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FERTILIZER PRICES TUMBLE 60% FROM RECORD HIGHS IN OCTOBER
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
FERTILIZER PRICES TUMBLE 60% FROM RECORD HIGHS IN OCTOBER 02/17/10From Farms.com
CHICAGO, Feb. 15 (Reuters) – Farmers who have faced lower selling prices for corn and soybeans this year should see some relief when they plant crops this spring as fertilizer prices have fallen as much as 60 percent from the record highs of October 2008.
Nitrogen, phosphate and potash -- the three essential crop nutrients -- have dropped sharply since hitting record levels, due to decreased demand and fallout from the recession.
Farmers will likely increase fertilizer applications this year as they replenish soil nutrients and boost corn and soybean acreage, analysts and crop specialists said.
Allendale Inc. and Informa Economics, two closely watched analytical firms, have forecast both crops to grow beyond the already record-large size of the 2009/10 crops. The US Agriculture Department will release its first acreage projection on March 31.
'Farmers last year put less phosphate and potassium on because of the high prices, and they're going to need to make up this year to replenish the soil,' said Gary Schnitkey, professor of farm management at the University of Illinois.
Diammonium phosphate fertilizer (DAP) prices in Illinois have fallen about 60 percent from its top of more than $1,100 per ton in October 2008, while potash and anhydrous ammonia have fallen 50 and 52 percent, respectively, according to USDA data.
Falling prices and lackluster demand have pressured earnings at the world's largest fertilizer maker Potash Corp of Saskatchewan and at Agrium Inc . Both companies reported drops in fourth-quarter profits but lifted expectations for fertilizer sales this year.
Lower fertilizer costs and a huge South American soybean crop may also lead to an increase in US corn acres this year at the expense of soybeans, said Chad Hart, agriculture economist at the University of Iowa.
Corn demands roughly twice the amount of fertilizer as soybeans and also yields more bushels per acre.
'In 2009, producers saw high fertilizer prices and they made a conscious choice because (soybeans need) less fertilizer,' Hart said. 'We probably won't set another record this year in soybeans.'
KENT CORN TRIALS PUBLISHED 02/12/10
The Kent Corn Committee has published the results of their trials conducted across the region in 2009. There are some great yields reported in the following charts but not as great as some typograhical errors that are in some of the local press.
Please use the following link to see this data: http://www.weatherinnovations.com/news....cfm?ID=104
and click on Kent Corn Club Trials.
FARMERS CELEBRATE FOOD FREEDOM DAY 02/12/10
From a Release - Guelph- On February 12, only 43 days into 2010 the average Canadian has already earned enough income to pay their individual grocery bill for the entire year.
On Food Freedom Day, producers across Canada celebrated their role in providing some of the safest, high quality and inexpensive food in the entire world. While this is good news on one level there is a growing concern put forward by farmers in regards to the sustainability of our food production system as it stands today.
In many parts of the world food costs are significantly higher than they are here in Canada. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that other member countries spend an average of 8.3 percent more of their disposable income on their annual grocery bill than Canadians. Australians spend 12.7 percent more, Japan spends 35.7 percent more, and Mexicans spend over 125 percent more of their disposable income on food than Canadians.
Within our own country agriculture is often an industry that is overlooked or misunderstood. It seems as though as long as safe, high quality, affordable food keeps showing up on grocery store shelves there is nothing to be concerned about. It is important to remember that prices of many agricultural commodities have been volatile and our Canadian farmers are in fact bringing home a very small percentage of consumer’s food dollars taken in at the grocery store.
Next time you’re in the grocery store remember Ontario’s farmers and show your support by buying local.
FARMER ENERGY ASSOCIATION FORMALIZED WITH ANNUAL MEETING 02/17/10
From a Release - RIDGETOWN - Farmers who are getting into the on-farm energy production business are now represented by a new group known as the Agri-Energy Producers’ Association of Ontario (APAO). According to a spokesperson APAP represents farmers and members of the renewable energy industry, focusing on the development of farm-based renewable energy. They say they have been dealing primarily with agricultural biogas projects, but are open to all forms of renewable energy. APAO has been involved in the development of Ontario’s FIT programme, as well other regulatory revision in the renewable energy field, such as grid connections and environmental controls.
The group says they will help farmers navigate the complexities of entering into the energy sphere.
APAO will be holding its annual general meeting on March 8th at 5 pm at the London Hilton, 300 King Street, London, Ontario. This event will be open to the public and members at a cost of $70 which includes dinner.
The keynote speaker will be Marion Fraser, who will deliver a presentation on Ontario’s Green Energy Revolution
To register for the AGM contact: Ag Business Centre, Ridgetown ON
Phone: 519 674 1592 Fax: 519 674 1512 Email: abc@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
BELIEF IN THE RIGHT DECISIONS 02/12/10
Thus week's guest commentary comes from Bette Jean Crews, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
"As citizens we need to trust our government leaders to make the right decisions for agriculture’s future. We’ve heard statements that ‘agriculture is important to the Ontario economy and forms the economic backbone of many rural communities.’
However, most farmers do not see these statements reflected in the actions of governments. Our government leaders are not clearly seeing that the economic backbone that is agriculture is beginning to crumble at an alarming rate. Ontario agriculture is hurting now and requires prudent public investment and sound policy so it can continue to be an important contributor to the Ontario economy.
Our leaders need to appreciate the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s statistics for total Ontario farm income for 2009. The numbers do not provide reason for much optimism – calling for a loss of $143.5 million when figures for all Canadian farms show a profit of $1.25 billion. They provide reason for a call to arms.
This is a clear sign that Ontario farms are facing some unique challenges. Ontario’s livestock sector is shown to be contracting more than any other province in Canada. Clearly something has to happen to turn this trend around if we are to expect an optimistic outlook for the future.
OFA’s pre-budget presentation to the provincial government stated: ‘the right economic stimulus package for agriculture should contain both government budgetary expenditures and the government’s commitment to work with the agricultural community to address government policies that negatively affect or impede agriculture.’
Our budget submission references The Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition recommendations to government with the objective of improving the economic health of agriculture. Reforms to the AgriStability program are of prime importance to helping farmers cope with the prolonged deterioration in business margins.
OFA’s document to the provincial government pointed out that government policies have raised Ontario farm production costs, and nothing has been done to contribute to farm gate prices.
We warned the government that ‘Ontario’s local food supply is threatened. Farmers cannot stay in business with negative margins for long....an investment in agriculture is good for the economy, the environment and is a smart, least-cost way of preserving jobs and local services in the rural communities.’
OFA’s pre-budget document to government also dealt with a broad range of changes that government needs to implement to stimulate agriculture and put revenue back into the industry. We urged the government to make a strong commitment to the biomass industry with an aggressive process of research and planning. This is essential so farmers can see and believe in what they are being asked to do.
Along with declining incomes for their production, farmers are also facing increased costs of getting product to market. A good example of this is when predators attack and destroy their livestock. We continue to call on government to modernize the legislation and the rates of compensation provided for predator kills. Farmers are facing increasing losses, but government continues to delay making the necessary changes.
Our government must take all of these recommendations seriously if the local food supply is to survive. In short, governments must see agriculture and farming as the priority it should be so it can help drive our economy as it can."
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink..._scoops.cfm
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TekTalk
WEED ID LINK 02/12/10
The link below is for ‘WeedPro75’ which is “an online herbicide selection tool that focuses on profitability and environmental stewardship. You are 4 steps away from identifying herbicide options that best match you priorities as a producer.”
http://www.weedpro75.com/
Weed Pro 75 is your online herbicide selection tool that puts profitability and environmental safety first. Input basic field information along with the different weed species found in each field and an estimation of how heavy an infestation (density) of each species in that field. Registered herbicides that are effective on the indicated weed spectrum are then listed by most profitable treatments. You can sort the results in multiple ways including environmental impact. Then click the desired treatment name for rates, precautions, and other product information.
This is not meant to take the place of qualified crop advisors, can it can come in handy in certain situations.
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink_...tektalk.cfm
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AgriLink Upcoming Events
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Event - Growing Your Farm Profits (GYFP) workshop-Elgin, Day 2 Feb. 25 Date - February 18, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Elgin Contact Name - Margaret May, 519-287-5334 Email - elgin@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Meeting for Kent, Day Two-Feb 25 Date - February 18, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Ridgetown Contact Name - Ron Faubert 519-352-1285 Email - kent@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Does It Pay? Tools to Answer Your Own Farm Electricity Questions, one day short course Date - February 18, 2010 Place - Woodstock Contact Name - Julie VanMol
ph: 519-674-1575 Email - jvanmol@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program Winter Magic Dream Auction Date - February 20, 2010 Place - Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre Contact Name - 519-826-4204 Website - aalp.on.ca
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Event - Leading Edge-First Steps, Leadership workshop series (Four consecutive Mondays, 7 pm thereafter after) Date - February 20, 2010 Time - 8:30 AM Place - 425 McNaughton Ave., W., Chatham Contact Name - Karen Kirkwood-Whyte at
519.354.0430-Deadline for Registration, Mondayu, Feb. 15. Email - karen@unitedway.chatham-kent.on.ca Alt Contact Name - Lisa Jenkins, Local Program Co-ordinator, (519)727-0286 Alt Email - lisa.alderman@sympatico.ca Alt Website - www.stepstoleadership.ca
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Event - Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program Winter Magic Dream Auction Date - February 20, 2010 Place - Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre Contact Name - 519-826-4204
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Event - Quest for New Farm Value – Value Plus™, Day Two March 1 Date - February 22, 2010 Place - Mt Brydges Caradoc Community Centre Contact Name - call 1-877-424-1300 Website - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/conf.../index.html
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Event - Quest For New Farm Value - Value Plus™ 2 day workshop-Day 2 Mar. 1, 2010 Date - February 22, 2010 Place - Mt. Brydges, Caradoc Community Centre Contact Name - 1-877-424-1300 Website - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/conf...ddlesex.htm
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Event - Elgin National Farmers Union Annual General Meeting Date - February 23, 2010 Time - 6:00 PM Place - Old Town Hall Theatre in Aylmer Contact Name - Chris Dancey (519)773-5273 Website - www.nfuontario.ca/elgin
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Event - Middlesex Soil and Crop Annual Meeting, Date - February 23, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Coldstream Community Centre
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Event - Business Planning Workshop Date - February 23, 2010 Time - 7:45 AM Place - Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce, 54 Fourth St., Chatham Contact Name - 519-352-7540 Email - info@chatham-kentchamber.ca
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Event - Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting Date - February 24,2010 to February 25, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Doubletree by Hilton - Toronto Airport Website - http://cattle.guelph.on.ca/
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Event - Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention Date - February 24,2010 to February 25, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Brock University, St. Catharines Website - http://www.ofvc.ca/
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Event - ON THE ROAD AGAIN-Information Meeting with the MTO about Farm Vehicles on the Road Date - February 24, 2010 Time - 7:00 PM Place - Essex Civic Centre, Room C
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Event - New York Farm Show Date - February 25,2010 to February 27, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Syracuse, NY Website - http://www.newyorkfarmshow.com
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Event - 43rd Annual Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show Date - February 26,2010 to March 2, 2010 Place - Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Email - cgsa@golfsupers.com Website - www.golfsupers.com/toronto2010
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Event - Ontario 4-H Annual General Meeting Date - February 27, 2010 Place - Waterloo Inn and Conference Centre, Waterloo
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Meeting-Lambton-Day Two-Mar. 9 Date - March 2, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Wyoming Legion Contact Name - OSCIA at 519-826-4214 Website - www.ontariosoilcrop.org/EFP/EFP.htm
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Event - Does It Pay? Tools to Answer Your Own Farm Electricity Questions, One day short course Date - March 2, 2010 Place - Clinton Contact Name - Julie VanMol
ph: 519-674-1575
Email - jvanmol@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - CAFA Meeting Date - March 3, 2010 Time - 7:30 AM Place - Chatham, Satellite Restaurant, King St. W. Contact Name - Ron Vandehogen, 519 676-9849 Email - ron.vandehogen@sunlife.com
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Event - Seed Corn Growers of Ontario Annual Meeting Date - March 3, 2010 Place - Blenheim, Deer Run Golf Course Contact Name - Mary Lynn Lister Santavy
Executive Director
SEED CORN GROWERS OF ONTARIO
825 Park Avenue West
Chatham, Ontario N7M 5J6
Phone: 519-352-6710
Fax: 519-352-0526 Email - msantavy@seedcorngrowers.on.ca
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Meeting for Kent, Day Two-Mar 10 Date - March 3, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Ridgetown Contact Name - Ron Faubert 519-352-1285 Email - kent@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Elgin County Conference Series: Evolution of the Harvest Date - March 3, 2010 Place - Elgin County Contact Name - 519-631-1260 ext 164
Website - www.progressivebynature.com
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Event - District 1 Sheep meeting , Date - March 4, 2010 Time - 8:00 PM Place - Coldstream Community Centre Contact Name - Bill Duffield
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Event - Ontario Veal Association Annual Meetng Date - March 5, 2010
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Event - LAMBTON COUNTY WOODLOT OWNER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL Date - March 6, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Brooke Alvinston Inwood Community Centre Complex Contact Name - Frank Gustin Ph: (519) 882-0946 Email - gustinfrankandgail@sympatico.ca Alt Contact Name - Donald Craig Ph: (519) 695-2028 Alt Email - dcraigtreeman@sympatico.ca
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Event - Agri-Energy Producers’ Association of Ontario Annual Meeting Date - March 8, 2010 Time - 5:00 PM Place - London Hilton, 300 King Street, London Contact Name - Ag Business Centre, Ridgetown ON
Phone: 519 674 1592 Fax: 519 674 1512
Email - abc@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca Alt Contact Name - T: 613 838 6505 F: 613 838 6505 C: 613 883 6505 Alt Email - nfoss@apao.ca Alt Website - www.apao.ca
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Event - Grain Farmers of Ontario Annual Meeting & Conference Date - March 8,2010 to March 9, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - London Convention Centre
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Event - 4th Annual Growing the Margins Conference Date - March 8,2010 to March 12, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - London Convention Centre Contact Name - First Stage Enterprises; 416-426-7029 Website - www.gtmconference.ca
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Event - Western Fair Farm Show Date - March 10,2010 to March 12, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Western Fair Grounds, London Contact Name - (800) 619-4629 or (519) 438-7203 Website - http://www.westernfair.com/shows/farm.html
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Event - Emergency First Aid/ CPR course Date - March 13, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - KFA office 519-674-1595 Email - kent@ofa.on.ca
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Event - Does It Pay? Tools to Answer Your Own Farm Electricity Questions Date - March 23, 2010 Place - Vineland Station Contact Name - Julie VanMol
ph: 519-674-1575 Email - jvanmol@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - Ontario Sugarbeet Growers Association Annual Meeting Date - March 24, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Wyoming Fairgrounds Contact Name - Mary Lynn Lister Santavy, 519-352-6710 Email - osga@ciaccess.com
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Event - Chatham Kent Association of Christian Farmers Annual Banquet Date - March 26, 2010 Time - 5:30 PM Place - Chatham, Smitty's Pancake House, Grand Ave. W. Contact Name - Jacques at 519-682-1057 Alt Contact Name - Jim at 519-692-3293
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Event - “A Taste of Lambton-Kent” Gala Fundraising Dinner & Charity Date - March 26, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Ridgetown Campus, Willson Hall Contact Name - Dennis Bryson
Chair, Lambton - Kent Agriculture in the Classroom
Phone: 519.828.3311
Email - dline@xcelco.on.ca
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Event - Local Food Connection: Farmer Food Buyer Networking Event Date - March 29, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - London Hunt and Country Club Contact Name - 519-232-9638 / 1-888-832-9638 Email - kareneatwell@execulink.com Website - www.ledc.com
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Event - 12th ANNUAL SOUTHWEST BEEF FOCUS Date - March 30, 2010 Time - 5:30 PM Place - Brooke Alvinston Inwood Community Centre Complex Contact Name - Margaret May 519-287-5334
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Event - London Swine Conference Date - March 31,2010 to April 1, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - London Convention Centre Contact Name - Linda Dillon at 519-482-3333 Email - Linda.dillon@ontario.ca Website - http://www.londonswineconference.ca/
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Event - District 1 Sheep Meeting Date - April 4, 2010 Time - 8:00 PM Place - Coldstream Community Centre Contact Name - Bill Duffield
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Event - Poultry Industry Conference and Exhibition Date - April 14,2010 to April 15, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Western Fair Grounds, London Website - http://www.westernfair.com/shows/poultry.html
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Event - OIA Conference and Annual General Meeting Date - April 16,2010 to April 17, 2010 Place - Hilton Garden Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Event - Annual Ontario Pork Congress Date - June 23,2010 to June 24, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Stratford Website - www.porkcongress.on.ca
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To view these listings online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink..._events.cfm
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