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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-09-02, Page 14LAWN QUESTIONS? Organic Programs 4M) Available ACCREDITED 524-2424 -Trust the Professionals - The Classifieds Are the Cat's Meow. Area shoppers know the Classifieds are the purr-fect place to find a bargain. In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from collectibles to cuddly kittens. It's easy to place an ad or find the items you want and it's used by hundreds of shoppers every day. Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today. The Citizen Classifieds Blyth • Brussels 523-4792 • 887-9114 Situation dire The closed border is decimating the beef industry in Canada as producers continue to lose money daily. 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Ontario police taking kids fishing There will be plenty of smiles to go around when Falls Reserve Conservation Area in Benmiller presents Fishing at the Falls with Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is part of an exciting new grassroots program funded by the Police Associations of Ontario, Ontario Provincial . Police Association, Real Fishing's Bob Izumi, the Fishing Forevei Foundation and Canadian Tire to encourage youngsters to enjoy the benefits of recreational fishing. Fishing at the Falls with Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire is open to children 16 years old and younger. Continued from page 1 are the producers. "The worst part is this has nothing to do with how I do business. It's not bad management. It's entirely out of our control," said Don Procter. Every day, he said, he gets up, does the same job he's always done and continues to, lose money. "You can't even get out. To sell off is like buying a $100,000 house then selling it for $10,000. While the government support last year did take the edge off, it isn't helping now. "Nobody's doing anything for us. Even if the border does open it's not going to be an instant cure. A lot of us are done," said Procter. Gamble said the one hope is if the banks "stick with the farmers" during this crisis. That's something that's not happening, said Procter. "They need to cut us some slack, not forgive our loans, but reduce interest. They always say they're our partner and don't mind taking the profit when we're profitable. How about taking some of the loss." If the banks don't help, said Procter, the crisis will eventually filter down to them. "I can declare bankruptcy and they get 10 cents to Admission to the fishing pond and registration to the event are free, and includes a free hot dog and pop for each participant. Prizes will be awarded for catching tagged fish. Parents or guardians are asked to register children for the event in advance by calling the Falls Reserve Conservation Area at 1-877-325- 5722, or the Goderich OPP at 519- 524-8314. Although it is possible to register on the day of the event as well, the first 100 registered participants will each receive a prize package. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle and life jackets. However, these items can be provided at no charge to those the $1. If things don't change, a lot of us are going to disappear." "And it's too bad the folks in the city aren't paying attention, because if it keeps on it will impact them eventually." As Procter notes, what first impacted the feeder operators, has begun to snowball. "It's now rolling through the cow/calf guys and will soon hit agri-business. It's just going to get worse." "There has to be help for the cow/calf guy," said Gamble. "If the government could support them, then they could sell their calf cheaper which puts equity back into the business." "If we don't keep the cow/calf operators in business we're going to lose the whole industry. They're in bad, bad shape." There is no quick fix, however. Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle feels that Canada has to come up with its own solutions. "We need to work with countries and look at markets. We have to get the older animals out of this system. The answer is open borders, but I don't see that happening." While building plants has been a pro-active move it's one that takes time - something the industry participants who do not have their own. In addition to the great fishing fun, local OPP and EMS units will have numerous vehicles on display, and kids will have the opportunity to play fish twister and other games. Falls Reserve is located just west of Benmiller on County Rd. 31. Sr. Const. Don Shropshall is thrilled to support the province-wide program. "Our local police association members are happy to volunteer their time and energy to programs that can have a positive influence on our youth. Fishing is fun and accessible for children of all ages and we hope kids from all over the area will come out on Sept. 11 and enjoy it." doesn't have. While Gracey is pleased to see more packing plants and an end to supplementary imports, he said there are not enough made-in-Canada measures to save the industry. "A nation, which in normal times exports 58 per cent of its production must export to survive." "Farmers have to understand this is a situation like we've never seen before," said Steckle. "We as a government need to be in a position to help those with lost equity through tax breaks." Steckle also expressed his anger with the packing companies which are making money as a result of this crisis. "Farmers are under the thumb of the packers. They should have the right to choose where and when to market. That has been taken away from them." "There is no reason the packers can't pay more for the beef they're buying. It's time to put some of that money back into the marketplace and stop stealing from the far- mers." Gracey, however, said the packers are doing what any businessperson would do. "People, therefore aren't seeing the price of beef go down in stores and wonder what the farmers According to Real Fishing's Bob Izumi, it's only natural that the police are involved with helping children. "Police officers spend their entire careers protecting children," states Izumi. "Events like the one in Benmiller are a perfect way for kids to learn that these dedicated men and women cafe about them as individuals, not as potential young 'offenders." Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days are taking place in communities across Ontario. In addition to the support by the Police Associations of Ontario, Canadian Tire and Fishing Forever, Fishing Days are made possible by Shimano Canada and Catch Fishing. are whining about. The problem is the farmer is not getting his fair share of that price." While approaches to solving the crisis may differ, there would be little disagreement that it is cutting the heart out of the industry. "Talking to these people and feeling the hurt has been the worst 15 months of my life," said Steckle. "This is a tough racket, don't kid yourself. And the farm people need help," Gamble notes. "I see the frustration and I'm passionate about this," said Gracey. "I have no vested interest. I'm retired. But I am concerned for the hard-working cattlemen I used to work for." `Entirely out of my control,' Procter