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: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
OMAFRA economic development programs and resources
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Regional Economic Development Branch provides economic development services through its regional advisory staff to support agricultural and rural organizations through:
– Integrated delivery of agriculture and rural economic development resources and programs
– Coaching, training and stakeholder facilitation services
– Program implementation through an array of government resources
– Networking to build regional economic development collaboration and best practices
– New program development and research on emerging programs
– Connecting clients to OMAFRA resources that enable economic growth
– Coordination of information, resources, tool and programs to a number of client groups including: rural municipalities; regional economic development organizations; Ontario chambers of commerce; business improvement area associations; rural businesses; innovative agricultural producers; regional stakeholder groups/local committees; and other ministries.
For more information on OMAFRA’s economic development programs and services contact your local REDB advisor http://ontario.ca/bglf or visit http://ontario.ca/b83f
It’s colt’s-foot time again! – by John C. Benham, Weed Inspector, Wellington County
Now that the snow is gone – beware, those bright yellow flowers are appearing now! Many times they are confused with dandelions. Remember the dandelion has a smooth flower stem and the Colt’s-Foot flower stem has scales. Very few leaves will be present at flowering time. Make note of the location so it can be destroyed later in the season. Do whatever is necessary to eliminate the flower heads before they set seed.
I am told each flower head will contain about 3,500 seeds, similar in structure to a dandelion. They are distributed far and wide by the wind. If the seed lands on bare soil it will establish itself and become extremely competitive, smothering out all competing crops with its dense canopy of leaves. Its underground creeping root system rapidly expands the patch.
I have seen Colt’s-Foot leaves up to 14” across appear in late June to early July that are very effective in smothering all the neighbouring plants. Glyphosate is most effective in controlling this noxious weed when applied in late July and August when the plant is storing root reserves for next year. Check the patch later since often there will be leaves under the canopy that do not receive the spray. Later, when all the living plants are destroyed recheck the spot since it is an inviting spot for new seedlings. It will likely require several years to eliminate an established patch.
Keep in mind that Colt’s-foot is a noxious weed under the Weed Act and must be destroyed. Be sure to meet the requirements of the Cosmetic Pesticide Act. I can assure you that if you choose to ignore this plant, it will never diminish or leave on its own accord. Check out those early yellow flowers and take appropriate action! If you have questions, call John Benham at 519-846-3394.
Growing forward 2:
What’s new!
Growing Forward 2 (GF2) offers cost-share funding assistance, free workshops and training for Ontario producers, processors, organizations and collaborations.
What’s New for GF2?
This year we’ve made it easier for clients to put together a good project application by making the following changes to the program:
– Priorities are clearly identified in the program guides
– All projects will be assessed on merit
– Cost-share funding will be capped depending on the project category
– Some project categories have prerequisites as a required condition before clients can apply
– Approval of your project is needed before costs can be incurred and paid
New Dates for GF2
GF2 cost-share funding assistance application intakes for producers and processors are:
– May 1 to 21
– Aug. 10 to 27
– Nov. 16 to Dec. 3
For more information visit www.ontario.ca/growingforward2
Coming events:
May 8 Grower Pesticide Course, OMAFRA Boardroom, Elora. To register, call the Ontario Pesticide Education Program at: 1-800-652-8573 or visit website at: www.opep.ca or email: opep@opep.ca.
