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Times-Advocate, 1986-12-31, Page 17DINGO AT VILLA — Residents of the Villa enjoy a game of bingo before the holidays. T -A photo He wrote in the 1700s and his Poor Richard's Almanac can still give readers a chuckle. He was one of America's most beloved politicians; he even gained considerable respect for his fledging nation in Europe. He is considered one of the wisest men who ever lived. Here is what Benjamin Franklin had to say about agriculture: "There seems to be but three ways for a nation to acquire wealth. The first is by war, as the Romans did, in plundering their conquered neighbors. This is robbery. Bull comes to Lucknow The John Howard family of Lucknow, Ontario was the lucky win- ner of the yearling Charolais bull in the Canadian Charolais Association's 1986 Win -A -Bull V Draw. This is the fifth year that the Charolais Associa- tion has awarded a Charolais bull to a commercial cattleman as part of its innovative promotional programs. The Howards became eligible for this program when they purchased a yearling bull WCF 79T from Wat-Cha Farms of Mount Forrest, Ontario. Entered in the draw were the registration numbers of over 5900 Charolais bulls that had been transferred to commercial cattlemen in the past year. The Howards farm 2000 acres southwest of Lucknow, Ontario, John and his four sons operate a 120 head cow/calf oAeratio(►, IIIIMC1 ofi,, four Charolais bulls. They made the switch to the Charolais about five years agc and were quite excited when learning of their win. The Howards will make their bull selection early in 1987 from Ontario and Quebec Charolais Herds enrolled on CHARM - the Assocation's perfor- mance program. PLAN CONFERENCES The Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph is offering several full- and part -day agricultural conferences January 6, 7, 8 and 11. Geared to farmers and agribusiness personnel. each program focuses on a particular aspect of agriculture. Full-day sessions January 6 cover the Pesticide Controversy and Dairy Production Strategies; an afternoon session discusses Computer Applica- tions to Agriculture. Management Changes fortheFuture andConserva- tion Farming run all day January 7. On January 8, there is a full-day ses- sion on Safety in Farm Operations; part -day programs include a morning session on Moldy Corn and afternoon sessions on White Beans and Agrometeorology. Programs are at the Canadian Legion, York Road, Guelph. Morning. sessions begin at 10 a.m.; afternoon sessions run from 1 to 3 p.m. The one- time conference registration fee of $10 includes one lunch. Two- and three- day registrants are charged an addi- tional $5 per day for lunches. "The second is by commerce, which is generally cheating. "The third is by agriculture, the on- ly honest way, wherein man receiv- ed a real increase of the seed thrown into the ground, in a kind of continual miracle wrought by the hand of God in his favour, as a reward for his in- nocent life and his virtuous industry." Although his assessment of com- merce is arguable, I readily agree that agriculture is certainly an honest way to acquire wealth. Nations can ignore agriculture at their peril. When agriculture is healthy, the rest of the nation is healthy. Which is what Prime Minister Mulroney said a couple of weeks ago in a slightly different way. He was quoted as saying "when farmers are hurting, the nation is hurting. When farmers hurt, the Parliament of Canada should respond." And parliament responded alright with $1 billion. It will be a great way to start the New Year. Although it won't prevent bankruptcy for some, it will aid a great many farmers who have had their backs to the wall because of the trade war between the European market and the Excited States. Naturally, as soon as the payout was announced, someiarm leaders brayed that it was too little, too late. I know of no other economic group in this country that was given such.a generous Christmas -New Year's pre- sent. It is a great way to start the New Year. Of course, it won't pay off all the debts but it will give some farmers breathing space and what a wonderful way lo start the new year! Guessperts are saying the average farm income will rise3.5 per cent. In- stead of national derease in the an- nual farm income -- estimated at 18 per cent - the federal government says the realized net farm income will come to a record $4.8 billion. • These are only figures, of course, and statistics can be interpreted to mean almost anything. A great many farmers are still in trouble and will remain that way. Some will be able to pay down their debt. The average farmer, said Agminister John Wise, will receive about $5,000 and the max- imum payout will not exceed $25,000. I hold no brief for any political par- ty but I believe in giving credit where credit is due. I feel warm inside to know that the senior government in this country realized how tough it is in the boondocks these days. I usually enumerate specific areas needing New Year's wishes in my final column of the year. It seems enough this year to simply say we are fortunate to live in this country. We have a surplus in almost every food product raised in this bountiful land. We have governments across the land who are aware of and are trying to do something constructive for the people of Canada, especially farmers. God bless our political leaders at this time of year, I say. And thank God we have men and women willing to serve. it is a thankless job at the best of times and constantly criticized by a sometimes callous press. Gingerbread house becomes a tradition Marla Cairns of Grand Bend car- ries on a tradition she started six .years ago when she and husband John moved to this village. Her gingerbread house, created on the frame constructed by John, is donated to raise funds for local charities. This year, the pupils of (,rand Bend Public School will share in the goodies donated by Susan of Finnegan's Restaurant where the house is cur- rently displayed. Last year, Maria's work of art was donated for a raffle conducted by Father Joe of Mt. Carmel. Each house is different. Her recipe? Lots of egg whites, ic- ing sugar and cream of tartar mixed one batch at a time, and approximate- ly seventy hours of T.L.C. Marla says, "i enjoy doing it. It's a new challenge each year, and it always goes to the kids". Although John admits he doesn't have the patience to work on the ac- tual decorations, he claims, "it's fabulous that kids get to enjoy it. That's what it's all about." Only few appear practical Times -Advocate, December 31, 1986 Page 17 Area p�fr get nwny form Ideas A close-up look at the costs and pro- fits, benefits and pitfalls of everything from raising alligators to growing zin- nias was offered to the 5,0110 people wlfo attended. the ADAPT 100 con- ference organized by Successful Far- ming magazine and held recently in the Convention Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Participants were offered their choice of 100 workshops on various ways agricultural diversification could add to a farmer's income. All were conducted by the people who were speaking from first-hand experience. Uwe Wisch and Al Hoggarth, two local cashcroppers who attended the two-day event found many of the sug- gested options impractical for Huron County because of geography, special conditions required, or extremely high start-up costs. Other ideas would face eompetition from already established enterprises. Alligator farming was stroked off the list right away. Aside from the danger of the creatures freezing to death or escaping to Hay swamp, a quick glance at a five-year budget shows first-year costs 'of $40,000, $59,760 the second year, and $114,864 the third, with a footnote stating that no sales are made until the end of year four: (All figures are in American dollars.) . Booker T. Whatley, a retired hor- ticulture protestor from tbe Tudiegee Lostitate in Alabama, dangled the car- rot et a potential as high as $100,000 from 25 acres within five years of switching to diversified, high-value crops. A demonstration farm shows a farm divided into areas for feeder lambs, walnuts, sweet corp, root crops, herbs, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, peas or beans, greens, game birds, rabbits, bees and a fish pond, plus' all facilities for a pick - your -own operation. Whatley advocates ventures pro- ducing a minimum gross of $3,000 per acre, with crops maturing at different times. He admits his plan calls for a sophisticated manager, precise tim- ing in planting, pest management, ir- rigation and harvesting, and exper- tise in bookkeeping. He publishes a monthly newsletter costing $15 per year with advice on implementing his plan. • Ginseng culture was also discard- ed. Once the crop is established, pro- fit potential is high, but so are start- up costs. Ginseng is both labour and capital -intensive, requiring an initial investment of 600 hours and $20,000 per acre per year initial investment. Exportmarkets are uncertain, and lit- tle published research is available to guide the inexperienced grower. Among the more exotic crops men- tioned were crambe, (a member of the mustard family) and amaranth Release winners of Junior Citizens Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards chairman, Don Smith recent- ly announced the names of 10 in- dividuals and one group who will receive Junior Citizen citations for 1986. Mr. Smith, Publisher of the Bracebridge Herald Gazette, chaired an all -day session as five judges, publisher and editors representing the Ontario Community Newspaper Association, reviewed the 82 nomina- tions before deciding on the final reci- pients. Ontario Community Newpapers Association is the co- ordinator and Canadian Pacific Air Lines the patron of the Junior Citizen Program. Young people aged 6 to 18 who are residents of Ontario and have proven their courage, ingenuity, resourcefulness, initiative, leader- ship, fortitude, community services and selfless performance were eligi- ble for nomination. Mr. Smith said each one of the nominations was I deserving of an award and the quali- ty of this year's entries whs "excellent". The recipients and their families have been invited to attend OCNA's annual convention in Toronto March 5.6 and 7, 1987. They will be honored at a reception sponsored by Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, Lincoln Alex- ander in his suite at Queen's Park and the awards will be presented by him at a convention luncheon, Friday, March 5, 1987. Each will receive a $200 cheque, a plaque, a gold lapel pin and a family portrait with the Lieutenant Governor. • the final recipients can be proud of their accomplishments, for going that extra mile in heroism, humanitarianism, community ser- vice or overcoming physical limita- tions," he said. "We commend all of our young people". Farm group boosts budget The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario has expanded its budget by 16 percent. Christian farmers from across the province gathered in Guelph early in December and adopted plans t pand the work of CFFO in 1987. The 'also elected a new president and vice- president. CFFO has already added research assistant, Larry Liitgendorff to its staff and another staff expansion is planned for early -in the new year. The ' Federation Pal a' ma jar effort in 1987 to expand its support well beyond the present 600 members and 400 donators. The Federation expects to end 1986 with a small deficit as a result of its flexible membership approach. The Federation allows young farm families to join the Federation at $100 and encourages them to increase their fees by $50 per year. Farm families that are not well established financially arc allowed to pay what they can. As a result the average membership paid during 1986 has been about $4o short of the requested x - The 1986 recipients include: ,` The convention delegates kept the membership fee at $300 and will urge their established members to pay more than requested in order to make up for those who can not. Rita Rudolph, 11 of Hepworth for rising above physical limitations to excel in schoolwork and become a leader and a helper. Rita suffers from dwarfism. Carol Wood, 18 of Newmarket for her continued support and volunteer assistance with the physically disabled. Maria Dalton, 18 of Goderich for her courage, compassion and action • CONTEST OPENS A London poet and an award- winning novelist will judge the 1987 Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Award pro - in promoting awareness of the pro-'' Contest, originally a Centennial ject of the Kitchener Public Library, and named in honor of its former chief librarian. Poet Colleen Thibaudeau will judge the poetry entries and novelist Janette Turner Hospital will select , the prose winners. The contest is sponsored by par- ticipating public libraries within On- tario Library Service - Saugeen, and the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture. It is open to residents in Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, Huron, Perth and Wellington counties, and the Region of Waterloo. Entry forms for the contest are available at participating public verty in Haiti, within her own community. Melissa Anne Hague, ,16 of Lakefield, for overcoming a physical handicap going that extra mile with fundraising and volunteer activities in her community. Mark Falzon, 14 of Markham for reacting quickly to rescue a fellow ac- tor from beneath some moving stage props and for his courageous rescue of a young friend from the bottom of a neighbour's pool. • Ruel Brown, 13 of Paris for the dar- ing rescue of his grandfather and two- year old brother from a burning car. Janell Roth, 15 of Tavistock for con libraries in Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, tinued fundraising efforts for Cancer 1 Huron, Perth 'Ind Wellington coun- despite her battle with Hodkinson's ties, and the Region of Waterloo. The deadline for entries is April 1, 1987. disease. Barry McArthur, 18 of Gorrie, for his heroic action in rescuing two young children from drowning in a dam. Karen Goodfellow, 17 of Toronto, for her outstanding dedication to her involvements with church, "Youth against Racism", counselling autistic youths and working with the disabled. Jeffrey Challe, 13 of Brantford, for his courageous rescue of two young boys from Browing in the Grand River. Group Award: The South Fredericksburg Teen Committee. Eleven young people whose outstan- ding creativity in developing .ac- tivities for young adults stimlated the community spirit. There were 82 nominations submit- ted by community newpapers, schools and citizens in 1986. in the pro- gram's first six years a total of 786 young people have been nominated for awards and 60 individuals and five groups have received Junior Citizen citations. OCNA President, Terry McConnell of Tilbury praised all those who were nominated for an award and thanked the citizens, teachers and newspapers for submitting nominations. "Even those who were not among (at one time a major farm crop in the Aztec and Inca cultures). Little infor- mation was given on cost oT produc- tion or returns. Growing trees seemed a more prac- tical way of adding to farm income. Workshops on this topic included marketing Christmas trees, mer- chandising shade trees, a look at peach and tart cherry production, selling firewood, making maple syrup, combining farm crops and Walnut trees, and starting an apple orchard. - Alternative livestock suggestions included raising llamas, stock dogs, hunting dogs, trapping one's farm, and Angora goats. Those interested in starting in llama or Angora goat operation should be prepared for a substantial initial investment in breeding stock. Prospective entrepreneurs could also learn more about raising deer for venison, quail and other game birds for the restaurant trade, minkand foxes for the fur industry, and escargot for the specialty market. Among the vegetable crops were wild rice. gourmet vegetables, Shiitake mushrooms (grown in in- oculated white oak logs) and U -pick operations. Some of the speakers had found profitable ways to market corn. One enterprising farmer in Nebraska has started a cereal manufacturing com- pany. "Nittney Nuggets" made from high -lysine corn are now marketed in Pennsylvania stores as well as in his home state. One -of the area farmers who at- tended the conference felt that bagg- ing and selling birdseed would be an excellent way of getting a good price for one's corn. He had sat in on a workshop conducted by an Illinois farmer who explained how he had started in the birdseed business five years before after seeing a five -pound bag of cracked corn with a one -dollar price tag in a grocery story. • Other suggestions that could be adapted with a manageable capital investment were hosting vacationers on working farms, supplying bed and breakfast (needed each summer for people coming from a distance to take in one of the plays at Blyth, for example), or setting up the farm pond as a "fish for a fee" operation. If nothing else, the ADAPT 100 con- ference broadened the horizons of those attending,- and proved that a good idea skillfully marketed can pay off handsomely. OPTIMISTS HELP GUIDES — Optimist Don Winter presents a dona- tion to Exeter Guide leader Marie Nethercott as part of the Optimist Club of Exeter District annual assistance to area Scouting organizations. OPTIMISTS ASSIST SCOUTS — Exeter Boy Scout leader Ed Nether- cott accepts a donation from Optimists president Mork Heimrich. JANUARY SALE NOW ON We Service What We Sell DRYSDALE MAJOR CENTREA L,TDE. HENSALL 262-2728 CLOSED MONDAYS "THE PLACE TO BUY APPLIANCES" Ontario Phone: Bus. 235-1298 9:00 - 5:00 Res. 235-0949 after business hours on location or studio