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.
SOIL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Join the OMAFRA Soil Team on Sept. 1 as we delve into the wealth of information at your fingertips from soil maps and aerial photography to field interpretations. Explore the connections between soil health, soil type and management system to develop field specific strategies.
While still featuring soil pits and loads of hands-on, in-field activities, the workshop has been revised to offer new information and opportunities for repeat soil workshop participants.
Subject areas planned include Interpreting Soil Maps; Soil Variability — Where and Why? Soil Biology; Soil Health Diagnostics and Soil Erosion: Managing Runoff. The program will feature both classroom exercises and in-field activities.
Registration deadline is Aug. 24.
For more information contact the Woodstock OMAFRA Resource Centre at 519-537-6621 or the Agricultural Information Contact Centre 1-877-424-1300 ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
ELECTRIC FENCING HELPS MANAGE CATTLE ON PASTURE
A major limiting factor for beef production in Ontario is lack of fencing. With the spread of cash cropping across the province in recent years, perimeter fencing has been removed on many farms. Establishing, or re-establishing fencing is one of the first steps in getting into cattle farming.
Good perimeter fences are necessary for keeping cattle where you want them. Interior fencing, subdividing fields allows for increased pasture management. Perimeter fencing maintains good neighbours and safe cattle.
There are many fencing options available: page wire, barb wire, and electric being three common types in Ontario. We also have a fact sheet that compares five types of fence and their costs, Farm Fencing Systems – http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/08-035.htm.
Both comparisons indicate that electric fencing is the least expensive and most effective fencing system on the market. It is quicker to build, using less labour and materials. Once properly trained, cattle show respect for the fence, and will usually not bother to challenge the fence. OMAFRA has an excellent fact sheet on different fencing systems. You can compare and choose the one that is best for you. As well, we have developed an interactive calculator, where you can put in the cost of fencing in your area. This will give you an accurate cost for your farm for each type of fencing.
But electric fencing will be the least expensive, most effective fence you can put up. It opens up pasture management to a new level that will keep your cattle safe and growing all summer long.
Please visit website for full article – http://bit.ly/2aubNBn.
COMING EVENTS
Aug. 5 to 7 – Drayton Fair, please see website for more information – www.drayton fair.com or call 519-638-5093.
Aug. 12 to 14 – Hanover Fair, please see website for more information – hanover fair.ca or call 519-364-4443.
Aug. 12 – Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative Inc. Topics include What’s the buzz about Hay Dryers? Who are the OHFC and what are they up to? 161 Hawkesville Road, St. Jacobs. For more information and to register, please visit website – www.ontariohay.ca or call 1 877-892-8663.
Aug. 18 – Wellington County Plowmen’s Association – Annual Plowing Match. 4584 Wellington County Road 32, Cambridge. Please visit website for more information wellingtonplowmen.com.
Aug. 26 to 27 – Grand River Fair and Exhibition, please see website for more information – www.grandriveragsociety.com or call 519-846-8879.
Aug. 26 to 28 – Markdale Fair, please see website for more information – www.markdalefair.ca.
Aug. 26 to 28 – Palmerston Fair, for more information, please e-mail Angela Schneider – a-schneid@hotmail.com.
Aug. 26 to 28 – Teeswater Fair – for more information, please see website – www.teeswaterfair.org or call 519-357-2365.
