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 5pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra.
GROWER PESTICIDE SAFETY CERTIFICATION WITH ONLINE LEARNING
Interested in certifying online? The Grower Pesticide Safety Course is offered online this year:
Feb. 10–16; Mar. 3–9; Mar. 17–23; and Apr. 14-20. The course takes place over five days. You need to participate every day. You need to be competent in the use of a computer, have a high speed connection and be a self-directed learner. What will the course be like? Each day you will need to login to class and be prepared to discuss pesticide topics with your classmates, and complete each day’s learning activities. Before the class starts, view our resources under the “Learning” tab to: view the presentations; read the manual chapters; practice your understanding by completing questions and watch the videos.
You need to prepare for class by learning the information in each chapter. The more you learn before you begin the course, the easier it will be for you to participate and complete the learning activities. You are evaluated on each day’s learning activities and your participation in discussions with your classmates and the instructor.
You must submit each day’s learning activities before noon of that next day. The activities contribute to your overall certification grade for a possible total grade of 100 per cent. You need a grade of 75% or greater to successfully complete the course for certification.
The course is open to you for two weeks so you can view your grades. Computer skills and equipment: It is your responsibility to have access to the technology for accessing the course. You are expected be competent in the use of the internet and know how to use e-mail as you will be navigating and searching the internet, corresponding with other students in your class and using web-based conferencing. The course works best when you use Internet Explorer or Safari. You will need a high speed connection to enroll in this course. For the video conference on Monday at 7:30pm, your computer should be equipped with a microphone, speakers, and a web cam. Call OPEP to register: 1-800-652-8573 or the website: www.opep.ca.
ADD NEW VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS
Learn how to turn your idea into teality. For farmers and rural business owners interested in adding value to their business
New – Exploring value added opportunities. Videos * Workshops * E-Learning.
To start adding value, learn how to: generate ideas, select your best idea, assess your idea’s business potential and turn your idea into reality. For videos, workshops, E-Learning and more go to:
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/diversifyfarmbus/valueadded
Workshops are being planned in different locations throughout Ontario for Winter 2013.
Registration flyers and dates of all scheduled workshops will be posted at: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/diversifyfarmbus/valueadded
Workshops to date: Feb. 26, Clinton OMAFRA Resource Centre; March 5, Lions Club Hall, 554 Main Street, Wyoming; March 7, Cobden Community Centre; March 13, Macaulay Church, Picton.
Webinar Series – Feb. 27 and 28.
A webinar is basically a workshop or seminar offered over the web and teleconferencing for audio.
Why choose the webinar format? If you prefer the convenience of learning from your own home, being able to participate regardless of weather, you have access to a reasonable Internet bandwidth and are comfortable using the Internet – this is an ideal option for you. Take advantage of this facilitated online session to exchange ideas with others as you learn how to turn your idea into reality.
To be notified of upcoming workshops contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or at: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
HEALTHY HAPPY HORSES WORKSHOP TO TAKE PLACE AT LOCAL ERIN FARM
Sponsored by the Credit Valley Conservation and Equine Erin, these workshops include two days of hands-on horse education, and useful equine management skills. Using live horses, these workshops will aid horse owners and stable managers in accessing and dealing with their horse’s health issues before they become a bigger or more costly issue.
Save on Vet bills (know when to call the Vet), by taking part in the Equine Guelph Horse Health Check presented by Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph, University of Guelph on Saturday, Feb. 23 afternoon– clinic uses a live horse.
On Saturday, March 2, learn more about natural horse hoof-care, and barefoot hoof trimming presented by Anne Riddell of Barefoot Horse Canada – a very informative session where Anne demonstrates her technique and presented using live horses.
The cost is $75 (plus HST) for both days and includes a hot lunch, all workshop materials and resources. Registration is limited.
For information or to register, contact Bridget Ryan: 519-855-4562 or email: equineerin@gmail.com.
COMING EVENTS:
Feb. 12 Hog Production and Marketing Tools, Elora OMAFRA Office, 1pm – 4:30pm. Workshop topics: Risk Management Tips & Tools; Putting the GDX to Work and Feeding Heavy Hogs. For information/register, contact Linda Dillon: 519-842-3333 or email: linda.dillon@ontario.ca.
Feb. 13 Grower Pesticide Safety Course at 9am and separate exam 2:45 p.m, Harriston. To register, phone Cargill at 519-338-2015.
Feb. 13 Regional Poultry Producer Update, Mount Forest. Pre-registration cost is $30/person, $35 at the door. Program agenda, venue information and registration details available at: www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca/events/producerupdates.php.
