The Rural Voice, 1991-10, Page 60HURON
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
Box 429, Clinton, Ontario NOM 1L0
519-482-9642
* The Rural Voice is provided to all farmers
in Huron County by the HCFA.
WILKINSON ADDRESSES REGION ANNUAL
Minutes from HCFA 1991 regional
annual meeting, Hullett School, Lon-
desboro, Thursday, September 12,
1991, 8:00 p.m.
Guest speaker Jack Wilkinson, first
vice president of OFA was on hand to
talk to us. He was introduced by Brenda
McIntosh. He spoke about the crisis in
agriculture today, but was very optimis-
tic on what the future is going to bring in
agriculture very soon (perhaps as soon
as this fall). Jack asked a few members
to voice their opinions on the Lucknow
meeting held earlier this week on the
"state of emergency." Several spoke
and a good discussion was held. Jack
stayed until the break to talk with any-
one who had questions or comments.
The minutes of last year's annual
Regional were read, approved on a
motion by Bob Down, seconded by
Nathan Peel. Carried.
Bill: $140 from OFA, $35 per re-
gion, to help finance the International
Plowing Match being held in Petrolia.
Motion to pay by Bob Harrison, sec-
onded by Heinz Claus. Carried.
Regional Directors Reports
Chris Palmer from Huron Northwest
— Ashfield, Colborne, Goderich, East
and West Wawanosh — had almost lost
his faith in agriculture, thinking of giv-
ing up farming, working out part-time;
went to the meeting in Lucknow (1,000
in attendance) gave him a new outlook
and a great optimism to continue the
fight to lobby the governments.
Heinz Claus from Huron Northeast
— Morris, Grey, How ick, Turnberry —
enjoyed his first year as an OFA direc-
tor; stable funding must come soon;
farmers must let the public know how
serious the farming crisis is!!!
Bob Down from Huron South —
Usbome, Stephen, Hay — agreed with
Chris about the seriousness of the "cri-
sis;" he sees the problems through work-
ing on the corn producers association
and OFA; the crisis shows up many
problems financing one's life in general.
Jeanne Kirkby from Huron Central
— McKillop, Hullett, Tuckersmith,
56 THE RURAL VOICE
Stanley — agreed with Bob and Chris
about the "financial farm crisis"; feels
we should fight and lobby the govern-
ments to help out financially and
quickly; feels many local farmers who
are not OFA members, should be!
Fieldman Blaine Stephenson asked
for volunteers to help out at the IPM next
week on Huron Day (Thursday) for two
to three hours per shift. Blaine feels it is
time for a membership canvass in
Ashfield Township. He then explained
the election procedures, what rooms to
go to, and who was helping with elec-
tions for each area.
The results of elections for regional
director and delegates are:
Huron Northwest: regional director,
Chris Palmer; convention delegates,
Walter Elliott, Mason Bailey, Ralph
Scott; alternates, Jerry Jaretzke, Ivan
Dow.
Huron Northeast: regional director,
Heinz Klaus; convention delegates, Bob
Harrison, Doug Gamiss, Kirk Hussey;
alternates, Nathan Peel, Will Stafford.
Huron Central: regional director,
Jeanne Kirkby; convention delegates,
Brenda McIntosh, Bill Wallace, Larry
Plaetzer; alternate, Steve Taylor.
Huron South: regional director, Bob
Down; convention delegates, Jody
Durand, Harry Dougall.
There was one resolution presented
to be sent to OFA Convention, pre-
sented by Mason Bailey, seconded by
Walter Elliou. Carried.
"Whereas there are many groups,
organizations and individuals circulat-
ing misinformation to consumers re-
garding the safety of farm produce;
and whereas much of this misinfor-
mation is creating an unnecessary and
false fear in many consumers;
and whereas those who resort to
creating false or unnecessary fear in our
society are usually regarded and re-
ferred to as terrorists;
and whereas Ontario farmers must
soon take a forceful and determined
stand on this issue if we wish to remain
a viable industry;
and whereas OFA is the only organi-
zation in Ontario with enough influence
and resources to be effective;
Therefore be it resolved that OFA
contact all farm organizations and mar-
keting boards, educators, legislators,
and news media, and request that any
person, persons, or organizations that
are circulating unproven adverse infor-
mation about farm produce to the public
be referred to as terrorists and that their
activities be referred to as acts of terror-
ism; and be it further resolved that con-
tact be established by OFA with U.S.
farm organizations to inform them of
our efforts and try to obtain their assis-
tance in this campaign.
Be it further resolved that OFA make
this an ongoing priority program."
Announcements
President Brenda McIntosh an-
nounced a workshop on Rural Land Use
to be held on Wednesday September 25,
8:30 to 5:30. Anyone interested in go-
ing should talk to Carol. Registration is
$15. Motion by Bob Harrison, second-
ed by Chris Palmer, for HCFA to pay for
anyone who wishes to attend. Carried.
Bob Humphries, our Huron county
OMAF representative, mentioned a few
items on the Farm Interest Assistance
Program, the new office in Clinton, and
the Farm Start applications in Huron —
so far 48 have received it in Huron.
Paul Klopp, our MPP was in atten-
dance. He was given time on the agenda
to answer questions from the audience.
A date of Monday, September 30
was set for an executive meeting at
Vanastra at 8:00 p.m. Adjournment:
11:15. Coffee and cookies followed.0
Friday October 11, 1991
Seaforth Community Centre
Annual Meeting of HCFA
Speaker: John Core
Ontario Milk Marketing Board
Details to be announced later!
Tickets available from all directors
Social Time: 6:30 Dinner: 7:00