Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1978-12-07, Page 33Irl Canfarm sold a Politicians and public servants have a tough time trying to defend their actions in this province. Just ask George Kerr. When a politician stands a little taller now and again, he deserves a pat instead of a pan. Eugene Whelan, Canada's minister of agriculture, is by his own admission one of the ugliest men in the House of Commons. ,He has been stomping.the country for a decade telling everyone Canada's farmers are tops. Recently some of his high -paid bureaucrats, after exten- sive research, suggested that the Canadian farmer receives more for his products than his American counterpart. Therefore, they said, Canadian farmers should improve their efficiency. It's reports like•that which make Eugene angry. He has trouble getting Cabinet support without the bureaucrats crossing him up as well. Those bureaucrats failed to say many things in that re- port. They failed to understand farmers and the peculiar dilemma Canadian farmers are in. They made. their study from one. point. of view only.. They didn't say that Canadian farmers have to pay a helluva lot more than U.S. farmers to buy materials that go into pro- duction. Such as tractors, trucks, chemicals. fertilizers. Poor old Eugene tries desperately hard to point this out whenever he makes a speech. He constantly tells people that few farmers in Canada have been getting the allowable increases in the price of their products, the six per cent increases suggested under the old A.I.B. guidelines. -It obviously costs more to produce an item in Canada than it does in the Hew Hess Hay if for no other reason than the market is much greater in the Excited States, You can, as the supermarket chains well know;rsel1 a product for less money if you can sell a huge volume. It is mdre than that. Canadian farmers have fewer built-in protections than any other democratic state in the world. The European common market has huge tariff protections for. agriculture. Almost every commodity is protected. Many are protected in the United States but Canada seems to be willing to trade off agriculture. Consumers should know why the cost of living increase in August was the lowest in two years. It was because the price of food did not increase. Almost every other commodity was up. But not food, Why? Because the dollar sagged so low that many food imports were priced out of Canada. When you have to pay a 15 per cent premium on the dollar toimport American food, you can't make money importing. Food prices are blamed for the high inflation of the Cast five.years. That's only because it took that long for food - and farmers,- to catch up to the rest of .the economy. In August, prices for gasoline increased. Most rents in- creased. telephone rates increased, car insurance pre- miums increased, interest rate charges increased, car prices increased. All these things went up in price during the month of Au- gust yet few people were crying about it. But let food prices increase and everybody gets on the bandwagon. Eugene Whelan gets bombarded from every side. The Consumers Association of Canada sends spokespersons to every talk show in the country. Bill Newman goes into hiding until the furore dies down. Letters are appreciated by Bob Trotter Eldale Rd Elmira Om N3B 2C7 A, Canadians should not kid themselves. Food costs are always going to be higher here than across the border be- cause they have a bigger market,, For the same reason, their input costs will always be less. They.can buy things cheaper because more of them are there to buy. The sooner Canadians understand this, the better they will understand the farmer. This understanding is vital to the economy. Farmer s are responsible for more than' 40 per cent 'of the gross national product. Without farmers, we wouldn't eat. It's a habit I picked up early in life: one I would find difficult to break. OFA goes abroad to help Gordon Hill, a Varna area farmer, announced the formation of an Agri - Skills Abroad Committee of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. In answer to a question from Jack Stafford, a Wroxeter area farmer, Mr. Hill stated there are two projects in other lands being considered by O.F.A. O.F.A. will consider sponsoring a young farmer from Ghana wishing to come to Canada to learn about agriculture here. It was pointed out that the most modern farming Methods are not necessarilythose which will be of the most use to this man. Smaller and less mechanized farm operations would possibly be more suitable for this type of educational project. County federations are - now accepting names of those ------i-rrt-ereste d----in-- hosting a farmer from Ghana. A feasibility study of a Costa Rica village for abandoned children will be undertaken. A first village which has its own bakery and which also sells eggs and vegetables is already operating successfully. A second village is in the planning stages. No farm profit...no food BY GERRY FORTUNE Governments distort markets and make policies for political expediency says John Sokol, eastern Ontario beef farmer and lecturer On food policy at ' York University. Family owner -operator farms must improve a little each year or fall behind, stated Mr. Sokol. "In fulfilling com- mitments to Canada to produce domestic food, to the world and to our- selves, we must never forget to look at world markets as good businessmen", he said. A $20 million dollar in- vestment in agriculture is , needed to increase world food production -by four percent and meet ,a United Nations'. target' figure, he said. Consumers have a committment• to listen to agricultural problems and understand many of our problems are beyond our control according to Sokol who said food commissions have failed to find a villain. "Perhaps what we need is a coriiniission on food distribution,." he said. He went on to say consumers could off -set so-called higher food costs by purchasing Ontario frozen vegetables in the winter instead of high-priced fresh im- ported orange juice, and juices instead of im- ported organe juice, and by eating at home more, since statistics show Canadians .eat one out of three meals away from home. He claimed farmers must have profits to re- invest. "No profits -- no food," he stated adding it usually takes 12 years of apprenticeship to become a farmer. JOHNSTON BROS. Bothwell Ltd. New Gravel Prices CASH & CARRY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY FILL STONEDUST SANpr CIiU$IED GRAVEL. CCMfNT GRAVEL 954 DRA1NNAGE STONE 41.75 OVERSIZE STONE 954 PO RUN 404 PEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY • 'DUNGANNON P1YS ONLY 154 95C 904 954 5294947 "It is probably more important to preserve our farmers, than our land," he said. Mr. Sokol's opinions on less strict severance regulations drew com- ments from Merle Gunby, president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture. The Huron County Federation of Agriculture has a land - use plan committed to preserving Huron County's prime industry -- agriculture. In closing, Mr. Sokol stated that the media can play , a big role in agriculture. O.F.A. must increase information to the public and provide better liaison with other segments of our industry. CLAY - Silo Unloaders Feeders Cleaners Stabling Leg Elevators Liquid Manure Equipment Hog Equipment'"" BUTLER - Silo Unloaders Feeders Conveyors FARMATIC - Mills Augers, etc. ACORN - Cleaners Heatod Water rare WESTEEL-ROSCO Granarlii d 1 L Hog Panelling • LOWRY FARM SYSTEMS RR 1, Kincardine, Ont. Phone 303.5246 A GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER7 ,197-PAGFE. FARM CLASSIFIED BR custom wori Aim to simplify old system The federal govern- ment has approved in. principle the sale of Canfarm, the corh- puterized accounting' service, to a co-operative farm organization, Peter Hannam announced at the recent O.F.A. Con- vention. The co-operative will include a representative each from the Maritimes, Quebec, the Western provinces, O.F.A., Co-operator's Insurance, Credit Union, Co-op Union of Canada and two persons ap- pointed by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. "We have to improve Canfarm, which includes simplifying it so farmers can more easily utilize. the system., and there are proposals for an im- proved marketing program to include franchising the service", said Hannam. The basic fee for the service would be about $75.00, with other charges being based on what services are used by the farm. - The O.F.A. is com- mitted to contributing up to $25,000 towards the venture. Eugene Whelan, Federal Minister of Agriculture, has stated that the federal gover- nment will help with funding during the transition period. The new co-operative is e*pected to take over the service on Jan. 1, 1979. Seed Corn in the Goderich & Clinton area' Call Ray Brown 529-7260 or 524-8114 BULLDOZING, Allis- Chalmers No. 650, with six way hydraulic blade. Bill Robinson, RR 2, Auburn, 529-7$57.-,43TF • • FREE ESTIMATES • GUARANTEED WELLS • •4ROTARY & PERCUSSION DRILLS WATER WELL js as } litt'L .. FARM •SUBURBAN • INDUSTRIAL • MLfNICIPAL • FAST MODERN EQUIPMENT t! ,,OUR EXPERIENCE ASSURES �y �i1 LOWER COST WATER WELLWELLS" DRILLING "76 YEARS EXPERIENCE" DAVIDSON WELL DRILLING LIMITED i• 4 Rotary and Percussion Drills PHONE 357-1960 WINGHAM - Collect Calls Accepted "ONTARIO'S FINEST WATER WELLS SINCE 1900" ELECTRICAL PLUMBING FLOORCOVERINGS YOUR ONE-STOP CENTRE EVERY DAY LOW PRICES CUSTOMERS, NOTE: Due To Transportation Or Production Delays. Etc., Some Regularly Stocked Items Temporarily May Be Absent From A Store's Inventory. In Such Cases. Every Effort Will Be Made To Supply The Ramis) As Rapidly As Possible. Economy Spruce Or Jack Pine. 9s•' And/Or i'.E:T. 82.5/$', OUR PRICE STUD GRADE 8 -FT. SPRUCE STRAPPING OUR PRICES PER PIECE! 1x2 36c' 1x3 54' 1x4 72$ 2x2 78c Winter Windows by "Waterlipe" Cut Heat Loss With STORM WINDOWS That Install Inside! SMnee.Rse(etent Clear Potystrrene. Safer than Glass. Easy To Install with Instructions/included!! 24"x38" $349 ■ 38"x58" $7.9O 4444x64'4 $9. 99 VINYL TRIM FOR INSTALLATION! Our Prices Per Length 26" 7n$ 46" $125 66"*1.75 'two Urn Pti"c.a Included In oath Length!! WIRING! Copper 14/2 NMD7. Two Wires Plus Ground, Electric Wiring for Most Applications. IN 246 -FT. ROLLS! (76 METER) OUR 8.90 PRICE, FOOT NAME BRAND Permanent Model BASEBOARD HEATERS All Unita 247 Vohs Standard Density in Beige Finish That May Be Painted To Harmonize With Existing Decors. Easy To Mount, Wirer. Install and Use. 500 -WATT $13.95 750 -WATT '18.88 1000 -WATT '1,9.95 125aWATT '26.95 1500 -WATT $26.95 1150 -wan '37.75 200awATT '36.95 2250 -WATT $41.95 2500 -WATT $41.95 3000 -WATT '48.49 THERMOSTAT Wal Mount '6. THERMOSTAT Rubin '8.89 PORTABLE MODEL Q HEATER P PRICEUR $2189 1200 -Watt Mode) For Hut Where And When You Need k. Tlierinoatat Control. 11'etaty tip•over switch: Cord sod ' plug Included. PR EFI N ISHED 4'x8' PANELS VOYAGEUR BIRCH! HAYYI ARD'S HICKORY! 4mm. Thickness. First Quality Overlaid Particleboard Panels. ' 9 PANEL MOO AND 1800 SERIES ASSORTED IMPORTED PRERNISHED PANELS!! An Assortment Of Faces. Several Choices in the group. Overlaid Plywood And/Or Printed Plywood Panels. 3.8rnm Utility Grade $R35 PANEL 4'x7' (Where Available), 05.55 PANEL 30"x30" WHITE Sturdy Plastic SHOWER CABINET s8995 OUR PRICE Canadian -made. A Quality Unity that includes Grab rail, Soap Dish, Mixing Faucets, Shower Head, Shower Curtain and Hooks. Ready To Assemble "B" GRADE WHITE TOILETS s2775 If Perfect We Would Sell For $38.85 Reverse Trap Model. Mechanically Al - And Watertight. Minor flaw in finish only. "A" GRADE TOILET SE4T Et COVER, $5.09 CARPETING DECEMBER SPECIAL!! FOAM BACK $ 59 NEEDLEPUNCH -SQUARE YARD 9'x12' SIZE, ONLY '31.08 0113136 POLYPROPYLENE Needlepunch Carpeting with {attached Foam Backing. Ideal for Den, Family Room, )Rec Room, etc. Colours as available. Don't Miss Out On This Special Offer!! "TREND" CARPETING 100% NYLON- $ 49 LOOP SCROLL! SQUARE YARD 10.10 Loop Scroll 100% NYLON with attached Super Foam Backing. Multicolour Gum Tak. "VIVA CARPETING FIRST QUALITY $95 8 CUT AND LOOP SQUARE YARD Cut Es Loop carpeting In subtle Print Tak colour-. Attached Super Foam backing. Recommended for all "Med!.^t Traffic" areas of the home. FORKIitCHEN FLOORS. SEE OUR PRINTED CARPETS WITH we AND "SCOTCNGARD" PROTECTION INCLUDING, HARDING' "PIONEER". SENECA " BIRCHWOOD" AND "FOLKLOFIt"'. WE ALSO CARRY "VINYL.EASE" AND OTHER ROLL FLOOR COOIERINGS. Meow 'er- GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOME AND FOR YOU! "CPI" KITCHEN CABINETS FOR FUSSY PEOPLE! Featuring Our Own "Peterborough Line" Modular Unit System. 9 Style Choices! Styles that range from Natural Birch you finish Yourself to beautiful prefinished KAWARTHA STYLE. The Very Wide Variety Of Sizes And . Model Choices Within Our Kitchen Cabinet System Will Enable You To Create A 'Customized' Kitchen Of Your Very Own. Free Kitchen Planning Sheets are available at any of our Centres, COUNTER TOPS PRICED AS LOW AS $2.99 LINEAL FTI Stock Sires, Colours, and Patterns As Available. Custom Counter Tops At Hi,gher„Pricesll, 6 -FT. $1%.94w 8 -FT. $23.92, "SPACEMAKER" 5 -SHELF STORAGE *1888 JJ FULL 16" DEEP! ABOUT 73" HIGH! Heavy Duty Steal With Gold Colour enamelled finish on Shelves, Posts. and Braces. Shelves adjustable up or down at 2" intervals. Handy carry -home carton. Assembles ggjkly. TOOL VALUES 7%4" COMBINATIONIRIP BLADE $299 By "Vermont-American"I ibrecision Set And Fled. Fully Heat -Treated, Model No. M40714. 4PC. CHISEL SET Includes Y4 'h 1 ," And 1" Sizes) 795 British Quality By "Marples". Hardened And Tempered Carbon Tool Steel. Honed ready to use!! MIRRORS Quality 5mm. Float .glass with Polished Edges and MIR-O- CRON' Backing. ' Complete with clips. 10 Year Guarantee Against Silvering Defects. 24"x36" $13.95 16"x60" $15.65 HERE'S A GIFT FOR ANYONE! CORDLESS! FOR HOME, SCHOOL OR OFFICE! PENCIL SHARPENER $%88 EACH BY "SUNBEAM"! ATTRACTIVE STYLING! Certain to please anyone on your gift list including Student and busy Executive. Fully guaranteed. A Special Purchase Feature Offered WHILE STOCKS LAST!! Operates on.4 "AA" Size Batteries which are available at extra cost. SPACEMAKER "HOBBIMATE" 1 - FAMILY ACTIVITY CENTRE Gold colour prefinished stool with Pegboard back and Particleboard work surface. Height about 49". Top area about 20"x36". Packaged ready to assemble. Great Gift Idea For Hobbyist And The Craftsman! WORKBENCH WITH 2'x4' PEGBOARD FOR TOOLS! $')A17 Knocked Down. Ready To Assemblet A Real Work Centre with a roomy top area that measures about 72"x29". Tho Separete 2'x4' Pegboard Can Be Located At Any Height That's Convenient!, OPEN WEEKDAYS 8:30 A.M.-6 P.M.; SAT. TO 5 P.M.; IN SOME AREAS, THESE HOURS CMG VARY SLIGHTLY PLEASE CHECK. FRI. TO 9 P.M. DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE - AT REASONABLE RAT I TO BE FAIR TO OUR CUSTOMERS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES!- CASHWAY LUMBER .. GODERICH 155 ANGLE SEA ST, ATWOOD5 Phone 524-$3112 or 324-$3i3 MAIN 14a 336.1214 tit,. .11 4t P'