HURON & AREA

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

E-BULLETIN
July 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 my e-mail distribution group. Just email me at
jane.muegge@ontario.ca

IN THIS MONTH’S BULLETIN…

• Coming Events and Dates of Interest – Pages 1 – 4
Area News and Information
• Local Fairs – pg 4
• Brandon McGavin – pg 4
• Local Agri-Food Innovators Celebrated – pg 5
• Summer Food, Glorious Food – pg 7
• Growing Forward Environment & climate Change – pg 7
• Building Better Returns for Agri-Food Industry– pg 8
• Agricorp Deadlines – pg 9
• Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo – pg 9
• What’s Cooking at REACH – pg 9
• Livestock handling to reduce stress – pg 10
• Highlights of Growing Forward – pg 11
• Huron Small Business Enterprise Workshops– pg 11
• OMIF – pg 12
• Kit to Keep Your Birds Healthy – pg 12
• Productivity using Microsoft outlook – pg 13
• Working Smart with Blackberry – pg 13
• OMAFRA Information and Resources Pg. 14
• Last Words – One Person – 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)

• June 27 – Release of 2nd Edition of Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary map –
Owen sound Farmers’ Market

• July 2 & 3, 2009 – Farm$mart Exposition, Elora Research Station. Watch for details
at http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/expo/

• July 4, 2009 – Farm$mart 4-H Expo, Elora Research Station. Hands-on day of fun
and learning for children. Watch for details at http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/expo/

• July 7 /14 – Environmental Workshops – Day 1 & 2 – Bruce County – Call

Jayne Dietrich – 519-367-5930

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

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

• July 9 – Lambton College comes to Wingham – Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 – 4

and 5 – 8 – Your chance to look at all the programs they have available – 519-541-2403,
info@lambton.on.ca or www.lambton.on.ca

1 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 • July 10 – Caring for our Beaches Conference – Midland Best Western Highland inn
& conference Centre – For more info coastalcentre@lakehuron.on.ca
www.lakehuron.on.ca

• July 10 /17 – Environmental Workshops – Day 1 & 2 – Bruce County – Call

Jayne Dietrich – 519-367-5930

• 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

• July 15 – Ontario Forage Expo - at the farm of Fritz & Gise Trauttmansdorff, Dunlea
Farms Jerseyville Ontario. Come and enjoy demonstrations, trade show exhibits and a
variety of speakers. For further information visit http://www.ontarioforagecouncil.com/

• July 16 – 18 - OMSPA Annual Meeting, Summer Tour, Conference & Trade

Show in Perth Ontario. “Innovation in Production & Marketing”. 3 days of educational
workshops, tours to maple operations, entertainment, and delicious local food.
Workshops include topics such as ‘Maple Grading School’, ‘Value-Added Maple Products’,
and ‘Identifying the Health Benefits of Maple Syrup’. As buses transport the conference
participants to various maple syrup operations (a total of eight operations), participants
will be hearing from maple producers of 1,000 taps to 20,000 taps in the Lanark and
District area. Thursday evening begins with a renowned magician, Elliott Smith followed
by the annual OMSPA fundraising auction. Friday evening is the banquet followed by
award presentations and entertainment. For further information or to register today,
contact: Don Dodds, Summer Tour Chair Phone: 613-256-4045 Email:
springdale@storm.ca Web Site: www.ontariomaple.com and follow the links.

• July 16 /23 – Environmental Work Plan Workshops Day 1/ Day 2– Huron

County – OMAFRA Boardroom – contact Lois Sinclair 519-357-3416

• July 25 - 27 – Zurich Fair

• Aug 7, 8, 9 – Dungannon Fair

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

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

• Aug 14 & 15 – Bayfield Fair

• Aug 16 – 19 – AMO – Association of Municipalities of Ontario – Ottawa

• Aug 20 / 27 - Environmental Work Plan Workshops Day 1/ Day 2– Huron

County – OMAFRA Boardroom – contact Lois Sinclair 519-357-3416

• 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

2 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 • 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 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!

• September 8, 2009 – Swine Liquid Feeding Association Fall Producer Meeting.

Mark your calendar and watch for details at http://www.slfa.ca/

• Sept 10 /18 - – Environmental Work Plan Workshops Day 1/ Day 2– Huron

County – OMAFRA Boardroom – contact Lois Sinclair 519-357-3416

• Sept 11, 12, 13 – Seaforth Fair

• Sept. 12 – Stratford Garlic Festival – for more info www.stratfordgarlicfestival.com

• Sept 15 / 16 – Brussels Fair

• 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.

• Sept 28 – Oct 2 – Grey Bruce Children’s Water Festival, Chesley – Grade 4 student
involvement

• Oct 2, 3, 4 – Howick Fair

• Oct 2, 3, 4 – Pumpkinfest, Port Elgin www.pumpkinfest.org

• Oct 5 & 6 - Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo including All Things Organic™,
International Centre, Toronto. A two-day targeted business opportunity for the food
industry, with emphasis on cultural, specialty and organic products and suppliers. This
focused forum addresses the trends and needs of the food industry, both retail and
foodservice, as it responds and evolves to the wants of consumers. For full details,
please visit http://www.ethnicandspecialtyfood.com/

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

• Oct. 16 – World Food Day

• Oct 17 – Woodstock Fleece Festival – More info at www.fleecefestival.com

• Oct 30 – Bruce County Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting – Location &

Speaker TBA

3 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 • Nov. 6 – 15 – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto The Direct Energy Centre,
Exhibition Place, Toronto. Watch for details at http://www.royalfair.org/

• Nov 9 & 10 – Focus on Productivity – 38th Poultry Innovations Conference –

Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, www.poutryindustrycouncil.ca 1-519-837-0284

• November 26 (Note: NEW DATE) – Dr. Temple Grandin speaks on Cattle

Handling to Reduce Stress from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Registration is $30 (price
includes hot lunch). Pre-Registration is required, space is limited and this event is
expected to sell out early. To register, contact Grey Ag. Services at: 519-986-3756.
Event is sponsored by the Grey-Bruce Farmers Week Committee.

• November 26 (Note: NEW DATE) – Dr. Temple Grandin speaks on Preventing

Behaviour Problems in Your Horse, 5:30 p.m. Registration is $10; Pre-Registration
is required, space is limited and this event is expected to sell out early. To register,
contact Grey Ag. Services at: 519-986-3756. Event is sponsored by the Grey-Bruce
Farmers Week Committee

• January 13 - 14, 2010 – Certified Crop Advisors Annual Conference, Bestwestern

Lamplighter Inn, London.

• January 23 - Farm$mart Agricultural Conference, University of Guelph. Mark

your calendar and watch for details at www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart

• February 2 – 3, 2010 – Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association Annual

Meeting, Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls.

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 Fairs in the district 8 region include:
Listowel July 16-19 519-291-2776
Zurich July 24-25 519-236-4130
Dungannon August 7-9
Bayfield August 14-16 519-482-3020
Mitchell September 4-6 519-229-6210
Seaforth September 10-13 519-527-1321
Kirkton September 11-13 519-229-8151
Brussels September 15-16 519-877-6687
Milverton September 18-20 519-595-4424
Stratford September 24-27 519-271-5130
Howick-Turnberry October 2-4 519-335-3269

BRANDON MCGAVIN IS NATIONAL JUNIOR PLOWING CHAMPION

Congratulations Brandon! While it was his first time in a national competition, Brandon McGavin,
17, of Walton became a Canadian Junior Champion last week after competing in the Canadian
Plowing Championships in Wanham, Alberta. Brandon plowed for 3 days, coming first each day.
As a Canadian Champion, he won a scholarship to Olds Agricultural College, a trophy, coveralls
and a cash prize. Good luck at the IPM in Temiskaming this September.

4 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

LOCAL AGRI-FOOD INNOVATORS CELEBRATED – CONGRATULATIONS!
Innovative ideas grown by Ontario farmers were celebrated today at a ceremony in Mildmay
honouring local winners of the province’s regional awards for innovation excellence. These fresh
ideas are contributing to the local economy, boosting the agri-food industry and giving
consumers more choice.
The Premier’s Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are part of a $2.5-million, five-year
program (now in its third year) established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success
of Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Local events across the province are recognizing 55 regional award winners, who are receiving
$5,000 each for their innovations. Area winners presented with their awards are:
• The Healing Arc Inc. & Everspring Farms Ltd. (Teeswater) - Bruce County

• Saugeen Country Dairy (Markdale) - Grey County

• WoolDrift Farm (Markdale) - Grey County

• Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary Association - Grey and Bruce Counties

• Forager Foods (Bayfield) - Huron County

• Hillside Gardens Limited (Bradford) - Simcoe County

• Sunrise Produce (Alliston) - Simcoe County

Winners of the $100,000 Premier’s Award and the $50,000 Minister’s Award were presented in
April at the Premier’s Summit on Agri-Food.
“These innovations help to strengthen our local agri-food sector, which is such an important
contributor to Ontario’s economy. I am pleased to recognize the achievements of these local
innovators with these awards,” said Carol Mitchell, MPP for Huron-Bruce.
The following describes the innovations of the local Regional Award winners of the Premier’s
Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence:
HURON COUNTY:
Forager Foods Inc. – Bayfield
Forager Foods Inc. offers one-stop shopping with a local flavour. And it’s looking to broaden
support for Ontario agri-businesses by creating a network of similar stores across southwestern
Ontario. With 21 local and regional food partners currently supplying products to a 900 square-
foot retail food specialty store, customers can choose from an array of locally-produced foods.
These include meats, deli, artisan cheeses, Lake Huron fish, prepared foods, fresh vegetables
and pantry items. Most are grown from within 45 minutes or less of the storefront. The
applicant’s background as a chef helps consumers pair foods for an enjoyable and regional food
experience.
BRUCE COUNTY:
The Healing Arc Inc. & Everspring Farms Ltd. – Teeswater
Have you tasted the ‘orange of the north’? Sea Buckthorn is a multipurpose, citrus-type berry
used in functional foods and for a variety of medicinal, agronomic and environmental purposes.
The fruit is a source of omega 3, 6 and 9 oils and just eight berries provide the daily requirement
of vitamin C and beta carotene. Sea Buckthorn can be grown in a wide range of soils, in
greenhouses and is drought resistant. After six years of research and development, the growers
are now selling cuttings to private and commercial sectors in Ontario and Quebec. These
innovators have helped introduce the crop to Ontario and are continually working to educate
consumers on its ‘berry-good’ merits.

5 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Grey Bruce Agriculture and Culinary Association – Grey and Bruce Counties
The whole really is stronger than the sum of its parts when producers, processors, restaurants
and tour operators band together to promote the benefits of local foods. This association now
has 157 paid members who are enjoying the increased consumer traffic and profits that come
from cross-promotion. Locals and tourists like the convenience of the Buy Local Buy Fresh map,
and it helps restaurants coordinate their use of local food.
GREY COUNTY:
Saugeen Country Dairy – Markdale
If you have a yearning for yogurt, this farm’s for you. At Saugeen Country Dairy, the owners
operate both a certified organic dairy farm and an on-farm dairy. It is the first on-farm dairy in
Ontario to make and sell organic yogurt, which it has been doing since 1994. This yogurt has a
short list of ingredients with all the milk produced on the farm. And it has been profitable. After
14 years of steady sales growth they process more than 300,000 litres and employ three full time
and five part time staff.
WoolDrift Farm – Markdale
WoolDrift Farm, the first commercial sheep milking operation in the province, has shepherded the
growth of Ontario’s sheep milk industry. Owners Chris Buschbeck and Axel Meister were the first
to import East Friesian dairy sheep embryos into Canada and continuously improved the genetics
of the flock, resulting in sales across North America. These innovators have been instrumental in
founding the Ontario Dairy Sheep Association and have attracted farmers to the sheep milk
market through various educational symposiums and workshops. Today, more than 50 Ontario
farmers are milking sheep commercially, producing 1.5 million litres of milk which is poured into
artisan cheeses, yogurt, ricotta and feta cheese.
SIMCOE COUNTY:
Hillside Gardens Limited – Bradford
Ron Gleason is helping to strengthen the gate-to-plate connection. He redesigned an existing
software program for use as a farm traceability program. It’s capable of tracing all field activities
from harvest, to packing, to shipping dates and destinations. Lot IDs are assigned in each step in
the process, and the end product is dated with a bar code sticker. The wireless, computerized
system will only allow product that has been assigned to a load to be picked and scanned. This
improves many aspects of the business, from inventory rotation and quality issues to recall
efficiency and inventory control. The system provides “real time” inventory and work is
underway to expand its capabilities. Hillside Gardens is also the winner of the $50,000 Minister’s
award.
Sunrise Produce – Alliston
The chips are never down at Sunrise Produce. The farm’s experienced potato breeders and
growers, Peter and Carla VanderZaag, have developed three new potato varieties that can be
made into the popular snack all year-round. Most other chipping varieties maintain their quality
for only two to three months. The three innovative potato lines can be processed any time, from
the moment they are placed in storage until the following summer. The new varieties were
officially registered in 2007 and have been adopted by other producers. Last year, 300 acres of
the new varieties were grown in Ontario. There is significant market growth potential for these
potatoes, including in the U.S.
For more information about this program, visit the OMAFRA website at
www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation.

6 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

SUMMER FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD SESSIONS - HEALTHY EATING FOCUS IN ST. MARYS
Are you interested in learning more about how to preserve the summer’s harvest for the cold
winter months? Or would you like to encourage the young people in your life to get more excited
about food and cooking? This summer the St. Marys Farmers’ Market, the St. Marys Friendship
Centre and Home Support Services are presenting two special Food, Glorious Food sessions. The
first session on July 21 focuses on home canning so that local food can be enjoyed throughout
the year. Then on August 25 the session will provide an opportunity for members of different
generations to come together to discover the joy of cooking and baking together. Both sessions
will have a healthy eating focus and are supported by the Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc.’s
Healthy Eating Program. Both sessions will take place at the St. Marys Friendship Centre, 317
James St. and will run from 7 - 9 p.m. The cost is $15 per session but are free for anyone 16 and
under. To register call Allyson at 519-284-3272, ext. 639.
July 21 - Eating Locally All Year Round
Let’s come together and try our hand at some home canning. Using local produce and reliable
techniques we will preserve some of the summer’s harvest and get your ready for what’s coming
next in your gardens and local Farmers’ Market. All participants will go home with a jar or two.
Deb Campbell, a Professional Home Economist and long time home canner, will be the instructor
for the evening.
August 25 - Cooking with Your Children, Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews - Cooking
with the young people in your life is a great way to introduce a new generation to the joys of
home cooking and baking. Several St. Marys Farmers’ Market vendors, and in some cases the
young people who help tend the market stalls, will join together for this fun and delicious
evening. Sara Bradford from McCullys, Nutty Baker, Mary Szabo and Sophia Slater who helps
tend her aunt’s market stall, will be among the market presenters for the evening. They expect
you all, kids and adults, to come ready to help prepare some tasty dishes that can be enjoyed by
all, once we get them ready. You will take home some new recipes and some ideas for cooking
together. Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or the neighbourhood kids with
you, or come on your own to see the joy of young people working in the kitchen. The session is
free to anyone under 16.
The St. Marys Farmers’ Market is a producer based market and throughout the summer and fall
is brimming with fresh, local vegetables, berries, fruits, herbs, home baking, frozen meats, home
preserves, and much more! For more information contact Ann Slater at 519-349-2448

GROWING FORWARD ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE program was officially

announced June 22nd.
The program, to be delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, will offer
farmers environmental farm planning educational workshops that promote the adoption of best
management practices for soil, water, air and biodiversity. It will support farmers’ continued
efforts to implement environmental improvement projects.
Canada and Ontario will provide $42.3 million over the next four years for the program, on top of
$14.8 million provided during the continuity year. The new program builds on the internationally
recognized success of the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan program, first introduced in
1992.
More than 35,000 Ontario farmers have voluntarily participated in environmental farm plan
educational workshops. Since April 2005, Ontario farmers have completed more than 17,500
environmental improvement projects identified in their environmental farm plans.
Detailed program information including Project Eligiblilty, Policy and Procedures is available by
visiting www.ontariosoilcrop.org. In Huron County, your program representative is Lois Sinclair,
519-357-3156. Those who have taken an EFP course in 2009 will receive a program brochure via
direct mailing

7 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

Ontario Minister of the Environment approves terms of reference for Ausable
Bayfield, Maitland Valley areas
First of three major milestones reached; second to be completed in coming year
The Ontario Minister of the Environment has approved terms-of-reference documents
that will guide the work of the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley Drinking Water Source Protection
Committee (SPC) over the coming three years.
The Province of Ontario posted the terms of reference approval, for the Ausable Bayfield
and Maitland Valley Source Protection Areas, on the Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR)
Registry on Monday, June 8. The local planning committee has achieved the first of its three
major milestones through the creation of these work plans that establish which wells and intakes
are included, timelines, roles and responsibilities, and estimated costs. The committee will
complete its second major project, the assessment reports for the two watersheds, within one
year of the approval of the terms of reference.
“The approval of terms of reference for our two Source Protection Areas is an exciting
step forward along the road to safer drinking water,” according to Larry Brown, SPC Chair. “We
now have a busy year ahead of us as we assess our water sources in the region – this will
provide us with the information we need to develop source protection plans to further protect our
communities’ water.”
After the creation of the assessment reports, which determine the extent of vulnerable
areas and the number of properties where significant drinking water risks may exist, the
committee will write source protection plans to be completed about three years from now.
This effort to protect drinking water sources in the Province of Ontario is part of the
Clean Water Act, 2006. For more information on the planning initiative visit
sourcewaterinfo.on.ca or phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. For
information on financial assistance for voluntary stewardship projects on your home, farm,
business or other property in a vulnerable area, phone 519-335-3557 or visit
sourceprotectionstewardship.on.ca.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathie Brown, Project Manager, Ausable Bayfield Maitland
Valley Drinking Water Source Protection Region, at (519) 235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610, e-mail
cbrown@abca.on.ca or Larry Brown, Source Protection Chair, at e-mail
spcchair@sourcewaterinfo.on.ca

BUILDING BETTER RETURNS FOR ONTARIO’S AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY

Ontario producers will have access to business planning information that will help them
strengthen their management skills and identify economic opportunities through the Growing
Forward Business Development Program. The program will enable producers to assess their
current management practices and skills, build on the strengths they have identified, and develop
and implement sound business management practices and action plans. Canada and Ontario will
provide $20.8 million over the next four years for the program, on top of $4.2 million provided
during the continuity year. Producers interested in learning more about the program will have an
opportunity to attend Growing Your Farm Profits workshops, which will be administered by the
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
QUOTES
“Our government is committed to putting farmers first by helping them develop better business
management practices,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. ”This investment will help
build stronger businesses and shore up the bottom line for Ontario farmers.”
“Ontario's farm families will gain more business expertise and identify new opportunities to create
more returns for their businesses and for our agri-food industry.”
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

8 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

QUICK FACTS
• Ontario’s agri-food industry contributes $33 billion to the Ontario economy and employs
about 745,000 people.

• More than 200 commodities are produced in the province.

LEARN MORE
Growing Forward in Ontario is a five-year commitment to support the development of a
profitable, innovative agri-food sector that is adept at managing risk and responsive to market
demands. For program information contact 1-888-479-3931

JUNE 30 IS REPORTING DEADLINE FOR DIFFERENT PROGRAMS

Agricorp is noting that June 30 is the last day to submit 2008 AgriStability forms and last day
for corporations to submit Statement A to Agricorp.
It is also the deadline to report grain and oilseed acres for PI and RMP. Farmers must report
acreage immediately upon completion of planting or by June 30, 2009, for your spring-seeded
grain and oilseed crops (except buckwheat, which is due July 31, 2009).
June 30 is also deadline for reporting acreage for several PI plans.
It says to report acreage for the following crops by the timelines shown below and no later than
June 30, 2009:
* dollar value vegetables (cabbage, celery, parsnips, sweet corn) - as soon as planting is
completed
* early-seeded crops (hemp, onions, potatoes, sugar beets) - within 10 days of planting
* yield-based vegetables (butternut squash, carrots, rutabagas) - within 10 days of planting
* tobacco (black, burley, and flue-cured) - by June 30, 2009

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.

WHAT’S COOKING AT REACH?

Clinton, ON – June 18, 2009 – The Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) is
adding another ingredient to its recipe for success – a partnership with Georgian College to host
part of its Food Service Worker (FSW) Program. Preparing students to work in the food and
beverage industry, the program will take advantage of REACH’s state-of-the-art community

9 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

kitchen, which is available for both commercial and institutional use, as well as a catering facility
for the Centre.
“We’re very excited to be part of Georgian College’s future success,” explains Melanie Prosser,
REACH’s Director of Program Services. “We’ve built our facilities to be the best in Ontario, and
we’re sure the students will receive a great learning experience.”
No stranger to partnering with academia, REACH has already established programs with the
district school boards in Huron and Perth Counties, as well as the University of Guelph and Olds
College at the post-secondary level.
“The choice of where to host this part of the FSW program was easy,” said Barb Carriere,
Manager of Continuing Education at Georgian College in Owen Sound, Ontario. “REACH’s setup is
simply amazing, and the cutting-edge equipment will give our students a superior hands-on
understanding of institutional food preparation.”
Carriere added that the FSW program is supported by HealthKick. Located at the Huron East
Health Centre in Seaforth, HealthKick’s initiatives include providing assistance in educating youth
about careers in rural healthcare, and access to localized training in healthcare related programs.
REACH is located in Clinton, Ontario, with facilities that include an Olympic-sized, indoor arena,
warm-up arena, two over-sized outdoor show rings, and facilities for show stabling and RV
parking. The facilities are also home to a full educational facility with high-tech classrooms, dorm
rooms and a community kitchen. For further information, please visit www.ReachHuron.ca.
The Regional Equine & Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) is a non-profit Municipal
Corporation functioning as a "motel for education", offering innovative programming, as well as
recreational activities, to support the equine, agricultural and other industries.

LIVESTOCK HANDLING TO REDUCE STRESS

The Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Committee is delighted to present the following two events on
Rescheduled Date November 26th
A Workshop for Producers by Dr. Temple Grandin - Livestock Handling to Reduce
Stress, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Elmwood Community Centre, Elmwood, (# 38 Queen St.
W. Elmwood). Pre-registration is mandatory! Registration Price: $30.00 which includes a hot
beef dinner. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Grey Bruce. Event sponsored by
Farm Credit Canada.
For the Horse Enthusiasts:
Preventing Behaviour Problems in Your Horse, with Temple Grandin, Ph.D., 5:30 pm –
10:00 p.m., Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, Owen Sound (1900 3rd Ave E.).
Pre-registration is mandatory! Registration Price only $10.00 which includes refreshments. A
portion of the proceeds will be donated to Partners in Process Equine Learning Centre. Event
sponsored by Purina; Alltech, Inc.; and Bluewater Feed Company. Full trade show.
Registration deadline for both events is September 25th but space is limited, so register soon. For
more info and to Register, 1-519-986-3756 (payment by Visa or Mastercard), or email,
info@greyagservices.ca. Hosted by the Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Committee. Dr. Grandin’s
books will be available on-site, and an opportunity for book signing has been included in the
agendas. Also check out www.greyagservices.ca for continuing updates.
Dr Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She has done
extensive work on the design of animal handling facilities. Half of the cattle in the U.S. and
Canada are handled in equipment she has designed for meat plants. Her curved chute systems
are used worldwide and her writings on the flight zone and other principals of grazing animal
behavior have helped many producers to reduce stress during handling. We are eager to learn
how we can incorporate her learnings into our operations. She has been featured on North
American and International television shows such as 20/20, CNN Larry King Live, 48 Hours, NBC
Today and the Discovery Channel.

10 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

 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
Reading Minds 101: Why People Buy…Why do your customers buy what Thur, July 23
they do? Knowing the answer could help ensure that they buy from you! Seems OMAFRA, Clinton
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

HIGHLIGHTS OF GROWING FORWARD PROGRAM DESIGN

When developing the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, OMAFRA went to
stakeholders to determine what worked best for them. Stakeholders were highly supportive of
the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program. So using EFP as a successful platform, Food Safety
and Traceability Initiative, Business Development and Biosecurity developed their program
framework. Each program has four key structural elements including:

Education

Planning / Assessment

Approval

Implementation

By following this framework, farmers and food processors can build strong, profitable businesses
that are flexible and innovative in responding to market demands.
Identifying goals and knowing what you want to accomplish with your business is the entry point
to a Growing Forward program. Each program begins with education, to allow participants to
learn what their options are within the Best Practices Suite, as well as within individual programs.
The planning process, which includes completing a self assessment, provides flexibility to farmers
and food processors to set their own priorities based on their business goals. Those priorities set
the foundation for the action plan. When the action plan is complete, it must go through an
evaluation. Depending on the program, action plans are reviewed and/or approved by peers,
professional consultants or staff.
Upon approval, the action plan becomes a plan in action! Accessing cost-share funding is part of
the implementation process and a step closer to achieving your business goals. Because of the
flexibility within the Best Practices Suite of programs, producers and processors can choose to
participate in another program to fulfill another business objective.
The Best Practices Suite is designed with producers and processors in mind; to encourage
innovation, profitability and stability within the agri-food sector.
Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

11 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

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.

THE COMPLETE KIT TO KEEPING YOUR BIRDS HEALTHY

One pathogen invisible to the naked eye can destroy years of genetic advances made by bird
fanciers or the livelihood of small flock and non-regulated poultry owners. As the saying goes, an
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In this case, biosecurity is the preventive measure.
Reducing the threat of disease among birds and poultry protects an owner’s investment and
livelihood. Biosecurity can be as elaborate or simple as an owner wishes, and it can be
inexpensive when viewed in terms of bird care and contact. Poultry specialist Al Dam and
veterinarian Dr. Paul Innes from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs offer
these biosecurity suggestions:
• Control access to your birds. Restrict visitor access so there is no unnecessary or
unauthorised contact with birds and poultry at your home or farm. This reduces the
chance of disease and pathogens being introduced to your birds.
• Create a clearly defined restricted access, or barrier, zone around your birds with a
controlled entry point for two primary reasons. First, a barrier zone restricts contact with
your birds. Second, the controlled entry point provides the opportunity to put biosecurity
measures in place for anyone who comes in contact with your birds, such as changing
clothing and footwear, to reduce the movement of pathogens. It is strongly
recommended to have dedicated coveralls and boots that are only used for working with
the birds within the restricted access zone.
• Hand washing as an individual enters or leaves the barrier zone is equally critical to
reduce the transfer of pathogens and disease. A sink with soap dispenser is
recommended for indoor setups, but hand sanitizer dispensers can be used for outdoor
pens also.
Bird fanciers, small flock owners and non-regulated poultry owners can learn more practical
biosecurity measures through a free kit called Keeping Your Birds Healthy.
The kit contains more than 50 fact sheets in print and on CD, a visitor log book, various
brochures, posters and a weatherproof restricted entry sign. The kit was produced by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, University of Guelph and Poultry Industry Council
to ensure bird health and improve biosecurity. The kits are free when you call the Agriculture
Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300. More information is also available at
www.ontario.ca/healthybirds.
Bird enthusiasts who would like to implement significant biosecurity measures may be able to
access funds through a federal-provincial initiative called Growing Forward. There is a biosecurity
component that offers educational workshops and tools for producers, as well as cost-share
programs. More information is available at www.ontario.ca/growingforward.
Biosecurity protects your flock and finances for the future.

12 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT USING MICROSOFT OUTLOOK®
Ö September 23. Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road West, Guelph. 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Ö November 25. Ontario AgriCentre, 100 Stone Road Road West, Guelph. 9:00. to 4:00 p.m.
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 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 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

Ö October 27, 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 or visit http://www.aalp.on.ca/program-calendar.aspx

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

13 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

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

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/GetItemDetailsHandler?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
• 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.html
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.

14 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin

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

“We believe every individual, every neighbourhood and every community is

one idea, one voice, one action
– one person –
away from being better tomorrow than it was yesterday.
You can be that one person”
Ian Hill

15 July 2009 Huron & Area E-Bulletin