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
GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS
by John C. Benham
The next GYFP workshop will be held in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room on Tuesday, March 29 to be completed on Tuesday, April 5, 9:30am to 3pm. This workshop is close to full so don’t delay in signing up since space is limited.
In the workshop you will be supplied with a workbook similar to the EFP workbook where you are able to rate your farm management and come up with an Action Plan to make improvements. You are then in a position to apply for financial assistance to help carry out your Action Plan. Such actions as computer training, book keeping instruction, 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.
This is an opportunity to explore niche marketing. So call John at 519-846-3394 to sign up for this opportunity.
REMINDER – HAPPY HEALTHY HORSES –EQUINE EDUCATION COMES TO ERIN
This spring, horse owners can take part in “Happy Healthy Horses”: A three part horse education series in progress. Tuesday, March 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 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 5: $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.
CHAINSAW SAFETY TRAINING COURSES
David O’Drowsky, course instructor, began teaching this program on behalf of OATI in 1994 and has provided instruction to over 1000 chainsaw users in Ontario.
The two-day program consists of classroom instruction, workshop maintenance and “hands on” practice in the woodlot. A certificate of training will be provided for all those completing the program.
For more information or to sign up for upcoming courses, please call 519-853-4994. Pre-registration is required.
COMING EVENTS:
Mar. 28 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elmira. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. To register, call Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
Mar. 30 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Guelph. Course starts at 8:45 a.m. and Separate Exam 3:00 p.m. To register, call Woodrill Farms at 519-821-1018.
Mar. 30 and 31 London Swine Conference at the London Convention Centre, London. The registration deadline is March 16th. There is no registration at the door. For more information, check the website at: www.londonswineconference.ca or call Linda Dillon at 519-482-3333 or send an email to: linda.dillon@ontario.ca to register.
Mar. 30 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Linwood. Course starts at 8:45am and separate exam 3pm. To register, call Perth Ag Partners Ltd. 519-595-3833.
Apr. 1 Grower Pesticide Safety Course, Elmira. Course starts at 8:45am. 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 and 7 30th Annual Drayton Farm Show, PMD Arena, Drayton. Doors open at 11am. 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 3:00 p.m. 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.
