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The Rural Voice, 2002-02, Page 48GREY 446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 Email: grey@ofa.on.ca Website: www.ofa.on.ca/grey 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER • The Rural Voice is provided to all Grey County Farmers by the GCFA. By Karl Chittka, President Grey County Federation of Agriculture The year 2002 should again be a challenging experience for all farmers in Grey County and throughout the province. To start with, this winter up to the middle of January, has been much lighter with a lot less moisture than usual and fluctuation in temperatures are hard on the health of livestock and people. There are more pneumonia problems in livestock and flu season began early. On a positive note this year's "Farmers' Week" in Elmwood which started on January 3 for five days and was geared to provide useful information to commodity groups in Grey County was very well attended. While the final attendance figures are being tabulated it appears that the numbers are up. The speakers and the message they delivered were of high calibre, and in many instances encouraging. However, what was most impressive at the session I attended was to see many more young farmers showing up and asking intelligent and challenging questions. Yes, that is what it is all about — listen to the speakers, ask the questions, get the answers, evaluate what you have heard and in most cases you have learned something new and useful to apply to your day-to-day operation. As a bonus there is plenty of time to socialize and meet fellow farmers as well as some of the local suppliers in our area. A day spent at "Farmers' Week" can be very rewarding and it looks like we will have many more events like this in the years to come. Thanks for a good job to Carrie James and Ray Robertson, at the Grey County Agricultural Services Centre office and the organizing committee. What is ahead in the foreseeable future in Grey County affecting what we do as farmers? Application forms to upgrade or to decommission water wells are 44 THE RURAL VOICE What's new in 2002 available and we urge you to take a good look at the condition of your well and to take part in this program, and the grants that are available to get the work completed. Application forms can be obtained by phoning our office in Hanover at 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 if it is long distance. Grey County Federation will be hosting this year's "Meet the Members and Tommy Cooper Award" meeting on Friday, April 5. Farmers will have the opportunity to meet with their Provincial and Federal representatives of the area and bring concerns to their attention and find out what governments are prepared to do for agriculture. Your attendance and input is helpful. By now I am sure everyone is aware of the pending legislation on nutrient management. Bill 81 passed second reading but did not make it through the house before adjournment. However, we are confident the bill will pass at the next session. OFA is in support of this legislation and we believe it will give farmers another positive tool to work with once all the wrinkles are ironed out. Township Federation directors and GCFA believe that a good number of education sessions will be necessary to explain all the fine details, but in the end all users of nutrients will have the tools that can show the consumer that farmers are and will continue to be, responsible stewards of the land. We also realize that in some cases substantial funds are needed to implement the legislation when it is passed. This is why OFA is lobbying strongly for funds to make nutrient management work. To this point we have always been assured the legislation is not intended to put farmers out of business but to enhance safe food GREY COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE DIRECTORS' MEETSIG Thursday, 2iu8, 2002 - 8:00 p.m. Gr y Grey Casty A rsal Services Cie Meeting Mem (Grey 1 , IlihaSouth, *Male trassmare to attend production. The statement that 2002 should be challenging I feel is appropriate when we look at the previously mentioned issues. In addition there is Bill 87 the Food Safety and Quality Act Legislation, Bill 76 the Farm Implements Amendment Act, and local issues and bylaws implemented by local councils which can affect the way we farm, and if that is not enough we don't know what the growing season and the market has in store. The directors of the GCFA are working hard to keep our members informed and lend a helping hand where needed. However, we need the farmers' support, participation, and commitment to their local federation to keep agriculture strong. We are ready, able and willing to meet the challenges for 2002 head on. Are you? Good farming.0 Public Speaking Competition Semi -Finals and Final Schedule 2002 North-West Grey Semi -Finals: Date: Tuesday, February 19 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Public School, Owen Sound North -Centre Grey Semi -Finals: Date: Tuesday, February 19 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Holland -Chatsworth School, R.R. 3, Holland Centre North-East Grey Semi -Finals: Date: Tuesday, February 19 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Meaford Community School South-West Grey Semi -Finals: Date: Tuesday, February 19 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Dawnview Public, Hanover South -East Grey Semi -Finals: Date: Tuesday, February 19 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: MacPhail Memorial Elementary, Flesherton Grey County Finals: Date: Tuesday, February 26 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Sydenham Central, Owen Sound Snow Date: Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.