Many local business people shared their concerns for the area's farming community during their comments on July's monthly sales.

While some business people say the lower commodity prices in 1999 has affected their bottom line, others say their revenues have actually increased.

At Great Plains Ford owner Al Tosczak says business has been surprisingly good.

"Well business has been very good, probably a little stronger than usual in parts and service and very strong in vehicle sales In these kinds of times farmers quit buying expensive items like tractors, combines and cultivators and buy lesser things like a new car or a new truck. In good years farmers buy more expensive equipment but in a tougher year they buy a new car or a new truck. The general outlook for the crop is a lot better than what the press or general public are aware of. There are some very good crops in the area," said Tosczak.

At Barber Motors owner Mal Barber agreed.

"It is true that in the very good years our business isn't as good as when it's an average year. Everything is relative and the farm community pays more attention to vehicles when major expenditures aren't made. Things were slower in June and started picking up in July, and I think we're in for stronger sales in August. In the fall, people won't want to say their crop is looking good when their neighbour couldn't get their's in," said Barber.

Anita Myers, office manager with Redcoat Auto and Tire Service Ltd., says the tire business is doing about the same as last year.

"It's surprised us because it's been down since the beginning of the year. I guess the farmers are out in the fields now," which is one reason why Myers suggested business was on the upswing.

At Redcoat Plymouth Chrysler owner Norm DeLaet said the Chrysler dealership's parts and service components were running above average, although sales are a little below for this time of year.

"The sales are a direct reflection of the moisture and the tight farm dollar and the slow down in oilpatch, which all cut into the natural sales. Farmers are definitely not making big tickets purchases but they are spending on repairs," said DeLaet.

At Ron's the Work Wear Store part-owner Ron Tourand says while business is still not 100 per cent "we've been holding our own. I believe it has something to do with the oil. Oil's back, I would say it's the gravy part of our business but the farm is still our big part, and everyone knows they need help right now. Make no bones about it, it's been a slow time but we're holding our own," said Tourand.

At Prairie Pump Services owner Ray Ball also expressed his concern for the local ag sector.

"I am very concerned, as I'm sure almost everyone is that these guys who are friends and neighbours and school mates are just not going to be around pretty soon. And I am concerned as well, that eventually it is going to filter down to me," said Ball.

Tom Stephenson co-owner of Weyburn Agro Sales went one step further than Ball and admitted that to a certain degree, the farm-income crisis has affected his bottom line.

"Up until recently we were on par but after the late seeding its probably down from last year," he said. Stephenson added he hoped the farmers would be able to get the crop off for the 1999 harvest.

Jeanine Olmstead, manager of Weyburn Elks Club, said the Elks have been doing surprisingly well this summer.

"We thought with this cooler weather people would come down but we find they're coming down with the heat," she said.