The Rural Voice, 1993-01, Page 49PERTH VIRk
County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER
John Crowley, President
R.R. 2, Gadshill, ON NOK 1J0 393-6403
• The Rural Voice is provided to Perth
County Pork Producers by the PCPPA.
Let's set realistic goals, goals we can achieve
Best wishes for a happy and
prosperous 1993.
What about 1992? Has it been
happy and prosperous? Hog prices
have been less than great and the crop
of '92 has been less plentiful and
lower in quality than any other in
recent memory. As we enter the
winter months, the annual time when
many of our schedules become a little
less busy, it is also time for some
sober reflection. How am I and my
family doing financially, emotionally,
spiritually, socially? Have we
survived the troubles of '92
unscathed?
On this, then, I would like to make
a number of comments. (These are
my own and do not necessarily
reflect the view of Perth County Pork
Producers.)
It is somewhat reassuring to know
that we are not the only ones who
have struggled with the high moisture
corn of '92. Our neighbours and
friends around us find themselves in
similar dilemmas. For instance, this
fall I thought we would at some point
get an extended string of nice
weather to get our field work
completed. Finally, on November
12, it rained and rained and rained.
This for me was a low point. Since
then I have been surprised how many
other farmers in my community
experienced the same low I did that
day.
It is also reassuring to know that
our support people at OMAF have
quickly perceived the dilemma some
of us will face. At the annual
seminar in early December for
lenders of Perth and Huron counties,
they alerted the lenders that many
farmers will have "slow" or, at
minimum, altered cash flows and that
perhaps some will be in need of
financing.
It is sometimes difficult to
acknowledge when we are in
financial distress. It often helps to
have a second opinion if we are in
doubt. This should be done
immediately rather that leave it 'til it
is too late. Our OMAF advisors,
Alan Scott and Rick Jefferson, have
indicated they will give priority to
help farmers and their families work
through this crisis. These people see
many balance sheets and income
statements. This allows them to
evaluate our individual situation as
compared to others. Perhaps for
some of us, it is time to leave
farming, while for others, there is
unnecessary worry.
Perhaps in some situations, the
OMAF advisors will suggest the need
for a farm family advisor. A farm
family advisor is an experienced,
successful farmer from another
location who will work with a family
as they re-evaluate their position and
chart a course of direction. If
necessary, they can accompany the
farmer to his lending institutions.
Often these people are able to find
the weak links in our operations and
then if necessary refer us to the
appropriate help. There is no cost for
this service.
Sometimes, struggles such as we
experienced in '92 can lead to many
unwanted reactions. If we as farmers
are reacting violently or dangerously,
we need help. Before we do harm to
ourselves or our families, we should
seek this. Our OMAF advisors are
interested in us as whole persons and
can give referrals if necessary. Many
of us can find
support in our church
community or local
community.
While some who
do not have crop
insurance struggle to
get their corn harv-
ested to salvage what
they can, others are
ploughing better corn
down. It seems those
with crop insurance
will be hurt Tess.
Currently, I don't
hear farmers calling
for an ad hoc program to cover those
who didn't carry crop insurance, yet
let's be compassionate with each
other. Let's cry with those who cry,
and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Personally, I hope the crop
insurance commission will again re-
evaluate their program. It seems to
me that the cost of combining should
be deducted from the payout. If this
were the case, I believe more farmers
would have harvested their corn.
For the next year, we reap the
consequences from the poor crop of
'92. Hogs may perform poorly and
equipment may break easily. Let's
remember to persevere and that we're
not in it alone. Our suppliers and
support people are ready to help.
When answers seem unclear, perhaps
our best source of information is each
other. A point of contact could be
Perth County Pork Producers
president, John Crowley at 393-6403.
Finally, a few comments about
planning for 1993 and beyond.
1) Let's set realistic, not
optimistic goals.
2) Let's be realistic about
projected hog prices.
3) If we then approach our tasks
with energy, enthusiasm and
perseverance, we will be successful.
To you and yours the best in '93
from Perth County Pork Producers'
Association.
Clare Schlegel
PORK PRODUCTS
AVAILABLE FROM:
Wayne Hartung at 291-4038
Alfred Young at 348-9352
Fred DeMartines at 393-6812
Martin Van Bakel at 345-2666
Dennis Zehr at 595-4771
JANUARY 1993 45