HURON & AREA

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

E-BULLETIN
May 2009
If you know someone who is interested in receiving this bulletin or if this has been
forwarded to you and you would like to receive a copy directly, please contact me.
I would be happy to add you to our e-mail distribution group. Just email me at
jane.muegge@ontario.ca

Did you know ? ……..

That there are other neighbouring OMAFRA Regional Information Co-ordinators (RIC’s)
who also have E-Bulletins. We have some similar information as well as different
regional events/articles. Feel free to email other RIC’s and request theirs as well.
Daryl Ball – Perth County daryl.ball@ontario.ca
Bryan Boyle – Lambton bryan.boyle@ontario.ca
Valerie Clark – Middlesex, Elgin val.clark@ontario.ca
Kim DeKlein – Oxford kim.deklein@ontario.ca
Gerry Horst – Waterloo, Wellington, Peel – gerry.horst@ontario.ca
Kelly Ward – Bruce, Grey, Dufferin - Kelly.L.Ward@ontario.ca

IN THIS MONTH’S BULLETIN…

• Coming Events and Dates of Interest – Pages 1 – 3
Area News and Information
• Local Fairs – pg 3
• Farmers Market in Exeter – pg 3
• NMAN – pg 4
• Growing Forward– pg 4/5
• Nutrition Labeling – pg 5
• H1N1 Q & A’s– pg 6
• Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo – pg 7
• Sustainable rural Communities – pg 8
• Bob McDonald Coming to Goderich – 8
• Seminar for New Exporters – pg 9
• Functional Foods Conference – pg 9
• Deadstock Options – pg 10
• Lunging Clinic – pg 10
• Microsoft® Workshops – pg 11
• Huron Small Business Enterprise Workshops– pg 11
• Pork Congress – pg 13
• OMIF – pg 12
• Livestock Manure – pg 13
• OMAFRA Information and Resources Pg. 14/15
• Last Words – Children – pg 15

COMING EVENTS AND DATES OF INTEREST

(Input always welcome – pop me an e-mail or give me a call if you would like
your next event included)

• May 12 - Poultry Industry Council Research Day "What's eating us in

what we eat? - fighting food-borne pathogens, " Arboretum, University of

1 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 Guelph. Sponsored by OMAFRA and featuring several U of G researchers,.
Registration and lunch start at noon. The speakers address the audience from
1-4:30 p.m., and are followed by a wine and cheese reception. For more
information, or to register, go to the Poultry Industry Council website, or
contact Claudia Escandon at 519-837-0284 or
cescandon@poultryindustrycouncil.ca

• May 25 - Huron North WI District Annual – Forward Together” – Clinton

OMAFRA Boardroom

• May 21 – Huron South W I District Annual – “Let’s Look after Mother

Earth” Grand Bend

• June 4 – Huron Tourism Assoc. Meeting. – 7pm Blyth Festival – National

tourism Week

• June 17 & 18 – Food Meets Function Conference - the science and

business of functional foods, latest in research and consumer trends, Best
Western, London www.foodmeetsfunction.ca

• June 20/21 – Lunging with Ilka Boeker – REACH Clinton (Regional Equine &
Agricultural Centre for Huron) for more info
http://www.reachhuron.ca/home.cfm

• June 23 – Bob McDonald speaking on Water, Air Protection –Columbus

Hall, Goderich, more info on page 7

• July 8 & 9 – Southwest Crop Diagnostic Day, Ridgetown Campus,

University of Guelph. Check http://www.diagnosticdays.ca/ for updates.

• July 10 – 12 – Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. If you or someone you

know would like to try fishing in Ontario waters for the first time (or the first
time in a long time), circle the weekend of July 10-12, 2009 on your calendar.
For those three days only (12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday), Canadian
residents can enjoy the fun of fishing in Ontario without a licence during the
annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. For complete details, visit
http://www.familyfishingweekend.com/Welcome.cfm

• August 11 – 13 – International Goat Symposium, Lindsay, Ontario.

Complete details at http://www.goatsymposium.com/main.htm

• Aug. 21 & 22– Zurich Bean Festival – www.ontarioswestcooast.ca

• Aug. 24 - 30 – Tastes of Huron Food Festival – pig roast, vendors market,

cooking workshops and special menus prepared by local chefs. Visit
www.ontarioswestcoast.ca

• August 24 – 28 – Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario 2009 Bus

Tour – Illinois. Check for details at http://www.ifao.com/IFAO-Events.html

• Aug 27, 28 - The Annual Huron County Plowing Match will be held at the
farm of Bob and Pat Down located at the corner of Hurondale Road and Hwy
#4 between Exeter and Hensall. Junior Day on Aug 27 will feature the 4-H
Sodbusters achievement day and the Princess of the Furrow competition. On

2 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 Fri. Aug. 28 there will be plowing competitions, antique displays, a mini tented
city, plowmen's breakfast, Queen of the Furrow speeches and plowing, food
booth and awards BBQ for everyone to enjoy. Freewill donations at the
gate. Come enjoy a day in the country!

• Sept. 12 – Stratford Garlic Festival – for more info

www.stratfordgarlicfestival.com

• September 15 – 17 – Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, Canada’s Outdoor

Park, Woodstock, Ontario. Check often for details at
http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/

• September 22 – 26 – International Plowing Match and Rural Expo,

District of Temiskaming [near Earlton, Ontario]. Visit http://www.ipm2009.net/
for regular updates.

• Oct 15 – Women’s Institute London Area Convention,

• Oct. 16 – World Food Day

• Nov. 6 – 15 – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto

AREA NEWS & INFORMATION

LOCAL FAIRS
You won’t want to miss the one in your area. Check dates for ones closest to you at
www.ontariofairs.com

FARMERS’ MARKET SOON TO BE A REALITY IN EXETER

“Plans are almost complete and we expect to have our first market on Thursday, May
21, 2009 from 3pm until 7pm”, stated Exeter farmers’ market association chair, Joan
Brady. “The market will be located at Gary Bean Securities, 588 Main St, at the south
end of Exeter and we will gratefully make use of their expansive, shady lot”. We
anticipate the lot can hold about 15 vendors and we would welcome the challenge of
finding a new location in season 2, should we outgrow the present location,” Brady,
who farms with her family outside of Dashwood, continued.
Plans for the market originated with the Exeter Chamber of Commerce who engaged
both the Exeter BIA and the Town of South Huron in plans to begin a farmers market
in Exeter. Both chamber employee, Amanda Marshall and Huron County Downtown
Revitalization Coordinator, Kerri Herrfort have been valuable resources in determining
location, connecting with vendors, working with community partners and doing much
of the legwork to develop the market.
There has been a great deal of interest on behalf of both vendors and the public and
we predict a successful first season,” enthused Anne Langendyk, market vice chair
and chamber representative to the association. “I can’t wait to buy meats, fresh fruit
and vegetables from the folks that grow them and I am glad to support the local
farmers in this way”.
The Exeter Farmers’ Market will be a producer based market and the rules and
regulations allow only local and bona-vide producer-vendors to sell at the market.
The season will extend from May 21, 2009 until October 29, 2009. “The public is
looking to buy local and to get to know the farmer that produces their food, so it
makes sense to make the market producer only,” explained Joan Brady. “We have
great variety of vendors on our list including those that will sell frozen pork, fruits and

3 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 berries, vegetables, cut flowers, baking, flowering plants, preserves and spreads and
more. There is something for everyone”, said Brady
Vendor Packets are presently being sent to farmers and vendors that have expressed
interest in being part of the market. For more information about the market or to
receive a vendor packet please contact the Exeter Farmers’ Market Manager, Diane
Klopp at 519-236-7999 or dklopp@hay.net
Contact:
Joan Brady, Exeter Farmers’ Market Association Chair (519) 237-3139
Anne Langendyk, Exeter Farmers’ Market Vice Chair (519) 235-3350
NMAN 2.1 Release
The NMAN committee is happy to announce the release of NMAN 2.1. The NMAN
committee has made every attempt to improve the outlook to attract more users,
while NMAN is still compliant with the Nutrient Management Act the latest release is
our committee’s attempt to shed the regulatory look and feel it has garnered over
the years.
The New NMAN includes:
• New Nutrient Balance Interface. Uses a one-window approach when performing
Agronomic and Crop Removal Balances (Quick Balance Calculator)
• Improved visuals within MSTOR, including a complete list of livestock and storage
images.
• Improved printouts. A revamped layout that includes the newly added livestock
and storage images.
• A new printout to handle Registrations required under the Nutrient Management
Act.
• New Start Page, which enables users to access previously saved projects upon
start up.
For those with NMAN already on your computers a downloadable upgrade can be
found at the following website
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nman/software.htm
CD’s will be available at the London OMAFRA Resource Centre, 519-873-4700 or
through Richard Brunke, NM Engineer, OMAFRA London, 519-873-4082,
Richard.brunke@ontario.ca.

GROWING FORWARD - FOOD SAFETY AND TRACEABILITY INITIATIVE

Following the April 1st, 2009 announcement of Growing Forward, we are pleased to
launch the Food Safety and Traceability Initiative (FSTI), part of the Best Practice
Suite. Growing Forward supports the development and implementation of best
practices in four key areas:
• environment and climate change
• food safety and traceability
• business development
• biosecurity.
Participants are encouraged to develop strategies across all these areas to meet their
business goals through a variety of information sessions and workshops, as well as
one-on-one training and technical assistance. In addition, an Innovation and Science
Suite encourages and supports ongoing research and the commercialization of
research.
The Food Safety and Traceability Initiative is a cost-share funding program, developed
to assist agriculture and agri-food facilities improve food safety practices and
traceability systems in their operations. Improvements to food safety and traceability
will strengthen Ontario’s ability to provide safe, high quality food and provide
economic advantages to our farmers and food processors.

4 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 The FSTI was developed by the Food Safety Programs Branch and will be
administered jointly with the Rural Community Development Branch. For more
details about the FSTI please contact us by:
• phone: 1-888-479-3931
• website: www.ontario.ca/foodsafety
• e-mail: fsti.omafra@ontario.ca
How does FSTI work?
FSTI provides 75% reimbursement of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $20,000
to:
- implement written food safety programs
- implement a working traceability system
- assist in the purchase and installation of equipment that improves food safety or
traceability
- train staff to increase the adoption of food safety and traceability
PROJECT OPTION 1: Implementing a Food Safety Program or a Traceability
System
Applicant will develop, write and implement a food safety program, individual food
safety practices, or a working traceability system
Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant
All Project Option 1 Applicants must attend an OMAFRA Information Session before
applying. A certificate will be given to all participants that attend the information
session. A copy of the certificate must be attached to your application form.
PROJECT OPTION 2: Supporting Investment in an Existing Food Safety
Program
This option is available only to Applicants currently certified, audited or verified under
a recognized food safety program (See Schedule I) and whose project involves further
food safety improvements to their existing food safety program
Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant
PROJECT OPTION 3: Improving Food Safety or Traceability
Applicants may purchase equipment, engage in training, or obtain certification, audit
or verification (first time only) of a recognized food safety program (See Schedule I ).
Up to $5,000 in funding per Applicant
WHO CAN APPLY?
For Food Safety and Traceability:
Food Producers: crops or animals for human consumption
Food Processors: food products for human consumption
FOR TRACEABILITY ONLY (Project Options 1 and 3):
- Operations involved in commingling, movement, storage and/or warehousing of
food products, livestock or crops such as beverage wholesaler/distributors, auction
barns and grain elevators
- Federally registered food processing facilities
If you would like more information on Growing Forward, the Best Practice Suite and/or
the Innovation and Science Suite, please contact us by: phone: 1-888-479-3931;
website: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growingforward/index email:
growingforward@ontario.

GROWING FORWARD – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – ADVISOR OPPORTUNITY

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is compiling a
list of qualified farm business advisors to assist Ontario producers undertake a Farm
Financial Assessment as part of the Business Development program under Growing
Forward.
The goal of the Business Development program is to increase the economic viability
of Ontario’s agriculture and food industry. Based on their reviewed Action Plans,

5 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 producers may require the services of a professional farm business advisor to review
past financial performance, analyze their current business situation, discuss
objectives and prepare financial projections based on identified goals.
If you are an advisor interested in receiving more information on how to be included
on a rostered list please e-mail John Molenhuis, Business Analysis and Cost of
Production Program Lead, OMAFRA at john.molenhuis@ontario.ca with your contact
information.
Growing Your Farm Profits – and Beyond
Information Sessions for Ontario Farm Business Advisors
Farm families across Ontario are attending Growing Your Farm Profits workshops to
improve their business planning and achieve their business goals. These free
information sessions will help you understand how these workshops can help you –
and your clients – work together to achieve business success. There will be some
announced shortly.

NUTRITION LABELLING
By Elaine Flook, Business Development Consultant, OMAFRA, Lindsay
The Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion has just put out a ready-to-use
presentation on nutrition labelling http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-
etiquet/nutrition/educat/info-nutri-label-etiquet-eng.php
It is now available on Health Canada's Web site along with existing nutrition labelling
resources such as the Interactive Nutrition Label and Quiz. It is designed for use by
health professionals and educators to teach consumers.
However, given it’s easy format and excellent summary of the legislation, this may
be a useful resource for a general understand of nutrition labelling and to start to
understand the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements.
The presentation consists of 27 slides, complete with speaker's notes. In an effort to
assist consumers in using the nutrition information from food labels to make informed
healthy eating choices, the presentation includes such topics as:
• Introduction to nutrition labelling;
• Description of the three elements of nutrition labelling;
• Key points to remember to enhance the use of the nutrition label (with a focus on
the specific amount of food and % Daily Value); and
• How nutrition labelling and Canada's Food Guide support healthy eating.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ONTARIO’S AGRICULTURE SECTOR:

H1N1 FLU VIRUS (HUMAN SWINE FLU)
Has the swine flu causing human illnesses (H1N1) been found in Ontario
pigs?
To date, there have been no reports in Ontario of this strain in swine. The Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicates that it has found H1N1 flu virus in a swine
herd in Alberta. The safety of the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork
continues to be safe to eat.
Are pork products safe to eat?
H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is not a food safety concern. As always, pork
products should be cooked to proper temperatures.
What happens if this influenza strain is found in pigs in Ontario? What
should farmers do if they have sick animals?
This influenza strain has not been detected in swine. This is currently a human health
issue.

6 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

If found, we will work with our federal partners in the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency (CFIA) and our public health partners in Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care (MOHLTC) to determine the best course of action to continue to protect public
health and our agriculture and food industries. Farmers should contact a veterinarian
immediately if animals show signs of illness.
Are Ontario swine at risk of contracting this virus? Can it pass to other
livestock or poultry?
Pigs can catch swine influenza from other swine or from people. The virus is not a
concern for other livestock or poultry.
What can farmers do to protect their pigs from influenza?
To minimize the risk to their animals, pig farmers should:
• Follow strict biosecurity practices on farm
• Provide adequate ventilation in barns
• Ensure farm workers maintain good hygiene
• Identify and segregate sick animals as early as possible
• Submit samples to laboratory for testing
• Consider vaccinating their animals against influenza
(in consultation with a veterinarian).
Farmers should contact a veterinarian immediately if animals show signs of illness.
To encourage testing and help with provincial surveillance, OMAFRA will cover
laboratory costs for swine influenza tests over the next few months.
What does biosecurity entail on a farm?
General biosecurity protocols are critical to help prevent disease. Producers should:
• Maintain strict biosecurity between swine and poultry premises;
• Have signs, barriers, clothing and sanitation to prevent disease;
• Contact a veterinarian to help detect and control disease risk to animals;
• Know the health of their new stock – isolate new and sick animals; and
• Obey all import procedures for animals and agricultural products.
What protocols should anyone visiting or working on a farm follow?
Because humans can also spread the disease to pigs, individuals with influenza
symptoms should avoid close contact with pigs to reduce the possibility of
transmitting the disease to pigs. While no cases of this virus strain have been
identified in swine, other influenza viruses do circulate in swine and farm visitors or
workers should always take appropriate precautions when at swine operations.
The Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Swine Health Board urges producers to:
• Minimize visitor traffic to pig barns to essential services only, and persons recently
returning from regions affected by the Human Swine Flu should have no contact with
pigs for at least seven days
• Enhance barn entry requirements with a minimum of a change of clothes and boots
and a thorough hand wash. Masks are recommended, with an N95 respiratory mask
and gloves being the preferred choice.
• Ensure ventilation systems are functioning and minimize re-circulation of air inside
animal housing facilities; No one with flu-like symptoms should be in contact with
swine.
What are the symptoms of influenza in pigs?
Signs of swine influenza include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, coughing and
sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and reduced fertility or abortion.
Affected animals usually recover within five to seven days.
Do workers coming to Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers
Program have access to health care?
Yes. All foreign workers who come to Ontario under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers
program (SAWP) are covered by OHIP from the minute they arrive in Ontario.
For more information:
Agricultural and Biosecurity Information
Agricultural Information Contact Centre

7 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

(877) 424-1300
H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) Information
ServiceOntario
(800) 476-9708
If you have flu-like symptoms
Telehealth (866) 797-0000
OMAFRA information, along with links to partner agencies, is available on our website
(www.ontario.ca/omafra).

ETHNIC & SPECIALTY FOOD EXPO

October 5 & 6
International Centre, Toronto
Here’s a highly interactive targeted business opportunity for the food industry, with
emphasis on cultural, specialty and organic products and suppliers. The event
understands and fosters the need for small and medium entrepreneurs to have an
affordable place to show their products, enabling them to expand their business. It is
the only focused forum of its kind in Canada that fully addresses the trends and
needs of the food industry, both retail and foodservice, as it responds and evolves to
the wants of consumers. Included is the All Things Organic ™ pavilion, sponsored by
the Organic Trade Association (OTA) addresses the growth of organic sales in Canada
which have been growing steadily at 20% annually. Buyers are constantly looking for
additional products as consumers become regular purchasers, this event affords
buyers that opportunity. Industry supporters include Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada, City of Toronto-Economic Development, Organic Trade Association, and
Guelph Food Technology Centre.
The 2008 event attracted in excess of 1300 top-tier buyers, who were totally
engaged with the sellers, a testament to the fact that cultural and organic foods are
their fastest growing segments. For more information visit
www.ethnicandspecialtyfood.com or contact Donna Wood, 705-484-0967 or 1- 888-
443-6786 ext. 231.

SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITIES RESEARCH PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Sustainable Rural Communities Research Program (SRC), a research program
under the previous OMAFRA-U of G Agreement, supported an important contribution
to the dynamic conversation related to rural development, both in Ontario and
around the globe. Now you can read about its achievements online at
http://www.uoguelph.ca/research/omafra/sustainable_rural_communities/SRC_Progra
m_Review_final.pdf
In the 10-year period from 1998-2008, more than 50 research projects were
completed under the SRC Program. With a mandate to contribute to the
sustainability of rural Ontario, Prof. Wayne Caldwell, director of the SRC program says
it "supported a diverse selection of research projects covering the broad spectrum of
rural economy, rural society, and rural environments exemplified by research projects
that encompassed an interesting and unique intersection of agricultural, economic,
social, and environmental issues in rural research."

AWARD-WINNING CBC BROADCASTER BOB MCDONALD COMING TO OUR

REGION TO SPEAK ON WATER, AIR PROTECTION
One of Canada’s most recognized science journalists, Gemini award-winning
broadcaster Bob McDonald, is coming to the region to speak on Tuesday, June 23 at
the Knights of Columbus Centre in Goderich.

8 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Local residents are welcome to attend the special evening presentation at 6:30 p.m.
There is no cost for admission but seating is limited so the public is asked to call
ahead to guarantee their seat. Voluntary toonie donations will be welcome that
evening to support local environmental groups active in water protection issues.
The Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region is
bringing the author and on-air personality to the region to speak on protecting water
and air – ‘Perspectives on a Planet.’
“We are thrilled and honoured one of Canada’s most noted science journalists will
visit this region to speak to our community working group members, the public and
the planning committee,” said Larry Brown, Source Protection Committee (SPC) Chair.
McDonald is the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s senior science correspondent
and host of the popular weekly radio program, Quirks and Quarks. He also received
the prestigious Gemini award last year as best host in a preschool, children’s or youth
program for TV Ontario’s 13-part series, Heads Up! He also hosted the Water Under
Fire documentary series.
He has received the “triple crown” of science communication awards in Canada
including the 2005 McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science from the Royal
Society of Canada; the 2002 Sandford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian
Institute and the 2001 Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, from the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
McDonald is not only one of Canada’s top broadcast journalists but he is also an
author, having written books including Measuring the Earth with a Stick: Science as
I've Seen It, short-listed for the Canadian Science Writers’ Association book award.
His writing has also appeared in Owl Magazine and The Globe and Mail.
The Knights of Columbus Centre is located at 390 Parsons Court in Goderich.
For information on this rare visit by one of Canada’s top science communicators visit
sourcewaterinfo.on.ca. Register in advance for the event by phoning 519-235-2610 or
toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or e-mailing facilitator@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca
SEMINAR FOR NEW EXPORTERS
June 2 & 3
The PROFIT (Program to Raise Ontario Foods International Trade) Seminar, run by the
Ontario Food Exports Unit, addresses the basics of international marketing and is a
practical hands-on guide to penetrating the U.S. market. Held in Toronto and Buffalo
over a two day period, this seminar features over 15 speakers including key FDA
contacts. PROFIT is scheduled once a year. The cost is $350 per person which
includes all meals, materials, transportation and accommodations.
Topics discussed include: Export financing, Product labeling, Trademarks, S tax laws,
US food brokerage, US food distribution, US Food & Drug regulations (including an
overview of the new FDA Bioterrorism Regulations effective December 12, 2003), US
Customs, US customs brokerage. For more information or to receive a registration
form, please contact Kathryn Liotta at 1-888-466-2372, ext 6-4018.

CONFERENCE EXPLORES THE SCIENCE AND BUSINESS OF FUNCTIONAL

FOODS
June 17 & 18
Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre, London
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”- a tried and true statement that
can certainly apply to human nutrition. Ideally, where should that ounce of
prevention come from, our food or supplements? What will consumers shop for in
five year’s time? As Canadians become more aware of the important connection
between health and food, they are shopping for foods that are functional; foods that
will enhance their health and help in lowering the risk of chronic disease. Moving
towards a preventative model for health care, that includes exercise and the

9 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

consumption of functional foods, can help offset rising health care costs. The Food
meets Function Conference will offer participants the opportunity to learn about the
latest innovations and cutting-edge research in functional foods. Food value-chain
members, dietitians, researchers, and health care professionals will benefit from
examining the present and future needs of consumers; discussing how to educate a
broader consumer base; and investigating opportunities to generate alliances and
strategies within the functional food value chain.
For detailed agenda and registration information go to www.foodmeetsfunction.ca.
Featured speakers include:
• Dr. Linda Tapsell, Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Wollongong,
Australia speaking about Functional Foods to Benefit Public Health.
• Kim McKinnon,Vice President, The Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors
speaking on The Grocery Store Experience 2015 - how consumers will shop for
health and food.
• Dr. Ariel Fenster, Office for Science and Society, McGill University speaking on the
subject of Foods or Supplements: Which should you be putting on your plate.
• Al Mussell, PhD, M.Sc. Senior Research Associate at the George Morris Centre
speaking about A New Partnership-from Producer to Dietitian to Consumer-
Implications for Health Care if we don’t succeed.
Breakout Sessions – June 17:
Session 1: Improving Human Health with Functional Foods – What the consumer
needs to know.
Session 2: Creating Enhanced Products – Feeds and Formulas!
Session 3: Opportunities in Retail and Processing
Evening Banquet: A Feast of Functional Foods with featured speaker, Anita Stewart
noted food activist, broadcaster and author of several cookbooks.
Breakout Sessions june 18:
Session 1: Marketing Health through Food –Successful Strategies
Session 2: Top 5 Emerging Ideas in Functional Foods
Pre-Conference Functional Food Tour: Tuesday June 16
Your unique opportunity to participate in a full day bus tour that will visit processors
and producers focusing on the production and development of functional foods. Tour
includes lunch. Space is limited.

HURON ENVIROMENTAL FARM PLAN WORKSHOPS

at OMAFRA BOARDROOM, 100 Don Street, Clinton,
Call to register. Lois Sinclair, Huron County, OSCIA Workshop Leader (519)-357-
3146
Day 1: June 4 Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Day 2: June 11 Thurs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

NEW DEADSTOCK RULES GIVE FARMERS MORE OPTIONS

McGuinty Government Works With Industry To Modernize Rules March 25,
2009
Ontario farmers will have more choices to safely dispose of their deadstock under
new regulations that would come into force Friday, March 27, 2009, pending approval
from the Lieutenant-Governor.
The new rules, developed in consultation with industry partners, also provide greater
flexibility for the deadstock service sector and include measures that will protect the
environment. Key changes include:

10 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 • Giving farmers and deadstock receivers a wider range of choices for disposing
of deadstock both on and off the farm, such as anaerobic digestion and
central composting
• Including poultry and other farmed animals not previously covered under the
old legislation
• Establishing enhanced environmental standards that will protect our water
resources, with additional requirements that safeguard animal health and
public health protection
The new regulations were developed jointly by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, with input from the livestock
industry.

HURON CLEAN WATER PROJECT

Huron_Clean_Water
_Project_Brochure_09_small.pdf

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST CLINIC TO BE OFFERED BY REACH (Rural Equine

and Agricultural Centre of Huron) - Lunging Clinic with Ilka Boecker,
June 20/21, Would you like to...improve your horse training skill? improve your
horse's way of going? develop techniques to improve riders' balance?

This two day clinic will show you how to implement the 6 stages of lunging in the
development of a finished horse.
Cost: $200.00 per participant, $40.00 for school horse rental, $15.00 audit fee, for
more info http://www.reachhuron.ca/home.cfm or call Cindy at (519) 525-0682.

PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT USING MICROSOFT OUTLOOK®

• Thursday, May 28, 2008, Best Western Lamplighter Hotel, 591 Wellington
Road S, London, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Lunch NOT included)
• Tuesday, June 16, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road West,
Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lunch INCLUDED)
• Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road
Road West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lunch INCLUDED
• Wednesday, November 25, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road
West, Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Lunch INCLUDED
This day-long workshop on productivity training and time management solutions will
help you integrate communications, tasks, activities and planning using Microsoft
Outlook®. This workshop will show you how to reconfigure your task pad enabling
you to focus on your priorities, how to communicate more effectively and how to
fulfill and coordinate your commitments, all of which will contribute to a measurable
increase in productivity at work and at home.
Past participants have indicated that this fast paced, high-quality training workshop
has fundamentally changed the way they do business, use Outlook, and deal with
email, day to day tasks and time management issues. They note that this ‘change’ is

11 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 immediate, ongoing and easy to implement and keep using in both your work and
personal environments.
The cost of this day long workshop is $545.00 with refreshments and lunch included
(excluding London location).
For more information and to register for this workshop please contact The Centre for
Rural Leadership at 519-826-4204.

WORKING SM@RT WITH BLACKBERRY

• Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road West, Guelph,
ON (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
• Tuesday, October 27, 2009, Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road West,
Guelph, ON (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
This ½ day workshop on working smarter with your Blackberry was created in
conjunction with Research in Motion (RIM). Graduates of this workshop increase
productivity and enhance on-the-job performance by knowing how to match the right
process and skill set when using their BlackBerry devices.
The goal of this workshop is to learn how to apply Priority Management's workload
management processes in a BlackBerry environment. In Working Sm@rt with
BlackBerry participants will learn:
• Processes to manage email in a BlackBerry environment ;
• How to better use your BlackBerry with Outlook and get these tools “on the same
page”;
• When and why to use a BlackBerry… not just how; and
• How to make your BlackBerry a proactive tool.
While not required it is strongly recommended that participants participate in
Productivity Improvement Using Microsoft Outlook® prior to taking this course.
Cost is $395.00 with morning and mid morning refreshments included.
For more information and to register for this workshop please contact The Centre for
Rural Leadership at 519-826-4204.

NEW SERIES OF WORKSHOPS FROM HURON SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

CENTRE
Fabulous new line-up for spring and fall – check them out at
inohbc@smallbusinesshuron.ca or call 519-527-0305 Pre-registration IS required!
Workshops start at 7 pm and end approximately 9:30 pm
Purchase a spring pass and attend as many until July 1st as you’d like ….
‘Til Death Do Us Part: An Eventuality Worth Planning … Are you Tue, May 19
ready for your eventual exit? Avoid the unnecessary erosion of your HBC
estate and leave more behind than your good name! We all go. Let’s do
it right! John McNeilly
Banning Assembly Line Customer Service … Learn how to take the Thur, May 28
focus off process and put it back onto the customer where it belongs. OMAFRA, Clinton
No line-ups at your business? Then reserve your spot NOW! Before it’s
too late! Lisa Harper
Brochures, Business Cards, Flyers … These tried and true methods Wed, June 10
are far from obsolete. Get a new feel for these essential tools today. In OMAFRA, Clinton
fact, bring them along and we’ll look at specific design features and

12 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

options with you! Alison Lobb
Record keeping: Lament of the Damned…If you’re a business Thur, June 25
owner, you’re in information, baby! No matter what kind of business OMAFRA, Clinton
you run, your friends at Revenue Canada and your local banker want
data – and lots of it! Learn how to manage your business records in a
way that doesn’t take up all your time but keeps your “friends” happy
too. Alison Lobb
Reading Minds 101: Why People Buy…Why do your customers buy Thur, July 23
what they do? Knowing the answer could help ensure that they buy OMAFRA, Clinton
from you! Seems worth knowing to me and you don’t need to be
clairvoyant to figure it out. Listen to what your prospects are really
saying. Tina Heathers

ONTARIO MARKET INVESTMENT FUND (OMIF)

PROMOTE LOCAL FOODS WITH THE ONTARIO MARKET INVESTMENT FUND
(OMIF)
Agri-food industry stakeholders and local food networks are invited to apply for
funding to increase consumer awareness of Ontario foods and encourage Ontarians
to buy locally. The provincial government will fund up to 50 per cent of your project's
eligible cost. The maximum grant is $100,000 per approved project.
Collaboration and partnerships are required. Eligible applicants include strategic
alliances between individuals, businesses, farmers, processors, industry associations
and community organizations, including not-for-profits and/or municipalities. Project
activities may include market research, market development, communication
initiatives, and consumer or trade events. See the OMIF website at
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/domestic/omif/omif.html for a list of
approved projects.
Application forms are available online at www.ontario.ca/omif or by calling the
Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or OMAFRA at 1-888-588-
4111.

MONSANTO CANADA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR 2009:

Monsanto Canada is pleased to announce details of its 2009 Opportunity Scholarship
program. This year, Monsanto estimates it will provide approximately 60
scholarships to deserving high school students across the country entering their first
year of post-secondary education in agriculture or forestry. Each scholarship is
valued at $1,500 and will be awarded to students who meeting the following criteria:
• students must be from an agricultural or forestry family farming operation with
plans to enter their first year of post-secondary education in agricultural sciences
or forestry;
• students must have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities
and active involvement in their local community;
• complete applications, including an application essay, must be post-marked no
later than May 15, 2009
Application forms are available at the OMAFRA Resource Centres. For further
information visit www.monsanto.ca or call Monsanto Canada’s CustomCare line at 1-
800-667-4944.

36TH ANNUAL PORK CONGRESS

13 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Where something old, something new makes for something special.
June 24th & 25
Stratford Rotary Complex, Stratford
A sense of tradition meets with a new beginning, as the Ontario Pork Congress
celebrates its 36th year, honouring the finest of Ontario’s pork industry, Wednesday,
June 24th and Thursday the 25th, in Stratford.
For years, the Pork Congress has symbolised the resiliency of Ontario’s livestock
sector, providing a venue for innovation and industry trend-spotting, as well as a
place to exchange ideas and information. This year, it’s all of these things, in a new
facility, the Stratford Agricultural and Recreational Complex.
This new complex embodies the theme for this year’s showcase: ‘A New Home-
coming’. More than a new home, this facility provides a spirit of optimism and a
brighter outlook that counters the current challenges faced by most of those in
Ontario’s pork industry.
Make plans to visit -and celebrate –all that’s good about pork in Ontario, at the
Ontario Pork Congress.
Details are available by visiting www.porkcongress.on.ca
June 6th – Junior Barrow Show
June 21 – 27 – Pork Week in Stratford
June 23 – Pig Art
June 23 – Gold Event
June 24 – The Hog Jog
June 24 – Trade Show
June 25 – Weekend Warrior BBQ

LIVESTOCK MANURE APPLIED CORRECTLY SAVES MONEY AND IMPROVES

SOIL TILTH By Richard Brunke, NM Engineer, OMAFRA London
Growing season has begun in Ontario! Significant amounts of fertilizer, both organic
and inorganic, have been applied to the farm fields in Ontario. Because of the
increasing cost of inorganic commercial fertilizers, farmers are sharpening their
pencils and calculating the application rates of organic fertilizers as known as
manure, very closely. Manure is an excellent fertilizer. It not only supplies the plants
nutrients, N, P, K it also increases the organic content in the soil.
The organic content in the soil increases the tilth of the soil. The increase of the soil
organic content will also increase the water holding capacity of the soil helping the
crops survive during dry periods in the summer. The increase in organic matter also
helps to minimize the effect of soil compaction in farm fields from farm machinery
travel over the fields. The result is deeper root penetration into the soil and
development of a larger root mass. With a greater volume of roots, the plant can
better extract their required nutrients from the soil and more successfully survive dry
periods during the summer.
If you are phased-in under the Nutrient Management Act and are required to follow a
prepared Nutrient Management plan, there are specific application setback distances
to surface water when applying manure. If your farm is not phased-in, the suggested
setback distances can be followed as a Best Management Practice. If you have any
streams, creeks or surface water around farm fields a three metre vegetated buffer is
required between the field and the bank of the surface water. This vegetated buffer
filters soil particles and soil nutrients from field runoff water during rainfall events
and snow melts. This minimizes the effects of the runoff on the aquatic environment.
Ten metres back from this buffer, you must either apply the manure on a living crop
or inject the manure into the soil or surface-apply and incorporate the manure within
24 hours. This also helps to reduce any runoff of nutrients from the farm field.
For more information, call the Nutrient Management Toll-Free Information Line at 1-
866-242-4460 or by visiting OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/OMAFRA

14 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

OMAFRA INFORMATION, PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:
CLINTON OMAFRA RESOURCE CENTRE,
100 DON STREET, BOX 159, CLINTON, N0M 1L0
519-482-3333

Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC): 1-877-424-1300 / Email:

ag.info@omafra.gov.on.ca
OMAFRA Web site: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca
Nutrient Management Information Line: 1-866-242-4460 E-mail -
nman@omafra.gov.on.ca
Agricultural Policy Framework (APF)
Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS) - 1-877-838-5144
Renewal - www.agr.gc.ca/renewal

2009 Rural Organization Contacts

Each year we compile a comprehensive list of Huron rural organizations with two key
contacts for each organization. This is a great resource for anyone who wants contact
information for grassroots representatives. They are uploaded on the following
website:
Huron County - A Guide to Your Farm & Rural Community, 2009 is posted on the
County of Huron website at www.huroncounty.ca

Factsheets / Publications
Field Pocket Guide (Revised), Publication 820 (order number 0820E for the
English version, order number 0820F for the French version). This revised and
improved 2009 edition contains a practical way to record crop production activities
using a variety of record keeping pages and some handy conversions and
calculations; there is no need to recycle the 2006 edition (orange cover); please feel
free to use up any remaining stock.

Ontario CropIPM We are very excited to announce that Ontario CropIPM, our
interactive IPM training program is now online! You can find it in English at
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/index.html, And in French at
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/french/index.html. Ontario CropIPM is an interactive
educational tool to improve your knowledge of Integrated Pest Management in
Ontario crops. Growers, scouts and consultants will be able to learn about insects,
diseases, disorders, and weeds by: • searching photo galleries, • using identification
keys, • consulting pest scouting calendars, • comparing photos of often-confused
pests, • learning about soil diagnostics and herbicide injury, • referring to glossaries,
• and checking additional resources. Ontario CropIPM includes modules for: •
Brassicas, Cucurbits, Peppers, Strawberries, Sweet corn, • Tomatoes We expect to be
adding more crops as time goes on. The CD version is available for purchase at
https://www.publications.serviceontario.ca/ecom/MasterServlet/GetItemDetailsHandle
r?iN=AF141&qty=1&viewMode=3&loggedIN=false&JavaScript=y. This is nice for
those who don’t have high-speed internet access.

New Sound Advice Reports are now available online by visiting

• http://www.omBlack Rot Cankers in Apples, by Michael Celetti
(michael.celetti@ontario.ca) Plant Pathologist, Horticulture Crops Program Lead,
OMAFRA, Guelph
• Phosphorus Management on Muck Soils, by Donna Speranzini
(donna.speranzini@ontario.ca), Nutrient Management Specialist – Horticulture,
OMAFRA, Vineland

15 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

• Scout Training, cropIPM and Pest Deregulation, by Jennifer Allen, Provincial
Vegetable Crop Specialist, OMAFRA (jennifer.allen@ontario.ca)
• It Pays to Learn about Nitrogen, by Janice LeBoeuf, Vegetable Crop Specialist,
OMAFRA, Ridgetown (janice.leboeuf@ontario.ca)
• Integrated Pest Management And Monitoring, by Margaret Appleby, IPM Systems
Specialist, OMAFRA, Brighton (margaret.appleby@ontario.ca)

Crop Pest Newsletter

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/croppest/
Horse News and Views
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/news.html.
Animal Health Newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/ceptor/news.html
Vegetable Newsletter
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/news_vegview.html
Ontario Berry Grower
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/news_berrygrower.ht
ml
Pork News and Views Newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/swine/news.html
Hort Matters Newsletter
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/news_hortmatt.html
On Organic
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/organic/news/news-organic.html
Foodland Ontario: http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/ for some great recipes using
Ontario’s fresh fruits and vegetables.
Nutrient Management Training Course Schedule
For the most up-to-date Nutrient Management Training Course Schedule, simply click
on
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/cert/courses.htm

London Service Ontario Centre – 519-873-4000

Stratford Service Ontario Centre – 519-271-9995.
Owen Sound Service Ontario Centre – 519-519-371-6226
Goderich Service Ontario Centre – 1-800-267-8097
Website www.ServiceOntario.ca
Service Ontario is a one-stop shopping centre for a variety of government services …
… register your business name; purchase hunting and fishing licenses; replace lost or
stolen ID; pick up a free Power of Attorney kit or passport application. For a complete
list of services call or visit today.
LAST WORDS
CHIILDREN ARE WONDERFUL!
A little boy was in a relative's wedding. As he was coming down the aisle,
he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While facing the crowd,
he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR, all the way down the aisle.
As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached
the pulpit. When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed & said,
"I was being the Ring Bear."

16 May 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin