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Wednesday, March 21, 2007 · Page 11 Seeking the best for agriculture by Geri Kamenz, President Ontario Federation of Agriculture Agriculture's expanding role in environmental stewardship, and its new-found abilities for energy production are giving the industry ncreased credibility and ttention from political eaders. Rather than appearing efore this country's elected leaders with lists of items agriculture needs, we're now in a position to also offer agriculture's services to governments. Ontario's political leaders regularly talk about the province's needs in the energy field ­ they want cleaner sources of energy; they want more sustainable supplies of energy. Agriculture is now positioned to provide both. Ethanol is an increasingly popular fuel source, and our farmers produce acres and acres of crops that can be converted to ethanol. We also have thousands of potential sites for wind generation turbines capable of contributing electricity to the province's power grid. In all instances, though, we need rules and regulations from the provincial government that make it feasible for our farmers to make the investments needed to get involved. We also need serious investment in agricultural research to keep our producers and processors on the leading edge in a very innovative and competitive world. Our farmers continue to struggle to escape the economic hole they slipped into over the previous two years ­ a situation created by highly subsidized international competition. At Premier McGuinty's recent Summit on Agri-Food, a vision of growth and innovation was highlighted. To be able to participate in that growth and innovation, we have told our governments that farmers need an immediate investment to overcome the years of economic losses. With a new provincial budget on the horizon, the timing is ideal to address these issues. Our farmers have critical contributions to make to the province's economy and environment, but they need predictable programs to make it possible. OFA is making its presence known at the federal level as well, meeting recently with Liberal Leader Stephane Dion to discuss farming issues from a national and international position. We told Mr. Dion that Canadian agriculture has its success stories ­ the supply managed sectors of dairy, eggs, and chickens, turkeys. We reminded him that these sectors were given the right rules and regulations to thrive, and all they need now is protection from a changing international trade scene. Canada's grains, oilseeds and horticulture sectors have been calling for predictable support programming through companion programs, production insurance and marketing systems that producers choose, we told Mr. Dion. Given the right conditions, we said, these sectors can become sustainable contributors to Canada's economy. We know the federal government has been paying attention to what farmers and their organizations are saying ­ look at Prime Minister Harper's recent announcement of a billion dollars for Canadian farmers. Although there were no real details provided with the announcement, we know many of the principles of what we've been calling for are included in the announcement. Unfortunately, delivery of that money hinges on the government's next budget being passed by parliament. With a minority government, there are no guarantees. It is encouraging, however, to get such thinking from the Prime Minister. OFA looks forward to opportunities to work with political leaders as agriculture moves into the future. National survey to identify farm stewardship practices Agriculture and AgriFood Canada will partner with Statistics Canada to survey producers to measure the environmental performance of Canadian farms. The Hon. Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, made the announcement March 14. New "Canada's Government is committed to helping producers farm in the most environmentally responsible way. We encourage all producers contacted to participate in this survey," said Strahl. "The results will be used to identify sound environmental practices currently used by producers across Canada, as well as help adjust relevant environmental policies and programs." In March 2007, 20,000 crop and livestock farms will be surveyed across Canada for the 2006 farming year. The first Farm Environmental Management Survey (FEMS) was conducted in March 2002. The results of this national agri-environmental management survey will be published by Statistics Canada later this year. Survey questions were created in consultation with provincial governments and national agricultural associations. They focus on fertilizer, manure and pesticide management practices, as well as land and water management practices. The FEMS is an activity that complements the Agricultural Policy Framework, a federal-provincial-territorial strategy for long-term sustainability and profitability in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Jack Morris Farm Machinery Auction Sale Saturday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m. For Roger and Cecile Oriet, Stoney Point at 4225 Conc. 3 (Conc. 3 is located just south of Stoney Point grain elevator and R.R.) From Hwy. 401 take exit #48 north on Comber Sideroad to Conc. 3, then west to farm. Watch for auction signs. This is a sale of good mid sized equipment. Please note sale order. Low Hours 1086 Tractor: IH 1086 dsl. w/only 2359 hrs. Combine: White 8700 Harvest Boss dsl. No Till Drill: 1996 Great Plains model 1205. Plus five good gravity wagons; implements; shop equipment and miscellaneous items. Consigned: IH 886 wide front end dsl. and IH 706 dsl. open station tractors; plus other good equipment. Full details were in last week's paper or with photos at www.jackmorrisauctions.com Terms cash or personalized cheque day of sale Proprietors: Roger and Cecile Oriet. For info call Roger at 519-798-3307 Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 or 1-800-462-3561 Reminder Ad Auctions Inc. General Seed Company CUSTOM DESIGN FORAGE MIXTURES RED CLOVER ALFALFA SWEET CLOVER LAWN SEED MIXTURES LARRY UNHOLZER 1629 South Middle Road Woodslee, ON N0R 1V0 Tel: 519-723-4010 Fax: 519-723-2840 Auctions Inc. ly ncial Provi cted Inspe Custom Slaughtering, Cutting & Wrapping of Beef, Pork and Lamb Jack Morris 19950 Hill Road, Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0 Tel: (519) 674-3732 Fax: (519) 674-3918 Toll Free: 1-877-365-0155 The Gift that Gives All Year Long.. A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE ESSEX FREE PRESS Call Today For information 519-776-4268 Saturday, March 24, 2007 - 10:00 A.M. For Green View Sod Farm 2446 Cty. Rd. 12 (Gesto Rd.) Directions: From 401 exit at Puce Rd. through Essex to Arner Rd. turn right on Cty. Rd. 12, approx. 5 kms Absolute Sale 873 Bobcat 1987, 2300 hrs., diesel, self-elevating and alx. hydr. 72" material bucket. Bobcat bolt on steel tracks, sod forks, Pioneer club car, 1200, 2001, 473 hrs., gas, elect. Lift dump box, Kubota L 4310 diesel, 2002, 2084 hrs. 21.5L-16 rear turf tires, 3 pth., pto., power str. Canopy, Kubota B1700 4wd, diesel, 2000, 1112 hrs., 33x12.5 rear turf tires, 54" cutting deck, 3 pth., power str. hydrostat. Trucks: 1986 Ford 8000 diesel, 3208 cat, 46500km, 12000km on new eng. 20" flatbed tandem axle, single drv. rear axle airlift, safety 2005, 1987 Chev. lt dump 219000km, manual trans., gas, 10 ft. landscapers box. Sod Equip.: Brouwer Sod Harvester, 16" cut on a 3910 Ford diesel tractor, 3648 hrs. 19.5Lx24 rears, JDJ 16 ft. 12000lb. Tandem trailer, elec. brks., ramps, Befco, 12 ft. rotary cyclone flex mower (like new), apprx. 1000ft. of 3" alum. irrigation pipe, 35 sprinkler heads and connecters, Rovatti irrigation pump, pto driven, 300gl. tandem axle calsa sprayer, 30 ft. boom. Sawmill Equip.: Bobcat mounted log splitter, CBM sawmill, 25hp. Kohler gas eng. 30ft. bed hydro. Log turner, cuts 26" diam. logs, Wood master planer/moulder, with dust collector syst. Dina Saw blade sharpener, portable teeth setter. Consignment: 550 JD sprayer, 60ft. hyd. booms, sgl. nos., 1115 tires, 500gl., hyd. hypropump, scorpion foam marker. Terms: Cash or personal cheque day of sale with proper ID. Sale management not responsible for accidents or injuries. Contact proprietor, Kevin Ross - 519-796-3962 for information John Sauve Marty Unholzer Home: (519) 723-2622 Home: (519) 723-2023 Cell: (519) 791-4101 Cell: (519) 791-4772 Hope to see you there. UNHOLZER/SAUVE AUCTION Saturday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. For John and Don Bell, Jeanette's Creek. Sale will be held at the Bell farm located at 4113 Tecumseh Line, Jeanette's Creek. From the Town of Tilbury take Kent Rd. 1 to Tecumseh Line, then east to farm. From Hwy. 401 take either Tilbury exit to Queen St., then north to Jeanette's Creek Tractor: John Deere 4430 diesel tractor with cab, dual outlets, 18.4x38 tires. Precision Planter: Overum Nibex 500 - 6 row 3 ph planter for vegetable seeds; Overum Nibex 4 row 3 ph vegetable seed planter. Fork lift: Clark propane fork lift.. Harvesters: two working pull type Langeman onion harvesters, one with PTO. Potato Seed Cutter: electric motor driven potato seed cutter, will cut 60 bags an hr. Duals: set of 18.4x38 duals. Plastic Hampers: approx. 200 green plastic tomato hampers. Sprayer: Precision single axle sprayer with 300 gal. tank and 30' boom. Planting & Tilllage: MF model 33 grain drill; JD 494A corn planter; older cultivators and plows; older land plane. Wagons: two small gravity wagons; approx. 6 older, in need of repair, self unloading potato or onion wagons. Other Items: three hand fork lifts; numerous small items; grading equipment; platform scales; other tillage and harvesting equipment mainly for parts; etc. Scrap: quantity of scrap steel. Household: 9 pc. light oak dining room suite; light oak coffee and end table set; 3 bedroom suites; queen size bed; 3 blanket boxes; trunk; old rockers; 2 recliner chairs; power lift chair; new ultramatic bed; occasional chairs; lamps; old sewing machine; cash register; gas stove and dryer; washer; dishwasher; counter top dishwasher; Beatty ironer; new humidifier (in box); water cooler; plus miscellaneous small appliances and kitchen items. Sale Order: starting with household items, followed by machinery. Tractor will sell at 12:00 noon. Terms cash or personalized cheque day of sale. Owner or auctioneer not responsible for accidents day of sale. Lunch available. Proprietors: John Bell, 519-682-0102 Don Bell, 519-682-1410 Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 or 1-800-462-3561 Photos at www.jackmorrisauctions.com Farm Machinery & Household Auction Sale