Wednesday, December 6, 2006 · Page 7 Busy work schedule by Paul Mistele, Vice-President Ontario Federation of Agriculture OFA's work plan for the next few weeks looks like the plans of a typical Ontario farmer. Recent figures from Statistics Canada say it all for OFA's first priority farm income dropped more than 16 per cent below the previous five-year average. This means the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and its partner farm organizations will be moving forward with input to the development of the new Agricultural Policy Framework pillar that will reflect regional and commodity diversity. Companion programs and self-directed risk management programs will have to be at the top of the list. Convincing the provincial government that increased public investment in agriculture in its coming budget will be essential if farmers are going to maintain the industry's contribution to the provincial economy. We need that investment to put the latest technology to work improving production, processing and marketing opportunities. While OFA has seen successes getting necessary changes to the Clean Water Act, there is still a lot of work to do in conjunction with its partners in the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition in ensur- ing the regulations are fair and reasonable. Farmers understand and appreciate the importance of agriculture's role in protecting the environment. Water is everyone's responsibility. Our work with governments on species at risk amendments and biodiversity issues will require continuing review and input from the industry. We recently presented agriculture's views and needs to the Standing Committee on General Government regarding the Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act Bill 130. Critical issues in that area include the Municipal Act and the Line Fences Act both with serious ramifications for farmers. Now we will have to monitor government responses and work to ensure agriculture's concerns get action. On the heels of a very convention, successful work continues on the restructuring of OFA's governance model. Since convention delegates approved 13 recommendations for changes to how the organization is operated everything from reducing the size of the board of directors to development of a strategic plan an implementation committee must now be formed to put together plans for review and consideration by next year's convention. Because farmer losses due to predation of crops and livestock by wildlife continue to be a growing problem, OFA will be working to convince the provincial government that it must take action. We need more realistic levels of compensation for losses experienced, and improved methods to protect our animals, crops and infrastruc- ture from wildlife. This has been a problem for farmers for decades and we believe it is time the government gets serious about finding solutions that will work in the interests of producers. Agriculture has developed ways to solve some of the energy problems society is experiencing, and we need our government to work with us to put these solutions to work. We need increased research to expedite the many alternatives for energy production. We need a government that is willing to implement changes that are beneficial to farmers. This has the potential to improve farm income and address energy demand. Ethanol production is another energy source that offers great opportunity for agriculture. Stats Can's recent report tells us that two-thirds of the increase in gross farm operating expenses came from record high energy costs this means potential for energy from agriculture. OFA's plate is obviously going to be full for some time. To accomplish these important objectives will require OFA to build strong bridges in and outside of agriculture. We must work closely together in a unified effort. MP calls for inspection of U.S. corn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Byrne said Watson's move to pressure the CFIA to inspect inbound corn shipments from the U.S. was "a step in the right direction," however, he wanted to see some action. "My dad used to say...don't watch what they say, watch what they do," said Byrne, who has been fighting to have imported grains subject to the same stringent environmental rules and regulations expected of Canadian proucers. "They are using herbiides and seeds that are llegal here in Canada. It's rustrating. The impact on uman health is unknown," e said. Julien Papineau, presient of the Essex County ederation of Agriculture, choed Byrne's concerns. "The corn is coming rom an area that experinced the same kind of rowing conditions as we ave," said Papineau. U.S. orn grown in Michigan nd Ohio would have simiar levels of vomitoxins. "It would lead you to hink the U.S. corn has the ame quality issues," he aid. In mid November, Ontario ethanol plants announced they had raised the vomitoxin limit on the corn they buy from two parts per million to four parts per million. The disease does not affect ethanol production but it can affect the animal feed by-products of the plant. Watson complained that end users, such as the ethanol plants, have indicated they would accept higher levels of vomitoxins in local corn in January. "Why not now?" asked Watson in the press release. "Or are they already taking higher vom level corn from the U.S.? Local producers deserve to know if their basis dropped fairly." Watson said he would continue to monitor inbound U.S. shipments of corn, while Strahl looks into the CFIA's powers on the issue. For Byrne and other farmers there has been disappointment in government action at all levels on agricultural issues. "I've been lied to by the Prime Minister and Premier in the same year...I've been lied to by both agricultural ministers...I call it a lie when they don't do what they say they are going to do," said Byrne, who believes the federal Conservative agricultural policy is "exactly the same" as the previous Liberal government. "I think it is just a joke," he said. AUCTION SALE A PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 357 QUEEN ST. (Walker Rd.) HARROW SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH AT 9:30 A.M. ANT. & COLL.: Eastlake dining table w/split base, oak drop front dest, wal. writing desk, superb clown coll., incl. ceramic, stuffed, Xmas decs. & picture, piano stools, wal. dining table w/leaf & 6 chairs, bisque dolls, etched wall mirror, exquisite Belgium crystal table lamps, pin ball mach., Rogers silverware in chest, coll. plates, lg. elect. Coke cooler. COINS: 1922 US Liberty "S" silver dollar, Can. silver dollars, Kennedy & Can. 50¢, 1967-'92 Prov. 25¢ coll., various other coins, Scythe, fork, gal. cream can & pails, hat & box, records, costume jewelry & more. MODERN ETC. Washer, electric & gas dryers, sofa bed, misc. easy chairs, rockers, bamboo & wood chairs, 6 wood bar stools, chests drawers, dresser w/mirror, 2 single beds cmplt. w/bedding, dbl./single bunk beds cmplt., king headboard, kit. tables & chairs, sm. desk & chair, area rug, plant stands, mag. rack, piano benches, wall tapestry, needlepoint & other pictures, table & floor lamps, lg. vases, mirrors, ent. units, silk trees, 4'x6' office divider, secretary chair, child's recliner, doll house, Leepsteer & Leepfrog educational computer videos, robotic & many other toys, games, prof. hairdryer, steamers & misc. beauty shop access, 7" ac/dc TV, stereo w/speakers, fax mach., Xmas tree & decs., new toaster & mixer, misc. linens, fur jackets, sm. kit. appliances, glassware, dishes, etc., shelving, 5'5" wheelchair ramps, handicap toilet set, pet taxi, lg. dog cage, oil heaters, air conditioners, lg. battery charger, 6" bench grinder, generator, steel hack saw, lawn & other tools, lawn chairs & ornaments, elect. snowblower, new manual lawnmower, Sears 11 hp riding mower plus remaining inventory of supplies & fixtures for Harrow Community Pharmacy & much more. PREVIEW Fri. 5-7 p.m. or Sat. 8:30 a.m. MARWOOD ANDREWS AUCTIONEER - 519-738-3220 e-mail bidfive@jet2.net Lunch available - NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS UNHOLZER/ SAUVE UPCOMING AUCTION Friday Dec. 8, 2006 10:30 am For Mr C B (Claire) Sherk 343 East Cty Rd. 14 Cottam, Ont. And the Estate of Mr. Dave Colenutt c/o Gord and Dana Colenutt, Essex Ont. Sale to be held at Claire Sherk Farm 343 East Cty Rd. 14 Cottam Ont. Directions: From High 401 exit at high 77( Comber) Go south aprox 15 km to Staples turn L and continue S on #77 aprox 3 km to Cty Rd 14, T R on Cty Rd14 aprox 6 km to sale ( greenhouses RHS) From Cty Rd 8 T S on Cty Rd 27 (Belle River Rd) go aprox 5km to Cty Rd 14 T L aprox 6 km to sale Consisting of very clean lines of well kept equipt. No small items Tractors: JD 4650 FWA (very clean) 6175 hrs 3 remotes, quick hitch, 20.8x38 R 18.4x26 F, 20 suitcase wts incl. 20.8x38 T-rail duals. Lower end redone and new rad at 6000hrs. JD7800 FWA 4866hrs(new motor at 4300hrs) 3-remotes, quick hitch, 18.4x42 R 16.9x28 F sells with hub duals attached,. Massey 165 diesel 2337 hrs, 1-remote 13.6x38 tires, Massey 135 Diesel 2980 hrs. new paint, 12.4x28 tires. Combine: JD6620 3379hrs 28LX26 tires sells w 15' flex grain head, Ford 4000 new paint. Eqpt: JD 20´ model 750 no till planter, yetter markers, dolly front end, market fill auger,Liquid fert tanks w pump, spring harrows not attached, 28´ kongslide triple K w rolling harrows, JD 6 fur. Plow, JD 20´ disc w hyd wings, 2-500bu derink gravity wagons w roll tarps on truck fr run gears. 22´ land leveler, TR 800 Hardi sprayer 800 gal 60´ hyd boom foam marker wash station chem blender , sunflower ditcher, Bandit 10"x 35´ grain auger PTO drive, 2-1500 gal plastic water tanks on truck FR R Gear, 4hp Honda transfer pump w hoses,16.9x34 T-rail duals, grain cleaner, 5th wheel 8X16 dump trailer w 37000lb axles, elec. Brakes, utility trailer aprox 5x9w ramps Note: This equipment is extremely well kept and clean Terms: Cash or Cheque with proper ID. Verbal announcements take precedence over written material. Sale management not responsible for accidents or injusries. Lunch available Proprietors: Mr. Claire Sherk and Mr. Gord and Ms. Dana Colenutt Marty Unholzer Home: (519) 723-2622 Cell: (519) 791-4101 John Sauve Home: (519) 723-2023 Cell: (519) 791-4772 Four Bay Auto Repair Service Shop has closed. On Friday, December 15th we will be at Garry St. John (1995) Ltd. at 2645 Huron Church Road, Windsor. See next week's paper for complete list or visit www.theauctionadvertiser. com for further details and pictures. LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. RICHARD LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. 519-735-3070 TECUMSEH LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. "Contour Machine" from location at 2720 St. Etienne, Windsor and Under Instructions from "Southwestern Bailiff Services" a Public auction has been scheduled for Friday, December 8th at 10:30 A.M. (Preview 9:00 A.M.) at the above location and to consists of 16" disc sander, "First" milling machine w/read-out, "Craftsman" 14" band saw, good selection of power and hand tools, mitre saw, sanders, drills, grinders, etc. Selection of tooling, collets, vises, double door storage cabinets and rack, "Strands" drill press, steel tables, horses, work benches, machinist tools and tool chests, plus various related items. OFFICE: Fax, scanner, printers, 5 computers, lap top, phones, desks, chairs, fridge, etc. TERMS: Cash or Certified Funds - 10% Buyer's Premium applies. For further information and photos go to www.theauction advertiser.com or call: Did you know? is a proud sponsor of local Sports Teams RICHARD LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. (519) 735-3070 TECUMSEH Hope to see you there!