The Rural Voice, 1990-02, Page 60PERTH
Paul Verkley, President, R. R. 1, Atwood NOG 1 BO
356-9022
* The Rural Voice is provided to farmers
in Perth County by the PCFA
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
WATER QUALITY
At the December meeting of the
Perth Federation of Agriculture our dis-
cussion topic was water quality. We had
three excellent speakers to lead the dis-
cussion and answer questions from the
directors and members.
David Hayman from UTRCA spoke
about water quality as it affects lakes
and streams. He said that they have had
problems with beach closures since the
late '70s because of high bacteria
counts. One of the reasons behind that,
he added, is the dry summers we have
had.
Also, the phosphorus level in the
water is a problem. Phosphorus pro-
motes plant growth. A report they have
released splits the problem into 75 per
cent rural and 25 per cent urban. These
percentages are again split into the fol-
lowing: 50 percent from erosion, 15 per
cent milkhouse wash water discharges,
15 per cent industry, and 5 per cent
faulty septic systems (grey water going
directly into a drain).
The report makes some suggestions
as to ways to help minimize the prob-
lems. Targeting funds to land most
prone to erosion would be more cost
effective. We should continue with in-
centives to control problems and should
limit the number of livestock on a spe-
cific acreage. And rental agreements
with neighbours should include the
spreading of animal waste.
Norm Bird from OMAF spoke about
ways you can handle the waste water,
etc. on your farm to minimize the prob-
lems. He suggested that we minimize
the quantity, treat, store, and dispose.
Only use wash water that is needed.
Have storage tanks big enough to hold
waste. Dispose of a little at a time.
When asked if drainage has an effect on
water quality, Norm said that improved
drainage moves contaminated water
faster.
Paul Ross from the Perth County
Health Unit spoke about the quality of
well water. He is with the inspection
branch of the Health Unit. They get
several requests from rural people for
testing to ensure that well water is safe to
drink. Also, doctors are wondering if
the water is causing some diseases. The
owner of a property is responsible for
ensuring that the water is safe for any
tenants. Usually the problems are bacte-
riological. The Health Unit also edu-
cates people about how to keep water
safe.
Each month at our meetings we are
setting aside an hour for a discussion
topic. In January we discussed crop
insurance, and in February we hope to
have discussions on county planning.
FEBRUARY MEETING
of the
Perth County Federation of Agriculture
February 15, 1990
Downie Mutual Fire Insurance Office
Sebringville — 8:00 p.m.
THE 3 Rs OF THE OFA
(RECRUIT, RENEW, RETAIN)
With the beginning of a new year and
a new decade it only seems obvious that
we in the federation must devise new
and different ways to continue as the
voice for Ontario farmers. Since the
beginning of Individual Memberships
in the OFA, we have consistently run the
roads encouraging farmers to join. 1989
was as successful as any year in mem-
ory, with more than 2,000 farmers re-
cruited or renewed in Western Ontario.
One question still remains: what
about the member who never hears from
the OFA after he or she joins? In June of
1988, the Perth federation visited more
than 75 members in one week to listen
and learn from our most valuable asset,
the member, and during this experiment
we offered an OFA sign as a gift to thank
the member for renewing.
We in the Perth County federation
are faced with an interesting challenge.
Should only seven per cent of our
members receive a sign? Absolutely
not! So starting February 1 we plan to
visit every member in Perth, roughly
one township per month. So you will
know when we are coming, we will
publish on this page what township we
plan to do each month. Blanshard, we
will see you in February.0
PREPAID CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FORM
REGULAR CLASSIFIED
Ad rate is only $6 for a maximum of 20 words. Each additional word — 25 cents. Over six insertions — 10% off total cost.
and telephone are free. Please print ad clearly.
DISPLAY CLASSIFIED
Ad rate for a display unit (1 1/8 x 2 1/8) may include box, light and bold face, logo or small illustration.
1 time — $19. 3 times — $51. 6 times — $96. 12 times — $179.
Please insert my classified ad ( ) display ad ( ) _ times starting with the
Signature:
Send to The Rural Voice, Box 37, 10A The Square, Goderich, Ont. N7A 3Y5.
Name, address,
issue. I enclose $
T
FEBRUARY 1990 57