The Rural Voice, 1998-07, Page 58BRUCE
44610th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1 P9
Email bruce@ofa.on.ca 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
A new organization is formed
So many organizations needing
volunteers. So many people with so
little time to spare. Why do we need the
numerous organizations? Much time
and effort is spent by OFA, and other
organizations getting the message out
about all of the things that they are
doing to help their members and
potential members. Do these
organizations exist so that the people
who get involved in them can find
something to do?
We live in an organized, and
structured society. There are
procedures that must be followed, and a
system in which to work, if one wants
change. Trying to work around the
system seldom achieves the goal one
sets out for. I am the first to agree that
much of the unproductive nonsense that
goes on is a waste of energy, and time.
Why do we need so many expensive
lawyers, accountants, etc., all people
who produce nothing our society?
Because that is the way our society has
set itself up through its history. Just as
we need these people in our society, in
its current structure, so do we need the
many organizations which look out for
our interests, as governments look
toward change. Although none of us
want to look for more demands to cram
into our limited time, it seems as
though it is necessary to spend some
effort in looking out for our interests.
On Thursday, April 2, 1998 there
was an information meeting held at the
Walkerton Agricultural Society Hall,
Walkerton. The purpose of this meeting
was to see if there was interest, in
Ontario, in forming an organization to
represent the concerns of cattle feeders
in this province.
There were participants from a large
area of the province in attendance.
Everyone was welcomed, and informed
of the intent, if enough interest was
demonstrated, of forming a new
organization to work along with
existing organizations to protect and
promote the cattle feeding industry in
Ontario. It was proposed that a steering
committee be set up to look at the
54 THE RURAL VOICE
development of a constitution,
structure, membership, and the next
meeting date. It was suggested that, if
formed, this new organization would
have a proactive approach towards a
number of areas of concern. They
ranged from cross-border issues and
marketing, to consumer education, and
many more.
During the discussion portion of the
meeting there was mention of similar
existing organizations in other
provinces, and how they work with
other organizations, such as the
Canadian Cattlemen's Association, to
deal with their issues. There was also a
lengthy discussion held regarding
current cross border laws, and how they
might be improved. 1t was also
mentioned that a new organization
would work closely with the Ontario
Cattlemen's Association to achieve its
goals. It was also suggested that the
new organization might be able to help
with some direction for the Ontario
cow/calf industry.
After some discussion a call was
made for a show of hands to determine
if there was enough interest in forming
an association. It was an unanimous
decision by the participants of the
meeting, to go ahead. A steering
committee of nine was formed to
consider a constitution, structure,
membership, etc.
The steering committee has since
proposed the name for the new
organization to be "Ontario Cattle
Feeders' Association". They have
chosen Dave Gardiner, Kirkton as
president, and Ron Bennett, Gorrie as
vice-president. The steering committee
has also released a mission statement:
"to improve and maintain a more
competitive and viable beef feeding
industry in Ontario."
The steering committee proposes a
membership fee of $150 per year for
feeders with less than 500 head on feed,
$300 for 500 to 2,000 head, and $500
for over 2,000 head on feed. Associate
membership fees for those involved in
other aspects of the business will be
' The Rural Voice is provided to Bruce
County Farmers by the BCFA.
$300. The board will be made up of 11
directors.
A general meeting is being planned
for late August, in midwestern Ontario,
and the regular annual meeting will be
held in early winter.
As I looked for a way to start this
article its direction became clear. I
suspect that as grain and oilseed
markets move south, from their highs in
the past couple of years, that there will
be a growing interest from many in the
agricultural community towards the
numerous organizations to do
something to help them. Remember
that not all people are capable of doing
a good job of the work that is done by
these organizations, but many of you
have the ability, or some time to offer,
so please consider getting involved.
Too often it is the same people
involved in a number of organizations,
when there must certainly be others
who could offer some support with
their time, and efforts.0
Submitted by Chris Freiburger
BCFA Executive Member
IMPORTANT
NOTICE!!
Deadline for
Farm Business Registration is
AUGUST 31, 1998
in order to be eligible for the
Class 6 Farmland Designation and
the 25% Property Tax Rate in 1999.
**PLEASE NOTE**
The following meeting
has been cancelled:
BRUCE COUNTY FEDERATION
OF AGRICULTURE
Director's Meeting
Monday, July 27, 1998
8:00 p.m.
i