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
HAPPY HEALTHY HORSES EQUINE EDUCATION COMES TO ERIN
This spring, horse owners can take part in “Happy Healthy Horses”: A four part horse education series. Tuesday, March 22 and 29, April 5 and 12, 7pm – 9pm hosted by Stewart’s Equipment (Brisbane) and Equine Erin.
This course is designed for the existing horse owner, small operator or stable manager. Learn from the professionals on how to better manage your horses, farm or stable. Save time, money and heartache by learning more about your equine friend.
Happy Healthy Horses Course Schedule and Instructor Information:
• Tuesday, March 22 – Healthy Horses Save You Money: Pasture and Manure Management, How to access Grant Money, presented by, Enviro-Agri Specialist, Mark Eastman, CVCA (Healthy Horses Program) M.Scn., P.Ag. and Certified Crop Advisor, Neil Millson Woodrill Ltd. (Seed Company).
• Tuesday, March 29 – When To Call The Vet: Colic, Injury, Vaccines, Teeth and Prevention, presented by Dr. Brianne Henderson, D.V.M., Equine Guelph/University of Guelph.
• Tuesday, April 5 – Nutrition: They Are What They Eat –Hay, Pasturing and Supplements, presented by Alf Budweth, B.Sc., Agr. and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Budson Farm & Feed Co.
• Tuesday, April 12 – Build Right, Buy Right – Save Money and Time: Equine Fencing and Equipment, presented by McArthur’s Fencing & Stewart’s Equipment.
The program will take place at Stewart’s Equipment, Brisbane, ON (Trafalger Rd. and Hwy. 124). Early bird registration: $99, after March 5th: $120/course, $35/night, HST included. Price includes: Course materials, refreshments and door prizes. For more information, call Bridget Ryan at 519-855-4562, or check the website: www.equineerin.com, or email EquineErin@gmail.com. All course participants will qualify for a chance to win a Free Equine Guelph On-Line Course – $500 value. For more information on continuing education at the University of Guelph/Equine Guelph, check the website: http://www.equineguelph.ca.
SOUTHWEST ONTARIO LOCAL FOOD CONNECTION: FARMER / FOOD BUYER NETWORKING EVENT
Tuesday, March 29 – Western Fair Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market, Confederation Bldg., 900 King Street, London – 12pm to 5pm.
Join Southwest Ontario Local Food Connection as we present the 3rd annual Farmer/Food Buyer Networking Event. This event provides the opportunity for cooks and chefs, food retailers, food service, institutional food providers, food processors and food distributors to meet and develop business relationships with local farmers and producers.
Agenda: 10:30am – Exhibitor Setup; 11:30am – Complimentary lunch, featuring local ingredients, will be offered to exhibitors; 12pm – Welcome and Opening Remarks; 12:10pm – Open Business Networking Forum; 2:50pm – Networking Forum Ends; 3pm – Educational Seminars for farmers and food buyers (30 minute sessions); 5pm – Conclusion.
Please Note: Space is limited, therefore, availability will be on a first come first served basis. Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 22. To register contact: Karen Eatwell – National Farmers Union. Email: kareneatwell@execulink.com / Tel: 519-232-9638 or 1-800-832-9638 or check website: www.southwestontariolocalfoodconnection.ca/farmer_buyer_networking.html.
“TASTE IT” GALA
Tuesday, March 29 – Western Fair Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market, Confederation Bldg., 900 King Street, London – 5pm to 9pm.
Come out and enjoy this wonderful culinary event showcasing farmers and chefs to stimulate your tastebuds. “A celebration of Local Food not to be missed!” Cost: $20 per person includes 5 complimentary tasting tickets. Further information: www.southwestontariolocalfoodconnection.ca, info@localfoodconnection.ca; 519-438-5942.
COMING EVENTS:
Mar. 8 Getting Started in Aquaculture, Alma Aquaculture Research Station, University of Guelph. Full-day workshop: key requirements of initiating/operating a fish farm. Pre-registration and further information: http://www.aps.uoguelph.ca/aquacentre/aquacentre/workshops.html or email: aquacntr@uoguelph.ca or phone 519-824-4120 ext 52689.
Mar. 9 – 10 Profitable Pastures “Maximizing Pasture Profits from Another Perspective”, Elmwood and Stirling. Keynote speaker Todd Wallace, Manitoba. Pre-registration required, $35 includes hot roast beef dinner. Call 519-986-1484/877-892-8663, registration deadline: March 4.
Mar. 9 – 11 Western Fair Farm Show, Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London. Information at 1-800-619-4629/519-438-7203;www.westernfair.com/shows/farm.html.
Mar. 16 Soil Test Clinic, Markdale with Peter Johnson, 9:30pm – 12pm. Bring your questions and your soil tests. Pre-registration is required. Call Ray Robertson, 519-986-3756.
Mar. 16 Soil Test Clinic, Listowel with Peter Johnson, 1:30pm – 4:30pm. Pre-registration is required – please call Cathy Dibble at 519-463-9737.
Mar. 17 Harmony Organic: Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road, Stratford, 10am – 4pm, presents Dr. Temple Grandin “Creating the Best Life for our Animals” and speaker – Hubert J. Karreman V.M.D. Advanced registration required; $40.00 includes organic buffet lunch. For information, call Sue 519-291-9733 or email: sue@harmonyorganic.ca.
Apr. 2 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. For more information, phone 1-877-969-0094 or website: www.elmiramaplesyrup.com.
