The Rural Voice, 1991-08, Page 48PERTH ir4*
County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER
Vince Hulshof, President
R. R. 1, Sebringville, NOK 1X0 393-5586
• The Rural Voice is provided to Perth
County Pork Producers by the PCPPA
PORK NOTES: PRODUCTION DOWN, NEW SELLING SYSTEM
MARKET UPDATE
Canadian production in 1991 is
down five per cent compared to a year
ago, with Ontario showing the biggest
year-to-date decrease at seven per cent.
Meanwhile, U.S. numbers have in-
creased two per cent to five per cent with
similar forecast increases in the latest
USDA report.
Ontario packing facilities' reduction
of staff, little change in cut prices and
access to Ontario hogs does not look
encouraging for better farm prices.
Pork exports are down 11 per cent
and imports are up 14 per cent when
compared to a year ago, with a net export
rate of 18:1 kg. Still 28 per cent of
Canadian production is destined for the
export market, with the U.S. markets
absorbing 80 per cent of the export.
Canada Pork International is a newly
formed agency set up to pursue further
exports in Japan, Mexico, and Australia.
They will also be seeking methods of
entering the EEC.
CARCASS APPRAISAL PROJECT
A carcass appraisal project was set
up among the breeders and government
to maintain the competitive edge of
Canadian pork carcass quality. The
project is proceeding under the guid-
ance of Cathy Aker (519-941-3830).
Interested parties are encouraged to call
Cathy for viewing at the University of
Guelph Meat Lab.
SELLING SYSTEM
UNI)I;R REVIEW
The OPPMB has set up a committee
of nine to review all options, thus direc-
tions of the OPPMB selling systems.
The objective is "to satisfy ourselves
that Ontario's 9,600 pork producers are
getting the best returns possible on the
sale of their hogs." Everyone interested
is encouraged to make submissions to
the committee by calling Janette Leask,
416-621-1874. A series of public meet-
ings will beheld: Stratford—August 7;
Ridgetown College — August 14, and
Bel leviIle — August 21.
If you arc not part of the solution, you
44 THE RURAL VOICE
are part of the problem. Here is one of
the best opportunities to voice our con-
cerns, but more so, an option to resolve
a problem. Too many times we dwell on
the problem, blaming others, and never
sharing our ideas towards the solution.
Each and every idea is an opportunity
that is needed. Prioritize time to share
your opinions. Several groups (not
necessarily county organizations) are
taking time to brainstorm a concept and
present it to this committee. The obliga-
tion of the Board is to react to these
submissions; however, if your thoughts
are not submitted, the outcome is obvi-
ous.
It is easy to criticize, but only the
successful look at constructive criti-
cism. Take time to look at the many
advantages we have in our system, but
let us all be part of the vision for future
competitiveness.
PROMOTION UPDATE
Did you notice the President's
Choice television advertising by Dave
Nichol? Additional videotapes will be
on sale at Loblaws and affiliated stores.
Compliment Ontario Pork, Canada
Pork, and especially Loblaws, for help-
ing to accomplish this massive advertis-
ing campaign. A & P will also have a
new line of boxed frozen meats with
good value for a quality product.
The question comes as to whose
obligation is it to promote and sell pork
products? Do we want to delegate it
completely or do we want to all be
involved in the mission? Let us be
aware of the new products, worthy pro-
motions, enhancing production systems
at farm level and, most of all, personal
efforts by individuals. At the same time,
let us share our thoughts to continue to
move ahead. Too often we do not say a
thank you or give a compliment to jobs
well done (Dave Nichol advertising).
Instead we ask for more. Let us do both.
PERTH COUNTY
PORK PRODUCERS
A group of six producers are off to
North Carolina to make friends with yet
another group of producers. During the
Pork Congress, there was a bus load
returning a Perth County visit from
Iowa. Perth County Pork Producers
have developed many good friendships
in Iowa, giving a much better under-
standing of each other's production sys-
tems. This task is probably one of the
highlights of a decade as to the impor-
tance of this communication link with
our U.S. counterparts. Next month we
will hear about the North Carolina trip.0
by Richard Smelski
COMING EVENTS FOR PERTH COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS
August 18
Perth County Pork Producers Association directors picnic,
to be held at the home of Kurt Keller on Highway 23 south
of Mitchell, 2:00 p.m.
August 21
Perth County Annual Golf Day at the Listowel Golf and
Country Club. Tee off 9:30 to 12:00. Open to Perth County
Pork Producers and Pork Related Industry.
Contact Ted Groenestege at 348-8262 for registration and
information.
August 29
Bus trip to Blue Jays game. Contact John Crowley at 393-
6903 for tickets and information.