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"A Family Tradition for 128 Years" Change is theme at OCA meetings Approximately 375 cat- tlemen and beef industry representatives attended the 34th annual meeting of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association (OCA) in To- rontoin February. The theme of the two- day convention was "Growing with Change." The cattlemen voting dele- gates who represented their local Cattlemen's As- sociation participated in discussions which will de- termine policy direction in 1996. Ontario Minister of Ag- riculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Noble Villeneuve, addressed the convention on the first day. His pres- entation covered many is- sues including govern- ment cutbacks, the strike by government employees and the future of agricul- . ture in Ontario. He also announced that the dis- cussion paper about the Financial Protection Plan had been released. The guest speaker on day two was Mr. Jeff Good- win, Rural Extension agent for Texas A&M Uni- versity. Goodwin's ad- dress, "What's the Beef/ Here's the Beef," explored public perceptions of farm animal well-being, food safety and natural re- source use. His message told delegates and guests how best to handle these sensitive issues with the public. Debate took place on several resolutions that had been brought forward by county Cattlemen's As- sociations and the OCA Board of Directors. Three resolutions dealing with checkoff were passed by the voting delegates. They include changing the OCA checkoff to a per head ba- sis from a per cent of value basis, set at $2.25 per head; removing the ex- emption from checkoff on public auction sales of beef breeding cattle sold off the producer's premises; and supporting the implemen- tation of the proposed na- tional beef promotion and research checkoffat $1 per head. The national check- off, when implemented, would be included in the $2.25 per head checkoff. Lobbying efforts will fo- cus on the provincial gov- ernment in light of the pro- posed cutbacks to the OMAFRA budget. Dele- gates felt that the govern- ment should seriously look at past cuts on the Oo RA budget and sta the agricultural industry in Ontario. The Farm Tax Rebate program was also a high priority for dele- gates and OCA is to lobby that the program must continue until property tax reforms are in place. A resolution dealing with the Financial Protec- tion Plan (FPP) was ap- proved which supports li- censed dealers in their plan to obtain coverage under the FPP when sell- ing cattle to producers by private treaty, provided a satisfactory papertrail can be established. : On the second day of the meeting, the new presi- dent and executive com- mittee were elected. The 1996 president is Dale Pallister of Grey County, 1st vice-president is Linda Barker of Haldimand County; 2nd vice- president is Bob Dobson of Renfrew County; and past president is Harvey Gra- ham of Durham East. 73s JVINYL SIDING $4 00 T-3 white per sq. (approx. 100 sq. ft.) ALSO ... Soffit, Seamless Eavestroughing, Shutters & A complete Line of Metal Siding The Perfect Balance awe, BUCHNER Manufacturing 30004 Hwy. 48, PEFFERLAW 705-437-1734 599 Steven Court, NEWMARKET 905-836-1033 1-800-461-6455 The Federal budget was an exercise in virtual reali- ty, according to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. While recognizing the need to address the problems and concerns of rural Canada, there was little in the way of creative substance. "Farmers are ready to drive the economy; to provide the job creation so desperately needed in Canada," said Tony Morris, OFA President. "This budget could have opened the door to the future, but instead, chose to look out the window." He said the OFA has recommended on numerous oc- casions the provision of Investment Tax Credits for the construction of farm buildings. Built with local labor a process to improve and Canadian materials, this could help to meet the Budget ignores rural concerns: Morris government desire to ease the anxiety in rural Cana- da, said Mr. Morris. Citing the Finance Minister's announcement to hook up 50,000 small businesses to the Internet, Mr. Morris said, "That is like trying to watch a video with- out a VCR." Many people in rural Ontario are still on party lines, he said. "The idea may be good, but we need the infrastructure to useit." OFA is pleased Mr. Martin heeded advice and main- tained the lifetime Capital Gains Exemption for farm- ers. This is a very important long term planning tool for farm families to enable investment in the next gen- eration of farmers, said Mr. Morris. Ey \'leapgle] XK. ONTARIO COUNTY CLUB HOLSTEIN SALE AT PHOENIX AUCTIONS 720 Davis Drive, Uxbridge, Ont. THURSDAY, MARCH 21/96 - 12 NOON 100 head of high calibre cattle specially selected for this sale. A choice group of bred heifers & fresh cows with high BCA's. An exceptional gathering of show calves for 4-H. These cattle provide a great opportunity to upgrade your herd from great cow families with deep pedigrees. HANOVER HILL HOLS. July 95 - Lieutenant from Tony Lulu, 3 yr. old record 26,938m. 963F. 3.1 P. 831 WEST PORT HOLS. Feb. 94 - Cracin Royal fresh for sale. Dam - Red Enhancer (Ex) 4 yr. 365d. 14,699m. 679F. 4.6% 498P. 3.4% (BCA (247-309- 263) next 2 Dams V.G. FRANK BARKEY Sept. 93 - Prelude - Fresh Feb. 5 Dam V.G. Skeik, BCA (235-228-237) 2nd Dam EX.9* - Starlight Harriett BCA (191-203) ALFRED RADNER - fresh Blackjack Sr. 2 yr. old 2 V.G. Dams ' i GRANT MUSTARD - Fancy Jr. Yearling by ASTRE 2 . V.G. Dams. PLAN TO ATTEND THIS SPECIAL SALE! Sale managed by: Phoenix Auctions & Kingston Stockyards. 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