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Times Advocate, 1989-07-26, Page 10Page 10 Trees -Advocate, Juy 26, 1989 From the past - A threshing demonstration was one of this year's attractions at the Zurich Fair . Riddell clarifies tax rebate program Dear Sir. I am taking this opportunity to write to you to clarify some mis- conceptions about changes to the Ontario Farm Tax Rebate Program for 1989. First, I would like to assure you that the Farm Tax Program has not been cancelled, In fact, the Govern- ment of Ontario is continuing to provide tax relief to the tune of $140 million for 1989 compared to some $90 million in 1985. Secondly, I'd like to point out .that the intent of the Farm Tax Re- bate Program has always been to "target" tax relief to farmers and not to all landowners. Gross production of $5,006 in Eastern and Northern Ontario and $8,000 in others parts of the province is required. These criteria were set to ensure that the benefits of the program went to farmers. Continuing to target the program now is particularly important since in recent years, there's been a trend toward non-farm corporations pur- chasing farm land around major ur- ban centres. Ontario taxpayers would not support a substantial farm program being paid to help big non-farm corporations or land developers. Feeding in the sheaves - Ken Gascho forked the sheaves into the threshing machine made at the Robert Bell foundry in Seaforth 50 years ago. The thresher was brought to the Zurich Fair by Gerald Thiel. The sheaves had been produced by. Claire Deichert. Kongskilde announces three -company merger EXETER - The Director of the Danish Companies Kongskilde, Andelsmaskiner (DLAM) and Dron- ningborg have recently completed an equal (approximate) merger of the three corporations under a new Group named Dania Holdings A/S. The merger was approved by the shareholders of the three companies at respective meetings on February 28. The transaction is well within the philosophy of a number of Eu- ropean manufacturers of agricultural equipment that "production" must be brought more in line with the "demand" of a foreseeable smaller market. Consolidation of Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers in Europe is perhaps three to four years behind merger activities of the North American machinery industry. Whcn production capacity is far greater than foreseen demand...it's the only way companies can bring productivity back in line! In this re- spect the Kongskilde Group (via their Parent Company, Scandinavi- an Holdings) have auempted to pur- dia.,. wu+µuucs that would provide for an effective synergy of products, Hibbert Mutual ,fie. insurance Company Exeter, Ontario NOM .180 (Established in 1876) Provides Pun insurance Coverage for Farm Properties New Applications are Welcomed DIRECTORS & ADJUSTERS Jade Harrigan RR 3 Lucan 227-4305 Larry Gardiner, RR2, Stafa 345.2678 Lloyd Morrison, RR1 St. Marys 229-8277 Lorne Feeney, RR2, Dublin ,345-2543 .fork H d ert, RR1, Kirkton 2294152 Joseph Ghee, RRS Mitchell 348-9705 AGENTS Ross Hodgen, Woodham 2294643 John Moore. Dublin 345.2512 Joseph Urrec, Mitchell 348-9012 ' .... �..,.. , •... .V...... Firs extinguishers for sale to our policy holders at below cost. Refills ars fres - check with your agent. • etc. in belief that further industry rationalization must take place. However, after pursuing this goal for approximately 18 months it was difficult to find the right balance that would prove beneficial in the long term. Their alternative was a merger with companies that were mutually compatible having good stability and a foundation for future growth. All three organizations are in- volved with Materials Handling and Processing Equipment. As well, two of the companies, Kongskilde and DLAM, offer an extensive Soil Preparation and Seeding Equipment program and Dronningborg is a prominent manufacturer of grain combines for Scandinavian and Eu- ropean markets. A the same time DLAM and Dronningborg com- bines have 29 retail stores in Scan- dinavia. In balance the Kongskilde Group of Companies affords a desir- able international distribution net- work. The new "Dania Group" will con- sist of eight m;tnuf; :turfing p1 mi in Scandinavia and North America and have 2,200 employees from four divisions: tiI- tivation and Seeding (based at Kongskilde); Dania Farming - Ma- teriars1iandl ng`and Processing ( based at Kongskilde and Finland fac- tories); Andclsmaskiner (nt.AM) Distribution, Denmark (based at DLAM); Dronningborg - Grain Combines (based at Dronningborg). Mr. Erik Moller • (formerly with the Tulip Group) has been appoint- ed President and C.E.O. of the new "Dania Group". No effects are foreseen at this time in the North America Kongs- kilde Campany as a result of the merger. If anything the results will be positive, considering Kongs- kilde's distribution and promoti9nal strength . as well as access to new technology and products from with- in the Dania Group. ( .ut%cmgut. II)' I)% tom 11111t. NO! (ict the facts. Let's Talk. (:all the ` Ontario Ministry of Health AIDS Hotline 1 -800.668 -AIDS The Agricultural council of On- tario, consisting predominantly of farmers, recommended in 1986 that the Farm Tax Rebate Program be evaluated to determine its effective- ness in supporting the incomes of bona fide farmers. The changes I announced recently will,further fine -tuft the 1989 Farm Tax nbate Program to en- sure it benefits those whose main occupation is farming, while keep- ing in mind that many farms depend on some off -farm income. In 'summary, the changes for 1989 program are: 1. For those who farm their own land, and make less than $40,000 in off -farm income ($60,000 where there are two or more persons on ti- tle), they will continue to receive the full farm tax rebate. Reduced benefits are provided for a farmer earning up to $60,000 off -farm, and up to $80,000 where there are two or more people on title. 2. The program criteria ensure the full tax rebates will continue to go to retired farmers and spouses, spouses cf deceased farmers and in- dividuals Nho have had to reduce production because of illness. the 1989 program also covers farmers who rent farm parcels to their own farm operation. We will not be making an interim payment on the program this year because some who received it last year will no longer qualify for a re- bate. Until we received and review the applications in the fall, we can- not s: nd out the rebate. The changes announced this month are for 1989 only. We have invited farm groups to review with us the long-term direction of the program so that Ontario farmers are the beneficiaries of the financial as- sistance. Your truly, Jack Riddell Minister of Agriculture and Food Red Meat CLINTON - Recently, the Red Meat Program II was announced as a continuation of the original five- year program. Of course, there have been some changes made in order to address the current needs of the beef industry. Overall the program will contribute to Ontario's competitive- ness and productivity in the live- stock industry. Cow -calf producers will be re- quired to submit supervised wean- ing weights in order to qualify for the various incentive grants. A Junior Farmers reach 75 -year anniversary LONDON - The Middlesex Junior Farmers are marking 75 years of achievement this year. All those who have participated or had family participating in the organization are helping to recognize the accom- plishments of the young people who have worked over three-quarters of a century to make the county and the rural area a better place to live. Junior Farmers is still a thriving organization with something to of- fer today's rural youth. The final event scheduled to mark this mile- stone in the life of Middlesex youth is a banquet and dance to be held on August 26, at the Greek Canadian Community Centre in Hyde Park. Some of today's leaders got their training in Junior Farmers includ- ing reeves, wardens, members of parliament, business people and most of all farmers. These people will be speaking at the_banquet and reminiscing about the deeds com- pleted and the feats executed in their term as a Junior Farmer. Middlesex. Junior Farmers grew out of a short course organized in Strathroy in the winter of 1914. In 1922 the Junior Farmers and the Junior Women's Institute got orga- nized and before long there were clubs in Strathroy, Glencoe, Mt. Brydges, Lucan, Lambeth, Dorches- ter, London, Ailsa Craig, Appin and Wardsville. In 1944, the county became affili- ated with the Ontario association and today there are clubs in Glen- coe, Mt. Brydges, Ilderton, Forest City, Edgewood, Thorndale and.the University of Western Ontario. The young people of Middlesex have used their energy to help build the county by working in parks, contributing to building funds, sponsoring social events, educating people on farm safety and many other worthwhile projects. Nov they are taking time to re- flect on the realization of the dreams those first young people had when they began an organization that would affect the lives of thou- sands of people in Middlesex. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and the dance. Tickets are being sold in ad- vance only and the cost $15.00 per person. Junior Farmers has come a long way since 1914 and the future looks bright for the young people whose eyes are bright, steps are light and on their lips a song. For further information, please contact Dale Donaldson (519) 659- 5054. YOU DESERVE .. . Program 11 grant of $10 per eligible weaning weight will be available for super- vised weights taken since February 1, 1989. Weaning weights are to be taken when calves are at least 120 days of age to a maximum of 250 days of age. Huron Cotyfity produc- ers are to contact the weighmen in advance to arrange their weigh time. The weighmen are Neil Dolmage, 527-1196 and Jim Taylor, 357- 2768. Also, a $110 grOit per yearling heifer weight is available for super- vised weights taken since February 1, 1989. A heifer yearling weight must be taken 120 to 210 days after the weaning weights. Cow -calf producers who partici- pate in the Beef Herd Improvement Program will be able to use the fol- lowing grant as to strengthen their operations. The four areas are a cap- ital facilities grant, herd health pro- gram grant, a forage and feed testing grant and an enterprise analysis grant. Preliminary details have been - released on these various grants but the final details will be available in the fall. In the meantime, it is important to continue to weigh calves as in- dicated above. If there are any ques- tions, please contact John Bancroft at the Ontario Ministry of Agricul- ture and Food office in Clinton at 482-3428 or 1-800-265-5170. John Bancroft Farm Management Specialist for Huron County AN `1111Gaiser-Kneate 14. 112% 1 year GIC Rates subject to verification Exeter 235-2420, Grand Bend 238-8484 Clinton 482-9747 Henson 262-2119 * Fast Unloading * Accurate Grades * Competitive Prices Quick Settlements FOR YOUR '89 WHEAT CROP This year deliver your crop to the W.G. Thompson & - Sons Elevator nearest you! "The Home of Augusta Seed Wheat" • Seaforth 345-2545 Pt. Albert 529-7901 Henson 262-2527 Ailsa Crato 293-3223 Mitchell 348-8433 aranton'225-2360