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.
PERMIT TO TAKE WATER WORKSHOP AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION
A Permit to Take Water is required for anyone taking/pumping more than 50,000 litres per day for agricultural irrigation. There is no fee for an agricultural permit.
Do you have a Permit that is up for renewal? Are you considering applying for a new Permit?
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is conducting workshops to assist agricultural water takers with understanding the PTTW program and how to complete an application. A new application must be fully completed for a new or renewal permit.
The workshop is a half day session consisting of a presentation on the PTTW program, review of an agricultural irrigation permit application and a questions and answers session. There is no fee for the workshop.
Where: OMAFRA Simcoe Office, Blue Line Rd @ Hwy #3, Simcoe, 519-426-4920. 9am. to 12pm or 1pm to 3 pm Nov. 23, and Dec. 18.
Please bring your existing permit. Copies of Permit applications and resource material will be provided. Call to reserve a seat: 519-426-4920.
GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS
by John C. Benham
The Growing Your Farm Profits workshop and workbook help farmers identify where their farm is at, the areas that are doing well and the area where there could be improvement that would lead to greater financial success of the business.
Topics that are discussed include production, marketing, financial management, the farm business structure, the business goals and each person’s responsibilities.
The workbook is similar to the EFP workbook in that you rate yourself and develop an Action Plan. The information you put in the workbook is for your eyes only.
The next Growing Your Farm Profits workshop will be held on Nov. 6 in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room from 9:30am to 3pm and will be completed on Nov. 13. Lunch and refreshments are provided. No cost to you. Don’t miss this opportunity. Register online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org or call Liz at 519-638-3268 or email: waterlooGYFP@ontariosoilcrop.org.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham
To qualify for many of the Cost Share Programs, a completed up to date EFP is a requirement. Now would be a good time to get that completed and be in line for the Cost Share programs.
The next EFP workshop will be held on Nov. 14 in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room from 10am to 3pm and will be completed on Nov. 21. Lunch and refreshments are provided. No costs to you. Several farmers are signed up already. Register online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org or call John at 519-846-3394 or email: wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org.
NOMINATE A FELLOW OUTSTANDING BEEF PRODUCER
It’s time, once again, to seek nominations for The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) and the Ontario Mapleseed Pasture Award. TESA recognizes the outstanding environmental stewardship of an Ontario cattleman with special consideration given to those producers who have taken innovative approaches to environmentally sustainable cattle production.
The Ontario Mapleseed pasture award recognizes individual producers who are doing an outstanding job of pasture management. OCA is enlisting the support of all beef producers and industry partners, as well as conservation and environmental groups from across the province in selecting our annual winners.
We would ask that you take the time to determine whether there are beef farmers in your area that meet the criteria of both competitions and if so, seriously consider submitting an application on their behalf.
Any Ontario cattle producer or cattle farming operation can be nominated for these awards by him or herself, another producer, interested individual(s), a conservation group or the local cattlemen’s association.
Both applications are available on the OCA website. Nomination deadline for both awards is Nov. 30. Awards will be presented during OCA’s Annual General Meeting on Feb. 20 to 21, 2013 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto.
COMING EVENTS
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 7:30pm. 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, 9:00am to 3:00pm. To register contact: 1-877-424-1300 or email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca. Full program details at: http://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 7:15pm 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 8:45am to 4pm. Check the website: www.ontario.ca/sheep or phone 1-877-424-1300 for more information.
Nov. 14 and 15 – Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) Fall Continuing Education Program, Holiday Inn, Guelph. Check the website: www.oabp.ca.
