The Rural Voice - April, 2020

April 2020

Rural Voice

The

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FOUR ON HIGHWAY 4 A stretch of the busy travel corridor is also home to artisanal creators of beef, garlic and cheese

BUGGY ROLLS AGAIN 1900s showpiece emerges black and shiny after restoration project

LIGHTBULB MOMENTS Jim Bloxsidge creates a natural gas co-generation system to save energy costs at his hog farm

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Contents The

Rural Voice THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE

18

24

Published monthly by: The Rural Voice, Box 429, Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0 Telephone: 519-523-4311 Fax: 519-523-9140 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca Publisher: Deb Sholdice Editor: Lisa B. Pot rveditorlisa@northhuron.on.ca

14 Columns Lisa B. Pot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Keith Roulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Kate Procter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Jeffrey Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Mabel’s Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Woodlots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Agrilaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Departments Ruralite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 News & Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Business Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Newsletters National Farmers Union . . . . . . .66 Perth County Pork . . . . . . . . . . .67 Grey County Federation . . . . . .68 Bruce County Federation . . . . . .69 Perth County Federation . . . . . .70 Huron County Federation . . . . . .72

40 APRIL 2020 • Cover Photo Jim and Hallie Bloxsidge Photo by Jeff Tribe

• Deadlines: May Issue – April 14 June Issue – May 12

14 Lightbulb Moment Jim Bloxsidge designs a natural gas co-generating system to run his farm.

18 Empowering Farm Women Confidence is the key to financial planning.

24 Four on Highway 4 There is good food to be had driving down a short piece of Highway 4 in Huron County.

31 Looks Brand New A 1900s McLaughlin horse buggy rolls out black and shiny after restoration project.

Contributing writers: Keith Roulston, Kate Procter, Jeffrey Carter, Rhea Hamilton Seeger, Arnold Mathers, Steve Bowers, Melisa Luymes, Anne Mann, Nancy Fisher, Dorothy Henderson, Bonnie Sitter, Gary Kenny, Jeff Tribe, Bob Reid and Geoff Dale Mailed by: McLaren Press Graphics, Bracebridge, ON Sales representative: Shelley Kroes rvads@northhuron.on.ca Production co-ordinator & Telemarketing: Joan Caldwell Advertising & editorial production: Dianne Josling PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40037593 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429 BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca Subscriptions: $20 (12 issues) $35 (24 issues), includes HST Back copies $2.75 each,U.S. rates, $65.00

34 Healthy, Homemade Soups Homemade soups are healthy and easy to make.

40 Beef Industry in Crisis MP acknowledges that beef farmers have had a tough year.

All manuscripts submitted for consideration should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs, although both are welcome. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Editorial content may be reproduced only by permission of the publisher.

The Rural Voice makes every effort to see that advertising copy is correct. However, should an error occur, please notify The Rural Voice office within 30 days of invoicing in order to obtain a billing adjustment.

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Ruralite

“

I can tell you I get much

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”

ask questions and help the people I am working with think things through.

~ Sophie Perreault, Executive Vice-President with Farm Credit Canada, on becoming a better leader ~

{

APRIL INSPIRATION A bird does not sing because it has an answer.

}

A bird sings because it has a song.

~Chinese saying

•

Information Overload “People are getting better and

better at making false information look legitimate and we unwittingly spread it around as truth. It is up to all of us as individuals to separate the wheat from the chaff.” ~ Kate Procter, on “black swan” events and learning how to process an overabundance of information in today’s world ~

Cow Jokes • What did the buffalo say to his son when he left for college?

Bison.

• What did the mama cow say to the baby cow?

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Fitting in the fun At the London Farm Show The Rombouts family ~Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot (Left to right: Ava, Hunter, Nash and Steve, hog farmers from Brussels, exploring a 1962 BMW Isetta)

being a friend is B1 • Birds have bills and they keep on singing

•

April 2020 3

Lisa B. Pot Lisa B. Pot is editor of The Rural Voice and farms in Huron County

The power of being vulnerable Its very empowering when a powerful woman makes herself vulnerable.

Sophie Perreault did just that at Farm Credit Canada’s Women in Agriculture Summit held in Kitchener. The theme was “Empowering the Leader Within” and while some speakers empowered the women with information, ideas and successes, Perreault did it by sharing her weakness.

You can read the full story in this issue but in short, Perreault admitted that as she climbed the corporate ladder, she wasn’t averse to being heavy with her heels. She described

herself as bossy and dominating, as she sought to prove her worth by working hard.

Perreault admitted she was driven by fear that she wasn’t good enough or smart enough or resourceful enough to be good at her job.

As she was given more and more leadership roles, she found herself leading a technical team without the technical skills to do the work herself. In order to succeed, she would have to trust the team to do the work and relinquish some control.

She struggled. “I was so busy trying to solve all the issues myself that I did not take time to listen to what they had to say,” recalls Perreault.

What she had always feared was happening: she was failing at this job. A job survey confirmed it when her bosses and team rated her leadership score at 57 per cent. For a person used to getting A+ scores, this was devastating.

Perreault was stressed. She could quit, or transfer or ... improve her leadership skills. “I had to figure out what was driving my controlling

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behaviours,” she told the crowd.

Trust was one of the factors. If she didn’t trust herself how could she trust others? So was fear. She was so afraid to fail it led to controlling behaviour and an inability to listen to team member’s concerns. Perreault realized her preoccupation with her own need to prove herself, and her drive to be successful, made her inward-focussed.

Looking in doesn’t allow someone to look out and be present in the very place they are.

This profoundly impacted Perreault and her leadership style.

She learned to be present. To be accessible. To listen. To help others find the answer instead of giving the answer. To relinquish control. To have high expectations but once they were clearly stated, to trust the team to make the right decisions.

Perreault didn’t say if her leadership score ever improved, but after listening to her presentation, I know I’d be honoured to work for such a wise woman.

Clearly, if you rise to the position of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for a national company as Perreault has, you have learned how to be a successful leader.

Listening to her confess to her bossy tendencies and failures was very connective. What Perreault has learned is that “people respond way better to us when they can relate to our imperfections.”

It’s hard, isn’t it, to trust ourselves and others? To take the time to listen when we just want to barrel through our days, and get ‘r done? Add in the independence farmers naturally develop from being self-employed and often working alone, plus a dose of ingrained work ethic and a dash of autonomous attitude and we have a recipe for failing at leadership ourselves. I have much to learn as a mother loving half a dozen, and as an editor of this magazine.

Wise are the leaders who embrace their failures as learning opportunities, let themselves be vulnerable, and save space for others to share ... and succeed.

Thank you, Sophie Perrault, for leading by example. ◊

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519-349-2502 6 The Rural Voice

Things that can divide neighbours Two of the main causes of tension that could disrupt the harmony of farm neighbourhoods in the ancient times of the 1950s have disappeared with changes in technology and agriculture, but one still remains.

The party line was a common source of irritation between neighbours because several families essentially shared one telephone.

Human nature being what it is, some people used the phone more than their fair share, meaning others couldn’t make phone calls when they wanted to because their neighbour was using the line. There were also the neighbours who entertained themselves by listening in on the conversations of others sharing the party line. Few lamented the coming of private lines to the countryside.

Another tension was the Line Fences Act governing the maintenance of fences shared by neighbouring farmers. With specialization leading many farmers to grow only cash crops today, line fences are often unnecessary, but in the days when every farmer pastured cattle as well as grew crops, it was important that cattle stayed home and didn’t trample the neighbour’s crops.

The Line Fences Act was a perfect solution – in theory. It required each neighbour to keep up one-half of the fence that divided their farms. The problem came when one farmer didn’t maintain his share, especially if the negligent farmer’s cattle pastured in the barley of the farmer who kept up his half of the fence.

Today, aside from farm dogs that stray and become a nuisance to neighbours, one of the few things that forces farm neighbours to cooperate is municipal drains. As a reporter covering decades worth of township council meetings, I’ve witnessed the good and the bad of the

legislation designed to solve the problems of drains that cross farm borders.

The legislation is ingenious where neighbours agree that a drain is needed. A drainage engineer is hired to assess the land on each farm that contributes surface water to the drain, design the necessary drainage works and assign the cost according to the acreage drained and other benefits so complicated they require someone with an engineer’s license.

Problems rise when all neighbours don’t agree for the drain’s necessity or people disagree over how the costs are shared. Things can get ugly.

For the first time this past winter I was a participant rather than an observer of the municipal drain process. I didn’t even know the drain study was proceeding until I got a notice to attend a meeting.

It’s a strange process. You and your neighbours are all in it together but there’s still the matter of who pays what. As a small land owner in the middle of larger farms, I was small potatoes, but of course the assessment was still higher than I wanted to pay. At one point I was suggesting to the engineers that, from 45 years of watching stormwater flood down from a half-mile-long hill, flowing across our land to a neighbour’s and on to its eventual destination in the creek, more land was drained than they’d included.

Suddenly I realized that I was essentially arguing that my neighbour, who already had a substantial bill, should pay more.

And it wouldn’t even save me money. I shut up.

Having started the process of a municipal drain, there’s no going back. Even if, having seen the engineer’s report and being shocked by the cost of the project, you’d like to shut the whole thing down, there’s still the substantial engineer’s fee to be paid (large enough to make you hope your kids or grandkids become engineers).

I don’t think our neighbourhood is going to descend into anarchy over this municipal drain but I can see now why I witnessed so many disputatious deputations at township council meetings over the years. At least I won’t have to hear neighbours complaining on the party line. ◊

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April 2020 7

Kate Procter Kate farms, hikes, canoes, and plays guitar in Huron County.

Covid19 and communication Farming is complicated business.

In a world where everything seems to be becoming increasingly specialized and precise, farmers still have to be generalists – we just have to be better at it. We need to have knowledge about mechanics; soil, crop, and animal biology; pesticides; medicines; people; computers and the software that runs them; weather; insects; weeds… Just when we feel the list is endless, we throw in the things that can make all of that other knowledge seem insignificant – marketing, world politics, and one of my favorites, black swans.

8 The Rural Voice

I am writing this on a rainy March morning, as the snow is being washed away and rivers of melt and rain water are flowing through the yard. I heard flocks of geese overhead on the weekend and there have even been some robin sightings.

But inside, in front of the computer monitor, there is talk of a different kind of bird.

The term “black swan” has been used throughout the centuries to illustrate various concepts, however most recently, it has been developed into a broader theory by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. He uses it to explain a “highly improbable event with three main characteristics: 1. it is unpredictable; 2. it carries a massive impact; 3. after the fact, we concoct an explanation that makes it appear less random, and more predictable, than it was” (The Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, 2007).

Some examples include the success of Google and 9/11.

Some are suggesting that COVID 19 is proving to be an example of a

black swan event. It was largely unpredicted and it is having a huge effect on populations and markets around the world – yet key people downplayed and ignored it when it first became evident. The problem with black swan events is that they seemingly come from nowhere and defy all of our careful planning.

When we look back on 2020 years from now, we will know better what the long-term effect was of this virus, and if it can truly be classified as a black swan event.

Yesterday saw the biggest oneday loss in crude oil futures in over 29 years, with a drop of 23 per cent.

Yet this morning saw people talking about “Turnaround Tuesday”, which refers to an upswing in the markets after an overreaction on Monday.

Black swan or not, a lot of this stuff seems unpredictable from my vantage point – but then I have a lot of other things that I’m thinking about through the day that prevent me from being right on top of global oil wars and new strains of viruses.

Sometimes it seems as if everything was predictable after the fact. But, as Taleb argues, this is actually part of the phenomenon – manufacturing explanations after the fact, Modern communication has brought a lot of good with it and has improved our lives in many ways.

However, the big challenge we face now is an overabundance of information and the knowledge that much of it comes with someone else’s agenda attached to it. I agree with Taleb that people like to think we understand much more about a very complex world than we actually do. We have to be ever vigilant about what information we absorb, believe, and act upon. People are getting better and better at making false information look legitimate and we unwittingly spread it around as truth.

It is up to all of us as individuals to separate the wheat from the chaff.

I read once that markets move based less on actual events and more on what people think about those events. This seems to be the case currently. While people argue about whether COVID 19 is the new disaster that will cause irrevocable harm or it is just another germ less dangerous than many we’ve been

Kate Procter living with for generations, folks around the world are responding by hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer, self isolating, and avoiding Chinese food, while markets do the same.

Times of volatility do provide opportunity for marketing grain differently – using puts and calls can give you some insurance, but can be expensive if done incorrectly. And when part of the concept of a black swan event seems to be its unpredictability who knows how this will all shake out?

Whatever term we use to describe current conditions, staying calm and carrying on seems to be perhaps the best we can do. Continue to follow strategies that seem logical: when marketing, know your cost of production, cost of storage, and keep on top of local prices and grain needs of local buyers. For general habits, eat a healthy diet, get lots of rest, and wash your hands. And maybe stay home and read a book. Taleb offers many ideas for helping us deal more effectively with what we don’t know we don’t know. ◊

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Jeff Carter Jeff is a freelance journalist based in Dresden, Ontario.

The quiet power of women I heard Maude Barlow speak three days before this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Barlow, who may be best known for her work with the Council of Canadians, was in London three days earlier at Canada’s only women’s university, Brescia. She had recently been appointed as the chancellor of the institution.

I, however, was in Chatham, the lone male among a large group of women, members of the Ursuline Sisters and their friends and

supporters, listening through a remote feed to Barlow’s address.

It was the Ursulines who in 1919 founded Brescia University.

Members of the order, like the renowned Sister Frances Ryan, have also been supportive of Barlow’s work.

What I’ve appreciated about the Ursulines is the manner in which they’ve worked, quietly and in the background for the most part, only stepping forward as necessity and their inclination demanded – in contrast to some of the better-known women’s groups of today.

I do not possess intimate knowledge of their many activities but I have come into contact with members of their order over the years and know they’ve contributed to the needs of the agricultural community.

One instance was in the early 2000s not long after the agricultural stream of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program had been introduced.

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10 The Rural Voice

Canada by a farmer in late August, ostensibly to help with field planting.

They were being housed under deplorable conditions in a small single-storey home in Chatham and had little money or food and no work beyond the offer of worm picking.

News of their plight eventually reached the Ursulines who responded with support, including members who acted as a human shield on the day the women were rescued and transported to new accommodations in Leamington where legitimate employment was made available at an area mushroom-growing operation.

The Ursuline Sisters of Chatham were an aging group at the time, though still actively involved in the community. Today, their numbers are in sharp decline but their legacy lives on.

According to the order’s website, “Today, with smaller numbers and older members … (w)e continue to be engaged, committed and passionate about justice for those who are marginalized, for women, for all who are oppressed and for Earth which suffers the assaults of exploitation and abuse.”

The Ursulines have also supported Barlow and the Council of Canadians, especially in the area of protecting freshwater resources, not only in Canada but globally.

There is an agricultural connection in that, as well.

Freshwater and farming are inexorably entwined. And while farmers may complain that much of the burden of protecting the resource has unfairly been placed on their shoulders, it’s only through the maintenance of that resource that their livelihoods can be sustained.

I first met Barlow many years ago, after hearing her speak at an agricultural event in Toronto. At the time, Canada had emerged as a willing partner in the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement, which, among other things, sought to commodify the precious resource.

The implications were not lost upon Barlow. She recalled the moment she realized the path Canada had taken during her London address.

“There to my surprise was water, in

Jeff Carter all its forms, including rain and snow, being declared as a tradeable good,” she said.

It soon became apparent to Barlow that the commodification of water was global in its reach, supported by the corporate world and institutions like the World Bank.

Canada’s has since supported the 2010 UN resolution which recognizes access to freshwater and sanitation as a human right. In the beginning, the Canadian government had resisted, perhaps because of the trade possibilities – water continues to be viewed as a tradeable good here – or for Canada’s failure to provide clean water to its First Nations.

Barlow said government is making real progress toward resolving First Nations’ water issues and there’s been successful pushback globally against its commodification.

The fight continues, however, often through the power of women: those who are vocal, like Barlow, and those who work quietly in the background like the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham. ◊

April 2020 11

Mabel’s Grill The world’s problems are solved daily ’round the table at Mabel’s Grill.

“Won’t be long now,” said Dave Winston as he looked out the window during the morning coffee session at Mabel’s Grill on one recent gorgeously sunny day.

“Funny, it’s work just like any other job, really, but we can hardly wait to get out in the fields every spring,” said George McKenzie.

“Can’t come soon enough for me,” grumbled Cliff Murray, as he put down his coffee cup. “My wife’s wearing me out.”

“Yeah, my wife gets the urge to clean the house this time of year so there’s lots of furniture to be moved,” sighed George.

“Oh, I don’t mind helping her clean the house, it’s when she gets on me to clean out my stuff in the basement, and my workshop, and the yard that gets under my skin.”

“Uh-oh,” said Dave, who knows the condition of Cliff’s yard.

“What’s the ‘uh-oh’ about?” asked Molly Whiteside who had been listening in as she refilled the guys’ coffee cups.

“Dave’s a hoarder,” said Dave.

“She wants me to throw out things I’ve been saving for years,” said Cliff. “Like the motor from the 1989 Yard-Man riding lawn mower that we inherited when we took over the farm. The deck was rusted out but the motor was still good so I took it off and kept it in case I could use it.”

“But you haven’t?” asked Molly.

“Not yet, but I might need it tomorrow.”

“I’ll have to remember to pass on my condolences to your wife the next time I see her,” said Molly as she turned and went back to the kitchen.

Cliff seemed perplexed at Molly’s remark for a minute before he went on. “The funny thing is she likes to watch this program on TVO about archeologeologists who dig up old towns or farms to help them understand more of English history. I reminded her if everybody cleaned up after themselves 500 years ago,

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they’d have nothing to dig up.”

“True,” said Dave. “I suppose it’s like people who save old letters are the ones who they learn history from, not the people who throw them out.”

“So, how’d she take that?” wondered George.

“She says to me, ‘If you bury all your treasures six feet deep, you’re welcome to keep them’,” said Cliff with a peeved tone.

Molly emerged from the kitchen with a spray bottle and a cloth and began to clean a nearby table that she’d previously cleared the dishes from after some customers left.

“Mabel’s got a new policy with this coronavirus thing around,” she explained when George asked what she was up to.

“You mean you’re going to disinfect our table when we leave?” asked George.

“Oh, I’ve always disinfected your table when you leave,” said Molly with a straight face but a twinkle in her eye. “I wouldn’t want other customers to pick up your verbal diarrhea.”

“I might need to borrow that disinfectant,” said Dave with a sigh.

“We’re having the family Easter celebration at my sister’s in the city – the one married to the small animal vet. They’ll have just come home from a cruise.”

“I’m kind of glad these days that I can’t afford to take any foreign vacations,” said Cliff.

“Yeah, well, normally I’d just have to listen to the two of them bragging about what a great time they had while I stayed home and worked, but this time we have to worry they didn’t bring some bug home along with their 950 pictures,” said Dave.

“At least a vet should be pretty savvy about preventing picking up an infection,” said George.

“I don’t know. He’s a lot better with animals than people,” said Dave. “Before he left he sent me a text reminding me that people can also make animals sick with this virus. Apparently, some guy in Hong Kong gave it to his dog when he kissed it. I told him that no matter how much I care about animal welfare, I’m never going to kiss my pigs.”◊

Pork

Natural gas co-generation runs dryers, mill rollers, workshop and multiple pig barns

Jim Bloxsidge has a lightbulb moment

When Jim Bloxsidge of Oxford County got sick of Hydro One’s billing practices, he designed a natural gas generator from which co-generated power is

• By Jeff Tribe •

T

he light bulb of inspiration for energy cost savings turning on over Oxford County pork producer Jim Bloxsidge’s head was powered by natural gas cogeneration.

“I got sick of Hydro One,” the 71-year-old said recently at his Holbrook-area home farm, citing the power utility company’s practice of basing his level of annual monthly billing on his peak months of corn-drying season. Although Bloxslea Farms Inc. would eventually get a rebate for the excess he was forced to regularly pay through lowerdemand months, Bloxsidge found the practice frustrating.

14 The Rural Voice

transformed to 3-phase 600-volts for the dryers and a mill roller, and 3-phase 208-volts directed to the barn, workshop and some mill applications.

“And you couldn’t convince them not to.”

More to the financial point was the combined level of cost-averaged bills required to drive an onsite soybean cooker/feed mill combination supporting 120,000 hogs annually, including a 120-horsepower roller mill, elevator legs, mixing equipment and eight 25-kilowatt per hour cookers running constantly.

“We are billed on demand, and that demand gets pretty pricey.”

Bloxsidge began hog production in 1973 under contract with Burgessville Grain, converting weaner pigs to 175-

pound market hogs.

“Now they’re 300 – they have expanded a bit,” he smiled.

He switched contracts to the Norwich Co-Op prior to going into sows in a barn built in 1975, a year before marrying his wife and business partner, Hallie. (Their youngest son Sean, is involved in the business while their other son Ryan is a graphic designer based out of Vancouver, and their daughter Amy a teacher in Trenton.)

Their 50-sow farrow-to-finish operation was normal for the 1970s.

“But we could see the writing on the wall,” Jim continued of a beginning that expanded to 750 sows, ranged back to 500, up to 1,200 and ultimately reached 2,000 over many, many years. “It was up and down with pig prices.”

In 2018, they shipped the sows out, renovated their barns and began bringing in three-week-old piglets.

“And finished them off.”

The home farm currently has 7,500 weaner spaces and room for 6,000 finishing hogs, a joint housing and feed mill operation anchoring 20-plus contracted producers, resulting in a total of around 12,000 market hogs monthly. Bloxslea Farms grows 600 acres of corn and 600 acres of soybeans of its own, roughly enough corn for two weeks of feed. verall production requires roughly 1.9-million bushels per year of corn, as well as high-fat beans, processed onsite.

High-fat beans are comparatively expensive to source and prepare externally, “so we did it ourselves,” says Bloxsidge.

He has developed his preferred genetics, feed composition and farming practices through over 47 years in the industry. This includes the advantage of running corn through a roller rather than hammer mill.

“They all work together to do great things, I guess,” he added.

“And that’s what allows us to make money. Mind you, sometimes you have to spend money to make money.”

Bloxslea Farms’ $500,000 investment in generating its own electricity began in 2018, evolving to

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finish as a 400-kilowatt (KW) per hour natural-gas generator electronically governed with computerized controls allowing smooth, consistent operation.

Performance can be monitored externally with an alarm sounding when usage reaches 380 KW, allowing the most effective allocation of power capacity.

“We can manage if we have to shut a machine or two off.”

Co-generated power is transformed to 3-phase 600-volts for the dryers and mill roller, and 3phase 208-volts directed to the barn, workshop and some mill applications. The latter is simpler to source components for and dovetail with single-phase 240-volt and 120volt equipment.

Bloxsidge has done his share of technology pioneering over the years, experiencing his share of “headaches” as a result.

“At this point, I’m going to wait for someone else to try it,” he smiled, appreciating the opportunity to study twin 800 KW generators at nearby Stubbe’s Precast prior to investing. “I know on this, this was proven.”

Although his electricity needs are significant, Bloxsidge believes the technology could be embraced by smaller operations.

“Anybody could do it, they just have to set up their trials (to ensure financial viability).”

Currently, Bloxslea’s home farm remains connected to the Hydro One power grid, allowing power in excess of generating capacity to be pulled upon demand.

“If we start running a lot of things, we’d probably need 600 kilowatts,” said Bloxsidge, noting the bean cookers alone require 200 KW per 4.5 tonne hour (35-36 tonnes per day) and operate most efficiently 24/7 rather than around periodic shutdowns.

He has considered installing a second generator, which would allow consideration for going off the grid 16 The Rural Voice

Jim Bloxsidge (above, by the generator) estimates his hydro bill would run between $35,000 to $45,000 monthly if he hadn’t installed a generator on his Oxford County hog farm to run the barns and corndrying system. He’s pictured, below, with his wife Hallie and beside one of the control panels keeping track of energy flows.

entirely, given adequate capacity for periods of peak demand.

“But you’re looking at another half a million dollars.”

Secondarily, efficient performance requires running closer to capacity which a single generator does consistently. Adding a second unit would result in significant added expense compounded by lowered operational efficiencies during times of lower power requirements.

“The issue is solving the peaks,” said Bloxsidge.

He estimates his hydro bill would run between $35,000 and $45,000 monthly, if he ran solely on hydro. It was $3,000 this December even with co-generation. “But that included a lot of corn drying. The hydro was on quite a bit when the dryer was running.”

Bloxsidge has not precisely pencilled out the cost savings or payback period the co-gen system represents, but is confident they exist.

“I don’t have a clue, but I know I do save. There’d better be savings,” he laughed. “The whole thing cost me over half a million. I don’t know how long it will take to pay back, but it will.”

A two cent per cubic foot carbon tax on natural gas skewed some of his initial calculations.

“That kind of raised things up, but I’m sure it’s still profitable.”

There are also side benefits from the generator’s 800,000 BTU/hour of incidental heat production, harvested for alternative use through a heat exchanger. There is less value in additional heat during the summer months admittedly.

“But it’s quite a potential for the winter,” said Bloxsidge. “There have been some nice benefits. And I think the savings are fairly decent.”

Co-generated heat is directed to areas of need in the barn or feed mill, and additionally to the house water heater and lines through the floor.

Their living room has a cathedral ceiling and it used to be a struggle to get its temperature above 67.

Fahrenheit, whereas it’s now a consistent and comfortable 72.

“When we come in, the room is nice and warm from the hot

water heat.”

There are also 800,000 BTUs of hourly exhaust. In the fall, Bloxsidge runs a pipe funnelling a portion of this under the corn dryer fans, a makeshift attempt to capture some of its benefit.

“It picks up a bit of it,” said Bloxsidge, who looks to formalize the effort at some point and make better use of its potential. “But I haven’t figured it out yet.”

Looking forward, exploring and embracing innovation and

operational improvements remains paramount for a man who continues to work a half-dozen years beyond what some might consider retirement age.

“Being older doesn’t mean you can’t be progressive,” responded Bloxsidge, who has no plans for slowing down anytime soon.

“No, it’s a challenge,” he concluded with a laugh. “I don’t know what would happen if I quit – I think I’d be so bored, I’d be underground pretty quick.” ◊

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April 2020 17

Women in Agriculture

Empower the leader within When it comes to finances, women know how to stick to a plan and learn best from failure, say speakers • By Lisa B. Pot •

W

Determine your own financial destiny Vanessa Stockbrugger

Empowering leaders was the theme at the Women in Agriculture Summit put on by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) in Kitchener on March 10.

Speakers Vanessa Stockbrugger (above) and Sophie Perreault (right) spoke on finance and leadership.

18 The Rural Voice

omen are not risk-averse, they are risk-aware. Given that half of the wealth of Canada will be controlled by women in the next five years, it’s time financial advisors understand how and why women learn and like to invest.

So says financial guru, Vanessa Stockbrugger. She was one of several speakers empowering farm women at the Women in Agri“I can tell you culture Summit put on I get much better

by Farm Credit Canada results when I stay at the Bingeman’s Conference Centre in curious and ask Kitchener on March 10. questions.”

Women were laughing, Sophie nodding in agreement Perreault and doing the surf swim through the conference hall as engaging speakers “empowered the leader within” for hundreds of farm women who attended the event.

Besides financial success, speakers also addressed women’s “super power”, the art of learning from failure, the task of teaching selfregulation, the art of negotiation and having the courage to switch from saying “why” to “why not”.

This story will focus on the financial and leadership teachings.

Next month, a new feature will highlight the topics of self-regulation, the power of calling yourself “Newman” and learning the five ‘S’s” of business and farm family life success.

Vanessa Stockbrugger of Calgary says she grew up with a strong role model. When Stockbrugger’s father died, her mother raised four young children and defied the naysayers who said she could not keep the family farm.

“My mother knew she wanted us to grow up on a farm so she rented those 300 acres and got us all through school with three business degrees, and one teaching degree,” said Stockbrugger, the founder of Womencents, a company that provides women the opportunity to live with financial security, selfreliance and confidence. She formed the company after a decade-long career as an investment banker at a major Canadian bank.

“Now that farm consists of 4,000 acres of which I am an investor. It’s also the place I go to vacation because it feels like home.”

Inspired by her brave mother, Stockbrugger took the leap to form Womencents because women want to do better with their finances, but aren’t always treated in ways they trust or that work to their strengths.

“There is not such a big gap between men and women on the education side. It’s the confidence factor that is probably bigger,” said Stockbrugger.

“Women also have a different risk tolerance. We are not risk averse. We are risk-aware,” she said. “When we do invest, we stick to a plan and we follow through with it.”

Also, women like to learn differently. They want to learn in groups, on topics that are specific and relatable to them. They want to see that other people struggle with the same issues that they do. They want to build trust and work with other people they trust.

It’s not that men cannot be trusted, but men teach differently and, currently, 85 per cent of financial advisors are men. They may teach to their strengths, not using methods women respond better too.

Also, the issue is not about the amount of money for women. It’s about the management of it.

“We need to feel empowered and in control ... that we can be in the driver’s seat,” said Stockbrugger.

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Stockbrugger developed the 4Es: Engaged: “This is your life. You need to be present and engaged.”

Education: Women don’t have to be experts but they do need to learn.

Execution: “We need a plan. We are personal and emotional and when it comes to money, we are afraid to make mistakes. We want it to be perfect before we take a risk so we need small, manageable steps.”

Experience: “We have all had different experience so we don’t all have the same solutions. Our financial plan needs to be personalized or else we will not stick to it.”

Stockbrugger admitted she is fond of acronyms so she had another one to offer women at the event: CENTS. Clarity: “Know what a GPS is?

It’s that thing men won’t use on the roads but love to use in the fields!

We need a financial GPS to know where we are before we move to the next place. I like to refer to this as cleaning out the financial closet so that we can see what is in there.”

That includes financial assets, debt, estate planning, insurance and items such as employee benefits.

Explore and Name: An exploration of financial assets includes understanding each woman’s mindsets and biases.

“People are born a certain way. I have one daughter who is a saver and another who is a spender. Some people do not feel comfortable with debt. We need to explore those things,” said Stockbrugger.

Naming involves looking at mindful spending. “Like time, money is a limited resource. Where do we want to spend it? What habits are impacting your money position?

Where is every dollar going? Naming includes understanding our solid expenses (mortgage, insurance premiums, loan payments, etc), our liquid expenses (groceries, transportation, phone plans, children, etc.) and gas expenses (nonessentials such as hobbies, entertainment and convenience).

“My husband likes to ask me, when I buy things, if it is a liquid or a gas,” jokes Stockbrugger.

“Identifying it is a way to cut down on spending. When we know better, we can do better.”

20 The Rural Voice

Part of the process of Exploring and Naming is going through a goalsetting exercise. Women need to write out their bucket list items.

“Then I challenge them that if that is what they really want to do, what is holding them back? These are the things that bring them happiness and satisfaction so this is where they need to put their focus and spend their energy,” said Stockbrugger.

“We are personal and emotional when it comes to money... we need a plan.”

Vanessa Stockbrugger

Tools and Systems: After all this analysis, Stockbrugger then helps investors develop the tools and systems that will move them from the present to the goals they have set for themselves.

Among those tools are: • Choosing to ACT for Actions Changes Things. The trick is to make it manageable with small steps.

• Automate investments.

• Choose, based on interest rates, whether now is a time to invest or pay off debt. “If we can save at a higher rate than paying debt, then we

save,” counsels Stockbrugger.

• Tax-free savings accounts: “These are a great tool because your savings grow tax free. Plus, we can pull that money out when we need it and then put it back again. It is a misunderstood and greatly underutilized tool.”

• Diversify: “We tend to be highly invested in the farm and agriculture but there are lots of ways to invest, such as markets, if you can handle the risk of them going up and down.”

• Tax impacts: Make good use of RRSP and RESP options for your family and tax-saving opportunities.

• Educate yourselves: Stockbrugger recommends the podcast “Moolala: Money Made Simple” as well as several books for women to read to educate themselves about their finances.

• Make finances a priority: “If we don’t make it a priority, no one else will,” said Stockbrugger.

Ultimately, through engagement and education, farm women can take the small steps that will get them moving in a positive direction. “You will develop momentum,” promised Stockbrugger.

Embracing Failure is the Road to Success While Stockbrugger focused on finances, the Executive VicePresident and Chief Operation Officer for FCC, who is responsible for the overall management of FCC’s national operations, spoke on “embracing failure as the road to success.”

Obviously highly successful in her career with FCC, Sophie Perreault said she has always felt the need to be strong with “an answer for everything” but found her greatest lesson during a time of failure in her life.

Perreault explained that when she started her career in Montreal, she knew very little English and was required to manage people much older than her.

“It was very intimidating at the time,” she said.

She remembers going on farm visits with directors while she was a vice-president. “The customers thought I was the directors’ assistant, not their boss,” said Perreault. “We laughed it off and kept going but that

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was a constant reminder to me that the first thing coming out of my mouth had better be smart if I was to be taken seriously.”

As she continued to climb the corporate ladder, she felt like she was walking a tightrope, always balancing the worry of falling. “I was terrified to fail,” she remembers.

“Mostly because that would validate my own doubt and my own fear that I was not good enough, or smart enough, or resourceful enough to be good at my job.”

So Perreault worked extra hard to prove her worth and was awarded with more and more leadership opportunities until she came to one that involved leading an Information Technology team.

“I could not write code to save my life but I was excited to work in something new. How hard could it be? I just had to work harder, right?” said Perreault.

However, she learned that unlike other leadership positions she had held, she did not know how to do the actual work of the team. She could not work harder. She had to work WITH the team.

“I really had to rely on the people around me to get the work done and that, coupled with the fear of failing that was already driving me, accentuated my bossy leadership style,” recalls Perreault.

As the months went by she could see her leadership style wasn’t working. It wasn’t resonating.

Perreault decided to conduct a confidential survey with her boss and the team to rate her leadership style.

The results devastated her. They had given her overall leadership score a ranking of 57 per cent.

“That wasn’t good. As you can see, my listening skills need work and that’s a nice way to put it!” said Perreault.

She realized that she’d been so busy trying to solve all the issues herself that she did not take time to listen to what people had to say.

Perreault wasn’t creating a safe environment where her team members could talk about their issues and ask for help. Neither was she revealing any signs of vulnerability or weakness that would have made connection easier.

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Perreault had two choices. She could leave the team and find another leadership role that thrived under her management style. Or, she could

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raise the bar for herself and figure out what was driving her controlling behaviour in order to make the changes that would make her a better leader.

“I am here today, after a lot of soul-searching plus encouragement from my peers and employees, to say that I slowly reinvested in myself as a leader,” said Perreault. “This was not a quick fix and I can tell you that I have bad days when I am stressed and can fall back into the throes of control. However, now I catch myself more quickly and I can recover.”

Perreault was keen to share with the women at the Women in AG

Summit the three things that helped her on her leadership journey: 1. Be Present: “This is the most important part of the job. It sounds easy but it is not,” said Perreault. She said there are many times she, and women in general, are lost in thought, preoccupied about the past or worried about the future. When that happens, they are not where they should be which is “right here, right now, supporting the people in front of us.”

When that happens, leaders don’t listen well. They are listening to the conversation in their own head versus the one they are supposedly engaging in.

“I can tell you I get much better results when I stay curious and ask questions and help the people I am working with think things through,” said Perreault. “Most of the time they have the answer ... they just need to talk it out and find that answer.”

2. Nobody is Perfect: Instead of trying to be perfect, women should remind themselves that being perfect makes them inaccessible. “People respond way better to us when they can relate to our imperfections,” said Perreault. Also, constantly worrying about our performance makes us inward-focused versus outwardfocused.

The trick is to surround yourself with talented people. Then, hand over the keys. “Give up control and trust people around you to make the right decision,” advised Perreault.

When she leads, Perreault said she communicates her high-level expectations. Then she lets it go. If there are obstacles, she is there to step in and support the team member to encourage them.

Also important, said Perreault, is the decision to recommit everyday to being the best person you can be.

3. Embrace Failure: Without being willing to embrace failure, many good ideas come and go.

Perfection often results in taking too much time to think of all the possible scenarios that could happen. “The problem is that by the time you have gathered all the information, the problem has changed.”

That’s why Perreault is a huge fan of experimentation. Standing still will get you nowhere when there are

concepts and ideas to explore.

“Failing is how we learn,” said Perreault. “The trick is to manage your risk so that you can quickly get on your feet, dust yourself off, adjust your approach and try again.”

Perreault concluded her presentation by reminding the women that each one of them is on a journey. If they can cultivate their presence, embrace their imperfections and take a few calculated risks, they will definitely come out ahead. ◊

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Local Food

Four on #4

Using local foods and proud of their products, owners of businesses on Highway 4 in Huron County make it a tasty route to travel. Clockwise: Gerhard Metzger of Metzger Meats; Mathieu Burdan of the Red Cat Bakery (located on Highway 21); Paul Van Dorp of Blyth Farm Cheese and Jackie Rowe of The Garlic Box.

A corridor of home-grown and artisanal foods is worth the drive down Highway 4 24 The Rural Voice

• By Hetty Stuart •

A

n “artisan” is a worker in a skilled trade, who makes limited quantities of products, using traditional methods.

It was an eye-opener, meeting these four hard-working artisans in their food trades, most of them wearing hair nets and aprons, their sleeves rolled up over well-muscled arms.

Because of their vision, hard work, and the perseverance of their human spirit, we can enjoy the product of their expertise and passion. I have become more aware of how bountiful and flavourful our local farming community is.

With the exception of the Red Cat Bakery, they all work off the Hwy #4 corridor; the breads from the bakery are served on #4 at The Cowbell restaurant.

Four on Hwy 4 Early To Rise We arrived at the Red Cat Bakery just after midnight, one February morning, in order to watch the complete bread-baking process at this bakery. Our cheerful hosts and bakers, Christian and his son Mathieu, warmly welcomed us into their floury workspace.

An incredible heat was belching from the huge red-bricked wall containing an old-fashioned European bake-oven. As Christian slid another batch of loaves onto the broad paddles for the oven, he stated proudly: “I built this oven myself. I hand-crafted it, just as all the bread baked by the flame of our brick oven is hand-crafted.”

The scent of rising dough was so fragrant, my tummy began an incessant growl. The floury atmosphere became poetry for my soul – the energy and joy created by this father/son baking duo was quite palpable, as they slung huge batches of pliant dough from their shoulders, onto wooden tables, kneading with nimble fingers, tossing raisins and cinnamon with seeming abandon.

And yet, the recipes pinned to the walls and committed to their memories dictated a deliberate and measured movement, producing their signature perfect loaves and buns.

Christian’s website states that his bread is fermented from a piece of inherited sourdough culture. I had to see it, of course! “My Grandfather gave me this piece of his culture that he had started in 1928. When I immigrated to Canada, this culture came with me. Every loaf of bread that comes from my bakery contains part of this culture,” he shared. “It’s a nourishing gift from ancestors past.”

Christian comes from a long line of bread-bakers: “I am the seventh generation baker in my family. It takes 11 years in Germany to earn this Master’s degree.”

He adds, “I grow organically certified grain on my farm, to use in

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my bakery, but the key ingredient is this sourdough. It leavens the bread, and makes it taste better than any commercially-made, store-bought loaves. I use no butter, fat, sugar, molasses, eggs or dairy.”

Not only is his bread healthier for the gut, but the live sourdough means it stays fresh much longer, and it doesn’t require any extra preservatives to ward off mold.

“When the gut is full of healthy bacteria,” claims Christian, “it has the potential to regulate mood and positive feelings.”

With the pearl light of dawn in the eastern sky, we left the warmth of the bakery, with shelves laden with crusty, tangy sourdough loaves. The two bakers, satisfied and exhausted, turned out the lights and headed for their beds. There will be a multitude of customers coming within a couple hours to purchase this healthy bread – baked with love – in an oldfashioned brick oven.

Red Cat Bakery, 82560 Bluewater Hwy. Goderich, ON https://www.redcatbakery.com/

Christian and Mathieu Burdan slide sourdough bread into the oven at the Red Cat Bakery on Highway 21 near Goderich . Their bread is served at Cowbell on Highway 4. Gerhard Metzger of Metzger Meats (below) in Hensall sources meat from well-treated and well-rested animals to guarantee the quality of the meat.

Four on Hwy #4 Bringing Home the Bacon When Gerhard Metzger, of Metzger Meats, uses his secret recipe to cure his bacon, he is winning over hundreds of happy customers. The same can be said of his smoked hams, sausages, and salamis. There is something so unusually delicious in his meats, that customers from far and wide become loyal followers.

He has created a one-of-a-kind niche market in his small store in Hensall. From its humble one-person beginning in 1990, Metzger’s Meats now has a huge presence in the community, through neighbouring grocery stores and restaurants alike.

“My aim has never been solely for profit,” Gerhard firmly states. “We make a good product, focusing on the quality of the cuts of meat, to make something unique, and to give the customer a good experience.”

His animals, sourced from local farms, are guaranteed hormone-free.

“There are strict guidelines and sophisticated animal handling practices in place even before the

animals arrive at my place,” Gerhard said. “The animals need to be welltreated, and well-rested, to guarantee a good pH level in the quality of the meat, and give a better shelf life.”

Gerhard uses traditional European preparation methods and the latest in food processing innovation. “My bacon that I cure,” he shares, “is drycured: there is no water injected into it. Hardly any Canadian butcher uses

this method.”

This unique method of curing adds tremendous taste value. In fact, he has won top awards from the Ontario’s Finest Meat Competition for this bacon. His smoked hams are also examples of the talents of this fine artisan meat store.

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always been a challenge, but Gerhard is excited that both his son and daughter are involved in his business.

His store is a hive of activity, filled with customers admiring and purchasing from his attractively displayed fresh meat counters. He is able to keep growing and investing, as he sees the future of Metzger Meats growing as well.

It sounds like it is time to shovel out the BBQ, and check out the nicely marbled steaks and garlic sauces that line the shelves at Metzger’s Meats. The selection is awesome, and the flavour does not disappoint.

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Four on Hwy #4 “Something no Good Cook can be Without�

Spring is an exciting time of year as we witness gardens turning green.

The garlic bulbs that had been planted in the fall, had started their growth before the blanket of snow covered them for a few months. And now, as the snow melts, they will continue to grow.

Jackie Rowe, owner of The Garlic Box in Hensall, gets excited when the first portion of the crop begins.

While the bulb is harvested in late summer, the first edible parts of the plant – the garlic scapes – begin to bolt upwards in late June. “Scapes are harvested at this time, so that the growth of the plant can go into the bulbs. Nutritionally, scapes are an A+ vegetable: high in vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium and beta carotene. They can be chopped, blanched, and frozen, made into a pesto, added to soups, meats, and salads,� she enthuses.

Jackie’s vision to bring locally grown garlic to our own tables began in 1998, with a one-acre field of garlic. A bumper crop of 8,000 lbs was harvested; but had to be re-sown, as there was no market for fresh local garlic. The garlic industry in Ontario had collapsed under the cheap imports from China. “Even today, about 72 per cent of garlic is bought off-shore,� claims Jackie. “Shocking reports of Chinese

garlic, drenched in chemicals for cleaning and preserving shelf life, make up this market. But, Canadian rules are very strict for growing Ontario garlic, with necessary certification of the fields and processing standards.”

The garlic’s BRIX (natural sugar solids) is a great measuring stick for quality and nutritional value. The higher the BRIX, the better tasting is the garlic. Ontario garlic is 41; offshore garlic is 28.

Jackie’s store began developing gourmet garlic food products, in order to supply garlic year round.

The Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) method flash-freezes garlic bulbs for a few seconds, thereby allowing each clove to hold the same flavour and nutritional value as a bulb pulled from the earth.

James Beard, a cookbook author, wrote, “Garlic is something that no good cook can be without.” Local, home-grown garlic is not only tastier, but is also more nutritious. Visit The Garlic Box today, and get some signature garlicky goodness, to transform your meals from “ordinary” to “legendary”.

The Garlic Box, 54 Hensall Rd. https://www.thegarlicbox.com/

Four on Hwy #4 Aged to Perfection What can compare to handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese, made on a farm by a Master Cheese Maker – one who knows how to make perfect, creamy Gouda cheese? Paul Van Dorp, just outside Blyth runs just such an operation at Blyth Farm Cheese. He had learned the trade in the Netherlands, bringing back the iconic Dutch Gouda techniques with him. Except his Gouda is made with one twist: he uses certified organic goat and sheep milk, straight from his farm! For anyone suffering from a lactose intolerance, this is good news indeed.

There are about 10 different cheeses made on this farm, products that have earned Paul many awards throughout the years. Flavours include garlic, jalapeno, nettle, and the infamous Drunken Goat – a merlot soaked gouda. The Golden Blyth is his most popular cheese, and

Paul VanDorp of Blyth Farm Cheese stirs curds and whey from the goat and sheep milk he uses to make award-winning cheeses. He makes about 10 different varieties of cheese, including a creamy gouda, with techniques he learned in his native Holland.

for good reason too! Each slice of hand-crafted cheese is free of artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives.

“I pasteurize the milk for 20 seconds in this pasteurizer,” he said, nodding towards a huge piece of equipment in his clean and modern make room. “Then, we add the bacterial culture and rennet to make the curds solidify. The whey is drained off and fed to the lambs on the farm.”

Each piece of equipment is exceptionally clean and up-to-date.

Huge knives cut the curd into small pieces, which are then drained, washed and stirred several times, with careful time and quality calculations noted.

“Finally, we pack the curds into moulds, which are pressed for three hours and soaked in a salt brine solution before going to the aging room.” Behind glass windows is the carefully controlled aging room, with shelves neatly stacked with golden wheels of this milky, slightly-sweet, cheese.

The market for Paul’s cheese continues to expand into Kitchener, London and Toronto. Major chains like Loblaws as well as small specialty shops and local restaurants throughout the region also sell the cheeses made here. The farm also boasts a small retail store

for direct purchases.

Natural, local and delicious – that’s Blyth Farm Cheese. ◊ Blyth Farm Cheese: 82521 Allboro Line, Blyth www.blythfarmcheese.ca

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History

Restored McLaughlin buggy rolls again Aileen and Harold Burgin keep history alive by restoring horse buggy built in the early 1900s Story and Photos by Bonnie Sitter

T

Before it was restored to its former glory, the McLaughlin Buggy had been kept on the upper floor of a barn. When it made its way into the hands of Harold and Aileen Burgin (above) of Kirkton, Harold kept it in his shed until he could fully restore the 1900s showpiece with the help of Dan Kuepfer of Milverton.

he first owner of this handsome McLaughlan Buggy was Dr. Charles Jose who moved to Kirkton from the Belleville area with his wife and two sons, Gerrance and John, in 1908. He was moving to Kirkton to replace Dr. William Carr who was Kirkton’s first veterinarian.

It is believed this recently-restored buggy was built around 1900. Buggy wheels had rubber added in 1902 so it helps with the dating. It would have served Dr. Jose until he purchased his first car, likely about 1920, although what car he purchased is a fact that is missing from the history book.

Gerrance followed in his father’s footsteps.

People who remember the father and son recall that they were both large men. It was a tight squeeze when they travelled together in one of Kirkton’s first automobiles, a small coupe. Together, father and son bought and sold cattle and kept another herd of cattle on the Jose grass farm near Belleville.

Interestingly, Dr. Chas. Jose and Son are identified as both Veterinary Surgeons and Dentists on a mailing label that was included in their family history. It was found in a book called Village Connections. The book also contains a story of a woman being driven by Dr. Gerrance Jose to Stratford Hospital in a dreadful snowstorm to deliver her baby. So he might have offered a taxi service as well! The two doctors worked together and Dr. Gerrance Jose took over the practice when his father retired in 1930.

Before this, the buggy was decommissioned and stored, like so many others, in their barn on the upper floor. The Jose property was sold in 1952 to Fred and Mayme (Pridham) Hamilton and the buggy went with the sale of the property. Mayme, an aunt of Harold Burgin, the present owner, offered it to him when she knew it was time to downsize. It wasn’t a hard decision to say “yes” because Harold has a passion for history.

Harold didn’t actually take possession of the buggy until the summer of 1969. To extract the buggy, Harold used the rear upper door of the stable. He lowered it on ropes and he did it by himself. No stories exist of how many men it took to lift it into the barn. The shafts were missing, as April 2020 31

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was the whip, and the top was in complete shambles. The buggy had been in an accident at some point in time. After it came to the Burgins’ farm, it was partially dismantled and the pieces were stored in the drive shed/shop until Harold started the restoration around 2015.

When Harold had completed all the work he was able to do, the buggy was loaded into their enclosed trailer in June of 2019 and delivered to Dan Kuepfer, owner-operator of Carriage Works in Milverton. He said he could complete the restoration. The result is the handsome buggy seen in these photos. The same enclosed trailer returned the completed buggy to the Burgin farm on January 14, 2020.

The buggy was originally built in Oshawa at the McLaughlin Carriage Works, which eventually evolved into General Motors. That plant is now shuttered.

What does the future hold for the masterpiece? Aileen, Harold’s wife, says the plan is for the buggy to be showcased in their daughter’s yet-tobe-reconstructed bank barn near Collingwood. ◊

Aileen and Harold Burgin (above) have really enjoyed being able to bring a former piece of Perth County back to its former glory by restoring a buggy made by the McLaughlin Carriage Co. of Oshawa, as witnessed by the brass plate on the back of the buggy (above, right).

April 2020 33

Recipes by Dorothy Heanderson

Beautiful, fast, homemade soups

C

hildren’s author, Lewis Carroll, wrote a funny poem entitled Beautiful Soup in which he extolled the virtues of soup: So hot and green ...

Waiting in the soup tureen.

Soup is beautiful, especially home-made soups. It is also delicious and nutritious. Soup makes a good start to a meal because it stimulates the appetite. A hearty soup can also substitute for the main course when you add bread and a side salad.

There are endless variations of soup to create, so why don’t people make soup more often? Perhaps it is just too easy to open a tin of soup.

Tinned soups, while handy, are often high in sodium and lower in food value. An average tinned tomato soup has 20 per cent of a daily sodium (salt) requirement in a halfcup serving, while you can control sodium intake by making your own soup.

Homemade soups are also significantly higher in food value.

Comparing two tomato soups, a serving of a tinned brand provides four per cent of a person’s Vitamin A

needs while the home-made soup gave 20 per cent. Additionally, a helping of the tinned soup provided 10 per cent of a daily nutritional need for Vitamin C while the home-made soup provided 15 per cent. (Source: sparkpeople.com) Perhaps we are dissuaded from making soup because it seems to take so long. Even a long-time soup lover like me will groan upon reading a recipe beginning something like this: Cut a brisket across the grain and simmer gently for 1-2 hours with onions, carrots and bouquet garni.

All the soups in this column have been adapted for a busy lifestyle. If you have a half hour, you can make any one of these delicious and nutritious soups.

And, the secret to turning an ordinary soup into a spectacular dish is the garnish, which you can prepare as the soup cooks. Garnish is a soup’s crowning glory, a small detail using shallots or parsley to remind us that visual appeal and taste buds are closely linked.

Carrot and Coconut Purée Ingredients:

3 tbsp butter or margarine 1 cooking onion, chopped 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 6-7 large carrots, peeled and sliced ½ tsp ground ginger 1 tbsp ground coriander 2 cups coconut milk Directions: For almond garnish: 1 tsp butter or margarine, 1 tbsp water, ½ cup slivered almonds.

For the spice mixture to coat the almonds: ½ tsp sugar, 1 tbsp ground coriander, ½ tsp curry powder, ¼ tsp salt.

• In large pot, sauté chopped onion in butter for a minute or two.

• Add broth and bring to a boil while you are peeling and slicing the carrots. Add carrots, ginger and coriander. Reduce heat to a slow boil until carrots are very soft (about 20 minutes).

• While the soup is cooking, prepare your almond garnish. Using a frying pan, mix butter, water and almonds. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium, stirring until the water is evaporated and the nuts are

Homemade soups are beautiful, easy to make and considerably more healthy than soups from cans. From left to right: 1. Cold Zucchini and Avocado Soup, 2. Sweet Potato Soup with Peanut Butter and Ginger and, 3. Cream of Parsnip Soup.

34 The Rural Voice

Recipes golden brown. (This takes about one minute.)

• Stir the nuts into the spice mixture and set aside.

• After the soup has bubbled for 20 minutes, stir in coconut milk.

Allow to cool slightly. Purée in 3 small batches (to avoid splashing) in a blender until very smooth.

• Pour puréed soup into a clean bowl or pot. Reheat if necessary and garnish with the curried almonds.

Hamburger Soup Because there is some chopping in this robust soup, I find it a great time-saver to use an alligator chopper which I purchased at my local hardware store.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 lb lean ground beef 5 cups beef bouillon 1 cup (or so) tomato sauce 1 796 mL can diced tomatoes 1 carrot, peeled and chopped into small pieces 1 stalk celery, washed and chopped into small pieces 1 cooking onion, peeled and chopped into small pieces 1 cup frozen corn 1 tsp each dried basil and garlic powder 1 tbsp Worchestershire sauce Salt & pepper to taste Directions: • In a heavy pot, heat oil over medium high heat and stir in ground beef, breaking apart with a fork or wooden spoon. Brown for 3 minutes.

• Add bouillon, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

• Prepare chopped vegetables: carrot, celery, onion. As each is chopped, add to the boiling tomatobroth. Add corn, making sure that the boiling does not stop.

• Add basil, garlic powder and Worchestershire sauce. Reduce heat slightly to a slow boil for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Garnish with a swirl of sour cream mixed with 1 tbsp milk or cream. (A clean empty mustard bottle works well; just shake together sour cream and milk before making a swirl on soup.) Alternatively, garnish with croutons and/or fresh or dried parsley.

Cream of Parsnip Soup This is my all-time favourite soup.

Since parsnips are expensive to buy in the grocery store, it is rewarding to grow a patch in a home garden. They need loose, organic-rich soil, water and a long growing season (up to 5 months). They are cold resistant, though, and can even stay in the ground all winter.

Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter or margarine 1 small onion, chopped 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 stalks celery, washed and coarsely chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped in two 6 parsnips, peeled and coarsely chopped ½ tsp nutmeg Pinch cinnamon ½ cup cream or milk Salt & pepper to taste Directions: • In a heavy pan, melt butter and add chopped onion. Sauté while you wash the celery and peel the garlic and parsnips.

• Add the broth, raise heat and bring to a boil.

• Coarsely chop and add the vegetables to the simmering broth.

• Add nutmeg and cinnamon.

Cook for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

• Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.

• Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender. Fill the blender only to the half mark to avoid hot splashing. Pour into a big bowl.

• When all is silky smooth and blended, stir in cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with something green such as parsley, finely chopped lettuce, cilantro.

Cold Zucchini and Avocado Soup When I first tried this recipe, I gave a bowl to my traditionalist spouse who claims to hate zucchini and avocados; he also believes that soup should be hot. To my surprise, he enjoyed it! This soup is packed with healthy things and comes together in the blender in nine minutes. Serve it icy cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients:

½ cup almonds 2 small zucchini, washed, ends trimmed, coarsely chopped 1 stalk celery, washed, trimmed, coarsely chopped ¼ cup cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice 1 ½ cups cold water 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, coarsely chopped Dash of hot sauce Salt and pepper to taste Directions: • Into a blender or food processor, add the almonds and process until finely ground.

• Add zucchini, celery, oil, lemon juice and ½ cup of water. Blend for 1 minute.

• Add 1 cup water, avocados, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Purée until smooth.

Garnish with chopped basil, parsley or chives.

Sweet Potato Soup with Peanut Butter and Ginger African cuisine has introduced us to the delicious combination of sweet potato and peanuts. This tasty soup is suitable for a plant-based/vegan diet.

Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter or oil 1 medium cooking onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled, minced 4 ½ cups vegetable broth 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced OR ¼ tsp ground ginger 3 tbsp peanut butter 2 tbsp cilantro or basil Salt & pepper to taste Directions: • Melt butter in heavy pot and add onion and garlic. Cook for a minute or two.

• Add broth and bring to a boil.

• Add sweet potatoes, ginger, peanut butter, cilantro or basil.

• Cook for 20 minutes until sweet potato is soft.

• Working in small batches, purée in blender or food processor.

Garnish with croutons, extra cilantro, a handful of crushed crackers or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. ◊ April 2020 35

Gardening Rhea HamiltonSeeger is a skilled cook and gardener who lives near Auburn.

All about the tomatoes

I

think tomatoes have to be the number one food plant that everyone likes to try and so many succeed at. Technically a fruit, tomatoes are used liberally in so much of our savoury cooking.

Tomatoes are wonderfully easy to grow and offer a delicious array of flavours.

When you read this you may have already started your seeds. I came across a wonderful article in Organic Gardening years ago that summed up the next stage of the tomato’s’ life as a time of slow, complex wonders.

How absolutely true!

Between the time of the first leaves unfolding until the time the first flowers are pollinated the plant directs all its energy to the vegetative stage. Growing conditions have major implications for the harvest to come. Which is why it is so important to take special care of them.

In the beginning tomatoes were native to the western slopes of the Andes. In early summer the dry ground would be saturated with runoff and the bright sun was especially warm. From this we know tomatoes do well with bottom-watering and bright light.

Bottom-watering can be a nuisance if you have to move a tray but you could use a plastic squirt bottle and spray most of the water just inside the edge of the container.

From there it will run to the bottom.

Tomato seedlings need just two things, water and light. If you can use a grow light keep the bulb no more than three inches from the plants. If you use a timer it will be easy to set

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12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. I always manage to grow long spindly plants. One would think they were starved for fertilizer but the answer is much simpler — they need more light.

Loved by many and easy to grow, tomatoes are also easy to start from seed. They just need lots of light so they don’t get leggy from reaching for it.

I have started seeds by scattering them over a tray of potting medium and then transplanted them later. We all recognize those first leaves but when the second ones unfold then it is time to move them to a bigger pot.

Those second leaves allow the plant to go into overdrive to produce a complex root system.

Nurturing is the key for the next three weeks. Water the seedlings as needed, making sure the top half-inch is somewhat dry.You will have to adjust the lighting as the plants grow.

Introduce them to real sunshine on a windowsill for a few hours at a time.

The new leaves should be dark green and closely spaced on the stem.

Avoid creating a leggy plant by providing more light.

By week five or six, your plants should be ready to harden off if the weather is warm outside. There have been studies done to determine just how resilient tomato plants can be in cooler weather. The study involved chilling them at 35 degrees

Gardening of nutrition and moisture. Use mulch as soon as the soil is warm. Start with a fine layer of fresh nitrogen-rich grass clippings topped with a layer of straw or half rotten leaves. By using combinations of mulches you get better water penetration and more diverse nutrients. This helps with the dreaded blossom end rot. It starts with an imbalance of nutrients and is exacerbated with over-watering and drought conditions. ◊

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Rural Living

Fahrenheit for up to 18 hours a day for two weeks before transplanting. It was found that if given proper water and light, young tomato plants grew to produce a quality crop despite the cold treatment.

The greatest challenge to young plants is the wind. I have one of those three tiered wire racks with a zippered plastic cover that I set up just outside the east door. I pop small plants in it as the first step to hardening them off. The cover keeps the wind from whipping around them and can be opened for air circulation.

The Organic Gardening article also revealed that young plants adapt to the breeze by changing the mosaic of cells on the outer layer of the stems, and this takes about five days.

As the outer cells or skin cells become thicker and more twisted, the plants can withstand more wind. The new “armor” also provides protection from various pathogens.

Now is the time to get a bed ready to hasten them to maturity and fruiting. You can look at pots for the patio, raised beds, or your regular garden. Tomatoes are big feeders and you need to work in a range of compost or rotten manure into the planting holes.

Tomato plants are so forgiving when planted. You can plant them deeper – leaving the top three or four leaves above the soil – or you can lay them diagonally in shallow trenches with most of the stem buried. At each leaf junction is a node that will sprout roots. Since you want a rock solid root system and lots of leaves both these methods will achieve that.

You can always recognize tomato plants in the spring garden. They are the ones sporting cloches, milk carton covers, jugs with bottoms cut off or half gallon plastic flower pots, all of which are sheltering the young plants from the wind and attracting extra heat.

Once the transplants have settled, (about two weeks after transplanting) then you can give them a shot of manure tea or other liquid fertilizer.

You are still in “root mode”, encouraging good development of the root system.

Now your job is to keep them weeded. Weeds will rob your plants

Advice • Lisa B. Pot •

Strip tillage provides happy medium Soil Specialist, Anne Verhallen, is worried about compaction in the soils of vegetable farmers and recommends strip-tillage as a solution

V

egetable producers have challenges when it comes to soil health because their systems can be tough on soil, says Soil Management Specialist Anne Verhallen.

However, she thinks there might be a solution: strip tillage.

“We (vegetable producers) do more tillage so you might see wind erosion and compaction. I know you guys get beat up about compaction,” said Verhallen.

There were lots of nods from the audience and several responded that they have had to retile their fields because of compaction.

Could strip-tillage solve their need to have warm and dry soils in the spring while still retaining soil health? Verhallen thinks so.

Speaking at the Ontario Processing Vegetable Industry Conference held January 29 in London, Verhallen led a room full of producers through her research and thought processes on soil health and tillage in vegetable rotations.

Compaction in soil reduces porosity so when water falls from the sky, it pools on the soil or runs off instead of soaking into the ground.

“When we talk about soil health we are still talking about water in many ways,” said Verhallen. “Water and organic matter are what unite the physical health, chemical health (fertility) and biological health of the soil.”

In terms of physical health, soil experts have a new understanding of organic matter. It’s way more than just the residue that’s put back on the field. While residue is great, it’s actually the roots of plants that provide the most benefit.

“When I went to school, we were

38 The Rural Voice

Vegetable growers are concerned about soil health given that their farming practices tend to be extra stressful on the soil. Anne Verhallen urged vegetable growers to consider strip-tillage to improve the organic matter in the soil while still creating space for soil to warm up for temperature-sensitive vegetables.

She spoke at the Ontario Processiing Vegetable Industry Conference held in London on January 29.

taught you dump it on and that makes organic matter,” said Verhallen.

“Now we know that for organic matter to become part of the particulate, it has to go through a microbe. Then your soil is really alive!”

Microbes do feed on residue but they particularly like the root exudates, which are the suite of substances in the rhizosphere that are

Anne Verhallen Soil Management Specialist, OMAFRA

secreted by the roots of living plants.

“The more roots we grow, the more microbes we grow, the more we lay down organic matter,” she summarized.

Tillage can be a good thing when

Advice it opens areas for microbes to work.

However, too much tillage destroys the roots and breaks up the soil aggregates, exposing (or burying) the organic matter where microbes cannot access it. It has to be kept near the surface, in the top four inches of the soil she suggests.

Further exacerbating the problem is repeated years of soybeans.

Soybeans don’t leave much residue for microbes to work.

Rotation is part of the solution, especially rotation with a cover crop.

Cover crops provide roots and residue for the microbes to happily work all year long. ellow speaker, Laura Van Eerd, a professor of sustainable soil management at the University of Guelph, said in 12 years planting cover crops on a test plot she has learned three big lessons: 1) Whether you plant a cover crop in August or September, it does not impact crop yield. “If you plant one later (in September) you reduce your options for what you can plant but still get one in. It’s more about having the plant there than the amount of growth.”

2) It’s about the roots and root exudates. “Even if you bale off or graze the cover crop, it will be alright because you still have what is underground. The below-ground roots are contributing to soil organic matter.”

3) There is no statistical difference other than not using a cover crop for squash, peas, grain corn and wheat.

You can use whatever cover crop you like. If she has to make recommendations, she suggests radish and rye before tomatoes but avoid radish before snap beans. Also, avoid hairy vetch before cucumbers because it is slow-growing and there will be pigweed escapes.

One of the issues with cover crops is residue. Too much residue makes it hard to grow crops like tomatoes that need tilled soil and warm soils.

“I think there is opportunity to hit the middle with strip till. There are challenges, for sure. It takes planning and set-up. You will definitely need guidance or you will curse. In fact, the cost of the equipment might make you curse!” laughed Verhallen.

F

Once the logistics get figured out, the advantage is that strip till reduces soil disturbance and controls traffic, leading to less compaction.

Vegetable growers can specify fertility placement to the crop and maintain soil residue.

“Strip till is the happy medium,” she repeated.

“We have conveniently-managed soil to work with but have the no-till part to protect the soil and retain the water.”

While some vegetable farmers may worry that the no-tilled part of the soil will still keep the soil too cool in the spring, Verhallen said they have to consider summer as well. The no-tilled part will reduce the soil temperature in the heat of summer and will also retain moisture, something that is often a concern in

the middle of the summer.

Looking to other countries that use strip-till for vegetable crops, Verhallen showed research indicating Australia crop growers have seen gross margin gains of up to $500 per hectare within two to three years of adopting strip-till. Some of the profits are attributed to the reduction of tillage costs. In Texas, watermelon growers have reported higher yields and higher sugars using strip tillage.

Whatever methods of tillage vegetable farms decide to use now or in the future, Verhallen said the goal should always be better soil. Timeproven ways to improving soil include a diverse soil rotation, reduced tillage, planting cover crops, managing compaction and adding organic amendments. ◊

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News • Lisa B. Pot •

Beef farming is a sector in crisis

Harvey Hoggart said the industry should be compensated proportionate to the harm it has received

O

f all the farm sectors reporting at the Local Politician Forum on March 6 at the Clinton Legion, it was the beef farming sector that is facing the toughest year.

From new transportation rules to loss of markets from border closures to lack of processing facilities, Ontario beef farmers are “in a huge crisis” says Harvey Hoggart of the Huron County Beef Producers.

“Ontario beef farmers have incurred losses of more than $180 per animal on average since January 2019,” stated Hoggart from the brief he presented to Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson who annually attend this meeting to hear about the issues facing agriculture.

Hoggart said adding the loss of markets in China and Saudi Arabia created “a perfect storm.” The temporary China market closure in 2019 lost the Canadian beef industry hundreds of thousands of dollars per week, said Hoggart.

When Ontario’s third largest processing plant, Ryder-Regency, closed in December 2019, the processing problem became even worse.

“The beef sector deserves an equitable level of support and assistance proportionate to the harm beef farmers have received,” he added. Specifically, he was requesting a robust and secure Business Risk Management (BRM) program coupled with an Ontario Cattle Emergency Assistance Program to aid beef farmers during these tough times.

When beef farmers are profiting, they contributes $2.69 billion to Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product on an annual basis, added Hoggart via his brief. “Gram for gram, beef is one of the most accessible and affordable ways for the human body to obtain essential nutrients,” he stated,

40 The Rural Voice

Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb comments on the tough situations of beef farmers facing transportation changes, processing backlogs and trade issues at the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s (HCFA) Local Politician’s Forum held March 6 at the Clinton Legion. HCFA President Ethan Wallace moderated the event which Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson also attended to hear commodity groups share the issues facing agriculture in 2020.

making a case for the value of the approximately 19,000 beef farmers in Ontario.

Lobb and Thompson listened and confirmed that the beef industry is in a tough position.

“The beef industry had a couple of good years there but this past year has been terrible to say the least,” agreed Lobb. “The government failing to understand the rules in regards to BSE status is a monumental tragedy while the lack of relationship with Saudi Arabia has taken tonnage away.”

Speaking to the closure of RidingRegency, Lobb said there was a point when they were “begging” to keep it open for beef farmers because it

provided 90 per cent of the kosher beef in Ontario. Now, 100 per cent of it comes from Mexico. “It’s a huge loss,” confirmed Lobb.

Then new transportation rules came in (reducing the number of hours cattle can be on a truck) which “did not help,” said Lobb.

“This is a sector that is in crisis in Ontario,” said Lobb.

He feels that many bureaucrats and politicians are “out of their league” dealing with this stuff. “You guys are delivering the message but sometimes no one is home.”

Lobb aligned himself with the beef producers saying, “We will continue to push.”

Thompson agreed that beef

News farmers have to keep being vocal about their needs.

In response to assistance programs and promises made to fund beef farmers during the election, Thompson said, “Ernie Hardeman (Ontario’s agriculture minister) has been pushing hard for the BRM money and the finance minister and treasury board are aware of that priority,” said Thompson. “When does it come through? We know that provincially we are in a fiscally precarious situation. You will need to keep your voices heard.”

She did remind Hoggart that money has been flowing into the province via a $2 million investment in licensed abattoirs.

Hoggart acknowledged this funding while stating via the brief that as a result of insufficient processing capacity, many beef farmers are incurring losses of $200 to $300 per head.

Another issue Hoggart raised was the beef farmers’ goals to have access to more land for community pastures. This has been a longstanding request which includes access of Crown land in Northern Ontario.

“Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is requesting that the Ontario government recognize agriculture as the preferred and primary use of Crown land not used for forestry and mining,” stated the brief. Then beef farmers could develop a user-friendly system to allow beef farmers to either loan or lease the land for grazing.

With these lands, beef farmers could develop community pasture demonstration projects in partnership with BFO and environmental nongovernment organizations.

“Community pastures are especially valuable for young producers who are limited in their ability to purchase more land,” stated Hoggart via the brief.

More broadly, the beef farmers believe that allowing beef expansion into northern Ontario would set out a provincial beef sector roadmap to expand Ontario’s domestic cow-calf production and provide increased supply to meet demand for Ontario beef in local and export markets. ◊

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News • Lisa B. Pot •

Future trade wins possible, says Lobb Politicians get briefed about agricultural issues at local forum

F

rom leaky borders to trade issues, farm leaders and municipal politicians had a chance to share their grievances and successes with the listening ears of both MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson.

Both politicians have made it a priority over the years to attend the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s (HCFA) Local Politician Forum held this year on March 6 at the Clinton Legion.

Lobb and Thompson were repeatedly thanked for being advocates for agriculture in Toronto and Ottawa. Both politicians made the rounds, always ready with a joke (Lobb) and encouragement (Thompson) that the voice of agriculture matters.

HCFA President Ethan Wallace, said the day was about gaining insight into issues facing agriculture.

According to Thompson, who spoke next, one of those topics is the revised license plates coming down the pipe. Commenting on the basic design of the farm license plates on the trucks parked outside, Thompson said there is an opportunity with the revision to maximize the visuals and promote Ontario’s rich agricultural resources and identity. “Keep an eye out for more information on this,” she urged everyone at the meeting.

Lobb looked like he was going to bash the Liberals as he talked about “lack of action” but he refrained, adding that it was more important to recognize that last year was a tough one for farmers with volatile weather, closed borders and discriminatory trade agreements. It is time to sign, he said. “The USMCA is a bad deal but we will not get a better deal.

Dragging our feet on that deal sends a bad message to market and trading partners. Those are the realities.”

Dairy Farmers: However, it wasn’t all bad news as the various leaders began reporting on their

Glen McNeil (middle) said Huron and Bruce County have strong advocates for dairy and agriculture in MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson who attended the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s Local Politician’s Forum held March 6 at the Clinton Legion to hear about the issues facing agriculture in 2020. Seated beside Glen is Jim VanSoest (left) from the Huron Country Dairy Producers’ Committee and Bob Fisher, Deputy Mayor for Huron East.

commodities. Glen McNeil was first up with a report from the Huron County Dairy Producers, saying there are about half a dozen fewer dairy farmers each year but there are still 142 dairy producers actively involved in farming and community.

McNeil had lots of praise for Bill 156, The Security from Trespass and Food Safety Act, as an excellent piece of legislation. Also, he revealed that dairy farmers have contributed $500,000 in partnership with Student Nutrition Ontario to make milk available to children in schools throughout Ontario.

As to issues, he asked Thompson to make it an urgent issue to guard the “leaky border” issue as it relates to milk products illegally flowing in the Eastern Ontario area. “The leaky border further erodes opportunities for our producers to meet domestic demand,” said McNeil, referring to market loss with the signing of the USMCA trade agreement.

Thompson agreed and as to Bill

156, she said if anyone has yet to comment on the bill, now is the time to do so. “It went through the second reading with unanimous support but I do not think we will have the same result with the third and final reading,” she said.

In response, Lobb acknowledged dairy farmers took a market share hit with the USMCA signing but said there may be an opportunity for a “nice win” if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is opened up by the United States wanting to join. “With the TPP, it is understood that if you weren’t in it from the beginning, you (the U.S.) have to take what you get so we might be in a position to level the score down the road,” said Lobb.

Egg Farmers: Trade issues are always a concern and egg farmers hope the supply managed industries will be entering a period of stability, said Brian Miller. Ontario’s more than 500 egg and pullet farms produce about 270 million dozen April 2020 43

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News eggs annually from almost 11 million laying hens. This amounts to $520 million in farm sales and contributes $1.6 billion to the economy.

Miller’s concern was that progress continue at the Elora Research Station to upgrade facilities for research into poultry, such as has already occurred for dairy and pork.

“Don’t forget about poultry,” he said.

Property and Land Use Committee/ Farm Finance Committee: Rob Vanden Hengel said there have been good discussions between the agriculture community and municipal politicians in regards to farm land tax rates, allowing each side to understand each other better. The problem being that this year is the final year of a property assessment cycle, in which the taxable assessment of farmland increased by 84 per cent in Huron County. “This was in addition to very signficant increases in the 2012 reassessment,” stated Vanden Hengel. “As a result of these increases, the farmland portion of the budget has increased from 14 per cent of the total budget to 21.7 per cent of the budget.”

The result is that farmland is paying for more services than what it is using, therefore subsidizing the other tax classes.

“The HCFA has once again gone to Huron County council to ask for a decrease to the Farm Class tax rate,” said Vanden Hengel.

The other concern of the committee is lack of communication from the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail. “Questions from landowners are still being unanswered and concerns over insurance and garbage cleanup continue to exist,” stated Vanden Hengel.

Thompson said she has been doing some work on this and says a similar trail in Waterloo region has been “going swimmingly.” She said she would contact Waterloo trail organizers to arrange a meeting to discuss how to move forward so “we can stay on the map in terms of tourism.”

Pork Producers: Pork producers were pleased to be a part of the recent trade mission to Japan and South Korea because international

News shields Ontario grain farmers from price fluctuations beyond their control.”

Lobb said it has been “challenging times” for grain farmers because of volatile weather, rail blockades and energy supply issues.

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trade and market access is vital to the continued growth of Ontario’s hog industry reported Geert Geene for the Huron County Pork Producers.

“For over a year, pork producers in Ontario have been impacted by diplomatic tensions beyond our control,” stated Geene.

African Swine Fever also remains a concern. “We are focused on implementing a three-stage plan of prevention, minimizing impact and eradication,” stated Geene. “We are thankful for the government’s efforts to prevent AVF from impacting the industry and the investment to increase the number of detector dogs at major ports of entry.”

Chicken Farmers: Thompson said she has was very proud to see how chicken farmers got into the spirit of the International Women’s Day recently. “I thought it was so cool to see so many women at Queen’s Park who were proud to call themselves farmers,” she said.

Chicken farmer Ralph DeWeerd gave a largely positive report, revealing that Huron-Bruce chicken farmers produce $170 million worth of chicken and represent 16.7 per cent of Ontario’s chicken production.

There are a total of 178 local, familyrun chicken farming businesses in Huron County and 40 in Bruce County, stated DeWeerd.

“The Ontario chicken industry is strong, vibrant and continues to grow,” he said. “It supports 22,000 jobs and contributes over $3.7 billion to the Ontario economy annually.”

He was particularly proud that in 2019, over 500 chicken farmers donated to food banks, exceeding 1.7 million meals.

Of concern is an ongoing effort to reduce governmental red tape and achieve Minimum Effection Regulation.

Grain Farmers: Like the beef farmers (see accompanying story) grain farmers are also looking to see Business Risk Management programs updated to reflect the value of grain farming in Ontario.

“The current slate of programs is woefully out of the date,” said Keith Black of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“It’s time to work together to implement long-term business risk management programming that

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April 2020 45

Markets Scott Krakar is a Grain Merchandiser with LAC Inc., Hyde Park, 519-473-9333

March markets came in like a lion We’ve all heard the old saying in relation to March weather, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”

As the calendar rolled into March it wasn’t the weather that we needed to be concerned with, it was the markets that have experienced a similar beginning to the weather adage. March has come in like a lion.

The movement of the market has been very adverse and quite devastating to a wide range of prices and valuations. Energy markets are

devastated, and energy price drops are being called historic. The contagion of the energy shock spilled over into the broader stock markets, with stock indexes trading lower around the world, forcing U.S. Treasuries to trade to historic lows as investors flee “risk assets” to “safe haven”. March has come in like a lion and all markets, everywhere, have seen the repercussions. “A lion, which is strongest among beasts, [and] turneth not away for any.”

Very few industries have not been affected by this violent and swift market action.

In times like these, as described above, often fundamentals within an industry do not matter. It is market momentum that rules, it is forced selling by leveraged players that unwind bad positions, it is short sellers squeezing the market and it is a general fear that together sway markets forcefully lower. In such circumstances agricultural markets can also be pressured downward, from such sweeping value destruction in other sectors –

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especially energy markets.

This is what has occurred as we entered March. While many details are still surfacing as to the chain of events and motivations of many market players, it seems to be well understood that this “black swan event” that caused markets to stumble was from the effects of the corona virus.

Here’s a brief summary to the best of my knowledge: Corona virus concerns limited the movement of people and goods within and out of China. This disruption caused market disturbances and many companies were negatively affected. Due to the continued spread of the virus other countries also saw limited travel and commercial and retail traffic. Many businesses have been challenged economically from the ramifications of these altered behaviors – especially in (but not limited to) the travel, restaurant and energy industries. It is estimated that oil consumption fell by four million barrels per day from the outset of the efforts to contain the virus. Due to this demand shock, it is reported that OPEC proposed a production cut to both its member states production and to Russia which has been recently participating in OPEC’s price control efforts. This production cut Russia refused. It is reported by some analysts that Russia didn’t want to curtail its production, supporting prices, while U.S. producers reaped the benefit. From this lack of contained response, the Saudi government declared that rather than cutting likewise, following Russia’s response, that it too would continue to produce, and in fact increased production!

Consequently, there has been a falling short-term oil demand structure and a simultaneous increase of production. The result has been oil trading to levels not seen since 2016 and oil prices falling 30 per cent in overnight trade the night this news hit the wires. How long this circus continues is anybody’s guess but Russia, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. all released news issues that they are well capitalized in their industries and can weather the storm. We’ll see how well everyone is equipped when the storm is over.

Markets So what does this mean to crop prices? If the current conditions were to continue for a long duration it is anticipated that crop prices would also be under severe pressure. Onethird of the U.S. corn supply is used in the production of ethanol. Prior to the oil market crash, the majority of ethanol producers had been losing money, this energy crash will worsen the losses. There are concerns about the viability of some ethanol companies in this environment. This could translate into a loss of corn demand if the situation remains negative for an extended period. If these producers become insolvent, that corn demand will be lost. How about soybeans? Soy oil is used in bio diesel and therefore that price floor could likewise be lost.

Even wheat has risks from this situation due to currency fluctuations. Russia, who is amongst the largest oil producers of the world, has what is often labelled a “petro currency”. In other words, as goes the price of oil, so goes the price of the Russian Ruble. As oil falls aggressively so does its currency and this currency drop increases domestic prices for Russian farmers. Russia has become the world’s largest wheat exporter. This situation does nothing but provide a strong positive tailwind to Russian wheat production and expectations for expansion.

As with all market crisis moments this situation will also pass. What the other side of the situation will look like is uncertain. What will be the duration of the downturn and where will the economy be? There is a wide range of opinions and this is demonstrated by the big volatility in the markets. In my mind the key

take-away is for Ag producers to understand that a large portion of

grain demand is highly tied to fossil fuel prices and consumption. ◊

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Woodlots & More Donna Lacey is a forester with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

Forestry with so many changes Hello everyone. While everyone deserves an enjoyable and relaxing retirement, it isn’t always easy for those of us who are accustomed to their contributions to see the retiree hang up their hat. I have always enjoyed Steve Bower’s column and looked forward to reading it in this great publication. I hope that you will give me some latitude as I stumble along this new avenue.

One of my favourite parts of forestry and working with trees is the simplicity of it all. Trees may all be different, the sites forests grow on

may all be different, but if you take the time to pay attention to it all, they are all the same. Each tree is sensitive to insects, disease and its climate. Every forest is sensitive to its climate and any major disturbance.

If we are wise, we take the time to watch the forest ecosystems change over time and we listen to those that have watched the forests for decades before us. Often the greatest insight into forestry comes from those that have been working within the forests.

The biggest lesson, in general, that I have learned from listening to those who have been working with forests for many decades is that a forest is cyclical. With or without human disturbance the forest follows a cycle. The human race also has cycles that it follows.

Looking at the recent past and forward into the future, there are many new things occurring to change the cycles that we and the forests have been following. Some of the changes that are looming have never been dealt with by forest managers of the past.

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While I suspect anyone reading this is fully prepared for this to be yet another writeup about our changing climate, that is not necessarily the biggest change coming forward to forests in Ontario. Yes, our climate is changing and as a result, there are many new forest stressors. Forestry professionals of all practices are going to struggle to deal with these issues for many years to come.

With the increased stresses on forest health caused by issues never seen before there is a greater need for scientific studies to aid in the development of forest management plans to maintain or improve forest health. My concern with this situation is that over the last 20 years Ontario has slowly removed itself from southern Ontario forestry.

Historically, when there were incidents of concern the government would send specialists to gather data and inform all forest managers on the appropriate measures to be taken. At the present time, there are only a handful of forestry-aligned professionals working for the government in Southern Ontario. This situation has resulted in a lack of unbiased guidance for all. When one forestry professional disagrees with another forestry professional there is no longer a higher body to turn to.

As we in southern Ontario have evolved into a more safety conscious society there is an increased pressure to harvest trees using machines instead of the past cut and skid method. Mechanized harvesting has been present in our plantations for decades and is now widely accepted.

Within our hardwoods however, the cut and skid method has been the mainstay from settlement to present day. In an effort to keep cutters safe, many of our southern Ontario mills have purchased harvesters and grapple skidders. These machines often keep their operators in a secure cab rather than working on the forest floor amongst the newly fallen timber.

The climatic changes, increased forest health concerns, and lack of Provincial Specialists are big issues.

However, a further issue magnifies the situation. Within the last five years, many forest managers who, for

Woodlots & More decades, were practicing forestry in Southern Ontario have retired. In some cases, these practitioners had been working alone for decades with no one learning alongside them.

Often, with retirement, all their insights and learned successes or failures have walked out the door with them. New staff are hired and do their best to pick up the reins and move forward. These new staff are in need of support. With the majority of retirees being forest enthusiasts who loved the job and the forests that they worked within there is often the opportunity to have a chat and garner some of that knowledge. I believe that one of the greatest mistakes that a new forestry practitioner can make is to not learn about the past to understand how we got to the present.

It does appear that the newer practitioners by and large may be better at recording data and keeping it in formats that are easily shared amongst other interested parties.

Digital mapping programs, GPS systems, field computers, and even drones can aid in gathering information in a timely matter and display it for the community and professionals.

It is always enjoyable to listen to the stories from people that have worked within their forests regardless of whether they are seasoned practioners or newer enthusiasts. I thank all those that have shared their knowledge in the past and look forward to learning from others. I want to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thanks, Steve, for all the expertise, contributions and insights you have shared.â&#x20AC;? I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be alone in missing your column. â&#x2014;&#x160;

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Huron­Perth Woodlot Association Annual Spring Tour, Luncheon & AGM

April 18, 2020, 9:30 am to 2 pm in Huron East Marvin L. Smith B.Sc.F. (Forestry), R.P.F. Farm Woodland Specialist 570 Riverview Dr. Listowel, Ontario N4W 3T7 Telephone: (519) 291-2236

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For lunch reservations or tour and membership information visit: hpcowa.huronstewardship.ca or call Marcus Maddalena, Huron Stewardship Council, 519­524­8394 Ext.3 or John Haak, H­P Woodlot Association President, 519­482­3353

April 2020 49

Agrilaw John D. Goudy is a partner in Scott Petrie LLP Law Firm, and also farms north of London.

Glyphosate battles continue Following the lead of their American counterparts, Canadian class-action lawyers have been busy commencing lawsuits in Canada against Monsanto and Bayer over allegations that glyphosate (the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup) has caused cancer in individuals exposed to the chemical. A quick Google search brings up references to at least seven different actions commenced across Canada in 2019 by various representative plaintiffs on behalf of proposed classes of people exposed to glyphosate. Damages claimed are in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and include “exemplary, punitive, and aggravated damages” intended to address the Defendants’ alleged callous and reckless disregard for the health and safety of users of glyphosate.

On another front, objections have been raised against the continued registration of glyphosate for use in Canada. In April, 2017, the Pest

Management Regulatory Agency (“PMRA”) of Health Canada released a Re-evaluation Decision by which it granted continued registration of products containing glyphosate for sale and use in Canada. Health Canada evaluated available scientific information and found that: … products containing glyphosate do not present risks of concern to human health or the environment when used according to the revised label directions. As a requirement for the continued registration of glyphosate uses, new risk reduction measures are required for the end-use products registered in Canada. No additional data are being requested at this time.

Health Canada summarized its overall findings from the reexamination of glyphosate as follows: • Glyphosate is not genotoxic and is unlikely to pose a human cancer risk.

• Dietary (food and drinking water) exposure associated with the use of glyphosate is not expected to pose a risk of concern to human health.

• Occupational and residential risks associated with the use of glyphosate are not of concern, provided that updated label instructions are followed.

• The environmental assessment concluded that spray buffer zones are necessary to mitigate potential risks to non-target species (for example, vegetation near treated areas, aquatic invertebrates and

fish) from spray drift.

• When used according to revised label directions, glyphosate products are not expected to pose risks of concern to the environment.

• All registered glyphosate uses have value for weed control in agriculture and non-agricultural land management.

A number of Notices of Objection were filed pursuant to the federal Pest Control Products Act requesting that a review panel of scientists be established to review Health Canada’s decision to continue glyphosate’s registration. The PMRA of Health Canada decided not to establish a review panel on the basis that the “objections raised did not create doubt or concern regarding the scientific basis for the 2017 re-evaluation decision for glyphosate.”

In January, 2020, the Federal Court of Canada heard an application for judicial review of the PMRA’s decision not to establish a review panel. The Applicants were Safe Food Matters, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the safety of food production technologies, and its President. They requested an order “quashing” or voiding the decision and directing the PMRA to establish a review panel. The Applicants’ Notice of Objection raised concerns about using glyphosate as a pre-harvest dessicant for crops, rather than as a weed killer, and focused on harm to humans rather than harm to the

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Agrilaw environment. The PMRA found that the objection did not raise “scientifically founded doubt” about the validity of Health Canada’s Reevaluation Decision on glyphosate, and that expert scientists would not be able to assist in addressing the topics raised in the objection.

In a decision dated February 13, 2020, Madam Justice Simpson dismissed the application for judicial review on the basis that the Applicants failed to show in their Notice of Objection that “there exists scientifically founded doubt” about the validity of Health Canada’s Reevaluation Decision on glyphosate.

She applied the standard of review of “reasonableness”, meaning that the PMRA’s decision would stand as long as it was both logical and rational, and fell within relevant factual and legal constraints (such as rules imposed by the law governing the PMRA, principles of statutory interpretation, past practices and decisions, etc.).

Justice Simpson’s view was that the decision would only be unreasonable if the Applicants’ Notice of Objection showed a “well founded scientific doubt about a conclusion” in Health Canada’s Re-evaluation Decision, and that “scientifically founded doubt … must be demonstrated by at least one controlled peer reviewed study published in a reputable journal that contradicts or raises a reasonable doubt about the Evaluations’ conclusions.” She concluded the Applicants failed to show that the PMRA’s decision was unreasonable based upon those criteria.

Following the release of the Federal Court decision, Safe Food Matters announced on its website that it would review its next steps with counsel and its board, which could include a possible appeal, a further judicial review application, and pushing for changes to the law. ◊ _____________________________ John D. Goudy’s law practice includes real property and environmental litigation, expropriation law, energy regulation, and regulatory offences.

Agrilaw provides information of interest to the farming community, not legal advice. Readers should consult a legal professional about their particular circumstances.

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April 2020 51

Motivation

Business persons could learn from farmers Loretta Biscaro Smith says farmers are light years ahead of business in terms of courage, accountability and innovation

Loretta Biscaro Smith (above) compared the characteristics of business owners versus farm owners and used the results to motivate farmers about the amazing skills (right) they possess.

• Lisa B. Pot •

P

reparation is key rather than panicking when it comes to “black swan” events like COVID 19 says motivational speaker, Loretta Biscaro Smith.

During her Lessons Learned on the Farm talk at the London Farm Show held in March, the owner of Genesis Executive Management in London said black swan events have long-standing implications.

“A black swan effect is when something economic hits that no one expected which has long-standing implications that change the trajectory of life going forward,” explained Smith. “The latest black swan is the coronavirus.”

In terms of the farming life, she compared it to the Porcine 52 The Rural Voice

Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) disease that widely infects pigs and affects the pork industry. “It wasn’t a matter of if you got it, but when you got it.

You had to prepare for it. We saved up income for that instance.”

She urged listeners to approach COVID 19 the same way: prepare not panic.

Launching from that directive, Smith was able to delve into what she does best: finding ways to flip negatives into positives.

Specifically, she was asked to compare farms to businesses.

Business leaders, she said, are catching up to some key concepts that farmers naturally employ.

She talked about the acronym VUCA, a concept which has taken root in the business community as a

method of understanding behaviour.

VUCA traditionally stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity, all of which could be applied to COVID 19. What if VUCA was changed to the attitude of Vision, Understanding, Clarity and Agility?

After all, said Smith, one of the best things about farming is that every time you enter the barn, you get a standing ovation. “I always felt so appreciated,” said Smith, about entering the family pig barn. Sure, the animals want to eat and know you provide it. Their motives might not be pure joy, but it still happens.

“I tell you there is not a CEO in the world who walks into a board room and gets a standing ovation,” said Smith.

On a mission to uplift farmers and

Motivation help them see their strengths, Smith referenced an 11-dimension leader character model used in business.

Character, business is discovering, is the best base line for hiring good employees. She suggested that farmers exhibit almost all the characteristics on the chart. They include empathy, humility, collaboration, drive, transcendence, humanity, integrity, temperance, justice, courage and accountability.

“They describe farmers every single day in this business of farming,” suggested Smith. “Signing on the bottom line to buy a farm ... that takes courage!”

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the judgement that something is more important than fear. It has to do with raising people right. Smith said the Dairy Farmers of Ontario have really good commercials and one that caught her eye was the Dairy Done Right commercial. A farmer, reading from a letter, says “We do two things well. We make some fine dairy and we raise some excellent people.”

That’s truth, says Smith. “People who come from dairy, you raise some very fine people with a tremendous sense of honour, drive, accountability and a hard-working ethic. You understand the big picture.”

Whereas other businessmen might blame others for mistakes, farmers know that besides the weather, there is no one to blame but themselves for production and harvest issues.

Farmers are also innovators. In a society, only 2.5 per cent of people are innovators, 13.5 per cent are early adopters, 34 per cent are the early majority and 16 per cent are laggards. “Farmers are in the first two sections. You have been forever and you just don’t know it!” she exclaimed. Think of things like robotic milkers, self-driving tractors, artifical insemination and GPS systems. Farmers have been using this technology for decades, long before it was common use in business, said Smith.

Other ways farmers excel and should acknowledge include: • Mindfulness: “Everyone is getting into this now,” said Smith.

“But I’m thinking of when you are working a field, going up and down.

Whatever you went into the tractor thinking of, you have solved it. That is mindfulness.”

• Convergent versus divergent thinking: “I have a son who is an engineer and they tend to think in a linear pattern: the problem, the process and the end result. But now they are sending engineers to study mindfulness so that they can become divergent thinkers. There isn’t just one way to get to the end.” She referenced her husband who fixes antique tractors. When he can’t find a part, he uses divergent thinking to come up with another solution, such as modifying the engine. “It is automatic for farmers to use divergent thinking and it’s not

automatic for business people who have always been told what to think.”

• Trust: In terms of professional ranking, farmers are ranked fifth for trustworthiness behind professions such as doctors and firefighters.

“You have the power of trust behind you to have conversations with those who do not understand farming,” said Smith. Use the platform. While you are at it, refine your attitude from “they” don’t understand to “we” don’t understand. The miscommunication goes both ways.

In Smith’s opinion, farmers are way ahead in knowledge, skills and character than the business world can ever be.

“I just don’t know if the farming world knows it ... or has embraced it,” concluded Smith. ◊

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April 2020 53

Leading Edge

Oral supplements increase growth Research finds oral supplementation, UVB radiation and feeding sows copper plus vitamin D and A increases piglet weights

O

n Canadian pig farms, breeding sows are more fertile than ever before with most sows giving birth to more piglets per

A piglet from the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre about to receive its micro-supplements.

litter.

However, producers are finding that the weight difference between piglets in the same litter is greater and smaller piglets are not strong enough to survive. Do larger litters cause avoidable nutrient deficiencies in piglets?

Jacques Matte, a research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre has been investigating this question.

He led a team in the Canadian Swine Research and Development Cluster that tested whether adding supplements to piglet and sow feed could reduce health and growth problems in piglets.

The research focused on copper along with vitamins A and D because they are very important to piglet and sow health. These micronutrients support the immune system, the

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Leading Edge digestive system (including beneficial bacteria within the microbiota) and the antioxidant functions of their metabolism.

For piglets The trials concluded that the best way to increase copper and vitamins A and D in piglets during lactation is through oral supplementation and exposure to certain types of artificial radiation.

“Repeated UVB radiation during lactation appears to be the only treatment that allows a gradual and continuous increase of vitamin D in piglets’ blood, which doubles in comparison to that of control piglets who are weaned at 21 days old,” says Matte.

This improvement in the amount of copper and vitamins A and D in piglets ends with weaning and cessation of supplementation.

For sows To create more long-term effects on piglet health and growth, Jacques Matte and his team explored an alternative way to provide supplements to piglets by feeding the supplements to sows in late gestation and during lactation.

Supplementing copper and vitamins A and D increased the weight of the newborn piglets and reduced the weight difference between piglets in the same litter. At weaning, the composition of their microbiota improved. With weight gain and enhanced immunity due to more beneficial bacteria in the microbiota, the piglets’ disease resistance and growth potential were enhanced.

Key discoveries (benefits) The research scientists concluded that the best way to increase copper and vitamins A and D in piglets before weaning is to give them oral supplements and expose them to artificial UVB radiation.

Supplementing sows with copper and vitamins A and D increases the weight of newborn piglets, reduces the weight difference between piglets in the same litter, and improves immunity by strengthening the composition of the sow’s microbiota (beneficial bacteria in the gut). ◊ Source: News from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada April 2020 55

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Serving the area since 1999

Broker WILFRED MCINTEE & CO. LIMITED

Bus: 519-357-2222 Cell: 519-531-0252 Email: nixon@execulink.com Web: www.stevennixon.com 249 Josephine St., WINGHAM, ON N0G 2W0

41033 Cardiff Rd., RR #5, Brussels $1,050,000 MLS# 30786571 87.79 acre farm with 72 acres of random tiled workable land, the remainder hardwood & mixed bush and buildings.

Backs onto Maitland River. Great farm to add to your current farming operation. Subject to severance. Seller is keeping buildings.

35 Ellen Street Brucefield, ON N0M 1J0

tarbaby2@outlook.com Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

Road Routing & Sealing Built Up Roofing Tar & Chip / Laneways

B U S I N E S S

45’ Crane Truck with Post Hole Augering Silo Top Water Proofing

April 2020 59

PACKERS: WE BUILD

I have clients looking for acreages, large and small in Huron, Bruce and Perth Counties.

RUBBER TIRE PACKER SPECIALISTS 195 Wallace Avenue North, Listowel, Ontario N4W 1K8

Order Now

Bus: 519-529-1167 Bus.: 519-291-2299 Fax: 519-291-1015

Also large fold-up steel drum packers, lawn & estate rollers, custom manufactured

www.peakrealestate.com

Cathy Hendriks Sales, Rep. RR #2, Arthur, Ont. (519) 848-2799

B U S I N E S S C E N T R E

519-357-5128

KRAEMER CONCRETE LTD. Two Locations to Serve You! 5595 Road 130 Brunner N0K 1C0

220 Industrial Park Dr., Brussels N0G 1H0

Fax: 595-4903

Fax: 887-8764

519-595-2343

519-887-8763

Est. 1991

• GPS • Plastic • Bron Plow • Surveys • Maps Glen 519-291-0709 cell Dennis 519-276-9292 cell

Newton, Ont. 519-595-4545

MANUFACTURING STEEL ROOFING SIDING & TRIMS

2051 Bruce Rd. 19, R.R. 1 Chesley, ON N0G 1L0

Also Supplying Other Building Accessories 60 The Rural Voice

OLD BARNS FOR SALVAGE CALL STEVE

519-523-4523

Maitland Welding & Machining

• In-shop & on-site millwrighting • Custom fabrication • Steel & industrial supply sales

519-363-3757

Wa n t e d to buy

Galvanized Roofing For Sale

Toll Free at 1-888-RING-KCL

Farm Drainage

If you would consider selling please give me a shout at 519-357-5128

63 North St. Wingham

Ph.:519-357-2727 Fax: 519-357-4769 www.maitlandwelding.com rstute@maitlandwelding.com

SALES & SERVICE INSTALLATION & PARTS

Rissler KEITH SIEMON FARM SYSTEMS LTD. 81987 Perth Rd. 180, R.R. 4, Walton 519-345-2734 (anytime)

www.keithsiemonfarmsystems.com email: keithsiemon@tcc.on.ca For Free Planning and Estimates

• Bulk Bags • Tote Bags • Super Sacks

STEFFEN WELL DRILLING 519-531-0355 TEESWATER, ON

mike@steffenwelldrilling.ca

If we don’t have it in stock, we’ll custom make it for you! info@bagsupplies.ca Tel: 1-519-271-2040

www.bagsupplies.ca Fax: 1-519-271-2027

• Agricultural & domestic water wells • Well Cleanouts • Pump Testing • Camera Inspection • Irrigation Wells • Dewatering Services

Horse & Livestock Car, Utility & Recreational any design, hitches trade-ins welcome super after sales service

37452 Glen’s Hill Road, RR 2, Auburn, Ont. N0M 1E0

www.beloretrailers.ca

Tel. 519-529-7212

324025 Mount Elgin Rd. Mount Elgin, Ontario N0J 1N0

Snowblowers, Quick-attach Buckets, Sweepers, Woodsplitters, Crimper Rollers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, etc.

Jamie Belore

Website: smythwelding.com Email: info@smythwelding.com

phone: 519-485-5358 toll free: 1-877-247-7227 fax: 1-519-485-6129 jbelore@gmail.com

Schmidt’s Farm Drainage 1990 Ltd. Harriston 2 Mailbox Sizes Available • Stainless Steel • Steel (with powder coated paint) • • • • • •

CUSTOM FABRICATING LASER CAPABILITIES PUNCHING SHEARING, BENDING STEEL, STAINLESS GALVANIZED, ALUMINUM

6650 Perth Line 88, R.R. #1 (Kurtzville) Gowanstown, ON N0G 1Y0 Ph: 519-291-4136 • Fax: 519-291-5532 info@behrns.ca

WE WANT YOUR GRAIN! • Corn • Wheat • Soybeans • Feed Grains • Feed Ingredients • Food Quality Soybeans

CASH & FORWARD CONTRACTS Call us today for Quotes Scott Speers Richard Smibert Scott Krakar Matt McKillop Alex Kissler 1615 NORTH ROUTLEDGE PARK UNIT 43 - LONDON, ONTARIO, N6H 5L6 519-473-9333 Toll-Free 1-800-265-1885

Specializing in Farm Drainage, Backhoeing & Excavating, GPS includes: mapping grade control & surveying Where Schmidt’s go, the Water Flows!

GPS Grade Control 519-338-3484 • Cell 519-323-6335 April 2020 61

B U S I N E S S C E N T R E

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AUCTION -------------------------------------------------Elmira Produce Auction – Hay and Straw Sales every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Consignors and buyers welcome. Call Noah Gingrich, 519669-3884. 7400 Reid Woods Drive, Elmira.

-------------------------------------------------CONSTRUCTION -------------------------------------------------WE POUR: liquid manure tanks, bunker silos, foundations and pads.

All are 100% engineered. Serving Ontario since 1968. De Jong & Sons Ltd. 519-348-0523.

-------------------------------------------------DAIRY -------------------------------------------------Screened bedding sand, delivered.

Call 519-625-8242 or 519-274-1490.

-------------------------------------------------Tell them you saw their ad in

FENCING -------------------------------------------------FENCIN’ AROUND Installation, Post Pounding and Fencing Supplies. h_laxton@hotmail.com 519-441-2191.

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HIGHLAND FENCE & SUPPLY INC. Joseph Kirwin

519-475-4868 • 1-800-923-4488 info@highlandfence.ca • www.highlandfence.ca 804075 Rd. 80, Embro, ON N0J 1J0

-------------------------------------------------FIREWOOD -------------------------------------------------Bodywood • Slabwood Quantity Discounts 519-441-2085 519-656-2057

The Rural Voice -------------------------------------------------FARM SUPPLIES --------------------------------------------------

Serving Southwestern Ontario for over 10 years!

-------------------------------------------------FARM SUPPLIES --------------------------------------------------

628 Concession 11, Kincardine Tiverton, ON N0G 2T0

Open Monday - Saturday 6:30 am - 9:30 pm or Farmer’s Hours

April Sale on Quality Lubricants ~ Taking Orders Drums Supreme 15W40 AW32 Hydraulic Oil Dual Purpose Tractor Hydraulic

205 L 205 L 205 L

$565 $445 $545

20 L 20 L 20 L

$65.20 $68.80 $74.60

Drums red delive km 00 1 in with

Pails Supreme 15W40 AW32 Hydraulic Oil Dual Purpose Tractor Hydraulic

Much more e in-stor

Contact: Manuel or Mark Albrecht Outrageously Dependable®

62 The Rural Voice

No Waste 2 Bale Donut Feeder 30 Day Guarantee

CLASSIFIED FIREWOOD -------------------------------------------------Debarked Hardwood Slabs – 16" cut $30 face cord, $10 cord deliveries or pickup in Auburn. huronfirewood.com Call 519-5243493.

-------------------------------------------------FOR SALE -------------------------------------------------Martin’s Nursery & Bee Supplies Etc. Large selection of flowering trees, shade trees, fruit trees and hydrangeas and other shrubs. We have the plants you need to make a living “privacy hedge” or snow fence, Blue spruce, pine, cedars, etc. Also…

Complete line of Bee Supplies for the commercial or hobby beekeepers.

We sell Bees (Nucs) in spring and early summer. Come see our selection Monday to Saturday at Emanuel E.M. Martin, 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0, one concession north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line.

-------------------------------------------------Rosco grain bins for sale – 19' and 14' diameter. Parts available. Used grain bins wanted for parts or reuse.

Closed Sundays, 519-338-3920.

-------------------------------------------------Hawthorn Farm Organic Seeds – vegetable, herb and flower seeds, RR 3, 5961 5th Line, Palmerston, ON N0G 2P0. 519-343-3375, hawthornfarm.ca sales@hawthornfarm.ca -------------------------------------------------Contractor Repairs Restores remodels and jacks up farm buildings, homes and cottages. Also roofing, siding, doors, windows, peers, foundation repairs, eavestroughing, beams, posts, fencing, decks, docks, horse stalls installed, replaced, repaired, storage and farm buildings built. Barns and silos demolished and removed. Brian McCurdy 519-9861781.

-------------------------------------------------Alfalfa hay mixtures, pasture mixtures, top dressing for pastures, and a selection of organic grass seeds. All mixed to your personal needs. Also red clover for plowdown.

Available at Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy. 21, RR 1, Ripley. Phone 519-395-2972. Ask for Carmon or Mitch.

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FOR SALE -------------------------------------------------For prices on forage peas, forage pea mixtures, barley, oats, spring wheat and mixed grain seed. Contact Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy. 21, RR 1, Ripley. Phone 519-395-2972. Ask for Carmon or Mitch.

-------------------------------------------------Soybean seed for sale – Absolute RR, Altitude R2, Mahony R2 and Xtend varieties. Treatments and inoculants available. Call Mitch at Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd. 519-440-6712.

-------------------------------------------------Rebuilt water pumping windmills Beatty, Aermotor, etc., parts, repairs and sales. 519-357-3621.

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FOR SALE --------------------------------------------------

Grow Switchgrass for Feed or Bedding. Low potassium, high fibre feed for dry cows, high yield premium bedding, new higher yielding varieties. For seed contact Don Nott, text or phone 519-524-0193 dnott@tcc.on.ca ------------------------------------------------Canada's Own Dual Purpose Chicken White Chantecler Chicks available now!

226-222-1469 dandhnewman@gmail.com http://dandhnewman.ca/chantecler-chickens/ Pick up in Ripley, ON Beltsville Small White Turkey Poults also available

Whitechurch Welding - custom tubing gates - 1"x1" sq. tube and diamond gates in stock Receive 8% Discount when you mention this ad for April and May

Luke Martin 60 Grey Ox Ave., Teeswater, ON N0G 2S0

• Tree Seedlings • Nursery Stock • Shade Trees • Native Species Order for Spring 2020 Now

888-226-6344

www.hrichardsonfarms.com

Discount Steel Great for barn posts, stabling or other build-your-own projects

Custom Welding & Machine Shop Custom Stabling Mfg. Open Tues. & Thurs. ~ other days by chance John A.M. Martin 1467 Grey Ox Ave., Lucknow

-------------------------------------------------HAY/STRAW -------------------------------------------------DRY COW HAY – large squares low potassium grass, all types of hay and straw. Test results and delivery available. Call Neeb Agri-Products at 519-529-1141.

-------------------------------------------------IRON & STEEL -------------------------------------------------DISCOUNT STEEL: New second grade steel sales; 1" - 8" square tubing; 7/8" - 14" round tubing; Rectangle tubing, discount plate; New and Used I-Beams; Bar grating, rebar, angles; Custom cutting, welding, punching. Listowel. Phone Aden 519595-7775.

-------------------------------------------------LIVESTOCK BEDDING -------------------------------------------------MIRACLE FIBER Livestock Bedding.

Also, coarse wood mulch for horse and cattle walkways, wet areas around water troughs and bush lanes.

Also available is dairy pack starter bedding. 1-877-773-8004. Sittler Grinding. Rick Sittler.

-------------------------------------------------LIVESTOCK FOR SALE -------------------------------------------------LIMOUSIN-quality breeding bulls and breeding females for sale.

Delivery included. Posthaven Limousin, John Post 519-766-7178. www.posthavenlimousin.com -------------------------------------------------Suffolks – purebred yearling rams, and 7 purebred yearling ewes twins, British bloodlines M-V negative closed flock. 519-233-7896.

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CLASSIFIED LIVESTOCK FOR SALE -------------------------------------------------Red Angus, Simmental and Red Angus-Simmental yearling bulls. For results Google – Ontario Bull Evaluation, Silver Springs Farms.

James and Joan McKinlay 519-5996236. jmckinlay@bmts.com -------------------------------------------------Spring Hatchery: day-old heritage Beltsville Small White turkeys and White Chantecler chickens for family and breeding flocks. Pick-up in Meaford.

See website: www.cirrushillfarm.ca, email: info@cirrushillfarm.ca -------------------------------------------------McKague Charolais Bulls – Yearling and 2 Year Old Reg. purebred polled or horned french influenced. Wingham 519-357-3808.

-------------------------------------------------Hypharm Genetics rabbits breeding stock now available in Ontario. Order your PS19 does and PS40 bucks. CuniON@tcc.on.ca -------------------------------------------------Gelbvieh Bulls – Reds and Blacks, 14 months old. Ready to work and fully guaranteed. Mike Klages 519363-6307.

-------------------------------------------------Reg Hereford Breeding Bull D.O.B. 01/25/16, three breeding seasons on our farm, mediumsized smart calves. Contact Ken Bassindale, Selkirk. kenli@optionsdsl.ca -------------------------------------------------22nd Annual Open House & Private Treaty Sale Limousin bulls and open and bred females

Saturday, April 4, 2020 At the farm 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Smart Limousin

137606 Grey Rd. 12 Meaford 519-372-7459 www.smartlimousin.com

-------------------------------------------------PERSONAL -------------------------------------------------Woman 50+ looking for a partner 50 - 60 years in Ontario. Interests: agriculture, family, cooking and travel.

Send replies to: Drawer #1, c/o The Rural Voice, PO Box 429, Blyth, ON, N0M 1H0.

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Tell them you saw their ad in The Rural Voice April 2020 63

CLASSIFIED RESTORATION -------------------------------------------------The Olde Tyme Radio Centre – antique radios, clocks, gramophones, telephones; sold/restored. (vintage autoclock radio, speedometer, tachometer repaired). Belgrave 519357-4304, www.oldtymeradio.ca -------------------------------------------------RETAIL & GIFTS -------------------------------------------------Stitches with a Twist – 404 Queen St., Blyth, 519-523-9449. Yarns, knit and crochet instruction. Chainmaille supplies. Alterations and repairs, including leather.

-------------------------------------------------SERVICES -------------------------------------------------Cronin Poured Concrete Ltd. Since 1976. Liquid manure tanks to 200'.

Heights of 8'-14' (1-pour). All jobs engineer specifications/inspections guaranteed. Best firm quote in Ontario. Mark Cronin, 519-348-9062.

Cell 519-274-5000. www.cronin pouredconcrete.ca -------------------------------------------------Firearms and hunting training.

PAL & HUNTER ED. Ongoing courses available.

Certified instructors. Call Greg 519-887-9622 or 519-291-0507.

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GRANT GNAY Chartered Professional Accountant Accounting & Tax Services

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SERVICES -------------------------------------------------TRINAL CUSTOM FARMING – If you are looking for someone to do your disc-bining, big square baling or forage harvesting please call Ken Horst, cell: 519-292-1393 or Kervin 519-357-5557, RR 2, Teeswater.

-------------------------------------------------Custom Clover Seeding with GPS $2.50/acre or $3.00 for pasture. Call Kurt Beuerman. 519-525-0538 or 519-523-9234 (home).

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TRAVEL -------------------------------------------------AGRICULTURAL & UNIQUE TOURS – Ukraine & Romania – Poland & Ukraine – UK, Scotland & Ireland – Alberta Farm Tour & Calgary Stampede – Alaska Land and Cruise – Yukon and Northwest Territories – Australia & New Zealand – Peru/Brazil/Argentina/Chile Portion of Tours may be Tax Deductible.

Contact Select Holidays at 1-800-6614326 or visit www.selectholidays.com -------------------------------------------------UPCOMING EVENTS -------------------------------------------------23rd Annual RV/Campout Jamboree May 21-24, 2020 at the Blyth Arena Complex and Campgrounds.

Brochure and registration form available by contacting The Barn Dance Historical Society, Box 68, Wingham, ON, N0G 2W0 or www.thebarndance.ca 519-530-8000 or email: barndance2013@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------Piecemakers 2020 Quilt Show – April 23 - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; April 24 - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; April 25 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Pyramid Recreation Centre, 317 James Street South, St. Marys.

Admission: $8. For information visit: www.huronperthquiltersguild.com www.stonetownquilters.com -------------------------------------------------Country Music Jamboree, Sunday, April 26, 2020, Chesley Community Centre, Chesley. 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Admission: $5. Supper: $12. Music by Dave Chittick and players. For information 519-387-4665.

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DONALD A ANDREW ACCOUNTING Accounting & Income Tax Services for FARMS, BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS 296 Ross St., Lucknow

Ph. 519-528-3019 Specializing in on Farm Pest Management Serving Southwestern ON, Golden Horseshoe, GTA Email: info@sgsltd.ca

519-692-4232 www.sgspestmanagement.ca

GLAVIN BARN & COMMERCIAL PAINTING FARMERS repaint your faded coloured steel FREE QUOTES ~ FULLY INSURED

RR 1 Crediton, Ont. N0M 1M0 (near Exeter)

Call: Jim Glavin 1-800-465-4725 519-228-6247

133 South St., Goderich

519-524-5113 All farm buildings & houses, seamless eavestroughing, liquid rubber coatings, waterproofing, metal, concrete, wood, foam and bin flooring sealing.

519-859-0097 or 519-871-0300 info@townsleybarnpainting.com

SEAMLESS EAVESTROUGHING

 Roofs & Walls  Elevator Legs  Air Blasting  Pressure Washing  Fully Insured  Free Estimates

London 519-268-8500 64 The Rural Voice

-------------------------------------------------STANDING TIMBER -------------------------------------------------STANDING TIMBER - hardwood and softwoods. Quality workmanship guaranteed. B. Kropf Forestry Service Ltd., Bruce Kropf, RR 1, Shakespeare, ON, N0B 2P0. 519-748-7422.

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The deadline for the May issue of The Rural Voice is April 14, 2020

GUN, FISHING & OUTDOOR SHOW ARTHUR ARENA

Saturday, May 9th 8:00 AM - 1 PM For vendor info call Jim Stewart 226-747-3495 Canadian Gun Laws in Effect

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UPCOMING EVENTS -------------------------------------------------Quilt Show 2020, Meaford United Church, corner of Boucher and Sykes Street, Meaford, ON, Friday, April 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. New! Vendors Market, Admission $5. Lunch $8. Afternoon refreshments $2.

-------------------------------------------------Northern Terminus Journal Vol. 17 Release, April 18. The Emancipation Festival presents the Grey County Black History Event at Grey Roots Museum and Archives, featuring the launch of Volume 17 of Northern Terminus: The African-Canadian History Journal. Visit greyroots.com for details.

-------------------------------------------------Spring Lecture Series at Grey Roots Museum and Archives, Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the theatre. March 24: How Green is Green Energy? March 31: Life and Fashion Between the World Wars.

April 7: The Rich History of Your Old House. April 14: The Rise and Fall of Fritz Haber. Details at greyroots.com -------------------------------------------------WANTED -------------------------------------------------Farmland to rent or share crop – no-till. Monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annual rent payment options.

Please call/email Joe: 519-525-0359 or joewhitely05@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------Actively seeking farmland to rent for corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, edible beans. Contact Narva Farms Limited: 519-366-2636 or 519-881-9384 or email: sandyfitzsimmons@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------

WANTED -------------------------------------------------Farmland – Long or short term.

Cash rent, share crop. Contact Paul at Hill & Hill Farms, 519-2333218 or 519-525-3137 or email: paul.hillhill@tcc.on.ca -------------------------------------------------Scrap Cars Wanted – 20, 30, 40 yd. scrap metal bins available. We sell quality used auto parts. Wanted to buy – scrap cars, trucks, farm machinery, heavy equipment.

Kenilworth Auto Recyclers. 519-3231113.

-------------------------------------------------4x5 or 4x4 round bales of hay picked up. Call Riley Gorman 519321-1012.

-------------------------------------------------Young farmer looking for land rent, sharecrop, or custom work opportunities. Good environmental stewardship and professionalism.

Short and long term. 519-200-7845 or hundt.chris@outlook.com --------------------------------------------------

Call Today! 519-523-4311 Deadline for the May issue is April 14

5" Seamless Steel and Aluminum Eavestrough Rugged steel eavestrough for today’s metal roofing systems.

Siding • Soffit • Fascia • Steel Roofing 411575 Sideroad 41, Mount Forest

519-323-9841

ATV & SxS Rentals Available

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April 2020 65

National Farmers Union – Ontario NEWSLETTER Strong Communities.

Sound Policies.

Sustainable Farms.

Phone: 1-888-832-9638 E-mail: office@nfuontario.ca Website: www.nfuontario.ca

NFU-O holds annual general meeting In February, the NFU-O held its annual general meeting and convention in Hamilton, ON focusing on addressing climate change. Lynda Lukasik, shared how protecting farmland was part of making the province more climate-ready.

Stewart Wells, Vice-President of Operations, presented on the NFU’s new report Tackling the Farm Income Crisis and Climate Crisis that was released in November, noting that the farm crisis and climate crisis are related and share similar solutions such as electrifying everything from water and space heating to trucks and small tractors, reducing nitrogen use, and diversifying cropping approaches.

In the afternoon, Bryan Gilvesy from Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) shared how farmers can receive funding for taking marginal land out of production. Pam Charlton from Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association highlighted the funding programs they administer including the Environmental Farm Plan, the Canadian Agricultural

Partnership, and the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands.

Sally Miller spoke about how the Fair Finance Fund takes investments from institutions and individuals and lends it to those working within the local food sector. There is no collateral requirement, and once the loan is approved, mentors support the

receiver throughout the life of the loan.

Members also heard reports from Council on provincial and national work, elected leadership, and voted on resolutions. The day ended with a shared meal which included ingredients from several members’ farms.

Returning and elected NFU-O Board members are: (from left): Nick Greenacre (Councillor-at-large), Terry Byrne (Councillor-at-large), Don Ciparis (NFU-O President, Region 3 Coordinator), Arwa de Groot (Women’s Advisor), Hilary Moore (National Board member), Ayla Fenton (National Board member), and Max Hansgen (Councillor-at-large). Absent: Kate Garvie (Youth Advisor).

New NFU-O Farm Labour Project The NFU-O has been approved for a project through the Ontario Labour Market Partnership (OLMP) funded through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. We will be investigating causes and solutions of farm labour issues across Ontario, including challenges to training and retaining farm workers and new farmers.

This project will include a mix of consultation, research, and stakeholder engagement. That work will build toward a final report clarifying the farm labour situation in Ontario and identifying practical next steps for action by farmers, farm organizations, government agencies, and policymakers.

As a first step, we are soliciting members’ opinions here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/farmlabour

Robbie and Christina Anderman of Killaloe, left and centre, were inducted into the Renfrew County Agriculture Wall of Fame at a recent celebration. The Renfrew County National Farmers Union Local 330 nominated the couple and were one of three organizations who had their nominees inducted.

Introducing them to the crowd at the event was Local 330 president Marshall Buchanan (right).

Coming Events Local 330 Renfrew – Next meeting is Monday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Barr Line Community Centre. For more information, contact Connie Tabbert at rcnfu330@gmail.com or 613-646-7753.

Local 316 Frontenac, Lennox-Addington – Save the date for the Third Annual Spring Fling, our easy-going social event to celebrate the beginning of the growing season, on Saturday, May 2, 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Patchwork Gardens, 4649 Milburn Rd., Battersea.

Everyone is welcome to attend – all ages, all connections to the farm and food network.

Please bring your own cutlery, plates/bowls, and cups to minimize your ecological footprint for the potluck and bring a musical instrument for the jam session. Please dress for the weather – this is an indoor/outdoor event.

A subscription to The Rural Voice is one of the benefits of being an NFU-O member 66 The Rural Voice

Craig Hulshof, President craig.hulshof@gmail.com / 519-301-8483

Perth, Huron, Grey and Bruce County Pork Producers

NEWSLETTER

* The Rural Voice is provided to Perth County Pork Producers by the PCPPA perthcountyporkproducers@gmail.com

Our planet’s food systems will always be indebted to the animals that make it work Keeping our social licence as farmers in our disconnected world is becoming increasingly difficult.

To combat the exaggerated misinformation promoted by far left ideologues we need to, as farmers, tell our story more openly.

We need to open up about our story more and more to better explain the need for livestock in agriculture and food systems. Livestock farming is being unfairly demonized for its contribution to climate change and environmental degradation. The growing shift of popular opinion is the result of largely successful campaigns by what was once a completely fringe group of environmental and animal rights activists, who by taking advantage of each urban generation’s further disconnect from agriculture have successfully been able to turn those who are fed by us, against us.

Livestock and swine in particular are in fact the ultimate recyclers in agricultural food systems. Their job is to produce more food with feedstock that could otherwise be wasted, potentially left to rot in a landfill or directly applied to land and by doing so would produce greenhouse gas emissions anyway.

Let’s assume that at a future point in time the environmental/animal activists have won, full stop. They’ve achieved their ultimate goal of having no more livestock on farms, anywhere. Everyone in their urban bubbles are cheering that the world is saved. Those terrible polluting and abusive farmers are gone. Let’s celebrate! Let’s get merry! Let’s eat!

As they revel and pour their corn whiskey diluted with sugary corn derived sugared soda, eat their bread and pastries made from the flour derived from wheat and prepare their delectable veggies drowned with the oil pressed from the seeds of legumes that farmers will still be growing they

will never stop to consider just how all these ingredients came to be and where their derivatives have gone.

They’re just ingredients that came from all the newly-minted vegan food factories. Ingredient in: ingredient out, nothing left over, no problem, right?

Will they consider that they’re only eating a portion of those field grown grains or oilseeds? Would they consider that now, since the hinterland between their cities are devoid of the animals there is a massive missing link in their own food system? Will they know that the co-products from the food they are eating could be left piled up in landfills or spread on land to rot and produce methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas? Sure some of these products could find their way to an energy producing (methane burning) facility but these uses are far less economically and environmentally effective than using these products to make more food.

In Ontario, it can be assumed that in any given year upwards of 50 per cent of any swine growing ration is comprised of food processing coproducts. In some very highlyspecialized growing facilities the coproduct composition factor can rise as high as 75 per cent. Pigs are eating feedstuff from stuff that humans just can’t or won’t eat. Those opposed to animal agriculture argue that animals are taking up too much unnecessary farmland to produce food. If one assumes that a pig needs 3 kg. of feed to produce 1 kg. of food then at the aforementioned 50 per cent coproduct use in growing swine rations, that 3:1 ratio of feed use could be cut in half to 1.5:1 as those pigs are eating a large part of their diet from feed that hasn’t directly come from the land. In the case of some of the most highly specialized feeding operations that feed even more co-

product that number could get lower than 1:1. Pigs can be truly amazing recyclers!

Now how we use the co-products of these amazing animals (manure) that had consumed our food processing co-products and how we use other complimentary fertilizers are clearly important components of our net impact to the environment and we as farmers should always adhere and innovate to best management of it by utilizing practices that do not allow our fertilizers to leach or run off. We always need to utilize the best ways to capture or prevent the release of harmful gasses by using minimal or no tillage practices, growing cover crops to capture and store applied manure immediately as well as utilizing fertilizer precisely and prescriptively.

Manure is a more composted fertilizer that is more easily absorbed by growing things, raw co-product feed stuff is not, it needs to decompose to a certain extent before it can be used by crops. When these co-products are fed to livestock, not only do you make more food, you also make a much more ready-to-use fertilizer. What’s most important to remember is that this cycle and this system is not new or novel in any way. It is the reason why ancestral humans domesticated animals in the first place. They didn’t do it for fun or to add unnecessary complexity to their agricultural food systems, they did it because it is and was the most economical way to survive and thrive as a species. And the pork tasted great too.

Animals have always been an essential part of agriculture. They will thrive as they always had in the pre-carbon economy, the current carbon intensive economy, and will be an absolutely integral part of the post carbon economy. ◊ – Submitted by Rob Nyenhuis April 2020 67

St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 Grey County Federation 446 10th519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 grey@ofa.on.ca Website: greyfederation.ca of Agriculture * The Rural Voice is providedEmail: to OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA

GCFA Events for 2020 April 17 – Tommy Cooper Event June 11 – Directors’ Meeting - 8:00 p.m.

August – Ag Night at the Races August 13 – Directors’ Meeting - 8:00 p.m.

Sept. 10 – Directors’ Meeting - 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate Agriculture

October – GCFA AGM

Starring:

Nov. 12 – Directors’ Meeting - 8:00 p.m.

November – OFA Convention/OYFF December – Christmas Social

Grey Federation of Agriculture

WING NIGHT April 6 – 7:00 p.m.

Fire and Ice 19 Toronto St. N., Markdale Free pound of chicken wings on GCFA

SPEAKERS:

Friday, April 17th, 2020 Elmwood Community Centre

JOANNE HUGHES OFA MSR Farm Business Registration (FBR) process and OFA member benefits

WAYNE SHIER, FIELD STAFF, OSCIA OSCIA programs

CHERYL RUSSWURM PROVINCIAL PROGRAM SUPERVISOR Ontario Feeder Cattle and Ontario Beef Breeder Co-op Programs Ontario Feeder Cattle and Ontario Beef Breeder Co-op Programs

Doors Open:6:30 p.m.

Dinner:7:00 p.m.

Featuring Tommy Cooper Award Bruce Award of Merit GCFA Public Speaking Winners For Tickets call 519-364-3050 Ex 1

* The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA.

68 The Rural Voice

Dance to follow

$30/Person

Email: bruce@ofa.on.ca website: brucefederation.ca

446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA

Members in Bruce County by the BCFA NEWSLETTER Jersey on the Wall (I’m just asking)

Any opinion expressed is that of individual County Directors or Representatives and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture or Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking) – You have probably heard this song playing on the radio and listened to the words. It is a song of asking a long list of questions as to why things happen. Not to hold progress back if He has control.

Some of the questions are about what we take for granted – “how do you make a snowflake? Are you angry when the earth quakes? How do you keep this big rock spinnin'?”

We have a responsibility as the keepers of the earth to ask questions in order to keep the earth spinning. Is the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) the way to handle the unused radioactive waste, or is holding it in containers on top of the earth less responsible, just because we did it that way first? It may get watched closer in a DGR with monitoring and new technology not that old technology ‘out behind the barn’.

Yes there are fears and more questions, with advancement there are. Is the gasoline engine better than steam power or maybe we should not have advanced past the horse and plow. Like the song asks “why can’t Bruce County Federation of Agriculture

Events for 2020 April 17 – Tommy Cooper Evening April 27 – Directors’ Meeting May 25 – Directors’ Meeting June 22 – Directors’ Meeting August 24 – Directors’ Meeting September 28 – Directors’ Meeting November 9 – Directors’ Meeting

All meetings are held in Walkerton at County of Bruce Building at 8:00 p.m.

You stop a car from crashin’?” – the stopping of the gasoline engine would have saved that life.

With the advancement of the gas engine came the industrial revolution.

The technology of the engine has advanced to be a cleaner-burning engine as a result of asking the question of how to stop or at least cut down pollution. The petroleum industry has progressed and now we have plastic with all of its pollution.

Plastic is everywhere from in our cars to your credit card. We make airplanes with it and yes, we find it in the ocean.

Where would we be without petroleum? Would we have steel water bottles and no airplanes?

We get answers to satisfy us some, but there are always more questions, such as some days when my grandson seems to ask ‘why? why?’

A speed radar was installed in the north end of the small village I live in, to slow the vehicles to a reasonable safe speed and it has proven that it works. Should the reason that another one can’t be put in the south end of town be that it slows down a car quickly by braking too fast and a vehicle following runs into the first

one? Answer maybe, but a good one!

With that answer you could assume it is o.k. for the car to hit my grandson or someone else? No! You keep asking!

Like the song says “somewhere, there’s a yearbook in a box under a bed with Loving Memory, and somewhere there’s a mother who stopped goin’ to church ‘cause Your plan quit makin’ sense down here on earth.” And yes we do have a long list of question just like my grandkids.

We will not be happy with all the answers but that is life here on earth.

It is not our plan, but we may have some direction in it with our questions. ◊ – Submitted by Lorne Underwood, BCFA Director

TOMMY COOPER AWARD Friday, April 17 Elmwood Community Centre Doors open: 6:30 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m.

Dance to follow $30/person For tickets call: 519-364-3050 Ext. 1

NOMINATION FOR THE BCFA AWARD OF MERIT “For Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture” Each year the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture presents an award to a person in Bruce County who has made a significant contribution to the agriculture industry. If you have someone you would like to nominate, please complete this form and return to our office in Hanover by Friday, April 10.

I nominate: ..........................................................................................................................

Reasons for nomination ...................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................

Nominated by:......................................................................................................................

Please return to: Bruce County Federation of Agriculture 446 10th Street, Hanover, ON N4N 1P9 Email: bruce@ofa.on.ca

* The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Bruce County by the BCFA.

April 2020 69

Perth County Federation of Agriculture Email: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com Website: www.perthcountyfarmers.ca Sue Shafer, Office Administrator 519-229-6834 Tim Halliday, President: 519-291-3374

PCFA holds annual meeting at Stratford Axes This past February, Perth County Federation of Agriculture held its Annual Meeting at Stratford Axes in Stratford. The evening began with food and fellowship followed by the Annual meeting. At this year’s meeting we had three directors up for re-election and all were acclaimed to their positions.

One director elected to the Perth Federation board was Sharon Weitzel. She is a former dairy farmer from Perth East and comes to us with past experience from her many years as a Board member for Dairy Farmers of Ontario as well as on the Board of Directors at OFA. This is her second three-year term in Perth as director.

Sharon’s main goal this term is to work at engaging with our local commodity group members.

Darryl Terpstra is also on his second term under the new board structure but has had 20-plus years of experience with the Perth Federation.

He has served as a Director with the Perth County Pork Producers and is part of Birchlawn Farms in North Perth. Darryl’s goal this term is to continue the growth of our board and to bring awareness to our members about what Perth County Federation of Agriculture can do for them.

Robert Martin was also re-elected this year to our board. Bob’s background is in dairy farming in North Perth. He has had experience as a North Perth Municipal Perth County Federation of Agriculture

DIRECTORS’ MEETING Thursday, April 23 8:00 p.m.

Mitchell Arena – Activity Room

Perth County Federation of Agriculture held its annual meeting on February 18 at Stratford Axes.

Following the meeting members enjoyed learning how to throw axes.

Councillor and a long history at Perth Federation. He also served on the Perth County Milk Committee and with Gaylea Foods as a Regional Director. Bob’s goals for this term are that he would like to see the “Perth Federation obtain a permanent office space and assist farmers with drainage concerns”.

After many years of service Bill Denham has stepped down from our board. He had a wealth of knowledge and will be missed. Thank you Bill for all your hard work! Following our annual meeting we enjoyed an evening learning how to throw axes and played games with them. A good time was had by all. ◊

PCFA Members win awards Elaine and Roger Cook, founders of the Upper Avon River Conservation Club, were presented with the 2020 Kayla Berger Stewardship Award by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

Elaine is a past PCFA Director form North Easthope.

Congratulations, Elaine and Roger! ************ Diane and Terry Hoover of Hoover’s Maple Syrup, are the winners of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival’s 2020 producer of the year award.

Congratulations, Diane and Terry!

* The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Perth County by the PCFA.

70 The Rural Voice

Index A&V Kucyk Ltd ..............................71 A.G. Hayter Contracting Ltd ..........54 Agri-Trac Inc ..................................47 Arthur Gun, Fishing/Outdoor Show ..64 Bag Supplies Canada ....................61 BDO ..............................................19 Behrns Metal..................................61 Belore Trailers ..............................61 Bernie McGlynn/SB Flooring ........51 Bervie Supply..............................9,58 Bester Wood Products ..................51 Bio-Ag ............................................17 Bluewater Pipe Inc ........................15 Blyth Brewing Co. (Cowbell) ..........57 Blyth Festival ................................13 Brennan Custom Poultry................23 Bruce Way Equipment ..................39 Bushell’s Auto Sales ......................42 CABEF ..........................................23 Canadian Co-op Wool Growers ....56 Carson’s Auction Services Ltd. ......57 Chalmers Fuels..............................58 Cliff’s Plumbing & Heating ............22 CropQuest Inc................................39 Cross Country Eavestrough ..........65 Dean Dobson ................................59 Diamond Roof ................................58 DJ Henry Homes & Renovations ..59 Donkers Agri ..............................6,15 Dundalk District Credit Union ........21 Dwyer Manufacturing ....................17 Easy Lift Doors ..............................12 Farm Credit Canada ......................32 Free-Light ......................................21 General Airspray ............................29 Gerber’s Workwear ........................59 Gerrit’s Ag Service Ltd ..................28 GL Carpentry Ltd ..........................47 Greenville Liquid Plant Food..........53 Grey-Bruce Construction ..............42 GRK Products ................................10 Grober Nutrition ....................Cover 4 Hardi ..............................................41 Harold Jones Enterprises ..............60 Hayter Excavating ....................46,50 Hill & Hill Farms....Inside Front Cover

Hunter Steel Sales ................Cover 5 Huron Hauling & Excavating ..........56 Huron-Perth Woodlot Assoc ..........49 J.A. Porter Holdings Ltd ................51 JJM Concrete Grooving ................25 Keith Siemon Farm Systems ........60 KMM Farm Drainage ....................41 Kraemer Concrete ........................60 Kuepfer Farm Drainage ................60 LAC................................................61 Lake Huron Rod & Gun ........Cover 7 Lands & Forests Consulting ..........51 Layton, Steve ................................60 Legge Fitness........................Cover 6 Lisa Thompson MPP ....................19 Live Landscape..............................32 Maitland Welding & Machining ......60 Manuel K Albrecht Farm Supplies 62 Maple Leaves Forever ..........Cover 4 Mapleview Agri ..............................26 Marquardt Farm Drainage ..............4 Mar-Ridge Agri ..............................25 Martin Farm Wagons ....................44 Marvin L. Smith Forestry................49 McIntee Realtor - Steve Nixon ......59 Metzger Meat Products..................57 Michael’s Stabling Developments ..30 MNP LLP ......................................30 Morris Sachs Silo Construction......42 MRC Wireless ................................55 Nature’s Wave Inc ..........................8 N-P Chamber of Commerce..Cover 5 Nuhn Forage..................................28 On-Track Door Systems........Cover 3 Peak Realty - Cathy Hendriks........60 R.T. Bolton & Son ................Cover 4 RBC ..............................................56 REVA Realty Inc - Jack Biernaski..49 Ridgeway Metals ..........................60 Roth Drainage................................59 Royal LePage - Steacy Den Haan 47 Rural Living ....................................37 Rural Routes Pest Control ............59 Sauble Beach Motorsports ....9,32,65 SVCA ............................................48 Schmidt’s Farm Drainage ..............61

Schweiss Doors ............................55 Seifried Farm Equipment ..............30 Sew & Save Centre ......................36 Sharp’s Creek Forge......................71 Signature Crane ............................53 Smyth Welding ..............................61 Somerville Seedlings ....................49 Steffen Well Drilling ......................61 Stephen Thompson ......................45 Stihl Ltd............................................2 Stratford Agri Analysis ..................11 SWO Diesel ..................................11 The Brew Shop ..............................37 Tree Planting & Maintenance ......5,7 Triple P Consulting ........................45 Trouw Nutrition ................Back Cover Usborne & Hibbert ..........................6 Waddell Engineering......................44 WD Hopper & Sons Ltd ................45 White Carnation ............................22 Whitechurch Welding ....................63 Williams Drainage ..........................41

Deadline for the May issue of The Rural Voice is April 14, 2020

A & V Kucyk Ltd. Open Pollinated Corn Victor & Anna Kucyk R.R. 3 6571 Line 34 (Hwy. 8) Mitchell, ON Canada N0K 1N0

Tel: 519-348-4541 Cell: 519-272-4493

RR 2 GODERICH, ON N7A 3X8 Tel.: 519-524-8096 Website: www.sharpscreekforge.ca Email: jim@sharpscreekforge.ca

April 2020 71

HURON

42 First Avenue, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 519-482-9642 or 1-800-511-1135

County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER

HCFA hosts annual Politicians Forum

Website: www.hcfa.on.ca Email: ofahuron@tcc.on.ca

Upcoming Events April 1 & 2 – Canadian Dairy Xpo, Stratford. Visit https://dairyxpo.ca/ for more information.

April 12 – Happy Easter!

April 15 – Farm and Food Care annual meeting. For details visit: www.farmfoodcareon.org/agm2020/ Huron County Federation of Agriculture

BOARD MEETING On Friday, March 6 the Huron County Federation of Agriculture hosted its annual MP/MPP/Local Politicians Forum at the Clinton Legion.

Local farmers gathered to discuss issues with Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and MP Ben Lobb and representatives from our local Municipalities.

This year’s briefs were presented by the Egg, Dairy, Chicken, Sheep, Beef, Grain, Pork as well as the HCFA Property and Land Use, Farm Finance, Public Relations Committees.

Thank you all for attending and ensuring our government representatives are informed of the issues facing Agriculture in Huron in 2020. ◊

Spring Flood Risks Spring brings the promise of warmer weather but it also brings the potential for flooding. Rapid snowmelt, heavy rains and severe weather could result in large amounts of runoff and flooding this spring. Please ensure all family members are aware to avoid flooded areas and stay away from fast moving watercourses.

April 27 – 8:00 p.m.

Vanastra Office

OPP non-emergency line: 1-888-310-1122

ROOM FOR RENT The HCFA has a board room available for rent.

The board room rent is $40 which includes HST. Call the HCFA office at 519-482-9642 or 1-800-511-1135 to check availability and to book your meetings.

Road Safety Farm equipment will be on our roads again as we prepare for spring planting please take time to consider how the Highway Traffic Act impacts farm trucks and equipment travelling on roadways. It is your responsibility to know the rules of the road that apply to farm equipment including licensing, load restrictions and towing requirements.

Many of the rules governing the use of cars and trucks also apply to farm vehicles on the roads, such as the use of head and tail lights, signaling turns, distracted driving and cell phone use and impaired driving.

The Ministry of Transportation has a Farm Guide on their website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/pdfs/farm-guide-farm-equipmenton-the-highway.pdf The OFA website also offers an overview of some transportation issues at https://ofa.on.ca/issues/transportation.

HCFA OFFICE HOURS: The office is open on Mondays and alternate Fridays 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We are also open other days by chance Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/huronfedofag and Facebook at Huron County Federation of Agriculture

The Rural Voice is provided to all OFA members in Huron County by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture

72 The Rural Voice

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