The Rural Voice, 1981-09, Page 21or sheet erosion. Gully erosion, however,
is causing problems on some farms.
At one time, the area was at the bottom
of a glacial lake. When the glaciers
receded and the lake drained. targe gullies
developed and are still developing,
draining the soil into Lake Temiskaming.
These gullies slowly chew away at the
valuable production land. and make
farming practices difficult.
Dairy profits vary
I've heard a lot of talk lately about how
good the dairy industry is - with quota to
help guarantee a steady income and
prevent just anyone from jumping into the
business! To some extent, this may be
true. Milk prices are good and because of
the total capital expense, it is very difficult
for young people to consider dariy
farming.
However, for those who are in business,
profits vary greatly. Well run, well
managed herds are recording record high
incomes through milk sales. On the other
hand, tow producing herds are finding it
more and more difficult to keep pace with
rising input costs and interest rates.
Direct expenses such as feed, vet and
medicine, breeding fees, stable and
milkhouse supplies can eat up 60 to 70% of
operating income. What's left gives you a
return for depreciation, labour, manage-
ment and capital. As one farmer indicated
to me, it is important for dairymen to
realize the first 3 to 4,000 litres of milk in a
cow's lactation is required to feed and
maintain a cow for one year. There is just
no room in the dairy business for poorly
managed herds. The total number of dairy
herds has decreased substantially in the
last decade and promises to decline even
more, leaving room for only the serious
producer who can adapt to new ideas and
technology.
There are many management tools
available to dairymen that can help ensure
adequate income. Evaluation of your
farm's performances is one useful tool
that can help assess overall management.
To do this you need information about
your business and some basis for
comparison.
O.M. A. F. extension services publish
"Canfarm Summaries" that can be used
to identify strengths and weaknesses in
your business. Identifying the problem is
only part of the battle. Once the problem is
known. some specific remedies can be
tried. Danger signals include borrowing to
replace machinery, borrowing more and
more operating money each year to plant
crops or buy replacement cattle and using
more credit for feed bills and supplies. If
this is happening on your farm, then it is
time to take a close look at cash flow along
with total farm expenditures.
A profit check list including such factors
• •
Mr. Farmer .. .
The corn season is fast approaching
See us for:
• Forward Contracts
• FREE Grain Bank
or use in feeder later)
• Storage (for sale later on)
Seed Wheat is also available
■ ■
OPNOTCH
TOPNOTCH FEEDS LIMITED
Seaforth
• •
527-1910
■ •
!BERG HYDRONMAN
1MANURE PUMP
WILL MAKE YOUR MANURE.
IHANDLING
MUCH EASIER
1
.
.
•
1
Stores manure away from the barn
Pumps liquids, solids and bedding
Reduces odor and fly problems
Retains nitrogen and potassium
Easy to install—easy to operate
Fits any barn cleaning operation
Ample manure storage at low cost
it'
Manure is ready when you want
Mail the coupon for full details
HYDRO MAN
MANURE ru Mr
L
more information contact:
KEITH SIEMON FARM SYSTEMS
R.R. 4, WALTON
345-2734
1
1
1
THE RURAL VOICE/SEPTEMBER 1981 PG. 19