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DRESDEN TRACTOR PARADE BREAKS WORLD RECORD
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
How do you beat a world record for the largest parade of tractors? You convince at least 601 other farmers to bring their iron beast to your home town and there you have it.It wasn't that simple but Ken Richards, (Westag Grad 1966) of Dresden somehow managed to equal and in fact double the previous record of 601 tractors in a parade in Dresden on Saturday, July 24, 2010. "I'm told we officially had 1231 tractors and their operators in this show for which I am truly grateful," said a proud Richards.
Tractors cued up in a 75 acre wheat stubble field and drove a 3 kilometer run to the Dresden Fairgrounds where they covered the inner race track.
The parade was so large that it took nearly 6 hours to pass a given point. There were green 400 horse behemoths all the way down to tiny garden sized tractors in the procession.
"It's going to take me a few days to get over the excitement of having this turn out so well. We really, really appreciated the help from volunteers and the sponsorships we got from seed and chemical companies. Without them, it wouldn't have happened," adds Richards.
The record, once vetted, will be published in the upcoming Guinness Book of World Records. Meantime the Canadian Cancer Society, Dresden branch is going to have a $102,000 deposit soon. The tractor drive had a subtitle of Drive out Cancer and participants gave at the registration desk. In fact, Richard's tractor number 602 was a 1944 Cockshutt 60 painted in a cancer yellow theme with blue and pink stripping for prostate and breast cancer, two types which mean a lot in the Richard's household.
Ken Richards on his Cockshutt 60 (Photo courtesy CFCO Radio)
CORN REFUGE PLANTING UNDER MICROSCOPE
07/21/10
From a CropLife Canada Release
OTTAWA - An on-farm, third-party assessment program to increase the number of farmers planting the proper non-Bt corn refuge area to prevent the development of insect resistance is being piloted by CropLife Canada, the trade association representing Canada's plant science industry.
This pilot program is in response to a recent study that revealed only 61 per cent of farmers growing Bt corn - a genetically modified variety of corn that is resistant to certain insect pests - are planting the recommended 20 per cent refuge area.
"This program is part of our industry's commitment to proper stewardship of our technologies," says Lorne Hepworth, president of CropLife Canada. "This year's pilot is phase one of a corrective action plan to increase refuge plantings in future years."
Agricultural production has historically endured huge losses to pests and disease, and many methods of pest control have had limited life spans. In an effort to avoid this, biotechnology companies put in place resistance management plans, which include the planting of refuges of non-Bt corn. More than a decade after the first large-scale introduction of crops with biotechnology-derived pest control traits, no insect resistance has developed in Canada.
"We must support these insect resistance management plans that have proved so successful through the years. Biotechnology-derived crops provide significant benefits to farmers and consumers alike. Thanks to Bt crops, farmers now enjoy reduced pest pressures, improved yields and lower input costs which benefits their businesses, the environment and consumers alike," says Hepworth.
Starting in July, assessors will be visiting producers growing Bt corn hybrids across Ontario and Quebec to determine whether they are planting the recommended refuge areas. The 100 farmers in Ontario and 50 in Quebec who have been selected for an assessment will be notified by mail. Accredited auditors from the Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA) will visit these farms throughout July and August.
Assessors will report back to CropLife Canada and individual companies will conduct follow-up visits with customers not planting the recommended refuges to help ensure the grower grows the appropriate refuge the following year.
CropLife Canada and its members realize that farmers have already planted their crops for 2010, but the pilot project will help to raise awareness of the industry's commitment to increasing the number of corn growers respecting the refuge. This will allow growers the opportunity to purchase the correct amount of non-Bt corn seed for their next planting season, prior to the commencement of the full scale on-farm assessment program starting in 2011.
AGRIINVEST DEPOSITS NOW ACCEPTED AT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
07/21/10
From a Agriculture and AgriFood Canada release
Ottawa, Ontario - AgriInvest Deposit Notices will start to appear in producers’ mailboxes over the coming weeks with information on how and where to make their 2009 AgriInvest deposit.
Producers can now make their AgriInvest deposits at a participating financial institution of their choice. Moving AgriInvest accounts closer to where producers live and work gives them the flexibility to keep track of their funds more easily and to earn a competitive rate of interest on their deposits.
Producers must open an account at their local financial institution and make their 2009 AgriInvest deposit by the deadline indicated on their Deposit Notice to receive a matching contribution from governments.
Existing funds currently held by the federal government will be transferred to the producer’s AgriInvest account held at their financial institution. Producers can request a withdrawal from their AgriInvest account through their financial institution at any time throughout the year.
AgriInvest is a business risk management program under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. AgriInvest helps farmers manage small income declines. Every year, farmers can make a deposit based on a percentage of their Allowable Net Sales and receive matching contributions from governments.
ROTHSAY FUELS CHANGE WITH BIODIESEL FLEET
07/21/10
From a Canadian Renewable Fuels Association Release
OTTAWA: The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) today applauded Rothsay Biodiesel, a division of Maple Leaf Foods Inc, for fueling positive change with its on road use of made-in-Canada biodiesel.
Rothsay announced today that its program to fuel its own fleets with biodiesel blends reduced carbon output by approximately 700 metric tonnes in 2009 - the equivalent to removing approximately 130 cars from the road.
"Rothsay's on-road fleet experience is proof of the positive benefits of blending biodiesel in Canada. In everyday use and all weather conditions, Rothsay's biodiesel delivered top performance and, importantly, reduced the harmful greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and smog that is associated with fossil diesel use," said CRFA Chair Doug Hooper.
Three of Rothsay's truck fleets have been fuelled with biodiesel blends since 2009, bringing the total number of trucks in the fleet program to 137. In 2009, the fleets consumed more than 2.3 million litres of biodiesel blends, and travelled a combined 5.4 million kilometres at an average blend rate of 9.2 per cent with no mechanical issues or decrease in mileage.
Rothsay biodiesel is a unique renewable fuel made by converting animal fats and recycled cooking oils into an environmentally sustainable alternative fuel that reduces harmful greenhouse gases (GHG), and can be used in all diesel engines today without modification.
GPS TECHNOLOGY HELPS KEEP TABS ON GROWERS
07/21/10
The new Ontario tobacco board is spending a lot of its time working on important files from the former board while it oversees an expansion of crop in the new licensing system.
At the annual meeting of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board on Thursday night, chairman Fred Neukamm explained what is being done to verify the credibility of licensed acreage, keep down excess production and the
possibility of contraband trading as this year's crop enjoys an increase.
He explained to more than 100 people in the Hungarian Hall in Delhi how the board is using a GPS system and field visits to verify that each grower has planted according to the acreage approved on the licence.
A total 264 licences have been issued to 251 growers, who legally have planted 20,273 acres of crop to produce more than 50 million pounds. It's the second year of the new system established after most farmers took exit packages from a $300-million federal tobacco transition program.
As part of its mandate, the board must take steps to ensure no illegal tobacco is being grown, said Neukamm.
"If this crop doesn't have credibility, my prediction is that people won't have faith in it, and there soon will be no more."
He said the board is anxious to demonstrate to the federal and provincial governments and the public that Ontario growers work within the law.
Last year was the first for the new system, which began while the buyout phase was being completed. The board had time to use the verification system only on a trial basis.
B.C. FARMER FEEDING CATTLE WINE
07/22/10
From the Toronto Sun
WETASKIWIN, Alta. — With the Canadian cattle industry still recovering from the aftermath of the mad cow disease outbreak, a group of farmers in B.C. has hit upon a unique niche product — wine-fed beef.
And if an Oliver, B.C.-based producer had his way, this delicacy would soon show up on dinner plates at high-end Alberta steakhouses.
Southern Plus Feedlots owner Bill Freding said the idea of wine-fed beef became a reality this past November, when the first cattle were fed wine to supplement their grain diet.
Freding said he's trying to produce a product that is equal to Japan’s Kobe beef, where Wagyu cattle are fed a beer a day and massaged with saki before they are slaughtered.
The steaks, known for their tenderness and its marbled-texture, can cost hundreds of dollars in Japan.
The comparisons between the Kobe beef and the B.C. wine-fed beef have already been made.
CARGILL LAUNCHES BEEF LINE WITH LEAKPROOF PACKAGING
07/20/10
From barfblog by Doug Powell
Consumers ain’t no dummies.
Cargill asked consumers what they wanted in beef packaging and they said stuff that doesn’t leak.
David Bisek, associate brand manager for Cargill said in a statement.
“Shoppers have spoken and Cargill has listened. They told us their No. 1 frustration with current fresh beef packaging is the fact that it leaked. These leaks plague consumers throughout the shopping process: they leave a mess in grocery carts, they stain car upholstery and they necessitate refrigerator clean-up during storage.”
And the cross-contamination potential is enormous.
So Cargill introduced a new Grantwood Meats line where beef is vacuum-sealed into a leakproof package with a peel-to-open tab. It is freezer-ready and has a 30-day shelf life from the packing date.
The Grantwood Meats line includes muscle cuts and roasts.
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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 - Ontario Weed Tour Date - July 14, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Harrow Research Station Website - http://onvegetables.files.wordpress.com/2010/06...chedule.pdf
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Event - LAMBTON CATTLEMEN’S BBQ Date - August 4, 2010 Time - 5:30 PM Place - Brooke, Alvinston, Inwood Community Centre, Hwy 79 at Alvinston Contact Name - Tammy VanTroost 519-864-4449
Email - tam@ebtech.net
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Workshop-Middlesex, Day Two-Aug. 13 Date - August 6, 2010 Time - 10:00 AM Place - TBA Contact Name - Margaret May-519-287-5334 Email - middlesex@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Elgin County Plowing Match Date - August 7, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Allen Millman Family Farm, 45399 Sparta Line, Central Elgin Contact Name - 519-773-8531
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Event - Middlesex County Holstein Show Date - August 10, 2010 Time - 7:00 PM Place - Ilderton
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Event - International Goat Symposium Date - August 10,2010 to August 12, 2010 Place - Stratford Contact Name - 519-824-2942 or 866-311-6422 Website - www.goatsymposium.com
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Workshop-Chatham-Kent, Day Two-Aug. 17 Date - August 10, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - Ron Faubert at 519-352-1285 Email - kent@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Lambton SCIA Twilight Tour, Date - August 11, 2010 Time - 4:45 PM Place - John Lammers Farm, 5272 LaSalle Line, Petrolia Contact Name - Bonnie 519-882-3215
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Event - Southern Ontario Draft Horse Basic Workshop Date - August 12,2010 to August 14, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Sparta near St. Thomas at Orchard Hill Farm Contact Name - Ken Laing, 519-775-2670 Email - kmlaing@orchardhillfarm.ca Website - www.orchardhillfarm.ca
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Event - Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Date - August 13, 2010 Time - 12:30 PM Place - Guelph Lakes Golf and Country Club, Guelph Contact Name - 519-780-5326 Email - golf@jfao.on.ca Website - www.jfao.on.ca/golf
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Event - Elgin Cattlemen's Association Annual Barbecue Date - August 18, 2010 Place - Pinafore Park, St. Thomas Contact Name - Amanda Ford at 519-762-3749
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Event - Middlesex Cattlemen’s 53rd Annual Beef Barbecue, Date - August 19, 2010 Time - 5:00 PM Place - Poplar Hill Park Contact Name - Barbara Johnson at 519-660-2945
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Event - Is the Coast Clear? – 6th Annual Conference on Lake Huron coastal environment Date - August 20, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Oakwood Conference Centre, Grand Bend Website - www.lakehuron.ca
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Event - DISTRICT 1 SHEEP MEETING-Farm Tour Date - August 21, 2010 Place - Bill McCutcheon's farm at Grand Valley Contact Name - Bill Duffield, Tel 519-899-2663
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Event - Middlesex and Southwestern Ontario Sheep and Lamb Producers Barbeque Date - August 26, 2010 Place - Poplar Hill Park Contact Name - 519-287- 5637, 519-666-2423 or 519-666-1682
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Event - Southern Ontario Draft Horse Basic Workshop Date - September 9,2010 to September 11, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Sparta near St. Thomas at Orchard Hill Farm Contact Name - Ken Laing, 519-775-2670 Email - kmlaing@orchardhillfarm.ca Website - www.orchardhillfarm.ca
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Event - Essex SCIA Twilight Tour Date - September 11, 2010 Time - 2:00 PM Place - Thibert Farm, 20300 Lakeshore Road 308, Comber Contact Name - Jim Buck 705-696-2567
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Event - Outdoor Farm Show Date - September 14,2010 to September 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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Event - WOMEN IN AGRI-BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM Date - October 13, 2010 Time - 8:30 AM Place - Springfield Golf & Country Club 2054 Gordon St. Guelph, ON Contact Name - (519) 821-4655,
Fitzgerald & Co., 39 William Street, Elmira, ON N3B 1P3 or Fax: 519-669-3826
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Event - International Maple Syrup Institute and the North American Maple Syrup Council Annual Meeting, Date - October 20,2010 to October 23, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Arden Park Hotel, Stratford. Website - http://www.northamericanmaple.org/index.php/ann...ual-meeting
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Event - Royal Winter Fair Date - November 5,2010 to November 14, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Exhibition Place, Toronto Website - www.royalfair.org
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Event - Agr. & Rural Energy Expo Date - November 6,2010 to November 7, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - REACH Huron in Clinton Website - www.reachhuron.ca
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Event - Southwest Agricultural Conference Date - January 5,2011 to January 6, 2011 Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Website - www.southwestagconference.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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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
