Cattlemen helped drive local economy to the tune of $1.3 million in 2002

Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (RRCA) was responsible for driving the district’s economy to the tune of at least $1.3 million last year.
That is how much income they brought in through the Stratton Sales Barn at their four sales. Expenses were slightly higher, seeing the RRCA lose $51.71 on that operation. However, having made several modifications to the building they expect to turn a profit this year.
The RRCA Animal Inspection Station at Rainy River realized a loss of $2,001.08 in 2002. They had 340 cattle pass through it last year which generated $526 in revenue. However, expenses were $2,527.08 (see related story in this paper).
The Weighman’s Club had a busy year with 50 scale rentals. RRCA president Tom Morrish reported that 4–H accessed it six times in 2002 and many other cattlemen rented it. They turned a profit of $214.40 for 2002.
Other business
•The Rainy River Feeder Finance Cooperative has about $900,000 currently loaned out. Harold Duivenvoorden said that amounts to about 1,200 head in the program and about 35 borrowing members. “We can loan up to $2 million,” said Duivenvoorden.
•Russell Richards reported that work on a new beef-breeder Finance Coop is progressing rapidly. “We already have 250 cattle waiting to come into the program and we hope to be loaning in a few weeks.”
•The RRCA Community Pasture program faced a tough year with the bizarre weather. According to Darrel Angus they had 131 days of pasture, 21.2 inches of rain but saw a decline in the number of cases of foot rot to 10 over the previous year. They are considering cutting the 219 head that paid to use the community pasture in half. “The pastures need to recover,” said Angus.
•The sale dates for the Stratton Sales barn are April 26-spring sale, Sept. 4-yearling sale and Oct. 6-calf sale.
•Rainy River Federation of Agriculture President Bernie Zimmerman requested that a representative from the RRCA work with RRFA to study and prepare a position paper on the proposed Nutrient Management Act. A public meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003 at the Legion in Rainy River.