Disease, lack of vets concern local farmers

Continued from page 13 support for RMP is greatly appreciated, but the cap does not let us respond to changing conditions,” said Harvey Hoggart, representing the Huron County Beef Producers.

Keith Black of the Huron branch of the Grain Farmers of Ontario said he was also thankful, but pointed out that if all grain farmers were in a claim situation, the amount would work out to only $500 a producer.

Thompson said the government is continuing work on how to “move RMP forward” and that premiums were frozen for two years, which was beneficial to farmers.

Food Summit and Celebrating Being Farmers

Thompson has just returned from the Ontario Food Summit to “create an informed food strategy” to shorten supply chains and fund more research and innovation.

“Coming out of the pandemic, we came to realize there were a lot of vulnerabilities in the food chain,” she admitted. Thompson also said it was high time farmers start beating their own drum and be proud of their contributions. Coming back from a trade mission to Vietnam, she was thrilled to see the faces of Ontario producers on products in the country. “In Vietnam, it is about building relationships and trust and I think they do a better job telling our Ontario story than we do at home,” said Thompson. “We need to put our faces to work and amplify the pride we have as Ontario farmers. We are the breadbasket of Ontario and [have] so much to be proud of but we have work to do. Don’t be afraid to punch above your weight!”

Housing/Underused Housing Tax

Lobb said the underused housing tax “is the goose egg of 2023”. He knows it has irritated a lot of people and is glad the “government of the day” allowed for an extension. “I’ve had many calls from HuronBruce farmers on this issue and that accountants are charging $700 to $1,000 per document. I’m not here to criticize accountants, but it is unacceptable that the Canada Revenue Agency has done this.” Lobb said the original intent of the tax was to crack down on people who own five or six properties in

Stuff that bus

places like Vancouver as a hedge or investment and let them sit empty.

“Then it went down the country roads to farmers who have incorporated their businesses.”

Housing in general was discussed at the meeting, as some leaders expressed concern that it is eating up valuable farmland, while others wished housing was moving up instead of out. Thompson said new housing is vital to make space for people to fill the labour market. She praised Huron County Council for identifying settlement areas and their smart land use planning. She recognized that people are resistant to high condominiums and said people need to be educated about the need to grow up instead of out.

Lobb agreed. “Just in Goderich, a six-story condo was slated to be built at the former McGee car dealership and now it’s just dirt with a fence,” he said. “That would be a prime place to add small urban density and it’s not being done.”

Sandra Weber, the Director of Planning and Development for Huron County, said Huron County is definitely in agreement with these lines of thought and is reviewing planning documents to “allow higher density in urban settlement areas to protect prime agricultural land.” The county has also recognized the need for more farm family and farm labour housing.

Supporting Large Animal Vets

Hoggart said beef farmers are pleased with support from Thompson to increase funding to train and attract large animal veterinarians to remote, rural and Indigenous areas with a $5 million Veterinary Incentive Program. “We are getting critically low in terms of large-animal vets,” said Thompson. The funding will create a total of 80 new positions. Moreover, a review of the Veterinarian Act is being undertaken, which could respond to urging from veterinarian technicians to expand their practice, explained Thompson.

Lobb said the government should also be lessening restrictions for international veterinarians looking to set up practice in Ontario.

Trade

For years, Lobb has touted trade as an opportunity for Ontario farmers. He had a different tune at this meeting and admitted that trade deals signed with European countries have “not panned out well for everyone.” He felt it’s time “to hammer away” at getting fair trade deals.

Equality with the United States was an ask from the beef producers in terms of harmonizing livestock transportation rules and rules surrounding Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

Value-Added

As some farm leaders argued for increased funding for various programs, Thompson reminded everyone that they also have a responsibility to develop valueadded programs for their own products.

“When we had surplus milk in the Dairy Goat Co-operative, we made cheese to sell at higher value and get our money back,” said Thompson. “This is the kind of conversation we need to bring to the table. As farmers, you are sophisticated and innovative… how can we drive value into that food chain?” she asked.

Animal Health Issues (BSE, AFS, AI)

Beef farmers are concerned about BSE; hog farmers about African Swine Fever (ASF) and chicken farmers about Avian Influenza (AI). Rightly so, as each disease can decimate herds/flocks and close borders. Brian Miller said avian influenza “is the issue of the day” for egg farmers and credited Huron County egg producers for their attention to biosecurity. He thanked Thompson for providing education on the issue to the industry.

Chicken Farmers of Ontario representative Ralph DeWeerd said they are encouraging small flock producers to register at familyfoodgrowers.ca to be included in any avian influenza response that does occur.

“Biosecurity is an important part of the industry,” he said. Thompson said she admired how the feather industry comes together for emergency preparedness and has amazing leadership.

Van Raay said ASF has decimated hog production in many countries and said Ontario Pork is making plans for dry runs if it happens in Ontario. “Basically, if the U.S. coughs, we get the flu,” said Van

Raay. He wants to see more defined rules whereby if one herd gets AI, the whole industry doesn’t have to suffer for it.

Labour

Several agricultural leaders commented on the difficulties finding labourers to work on farms.

Lobb said there is a shortage everywhere in terms of labour. “We should be rolling out the red carpet for people who want to come here and provide value, pay taxes and pay into our communities,” said Lobb. “We should offer them an invite as Canadians and encourage them to become true Canadian citizens.”