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 website: www.ontario.ca/omaf and/or the MRA website: www.ontario.ca/mra
A HEALTHY HERD – Brian Pogue, Beef Cattle Program Lead, OMAF and MRA
For cattle to reach their genetic potential they must be healthy, fed a balanced ration and be managed properly. The goal is to raise calves through to weaning and then feeding to finish at an optimum size for the consumer. Having cows calve during the same time period annually is part of making this process efficient and profitable. A healthy herd is critical for success. Preventing diseases with a sound vaccination program can save time and money. Vaccination programs should be customized for individual farms based on region, type of cattle operation, movement of cattle and health records. Producers should consult with their veterinarian annually to review their herd health protocol. With advances over the last few years, most vaccination programs use modified live vaccines. Many herds are doing some version of the following:
1. Vaccinating the cows and replacement heifers pre-breeding for IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV and leptospirosis.
2. Vaccinating the calves for IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV at the same time as the cows. Those herds with summer pneumonia may also vaccinate for pasteurella.
3. Booster the calves pre-weaning for IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV.
4. Perhaps at pre-weaning also vaccinate for pasturella and haemophilus somnus.
5. Depending on the amount of time on feed, booster finishing cattle again. Read the label to find out how long the vaccines will provide protection.
6. When there has been a history of scours, vaccinate the cows for scours prior to calving.
Vaccines are also available for E. coli and pinkeye. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for administration method, dosage and storage.
Vaccines are not always 100 per cent effective but are a proven method to prevent disease outbreaks. Practice proper animal care and welfare which needs to include a protocol in the event that an animal does get sick and requires medical treatment.
FOOD SAFETY FOR FARMERS
Food safety risks can be reduced on the farm through prevention, detection and control initiatives. OMAF and MRA have resource information to help you prevent the introduction of biological, chemical and physical hazards into the food chain. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/18qgXeh.
GROWER PESTICIDE SAFETY COURSE DATES FOR 2014
Grower Pesticide Safety course dates are available on the Ontario Pesticide Education website at http://bit.ly/JfYoO9. People requiring renewals were notified by mail in December 2013. An online version of the course is available monthly for anyone who cannot attend the scheduled dates. Growers can call 1-800-652-8573 or 519-674-2230 for more information.
ALLIANCE OF ONTARIO FOOD PROCESSORS REPORTS
The Alliance of Ontario Food Processors (AOFP) has recently released their Ontario Food and Beverage Processing Industry Strategy as well as their Economic Impact Analysis of the Food and Beverage Processing Sector. Copies of these can be found on their website using the following link: http://bit.ly/1dxqWwk.
2014 FORAGE VARIETY BROCHURE
The Ontario Forage Crop Variety Performance 2014 Brochure is now available. The brochure is not available from Service Ontario. Copies will be mailed directly to producers as inserts in the next dairy, beef and sheep magazines. Individuals and agri-business can request hard copies from: David Morris, Secretary, Ontario Forage Crops Committee davidtmorris@rogers.com. The PDF version of the brochure can also be viewed and downloaded online at www.GoForages.ca.
ONTARIO SOYBEAN TRIALS 2013 REPORT
The Ontario Soybean Trials for 2013 report is now available. To access your copy, go to the Ontario Soybean and Canola Committee’s webpage at: www.gosoy.ca/soyhome.php.
COMING EVENTS:
Jan. 18 FarmSmart Agricultural Conference, Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph. Refer to www.farmsmartconference.com for details or call 1-877-424-1300.
Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 33rd Annual Guelph Organic Conference & Expo – Catching the Wave, Guelph University Centre. For further information, refer to www.guelphorganicconf.ca or call (519) 824-4120 ext. 56311.
Feb. 11 and 12 Free Stall Dairy Housing Design Seminar, OMAF and MRA Boardroom, Woodstock. For more information, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
