Hold on to hope
As ranchers and owners of livestock, we face many similar challenges to our ranching neighbours across the country. I read with interest in this week’s Producer (Aug. 28), various articles pertaining to BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), trade, government support programs, etc.
There are many issues to resolve, yet I sensed the hope expressed in some of the articles, and want to expand on that need for hope.
The article highlighting the Marengo, Sask., neighbours helping the Andersons with their harvest illustrates the unselfish desire to help. We can all look for ways to help our neighbour.
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Agriculture needs to prepare for government spending cuts
As government makes necessary cuts to spending, what can be reduced or restructured in the budgets for agriculture?
Canadian consumption of beef has increased as many Canadians make a concerted effort to support the beef producers. Groups such as the Canadian Kinsmen have organized across the country to feature huge beef barbecues as their show of support for the industry.
The U.S. border has opened up a crack and many organizations and government continue to work diligently for fair treatment in having it opened all the way.
Through my daily Bible study I have learned to turn to God whenever a situation appears hopeless. Prayer is something we can do to help us find answers and make decisions at this difficult time.
Mary Baker Eddy, a wise woman of the 19th century, says in her book Science and Health, “to understand God strengthens hope …” May we all remain hopeful.
– Jackie Anderson,
Rimbey, Alta.
Flawed program
Of course the APF (agriculture policy framework) is floundering, and can’t stand on its own merits.
Ontario agriculture minister and local MPP Helen Johns knows this all too well.
Farm groups and accountants have been pointing out to her the accounting flaws in the APF, which will result in farmers getting the most money in years when they need it the least, and the least money in years when they need it the most.
Mrs. Johns has a Masters of Business Administration degree, and knows full well that her farm groups, and accountants, are absolutely right. That’s why she continues to call the APF “flawed.”
– Stephen Thompson,
Clinton, Ont.
Dial tone
As an unfortunate member of Arcola 128, I extended a hand-delivered personal invitation to three separate members of the agriculturally based Saskatchewan Party to question and investigate on our behalf approximately four months ago.
Dozens of calls from dozens of members from Arcola 128 to the agriculturally based Saskatchewan Party have produced little more than a dial tone. No debate in the house, no returned calls, no involvement, no hope from the agriculturally based Saskatchewan Party.
It seems they have taken the adage hear no evil, see no evil, cause no trouble, lose no votes?
One call to (Saskatchewan agriculture minister) Clay Serby’s office not only was returned promptly, but a meeting was arranged with the members of Arcola 128. And all this in the light of the ‘mad cow’ nightmare.
Apparently $1.2 million lost to approximately 128 producers is not a priority but a 12 x 12 plot of marigolds at a seniors complex at Duck Mountain Provincial Park is worthy of CBC Newsworld?
Has the agriculturally based Saskatchewan Party switched from agriculture to horticulture? It seems that the horticulturally based Saskatchewan Party has lost its direction.
Perhaps the demons we have in office are not as bad as the ones we may receive?
– M. E. Szakacs,
Kipling, Sask.
Sad joke
I received BSE (compensation) forms in the post and I was wondering what kind of sad or sick joke was being pulled on the elk and cattle producers.
No. 1: Our elk we cannot buy or sell or slaughter except for our own consumption and have been in this dilemma now for three sad long years. The cattle farmers are concerned about a few months. Try three going on four years and see where and how you end up.
We had to slaughter (cattle) since May 20 on to get paid. If no one was able to sell cattle or elk, which the shut down of the border caused, where could they be sold and to who?
Only our government could come up with a help program like this that helps no one. And they sure don’t have to pay too much since there was next to no slaughter going on.
I wonder, when the cattle producers start getting mad over these forms, if it will get to government’s attention. I know for certain nothing the elk producers say or do means a darn thing to our government.
– Beverly Lein,
Manning, Alta.
Lost opportunity
The recent photo display in The Western Producer of the Fred Schneider Museum estate auction prompts this letter.
What a pity this collection, unsurpassed as a historical legend of early western Canadian settlement, is now lost. Surely well-presented diplomatic negotiations with the provincial and federal governments, to keep the collection intact and in Saskatchewan, would have borne fruit.
Perhaps the most extraordinary fact about this museum is that 95 percent or more of the vast display was gathered in Saskatchewan. On the many occasions that I viewed the collection, I always left with an extra insight into what life on the early western Prairies was like.
Future generations will never have the opportunity to appreciate such an all-encompassing record of our heritage.
Fred Schneider’s presentation was the most complete picture of early western pioneering. It was unique and it can never be replaced. It was indeed the finest of its kind in the world.
The big loser is the province of Saskatchewan. What a pity, what a shame.
– John J. Sebastian,
Ardrossan, Alta.
Safe canning
Re: Re-use lids, Open Forum, Sept. 4, by Elsie Osbak. In the past people have reused the rubber rings, jar tops off jam and cheese whiz jars and also snap lids.
To the novice canner, I hope you do not take Elsie’s advice. No offence, Elsie, but is it worth the few cents to buy new snap lids or put friends and family at risk eating food such as meat and vegetables or even low sugar jams that have been canned with reused lids? The sealing compound weakens and that is a fact.
Many a canner has had to watch their hard work turn into spoiled food like mouldy jam and soft pickles, not to mention the hidden danger in meat and veggies because of the reuse of lids.
It may work a time or two but is it worth the risk of illness or potential death from botulism? Seems like Russian roulette to me. Now you may think this is extreme, but have you ever been sick from eating someone else’s open kettle canned tomatoes with reused lids to boot?
Well, I have, and it was most unpleasant.
So is getting sick from botulism from improperly canned food. Canners beware.
– Marla Rauser,
Lloydminster, Sask.
West and East
Re: WP Aug. 21, two articles: “BSE-APF aid link …” and “Ottawa wants program farmers.”
That eternal optimism built into westerners that “next year will be a better year” echoes through both articles.
But then this was the attitude here since confederation.
So, in effect, nothing has changed. In the East the BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) crisis will be always viewed as a western problem. Look at the latest Liberal caucus meeting: three days to discuss gay marriages and no time for other problems.
Innovative proposals like Grant Schmidt’s will always be viewed with suspicion and scorn.
The APF (agriculture policy framework) solution: give Saskatchewan credit for not signing on and Alberta some hard questions: why the big rush to sign on to something so full of holes?
The long-term solutions are not easy, but again we have to look reality in face and realize that the sooner we post border guards somewhere along Thunder Bay and Hudson Bay, the better off we are going to be.
– Tom Hajdu,
Barrhead, Alta.
