FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
www.pqbnews.com
Official newspaper of the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals
A NEW KIND OF FAMILY PLACE
SAYING GOODBYE
Multi-use facility convenient for busy families officially opened
Popular symphony conductor Brian Jackson directs his last performance
A17
A21
LOCAL EFFECTS OF U.S. DROUGHT
Farmers face feed price increases ‘At the mercy of the market’ NEIL HORNER news@pqbnews.com
As the United States suffers from the worst drought in decades, the impacts are starting to be felt by mid-Island agricultural producers. That’s because the price of corn and other animal feed has spiked dramatically due to crops withering across many of the key agricultural areas of the U.S., which accounts for 40 per cent of world corn production and 35 per cent of soybean production. The price of corn has risen by a whopping 45 per cent over the summer. Jenny McLeod, who serves on the board of the District A (Vancouver Island) Farmers Institute, said the drought — which has also been experienced in some key areas in Canada — comes as big hit, making it increasingly difficult for
small operators to thrive — and most farms on Vancouver Island fit into that category. “The more we see of these crises of weather and crop failure, the harder it is for small operators,” she said. “They are at the mercy of the market. A lot of farmers on Vancouver island do grow a lot of their own feed but they have to buy feed in the winter time. It will impact dairy cattle in particular.” Although she said it is common for the price of meat to rise when the cost of feed rises, little if any of that price rise goes to the producers. Rather, she said, it goes to the middlemen. “Farmers are getting hardly any more for their beef than they were getting during the Great Depression,” she said. See SOME SMALL, page A6
NEIL HORNER PHOTO
Clarke Gourlay spends some quality time with calves at Morningstar Farm in Parksville.
NHL LOCKOUT
Loss of Canucks’ broadcasts will hurt local pubs
Games usually provide welcome revenue during slower winter season JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Local bars, restaurants and pubs are bemoaning the possible loss of Vancouver Canucks broadcasts as the NHL lockout enters its second week. Proprietors say there’s a definite increase in business on game nights and the revenue is welcome during the slower winter months. As of Thursday, the NHL season
remains in doubt as owners and players remain deadlocked on how to divide hundreds of millions of dollars. “It’s a major hit to us,” said Kevin Hitch, the general manager of the Rod and Gun in Parksville. “Especially in the winter time.” Darrel St. Pierre, the manager of Upper Deck Sports Bar in the Quality Resort in Parksville, agreed. “We’re just disappointed,” he said. “It’s going to have a
major impact on us - (Canucks broadcasts) are typically our busiest nights of the winter time for sure.” Wayne Duncan, the owner of the Shady Rest Restaurant and Pub in Qualicum Beach, also said the loss of the NHL will affect his business, but he said he hopes the continuation of live entertainment at the Shady Rest will help on those nights. See IT’S IMPORTANT, page A6
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