The Goderich Signal-Star, 1983-09-07, Page 13rt
fl
91-
a
it's generally accepted
that new crop varieties
greater use of fertilizers.and
better pest controls are im-
proving crop yields. I have
some records for the past ten
years that don't support that
idea. In fact, crop yields are�
almost unchangpe.` d, Some
crops areeves rietdifig less
then ten years ago.
Whae4 wrong? Why aren't
average yields increasing? I
have a few ideas about
what's happening. See what
you think.
Farms Are More
Specialized
Perth County has more
dairy cattle, but on fewer
farms than ten years ago.
There are also more pigs,
but on fewer farms. There
are more farms just growing
cash crops:
To me this means that an
increasing acreage is
devoted to a smaller number
of crops. An increasing
number of farms have no use
for hay or pasture. Some
land that should be in hay or
pasture is now trying to grow
row crops.
We're being challenged to
diversify crop rotations. We
also need more creative
ideas on ways to get hay and
pasture back on more of our
land. The Forage Exchange
and trading of crop acres are
steps in that direction.
I think plowdown crops
and winter crops such as
winter wheat, winter
triticale and winter canola
may also help.
More Complex Weed
Problems
Ten years ago, many pro-
ducers thought in terms of
"one shot" weed control.
Just spray on some produce
or mixture and you're done
for the season. Some pro-
ducers still think that way,
but it's usually impossible.
Our weed problems are get-
ting more complex and
many producers are looking
at three or more steps to get
good weed control.
A few weed escapes can be
subtle crop thieves that will
hold fields well below their
potential. For example, a
couple of grass plants per
foot of corn row may look
quite innocent when the crop
is small. They even, :disap-
pear from view when the
corn gets bigger. But they're
still in there growing — com-
peting with the crop. Those
two little plants per foot of
row may cost five bushels
per acre or more.
Most problems can be
handled, but the first step is
planning. We need more peo-
ple walking fields and taking
notes. Next year's program
depends a lot on what you
can find now. Lay out a plan
that gives you flexibility and
back-up procedures to han-
dle possible weed escapes.
Nutrients Wasted
Fertilizer tonnage and
manure applications have
increased considerably over
the past ten years. For the
same period, however, the
average soil test values for
phosphate and potash are
unchanged. Where did the
nutrients go?
Part of the problem is deep
plowing. Big plows set too
deep have pulled up a lot of
subsoil. The subsoil is both
s show ero
•
low in nutrient content and
Organic matter that can hold
mounts. The subsoil is also
more prone to compaction
and erosion. We've been
diluting good topsoil with
si►bsol.
Soil Compaction
Tractors have grown con-
iiderably in the past ten
years. We're running over
the ground with bigger
equipment under worse field
conditions in both spring and
fall, We're still learning how
to cope with this problem.
Part of it is just human
nature. We want to get
things done quickly and we
may often be jumping the
We are finding better ways
to do things, such as apply-
ing manure to avoid packing
the fields when they're wet.
Improving Our
Potential
I don't want to leave you
with the impression that no
progress is being made in
terms of crop yields. The
problems that . I've outlined
are growing pains of an in-
dustry that is changing.
I'm encouraged by the pro-
gress that some individuals
are making. They've been
able to cope with most of the
problems that I've outlined.
Their yields are good and
getting better. Progress in
the future will require more
flexibility and imagination
than ever before - a blend of
the science and art of crop
management.
Soil Testing
There are two local sum-
mer students who are soil
testing for a fee. If you want
your soil tested, give us a
call and we will get you in
touch. Last year they did
close to 6,000 acres. This
year they have only done
about 4,000 acres.
CROP NOTES
Crop Prices
Recent sales of white
beans in Michigan have been
around $26 ( U.S.) per cwt.
That's $31. (Canadian) per
cwt. Keep your fingers
crossed.
Harvest delivery contract;
prices for corn and soybeans
have also been quite attrac-
tive. As I write, harvest
delivered corn can be con -
traded for $3.75 and soy-
beans for $9.25 per bushel.
There is an old saying that
people who gaze into crystal
balls often have to eat glass.
I will suggest that people
have done worse things than
sell a bit of crop at those
prices.
Corn Heat Units
As you may have guessed,
we did gain some lost ground
in July. We started July with
about 150 CHU less than nor-
mal. As of August 9, at Cen-
tralia, we had 1976 CHU as
compared with 2025 at the
same date last year and 1944
for the six year average. •
The gain in heat units
greatly improves prospects
for the corn and soybean
crops.
Fertilizer Prices
Phosphate and potash
have both had significant
price drops in recent days.
Triple super - phosphate (0-
46-0) dropped about $40 per
tonne and muriate of potash
(0-0-60) is down about $20 per
tonne. It may be ag ood time
to stock up or bulk spread
and plowdown some. of next
year's nutrient re-
quireYnents.
If grain prices stay up
there is a good chance that
more crop acres will come
into production in the U.S.
next year. It could cause
tighter supplies and higher
fertilizer prices.
Taking Soil
Samples
• If you're thinking of fer-
tilizing, you certainly want
to think about soil sampling.
Reliable results depend on
the sampling method. We
generally won't give a
recommendation if there is
only one sample represen-
ting over 20 acres. There
isn't much point - we can't
put a lot of faith in one sam-
ple representing a big area.
I'd suggest three or four
cores per acre. Thoroughly
mix the cores and send in
roughly one sample for
every 10 acres. The results
will give you a better picture
of the range in fertility. You
can . have a lot more con-
fidence in basing your fertili-
ty program on those results.
If You Don't
Have Time
If time is something you
haven't any extra of, the
students we mentioned
earlier have been trained
and will do an excellent job 4
of soil sampling. The cost is
often negotiable, but
generally around 50 cents
per acre.
It isn't uncommon to have,,
a fertilizer bill over $50 per
acre for corn. For one per-
cent of one year's fertilizer
bill you can have your soil
checked. It'll help you buy
the nutrients you need with
the confidence that you'll be
meeting your crop's re-
quirements.
equirements. For most people
in this area, soil should be
rechecked every two or
three years. It's still the best
deal in town. If soil testing is
a job you have trouble get-
ting done yourself, give us a
call.
= Art Lawson,
Farm Management
Specialist for
Perth County
Fall Control
for Quackgrass
A reduced rate of Roundup
for quackgrass control in the
fall is now recommended by
the manufacturer, Monsanto
Canada Inc.
The key point is, the reduc-
ed rate will give season -long
control only. It requires full
rates to give long term con-
trol.
After wheat and spring
grains are harvested, pro -
iel
s are almost unchan
-11
ducers can now contrail
quackgrass for a season, by
using the reduced =rate of
roundup. A rate of 2.5 (two
and one-half) litres per bee?
tare applied with flat fan
nozzles 'in 50-100 litres of
water per hectare is recom-
mended. Spray when the
quackgrass is at least 20 cen-
timetres high (three to four
leaf stage of growth) and ac-
tively growing.
If a frost occurs, wait
several days to determine if
quackgrass has recovered.
It can be treated after a mild
frost, if there are three or
four green leaves actively
growing. Don't apply after
the first damaging frost in
the fall. Don't till between
harvest and fall application
and allow five days or more
after application before
tillage. Always read label
directions. Sprayers should
also be properly calibrated
for best results.
Please note, for long term
control the recommended
rate is 4.75 to seven (four and
three-quarters to seven)
litres per hectare of roundup
in 200 to 300 litres of water
per hectare.
If there are questions, con-
tact Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food crop
specialists.
Crop Stabilization
The Farm Income
Stabilization Commission
has announced fees for the
year 1983 of the three year
1982.8384 plan. For first
year enrolment, the fees are
as follows on a per tome
basis: corn $2, "soybeans
$4.50, white beans $8; winter
wheat $2.50, and barley $2.
Farmers who applied in
1982 will receive renewal
forms in the mail. New ap-
plications may be picked up
at the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food offices
or by writing to: The Farm
Income Stabilization Com-
mission, Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food,
Legislative Buildings,
Queen's Park, Toronto, On-
tario, M7A 1B7.
Applications should be
mailed on or before October
1, 1983. Once calculations are
made on the 1982 crop sales,
an announcement will be
made. Claims are made by
submission of sales and
weigh slips if a payment is to
be made by the commission.
S. J. Paquette,
Farm Management
Specialist.
Labor relatio
on the farm\ '
Most fanners me
hired help at a or
another. Some say
they have trouble finding -or
keeping good help.
Everybody has a theory as to
why there are problems.
An agribusiness recruiting
service from Iowa offers
some observations on the
"Top Ten Reasons For
Labor Problems". The
reasons aren't in any par-
ticular order other than the
first reason.
1) Lack of Communica-,
Hon: It's estimated that 95
per cent of the problems are
due to failure to com-
municate. ,It's suggested
that employers and
employees should talk on a
regular basis. Outline what's
to be done and how it should
be done. Where will
everyone be if they're need-
ed? Many things that may be
second nature to you may
need time and explanation to .
a new person.
A few minutes of talking
two or three times a day can
help to avoid problems.
2) Too Many Bosses: This
often occurs in family opera-
TAKE NOTICE THAT a Public
Meeting of The Liquor Licence
Board of Ontario will be held
at` the MARSLAND CENTRE,
THIRD FLOOR, COMMITTEE
ROOM #2, 20 ERB STREET
WEST, WATERLOO, ONTARIO,
on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
22nd, 1983 at the hour of
10:00 o'clock in the forenoon,
at which time the Board will
hear an application in accor-
dance with The Liquor Licence
Act, and Regulations thereunder.
The following establishment has
applied for a licence of the class
indicated, and the applications
will be entertained at the afore-
mentioned location and time:
Ernie's Roadhouse Inn
168 West Street
Goderich, Ontario
Patio (Dining Lounge) or
Patio (Lounge) Licence
Licencee: Cofam Hotels Ltd.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE
that any person who is resi-
dent in the. municipality and
who wishes to mal(e-represen-
tatjon reltititi "-t
tion, shalt make'- thbif'i:u iS""'
sion to the Board in writing
prior to the date of the hear-
ing, or in person at the time
and place of the hearing. (Cop-
ies of written submissions will
be forwarded to the applicant).
Liquor Licence Board of Ontario
55 Lakeshore Boulevard East
TORONTO, Ontario. M5E 1A4
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER
AND COMMERCIAL
RELATIONS
THE LIQUOR LICENCE ACT
PIANO LESSONS
- experienced teacher has lust moved into
Goderich
-received Teacher's A.R.C.T. June 1983
-will accept beginners or started students
-adult courses offered
-theory lessons
-lessons to begin week of Sept. 12. 1983
-limited number of openings available
tions. . $rothei s or . a father
and a son- .may be giving
employees simultaneous and
conflicting directions.
3) NO Defined Retipon-
sibility: With no specific
tasks the employee often
lack', any sense of ac-
coniplishment. ft's a good
idea to put the employee in
charge of two or three tasks.
Give them definite Morning
responsibilities to let them
get started on their own. Let
them finish some jobs from
beginning to end to allow
them the enjoyment of a job
well done.
4) Not Growing - Not Lear-
ning New Skills: The
employee enjoys this part of
the business as much as you.
Encourage them to take
courses or attend meetings
periodically. You'll both be
better for it.
5) Time Off Not Defined:
If you just say "Ask for time
off when von need it", the
NAXAM
P
PAGE 13.
ast ten years
employee wiu feel like,a see
vent. Try to arrange regular
hours, time off and how over-
time will he handled.
6) Inadequate Wages For
Their Skills: Sometimes
nothing can be done. It's a
good idea to check with com-
parable businesses in your
area to see how you com-
pare.
7) Broken Promises:
Sometimes a fanner may of-
fer
ffer an incentive or bonus
plan. When the payoff is due
the employee either
misunderstands or the
farmer changes his mind.
Put all promises in writing
when you hire.
8) Lack Of Recognition:
Compliments can pay big
dividends. If the employee
has some special ac-
complishments, leave him a
note praising his work. The
Iowa researcher said,
"They'll keep the note
forever and show it to their
family and friends." It's a
simple gesture that can
mean a lot.
9) Problems With The
Employee's Spouse: A mar -
tied employee depends on
family support and rein-
forcement just the same as
ydu do. It's a good idea to
meet with the spouse
whenever possible.
10) Poor Work Environ-
ment: Unheated shops or
buildings, poor tools, lack of
safety equipment are fre-
quently mentioned by unhap-
py employees. Many
employers mention the fact
that the work is hard and
they can't afford to pay top
dollar. Surprisingly, the
Iowa study showed
employees worry more
about little things. Big things
such as low pay and hard
work were seemingly less
important.
SINGER
EXHIBITION
SPE-Ci4
SV 1".0"
For further information
Call:
MRS. DONNA STURDEVANT
524-4306
FLIP & SEW MACHINE
25 stiches include speed baste and adjustable
maxi -topstitch. Wind -in-place bobbin. 1 -step
button holer. Universal Tension.
a Aegilt‘l
Bliiewater
Coffee Shop
SAVE $85.00
SINGER KIIIMMIMMir"..mMir1111111111111111111111111.1111111110=
REG. $414.95
FLAT BED STYLIST MACHINE s
A great little machine for those on a tighter 95
budget. This singer stylist has lots of great val. „,
features and will provide years & years 1,of, *SALE ,
happy sewing. _
iTHE LAO( or A TEACHeR
15 No HANDICAP JD THE BOY
WHO HAS A SEARCH FOR
Phone
524-4331
355 BATRELD RD.
GODERICH
SINGER
ELECTRONIC KNITTING MACHINE
Never before has knitting been so easy, so fast
REGM399.95 CO
and are also on sale right now!
and so much fun! Other models are available SALE $ 79995
hip FTC WITH 6-2 HOUR LESSONS - FREE •
WE WILL MATCH ANY PRICE AT THE SINGER BOOTH AT THE WESTERN FAIR.
END • OF • UMMER
FABRIC
COMMODITY
SEMINAR
"An Introduction to
Commodities Trading"
Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Wingham Golf & Curling Club
(South of Wingham off Hwy. No. 4)
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
1. Basics
2. Hedging Techniques
3. Rules of Successful Speculation
MODERATOR: Fred J. Negus
GUEST SPEAKER: Darrell K. Dobbie
Commodity Commentator
Plan on attending this FREE information
seminar with an Open Forum question period to
follow. To pre -register phone Miss Allison COL-
LECT at 5 1 9-672-5880 at the London Branch
of WALWYN STODGELL COCHRAN MURRAY
LIMITED.
It is the subtle influence of the Far East that
will turn Kaufman's new 'ImpreSsions' into
the classic furniture line of today. With 60
pieces from which to choose, 'Impressions°
will transform the mood of any room from
cool and austere to warm and romantic.
°Impressions° by Kaufman of Collingwood
incorporates Classic and contemporary lines
with solid brass accents, reminiscent of the
romantic Far East. The finest combination of
maple solids and veneers have been
skillfully turned into timeless beauty and
protected in a rich 'Hot Fudge' finish by
Kaufman's expert craftsmen.
For any room in your home, choose the
lasting 'Impressions' ... by Kaufman of
Collingwood.
emir mg
Mall::::. ,a
4 r
:ia-7:R. an
/MOW MIN
1111ligglir _1011
Oita* Oa
OFF
ALL
SUMMER
ABRI
GOOD SELECTION
TO CHOOSE
FROM!
COME AND SEE OUR BOLTS & BOLTS OF
COLOURFUL FALL FABRICS NOW IN!
Open all day Wednesday
Or write to:
Welwyn Stodgell Cochran Murray Limited
Investment Dealers
383 Richmond Street, Suite g.10
LondOn, Ont. N6A 3C4 (519)67 2-5880
OPFICES ACROSS CANADA, UNITED STATES
AND GREAT BRITAIN
Open Friday evenings!
7GEN'S5';Viv"! MPORIUM
56 THE SQUARE, GODERICH
Phone
Huron County s largest 524-8431
SI NGERM
Huron County s Largest
WOOL & YARN
CENTRE