A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, 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
MINISTRY OF LABOUR – ALERT!
For everyone’s information … the MOL has issued an alert regarding “Oxygen-Limiting Silos.”
Silos on farming operations continue to be a major source of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplaces covered by the Industrial program.
A recent farming fatality investigation and a recommendation for an alert from the lead inspector, a new hazard alert dealing with the atmospheric hazards associated with oxygen-limiting structures. This alert expands on information that is currently set out in the farming guidelines.
The attached hazard alert outlines some of the precautions in the farming sector for workers who may potentially be entering oxygen-deficient atmospheres in silos. Some other associated hazards include flammable and explosive atmospheres, falls and engulfment. The Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) has further information on its web-site on the hazards associated with silos under formerly Farm Safety Association. More information on WSPS is available at this web link: http://www.healthandsafetyontario.ca/bundles/wsps/index.html.
PASTURE COMPETITION
Mapleseed Canada is pleased to partner with the Ontario Forage Council and the Ontario Cattleman’s Association in sponsoring the “Mapleseed Pasture Award 2012.”
This is an excellent opportunity to recognize individual producers who are doing an outstanding job of pasture management. The winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Ontario Cattleman’s Association in Toronto which will take place in February. To submit a nomination for this award, complete the application form found at the link: Pasture award 2011 revised application form and submit to the Ontario Forage Council by Nov. 26, 2011 at: P.O. Box 463, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0.
REMINDER – GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS
by John C. Benham
The process is very simple and very rewarding. Sign up for the GYFP workshop in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room on Thursday, January 12th 9:30 to 3:00 p.m. to be completed Thursday, January 19th – no charge. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Complete a workbook similar in style to the EFP workbook. Develop your priorities and goals. Complete your Action Plan with the help of the Workshop Leader. You are then eligible for financial assistance to employ a Farm Advisor or Farm Business Consultant for advice. This is an excellent opportunity to get your succession plan developed.
As well there is a very interesting plan to assist beginning farmers. To sign up, call 519-846-3394 or email: wellington@ontariosoil.org or you may sign up online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops.
NEW AGRI-TOURISM TOOLKIT
There are many different things that need to be considered when changing your focus from being solely a farm operator to becoming a tourism operator and welcoming visitors onto your farm. For more information, go to www.osw-agritourismtoolkit.com.
BALE WRAP RECYCLING
by John C. Benham
This program is going forward with much interest and participation. What a chance to get rid of bale and silo wrap as well as bale mesh wrap and twine at no cost! They come and pick it up at your farm. Give Don Nott a call at 519-482-7439 or email: dnott@tcc.on.ca to get all the particulars. I hope to have a brochure to distribute very soon. You can save money and help to protect the environment.COMING EVENTS:
Nov. 20-21 Ontario Young Farmers Forum 2011 “From Farm to Fork,” Doubletree by Hilton, Toronto Airport. Fee $160 (received by Nov. 11). Prices include all OYFF & OFA sessions, meals from dinner Sunday to dinner Monday. Information visit: http://www.jfao.on.ca/what-we-offer/oyff/ontario-young-farmers-forum.
Nov. 29 Wellington County Farm Safety Christmas Supper meeting at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma at 8:00 p.m. sharp. For more information, call Walter Grose at 519-846-5329.
Nov. 30 Forage Focus Seminar, Shakespeare Centre, Shakespeare. Key note speaker: Michael C. Rankin of the Univ. of Wisconsin. To register: phone 1-877-892-8663 (payment by Visa or Mastercard).
Nov. 30 Equipment Consignment Sale at EPAC – For information, call Auction Manager, Noah Gingrich at the EPAC office: 519-669-3884.
Dec. 1 Waterloo Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. For information contact secretary, Richard Cressman at 519-662-2790 or email: rcresman@sentex.net.
Dec. 2 Wellington Soil & Crop Improvement Association Education Day & AGM – Alma Bible Chapel. Come for lunch & a full day of speakers & displays on current cropping research & technology. For information & registration contact Linda McFadden at 519-846-5215, or email: linda.mcfadden@wightman.ca.
Dec. 6 Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting at OMAFRA Boardroom, 6484 Wellington Rd., #7, Elora. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774, or email: jplh@golden.net.
