Agriculture Development Branch
2009-10 Resource Guide
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Table of Contents
Message from the Director
Agriculture in Action
Agriculture Development Branch Programs
2009 - 2010
Preface
Today anyone involved in production agriculture has more ways than ever
to obtain information. Whether it's the internet, blogs, trade magazines
or conferences, Ontario's farmers have many sources of information at
their disposal. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
(OMAFRA) is the ideal source of production and business information because
it offers Ontario-specific recommendations. Through their close connections
with the agricultural industry the Agriculture Development Branch (ADB)
staff identify business and production issues and opportunities that need
to be explored. We gather information and ideas from scientific and trade
sources around the world. We test, validate and demonstrate approaches
applicable to Ontario conditions, often in collaboration with academia
and industry partners. We provide producers and agri-business consultants
and advisors with information that they need to make timely and informed
business decisions. We use multiple vehicles to transfer this information
including conferences, group presentations, websites, agricultural media,
newsletters, and blogs, to name just a few. This process of gathering,
investigating, validating and transferring knowledge and technology supports
the productivity, competitiveness and profitability of Ontario Agriculture.
ADB staff play a significant role in influencing the adoption of practices
that enhance the profitability and sustainability of agriculture in Ontario.
Whether branch staff are looking for management strategies targeted to
new pests, helping farmers develop their business skills or finding solutions
to new market challenges, much of what we do is in collaboration with
other specialists within OMAFRA, academia and agri-business.
How to Use this Guide
This resource guide contains summaries of many projects, programs and
events conducted during the past year by Agriculture
Development Branch staff. To make it as convenient as possible to
access OMAFRA resources, each summary contains highlights of the project
or program with the contact information and links to more in-depth information.
The agriculture section of the OMAFRA website has more than 11,000 pages
of information updates, factsheets, infosheets and other resources specific
to agriculture in Ontario. More than 4 million people visited the OMAFRA
website from April 2008 to March 2009. Visit www.ontario.ca/omafra,
a gateway to Ontario agriculture.
Aileen MacNeil
Director, Agriculture Development Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Business Development
New Business Information Bundle
Encourages Farmers to Add Value in Their Operation
The Beyond Production Agriculture Business Information Bundle (BIB) launched
in March 2010 resides in the agricultural business management section
of the OMAFRA website. Agriculture Development Branch created the BIB
to encourage farmers to add value to their primary agricultural products.
Production agriculture is all about growing or raising an agriculture
commodity. Adding value creates a new economic component. For example,
a farmer with a blueberry farm can add value by using some of the blueberry
crop to make jams and adding a pick-your-own component for the public.
The Beyond Production Agriculture BIB gives examples of other operations
that have added value and provides links to resources about business planning,
regulations, skill development and many more helpful subjects.
Visit, or better yet, tell industry partners who can benefit from the
Beyond Production Agriculture BIB.
Contact: Dorene Collins
dorene.collins@ontario.ca
Website Makes it Easier for
New Farmers to Get Started
For someone new to agriculture, planning for a farm business can seem
like a daunting task. OMAFRA developed a collection of resources to help
new farmers get started. Starting
a Farm in Ontario - A Guide for New Farmers offers links on skill
development, business planning, marketing, and various other subjects.
Whether the new farmer is the next generation intending to take over the
family farm, a recent university graduate, someone new to the country
or an individual embarking on a new career, the site contains information
to help all new farmers.
Information on the website is from OMAFRA and other leaders in Ontario
agriculture making it a comprehensive resource. The new farmer collection
is in the business section of the OMAFRA website and specifically at www.ontario.ca/NewFarmer.
Contact: Peter Coughler
peter.coughler@ontario.ca
TIP Reports Encourage Financial
Analysis
Approximately 11,000 Towards Increased Profits (TIP) reports were mailed
to producers across all sectors in the last year. Recipients requested
a TIP report through the Agri-Stability program. ADB's business management
unit uses the TIP report to encourage producers to undertake a more comprehensive
financial analysis through the Growing Forward Business Development for
Farm Businesses program.
The 2009 TIP report mail-out included a mail-in survey requesting feedback
from TIP recipients. More than 800 survey responses were received. The
following are highlights of the responses:
- 76 % rated the TIP report format "good to excellent"
- More than two thirds (69%) of the respondents indicated the TIP report
improved their understanding of their farm's financial performance
- 73% indicated they were satisfied with their TIP report
- 59% indicated the TIP influenced them to investigate their financial
performance further. Of this group, 69% were going to follow-up with
their financial advisor and 27% were going seek more information on
the Growing Your Farm Profits workshops.
Contact: John Molenhuis
john.molenhuis@ontario.ca
Another Successful Series of
Farm Tax and Business Seminars
The Farm Tax and Business Seminar for Professional Advisors
is an annual event offered by OMAFRA in 11 locations across the province
and as a webinar during October and November. This knowledge transfer
program provides current tax, legal and business information to legal
and finance professionals to make sure they have the most current information
regarding tax and business programs.
In 2009, 831 accountants, lawyers and financial professionals attended
the seminar. The focus was Farm Family Business Structures
with the emphasis on how these could be used in a succession plan. The
legal topic was Conflict Resolution - Practical Strategies for
Avoiding Court.
Planning for the 2010 farm tax and business seminars is underway. As information
becomes available it is published on the business
section of OMAFRA's website.
Contact: Peter Coughler
peter.coughler@ontario.ca
Quest for New Farm Value -
Value Plus™ Business Workshops
Based on the success of the 2008/2009 Growing Your Opportunities seminars,
as many as 10 workshops are being offered in 2009/2010. A name change
to Quest
for New Farm Value - Value Plus™ for the workshop series reflects
the value-added emphasis. This interactive workshop provides participants
with a step-by-step approach from idea development, exploring and testing
the marketplace, production, packaging, labelling, regulations, and skills
assessment to risk assessment, finance and business planning. Workshop
attendance varies from 10 to 25 with participants representing a variety
of crop and livestock operations. The Quest workshop
registration fee is eligible for cost-share funding to producers through
Growing
Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses.
Contacts: Dorene Collins and Carl Fletcher
dorene.collins@ontario.ca
carl.fletcher@ontario.ca
Promoting Direct Sales
From Ontario Farmers to Consumers
The Ontario Farmers' Markets Strategy enhances the capacity of Ontario
farmers to produce a variety of safe, high quality Ontario food products
and sell through direct channels. Its partners in the program are Farmers'
Markets Ontario and Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association.
Farmers' Markets Ontario
Farmers' Markets Ontario
(FMO) represents 130 farmers' markets in the province. FMO research estimates
actual direct sales at farmers' markets in 2009 were approximately $641
million with an economic impact of $1.9 billion annually. In 2007 FMO
introduced the MyMarket brand to verify that farmers
are selling what they grow.
Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association
The Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing
Association (OFFMA) represents direct farm
marketing which includes: road side stands, on-farm stores and shops,
pick your own; and agri-tourism. There are an estimated 750 on-farm markets
in Ontario generating approximately 8 million on-farm customer visits
annually. On-farm direct sales in 2008 were estimated at $210 million
with a total economic impact of $420 million dollars (based on GDP multiplier
of 2.0).
Contact: Dorene Collins
dorene.collins@ontario.ca
Growing Forward Business Development
for Farm Businesses
Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses focuses on ways
to improve farm profitability through self-assessment and business planning.
Producers are participating in the Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop
(GYFP), developing action plans and submitting applications for cost-share
funding.
The self-assessment enables Ontario producers to measure current business
activity and identify information, training, and advisory services that
can improve their use of beneficial business management practices.
Growing
Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses was officially launched
at the end of June 2009 and demand for the GYFP workshops has steadily
increased. More than 1,000 producers have attended the GYFP workshops
to date.
Agriculture Development Branch staff created technical content for the
workshops which are delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement
Association.
Contact: Anne Marie Diotte
annemarie.diotte@ontario.ca
Agricultural Management Institute
Offers a New Approach
Benchmarking, business planning preparation and cost control are all
business management strategies from which farmers can benefit. The Agricultural
Management Institute (AMI) is a not-for-profit organization whose goals
are to increase awareness, understanding, and adoption of these and other
beneficial business management practices by Ontario farmers.
To achieve these goals, AMI will:
- assess farm business management needs on an ongoing basis,
- encourage the development of farm management groups through which
farmers can work together to address business management concerns and
discover new opportunities,
- coordinate tools, resources and information from a variety of sources,
including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, OMAFRA, Farm Credit Canada,
financial institutions, farm business advisors, commodity organizations
and general farm organizations.
Learn more at www.takeanewapproach.ca.
Horticulture Technology
OMAFRA Responds to Sixteen
Emergency Use Requests
Agriculture Development Branch staff facilitated the registration of
16 pest control products for short-term emergency use in greenhouse and
field applications for pests threatening specific crops. The purpose of
these product registrations is to reduce or avoid pest outbreaks that
impact Ontario's agriculture sector.
Emergency use products are made available when there is no existing product
to address a particular pest or when a pest has developed resistance to
existing products. The registrations address immediate threats to crop
health and survival.
- In the past year products were approved for emergency use:
for the swede midge, a serious pest of Brassica vegetables, on greenhouse
transplants.
- to control onion thrips, one of the most damaging onion pests, for
dry bulb onion producers.
- for control of fungicide-resistant leaf spot in sugarbeets.
- to reduce the negative effects of ethylene in pears.
- to address the widespread late blight outbreak on potatoes and tomatoes.
- to control a new pest to Canada, the pepper weevil which attacks greenhouse
peppers.
Click here for Emergency
Use Registrations.
Contact: Jim Chaput
jim.chaput@ontario.ca
Nitrogen Rate Trials for
Sweet Potatoes Fills a Production Gap
Agriculture Development Branch staff conducted nitrogen rate field trials
in 2009 on sweet potatoes, a crop growing in popularity in this province.
Ontario production has tripled in the past five years, increasing from
172 hectares in 2004 to more than 480 hectares in 2008. Farm gate value
is estimated at close to $6 million. As acreage increases, there is an
increasing need for production information, in particular the fertility
requirements of this crop.
The nitrogen rate field trials, established at grower locations in Simcoe
and Blenheim, were harvested in September and October 2009. This project
compared four nitrogen rates to support sweet potato nitrogen research
underway at the University of Guelph Simcoe Research Station by Dr. Al
McKeown, Department of Plant Agriculture. The trial results support Dr.
McKeown's initial findings that 25-50 kg nitrogen per hectare is adequate
for the cultivar Beauregard.
In conjunction with Dr. McKeown's research, the results will be used
to submit a recommended nitrogen rate for sweet potato to the Ontario
Soil Management Services Committee. Once approved, the nitrogen rate will
be included in OMAFRA publication 363 Vegetable
Production Recommendations, 2012-2013 edition. This publication is
a comprehensive source for information on all aspects of vegetable production
and new information on pest control products, pest descriptions and management
options, fertility recommendations, storage and much more.
The project was funded by Horticulture Crops Ontario with assistance
and in-kind contributions of the grower co-operators and Agri-Food Laboratories.
Contacts: Christoph Kessel and Melanie Filotas
christoph.kessel@ontario.ca
melanie.filotas@ontario.ca
New Technical Factsheet
for Directed Pesticide Spraying
A new best practices factsheet for Ontario's farmers who use directed
applicators is now available. Recommendations in the Six
Elements of Effective Spraying in Orchards and Vineyards factsheet
can reduce waste, improve crop protection and reduce incidents of drift
across urban-rural and sensitive environmental areas. This factsheet is
useful to spray applicators, farm managers, and in particular those performing
directed spraying in vineyards and orchards.
Prior to this, literature focused on boom spraying which is fundamentally
different. This factsheet provides specific information about the safe
and efficient use of airblast sprayers. Poor spraying practices can damage
target crops through over- or under-application, encourage pest resistance,
and add to a farmers expenses because of the need for re-application.
With proper use, maintenance, and a few minor modifications, directed
applications can be greatly improved.
Contact: Jason Deveau
jason.deveau@ontario.ca
Eradicating a Tender Fruit
Virus
OMAFRA staff from Agriculture Development and policy branches attended
the annual National Plum Pox Virus (PPV) Task Force Meeting to share information
about eradicating the most severe virus disease affecting stone fruit
worldwide. The PPV Task Force is chaired by OMAFRA. Recommendations from
the Task Force helped guide the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
in their effort to eradicate the disease from Ontario.
Ontario's tender fruit growers and fruit tree nursery industry benefit
from this gathering of industry, researchers and government because the
meeting's purpose was to discuss and apply current research and options
for detecting and eradicating PPV. The Task Force also discussed recommendations
from the PPV International Expert Panel. The latest survey results are
discussed and recommendations are developed for CFIA, Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada and OMAFRA regarding the eradication of PPV from Ontario
and Canada. Since the 2000, the number of prunus fruit trees (samples)
infected with Plum Pox virus in commercial orchards has declined ten-fold
in the Niagara quarantine zone.
The next PPV National Task Force meeting is scheduled for January 2011.
Contact: Michael Celetti
michael.celetti@ontario.ca
Another Banner Year for the Ontario
Fruit and Vegetable Conference
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Conference
(OFVC) in February offered horticulture growers information about research,
innovation, marketing, production, and technology. The 2010 conference
attracted 1,500 people to learn from OMAFRA and an international panel
of speakers. Commodity production sessions for the conference included:
grapes, tender fruit, berries, apples, winery and vegetables.
OFVC is a major extension event for Agriculture Development Branch staff
to share results from their research and extension trials during the past
year. Presentations by OMAFRA staff included:
- Harvest rot of cucurbit crops, Elaine Roddy
- Optimizing phosphorus in vegetable production, Donna Speranzini
- Drift versus coverage, Helmut Spieser
- Cyclamen mite management, Pam Fisher
- Experience using SmartFesh on pears, Dr. Jennifer DeEll
- Beneficial nematodes for pest control, Hannah Fraser
- How, when and where to take samples for nematode analysis, Mike Celetti
- Alternate row spraying: the dilemma, Dr. Jason Deveau
- Grape cost of production, Ken Slingerland
- Mechanical blossom thinning to reduce labour, Ken Slingerland
- Organic biopesticides and growing specialty crops in Ontario-pest
management, Dr. Melanie Filotas
- Organic farming in Ontario, Hugh Martin
- Growing speciality crops in Ontario, Evan Elford
- Myths and snake oils, Dr. Sean Westerveld
- What happened in 2009 with apple scab, Kathryn Carter
- Effective use of fungicides to manage apple scab, Margaret Appleby
- To spray or not to spray, Leslie Huffman, Margaret Appleby, Kathryn
Carter
Complimenting these production topics were sessions covering farming
in the future, improving efficiency on the farm, nematodes, farming with
high tunnels, on-farm food safety and organic vegetables. Sessions were
also delivered by Farmers' Markets Ontario and Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing
Association.
Interactive and Practical Demonstrations
WORKSHOP 1 - MANAGING APPLE SCAB
2009 was a challenging year for managing apple scab in Ontario orchards.
Researchers and specialists provided information on the potential causes
and how scab can be managed effectively in 2010.
DEMONSTRATION 1 - SPRAY PATTERNATOR AND CROP ADJUSTED SPRAYING
The spray patternator demonstration table shows best practices in spraying,
such as nozzle selection, spacing, maintenance, drift mitigation, and
the effect of meteorological conditions on spray pattern to reduce the
incidence of drift, the amount of pesticide required and increase the
effectiveness of each application.
DEMONSTRATION 2 - HOW GOOD IS YOUR WEED I.D.?
It's very easy to identify weeds incorrectly at certain growth stages.
Attendees could test their knowledge and ability to identify more than
20 weeds commonly found in horticulture crops. Diagnostic field guides
were also available.
DEMONSTRATION 3 - ASSESSING THE BENEFITS OF ON-FARM BIOGAS PRODUCTION
VIA ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
A mobile anaerobic biodigester was used to identify agricultural by-products
most suitable for the production of biogas, the parameters that have the
biggest impact on biogas production, and assessing the nutrient quality
of the final digestate effluent.
DEMONSTRATION 4- CONSTRUCTED WETLAND
A portable constructed wetland based on an Aqua Treatment Technologies
design demonstrated treatment of wastewater from agricultural operations.
It has been used in greenhouses, wineries, fruit packing operations, egg
washing facilities, cheese processors and dairy farms for treating milkhouse
washwater.
DEMONSTRATION 5- WATER SANITATION
There was an interactive demonstration to learn about various post-harvest
options, the pros and cons of each, costs and the sanitizers suitable
for crops.
DEMONSTRATION 6 - ADVANTAGE I-GAP
The new ADVANTAGE i-GAP food safety CD was available at the OMAFRA exhibit.
The CD contains interactive tools such as the brand new "Advantage
3-2-1 Assessment" that shows the areas a farm operation should focus
on to help you improve food safety and a new tutorial on traceability.
The next OFVC is scheduled for February
23 and 24, 2011 at Brock University in St. Catharines Ontario.
Contacts: Donna Speranzini and Kathryn Carter
donna.speranzini@ontario.ca
kathryn.carter@ontario.ca
Horticulture Crops
170 New Potato Varieties Introduced
to Industry Partners
OMAFRA's 2009 annual Ontario Potato Field Day attracted approximately
200 potato producers, crop consultants and industry staff from Ontario
and several growers from Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Alberta. Industry
partners were introduced to new potato varieties with traits such as disease
resistance, low nitrogen requirements, drought tolerance, high yield potential
and suitability for cooking and processing that may increase the competitiveness
of Ontario's producers. Approximately 170 varieties were on display including
fresh market, processing and specialty potatoes.
The 2010 potato field day is scheduled for August 19, 2010 in Alliston.
Dr. Gary Secor, a North Dakota State University professor who focuses
on potato disease diagnosis, disease management and biotechnology, has
been invited to participate in this event. New farm equipment with increased
efficiency and less fuel use will be on display. For more information
contact OMAFRA's potato specialist below.
Contact: Eugenia Banks
eugenia.banks@ontario.ca
Study on the Effect of Horseradish
Extract on Potato Common Scab Promising
Common scab occurs in most potato-growing areas of the world. The causal
organism Streptomyces scabies has many strains, with some strains
of this bacterium being more aggressive than others. This variability
may explain why the production practices recommended to control scab have
been inconsistent. Once scab is introduced into the soil, it will survive
indefinitely, even in the absence of potatoes. A control method that is
effective, reliable and affordable would be welcomed by potato growers.
Scab bacteria can be introduced into healthy fields by planting infected
seed, spreading contaminated cattle manure, spreading infected grade-out
tubers in clean fields, and through the transportation of infested soil
on farm equipment. Scab symptoms vary greatly, from mild cases where there
is only netting on the skin to more severe infection such as rough, corky
tissue. The incidence and severity of scab varies from year to year and
from field to field.
In 2009 OMAFRA's potato specialist evaluated horseradish extract among
several other possibilities to reduce scab incidence. The quickest way
to test the efficacy of horseradish juice was to mix it with heavily scab-infested
soil and grow potatoes in pots of the mixture. From May to August 2009
the potted potatoes were monitored. Preliminary results from the pre-trial
were promising. Scab incidence on potatoes grown in pots was negligible.
By contrast, scab incidence on potatoes grown in control pots was as high
as 40 per cent. Further laboratory and field studies are planned for 2010
to confirm the results. Updates will be available in OMAFRA's HortMatters
newsletter in June and September 2010.
Contact: Eugenia Banks
eugenia.banks@ontario.ca
Mechanical Thinning of
Fruit Blossoms Has Numerous Advantages
In the spring of 2009 OMAFRA staff evaluated mechanical thinning of fruit
blossoms to determine the possible economic impact compared to hand thinning.
Testing was conducted at one plum, eight peach, and four apple farms in
the Niagara and Georgian Bay regions for approximately 100 growers. The
team measured the labour savings for hand thinning and evaluated fruit
size during the trials. Evaluations in 2010 were underway at the time
of this document's publishing.
Approximately 40 to 70 per cent of the peach tree blossoms were removed
by the Darwin String Thinners which resulted in a significant reduction
of labour and associated costs for hand thinning. The reduction of thinning
time ranged from 12 to 51 per cent depending upon site, rotation speed
of the strings, and the number of strings used. This translated into a
reduction of thinning costs of $119 to $200 per acre. Fruit size increased
from 5 to 18 per cent, depending upon the variables. Other benefits included
earlier ripening of the crop at several sites due to the larger fruit
size. As well, stronger shoot growth was also observed on the Darwin thinned
trees compared to the hand thinned trees.
Additional research in this project involved scientists from the University
of Guelph. Mechanical thinning has been used in Europe and recently the
United States. This research project is funded by the Orchards and Vineyards
Transition Program. Funds are managed by the Vineland Research and Innovation
Centre. Special thanks to Matt Peters at N.M. Bartlett Inc. for their
equipment.
Ken Slingerland
ken.slingerland@ontario.ca
Fruit Production Recommendations,
Publication 360, 2010-11 Edition
For more than 75 years Ontario fruit growers have relied on OMAFRA's
Fruit
Production Recommendations publication for the latest information
on pest management, crop nutrition, pesticide safety, resistance management
and thinning tree fruits. This publication also provides crop-by-crop
information on fertilizer rates, tables for interpreting soil and tissue
analysis, and information on micronutrients. New this year are more reference
tables, information on beneficial insects, additional information on buffer
zones and managing apple scab, new products including reduced risk pesticides
and biopesticides, as well as sections on elderberries, sea buckthorn,
and more information on tree nuts.
Contact: Pam Fisher
pam.fisher@ontario.ca
New Online Training for
Apple Growers
A new module was developed for the Ontario
CropIPM training CD geared to apple growers through a partnership
with Ontario Apple Growers and OMAFRA.
Agriculture Development Branch's apple crop and apple integrated pest
management (IPM) specialists developed a series of training modules for
the Ontario CropIPM. The training series is available to fruit and vegetable
producers online and in CD format. Content is organized in a way that
makes it possible for a grower, consultant or pest management scout to
learn at his or her own pace as time allows or to check for new developments
throughout the year. The new training modules were launched through a
series of regional workshops in the spring.
Contacts: Kathryn Carter, Leslie Huffman, Margaret Appleby
kathryn.carter@ontario.ca
leslie.huffman@ontario.ca
margaret.appleby@ontario.ca
Field Crops
Efforts to Stay Ahead of Western
Bean Cutworm in Ontario
In just the first year since the discovery of Western Bean Cutworm (WBC)
in Ontario, its presence now poses a real threat to our corn and dry edible
bean industries, two very important crops. If the WBC is not managed quickly
and correctly it can significantly impact yield and quality.
2009 Monitoring
The WBC Trapping Network was created to monitor the presence of the WBC
and communicate critical timely information to growers. The 2009 pheromone
trapping network comprised 166 traps in Ontario and Quebec and 618 traps
in the Great Lakes Region.
2010 Monitoring
In 2010 there are more trapping sites and a greater coordinated effort
across the neighbouring jurisdictions. For more information during the
2010 growing season go to:
Funding was provided in part by the Grain Farmers of Ontario, OMAFRA
through the Ontario Research and Development Program and the Ontario White
Bean Producers. Trap monitoring is possible with the support of growers,
agriculture industry representatives, retailers, summer students and OMAFRA
staff.
Contact: Tracey Baute
tracey.baute@ontario.ca
Ministry of the Environment
Relies on OMAFRA for Agriculture Training
Agriculture Environmental Officer training organized by the Ministry
of the Environment relies on Agriculture Development Branch's (ADB) crop
and livestock units from a nutrient management perspective. The two-day
training course outlines agriculture basics and where to go or who to
contact for additional information. ADB staff covered an array of subjects
ranging from livestock production (beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine, dairy
cattle and alternative livestock) to field crop production areas, including
soil fertility, nutrient applications, tillage and cropping practices.
The agricultural training is essential for Agriculture Environmental
Officers who enforce on-farm agricultural legislation, including on-farm
audits for nutrient management regulations.
Contact: Christine Brown
christine.brown1@ontario.ca
Education About Poisonous Weeds
Caution! Poisonous Plants was created as an educational tool in rural
communities to help people identify the Giant Hogweed and Wild Parsnip,
two invasive weeds that are poisonous. Several stakeholders and municipalities
asked for material they can distribute within their communities. OMAFRA
partnered with the University of Guelph to produce a pamphlet identifying
these poisonous plants through photos, a physical description of each
and information about what to do if an individual comes in contact with
either of the plants. The pamphlet also notes that individuals can go
to www.weedinfo.ca for more information.
OMAFRA, the University of Guelph and Halton Hills are exploring management
options that minimize risks to municipal employees and the environment.
OMAFRA has started publishing instructional videos about the Giant Hogweed
on its website.
Contact: Mike Cowbrough
mike.cowbrough@ontario.ca
Field Crop Educational Events
Throughout the Year
Field Crop Conferences
Last year OMAFRA co-organized three major field crop conferences attended
by more than 3,000 producers, agribusinesses, academics, agronomists,
input suppliers and certified crop advisors. These conferences bring experts
from OMAFRA, North America and Europe to address field crop production
and marketing opportunities and issues.
Southwest Agricultural
Conference
The two-day conference is held in Ridgetown and via webcast.
FarmSmart Agricultural Conference
This is a one day conference in Guelph. The next
FarmSmart conference is January 22, 2011.
Eastern Ontario Crop Conference
This annual conference for growers and agribusiness personnel is held
in Kemptville the third week of February.
In-Field Training
These events provide an opportunity for producers and crop advisors to
learn about new production methods from OMAFRA and industry experts.
FarmSmart Expo
This builds on theory covered during the winter FarmSmart Conference.
It is also devoted to engaging rural youth in better understanding the
dynamics of crop and animal production through hands-on experience. The
conference is scheduled for July 15-16, 2010.
Southwest Crop Diagnostic Day
This 16th annual diagnostic day in Ridgetown was held July 7 and 8, 2010.
Eastern
Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day
The program of this event on July 20, 2010 focuses on correct identification
and treatment of crop problems common in Eastern Ontario.
Information will be posted on OMAFRA's
website as it becomes available.
Publication Encourages Sustainable
Economic Crop Production
Agronomy
Guide for Field Crops is a comprehensive technical resource for sustainable
and economic field crop production and has been updated with current Ontario
research and production recommendations. This publication is popular with
growers, consultants and agribusiness.
Field crops are produced in Ontario under diverse soil and climatic conditions.
The goal is sustainable economic crop production using proven techniques
that range from insect and disease scouting, to soil and fertility management
to tillage, planting and harvest practices. The agronomy guide includes
information on all components of the crop production cycle. The information
is based on years of research and Ontario-based trials.
Some information used in the agronomy guide is supplied from other sources,
including University of Guelph, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association,
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario, seed companies, United States
Department of Agriculture, American universities and other research institutions.
Mobile Web Applications for Field
Crop Weed Management
In less time than it takes to boil an egg, Ontario field crop producers
can find an appropriate weed management program through a convenient mobile
web application called Weedpro75. By considering the competitiveness of
weeds, the economics of crop production and the environmental toxicity
of herbicides, Weedpro75 is a mobile web application that focuses on profitability
and environmental stewardship. This easily accessible information enables
producers to make the right weed management program decision. The correct
weed management program increases crop yield, decreases the need for additional
herbicide applications and therefore decreases expenses. It can be accessed
on your mobile phone at m.weedpro75.com
Weedpro75 mobile is a collaborative effort between OMAFRA field crop
staff, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Agricultural Adaptation Council and the
University of Guelph.
Contact: Mike Cowbrough
mike.cowbrough@ontario.ca
Improving Management of Soybean
Cyst Nematode through Extension Demonstration and Outreach
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is the most yield-limiting pest in Ontario
and farmers can improve their bottom line by using SCN resistant varieties.
OMAFRA participated in an international research project to reduce losses
and improve SCN management in Ontario. The project was started in 2008
and its aim is to educate soybean producers, the industry and advisors
about this very destructive pest. This collaborative approach of working
closely with American counterparts allows access to research, resources
and communication materials which would otherwise be cost prohibitive
if done alone. By coordinating efforts this will help deliver a consistent
management strategy.
In Ontario two locations were established for large scale demonstration
purposes. Grower fields with SCN infestations were used near Highgate
(Chatham-Kent) and Leamington (Essex County). Each location had a minimum
of four soybean varieties.
The SCN resistant varieties significantly out yielded the susceptible
varieties in both years. These results emphasize the importance and effectiveness
of SCN varieties when used even under low SCN pressure.
The final report is posted on the Grain Farmers
of Ontario website and the North Central Soybean Research Project
website "Plant Health Initiative" at www.planthealth.info.
This SCN project was supported by OMAFRA, Agriculture Agri-Food Canada,
Grain Farmers of Ontario, Agricultural Adaptation Council, growers in
Highgate and Leamington, as well as the U.S. North Central Soybean Research
Program and 12 land-grant Universities.
Contact: Albert Tenuta
albert.tenuta@ontario.ca
Understanding Biomass Feedstock
Opportunities and Challenges in Ontario
There is a growing interest in developing biomass crops to replace current
petroleum-based feedstocks which are becoming more expensive, scarce and
environmentally concerning.
Biomass crops include agricultural crop residues (corn stalks, cereal
straw, horticulture crop trimmings), purpose grown crops such as long
term perennial grasses (switchgrass, miscanthus, tall grass prairie species)
and select annual crops (millet, sorghum, hemp).
Agriculture Development Branch (ADB) staff are involved in a number of
biocrop initiatives across the province. These range from collaboration
in research projects with universities, applied research trials with grower
organizations, demonstrations of field performance at sites like the Outdoor
Farm Show in Woodstock and various research stations of the University
of Guelph. Awareness of the opportunities and challenges that face the
industry are being widely discussed at meetings and seminars lead by ADB
staff.
Staff are also engaging experts in global jurisdictions to learn from
geographies that have more developed biomass industries. They are exploring
the agronomic, environmental, and social aspects of pursuing a biomass
industry in Ontario. Visit OMAFRA's
website for new information as it develops.
Contact: Ian McDonald
ian.mcdonald@ontario.ca
Greenhouse, Agroforestry and Specialty Crops
One Stop Maple Info Shop
Commercial and hobby maple producers can easily find what they need at
OMAFRA's maple production business information bundle (BIB) launched in
2009. The BIB is a collection of links to government and industry at www.ontario.ca/maple.
The BIB was created in consultation with producers, with information on
everything from production, sugarbush management and sales, to food and
occupational safety, labour laws and links to industry organizations.
The business resources section also links to various government programs
such as Growing Forward which has food safety and business development
components.
New Bioproducts Web Page
Launched
To support the ministry's priority of developing the bioeconomy, Agriculture
Development Branch launched a bioproducts
web page offering resources to help create new opportunities for feedstock
inputs such as those derived from agriculture, food processing and rural
industries. The bioproducts page makes it easier for growers, industry,
academia and the public to find information related to bioproducts including
bioenergy, biofuels, biomaterials, biochemicals, conferences, and many
other related topics.
OMAFRA Connects With Green
Industry at Landscape Ontario Congress
OMAFRA participates in Canada's largest international horticultural,
lawn and garden trade show and conference, Landscape Ontario Congress
(LOC), in its trade show to reach lawn care operators, sod growers, landscapers
and nursery growers. The LOC is an educational event with a significant
trade show that focuses on innovative products for the Canadian horticultural,
lawn and garden industry.
Agriculture Development Branch's nursery crop and turf specialists use
the Landscape Ontario Congress to promote OMAFRA resources, with an emphasis
on Integrated Pest Management and the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act. The
exhibit also offers information about new, reduced risk products for agricultural
producers; knowledge of pest identification for emerging or quarantined
pests; increased knowledge through educational infosheets and factsheets
and one-on-one discussions with specialists. Agriculture Information Contact
Centre staff and the Greenhouse, Agroforestry and Specialty Crops manager
also helped staff the exhibit. Visit OMAFRA's exhibit in January 2011.
Contact: Jennifer Llewellyn
jennifer.llewellyn@ontario.ca
Evaluation of Sweet Potato Varieties
and Fertility in Ontario Conditions
Commercial sweet potato production in Ontario has expanded during the
past 20 years. In 2008, there were approximately 1200 acres of sweet potatoes
in Ontario. However, there is relatively little published information
on production requirements of this tropical crop under Ontario's cooler
growing conditions. Existing information is mostly from the southern United
States and may not apply to Ontario production. Agriculture Development
Branch staff have been working with University of Guelph researchers to
determine nitrogen requirements and evaluate new varieties in Ontario
growing regions.
Sweet Potato Fertility Trials
Fertility trials were conducted in two sweet potato fields during the
2009 field season. Agriculture Development Branch staff worked with growers
to evaluate the effects of four rates of nitrogen on sweet potato nitrogen
uptake and yield. This study was designed to build on fertility research
done by University of Guelph scientists by testing their results under
commercial production conditions. Information from both studies will be
used to determine recommended nitrogen rates for sweet potato production
in Ontario.
Sweet Potato Variety Trials
This is part of the National Sweet Potato Collaboration Trial in which
new sweet potato varieties are evaluated annually for yield and quality
at numerous sites across the United States. Nine sweet potato varieties,
originating from breeding programs in North Carolina and Louisiana were
grown and evaluated for their performance under Ontario growing conditions
at the Simcoe research station.
Contacts: Melanie Filotas, Christoph Kessel, Evan Elford
melanie.filotas@ontario.ca
christoph.kessel@ontario.ca
evan.elford@ontario.ca
Alternative Crop Open House
Focused on Research
The OMAFRA-Simcoe Resource Centre in cooperation with the University
of Guelph hosted an open house last summer to showcase 36 non-traditional
crops. More than 100 people registered for the day representing a cross-section
of producers, industry representatives, government and academic personnel
and students. OMAFRA and University of Guelph staff presentations introduced
on-farm research, pest management, sprayer technology and fertility requirements
for non-traditional crops. A self-guided tour of the plots allowed participants
to learn more about the individual crops. Participants provided helpful
ideas for future field days including producer and marketing perspectives
from the specialty crop sector.
The open house was funded by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
and Norfolk Soil and Crop Improvement Association with additional support
provided by A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. and Agrium Advanced Technologies.
Another non-traditional crops open house will be held in 2011 showcasing
more than 100 different herbs for the growing health market.
Contact: Evan Elford
evan.elford@ontario.ca
Natural Pharmaceuticals from Plants
HDaffodil bulbs represent a rich source of secondary metabolities, many
of which have potential medicinal use. For example, galanthamine is used
in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, but is only available from natural
sources. One study indicated that 10,000 ha of daffodils would be needed
to meet the demand of treating just 30 per cent of the Alzheimer's patients
in the United States.
Twelve varieties of daffodils were purchased from Holland in 2008. Concentrations
of chemicals with potential pharmaceutical activity were measured in samples
of each variety prior to planting. Bulbs were planted in fall 2008, covered
with straw, and then harvested in August of 2009 after the leaves had
senesced. Yield and chemical composition measurements were performed to
identify promising varieties which were replanted in the fall of 2009
and will be harvested in mid-summer 2010.
The research team is monitoring the daffodil plots to collect data for
future agronomic best practices guides and to evaluate the feasibility
of bulb production in Ontario as a source of chemicals for the pharmaceutical
industry.
OMAFRA and the University of Guelph are collaborating on this project
with funding provided by the Ontario Research and Development Fund.
Contact: Jim Todd
jim.todd@ontario.ca
Livestock
Researching Distillers Grains
for Swine Diets
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) are the residual components
of corn kernels after they have been processed, fermented and the ethanol
removed. DDGS are recognized as a good source of energy, protein, and
phosphorus for the livestock industry. Many swine producers are discovering
that when properly formulated, DDGS can effectively be included at 20-30
per cent of a grower/finisher diet, often reducing feed costs. However,
the variability in nutrient content and product quality, can make accurate
diet formulation to maximize DDGS nutrient value and to optimize pig performance,
a challenge.
OMAFRA and the University of Guelph are analyzing DDGS from corn based
ethanol plants supplying this feedstuff to Ontario swine producers to
help develop reliable guidelines for feed manufacturers and producers
when purchasing DDGS.
Seventy-two DDGS samples were collected from six participating ethanol
plants (three from Ontario, and one each from Quebec, Michigan and New
York). Each sample was analyzed for dry matter, organic matter, crude
protein, ether extract, starch, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent
fibre and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen contents. In addition to the
chemical analysis, objective measures of product color were determined
on all samples using a Minolta colorimeter.
Detailed findings will be added to OMAFRA's
website September 2010.
Contact: Ron Lackey
ron.lackey@ontario.ca
Numerous Events Help
Improve Pasture Management
Agriculture Development Branch offers several events for improved pasture
management to increase forage production and livestock productivity.
Profitable Pastures
Agriculture Development Branch staff organized pasture-oriented seminars
including Profitable Pastures, which provides leading
edge ideas and management concepts for pasture-based livestock operations.
The next series will be held in 2011.
Pasture Talks'n'Walks
Agriculture Development Branch's grazier specialist and partners taught
grazing management through numerous pasture talks and walks. Producers
saw well-managed pastures as examples of what they can implement at their
farms.
Pasture School
An intensive two-day program fine-tunes producer grazing management skills.
Information about the 2011 winter session will be posted on OMAFRA's
website.
Pasture Equipment Demonstration
At Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, Agriculture Development Branch's grazier
specialist demonstrated the use of solar power on pasture for management
of a water system, electric fence and a grazing robot. The grazing robot
advanced an electric fence a prescribed distance at preset times to provide
fresh forage for grazing livestock. The demonstration will be featured
at the 2010 show.
Contact: Jack Kyle
jack.kyle@ontario.ca
Resources for Pork Producers
Challenged by Economic Downturn
Lower market prices and rising production costs reduced margins, placing
significant financial pressure on Ontario's hog producers which also impacts
related businesses. This has many producers contemplating the future direction
of their farm business.
OMAFRA collaborated with Ontario Pork and The Centre for Rural Leadership
to plan and deliver three-hour workshops providing information about decision-making,
business planning and available tools and resources.
More than 50 producers attended workshops covering:
- Market challenges and opportunities
- Choices and assessing options in farm business decision-making
- Essential components of a farm business plan
- Stress management
- Federal Hog Transition and Loan Programs
- Available resources, programs, and tools.
Resource packages were given to participants containing: all slide presentations;
Steps for the Positive Management of Stress brochure
from consultant John Field; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Farm Debt
Mediation Service booklet; OMAFRA's Programs and Services for Ontario
Farmers Infosheet; Diagnosing and Managing Cash Flow Problems, Taxation
on the Sale of Farm Business Assets, Options for Farmers Dealing with
Financial Difficulties Factsheets; and Financial Resources and Support
Services for Families.
Workshop participants agreed the sessions were useful and met their expectations.
Resource packages are available from these OMAFRA staff.
Contacts: Doug Richards and John Bancroft
doug.richards@ontario.ca
john.bancroft@ontario.ca
The Science and Business
of Functional Foods
The latest in functional food research and consumer trends was presented
at Food meets Function,
a two-day conference organized by OMAFRA for dietitians, producers, researchers
and agri-business to develop the value chain in Ontario.
Thirty-four speakers representing all aspects of the functional food
chain spoke on various subjects and a trade show gave attendees an opportunity
to connect with retailers, processors and producers.
Meals at the conference were functional and their functional
properties were explained via tent cards to further educate attendees.
Approximately 200 people attended each day while another 29 joined a
bus tour that visited farms and businesses using or creating components
to create functional food.
Conference proceedings can be purchased through the website for $30.
Contact: Ron Lackey
ron.lackey@ontario.ca
Cow-Calf Road Show Visited Progressive
Beef Farmers
The cow-calf road show was a collaborative effort between Ontario Cattlemen's
Association, OMAFRA's beef cow-calf specialist and industry sponsors.
The road show provided an opportunity for beef producers to participate
in a bus tour of progressive Ontario beef farms and take part in an educational
session addressing issues impacting beef production in Ontario. This year's
event toured Eastern Ontario showcasing sustainable and profitable production
practices such as how some producers market their feeder calves to achieve
premium returns and tips for improving sustainability.
The 60 participants enjoyed a program of the latest information on research
and new technologies. Agriculture Development Branch's by-products and
feed ingredient specialist spoke on the use of by-products in rations
to reduce feed costs. Overall, the program was very informative and received
excellent feedback from participants.
The next cow-calf road show is scheduled for September 8-9, 2010.
Contact: Nancy Noecker
nancy.noecker@ontario.ca
Hey Ewe - What's in Your Genes?
Agriculture Development Branch staff and the Ontario Sheep Marketing
Agency offered two, one-day seminars focused on genetic improvement and
the use of genomics. The event was organized to increase awareness in
the Ontario sheep industry about emerging technologies in genetics, to
promote participation in the Sheep Flock Improvement Program and use of
performance tested animals in all flocks. Genetics is the cornerstone
of the industry and any future change in production efficiency. The market
is undersupplied and the industry has difficulty maintaining significant
numbers of commercial size operations.
Genomics is the study of DNA sequencing used in livestock production
to identify the specific function of individual genes. Advancing sheep
genetics through the use of genomics is important to Ontario to ensure
the future competitiveness of our sheep industry.
Dr. Mark Young from Sheep Improvement Limited in New Zealand was the
keynote speaker at the seminars in Atwood and Napanee in November 2009.
Tests for specific genes important to sheep production in New Zealand
are already available to sheep producers there.
The seminars attracted more than 200 Ontario producers. OMAFRA presented
information about increasing sheep production in Ontario and the use of
software to manage production records.
2010 Seminars
November 16 in Atwood and November 18 in Napanee
Contacts: Delma Kennedy and Christoph Wand
delma.kennedy@ontario.ca
christoph.wand@ontario.ca
OMAFRA Partners to Evaluate Rubberized
Mats in Commercial Feedlots
A one year evaluation of rubberized mats at a commercial feedlot found
an improvement in animal weight gain and reduced leg and foot issues in
heifers. ADB partnered with Ben Gardiner Farms, a commercial feedlot located
in Perth County, with funding from Ontario Cattlemen's Association to
conduct this study.
The purpose of rubberized mat evaluation was to determine if their use
on concrete floors reduces costs associated with labour, manure handling
and bedding in roofed cattle operations and their impact on finishing
heifers. One of the problems encountered with regular floors is that concrete
slats have increasingly created challenges for heavy cattle, especially
as carcass weights continue to climb.
From April 2008 to July 2009, a total of 936 heifers were started in
four pens. Of the four pens used for the trial, two pens had existing
conventional concrete slats. EasyFix™ slotted rubber mats were installed
in the other two pens, being placed over top of the existing concrete
slats.
Cattle were tracked for various performance measures, animal health,
cleanliness and carcass parameters. The use of rubberized slats reduced
the number of cattle with foot and leg issues, and increased the number
of cattle which did finish on slats.
Contact: Christoph Wand
christoph.wand@ontario.ca
Event Targeted to Ruminant Feed Specialists
OMAFRA's Ruminant Feed Industry Day in Elora presented timely information
relative to feeds and the feeding of ruminant livestock for feed industry
sales staff and nutritionists. The feed industry plays an important role
in disseminating technical information to producers.
The program for the 65 feed industry sales staff and nutritionists included
presentations from OMAFRA, the University of Guelph, Canadian Food Inspection
Agency, Intervet/Shering Plough, Elanco, CanWest DHI, and Superior Attitude
Livestock Nutrition from Illinois. The afternoon program comprised three
demonstrations at the feed ingredient storage facilities of the University
of Guelph's Beef Research Station. The demonstrations focused on feed
heating-thermal imaging and silage heating; (density analysis measurement)
and bunker silo packing; and grain corn processing to determine ideal
corn processing and particle size. Tours of the dairy and beef research
barns complemented the program.
Contacts: Ron Lackey, Christoph Wand and Tom Wright
ron.lackey@ontario.ca
christoph.wand@ontario.ca
tom.wright@ontario.ca
Tenth London Swine Conference Focused on
the Future
Internationally-renowned speakers shared their unique expertise with
the Ontario pork industry at the tenth annual London
Swine Conference, March 31 and April 1, 2010.
The program comprised 19 speakers from various backgrounds and covered
practical pork production, sow and gilt management, maximizing herd health
visits, production and cost management, and alternative farrowing systems.
The program also challenged participants to plan for the future with new
technologies, environmentally clean initiatives, changing feed ingredients,
trends in weaning age and consumer perception of the pork industry.
Overall, attendees were very pleased with the conference, touting the
committee's efforts for their "excellent choice of speakers to speak
to the times and industry as a whole", "bringing people together
at a crucial time of the year", and the "great balance of topics,
trends, different methods used in industry, and knowledge".
More than 300 participants attended London Swine Conference hosted every
year in London ON.
Contact: Jaydee Smith
jaydee.smith@ontario.ca
Dairy Housing Design Seminars
a Planning Tool for Producers
The 17th annual dairy
housing design workshops focused on the fundamentals of dairy cattle
housing design, providing practical information for renovating or building
an economical, labour efficient facility that is comfortable for cattle.
OMAFRA's four workshops covered: farmstead planning and regulations; cow
behaviour and comfort; layout options and housing alternatives; building
environment and ventilation; feed storage and delivery; feeding and watering
systems; manure collection, handling and storage; milking systems; treatment,
maternity, handling facilities and biosecurity; robotic milking options;
cow traffic; milking centre design; a case study; with an optional farm
tour.
In total 93 dairy producers, contractors, suppliers and consultants registered
for the 2010 seminars. OMAFRA's reputation for delivering valuable dairy
housing design seminars attracted several producers from Newfoundland
and Nova Scotia. An additional 20 workshop planning binders were purchased
by individuals unable to attend. Binders can be purchased by calling the
Woodstock OMAFRA office at 519-537-6621.
The dairy housing seminars are a joint effort of the Agriculture Development,
Environmental Management and Animal Health and Welfare Branches.
Contact: Brian Lang
brian.lang@ontario.ca
Livestock Events You
Don't Want to Miss
Most Popular Annual Dairy Symposium in 26 Years
The South Western Ontario Dairy Symposium held in Woodstock attracted
600 producers making it the best-attended event in its history. OMAFRA
staff co-organize the symposium and presented information about managing
feed costs. For producers who could not attend, the symposium results
from the farm panel survey are available on on the symposium
website.
Marketing and Technical Information for Eastern Ontario's Dairy
Farmers
OMAFRA puts information in the hands of dairy producers so they can take
advantage of changing market conditions and better manage their cows for
improved cow health, well-being and milk quality through two Eastern Ontario
Dairy Days. The program covered marketing and technical information for
cow health, milk quality and profitability.
Annual Pork Conference Attracts 110
Swine team staff helped organize the South West Ontario Pork Conference
-- the only local educational event for pork producers. These Ontario
pork producers learned about marketing to the United States, managing
pork health in difficult times, and hedging futures.
North America's Only Liquid Swine Feeding Event
Agriculture Development Branch was the lead organizer of the annual Swine
Liquid Feeders meeting that offered swine producers the most current research
and information available. The only liquid feeding educational event in
North America, the meeting attracted 130 Ontario producers, members of
the feed industry, and producers from Manitoba, Quebec and the United
States. They learned about feed options and the experiences of American
and European producers.
29th Annual Centralia Swine Research Update Covers a Variety
of Subjects
Updates on current or recently completed swine research projects in Ontario
attracted Ontario pork producers, the Ontario swine service industry comprised
private veterinarians, animal health companies, students from animal and
poultry science (Guelph and Ridgetown), Ontario Veterinary College students,
feed and pre-mix industry people. In total, 105 people attended the event
held January 27, 2010. Much of the research had been funded in part by
Ontario Pork and OMAFRA.
Information about swine nutrition, animal welfare, disease, environment,
genetics, government policy, housing, and meat quality were several of
the subjects covered during the day. Chief Veterinarian of Ontario Dr.
Deb Stark presented the new Ontario Animal Health Act for one of the first
times after it was passed into law. The 2010 proceedings are listed at
the Centralia website.
Organization of the 30th Centralia Swine Research Update has started.
The event will be held on January 26, 2011 in Kirkton.
Demonstration Project to Quantify
and Qualify the Manure Produced by a Squab Operation
Anyone who has parked a freshly washed car below a pigeon's roost in
a drive shed can appreciate how pigeon droppings can tarnish a car's polish.
OMAFRA's alternative livestock specialist conducted a demonstration project
to determine the amount of manure produced by a commercial squab operation
and the nutrient composition of the manure. A squab is a meat pigeon marketed
at approximately twenty-eight days of age. Ontario squab producers and
particularly those planning to build barns will require a nutrient management
strategy.
Prior to this demonstration there was virtually no information available
on the quantity of manure produced by squab and its nutrient composition.
This project provided some baseline data to update NMAN Software and assist
stakeholders in drafting nutrient management strategies.
The demonstration project provided the following results to fill a gap
in technical knowledge:
- 1 pair of pigeon and their squab raised produced 10.4 kg of manure/yr/pair
or 29.9 litres/year/pair,
- nitrogen composition of manure was 43.5 kg./tonne,
- phosphate composition of manure was 7.8 kg/tonne,
- 1 nutrient unit is equivalent to approximately 95 breeding pairs (and
their squab raised) with nitrogen being the limiting factor.
The information will be input into the next version of NMAN.
Contact: Brian Tapscott
brian.tapscott@ontario.ca
Predicting Environmental
Impacts of Cage Rainbow Trout Farms
Cage farming of rainbow trout in Ontario grew rapidly in the 1990's.
Since then production has stagnated at 4,000 tonnes of trout per year.
Ontario fish farmers supply half the Ontario market while the other half
comes from South America. One reason growth has stalled is a lack of scientific
information about the environmental impacts of cage aquaculture on the
aquatic ecosystem.
Samples were collected in the summer of 2009 at two commercial rainbow
trout farms each producing 400 to 500 tonnes of trout per year. Benthic
and chemical analysis of these samples will provide scientific information
to support modeling to predict the environmental impacts of cage aquaculture
on the aquatic ecosystem. The data generated will provide knowledge about
the effects of cage fish farming on benthic composition that will be used
to inform the development of sediment and environmental policy for cage
rainbow trout farms.
OMAFRA is funding the project and is collaborating with the federal Department
of Fisheries and Oceans and a northern aquaculture association.
Contact: Steve Naylor
steve.naylor@ontario.ca
Conversion of Hog Barns to
Fish Farms Workshop Series
A series of workshops are being held at the Alma
Aquaculture Research Station providing information and resources to
farmers interested in converting their empty hog or chicken barns to recirculating
rainbow trout farms. Many decommissioned barns have an infrastructure
suitable for conversion to aquaculture. The workshops cover the current
farmed rainbow trout industry across Canada and Ontario, marketing, processing,
management, financial scenarios and a current barn conversion project
underway.
OMAFRA is organizing and delivering the workshops with a consultant.
Contact: Steve Naylor
steve.naylor@ontario.ca
Poultry Road Show Updates Producers and Industry
OMAFRA partnered with Poultry
Industry Council (PIC) to deliver the OMAFRA Poultry Updates in 2009-2010.
Five regional updates were held in Brodhagen, Guelph, Belleville, St.
Catharines and Ingersoll, giving all producers an opportunity to hear
about the latest in poultry research and health; changes in legislation;
funding programs and updates from OMAFRA.
The Poultry Producer Updates covered a variety of topics that engaged
producers and industry participants. OMAFRA's poultry specialist focused
on safe work practices, Growing Forward funding programs and deadstock
management.
For more information on upcoming Poultry Updates visit the PIC website
or contact OMAFRA's poultry specialist.
Contact: Al Dam
al.dam@ontario.ca
First North American Conference on Precision
Dairy Management
OMAFRA organized North America's first precision dairy management conference
March 2-5, 2010 for dairy producers, agri-businesses, researchers and
educators. Precision dairy management is automation using sensor-based
management tools that define animal needs and robotic equipment that automatically
delivers individual cow management applications.
The conference gave attendees access to leading technologies and researchers,
and practical advice from farmers who have been early adopters. It also
provided a networking opportunity among world leaders in the
industry and an exchange of ideas and access to information about technology
used in other countries.
Attendance at the conference counted for educational credits through
Growing Forward for Ontario producers. The Precision Dairy Conference
program was recognized for its educational program content by the American
Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The conference contained
110 oral and/or poster presentations with presenters from 18 countries
and an exhibit area of 30 leading technology companies.
All conference attendees received a book and CD with conference content.
The items are also available for purchase for $45 CAD for the proceedings
and the $25 CAD for the CD plus tax, shipping and handling. Items can
be purchased from www.precisiondairy2010.com.
The Conference was sold out with 403 attendees comprising dairy producers,
agri-business representatives, research, educators, government and service
agency staff from around the world.
Contacts: Blair Murray or Tom Wright
blair.murray@ontario.ca
tom.wright@ontario.ca
Order OMAFRA Publications
OMAFRA offers three convenient methods to order its publications.
Crop and Pest Update
Crop and pest updates provide timely information and recommendations
on insects, diseases and production management throughout the growing
season. Updates can be accessed any day at any time and are available
in a variety of formats - toll-free telephone service (formerly known
as Agriphone), downloadable audio podcasts, and text files on the OMAFRA
website. Crop and Pest Updates include:
Livestock Updates
Livestock updates provide timely information on livestock production
and marketing.
OMAFRA Newsletters
Business
Agricultural
Business Update
Crops
Ontario
Berry Grower
Crop
Pest Ontario
Crop Talk
Greenhouse
Grower Notes
HortMatters
ON Organic
Orchard
Network
The
Tender Fruit Grapevine
Vegetable
Viewpoint
Livestock
Virtual Beef
Pork
News and Views
OMAFRA Website Quick Links
www.ontario.ca/omafra
ontario.ca/crops
ontario.ca/agbusiness
ontario.ca/livestock
Gives Us Your Feedback
We would like to hear from you. E-mail
susin.micallef@ontario.ca
with your comments about this resource guide. To thank you for your time
we will send you the
Farm Succession Planning Guide or
the
Renewable Energy on the Farm CD, the choice is yours.
Events and Workshops
Go to the area of interest from
www.ontario.ca/omafra
and look for the link to specific events in the business, crop and livestock
sections.
OMAFRA Contact Information
Minister's Office
The Honourable Carol Mitchell
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Public Archives Building
77 Grenville St., 11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B3
Phone 416-326-3074
Fax 416-326-3083
General Enquiries
1-888-466-2372 (Ontario only)
Guelph Office
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
Agricultural Information Contact Centre
1-877-424-1300
Local 519-826-4047
ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Northern Office
1-800-461-6132
OMAFRA
Resource Centres
Agriculture
Development Branch Staff Directory
