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: 8:30 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
“A TIME FOR CHANGE” – 2012 LONDON SWINE CONFERENCE
When: Wednesday, March 28 and Thursday, March 29, 2012
Where: London Convention Centre, 300 York St., London, ON
Registration: Conference fees are $200 for both days, and $135 for a one day registration. The fee includes one copy of the proceedings, continental breakfasts, lunches, evening receptions and all coffee breaks. Registration deadline is March 23rd.
For more information, or to register: visit www.londonswineconference.ca or contact Linda Dillon, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, phone 519-482-3333 or e-mail: linda.dillon@ontario.ca.
FIELD TESTING FOR PATHOGENS WITH A HANDHELD BIOSENSOR
by Don Blakely, OMAFRA
Testing for pathogens has traditionally required taking swabs of equipment and utensils and sending those swabs off for analysis in laboratories. Getting results can take several days and by that time the product may be in the food chain and on consumer’s tables. Ultimately some contaminated products may be consumed before any recall is enacted. This whole scenario is about to change. Researchers at the Michigan State University have recently developed a handheld nanotechnology-based bio-sensor that can detect pathogen threats such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. Instead of waiting days for results this new device can give results in as little as one hour. If this new device gets widespread use there is huge potential for pathogen contaminated reducing produce entering the marketing system, ultimately reducing the number of consumers getting sick from foodborne illness. For additional information: http://www.foodqualityNews.com/Innovation/DNA-nanotech-development-will-move-pathogen-testing-from-lab-to-field-developer.
For additional food safety information on your farm, visit our website at www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices or call us at 1-877-424-1300. Food Safety Question? Ask us.
MEASURING SOCIAL MEDIA AND SMARTPHONE USE IN ONTARIO AGRICULTURE
A team of OMAFRA field staff are leading an OMAFRA/University of Guelph initiative to determine the level of usage of various smartphone and mobile device platforms and communication tools, including social media, in the Ontario agriculture industry. An online survey has just been launched, aimed at those working in agriculture across the province. The questions will focus on whether you are using social media, smartphones, or other internet, media, and print resources in your agricultural business. Agricultural students are also included in the survey.
The online survey is being conducted by Ipsos Reid. The project team hopes to get participation from a wide range of people across the industry – and from those who get their information from a wide variety of sources, not just those with smartphones and social media accounts. The existing ways of sharing information aren’t being thrown out just because we have some new tools, but with so many options out there, it’s a good time to ask people how they want to get their information.
The online survey is found at: http://www.ipsosresearch.com/omafra. It should take less than ten minutes to complete.
Results will be available early in April. The data will help agricultural organizations and businesses make decisions on where to focus their efforts in the fast-changing landscape of mobile tools and online communication.
This project is funded by Agri-Food and Rural Link, the Knowledge Translation and Transfer program under the OMAFRA-University of Guelph Partnership.
COMING EVENTS:
Mar. 6-Dairy Housing Design Seminars – Tie Stall Housing – 9:30 a.m. at Milverton Recreation Complex, 40 Temperance Street, Milverton. To register by phone, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at: 1-877-424-1300 or email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
Mar. 7- National Farmers Union Waterloo-Wellington Local, monthly board meeting at 7:15 p.m. at the Husky Farm Equipment, Alma. (They meet every first Wednesday of the month).
Mar. 7 – 9- Western Fair Farm Show, Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London, ON. Watch for details at http://www.westernfair.com/shows/farm.html.
Mar. 8 – Dairy Housing Design Seminar – Calf Housing – Stratford Arden Park Hotel, 552 Ontario Street at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $95 + 13% HST = $107.35. For more information or to register, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
Mar. 19&20 Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic, London Convention Centre, Hilton. For more information, watch the GFO website at: http://www.gfo.ca/.
Mar. 21 & 22 – Dairy Housing Design Seminar – Free Stall Housing – OMAFRA Resource Centre, 401 Lakeview Drive, Woodstock, 9:30 a.m. Cost is $190 + 13% HST = $214.70. For more information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
Mar. 23 – National Farmers Union – Annual Sustainable Farming Awards and Dinner, at the Elora Legion at 6:00 p.m.; social: 7:00 p.m. Dinner by the Food School and Speaker: Anita Stewart. Tickets are $20 each and to order, contact John Sutherland 519-855-4651.
Mar. 23-25- 4-H Ontario Conference and Annual Meeting, Waterloo Inn and Conference Hotel, Waterloo. Check details at: http://www.4-hontario.ca/volunteers/volunteer-opportunities/cam.aspx.
Mar. 31- Elmira Maple Syrup Festival; the world’s largest one-day Maple Syrup Festival. For more information, phone 1-877-969-0094 or website: www.elmiramaplesyrup.com.
