About 60 farmers and dignitaries from across Bruce County attended the 68th annual meeting of the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture in Elmwood.
Lorne Underwood was acclaimed for a third year as President, John Gillespie is First Vice President, and Aaron Legge is Second Vice President.
Underwood says the biggest challenge right now is getting more farmers who are members of the federation and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture involved.
He says individuals have to work on each other to get involved with board activities, and that more involvement only makes the membership stronger.
Underwood says the past year has been a roller coaster ride for Bruce County farmers.
He says crop and beef prices started out good, but have since gone down. He says pork and beef prices are now “in the toilet.”
Underwood’s main project continues to be working with the Christian Farmers Federation and the National Farmer’s Union as a single voice when it comes to bringing issues before the government.
He says they’re getting there but says they’re a unified voice, and not one voice. He says each group talks amongst itself before going to politicians.
Underwood says the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is supportive of the Harmonized Sales Tax.
He says it could mean up to 30 million dollars more going towards agriculture.
Farmers will still be exempt from the tax, but Underwood wants to see the point of sale exemption continue. He says there’s no logic in having to pay money and then do paperwork to ask for it back.
Underwood commented on the slow response from the Ministry of Agriculture to help farmers whose properties were damaged by the tornado that hit West Grey in August.
He believes compensation will come through, and says fast is 18 months to two years in the government’s eyes, while farmers think fast is two months.