
December meeting of the Perth County
Federation in Newton.
He recalled that at the last convention
held in Hamilton the end of November that
more than 40 reso lutions came to the floor
and many were not of common interest to
all Federation members. "There's things
like telephone rates in Northern Ontario,
it's an important issue and that it's passed
by the Federation, but for everybody to sit
there for 20 minutes while discussion goes
on I don't think is fair," he said.
Discussion on issues which only effect a
minority of Federation members drag on
too long said Green. His proposal was to
deal with such localized issues by
discussing them on a committee level first
and then drafting an accurate resolution
before bringing them to the Federation
assembly.
Farmers call ed part of the problem
There's an excess flow of phosphorus
into the Grand River Water System and
farmers are a prime contributor to the
problem.
Tony Smith, Co-ordinator of the Grand
River Water Management Study, told the
December meeting of the Perth County
Federation of Agriculture that although
farmers aren't the only ones responsible
"they are part of the problem".
Each year thousands of tons of
phosphorous runs off into the Grand river
HURON FEDERATION LON'1'
system. Phosporous promotes too much
plant growth in the rivers, thus depleting
theioxygenand "if it gets bad enough you
have near septic conditions".
The Grand River Water Management
Study has determined that about 50 per
cent of the Phosphorus loading to the
Grand River basin is contributed by
Agriculture. Of that 50 per cent, only about
10 per cent of the land is allowing this
run-off. "That's the land adjacent to the
stream beds" said Smith."
business, we got through it all and 1 believe in the process there
was enough debate to insure the right decisions were reached.
Another Highlight was the presentation by the guest speaker.
Dr. Beryl Orris. at the Annual Banquet. Our convention theme
was commitment and Dr. Orris addressed this in a dynamic
fashion. He pointed out that there must be "belief" before there
canbe commitment. We must know what we believe and decide
to live for it rather than simply exist without direction. Do we
believe in farming as an important industry now and for the
future (perhaps we need to take a moment and look beyond our
own farm gate or line fence and see farming and our contribution
to society in larger terms than daily chores and seasonal tasks.)
From this belief can come a commitment to promoting and
sustaining the farming community and its values.
A third highlight was the commitment planning session during
which the various county delegates established goals for their
County for the coming year. Our goals for Huron were to
increase membership, communicate with consumers, improve
public relations and encourage involvement of our counties
members. We hope these are realistic goals and will increase
Huron Federations ability to work for its members.
Of particular concern to me is that active involvement of the
Federation members at the County and at the Township level.
Are you interested in becoming more actively involved with your
Federation of Agriculture? Would you like to take a more active
role in promoting and strengthening our business of farming?
What would you like the Federation to be doing at the County
and Township level? How much time are you willing to commit to
helping your Federation serve you? I would like to hear from you
on these questions.
My feeling is that as farmers we are busy enough that we do
tot want meetings for the sake of meetings but we do need to
communicate and be organized enough to make our concerns
heard. \s a rnunty organization we have monthly membership
meetings. 1 hese allow us to deal with monthly county business,
discuss members concerns and have some type of program of
interest to our members. As the new program and education
PG. 46 THE RURAL VOICE/JANUARY 1979
"If it was put into committees at the
convention where people have particular
interests, the problems could be dealt with
more thoroughly and then dealt with by the
whole convention in a matter of seconds",
said Green.
Issues which are of interest to all
Federation members could be dealt with
directly on the floor as they are now , said
Green.
Keith McMahon, a Federation member
from R.R.#7, St. Marys, said, "I think it's
a great idea ...I think the directors should
take it to Toronto" .
Green and some fellow directors will be
drafting a proposal to present to one of the
upcoming director's meetings in Toronto in
the new year.
Perth County
Federation of Agriculture
Monthly Meeting
Jan. 11, 1978
8:30 p.m. Sharp
Mitchell Town Hall
committee chairman I would be very interested to know of any
programs you would like to have at these meetings. (If you are
interested in getting to some of the County meetings call me
528-6542 and we cast arrange rides. to save energy and provide
company. County Meetings are the first Thursday of each
month.)
Do we at the township level need additional meetings to deal
with local concerns? Would we get to a township meeting
because it would be closer to home? At our last township
directors meeting we discussed several ideas. One was to have a
pot luck luncheon this winter to discuss business and get to know
each other. Another suggestion was that we organize a meeting
on co-operative ownership of farm equipment to reduce
individual equipment overhead while allowing access to labour
saving devices. What would you like us to do as a township? Are
there any local issues we should be examining?
Another area of concern to me is that of membership. 1 a It
not much of a salesman and I don't like being pressured into
things myself but 1 do feel that farmers in our township should
know about the Federation and be invited to join it. In September
we -held a small membership drive. We tried to call on all the
farmers in our township who are not currently members. We
wanted to let them know about OFA and to invite them to join.
Unfortunately many people were not at home. If you have
neighbors who were not contacted or who are now interested in
joining the Federation please let me know and 1 will get them the
membership forms.
December 1978 is the last month during which new members
can sign up for $35. This is one of the best pre -Christmas
bargains farmers are likely to see. Please let your neighbors
know about it and let me know if they are interested.
If you have gotten through this letter 1 thank you for your
patience. With your thoughts. your comments and your held
your Township and County Federations of Agriculture can serve
you better.
Yours sincerely,
Tony McQuail