The Rural Voice, 1999-01, Page 55RAINY RIVER
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Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER RAINY RIVER VALLEY
R.R. 1, Devlin, Ontario POW 1C0
807-486-3622
• The Rural Voice is provided to Rainy
River Federation members by the RRFA.
December 8, 1998
It's midnight, but I'm determined
to complete this page for the deadline
tomorrow.
We just had our December RRFA
meeting at Morley with the new and
old executive rounding off the 1998
year. Attending were Linda
Armstrong, Diane Vandenbrand,
Wayne Flatt, Betty Salchert, Shirley
Morrish, KimJo Calder, Wade
Desserre, Rudy Sinninghe, Kristine
Carpenter and James Gibson. It's
great to have Linda back with all her
worldly wisdom from her position as
Regional Director. She comes with
many talents and determination to see
that the job gets done. But, this
ingenious lady cannot run a good ship
without a supportive crew, so as
members of RRFA, let's all try to
make this coming year a productive
one and be ready to strengthen the
RRFA goals. "Attitude is a little thing
that makes a big difference".
Linda reported that the new OFA
president is Ed Segsworth. Linda
attended the annual meeting in
November along with Kris Carpenter
and Betty Salchert. Kris reminded
everyone that pesticide licences must
be renewed and that firearms are to be
registered by January 1, 2001. We'll
not get into that heavy discussion this
time around.
Kris reported for Ag in the
Classroom which is under a new
name OAFE, that we would be doing
classroom visits February 19, 1999.
Teachers will be contacted and
information will be available at that
time.
KimJo and Wayne gave a
Cattlemen's report. There was a field
trip to check out some new scales to
replace the old ones. Renovations will
also take place at the Stratton
Salesyard this new year. The annual
meeting is scheduled for January 20,
1999 at Stratton.
Tom contacted Nault's office again
this morning. They haven't done
anymore about our local in -transit
issue, because the officials are all tied
up with the dispute going on with the
American farmers trying to block
Canadian produce from going into
their markets. Their prices are hurting
r
too, but all we want to do is use the
highway to get to Manitoba via a
shorter route. It just does not seem to
be important enough to the
government officials to make the
Rainy River District producers
content. We'll not give up. We'll bug
them until something positive comes
from all the phone calls.
Kris reported that the Community
Pasture made a bit of extra money by
selling wood this season, so they have
dollars left after purchasing corral
panels. An application form will go
out in the local paper to hire a new
manager. They are looking for
someone to attend the annual meeting
in Toronto, January 19 — this
coincides with the Farm Show.
If you're driving from Fort
Frances, watch for our new sign
promoting Agriculture in the Rainy
River District. It's quite striking, but
the Highways management made
Peter put it far enough off the
roadside, that to really enjoy the
artwork, you must stop your car and
have a really good look. Peter is a true
artist and this is one of his
masterpieces. The other sign will be
at the other end of the District in
Rudy Sinnighe's field. Rudy and
Leon DeGagne have kindly donated
the sites for the latest project
sponsored by the RRFA.
If anyone is interested in properly
training a stock -dog to round up those
cows or sheep or whatever, a program
is being set up through OMAFRA at
Emo. Call 482-2310 or 1-800-465-
2917 if you're interested. No farm
should be without a good cowdog.
Believe me, it saves miles of running,
yelling and marriage breakdowns.
With a good dog, you don't ever have
to talk, just use hand signals and
roundup time is so much calmer.
The Annual 4-H Banquet and
Awards night is February 5, 1999 at
the Emo Arena. Deb Zimmerman will
cater. The Ontario 4-H council will
hold their annual at Geneva Park
February 27 - 28, 1999. We have 70
4-H families on our mailing list, but
we are still in need of volunteer
leaders. Remember our kids need us
now. "We cannot direct the wind, but
we can adjust the sails".
Show halters will once again be
presented to all first year beef and
dairy 4-H members who completed
their project. There are seven this
year. The cost is shared by the Rainy
River Cattlemen's Association and
the Rainy River Federation of
Agriculture.
Be sure to switch over to winter
diesel fuel before it gets any colder or
you'll be having problems.
There's a new SMV (slow moving
vehicle) sign on the market that can
be seen a mile away. There are lights
wired into it that can run by a solar
panel battery good for 96 hours or
hooked up to the machine you are
operating. They sell for about $109,
complete with the mounting bracket.
KimJo announced that the
Environmental Farm Plan is still
going on if anyone wants to sign up.
She also mentioned that it definitely
has nothing to do with the Manitou
Fish projects.
Congratulations to Ed Segsworth
on his second term as OFA president.
The OFA vice-presidents are Ron
Bonnett from Bruce Mines and Ken
Kelly from Paisley. Ken and Ron
have both visited our District as guest
speakers and realize the distance our
District covers. They won't forget the
Rainy River District.
In 1960, one farmer fed 25 people.
Today, one farmer feeds 129.
With the festive season upon us
and everyone in holiday moods, let's
think of others who are not so
fortunate. Remember that the best
exercise for your heart is helping
others.
Follow OFA president Ed
Segsworth's advice when he stated
that, "It can't be a one-person
organization". The RRFA has a lot to
offer and it needs your support. Feel
free to call any one of the directors if
you have an issue or project that
should be dealt with. Some ventures
may take a little longer, but usually
they are resolved.
We need old friends to help us
grow old and new friends to help us
stay young, and tears are the river that
carry us forward.
Happy New Year to all of you!O
– By Shirley Morrish
JANUARY 1999 51