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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1993-03-17, Page 72Page 16A -Farm Progress '93 -Ft GIFtlE Thesis was related . to agricultural economics •fYoni page 14a complete his Masters degree. His thesis was relatedto agricultural economics and policy evaluation. As his study model, Thompson evaluated the initial Land Stewardship program. While on his journey, Thompson. met his wife Tracy who hails from Scotland and immigrated to Canada. The couple are expecting their first child in the near future. In his travels, Thompson had the opportunity to evaluate the countries in which he travelled and form opinions on their environmen- tal practices relating to agriculture. He• has little praise for the United Kingdom's__ system of subsidies which he believes create too much government bureaucracy and do little to improve the environment. On the other • hand, Thompsoh praised the Australians, who he said operate with no environmental grants or . programs, but whose farmers solicit private monies and initiate environmental housekeeping without the meddling of government. "It would be considered strange to some, but the Australians do their environmental good will on their own initiative," said Thompson. "They are real entrepreneurs in recognizing how to do things and they find the solutions and do it from a grass roots level." Thompson said in comparison to other parts of the world, Canadian farmers and environmental policy in this country are showing signs of encouragement. But he said their is still too much bureaucracy. As for the Htuun County home front, Thompson's idea relates to the development of farm land natural resources. "There are areas on many farms that won't make money," said Thompson. "Farmers should be en- couraged to develop and nurture CONSERVATIONTILLAGE. MINIMUM TILLAGE. REDUCED TILLAGE. ZERO TILLAGE. DIRELY SEEDING. NO MATTER HOW YOU REDUCE YOUR TILLAGE, THERE'S NOTHING LIKE ROUNDUP TO HELP YOU CONSERVE HERBICIDE YOUR SOIL SAVE MOISTURE AND REDUCE INPUT•COSTS. NOW ONLY $9.95,! iitoosio9 There's Nothing Like It Larry Bartram (519 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR ROUNDUP HERBI- CIDE *Pride has'ed do 10 litre agricultural container. Retail price may vary. Roundupe is a regietered trademark of. Monsanto Company. Monsanto Canada .Inc., registered user, ©Monsanto Company 1993. these areas and be given the oppor- tunity to make a profit from their efforts." For example, Thompsoh suggests turning wetlands into duck ponds that can provide an opportunity for hunters. "In the U.K., people pay for the right to shoot on these properties," said Thompson. He suggests if a farmer can make money from this type of land, he will take a whole different look at these assets instead of figuring ways to turn them into crop produc- tion areas. • But Thompson believes before any conservation measures of this sort take place, society has to tell the farmers what they want. "If they want trees, then let's buy the tress and we'll plant them," said Thompson. "If they want clean water, then let's go in that direc- tion." Thompson admits farmers generally enjoy the privacy afforded to them on their land, and said "I ' enjoy this aspect too." "That's why I live out in the countyside," said Thompson. "These are just ideas, but I think it could work. Farmers shouldn't be afraid to have people see what they are doing. I know some people in the public will never understand, but overall, the intelligent one's might suggest ways to work on the problems while at the same time providing farmers with an idea of what they would like to see. "We need more people like Don Lobb to open everybody's eyes," continued Thompson. "Canadian agriculture will survive, because even with our environmental com- mitment and the expense of this direction, we are still as competitive as anyone in the world." MABON MEATS ABATTOIR R.R. #1 Dungannon *Custom Killing *Selling Sides of Beef & Pork *F reeze r_ d-ers 529 76 Ag Canada's predictions Farm Eipenses • Operating expenses are expected to remain about the same level in 1992 and 1993,as in 1991. • A slight decrease is expected in 1992 to $15.6 tom$16.7 billion. ' • Little change is forecast in 1993 to between $15.4 to $16.9 billion. • In both years, the percentage change is expected to be less than one per cent, • Decreases in interest, feed, rent expenses and insurance premiums are expected in 1992, with con- tinued decreases in interest and rent in 1993. Food Prices • The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food declined by 0.5 per cent in 1992, the fust decrease since 1958. • In 1993, the CPI .for food is expected to increase by two to four per cent; food purchased from stores is forecast to rise by one to three per cent, while the CPI for restaurant food is expected to increase by two to four per cent. Livestock • Total marketing of Canadian beef are expected to increase two per cent in 1993 • Inventory of cattle and calves on January 1, 1993 will be about 12 million head, up .one per cent over the same date in 1992. • Canadian slaughter is expected to increase two per cent next year while exports of . live cattle to the GREY BRUCE AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES • Provide employment planning assistance to•the agricultural industry. • Recruit workers for agricultural employment • Assist worker orientation and • transportation • Promote good employment • standards • Provide information about government employment, programs ' Employers requiring Agriculture !' College Students for seasonal full- time employment, give us a call. 200 McNab St. Walkerton 881-3671 1689 2nd Ave. E. Owen Sound 371-9522 1-800-461-9033