A weekly press release prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. If you require further information, regarding this press release, please call the Fergus Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
LAST REMINDER!!
MANAGING SHEEP FLOCK EXPANSION WORKSHOP
Managing Flock Expansion “the devil’s in the details” Workshop will be held on November 20th, 2007 at the Atwood Community Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Early registration (up to Nov. 16) is $42.40 includes lunch and proceedings; late registration (after Nov. 16) is $58.30. Program highlights: simplifying artificial rearing of lambs; pest control – Do you need it? Lighting and energy efficiencies; grain and commodity storage options; deadstock disposal options; shearing facility design and using the Environmental Farm Plan program for farmstead planning. Please call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 to register.
GRAZING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
by Jack Kyle, Grazier Specialist, OMAFRA
The Sustainable Grazing Mentorship Program is a consulting/mentoring program being delivered through Ontario Cattlemen’s Association and funded by Greencover Canada. The Grazing Mentor program is open to beef producers in Ontario. The program helps connect experienced graziers (mentors) with novice producers to assist the less experienced in implementing Beneficial Management Practices in their grazing operation. A Grazing Mentor is a respected producer peer with extensive grazing management experience and knowledge. The Mentor can suggest grazing management options to help you improve your profits, your forage productivity and your land and water resources.
A Grazing Mentor from your area will come to your farm to discuss your grazing resources, opportunities and challenges. The Mentor can make suggestions about fencing, watering systems, grazing systems, plant growth, forage species, winter grazing options, or just about anything your have questions about!
The cost to the novice grazier is $100. The Mentor comes to the farm and assists the novice grazier with creating grazing plans, developing systems, and performing economic analysis of their enterprises. The mentor puts in approximately 16 hours (2 days) with the novice producer. To find out more, or to request a Mentor contact Paul Stiles, Ontario Cattlemen’s Association 519-824-0334 or 1-866-370-2333.
ATTENTION BEEF PRODUCERS!
SYMPOSIUM-CALF TO CARCASS TO CONSUMER
What The Industry Has … Wants … Needs Beef Symposium 2007 will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at the OVC Life Time Learning Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph.
The program includes three rotating sessions on:
– What the Rail Has! Carcass Evaluation
– What the Market Wants! Premiums and Discounts
– What the Feedlot Needs! Which Calves/Which Market
Other topics covered:
– Helping Meet the Industry Wants and Needs
– What Our Program Wants and Needs…. Protocols, Initiatives and Markets
– What the Consumer Wants and Needs
Cost is: $20.00 pre-registration by Friday, November 23; $30.00 late registration. Meals guaranteed only with pre-registration. Please call the OMAFRA Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham, Program Rep
The program is coming to an end ~ don’t miss the deadline!
If you have completed any of the projects that you have applied for financial assistance please call me immediately!
When I do the inspection I must see the project and proof of payment is required. This must take the form of an invoice and both sides of the cancelled cheque OR a receipt that is marked “Paid in Full” and signed by the seller.
Please contact me at 519-846-3394 to make an appointment for the final inspection or for more information.
COMING EVENTS:
Nov. 19 – 20 Ontario Federation of Agriculture Annual Convention. For further information e-mail perth@ofa.on.ca or visit www.ofa.on.ca.
Nov. 20 Managing Sheep Flock Expansion Workshop will be held at the Atwood Community Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Early registration (up to Nov. 16) $42.40 includes lunch and proceedings; late registration (after Nov. 16) $58.30. To register call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
Nov. 28 Shakespeare Swine Seminar, Shakespeare, ON. Contact: Mary Van den Borre by: Phone: 519-846-3392; Fax: 519-846-8178; Email: mary.vandenborre@ontario.ca.
Nov. 30 Western Region Symposium and Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario Annual General Meeting, Gencor Building [site of Organic Meadow offices], Highway 6 North of Guelph. Speakers will include Wally Seccombe, Janet Duncan on rare breeds and slow food and will also include a renewable energy panel. For further details contact, EFAO, 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph, Ontario, info@efao.ca.
