Loading...
The Rural Voice, 2003-11, Page 25Bruce Farmers week in January, Dr. Gordon Surgeoner urged farmers to build (inks with consumers. He suggested farmers should set up displays in supermarkets to say thanks to the people who buy their food. Such displays would allow farmers to point out to shoppers the benefits of their purchasing Ontario - grown products, allowing farmers to have the income to carry out some of the things society wants from farmers, such as Environmental Farm Plans and nutrient management planning. Perhaps no part of agriculture has needed a public relations boost in recent years as much as the pork industry. Modern hog barns have become the target of complaints over smell and accusations of environmental degradation and there has been a general unease about the growing size of farming operations. Ontario Pork's introduction of the calendar says "Most of us go to the grocery store with rarely a second thought given to where all that food comes from. Today less than three per cent of Canadians farm. This is your chance to get to know some of the people who work hard to provide us with our food." ' Back at the McQuail's CSA farming operation customers know exactly where their food comes from and (earn a little about the realities of food production. Like farmers they pay their money up front and take their chances on what the season will bring. In good years they share the bounty, in drought years they find their yields diminished. If the weather or insects make the vegetables less than perfect any given week, they know why. A weekly newsletter offers recipes and suggestions on how to make use of the produce that's in season. The McQuails also market most of their beef. Iamb and pork directly to customers. Tony says he enjoys dealing with customers rather than selling his livestock through auction buyers as he has at times in the past. This kind of direct marketing isn't for everyone, he says. When you've got people coming up the lane regularly "You've got to have an operation (where) you're comfortable bringing people onto your farm."0 OMFY , — ALF StitAxi, THE NEW GENERATION IN CALF REARING • No more feeding calves outside. Comfy Calf Suites make feeding easier for you. • Calves are easier to see in Comfy Calf Suites as compared to enclosed shelters. • Better ventilation improves the health of your calves. • Plastic dividers isolate each calf keeping your calves healthy. • Dividers remove quickly and easily when required. Cleaning is simple and removal of dividers makes group penning an option as your calves mature. • Available in various sizes and with various options to suit your requirements Comfort For Your Calves Comfort For You! or more in ormation contact our local BSM Dealer: GRANTON AVONBANK FARM EQUIPMENT (519) 225-2507 TARA H. NICHOLSON & SON (519) 934-2343 MILDMAY MIDWAY FARM SYSTEMS (519) 367-5358 LUCKNOW MAITLAND VALLEY AGRI SYSTEMS LTD. (519) 529-3820 DRAYTON CONESTOGO AGRI SYSTEMS INC (519) 638-3022 WALTON KEITH SIEMON FARM SYSTEMS LTD (519) 345-2734 WELLESLEY PROGRESSIVE FARMING (519) 656-2709 BSM Agri Ltd. R.R. #4 Arthur, ON, Canada NOG 1A0 Tel.: (519) 848-3910 Fax (519) 848-3948 Visit our website at www.bsmagri.com Selling Your Farm or Industrial Tractors & $$ Equipment? $$ Compare Our Prices! We feel confident that you will receive maximum dollars. If you have equipment to sell, one piece or 50 units, big or small, give Bryan or Ken a call today. TRUCKING AVAILABLE NEXT AUCTION SALE Monday, November 17', 2003 040:4:1 Check out our parts specials! FARM & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY LTD. PUSLINCH, Hwy. 6, 3 km S. of 401 North of Hamilton, South of Guelph (519) 837-0710 Hrs.: Mon. - Fri. 8-5, Sat. 8 - noon (fenced yard - no after hours without appointment) Visit our website at: www.bryansfarm.com NOVEMBER 2003 21