A weekly press release prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. If you require further information, regarding this press release, please call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www.omafra.gov.on.ca
NEW COMPACTION REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY
AgriBrink has developed an automatic air inflation-deflation system for liquid manure tanks. Tanker tires deflate in 30 seconds on the go while entering the field and can be quickly inflated on the go before refilling. This technology is now available for producers to purchase kits. Come and see AgriBrink at the Drayton Farm Show, Booth 79. Demonstrations will be ongoing at the show. AgriBrink plans on releasing kits for balers and sprayers later this year. Visit the website at: www.AgriBrink.com.
GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS
by John C. Benham
The two GYFP workshops in March are full to capacity so now we have several people signed up for the next one on Friday, June 17 to be completed on Friday, June 24. We keep getting good reports on this program.
It is an opportunity for you to look at your farm business, rate it yourself and come up with a plan to help you make improvements. Financial assistance is available to help you carry out these improvements. Such actions as computer training, book keeping instructions, marketing courses, business strategies and succession planning are eligible for financial assistance. As well, you will be assisted in locating a qualified farm advisor to help you review your present financial situation and explore ways to meet your financial goals. To sign up and for answers, call 519-846-3394.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham
We have just completed another full house EFP workshop in Arthur. Several farmers are on the waiting list for the next EFP workshop. The time and place is yet to be determined. To qualify for 2012 EFP financial assistance, a completed Environmental Farm Plan is required. Don’t leave it off or you may regret it on application day, Monday, September 12. To sign up and for answers, call 519-846-3394.
2012 NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
The Canadian Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust is accepting applications for their 2012 program. Applications are due by April 30, and forms can be downloaded from the Nuffield Canada website at http://www.nuffield.ca.
Nuffield Farming Scholarships are awarded to enthusiastic individuals, with a passion for agriculture and a desire to expand your knowledge, pursue new ideas and to share your findings with others. Applicants should be in mid-career, be between the ages of 30 and 45 (although exceptions are made) and must have a minimum of five years agricultural business or farming experience plus the management ability to step away from their current duties. The Scholar must travel for a minimum of ten weeks, with a minimum leg of six consecutive weeks. Scholarships are not for those involved in full-time studies or for the purpose of furthering research projects.
Three scholarships of $15,000 each are available for 2012.
The scholarships are awarded to men and women who are judged to have the greatest potential to create value for themselves, their industries and their communities through the doors which will be opened and the opportunities provided for life-long learning and improvement. The scholarships are awarded on the strength of the applicants’ vision, enthusiasm and determination to pursue their goals.
A Nuffield Farming scholarship is a life changing experience. Scholars receive a ‘golden key’ to the best production, management and marketing systems in every corner of the world. In addition to embracing the ‘world’s best’ in agriculture, scholars gain life-long friends form around the world, and a deep understanding, and global perspective, of the politics, cultures and challenges of world agriculture.
A key part of the scholarship is the opportunity for winners to study a topic of interest to themselves through out their travels. Scholars must complete their project within two years of winning the award and are expected to produce a written report and present their findings at the Nuffield annual general meeting as well as to others in their industries.
Canadian Nuffield Scholars are also required to participate in the Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) where they will meet with scholars from other countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and France to exchange ideas and experiences, and join a network of people who are at the cutting edge of primary industry. The 2012 conference will be held in Europe.
Applications must be received by April 30; forms are available on the Nuffield website www.nuffield.ca.
For more information on Nuffield Canada, visit www.nuffield.ca or for questions about the international element, visit www.nuffieldinternational.org.
COMING EVENTS:
Apr. 1 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elmira. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. To register call Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
Apr. 2 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. For more information, phone 1-877-969-0094 or website: www.elmiramaplesyrup.com.
Apr. 6 & 7 30th Annual Drayton Farm Show, PMD Arena, Drayton. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. For more information, check the website at www.draytonkinsmen.ca.
Apr. 12 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Wellesley. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. and Separate Exam at 3pm. To register, call Ontario Pesticide Education Program: 1-800-652-8573.
Apr. 27 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elora. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. and Separate Exam at 2:30 p.m. To register, call Ontario Pesticide Education Program at 1-800-652-8573.
