The Citizen, 1996-07-19, Page 14Jeff McGavin, right, at the International Plowing Match in Meaford,
Ontario in 1987, is presented with the trophy for Ontario Junior
Champion. The presenter is Stan Clark of Tel Trade.
Family has long time ties with OPA
In 1926, young Gordon McGavin had This involvement was lifelong, a
made a name for himself at the 1926 passion that passed down to his son and
International Plowing Match winning the grandchildren. It has become a family
Fordson Cup and a number of other prizes tradition. Gordon's son, Neil, is the
in various events. He later won the director of the OPA. He helped bring the
Canadian championship. He served as a 1999 match to Huron. His son, Brian won
member of the Ontario Plowmen's the reserve senior plowman award at the
Association and was its president for four 1988 International Plowing Match at
years. Continued on page 16
Congratulations to
McGavin Farm Equipment
Limited on
60 Years of service to
the agricultural community
from
trA
MANUFACTURING INC
ST. JACOBS, ONT. (519) 664-2232
Makers of
EZEE ROLL
WAGONS
• Sturdy
• Handcrafted
& THE HAY$AVER
SALUTE TO McGAVIN'SIJULY 1996 PAGE 15.
$P
HOLLA
Congratulations to
McGavin Farm Supply Limited
on your 60th Anniversary and
the opening of your new facility from
your fellow New Holland dealers . . .
Chesley Lucknow Markdale
ROBERT'S FARM
REAVIE
MARKDALE FORD
EQUIPMENT INC. FARM EQUIPMENT
TRACTOR SALES
Mitchell St. Marys Mount Forest Stayner
LOGAN FORD
WATSON TRACTORS
WINCHESTER EQUIPMENT
TRACTOR SALES LTD. & EQUIPMENT INC. OF STAYNER LTD.
Wallenstein Walkerton Tavistock
EDGAR S. MARTIN
MORAN'S FARM
TAVISTOCK FARM
LTD. SUPPLIES LTD. EQUIPMENT SUPPLY LTD.
60 years
means
change
With its 60 years history McGavins has
seen a lot of change.
In 1937 a new tractor and plow sold for
$850. Today the tractor would cost from
$25,000 for a smaller combine up to
$100,000 for a 190 hp tractor and six
furrow plow.
***
In 1953 anNal sales were $104,807. By
comparison in 1995, McGavin Farm
Equipment and McGavin Farm Supply,
combined for sales of $7.8 million.
***
Of course expenses have increased too.
In 1942, still operating from the farm,
Gordon McGavin's total cost of wages for
the year was $2,308. By 1995 with a staff
of 23 employees, the payroll had grown to
a combined $700,000 for the two
companies.
In 1947 Gordon had one staff member,
who also helped with the milking.
***
The phone bill for the entire year of
1946 was $32. In 1986 it ran to $1,000 a
month. Now it's more than $15,000
annually.