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Section Two BRICULTUR 'S'tl&v. k.*®/, Culled Cows -- A Part of the at Meat by Laura J. Richards Staff Writer Have you ever wondered what happens to a culled cow after she leaves a farmer's barn? First off, for those who don't.know, a culled cow is one that has been taken out of the herd due to weaknesses as a farmer moves towards cultivating cultivating a more efficient herd. These animals are destined for meat packing plants. Mark Ishoy, of MGI Packers Inc., of Kitchene'r, addressed local farmers earlier earlier this year and described the various products which can result from culled cattle. He also spoke of the advantages of farmers sending their cattle directly to a slaughterhouse. MGI Packers Inc. is one of only four federally inspected meat packing plants in Ontario. Ishoy told a crowd of about 55 dairy herd owners at the annual Dairy Workshop Day at the Blackstock Community Centre in mid- January, that in his business such plants may seem to be at odds with farmers. "I bring a different view to the table. I always hear that I never pay you enough money for your product," Ishoy said. It would be different if producers brought their product product straight to the packers, though. It seems that once a cow leaves a farmer's barn it could take Up to five to six days for it to reach its final destination -- a slaughterhouse or abattoir. abattoir. That means, the actual money a farmer gets paid is less than a cow that is still in tip top shape and has a bit of shine on its coat. A cow that looks like it hasn't been taken - - care of, and been shipped salvage returns on their cows from its home to Montreal to a " d |t maintains a viable slaughter industry in Ontario." By doing this, jobs in this part of the agri-food industry are kept. This, in turn, keeps money in the communities so that ift r&îl Cj Rates Pennsylvania, Quebec, upper they will need to do is pick up they are also working towards New York state, and even one package that will contain ensuring a fair price to all some from Manitoba. the meat and veggies." those involved along the line By selling cattle to local As the company works -- from producer to con- packers (within the province) towards those types of goals, . sumer. farmers help to keep jobs here. Isoy noted that everything from a cow is used. Currently, MGI Packers exports to 25 different countries. "Their lips go to Mexico and their intestines go to Germany for sausage- making. making. Holestein hides are used in furniture, and baseball skins," Isoy states as examples. examples. Most of the meat goes to the "grind trade" and the bones are rendered, he added. Isoy explained currently beef consumption is down in Canada. "Chicken consumption has gone over beef," he said. "Retailers tell me that beef is expensive. Consumers need to recognize that everyone needs to be making a profit -- from the farmer to the retailer." retailer." Isoy said when money is being lost, it is time to examine examine "how money was lost in the loop. You take all of the excessive costs out," and that is where farmer-trucked cows come into the picture. "We reduce the yield losses losses this way." It also means that the farmer gets a bigger cheque for his/her cow. Isoy did note that some farmers can't take a whole day off from the farm to make the trip to a local slaughterhouse. slaughterhouse. Nevertheless, he believes the direct-to-plant option reduces costs and improves prices. "It reduces the commissions commissions to the buyers and travel. Farmers get the maximum The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, March 26, 1997 Page 11 Grandma's Heirloom Seeds From page* 8 varieties of fruits and vegetables that are available. Some of the delights in the seed listing include Egyptian walking Onions. They are described as follows, Pioneer garden garden plant. I got my starts from -my husband's Aunt Alice in Prince George, B.C. My mom grew these when I was young. I remember being fascinated by the whole procedure and nibbling nibbling the greens first thing in the spring." There are only three listings for the onion multiplier top and only two listings for yellow onions. Leeks have three entries and garlic has 46 listings, including a grower in Newfoundland who is unable to ship off the rock due to agricultural regulations regulations in that province. While everyone seems to like onions, or leeks, shallots and even garlic these days, many would probably be wondering what is everyone's seed of choice to plant in the garden. Most popular seeds The most popular of all the seeds available are...tomatoes. There are over 600 listings for everything from tomatoes with pink to purple skins. Other hues available include: yellow, orange, green, black and white skins. One of the interesting things about this seed listing from other seed (commercial) catalogues is that you will find comments comments on the taste. For instance, doesn't this tomato soünd intriguing? The description reads as follows: "Peppermint: Medium to large, low acid fruit has tough yellow-red skin. Outstanding flavour. Very productive. Heirloom from Tennessee." And another: "Lillian's Yellow Heirloom: Huge plant has large, yellow beefsteak fruit which is very rich and delicious-tasting." Pat noted while some folks aren't ifito backyard gardening, many people are turning towards it as a way of producing exactly the vegetables they want. And, while not all the seeds offered in the listing are ones our grandparents may have planted, Pat noted there are good producers and ones that may be worth saving in the long run. For more information regarding Seeds of Diversity, call 623- 0353 and leave a message. Someone will return your call. Great Selection Ready for Immediate delivery! ip The Most Dependable, Longest-Lasting Trucks. CHEVY TRUCKS Pennsylvania to Kitchener can actually shrink by two per cent, Isoy said. However, if several farmers farmers get together, load a truck up with culled cows and one of them takes them to MGI , Packers in Kitchener, they eve T T™^!" e !!i. will probably get a better price. Isoy noted this way the cow is fed before leaving the farm, can be cleaned off, and delivered in much belter condition condition in less time. This avoids the two per cent shrinkage, as well as bruising, and distressed animals, he said. Isoy also x noted, that he hopes MGI will continue to grow, and continue to employee residents of the Kitchener area. One of the areas in which MGI is hoping to expand is in the area of value-added products. He predicts that in the (near) future "people will be able to walk into a grocery Hi COMMERCIAL for All Your „ °ver go VB hhles l ' cial Which c/io from to CENTRE I Needs. os e . ONTARIO MOTOR SALES LTD. Currently, Ihc plant brings ^ a " d P ick U P '""'s caille Iron' Ontario, lhc y ca " makc 1,1 homc ' A " 140 BOND STREET WEST, OSHAWA 725-6501 ©J.P.