The Rural Voice, 1983-01, Page 8comment that interest rates may start to
decline further but couldn't say for how
long the trend would continue.
While commodities are depressed
George did point out that producers will
not see the high input costs like we did in
the past one or two years. Essentials like
fuel marked an increase of 20 - 25 per cent
but now Canada has reached the world
price for fuel so farmers will not see the
same marked increase in that commodity.
But back to the grass root level. Carl
Moore a dairy farmer in Oxford county
found it a bit difficult to be optimistic. Carl
speaks to a variety of farm groups about
the economy and while he didn't have
much of a chance to think about our ques-
tions he did say he looks forward to
speaking to more groups in the coming
year.
Phil Durand has had a very com-
memorative year with his being named
Farmer of the Year by the Huron Federa-
tion of Agriculture and then given an
award from the Canadian Feed Growers
Association for his 30 years work.
Phil has noticed more people flying the
Canadian flag this year than ever before
and chalks it up to Canada finally having
her own constitution. Although concerned
about the very low commodity prices, Phil
was another one to point out that growers
are fortunate to have above average yields
to compensate.
For 1983 Phil is optimistic and is sure
that the government will develop a policy
to get the economy going again. The lower
interest rates will assist farmers and in
Phil's words commodity prices have only
one way to go. "Despite world problems,
weather problems, and more demands on
us we are still blessed to be able to pro-
duce the way we do," said Phil.
This year has been very busy for Tony
McOuail. As chairman of the foodlands
Committee dealing with the hydro corridor
proposals, Tony sees the co-operation of
the farm groups in the committee and
their success as the greatest accomplish-
ment for 1982.
The NDP leadership convention where
Bob Rae was elected and the Ontario
Federation of Agriculture convention
where farmers are working for farmers are
highlights in a busy year.
"I am working for co-operation within
the farm community and with other sec-
tors of our economy to develop fair solu-
tions to some of the problems we will face
in 1983," said Tony.
Tony will have his hands full with his
new positions of representative on the
Huron County Board of Education and as
president of the Huron Federation of
Agriculture.
From a politicians point of view. the
past year has not been a positive one
Jack Riddell. agricultural critic for the op -
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PG. 8 THE RURAL VOICE, JANUARY 1983
position in the Ontario legislature
couldn't say anything positive about the
past year.
"Farmers are faced with very low corn-
modity prices except those under
management supply programs," said Rid-
dell.
The Pork producers are doing well and
beef farmers have seen fluctuating prices
but overall farmers are not receiving a
price to allow for profit, pointed out Mr.
Riddell.
"I have been stressing to the minister
(Minister of Agriculture) that we will see
more bankrupties as farmers ask for
operating loans or extensions to their
loans." Mr. Riddell continued with"..the
banks may turn them down so it doesn't
look too good for the next year."
Mr. Riddell sees 1983 as a possible time
for a tapering off of bankrupties and
towards 1984-85 "we may see farming
come back into its own."
But Mr. Riddell did end his comment on
the optimistic side with reference to farm-
ing practises having to change. He sees
the trend for smaller. family farm units
where there is more efficiency.
"We have to get back to more care of
the soil, using rotating crops and
plowdown practises. If we don't feed the
soil we will be unable to produce."
"I do see a bright future for farming."
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