To the Editor:
In review of the Letter to the Editor on supply management dated August 30, I find some very shortsighted arguments. It's too bad the authors didn't take the time to go back to the past to see what dairy industry was like then and how much more efficient it has become today. Numerous plants have disappeared to make processing more efficient and to provide a cheaper product. A lot of young farmers have left to find better paying lifestyles that doesn't require 24/7 involvement.
I was able to start dairying then but only with tremendous help from my family, 16-hour days, foregoing most extracurricular entertainment and other sacrifices. The return for my labour today is less than three per cent return on my investment. I am glad that some politicians had the vision to create supply management.
I am impressed that the authors recognize the value of dairy products for our health and well-being. It is why the US Government invests many subsidies into its farm and dairy sector. Several unreported factors behind the cost of milk include the cost to processor for shelf space in supermarket and that they decide what they charge for food. The authors could have found out that American farmers and processors pay less for inputs than their Canadian counterparts, or maybe consider how Canadian farmers take care of animal health and welfare, environment, sustainability, etc; all to put a better product on the shelf.
As for the dairy commission being led by a dairy farmer or processor, I don't see the Roughriders hiring a coach that has limited football knowledge or cities hiring police chiefs that have no knowledge of policing?
Suggesting that farmers do not compete in the industry is ludicrous. I buy all my commodities locally; pay my power bills, my taxes are up 37 per cent this past year. When I hire employees I have to compete with the construction sector, the oil patch, mining, plus on top of this I pay a bonus to my employees because they have to start at 4 a.m. In Warman, I drive past Tim Hortons where there's always a 10-car line up idling for 15 minutes for coffee. What is the real cost of that cup?
Isaac Klassen, Dairy Producer, Osler, SK.
