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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1984-03-28, Page 3The provincially appointed beef commission visited Clinton on Henry Davis and Murray Gaunt, are holding 22 public hearings March 22 to hear presentations from 11 Huron County beef throughout Ontario to find out how producers feel the present beef producers. Commission members, Left to right, Ralph Barrie, marketing system can be improved. (Shelley McPhee photo) OFA looking for government help The provincial government's Throne Speech-promises.little help,.for agriculture, the president of the OFA said recently. "We're hoping that constructive help will be delivered in the next budget," Harry Pelissero said. "Farmers are having pro- blems that must be solved right away: The OFA will make sure the politicians hear farmers' opinions before they write up their next budget," he said: • The Executive Committee of the OFA will present a pre -budget report to Treasurer Larry Grossman and Minister of • Agriculture and Food Dennis Timbrell to- day, Wednesday,March 28. The Throne Speech promises to set up a advisory council on agriculture. "That sounds good in'theory,"'Pelissero said, '`but I'll reserve judgement on it till I see all the details." He said several questions need to be answered. "Is this a pre-election ° ploy to keep farmers quiet? Who is going to be ap- pointed to it? How will it function?" Pelissero said he is concerned that the council may interfere between farmers and government. "I hate to think that this group would act as a filter between the farm organizations and the government," he said.. n The Throne Speech says the government will set 'up a provincial crop development fund.to support research on new crops -with commercial potential for Ontario. "The OFA promoted a program just like that in its 1980 Food Strategy. It's a great way to replace imports and get Ontario on the road to self-sufficiency in food production." Crop research and production initiatives for northern Ontario "is an idea whose time has come," Pelissero said. "if the OFA members from northern On- tario are any indication, there are many eager, hard-working farmers who could really make this project successful." • s CLINTON NWS-BECORI , W:EDNE$PAY, MARCH 28, I --PA F-.• .; ._ g . Beef marketing system under study By Shelley McPhee CLINTON - Eleven Theron County beef producers voiced their opinions on the, pre- sent beef marketing sys mind the pro s- ed beef marketing age ey at a meeting ld here on March 23. The public meeting w- - rt of a seriA of 22 -sessions being sponsorey the Ontario Beef Commission. The co sion hear- ings are being held across Ont:•, io to receive briefs from local beef produce s. The com- mission will study the recommendations on how the beef marketing agency should operate. The three man commission, including chairman Henry Davis, Murray Gaunt, former Huron -Bruce MPP and Ralph Bar- rie, former president of therOntario. Federa- tion of Agriculture, will take the producers' cnisontributionsTimbrei. to Agriculture Minister Den- Locaibeef-producers emphasized that the xieedanf be small • operator should be eon- sidered and the proposed agency should not control the beef industry or present marketing options. Bill. Armstrong, a Goderich Township farmer suggested, "The agency shouldn't do any buying or selling." He supported Mr. Timbrei's alternative that the agency should.act as -a market information agency, not involved in actual sales. School board :keeps tight rein on budget lowest.. percentagebudget in at least seven years was approved by the Huron -Perth Separate School Board at a special meeting March 5. The board's 1984 budget increased by 5.b8 per cent from $7,870,018 last , year to $8,317,294. Separate school taxpayers in the two counties will share in paying the local taxa- tion of $1,663,175. The rest of the budget will be funded by the Ministry of Education. "It goes without saying that the chairman is pleased," commented board, chairman Ron Murray of RR 1, Dublin. "It's the lowest increase we've had since I've been on the board .:. I've• been here seven years." The average mill rate increase for 1984 is 4.58 per cent. Ron Marcy of Stratford, finance commit- tee chairman said one mill raises $25,386 which is up from last year because separate school assessment is .up by almost $1 million. Tne mere. assessment yore have items average of 61.3 per cent of school . boards Ir milt rata" said Mr: Marcy. "This gain in assessment has been fairly constant since the formation of county boards. In 1970 the, assessment: for this board was approximately:$12,000,000 and for. 1984 it is expected, to be $25,385,967 which shows a growth of $13.4 million over 14 years. This proves that the. support for the Catholic schools continues to increase in the Counties of Huron and Perth," stated the finance chairman. • While having kept its own bills down, Mr. Marcy pointed out several large percentage increases the board has to pay. The separate school budget includes a 10.5 per cent increase in Unemployment. In- surance rates, a. 14.3 per cent increase in workmen's compensation as well as in- creased premiums for group life insurance, the board's extended health plan and dental insurance. Mr. Marcy made two other points. He noted that in 1975 the province paid an budgets but in. 1983 paid only 48.8 percent. Also, less of the entire provincial budget is going towards education. In 1977-78, 18.1 per cent of the provincial budget was spent on education and. in 1983-84 only 13.9 per cent was spent on education. • - All salaries account for the largest portion of the separate school board's 1984 budget. This year $5,398,822 will be paid in salaries compared to $5,029,530 in 1983. " Transportation costs , are actually down this year, from $954,850 last year to $909,237 for 1984. Mr. Marcy said two school buses were .purchased last year whereas in '1984 only a $12,500 special education van will be purchased. • • .- Plant operation and maintenance is ex- • pected to cost $1,114,6'64 this year compared to $1,045,235 spent<last year. The.budget also includes $176,000 for roof repairs to several schools, but Mr. Marcy noted the roofs won't be repaired unless the Ministry of Education approves funding. Ifit's from Anstett's it says, `you're special' 8 Alpert Street CLINTON 26 Main Street South SEAFOR 203 Durham St. East WALKERTON 284 Main St. EXETER 135 Queen St. E. ST. MARYS For your special day m special matching wedding -bands from Anstett Jewellers A perfect pair, our matched wedding bands now available in many styles, two are photographed above. Elegance to fit any budget - let us show you . 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Mr. Adams said that he supported the open auction marketing system and has had satisfactory results from the Brussels Stock Yards. He noted that small sales yards (like Brussels) allow producers to market their product in a very effective way. Mr. Adams noted, "The producer has up-to-date infor- mation and the choice of method of sale that will achieve the maximum return." In his support of small operations Mr. Adams also told the commission that, "smaller packers are the backbone of the in- dustry. They're the boys that provide the competition for the big fellows." In analyzing Mr. Adams' brief, Mr. Gaunt noted, "Therefore, the beef marketing agen- cy should consider the concerns and needs of 'small packers"as --well as `small- pro -dueer-s " Frank Falconer of Tuckersmith Township, president of the Huron -Perth Shorthorn Club reminded the commission members, "I may operate small, but I'm still operating. I think the agency should keep that in mind." He noted that he is satisfied with the pre- sent marketing systems and .said, `!direct. sales are the only way to go." Mr. Falconer also said, "I don't know how you're going to improve ,on the systexn." Similarly; Dave Gardiner, a Kirkton area beef prod>eear stated that he was satisfied with the'present system and felt there wasn't any need for government involve- ment, "We market our cattle ourselves and we don't need government involvement," Mr. Gardiner stated. In reply, Chairman Davis remind the beef producer that the government does have in- terest and involvement in the beef industry since it has given out some $57 -million in funds. some farmers voiced concern about supp- ly management and Chairman Davis em- phasized, "We're .not considering supply management in any way or form. I can't see how the supply management concept can be applied to the beef industry." the eAnnimssiop. meetings will. be and _throtiiiiihaut the province until May, and fin- • dings-will-be-presentedtg, Mr: Fimbrelit--- , --�_ ._ __. At the annual meeting of the Ontario Cat- tlemen's Association Mr. Timbrell said, "I am sure their (the beef commission) deliberations and the various submissions and representations they will have received will contribute to the development of an .agency_ thatis tailored to the needs. of the 'Ckitario beef industry:" 5pfll'g has arrived Usher Spring .1984 in with comfortable, colourful... SPO1TSWEAR ...see the new Fashion co-ordinated Rugby pants and colourful Tops. t FINAL CLEARANCE OF WINTER WEAR 1/2 PRICE •.• Campbell's Men's Wear MAIN CORNER CLINTON 482-9732 FAM PEPOS LY RESTAURANT 1st An Wel" We've been here a year, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and friends for making this possible. IN APPRECIATION we are offering this SPECIAL MENU this weekend, from Thursday, March 29 to Sunday, April 1 Breaded. Veal .Cutlet DINNERS 4.75 Ground Beef Steak 4.75 Baby Beef Liver 4®75 4.75 Pork Sausages 4.75 Fi h and Chips 4.75 Breaded Pork Cutlet All the above Include potatoes, soup or juice, coffee or tea, and dessert. HOT SANDWICHES AND DELUXES Hot Roast 3.95 Beef Sandwich Hot Turkey Sandwich 3.95 Western Omelette 3■75 Peameal Bacon on a Bun Deluxe, 375 Corn. Beef on Rye Deluxe 3.75 3.75 Hamburger Deluxe AH the above include potatoes, soup or juice, coffee or tea, and dessert. 63 ALBERT ST. CLINTON Master Card and Visa Welcome 482-7667 Open Monday -Saturday 7 am -9 pm Sundays and Holidays 8 am -9 pm.