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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1999-10-20, Page 274 .Y 26 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, October 20, 1999 Farm news Co-operation is key to agriculture's future By )im Brown SPECIAL'PO THE TIMIN-ADVOC i1 BRUSSELS - According to members of agricultur- al commodity groups, the industry has a strong future. However, there will have to be some changes and the various groups will have to cooperate with one another for the betterment of agriculture. A panel discussion on the future of agri-busi- ness was the highlight of the annual meeting of the Huron County Federation. of Agriculture held Oct. 7 in_Brusse_)s. The topic for the panel was Charting a Course for Agriculture, Vision for 2000. John Core of the dairy industry said education and communication are the key to the future of agriculture. He said not enough peo- aos.,. ple are being encouraged to' go into agriculture. Even now. people going into agriculture are not taking the typical agricul- tural courses at colleges or the University of Guelph. He said in the future the dairy industry will be dependent on trade nego- tiations. According to Core, all sectors of agriculture will require strong, leadership in order to influence poli- tics in regards to interna- tional agricultural negoti- ations John Maaskant of the poultry industry said pre- dicting the future of the industry is a difficult issue. However, he said he feels the future of agri- culture will be full of change and instability. Because the industry in the United States and in Europe is heavily subsi- dized, it is getting more difficult for the family producer in Canada to "' survive. While the U.S. poultry industry may be efficient, Masskant said, this effi- ciency means the exploitation of the farmer. He noted the industry in Canada has been finan- ciaiy profitable until now. ent times. But the pork There is an increasing industry is poorly suited need for the producer to to that, he said, because know the trade issues, but there is nothing like stated the major players McDonald's in pork. in the industry are the U.S Nap said pork is still and Europe. family -meal based. He Strong organizations added there is no free are needed and these trade when it comes to have to be supported and agriculture due to the well-run. contravening duties. Maaskant hopes the However he sees a time organizations in Canada when agricultural prod - can communicate with ucts will flow across the organizations in other border. countries. Anna Bragg of the corn He encouraged the producers said farming Ontario producer t as been carried on in remain independent an ario for over 1,000 a viable farm sector. ars Stan Eby said the beef While there are no bar - industry is financially riers in the international sound at all levels and marketplace, the real produces a superior prod- price of corn is down. uct. According to Bragg The industry has grown Ontario producers can in size provincially which remain competitive gives it a competitive through bio -technology advantage. and through specialty There is a large con- corn products. sumer base for the indus- Through research, a try and with bio -technolo- gy becoming a large part of the sector, producers are going to have to ensure # safe and quality product.` To this extent, Eby said when a product is sold, they can trace it back to the producer through the Internet. He said Canada has a good system, but indicat- ed Ontario is capable of supplying 500,000 head of cattle to the market. Eby noted the regula- tions help to make a safe and healthy product a pri- ority. Will Nap of the pork industry. said predicting the future will be quite a challenge. He said it's important to keep the family farm in business. He noted the industry is changing rapidly and is consumer driven. Many of the baby boomers are becoming more selective in their foods as they want a healthier lifestyle. Other sectors of agricul- ture have adapted to the demands of the consumer by providing convenient foods for people on the go, single families and families who eat at differ - Farm Drainage Workshop for rural landowners Are You Concerned About Fish in Agricultural Drains, Drain Maintenance Costs, or Water Quality in Drains? This Workshop will be of interest to you. Learn about a variety of drainage issues and alterna- tives for construction and maintenance that have been implemented successfully. Date: Location: Time: October 28, 1999 Seaforth Agricultural Society Hall 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. There is no cost to participants. To register call Steve Bowers or Ken Maronets at 519-482-3428. Deadline to register - Monday, October 25, 1999. cold resistant corn could be developed. Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Ed Segsworth said trade in Canada is based on an east -to -west flow. However, free trade has made it north and south. He feels the beef and pork industries will move west, with Ontario and Quebec being the hub of the poultry industry. However, Segsworth stressed the producers will have to listen to the consumer. The buzzword these days is world trade. However, the industry still has to make money. "If we can't make money we won't be trad- ing on the world market," he said. With a decreasing num- ber of farms, there will be an increasing need for farm organizations in the future. Henry Boot of the Huron ounty Federation of Agriculture presents the Huron County award to for- mer OMAFRA agricultural representative Bob • Humphries at the Oct 7 annual meeting in Brussels. AVO11 DISTRICSCHOOL T BOARD Maitland Learning for a Lifetime Regional Information Meetings will provide communities with information from a district perspective on budget and accommodation review and offer feedback to audience questions. All meetings will have similar basic content. Please attend the one most convenient for you. Central school region (Mitchell/Seaforth) October 14th, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Seaforth District High School gymnasium South school region (Exeter/St. Marys) October 18th, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute cafeteria North school region (Listowel/Wingham) October 21st, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at F.E. Madill Secondary School library East school region (Stratford & area) October 27th, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School Gymnasium (includes Stratford Schools Accommodation. Review Committee presentation) West school region (Clinton/Goderich) November lst, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Central Huron Secondary School cafeteria Lorne Rachlis Wendy Anderson Director of Education Chair 3 Things All Firearm Owners Need to Know about the firearms Act 1 A licence for you (a hunting licence won't do) You need a Firearms Act licence or valid FAC to possess and register your firearms. A registration certificate for your firearm 3 Remember to safely store your firearm. For more information, application forms and assistance filling them out, call 1 800 731-4000 or visit our Web site at www.cfc-c4aLgc.ca Firearm safety is everyone's concern. Canada