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Research Branch has origin in rural country This year marks the 100th anniversary of a special partnership bet- ween the federal govern- ment and the agri-food in- dustry. The result is an abundant food supply for Canadians and many others. The historic link is the formal application of science by the federal government to _ food production. It is an occasion for celebration, for without that partnership, the forces of nature and economics 'could long ago have defeated the food system we take for granted in this country. The principal federal partner in the ongoing rela- tionship is Agriculture Canada's Research Branch, now in its 100th birthday year. It had its beginnings in the people of vision who authorized the creation of the first five federally-operated ex- perimental farms in 1886, through an act of Parliament. a Wet parade Canada then was a predominantly rural coun- try, where farmers struggl- ed against a harsh climate to produce food for home consumption and for export. Now, less than five per cent of the people are on the land producing food for a greatly expanded population. Canada has emerged as one of the ma- jor food-producing nations of the world. And agriculture research has been one of the most im- portant agents in the changes that brought this about. The first five experimen- tal farms, dotted across the country to serve the peculiar needs of their regions, have grown into 46 major Research Branch establishments. The original partnership bet- ween the federal govern- ment researcher and farmer has grown to in- clude research activities in provincial governments, universities, industry and These paraders wish the boxes that are around them covered their heads so they wouldn't get wet. The Fri- day parade, which saw rain put a damper on things, Boating classes The Midland Power Squadron has announced dates for registration for boating classes. Courses in basic boating, seamanship- sail, seamanship-power, advanced piloting and marine electronics will be offered. Registration will be held at Midland Secondary School on Sept. 15 and Sept. 22. Courses start Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Course duration is 40 hours and the cost of the course $94. For further information on the courses and registration, call Doug Car- roll of the Midland Power Squadron at 534-7248. other institutions. The federal Experimen- tal Farm System, in its ear- ly years, gave the world Marquis wheat, the stan- dard against which today's hard red spring wheat is measured today for protein content. Its successor, Agriculture Canada's Research Branch, helped give the world canola, a source of safe, low-cost, vegetable oil. Over the years, change and adaptation have been the watchwords, as mechanization and modern technology transformed the rural economy. Now, Research Branch scientists go around the world, to coun- tries not much more ad- vanced than we were 100 years ago, to show what we have learned. Problems of drought, cold, pests, disease, transportation, storage, and high costs of produc- tion, have been tackled by Agriculture Canada resear- chers through the years. Livestock performance has been vastly improved, crop yields increased, food made safer, and more nutritious and tastier. Old crops have been improved, new products introduced, and food processing refin- ed to keep agriculture pro- ducts moving to the tables of the nation. Research Branch's 900 scientists and the other branch staff are the in- heritors of this century of research tradition. This centennial year they are opening their labs and fields and barns to show the public their accomplishments. Still in business as Research Branch establishments are the" original five experimental farms. They are located at Nappan, N.S., Ottawa, Brandon, Man., Indian Head, Sask., and Agassiz, B.C. After a century, they are still at it, creating and managing change. Foresters form new associations Former and present members of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters Regi- ment have recently formed a regimental association for the purpose of fostering the support and the esprit de corps of this well known military unit. All those who did serve (or are serving) as a forester in any capacity are welcome to join, and to support, the Association. Now a militia regiment, the Grey and Simcoe Foresters was founded 50 years ago from the amalgamation of the Grey Regiment and the Simcoe Foresters. Each of these regiments had extended histories back into early Grey County and Simcoe County times. During World War II, the First Battalion of the Grey and Simcoe was formed, trained at Camp Borden, and preceeded overseas. Its members moved into saw many of the children rushing down King Street to get out of the rain. Simcoe County Arts & Crafts' Association presents GIFT FAIR '86_¥V. Friday & Saturday September 19th & 20th 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. SIMCOE COUNTY MUSEUM Hwy. 26, Midhurst Good variety of quality crafts for sale. Gallery Show featuring best work of County artists and crafts people. Admission: Adults $2 Children 50¢ Seniors $1 i. other fighting units and served in many theatres of the war. At the same time a se- cond battalion was formed. It remained back in the home counties as an infan- try unit in the non- permanent active militia. Through the history of the regiment, companies, platoons and _ troops operated from Owen Midland, Coll- Sound, Barrie, Meaford, Orillia, ingwood and Durham. Members, came _ from almost every community in the Georgian Bay area. The role of the regiment includ- ed infantry, anti-tank, emergency measures, and armoured. It is currently a well-trained infantry unit. The Grey and Simcoe Foresters. Regimental Association has the aim of bringing together all those who served the regiment in any Capacity, in any era. Its objective is to further the interest and support of the regiment in all of our-com- munites. The social aspects have not been forgotten and therefore the 1986 meeting will be followed by a dinner and dance for members and their part- ners. October 18 is the date. It will be held in Bar- rie this year, at the Ar- moury on Parkside Drive. The members' meeting will be in the afternoon. others. 7 to 9 p.m. WANTED! GIRLS AND BOYS between ages 8 to 12 who en- joy physical activity, fun, and being part of a top ranked Ontario swim club. Competitive swimming is a non-violent sport which allows an individual to compete against herself/himself as well as to compete against The Midland Keegos get better every year and need new blood. See us, talk to us, and join us. Registration night at the Midland Civic Centre, 'September 6, 10 a.m. to 12 and 1 to 3 p.m.; September 8, 7 to 9 p.m.; and September 11, yo Wasaga Beach OWNERS: THE FAMILY FUHRE Sept. 17th - 20th e Beer Tents ° ¢ Special Oktoberfest Draft e Dance 6:00 - 1:00 (Adults only please) ¢ Family Entertainment Sat. 1:00 - 6:00 Phone: 429-4111 e Authentic German 8 Man Band German Food Tuesday, September 16, 1986, Page 13