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The Citizen, 2003-07-23, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2003. Sheep producers feel effects of price drop By Janice Becker Citizen statf News from the livestock sector has been dire for weeks. Beef prices have plummeted from $1.12 to $.35 per pound at auction since the announcement of a lone case of mad cow disease in Alberta in late May and now, lamb prices appear to be following suit Howevei when looking at the sheep industry year over year, Len Gamble owner of Brussels Livestock said the lamb prices are actually higher this year than last year in spite of a drop in the past two weeks. “I ambs are off $10 to $12,” said Gamble with the lighter lambs selling from $110 to $130.” "They are still selling pretty well and the volume is very good,” he said, with 550 to 750 going through each week. The market volume has remained steady largely due to the fact that Ontario is a net importer of lamb and the province has not yet been impacted by an inflow of western product. However, local producers are still being hurt by the drop in prices, as Allan and Claudia Cardiff of Morris can attest. “I missed the sale two weeks ago,” said Claudia, “ and when I went this past week, I had lost 40 cents a pound. The price for a 65-lb. lamb fell from $1.60 to $1.17.” The Cardiff's are among the fortunate though because their lambs are still on their mothers and in the pasture so there is not a lot of expense for feed. In the business more than 20 years, Allen Cardiff said there are always ups and down in farming, but he does not understand the current export ban on sheep except to note that North America truly is one market with the flow of animals going both ways. “Something has to give soon,” he said, “as farmers with either beef or sheep as a significant part of their operation are being stretched to the max. They are in a pinch for money and some will have to move the animals.” He noted the higher strain for those with feeder operations and therefore higher outlays. Cardiff said he doesn’t have a lot of faith in the government support programs as the money is not getting to the producers. “Farmers are still taking a hit. We would rather a fair market price than subsidies.” Brussels saw a jump in volume by more than 150 lambs for the July 10 sale, but prices for all weight classes fell significantly except for the light lambs. The hardest hit were the heavy lambs weighing in at over 110 lbs. Prices fell $54.43 per hundredweight over the previous week. In other sectors, 95-109 lbs. were down $7; 80-94 lbs., $15.61; 65-79 lbs, $13.29 and 50-64 lbs., $15.44. lambs under 50 lbs. saw prices rise $19. The Cardiffs are also among the lucky when it comes to their cow/calf operation of approximately 75 animals. Cardiff said some of the steers were sold in the spring and the rest are young enough to hold onto for a few weeks. However, there is the concern in the industry about who will buy those calves, he said. “If (the lifting of the ban) doesn’t happen by fall we will need some concrete help from the government or some very understanding bankers,” he laughed. Cardiff displayed a trait he attributes to all farmers saying he is hopeful things will improve. We have not accepted the idea (that businesses could be lost), though it is a concern. I don’t know how farmers will deal with it if it goes on much longer, but most are okay for now.” The beef industry continues to be devastated by the on-going ban on exports, said Gamble. “Cattle have lost 25 per cent of their value with cattle prices off 80 cents a pound.” “This is the 10th week and (the industry) needs a break. Producers are hurting badly as there is no cash flow. Some of our sales are just so farmers can pay the bills but they are getting $500 for an animal instead of $1,500,” said Gamble. Gamble believes there needs to be more long-term government support which will aid producers as some fear the market may never come back. While he appreciates the large food chains such as Burger King that have voiced their support for the Canadian beef industry, there is strong disdain for those promoting the use of Australian or New Zealand beef. He would like to see Canadian consumers support Canadian producers. Cardiff said most local businesses have been very supportive of the farmers, having faith that things will turn around and bills will be paid. “We have confidence the border will open soon or there will be a lot of changes in the Canadian beef industry,” he said. Pondering the future As the auction price for lambs falls on Ontario markets, many producers are left wondering how much longer the livestock industry in Canada will be impacted by the lone case of BSE in an Alberta cow. Allan Cardiff of Morris checks out his flock Monday afternoon as he considers holding off on any more sales, for now. (Janice Becker photo) WE ARE READY FOR HARVEST Feds take further measures to support beef industry The Government of Canada announced, Friday, that it has taken further measures to support domestic beef and veal producers in facing the challenges and uncertainty brought on by the single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Specifically, the government is taking several steps to help Canadian beef suppliers by encouraging the consumption of Canadian beef. First, all applications received after July 9, 2003 for imports of non­ NAFTA beef and veal above amounts already agreed to under WTO rules (called “supplemental imports”) will normally be refused. This action is being taken to increase opportunities for Canadian beef and veal suppliers. Second, a government-industry committee has been charged with examining various aspects of the current policy on supplemental beef imports. The committee, which will take into account the views of all stakeholders (including cattlemen, packers, importers and processors), has been asked to report to the Minister for International Trade and the Minister for Agriculture ahd Agri-Food by Aug. 8. The policy regarding supplemental imports of non-NAFTA beef products outlined above will stay in effect until the ministers have reviewed the committee’s report and made decisions regarding next steps. “We have taken these steps in order to maximize the opportunities for Canadian beef and veal producers while we work to restore Continued on page 15 Watch for drought stress Continued from page 1 enough heat to get the corn tasselled by the first week of August. It takes approximately six weeks from tasselling to harvestable corn and the later we go into August the more we need an open fall.” He also suggests watching for drought stress on compacted fields. The soybean crop is equally variable with good and poor fields. Crops planted in the first week of June had a long period of dry weather and went into some tough soil conditions, said Townsend. “These fields are showing the most, reduction in emergence.” Aphid monitoring is suggested as they have been spotted in an Arva research field. RECEIVING • Hard Red Winter Wheat • Soft Red Winter Wheat • Soft White Winter Wheat • Hard Red Spring Wheat Off-Farm Trucking Available at reasonable rates Call us for preharvest application of Roundup. We have a high clearance unit with 120 ft. boom ______________________ Walton 887-9261 1 -800-786-1476