Times-Advocate, 1985-03-13, Page 34Page IOA
rimes -Advocate. March 13. 1985
MP's hear farm group concerns
Representatives of various commit-
tees and organizations voiced their
concerns to MP Murray Cardiff, MPP
Jack Riddell. MPP Murray Elston
and Huron County Warden Paul
Steckle during the 19135 Huron Federa-
tion of Agriculture Members' of
Parliament Dinner at Clinton's
Wesley -Willis United Church un
March 9.
The topics ranged from the impact
of hydro on farmland to the progress
of Huron County's 4-11 Clubs.
In his opening remarks. Chairman
Doug Garniss, Huron County Federa-
tion president said, "The farm com-
munity has watched in dismay as the
recovery from recession over the past
two years has passed the agricultural
community by. Our suppliers would
be the first to tell you that we have
major problems."
Hydro Report
Tony McQuail represented the
Foodland Hydro Committee and ex-
pressed the committee's concerns on
the impact of Ontario hydro routes
through southern Bruce, Huron and
.Middlesex counties. McQuail believes
that Hydro will discover that the im-
pact on agriculture will be significant
when their research is completed
"The planning process which Hydro
has been trying to follow to get more
power out of the Bruce Nuclear
Power Development is an improve-
ment over earlier years. It has involv-
ed considerable consultation with the
potentially effected communities. The
hearing process also involved con-
siderable input from government
m i nistries,• conserva t ion commissions
and farm groups. So much input was
received that the hearing board
modified the proposal Hydro had
brought it, in light of the input it
received.
"At the last moment this decision
was nullified by a court ruling that the
notice of the hearing had been inade-
quate," explained McQuail.
However, he also pointed out that
the problem .remains whether or not
a new hearing board will agree that
agricultural land preservation is a
major concern. "We can expect a
tough argument before the hearing
board.
Energy Committee
For a number of years residents of
Huron County have heard rumors of
the construction of an adjacent
energy park from the Bruce Nuclear
Power Development ( BNPD ).
The Energy Committee of the
Huron Federation of Agriculture is
not opposed to making the most of the
energy generated at the BNPU, but
would like to see the interests of the
community put first.
"We feel that if ordinary Cana-
dians, especially local residents, are
to benefit from any project at the
energy park, it is important to
develop the area with a co-operative
or small business approach as oppos-
ed to allowing huge multinationals to
prevail. Large insensitive projects
are not what the area needs or wants.
To think that a large company could
even come close to replacing the 4010
jobs that once existed at the BNPU is
wishful thinking," said Brian Jeffray
of the energy committee. "if we were
to talk strictly on the basis of job crea-
tion, the best thing the government
could do is to encourage a healthy
agriculture in ,the area."
4-11 Clubs
Approximately 1.200 youths are ex-
pected to take part in a large range
of 4-11 projects in Huron County this
year. Ken Ramsey, of (he Huron
County 4-1-1 Club Leaders' Associa-
tion, reported that the combining of
'the homemaking and agricultural
programs has been challenging. yet
rewarding to the 150 volunteer
leaders.
Events planned for this year in-
clude a judging competition.
demonstration competition, Reach
for the Top competition and an
achievement day.
Pork Producers
"The biggest single issue facing
pork producers at this -moment is
whether or not the United States
government will put duties on pork
going into the USA." said Ross Eedy
of the Huron County Pork Producers.
Mr. Eedy explained that the sub-
sidies pork producers received Last
year barely felt the subsidies were not
designed to give the Ontario pro-
ducers an advantage over the pro-
ducers in the States, who also have in-
direct subsidies to help them.
Eedy feels the arguement that
large volumes are hurting their
market is "far-fetched" because it
makes up approximately two percent
of the total market.
Another concern the pork pro-
ducers have is to make the competi-
tion•level equal for producers in each
province.
"Notable support programs in
Quebec have had a tremendous im-
pact on our industry with Quebec
doubling their production from
2.5 -million to 5 -million hogs over a
relatively short time span," com-
mented Eedy. "Under current condi-
f
HERE'S HOW -- Linda Finkbeiner, Crediton, showed what can be
done with a scarf and a necklace at the last Learning for Lent ses-
sion for this year in Zurich. Model was Mory Foreman, Grand Bend.
Correction
Jim Nixon
Motors
is still across from
Frayne Chev-Olds at
the south end of
town.
Sorry for any incon-
vience which was
caused by last week's
ad.
Two crashes
in OPP area
Only two crashes were investigated
by the Exeter OPP this week. both of
those being of a minor nature.
On Tuesday. during a heavy
snowfall, a tractor trailer driven by
John Welechenko, RR 3 Hanover,
jack-knifed on Highway 21 just north
of St. Josephs.
Damage to the vehicle was listed at
$1.51)0
The other collision was a hit and run
which occurred in Huron Park on
Saturday. A vehicle owned by harry
Bulmer, Gowanstown, was struck by
an unknown vehicle and sustained
damage of $150.
tions, a free market system is a far
cry from reality."
A third concern is for the family
farm. In order for it to survive, it is
believed a long term financing pro-
gram at reasonable interest rates is
needed. -
"Gross income is generally 2-1,
meaning a farmer invests $500,000
and with that investment, can maybe
generate $250,000. In sales in business
this is completely different. The gross
income is many times more than the
total business investment, therefore.
high interest rates of the past five
years have hurt farmers more than
any group. A long term low interest
financing program would certainly
help this situation," said Eedy.
Another point brought forward by
the Pork Producers concerns grading
fees. They feel that the government
is adding to their problems by charg-
ing 26 cents for each carcas graded.
"We are selling pork for too low a
price as it is and further fees will on-
ly make our situation worse."
During his presentation Eedy
stated that in 1975 the average price
for pork was $66.98 for 100 pounds and
in 1985, they are getting $72. He feels
that with the inflation rate, they
should be receiving $1.20 per pound to
stay at the same level of return for
1975.
Jim Hunter of the Huron County
Milk Committee presented three con-
cerns: interest rates, false dairy pro-
ducts, milk plants finding themselves
with little milk in -the fall and a price
increase in Number 1 quota milk.
Concerning fall milk shortages.
Hunter explained that the Ontario
Milk Marketing Board will try and
have more milk produced at that
time, however, he feels that this will
be difficult as cows milk production
lessens in fall and the cost of extra are
greater.
Increasing quota prices also con-
cerns Hunter. Price increases for the
dairy farmer often effects the price
of milk for the consumer and Mr.
Hunter asked, "Will the people be
able to buy the milk?"
He further added, - "We have a
business to run and most of our dairy
farmers have a large debt to service
and wages to be paid along with so
many other things."
Hunter emphasized that the long
term objective of the dairy industry
is to "ensure the maintenance of the
commitment of govermnents to the
essentials of Canada's national dairy
policy."
• Egg producers
Free trade and the difference bet-
ween the present government's at -
and the former government's attitude
is the main concern for the Iluron
County Egg Producers.
William Scott, Huron director on
the Ontario Egg Producers'
Marketing Board said, "The Cana-
dian Egg Marketing Agency is pro-
bably one of the few commodity
organizations that is not violently
complaining about the imposition of
inspection user fees by Agriculture
Canada."
The United States has had low egg
prices for the past two or three years.
The executive of the United Egg Pro-
ducers has been invited to attend a
meeting with the Canadian Egg
Marketing Agency this month, show-
ing that they are interested in learn-
ing about Canada's egg plan.
Scott commented, "It would be
ironic if we dropped supply manage-
ment or made radical changes to it
and the USA turned around and put
a supply management system in
place for eggs and then dumped their
surplus eggs into Canada.
"In these times of trimming the
spending of tax dollars, obviously
supply is a better program than any
kind of stabilization program that
depends on tax dollars and
unrestricted production."
Finance committee
The Huron Federation Mance
Committee major concerns involve
eggs, averages and incomes.
"Our research found that 10 percent
of all farmers are over 65 and about
half of all farmers are over 50... ()ur
concern is with the younger group
who will be expected to refinance the
older group as old age takes its toll.
As time passes these low equity young
farmers will be a larger percentage
and as the older high equity farmers
retire, the average equity of farmers
will decline," reported Stephen
Thompson, chairman of the Finance
Committee.
The White Paper indicates that
farmers' incomes are comparable to
other occupations. However, the coin
mittee's belief that the older farmer
makes more and the younger farmers
make. less farm income because of
their debt load and principal
payments.
Research has shown that off farm
income made up approximately 30
percent of net farm income in 1976.
"What we want to illustrate is that
if off farm income were subtracted.
farm income by itself would nol ap-
pear to provide farmers 'wage pari-
ty' with non farmers. especially for
young farmers." stated Thompson
Absentee Foreign Ownership
Ten percent of Morris Township
land can he classified as absentee
foreign ownership. said Bert Sanders
of Morris Township. Ile said that this
causes problems for the municipali-
ty because the tax base is reduced.
and since buildings are being torn
down. the population declining.
"First and foremost. ahsenlee
foreign ownership threatens the fami
ly farm We cannot compete with
owners who are willing to take a five
percent return nn their investment
when we are paying 12 15 percent or
more for mortgage money. - stated
Sanders
The response people like Sanders
Pioneer
Seed Corn
Soybeans Silabttc
Alfalfa and Mixtures
Alfalfa can now be combined with your seed corn
order for volume disc. A great alfalfa at a competitive
price.
Centralia
Geo. Screda
235-0273
Kippen
Bill Coleman
262-5031
4 1
NOT GOING ANYWHERE — Brent Bannerman, Bob Thirlwall and Wayne Urbshott appear to be heading
for a holiday. But, that was not the case. The three Lucan Irish were carrying luggage for contestants
in a "Weekend in Toronto" contest. All with eligible tickets came to o dinngr-donce Friday night ready
to head for Toronto if their name was drawn. The winners were Bill and Barb Bannerman.
..Affirmative co•ordina+or
hired by ed booed
The Iluron County Board of Educa-
tion will hire a half-time affirmative
Board -to hold
budget at -six
The Huron County Board of Educa-
tion expects to bring its 1985 budget
in at a six percent increase or Tess.
Although no specific informaton
has been released, the board's ex- -
ecutive committee says preliminary
expenditure estimates show that six
percent is a "reasonable current
projection."
The board's 1984 budget was $37
million.
The executive committee has con-
sidered a tentative list of capital pro-
jects amounting to slightly more than
$550.000 in total.
No date has been set for the board's
special budget session because up to
last week the board had not received
information from the ministry of
education indicating how much
money the Huron school system will
receive from the province.
Last year. this information was
action co-ordinator for the 198.5-86.
school year.
The school hoard approved this
measure at its March 6 meeting in
keepng with a ministry,of education
program in support of affirativeac-
tion for female employees.
The ministry will reimburse a
school board up to 75 percent of the
cost. of employing a co-ordinator to a
maximum of $20.000 in the first year
and $18,000 in the second.
In its decision to hire a co-ordinator
al about $28.695 - which will cost the
local taxpayers almost $8.000 - the
school board made a policy
statement.
This statement announces . the
board's intention to undertake an af-
firmative action program for its
female employees "to diversify their
occupational distribution within the
system and to eliminate any iden-
tified barriers to their employment
opportunity."
It will be the co-ordinator's job to
collect information on employment
policies and procedures, receive com-
ments from all employee groups and,
by February of next year, file a report
with recommendations to the school
a , e insry.
• Trustee Frank Falconer said he
saw no need to hire a teacher for this
positon when it is basically a
secretarial job.
Director of education Bob Allan
said while there are some secretarial
duties. the role calls for someone with
professional status because duties the
data collection there is a need to
evaluate the data and make
recommendations.
January.
BUS RULES
Children who will be attending
kindergarten in Huron County schools
this fall will have the chance to find
out about busing during the month of
May.
The Iluron County board of educa-
tion will start a program where
children are taught the rules of riding
a school bus before they actually start
school.
()PP Const John (Marshall. com-
munity stervices officer, and the
board's transportation manager Bob
Cunningham will be visiting the 24
schools in Huron from May 14 to 31 to
teach the children.
The registered students for
kindergarten will he in attendance as
well as their parents or guardians.
At the Iluron County hoard of
education's March meeting, trustees
were invited to participate.
Stephen okays
farm grants
(:rants for several area
agricultural organizations were ap-
proved at the Stephen Township coun-
cil meeting on Tuesday night.
The Iluron County Farm and Home
Association will receive a $50 grant
for 1985 A $200 grant will go to the
Huron County Federation of
Agriculture. The 1985 grant for the
Exeter Agricultural Society will be
$50.
Several seminars will be attended
by township employees over (he com
ing months. In April. Clerk Wilmar
Wein will attend a lax collectors'
meeting in Windsor on the I8th and
19th. His registration fee of $65 will be
paid, and he'll he reimbursed for his
expenses.
Building Official Arnold McCann
will attend a property standards
seminar fro(n June 2 to 5 in Toronto
Council approved paying his
membership fee of $40 to join the
Association of Property Standards.
and the $240 registration fee for the
seminar.
The 1985 levy for the Ausable
Bayfield Conservation Authority was
approved al the council meeting. The
Authority will receive $18.162.22. np
from $16.996.47 last year
A motion was approved to grant a
land severance application to Earl
Pickering. for part lot 10. concession
21.
Stephen Township Reeve Alan
Walper and Clerk Wilmar Wein sign
ed the agreement with Iluron County
for tax arrears collection at the
March 5 meeting
have been gelling is that governments
-(Joni want to discourage foreign nt
vestment
They are also told that absentee
foreign ownership is causing no pro
hlems. but \1r Sanders feels that
history states. otherwise.
"«'e need legislation to ensure that
our land continues to he ours the peo-
ple who produce the fond." he
concluded
Six teachers
to be dropped
Four elementary ,school teaching
positions and two secondary school
teaching positions will be dropped
from the Huron County school system
this September.
Al its March 6 meeting, the hoard
of education approved staffing levels
for the 1985-86 school year.
Personnel committee chairman
Graeme Craig said attrition- retire-
ment or resignations - will take care
of the lower number of school
teachers expected for next year.
Therewill be 319.5 teaching posi-
tions this coming school year Com-
pared to :323.3 positions now in the
Huron elementary system. Enrol-
ment is expected to go from 6.065
elementary school students this year
to 5.987 next year
Teaching staff at the• school hoard's
three schools for the trainable men-
tally retarded will stay• at 10. -
There will he 230.5 teaching posi-
tions in the county's five secondary
schools this fall compared to the
232.34 positions presently
Enrolment al the secondary schools
is expected to fall from 3.797 to 3,77i
Norris & Homuth Chartered
Accountants are pleased to
announce the appointment of
Mr. Brian Taylor, C.A. to
their professional staff.
He will be responsible for
providing auditing and ac-
counting services, personal
and business tax planning
and preparations and
general business advisory
services to our clientele.
Brian was previously
employed by a national
public accounting firm for
five years and has extensive
experience in retail,
manufacturing, agribusiness,
automotive and insurance.
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