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.
LOTS TO LEARN AT THE PROGRESSIVE DAIRY OPERATOR’S SYMPOSIUM
Progressive Dairy Operator’s (PDO) are holding their triennial dairy symposium Monday, March 25 to Wednesday March 27 near the Toronto Pearson Airport at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, and all dairy farmers are invited. The symposium’s program includes topics and speakers that will appeal to every progressive producer.
The theme for the conference is making profitable dairy management decisions and key aspects of dairy farming that affect the bottom line will be addressed by experts in a variety of fields. The conference starts with an evening wine and cheese reception on March 25. The speaking program also features something new this year. In addition to the main program, attendees will also be given the opportunity to sign up for two workshops of their choosing. The workshop format will feature smaller groups and more opportunity for questions and discussions.
A highlight of the symposium will be the banquet dinner on March 26. This year’s featured dinner speaker is Mario Pilozzi, former CEO of Walmart Canada, which promises to be a real learning opportunity.
Complete registration, program/accommodation information available from PDO’s website: www.pdo-ontario.ca.
Progressive Dairy Operators is a not for profit organization formed in 2008 after operating informally for more than 20 years as Large Herd Operators (LHO). PDO has approximately 500 members from across Canada, the majority being Ontario dairy farmers. Progressive Dairy Operators is focused on enhancing our dairy industry through dedication to innovation and excellence in dairy business management as well as providing opportunities through leadership, experience and education.
For information contact Carol Anne Pinkney, PDO Secretary/Treasurer 519-846-8756 or capinkney@sentex.ca.
ON FARM FOOD SAFETY: YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE
Proper Sewage Removal is Imperative to on-Farm Food Safety by: Sandra Jones
Proper removal of waste from portable toilets is a very important part of food safety on your farm. As a food safety best practice always take precautionary measures to hygienically remove waste on your farm. Portable toilets are often situated close to production areas and therefore require extra care to avoid contaminating produce or a water source (e.g. irrigation water pond). Another step to minimizing the risk of contamination on your farm is to have a plan in place to address a potential accident.
For more information on how to develop your sewage removal plan contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs by phone 1-877-424-1300 or visit our website at: www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices. Food safety practices keep agri-food businesses competitive, productive and sustainable.
ONTARIOFRESH.CA
Ontariofresh.ca 2.0 is now live on the web! Launched as a beta site in November 2011, Ontariofresh.ca has grown to over 1,200 registered industry professionals. The website serves as a valuable economic tool among food service businesses and food producers to help meet the growing demand for Ontario food. In a survey conducted among Ontariofresh.ca members in early 2012, 20 per cent of respondents had made connections and half of those reported sales resulting directly from the website.
The new, optimized version of Ontariofresh.ca website allows local food buyers and sellers to search for products, announce the availability of seasonal products, and post contract opportunities by using a sophisticated search function. Connecting buyers and sellers of Ontario food, Ontariofresh.ca is a vital tool in finding new business partners to meet the growing demand for local food.
You can register your business’ profile at: www.ontariofresh.ca or by calling 1-888-249-9399.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham
A new Environmental Program has been announced to improve energy efficiency but only in the Greenbelt area. For further information, call John at 519-846-3394 or email: wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org.
COMING EVENTS:
Feb. 26 & 27 Dairy Housing Design Seminar – Free Stall Housing – Woodstock OMAFRA. To register by phone, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or 519-826-4047.
Feb. 27 Grain Drying and Storage Workshop, Grey Ag Services, 206 Toronto St. S., Markdale; 9:00-4:00 pm. Register early: $30 (lunch included). To register, call Ag Business Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown at: 1-866-222-9682.
Feb. 28 Dairy Housing Design Seminar – Calf Housing – Woodstock OMAFRA. To register by phone, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or 519-826-4047.
Mar. 5 Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly board meeting at OMAFRA Elora at 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@golden.net.
Mar. 25-27 Progressive Dairy Operators Triennial Dairy Symposium, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto. For information visit: pdo-ontario.ca or contact Carol Anne Pinkney at 519-846-8756 or email: capinkney@sentex.ca
Mar. 27 Grain Drying and Storage Workshop, Kin Station, 555 Binning St. W., Listowel, 9:00-4:00 p.m. Register early: $30 (lunch included). To register, call Ag Business Centre, Univ. of Guelph, Ridgetown at: 1-866-222-9682.
