Snow didn’t stop Ron Bonnetfs tour of Lambton County in February. The day included stops at Lambton farm businesses and a delicious roast beef supper by the Forest Fairboard.
The day started with an early morning gathering at Rutherford Firehall where several area farmers gathered to emphasize the farm income crisis.
President Bonnett agrees with farmers and the income crisis, “Agriculture’s problems haven’t changed, so our first order of business is to meet immediately with the Conservative government’s members and promote the solutions that have been developed”.
Ron Bonnett Ron Bonnett Debbie Coke
The next stop was at an alpaca farm near Edys Mills. The animals are raised for wool production. The alpaca wool is processed, at the Edy’s Mills Fine Fibre mill, into yarn, batts and felt. Finished products such as socks are available for purchase. This industry is relatively new to Ontario but is growing in size.
Yet another group of local farmers greeted Mr. Bonnett at the Inwood Fire Hall. Many of the farmers in attendance were grain and oilseed farmers and the discussion highlighted once again the farm income crisis.
“Our farmers have used up much of their equity and our business partners in rural Ontario are faced with loses as producers are unable to pay their accounts. This rural economic crisis must be a priority of both levels of government, ” Bonnett says.
Late afternoon a stop was made at a farm market near Ipperwash where this family sells many items including maple sugar and beef.
Wind Turbines are a hot issue in Lambton Shores and many farmers are considering them as an extra source of income.
Lambton Federation of Agriculture directors were invited to a wrap up dinner that was held in Forest.
Ron Bonnett addressed the crowd highlighting current issues of the OFA. Bonnett stated that “Agriculture has always been a partnership between the private and public sectors – farmers and governments. It always will be! Ontario farmers have contributed immensely to this partnership. We provide safe, wholesome, affordable food, and our productivity increases constantly, exceeding all other sectors. It is time now for the public partner – the government – to step up to the plate and fulfill its responsibility.”
Ron Bonnett
