Totally Disgusted

[k-way]

Hey, I thought we were talking about cattle conditions, not throw-backs to the cold war!

[Incognito]

Then why the NFU infomercial?

[k-way]

Not an infomercial, just curious as I have never heard of them before. And I'm willing to listen to anyone willing to help since CCA/ABP aren't (despite that we're paying them for the priviledge of supporting the packers). Didn't realize it would stir up such a rats nest!

[cowman]

The NFU pretty well discredited themselves a long time ago with some of their goofier communist ideas, but the concept of a farmers union is a good one if it involves getting a fair deal for ALL farmers. I think a large part of the problem is different commodity groups definitely see things differently(let alone individual farmers)! And farmers have this mindset of being unco-operative and independent? But surely we all have issues that are common to all? Where we can work together? I believe Quebec has a strong Provincial association that works for all farmers? Why not something like that?

[dalek]

Exactly. The NFU's one major contribution to the Nutrient Management Discussion in Ontario was to claim that any farm with over 150 nutrient units (150 beef cows, about 80-90 dairy cows including dry cows) is an industrial business and not a farm. Mostly they spend their time basing every policy they have on their jealousy of anyone with a bigger farm.

[wbrower]

dalek: Exactly.

[Willowcreek]

rpkaiser "Are there not laws in the States to limit Packer ownership of cattle?"

rpkaiser--Right now their is legislation in Congress to ban packer ownership of cattle. I would love to see it pass, but don't think it stands much chance as the packers control too many Congressmen.

[grassfarmer]

Incognito, I would gladly take the NFU over the current ABP/ACC clowns who are doing us a big disservice. So all is great in the grain world just now? I thought you were all going broke? Perhaps you should read the NFU document "the farm crisis...". Global trade and Corporation monopolies are having a huge impact on the grain sector too as I understand yet all producers ever seem to do is bitch about the Wheat board. This is only one part of the equation - the selling of product - without taking any account of the chemical, fertiliser and machinery corporations that are making millions across the prairies. So the factors that are affecting beef producers just now(multi-national packer monopolies affecting sale prices) apply in your world too

[Bruce14]

As cowman and dalek explained, the problem with the NFU is credibility. They alienated themselves with so many producers in the past that they have little support. As they have found aligning themselves so closely with a political party or institution is very hard to overcome.

Trying to sell the NFU at least in western Canada is like trying to elect the old Reform party in Quebec.

We do need a grassroots ranch/farm organization to represent us in Canada but I don't know what the answer is.

[dalek]

If you want to see a perfect example of NFU, look at the rallies "they" organized against GMO wheat. At the one here, there were 3 NFU member "farmers" and 35-40 Greenpeace and Sierra Club organizers, and the NFU spokesman was handed his script for the day by the Greenpeace spokeswoman.

[boone]

dalek: The difference is if they would have handed it to the pro GMO camp it would have been wasted, as few if any can read!!!!![:<{) lol and no I am not now a member of the commu..... I mean NFU.