The Rural Voice, 2002-02, Page 31scandals in years". Scholars found
that the author could not substantiate
his claims with original data when
questioned. The book was intended to
justify tighter gun controls.
The same things are likely going
on here in Canada. When such
research is used to justify jobs, justify
positions, justify agencies, or justify
regulatory action or other tough
environmental law, the impact can
impose huge economic hardship on
people.
As the public, we must be vigilant
and on the watch at all times.
The future outlook I do not like:
A year ago I read an article about
a U.S. farmer named Tim Burrack
who had made two trips to Brazil to
see first hand the agricultural
development in the Cerrados. On
January 9 many saw his slide show
and heard him speak in Ridgetown at
the Southwest Ag Conference. It was
chilling to say the least. It was a
reality check for all of us that had
really no idea of what is going on in
Brazilian agriculture. We are not
preparedfor 21st century global ag
economics.
As
Cargill, Monsanto, ADM,
Bunge, John Deere, Case IH,
Ford New Holland,
Smithfield, Premium Standard et al,
take their North American generated
profits and plough them into the new
infrastructure of Brazilian agriculture,
I see a wrenching adjustment here in
North America by 2012. We are not
prepared as farmers.
I believe South America will
change the way we live here. Yes, we
are getting a smaller slice of the
consumer buck every year. Just wait
'til all of the conglomerate cotton,
soy, pork and poultry production
heads for Brazil. Our slice will be so
thin you'll be able to see through iti
Don't believe it? Re -check the
running shoe business, the clothing
business, the furniture business, the
list goes on.
Production/manufacturing by the
large multinationals always heads for
the area of least -cost production. If
soys can make it to Mississippi ports
from Brazil, cotton, chilled pork,
broiler and eggs won't be far behind.
And so here we sit today — no
rudder, no steering wheel, no brakes,
no government — it's worse than I
thought.0
F.,FIT
Bruce & Grey:
> Windows 98, $85 - Owen
> Commodity Marketing
> Commodity Marketing
> QuickBooks, $165 -Owen
> Intro to Ecological Agriculture,
-
-
2002 Training Courses
1-800-668-6284
Sound Feb. 13
Intermediate, $179 - Markdale Feb. 21, 22, 26
Advanced, $225 - Hanover Mar. 25, 26, 28
Sound Feb. 27, Mar. 6
$97 - Hanover Feb. 23, Mar. 2
Registration site for the Bruce -Grey courses is Grey County Agricultural Services at (519) 986-3756 or
email areyagservices@on.aibn.com or for further information, call Kathy Velocci, (519) 353-4018
Huron: most courses will be held at the Huron Business Centre in Seaforth, 9-4
> Using the Internet effectively, $115 Feb. 23
> QuickBooks Accounting, $200 Feb. 2 & 9
> Commodity Marketing - Advanced. $175 Feb. 25, 27 & Mar. 2
> Commodity Marketing Update, $75 Mar. 1
> Getting ready to run a Bed & Breakfast, $100 Feb. l6
> Opening your gates to Tourism, $90 Mar. 1
> Woodlot Management, $80 Mar. 21
> Intro to Ecological Agriculture, $120 Mar. 21, 22
Registration site for the Huron courses is at (519) 482-7167
(Alison Lobb - leave a message and I will call you back promptly) or email alison.lobb@tcc.on.ca
In-house, personalized training again in 2002!
On -Site Computer training, 3 hours of customized material delivered right in your own
1 home, on your own computer! &uce & Grey - Mar. 4, 5 & 6, Huron - by appointment - $95.
.\'OTE: GST will also be charged on registration fees.
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FEBRUARY 2002 27