The Rural Voice, 2004-12, Page 63RAINY RIVER
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R.R. 1, Devlin, Ontario POW 1C0
807-486-3622
AtiFederation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER 'Theera Rural n Voice is provided to Rainy
RAINY RIVER VALLEY River Federation members by the RRFA.
Greetings from Rainy River! The first
order of business is to express our thanks
to Shirley Morrish for the work she has
done on our behalf. Her efforts over the
past 12 years has been very much
appreciated. We wish her well in her
"retirement". Now perhaps she and Tom
will be able to do some of the things they
have been keeping on the someday -to-do
list. Thank you Shirley and enjoy.
The Rainy River Federation of
Agriculture held the annual meeting on
October 23, 2004 in the Stratton
Millenium Hall. After a delicious meal
served by Debbie, Marg and their very
competent crew the elections were
conducted by Member Services
Representative Betty Salchert. Linda
Armstrong was acclaimed as secretary.
Angela Halvorsen was also acclaimed as
treasurer. Kris Carpenter became director
for Zone 2, James Gibson for Zone 3.
and Tom Morrish for Zone 3. Trish
Neilson was elected to Director -at -large.
1 became Rural Voice reporter after a
long interval of not writing anything
longer than a Christmas message to
relatives who live at a distance. I hope I
can fill Shirley's shoes. Rick Boersma is
our Convention Delegate and Linda
Armstrong is the alternate. The president
and other empty spaces were to be filled
at the first meeting of the board on
November 2, 2004 at the Morley
Municipal office.
The first of our guest speakers was
Peter Jeffery. OFA Policy Researcher.
He spoke to us about the new funding
program that has no penalty for early
repayment. The problems of fencing has
a procedure that should be followed and
the information is available from the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Some of
the other aspects of farm living that were
touched on were road safety when using
farm vehicles and how they need to be
marked and hitched together. Licensing
of drivers and their ages for moving farm
vehicles was also touched on as a
reminder. At 16 and not licensed, drivers
can cross straight across the road. Most
of this information is available in printed
form.
Our second speaker was Mac Creech
from M.C. Quantock Livestock of
Lloydminster, SK/AB, who spoke about
how they operate their ranch and what
they have found works for them. One of
his pieces of advice is around the ability
of the beef cow. "She knows how to be a
successful cow. She is smarter than most
scientists. Just get out of her way!" Mr.
Creech explained how they have found
that calving on grass in late August into
early September has given them an edge
at sale time when the calf is 18 months
old. He stimulated some very intense
discussion in some who stayed after the
program.
Bernie Zimmerman, having filled his
term as president, was presented with a
watch with the OFA logo on to express
our appreciation for his four years
service and leadership.
Our Ag. Rep. Gary Sliworsky
announced that the Programs for feeder
cattle and calves are on the web and can
be obtained there. Information on the
Wildlife Damage is available from your
local municipality. There are differences
as to some coverage for various species.
Jim Bremner. the Co-operators
Insurance Agent introduced the people
who are taking over the agency. Gail and
Jim have been with the Co-operators for
36 years. the last 10 in the Rainy River
District and as they retire we wish them
good health and a long and peaceful
retirement. The new agent is John
Georgiou and his wife Melina. They
have moved here from Windsor and we
wish them welcome and trust they will
enjoy our area and climate for many
years.
My first meeting as the reporter, the
Rainy River Federation of Agriculture
met in the Stratton Municipal office on
Tuesday, November 2. The past
president Bernie chaired the meeting.
The various committees gave their
reports.
The Rainy River Cattlemen are
looking for a secretary and are
advertising. Bernie advised of the
upcoming semi-annual meeting for the
milk committee and announced the
temperature recorders will soon be
available. The Agriculture Society will
hold their annual meeting on December
14 and they have vacancies to till.
Bernie then brought our attention to
the need of a new president and opened
the floor to nominations from the Board
members present. Trish Neilson is our
new president. This election left the
director -at -large vacant. Rick Boermsa
accepted the vacant position in Zone 2.
As director of Zone 2 he became eligible
for election and accepted the position as
vice-president. Shirley Teeple accepted
the position as director -at -large.
To keep you up to date as to who to
contact. 1 will list the committees and
their members to help you contact the
person you hope will be able to get the
answer you are seeking. Farm Progress
Building - Linda Armstrong, Kim
Desserre, Jacqui Hunsperger; Finance -
Angela Halvorsen, Trish Neilson, Bernie
Zimmerman, Linda Armstrong; Public
Relations - KimJo Bliss, Jacqui Huns-
perger; OAFE - Kris Carpenter, Shirley
Morrish, Pat Clysdale-Cornell, Elaine
Aveyard; Bursary - Rick Boersma, Sue
Boersma, Angela Halvorsen;
Entertainment - Betty Salchert, Clayton
Teeple, James Gibson, Shirley Teeple;
Bright Ideas - Kimio Bliss, Kris
Carpenter; and Farm Beautification -
Linda Armstrong, and Kim Jo Bliss.
Angela Halvorsen brought some ideas
from the RRFDBC for us to think about
in some strategic planning for 2005. A
trip to Agribition in Regina or the Royal
Winter Fair in Toronto. Some thought on
Ag Days to increase the attendance could
include perhaps a speaker on Value
Added and other marketing strategies.
November 11 was Remembrance Day
and the programs at the cenotaphs locally
were enhanced by the singing of the
National and Royal Anthems by the
school children. The teachers are to be
commended for the harmonies they
achieved and they were appreciated. If
you get the opportunity. pass on your
thanks and encourage them to help us
again as we strive to remember. The
Chapple Heritage Committee lived up to
their reputation and their evening of
Remembrance was well planned and
made us aware of how great a sacrifice
was made by our small district.
Ralph and 1 are off to the Northern
Producer Animal Health Network in
North Bay and hopefully will have some
news to report when we get home. We
hope to do some visiting on our way
home and maybe reacquaint ourselves
with some nieces and nephews and
other family members who live in the
area.
By the time you are reading this
Christmas preparations will be underway
and thoughts of family and friends will
he filling our minds. We wish you and
yours a very Merry Christmas and hope
you find your stocking filled with all the
good things life has to offer.0
- Submitted by Jacquelyn Hun.tpei,t;er
DECEMBER 2004 59