Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Political stick handling gone bad

This past week I was fortunate enough to be part of a "roundtable" discussion about the issue in agriculture in Huron and Bruce Counties. I say "roundtable" because the discussion was limited to stating out name, what group we are with and our issue.  No debate or other discussion.  So much for that.
My issues were biodigester regulations, unfavourable zoning on property tax assessment and the resolution put forward by the PC party a couple weeks ago.  Oh - we were meeting with the PC Caucus.
They showed no interest in lobbying the Federal government to pony up the 60% Federal portion.  All they were interested in was getting the Province to set up the 40% portion and wait for the Federal side.
Little did they know that we have already waited 3 years for the Federal portion on the Grains & Oilseeds RMP.  Relying on Transfer Payments is no good since they fluctuate from year to year.  We need commitment from the Feds to fund the other 60%.  Instead we get - No interest from the Feds.
Four MPP's come to the largest Agricultural County in Ontario telling the farmers what they do not want to hear?  One of them even claimed to be a part of the second largest Agricultural County in Ontario - not even close (his county ranks fourth in Western Ontario).  There was no MPP from Perth County in attendance.
Not only do we have to lobby the Federal Conservatives to come on board with the request from OASC, we have to educate the Provincial PC party about what exactly Agriculture in Ontario is about and what we want.
Quit the Political crap and get on board - lobby the Federal Government to step up to the plate, and if you think the Province is waiting for the Feds - call their bluff.
The PC Caucus obviously does not care about working for the farmers when they are more interested in "trying" to make the provincial Liberals look bad when it is not what the Farm Leaders have been asking for. Even the media picked it up easily:

Views: 271

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JoAnne Caughill on June 15, 2010 at 2:19am
Part of the problem with the OASC 'ask' has been the Grains and Oilseeds Representation.

Membership of the Livestock sectors have been adament about 100% funding for BRMP - regardless of who does it - Feds or Prov or Feds AND Prov.

Grains and Oilseeds have consistently stuck to their request of 40% funding saying this what their membership wants - in hopes of the Feds coming on board. Like you said, the Feds have had 3 years to think that one over and didn't come on board - and with this economy the Grains Guys are living in la la land if they think the Feds are coming onboard now with their debt levels and everyone else at the door for $$$$. WAKE UP! So it seems that Grains Guys are ok with their 40% coverage - and their extra money last year going back into the Government vault. The silence from Grains membership endorsed their support for their leadership going forward with this ridiculous 40% ask.

We'll see what FPT Meetings in July gain us. My guess - is exactly what we have gotten in the past. Coalition or no coalition - all it has done is bought the Government more time and brough more heart ache to Rural Ontario.

My 2 cents worth......................
Permalink Reply by Joann on June 15, 2010 at 7:10am
Thank you Joanne for articulating the sentiments of many. You are absolutely right.

The other problem I have with Wayne's message is centered on the operative word "ask". What makes people think the government would respond to farmers "asking" for things they "want"? The government does not have a fiduciary obligation to agricultural "wish lists". The public has become intolerant to the incessant pleading of public funds to prop up a "perceived lifestyle" of a minority class of people.. the farmer. Where is the validity of Wayne's statements?

Until farmers understand WHY government have a constitutional mandate to support agriculture... and when farmers have the ability to articulate such.... the government will continue to ignore farmers' "wish lists" and also continue to disrespect Crown obligations towards farmers.

Farmers need a full understanding of "agriculture" to ensure that the Minister of Finance makes FIPA work properly.

JoAnne Caughill said:
Part of the problem with the OASC 'ask' has been the Grains and Oilseeds Representation.
Membership of the Livestock sectors have been adament about 100% funding for BRMP - regardless of who does it - Feds or Prov or Feds AND Prov.
Grains and Oilseeds have consistently stuck to their request of 40% funding saying this what their membership wants - in hopes of the Feds coming on board. Like you said, the Feds have had 3 years to think that one over and didn't come on board - and with this economy the Grains Guys are living in la la land if they think the Feds are coming onboard now with their debt levels and everyone else at the door for $$$$. WAKE UP! So it seems that Grains Guys are ok with their 40% coverage - and their extra money last year going back into the Government vault. The silence from Grains membership endorsed their support for their leadership going forward with this ridiculous 40% ask.

We'll see what FPT Meetings in July gain us. My guess - is exactly what we have gotten in the past. Coalition or no coalition - all it has done is bought the Government more time and brough more heart ache to Rural Ontario.

My 2 cents worth......................
Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on June 17, 2010 at 10:21am
Hi Wayne:

Thanks for trying to get through to the Ontario PC politicians.........I guess they don't see their role as trying to influence the Federal PC party...this is unfortunate because it is really the only political power they have at present....

"A thousand strikes with the hammer crack the stone...."

While it might feel like a lost cause, we need more people like you to keep pushing the Ontario Agriculture agenda.

Thanks,

Joe
Permalink Reply by Wayne Black on June 17, 2010 at 10:55am
Joe - Thanks for your support.
With the Provincial Liberals pushing the Federal government to get "on-side" and with the Provincial PC's pushing the Provincial Liberals - my next question to the PC Caucus, if I was given the opportunity, was going to be - if you are not going to help Ontario Farmers push the Federal government now, why would we expect the Provincial PC's to push the Federal government when in opposition?
The Provincial PC's are barking up the wrong tree and they do not realize it. With the responses they gave to some other "facts" it showed they were not concerned about the Ontario Farmer and more concerned about their paycheque.

Joe Dales said:
Hi Wayne:
Thanks for trying to get through to the Ontario PC politicians.........I guess they don't see their role as trying to influence the Federal PC party...this is unfortunate because it is really the only political power they have at present....
"A thousand strikes with the hammer crack the stone...."

While it might feel like a lost cause, we need more people like you to keep pushing the Ontario Agriculture agenda.

Thanks,

Joe
Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on June 20, 2010 at 5:49am
Politicians and thier own self interest????

Wayne, have you met any that don't think about getting elected first?

I want names if you have....

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Alberta Crops Still Above Average, But Moisture Extremes Mean Farmers Can Expect Two Different Harvest Stories

Provincial crop ratings remain stronger than the five-year average, but Alberta farmers are dealing with a sharp regional split: declining moisture in the South and Central regions and persistent wet conditions farther north. Alberta’s 2026 crop is still looking comparatively strong heading into August, but the provincial average masks very different conditions from one end of the province to the other. As of Aug. 4, 58.1 per cent of Alberta’s major crops were rated in good-to-excellent condition. That is well above the five-year average of 42.7 per cent and close to the 10-year average of 53.9 per cent. At the same time, the provincial rating slipped from 60.3 per cent a week earlier, reflecting growing pressure in several regions. The bigger story for farmers is the province’s moisture divide. Parts of southern and central Alberta continue to dry out, with soil moisture reserves declining. In the North East, North West and Peace regions, producers are facing almost the opposite p

Survey-Based Yield Estimates Show Mixed Outlook for 2026 U.S. Corn, Soybean Crops

The USDA’s first survey-based yield estimates of the season point to a lower average U.S. corn yield in 2026 but only a modest decline for soybeans, with wide differences among major producing states. In its August crop production estimates released Wednesday, the USDA pegged the national corn yield at 180.7 bu/acre, down from 186.5 bu in 2025. The U.S. soybean yield was forecast at 52.7 bu/acre, just below last year’s 53 bu. In the biggest Corn Belt states, Iowa’s 2026 corn yield is estimated at 216 bu/acre, up 6 bu from 210 last year. Illinois is projected at 212 bu/acre, down 2 bu from 214. Closer to the Great Lakes, Michigan slipped to 174 bu/acre from 178, while Ohio posted a notable increase to 195 bu from 185. Meanwhile, the average North Dakota corn yield is forecast at 142 bu/acre, down sharply from 158 last year. Despite Iowa’s higher yield, lower harvested acreage is expected to pull state corn production down slightly to 2.765 billion bu, a decline of less than 1% fro

USDA Forecasts Smaller U.S. Durum, Spring Wheat Crops

U.S. wheat production is headed for a steep year-over-year decline in 2026, with the USDA forecasting total output at just 1.53 billion bu, down 23% from 2025 and the lowest since 1970. Most of the decline is in winter wheat – with output now forecast at roughly 990 million bu, down about 29% on the year. However, Wednesday's USDA crop production report pared the 2026 U.S. durum and other spring wheat estimates as well. The drop in the durum estimate was particularly steep. The USDA now forecasts this year's American crop at 66.4 million bu, down 6% from its July estimate and 23% below last year. Following a review of acreage data, USDA reduced estimated durum planted area to 1.78 million acres, down 3% from the previous acreage estimate and 19% from 2025. Harvested area is forecast at 1.73 million acres, also 19% below last year. At the same time, the national durum yield was reduced to 38.4 bu/acre, down 1.5 bu from the July forecast and 2.2 bu from 2025. Farmers in North Dak

Saskatchewan Harvest Progress Stalls

Harvest stalled across Saskatchewan this past week as cooler weather slowed field operations, leaving just 2% of the provincial crop in the bin as of Monday, unchanged from the previous week. Progress remains behind both the five-year average of 6% and the 10-year average of 5%, although it is slightly ahead of last year’s 1%. According to Thursday's weekly provincial crop report, harvest activity continues to be concentrated in winter cereals, early seeded pulses and a few spring cereal crops, while much of the province’s crop is still developing. The Southwest remains furthest advanced at 5% harvested, followed by the Southeast and East-Central regions at 1%. Harvest has not yet begun in the West-Central, Northeast, or Northwest regions. Among individual crops, fall rye was 27% harvested and winter wheat 18% complete. Barley was at 4% harvested as of Monday, with oats at 2%. Spring wheat harvest remains negligible, while field peas are 5% complete and lentils 2%. Canola, soyb

On the Road with 4-H Alberta: 2026 Ag Next Gen Tour

Follow 12 4-H Alberta members as they spend 10 days exploring agriculture across central and southern Alberta during the 2026 4-H Ag Next Gen Tour. Day One | July 13 Tour Highlights Began the tour at the Alberta 4-H Centre Visited Colin Rice Feedlot and learned about beef production Took part in an interactive producer journey challenge at AFSC’s Lacombe Central Office Explored lending, insurance, claims and financial processing through hands-on activities Visited Pleasant Valley Oil Mills to learn about value-added agriculture Travelled to Rochon Sands Provincial Park for the evening Ag in action at AFSC Participants visited AFSC’s Lacombe Central Office for an interactive experience that followed the journey of a producer. Working in teams, participants moved through a series of stations focused on lending, insurance, claims and financial processing. Along the way, they worked through real-world scenarios and learned how different parts of AFSC support producers through every st

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service