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Perdue Ag Society turns 100 Perdue residents enjoyed some fun times on July 23 as they took part in the annual Perdue Fair Days. At that same time the Perdue Agricultural Society celebrated 100 years. The them was 100 Years of Memories One of the major attractions is the exhibit entries. Participants can choose to enter projects -- anything from canned goods to baking to hobbies to cattle to grain. It is amazing the number of talented people in the area. Events at the Fair Days included Kids Fun Alley, vintage tractor and truck pull, mud fling, a rodeo for the little ones. Or if you wanted to celebrate until the wee hours there was a Saturday night dance. In other words there was lots going on and lots to do. Some milestones in the Ag Society’s history: • The first parade was held in 1955 • Today’s fair grounds were purchased in 1913 • Hosted the RCMP Musical Ride in 2002 • The Centennial Building was opened in 1967 • The president in 1911 was J. J. Cowan • The secretary in 1911 was F. J. Batute The various events and projects the Ag Society has been involved in has included countless numbers of volunteers who gave their time over the years.
Getting instructions ... This little cowpoke gets filled in on what he is supposed to do with his “chuckwagon” during the little buckaroo rodeo held at the Perdue Fair on July 23. This was only one of the events
which tested the skills of the juniors. For video on happenings at the Perdue Fair go to biggarindependent.ca. (Independent photo by Daryl Hasein)
Future of CWB uncertain The onset of legislation by the federal government concerning the Canadian Wheat Board has many wondering what the future will hold for this organization. “As farmers, we are at the 11th hour and facing a monumental change,” said Allen Oberg, CWB board chair. “In a matter of weeks, the government intends to introduce
legislation that will permanently remove the single-desk marketing structure for wheat and barley.” To i n i t i a t e a n o p e n discussion on this issue the CWB is holding a series of producer meetings across the Prairies starting in Regina in August. Oberg said the meetings are designed to bring farmers together with other
concerned Canadians and their CWB directors for a frank and open discussion. “ We wa n t t o cl a r i f y exactly what is going on and discuss the implications for the future,” he said. “We know there are many questions, given the misinformation circulating about what will or won’t happen if the single desk is removed.” Directors will encourage farmers to vote in the current CWB plebiscite. M N P, a c h a r t e r e d accounting and business advisory firm, was contracted to administer a Prairie-wide plebiscite on the future of CWB. MNP also oversees the elections of directors so has the experience and resources to administer the process.
“I encourage all farmers to vote and make their v o i c e s h e a r d ,” O b e r g said. Voting packages were mailed two weeks ago, and should be in mailboxes by now. If you have not received a ballot you can still vote by applying for a ballot. Voting criteria are: • Producers of wheat in the past five crop years are eligible to vote on the future of the single desk for wheat. • Producers of barley in the past five crop years are eligible to vote on the future of the single desk for barley. • Producers of both wheat and barley in the past five crop years are eligible to vote on the future of each crop. Eligibility to vote can be
established in two ways: • Producers who did not deliver to the CWB can submit an application that contains either a grain delivery receipt (cash ticket) or a statutory declaration. • Producers who delivered wheat or barley to the CWB in the past five years but did not appear on an active permit in 2009-10 or 2010-11 can confirm delivery with the plebiscite coordinator MNP. CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. One of Canada’s biggest exporters, the Western Canadian farmer controlled organization sells grain to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to farmers.
Visiting the RCMP ... One of the activities at the day camp this week was taking a tour of the RCMP station. They saw the inside of the detachment taking a look at the holding cell and then taking a peek into the back of a police car. (Independent photo by Daryl Hasein)