Anne Langendyk Exeter Farmers Market

HURON & AREA Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs E-BULLETIN May 2009 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. I would be happy to add you to our e-mail distribution group. Just email me at [email protected] Did you know ? …….. That there are other neighbouring OMAFRA Regional Information Co-ordinators (RIC’s) who also have E-Bulletins. We have some similar information as well as different regional events/articles. Feel free to email other RIC’s and request theirs as well. Daryl Ball – Perth County [email protected] Bryan Boyle – Lambton [email protected] Valerie Clark – Middlesex, Elgin [email protected] Kim DeKlein – Oxford [email protected] Gerry Horst – Waterloo, Wellington, Peel – [email protected] Kelly Ward – Bruce, Grey, Dufferin - [email protected] IN THIS MONTH’S BULLETIN… • Coming Events and Dates of Interest – Pages 1 – 3 Area News and Information • Local Fairs – pg 3 • Farmers Market in Exeter – pg 3 • NMAN – pg 4 • Growing Forward– pg 4/5 • Nutrition Labeling – pg 5 • H1N1 Q & A’s– pg 6 • Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo – pg 7 • Sustainable rural Communities – pg 8 • Bob McDonald Coming to Goderich – 8 • Seminar for New Exporters – pg 9 • Functional Foods Conference – pg 9 • Deadstock Options – pg 10 • Lunging Clinic – pg 10 • Microsoft® Workshops – pg 11 • Huron Small Business Enterprise Workshops– pg 11 • Pork Congress – pg 13 • OMIF – pg 12 • Livestock Manure – pg 13 • OMAFRA Information and Resources Pg. 14/15 • Last Words – Children – pg 15 COMING EVENTS AND DATES OF INTEREST (Input always welcome – pop me an e-mail or give me a call if you would like your next event included) •

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May 12 - Poultry Industry Council Research Day "What's eating us in what we eat? - fighting food-borne pathogens, " Arboretum, University of

May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Guelph. Sponsored by OMAFRA and featuring several U of G researchers,. Registration and lunch start at noon. The speakers address the audience from 1-4:30 p.m., and are followed by a wine and cheese reception. For more information, or to register, go to the Poultry Industry Council website, or contact Claudia Escandon at 519-837-0284 or [email protected]

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May 25 - Huron North WI District Annual – Forward Together” – Clinton OMAFRA Boardroom

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May 21 – Huron South W I District Annual – “Let’s Look after Mother Earth” Grand Bend

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June 4 – Huron Tourism Assoc. Meeting. – 7pm Blyth Festival – National tourism Week

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June 17 & 18 – Food Meets Function Conference - the science and business of functional foods, latest in research and consumer trends, Best Western, London www.foodmeetsfunction.ca

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June 20/21 – Lunging with Ilka Boeker – REACH Clinton (Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre for Huron) for more info http://www.reachhuron.ca/home.cfm

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June 23 – Bob McDonald speaking on Water, Air Protection –Columbus Hall, Goderich, more info on page 7

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July 8 & 9 – Southwest Crop Diagnostic Day, Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph. Check http://www.diagnosticdays.ca/ for updates.

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July 10 – 12 – Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. If you or someone you know would like to try fishing in Ontario waters for the first time (or the first time in a long time), circle the weekend of July 10-12, 2009 on your calendar. For those three days only (12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday), Canadian residents can enjoy the fun of fishing in Ontario without a licence during the annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. For complete details, visit http://www.familyfishingweekend.com/Welcome.cfm

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August 11 – 13 – International Goat Symposium, Lindsay, Ontario. Complete details at http://www.goatsymposium.com/main.htm

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Aug. 21 & 22– Zurich Bean Festival – www.ontarioswestcooast.ca

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Aug. 24 - 30 – Tastes of Huron Food Festival – pig roast, vendors market, cooking workshops and special menus prepared by local chefs. Visit www.ontarioswestcoast.ca

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August 24 – 28 – Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario 2009 Bus Tour – Illinois. Check for details at http://www.ifao.com/IFAO-Events.html

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Aug 27, 28 - The Annual Huron County Plowing Match will be held at the farm of Bob and Pat Down located at the corner of Hurondale Road and Hwy #4 between Exeter and Hensall. Junior Day on Aug 27 will feature the 4-H Sodbusters achievement day and the Princess of the Furrow competition. On

May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Fri. Aug. 28 there will be plowing competitions, antique displays, a mini tented city, plowmen's breakfast, Queen of the Furrow speeches and plowing, food booth and awards BBQ for everyone to enjoy. Freewill donations at the gate. Come enjoy a day in the country! •

Sept. 12 – Stratford Garlic Festival – for more info www.stratfordgarlicfestival.com

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September 15 – 17 – Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock, Ontario. Check often for details at http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/

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September 22 – 26 – International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, District of Temiskaming [near Earlton, Ontario]. Visit http://www.ipm2009.net/ for regular updates.

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Oct 15 – Women’s Institute London Area Convention,

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Oct. 16 – World Food Day

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Nov. 6 – 15 – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto

AREA NEWS & INFORMATION LOCAL FAIRS You won’t want to miss the one in your area. Check dates for ones closest to you at www.ontariofairs.com FARMERS’ MARKET SOON TO BE A REALITY IN EXETER “Plans are almost complete and we expect to have our first market on Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 3pm until 7pm”, stated Exeter farmers’ market association chair, Joan Brady. “The market will be located at Gary Bean Securities, 588 Main St, at the south end of Exeter and we will gratefully make use of their expansive, shady lot”. We anticipate the lot can hold about 15 vendors and we would welcome the challenge of finding a new location in season 2, should we outgrow the present location,” Brady, who farms with her family outside of Dashwood, continued. Plans for the market originated with the Exeter Chamber of Commerce who engaged both the Exeter BIA and the Town of South Huron in plans to begin a farmers market in Exeter. Both chamber employee, Amanda Marshall and Huron County Downtown Revitalization Coordinator, Kerri Herrfort have been valuable resources in determining location, connecting with vendors, working with community partners and doing much of the legwork to develop the market. There has been a great deal of interest on behalf of both vendors and the public and we predict a successful first season,” enthused Anne Langendyk, market vice chair and chamber representative to the association. “I can’t wait to buy meats, fresh fruit and vegetables from the folks that grow them and I am glad to support the local farmers in this way”. The Exeter Farmers’ Market will be a producer based market and the rules and regulations allow only local and bona-vide producer-vendors to sell at the market. The season will extend from May 21, 2009 until October 29, 2009. “The public is looking to buy local and to get to know the farmer that produces their food, so it makes sense to make the market producer only,” explained Joan Brady. “We have great variety of vendors on our list including those that will sell frozen pork, fruits and

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berries, vegetables, cut flowers, baking, flowering plants, preserves and spreads and more. There is something for everyone”, said Brady Vendor Packets are presently being sent to farmers and vendors that have expressed interest in being part of the market. For more information about the market or to receive a vendor packet please contact the Exeter Farmers’ Market Manager, Diane Klopp at 519-236-7999 or [email protected] Contact: Joan Brady, Exeter Farmers’ Market Association Chair (519) 237-3139 Anne Langendyk, Exeter Farmers’ Market Vice Chair (519) 235-3350 NMAN 2.1 Release The NMAN committee is happy to announce the release of NMAN 2.1. The NMAN committee has made every attempt to improve the outlook to attract more users, while NMAN is still compliant with the Nutrient Management Act the latest release is our committee’s attempt to shed the regulatory look and feel it has garnered over the years. The New NMAN includes: • New Nutrient Balance Interface. Uses a one-window approach when performing Agronomic and Crop Removal Balances (Quick Balance Calculator) • Improved visuals within MSTOR, including a complete list of livestock and storage images. • Improved printouts. A revamped layout that includes the newly added livestock and storage images. • A new printout to handle Registrations required under the Nutrient Management Act. • New Start Page, which enables users to access previously saved projects upon start up. For those with NMAN already on your computers a downloadable upgrade can be found at the following website http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nman/software.htm CD’s will be available at the London OMAFRA Resource Centre, 519-873-4700 or through Richard Brunke, NM Engineer, OMAFRA London, 519-873-4082, [email protected]. GROWING FORWARD - FOOD SAFETY AND TRACEABILITY INITIATIVE Following the April 1st, 2009 announcement of Growing Forward, we are pleased to launch the Food Safety and Traceability Initiative (FSTI), part of the Best Practice Suite. Growing Forward supports the development and implementation of best practices in four key areas: • environment and climate change • food safety and traceability • business development • biosecurity. Participants are encouraged to develop strategies across all these areas to meet their business goals through a variety of information sessions and workshops, as well as one-on-one training and technical assistance. In addition, an Innovation and Science Suite encourages and supports ongoing research and the commercialization of research. The Food Safety and Traceability Initiative is a cost-share funding program, developed to assist agriculture and agri-food facilities improve food safety practices and traceability systems in their operations. Improvements to food safety and traceability will strengthen Ontario’s ability to provide safe, high quality food and provide economic advantages to our farmers and food processors.

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The FSTI was developed by the Food Safety Programs Branch and will be administered jointly with the Rural Community Development Branch. For more details about the FSTI please contact us by: • phone: 1-888-479-3931 • website: www.ontario.ca/foodsafety • e-mail: [email protected] How does FSTI work? FSTI provides 75% reimbursement of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $20,000 to: - implement written food safety programs - implement a working traceability system - assist in the purchase and installation of equipment that improves food safety or traceability - train staff to increase the adoption of food safety and traceability PROJECT OPTION 1: Implementing a Food Safety Program or a Traceability System Applicant will develop, write and implement a food safety program, individual food safety practices, or a working traceability system Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant All Project Option 1 Applicants must attend an OMAFRA Information Session before applying. A certificate will be given to all participants that attend the information session. A copy of the certificate must be attached to your application form. PROJECT OPTION 2: Supporting Investment in an Existing Food Safety Program This option is available only to Applicants currently certified, audited or verified under a recognized food safety program (See Schedule I) and whose project involves further food safety improvements to their existing food safety program Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant PROJECT OPTION 3: Improving Food Safety or Traceability Applicants may purchase equipment, engage in training, or obtain certification, audit or verification (first time only) of a recognized food safety program (See Schedule I ). Up to $5,000 in funding per Applicant WHO CAN APPLY? For Food Safety and Traceability: Food Producers: crops or animals for human consumption Food Processors: food products for human consumption FOR TRACEABILITY ONLY (Project Options 1 and 3): - Operations involved in commingling, movement, storage and/or warehousing of food products, livestock or crops such as beverage wholesaler/distributors, auction barns and grain elevators - Federally registered food processing facilities If you would like more information on Growing Forward, the Best Practice Suite and/or the Innovation and Science Suite, please contact us by: phone: 1-888-479-3931; website: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growingforward/index email: growingforward@ontario.

GROWING FORWARD – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – ADVISOR OPPORTUNITY The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is compiling a list of qualified farm business advisors to assist Ontario producers undertake a Farm Financial Assessment as part of the Business Development program under Growing Forward. The goal of the Business Development program is to increase the economic viability of Ontario’s agriculture and food industry. Based on their reviewed Action Plans,

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producers may require the services of a professional farm business advisor to review past financial performance, analyze their current business situation, discuss objectives and prepare financial projections based on identified goals. If you are an advisor interested in receiving more information on how to be included on a rostered list please e-mail John Molenhuis, Business Analysis and Cost of Production Program Lead, OMAFRA at [email protected] with your contact information. Growing Your Farm Profits – and Beyond Information Sessions for Ontario Farm Business Advisors Farm families across Ontario are attending Growing Your Farm Profits workshops to improve their business planning and achieve their business goals. These free information sessions will help you understand how these workshops can help you – and your clients – work together to achieve business success. There will be some announced shortly.

NUTRITION LABELLING By Elaine Flook, Business Development Consultant, OMAFRA, Lindsay The Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion has just put out a ready-to-use presentation on nutrition labelling http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/labeletiquet/nutrition/educat/info-nutri-label-etiquet-eng.php It is now available on Health Canada's Web site along with existing nutrition labelling resources such as the Interactive Nutrition Label and Quiz. It is designed for use by health professionals and educators to teach consumers. However, given it’s easy format and excellent summary of the legislation, this may be a useful resource for a general understand of nutrition labelling and to start to understand the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements. The presentation consists of 27 slides, complete with speaker's notes. In an effort to assist consumers in using the nutrition information from food labels to make informed healthy eating choices, the presentation includes such topics as: • Introduction to nutrition labelling; • Description of the three elements of nutrition labelling; • Key points to remember to enhance the use of the nutrition label (with a focus on the specific amount of food and % Daily Value); and • How nutrition labelling and Canada's Food Guide support healthy eating.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ONTARIO’S AGRICULTURE SECTOR: H1N1 FLU VIRUS (HUMAN SWINE FLU) Has the swine flu causing human illnesses (H1N1) been found in Ontario pigs? To date, there have been no reports in Ontario of this strain in swine. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicates that it has found H1N1 flu virus in a swine herd in Alberta. The safety of the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat. Are pork products safe to eat? H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is not a food safety concern. As always, pork products should be cooked to proper temperatures. What happens if this influenza strain is found in pigs in Ontario? What should farmers do if they have sick animals? This influenza strain has not been detected in swine. This is currently a human health issue.

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If found, we will work with our federal partners in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and our public health partners in Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) to determine the best course of action to continue to protect public health and our agriculture and food industries. Farmers should contact a veterinarian immediately if animals show signs of illness. Are Ontario swine at risk of contracting this virus? Can it pass to other livestock or poultry? Pigs can catch swine influenza from other swine or from people. The virus is not a concern for other livestock or poultry. What can farmers do to protect their pigs from influenza? To minimize the risk to their animals, pig farmers should: • Follow strict biosecurity practices on farm • Provide adequate ventilation in barns • Ensure farm workers maintain good hygiene • Identify and segregate sick animals as early as possible • Submit samples to laboratory for testing • Consider vaccinating their animals against influenza (in consultation with a veterinarian). Farmers should contact a veterinarian immediately if animals show signs of illness. To encourage testing and help with provincial surveillance, OMAFRA will cover laboratory costs for swine influenza tests over the next few months. What does biosecurity entail on a farm? General biosecurity protocols are critical to help prevent disease. Producers should: • Maintain strict biosecurity between swine and poultry premises; • Have signs, barriers, clothing and sanitation to prevent disease; • Contact a veterinarian to help detect and control disease risk to animals; • Know the health of their new stock – isolate new and sick animals; and • Obey all import procedures for animals and agricultural products. What protocols should anyone visiting or working on a farm follow? Because humans can also spread the disease to pigs, individuals with influenza symptoms should avoid close contact with pigs to reduce the possibility of transmitting the disease to pigs. While no cases of this virus strain have been identified in swine, other influenza viruses do circulate in swine and farm visitors or workers should always take appropriate precautions when at swine operations. The Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Swine Health Board urges producers to: • Minimize visitor traffic to pig barns to essential services only, and persons recently returning from regions affected by the Human Swine Flu should have no contact with pigs for at least seven days • Enhance barn entry requirements with a minimum of a change of clothes and boots and a thorough hand wash. Masks are recommended, with an N95 respiratory mask and gloves being the preferred choice. • Ensure ventilation systems are functioning and minimize re-circulation of air inside animal housing facilities; No one with flu-like symptoms should be in contact with swine. What are the symptoms of influenza in pigs? Signs of swine influenza include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, coughing and sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and reduced fertility or abortion. Affected animals usually recover within five to seven days. Do workers coming to Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program have access to health care? Yes. All foreign workers who come to Ontario under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers program (SAWP) are covered by OHIP from the minute they arrive in Ontario. For more information: Agricultural and Biosecurity Information Agricultural Information Contact Centre

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(877) 424-1300 H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) Information ServiceOntario (800) 476-9708 If you have flu-like symptoms Telehealth (866) 797-0000 OMAFRA information, along with links to partner agencies, is available on our website (www.ontario.ca/omafra). ETHNIC & SPECIALTY FOOD EXPO October 5 & 6 International Centre, Toronto Here’s a highly interactive targeted business opportunity for the food industry, with emphasis on cultural, specialty and organic products and suppliers. The event understands and fosters the need for small and medium entrepreneurs to have an affordable place to show their products, enabling them to expand their business. It is the only focused forum of its kind in Canada that fully addresses the trends and needs of the food industry, both retail and foodservice, as it responds and evolves to the wants of consumers. Included is the All Things Organic ™ pavilion, sponsored by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) addresses the growth of organic sales in Canada which have been growing steadily at 20% annually. Buyers are constantly looking for additional products as consumers become regular purchasers, this event affords buyers that opportunity. Industry supporters include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, City of Toronto-Economic Development, Organic Trade Association, and Guelph Food Technology Centre. The 2008 event attracted in excess of 1300 top-tier buyers, who were totally engaged with the sellers, a testament to the fact that cultural and organic foods are their fastest growing segments. For more information visit www.ethnicandspecialtyfood.com or contact Donna Wood, 705-484-0967 or 1- 888443-6786 ext. 231. SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITIES RESEARCH PROGRAM SUMMARY The Sustainable Rural Communities Research Program (SRC), a research program under the previous OMAFRA-U of G Agreement, supported an important contribution to the dynamic conversation related to rural development, both in Ontario and around the globe. Now you can read about its achievements online at http://www.uoguelph.ca/research/omafra/sustainable_rural_communities/SRC_Progra m_Review_final.pdf In the 10-year period from 1998-2008, more than 50 research projects were completed under the SRC Program. With a mandate to contribute to the sustainability of rural Ontario, Prof. Wayne Caldwell, director of the SRC program says it "supported a diverse selection of research projects covering the broad spectrum of rural economy, rural society, and rural environments exemplified by research projects that encompassed an interesting and unique intersection of agricultural, economic, social, and environmental issues in rural research." AWARD-WINNING CBC BROADCASTER BOB MCDONALD COMING TO OUR REGION TO SPEAK ON WATER, AIR PROTECTION One of Canada’s most recognized science journalists, Gemini award-winning broadcaster Bob McDonald, is coming to the region to speak on Tuesday, June 23 at the Knights of Columbus Centre in Goderich.

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Local residents are welcome to attend the special evening presentation at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost for admission but seating is limited so the public is asked to call ahead to guarantee their seat. Voluntary toonie donations will be welcome that evening to support local environmental groups active in water protection issues. The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region is bringing the author and on-air personality to the region to speak on protecting water and air – ‘Perspectives on a Planet.’ “We are thrilled and honoured one of Canada’s most noted science journalists will visit this region to speak to our community working group members, the public and the planning committee,” said Larry Brown, Source Protection Committee (SPC) Chair. McDonald is the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s senior science correspondent and host of the popular weekly radio program, Quirks and Quarks. He also received the prestigious Gemini award last year as best host in a preschool, children’s or youth program for TV Ontario’s 13-part series, Heads Up! He also hosted the Water Under Fire documentary series. He has received the “triple crown” of science communication awards in Canada including the 2005 McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science from the Royal Society of Canada; the 2002 Sandford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute and the 2001 Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). McDonald is not only one of Canada’s top broadcast journalists but he is also an author, having written books including Measuring the Earth with a Stick: Science as I've Seen It, short-listed for the Canadian Science Writers’ Association book award. His writing has also appeared in Owl Magazine and The Globe and Mail. The Knights of Columbus Centre is located at 390 Parsons Court in Goderich. For information on this rare visit by one of Canada’s top science communicators visit sourcewaterinfo.on.ca. Register in advance for the event by phoning 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or e-mailing [email protected] SEMINAR FOR NEW EXPORTERS June 2 & 3 The PROFIT (Program to Raise Ontario Foods International Trade) Seminar, run by the Ontario Food Exports Unit, addresses the basics of international marketing and is a practical hands-on guide to penetrating the U.S. market. Held in Toronto and Buffalo over a two day period, this seminar features over 15 speakers including key FDA contacts. PROFIT is scheduled once a year. The cost is $350 per person which includes all meals, materials, transportation and accommodations. Topics discussed include: Export financing, Product labeling, Trademarks, S tax laws, US food brokerage, US food distribution, US Food & Drug regulations (including an overview of the new FDA Bioterrorism Regulations effective December 12, 2003), US Customs, US customs brokerage. For more information or to receive a registration form, please contact Kathryn Liotta at 1-888-466-2372, ext 6-4018.

CONFERENCE EXPLORES THE SCIENCE AND BUSINESS OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS June 17 & 18 Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre, London “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”- a tried and true statement that can certainly apply to human nutrition. Ideally, where should that ounce of prevention come from, our food or supplements? What will consumers shop for in five year’s time? As Canadians become more aware of the important connection between health and food, they are shopping for foods that are functional; foods that will enhance their health and help in lowering the risk of chronic disease. Moving towards a preventative model for health care, that includes exercise and the

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consumption of functional foods, can help offset rising health care costs. The Food meets Function Conference will offer participants the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and cutting-edge research in functional foods. Food value-chain members, dietitians, researchers, and health care professionals will benefit from examining the present and future needs of consumers; discussing how to educate a broader consumer base; and investigating opportunities to generate alliances and strategies within the functional food value chain. For detailed agenda and registration information go to www.foodmeetsfunction.ca. Featured speakers include: • Dr. Linda Tapsell, Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Wollongong, Australia speaking about Functional Foods to Benefit Public Health. • Kim McKinnon,Vice President, The Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors speaking on The Grocery Store Experience 2015 - how consumers will shop for health and food. • Dr. Ariel Fenster, Office for Science and Society, McGill University speaking on the subject of Foods or Supplements: Which should you be putting on your plate. • Al Mussell, PhD, M.Sc. Senior Research Associate at the George Morris Centre speaking about A New Partnership-from Producer to Dietitian to ConsumerImplications for Health Care if we don’t succeed. Breakout Sessions – June 17: Session 1: Improving Human Health with Functional Foods – What the consumer needs to know. Session 2: Creating Enhanced Products – Feeds and Formulas! Session 3: Opportunities in Retail and Processing Evening Banquet: A Feast of Functional Foods with featured speaker, Anita Stewart noted food activist, broadcaster and author of several cookbooks. Breakout Sessions june 18: Session 1: Marketing Health through Food –Successful Strategies Session 2: Top 5 Emerging Ideas in Functional Foods Pre-Conference Functional Food Tour: Tuesday June 16 Your unique opportunity to participate in a full day bus tour that will visit processors and producers focusing on the production and development of functional foods. Tour includes lunch. Space is limited. HURON ENVIROMENTAL FARM PLAN WORKSHOPS at OMAFRA BOARDROOM, 100 Don Street, Clinton, Call to register. Lois Sinclair, Huron County, OSCIA Workshop Leader (519)-3573146 Day 1: June 4 Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Day 2: June 11 Thurs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

NEW DEADSTOCK RULES GIVE FARMERS MORE OPTIONS McGuinty Government Works With Industry To Modernize Rules March 25, 2009 Ontario farmers will have more choices to safely dispose of their deadstock under new regulations that would come into force Friday, March 27, 2009, pending approval from the Lieutenant-Governor. The new rules, developed in consultation with industry partners, also provide greater flexibility for the deadstock service sector and include measures that will protect the environment. Key changes include:

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Giving farmers and deadstock receivers a wider range of choices for disposing of deadstock both on and off the farm, such as anaerobic digestion and central composting • Including poultry and other farmed animals not previously covered under the old legislation • Establishing enhanced environmental standards that will protect our water resources, with additional requirements that safeguard animal health and public health protection The new regulations were developed jointly by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, with input from the livestock industry.

HURON CLEAN WATER PROJECT

Huron_Clean_Water _Project_Brochure_09_small.pdf

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST CLINIC TO BE OFFERED BY REACH (Rural Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron) Lunging Clinic with Ilka Boecker, June 20/21, Would you like to...improve your horse training skill? improve your horse's way of going? develop techniques to improve riders' balance? This two day clinic will show you how to implement the 6 stages of lunging in the development of a finished horse. Cost: $200.00 per participant, $40.00 for school horse rental, $15.00 audit fee, for more info http://www.reachhuron.ca/home.cfm or call Cindy at (519) 525-0682.

PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT USING MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® • Thursday, May 28, 2008, Best Western Lamplighter Hotel, 591 Wellington Road S, London, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Lunch NOT included) • Tuesday, June 16, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lunch INCLUDED) • Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lunch INCLUDED • Wednesday, November 25, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lunch INCLUDED This day-long workshop on productivity training and time management solutions will help you integrate communications, tasks, activities and planning using Microsoft Outlook®. This workshop will show you how to reconfigure your task pad enabling you to focus on your priorities, how to communicate more effectively and how to fulfill and coordinate your commitments, all of which will contribute to a measurable increase in productivity at work and at home. Past participants have indicated that this fast paced, high-quality training workshop has fundamentally changed the way they do business, use Outlook, and deal with email, day to day tasks and time management issues. They note that this ‘change’ is

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immediate, ongoing and easy to implement and keep using in both your work and personal environments. The cost of this day long workshop is $545.00 with refreshments and lunch included (excluding London location). For more information and to register for this workshop please contact The Centre for Rural Leadership at 519-826-4204. WORKING SM@RT WITH BLACKBERRY • Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) • Tuesday, October 27, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) This ½ day workshop on working smarter with your Blackberry was created in conjunction with Research in Motion (RIM). Graduates of this workshop increase productivity and enhance on-the-job performance by knowing how to match the right process and skill set when using their BlackBerry devices. The goal of this workshop is to learn how to apply Priority Management's workload management processes in a BlackBerry environment. In Working Sm@rt with BlackBerry participants will learn: • Processes to manage email in a BlackBerry environment ; • How to better use your BlackBerry with Outlook and get these tools “on the same page”; • When and why to use a BlackBerry… not just how; and • How to make your BlackBerry a proactive tool. While not required it is strongly recommended that participants participate in Productivity Improvement Using Microsoft Outlook® prior to taking this course. Cost is $395.00 with morning and mid morning refreshments included. For more information and to register for this workshop please contact The Centre for Rural Leadership at 519-826-4204.

NEW SERIES OF WORKSHOPS FROM HURON SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE Fabulous new line-up for spring and fall – check them out at [email protected] or call 519-527-0305 Pre-registration IS required! Workshops start at 7 pm and end approximately 9:30 pm Purchase a spring pass and attend as many until July 1st as you’d like …. Tue, May 19 ‘Til Death Do Us Part: An Eventuality Worth Planning … Are you HBC ready for your eventual exit? Avoid the unnecessary erosion of your estate and leave more behind than your good name! We all go. Let’s do it right! John McNeilly Banning Assembly Line Customer Service … Learn how to take the Thur, May 28 OMAFRA, Clinton focus off process and put it back onto the customer where it belongs. No line-ups at your business? Then reserve your spot NOW! Before it’s too late! Lisa Harper Brochures, Business Cards, Flyers … These tried and true methods Wed, June 10 OMAFRA, Clinton are far from obsolete. Get a new feel for these essential tools today. In fact, bring them along and we’ll look at specific design features and

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options with you! Alison Lobb Record keeping: Lament of the Damned…If you’re a business owner, you’re in information, baby! No matter what kind of business you run, your friends at Revenue Canada and your local banker want data – and lots of it! Learn how to manage your business records in a way that doesn’t take up all your time but keeps your “friends” happy too. Alison Lobb Reading Minds 101: Why People Buy…Why do your customers buy what they do? Knowing the answer could help ensure that they buy from you! Seems worth knowing to me and you don’t need to be clairvoyant to figure it out. Listen to what your prospects are really saying. Tina Heathers

Thur, June 25 OMAFRA, Clinton

Thur, July 23 OMAFRA, Clinton

ONTARIO MARKET INVESTMENT FUND (OMIF) PROMOTE LOCAL FOODS WITH THE ONTARIO MARKET INVESTMENT FUND (OMIF) Agri-food industry stakeholders and local food networks are invited to apply for funding to increase consumer awareness of Ontario foods and encourage Ontarians to buy locally. The provincial government will fund up to 50 per cent of your project's eligible cost. The maximum grant is $100,000 per approved project. Collaboration and partnerships are required. Eligible applicants include strategic alliances between individuals, businesses, farmers, processors, industry associations and community organizations, including not-for-profits and/or municipalities. Project activities may include market research, market development, communication initiatives, and consumer or trade events. See the OMIF website at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/domestic/omif/omif.html for a list of approved projects. Application forms are available online at www.ontario.ca/omif or by calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or OMAFRA at 1-888-5884111. MONSANTO CANADA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR 2009: Monsanto Canada is pleased to announce details of its 2009 Opportunity Scholarship program. This year, Monsanto estimates it will provide approximately 60 scholarships to deserving high school students across the country entering their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture or forestry. Each scholarship is valued at $1,500 and will be awarded to students who meeting the following criteria: • students must be from an agricultural or forestry family farming operation with plans to enter their first year of post-secondary education in agricultural sciences or forestry; • students must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities and active involvement in their local community; • complete applications, including an application essay, must be post-marked no later than May 15, 2009 Application forms are available at the OMAFRA Resource Centres. For further information visit www.monsanto.ca or call Monsanto Canada’s CustomCare line at 1800-667-4944. 36TH ANNUAL PORK CONGRESS

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May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Where something old, something new makes for something special. June 24th & 25 Stratford Rotary Complex, Stratford A sense of tradition meets with a new beginning, as the Ontario Pork Congress celebrates its 36th year, honouring the finest of Ontario’s pork industry, Wednesday, June 24th and Thursday the 25th, in Stratford. For years, the Pork Congress has symbolised the resiliency of Ontario’s livestock sector, providing a venue for innovation and industry trend-spotting, as well as a place to exchange ideas and information. This year, it’s all of these things, in a new facility, the Stratford Agricultural and Recreational Complex. This new complex embodies the theme for this year’s showcase: ‘A New Homecoming’. More than a new home, this facility provides a spirit of optimism and a brighter outlook that counters the current challenges faced by most of those in Ontario’s pork industry. Make plans to visit -and celebrate –all that’s good about pork in Ontario, at the Ontario Pork Congress. Details are available by visiting www.porkcongress.on.ca June 6th – Junior Barrow Show June 21 – 27 – Pork Week in Stratford June 23 – Pig Art June 23 – Gold Event June 24 – The Hog Jog June 24 – Trade Show June 25 – Weekend Warrior BBQ LIVESTOCK MANURE APPLIED CORRECTLY SAVES MONEY AND IMPROVES SOIL TILTH By Richard Brunke, NM Engineer, OMAFRA London Growing season has begun in Ontario! Significant amounts of fertilizer, both organic and inorganic, have been applied to the farm fields in Ontario. Because of the increasing cost of inorganic commercial fertilizers, farmers are sharpening their pencils and calculating the application rates of organic fertilizers as known as manure, very closely. Manure is an excellent fertilizer. It not only supplies the plants nutrients, N, P, K it also increases the organic content in the soil. The organic content in the soil increases the tilth of the soil. The increase of the soil organic content will also increase the water holding capacity of the soil helping the crops survive during dry periods in the summer. The increase in organic matter also helps to minimize the effect of soil compaction in farm fields from farm machinery travel over the fields. The result is deeper root penetration into the soil and development of a larger root mass. With a greater volume of roots, the plant can better extract their required nutrients from the soil and more successfully survive dry periods during the summer. If you are phased-in under the Nutrient Management Act and are required to follow a prepared Nutrient Management plan, there are specific application setback distances to surface water when applying manure. If your farm is not phased-in, the suggested setback distances can be followed as a Best Management Practice. If you have any streams, creeks or surface water around farm fields a three metre vegetated buffer is required between the field and the bank of the surface water. This vegetated buffer filters soil particles and soil nutrients from field runoff water during rainfall events and snow melts. This minimizes the effects of the runoff on the aquatic environment. Ten metres back from this buffer, you must either apply the manure on a living crop or inject the manure into the soil or surface-apply and incorporate the manure within 24 hours. This also helps to reduce any runoff of nutrients from the farm field. For more information, call the Nutrient Management Toll-Free Information Line at 1866-242-4460 or by visiting OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/OMAFRA

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May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

OMAFRA INFORMATION, PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES: 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: [email protected] OMAFRA Web site: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca Nutrient Management Information Line: 1-866-242-4460 E-mail [email protected] Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS) - 1-877-838-5144 Renewal - www.agr.gc.ca/renewal 2009 Rural Organization Contacts Each year we compile a comprehensive list of Huron 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 uploaded on the following website: Huron County - A Guide to Your Farm & Rural Community, 2009 is posted on the County of Huron website at www.huroncounty.ca Factsheets / Publications Field Pocket Guide (Revised), Publication 820 (order number 0820E for the English version, order number 0820F for the French version). This revised and improved 2009 edition contains a practical way to record crop production activities using a variety of record keeping pages and some handy conversions and calculations; there is no need to recycle the 2006 edition (orange cover); please feel free to use up any remaining stock. Ontario CropIPM We are very excited to announce that Ontario CropIPM, our interactive IPM training program is now online! You can find it in English at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/index.html, And in French at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/french/index.html. Ontario CropIPM is an interactive educational tool to improve your knowledge of Integrated Pest Management in Ontario crops. Growers, scouts and consultants will be able to learn about insects, diseases, disorders, and weeds by: • searching photo galleries, • using identification keys, • consulting pest scouting calendars, • comparing photos of often-confused pests, • learning about soil diagnostics and herbicide injury, • referring to glossaries, • and checking additional resources. Ontario CropIPM includes modules for: • Brassicas, Cucurbits, Peppers, Strawberries, Sweet corn, • Tomatoes We expect to be adding more crops as time goes on. The CD version is available for purchase at https://www.publications.serviceontario.ca/ecom/MasterServlet/GetItemDetailsHandle r?iN=AF141&qty=1&viewMode=3&loggedIN=false&JavaScript=y. This is nice for those who don’t have high-speed internet access. New Sound Advice Reports are now available online by visiting • http://www.omBlack Rot Cankers in Apples, by Michael Celetti ([email protected]) Plant Pathologist, Horticulture Crops Program Lead, OMAFRA, Guelph • Phosphorus Management on Muck Soils, by Donna Speranzini ([email protected]), Nutrient Management Specialist – Horticulture, OMAFRA, Vineland

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May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

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Scout Training, cropIPM and Pest Deregulation, by Jennifer Allen, Provincial Vegetable Crop Specialist, OMAFRA ([email protected]) It Pays to Learn about Nitrogen, by Janice LeBoeuf, Vegetable Crop Specialist, OMAFRA, Ridgetown ([email protected]) Integrated Pest Management And Monitoring, by Margaret Appleby, IPM Systems Specialist, OMAFRA, Brighton ([email protected])

Crop Pest Newsletter http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/croppest/ Horse News and Views http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/news.html. Animal Health Newsletter http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/ceptor/news.html Vegetable Newsletter www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/news_vegview.html Ontario Berry Grower http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/news_berrygrower.ht ml Pork News and Views Newsletter http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/swine/news.html Hort Matters Newsletter http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/news_hortmatt.html On Organic http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/organic/news/news-organic.html Foodland Ontario: http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/ for some great recipes using Ontario’s fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutrient Management Training Course Schedule For the most up-to-date Nutrient Management Training Course Schedule, simply click on http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/cert/courses.htm London Service Ontario Centre – 519-873-4000 Stratford Service Ontario Centre – 519-271-9995. Owen Sound Service Ontario Centre – 519-519-371-6226 Goderich Service Ontario Centre – 1-800-267-8097 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 CHIILDREN ARE WONDERFUL!

A little boy was in a relative's wedding. As he was coming down the aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar. So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR, all the way down the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit. When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed & said, "I was being the Ring Bear."

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May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin