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: 8:30am to 5pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAF and MRA Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY: YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE – Protecting Your Irrigation Water Source
by Wayne Du
The current Canadian irrigation water guideline for fecal coliforms (E. coli) is less than 100 bacteria per 100 ml water. It is important to protect your irrigation water source from contamination. Here are some tips to maintain irrigation water quality:
• Be aware of sources of potential water contamination, such as run-off or storm sewer overflows and/or livestock upstream.
• Restrict livestock access by fencing ponds or streams wherever possible
• Use buffer strips as natural filters and a waterfowl deterrent
• Construct holding ponds to divert and contain runoff
• Protect well heads from run-off water and other contaminants
Food safety practices keep agri-food businesses competitive, productive and sustainable. For more information, visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs website at: www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices or call us at 1-877-424-1300.
VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE VIRTUAL COMMUNITY ESTABLISHED
The Ministry in partnership with the University of Guelph, has launched a 10-week pilot of a virtual community for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, students and advisors to network and learn from each other about adding value to farm businesses.
A virtual community is an online social network where people who have similar interests can come together to share and learn from each other. The Exploring Value Added Opportunities (EVAO) virtual community pilot builds on the Ministry’s new E-Learning modules, workshops and other training resources. It is free and easy to join.
Whether you are just starting out, or have years of experience to share you can be involved as much as you like. All you need is an interest in adding value, and internet access to join us in Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Go to: www.ontario.ca/e996 to access the EVAO resources including workshop dates and e-learning sign up.
OUTLOOK FOR THE CANADIAN AGRICULTURE SECTOR SHOWS POSITIVE PERFORMANCE
Three new reports released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are showing a positive outlook for farmers in 2013.
The three new reports, the Farm Income Forecast for 2012 and 2013, the Medium Term Outlook, and the Farm Income, Financial Conditions and Government Assistance Data Book 2012, provide an overview of the financial and market outlook for the sector and offer a benchmark for producers, industry stakeholders, and governments as they plan for the years ahead.
Highlights
• The Farm Income Forecast report highlights that farmers are prospering from continued high commodity and livestock prices. The sector will once again report record-high income levels for 2012 and can count on a continued positive outlook for 2013.
• When the final figures are in for 2012, net cash income for the entire sector is expected to rise 14 per cent to $13.1 billion, which is a new record income level, and remain at a near record in 2013 of $12.9 billion.
• While performance varies by sector, the average net operating income for Canadian farms is expected to reach a new record of $74,190 in 2012, 17 per cent greater than the 2011 level and 50 per cent above the 2007–11 average. The net worth of an average farm is forecast to grow by 8 per cent in 2012 to reach $1.8 million.
• Average total income of farm families, which includes family income from all farm and non-farm sources, is projected to reach $127,106 in 2012, 8 per cent above 2011 levels.
• Over the medium term, strong global demand, particularly from major emerging economies, will underpin continued strong prices and growth for the sector.
• Assuming normal weather conditions, Canadian grains and oilseeds prices are expected to moderate from 2012 peaks but remain at higher than historical levels over the medium term. While cattle and hog sectors will see modest growth, a strong Canadian dollar and higher feed grain prices will remain challenges going forward.
For more information on the Farm Income Forecast for 2012 and 2013, the Medium Term Outlook, and the Farm Income, Financial Conditions and Government Assistance Data Book 2012, visit Economic and Market Information – www4.agr.gc.ca
COMING EVENTS
Mar. 22-24 4-H Ontario Volunteer Conference/Annual Meeting. Details at: www.4-hontario.ca.
Mar. 22 Developing Your HACCP Plan, MTO Southwest Learning Centre, 659 Exeter Road, London at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $45 plus HST. To register call: 1-877-424-1300.
Mar. 25-27 Progressive Dairy Operators Triennial Dairy Symposium, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto. For information visit: www.pdo-ontario.ca or contact Carol Anne Pinkney at 519-846-8756 or email: capinkney@sentex.ca.
Apr. 2-3 Farm & Food Care’s Annual Meeting, at the new Hanlon Convention Centre, Guelph; check the website: www.farmfoodcare.org.
