Organized by the Ontario Forage Council, Simcoe County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, along with the Ontario Ministry of Food & Rural Affairs, Ontario Forage Expo’s success persisted again in 2014.
This years’ theme was: “Hay Making in Motion.” The event was held in Midhurst at Wrico Holsteins (2064 Russell Rd), farm of Robert and Roberta Wright and family, on July 8 from 10am to 3pm. A huge thank you to the Wright family, and staff at Wrico Holsteins for their generous hospitality. Another thank you to the members of the Simcoe County Soil and Crop Improvement Association for their diligence in organizing the details of day, especially Andy VanNeikirk and Wayne Simpson.
The high probability of rain did not deter a dedicated group of approximately 300 producers and industry professionals from across the province. This year’s demonstrations included equipment from the leaders in forage production equipment.
Companies including New Holland, Case IH, John Deere, Penta, Kubota and Vermeer were all present with the latest in forage equipment innovation. Attendees had the chance to see this equipment working side by side in the field. Ray Robertson, manager of the Ontario Forage Council worked closely with the equipment companies to ensure the latest in equipment innovation was represented at this event.
Joel Bagg and Ian MacDonald, both with the Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs, were also instrumental in the day’s success. Joel organized the equipment schedule and was present in the field, along with MacDonald directing equipment and answering questions. MacDonald also demonstrated the capabilities of GPS monitors to the crowd.
The event was a great chance to see what’s brand new for forages in 2014. Equipment included various mowers, conditioners, rakes, tedders, windrow inverters, mergers, harvesters, dump wagons, large round balers, large square balers, small square bale bundlers, bale wrappers and bale grapplers.
Ontario Forage Expo continues to provide a unique opportunity for farmers to view the latest technology available to harvest forage quickly with minimal loss and maximum quality. This information is important for producers making decisions on investments which ultimately enhance their farm operations in capacity, minimizing harvest losses, product quality and profitability.
This is an annual event and free to the farming community. Thank you to our 2014 sponsors Platinum-DuPont Pioneer, New Holland and SGS AgriFood Laboratories. Silver-Quality Seeds Ltd. and A & L Canada Laboratories. Bronze-Speare Seeds, BMO, and Germania Mutual Insurance/Will Marshal Insurance Brokers.
For a full list of trade show vendors, demonstrator and sponsors please visit www.ontarioforagecouncil.com.
