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.
FARM ANIMAL CARE HELPLINE 519-837-1326
What is the Helpline Service? The Helpline is a confidential “farmer helping farmer” approach of advice and referral on animal care. The Helpline service is provided by the Farm & Food Care to assist people in providing good care for their farm animals. It provides a confidential way for people to report situations of farm animals that they feel require better care or for farmers themselves to call if they need some help. How does the Helpline Work? The Helpline accepts calls about most types of farm animals: beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, rabbits, chickens and turkeys. Helpline calls are accepted at the Farm & Food Care office at 519-837-1326, during regular office hours, typically Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Callers are asked to provide specific and detailed information necessary to pursue the case. The information about the case, but not the name of the caller, is then passed on to the appropriate commodity group(s) for follow-up and/or visit. For example, a Helpline call about a dairy cow would be passed along to the Dairy Farmers of Ontario; calls about pigs are passed along to Ontario Pork.
Helpline representatives are farmers or experienced staff people who can assess the situation and offer practical advice or necessary assistance to correct the situation if there is a problem. The Helpline representative then reports back to Farm & Food Care who, in turn, will relay this information back to the caller if they are interested. Callers to the Helpline are asked to identify themselves for purposes of follow-up, but such information is kept strictly confidential with Farm & Food Care. Who can use the Helpline? Anyone who is having difficulties meeting acceptable levels of care and management for their farm animals and anyone else who witnesses situations where animals are not being properly cared for.
GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS by John C. Benham
The next Growing Your Farm Profits two-day workshop is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 6 to be completed Tuesday, Nov. 13 in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room from 9:30am to 3pm. Lunch and refreshments provided. No costs. Register online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org. If you have a question, call Liz at 519-638-3268. By completing your workbook, you will develop your top priorities and goals. Your action plan will be reviewed by the workshop leader. You then implement your plan by contacting a farm advisor or business consultant to assist you to reach your business and financial goals. Funding is available for the development of your farm business plan and skills development as well as funding to use advisory services.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN by John C. Benham
Several farmers have already signed up for the next EFP two-day workshop to be held in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room on Wednesday, Nov. 14 and to be completed on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Farmers are realizing their EFP workbook may have expired and are taking advantage of this opportunity to renew the workbook for five years. Your workbook must be up to date to qualify for cost share opportunities. Call John at 519-846-3394 for more information or email: wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org.
OMAFRA SHEEP SEMINARS
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/sheep/20091110.htm
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, with support from the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) are organizing another excellent Sheep Seminar, titled “Show Ewe the Money”.
The emphasis this year will be on improving profitability in the Ontario sheep industry.
Nov. 13 – Atwood, Elma Memorial Community Centre, 8:45am to 4pm.
Nov. 15 – Napanee, Napanee Lions Community Hall, 8:45am to 4pm.
For information or to register, contact Agricultural Information Contact Centre, 1-877-424-1300 or email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
ON FARM FOOD SAFETY: YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Proper Toilet and Hand Washing Facilities
Clean, well-stocked and properly functioning toilet and hand washing facilities are key in preventing workers, visitors and customers from unintentionally causing food contamination.
• Keep toilet and hand washing facilities stocked with adequate supplies of soap, potable water, hand sanitizing gels or wipes, toilet paper and single use towels.
• Provide durable and cleanable waste containers. Collect and dispose of trash regularly.
• When sanitation facilities are serviced, take precautions to ensure that waste does not drain into the field or run off into a water source.
• Be prepared in the event of a spill from a portable toilet to prevent cross-contamination of food or production areas.
• Clean and sanitize toilet and hand washing facilities on a regular basis and keep cleaning records.
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:
Oct. 24-26- Dairy Cattle Welfare Symposium, Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre, Guelph, Ontario. Check the website: www.dairycattlewelfaresymposium.ca.
Oct. 25 – OMAFRA’s “Good Agriculture Practices” Webinar Series: Preparing for an On-Farm Food Safety Audit, 12 noon. Interpret what to expect from an audit, the general requirements of a food safety program, and applying the tools needed for a successful audit. Webinar details/ registration at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/foodsafety/producers/webinars.htm.
