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The Rural Voice, 1986-02, Page 24SMYTH Snowblowers ...when you've just got to get through! Y ` • • Cutting Req'd. Width H.P. Auger Fan Hoods Rear Mount 56" 16 & up 12" 18"x6" Man. 72" 35 & up Single 24"x8" Man 16" 84" 55 Single 30"x10" Hyd. 20" 96" 70 Single 30"x10" Hyd 20" 96" 100 14" 30"x10' Hyd 14" 102" 100 14' 30"x10" Hyd (81/2 ft) 14" 108" 120 20" 36"x12' Hyd & up 20" George Smyth Welding and Machine Shop Ltd. "We build the best and repair the rest." R.R. 2, AUBURN, ONT., NOM 1E0 519-529-7212 22 THE RURAL VOICE FARM NEWS Wise speaks to cattlemen's group John Wise, Canadian Minister of Agriculture, jokes with head table guests at the Huron Cattlemen's Association annual meeting in Clinton recently. (Photo by Merle Gunby.) Seventy-five per cent of all cattle produced in Canada now come under the tripartite stabilization program, according to John Wise, Canadian Minister of Agriculture, speaking at the Huron County Cattlemen's association annual meeting in Clinton on January 23. The tripartite stabilization plan is similar to an insurance policy; the federal and provincial govern- ments, along with producers in various commodities, all con- tribute toward the premium. Each province has to agree with the federal government to participate, then each commodity (beef, pork, or sheep) can come under the plan. Presently, 60 per cent of hogs, 70 per cent of lambs, and 75 per cent of beef produced in Canada are in a stabilization plan. During times of low prices, for a commodity under the program, pay -outs to the producer would help to offset some of the losses. "After ten years of frustration and failed negotiations between farmers and governments, our government, in just over a year, has put the necessary legislation in place," Wise bragged. When asked by Huron County beef producer Neil Stapleton, if there would be incentives to move other provincial groups into the plan, Wise said that stabilization is an attempt to rationalize prices across Canada. He implied that the federal contributions might be reduced if provincial contributions cause regional price distortions. Speaking on trade issues, Wise said that during the last round of GATT (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs) negotiations, Canadian Agriculture had been "burned." Canada is pressing for the inclusion of agriculture in the next round of talks. We want bet- ter access to export markets and better controls on export subsidies that apply equally and fairly to all countries," he said. On free trade, Wise said that the government has sent a message to the U.S. saying that Canada would be prepared to discuss bilateral trade issues. "Our goal simple," he said, "It is to negotiate a good deal for Canada and Canadian agriculture, or there'll be no deal at all." Elections for the executive of the Huron Cattlemen's Association were held: Ron Bennett of Gorrie, is the new president for 1986, Keith Strang, Hensall, is the first vice- president and Jack Flanagan, from Dublin, is the second vice- president. Rose Marie Bishop of Brussels, continues as secretary in 1986 and Glen Coultes, Brussels, will represent Huron County Cat- tlemen on the Ontario Cattlemen's Association (OCA). MG