The Rural Voice, 1982-07, Page 40Grey County Federation of Agriculture
Newsletter
Proposed Tax changes
need clarification
. On June 2 an information meeting was held at the Beavercrest
Community School, Markdale, sponsored by Grey County
Federation of Agriculture, to clarify the Property Taxation of
Farms and Managed Forests.
Speakers were Ron Trbovich, Ministry of Revenue Assessment
Policies and Priorities Branch; John Tiley. senior Budget Advisor
for the Provincial Treasury Department and Jack Lettener, head
of the Assessment Department in Toronto.
Representing the Ontario Federation of Agriculture were Bruce
Taylor. chairman of the OFA Tax and Assessment Committee and
S. Veeraraghavan, head of the OFA Research Dept. After
explaining their reasons for the proposed changes to the Farm
Taxation, they very capably answered questions from the floor.
Some of the concerns were housing for seasonal workers. The
answer was that these will be classed as farm buildings. Empty
houses on second farms would be assessed on their potential
value. Farmers wishing to semi -retire on the farm and not making
the $12,000 gross production would have to pay the full farm tax.
Receipts from cattle sales will be allowed only if the cattle have
been resident on the farm for a given number of days.
Some farmers who own several farms were concerned about
roads being maintained to these farms when no one is living there
and paying taxes. Since no study had been done of property in
Grey County. S.V. Veeraraghaven agreed to take ten properties in
Grey and do a study on them to determine how the proposed
taxation would affect Grey County.
The Grey County Cattlemen worked with Food City. Owen
Sound for the Beef Promotion from Wednesday to Saturday. 2
representatives of the Cattlemen were on hand to give out leaflets
and information on different cuts of meat and how to cook them.
Food City was barbecueing steaks and hamburgers and giving out
samples. As well,several draws were made.
John Verdonk, director of Grey County Cattlemen attended the
meeting in Toronto of the Freezer Meat Association. The purpose
of this association is to standardize packaging of hind -quarters
and sides and to have butchers selling good meat. More members
are needed and there will be a campaign in this area to sell
memberships to local butchers. The Grey County Cattlemen are
supporting the Freezer Meat Association.
The Annual Beef Barbecue and Dance sponsored by the Grey
County Cattlemen will be July 15 in Durham.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has proclaimed the week
before Thanksgiving as Farmer Appreciation Week. Each County
will be expected to come up with a project to improve rural -urban
relations. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Ireland, Bruce County, are hosting
a picnic on June 13 for the Public Relations Committees in
neighbouring counties to bring forth ideas for making this week a
memorable one.
Betty Szilaffi of Agricrew will be guest at the June directors
meeting to acquaint the directors of the work done by Agri Crew.
PG. 40 THE RURAL VOICE/JULY 1982
Grey is in danger of losing their 4th region which we worked so
hard to attain one year ago. A membership meeting will be held
Monday. June 7 to make plans for several drives to bring our
membership back in line. Retirements, bankruptcies and farmers
having to cut expenses everywhere possible has taken its toll of
our members.
Bessie Saunders, President
Grey County
Cattlemen's
Barbecue and Dance
DURHAM AREA
Barbecue 6-8 p.m.
Thurs., July 15
Dancing to Touch o1(ohl
8 - 12 p.m.
Tickets $10 each
Children under 12 - $5.00
From anv Director
or
OMAF Markdale