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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2007-01-03, Page 2Page 2 January 3, 2007 • The Huron Expositor News Huron Federation of Agriculture president `flattered' by extension of farmland tax deferral Susan H u n d e r t m a r k Huron East's decision to extend its farmland tax deferral program for a third year is "wonderful" and "needed," says Huron Federation of Agriculture president Steve Thompson. "It's a very gracious thing council is doing. We still need it because we've got a lot of catching up to do," says Thompson. "You can't disguise the fact that 2003, 2004 and 2005 were the worst in history for Canadian farmers and it takes a lot more than one year to make it up," he says. Thompson says the current stabi- lization: of grain and oilseed prices can be attributed to the recent gov- ernment interest in ethanol, caus- ing a "mini -boom" with the building of so many ethanol plants through- out Canada and the U.S. . "It's a welcome addition but it all depends on government grants, the price of fuel and what crops ethanol plants decide to buy," says Thompson. SEAFORTH INSURANCE BROKER LTD./HIMG • Home • Commercial •Auto • Farm • Out of Province Travel Insurance 41 Main St. S. Seaforth 519-527-1610 Ken Cardno, Joanne Williamson, Colleen Bromley and Barb Watt FARM EQUIPMENT SEAFORTH 519-527-0120 4 EXETER 519-235-2 www teamvl nothing to equalize the subsidies Canadian and U.S. farm- ers receive from their governments. "The price stabiliza- tion is being seized by the politicians to keep doing nothing. A lifeboat has appeared but it hasn't come from government and it isn't enough to help all of us. And, when the prices go back down, we'll be in exactly the "Farmers are same position. We need concerned it's equity with U.S. farm - another dot.com ers," he says. - mania with the Since U.S. farmers same boom and and other international bust," he says. farmers are able to As well, Thompson says the price stabi- lization has done When Accidents Happen... CaII ONTH OLLLIQH Chi' LLISION REPAIR • GLASS INSTALLATION INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME • RENTAL CARS AVAILABLE We use quality all PONT 220 Main St., S., Seaforth performance coatings 519-527-1355 Canadian farmers. He says since Brazil can grow three crops of sugar cane a year, ethanol plants could just as easily buy from Brazilian farmers if the price of corn goes up in Canada. "We're just not sure of the longterm impli- cations," he says. Thompson adds that while protest for equalization is still needed, he thinks the current price stabiliza- tion will make it hard to motivate anyone to / get involved. / However, he says `It's a very gracious thing council is doing. We still need it because we've got a lot of catching up to Steve Thompson, Thompson, HFA president compete to supply ethanol farmers are "flattered" plants with the plant material need- that Huron East council is still try - ed to make fuel, Thompson ques- ing to help them out. tions how secure the market is for Fashion show, free skating draw close to 300 people to Brussels arena From Page 1 dressed up as "calendar girls." "That's why they're all here," laughed Sholdice, featured as Miss July in the fashion show. Sholdice said that because of donations from local service clubs, the levee was held free of charge. Brussels Coun. Frank Stretton, also featured as Miss June in the fashion show, brought greetings from Huron East, inviting all the residents of Brussels to enjoy the upcoming homecoming event. "If this is an indication of what's going to happen in July, we're in for a wonderful time," he said. "Huron East wants to thank the homecom- ing committee for all their work so far that will make Brussels the place to be in July," said Stretton. So far, plans for Brussels' 135th anniver- sary include opening ceremonies on Friday, July 27 at 6:45 p.m. at the ball park followed by two ballgames and two dances - one for teens at the Brussels Legion and one for adults at the arena. On Saturday, the day begins with a break- fast at 7 a.m. at Brussels United Church, a car boot sale in down- town Brussels from 8 -lo 11 a.m., a soap box derby at 9 a.m., a barbecue at the Brussels Mennonite Church at 11 a.m. and a noon parade down Main Street. As well, a jamboree will be held at the Brussels Legion at 2 p.m. and a beef barbecue at the community centre from 5-7 p.m. A ball tournament continues all weekend. On Sunday, the day begins with a breakfast at the Brussels firehall from 7-11 a.m., a-nulti- denominational church service at the conservation area at 11:15 a.m., duck races at 2 p.m. at the Brussels dam, a pork chop barbecue from 4-7 p.m. at the communi- ty centre, a shirttail parade beginning at the Brussels pool at 8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk at the community centre. `If this is an indication of what's going to happen in July, we're in for a wonderful time,'-- , Brussels Coun. Frank Stretton