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.
ONTARIO FORAGE AND LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE
This AgriRecovery initiative is available for certain Ontario livestock producers who are facing severe forage shortages due to the dry weather in summer, 2012. Details and applications are now available for all eligible producers on www.agricorp.com. The deadline to apply is March 22. Producers are encouraged to submit forms online for more efficient processing and to avoid incomplete applications. Producers can also submit paper forms by mail, fax or in person.
For more information, visit: www.agricorp.com or call Agricorp’s Customer Care Centre at 1-888-247-4999.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE
The latest version of NMAN (v3.2) was released in December 2012. It can be used to generate nutrient management strategies and plans (NMS/P) and non-agricultural source materials (NASM) plans, as well as other user summary reports. The current release replaces both v3.1 and v2.1. NMAN can either be run from within your web browser or you can download the program to your desktop to run offline. For more information, go to: www.omafra.gov.on.ca.
RURAL SUMMER JOBS SERVICE
The goal of the Rural Summer Jobs Service (RSJS) is to encourage Rural Employers to create summer jobs that enhance the life skills and work experience of students in Ontario. Whether it’s their first job or the job that pays for a post-secondary education, young people want to be employed. They want to be challenged. They want to be learning and they want to be busy. Since 2003, the Rural Summer Jobs Service has helped rural employers create 28,000 summer jobs. The RSJS is part of the Ontario Government’s Ontario Summer Jobs Strategy, see: www.tcu.gov.on.ca to assist students across Ontario. More information about the 2013 program will be available on the website in early March: www.omafra.gov.on.ca
COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL ALLIANCE FOR FARMER TRAINING IN ONTARIO (C.R.A.F.T. ONTARIO)
C.R.A.F.T. is an informal, member-driven network of farmers that offer internships on their organic and ecological farms. Many of the people who apply to intern on C.R.A.F.T. farms are students from environmental, biological, and agricultural fields of study, as well as political science, international development, and food science disciplines. Whether the goal is a summer of exploration or a school co-op placement (or both), C.R.A.F.T. member farms offer internships that provide hands-on learning experiences where interns gain practical skills, while learning about themselves in the process. If you would like to receive information about C.R.A.F.T. internships, email: nicola.inglefield@gmail.com.
DAIRY COW MANURE VISUAL EVALUATION FOR RATION ADJUSTMENT
by Mario Mongeon, OMAFRA
Evaluating a dairy cow’s output can provide you with valuable input for optimizing feed efficiency and animal health. Her manure can indicate the condition of her rumen and intestine to help identify potential problems. Regularly taking just a few minutes to look at your cows’ manure can unearth clues about whether they are eating properly. Manure texture, colour and content can provide key information. To read the full article, please visit: www.omafra.gov.on.ca.
COMING EVENTS:
Mar. 15 Heartland Soil Test Clinic, St. Jacobs Community Centre, St. Jacobs at 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Free for members and $25.00 for non-members. Bring your soil tests and get some answers from Peter Johnson. For more information, visit: http://hscia.wordpress.com. Register online at: www.oscia.wildapricot.com or contact Karen Jacobs at 519-662-1505 or email: heartlandrcc@ontariosoilcrop.org.
Mar. 15-17 All Equine, Ontario’s Premier Equine Show. Check the website for information: www.westernfairdistrict.com
Mar. 22-24 4-H Ontario Volunteer Conference & Annual Meeting. Complete details available at: www.4-hontario.ca
Mar. 25-27 Progressive Dairy Operators Triennial Dairy Symposium, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto. For information visit: www.pdo-ontario.ca or contact Carol Anne Pinkney at: 519-846-8756 or email: capinkney@sentex.ca.
Mar. 27 Grain Drying and Storage Workshop, Kin Station, 555 Binning St. W., Listowel, 9:00-4:00 p.m. Register early: $30 (lunch included). To register, call Ag Business Centre, Univ. of Guelph, Ridgetown at: 1-866-222-9682.
Apr. 6 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, check the website: www.elmiramaplesyrup.com or call 1-877-969-0094 for more information.
Apr. 10–11 London Poultry Show “Nested in Innovation”, Western Fair District, London. The two-day show is a blend of trade show and professional development featuring networking opportunities, a wide array of products & services, guest presentations and informative seminars. With 57,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 160 booths to visit, the London Poultry Show is recognized as a must-do event for anyone associated with this important agri-business. Watch for details at: http://www.westernfairdistrict.com/events/attend/2012Poultry_Show.
