The Rural Voice, 1990-04, Page 9FEEDBACK
milk profitably at this price level, as over-
heads would remain the same and no extra
quota would have to be purchased. Those
who elected to produce this extra milk
would have to produce on the basis that
they fulfilled that commitment each month
before being paid for normal MSQ. This
would ensure that the board and processors
would know in advance what supplies of
cheap milk would be available for the pur-
pose of new product development.
When I was a milk producer in the
U.K., the milk board there developed new
cheeses and created a fresh demand by
appealing to the consumer's palate. Why
isn't the OMMB undertaking similar ini-
tiatives? Consumers have plenty of money
to spend on products, if only you would
tempt them. When I wish to buy Stilton
cheese, for instance, it is always imported.
Is no one in Canada capable of producing
a good cheese other than Cheddar? Price
is not the problem. It is that no one is try-
ing to win that market share.
The whole system seems moribund and
the blame must rest with the "marketing"
board. We hear constant exhortations
from the board to produce more milk in the
fall and less in the spring. Why not adopt
the U.K. approach and pay more in the low
months and less in the surplus months?
Provided the incentive is sufficient, you
would even out the supply at no extra cost
to the producer, manufacturer, or board.
Much of Europe's milk is sold on a
tendering system: i.e., milk is offered at a
guaranteed minimum price and processors
bid for the amounts they want. This en-
sures that milk makes what it is worth to
the market and also prevents arguments
over allocation such us occurred last fall
with certain cheese factories. If they want
it that badly, let them pay a bit more. This
system would not work for fluid milk, as
we must guarantee supplies, but may be a
way of getting more from the lower end of
the market.
Nobody owes you or me a living. We
must go out and earn market share. That
responsibility rests with the board. If you
do not fulfil that role, then there is no rea-
son for producers to pay for the cost of the
board. If you need a change in legislation
to be able to function in a businesslike
manner, then lobby to get the legislation
enacted quickly. The next couple of years
will be crucial to the dairy farmers of this
country. Are you content to preside over a
contracting industry? I hope not. Employ
a small number of strategists and top mar-
keting men and make sure they get the job
done.
Get on with it and good luck!
W. J. Richards
Riverside Farm, R. R. 4, Brussels
ARM SAFETY
SAFETY TIPS:
• Position the feet for balance
• Bend the knees: DO NOT STOOP
• Keep the back straight
• Grip the Toad with the palms of
the hands and the fingers
• Lift by pushing up with the legs
• Do not twist the body
facts from
WEST
WAWANOSH
MUTUAL INSURANCE
BACK INJURIES account for
nearly 20% of all agricultural
injuries in Ontario.
When you need Insurance call:
Frank Foran, R.R. 2, Lucknow 528-3824
Lyons & Mulhern, 46 West St., Goderich 524-2664
Kenneth B. MacLean, R.R. 2, Paisley 368-7537
John Nixon, R.R. 5, Brussels 887-9417
Donald R. Simpson, R.R. 3, Ripley 395-5362
Delmar Sproul. R.R. 3. Auburn 529-7273
Laurie Campbell, Brussels 887-9051
Slade Insurance Brokers Inc.
Kincardine 396-9513, Port Elgin 389-4341
Dungannon, Ont. NOM 1R0 (519) 529-7922
IrtaitiSIg
Faangd
YORKSHIRE DUROC HAMPSHIRE LANDRACE & HYBRIDS
67th PRODUCTION SALE
Wednesday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.
At the farm of WARREN STEIN. Located one mile south
and two miles west of Tavistock.
We are offering York, Hamp, Duroc, Landrace, and
various hybrid breeds; including a good selection of
Hamp x Duroc boars. We also have a good selection
of boars available at all times.
Ontario's largest selection of R.O.P. tested and veterinary inspected
boars and gilts. Ranked "Good" by the Animal Industry Branch.
Delivery arrangements available.
For further information, or for catalogues please contact
Richard Stein Warren Stein
R.R. 6, Woodstock, Ont. R.R. 2, Tavistock, Ont.
519-655-2942 519-462-2704
APRIL 1990