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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-08-07, Page 11COMM1IW1T Times -Advocate, August 7, 1991 Page 11 .r New cash crop of the future? By Rhonda Vandeworp AILSA CRAIG - For decades Andy Dixon has been experiment- ing with growing trees as an agri- cultural crop. This year his hard work has finally been recognized by the Ausable Bayfield Conserva- tion Authority and other interested parties who will tour Dixon's grounds within the next couple months. Dixon's goals and philosophy are simple: "Make a high quality log; do it in as short a time as possible; and do not invest too much money, because it is a long term project." After observing the progress of his first group of walnut trees plant- ed in the back four acres of his farm in 1939, Dixon has been able to make predictions about how to increase the growth rate of the trees and to experiment with these pre- dictions on other trees planted on his farm. ' Three thousand walnut trees were planted by Dixon in the late 1930's. They were pruned in order to pro- duce a quality log, but because the trees were planted too close togeth- er they were soon over run by un- derbrush competing for necessary water and soil nutrients "just like weeds in a cornfield," Dixon ex- plained. Because the trees were not spaced properly, only 140 of the walnut trees are still standing in Dixon's back bush. In addition, the rate of growth has been substantial- ly slowed down because of the competing underbrush. On the other hand, the trunk di- ameters of walnut trees which were planted in Dixon's front lawn in 1955 are larger than the ones plant- ed earlier. According to Dixon, this change in growth rate is due to the spacing and the shift from un- derbrush to grass as a competitor. Dixon went even one step further in order to eliminate competitors and decrease the harvest time of his trees. Acres of arable soil are now covered with White Pine, Black Walnut, Red Oak, Eastern Cotton- wood, White Ash, Malburry, Su- mac, and Red Cedar which Dixon "keeps free of weed competition and prunes in order to get a high Long distance friends re -united By Rhonda 4.mo Vandeworp CREDITON - Two years ago a special friend- ship was formed be- tween two ninth grade students in Napier, New Zealand. When Molly McClure's father took advantage of a teachers' ex- change program on the North Is- land, Molly went along to experi- ence the life of a high school student in New Zealand. Since McClure was starting her first year of secondary school along with the other ninth graders, adjusting to the public, all -girls school was not difficult. She quickly formed friendships includ- tg the one -she has with Heidi Whiteside. McClure made the most of her year in New Zealand, and grew to appreciate the different customs, school traditions, and socio- economic structure of this island nation. She was introduced to new sports such as rugby, netball, crick- et and tramping, learned of the his- tory and geography of New Zea- land, recognized the ethnic conflict between the natives of Maoriland and the British descendants, and watched the changes in the coun- try's economy as more and more Japanese investors bought up local businesses. "New Zealand is definitely more than just bungy-jumping!" McClure revealed. Two years have passed since her stay in New Zealand, and now it's Whitcside's turn to experience the world of her Canadian friend at school and at home. "New Zealand is quite isolated from other countries, even Austra- lia. I wanted the chance to see an- other country," said Whiteside. Although she has only been here for approximately one month, the adventurous duo has explored more parts of Canada than most native residents have. Whiteside flew into Vancouver to meet Molly and her mother, and spent a week in the western prov- ince. McClure and Whiteside are currently touring the Maritimes for a three-week vacation before school starts. Whiteside is unsure of what to expect from South Huron. Being very athletic, she enjoys specific sports such as swimming, spring board diving, and downhill skiing. However, since the Exeter school lacks the facilities for these sports, "Molly is making [her] do cross- country running." McClure's New Zealand friend has already adapted to most of the cultural differences she has encoun- tered, and is looking forward to the opportunity to fit in with her South Huron peers. Exchanging cultures - New Zealander Heidi Whiteside (left) will be spending the year studying at South Huron, and living with Molly McClure - a friendship that evolved while the McClure family was av- ing in Napier, New Zealand. Fun times at Hensall library By Vanessa Cook • HENSALL - This Thursday eve- ning, August 8, Rhonda Wright will be coming to the Hensall Branch Library to bring us anothcr fun -filled hour of games, stories and crafts. Children ages five through eight are welcome to come to the Sum- mer Reading Program. The theme for the program is "Pirates". Shumeboard High six game winners were John Pepper with 521, Dave Woodward 510, Pearl McKnight 460, Hugh McKay 429, Jack Consitt 416 and Eileen Dowson with 400. Personals Happy anniversary to Lloyd and Joyce Bowman on August 4. Birthday wishes to Victoria Bow- man on August 6. Just thought you'd Iikc to know there are four weeks, or 28 days, or 672 hours until school starts. quality lumber." Converting trees into a cash crop, however, has not stopped Dixon from taking advantage of some of nature's natural growing processes. He explains that some trees are sun tolerant species while others being shade tolerant grow under the al- ready established vegetation. Knowing this, Dixon planted rows of poplars three years ago, and has recently introduced red oak, a shade tolerant species, into this man-made ecosystem. He also relies on the ingenuity of today's scientists ,.to decrease the harvest time of his trees. The spe- cial hybrid of poplars, DN74, which is a combination of Canadi- an Cottonwood and Eastern Cotton- wood, will grow in diameter one inch per year. In seventeen years, Dixon will be able to harvest 20" logs for $50 a log. Considering he spent $5 for shipping costs and the cost of individual cutting, Dixon considers the market for poplars a reasonable one. "Poplar wood isn't particularly valuable, but it is useable. It is used for pallet boards, veneer, and pulp wood. There is a market for it. There's a market for all the trees I grow," Dixon explains. Experimentation is one of Dix- on's key to success. For example, with each row of poplars he has al- tered his pruning techniques in or der to arrive at the perfect log. With his small walnut trees Dixon has been experimenting with inter - cropping - planting corn, wheat, oats, and rye between the widely - spaced trees. Dixon has recorded his observations and has recently released a book with his findings. "We don't ask enough questions," Dixon begins. "Why should we take for granted that all the school books are correct?" This tree farm- er has always been questioning "the truth" and'people are finally begin- ning to take notice of Dixon's new discoveries. Swift growth - By standing next tb one of his poplar trees, Andy Dixon can demonstrate the fast rate of growth of his three- year-old poplars. Each of these trees started off as a cutting. Pick Your Own Peaches Red Haven Variety Your containers Former Lindsay Orchards, Bayfield 482-3366 August 9 - 24 PITCH -IN AND RECYCLE! 4REFOYM PUBLIC INFORMATION PARTItAOA MEETINGS LONDON MIDDLESEX RIDING ASSOCIATION Ilderton August 7, 1991 8:00 p.m. llderton Masonic Temple Thorndale August 14, 1991 8:00 p.m. Thorndale Community Centre Lambeth August 21, 1991 8:00 p.m. Lambeth Community Centre Lucan August 28, 1991 8:00 p.m. Lucan Community Centre SPEAKERS August 7 & 14 August 21 & 28 Mr. Bob Lauder Mr. Patrick Muttart Southwestern Ontario Vice President Co-ordinator Oxford Riding Association Refreshments will be served Subscription Renewal Rates Due to Postal Surcharge Increases Beginning March 1, 1992 As of March 1, 1992, the Canada Post Corporation will no longer subsidize news- paper delivery in areas that are outside a 40 mile radius of Exeter or those areas who have door to door mail dei'rverv. Below are monthly pro -rated postal charges that will be added to the cost of a subscription ($30.00) to the Exeter Times - Advocate. Pro -rated Charges Subscriptions expiring Plus Annual Subscription G.S.T. Please Pay July '91 $10.00 $30.00 $2.80 $42.80 Aug. '91 $12.50 $30.00 $2.97 $45.47 Sept. '91. $15.00 $30.00 $3.15 $48.15 Oct. '91 $17.50 $30.00 $3.32 $50.82 Nov. '91 $20.00 $30.00 $3.50 $53.50 Dec. '91 $22.50 $30.00 $3.67 $56.17 Jan, '92 $25.00 $30.00 $3.85 $58.85 Feb. '92 $27.50 $30.00 $4.02 $61.52 Mar. '92 $30.00 $30.00 $4.20 $64.20 Li • I 0 0 - ad ro 0-"l , _ o vn r caw. s ro+- a-eee. s.. •„n 9' :•'• fO M cl OS6 FLU0 C Mildew in the bathroom/ An exhaust fan really draws moisture out. Dripping hot water taps add dollars to your energy hill. Tap washers cost just pennies. 414 NOD tN•cT ct A 71 s& ' bq l'iN C 6NFRCY 6FFjCrF C' �G 44S �SyO q'6Ri/FA 71. s 'Lys D 6 Bask ciPis, 1, Sit 0to, 7� 'P 0 1'� � A G B�1. s1%OV Exeter Public Utilities Commission 379 Main Street South, Exeter, Ont. NOM 1S6 235-1350 H. DeVrI•s, Chairman M.A. Greens, Commissioner H.L. Davis, Manager B.F. Shaw, Commissioner For more information about using electricity safely and economically, visit your hydro office. a m.rnb.r or TMA At