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The Citizen, 2004-08-26, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2004. Letter to the editor Farmer shares views on status of BSE crisis THE EDITOR, I am writing to you as a young Ontario beef farmer about the post BSE crisis we are dealing with. I am pleased to see the recent media attention that our industry is receiving but I feel that it is hitting the rural newspapers and farm publications instead of where we need it to be. I think we need it to hit the front pages of major city newspapers. I have recently talked with city residents who think that this has been resolved long ago which is definitely not the case. These people are obviously misinformed and totally unaware of our current situation. First off, the U.S. border re- opening is a must but it can't be the only solution. The next issue I have is the price that we as producers are receiving, and the price of beef in the stores and restaurants, as well as the menu Continued from page 1 factor but it's been so since the start of the golf season, noted Doig. "This has been • the worst year for consistent bad weather since 1992." While four years ago there was torrential flooding in May, it was followed by a good summer. "This is The same kind of year as 1992 and believe me in the golf business we keep track of that kind of thing." On the plus side, the grass has been excellent, said Doig, adding however, that there is always the flip side. "If you're not spending on irrigation, your spending on cutting." Getting back into the swim this season has been less enticing than other years as well. Alvin McLellan, chair of the BMG recreation board selections of beef at some locations. I do not blame the stores and restaurants for the price to a certain extent because the same people who are stealing the product from us are charging the same as before the BSE crisis to the store and restaurant trades. I would like to see more specials on beef in stores and beef nights at bars and restaurants, for example, $1 burger nights or $7 steak nights. All restaurants and even country kitchen-type spots should offer at least a couple of steak options on the menu and have Tuesday and Thursday stew days or something like that. People throughout the world not directly involved in the industry and not in rural areas do not understand what is happening to our industry. We have farmers on medication to help them sleep at night or to help with nerve problems for fear they o e to sell a farm. In the beginning, said that the numbers were down at the Brussels pool. However, not as bad as they could have been because of the new heater keeping the water temperatures higher. "The cooler weather doesn't really inspire people to go swimming, though." Rosie Grobbink, head lifeguard said the attendance has been on and off. "You can't really predict when the kids will be here," she said, adding that there had been more on hand one cool evening than that afternoon when the temperatures were more comfortable. One group that is affected, is the senior aerobic class. "They can't go in if there's more than a 10° difference in the pool and air temperature, so they have had to cancel some classes." Grobbink, who has been working the crisis was all we talked about at functions and everywhere we met for the past year. Now however, you don't want to bring it up because someone in the group is in trouble- or just plain sick of talking about it. I for one never thought I would say this because I lo*ve farming and cattle and I work with them every day at home and at my off-farm job. However, I hope my young son does not want to farm even if that was my dream for him and me. This is simply not a feasible dream in today's market. The biggest thing is we did not bring this on ourselves by over producing. One day everything was fine and there was even a possibility we might make a decent living for a change. Then this major disaster hit us like a freight train, and there was very little we could do about it. I commend industry leaders for the hard work they have put in for lobbying on our behalf for our at the pool for three seasons, agreed that the overall number this year was lower in July than is typical, but any drop in August is expected. "The numbers drop then every year. The novelty wears off." Campers too it seems have been less enthusiastic. "What summer," said Wayne Scott at Auburn Riverside Retreat. "It's been good for sleeping." Less so for business, it seems. "The weather has definitely made a difference. It's a little slower this year." However, as the Scotts' ownership of the campground is relatively new, the weather, he feels may not be the only factor. "We're still building our business. But I don't think there's any question this summer has certainly reduced our numbers." problem and to the communities and cattle groups for the excellent beef barbecues held in support of our industry over the past 15 months. I would also like to commend those producers who are filling freezer orders with quality beef and keeping it from the packers. A helpful way - to sell these sides or quarters is to provide some favourite recipes for the tougher cuts to help make them more palatable. Remember to ask if it is Canadian and if you ate today, thank a farmer! Yours truly, A concerned young Ontario producer, Todd Edgar. New heater helps at pool 1 VICTIM SERVICES OF . SO") 10 . HURON COUNTY ----., Is Seeking \-..... .e.,--i VOLUNTEERS Victim Services is a non-profit, volunteer based organization that is dedicated to providing short term emotional support, practical assistance and community referral to victims of crime, trauma and tragic circumstance in partnership with community emergency services. People assisted may be victims of any crime including domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery and theft or family member of homicide, suicide, accident victims and fire. Requirements: • Police/Children's Aid Society clearance • Minimum 40 hours mandatory training session (over a period of two months) • Must be 18 years of age+ • Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle • Ability to handle crisis situations Commitments: • 40 hour training program • Ongoing monthly meetings • Minimum one-year of commitment • Crisis volunteers must commit to a minimum of two; 12 hour, on-call shifts per month If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to support citizens of your community in their time of crisis, this may be the venue for you. Please feel free to contact us for more information and an application form. Application forms may be found on our website at www.victimserviceshuron.ca . Shelley Dorey Coordinator of Volunteer Services Box 500 Goderich, ON N7A 4C7 Tel: 1-519-524-4108 - - Email: vshcvolunteer@bellnet.ca Applications for September training will be received until August 31, 2004. On September 4 all public places and workplaces in Huron County will be Smoke-Free. 8Y law Information kits are available at the Huron County Health Unit, Municipal Offices and at :vvvvhuroncounty.ca ror questions or concerns, call 482-3377 Putting Health First Environmental Tobacco Smoke Bylaw #21, 2003 For more information and resources on quitting smoking, call the Huron County Health Unit at 482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143 if long distance.