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.
FORAGE FOCUS CONFERENCE
The Ontario Forage Council is proud to announce our upcoming annual Forage Focus Conference 2012, this years’ theme is: “Managing Profitable Forages Now and for the Future”. The conference will be held in Winchester on Tuesday, November 27th at the Winchester Community Centre, and in Shakespeare on Wednesday, November 28th at the Shakespeare Optimist Hall. Presentations are CEU accredited.
This years’ keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Hutjens from the University of Illinois. Dr Hutjens will be speaking on two topics – “The Role of Forages for a Profitable Operation” and “Lessons Learned from a Challenging Season”. Dr. Hutjens has won awards from the Illinois Milk Producers, Holstein Association and the University, but he is also very active in all forms of media. You can watch him on YouTube, iTunes, Webinar, catch his blog on Dairyline.com, read his articles in Hoard’s Dairyman, and on Googlebooks, and even watch his presentations online. The Ontario Forage Council welcomes Dr. Hutjens to Ontario, an enthusiastic speaker with information that you can put to use immediately.
Joel Bagg, Forage Specialist, OMAFRA will speak on “Coping with the Forage Challenges of 2012”. There will also be a representative from Agricorp present to explain the benefits of “Crop Production Insurance, Now and in the Future”.
The cost of this years’ conference is $40, and includes conference proceedings and a hot roast beef lunch. Books of 10 tickets are available at a reduced rate to treat customers, or staff. Registration deadline is November 23rd, registrations will be accepted at the door, but may not include the hot roast beef lunch. Registration is available by phone, or mail. Visa and Mastercard accepted by phone. Please make cheques payable to the Ontario Forage Council.
For more information on sponsorship/tradeshow opportunities, or to register please contact: Ontario Forage Council, Ray Robertson, Manager or Patricia Ellingwood, Executive Assistant, Phone: 519-986-1484 or 1-877-892-8663, PO Box 463, Markdale, Ontario, N0C 1H0, E-mail: support@ontarioforagecouncil.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN by John C. Benham
Recently the Prairie Research Associates completed a survey of EFP participants and found that 95% of farmers said that their involvement in EFP had a positive impact on their operation. Improvements were noted in water quality, soil quality, family health and safety and fish and wildlife.
Several farmers are already signed up for the next two-day EFP workshop to be held in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room on Wednesday, November 14th and to be completed on Wednesday, November 21st. To register online go to: www.ontariosoilcrop.org. If you have questions, call John at 519-846-3394 or email: wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org.
GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS by John C. Benham
You are encouraged to attend the next two day Growing Your Farm Profits workshop to be held in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room on Tuesday, November 6th and completed on Tuesday, November 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and refreshments are provided. No costs.
Now is the time to get started to get the tools needed to assess your farm business. Review your present management. Learn how planning helps in effective decision making. You will learn how to set goals for your farm business. You will learn the strengths of your farm business by completing the workbook that is similar to EFP in methods and then complete your Action Plan for the future. You may register online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org. Liz will answer your questions, call 519-638-3268 or email: waterlooGYFP@ontariosoilcrop.org.
LIVE HAY & STRAW AUCTIONS
Live hay and straw auctions are held bi-weekly at the Elmira Produce Auction (EPAC), just north of Elmira on Arthur Street. Sales start at 10 am on alternating Wednesdays, with upcoming dates including October 31 and November 14, etc. For more information, contact Clarence Knorr at 519-699-4913, or the Auction office during sale days at 519-669-3884.
COMING EVENTS
Oct. 30- Wellington County Farm Safety regular meeting at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma at 8:00 p.m. sharp. For more information, call Walter Grose at 519-846-5329.
Nov. 2-11- 2012 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Details at: www.royalfair.org.
Nov. 6- Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting, at OMAFRA boardroom, Elora at 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@golden.net.
Nov. 7 -Ruminant Feed Industry Day, Drayton Arena and Community Centre, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To register contact: 1-877-424-1300 or email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca. Full program details at: ontario.ca/x684.
Nov. 7 – Show Your 4-H Colours Day. Join 4-H’rs across Canada and “Get Your Green On”. Wear anything and everything green to celebrate 4-H!
Nov.7- 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).
Nov. 13- OMAFRA Sheep Seminar “Show Ewe the Money” – Profitable Flock Expansion – Elma Memorial Community Centre, Atwood from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 pm. Check the website: www.ontario.ca/sheep or phone 1-877-424-1300 for more information.
Nov. 14&15- Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) Fall Continuing Education Program, Holiday Inn, Guelph. Check the website: www.oabp.ca.
