Sheep tags
Regarding article “Alberta sheep owners dislike tag check-off” (WP, Aug. 30), Mr. Grimmeyer makes a statement to the effect that sheep producers need more information but shouldn’t have to go out looking for it.
Precisely how does he expect that information to be obtained, then? The Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission puts out an excellent newsletter throughout the year with up-to-date coverage of sheep related information. This is mailed at no extra cost to all those who have purchased Canadian Cattle Identification Agency ear tags. There is also a website for obtaining even more ongoing information.
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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?
We have directors in strategic areas to answer our concerns and needs for our industry and ultimately those concerns are taken to the top level where arguments on our behalf are done with governing bodies. How do producers think we, the sheep people, ever got included in such programs as the famous BSE cattle ones?
I know that there are many things the commission does for me, the sheep producer, and while I may not agree with them all, they are done for my benefit.
Unfortunately this new thing of traceability is not easy for our overloaded work week, sometimes juggling two jobs, but must be done to ensure our staying in the marketplace….
That so few producers take time to attend meetings says something about the industry but mostly it is a concern that is felt in all communities these days with many organizations. We have to make the time, share concerns and ask questions and most of all be prepared to take on a volunteer position just like these directors do who work for us now.
I have had to adjust and yes, find time to do paperwork and over the past few years it has become a routine that means my animals are kept track of and can be traced, which does please me. I don’t have anything to hide and will cough up the extra to ensure the Commission can survive because I believe it is working for me.
– Lynette Kreddig,
Mayerthorpe, Alta.
Subsidy danger
You are exactly right that the U.S. farm bill is a threat to Canadian farmers. It is a total disaster to the American family farm. Really, the American farm program is a landlord subsidy program. There are people in large cities … receiving generous subsidies….
Then there is the Conservation Reserve Program. Seven large corporations receive most of the rice program money. Another landowner gets about $45,000 per year to see that his renter no-till farms. Then there is the Mortgage Write-off Program. One big farmer is supposed to have a total of about $1 million in total write-offs. Another $10 million. Where are my millions?
Seriously, with the increase in farm prices, the American farm program is only making the rich richer and the poor poorer. To be blunt, it is a drag on the American taxpayer. It is no longer necessary and should be discontinued. In fact, discontinuing the entire U.S. Department of Agriculture and starting over might be a good idea….
The family farm is already an endangered species in the United States.
– George Thompson,
Nezperce, Idaho
Denying farmers
The courts have ruled that barley can be added to the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly by cabinet order but not removed from the CWB monopoly by cabinet order. This is neither logical nor historical.
From the historical beginnings of the parliamentary system to the present, the cabinet by Privy Council order has had the power to make decisions on matters of trade and commerce outside the parameters of Parliament.
Be that as it may, for the second time in less than 15 years the courts have denied farmers the marketing choice that the majority want.
Is it time that we start asking the courts the same questions that we have been asking the CWB? If CWB grain marketing is so superior, where is the evidence?
While prices for hard milling wheat and malting quality barley have touched record highs in international markets throughout 2006-07, the prices offered by the CWB for milling wheat and milling barley at the farmgate during the 2006-07 crop year haven’t been competitive with the local feed grain market.
No wonder acres seeded to hard red spring wheat in Western Canada for 2007 are at their lowest level since 1970.
Most importantly of all, where are the farmers? In Saskatchewan alone, another 10,000 farms ceased operating in the past 10 years. If the CWB is so indispensable, why do more and more farmers continue to wind down their operations?
Would marketing choice make a difference? Many are willing to give it a try.
– Richard Brooks,
Wynyard, Sask.
Old & young
No offence to the three highly experienced farmers on the front page of the Aug. 30 edition, but I find it very discouraging as an Alberta young farmer to find two articles about young farmers on the 70th and 73rd pages of The Western Producer. Especially when both the CWB and CN articles have been never-ending and changes in production from the ever predictable weather is nothing new.
Not to mention the billions of dollars in assets that will soon have to change hands to the next generation of producers and millions of dollars in revenue that they will have to create from their products.
Why are you not providing more encouragement to your younger readers by showing a higher level of support and appreciation for them by giving them a little more coverage and front page action? I am not saying the current front page farmers should take a back seat or anything, because we know their experience is needed. But the agriculture industry is in dire (need) of some creative thinking and fresh ideas like the ones on page 70 and 73. …
I would like to encourage young farmers, especially in Alberta, to step up and start harvesting a greater portion of the opportunity agriculture has to offer. I cannot say too much yet as I am only in the process of attempting to make a living of the farm.
But I would like to think with so much economic prosperity, we should be able to profit from what we can produce and not be dependent on government programs. Just simply think outside the box.
– Greg Nichiporik,
Hotchkiss, Alta.
Sheep tone
As an Alberta sheep producer, the negative tone of the Aug. 30 article, “Alberta sheep owners dislike tag check-off,” about the lamb industry disappointed me.
Instead of giving us the results of the survey cited, the author reported on the opinions of the two who wrote the questions.
The $1 checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission has been attached to the mandatory sheep identification tag since January 2004. This system, approved by a vote of producers, has proven to be simple, fair, efficient and cost effective.ÂÂ
Under the old system, the Commission spent considerable time and money to collect checkoff withheld by some in the industry.
Sheep sale manager Miles Buswell questions the Commission’s efforts to encourage producers. All sectors in the Alberta livestock industry are affected by declining numbers of producers.
Is Mr. Buswell blaming the Commission for this?
Offering support to producer groups is among many things the Commission does to help new farmers. Perhaps individually and through local organizations, established producers need to do more.
I can’t agree with Mr. Grimmeyer’s comments about it being difficult to get information from the Commission. Newsletters are mailed to each producer, directors are available by telephone, we all have toll-free access to the Commission office, plus there is a website and opportunities for regular e-mail updates.
Speaking to Mr. Grimmeyer, I found his intention for the survey was to gather ideas from a range of producers. I commend him seeking solutions for issues that concern many of us. There is always room to improve on the status quo and I know Commission directors welcome new ideas.
Statistics show Canadian producers are meeting only 50 percent of the demand for lamb in the country. With that market potential as well as the current price of lamb, the Alberta sheep industry has a very positive outlook.ÂÂ
– Lorraine Taylor,
Darwell, Alta.
