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
CLOCKS MOVE AHEAD ……SPRING IS HERE! ARE YOU READY?
– by Colleen Haskins,
On-Farm Food Safety Program Lead
The “a-typical” winter of the past few months, has presented much warmer temperatures. These warmer temperatures may invite Spring earlier, causing the production season to sneak up on us. Are you ready? It’s time to think about getting your equipment ready for the new season. Calibrating critical equipment such as field sprayers is imperative to ensure you are delivering the correct amount of product to your crop. Ensure you have the calibration procedure and appropriate recording documents available to properly document the task.
Staying on track and keeping a step ahead helps manage your operation efficiently, and reduces additional demands during very busy times.
For more food safety information or resources, visit our website at www.ontario.ca/foodsafety or call us at 1-877-424-1300. Food safety question? Ask us.
2012 RMIP PREMIUMS AND HANDBOOKS AVAILABLE
For livestock producers who are thinking about their risk management options for 2012, premium rates are set for the 2012 Risk Management Insurance Program. Premium rates and the 2012 Handbook are now posted on the Agricorp website. Need more information about the 2012 program, including application and renewal forms, available in February. Those participants enrolled in the 2011 program will receive a 2012 package in the mail in the coming weeks. Check the website at:
http://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/News/Pages/RMP-livestock-premium-rates-set-2012.aspx
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF SERIOUS HORSE DISEASE
A potentially fatal horse disease has been found in Wellington County. The disease is caused by the equine herpes virus (EHV-1). The disease does not affect people or other animals. Horses with this virus may have a fever, be weak, dog-sit, not be able to urinate or tilt their head.
If you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately. Horses that are able to remain standing may recover with good nursing care. EHV-1 is easily spread. To protect your animals: keep away from sick horses: do not share equipment (harnesses, bridles, grooming equipment) with farms that have sick animals: wash your hands and change your boots and clothing before working with your horses if you have visited a farm with sick animals.
Keep vaccinations of your horses up to date. Contact a veterinarian if your horse is sick. He or she can provide you with detailed information about this disease. For more information: Agricultural Information Contact Centre at: 1-877-424-1300.
COMING EVENTS:
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 – Grain Drying and Storage Workshop in Listowel from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost $30. Instructor Helmut Spieser, OMAFRA. To register, call Ridgetown College at 1-866-222-9682.
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. 24- Grower Pesticide Safety Course at 8:45 a.m. and Separate Exam at 3:00 p.m. at Rockwood. To register, phone the Ontario Pesticide Education Program at 1-800-652-8573.
Mar. 27- Wellington County Farm Safety regular meeting at Husky Farm Equipment, Alma at 8:00 p.m. sharp. For more information, call Walter Grose at 519-846-5329.
Mar. 28 – Grain Drying and Storage Workshop in Woodstock from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost $30. Instructor Helmut Spieser, OMAFRA. To register, call Ridgetown College at 1-866-222-9682.
Mar. 28 – Grower Pesticide Safety Course at 8:45 a.m. at Elmira. To register, phone Farmers Plus at 519-669-5475.
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. 29- Grain Drying and Storage Workshop in Elmvale from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost $30. Instructor Helmut Spieser, OMAFRA. To register, call Ridgetown College at 1-866-222-9682.
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. 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. 11&12- Poultry Industry Show – Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London. For more details visit: http://www.westernfair.com/shows/poultry.html
