Loading...
The Rural Voice, 1992-05, Page 56PERTH 014k John Crowley, President R.R. 2, Gadshill, ON NOK 1J0 393-6403 County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER' The Rural Voice is provided to Perth County Pork Producers by the PCPPA. OPPMB TOLD TO HOLD LINE ON COSTS The Perth County Pork Producers were well -represented in Toronto at the Annual Meeting of the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board held on March 18 and 19. For recently -elected councillors it was a new and interesting experience. The meeting began with a discus- sion of the 1991 Financial Statement by General Manager, Helmut Loewen. Expenses were up 2.6 per cent over last year and with fewer hogs coming to market in 1991, there was a resulting operating deficit of $204 thousand. The average 1991 price was $145.53 per 100 kilograms, $15.67 lower than in 1990. The board obviously has its work cut out for it trying to operate in the black when its revenues which are derived from a $2.25 per hog service fee have been dropping with hog volumes. It is interesting to note that a resolution was passed later in the meeting calling for the board to hold the cost of marketing at no higher than $2.25 per hog for the next two years. Mr. Loewen also commented on the changes proposed to the selling system. Contracting between producers and packers appears ready to get off the ground subject to the rules established. Some test loads of hogs have already been processed with enough follow-up interest shown to initiate the formal signing of some contracts. At the start, packers will be limited to purchasing no more than ten per cent of their normal weekly requirement by contracting. The "B" pool is still in the planning stages. Changes to the grading grid are being negotiated as well as how to offer "B" pool loads on the auction. The subjects of contracting and creating two pools for the marketing of hogs have generated significant discussion ever since the Selling Review Committee completed its report in 1991. In fact two resolutions •at the Annual Meeting proposed doing away with both of these options before they get started. The resolutions failed to be passed by delegates, but there remains a fear in some producers that the changes will not result in more money coming into producer pockets. Others appear ready to give the new options a chance while maintaining the basic marketing structure. Other resolutions at the Annual Meeting that attracted considerable discussion were: • a proposal to have an indepen- dent study into the feasibility of establishing a "kill and chill" plant; • a task force set up to look at the current structure of councillors and directors and recommend appropriate changes; • a reaffirmation to the Federal government and the GATT negotiators that an emphasis on maintaining Article 11 not jeopardize the signing of a new GATT deal. On the provincial board three directors retired: Wallace Ballagh (Bruce), Amsey Frey (Waterloo), and Glynn Waterton (Grey). Elections were held for their replacements as well as the remaining three positions. New directors are John Milne (Grey), Ray Howling and Helmuth Spreitzer (both from Waterloo), Ron Douglas (Huron), John Lichti (Perth), and Ross Small (Wellington).0 UPCOMING EVENTS The Ontario Pork Congress — Thursday and Friday, June 25 and 26, followed by the Family Fun Fest on June 27. As mentioned in last month's newsletter, the Family Fun Fest is new and promises demonstratons and entertainment geared to the entire consumer family. See you there!O Barbeque Season Once again it is barbeque season. Perth County Pork Producers are a major supplier of some delicious pork cuts for the barbeque. Call either Wayne Hartung at 291-4038, Alfred Young at 348-9352, Fred DeMartines at 393-6812, Martin VanBakel at 345-2666, or Dennis Zehr at 595-4771 to purchase quantities for the freezer. Also book the barbeque for any major events. Each year Perth County Pork Producers sell over 20 tonne of pork through their barbeques. Take the lead.0 PREPAID CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FORM REGULAR CLASSIFIED Ad rate is only $8 for a maximum of 20 words. Each additional word — 40 cents. Over six insertions — 10% off total cost. Name, address, and telephone are free. Please print ad clearly. Payment is to accompany the order, or a $4 billing charge will be added. (Please add 7% GST) Please insert my classified ad times starting with the issue. I enclose $ Signature: Send to The Rural Voice, Box 429, Blyth, ON NOM 1H0 52 THE RURAL VOICE