A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). For more information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm.
For technical information, call 1-877-424-1300 or visit www.ontario.ca/omafra.
Soil erosion control workshop
There will be a soil erosion control workshop on Feb. 10 from 1:30 to 4pm at the Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood.
Topics include:
– proper design and placement of erosion control structures;
– use of cover crops to improve soil health; and
– grants available through the Rural Water Quality Program to address erosion issues.
For more information or to register, call Anne Loeffler, at 519-621-2763 ext. 2242. RSVP by Feb. 6.
OMAFRA workshop: housing and feeding dairy calves for good health
Planning changes to calf housing or feeding? Would an update on calf feeding systems, calf housing design and awareness of calf biosecurity issues help with plans and building decisions? On Feb. 11, OMAFRA is holding a one-day workshop in Elora for dairy and veal producers.
Presenters are Harold House, dairy housing engineer, OMAFRA; Ann Godkin, disease prevention veterinarian, OMAFRA and Neil Anderson, disease prevention veterinarian, OMAFRA – Retired. Charge for the day is $50 and includes lunch.
Those interested should contact the Elora OMAFRA office, 6484 Wellington Rd 7, at 519-846-0941. Pre-registration before Feb. 4 is required. For more information contact Godkin at ann.godkin@ontario.ca or 519-846-3409.
Reminder: free stall dairy housing design seminar
This two-day free stall dairy housing design seminar will be held at the OMAFRA resource centre, 401 Lakeview Dr., Woodstock on March 4 and 5.
These courses are specifically intended for producers with plans to build or renovate a free stall in the next few years. The focus is on fundamentals of design. The courses will provide practical information needed to build an economical, labour efficient facility that is comfortable for cattle.
Day 1 – 9:30 am
– introduction;
– farmstead and process planning;
– cow behaviour and comfort;
– layout options and housing alternatives;
– planning, building and enjoying the dairy barn;
– isolation, treatment, transition, maternity and handling facilities; and
– building environment and ventilation.
Day 2 – 9:30 am
– robotic milking options;
– manure collection, handling and storage;
– handling feed and water;
– traffic and biosecurity;
– choosing a milking parlour; and
– milking centre design.
Total cost for the two-day course is $245.25. To register call 1-877-424-1300 or email ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
Courses are offered subject to a minimum pre-registration number 14 days in advance. Lunch cannot be guaranteed for registrations made less than seven days in advance.
Annual organic agriculture conference
The 34th annual organic agriculture conference is Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 at the Guelph University Centre.
Check the website www.guelphorganicconf.ca or the conference response line 519-824-4120 ext. 56311 for registration details, program schedule and pricing (all programs are priced individually or by the day), workshop descriptions and updated information.
