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 4:30pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra.
INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIC PLANNING RESOURCE MANUAL
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs offers a Strategic Planning manual that provides a step-by-step method as well as resources and tools for leading groups through the strategic planning process. Strategic planning is a process that helps groups work towards a desired future by focusing energy and resources on shared goals. It helps groups to assess and adjust strategic direction in response to changing environments.
A strategic plan is the formal document that exists as a result of strategic planning. Groups are guided in their decision making by using their strategic plan to achieve desired goals that align with their mission and vision statements. It also helps to allocate resources (volunteer, staff, monetary, infrastructure, etc.) and prioritizing actions.
The strategic planning process can be divided into the following five stages:
– preparation;
– develop a vision and mission;
– collect and analyze information;
– develop goals and action plans; and
– implement and monitor.
To learn more go to http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/edr/sp/index.html, call 1-877-424-1300 or e-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
OMAFRA PUBLICATIONS
New releases are available in English and French online and in print on ServiceOntario website at https://www.publications.serviceontario.ca/pubont/servlet/ecom/.
– 2016-2017 Guide to Weed Control;
– 2016-2017 Guide to Fruit Production (available in print mid-May);
– Dairy Goat Management Journal; and
– 2016 Field Crop Budgets.
Factsheets:
– Dairy Housing: Positive Pressure Air Tube Ventilation for Calf Housing (15-009 EN and 15-010 FR);
– Dairy Housing: Lighting Options for Free Stall Housing (15-011 EN and 15-012 FR);
– Dairy Housing: Layout Options (15-015 EN and 15-016 FR);
– Dairy Housing: Compost Bedding Pack Barns (15-025 EN and 15-026 FR);
– Nutrient Management Act, 2002: Understanding and Resolving Nutrient Management Concerns and Complaints (15-037 EN and 15-038 FR);
– Anaerobic Digestion Basics (15-031 EN and 15-032 FR);
– Fence-Line and TMR Feeding Systems for Beef Cows (15-007 EN and 15-008 FR);
– Lowering Stress in Transported Goats (15-013 EN and 15-014 FR);
– Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture (15-023 EN and 15-024 FR);
– Programs and Services Factsheet (15-027 EN and 15-028 FR); and
– Canada Pension Plan (15-029 EN and 15-030 FR).
