Agriculture in Action: Agricultural
Development Branch Research and Programs 2008-09
| Author: |
OMAFRA Staff
|
| Creation Date: |
October 30 2009
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| Last Reviewed: |
November 10 2009
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pdf
(1.33 Mb)
Table of Contents
Message from the Director
Agriculture in Action
Agriculture Development Branch Research and Programs
2008 - 2009
Preface
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
is a catalyst for transforming the agriculture and food sectors and rural
communities for a prosperous, healthy Ontario. Simply put, our vision
is to create a thriving rural Ontario through the agriculture and food
sectors.
Within OMAFRA, Agriculture Development Branch's three program areas of
business, crops and livestock explore, develop and deliver innovative
solutions to strengthen Ontario agriculture. Our staff throughout the
province conduct applied research, training and technology transfer to
farmers, agri-businesses, agriculture consultants and input suppliers.
Whether branch staff are looking for management strategies targeted to
new pests, helping farmers develop their business skills or finding solutions
to new market challenges, much of what we do is in collaboration with
other specialists within OMAFRA, academia and agri-business.
How to Use this Guide
This resource guide contains summaries of many projects, programs and
events conducted during the past year by Agriculture Development Branch
staff. To make it as convenient as possible to access OMAFRA resources,
each summary contains highlights of the project or program with the contact
information and links to more in-depth information.
Online Resources
The agriculture section of the OMAFRA website has more than 11,000 pages
of information updates, factsheets, infosheets and other resources specific
to agriculture in Ontario. More than 4 million people visited the OMAFRA
website from April 2008 to March 2009. Visit www.ontario.ca/omafra, a
gateway to Ontario agriculture.
Aileen MacNeil
Director, Agriculture Development Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Business Development
Farm Tax and Business Seminar in Its 36th
Year
The Farm Tax and Business Seminar for Professional Advisors is an annual
event offered in 11 locations across the province and webinar during October
and November. This knowledge transfer program provides current tax, legal
and business information to advisors who work with farm clients to ensure
that farm businesses have access to the best business advisory services
possible.
During the last seminar program 905 professionals attended seminars,
an increase from the year before. Seminar participants are typically provincial
accountants (85%), lenders and financial professionals (10%) and lawyers
(5%). The seminars are unique in their focus on agricultural taxation
and legal issues.
At this time, the fall 2009 tax seminar program is being planned. As
information becomes available it will be posted on OMAFRA's website and
included in the monthly AgBusiness Update newsletter. Professionals can
also request to be added to a mailing list by contacting the program lead.
Rob Gamble
rob.gamble@ontario.ca
519 826 4350
Agriculture Skills Development
Farm families are able to access farm related skills training and learning
opportunities through a cost share program of the Growing Forward Business
Development Program. Growing Forward is a federal-provincial-territorial
initiative supporting the development of a profitable, innovative agri-food
sector that is adept at managing risk and responsive to market demands.
Ontario farm producers and their spouses were able to add to their farming
and/or marketable skills to increase their net family income through the
Canadian Agriculture Skills Service (CASS) training program. This Agricultural
Policy Framework program administered by OMAFRA ended March 31, 2009.
CASS provided training for more than 1,600 applicants on a variety of
subjects ranging from how to increase profitability and meet consumer
demand related to food safety and environmentally-responsible production.
Anne Marie Diotte
annemarie.diotte@ontario.ca
519 826 3220
Health and Safety Education Awareness on
the Farm
OMAFRA provides funding for health and safety education for farm families
and workers through the Farm Safety Association (FSA). Together OMAFRA
and FSA strive to reduce fatalities and injuries on Ontario farms, horticulture
and landscape operations. Farm workplace injury and fatalities have declined
in the past five years.
There are approximately 56,000 farms registered in Ontario and of those
10,000 have paid employees and, therefore, contribute to Workplace Safety
and Insurance Board (WSIB). OMAFRA aims to ensure that all farms receive
WSIB health and safety information regardless of their linkage to WSIB.
OMAFRA, through the FSA, works closely with the Canadian Agricultural
Safety Association and actively promotes Farm Safety Week the second week
of March.
Gary Mawhiney
gary.mawhiney@ontario.ca
519 826 7446
Beef Cow-Calf Benchmarking Project
Identifies Key Performance Indicators
This study attempts to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and
management practices that contribute to profitability. It goes a step
beyond the traditional cost of production (COP) studies focusing on the
management practices that have an impact on cost of production and profitability.
In year two fifty-four producers submitted two years of financial, production
and management practice data. Preliminary analysis identifies marketing,
mortality and feeding management as KPIs in Ontario cow-calf production.
High performing producers have double the gross return per calf weaned,
half the feed cost per cow and had mortality rates that were 33% better
than their low performing counterparts.
Individual participants benefit from financial reports comparing their
operation's performance to others in the study, and with this information
are encouraged and enabled to critically assess their operation and make
effective business management decisions. The whole industry benefits by
sharing best practices and raising the economic viability of the Ontario
beef cow-calf sector.
The project is run by a team of livestock and business specialists from
Agriculture Development Branch, the University of Guelph and the Ontario
Cattlemen's Association through funding from the Agricultural Management
Institute. Year Three is planned for 2009 and research results to date
are available from OMAFRA and its partners.
John Molenhuis
john.molenhuis@ontario.ca
613 475 9472
Nancy Noecker
nancy.noecker@ontario.ca
613 258 8476
11,000 Farmers Request Towards Increased Profits
(TIP) Report
Approximately 11,000 producers in Ontario requested Towards Increased
Profits (TIP) reports in the past year through the AgriStability program.
Ontario is the only province in Canada providing farm management performance
information as part of the financial assistance package. This link between
business risk management and farm business management is a critical first
step in engaging farmers to consider their farm management performance.
Farmers can see in traffic light colours of green, yellow and red the
strengths and weaknesses of their operation. With a greater understanding
of their farm's financial performance, farmers can adjust their practices
accordingly. A TIP report examines a farmer's own operation in the past
five years and compares it to an industry benchmark.
Early in 2009, 800 TIP recipients provided feedback on the program. Seventy
per cent agreed or strongly agreed that 'It improved my understanding
of my farm's financial performance'. The next TIP report is scheduled
for December 2009. All farmers enrolled in AgriStability can request a
TIP report. To enroll in AgriStability farmers should contact Agricorp.
Reports are generated by Agriculture Development Branch based on the information
farmers provided to the AgriStability program.
John Molenhuis
john.molenhuis@ontario.ca
613 475 9472
Farmers' Markets Strategy Funding
Promotes Direct-to-Consumer Sales
Through the Farmers' Markets Strategy, OMAFRA is bringing farmers and
consumers together. The purpose of the Strategy is to enhance the capacity
of Ontario farmers to produce and sell a wide variety of quality Ontario
products through direct channels.
During the first year of the Strategy OMAFRA's partners, Farmers' Markets
Ontario (FMO) and Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association (OFFMA), focused
on consumer and farmer research, increasing consumer awareness and attracting
more farmers to participate in their programs. There was an extensive
breadth of programs offered to producers, including 22 food safety workshops
organized by FMO. These were attended by 859 participants. OFFMA attracted
58 new members-that's 58 more farmers selling directly to consumers. Prior
to receiving support from the Farmers' Markets Strategy, OFFMA attracted
approximately eight new members a year.
Both OFFMA and FMO conducted research to better understand consumer shopping
habits as it relates to farmers' markets and on-farm purchasing. Detailed
information is available from each organization.
Dorene Collins
dorene.collins@ontario.ca
519 826 3166
Growing Your Opportunities - Quest for New
Farm Value
Value Adding Workshop Series
OMAFRA in partnership with the Canadian Farm Business Management Council
and local stakeholders across the province offered 10 workshops for farmers
and rural entrepreneurs to explore value adding possibilities for their
product or service. Limited to 25 people for maximum benefit of the participants,
farmers and rural entrepreneurs rated each two-day workshop 95% in overall
satisfaction.
Coordinated by OMAFRA's Agriculture Development and Client Services Branches,
local planning committees also played a significant role in the success
of the workshops, bringing together local business stakeholders, municipal
staff, local Federation of Agriculture representatives, and a host of
associations.
More workshops in this successful series will be available in fall 2009
and winter 2010 throughout Ontario. Refer to the website
for program information as it develops.
Dorene Collins
dorene.collins@ontario.ca
519 826 3166
Carl Fletcher
carl.fletcher@ontario.ca
519 826 3235
Farm Succession Planning Workshops Keep
the Family Farm Alive
Nearly 40 Ontario farmers, farm families and farm business advisors learned
the core elements related to farm succession planning at two, one-day
workshops presented by OMAFRA in collaboration with the Centre for Rural
Leadership.
The farm succession workshops cover the five-step succession process,
roles of family members in succession, the components of a farm succession
plan and a number of other topics. The workshops are open to entire families.
Participants complete the workshop with a greater understanding and awareness
of the basics so they are prepared to take the next steps. The workshops
are a multi-media, interactive format.
For further information, refer to OMAFRA's website periodically or send
an email to be notified of the next program when it is available.
Peter Coughler
peter.coughler@ontario.ca
519 826 3285
Business Management Best Practices
Programs Help Farmers Reach Their Goals
The Agricultural Management Institute (AMI) is a unique industry-led
approach to help farm business owners and advisors to develop and implement
beneficial business management practices.
AMI works with diverse groups to offer programming to farmers, farm families,
farm managers, farm business advisors, farm organizations and agricultural
colleges and universities throughout Ontario. As an active member of the
advisory panel, OMAFRA shares its resources and knowledge to develop and
deliver programs that help stakeholders reach their goals. AMI strives
to build business management capacity in the province through resource
and skills development.
There were 10 industry-led projects in 2008-2009. They ranged from benchmarking
for the cow-calf sector and sheep industry to coordinating new farmer
business development to agricultural agreements. There were also six strategic
initiatives which the AMI panel led itself. These included farm management
groups to building tools for farm business advisors.
Peter Coughler
peter.coughler@ontario.ca
519 826 3285
Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop Created
in Response to Need Identified by Farmers
The Growing Your Farm Profits - Planning for Business Success is a two
day workshop based on a farm business management self-assessment manual
and peer discussion learning activities. The impetus for the workshop
was feedback garnered from focus group research indicating a need and
desire to learn more about business planning. In the last year 630 farmers
from across Ontario and from all farm businesses enterprise types participated
in 31 workshops.
Through the Growing Your Farm Profits workshop program farmers assess
their farm business management in the following areas:
- Production
- Marketing
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Social Responsibility
- Succession Planning
- Business Structure and Business Strategy.
As a result of the assessment farmers identify their business management
priorities and create next step action plans to address those priorities.
Using farm advisors for further planning is one possible action step to
address their priorities.
Farmers who completed the workshop rated it highly. Ninety-four per cent
would recommend it to a friend.
Growing Your Farm Profits is targeted to Ontario farmers. OMAFRA's Agriculture
Development and Client Services Branches worked with the Ontario Soil
and Crop Improvement Association, Agricultural Management Institute and
the Agricultural Adaptation Council to develop and deliver the workshop.
Anne Marie Diotte
annemarie.diotte@ontario.ca
519 826 3220
Partnership Delivers Training to Producers
The Centre for Rural Leadership (TCRL) received funding from OMAFRA to
identify and support the delivery of business training to meet the needs
of the hog, beef and horticulture sectors. Through partnerships with the
Ontario Cattlemen's Association, the Ontario Feeder Finance and Breeder
Cooperatives, the Ontario Pork Industry Council, the Ontario Fruit and
Vegetable Convention, and OMAFRA, the TCRL supported the delivery of training
opportunities to more than 900 producers. Training opportunities included
planning for the future, director leadership development, hog marketing
information, human resource management, market value adding, internet
marketing, productive meetings, and farm succession planning. Feedback
indicates the training opportunities and resources delivered help producers
manage through changing market conditions.
John Bancroft
john.bancroft@ontario.ca
519 271 6974
Horticulture Crops
Research Finds New Market Opportunity for
Ontario Apples
One of the highest costs in producing fresh-cut apple slices is the anti-browning
solution. Some apple cultivars brown more quickly and severely than others
when cut, depending on the inherent amount of responsible enzymes and
antioxidant levels. OMAFRA undertook a three-year research project to
reduce flesh browning in fresh-cut apples.
Research focused on evaluating new apple cultivars and SmartFresh (1-MCP)
storage technology. SmartFresh is an inhibitor of ethylene, a natural
fruit-ripening compound.
Results from this research give Ontario apple growers increased market
potential. As an example, 'Empire' is the apple of choice for McDonald's
fresh-cut slices. McDonald's restaurants now offer apple slices to its
customers throughout the year. Ontario apple growers, processors and consumers
all gain from this research project.
Researchers found certain postharvest practices cause more internal browning
problems in whole 'Empire' apples during storage, which leads to more
browning in the slices. As a result, storage recommendations to reduce
those effects were developed.
A second component of the research focused on evaluating the performance
of new apple cultivars for slicing. A new apple from Quebec, 'Eden', looks
promising. It appears to discolour less quickly when sliced. However,
the whole fruit seems chilling-sensitive in storage and further research
is required.
OMAFRA collaborated with Pride Pak Canada Ltd., Ontario Apple Growers,
AgroFresh Inc., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Guelph
and Agricultural Adaptation Council.
Jennifer DeEll
jennifer.deell@ontario.ca
519 426 1408
Ken Slingerland
ken.slingerland@ontario.ca
905 562 1639
Research Developing Proper Harvesting
and Storage of 'Honeycrisp' Apples
'Honeycrisp' is a relatively new apple to Ontario and North America.
It is a profitable apple cultivar for Ontario's apple growers but it has
numerous postharvest and storage issues. At present, the 'Honeycrisp'
apple cannot be stored for more than three or four months. OMAFRA conducted
research to determine optimum postharvest handling and storage for the
best quality 'Honeycrisp'.
Results from the research project help Ontario's apple growers and consumers
enjoy the benefits of locally-grown produce over a longer portion of the
year. The first phase of the research project resulted in several postharvest
handling and storage recommendations for 'Honeycrisp' apples. This apple
should be stored at a warmer temperature than other apples, around 3-5
oC. In addition, it should not be put into cold storage or controlled
atmosphere as soon after harvest as other apples. This is undergoing further
study.
The current phase of the 'Honeycrisp' research project is investigating:
optimum fruit maturity for harvesting, susceptibility to storage disorders,
potential of controlled atmosphere storage, and practices to maintain
quality and reduce disorders.
OMAFRA partnered with Ontario Apple Growers, Apple Marketers Association
of Ontario, AgroFresh Inc., and the Agricultural Adaptation Council on
this research project.
Jennifer DeEll
jennifer.deell@ontario.ca
519 426 1408
Regional Monitoring Irrigation System
is a WIN
A regional soil moisture monitoring system instituted in 2008 means grape
and tender fruit growers were better informed to make decisions about
irrigating their crops for increased yields and reduced costs.
Soil moisture probes have been installed at two peach farms and two grape
farms in the Niagara area. Moisture levels are checked two times per week.
The information from these hub sites is supplied to grape and tender fruit
growers. Growers are advised when to irrigate and how much to irrigate
through timely information delivered through the Weather Innovations Network
(WIN) website and pre-recorded code-a-phone messages. Growers can check
the website or the messages throughout the season to determine if irrigation
is necessary.
Ken Slingerland
ken.slingerland@ontario.ca
905 562 1639
Ontario's First Tender Fruit Tree Survey
Now Available
The Ontario Tender Fruit Tree Survey identified the number of tender
fruit trees by cultivar, acreage, age, ripening group, history of the
industry and planting density for use by OMAFRA, the Ontario Tender Fruit
Producers' Marketing Board, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, University
of Guelph, Ontario Tender Fruit Tree Nurseries and marketers. The inventory
will:
- Help growers identify gaps and plant trees to satisfy the market.
- Support researchers with their projects.
- Give nurseries the information they need to predict fruit tree propagation
needs.
- Enable marketers to identify peaks of production to better promote
the production of Ontario tender fruit.
The Report of the 2009 Ontario Tender Fruit Tree Survey was provided
to all growers, nurseries, researchers and industry. Individuals interested
in obtaining a copy can contact the program lead.
Ken Slingerland
ken.slingerland@ontario.ca
905 562 1639
Potato Growers Volunteer to Evaluate
New Production Practices
Attendance at the Ontario potato conference in March 2009 exceeded expectations
and paved the way for new evaluations of production practices. This annual
conference is a significant technology transfer event attended by Ontario
potato growers, crop consultants and potato industry personnel. The conference
program focused on new technologies and improved potato marketability.
By using new technologies and innovative management practices, growers
increase their competitiveness by producing a high quality crop that is
marketed with negligible waste.
Thanks to the Potato Conference numerous growers committed to help evaluate
new production practices such as green manures; adjusting soil K/Mg ratio;
and sustainable preventative practices for late blight and pink rot. These
new production practices were discussed by speakers at the conference.
Their evaluation will benefit the Ontario potato industry as a whole.
The Ontario Potato Conference was organized by OMAFRA and sponsored by
the Ontario Potato Board. Excellent attendance is attributed to the practical
and relevant agenda as identified in grower's feedback obtained by the
Ontario Potato Board. The conference was a source for continuing education
units in the Ontario Certified Crop Adviser Training program.
The next conference is scheduled for March 2010.
Eugenia Banks
eugenia.banks@ontario.ca
519 826 3678
400 Potatoes Varieties Evaluated
for Their Resistance to Common Scab
In Ontario the incidence of potato common scab disease has increased
steadily during the last decade. Most of the practices used to control
this disease are erratic or provide poor control. The only reliable control
method is to use tolerant potato varieties.
The OMAFRA potato research project found 25 varieties that are tolerant
to common scab. These varieties grow well under Ontario conditions and
produce a high quality crop. The research project evaluated 400 potato
varieties at a research plot near Alliston, Ontario. At harvest time the
tubers were examined and rated according to the incidence of disease.
OMAFRA's potato program evaluated clones and varieties for the benefit
of the province's potato growers, processors and packers. Discovery of
these 25 potatoes and their resistance to common scab will reduce economic
loss due to disease. Processors and packers also benefit from the research
because they are able to work with high quality potato tubers that can
be processed or packed with minimum waste.
This three-year project will continue evaluating new varieties as they
develop through potato breeding programs.
Eugenia Banks
eugenia.banks@ontario.ca
519 826 3678
The Economic Impact of Hungry Millipedes
Research into the economic impact of millipedes and other soil arthropods
in sweet potato and carrot fields resulted in biology, identification,
monitoring and management information to mitigate economic damage for
Ontario growers.
Millipedes have traditionally been considered beneficial in vegetable
production. However, under favourable conditions such as cool, wet soil,
millipede populations can grow to high levels and possibly damage the
roots and seedlings of a variety of crops. This collaborative project
between the University of Guelph and OMAFRA, with funding from the Fresh
Vegetable Growers of Ontario, gives growers a better understanding of
the feeding behaviour and food preferences of millipedes.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of the impact of soil arthropods
on crop production, the research helped identify different species found
in Ontario and how to differentiate between good soil athropods (centipedes
for example) and those that can damage crops such as wireworms.
Jennifer Allen
jennifer.allen@ontario.ca
519 826 4963
Research to Reduce Insecticide Sprays
for Onion Thrips
Onion thrips are a pest with the potential to have a significant economic
impact in Ontario. In North America, thrips are the number one pest that
growers battle on a yearly basis. The biology and behaviour of this pest
make it very difficult to control. In Ontario insecticide resistance to
all registered products is documented. By focusing on insect-plant interaction,
researchers are examining methods to maximize spray penetration and evaluating
reduced risk pesticides for thrips control.
OMAFRA is assembling a suite of best management practices for Ontario
onion growers. The intent is to give growers the ability to manage onion
thrips while minimizing the number of spray applications and the total
volume of pesticides sprayed, specifically:
- the insect-plant interaction between onion thrips and onions
- how nozzles, nozzle angles, surfactants and carrier volumes impact
onion plant coverage
- how current products fare through the course of the growing season
- the impacts of insecticide resistance
- new reduced risk pesticides and their suitability under Ontario conditions
OMAFRA's research garnered international attention through a presentation
at the National Allium Research Conference. Ontario's onion farmers have
been updated through agriculture media and presentations at grower meetings
such as the Muck Crops Research Conference and Ontario Fruit and Vegetable
Conference.
During the 2009 growing season growers can learn more about best management
practices for onion thrips by attending grower demonstration days. For
demonstration day locations or information on this project contact OMAFRA's
program lead.
Research reports for trials conducted in 2007 and 2008 are available
in the Research and Cultivar Trial Reports published annually. Industry
partners can access the reports online at http://www.uoguelph.ca/muckcrop/annualreport.html
or request a hardcopy directly from the Muck Crops Research Station.
Jennifer Allen
jennifer.allen@ontario.ca
519 826 4963
Ontario CropIPM - Interactive, online integrated
pest management training
Ontario CropIPM is an interactive educational tool to improve clients'
knowledge of integrated pest management in Ontario crops. Users learn
about insects, diseases, disorders, weeds, and more using photo galleries,
identification keys, pest scouting calendars, as well as written descriptions
and photos. The tool covers insects, diseases, disorders, weeds, herbicide
injury, and soil issues for brassicas, cucurbits, peppers, strawberries,
sweet corn, and tomatoes.
Ontario CropIPM is a unique and useful tool for vegetable and berry growers,
agribusinesses and crop consultants, researchers, instructors and students.
Users will improve their skills in diagnosing and managing crop problems.
Accurate and early diagnosis allows clients to choose the right approach
to deal with the problem on a timely basis.
Ontario
CropIPM is available online or on CD. Clients can access and review
the material at any time. The tool is easy to navigate so users can quickly
find the information they need.
IPM Systems Specialist
Margaret Appleby
margaret.appleby@ontario.ca
613 475 5850
Apple Specialist
Leslie Huffman
leslie.huffman@ontario.ca
519 738 1256
Vegetable Crop Specialist
Janice LeBoeuf
janice.leboeuf@ontario.ca
519 674 1699
Vegetable Crop Specialist
Elaine Roddy
elaine.roddy@ontario.ca
519 674 1616
Vegetable Crop Specialist
Jennifer Allen
jennifer.allen@ontario.ca
519 826 4963
Berry Crop Specialist
Pam Fisher
pam.fisher@ontario.ca
519 426 2238
Ontario Vegetable Research Report Digital
Archive
OMAFRA worked with the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph library
to create a digital online collection of Ontario vegetable research reports
to make them more easily accessible to students, researchers, extension
staff, and the vegetable industry. The collection prevents the loss of
information as researchers retire or switch employers. This also reduces
the chances of duplication of research work. The collection is an online,
catalogued, searchable collection, utilizing the expertise and technology
of the University of Guelph library system. Librarians at Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada also supported the project. Hundreds of vegetable
research reports are now available and more continue to be added.
Janice LeBoeuf
janice.leboeuf@ontario.ca
519 674 1699
Downy Mildew Early Warning Program
Enhanced Disease Management in the Cucumber Crop
In 2008 OMAFRA maintained a network of regional disease monitoring sites
to act as an early warning system for the arrival of Downy Mildew in Ontario.
The network included sentinel plots that were co-ordinated with the cucurbit
industry throughout North America to improve communication of the disease's
progression throughout cucurbit growing regions. Downy Mildew over-winters
in the southern United States. Air borne spores are spread rapidly by
spring storms and trade winds.
Last year's early detection and timely crop management recommendations
allowed growers to successfully control this disease in the field. Ontario
processing growers successfully delivered their contracted tonnage and
a new buyer was attracted to invest in Ontario as a result of the industry's
ability to produce a consistent supply of high quality cucumbers.
Monitoring in 2009 continued in order to support cucurbit crop growers,
Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Ontario Food Processors Association,
Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario, agriculture supply outlets, and Crop
Life representatives.
Elaine Roddy
elaine.roddy@ontario.ca
519 674 1616
Project has Potential to Improve Grape Quality
Sour rot was responsible for the loss of more than $1,000,000 of grape
crops in 2008 in Niagara. There are no commercial controls available for
this disease, nor are the causal organisms or environmental factors contributing
to this problem understood. A research project to determine causal organisms,
cultural management strategies and potential control products was initiated
in collaboration with Brock University and the University of Guelph. Cultural
treatments included different timings of leaf removal from the fruiting
zone. Spray treatments with various compounds were evaluated for their
impact on cluster tightness and/or sour rot development.
In a preliminary lab study, microorganisms were isolated from sour rotted
berries collected from a vineyard. These were tested to determine which
caused sour rot symptoms when inoculated on grapes. The yeast, Hanseniaspora
uvarum, and the bacterium Gluconobacter cerinus, were determined to be
the causal organisms in the vineyard in 2007. Further studies will determine
whether these organisms are present in other vineyards in 2009-2011.
One of the chemical treatments significantly reduced cluster tightness
and severity of sour rot when applied at bloom. Another treatment significantly
reduced volatile acidity, which is used by wineries as an indication of
contamination by unwanted yeasts and bacteria. Treatments applied last
year will be repeated and compared to several new treatments to help Ontario's
grape growers and wineries combat this problem.
The project is funded by Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers'
Association and Ontario Grape and Wine Research. Grower co-operators have
donated vineyards for the study as well.
Wendy McFadden-Smith
wendy.mcfadden-smith@ontario.ca
905 562 3833
On-Farm Berry Trials for Suitability
in Ontario
OMAFRA's berry specialist facilitated testing of new strawberry and raspberry
varieties to determine how they fare in Ontario field conditions, specifically
how the plants perform in terms of yields, flavour, berry size and susceptibility
to disease.
On-farm strawberry and raspberry variety trials of new selections acquired
from various plant breeders in North America and Europe were sent to key
growers across Ontario. The most recent strawberry and raspberry trials
included:
- Eight new strawberry selections sent to 10 locations in 2008 for harvest
and evaluation in 2009.
- Five new fall-bearing raspberry selections sent to three growers in
2007 for evaluation in 2009.
- Two new red summer raspberry selections sent to five growers in 2008
for evaluation in 2009-2010.
None of the fall-bearing raspberry varieties appeared earlier, lighter
in colour or far superior to the current standard. Results from recent
on-farm trials were used to update recommendations for Ontario growers
and to update information in OMAFRA publications and the website. Growers
who use this information can avoid needless expense of planting varieties
that do not perform well. They can choose the best varieties for their
region and market, and adopt their pest management program according to
observed tolerances and susceptibilities, thus making more efficient use
of pesticides.
Results are shared with Ontario's berry growers through OMAFRA's website,
staff presentations at grower meetings and the Ontario Berry Grower's
Association.
Pam Fisher
pam.fisher@ontario.ca
519 426 2238
Predictive Models for Fruit Producers
Being Evaluated
OMAFRA participated in a project to evaluate predictive disease models
for diseases in pears and grapes to support Ontario's growers and wineries.
Results can benefit industry partners with improved fungicide timing,
optimal fruit quality and the elimination of unnecessary sprays.
An electronic weather station was installed in an abandoned pear orchard
and an unsprayed area of a research vineyard. Temperature, relative humidity,
leaf wetness and rainfall data were sent via satellite to a central station.
Data was fed into various computer models to determine when infection
periods for different diseases occurred and these outputs were accessed
on the internet. Trees and vines were monitored weekly for disease incidence
and severity to determine whether models accurately predicted disease
development.
Fire blight and pear scab were accurately predicted by the model. The
vineyard site will be monitored again in 2009 in collaboration with N.M.
Bartlett Inc.
Wendy McFadden-Smith
wendy.mcfadden-smith@ontario.ca
905 562 3833
Integrated Pest Management for Apple Growers
OMAFRA's Integrated Pest Management for Apples publication is a tool
for Ontario's apple growers. The core of the publication is information
about new apple pests, monitoring and thresholds. It helps growers identify
pests in their orchards, manage those pests in an environmentally sustainable
manner, and improve timing and thresholds of pesticide sprays.
This publication is such a valuable resource for apple growers and agri-businesses
that the Pest Management Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provided
funding for the Ontario Apple Growers to purchase a book for each of their
members. The majority of growers attending a spring information meeting
rated this publication as 'very useful'.
OMAFRA's apple team wrote and edited the book with peer reviews from
colleagues within OMAFRA, University of Guelph, Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada, Cornell University, Penn State, and several apple consultants.
Kathryn Carter
kathryn.carter@ontario.ca
519 426 4322
Horticulture Technology
Determining How Much Phosphorus is Enough
A project was undertaken in 2008 to demonstrate the effects of reduced
soil applied phosphorus in onion production on muck soils in the Bradford-Holland
Marsh area of Ontario.
In light of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, phosphorus use and management
in muck soils in Bradford-Holland Marsh has been identified as one of
the contributors of phosphorus to Lake Simcoe. Past research in Ontario,
New York and Prince Edward Island indicate that phosphorus is over applied.
This project compared the effects of no applied phosphorus, and the recommended
phosphorus rate applied either as a pre-plant broadcast, banded or a split
pre-plant broadcast and banded application. The demonstration was included
as part of the annual Muck Crops Research Station Open House. Another
three seasons of research and extended demonstration plots will help develop
phosphorus recommendations and best management practices.
Preliminary results indicate that additional phosphorus applications
had no effect on onion leaf content or soil test phosphorus levels. There
were no significant differences in total and marketable yield between
the treatments or locations. Better phosphorus use may reduce producer
expenses and phosphorus contributions to Lake Simcoe.
Since initial results indicate opportunities to improve phosphorus management
in muck soils, additional funding was secured through the Ontario Soil
and Crop Improvement Association's Nutrient Management Best Management
Practice Demonstration Grant and Environment Canada's Lake Simcoe Clean
Up Fund.
A technical poster of these preliminary results was used as an educational
tool at the 2009 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention and presented
at the 2009 Muck Crops Conference.
Christoph Kessel
christoph.kessel@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52480
Donna Speranzini
donna.speranzini@ontario.ca
905 562 1170
North American Collaboration to Eradicate
Plum Pox Virus
OMAFRA and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) organized a two-day
meeting for Canadian and American regulators, researchers and extension
staff to exchange information on new research, survey techniques, strain
identification and the progress of eradicating Plum Pox Virus (PPV) from
both countries.
More than 45 scientists, regulators and extension staff from across North
America and the European Union exchanged ideas on how to reduce the costs
of eradication and make it more efficient and effective. This collaborative
effort improves the chances of eradicating this regulated disease from
both countries, eliminating a trade barrier and benefiting the stone fruit
growers.
Michael Celetti
michael.celetti@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 58910
It's About "More than Kicking
the Dirt" Soil Fertility Workshops
To explain to horticultural crop producers the value of soil testing
and increase their understanding of soil test report data to develop soil
fertility recommendations, OMAFRA held a series of hands-on workshops.
The workshops were targeted to fruit and vegetable and nursery producers
of Ontario.
Producers were guided through the parts of a soil test report, determined
soil pH, active organic matter, soil texture, and how the reported values
are generated and interpreted. The instruction was intended to teach producers
how to make economical yet effective fertilizer management decisions.
To help support education each workshop participant received a copy of
OMAFRA Publication 611 Soil Fertility Handbook and Best Management Practices:
Managing Crop Nutrients.
Organizers met their goal of technology transfer according to participant
evaluations, some of whom said "cost of fertilizer addressed strongly,"
"good breadth of material," "informative session….really
enjoyed it and very practical". Instructing producers on how to understand
soil test reports, OMAFRA assists them in making objective crop nutrient
and fertilizer management decisions. The workshops were partially sponsored
by A&L Canada.
Christoph Kessel
christoph.kessel@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52480
19 Emergency Use Product Registrations
in 2008 Help Ontario Agriculture
OMAFRA worked with farmers, processors and crop staff to address critical
pest outbreaks by facilitating the emergency use registration of 19 pest
management products. These emergency registrations saved Ontario's economy
more than $450,000,000 in potential crop losses.
Emergency use products are made available when there is no existing product
to address a particular pest or that pest has developed resistance to
existing products. Emergency use registrations are necessary to address
immediate threats to crop health and survival. The next step is to secure
full minor use registration of the most effective, safe and economic pest
control products available.
Minor use product registrations offer several benefits, including effective
management of pest problems; pest resistance management; and facilitation
of export and import trade.
Because of the diversity of crops in this province, Ontario sponsors 60
per cent of the national minor use projects.
Jim Chaput
jim.chaput@ontario.ca
519 826 3539
Study Measures the Effectiveness of Suppressive
Cover Crops on Nematodes in Strawberries
Root lesion and northern root knot nematodes can cause significant damage
to many horticulture crops grown in Ontario. These pests have a wide host
range including many weeds. Strawberries are particularly sensitive to
damage caused by these nematodes. Nematodes can cause direct damage as
well as provide infection sites for disease causing fungi which further
reduces yields.
Chemical fumigation of soil effectively controls nematode populations
in high valued crops. However, soil fumigants may be significantly restricted
or totally eliminated in the future due to their impact on the environment.
Planting nematode suppressive cover crops such as marigolds, pearl millet,
and certain Oriental mustard cultivars has been shown to reduce nematode
populations to below economic thresholds without affecting beneficial
soil-borne organisms or the environment. The reduction in nematode populations
may not be a long-term solution for perennials crop such as strawberries.
A three year trial demonstrated the effectiveness and extent of nematode
reduction in strawberries following nematode suppressing cover crops compared
to the nematicide Vapam. The adoption of nematode suppressing cover crops
will reduce pesticide use in Ontario. Nematode suppressing cover crops
can also be used by organic growers to help suppress plant parasitic nematodes.
Michael Celetti
michael.celetti@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 58910
Promoting Cover Crops for Productive Soils
Erosion control, nutrient cycling and the building and maintenance of
productive soils are the key roles that cover crops play for Ontario's
field crop and horticultural crop farmers. Ontario researchers, farmers
and ADB staff have been involved with the Midwest Cover Crop Council (MCCC)
since its inception in 2006. The cross border activity offers an opportunity
to network, share information both at the research and farm level, and
profile the innovation and integrated cover crop work that is being done
in Ontario.
The MCCC is a diverse group from academia, production agriculture, non-governmental
organizations, commodity interests, private sector, and representatives
from federal and state agencies collaborating to address soil, water,
air, and agricultural quality concerns in the Great Lakes and Mississippi
river basin. MCCC collects and disseminates cover crop information across
the Midwest and Great Lakes basin to enhance cover crop use. MCCC meets
annually to share cover crop research and education. At the winter 2009
Council meeting organized by OMAFRA staff and Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement
Association, Ontario's environmental farm plan, cover crop incentives
and cover crop research were held as examples worth emulating.
MCCC offered The Real Dirt on Cover Crops program for 80 growers, agri-business
personnel, members and researchers as part of the annual meeting.
Anne Verhallen
anne.verhallen@ontario.ca
519 674 1614
Pesticide Application Teaching Tool Created
OMAFRA staff have found that many pesticide applicators do not understand
how simple changes in application technique and technology can reduce
environmental pesticide loads and reduce the incidence of drift. These
factors also reduce the amount of pesticide required and increase the
effectiveness of each application. The solution was to create a portable
patternator.
OMAFRA is working on this problem collaboratively with the Ministry of
Training, Colleges and Universities and Mohawk College. Students from
Mohawk College designed, constructed and tested a spray patternator table
that is portable, functional and built to unique specifications. The spray
patternator table includes a re-circulating feature to reclaim sprayed
liquid and a dynamic boom for quick and easy vertical movement with horizontal
positioning of nozzles.
The project will result in an educational tool that can be employed to
raise the standard of responsible and effective pesticide use throughout
Ontario.
While the spray patternator table is a practical educational experience
for Mohawk College (Brantford) students, the final product will be used
in demonstration workshops throughout the province. Ontario's horticultural
sector will benefit from practical demonstrations of best practices in
spraying, such as nozzle selection, spacing, maintenance, drift mitigation,
and the effect of meteorological conditions on spray pattern.
Jason Deveau
jason.deveau@ontario.ca
519 426 8934
Mating Disruption Technology Field Evaluations
Help Ontario's Tree Fruit Sector
Applied research projects for the development of effective and environmentally-friendly
control options for the management of tree fruit pests in Ontario are
nearly complete. Both projects focus on management of clearwing moths:
apple clearwing moth (ACM), peach tree borer (PTB) and the lesser peach
tree borer (LPTB).
Clearwing moth larvae damage tree trunks and limbs by feeding under the
bark, contributing to early decline or death of a tree. Due to pest biology
and limitations associated with insecticides, alternative management tools
have been requested by industry. Mating disruption products interfere
with a male moth's ability to locate females, preventing the development
of the next generation. These products are typically species specific,
affecting a single pest or a small very closely related group of pests,
and have no impact on non-target organisms. The technology has been used
successfully to manage other orchard pests in Ontario, including oriental
fruit moth.
The ACM is an invasive alien species, recently identified in Ontario.
Research into the biology of this insect under Ontario growing conditions
has been coupled with the evaluation of several pest control products
including insecticides and a mating disruption g a product called Isomate
P. This research is being in conducted collaboratively by a team of OMAFRA
staff, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (London, ON and Summerland, BC),
and industry.
Both PTB and LPTB cause economic damage to stone fruit in Ontario. Adults
are active and laying eggs throughout the growing season. Isomate P is
registered for management of peach tree borer, but the product lacks efficacy
against lesser peach tree borer. A three-year field evaluation comparing
the efficacy of Isomate P and Isomate Dual, an experimental product targeting
both pests, is nearing completion in 2009. The ability to manage both
pests with a single product offers many advantages to the grower. Data
generated by this project will be used to help support timely registration
of effective pest management tools for use by the tender fruit industry.
Hannah Fraser
hannah.fraser@ontario.ca
905 562 1674
Definitive Weed Guide Updated
For more than 50 years OMAFRA's Guide to Weed Control has helped
growers, agribusiness, industry, researchers and students use herbicides
properly in weed management systems to avoid yield losses due to weed
competition. Since 2002, this resource has also been online. Every two
years the hardcopy publication is updated followed by revisions to the
online versions. Approximately 6,000 English and 1,000 French printed
copies have been distributed. In the past year online visitors have viewed
these pages more than 136,000 times.
Mike Cowbrough
mike.cowbrough@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52510
Kristen Callow
kristen.callow@ontario.ca
519 674-1335
Field Crops
SMART Wheat Project Investigating Nitrogen
and Fungicide Effects on Yields
The SMART (Strategic Management Adding Revenue Today) wheat project is
investigating the potential for a positive interaction between nitrogen
and fungicide inputs to increase winter wheat yield.
Many trials investigating the impact of single production practices on
winter wheat yields have been completed. However, information from the
United Kingdom and elsewhere indicate a strong interaction between nitrogen
and fungicide inputs. Studies of these as independent variables may overlook
these interactions. The SMART project was undertaken to determine if an
interaction exists in Ontario, as well as to assess the maximum yield
potential of wheat under Ontario environmental conditions. While economics
must always play a role in final management decisions, this trial included
one treatment that ignored economics altogether. Environmental impacts
of this treatment were also investigated. The purpose was to try to determine
maximum potential yield.
Results from the first year of this project demonstrated a very significant
increase in yield of winter wheat (~20%) as a result of the interaction
between nitrogen rates and fungicide inputs. Additional trials (both field
scale and small plot) will investigate and validate this initial outcome
during the next two years.
Once the project is completed, a report will be produced to help Ontario's
producers and field crop service providers make production decisions more
effectively.
OMAFRA's SMART project is being conducted in collaboration with the University
of Guelph where researchers are conducting small plot studies to compliment
OMAFRA's field work.
Peter Johnson
peter.johnson@ontario.ca
519 271 8180
Workshop Teaches Soil Quality Diagnosis
and Treatment
Certified Crop Advisors, government staff and producers enhanced their
skills and techniques for diagnosing soil quality problems in field and
horticultural crops through an OMAFRA Soil Management Workshop. Participants
learned through hands-on activities how to improve and maintain soil health
and productivity.
The Soil Management Workshop is held annually in different parts of the
province. Most participants come from within a two hour drive, but a few
travel significantly farther. A team of soil specialists from Agriculture
Development Branch and the Environmental Management Branch organize the
event. There are numerous benefits of attending the educational workshop,
namely:
- better understanding among industry partners of soil management issues.
- improved ability to identify soil management as a cause of crop production
problems in the field.
- understanding the appropriate management responses to deal with soil
management issues, and
- reduced application of pesticides and fertilizers to treat soil quality
issues incorrectly identified as diseases or nutrient deficiencies.
Keith Reid
keith.reid@ontario.ca
519 271 9269
Monitoring Finds Invasive Pest has Arrived
in Ontario
In 2008 a trapping network was established to look for the presence of
Western Bean Cutworm, a new pest that has the potential to decrease financial
returns from corn and edible beans. As a result of the trapping network,
the Western Bean Cutworm was found in corn and bean fields in southern
Ontario.
Because of this discovery a more extensive trapping program is planned
in 2009. Trapping and scouting information about the Western Bean Cutworm
will be made available to all corn and dry edible bean growers in Ontario
on a weekly basis through the CropPest Ontario Newsletter and Western
Bean Cutworm Trap Network webpage (links provided below). An emergency
use registration for a product to control Western Bean Cutworm is underway
as well. Registration announcements will be provided in future CropPest
newsletter articles.
Corn and edible bean producers, crop advisors and the agri-service sector
have numerous resources to keep up-to-date on Western Bean Cutworm management
strategies.
Tracey Baute
tracey.baute@ontario.ca
519 674 1696
Soil "Test Before You Invest" Program
Eliminates Guesswork
"Test Before You Invest" was a promotional program encouraging
field crop farmers to test their soil before investing time, money or
other resources based on guesswork.
Counter-top displays with postcards, posters, and information on OMAFRA's
website demonstrate why it's a good idea for farmers to test their soil
before investing in fertilizer or other amendments. Farmers appear to
be listening. At a time when wet weather and late harvests should have
prevented farmers from collecting samples, one soil testing lab reported
an increase of three per cent in soil tests from the previous year.
Soil testing is a best management practise for farmers. Testing their
soil tells them what nutrients are already in their fields. Based on the
results of a soil test a farmer then buys and applies only what is needed
for profitable and sustainable crop production.
OMAFRA technical staff created the soil testing program that was supported
by agribusiness and retailers who shared the information with their clients.
Ontario Agri-Business Association (OABA) provided distribution lists to
help spread the message.
Keith Reid
keith.reid@ontario.ca
519 271 9269
Crop Line Key Link to Communicating Timely
Information to Field Crop Producers
CropLine provides producers, crop consultants and agri-businesses with
20 minutes of up-to-date information on current crop issues and programs.
CropLine is accessible by phone, as a downloadable audio report, podcast,
and as an enhanced podcast with links to further information on the web.
In 2008 there were more than 42,000 calls to the CropLine (excludes downloads).
CropLine is updated twice a week from April to October. During the off-season
CropLine is updated weekly. Listeners can submit questions which field
crop specialists answer during the broadcast.
CropLine is a means to communicate production information quickly, enabling
producers to respond to emerging issues more effectively to increase their
yields while decreasing their costs. CropLine is a valuable asset during
emerging disease problems in a crop or an increase in insects that can
harm a particular crop. Agri-businesses and consultants also rely on CropLine
to keep pace with current issues in order to better serve producers.
Peter Johnson
peter.johnson@ontario.ca
519 271 8180
Alfalfa Snout Beetle Survey Finds Infested
Areas in Ontario
Alfalfa Snout Beetle-infested areas in Ontario have grown from a few
square kilometres 20 years ago to more than 150 km2 today. Alfalfa Snout
Beetle is an insect species native to central and northern Europe. In
North America it was first detected in New York State where it currently
infests approximately 200,000 hectares in eight counties.
Monitoring for the presence of Alfalfa Snout Beetle enables growers to
respond quickly to minimize both its spread and the damage to Ontario's
alfalfa crop. While Alfalfa Snout Beetle cannot be eradicated, implementing
an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy can minimize damage to the
point where alfalfa production remains feasible. In eastern Ontario alone
alfalfa is grown on more than 350,000 acres.
Alfalfa Snout Beetle has a two-year life cycle spent mostly underground
as a larva. The larval stage of the insect causes the greatest economic
damage by feeding on the roots of alfalfa plants. Alfalfa Snout Beetle
larvae have the capacity to decimate healthy alfalfa fields within one
to three years of the initial infestation. OMAFRA conducted an Alfalfa
Snout Beetle survey to develop IPM management strategies to help Ontario's
alfalfa growers reduce production losses.
Based on work at Cornell University, OMAFRA's specialists are evaluating
biological solutions for Ontario. Within the infested areas in Ontario,
soil sampling is underway to check for the presence of native entomopathogenic
nematodes which could be used for the control of this alfalfa pest.
Alfalfa Snout Beetle updates are being provided at OMAFRA conferences
and diagnostic days. OMAFRA's website and the Crop Advances publication
are also sources of information.
Gilles Quesnel
gilles.quesnel@ontario.ca
613 258 8250
Crop Advances, a Compendium of OMAFRA
Research Trials and Extension Events
OMAFRA's Crop Advances report summarizes many field crop team projects
with profiles of trials evaluating new technologies, field crop production
systems, economic and environmental applied research conducted across
Ontario by OMAFRA field crop staff in partnership with various organizations.
Currently in its fourth year of production, Crop Advances is a valuable
tool for field crop producers, agri-businesses and crop consultants. The
information contained in Crop Advances gives Ontario's producers the information
they need to make production decisions based on the latest research and
newest science.
Ian McDonald
ian.mcdonald@ontario.ca
519 824 4210 ext 56707
Multi-Year Project to Improve Phosphorus
Use Efficiency in Corn Production
OMAFRA staff have initiated a multi-year project to help corn producers
improve phosphorus fertilizer use under a range of growing conditions.
The intent is to improve information available to industry for assessing
the most cost effective and environmentally-sustainable techniques for
phosphorus fertilization. The initiative has three key aspects:
- Build a database that captures phosphorus fertilizer research conducted
in Ontario in order to improve recommendations.
- Conduct field research that addresses some of the gaps in phosphorus
fertilizer information.
- Demonstrate techniques for reducing phosphorus movement into the
environment.
The phosphorus use project is being conducted in conjunction with the
Ontario Corn Producers Association, Innovative Farmers Association of
Ontario, Environment Canada, and the University of Guelph.
Greg Stewart
greg.stewart1@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 Ext. 54865
The Science of Trimming Soybean Production
Costs Through More Efficient Use of Soybean Seed
Seed is the single largest input cost for the production of glyphosate
tolerant soybean varieties. An OMAFRA team of researchers is determined
to find the most profitable soybean seeding rate and row width for various
planting equipment, crop heat unit regions, soil types and planting dates
for the province's soybean producers. Soybeans are the largest row crop
grown in the province by acreage with more than 2,000,000 acres being
harvested annually. The farm gate value of soybeans is approximately $800
million annually.
Forty-seven large scale replicated field trials were conducted between
2005-2008 as well as three small plot trials conducted at the Elora Research
Station by the University of Guelph to evaluate a larger range of seeding
rates than possible in field scale trials. These trials demonstrated that
producers can decrease their soybean seeding rates by 14 per cent resulting
in an average saving of $9 per acre.
OMAFRA's partners in the project included University of Guelph, Canada-Ontario
Research & Development Program IV Project, Agricultural Adaptation
Council, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and Ontario Soybean
Growers.
Information about the specifics of reducing soybean seed costs through
lower seeding rates and precision seeding were presented at various agriculture
conferences, workshops, magazines and newsletters. The information is
readily available via a number of other sources.
Horst Bohner
horst.bohner@ontario.ca
519 271 5858
Soybean Rust Early Warning System Monitoring
for Ontario's 22,000 Soybean Producers
The threat of soybean rust has led to unparalleled international cooperation.
The comprehensive soybean rust "sentinel plot" monitoring program
put in place by OMAFRA, Ontario Soybean Growers (OSG) and the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is one example. The Ontario sentinel
plot program involves intensive scouting for soybean rust symptoms and
field evaluations by OMAFRA in conjunction with Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada and industry partners. The establishment of these 30 soybean sentinel
plots has allowed us also to survey for other soybean pests such as soybean
cyst nematodes, aphids and other diseases in soybean production areas
stretching from Windsor to Ottawa.
The primary purpose of the soybean rust (SBR) sentinel network is to
provide disease detection and education to function as an early warning
system that producers and industry partners can utilize to make appropriate
SBR fungicide use decisions. This project is intended to help the 22,000
soybean producers in Ontario as well as other soybean stakeholders such
as the seed and chemical industry, researchers, the OSG and OMAFRA.
The sentinel network has proved to be very effective and has saved Ontario
and American soybean producers an estimated $209-$299 million annually
in not only crop losses but also input costs. This project was critical
to maintaining a consistent and effective SBR monitoring program in the
northern soybean production areas of North America. The project has also
proven to be a very effective communication tool in keeping producers
and crop managers informed of soybean rust movement.
Soybean Rust spores monitoring began in Ontario in 2007 and spores have
been detected in the province in each subsequent growing season beginning
in June. Most of the broad detection events (large geographical areas)
corresponded to storm front events from the United States which suggested
long distance transport of the spores.
In response to Asian Soybean Rust the Ontario Soybean Rust Coalition
(OSRC) was formed The OSRC is a partnership of key soybean stakeholders
encompassing extension government), producers, researchers, equipment
and chemical company representatives. These partners are committed to
collect, compile, disseminate information and resources to tackle the
debilitating crop disease.
The sentinel plot system provides producers and other stakeholders with
an effective and successful decision-making tool for producers, extension,
consultants and the soybean industry. Information obtained from this early
warning system was used in Ontario recommendations "not to spray"
for soybean rust in 2008 and 2009 since the risk was low. The recommendation
saved producers unnecessary expense and promoted environmental stewardship.
Albert Tenuta
albert.tenuta@ontario.ca
519 360 8307
Interactive Crop Demonstrations at
Canada's Outdoor Farm Show
Canada's Outdoor Farm Show attracted 30,000 farmers and agriculture industry
specialists, making it an ideal event to demonstrate innovative advances
in farm equipment, agriculture technology and ag-sector initiatives. OMAFRA
and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association partnered in 2008
to deliver interactive demonstrations. Among the technologies displayed:
- Crops for bio-energy
- Foliar fungicides on corn and soybeans
- Silage corn hybrids
- Hail damage on soybeans
- Soil aggregate stability
- Maximizing wheat yields
- Innovative forestry practices and
- www.WeedPro75.com herbicide
selection tool.
Canada's Outdoor Farm Show is an ideal venue for demonstrations of a
"hands-on" nature.
Horst Bohner
horst.bohner@ontario.ca
519 271 5858
The FarmSmart Agricultural Conference
is a Major Educational Event in Ontario
More than 600 people attended FarmSmart, a one-day conference to learn
about the latest solutions to current production and business challenges.
FarmSmart focused on educating crop and livestock producers, academics
and consultants in the mid-west to central regions of Ontario. OMAFRA
helped organize the conference and presented numerous workshops on subjects
including crop and livestock production, nutrient management, alternative
energy, business management and software tools.
FarmSmart partners included Golden Horseshoe and Heartland Regional Soil
and Crop Improvement Associations, the University of Guelph and agriculture
businesses.
OMAFRA technical specialists will be a part of the FarmSmart 2010 speaker
program.
Plan to Attend FarmSmart 2010
January 23, 2010 in Guelph
http://www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart
Ian McDonald
ian.mcdonald@ontario.ca
519 824 4210 ext 56707
Online Herbicide Selector Saves Producers
Time and Money
Ontario's corn and cereal producers and certified crop advisors can access
the information they need to manage herbicide applications through a website
created by OMAFRA and several partners. www.weedpro75.com is an online
herbicide selector that reduces the risk of over application. Getting
it right the first time saves producers time and money.
The online herbicide selector also provides convenient access to weed
efficacy data generated from herbicide labels and publicly-funded trials
that focus the decision-making to a handful of "best match"
herbicide options based on an individual producer's field.
Weedpro75.com was created in partnership
with the Ontario Corn Producer's Association, Ontario Wheat Producer's
Marketing Board, federal government and the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
OMAFRA consulted industry partners to develop the herbicide database according
to their needs.
OMAFRA plans to expand WeedPro75.com to include other commodities.
Mike Cowbrough
mike.cowbrough@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52580
Hands-on Training Teaches How to Diagnose
Crop Problems
The Southwest and Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Days are designed specifically
to hone the problem-solving skills of seed, fertilizer, chemical industry
personnel and agricultural consultants. The program is delivered through
hands-on activities related to the correct identification and treatment
of crop problems common to southern Ontario and all aspects of crop production
and management. Participants also learn how to manage new and emerging
pests, weeds and diseases that can reduce yield and cause seed quality
issues. Certified Crop Advisers can also collect continuing education
units in the areas of integrated pest management, crop management, and
nutrient management.
Southwest Crop Diagnostic Days
In 2008, 350 stakeholders attended. This year's event on July 8 and 9,
2009 marked the 15th anniversary of the Southwest Crop Diagnostic Days.
OMAFRA collaborates in the planning and delivery of Southwest Crop Diagnostic
Days with University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus research staff and the
Southwest Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day
In 2008, 250 stakeholders participated. OMAFRA crop specialists and research
partners held the event on July 21, 2009 at the Winchester Research Farm,
Kemptville Campus of the University of Guelph. OMAFRA collaborates in
the planning and delivery of Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day with
University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus research staff and the Eastern
Ontario Crop Advisory Committee.
Southwest Crop Diagnostic Day
Tracey Baute
tracey.baute@ontario.ca
519 674 1696
Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day
Scott Banks
scott.banks@ontario.ca
613 258 8359
Gilles Quesnel
gilles.quesnel@ontario.ca
613 258 8250
Economic Comparison of Spring Wheat vs.
Barley
For Ontario's grain producers OMAFRA conducted a three-year field study
to evaluate the input costs, production risks and economics of producing
spring wheat rather than barley. The study results indicate that if a
grain grower is also a livestock farmer and has a use for straw, then
growing barley is a more economical choice. If the grain farmer only grows
cash crops then spring wheat is more profitable to grow. Grain farmers
can use this study to assist in making production and business risk management
decisions.
The third largest flour milling industry in North America, combined with
strong demand for spring wheat flour and growing agribusiness investment
in the sector, is encouraging significant expansion in acreage of spring
wheat. In the past five years spring wheat acreage has increased more
than 50 per cent. It now accounts for nearly 10 per cent of wheat marketed
annually in Ontario.
The project was sponsored by an OSCIA Regional Partner Grant. A full
copy of the report is available in OSCIA/OMAFRA Crop Advances publication
or on OSCIA website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org.
Brian Hall
brian.hall@ontario.ca
519 271 0083
Greenhouse, Agroforestry and Specialty Crops
Biological Control of Whitefly in Poinsettias
Reduces Insecticide Use
In collaboration with the major biocontrol producers, a program to control
the whitefly pest in poinsettias was developed in 2006. Poinsettia growers
were contacted and 12 growers in 2006 and 11 in each of 2007 and 2008
were included in the project. Their poinsettia crops were monitored closely
during the growing season to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach.
A high level of success was recorded with 75 per cent of growers in 2006;
72 per cent in 2007; and 100 per cent in 2008 growing the crop without
use of insecticide intervention for whitefly. At the same time, increasing
numbers of other growers have been using biocontrol in poinsettia with
reported success.
Results from the research help Ontario's greenhouse flower growers through
better pest control that uses less pesticides, reduces labour and results
in better quality plants. Biocontrol companies benefit from increased
sales.
Graeme Murphy
graeme.murphy@ontario.ca
905 562 4141 ext 106
Initial Turf Trials to Find Alternative
Pesticides for European Chafer Grub Control
The European chafer grub is one of the most damaging insect pests of
turfgrass in Ontario. If left uncontrolled, it can cause extensive turf
loss.
OMAFRA tested a mustard meal product, an essential oil and a bacterium
Bacillus thuringensis for their ability to control European chafer
grubs in late summer. The study did not find any significant differences
among the various products or against the insecticide standard for European
chafer grub control.
Turf managers have scientific information that none of these alternative
products were effective in controlling European chafer grubs in late summer
at one location. Further work to find alternatives will be continued.
The report will be published in the Guelph Turfgrass Institute 2008 Annual
Report on line in fall of 2009.
Pam Charbonneau
pamela.charbonneau@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52597
Efficacy Study of Sugar Beet Juice Extract
as an Alternative Weed Control Completed
A three year study examined the effect of two sugar beet extract products
and a nitrogen fertilizer as an alternative to conventional broadleaf
herbicides for application to turf.
The research results provided scientific proof that sugar beet products
on the market do not control weeds any better than a fertilizer containing
nitrogen. Stakeholders have the information they need to make informed
decisions about these products.
More information about the actual research was published in Landscape
Ontario Horticulture Review June, 2009 edition. The 2008 Guelph Turfgrass
Institute Annual Research Report also contains research data. The
report will be available online this fall.
Pam Charbonneau
pamela.charbonneau@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52597
Finding New Uses for Plants in the Bioeconomy
Research is underway to identify new uses for plants, plant products,
crop residues and by-products for their commercial possibilities.
Market opportunities for biomass pellets for heating and power generation
have created demand for energy crops and residues in Ontario. Acreage
for energy crops increased from approximately 350 acres in 2007 to more
than 700 acres during 2008.
OMAFRA's specialists create awareness and offer technical assistance
to find new opportunities for crops for bioenergy (biofuels, bioheat,
biogas), biomaterials (biofibres, bioplastics), and biochemicals (industrial,
pharmaceutical) for farmers, industry and other stakeholders. To develop
this agriculture sector OMAFRA has developed web content to provide information
resources for clients on bioproducts and the bioeconomy.
Mahendra Thimmanagari
mahendra.thimmanagari@ontario.ca
519 826 4593
Daffodil Bulbs Being Evaluated for Their
Pharmaceutical Compounds
OMAFRA is collaborating with the University of Guelph to evaluate the
potential of growing daffodil bulbs in southern Ontario as a source of
pharmaceutical compounds.
Daffodil bulbs are a recognized source of pharmaceutical compounds for
treating chronic aging diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The research
team is working with a local pharmaceutical company interested in developing
commercial medicines from two of the active alkaloid compounds found in
daffodil bulbs.
At this time the two alkaloids cannot be economically synthesized and
therefore must be isolated directly from the daffodil bulbs. The level
of alkaloids is strongly influenced by many factors, including variety
and environmental conditions. Researchers are testing the potential of
several daffodil cultivars to produce the required alkaloids in the Norfolk
Sand Plains of Ontario. There may also be potential for using the bulb
processing waste as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion to produce green
energy.
If this research is successful there could be significant, high value
acreage of daffodil plantings in southern Ontario. This new crop may help
former tobacco farmers transition to new opportunities.
Daffodil bulbs were harvested in July. Results will be available in the
fall.
Jim Todd
jim.todd@ontario.ca
519 426 3823
Working Group Formed for Pest and Weed
Management in Hazelnut Production
Hazelnuts are a potential new crop for some regions of Ontario, therefore
a project to identify key insect pest and disease issues affecting hazelnut
production was instituted for the purpose of developing an effective integrated
pest management (IPM) strategy specific to Ontario conditions to generate
data to register pest control products and herbicides specific to hazelnuts.
Information is published in the Society of Ontario Nut Growers newsletter
and website at www.songonline.ca.
Todd Leuty
todd.leuty@ontario.ca
519 826 3215
Integrated Pest Management Specialist, Specialty Crops
Melanie Filotas
melanie.filotas@ontario.ca
519 826 4434
Researching Energy Conservation in
Ontario Greenhouses
To help Ontario greenhouse growers reduce energy costs, a team researched
the impact of energy curtains during the growing season at a greenhouse
pepper operation in the Leamington area.
The study demonstrated energy savings with the use of the energy curtain
averaged about 14-17% in February, 10-15% in March and 5-8% in April,
as compared to greenhouses without energy curtain control. These and other
results were presented to growers during two information sessions, articles
in the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable newsletter, and at the Essex County
Associated Growers Convention.
OMAFRA initiated this project and conducted the study with support from
the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and funding from Agriculture
Agri-food Canada, Harrow.
Shalin Khosla
shalin.khosla@ontario.ca
519 738 1257
Biological Control of Two-Spotted
Spider Mites in Greenhouse Production of Cucumbers
Biological control of the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) in greenhouse
cucumbers is particularly challenging.
A commercial trial was set up to manage anticipated TSSM populations
by making carefully timed releases of a combination of predators. The
predators used and reasons for their selection were as follows:
- Phytoseiulus persimilis - a standard, reliable and specialized predatory
mite. However, its specialization means that it starves to death after
it has 'cleaned up' an area, thereafter leaving the plant unprotected.
- Neoseiulus (Amblyseius) californicus - a predatory mite reported
to disperse well, live longer than P. persimilis and have high survival
ability even when food (TSSM) is scarce and humidities are low.
Following the completion of the trial, local biocontrol companies and
agri-business used the results to apply to other cucumber farms. Gradually,
the number of cucumber farms adopting the strategy has increased. Currently,
many operations using biological control have adopted this technique because
of more successful suppression of spider mites. The technique is now regarded
as a standard approach by growers and biocontrol advisors.
H&N Farms and MGS Horticulture Inc. participated in the research
project in Leamington, Ontario. Follow-up trials will continue to refine
biological control of TSSM.
Gillian Ferguson
gillian.ferguson@ontario.ca
519 738 1258
The Effect of Bumble Bees in Greenhouse Tomato
Production
A project conducted at the Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Centre
, Harrow, focused on identification of the plant characteristics (scent
as an example) that enhance bumble bee pollination in greenhouse tomatoes
to understand the lack of pollination during certain times of the growing
season.
Three greenhouse compartments with plants that were either generative
(thin leaves and stems, slightly small with more flowers present high
in the plant canopy), or vegetative (thick stems and leaves with few large
flowers located in the low in the plant canopy) or normal. Bumble bee
activities were monitored in the greenhouses using electronic bumble bee
counters. Scent from the tomato flowers, leaves and whole plants were
monitored by sampling the air and analyzing it for variations in scent
quality and quantity.
Results indicate that an increase in tomato flower scent tends to decrease
bumble bee activity. Tomato plants grown under different growing conditions
will emit different levels of scent and is cultivar specific. Adjusting
plant shape and growth is a possible way of increasing bumble bee activity.
Partners in this project include OMAFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
and the University of Guelph with funding from the Ontario Greenhouse
Vegetable Growers (OGVG). The final report is available to OGVG members.
A thesis paper is being written for publication.
Shalin Khosla
shalin.khosla@onatario.ca
519 738 1257
Increasing Access to Tools for Managing Pests
in Outdoor Ornamentals
OMAFRA specialists are often quite involved in providing technical assistance
with the registrations of new and reduced risk compounds for the Ontario
landscape and nursery industries (outdoor ornamentals).
Viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) is one of the most destructive
beetles commonly found on Viburnum shrubs in Ontario landscapes. This
beetle is responsible for dieback and mortality of their host after only
one-to-three years of infestation. At this time, there are no products
labeled for the management of this beetle. Euonymus anthracnose (Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides), is a devastating disease in Ontario nurseries. Growers
have reported losses of up to 60 per cent in their Euonymus crops. In
Canada, there is only one fungicide registered for anthracnose management
in euonymus. In any integrated pest management program the rotation of
fungicides with different modes of action (chemical families) is imperative
to long term disease management.
The first project was initiated to assess efficacy of reduced risk pesticides
that might assist in the management of Viburnum leaf beetle larvae in
the landscape as an exempt product use under Ontario's Cosmetic Pesticide
Ban. The second project was initiated to assess other foliar fungicides
for management of Euonymus anthracnose a very significant disease in nursery
production. The purpose of these studies was to obtain efficacy data of
other foliar fungicides that will reduce the incidence of euonymus anthracnose.
This efficacy data can then be used by the registrants to obtain a label
expansion for these products.
Results of the Viburnum leaf beetle study indicated that the new essential
oil products were phytotoxic at all rates. The registrant is in the process
of making improvements to the formulation. Insecticidal soap proved to
be only marginally effective; where as mineral oil was found to be significantly
effective at reducing populations of Viburnum leaf beetle. The registrant
of the mineral oil product is looking into a label expansion for this
use. Results for the fungicide trials for Euonymus anthracnose confirmed
that the best sequence to optimize euonymus anthracnose management and
reduce the risk of developing resistance. Both fungicides in the trial
were shown to reduce the incidence of disease and data will be used to
obtain a label expansion.
Jen Llewellyn
jennifer.llewellyn@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 52671
Mike Celetti
michael.celetti@ontario.ca
519-824-4120 ext 58910
Livestock
Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance in
Its Third Year
A Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Project was continued in
2008 to ensure CWD was not present in Ontario farmed cervids. CWD was
not found which allowed Ontario deer and elk farmers access to valuable
export markets for live animals. Had CWD been found, appropriate and timely
control measures could have been implemented.
Last year's surveillance comprised:
- 347 cervids tested
- 38 abattoir collections coordinated for tissue sampling from slaughter
animals
- Samples collected from six new herds
- Three new appointed veterinarians were trained in CWD tissue collection
(compared to 2 in 2007, 1 in 2006, 0 in 2005)
- Eight farms exported 151 animals with a market value of approximately
$500,000
OMAFRA conducted CWD surveillance with the support of Ontario Deer and
Elk Farmers Association, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and individual
deer and elk farmers. Ontario's surveillance program contributes to national
CWD surveillance.
Brian Tapscott
brian.tapscott@ontario.ca
519 846 3400
Software Helps Sheep Producers Improve
Productivity
Improvements in the reporting features of a software program make it
easier to monitor and thereby improve flock productivity. OMAFRA created
the current version of software for the Sheep Flock Improvement Program
(SFIP) in 1999 and has collaborated with Le Centre d'expertise en production
ovine du Québec (CEPOQ), a research centre in Quebec, for improvements
in the software program since 2000.
Recent software improvements make it easier to monitor and identify performance
because the software separates lambing performance by age of ewe for each
management group.
The new feature in SFIP increases productivity because it helps determine
appropriate ages for culling sheep - by summarizing the lambing data by
age of ewe, it is possible to see if five-year old ewes are still producing
in a similar manner to the two to four-year olds.
The new software features also make it easier to monitor and manage ewe
replacements. Producers can summarize lambing data by age of ewe so the
performance of first time lambers can be compared to others allowing a
producer to change management strategies if necessary. When changes are
made the software tracking allows for comparisons to determine if the
changes were successful.
Farm cash receipts for sheep and lambs in Ontario in 2008 were $46 million
and consumer demand is growing. Thanks to increasing consumption of lamb
there is significant growth opportunity for Ontario's producers.
Delma Kennedy
delma.kennedy@ontario.ca
519 826 3290
Rotational Grazing Increases Productivity
Producers who implement a rotational grazing program see an approximately
30 per cent or more increase in the productivity of their pasture enabling
the producer to reduce feed costs and increase the number of animals in
their farm business. Rotational grazing is a planned program of moving
animals to fresh pasture every one to five days to give the grass sufficient
time for optimum growth before being grazed again 24 to 45 days later.
During 2008 the Grazing Mentor Program provided information and assistance
to 10 livestock producers to help them improve the quality and quantity
of their grazing practices. Pasture feeding costs approximately 50 per
cent less than stored feed costs. OMAFRA's grazier specialist is the provincial
mentor in the national mentoring program.
OMAFRA offers pasture walks where the classroom is a pasture field and
presentations at meetings and conferences to educate producers across
the province on how to improve pasture management. Beef, sheep and organic
dairy farmers are taught rotational grazing practices, water management
for grazing livestock and the use of annual crops to supplement the perennial
forages in a grazing system. New farmers learn grazing management basics
and experienced graziers learn how to fine tune their operations.
Jack Kyle
jack.kyle@ontario.ca
705 324 5855
Ontario Farmed Mink and Aleutian Disease
The Ontario mink farming industry, comprised of about 45 farms, produces
approximately 320,000 pelts annually worth nearly $20 million. Nearly
10,000 mink from 26 Ontario farms were tested in 2008-2009 to determine
if Aleutian Disease (AD) was present and, if so, at what levels. AD was
found on 27 per cent of the mink farms tested and in 10 per cent of individual
minks tested. The Ministry of Natural Resources is also testing for AD
in wild mink and other wildlife such as skunks.
Aleutian disease can be transmitted to healthy mink by contact with an
infected mink or, indirectly, by contamination of feed, water, equipment
or clothing with feces, urine or saliva. The disease is found throughout
the world and is the most important infectious disease affecting farm-raised
mink.
A benefit of the AD surveillance project was an increased awareness amongst
the mink farming sector of the need for enhanced biosecurity and AD testing.
There is no specific treatment for Aleutian disease, so the detection
of infected mink is extremely important in preventing the further spread
of the disease within infected farms, to non-infected farms and to wildlife.
OMAFRA coordinated the surveillance project in cooperation with the Ontario
Fur Breeders Association and Canada Mink Breeders Association.
Surveillance will continue through to the winter of 2010.
Brian Tapscott
brian.tapscott@ontario.ca
519 846 3400
Infrastructure Expansion Workshops
for Commercial Sheep Production
OMAFRA is helping Ontario commercial shepherds considering expansion
by offering Sheep Infrastructure Workshops. Demand for lamb in Ontario
is very strong, with the shortfall in supply currently met by imports.
Ontario has about 3,600 shepherds according to census data.
The workshop program is targeted to sheep farmers planning to expand
their flocks and thereby their infrastructure, whether it's changes to
existing barns, building new barns, introducing automation or any one
of a host of other possibilities. The workshop is intended to give ideas,
show the latest concepts, test participant ideas, examine relative expenses
and cover regulations. The workshop includes on-site visits to several
commercial-sized operations that are using some of the concepts covered,
and operations not using the featured concepts. Participants complete
the workshop equipped with the resources to plan their capital project.
In approximately two years individual sheep farmers should be able to
see an increase in their flock sizes. The compound effect should be noticeable
provincially in approximately 10 years.
OMAFRA staff organized and led the Sheep Infrastructure Workshops with
support from the Large Flock Operators, an organization of commercial
sheep producers.
Upcoming Sheep Infrastructure Workshops
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/sheep/20081211.htm
December 9-10, 2009 central Ontario (Peterborough-Lindsay area)
April 2010 south-central Ontario
September 2010 south-central Ontario
Christoph Wand
christoph.wand@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 53670
Dairy Housing Design Seminars a Planning
Tool for Producers
The 16th annual dairy housing design workshops focused on the fundamentals
and provided practical information to renovate or build an economical,
labour efficient facility that is comfortable for cattle.
Four workshops attracted 109 producers and members of agri-business in
2009. An additional 50 Housing Design Manuals were purchased by individuals
unable to attend. Free and tie stall barn design seminars were held in
Linwood, Kemptville and Stratford. Workshops included an optional evening
tour of new barns to enhance the educational program.
The 2010 series of workshops is being planned by OMAFRA staff.
2010 Dairy Housing Seminar
www.ontario.ca/dairyhousing
Brian Lang
brian.lang@ontario.ca
519 537 8786
Practical RFID Use on the Dairy Farm
At Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, OMAFRA's dairy team demonstrated how radio
frequency identification (RFID) technology can facilitate farm management.
RFID technology records individual animal information so a farmer can
make cost-effective and labour-efficient decisions.
An interactive demonstration was created in collaboration with CanWest
DHI, a non-profit milk recording organization. Demonstrations were linked
to large video displays that showed the individual animal records and
demonstrated ease of use of the equipment.
The demonstration was an opportunity for the 9,100 visitors to see the
equipment in use and to ask questions of OMAFRA staff about its merits.
Tom Wright
tom.wright@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 56281
Blair Murray
blair.murray@ontario.ca
613 258 8300
Brian Lang
brian.lang@ontario.ca
519 537 8786
London Swine Conference Focuses on Tools
of the Trade
The ninth annual London Swine Conference gave producers leading edge
information from 22 industry leaders in North America and Europe. The
conference focused on the fundamentals necessary to remain competitive
and profitable in an increasingly challenging swine industry. For conference
proceedings go to www.londonswineconference.ca.
With more than 300 attendees, the conference also provided a networking
opportunity for pork producers, veterinarians and agri-business professionals.
OMAFRA organized the London Swine Conference with support from the University
of Guelph, Ontario Pork, Ontario Pork Industry Council and numerous sponsors.
Plan to Attend the Next Swine Conference
March 31- April 1, 2010
www.londonswineconference.ca
Jaydee Smith
jaydee.smith@ontario.ca
519 674 1542
Greg Simpson
greg.simpson@onatrio.ca
519 846 3401
First Bilingual Eastern Ontario Farm Business
Management Symposium
In response to a need for a bilingual farm business management conference
in eastern Ontario. The first Bilingual Eastern Ontario Farm Business
Management Symposium organized by OMAFRA attracted approximately 150 people.
The business management symposium was simultaneously translated in English
and French and was targeted to producers and agribusiness people to help
improve the competitiveness of farm businesses in Eastern Ontario. The
symposium program covered subjects such as: improving costs of production;
managing your employees; goal setting given the new economic realities;
market outlook and marketing strategies for cash crop farmers.
The symposium garnered a 93 per cent satisfaction rating by participants.
The next symposium is scheduled for the end of February 2010 in St.-Isidore,
Ontario.
Mario Mongeon
mario.mongeon@ontario.ca
613 679 4288
John Molenhuis
john.molenhuis@ontario.ca
613 475 9472
Timely Resources Produced for Dairy Farmers
Faced with Poor Forage Quality
After an unusually cool and wet summer hindering optimal forage harvesting
in 2008, forage quality was identified by OMAFRA's dairy team as an issue
that needed immediate attention.
Ontario's dairy producers and agri-businesses needed timely and detailed
information on what to do with forage low in nutrients and digestibility.
OMAFRA's dairy team assembled a special educational section for distribution
to dairy farmers through The Milk Producer magazine. The special section
explained how to maintain a herd's milk production and profitability with
sub-optimal forage quality.
The dairy team also offered two, one-day seminars for north-eastern Ontario
dairy producers. Sixty producers, representing a majority of dairy producers
in the region attended. OMAFRA specialists explained first-hand how to
use by-products to compensate for poor forage and how to avoid cow health
problems due to improper rations.
Mario Mongeon
mario.mongeon@ontario.ca
613 679 4288
Finding a New Market for Nature's Bounty
When exceptional yields in southwestern Ontario resulted in a surplus
of sugar beets for processing, it became OMAFRA's mission to find a new
market for sugar beets. OMAFRA livestock and agronomy specialists found
a solution - - sugar beets can be fed to livestock as a feed ingredient.
Whole sugar beets are relatively high in energy, similar to corn and
cob meal, but because they also contain relatively high levels of digestible
fibre, they are best suited as a feed ingredient for ruminant animals
such as cattle, sheep and goats. The whole beets need be crushed or processed
prior to being fed to cattle while it is possible for sheep to safely
eat them whole.
OMAFRA staff were able to communicate the opportunity to livestock farmers,
meeting the needs of livestock farmers for affordable feed and the sugar
beet farmers who needed a market for their crop. Should the need arise
again in the future, surplus sugar beets will have a ready market.
Ron Lackey
ron.lackey@ontario.ca
519 271 7407
Sheep Seminars Focused on Parasites
OMAFRA organizes several sheep seminars annually to give commercial producers
and Ontario Sheep Marketing Association board members the most current
production information available. In the past year, several one-day seminars
were focused on parasites and parasite control. This ongoing issue is
particularly important to the industry at this time due to the possibility
of anthelmintic (a class of drugs used to treat parasites) resistance
and the fact there are very few wormers available to sheep producers.
Last November's sheep seminars attracted 210 sheep farmers to hear international
speakers provide information on parasite management.
OMAFRA's seminars are the primary source of education and development
in the sheep industry. In order to remain competitive the industry needs
to be aware of improvements in sheep production in other countries and
continually adopt new technologies. The Ontario Sheep Marketing Association
sponsored the seminar series.
The focus of future seminars will be genetics.
Attend an Upcoming Sheep Seminar
November 10, 2009 - Atwood
November 12, 2009 - Napanee
OMAFRA Sheep Conference and Event Listing
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/sheep/confrnc.html
Delma Kennedy
delma.kennedy@ontario.ca
519 826 3290
Christoph Wand
christoph.wand@ontario.ca
519 824 4120 ext 53670
Anita O'Brien
anita.obrien@ontario.ca
613 258 8299
Beef Research Technical Update
OMAFRA's beef and sheep teams partnered with the University of Guelph
to offer extension staff, university researchers, Ontario Cattlemen's
Association executives and beef and sheep industry members a one-day seminar
focused on industry research and results.
The technical update will lead to improved:
- Health in sheep flocks
- Evaluation of beef cattle for temperament
- Efficiency in utilizing corn silage in cattle finishing rations
- Handling and transportation of beef cattle
- Knowledge for preventing the development of drug resistant microbes
in sheep
- Knowledge of using genomics in livestock selection programs
The Beef and Sheep Research Technical Update proceedings were circulated
to all attendees. Copies are available from Tom Hamilton, OMAFRA Beef
Program Lead. Producers and agri-business can also keep abreast of advances
in the beef and sheep industries through Factsheets, newsletters, conferences
and more at the OMAFRA website.
Tom Hamilton
tom.hamilton@ontario.ca
705 647 2087
Finding a Future in Beef, Workshops for
Beef Producers under 40
Three meetings were held in Ontario to bring 120 young (under 40 years
of age) beef producers together to advance the future of the industry.
At each meeting producers networked, heard about a positive future in
the industry and worked through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
threats) analysis. A portion of each meeting was devoted to a talk by
Betty Green, a partner in a three-family, two-generation, 1,000 head cow
herd in Manitoba. Her presentation is available on CD by contacting one
of the specialists noted below.
At the end of each meeting, young beef producers left with a solid understanding
of what they need to do to move forward. They also learned about the assistance
and resources that the three sponsoring organizations-OMAFRA, The Centre
for Rural Leadership and Ontario Cattlemen's Association (OCA)-offer.
More beef workshops and discussions for producers under 40 are planned
for 2009. Information is available from the individuals below.
Obtain the Meeting Report from Ontario Cattleman's Association
http://www.cattle.guelph.on.ca
Specifically go to Policies and Issues -Young Farmers
Nancy Noecker
nancy.noecker@ontario.ca
613 258 8476
Technical Production and Marketing of
Forages
Forages are unique in that they are usually not the end product but a
component of agricultural production. Dairy, beef, sheep and hay producers
and agri-business learned how to reduce losses, increase production and
forage quality and improve efficiencies. They also learned about export
opportunities at a forage conference organized by OMAFRA and the Ontario
Forage Council. The highly technical production and marketing information
was geared to innovators and early adopters in forage production.
The one-day Forage Focus Conference was held in two locations to extend
the reach to producers. Dr. Kung from the University of Delaware taught
how to make quality silage; Fritz Trauttsmandorf shared his craftsmanship
and marketing skills as a hay exporter and an OMAFRA specialist discussed
forage opportunities in the bio-economy.
Upcoming forage event:
2009 Forage Focus
December 2009
www.ontarioforagecouncil.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=43
Joel Bagg
joel.bagg@ontario.ca
705 324 5856
Cage Aquaculture Policy Development
OMAFRA is working with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of
the Environment, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Department
of the Environment on a provincial policy for cage aquaculture in public
waters. This multi-year stakeholder process is developing a science-based
policy to enable the cage aquaculture sector to grow. In Ontario, aquaculture
cage farms produce 4,000 tonnes per year of rainbow trout or 85 per cent
of the rainbow trout sold in Ontario. The rest is imported. Consumer demand
continues to grow.
Rainbow trout cage aquaculture farmers are located in Ontario's Georgian
Bay area. The policy will enable the responsible growth of the sector
by clearly defining the rules by which the industry operates on public
lands and lakes. The project is nearly complete. All cage fish farmers
and the Northern Ontario Aquaculture Association (NOAA) have been involved
in the policy development process.
Steve Naylor
steve.naylor@ontario.ca
519 826 3172
Crop and Pest Updates
Crop and pest updates provide timely information and recommendations
on insects, diseases and production management throughout the growing
season. Updates can be accessed any day at any time and are available
in a variety of formats - toll-free telephone service (formerly known
as Agriphone), downloadable audio podcasts, and text files on the OMAFRA
website. Crop and Pest Updates include:
Livestock Updates
Livestock updates provide timely information on livestock production
and marketing.
OMAFRA Newsletters
Business
Agricultural
Business Update
Crops
Ontario
Berry Grower
Crop
Pest Ontario
Crop Talk
Greenhouse
Grower Notes
HortMatters
ON Organic
Orchard
Network
The
Tender Fruit Grapevine
Vegetable
Viewpoint
Livestock
Virtual Beef
Pork News and
Views
We're at Your Service
Minister's Office
The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Public Archives Building
77 Grenville St., 11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B3
Phone 416-326-3074
Fax 416-326-3083
Guelph Office
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
General Enquiries
1-888-466-2372 (Ontario only)
519-826-3100 (outside Ontario)
Agricultural Information Contact Centre
1-877-424-1300
Local 519-826-4047
ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Northern Office
1-800-461-6132
OMAFRA Resource Centres
Southwest Region
Agronomy Building
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Box 400, 120 Main Street East
Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0
Phone 519-674-1690
Fax 519-674-1564
667 Exeter Road
London, ON N6E 1L3
Phone 519-873-4070
Fax 519-873-4062
100 Don Street, Box 159
Clinton, ON N0M 1L0
Phone: (519) 482-3333
Fax: (519) 482-5031
581 Huron Street
Stratford, ON N5A 5T8
Phone 519-271-0280
Fax 519-273-5278
Unit 1 - 401 Lakeview Drive
Woodstock, ON N4T 1W2
Phone 519-537-6621
Fax 519-539-5351
East Region
322 Kent Street West
Lindsay, ON K9V 4T7
Phone 705-324-6125
Fax 705-324-1638
R.R. # 3, 95 Dundas Street East
Brighton, ON K0K 1H0
Phone 613-475-1630
Fax 613-475-3835
Box 2004, 59 Ministry Road
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Phone 613-258-8295
Fax 613-258-8392
Box 430, 31 St. Paul Street
Alfred, ON K0B 1A0
Phone 613-679-4411
Fax 613-679-0929
Central Region
0536 County Road 18
Fergus, ON
N1M 2W3
Phone 519-846-0941
Fax 519-846-8178
Advisory Services Building
Box 8000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
Vineland, ON L0R 2E0
Phone 905-562-4147
Fax 905-562-5933
Box 587, Blueline Road & Highway # 3
Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5
Phone 519-426-7120
Fax 519-428-1142
North Region
Caldwell Township Building
Highway 64, Box 521
Verner, ON P0H 2M0
Phone 1-800-461-6132 or 705-594-2312
Fax 705-594-9675
P.O. Box 210
Emo, ON POW 1E0
Phone 1-800-461-6132
Fax 1-807-482-2864
P.O. Box 328
Gore Bay, ON P0P 1H0
Phone 1-800-461-6132
Fax 705-282-2792
P.O. Box 4070
New Liskeard, ON P0P 1J0
Phone 1-800-461-6132
Fax 1-705-647-7993
1 Coliver Road, R.R.#1
Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0
Phone 1-800-461-6132
Fax 1-705-842-1583
Suite B012, 435 James St. South
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S7
Phone 1-800-461-6132
Fax 1-807-475-1219
OMAFRA Website Quick Links
An in-depth collection of livestock, crops and business information can
be accessed at:
www.ontario.ca/omafra
ontario.ca/crops
ontario.ca/agbusiness
ontario.ca/livestock
Gives Us Your Feedback
E-mail susin.micallef@ontario.ca
with your comments about this resource guide.
Events and Workshops
Go to the area of interest from www.ontario.ca/omafra
and look for the link to specific events in the business, crop and livestock
section.
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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