Crops Are Looking Good!
As we begin the summer season, crops in most of Lambton are thriving. Some areas are desperately in need of rain but we have the largest hay making window in recent memory. Farmers have been busy spraying and side dressing corn working long days in the excessive heat we have received.
Government announcements of funding have encouraged the primary producers but with it brought many unanswered questions. The federal funds based on eligible net sales are to flow in June with the remaining portion in the fall. The promised provincial portion is 55 million in one time funding which is the 40 percent share of the special assistance announced in the federal budget. Along with the funding announcement by the province is the promise to work to develop a risk management strategy for the Ontario grains and oil seeds sector beginning with the 2007 crop year.
The money which is to be coming this month is considered a cost of production payment to assist in high input costs and offset low prices in the last several years. Producers enrolled in CAIS will get an automatic payment, new producers or if you are not in CAIS, need to apply for the funding.
As summer progresses, Lambton has many events which we urge you to attend. The Lambton Farm Safety Association will host an agricultural safety day July 5th at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre. Call Tom Lunn to register at 519-695-5111. Keep your kids safe and plant to attend.
The Lambton Dairy Producers have a BBQ at Harry & Mike Van Wieren’s July 3rd at noon and the Pork Producers BBQ is in Thedford July 11th from 5-7, the Lambton Cattlemen Wednesday August 1st. Get out and participate in your local commodity programs and enjoy the summer BBQ season.
~Debbie Coke~
President, Lambton Federation of Agriculture