If you know someone who is interested in receiving this bulletin or if this has been forwarded to you and you would like to receive a copy directly, please contact me.
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· Coming Events and Dates of Interest – Pages 1 – 4
Area News and Information
· IPM Legiskater Hockey Game – pg 3
· IPM poster – pg 4
· Beyond the City Lights Conference – pg 4
· Huron Good Food Box - 5
· Environmental Farm Plan Workshops – pg 5
· Rural Summer Jobs Employer Assistance – pg 5
· London Swine Conference pg 7
· Sustainable Huron and the Review of the Official Plan – pg 6
· Grower pesticide Courses – pg 7
· Is the Coast Clear conference – pg 7
· Monsanto 2008 Scholarship Program – pg 8
· Can. Agr. Skills Service – pg 9
· Canadvance Growing Capacity Initiative – pg 9
· OMAFRA Information and Resources Pg. 10
· Last Words –Questions to Ponder - Pg. 11
| March 29, 30 – Grey Bruce Woodlot Conference “ A Walk through the Woodlot” Take part in one day or both. Day 1 has speakers, Day 2 has a field trip. To check costs and venue contact Saugeen Conservation at 519-364-1255 ext. 33 or j.penner@svca.on.ca |
| March 31 – Making RFID Work for me – Carson Auction Sales, Listowel –more info later in the bulletin |
| March 31 – IPM Hockey Game – Port Elgin – More info on page 3 |
| April 1 & 2, 2008 – London Swine Conference: “Facing the New Reality”, London Convention Centre. For details visit http://www.londonswineconference.ca/ |
| April 2 – 5 – Growing the margins: energy, Bioproducts & Byproducts from Farm & Food Sectors conference and Exhibition, London Convention Centre, www.gtmconf.ca |
| April 3 & 4 – Roots of Bruce – Just perfect for your students |
| April 8 & 9 – Midwestern AgriFair, Chesley, 12 – 9 pm |
| April 8 & 9 – Huron Perth Agriculture & Water Festival – Seaforth Fairgrounds – If your child is in Grade 4 in any of the 3 boards, make sure their class is registered for this fun and informative hands-on event. |
| April 9 & 10, 2008 – Poultry Industry Conference, Western Fair, London, ON. Details will be available on-line at http://www.westernfair.com/shows/poultry.html |
| Apr. 10 - 12 - Belmore Maple Syrup Festival 519-335-3697 |
| April 16 – Huron Annual Tourism Event and Brochure Swap – Zurich community Centre, for more info www.ontarioswestcoast.ca Theme is “Enticing the Locavore of Ontario’s West Coast” This is also the launch of the NEW Huron Perth Buy Local, Buy Fresh Map – Check it out! |
| April 17 – AGCARE and Ontario Farm Animal Council AGM and 20th Anniversary Banquet – Guelph Place, 492 Michener Road Guelph www.ofac.org/annual_meeting/agm2008.php |
| April 24, 2008 – Huron Perth Women for the Support of Agriculture Annual Meeting, “Fast Meals in a Slow Cooker”, 8 pm, Mitchell Legion. For further information please contact Erica Kiestra at (519) 229-6071 |
| April 26/27 - Mount Forest Home, Garden & Recreations Show is being held on 10-4, Craft Show in the Auditorium and Home Show in the Arena. Sunday, there is a Fur & Feather Fanciers Show on the adjacent fairgrounds. Contact is Cathy Watson 519-323-3348 or watson4@wightman.ca |
| May 23rd - "Is the Coast Clear?" The Coastal Centre's Fifth Conference on Lake Huron's Coastal Environment, CAW Family Education Centre, Port Elgin, Check the Centre's website (www.lakehuron.on.ca) for more information. |
| June 13th – Ontario Pork Congress Industry Merit Award Kick-off Gala – The River Garden Inn, Stratford, $50 /person, Semi-formal dress, Information & tickets, Deb Campbell 519-235-1609 |
| June 18-19, 2008 – Ontario Pork Congress. Watch for details on the 2008 program at http://www.porkcongress.on.ca/ Check out the Weekend Warrior BBQ competition on June 19th – two classes: professional and amateur, $35 entry fee. For more info, contact Deb Campbell 519-235-1609 |
| July 6 – 13, 2008 – 2008 American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup, Western Fair, London. Visit http://www.aqhayouthworldcup.com/ for details. |
| September 9 – 11, 2008 – Outdoor Farm Show. Watch for details on the 2008 show at http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/enter.html |
| Sept. 16th – 20th – 2008 International Plowing Match – Teeswater, Bruce County – “Come Home to the Country” Check out all the souvenirs, accommodation, happenings at 1-877-IPM-2008 or ipm2008@wightman.ca or drop into their storefront on the Main Street of Teeswater. |
| October 31 – November 2, 2008 – North American Beef Congress, Western Fair, London. Watch for details on the 2008 show at http://www.northamericanbeefcongress.com/ |
AREA NEWS & INFORMATION
IPM
Legiskator Hockey Game in Port Elgin March 31st
IPM Volunteers are planning a fun family night Monday March 31st at
the Saugeen Shores Complex, also known as "the Plex" in Port Elgin. Game time is
at 8:30pm with a post game reception to follow the game in the Rotary Hall
overlooking the ice. The game promises to be entertaining featuring IPM
Volunteers, local celebrities and members of the Ontario Legislator, also known
as "Legiskaters". IPM organizers are proud to promote they have also organized a
line of local women to be part of the game. In addition to the Hockey Game, this
event is a great opportunity to learn about plans for the IPM and pick up IPM
Souvenirs and information. Organizer Stan Eby of the Kincardine area says "we
look forward to learning which of the Members of Provincial Parliament will
represent the political parties and the Ontario Legislator. We’re excited to
welcome this event to Saugeen Shores and the Port Elgin area."
A special Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with
the game, along with a 50-50 draw. Everyone is welcome to attend. Adult Tickets
are 10 dollars. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free. Tickets are available
at the door, or can be reserved in advance by calling 1-877-IPM-2008. All
proceeds from the Hockey Game March 31st in Port Elgin help with
efforts to present the International Plowing Match being held in Teeswater
September 16 to 20th, 2008. The site will take over 1000 acres and
2000 volunteers to host leaving a huge economic impact for the entire county and
local communities. A website with complete event plans and information is
available at
www.ipm2008.ca.
2008 IPM OFFICIAL POSTER UNVEILED
At the beginning of March at the Ontario Plowmen's Association Annual Convention, the 2008 Bruce County International Plowing Match (IPM) poster was unveiled. The poster art was created and the poster was designed by Ken Thornburn of Tara.
In 2007, Ken accepted the challenge to create the art work for the 2008 Bruce County IPM Official Poster. He chose as his subject, an early photograph of a farmer seated on a sulky plow breaking sod in Bruce County.
As a historic scene illustrator, Ken's desire for detail required that he visit and interview older farmers in northern Bruce County who knew the details of or had worked with a sulky plow. This research enabled him to create an accurate drawing of a sulky plow for the Poster Art. The art captures a moment in time between the walk behind plow and the tractor. The sulky is only possible with forged metal parts and the three horses were required to carry the weight of the farmer and the equipment. In order to echo the 1993 Bruce County IPM Official Poster, Ken presented the art horizontally rather than vertically and serendipitously, the use of the sulky also echoes the 1993 Bruce County IPM because sulky plowing was introduced as a demonstration event and has since been added as a permanent plowing class.
The incorporation of the art into the poster required further work and design by Ken. He envisioned his art work as an old photography lying carelessly on a swath of Bruce County Tartan. After many photos, many drawings, and many meetings, the poster was placed in the very capable hands of Jane Barber at The Wired Mouse in Port Elgin, and she and her husband Brian brought the poster to fruition.
The poster was unveiled by Jack Riley, the Chair of the 2008 IPM; Katie Cheesmond, Ontario Queen of the Furrow; Carrie Waugh, Bruce County Queen of the Furrow; and Graeme Craig, President of the Ontario Plowmen's Association.
Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conferences – 2008
Local tourism partners will be hosting exciting and informative Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conferences. Four conferences will be held this spring. Each event has a unique theme and will feature presentations on topics such as making connections in business, delivering exceptional guest experiences, creating powerful partnerships, packaging for profits and maximizing your marketing efforts. Each conference will also feature the ever-popular panel of local business owners and festival coordinators sharing their success stories.
This year’s conferences will be held:
April 16
“Connection, Attraction, Satisfaction – Tourism Excellence”
Lakeview Arts Barn, Bobcaygeon
April 23 & 24
“A Recipe for Tourism Success”
Pelee Days Inn, Leamington
April 29
“Making a BIG DEAL of Customer Service”
Casino Rama
May 5
“Creating the ‘WOW’ Experience”
St. Marys Golf and Country Club, St. Marys
For more details, program agendas and registration forms, visit http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/bclights/btcl.htm
HURON GOOD FOOD BOX
The Good Food Box provides Huron County residents with local vegetables and fruits monthly. It is a community-based project that relies on volunteers. Buying in large quantities from our local producers allows us to get better pricing. The result is that the consumer gets better value. Food is purchased from local wholesalers and suppliers when possible. The produce often comes straight from the farmers’ fields to your table the same day.
Anyone in Huron County can get the box. The Good Food Box is not a charity or a food bank. There are no membership fees and no hidden costs. There is no obligation to order every month. However, we encourage customers to try boxes over a two or three month period, as the box contents vary according to season and availability.
You pay for the food boxes by the first Friday of each month. Orders are taken at the neighbourhood host site. All orders must be pre-paid in cash, Pick-up date is the third Thursday of each month. For more info or to order a box, call the Huron County Health Unit 519-482-3416
RURAL SUMMER JOBS SERVICE
The Ontario government is partnering with rural businesses to provide summer jobs for students. For more info contact OMAFRA 519-826-4336 email rsjs.omafra@ontario.ca or website www.omafra.gov.on.ca
London Swine Conference
April 1 - 2,
2008 (Tues-Wed) London Convention Centre
The theme of the 8th annual conference is " Facing the New Reality".
Individual sessions will focus on The New Reality, Optimizing Reproduction in a
New Environment, What Does the Future Hold?, and Dealing with Old and New
Disease Challenges. Featured speakers include Drs. Mike Brumm (Brumm Swine
Consultancy Inc., Minnesota), Sandra Edwards (UK), Billy Flowers (North
Carolina), Julie Funk (Michigan), John Lawrence (Iowa) and Jeff Zimmerman
(Iowa). More detailed program information is available on the conference website
at:
http://www.londonswineconference.ca. The
goals of the conference are to provide a platform to accelerate the
implementation of new technologies in commercial pork production and to
facilitate the exchange of ideas within the swine industry.
Environmental Farm Plan workshops
Bruce
Jayne
Dietrich, 519-367-5930,
Email for details
|
Day 1 |
Friday April 4 |
10 am to 4 pm |
|
Day 2 |
Friday April 11 |
10 am to 4 pm |
|
Day 1 |
Thursday April 10 |
10 am to 4 pm |
|
Day 2 |
10 am to 4 pm |
Huron
Lois Sinclair, 519-357-3146,
Email for details
YOU”LL WANT TO GET INVOLVED …….
SUSTAINABLE HURON - A Plan for Huron County’s Long Term Well Being and a 5-year Review of the County’s Official Plan
Do you want to have a say in the future of your community? Do you have ideas about how to make the community where you live and work a better place? Are you interested in working together to ensure the long-term well-being of Huron County and its residents? Come out and share your opinions and perspectives at any one of the upcoming meetings being held through out the County.
Public meetings will be held:
- Wednesday, April 9th, 7 pm at the Legion, 156 Main St. S., Seaforth
- Thursday, May 1st, 7 pm at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex (in the Hot Stove Lounge), Wingham
-Wednesday, May 21st, 7 pm at the Huron County Museum, 110 North St., Goderich
- Thursday, May 22nd, 7:30 pm at the South Huron Municipal Office, 322 Main St. S. Exeter,
OFFICIAL PLAN: The Huron County Planning and Development Department is undergoing a 5-year review of the County’s Official Plan, a land use planning document that is a statement of where and how development should take place. The Plan includes the vision, goals and policy directions for development of the County, as established by the community in 1998 and 1999.
SUSTAINABLE
HURON:
A
“Sustainability Plan” for the County is also being created. Sustainability
looks at the long-term well being of residents and communities within Huron
County. Sustainability is about finding the balance between environment,
economy, and society / culture in all activities and use of land.
Further information, please contact:
Huron County Planning and Development Department
1 Court House Square
Goderich, ON N7A 3Y1
Phone: (519) 524-8394 ext. 3
Email: planning@huroncounty.ca
Register For A Grower Pesticide Safety Course
To register, please complete the information on the Registration Form on www.opep.ca send it to us by e-mail or by fax at 519-674-1589, or you may call us at 1-800-652-8573.or call the sponsor listed. We will confirm your registration.
Do You Need to Register for a Full Day Course or an Exam-only Session?
You
need to register for either a Full Day Course or an Exam-only Session if you are
recertifying (renewing your certificate). You will be asked for your certificate
number at the time of registration.
NOTE: If you do not pass at an Exam-only Session, you must then attend a Full Day Course, and rewrite the examination
You must attend a Full Day Course if you are certifying for the first time, or
What Do I Need to Bring to the Course or Exam-only Session?
Please
Pick Up a Manual
before attending a course or an exam-only session so that you can review the
information ahead of time. Please remember to bring your manual and a calculator
on the day of the course or exam-only session.
The registration fee of $85.00 will be collected at the course or exam-only session. Make cheques payable to University of Guelph.
Huron Dates/Locations
|
Bruce Dates/Locations
|
IS THE COAST CLEAR CONFERENCE
The Lake Huron
Centre for Coastal Conservation is pleased to be hosting its fifth biennial
“Is the Coast Clear?” conference. This is a one-day conference, held to
bring those people together who are interested in learning more about the state
of Lake Huron’s coastal environment.
When: Friday, May 23, 2008.
Where: CAW conference centre, Port Elgin, Ontario
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Cost: $40 per delegate ($25 for students). Lunch provided.
Keynote speaker will be Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.
Sessions will include:
| Lake levels and the International Upper Great Lakes Study. |
| Common Reed control. |
| National water strategy. |
| Invasive species and ballast control programs. |
| Algae and E. coli along Lake Huron's nearshore. |
| Waterfront stewardship in Huron-Kinloss: role model for coastal municipalities. |
| Dune stewardship. |
| Coastal education resources. |
| Stewardship of small watersheds. |
Registration
information and conference program brochure can be downloaded from our
conference page -
http://lakehuron.ca/index.php?page=is-the-coast-clear
For any questions, contact the Coastal Centre at (519) 523-4478 P.O. Box 178,
Blyth,
Monsanto 2008 Scholarship Program
Monsanto
Canada has released details of its 2008 Opportunity Scholarship program for
grade 12 graduating students from farm families who plan to pursue
post-secondary education in agriculture or forestry.
2008 Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarships are available to eligible students
entering their first year of post-secondary education in agricultural sciences
or forestry at a recognized Canadian educational institution. In 2008, Monsanto
will award approximately 50 to 60 deserving students with a $1,500 scholarship
to help pay for their studies. Entering its 17th year, the Monsanto Canada
Opportunity Scholarship Program has awarded almost $1 million to thousands of
deserving students since the program's inception in 1991.
"Our scholarship program continues to grow and it is certainly one of the most
rewarding programs we provide through our corporate giving program," said Trish
Jordan, public affairs director with Monsanto Canada. "Every year we are
impressed by the achievements and commitment of the students who apply and it is
terrific to see the very best and brightest wanting to pursue careers in
agriculture or forestry."
Monsanto Canada Opportunity Scholarships are available to students who meet the
following criteria:
- Students must come from a family farm and/or forestry background with
confirmed plans to enroll in their first year of post-secondary education in an
agricultural sciences or forestry program;
- Students must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities,
and a keen interest and involvement in their rural community;
- Students must submit a completed application form, which includes an essay
that outlines what area of agriculture or forestry they would like to work in
and why;
- All completed application forms must be post-marked no later than May 16,
2008.
Scholarship application forms and posters in both French and English were
distributed to high schools, 4-H Clubs, provincial and federal agriculture
offices, farm retail outlets and seed companies.
Application forms are also available from Monsanto's CustomCare® line at 1-800-667-4944 or they can be accessed online at www.monsanto.ca.
Canadian Agricultural Skills Service: Helping Farmers Acquire Skills for the Road Ahead
The Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) provides funding to help farmers and their spouses improve their farm profitability and net family income. The CON*NECT CASS Centre (CON*NECT) provides one-on-one advice to develop learning objectives and activities. The level of funding a participant depends on their net family income.
The process for applying and participating in the CASS program is not onerous, and the steps are as follows:
1. Farmer/spouse applies for CASS. Applications are available at www.ontario.ca/cass or from the CON*NECT CASS Centre.
2. Approved participants meet one-on-one with a CASS Skills Assessment Advisor to develop and Independent Learning Plan (ILP) based on their future plans, training needs and opportunities. The ILP outlines the participant’s goals, learning activities, and the cost of achieving them.
3. Once the ILP is approved, the participant can start incurring expenses and start their training as outlined in the ILP. When the participant is finished their training, they must submit receipts to CON*NECT, and they will be reimbursed for approved expenses.
Financial benefits for qualified participants ranges from $8,000 - $16,000, depending on their averaged net family income and other eligibility requirements.
|
Average Net Family Income |
Maximum Benefits |
|
$0-$35,000 |
$16,000 per participant |
|
$35,001-$40,000 |
$12,000 per participant |
|
$40,001 - $45,000 |
$8,000 per participant |
The CON*NECT CASS Centre is the one point of contact for all program details. Their staff is available to answer questions regarding the CASS program, as well as providing follow-up support to help farmers succeed. You can reach CON*NECT at 1-877-830-0220, or visit the CASS website, www.ontario.ca/cass.
CanAdvance Growing Capacity Initiative
As a catalyst for adaptation, advancement and innovation within the
agriculture and agri-food community, the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
has notionally allocated $4 million to the CanAdvance Growing Capacity
Initiative (GCI). These funds are administered through Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada’s (AAFC) Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) Program.
The AAC has issued this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit project proposals
for funding consideration under the GCI Program.
The purpose of the program is to provide funding for salary and other HR costs
for a new position required by an industry partnership to address industry led
solutions to emerging issues. Funding available is up to $100,000 per year for
four years.
Full program
details, applications and timelines are available by visiting the AAC’s website
at
http://www.adaptcouncil.org/news_releases/2008/030408.asp
OMAFRA INFORMATION, PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:
CONTACT INFORMATION
Clinton OMAFRA Resource Centre, 100 Don Street, Box 159, Clinton, N0M 1L0
519-482-3333
Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC): 1-877-424-1300
Email: ag.info@omafra.gov.on.ca
OMAFRA Web site: www.ontario.ca/omafra
2008 Rural Organization Contacts
Each year we compile a comprehensive list of Huron and Bruce rural organizations with two key contacts for each organization. This is a great resource for anyone who wants contact information for grassroots representatives. They are presently being delivered.
Huron County - A Guide to Your Farm & Rural Community, 2008 is posted on the County of Huron website at www.huroncounty.ca
Bruce County - A Guide to Your Farm & Rural Community 2008 is posted on the Grey Bruce Foodlinks site at www.foodlinkgreybruce.com
2008 FORAGE CROP VARIETY PERFORMANCE
The 2008 Forage Crop Variety Performance brochures are now available. Most livestock producers will receive one in the Milk Producer, Ontario Beef & Sheep News magazines.
Producers and agribusiness can order the brochure by calling 1-888-466-2372.
The 2008 information will also soon be posted on the web at http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/performance_recommendations/ofcc/ofcc.htm .
2008 Performance Trial Report for Dry Edible Beans is now available. It will be available at the Clinton OMAFRA office and on the OMAFRA website www.ontario.ca/omafra
Resource Kits: “Information and Resources Available for Farm Families” A farm business can experience financial pressures when market prices decline, a market ceases to exist, a disease reduces production, unexpected cost increases, or business arrangements fall apart. Dealing with these pressures is a challenge! In response to these conditions, OMAFRA staff have put together a package of resources to assist people to assess a farm business, examine alternatives, deal with issues and make decisions. Please contact the Clinton OMAFRA Resource Centre [519-482-3333] if you or someone you know would benefit from this information.
All materials are available from the Clinton OMAFRA Resource Centre.
Pork News and Views Newsletter
The Pork News and Views newsletter is produced bimonthly by the OMAFRA Swine Advisory Team. It provides swine enterprise budgets, monthly market hog facts, and current research, production, management, and marketing articles. Readers are encouraged to contact the writers with any questions or follow-up information requests using the telephone numbers and email addresses provided within the publication.
Pork News & Views is now posted on the OMAFRA website at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/swine/news.html
Hort Matters Newsletter
A new issue of Hort Matters newsletter can now be found on the OMAFRA website at:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/hortmatt/2007/18hrt07.htm
Virtual Beef E-newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/beef/news/vbn0707.htm
Podcasts
OMAFRA now offers a variety of resources in podcast. Podcasting is a method of accessing audio files, usually in MP3 format, without requiring you to revisit a site to see if something new is available. By subscribing to an OMAFRA podcast, new audio episodes that are added to our site will be automatically sent to you as soon as they become available. You can then listen to them whenever you want from your computer or portable MP3 player. For further details or to subscribe to an OMAFRA podcast, please visit http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/subscribe/podcast.htm
Foodland Ontario: http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/ for some great recipes using Ontario’s fresh fruits and vegetables.
London Service Ontario Centre – 519-873-4000
Stratford Service Ontario Centre – 519-271-9995.
Owen Sound Service Ontario Centre – 519-519-371-6226 0r toll free 1-888-647-3654
Centre Coming Soon to Goderich
Website www.ServiceOntario.ca
Service Ontario is a one-stop shopping centre for a variety of government services …… register your business name; purchase hunting and fishing licenses; replace lost or stolen ID; pick up a free Power of Attorney kit or passport application. For a complete list of services call or visit today.
last words
Questions to Ponder
If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?
If lawyers are debarred and clergymen defrocked,
then doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed?
Do Tea company employees take coffee breaks?
what hair colour do they put on the drivers’ license of bald men?
why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety one?
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