It has been a very busy and involved year for your LFA. We had strong support for our trip to Queens Park on March 2, 2005. We were able to fill eight buses with all areas of Lambton county taking part. As farmers we can be proud of our efforts. Our rally was one of the largest to be held at the provincial legislature in recent times. We did make a difference. Yet more will need to be done to ensure that farming remains a priority for our government, and that we as farmers get the necessary support be it policies or financial support to ensure we can continue to bring to market some of the best products in the world.
During the past year the LFA has been involved in many meetings outside of Lambton. Early in the year LFA representatives attended a meeting in Guelph. We were able to meet with Wayne Easter to share our thoughts and opinions on the “farm income crisis” that we as farmers are facing. At the end Wayne took with him not only our concerns but also our grass-root solutions to the problem. He, just like us, knows that there must be change to help agriculture move beyond our current difficulties and create an environment where the farmers can draw their income from the market place. For those that are interested there is now a report available summarizing the results of the seven meetings that were held across Canada. Also, Tim Fugard and I were able to travel to Elgin to hear Steve VerHeul of the Canadian Trade mission speak about supply management and what could be expected in the next round of trade talks.
We at the LFA were also able to host Ron Bonnett, President of the OFA, for a full day during our “President’s Tour”. We toured across the county, exhibiting for him all that is great about our county. He was able to end his day at my home where, after supper, he met with young local farmers who were interested to discuss their thoughts and concerns for agriculture. Ron was quite pleased that he had the opportunity to talk to those young farmers.
The LFA continues to actively promote agriculture. I, as well as Debbie Coke, Kevin Forbes, Judy Krall, and Mark Lumley all made appearances on the radio program “Talkback with Sue Storr”. And recently Tim Fugard and I were on the Lee Michaels radio talk show discussing the world of agriculture. When we were finished I thanked them for their time and for helping to generate an interest in our work as farmers and our concerns as business people.
In April Debbie Coke and I attended a meeting at the office of MPP Caroline DiCocco where the Honourable Steve Peters was present. We were two of many farm and related business people in attendance to discuss issues facing agriculture such s future funding for the EFP3 (Environmental farm plan 3).
I was asked to attend an “Ag Summit” meeting at Stone Ridge Inn, near London, hosted by our provincial government. Once again there were many organizations and businesses in attendance, we were asked for our views on how to make agriculture stronger. We at the LFA have made every effort to attend any and all meetings so that we may voice our concerns and thoughts on the industry ensuring that nothing is overlooked by our MPs or MPPs. I was also asked to attend a meeting at the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce where I was able to meet MPs to discuss agriculture. Later in the year the LFA took part in the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Show case. We believe it is important to attend these events to ensure that everyone knows what we do and what we represent as an organization.
We the LFA have been in attendance at all county fairs. I would like to thank all of the directors that made this possible. While at the Brigden Fair, I was once again asked to be on the Sue Storr radio show as she did it live from the fair. After I was done my wife Linda was given a chance to appear on the show to talk about 4-H in Ontario, what it does and its need for volunteers.
We held our OFA regional meeting in Alvinston. We were able to have Wayne Easter in attendance as our speaker. During a pre-meeting we once again brought young farmers to meet Wayne. He asked them for their vision of agriculture and its role in Ontario and Canada in the future. Wayne was very pleased to meet with young farmers from the area. This was a large success. Once again I would like to thank all the directors that made it happen.
We are continually working on improvement to our LFA website. Everyone please feel free to check it out and we welcome your suggestions and comments.
In closing, I would like to thank all the directors on the LFA that helped make this year’s events a success. Our success is because of your success. Also let us not forget the efforts put forward by our secretary/treasurer Marilyn Jones. Thank you for all your dedication.
Agriculture is more than a business; it’s a way of life.
Remember Safety doesn’t hurt, live with it.
I wish you all well in your endeavours, have a pleasant holiday season and a prosperous 2006.
Yours in farming,
~Dennis Bryson~
President, Lambton Federation of Agriculture