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
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
by John C. Benham
If you are one of the farmers, that do not have an up to date Environmental Farm Plan now is the time to do it, before the busy season starts again.
Monday, March 19 is the first day of the two day EFP workshop. It will be completed one week later on Monday, March 26th. It will be held in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room 10am to pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. No costs. Completing your plan will make you more aware of some environmental improvements you could make with generous financial assistance when the new Cost Share program is announced later this year. For more information and to sign up call John at 519-846-3394 or sign up on line at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops.
GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS
by John C. Benham
The Growing Your Farm Profits workshop and book helps farmers to identify where their farm is at, the areas that are doing well and the areas that need to improve and when improved will improve the financial success of the business.
Areas that are discussed include production, marketing, financial management, your business structure, your business goals and your personnel responsibilities. You are not requested to discuss any details of your farm business unless you wish. The book is similar to the EFP workbook in that you rate your self and come up with an action plan. What you put down in your book is for your eyes only. The workshop leader, Liz Samis is available to help you with your action plan and requesting cost share if you wish.
The next GYFP workshop will be held on Friday, March 23 in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room at 9:30am to 3pm and will be completed Friday, March 30th. Lunch and refreshments provided. No costs to you. I hope to see you there.
For more information and to sign up, call Liz at 519-638-3268 or John at 519-846-0941. You can sign up online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops.
ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN – WATERLOO
Dates: Monday, March 19 and Thursday, March 22
Place: Linwood Community Centre, Linwood. Times: 9:30am to 3pm.
Lunch: Bring your own or buy it from the Linwood Corner Store at noon. To register: Online at http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs/workshop_calendar.htm or call Franklin Kains at 519-742-4591.
CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE – Ontariofresh.ca
Ontariofresh.ca is now live! Join more than 1,000 registered users to grow your business and build your networks using this free, dynamic, online, business-to-business marketplace for Ontario food. Ontariofresh.ca is a new way to sell more Ontario food to corporate and institutional buyers across the province or in your own backyard. From single chefs or caterers to hospitals, universities, and major distributors, reach out and build connections with new business partners.
For more information visit www.Ontariofresh.ca, email info@ontariofresh.ca or give them a call at 416-960-0001 x310 or x315. You can also call their toll-free help line at 1-888-249-9399.
SMALL CHANGES NOW, MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE LATER ON
by Colleen Haskins, OMAFRA
Are you usually swamped during the production season finding it difficult to get some of the smaller tasks completed in the barn, storage or packing facility? Well, now is the time to do those things that need to get done. Things such as changing the weather stripping around doors and windows, sealing any holes that lead to the outside and installing protective light coverings or shatterproof bulbs, are examples of small changes that will make a big difference later on, especially if you’re thinking of implementing a food safety program at your farm.
For more ideas on other changes you can make to help increase food safety on your farm, visit our website at www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices or call us at 1-877-424-1300. Food Safety Question? Ask us.
COMING EVENTS:
Mar. 19 – Grower Pesticide Safety Course in Elmira at 8:45am. To register, phone Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
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 at 9:30am. 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 6pm; social: 7pm. 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. 28 – 29 – London Swine Conference – London Convention Centre. Contact – Linda Dillon at 519-482-3333, or Email – linda.dillon@ontario.ca or check the website – www.londonswineconference.ca.
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.
