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Agrilink
RURAL ONTARIO WINS WITH SOLAR PROGRAM CHANGES
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
From a Release - MERLIN—MPP Pat Hoy and the Liberal government’s Rural Caucus have helped area farmers keep the original 80.2 cents/kwh for ground-mounted solar panels, to be confirmed today by the Ontario Power Authority.“It was a question of fairness and trust,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex, and Vice-Chair of the Liberal government’s Rural Caucus. “A farmer’s word is his bond, and it was absolutely vital that we keep that trust and keep the price for all applications made prior to July 2 at the original 80.2cents/kwh, that so many had planned for and expected.”
“Changes announced today following a 30-day consultation on the popular microFIT program will ensure fairness to applicants and continue to encourage Chatham-Kent and Essex residents to participate in the growing clean energy economy,” said Hoy, adding “it’s also part of strengthening rural Ontario, giving farmers and others another option for income.”
“Area residents brought forward important information on a variety of cost inputs that resulted in an adjusted new, fair price for ground-mounted solar,” said Van Bommel, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “We listened to the concerns and acted to strike a balance.”
Ontarians who applied prior to July 2, 2010 to feed solar power into the electricity grid will be eligible under the original pricing structure. A new pricing structure of 64.2 cents per kilowatt-hour will apply to eligible applicants moving forward on small ground-mounted projects. The roof-top solar price structure remains at 80.2 cents.
Hoy said that interest in the microFit solar program was historic, with over 19,000 applications. The new and fair price for ground-mounted solar projects will protect the sustainability of the program and provide a reasonable rate of return of 11 per cent over a 20-year period for participating Ontarians.
“This is a win-win for rural residents. These changes provide fairness for those who have applied to the existing program and clarity for those going forward. This is about bringing clean energy to Ontario at good value. It allows Ontarians to be part of the solution,” said Hoy.
CO-OP SUPPORTS PROVINCE IN SOLAR DECISION
08/16/10
AgriLink
The Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) decision to set electrical compensation at $0.624 /kwh, while honouring pre-July 2, 2010 applications at $0.802 /kwh came as welcomed news to area farmers and landowners. Agris Solar Co-operative Secretary, Jim Campbell says the announcement late last week was a Christmas present in August. The Chatham based co-op was one of many groups and individuals who voiced opposition to OPA’s proposed rate change for so-called microFIT applications.
MicroFit is the term for ground mounted solar collectors turning out less than 10 kw. At the outset of the provincial program from OPA, the offer of $0.802 prompted numerous private and public organizations to offer landowners the opportunity to buy into the green energy business. The co-ops set up a program that allowed landowners to buy shares which would give them a solar panel at a much lower cost than buying one outright.
When the province announced it proposed to drop the rate to just over $0.58 including all those whose application s were pending, the co-ops and farm organizations (See OFA story below) were livid. They made their views known to the OPA and last week’s announcement proved very timely.
“It shows the province did not have all the facts and now they listened to us,” says Campbell. “We expect our solar co-op to grow; we could double our numbers,” he added. Currently Agris has 700 members.
OFA COMMENDS MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT FOR HONOURING MICROFIT RATES
08/13/10
From a Release
GUELPH – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) commends the McGuinty Government for restoring confidence in the province’s microFIT energy program. An announcement by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ontario Power Authority earlier today outlined plans to reinstate the original rate structure for thousands of applicants in the microFIT renewable energy program, sustaining the credibility of the province’s Green Energy Plan.
This summer, the OFA and its members strongly lobbied the Ontario Government to reconsider a rate change proposal to lower microFIT prices for ground-mounted solar projects which would have resulted in serious financial losses for many farmers across the province. As of today, the original rate structure of 80.2 cents per kWh will be honoured for applications received prior to July 2, 2010. New applicants seeking small ground-mounted solar projects will be eligible for a rate of 64.2 cents per kWh, while rooftop solar projects will remain at 80.2 cents.
“Minister Duguid and the OPA have listened to Ontario’s farming community and honoured Ontario’s promise,” says Bette Jean Crews, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “We called on them on behalf of the thousands of applications that were submitted and they’ve proven that our voices were heard.”
Through the microFIT program, farmers can build small solar units on their land, allowing them to generate additional income while continuing to farm. Thousands of OFA members applied to participate in the program as a way to be a part of the Ontario government’s plan to create renewable energy.
The announcement also outlined plans to create a new review committee to consult on renewable energy solutions. The OFA has been invited to participate in the committee as a representative for Ontario’s farmers.
“We understand that nobody likes high electricity prices, and farmers share that vision,” says Don McCabe, Vice-President of the OFA. “With these changes today, electricity prices will come down in the future by rewarding pioneers today. We look forward to working on the next pricing review to ensure equitable rates.”
According to the Ontario Government, almost 19,000 microFIT applications have been received since the program was launched last fall. The microFIT program offers a beneficial way for rural Ontario to provide a stable source of renewable energy development for the province.
PRAIRIE FLOOD DAMAGES ESTIMATED
08/16/10
From the Canadian Press
Flooding that ravaged fields across a large swath of the Prairies this summer could end up costing the farming industry as much as $3 billion, BMO Capital Markets said last week.
Deputy chief economist Doug Porter says the situation is not quite as dire as the 2003 mad cow crisis that, by some estimates, cost the beef industry more than $5 billion, but it's in that ballpark.
"It's quite serious," Porter says. "It's not quite as bad as the BSE, but it is in the same league."
The $3 billion represents overall losses before any crop insurance or government assistance is paid out.
The estimate is based on the amount of land that went unseeded or was abandoned after heavy flooding hit parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba earlier this year, Porter says.
The Canadian Wheat Board estimated last week that 4.2 million hectares of land hasn't been planted and another one million was ruined shortly after seeding.
The CWB says the total harvested area is forecast to be down 14 per cent this year over last.
If there is a silver lining, it's that the flood, coupled with drought in Russia, has pushed grain prices sky high. Russia recently announced it is banning grain exports from Aug. 15 until the end of the year because of the poor growing conditions there.
That made for a price rally of more than 50 per cent in July, the largest monthly gain since 1959.
"That's going to act as a bit of a windfall for the farmers that haven't been as affected by the flooding," Porter says. "But unfortunately that makes it more frustrating for those who have been heavily affected."
4-H ONTARIO CAREERMANIA, HELPING YOUTH CONSIDER FUTURE CAREER POSSIBILITIES
08/16/10
From a Release - Guelph - 4-H Ontario Careermania, supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Growing Forward Program, provided 40 youth age 14-17 the opportunity to experience university living, explore careers in agriculture, food, health and the environment, transfer skills gained to any career path they choose, learn the steps on how to get there, and how to succeed, as well as how to perform during an interview, took place in late July at the University of Guelph.
“Careermania provides participants with a glimpse of future possibilities in terms of educational paths available, while allowing them to network with peers and build contacts that carry over into their professional futures,” commented Marie Winter, 4-H Ontario Manager, Member Services and Development. “Participants not only learn valuable ‘take-away’ skills, but they also have an opportunity for self-discovery, often learning what motivates them personally and what work values drive them forward.”
Over three nights and four days, delegates explored the “ins and outs” of their own potential interview skills, their personal colour style as it relates to the workplace, resume and cover letter writing, portfolio building, and job searching skills. Post secondary options, communication and its importance in the workplace, sessions with guest speakers and industry representatives, as well as a tour of the University of Guelph rounded out the conference.
Andrew Campbell, Interactive Media Editor for Farms.com addressed the delegates about the use of social media in the workforce and the implications it can have that most people are not aware of. Did you know that what you post anyone could read? And, again this year, a partnership with the Ontario Farm Animal Council, allowed the delegates to participate in an Amazing Career Race (based on the popular television show), where they travelled across campus learning about different career options from marketing to research and jobs in the pork and food science industries.
While on campus, delegates stayed in the dorms and ate at the University cafeteria, allowing them to gain a better understanding of what University life could be like, should they choose that option.
“Careermania was a great experience. I learned a lot about getting a job and the types of jobs available,” commented one delegate, while others felt it was “ . . . a great chance to explore the university and my options.”
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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
CORN CROP TWO WEEKS AHEAD OF NORMAL
08/13/10
According to Greg Stewart, OMAFRA's Corn Specialist, corn planted in April is as much as two weeks ahead of normal. Typically, corn reaches the kernel dent stage (R5)
35 to 42 days after silking, which mostly occurred between the 10th and 15th of July. Once corn reaches the R5 stage, over a 3 week period the "milk line" moves from the dent end of the kernel to the tip end of the kernel.
"With crop maturity advancing rapidly, many corn silage fields will be ready to harvest during the last week of August. Watch silage fields carefully and be ready to harvest when optimal whole-plant moisture is reached for your storage system," says Stewart. For information on “Harvesting Corn Silage At The Right Moisture” refer to http:// www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts.../07-047.htm
SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME SHOWING IN SW ONT SOYS-OMAFRA
08/13/10
According to Albert Tenuta with the Ministry of Agriculture at Ridgetown, Sudden Death Syndrome symptoms over the past week has really begun to become obvious in the southwest. SDS is a root rot disease caused by a more virulent or aggressive strain of the common soil-borne fungal pathogen Fusarium virguliforme. Although infection often occurs during the first 6 weeks after emergence, symptoms generally do not develop or become noticeable until the mid-pod reproductive stage of soybean development. Even though, the disease is most often found in field's that are infested with soybean cyst nematode, SDS can occur without SCN being present. Most of the problem fields this year however have been associated with moderate to high SCN populations. By penetrating the root, the nematode produces openings or wounds that allow the fungus responsible for sudden death syndrome easy access to the internal root tissue. The result is increased disease. At present the most effective method to manage sudden death syndrome is the use of tolerant varieties. Check with your seed company for variety tolerance ratings.
Besides typical root rot symptoms, SDS infected plants will begin to show distinct yellow speckling or spotting between the veins (interveinal chlorosis). As the disease progresses these areas become larger and in severe cases the entire area between the veins becomes brown (necrotic) and dry. The leaves curl from the outer margin. These brown areas eventually disintegrate (fall out) leaving only the veins on the leaf. All through this process the veins remain green. The next symptom is often premature defoliation and death of the plant. In most cases, the petioles (leaf stalks) on these dead plants remain attached to the stem.
Cutting the root and the stem will expose a light brown or gray discolourization of the cortex tissue in the tap root and the stem. This discolourization will extend from the roots up through the stem. Although the leaf symptoms may resemble brown stem rot, in sudden death infected plants the pith (centre) of the stem remains white whereas brown stem rot infected plants have a brown and disintegrated pith.
FOSSIL-FUEL FERTILIZERS ALTERNATIVE REVIEWED
08/16/10
From FCC Express - by Trudy Kelly Forsythe
Scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada say microorganisms in the soil and on roots may hold the key to enhanced environmental performance, bigger crop yields and a brighter bottom line for producers.
Beneficial microorganisms colonize the roots and insides of plants, scientist say. They also hold great potential to act not only as biofertilizers, but also as biological pesticides and promote plant growth by increasing the supply or availability of nutrients. All of these factors combined supply additional plant growth hormones and reduce stresses caused by environmental or disease factors.
"In one tablespoon of soil, there are probably more organisms than in all the Great Lakes combined," says Dr. George Lazarovits, the research scientist at the Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre in London, Ont., who is spearheading the research.
In the past, identifying all those microorganisms has been a challenge, but new technology developed in Canada is helping to do just that. Lazarovits has partnered with Dr. Sean Hemmingsen of the Plant Biotechnology Institute, who is the creator of the unique DNA technology that can identify all the microorganisms in the soil. The Institute is also part of the National Research Council in Saskatoon.
"It's a new technology that has never been used before, anywhere in the world," Lazarovits says, explaining it can do one million sequences in one run where the old technology only did dozens. "There are new machines coming on the market that will identify tens of millions," he states.
The use of microorganisms has long been standard in small-scale organic farming, but has been almost nonexistent in larger-scale productions.
Lazarovits is hopeful his research on microorganisms will transform the growing of crops for food and biofuel use. He's working in partnership with colleagues at AAFC, the University of Guelph and the Canadian Laboratory of Inexpensive Maize Biotechnologies.
"As we learn more about the root ecosystem," he says, "we will use this knowledge to integrate biofertilizers with rotation crops and green manures to enhance the populations of beneficial agents."
In fact, the relationship between legumes and rhizobacteria has already been harnessed to increase yields and save billions of dollars in fertilizer costs. Scientists have identified numerous bacteria from the roots of corn which may be used to replace or enhance the fertilizers used today. There is also a comeback in using green manures to add beneficial bacteria into the soil.
"Our discoveries lend themselves to commercialization," Lazarovits says. "And we anticipate the growth of an industry that will surpass rhizobacteria, currently the biggest-selling biofertilizer on the market today."
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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 - Middlesex SCIA Conservation Tour Date - August 17, 2010 Time - 4:30 PM Place - Mathew & Patricia Aerts and Families 11287 Greystead Dr., RR1, Denfield Contact Name - 519) 666-0811
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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 - KENT FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE REGIONAL MEETING Date - August 18, 2010 Time - 6:30 PM Place - Roesch Meats & More, Kent Bridge Contact Name - 519-674-1595 Email - kent@ofa.on.ca
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Event - TREE GROWERS INFORMATION DAY & BUS TOUR Date - August 18, 2010 Time - 8:30 AM Place - Starts at the W. Darcy McKeough Dam, 940 Holt Line (East end of McKeough Floodway) (between Kimball Rd and 40 Highway) Contact Name - Tim Payne at the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
Ph: (519) 245-3710 (ext. 24) Fax: (519) 245-3348
Email - dcraigtreeman@sympatico.ca
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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 - 4-H Opportunities Night Date - August 19, 2010 Time - 6:30 PM Place - Ridgetown Campus Livestock Pavillion Email - paulandjanet.campbell@sympatico.ca
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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 - Community Family Fun Day Date - August 21, 2010 Time - 12:00 PM Place - Leclair Hidden Hills Farm 7744 St. Philippe’s Line, Grande Pointe Contact Name - H 519-354-5055 Email - lleclair@xplornet.com
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Event - DISTRICT 1 SHEEP MEETING-Farm Tour Date - August 21, 2010 Time - 6:30 PM Place - Bill McCutcheon's farm at Grand Valley Contact Name - Bill Duffield, Tel 519-899-2663
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Event - Essex County Federation of Agriculture Regional Meeting Date - August 25, 2010 Time - 6:00 PM Place - Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Ruthven Contact Name - ECFA office at 519-776-5159
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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 - LAMBTON FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE-Meeting to choose Policy Committee Member and Delegates to Convention Date - August 26, 2010 Time - 6:30 PM Place - Forest Fair Building Contact Name - LFA Secretary Brenda Miner 519-828-5028 Email - miner@xcelco.on.ca
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Event - Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency District 1 Annual Meeting-Speaker: Murray Hunt Date - September 2, 2010 Time - 8:00 PM Place - Coldstream
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Event - LAMBTON PLOUGHING MATCH Date - September 4, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - John Jackson’s farm (Corner of Ploughing Match Road and London Line) Contact Name - Ken Dunlop 519-882-0573 Email - kdd_630@hotmail.com
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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 - Petrolia and Enniskillen Date - September 10,2010 to September 12, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Petrolia Fairgrounds
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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 - Canada's 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 - Plympton-Wyoming Fair Date - September 17,2010 to September 19, 2010 Time - All Day Event
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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 - Forest Fair Date - September 24,2010 to September 26, 2010 Time - All Day Event
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Event - Brooke, Alvinston & Watford Fair Date - October 1,2010 to October 3, 2010 Time - All Day Event
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Event - Brigden Fair Date - October 8,2010 to October 11, 2010 Time - All Day Event
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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 - Essex County Associated Growers – 60Th Annual Bounty of the County Convention and Trade Show Date - November 23,2010 to November 24, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Kinsmen Recreation Complex, 249 Sherk St. Leamington Website - http://www.bountyofthecounty.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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Event - OSCIA Annual Meeting Date - February 8,2011 to February 9, 2011 Place - Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference Centre, Niagara Falls Website - www.ontariosoilcrop.org
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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
