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.ontario.ca/omafra
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride at REACH Huron
Clinton, ON – One of Canada’s most recognized icons, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride, will be performing in the arena complex at the Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron Inc. (REACH Huron) on Thursday, June 21st. This exciting community event is being presented in partnership by REACH Huron and Bayfield Agricultural Society.
The RCMP Musical Ride represents a colourful Canadian tradition. The troop of 32 horses and riders will perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. Working through a unique medium, they support the RCMP community policing efforts throughout Canada.
The Musical Ride was developed in 1876 by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain the local community. It has evolved over the decades into a uniquely Canadian performance enjoyed by tens of thousands of spectators every year.
Members of the Musical Ride are first and foremost police officers. They all have at least two years experience in active police work before volunteering for duty with the Musical Ride. Surprisingly, most have no prior riding experience.
For ticket information, call REACH HURON at 519-482-3998. Proceeds from ticket sales will be directed towards supporting REACH Huron and Bayfield Agricultural Society.
For further information contact: REACH HURON, Cindy Pryce, Executive Assistant at 519-482-3998 x1482 or BAYFIELD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, Doug Yeo, President at 519-482-9296.
Growing Your Farm Profits
by John C. Benham
The next Growing Your Farm Profits two-day workshop is planned for Monday, August 20th and Monday, August 27th at Everdale Farms, 5812 6th Line Erin from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost to you. At the workshop you will be able to complete a workbook similar to the EFP workbook and come up with an Action Plan to qualify you for financial assistance. By taking the workshop you will be able to review your current farm management practices. You will better understand how planning provides a framework for effective decision making. It will help you set goals and priorities for the future. It will identify resources to help you reach your goals. It will help you build on the strengths of your business and identify where you may wish to make changes for improved performance. For an established farm business up to $31,400 is available and up to $35,900 is available for a new farm business. These are the maximum amounts of cost share available to improve your farm business management.
You are encouraged to sign up electronically at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops/. For more information, call Liz at 519-638-3268.
PROVINCIAL PREMISES REGISTRY
Premises Identification Numbers can be obtained from the Provincial Premises Registry (PPR), now operated by approved service provider Angus GeoSolutions Inc. (AGSI). The PPR is a Ministry initiative and the only official provincial registry for obtaining Ontario Premises Identification Numbers for agri-food businesses.
Premises Identification Numbers issued before April 1, 2012 remain valid; the information is already in the PPR. Obtaining Premises Identification Numbers for agri-food businesses is an important step towards traceability in Ontario.
A Premises Identification Number is a unique identifying number assigned to a parcel of land that is associated with agri-food activities. In Ontario, premises are identified and registered in the Provincial Premises Registry. Premises identification is a critical first step to building an effective traceability system. A traceability system is designed to track products through the agri-food chain. Agri-food business owners and operators can register their premises securely online, easily and for free at www.ontarioppr.com.
Registrations are also available by calling the toll free number: 1-855-MY PPR ID (1-855-697-7743). The website and call centre services are available in English and French.
COMING EVENTS
June 9 – 17th Annual Children’s Farm Safety Day for Waterloo Region from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Event will be held rain or shine in Woolwich Township at: Dennis & Helen Martin, 1220 Lundy Rd., RR#1, West Montrose. Registration by Friday, June 1st. For more information, contact Lois 519-696-2667 or check the website: www.waterlooruralwomen.org.
June 19 & 20 – Ontario Pork Congress. Mark your calendar; check website: http://www.porkcongress.on.ca/.
June 24 – Local Food Fest – a celebration of local food and copies of the 2012 local food map available at Ignatius Jesuit Centre with children’s area, workshops and more. Visit the website at: www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca.
July 4 – National Farmers Union Waterloo-Wellington Local, monthly board meeting at 7:15 p.m. at the Husky Farm Equipment, Alma. (They meet every first Wednesday of the month).
July 4 & 5 – SouthWest Crop Diagnostic Day, Univ. of Guelph, Ridgetown, 8:15 a.m. Check the website: http://www.diagnosticdays.ca/.
July 12 – FarmSmart Expo, University of Guelph, Elora Research Station, Elora. Watch for details at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/.
July 13 – FarmSmart Expo Youth Day at the University of Guelph, Elora Research Station at 8:45 a.m. Check the website: www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/.
July 23-27 – 4-H Conference Career Sen$e; Application Deadline: June 11th, Guelph. See website for details: http://www.4-hontario.ca/youth/opportunities/conferences/default.aspx.
