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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1980-01-31, Page 24QNA- -STAR, THURSDAY, T. ,1.9.81) No other sector, of the economy has a better record of productionthan farming. , -.. It is' a record that every farmer in this country should be_prou`t of, whether he or she has a small operation 'or a big, one. In 1961, total farm labor represented about 11 percent of the labor force. That 11 percent has dropped to a little. more than four percent. At the same time, though, production has tripled. Quite a record when compared with other sectors of the economy. The latest figures I have suggest that those 20 years have seen production per man decline in some industries. As I understand it, this is one treason why many Canadian products are priced out of competition on world markets. It simply costs this country's manufacturers toomuch money '-to-p-rodue-e when competing around the world. But this increased production in farming is not without its problems. I know farmers in my area who have bought huge tractors, great, bloody big six -wheelers costing as much as $50,000 when they could get along with a machine half that price. When a major investment in capital equipment sits idle many months of the year, one cannot help but wonder if the expense is worth it. One can only go so far in efficiency before the wheel starts going backwards. It is the simple law of diminishing returns. No one in this country can doubt that petroleum costs are going to go higher and those huge machines need lots of petroleum. Why farmers fall in love with huge machines doesn't make sense unless those machines are economically sensible. I wonder how many of them are? Another area where trouble is brewing for the farm community -- outside of quotas and marketing boards - ' - is .in water pollution. The magazine, Consulting Barr MiIierna • Barry Miller, RR1 Exeter, was ..7-rlamed ,• president .of theHere.zt'._4-. H Club Leaders Association at the annual meeting held Thursday in Clinton. _- Huron's agricultural assistant Len MacGitegor said Huron has one of the strongest 4-11 organV'ations in Ontario. MacGregor continued, "we are the only county that has a full slate: of delegates for the Ontario convention. Usually when we arrive others, say. tr here comes Huron for their meeting in Toronto." •- . Of the -352, 4-H mem- bers in Huron in 1979, 20 were 19 years of age and the same number 18. The overall membership dropped from 400 to 352. On •tliis-subjecf"'I:en' -MacGregor said, ,"Club member's are staying longer. W -e -appear toe giving them something they like. . Albert VanDyken of Exeter, a past president commented, "Len has been with us for 10 years and that certainly helps. for4consistency." • MacGregor estimated that about half of the members, who started at the awe of 11 years oarry on for eight years. • The 1979 year was very successful with .94. per- cent Of. the projects being completed. The Ontario average is 83 percent. 4-H leaders ers t eet One hundred 4-H leaders will meet in Toronto on February 8 and. 9 to learn about a subject that all adults can appreciate — how to work with young people.' "Working with 4- 11 members poses a challenge • to parents, teachers and other, adults," says Rod Stork of the youth 'extension office, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. "Duringthe conference, we hope to present a few ideas to help our 4-H leaders learn how to help 4-H'ers help them- selves." •The 4-H agricultural club leaders chosen to attend the conference are handpicked --5y tlieircluFi leaders' association or by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff in their county, region or district. They are selected ori the basis of their. outstanding leadership, and by their sincere '.interest in learning more .about leadership. • Keynote speaker, Torn McKillop, of. ..Youth Corps, Toronto, will kick off the first day of the • conference. Later that day, the leaders will be divided into commodity groups representing the wide range of 4-H club activities. In 1979 there were 7704-H agricultural clubs in operation in Ontario, ranging from the beef club to the ,energy • conservation club. During this part of the program, leaders will have a chance to discuss common problems • and make• recommendations about new and existing tcl.ub programs. "Saturday, the program will feature several approaches on how to work better with young people," "says Mr. Stork. "Speakers in-. cfuding -' a high schoo principal and two assistant agricultural representatives, will discuss the methods they use to develop good working relationships with the—young people they work with." The Provincial 9-H Leaders' Conference, sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, will be held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Toronto. WATER WELL DRILLING "19 YEARS EXPERIENCE" ' • FARM • SUBURBAN • INDUSTRIAL • MUNICIPAL • • FREE ESTIMATES • GUARANTEED WELLS • FAST MODERN EQUIPMENT • 4 ROTARY S. PERCUSSION DRILLS "OUR EXPERIENCE ASSURES LOWER COST WATER WELLS" DAVIDSON WELL DRILLING LIMITED 4 Rotary and.Percussion Drills PHONE 357.1960 WINGHAM Collect Calls Accepted "ONTARIO'S FINEST WATER WELLS SINCE 9900". 1 Letlets are aparec,ated by Bob Prover Eidaie•Rd Eirr' a Ori t 38 2C 7 Engineer, an American publication, suggests in a recent' issue that much of the water pollutiqn in American lakes and rivers is coming from seepages and runoffs from the land. And the pollutants are farm chemicals. Dangerous levels . of herbicides and.. pesticides have been found in water in rural com- munities. Billions of dollars have been. spent by major in- dustries and much more will have' to be funneled into cleanup projects before big business has cleaned up its act. But not too much has been done by farmers yet. The finger of accusation is slowly coming around to the agricultural community and that same com- munity had better be ready with some answers. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency is only now beginning to make studies on the rural water problem.. Officials admit it will take a number of years before any conclusive results can be tabulated. More data and information are needed before action can be taken but it will come and farmers had better he prepared. Careful reading of labels before application on the land and on the crops would, I'm convinced, be a big help. I have been present when -farmers have taken the attitude that, if one pound will produce a better yield, then two pounds will double the yield. Which just is not so. I usually take the side of farmers in this corner and will continue to do so. However, it is not my job to paint them as lily-white saints. What distinguishes them from most other sectors of the business world is that they are readily capable of taking criticism. They do not think they are perfect and usually take con- demnation in their stride with a willingness to do something about it. • ed __ipresident Zurich area leader Ray Rasenberg suggested special efforts should, be made tirkeep.tfie 13 to"T5- years of age members interested in continuing. Usborne - towns -hip - leader Bob Hern said the high, price of calves may have been responsible for fewer members in calf clubs. Huron's Ag Rep Don Pullen suggested a Civics Club" be organized for senior members as a pilot project. Pullen speaking about the_ future of • fa••r •• said, "Some pessimists say if you think the 1970s: were bad, look out for the '80's. I don't agree. People are people and they seem to be able to cope with any challenges which may arise." Leaders agreed to complete a 9-H exchange with a county in Illinois this summer. I;n the future exchanges will be confined ' to other provinces. As Steve Thompson suggested, "Let's keep it Canadian." Organization meetings for all clubs will be held during the spring school break from March 17 to 21. The 1979 4-H gate sign competition drew. a record 31 entries and the winner was Bill Kinsman, RR2'Kippen. Allan Powe, RR2 Centralia; Carol Dougall, RR3 Exeter and Brian Oldfield, RR4 Seaforth attended a provincial 4-H leadership conference in Dorset. In 1979 --the Canaartan Council on 4-H clubs held the first annual 4-H Leaders C.e,.nference• for leaders throughout Canada. Bob Hern of Huron was'one of the two leaders chosen to re r sent Ontario Other members. of the executive in addition to President Barry Miller are- vice-president's then ' Mewh'inney and John VanVliet and secretary Mautrice Hallahan: Simon Hallahan, who announced his retirement as a leader a .year ago, was back at Thursday's meeting. His explanation was simple, "Here''I am, just like Trudeau." i } seeks- xtieotng . The Christian Farmers Federation of Qntario is seekci'ng 'a meeting with ,the Honourable Lorne Henderson, Minister of Agriculture acid Food. The CFFO Provincial Board gas adopted a major statement of. its concerns about ,agriculture in Ontario. ' The statement argues that every scrap of foodland in Ontario must be kept available for food production. The CFFO is willing to give up the so- called `right' to a retirement lot. "We do not need a special status that is different from other citizens," argues the statement. "All severances should, be made on theasis of good planning; .noon the basis of who or what kind of resident owns the property." The statement also points"out that preserving foodland is not enough. It argues that 'agriculture needs "planning for" just as other parts of our com tnunities. The Federation wants appointments to Com- missions; Boards, or Tribunals to be based on recL'immendatiions 'from CLAY - Silo Unloaders Feeders Cleaners Stabling .Leg Elevators Llqui d Manure Equipment Hog .E.q.ui p.m.e_mt__ ... . .BUTLER — Silo Unloaders Feeders Conveyors FARMATIC — .,,.. Augers, etc. ACORN .—. _Cieaneors Heated Waterers WESTEEL-ROSCO Granaries B & L -.Hog Panelling LOWRY FARM SYSTEMS RR 1, Kincardine, Ont. , Phone 395-5296 IMPORTANT NOTICE toall HURON COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS TAKE NOTICE THAT THE 1980 ANNlad. f L MEETING of the Huron County Pork Producers' Marketing Board will be held WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 DINNER: 12:00 NOON MEETING: 1:00 P.M. SHARP at the LEGION HALL, CLINTON for the purpose of the proper business of the Annual Meeting; the election of the County Board of Directors; and the election of twenty-six (26) councilmen and three (3) alternates, for a three yead`terni, to the North Area Pork Producers' Council. These elections will take —place. between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m-_13inner___ tickets available from any of the directors. �-a J.P. RAU President L. STEWART Secretary Farm Business Consultants offers you . • • relief Just when you get busy, a headache stakes .. taxes FBC tax specialists can help. We have 25 years of experience, serving over 15.000 Ontario farmers just like you. FBC can provide you with a complete tax fitness program. We offer the latest in comprehensive data processing, assuring you of unsurpassed accuracy We guarantee our work and will represent you in all dealings with Revenue Canada including a tax audit FBC. We still make house calls" 111:1 FARM BusirmEsp consultarits - Our representatives are currently making house calls in your area. If you would like more information about our range of services, please call us today Toll Free' 1-800-265-4010 Farm Business Consultants • 2109 Oxford St. East • London • Ontario . N5V 2Z9 general farm organizations. The CFFO wants the Minister to protect the market shares of pullet growers. CFFQ Chicken producers want something done about 20 percent of chicken processing 4 being con- trolled.by one firm. "Some of our mem- bers," said Elbert van Ionkersgoed, Executive Director of the Federation, "are con- cerned that the Chicken Board will not be able to plan. production when so much of the market is controlled by one firm." The new dairy quota exchange is of concern to the Federation. The Federation}'s Dairy Committee believes that the exchange system will bring all buyers into one forum- and therefore put upward price pressure on quota. The Fprier ation. will be meeting with the Ontario Milk Marketing Board to discuss their _concerns. Wheat prices set The Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board has announced the price for Ontario wheat to processors for domestic human ,consumption has been set at $178.72 per tpnne f.o.b. country shipping point for the months of February and March. The price for December and January has been $173.72 per tonne. The increase reflects recent world wheat price strengthening, and is in `keeping with, federal - government pricing policy which provides for Canadian wheat to by sold for domestic human consumption at a range between $147 per tonne and $183 per tonne. a, FARM CLASSIFIED j.. For, sale STRAW FOR SALE. Call 529-7571..-.4-6 C. Wanted WANTED TO RENT: Crop land in Colborne, Goderich and Ashfield Townships. Top' dollar p-'aL,d for top land. Call Steve. Buchanan, Goderich 524- 4700.-38tfnc 0, Livestock( TWENTY quality cross- bred Charolais steers for sale, weight app. 555 lb. 482-9688.--5 J.J. (Jim) MULHERN INSURANCE - Protection for Formers - Full Fire & Floater Coverage to Buildings, Contents, Livestock $,.Equipment -: Loss of Earnings Income Coverage Farm Comprehensiveliabllity -also- Life & Disability Coverage 46 West Street Goderich, Ontprio 524®7878 Representing: Howick Farmers Mutual Fire Ins. Co. HERE ARE THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO BANISH SNOW AND ICE THIS WINTER! 1(i • ,1l/000141.. O It4011.0 Winter Traction? Now it's in the bag! --SAFETY 1 -9 -9 -- READ20 kg. APPROX. 44' LB. Gives . real traction for people arad cars. And because it contains no harmful chemicals or salt, it wilbnot dar•Rage-eoncrete; stirubs, grass or•cars -Handy Little Multi -Purpose FIRE SHOVEL Z95 Black finish: Old fashioned styling. Measures 20'/2" --- in length. Can be' used to scatter your SAFETY SPREAD, and it's the perfect .companion for any,. fireplace. SNOW SHOVEL And here's the thing to move mounfains of - The Energy Saver BIG ?4" SNO-FLOAT Has •20 gauge galvanized 24 scoop with 1" tube handle, zinc plated. Lock formed sides for rigid construction. Clears sidewalks and driveways faster, easier. Discount Dave's Price 14" And here's a STRONG yet LIGHTWEIGHT 171/2" blade MODEL 48AS OW SHOVEL Ash handle with plastic grip. 17'/2" ribbed aluminum - blade..It's light, strong. yet low in price. Alt Prices Shown are Cath & Carry 49 Visa & Master Charge ate as Rood as cash at Discount Dave's Delivery And Credit Terms Available At Extra Cost 91:# 1l J tow Will i ?Ulll quo IN A DIVISION OF a ' LUMBER C.0 LTO LOTS OF FREE PARKING 16 BRANCHES: AMHERSTBURG EXETER GODE RICH GRAND BEND HARROW KINCARDINE KINGSVILLE KITCHENER 736 2151 235 1422 524 8321 238 2374 730 222.1 396 3403 733 2341 893 7901 OWEN SOUND RIDGE TOWN SOUTHAMPTON -.THEDFORD WEST LORNE WINDSOR EAST WINDSOR WEST 'MATTHEWS Kitchener Out 01 town call free 1 800 265 8204 376 3181 674 5465 797 3245 296 4991 768 1520 " 727 6001 734 1221 254 1143 HOURS WINDSOR EAST WINDSOR WEST MATTHEWS MON THURS B A M to 6 P M FRIDAY till9PM SATURDAY fill 5 30 P M KITCHFNER DAILY including SATURDAY 8 A M till 5 30 FRIDAY NIGHT till 9 P M OWEN SOUND GODERICH HARROW KINGSVILLE AMHERSTBURG MON FRI8AM-5300M SATURDAY till 4 0M • EXETER SOUTHAMPTON THEDFORO GRAND BEND. ' WEST LORNE RIDGETOWN MON FRI RAM -5300M SATURDAY fill 1 00 P M Delivery And Credit Terms Available At Extra Cost 91:# 1l J tow Will i ?Ulll quo IN A DIVISION OF a ' LUMBER C.0 LTO LOTS OF FREE PARKING 16 BRANCHES: AMHERSTBURG EXETER GODE RICH GRAND BEND HARROW KINCARDINE KINGSVILLE KITCHENER 736 2151 235 1422 524 8321 238 2374 730 222.1 396 3403 733 2341 893 7901 OWEN SOUND RIDGE TOWN SOUTHAMPTON -.THEDFORD WEST LORNE WINDSOR EAST WINDSOR WEST 'MATTHEWS Kitchener Out 01 town call free 1 800 265 8204 376 3181 674 5465 797 3245 296 4991 768 1520 " 727 6001 734 1221 254 1143