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The Rural Voice, 1983-03, Page 29BERG SALES -SERVICE INSTALLATIONS • Barn Cleaners • Bunk Feeders • Stabling • Hydraulic Pumps FREE ESTIMATES Donald G. Ives R R 2 Blyth I3russels 882-9024 • On Farm Service • Radials • Rice Tires • Deep Treads • All Makes In Stock • Plus Ordinary Tires Willits Tire Service Lucknow, Ont. (519) 528-2103 IN THE NEWS EGG PRODUCERS NEED BETTER IMAGE The Ontario Egg Producers' Marketing Board is concerned with its image. Communications officer Kathy Ull- yott, appointed to the new position about eight months ago to improve the Board's image with the media, sugges- ted to producers that writing a letter to the editor with complaints is probably easier, and more effective. than trying to change the negative persuasion of some reporters' minds. She was speak- ing to a Board -sponsored poultry semi- nar in Seaforth. Ullyott said, since her appointment, she has been concentrating on four main areas in an attempt to have the Board's voice heard and improve its image: the media, policy makers. con- sumers, and producers by newsletter. "I'm not working under the illusion that improving our irnaoe will sell more eggs," she said. Board director Bill Scott spoke briefly on energy-efficient ventilation systems for poultry barns. New energy-efficient motors on the market are about ten per cent more efficient than regular motors, he said, but only when run at full speed. Poultry specialist Peter Hunt outlined some pullet management research as discussed by Dr. John Summers at a recent seminar at the University of Guelph. He said hens, in general, are maturing earlier these days because of improved pullet management, for in- stance, better vaccinations and more uniform growth rate control. But this earlier maturity has resulted in some problems for producers, such as. a failure to peak or a rapid decline in the peak, and persistent low egg weight. Hunt said some of these problems may be due to light birds. Low body weight, encouraged early in the growth cycle, may cost later on. It is perhaps unrealistic, he said, to expect chickens that are bred to be small, to adjust and eat what is considered proper. later in the growth cycle. By then, he said, they have less capacity. Hunt said feed restrictions, to control body weight. are generally implemented late rather than early in the cycle, and perhaps further research will confirm the procedure should be reversed and the growing schedule should be adjusted, in an attempt to get high body weight before laying. In an experiment where early laying was induced, it was found in general, it resulted in low egg weight, but there appears to be some relation between body weight and egg weight. FARM LAND TAXES To All Farmers of Ontario: Are YOU concerned about the dangers of allowing the Government of Ontario to pay the tares on your farm land and buildings? The Government is calling it a 1000'10 rebate, but will this eventually give them control of our farm land? Remember, you will still be paying property taxes on your residence. Under the proposed scheme some farmers may be paying more taxes than at the present time. If you arc concerned, contact your local M.P.P. and, sign the coupon below and return to: Box 361, Wingham, Ontario NOG 2W0. Postal code Sponsored hr Jim Armstrong. Tom Jackson, Bill Sheard, George Underwood and other concerned farmers. THE RURAL VOICE. MARCH 1983 PG. 29