The Western Producer takes a weekly look at some of the stories that made headlines in issues of the paper from 75, 50, 25 and 10 years ago.
75 years ago: Sept. 25, 1941
More than 16,000 farmers attended 16 rallies organized by Saskatchewan Wheat Pool to demand a new deal for agriculture from the federal government. They argued that an initial payment of only 70 cents per bushel for wheat and a federal bonus program to encourage farmers to grow less wheat could reduce their incomes by $100 million in 1941.
A plan for controlled marketing of eggs and poultry was initiated in Alberta, affecting producers who raised more than 50 birds and offered their products for sale.
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The program was supervised by the Alberta Producers Marketing Board, which had been established in March.
50 years ago: Sept. 27, 1966
Ottawa declared more than 27,000 kilometres of prairie rail lines “untouchable” for abandonment until 1975 while it reviewed railway operations. However, almost 3,000 km of track remained unprotected.
The federal government an-nounced it would extend unemployment insurance to farm workers and those working in commercial gardening starting April 1, 1967. Farmers would be required to register their employees and pay premiums.
25 years ago: Sept. 26, 1991
The federal government an-nounced it was moving the Farm Credit Corporation’s head office to Regina from Ottawa. The move was expected to bring 200 positions and a $9 million payroll to the city.
Grain handlers at Vancouver worked around the clock loading ships that had been docked for two weeks by a federal civic service strike that ground shipments to a halt. Public servants had returned to work but there were concerns the picket lines could return.
10 years ago: Sept. 21, 2006
Canadian Wheat Board minister Chuck Strahl appointed a long-time opponent of single desk marketing to the CWB’s board of directors. Ken Motiuk, a farmer from Mundare, Alta., was one of five government appointed directors who worked with 10 elected farmer directors. It was seen as another salvo in Ottawa’s efforts to reform the wheat board and eliminate single desk marketing.
Maple Leaf Foods president Michael McCain said the rapid rise in the Canadian dollar was a currency hurricane that had brought huge challenges to Canada’s pork industry. The company had recently announced plans to add a second shift to its Brandon slaughter plant but said it would need government help to do so.
