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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-10-26, Page 15Wednesday,October 26, 2005 Exeter Times–Advocate 15 Heated panel discussion a main focus of agricultural meeting By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HOLMESVILLE — Over eighty-five people attended the Huron County Federation of Agriculture Regional/Annual Meeting Oct. 20 at the Holmesville Community Centre. Shortly after dinner, Fred and Carol Dutot received the Service to Agriculture and the Community of Huron County Award presented by Marilyn Broadfoot, the South Huron Director for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. A main focus and highlight of the evening was a panel discussion followed by ques- tions on "Where the Future of Farm Organizations are Going." The panel consisted of five panel mem- bers including former MP Murray Gaunt, former Ontario Corn Producers president Bob Down, former Ontario Egg Producers director Jim McIntosh, Ontario Federation of Agriculture vice- president Paul Mistele and president of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association Ian McKillop. Each panel member summed up their thoughts and feelings on the agriculture business in three minutes. Gaunt was the first speaker and explained the challenge and need of a more present united front dealing with all levels of government. "People united will never lose, people divided will never win," Gaunt conclud- ed. Down had more concerns about past reports that have been conducted and are gathering dust. He says people are having too many disagreements about where money is going and never reach a conclusion on things. McIntosh says there are many pres- sures farm organizations are facing. Problems with borders are a main issue. "Something needs to be done in Canada, the agricultural business is not in good shape and it's very important we all work together," says McIntosh. Mistele says he is looking for a differ- ent process of doing business and the united front went a long way at Queens Park. "We need to continue building on our relationship with the govern- ment," says Mistele. "It is you people out there at the end of the day that make the difference," he adds. Finally McKillop had the floor. "I think we've come a long way but it is critical to go further." McKillop talked about the "Farmers Feed Cities" campaign kicking into high gear. There were yellow posters, T-shirts, pins and stickers sporting the slogan all over the community centre. The "Farmers Feed Cities" campaign is an agriculture awareness campaign working with farmers across Ontario. It is a reminder that agriculture and the rural economy are important to Ontario. "Farmers Feed Cities" is campaigning for immediate help to fight foreign gov- ernment intervention during an income crisis due to circumstances beyond their control. The campaign calls for the govern- ment to increase its financial investment to the agricultural sector and invest in Ontario's 60,000 farm families. When the panelists were finished citi- zens with questions or concerns spoke, addressing issues to the person of their choice. Most questions were directed at Mistele. One colourful speaker, Bev Hill took "People united will never lose, people divided will never win" . MURRAY GAUNT FORMER MP KERS FEED !TIES! • t5 erst0Vdcale+.cont From left, former MP Murray Gaunt, former Ontario Corn Producers president Bob Down, former Ontario Egg Producers director Jim McIntosh, Ontario Federation of Agriculture vice-president Paul Mistele and president of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association Ian McKillop hold a panel discussion.The focus was on "Where the Future of Farm Organizations are Going," Oct. 20 at the Huron County Federation of Agriculture Regional/Annual Meeting at the Holmesville Community Centre. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) the main portion of the question period. After a motion to prolong the session a few more citizens were able to talk. The word "radical" came up frequent- ly. Are we being radical enough? Should we be more radical? Hill says the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is not radical enough. "Till we get over this "nice guy" atti- tude we're not going to get anywhere," says Hill. "I'm getting old and angry, I need a vision, I need someone to inspire me and the OFA is not doing it. "What are you going to do to inspire me and when?" Hill asked Mistele. Mistele was clearly not giving Hill the answer he was looking for while defend- ing the actions of the OFA for a few min- utes. "Why don't we talk about this later and I'll try to inspire you," Mistele said to Hill. After the panel question period ended the Huron OFA Regional Meeting began followed by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting. The election of the president, vice- president, township directors and direc- tors -at -large were on the agenda for the annual meeting. Nick Whyte was elected as president, Walter Stalenhoef was appointed as first vice-president and Ken Scott was elect- ed second. Care of older horses discussed at Kirkton Equine Extravaganza By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF KIRKTON — The care of older horses was the focus of the 2005 Equine Extravaganza sponsored by Kirkton Veterinary Clinic Oct. 20 at the Kirkton Community Centre. Along with guest speaker Marc Desjardins from the London Equine Hospital, Kirkton vets Katie Crossan, Doug Hopwood and Bob Young also gave presentations to the horse owners and enthusiasts who filled the hall. Crossan said horses are living longer due to better diet and care and are competing into their late teens and early 20s. The older horses have special needs. She added older horses have decreased ability to fight for food and may be losing weight but it may be difficult for owners to notice since the older horses have more hair. According to Crossan it is neces- sary to rely less on appearance and more on touch to determine if a horse is underweight. Young said horses can tolerate a lot of pain in their teeth before they begin to show with one sign of dis- tress being food falling out of their mouths. Food can also become lodged in the cheeks of horses suffering from sore teeth with a foul smell result- ing. Other problems older horses are vulnerable to according to Young are parasites, both internal and external, including round worms, bots and tapeworms. Signs of parasites include poor hair coat, weight loss, pot belly, diarrhea and colic. Pasture management and rota- tion can discourage worm buildup and winter freezing will kill most worms in the pasture leaving only the ones in barns and animals. Deworming should be done in the fall as well as doing fecal exams on horses that remain thin despite the deworming. Stalls should also be disinfected. External parasites include lice which can be transmitted through blankets and brushes and infected animals should be isolated. Another major problem discussed was arthritis a degenerative joint disease that destroys cartilage resulting in a loss of shock absorp- tion. It is common in the upper and lower hocks, fetlocks, knees and stifles. Diagnosis of the disease can be done through a history of the animal, an exam, x-rays and fluo- roscopes. Although the vets said there is no cure, they pointed out the pain can be managed to some extent through various means including controlled exercise, surgery or joint fusion, although the latter is a sal- vage procedure only and means the end of the horse's athletic career. Hopwood discussed the problems that can be encountered breeding older mares such as less pre- dictable ovulation and horses with scarred uterus that may not be suitable for pregnancy. Crossan summed up the evening saying"while the older horse requires more attention, the reward and companionship make it worthwhile." Approximately 50 scrapbooking enthusiasts descended on Dashwood this past weekend for `Croptoberfest' hosted by Lisa Miller. Besides enjoying the scrapbooking activities, the group donated items to the food bank and gave monetary contributions to the Cancer Society. (photo/submitted) Fun & fitness exercises enjoyed at Queensway HENSALL — Monday morn- ing Queensway residents gathered in the sunroom for their workout at fun & fit- ness. The exercises devel- oped for seated residents pro- mote flexibility. In the after- noon the Hensall United Church women provided assistance and prizes at bingo. Rev. Mona Goulette of Trivitt Anglican Church in Bayfield led worship for resi- dents on Tuesday with Belva Fuss as volunteer pianist. In the evening Lakeview Singers visited to sing in the hallways for those residents unable to attend the usual group pro- grams. Marg Cole organized the euchre players on Wednesday, with several competitors enjoying the afternoon playing their favourite game. Father John of St. Boniface led Mass for Roman Catholic residents Thursday morning. Volunteer Mariette Bilcke was in to assist residents. Music Therapist Lisa Stewart worked her musical magic throughout the home Thursday leading her small group and working with many people individually. Everyone appreciated the added benefit of Lisa's intern, Pam Tremblay who is a music therapist in training. Friday evening Harvey Smith, Don Finkbeiner, Harold Mills and Devon Martene entertained for a full house in the retirement residence lounge at the Friendship Friday program. Their piano, guitar, accordion and fiddle music blended beautifully as they played many favourites for the crowd. Volunteer Edna Deitz assisted with refreshments. Sunday afternoon "The Fellowship Singers" drew a good crowd for their gospel music program. Lead vocal- ist, Gail Mason sang the old familiar hymns that residents love. Following the program everyone spent time visiting over delicious zucchini loaves and cheese. Coming events Thurs., Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. Senior Diners and 7 p.m. Birthday Party with Lorne McKenzie, singer/pianist Fri., Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. Friendship Friday with Andy Rau and Friends.