The Rural Voice, 1987-09, Page 1391 %
Deposit.::; 2
INSURED
w�u,rt
1 yr
Jm�tyl J
AROUND GREY
THE FEDERATION
IN HISTORY
There have been many farm organi-
zations playing a role in the revolution-
ary changes that have taken place in
rural life in the past few decades.
The first major organization formed
in Ontario after the Women's Institute
was the Federation of Agriculture.
Started largely at the instigation of Grey
County residents, it came into being at a
meeting held April 6, 1940.
D. J. McDonald of Bentinck Town-
ship became president and Wesley
Magwood of the Hanover area became
secretary. (McDonald was warden in
1933, served as reeve for 18 years, and
was a member of council for a number of
years.) The budget for the year was $20,
including a grant from the County
Council.
The federation initiated a number of
services to the farm public. One of the
most noteworthy was the Farm Forurh,
which made full use of radio starting in
1940. At one time, Grey had nine more
forums than any other county. The
federation also started organizations to
protect hog, beef, and cream producers.
County medical and insurance co-
operatives were another federation ini-
tiative, as was playing a role in bringing
about measures to control animal tuber-
culosis and brucellosis through vac-
cines.
A strong organization in the county
today, the federation also operates at the
township level, creating strong ties
among farmers. Among others, Thomas
Cooper and Herb Hannon have contrib-
uted a great deal to the federation. The
present county president is Murray
Clarke, the secretary is Mary Harvie, the
first vice-president is Agnes Diemen,
and the second vice-president is Lorne
Eccles.0
J. Anderson
FARM FACTS
A total of 675,311 acres is farmed in
Grey County. Main crops are hay
(170,000 acres), mixed grained
(61,000 acres), barley (42,000 acres),
silage corn (23,000 acres), grain corn
(11,000 acres), oats (9,500 acres),
and winter wheat (1,500 acres).
,ZEINVESTMENTS BEST RATES
FINANCIAL
CENTRE
Goderich
519-524-2773
1-800-265-5503
84%
Short Term
GREY & BRUCE
SALVAGE
Celebrating 40 years
of close ties
with the
farm community
gates, pens, posts,
partitions, or feeders,
or farm buildings
& equipment
Highway 6 & 10
Owen Sound
519-376-0420
SEPTEMBER 1987 53