Hog plan; Farmer controlled; U.S. ham; CWB image; Gibbings praised
Hog plan
This Conservative government puts farmers first in every decision we make and we have delivered a comprehensive restructuring plan for pork producers.
We have worked closely with the Canadian Pork Council in constructing this plan and that’s why Jurgen Preugschas, chair of the Canadian Pork Council, says, “As the transition plan is implemented, a leaner, greener and more innovative industry will emerge – one that is prepared to capitalize on both domestic and international opportunities.”
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We might look back at this fall as the turning point in grain farm economics — the point where making money became really difficult.
I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan so I know how difficult it can be to walk away from the farming business. Some operations simply aren’t viable any more and so this plan includes up to $75 million to help producers transition out of the industry and reduce production.
In addition, the Conservative government is working with financial institutions to provide additional long-term loans to hog producers who choose to restructure and stay in the industry.
The package also includes $17 million for market research, promotion and activities designed to enhance international marketing of Canadian pork.
Farmers want to make their living in the marketplace and we’re investing in marketing to find new customers for Canadian pork and make our pork industry successful for the long term.
Canadian pork producers exported almost $3 billion worth of pork products to more than 100 countries last year. That is why the Conservative government is helping hog farmers recover while respecting our trade agreements.
It’s unfortunate that (Liberal agriculture critic) Mr. (Wayne) Easter wants to simply throw money at the situation and throw our trade opportunities out the window. Farmers know that’s short-sighted and irresponsible.
Mr. Easter is sorely unaware of the importance of international trade to not only our pork industry, but to every farmer in Canada.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Laurent Pellerin also applauds this plan saying, “we are encouraged the government recognizes that investing in and assisting this sector now will allow for greater returns in the future.”
It’s about time that Mr. Easter stop playing partisan politics and support Canadian hog producers during this difficult economic time.
– Gerry Ritz,
Minister of Agriculture,
Ottawa, Ont.
Farmer controlled
Contrary to letter writer S. Wilson’s assertion (CWB case, Aug. 20), the Canadian Wheat Board is controlled by farmers.
Ten members of the 15-member board, including myself, are directly elected by farmers. In fact, this year marks the 10th anniversary of farmer control of our marketing organization.
Farmer leadership has ushered in greater accountability, increased transparency and innovative programs that create flexibility in pricing, payments and delivery.
As one of the original elected directors, and now the chair, of our marketing company, I am proud to be a farmer working for farmers.
– Larry Hill,
Chair, CWB board of directors,
Swift Current, Sask.
U.S. ham
The Aug. 20 issue of The Western Producer had a lot in it regarding the plight of Canadian hog farmers. On Aug. 19 I was in a store which is part of a Canadian chain. On a shelf I saw tinned ham of a brand with which I was not familiar.
On picking it up I saw on the label “Product of U.S.A.” I put it back on the shelf.
Free trade, eh?
– C. Pike,
Waseca, Sask.
CWB image
Having been in the business world for over a decade before entering into farming, we found our best advertisement didn’t cost us a cent. Do a better job than your competition, be fair and honest and business took care of itself.
The Canadian Wheat Board does the exact opposite. We have been told the CWB spends approximately $2 million a year on self image. Would promoting self image boast their sales or give them more clout in the marketplace? Absolutely not.
The CWB is a closed monopoly with no competition. So this money, farmers’ money, spent on self image is solely to keep the wheels on the CWB. Unthinkable.
As farmers we have no say as to how the CWB spends our money. The CWB has no money outside of farmers’ money. All they have and hold and spend is farmers’ money.
So farmers’ money is being spent on promoting an antiquated system of marketing farmers do not support. This is the worst form of propaganda I can envision.
Would it shock you to know that at least some of the employees at the CWB are not aware of who pays their salary? …
From a farmer who was raised on common sense, believes in farmers, honesty and individual human rights, cares for farmers.
– Gertrude Sawatzky,
MacGregor, Man.
Gibbings praised
I write this letter to pay tribute to a man who, outside of government, was at one time possibly the most influential person in Saskatchewan.
Charles W. Gibbings died recently at the age of 92 years. He served as president of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool from 1960 to 1969. He had a tremendous intellect, a great sense of humour, was an excellent communicator, very personable, made friends easily, he was exceptionally articulate and completely dedicated to enhancing the economic and social situation for farmers and agriculture.
I had the good fortune to work closely with him during his tenure as Pool president and during his time as a Canadian Wheat Board commissioner. I can attest to his sincerity and ability.
Charlie was raised on a farm at Rosetown and he graduated from the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan in 1942. During his senior year and following graduation he served the college as a public speaking and communication instructor.
He became a wheat pool delegate in 1946 and after serving as a director and vice-president he became president in 1960, the first president who was born in Saskatchewan.
Charlie had developed a keen business sense while operating his farm and he brought that attribute with him to Sask Pool and was thus able to offer informed leadership as the Pool grew and undertook expansion into agricultural related areas.
He was the spark that ignited the stunning growth of the Pool during the 1960s. His main strength was as an advocate for farmers in the area of public policy for agriculture. He was a highly respected spokesperson in provincial, national and international forums.
He listened well to farmer concerns and was articulate in advancing solutions to those problems to the appropriate level of government….
His personable manner and great intelligence created a respect that allowed him to be effective in advancing clearly defined goals for Canadian farmers.
Truly, at the same time a great leader and a faithful servant who inspired people to take joint action to solve their problems. Indeed he was a proud native son of Saskatchewan.
– E.K. ‘Ted’ Turner,
Regina, Sask.
