The Rural Voice - February, 2022

Rural Voice

The

February 2022

THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE ... $2.50 PM 40037593

TIPS FOR BEEF CALVING SEASON Calving protocols ensure healthy calves are born alive and thrive

NO-TILL VEGETABLE FARMING Tarps, mulch and cover cropping keep soil healthy and weeds under control

DAIRY SUSTAINABILITY Dairy farms should focus on the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability

Providing a Complete Package

Farm Location

Varna Location

IP Soybeans 2022 programs are available for: • SQWH • S03-W4 • S07-M8 • S12-J7 • P11A10 • OAC Bruton • B088Y1 (RR) • & other varieties hillhill@tcc.on.ca

519-233-3218

Marketing • Buy & Sell Grain Commodities throughout Ontario • On-farm marketing & merchandising

Grain Services • Transportation • Handling & Storage • Receiving • Packaging

RR #1 Varna, Ontario N0M 2R0 www.varnagrain.com

519-233-7908 1-877-433-7908

Find out how to claim your

25% Rebate on eligible pur p chases of maple trees f rom ou ur Nursery Partners

Visit MapleL LeavesForever.ca to learn more and apply Follow Us s for year-roun nd tree care tip ps

Let’s work togetther to restore a piece of Canada’s natural heritage.

Supplying the agricultural industry needs since 1977!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Angle Channel Hot and cold rolled bars Tool steel Beams Rebar Concrete reinforcing mesh Mechanical tubes Black pipe Galvanized pipe Sheet and Plate Bar grating Welded wire mesh Grip strut Precision ground shafting

* NEW * Now Stocking • Hog & Cattle Panels • Various livestock penning sizes available Services offered: • Saw cutting • Punching • Rebar cutting and bending • Custom welded columns and beams • Priming • Galvanizing OPEN: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

www.huntersteel.ca 519-273-3151 500 Lorne Ave. E., Stratford

         

House & Barn Painting Pressure Washing Asphalt Coatings Sand & Air Blasting Roofs & Walls Elevator Legs Lightning Rod Systems Heavy Duty Seamless Eavestroughing Fully Insured Free Estimates

Liquid Rubber Sealant Uses:  Roof Maintenance & Restorations  Foundations  Bins We’re also certified applicators of Liquid Rubber

Towson Bailie 519-878-1273 Office 519-268-8500

Liquid Rubber Features:    

Waterproof Adheres to almost any surface Resists Cracking & Chipping Flexible in all weather

www.barnpainting.ca DORCHESTER

Contents The

Rural Voice THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE

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

20

Publisher: Deb Sholdice Editor: Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot rveditorlisa@northhuron.on.ca

16

24

Columns Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Keith Roulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Kate Procter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Jeffrey Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Mabel’s Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Woodlots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Agrilaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Departments

FEBRUARY 2022 • Cover Photo Beef Calf from Trick’s Creek Farms Photo by Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot

• Deadlines: March Issue – Feb.8 April Issue – March 8

16 Tips for Calving Success Beef farmers share calving strategies to birth healthy calves

20 Packing Plastic Wrap Cleanfarms is pursuing markets for plastic wrap while forwardthinking farmers pack it into bales

24 No-Till Vegetable Farming Mulch, tarps and a change of attitude help make no-till vegetable growing successful

Ruralite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 News & Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Business Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

32 Preparing for Transition

Newsletters

34 The Comfort of Chicken

National Farmers Union . . . . . . . . . .58 Perth County Pork . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Grey County Federation . . . . . . . . . .60 Bruce County Federation . . . . . . . .61 Perth County Federation . . . . . . . . . .62 Huron County Federation . . . . . . . . .64

A seven-stage process can help farmers prepare for the process of transitioning their farms

Contributing writers: Keith Roulston, Kate Procter, Jeffrey Carter, Rhea Hamilton Seeger, Arnold Mathers, Donna Lacey, Melisa Luymes, Anne Mann, Nancy Fisher, Carolyn Crawford, Bonnie Sitter, Jeff Tribe, Amanda Brodhagen and Hetty Stuart Mailed by: McLaren Press Graphics, Bracebridge, ON Advertising Sales: Shelley Kroes rvads@northhuron.on.ca Production co-ordinator & Telemarketing: Joan Caldwell Advertising & editorial production:

Dianne Josling PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40037593 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429, BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca Subscriptions: $25 (12 issues) $45 (24 issues), includes HST Back copies $2.75 each.

Chicken dishes are warm and nourishing for winter meals

42 Lists, Lists and More Lists Creating lists for inventory and bought and sold assets prepare you for the upcoming tax season

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

NH

ORTH URON

PUBLISHING COMPANY INC.

A division of North Huron Publishing Company Inc.

Zurich 519-236-4381 Strathroy 519-246-1132

HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS Your local authorized dealer for...

Brussels JOE SEILI 519-887-6289 www.huronfeedingsystems.com

VITTTAAMIN/M MIN/MINER MINERAL AL & SPECIAALLLTTY FEED PR PRODUCTS ODUCTS FOR LIVESTTOCK

www.howickmutual.com 1-800-265-3033 Teeswater 519-392-6776 • 1-800-263-2555 Clinton 519-482-3433 • 1-800-270-2050 Tiverton 519-368-7696 “Quality Concrete and Service since 1977”

Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce CONSTITUENCY OFFICES BLYTH OFFICE Ph: 519-523-4251 KINCARDINE OFFICE Ph: 519-396-3007 Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org

2 The Rural Voice

Farm • Home • Auto • Commercial

69819 London Rd., R.R. #1 Centralia, ON 1IPOF t t 'BY & .BJM LLQQBMFO!LFOQBM PO DB t XXX X LFOQBM PO DB

•

Ruralite

Labour of Love

“Having cattle is a labour of love. It’s hard to pencil out

making a profit from a small herd, so you must place a high value on manure.” ~ Ron Hare of Grey County who has a small cow/calf operation and values the manure for hay crops he bales and ships to Florida. Story on page 16.

COVID: Might as well joke about it

• Finland has just closed thier borders.

No one will be crossing the Finnish line.

• Now is not the right time to surround yourself with positive people.

• Why do they call it the novel coronavirus?

It’s a long story...

Hmmmm • If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

• Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when you know the batteries are dead?

• Why do we put garments in a suitcase and suits in a garment bag?

• Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

No-Till Gardening “We have seen huge improvement in our soil structure and the no-till garden has become our favourite garden. Once you change your attitude towards how you manage it, you can appreciate it.” ~Isabelle Spence of Field Good Farms on switching part of their vegetable farm from tillage to no-till. Story on page 24.

FARMING IN FEBRUARY “Farming was the first occupation of man, and as it embraces the whole earth, it is the foundation

•

of all other industries.”

Neil’s One-Liners (Wisdom and humour from the McGavin files)

• If a handshake is no good, his signature won’t be either.

•

• The best vitamin for making a

Winter-Equipped

friend is B1.

Naturally thriving in open grasslands, horses don’t mind the snow and will stand with their tails facing the wind, patiently watching the snow fall.

Photo by Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot.

February 2022 3

Lisa B. Pot Lisa B. Pot is editor of The Rural Voice, and farms in Huron County

The new wraps There was a little drawer beside the fridge at the farmhouse that always held four things — a box of wax paper, parchment paper, tin foil and a box of Saran Wrap.

For years and years, I would wrap up leftovers with Saran Wrap and tuck them into the fridge. I had Tupperware and containers with lids too but it was easy to use good old Saran Wrap.

It was the early 1990s and I confess I never gave a second thought to what it was doing to the environment.

I have a little drawer in the house I live in now that also has long rectangular boxes. There is still a box of brown parchment paper (fully recyclable) and tin foil (a whole other environmental issue) but no plastic wrap of any kind.

Because now I know the evils of plastic wrap and my conscience won’t let me use it.

It makes me sick to think about how much my own household contributed to the world’s plastic problem but at the time, it was how we did things, just as my mother did before me.

Now, I have gorgeous beeswax wraps. My first set came in three sizes and lasted for over a year. They worked wonderfully. You just place it over the dishes, use your hand heat to mold it over the sides of the dish, and it stays nicely in place. Mold them carefully and beeswax wraps can be entirely water and spill proof.

You can use beeswax wraps around sandwiches, vegetables and fruits. They make pockets and envelopes for nuts and cheese as well. A quick wipe cleans them off.

The original three still work but are now quite stained so I bought a new set with a palm leaf pattern — so functional and pretty. Beeswax 4 The Rural Voice

wraps are a brilliant product and I see in some of my children a real better yet, are completely fear for the future of their world and compostable because they are made that saddens me. Perhaps all the of natural ingredients — cotton and doom and gloom about climate beeswax. Or, you can twist the old change isn’t helping their mental ones up to use as garden ties or health. THAT’S not the better part. firestarters.

But what they are doing to change So that’s my sell on switching how we live to protect the planet, IS. from plastic wraps to beeswax wraps.

I am so proud of them. I am proud What I really want to investigate of their young voices asking us to is the whole process of changing the make changes and fix the world they mindset and how quickly we can will inherit. adapt to new concepts when it feels Banning Saran Wrap and good. switching to soap bars isn’t enough Or you get shamed into it. but it’s a start and it’s where we all With six kids who grew up begin. Once started, we want to do immersed in environmental more. We want to plant more trees. education, I’ve had a fair bit of Reuse more products. Purchase less shaming ... and it works in this consumables. Get back to growing context. gardens. Switch to hybrid vehicles.

When I purchased plastic bottles Turn off lights, turn down the for conditioner and shampoo, I was thermostat and be conscious of the told: “Mom, you should be refilling footprint we leave behind. those or better yet, use shampoo I like it when the next generation bars.” walks in our footsteps and adopts the So now the last of our plastic things we are good at (living with bottles are phasing out and we have a less, gardening and caring for the nice little red cedar tray by the soil) but I’m equally thrilled that shower containing one shampoo and their footsteps are ones I want to one conditioner bar. Nice! travel in as well.

Plastic toothbrushes, straws and Together, we can combine our plastic bags? No, no and no. generational intelligences and skill And you know what? I’m glad sets to create a new level of they watch and scold me because awareness and commitment to even if I didn’t grow up with their improving our environment. awareness, I am aware now! When I On behalf of my generation, I am grew up, everything went to the sorry for all the plastics I did use and dump. Official recycling programs I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to weren’t in place in Ontario until the switch to such obvious, simple ways 1980s and were established much to replace them. later in Huron County, where I live.

Together, we can do better! ◊ I’ve been a farmer all my life so there were many things we did right. We had a garden and composted way before that was cool.

No food was wasted, as anything not eaten was fed to cats and dogs.

We didn’t drive as much and we recycled by necessity. I also grew up in a really positive time, where life seemed full of opportunity and we didn’t have the terror The beeswax wraps from Zero Waste mvmt that the planet would (above) work great for storing food and are implode. completely resuable and biodegradable.

Backyard Birding BAYSHORE COUNTRY FEEDS LTD. • Bird Seed & Feeders Livestock • Pet • Horse Feed

FEED THE BIRDS

Custom Milling & Cleaning

This book is the perfect resource for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike. Covering 196 bird species that are attracted to backyard feeders. A wide variety of feeders and seed types are discussed as well as bird behaviours.

1304 2nd Ave. E., Owen Sound

Helen Watson owner 36 Kingston Street Goderich, Ontario N7A 3K1 Toll Free: 855-524-4272

Local: 519-524-4272 info@feedthebirds.ca www.feedthebirds.ca

519-376-5830 First for Quality & Service

$29.95 + Tax & Shipping In Business Since 1992.

Quality Wild Bird Mixes Local Hand Made Wooden Bird Feeders, Houses, Bat Houses, Garden Poles Also, Lifetime Warranty Bird Feeders BIRDHOUSES BOXES & FEEDERS Whether you are a woodworker who loves birds - or a birdwatcher who wants to create a wildlife-friendly habitat-this book will show you environmentally sound ways to enhance any garden by attracting birds.

$24.99 + Tax & Shipping Available by calling The Rural Reading Room at The Rural Voice 519-523-4311

Voicemail: 1-519-595-7587 Dealers across Ontario.

4003 Line 73 R.R. 1 Newton, ON N0K 1R0

ME E R T E birdhouse

X

John Looser 33 Queen’s Belgrave, Ont. N0G 1E0

.com

www.extremebirdhouse.com

519.357.9595 February 2022 5

Keith Roulston

Midwestern Ontario Bull Sale

Keith is former publisher of The Rural Voice.

He lives near Blyth, ON.

April 9th at 1 pm Gilchrist Farms, 1269 Grey Ox Ave., Lucknow

Our females make the difference in raising your herd sires

Representation of Bulls Selling

Contact for more information: Brad Gilchrist: 519-440-6720 Ben Wright: 519-374-3335 Consignors: 1269 Grey Ox Ave., Lucknow Brad Gilchrist 519-440-6720 5164 Perth Line 58, Milverton Pete & Karen Frijters & family 519-276-9314 5536 Guelph Twp. Rd. 3, Guelph Rob Hasson/Karen McMaster 416-817-7339/416-433-5595

Rehorst Farms Ltd.

Teeswater Adrian Rehorst 519-357-7077 307483 Centre Line A., Proton Station Al Hargrave 519-375-5541

6 The Rural Voice

Writer tackles the rural/urban split I found it significant that when I went to find the article Canada’s rural-urban divide is getting deeper, and that hurts all Canadians by Donald J. Savoie on The Globe and Mail website recently, it had already been discontinued after about two days and I had to do an internet search before I found it.

Savoie writes about the significance of the recent federal election, which saw the Liberals fail to form the majority government they hoped for, though they captured the majority of urban seats while the Conservatives won in more rural areas but didn’t take enough urban seats to win power.

This basic divide between rural Canadians who have only 20 per cent of the country’s population but contribute 43 per cent of the country’s goods and services is the theme of Savoie’s piece. If urban Canada sees itself as the engine of economic growth, it is rural Canada that provides the food and fuel.

About 70 per cent of the food consumed is grown in Canada and Canada is the fifth largest food exporter in the world, with 50 per cent of the food we produce exported.

Rural Canada also, Savoie argues, produces nearly all the energy we use, from nuclear stations like The Bruce to off-shore and on-shore wind farms to oil wells.

Savoie points to the federal effort to reduce the use of carbon-emitting vehicles as another example of rural perspectives being ignored. “Electric vehicles make sense to people living in urban centres; the short commutes to work make the technological shift manageable. But things are different in rural Canada. Rural communities are by definition low-density, and many are located far from larger

urban centres, which, because of their denser populations, are also where the services are – medical, dental, etc. Farming, meanwhile, is often the bread-and-butter industry of rural communities, and it is expensive to maintain and operate equipment, which does not run on electricity; EV tractors and combines are years away. In short, rural Canada relies much more on carbon-emitting energy sources than urban centres, which will make the urban-driven transition to clean energy much more difficult.”

It does not mean that rural Canada, broadly speaking, denies climate change, Savoie argues.

“Instead, it has a different relationship to climate change.

Indeed, rural communities have a direct connection to the environment; they often depend on it for their livelihoods.”

Savoie doesn’t argue that rural and urban dwellers operate independent of each other. Indeed, he argues, we need each other. Urban Canadians, he points out, need rural Canada for food, energy, minerals, paper products and for beautiful places to visit.

Cities, meanwhile, are “home to Canada’s leading universities, to many of the important voices in the national media, to the country’s leading businesses, to the head offices of the country’s banks, and to all-powerful lobby groups”, Savoie argues.”Provincial and federal government bureaucracies, at their highest levels, are located in cities. In the case of the federal public service, the percentage of civil servants working in outlying regions has fallen from 72 per cent in 1972 to 58 per cent today, reflecting a significant migration into the National Capital Region.”

Savoie argues that this sense that rural residents are controlled by urbanites was evident in one recent opinion poll which found 72 per cent of rural respondents believe governments don’t care about them.

That’s dangerous.

It’s a powerful argument and one that I haven’t been able to convey properly in this limited space. If you have the time, do a Google search and read the article yourself. ◊

Design. Build.

Improve.

Renovate.

FREE ESTIMATES

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 519-505-2473 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

New stave silos now available SILO ACCESSORIES SILOS DISMANTLED, REBUILT AND REPAIRS

519-363-3900

Cell # (519) 372-5375 R.R. #2 Elmwood, Ont. N0G 1S0

CONCRETE FORMING For All Your Concrete Needs!

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604

519-523-9971

devonjhenry@hotmail.com

MORRIS SACHS SILO CONSTRUCTION

Dave Franken

KRAEMER CONCRETE LTD. Two Locations to Serve You!

5595 Road 130 Brunner N0K 1C0

220 Industrial Park Dr., Brussels N0G 1H0

Fax: 595-4903

Fax: 887-8764

519-595-2343

519-887-8763

Toll Free at 1-888-RING-KCL C - 119 Pinebush Rd., Cambridge, ON Fax: 1-866-388-9659 Email: info@waddelleng.com Website: www.waddelleng.com Instagram: @waddell_engineering TikTok: waddell_engineering

Design your next project with our trusted team

February 2022 7

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

Lucky to live where we do “We are so lucky to live where we do,” is a phrase I have heard many times, and especially through the past two years. While many people are still itching to travel, especially to warmer climates to escape the Huron County winter, most people realize how good we have it here. With gatherings of all kinds shut down in all parts of the country, having the ability to be outside and enjoy many activities right out our back door is definitely something to be grateful for.

Huron County is known for its beautiful trails, enjoyed by people using all forms of transportation. Sometimes living here, we can become oblivious to the natural beauty around us. Hiking and cross-country skiing have been life-long hobbies that I love, but in spite of that, there are many kilometers of trails here that I’ve never set foot, or skis, on. The Huron County website lists over 30 trails within the county that provide space for people of all ages and skill levels.

The Stevenson Tract is located close to my home and has been a trail that I have enjoyed in all seasons my entire life. As anyone who enjoys nature will tell you, a trail never gets boring because it is different every time you walk it. The Stevenson Tract is classed as “moderate to difficult” and is located where County Road 16 (Morris Road) and the Clyde Line meet, a few kilometers west of Brussels. It has had improvements over the years, 8 The Rural Voice

with expanded trails through the 200 acre woods and improved parking areas with access from both Clyde Line and Morris Road. The trail is bisected by both the Maitland River and the Sunshine Creek, providing prime fish habitat. The trail is great for cross country skiing, with enough hills to provide challenge and fun, but not too many.

Trails always make me wonder about the long term history of the landscape. When skiing, one of my favourite parts of the Stephenson Tract is the ridge. I’ve long suspected it could be an esker, given its shape and gravelly composition that is different from other parts of the trail.

Looking up a little bit of the geology of Huron County reveals that eskers are common here, with many of the

larger ones being used for gravel extraction.

It has been a long time since high school geography classes where we learned about how the glaciers shaped our landscapes – so a refresher was welcome.” An esker is a long, narrow ridge that snakes across the land. The esker is made of layers of sand and gravel. It marks the location of a tunnel that developed beneath a glacier. The esker is one of the most easily recognized landforms that formed during an ice age, while a glacier covered the land. In flat boggy areas, eskers stand as high ridges and serve

Beautiful trails found at Stevenson Tract (above) and the Wawanosh Conservation Area (top, left)) make surviving the COVID pandemic a little easier by giving us a place to go to find peace and beauty.

Kate Procter as vantage points, dry route ways, and areas for animal dens.”

Another great place to hike is the Maitland Trail. The Maitland Trail follows the Maitland River from Auburn to Goderich, with lots of interesting land forms. One of the most mysterious is the infamous “Black Hole”. We hiked with a geologist one summer who explained the mysteries of the Black Hole and some of the old stories that went along with it. In “The Power of the Maitland” by John Hazlitt and Ted Turner, they describe the Hole as “a karst feature, formed by the dissolution of the limestone by rainwater.” This feature is interesting because it has never been filled with sediment, so speculation goes, “in order for the Black Hole to stay open, it must be connected to some deeper, more substantial cave system,” “There are stories of cedar rails thrown into the water above the ‘Hole’ to float down stream, only to be sucked into the vortex,” (Hazlitt and Turner, pg 32). According to Wikipedia, the depth has been found by sonar to be six meters, The Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area is another favourite of mine. Located on Nature Centre Road south of Belgrave, this Conservation Area features the Maitland River and the Belgrave Creek. The walk along the river is beautiful any time of year, and the towering hemlocks provide a majestic reminder of nature’s splendour. The park provides good trout and salmon fishing and the boardwalks through the boggy areas have recently all been replaced. If you are interested in geocaching, a group of Cubs placed some caches here that are still being found many years later.

Huron County trails provide a way to escape the challenges of living through a pandemic – opening our minds to the history of how the land was formed, the changes in land use that humans have brought, and the other creatures we share the land with. Finding peace and beauty on the trails is good for your soul and mental health, no matter what the season. ◊

February 22, 2022

Safe, Dependable Trucking Service Livestock, Bulk, Freight Brussels

519-887-6122 • 1-800-667-8399

Parks Livestock of Canada L.P.

Box 280, 6 Spencer Street Milverton, ON N0K 1M0

Office 519-595-8555 Toll Free 1-877-338-4647 SOWS, BOARS, FEEDER PIGS, CALVES TRUCKING AVAILABLE john.nicholson@parkslivestock.com

There’s Insurance, then there’s Mutual Insurance.

Find an Agent or Broker near you www.wwmic.com February 2022 9

Jeff Carter have led to the loss what little control they exercised over their livelihoods.

Tens of thousands marched on India’s capital, Delhi, mainly from the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana but the protests were nationwide, according to three speakers who discussed the development during the recent Oxford Real Farming Conference – University of Oxford economist Pritam Singh, Navsharan Singh with Carleton University at Ottawa and the leader of India’s largest agricultural union, Joginder Singh Ugrahan.

“We forced Modi to take back those rules with the same pen that he wrote them,” Ugrahan said, speaking through an interpreter. “We understood that these three laws were in favour of the corporations.”

Pritam Singh said the movement’s success was the result of literally “decades of work” which involved not just farmers but farm labourers, educators, health professionals and other members of India’s layered society. Just organizing the lines of

Jeff is a freelance journalist based in Dresden, Ontario.

A lesson for Canada in India’s farmer protests In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a farmer-led coalition in India has set an example for the world: small voices, combined together, can make a difference.

In summer of 2020, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an effort to “modernize” his country’s agriculture through the introduction of three agricultural statutes that, in the view of opposing farmers, would

Celebrating Over 75 Years

We speak fluent farmer…

BECAUSE WE FARM TOO!

DRILLED WELLS BORED WELLS IRRIGATION WELLS WATER GUARANTEED Call us FIRST for great deals on new wells & pump systems

LUCAN

(519) 227-0057

www.haydenwaterwells.com

10 The Rural Voice

1-888-535-4455

info@haydenwaterwells.com

supply to keep the encamped protesters fed was an accomplishment of note in itself.

Members of the movement were able to set aside their differences.

Things like caste, political stance and religion were put aside to focus on the core issue – the food supply.

Even the police and army personnel who were employed to discourage the protesters were brought on side.

Rather than violence meeting violence, the farmers and their supporters reached out with food, feeding those who might otherwise oppress them.

“Agriculture is not about the past.

Agriculture is about the future,” Singh said. “Protecting agriculture is very important in the viewpoint of protecting planet earth.”

Agriculture is a key economic driver in India, accounting for about 20 per cent of the country’s GDP and 50 per cent of employment.

Individual farm holdings tend to be small, a matter of a few hectares and production is reliant not just on farm families but the landless peasants of that vast nation. Rather than being at odds, India farmers and their workers have an important bond; only through a cooperative effort can each succeed.

The same holds true in Canada.

As several temporary migrant workers have pointed out to me over the years, their farm employers’ success is their success.

I’ve been around the farm community long enough to know that not every farmer who employs temporary foreign workers is an exemplary model of good behaviour.

Yet the maxim holds true.

The interest of farm workers, whether Canadian or temporary immigrant, lies with their employers.

They are the ones who pay them.

That bond of common interest has become apparent over the past two years as the federal government attempted to micromanage temporary foreign workers and farm employers through ramped up inspections of housing and working conditions.

The federal Auditor General’s December 9 report concludes the inspection effort was an utter failure.

Particularly revealing was the

Jeff Carter inability of government inspectors to interview the required number of workers during their rounds or gather sufficient information from employers.

Here is a summation of the Auditor Report’s findings from 2021: “In 58 per cent of inspections, poorquality evidence or no evidence was collected before employers were found compliant or the inspections became inactive. … In 50 per cent of inspections, the required number of workers were not interviewed – and in some cases, none were interviewed – before employers were found compliant or the inspections became inactive.”

During an impromptu visit to a farm last summer, I received a taste of what government inspectors faced.

Having driven up to a work site, I was greeted with the most hostile reception from migrant workers that I can ever remember from the past 40odd years.

As it turned out, the workers, a group from the Caribbean, had me pegged for a government inspector.

They were not happy to see me.

Canada’s farmers and their workers are natural allies, a point that the urban-based, migrant worker advocacy groups need to pick up on.

If they’re looking to support workers, support the workers rather than demonizing their employers and consider supporting the farming community as well.

Farmers are not responsible for Canada's approach to immigration, a policy that has evolved over the past 60 years, making so-called “temporary” foreign workers a permanent part of the nation. ◊

Lisa Thompson MPP Huron-Bruce

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES Blyth Office:

Kincardine Office:

408 Queen Street, PO Box 426 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 Phone: 519-523-4251 Toll Free: 1-800-668-9320

807 Queen Street, Unit 3 Kincardine, ON N2Z 2Y2 Phone: 519-396-3007 Toll Free: 1-866-396-3007

Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org

Huron-Bruce Matters

It’s more than your livelihood, it’s your life.

You deserve an advisor who really gets what’s on the line.

Clinton Larryy Battee | 519.606.8550 0 | larry.batte@mnp.ca

Home • Farm • Auto • Commercial • Life https://moorehemsworth.ca Dublin – 519-345-2512 Listowel – 519-291-3921 Email: mhi@mhins.ca

Stratford Jordann Bowless | 519.272.0000 0 | Jordan.bowles@mnp.ca MNP.ca

February 2022 11

Mabel’s Grill The world’s problems are solved daily ’round the table at Mabel’s Grill.

“Well, here we are again!” sighed Dave Winston when Cliff Murray carried takeout food from Mabel’s Grill into Dave’s heated garage the other morning. “Back having coffee in my garage again, a year after we were sure the pandemic would be over in just a little while.”

“Hey, apparently it is in some places,” said George Mackenzie, as he accepted his coffee and scrambled eggs in a styrofoam tray after first making a non-welcoming sigh. “I’ve got a brother-in-law who’s in Florida right now and it’s like the pandemic never happened. I mean the waitresses wear masks but nobody else in the restaurant – which is full – seems to act any differently.”

“Except unless they test positive – which about 70,000 people a day are doing down there,” said Cliff as he

handed a cup and tray to Dave.

“Hey, these hot cakes aren’t even hot,” grumbled Dave as he opened the styrofoam shell.

“Well it’s 12 minutes from Mabel’s and it’s darn cold outside,” said Cliff.

“How’s Mabel taking it?” Dave wondered. “Seems like she just gets back close to normal and she gets shut down again.

“She’s trying to see the positive side of life,” said Cliff. “She said with the Chinese banning the import of Canadian beef after that BSE case was found in Alberta, maybe at least beef prices would fall.”

“Oh, that really makes me see the lighter side,” sighed George. “If the price of beef falls as much as it did 15 years ago when we had BSE, I won’t be even eating takeout from her.”

“Even so,” said Cliff, “what was I reading? That we sell $170 million in beef to China, $90 million to South Korea and $13 million to the Philippines – that means a lot of beef we’re not selling.”

“Gee, thanks. I really needed to be reminded of that,” George

ver 40 Years

ervice For O ing Reliable S

Provid

4

97

1 CE

or An 'Easy Lift'

Of Making Any Do

515 James Street S., St. Marys, Ontario N4X 1C7 Ph: 519 349-2355

FA

SIN

For You

CT

OR

YO

UT

800 667-3845

LE

T

EASY LIFT DOORS LTD.

Fax: 519 349-2144 website: easyliftdoors.com email: easylift@quadro.net

s Prompt Service s Large Volume of stocked Inventory s Dock Seals / Dock Levellers s On Site Consultations s High Quality Standards s Attention to Detail s Well equipped Service Trucks s All Materials 3 ft. to 30 ft. Wide

AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL 12 The Rural Voice

said glumly.

“Yeah, we all could be in a mess with you,” said Dave. “I was seeing some woman on the TV the other day who was talking about the COVID crisis and disease in animals and how we shouldn’t keep animals in such close quarters,” “I’m betting she’s likely the kind who’d find some other reason we shouldn’t keep animals if there was no COVID,” said George. “She probably thinks we shouldn’t keep animals at all – unless it’s some sort of cute dog, of course.”

“If it’s a dog, it doesn’t even need to be cute,” said Cliff. “I’ve seen some animal lovers with dogs that are too big and too ugly for me to want around.”

“Yeah, the sort of dog that was bred originally for hunting animals,” grumbled Dave.

“Hey, can’t we talk about something entirely outside this pandemic thing?” asked George.

“We’re not rich enough to be able to ignore it all,” said Dave.

“You mean like those rich guys who are paying big bucks to be shot into space?” wondered Cliff.

“Well it gets them away from the COVID germs for a few minutes anyway,” said Dave.

“It’s their money they’re wasting so I guess they can do what they want with it,” shrugged George.

“Except they’re messing up the atmosphere while their rocket is taking them up,” grumbled Cliff.

“Can’t we find anything to talk about that doesn’t bring us down?”

Dave wondered.

“Hey, we’ve just spent 10 minutes talking about all this,” said Cliff.

“That means we’re 10 minutes closer to spring!”

“And already you can see the sun getting up earlier and going down later,” said George.

“And it’s not much longer before the fuel truck doesn’t come up the lane to refill the oil tank,” said Cliff.

“And they say this newest variant of COVID is bound to burn out fast, so we can get back to Mabel’s Grill and Molly Whiteside can find some way to shoot George down every day,” said Dave.

“Gee thanks, that makes me feel so much better,” said George.◊

BEEKEEPING Bees, Equipment & Supplies

Harriston, ON 519-994-4400

oy!

Enj

HONEY

info@cedarwoodhoney.com www.cedarwoodhoney.com

Cedarwood Honey • Pollinating Services • Nucs • Bee Hive Wooden Wares

Sweetening your day since 1914

Liquid, creamed, combed, pure raw and flavoured honey; bee’s wax and food wraps, candles, bee pollen.

Buckfast Queens and Nucs, available in spring.

Visit us at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market New Market Building or by appointment on-farm

Reserve now, online at www.munrohoney.com or call 519-847-5333 Bee supply list available on request.

Open: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturdays 10 am - 3 pm

Munro Honey & Meadery 3115 River St., Alvinston, ON N0N 1A0 519-847-5333

Bees for your own hive!

Government Grant $30 per queen (10+ hives eligibility) web: ontarioprogramguides.net/pc-en-emap-pd-a/

Oxford Brand Pure, Unpasteurized Honey Liquid or Creamed !! GO GREEN & SAVE !!

Bring a container and have it filled.

Other products available are, Comb Honey, Pollen, Beeswax Candles, Beeswax Cosmetics, Gift Baskets, as well as Beekeeping Supplies, Bees and Queens

Oxford Honey and Supplies

BUCKFAST BEES ONLY • NUCS • QUEENS

384954 Salford Rd., Burgessville, ON N0J 1C0

Gentle bees, good producers

519-550-1096

Call us at the store to enquire

email: van3301@live.com web: www.oxfordhoney.ca

519-236-4979 www.fergusonapiaries.on.ca 39006 Zurich-Hensall Rd., Between Hensall & Zurich

Store Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

February 2022 13

Viewpoint Two years later… and I still haven’t met up with them. In fact, most of the people in my network are just memories and my bubble of friends is now embarrassingly small.

Two years later… and I live alone, working silly-long hours just sitting and staring at this screen. It’s the darkest time of the year and that never helps. I drive into Drayton for groceries in the hopes that a stranger makes eye contact and smiles. But we all stopped doing that a long time ago.

Two years later… and the world is divided. And we’re all angry, no matter which side we’re on. Sorry people, but most days, my optimism and faith in humanity are gone.

Nothing personal, I’m sure you feel it too.

Goodness, I can’t just leave you in this pit of despair now, can I? And besides, I need 500 more words for this space.

OK, so there are things that help me through. Writing out a daily gratitude list is scientifically proven to improve one’s mood, so here goes.

Here are 10 things I like, even when I

Mel Luymes works in agriculture and conser‐ vation and blogs at headlands.ca

Ten things that help I apologize in advance. I usually try to write something thoughtprovoking or inspiring for this column, but I don’t think I have it in me right now. Instead of leaving this space blank (can I do that, Lisa?!)… could I just be honest with you?

At the beginning of this pandemic, I felt like we were all coming together by staying home. To me, it was a welcome and unpredictable adventure and change from a hectic life on the road. Yeah, I was a bit anxious about an apocalypse, but it was only supposed to be a few weeks. I had plans to go for a drink with two friends in March 2020 and we pushed it back a bit.

SLABS

ORDER NOW FOR SPRING DELIVERY

29 Gordon Street E, Teeswater, ON N0G 2S0 shop.buddsteel.com info@buddsteel.com Phone: (519) 392 6060

14 The Rural Voice

hate everything else.

Cats. Don’t laugh, but I’m officially a cat lady. (Thanks Sabrina and Jordy!) Due to the bursting of the barn kitten bubble of early 2021, I have two orange tabby toms. They are independent little killers and adorable when they curl up and snooze together (which is a lot) so I take them for walks to make sure they get enough exercise. The fresh air also makes me feel better, even if it is cold and grey. Ok, so I’ll add…

Fresh air.

Candles. I have a friend who makes these gorgeous-smelling soy candles (lunarlove.ca) that make some light in the darkness.

Music. I found some good vibes, so I crank the tunes and they can basically move miracles.

Soup. Move over salad, it is time for warm and hearty root vegetables for the winter. I tried adding dill pickles to a vegetable cream soup and it was so good that I legit started crying. Maybe I’ll take a culinary adventure and cook my way around the world instead.

I know I should put family or friends here on this list, and I’m grateful that I have them, but they are too complicated and “out there” to feel supportive right now. Again, nothing personal, but most humans are in their own stages of burnout, resentment or breakdown and cannot be relied upon, in my experience.

Due to my general dislike of humans at the moment and the fact that we’re not allowed to go out and about, I’ve drastically reduced my intake of both alcohol and sugar….

And, who knew? That also helps.

Writing. I had to drag myself to write this column but already I’m feeling better.

Savasana. This is the last pose in a yoga class and basically, I just lay on my back and breathe. It’s meditation, which I love, but with a calmer mind and a body buzz. It also means that the online class is over, and I did yoga that day, even if I didn’t want to. I hate that yoga works, but it just does.

Morning routine. I’ve learned that it’s important for me to start my days in basically the same order each time.

Making my bed, a snobby coffee and meditating is a ritual that keeps me

centred and grounded.

Vitamin D supplement. I don’t know if it helps, but I’ve read that it does and that all Canadians should take a supplement from December to March.

Sunrises. The good thing about short days is we can all catch the sunrise, if it’s nice. Each one means we’re one day closer to the end of this mess… whenever that will be.

Looking at my list, it’s simple and sensory things that keep me tethered.

Breathing, eating, listening…

I’m just being honest here, no sugar-coating, but this isn’t a cry for help, either. I’m going to be okay, and I don’t need anyone to check in on me. Please, don’t!

But maybe someone out there is feeling the same way and, to whoever you are, I hope you have simple, sensory things in your life that are pulling you through too. We’ll build back our faith in humanity one day, but for now let’s just enjoy pickle soup and light candles.

And if I see you at the Drayton Freshmart, I’ll still try to catch your eye and smile. ◊

BEEKEEPING Bees, Equipment & Supplies

Martin’s Nursery

Hydrangea Shrubs & Trees

Honey

Shade & flowering trees, For Sale Large selection of Fruit trees (fruit bearing age) Spruce, pine, cedars, hedging & windbreaks, We sell a complete line of Bee Supplies; shrubs, grasses including Extracting Equipment, ORHBS Select & much more! jars, pails, Varroa mite treatments Queens (weekly) and Bees, Nucs, Queens. during season

BEE Supplies Etc.

c/o EMANUEL E.M. MARTIN 42661 Orangehill Road RR #1 Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 1 Concession North of Wroxeter on Belmore Line Mon. - Sat. 7 am - 6 pm

Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 238 E. County Rd. 14, RR 1 Cottam, ON

sunparlorhoney.ca

We sell Bees and a full line of Beekeeping Supplies for all of your Beekeeping Needs!

519-839-4000

HIVE MANAGEMENT: A BUILD YOUR OWN BEEKEEPING Seasonal Guide for EQUIPMENT Beekeepers The importance of bees Learn how to construct your own equipment as in pollinating crops has an inexpensive become more recognized introduction to keeping in recent years. bees. Step-by-step, Beekeeping can also be a source of additional illustrated instructions on how to build hives, equipment for income. This book can guide your catching swarms and more. $29.95 management. $19.95

Check out huroncitizen.ca under Marketplace for more books Call 519-523-4311 to order by phone

February 2022 15

Beef

Tools to birth a healthy beef calf Having cameras in the barn is a great management tool for calving season, say beef cow breeders • By Amanda Brodhagen •

C

alving season can be both an exciting and stressful time of year for cow-calf producers and having a plan in place can help improve calving success.

Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Beef Day hosted a timely beef farmer panel to discuss calving tips. The four panelists

16 The Rural Voice

talked about their calf management protocols and provided pointers on what works well for them during calving season. Each farmer had their own show and tell time where they talked about their farming operation and gave advice.

The first panelist – Wanda Snobelen – is a fulltime beef and cash crop farmer from Bruce County. She calves 110 purebred Charolais cows during the months of January and February. Her love for the beef industry started at the age of 12 when she was a 4-H member and over the years, she started building her own cowherd using 4-H project animals. Her calving window is during the winter months as it tends to be a slower time of year for the crop side of her farming business. As part of her program, she markets about 25 to 35 bulls each year. Females are sold at the Uppin’ the Ante Charolais female sale in Hanover as well as privately.

Tips: • Add limestone on top of straw packs to keep pneumonia down in the barn • Consider installing calving cameras • Keep cows with nice udders and keep them clean • Lots of straw bedding • Creep-feed calves “Having cows with nice udders will eliminate a lot of trouble during calving so that calves can suck on their own without assistance,” said Snobelen. “Keeping clean udders is also important as you don’t want calves sucking on a manure ball.”

Snobelen said she will supplement calves with dry colostrum if the calf hasn’t sucked within the first couple of hours as she calls colostrum the “brain food of calves” which is key for them to thrive.

When asked what she saw was her biggest Wanda Snobelen (left) chooses challenge during calving, Snobelen responded cows with nice udders which by saying that given the time of year she greatly helps calves suck on their calves — the weather is the biggest factor. “A own without assistance. Also, she frozen calf isn’t worth anything,” she added.

During the question and answer portion of relies on two calving cameras to the presentation, Snobelen was asked about her monitor progress of cattle in the cameras. She purchased the brand – Cow Cam barn. out of Manitoba. “It is an expensive option, ~Photos submitted but it has lots of zoom,” she said. “We’ve had

it for 15 years and I wouldn’t want to calve without it.”

The second panelist - Ron Hare – is a veteran beef farmer, born and raised on the same farm in Grey County and having spent 35 years in the financial industry as his off the farm job before retiring and returning to farm full time. He farms about 300 acres, some rented, and has an export hay business destined to Florida.

Hare has downsized his cowherd to 25 cows. They are Simmental and Red Angus cows bred to a Charolais bull. Heifers are bred to a Red Angus or Simmental bull for calving ease.

Steers are sold on a private treaty basis to a feedlot near Peterborough.

The cattle are wintered in a bank barn and calve between February and March.

Tips: • Consider installing cameras as a calving aid (six have been installed both inside and outside the barn) • Administer Vitamin E to newborn calves • Keep good tagging records (Hare tags calves with the same number as the mother) • Give booster vaccines (Hare gives a booster to his calves in September) • Weigh calves at weaning to help with the culling process • Vaccinate cows and bulls to prevent PI (persistently infected) bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) “Having cattle is a labour of love,” said Hare. “It’s hard to pencil out making a profit from a small herd, so you must place a high value on manure.”

Hare also has cameras, and while he doesn’t know the brand he has, he likes them. “The cameras are an aid,” he said. “You don’t want to rely on them a hundred per cent, but they can be a useful tool.”

The third panelist – Earl Cameron — runs a 110-head cowcalf operation in Bruce County. He owns 200 acres and rents an additional 2,000 acres. His cowherd is made up of Red Angus and horned Hereford cattle and he raises his own replacement heifers. He is also a member of the Bruce Grey Beef Cow Finance, Grey Bruce Livestock Coop, and Bruce County Beef Farmers and has worked as a Livestock

NATURAL ALTERNATIVE FOR SCOUR TREATMENT & PREVENTION

New & Improved

WGS

A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE FOR SCOUR TREATMENT & PREVENTION WGS is a multi-vitamin, electrolyte, and polyphenol extract supplement for gut regulation in calves.

• Use it as a preventative tool for scours, or double dose for treatment • Use WGS on resistant scours that won’t go away • Can be mixed in milk, drenched or top-dressed • OVER 25,000 calves fed daily in Europe and Canada

EASY-SIMPLE-EFFECTIVE Please call for more information or to try this innovative product

E “P’ IPL TR

CONSUL

TIN G

Mount Elgin, Ontario 1-800-376-8861 triplepconsulting@execulink.com PARTNERS IN PROFIT www.triplepconsulting.net

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES & NASM PLANS When experience and reputation count!

We are the largest group of agricultural strategists in Ontario who prepare Nutrient Management Plans & Strategies for even the most complex operations.

Do you currently have a plan or strategy in place that needs renewal?

We can help you with all aspects of meeting the requirements of the Nutrient Management Act

Crop Quest is an unbiased Nutrient Management Plan provider offering province-wide service

519-301-2036 • email: andy.devries@cropquest.ca • web: www.cropquest.ca

February 2022 17

Evaluator in North and South Bruce. Cameron is a proud third generation farmer and was only seven years old when he bought his first bred heifer from out west. His children have a growing herd of their own and help on the farm. Cameron breeds his cows July to August and calves outside April and May. Calves are weaned in October and sold at the Wiarton feeder sale.

Tips: • Keep problem free cows – cull cows with poor feet or udders • Give magnets to your cows • Rest your bulls, test them, and give foot rot vaccination • Ensure thecalving area is clean (Cameron prefers to calve outside) • “Be strict on culling cows as it will make calving easier and eliminate problems,” said Cameron.

The fourth panelist – Dr. Tammi Ribey – is not only a primary producer but also a veterinarian working out of Paisley.

Ribey and her family operate a 500-acre cash crop and a purebred Angus cow herd of 80 cows - 60 purebred and 20 commercial cattle. Ribey is currently chair of the Canadian Angus Foundation and is a 4-H leader. On her farm they calve between January and March, breeding AI and running a bull. Select females are sold in purebred sales and bulls are sold by private treaty and the rest of the calves are sold in the presort sale in Keady. The barn they calve in was on a property that she and her husband Brian purchased 35 years ago, and they have an Arrowquip handling system for processing cattle. Ribey says the system is so handy that she can process cattle on her own.

Tips (producer): • Wait 24 hours before touching calves • Use bulls with calving ease on heifers • Feed mineral • Feed a balanced ration • Select cows with good udders • If a calf isn’t nursing within two hours of birth supplement with colostrum Tips (veterinarian): • Count to three when calving – two feet and a head or two feet and a tail • Don’t over-crowd and have a plan for weather and diseases 18 The Rural Voice

Pregnant cows are well‐bedded in the barn at Wanda Snobelen’s barn in Bruce County (top). Dr. Tammi Ribey (left) offered calving advice both from a producer and veterinarian standpoint while Ron Hare (bottom) of Grey County recommends Vitamin E and booster shots as good calf care.

• Epinephrine can be used to help relax a cow’s uterus for those producers that like to be hands-on during calving Vaccination protocol on her farm: • Cows are vaccinated prebreeding against BVD, IBR and Lepto and then again pre-calving with a scour vaccine • Calves are given Inforce 3 in February • Bovigold One Shot and Tasvax in May and September In her work as a veterinarian Ribey says the biggest challenge she sees in the beef industry right now is the cost of production. “You need to justify the cost of everything you do,” she said.

As a beef farmer, it’s always nice to hear the best practices of what other producers do on their farm, what works and what doesn’t, real world examples. As they say, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, and implement protocols that fit your farm and management style. Happy calving! ◊

Exeter

Hanover

Stratford

Cameron Charlton 519-235-0467

Dalia Hopcraft 519-364-2523

Jim Mezei 519-271-8015

Joel Bishop 519-235-0269

HarrisonTodd 519-364-2358

Josh Coffey 519-274-0902

February 2022 19

Farm Plastic

Solutions for the bale wrap problem Compactors are making the work of baling plastic wrap easier and Cleanfarms is developing solutions to recycle plastic wrap from farms.

Viren D’Souza runs a custom baling and wrapping business near Peterborough and says he can make just about anything into plastic‐wrapped bales, a solution for many farmers to store and potentially market plastic wrap from their farms.

L

ate in 2021, Gary Forbes received a bale wrap compactor on his farm in Northern Bruce Peninsula.

He is one of many Bruce County farmers now participating in the Building a Zero Plastics Waste Strategy for Agriculture pilot developed by Cleanfarms, a national non-profit that promotes agricultural stewardship.

Gary farms with his brother Rick, father Harvey and son Tyson; they feed 1,600 head of beef cattle over six locations near Lion’s Head. Wrapping bales in plastic is critical to maintain their quality and Gary estimates that over the winter they feed 30 bales a day. With the size of their operation, a compactor was the most practical option.

Made by Lynn Leavitt, the bale wrap presser is essentially a wooden crate with a plunger attachment to a loader fork.

It compresses the plastic wrap into neat four-foot bales that can weigh about 900 pounds and Forbes says it took about 45 minutes to press his first one. It took about two weeks to get the used material for one bale, but it saves a trip he’d make every three weeks delivering the used material to the nearby Eastnor Landfill.

Troy Cameron is the Public Works Manager at the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula and runs a small herd of cattle on the Peninsula with his son. He says that plastic wrap collection and recycling has been a longstanding issue for the municipality.

For years, the municipality has accepted bale wrap and twine from local farmers and stockpiled it at their landfill site in hopes of finding a recycling market for it. Cameron says they have always accepted the used material for free 20 The Rural Voice

• By Melisa Luymes

because it was better than having it scattered around the Peninsula and it gave farmers an option besides burning, which has since been restricted by municipal bylaw. The growing pile of used plastic material has been a concern for the municipality and farmers alike.

The municipality is also partnering with Cleanfarms and will make good use of their relationship with an enduser in Quebec. Farmers can pick up large collection bags provided by Cleanfarms at the township office and the Eastnor site, where the municipality is accepting bale wrap, silage plastic, bunker covers and baler twine. Cleanfarms has three other collection sites, through arrangements with Bruce County municipalities, near Tara, Chepstow and Elmwood. The program does not accept netting, which is becoming increasingly popular on the Peninsula, says Forbes.

While most municipalities in Ontario won’t take plastic wraps or twine, they often send interested farmers to Don Nott. Nott is the owner of Switch Energy Corp and has been collecting plastic wrap from farms and marinas since 2011. He now has about 2,000 customers across Southern Ontario, providing large bags for material collection and on-farm pick-up. He charges $90 for 15 bags.

But Nott has also had serious challenges over the years to find and keep an end market for the materials. Recycling facilities opened and closed, promises were made, and contracts broken. Nott lost money year after year and, all the while, the stockpile at his Clinton area farm kept growing.

Nott said all of that changed in February 2021 when the price of plastic skyrocketed and his phone started ringing from international buyers. He now presses 1700-pound bales on his farm, and packs them into shipping containers bound for Southeast Asia, where it is cleaned and pelletized for re-use in the plastics market. He has shipped over four million pounds since last July.

While it might seem impractical to ship this material halfway around the world, it doesn’t surprise Viren D’Souza, who runs a custom baling and wrapping business near Peterborough. D’Souza runs an Orkel agricultural compactor that can make just about anything into plasticwrapped round bales. While he’s heard of entire landfills overseas being dug, baled, transported, and converted to fuel sources, he’s also been approached to wrap local compost, garbage and plastics for long-haul transportation. But D’Souza notes that the global “garbage” markets are just that. They rely on cheap labour for processing and will rise and crash, depending on the price of oil.

As for the bale wrap from the Forbes farms, Cleanfarms will be delivering it to a domestic processor and it will feed an emerging circular economy, going into other packaging materials. But that will also depend on the material’s cleanliness. So far, Cleanfarms says they haven’t seen any issues with the quality from Bruce County farmers.

Lynn Leavitt farms in Prince Edward County and started U-Pac Agri Service in 2016. He built the compactor for Forbes, along with about 150 other Pac-It presses that he’s sold across Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba. He sells his compactors for $750, basically the cost of materials, but the blueprints are available for only $20.

Leavitt’s Pac-It presses are a “made-in-Ontario solution” to collection, storage and transportation and have been used in similar pilot projects, including one further north that is a partnership between the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA).

The material being collected there is

Grower Pesticide Safety Course & Pesticide Safety for Farmer Assistants



Farmers must be certified to buy and use Class B and C pesticides on farms.



Farm workers who assist with pesticide application under the supervision of a Certified Farmer must be trained.

For a list of opportunities, visit

www.opep.ca Sign up online or call us at 1-800-652-8573 to register for the

Ontario Pesticide Education Program

February 2022 21

destined for the newly constructed BBL Energy plant near Prescott and will be converted to fuel. As the BBL plant experiences significant delays, bales of material accumulate in Northern Ontario.

If the ag plastics are baled, covered, and protected from sun, rain and barnyard critters, Leavitt says they can maintain their quality for a few years. He has maintained a long-standing relationship with an Ontario processing plant due to the high quality of his materials. His bales can also be traced back to individual farms in case there are concerns with cleanliness.

To maintain cleanliness and quality, farmers must knock off any excess debris or mud and pack the bales when the material is dry. Leavitt says, from his own experience, that it doesn’t take too much effort to make a quality bale of material, but that the whole farm team needs to be on board and make it part of their routine.

Leavitt understands that the business model isn’t strong for bale wrap recycling at the moment. “In many cases, the bales are worth less than the labour it takes to make them,” he says. Leavitt collects and presses bales on his farm near Picton at no cost and they are picked up from the farm without payment.

While he clearly hasn’t made much for his effort over the years, Leavitt is fueled by determination after many told him bale wrap recycling couldn’t be done here.

While their strategies are different, both Leavitt and Nott are hell-bent to make an Ontario program work and Ontario agriculture is better for their persistence. What seems to be missing, however, is co-operation across the larger value chain. That is where Cleanfarms comes in.

Cleanfarms is an industry-funded stewardship organization, and its members include crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication, and grain bag industries. In Ontario, Cleanfarms coordinates collection sites with ag retailers for jugs and containers up to 23 litres, bags, totes and drums.

They also run collection days of obsolete/unwanted pesticides and livestock medications across the country and will be collecting again in Ontario in Fall 2022.

The non-profit received a onemillion-dollar grant through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP) to take a deeper look into solving the agricultural plastics issues. In August 2021 they released a report, Agricultural Plastic Characterization and Management on Canadian Farms, that is available at cleanfarms.ca. The report estimates that Canadian farms generate nearly 62,000 tonnes of ag plastic waste each year, 22 The Rural Voice

Markets are opening up to recycle farm plastics.

Don Nott of Clinton is shipping baled plastic (right) to Southeast Asia where it is cleaned and pelleted. Troy Cameron shows the collection site for baled plastics for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (middle) while (below), Gary Forbes uses a bale wrap presser purchased from Lynn Leavitt to make plastic bales.

primarily from field crops, with 50 per cent being the LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) used in bale wrap (24 per cent), as well as grain bags (11 per cent), greenhouse film (six per cent) and silage bags/bunker covers (four per cent).

Cleanfarms is working with farmers to properly recycle or dispose of this material and also with industry to increase domestic processing and demand for the material. Last year, their programs recovered 76% of the empty pesticide and fertilizer containers.

“Cleanfarms currently collects about 6,000 tonnes of ag plastics annually through its existing programming. This figure is up from about 2,000 tonnes in 2015,” notes Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen. With support from AAFC, they have launched six pilots across Canada, Bruce County being one of them, to recover more of the LDPE plastics. “We anticipate we’ll see the recovery numbers climb year over year,” says Friesen.

“The technology for ag plastics recycling and conversion is here now,” says Leavitt. And Nott agrees.

But the technology isn’t cheap, and the industry struggles to find start-up investment for processing facilities.

Not only that, but once a facility is up and running, it needs a consistent supply of a lot of plastics to keep it viable.

A successful program would need to be a concerted and co-operative effort to bring regulators, industry, researchers and farmers to the table.

Biodegradable and edible plastics for bale wrap are also being developed and may offer more solutions in the future. Legislation for the plastics industry to use more recycled materials would also support demand for a domestic recycling and conversion market, regardless of oil prices.

But for now, the success of plastics recovery programs will depend on farmers like Gary Forbes and the hundreds of decisions on the farm of where to put used plastics. “I understand why farmers would be skeptical of another program,” says Troy Cameron. He has seen programs come and go, but he knows

that farmers do the best they can to protect the environment. And with growing consumer pressure over plastics in the environment, we’ve got to make it work this time.

From the stockpiles around the province, we know farmers can make

3.99%

the supply of used plastics and what we need is processing and end-use demand. Perhaps, and this is just the author’s opinion, if the used bale wrap were stockpiled at Queen’s Park, Ontario would get more action on this front. ◊

FINANCING FOR 84 MONTHS

702 MAIN ST. SAUBLE BEACH (519) 422-ATVS (2887) sales.atvdepot@bellnet.ca

February 2022 23

Vegetables

No-Till vegetable farming strategies Mulch and cover crops are a mainstay for growing no-till vegetables say panelists • By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot •

G

Isabelle Spence of Field Good Farms near Nipissing says the no‐till section of their vegetable farm isn’t nearly as neat as the tilled section but it has become their favourite place to garden as the soil becomes loose and the plants thrive.

24 The Rural Voice

rowing no-till vegetables requires a strategy with lots of mulch and use of tarps or cover crops to control weeds, say three vegetable growers.

Speaking on no-till vegetable farming at the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario’s annual conference held in December 2021, Ryan and Isabelle Spence of Field Good Farms near Nipissing said the first step is to consider growing adaptive plants that will thrive even as the climate changes. The Spences choose to grow sea buckthorn and cherries as adaptable berries on their no-till acreage. Farming in Zone 4a and 3b, the pair have different challenges than growing vegetables in southern Ontario but many practices are province-wide.

About one acre of their growing space is no-till.

Brassicas, greens, fresh onions, carrots and all legumes are grown in the tilled garden space. “Our no-till section is a plethora of all sorts of family groups that come together and have a party,” laughs Isabelle. It isn’t always the neatest space compared to the tilled beds where the couple used a tilther to smooth out the beds.

“We have seen huge improvement in our soil structure and the no-till garden has become our favourite garden. Once you change your attitude towards how you manage it, you can appreciate it,” she said.

When transitioning from tilled beds to no-till, they cover the ground with silage tarps.

They do use old-fashioned wheelbarrow and shovel techniques but also employ an Earthway seeder and paper pot transplanter to plant seeds and seedlings.

Compost is a huge part of their no-till system and they use a compost spreader from Millcreek Spreaders to bring it to the fields. They also layer heavily with straw to mulch the beds and have connected with a neighbouring farmer who grows switchgrass which they will use this year.

“Mulching is not a single-purpose thing to fight one problem,” says Ryan. “Mulching is a multipurpose weed management and diseasemanagement tool. When we use it around tomatoes, it prevents soil from splashing and causing blight. It’s good in a dry year and even in a wet year.”

plants a lot of winter rye which is crimped by hand, killing the plant.

Daniel creates a crimping tool using boards and a t-bar. Ropes fasten the boards to people’s feet and they stomp in unison going down the bed.

“Then we pull a tarp over the bed for a few days and when we lift it, it’s like beautiful golden straw mulch.”

Vegetables are grown in between the rows of rye and the dead rye becomes “grown-in-place-mulch”.

Challenges of No-Till Vegetable Farming

Growing rye as a cover crop presents challenges because it is so dense and has so much root mass, says Daniel. “It’s hard to break through the root mass to get seedlings into the ground.” He has used trowels and forks and is now researching forestry products that can poke through fibrous roots easier.

Quackgrass is a persistent and aggravating weed to conquer for Kristine. She tried pulling, letting plots remain fallow, using cover crops and it always came back. Now,

702 MAIN ST. SAUBLE BEACH (519) 422-ATVS (2887) sales.atvdepot@bellnet.ca

W.D. Hopper & Sons Ltd. Seaforth, Ont. 1-888-522-1737 Water Well Drilling: Farms, Irrigation, Residential Grundfos Stainless Pumps Well Abandonments Down Hole Videos Geothermal Drilling Serving You For 100 Years+ wdhopperwaterwells.com E-mail: wdhopper@tcc.on.ca

Our Newest Addition

Kristine Hammel, Persephone Market Garden Kristine describes her farm as 100 acres of swamp, forest, pasture and vegetable fields, Persephone Market Garden is located between Owen Sound and Sauble Beach. Kristine farms with her partner Thorsten but the market garden is her own particular vocation. The pair have three young children so she chooses to market her products within 30 kilometres of the farm.

Kristine grows 40-60 different vegetable crops in uniform blocks with five foot centres measuring 100 feet long. She practices intensive crop rotation and intercropping in the garden, ensuring she doesn’t plant the same crop in the same spot every year. “We also don’t plant large areas of one crop – that would be like serving our crop to pests on a silver platter!” she says. “We move our crops around from year to year and grow different crops beside each other to confuse the bugs.”

After three challenging years of drought and wet, she decided to park the tractor and go no-till.

Daniel Mays, Frith Farm Coming from southern Maine, Daniel Mays of Frith Farms has been growing vegetables commercially using no-till methods since 2011. His Waldorf education and Quaker upbringing defined his relationship to land and community and set the foundation for his commitment to soil health, biodiversity, human-scale practices and on-farm education. He even wrote a book about it called The No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm.

Growing three acres of vegetables in Zone 4b, Daniel employs eight full-time people which is why he can grow so much produce in such little space in the farm’s permanent raised bed system.

“My mantra is never see the soil.

Keep it covered at all times,” he says.

Also a fan of mulching, Daniel uses anything from compost to straw, bark and wood chips. Over the last five years, he has used more and more cover cropping and says it has been rewarding to see the vitality of the soil from this practice. “Cover crops are good for the soil above and below ground,” says Daniel. He

Licensed by the Ministry of the Environment

February 2022 25

she doesn’t till and uses compost and mulch and occasionally landscape fabric to smother it. She also had a change of attitude. “In the past, I felt I had to fight the quackgrass. I’ve shifted to ignoring the quackgrass and taking better care of the soil so that it pulls out easier. My soil is looser and more relaxed and I can pull quackgrass strands out (which are sometimes a metre long!) and I feel the soil is saying, ‘okay, I can let it go as I don’t need it anymore’”.

Isabelle and Ryan also have issues with quackgrass and all grasses. In the past, they would till the soil to discourage it. Now, they believe in creating healthier soil so that it is easier to pull out. They’ve also had an attitude shift and actually use quackgrass for their cheese making because it is full of minerals and tastes somewhat like cucumbers when pulled out of the soil.

Not all crops work well in no-till.

Isabelle and Ryan grow carrots in tilled beds. Melons, squash and cucumbers don’t seem to thrive in no-till environments either. “I don’t think we have enough heat,” said Isabelle.

Using Silage Tarps and Landscape Fabric Kristine uses silage tarps to keep her compost area weed free. “I don’t use it on plots because it doesn’t let water through.” When she wants some control and also moisture, she uses landscape fabric. However, she is finding with no-till that her soil holds moisture better. “This past spring was very dry and May and June were frightening. I was relieved that I made the transition to no-till because the soil was still moist.

Ryan says he has tarps and uses them but they are not a prefered solution. “Cover crops are better but we do use tarps when I know I won’t have time to get to a block of beds and weeds are coming in,” he says. It doesn’t always work, however, and it’s hard to handle when it is wet.

“When tarps have water on them for a long time, they become a disgusting, slimy mess.”

Another comment was that landscape fabric is a good alternative for paths when wood chips are costly.

26 The Rural Voice

Daniel Mays (below, right) of Maine started Frith Farm in November 2010 and shared his experience with no‐till vegetable farming at the Ecological Farmers of Ontario’s virtual conference held in December. Kristine Hammell (bottom, left) of Persephone Gardens (bottom) in Bruce County was also one of the panelists. The photo above shows cover cropping techniques at Field Good Farms near Nipissing.

Other Vegetable Growing Tips: Kristine really likes five foot centres in beds to allow for intercropping. With her wide beds, she can grow two rows of cabbages with a row of leeks down the middle and still have sufficient space to work. Daniel went from 42-inch beds to 48-inch beds to allow double cropping.

Daniel allows three or more years between growing crops in the same space. “In three years, if you plant

something that could be a host for a disease, that disease is gone.”

Use cardboard: Kristine has discovered the bicycle shops are great sources of cardboard which become a source of mulch. Burlap from coffee roasters also makes good mulch.

Intercropping techniques can work great with the right combination of vegetables. One grower planted beans between potatoes which worked well for the soil but not for

the humans picking the beans.

Another grower liked green onions between beets because it fits in terms of agriculture and timing of harvest.

Another like planting three rows of carrots with two rows of ginger.

The EFAO conference was held virtually over four days in November and December. The conference is part of a broader scope to support farmers to build resilient ecological farms and grow a strong knowledgesharing community. ◊

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT CROP ADVISORY SERVICES NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING Mervyn Erb CPCC-I, T.Ag, CCA, 4R NMS, Cert. NMPD Brucefield, ON 519-233-7100 Andy Megens P.Ag., CCA St. Marys, ON 519-284-3199 Mike Hunter Ripley, ON

Greg Boon CCA, 4R NMS, Cert. NMPD Brucefield, ON 519-274-1415 Kelly Consitt B.Sc. Ag. Bus. Michelle Durnin B.Sc. Ag. (Hon), CCA 519-525-8442

BRUCEFIELD, ON N0M 1J0 BUS: 519-233-7100 FAX: 519-233-3444 MOBILE: 519-274-2929 EMAIL: erb@cropadvisory.com www.CropAdvisory.com MEMBERS: NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF INDEPENDENT CROP CONSULTANTS ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF AGROLOGISTS

B R O D H A G E N ,

O N

• Nutrient Management • Annual Reviews/Updates • 5-Year Renewals • Record Keeping 25+ Years Experience Certified Crop Advisors (519) 345-2941

Cleon Martin

519.591.5342 nutrientplans@gmail.com February 2022 27

28 The Rural Voice

Dairy • By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot

Transparency is becoming a key element of sustainability say dairy experts at Grey Bruce There are three pillars of sustainability farmers need to be in conversation about: environmental, economic and social said panelists in a discussion about sustainability during Dairy Day at Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week held virtually in January.

T

he dairy industry is vibrant and proactive but it has a high footprint and consumer confidence will demand transparency of how dairy farmers approach the environmental and social aspects of sustainability.

Meanwhile, dairy farmers always have to watch the economic aspects of sustainability. Their debt-loads through investment in technology, while forward-thinking, need to be watched if interest rates rise.

These three pillars of sustainability – environmental, economic and social – were the focus of a dairy panel discussion during Dairy Day at Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week. Moderated by Andrew Campbell of Fresh Air Media, the panel featured: • Nick Betts, Director of Americas, SAI Platform • Guy Seguin, Systems Engineer with Dairy Farmers of Ontario • Bronwynne Wilton, Principal Consultant, Wilton Consulting Group Leading the conversation, Seguin commended dairy farmers for their commitment to the industry. “Very few leave it and they are investing heavily in technology, which is really good.”

At the same time, he sees quite a bit of debt-load on these same farms. “If interest rates go up, that will put some producers in trouble.” He gets it, though. “Labour is

Farmer’s Week

hard to get and there are restrictions with hiring foreign workers. From an economic point of view, this is a real challenge.”

Also, technology has eased the burden of dairy farmers having to be in the barn at set times two or three times a day to milk their cows.

Seguin says dairy farmers are also leaders in environmental sustainability, proven by their involvement with the voluntary Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). The EFP is a great launching pad for environmental sustainability but Wilton says just checking boxes isn’t enough. “We need to show evidence that these practices are actually happening.”

Wilton applauded dairy farmers for their implementation of proAction, which is mandatory and shows farmers’ commitment to the social aspects of dairy farming.

There is no “greenwashing” involved with the proAction plan. It’s a mandatory program using trained inspectors to check farms and, if farmers do not comply or meet standards their milk will not be picked up. “Tell me somewhere else in the world where farmers have to meet such strict protocols and you will find very few,” said Seguin.

Also, Ontario producers put over $2 million into February 2022 29

2022 RUBICON DCT IRS EPS DELUXE Starting from WEEKLY

$

FINANCING FROM

52 4.9% WITH

FOR 72 MONTHS

PROPANE - LUBRICANTS FUEL - CARDLOCK Now offering…

Valid on select new (not previously registered) Honda ATV and Side-by-Side models obtained from a participating authorized Honda dealer in Canada (excluding Quebec) between January 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022. Limited time purchase financing offer provided through Honda Canada Finance Inc., on approved credit. Financing from 4.9% is available for 72 months on select models. Representative finance example based on a 2022 Rubicon 520 DCT IRS EPS Deluxe with a selling price of $13,494.00 (includes MSRP of $12,499.00, $995.00 freight and PDI, up to $523.00 dealer fee, but does not include lien registration fee [up to $79.75 in certain regions] and lien registering agent fee [$5.75], which are due at time of delivery), with $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in required, financed at 4.9% APR equals $51.87 weekly for 72 months. 312 weekly payments required. Cost of borrowing is $2,167.87 for a total obligation of $16,184.87.

Taxes, license, insurance, and registration fees [all of which may vary by region] are extra. Dealers may sell for less. Applicable fees may vary by region and dealer. Dealer order/trade may be necessary–but may not be available in all cases. See a participating authorized Honda dealer for full details, eligible models, and other offers. Offers are subject to change, extension or cancellation without notice. Models, colours, features and specifications may not be exactly as shown. Errors and omissions excepted.

honda.ca

Save fuel by up to 3%

150 7th Avenue, Hanover, ON

PH: (519) 364-1010 TF: (800) 461-1020

6630 Wellington Rd 123 Box 148, Palmerston, ON 1(800) 265-3594 | chalmersfuels.ca

www.hanoverhonda.ca

Licensed Plumber Are Hard Winters or on Staff High Fuel Prices Draining The ECO Store your Bottom Line?

559 Bervie Sideroad RR #4 Here is the Answer!

Kincardine N2Z 2X5 Way More Affordable then you Think

Commercial 4 Million BTU Gassifier • 1800 Gallons of Water • Green Houses • Dryers • Farms • Resorts • Gassifier • Wood or Wood Chips • Like Buying Propane at 8¢ a Litre!

UP TO 50% OFF

Government Grants

Energy Unlimited

Installation • Energy Audits Feasibility Studies • Training

CG Blast • 450,000 BTU approx.

• Green House • Economical • Sale - $6,500 • No Plumbing!

• Indoor/ Outdoor • CSA • High Efficiency

Boilers

Pellet Stoves • Ecoflex® & Boilers Thermal Pipe Are you dreaming of...

Solar Panels

?

? • reducing your hydro bill? ? ? • reducing your fuel bill?

• Many Sizes • Home RV DC Well and Pool Pumps

Various Units

• Largest showroom in Ontario • In stock • Ready to ship • CSA Appproved!

30 The Rural Voice

rvie Supply Be

Sun-Mar Composting Toilets

• Batteries • AGM • Flooded • Surrete • Solar

• energy independence?

? • building an off grid home? ? ...then you Better talk to us!

research and “that is by far more than any other commodity in Ontario,” said Seguin. Technology drives profitability and succession, said Betts.

Communication All three panelists agreed that dairy farmers have a real opportunity to share how they approach sustainability and need to really focus on sharing the message.

“We see good public relations about donation of food to food banks and that is a positive thing but being open and transparent is a big part of the sustainability story,” said Wilton.

She said preparation is critical because reporting, communication and a “line of sight” of farming practices are happening now. “This isn’t what needs to be done in a few years… this is coming down the pipeline now.”

Betts agreed. “Dairy farming has a high footprint and it’s what people target. But we need to talk about things like carbon and water and biodiversity. I say, look at what we do with water management and the sequestration of carbon. Carbon and water are big focuses and there is an opportunity to tell that story if we communicate in a language that everyone understands.”

Seguin pointed out that farmers should be sharing irrigation stories.

In other parts of the world, dairy farmers require irrigation to grow crops for their cattle. In Ontario, farmers don’t need irrigation and they use rotation, soil management and manure to help soil retain moisture. “Producers do a good job.

They are very much regulated and their milk quality is next to none in the world.”

Collaboration Betts challenged the panelists when they kept referring specifically to dairy farmers when it comes to sustainability. He said sustainability requires collaboration. “Programs cannot just be made by farmers for farmers. They need to be made for the whole industry. If we can grapple with that at the start, it eliminates the risk of derailing so many standards and so many roads to sustainability.”

Wilton agreed. She is very involved with the Canadian AgriFood Sustainability Initiative (CASI),

a collaborative venture which is measuring and facilitating the communication of sustainability practices in Canada’s agri-food sector. Wilton hopes CASI will offer an online portal for farmers to upload their certifications so that they do not have to fill out multiple forms for multiple programs. Ultimately, it’s the collaborative approach of broadreaching programs like CASI that will prove their effectiveness.

Streamlining is what farmers need. “As a farmer, streamlining and creating a one-stop shop is much preferred. After all, we are members of beef farmers because we sell cull cows and probably should be members of the grain farmers because we grow grain. Many dairy farms also have poultry or sheep … a range of livestock,” explaining Campbell.

Collaboration is full of pitfalls because different countries have different standards. Also, processors and companies have different requirements. For instance, in the past McDonalds did not accept the EFP as a viable option or equivalent to their own sustainability standards.

Social Pillar Animal welfare isn’t a new issue for farmers but interest in it continues to increase and that drives changes in the supply chain, said Wilton. “We often think research is about technology but a lot of research is being done on animal welfare and animal care,” she said. “That needs to

be communicated to consumers.”

Farmers invest in research to learn best housing and feeding practices and if consumers knew this, it would increase their confidence about animal welfare on farms.

Seguin said farmers should also be discussing the concept of regenerative agriculture with each other and with consumers. While the term has broad definitions, any idea that improves soil and water quality resonates with consumers.

“It’s the concept that what we do affects everyone. We have nutrient management plans and we test our soils and we use cover crops as feed.

This needs to be told,” said Seguin. ◊

Bronwynne Wilton, Wilton Consulting Group

Guy Seguin Systems Engineer, DFO

Nick Betts Director, Americas SAI Platform

February 2022 31

Business

Transition planning is like spring planting Both spring planting and transition planning require strategic preparation to bear fruit

Getting ready to create a transition plan is a seven‐step process that mom and dad or senior farmers in the operation can create before all the family members get involved.

• By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot • Maggie Van Camp

T

Andrea De Groot

ransition planning is something everyone wants to do but few farmers get done. Two experts say transition planning needs to be approached like spring planting, with a checklist to get farmers prepared at a deep level in order to produce a product.

Maggie Van Camp, a National Agriculture Practice Development leader with BDO and Andrea De Groot, a Business Advisor with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) have joined forces to help farmers overcome transition confusion and procrastination by creating a seven-stage plan for completion. Their seven steps are a prelude to creating the actual plan. One could call it the groundwork that saves time and money.

“Why pay your accountant to do this work when you can do it for free,” said Van Camp.

Transition planning is a complicated process, for sure.

People are living longer. They have multiple farms with multiple generations working on the farm. Land 32 The Rural Voice

evaluations have never been higher and that is intimidating for everyone. “It’s not surprising we are ill-prepared and out of our comfort zones,” said Van Camp, speaking to dairy farmers at Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Dairy Day, held virtually on January 6. “Also, we don’t have the inherent tools to deal with this.”

The seven steps are: Family and business organization: “This is not your traditional chart,” said De Groot. “It’s a sheet of paper where senior partners identify who is in the family and who is in the business.” Using legal and common names, addresses and a list of their roles, this list of people helps accountants, lawyers and transition planners keep everyone straight. The chart should also list if anyone has special needs and how members have supported the farm in the past.

Farm Asset Catalogue: This is about listing real estate by lot and concession.

f

Seaforth Jewellers Ltd. 47 Main St., Seaforth 519-527-0270

We have everything to make your day special!

Engagement & Wedding Rings Attendant’s gifts - engraved and gift-wrapped FREE. Drop in Today!

Bridal Registry Services

ES TD

JOANNE’S

20 01

HOMESTYLE CATERING

“Home Cooked” Meals Large or Small We Do It All! Lunches, Dinners & Special Occasions

Call/text to order 519-897-3578 Private Appointment Upon Request

Joanne Weber Listowel, Ontario

XÄxztÇà eâÜtÄ jxww|Çzá

By Deb Sholdice The past two years have been a wild ride for the wedding industry and for the couples eager to share their big day with family and friends. From initial lockdowns which caused many couples to push their wedding dates back a year (or beyond), to capacity restrictions, to supply chain issues, resiliency has been the theme for those two years and will remain crucial for wedding plans as 2022 continues to throw pandemic curve balls.

While the entire experience has been “gut-wrenching”, according to Nancy Snell, owner and creative mastermind behind NJS Design Event and Party Rentals of Clinton, she is also very proud of her team and their ability to adapt quickly when the global pandemic changed things for them, often with little or no notice.

She also noticed that the continuous change in capacity rules and public health regulations has couples reevaluating what is important to them and updating their priorities. Since many couples couldn't invite as many guests as originally anticipated, one trend has been a shift in their budgets to upgrades in rentals, such as harvest tables, chairs, flatware and glassware.

The result is that, while private property weddings and rural venues had been gaining in popularity for several years, the pandemic has now honed the experience to a real rural elegance.

Cornelia Johnson, the certified wedding planner behind Cornelia J Events of Tara, concurs. She sees a definite trend toward couples choosing

a modern, minimalist and contemporary feel for their wedding, set against a rural aesthetic. She says that definitions on country weddings may differ. “Just because they are

in interest from urban couples who either have a historical tie to the region or just want to take advantage of the beauty of midwestern Ontario for a destination wedding.

Photo Credit: Days Go By Photography

choosing to get married in a barn, doesn’t necessarily mean they are opting for a rustic wedding.” In fact, her first rule for couples getting married is “don’t be afraid to do something different! Make it a reflection of you, since this is your day.” Go past the Pinterest algorithms and find something unique, she suggests.

While many rural weddings are set on private property, often connected to the couple through parents or grandparents, there is also an increase

Miriam Terpstra is co-owner of Maple Lane Haven Event and Wedding Venue, which is the brain-child of her husband Joe. The event barn, located in Huron East, opened just as the pandemic hit, and despite that hit to their marketing plan, word-of-mouth has resulted in more bookings. Starting seven years ago, they had two vintage bank barns moved to their property and rebuilt as venues. At first it was a passion project for friends and family, but as the project ballooned to include landscaping, waterfalls and a

picturesque pond, the Terpstras were encouraged to open their “party barn” to rentals, creating a business for their semi-retirement. Now their beautiful property is hosting weddings from all over midwestern Ontario.

She was surprised to see that almost 40 per cent of clients travel from more than 50 kilometres away.

While surprised by the interest from urban clients, she enjoys teaching them about agricultural life and discussing things like crop rotation.

When booking a wedding, couples will ask about the fields surrounding the barn for photography and Terpstra says they are very engaged in the discussion about what they (and the neighbours) will be planting and where the crop will be in its growing season when the event takes place.

Terpstra has also noticed a definite trend toward the elegant touches, and says that most couples are leaning towards the “less is more” philosophy, so that the venue is seen to its best advantage.

She recognizes that many couples are looking to a wedding planner to create a stress-free week for them, but says the venue choice should be the first item on your list. If you are choosing a venue rather than private property, Terpstra advises clients to learn about what’s included in your rental fee. That can help you to ensure that your wedding planner is not duplicating services in their contract.

Even with all the services and amenities included with the rental of an established venue, the couple needs to visit the space to ensure that the rural and remote locale will work for them and their guests.

Transportation and time to reach accommodations needs to be considered for everyone, including older relatives.

Johnson’s Cornelia J Events specializes in rural weddings on private property and advises her clients to think of everything when building an event from the ground up.

A tent, chairs and tables are just the obvious things you need. Your list needs to include everything from electricity to refrigeration to bug spray. Make lists and more lists and then make lists for emergencies and

Photo Credit: Days Go By Photography

contingency plans. Many couples are taking a property that is significant to them and then building a fairy tale wedding around it. Johnson says her role is to make that seem as effortless as possible to all the guests attending, even though everything from the dinner to sanitation has had to be preplanned.

Johnson works with suppliers like NJS Design Event and Party Rentals to build a theme and a brand for the couple, ensuring that every element from the invitation to the tables and chairs create a cohesive style. She offers both wedding planning and wedding design services, and is happy to offer either or both services depending on what the couple needs.

Photography has never been a more important component of wedding planning, as most couples are excited to share their happy day with more friends and family through their social media feeds. Jody Findlay of Days Go By Photography in Owen Sound finds that her clients are choosing country weddings as a more personable and affordable option and that undoubtedly COVID-19 has Photo Credit: Days Go By Photography played into those decisions as well.

Family properties are an increasingly popular choice for her clients and she loves outdoor weddings for their more relaxed vibe. Her note for clients is to not overlook a space for the “getting ready” shots. Ensure that there is enough lighting and room for everyone, as those spontaneous moments are often the most treasured photos for years to come.

The last and, possibly, most important tip of all comes from Snell.

“Start early and be prepared to adjust.” The farther out you’re booking, the more options you will have. That’s not to say that couples can’t pull a beautiful wedding together in six weeks, it’s just that they may not have the same range to choose from as they would if they were selecting for a date farther out.

All planners agree couples should start with a fabulous setting, whether that is your home farm or one of the area’s fabulous wedding venues.

Then, book everything as early as possible, make lots of lists and get all the help you need to ensure their wedding is a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. ◊

Experience with Grand Country Weddings to Intimate Rustic Celebrations

Visit our Showroom

• Wedding Tents • Party Tents • Tables & Chairs Serving Bruce, Grey, Huron, • Dance Floor • Dinnerware • Linens and more Perth & Wellington Counties

519-367-5403

www.mildmaytentrental.ca

Make it Memorable — Make it Mildmay Tent Rental

Include who owns the real estate, and which properties are owned personally or by the corporation.

Also include when the properties/assets were purchased, what they were purchased for and include quota, farm equipment and any additional farm assets.

“Then take a moment to reflect on where you were and where you are today. Farms have evolved a long way,” said Van Camp.

Personal net worth statement: “This is something I do every year,” said Van Camp. “It’s good for retirement planning and it’s a reminder of what non-farm assets I have such as RRSPs and investments along with personal liabilities.”

She said it’s a good reminder that people are more than their farm. “We tend to get caught up in that concept.”

Review your will: Everyone who is 18 and older needs a will, says De Groot. And it needs to be updated with every major life event. “Get married, get a will.

Have a baby? Have a will.”

Along with the will, she recommends making a “Honey, I love you list” which is step one in getting your house in order. “It starts getting you mentally organized to identify who you need to talk with while identifying your key assets and organizing your key concerns.”

Living budgets: This involves thinking about how you want to live your life so you can understand the cost of doing so.

When working in this stage, farmers should consider the next phase of their life. Will they live on or off the farm? Have they considered health issues? Will they be making special purchases, trips or start new hobbies?

“You need to consider what it costs to live if you do not run costs through the farm,” she said. For instance, her office expenses are business costs but they would not be without her farm business. “I ask people to break down what they put through the farm as an expense.”

Farm financial check-up: This is to understand the farm’s debt service capacity. Determining the farm’s net revenue and

subtracting expenses gives a clearer picture of what future debt the farm can handle.

“The next generation will be managing debt like never before,” said Van Camp, which is why they need to understand how they can grow or scale the business moving forward.

Dream big!

“Once a week, dream of what your farm could look like in the future,” advised Van Camp. Look at the big picture and consider what labour looks like and what kind of decision-making is required.

“For me, personally, I decided I did not want to scrape barns any more. That was my line,” said Van Camp. Accordingly, she hired a barn manager to run the chicken barn on her farm.

Dreaming big creates a vision and can help the future of farming look brighter.

On the other side, it frees the older generation to dream big about a future off the farm. Will they volunteer? Spend more time with grandchildren? Travel? It also encourages communication between partners. Van Camp remembered one wife creating a circle filled with activities in retirement while her husband said he could reduce his work week to only 40 hours a week.

Some discussion was needed there!

Using these seven steps will help everyone get organized for the transition ahead.

De Groot cautioned that this process is for the main senior partners in the farm, such as mom and dad. It’s not the time to bring in all the family members yet.

Also, she reminded listeners that this was not the transition plan itself.

“This is to get yourself organized to create the transition plan. By doing it, you will feel more confident and you will have a better conversation.

“I don’t want you to underestimate how this preparation shows your commitment to transitioning your farm. When you have a better understanding of the farm you work with, you get more value with meetings that you have,” she said. ◊

CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE WOOL GROWERS LIMITED Serving Ont. Sheep Producers Since 1918

Due to the Coronavirus we are only accepting wool deliveries on a consignment basis.

FINAL PAYMENTS ARE BEING ISSUED We apologize for any inconvenience.

For more information contact:

WINGHAM WOOL DEPOT

John Farrell R.R. 2, Wingham, Ontario Phone/Fax 519-357-1058 farfieldfarm@gmail.com

RR 2 GODERICH, ON N7A 3X8 Tel.: 519-524-8096 Website: www.sharpscreekforge.ca Email: jim@sharpscreekforge.ca

February 2022 33

Recipes by Anne Mann

C hicken meals are comforting in winter

W

hen the wind is blowing and the temperature drops, I love to fill the house with the warm, comforting aromas of a chicken dinner all ready at the same time. All three of these dishes are slow cooked, whether in the oven or crock pot, with the preparation done earlier in the day so you can relax and enjoy them later.

Be sure to freeze any leftover sauce from any of these recipes to add to your next pot of chicken stock or minestrone soup to give it some added depth.

Leeks and Chicken with Vermouth Leeks are the last vegetable we harvest from the garden, often after they are covered with snow in the new year. When that happens, I cannot get Nigella Lawson’s “leeks in vermouth sauce” recipe out of my head. She noted that you could bake salmon or chicken breasts on top of leeks in one of her cookbooks but I have never been able to find the recipe again. This is my attempt to make that aromatic, comforting meal as simply as possible. You can cook the leeks in white sauce on their own but I always feel the more vegetables you have in a meal the better so I add the potatoes and mushrooms to make it seem complete. Next time you see some lovely leeks at the store or your cold room see which way you like best.

Ingredients: 4 - 6 chicken breasts with skin and bones (boneless if you prefer) 2 - 4 leeks, depending on the size, white and light green parts only chopped 1 or 2 potatoes (optional) 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional) 1/3 cup vermouth or dry white wine 2 cups GF stock or water 1 tsp salt *1 tbsp potato or corn starch *2 tbsp rice flour or other AP glutenfree flour mix 3 tbsp butter 1 cup milk 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp whipping cream 34 The Rural Voice

1 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped or if you prefer 1 tsp dry oregano freshly ground pepper to taste *You may substitute 3 tbsp wheat flour if you are not making it glutenfree Directions: If using mushrooms, cook in a tablespoon of butter before browning chicken and set aside.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with pepper and place skin side down, in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven** with a tsp of oil. Cook

without moving until the skin is browned then turn and lightly brown the other side. Remove from the pan and set aside until later.

Clean and cut leeks into 1 to 2 inch pieces and place in the same skillet with a tsp of oil. I always cut leeks in half so I can wash between each layer to get all the dirt out. Cook gently, but do not brown, for several minutes, then cover with vermouthand stock and bring to a boil.

Add potatoes, if using and simmer

Chicken makes such comforting meals for families to share around the kitchen table. Clockwise: Leek and chicken with vermouth uses leeks dug out of the garden; the creole stewed chicken habib recipe calls for chicken to be marinated and at bottom, slow cooker butter chicken with squash is tender and tasty.

Recipes for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile whisk together corn starch, rice flour and milk in a microwaveable dish.

Microwave together with butter and mustard until hot and beginning to thicken, whisking often to prevent lumps forming.

Add to the finished leek mixture, pouring through a sieve to smooth out any lumps. Stir together then add cream and cooked mushrooms.

Place browned chicken over leek mixture and bake, uncovered, at 375°F for about an hour until chicken is done. I use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is well done.

Serves 4-6. ** If you do not have a large enough pan that goes from stovetop to oven you may brown and simmer on the stove then move to an ovenproof lasagna pan or other ovenproof dish.

Creole Stewed Chicken Habib I used to think of this recipe whenever I saw whole, cut-up chicken in the store. I don’t see that often any more so I had forgotten about this great meal for a while, and was glad to rediscover it! You can use a combination of chicken pieces or buy a whole chicken and cut it yourself. This gives you the added bonus of making a pot of stock with the backbone and neck when you are finished. I watched How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken | Melissa Clark Recipes | The New York Times for some advice on doing this job.

The “Habib” part of the name comes from the family that contributed this recipe to Gourmet magazine in 1991. It is nice to make it in the fall when there are fresh tomatoes and parsley and green onions or chives but I use frozen tomatoes and parsley in the winter. I get it marinating in the morning or the night before and leave it in the refrigerator all day then finish it a couple of hours before dinner. Wrap a couple of sweet potatoes in foil and put them in the oven and make a pot of rice to complete the meal. You will be amazed at how much flavour this dish packs!

Ingredients: 2 - 4 lb of mixed chicken pieces or a whole cut up chicken 1 cup onion, chopped

2 green onions, chopped (optional – often I do not have any on hand) 1 large tomato, cut in wedges, about 1 1/3 cups 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1/8 tsp thyme 1 tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp cider vinegar 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar, packed 2 Tbsp ketchup 2 cups water reserved marinade Directions: Combine chicken, both onions, tomato, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl that can be covered. Shake well to mix then chill for at least one hour or all day.

Two or three hours before serving heat the oil and brown sugar in a heavy Dutch oven or covered dish that can go from the stove to the oven. When it begins to bubble add the chicken, browning a few pieces at a time, and remove it to drain on a paper towel.

Add ketchup, water and remaining marinade to the pan the chicken was in. Simmer and stir to deglaze the pan.

Add the chicken back and bring to a boil.

Move to a 350°F oven and cook, covered for an hour then uncover and continue to cook an hour or so longer.

Allow 1 - 2 pieces chicken per person and serve with rice.

Serves 4.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Squash I love the traditional butter chicken recipe in my cookbook with the spices toasted and ground but it seems a bit intimidating sometimes so I was intrigued with the slowcooker version on The Suburban Soapbox blog. I decreased the spices to my taste and did not bother browning the chicken but threw everything into the crock pot except the milk and spinach. The squash cooked down into the sauce so you may wish to add the squash one to two hours before the end if you are going to be home then. The dish was

extremely flavourful and definitely one to keep in the winter rotation.

Ingredients: 3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced 1 tbsp turmeric 1 tbsp garam masala 1 tbsp cumin 1 - 2 dried hot peppers* or 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 cinnamon stick (optional) 1 cup tomato sauce or strained tomatoes 3 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or finely minced or 1 tsp dry ginger 1 tbsp butter 3/4 cups golden raisins 2 cups stock or water 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed 1 can (200 ml) coconut milk or 1 1/2 cups half and half 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach (optional but highly recommended) Directions: *I always leave any excess hot peppers from the summer to dry in a basket in the kitchen and use them in any stock or sauce that wants a bit of heat. If you leave the pepper whole it is not too spicy.

Shake chicken with cornstarch, salt and pepper and place in a slow cooker.

Add onion, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, peppers, cinnamon stick, tomato sauce, ginger, butter, raisins and stock to chicken and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. You may add the squash with the chicken but it will just become part of the sauce if cooked all day.

Turn the slow cooker up to high and add squash, if waiting, and continue to cook for another two hours. If you are late getting home and want to eat in an hour, par-cook squash in the microwave and add for the last hour.

Temper milk by adding a little of the hot sauce before stirring it into the crock pot with the spinach 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with basmati rice.

Serves 8. ◊ February 2022 35

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

2022: Year of the Garden

2022 seemed so far away only four years ago! We have been distracted by the pandemic! The members of the Gardens of Huron Perth were already planning how we could participate in The Year of the Garden. We were thinking of improvements to our marketing and planning where we could put our brochure to garner the most visitors to our gardens and tourists to our community. The pandemic has forced us to rethink and be creative about the project.

The Canadian Garden Council has proclaimed 2022 as the centennial of Canada’s horticultural sector, and a time to celebrate our garden heritage and culture across Canada. The theme is Live the Garden Life, which is so appropriate in light of what we have come through these past seasons. It is supported by all levels of garden organizations, horticultural businesses and municipalities all across Canada.

As a simple indicator of the ballooning of gardening, I have friends who were unable to get their favourite seeds due to the unprecedented demand last spring.

Anyone with access to a bit of soil, whether in a pot or in the back yard, was planting something; flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables. And this year looks like the enthusiasm continues.

Year of the Garden is a call to engage us to not only plant something but to learn about the benefits from nature. As gardeners we know about the benefits: fresh air, fresh local food, and improved health just from the pure joy of getting involved with the natural environment around us.

This year-long event will carry more punch with an encouraging eye 36 The Rural Voice

for local municipalities to take on bigger projects like the integration of more plants into our towns, increasing the tree canopy, working with community gardens and promoting public parks and green infrastructure.

Gardening is also a way to learn about other cultures. We revel in our vegetable gardens trying out new tomato and pepper varieties as well as coloured beets and rainbow swiss chard, a wide variety of beans and so much more. It did not seem that long ago that our gardens expanded to include Asian vegetables to enjoy with new recipes. We now have AgroHaiti Ltd. in Lynden, Ontario which specializes in Asian vegetable seeds.

Learning about other cultures includes our First Nations and our need to adopt a much broader change in our way of life; living in harmony with nature and plants.

So aside from planting new vegetables and flowers in your garden, this just might be the year to get involved, with or without a mask, with a community project.

The best place to start would be your local horticultural society and then your municipal office. What projects are in the making and how

can you get involved? It might be something as simple as working in the local municipal garden, making sure it looks fine, right until the end of the season. Maybe working with a local community garden, or helping a neighbour that has become overwhelmed with their overly ambitious garden.

There are still some very active Community in Blooms committees who have spearheaded some major makeovers in their communities. The impact of attractive and educational public gardens cannot be measured but always appreciated by visitors and residents alike.

Gardening and gardens generate economic activity for the garden family sector. You only have to look at your favourite garden centres. A lot of them are run by families. This all has an impact on our community’s financial stability. By supporting them we support our larger community.

The pandemic sure has put a damper on a lot of activities and we can only hope we will have a different summer. If restrictions are still in play, then take up hiking and set a goal to learn the names of a few wildflowers; are they native, or introduced by settlers; and what if

The Canadian Garden Council has proclaimed 2022 as the centennial of Canada’s horticultural sector and a year to celebrate gardening.

Gardening any, medicinal qualities do they have?

And then there are the trees. Who is planting trees in your community?

Green Goderich organized the planting of native trees at Victoria Park this past fall. They were handsome sizes, 10 to 12 feet high, and will offer shade for future children in the playground and clean the air for all of us and future generations.

And while we are on the topic of trees, a company called Trees for Life raises funds to help plant millions of the right trees in the right places. The focus is on native trees and shrubs in order to support the local biodiversity and ecosystems.

While you admire the bees and butterflies on the flowers, you also have to consider where their young hide and eat. That is part of the network of native plantings that support our diversity that we need to survive. It’s all part of the bigger picture.This organization raised funds to support community treeplanting.

Another supporter of planting trees is the Maple Leaves Forever program. Despite their offer of a 25 per cent rebate on native maples I still see a lot of roadsides bare of the old majestic maples and few young ones planted for the future. Any road not bordered by hydro lines is a perfect place to plant native maples.

With the support of this organization a maple tree for every hero has been planted along the Highway of Heroes.

You can also take on reducing or eliminating invasive species in your back yard and parks. Every time I see a patch of phragmites I growl, especially when infestations have a clear path via drains and creeks to the Maitland River. Once into the environment they reduce or eliminate all access to the rivers and creeks.

Think of turtles, ducks, salamanders and you! While removing patches on private land will take some conversations, one could always call the local Conservation Authority, or Lake Huron Coastal Centre to join a concerted effort to clean the species out. ◊

and it isn’t just corn.

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

1136 Bruce Road 86, LUCKNOW

www.cliffsplumbing.com Phone: 519-528-3913 • Toll Free: 800-449-2543 • Fax: 519-528-3125 cliff@cliffsplumbing.com

February 2022 37

Education

FarmFood360° launches four new videos

C

anadians interested in learning more about how their food is produced have more opportunities available to them now at www.FarmFood360.ca.

Four new Virtual Reality Tours, filmed throughout 2021 on mushroom, veal and grain farms – and research facilities operated by the University of Guelph – have been added to the popular website, joining the 18 farm and food processing tours already filmed and available for viewing.

The tours were developed by Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO) in partnership with Good in Every Grain, Mushrooms Canada, Ontario Genomics and Veal Farmers of Ontario.

Using 360° cameras and virtual reality technology, the awardwinning FarmFood360° website gives Canadians the chance to tour real, working farms and food processing plants, all without putting on boots or biosecurity clothing.

The mushroom farm tour visits a family-owned facility growing four million pounds of mushrooms each year. Farm owner Murray Good partnered with FFCO and Mushrooms Canada for the project.

Said Good, “For many people, mushrooms are rather mysterious.

I’ve always enjoyed hosting tours, as people are incredibly fascinated to learn about how fresh local mushrooms are grown. Growing mushrooms is one part science and one part art! As with many other farms during this time, we haven’t been able to offer in-person tours, which is why I was thrilled by the idea of hosting a virtual farm tour.”

The second tour takes people through the barns of an Ontario veal farm. In the tour, the farm family shows how their veal cattle are fed and cared for. Jennifer Haley, Executive Director of Veal Farmers of Ontario, said, “Veal farming has a long history and plays an important and fundamental role in Canada’s agricultural sector; however, the industry can be the subject of 38 The Rural Voice

Genomics can ensure Ontario has a secure food system. Filmmakers (above) delved into what genomics is all about as part of four new virtual reality tours being offered by FarmFood360° via Farm & Food Care Ontario. misconceptions and questions by our consumers.” She added, “We’re delighted to partner with FFCO to open the doors to an Ontario veal farm and answer those questions directly. Our farmers are proud of their farms and animal care standards and we’re eager to show that.”

A grain farm tour filmed in southwestern Ontario follows soybeans from planting through to harvest. “Grain farming in Ontario is challenging and rewarding. We are excited to work with FFCO to bring this project to fruition. Engaging video like this will help everyone feel like they are getting their boots on the ground and to see what happens in the fields of a soybean farm during spring planting, spraying and harvest; as well as all of the work that goes into making important crop care decisions,” said Victoria Berry, manager, communications at Grain Farmers of Ontario.

In an interesting shift from the more traditional farm and food processing tours on the site, Ontario Genomics partnered on a tour that highlights the exciting and emerging field of genomic research in

agriculture. Through a tour of a world class dairy research facility and interviews with research scientists at both Trent University and the University of Guelph, the project highlights research being done to increase food production, reduce stress on livestock thus improving animal welfare and improve the hardiness of crops like hazelnuts so that they can be grown in a cold Canadian climate.

Dr. Christine Baes, a dairy cow researcher at the University of Guelph who participated in the project said, “Genomics, which is the study of DNA, plays a key role in scientific discovery and technology innovation. As we’ve seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it can also help address some of our most pressing challenges. In this video series we explore how genomics is being used to ensure Ontario and Canada have a secure food system for generations to come, while protecting our environment and constantly improving animal welfare.”

The project was also funded, in part, through the Agri

Competitiveness program of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial, territorial initiative.

In 2021, the website received one million visitors. Plus, a new educator resource by Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and will be live this month.

Farm & Food Care Ontario is a coalition of farmers, agriculture and food partners proactively working together to earn public trust and confidence in food and farming.

Good in Every Grain is Grain Farmers of Ontario’s public outreach campaign devoted to gaining awareness for Ontario grains. The goal of the campaign is to gain exposure for Ontario farmers, the grains they grow, and the role that grains play in the everyday lives of Ontarians.

Mushrooms Canada is a voluntary, non-profit organization whose members are dedicated to the production and marketing of fresh mushrooms in Canada. Canadian

mushrooms are available 24/7/365 fresh from Canadian farms.

Ontario Genomics is a not-forprofit organization funded by the Ontario government and Genome Canada. Established in 2000, Ontario Genomics is the only entity focused solely on stimulating, enabling and nurturing genomics innovation in the province of Ontario.

Veal Farmers of Ontario is a farmer-run organization that represents the interests of Ontario’s veal farmers.◊

Farm To Cup!

Farm to Table

Shop online or stop in to see us 86252 Kintail Line, Goderich 519-671-4118

OPEN Friday and Saturday mornings NEW Coffee Bean Market Stand is OPEN daily.

We hand roast in small batches, strictly fresh for order.

Our goal is to discover incredible coffees, build trusted relationships with coffee producers and bring you an unparalleled Coastal Coffee experience.

Check out www.coastalcoffee.ca for list of retailers and restaurants.

Meadowview Farm & Apiary Clare and Gwen Gerber

PURE ONTARIO HONEY •Beeswax • Beeswax candles • Nucleus colonies

Gerber Meats Ltd. 519-699-4441 2513 Greenwood Hill Rd., Millbank, ON N0K 1L0

• Custom Butchering • Freezer Beef & Pork for sale

*Freezer Beef

$/lb.

hind quarters front quarters side of beef whole beef

$4.79 $4.39 $4.59 $3.99

*Freezer Pork

$/lb.

half or whole

$2.59

* Cutting, wrapping, freezing included in pricing

Local...Quality...Delicious Local Beef • Pork • Lamb • Poultry Specialty European Meat Products

Open Tues. - Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 3 pm 180 Brock Avenue, Hensall

519-262-3130 www.metzgermeats.com

Grass-fed Beef

Chicken

Available to order by the side or mixed quarter.

At the farm store: Assorted cuts & patties

Available to order fresh At the farm store: Frozen, Whole or in pieces (Drumsticks, wings, breasts)

RR 2, 91104 Holmes Line, Wingham

519-357-4347 or Cell 519-357-8339 February 2022 39

Education

Postcards podcast explores history of Huron County

T

o inspire travel and recall memories along Ontario’s West Coast, Mandy Sinclair will launch Postcards from Huron County on January 11, 2022, with new episodes of the podcast releasing every two weeks until April 19, 2022.

Host and recently-returned local, Mandy Sinclair, has created an eightpart podcast series that takes listeners on an intimate journey to Huron County, traditionally the territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral peoples. Each episode delves into an aspect of the heritage and often lesser known history of the area, as told to Sinclair in conversation with historians and community members who have a close connection to each subject.

Guests and topics featured in the series include Jenna McGuire on the Historic Saugeen Metis, board members sharing memories from their years volunteering with the Clinton Spring Fair, Sinead Cox

Postcards from Huron County is a new podcast which explores the history of Huron County. speaking about the Home Children, David Yates on prohibition in Huron County, and a director and local who inspired characters in the Blyth Festival’s Wing Night at the Boot.

“I grew up in Huron County and, after spending time in Morocco, returned to the area in July 2020. I began exploring the region’s nature

Guelph is the new home for the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame gallery

T

he Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame (OAHF) has recently relocated its gallery to a new home in Guelph.

The OAHF gallery has recently been installed at 1 Stone Road West, Guelph on the main floor, near the conference centre. This is the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) building located at the corner of Stone Road and Gordon Street in Guelph. The new gallery wall displays the two most recent years of inductees, along with sponsor and supporter information.

“We’re very excited to have our inductees so prominently displayed in the OMAFRA building,” said Kelly Daynard, current president of the OAHF. “The gallery has increased visibility and easy accessibility which allows us to better profile, and honour, past, current and future inductees.”

“It is the mission of (OAHF) to 40 The Rural Voice

acknowledge, record and preserve the contributions made by leaders to the growth and development of Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry and rural communities across the province,” said Daynard. “There isn’t a better home for the OAHF than the government building, where those who had an impact on Ontario agriculture can be showcased.”

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, an official opening has not been possible.

The OAHF first opened in 1980 with nine inductees, before growing to what it is today. It was previously housed in Guelph at the Ontario AgriCentre since 2016, and in Milton for almost 40 years before that.

The next induction ceremony will take place on June 12, 2022. More information will be made available on the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame’s website at www.oahf.on.ca

trails and cycling through its small communities. As a naturally curious person, questions about the area’s history started to emerge. By chance, I stumbled upon a sign indicating the way to the Point Farms Hotel at Point Farms Provincial Park. The hotel’s immensity and former glory days amazed me, but I left wanting to know more – who stayed there?

Where did they come from? What did they do while there? What did they eat? And so began the idea for Postcards from Huron County.”

You are invited to preview the trailer of Postcards from Huron County on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.

Postcards from Huron County is made possible with funding from the Huron Heritage Fund and Community Futures Huron Community Projects Initiative the support of Clint Mackie, Andrew Bouck, Nick Vinnicombe, and Mark Hussey at Faux Pop Media. ◊

$

INCOME TAX SERVICE

$

Farm, Business, Personal • complete year-round service including tax audit representation • E-file available

Stephen Thompson R.R. #2, Clinton

519-482-3244 stevethompson@tcc.on.ca

#1 Handi Quilter Dealer in Canada

Janome Top 10 Dealer

We Provide: • Tree Marking using Good Forestry Practices • Woodlot Improvement • Forest Management Plans • Managed Forest Tax Incentives • Harvest Advice and Marketing Timber • Tree Planting • Prescribed Burn Specialists • Emerald Ash Borer Protection • Aggregate Pit Reports • Trail Creation & Maintenance Peace of of Mind Mind •• Peace

SEWING, QUILTING, EMBROIDERY & LONGARM QUILTING MACHINES SALES and SERVICE NEW policies - Please call to book Service appointments and/or Sales demonstrations. You may also shop online www.sewandsavecentre.com

Create long-term, sustainable returns from your woodlands and enhance the ecological value of your forests.

Free woodlot assessments in Grey, Bruce, Simcoe and Huron Counties 519-364-8733 www.LANDSANDFORESTS.com

149 Downie Street Stratford, ON

519-271-9660

IT’S WORTH THE DRIVE!

Authorized Dealer for Handi Quilter & Janome We service MOST makes and models We have been in business since 1969

www.sewandsavecentre.com

Rural Living Fabric, Quilting Supplies, Ready & Custom Made Quilts 519-625-8435 heather@thequiltplace.ca www.thequiltplace.ca 3991 Perth Rd. 107, Shakespeare, ON

Country Quilting

PURRSONALLY YOURS Fabrics, Quilts & Much More 519-392-6046 3855 Bruce Rd. 4, 5 kms. N. of Teeswater

February 25th ~ Fabulous Friday ~ “R” Day 20% off Reds, rulers, rust, Robert Kaufman fabrics Check Facebook for store updates or visit our website sanityhill.ca

Fabric and Wool Shop 519-538-4283 519-538-3955 35 Sykes Street N., Meaford, ON

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

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

519-887-9456

www.countryquilting.ca

February 2022 41

Rural Living

A Country Guide for the Rural Homestead

Financial Management Heather Schaus is the accounting manager at BDO’s Mount Forest office

Five ways to prepare for income tax Showing up at your accountant with only a shoebox crammed full of receipts is costly in professional time and handcuffs your ability to make better financial decisions throughout the year. Although most farms today have bookkeeping systems well beyond the shoebox, organizing some key information ahead can save time and headaches chasing down information later.

Whether you use a ledger, Excel spreadsheets or computerized bookkeeping programs, such as QuickBooks, Sage 50/Simply Accounting or AgExpert, the same

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

42 The Rural Voice

information and paperwork is needed. So here are five simple ways to get ready for this coming tax season.

1. Reconcile. The first thing you need to do is make sure your bank account is reconciled in your bookkeeping. Reconciling with your bank is making sure you have recorded all of the deposits, cheques, and debit payments you have done each month and checking they have cleared or show up on the bank statement for that month. It also ensures any activities, loan interest and principal payments, bank charges and loan advances, which are only seen on bank statements, are recorded in your bookkeeping. By reconciling your bank account in your bookkeeping, your accountant knows all income and expenses are recorded. Plus it feels amazingly satisfying to reconcile.

2. Inventory List. Your accountant will need a list of your inventory as of your year-end so write it down. If you are already doing this for your loaning institution, you can simply share a

519­343­3233

of providing professionally designed and installed drainage systems.

copy of this inventory list with your accountant as well, or vice versa.

Sharing this information is important because inventory on income tax returns can be used as an “add back”, if you are in a loss position. In fact, some of the income tax rules require adding back your inventory, if you are in a loss position. Make sure you talk with your accountant as to your personal tax situation and how inventory “add back” will affect your farm tax return.

3. Bought/Sold Asset list. A straightforward list of purchase and sales/disposals of equipment, including office equipment, machinery (tractors, combines, etc.), computer equipment, buildings and building additions during the year will help your accountant tremendously and a good place to start conversations about longer-term planning. If you have had any major purchases during the year, attach a copy of the purchase invoice, including any trade-ins invoices.

Sharing what year you purchased the assets sold/disposed of in the current year will help the accountant more easily find the original cost of the asset from that year.

Different types of assets have different Capital Cost Allowance rates used as expenses each year, this Bought and Sold asset list details will help your accountant know how to CCA categorize the assets bought and sold in the year. Make sure to ask your accountant about the rates and expenses that can be deducted on your farm income and expenses for future capital planning.

4. Island of Misfits. The items that don’t seem to fit anywhere need some further explanation. These are the items often recorded in your bookkeeping, under “Other miscellaneous income” and “Other/miscellaneous expenses” or some computer programs call this “Ask your accountant”. With any of these accounts write a note, explaining what was purchased or earned during the year. When your accountant is looking at these accounts, they know what was put there and why, and some expenses and income may need to be moved to other accounts or taxed differently.

Financial Sometimes you don’t know where some expenses and income should be put in your bookkeeping and this is a good opportunity to ask your accountant where you should be recording this type of expense in the future. If you are often putting the same type of expenses in these other accounts, it might be time to create another column in manual bookkeeping or create a new income or expense account on your computerized bookkeeping.

5. AgriInvest/AgriStability. Let your accountant know upfront if you are taking part in AgriInvest and/or AgriStability so they can put your farming income and expenses on the proper income tax form in your tax return. This form will have your Agri pin number on it and when your tax return is submitted to Canada Revenue Agency they can forward this information on to the various provincial/federal offices that run these programs.

If you are not part of these programs, your farm income and expenses will be on a different form and no information will be going to these programs. By letting your accountant know ahead of time if you have registered for any of these programs in the past and current year, they can complete the proper forms for you. Other forms still need to be completed for AgriStability each year however, they’re not connected to your income tax returns.

By organizing and sharing with your accountant this information ahead, your tax returns can be done more efficiently, costing you less in the long run. Furthermore, with BDO you can share this information easily and safely on our new global client portal so you can do it right from your desk. Doing monthly bank reconciliations, and creating an inventory list and a list of bought and sold assets during the year list will help your accountant ensure all of your information is correctly inputted for income tax and with decisionmaking throughout the year. Also, don’t forget to review and add notes to your accounts and let your accountant know if you are part of government programs. ◊

EXCLUSIVE $695,000

Near Owen Sound, 3 acres of country living, large 5 bedroom, 3 bath raised bungalow.

Call Dave or Elly for a buyers package to see more about these properties.

702 MAIN ST. SAUBLE BEACH (519) 422-ATVS (2887) sales.atvdepot@bellnet.ca

Want to list your business?

Call 519-859-0303 or email lynda@aglinks.com P.O. Box 21054, Wonderland Rd. S., London ON N6K 0C7

www.aglinks.com / Follow Us On Facebook February 2022 43

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

Shipping routes in the Parana river affect grain prices Inflation continues to be the ongoing concern of financial market watchers. The U.S. Federal Reserve highlighted this worry in a recent meeting, when they stated that inflation readings have been higher, more persistent, and more widespread than had been anticipated previously.

The U.S. Federal Reserve is not the only one vocalizing this concern.

Many long-time market players have been vocal about the decades-high inflation (U.S. inflation is the highest it’s been in 40 years) that is being experienced currently and use language such as “stopping the inflation spiral could be the biggest challenge of our generation”. There

are multiple sources that can be pointed to as the cause of this inflation; but very notably we can look towards wages and energy.

Both of these have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic policy response and the stated energy reforms of various governments around the world. Both policies are inflationary, as all goods are directly affected by wage and energy costs.

Stemming from this inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve continued their discussion with the observations that given the outlook for the economy, the labour market and inflation, it may be warranted to increase the federal funds rate sooner or at a faster pace than was once expected. In short, the way to fight inflation is by increasing interest rates. At this juncture however, it seems there is a great hesitation in increasing rates, due to the appearance of Omnicron. The potential economic influence that this new variant has made nearby, likely has the U.S. Fed nervous about snuffing economic progress at this time. The balancing act continues between short-term worries and long term expectations.

Now that we have closed out 2021, data from the St. Lawrence Seaway is now being released for their total shipping volumes. Grain volumes were lower this year through the seaway, largely being impacted from the drought in the western regions of Canada and the U.S. Overall, 2021

702 MAIN ST. SAUBLE BEACH (519) 422-ATVS (2887) sales.atvdepot@bellnet.ca

44 The Rural Voice

had lower grain shipments through the seaway of about 17 per cent compared to 2020. Keep in mind that 2020 was a record grain shipping year via the seaway, so grain exports were still quite good considering the growing season in the west. While grain was lower, other commodity and goods shipments were higher. Notably iron ore shipments were up 15 per cent from last year and general cargo such as steel and other bulk items were also robust. Cargo such as steel should continue to be strong into the coming years as the U.S. continues to look at large infrastructure improvement programs. North America simply does not have the steel-making capacity to produce what would be required for large infrastructure programs, and therefore imports from India and China will likely remain high.

Grain prices are strong given the drought conditions affecting some parts of the South American growing region. Last year, the Parana river – the waterway that carries about 80 per cent of Argentina’s farm exports — hit a 77-year low mid-year. From this record low level, water levels rose through much of the balance of the year, only to fall to about similarly low levels once again due to the extreme dryness. This is significant to the market today, because Argentina is the world’s largest shipper of soybean meal and the second largest corn exporter. Not only does this possibly affect navigation speed through the river, but it also affects cargo loads, due to shallow water. It is reported that the average ship navigating these waters has a 30 per cent reduction in cargo volume. From this a Panamax vessel that carries around 50,000 metric ton cargo would be reducing its loading volume by approximately 15,000 mt. This reduced cargo volume significantly increases delivered pricing to overseas destinations.

The drought in South America is bringing significant worries to growers in the area, and market participants are taking notice likewise.

Significant heat, at times even greater than 36˚C, combined with extreme drought has taken a noticeable toll on the crop. Estimates coming out of Brazil have estimators probing to see how low they can go on estimates.

Markets Currently the consensus seems to be for corn production to fall by four to five million tonnes. This estimate is assuming that forecast rains over the next week materialize. While much of the crop could potentially be salvaged with timely rains, early planted corn is expected to be a disaster. Early estimates could be for at least a 50 per cent reduction in this corn. Similarly soy estimates are dwindling, with Brazilian estimates being curbed in the range of 2.5 million tonnes.

Locally in our marketplace, we have harvested a record-sized corn crop this past growing season. While there are some problem areas with vomitoxin, generally we have a pretty decent crop. Heading into January there is still lots of corn in the field, yet to be harvested. In some areas harvest delays have been caused by wet weather, while in other areas there is simply not enough bin space available for the crop. Locally, end users are well covered for their needs into at least spring and therefore further demand is hard to find, at least until the seaway opens again this spring. ◊

We’re scientists, engineers, safety experts.

And PROUD CANADIANS.

At the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, we’re responsible for Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.

Stop living with it, Start living in it!

Let us transform your patio & outdoor space

Now Booking Spring Projects!

• Crabapple & Fruit Tree Pruning • Spring Clean Up • Property Maintenance • Landscaping & Designs • Water Features

Canada’s plan involves safely containing and isolating used nuclear fuel in an area with suitable geology and informed, willing hosts.

Every day, we are conscious of our duty to be accountable to Canadians—to work and learn together, and to protect our safety, our environment and this beautiful land.

Dig deeper, learn more by visiting nwmo.ca

OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

www.livelandscape.ca

@NWMOCanada

Lisa Van Bakel 519-949-3444 Email: lisa@livelandscape.ca

February 2022 45

Woodlots Google the answer. Which makes me wonder what will happen to true knowledge. Will anyone be an expert or just the fastest at getting the answer from a screen? Up until 2013, when I walked a forest with landowners and pointed out the species that I observed, I always thought that they believed me. Why wouldn’t they?

In 2013, I remember walking a landowners’ forest with his entire family and a couple of friends, as none of them had any knowledge of nature or forest management and wanted to learn. I got to show their children a Jack-in-the-Pulpit for the first time. A bird called out and I identified it for them to include in their Managed Forest Tax Incentive Plan. We continued a little further and I heard the bird again. Then one of the landowners said, “You were right. It was that bird.”’ She played the call again on her phone. It was nice to be reassured that I knew my bird call identification, but blew me out of my boots to see how easy it was for this person to get this information. In 2013, I was still using a flip phone and had never used an app.

I now carry a smartphone and

thought I would download some forestry-related apps. I downloaded three identification apps, two mapping apps, and three forestry calculator apps. Of these eight apps, I have used one of them just enough to learn what a great tool it is. I haven’t gotten on to any of the identification apps as I get frustrated in the organization of the information. In any field guide, keys are used to determine the specimen that you are working with. To use the keys you must understand the defining characteristics of flora or fauna. For example, is the leaf edge (margin) serrated or smooth? The apps that I Recently and unintentionally , I’ve have looked at are more simplified, made a significant shift in how I look as in take a picture and the app will for help when identifying a new or identify the plant. The difficulty that unusual plant.

I have with this form of identification For most of my adult life, I have is that the user must be able to enjoyed going to a bookstore to look determine if the app is correct and at the selection in the Science and should not rely on identification that Nature Section. These two interest hasn’t been proven. The app doesn’t areas were often grouped together on know that it is giving a false the shelf and were occasionally identification any differently than an accompanied by Gardening. It amateur naturalist would without seemed that new tree identification working alongside a knowledgeable and forestry books didn’t come out associate. Of course, a book is no very often. When I found a new different for ensuring accuracy. book, I hoped to buy it which is a However, it was explained to me that fact that would surprise every teacher the drawings in identification guides that had to try to work with are of greater value than me. Simply put, these books photos as our interested me. Over the interpretation of the years I have amassed a drawing will be broader decent library of both recent as it is not a true picture and historic forest and of the specimen. When nature-related reference looking at a photo we books. It’s a library that I assume that the subject am quite proud of. Now I within the photo appears am wondering what will exactly as pictured, happen to it – and others when in fact all living like it – in the future. things can vary greatly Early in my career, when in appearance even you wanted to identify a within the same species. plant species and an For this reason, I still experienced person wasn’t prefer field guides that available, you needed have drawings over multiple guides to identify those with photographs. anything that was not in A perfect example of the flower. Wildflower guides effects of pictures gave you the answer to a versus drawings can be plant in flower. But I also experienced when needed medicinal, edible, looking at a photo of wildflower, and something that makes horticultural plant guides in Avenza maps is a free app which is widely used and you uncomfortable as hopes of finding the answer. recommended by forestry professionals as a mapping and opposed to a drawing. I Now, I frequently navigation tool.

Donna Lacey is a forester with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

What will happen to all our guide books?

46 The Rural Voice

Woodlots would much prefer to look at a drawing of a snake and not a photo, or real specimen.

As I was not experienced at using any of the forestry or identification apps, prior to writing this, I Googled plant identification apps to see what popped up. It is not surprising that there are many apps to choose from.

Truly, I had planned on listing some apps for various purposes within this column. However, as I have stated above, I don’t have much experience with any of the identification apps.

Searching out the app possibilities I did come up with a couple of thoughts. I suggest that users be careful which region the app includes species from, to have a greater possibility of accuracy and less frustration. Some apps come from sources that I am not familiar with, while others come from well-known sources like Cornell University. If you have narrowed down the possibilities, Googling the possible name and Googling the name and adding “looks like” may help. When you search species out like this you will get both websites and a mountain of images.

I will close this out with the recommendation of one app, Avenza Maps. This app is widely used and recommended by forestry professionals, as a mapping and navigation tool. I am still learning the breadth of this free app. Simply put, this app turns your smartphone into a handheld GPS that will plot on existing mapping. Of course, you should always have your compass as a backup – it doesn’t have batteries that can die and it works well on stormy days. ◊

1563 Hwy#9 Mildmay, ON N0G 2J0 Ph: 519-367-3215 Fax: 519-367-3214 www.southbruceflooring.com

BERNIE McGLYNN LUMBER LTD. BUYER OF HARDWOOD BUSHLOTS Wholesaler • Hardwood Lumber 1563 Hwy#9, Mildmay, ON N0G 2J0

Ph: 519-367-5789 • Cell: 519-357-6621 sawmill@wightman.ca

Watch for spring tree order forms at abca.ca or call us at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610

Also, nominate a person GBSN CVTJOFTT PS group you know for the annual conservationist award!

February 2022 47

Agrilaw

Barry Elliott Mutual Fund Representative

HUB Capital Inc. 340 Bruce Road 86 R.R. #1 Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0 o: 519-357-1532 c: 519-357-5375

t: 1-877-357-1532 f: 519-357-1532

barry.elliott@hubcapital.ca www.hubcapital.ca

WE PUT THE

WORK

IN OUR FI F ELDS SO YOU GET THE

MOS ST

OUT OF YOU O RS

Our breeding is done e the traditional way, y, in the field, in an effort to bring you the best possible results on your farm.

That is why we are e The Leade ders rs in N No on-GM GMO See S dC Co orn rn.

De Dell Seeds

The Leaderrs in Non-GMO Corn De Dell Seeeds • 7095 Century Drive • Melbourne, ON • N0L 1T0 P: 519-2664-CORN (2676) • F: 519-264-2672 info@dedellseeds.com • www.dedellseeds.com

48 The Rural Voice

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

Before you cut down your neighbour’s trees, make sure you have permission – Part 1: A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal and the lower court decisions it upheld present a cautionary tale for landowners looking to clear boundary trees. The lesson is that if you intend to remove trees from a neighbouring property, make sure you have the permission of the neighbour. In fact, get written permission. Make a detailed diagram of the area where trees are to be cleared and of the trees to be cleared and get your neighbour to sign off on it (literally). Trees can’t be re-attached to their trunks later if it’s determined that you didn’t actually have permission.

In the case at issue, a farmer was having drainage problems on a piece of property. There were two existing municipal drains in the area, but the farmer’s land had no direct outlet to the drains. The neighour’s 40-acre parcel next door to the west was also used as farmland and also suffered from drainage problems. The boundary between the two properties was marked by line of mature trees, some on the farmer’s property and some on the neighbour’s property, and by a minor drainage ditch located within the neighbour’s property that was no longer functioning. The flow

Agrilaw of water in the ditch was severely restricted by the overgrowth of trees and brush.

The farmer wanted to clear out the ditch and telephoned his neighbour to discuss his plan sometime in the summer of 2011. The farmer called the neighbour again in the summer of 2012 and they again discussed the farmer’s plans to clear out the drain, including the removal of trees along the boundary line between the two properties. This is where the farmer’s and the neighbour’s accounts related to the Court diverged. The farmer said that the neighbour agreed to his proposal and granted permission to him to enter her property and clean up the area of the drain, including by removing trees. The neighbour denied that she agreed to the removal of any trees. She said that she and the farmer had only agreed to discuss the matter in more detail at the upcoming local Fall Fair, but that the farmer didn’t show up.

Believing that he had permission to do so, the farmer entered onto his neighbour’s property, clear cut the entire tree line of about 300 trees (some of which were on the farmer’s property and some of which were on the neighbour’s property, with some standing as tall as 40 to 60 feet) and filled in the existing drainage ditch with plans to install a new ditch. The neighbour became aware in September, 2012 of the work that had been carried out by the farmer. When the farmer determined that the neighbour was not in favour of the work he had done already, he took no further steps on his own to install a new ditch.

Instead, the farmer petitioned a municipal drain. The municipality eventually constructed a drain

The deadline for the March issue of The Rural Voice is February 8, 2022

consisting of a 6.2-metre-wide open ditch between the farmer’s property and the neighbour’s property connected at each end to one of the existing municipal drains. The assessed cost of the drain was $102,000, with about $77,000 assessed to the farmer and about $25,000 assessed to the neighbour.

The neighbour sued the farmer for trespass, resulting in the case that ended up before the Court of Appeal.

She brought a motion for summary judgment on the issue of liability for trespass. Madam Justice Hebner of the Superior Court granted the motion, finding that the farmer did not have permission to clear cut the tree line.

She noted: Although the parties have different recollections as to the exact conversation between them, one thing is very clear. They agreed to meet at the [Fair] where they would talk in more detail about the work to be done. [The farmer] said that the plan for the meeting at the [Fair] was to “basically go over with her what I was going to be doing. Clean up the fence row and putting in a new ditch.” The meeting did not happen. [The neighbour] went to the [Fair]. [The farmer] did not. Without contacting [his neighbour] again, [the farmer] went onto her property the Friday after the Fair and proceeded to cut down the trees, remove the brush and fill in the

ditch. […]

In my view, the evidence is consistent overall with a discussion as opposed to an agreement with leave and a licence granted by [the neighbour]. That discussion was to continue at the Fair. As the discussion did not continue, I find that leave and licence was never granted to [the farmer] to do any work on [the neighbour]’s property.

Interestingly, the farmer had also alleged that his second telephone conversation with his neighbour took place by speaker phone, with a third party hearing the discussion.

However, the farmer did not provide an affidavit from this third party on the motion for summary judgment.

Justice Hebner drew from the absence of an affidavit from the alleged thirdparty witness, and from the absence of any explanation from the farmer for having no affidavit, the inference that the witness would not have supported the farmer’s version of the conversation with the neighbour. Stay tuned for Part II – Damages. ◊ ______________________________ John D. Goudy’s law practice includes real property and environmental litigation, expropriation law, energy regulation, and regulatory offences.

Agrilaw provides information of interest to the farming community, not legal advice. Readers should consult a legal professional about their particular circumstance.

Enjoy the Country Lifestyle!

THE RURAL VOICE MAGAZINE Don't Delay – Subscribe Today!

Produced by people with farming in their blood.

Serving more than 11,000 readers in the region.

One year for $25; two years for $45 (HST included)

The Rural Voice Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4311 February 2022 49

People & Business

• By Gary West •

Industrious employee honoured for 46 years of work sons — Chad, Steve and Matt — could not say enough good things about Darryl’s work ethic over the years and how their company grew in part because of his dedication and positive attitude. Darryl also mentored employees to do their best and make them feel part of the S.F.E. family.

Darryl’s knowledge of the machinery business goes from top to bottom and will be hard to replace.

Dan also stated that his father, Bill Brown (who is now living in retirement near London) hired Darryl and said he wished he could have hired more employees like him.

It was agreed by past and present employees that the industrious young man that had beginnings on a farm in Perth County in South Easthope township grew into the person that he is today which was described as knowledgeable, quiet, humble and respectful of everyone he meets. ◊ Pictured on one of his final days before retirement is Darryl Winhold (right) being congratulated by part‐owner Chad Brown (left) for his 46 and a half years of dedicated service to the Case IH dealership.

I

t’s not every day that you hear of someone who works for the same company for 46 and half years and can still smile and say he’s enjoyed every day of it.

Long time Tavistock resident Darryl Winhold is that person. He has worked for Stratford Farm Equipment most of his life. Not working for the “Brown” family — who have owned Stratford farm equipment over the years — will be an odd feeling, admitted Darryl.

Darryl was raised on the Winhold family farm halfway between Tavistock and Shakespeare on Pork Road which is now Line 33. His parents are Doris and Harold Winhold and he has five brothers and one sister. Darryl and his wife Bonnie have lived all their married life in the same house on the western outskirts of Tavistock. They raised two kids there, a daughter who now lives with her husband and young daughter on Vancouver Island and 50 The Rural Voice

their son and his partner that live in Paris, Ontario.

We were able to drop in on Darryl on one of his final days at work to talk about his long and illustrious career in the farm machinery business. His first 18 years after graduating from Waterloo-Oxford high school near Baden, were spent working for the Case-I-H equipment dealer in Stratford in the parts department. In subsequent years he made the move to the accounting department and Human Resources where he was in charge of payables and receivables for the company’s 60 employees, that included mechanics plus parts and office staff at five different locations.

The farm machinery head office continues to be on the western edge of Stratford, with locations in New Hamburg, Woodstock and London (Arva) which includes itsBobcat skid-steer division.

Dan Brown, along with his three

Marvin L. Smith B.Sc.F. (Forestry), R.P.F. Farm Woodland Specialist 570 Riverview Dr. Listowel, Ontario N4W 3T7 Telephone: (519) 291-2236

Lakeside Shelving & Racking • Pallet Racking • Store Shelving • Warehouse Equip. & more Industrial, Farm & Retail

519-524-1740 www.lakesideshelving.com

The Rural Reading Room Specializing in Rural Living & Local Authors

300 BEST POTATO RECIPES Our most common vegetable can also be the most versatile. Information on potato history and varieties and recipes for everything from appetizers, snacks, salads, soups, main courses, breads and desserts. $27.95

HELLO FARM! Lift-a-Sound Lift the big flaps! Push the big buttons! Listen to the farm animals say HELLO! Perfect for the little ones. $17.99

THE BLACKSMITH’S CRAFT Blacksmithing is a romantic and practical skill and it still has many applications today. This comprehensive book is a primer of the tools and methods of the blacksmith and provides tips on how to make this skill pay. $24.95

NEVER SELL YOUR HEN ON A RAINY DAY Some of those old weather sayings really do make sense. This book explains why. $8.95

BUILDING CHICKEN COOPS One of over 200 titles of Storey’s Country Wisdom Bulletin, this bulletin contains instructions and tips on how to build your own chicken coop. The 32 page booklet shares designing, bedding, drainage and more. $5.95

THE PRUNING ANSWER BOOK This handy, take-it-with-you book provides solutions to every problem you’ll ever face and answers to every question you’ll ever ask about pruning.

Information on planting, tools, pruning roses, fruit trees, and decorative pruning. $22.95 Total

Qty.

300 BEST POTATO RECIPES HELLO FARM! BUILDING CHICKEN COOPS Z IS FOR ZAMBONI THE BLACKSMITH’S CRAFT NEVER SELL YOUR HEN ON A RAINY DAY THE PRUNING ANSWER BOOK BREAD MAKING Check out huroncitizen.ca for more books

$27.95 $17.99 $5.95 $10.99 $24.95 $8.95 $22.95 $22.95 Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

Z is for Zamboni An alphabet book, Z is for Zamboni is for the younger hockey fans. Matt Napier's rhymes team up with the illustrations of Melanie Rose to elucidate this increasingly popular game for every beginning hockey fan. Highlighting rules, players, coaches, teams, and the history of the game, it is both fun and educational. $10.99

BREAD MAKING Crafting the Perfect Loaf from Crust to Crumb If you’ve never known the satisfaction of taking warm, fragrant bread from your oven, now is the time to start kneading.

This start-to-finish primer on everything bread will make confident bakers of the most hesitant beginners. $22.95 Send cheque or money order for full amount to: Books: North Huron Publishing P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or call and pay by credit card 519-523-4311 MAIL BOOKS TO: Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______________________ Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc.

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

February 2022 51

People & Business

• By Gary West •

Hard work pays off for trucker and his family

T

Randy Fletcher says hard work and dedication does pay off when young people have a dream to own their own business. He is now owner of Jel‐Joe Haulage out of Tavistock and is pictured here with daughters Jelene and Joellah.

his is a story about a young man who was willing to work hard and start a business of his own to be successful. After 18 years in the truckinig and mini-excavation business, Randy Fletcher and family realized that hard work and dedication does pay dividends at the end of the day.

He will tell you that he learned a lot in his younger years from his dairy farmer grandfather, Francis Dietrich from Sebastopol, and his uncles Don and Ray Dietrich who were also farmers in the area.

They all worked hard and took risks just as he did when he started.

Randy’s company, now located two miles east of Shakespeare — JelJoe haulage.

He, along with his wife Alea and daughters Jelene and Joellah (hence the company name) have built a business on honesty and integrity and has always put the customer first. He uses a skid-steer to move earth and snow and his mini-excavator for digging tile and trenching work. Fletcher said his main business is still trucking gravel and asphalt and sometimes he has to depend on experienced outside help to get the job done when deadlines demand it. He said in a recent interview, that most of his work is in Perth and Oxford counties and he has done major work for companies like Steed and Evans in the past.

He credits the years he spent trucking feed for Martin’s Feed Mill in Tavistock and working alongside the Benders and Waglers at B-W feed in New Hamburg as the years of experience he needed to prepare himself for a future on his own. He’ll also say he learned what hard work and long hours were when he worked on many dairy and hog farms in the area while saving enough money to someday start a business of his own. Fletcher says that hard work and dedication, along with living with the mottos to “take the bad days with the good” is a good way to live. ◊

Ontario farmers donate more hay for beef farmers out west

F

armers in the Tavistock, New Hamburg, Perth and Waterloo County areas are still donating good quality hay in large square bales out to their western neighbours in need, due to drought conditions this summer.

The western prairie provinces — especially ­ continued on page 53 Martin Ritsma straps down hay bales being loaded by Dale Bundscho to create a load for beef producers struggling from the drought in Saskatchewan.

52 The Rural Voice

People & Business ­ continued from page 52 Saskatchewan and Manitoba — are receiving the loads of hay from Ontario under the banner of “Hay West 2.0”. Recently, in South Easthope Township on Line 33 at the farm of Dale and Marilyn Bundscho and family, Dale Bundscho could be seen on the loader while organizer Martin Ritsma helped strap down 24 bales weighing 1,000 pounds on a trailer owned and operated by Calvin Schmidt of Wellesley.

The hay is destined for both dairy

and beef farmers in Saskatchewan.

The hay will be unloaded onto a large transport trailer in Drayton before it makes the long journey west. To date, 31 transport trailer loads of hay have been donated by Ontario farmers of which 26 have already been shipped.

In Saskatchewan, 24 more farmers are awaiting for hay to arrive.

Farmers who are donating will be receiving income tax receipts. If you do have hay to donate contact Martin Ritsma by phone or text at 519-2769659. ◊

41 Ontario Street, P.O. Box 758, Clinton

519-482-7979 www.seebachandcompany.ca

TILE DRAINAGE PAYS! Let a good drainage system work for you to help improve: • Soil erosion • Aeration • Crop yields • Soil warm up 43479 Blyth Road • Crop rotation • Harvest length (R.R. #1) Walton, ON N0K 1Z0 • Land values • Soil conditions • Fertilizer efficiency E-Mail: kmmfarmdrainage@outlook.com • Plant growth

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

• Corn • Soybeans • Feed Grains • Feed Ingredients • Food Quality Soybeans CASH & FORWARD CONTRACTS Call us today for Quotes Scott Speers Richard Smibert Scott Krakar Matt McKillop Alex Kissler

1615 NORTH ROUTLEDGE PARK UNIT 43 LONDON, ONTARIO, N6H 5L6 519-473-9333 Toll-Free 1-800-265-1885

Schmidt’s Farm Drainage 1990 Ltd. Harriston

CALL THE EXPERTS! Business: 519-887-6428 Ron McCallum 519-524-3543

Chad McCallum 519-955-1588

GPS Grade Control & Mapping

Specializing in Farm Drainage, Backhoeing & Excavating, GPS includes: mapping grade control & surveying Where Schmidt’s go, the Water Flows!

GPS Grade Control 519-338-3484 • Cell 519-323-6335 February 2022 53

The

Rural Voice

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

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

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

Full service to all boats and marine engines

ARGYLE Marine & Small Engines Inc.

33973 Church Camp Rd., Goderich 519-524-5361 Email: argylemarine@cabletv.on.ca

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

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

MANUFACTURING STEEL ROOFING SIDING & TRIMS

519-363-3757 2051 Bruce Rd. 19, R.R. 1 Chesley, ON N0G 1L0

Also Supplying Other Building Accessories

STEFFEN WELL DRILLING 519-531-0355

DL Distributing Dave Mustard 519-794-3334 Authorized Dealer

TEESWATER, ON

mike@steffenwelldrilling.ca

• Agricultural & domestic water wells • Well Cleanouts • Pump Testing • Camera Inspection • Irrigation Wells • Dewatering Services

54 The Rural Voice

Tough on Winter, Easy on You

Email: dlmustard2@gmail.com 556735 Strathaven Road, Chatsworth, ON

SALES & SERVICE INSTALLATION & PARTS

Rissler KEITH SIEMON FARM SYSTEMS LTD. 81987 Perth Rd. 180, R.R. 4, Walton 519-345-2734 (anytime)

PACKERS: WE BUILD RUBBER TIRE PACKER SPECIALISTS

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

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

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

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

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

B U S I N E S S

This space C could be yours! E Call to place your ad:

519-523-4311 ruralvoice.ca

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

CONSTRUCTION -------------------------------------------WE POUR: liquid manure tanks, bunker silos, foundations and pads.

All are 100% engineered. Serving Ontario since 1968. De Jong & Sons Ltd. 519-348-0523.

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

Call 519-625-8242 or 519-2741490.

-------------------------------------------FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Four-row Kongskilde scuffler and track scratcher. 519-357-2509.

-------------------------------------------Six-section diamond harrows.

519-357-2509 -------------------------------------------Reist, 3 point hitch, pto driven gear box pulley. 519-357-2509.

-------------------------------------------Augers, 3 - 10 ft sections, 6 inch diameter. 519-357-2509.

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

FIREWOOD -------------------------------------------FIREWOOD FOR SALE - Seasoned hardwood. Cut and split in 12" pieces. Delivery available. Call 519338-5439.

-------------------------------------------Screened hardwood slabs – 16" cut $30 face cord, 10 cord deliveries or pick up in Auburn. huronfirewood.com Call 519-5243493.

-------------------------------------------FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Certified Organic Seed Corn from Blue River. Most maturities available. Volume and prepayment discounts apply. For information call 519-575-5239 or email dshirrey@gmail.com -------------------------------------------First-cut alfalfa timothy hay, second-cut alfalfa timothy hay, 3x4 and 3x3 large square bales. No rain. Third-cut alfalfa timothy individually wrapped baleage, 4x6.

Call 519-369-4703.

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

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

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

Contact Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy. 21, RR 1, Ripley. Phone 519-395-2972. Ask for Carmon or Mitch.

-------------------------------------------Soybean seed for sale – Altitude R2 and Beliveau R2X Roundup Ready varieties.

Treatments and inoculants available. Call Mitch at Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd. 519-440-6712.

-------------------------------------------Advertising in The Rural Voice – A Wise Choice!

Call Today! 519-523-4311

February 2022 55

N T R E

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Alfalfa hay mixtures, pasture mixtures, top dressing for pastures, and a selection of organic grass seeds. All mixed to your personal needs. Also red clover for plowdown. Available at Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy. 21, RR 1, Ripley. Phone 519-3952972. Ask for Carmon or Mitch.

-------------------------------------------Martin’s Nursery & Bee Supplies Etc. Large selection of flowering trees, shade trees, fruit trees and hydrangeas and other shrubs. We have the plants you need to make a living “privacy hedge” or snow fence or windbreaks. Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Pine and Cedars. Also… a Complete line of Bee Supplies for the commercial or hobby beekeepers. Order your (Nuc) Bees for spring 2022. We now sell select Queen Bees raised under ORHBS program on a weekly basis. Order by Monday evening for Wednesday pick-up – during season. We stock all wooden-ware (bee-hives) foundation, assembled and unassembled frames, smokers, suits, jackets, gloves, mite treatments and some extracting equipment. Honey containers, jars, pails, custom built wooden-ware.

Come visit our nursery and bee supplies store Monday to Saturday at 42661 Orangehill Rd., RR 1, Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0, one concession north of Wroxeter.

-------------------------------------------HELP WANTED -------------------------------------------The Huron Research Station is seeking college or university students to work as research assistants from late April to the end of August. Please send résumé by February 18 to the Huron Research Station, 911# 70257 Airport Line, RR 1, Exeter, ON N0M 1S4 or huronresearchstation@gmail.com --------------------------------------------

HELP WANTED --------------------------------------------

HELP WANTED --------------------------------------------

56 The Rural Voice

Royal Homes, a Leader in Custom Home Building in Ontario, using pre­fabricated components based in Wingham has openings for AZ Drivers, Carpenters and General Labourers.

Royal Homes offers full­time employment with competitive rates, benefits and overtime compensation.

AZ Drivers must have clean abstract.

Submit résumés to: personnel@royalhomes.com Your lot, your dream...custom built

IRON & STEEL -------------------------------------------DISCOUNT STEEL: New second grade steel sales; 1" - 8" square tubing; 7/8" - 14" round tubing; Rectangle tubing, discount plate; New and Used I-Beams; Bar grating, rebar, angles; Custom cutting, welding, punching.

Listowel. Phone Aden 519-5957775.

-------------------------------------------LIVESTOCK FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Rabbit breeding stock. High quality genetics available in Ontario. Order your PS40 bucks and PS19 does today. CuniON@tcc.on.ca -------------------------------------------Red Angus, Red Angus-Simmental and Simmental bulls on test. Watch them grow by googling “Ontario Bull Evaluation” Silver Springs Farms. James, Joan and Robert McKinlay, 519-599-6236.

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

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

Select now for spring delivery.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 9, 2022. Posthaven Limousin, John Post, 519-766-7178. www.posthavenlimousin.com -------------------------------------------Suffolks - purebred yearling rams.

British bloodlines M-V negative, closed flock. Several bloodlines available. Taking orders now for 2022 ewe lamb crop. 519-2337896.

-------------------------------------------Smart Limousin – yearling and twoyear-old bulls and open and bred females available. Contact us for details and to pick your next herd sire. 519-372-7459.

Open House April 2, 2022.

Smartlimo@bmts.com www.smartlimousin.com --------------------------------------------

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

LOCAL FOOD -------------------------------------------The Market Shoppe – Your source for local since 2013, 7 Toronto Street South, Markdale 519-9864144. Find us on Instagram and Facebook.

-------------------------------------------REAL ESTATE -------------------------------------------Selling or buying farmland, residential or commercial. All properties needed. Call Greg or Dwaine Nicholls, Brokers for GA Nicholls Realty Ltd. Greg 519-2910507, Dwaine 519-492-2002.

-------------------------------------------RESTORATION -------------------------------------------The Olde Tyme Radio Centre – antique radios, clocks, gramophones, telephones; sold/restored. (vintage autoclock radio, speedometer, tachometer repaired). Belgrave 519-357-4304, www.oldtymeradio.ca -------------------------------------------RETAIL & GIFTS -------------------------------------------Stitches with a Twist – 404 Queen St., Blyth, 519-523-9449. Yarns, needles, notions, patterns, books and lots more yarn.

-------------------------------------------SERVICES -------------------------------------------INCOME TAX FILING FOR CORPORATIONS and late filers – for farms, small business, truckers and individuals. Will make house calls in the North Huron, Perth and surrounding area. Call Shirley in Wingham – cell No. 1-705-4348187.

-------------------------------------------Cronin Poured Concrete Ltd. Since 1976. Liquid manure tanks to 200'.

Heights of 8'-14' (1-pour). All jobs engineer specifications/inspections - guaranteed. Best firm quote in Ontario. Mark Cronin, 519-3489062.

Cell 519-274-5000. www.croninpouredconcrete.ca --------------------------------------------

SERVICES --------------------------------------------

WANTED -------------------------------------------Round bales of horse or cattle quality hay picked up. Call Riley Gorman 519-321-1012.

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

Kenilworth Auto Recyclers. 519323-1113.

-------------------------------------------Young farmer looking for land rent, sharecrop, or custom work opportunities. Good environmental stewardship and professionalism.

Short and long term. 519-200-7845 or hundt.chris@outlook.com -------------------------------------------Farmland – Long or short term.

Cash rent, share crop. Contact Paul at Hill & Hill Farms, 519-2333218 or 519-525-3137 or email: paul.hillhill@tcc.on.ca -------------------------------------------Farmland in Belmore area – rent or sharecrop. We work with manure and cover crops that will keep your land in excellent condition. Please contact Wim Feddes 519-525-5853 or wikafeddes@hotmail.com -------------------------------------------Dion threshing machine 22x38 or 28x48, 7 ft. International or John Deere grain binder. Phone evenings 905-983-9331.

-------------------------------------------Cash crop land wanted to rent or share crop. Contact Peter Rastorfer 519-276-9405.

Email: rastorferfarms@gmail.com --------------------------------------------

DONALD A ANDREW ACCOUNTING

Accounting & Income Tax Services for FARMS, BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS 296 Ross St., Lucknow

Ph. 519-528-3019

GLAVIN BARN & COMMERCIAL PAINTING FARMERS repaint your faded coloured steel FREE QUOTES ~ FULLY INSURED

RR 1 Crediton, Ont. N0M 1M0 (near Exeter)

Call: Jim Glavin 1-800-465-4725 519-228-6247 Eugene Glavin 519-228-6801 Specializing in on Farm Pest Management Serving Southwestern ON, Golden Horseshoe, GTA Email: info@sgsltd.ca

519-692-4232 www.sgspestmanagement.ca

-------------------------------------------UPCOMING EVENTS -------------------------------------------TREE ORDERS – Spring tree order forms ready now at Ausable Bayfield Conservation. Visit abca.ca or call Ian at 519-235-2610 or toll free 1-888-286-2610. Orders taken accompanied by payment until February 28, 2022. Thank you for planting trees.

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

February 2022 57

National Farmers Union – Ontario NEWSLETTER Phone: 1-888-832-9638 E-mail: office@nfuontario.ca Website: www.nfuontario.ca

Strong Communities.

Sound Policies.

Sustainable Farms.

Join us for the NFU-O AGM and convention: “Deeply Rooted” Mark your calendars! The 2022 NFU-O Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Convention will be held on Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4. This year’s convention theme is “Deeply Rooted”, and will once again be hosted virtually on Zoom.

At the March A G M and Convention, we’ll be addressing the effects of climate change, like the extreme weather conditions, which impacted farmers across the country dramatically in 2020 and 2021, but we’ll also celebrate opportunities to be hopeful for a better food and farming future.

This year’s theme, “Deeply Rooted”, reflects the structural forces at play which prevent swift and meaningful action to counter and mitigate the effects of climate change. Yet “Deeply Rooted” also celebrates the nature-based solutions to climate mitigation: deep roots sequester more carbon in the soil and are more resilient to extreme weather conditions. Our A G M and Convention panels, including our keynote address from Dr. Priscilla Settee, will fill the space in between these two ideas.

Join us on Thursday evening to hear a presentation from our keynote speaker, Dr. Settee!

Dr. Settee is a member of Cumberland House Swampy Cree

First Nations and a Professor of Indigenous Studies where she teaches courses on Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Indigenous Social Economies. She is also an Adjunct Professor for the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Manitoba where she serves graduate students on Indigenous Food Sovereignty. She has won recognition nationally and internationally for her work on Indigenous knowledge systems and is the author of several books including: “Pimatisiwin: Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems” (2013), which looks at global Indigenous Knowledge Systems; and “The Strength of Women: Ahkameyimohk” (2011), which examines the role of Indigenous women’s stories in establishing truth, reconciliation and social change.

Dr. Settee will describe her research as a David Suzuki fellow, documenting the impact of western development on Indigenous traditional economies and food producing capabilities, with a focus on trappers in northern Saskatchewan. She will also speak about her work as the co-editor of “Indigenous Food Systems: Cases, Concepts and Conversations”, and will speak to the importance of acknowledging and promoting

community-based Indigenous food systems both locally, nationally and internationally; and her belief that working in solidarity with global citizens will promote biodiversity and the world foods.

Additional panels will cover onfarm extreme weather mitigation strategies, the NFU-O’s land-linking work, and more!

We will also hear reports from the NFU-O Board, hold elections, and host debates on policy resolutions.

For more information or to book tickets, visit https://nfuontario.ca/ or call 1-888-832-9638.

Local News/Events Local 345 - We’re hosting our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on T hursday, F ebruary 17 at 7:00 p.m. on Z oom. F rom the comfort of your home, enjoy regional updates, elections, and more! For more information, and to RSVP, contact Elizabeth Stocking at elizabeth.stocking@gmail.com More Local AGM dates will be announced in our bi-weekly e-newsletter!

Subscribe now if you’re not already!

A subscription to The Rural Voice is one of the benefits of being an NFU-O member 58 The Rural Voice

Stewart Skinner, President stewart@stonaleenfarms.ca / 519-492-2990

Perth County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER

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

Can you describe the state of the world in one word?

Any opinion expressed is that of individual County Directors or Representatives and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Perth County Pork Producers.

If you were asked to describe the state of today’s world in a single word, what word would you choose?

Today my word would be “fragile.”

By the time this gets to mailboxes across Midwestern Ontario this may have changed, but while I drank my tea this afternoon, I read about Quebec’s proposed tax that will be levied on people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. It has not been enough to strip them of their mobility and social lives – now they must be taxed. I do not understand why older adults choose not to get vaccinated, as it is effective “insurance” against severe illness or death. While I may not understand that choice, I firmly believe that each person deserves the autonomy to make their own decisions pertaining to health and to do so without fearing undue discrimination for their choices. The division among everyday people that has been fueled by our political and media classes now threatens many of our most cherished Canadian values.

People choose to consume alcohol and tobacco every day, something that we know is detrimental to their health. These goods, along with cannabis, are all subject to elevated tax rates here in Ontario. These taxes are colloquially known as “sin taxes” to reflect the unhealthy nature of the products being purchased. One can make an argument that Quebec’s proposed tax is no different – being unvaccinated is a choice that can be detrimental to your health and therefore should be taxed to defray the increased healthcare costs.

This argument in itself is rickety as there is not even a global consensus on vaccination policy. For example, multiple countries have discontinued the use of specific vaccines in people under 30 due to

elevated occurrences of heart problems. A 22-year old in Montreal may have to pay a tax for a decision that they felt was in the best interest of their own health. Consider that same 22 year old, if they decide to go out for a night on the town, they are accepting the possibility of decreased health and are willing to pay associated sin taxes in return for what they view as a fun night. But for the sake of simplicity, let’s ignore the nuance and complexity of these personal decisions and agree that the unvaccinated should be subject to taxation.

Taxes are not new. Nor is the phenomenon of arbitrage opportunities that arise when neighbouring regions adopt different approaches to taxation. Many a car full of Aggies from the OAC swung across the border when in eastern Ontario to stock up their beer fridges back in Guelph. Black and grey markets also arise when individuals feel that the potential economic windfall of foregoing the tax outstrips the potential penalties for breaking the law. Consider how many people have changed their purchasing behaviour around tobacco – instead of purchasing their pack from the corner store they wait and buy in bulk from one of the many places an Ontarian can purchase cigarettes that are not subject to government taxes.

How will this sin tax change behaviour? For one, it will hasten the talent drain that has already begun as people seek less draconian jurisdictions to call home. It definitely will not aid with existing conspiracy-laden beliefs that there is a global cabal out to steal everything from the unvaccinated. It is a dangerous decision that will cause further division and anger.

People are not homogenous; it is one of our species' finest traits. We are also the only species that has consistently maintained the ability to motivate massively large groups of individuals to achieve shared goals.

Even primates like monkeys usually break apart into smaller social groups once there are over 50 members of a clan. How is it that massive groups of humans can work together while other species cannot? Humankind’s ability to conquer the field of organizational behaviour stems from each individual believing that they can advance their own station by participating in the grander project.

When people start to lose faith that they as individuals can thrive within the larger group, fractures will emerge. Enough fractures and things start to crumble. Failure to address the degradation will eventually lead to collapse. Right now, things are fragile. ◊ – Submitted by Stewart Skinner

Fill your freezer with local pork products. Order today from Tanya & Darryl Terpstra (519-291-7603) and Dave & Ruth Kloostra (519-347-2619) or visit Leis Feeds in Milverton, open Monday to Friday from 8 to 5:30 and Saturday from 8 to 12.

BBQ services for large groups are also available, contact perthcountyporkproducers@gmail.com for more details – Pork supplied by Perth County Pork Producers – February 2022 59

St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 Grey County Federation 446 10th519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 grey@ofa.on.ca Website: greyfederation.ca of Agriculture * The Rural Voice is provided toEmail: OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA

Ag-ucation offers prizes to winners of trivia questions about agriculture Any opinion expressed is that of individual County Directors or Representatives and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Grey County Federation of Agriculture or Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

A new initiative that the Grey and Bruce Federations of Agriculture are undertaking for 2022 is entitled “Ag-ucation Grey Bruce”.

This will be an opportunity for area students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to answer trivia questions about agriculture to win awesome prizes.

There will be weekly updates and chances to win. The entries throughout the year will be kept for a year-end grand prize draw. Students

Grey County Federation of Agriculture

2022 MEETINGS • February 10 • March 10 • April 14 • June 9 • August 11 • September 8 • October 13 • November 10

can test their knowledge every week as a new quiz will be added.

Contest details can be found by visiting the websites at: greyfederation.ca or brucefederation.ca. Updates will also be posted on our social media sites. Stay tuned for more details. ◊

Grey County Federation of Agriculture’s

76TH ANNUAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION is going virtual The competition is open to all students in Grade 4 to 8 residing in Grey County (Juniors in Grade 4, 5, 6 and Intermediates in Grade 7 and 8) We would be very pleased to have your students participate in the Grey County Federation of Agriculture Public Speaking Competition.

Students can submit a video of themselves saying their speech, by emailing it to grey@ofa.on.ca

Submissions will be accepted until February 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be shared at a virtual event (date to be determined later).

Quality of video not to be judged, but judges must be able to hear the student’s speech.

Prizes will be $30 (first); $28 (second); $26 (third) and $10 to all others

DUE TO COVID­19 GCFA Board Meetings have become conference/video call format.

Please contact the office if you are interested in taking part.

Grey Federation of Agriculture

@ GreyFedAg

GCFA will provide two special Agricultural prizes of $50 for the best Agriculture topic for each age division.

Please contact Jackie Pennings if you have any questions.

Phone: 519-364-3050 Ext. 1 or 1-800-275-9551 E-mail: grey@ofa.on.ca * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA.

60 The Rural Voice

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

NEWSLETTER

446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Bruce County by the BCFA

Support line for farmer wellness now live Any opinion expressed is that of individual County Directors or Representatives and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture or Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

A telehealth line to provide mental wellness support to all Ontario farmers and farm families is now live.

Through the Farmer Wellness Initiative, the provincial and federal governments are funding access for up to four free counselling sessions with a mental health professional for all farmers across Ontario including members of their family. The mental health professionals have received training to understand the unique needs of Ontario farmers.

This service is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, in English and French. Farmers can call 1-866-267-6255 to speak to a counsellor. Developed and launched by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, this service is provided by LifeWorks.

“The Government of Ontario is proud to fund the Farmer Wellness Initiative and to partner with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to help deliver an important program to provincial farmers,” said Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This initiative will expand Ontario’s mental health supports for farm families to help them cope with the stresses of their work which will allow them to do what they do best; grow and produce some of the best food in the world.”

“The mental health of our farmers is a top priority for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture,” says OFA President Peggy Brekveld. “Getting

this phone line operational is a big first step in a larger, multi-year program that will facilitate easier access to much-needed mental health services for all farmers and their families.”

The program is a comprehensive, fully-integrated mental health support package that includes: • 24/7/365 Service intake handled by a designated and fully trained team who understand a day in the life of a farmer, available in English and French, creating a true partnership and unique care model.

• Access to ongoing mental health support services and resources, available up to four sessions per issue per year, for all farming families across Ontario through multiple modalities; the telephone line will soon be followed by a website and an app containing thousands of self-guided support resources.

• Integration with provincial and local level resources to provide members with the best level of support available to them, at the first request.

The support line will enter callers into an intake process to arrange counselling sessions with a mental

health professional available by phone, virtually, or in-person subject to public health restrictions. All information received through counselling sessions is confidential and in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (2004).

This initiative is funded by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

“Providing farm families across the province with free counselling services and helping connect at-risk farmers with tailored support and resources is a greatly welcomed service in rural Ontario,” said Brekveld. “Availability of mental health services has been a big roadblock standing between farmers and their mental wellness.

The telephone line is a first step in a process that will add more access points over the coming weeks and months for Ontario farmers and their families to take positive action to support their mental health.”

Ontario farmers looking for support can call 1-866-267-6255. ◊

Bruce County Federation of Agriculture

2022 MEETINGS • February 28 • March 28 • April 25 • May 24 • June 27

• August 22 • September 26 • October 24 • November 28

DUE TO COVID-19 BCFA Board Meetings have become conference/video call format.

Please contact the office if you are interested in taking part.

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

February 2022 61

Perth County Federation of Agriculture Email: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com Website: www.perthcountyfarmers.ca Office: 1-833-229-6834 Sara Wood, President: 519-272-5525

Canada’s Agriculture Day – February 22, 2022 Forks up Canada! The Perth County Federation of Agriculture (PCFA) as well as the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) are proud to have Canadian farmers who produce among the safest, high-quality food that feeds our country and the world.

In May, 2021 the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) announced February 22, 2022 as the date for Canada’s Agriculture Day. Canada’s Agriculture Day is a day designated for our country to come together to recognize and celebrate the men and women who produce the food that Canadians, and people around the globe, love to eat.

“Canada’s Agriculture Day is a great opportunity for all of us to show our appreciation for the individuals who are the backbone of the food system,” said John Jamieson, CCFI President and CEO. PCFA would like to encourage everyone to join in this national celebration and try creative

ways to show your support for our vibrant Canadian agriculture.

Canada’s Agriculture Day started in 2016 and was launched as a day of celebration for farmers. Canada’s Agriculture Day, led by Agriculture More Than Ever, has developed a very strong social media presence since its inception in 2017.

Canadians from coast-to-coast can show the love through media channels with the official hashtag #CdnAgDay. Whether you are online, in person or at home, there will be various ways for all of us to honour Canadian agriculture and food on February 22, 2022. #CdnAgDay brings special attention to our agricultural industry and the pride we share in growing food. The organizers are encouraging everyone to mark the day in their own way, to celebrate Canadian agriculture in engaging and fun ways from home. How you celebrate is up to you! You can create your own mouth-watering moments using

Canadian products. Try checking out Farm & Food Care’s Virtual Farm Tours at https://www.farmfood careon.org/fieldtrips/ to learn more about a variety of farm-related operations.

At meal time get inspired with some delicious ideas from any of Ontario’s Commodity Organizations recipe options. And if you are a local farmer show us moments from your farm or in Perth County you are proud of local agriculture. Just have fun, show your ag pride and make some noise on social media for Canadian food! Don’t forget to cook an all-Canadian food meal, post a photo or video celebrating Canadian Agriculture or even a “Fork Up” selfie! Use the hashtag #CdnAgDay and post with pride on your social media account.

For more information/fun ideas check out www.CdnAgDay.ca ◊ – Submitted by Joanne Foster Perth County Federation of Agriculture Director

SAVE THE DATE ALERT! Perth County Federation Of Agriculture Virtual

ANNUAL MEETING February 17, 2022 at 8:00 p.m.

Elections will be held for four (4) directors – Four three-year terms Nominations must be received by the Office Administrator seven (7) days prior to the annual meeting (February 10) Nomination forms can be requested by emailing: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com or from www.perthcountyfarmers.ca All OFA members in Perth County are eligible to run for a PCFA Director position Guest Speaker: London Children’s Museum Executive Director Amanda Conlon

~ Register by February 15: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com or 1-833-229-6834 ~ * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Perth County by the PCFA.

62 The Rural Voice

Index Aglinks ............................................43 Allied Associates LLP ....................53 Argyle Marine & Small Engines ....54 Ausable Bayfield Conservation ....47 Backyard Birding..............................5 Beekeeping ................................13,15 Belore Trailers ................................54 Bernie McGlynn/SB Flooring ........47 Bervie Supply ................................30 Bio-Ag ..............................................11 Boonstoppel, Dave & Elly ..............43 Buddsteel Architectural..................14 Canada’s Ag Day ..........................2,9 Canadian Co-op Wool Growers ....33 CFFO ......................................Cover 7 Chalmers Fuels ..............................30 Cliff’s Plumbing & Heating ............37 Country Weddings..see centre insert CropQuest Inc ................................17 De Dell Seeds ................................48 Design & Build ..................................7 DL Distributing................................54 Easy Lift Doors................................12 Farm to Table ................................39 Gerber’s Workwear ........................54 Grimo Nut Nursery ........................55 Grober Nutrition ....................Cover 4 Hanover Honda ..............................30

Harold Jones Enterprises ..............55 Hayden Water Wells Co. Inc ..........10 Headwaters Academy....................45 Hill & Hill Farms ....Inside Front Cover Hub Capital ....................................48 Hunter Steel Sales ................Cover 3 Huron Commodities ......................37 Keith Siemon Farm Systems ........55 Kingwood Bins ................................21 KMM Farm Drainage ......................53 Kuepfer’s Fire Wood ......................55 LAC ................................................53 Lakeside Shelving & Racking........50 Lands & Forests Consulting ..........41 Lisa Thompson MPP........................11 Live Landscape ..............................45 Maple Leaves Forever ..........Cover 3 Mapleview Agri ..............................28 Marquardt Farm Drainage..............42 Martin Farm Wagons......................47 Marvin L Smith Forestry ................50 Midwestern Ontario Bull Sale ..........6 MNP LLP ..........................................11 Moore Hemsworth ..........................11 Nature’s Wave Inc ..........................19 Nuclear Waste Management Org ..45 Nutrient Management ....................27 Ontario Pesticide Training ............21

RBC Ag West ..................................19 Ridgeway Metals ............................54 Royal Homes ..................................56 Rural Living ....................................41 Rural Voice Books ..........51, Cover 6 Sauble Beach Motorsports ..................23,25,43,44 Schmidt’s Farm Drainage ..............53 Schweiss Doors ..............................23 Seebach & Company ....................53 Sew & Save Centre ........................41 Sharp’s Creek Forge ......................33 Silver Creek Nursery ......................57 St. Lawrence Cruise Lines..............15 Steffen Well Drilling ......................54 Steve Thompson ............................40 Superior Barn Painting ..........Cover 4 SWO Diesel ....................................63 TD Canada Trust ............................17 Townsley Barn Painting ................57 Triple P Consulting ........................17 Trouw Nutrition................Back Cover WD Hopper & Sons Ltd..................25 The Rural Voice welcomes letters and will publish as many as space permits.

Write to: The Rural Voice Box 429, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0

February 2022 63

HURON

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

County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER

Website: www.hcfa.on.ca Email: ofahuron@tcc.on.ca

Upcoming Events

Snowmobilers: Please remember that some crops in the field are vulnerable to damage from snowmobiles. Please ensure there is adequate snow cover before you enter a field and always ensure you have landowner permission to ride your snowmobiles on farmland and off the groomed trails. ◊

HCFA Director profiles:

February 21 - Family Day!

CANADA’S AGRICULTURE DAY February 22, 2022 A day to celebrate the food we love to produce and those who produce it.

Rob VandenHengel Rob is the current HCFA President and has been on the HCFA Board since 2014. He operates a dairy and cash crop farm north of Seaforth with his wife Jan and three daughters. Rob is also a Policy Advisory Council representative for the HCFA and was a member of the executive commitee for three years prior to becoming President.

Rob joined the Federation as a way to help serve the agriculture community and to be able to help with policy development. In his spare time Rob loves to coach soccer and be involved with minor sports.

Murray Workman Murray is the current HCFA Vice-President.

He operates a cash crop farm north of Hensall with his father Tom, his wife Kristin and their son and daughter. Murray has been a member of the executive committee for two years prior to becoming VicePresident. Murray joined as a way to help serve the agricultural community and learn more about the issues facing today’s farmers. In his spare time Murray loves to coach hockey and be involved with minor sports.

HCFA to host annual MP/MPP Local Politician Forum The Huron County Federation of Agriculture is working on hosting the annual MP/MPP Local Politicians Forum.

A firm date has not been set as of yet, but it is looking like sometime in April 2022. Public health measures will be followed.

If you have any issues you would like presented at this meeting – please contact the office or email ofahuron@tcc.on.ca. ◊

Huron County Federation of Agriculture

BOARD MEETING

February 28, 2022 8:00 p.m.

If you are interested in joining this meeting – please let us know.

OPP Non-Emergency Line 1-888-310-1122

HCFA OFFICE During the winter months please call before visiting the HCFA office to determine if the office is open.

Please be assured that we are still available to address your concerns by telephone: 519­482­9642 or email: ofahuron@tcc.on.ca Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/huronfedofag and Facebook at Huron County Federation of Agriculture

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

64 The Rural Voice

Happy Valentine’s Day

The Rural Reading Room Specializing in Rural Living & Local Authors

BROKEN CHAIN Brody Rivers faces many obstacles.

Being part Native in a bigoted town; there’s been family violence. As a series of events torment him Brody struggles with everything. When a January blizzard comes out of nowhere, so does the spirit of a woman who triggers a vague memory. The confrontation that erupts between the main characters is as intense as the winter storm that crippled Huron County in 1971. $25.00

BEST OF BRIDGE HOLIDAY CLASSICS 225 Recipes for Special Occasions This new collection will meet all of your holiday entertaining needs, from casual potluck get-togethers to festive brunches and buffets to elegant sit-down dinners and cocktail parties. $29.95

HAPPY ARE THOSE Aleda Vastag, a village pastor in Milburn Corners near Owen Sound, plans a s u m m e r vacation. She has been pondering the age-old question: What is the meaning of happiness? Is this as happy as life gets? When a new romance develops in her life, she wonders if it will bring delight or add to her uneasiness. Happy Are Those is a sequel to The Season for Strawberries. $20.00

300 SENSATIONAL SOUPS A great soup nourishes the soul as well as the stomach. This book offers an incredible variety from traditional comfort food to exotic taste sensations. Recipes for everything from stock to meat, fish and vegetable soups. $27.95

A DOG TO GIVE AWAY Dr. Dave has become acquainted with many animals throughout the years, but not one has had as much impact on his practice, and his life, as Lug, the stray he invited to stay. This book will warm the hearts of anyone who has ever loved a dog. $12.95

THE LITTLE BOOK OF WOODLAND BIRD SONGS Brings the sounds of the forest to life. Learn and recognize these bird sounds - from the hermit thrush to the downy woodpecker. No walk in the woods will be the same again. $19.95

FROM IRELAND TO THE QUEEN’S BUSH Author Arnold Mathers’ Irish roots run deep in these stories which weave a pattern about the romantic pioneers that were his ancestors. His great-grandfathers came from Ireland and settled in Huron County.

His mother’s family farm was called Queen’s Bush Valley Farm. $24.00

LOVE YOU FOREVER (Board Book) A book both children and adults will enjoy - over and over again. It’s about parents’ love and how it crosses many generations. $9.95

Check out huroncitizen.ca for more books Total

Qty.

BROKEN CHAIN BEST OF BRIDGE HOLIDAY CLASSICS A DOG TO GIVE AWAY THE LITTLE BOOK OF WOODLAND BIRD SONGS HAPPY ARE THOSE 300 SENSATIONAL SOUPS FROM IRELAND TO THE QUEEN’S BUSH LOVE YOU FOREVER

$25.00 $29.95 $12.95 $19.95 $20.00 $27.95 $24.00 $9.95

Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

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

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

Yo our farm.

More than just a business.

MAKE CFFO YO OUR FBR CHOIC CE CHRISTIAN FARMERS Federation Of Ontario a

CFFO

Visit Agricorp.com/FBR to register and choose CFFO as your Accredited Farm Organization.

Access to expert advice from our dedicated Board & Staff Agricultural policy from a Christian perspective Exclusive CFFO Member benefits! b Yo our CFFO Member card

Dauphin Feed & Supply Dungannon 519-529-7951/1-800-665-5675 Walton 519-887-6023

Trouw Nutrition Canada Inc. (formerly Yantzi Feed & Seed Ltd.) Tavistock 519-655-2033

Hensall Co-op Londesboro 519-523-9606/1-800-265-9000 Zurich 519-236-7155/1-800-565-7155 Ripley 519-395-5955-1-855-895-5955 Ailsa Craig 519-232-4449 Kurtzville 519-291-2220

Nieuwland Feed & Supply Ltd. Listowel 519-291-5795/1-800-265-3229 Drayton 519-638-3008/1-800-263-9818 Elora 519-846-5354/1-800-265-5354 The Hitching Post (2019) Ltd. St Marys 519-284-2360