Speak out
To the Editor:
Barry Wilson in Opinion (June 6) should be a very good reminder to the many complacent farmers, who are currently basking in the thought of improved commodity prices, to get off of their collective “butts” and make their voices heard.
He very accurately portrays the problem the federal agriculture minister is contending with in virtually single-handedly opposing the efforts of a well-organized gang who are effectively using some hot-head farmers to do their dirty work for them and are portraying the Wheat Board as an ineffectual bumpkin at best, and a villain at worst!
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Make no mistake, it is not the well-being of the prairie grain producers these wolves in sheep’s clothing are concerned about. And the silent majority had better not come crying on someone else’s shoulder once the die is cast and there is no turning back. This is in part what the FTA and NAFTA were designed to do, and unless somebody soon stands up, they will do it well!
The inconsistent reasoning currently so prevalent in the farming community can be seen in the likes of a recent letter over the signature of one Dan Hertz of Oyen, Alta., that appeared away over here in northeastern Saskatchewan, suggesting it may well appear in many more.
And while the letter itself does admittedly inspire sympathy in that he reveals that his two sons have had their trucks seized by Canada Customs, it is a bit hard to follow his rationale that this is undue harassment and that the law requiring an export licence is a bad one, and should be changed forthwith.
I must advise that I, and a lot of others that I know, think it is a good law and very well recall the courageous battle our forefathers waged to get this protection as regards the global grain trade, who while they now wear different clothes and use much more sophisticated methods, underneath are still the same greedy grasping operators, concerned only with feathering their nest.
I would remind the disturbed gentleman, and others in similar circumstances, that the law is the law, and if he thinks it is a bad one, we have respectable means such as parliamentary debate to try to change it.
To take a short cut by vigilante methods is scarcely in keeping with the image Canada seems to be famous for and will undoubtedly not enhance that image.
And while I do not wish any misfortune on anyone, the old adage of “how you make your bed, so will you sleep” is still very valid.
The current price recovery while welcome is, as we know from experience, to be likely a temporary one. Moreover, welcome as it is, it falls far short of what it should be having regard for increased operational costs. So let’s not sacrifice by default our most effective weapon we have because of complacency. Stand up and be counted, now!
– Philip Lindenback,
Weekes, Sask.
Ducky signs
To the Editor:
Have you ever noted that in some stores you will see as you walk in a sign proudly stating we have contributed to Ducks Unlimited, then on the other end of store at the candy bins there is a sign stating “please refrain from sampling”?
Now how is this? First they boast they have contributed to something that does nothing but samples the farmers’ crops which can be very costly and never buy anything, and on the other end of store they say they do not like what they support. And of course if I sample, I buy.
– John Pokorney,
Tilley, Alta
U.K. land
To the Editor:
In your report, Western Producer April 11, it was stated that farm land prices are on the increase in the U.K.
That is correct, but someone omitted to say why.
The greatest increase is in the arable sector, when in Norfolk a farm was recently sold for over £4,000 per acre complete with house and buildings.
The reason being the enormous arable subsidy payments from the E.C. One of our national newspapers, the Daily Express, reported about an arable farmer, farming in Cambridgeshire a total of 2,000 acres, receiving £192,000 in arable subsidy payments.
No, that figure is not a misprint. The farmer admits himself that such payments are madness, but, rightly so, he will take it while he can.
Now bearing in mind all that, it is not hard to see why land prices are so high.
But wait and see what happens when all these subsidies go, as they surely will one day. That’s it for now, I’m off to the pub for a beer to drown my sorrows.
– George H. Wilson,
Devon, England
Dual marketing
To the Editor:
Mr. Fairbairn, concerning dual marketing: In case you didn’t know, many farmers now have radio, TV, other newspapers and computers. There are many sources of information in the world today, besides your one-sided warped opinion of farming.
If you continue your mindless raving about dual marketing, do not renew our subscription to your propaganda. If you keep writing, maybe Adolf Goodale will take you with him when he gets his Senate seat.
– Kerry Greenstein,
Rhein, Sask..
