Congratulations and thanks to Randy Hillier and Lanark Landowners Association (LLA) for their ‘banner’ support on Friday. The 8-km blockade of 401 from Putnam Rd. (Putnam) to Culloden Rd. (Ingersoll) was a well-timed, well-planned and well-executed event which drew coverage from every major TV station, radio station and newspaper. While the principal focus for yesterday’s action was to bring attention to the plight of tobacco farmers in the region, it drew attention to many rural issues: farming in general, agricultural ‘industry’ problems, the de-amalgamation issue, and the intransigence of our provincial Fiberals.

My personal congratulations to the young farmers who endured the 5-hour event in -20 (plus wind chill) weather on a Massey-Ferguson WITHOUT a cab, and to the bold stalwarts who rode the route in the back of a pickup truck.

While Pinocchio McGuinty (dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org), the Dishonourable Steve Peters (speters.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Minister of Agriculture) and local MPP’s failed to turn up for their tongue-lashing, Toby Barrett (MPP Cons. Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, and Ernie Hardeman (MPP Cons. Oxford, Agriculture Critic) were on hand to show their support.

You still have time to ‘join the parade’ since this was only the first of LLA’s protests. Next Friday near Prescott, folks. Details at www.ruralrevolution.com