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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1991-07-10, Page 24Page 24 Times -Advocate, July 10, 1991 FARM 1JPDATF Buying club celebrates 75 years By Ray Lewis EXETER - Seventy-five years ago, a group of men came together to form a club to help solidify their efforts in farming. The Kirkton-Woodham Farmers' Club was first organized in 1916, as one of the hundreds of United Farmers of Ontario buying clubs which sprang up all over Ontario, between 1915 and 1920. Early records for the club are far from complete, but among the local leaders were: James More, John Urquhart, John Morphet, Silas Shi- er, David Roger, Sam Switzer, Ben Wilson and Albert Bickel. Records from Molson's Bank in Kirkton, show the first transactions beginning in 1916, while Sam Tufts stored flour and other com- modities in his home to be distrib- uted to members. Currently, the club operates from the home of secretary -treasurer Lisa Suther- land. Anyone interested in becoming a member, must simply get in touch with Sutherland or any board mem- ber. Following a quick credit check, there is a five dollar mem- bership fee and a $1,000 note that must be signed, because the club has no physical assets. "Signing the note seems a little scary at first," said past president, Burns Blackler. "But in 75 years, we've never had to call one." From a small beginning of a few hundred dollars per year, the vol- ume of business showed a slow but steady increase. In 1930, it reached a total of $8,000 yearly, with approximately 60 members. About that time, neighbouring clubs in Granton, St. Marys, Plug - town, ILII. Pleasant and Motherwell ceased to operate. Most of these members joined the Kirkton- Woodham Farmers' Club, until membership rose to over 400, with a yearly business in excess of two million dollars. Currently, the club boasts 260 members with most liv- ing within a 10 -mile radius of Kirk - ton -Woodham. A board of directors takes care of on-going business, meeting at least every quarter, and usually about six times a year. An annual meeting and election is held, but it is com- mon for officers to hold their posi- tions for two years. During the past 75 years, the club has had an enviable record of loss- es, due to bad debts, of well under $10,000. This speaks well for. the integrity of the members, who,real- ize that they are enjoying the bene- fits of a non-profit and extremely low-priced business. Over the years, a substantial surplus has been built up, providing working capital and security in case of any possible future setbacks. As of the end of 1990, the Kirkton-Woodham Farmers' Club paid dividends total- ing $1,599,555. For many years, while the United Farmers of Ontario flourished, the club was affiliated with the United Farmers Co-operative of Ontario. Later, when this company became the United Co-operative Company of Ontario, the Kirkton-Woodham Farmers' Club was ineligible for af- filiation, because they lacked a mill or warehouse and a full-time staff. New wheat payments CHATHAM - The 1991 Ontario wheat crop initial payments have been established by the federal government at the following levels. Pool A white winter wheat - 575 per tonne; Pool B red spring wheat and Pool F red winter wheat - S85 per tonne; Pool C utility milling wheat and Pool D unregistered, in- terim registered, Durum, certified organic wheat - $80 per tonne and Pool G feed varieties and wheat grading feed from Pools B,C,D and F - 570 per tonne. George Dmetriuc, of RR5 Wat-. ford, chairman of the Ontario Wheat Board, said "The significant drop in the 1991 initial payment levels over last year is a direct re- sult of the low international and do- mestic wheat prices." Dmctriuc stated that "The low in- itial payments will have a negative effect on producers looking for the 1991 harvest of Ontario wheat to support their cash flow." Harvest of white winter wheat usuallya begins mid July. "The board will be applying for an increase in the 1991 initial pay- ment levels soon after harvest, and also pressing for an interim defi- ciency payment under the GRIP program with a payment to be made this fall," Dmctriuc said. After a record 1990 crop produc- tion of approximately 1.3 million tonnes, the 1991 crop size has a po- tential of approximately 450,000 tonnes. The small 1991 crop will have its benefits in lower marketing costs and concentrated sales into the domestic market. The smaller crop is a direct result of lower plantings last fall due to wet conlli- tions and a higher than anticipated winterkill. The board anticipates that producers will return to plant- ings this fall of approximately 650,000 to 750,000 acres. The club does, however, still pur- chase some of their supplies from the Co-op. Changes in commodities over the last 75 years illustrate the changing times and practices in the farming community. In the early years of the club, grass and clover seed, coal, binder twine and fence sup- plies made up the bulk of the mate- rials purchased by members. "I can still remember the days when we would take a tractor and wagon to haul coal and grain as it came in by rail," recalled Blackler. Trucking has since replaced the railway, grass and clover seed are proportionately reduced, coal is no longer sold, binder twine has changed to baler twine, and fence supplies sold yearly are now mini- mal. So far, to the 90s, fertilizer and chemical purchases, as well as the services for handling and appli- cation, constitute the bulk of the club's business. President Rick DeBrabandere, cites concerns over pesticides and • increased financial pressures as two of the largest changes. "Financial pressures on agricul- ture today are definitely a lot tight- er," said DeBrabandere. "There has always been concern over the care we take with the chemicals we use, but now more so." Some old habits die hard, and un- til the late 1960s, the record and fil- ing system consisted of a lead pen- cil and five -cent school scribbler. "Now we do everything by com- puter," said Sutherland. "That was one of the welcomed changes." To help celebrate the 75th anni- versary of the Kirkton-Woodham Farmers' Club, a barbecue will be held with members of both past and present on Wednesday, July 17 from 5-7 p.m., at the Kirkton- Woodham Community Centre. The event will feature live enter- tainment, a pork barbecue and base- ball game. Advanced tickets are available from any board member. Cuts More Than Hay Cuts Time New Idea 5209 modular disc mower conditioner designed to cut hay fast. • Simply designed for reliability, New Idea disc mowing system gets you out of the field fast. Glides through heavy, tough con- ditions. to Conditioning rolls gently crimp hay to speed drying. Yet, treat nutrient -rich leaves gently. • Designed and made by Ameri- cans for North America's farmers and ranchers. Encased disc gearbox design eliminates the need for daily fluid checks and assures consistent lubrication even when cutting at extreme angles. • Power out plug removal system allows you to remove plugs with- out leaving your tractor seat. ■ Three-point flotation moves disc cutterbar in all directions to follow ground contour. • Ask your dealer about special low rate financing programs. Call for a free color brochure 1-800-767-3221 or visit your New Idea dealer today. NEWIDA4 B . m.•[,.[u,wA —__ - •-ten The tradition continues - The Kirkton-Woodham Farmers' Club is celebrating 75 years in operation. Representing the club's executive for 1991 are: recording secretary David Wheeler (left), past president •Burns Blackley, secretary-treasurer.Lisa Sutherland, president Rick DeBrabandere, vice president Ted Brine and management committee representative Keith Selves. Why More....Farmers\are g Their Wheat. HENSALL D STRICT 0-OPERAi1VE tit 4- IP r 1l, •1 spy 1' 't d. r4 11 ag- ft. • `t'4► t.1 f ,-r 7 110 • NEW 10,000 bushel per hour receiving capacity • Hensall Co-op the fastest wheat and barley receiving elevator In the area ■ Locally owned by farmers • Friendly fast efficient service ■ Now total receiving capacity of 25,000 bushels per hour ■ Fair grades 1 Honest weights NEW 10,000 Bushel Elevator leg Installed In Hensall WE NEED AND APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS Support the only farmer -owned comprehensive wheat and barley dealer In the Industry Farmers working together 262-3002 1-800-265-5190 HENSALL DISTRICT CO-OPER,ITIVE ......._. Also Handling • White Beans • Sdybeans • Corn