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The Rural Voice, 1995-03, Page 27rate, 55 cents up to 900 pounds, 60 cents from 900-1,200, and 65 cents for 1,200 and up. It is more flexible, says Carson. "It better reflects the cost of feeding cattle. The cheapest pounds are up to 900 pounds. After that they're eating expensive feed and lots of it. It is more costly." He says with cattle coming in at different weights, and different breeds finishing at different weight, "this is a more effective way. It's a fair way and reflects the true cost of feeding cattle." Cattle were not all due on one day, this year. They arrived over three months. There were also 200 cattle and 25 producers involved. A data -base program was set up to keep track of small lots, and to give producers a maximum of feedback. The largest number of cattle brought by one producer was 29, and the smallest, two. There are both advantages and disadvantages to the staggered entry. Cattle are isolated when they arrive keeping problems, diseases and mixing to a minimum. This also allows Herron to watch the feeding and keep an eye on new arrivals. However, all this means even more bookwork and to help Herron they set up a database computer program. "It's been a learning process," says Bill Herron. "When we started I was unsure what pieces of information I wanted to put on it daily." He says they started with keeping track of feed for the owners, plus arrival dates, birth dates and breeds were recorded. Since then he has added sicknesses. Now when a farmer asks why one of his calves gained 1/2 pound less in one month than the others, he can look it up and tell him, "he was sick in November." While the main objective was to increase the profits from cow herds and provide producers with another option for marketing calves, education became a significant part HEAVY DUTY FARM TRUCK 1989 GMC • 427-V8 engine • 5 spd. trans. • H.D. battery • 7000 lb. front axle • 19000 lb. 2 spd. rear axle • 23000 lb. R. springs & aux. • H.D. shocks • 173" W.B. • Mirrors & lamps • Block heater • AM -FM Radio • F. tow hooks • 1000 x 20 tires • Step tank • Air seat • Air brakes • High tensile frame • Box - 14' & 5' sides • 12 ton hoist $15,90020• 'Price excludes freight, taxes & licence GOING THE EXTRA MILE ... BECAUSE YOU DO! Grey Motors 376-2240 Hwy #70 (1/4 mile North of Springmount Corners) GREY -BRUCE WOODLOT CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION Elmwood Community Centre Saturday, March 25, 1995 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. • View Forestry Displays (8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.) • Participate In Conference (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.) • Developing A Harvest Plan For Your Woodlot • Tree Planting Initiatives • Improving Your Woodlot For Good Logs • Panel: Marketing Your Woodlot, • Door Prizes ® Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs cYTI Pre -registration cost - $15.00 per person, payable to Grey -Bruce Woodlot Conference (includes hot meal). For more information or to register contact: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Walkerton - 881-3301 or 1-800-265-3023 OR Markdale - 986-2040 or 1-800-265-9152 Those who wish to set up an agroforestry display, please call. This project is partially funded through the Information and Services Program of OATI. MARCH 1995 23