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The Rural Voice, 1991-01, Page 29their own manure per acre, they exper- imented this year by eliminating starter fertilizer on part of the corn crop, and "couldn't tell the differ- ence." Using soil tests that show sufficient levels of phosphorus and potash, Jack says he may only have to buy nitrogen next year. To further shave costs next fall, the Kroes are going to experiment with naturally air -drying their corn, by converting one of the 3,700 -bushel bins now on the farm to full aeration. "It could save us about 30 cents a bushel in drying charges," says Marg. "We know people who have done it successfully." Both say there are still opportun- ities for young people to go into farming. They say they were fortunate to have had help from Marg's family and the provincial government through the Beginning Farmers Assis- tance Program (BFAP)..For six years, beginning in 1983, BFAP assisted them with a yearly payment which reduced the interest rate on their mortgage from 12 to eight per cent. "It certainly helped us get going. Without BFAP it would have been much harder," says Marg. "We need something (like BFAP) for young people." They also received tripartite payments on their hogs when prices fell below cost of production, but weren't eligible for any payments under the province's Ontario Family Farm Interest Rate Reduction (OFFIRR) program. The Kroes are optimistic about the 1990s as their equity gradually increases and they depend less and less on borrowed money. In fact, when they have a good year, they put their profits, after taxes, into a reserve fund to replace equipment that may wear out. "We don't spend any money when the price (of hogs) is down and fix things up when there's an upturn," says Jack. "We'd rather pay taxes than inter- est," says Marg. "There's more security and it means you're getting ahead." For the Kroes, farming is not just a way of life, it's a good business as well. "There's nothing we'd rather be doing," says Marg.0 I.I:I:I:I.I:I;I;I:I:I:B1I:I:I;616:I:I.I:I.I:Isit I:III:I:I:I I1:I:III;I;I;I:I:I;I:I;I�i Come pick up a lightweight Yamaha ..o - Our Yamaha snowmobiles are crammed with heavy-duty snowmobile thinking gained in over 20 years in the business. Yet, one thing only Yamaha seems to have learned is how to keep a feature -packed machine lightweight. The serious riders we talk to tell us Yamahas are the lightest, most easy to lift and handle snowmobiles out there. But don't take our word for it. Come in today. For a real lift. ARGYLE MARINE & SMALL ENGINES 88 BRITANNIA RD. E. 519-524-5361 /i:i 11 IYAMAHA< ��-�FORTHE90'I:I;I\' GODERICH FEED CARTS Quality built — Economically priced 58" L. x 22" to 36" 48" L. x 22" to 36" Close one end or both Patz style $255.00 Dealer enquiries welcome Manufacturers of Farm Wagons, Grain Boxes, & Feed Carts Contact your dealer or call: BRUNS MANUFACTURING R. R. 1, Wallenstein, Ontario NOB 2S0 519-698-2948 $22000 JANUARY 1991 25