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: 8:30am to 5pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
“SHOW EWE THE MONEY” – PROFITABLE FLOCK EXPANSION
The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and OMAFRA are offering their 2012 Sheep Seminars. This year’s session, “Show Ewe the Money” will highlight:
– Costs/Profits – Truth vs. Indicators
– Prioritizing Capital Expenditures
– Maximize Pastures, Maximize Profits
– Controlling Forage Harvest Costs
– Reduce Stored Feed Usage
– Economics of Improved Health Status
– Accelerated vs. Annual Lambing
Sessions will be held on November 13 at the Elma Memorial Community Centre in Atwood and on November 15 at the Napanee Lions Community Hall in Napanee, from 8:45am to 4:00pm. For more information, or to register, contact: Agricultural Information Contact Centre, 1-877-424-1300 or email ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
ONTARIO YOUNG FARMERS FORUM
“The Language of Agriculture” – Creating an opportunity where young farmers can learn, network and lead.
Sunday, November 18 and Monday, November 19 – Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto Airport
Join us where you will hear from/about:
– Farm and Food Care;
– “So You Thought You Were Buying the Family Farm … Guess Again”; and
– Investigating Young Farmer Barriers;
Bring your ideas and participate in panel and roundtable discussions and learn about how the Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum is working for you. You will have opportunities to meet other young farmers and network and socialize. OYFF is open to all young farmers and people involved in agriculture, age 18 – 40.
For more information or a registration form, visit www.oyff.ca.
ON FARM FOOD SAFETY: YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Training Workers on Injuries and Illness
Cross contamination can occur early when injuries and illnesses go untreated. If a worker is showing signs of illness, make sure he or she does not handle food, and reports to the employer immediately. Symptoms of illness could include:
• Skin lesions (boils or sores), diarrhea, vomiting, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eye colour)
Illness and injury training for farm workers is important to protect farm workers and your business. Training on proper injury treatment includes:
• Protection of all open cuts and wounds with waterproof bandages or coverings
• Frequent changing of all bandages or coverings
• Reporting all serious cuts and wounds sustained in the workplace to the employer immediately for appropriate first aid and application of protective coverings can help reduce the risk of cross contamination.
Food safety practices contribute to competitive, productive and sustainable agri-food business.
For more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs website at: www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices or call us at 1-877-424-1300.
COMING EVENTS:
Sept.18-22 2012 International Plowing Match, Waterloo Region, “Cultivate Country Celebrate Community”. Check for regular updates at: www.ipm2012.ca/. For more information, call 519-631-1234 or 1-800-661-7569 or email: eventadmin@plowingmatch.org.
Sept. 22-29 Organic Week – a national celebration of organics in Canada. Events will be held across the country to highlight the benefits of organic agriculture. For information and a listing of events in your area, visit the website at: www.organicweek.ca.
Sept. 25 Wellington County Farm Safety regular meeting at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma at 8pm sharp. For more information, call Walter Grose at 519-846-5329.
Sept. 29 Rural Romp at various locations across Wellington County celebrating the fall harvest with tours of over a dozen farms. Visit: www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca.
Oct. 2 Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting, at OMAFRA boardroom, Elora at 7:3pm. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@golden.net.
Oct. 3 National Farmers Union Waterloo-Wellington Local, monthly board meeting at 7:15 p.m. at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma (they meet every first Wednesday of the month).
Oct. 5-8 Erin Fall Fair, Erin. For more information, check the website: www.erinfair.ca/.
Oct. 24-26 Dairy Cattle Welfare Symposium, Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre, Guelph. Check the website: www.dairycattlewelfaresymposium.ca.
Nov. 6 and 13 Growing Your Farm Profits two-day workshop, Elora OMAFRA boardroom: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sign up electronically: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops or phone Liz: 519-638-3268.
