A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). For more information, call 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm. For technical information, call 1-877-424-1300 or visit www.ontario.ca/omafra.
Common buckthorn
The frosts have taken care of most of the noxious weeds except one – buckthorn. As you drive the roads you will notice plants with dark green leaves and black berries. These are buckthorns. Those with berries are female and those without are male.
In recent years this plant has increased in number and can become a serious threat to hardwood forests. Since it is a seed producer and relished by birds, the buckthorn will grow in thick stands that shade out new tree seedlings in the bush. This is a threat to future growth.
The dark green leaves have three or four pairs of veins that curve upward toward the tip and the inner bark is yellow. The twigs have a sharp spine instead of a terminal bud.
These plants are on the noxious weed list and must be controlled. Mechanical removal of small plants can be effective, if the root is removed completely. Herbicide sprays can also be effective. Immediately, painting cut stumps with a strong solution of herbicide has proven to be effective. For more information contact John at 519-846-3394.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea biosecurity special intake
The deadline for completing the porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) biosecurity special intake is fast approaching. Here are some important dates:
A single and complete project claim may be submitted until Nov. 28.
For more information contact the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association at 519-826-4214 or 1-800-265-9751. For all Growing Forward 2 programs contact OMAFRA – Agricultural information contact centre 1-877-424-1300.
2014/15 advance payments program
The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a federal loan guarantee program that helps crop, livestock, greenhouse and nursery landscape producers meet their financial obligations and benefit from the best market conditions by improving their cash flow throughout the year.
Under the APP, the federal government guarantees repayment of cash advances issued to farmers by the producer organization. These guarantees help the producer organization borrow money from financial institutions at lower interest rates. The producer organization issues producers a cash advance on the anticipated value of their farm product that is being produced and/or that is in storage.
Environmental farm play workshop
A two-day Environmental Farm Plan Workshop has been scheduled for Nov. 18 and 25 in the OMAFRA boardroom in Elora. Producers are invited to attend FREE (fourth Edition) Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) two-day workshops to assess your farm business, learn more about best management practices, develop action plans and learn more about cost sharing opportunities. Workshop materials and snacks are provided. Bring your own lunch.
To register or for more information visit www.ontariosoilcrop.org or contact Ingrid at 519-852-0621.
Coming events
– Dec. 11: Rockwood Farmers’ 22nd annual Parade of Lights, Rockwood at 7pm;
– Jan. 29 to Feb. 1: Guelph Organic Conference and Expo 2015, Guelph University Centre.
