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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-10-30, Page 16Times -Advocate, October 30, 1996 Page 15 Study shows agriculture a billion dollar business in Huron County VANASTRA - Agriculture is a $1 billion industry in Huron County. That's the phase one finding of a "ground -breaking" two-year, $10,000 study sponsored by the county Federation of Agriculture. A meeting in Vanastra Friday af- ternoon alerted local media that de- spite declining farm numbers, ag- riculture remains the backbone of the county's economy, accounting for at least 10,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in agriculturally -related sales. "We think these figures represent a major engine of economic growth that national, provincial and local policy needs to recognize and nur- ture," said Harry Cummings, a Uni- versity of Guelph professor who, with graduate student Dan McLen- nan, worked on the study that in- volved a May to August telephone survey of 223 Huron County busi- nesses related to agriculture. Although the study has not in- cluded how related businesses are affected, data reveals farms and agri-business employ more than one third of all . Working people in the county. "We knew fanning was im- portant to the people engaged in it," said Huron County Federation member BiII Wallace, who initiated the study in January, "but we now have some hard data on just what kind of economic activity is gener- ated as a result of having viable farms operating in a community." S;'U`n !CRON FOOOGRA.t s itMTRAI LA •lAH3t i+'N MES ROAD !i:MV.liF Larry Lynn, at left and Murray Dawson pose following the recent harvest of this year's South Huron Foodgrains soybeans. Brussels livestock sales BRUSSELS - The sales at Brussels Livestock for the week ending October 25, 1996. Fed Cattle: 674 Cows: 329 Veal calves: 347 Lambs and Goats: 126 Stockers: 3338 Pigs: 42 Fed steers and heifers were selling steady with cows selling $2.00 higher. Veal sold $2.00-$3.00 lower with lambs selling steady. All classes of stockers sold on a steady trade. There were 405 steers on offer selling from 88.00 to 92.00 to the high of 104.00. Seventeen steers consigned by Jim Howatt, Londesborough averaging 305 lbs. sold for an average of 98.65 with sales to 104.00. Forty-five steers consigned by Russel Halliday, Chesley averaging 1319 lbs. sold for an average of 93.18 with sales to 101.25. • Twenty steers consigned by Kada Farms, Bluevale averaging 1289 lbs. sold for an average of 90.22 with sales to 97.00. One steer consigned by Gordon Daer, Auburn weighing 1135 lbs. sold for 96.50. Four steers consigned by Don Shiell, Wingham averaging 1326 lbs. sold for an average of 93.19 with sales to 95.75. Twenty-nine steers consigned by Lorne Forster, Lucknow averaging 1324 lbs. sold for an average of 89.70 with sales to 95.50. Four steers consigned by Mark Fisher, Ayton averaging 1228 lbs. sold for an average of 90.49 with sales to 95.50. Two steers consigned by Carl Mollard, Parkhill averaging 1300 lbs. sold for an average of 94.25 with sales to 94.75. Three steers consigned by Don Berg, Hanover averaging 1353 lbs. sold for 94.25. Thirteen steers consigned by Schmidt Brook Farms Inc., Woodstock av- eraging 1479 lbs. sold for an average of 89.18 with sales to 93.35. There were 234 heifers on offer selling from 88.00 to 92.00 to the high of 97.25. Thirty-seven heifers consigned by Donald Cormack, Mount Forest aver- aging 88.71 with sales to 97.25. Seventeen heifers consigned by Ronland Farms, Stratford averaging 1 123 lbs. sold for an average of 88.64 with sales to 97.00. Seventeen heifers consigned by Hugh Love, Atwood averaging 1076 lbs. sold for an average of 90.51 with sales to 95.00. Eleven heifers consigned by Gerald Rathwell, Auburn averaging 1143 lbs. sold for an average of 86.00 with sales to 93.75. Seven heifers consigned by Bill Robinson, Auburn averaging 1147 lbs. sold for an average of 92.84 with sales to 93.25. Fourteen heifers consigned by Mux Lea Farms, Woodstock averaging 1201 lbs. sold for an average of 89.36 with sales to 92.50. One heifer consigned by Jeff Cormack, Mount Forest weighing 1245 lbs. sold for 91.25. There were 329 cows on offer selling from 30.00 to 55.00 to the high of 62.50. Two sim cows consigned by David Schwass, Woodstock averaging 1758 lbs. sold for an average of 61.57 with sales to 62.50. Three cows consigned by Murray and Lorne Rennick, Monkton aver- aging 1132 lbs. sold for an average of 50.53 with sales to 61.50. Two cows consigned by Allan Coghlin, Atwood averaging 1500 lbs. sold for an average of 52.55 with sales to 60.00. There were 30 bulls on offer selling from 45.00 to 55.50 to the high of 64.00. One limo bull consigned by Gordon Cameron, Owen Sound weighing 1895 lbs. sold for 58.00. One limo bull consigned by Karl Whitfield, Blyth weighing 1685 lbs. sold for 56.50. There were 378 veal on offer selling from: Plain and heavy Hol: 60.00 to 75.00. Hol.: 75.00 to 90.00. Beef: 80.00 to 104.50. Twenty veal consigned by Eric Scheurwater, Paisley averaging 664 lbs. sold for an average of 90.69 with sales to 104.50. One veal consigned by Neil McPhee, Harriston weighing 650 lbs. sold for 103.50. One veal consigned by Dwayne McLellan, Mount Forest weighing 655 lbs. sold for 99.50. Lambs: 50 to 80 lbs. 80 to 95 lbs. Over 95 lbs. Sheep: Goats: Stockers: Steers: Under 400 lbs. 400 - 499 500 - 599 600-699 700 - 799 800 - 899 900 and over Heifers: 300-399 lbs. 400 - 499 500 - 599 600-699 700 - 799 800 - 899 900 and over 82.50 to 151.00 115.00 to 136.00 90.00 to 114.00. 36.00 to 48.00 37.50 to 125.00 66.00 to 100.00 72.00 to 105.00 72.00 to 105.00 62.5010 87.00 64.50 to 84.50 71.00 to 90.00 73.50 to 93.00 60.00to71.50 64.00 to 78.50 51.00to82.00 58.00 to 85.00 59.00 to 82.00 60.00 to 83.00 55.50 to 86.00 • The next step in the study will in- clude exploring businesses in fur- ther detail, discussing findings with the county, examining consumer flows and comparing agriculture with another sector of the economy, such as tourism. "If you're going to dance with the elephant, it'd be nice to know how big the elephant is," explained Cummings, who added people tend to forget the importance of farming. "It's a very export -oriented in- dustry." When phase two of the study is completed during the next year, the Huron Federation hopes the study will help assess the importance of agricultural activity to the economy of all areas of Ontario. Denfield Livestock Sales The market at Denfield Live- stock Sales traded on a very ac- tive demand at prices 1.00 to 2.00 higher on all classes of fed cattle. With the fancy cattle in strong demand at premium pric- es. Cows sold steady, veal steady, stockers steady, sows and boars higher, weiner pigs strong. John Payne, Wardsville, sold 5 head, average weight 1218 lbs. average price 95.23 with sales to 103.50 purchased by Dendekker Meats. Elliott Langstaff, Tupperville, sold a steer 1095 lbs. at 100.25 purchased by Holly Park Meat Packers. Andre and Peter Verstraete, Bothwell sold 3 steers average weight 1207 lbs. average price 96.98 to a high of 98.00 pur- chased by Norwich Packers. Dunbar Cox, Strathroy sold 7 head average weight 1212 lbs. average price 95.85 to a high of 99.75 purchased by Norwich Packers. John Ford, Corunna, sold 6 steers average weight 1301, av- erage price 93.74 to a high of 95.70 purchased by Norwich Packers. Murray Switzer, St. Marys sold 20 steers average weight 1323 lbs. average price 89.07 with the high sale of the day at 107.00 purchased by Dendekker Meats. John McTavish, Glencoe sold 3 steers average weight 1302 av- erage price 91.25. Ray Dark, Bothwell, sold 1 steer, average weight 1290 at 96.25 purchased by Norwich Packers. Jerry Goens, Highgate sold 9 steers average weight 1234 lbs. average price 90.35 to a high of 95.00 purchased by Holly Park. Paul Garvey, Thorndale sold 4 sows average weight 529 lbs. av- erage price 65.12. Choice steers: 90.00-95.00 with sales to 107.00 Good steers: 86.00 - 90.00 Plain and common steers: 60.00- 75.00 Choice exotic cross heifers: 88.00-94.00 sales to 103.50 Good heifers: 84.00-88.00 Common and medium: 60.00- 75.00 Good cows: 45.00-50.00 sales to 64.00 Canners and cutters: 35.00-40.00 Bulls: 45.00-55.00 Plain veal: 50.00-75.00 Stockers: Yearling steers 75.00-86.00 Yearling heifers 75.00-83.00 Pigs: 40-60 lbs 110.00 Sows 63.00-66.00 Boars 55.00-60.00 Paul Naim, field services rep for the OFA talks to area farmers Winston Shapton, Harry Dou- gall and Wayne Tuckey at Friday's annual meeting of the Huron Federation of Agriculture in Seaforth. F of A official speaks to farmers By Roes Haugh T -A Reporter SEAFORTH - Ontario Federation of Agriculture vice-president Ken Kelly who was the guest speaker at the October 25 annual Huron County Federation of Agriculture banquet held in Seaforth. He told the more than 150 in at- tendance that, "Our farm industry is not built on tractors, combines or crops, but on the people of Ontario who make agriculture in the prov- ince and your county so strong. We are the envy of the country." Kelly added, In driving through Huron I see well kept farms and I know you take great pride in our in- dustry." He continued, " It was our goal to reach the $20 million mark in agri- cultural products by the year 2000. We hit $17.5 billion this year and we will certainly meet this chal- lenge next year. I believe there will be $10 billion out of Ontario very shortly. As farmers we had tough times in the 1980's. Right now I am more optimistic for our future than I have been in the last 15 years. The mes- sage continues to be the same to be more productive and efficient. To be successful we have to be more prudent, do risk management and not put all our eggs in one basket. - We are just as much pioneers as our forefathers Jvere 200 years ago.. They used axes, oxen and ru- dimentary tools and we are now pi- oneering with instant electronic technologies. Enhance them, but use them carefully. Don't be afraid of the future. You are in it." Kelly said the OFA has been successful in negotiating with Bell Canada. A year ago about 30 per- cent of farmers in rural Ontario couldn't get private lines. They have applied to the CRTC to change to digital systems. Within 20 months, 96 percent of rural sub- scribers will have private lines. This will allow all farmers to get on to the Internet. The Bell base price will likely go up $4.65 A month, ,have a, farm tip: Gall the Times -Advocate; 235-1331 Suppliers of quality Shur -Gain Feeds and Animal Health Products VARNA 233-9219 "Small in size - Big in service" Hours: Mon. -Fri. 8 a.m. to S p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. but line charges will be eliminated. The OFA has made arrangements with Ontario Hydro concerning me- ters to allow farmers to disconnect extra meters at certain times of the year and have them reconnected at no extra charge. In closing , Kelly said, " We have to rediscover the concept of farm- ers working together. We need young people to some day lead this group. We need renewal and the counties must do this." The Huron Federation's annual farmer of the year award was pre- sented to Doug Garniss of the Wingham area. The newly appointed general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Gerry Gartner was also in attendance. Gartner with lots of experience in agriculture and politics in West- ern Canada said, "We are faced with many changes that are para- mount. The OFA's approach is to focus on major issues. Our job is is to make you understand the issues and where we stand. We are living in really dynamic times." He continued, "I was hired to take a tough approach to tighten up the finances and integrity of your organization with successful cash flow management." The general manager added, " It's also important to develop closer li- aison with' commodity' groups and' intensify our efforts to harmonize Rural -Urban Interface with fringe urban residents and livestock own- ers. In addition, we will be continu- ing to work on municipal restruc- turing, tax reform and land use planning."' OFA field services rep for Huron and Perth counties Paul Nairn told the 140 in attendance, "I challenge everyone in our two counties to thank the volunteers that make this organization operate so successful- ly." Nairn went on to say, "Another challenge we face is one of ignor- ance, on the part of non -farmers. Very often this ignorance is self made based on early childhood grade school books that reflect a care free, pastoral life, where food just happens. They don't realize the whole complex systems of modern production that enable them to be the best fed people in the world." In the election of officers, Henry Boot was named president taking the post filled for the past year by past president Steve Thompson. Pat Down of Usborne Township is the first vice-president and the other vice-president is Charles Regele. Carol Finch is secretary -treasurer. Boot, who moved to Huron county three years ago told the au- dience, "Almost off the bat I had the tenacity to be a director. Agri- culture is an exciting industry and I will put my heart and soul into this job." Past president Thompson said, "We are proud of the naming of two Huron agricultural supporters to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame. They are Bob Carbert and Gordon Hill who has been "Mr. Everything" for the Ontario and Huron Federations. The quality of leadership shown by these two gen- tlemen and many others in Huron is exceptional. Their leadership is completely professional." He concluded, "The talents and abilities of people in the agricultu- ral community ir. Huron are, and should be, a source of pride for those fortunate enough to be able to serve the agricultural industry." LOCAL CALF SALE DENFIELD LIVESTOCK SALES LTD. on Sat., Nov. 2 at 11:00 a.m. (Note earlier time) Excellent offering of calves all from local herds in Southwestern Ontario. Most calves will be arriving Fri- day and will be sold in the order they arrive. All pre- conditioning will be recorded on the program and an- nounced from the auction box. To consign calves to the reputation sale call Bruce Coulter 519-294-0585 Brett Coulter 519-237-3120 The Yards 666-1140 Special bred cow and calf sale Tuesday Nov. 12 - 2 herds already consigned consisting of Limo and cross bred cows with their calves. Fall Roundup Stock/Calf Sale Saturday, November 23 at 1 p.m. AC RON, VARUS AND FUNDULEA SEED WHEATS AVAILABLE Varna VARNA GRAIN Varna 233-3218 233-7908 • 1