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 Elora 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.omafra.gov.on.ca
EXPLORING THE FUTURE” AT THE 11TH LONDON SWINE CONFERENCE
GUELPH – Looking to the future will be the focus of a swine industry education event at the end of this month. The eleventh annual London Swine Conference will run March 30 and 31 at the London Convention Centre. Industry updates and a look to the future will be complemented by basic information to fine-tune all aspects of production. Topics will range from industry experience in the UK and Brazil to facility usage, production management, and examining the pork consumer’s changing demands.
Feature presentations will include recognized international experts, including: Alex Ramirez, Iowa State University; Augusto Heck, Brasil Foods SA; Gary Huber, Practical Farmers of Iowa; Justin Roelofs, AgStar Financial Service, Minnesota; Larry Jacobson, University of Minnesota; Mike Varley, BPEX, UK; Suzanne Millman, Iowa State University.
Attendees will choose among eight interactive workshop sessions. These will be led by our international guests and a host of Ontario pork industry professionals. Presentations will include Jay Squire of Wallenstein Feeds & Supply, Jim Gracie of Quality Meat Packers, Anita Ivanauskas of Pork Marketing Canada, Harry Huffman of Huffman Consulting and many more.
“The aim of the conference is to help attendees focus forward, and the theme this year is Exploring the Future,” says Stewart Cressman, Conference Chair and Board Director at Ontario Pork. “After many difficult years, looking toward the future can be intimidating, but is more necessary than ever. With continued learning through conferences like this one, we aim to help stakeholders strengthen their planning and positioning for future success”.
Conference fees are $200 for both days, and $135 for a one day registration. The fee includes one copy of the proceedings, an evening reception on March 31st, continental breakfasts, lunches and all coffee breaks. Discounts are available for groups of five or more who register together. Registration deadline is March 16, 2011. Please note that there is no registration at the door.
The London Swine Conference is a joint effort by staff from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Ontario Pork, University of Guelph, Ontario Pork Industry Council, and is made possible through strong industry sponsorship.
For more information: Jaydee Smith, OMAFRA at 519-674-1542 or Linda Dillon, OMAFRA at 519-482-3333.
Full program and registration material are available at: www.londonswineconference.ca.
ONTARIO SUMMER JOBS
Ontario’s Summer Jobs Programs help students gain jobs and experience through a range of summer job opportunities. These programs help young people connect to jobs in the private sector or government, or to launch their own summer business.
Through Ontario.ca/SummerJobs students can:
• Search for a job through Employment Ontario agencies
• Find job listings
• Get help to improve their marketing skills and resume writing
• Learn how to start their own Summer Company
• Apply for summer jobs with the Ontario government
COMING EVENTS:
Mar. 9 – 11 Western Fair Farm Show, Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London. Information at 1-800-619-4629/519-438-7203;www.westernfair.com/shows/farm.html.
Mar. 16 Soil Test Clinic, Markdale with Peter Johnson, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bring your questions and your soil tests. Pre-registration is required. Call Ray Robertson, 519-986-3756.
Mar. 16 Soil Test Clinic, Listowel with Peter Johnson, 1:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required – please call Cathy Dibble at 519-463-9737.
Mar. 17 Harmony Organic: Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road, Stratford, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., presents Dr. Temple Grandin “Creating the Best Life for our Animals” and speaker – Hubert J. Karreman V.M.D. Advanced registration required; $40.00 includes organic buffet lunch. For information, call Sue 519-291-9733 or email: sue@harmonyorganic.ca.
Mar. 21 Grain Farmers of Ontario, March Classic, London Convention Centre: www.gfo.ca.
Mar. 24 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elmira. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. To register, call Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
Mar. 24 Grower Pesticide Safety Exam, Elmira. Exam starts at 1:30 p.m. To register, call Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
Mar. 28 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elmira. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. To register, call Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
Mar. 29 & Apr. 5 Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop: another one starts the last Tuesday of March in the OMAFRA meeting room, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call John Benham at 519-846-3394.
Mar. 30 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Guelph. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. and Separate Exam 3:00 p.m. To register, call Woodrill Farms at 519-821-1018.
Apr. 2 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. For more information, phone 1-877-969-0094 or website: www.elmiramaplesyrup.com.
