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
IT’S COLT’S-FOOT TIME AGAIN!
by John C. Benham, Weed Inspector
Now that the snow is gone – beware those bright yellow flowers are appearing now! Many times they are confused with dandelions. Remember the dandelion has a smooth flower stem and the Colt’s-Foot flower stem has scales. Very few leaves will be present at flowering time. Make note of the location so it can be destroyed later in the season. Do whatever is necessary to eliminate the flower heads before they set seed.
I am told each flower head will contain about 3,500 seeds similar in structure to a dandelion. They are distributed far and wide by the wind. If the seed lands on bare soil it will establish itself and become extremely competitive smothering out all competing crops with its dense canopy of leaves. Its underground creeping root system rapidly expands the patch.
I have seen Colt’s-Foot leaves up to 14” across appear in late June to early July that are very effective in smothering all the neighbouring plants. Roundup is most effective in controlling this noxious weed when applied in late July and August when the plant is storing root reserves for next year. Check the patch later since often there will be leaves under the canopy that do not receive the spray. After all the living plants are destroyed recheck the spot since it is an inviting spot for new seedlings.
Keep in mind that Colt’s-foot is a noxious weed under the Weed Act and must be destroyed. Be sure to meet the requirements of the Cosmetic Pesticide Act. I can assure you that if you choose to ignore this plant, it will never diminish or leave on its own accord. Check out those early yellow flowers and take appropriate action!
FNA & OFA SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
from AgriLink
Farmers of North America (FNA) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) announced the formation of a new partnership that will strengthen the value both organizations provide farmers in Ontario. FNA’s national farmers’ business alliance joins the list of 12 companies and organizations that are part of the OFA member benefits partner program offering enhanced value and savings to members. The partnership was announced at the Western Fair Farm Show in London, Ontario.
With more than 10,000 members across Canada, FNA leverages the strength of its farmers’ business alliance to provide lower cost inputs and improve farm profitability and empower farmers. FNA’s mandate complements the valuable work that OFA does in policy and regulation for farmers in Ontario. The new partnership is designed to increase and strengthen both organizations – two important sources of farmer empowerment.
Members of OFA will receive a significant discount on the price of a membership in FNA which allows them to access the programs and services FNA farmers’ business alliance provides. FNA recognizes that the OFA represents farmers in the province, and when those farmers are active in their farm organizations, their voice is stronger. At the same time, when farmers work together through a business alliance like FNA, they are able to influence prices for products in their favour. Each provide their own unique source of farmer empowerment, yet both share the identical objective of improving the profitability of farmers and improving the environment within which farmers operate.
OMAFRA CAN HELP DEVELOP YOUR FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM
If you need guidance or the tools to help develop your food safety program, OMAFRA is here to help. At low or no cost, you’ll be able to:
• discuss your specific food safety questions one-on-one with a Food Safety Advisor, either by phone or in person
• get employee training materials, including a DVD on Personnel Practices
• have access to posters (available in English/Spanish or French/Spanish) showing proper hand-washing and product handling techniques
• get MS Word versions of customizable Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) policies, procedures, and records
• have access to example HACCP plans, and MS Word versions of the HACCP plan forms.
Call 1-877-424-1300 or email advantage@ontario.ca for help.
COMING EVENTS:
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.
Mar. 31 – Grower Pesticide Safety Course at 8:45 a.m. and Separate Exam at 2:45 p.m. in Orangeville. To register, phone the Ontario Pesticide Education Program at 1-800-652-8573.
Apr. 3 – Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly Board meeting at OMAFRA Boardroom, Elora. For information, contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@golden.net.
Apr. 4-5 – Drayton Farm Show, PMD Arena Complex, Drayton. The website is: www.draytonkinsmen.ca.
Apr. 4 – 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).
Apr. 5 – Waterloo Federation of Agriculture, monthly Board meeting will be held at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. For information, contact Richard Cressman at: 519-662-2790 or email: rcresman@sentex.net.
Apr. 11-12 – Poultry Industry Show – Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London. For more details visit: http://www.westernfair.com/shows/poultry.html.
Apr. 16 – A Taste of Woolwich at Breslau Mennonite Church, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Come see (and taste for free) the best of the Township. Contact: Carol 519-883-2004 ext. 5336 or Barb 519-669-3961.
Apr. 18 – Ontario Forage Masters 2012, registration deadline to: Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, 1 Stone Road W., Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2. For information, phone 1-800-265-9751 or sent your application by fax to: 519-826-4224.
