The Rural Voice - February 2025

Rural Voice

The

THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE

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Contents The Rural Voice THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE

Published monthly by: The Rural Voice, Box 429, Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0 Telephone: 519-523-4311 Fax: 519-523-9140 E-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca Website: ruralvoice.ca

24 34

Publisher: Deb Sholdice

12 Columns Mel Luymes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Keith Roulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Kate Procter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Mabel’s Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Woodlots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Agrilaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Departments Ruralite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Business Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Newsletters

National Farmers Union . . . . . . . . . .50 Perth Pork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Bruce County Federation . . . . . . . . .52 Grey County Federation . . . . . . . . .53 Perth County Federation . . . . . . . . . .54 Huron County Federation . . . . . . . . .56

FEBRUARY 2025 • Cover Photo

Chris Martin with Chinook hay dryer. Photo: Mel Luymes

• Deadlines: March Issue – Feb 10 April Issue – March 10

12 Making Big Hay

Everything you didn’t know that you wanted to know about hay and the Ontario hay co-op

22 Premium Pet Feed Wikkerinks make inroads in the the “small hay” market

24 Marcrest Manufacturing Innovation for the small square bale market

29 1000 Love Letters

Editor: Melisa Luymes mel@northhuron.on.ca Contributing writers: Keith Roulston, Kate Procter, Ralph Martin, Jeff Tribe Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot Donna Lacey, Carolyn Crawford, Bonnie Sitter, Rhea Hamilton Seeger Advertising Sales: Shelley Kroes rvads@northhuron.on.ca Production co-ordinator & Telemarketing: Joan Caldwell PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40037593 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429, BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca Subscriptions: $30 (12 issues) $55 (24 issues), includes HST Back copies $3.75 each.

Make cheques payable to: NORTH HURON PUBLISHING CO.

John and Betty Stafford’s love story, in honour of Valentine’s Day

30 Remedies for flu season Carolyn Crawford shares some tried and true home-made remedies to get you through the winter

34 New History Column Robin Hilborn of Bruce County Historical Societies kicks off a Rural Voice history column

All manuscripts submitted for consideration should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. Editorial content may be reproduced only by permission of the publisher. The Rural Voice makes every effort to see that advertising copy is correct. However, should an error occur, please notify The Rural Voice office within 30 days of invoicing in order to obtain a billing adjustment.

A division of North Huron Publishing Company Inc.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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2 The Rural Voice

Ruralite

Menesetung Bridge

Photo: Bruce Earle

T

he Menesetung Bridge has become one of the most popular attractions in Goderich, both for local people and visitors. For anyone that has crossed it to see the magnificent view, it is easy to see why.

The word Menesetung is the Indigenous word meaning "laughing waters" and the name for the mighty river that outlets there into the lake, which we now call the Maitland.

Originally the Canadian Pacific Railway bridge, this was the second railway line to come to Goderich, a rather Johnny-come-lately, arriving in 1907. The railway line ran through Blyth and Milverton on to Guelph, carrying steam locomotives over the river as they hauled grain into the Goderich harbour or loads of rock salt out of the area. The last train crossed the bridge in 1988.

A number of determined Goderich residents saw the abandoned bridge as a glorious opportunity. They successfully persuaded local officials

to get involved and delay the demolition of the bridge until they could raise public support to keep it for a walking trail. Now, carved into boards on the bridge, you will see the names of the many people who came forward with donations to save the bridge. To them we owe thanks for a spectacular view, and a connection to the Maitland Trail and the now complete Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail.

Over the years, however, the bridge has required ongoing care.

“At our last inspection in 2020, the engineers at BMRoss advised that concrete spalling was getting too close to the bearing seats at the tops of the piers,” explains Marian Lane, chair of the Menesetung Bridge Association.

The bearing seats support the 18-ton steel girders and if they lose stability, the bridge would have to be closed.

“It would be very difficult to repair if we let it get to that stage,” adds Marian.

In August, $200,000 was announced for the repair project by the Government of Canada, through the FedDev Ontario program. The Bridge Association has approached partners, and we now have commitments from the Town of Goderich, ACW Township, Rotary Club and Lions Club, as well as generous pledges from several local citizens and businesses.

As well, the Trans Canada Trail recently announced that Goderich and the Menesetung Bridge will now be a trail head for a national trail system.

This announcement came with signs to mark the bridge and financial support for further study to determine the work required for repairs.

To connect with the Menestung Bridge Association, or to make a donation to this historic landmark in the community, you can find them at menesetungbridgeassociation.org. And if you haven’t strolled across the bridge, you must! It is beautiful in any season of the year.

February 2025 3

Mel Luymes Mel Luymes is the editor of the Rural Voice and hails from rural Wellington County.

The importance of relationships This month’s issue is all about hay – big and small hay – growing, baling, drying, and shipping hay.

Well, at least on the surface it is. But I was struck by an underlying thread in all of February’s stories: the theme of relationships. And how fitting for this month, the month of the February blahs, the month of Valentine’s Day. I had been asking around about rural love stories for this issue and heard a few good ones: widowers meeting through the obituary column, or my neighbour, who was set up on

4 The Rural Voice

a blind date with a lovely divorcee by his doctor and medical team. In the end, I wrote about John and Betty Stafford meeting at a barn dance when they were 15 years old, at the end of World War II, and how they kept their connection alive over the years with letters back and forth.

Relationships are good for us.

They provide emotional support and help us develop throughout our lives, learning empathy, humour, and effective communication. Research shows that strong relationships also improve our mental and our physical health, reducing stress and improving immunity, longevity, etc.

And, as I learned from this month’s articles, relationships are also good for business! At least in the hay business. Both Mark Horst and Chris Martin began exporting hay to connections that they had in Pennsylvania and grew from there. I was impressed with the level of customer service that the Wikkerinks provide for their Hay Day premium pet hay, and Mark Horst’s commitment to integrity and good relationships with customers, from

the time he was a broker and now, with the Marcrest brand.

Building relationships and trust with farmers in the Middle East to grow a market where there was none before, that is impressive. Over several trade missions, Ray Robertson, Fritz Trauttmansdorff and others have built connections across a cultural divide and then delivered a quality hay product.

But the icing on the cake, for me, is the Ontario Hay and Forage Cooperative. That a group of hay farmers decided the mission to Middle East was too big for any one of them and so they decided to do it together. Of course, I imagine this comes with a whole new set of challenges, because relationships are also tricky. The more often we rub shoulders with people, the more opportunities for friction. Just like personal relationships, business relationships require us to learn and practice skills in listening, empathy and communication. Like polishing diamonds in the rough, this friction will make us into incredible people.

(Well, some of us, that is!)

For John and Betty, it seemed the secret to their happy relationship, besides their incredible sense of humour, was a shared love of travel and adventure. They were always looking ahead and planning their next trip together. For the Co-op, they are also planning a trip of sorts. They are a group of farmer-pioneers that would typically see themselves in competition with each other but instead see their competition as other regions and countries around the world. They will need a critical mass of excellent quality hay to secure markets in the Middle East and so they must share their knowledge and technology for growing great hay. To succeed as individuals, they also need their fellow Co-op members to succeed. That is a really powerful thing for us to learn in relationships.

There is an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” The Co-op is 10 years old and slowly building both the connections and investing in the hay technology to take Ontario’s hay market to the next frontier. I’m grateful for their work and for the time that all the incredible people in this February issue took to share their perspectives. ◊

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February 2025 5

Keith Roulston Keith is former publisher of The Rural Voice.

He lives near Blyth, ON.

We are so lucky to live in Canada Sometimes we get so enveloped in the problems of today that we don’t see how fortunate we are to live in 2025.

Recently, so much attention has been devoted to the rising grocery and rent prices that we fail to see how fortunate we are by comparison to people who lived in earlier eras in Canada, let alone people who still starve in other parts of the world.

I can’t forget my own childhood here in rural Ontario. My parents bought their farm when my father returned from serving in the army in World War II and installed hydro and a deep well system. But we had no

indoor toilet, and didn’t for as long as we lived on the farm until 1964. My best friend Ross had an indoor toilet, thanks to a generous family gift, but they had a shallow well and no furnace (we didn’t either).

Recently I reread The Grapes of Wrath, by Nobel Literature Prizewinning author John Steinbeck about the thousands of share-cropping farmers in western U.S. states who journeyed to California seeking a new life during the drought years of the 1930s.

I chuckled when the Joad family was fortunate to get into a government camp at one point and the children went to the bathroom and were panicked when they flushed the toilet and water spouted out – they thought they’d broken something. In another case, a woman was washing her clothes in the toilet and complained that the toilet was so small that she could only put one pair of pants in at a time, unaware that just around the corner there were sinks with more room.

The “Okies” didn’t have the ringer-washers my mother used in the 1950s. “Wash day” would be a day-

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long procedure, washing the clothes, rinsing them out in fresh water, then running them through the ringer and hanging them on the clothes line to dry. (This time of the year, I remember clothes freezing and having to be brought into the house and thawed out again. Similar scenes are still played out when you drive through Mennonite country today.)

Today we stick the clothes in the automatic washer and go off to do other things, then pop them into the automatic dryer to finish them off.

Wash day takes little time.

Most of the time the world of the past is forgotten, but now and then it is recalled. I still remember the 1962 National Film Board feature The Drylanders about a family trying to survive the drought of the 1930s on the Canadian Prairies. And then there’s Angela’s Ashes, the 1999 Frank McCourt Pulitzer-Prizewinning book recalling his years growing up in poverty in Northern Ireland. Even in the city they had no indoor toilet.

There are still people in every city trying to survive in tents this winter but for most of us, our gripes seem petty in the perspective of what people survived in the past.

What struck me in The Grapes of Wrath was the way Californians treated Oklahomans and Kansans and other people driven from their land as if they were an invading army, and they must have seemed foreign to the settled people whose jobs were suddenly endangered by hundreds of thousands of newcomers willing to take anything so they could feed their families.

There’s also a sense of threat Americans feel these days from the thousands of people who flood across the border from Mexico and other countries. Some employers ignore minimum wage laws to hire these workers to work for less.

But on the other hand, we just came through the Christmas period and dozens of agencies reached out to help those less fortunate. There was a rush of gifts to food banks and the Scott Mission in Toronto cooked and served 70 turkeys to those needing a meal.

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Kate Procter Kate farms, hikes, canoes, and plays guitar in Huron County.

Connection centres highlight need in rural communities

“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable.” While the origins of this quote are disputed, the sentiment holds true across cultures and history.

Three years ago, the first ever Coldest Night of the Year event held in Wingham was a heartwarming success. The event continues to attract lots of local support, and this year’s event will be held on February 22, 2025 – there is still time for you to participate, donate, or volunteer!

While the event gives an opportunity for the community to walk together, raise money, and enjoy coming out of the cold, it helps remind us of the homelessness problem experienced by vulnerable people in our own communities that is largely hidden to many of us.

That first CNOY event was held while we were just leaving Covid restrictions behind and finding our way back to our new normal. It was wonderful to see our community in northern Huron County come together on a cold February day to support each other. Funds raised by this event continue to support the Connection Centre that was opened in Wingham in 2023 to assist people experiencing homelessness.

The Connection Centre, housed in the basement of St. Paul’s Trinity Anglican Church in Wingham, provides a safe space for people to get out of the cold or heat, have a shower, do some laundry, and have a light meal. The Centre is operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth, with United Way Perth Huron raising 8 The Rural Voice

funds for operation and maintenance.

Local businesses have stepped up to sponsor both the CNOY event and to support the Connection Center throughout the year. Noah’s Pizza in Wingham has been donating pizzas every Tuesday since March 2024 to the Connection Centre, and Duck Duck Juice + Gym through a donation drive, collected a variety of much needed items for the Centre.

More importantly, the Centre provides a place to connect with various support partners that can help people get back on their feet. The goal is not only to provide a temporary respite from the harsh realities of life, but also to help find more permanent and lasting solutions. People attending the Connection Centre can find support including trauma-informed care, substance use, and mental health counselling. The Connection Centre in Wingham has played a vital role in helping people find housing, with eight folks finding homes since October 2024.

There are lots of myths surrounding homelessness, and in our rural area it has been easy for many of us to believe that it does not exist in our community. However, use of the Connection Centre tells a different story and highlights the need. Since it opened in July 2023, the Centre has a higher per capita use than a similar Connection Centre

located in Stratford. Between July 2023 and September 2024, there were 1078 visits to the centre, 843 meals served, 343 uses of the laundry facilities, and 250 showers.

The Association of Municipalities in Ontario (AMO) has just released a new report on the state of homelessness throughout the province https://www.amo.on.ca/.

The report shows an increase of 25 per cent in homelessness since 2022, for an estimate of 81,515 people.

Included in this is an estimated 41,512 people experiencing chronic homelessness, which is defined as people who experience prolonged or repeated episodes of homelessness.

These numbers will always be estimates due to the nature of homelessness and its fluidity.

Contrary to local myths, rural homelessness is not due to an influx of urban homeless people. The AMO report found that lack of support and transitional housing in smaller communities often means people must travel far distances, leaving their rural communities to seek shelter in urban areas that have more services. Northern Ontario and rural communities, due to geographic isolation, often have higher costs of living and transportation challenges that contribute to the problem. In addition, smaller rural communities often do not have the same support and services for specialized

Wingham’s Coldest Night of the Year event in February 2024.

healthcare that can contribute to problems that lead to homelessness.

There is a lot of shame associated with homelessness, which also helps to keep it hidden. Huron County conducted an enumeration on homelessness – “Everyone Counts”, during the week of November 29 through December 3, 2021. It can be easy to get caught up in numbers, but it helps to remember the people behind these statistics.

The report helps us understand the issue, and the myths that often distort reality. Another common myth is that homeless people are all “addicts” or are too lazy to work. People with addiction issues live in all parts of our communities, both homeless and homed. The report reveals that abuse and conflict is one of the main reasons people are homeless. “In order to survive, many people who experience homelessness are constantly in search for the necessities of life such as food, shelter, and a source of income” The County of Huron’s 2022 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report describes concrete actions that have taken place to combat homelessness throughout the County.

Several initiatives are part of the plan, including transitional housing, addiction supported housing, and support to prevent homelessness in the first place. In 2022, 177 people were supported through the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Program, which helped people at risk from becoming homeless.

The first CNOY event in Wingham saw 117 walkers representing 28 teams participating on a 2.5 km route through the town.

The goal of $35,500 was smashed with a total of $41,311 raised within the community. Volunteers, donors, and walkers are already stepping up to meet this year's goal of $30,000.

But Wingham isn’t the only CNOY event being held in Huron County.

Goderich has a goal of raising $135,000 at their event, and Exeter is aiming to raise $50,000, with money raised staying in each community.

More information and pictures are available on the CNOY website where you can find a location close to you, or see the various Coldest Night of the Year Facebook pages. ◊

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February 2025 9

Mabel’s Grill “Well costs keep going up,” George grumbled. “Have you had a bill for furnace oil lately?”

“I hear the provincial government has new subsidies to get people to improve the environmental efficiency of their homes,” Dave weighed back in. “Quite a change from when they took over from the previous government and killed off subsidies for big windmills, etc.”

George shook his head sadly. “We just get a government in the U.S. that thinks all this climate change talk is bunk, and we’re likely going to get a Canadian government that’s going to get rid of the climate tax but we have a provincial government that’s going the other way!”

“Here we go,” sighed Cliff.

“You’re going to claim the climate isn’t changing even when the scientists claim they have proof it is.”

“Or they’re worried they might lose their jobs so they come up with figures to guarantee they should keep them,” George said.

“I remember winters when I was a kid when we had a week off school because the winter weather was so

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“I think I’ll have pancakes and maple syrup this morning,” Dave Winston said as he placed his order for breakfast at Mabel’s Grill the other morning.

“That’s nice and spring-like,” Molly Whiteside said as she took the guys’ orders. “You know of course that Mabel buys her maple syrup locally. I guess she’ll likely be getting fresh syrup now that spring is here.”

“Too expensive for me,” George Mackenzie grumbled as he ordered toast and coffee. “And probably the price will be going up with the new crop of maple syrup.”

“And don’t you want more for steers you ship to market than you did last year?” Cliff Murray wondered after he ordered bacon and eggs and Molly headed back to the kitchen to deliver the orders to Mabel.

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bad,” Dave put in.

“But they’ve improved roads and road-clearing equipment since then,” George argued back.

“Well I’m glad things are changing,” Cliff said. “My father used to tell me when his father used to cut up wood from our bush to feed into stoves to heat the house. My father got a furnace and my wife and I have been renovating and closing in the old stove-pipe holes in walls and the ceiling. That definitely feels like we’re improving things.”

“Hmmm.” George started. “So you replaced wood grown in your own bush with oil from plants that grew millions of years ago and you think that’s an improvement. I wonder what an environmentalist would say about that?”

“Well when the environmentalists want to come and cut trees in our bush and deliver wood for us to burn, I might listen to them – even get a wood furnace,” Cliff said.

Seeing his friends arguing, Dave tried to change the subject. “Maybe I’ll spend some time working in the shed to get equipment ready for spring planting,” he suggested.

“You’ve got a loader to feed big bales of hay to your cattle don’t you?” Cliff asked George, ignoring Dave’s attempt. “I doubt you want to go back to pulling lose hay out of a hay mow like your grandfather did.”

“Hey, I’m not arguing against improvements,” George shot back.

“I’m happy to use modern equipment even if it’s supposed to be bad for the environment.”

“Okay guys,” Molly said. “Tone it down. We could hear you all the way back in the kitchen. Here’s your pancakes and maple syrup, and your bacon and eggs, and your toast and coffee.”

“You got some jam, at least, for George’s toast?” Cliff wondered. “He could use a little sugar to sweeten him up this morning.”

“Hey, mister environmentalist, you realize that the sugar you think I need has to be imported from warmer places,” George growled.

“Maybe I should talk to the guy we get maple syrup from,” Molly said. “Maybe he has maple sugar that we could sweeten George up with.”◊

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Making Big Hay

When it comes to hay, these guys mean business.

Marhaven Agri making hay on their farm near Grand Valley. (Submitted) Scott and Chris Martin in the hay shed near Alma. Trailer loaded with compacted bales (Submitted Patricia Ellingwood) 12 The Rural Voice

C

hris Martin has been growing hay his whole life, but for the last 15 years he has taken it to a whole new level. He began as a dairy farmer near Alma, and hay had always been a part of his rotation, but in 2006, he made a connection in Pennsylvania and shipped 50 loads of hay. He started leaning more into growing and marketing hay and, in 2010, he essentially switched farms with his brother to get out of the dairy altogether.

Marhaven Agri was started in 2011, with Chris and his other brother Scott going big into hay, growing about 600 acres each year between their own and what they share-crop. They have two rakes, two balers and a bale stacker running throughout the summer and their 120- x 330-foot storage shed is filled with hay they have grown or bought, to process and sell. If they weren’t busy enough, they also have some beef cows and cash crops on the side.

On top of that, Chris also partnered to create the Chinook Hay Dryer, is a founding member of the Ontario Hay & Forage Co-operative (OHFC) and current Vice-President of its board, and helps run the Hay Press Company.

Marhaven Agri hosted the Ontario Forage Council (OFC)’s annual Forage Focus on December 6, 2024.

This year, OFC joined forces with the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA)’s conference, offering the day as a free postconference tour.

The day involved a bus tour to Mark Horst’s hay storage near Gorrie, then to Marcrest Manufacturing near Listowel for a tour of the facilities that manufacture the Bale Baron and a lunch. (The tour ended at Marhaven Agri for an industry trade show, demonstration of the hay press, a presentation about the Ontario Hay and Forage Co-op (OHFC) and a panel discussion about hay exports with Chris Martin and his fellow co-op members, Fritz Trauttmansdorff (Dunlea Farms) and James Fisher (Fidale Farms), along with Mark Horst (Marcrest) and Jay Aitkins (Ag Credit Corporation).

It was clear that when it comes to hay, these guys mean business.

Opportunities for hay These days, hay makes 12 billion U.S. dollars annually in global trade (according to the GAIN report) and there are at least two reasons for Ontario to be a major global exporter: the province has both reliable rains and access to ports on the Great Lakes.

Another reason, perhaps selfserving for Ontario farmers, is that hay is good for the land. Hay is great for the rest of the rotation, improving soil structure and infiltration, controlling weeds, reducing fertilizer requirements and improving yields in other crops in the rotation. Ontario’s Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Pub 811) includes a nitrogen credit of 100 lbs/ac from alfalfa to a subsequent corn crop, along with a yield boost of 10-15 per cent.

Still, Ontario has been seeing a dramatic drop in hay acres in the last 50 years. According to census data, pasture acres are down by 78 per cent since 1976 and hay acres are down by 40 per cent in the province. This makes sense, because cattle numbers went down by 49 per cent in the same period.

Since the 1980s, and the creation of the Canadian Hay Certification Program for export, Ontario farmers have been wanting to export their hay, but shipping fees made it impractical for the long trip from Ontario, and the furthest Ontario hay travelled was down the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. and delivered by truck. Meanwhile, Alberta and the Western states of the U.S. had a relatively easy trip to Japan, which has been a major importer of hay since the 1980s.

Another factor in hay production, as most readers will recall, is that bringing in hay can be an awful lot of work. It wasn’t until the 1970s that farmers could buy large round balers and large square balers to drastically reduce the time and people required for harvest and handling.

But, as the trend was towards the large bales, a Huron County farmer, Mark Horst, realized that the horse market still needed small square bales for individual handling, so he designed an ingenious compromise that packaged small squares into large bundles for easy transport. He started tinkering with his idea and

Above: December 6 Forage Focus panel presentation of (L­R) Mark Horst, Fritz Trauttmansdorff, Chris Martin, Jamie Fischer, Jaye Aitkins, moderated by Christine O’Reilly (OMAFA) Below: participants watch the hay press in action.

The Godfather of Hay in Ontario In 2023, Ray Robertson was inducted into both the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame as well as the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Born in Markdale, he has been a dairy farmer, worked for the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association and been a tireless promoter of hay production in the province.

He was a founding member of the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association and, in 2000, he became the General Manager of the Ontario Forage Council. He led several trade missions overseas to develop relationships and determine the market for hay exports. When the local Ontario Ministry of Agriculture office closed, Ray envisioned a fee-for-service extension office and Grey Ray Robertson’s painted portrait County Agricultural Services Centre was from the Canadian Agricultural born. He helped the OHFC get off the Hall of Fame ground, and is often described as the “godfather” of Ontario hay.

February 2025 13

What is the advantage of a co-operative?

When a group of hay growers decided to explore the option of a co-operative business structure, they hired Ontario’s go-to consultant, George Alkalay, of Northfield Ventures Ltd. He had previously worked with the provincial government, where he began to specialize in co-operative business structures.

Readers will know Agris, FS Partners and Hensall, a few larger co-ops in Ontario agriculture that grew from the local ag supply co-ops of the past. Gay Lea, as well, has been a highly successful dairy processing co-op.

“Co-operatives that work well are either meeting a need or finding an opportunity together,” says Alkalay, especially when the job may be too big or too risky for any one person.

He is quite pragmatic, noting that the longest-running coops are those that deliver a service, like housing, farm supply or grocery stores co-ops, not just a group of wellmeaning people wanting to start a feel-good business.

A co-operative can be set up as a for-profit or not-forprofit enterprise, co-owned equally by the members that use it. Members invest in a co-op in order to get goods or prototyping in 2003 and was into production by 2007. He named it the Bale Baron and within two years he was exporting them to Europe and Australia. Today, the Bale Baron has become a household name to hay producers around the world.

The global hay market began to

14 The Rural Voice

services or to market their products on more favourable terms than they would be able to get elsewhere. If a not-forprofit co-op makes a surplus at the end of the year, it could be because it charged its members too much and therefore it would distribute the surplus back to its members in the proportion to volume of business each member did through the co-op.

As for governance, co-ops fall under the Co-operative Corporations Act which requires, among others, that each individual member gets only one vote. “For co-op democracy to work best, there should be relative equality among members,” says Alkalay. In this way, no matter how much capital a member has invested in the co-op relative to another, they will only receive one vote. This can make it difficult to grow capital, but Ontario legislation allows for co-ops to offer debentures or preferred shares to members and non-members alike, without any voting powers.

The Ontario Hay & Forage Co-operative has grown to over 70 members and is still open to more. It will buy hay from non-members, though OHFC members may get preferred pricing.

open to Ontario in the last decade.

With increased demand for milk around the world, large dairy farms sprung up in China and the Middle East, in areas that didn’t have the capacity (that is, water) to produce enough feed. At the same time, improvements to the Suez Canal in

2015 and Panama Canal in 2016 put the costs of long-haul ocean trips within reach for Ontario.

Hay producers organize Ray Robertson had been working with the Ontario Forage Council since 2000 and had led several trade missions overseas looking for potential export markets. He was astounded at the market for hay and had been promoting it for a few years.

“Ray was really the godfather of hay exports from Ontario,” says Fritz Trauttmansdorff. In 2015, Ray brought together the Ontario Hay Marketing Forum to hear a presentation by David Normandin, from Norfoin Inc., a large-scale hay producer, buyer and exporter from Quebec. When Ontario growers saw what the Normandins could do with a hay dryer, they got interested in reaching the overseas market.

There would be quite a few hurdles that hay growers would have to overcome to export beyond the U.S., including quality, logistics and grower education. While Ontario has the rain and farmers with both the expertise and equipment to grow good quality hay, it is risky to leave hay to dry down to 12% in the field to make premium grade. To access overseas markets, Ontario would need to have access to a large amount of premium hay to fill large orders, hay dryers, hay presses to double

(Left) Chinook hay dryer at Marhaven Agri (Right) Mark Horst tours a group through his hay dryers near Gorrie in October. compact bales for shipping in sea containers and the relationships in international markets. It was too big for any one person to handle.

“It was either we go big or go home,” says Fritz. A working group of the Marketing Forum took a hard look at what it would take. Someone would have to take a leap and make a huge investment to get Ontario hay overseas. So that’s why farmers went in together.

They decided to share the risk and the rewards by forming a cooperative in December 2015 with the

10 members of the working group.

They accessed funding, hired George Alkalay, Northfield Ventures Ltd, to support with a business plan and contracted Patricia Ellingwood, of the Ontario Forage Council, for administrative services. A lifetime membership is $1,000 and gets you one vote and access to the overseas market at an equal price as the rest, no matter how large or small of a grower.

Fritz Trauttmansdorff has been the President of OHFC since its inception and is a powerhouse

Mixed hay and the market in the Middle East

Farmers in the Middle East need to feed camels, horses, sheep and goats, and they don’t have the ability to grow their own feed. They have been accustomed to having pure alfalfa and pure timothy grass in the past and blending it themselves to get the right balance of protein for their animals.

While it is easy to grow pure alfalfa or timothy on irrigated fields, we have a harder time growing it in Ontario.

“Alfalfa is the cheapest protein source you can grow in Ontario, but we still need grass in the mix,” says Harvey Bultz of Quality Seeds, who has been working with leading feed and forage growers for decades. While both alfalfa and timothy need moisture for yields, only alfalfa can thrive in Ontario’s hot summers, while the grasses prefer the cooler months. Still, when one of his customers tried to grow a pure stand of alfalfa a few years back, they quickly realized that they needed to have at least some grasses in the mix to give the yields throughout the growing season. “Even if that means a 90-10 mix of alfalfa-timothy,” explains Harvey, who says that the alfalfa in the blend has been creeping up for his dairy customers over the years.

As well, some dairy farmers have tried to get more complicated seed blends for forages, and Harvey has to remind them that they can’t plant their TMR mix. That’s not how farming works.

Fritz agrees and adds that part of securing markets in the Middle East means that the OHFC needs to demonstrate to Arab farmers that Ontario’s “premixed” hay is a better option for them, since it reaches their 15-18 per cent balance for protein and is good quality.

driving Ontario’s hay export market.

Trauttmansdorff runs Dunlea Farms near Jerseyville. He came there from Austria in the 1980s, to a dairy farm on 250 acres. He recalls that they had to buy hay for the cattle the first year he was there. After that, he started growing hay and he was pretty good at it. He ended up selling the cows in 1986 and instead focusing on hay as part of his cash crop rotation.

Ontario hay dryers An Ontario farmer wouldn’t think of not having access to a dryer for corn, and neither would a serious hay producer not be seriously considering a hay dryer.

“It takes the risks out of hay,” says Fritz, and it is necessary for producing high quality hay. There are several types of hay dryers around the world, Fritz himself had built a passive drying system in his barn. He adds that good hay growers also use a hay preservative, whether something like Nuhn Forage’s “The Juice” – a buffered organic acid product – or Silo-King’s enzyme and bacterial products, that reduces pH and prevents spoiling. While these products compliment a hay drying system, they are much more important for growers without a dryer.

Chris Martin worked with Edgar Reist to design a revolutionary hay dryer. The Chinook Hay Dryer takes three large square bales at a time (either 3’x4’ or 3’x3’) onto a spike table that inserts 150 spikes from February 2025 15

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both the top and bottom and pumps 90°C air into the bale. It can remove up to 10% moisture in 15 minutes.

Running on a three-phase 250kilowatt diesel generator that powers the heating elements and a 200horsepower fan, the bales are dried evenly to their target temperature of 50°C and then moved to a cooling ramp. The unit can dry about 6-8 tons an hour.

After the prototype stage, Reist passed the manufacturing of the Chinook Hay Dryer to Orvie Knorr of Knorr Manufacturing near Priceville. They have now built about 60 dryers, with 30 in Ontario and the rest mainly in Michigan and Ohio.

Another made-in-Ontario hay dryer was built just 30 minutes down the road by Mark Horst and his team at Marcrest Manufacturing. It takes the opposite approach, slowly drying batches of 18 bales in a closed chamber with low heat and high airflow over several hours. Using a propane 140-horsepower engine driving a four-foot centrifugal fan which generates 40,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm), the only heat is captured from the engine itself. Hot off the press, Marcrest sold its first few dryers in 2024.

Hay Press Company After hay has been dried, it needs to be double-compacted for the most efficient transportation, and hay presses aren’t cheap. Previously, the OHFC had used a hay press in Eastern Ontario for its shipments overseas, but they were going to need one in Southwestern Ontario.

Capitalization has been a longstanding issue for co-operatives, but Ontario found a solution when a few OHFC members and other investors, along with a loan from Farm Credit Canada, pulled together well over a million dollars to purchase a conversion- compaction hay press as a separate corporation. The Hay Press Company is contracted to process hay for the OHFC and its shareholder growers; it can also process bales for other growers.

The hay press was purchased in 2021 and installed at Marhaven Agri, where large square bales are split into 11 x 16 x 22- inch bales that weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, with the exact weight controlled by the press and adjusted for clients as required.

Hay markets as water markets

“What we’re really exporting is water,” says Fritz Trauttmansdorff, President of the OHFC. The global market for hay really depends on what parts of the world are getting water, and when. Just recall the Hay West campaign in 2002 when Eastern provinces shipped excess hay to the Western provinces, reciprocated by Hay East in 2012 and back again out West in 2021.

Ontario gets 30-40 inches of precipitation a year, compared to 11-20 inches in Alberta, which is the largest exporter of hay in the country. According to Boot Hay Farms, much of the export hay in southern Alberta is irrigated from large overhead pivots and yields over five tonnes/ac for timothy and closer to six tonnes an acre for alfalfa, which is more than double the yields of the dryland hay grown further north. Because they don’t have a reliable aquifer, water is pumped from their rivers. As well, they don’t need to rely as heavily on hay dryers.

In the U.S. 95 per cent of hay exports come from the West Coast: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. While the Northern states have much higher annual precipitation than Ontario, parts of Arizona, Nevada and California have much less rain than even Alberta. The states with the least amount of precipitation and the most amount of irrigation, also have the greatest number of growing days a year. In Arizona, farmers can get up to 12 cuts a year, averaging over eight tons/acre.

Fondomonte Arizona is a 10,000-acre, Saudi-owned farm that has been producing alfalfa for export since 2014, and it isn’t even the largest of its kind.

It pumps over six billion gallons of groundwater a year for irrigation without paying for the water, because state laws provide for “reasonable use” in rural Arizona, without definition of the term. Considering Arizona’s dwindling water supplies, the company is being sued for threats to public health, and there is also an attempt to impose a 300 per cent tax on the sale of water-intensive crops grown by foreign-owned companies in the state.

In certain states, and in Alberta, farmers have rights to water that they can choose to sell. The rights were allocated on a first-in-time, first-in-right basis, without payment and regardless of end-use. In Alberta, the water licenses are held by each irrigation district, which sets the annual allocation in acre-inches at the start of the year. Licenses can be bought and sold on a free market, which will fluctuate based on the area, the year and the forecast. In California, some 2022 statistics showed prices of $20 to $800 for the right to one acre-foot of water (or 325,851 gallons). Farmers have been known to fallow their fields some years, instead opting to sell their water allocations for more than they could make farming.

As water-use restrictions change around the world, and already parts of the Middle East have restricted irrigation on non-food crops, we may see hay from the Great Lakes regions become more competitive on the global market.

Marhaven Agri making hay while the sun shines (Photo submitted).

These bales will max out the weight of a transport truck bound for the U.S., explains Jamie Fisher. Jamie is the President of the Hay Press Company and board member of the OHFC; he farmed his whole life near Burlington, using marginal land around fruit orchards for growing biomass crops and hay for the local horse market.

For the overseas export market, the bales are double compacted with 1,000,000 pounds of force to make that same small bale weigh 65lbs.

The press can process up to 75 tonnes a day, which will fill three 40-foot shipping containers, and brings each just under the maximum weight for shipment of 26 tonnes. At peak season the OHFC was shipping five sea containers a week. The export operation is inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and a SGS hay analysis is provided for each shipment upon request from the buyer.

Marketing overseas This operation hinges on the global market for hay, which has its share of challenges. Josh Callen is a hay market analyst from Idaho, who runs the Hoyt Report and keeps his finger on the pulse of the hay market in Western U.S. He spoke at the CFGA conference about global trends in the hay market that rely on international currency, politics, global prices for beef and dairy, alternative feed proteins, and weather patterns. He showed that Chinese milk prices were strong in 2021 and 2022 but dropped below the cost of production in late 2023.

To cut costs, Chinese farmers quickly changed their feed ration to include cheaper protein sources, like canola or soybeans, and to use straw for roughage, or some got out of dairy production altogether.

Japan remains one of the largest import markets for both the U.S. and Canada. Canada imports a significant amount of hay from the U.S., but the U.S. is also the top market for Canadian hay exports. There were 53,000 metric tonnes (MT) delivered from Canada to Florida alone last year and that market is growing year by year, says Callen. It might not care about the 25 per cent tariff that Trump is proposing, he adds.

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sales in 2023, Canada is the fourth largest exporter of hay in the world, behind the U.S., Australia and Spain, according to Callen. According to Stats Canada, Ontario is currently about 18 per cent of Canada’s export market, but that has grown by over $21,000,000 since 2019. The overseas markets are being served by the OHFC, but the rest of Ontario exports to the U.S. are done through brokers or private relationships.

The OHFC isn’t targeting the Asian markets because the co-op’s target market is premium hay for horses, camels and small ruminants, explains Jamie Fisher, and they don’t want to compete with cheap hay.

With water use restrictions for hay growing in the Middle East, the demand is only growing stronger. As well, Ontario and Quebec have a shipping advantage compared with the hay coming from the Western seaboard in the U.S. The OHFC went on its first trade mission to the Middle East in April 2017 to the Agri ME show organized by the Canadian Trade Commission.

Their first shipment went to the Middle East within the year.

By ship, the trip to the UAE or Dubai takes about six weeks if all goes well. The cost of shipping varies widely and is paid by the buyer, but it is estimated that 90 per cent of that cost is in the ground transportation to and from shipping yards.

For some time, the OHFC had steady shipments, but when conflict in the Middle East heated up in January 2024, there were very few ships that could get through the Red Sea without being attacked. Insurers were hesitant to let ships through the Red Sea, and instead ships went around the horn of Africa. This trip should technically only take a week longer, but the waiting for safe seas around the Cape of Good Hope as well as priority drop-offs in India meant that OHFC hay stayed on the ship for four months, taking on moisture despite the desiccant strips and degrading the quality. And with Ontario hay being only a handful of sea containers on a ship carrying up to 12,000 of them, they just can’t command priority.

Next steps for Ontario hay The OHFC is pivoting to make its next move and secure its position in

the Middle East, so it hopes it can also ramp up premium hay production in Ontario. It provides mentorship and connections, and it continues to look for new members or growers to sell premium hay. The OHFC has also researched and developed new ways to get hay easily into rotations, like growing timothy grass as a quick winter cover crop between two years of soybeans.

“Hay is an excellent crop for vegetable growers to diversify,” says Fritz, who has seen great results using hay to build soil health between rotations of potatoes.

As for Chris Martin and a few other members, they are also willing to rent or share-crop local land for hay or to do custom work for farmers who don’t want to make the investment in the proper equipment.

Chris works out the math: on good land, you can get three cuts and 4.5 metric tons (MT) per year and the OHFC is paying between $0.12 and $0.14 per pound, so that means $1300 per acre. Sharing 50 per cent of the gross, Marhaven will do all the field work, save for the landowner who would be responsible for spreading fertilizer after every cut.

Of course, the price will vary depending on the quality, which is based on local weather, and depending on the market, which is often based on other people’s weather.

As for crop insurance for hay, that is still a bit tricky. Hay and forage yields are often not understood in detail because most farmers aren’t weighing every load, and so this has made it difficult for Agricorp to insure. It is calculated instead by excess or insufficient rainfall, especially within harvest windows.

As more growers take hay more seriously, perhaps Agricorp will provide insurance for both yields and quality.

The entire hay industry is built on relationships. There is no Chicago Board of Trade that is setting a price, it is about a relationship and trust between the buyer and seller. There is no easy test weight grade and, although there are U.S. grade standards, most often quality is determined by eye, that is, how green the hay is.

While there is strong demand for

Growing hay for the horse market

While they both like hay, horses and cattle process it in completely different ways and this means that the quality and type of hay is different for each, explains OMAFA’s Forage and Grazing Specialist, Christine O’Reilly.

Cattle are ruminants, with four compartments in their stomachs, and dairy cows especially need the protein and energy from legumes such as alfalfa to produce milk. With their cooler growing season, European dairy hay is typically grass-based but they have improved protein levels in their grasses, whereas Ontario dairy farms typically grow an 80-20 blend of alfalfa to timothy grass.

Horses, on the other hand, have only a simple stomach and a delicate digestive system; they need a high-fibre, low-calorie feed, typically of longstemmed grasses.

In Ontario there are 223,000 beef cows and 325,000 dairy cows according to OMAFA’s latest estimates. Counting horses, however, is more difficult because many of the boarding facilities aren’t classified as farms, so these animals are not captured in the census data, Christine explains. Dr. Bob Wright, OMAFA’s former equine vet, used to multiply ag census data by 3.9 to get the actual number of horses. Using his math, Christine estimates that Ontario would have around 162,000 of horses and ponies, and that would mean 672,000 metric tonnes of hay needed to feed them.

The longest and most stable export market for Ontario “horse hay” has been Florida. There are nearly 400,000 horses in the state, training or racing year-round, and its climate isn’t conducive to growing quality hay. Florida was (and still is) the main market for Ontario-grown horse hay, being a typical back-haul for fruit delivered to Ontario. There was 53,000 MT delivered to Florida last year, according to the Hoyt Report, and that market is still growing; but time will tell if a proposed 25 per cent tariff would change that.

Ontario hay from the Eastern seaboard, the relationship between the OHFC and buyers in the Middle East is just beginning. For Fritz, he has found that the best bet is to build relationships farmer to farmer.

“Farmers are the same anywhere, an Arab farmer’s handshake is as good as ours here,” says Fritz. This is another advantage of operating as a farmer co-operative.

“It has been incredible to see Ontario’s hay industry evolve in the last decades,” says Patricia Ellingwood, who has been working with the Ontario Forage Council since 2012 and took the reins of the from Ray Roberston in 2023. When she started, hay sales were mainly to local farms, but now there is so much going down to the U.S. “Farmers are taking hay production really seriously,” she adds, “and they are pioneers, both competitive and cooperative at the same time.”

These are exciting times for Ontario’s hay export market, thanks to the dedication of those who have developed the technology and worked together to create a new frontier for hay. ◊

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20 The Rural Voice

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February 11, 2025 February 2025 21

By Jeff Tribe

Premium hay comes in small packages

T

he sun is still shining on Roger and Julie Wikkerink’s decision to make Hay Day Premium Pet Hay a diversified part of their family dairy farm’s operation.

“Just trying to increase the revenue per acre,” Roger explained of an initiative which targets pounds of perfect product for rabbits and Guinea pigs, rather than tonnes of roughage for cattle or horses.

Dry hay makes up little of the couple’s 60-head milking herd’s diet, however selling it is a long-standing tradition which they picked up from their Vancouver Island roots and brought to their current Oxford County property. In Ontario, the Wikkerinks have added sheep and goat farmers to their more long-standing base of equine customers.

Each group has its requirements, says Roger. Sheep people, for example, tend to like “fine-stemmed long stuff,” and are as concerned about digestibility as protein content. In contrast, horse people are all over the map, some wanting coarse hay, some fine, some grass, others alfalfa and timothy, or a mix.

“We always say the owners are fussy, not the horses,” Wikkerink smiled.

However, his curiosity about entering the pet market revealed a whole new standard of expectations. In essence,

owners are providing nourishment for treasured animal companions rather than feeding livestock.

“You have to be sensitive to that,” said Roger. “You can feel these are their family members.” Customers regularly email photos, says Julie, one calling from Nova Scotia this year to wish them Merry Christmas.

“It’s got to be just right,” Roger added.

“It’s not like the horses and sheep are getting garbage, all the hay we do is good.

But pet hay has to be perfect.”

Roger’s initial idea morphing into reality began with their own market research, getting an idea of costs and returns, a business model fitting into their existing operation. After that preliminary work, the Wikkerinks hired a marketing company to do additional research, branding and to develop a web-based sales portal.

The decision made start-up costs significantly higher, but they believe without the expertise, they would not have a viable business. The company continues to provide ongoing support including search engine optimization so they are easily found online.

Hay Day launched in April 2021 and is shipped Canadawide, from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island.

“And everywhere in between,” says Julie.

A majority of customers come from large cities

On the other end of the spectrum, Roger and Julie Wikkerink make inroads into the “small hay” market

22 The Rural Voice

Julie Wikkerink with the HayDay box, ready to ship to another happy customer including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal, roughly 75 per cent on a regular subscription plan. Online orders are collected through the day, showing up en masse at 12:01 a.m.

An attendant program lists a series of courier options for each, ranked on both time and price. Roger or Julie make a selection, printing shipping labels and assembling orders for pickup from what can be a daily variety of couriers. An order which comes in on, for example a Tuesday, will typically be shipped out within the day. Ontario and Quebec orders arrive within two days, the trip to small-town Saskatchewan customers may take up to five.

The Hay Day website (gethayday.com) contains a protein, fibre and trace mineral breakdown from an average cut, however looks appear more important to clients.

“It has to be green,” said Roger, a goal reflected in the company hashtag: ‘Green means good.’

Making hay in general is not for the faint of heart, says Wikkerink, who chooses a mixture of orchard grass, meadow fescue and tall fescue over timothy or alfalfa, part personal preference, part market differentiator.

He cuts his crop young for a higher protein count, runs a tedder through windrows two or three times before raking and baling as soon as possible to avoid sun bleaching.

A neighbour bales a portion into

large bales, with Wikkerink doing small squares himself. Gathering, grabbing and bulk tying equipment along with front-end loaders reduce manual labour, allowing 20 15-bale bunches to be loaded on flatbed wagons.

A few small bales at a time are moved from storage to a converted garage for processing. Initially, the Wikkerinks considered purchasing a tiny mini-baler to make pet-marketsized bales.

“But that wasn’t really practical,” said Julie, noting that when the strings are cut, “it’s kind of a mess.”

Some equivalent product is bagged, Roger continued, “but it’s the same thing - you cut the bag open and it’s all over the place.”

Their solution was cardboard boxes in five, ten and 15-pound sizes doubling as storage units, recyclable when emptied. The hands-on approach combines quality control with processing, inspecting for rare but inevitable weeds from their “nospray” approach.

Attention to detail is important in growing, processing and packaging the quality pet owners expect.

“Rightly so,” added Roger, “they are paying a premium and expect a good product.”

Occasionally, a weed gets through.

“You just have to explain that to people,” Roger said. “And usually they’re good with it.” On rare occasions, they will either replace a

box or provide a refund. The personal attention that Hay Day’s small scale allows them enhances the relationship they can have with their customers.

“We’ll give them a phone call,” says Julie, “and they’re like ‘Whoa’, didn’t expect that.’”

Hay Day is not about to replace the family dairy operation in terms of economic impact. They feel an enhanced social media campaign admittedly unfamiliar space - would accelerate progress, but are content with something that’s carrying itself and expanding.

“It’s doing OK,” Roger summed up. “And I think there is an opportunity to grow the business if we really wanted to go in that direction.”

It has also provided an enjoyable opportunity to learn a new skill-set, have fun meeting and following where customers come from, not to mention a sense of accomplishment.

“In a way it’s been really good to see something that was just a thought, to see it come to fruition,” Julie and Roger summed up. “It started as an idea, and here we are.” ◊

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Marcrest has big innovation for small squares From a local shop to a globally-loved brand, Mark Horst has built the equipment that saves the market for small square bales.

(R­L) Lena and Mark Horst with three of their children in the Marcrest business: Keith, Carol and Jonathan, in front of the latest Bale Baron, ready for shipment.

By Mel Luymes

I

f the hay industry is built on trust and relationships, it is easy to see why Mark Horst has been an integral part of growing the hay industry. For years, he brokered hay to the U.S., then designed the Bale Baron and grew the Marcrest brand and manufacturing facility to provide the industry with hay dryers and innovations for small-square baling.

“Be good for your money, and good for your word,” says Mark. He expects the same decency from other people, but also admits that some of his most difficult customers have taught him the best lessons about a good attitude and quality of service.

Mark grew up with a farming background and started working for Frey Welding in 1980, building loaders and later for Horst Welding building wagons and loader attachments. He started as a welder and then got into design and prototyping the HLA attachments. He married in 1986 and bought a farm, growing veal and hogs, then getting into broilers in 1993. By 1998, he left Horst to farm full time.

When his uncle Ivan from Pennsylvania asked him if he would export hay, at first, he turned him down. He didn’t want to become known as a “wheeler dealer,” but when he asked him again, he said he would do it, but on his own terms: as a broker to support a quality product with fair prices. As hay testing and quality standards can be a moving target, Mark instead guarantees the hay on arrival and says that it will likely be fed to livestock within a few weeks.

24 The Rural Voice

As he began to broker Ontario hay into Pennsylvania, he stopped renting out his own 100 acres and started growing hay for small squares for the Florida market. As most farmers had moved to large round bales or large square bales, he was still doing the hand labour involved with loading small squares because that’s what the horse hay market was demanding.

Bundling small bales It was on an overnight haul to Pennsylvania in 2003 that Mark started thinking seriously about the design of a machine that could bundle small squares in a large bale that a tractor would handle.

He shared his ideas with Eli Wideman, a friend with a welding shop near Fordwich. Eli said, “I want to be a part of that,” and began welding the parts for Mark to assemble.

Four years and a lot of tinkering later, they had redesigned the bale bundler unit to have a rotary table feeding system and farmers were wanting to buy even their first few prototypes.

While there were other companies that had the same idea, including Bale Band-It and Arcusin, Mark’s design didn’t infringe on any patents and solved many of the issues in the competitor’s models that were giving farmers grief.

Starting in a global recession, they sold nine Bale Barons in 2007, 15 the next year and 27 in 2009, when they did their first sales overseas. They had a buyer from the Netherlands, another from Belgium, and an exceptionally keen farmer from the U.K. that liked the machine so much

he insisted he become a dealer, and he is to this day. That year there were also a few Bale Baron machines heading to Australia, and Mark dropped what he was doing to spend a few weeks there to help set up his new customers. One of them surprised Mark by organizing a field day for a few dozen growers while he was there, and the orders started coming in.

At first, the small square hay brokers didn’t like the fact that they couldn’t see each bale individually, but over about 15 years they changed their mind. Now they demand small squares be bundled.

As for Mark’s export brokering business, it was about that time that he had to let it go. In the last year before he passed it off, he had arranged 500 trailer loads in the U.S., now sending dairy hay across the Northeastern part of the U.S. Mark had built the business as Marcrest Manufacturing and continued to do the assembly on the farm, adding an additional bay and a few more employees every year as the consistent demand for the Bale

Baron grew. In 2018, Marcrest moved to its current facility on Highway 86, between Listowel and Molesworth, which was nearly triple the size of the shop they had been using. At that time, there were about 35 employees and since then, they have doubled that. Relying on five local welding shops and two fabrication facilities, the parts are assembled at the Marcrest facility; each machine takes about 200-250 hours to complete, and they manufacture about 250 a year. This year, they are also bringing a 45,000 square foot paint shop to the facility.

In 2023, Marcrest celebrated 20 years of the Bale Baron, as well as the 2000th machine sold. Mark remembers early on that someone had come into Eli’s shop and saw the early prototype of the Bale Baron.

They had said if it worked, it would save the small square bale industry. It looks like it has. Even Mark is surprised by the sales, but he is proud that he can support a part of the industry.

“This really opened my eyes to the extent of the small square market,”

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Bale Claw

says Mark. “It’s not going away, so long as we can supply it.” But it isn’t displacing the other types of bales either, because round bales will continue to work for the beef producers that run with one farmer and a tractor. It is just a separate market.

Growing quality hay Before Mark hosted a lunch at Marcrest for the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s postconference tour, the group wanted to see his new hay shed and hay dryer.

The shed had been built in 2020 on a 100- by 200-foot pit silo and can fit 70,000 small squares. He added ventilators to the top, put asphalt over the concrete floor to stop it from wicking moisture from the ground and added bird netting along the rafters and eaves to prevent nesting.

The Marcrest hay dryer has been developed over the last few years and is a different concept than the Chinook hay dryer (see pages 15-16).

This dryer is a chamber that loads 18 bales with a live bottom floor and dries bales with low temperature and high air speeds. Powered by a

The Hydraulic Bale Claw places an emphasis on safety when handling large square bales. The tall frame holds retractable claws which grab the bales holding them securely as they are moved around. Ideal for producers storing and shipping large volumes of hay or straw, the Bale Claw increases the efficiency of large bale handling.

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propane engine, a 140 HP engine drives a four foot centrifugal fan and there is no added heat, just that of the engine that keeps it at 50°C. For bales at about 20 per cent moisture, it can take 18 bales to eight per cent in six hours.

“We over-dry in order to get it all dry” Mark says. Because of this, the dried hay doesn’t need any more time to cool down and can be put directly into storage or a trailer for export. “It is like a fast cure, eliminating the sweating process,” he adds.

“Although the dried hay is drier than normal, it has a softer, more palatable texture than field-dried hay and the animals love it.”

The biggest issue for hay dryers is that the moisture in a bale isn’t often consistent. That consistency can only come from the fieldwork and proper tedding and raking.

To grow premium quality hay, the goal is to reduce the window of time between cutting and baling, he says.

And it can’t be rained on, he stresses.

In the heat of summer, he can bale just 30 hours after cutting and any more drying or curing the hay needs

Bale Baron 5250P pick up (photo: Marcrest Manufacturing)

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26 The Rural Voice

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can be done in the hay dryer.

Because of the low heat from the dryer, the bales in Mark’s hay shed are as green as the day it was cut.

Using a hay preservative is a good idea if a farmer won’t be able to bale the hay in good time. Whether by an acid, inoculant, or microbial mode of action, Mark stresses it is important that the hay doesn’t start to spoil before it is dry. Mark used a propionic acid product before he used the hay dryers although he did have a few concerns from buyers that the bales might have a slight vinegar odour to them.

Next steps for Marcrest Marcrest has diversified from the Bale Baron with bale handling and transport options. As well, they sell a line of both Power Linx and SwingMax dual power hitches that can run two balers from one tractor, using auto-guidance and LiDAR to sense the row of hay.

The next big step is their muchanticipated high-capacity Marcrest 210 baler that can match the speed of their Bale Baron 5250. With 10 demo units out last year and some of them already sold, they began taking orders at the Louisville Farm Show last year for 2025 production.

Weighing in about three times heavier than a conventional baler, the Marcrest baler uses three strings and more power to build a stronger, denser bale. And baling up to 23 U.S. tons per hour, it does it faster than anything else on the market.

Mark is proud that it was his son, Keith Horst, that was the brains behind the baler over the last few years. He has had three of his eight children, Carol, Jonathan and Keith, decide to work at Marcrest and buy in as shareholders to the company.

“I didn’t want to invest all this time and money into a business just to have to sell it to someone else,” says Mark, who is happy to see his children develop and blossom in their roles in the company in much the same as other employees, but says it feels good to keep the business in the family. It feels better knowing that there is a strong future for the company and for his family, employees and for customers as well.◊

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One Thousand Love Letters barracks. John smiles and admitted that he had help from his friends in spicing up the letter.

Betty wrote back a not-as-juicy response and thus began their weekly letters back and forth. They did see each other once more that summer on a double-date to an amusement park on the island near Amherstburg. John went back to the farm and back to school that fall.

Betty continued with her studies and found work at a tourist lodge near the beach in Port Elgin the next summer.

When she next saw John, he had brought along his mother, stepfather and the whole family for a beach day. His mother had invited Betty to the farm, and she took the bus to Wingham to visit them later that summer.

It was another few years of weekly letters, on scraps of paper that they could find, back when stamps were two cents.

After she finished school, she had been working at the Hiram Walker’s distillery, and when she was laid off in January 1953, she came to the farm, where she 75 years after they met at a farm dance, John and Betty Stafford are still learned about farm life and also learned smiling, holding their wedding photo from 1958. (Story by Mel Luymes) to cook. After years of living with food stamp rations, it was a treat to get milk, hile you may know John and Betty Stafford for eggs and meat from the farm. their involvement in countless agricultural, Nine years and a thousand letters later, John and Betty community and sports organizations, we thought were married on June 7, 1958. we’d treat you, dear readers, to their love story, in honour In case you’re wondering, the couple burned all their of Valentine’s Day this month. letters, even the “juicy” one, at the request of John’s John Stafford is the sixth generation of Staffords on a mother, in order to protect some family secrets.

100-acre farm just north of Wroxeter. He lived his entire John’s mother passed away in 1959, without getting to life there, save for a few short weeks when he was 15 years meet any of her grandchildren. Leslie was born later in old and joined an asparagus picking crew near Harrow in 1959, Lori in 1960, and William 1961; the “three musty 1949. He was able to skip his June exams at the Winghamsteers” as John called them. They were followed by Robert Wroxeter Continuation School that year in time to get peak in 1965. That’s when John says they figured out what was season, picking 10-12 hours a day, for five cents a basket, causing all the children. They had one more, Cheryl, in likely averaging $12 on a good week.

1967, who they called their Centennial project.

Betty was only a few months older and was attending Back in 1949, little did they know that their first steps Walkerville Collegiate in Windsor that year. She was a city away from home would lead to the adventure of their girl and had to write her exams before she eagerly left lifetime. The couple have taken their motorhome to explore home for her first real job. She went 33 miles down the North America, and have seen Europe, Southern Africa, road, staying in a barracks with fellow teenaged girls and China, South America. And they keep in touch with picking beans, peaches and tomatoes in the Ontario Farm Stanley Zagrodney.

Service Force as a Farmerette in the summer of 1949. She John (also nicknamed Jack) worked closely with the had some experience with fruits and vegetables from her OFA and when his sons started taking on more farmwork, mother’s Victory Garden in the city.

John was able to become active on several more boards. As A dance had been arranged at the girls’ barracks one for Betty, she became the first female Director of the Huron evening to welcome a new busload of girls that never did Federation of Agriculture in 1970. Their son Willy is now end up arriving, recalls Betty. John remembers hitchhiking the seventh generation on the farm. the 30 miles to the dance with his friends. It was his friend, John and Betty now have 12 grandchildren and 17 greatStanley Zagrodney, from Kapuskasing, that first danced grandchildren. John gestures to all their photographs along with Betty that night, but when Betty asked for an the mantle, calling them his “bug collection,” with a smile. introduction to John, he complied. John and Betty danced As this marks 75 years of their love story, they say the together the rest of the evening. secret is patience, a lot of give-and-take, and a common One week later, a letter arrived at the barracks for Betty. love of adventure. Likely a lot of laughter as well. Their “It was a really juicy letter,” is all Betty would say, with next trip is Morocco this May with their two daughters and a wink, and she read it, giggling with her friends in the sons-in-law. ◊

W

February 2025 29

Carolyn’s Recipes Carolyn Crawford is a farmer, culinary historian and proud grandma living near Caledon.

Remedies and “old wives’ tales” When I was preparing my presentation for the Culinary Historians of Canada’s trip to Vimy 100 back in 2017, one of the topics was care for the injured soldiers of WWI back on the home front. In the theatre of war, when split decisions needed to be made, those in the medical field learned quickly what did not work. I read about many techniques that nursing sisters applied in caring for their soldier patients.

How things have changed since then! Or have they? Back then discoveries were made about various remedies, and some were based on science and others were all in their heads. A remedy is defined by Dictionary.com as “something that cures or relieves a disease or bodily disorder; a healing medicine, application, or treatment”.

Sometimes ‘relieves’ is the operative word.

I have often read through old cookbooks and have come across sections on “Invalid Cookery”. Even the word invalid makes me cringe. In reading further, I think with the lack of nutrients alone, no wonder they died! Forced to stay in bed, patients were subjected to blood letting, mustard plasters or goose grease applied to the chest, and served food items such as gruel (watered down oatmeal), beef tea (ok this one has some goodness), albumen (egg white and water), castor oil, calves’ foot jelly (no spices), and barley water— there was not much to cheer about at meal time! If you had a cold, you might have received a shot of brandy (yay!). Another treat might have been

30 The Rural Voice

something citrus or a sweet dessert (with some jam) like Junket (Meh!).

You can still find Junket in some grocery stores. The rennet in Junket was thought to aid digestion.

A lot of remedies and “old wives” tales could do as much harm as good.

It is the same today. Social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok are laden with remedies from Chinese medicine, from ancestors, users of essential oils, herbalists, natural practitioners, and practicing physicians. With remedies, using your best judgement should prevail.

Please do not take what you see here as a 100% cure or even something that will be safe for you personally to consume! Many natural remedies contain ingredients that may conflict with medication you take. Do your research before you try something new. Again, my father’s voice in my head says, “A word to the wise is sufficient!”

A cottage friend of mine, Penny Dearden, says her cough remedy is second to none. She used to purchase ginger turmeric honey online from a company in BC but ran out and tinkered with making her own blend.

Penny’s Cough Remedy 1 cup honey (I like to use Cinnamon Honey from Ackroyd’s who sell their own harvested honey products at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market.)

1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tbsp ginger 2 tbsp turmeric Warm up the honey. Add spices and stir in by hand. Store in a small Mason jar at room temperature. Take 1 or 2 tsp morning and night. Note: You will need to brush your teeth and use mouthwash after consuming

it because of the turmeric ‘yellowing’ your tongue and teeth. Many people say that if you add a pinch of black pepper to any mixture containing turmeric, it enhances the healing properties of the turmeric.

This next recipe comes from our new editor, Mel Luymes. She says it works so well that she now makes this every winter and drinks a hot cup of it whenever she feels a cold coming on. Works every time, she says.

Mel’s Fire Cider In a 2-litre mason jar, add all the ingredients: 4 jalapeños, sliced 1 garlic bulb / 6 large cloves, peeled & chopped 1 large onion, peeled & chopped 1 large knob of ginger, peeled & grated ½ fresh horseradish, peeled & grated - this will clear your sinuses!!

3 fingers of turmeric, peeled & grated (or use powder) 1 lemon, sliced 1 orange, sliced 2 sticks of cinnamon Sprigs of thyme, rosemary, cloves or other herbs

After a few years, Mel found the best way to grate horseradish

Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar (3-4 cups) to cover the ingredients, and place parchment paper over the rim before putting on the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal lid (or use a plastic lid.)

Store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, hopefully remembering to shake the jar daily.

After 4 weeks, strain through a cheesecloth and the fire cider will keep for up to a year on the shelf, if you don’t drink it before then, that is.

Of course you can always take this as a shot if you dare, but to drink it comfortably, mix the fire cider with plenty of honey and hot water to taste. It actually tastes OK depending how much honey you use.

When all else fails when you have a cold, one of the best remedies is a nice piping hot bowl of chicken soup.

I think there’s a reason people say, “Chicken soup is for your soul!” This one is from the Chicken Farmers of Canada website as developed by Nancy Guppy, RD, MHSc.

Old Fashioned Chicken Soup 2 chicken legs and back, large 12 cups cold water 1/8 tsp turmeric, ground (optional) 1 onion, large 2 stalks celery, medium (I would include leaves) 2 carrots, medium 3 cloves garlic 2 cups green cabbage, chopped 2 cups potatoes, with skin, diced 1 cup whole wheat egg white noodles 2 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground ½ tsp oregano, dried ½ tsp basil, dried ½ tsp sugar ¼ cup parsley, fresh, chopped, for

garnish Remove skin from chicken legs.

Add to large soup pot that has a tightfitting lid. Pour cold water over and add the turmeric. Prepare soup vegetables. Chop onion, slice celery and carrots, mince garlic, shred cabbage, and dice potatoes. Add to soup pot. Cover and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cool, remove meat from bones. Discard

bones, cut meat into bite-sized pieces, and add back to the soup pot. Stir in egg noodles or dry pasta noodles of your choice. (I like to pre-cook my pasta as I feel it removes much of the liquid in a soup.) Season broth with salt, pepper, dried oregano, basil, and sugar. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes. To serve, garnish with fresh minced parsley.

As I write this, I find myself needing a cold remedy. To all readers, take care of yourselves!

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February 2025 31

Gardening Rhea Hamilton­ Seeger is a skilled cook and gardener who lives in Goderich.

Thoughts from my winter reading list!

Winter days are meant for reading and dreaming, although my friend Anita will delightfully point out– it is also a time to get your grow lights cleaned up and start those seeds!

This winter, my reading included catching up on news stories. One of the big news items I’ve just read is that the city of Stratford is adopting the Stratford Invasive Plant Plan and setting up management training for its staff. With the lovely Avon River flowing through its city, it makes sense to protect the land and water from invasive plants.

One of the main plants on this list is phragmites. We only have to look along our roadways to see it, the tall pampas-like grass that has taken over wetlands along roadways and then slipped into our coastal areas. It has been described as Canada’s worst invasive plant by scientists at

32 The Rural Voice

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. If you have not had the opportunity to get up really close to a patch of phragmites, I’ll tell you. It is so dense that waterfowl cannot access the water. Even turtles, frogs, and snakes are turned back. In our immediate area, I see great swaths of phragmites on private land and wonder if they are aware of the impact this plant has. Each plant produces 2,000+ seeds which enables it to be blown to new areas. It also spreads underground through rhizomes which basically extend a wall around and through our wetlands and coastal areas.

So where does one turn for help?

Green Shovels Collaborative is a collaboration of Ducks Unlimited Canada, Invasive Species Centre, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council. They do more than simply talk about the problems; they have identified areas of concern and then get to work organizing partners and funding to tackle phragmites. This leads to jobs, community betterment and solutions for invasive Phragmites.

Some of the other plants on Stratford’s invasive list are ones we are familiar with: aegopodium podadraria (goutweed), iris pseuacorus (yellow iris), alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard),

concallaria majalis (lily of the valley), hesperis matronalis (dame’s rocket), impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam), vinca minor (periwinkle), berberis thunbergi (Japanese barberry), and reynoutria japonica (Japanese knotweed) are just a few.

I will readily admit I planted a lot of things at the farm that should not have been introduced, or I simply let plants grow that I thought were supposed to be there. Think of the attractive echium vulgare (viper’s bugloss). It has arching stems of small bright blue tubular flowers with mauve tints. Picture the blue of its herbal cousin, borage officinalis (borage). I let the viper grow along our wee pond and despite it having a tap root it was fortunately shortlived. It is usually seen along dry, gravel areas, roadsides and rarely found in cultivated fields.

I have discovered Japanese knotweed sneaking along our fence and roots hiding under large decorative rocks. I have been digging but it only takes a wee nub of unnoticed root to let it take off again.

With a smaller space I am being more vigilant as I learn more.

Also on the reading list was These Trees Tell a Story: The Art of Reading Landscapes by Noah Charney. Noah takes the reader on a variety of walks to show them how to see the environment as more than a forest or open meadow. So much history of an area can be learned by noting more than trees and plant species. He walks us along the trail, poking at underlying geology and soil types. How did it all get here?

What makes up the soil and how does it dictate/invite vegetation? The biology of an area is complex and has evolved over time. Noah dives into geology, wildlife biology, soil processes, and evolution. It is easy to get right into his writing, and he inspires the reader to look at the landscape around us with new eyes.

For example, Charney explores older areas of forests that include fallen trees and the bowls or pits that are created over time to give a rolling

aspect to a forest. In those nutrientrich bowls are tree seedlings, and possibly overwintering box turtles and snakes, among other amphibians.

We won’t see this undulating ground in more recently cleared areas of a forest. A well crafted, and yes very interesting book, worth the read.

I stumbled upon another book I will be needing to buy for my resource library: The Living Landscape, by Richard Darke and Doug Tallamy. This book covers biodiversity and how to build stability within food webs in a garden. I have often talked about integrating native plants into our gardens without sacrificing all our non-native favourites so this gave me ideas to integrate more highfunctioning native plants into our garden. I like the theory and have seen positive results in our garden but I still want to see more design ideas to improve our yard. So, yes, this book is on order from my local bookseller.

Reading is always a great way to learn and pass the winter months and I will keep you posted with what I discover. Happy reading! ◊

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February 2025 33

History Robin Hilborn is a local author and member of the the Bruce County Historical Society

A century ago, Bruce County wildfires devastate towns In January 2025 wildfires, driven by hurricane-force winds, invaded Los Angeles, destroying over 17,000 structures.

Over a century ago towns in Bruce County suffered similar, if much smaller, destruction.

The Southampton fire of 1886 consumed over 50 buildings on High Street. The 1888 fire in Chesley destroyed 46 businesses on the main street. The same year, in Ripley—27 buildings razed on Queen and Huron streets.

Fires in downtown Walkerton and Tiverton were equally destructive.

Repeatedly in the late 19th century, huge fires gutted the business sections of Bruce County towns. The pattern repeated: wooden buildings were built close together and flames driven by strong winds leapt from one building to the next.

The most devastating fire in Southampton history struck on Nov. 4, 1886. It started in a building just

north of the Walker House. Driven by a fierce wind, the flames jumped Grosvenor St. to the hotel opposite and spread eastward from building to building for two blocks along the north side of High St., finally burning the Anglican Church. The south side of High was untouched. The inferno devoured over 50 buildings, over 30 families were made homeless and the loss was at least $60,000. Towns all over Ontario collected $8,000 in aid, along with blankets, clothing and food. During the great fire, train conductor Lillies entered a burning house and at great risk to himself saved a child in its cradle from being burnt to death.

The county town, Walkerton, was not spared. The burning of the Blair foundry in 1871 had persuaded the townspeople to prevent future disasters by buying a hand-operated fire engine from the town of Brantford. It was, however, unable to douse the big fire of May 28, 1877.

Starting in the early afternoon in a stable and driven by a high wind, the fire swept over the business section, destroying 42 buildings. Undaunted, the citizens set to work and replaced the losses with more substantial buildings.

On June 9, 1888 occurred the great fire of Chesley, which destroyed most of the downtown core. Historian Bruce Krug interviewed Charles Smellie of Conc. 2, Elderslie in 1951, who said he saw Main St. all ablaze, both sides of the street burning. He said that it was humorous yet pathetic

Main St. in Chesley after the 1888 fire, looking north. Courtesy of Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, A2014.003.K­70­06­03 34 The Rural Voice

to see people running about with only a few clothes to cover them, such as a pair of trousers and with their faces and arms covered with black soot.

In 1948 Krug interviewed C.J. Halliday of Chesley, who was 12 at the time of the fire. After the fire C.J. and his family dug in the ruins of their house and salvaged some coins from their penny bank. In some of the stores the coins from the tills were all melted together. Kegs of nails were melted together.

The fire destroyed 46 businesses on the main street. Afterward the Chesley Fire Brigade was formed and the village bought a steam-powered fire engine. The destroyed wooden structures were replaced by brick and stone buildings and Chesley bounced back.

Fire attacked Ripley on July 13, 1888. Flames were seen pouring out of James McLeod’s hardware store.

From there a strong wind blew the flames to adjoining homes and businesses. Upwards of 100 men with pails endeavoured to put out the fire, but in vain. Buildings on both sides of Queen Street burned one after another, followed by more on Huron Street. In all about 27 buildings were destroyed, for a loss of about $50,000.

In the fall of 1897 an extensive fire destroyed most of the shops in the business section of Tiverton. In view of this severe loss, the county council refunded to the village the amount of the county rates for that year.

The Bruce Municipal Telephone System opened in 1911. From a switchboard in Underwood trunk lines ran to Tiverton and Kincardine, and to Port Elgin and Paisley. There could be up to 17 phones on the same line. Each person on a party line would know a call was for them by a distinctive combination of long and short rings. A continuous ring, however, meant there was a fire in the area. (BMTS told people not to listen in on the party line; the injunction was widely ignored.)

Most places have survived by rebuilding their burnt-out business sections, but in one instance a massive fire wiped out two entire towns.

At Baie du Dore in Bruce township two villages grew side by side on the lake, Malta and Port Bruce. Malta was surveyed in 1856

by Capt. Alexander Murray McGregor, and soon gained a gristmill, a sawmill, a post office and a population of 125. Next door, and in the same year, George Butchart established Port Bruce and opened a hotel. Its population grew to 150.

Both villages prospered until the fateful day, July 4, 1862, when a fire

fanned by high winds wiped out both villages, leaving only a few houses.

The residents lost everything and had no desire to rebuild. As a result, businesses and most of the population of the two villages moved to Underwood or Inverhuron.

These examples of destructive fires come from the book “The Bruce,” published by the Bruce County Historical Society. ◊

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February 2025 35

Markets Scott Krakar is a Grain Merchandiser with LAC Inc., Hyde Park, 519­473­9333

Change is in the air for 2025 2025 is shaping up to be rather eventful. Early on, the new year has brought with it an extreme amount of uncertainty both in the U.S. and here in Canada.

Since the U.S. election, there are new announcements and statements coming from the president-elect. We already know he likes to speak just for the effect, and you can read it in his own words. In his book, written in 1987, “Trump: The Art of the Deal,” he writes, “The final key to the way I promote is bravado. I play to people’s fantasies. People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those

36 The Rural Voice

who do. That’s why a little hyperbole never hurts.”

And in regards to his many statements to the press, he writes, “One thing I’ve learned about the press is that they’re always hungry for a good story, and the more sensational the better. It’s in the nature of the job, and I understand that. The point is that if you are a little different, or a little outrageous, or if you do things that are bold or controversial, the press is going to write about you. I’ve always done things a little differently, I don’t mind controversy, and my deals tend to be somewhat ambitious. Also, I achieved a lot when I was very young, and I chose to live in a certain style. The result is that the press has always wanted to write about me.”

Knowing these things from his own words and written long ago, may lead many to suspect that there is more bluster presented in his words than actual policy pronouncements.

However, I’m not too sure that we can brush off some of his claims as just idle chatter. It is only prudent to prepare for a “what if” scenario, even if it may never come.

The abundantly clear threat to Canada is his proposal of a 25 per cent import tariff for goods shipped from Canada to the U.S. This threat has not only been stated, but repeated many times by the incoming president. To Canadian agricultural producers, this is a significant threat.

Such a sizable tariff, if applied to Canadian agricultural goods, would have an immediate effect of making our Canadian products uneconomical for U.S. buyers and processors. Not only do we ship raw grains to the U.S., but we also ship a large amount of livestock and processed grains and oilseeds, flour and soybean oil for example.

The result of this proposed tariff would be an immediate decline in the value of Canadian farm gate revenues, as prices would need to reflect the tariff rates’ market shock.

Prices in Canada would decline and prices in the U.S. would increase.

Under this scenario, farmers in Canada would absolutely carry a significant weight of the tariff’s impact. The bottom line would be negatively affected at a time when cash cropping is difficult enough.

In the short run, however, Canadian growers aren’t the only ones who would be affected. U.S. buyers and consumers would see inflationary prices. Beef is a good example. Canada exports 51 per cent of the beef and cattle produced here and the U.S. is Canada’s biggest buyer by far, purchasing about 75 per cent of the 1.1 billion pounds exported every year. Currently beef prices in the U.S. are already extremely high, and the U.S. media often talk about the increased cost of food. Increasing the cost of Canadian cattle imports means the U.S. consumer will see even higher prices.

Hopefully the tariff threat is just a threat and Canadian negotiators in Ottawa can remind their U.S. counterparts that no one wins in these types of trade disputes.

But Canada has its own political problems in Ottawa because Prime Minister Trudeau has no friends in the Trump administration. He also has little support within Canada and even amongst the Liberal party. He has resigned as leader of the Liberal party, but remains in the Prime Minister position, as a sort of lame

duck awaiting a new leader of the Liberal party to be announced on March 9. In the meantime, while the Liberals sort out their leadership issue, Canadian Parliament is prorogued until March 24.

While Parliament is on pause, President Trump will be taking office January 20 and it seems he will be coming out of the gate to promote his agenda. Without strong leadership at this time, the negotiating position of Canada does not seem favorable. Not only will we have an unpopular government negotiating with a U.S. administration with drastically different worldviews, but we also have no question period in the House of Commons; and this means that opposition parties cannot attempt to bring transparency and accountability to the ruling party. At a time when Canada appears to need all parties at the table to present a united front, there is no one invited to the table.

Pollsters indicate Mr. Poilievre will win a majority government as early as this May, if there is a vote of no confidence in the House once it resumes. Time will tell what change is in the air. ◊

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February 2025 37

Woodlots Donna Lacey is a forester with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

Hay cutting and Species at Risk Many years ago, a very wise person gave me the advice of ensuring that you know two things and know them very well. When you find yourself in a conversation you know little about with a group of people, steer the conversation towards one of those two things. This is exactly what I did when Mel Luymes started gushing to me about hay, as I do not know very much about hay. When I hear about the importance of hay as a crop, I think about the addition of bobolinks and meadowlarks to the Species at Risk in Ontario List.

For me, bobolinks and Eastern meadowlarks are still commonly seen while I am out during the tree planting season every spring.

Bobolinks are a medium-sized bird (somewhere between a starling and a sparrow) that are very easy to identify as their head colouring reminds me of those 1970s ski-doo helmets that

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were bright yellow. I am sure I am showing my age here and many younger people will have no idea what I am describing, but that is a very easy way to remember this bird's appearance. While most of the male bobolink’s body is black, there is some white on its rump and wings, and a patch of yellow on its nape and back of its head. Their song is very busy and they just keep chattering their bubbly sound while not being disturbed. I typically hear them well before I see them, as they are usually in the cover of vegetation. Popular vegetation choice is grasslands which of course includes hay fields, as well as meadows and fallow land.

According to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) website, bobolinks were added to the Species at Risk in Ontario List (SARO) in 2010. The SARO lists bobolinks as threatened. The MECP defines threatened as “the species that lives in the wild in Ontario, is not endangered, but is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.”

Bobolinks have one of the longest migrations of any songbird; they go to South America for the winter and come up north here to breed. Because they nest in long grasses until midJuly, delaying hay cutting is the most common way to protect them. In other countries, agencies are trying to

protect them from pesticides and other bird control measures. I find this interesting; it is important to remember that, in Ontario, we are not the only humans that affect the populations of migrating birds, we need to do what we can, but we also need to encourage others to find alternative methods of farming to save this species.

Eastern meadowlarks are bigger than bobolinks, I see them as a little larger than a starling. These birds are quite pretty with a bright yellow breast that has a black ‘V’ on it like one of those olden-day scarves from Shakespeare or in courtrooms. Their backs are streaky brown and black.

Their song is beautiful, very flutelike but quite short. I most often see them singing on fenceposts at roadsides.

I’ll admit it doesn’t take a lot of skill to see birds of this size, bright yellow and singing on a fencepost. However, spotting them when down in the grass and other vegetation is quite challenging as their streaky backs camouflage them very well.

According to the MECP website, Eastern meadowlarks were added to SARO in 2012 and they are also listed as threatened. I think the threatened category can be interpreted that we still have a chance to ensure that we keep this species around.

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38 The Rural Voice

including roadsides. As such it is threatened by development, reforestation, pesticides, and farming practices. That is correct, I said this bird’s habitat is threatened by tree planting. Obviously, as trees grow, they shade out the herbaceous vegetation and thereby remove the space as habitat for species that feed on those plants. It is however very important to note (according to the MECP website) that these birds are also preyed upon by many creatures including cats, dogs, foxes, coyotes, snakes, skunks, raccoons, and other mammals. There are many factors influencing the Eastern meadowlark population here in Ontario, some of which we have little control over; however, it is important to note that if you would like to lower the risk of destroying an Eastern meadowlark nest during the nesting period, that period is between May and August.

When thinking about the Eastern meadowlark habitat loss through tree planting, I think it is important to remember that we often have meadows or grassy regenerating fields in the area of planting. Also, while developing planting plans, if there aren’t any meadows nearby, one can be incorporated into the plan.

Many times, small pockets of dieback within a planting will offer these grassy areas for a couple of decades, until the surviving trees shade them out.

I really enjoy birds and believe that they are a great indicator of the health of an ecosystem. I believe that I am still seeing a healthy population of bobolinks and Eastern meadowlarks as we have plenty of suitable habitats for them to feed and raise their young in.

If you are interested in these birds, or any other species of birds, a great source of information is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, or any member of the local Field Naturalists group.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website has everything that you need to know about the Species at Risk in Ontario List including the habitat protections in-place for each species. ◊

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February 2025 39

ɐ$0

Agrilaw John D. Goudy is a partner in Scott Petrie LLP Law Firm, and also farms north of London.

Resulting Trusts Part 2: Joint Tenancy and Estate Planning Last month’s article explored the legal concepts of resulting trusts and beneficial ownership of land. There is a presumption that a “resulting trust” arises when property is held in the name of a party who provided no value for it. The “legal owner” in whose name the property is held is considered to hold the property in trust for the true “beneficial owner” who actually did provide the value by

which the property was acquired.

Prime examples of circumstances giving rise to resulting trusts are where a parent provides the purchase money for a property held in the name of an adult child or where the parent adds the child to title for no consideration. The presumption of a resulting trust is rebuttable. The child could demonstrate, for instance, that the transfer of the property interest was intended as an outright gift by the parent.

This month’s article is Part 2, because it just so happens that the Ontario Court of Appeal decided a case last December dealing with questions of beneficial ownership and resulting trusts in the context of estate planning that is worthy of attention. In his reasons for the initial application decision that led to the appeal heard in the Court of Appeal, Justice Charney of the Superior Court of Justice had noted that the case was “a cautionary tale for persons who might be tempted to use joint tenancy as an estate planning mechanism to avoid the payment of probate fees.”

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The case involved the residence of a Mr. J. that he had purchased in 2011 using the proceeds from the sale of another property that he had previously owned jointly with his former partner, Mr. T. Mr. J. and Mr. T. had owned the other property as “joint tenants”, meaning that if one owner died, the other would receive the deceased owner’s interest by right of survivorship without the property interest entering the deceased owner’s estate and without requiring the payment of estate taxes or “probate fees”. Mr. T. passed away and Mr. J. became the sole owner of the property by right of survivorship.

Mr. J. sold that property and used the proceeds to buy his new residence.

Mr. J. and Mr. T. had also made mirror wills in which they both named the other as sole beneficiary of their respective estates and named Mr. T.’s great-niece, Ms. R., as their alternate beneficiary. Although the will didn’t apply to the property that was sold by Mr. J. (because Mr. J. and Mr. T. had owned the property as joint tenants), it was a relevant part of the factual background to the court case. The year after he purchased his new residence, Mr. J. added Ms. R. to the title to his new residential property as a joint tenant. Ms. R. didn’t live in the residence, but she would become the sole owner of the residence if Mr. J. predeceased her (similar to the way in which Ms. R. had been named as alternate beneficiary in the mirror wills made

by Mr. T. and Mr. J.) and no probate fees would be payable.

Unfortunately, the relationship between Mr. J. and Ms. R broke down. Based on a conversation with Ms. R.’s husband, Mr. J. came to believe that Ms. R had plans to sell Mr. J.’s residence and to buy another property where she and her husband and Mr. J. could live together. In response, Mr. J. instructed his lawyer to “sever” the joint tenancy. A transfer was registered by which Mr. J. conveyed his interest in the property to himself, with the result that he and Ms. R. were now coowners of the property as “tenants in common” and not joint tenants. Mr. J. and Ms. R. then each held separate 50% interests in the property.

Justice Charney in the Superior Court and the Court of Appeal on appeal were tasked with determining whether Mr. J. had the right to sever the joint tenancy and what ownership situation currently exists. Justice Charney found that Mr. J.’s transfer of an interest in his residence to Ms. R. involved a gift only of the right of survivorship. Otherwise, Ms. R. held her interest in the property in trust for Mr. J. by way of resulting trust.

Justice Charney also found that Mr. J. was entitled to sever the joint tenancy.

The Court of Appeal agreed with Justice Charney’s decision on these points.

However, the Court of Appeal did not agree with Justice Charney’s depiction of the resulting ownership situation. Justice Charney’s opinion was that the right of survivorship that Mr. J. had gifted to Ms. R. still remained in effect as to a 50% interest in the property. Mr. J. held a 50% interest as tenant in common in the property free and clear of any right of survivorship for Ms. R. Ms. R. held a 50% interest as tenant in common in trust for Mr. J., but with a right of survivorship so that she would take over full legal and beneficial ownership of that 50% interest when Mr. J. died (if he still owned the property by then). The Court of Appeal found instead that any right of survivorship disappeared when the joint tenancy was severed. It could not continue to attach to the 50% interest that was held in the name of Ms. R. By severing the joint tenancy, Mr. J. had effectively revoked the entirety of his gift of a right of survivorship, something that he was entitled to do while he was still alive.

I thank our law student Lauryn Miller for her assistance in preparing this article. ◊ ______________________________ John D. Goudy’s law practice includes real property and environmental litigation, expropriation law, energy regulation, and regulatory offences. Agrilaw provides information of interest to the farming community, not legal advice.

Readers should consult a legal professional about their particular circumstance.

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February 2025 41

People

• By Gary West •

Listowel Ag Society’s “Field of Dreams” campaign If anyone has watched movies over the last decade or two, one of the favourites of baseball fans and corn farmers alike was Kevin Costner in “Field of Dreams.” Yes, it did leave much to a person's imagination, of building a championship baseball team with stars from the past, all in a corn field.

That field could have been near Listowel in 2024.

The movie was the impetus for the directors of the Listowel Agricultural Society to raise money for local health care and doctor recruitment.

And it went from a dream, to reality.

A farmer near Listowel agreed to rent out a field of 23 acres, and locals in turn rented one acre and grew a crop of corn with all the seed, fertilizer and other inputs donated.

The planting and harvesting was also supplied by local farmers at no cost.

After the crop was harvested, lots of 500 bushels were auctioned off to the highest bidder. As well, there were more for auction: field tile, custom farm work, dinners, theatre tickets.

All in all, they raised $120,000 with 100% of the proceeds going to doctor recruitment at Listowel and area hospitals.

According to Agricultural Society director and local farmer, Ralph Conneybeare, “the area has recruited 10 physicians over the last 8 years,” which he says has exceeded expectations for their small rural Ontario town.

Other projects that the Ag Society have fundraised for include improvements and installation of new accessible washrooms in the Listowel Agricultural Hall, kitchen upgrades,

and new grandstands at the nearby fairgrounds.

Also here comes more good news.

Just recently, Farm Credit Canada through their Agri-Spirit fund to support rural capital projects, has earmarked $22,000 to the Listowel Agricultural Society. According to its directors, this will be used to install a permanent standby generator for the Listowel Agricultural Hall. Good job to all the directors! ◊

November 29 2024 ­ the committee who organized and helped raise $120,000 for doctor recruitment for the Listowel area. L­R Jim Robinson, Ralph Coneybeare, Vince Judge, Robin Spence Haffner, Dr.Barb Matthews, Dr. Ian Cameron, Jan McKague­ Weishar, Lexi Johnston and Carolyn van der Heiden

Volunteers give old tractor a new life

L­ R: Murray Gingerich, Joe Detzler, Gid Jantzi, John Mohr (President), John Schyff, and Wayne Gerber. Missing: Bob Schlotzhauer and Calvin Schmidt (who took the photo!)

42 The Rural Voice

There are not many groups that can volunteer the way the N.E.A.T. members can, to make an old tractor look new again.

North Easthope Antique Club (N.E.A.T) is fixing up this Massey-Ferguson “35” diesel, shown without its working clothes, at the Calvin Schmidt shop near Wellesley. This is a look at the donated tractor as it is transformed into what will look and run like a brand new tractor off the assembly line, The working members are all either mechanics or mechanically minded, are busy this winter stripping down the popular model, sold new in the 60s. Leonard Schwartzentruber from Baden, donated the tractor to the club and once the total refurbishment is complete, it will be sold to the highest bidder at this June’s Mennonite Relief (MCC) sale in New Hamburg. ◊

Sylvite Donates $30,000 to Local Food Banks

Press Releases

Perth Ag Wall of Fame

Sylvite is feeling fortunate to The Stratford Perth Museum continue its commitment to food Agriculture Wall of Fame is seeking security with an annual donation to nominees (by February 28) for local food banks across Ontario consideration for the 2025 honourees. this holiday season. This year’s The Wall of Fame is open to current $30,000 contribution brings the or former residents of Perth County company’s total donations over the who have made outstanding past five years to $130,000. A contributions to agriculture in Perth milestone that highlights Sylvite’s County. The Wall of Fame marks its strong connections to the 10th anniversary in 2025 and has communities it operates in and recognized the contributions of 24 underscores the company’s people from Perth County who have dedication to providing critical made remarkable contributions to support to their neighbours in agriculture in the County. need.

Go to stratfordperthmuseum.ca to Sylvite’s $30,000 donation is distributed across the communities nominate someone, call the Museum where they operate, ensuring the or drop in. The new names on the funds make a meaningful impact Wall of Fame are announced at the Donation to the Huron County Food Bank directly within the areas we call Stratford Rotary Club’s Rural-Urban from the Hensall location home. With 15 locations across the Dinner Thursday March 27, 2025.

Southwestern and Central regions of Ontario, Sylvite is actively helping to address the growing need for food 217$5Ζ2 3(67Ζ&Ζ'( assistance. According to Feed Ontario, over one million people, including ('8&$7Ζ21 352*5$0 adults, children, and seniors, visited

food banks in the past year.

“Supporting our neighbors is a RQOLQH RU LQ SHUVRQ FRXUVHV responsibility we take seriously, especially during the holiday season,”

says Sylvite CEO, Hugh Loomans.

“Food security affects so many UFRSHS#XRJXHOSK FD working families, and we hope this year’s donation makes a meaningful ZZZ RSHS FD impact. Over five years, we’ve contributed $130,000 because these resources are vital for our neighbors, and food banks rely on support like this to sustain their efforts.”

This milestone coincides with Sylvite being recognized in November as a regional winner in the WinField Raise the Barn national contest. The company secured $10,000 for the Kids Feeding Kids Challenge, a program where students earn meals for their • Agricultural and Domestic peers through social good challenges.

Water Wells This funding will sponsor • Well Cleanouts approximately 1,000 meals for children in Sylvite’s retail • Pump Testing communities.

• Camera Inspection This accomplishment is a true reflection of Sylvite’s motto, Working • Irrigation Wells together, growing together—a principle that extends beyond the industries they serve to the communities they aim to strengthen. It TEESWATER, ON embodies the power of collective mike@steffenwelldrilling.ca effort and the unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact.

STEFFEN WELL DRILLING

519-531-0355

February 2025 43

Fuel Tank, Allis Chalmers, 75 gallon .................................$375.

Ice Trigg Chains, size 18.4x34..................................pair $975.

Snowblower 7 ft., heavy gear box, manual shute......... $1,250.

13.6 x 26 Rear Tractor Chains, good for ice, snow ..........$375.

LD37 between fenders........$1,650.

Year Round Tractor Cab,S good Oglass, Rear Tractor Chains, 16.9x30 in. or 28 .....................pair $475.

Tube-style Hay Elevator, 110 motor, 20 ft., for small bales ... $750.

Tractor Chains, 16.9x30, web-style .......................... pair $575.

Corm Grinder, McKee corn hog, 3PH, 540 PTO, good for cracking corn for silo filling, hopper ...................$2,200.

13.6, 14.9 x 38 Tractor Chains, heavier links ...................$475.

Grain Auger, 29 ftl, hopper bottom, 4 inch, 1HP, 110 motor....$950.

Bush Tractor Chains, 13.6 x 2426, big links..............pair $475.

Allied 28 ft., Hay Elevator, tube-style, 110 motor.............$950.

Round Bale Spear, bucket mount with turn buckle ...........$475.

Material Bucket, 50 inch, round back, weld-on your brackets..$575.

Hay Bine Rolls for NHS 488, 102 long.................pair $950.

LD O479, Barn Fan, 24 inch, with outside flap, 110 220 motor, stored inside ..$375.

JD Thrower, 30 model with pump, fits 24T, 336, etc. .....$1,450.

Vicon Grain Auger, 5 inch, 110 motor, 12 ft., good shape ......$575.

B&L Grain Aerator, screw in style, 110 motor, 12 inch fan .....$575.

New Holland Mix Mill with S rollerOmill, 540 PTO, model 353 ......$6,700.

LD Vermeer 405H Round Baler, hyd. tie, new teeth and bands $4,750.

International Tractor Pulley, 6 wide, 10 high, 6 splines.....$40.

John Deere 7000 Corn Planter Hoppers, with lids ........each $125.

Grass Seed Box, International, 16 run, stored inside........$575.

Grass Seed Box, Massey Ferguson 33, 15 run stored inside..$575.

Fanning Mill Grain Cleaner, 24 inch, 110 motor, stored inside ......$575.

MF 33 Seed Drill, 17 run, double disc, grain only, packer on back.......$1,650.

Buzz Saw, 3PH, 540PTO, with cutting table, good shape.....$1,250.

Tractor 11-12 Tire Chains, 12 in.x 26........................pair $375.

New Trailer Fenders, 8 wide 61 long, stored inside..........$375.

Country Quilting

CORNER

CRAFTER’S

EQUIPMENT SPECIALS

Piece a quilt you love, we can quilt it! ** Custom Machine Quilting ** For the quilting enthusiasts, we have everything you need.

Cottons, flannels, fleece, wools, books, patterns 84849 Ethel Line, Brussels, ON

519-887-9456

www.countryquilting.ca

Fabrics, Quilts & Much More

Fabric, Quilting Supplies, Ready & Custom Made Quilts

Over 2,000 bolts of fabric 519-392-6046

519-625-8435 heather@thequiltplace.ca www.thequiltplace.ca

3855 Bruce Rd. 4, 5 kms. N. of Teeswater Check Facebook for store updates or visit our website sanityhill.ca

3991 Perth Rd. 107, Shakespeare, ON

For pictures go to agbuyersguide.farms.com Dan Seifried Equipment

DAN SEIFRIED EQUIPMENT

8th Line East, Harriston Established 1986

519-338-2688 44 The Rural Voice

Steve Cronsberry (Owner) 5483 Fifth Line Minto, Palmerston 1-888-534-0393 marquardtfarmdrainage.com

519-343-3233

57

of providing professionally designed and installed drainage systems.

YEARS

The

Rural Voice

Business Centre To place your ad call: 519-523-4311 or email: rvads@northhuron.on.ca

SURVEYING & ENGINEERING (Est. 1973)

Heavy Truck & Trailer Repair Shop

Clinton, ON • 519-482-5560

• YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FARM SEVERANCES, NAVIGABLE (NATURAL) SEVERANCES, FLOOD PLAIN ANALYSIS • SITE PLANS INCLUDING MDS ~ Let’s Talk with an Initial FREE Consultation ~ Port Elgin ~ Mount Forest

Ph: 519‐323‐2451

•Day Care •Boarding •Baths •Outdoor Play Area •Walks

226-622-8477 blythboardingkennel.com

www.wilsonford.ca

DEADLINE for the Rural Voice

March issue is

February 10

Choose from: Hazelnut, heartnut, Persian and black Walnut, chestnut, hickory, pecan, pawpaw, persimmon, mulberry, fig and more.

979 Lakeshore Rd, RR3 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 Tel: 905-YEH-NUTS (934-6887) Fax: 905-YEL-NUTS (935-6887) E-mail: nut.trees@grimonut.com Catalogue Site: www.grimonut.com

Non-GMO & Organic Seed sales, seed cleaning, drying & licensed truck scale A complete line of nutritionally balanced Non-GMO feeds Roasted soybean sales and custom roasting

Steven: P/F: 519-363-0152 Jeffery: P: 519-363-5933

701234 Side Road 5 RR #4 Chesley, ON N0G 1L0

February 2025 45

B U S I N E S S C E N T R E

Farming with Nature: Using grants strategically Thorsten Arnold Grant writing, business and grazing planning, holistic management.

Professional Educator, Savory Institute www.thorstenarnold/grants

Email: contact@thorstenarnold.com

Lucknow Auto Parts Supply CUSTOM PROCESSING ———— CUT & WRAP Howard & Rosanna Brubacher 7335 12th Line RR2 Alma ON, N0B 1A0

519-846-1319

....book your free 20-minute consultation!

B U S I N E S S

37521 Amberley Rd., Lucknow 519-528-2220

Spike’s Auto Parts

252 Queen St., Kincardine 519-396-1515 Email: lap@porters.ca

Full service to all boats and marine engines

ARGYLE Marine & Small Engines Inc.

33973 Church Camp Rd., Goderich 519-524-5361 Email: argylemarine1960@gmail.com

C GROWERS MINERAL SOLUTIONS E 10-20-10 N Balance Nutrition “Trace Minerals” in producing T healthy, quality produce.

R Your our lives vestoc ock and an cus customers omers will ll notice no ce For local sales rep’s E

Horse & Livestock Car, Utility & Recreational any design, hitches trade-ins welcome super after sales service

www.beloretrailers.ca 324025 Mount Elgin Rd. Mount Elgin, Ontario N0J 1N0

1-800-437-4769 Growersmineral.com

DL Distributing Dave Mustard 519-794-3334 Authorized Dealer

Jamie Belore

phone: 519-485-5358 toll free: 1-877-247-7227 fax: 1-519-485-6129 jbelore@gmail.com

Profitable, Actionable, Advice Crop Planning SWAT Maps/VR Scripts Soil Sampling Cropwalker Newsletter

Tough on Winter, Easy on You

Email: dlmustard2@gmail.com 556735 Strathaven Road, Chatsworth, ON 46 The Rural Voice

Jonathan Zettler CCA-ON, 4R NMS 519-323-7505 jz@fieldwalker.ca fieldwalker.ca

TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?

Any Size. Any Place • FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES • OVER 18 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

REAL ESTATE

I can help with...

5554 Highway 23 Harriston, ON Office: 519-638-0121 Cell: 226-885-0045

• Farm, residential, country, cottages, condominiums.

• Thinking of Buying or Selling? Rightsizing? Relocating?

• Market value analysis on your property.

Gladys Munro Realtor®

FULL SERVICE: Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Grinding • Brush Chipping •Thorough Cleanup • Fire Wood & Wood Chips Sales Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturdays on request We accept payment by cash, cheque or E-transfer

“Welcome to connect with me anytime.”

Direct: 519.389.8242 Office: 519.396.3300 gladysmunro21@gmail.com 926 Queen St. Kincardine, ON

PACKERS: WE BUILD 37452 Glen’s Hill Road, RR 2, Auburn, Ont. N0M 1E0

Tel. 519-529-7212 Snowblowers, Quick-attach Buckets, Sweepers, Woodsplitters, Crimper Rollers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, etc. smythwelding.com info@smythwelding.com

SALES & SERVICE INSTALLATION & PARTS

Order Now

"Qualified Care For Your Complex Fuel Systems"

RUBBER TIRE PACKER SPECIALISTS

• Diesel Fuel Pumps & Injectors • Turbo Chargers • Starters & Alternators

Also large fold-up steel drum packers, lawn & estate rollers, custom manufactured

519-482-7971 or 1-800-320-0666

RR #2, Arthur, Ont. (519) 848-2799

77242B London Rd. (Hwy. #4 S.) • CLINTON www.huronfuelinjection.com

WE WANT YOUR GRAIN! Download the London Ag App for FREE (Real-time scale tickets, contracts, cash bids and more.)

Rissler KEITH SIEMON FARM SYSTEMS LTD.

81987 Perth Rd. 180, R.R. 4, Walton 519-345-2734 (anytime)

www.keithsiemonfarmsystems.com email: keithsiemon@tcc.on.ca For Free Planning and Estimates

Did You Know

The Rural Voice

circulates to members of the OFA in Huron/Perth/Bruce/Grey counties each month, Perth County Pork Producers, NFU members of Ontario and additional paid subscribers?

• Corn • Wheat • Soybeans • Feed Grains • Feed Ingredients • Food Quality Soybeans

CASH & FORWARD CONTRACTS Call us today for Quotes Scott Speers Richard Smibert Scott Krakar Matt McKillop Alex Kissler 1615 NORTH ROUTLEDGE PARK UNIT 43 - LONDON, ONTARIO, N6H 5L6 519-473-9333 Toll-Free 1-800-265-1885

Total circulation: nearly 11,000 readers receive the The Rural Voice by direct mail!

If your business is interested in reaching this audience, our team is happy to help!

Call 519-523-4311 or email one our advertising sales reps.

Shelley Kroes Joan Caldwell email: email: joan@northhuron.on.ca rvads@northhuron.on.ca Production Co-ordinator & Advertising Sales Rep. Telemarketing for an event ad for your business-related ad or word classified listing

February 2025 47

B U S I N E S S C E N T R E

-------------------------------------------CONSTRUCTION -------------------------------------------Liquid manure tanks, bunker silos, foundations and pads. All are 100% engineered. Serving Ontario since 1968. De Jong & Sons Ltd. 519-348-0523.

-------------------------------------------DAIRY -------------------------------------------Screened bedding sand, delivered.

Call 519-625-8242 or 519-2741490.

-------------------------------------------FIELD CROP SEED -------------------------------------------Soybean seed for sale - Altitude R2, Ridley XF, Savage R2X and Orr R2X Roundup Ready varieties.

Treatments and inoculants available. Call Mitch at Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd. 519-4406712.

-------------------------------------------For prices on forage peas, forage pea mixtures, barley, oats, spring wheat and mixed grain seed.

Contact Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy 21, Ripley.

Phone 519-395-2972. Ask for Carmon, Mitch or Helen.

-------------------------------------------Alfalfa hay mixtures, pasture mixtures, top dressing for pastures, and a selection of organic grass seeds. All mixed to your personal needs. Also red clover for plowdown. Contact Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy 21, Ripley. Phone 519-395-2972. Ask for Carmon, Mitch or Helen.

-------------------------------------------FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Rosco grain bins for sale - 19' and 14' diameter. Parts available. Used grain bins wanted for parts or reuse. Closed Sundays, 519-3383920.

-------------------------------------------• Tree Seedlings • Nursery Stock • Shade Trees • Native Species

------------------------------------------GARDEN SEEDS -------------------------------------------• Heirloom flowers • Vegetables • Herbs • Wildflowers • non-GMO, untreated seed Ph: 705-295-6440 www.florabundaseeds.com

-----------------------------------------HELP WANTED -------------------------------------------Experienced A/Z licence driver, loader/ Excavator Operator - Fulltime position for A/Z driver, experience running heavy equipment an asset; position will include duties around yard/ on job sites as needed. Competitive wages, benefit package. Please email resume to rick@sittlergrinding.com. Office: 519-669-2456 cell 519-588-8400.

-------------------------------------------LIVESTOCK BEDDING -------------------------------------------MIRACLE FIBRE Livestock Bedding.

Also, coarse wood mulch for horse and cattle walkways, wet areas around water troughs and bush lanes. Also available is dairy pack starter bedding. 519-669-2456.

Sittler Grinding Inc. Rick Sittler.

-------------------------------------------LIVESTOCK FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Polled Hereford bull. Quiet, two years old by April. Easy calving out of an easy calving bull. 519-5341289.

-------------------------------------------LIMOUSIN breeding bulls, quiet, thick, semen tested, guaranteed breeders, delivery included.

Select now for spring delivery.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 29, 2025. Quality breeding heifers available. Posthaven Limousin, John Post, 519-766-7178; John Jr. 519-831-1869. www.posthavenlimousin.com --------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------LIVESTOCK FOR SALE -------------------------------------------McKague Purebred Charolais bulls.

Yearling, polled, semen-tested and quiet. Also, open heifers available.

Contact us for details, 519-3573808.

-------------------------------------------Red Angus, Simmental and Red Angus Simmental bulls. Bred for calving ease, growth temperament and muscle. Google Ontario bull evaluation to see how our bulls are doing at Silver Springs Farms this year. Come visit to select your bull or heifers early. James, Joan and Robert McKinlay 519-599-6236, 226-668-0775 .

-------------------------------------------PERSONALS --------------------------------------------

Find Your

“Perfect Match”

April issue

Deadline is March 10th Seeking single farmers, rural dwellers, and more from The Rural Voice readership area.

Submit your “personals” listing under our “Perfect Match” word classified heading FREE to run in our April issue.

Contact us to learn more or to include your ad!

The Rural Voice 405 Queen St PO Box 429 Blyth ON N0M 1H0 Phone: 519-523-4311 Email: info@northhuron.on.ca

Order for Spring 2025 Now

905-797-2801

www.hrichardsonfarms.com

Rural Voice Deadline for the March issue is February 10 48 The Rural Voice

Limousin BULLS and Open and Bred FEMALES

27th Annual Open House & Private Treaty Sale ~ Sat., April 5, 2025 At the farm 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Please call to arrange a private viewing

Smart Limousin

137606 Grey Rd. 12 Meaford 519-372-7459 www.smartlimousin.com or Follow us on Facebook

Find your Perfect Match today!

-------------------------------------------RESTORATION -------------------------------------------The Olde Tyme Radio Centre antique radios, clocks, gramophones, telephones; sold/restored (vintage autoclock radio repairs). Golden Oldies Antiques For Sale. Belgrave 519357-4304, www.oldtymeradio.ca, oldetymeradiocentre@gmail.com -------------------------------------------RETAIL & GIFTS -------------------------------------------Little Falls Artisan Market - Over 100 Artisans to choose from! Large, varied selection of interesting gift ideas. Headquarters of popular 18 inch doll clothes. 83 Queen St. East, St Mary's; www.littlefallscraftersmarket.com -------------------------------------------Maple and Moose is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am 4pm for January through March for your unique shopping experience.

398 Queen St Blyth (519) 5234276 -------------------------------------------SERVICES -------------------------------------------Cronin Poured Concrete Ltd. Since 1976. Liquid manure tanks to 200'.

Heights of 8'- 14' (1-pour). All jobs engineer specifications/ inspections guaranteed.

Best firm quote in Ontario.

Mark Cronin. 519-274-5000. www.croninpouredconcrete.ca -------------------------------------------Tax Quest Certified Tax Preparation. Twenty plus years experience. Personal, farm, investment and business returns.

Flora Becker 177975 Grey Rd. 18 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5 519447-0922.

--------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------SERVICES -------------------------------------------Income tax filing for farms, small business, truckers and individuals.

Will make house calls in the North Huron, Perth and surrounding area.

Call Shirley in Wingham.

Cell: 1-705-434-8187.

RESISTS CRACKING & PEELING Water based, solvent free, Liquid Rubber Seal Roof creates an adhered, flexible membrane.

SURFACES

• Metal (inc. galvanized & aluminum) • Wood • Concrete • Manure Pits • UV Resistant

-------------------------------------------WANTED -------------------------------------------Farmland - Long or short term. Cash rent, share crop. Contact Paul at Hill & Hill Farms, 519-233-3218 or 519-525-3137 or email: paul.hill@tcc.on.ca -------------------------------------------Young farmer looking for land rent, sharecrop, or custom work opportunities. Good environmental stewardship and professionalism.

Short and long term. 519-200-7845 or hundt.chris@outlook.com.

-------------------------------------------Looking to rent organic farmland or land to transition to organic cropping in Huron and Bruce Counties. Contact Trevor at Triple T Farms, 519-357-8350.

-------------------------------------------Scrap Cars Wanted. 20, 30, 40 yd. scrap metal bins available. We sell quality used auto parts. Wanted to buy - scrap cars, trucks, farm machinery, heavy equipment.

Kenilworth Auto Recyclers. 519323-1113.

-------------------------------------------Dion Threshing machine 22x32 or 22x38 with straw cutter. Any condition. Phone evenings.

905-983-9331.

--------------------------------------------

Book your ad in the classifieds 519-523-4311

DONALD A ANDREW ACCOUNTING Accounting & Income Tax Services for FARMS, BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS 296 Ross St., Lucknow

Ph. 519-528-3019

Specializing in on Farm Pest Management Serving Southwestern ON, Golden Horseshoe, GTA Email: info@sgsltd.ca

519-692-4232

REBUILD YOUR NATURAL CAPITAL  Nutrient Management Plans  NASM Plans

 Feasibility Studies & MDS  Soil Health

www.sgspestmanagement.ca

February 2025 49

National Farmers Union – Ontario NEWSLETTER ● Strong Communities ● Sound Policies ● Sustainable Farms

Phone: 1-888-832-9638 E-mail: office@nfuontario.ca Website: www.nfuontario.ca

Nourish: Farming for People, Profit, and the Planet Mark your calendars! This year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Convention will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. We are partnering with the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus (UTSC) to host an in-person gathering with online options via Zoom for members who prefer to participate remotely.

This year’s theme, “Nourish: Farming for People, Profit & the Planet,” shares and celebrates how farmers have found ways to make farming profitable while nurturing the soil and working with nature, treating farm workers fairly, and providing healthy, nutritious food for local communities.

We’ll hear from a variety of farmers from across the province about how

they are achieving the triple bottom line in their farm businesses with “Sharing Stories of Farming for People, Profit, and the Planet” panel sessions throughout the day.

The AGM will also include reports from the NFU-O Board, elections, and debates on policy resolutions.

Join us for farmer-led stories, discussions, and solutions about how agriculture can feed, nurture, and sustain us all. Stay tuned for more details and registration information to come on the NFU-O website, e-news, and social media channels.

FBR Season is Open!

Don’t Forget to Register with the NFU-O. Visit www.agricorp.com, scan the QR below, or call Agricorp at 1-866327-3678 to renew your F B R by March 1, 2025, and select the NFU-O for another year of working towards a food and farm system that is better for farmers, eaters, and the land.

Keep your eyes out for your Local 2025 A G M.See below for some AGM’s that are scheduled to take place in the next couple of months: Local 335 AGM Thursday, January 30, 1pm at Cowbell, Blyth, ON Local 340 AGM and Winter Farmer Gathering Sunday, February 9, 12-3pm at Fergus Highland Rugby Club in Fergus, ON. Light snacks, warm beverages, and good conversations

MARCH 20, 2025

FARMLAND FORUM Elora, ON and online 2 Keynotes 2 Panels 1 Plenary

Watershed Wisdom: Water Protection’s Role in Farmland Conservation

REGISTER BEFORE TICKETS SELL OUT!

ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/forum Early Bird prices available until March 1

#2025FarmlandForum

Local 306 AGM Saturday, February 15, 10am-3pm at the Natterjack Brewery in Eagle, ON Local 316 AGM Saturday, February 22, time TBD at the Inverary United Church Hall in Inverary, ON Local 312 AGM Saturday, February 22, 10:30am at Bryanston Hall in Byranston, ON Local 334 AGM Sunday, March 30, location and time TBD. Reach out to Local 334 if you’d like to support the AGM planning process.

A subscription to The Rural Voice is one of the benefits of being an NFU-O member 50 The Rural Voice

Henry Groenestege, President

Perth County

* The Rural Voice is provided to Perth County Pork Producers by the PCPPA perthcountyporkproducers@gmail.com

Pork Producers NEWSLETTER

Farm Insurance: What are you buying and how is it changing?

I was visiting my farm clients, Joe and Marianne, a couple of months ago. We were drinking coffee and talking about the past few months. It was early winter, but both our families had already put an extra 2000 kilometres on vehicles running our kids around to hockey games and tournaments.The conversation eventually moved to succession, one of their sons and one of their daughters both plan to be part of the farm operation. Joe and Marianne own several farms, finishing hogs at a couple of locations and raising broiler chickens at another.

They asked me to provide a quick summary of their insurance coverage for their kids - just a refresher for them to understand how they protect their operation. As well, they wanted their kids to have a view of what they can expect from their insurance coverage in the coming years.

We started with this basic breakdown; 1) Property Damage This refers to buildings/structures, equipment, livestock, crop/feed, and it covers the property for damage from fire, wind and other perils described in the contract.

2) Business Interruption.

This is also called loss of earnings coverage, there are different forms, but generally this is what replaces the farm income while a barn or other structure is being rebuilt after a loss, or when livestock is lost.

3) Equipment Breakdown This covers repairs or replacement of farm equipment in case of breakdowns 4) Liability This covers injuries or property damage to third parties that happen on or off the farm. Liability coverage has become more important over the years, because lawsuits are much more common.

We covered many examples where the insurance policy would respond.

Joe’s brother had a barn collapse the previous year from snow-load, and the neighbours up the road had been sued when a car collided with their combine two years ago. There had also been a heat prostration claim narrowly avoided this past summer at Joe and Marianne’s broiler barn, after a week of intense heat and with birds about to ship.

The conversation moved into the trends that I’m seeing in farm

insurance today and we talked about capacity becoming a serious issue.

This refers to the maximum risk that an insurance company, and its next level of insurance (the reinsurance company) are willing to take on at one farm location. I have clients where a fire could potentially be a $20,000,000 loss or higher. In an effort to protect this capacity, I am seeing more investment in Loss Prevention, specifically the requirement of Electrical Monitoring Systems. One of the more progressive Farm Mutual Insurers in my office, Trillium Mutual, has done a broad analysis of barn Electrical Monitoring Systems and is requiring them at larger farm operations. I expect this to be a requirement of all farm insurance companies in the near future.

I answered a few more questions, finished my coffee and hit the road. I am happy to see this farm business continue into the next generation, and it is nice to play a part in helping them protect it.

Submitted by Jason Uniac, JP Uniac Insurance Broker Ltd

LOCAL PORK PRODUCTS Fill your freezer with local pork products Order today from: Tanya and Darryl Terpstra (519-291-7603) or visit Leis Feeds in Milverton – Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon

Pork supplied by: Perth County Pork Producers BBQ services for large groups are also available, contact: perthcountyporkproducers@gmail.com for more details.

February 2025 51

Email: bruce@ofa.on.ca website: brucefederation.ca

NEWSLETTER

519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Bruce County by the BCFA

It takes a community to build a village…..

(Goal shown above is including “pledged” money not yet received)

Since October of 2023 the Grey and Bruce Federations of agriculture have been busy working both behind the scenes and out at local events to make their latest Youth Agriculture Education Project a reality. We have made an abundance of progress and are close to reaching our goal of bringing the teaching barn to life! This project is to help promote agricultural education and safety to youth within Grey and Bruce counties, as the Saugeen Children’s Safety Village is visited by thousands of school-aged children every year – both through school trips and private events.

Another big fundraising leap was made this past month after the Federations attended Grey Bruce

Farmers week in Elmwood. With the outstanding support of the attendees, vendors and presenters throughout the week, we were able to move $3,000 closer to our fundraising goal. We had a great time talking to everyone there and sharing our vision for agricultural education at the village as we move into 2025. Thank you to everyone who came out that week and bought 50-50 tickets for our cause.

If you have not donated and are interested in helping us to educate our youth about Agriculture in Grey Bruce, please reach out to our office.

Again, we would like to thank everyone who has helped us to get this close to our goal, moving us closer to making our vision reality.

Meeting Dates February 24 (Zoom) March 24 (Zoom) April 28 May 26 June 23 August 25 September 22 October 3 (AGM) November 10

* The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Bruce County by the BCFA.

52 The Rural Voice

519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 Grey County Federation Email: grey@ofa.on.ca Website: greyfederation.ca of Agriculture * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA GREY AG WINTER COURSE PROGRAM ’25 Please note, course delivery format and locations vary. Most in-person courses are at Grey Ag Services: Unit 3, 206 Toronto St. S, Markdale ON. Full course details are available on the website. Pre-registration is required by two days prior to the course. The pre-registration deadline for courses including meals is one week prior to the course. Register through the website: www.greyagservices.ca or by contacting us directly: Call 519-986-3756 or email info@greyagservices.ca. #

Course

Date

Time

Cost

Delivery

Mon. Feb 10 1:30‐3:30pm

$20

In‐Person

Tues. Feb 11

$12

Webinar

$20

Hybrid

1

Tips for Succession Success from a Lawyer’s and Accountant’s Perspec ve, Robert W. Scriven, Bennett Grant LLP; and Gerry Bowler, Bowler & Company CPA

2

Trendy Tri cale, Chris ne O’Reilly, OMAFA

7‐8 pm

3

Regenera ve Agriculture 101, Christoph Wand, OMAFA

Thurs. Feb 13

6:45‐9:15pm

4

In The Know Training, Jackie Ralph, CMHA Grey Bruce. Sponsored by CMHA Grey Bruce

Interpre ng your Soil Test Results, Craig Reid and Brandon Dietrich, 5a Sprucedale Agromart

Tues. Feb 25

10am‐2pm

Free (lunch In‐Person

Wed. Feb 26

10am‐12pm

1 course: $20 Together: $40 (lunch incl.)

incl.)

In‐Person

5b

The Role of Lime for Op mal Crop Produc on, Taylor Kno and Craig Reid, Sprucedale Agromart

Wed. Feb 26

1‐3pm

6

Economics of Feeding Beef Calves, Steve Duff, James Byrne, and John Molenhuis, OMAFA

Thurs. Feb 27

10am‐4pm

7

Key Nutrients in the Equine Diet and Their Func on in the Horse’s Body, Jessica McCoag, Purina

Thurs. Feb 27

7‐9pm

$20

Hybrid

8

Advanced Grazing Systems ‐ Paddock Design Workshop, Dean Cober, Cobercow Hay and Ca le

Fri. Feb 28

1‐5pm

$20

In‐Person

9

Improving Grassland Bird Habitat on Farms, Bird Ecology and Conserva on Ontario, and Collabora ng Farmers

Sat. Mar 1

1:30‐4pm

$20

In‐Person

Funding Program Opportuni es, Representa ves from eleven organiza ons 10 offering funding to farmers. See website for details

Tues. Mar 4

1‐4:15pm

$20

In‐Person

Thurs. Mar 6

9:30am‐ 12:30pm

$20

In‐Person

Building for the Future: Considera ons for New Dairy Barns, Tom Wright, 11 Cynthia Miltenburg, Christoph Wand, and Angie Wilson, OMAFA

Hybrid

$40 (lunch In‐Person incl.)

12

For the Home Gardeners ‐ Weeds, Friend or Foe?, Grey County Master Gardeners

Tues. Mar 18

7‐9pm

$20

In‐Person

13

Ge ng Out Alive – A Pathway Through the Lambing Season, Dr. Chris Buschbeck, Markdale Veterinary Services

Wed. Mar 19

7‐9pm

$20

Hybrid

14

Why Farm Insurance Ma ers: A Crucial Investment, Representa ves from Trillium Mutual, Howick Mutual, and Edge Mutual

Thurs. Mar 20

10am‐12pm

$20

In‐Person

15

Horse Health Night, Dr. Tee Fox and Dr. Marika Van Schaik, Markdale Veterinary Services. Specific topics TBA

Tues. Mar 25

7‐9pm

$20

Hybrid

16

Crop Plans for Success, 2025, Deb Campbell, Agronomy Advantage and Carrie Davenport, Georgian View Ag Services Ltd.

Thurs. Mar 27

1:30‐4pm

$20

Hybrid

Considering Ren ng your Farmland? Collabora on on Farmland Rental 17 Agreements for Farmers and Landowners, Bruce Kelly, Farm & Food Care Ontario

Tues. Apr 1

7‐9pm

$12

Webinar

18

Keep ‘Excellent’ Farm Records with MS Excel, Emily McKague, Grey Ag Services

Thurs. Apr 3

7‐9pm

$20

In‐Person

19

Working and Training Livestock Guardian Dogs, Anne Poirier, EMCA‐P, IAABC‐ADT, CTDI, CCFC, SDJ, AACE, Peartree Animal Wellness Centre

Sat. Apr 5

1‐4pm

$20

Hybrid

20

Design of Beef Ca le Handling Facili es and New Barn Construc on Workshop, James Byrne and Rajan Niraula, OMAFA. Barn tour locaƟon to be announced

Wed. Apr 9

10am‐4pm

$40

In‐Person

21

Canva Kickstart, Rebecca Vito, Grey Ag Services

Wed. Apr 9

7‐9pm

$20

Hybrid

22

Canning Kitchen Calami es, Martha Rogers, The Valley Preservery

Thurs. Apr 10

7‐9pm

$20

In‐Person

23

Farm The Preven on, Krista Linthorne and Robert Hann, Grey Bruce OPP

Wed. Apr 16

1‐2:30pm

$20

In‐Person

AddiƟonal Courses Being Planned: Baking Course ‐ Full

519-986-3756

info@greyagservices.ca

February 12 -Zoom March 12 - Zoom April 9 June 11 August 13 September 10 October 17 (AGM) November 12 December 10

Annual Curling Bonspiel

February 8, 2025 Williamsford Curling Club

(lunch incl.)

Tile Drainage Day ‐ Details to be Announced on our Website

“Winter Courses” are coordinated by Grey County Agricultural Services

Meeting dates 2025

www.greyagservices.ca

9 am and 11 am Draws ~ Two 8 end games (lunch included) Prizes for all ages $200 per team

Please call 519-364-3050 Ext. 1 or email grey@ofa.on.ca to register a team All proceeds to Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village

Canada’s Agriculture Day! #CdnAgDay February 11, 2025 Raise your forks & make some noise!

“Build A Barn”

* The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA.

February 2025 53

Perth County Federation of Agriculture Office: 1-833-229-6834 Email: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com Website: www.perthcountyfarmers.ca Derek Van De Walle, President

Reflecting on my time with the PCFA As we come up to the end of 2024, so does my time as a board member of the Perth County Federation of Agriculture (PCFA). As I sit here writing this article, I find myself reflecting on the years I’ve spent with the board since I joined in 2008.

While 2008 may feel like a long time ago, it is surprising how quickly the years have passed.

Those early years were a bit of a learning curve, but I persevered, growing both personally and professionally along the way.

Throughout my time on the board, I’ve witnessed many changes, both within the PCFA and the broader agricultural landscape.

Back in the day, we held daytime meetings during the winter months, and evening meetings in the spring, summer, and fall. Our winter meetings would begin at 10 a.m., with a lunch break, and often run until about 3:30 p.m.

These meetings were comprehensive, with representatives from Perth County agriculture commodity groups providing updates from their sectors. Over time, however, we streamlined our meetings, reducing them to just three hours.

At the provincial level, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) was also undergoing changes. One of the most significant shifts was the creation of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), which has continued to evolve and play a pivotal role.

Another major change came with the introduction of Zoom meetings, brought on by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Before Zoom,

we used conference calls for any really important issues that popped up for our meetings, which worked, but Zoom has certainly proven to be a better tool for communication and collaboration. In fact, Zoom technology even allowed me to attend the OFA conference in Toronto this past November. Although I missed the social aspect of attending in person, being able to participate virtually was still a valuable experience.

During my time on the board, I had the privilege of serving on the PCFA executive, eventually becoming the President of the Federation for a twoyear term. This position came with added responsibility but also provided me with the opportunity to meet many incredible people and engage with some influential figures in

agriculture.

One of the most memorable moments of my presidency was when Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington at the time, read a speech I had written in the Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park. I had written that speech for our annual MP/MPP Day. I felt deeply honored, and to this day, there’s still a video floating around on YouTube of Randy delivering my speech.

Throughout the years, I’ve seen PCFA board members come and go, as well as shifts in our staff, such as our long-serving secretary (now referred to as the administrator) and our Member Service Representative.

Reflecting on my time with PCFA, I’m filled with gratitude.

I’ve made lasting friendships and connections, and I’ve had the privilege of receiving valuable training in areas such as public speaking, media relations, and government interaction. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding.

If joining a board like the Perth County Federation of Agriculture is something you’re considering, I highly encourage you to take the leap.

There’s always something you can contribute, and in return, you’ll gain invaluable skills and experiences.

In closing, I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the current and past board members of the Perth County Federation of Agriculture for making my time on the board so memorable.

Thank you, Joanne Foster PCFA Retiring Director

* The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Perth County by the PCFA.

54 The Rural Voice

Ontario Forage Council ..............19 Ontario Pesticide Training Prog....43 RCS (Rushton Custom Services) .... ............................................Cover 4 Ridgeway Metals ........................46 Rural Voice Books ..............Cover 6 Schmidt’s Farm Drainage 1990 Ltd..37 Schweiss Doors ..........................36 Seifried Farm Equipment ............44 Serval Canada ..............................7 Silver Creek Nursery Ltd ............21 Silver Cut Meats ..........................46 Small Homes ................................16 Smyth Welding & Machine Shop ..47

South Western Ont Dairy Symp....6 Spruce Green Tree Service ........47 St. Lawrence Cruise Lines ..........31 Steffen Well Drilling ....................43 Superior Barn Painting ......Cover 5 SWO Diesel Inc ..................Cover 5 The Smart Energy Co. ................39 Thorsten Arnold ..........................46 Townsley Barn Painting ................49 Varna Grain/Hill & Hill ..............Cover 2 Veg-Gro Markets................................31 W.D. Hopper & Sons Ltd ............16 West Coast Leisure Sales ............4 Wilson-Ford Surveying & Eng ....45

VITAMIN/MINERAL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS FOR DAIRY the

Index

Adam Lesperance ........................11 Argyle Marine & Small Engines..46 Ausable Bayfield Cons Auth ......40 Beekeeping....................................5 Belore Trailers ............................46 Bernie McGlynn Lumber ............39 Bervie Supply Energy ..................11 Blyth Boarding Kennel................45 Bridal/Wedding Showcase ..28, 33 Britespan Building Systems Inc....2 Canada’s Ag Day ..................20, 21 Chalmers Fuels............................23 CFFO ..............................................3 Crafter’s Corner ..........................44 Creative China Decorating ........33 Crop Quest Inc ............................49 Cross County Eavestrough ........40 DeDell Seeds ..............................37 Design & Build ............................35 DL Distributing ............................46 Easy Lift Doors ............................27 Fieldwalker Agronomy ................46 Five Star Seeds Limited..............45 Gaia Organic Seeds ....................33 Gladys Munro ..............................47 Green Valley Heating Inc ............37 Grimo Nut Nursery ......................45 Growers Mineral Solutions ........46 Hanover Honda ............................10 Harold Jones Enterprises ..........47 Hayden Water Wells ....................18 Highland Fuels & Supply ............41 HLA Attachments........................25 Hub Capital Inc ............................41 Huron Fleet Service Inc ..............45 Huron Fuel Injection Ltd ............47 Keith Siemon Farm Systems Ltd..47 Kenpal Farm Products ................55 Kia of Owen Sound ....................38 LAC ..............................................47 Lakeside Radio Broadcasting ......7 Lakeside Shelving & Racking ....20 Legge Fitness ................Back Cover Lucknow Auto Parts ......................46 Marcrest Manufacturing ............26 Marquardt Farm Drainage Ltd ....44 Martin’s Nursery ..........................20 Marvin L Smith Forestry..............40 May Apple Financial ......................9 McLeod Water Wells Ltd ............41 Metzger Meat Products ..............31 MNP LLP ........................................9 Moore Hemsworth Ins Group Inc ..21 Morris Sachs Silo Construction ..35 Nature’s Wave Inc ........................18 Nuhn Forage Inc ..........................14 Nutrient Management ................27

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February 2025 55

HURON

42 First Avenue, Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0 519-482-9642 or 1-800-511-1135

County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER

Website: www.hcfa.on.ca Email: office@hcfa.on.ca

Snowmobilers strongly encouraged to stay on groomed trails Please remember that some crops in the field are vulnerable to damage from snowmobiles.

Please ensure there is adequate snow cover before you enter a field and always ensure you have landowner permission to ride your snowmobiles on farmland and off the groomed trails. We strongly encourage riders stay on groomed trails and check www.ofsc.on.ca to see if trails in your area are open.

Plans being finalized for MP MPP Local Politicians Forum The HCFA is currently finalizing plans for our annual MP MPP Local Politicians Forum. This year’s event is scheduled for March 28th. If you have specific concerns that you would like the Board of Directors to present please contact the HCFA office or a director to state your concerns.

New email: office@hcfa.on.ca

Please note that the HCFA is transitioning to a new email address

office@hcfa.on.ca

Please update your contact lists appropriately.

Upcoming Events Farmer Wellness Initiative

24/7 counseling to farmers and farm family members, free all year round 1.866.267.6255 https://farmerwellnessinitiative.ca/; and frequently asked questions about FWI: https://farmerwellnessinitiative.ca/faq

Check for snow build up on barn roofs Due to the low slope angle of barn roofs, accumulation of snow loads can create stress on the roof structure, potentially resulting in damage or collapse.

Remember to check your snow loads.

Download the myOFA app today Stay connected and enjoy the perks of your OFA membership.

With the new OFA App, you can: * Access your digital OFA membership card anytime, anywhere. * Use your discount cards with benefit partners instantly. * Skip the hassle of snail mail.

Search for "myOFA" on Google Play or the Apple Store.

February 2nd - Ground Hog Day February 11th - Canadian Agriculture Day February 17th - Family Day February 19th & 20th - Mid-Western Ontario Ag Expo (formerly Goderich and Area Ag Show 2025) LOCATION has changed to the REACH Centre in Clinton February 18th - Ontario Fruit and Vegetable 166th Annual General Meeting, Niagara Falls March 1st - Farm Business Registration Deadline with Agricorp March 25th & 26th - Ontario Swine Conference details at ontariopork.on.ca

HCFA Board Meeting

Monday, February 24 8:00 pm Vanastra Office

Huron Federation Office Hours Monday 9-12 and 1-4 Alternate Fridays 9-12 and 1-4

The Rural Voice is provided to all OFA members in Huron County by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture

56 The Rural Voice

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THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE

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MILDMAY’S GOT TALENT Owen Riegling rises in the Country music scene

COMMUNITY AT A CROSSROADS South Bruce in the wake of the NWMO’s DGR decision

GENERATION TO GENERATION The Zehr family builds a barn to stand the test of time

Please make cheques payable to : North Huron Publishing P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Credit cards accepted or subscribe online at ruralvoice.ca (include name and full mailing address of new subscription) 519-523-4311

Books They Will Love!

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JOHN DEERE WORD SEARCH Stimulate your mind and test your skills with more than 250 word search puzzles celebrating all things John Deere. This collection contains a fantastic variety of puzzles to satisfy beginner and expert puzzlers alike and offers a much-needed brain boost for hours of entertainment. $16.95

THE SERVICEBERRY A bold and inspiring vision for how to orient our lives around gratitude, reciprocity, and community, based on the lessons of the natural world. $25.00

HUMANE LIVESTOCK HANDLING FEED THE BIRDS Dr. Temple Grandin’s research and This book is the perfect resource for insights into animal behaviour have beginners and experienced revolutionized animal handling. birdwatchers alike. Covering 196 bird Learn, through text and drawings, species that are attracted to backyard about livestock behaviour and how feeders. A wide variety of feeders and to build facilities for healthier seed types are discussed as well as animals. $37.95 bird behaviours. $29.95 Qty.

$21.99 $11.99 $16.95 $25.00 $13.99 $6.95 $37.95 $29.95

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Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Canada Post Fuel Surcharge $4.00

Subtotal 5% GST on Subtotal Order Total

Send cheque or money order for full amount to: Books: North Huron Publishing P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or call and pay by credit card 519-523-4311 MAIL BOOKS TO: Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______________________ Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc.

Please refer to current issue for correct figures. Incorrect payment will delay delivery.

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