The Rural Voice, 1992-04, Page 60NY RIVER
Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
R.R. 1, Devlin, Ontario POW 1E0
807-486-3622
• The Rural Voice is provided to Rainy
River Federation members by the RRFA.
SPEAKING OF GATT, BEARS AND BURNING ISSUES
It's raining in the Rainy River
District now and it looks likc there's
more to comc down. That's one of
the good things about our arca: like
the weather, we constantly
experience change and opportunity
for challenge.
The March mccting of the RRFA
was held at Stratton on Thursday, the
5th. President Linda Armstrong
called the meeting to order at 7:45
p.m. Everyone seems to be suffering
from spring fever. Directors in
attendance were Kim Hunspergcr,
Jack Elliott, Gary Essclink, Jack
Vandcnbrand, Mike Zimmerman,
Wayne Flatt, Scott McNabb, Shirley
Morrish and Ralph Hunspergcr.
Minutes were read as circulated.
Kim gave the treasurer's report which
will be mailed to each member along
with the minutes after every meeting.
Ralph Hunsperger reported on
Nuisance and Wildlife stating that the
black bear may be added to the
endangered species list. Our arca is
asking only for control of the fuzzy
beast, not elimination. "Someone has
to clean up all those anthills."
Peggy Mason has resigned from
her position in charge of the Farm
Progress Building. A new person to
take on the duties will be needed as
soon as possible! The Emo Fair, in
August, is part of the RRFA as Kim
reported and the future of your young
pcoplc. We should all become
involved. It's always the same
people doing the work. So, to solve
this problem, a workshop, "Our Rural
Future" has been set for Wednesday,
April 1, 9:30 to 3:30 at the Emo Inn.
It's a chance to set goals, make
changes and take a good look at the
future of the RRFA. We've done a
lot of good things in the past and
hope to accomplish even more in the
future. Roger George will be in our
area at that time and will be involved
in part of the day's plannings.
The GATT demonstration in
Winnipeg on February 21 was
represented well. Ralph Hunsperger
56 THE RURAL VOICE
and Jack Elliott reported that it was
orderly and informative, with little
dissension and a united front. A
warm round of applause was given to
the pcoplc who attended. Everyone
should be proud of this farm
community for getting together and
supporting their Manitoba
neighbours.
On ag. in the classroom, Jack
Vandcnbrand mentioned the visit by
20 local school teachers to his Dairy
and Beef Farm in Stratton on
Professional Development Day.
They had the opportunity first hand to
find out what farmers are concerned
about. Bruce Ward, ag. rep. for our
district, explained it by saying,
"Essentially, marketing boards act as
unions that negotiate on behalf of
farmers. Negotiations at GATT are
trying to eliminate these marketing
boards. The farmers will then have to
negotiate as individuals!"
Kim Hunsperger and the
entertainment committee are busy
again planning the annual Spring
Dinner and Dance for Saturday, April
11. It will be held in the downstairs
floor of the Barwick Community
Centre. Tickets are available now
from any RRFA directors.
R.R. Farm Safety Association
report was given by Wayne Flatt.
He said the new executive is
president Rick Neilson; vice
president, Carol Angus; secretary,
Shirley Teeple; treasurer, Elwine
Teeple, and that they are planning a
Safety Fun Day for May 2.
The Milk Committee report by
Mike Zimmerman brought more
positive feelings about GATT as well
as a generous donation of $100
toward expenses, from a local dairy
farmer who could not attend the
Winnipcg rally.
Scott McNabb gave his report for
the R.R. Cattlemen's Association.
He said that the sales yards would be
upgraded with new watering bowls
and new steel gates replacing the
wooden ones. The proposed sale
dates are August 31, October 5, and
October 24.
On new business, Jack Elliott
informed that because of legislation it
will become tougher to obtain fire
permits. Agriculture burning will
become controlled under a new
"Burning Plan." Owners will be
responsible for any fire on their
property. A training course will be
set up to teach controlled bums.
Clover Valley Farmers Market
held their annual meeting February
25 with election of officers for the
year. President is Rick Neilson; vice
president, Bill McDowell; secretary,
Carolyn Murray; treasurer, Valerie
Pizey. Directors are Linda Neilson,
Jessie Bodnarchuk and Joanne
Neilson. They've decided to become
a corporation and purchase the
property that their market building is
situated on. They reported that their
vendors were lower in number, but
their sales were up for 1991. A new
manager will be selected shortly.
Last year's manager, Kathy Stahn,
resigned to care for an addition to the
family, little Jolene born on February
28, 1992.
A Pesticide Safety Course was
given at the Strauon Community Hall
on March 5. A number of locals
attended and certificates will be given
to those who pass their written tests.
I received a phone call from John
D. 519-347-2725 in Perth County.
He was very upset over the headline
in the March issue of the Rainy River
District Newsletter. I don't make the
headlines, only the story. Maybe
John could write to this magazine and
tell his story. A lot of people read
The Rural Voice and everyone is
given equal chance to share their
thoughts.
"Fear less, hope more, eat less,
chew more, whine less, breathe more,
talk less, say more, hate less, love
more, and all good things will be
yours." Swedish proverb from one of
my favourite Swedes.0
Shirley Morrish