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The Rural Voice, 1985-12, Page 72BRUCE COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 446 10th St. Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 519-364-3050 Highlights from the Bruce Annual The 44th Annual Meeting, Banquet and Dance of the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture was held on Friday, November 2, 1985 at the Chesley Community Centre. The evening began with a social hour prior to the 7:30 dinner. There were approximately 125 people in atten- dance. President's Welcome: Wayne Robertson welcomed everyone to our 44th Annual Meeting. Things we're doing today aren't so very different from the things our predecessors were trying to do. We're all involved in making our rural community a better place to live and work. The problems in agriculture have to be met head on and addressed, and this we are trying to do. Wayne recognized the work of our fieldman, secretary, and the ex- ecutive. Finances were very difficult this year, and it is hoped that this pro- blem will resolve itself somewhat next year. Several concerns at the federal and provincial levels of our government were being addressed. Various farm groups are now speaking with one voice, and this is a step in the right direction. The Bruce County Federa- tion of Agriculture is working closely with our various commodity groups, and we all hope for positive results. Acknowledgement of guests: Ken Kelly introduced guests and they were: Mrs. Mickey Gurbin, attending for Gary, our MP; Ed Sargent, MPP (Ed noted that our MPPs are listening to our concerns and have a Rural Caucus that meets twice monthly); Dave and Mrs. Thompson, attending for Warden Meilhausen; Doug and Shirley Garniss, Huron County; Don and Ruth Hill, Grey County; Don and Mary Harvie; Doug and Linda Gowanlock. Minutes: It was moved by Jim Powers and seconded by Harry Thede that the minutes be accepted as printed. Carried. Financial Report: Moved by Ron Garland, seconded by Byron Monk, that the statement be accepted as printed. Carried. Auditor's Report: Duncan Mc- Callum noted the books were well kept but did have several comments on our "lean" budget. He commend - 70 THF RURAI VOICF ed the federation for all the work ac- complished on limited funds. Duncan is a great promoter of our industry, and wishes the federation success. He was presented with a gift in apprecia- tion of the work he does for Bruce County Federation. Appointment of Auditor: Jim Jacklin nominated Duncan Mc- Callum, and Duncan accepted. He will be our auditor for the year 1985-86. Elections: Doug Gowanlock acted as chairman for the elections. Moved by Bob Bregman, seconded by Harry Thede, that the following act as scrutineers: J. Wilkinson, D. Hill, D. Garniss. President: The position was declared open and nominations called for 3 times. Bill Davis nominated Wayne Robertson. Lynn Fielder nominated Ken Kelly — declined. Wayne Robertson acclaimed Presi- dent. 1st VP: Position declared open and nominations called for three times. Allan Smith nominated Ken Kelly. John MacAuley nominated Grant Collins — declined. Bill Davis nominated Ron Garland — declined. Ken Kelly acclaimed 1st Vice - President. 2nd VP: Position declared open and nominations called for three times. Harry Thede nominated Grant Collins. Byron Monk nominated Bill Davis — declined. Gerry Poechman nominated Byron Monk — declined. Grant Collins acclaimed 2nd Vice - President. Jack Wilkinson, OFA Executive: Jack brought greetings from the OFA and took a few minutes to point out the need for support of the St. Thomas Rally. It's really necessary to have a good showing, and it's one of the few times so many of our farm organizations have worked together on the same thing. It was asked that everyone be on the bus. Farmer of the Year Award: Dave and Ellen Keith were introduced and presented the award this year on behalf of Brian and Gisele Ireland, who were unable to attend that even- ing. Dave and Ellen made the presen- tation to Harold Poechman and his wife Mary, as our Farmer of the Year. Congratulations to Harold and Mary. Resolutions: 1. WHEREAS the long term survival of the family farm depends on farmers receiving a price for their product which covers all production costs plus a fair return on investment, and WHEREAS our present marketing system in the red meat and grain sec- tors has not, on average, returned us a price which covers costs, the result being a serious loss of equity for all farmers, and an ever-growing list of bankruptcies, and WHEREAS while emergency govern- ment action, such as temporary moratoriums and debt review boards are essentially in order to give farmers a breathing space, the fact remains that if our marketing systems are not improved and do not return a fair price to us, this emergency action will be of no avail, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OFA amend their policy to allow them to place the highest priority on establishing supply -managed marketing systems for our major commodities, which will give farmers the full costs of production for our products. Moved by Bill Davis, seconded by Gerry Poechman. Carried. 2. WHEREAS the policies of OMAF in respect to farm financial advice and implementation of Section C of OFAAP, in particular the forced li- quidations of farmers in financial duress, do not have the long-term best interests of the individual farmers or Ontario agriculture as a whole as their main objective, and WHEREAS the original objective and policies of OMAF were to aid and preserve the family farm, and WHEREAS many Ontario farmers are having financial decisions impos- ed on them through policies which are not in the best interests of the farmer, the community, or society as a whole, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the OFA demand the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and the On- tario government correct these policies, which in most cases leave farm families homeless, jobless, and unable to fulfill their proper role in society. Moved by Ken Kelly, seconded by Cliff Hewitt. Carried. The above resolutions to be printed up in our Hanover office for distri- bution and discussion at the conven- tion this year. Ken Kelly moved we adjourn, with a dance to follow.