Another airport, another report. In Toronto, headed for Dublin.

Canada has been interesting, and have met some very interesting people - the best of which have been old Nuffielders. I really enjoyed kicking the dirt with a few of them. Did I say on the last email that we learnt a new term for seagulls- "shit-hawks"!!

We have learnt that the Tobacco industry is dead in the water in Canada after a number of years as an industry leader. Like all ag industries that are struggling, they are crying out for the Government to help them. Somewhat disappointed to find they are getting an astronomical pay-out from the Canadian/Ontario governments to retire on- and this is a country that suggests it not really into subsidies. I am only talking about the smoking tobacco, as a visit to a chewing tobacco farm suggests that particular industry segment is alive and kicking. Gary had another cultural experience here, as I conned him into a 'hit'. Both of us were happily swinging around the car on the way to the next farm.

Off to an irrigation demo farm, where we explored ideas of drip, pivots with a hinge, and re-locatable linears. For about $100,000 AUD it would be possible to buy a linear capable of covering 100 acres/day at 25mm. Idea would be to do the first irrigation on cotton on 1000 acres/400ha over 2 weeks by dragging the thing all over the farm. At a saving of 300 MGL @ $200/mgl estimated saving of $60,000. This would also need to cover the cost of pumping and underground mains. I would then envisage doing the rest of the irrigating with furrow- does this work Dad?

Saw another dairy the next day- Canada style. They have an ultra protected industry here(300% tariffs) along with poultry and eggs. However quota equates to one off purchase cost of $30,000/cow so getting into industry a tad costly. At various times they the Canadians defended this by saying they were prepared to forgo any export activity- but that really doesn't fit the WTO ethos.

Then went to stay a night with George and Tracy Thompson- Canadian nuffielder. I went over to catch up with Greg & Barb Beuermann and ended up staying the night on Canada Day. Met all Greg's sisters and family and got to do "main"ies in a '58 Chevy Impala. Then further south to meet up with Jack Riley, Canadian Nuffield Chairman. We were billeted out with some great families- I got the lift to the 3rd floor in the house I was in, Gary got a farm tour at 2.00am after the Scotch was finished and Leroy talked Aboriginal politics all night. Next day more tours, Jim Clark's farm, sweet potatoes, and okra. Okra a bit too labour intensive to be profitable. The Sweet potato business however, he had branded his product and was doing well. Nuffield Scholar. Canada has an off-shore labour program which the farmer pays the flights, housing etc for Caribbean workers to come up and work short term.

Next a corporate mushroom operation. Recycled water and focus on one production product but many packaging products. Good Business. Last stop in Canada a car restoration business. Ferraris, Packards, many French cars etc. Beautiful workmanship.

Back on the plane at Toronto. Said Goodbye to Leroy- he is off home to be present for the birth of his second child. I believe the rusty knife suggestion was to decider to finish his tour here. Am in Ireland now, have just caught up with Michelle (formerly Naughton) for dinner. Great to see her and will catch up with family later in the week.