Omemee Pigeon eFlyer: Farm News

Showing posts with label Farm News. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

#Farm News : Free Crop Cover Tour Changes Thursday Oct 30!

Cover Crop Tour and Open House Location Change Announced

Thursday, 30th October 2014 A free Lunch and crop cover tour will be held in the University of Guelph area.

Kawartha Lakes Farms Welcome Guyanese Agricultural Ministers!

Guyanese Agriculture Ministers Lead Successful Kawartha Lakes Mission !

September 30, 2014 - KAWARTHA LAKES – Kawartha Lakes Economic Development Department along with several agriculture partners welcomed Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy recently during a ministerial mission from the South American nation.

Submit Agri-Food Innovation Applications Now!

Help Recognize Agri-Food Innovators!

Each year, outstanding innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario's agri-food sector.are recognized. Agri-food related innovators recognized include: producers, processors and organizations. Do you know an agri-food innovator? Encourage them to submit their application today!

Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Award Objectives

The objectives of the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence are to:

recognize and encourage innovators in the agri-food sector
foster innovation in the agri-food sector that has an effect at the farm level
raise awareness about the importance of
agri-food innovation and its impact on the Ontario economy

Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Award Examples

Examples of innovation areas include but are not limited to:

improved business practices
response to consumer demands (e.g. new product development, value added, marketing, strategic alliances, local food)
environmental stewardship
energy and bio-economy
health and safety
food safety and traceability
education and marketing of the agriculture and food industry to society

Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Award Deadline

The Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program is accepting applications until Friday, January 18, 2013.
Eligible applicants could receive one of

a Premier's Award ($75,000)

a Minister's Award ($50,000)

three Leaders in Innovation Awards ($25,000 each)

45 provincial awards ($5,000 each )

Submit your application postmarked no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013 to:

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor SW
Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
Attn: Premier's Award

Application information
On-line at: www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation
E-mail: premiersagrifoodinnovationaward@ontario.ca
Fax: 519-826-3442

For more information, contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Potato Farmers Gain Drought Battling Innovative Assistance!

New Website Brings Potato Growers High-End Irrigation!

Dry weather plagued farmers this summer,but a new website offers a new innovative solution.
The new Weather Innovations Inc. Innovation could help farmers irrigate more effectively during drought. Here is the news release out of Chatham. New technology is being evaluated that may help potato farmers currently dealing with near-record droughts irrigate in ways that are more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods. With the province's potato-growing industry contributing $100 million annually to the economy, the stakes are high when water is in short supply, and while potatoes can survive a drought, yields will suffer if the dry conditions persist.

Today's Spraycast for Omemee Image Spraycast

Nearly all of southern Ontario is at least 20 per cent below normal rain amounts, says Rory Sweeting of Chatham-based Weather Innovations Incorporated (WIN).

'It's not just that the overall totals are dreadful' Sweeting says, 'but that the times between rains have been very long, and most were short, heavy downpours that were very geographically isolated. Having gone weeks and weeks without rain, working as hard as they can to draw every last bit of moisture from the soil, some crops are on the verge of giving up.'

To assist growers in becoming more efficient, economical and sustainable in their water usage, WIN and the Ontario Potato Board aka OPB have launched a research project to evaluate the innovative integration of remote environmental sensing, mathematical modelling, crop production science and interactive online technologies through a new website, www.ONpotatoes.ca. The site provides near-real-time decision support tools that can tell farmers when they need to turn the taps on.
According to the Ontario Potato Board, more than half of the province's potato farms employ some level of irrigation.

'In the past, timing irrigation events perfectly to get the maximum effect, using the least amount of water, was very challenging. Today, however, new technologies are available to take the guesswork out of decision-making,' Sweeting says.

Making Data Dance

Using automated monitoring equipment installed at a test farm in Simcoe County, WIN is keeping a constant eye on both weather conditions (rainfall, temperature, wind) and the soil moisture at five depths in the potato field. Wireless cellular units transmit the recorded data back to WIN's computers, where it's analyzed and transformed into user-friendly online advisories in the forms of easy-to-read maps and graphs.

'We like to say we make the data dance,' Sweeting explains. "By turning the numbers into pictures, we can very quickly show growers how much rain has fallen, the amount of moisture the plants are using, how much is evaporating due to the weather and how much is left in the soil on a site-specific basis.'

Having all these pieces of information available quickly allows farmers to take proactive irrigation measures rather than reactive ones. By quickly consulting the site, the grower can immediately decide if a pivot in a particular field needs to be activated, as well as how long to run the water.
The tools at www.ONpotatoes.ca also impart other useful information. The 5-level soil moisture readings, for instance, are reported on a stacked graph that mirrors the sensor depths in the field. The fluctuations in the graph's lines show where the water is and at what depth the plants are working to use it.
"The grower can see how far into the soil an irrigation or rainfall event penetrates, and if it's made a useful difference in the available moisture," Sweeting says.
Eugenia Banks, a potato specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), has been talking to growers about the new website and she's already had a lot of positive feedback on how helpful the tools are.

'Growers can find very useful information such as evapotranspiration values for different production areas of the province,' Banks says. 'Scheduling irrigation is a best management practice that should enhance the sustainable crop production practices followed by provincial growers.'

Potato farmers Ontario-wide are encouraged to visit the website, see how the tools work and provide their feedback. One objective of the project is to help educate growers on the technology that's available to simplify their everyday operations.
"The goal of this particular project is to maximize the use of water in irrigation," says OPB General Manager Don Brubacher. "We want to make producers aware of the results of this project through grower meetings and other venues and encourage growers to adopt this technology."
Anyone interested in seeing the farm site installations in person is invited to attend a demonstration day on August 16. Visit www.ONpotatoes.ca for more information.
This project was funded in part through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

Ten Young Entrepreneurs Cruise Celebrating Success!

Local young entrepreneurs celebrate Summer Company Successes!

Another summer is flying by as KLSBEC and ten student entrepreneurs get ready to celebrate Summer Company 2012. This summer has been quite an education for our community's newest student business owner/operators. Each successful Summer Company student has learned how to research and write a business plan, market their products and services, meet the needs of their customers, as well as look after all their bookkeeping. In celebration of all the students' hard work and business success, Summer Company students enjoyed an afternoon of fun and relaxation aboard the Kawartha Spirit on Wednesday, August 22^nd to wrap up their summer experience in style. It may be the end of Summer Company 2012 but many students still plan to carry-on their businesses next summer or on a part time basis while in school.

Nathan Jetten at Omemee Farmer's Market July 2 Image Nathan Jetten at Omemee Farmers Market

"'We have been facilitating the Summer Company Program in the City of Kawartha Lakes since 2003 through the KLSBEC.'shared Diane Steven, Manager KLSBEC,adding 'We are very proud to have assisted 83 students start and operate Summer Company businesses since that time,'

This year our Summer Company businesses included: Safe and Sound Pet Sitting - providing care for their pets and homes while owners are away; Nathan's Market,- locally grown pesticide free vegetables; Kawartha Lakes Support Services –communication, literacy & social skills training to adults and children with special needs or cognitive delays; KM Equestrian Training – horse training, and horseback riding lessons; Keg's Contracting – construction, repair & installation of floats docks, decks & stairs and landscaping ; AFK Productions – development and sales of iOS applications for iPhone, iPad & iPod; Lake Boys – watercraft operated junk removal, odd jobs, water taxi & cottage concierge services; River's Cool Treats – offering Breyer's frozen treats from her mobile cart; Keifer's Lawn Care – lawn cutting, hedge trimming, gardening and property clean up; Farm Girl Fitness – personal and group training for all ages and fitness levels, outdoor boot camps, and Zumba classes.

Congratulations to the ten local entrepreneurs!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Nathan's Farm Market Offers Delicious New Crops!

New rural roots! Fresh new crop potatoes,beets,rutabagas,and beans, are just a few of the delicious farm fresh crops waiting for you at Jetten Farm. Nathan Jetten stopped into Omemee Welcome Centre with his delicious farm fresh pesticide-free produce and bunnies on Friday.

Nathan Jetten, I.E. Weldon student,is running his Summer Company -Nathan's Market. Lucky visitors to Omemee Welcome Centre on Friday afternoon,were able to sign up for Nathan's monthly Farm Fresh giveaway.

Find out more about Nathan's Market here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

2012 XPO Welcomes Organic Produce Exhibitors !

Many Omemee area farmers practice eco-friendly farming,using organic principles.Canada's 2012 Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change features an organic category to educate both organic, and non-organic producers on the size and scope of the sector, and the exceptional products and services offered to support on-farm organic activities.

Date: July 12 -14, 2012
Location: St. Williams, Ontario
This year the Canada's Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change will feature an organic category to educate both organic and non-organic producers on the size and scope of the sector, and the exceptional products and services offered to support on-farm organic activities.

The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) and National Farmers Union (NFU) are supporting partners for the event and will be onsite to provide guidance to both existing and new organic producers.

Willsie Equipment will provide live demonstrations of their organic tillers and Underhill Farm Supply will exhibit a plot of radish root to showcase the application of natural soil aeration and organic matter regeneration.

A "Meet the Buyers - Broker Brunch" will take place on opening day, with a chance to meet organic buyers such as Whole Foods Market. Immediately following, the Organic Council of Ontario will be holding an informal seminar on farm transition to certified organic.

For more information please visit the website www.fruitvegtechxchange.com/organic

If you are in our rural area,and plan on attending this event, Omemee Pigeon eFlyer wants to hear from you! Drop us a comment, or email http://scr.im/Omemee

Friday, May 25, 2012

Want Local Produce? Visit Omemee Farm Market!

Omemee Farm Market Welcomes You!

Omemee Farm Market Evening arrives Fridays at Omemee Legion. Omemee Area farmers are welcome to set up behind Omemee Legion each Friday From 1-6pm. Come check out the local produce from our local farmers!
Watch for updates to this post later this evening when we drop in on the friendly folks at Omemee Farm Market behind Omemee Legion 46 King Street East Omemee.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Ontario Farmers Gain New BioAmber Markets!

New BioAmber Plant Will Utilize 20K Grain Acres Yearly!

Ontario Federation of Agriculture is pleased with BioAmber's announcement to proceed with the construction of a world class bio-processing plant in Sarnia, Ontario. BioAmber will source Sarnia area feedstock including corn and wheat beginning in 2013 to produce bio-succinic acid, used in food and beverages, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

“This is wonderful news for the local economy,” says Mark Wales, OFA President. “In addition to the jobs that will be created, local sourcing of feedstock enhances transportation logistics and reduces costs.”

Once BioAmber is running at full production, it will create a new opportunity for the marketing of corn and wheat for Ontario farmers. The company’s initial grain requirement is equivalent to 15,000 to 20,000 acres of production per year. The green chemistry involved in BioAmber’s processes will also support the manufacturing of other products in the Sarnia industrial complex, making the complex a more robust offering overall.

“Ontario farmers have proven their ability to produce high quality crops in a sustainable manner,” says Wales. “Farmers are committed to programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan, and we are proud to see our environmental efforts carry through the value chain.”

This initiative supports Ontario producers’ efforts to find new markets for biomass crops for energy, bio-products or bio-processing. Since 2010, OFA has been examining opportunities to enhance biomass value chain initiatives based on funding received under the “Generate Energy for Ontario by Developing an Innovative Agricultural Biomass Value Chain Sector” project. Investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Strong Canadian Dollar May Harm Ontario Farmers!

Higher Canadian Dollar May Decrease Canadian Exports!

OMAFRA Business Finance Program Lead, Jennifer Stevenson, outlined several reasons the rosy outlook for the Canadian Dollar may cause financial problems for Ontario farmers. According to Stevenson, if US and Canadian dollars appreciate relative to other currencies, it could make our grains and oilseeds more expensive. So what are farmers to do?
'Producers may consider starting to lock in prices opportunistically sooner, rather than later.' advises Stevenson. What do you think? Here is Today's Marketview.

OMAFRA Marketview

Global markets are trading higher this morning as US jobless claims numbers (27,000 fewer Americans filing for unemployment last week rather than an expected increase of 14,000).

The Canadian dollar is trading higher at 1.017, on speculation that North American economies will outpace all other western nations.

Crops:
There are rumours that China is on a buying spree, according to Bloomberg Financial. The USDA daily export report shows that “unknown nations” – widely acknowledged as being code for China - purchased 204,000 tonnes of new crop soybeans and 130,000 tonnes of new crop corn late yesterday.
This may help provide upward momentum to new crop grains and oilseed futures prices, which saw a downturn yesterday because of rumoured increased margin requirements by the Chicago Board of Trade as well as speculative money leaving the commodity sector as the US federal Reserve’s most recent round of quantitative easing is due to expire next month.
Wheat prices are trading higher this morning. Despite potential for the best yields in nine years, potential drought conditions in the US wheat growing areas persist, according to Reuters.

Livestock:
Reuters is reporting that hog prices fell to contract lows yesterday on sluggish demand before May 28 - US Memorial day (when demand is typically high). Also being cited for lower prices in the beef and hog sector are lower grain prices yesterday, as it was viewed as a lowering of feed cost.

Bottom Line for Ontario Farmers:

Given the overall economic climate of North America vs the rest of the world’s grain and oilseed nations in the western world, the risk is that the US and Canadian dollars will appreciate relative to other currencies, making our grains and oilseeds more expensive. Producers may consider starting to lock in prices opportunistically sooner, rather than later.

Disclaimer: This commentary is provided for information only and is not intended as advice.

Jennifer Stevenson
Business Finance Program Lead
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs
519-826-4350
jennifer.stevenson@ontario.ca

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Farmer Under Forty? Devolin Lauds New Loans!

MP Barry Devolin, Conservative Party highlighted Farm Credit Canada Young Farmer Loan announced recently by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Farm Credit Canada President and CEO Greg Stewart, on his website.

OTTAWA – Local MP Barry Devolin is pleased that young and beginning farmers will find it easier to start and grow their farm businesses with the help of a new $500 million loan program announced by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) President and CEO Greg Stewart.

“Agriculture is a key driver of jobs and economic growth not only across Canada but here in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock,” said Devolin. “As such, young farmers are vital to the long-term prosperity of the agriculture industry.”

This new loan offers qualified producers who are under 40 years of age loans of up to $500,000 to purchase or improve farmland and buildings. Producers between the ages of 18 and 39 make up approximately 16 per cent of Canadian producers, according to the 2006 Census.

The FCC Young Farmer Loan includes features and options that address this demographic, and support their long-term success. These include:

• variable rates at prime plus 0.5% and special fixed rates
• no loan processing fees

“Encouraging young farmers to invest wisely and contribute to a prosperous, modern sector is not only good for agriculture but good for Canada,” said Devolin. “The Young Farmer Load will allow young producers to borrow with no fees at affordable rates, while helping them build their businesses and develop a solid credit history.”

As Canada’s leading agriculture lender, FCC provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs and other business services to producers, agribusinesses and agri-food operations

For more information on the FCC Young Farmer Loan, visit www.fcc.ca/youngfarmerloan>

About Farm Credit Canada: As Canada’s leading agriculture lender, FCC is advancing the business of agriculture. With a healthy portfolio of more than $22 billion and 19 consecutive years of portfolio growth, FCC is strong and stable – committed to serving the industry through all cycles. FCC provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs and other business services to producers, agribusinesses and agri-food operations. FCC employees are passionate about agriculture and committed to the success of customers and the industry. For more information, visit www.fcc.ca.

For more information contact:
Barry Devolin, MP
(705) 324-2440 or (866) 688-9881 or visit MP Barry Devolin's Website: www.barrydevolin.com>

Note: This is a free political announcement. All parties are welcome to submit announcements that correspond with our writer guidelines.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Snow! Crop Protection Strategies!

Unseasonable Weather Threatens Farms

Environment Canada calling for snow over the next two days has area gardeners and farmers keeping a close eye on crops. While smaller farms are shuffling plants into shelter; larger operations and tree fruit growers, need to use other strategies to protect their crops. OMAFRA offers resources to help farmers and gardeners choose crop protection methods that will give the best return on investment.

Frost Crop Protection Strategies

Freeze Protection Methods For Crops includes a variety of methods from passive to active. Andrew Bootsma - Agrometeorological Resources Specialist/Agriculture Canada; and D. Murray Brown - Department of Land Resources Science/University of Guelph compiled a comprehensive list of strategies that farmers can employ in protecting their crops. Passive strategies such as site selection and crop management are employed in advance of problems. Whereas active strategies are what farmers and gardeners are scrambling with at this moment- when frost is imminent.
Active strategies can be quite costly. Therefore, Bootsma and Brown advise taking a number of factors into consideration when choosing an active strategy.

In order to determine if it is economical to invest in the equipment, materials and labor for active freeze protection many factors must be considered. These include the degree of risk, the likely duration and severity of frosts, value of the crop, and effectiveness of the method to be used.

Some of the active methods discussed in their report include:
• Covering
• Fog or Smoke
• Sprinkling
• Heating
• Wind Machines

New Tree Fruit Crop Protection Tables

Tables given in the March OMAFRA Hort Matters newsletter may help farmers in deciding fruit protection strategies.

'Where buds and bloom are present, watch the weather conditions and forecast for frost.' Kathryn Carter, Tender Fruit & Grape Specialist cautions, adding 'There is considerable variability in susceptibility to freezing between orchards, cultivars, crops and stages of development.'

The table on page 4 of the March 2012 Hort Matters newsletter outlines various stages of tree and small fruit bud hardiness temperatures. The table shows average temperatures required to kill 10 percent and 90 percent of buds, and could be a real boon to local farmers. Elsewhere on the OMAFRA website are tables and protection tips pertaining to other food crops such as tomatoes,andstrawberries.

Protecting Crops With Wind

Many tender fruit growers are turning to wind machines to help provide frost protection at critical temperature points.

'Be sure you understand the principles of using wind machines for frost protection before you begin.' cautions OMAFRA.

Essential information about using wind machines for crop protection includes:
• when to start wind machines,
• when not to operate wind machines (high winds),
• ways of reducing noise issues
For detailed information on the use of wind machines refer to OMAFRA Factsheet 10-045 Wind Machines for Minimizing Cold Injury to Horticultural Crops

Monday, April 2, 2012

Manure Gases Kill- No Sh**!

OMAFRA Pork News Cites Health Precautions!

April Pork News from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, warns:

Many human and even more swine deaths in the past few years have been attributed to manure gas exposure.

Student Labourers in Unfamiliar Surroundings May Be at Higher Risk

With summer soon approaching,and students seeking temporary employment, it is extremely important they be aware of precautions that should be in place to protect their health and safety when working around liquid manure. OMAFRA warns that everyone working in and around liquid manure needs to understand what properties and risks are associated with each of the manure gases, so the danger of a tragic incident can be reduced. So what are these manure gases?

4 Dangerous Gases in Liquid Manure- 3 Lethal!

Liquid manure stored for one week or more contains four principle gases: Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Ammonia. While all four gases are by-products of the decomposition of organic matter, the production of these gases is influenced primarily by temperature, pH, and time. OMAFRA cautions that although there are products claiming to reduce manure gas levels; none have been scientifically proven effective in eliminating the risks associated with manure gases.

How Lethal Are These Manure Gases?

Whenever manure is moved, handled, or agitated, there is an increased danger of excessive gas exposure.
• Hydrogen Sulfide-one breath can kill.At levels over 500ppm it is undetectable,and instantly released if shaken.Soluble in liquid manure if you hear a splash, there is gas!
• Carbon Dioxide - death by asphyxiation follows unconsciousness. Carbon Dioxide is completely odorless, and as with Hydrogen Sulfide, soluble in liquid manure if you hear a splash, there is gas!
• Methane - major danger from is its explosive and flammable properties, particularly in double-pitted barns. The pilot light from a box heater, or a spark from a motor or light switch, can result in explosion and/or fire.
• Ammonia - can be a dangerous irritant, it does not accumulate to lethal levels in barns.

Liquid Manure: Pig Behaviour Danger Indicator

Plenty of ventilation is key to decreasing gas dangers. However, the bottom pit in double pitted barns,is usually unvented. If the pit plug is pulled and left out, this near pure Methane built up in the air space, rises into the barn space; quickly building up to explosive or flammable levels. Another ventilation challenge is foaming manure; if you get foaming manure, the foam traps Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide that would normally be removed by the ventilation system.
Pigs, since they breathe close to the slats, are often more susceptible than humans. If there is any unusual pig activity during any manure agitation or transfer, immediately stop and evacuate the building.

Liquid Manure: Safety Recommendations

While the agitation of pigs may provide a late indicator of trouble, OMAFRA highly recommends people working with liquid manure wear at least a Hydrogen Sulfide detector. A good recommended upgrade is a multi-gas detector for Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Monoxide, Oxygen and Lower Explosive Limit or LEL, which is good for Methane detection.
For full information on these dangerous gases, as well as other dangerous gases on farms, read the OMAFRA Hazardous gases fact sheet.

Monday, March 26, 2012

National Food Strategies Conference:Register Now!

Growing Our Future: Making Sense of National Food Strategies!

National agri-food policies and policy-makers shape the economic health of Canada. Growing Our Future: Making Sense of National Food Strategies, will examine which current agricultural policies work in favour of building a strong economic environment and which ones lack effectiveness.
Policy makers, food industry leaders, commodity group representatives and producers, will meet in Ottawa April 5,2012 for a discussion of crucial national food policy issues. This is an important one day conference producers in our area will want to attend.

Key note Speaker - USDA Chief Economist

This one-day event features keynote speaker Joseph Glauber, Chief Economist at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) presenting on United States Farm Policy and the World Trade Organization.
As Chief Economist, Dr. Glauber is responsible for the USDA's agricultural forecasts and projections and for advising the Secretary of Agriculture on economic implications of alternative programs, regulations, and legislative proposals. He’s also responsible for the Office of the Chief Economist, the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit analysis, the Global Change Program Office, and the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.

Full Slate of Presenters

In addition to Dr. Glauber's presentation, other topics and speakers at the Growing Our Future conference include:
• Biofuels and agricultural policy - • Bruno Larue, Professor and Canada Research Chair in International Agri-food Trade, Laval University; and Director of the Center for Research on the Economics of the Environment, Agri-food, Transports and Energy (CREATE)
• Public investment in agri-food research and development - John Cranfield, Professor, Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Guelph and President, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society (CAES)
• Canadian direct payment programs from 1981 – 2010 - James Vercammen, Professor, Food and Resource Economics, Strategy and Business Economics, University of British Columbia; and Past President, CAES
• Food security - Murray Fulton, Professor, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy; and Associate Member, Department of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics, University of Saskatchewan
• Agricultural policy in the 21st century - Murray Fulton
• The role of agri-food policy in shaping health - John Cranfield
• Environmental beneficial management practices policies and outcomes - James Vercammen
• Current issues in supply-managed commodities - Bruno Larue

Source:Growing Our Future is presented by the Institute for the Advanced Study of Food and Agricultural Policy, based in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph. For more information see the full agenda atUniversity of Guelph:Institute for the Advanced Study of Food and Agricultural Policy

Monday, March 19, 2012

New Farmers Workshop- March 31st!

Sudbury New Farmers Regional Meeting Welcomes All New Ontario Farmers!

March 31st 2012, new farmers from across Ontario will meet in Sudbury for a direct marketing workshop, and film screening of 'To Make a Farm'.

Are you a new farmer in the first 10 years of business, or a prospective farmer in Ontario? If so, you will want to attend the Regional Meeting for New Farmers. The meeting will feature a full-day workshop on Direct Marketing, presented by Ann Slater of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario and a film screening of 'To Make a Farm'.
Billeting opportunities are available for those travelling from out of town, and travel bursaries are available for registrants from Northern Ontario.
Contact newfarmermeeting AT gmail DOT com for details.

Registration of $25 includes lunch, and can be done on-line through the FarmStart Eventbrite Site.

Please see the FarmStart Eventbrite Pagefor full details.

This event is sponsored by the FarmON Alliance, Eat Local Sudbury and NFU Ontario North Local 333.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Innovative Farmers Conference This Week!

2012 Innovative Farmers Conference London Ontario!

Ontario Innovative Farmers will be traveling from our area to London,Ontario Wednesday February 28 to February 29 to take part in an annual 2-day conference. The speaker line-up for this event includes:

• Revolutionary Perennial Crop Research — Is Evergreen Better?
Jerry Glover, agricultural ecosystem researcher

• How Healthy Soils Produce Healthy Plants
Gary Zimmer, Biological agriculture author/educator

• Establishing and Maintaining Waterways/ Residue Management
Marian Calmer, Calmer Corn Heads

• Keys to Becoming a 100% Continuous No-Tiller
Grant Troop, from the Pennsylvania “Park the Plow” program

• AGRITECHNICA Insights – Puts Louisville Show To Shame!
Manfred Neunaber, editor German Profi Magazine

• Conservation Tillage – Cure All or Problem for Phosphorous Loss?
Don Flaten, Crop/Nutrient Management Specialist, University of Manitoba

• Business Strategies – A Look at Successes, Failures and How Your Farm Stacks Up
Wayne Skrypnyk, helping farm families and businesses adapt and succeed

• Precision Farming Panel and more. For full details, see the IFAO 2012 Conference printable flyer.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Farm Webinar: Solar Hoop Houses!

AgriWebinar Presented by Tarrah Young!

Spinach in February? No problem! This introductory-level webinar,offered February 28, at noon EST, is directed toward new and small scale farmers interested in extending their growing season through hoop house cultivation - with no added heat.
This Webinar explores elements of hoop house construction and cultivation, what crops are best suited for winter hoop house production, and how to avoid problems along the way. Participants will come away with a basic understanding of what season extension using hoop houses can achieve, and will discover what resources to access for further research.

To Register: Go to AgriWebinar: Carrot Cache presents- Hoop Houses

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Farming? Web-Based Learning Opportunities!

Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) Web-based Learning Opportunities
The OACC offers many web-based courses throughout the year. Participants can enrol and participate in courses from any location. The Winter 2012 Courses currently being offered include:

These courses may be taken as interest courses or you can obtain student University credits.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

32nd East Central Farm Show Starts Today!!

East Central Farm Show Welcomes You!

2012 East Central Farm Show takes place Wednesday March 7th, 10 am to 9:30 pm,and Thursday March 8th, 10 am to 4 pm. The 32nd East Central Farm Show will be held in the Farmers' Mutual Exhibition Building, and the Show Ring, at Lindsay Fairgrounds, 354 Angeline Street South, Lindsay, Ontario. While the Application Deadline to appear in the Show Guide was January 24, 2012, this is an excellent opportunity to find out about the latest innovations in farming,meet neighbours, and catch up on local farm news.

FREE Admission for Soil and Crop Improvement Association Members

Admission to the East Central Farm Show is only $5 per person,but 2012 Soil and Crop Improvement Association members get in free. Soil and crop memberships went on sale earlier this year at the 2012 Soil and Crop Meeting, but you can pick up a membership at the Farm Show as well.

East Central Farm Show Historical Notes

1981-Manvers Community Centre,was the site of the first show aptly named 'The Farm Show'
1983 Renamed East Central Farm Show and moved to the Fenelon Hall, Cambray
1992 Moved to the Morrow building, Peterborough
2008 East Central District Soil and Crop Improvement Association moved the East Central Farm Show to the Farmers' Mutual Exhibition building at the new Lindsay Fairgrounds
2010 The 30th East Central Farm Show had over 150 exhibitors. The Farmers' Mutual Exhibition building now has 2 wireless sound speakers,thanks to exhibitors who donated door prizes, East Central Soil and Crop Association donated $5000 towards the sound system Fall 2010.

For more information see the event website: http://www.regionalscia.org/ECFS.html

Monday, January 9, 2012

Ops Event:Speakers Soil Fertility Plus Precision Farming Business Philosophy!

Two Guest Speakers: Peter Johnson - OMAFRA Cereal Specialist Plus Brian DeJong - Youngfield Farms!

Victoria Soil Crop Improvement Association Annual Meeting presents two guest speakers at their annual meeting January 11th. Registration starts at 9:30am, and the meeting will begin at 10 am at OPS Community Centre. All are welcome to this event.

'Membership is only $15 for the year'shared VSCIA President,John Hickson,adding 'VSCIA membership includes the annual meeting with a delicious lunch, quartely newsletter, regular farming email updates,and free entry to the Spring Farm Show at the Lindsay Exhibition grounds.'

Non-members are also welcome to hear the gust speakers at no charge. Peter Johnson. OMAFRA Cereal Specialist,will speak on 'Soil Fertility' in the morning,and in the afternoon. Brian DeJong of Youngfield Farms will speak on 'Precision Farming and Their Business Philosophy'.

What is Victoria SCIA?

Victoria Soil Crop Improvement Association also known as CKL SCIA is a branch of the Ontario SCIA. The Soil Crop Improvement Association works to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices.
The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), founded in 1939, is a unique non-profit farm organization. Their dedicated membership represents virtually all commodity groups across the province.
Strategic Directions for the OSCIA include:
1. Producer Education
2. Development and Delivery of Stewardship Programs
3. Local Association Development
4. Addressing Consumer Concerns on Agricultural Environmental Issues

For further information about the Victoria SCIA, please contact John Hickson,president, at 705-953-9074. More information about the OSCIA can be found by visiting http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org