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« 18 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, March 10,1993 Clubs and Organizations Speaker Discusses "Changes in Agriculture' By Mary Fraser The most significant factor influencing influencing the agricultural industry over the last 50 years has been tcchnologi- • cal change. Lome Allin, guest speaker at the Canadian Club on Wednesday, March 3rd, at Trinity United Church, , held a captive audience as he traced the progress of farming from yesterday's yesterday's horse and plough to today's computerized engineering techniques. Mr. Allin, who holds an honours degree in civil engineering from Guelph University, produces over 6,000 hogs per year on his farm north of NewcastleVillage. "Change has come about in three distinct ways," Mr. Allin explained. From the fifties to the seventies, advances advances were of a mechanical nature. Bigger, more efficient machinery meant greater and faster food production. production. By the mid-eighties, computerization computerization was gaining a firm foothold. Now, the computer is used not only to keep efficient accounts, but to aid in every facet of production, from environmental environmental and feed systems control to behavioral prediction. Mr. Allin told of a new cash crop farming machinery to an overhead satellite, satellite, programmed to relay information information concerning precise soil conditions - wet or sandy spots, drainage areas etc... - to the ground vehicle. Where this technique has been employed there has been a 20 to 30 percent improvement improvement in yield. . "One day," Mr. Allin predicted, "The tractor driver will no longer be necessary. He will be able to go about other tasks and leave the machine to work his fields by itself." The third and most controversial change has been in the area of genetic engineering with the almost limitless possibilities afforded by DNA research. research. The benefits in this field are bom out by statistics. "In 1951," Mr. Allin explained, "it took 1.7 million cows to produce approximately the same amount of milk that 800,000 cows can produce today. Also, the quantity of food produced per hectare of land has tripled since 1951. If we were still using 1951 production methods, methods, we would need 7 million more hectares to produce the same amount of food." Mr. Allin expressed concern that there is much misinformation, usually fueled by environmental activists, about the use of pesticides and additives additives in food production. He explained that whereas scientists and health officials officials place these substances at the bottom bottom of the danger list and microorganisms microorganisms at the top, the average consumer consumer does exactly the opposite. The general public needs educating to eliminate many misconceptions 1 about farms and the fanning industry. The average urbanite, Mr. Allin believes, believes, still tends to regard the farmer as someone who is good with animals or machinery, but who doesn't actually actually need much intelligence or education education to run his business. "Fanners need to improve their image, and the media is often far from helpful," said Mr. Allin. In a lively question period following following his address, Mr. Allin clearly endorsed endorsed the free trade agreement, telling telling his audience that the only thing wrong with it is "that it didn't come soon enough" for the fanner. Asked about possible difficulties with animal activist groups, he made no apologies. "The pigs on my farm are better treated than arc many hu mans in plants and factories." Mr. Allin, as one of the participants participants in the prestigious Ontario Advanced Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, Program, will soon be leaving for Europe where he will study political, econom ic and cultural comparisons as they apply to the field of agriculture. At the end of a fascinating evening, evening, Mr. Allin was warmly thanked on behalf of the Canadian Club by Mr. Gordon Barrie. Lome Allin discussed "Changes in Agriculture," when he addressed addressed the March 3 meeting of the Bowmanville Men's Canadian Club. Mr. Allin is a pork producer and a participant in the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program which helps outstanding farmers improve their skills and knowledge of their business. Shown above, from left, are: Gord Barrie, a member of the Men's Canadian Club; Mr. Allin; Joe Christ!, also a member of the club; and Club President Steve Nimigon. B&P Women's Club Members Hear About Adventure in China The Bowmanville Business and Professional Women's Club began their February meeting with a special candle-lighting ceremony. This was a tribute to the International Federation of Business and Professional Women which unites women living in countries countries with different traditions and speaking many languages. The club members and guests then had guest speaker Anna Bragg enlighten enlighten them on life and culture in China, with a slide presentation from her trip in 1991. Ms. Bragg is a graduate of the Advanced Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program Program 1989-91. This program enabled her to travel to China as well as a North American Tour, including nine seminars lasting three days each. Ms. Bragg talked about the country that was once considered a "sleeping giant" being very unique and diversified diversified with its rural areas and urban development. development. One way China's uniqueness uniqueness is visualized is through their symbol, the dragon, standing for strength, longevity and wisdom. China has a natural resource that Canada does not have - a very large, willing, labour force. Ms. Bragg observed observed contentment in a society not really aware of what they are missing. All present were informed that 80% of electricity is produced by coal in China, accentuating the severe air pollution, resulting in lung cancer being being one of the leading causes of death. The message Ms. Bragg derived from this was Canada must be ever vigilant with pollution control. Ms. Bragg saw evidence of "one child per family" control being policed policed by peer pressure with the parents demanding better education for these only children. Education is funded by the government and Ms, Bragg witnessed witnessed some impressive degrees people people had acquired, during her travels. If you wish to attend university, being a member of the Communist Party is pan of the criteria. Ms. Bragg reinforced, throughout her lecture, the concept that we arc very fortunate in Canada to be advanced advanced in so many areas. The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Leadership Program's mandate is to share their broadened perspective with the public, which was evident in the infor- SUN* LIMITED SPACE Halitla y s March Break Super Specials 1 WEEK $279 $299 $349 $499 TAXES $146 $146 $156 $176 $209 PLUS ALLTAXES ORLANDO MARCH 16 DEPARTURES RED CARPET INN RAMADAINN SOUTH ORLANDO VACATION RESORT (includes daily continental breakfast) SHERATON PLAZA HOTEL AIR ONLY DEPART MAR. 16 - RETURN MAR. 23 PUERTO PLATA-CLUB PARADISE COFRESI 1 WEEK TAXES 2 WEEKS TAXES DEPART MAR. 22 $349 $195 $449 $215 VANCOUVER FROM $349 • COMMENCING APR. 1 DAILY EXCEPT SAT. (ONE WAY $199) CALGARY FROM $339 • COMMENCING MAY 1 - TUES,, WED., THURS., SUN. •it A King St. W. Blessings Travel Centre In the Vanstono Mill 623-0005 Bowmanville mative lecture given by Ms. Bragg. During the business section of the meeting, members voted to become a sustaining member of the International International Federation of Business and Professional Professional Women. The federation encourages encourages women, united in influencing progress and peace, to share their interests, interests, .understanding and beliefs. Also discussed was the Big Brothers' Brothers' "Bowl For Millions" held on February February 20th where Barb Stead represented represented the club. Bowmanville B.P.W. Club will be hosting a Myers-Briggs Seminar on Saturday, April 17th at the Flying Dutchman Hotel. The cost will be $50.00 per person including a luncheon. luncheon. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a measure of personality characteristics, helping you to appreciate and understand understand the gifts and differences of others. others. The next meeting of the club will be held on Thursday, March 18th with a guest lecture being given on the importance importance of organ donations. Club meetings are open to anyone wishing to participate in a stimulating evening, acquiring knowledge on a wide variety of subjects accompanied accompanied by good-humoured socialization. There will be a buffet dinner at the Port Darlington Marina Hotel prior to the business section of the meeting. If you would like to make dinner reservations, reservations, please call Heleii Devitt at 623-3915 by Monday, March 15th. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. Dinner tickets are $18.00. Yes We Can! ■ Tell you how to refinish that grandfather clock. Tell you how to rag or sponge your dining room. ... Match your paint to your wife's hair colour. Offer yoa competitive prices and a good selection of QflflLITY Decorating Products Just look at some of our February Specials! 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