The Rural Voice, 1983-02, Page 59attending fall fairs and ploughing matches, promoting
versatile pork products to the consumer. In 1981 the barbecue
was at 23 events and barbecued 17,000 pounds of pork chops.
In 1971 the Ministry of Agriculture and Food hired a swine
specialist to work in the county. Richard Smelski has held
that position to date and has been instrumental in starting the
Ontario Pork Congress in 1972 in Stratford. Fifteen thousand
people yearly attend the 3 day exhibition, touted as the best
in North America. He also was instrumental in establishing
the Swine Symposium in 1978, a one day event held annually
involving international specialists discussing a wide variety of
topics from production to human relations, with the usual
1,000 producers in attendance.
In 1981 Perth's 1877 registered hog producers marketed
494,000 hogs, (the highest producing county in Ontario)
returning $74,100,000 to the county compared to $5,300,000 in
1947 from 151,560 hogs marketed.
As the objective of the county association is to promote the
welfare of the pork industry, this constantly involves working
with 4H swine clubs. County Ag Week in February, young
farmer swine clubs, dairy and pork festival in June, herd
health work shops and updating regulations at the Provincial
annual meetings. Specialization of the swine industry comes
naturally to Perth County as the professional producers have a
unique prescription at their disposal, consisting of good land,
climate. strong purebred organizations, excellent marketing,
good consumer base, and a desire to produce not only for the
domestic market but to enhance our foreign export markets.
(Prepared by Bob Stevens with the help of Wilfrid L.
Bishop's book MEN AND PORKCHOPS: The History of the
Ontario Pork Producers Association, published by Phelps
Publishing, London 1977.)
ROCKS WRECK MACHINERY.
That's why Degelman Rock Rakes and Rock Pickers
were developed.
DEGELMAN
ROCK
RAKES
Superior to conventional V -type machines. Side delivery
allows formation of rock windrows to suit field conditions.
Speeds up land preparation.
DEGELMAN
ROCK ,.
PICKERS
Ruggedly built reel -type pickers will outperform, outmuscle
and outlast anything on the market today Three models - one
will be right for your farm.
Degelman - best in the field ... where it counts.
See your local dealer.
or contact
ASTERN
rIi
Marline, !`iniad
Phone 340 EDINBURGH ROAD N
(519) 836-2400 GUELPH. ONTARIO N1H 1E i
PRESENTING THE
5orOu'vE
ALWAYS
AYAMAHN SALE.D
SECA 400
WAS $2O99
NOW $1699.
WAS
SECA
750
$3699*.
NOW $2969.
MAXIM 550
WAS ,s27439.
NOW $2249.
MAXIM
400
WAS
NOW $1699.
(PLUS TAX, PDI & LICENCE)
Other models available
at great savings.
STRATFO R D CYCLE
CENTRE
20 Dover St.,
Stratford
271-8911
THE RURAL VOICE, FEBRUARY 1983 PG. 59