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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1969-07-24, Page 131 Ontario tarn boom The Ontario corn boom is causing marketing problems which could grow more serious unless action is taken to stem the trend. That's the gist of a report by a George #'eaason, a Canaria Department of Agriculture economist. Mr." Pearson outlines the •-.-tronds..in-.a_n.-article-appearing.. in. _ .. the current issue of Canadian Farm Economies. "Ontario's corn marketing problems generally revolve around the lag in growth ,of marketing ' practices behihd the growth in production capacity," says Mr. Pearson. "There is, in general, disorderly corn marketing and limited producer bargaining power in price determination." • Mr. Pearson says that a corn marketing board, despite drawbacks, could do much to solve corn marketing problems and maintain competitive pricing without resorting to restrictions on international trade. If the current corn boom continues ' unchecked; Ontario will be producing about 137 million bushels by the mid 1970's. That compares to an average 49.1 million bushels between the 1962-63 and 1966-67 crops. Mr. Pearson says the Ontario price structure is closely"' tiedto the United States market. At harvest time, Ontario coi1r'" growers move much of the crop • to market -quickly and can create a glut that`forces Ontario 'prices lower than necessary in relation to United States corn prices. Corti prices usually rally later In the season, but Mr. Pearson says the Ontario rally lags • behind price increases south of the border, a fact `"that is symptomatic of underlying structural problems in the 'marketing of Ontario corn. Under present trade- ' arrangements, it would be • difficult — . although not impossible — for Canada to put more restrictions on United States corn imports, says Mr. Pearson, but this would further insulate the pricing of Ontario corn from the North American market. He saysthat a marketing board could help to solve some of the marketing problems. The board could control the movement of corn to market to minimize price fluctuations. It could en'eourage farmers to dry .and_-sto. xe—.. .1.hSir . fairs, and it could average prices for the entire season :r to stabilize farmers' incomes. - The- marketing board could also negotiate contracts, not only with corn buyers, but with companies that could ship, dry and store the .Crop. The board could pass volume savings on to members. The board could control the flow of corn out of the province and, because it enjoys a monopoly over Ontario -produced corn, could set up a pricing, structure that " would 'ask higher prices from some types of buyers — for example, more from whiskey. distillers than livestock feed manufacturers. The board . might offer cash advances • on the crop, giving • farmers money .they need to purchase drying and storage facilities so they can hold their crop for higher prices. Thea marketing board could ' also develop market reporizng and grading systems and could co-ordinate the growth of the industry. Mr. Pearson notes,' however, that there are also drawbacks to 'marketing boards. Farmers lose-, some of their freedom, price pooling discourages efficiency and product pooling 'discourages attempts to aim for high quality, buyer options are restricted and marketing boards can distort the demand and supply. - Besides, board administration could become overly complex, cumbersome and costly. ' On . balance Mr. Pearson, feels that . the potential benefits • to producers from a producer corn's board outweigh the . potential disadvantages. - The last of the hay in the area is in.— almost --- and farmers are getting on with other chores around their property. This field near Benmiller was being given a pretty close trim last week and is now bare. The hay is cut by one machine and a sond machine .picks it up, shreds it and Toads lit into a cart for transport"te, the farm where it will be made into silage. — staff photo Wheat diseases prevelant in county Lodging of winter wheat has beep a major problem in several •areas of Huron and adjoining counties this summer, according to J.D. Jamieson, agronomist for the Ontario Dept. of Agriculture' and Food in Clinton. . In most cases the trouble haS been the result of stems rotting at ground level, although in 'several fields heavy rains or wind have been- the cause, sajyd-'/Mr. Jamieson. • The agronomist noted also that foot rot -- also known "as dulm trot, eyespot or strawbreaker disease -- hasnas its most conspicuous' syptom`'the severe lodging 'of winder 'wheat during the latter part of the growing season. -,Foot rot is caused by a soil -living fungus, and clauses plants' to- fall in a criss-cross manner In most cases, with"no directional pattern unless high winds are also involved. The lower leaves of the affected' plants turn brown and the base of the stem is often twisted and • rotten in appearance. They may also be shorter than normal and have Sweet corn popular in Britain An old, Canadian standby is • moving into the swinging British scene. Sweet corn, long a favorite on this side of the Atlantic, is, being given an enthusiastic promotional push in. Britain. The Information Branch of the Ontario Department of Agriculture. and . Food , has produced a 14 -minute full-color . • film' "Color Me Golden," which tells the story -of corn from seeding to harvest, processing to serving. The film was featured at the June 26 opening of the Ontario Food Centre, Ontario H ouse, , London, England, headquarters for a market development project for promotion of Ontario sweet corn products. ° In 1968, British consumption of frozen and canned Ontario" corn reached a high of nearly 15,000,000 pounds. From being considered an occasional delicacy, Ontario corn is being increasingly accepted as a regular, everyday vegetable. 'Color Me Golden" was produced by Bill Connell of the Information Branch, and is available from the Film Library, Information Branch, Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food, Guelph. Sponsor crop .program shorter heads which do not all properly. The result is poor 'quality shrunken kernels at harvest.and decreased yields, Fields inspected this year show varying degrees of damage, ranging up to 75 per cent loss. Losses appear to be heaviest in early planted fields while wheat planted in mid to late September The Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association is sponsoring ,a twilight crops • program at John Hazlitt's farm 1.25 miles east of . Bennitller tonight at seven o'clock. Doug . McNeil, RR 46, Goderich, soil and crop director for Colborne Township and host for the evening, will be calling on a number of 'agronomists to explain the, various cereal and field crop demonstrations. Refreshments will..be served at the end of the program. iii:".1) THE RED CROSS IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU HELPING PEOPLE LIKE YOU SEASONAL WORKERS REQUIRED TO PACK DELICIOUS AYLMER & DE.IMON-TE VEGETABLES -MALE and 'FEMALE, - -.STUDENT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED -WORK AVAILABLE. UNTIL NOV. 14 -DAY OR NIGHT SHIFT -TRANSPORTATION ARRANGED CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY ON OUR INCREASED WAGE RATES * APPLY IN PERSON! OR CALL -- - - PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT CANADIAN -CANNERS LTD. 210 1UELLING7bN ST., EXETER, ONT. - 235-2445 • show little damage. The fungus lives on crop residue. in the soil and attacks winter wheat, winter barley and forage • grasses. Spring sown grains, beans and corn are not affected. Crop rotation is the most effective control kriown. Winter wheat ol; winter barley should be spaced at least three years apart. Legumes such as alfalfa, clover or beans should be included fn the rotation. Wheat straw should be completely covered by plowing to reduce the level of disease in succeeding years.. The seeding rate can be reduced to promote stronger plants which are more resistant to lodging. f)1)LIUCIL SIUNAL-8.1'.1.I.t.'I"iit`11h1)4 NIA 24 1941 Give ..so more Iwo live HEART FUME... No• !Justness OircC Ronald L. McDonald CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 39 St David St.. 524.6253. Gederich,' Ontsrle 1 A, .1 145 ESSEX ST.. GODERICH. ONTARIO " Available For PUBLIC OR .' Y __—PRIVATE.PARTIES -__.. -, . • BINGOS • CONCERTS • DANCES •� CONVENTIONS • Catering to Luncheons COCKTAIL PARTIES • BANQUETS; ETC. A1exAnder 'arsd. CMapmen GBNIBAL IN$URANC! *NAL I IT,A;T• P*OPRRTY MANAGIIMINT.. Canedlan=,, Imperial ..Sink •1, Commerce Building Gederich ' Alar 5244662 THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR YOUR AD -R. W. 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