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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2000-01-26, Page 11THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2000. PAGE 11. New marketing plan proposed The exec The local area is well represented on the executive of the Huron County Beef Producers Association. In back, from left: Paul Coultes, Morris Twp., second vice-president; Baill Haines, Morris Twp., first vice-president; Alan Powe, Stephen Twp., past president. Front: Rosemarie Bishop, Grey Twp., secretary-treasurer; Kittie MacGregor, Hullett Twp., president; Les Falconer, Tuckersmith, OCA director. Trade with United States still big issue for OCA By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Trade with the U.S. continues to be the biggest issue facing Ontario beef producers. This was the message from cattle men’s association president Darlene Bowen of New Liskeard to the Huron beef producers at their annual meeting in Brussels Jan. 19. Though most of the battles in the war on countervail and anti-dumping have been fought, and cost $6 mil lion legal fees, Bowen said the indus try is now looking ahead to another fight as the U.S. lobbies to have the country of origin label on every product. “We will see it rise again and again. It could do a lot of damage to the industry. This is not on some, but on all cattle.” With regards to the earlier issues, the appeal deadline for the counter Huron supports name change By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff The Huron County Beef Producers Association supported a resolution at the annual meeting in Brussels, Jan. 19, that would see the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association change to the Ontario Beef Producers Association. Speaking to the resolution, George Adams of Brussels said, “I think it’s time the name reflects what we do. We produce beef, not cattle.” Moving into the millennium would be a good time for change, he said. Also, he said all other agricul tural associations have recognition in their names. One questioned what the effect would be on veal producers. Darlene Bowen,president of the OCA said as they are part of OCA, but operate vale decision has passed. Yet while there is still time to appeal on the anti-dumping decision which Ontario won five to one, Bowen feels that resources may be a concern for the States. “Their fight was paid by donations. They’ve lost and to appeal on dumping they will need more money.” Bowen highlighted some of OCA’s activities. The tagging program being introduced will protect health and safety by making cattle identifi able from point of origin. The pro gram will be phased in so that people can become accustomed to it. Noting that there is still a loss of money from producer’s pockets because of such things as poor han dling of the product OCA continues to work on quality assurance pro grams. She spoke on the public’s increas ing concern for what they consume, touching on such things as antibiotic under a separate budget there should be no effect on them. Someone wondered if the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association would also change. Kittie MacGregor of Londesboro, second vice-president, said the transition would have to filter upward. “We have been the beef association here for quite a few years, but we’re still members of OCA.” The motion carried. A second resolution passed to lobby for the elimination of rebates on pharmaceuticals. The issue of OMAFRA closures also was an issue at the meeting. HCBPA resolved that OCA lobby the government to reconsider cutbacks as many rural residents cannot access information through the inter net, etc. This motion carried. OMAFRA livestock advisor Doug resistance and genetic modification. The Canadian Beef Export Federation, now in its 10th year, reports $250,000 worth of product going to six countries. Bowen said about 23 trade missions have been done in the past three years. “We have also had the opportunity during these to stress Canada’s health and food safety standards. Because they are import dependent they are interested in trace-back systems. Twenty other countries are moving that direction and we have to keep pace.” Environmental impacts were also noted. Bowen said they have been working with the Department of Fisheries regarding cattle in water ways, adding that there has been research work done on total exclu sion. “We want to see responsible producers have access to waterways. It may be restricted but we want them to have that access.” Dickie was present and spoke briefly about the changes at the ministry. “I tell people I am wearing the shirt of an endangered species right now.” The Clinton office, which serves the Huron producers, will be open but have no field service staff or cus tomer service reps. “I don’t know where it’s going to take us,” he said. In financial business, Secretary- Treasurer Rosemarie Bishop noted a bank balance of $ 1,643.31. Osteoporosis strikes 1 in 4 women over 50 years old. Osteoporosis ’ Society •’r of Canada Call 1-800-463-6842 for more information. Under new contract terms pro posed by Ontario Pork all producers would have equal access to the mar ket says Clare Schlegel, Ontario zone director. Schlegel, speaking to the annual meeting of the Huron County Pork Producers Association in Varna, Thursday, said Ontario Pork’s aim is to create a more competitive situa tion. One major change proposed is that all contracts (re-termed supply agreements by Ontario Pork) would be negotiated four times a year. Currently processors sign up pro ducers whenever they want, Schlegel said, then just tell Ontario Pork they’ve signed the contracts. “I believe this will maintain an effective voice for all producers,” Schlegel said. The present system is open to manipulation, he said. In addition, by going to specific sign-up dates, the industry will be focussed. “One of the things we do not want to do is discourage entrepreneurial activity of individual producers and HCPPA names producer of the year Bill Dowson, RR1, Varna, was named producer of the year by the Huron County Pork Producers’ Association at its annual meeting in Vama, Thursday. Dowson and his wife Joyce were presented with a plaque and a gate sign honouring their selection. As well as involvement with the pork producers and the bean produc ers, Dowson is also deputy reeve of Hay Twp., serves on the area fire board and conservation authority, and is active with Vama United Church. “Whenever you have things that need to be done he’s there,” said Paul Klopp in announcing the award. “Normally I’m not stuck for words but I am,” said Dowson in accepting the award. Chosen as retailer of the year was Erb’s Meat Market, RR1, Bayfield. You Take Your Investments Seriously So Do We! That’s Why We Now Offer Insurance Coverage On Membership Deposits Up to $100,000.00 PLUS Each Members Individual RRSP/RRIF Is Also Insured Up To $100,000.00 Providing security for our members 48 Ontario Street CLINTON 482-3466 Main Street DASHWOOD 237-3777 processors,” Schlegel said. Producers and processors with agreements will have right of first refusal to fill contracts offered in the quarterly bidding periods. Ontario Pork wants processors to put together offers to purchase and put down specifications for the pigs they want: genetics, feed, weight, etc. “By defining what processors want we continue to focus on quality,” Schlegel said. Answering a question Schlegel admitted it would still be difficult for small producers to fill contracts for truckloads of hogs but by 'team ing together they could get the num ber necessary, he said. “What I see developing is a group of producers around a marketing yard getting together and co-operat ing. If you can’t co-operate it will be up to you to get pigs to a market.” No one sees the possibility of going back to the days when all hogs were pooled and sold, Schlegel admitted. Richard and Mary Erb sell a lot of local pork and other meats, said Klopp and also serve it when they cater meals (they were caterers for the Vama meeting). “We appreciate recognition for the job we do,” said Richard Erb in accepting the award. KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Clinton & District Christian School Monday, February 7 9 am to Noon Call 482-7851 for information about Christian Education! CLINTON COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION www.clintoncu.on.ca 118 Main Street North EXETER 235-0640