Agrinews January 2017 by Robin Morris

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A winter blessing of precipitation Late December to early January saw Mother Nature’s seasonal gifts: winter storms with precipitation mixes of blizzards, snow, ice and freezing rain along with frigid to mild and back to frigid temperatures, in cities and rural communities across the country. Above, just one farm’s buildings enduring the frost in North Dundas has its semi-retired farm owner reconsidering the “snowbird” option. Carruthers photo See the annual field crop soybean results inside this month’s edition.

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Wild Turkey 2017 regulations approved

NTARIO – C HLOE S TUART, D IRECTOR , S PECIES C ONSERVATION P OLICY B RANCH , O NTARIO M INISTRY OF N ATURAL R ESOURCES AND F ORESTRY, HAS RELEASED A MEMORAN DUM THAT NEW WILD

TURKEY REGULATIONS

implementation and communication of these changes. If you have any questions regarding OFA’s submission on ER #0128597, contact Patrick Hubert, Senior Avian Biologist, Wildlife Section at (705) 7551932.

Thompson Goddard photo

HAVE NOW BEEN

J ANUARY 1, 2017 IMPLEMENTA TION . T HE M INISTRY

APPROVED FOR

CONSULTED THE PUBLIC ON THESE REGULATORY

45 DAYS S EPT. 19 TO N OV. 3, 2016 THROUGH THE E NVIRONMENTAL R EGISTRY (ER #0128597). In summary, the approved changes are: 1. The wild turkey hunter education course requirement has been eliminated and key components will be combined with the broader Ontario hunter education course. 2. A spring wild turkey hunting season will now be opened in WMU 36 and a fall wild turkey hunting season in WMU 94. 3. A fall bows-only hunting season for wild turkey from Oct. 1-31 in all Wildlife Management Units that have a fall firearm wild turkey hunting season will be open in fall 2017. 4. The opening date of the spring wild turkey hunting season will be April 25 every year. 5. Shot size number 7 can now be used for wild turkey hunting in addition to shot sizes 4, 5 and 6. 6. The minimum bow requirements for hunting wild turkey have been clarified in the regulations to match the requirements for whitetailed deer (e.g. minimum draw weight and length). A decision notice will be posted on the Environmental Registry in the coming weeks to notify the public of the changes. The Ministry is looking forward to continued discussions on the PROPOSALS FOR FROM

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New General Manager at SNC

INCH – SOUTH NATION CONSERVATION ANNOUNCED ON MON., DEC. 19, THAT SNC’S CURRENT DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND APPROVALS, ANGELA COLEMAN, WILL TAKE ON THE JOB OF SNC GENERAL MANAGER DENNIS O’GRADY NEXT SPRING. O’Grady will be retiring as of May 1, 2017, and handing over his responsibilities to Coleman. Coleman brings an impressive educational background with Bachelors of Arts, Education, and Law from the University of Ottawa. She joined SNC in 2001 as the Communications Coordinator, and in 2006 became the Director of Source Protection Planning and Communications. After obtaining her law degree in 2009, she returned to SNC as Director of Marketing and Communications, moving to Director of Property and Approvals in 2013. “On behalf of SNC’s Board of Directors, we are

pleased to have Angela Coleman accept her new role at SNC,” said Doug Thompson, Chair of SNC’s Board of Directors. “Angela has demonstrated excellent leadership at SNC since she started her career with us in 2001. Given her skills, experience, and credentials, the position of General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer is a natural fit for her.” “Growing up in Crysler and my life-long community involvement has given me insight into the challenges facing rural communities,” Coleman said in the SNC’s media release. “At SNC, we’ve always been mindful of those challenges and work closely with our watershed residents and municipal partners to address them.” Current GM O’Grady leaves behind an impressive legacy. He has been part of SNC for the last 30 years. He began his career with Conservation Authorities in 1978 as a summer student and spent the next 39 years working

with Conservation Authorities. “Conservation Authorities are the best organizations protecting the environment,” said O’Grady. “Local people making local decisions: that’s the key.” “Dennis has implemented a very effective conservation program during his 30 years at SNC while becoming a conservation leader in North America,” said Thompson. O’Grady is regularly asked to address major environmental conferences in Canada and the U.S., often to explain some of the enlightened policies introduced under his watch including floodplain regulations, an extensive reforestation and forest preservation program, and the Phosphorus Trading Program. “Dennis has provided guidance over the years, and has been influential in my decision to continue my career in environmental conservation,” said Coleman. “We are working closely together to ensure a seamless transition.”

Coleman to replace O’Grady as SNC - GM in 2017

With an impressive educational background and resumé, Angela Coleman will begin her new position as SNC General Manager in May 2017.

Courtesy photo

“SNC’s Board of Directors thanks Dennis for his years of service and

dedication to the Conservation Authority. We also congratulate Angela

and look forward to working with her in her new role,” said Thompson.

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The Editorial Page

Page 4 The AgriNews January 2017

Editorial Heading home Eastern Ontario is losing one of its great environmental champions, effective May 1. It’s Dennis O’Grady, General Manager of South Nation Conservation for the past 30 years. O’Grady spent his full career working in natural conservation, starting out as a summer student in Western Ontario before moving to the east and South Nation. In retirement, he plans to return to the west end of the province. During his time at SNC, the Finch-based authority has evolved from an organization with limited staff and resources, to a well-oiled conservation machine with extensive manpower and a multi-million dollar budget. Its profile in the region has risen during that time from next to nil to widely recognizable. O’Grady is a great supporter of the conservation authority structure, particularly the fact that it’s grassroots, with the board comprised of representatives assigned at the municipal level. O’Grady always worked closely with the board and its chair to implement measures that would be beneficial and as politically acceptable as possible. To the retiring manager, there was never a point in pushing hard in a certain direction and creating resistance when the way could be paved through consultation and negotiation. He adopted the same approach with the farming community, always forsaking the big stick when friendly cooperation would almost always be more productive. When Randy Hillier was at the peak of his power as president of the Ontario Landowners’ Association and had conservation authorities in his sights, O’Grady invited him in for an informative chat and relations between the OLA and SNC were always cordial after that. During his time, forward-looking initiatives such as the Clean Water Program and Phosphorus Trading were implemented as a means of partnering with farmers to reduce contaminants entering SNC’s 4,300 square-km watershed. Mimicked in other jurisdictions across the province and beyond, the programs offer financial incentives in implementing such projects as manure management and streambank protection. One of the pressing issues on his mind lately is rampant deforestation of SNC’s jurisdiction. Once again, he has tried to find collaborative measures whereby developers and farmers might be persuaded to curb clear-cutting and engage in replanting programs. O’Grady will depart as a recognized environmental expert having gained influence in Canada and the United States where he’s regularly asked to address major environmental conferences. His style is sure to be adopted – in fact, it already has been – by his successor Angela Coleman, current director of property and approvals, who was basically raised at SNC, dating back to 2001. She left to study and practice law but eventually returned to her first love… environmental management. The transition is guaranteed to be a seamless one.

Branching out It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Martin place in Lanark County weeks ago. That’s because the couple bought themselves a Christmas tree farm, one of the best ways known to man – and woman - to bring on the spirit of the season For Pamela Martin, it’s coming home. Her mother Shirley Fulton and family operate 400-acre Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush only six kms away from the Martins Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm. Pamela was raised in that operation which dates back to the 1840s, making and retailing syrup and other products, overseeing a 120-seat restaurant, and offering hiking trails and sleigh rides. It’s in her genes. For Grant Martin, it’s a chance to try something new, a break from milking cows in Western Ontario which he did since he was knee-high to a blue spruce. This Christmas was quite different for the Martins in a good way: “It beat chasing cows that got out like we did during last year’s Christmas dinner,” Pamela observed. Pamela and Grant Martin took over the 114-acre, 30,000 Christmas tree farm at Pakenham just in time for the big day. Established in the early 1800s as a lumber and sawmill operation, Cedar Hill has four full-time workers and employs part-timers as needed. Continued on page 8

AgriGab Seeing the light Now in its 16th year, Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night spectacle is a good news story about how employees of the provincial attraction decided to take a chance, go against the flow, and create something memorable… and profitable for the surrounding area. They went against the flow in that historical purists didn’t want anybody tampering with the original concept of UCV which was kind of a cocoon time-locked in 1860, a recreated Eastern Ontario farming community operating strictly by the rules of the bygone time… in other words, no Christmas lights because there was no electricity. But faced with declining summer visitors in the moribund village, the employees and their managers wanted to expand the season, entice new customers, generate some more income, and come up with a wow factor. Fifteen years and a million Christmas lights later, it’s mission accomplished. The annual Alight at Night attraction at UCV has defied critics and created a lasting impression that only grows – and glows – in popularity. Alight at Night continued at Upper Canada Village this year through Dec. 23, picking up again after Christmas from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7. Ticket prices were $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for youth 6-12 years old, more than four times what they cost when the attraction tentatively opened in 2001. Then again, there’s now 10 times as many lights as the show opened with. The concept was a simple one: Flood the oldtime farming community, its heritage buildings, rail fences, trees, miniature train, wagons drawn by resident Canadian-breed horses, pretty well everything that stands still long enough, with multicoloured lights, open the gates and let the crowds roll in. Back at the beginning, organizers were surprised at the result. They expected about 5,000 customers for the inaugural event but 26,000 showed up to admire 100,000 lights, forcing an extension of the visiting period. While success didn’t exactly silence heritage purists, it did accomplish the goal of extending the traditional tourist season. And UCV managers were able to plug into a whole new fan base. Slowly, the light total crept up, hitting the 250,000 mark and beyond. The not-so-secret goal was the one million mark which has now been surpassed. Who knows where it’ll go from here! Named one of the 12 most breathtaking sights to

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by Tom Van Dusen see in a Canadian winter, the Alight at Night festival has spun off to turn previously somnolent Cornwall and surrounding area into an overnight Christmas period tourist destination, with accommodation packages offered by area hotels. UCV staffer Jancis Sommerville was there at the inaugural unveiling of Alight at Night and is still basking in the glow. Sommerville noted attendance climbed to 46,000 last year and that an economic study has shown the attraction to be worth $5-million to the local economy. The display has improved immeasurably, with such additions as a 50-ft. tall antique Ferris wheel from where visitors can get a well-lit bird’s-eye view of the decked out village. Then there’s the 400-ft. long Mistletoe Maze constructed from more than 300 large bales of “reindeer hay”; and how about St. Nick’s Merry Mansion featuring a dancing sound-and-light show and a Victorian Santa welcoming children of all ages. The Merry Mansion is located in imposing Crysler Hall, the centrepiece of the village which ordinarily contains assorted exhibits. It was built as a residence by timber merchant John Pliny Crysler, son of John Crysler whose farm adjacent to UCV was the scene of a major battle in the War of 1812. At the village’s 1837 Christ Church, visitors can join in carol singing with performers and musicians on hand every night; guest choirs and soloists help instill the prevalent spirit. If you have some extra Christmas cash, for $92, romantic carriage rides offer private tours, including admission, a gourmet gift for two of village-made bread and cheese, sparkling apple cider, and a discount coupon at sponsor Pommier Jewellers of Cornwall. Festive dining is also on the menu with bread and cinnamon rolls popping out of the village bakery’s wood-fired oven, hot chocolate, full-service period-style dining at Willard’s Hotel, turkey dinners with all the fixings at the Harvest Barn, and assorted meals across County Road 2 at the Upper Canada Golf Course restaurant. At the Village Store, a wide array of Christmas gifts can be purchased to take home. My New Year’s wish? That I make it to Alight at Night this season before time runs out.

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New Warden for United Counties of Leeds/Grenville

ORONTO – MAYOR OF WESTPORT ROBIN

JONES HAS BEEN ELECTED WARDEN BY LEEDS AND GRENVILLE COUNTIES COUNCIL FOR THE 20172018 TERM. Warden Jones, first elected to municipal government in 2014, is currently in her first term on Counties Council. The retired police officer put her name forward for the Warden’s Chair along with Roger Haley, Mayor of Front of Yonge Township. The vote by the 10-member Council was a tie, necessitating a tie-breaking draw with Mayor Jones’ name being chosen. “I’m very motivated to be Warden,” she said in her address to Council and the gallery. “I’m an information seeker, an influencer and consensus builder,” she said, adding her policing career, serving as a tactical commander and later a tactical course instructor has shown her ability to work with others, listen and communicate. “I’m also a solid team player,” Warden Jones said, adding when she decided to seek the Warden’s chair she met with the Counties’ mayors to learn about their local community issues. “I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo. People expect change,” she said in her address. Taking Leeds Grenville concerns to Queen’s Park and to the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in

January will be a priority. Some other areas of focus during her term will be long-term care and policing, she said. Warden Jones becomes the third woman to hold the Warden’s title in the history of the United Counties. Betty Weedmark, former Mayor of Merrickville, led the way in 1989, followed by Joan Williams Birch, Reeve of South Gower, in 1997. Once sworn in, Warden Jones said she respects the varying views of Council members and will work toward common ground in the best interests of Leeds Grenville residents. “I deeply respect Roger’s input on things,” she said after thanking Mayor Haley for putting his name forward for the position of Warden. Outgoing Warden David Gordon said the position should be held in the highest esteem. “This is probably one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me,” he said of his 2015-16 term. John Simpson, Counties’ Solicitor, administered the Oath of Office to Warden Jones. Pastor Kimberley Heath delivered the invocation. Several special guests were on hand for the inaugural meeting. Leeds Grenville MPP Steve Clark, Brockville Mayor David Henderson, Gananoque Mayor Erika Demchuk and Prescott Mayor Brett Todd were present to express their congratulations. Warden Jones was first

Robin Jones

elected to office as Mayor of Westport during the 2014 municipal election. As a member of Counties Council, she is active on a number of committees. Prior to being elected to municipal office, Mayor Jones had a 33-year career in policing. She has held senior positions with the Waterloo Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). She finished her policing career as Chief of the Nishnawbe-

Aski Police Force. In 2007, she was seconded to the Government of Ontario to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and was the Provincial Negotiator for First Nations Police Services throughout Ontario. In her spare time, Jones can be found at a pottery wheel, reading, travelling and hanging out with her dogs aka “the girls.”

The AgriNews January 2017 Page 5

Nominate an Outstanding Young Farmer for 2017

NTARIO — ONTARIO’S OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS PROGRAM (OOYF) IS DESIGNED TO

RECOGNIZE FARMERS AND FARM COUPLES WHO EXEMPLIFY EXCELLENCE IN THEIR PROFESSION.

Anyone can nominate a young farmer/farm couple for the regional recognition award and title of OOYF as long as they meet the following program eligibility requirements: • Must be between the ages of 18 and 39 • Be farm operators • Derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farming. Nominations for the 2017 Award are due by January 15, 2017 and forms are available at: http://www.oyfontario.ca/nominations.html.

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Ranger joins DairyMax repertoire by Tom Van Dusen AgriNews Staff Writer INCHESTER— DAIRYMAX FARM SOLUTIONS HAS

A NEW PLAYER IN ITS

WINCHESTER STABLE OF ROBOTIC FARMING AIDS, THE COMPACT, SELF-GUIDED CANADIAN-MADE ROVIBEC RANGER FEED PUSHER. A companion to its big brother the Rovibec Rover, the Ranger glides along a magnetic strip route laid out in the barn and can replace the ration several times a day. The manufacturer indicates resulting full ration consumption can increase milk yield by seven per cent. The larger Rover is a robotic feeder powered by an electrified rail which can service up to 300 animals in a tie or free stall barn, measuring, preparing and distributing the ration recipe per animal group. The yellow-capped Ranger was demonstrated Dec. 14 at an Open House held at the Dairymax outlet in a warehouse on Main Street in Winchester. The event served as a reintroduc-

tion of Eastern Ontario’s only Dairymax outlet and as an introduction of new manager Chris McIntyre. The outlet opened last fall with different personnel in place. It has since regrouped and relaunched with McIntyre at the helm in the region, along with technicians Connor MacLeod and Hans Mikalceon. Christian Rousseau handles digital marketing. McIntyre spent 27 years as a herdsman on a Shanly farm. He was head-hunted for the Dairymax job, impressing his employers his extensive agricultural background and wide range of Eastern Ontario contacts. “I didn’t know much about sales and marketing but they figured they could teach me that,” McIntyre said. “With two young kids to help raise, the change came at just the right time for me.” A steady stream of area farmers dropped by the Open House for donuts, coffee and to take a look at the Ranger, the Rover and at specifications for the

Milkomax Roboleo mobile milking robot, the only equipment of the kind designed to service a tiestall barn. The fully automated Roboleo travels the alley of a tie-stall layout, stopping to independently milk resident cows up to three times a day. It’s outfitted with sensors and a prod to encourage animals to stand and be milked, and will notify the farmer if it can’t get the job done after three tries. Quebec-based Milkomax, which is partnered with Rovibec, has sold seven units in Eastern Ontario and more than 60 in its home province. Expansion is being considered into other parts of the country and inquiries are being received from the United States, Russia, Sweden and Japan where Milkomax representatives have held meetings, said Rousseau, a company executive. While a Roboleo unit and related components can be up to $100,000 more expensive to purchase and install than a stationary robot, it

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With the new Rovibec Ranger at the forefront, Dairymax Manager Chris McIntyre with son William on his knee is joined by technician Connor MacLeod at the Winchester outlet’s recent Open House. Van Dusen photo can result in tremendous savings in housing, McIntyre said, permitting farmers with limited modifications to keep their existing facilities. He expects two new Eastern Ontario installations to be completed by this summer. The company doesn’t see itself competing with stationary robot makers, but

rather as offering another option. In fact, some Lely components are used in the Roboleo. One satisfied Milkomax customer is Rene Franche who operates a 120-head dairy near Casselman and owns two units along with a Rover. Franche said he remains satisfied after two years; there’s the odd

glitch, he noted, but what milking system doesn’t experience an occasional disruption. Earlier this year, Milkomax invested $1.5million in a new 14,000 square-foot factory to help handle market growth and spent $500,000 in starting up the Winchester dealership.

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 7

Controversial OFPMC chair stepping down by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer UELPH — G ERI K AMENZ , THE

CONTROVERSIAL

CHAIR OF THE

O NTARIO

FARM P RODUCTS M ARKETING C OMMISSION AND FARMER FROM

S PENCERVILLE ,

RETIRED

FROM HIS POST AT THE

2016. The Commission made the announcement in midDecember on its website, which did not say why Kamenz was leaving or his future plans. The OFPMC is operated through OMAFRA, and is a very powerful position with some measure of control of Ontario’s 21 marketing boards and four associations. It is an unelected position. Kamenz, who left his career as a pilot to start farming, has a diversified operation which has included pedigreed seed for Monsanta, contract hog barns, beef and cash

END OF

crop near Spencerville, had become chair of the commission in December, 2008, by then Minister Leona Dombrowsky. Kamenz was also a committee member of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s environment and science committee, the Canadian AgriFood Research Council, the Canadian Farm Debt Mediation Appeal Board, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Among his many controversial statements was last summer when he referred to himself a “hitman” so that officials in Ontario agriculture could keep their hands clean. Earlier in 2016 he lobbied the government to strip the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers Association of collective bargaining and to make the processing vegetable system move to free market. Ontario Agriculture Minister Jeff Leal stepped

in after protests from processing vegetable growers, who were also harvesting their crops at the time. Kamenz was also known to make controversial and often unpopular statements regarding other ag commodities, such as poultry, and claimed he wanted to keep changes to the regulations of the agri-food industry out of the media. The part-time job has been reported in the media as earning over $100,000 per year. Before his appointment Kamenz was reported to have close ties to the Liberal Party in Ontario. It was at his farm in 2002 where then Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced over $5-billion in ag funding. “I would like to thank Geri Kamenz for his years of service as the chairperson of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission,”

Leal said in the ministry statement. “The Commission serves an important role as the regulatory agency that administers legislation and supervises Ontario’s farm marketing boards. It has been a pleasure working with Geri in this capacity. We appreciate Geri’s leadership in providing direction and governance and thank him for his commitment in serving our agri-food sector and the people of Ontario over the past eight years. I wish Geri all the best in his future endeavors as he steps down at the end of the year and look forward to working with the OFPMC through this transition period.” The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission is a regulatory agency without a governing board, established under the authority of the Ministry of

Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act. The Commission administers the legislation and regulations of the Farm Products Marketing Act (FPMA) and the Milk Act (MA) and supervises the activities of Ontario's marketing boards and Section 12 (of the FPMA), provides advice, facilitation and direction to Ontario’s marketing boards and Section 12 representative associations, develops and implements all policy related to regulated marketing in Ontario, and provides education programs for Ontario’s marketing boards, Section 12 representative associations and industry stakeholders. The Commission is directly accountable to the ministry and members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. A week after that announcement, Ontario

Minister of Agriculture Leal announced that Jim Clark had been appointed by Order in Council to serve as interim chair of the commission, effective Jan. 1, 2017. In his release, the minister said “Jim is well known throughout Ontario’s agriculture community and is currently supporting the Commission as one of two Vice-Chairs. His experience in leadership at the Commission and in the industry will be critical to ensuring that the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission continues to support Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food value chain in the public interest.” Clark owns and operates a beef and cowcalf farm in Elgin County, and for nearly 20 years has served as the executive director of the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association.

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Public land “Poster Child” spared in hospital relocation by Tom Van Dusen AgriNews Staff Writer TTAWA – ALTHOUGH THE

FINAL DESTINATION OF THE PROPOSED NEW OTTAWA CIVIC HOSPITAL CAMPUS IS STILL BEING DEBATED, DEFENDERS OF THE CITY’S SHOWCASE CENTRAL CANADA EXPERIMENTAL FARM ARE ENJOYING A REPRIEVE AS THEY AWAIT THE NEXT ROUND IN THE SAGA.

Ottawa Hospital officials and their supporters were sent reeling after federal property management agency the National Capital Commission didn’t do what was expected of it in selecting a new location for the venerable Civic. What many had anticipated was that the NCC would rubber stamp the hospital’s first choice for a new site conveniently located directly across Carling Avenue from the existing Civic. Inconveniently for agricultural research supporters, that site was a 60-acre chunk of the equally venerable CCEF which comprises a four square-km National Historic Site close to the heart of the city and many of its residents. The hospital was led to believe the CCEF research plot was expendable after the previous Conservative government endorsed relocation there without public consultation. Hospital administrators felt they’d someday see the sod turned on the opposite side of Carling, allowing them to eventually almost

walk their office and operating room furnishings into their new digs. But the Liberal government decided to review the plan. Cabinet ministers and Ottawa MPs obviously heard complaints from agricultural and heritage advocates that the CCEF fields were sacred ground. The NCC reports to Parliament through Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly who gets final say. When the NCC stepped up to save the research lands, the sigh of relief from Serge Buy, CEO of the Agricultural Research Institute of Canada, could be heard across Ottawa: The NCC decision helps confirm a commitment to science and agriculture, Buy noted. Agreeing the relief was almost tangible, Heritage Ottawa’s Leslie Maitland cautioned that “the vultures are still circling over the farm.” “The Central Experimental Farm is a world-class agricultural

research centre whose experiments can’t be moved without setting the research clock back to zero,” Maitland stated. “The Experimental Farm is the poster child of land that serves the national interest.” Instead of the CCEF site, NCC board members endorsed what they felt was a more appropriate backup for the $2-billion home of the deteriorating Civic Campus which houses among other services the famous University of Ottawa Heart Institute. They chose 121-acre Tunney’s Pasture, a collection of federal government buildings fronting on Scott Street, several blocks to the north of the existing Civic. As NCC members noted, Tunney’s is already teeming with people and cars. It’s on a future Light Rail Transit corridor and is accessible by an elaborate major artery and street network. There are 52 acres at Tunney’s that could readily be repurposed from

future public service and residential redevelopment into a serviceable hospital. Locked into the CCEF research site as their destiny, Ottawa Hospital honchos showed no more than remote interest in Tunney’s or in any other proposed locations including two others on the farm and the existing Civic itself which at least theoretically could be redeveloped. That was until the Tunney’s selection was made. That sent the honchos scrambling, suddenly discovering that they could accept one of those other farm sites, the one where the Sir John Carling Building once stood. Now that site is back on the table. While not the preference of CCEF advocates, at least it’s a previously developed site. “Wherever the hospital ultimately goes, let’s keep it off the Farm’s valuable research lands and away from its research labs,” Maitland concluded.

Stormont County Holstein Breeders banquet by Kelsey Smith AgriNews Contributor MOOSE CREEK – The annual Stormont County Holstein Breeders banquet was held at Sand Road Maple Farm in late November. It was a night to celebrate achievements from the past year both on the farm and at the Stormont County Holstein show that is held Labour Day weekend at the Stormont County Fair. Approximately 72 people attended this year’s banquet. Awards were presented for top achievements from the Fair, and top production awards. Huybregts

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Farms Ltd received banners recognizing them as both Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor, among other wins at this year’s Fair. The head with the highest composite B.C.A. was Ferme Sabourin Inc. Julia Booijink received the Dairy Youth Award. MPP Jim McDonell was there to congratulate all of the winners as well as to present certificates. The Spirit of 4-H award is awarded annually at the Holstein banquet, and this year’s winner was Courtney Courville, a member of the Stormont 4-H Dairy Club.

Branching out Continued from page 4 The sale of the Martin’s Huron County dairy farm closed in November, with Grant making it to the new Eastern Ontario location about a week before it opened for the Christmas rush. Meanwhile, Pamela was busy setting up house for four sons after taking over from previous owners Paul and Ria Ralph who moved to nearby Almonte. Ria was Pamela’s Brownie and Girl Guide leader and worked at Fulton’s for many years. “Now Grant can start his day without doing four hours of barn chores first,”

Pamela said, adding that all the basic farming principles apply to Christmas trees, including planting 7,500 new ones in the spring. Like Fulton’s, at Cedar Hill it’s about the full experience, not just about buying syrup or a tree and departing. Mother and daughter want to keep customers around for a while, teach them a little bit about farm and rural life, and perhaps provide a little homespun wisdom in the process. Heading into the New Year, the Martins have plans to make their inaugural experience in 2016 even better next season. A tip of the top hat to them and to their admirable initiative! Tel: 613-932-4413 Fax: 613-932-4467

1440 Tenth Street East, Cornwall, Ontario Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25, Cornwall Ontario, K6H 5R9

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 9

Ontario Soybean 2016 Variety Trials

ONTARIO SOYBEAN AND CANOLA COMMITTEE OSACC): THIS ORGANIZAONDUCTED BY THE

TION IS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES OF

AGRICULTURE & AGRI- FOOD CANADA, THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, THE ONTARIO SEED GROWERS ASSOCIATION, THE CANADIAN SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION, THE GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO, OMAF, AND VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS. TESTS ARE CONDUCTED EACH YEAR BY AAFC RESEARCH CENTRES AT OTTAWA AND HARROW AND THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH AND ITS REGIONAL COLLEGES AT KEMPTVILLE AND RIDGETOWN. INFORMATION IN THE OFFICIAL BROCHURE AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL VARIETY INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB AT

WWW.GOSOY.CA. Interpretation of Tables & Results Interpretation of Table 1: Notes: Varieties with resistance genes for races of the Phytophthora root rot organism in Ontario: 1a,1c,1k, 6: Resistance genes for Phytophthora root rot in Ontario which provide resistance to some races of the pathogen. Rps 1a does not provide protection to most races of the pathogen in Ontario. SCN: Resistant to some HG types of Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) in Ontario. HP: Varieties with above average protein index. See Protein & Oil Index section below. L-LA: L-LA is a a designation used by seed sponsors to indicate a soybean variety that produces low linolenic acid in the seed. Herbicide Reaction RR: Roundup Ready™(Trademark of Monsanto Company); RR2Y: Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ (Trademark of Monsanto Company); LL: Liberty Link™ (Trademark of Bayer CropScience AG). Varieties have not been evaluated for metribuzin tolerance by OSACC. For further information contact seed distributor. The following variety has been reported to OSACC as being Metribuzin Sensitive (MS): Astor. Relative Maturity Ranking of maturities has been initiated to provide pro-

Ontario Soybean Relative Maturity Map OO ducers with a rating system that is similar to O the USA soybean industry standards. Rankings I are not assigned by OSACC. See attached II Relative Maturity map on the GoSoy.ca website and last page. Hilum Colour Each soybean seed has a hilum which is the point where it was attached to the pod. Varieties differ in hilum colour and can be either Yellow (Y), Imperfect Yellow (IY), Gray (GR), Buff (BF), Brown (BR), Black (BL), or Imperfect Black (IBL). Hilum colour may also be Light (L). Yellow hilum soybeans are usually the

2300 2500 2700 2900

2500 2800 2900 3300

HU HU HU HU

only type accepted for the export market. In certain years discolouration of the hilum of IY varieties can occur and as a result the soybeans may not be acceptable for export markets. Continued on page 10

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Page 10 The AgriNews January 2017

2016 soybean trials Continued from page 9 Seeds per Kilogram This is an estimate of the relative number of seeds of a particular variety in a kilogram of seed based on 1-2 years of data from all locations where a variety was tested. Since seed size can vary from year to year and from seed lot to seed lot; these figures should be used as a rough guide only. The actual seed size reported on each seed lot should be used to calculate seeding rate. Phytophthora Root Rot % Plant Loss Based on three year average in a field heavily infested with Phytophthora. Not all races of Phytophthora root rot are found at these sites. The relative ranking of varieties for plant loss may differ in fields that have other races present. Disease Testing Information Phytophthora root rot testing is carried out on clay soils infested with common races of Phytophthora at Woodslee. White Mold variety ratings will be listed on the web at

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www.Gosoy.ca as they become available. SCN tests are done in collaboration with variety sponsors and the SCN Resistant Variety Development project. For further information, contact soyinfo@oopscc.org. Protein & Oil Index Protein Index (%) and Oil (%) are found on the web at www.Gosoy.ca. Interpretation of Results (Tables 2 to 6) Days from Planting to Maturity Maturity is affected by planting date and the area where a variety is being grown. Varieties are rated as being mature

when 95% of the pods on the plants are ripe. Normally, 310 additional drying days are needed before the crop is dry enough for combining. A 2-year average is shown. Yield Index Varieties can only be compared within each test area. Yield index of a variety indicates its performance as a percentage of the average yield of all varieties grown in a test area. Small index differences may not be meaningful. In Tables 2-4, the yield index for each location and for the average of all locations is based on 2-3 years of testing. In Tables 5-6, the Clay and Loam Averages are based on 3 years of testing. Yield Continued on page 11

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2016 soybean trials Continued from page 10 index averaged over locations and years will be a more reliable indicator of yield potential than performance from one single location or single year.

The AgriNews January 2017 Page 11 Plant Height An indicator of the amount of plant growth, it is measured at maturity as the length of the stem from the base of the plant at soil level to its tip. A 2-year average is shown. Lodging A visual estimate at maturity of the

standability of thecrop. A value of 1 is equivalent to a crop standing completely upright, while a 5 represents a crop entirely flat. Within a test area, varieties with lower values are less prone to lodging. A 2-year average is shown. Lodging may not be rated for all test sites in each maturity group. Testing Methods In each trial, varieties were replicated in a suitable experimental design and received equal fertility,weed control and management. All trials were planted and harvested by machine. Tests were separated into conventional herbicide and

glyphosate herbicide treated plots. Prior to harvest, plant height and lodging scores were obtained. The grain harvested from each plot was weighed and the yield of soybeans was calculated in tonnes/hectare at 13% moisture. Food Soybean Varieties (F) The Conventional and Food soybean variety trials were combined for the first time in 2006. All conventional and food varieties were grown in the same test sites in all three years for which data is presented. (Tables continue on pages 13, 14, 27, 28.)

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Page 12 The AgriNews January 2017

Rural Ontario's Youth Engagement Showcase

f you know of young leaders who are taking charge and tackling important local issues in your community, the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) would like to hear from you. Starting November 28, 2016, and running until February 28, 2017, the opportunity is open to nominate an engaged rural youth – or young adult (under 29) – from your community to be profiled in the Rural Ontario Institute’s Youth Engagement Showcase. Through this initiative ROI is looking to: 1. Profile compelling stories of youth engagement; 2. Highlight the impact youth can have in their local communities; 3. Demonstrate how communities of all shapes and sizes are successfully engaging and supporting youth in addressing local challenges.

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SHOWCASE ROI is looking to profile compelling stories of individual youth engaged in their local/regional communities from across rural Ontario through the Youth Engagement Showcase. The showcase will feature stories of youth taking charge and tackling important issues, highlight the impact youth can have in their communities and demonstrate how different types of rural communities can successfully involve youth in addressing local challenges. As nominations are gathered from communities across Ontario, a selection committee will identify compelling stories to be profiled on a Youth Engagement Showcase page on the ROI site, with a photo and description that describes the youth’s accomplishments and the community of support around them. Early-bird entrants, those who are nominated before January 13, will be considered for one of three invitations to speak as part of a panel at ROMA Speaks, ROMA’s annual conference, to share their story. Four of the nominees who meet the criteria and are profiled on the ROI website will be randomly selected for a $250 prize that will be donated to an organization of the nominee’s choosing. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, February 28, 2017. To best capture the contributions of this individual, and the local context in which they are involved, we encourage you to consider the criteria listed below before completing the nomination form.

Nominate an Engaged Youth What is an Engaged Rural Youth? Activities: The combined energies, knowledge and skill of engaged residents fuel the engine of community wellbeing. Civic engagement, for the purpose of this initiative, encapsulates a wide variety of activities, aimed at community betterment. Some examples of civic engagement include, but are not limited to: • Local volunteering • Fundraising • Recreational event planning • Advocacy • Debate • Activism • Participating in a committee • Formal political involvement Geography: This is a rural showcase – what is the geography that qualifies? We are looking to showcase youth from rural communities who themselves engaged in rural communities. We do understand, however, it may not always be that simple. Please try to identify the nature of the geography(s) at play.

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Age: Youth is considered to be individuals 29 and under. We may also consider those who are older with strong histories of civic engagement, though preference About Your Nominee: What do you include in your nomination? Civic Engagement Activities: List any specific activities the nominee has initiated, participated in or supported. Be specific about what these activities entailed. Programming and Organizations: List the different programming and/or organizations they have been involved in that have supported their civic engagement. Impact: Identify any tangible success stories/outcomes stemming from their engagement. How have they improved the community(s) they have been working in? Motivations and Inspirations: List any known motivations/inspirations they have for civic engagement: • Personal values • Family history • Role models • Specific experiences • Future personal/career ambitions • Organizations.

Economic Development

First Impressions Community Exchange Program Re-launch Robert Humphrey Economic Development Specialist

MAFRA’s Regional Economic Development Branch (REDB) re-launched its First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) Program today. There have been over 200 First Impressions Community Exchanges completed since the Program pilot in 2005. The FICE is a highly-effective and fun community assessment process that provides an opportunity for communities to gain a fresh perspective of how they are seen through the eyes of first-time visitors, potential business investors, or potential new residents. It helps identify priorities that lead to the development of action plans to improve a community’s ability to attract tourists, investments, businesses and create jobs. There are three FICE assessment options available for communities; the entire community (full picture), the downtown and tourism. FICE can be undertaken as a stand-alone project for communities who are seeking information that will help guide future economic development plans, or as a component part that will support a broader strategic plan. REDB is re-launching and updating the FICE tool in 2016 after a thorough review of the Program. The re-launch includes the following: New online surveys and printable PDF copies available; New technology capabilities make it easier for clients to collect information; Updated Resources: Full Picture, Downtown, and Tourism Surveys; FICE Coordinator’s Manual; FICE Program One-Pager, Report Back Templates; FICE Coordinator’s Manual available for download; Four-stage process: Prepare; The Exchange; Report Back and Action Plans; and Implement and Monitor.

The re-launch of the First Impressions Community Exchange is an example of how REDB is developing and delivering leading edge economic development resources that support a thriving Rural Ontario. In southern Ontario, staff from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) can help communities determine whether a FICE will help support broader planning initiatives. Staff from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) provide this service in northern Ontario. For more information on FICE, contact the AICC at 1877-424-1300, visit ontario.ca/rural, or contact the Advisor in your region: ontario.ca/bxb3.

Economic Developers Council of Ontario Annual Conference and Showcase

ntario’s Economy...Driven by Innovation, is coming to the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre, February 7-9, 2017! EDCO 2017 takes you out of the office and puts you in the driver’s seat to engage with industry leaders and colleagues on critical issues facing economic developers. This year’s Conference addresses an essential theme, Ontario’s Economy…Driven by Innovation. The program features keynote presentations by distinguished experts and relevant, highly-practical and interactive workshops focussed on real-world challenges that are designed to spark new ideas, inspiration and energy. We’ve listened to your feedback and have built-in lots of time in the program as well as fun-filled events for you to network with colleagues. Come ready to fuel up on innovative strategies for sustainable economic development and engage with the most imaginative and creative minds in the industry. Join us at EDCO 2017 and be the driving force behind Ontario’s regeneration! Visit the conferene website for more information: www.edcoconference.com.

Agriculture Development

Call Before You Cut!

unicipalities are responsible for developing their own by-laws. Your municipality may have passed by-laws that determine if you can remove a tree from your land or woodlot. These by-laws may include conditions that affect how you carry out the work, including the need for a qualified professional and/or a permit to complete the work. Tree protection by-laws and the requirement for permits, including the types of conditions within them, can differ between municipalities. Save yourself from costly fines or legal fees - talk to your municipality first before removing trees. In areas where there is an upper-tier municipality, you may need to talk to both the upper-tier and the lower-tier municipality.

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 13

SURVEY: Is Organic an effective business strategy?

ORONTO – THE BENEFITS OF TRAN-

SITIONING TO ORGANIC PRODUCTION ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH, ACCORDING TO THE ORGANIC COUNCIL OF ONTARIO, BUT ONTARIO’S ORGANIC MARKET IS NOT MEETING CONSUMER DEMAND. SO WHY AREN’T MORE ONTARIO FARMERS GOING ORGANIC?

The OCO states that imports are increasing, but local supply is not and it wants to find out why. So they are seeking input from food producers and processors across the province. Farmers and food businesses are asked to take a survey to help assess current interest

and participation in organic production throughout the agri-food sector. The survey is part of a research project by Carolyn Young, which seeks to identify the barriers to growth in the organic sector and is at www.organiccouncil.ca/grow-ontario-organic. “Research points to some common barriers, but there has never been a consultation like this in the province before,” Young said in the OCO’s media release. “We’re really looking to understand what’s preventing mainstream farmers from making the switch and why organic farmers aren’t scaling up.”

Recent reports suggest that transitioning to organic practices is an effective way to increase profit margins and gain a competitive edge in the market. Global consumer demand for organic is expected to grow at a rate of 14 per cent annually over the next five years. Due to the stabilization of organic crop prices through increased commodification (especially for corn and soy), farmers can now be assured that a transition to organic is an effective longterm business strategy. Once complete, the results of the survey will provide OCO with a sense of what can be done to better meet the growing demand for organic in Ontario.

If you’re interested in sharing your views, please take the survey. This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario. The Organic Council of Ontario is the trade organization for organic businesses in Ontario. Our members are organic farmers, producers, processors, certifiers, supporters and advocates of organic agriculture. OCO works to incite growth and build capacity for Ontario’s organic sector. For more information, visit www.organiccouncil.ca.

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Page 14 The AgriNews January 2017

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 15

DFA hands out farm awards

by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff HESTERVILLE — THE DUNDAS FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE HANDED OUT

AWARDS TO ITS MEMBERS IN EARLY DECEMBER AT THE CHESTERVILLE LEGION. Morewood’s Glenhaven Farms, owned by the MacGregor family, won the Innovative Farmer Award, which was accepted by Tom and Doug MacGregor. The other locally owned farm winning an award was

Vanden Bosch Farms which won second place in the High Corn Yield category. Their yield was 224.48 bushels per acre, narrowly squeaking past third-place winner Tibben Farms Inc. with 223.59. First place went to Byveld Farms with 245.67 bushels per acre. Both Forage Master and Dundas Farmer of the Year went to Westergreen Farm of Brinston. The Award of Merit went to Harry and Iena Vantfoort of H & I Country Supply, also of

Farmer of the Year to Westergreen Farm

Brinston. Before the awards, Colleen Acres provided the OSCIA Program GF2 workshop updates, Warren Schneckenburger gave an OSCIA update, Graham Duke and Ron Toonders showed slides from the DSCIA bus trip to Saskatchewan, Gilles Quesnel presented a Test Plot Review, and Rhonda Schneckenburger gave a workshop on workplace safety and prevention. Continued on page 16

Innovative Farmer Award to Glenhaven Farms

Above, Morewood’s Glenhaven Farms, owned by the MacGregor family, won the Innovative Farmer Award, which was accepted by Tom (left) and Doug MacGregor, shown here with Andrew Rosendaal (right).

Both Forage Master and Dundas Farmer of the Year Awards went to Westergreen Farm of Brinston. At left, DFA Vice-president Andrew Rosendaal (right) with John Westervelt.

High Corn Yield presenters and winners seen above are from left, Garry Brugmans, Sean Cochrane, Andrew Byvelds (first-place winner), Brent Vanden Bosch (second-place winner), Mark Tibben (third-place winner), and Andrew Rosendaal (Vice-president of DFA). Vetter photos

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9 OF 68 USED TRACTORS Case 145hp, 2wd, cab, duals.........$11,900 80797 W 1486 Deutz 55hp, 4wd, cab, loader.........$15,900 80719 W 6240 78299 B 6400 JD 85hp, 2wd, cab, air, ps............ $24,900 80325 W 165 MF 53hp, 2wd, loader, diesel.....$5,600 MF 64hp, 4wd, loader, no bucket....... $11,900 80988 B 184-4 NH 95hp, 4wd, cab,loaded............. $65,900 80333 W T6030 77170 T L5030HST Kubota 50hp,4wd,cab,ind bar tires $24,500 Case 70hp,4wd,loader,open station $9,500 79654 B 1490

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VITEO annual meeting to be a busy one by Tom Van Dusen AgriNews Staff Writer IERCES CORNERS – CHOOSING A NEW

PRESIDENT WILL BE HIGH ON THE LIST OF DUTIES WHEN MEMBERS OF VINTAGE IRON & TRADITIONS OF EASTERN ONTARIO GET TOGETHER FEB. 12 FOR THEIR ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD AT PIERCES CORNERS, STARTING AT 12:30 P.M.

In its short but active history, VITEO has been served by two presidents, Henry Staal of Russell followed by Barry Dean of Arnprior who has indicated he won’t seek the position again. Meanwhile, Vice-president Francois Latour of Embrun has announced he’s not ready to take over the top spot, leaving it wide open. Mary Montgomery is looking to be replaced as secretary while her husband Garry has resigned as a director, effective at the annual meeting. Depending on the will of members, Director Glen Edwards has agreed to take over the membership renewals and insurance portfolios handled by the Montgomerys since the club’s inception five years ago. With total paid membership standing at 192,

including 21 families, VITEO is one of the largest organizations of the type in the province. It’s non-profit, dedicated to enhancing, protecting, conserving, promoting and restoring artifacts, customs and history related to early rural and farm life in Eastern Ontario. While you don’t have to be a collector to belong to VITEO, many members such as Staal, Dean, Gary Montgomery, Latour, and Edwards have vast collections of antique machinery and other items. Latour became locally famous in 2015 when he scored a new Guinness Book record for most antique threshers operating in one place (St. Albert Cheese Factory) for 15 consecutive minutes; the record was topped last summer in Manitoba. Unpaid 2015 memberships were to be removed from the database by the end of 2016, Mary Montgomery said. Members are invited to renew at the annual meeting where wallet cards, copies of the revised insurance policy and receipts will be available. Under an agreement with Cooperators Insurance, Manotick, mem-

bers are covered while attending parades and plowing matches, and executive liability insurance is also provided. Some of the popular features of past annual meetings will return in 2017, including dessert table, “What am I” table, and fundraising auction with Wayne Poapst wielding the gavel. VITEO logo apparel will be available for purchase. Beginning with the Ottawa Valley Farm Show March 15-16, VITEO members come together several times a year for heritage displays and visits to rural museums and machinery collections. The VITEO “home show” is set for the Cumberland Museum May 28, and the club annual picnic will be held July 9 at Middleville Museum. For the second year, VITEO will present a collectible toy tractor sale at the 2017 OVFS. This year’s model will be the Allis Chalmers D-14; last year, the miniature was the 460 Farmall with 50 units at $75 each selling out in under an hour. Number One in the series sold for $4,000 at the annual auction in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern

Ontario. This time, 125 units will be up for grabs at $75 each, with purchasers to select their series number bingostyle. Once again, Number One will be entered in the CHEO auction. “We expect results similar to the first sale,” Dean said, noting that, similarly to 2016, a full-sized tractor the same as the model will be on display. “This time, the boxes will include decals celebrating the farm show’s 90th anniversary and Canada’s 150th.” Pre-orders are welcome. The choice of a 2018 collectable model will be made at the farm show and suggestions are welcome.

Barry Dean

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DFA farm awards Continued from page 15 Some of Schneckenburger’s talk, as well as the handouts, focused on what to do before and during a task. She suggested asking yourself the following before starting: What can go wrong? How bad can it be? – and if anything has

changed; making sure you clearly understand the task, you are physically and mentally ready, and have the rights tools and equipment; then making it safe, using the right tools and procedures, and reducing risks; and finally, stopping if it can’t be done safely.

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DFA Award of Merit to Vantfoorts of Brinston

Above, Iena and Harry Vantfoort of H&I Country Supply in Briston won the DFA Award of Merit and are seen here with DFA Vice-president Andrew Rosendaal (centre). Vetter photo

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 17

Canadian agriculture attracting interest and opportunities

by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer EGINA – FARM CREDIT CANADA ISSUED A RELEASE IN DECEMBER

STATING THAT THERE APPEARS TO BE A GROWING INTEREST IN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION IN CANADA, ALONG WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY, AND CALLS FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT OF YOUTH BECAUSE THERE IS STILL A GAP BETWEEN JOBS AND WORKERS IN THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY.

FCC’s data was based on Statistics Canada data going up to 2014, and on independent surveys. The Statistics Canada data showed 12,168 students studied in agriculture or an ag-related program in 2014, a 2.7-per cent increase from 2013

and a 16.6-per cent overall increase from 2009-10. For farmers who want to hire young people in Ontario, this is ironic, considering that in 2014 the University of Guelph announced it would close Kemptville and Alfred Agricultural Colleges, and the final class graduated from Kemptville last spring.The FCC release stated that the number of enrolments in agricultural programs grew at a rate double that of all post-secondary enrolments (2.7 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively), while slowing down at about the same level as all other post-secondary programs over the past five years. These numbers are hard to reconcile with the college numbers Guelph University claimed were too low to sustain Kemptville or Alfred.

Province launches Pollinator Health Action Plan by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer UELPH — AFTER MONTHS OF CONSULTATION, ONTARIO ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE POLLINATOR HEALTH ACTION PLAN (PHAP), IN DECEMBER,

AND STATES THE PLAN

“WILL HELP KEEP ONTARIO’S AGRI-FOOD SECTOR SUSTAINABLE AND PRODUCTIVE AS IT SUPPORTS A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT BY PROTECTING POLLINATORS.”

Pollination by bees, butterflies and other insects fertilizes numerous crops, and OMAFRA states pollinator-fertilized crops are over one-third of the produce consumed in Ontario and contributes $992-million annually to the province's economy. In November 2014, the government launched the first Pollinator Health Strategy with targets of reducing overwinter mortality rates for managed honey bees to 15 per cent by 2020, and achieving an 80 per cent reduction in the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed by 2017. In 2016, a third target was added of restoring, enhancing and protecting 1-million acres of pollinator habitat in Ontario. Part of the strategy will be establishing a financial program for beekeepers with high honey beehive loss. In 2014-15, the Beekeepers Financial Assistance Program (BFAP) was extended and $5.4-million in BFAP payments were distributed in 2014 and 2015. Late in 2015, the BFAP was replaced with Bee Mortality Production Insurance to cover over-

winter losses caused by insured perils, such as excessive cold, ice damage and diseases/pests. The plan outlines steps to help pollinators, including restoring and protecting one-million acres of pollinator habitat across the province; supporting new pollinator health research; collecting more data to better monitor managed honey bee colonies and wild pollinators, and to track neonicotinoid levels in the environment; and consulting to modernize the province's legislative framework on beekeeping. The PHAP can be seen at http://www.omafra.gov.on.c a/english/pollinator/action_ plan.pdf.

Alfred College was later partially reinstated, with the cooperation of other colleges, but there was no reprieve for Kemptville. Meanwhile in Western Canada, agricultural colleges such as Olds College are increasing in enrolment, including taking a few farm students from Ontario. Regarding the success rates of ag programs, the FCC release states they are more likely to see full-time enrolment than other programs (87 per cent compared to 75 per cent, respectively) and this rate was steady over five years. Meanwhile the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) recently released a study indicating there was a strong need to attract “skilled and educated young people” to Canada’s ag

industry. The report, Agriculture 2025: How the Sector’s Labour Challenges Will Shape its Future, indicates there is a gap between labour demand and the domestic workforce in agriculture. Their projections indicate that by 2025, the needed workforce could be short workers for 114,000 jobs. The study also says primary agriculture has the highest industry job vacancy rate (seven per cent), and FCC states that one in eight Canadian jobs are tied to the agri-food industry. “The sustainability and future growth of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry is at risk,” Portia MacDonald-Dewhirst, CAHRC Executive Director, said. “It is critically important that this risk is acknowledged and mitigated in an intentional and strategic way.”

Living Locally Fair gives valueadded producers opportunity by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer USSELL — THE RUSSELL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL LIVING LOCALLY FAIR IS ONE OF THE RARE OPPORTUNITIES IN JANUARY FOR LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET PRODUCERS TO SELL PRODUCTS. Few markets are open this time of year as there is little fresh produce, but for producers this is a time to take advantage of the slower season to add value by processing foods or creating garments. In previous years valueadded vendors have frequently reported that they, and those who have products year round, appreciate the event. A venue where they can make some immediate sales can be very helpful to their cash flow. That is probably part of the reason spaces are booked up very early, even though the event takes over more of the school it is housed in each year. Also present are community organizations, artists and artisans, and the Society offers hot lunch. This year’s Living Locally Fair is at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Russell on Sat., Jan. 21, starting at 9:30 a.m. For the full vendors’ list, see livinglocallyfair.ca.

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Bancroft assumes Warden’s Chair

ORNWALL – LAST MONTH, SOUTH STORMONT MAYOR JIM BANCROFT OFFICIALLY ASSUMED THE WARDEN ’ S CHAIR FOR THE UNITED COUNTIES OF STORMONT, DUNDAS AND GLENGARRY FOR 2017. B ANCROFT REPLACES OUTGOING

WARDEN JAMIE MACDONALD, WHO SERVED AS C OUNTY WARDEN FOR 2016. The annual Inauguration Ceremony, held at the historic County Administration Building, was attended by about 80 people, including Bancroft’s family. Also in attendance were representatives of the federal and provincial governments, as well as local SDG municipalities. Bancroft entered municipal politics in 1985, serving six years as a municipal councillor. In 1995, he was elected Reeve of Osnabruck Township, serving three years, including holding the position of County Warden in 1997. Following amalgamation in 1998, he served as South Stormont Mayor from 2000-2006. He reentered politics in 2014, being elected South Stormont Mayor and as a member of County Council for the past two

Another abattoir closure for 2016

The Russell Slaughterhouse closed permanently last fall as owner Marcel Gareau retired. He left this message (English on one side, French on the other) to his patrons. Earlier in 2016, the Brisson Abattoir in Embun also closed when owner Ronald Brisson retired, and Abattoir Desormeaux in Crysler is advertising that it is for sale. Vetter photo

South Stormont Mayor new Warden

Jim Bancroft was sworn in as Warden Chair for the Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on Fri., Dec. 16, at the historic County Administration Building, in Cornwall. Courtesy photo years, has served on numerous committees. “I’m very proud to be serving the residents of SDG as Warden in 2017,” said Warden Bancroft. “We have an excellent Council and staff, and I intend to work very hard with my Council colleagues to continue to make SDG a great place to live. We continue to

work on a variety of important issues, both locally within SDG and regionally through the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. I intend to be a very strong voice advocating for the needs of SDG residents, both at the local Council table and regionally with the other Wardens as part of the Wardens’ caucus.”

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 19

A welcome to Dundas County 4-H

HESTERVILLE – THE DUNDAS COUNTY 4-H AWARDS NIGHT WAS HELD AT THE GATHERING HOUSE IN CHESTERVILLE, IN LATE NOVEMBER 2016. New to the program, the following 4-H members had successfully completed a minimum of one project and received a certificate and plaque: Annalise Belhumeur, Dryden Buterm Joshua Corput, Kelly Grotenhuis,

Paige Hannaford, Emily Heuvel, Sammy Heuvel, Emmalynn Hutchinson, Haylee Irven, Scott LeBlanc, Caleb Machan, Taylor Mathers, Hannah McDonald, Kenzy Nevils, Flicity Porteous and Jeffrey Vandruff. Volunteer year seals were received by Andrew Machan (1 year), Dianne Scheepers, Christine Vandenbroek and Brenda Belthuis (5 years) and Todd Edwards, Mike Farlinger and Tony

Vanderlaan (10 years). The 2016 Youth Leader Award, for completing youth leader projects in sports, gardening and candy clubs went to Kurtis Mclean. With guidance from Leaders Carolyn Lillico, Alison Lillico, Stacey Weagant and Brenda Velthuis, the Cloverbuds, aged 6-8 years old, were introduced to the world of 4-H’s hands-on activities covering topics that included agriculture, food, crafts, lifeskills, environment and science. The 2016 Cloverbuds included Ava Acres, Lual Corput, Machar Corput, Emma Hess, Shyanne Hoy, Sydney LeBlanc, London Lillico and Micah Van Gilst. Other awards included: Chesterville Lions Award – highest scoring Dundas 4-H member, Novice Division to Brooklin Begg; Ottawa Valley Harvestore Award – highest scoring Dundas 4-H member, Junior Division to Emily Scheepers; AgriPartners Crop Centre Award – highest scoring Dundas 4-H member, Intermediate Division to Caitlin Jampen; and Dundas Holstein Club Award – highest scoring Continued on page 20

Showing early 4-H interest as Cloverbuds

Seen here (not in order) with Leaders Carolyn Lillico, Alison Lillico, Stacey Weagant and Brenda Velthuis, the 2016 Cloverbuds, aged 6-8 years old, included Ava Acres, Lual Corput, Machar Corput, Emma Hess, Shyanne Hoy, Sydney LeBlanc, London Lillico and Micah Van Gilst.

OPA’s Dream-Believe-Achieve Award

Graduating 4-H member Janessa Pol received the Ontario Plowmen’s Association’s International Plowing Match, Queen of the Furrow, DreamBelieve-Achieve Award 2016 at the Dundas County 4-H Awards Night. Vogel photos

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4-H awards

Continued from page 19 Dundas 4-H member, Senior Division to Janessa Pol. The Dundas County Special Awards to outstanding 4-H members included: Winchester Press Award for news reporter Taylor Matthews; Ontario Plowmen’s Association Award for agriculture to Holly Somerville; International Plowing Match Queen of the Furrow, Dream-BelieveAchieve Award 2016 to Janessa Pol. Novice member awards went to: Eastern Crop Doctor Inc. – Top Novice to Felicity Porteous; Dundas 4-H Association – Second Top Novice to Taylor Mathers and Third Top Novice to Katherine Hewetson. Junior member awards went to: Royal Bank of Canada – Top Junior Emma Acres; Ritchie Feed and Seed – Second Top Junior to Brooklin Begg and Third Top Junior to Cassidy Porteous. The Intermediate awards went to: Dundas Feed and Seed – Top Intermediate to Martine Payne; Agri-Partners Crop Centre – Second Top Intermediate to Peyton VanDenBroek and Third Top Intermediate to

www.agrinews.ca Bruce Porteous. The Senior member awards went to: Winchester Lions – Top Senior to Kelly Somerville; Scotiabank – Second Top Senior to Holly Somerville and Third Top Senior to Kurtis McLean; Dundas Veterinary Services – Fourth Top Senior to Kyleigh Jampen; and Weagant Farm Supplies – Fifth Top Senior to Reuben VanDenBroek. The Dundas 4-H Association Scholarship Award, presented to a member attending post-secondary studies, went to Kyleigh Jampen, The 4-H Ontario Recognition Awards included: Gay Lea Award – presented to a member who has completed 24 club projects and in 4-H for five years: 2016 recipients are Kurtis McLean, Bruce Porteous and Peyton VanDenBroek. The evening also remembered the late Angela Daly, who died in April 2016, as one of the most dedicated 4-H leaders of Dundas County. She was a mother, wife and partner in Mountain Ridge farms, and her contributions included leading numerous lifeskills clubs, Membership Coordinator, Livestock Coordinator and a member of the board of directors of the Dundas 4-H association.

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Leaders recognized for volunteering years of service with 4-H are from left, Tony Vanderlaan (10 years), Brenda Velthuis (five years), Andrew Machan (one year), Christine VanDenBroek (five years) and Dianne Scheepers (five years). Vogel photo

Renfrew County Soil and Crop Association shows appreciation to Glen Smith

ENFREW — AFTER GLEN SMITH RETIRED FROM THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, HE MAINTAINED HIS TIES WITH THE AGRICUL-

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tion operates test plots to test nutrient management, experiments to find the best practices to ensure good stewardship of the land, and provides input at local and County levels to ensure that policies made reflect the importance of the agricultural industry in Renfrew County. Glen’s leadership in all these endeavours over 15 years was recognized at the annual meeting in December.

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What’s your money for? by Theresa Whalen AgriNews Contributor ONDON – FARM CREDIT CANADA

HELD ANOTHER

FORUM RECENTLY WITH ONE OF THE SPEAKERS BEING

BRUCE SELLERY,

FINANCIAL JOURNALIST AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF MOOLALA (AVAILABLE AT WWW.MOOLALA.CA). To a sold-out crowd of some 2,000 farmers, Sellery posed some financial questions that will no doubt be fodder for thought for all who attended. His key point was that we all work hard for our money – farmers perhaps harder than most - yet we rarely work through the thought process to answer the ultimate question, "What is my money for?" Sellery suggests there are four questions we must ask ourselves and answer truth-

fully in order to find the financial balance we seek in life. First, “What is the purpose of my money?” Money may motivate us to work hard, but to what end? Sometimes we even scrimp and save for ‘later’ to the point where we don't enjoy the here and now. Think about it: is your money for travel, retirement, education, kids, comfort, security, independence, what? Make a list and prioritize each. Second, “What do I want?” Adults are often very clear as to their material wants but not on what they need to be happy. Explore the question, “What do I want?” with regard to things that are important to you such as: Travel / experiences – to where and how? Dream home or cottage – where is it and what does it look like? Hobbies – what

RRCA encourages tree planting efforts over watershed

ORNWALL – THE RAISIN REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (RRCA) IS ONCE AGAIN PROUD TO OFFER WATERSHED RESIDENTS

THE OPPORTUNITY TO BEAUTIFY THEIR PROPERTY WITH

A VARIETY OF CONIFERS AS WELL AS DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS.

WHETHER YOUR GOAL IS TO PLANT A

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All seedlings are indigenous species often unavailable at local nurseries. This bulk purchase by the RRCA allows for acquiring these trees on a cost recovery basis. No long drives out of town, no excessive gas consumption and a reduction in your own carbon footprint. The RRCA is one of 36 Ontario Conservation Authorities. As a community-based environmental organization, it works closely with municipal, provincial and federal governments, landowners and community groups to safeguard and enhance the natural resources of the Raisin region's watershed. “As the old Chinese proverb says, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the next best time is now,” according to RRCA Forestry Specialist Normand Génier. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to plant trees in our watershed.” He also added that “Tree planting subsidies are always available for landowners with greater than 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of land. Subsidies can cover up to 75 per cent of the total cost of establishing a new forest!” There’s no better time than now to think about planting trees. Tree seedlings come in multiples of 10 per species and must be ordered before the March 31 deadline. In total, 27 species are available this year and includes conifer trees such as White Spruce and White Pine, deciduous trees like Black Walnut and Butternut, and even deciduous shrubs such as Serviceberry and Black Chokeberry. All species are reasonably priced and sell between $0.81 - $1.75 each. Improve your property, your community and your environment. Order your tree seedlings through the RRCA Tree Seedling Program using the online form at www.rrca.on.ca, or by calling Josianne Sabourin of the Raisin Region Conservation Authority at 613-938-3611 extension 221.

do I want to do? Family – what do I want for them and me? Health (physical and mental) – what do I need? Work – how much and at what? Peace of mind – how much is enough for peace of mind? Contribution – do I want to give to my family or community? Wild card – something else? What do I want? Third, “What is my plan to get what I want?” Develop a written plan to get what you want. If you don’t write it down, then it is just a good intention.

Write out your plan and consider some of the following: Earnings (revenue and expenses) – where can you earn more or spend less? Spending (business and personal) – what do you need for each? Are you too frugal in some areas? Repay – can you consolidate debt to make it more manageable? Hire – would hiring someone give you more of what you want? e.g., bookkeeper, cleaning person, weekends off, etc. Investing – does your money work as hard as you do? Protect –

The AgriNews January 2017 Page 21 do you have a will, insurance, etc. Organizing – have you arranged succession planning? Communicate – who can you speak to to get a better handle on your life? e.g., an investor, councillor, doctor, etc. Finally, “What actions do I need to take?” Make an action list and put a target completion date beside each Bruce Sellery item. You don’t have to do Sellery concluded his everything today, however, presentation by reminding make sure you do at least us that time is precious and one thing each week. Then you never know when it’s go and use your money to over or too late. Live your life now – not later. live the life that you want!

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FCC contributes $122,750 to 4-H clubs across Canada

UELPH – THE FARM CREDIT CANADA (FCC) 4H CLUB FUND GAVE $122,750 TO 253 4-H CLUBS ACROSS CANADA TO

SUPPORT VARIOUS LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES. IN

ONTARIO, 57 4-H CLUBS RECEIVED A COMBINED

$26,000. Local clubs which received up to $500 include: Take a Kid Fishing – Ingleside, Real Dirt on Farming Club – Kinburn, Lanark 4-H Beef Club, Leeds Breakfast Bonanza 4-H Club – Mallorytown, Lyn-Athens Dairy 4-H Club – Mallorytown, Metcalfe “Rookie Squares”

TOTAL OF

Renfrew County Cloverbuds

Stewart McBride, representing Gay Lea Foods, presented an original print to Michelle Enright who was chosen the Most Outstanding New Leader for Region 2 (Eastern Ontario) at the Renfrew County 4-H awards night, Nov. 25. They are pictured with the members of the Renfrew County Clover Bud Club: from left, in front row are Elizabeth Munroe, Grady St. Pierre, Alaina Matheson, Olivia Hudson and Bronwyn Dick; middle row: Logan Nieuwenhuis, Wyatt Lehman, Lyric McIntyre, Ava Enright, Dara McDonald, Rebecca Egan, Lily Valiquette and Seth Pilgrim; back row: Youth Leader Miranda Crogie and Leader Drake Riopelle.

Square Dancing Club, Dundas Cloverbuds – Mountain, Renfrew Dounty 4-H Square Dance Club – Renfrew, and Fallowfield Community Club – Richmond. The fund is part of FCC’s annual $250,000 contribution to 4-H Canada. This contribution, in addition to supporting local 4-H activities, supports national as well as provincial 4-H initiatives. The fund awards up to $500 for projects such as achievement days, horse clinics, field trips, public speaking workshops and purchases of equipment, among others. The

next application period opens in fall 2017. “We are thankful to FCC for their continued support of 4-H in Canada, and the unique and valuable opportunities they help to provide for our members at the grassroots level,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “This generous partnership is indicative of FCC’s commitment to youth leadership in agriculture, as we continue to help empower and build responsible, caring and contributing young leaders who are passionate about making meaningful contributions to the world around them.”

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Gay Lea Foods support recognized by Renfrew 4-H

Stewart McBride, representing Gay Lea Foods, accepted a 4-H Supporter sign from Nancy Schultz, President of the Renfrew County 4-H Association, at the recent Renfrew County 4-H awards night in Renfrew. Gay Lea Foods presents original prints to each member who completes 24 projects. In photo, from left in front row are Katie Stewart, Keely Henderson and Sherry Ethier; back row from left are Andrew Moore, Kinly Rice, Jack Dwyer, MacLean Rice and Samantha Austin.

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 23

FCC hosts Forum in London

by Theresa Whalen AgriNews Contributor ONDON – FARM CREDIT CANADA (FCC) HELD AN FCC FORUM, “AG IS LIFE”, IN LONDON, ONT., ON DEC. 6, WITH GUEST SPEAKERS REX MURPHY, BRUCE SELLERY AND CLARA HUGHES, AND HOSTED BY KEVIN STEWART. AS

PART OF A SERIES OF

FORUMS FCC WAS HOSTING ACROSS CANADA. “Our speakers come from different walks of life, yet they share traits that have helped them achieve incredible things,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC President and CEO. “They are dedicated to their craft, courageous to try new ideas and have perseverance to overcome challenges. These are also the qualities that I see in primary producers, agribusinesses and agrifood operators we deal with every day across the country.” Rex Murphy is a social

commentator, editorialist and distinct Canadian voice known for having his finger on the pulse of Canadians in every walk of life. Fresh off the United States’ elections, Murphy had some entertaining comments about how “Trump is a bull that comes equipped with his own china shop” and that Trump and Clinton can be described as “the unpredictable in pursuit of the un-indictable.” On a more reflective note, he felt there was something seriously amiss with the media being so surprised at the U.S. election results. He felt this was indicative of a disconnect between the political and media ‘machines’ and the people. However, the world is listening now. Bruce Sellery is a television host, financial journalist and bestselling author of Moolala: Guide to Rockin’ Your RRSP, a money-management resource of guiding principles that he believes can take your busi-

ness to the next level. Sellery walked the audience through a series of questions examining, “What’s my money for?” He suggests that some people – farmers perhaps more than others – work so hard all the time and scrimp and save – but then don't find the happiness of enjoying the fruits of their labour. He encouraged the audience to examine and prioritize what they truly want in life and how they might use their money to achieve their goals. Clara Hughes is a sixtime Olympic Medallist in cycling and speed skating as well as a mental health advocate. Believing that actions off the track define us as much as those on it, Hughes inspired people toward success in all areas of their lives. Her candid, personal talk touched on how she believes sports can change lives and her own

Farm Credit Canada Forum series across Canada

Rex Murphy (left) and Kevin Stewart at the podium at the Farm Credit Canada Forum in London, Ont., on Dec. 6, as part of a series of Forums the FCC was hosting across Canada.

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struggle with depression – fully embodying the idea that each of us can overcome challenges to become

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Canadian Dairy Network implements First Prescott-Russell Agri-Food Rendez-Vous HCD identifiers in genetic pedigree

T. ISIDORE – APPROXIMATELY 50

by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer UELPH — LAST YEAR (SUMMER, 2015) THE CANADIAN DAIRY NETWORK ANNOUNCED THE

DISCOVERY OF A NEW GENETIC ANOMALY IN HOLSTEINS WHICH CAUSES EARLY FATALITY AMONG CALVES.

The Haplotype Cholesterol Deficiency (HCD) is a result of breeding and late last year European researchers identified the recessive gene causing the fatal deficiency. If two parents of a calf carry the gene, their offspring has a one-in-four chance of becoming sick. The CDN website describes the condition’s symptoms. “The main visible characteristics of calves affected by HCD include illness, usually chronic diarrhea that does not respond to medical treatment, which translates into poor growth, weight loss and early mortality normally before six months of age. Researchers found that affected calves had extremely low levels of blood cholesterol, which

prohibits the normal deposition of fat body tissues.” Although first discovered in Europe, the Canadian Holstein population is also prone to the condition. The CDN states the oldest known source of this gene is Maughlin Storm (HOCANM5457798). Affected calves have Storm, a popular sire, as an ancestor on both sides of their pedigree. Only calves that have inherited HCD gene from both parents (referred to as homozygous) will be affected. The CDN has produced a tool on its website to provide the probabilities of an animal having the haplotype, to help breeders determine the likelihood of a calf being born with the condition. A report by Brian Van Doormaal, General Manager of CDN and Lynsay Beavers, Industry Liaison Coordinator at CDN (and available at www.cdn.ca) states that genotyped animals have varying probabilities of being carriers or free. Some genotyped cattle are not clearly allocated to one group or the other, so they

are given a probability rating. The CDN states that it used insemination data to analyse the frequency of carriers in Canadian Holsteins, and it has since improved the calculations, partly because the sire Dudoc Mr Burns was also determined to be a carrier. Carriers do not develop the disease, but if bred to another carrier then onequarter of their offspring will develop the disease. A gene test is being developed as well, but for now the only way to avoid losing calves to the condition is careful breeding. The CDN report states that the peak time for heifers born with the condition (about 2,000) was in 2012 but it is gradually going down. Ninety per cent of inseminations performed in 2015 used semen from bulls free of the gene, which has reduced the frequency. The CDN expects that 2016 will see fewer than half that number. To use the tool visit the CDN web site to see HCD status. Use any search tool to find a specific animal, and click the Pedigree link.

PEOPLE ATTENDED THE FIRST PRESCOTT-RUSSELL AGRI-FOOD RENDEZ-VOUS ON THURS., DEC. 8, AT THE ST-ISIDORE ARENA.

This conference, organized by the Economic Development and Tourism Department of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) in partnership with the Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network, highlighted the future of the agri-food industry, including agritourism and gourmet tourism. Speakers from Papilles Développement, Audrey Simard and Emmanuelle Choquette, brought their many years of experience in the promotion and development of gourmet tourism destinations and the marketing of specialty products. A first in Ontario, Papilles Développement shared its knowledge with local producers and other stakeholders. Both were able to communicate their passion for the industry with the audience, who was captivated from the beginning to the end. On their way home to Québec, they also made stops at Beau’s All-Natural and Green Beaver to pick up some local products.

“Agriculture is so important to our region and we believe that by combining it with tourism...agritourism becomes the perfect marriage, especially for a rural area like Prescott and Russell,” said François StAmour, Mayor of The Nation Municipality, who was proud to welcome this event in the UCPR. In addition to Papilles Développement, two successful entrepreneurs from the region came to share their stories with the participants, including Alain Lapensée from La Binerie de Plantagenet and Alain Ménard from The Green Beaver Company. Both shared their challenges and successes and unveiled some business tips and tricks. The event will be back in November 2017, providing the opportunity to bring together the main players in the industry and find solutions for the future of the agri-food businesses. As consumer trends continue to focus on local purchases and specialty products, gourmet tourism has risen sharply in recent years. Rich in agriculture, Prescott and Russell has everything to gain by focusing on its agrifood industry.

Minister MacAulay appoints Miller as Chief of Canadian Grain Commission

TTAWA – AGRICULTURE MINISTER LAWRENCE MACAULAY ANNOUNCED ON JAN. 3 HE HAD APPOINTED PATRICIA (PATTI) MILLER AS CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF THE CANADIAN GRAIN

COMMISSION. HER SIX-YEAR TERM BEGINS FEB. 13, 2017. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Patti Miller to the Canadian Grain Commission,” MacAulay said in a media release. “Patti has a wealth of experience in the sector

and her passion for agriculture will be of great benefit to the Commission’s work.” Miller has extensive experience in government and in the grains and oilseeds industry. In April, 2012, she served as president of the Continued on page 30

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Turbine controversy draws many EDP Renewables tries to state their case

* Tile Drainage * Land Clearing * Ditching *

New WOLFE Tile Drainage Machine and state of the art AGPS System

by Lynn Macnab AgriNews Contributor INCH – AN OPEN

Serving the Agricultural Industry for over 40 years

HOUSE BY WIND POWER DEVELOPER

EDP RENEWABLES WAS HELD DEC. 13 UPSTAIRS AT THE FINCH ARENA WITH BOTH SUPPORTERS AND PROTESTERS THERE TO MAKE THEIR CASE.

The Portugal-based company is setting to install a 100-mega watt site in the municipality of North Stormont within the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G). The project called Nation Rise Wind Farm situated along the South and Nation River began development in 2012. The company secured 12,000 acres with 70 farm families and local individuals in the Brinston area and installed an additional 100 MW of energy. The estimated cost for this new project is $430million and will include up to 50 turbines. According to team leader Gabriel Constantin who was one of several representing EDP, Nation Rise Wind Farm was a selected proponent for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)’s LRP 1 plan and was awarded a contract to provide Ontario with 100 MW of clean, renewable energy. “We’re doing all the necessary studies so we can complete the approval application and expect construction will start in 2019,” Constantin said. At the poster session

Mapping the planned wind turbine project

Discussions and concerns were raised as the project was outlined to supporters and protesters in Finch on Tues., Dec. 13, at the EDP Renewables Open House to inform residents about the planned wind turbine project.

Macnab photo

event, interested and potential landowners took to the upstairs meeting, but not before passing concerned residents down below who had their own information booths set up. Margaret and Tom Benke from Berwick and Ernie Coumont of Finch joined close to 40 concerned citizens and helped organize the event. Coumont and the Benkes aren’t happy about the turbines potentially going up so close to their homes. “North Stormont was already deemed an unwilling host, and it just doesn’t seem to matter,” Tom Benke stated. “Almost all municipalities declared to be unwilling hosts, and they still received turbines.” He explained that municipalities have little to say in whether or not they have renewable energy projects in their region. Environment technician John Irven from North Stormont explained his concern for the water table, wetlands, migratory birds and the damage to the land. “I live next to a conservation area donated by

Better late than never

South Nation, so the turbines would be right next door,” Irven commented. “It’s ironic.” Others are concerned about the apparent wide range of noise emitted, including low frequency or inaudible sounds that may be linked to adverse side effects in humans. Benke also described how a rare earth element being used in turbines is both toxic and expensive. Neodymium is provided by China as the country controls 97 per cent of the world’s production of rare earths. “China has been raising duties on some rare earth exports, reducing export quotas,” Benke claimed. “That’s leaving importing countries vulnerable to supply.” A few weeks ago, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne admitted that her government’s electricity policies were a mistake and that much needs to be done to get consumer bills down. EDP will continue their information sessions and talks with local councils in the region.

A Russell area farmer in mid-December gets a last chance to get the 2016 corn crop off the field. Vetter photo

JIM MAITLAND CELL: 613-355-0871 HOME: 613-283-4010 KILMARNOCK ROAD, JASPER, ON

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Glengarry 4-H awards night to remember

ALKEITH – ON FRIDAY EVENING, DEC. 2, THE ANNUAL RITE OF CELEBRATING 4-H IN GLENGARRY COUNTY WAS MARKED WITH GREAT FOOD, GREAT PEOPLE AND LOTS OF AWARDS. The event was held at the Dalkeith Community Hall, with Tracy Myers, the county coordinator, welcoming 4-H families and friends to the event and encouraging the community to support young people through their journey in 4-H. President Warren MacIntosh also spoke about the many merits of the 4-H program and how many of the graduating members have gone on to become pillars of the community. Annie Bender and Abigail Beaudette acted as Masters of Ceremony for the evening. The new 2016 members were presented with certificates and plaques recognizing their beginnings in the 4-H program. All other members received yearly plates to attach to their existing plaques. Awards and winners for 2016 Along with the various trophies and awards, 4-H Ontario also recognized the achievements of members reaching certain levels. Glengarry had three members complete six clubs and receive an award: Fia Leroux, Shannon MacPherson and Katherine Thomson; the 12-club level awards were given to Kristina Beaudette and Ella MacLeod; Annie Bender was the sole member reaching the 18-club level level. The one graduating member this year is Alice Leroux. The evening also acknowledged volunteers active in leading clubs: Warren and Trudy MacIntosh (10 years) and 1st-year leader Brittany MacIntosh. Achievement Day winners included: Dorothy Cumming Memorial award (Supreme dairy calf) – Kelsey MacIntosh; Lion’s Club Showmanship award (Grand Champion dairy showperson) – Josianne Glaude; Lagrantic Farms awards (4) –Top Senior dairy showperson – Josianne Glaude; Top Intermediate dairy showperson – Cheyenne Raynaud; Top Junior dairy showperson – Brenna MacDonald; Top Novice dairy showperson –Evelyn Cumming; Munro Agromart award (Grand champion Holstein calf ) – Kelsey MacIntosh; Glengarry Holstein Club award (Reserve Champion Holstein calf) – Brenna Thomson; Villeneuve Milk Transport (Outstanding calf club participation by a member including attendance at meetings and project completion) – Katherine Thomson; Gleneil Farms (Grand Champion Jersey calf) – Pierre-Luc Hurtubise; Scotiabank-Alexandria (Grand Champion Ayrshire calf) –Evelyn Cumming. The Charles Osborne Master Club

award to the club with most member participation at club and county activities during the year and based on the club completion rate as well as meeting and judging day attendance by the club as a whole went to the South Junior Calf Club. The George Croll Citizenship award for outstanding all-round 4-H agricultural member, based on at least six years of successful club work, total club participation, citizenship and leadership ability went to Kelsey MacIntosh. Other awards included those at judging day: R.S. Wightman award (Top Senior judge) 1st- Kelsey MacIntosh; ScotiabankAlexandria award (Top Intermediate judge):1st – Rebecca MacIntosh, 2nd – Marshall Wilson, 3rd – Brenna Thomson; Shepherd Shield (Top Junior judge): 1stOlivia Leroux, 2nd- Nicholas Oeggerli, 3rd- Emma Leduc/Pierre-Luc Hurtubise; Macgillivray Bi-Centennial (Top Novice judge): 1st- Fia Leroux, 2nd- Helen Oeggerli, 3rd – Phillip Frei. The Edith Howes Memorial award (for outstanding all-round lifeskills member based on total club participation, citizenship and leadership ability and proficiency in club project completions) – Alecsa Villeneuve; Lancaster Optimist Club award (for outstanding 4-H member 15 years and over with at least three years experience in lifeskills clubs) - Carlie Bender; Chico and Jo Trophies award (for top 9 to 14 year old who has been active in county and regional activities) – Ceilidh MacIntosh; Linda’s Bookkeeping and Consulting award ( for member exhibiting vision and inspiration) – Evelyn Cumming; Francis Gaucher Memorial award (to a Junior 4-H member 14 years or younger who has shown the most enthusiasm and responsibility) – Cassie MacIntosh; Hawkesbury Toyota Leadership award (to a Senior member who has exhibited outstanding leadership skills and involvement in 4-H activities in and out of the county) – Alice Leroux; Kobaulinscry Farms (for outstanding first year member) – Avery MacDonald; Glengarry News Award (for outstanding press reporter) – Sebastien Faubert; Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) award (for outstanding agricultural member for 2016) – Brenna Thomson; and Medallion for Top Score at Judging Day – Olivia Leroux (score 529/575). Congratulations to all members who achieved their respective 4-H awards, a big thank you to the leaders for their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program, and a big round of applause goes out to the parents and members of Glengarry who continue to support, work and, most of all, enjoy the merits that 4-H has to offer!

Vankleek Phil leaves his legacy by Lynn Macnab AgriNews Contributor ANKLEEK HILL – THOUGH PHIL ARBER HAS CHECKED OUT, HE’S MADE IT CLEAR HE’LL NEVER LEAVE. Before his passing Dec. 14 at the age of 78, he told his long-time love Blanche “Samme” Putzel that a foundation must be created to preserve the historic monuments that he was so passionate about and to continue support for the events that he helped create. Vankleek Phil is the name given to the organization and

Go Fund Me campaign that will use money to support and maintain the Arber Gallery, Higginson Tower, parades, festivals, fairs and the McAlpine forest. Putzel has set a goal of a million dollars. “He loved this community and wanted everyone to know about it,” she said at his funeral Dec. 20 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Vankleek Hill. “He could draw you in and make you want to stay.” A simple pine casket was removed from his infamous truck and brought into the

church, standing room only. The procession began with his leather hat being carried. The hat depicted a man close to nature, close to people, and above all, close to his community of Vankleek Hill. “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave,” was the key line from the Eagles’ Hotel California song playing. The leather hat protected him from the sun for so many years but sadly Phil was diagnosed with melanoma. Continued on page 31

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The AgriNews January 2017 Page 27

Smellink Realty Inc. Marcel Smellink

Broker of Record 10759 Irena Rd. Iroquois Ont. K0E 1K0

NEW LISTINGS WINCHESTER: beef/cash crop farm in a very good farming area. 155 acres of productive clay-loam Also 2 Coveralls for hay-storage, machine shed and in-bin grain dryer with 40,000 bushel storage. Good 5 bedroom farmhouse with newer roof, windows and lots of updates inside. Give me a call for more details. Cobden: road. Call for details. Osgoode: calf feeder and very good herd room for 103 cows, and all the young

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Learn more about giving an RESP to your grandchild. Ashley Lewis, Sales Representative, Knowledge First Financial 203-38 Auriga Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 8A5 Direct Tel. 1-800-279-8343 ext. 63 1-800-279-8343 Fax. 1-866-633-7916 Ashley.lewis@kff.ca

Spencerville:

SOLD

Carleton Place: cattle. Has to be seen to be appreciated. Call for details. Chesterville: Very nice ongoing dairy farm with newer buildings 2 Harvestore silos, 1 slab silo. 200 tonnes in-bin dryer, Coverall and machine shed. Call for more details.

Needed: Dairy Farms & Cash Crop Land for local clients. Call me if you are thinking about selling, and let’s talk strategies that work for both parties.

Your Eastern Ontario Farm Specialist

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Ingleside man wins Soil Health Graduate scholarship by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer UELPH — ON DEC. 20, THE ONTARIO SOIL AND CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, ANNOUNCED THAT JORDAN GRAHAM WAS THE 2016-17 WINNER OF THE SOIL HEALTH GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP. Graham hails from Ingleside and is a graduate student at the University of Guelph, where his research is focused on examining the influence of herbaceous biomass crops, such as switchgrass and miscanthus, on soil organic carbon (SOC) levels in soils across Ontario. “Soil health has been identified as OSCIA’s number one research priority,” said Gord Green, president of the OSCIA,

Growing Your Farm Profits Planning for Business Success

Start the business planning process by attending this FREE two-day interactive workshop. You will: • Assess business management practices • Determine priorities and key goals • Develop realistic action plans • Learn about cost-share funding opportunities

Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Producers are invited to attend FREE EFP (Fourth Edition) Workshops to: Learn about best management practices Develop an action plan for their farm Learn about cost-share funding opportunities

Biosecurity Workshop At this one-day workshop, an experienced veterinarian or certified crop advisor will show you the benefits of having an on-farm biosecurity program, and identify key practices which will enhance biosecurity measures on your farm.

Maximizing Your Traceability Investment Workshop This in-class workshop will focus on how you can gain a competitive advantage and improve your bottom line with your traceability system. Real life examples and business profiles focused on traceability best practices will be examined throughout the workshop.

Food Safety Workshops/Webinars Looking to keep up to date on the latest food safety practices and help strengthen your Growing Forward 2 application? The Food Safety Workshop is a two-day in-class workshop to help you formalize your food safety program, or you can take advantage of a series of six, 1.5 hour webinars which cover the same topics (see schedule online).

in a media release. “Where soil conditions allow for an increase in organic matter, the carbon sequestration is a positive effect against climate change, and OSCIA is pleased to be a partner in this important work.” The release said that winner Graham has always been interested in the outdoors and the environment, and he pursued an undergraduate degree at U. of G. in environmental science. Graham said, “It was the work on the processing of biomass crops as a summer student in 2014, initially at the Kemptville campus, then continuing agronomic work related to yield and nutrient cycling in 2015 that got me interested in the topic of biomass and renewable energy.” The college has since been closed. Continued on page 29

GYFP Workshop Schedule Peterborough (Douro) Roblin (Napanee) Sharon Casselman (francais) Almonte Whitby Kemptville Belleville (Thurlow) Brighton

Day 1 Jan. 24 Day 1 - Jan. 30 Day 1 - Jan. 27 Day 1 - Jan. 31 D a y 1 - F e b. 8 Day 1 - Mar. 20 Day 1 - Mar. 27 Day 1 - Mar. 29 Day 1 - Mar. 30

Day 2 - Jan. 31 Day 2 - Feb. 6 Day 2 - Feb. 3 Day 2 - Feb. 7 Day 2 - Feb. 15 Day 2 - Mar. 27 Day 2 - April 3 Day 2 - April 5 Day 2 - April 6

EFP Workshop Schedule Finch Casselman (francais) Kemptville Harrowsmith Renfrew Whitby Brighton Bloomfield Roblin Kemptville Lindsay

Biosecurity workshops

Day 1 - Jan. 10 Day 1 - Jan. 18 Day 1 - Jan. 19 Day 1 - Jan. 20 Day 1 - Jan. 23 Day 1 - Jan. 23 Day 1 - Feb. 2 Day 1 - Mar. 16 Day 1 - Mar 21 Day 1 - Mar. 21 Day 1 - April 4

Generic Livestock (francais) Generic Livestock Generic Livestock Crop & Plant Dairy Generic Livestock Biosecurity

Traceability

Belleville (Thurlow) Casselman

Casselman Avonmore Lansdowne Kemptville Kemptville Renfrew

Day 1 - Apr. 3 Day 1 - Feb. 2

Day 2 - Jan.17 Day 2 - Jan. 25 Day 2 - Jan. 26 Day 2 - Jan.27 Day 2 - Jan. 30 Day 2 - Jan. 30 Day 2 - Feb. 9 Day 2 - Mar. 23 Day 2 - Mar. 28 Day 2 - Mar. 28 Day 2 - April 18 Jan. 11 Jan. 16 Feb. 10 Feb. 17 March 23 April 4 Day 2 - Apr. 10 Day 2 - Feb. 9

Next Application Intake Dates February 3 - 23, 2017 and May 12 - June 1, 2017

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Jones / Schmidt case, charges stayed by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer EWMARKET — ON NOV. 28 CHARGES

WERE STAYED AGAINST MONTANA JONES AND MICHAEL SCHMIDT, FARMERS FROM HASTINGS WHO WERE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY AND SEVERAL OTHER OFFENCES IN DECEMBER OF 2012.

They were charged after Jones’s Shropshire sheep flock was quarantined after a farmer from Alberta reported buying a sheep from Jones and later having scrapie show up in his flock. Biopsies showed her sheep were free of scrapie but a destruction order was given anyway. The night before the sheep were to be destroyed, the sheep were removed from Jones’s farm. They were recovered after a search, then killed and tested for scrapie, with negative results. Jones states she was not compensated for her flock’s destruction and the continued quarantine has severely harmed both her income and her opportunities to conduct business. Jones and three others were charged with criminal conspiracy in December, 2012 for violating the quarantine and destruction. Of the four, Suzanne Atkinson pled guilty in December, 2014. Robert Pinnell’s charges were dropped in October, 2016. The other accused, Michael

Scholarship Continued from page 28 Dr. Paul Voroney and Dr. Naresh Thevathasan are named as Graham’s research advisors. Additional partners are the Ontario Biomass Producers’ Co-operative

The AgriNews January 2017 Page 29

No end in sight for the building boom in dairy

EMPTVILLE – “WITH EXPANDING ACCESS TO QUOTA, AND LOTS OF INTEREST IN ROBOTIC MILKING AND OTHER

LABOUR-SAVING TECHNOLOGY, THE BOOM IN

DAIRY BARN CONSTRUCTION ACROSS THE REGION IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER FEW YEARS,” ACCORDING TO FORMER OMAFRA DAIRY SPECIALIST JACK RODENBURG. With the $250-million Dairy Farm Investment Program, announced by Agriculture Canada in November, he is a little concerned about what direction new technology investments will take. He notes that the program is going to fund equipment but not buildings.

Schmidt, who is better known for his stance on raw milk sales, and Jones had still not been to trial by November, 2016. Consequently the Superior Court of Justice accepted submissions during a motion for dismissal that took three days. Jones’ and Schmidt’s defence lawyer, Genevieve Eliany, successfully argued that trial delays were the fault of the prosecution. Justice Laura A. Board found that the Crown wasted a year on an unsuccessful motion to prevent Jones and Schmidt from jointly retaining a lawyer, and also delayed full disclosure of evidence to counsel. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the right of an accused person to be tried within a reasonable time, and last year the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in a different case that more than 30 months delay is unreasonable. and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The release also said Graham is an avid fisherman and works as a volunteer restoration coordinator to rehabilitate brook trout habitat on the upper Credit River.

Since new technology usually works best in new barns, he hopes that producers will continue to opt for modernizing with new construction that maximizes the benefits. To assist dairy producers with barn planning, Rodenburg and his partner Harold House are re-inventing a program that was part of the landscape for many years. For 22 of the last 23 years, barn designers, Rodenburg and House presented their two-day Dairy Freestall Housing Design Seminar in one or more locations in the Ottawa Valley each year. Now that both men are retired from their advisory jobs at OMAFRA, no seminars were held last year. Because they keep getting asked

to do them again, they have planned a two-day seminar for Feb. 6 and 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Grenville Mutual Building in Kemptville. Topics covered will include every aspect of freestall barn design including site selection and regulations, barn layouts, ventilation, handling systems, feed and water, manure handling, lighting, floors, parlors and robots and much more. The number of participants is limited to 30 to facilitate discussion and make sure all questions get answered. Interest extends well beyond the region as Rodenburg notes that “three producers from Prince Edward Island have signed up and are flying in for the program.” For more information and to access a registration form, go to www.dairylogix.com or contact Jack Rodenburg at 519-532-7194.

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Food bank use remains high due to precarious employment and rising cost of hydro

ORONTO â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BANKS (OAFB) RELEASED A NEW REPORT

LATE LAST FALL REVEALING THAT OVER

335,000 INDIVIDUALS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MORE THAN ONE THIRD CHILDREN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ARE TURNING TO FOOD BANKS EACH MONTH. The 2016 Hunger Report finds that despite improvementsÂ in the economy, food bank use remains seven per cent higher than pre-recession numbers, and illustrates how staggering energy prices and lack of quality employmentÂ are contributing Â to increased hunger in Ontario. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite reports of economic recovery, food banks continue to see disturbingly high levels of use and need,â&#x20AC;? said OAFB Executive Director Carolyn Stewart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a direct reflection of the type of employment available to Ontarians, insufficient social assistance, and the dramatic increase in cost of living, particularly related to housing and hydro.â&#x20AC;? The 2016 Hunger Report shows that while many Ontarians have gone back to work, fewer have access to secure, full-time employment that allows them to afford their most basic necessities Â on an ongoing basis. It is stated that one in three part-time workers would like to be working fulltime, but are having trouble finding these opportunities. The report also includes a feature on Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising hydro prices and the added stress that increased hydro costs are putting on lowincome families and individuals relying on social assistance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the past 10 years, the cost of hydro has risen over 100 per cent in this province â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and yet social assistance has remained relatively stagnant,â&#x20AC;? said Stewart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hydro increases are simply too much for the average Ontarian household, let alone for those on social assistance, livingon a limited pension, or even working full time on minimum wage.â&#x20AC;?Â The report exemplifies the impact that increasing hydro rates are having on Ontarians by citing the $172.5-million in

outstanding hydro bills in the province, and the 60,000 homes that were disconnected last year for failing to pay. While the province does offer some relief through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), the report argues that the eligibility requirements for these programs are problematic and that the support being offered is often insufficient. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are thousands of Ontarians struggling to cover overdue bills while trying to keep their lights on and furnaces running,â&#x20AC;? Stewart said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result, food backs are seeing an increase in the number of clients who say they simply cannot keep up with their rising hydro bills and are having to make a difficult choice between two of their most basic necessities: heat or food.â&#x20AC;? To help address this growing challenge, many food banks have started offering utility support programs, hydro Â assistance and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heat banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, alongside their hunger-relief programs and services. Provincially, the OAFB is calling for the Government of Ontario to implement policies that address the root causes of hunger, including improvements to social assistance programs and increases to affordable housing. The 2016 Hunger Report also features three client testimonies, including that of Sherry-Selena Hucul in Lanark County. Sherry-Selena is a single mother of four with one son who requires the use of a bipap machine for his severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get really anxious when I receive a disconnection notice because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve raised the rates again,â&#x20AC;?Â said Hucul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This past month my hydro increased again. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used LEAP to avoid disconnection and applied for the OESP credit, but that is still pending...Hydro increases are affecting peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we can never get ahead and it feels hopeless.â&#x20AC;? 2016 Hunger Report highlights and trends Hunger by the Numbers:

Foundation / Wall Concrete Repair

â&#x20AC;˘ 335,944 people accessed food banks across Ontario in March 2016, with 33% (or 112,293) being Â children under 18 years of age. â&#x20AC;˘ 22.9% increase in senior citizen visiting food banks since 2008. The average income for an elderly woman without an employer pension plan is $19,800 per year. The average for an elderly single man is $26,000 per year. â&#x20AC;˘ 21% increase in single person households since 2008. Single person households represent 45% of food bank users. Precarious employment: â&#x20AC;˘ 80% of the jobs created since the 2008 recession have been temporary positions. â&#x20AC;˘ 50 % of Ontario workforce does not work 40 hours per week. However, one in three part-time workers report they would prefer to be working full-time hours. â&#x20AC;˘ 73% increase in the number of food bank clients who cite â&#x20AC;&#x153;no incomeâ&#x20AC;? when visiting a food bank since 2008. â&#x20AC;˘ Food bank use is 7% higher than in 2008 in Ontario. This trend is consistent across Canada with food bank use remaining 28% higher nationwide than in 2008. Rising Cost of Hydro: â&#x20AC;˘ 100% increase in the cost of electricity over the last 10 years, â&#x20AC;˘ Last year 60,000 homes were discon-

New Chief of CGC Continued from page 24 Canola Council of Canada. While there she led the development and implementation of a new strategic plan and guided the industry in several trade issues.Â Prior to that she worked at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Winnipeg where she managed large-scale program delivery for several

nected for failing to pay their hydro bill. â&#x20AC;˘ The Low-Income Energy Assistance Programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eligibility requirements are too exclusionary. A single person in rural Ontario must make less than $18,721 per year to qualify. â&#x20AC;˘ The Ontario Electricity Support Programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eligibility requirements are too exclusionary, and the support offered is insufficient. A single person who earns $28,000 per year is eligible for a tax credit. The programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum credit is $50 and available only to families of six or more, making a household income of $39,000 or less. To download a full copy of the 2016 Hunger Report, or to find out more about food banks in Ontario and how you can donate, visit: www.oafb.ca/hunger-report. The Ontario Association of Food Banks is the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading provider of emergency food support to frontline hungerrelief agencies and the leader in provincewide hunger research. Their mission is to strengthen communities by providing food banks with food, resources, and solutions that address both short- and long-term food insecurity. For every $1 donated, the Ontario Association of Food Banks can provide the equivalent of three meals to someone in need.

years. There she was responsible for working with Canadian grains and oilseeds producers and industry on policy, trade, market development and research issues to facilitate market growth in the sector. Prior to her executive work with AAFC, she was communications manager with a multi-national agri-food company in Winnipeg. Miller holds an M.Sc., Agricultural Economics

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OFA’s 2017 priorities line up with latest government mandate letters

OFA commentary by Keith Currie, President Ontario Federation of Agriculture

NEW CALENDAR YEAR IS OFTEN SYNONYMOUS WITH NEW IDEAS, FRESH APPROACHES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE PAST AND MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS OR CHANGES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD.

OFA starts 2017 with a new mission – Farms and Food Forever – that builds on the advocacy work we have been doing for 80 years, and looks to additional areas where our work will benefit the long-term sustainability of our 36,000 farm family members. Our work with government has always been critical to making meaningful changes for Ontario farmers. And OFA is encouraged to read the contents of the recent mandate letters issued by provincial ministers to their parliamentary assistants for 2017. In particular, the mandate letters for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry both contain areas of priority that align with and will be supported by OFA’s work during 2017. Ministers have reinforced the importance of economic growth as the top priority that will include investing in better infrastructure, affordable education and a competitive lowcarbon economy. We are glad to read that Minister Leal also reinforces the need for effective programs and services to rural communities. Minister McGarry includes mention of the continued support of OMAFRA by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Livestock in the Great Clay Belt

Vankleek Phil

Continued from page 26 Along with his truck and pipe, his hat had become one of his trademarks. “He came from very rough beginnings,” said Putzel. “He was raised on a small farm in dire poverty. Phil learned how to write by scribbling on the ice-covered walls in their house.” Arber went on to become an engineer and eventually met Samme. Together they settled on their farm at McAlpine, just west of Vankleek Hill, where they raised horses and sheep and opened their door to everyone who stopped in. “He loved being outside, working on the farm, fussing with his antique tractors and balers that would never knot, and just talking with people,” said Putzel. “There were people here all the time. They say our house was like a bus terminal.” Putzel described his love for the trees and land. “He was organic before organic was even a word and this foundation will help preserve McAlpine forest.” The funeral ended with the audience giving Putzel a standing ovation. Phil took his last trip in his truck to the fairgrounds where people enjoyed chicken noodle soup and other refreshments. His final trip was in a horse-drawn wagon to the Greenwood Cemetery. “We can do a lot when we all work together. Vankleek Phil will help preserve the legendary Phil Arber.”

Proposal, and the effective implementation of the Invasive Species Act through engaging with stakeholders. OFA’s key priorities for 2017 focus on growth in the farm community as well as across rural Ontario. We continue to push for affordable, accessible energy for rural Ontario, including natural gas. We are working to ensure rural municipalities have access to adequate funding to make infrastructure investments to support roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and broadband. Agriculture has an important role in climate change, and OFA is advocating for agriculture’s potential to mitigate the impact as we participate in the Climate Change Action Plan. Our work on regulations is ongoing as we continue to push for a more effective regulatory system for the agriculture sector. Minister Duguid has emphasized his Parliamentary Assistant will pursue Burden Reduction legislation to modernize and update legislation. This is paired with ongoing consultations on the Red Tape Challenge to ease regulatory burdens. We are also preparing to work on new legislation, such as the Waste Free Ontario Act, that will reduce waste and our dependence on rural landfills. Farmers are already engaged in re-using and recycling so our interest is in ensuring farmers do not bear an unfair responsibility on eliminating waste. OFA is looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that 2017 holds for Ontario’s agri-food industry. We are encouraged with how our key priority areas will help support the areas the provincial government is working on in the second half of its mandate. Watch for updates on these issues on our website at ofa.on.ca and through all our social media channels. Here’s to the prospects for a healthy and productive new year.

The AgriNews January 2017 Page 31

Rural counties subsidizing Ottawa’s ambulance services by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer TTAWA — RURAL COUNTIES,

INCLUDING

PRESCOTT-RUSSELL AND STORMONT, DUNDAS AND GLENGARRY, ARE BEING

FORCED INTO PROVIDING AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF OTTAWA, LEAVING THEIR OWN RESIDENTS AT RISK, AND THE CITY IS NOT REQUIRED TO COMPENSATE THE COUNTIES FOR THE TIME OR EXPENSE.

It’s not just a case of the nearest ambulance going to a rural part of the amalgamated city, but in some cases outlying ambulances are attending in the centre of the city, even though an Ottawa ambulance may be closer. There are a number of issues which have led to this situation, and five rural counties, led by Michel Chrétien, Director of Emergency Service at UCPR, demanded a review.

First, Ottawa does not appear to have enough ambulances and paramedics available, so it has been counting on rural counties to pick up the slack. A recent report by David Reevely in the Dec. 10 Ottawa Citizen states the city has had “no ambulances to dispatch 22 times in the last two weeks.” City residents might be alarmed if they knew an ambulance was coming from 30 or 40 km away, instead of one that is only a few minutes away. It is hard to imagine no ambulances available. Second, the province amended the regulations regarding ambulances servicing neighbouring municipalities, so that instead of reading that an agreement for compensation is a must, it now reads that the neighbouring municipality “may” have an agreement. The change was made in 2008 Continued on page 34

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Ambulance services Continued from page 31 but an existing agreement between city and countryside only expired in 2015 and, now that there is no cost to Ottawa, the city is taking full advantage of the situation. It is uncertain if that was a deliberate change or simply an error that slipped past the people who should have caught it. Third, the scheduling in Ottawa is a little different than in UCPR. In Ottawa, paramedics are supposed to get a halfhour to clean and ready the ambulance between trips, and they will not be dispatched if they are within a half-hour of the end of a shift, and it seems take the half hour for cleaning and paperwork whether it takes less time or not, a situation that upsets Chrétien. “Are you kidding me?” he said in a telephone interview. “If you get a call, you drop it and go.” He says in UCPR, a replacement is always staffed and covered. “As soon as you offload the patient, you’re ready. You can finish reports at the end of the shift, and pay a little overtime if needed.” Fourth, the dispatching is completely controlled by the City of Ottawa. The effects can also have impacts on other health services. For example, a recent terminally ill client, being cared for at home in a rural area, was awaiting a previously-arranged ambulance transfer to a hospice for mid-morning, but the ambulance was put on a list for order of need, and did not arrive until mid-afternoon. This required a registered nurse from a home health-care agency to remain well past her shift until the transfer, thus necessitating the agency to possibly pay overtime and arrange for alternate nursing vis-

www.agrinews.ca its to her other clients. Chrétien said he can pick any day and see too many calls to Ottawa. “Last week, on Monday, Dec. 5, for example, on one 12-hour shift only, we had nine calls in Ottawa.” Some of them were somewhat understandable, such as an ambulance going from Bourget to Frank Kenny Rd. Others seem dangerously far away. “On Monday we got called to go from Casselman to Carling Avenue, from Rockland to Vanier, from Embrun to Renaud in Orleans, from Rockland to downtown. That’s not right.” The report resulting from rural counties’ complaint was released by the Emergency Health Services Branch, Investigation Services Unit in late November. It points out many problems with the way Ottawa has been dispatching ambulances. Using one night shift on Aug. 6, the report noted two separate call surges drastically reduced available resources for several hours. But it also says, “Notwithstanding the high call volume, this investigation identified several factors that contributed to an overall, ongoing and systemic problem.” The factors include the City’s Transfer of Care / Return to Readiness Policy. “A clear and available stretcher at a receiving facility should be considered available for deployment as soon as transfer of care (TOC) has occurred, providing the crew has confirmed that there are no conditions to their availability. Paramedic crews are always able to identify delays (if any) of their ‘return to readiness status’ to the dispatcher, such as decontamination or replacement of equipment. Administrative duties such as initiating or completing Ambulance Call Reports (ACRs) or other

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paperwork should not, under most circumstances, render the ambulance unavailable for emergency calls.” The Ottawa deployment plan allots up to 30 additional minutes regardless if needed or not. The investigation found the practice caused significant delays. The report also said Ottawa dispatchers are not permitted to contact Ottawa PS crews once they have arrived at the destination hospital, even if the 30 minutes has expired and the crew is closest to an emergency. The crew is not available until they notify the dispatcher. A ministry investigator was asked why ambulance crews with a clear stretcher, who were located significantly closer, weren’t called. The answer was, “Because that’s what’s written in the DP [Deployment Plan].” Another factor is inaccurate reporting. Investigation Services noted multiple discrepancies of time, both with releasing patients to a hospital and with recording vital signs. Four out of five ACRs inaccurately recorded the transfer of care time, with differences of 10 to 14 minutes. Worse, in 24 out of 56 ACRs crews were delayed in reporting the transfer of care from five to 42 minutes. Another factor is Code 3 delay. “If the crew is at their home station 30 minutes prior to the end of their shift, they are taken out of the computer-aided dispatch system entirely, regardless of the number of available Ottawa PS resources.” This

negates Ottawa’s own mandate and “drastically” reduces ambulances available. “If the paramedic crews who were in TOC status at the hospital, and not committed to the care of a patient, were added to these totals, the Ottawa PS system status would never have been at ‘level zero’ during the night shift of Aug. 6.” The report goes on to say this skews resources and contributes to the problem, taking ambulances out of service even if they are closest to a Code 4 patient. This reduces overtime pay but “has an inverse effect on surrounding municipalities,” and a negative effect on response times and patient safety. For one call that night a UCPR ambulance was assigned from 37.5 km away to St. Laurent Boulevard while Ottawa had five ambulances that were closer to the Code 4 call, but they had not notified Ottawa CACC. The report had a list of similar situations that went on for pages. To make matters more fraught for rural paramedic services, the City does not reimburse them. Chretien estimates that costs UCPR about half a million dollars. “This is not meant to be a money issue,” he said. “But it’s unsustainable for us. The security of my community is at risk.” UCPR and other counties had little say or input, says Chretien, because the provincial ministry gave the dispatch contract to Ottawa. “I can’t conceive that we got to this. In 35 years I didn’t make a complaint. Now Ottawa’s not Continued on page 38

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SNC hires 14 graduates Jennifer Hayes appointed to

INCH – SOUTH NATION CONSERVATION (SNC) ANNOUNCED IN A RELEASE IN DECEMBER THE

HIRING OF

14 RECENT GRADUATES TO GIVE

THEM EXPERIENCE IN THEIR FIELD RIGHT OUT OF THEIR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

“We’re proud to be in the position of giving jobs to talented recent graduates,” said SNC General Manager Dennis O’Grady, adding that “the internship program is a great way to assess future fulltime employees and to give them the opportunity to gain experience.” Many of the interns are from the region, including Berwick, Newington, Cornwall, Prescott, and the City of Ottawa. Some interns were recruited from Southern Ontario and one as far as Alberta. The interns are working in engineering, communications, community lands and planning. It is a great opportunity for the

recent graduates to be able to work in the fields that interest them. It can help them to decide what their future goals may be. “Working at SNC requires you to consider new and exciting ways to promote a connection between the community and the environment,” said Holly Stemberger, a University of Alberta graduate, where she studied biology and agriculture. She added that “from education events, communication products, and producing reports, the work here has been incredibly diverse and rewarding for me!” Through various supporters, SNC was able to recruit the interns who attain experience in their areas of study, and receive many opportunities to network and learn about environmental management. They are mentored every step of the way, and obtain a greater understanding of the environmental impacts around them, as well as the ins and outs of working for a non-for-profit organization.

Canadian Dairy Commission

TTAWA – AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA (AAFC) MINISTER LAWRENCE MACAULAY ANNOUNCED

THE APPOINTMENT OF

JENNIFER HAYES AS COMMISSIONER OF THE CANADIAN DAIRY COMMISSION (CDC). THE APPOINTMENT IS FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM EFFEC-

JAN. 3, 2017. Jennifer Hayes is a dairy and beef farmer on Quebéc’s Gaspe Peninsula. She is the third generation to farm at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, which she co-owns with her father and uncle. Her farm is the most eastern dairy farm on the mainland in Québec. Hayes has extensive governance experience as an active member of the UPA (L’Union des producteurs agricoles) and its specialized dairy, beef and local syndicates. TIVE

The CDC Board of Directors is appointed by the Government of Canada upon the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Hayes to the Canadian Dairy Commission, said Minister MacAulay in the release. “Jennifer’s energy, talent and commitment to the Canadian dairy industry will be an asset to the Commission and her leadership and experience can serve as a model to young women considering a career in agriculture.” Hayes holds an MBA from Concordia University and is actively engaged in rural development initiatives in her region. She has a particular interest in policies that strengthen the symbiotic relationship between rural communities and sustainable agriculture.

WWW.TOTALCROPCARE.COM Some of the SNC interns participated in a habitat restoration project in 2016. From left to right: (back) Samantha Paisley, Laura Crites, Mesha Sagram, Sophia Pan, Matthew MacMillan, (front) Kelsey Smith, Justine Spero, Holly Stemberger. Courtesy photo

Since 2012, she has acted as a Revitalization Agent at the MRC of Bonaventure, where she has accompanied rural municipalities in formalizing social and economic development plans, and elaborating essential community development projects. She is a skilled partnership broker incorporating partners from the private sector and multiple government agencies at the federal, provincial, regional and local levels. Ms. Hayes has two young daughters, aged eight and five who she hopes will one day take their place beside her on the family farm. The CDC is a Crown Corporation established in 1966 to co-ordinate federal and provincial dairy policies and create a control mechanism for milk production aimed to avoid shortages and surpluses, and stabilize revenues.

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613-561-2881 Tom

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Experimental Farm loses to Civic Hospital in bait and switch deal by Candice Vetter AgriNews Staff Writer TTAWA — MERE

DAYS AFTER

ANNOUNCING (JUST

IN TIME FOR THE

DECEMBER ISSUE OF AGRINEWS) THAT CANADA’S CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM WAS NOT GOING TO BE GIVING

CIVIC CAMPUS OF THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL, THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION AND

UP LAND TO THE NEW

THE HOSPITAL ANNOUNCED THAT THE SITE AT

TUNNEY’S PASTURE WOULD NOT BE USED AFTER ALL, AND THE HOSPITAL WAS

FARM. On Fri., Dec. 2, representatives from all levels of government, the hospital and the National Capital Commission appeared united at a media conference where all stated they were in favour of the site on the Farm (which is across the street from the existing hospital), but at a different location on the Farm.

GOING BACK TO THE

The new site is where the Sir John Carling building (at the Farm’s eastern edge) stood, as well as some other buildings, a parking lot and greenspace. Although reported in most media as political drama, the speed with which Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, City Councillors, federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, Liberal MPs and MPPs, and the hospital board agreed after years of political wrangling and recent public consultations, suggests that the second site proposed on the Farm was in line all the time. Only a short time before McKenna had stated that she supported the NCC’s recommendation of a hospital site at Tunney’s Pasture, which the hospital had publicly denounced as being too difficult for patient access. The process became a public spat, with Watson claiming the NCC had too much secrecy

Ambulance services Continued from page 34 sending people to calls?” He says there are different rules for the city. “Who approves this?” The City of Ottawa’s Acting Chief Peter Kelly responded to questions from AgriNews as follows. Question: How is this allowed (is that a provincial or local matter)? Kelly: Ambulance service is mandated by Provincial Legislation. The Land Ambulance Act of Ontario mandates that the closest ambulance to a patient must respond to the call and is not subject to jurisdiction. As such, paramedic resources are not static and constantly move around the city based on need. Question: What kind of agreement is in place? Kelly: Due to increased demand, rural resources are required to respond to the urban core where call volume is the greatest. This can create a reliance on surrounding municipalities. Question: What compensation does Ottawa pay these counties and what has changed in the compensation? Kelly: The Land Ambulance Act of Ontario was modified on November 24, 2008 to remove Section IV, “Charges as Between Delivery Agents and Upper-Tier Municipalities”. As a result of these modifications, municipalities are no longer required to pay for inter-municipal responses. The City of Ottawa notified surrounding municipalities of its decision to not renew the agreements when the legislation was modified in 2008, and on several other occasions including at the Eastern Ontario Paramedic Chief Meetings in 2015.

regarding its Tunney’s Pasture (the site of several older federal buildings) choice, and the NCC stating that only when it became involved did the hospital board even consider public comments about preserving the Farm. Besides the area of the demolished Sir John Carling Building, other small buildings will be removed, including one heritage building which is expected to be moved to another location on the Farm. Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly said she would ask federal officials prepare to “make this land available as the future location.” Advocates of the Farm are concerned about any use of Farm lands for other purposes, as this may be the thin edge of the wedge chipping away at the Farm property, which is beautiful, centrally located, and desirable to developers.

Question: Does Ottawa return the favour? That is, does someone in Russell or Chesterville or Limoges who calls an ambulance ever get a City of Ottawa ambulance? Kelly: The Ottawa Paramedic Service continues to assist neighbouring municipalities when they are in need of our resources. Worthy of note, the province funds 50 per cent of land ambulance service in Ontario and therefore Ottawa taxpayers through their provincial taxes contribute to land ambulance services in our neighbouring municipalities. (Note that Chretien said the ratio of calls is seven to one from outlying areas to Ottawa.) Kelly also said the Ottawa has taken steps to address the increase of call volume.” Ottawa City Council approved the funding of 12 Paramedics and four Emergency Response Vehicles for the City of Ottawa for July 2016. These Paramedics are now responding to calls in the community. Additionally, the Ottawa Paramedic Service presented their Annual Report and a Service Review to Community and Protective Services Committee this fall. City staff recommended a growth of Paramedics for 2016/2017/2018 and an associated fleet increase. The 2017 Draft Budget includes the addition of 24 Paramedics and five Emergency Response Vehicles and the 2018 Draft Budget would see the addition of 14 Paramedics and one Emergency Response Vehicle. The Ottawa Paramedic Service has also implemented several programs to address increased call volume, including the OffLoad Nurse Pilot Project, Community Paramedicine and the Targeted Engagement Diversion.”

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Government policies â&#x20AC;&#x153;bad deal for Loonie most significant economic driver says FCC patients, unemployed and road usersâ&#x20AC;? higher farm cash receipts for â&#x20AC;&#x153;The climate for investment EGINA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C

UEENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE AUDITOR-GENERAL OF ONTARIO RELEASED HER ANNUAL REPORT LAST FALL, BRINGING TO LIGHT NUMEROUS EXAMPLES

OF BAD OR NON-EXISTENT VALUE FOR MONEY DELIVERED TO

ONTARIANS BY

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, ACCORDING TO THE SAME-DAY MEDIA RELEASE

STORMONTDUNDAS-SOUTH GLENGARRY MPP JIM MCDONELL. Among the Auditor Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s findings were the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Only half of hospital patients were triaged and assigned to a ward within eight hours; for many, the wait was up to 23 hours. â&#x20AC;˘ One of four Ontarians requiring urgent surgery had to wait four hours instead of the target maximum of two. â&#x20AC;˘ Ontario lags behind most developed countries for rates of sepsis and other adverse patient outcomes in hospitals. â&#x20AC;˘ Ministry funding cuts mean hospitals canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t schedule surgeries on evenings or weekends. â&#x20AC;˘ Just over one-third of Employment Ontario and Second Career participants found employment at the end of the program. â&#x20AC;˘ The Government provides employment help and training services without relying on labour market data to see where workers are actually needed. FROM THE OFFICE OF

â&#x20AC;˘ Cap-and-Trade will cost households $8-billion by 2020. â&#x20AC;˘ Electrical vehicle subsidies did not have an impact on emissions in Ontario. â&#x20AC;˘ Funding to support childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and youth mental health is allocated without considering the level of services the communities really need. â&#x20AC;˘ The Ministry of Transportation paid to repair cracked roads that should have been under warranty, and rewarded the same contractors with more contracts and bonuses despite knowing asphalt samples were tampered with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Government puts Ontarians last,â&#x20AC;? MPP Jim McDonell stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Households have seen their cost of living rise exponentially, the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax and fee take has more than doubled since 2003, yet whichever government services we look at, we see cuts and mismanagement. Twenty-three hour hospital waits, two-thirds unemployment after a re-training program and bonuses for tampering with asphalt samples point not to isolated problems, but to an attitude of waste, cuts and spin that has infected this Government to the core. I commend the Auditor-General on her perseverance and insight. Premier Wynne needs to hear Ontariansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cry for help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they cannot afford or tolerate her Liberal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste and mismanagement.â&#x20AC;?

ANADIAN AGRICULTURE BENEFITED FROM A RELATIVELY LOW DOLLAR THROUGHOUT 2016 AND THIS TREND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO 2017, SAID J.P. GERVAIS, FARM CREDIT CANADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHIEF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST, IN A NEWS RELEASE ON JAN. 4.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are certainly other factors that could influence Canadian agriculture, such as the global economy, the investment landscape, commodity and energy prices,â&#x20AC;? said Gervais, speaking about his top five agriculture economic trends to watch in 2017. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Canadian dollar, however, has been a major driver for profitability in the last couple of years and could have the biggest influence on the overall success of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agriculture industry in 2017.â&#x20AC;? Gervais is forecasting the dollar will hover around the 75cent mark and will remain below its five-year average value relative to the U.S. dollar in 2017, potentially making the loonie the most significant economic driver to watch in Canadian agriculture this year. The low dollar not only makes Canada more competitive in agricultural markets relative to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest exporters, but it also means

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producers whose commodities are priced in U.S. dollars, the release said. A low Canadian dollar is expected to keep the demand for Canadian agricultural commodities healthy, which is especially important considering the higher projected supply of livestock and crops. This means potential revenue growth, especially considering a likely rebound in livestock prices off the weakness observed in the second half of 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lower Canadian dollar makes farm inputs more expensive, but the net impact in terms of our export competitiveness and cash receipts for producers is certainly positive,â&#x20AC;? Gervais said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Given the choice, producers are better off with a low-dollar than one thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relatively strong compared to the U.S. dollar.â&#x20AC;? Food processors are also better off with a low Canadian dollar, which is partly the reason behind the strong growth in the gross domestic product of the sector over the past few years. Canadian food products are less expensive for foreign buyers, while it is more difficult for foreign food processors to compete in the Canadian market, according to Gervais.

in Canadian food processing is good, given the low dollar and growing demand in the U.S.,â&#x20AC;? Gervais said. He projects that exports of food manufactured products to the U.S. could climb five per cent in 2017. A lower-than-average U.S. per Canadian dollar exchange rate supports foreign sales of agribusinesses as more than 90 per cent of all exports are made to the U.S., and compensate for a weaker demand due to the recent downturn in the U.S. farm economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dollarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on agribusinesses is complex and not as consistent as it is on producers and food processors,â&#x20AC;? said Gervais, noting that strong farm cash receipts due to a weak loonie are generally good news for agribusinesses, since they can expect sales to producers to increase with rising revenues. But he also noted â&#x20AC;&#x153;a weak loonie raises the price of inputs like fertilizers or equipment, making them more expensive for producers, which may impact their purchase decisions.â&#x20AC;? For an in-depth analysis of the impact of the dollar and Gervaisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four other economic drivers to watch in 2017, visit www.fcc.ca/AgEconomics.

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Page 40 The AgriNews January 2017

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“I was surprised… we saw udder quality noticeably improve.” — Rusty Herr

GOLDEN ROSE GENETICS, Rusty Herr CHRISTIANA, PENNSYLVANIA Now 50 Holsteins, 3 Jerseys: 25,700M 967F 814P Since 2005: Bred 25 EX cows, 9 descended from Pronto Ritzi

Rusty Herr believes every cow deserves to be treated like a queen. That is his goal at Golden-Rose Genetics in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. “I like breeding and milking healthy, comfortable cows that last. Udder Comfort™ fits that philosophy by soothing the cow and udder after calving,” says the young dairyman who bred 25 EX in 11 years, 9 of them descendants of Pronto Ritzi. A year ago, he sold 175, downsizing to 50 cows in a new Canadian-style tiestall barn. “I had tried other products, without much effect, so I was surprised by Udder Comfort. Last year we had fresh 2-year-olds selling. Udder Comfort 2x/day for 7 days really brought out the udder quality and potential.” “With Udder Comfort, we saw udder quality noticeably improve. It definitely works faster and better than anything else, and it’s great for the skin.”

Still in the herd are 16th, 17th and now 18th generation EX (l-r): Oakfield Pronto Ritzi 3E EX93, Golden-Rose Atwood Ritzi 2E EX93 and Golden-Rose Braxton Ripley EX90. Atwood Ritzi is the highest scoring 17th gen. EX in the world and dam of 3 of the 4 18th gen. daughters in the world. She has 130,000 lifetime at the start of her 4th lactation.

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Available at Norwell Dairy Systems, participating Co-ops, Country Depot, Purina, Shurgain, Dundas Agri Systems, Ritchies Feed and Seed, Lawrence’s Dairy Supply, BMR Winchester, and ABS Global (Canada) Inc. For external application to the udder only, after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking.