JUNE 2005

Plug the loophole Mr. Mitchell

About 100 dairy farmers demonstrated on Parliament Hill, demanding the federal government plug a $200 million a year loophole on dairy imports. But consider the DFC's threats hollow because they didn't give the federal government any promising ultimatums.  Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell (centre) addresses farmers.
(Cathy McNally photo)

 LEAD STORY 

• 911 doesn’t believe boy as barn burns
  The 911 phone operators didn't take the 12-year-old boy's call for help seriously. Find out why...
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EDITORIALS 

• The New Farmer is Entrepreneur
   Farmers have to diversify and market their business in order to become successful
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OPINION 

• Quebec's Good Beef vs. Cargill's Better Beef
  It's nearly impossible for Quebec beef producers to compete with Cargill.
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 ARTICLES 

• The Sting: 
  Holstein owner Dave MacKay has tacked up his sale slip for one of his cows, as his memorable achievement. 
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• Father and son to cash in the dairy farm 
  Beachburg dairy farmers Delmer and Jeff Lavallee call it quits because they're fed up.
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• Be active before a government sneak-attack hits you in the face
   Retired farmer Dennis St. Pierre warns about restricted government regulations which could destruct farmers.
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Stories for our subscribers:

• Dairy Farmer begins recovery after officials seize 36 cows-  Andrew Geertsma of Chesterville is playing by the rules and optimistic about his future.

• Farmers' markets battle local health unit - The Carleton Place farmers' market weren't the only ones who received a letter from the health unit, and many venues aren't happy about it. 

• Winterkill wipeout - Up to 75 per cent of alfalfa fields killed off east of Brockville. 

• Six keys to starting a value-added business - Here's how to get your farm business off the ground. 

• Ontario stagnates but Quebec surges ahead - Why Quebec farmers are barreling ahead of their western neighbours 

• OFA hit membership zenith in 1993 - Comparing OFA membership numbers from the past show that numbers are decreasing. 

• Crop Report - Updates on weather, soil and crop conditions from six specialists east of Toronto. 

• "I've only seen Kemptville in movies!" - KCAT valedictorian Sharisse Woodyer shares her memories as the class of 2005 graduated last month.

• Family man recognized by the community - Keith Hobbs of Ashton credits his family and marketing methods to their farming success.  

• Ontario dairy farmers have quota reduced- And the loss coincides with increase of imported milk products...

• Your favourite columnists:  - Agronomist John Madill, Agronomist Paul Sullivan and Veterinarian Dr. Robert Tremblay.

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  FARM FACTS:

Total prize money to be offered at Strawfest youth beef showcase…..$10,000