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Agrilink
DALE PETRIE, VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT, LEAVES GFO
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
From a Release - GUELPH - Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) announced today that Dale Petrie has decided to step down from his position as Vice President of Strategic Development, effective March 26, 2010.Dale has been instrumental in working through the transition from the three boards to GFO and focusing the organization on adding value to producers. “Dale has been a great asset during the merging of our three boards,” says Barry Senft, CEO at GFO. “His contributions and commitment to the process were greatly appreciated.”
Dale came to GFO from the Ontario Soybean Growers where he joined the organization as General Manager in September 2007. Dale recently assumed the role of Vice President of Strategic Development at GFO – an area of the organization that includes market development, research and innovation, and public affairs and communication.
These ongoing tasks will be managed by GFO staff. A replacement has not been named but the process to fill the position will commence immediately.
ESSEX AG PRESIDENT CALLS FOR FARMER SAFETY NET
03/18/10
From the Windsor Star
Without a safety net program for beef, veal, pork, horticulture and grain farmers, fewer farms will survive, Essex County Federation of Agriculture president Larry Verbeke said Monday.
Without help, "there will be a lot more farmers going out of business next year," Verbeke said.
He can think of about 10 farmers in Essex County who went out of business last year and he expects more will give up if it doesn't look like they can at least cover the costs of growing crops or raising animals.
Verbeke is meeting with councils across Essex County asking them to support a resolution to get both the federal and provincial governments to support a risk management program.
The provincial government has supported a pilot program that's ending March 31 but the federal government hasn't kicked in funds.
Leamington council supported the resolution Monday night.
Verbeke had already met with councils in Leamington, Amherstburg and Lakeshore.
A three-year pilot project for corn, wheat and soybean growers is ending March 31. Farmers paid into that program and so did the province.
Under that program, farmers got money to meet their cost of production if they didn't reach the average of the top 50 farmers. It would help farmers not lose money when prices sink.
The Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition was formed for beef, veal, pork, horticulture and grains and oil seed farmers to pursue a similar risk-management program.
Verbeke said the current program doesn't meet the needs of the majority of farmers and should be expanded.
Pork farmers are losing about $30 a hog, he said.
Farmers can't control the world prices and they can't compete with offshore labour costs, he said.
Verbeke said if the risk management programs aren't continued, it will affect farmers and related agribusinesses.
"We need something," Verbeke said.
"This risk management program would help carry us through the low times."
Without a program, some farmers may continue this year but could start exiting next year.
"There's no future," Verbeke said.
"There's no guarantee that you put $1,000 into an acre that you're going to get that back. Aren't we entitled to a profit?"
PARRISH AND HEIMBECKER INVESTS IN NEW HENSALL BEAN PLANT
03/18/10
From a Release
MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Eastern Canadian division of grain company Parrish and Heimbecker, Limited (“P&H”) announced plans today to invest in a new, state-of-the-art, dry edible bean processing facility in Hensall, Ontario. The project development plans indicate that ground-breaking is imminent.
Located in the heart of Huron County, this new investment sends a strong and supportive signal to Ontario’s 2,000 navy bean (white pea bean) producers. “This project provides a direct boost to the local community,” said P&H Eastern Canadian grain operations Director, Robert Bryson. “P&H has built strong relationships over the years with Ontario’s top food quality dry bean Producers.These experienced Farm Operators are a key component to the success of this new project. Quality starts on the farm, allowing P&H to deliver a premium Canadian bean, a product our domestic and international customers have come to expect.”
The multi-million dollar food-grade facility will leverage more than one-hundred years of experience that P&H has in the grain and food processing business. The plant will incorporate progressive design elements that protect product integrity while simultaneously minimizing energy consumption. Facility design has been modeled to exceed typical food quality standards through HACCP certification and rigid product identity preservation, thereby offering traceability from ‘farm to plate’.“We are very pleased to be redeveloping and investing in Hensall to establish a world-class bean processing facility," said Bryson.“From a design aspect, this modern facility has thoroughly addressed the most stringent requirements from sustainability, efficiency and food safety perspectives.”
The processing facility will be also be situated such that is able to exploit supply chain advantages, delivering freight savings to the end use customer. Bryson commented on this strategy: “A footprint in Hensall enables our customers to exploit transportation opportunities as they arise. P&H’s seamless and dynamic connection between rail and truck modes, coupled with the ability to ship in both packaged and bulk product forms, allows the eastern Canadian marine gateway ports to be used to their fullest potential.”
Bryson also spoke to these competitive advantages from an export perspective. “In today’s market, superior food safety and product quality are the basic requirements of our customers. A high degree of automation allows us to operate more efficiently, with monitoring processes that will reduce errors, saving our customers time and money. Innovation that can green their supply chains and deliver cost-savings is our competitive advantage.”
OFA PRESIDENT WINS ‘WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE’ TITLE
03/18/10
From a release - GUELPH – Bette Jean Crews, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), is one of five women in Canada to be honoured with the Rosemary Davis Award by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The honour recognizes leadership and commitment to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry.
A news release from FCC says the award recognizes “courage, determination and passion. They [recipients] have followed their dreams and taken the time to share their knowledge with others in support of the future success of the Canadian agriculture industry.”
Crews is serving her second term as OFA President. Before that she was vice-president for two years, and a member of the OFA Executive Committee for six years. She has been a board member of OnTrace, past chair of the Agricultural Management Institute, and past chair of the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
Through her involvement with OFA, Crews takes on responsibilities at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) where she serves on the Executive Committee; is co-chair of the Food Safety Committee; and agricultural representative on the Canadian Supply chain Food Safety Coalition.
Her family operates an 800-acre, fourth generation farm in the Trenton area of southeastern Ontario, producing grains and oilseeds, fruit and vegetables, a u-pick and direct market enterprise. Along with her husband, Colin, they operate a brokerage and trucking business for juice apples.
She has received the University of Guelph Volunteer Recognition Award (2000); and was featured as an Entrepreneur of the Year in Progressive Choices magazine (2005).
In her community, Crews has been president of the Trenton branch of the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of Ontario, and secretary of the Trenton Farmers’ Market Association. She has four adult children and five grandchildren.
KNOW FARMERS KNOW FOOD VIDEO NOW LIVE ON THE INTERNET
03/18/10
From a Release
Guelph, ON – Know Farmers Know Food, the Ontario Farm Animal Council’s (OFAC) video is now posted on the OFAC website at www.ofac.org and is live on YouTube. This video uses beautiful footage to showcase real Ontario farms and farmers.
The video is an excellent tool for the agricultural community to use when speaking about farming or educating youth about the science and technology of modern agriculture. With scenes of animals, technology, crops and farmers of all ages, it appeals to a wide audience.
“We want to dispel the myths that farmers look like old McDonald” said Sue McLarty, project manager at the Ontario Farm Animal Council. “This video is a wonderful promotion of Ontario agriculture and the people who make it happen.”
The video is a featured component of FarmzOnWheelz. FarmzOnWheelz is OFAC’s 400 square foot interactive agricultural awareness exhibit which shows visitors that farmers are modern, innovative, and adaptive. Agriculture is engaging and FarmzOnWheelz reinforces that point.
Funding for the Farmz project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) Program. The CARD Program is administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Other project sponsors include the Ontario Market Investment Fund and many industry partners.
AG IN THE CLASSROOM GALA COMING UP AT RIDGETOWN
03/18/10
From a release - The Lambton-Kent Agriculture in the Classroom Committee is very pleased
to announce its thirteenth Annual Gala Fundraising Dinner, “A Taste of Lambton-Kent”, to be held on March 26, 2010 in Willson Hall at the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph. This exciting event showcases the finest agricultural products of the region through an elegantly presented six-course meal.
The funds raised at this event, the primary fundraiser for the Lambton-Kent Agriculture in the Classroom Committee, help to foster
programs designed to increase awareness and appreciation of agriculture within the local educational system. Current committee projects include; Harvest Days at Ridgetown Campus aimed at grade 3 students; Spring Days for grade 4 students at Canatara Park, Lambton; and classroom
activity kits developed with the assistance of the Science Education Partnership.
According to the release, the group has just completed a 2 pilot project at London Road Public School in Sarnia and Thamesville Area Public School for a Healthy Eating Club.
"Through our local Ag in the Classroom activities, we are able to educate hundreds of students and teachers each year who may otherwise
have very little understanding of the importance of the agriculture industry," says Dennis Bryson, Chair of the Committee.
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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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AgriLink Upcoming Events
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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 - PERMIT TO TAKE WATER - WORKSHOP Date - March 23, 2010 Time - 10:00 AM Place - Dresden Contact Name - 1-877-424-1300
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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 - Grain Drying & Storage Workshop Date - March 25, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Simcoe Contact Name - Ag Business Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
1-866-222-9682 or 519-674-1592
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Event - Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. Annual General Meeting Date - March 25, 2010 Website - www.oafe.org
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Event - Ontario Apple Growers Workshop Date - March 25, 2010 Time - 8:00 AM Place - Metawas Station Restaurant, 169 Lansdowne Ave, Kingsville Contact Name - Sarah Marshall @ 905-688-0990, ext. # 232
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Event - MICRO-FIT SOLAR WORKSHOP Date - March 25, 2010 Time - 2:00 PM Place - RDC bldg, Ridgetown Campus, UoG Contact Name - Gayle Bogart, 800-222-8172
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Event - MICRO-FIT SOLAR WORKSHOP Date - March 25, 2010 Time - 7:00 PM Place - RDC bldg, Ridgetown Campus, UoG Contact Name - Gayle Bogart, 800-222-8172
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Event - Environmental Farm Planning Workshop-Middlesex, Day Two-April 1 Date - March 26, 2010 Time - 10:00 AM Place - Strathroy Contact Name - Margaret May, 519-287-5334 Email - middlesex@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Holistic Management Course: Planned Grazing, Improving Sustainability Date - March 26,2010 to March 27, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ignatius College, Guelph Contact Name - Fran or Tony McQuail, 519-258-2493 Email - mcqufarm@hurontel.on.ca
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Event - Grain Drying & Storage Workshop Date - March 26, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Chatham Contact Name - Ag Business Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
1-866-222-9682 or 519-674-1592
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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 - 6:00 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 - “Understanding Your Market Pricing” Date - March 30, 2010 Time - 7:45 AM Place - Oungah, Country View Golf Course Contact Name - 519-352-7540.
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Event - Ontario Pork Producers' Marketing Board Annual General Meeting Date - March 30, 2010 Place - London Convention Centre Contact Name - (519) 263-5050 Email - ontariopork@bayleygroup.com Website - www.ontariopork.on.ca;
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Event - Hazelnuts for Ontario Date - March 31, 2010 Time - 12:00 PM Place - Simcoe OMAFRA Resource Centre, 1283 Blueline Rd Simcoe Contact Name - 519-763-6160 x. 116
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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 1, 2010 Time - 8:00 PM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - Bill Duffield
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Event - Grain Drying & Storage Workshop Date - April 6, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Elora Contact Name - Ag Business Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
1-866-222-9682 or 519-674-1592
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Event - CAFA Meeting Date - April 7, 2010 Time - 7:30 AM Place - Chatham, Satellite Restaurant, 145 King St., W. Contact Name - Ron Vandehogen, 519-676-9849
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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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Event - Progressive Agriculture / Chatham-Kent Farm Safety Day Date - July 21, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - Sue Kelner 519-674-1584 Email - skelner@ridgetwonc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - Outdoor Farm Show Date - September 14,2010 to March 16, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Woodstock Canada's Outdoor Park Website - http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/
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Event - International Plowing Match & Farm Machinery Show Date - September 21,2010 to September 25, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Elgin – St. Thomas Website - http://www.ipm2010.com/
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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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John Jordan
Editor, AgriLink and Farm Market News
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Tel. 519-674-1577
Fax. 519-674-1530
E-mail: jjordan@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
AgriLink website : www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink
