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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1978-06-29, Page 14PAGE 14—CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1978 OFA support food inquiry Unanimous and en- thusiastic support was given recently by the Board of Directors of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) for an immediate, full-scale, independent in- vestigation, under the Public Inquiries Act, into Ontario's food industry. Telegrams stating the resolution, taken by vote at the Board's monthly meeting, were sent im- mediately to the leaders of the three provincial political parties. The resolution reads: WHEREAS information recently disclosed con- cerning trading practices in the wholesale retail food business raises questions concerning merchandizing practices of some large food retail chains, and WHEREAS it is important to both consumers and producers that these questions be answered clearly and definitively. and WHEREAS such answers do not seem to be coming to the legislative com- mittee studying the matter, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OFA press for an in- dependent inquiry under the Public Inquiries Act be set up to study this matter with authority, to subpoena witnesses and records so that the facts can be made known and recommendations made to permanently solve the problem. The recommendation for such an inquiry was given earlier in the day by the Standing Com- mittee on Resource Development, which has been holding extensive hearings into the various merchandizing practices of some supermarket chains. "The OFA is very happy about the recommendations," said Mr. Hannam, OFA President. " W e Leel it s a tremendous victory and we'll certainly provide as much assistance as possible. "It's now up to the government. The OFA simply will not accept anything less than an independent in- vestigation. "The very fact that processors came to the OFA, rather than the Food Council for assistance, is an in- dication of their lack of trust in the Council." Mr. Hannam added, "It's very important to im,plement these recommendations im- mediately and not to fudge around the problem. We have to permanently eliminate the confusion, suspicion and. fear held by some members of the food industry, so that both producer and consumer can have confidence in the food industry." Sandra Coleman was chosen the all round girl, Paul Kalbflelsch was the all round boy while Joyce Walters and Greg Hoggart took the top academic awards at Huron Centennial's graduating ceremonies on Monday night. The Grade 8 class will be entering high school in the fall. (News -Record photo) Heavy hogs worry packers The dramatic increase in the proportion of heavier hogs marketed is a real concern to pork packers who have to process and market the heavier cuts, according to H.K. Leckie, General Manager, Meat Packers Council of Canada. Speaking at the Official Opening of the Ontario Pork Congress in Stratford, Mr. Leckie pointed out average market weights of hogs have decidedly increased since the first of January this year on account of the new higher indexes for carcasses weighing over 180 pounds. In 1976 and 1977 the percentage of carcasses weighing over 180 pounds ran about 10 percent. For the first five months of 1978 the percentage of heavies nearly tripled -running close to 30 percent in several provinces and over in some, e.g. Quebec. Mr. Leckie went on to say, "While fortunately a good many of these carcasses have been fairly lean in type, nevertheless quite a challenge has been presented to the industry in n' erchandizing heavier cuts, at a time when the general meat price level is relatively high, and consumers are looking for pork and other meats . in smaller, more economical and con- venient packages. Quite often the total cost of the package is the deciding factor in what to buy, and how many major meat items will go into the shopping cart." Heavier hogs in- variably produce heavier bellies which slice up into longer, 'wider, less at- tractive bacon even with a lot of extra trimming. The sides are too big. for standard bacon presses and the slices are outsize for packaging, with fewer slices per pack. With 30 percent heavier hogs, processors get a significantly lower yield of top brand bacon. The net result is a lower economic return and an adverse effect on market acceptability of bacon. "Heavier hogs produce other cuts such as hams. 4-H Club exchange program Huron County 4-H club members will be hosting 19 4-1-1 club members and their chaperones from Lafayette County, 'Wisconsin on a 4-11 ex- change program during the week of July 1 to July 6. The Wisconsin delegates are planning to arrive by bus on Satur- day, July 1 at 5:15 p.m. at the Clinton Arena, where they will meet their Huron hosts. The Wisconsin delegates are commencing the first part of a 4-H Exchange with the Huron group who will be visiting Lafayette County during the first part of August. During their stay in Huron County, the 4-H Youth Council have planned some activities for the Wisconsin delegates. On Sunday, July 2 the Council has planned a 4-14 picnic for the exchangees at Ball's news fa rm news picnics and loins which weigh considerably more than the pork system has traditionally been used to. The crucial factor is unit consumer package size, and cost. With today's higher meat prices, consumers are getting very conscious of what a half semi -boneless skinned ham or a picnic shoulder costs compared to a light turkey or other substitute. It takes time to adjust to such heavier product' and develop ways of presenting it attractively. 'Meanwhile, we are in danger of losing the traditional reputation of Canadian pork as being superior to heavier, fatter U.S. pork," said Mr. Leckie. Soil testing can help For some farmers, soil testing in midsummer could be profitable. There are dollar savings in knowing the most ef- ficient use of fertilizers from early test results. The Ontario Soil Testing Laboratory, operated for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food at the University of Guelph, is encouraging farmers to consider taking soil samples in summer. Professor T.E. Bates, laboratory director, says many farmers who plan to test soil in the fall are rushed with the harvest and neglect this im- portant chore. This has been particularly true in the past two years because of late harvests. If farmers could test between June and August, then the problem would be solved. "This is the time to sample soil in hay fields, pastures and fields designated for winter wheat. With legumes in hay and pasture, 'it's important to apply potash in late August, if needed. For planting winter wheat in September and October, soil samples should be in before August 1." Earlier soil testing for spring -seeded crops would enable the farmer to check on weed control and other problems at the same time. In some cases, students are available in the summer for soil sampling. Look at your farm operation and consider soil testing in summer. Instructions and soil sample boxes can be obtained from your local county office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. There is no charge to Ontario far- mers for this service. Grove near Auburn. Starting at 2 p.m., the delegates and their hosts will participate in games and swimming, followed' by a pot luck supper and a camp -fire sing -song. On Tuesday, July 4, the group will participate in a tour of Huron County. Delegates will tour Centralia College of Agricultural Technology in the, morning with lunch at the campus. In the afternoon, they will meet with Huron County Warden Gerry Ginn at the Council Chambers in Goderich and proceed on a tour of the Huron County Pioneer Museum. 4-H Exchanges have created much interest and enthusiasm among the Huron 4-11 club members and more 4-H exchanges to other states in the U.S.A. and other provinces within Canada are being planned for 1979. 11 Top price paid for calf at Hensall Spring fair The 110th edition of the Hensall Spring Fair was held last week and a record was set in the price paid for the top calf in the feeder club show. Darling's IGA of Exeter paid $1.50 per pound for the cham- pionship calf entered by Paul Parsons, RR2 Staffa, one of the junior members of the club. It weighed 806 pounds. The reserve champion calf is owned by Dan Gill of Grand Bend. It weighed 816 pounds and was purchased by the Tender Spot of Grand Bend for $1 per pound. Owners of other calves finishing in the top eight in the judging in order were Larry Parsons, Elaine I?ym, Sue Ann Finlayson, Margaret Pym, Paul Scott and Janet McAllister. Les Consitt was the senior and overall showmanship champion. John Coleman was the senior runner-up. The junior winners were Sandra Finlayson and Beth Consitt and they finished third and fourth respectively in the overall competition. The senior showmanship runnersup were Carol McGregor, Margaret Pym, Stephen McGregor, David McGregor, Elaine Pym and Robert McGregor. Placing next to the winners in the junior category were Janet Hoggarth, Michael McGregor, John McAllister, David Gill, Allan Pym and Brad Falconer. A calf owned by David McGregor gained a total of 505 pounds to top that division. Next came Brian McGregor, Tracey Parsons, Paul Hoggarth Stephen McGregor, Elaine Pym, Carol McGregor and Scott Cooper. Purchasers of the 60 calves included Frances Hunt (5), Blvth Meat Market (2), 'l's Market of Hensall (8) , Dees Beef (3), Ed Watson, Martin's Feed Mill, Hensall Livestock Sales (2), John Baker, Andex, Conroy Meats, Corbett Sales Arena (3), Dunn Levack, Mike Doyle, Emmerson Gill (2), Darling's Markets (8), Lobo Abattoir, Merner's Market (5), Bob McKinley, McIntyre, Parker and Parker (2), Jenny Rowe, UCO, Don Travers, Tender Spot, Bill Livingstone, Ron Wareing, Al Lockhart (2), Bill Rinn (2), Burns Meats (6). THE BEE A bee is such a busy soul, She has no time for birth control, Perhaps that's why in times like these, You meet so many sons of bees. BROILERS For Sale We have heavy white rock broiler pullets, 2 weeks old July 4th. Call: McKinley Farms & Hatchery Zurich, Ont. 262-2837 and 262-5460 I4 14 14 • • • • • • • • • •11••••••••••• • • "THE OLD PRO" SMALL ENGINE CLINIC • (A division of P 8 F Lawn 8 Sports - Lisowel) opposite Clinton Conservation Park CLINTON Q 482-9600 • • • •s • • • • • • • I�lil; Your old power mower could mean $$ in your pocket! WE PAY CASH FOR YOUR OLD POWER LAWNMOWER "Go or No Go" "THE OLD PRO " • Frederick H. Jackson MANAGER ("DOC") ••i••• ••••••• • • • • ‘iffittlit STOREWIDE Huron Centennial School near Brucefield held their Grade 8 graduating ceremonies on Monday evening and presented awards to the top graduating students. They included, left to right, Doris Lawson, who received the Fred Chappel Award, for outstanding sports participant; Sandra Coleman'il�usic Award, for the best music student; Joyce Walters, French Award, for ex- cellence in a second language; Dawn Merrier, the Ruth Hayman Elliott Award, for the best Bayfield student; Donna Horner, the Ralph Whitmore Award, for the greatest improved student. (News -Record photo) re I I , ►fr��4M1t[fln'il�14111t1111111 ori MEM AEONS s FOR RENT HOLIDAY HOURS NOTICE • We will be open Saturday, July 1 'til 12:00 noon. We will be CLOSED Monday, July 3 it ■ • Announcing a new Service from Wiseway... WE NOW RENT (By the Day, Week or Month) *SCAFFOLDING *CEMENT MIXERS (GAS) *MORTAR MIXERS (GAS) *COMPACTORS *SUMP PUMPS *SHOP VACUUMS *WALLPAPER STEAMER *RUG CLEANER (RINSE 'N' VAC) *LADDERS *PORTABLE POWER & HAND TOOLS Before you go all over town for a rental...see us. Chances are we'll have what you want at the 410 right price! WISEWAY EWAY HOME & BUILDING CENTRE Including All adze lhac And excepting those items already sale priced. SHU( flGAIN Hummel's Feed Mill 35 Mary Street, Clinton 4182-9792 l - - W1 FRED J. HUDIE LIMITED �� �ioi�fii�riiiii�tc�vtlrlttfaaleld CLINTON HOME HARDWARE RADIO SHACK AUTHORIZED SALES CENTRE Albert St. 482-3023