The Rural Voice, 2000-04, Page 71RAINY RIVER
Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
411*
R.R. 1. Devlin, Ontario POW 100
807-486-3622
ALINAL
kAINY RIVER VALLEY • The Rural Voice is provided to Rainy
River Federation members by the RRFA.
March 13, 2000
After two weeks of sunshine and
the return of the wild geese, it's hard
to accept the fact that today it's cold
and snowing. This reminds me of a
conversation recently about the Earth
lining up with all the other planets in
the solar system in the next month,
supposedly between April 16 and
May 5. Anyway, could this be the
reason for our unusual weather since
this happening causes a gravitational
problem. Someone give me a call and
tell me more; I'd like to be prepared -
something like the millennium scare
and now we're ready for anything!
The time changes April 2 and the
pussy willows are out, so we know
that Spring is very near.
The RRFA meeting was held this
month at Emo, with Linda
Armstrong, Dianne Vandenbrand,
Betty Salchert, Kristine Carpenter,
KimJo Calder, Ken Fisher, Reg
Kause, Bernie Zimmerman, Jason
Teeple, Kim Desserre, Angela
Halverson, Gary Sliworsky and
Shirley Morrish attending.
Gary from OMAFRA attended to
let us know the latest news on the
cutbacks at his workplace. He also
gave a rundown on the cost of the
North West Link and how to keep it
going to every household that
belongs to one of our local
commodity groups. It was decided to
keep the issues moving for ten
months of the year with each group
sending their reports in by the 15th of
each month. This little newsletter
covers Thunder Bay, Dryden and
Rainy River districts.
Clayton got a speeding ticket on
his way to our meeting, but it was
reduced because he had a cow
calving. He was escorted home and
was offered assistance. Just goes to
show how friendly our law enforce-
ment people are in this district.
An Impact Study is being done for
our area under the direction of Dr.
Harry Cummings at Guelph. The
question brought to the table was,
"What are they going to do with it
when it does get done?"
KimJo reported that Thunder Bay
no longer has large animal service
and it could possibly happen here in
our district..
She announced that the Research
Station opens for the season on April
3. KimJo has some interesting events
coming up for the year 2000 and has
loads of information on seeds and
soils. Just give her a call at 807-482-
2354. After April she'll be a very
busy person.
Rainy River Farm Safety held
their annual meeting at Stratton,
February 22. There was ample
interest. Doug Anderson was guest
speaker from the Safety Coalition.
The big item on his agenda was the
upcoming World Safety Conference
to be held here in our district in the
year 2002. Guests from all over the
world will be in attendance and plans
are underway to host them royally,
and we can do it!
Our District has so very much to
offer. Contact Doug if you want to
get involved; you'll find him at
Betty's in Fort Frances.
The new executive for 2000 is:
.President, Carol Angus; Vice -
President, Rick Neilson; Secretary,
Shirley Teeple; Treasurer, Alwine
Teeple; Promotion Chairperson,
Shirley Morrish.
Bernie attended the annual Milk
Producers' Conference and reported
that in 10 years time the trend would
be no less than 100 cows producing
on dairy farms; but, the farmer must
expand for the right reasons. There is
still plenty of room for the 30-40 cow
people.
Canadian Eating Trends Study
revealed that 99 per cent of
Canadians consume milk, or milk
products and 97 per cent of
Canadians include meat in their diet.
Beef is the top selling item in srocery
stores and Canadians consume 74 per
cent of their meals at home. They
found that beef outsells (by more than
double) soft drinks, the top selling
grocery product category.
Talking about beef — don't forget
the first sale of the season at Stratton
Salesyard, Saturday, April 15. The
brand new ring scale will be up and
running for the very first time.
"The, need to change is a predic-
tion of the future, not a judgement of
the past." David Saxowski.
The Rainy River Stock Dog Club
will be holding a meeting on
Tuesday, March 21 at Stratton to plan
for their upcoming Fun Day —
tentative date, April 29. There will be
a Stock Dog Clinic beginning the
evening of May 26 and lasting two
days, May 27 - 28 at the Barwick
Recreation Centre. Membership is
increasing and dues can be paid to
Secretary/Treasurer Trish Neilson or
President Elaine Aveyard. Any dog
with the potential to work livestock is
a Stock Dog.
The bull sale at Douglas, Manitoba
takes place Saturday, April 8.
Clover Valley Farmers' Market at
Fort Frances will have an Easter
Market on Thursday, April 20 and
again Saturday, April 22. Opening
day will be April 29 with new
managers, Deb Cornell and Pat
Clysdale Cornell. It already looks like
a very active and productive year
ahead.
Rainy River Rural Safety will be
setting up a display booth at the
annual Ag Days and Seed Fair at
Barwick of the weekend of March 31.
Safety is our number one message in
all walks of life. With the busy
calving season upon us, try to follow
good restraint procedures when
giving needles. Train your people to
give needles properly in the neck
area. Discard bent, dull and broken
needles. Purchase only good quality
needles and change.them often.
Never straighten a bent needle or use
it again. Don't let broken needles
leave your farm in the beef you sell.
If you find yourself behind a slow
moving vehicle, be tolerant. Farmers
are working to produce food for your
table. It will only be a few minutes
before they turn off the road or you
reach a safe passing area. Don't risk
your life or someone else's. Slow
down and enjoy the scenery.
Cherish yesterday. Dream
tomorrow. Live today.0
- Submitted by Shirley Morrish
APRIL 2000 67