The Rural Voice, 1999-06, Page 68HURON
Box 429, Clinton, Ontario NOM 1L0
519-482-9642 or 1-800-511-1135 Email: huron@ofa.on.ca
•The Rural Voice is provided to all farmers
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTE R in Huron County by the HCFA.
Huron Federation announces Agriculture Platform for election
The Huron County Federation of
Agriculture has prepared an
Agricultural Platform on the issues
that they feel the next government of
Ontario must address.
"The push for reinvestment is one
of several issues in our Agricultural
Election Platform" says Pat Down,
Huron Federation President.
"Government reinvestment in the
industry is an issue of ongoing
concern and we want to make sure
it's addressed during this election,"
says Down. Reinvestment in the
areas of risk management programs,
research and technology, food safety,
environment, and market
development are needed to bolster the
agriculture and food industry in
Ontario.
"Agriculture is an essential
component of the Ontario economy
and the local economy here in Huron
and Bruce Counties." says Down.
"When the agricultural economy is
thriving, the spin-off effects for the
rest of the economy are huge." she
added.
Other issues in their platform are
revisions to the Retail Sales Tax and
the way it applies to farmers. Rural
Safety Tape Blitz
going well
The "Tractor" safety tape BLITZ
is going very well in Huron County.
Every OFA member in the county
will be given a free tractor safety
tape kit, with the option to purchase
extra kits, as well the option to
purchase "tow" and/or "overwidth"
kits. At this time the townships of
Hay, Stephen. Ushorne, Stanley are
completed with Tuckersmith close to
being finished.
During the next two years the
remaining townships will be
canvassed. If anyone wishes their
free kit before the directors get to
your area, call or drop into the
Federation office at Vanastra for
yours. We also have the other two
64 THE RURAL VOICE
health care and education are also
priorities to the Federation, as rural
Ontario has unique needs in these
areas. The effects of downloading of
services to local municipalities also
needs to be addressed. according to
their platform. Dedicating a portion
of gasoline taxes toward the
maintenance of rural roads and
guaranteeing provincial infrastructure
money is made available are seen as
priorities. The issue of land
ambulance services and the need for
this service to be funded provincially
is also an issue, according to the
Federation.
Rounding out the issues identified
is the need for accessible and
affordable childcare for rural areas.
They are also advocating an
increased role for the Ministry of
Huron County Federation of Agriculture
ANNUAUREGIONAL MEETING
Thursday, October 7, 1999
BMG Community Centre, Brussels
7 p.m.
Details to follow soon — mark your calendar!
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
as an unbiased education and
information source.
The issues are being raised as a
way of making the voting public
aware of concerns in local
agricultural circles. The Huron
Federation has sent their platform to
each candidate and will address as
many of the issues as possible to
them during two of their all -
candidates meetings, one already held
Wednesday, May 19 at Huron
Centennial School at Brucefield, and
on Monday, May 3 1 , 1999 at the
Lucknow Legion.0
HCFA OFFICE HOURS
Mondays and Fridays
9 a.m. to 12 noon
1 p. m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Please teave a message.
(519) 482-9642
1-800-511-1135
FAX (519) 482.1416
Board of Directors' Meetings
4th Monday of month
8:00 p.m. — Vanastra Office
1999 International Plowing Match
The International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show is being held in Huron County
from September 21 to September 25, 1999 at the village of Dashwood which is situated near
Grand Bend and Lake Huron.
The IPM is trying a new and unique method to help people obtain their admission tickets in
advance of the Plowing Match, as well as an opportunity to win a major prize. For the first time
ever it is possible to pre -purchase your tickets (in packages of five) to the IPM. Those who
purchase the advance tickets will have a chance on a draw for a luxurious Park Model Home.
Ontario residents may be interested to know that any profits from the match are, "pardon the
pun," plowed back into the community.
The first International Plowing Match was held in 1913 in York County, Toronto at Sunnybrook
Farm, now the site of Sunnybrook Hospital. Thirty-one plowmen competed in seven classes, and
the executive telt it was a success although the weather was unfavourable. Admission was free
and a charge was rade on each vehicle of 50 cents. Accommodation was provided for the
contestants in one of the buildings, but each had to furnish their own bedding.
In 1918 the Plowing Match was cancelled due to the influenza epidemic that killed millions of
people throughout the world. The Second World War halted the matches from 1942 until 1946.
The first match held after World War II was held at Port Albert Airfield, Goderich, Ontario on
October 15 - 18 in 1946. This was Huron County's first International Plowing Match. Prize money
amounted to approximately $5,000. In 1999, prize money will exceed $35,000 for plowing events.
For further information, please contact: Mrs. Jeanne Kirkby, Secretary, 34 Queen St., Walton,
Ontario NOK 1ZO. Phone 519-887-6038, Fax 519-887-6326 or e-mail: jkirkby@wcl.on.ca or Harry,
W. Nesbitt, Tickets Sales, Stratford.0
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