A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAF website: www.ontario.ca/omaf and/or the MRA website: www.ontario.ca/mra
HAZARDOUS GASES ON AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
Terrence Sauvé, Farmstead Optimization and Safety Engineer, OMAF and MRA
Hazardous gases on farms can be found in silos, manure storages, anaerobic digesters, grain bins and improperly ventilated barns – structures that provide a confined space in which gases can accumulate to dangerous levels or deprive the air of enough oxygen to sustain life. Plant material stored in a silo ferments, allowing the crop to be stored for a long time. However, the fermentation process uses up oxygen, produces carbon dioxide and, under certain conditions, nitrogen dioxide, as by-products. This results in an environment unsuitable for humans soon after the silo is filled, lasting for up to two weeks.
Manure that is stored for a long time undergoes anaerobic decomposition, which produces manure gases. Warm weather and poor ventilation can increase the concentration of these gases. Liquid manure tanks can contain toxic levels of gases or can be devoid of oxygen. High hydrogen sulphide gas levels can also deteriorate exposed concrete above the liquid manure surface.
For more information on dangerous gases found around farm operations and the safety precautions required to protect farm workers, please visit: http://bit.ly/1bA5oQz.
SOIL SAMPLING THIS FALL
Deanna Németh, Nutrient Management Horticulture Crops Program Lead, OMAF and MRA
Fall is an excellent time to take soil samples from your fields. Sampling in the fall allows adequate time for return of lab results, and also provides time for the planning of next year’s fertilizer application program. Many producers call their agronomist seeking out an “average” fertilizer recommendation, because they haven’t taken a soil test. The “average” field just doesn’t exist. Don’t guess at your fertilizer needs. Get out and get a soil test this fall.
Dependable results require careful sampling. Fall soil sampling for immobile macronutrients; phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), should be taken to a depth of 15 cm (6 in.). It is important to note that since nitrogen (N) is considered highly mobile in the soil, results from fall sampling may not equal available N in the spring at seeding time. It is recommended to take soil samples for N in the spring, and at 30 cm (12 in) to get an accurate recommendation.
The more cores taken per field the better the composite sample will be an accurate representative sample of your field. Soils may be sampled with a sampling tube or shovel, keeping in mind that galvanized tubes or pails should not be used if samples are to be tested for micro-nutrients. Where to sample within your field is also important. Avoid sampling in fertilizer bands where they can be detected. Soil variability in the field is a major source of error in soil testing, so take several shovels or cores, and mix into one sample that would be representative of the field area. For highly eroded knolls or where manure or other residues have been spread, consider sampling that zone separately for more accuracy for fertilizer requirements.
Submit your fresh soil samples to your nearest accredited lab for a soil fertility analysis. For list of accredited labs in Ontario please visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/resource/soillabs.htm.
FUNDING PROGRAM INTAKE DATES
Growing Forward 2 (GF2) is a comprehensive federal-provincial-territorial framework aimed at encouraging innovation, competitiveness and market development in Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sector. In Ontario, farm, food and agri-product businesses, organizations and collaborations can build their own plan and select opportunities to help grow their profits, expand their markets and manage risks. For more information please visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growingforward/gf2-index.htm.
• October 25, 2013 to December 12, 2013: Application intake for implementation-based projects from organizations and collaborations.
• December 16, 2013 to January 30, 2014: Application intake for implementation-based projects from all eligible clients.
The Local Food Fund is a three-year initiative with funding of up to $10 million per year to support innovative local food projects that reduce barriers to regional economic development; result in sustainable regional economic development; and have a positive impact on the Ontario economy. For more information please visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/localfood.htm.
• November 1 to December 31: Application intake for all eligible clients.
COMING EVENTS:
Dec. 7 – Digging into Farming: Planning Your New Farm Business, The Guelph Chamber of Commerce, 111 Farquhar Street, 2nd Floor, Guelph. For further information, contact Rebecca Hodges at Rebecca@farmstart.ca or (519) 836-7046 ext. 105.
Jan. 8 to 14 – 48th Annual Grey Bruce Farmer’s Week, Elmwood Community Centre, 38 Queens Street West, Elmwood. Refer to www.greyagservices.ca or call 519-986-3756.
