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 4:30pm.
For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra.
RIGHT TIMING OF NUTRIENT APPLICATION
Nutrient Application – Timing Matters
Timing matters when it comes to applying manure and other nutrients. Phosphorus in manure and other nutrients can be lost from runoff when applied at the wrong time, meaning a loss of nutrients for you and a greater risk to the environment, such as algal blooms and reduced water quality in our Great Lakes. This includes when applied:
– on frozen and snow covered ground;
– right before it rains; and
– when soil is saturated.
Applying at the right time is the right thing to do
Consider the 4R’s: apply the right nutrients at the right rate, at the right time and at the right place.
There are many ways you can manage your nutrients without spreading at the wrong time. Visit the web page Nutrient Management – http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/agops/index.html for resources to help you determine what you can do for your operation. Contact a nutrient management consultant – https://www.nutrientmanagement.ca/directories/nutrient-management-consultants/ for help with nutrient management planning and to see what alternatives will work for your operation.
FUNDING
You may be eligible for Growing Forward 2 (GF2) or Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (GLASI) funding to help manage your nutrients. Visit the website http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growingforward/gf2-index.htm for more information about GF2. Visit the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association website http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/ for more information about GLASI programs.
Some conservation authorities have funding available for environmental projects. Contact the conservation authority – http://conservationontario.ca/about-us/conservation-authorities/ca-contact-list in your area for more information.
COMING EVENTS
Jan. 20 – CompactionSmart – RIM Park in Waterloo at 2001 University Ave. E. Visit farmsmartconference.com/farmsmart-friday for more information and to register or call 1-877-424-1300.
Jan. 21 – FarmSmart 2017 – Rozanski Hall at the University of Guelph. Visit farmsmartconference.com/farmsmart-2017intro for more information and to register or call 1-877-424-1300.
Jan. 26 to 29 – Guelph Organic Conference and Trade Show, Guelph University Centre, University of Guelph. Visit guelphorganicconf.ca or call 519-824-4120 ext. 56311.
Jan. 31 – Free Stall Housing Design Seminar, Listowel Agricultural Hall – 5699 Line 86, Listowel; Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. For more information and to register, contact Jack Rodenburg by phone 519-290-7194; cell 519-532-7194, fax 519-290-7676 or e-mail jack@dairylogix.com.
Feb. 15 – Dufferin Soil and Crops Association Annual Seed and Feed Show and Annual Meeting. Amaranth Township Hall, County Road 10 and 374028 6th Line, Amaranth. Contact Jim Irvine at 519-835-9929.
