The Rural Voice, 1999-03, Page 47Ontario Pork to take back selling of
all hogs, Linton also proposed that
the board should allow and
administer a voluntary checkoff
which would be directed to the
Ontario Hog Producers Association
which could invest the money in
smaller packers.
"We're in a pickle now and it could
get worse," he said of the situation
where there are only two major
packers in Ontario and each has been
on strike at one point in the past year.
With threats from the U.S. to close
the borders to Ontario hogs, "small
and medium packers could be our
only option".
Another resolution called on
Ontario Pork to sell hogs produced
for the pool first, and only then sell
contract hogs that had been put in the
pool because the packing company
wouldn't honour its contract with
producers. Both Maple Leaf Meats
and Quality Packers have cancelled
contracts with producers during
strikes in the past year, leaving
Ontario Pork to find markets for the
additional pigs, some as far away as
Alberta.
Ontario Pork should purchase
advertising to let consumers know
who gets what from the consumer
price of pork, another resolution said.
Another called for Ontario pork to be
identified on supermarket counters
by a special sticker.
Other resolutions called for better
notification on pigs that are
condemned by inspectors and called
on Ontario Pork to make sure its
computers are ready to deal with the
Year -2000 problem and assure
producers of its precautions. The
board should also question
processors as to their readiness, it
said.0
Perth Pork producers
support investing
in packers
At their annual meeting, January 28
in Mitchell, Perth County Pork
Producers unanimously supported an
idea that would allow pork producers
to invest in helping independent
News
packers modernize and expand.
In one of, 10 resolutions debated at
the meeting, producers approved
asking Ontario Pork to administer a
voluntary check -off program which
would provide a pool of money that
could help smaller producers meet
new HACCP standards and increase
their production.
There are 240 smaller Ontario
packers who process about 10,000
hogs a weck the meeting was told.
Ron Van Bake!, in supporting the
resolution, said he felt by investing in
packers pork producers could have a
say in the hog industry in Ontario.
The recent collapse in prices had
been compounded by the lack of
slaughter capacity in Ontario, he said.
As well, many small processors are
facing daunting costs in meeting new
HACCP requirements and may drop
out if they aren't helped.
"We can provide processors with
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Don't Miss The
WESTERN REGION
ONTARIO YOUNG
FARMERS FORUM
Saturday, March 27, 1999 10:00 a.m. • 3:00 p.m.
Harriston Legion (53 Elora Street)
Registration $10.00 (includes lunch)
Featuring:
Morning Panel Presentation:
"How Do I Get There From Here?
Hear it from the "Experts" - Successful young
and beginning farmers share their experiences in a variety of
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"Show Me the Money" - Panel presentation will also include
valuable insight into financing your farm business
Afternoon Workshop: "A Different Perspective"
Address important issues involved in beginning a farm
business and the challenges facing young and
beginning farmers
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO REGISTER BEFORE MARCH 24
Please call Lisa at (519) 452-0823 or your local Federation of Agriculture
The Ontario Young Farmers Forum is made possible through the generous support of
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MARCH 1999 43