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The Rural Voice, 1998-01, Page 271 producers do, and supporters of the idea suggest it will allow smaller, Tess efficient processors to leave the industry and sell their quota to large processors. Their argument is that it will make the industry more flexible and competitive. As it stands, the plant will be able to increase its intake to 450,000 kilograms by quota period A-20. The producerswill continue to press for more allocation of their own product. They are, in effect, reversing the feared trend of vertical integration, with producers getting into processing, rather than processors getting into growing the birds they need. The fear of many producers is that if international trade regulations someday undermine the supply management system, the integration in the U.S. chicken industry will move north. There, because large companies control the feed supply, the processing and the source of the genetically -superior chicks which are essential to remain competitive, many contract growers are left with little power when they negotiate their contracts . But, says Kressibucher, the happiest contract poultry producers in the U.S. seem to be those who produce for farmer -owned co-ops like Goldkist. The producers have already started to alter their own production to meet the needs of their plant. Since the plant can process Cornish hens, some chickens have been pulled from the barns at a younger age to meet those needs, Kressibucher says. The plant can also process birds right up to turkeys. The new generation of co- operatives like Farm Fresh Poultry and the Canadian Emu Co-operative, are much different than the original co-ops, say Akalay and Kressibucher. For one thing, says Kressibucher, there's greater commitment. When farmers had a $100 membership in older co-ops, there was little necessity of loyalty when better prices could be obtained elsewhere. But members of Farm Fresh had to kick in $20,000 each (the Emu co-op's members invested $3,000 each) and so they need to be much more committed to the success of their co-op. The Farm Fresh Co-op is also structured so that in the future it can LIVESTOCK FEEDMATCH DIVISION OF KEYMATCH CORPORATION JIM ROE RR 1, Kincardine Tel. (519) 395-3469 Fax (519) 395-2435 FREE NUTRITIONAL SERVICES • Feed Analysis • Ration Formulations • Nutritional Information Custom formulated Premixes and Supplements SWINE — DAIRY — BEEF Satisfaction Guaranteed. LUCK��NoW'' Bulit to Last EQUIPMENT LUCKNOW MIXER FEEDERS Stationary • 150 cu. ft. to 575 cu. ft. SNOWBLOWERS Single or double auger models from 60" to 102" MANUFACTURED BY Mobile Large diameter augers are capable of giving the mix required, from rations with well cured, long stemmed legume- type hay, to mixes with green grass, and mixes with silage and commodities. • 200 cu. ft. - 575 cu. ft. models available. Yes! We're at the Canada Farm Show Stop by and see our display - Hall 4, Booth 407 FEBRUARY 36, TORONTO HELM WELDING LIMITED LUCKNOW, ONTARIO, CANADA PHONE 519-529-7627 JANUARY 1998 23