The Rural Voice, 1999-03, Page 70HURON
Box 429, Clinton, Ontario NOM 1L0
519-482-9642 or 1-800-511-1135 Email huron ofa.on.ca
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
• The Rural Voice is provided to all farmers
in Huron County by the HCFA.
Huron County agricultural export impact studied
The economic impact of Huron
County's agricultural exports is being
investigated in a new study by the
University of Guelph and the Huron
County Federation of Agriculture.
The study, initiated by the Huron
County Federation of Agriculture,
follows a recent two-year economic
analysis of the agricultural sector in
Huron County. Prior to the analysis,
there was a growing perception that
agriculture in Huron County was in
decline, raising concern among
advocates in the industry. The study
has served to inform planners,
stakeholders and decision makers of
how vital the sector is to the Huron
County economy.
The results from that analysis, the
Huron County Economic Impact
Study, suggested that agriculturally -
related businesses account for three to
four jobs for every farm job. The
study also revealed that agriculturally -
related businessis generate three to
four dollars in safes for every dollar of
sales from farms. When the total
impacts were estimated, it was
determined that farming in Huron
County accounts for 15,000 to 20,000
jobs and several billion dollars in
sales. A recently released Population
Census shows positive growth in on-
farm jobs for its 1991-1996 period,
reversing an historical decline over the
last 50 years.
The new study will document the
size and importance of the agricultural
export industry in the county and
compare its relative contribution with
1999 International Plowing Match
The International Plowing Match
and Farm Machinery Show is being
held in Huron County from September
21 to September 25, 1999 at the
village of Dashwood which is situated
near Grand Bend and Lake Huron.
The IPM is trying a new and
unique method to help people obtain
their admission tickets in advance of
the Plowing Match, as well as an
opportunity to win a major prize. For
the first time ever it is possible to pre-
purchase your tickets (in packages of
five) to the IPM. Those who purchase
the advance tickets will have a chance
on a draw for a luxurious Park Model
Home.
Ontario residents may be interested
to know that any profits from the
match are, "pardon the pun," plowed
back into the community.
The first International Plowing
Match was held in 1913 in York
County, Toronto at Sunnybrook
Farm, now the site of Sunnybrook
Hospital. Thirty-one plowmen
competed in seven classes, and the
executive felt it was a success
although the weather was
unfavourable. Admission was free and
a charge was made on each vehicle of
50 cents. Accommodation was
provided for the contestants in one of
the buildings, but each had to furnish
64 THE RURAL VOICE
their own bedding.
In 1918 The Plowing Match was
cancelled due to the influenza
epidemic that killed millions of people
throughout the world. The Second
World War halted the matches from
1942 until 1946.
The first match held after World
War II was held at Port Albert
Airfield, Goderich, Ontario on
October 15 18 in 1946. This was
Huron County's first International
Plowing Match. Prize money
amounted to approximately $5,000. In
1999, prize money will exceed
$35,000 for plowing events.
For further information, please
contact: Mrs. Jeanne Kirkby,
Secretary, 34 Queen St., Walton,
Ontario NOK 1ZO. Phone 519-887-
6038, Fax 519-887-6326 or E-mail:
jkirkby@wcl.on.ca or Harry W.
Nesbitt, Ticket Sales, Stratford,
OFA COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Two Huron Federation of Agriculture Board
Members have been appointed to OFA Standing
Committees for 1999.
Pat Down, Huron County Federation of
Agriculture President has been appointed to the
County Relations and Member Benefits Committee.
Steve Johns, a new Director for Huron Central,
(McKillop, Tuckersmith, Stanley and Hullett) now
sits on the Science and technology, a new OFA
Committee for 1999.
Congratulations to Pat and Steve!
other counties and the province. The
study will assess the quantity and
gross value of agriculturally -related
goods that are being transported
outside of the county. The number and
types of jobs that are associated with
the agricultural export industry will
also be documented. The results from
the study will be used by decision -
makers to ensure that the infra-
structure remains sufficient to support
the export industry.
The study is being conducted by
Prof. Harry Cummings and graduate
student Don Murray, University
School of Rural Planning and
Development', University of Guelph;
and Gayle Bogart, Ontario Federation
of Agriculture, Member Service
Support Representative. Thirty to 40
major agricultural exporters in Huron
County are being asked to
participate.0
Notice of
PUBLIC MEETING
to address Legal Concerns and Liabilities
in regards to OIL & NATURAL GAS
PRODUCTION and STORAGE LEASES
at Goderich Township Hall, Holmesville
Wednesday, March 10, 1999
8:00 p.m.
Hosted by Huron County Federation of Agriculture
HURON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL
FARM PLAN PROGRAM UPDATE
• over 1,000 farmers have taken part
• over $3 5 million has been spent in
Huron on approved projects
• " Huron is #1 in the province
To find out more of to enroll in a
workshop call the Program Rep - George
Thompson at OMAFRA, Clinton
482-3428 or 1-800-265-5170
HCFA OFFICE HOURS
Mondays and Fridays
9 a.m. to 12 noon
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Please leave a message.
(519) 482-9642 ort -800-511-1135
FAX (519) 482.1416
Email: huronOofa.on.ca