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
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham
The next Environmental Farm Workshop is planned to be held in the OMAFRA meeting room on Monday, February 6th to be completed on Monday, February 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Lunch and refreshments are provided. No costs to you! Several farmers are signed up already. Take advantage of this workshop in the less busy season to be ready for the new EFP to be announced this fall. Completing your EFP at this workshop – it will be recognized for 5 years even if a new book is introduced. You are running out of excuses. Just do it! Give John a call at 519-846-3394 or sign up yourself online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops/. It makes good common sense.
POULTRY FARM – BIOSECURITY PROGRAM WORKSHOPS
Producers must attend a half-day Poultry Farm Biosecurity workshop before applying for cost-share funding under the Farm Biosecurity Program. At the workshop, you will:
• Learn about Biosecurity risks to Ontario poultry operations and how those risks can be managed through the consistent application of sound biosecurity principles at the farm level.
• Evaluate and identify key risk factors on your operation, and develop an Action Plan for making improvements, based on the National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard.
• Begin a Self-Assessment of your operation, leading to an Action Plan that will help you manage those risks. A completed Self-Assessment and Action Plan must be attached to your application to the Farm Biosecurity Program.
These workshops are open to all holders of poultry: commercial and non-commercial; large and small.
Upcoming Workshops are scheduled for:
The Arboretum, University of Guelph, Guelph: Thursday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 28 – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mt. Forest and District Sports Complex, 850 Princess St, Mt. Forest: Wednesday, February 22 – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Note: This will be the final series of workshops for the Farm Biosecurity Program. The deadline for submitting applications is August 31, 2012. All claims and invoices for approved projects must be submitted by December 31, 2012.
These workshops are based on the National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard and are designed for poultry producers. A certificate of participation from a workshop is required when applying for cost-share funding. You may either attach a copy to your Application Form or record the Certificate number in Part A of the Application Form if submitting electronically.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to attend these workshops, but you must register.
Poultry farmers may register for a Workshop by contacting the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-888-479-3931.
COMING EVENTS:
Jan. 21 Farm$mart Agricultural Conference and Beef Symposium at Farm$mart, Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph. Mark your calendar and watch for details at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/.
Jan. 25-31 Centralia Swine Research Update, Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre, Kirkton. Watch for details at: http://www.centraliaswineresearch.ca/.
Jan. 26-29 Guelph Organic Conference – “Seeds of Co-operation”. The 4-day event includes international speakers, seminars & intro workshops on key topics including, G.E. foods, organic production/certification, changing climates, eco-villages, earth buildings, farmland protection & food security. From producer to consumer, the workshops offer something for everyone. PLUS, there is an Organic Expo/Tasting Fair with 150+ exhibitors (includes 30 food samplers) on Saturday/Sunday, free to the public. For more information: http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/.
Jan. 27 Fergus Agricultural Annual Meeting to be held at Barrie Hill United Church. For further information, please contact Wendy Whittaker, 519-856-9621.
Jan. 28 2nd Annual Ontario Organic Awards and Dinner from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph. Cost: $45 general public, $40 students and OCO members. Contact: info@organiccouncil.ca or call 519-827-1221.
Jan. 31 Wellington Farm and Home Safety Association Annual Meeting – Alma Optimist Beef Supper in Alma Community Hall at 7:00 p.m. Guest Speaker Eleanor Wood. Contact: Walter Grose, Secretary at 519-846-9788.
Feb. 7 & 8 Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association Annual Meeting, Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre in London. For details visit: www.ontariosoilcrop.org.
Feb. 7-9 Canadian International Farm Show, International Centre Toronto from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For information or to pre-register, check the website at: www.canadianfarmshow.ca.
Feb. 8 Grower Pesticide Safety Course and Separate Exam – 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Elora OMAFRA boardroom. To register, phone Ontario Pesticide Education Program at 1-800-652-8573.
Feb. 10 Grower Pesticide Safety Course in Mount Forest at 8:45 a.m. To register, phone the North Wellington Co-op at 519-323-1271.
