A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). For more information call 519-846-0941, 1-877-424-1300 or visit www.ontario.ca/omafra. Office hours 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Reminder: free stall dairy housing 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 program starts at 9:30am:
– introduction;
– farmstead and process planning;
– cow behaviour and comfort;
– layout options and housing alternatives;
– planning, building and enjoying our dairy barn;
– isolation, treatment, transition, maternity and handling facilities; and
– building environment and ventilation.
Day 2 – 9:30am:
– robotic milking options;
– manure collection, handling and storage;
– handling feed and water;
– traffic and biosecurity;
– choosing a milking parlour; and
– milking centre design.
Cost for the two-day course is $225 + HST. 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.
Schedule of noxious weeds changes
Effective Jan. 1, the following nine weeds were added to the schedule of noxious weeds (a regulation under the Weed Control Act):
– Common Crupina;
– Jointed Goatgrass;
– Kudzu;
– Serrated Tussock;
– Smooth Bedstraw;
– Tansy Ragwort;
– Wild Chervil;
– Wild Parsnip; and
– Woolly Cupgrass.
The non-native weeds were added to minimize their interference to agriculture.
In addition, effective Jan. 1, the following nine weeds were removed from the schedule:
– Black-seeded Proso Millet;
– Goat’s Beard spp.;
– Johnson Grass;
– Nodding Thistle spp.;
– Russian Thistle;
– Scotch Thistle;
– Tuberous Vetchling;
– Yellow Rocket; and
– Wild Carrot.
The weeds are being removed because they are no longer considered significant threats to agriculture and can be managed through modern management practices. These changes will help support pollinators.
The schedule of noxious weeds identifies weeds that can seriously damage agricultural land, crops and livestock. If these weeds are growing in a location that negatively impacts agriculture or horticulture, then they must be destroyed.
If agricultural or horticultural land is being negatively impacted by noxious weeds, contact the Wellington County Weed Inspector, John Benham at 519-846-3394.
Coming events
– Feb. 25: Dufferin Soil and Crop Association annual seed and feed show and annual meeting at the Amaranth Township Hall, County Road 10 and Line 6 Laurel, 374028 6th Line Amaranth.
For information, contact Jim Irvine at 1-800-265-2284.
