The Rural Voice, 1998-12, Page 64GREY
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9
Email: gcfa@greynet.net Website: headwaters.com/gcfa 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
• The Rural Voice is provided to all Grey
County Farmers by the GCFA.
With the daylight being rationed to
less than 10 hours a day, it is time to
realize that 1998 is all but over and
one can reflect back on the busy
season that farmers put in every
summer to get ready for the long
winter ahead.
This past year for farmers living in
Grey County was for the most part a
lot different than what we normally
experience. The dry weather in some
areas sure made it difficult to get
enough hay for the winter and many
barley fields had to be baled and
wrapped to ensure enough forage. In
some cases even that was not enough
and tough decisions had to be made
to downsize the herds.
Many farmers got into an
additional line of work such as
hauling water for their livestock due
to wells and ponds going dry. When
that happens one surely is faced with
the reality how important water is for
everyone's survival. Yes, water is
one resource that Grey County has
always been blessed with and we
should be thankful for that and use it
with the respect it deserves since our
very survival depends on it.
Most grain crops did quite well
despite the dry weather, but then the
prices plummeted and the returns are
miserable. The livestock sector is
also under a lot of pressure especially
for the hog producers as the bottom
fell out of this commodity completely
ENVIRONMENTAL
FARM PLAN
WORKSHOP
January 4 & 11, 1999
Participation Lodge
10:00 a.m.
Sponsored by
Holland Township Federation
60 THE RURAL VOICE
How was your year?
and the price for pigs is at an all time
low, even lower than it was 35 years
ago. I wonder where all the experts
are now that recommended farmers
increase production and build new
mega barns. Folks, could it be that
the 1970s are back upon us? If so, it
becomes quite important that farmers
have strong presentation at all levels
of guvernment to avoid disaster. The
Ontario Federation of Agriculture is a
good choice and is working for you
to make the impact of this year's
tough time easier to bear, but OFA
needs ycur support and is ready to
face all issues head on.
One bright spot this past season is
that farmers seem more aware of
safety on the farm as fatalities are
down this year and more and more
farm vehicles are using reflective
tape to be seen at night time driving.
Remember you have to be seen to be
safe on the roads.
Well, how was your year?0
— Karl Chittka, 1st Vice President
GREY COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, December 17, 1998
1:00 p.m.
* Note time change*
OMAFRA Boardroom, Markdale
Members are welcome to attend
NOTICE — RE DROUGHT DAMAGE
REPORT FORMS
The deadline to submit forms has been extended to
November 30, 1998
If you have not yet returned your form — it is not too late
to do so, or if you would like a form to complete
please contact your Municipal Office or our office at
519-364-3050 or 1-800-265-9551 (if long distance)
Fax: 519-364-4119
Please return completed forms by November 30
to your Municipal office or to our office at
446 10th Street, Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9