The Rural Voice, 1981-06, Page 39PERTH COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS' NEWS
Board refuses
to act on resolution
BY HANS FELDMAN
It has been learned that the OPPMB decided not to act on a
resolution that was passed at the 1981 annual meeting. The
resolution was submitted by the producers from the Region of
Waterloo and read as follows:
Whereas Stabilization programs, administered by govern-
ments, should be designed to encourage and help support the
family farm, and Whereas large scale integrated production
units may become a real threat to the survival of family farm hog
production; Be it resolved, that the OPPMB petition the
Ministers of Agriculture and Food that all future payments made
under the Pork Stabilization Program be limited to a maximum of
2000 market hogs or 100 sows, per annum, per individual farmer.
The resolution was duly moved and seconded and was carried
by a vote of 105 to 99. Doug Farrell, then vice-chairman of
the board, chaired the meeting, when the resolution was
dealt with . He appeared to be strongly opposed to the
resolution, and contrary to parliamentary procedure spoke
against the resolution and encouraged delegates to vote against
it. On the resignation of Howard Malcolm, Doug was elected
chairman of the board.
After the annual meeting in a press release the board reported
the resolution in question among the 11 resolutions that were
approved.
Several local board members questioned on this matter
appeared to be reluctant to discuss the issue. They felt the
delegates were not well informed, that the Canadian Pork
Council had a different policy, and that the vote was not decisive
enough. The answer to an inquiry at the board office was that the
resolution was contrary to board policy and that the resolution
was only carried by a small majority and therefore rejected by
the board.
Aside from the nature of the resolution, the questions raised
by the arbitrary actions of the board are: Who is in control of the
board and what are the boards responsibilities?; Do producers
have control of their marketing board through their duly elected
delegates?; Do the resolutions, submitted by the county
associations and approved by a simple majority of the delegates
to the annual meeting, become the policies the directors of the
board are obliged to follow?
Up to now producers felt secure in the knowledge that through
their vote they control the marketing board and the future of the
industry. It is hoped that the directors of the board will
reconsider the matter and accept their responsibilities towards
producers and their delegates.
In further news, the board elected the new executive and
standing committees as follows:
Chairman Doug Farrell and Vice -Chairman Cedric Harrop,
Executive Committee Doug Farrell, Howard Malcolm, Cedric
Harrop, D. McDonald, J. Goodhand and Tom Smith.
Yards. G. Waterton, M. Aberle, J. Goodhand, W. Matte and
H. Malcolm. Research, W. Keller, M. Aberle, M. Myers, A.
Vos and G. Waterton. Flow, W. Matte, H. Malcolm, W. Stein,
T. Smith and G. Waterton. Communications, J. Goodhand, T.
Jensen, M. MacAuly, D. McDonald and W. Stein.
Market Development, A. Vos, W. Keller, McMacAuly, W.
Matte and T. Smith. Weaner Pig, D. McDonald, T. Jensen, M.
MacAuly and M. Myers. Promotion, W. Stein, M. Aberle, W.
Keller, M. Myers and A. Vos.
Federal Stabilization: For 1979-80, 26, 766 claims were made
fora total of $37,400,000. In Ontario there were 10,247 claims for
$13,400,000. No announcement has been made at the time of
writing for the 1980-81 period.
Market Weights: Slaughter Weights have been increasing and
have added to the surplus of pork. Irregular marketings due to
work stoppage by veterinarians did not help the matter.
Pork Consumption continues at record levels but at sacrificial
prices to the producers.
Electronic Grading: One of the research projects funded by the
OPPMB is the study of ultrasonic measurement of carcass
muscle and the feasibility of using this in the grading system.
Perth County Pork Barbeque: The portable barbeque is in
operation again and is available to organizations and individuals
for a nominal fee. There are bookings available yet. For
information call Gerald Matheson at 356-2637 (Atwood).
As a final note, producers are invited to voice their opinion in
this newsletter or in letters to the editor. Contact the Rural Voice
or Hans Feldman, R.R. N3, Listowel. 291-1557.
:1411.1111.111!",.
Thames Bend Lady 212SK
1979 Pork Congress Champion
Bred Yorkshire Gilt
Back Fal 10.5 m.m. 161 Days 136 index
Fifth Production
AUCTION SALE
Featuring Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc,
Landrace and hybrid breeding stock. Govern-
ment R.O.P. tested and health approved since
1966. At the farm of Warren Stein, on the 11th
line of East Zorra township.
FIFTH SALE
Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 P.M.
THAMES BEND FARMS LTD.
R. R.6, Woodstock, Ontario N4S TW1
919-655-2942 or 462-2704
RICHARD AND WARREN STEIN
THE RURAL VOICE/JUNE 1981 PG 37