Trish Neilson reelected as RRFA President

Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture (RRFA) celebrated its 30th Anniversary Saturday evening with a dinner and dance at the Stratton Millennium Hall.
About 100 people attended with many past presidents there as special guests. New Member Service Rep. Linda Armstrong invited all to browse through the complete list of RRFA board members since its inception. She had them all posted on the wall.
Armstrong also read a letter of congratulations from Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Ron Bonnett. He extended best wishes and noted that OFA is also celebrating its 70th anniversary.
In her annual report RRFA President Trish Neilson spoke about the importance of all groups working together; naming the Soil Improvement Program and the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association as examples. “We have teamed up to work for drought assistance,” said Neilson.
She also encouraged RRFA members to envision what they would like to see the future of agriculture in the district look like and, “Get involved with (RRFA) committees).
Elections
RRFA held their annual elections Saturday evening. The following were elected:
President: Trish Neilson
Secretary: Linda Armstrong
Treasurer: Angela Halverson
Zone 1: Rudy Sinninghe and Linda Armstrong (has one more year to serve in current term)
Zone 2: Amos Brielmann and Rick Boersema
Zone 3: Rick Neilson and Ken Fisher
Zone 4: Tracy Hyatt and Kim Jo Bliss (has one more year to serve in current term)
Delegate to Convention: Trish Neilson
Alt. to Conv.: Rick Boersema
Other business
•Thunder Bay/Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff addressed the crowd briefly telling them as Chair of the Rural Caucus and sitting on the Ag. Committee he will continue to work on issues such as drought relief for farmers.
•OFA Prov. Director Peter Aalbers addressed the crowd and told them about plans to streamline the provincial body.
•Member Serv. Rep. Armstrong handed out postcards to everyone encouraging them to send them in to both MP Boshcoff and the Prime Minister. They address the need for income assistance for farmers and encourage the government to act on the crisis.