The Rural Voice, 1993-11, Page 7Feedback
go to a market where lambs are sold
and realize the truth.
The packers have complained for
years of the small numbers of good
lambs available to them. If it weren't
for the ethnic trade in lambs a lot of
lambs would never find a home. It is
only the de -valued dollar that has
prevented packers from importing
lambs from the U.S. and, in turn, our
prices have risen since last fall.
I would use the term "sheep busi-
ness" or "sheep industry" very loose-
ly. At best the "sheep industry" in
Ontario, including purebreds, is frag-
mented with absolutely no consistent
breeding or cross -breeding programs
and the majority of sheep are in
hobby or part-time flocks. In the
years I raised sheep I have seen a lot
of instant experts come and go, most
lasting for an average of three years.
The Agency uses another crutch
that it is a voice of the industry —
more like a voice in the wind .. .
The interests of sheep producers
had been served before the advent of
the Agency by individuals or groups
of producers who dealt with
government in the field of predator
control and compensation for losses
and other problems — that is another
story in itself.
Having said all of the above, I
realize there is a good market for
good lambs in Ontario. The
producers with viable flocks must
seek out their own markets since they
cannot rely on open markets or "The
Marketing Agency". I know of some
who are doing just that because of
their hard work, hustle and a good
case of the smarts. I'll be damned if
they should contribute anything to an
agency that is ready for the last rites!
The amount of money I paid the
OSMA is not going to break me or
make them. It might go a long way
to pay the Secretary for a week's
wages.
There is a principle involved here,
and I believe that a few people have
been given too much power and have
abused that power with their main
objective to take money from produ-
cers. One thing for sure is that their
public relations with both producers
and others in the business leaves a lot
to be desired. A lot of producers feel
Now available from:
HILL & HILL FARMS LTD.
• SEED CORN - Golden Harvest
Hades - 3050 H.U.
H2349 - 3050 H.U.
- Funks
G4193 - 2975 H.U.
G4260 - 2950 H.U.
G4160 - 2850 H.U.
G4070 - 2775 H.U.
G4120 - 2725 H.U.
• SEED SOYBEANS
- Secan - Maple Donovan
- OAC Dorado
- OAC Shire
- First Line - AC Bravor
- Secord
- Brock
- 2750 H.U.
- 2850 H.U.
- 2950 H.U.
- 2700 H.U.
- 2800 H.U.
- 2950 H.U.
Remember: Quality Is Not
Expensive, It's Priceless!
CaII Pete or Bev at 519-233-3218
Aece\vets
4 d-
9, cIo
1Seybean
drop
Contact:
BEV HILL
233-3218
VARNA
GRAIN
WNEAT• BARLEY
CORN • SOYABEANS:
FIRST LINE SEEDS
or PETE ROWNTREE
233-7908
NOVEMBER 1993 3