This Information Bulletin highlights topics of interest for rural individuals and organizations, municipalities and communities in Lambton. Bulletins are distributed as information is compiled. To be added to or removed from the mailing list, send a message to
[email protected]
This bulletin is divided into 3 sections, with items of interest to:
1) Lambton specifically
2) South-Western Ontario
3) Ontario
1)Lambton
Lambton Fall Fairs
Petrolia had excellent warm weather for their fair this past weekend. Let’s hope that trend continues! Plan to attend one or more of the following fairs in Lambton.
Plympton-Wyoming… Sept 13-15
Forest… Sept.20-22
Brooke,Alvinston & Watford… Sept.27-29
Brigden…Oct. 11-14
Lamb and Wine Dinner
District 1 Sheep Producers (which Lambton County is part of) is having a Lamb & Wine Dinner on Saturday, October 19, 2002 at Coldstream Community Centre at 6:00PM. Tickets are $20.00 each. Contact Bill Duffield, 899 2663.
Reporting crop losses
With the minimal amount of rainfall in Lambton since mid-July there is considerable potential for yield reductions on the corn and soybean crops on many Lambton farms. To avoid a major rush later in the fall and to help handle the claims most effectively Agricorp staff would prefer that their clients advise them as soon as possible about any anticipated yield losses on their farm.
Post Secondary Scholarships available in Lambton
There are a number of scholarships available to post secondary students in rural Lambton. I have applications available for them all, so if you wish one please contact my office at the address listed on the letterhead of this e-letter. Completed application forms will be submitted to various locations that are all indicated on the specific application forms. Check the deadlines closely.
- Lambton IPM 91 Scholarship… four awards of $1200, to students who have completed one year post secondary training. Deadline September 15th, 2002.
- Bell Scholarship… $500 for a student entering into second-year of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Parents must be active farmers in Lambton. Deadline Oct. 31st 2002.
- Joyce Anderson Memorial Scholarship… $400 for a student from Lambton farm enrolled in second or third year of any post secondary course. Deadline Oct. 31st 2002.
- Donna Stewardson Scholarship… $400 for a student from Lambton farm enrolled in second or third year of any post secondary course. Deadline Oct. 31st 2002.
- Bell Scholarship… $250 for a student entering into second-year of a two-year diploma course in agriculture. Parents must be active farmers in Lambton. Deadline Oct. 31st 2002.
- Bill and Dorothy Abraham Scholarship… $250 to student from an active farm family in Lambton enrolled in a diploma or degree agriculture course. Deadline Oct. 31st 2002.
- Patrick and Timothy Kerrigan Scholarship… $200 for a student from Lambton farm entering their second year of a diploma program at any college or university. Deadline Oct. 31st 2002.
List of Lambton Rural Organizations
I’ve recently updated my list of over 40 rural organizations in Lambton. It includes the two key contacts for each including their name, position, address, phone, fax and e-mail. If this list would be of value to you please send a request to me and I will send it to you electronically or by hard copy of that is not acceptable.
Lambton Federation of Agriculture web site
The LFA website is up and running at www.lfawebsite.org as of Tues July 2/02. When you visit the site there are some headings at the top called “column”, “issues”, “coming events”, Visit the site and you will be impressed as it is updated with news every 4 hours and markets and weather more often. Lambton Federation of Agriculture’s goal is to make this the homepage for anything that would benefit the agricultural community in Lambton. For further information visit the website or call the LFA president Jim Duffy, 864-1837.
Sarnia Lambton Business Week
An extensive lineup of events is planned for the week of October 21-25. One event of special interest to our rural clientel…
Ten Potholes to Succession Planning
Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
Mr. John Geddes, V.P. Business Development Bank of Canada, along with a panel of distinguished local professionals will discuss the value of sound business and strategic planning, in order to provide effective transition planning within your business. Cost $15.00 per person.
For further details call 519-332-1820.
2)Southwestern Ontario
Forum to study the future of pork production
On September 18, pork producers and industry stakeholders will meet in Shakespeare to discuss the future of pork production in Ontario.
Today, the pork industry is evolving to meet new environmental regulations, to implement the latest production methods and to develop trade opportunities. To address some of these issues, Ontario Pork and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food are holding a forum on Wednesday September 18. The forum is entitled “The Future of Ontario Pork Production: Who will make pork in the future?” It runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Shakespeare Community Centre, in Shakespeare, Ontario.
The forum consists of ten segments. Various speakers will discuss topics such as ownership and alignment within the pork industry supply chain, interdependent farms, independent production, quality and consistency within the supply chain and the future of the industry.
Speakers include Dr. Al Mussell from the George Morris Centre, Gunner Sorensen from Danske Slagterier in Dennmark and Mike Rowe of Maple Leaf Foods.
If attendees register by September 13, the cost is $50/person, $40 for additional people from the same farm. Entrance at the door will be $60/person.
Contact:
Mary Vanden Borre,Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food,(519) 846-3392
[email protected]
Women’s Institute
The Southwestern Area (Kent, Essex, Lambton) WI Convention is a full day event that will take place on October 30, 2002 at St John Parish Hall in Woodslee, ON starting at 9:30 am. Speaking on the theme of Nutrition will be Elisabeth Strachan. The day will also feature FWIO Membership Coordinator Cindy Lockhart leading a workshop on “Recruitment of Members” and FWIO President Dianne Orr. For further information contact Mary Janes at 786-5511.
Successful exporting
Participants will hear from several speakers on topics related to growing your business beyond our provincial borders. From trade missions to trade shows, it’s all here for you in 1/2 day session. The date is September 24th, 2002 from 8:30 AM to 12 PM. ,at the Oaks Inn,” Kent Room”, 80 McNaugton Ave in Wallaceburg.
Speakers and topics include1) Maureen Angus, Ontario Exports Inc…tips for working at a trade show 2)… Drew Wilkins,Canadian consulate… operations of the consulate 3) Ann Arquette, Border Ready Inc… exporting perspective of AMPS.
To reserve your spot , fax 519-351-7852.
3)Ontario
Enhancements to Market Revenue Program trigger payments in excess of
$33 million
As a result of recently announced enhancements to the 2001 Market Revenue program, eligible Ontario producers will receive interim and final payments on selected grain and oilseed crops. An initial interim payment will be made on corn, seed corn, and popping corn. A second interim payment will be made on soybeans and sunflowers. A final payment will be made on canola, winter wheat, and red spring wheat.
Within the next two weeks, eligible producers will receive cheques representing payments on one or more of the following:
Crop Payment Percentage of Forecast Total
$ per pound $ per bushel $ per tonne
Corn and seed corn $0.0489 $1.9251 50%
Popping corn $0.00218 50%
Soybeans $0.1707 $6.2722 80%
Sunflowers $0.00341 80%
Canola $0.00675 $14.8812 100%
Red spring wheat $0.63793 $23.4399 100%
Winter wheat $0.14941 $5.4899 100%
The percentage of the forecast total includes the interim payment made during the last week of April.
The Market Revenue program protects farmers from low commodity prices. When the average annual Ontario price for the current crop falls below the support price, farmers enrolled in the program receive a payment of two-thirds of the difference. The Market Revenue program has been amended for the 2001 crop year to cover 90% of both price and yield for eligible commodities.
AGRICORP administers the Market Revenue program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
For more information on the Market Revenue program, please contact AGRICORP’s Customer Action Centre, toll-free, at 1-888-247-4999, or e-mail [email protected]. You can give us a call between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Ontario Farm Income Disaster Program: Application Deadline Approaching
The Ontario Farm Income Disaster Program (OFIDP) is reminding farmers that the application deadline for the 2001 claim year is approaching. Applications must be received or post-marked no later than October 1, 2002.
If you think you may qualify, the best method for determining eligibility is to make an application. Start with a toll-free call to the OFIDP at 1-877-838-5144.
Staff are available to help callers through the application process. Because of the increased volume of applications prior to the application deadline, the program will offer extended hours beginning September 16, 2002. The program also has a website. Go to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food homepage at http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAF, click on the icon for Ontario Farm Income Disaster Program.
NISA participants or previous applicants should ask about pre-completed forms. This application service saves time by accessing data that is already available. Pre-completed forms incorporate NISA data, as well as information from previous disaster assistance applications.
Beginning this year, electronic pre-completed forms in an Excel spreadsheet can also be delivered and returned via the internet. For more information, call the program or visit the website.
Whichever method you choose, if you think you may be eligible – apply as soon as possible!
OFA RURAL WELL UPGRADING & DECOMMISSIONING PROJECTS
Under this program through the Provincial OMAFRA Healthy Futures program well upgrades and decommissioning will be covered for 64 – 67% of the individual project cost. Funds are limited and projects will be reviewed on a first come – first served basis. All work must be in compliance with the MOE guidelines.
For more information contact:
Maria Van Bommel, Middlesex/Lambton Member Service Representative, 633 Lions Park Drive, Mt. Bridges, NOL 1WO, 519-264-1444, [email protected]
THE OMAF SOIL TEST LAB ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
Brookside Laboratories, Inc., of New Knoxville, Ohio, has met the requirements of the OMAF Soil Test Lab Accreditation Program, and has been added to the list of accredited labs. This accreditation covers soil tests for nitrate nitrogen, plant available phosphorus (sodium bicarbonate extractable), plant available potassium and magnesium (ammonium acetate extractable), zinc and manganese indexes, and soil pH and buffer pH.
Soil test accreditation provides assurance to the farmers of Ontario, and to the public, that soil test labs are providing accurate analytical results to farmers. This provides the basis for responsible management of nutrients on agricultural land, so that applications of fertilizers and manure are both agronomically and environmentally sound.
To be accredited, labs must demonstrate that they can correctly analyze a series of nine samples over three months, and then continue to provide the correct analyses on quarterly exchange samples. In addition, they must have an acceptable internal quality control system, as well as adequate facilities and equipment to handle and analyze samples.
Accreditation does not cover the fertilizer recommendations made by agronomists working for the lab. However, with the accredited test you can use the tables in OMAF publications to determine your own fertilizer recommendations, if you so wish.
Brookside Laboratories join the five soil test laboratories that are currently accredited by OMAF: Accutest Labs in Nepean; Agrifood Labs in Guelph;, A&L; Canada Laboratories in London; Soil and Nutrient Lab at the University of Guelph; and Stratford Agri Analysis in Stratford.
The list of accredited labs in Ontario including telephone numbers and contacts is posted on the OMAF website at: www.gov.on.ca/omafra/english/crops/resource/soillabs.htm.
For further information, please contact Keith Reid, OMAF’s Soil Fertility Specialist at the Stratford Resource Centre 519-271-9269.
RURAL EXPO 2002– INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH
Middlesex County is hosting the Rural Expo 2002 – IPM and the theme is “Meet us in the Country”.
The dates are September 17 – 22/02 and the site is located near Glencoe.
Open daily : 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Adults (16 plus) $10 Children (5 -15) $5
From the IPM website – “The International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show is Canada’s largest outdoor far show. The show will cover hundreds of acres of land and will contain displays of everything from crafts to food to farm machinery. If you’ve never been to the show, then this is the year for you to join in and see what the fuss is about! There is something to see and do for every member of the family.”
For more information call 1-866-IPM-2002 or visit the website www.ipm2002.on.ca
RURAL TOURISM CONFERENCE – BEYOND THE CITY LIGHTS
November 3-4, 2002 – At Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 East, Ruthven, Ontario (near Leamington)
The theme of the conference is “Cooperative Destination Marketing”. Learn how to market your tourism product more effectively by working together with your neighbours.
The conference will kick-off with a wine and cheese reception on Sunday, November 3rd . The next day our feature speakers will explain how the communities of Stratford, St. Jacobs and Bayfield built their reputation as a rural tourism destination. In addition we’ll cover topics such as joint promotions and financial management.
The cost is $50 per person. To register, call OMAF’s Ag Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300. Brochures are available at the Ridgetown Resource Centre (519-674-1690).
ONTARIO FARMERS TO GET MARKET REVENUE INSURANCE CHEQUES
Over $33 million in assistance will be sent out to Ontario grain and oilseed farmers this week under the Market Revenue Insurance (MRI) program.
In addition to this payment, all eligible Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) participants will be able to make an additional one per cent deposit into their accounts, which will be matched by the provincial and federal governments. This will allow producers to deposit up to five per cent of their eligible net sales this year, making an additional $25 million available to all participating producers in 2002.
Along with signing the five-year Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) agreement, Ontario has committed its 40 per cent share to match the federal government’s announcement of $1.2 billion over two years to assist Canadian farmers with the transition to the APF.
INNOVATIVE WHEAT TESTING TECHNOLOGY
A new partnership will see the Ontario government invest $205,580 in technology to enhance the safety and quality of Ontario grown and processed foods through more efficient and reliable testing of Ontario wheat, Minister of Agriculture and Food Helen Johns announced today. The balance of the $440,580 project will be provided by the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board, Automated Quality Testing and the federal government.
“The goal of this project is to develop a ‘QUICK’ Test – which stands for Quality Initiative for Cereal Kernels – to better ensure that raw wheat entering the food chain is disease-free,” said Johns. “As part of its commitment to safe, high-quality food, and to the competitiveness of our food-producing industries, the Ontario government is implementing a field-to-fork, science-based food safety system. This new technology will be part of that system.”
Under the project, four methods of testing raw wheat for fusarium will be researched. Fusarium is a blight that produces toxins in wheat and barley. In the past, fusarium has resulted in the removal of thousands of tonnes of wheat from the food chain, and the loss of millions of dollars in farmers’ income. The introduction of more efficient technology will mean faster, more accurate test results.
The Healthy Futures for Ontario Agriculture program is focused on enhancing the safety and quality of Ontario food products, capitalizing on marketing and export opportunities, improving rural water quality and making efficient use of water resources. Information about the program can be obtained by phoning 1-888-588-4111 or by visiting the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s web site at www.gov.on.ca/omaf.
AG INFORMATION CONTACT CENTRE
For farm, agri-business and rural business inquiries, call 1-877-424-1300 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Our call agents will answer your questions, or if needed, put you in touch with one of our provincial experts.
CHECK OUT OMAF CROPS WEBPAGES
What if you only want to see What’s New?
A free subscription service is available for OMAF mailing lists and will notify you when new content is posted.
Visit www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/subscribe/index.html
and choose the topics of interest to you: Fruit & Vegetable Crops, Specialty Crops, Field Crops, Livestock, or one of our newsletters: Hort Matters, Ontario Berry Grower, Crop Talk, or CropPest Ontario.
You will receive a message confirming your subscription, and you can remove yourself from the mail list (look on the bottom of each notice you receive). Sign up today, and look forward to keeping up to date on “What’s New @ OMAF Crops online”.
OMAF Resources
A full listing of publications and order forms are available on the ministry’s web site at
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAF/english/products/product.html Information is also available by calling 1-888-4-OMAFRA (1-888-466-2372, press 1 for English Instructions & press 3 for Publications
Check out OMAF’s weekly electronic newsletter Gleanings at http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAF/english/glean/index.html
Please note the disclaimer regarding external links:
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAF/english
~Bryan Boyle~
Regional Information Coordinator, OMAF
Email: [email protected]