The Rural Voice, 2003-07, Page 58BRUCE
Email: bruce@ofa.on.ca
website: www.ofa.on.ca/bruce
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
Boom or Bust
Having gone back to work in
construction the past two years has
certainly introduced me to what has
changed in the industry since I left it
10 years ago. It has also had me off
the farm and experiencing new
people and places in our local area.
Another result is a severe restriction
in the number of meetings I attend as
sleep and family time become more
precious commodities as I age. I
should have put family time first, but
my wife just went to bed and I have
to finish this article before I get to
sleep.
Most segments of construction are
having similar problems as
agriculture, its work force is aging
and the number of younger people
replacing them is not keeping up with
the demand for qualified trades. The
reasons why are quite familiar — it's
hard work, hours can be terrible,
working in bad weather, low pay and
a tendency for boom and bust cycles
Environmental Farm
Plan update
Funding of the Environmental
Farm Plan has been extended. This
funding extension will carry the EFP
in its current form for a number of
months only and is available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Farmers who have an approved
EFP are eligible for the $1,500
Incentive Grant and should submit
their claim forms as soon as possible
to their EFP Co-ordinator.0
BRUCE COUNTY
FEDERATION OF
AGRICULTURE
PLEASE NOTE:
There will be NO Board of
Directors' meeting in July
Next meeting will be
Monday, August 25, 2003
54 THE RURAL VOICE
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9
519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
The Rural Voice is provided to Bruce
County Farmers by the BCFA.
are some.
There is now more emphasis in
attracting people to skilled trades and
an almost desperate recruitment for
bricklayers and tile setters. This is
where the similarity with agriculture
diverges. Often I have listened to
people saying how many sacrifices
they have make in order to keep
farming and of course how hard it is
with long hours, no holidays, barely
breaking even, etc. Then in the next
breath they wish to see their children
carry on the operation.
How do we get a new generation
to invest in a business that we say is
not making a sound return for the
capital required. The only way is to
work together — co-operatively.
That's the way I see it anyway.0
— Submitted by Murray Clark
Kincardine Township Director
Bruce County Federation of
Agriculture
extends Congratulations to
James William Powers
on being inducted to the
Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame
June 8, 2003
Jim was nominated by the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture, The
Co-operators and Saugeen Conservation Authority. Family members,
friends, and representatives from Bruce County Federation of
Agriculture, The Co-operators and Saugeen Conservation Authority
attended the induction ceremony in Milton.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
WORKSHOPS
Friday, July 4, 2003
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Jayne Dietrich, Bruce County Environmental
Farm Plan Co-ordinator to register and for location
Telephone/Fax: 519-367-5930
E-mail: dietrich@bmts.com