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The Lucknow Sentinel, 1993-03-17, Page 78Page 22A—Farm Progress '93 E4c,ARES .Don Lobb, 'from page 21a tremendous technical advances in food production. He believes that these advances will increase at a rate proportional to the pressure level, therefore increasingly more rapid. "Food production versus societal preferences will become the major issue concerning human survival," said Lobb. "For example, do we develop on productive land? Do we continue our preference to eat meat if livestock add to our water pol- lution problems?" P, a conservationist with realistic options Because of the situation, Lobb suggests that the greatest population pressure in the future will come in the parts of the world where fresh water is most abundant. Realistic options It is easy to have theories about the world situation, but Lobb proves his genuine concern by taking his comments to a further level, namely the realistic options considering the problem. "I believe that food production financial support Must immediately be altered," said Lobb. "These FIRE RETARDENT COATINGS SPRAY ON URETHANE SPACE AGE INSULATION CO. All Types of Blown Insulation Free Estimates Ron Kassies • Londesboro, Ont Office R. R. # 1, Salford, Ontario (519) 523-9484 RITCHIE ELECTRIC LUCKNOW 528-3141 "Everything Electrical" 11 *RURAL,. *RESIDENTIAL *INDUSTRIAL *COMMERCIAL *HYDRO POLE and POLE LINE CONSTRUCTION ' "Quality Semite Since 1979" 452 WOLSLEY STREET DON RITCHIE LUCKNOW 528-3141 funds should only be available as rewards for responsible resource management. "I guess you would call this cross -compliance, and usually when you say this word, a lot of minds will close," suggests Lobb. "The word to these people is associated as bad, But in reality, it is only trading something worthwhile, in exchange for support. If we are to have support for land management, then society shouldn't be paying for cleaning out drainage ditches and at the same time, supporting the price of corn." Lobb believes food production which has water pollution potential, must be relocated to areas where the potential is reduced. For example, Lobb suggests government programs should only support lives- tock in areas of least risk, such as on the prairie provinces. "High human population areas cannot environmentally support high livestock populations," said Lobb. "The surface and ground water would quickly be polluted and the world track record has proven this. "Food producing land is a fragile and often not a renewable resource," continued Lobb. "There are 'virtually no food producing frontiers left and therefore the government must halt any expan- sion onto this land for residential or industrial purposes. The City of London annexation on Jan. 1, 1993, should be viewed as a criminal act!" The bottom line Lobb suggests that without responsible action, we are within one generation of a food supply and fresh water supply crisis. "The preservation of resources for future generations in no longer the issue," said Lobb. "But I believye that overall, the government as afraid to move in the direction that is necessary." Much of the reason why Lobb is nignty respectea ana constaered a pioneer in his concern for the future of agriculture stems from the fact that he practices what he preaches. His farm is a bastion for respected research because it is a land conser- vation model. Some of the soil and water measures in place on the Lobb farm include crop production using no -till, minimal pesticide usage and modified equipment . to apply phosphorous fertilizer below the soil surface and to side dress corn nitrogen below soil surface to minimize rates applied, and maximize use efficiency. But these measures only scratch the surface of what is being done on the Lobb farm. He has also retired land where crop profit potential is low and planted this land with trees and grass. Lobb has also nurtured a forest with over 150 different types of trees. Aside from Lobb's undertakings, his family is somewhat of a success • story as well. His wife' Alison is very active in agriculture and conservation, and the Lobb children, four sons and one daughter,. have excelled in their educational endeavours. Lobb's oldest son is a currency trader with Nesbitt -Thompson, and his second oldest is embroiled' in a doctorate in agriculture at the University of Guelph. Lobb's passion for his work has provided the opportunity for him to speak at numerous conventions concerning agricultural conservation measures. But overall,: he enjoys his family, • his farm and has no political ambitions. "I'm just doing what I like to.do," said Lobb. Agricultural Canada's predictions se Grain • In 1993-94 in Canada, the supply of coarse grain, especially com, is projected to increase. . • Canadian corn prices will increase in 1992-93 although U.S. corn prices are expectedto decrease. This is due to the weakness of the Canadian dollar .and because Canada will become a net importer of corn in 1992-93. • The price of barley is projected to remain relatively, stable although barley production in Canada is projected to increase. • Both the price ,of oats and oat exports are projected to decrease slightly in 1993-94. Oilseeds • . Canadian canola and soybean production is projected to be mod- • eiately higher and flaxseed produc- tion is expected to recover in 1993- 4. A•totLtyp 0‘1 G a 1 i. -i s x -f:. iyI ` r' 1 EXCELLENT*** HERD HEALTH CLASSIFICATION Purebred Yorkshire. Boars & Gilts Purebred Landrace Boars & Gilts YxL Fi GILTS HxD F1 BOARS. - R.O.P. TESTED -• GUARANTEED BREEDERS FREE DELIVERY Tim and Rosa SmaII. R.R. #6 Goderich, Ontario 519-529-3240' • Increased exports of Canadian oilseeds products are expected. • A significant increase in ending stocks is not anticipated for 1993- 94. • Canadian 1993-94 oilseed prices are expected to remain the same or slightly above the stronger prices being observed in 1992-93.