The Rural Voice - October 2023

Rural Voice October 2023

The

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

OLD IS NEW AGAIN The Van Herk’s bank barn is moved beam by beam and gets gets new life as a storage shed

GROWING ACCESS Connecting consumers with farmers who grow food is a huge part of Eat Local Huron

MAKING HAY TIMES 3 Three generations of the Culp family focus on baling quality hay

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Contents

18

23

The

Rural Voice THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE

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

32 Columns

Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Keith Roulston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Kate Procter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Jeffrey Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Mabel’s Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Woodlots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Agrilaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Departments Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Ruralite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Business Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Newsletters

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

OCTOBER 2023 • Cover Photo Mark Van Herk and family, Newton Photo by Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot

• Deadlines: Nov. Issue – Oct.10 December Issue – November 7

18 Generations of Bale Builders

Three generations of the Culp family have been baling hay for horse and dairy farmers

23 Rebuilding a Bank Barn Mark Van Herk tore down and rebuilt his childhood bank barn

26 Eat Local Huron Delivers The non-profit Eat Local Huron delivers right to your door and also offers farm tours

30 Connecting to Food

Local growers want their children and the community to be connected to the food they eat

Contributing writers: Keith Roulston, Kate Procter, Jeffrey Carter, Rhea Hamilton Seeger, Arnold Mathers, Donna Lacey, Melisa Luymes, Anne Mann, Carolyn Crawford, Bonnie Sitter, Jeff Tribe, Amanda Brodhagen Advertising Sales: Shelley Kroes rvads@northhuron.on.ca Production co-ordinator & Telemarketing: Joan Caldwell PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40037593 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. PO BOX 429, BLYTH ON N0M 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca Subscriptions: $25 (12 issues) $45 (24 issues), includes HST Back copies $2.75 each.

Make cheques payable to: NORTH HURON PUBLISHING CO.

32 Cheers for “Meatball” Good times were had at the Kirkton Fall Fair — a pictorial

35 Fall Harvest Goodness Anne Mann shares her best fall recipes in her final installment as the RV’s recipe columnist

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.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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2 The Rural Voice

Letters to the Editor may be sent to The Rural Voice, P.O. Box 429, Blyth, On N0M 1H0

Queen bees and flower farms were particularly interesting The Editor, I have just finished going through the September Issue of the Rural Voice. Well Done!

Of particular interest were the stories of Jodi Roth and breeding queen bees and Laura Barker and her flower farm.

Highlight was Mel Luymes recounting her dining experience in Owen Sound.

I also enjoyed the story of Charlie Comrie and his relocation to Newfoundland . Just one more reason for me to get out there myself.

Keep up the good work.

— Bermie Benoit Kirkton

Keep mowing those ditches says Perth East farmer The Editor, This letter is in response to Rhea Hamilton-Seeger’s article on “Mowing Road Allowance” in the August 2023 issue of The Rural Voice.

As I am driving down backroads and highway I think “Wow, these people are so proud of their farm/home” because they take time to mow the ditches. Unfortunately, some ditches cannot be mowed because they are so deep. It’s sure not because we have too much time on our hands —

it’s because it just looks so much better.

In this world of ours, we now get told way too much of what we should or should not be doing. Yes, we need to protect wildlife, birds and bees, etc., but we also need to be proud Canadians. There’s enough wasted roadside land, ditches and bushlot in this country.

I hope more taxpayers speak up.

Our township and government officials have enough problems to worry about, than to try and stop people from making their properties’ look good.

Let’s keep out ditches mowed in Perth East!

— Yvonne Pletsch Pletsch Farms, Stratford

Oak leaf photo should have shown oak wilt The Editor, The Woodlots columns in The Rural Voice by Donna Lacey is always interesting and informative. It was unfortunate, however, that identification of the species of oak leaf shown on p. 54 of the August 2023 edition was not illustrative of the oak wilt which has been spotted in the Niagara region.

The closest comparison that I could find to that oak leaf shape was to that of Swamp White Oak in Native Trees of Canada, 6th Edition 1961 (p.

163), Queen’s Printer, Ottawa.

Also the illustration did not show the nature or extent of the oak wilt on the leaf.

— George Neville Iroquois Road, Ottawa Editor’s Note: Below is a photo of oak leaf wilt, as shared online by Michigan State University

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Celebrating Ontario Agriculture Week!

Lisa Thompson

The Rural Voice Magazine

Happy Ontario Agriculture Week!

The Magazine of Agricultural Life

Phone: 519-523-4251

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4311

4 The Rural Voice

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“

•

Ruralite This (buying local food) isn’t just some

”

“bougie” fad. This is the direction that our society needs to be going.

~ Lindsay Spindler, operations manager for Eat Local Huron. Story on page 26

Word Fun

“I thought I had died and gone to heaven — four cylinders. AND power

● I started investing in stocks: beef, vegetable, chicken One day I hope to be a bouillianaire ● I accidentally rubbed ketchup in my eyes Now I have Heinzsight ● There was a time when Fruit of the Loom took Hanes to court It was a brief case ● Once upon a time there was a king who was only 12 inches tall He was a terrible king but he made a great ruler

Humour

Progress

steering!” ~Paul Culp, on the purchase of a John Deere 2020 to rake hay when he was around 12 years old.

See page 18

October Inspiration “The importance of agriculture is pretty simple. People have to eat

• Warning: There is an email going around offering processed pork, gelatin and salt in a can. If you get this email, do not open. It is SPAM.

and people like to eat. Promoting agriculture is actually pretty easy. ~Sam Turner

▪ My friend said she would not eat cow’s tongue because it came out of a cow’s mouth.

I gave her an egg.

•

Neil’s One-Liners (Wisdom from McGavin Files)

● One thing common to make success stories is the alarm clock ● A foot is a device for finding furniture in the dark

•

Internationally Known

The daily parade at the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association’s September event in Blyth is a fan-favourite for tractor owners and lovers to watch history drive by. ~ Photo by Scott Stephenson October 2023 5

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

Retired by humans, embraced by robins

I

t sits, alone on the laneway, deteriorating a little every year.

Tires are flat. Seat is missing the cushion. Grease has coagulated into a dirty mass and rust is creeping along every metal joint.

I see this tractor every week at my son’s farm, where it’s parked until its owner, Brennan Yundt, picks it up.

6 The Rural Voice

It’s the first tractor Brennan’s father, Papa Joe, owned and the first one Brennan and his brother Baydon ever drove. They used the tractor for all the plowing, cultivating and seeding on their 89 acres west of Cranbrook.

When Papa Joe passed away, he gave the tractor to Baydon. When Baydon passed, young, he left the tractor to Brennan.

“Papa Joe always took us for rides on the hay wagon with the kids,” shares Brennan’s wife, Chelsey.

“One day it will be restored and new memories will be made with our kids and grandkids.” The Yundts live in Alberta so the Massey Ferguson 64 dieselmatic (which debuted in 1958 according to research) may sit for many more years yet.

Robins have filled the engine with straw and twigs for their nests and raise their young under the battered hood.They perch on the steering wheel while laying hens cluck underneath, finding shade for a rest.

Until it gets restored this “big, little tractor” is retired but useful in unexpected ways. ◊

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Keith Roulston Keith is former publisher of The Rural Voice.

He lives near Blyth, ON.

Ross Butler was integral to farming

In one of the other farm publications I recently saw that the Ross Butler collection is being discontinued and disbursed. Oh how it made me feel my age.

I remember, decades ago, going down to interview the artist’s son David for The Rural Voice. He was maintaining a collection of the Woodstock-area’s famous artist of farm animals – dairy and beef cattle in particular.

Butler was famous, if only in rural circles, as a precise artist of farm animals dating back to the 1930s. He had a cow named Major’s Sea Girl that he used to gather precise measurements to be used for the

8 The Rural Voice

animals that appeared in his art.

“We’ve all seen cases where people do paintings and you think, well that’s a nice painting. But if you were going for proportions of a real animal, you know, you’re a little off,” said Russell Gammon, who worked with several cattle associations and met Butler before his 1995 death at age 88.

Before the Second War, Butler painted ideal depictions of 11 different breeds, “standard types” as they were called — four dairy cow breeds, four beef breeds and two draft horse breeds. He continued painting and sculpting animals for many years. The bulk of them remain on display at the family farm gallery, which once doubled as Butler's studio before he died.

His paintings were distributed as prints in the Ontario schools system and across Canada.

Perhaps even more famously Butler was the first Canadian artist to sculpt in butter in refrigerated displays at the Canadian National Exhibition and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. I recall that he drew

attention in Britain, following World War II when rationing was still in effect, because sculpting in butter seemed so wasteful. Commentators didn’t know the butter was re-used when the shows ended.

When Ross Butler died, David, now 68, who lives at the farm took over the gallery, and has run it for some 30 years.

But thanks to waning public interest, David is making plans to close it down. The art will be sold, bequeathed and donated, he said.

Yet the art still draws interest, often from younger generations who weren’t around to appreciate the artist’s work during his lifetime, Gammon says.

“I was shuffling through some paperwork and came upon a print of his depiction of the true type Jersey cow that he probably did in the ’40s or ’50s,” he recalled. He posted it on the Canadian Guernsey Association Facebook page.

“That was a page that runs 3536,000 followers. I had 34,000 reactions to that picture, through sharing and so on. For a Facebook page of that size, it is going viral. We would be happy with 100 reactions to something we post.”

Woodstock Art Gallery curator and director Mary Reid believes Butler’s work has an even greater significance today than in the past.

“It not only speaks to representation of agriculture from 100 years ago, but also what is being lost as the agricultural industry becomes more and more corporatized,” she said.

“Butler’s paintings are a beacon of hope and a reminder of us to not forget or lose sight of what is important in life.”

The Ross Butler gallery shut down during the pandemic, but has since reopened by appointment.

The art of Ross Butler was an important part of my, and other kids’, education. I remember seeing his butter sculpture the first time I went to the CNE. In the next two to three years, the gallery will likely just close, said David. Probably it’s time. Still, it’s sad to see such an important part of rural past disappear. Thanks to David for keeping this work available. ◊

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October 2023 9

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

Newfie resiliency — Tales of whales and salmon Grab a tourist guide for Newfoundland and there will be many “must see” things that make headlines – Gros Morne National Park, whales, puffins, Vikings, kitchen parties – but we discovered many things not listed in the guides that made our trip especially memorable. Many who travel to “The Rock” will also mention the people – how friendly, helpful, and outgoing they are. But there is more than that – they are resilient and share a love of place that was evident in the number of people we met who had gone, but eventually found a way to return.

The Trans Canada Highway (TCH) runs between Port Aux Basques on the west side of the island and St. John’s on the east side.

It takes about 10 hours to drive – but there are lots of places to explore if you have time. Most of the roads heading off the TCH lead to the ocean – but you never know how long that will take as you wind your way through miles of bush that are reminiscent of northern Ontario.

For me, there were three stops that highlighted both the natural marvels of Newfoundland and the people. On the way to one of our stops for the

10 The Rural Voice

night, I saw a billboard advertising King’s Point and the Whale Pavilion there. We took the turn and headed through the trees to find the small village on the water.

The only focus of the Dr. Jon Lien Whale Pavilion is the Humpback Whale. The skeleton itself is impressive – measuring 50 feet – and is the largest Humpback Whale skeleton on display in the world. But the story of the whale and how it came to be in King’s Point is also impressive.

Whales are mammals and as such, need to come to the surface to breathe. The humpback housed in King’s Point became tangled in fishing gear and was unable to reach the surface, which caused her to drown. However, she kept her calf on her back, keeping it close enough to the surface of the water so that it survived.

The people of King’s Point learned about the carcass of this whale that had washed up on a beach 100 kilometers away near Cobb’s Arm. The King’s Point Heritage Society towed it to their town, working together to clean and preserve the skeleton. Many of us are familiar with volunteering for our communities but it is difficult to imagine the dedication it would require to volunteer for the job of removing decaying flesh and blubber from a 50-tonne carcass. Interviews from some of these volunteers can be found at the CBC website: (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ne wfoundland-labrador/whale-pavilionopens-in-newfoundland-1.942015).

Once the people were finished removing the meat and blubber, they placed the skeleton back in the water

in wooden baskets to allow sea creatures to help continue cleaning the bones. More work was required when they brought the bones back to the surface, then the whole thing was shipped to Drumheller, Alberta.

Reconstruction experts who were used to working on dinosaurs put the skeleton back together, then they shipped the whole thing in pieces back to Newfoundland.

Once the skeleton was returned to King’s Point, the community raised money to construct a pavilion to house and display it for public viewing. The whole project took about 10 years and relied on local volunteers to complete. Now over 20 years after the big whale died, whale oil still drips out of the bones during hot weather, but the tourist busses have increased from one in the first summer to 114 in 2022.

Further along our route in the Green Bay area, another whale exhibit is housed in Triton. This exhibit, also impressive, and relying on local people to get it off the ground, highlights the differences between sperm and humpback whales. Stopping for lunch after visiting the pavilion, we were treated to our best whale watching experience as two humpback whales slowly made their way around the small bay where we were sitting. We saw and listened to them as they came close to shore, then turned and passed again, also enjoying their lunch.

While we didn’t know it when we visited, both whale exhibits were originally part of a larger plan to have a whale skeleton tour throughout the region. Federal funding to help with the series of projects disappeared in 2005, so while there are skeletons that have been cleaned and prepared for exhibit in other villages, they remain in storage (https://www.cbc.ca /news/canada/newfoundlandlabrador/land-and-sea-whales-talestrails-1.6675911).

On our last day on the island, we stopped at the Salmonid Interpretive Centre on the Exploits River near Grand Falls Windsor. While they may be small relative to the whales we had been observing, Atlantic

salmon are no less remarkable.

Unlike their Pacific relatives, Atlantic salmon do not die after spawning but continue to return to the river of their birth to spawn.

Their bodies adapt to allow them to move between salt and freshwater, and they migrate up to 4,000 kilometres in the ocean before returning to the exact place where they were spawned. They use chemical sensitivity that humans cannot detect to find their way back.

The Exploits is Newfoundland’s

longest river, covering 246 miles.

While the conditions of the river should provide perfect habitat for Atlantic salmon, it only supported a relatively small population. The first recorded salmon harvest on this river took place in 1768, and in 1974, the river had a salmon population of about 2,000.

“In 1984, the Environment Resources Management Association (ERMA) was formed. With $100, a used typewriter and a little help from the Department of Fisheries and

Oceans, the community-based group embarked on a bold plan to turn the Exploits into a world class salmon river.” By 2008, the salmon population in the river had risen to 35,000.

Passionate workers at the Centre help raise awareness and monitor the salmon populations. Again, it was through the dedication of local people that this project got off the ground, and it continues to support both the Atlantic salmon and local people. ◊

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October 2023 11

Jeffrey Carter Jeffrey is a freelance journalist based in Dresden, Ontario.

A reflection upon the saying of grace before meals The words spoken before meals – “grace” in the Christian tradition – is a universal concept, cutting across all cultures and religions, a tradition that unites rather than divides.

The Muslim tradition calls for a silent prayer both before and after meals, Bismillah – In the name of Allah. For those of the Jewish tradition, the Birkat hamazon is a form of grace said after meals. From the Hindu tradition, the Bhojan Mantra expresses gratitude to God for sustenance and the desire to share the same with others.

It is with some sadness, when attending meals where large numbers of people have gathered, that grace is often omitted – even when those who have gathered are members of the farming community. Food, it seems, is no longer sacred, and little thought

is given to those bringing it to the table.

I would hope to see the tradition revived and if the inclusion of a specific religious tradition is an issue, perhaps the Zen meal chant – Gokanno-ge – could be used: ⁘ First, let us reflect on our own work and the effort of those who brought us this food.

Second, let us be aware of the quality of our deeds as we receive this meal.

Third, what is most essential is the practice of mindfulness, which helps us transcend greed, anger and delusion.

Fourth, we appreciate this food which sustains the good health of our body and mind.

Fifth, in order to continue our practice for all beings we accept this offering. ⁘ The first reflection speaks to the contribution of those present and of those responsible for making the meal possible, essentially, all those along what is often referred to as the food supply chain.

The second is inward-looking, a consideration of how as individuals we have contributed, or failed to contribute, to the people and world around us.

The third builds upon the second

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12 The Rural Voice

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reflection, and speaks to the poisons that complicate our lives, that cultivate evil rather than foster harmony.

The fourth speaks to the value of food beyond its sensory pleasure, its importance to both physical and mental wellbeing.

The fifth, I feel, touches upon the sacred with its reference to offering, an inference, perhaps, to a broader reality beyond the confines of the five human senses.

That all said, being of a Unitarian or Universalist or even of a Quakerlike mindset, I embrace any type of thanksgiving before meals including those with a Christian bent, especially the Johnny Appleseed Grace song, although I like to substitute the word moon for rain. ⁘ Oh, the Lord’s been good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me, the things I need, the sun and the rain and the apple seed; Oh, the Lord’s been good to me. Johnny Appleseed! Amen! ⁘ I have broken bread, so to speak, with a particular farming couple many times. Some form of Grace is always said and on at least one occasion it was the Johnny Appleseed Song. (It was only as I began writing this column that I learned there is a second verse.)

There always seemed to be cheese served with those meals, Kraft cheese to be specific, a choice I have given much consideration, given that this particular couple are often viewed as food activists.

My initial thought was to bring another brand of cheddar along for my next visit. My second was that the offering of Kraft cheese is a kind of statement, a suggestion that all forms of nourishment should indeed be received with a sense of humility and non-judgment.

I always think of my old mom when it comes to the saying of grace.

She insisted upon the tradition at family gatherings and I always remember her words when she used to serve a breakfast of hot oatmeal, accompanied with milk and brown sugar many years ago: “Eat it up. It will stick to your bellies.” ◊

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October 2023 13

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

“Good grief!” Dave Winston grumbled the other morning as he looked at the menu at Mabel’s Grill.

“I can’t believe the price she’s charging for bacon and eggs!”

“I’m sure you’re not complaining when you get your cheque from your last shipment of pigs,” Cliff Murray chuckled.

“Yeah, but it’s probably the eggs that make the price so high,” Dave grouched. “Those guys with supply management always make sure they get looked after.”

“I tell you, it’s not like the old days,” said George Mackenzie. “I mean back when I was growing up, we had our own beef, pork and eggs.

And my mother preserved fruit and vegetables by the dozens of quarts.”

“And how many pigs and chickens have you got on your farm

today?” wondered Cliff, smirking.

“And how much money does your wife make at that job of hers?” wondered Molly Whiteside as she came up to take their orders. “About $50,000 is it?”

“Yeah, well . . . ” George grumbled.

“I’d guess it was closer to double that,” whispered Cliff.

“A hundred grand?” Molly exploded. “And you’re so careful with your tips?”

“Yeah, but the price of this bacon and eggs!” grumbled Dave.

“Hey Mabel,” Molly shouted across the dining room as she saw Mabel bring an order to another table, “these guys are complaining about the price of your food!”

“Oh yeah?” said Mabel when she came across the room. “You know we’re in this food business together guys? We both have bills to pay.”

“Yeah, well, we might have to stop coming in everyday if the price keeps going up,” grumbled George.

“Well if you do, you do, guys,” Mabel sighed. “You like making your own breakfast, do you?”

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“Like you did when we were closed with COVID?” Molly added.

“He said might,” Dave added.

“You know there’s a big difference between nostalgia for the old days and reality,” Mabel added.

“I remember when my mother stayed home when we were kids. She cooked breakfast for my father and he didn’t go out.”

“Those were the good old days,” sighed George. “Mom also made supper so we didn’t have frozen pizza twice a week.”

“You also didn’t have your wife’s $2,000-a-week salary!” Molly piped up.

“Kind of makes a difference,” Mabel said. “Your wife may not grow a garden and can vegetables, but she adds to the food budget.”

“I remember my grandmother had to preserve food in jars,” said Cliff.

“She didn’t have a freezer, then.”

“And she probably didn’t have air-conditioning to cool the kitchen either,” Mabel said. “Women had a schedule back then. Monday was washday. Tuesday was ironing – and there weren’t many drip-dry fabrics back then. And then the house had to be swept clean and floors polished.”

“I’ll bet his wife still has to do the laundry and clean the house, on top of her job off the farm,” Molly said.

“Well, yeah,” George agreed reluctantly.

“It’s called division of labour,” Cliff added with a smile. “He gets the house dirty and she gets it clean again.”

“I guess you’d know since your wife works too,” Molly shot back.

“Yeah, she does. And brings home enough money that I can afford to raise sheep,” Cliff admitted.

“And your wife’s salary means you can afford to come here for breakfast,” Molly shot at Dave.

“Yeah,” sighed Dave.

“Well, I’ve got to get back to the kitchen,” Mabel said turning away.

“So, have you made up your minds for breakfast?” Molly wondered.

The guys looked at their menus again and one by one ordered the most expensive dishes available. And when it came time to pay, Molly was surprised to see bigger tips than usual.◊

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Viewpoint Ralph C. Martin is an author and a retired professor from the University of Guelph

Trying to crop with wonky weather A farmer friend challenged me about what he considered alarming statements related to climate change.

He sighed and said “a temperature bump of 1.5 °C probably won’t bother me.”

There is a difference between climate and weather. For example, the climate in July 2023 was 1.5 °C higher on average, around the globe, than pre-industrial (before 1850) average temperatures. Weather in specific locations, at specific times, in July was much hotter than normal in Phoenix Arizona while being relatively normal in Ontario, with

exceptional flooding in Nova Scotia.

Wonky weather is the result of a shifting climate i.e. increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our global atmosphere and thus increasing average global air and ocean temperatures, with less predictability about the movement of masses of air and ocean water.

People experience wonky weather in local regions with temperatures that are too low or too high or with too little or too much precipitation, possibly with excess winds and associated wildfires, at unexpected times.

Many of my farm friends in Ontario are skeptical about the actual risks of wonky weather because, so far, we have been mostly spared.

However, conversations with farmers in hot and wildfire and flooded areas of B.C. or Fiona battered, wildfire and flooded areas in Nova Scotia are sprinkled with exclamations of “so much loss!”

My contention is that even Ontario farmers should prepare for wonky weather. Mark Twain (sixth

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cousin of my great-great-great grandmother and probably six times more prescient than me), warned how difficult it is to make predictions, especially about the future.

Nevertheless, I assert that wonky weather will strike, again and again.

It is well established that relatively high levels of soil organic matter (SOM) will mitigate crop devastation during both droughts and floods. Arguably SOM is a public good, given its long-term impact on Canadian food security. Farmers should be incentivized with government programs to maintain good SOM levels or improve fields with poor SOM levels.

Measurements according to a consistent scientific protocol can verify the SOM status in every field, every five years.

Upon sale of a farm, when cash is available, it is reasonable to tax a seller according to the degree that fields have poor SOM levels. Fields with good SOM levels should not be so taxed.

With appropriate incentives, farmers will respond with integrated methods including service crops, soil amendments, reduced tillage and appropriate crop rotations based on their soil types, historical weather data and market opportunities. It is the outcome of good SOM levels that should be incentivized and not specific practices. Farmers with choice will implement practices that achieve results, while fitting their operations.

Recently I watched closely as a farmer from Nova Scotia showed me how he intends to slow water on a sloping field, when there is excess precipitation, in order to store it for periods of drought. His diagram, sketched with a stick in mud as mosquitos harassed us, indicated there would be a ditch every 100 metres curving across the slope toward a holding pond. Each ditch would also be endowed with diverse habitat for an associated farm enterprise of nut and fruit trees and pollinator habitat.

Slowing and storing water could include controlled drainage in order to reduce losses of water and nutrients from fields, while also

WE HAVE INVENTORY! improving crop yields. An additional step might be to drain to a holding pond when there is excess water in the field and then pump water back to tiles at the tops of slopes when water levels are limiting.

Strategically placed berms and grassed waterways on natural low dips in fields can also help, especially if there are wetlands to absorb excess water. Not to be overlooked are the mitigating effects of wetlands when wildfires approach.

With a strategy of maximizing yields, it seems counterproductive to plant short season varieties and hybrids. However, with a strategy of stabilizing yields under the increasing probability of wonky weather, it makes sense to have some crop fields with shorter season genotypes that do not depend on an ideal season of optimum moisture and temperatures at expected times.

Crops that can be harvested early, even in ideal seasons, require less drying, if at all, and allow more leeway to establish service crops effectively.

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation “allows farmers who have had to write off crops this summer due to low yields or grasshopper damage to divert those crops to feed.” It makes sense to integrate livestock with cropping to capture nutrients from failed crops and deposit manure, while gaining more economic value from forages in rotation, following cash crops and in strips between crop rows.

I have long maintained that there is a growing opportunity for young farmers, without their own land base, to become experts at fencing and watering sheep and cattle in order to graze service crops, crop residue (including breaking down corn stover) and failed crops on other’s crop land. They can fill a niche in areas where crop farmers choose not to complicate their management with their own livestock and yet want the compatibility of crops and ruminants.

The choice to adapt to wonky weather, or not, is becoming more urgent. Even if wonkiness wanes, cropping adaptations for wonky weather will still pay back. ◊

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Crops

Father and son make hay while the sun shines Patriarch Paul learned from his father Hiram and is passing the hay-making fever to his son, Brad, as technology and climate change speeds up the process

T

he sun was shining in Kenilworth and as the saying goes, three generations of the Culp family and 500 horsepower worth of machines were making hay.

Sixty-nine-year-old patriarch Paul, having previously knocked the field down with a composite 25 feet of mower

(12 at the head of a John Deere 7210R, 13 behind) had returned with an 8420 steadily pushing three-by-four-foot rectangular bales. His sequential progress was matched and at times mirrored by Jared Williams, pumping out stacked bundles of small bales through an inline Massey baler and bale baron.

Across a drainage ditch, Glen Shaw was spinning 20• By Jeff Tribe • feet of horizontal hay into windrows as Brad Culp quickly and efficiently “telehandled” bales large and small onto a trio of 53-foot semi-truck trailers, “assisted” by 22-month-old son Henry.

They wouldn’t finish the additional corner Shaw was raking before hay toughened up, as Brad predicted, but would complete the 30-acre patch both balers were working on, a cumulative 55 or so acres.

“That was a pretty easy going day, really,” he summed up.

The Culp family has been in the hay-making business for over 60 years, based out of the Kenilworth area since Paul’s grandfather Hiram Sr. started farming on a 50-acre property. Custom work is part of the family’s Deer Run Farms century-plus legacy, originally with a neighbourhood threshing operation. Expanding on his own cash cropping, Hiram Jr. got into hay in 1959 or ‘60, says Paul.

“Custom hay around the neighbourhood.”

Equipment has changed over the years, although sticking with a fondness for green paint that along with deer’s habit to range through the site currently occupied by Brad’s house lent the operation its name. Hiram Jr. didn’t head into the field with teams of horses either, cutting with a sickle mower behind a 90HP 4010, and a 132 horse 5020 pulling the baler.

“Which was kind of big for its time,” says Paul.

Paul, who came onboard around 12, recalls the addition of a 2020, replacing the 35HP unit he’d been raking hay on until that point.

“I thought I’d died and gone to heaven,” he smiled. “Four cylinders - and power steering.”

“And it just kind of blossomed from there,” said Paul, who took over from his father in 1993, developing what has become a hay dealing along Brad Calp is taking inspiration and wisdom from his grandfather with hay production hub, their own hay only a Hiram and father Paul and modernizing the hay‐making business at fraction of what they move.

Deer Run Farms near Kenilworth in Wellington County. Brad is seen “And now it’s Brad’s turn.” here with his “special assistant’, 22‐month‐old Henry.

Initially, Deer Run Farms produced hay for 18 The Rural Voice

mushroom production, using anything up to and including “black” material. As the 1980’s began, the operation began targeting the horse market, in Paul’s words, “a bit more lucrative for the small bales.”

More lucrative and also more demanding. Paul says the great majority of customers are reasonable, understanding the organic nature of hay production means some variation year-to-year.

“If the horse picks it and eats it off the truck, it should be good enough,” he smiled.

By the middle of the 1980s one breeding farm in Campbellville was taking 25,000 small bales a year.

“We made two runs to Campbellville a day,” recalled Paul, an hour-and-a-half trip one way with 450 bales per load.

“It was a full day, I remember, and not always cool weather.”

Today, the horse market eats up roughly 70 per cent of their efforts, the balance to dairy, sheep, goat and beef operations. Higher-quality hay generally goes to the first four sectors, lesser-quality ending up with beef or for erosion and frost control.

Their 53-foot trailers can take a load of 987 small bales or around 70 large squares, although if the destinations require offloading, a loader tractor can also be strapped on at the cost of a few bales.

“Quality is the biggest thing,” says Paul. “But service and delivery time is important too.”

“We pretty much drop everything to get the load out there,” agreed Brad. “Customer service comes first.”

Their original operational radius of 10-15 miles has expanded to many provincial highways and byways. A limited amount ships into the United States, a majority headed to Southern Ontario and points in between North Bay, Sarnia and Kingston.

The basic premise of making good hay has not changed. “You’ve gotta have weather and you’ve gotta go,” Paul summed up succinctly.

Apart from scalability, reliance on larger machinery also reflects challenges of sourcing labour willing to embrace old-school haymaking’s dusty, sweaty stickiness. High school

students used to virtually “line up at the gate” says Paul, noting his father paid well for the times. Today is different, and while tractors are not cheap neither are labour costs, when and if you could find willing and dependable participants. In the “old days”, a 2,000-bale day would be a big day Paul recalls, where now, Williams can bale and stack upwards of 5,000.

“And that tractor goes as long as there’s someone in the seat,” said

Brad.

The other major difference is change in climate. The Culps take two cuts annually, historically beginning around July 1st. That has crept toward mid-June, and this year, poked into May for the first time in Paul’s memory. The hot, dry weather of early 2023 summer was ideal for haymaking, however climatic transition has also featured increased variation.

“Weather is the biggest battle,”

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said Brad. “A year like this, it’s not hard to make good hay. You get the volatility, it’s “catchy”.

Paul and Brad Culp and Williams work full-time, with part-time seasonal help. Modern farming’s reality also means spousal off-farm income in between helping on the farm. Paul’s wife Judy retired from a 37-year office career with the OPP, Brad’s spouse Alyssa is a nurse as well as mother to their four children (Jamie, Marla, Lila and Henry). Deer Run also calls on Brad’s siblings in time of need, cropping land owned by them. Trevor is a carpenter Jared and Paul married to Ashley, who have twin Culp (right) daughters, while sister Stacey and busily make hay, Brenden McDonald (who works on a small and large pipeline) have four children. bales, as the sun Paul and Judy’s eldest son Jamie was tragically killed in a truck shines near accident, a loss felt in many ways.

Kenilworth.

Involved in the business, Jamie had also purchased a farm.

“I kind of wonder where we’d be at with an extra mind and set of hands,” says Brad, who was with him at the time. “Jamie is definitely missed.”

Deer Run Farms does have a cash-cropping component.

“Wheat and beans, less of a gamble I’ll say, less hair pulling,” Brad summed up.

But there is both satisfaction and pride in those 5,000-bale days, says Paul, offsetting the aggravation of the frustrating others when machinery is “smashed all to hell.”

“You hope the days of Brad Culp loads hay onto a pride outweigh the days you 53‐foot trailer with a want to throw your hands in telehandler near the air and wonder why you’re doing it,” he smiled.

Kenilworth. He is As for Brad, it’s a life he’s continuing a family chosen since playing with toy tradition of custom work tractors in his sandbox. first established with a “I just always knew it was for me,” he concluded of threshing machine and something that feels less like carried on as the multi‐ a job and more like second generational Deer Run nature.

Farms.

“More or less for me, it’s a way of life.” ◊

Jared Williams (above, left) pushes small bales through an inline baler/bale baron combination.

October 2023 21

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Barns

Vanadair barn removed and rebuilt Old becomes new again as the bank barn Mark Van Herk played in as a child is taken down, rebuilt and modernized

N

ostalgia is a real driver but it takes more than “good memories” to move a bank barn from one farm to another.

Mark Van Herk discovered it takes some leeway with measurements, Amish-skill and hard labour from himself

and his employees at MVH Construction Inc. in Newton to transform an old bank barn into a new storage shed.

Mark’s parents, Jim and Fern Van Herk, still live on the home farm on Line 52 in Brunner that was named Vanadair Farms Ltd. They are happy to reside there while sons Mark and Brent own and run the farm. The old bank barn on • By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot • the farm once housed sows and pigs in the bottom and straw in the mow, where Mark and his brother used to build forts. The last pigs in the barn left about 15 years ago and the barn has sat totally empty since then.

“It was starting to weather at the edges,” says Mark, from the backyard of his Newton farm which he shares with Grace VandenHeuval and three daughters, Charlotte, Madelyn and Melody. The new farm needed more machine storage while at the Brunner farm, the bank barn was in the way of an ideal location to set up a dryer.

“I build sheds, houses and barns as a job and I know moving a bank barn is not the cheapest way to gain storage,” says Mark. “But there was the nostalgia and honestly, the challenge.”

It began with jotting down measurements and labelling beams with metal “tickets” in order to rebuild what was taken down. “Every rafter had to join in the same spot because that is where they fit '' explains Mark. A laser pointer revealed the 42 by 74 foot barn was three inches out from one end to the other so Mark knew that was going to be a challenge when forming the concrete foundation the barn would sit on in Newton. The original foundation was stone, covered with urethane, and not worth saving.

Ripping the barn apart involved a lot of “nail pulling” as there were planks on top of the rafters to hold the barn’s former cedar shakes. Then there were green shingles on the shakes, then strapping for steel that was put on in the 1980s.

It was critical to Mark to get it right and preserve as much architectural history as he was able. Mark knows a little about the barn’s history thanks to the Perth County history book. It revealed the barn was built in the 1900s by George and Julie Dallner who bought the lot in 1894. “The land was mostly swamp, which had to be cleared. In 1900, they built a new barn with timber they hewed with a large The old bank barn at Vanadair Farms Ltd near Brunner was where axe,” reads the article in the chapter, Echoes of Mark Van Herk grew up. Now living near Newton with partner Ellice.

Grace Vanden Heuval, he used his skills as a carpenter to tear the Those old chisel layout marks helped aid Mark barn down and rebuilt it, using the orginal timber structure and when he had to cut a foot and half off the bottoms of modernizing it to work as a storage shed.

October 2023 23

the timbers because they were starting to rot. There was also a little dry rot on the main gable beam that was chiselled out and replaced with lumber. For the rest, the wood and beams were in great shape.

It took months of “off and on” manual labour for Mark and his workers to take the barn down this spring. All the old barn boards were sent to an Amish businessman outside of Gorrie who ships them to China. Mark was amazed that the businessman’s whole shed was full of reclaimed and restored barn boards.

Another Amish crew helped with moving the main skeleton of the barn and their skill and knowledge of barn building was invaluable, said Mark.

Still, an engineer’s plan was necessary to obtain a building permit to reconstruct the barn as a storage shed which Waddell Engineering Ltd. provided.

A crane did a lot of the heavy lifting to move the huge, old timbers.

It took three hours to take the timbers down and three hours to put them back up (with a few weeks in between).

It was a fine line reclaiming the old barn, yet making it meet modern needs, admits Mark. The mow had to go to create height for machinery.

Also, more doors were needed to allow equipment in and out between the old beams. As a compromise, Mark built two old-fashioned looking sliding doors in the centre of the front of the barn and added two poly overhead doors on each side of the main doors.The outside was cladded in board and batten to keep out the elements.

The end result is a gorgeous structure that can be admired as soon as one drives into the laneway. It’s beautiful, with a nice mix of old and new. It's also completely functional, meeting Mark’s farm needs.

Grace was equally excited about the project and as a nod to the barn’s 80s look with red steel, thought to paint the barn doors red. But it just didn’t look right. Neither did the pebble colour paint they tried next to match the existing shed steel. In the end, she and Mark decided natural wood was best and turned the door around so that the painted side is in, 24 The Rural Voice

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and the natural side is out.

When digging for the new barn’s foundation, they discovered the remains of an old well which led Mark to wish for an old, steel, windmill to be placed near the barn as a nod to former times. They put out feelers and connected with Clarence Dekens from Clinton who had an old windmill they could rescue. Paired with the barn, it makes a postcard-perfect picture.

All in all, the project required months of physical labour, a scratch pad full of Mark’s “figuring” and a vision of how to rescue a bank barn and make it functional for modern times. Yet Mark says all the hard work was worth it.

“I’m really happy with it,” he says. “With all the old timber barns coming down throughout our countryside, this one gains a chance at another century of existence in Perth county.” he said. ◊

The original bank barn (above) was built in the 1900s and had been sitting empty for 15 years after last being used as a hog barn. All the old timbers were saved and in these photos (beside and below) submitted by Mark Van Herk, you can see part of the transformation from barn into storage shed.

Metal tags called tickets (above) kept track of beam placement for the new building which will now be a place for Madelyn (below) and her sisters to make new memories.

October 2023 25

Food

Accessing local food is part of living well

An August farm crawl organized by Eat Local Huron features a butchering demonstration at Trick’s Creek Farm (above) and a visit to Gemma James Smith’s Bayfield Lavender Farm (right)

C

onsidering that we live amongst some of the best farmland in the world, it is quite a wonder that we don’t have more access to local food in rural Ontario. Canada’s local food movement has been on the rise since the early 2000’s but seems to remain relatively weak and fragmented in the face of giant grocery businesses and their supply chains. The pandemic gave us a glimpse of the weaknesses of our global food systems, and we saw a rise in concern and demand for local food here in Ontario which was, largely, unable to deliver.

But Eat Local Huron began to deliver. Every Wednesday, that is.

Eat Local Huron (ELH) is an online farmer’s market started during the pandemic, that delivers orders to anywhere in Huron County. There are dozens of other initiatives in The Rural Voice readership area, increasing community access to local food so that people can easily find it and easily afford it. As we will see, it is easier said than done. Systemic issues require multi-faceted solutions; growing access to local food involves access to farmland, paying living wages, creating alternative supply chains, marketing and much more.

“Accessing local food is a huge contribution to living well in this area,” says Chris Spaleta, a writer who farms with his wife and family outside of Seaforth. He is now also the Executive Director of Eat Local Huron (ELH), and he has been involved from its beginning in 2021. He explains that while weekend farmers markets have done well in Bayfield and Goderich, there was a lack of access to local food in the middle of the week and in the rest of the County.

26 The Rural Voice

(Left to right) Chris Spaleta, Clare Day (the Den), George Zoethout and Lindsay Spindler from Eat Local Huron doing a delivery to the community fridges, now open at the Den Juice Co. in Goderich.

Eat Local Huron not only delivers local food but encourages consumers to visit the farms where food is grown during their interactive farm crawls • By Melisa Luymes •

ELH delivers to any address, no matter how rural. Customers place their orders by Sunday each week, their orders are picked, baked, or juiced fresh and brought to a central hub by Tuesday, where they are packed and delivered every Wednesday. Spaleta recalls that one family ordered their groceries through ELH for the first time while they were all stuck at home sick with COVID and that they were blown away that such service was offered locally.

Eat Local Huron is a non-profit business that started off with a provincial grant and on the shoulders of Firmly Rooted Farm, with some help from Eat Local Grey-Bruce, a host of dedicated young Huron County farmers and financial support from Libro Credit Union.

It began in August 2021, after the group had worked tirelessly to set up their warehouse space in a building at Hensall Co-op Westfield, with coolers and freezers, packing space and other infrastructure. But a major set-back came only three weeks later.

CTV News’ Scott Miller was planning to come that day to cover the story of Eat Local Huron, but instead he arrived to cover the story of an electrical fire that destroyed the building and all its contents.

The group considered closing its doors; the board and staff were mainly young farmers who were already stretched thin with their businesses and their growing families, leading to high turnover rates. But an outpouring of financial support from the community following the news report told them they needed to keep going.

As luck would have it, Lucas and Kelsey Seeberger from Farm Little were building a new facility on their farm near Bayfield and ELH now rents this space from them for their cold storages and for packing.

“We are still a few months away from breaking even,” says Spaleta, who acknowledges that the initiative has been a tonne of work and has been sustained by a loyal customer base, as well as grants from Libro, Huron County and other community funding. Their next step is working on larger orders for institutions, events, or restaurants, while they

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October 2023 27

continue to let people know about the service. “People are slowly learning about ELH, and once they try it, they have been impressed with how easy it is to order and how great the food is,” Spaleta continues.

In 2022, the Chamber of Commerce awarded Eat Local Huron with the Huron County Economic Development New Business Award.

That night, two of their local producers were also honoured: Meeting Place Organic Farm took home the Compass Minerals Environmental and Sustainability Award and Sydney Pollock of Blake Street Bakery won the John C. Grace Young Entrepreneur Award.

Eat Local Huron also works to make the connection between their customers and Huron County farms so they can see the people they are supporting. “When you buy carrots that came from Firmly Rooted Farm, for example, you are also supporting the community that Tamara and Brian are building there,” says Spaleta. “That means you’re also supporting art, laughter and singing in the field while they work,” he laughs.

In August, ELH hosted their sixth Farm Crawl and have now featured dozens of Huron County farms and producers. August’s event focused on a few producers in the Bayfield area: Bayfield Lavender Farm, Farm Little and Trick’s Creek Farm.

Bayfield Lavender Farm is owned and operated by Gemma James Smith who moved to the property in 2017 with her husband and family.

She nurtured and propagated a patch of French lavender growing there, soon creating her own lavender soaps, oils, culinary lavender herb blends and teas for sale in the community. An artist through and through, with the landscape as her canvas, Gemma transformed it into a gorgeous oasis of gardens and has now opened a storefront on the property. She remains open on weekends 10-4 this fall.

Just a few minutes away, Farm Little was also open for guests, serving homemade donuts in the morning and sausage on a bun at lunch. There was a flour milling demonstration with plenty of food and fresh vegetables. Farm Little 28 The Rural Voice

belongs to Lucas and Kelsey Seeberger, who started it in 2020.

With two young children, Lucas focuses on grain milling and now butchering, while Kelsey grows vegetables. Their roadside stand on Mill Rd. is packed with flours, baking, fresh veggies, and dried goods as well, much of which can also be purchased through ELH’s website.

Trick’s Creek Farm was the third farm featured for August’s Farm Crawl. Rural Voice readers may remember them from a previous issue. The Trick family sell pastured beef, poultry, and their edible beans, processed by Cullen’s, through ELH. Fifth generation on the farm, Tom Trick hosted wagon rides of the fields and pastures and his father Bill gave tours of their 1850’s mill and dam throughout the day, with a butchering demonstration at 5 p.m.

by Seeberger, showcasing various cuts of meat. Then it went on the barbeque to finish the day with a meal together.

“It is important to get people in the community to connect with where their food comes from, to see their faces and their farms,” says Lindsay Spindler, ELH’s Operations Manager, who organized the day.

Spindler works with dozens of local farms and businesses to update their products on the online market every week. She recently moved to Huron County from Toronto where she was a fashion designer. She admits that she hadn’t given local or organic food much thought in the big city, but now it is becoming a passion of hers. “This isn’t just some ‘bougie’ fad, this is the direction that our society needs to be going,” she says.

“We can’t be importing salad from California when its burning.”

Eat Local Huron hosted another Farm Crawl on September 23 with The Den Juice Co, Weth Mushrooms and Bayfield Berry Farm. The final farm crawl of the year will be held October 14 to Meeting Place Organic Farm, Firmly Rooted Farm and Capella Meadows.

See eatlocalhuron.ca for more information.For those in other counties, have a look for local food initiatives in your area. ◊

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Food

Creating equal access to local food

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Rob and Lisa McColeman run LangSon Farms near Fergus, selling beef, pork, chicken, graded eggs, baking and prepared meals and keep a keen eye on their cost of production and grocery store prices. ~ Photo supplied

Local food can cost more but is often produced at break-even costs.

What does it take from growers, consumers and society to ensure that producing and buying local food is equitable?

• By Melisa Luymes • 30 The Rural Voice

eflecting on the article in this issue about Eat Local Huron and the Farm Crawl, it seems local food has only been made possible through the sheer determination of a whole host of local farmers, processors and distributors. They each have fierce creativity, passion and a work ethic that can only be appreciated through seeing them in their element. And it’s a labour of love in many ways. It is a frustrating disconnect that local food is often deemed too expensive when people in the local food network work so hard just to break even at the end of the day. Perhaps the bigger question is how is the highly processed, far-away food on our grocery store shelves so cheap?

Rob and Lisa McColeman own LangSon Farms near Fergus and sell beef, pork, chicken, graded eggs, baking and prepared meals. Lisa keeps a keen eye on their cost of production and often compares that to grocery store prices.

“Usually, we are on par for grass-fed beef in the stores,” she says. But sometimes there is Australian beef that is far below what they could produce it for, and it is hard to wrap one’s head around those costs. Somebody paid for that food to be so cheap, whether it was the farmer or the community or the environment.

The McColemans decided that they wanted to raise their four kids on a farm the same way that they themselves grew up, teaching them responsibility and giving them a stronger connection to food. They saved and saved to eventually buy a 52-acre property in 2003. They started selling beef when fellow hockey parents asked for it and the business has just taken off from there, with demand outstripping their supply during the pandemic and still not slowing down.

LangSon Farms has a loyal core as a customer base, from young families to the elderly, who care about local economies and quality. Despite the break-even prices they were selling their beef for, they could still see that the price was out of reach for many members of their community.

Last year, they set up a community freezer at their booth at the Elora Farmers Market, where they put some extra cuts and offered them to any market goer for free or by donation if they wished, and donations are given to community food security initiatives like the Bungalow 55 Community Luncheon. This year, many other vendors got on board and added to the stock in their freezer, along with some recipes.

As well, unsold perishable items are collected by Second Harvest and used to make good food accessible to all.

Eat Local Huron also recognized the need for equal access to local food in their communities and have now set up a community fridge in Goderich, with another one planned for either Clinton or Exeter. Painted by a local artist Abi Bos and funded by Libro, the first one has been up and running since August. Two ELH refrigerators are side by side at The Den Juice Co. on the Square in Goderich; the yellow one is for regular order pick-ups, while the red one is quite literally a free-for-all. Anything

in there is free for the taking and already residents are contributing to it just as much as taking from it.

Barb McPhee helps run the North End Harvest Market in Guelph, which is a fresh produce market where everything is free for marketers, and they can access it every two weeks. Produce comes from the SEED, as well as from the community and backyard gardeners.

McPhee knows first-hand what it is to be food insecure. Born in Guelph into generational poverty, she is now a community advocate and organizer in Guelph-Wellington. She has been involved in the Food System Resiliency Table, which was one piece of the Our Food Future initiative that won GuelphWellington a large grant from Infrastructure Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge to promote a circular food economy in the area. As part of the initiative, the Guelph-Wellington Food Charter from 2011 was revisited and revamped through the lens of food justice for all, led by people with lived experience of food insecurity. The Guelph-Wellington Charter for Food Justice is bold and holistic, addressing issues of job security, health, culture, and systematic oppression.

The issue is not that so much food is too expensive, but that many people don’t make enough money to afford it, considering the costs of housing, transportation, and everything else. United Way PerthHuron has excellent up-to-date research on living wage, basic income, and food insecurity in the area.

Looking at several factors, the living wage in Huron County and Perth County is determined to be $20.70 and based upon 2020 Statistics Canada data, 45 per cent of people in Huron County and Perth County make less than that. Public Health Ontario estimates that 16 per cent of households in Perth-Huron are food insecure, based upon 20182020 Statistics Canada Income survey data. Public Health Ontario defines household food insecurity as “the inability to obtain a sufficient diet due to income-related food

PROPANE - LUBRICANTS Barb McPhee access.” In their definition it ranges from “worrying about running out of food before getting money to buy more, to not eating for a whole day or more.”

“When we think of poverty, we often think of people living on the street because that is the visible form of poverty, but poverty is actually mostly hidden and especially so in rural areas,” says Anita Ertel. She is with the South Wellington Community Lions Club and is supporting her fellow community members with clothing, goods, and a food pantry. Guelph-Wellington’s living wage and food insecurity statistics are close to Huron County’s. Next year she hopes they can accept local food donations and distribute them to the rural towns, admitting that perishable food items add complexity to coordination.

The work can be exhausting, as most of the people in this article would admit, but Ertel remains positive. “In doing this, I get to see the good in everyone,” she says.

Around the world, there are many thousands of nonprofits, farms, and businesses, working at their local levels to create access to local food and to create local economies that work for everyone in them. They need to remain relatively small to keep their focus on their own local communities, but all the little things add up. As Rob and Lisa McColeman often say to their kids and their community, “if everyone just does a little bit to take care of the next person, a lot can get done.” ◊

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October 2023 31

Fall Fairs

Babies, zucchinis, pigs and calves...

It was all to be found at the Kirkton Fall Fair in September where photographer Bonnie Sitter captured the fun.

Sierra Squibb from the Woodham area (above) was ready for the calf show at the Kirkton fall fair. Later, Sierra and her younger sister Rylie (right) enjoyed handling the day‐old chicks in the Agricultural Awareness Tent. There were rabbits, quail, homing pigeons, and donkeys on display.

Jack Kaufman from Brodhagen (above) is shown grooming a Jersey calf called "Maple".

He is a member of the Mitchell 4‐H Club and a grade 10 student at Mitchell High School.

The calf is owned by Jannine Franken and lives on a farm in the Clinton area.

You are never too young to start showing your calf! Keen is the word to describe Shania Pfisster of the Mitchell area, above, shown with her mother Ashley (above, right) and dairy competition judge, Curtis McNeil of the Goderich area.

32 The Rural Voice

Entering the baby contest was (back row) Cody Hern with 4‐month‐old baby Hallie and Jackson Soudant. In the front, Stacie Hern sits with Hallie's twin Ashton, and Kristen Soudant with Aubrey, three months, all from the Kirkton area.

The crowd was cheering “Meatball” for the win at the Kirkton Fall Fair pig races.

Claire Morrissey (below, left) is smiling because she won the Zucchini Race. Her brother Jack’s zucchini lost a wheel as it came down the ramp but he put it back on for the photo.

Best dressed baby was Henry Kenmere (check out the shoes!) with his parents Jessica and Lars.

All participants earned a certificate and a gift bag from the Ag. Society.

WIlliam Straw (above) from the Exeter area competed in the Pedal Tractor Pull. There were many competitors in this fun event and each one earned a prize.

October 2023 33

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Fall harvest: A time to be grateful

W

hen the harvest from our 2 tsp cinnamon bowl and beat for another three backyards and fields fills 1 tsp ginger, ground minutes. our homes, I experience an 1/4 tsp nutmeg Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch overwhelming sense of gratitude for 1/8 tsp cloves pan and bake at 350°F for 50 - 60 the food we have to share in this *If you substitute regular wheat flour minutes until cake is pulling away beautiful land. I am grateful for all for the gluten-free blend omit the from the sides of the pan. Do not those who have shared their food and xanthan gum undercook this cake because it is recipes with me and for having had Caramel Sauce: very moist. the opportunity to share my 2/3 cup white sugar For sauce: favourites with all of you during the 1/2 cup butter Melt butter with sugar and lemon past six years. Here are a few more 2 tsp lemon juice juice over medium heat stirring until recipes I would like to pass on before 1/2 cup whipping cream sugar is dissolved and mixture begins retiring from these pages. For Directions: to simmer.

October I could not finish without For cake: Reduce heat slightly and continue revisiting the iconic pumpkin for Beat brown sugar, inspiration but I have included a oil, sour cream, couple of extra recipes that I thought molasses and eggs for you would like at any time of year.

2 minutes.

I hope to devote more time to my Stir in pumpkin, blog in the new year and look fresh ginger and forward to hearing from you there vanilla until www.annesfavourites.ca combined.

Gingerbread Pumpkin Cake Sift flour, cocoa, Hard to believe I have saved one xanthan gum, baking of the best for last! Pumpkin and powder, baking soda, ginger are a natural match and the salt, cinnamon, ginger, addition of the caramel sauce with a nutmeg and cloves hint of lemon makes it perfect! I was into pumpkin mixture. so pleased that I found a way to make Mix until combined this Canadian Living cake work with then scrape sides of gluten-free flour! The caramel sauce is very simple to make and could be used on its own over ice cream and is every bit as good as the salted caramel sauce shared in July 2017. If you are a ginger enthusiast you can chop up a little candied ginger to sprinkle over the whipped cream!

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed 3/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt 1/3 cup molasses, fancy 3 eggs 2 cups pumpkin puree (see below) 2 1/2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups GF all purpose flour* 1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum * 1/4 cup cocoa powder Gingerbread pumpkin cake (above) unite pumpkin and ginger, which are a natural 2 tsp GF baking powder match. It goes great with a latte using pumpkin syrup, using pumpkin juice reserved 1/2 tsp baking soda from strained pumpkin puree. Add white and brown sugar and it becomes a tasty 1/4 tsp salt coffee condiment.

October 2023 35

This step is very important to achieve the right consistency for recipes based on canned pumpkin.

Set in a strainer lined with cheesecloth or a porous, clean cloth and let drain for a full hour before measuring purée. Reserve the liquid drained for soups or rice (this can be frozen also). I used this “pumpkin juice” to make a pumpkin spice syrup (see below).

This should give you a purée that is the right density for recipes using canned pumpkin and may be measured in the amounts you need for cakes, pies or muffins and used within the week or frozen in appropriate quantities to use throughout the year.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup On a dreary fall or winter afternoon I make myself a pumpkin latte to brighten up the day. My friend’s recipe was made with pumpkin purée and sugar but I got to thinking the pumpkin juice drained from the purée would make a good syrup and simplify the process while eliminating the sediment from the latte.

Ingredients: 2 cups pumpkin juice reserved from strained purée 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup maple syrup, you may substitute more sugar if you do not have syrup 1 tsp cinnamon or 2-3 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp ginger or 8 slices fresh ginger bruised to release the flavour 1/2 tsp nutmeg or 1/2 whole nutmeg 1/2 tsp cloves or 5 8 whole cloves 2 Tbsp vanilla extract * Do not add until after simmered Directions: Combine pumpkin juice, both sugars, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves in Potato frittata (top) is a great dish for company or take a pot with a lid. to a brunch potluck.

Bring to a boil and

to cook without stirring until amber coloured, about five minutes.

Carefully stir in cream taking care that steam does not burn you, then continue to simmer until thick, about two minutes. This sauce will keep two weeks in the refrigerator but I think you will find a way to use it up before that!

Pumpkin Purée Several years ago, I included instructions for making your own pumpkin purée but I thought I would repeat them here, along with a recipe for pumpkin syrup that uses the juice drained from the purée. If you make your purée the week before Thanksgiving you can make your pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin which just takes it to another level of delicious! Can you tell I am a pumpkin enthusiast?!

Directions: Select small pie pumpkins with dense, dark orange flesh. You’ll need 2-4 pie pumpkins, depending on the size of your roasting pan, washed, quartered and seeds removed Place in a roasting pan with a cover and bake at 400°F until the pumpkin is hot, about 1/2 hour, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking several hours until the pumpkin is soft and pulling away from the skin.

If you cook the pumpkin in the microwave it will not develop as much flavour.

Let pumpkin cool then scrape out of shell and put flesh through a food mill or sieve.

36 The Rural Voice

stir until sugar is dissolved then continue to simmer, covered on low heat for 20 minutes if using whole spices and only 5 minutes if using ground.

Remove from heat and add vanilla. Strain into clean jars and refrigerate. This will keep for several months in the refrigerator.

To make one latte: 2 Tbsp pumpkin syrup 1 cup of milk 1/2 cup strong coffee.

1 tsp instant coffee Directions: Heat pumpkin syrup, milk, coffee and instant coffee granules together but do not boil. If you have a frother pour heated mixture into this and froth. For an extra special latte top with whipped cream.

Add a sprinkle of this special spice mix for extra flavour. I keep some in a little jar so it is handy!

Nancy’s Pumpkin Spice Mix for topping: 4 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp ginger 1 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp nutmeg Russ’s Barbecued Chicken Thighs I only needed to have these at my son’s home once to realize that they were going to become a staple in our barbecue repertoire. Chicken thighs should be an inexpensive cut of meat but they have become so popular that they are one of the more expensive cuts of chicken. Yet, this Grandma thinks they are worth every penny because all the children and grandchildren love them!

Ingredients: 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - I use homemade sauce (June 2021) 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1 Tbsp soya sauce 2 Tbsp olive oil freshly grated black pepper Directions: Whisk together BBQ Sauce, vinegar, soya sauce, oil and pepper.

Pour over chicken thighs in a glass dish and coat all sides of the chicken.

Refrigerate for an hour or up to a day before grilling.

Bring chicken out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before

cooking.

Oil the racks and place thighs top side down on the hot grill and leave about 4 - 5 minutes before turning and cooking the same amount on the other side.

If unsure when thighs are cooked, test doneness with a meat thermometer. Should be at 165°F. Let rest covered lightly with foil for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 4.

Potato Frittata This recipe, derived from Ina Garten’s Potato Basil Frittata, is a lovely treat when you have company for breakfast or to take to a brunch potluck. I have reduced the butter and cheese and still find it rich enough!

This dish does not need any meat so I usually cook the sausage separately unless I want a one dish meal.

Ingredients: 2 Tbsp bacon fat, part butter if desired 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced in 1/2 inch cubes 1/4 cup onion, chopped 8 eggs 2 Tbsp butter, melted 2 cups cottage cheese or ricotta 6 - 8 oz Swiss cheese 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 tsp basil or 1/2 cup fresh leaves chopped 1/4 cup flour, I use gluten-free 1/2 tsp baking powder 8 breakfast sausage, cooked and cut in 1/2 pieces, optional Directions: Cook potatoes and onions with bacon fat in an ovenproof skillet over medium low heat until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

Stir in sausage if using. I often cook the sausage separately for a crowd.

Whisk eggs then stir in ricotta, grated cheese, melted butter, salt, pepper, flour and baking powder.

Pour egg mixture over hot potatoes in a pan and place in a 350° F oven. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour until puffed and firm in the middle. A knife inserted in the centre should come out clean. Good fresh or reheated.

Serves 7-8. ◊

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Gardening to address issues of food insecurity, sustainable agriculture and the issues faced by the small family farm through tourism, education, hands-on experience and cultural activity.

While over 10 years old their mission is even more pertinent and widely supported by educators, industry and local government.

Nestled east of the Village of Ripley, it is an easy walk along the trail system and you will pass both a residential and seniors development.

Across from the garden is a wellused sports field.

The garden itself is a hub for all ages.

The side of the garden shed Quite a few years ago Marian sports a striking tree of plant families Zinn and I were on a quest looking grown in the garden. It shows the for old cemeteries in North Huron Latin names of some of the plant and South Bruce. We had both read families and the small rounds of about the newly formed Botanical wood that look like leaves, and has Food Gardens just on the edge of paintings of crops in the garden that Ripley and decided as it was near a fall in that family. On the Solanaceae cemetery why not stop? And a great branch we have peppers, potatoes stop it was. and tomatoes. Great educational tool We took in all the wonderful for all ages! veggies being grown amidst apple The volunteers organize kids tree whips and curving paths around workshops every Thursday morning mounded vegetable gardens showing during the summer as well as adult off new crops of heritage tomatoes, workshops throughout the season for interesting beans and a bed of herbs. adults. I am sorry I missed the I made a mental note to go back but lavender wreath making and how to we all know that it is a challenge to use comfrey. I have to check their fulfill these plans. calendar in the spring and mark the dates. Also mark the annual plant sale!

As we walked through the garden we could hear the hum of insects busy pollinating. There are more than vegetables growing here. There are some heritage apples (Rome Beauty) on small trees, old roses with heady fragrances and the feature this season was a white mallow. I was attracted to the almost glowing dark rosy pink hollyhock. A short version, barely a metre tall, would make a great addition to my garden. I hope they have seeds at the spring sale.

The garden is strictly organic with a wide use of assorted mulch material. Vegetables are grown alongside flowers and companion planting is in evidence.

They now have a proper mud oven built where they can demonstrate A “tree” shows the plant families grown in the Bruce Botanical garden near Ripley recipes every Wednesday following where you can wander through the garden, enjoying the sight and scents from roses their weekly market. And yes they (above) or take part in workshops offered throughout the seasons. have a recipe book you can buy with Rhea Hamilton‐ Seeger is a skilled cook and gardener who lives in Goderich.

Inspired by the Bruce botanical food gardens

38 The Rural Voice

This summer three young cousins from Germany came to visit. Their family works an 80-sow operation outside their village of 70 people near the Stuttgart, Black Forest area.

They were all facing education away from home and this was a trip for the three sisters to enjoy and think back on as they started on their separate life journeys. Their mother manages a very large garden complete with raspberries, strawberries and a full complement of her favourite vegetables.

While here, we introduced them to fresh corn on the cob (a first for them) and fish and chips eaten at the North Harbour, Goderich.

We took them on a drive around the countryside. They saw the Amish working in the fields, grapes growing in a gravel pit, and beer made in a monster barn! But one of the highlights was the walk through the Bruce Botanical Garden and remembering vegetables grown at home and thoughtful questions about loss of seed diversity and the work involved in saving seed.

Founded in 2012, the Bruce Botanical Garden takes an allencompassing look beyond simply growing vegetables for a community.

Their mission and vision statement is

full colour photography by Ingrid Wypkema.

Rain is collected in a fascinating pattern of eavestrough off the roof of the entranceway, around the pergola and into a rain trough hidden in a bench.

Gardening is not rocket science but is still a daunting project for those who have never been exposed to growing their own food. How deep do you plant the seeds, what is thinning and when can you harvest for optimum flavour? And what is

this bug that is eating my stuff!

Growing in a community setting is both rewarding for the teachers and great for both newbies and those who love to garden and simply don’t have space.

The garden volunteers also practice reusing materials in a delightful way. The most obvious are the bedsprings used as fencing or for growing climbing plants on. They are whimsical and practical. There are also some great art pieces from recycled metal and farm equipment.

CORNER

Bruce Botanical Food Gardens is well supported by local government (donated the land) and has a number of ways to volunteer, either with time, or funds to support local projects. Their list of supporters also include Bruce Power, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, County of Bruce and 100 People Who Share Bruce County.

Their web site is inviting and I for one will be signing up for a few workshops and a number of visits next summer. ◊

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News

G

Grain farmers launch STEMterprise program

rain farmers of Ontario has launched a unique curriculum-based program that helps Ontario students develop STEM skills as they learn where food comes from.

Students will become plant experts first as they learn about the ingredients for the food product they will develop and sell. They will apply their STEM skills to engineer innovative farming equipment, design packaging, and ultimately sell their product in their own business.

The program is adaptable to the individual classroom and meets objectives across Ontario’s curriculum.

The teaching resource is projectbased, cross-curricular, classroomtested, and integrates STEM and other transferable skills. At the core of students’ learning is discovering where their food comes from and how it gets from field to market to table.

Through the range of activities students will engage in hands-on experiences with real-life applications, such as developing and making a grain-based granola bar they will sell. They will research the market and even design a logo and create packaging made of sustainable materials.

Students will also learn about plant growth and the importance of soil as they grow their own plants using the free What’s Growing ON? seed kit. It comes with oat, soybean and wheat seeds along with seed cups and soil wafers, and an updated series of lessons featuring activities and narrated teaching slides.

Transferable skills include entrepre-

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Ukraine is safely (so far) exporting record yields of grain World players continue to push for the Black sea grain shipping initiative to be renewed. Despite the collectively stated desire for the deal to be completed once again, negotiations do not seem to be productive.

The United Nations, Turkey and of course Ukraine, are the key players, along with Russia in these talks. Turkish President Erdogan has asserted that a sustainable deal will not be found unless the deal includes concessions to Russian demands.

Ukraine has opposition to the removal of any Russian sanctions to revive the deal. The result of these opposing positions is a stalemate and therefore the re-establishment of the deal has not occurred. Nonetheless Erdogan is on record stating that the negotiations are “not hopeless”.

Russia maintains that without the removal of obstacles preventing trade of their grain, the shipping deal will not be renewed. They demand that there be no tariffs against their grain and fertilizer, as well as reconnection of access to the SWIFT banking system, which allows payments for grain and eases trade facilitation.

Russia also demands that commitments be made for more Ukrainian grain to be shipped to developing countries – those in need of food aid. The original grain shipping deal was enacted for humanitarian relief specifically, and not just grain movement to developed

economies. Russia is voicing opposition to the Ukrainian shipments that have occurred previously, as the majority of the shipments that delivered went to developed nations while the shipping deal was in place.

Ukraine has been growing impatient waiting on the renewal of an export corridor. In August of this year Ukraine announced that they would develop their own humanitarian corridor, for the exit of some ships that have been stranded in Ukrainian ports since the outset of the conflict.

For their part, Russia said that they would not support the corridor, therefore, any ship that was sailing could be viewed as a military target.

It is events such as this that have kept market participants anxious, and at times supported market prices. It is at times like this that there is so much uncertainty. Would the civilian container ship exiting be fired upon?

Would the ship be left to sail unharmed? Would the crew and owners of the vessel risk sailing without assurance of catastrophe? If there is an incident would there be further escalation to the war and make grain shipments from the region completely blocked?

These uncertainties, when presented, have brought strength to the market as risk premiums were added due to the possibility of trade limitations. Fortunately, the fears in the market subsided as the first ship sailed from the region unimpeded.

Many growers have been watching the developments in the war region closely, and they are perplexed by the price action of the market. They see there was the cancellation of the shipping agreement, with no clear path to resolution. They see a possibility of civilian ship attacks as discussed above. There are also continued attacks in the battlefield and even more specifically against some grain terminals.

Despite all of this, markets have continued with a persistently lower trend. The reason for this is simply that regardless of the headlines and the worries, shipments from the region have continued essentially

unimpeded. Russia has not only been shipping grain, but they have been shipping record volumes. Ukraine has made arrangements with neighboring countries, and they have been adding capacity commitments supporting larger and larger shipment volumes. This aggressive shipment has added continual price pressure to the world marketplace and world buyers have large assurance of plentiful wheat supplies to build inventories.

In short, despite the headline news, the market has a glut of available wheat supplies, and prices are falling to levels not seen in recent times.

Not only does shipping continue strongly from the Black Sea, but new crop production is so large that this will likely continue into the future as well. Ukraine is reporting record high yields in the besieged country, this despite the original worries of lack of inputs which had the possibility of reducing production.

Record high yield is not to be confused with record high production, as it is to be noted that Ukraine wheat production is still down 30 per cent from the five year average with planting reductions.

Nonetheless yields are big. Similarly Russia production is to be maintained this year, not quite as big as last year but following alongside their record total production the previous season.

With the extended duration of the conflict, the market no longer fixates on the reports of attacks against specific infrastructure, but rather follows actual shipping volumes – which are record high. From this we recognize that the region has vast supplies to move into export channels and this will cause prices to be under pressure for some time, until the circumstances change. ◊

The Rural Voice welcomes letters and will publish as many as space permits.

Write to: The Rural Voice, Box 429, Blyth, ON, N0M 1H0 October 2023 41

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

Look up and down to enjoy fall colours

As time passes along and I increase in age, I realize that I am noticing seasonal and daylight changes more each day. This year, trees that were under stress started to change colours in late July. Really, it doesn’t take a smarty-pants to speculate that many trees were under stress due to the lack of rain in the late spring through to summer.

This year, the prediction for fall colours is for them to be muted. We can all hope that this prediction is wrong so that we can enjoy them to the fullest. I do find it interesting that when the fall colours are referenced it is always the tree leaves, but there is so much more. Many plant’s leaves change colour in the fall and put on a good show. Two local examples of fall colour in plants are Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy. These two plants change into a very brilliant/deep red colour. These reds mixed in on the forest floor with all the other yellows, browns, and muted plant greens, not to mention the fallen leaves, just make for a very complex palette.

To go along with all the colours, there are so many textures. Seed heads from ostrich ferns with their dark brown unique shape, beautiful red rose hips, fallen logs covered in moss, branches, dead grasses, purple berries, red berries, and multiple bark types can really keep your eyes busy.

In fall, we can start to see some of the things that were hidden by all of the summertime growth. As the grasses and wildflowers begin to fall over, the floor becomes visible. I find it hard to walk through the forest and not stop frequently to see what is happening. Dark holes, like little tunnels through the dying growth to the soil, keep me watching for critters 42 The Rural Voice

and interesting features. Sadly, to this point, I have yet to see any critters in these tunnels. I keep hoping that even a rodent will scurry through or be enjoying a snack while I am sneaking a peek.

Goldenrods, asters, coneflowers, and black-eyed susan are all late summer and fall blooms that put on an amazing show. Asters are one of my favorite late bloomers. They offer such a unique purple colour for the fall paired with a vibrant yellow centre; this tall wildflower often has many blooms. The flowers aren’t large, most wouldn’t say that they are showy, but I believe that you can’t miss them amongst the other vegetation.

I encourage everyone to visit roadsides, meadows, and other heavily-vegetated areas in the fall to enjoy all that is there. When visiting, please keep in mind that many creatures are preparing for the winter, taking the same path in and out to disturb as little area as possible. Most often in the grassy areas there are many clumps of dense matter that the mice and voles have gathered for protection against winter. It is fascinating to see the carefully-knittogether shelters and access holes.

Birds that haven’t left for winter are easily observed flitting from berries and seeds, to places in the sun and finding hiding places in the coniferous trees. Some birds may be migrating through the area in the fall, which increases the opportunity to see them in flocks.

Even birds that don’t migrate to the southern hemisphere for the winter, may migrate within Canada or Ontario. Yesterday, I watched a green heron fly up from the river and perch in a tree. The heron stood in the tree, allowing me to take a few photos with my phone. I sure wish I was a better photographer. If you have never seen a green heron I encourage you to look them up, they are very beautiful and awkward looking all at once.

While the name implies that the heron may be green, my eyes have never seen even a hint of green on this bird. When I hear that a bird has a colour in its name, I expect that the bird would be that colour, so I would

expect the green heron to be the same colour as a parrot. Research from the Cornell University All About Birds lists that the green heron has a dark green back. Other literature that I have read lists the back of the green heron to be iridescent but I haven’t seen this. This beautiful bird has a chestnut-coloured chest and neck, with a little white mixed in and a black cap. Short yellow legs and a very chunky body mixed with a large bill make this an awkward specimen.

While eyes may be drawn to noisy flocks of Canada geese, keep watch out for hawks and eagles.

These large birds of prey may also be migrating, although a little less vocally. Fall is such a great time for birding provided the weather permits.

The only nice thing about poor weather for a bird watcher is that it may cause birds to have an extended stopover which would increase viewing opportunities. I hope that everyone gets to enjoy fall for all that it offers. ◊

Fall colour isn’t limited to leaves on trees. Native species such as goldenrod and asters (above) offer vibrant colour and texture.

People

Owners of Imani Farms named Outstanding Farmers Stewart Skinner and Jessica Kelly produce hogs, cash crop and write for The Rural Voice!

H

og and cash crop producers, Stewart Skinner and Jessica Kelly, of Imani Farms Ltd. near Listowel were named Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 at the Ontario Region’s Recognition Event held August 17 at Thatcher Farms in Rockwood.

Stewart and Jessica met at the Ontario Pork Congress. They both have had agricultural related careers and completed their masters degrees from University of Guelph. In 2015, Jessica and Stewart began their farm operation after taking over part of Stewart’s family farm.

Imani Farms Ltd. produces 25,000 hogs for conventional and niche markets. The hogs are produced in three different systems — conventionally, certified humane and

certified organic. They also work 167 acres for cash crops. Stewart and Jessica’s innovative approach to human resource management, of their 15 employees, and finances have helped grow their operation to what it is today.

In their spare time, Stewart writes for Ontario newspapers while Jessica enjoys working with Ontario Farm Market farmers. Stewart is also a strong advocate for mental health.

The Ontario Region of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program were pleased and proud to have two diverse and impressive operations at the 2023 Regional Event. The Nominees recognized were: ● Stewart Skinner & Jessica Kelly- Imani Farms Ltd- Listowel ● Derek & Jen Van Dieten- Van

Another Danen named Tavistock fair ambassador

T

By Gary West

his year was the 171st edition of the Tavistock Fall Fair and the 36th edition of the annual “Ambassador of the Fair” competition. One of the judges, Erica Sayles, said in her remarks before the winner was announced, “any one of the three ladies vying for the crown, could well be a wining Ambassador at any Fair in Ontario”.

The contestants included Ashley Aarts, sponsored by the Tavistock Men’s Club; Nicole Danen, sponsored by the Tavistock Opti-Mrs Club and Janeen Overdevest, sponsored by the Princess Elizabeth Women’s Institute.

Following interviews and prepared speeches, Nicole Danen was named the 2023 fair ambassador. She accepted the crown and flower bouquet from last years ambassador Stephanie Cahill.

It was interesting to note that the “Danen” name has appeared quite often at past fairs. Sarah Danen was fair ambassador in 2018, Heidi Danen in 1996, Jane Danen (Pullen) runner-up in 1992, Left to right: Senator Robert Black stands with and Rose Danen was competitors Ashley Aarts, Janeen Overdevest and an Ambassador for Nicole Danen who was crowned this year’s Ambassador of the Fair by judges Judy Waymouth the Stratford Fall Fair. ◊ and Erica Sayles.

Stewart Skinner and Jessica Kelly Dieten Dairy Farms- Seaforth President of the National OYF board, Danny Penner attended the event and had this comment, “It was so exciting to take part in Ontario’s Regional Event hosted by alumni Adam and Dana Thatcher in their new event centre on their farm just outside of Guelph. The evening was well attended by sponsors, alumni, family and friends. Hog producers, Stewart Skinner and Jessica Kelly of Imani Farms Ltd., shared a great presentation. They will make a fantastic addition to the 2023 National event in Laval.”

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year. The program is sponsored nationally by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, CIBC, John Deere, Bayer, Sollio Agriculture and CN with media sponsors Glacier FarmMedia and WS. It is supported nationally by BDO. ◊ October 2023 43

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

Reasonable apprehension of bias strikes farm tribunal

Courts and tribunals in Canada are to be held to the highest standards of impartiality. This is not just a matter of decision-makers subjectively acting fairly and impartially (i.e. actually being fair and impartial) but just as importantly a matter of fairness and impartiality being demonstrated to the public.

As articulated by the English Chief Justice Lord Hewitt: “[it] is of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” A hearing will be unfair, and justice will not be seen to be done, if the words or actions of the decision-maker give rise to a “reasonable apprehension of bias” to the “informed and reasonable observer”. Decision-makers must be fair and impartial and must also appear to be fair and impartial. If there is an appearance of bias, then the decision-maker is subject to review.

Impartiality has been described by the Supreme Court of Canada as “a state of mind in which the adjudicator is disinterested in the outcome, and is open to persuasion by the evidence and submissions.”

Bias is the opposite: “a state of mind that is in some way predisposed to a particular result, or that is closed with regard to the particular issues.” The words or actions of a decision-maker will give rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias where “an informed person, viewing the matter realistically and practically – and having thought the matter through” would conclude that the decisionmaker was not impartial. That

44 The Rural Voice

“informed person” must have knowledge of all relevant circumstances, including “the social reality that forms the background to a particular case”, and must have more than a “mere suspicion” of impartiality. The threshold for finding actual or perceived bias is high because it calls into a question an element of judicial integrity.

Reasonable apprehension of bias became an issue recently in a matter before the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board (the “NFPPB”).

The NFPPB is a tribunal with the power “to inquire into and resolve a dispute respecting an agricultural operation and to determine what constitutes a normal farm practice” and “to make the necessary inquiries and orders to ensure compliance with its decisions.” A person directly affected by a disturbance from an agricultural operation can apply to the Board for a determination “as to whether the disturbance results from a normal farm practice.” Farmers directly affected by a municipal bylaw or “persons who want to engage in a normal farm practice as part of an agricultural operation on land in the municipality and have demonstrable plans for it” can apply to the Board for a determination “as to whether a practice is a normal farm practice for purposes of the non-application of a municipal bylaw.”

Following a seven-day hearing in 2022, the NFPPB dismissed an application made by cottage owners who complained of nuisances caused by a neighbouring farm operation.

The Applicants alleged improper storage of manure, an increase in manure odour and flies as a result of the farm’s damage to and/or removal of hedgerows and other vegetative buffers, nuisance caused by manure laden dust, and odour and flies caused by deadstock disposal. The respondent farm had been operating in the same location for 50 years and the NFPPB noted that the cow/calf farm was operated using practices similar to other cow/calf operations.

The NFPPB dismissed the application on the basis that the Applicants did not show “substantial interference and discomfort which

would not be tolerated by the ordinary occupier in their location” and did not demonstrate “unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of the Applicants’ land.”

The respondent farm applied for a costs award against the unsuccessful applicants, arguing that the application was “frivolous and/or vexatious”. The NFPPB agreed that the application was frivolous because, while the Applicants alleged that the respondent farm had altered its practices intentionally to aggrieve the Applicants, the NFPPB determined that the respondent farm’s operations were “normal farm practices”. The NFPPB also took note of the fact that the Applicants were pursuing other legal actions against the respondent farm outside of the NFPPB process, that the Applicants had raised a multitude of issues without presenting evidence on particular issues, and that the Applicants had through their conduct throughout the proceedings attempted to malign and vilify the respondent farm. In the end, the NFPPB ordered that the Applicants pay the respondent farm $40,000 in costs.

The Applicants requested a review of the decision on costs, both on the issue of the amount of the costs awarded and on the issue of reasonable apprehension of bias. On the latter issue, the Applicants raised a concern about the appearance of a conflict of interest on the part of one of the three members of the NFPPB panel who heard the application and delivered the decision on costs. It turned out that one of the panel members had sat as an adjudicator on a panel of the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (“AFRAAT”) that also included as a member a senior partner in the law firm representing the respondent farm in the NFPPB proceeding. That AFRAAT proceeding was taking place at or around the very same time as the NFPPB hearing in 2022.

The NFPPB Vice-Chair considering the review request determined that an appearance of bias did result from the fact that one of the NFPPB panelists had sat on another tribunal panel with a lawyer

who indirectly was the lawyer for the respondent farm (that is, the respondent farm was technically a client of the lawyer’s law firm and, therefore, of the lawyer himself).

The Vice-Chair concluded: “When viewed from that perspective, an informed reasonable person viewing the matter realistically and practically, would conclude that the decision maker whether consciously or unconsciously would not decide fairly. There is the appearance of bias at the original hearing that would

WINGHAM

continue to exist for the subsequent costs decision.” The Vice-Chair ordered a re-hearing on costs before a full panel of the NFPPB. ◊ ______________________________ John D. Goudy’s law practice includes real property and environmental litigation, expropriation law, energy regulation, and regulatory offences. Agrilaw provides information of interest to the farming community, not legal advice. Readers should consult a legal professional about their particular circumstance.

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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

www.beloretrailers.ca

Full service to all boats and marine engines

ARGYLE Marine & Small Engines Inc.

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

324025 Mount Elgin Rd. Mount Elgin, Ontario N0J 1N0

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

Jamie Belore

KIPPEN, ONTARIO 519-263-5308

Craig Robinson Mobile: 519-441-1119 Email: blossomvalleyelectricinc@gmail.com ECRA/ESA #7015754 AGRICULTURAL - RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

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

Leadership in energy and environmental design

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

devonjhenry@hotmail.com

DL Distributing Dave Mustard 519-794-3334 Authorized Dealer

Tough on Winter, Easy on You Jonathan Zettler CCA-ON, 4R NMS 519-323-7505 jz@fieldwalker.ca fieldwalker.ca

46 The Rural Voice

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

REAL ESTATE

• Real Estate questions • Wishing a Market Value Analysis

(Free and convenient at your property)

• Buying or Selling?

NOW BOOKING VENDORS

“Welcome to connect with me anytime”

Gladys Munro Realtor®

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

Email: nick.cadotte@5amigos.net ~ Phone: 519-365-8027

PACKERS: WE BUILD B RUBBER U TIRE PACKER S SPECIALISTS I Order Now Also large fold-up steel drum N packers, lawn & estate rollers, custom manufactured E S RR #2, Arthur, Ont. (519) 848-2799 S SALES & SERVICE INSTALLATION & PARTS

QUALITY METAL ROOFING, SIDING & TRIMS

Rissler KEITH SIEMON FARM SYSTEMS LTD.

519-363-3757

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

www.keithsiemonfarmsystems.com email: keithsiemon@tcc.on.ca

2051 Bruce Rd. 19, R.R. 1 Chesley, ON N0G 1L0

The Better Choice, Plain and Simple

For Free Planning and Estimates

Organic Growers Wanted Long term production contracts available for HR Winter Wheat, Winter Barley, Winter Spelt and Winter Canola Also available in 2024 : production contracts for Soybeans, Edible Beans, Sunflowers, Peas contact: Wehrmann Grain & Seed Ltd

RR 1 Ripley, Ontario N0G 2R0 Cell: 519.955.0386 • Office: 519.395.3126 • Fax: 519.395.2935

e-mail: ingasven@hurontel.on.ca

www.wehrmanngrainandseed.ca

LEON BRUBACHER 9539 AYTON ROAD, RR#4 HARRISTON, ON N0G 1Z0 519-338-5497 T GENERAL REPAIRS & MODIFICATIONS OF EQUIPMENT T T CUSTOM WELDING MIG & TIG T T SHEET METAL FORMING T

KEY STOCK T KEY WAYS

October 2023 47

C E N T R E

Foundation - Frames - Jars - Extractors B 2023 Complete Beehives - Pollen Traps - and so much more!

Queens U S I Hours 9-5 519-492-0565 N Monday: Tues - Friday: By Appointment sales@widemansbeesupply.ca www.widemansbeesupply.ca E Sat: 9-5 87690 Malcolm Line. RR1 Gowanstown ON. N0G 1Y0 S S

STEFFEN

C E WELL DRILLING N 519-531-0355 TEESWATER, ON mike@steffenwelldrilling.ca T • Agricultural & domestic water wells R • Well Cleanouts • Pump Testing • Camera Inspection • Irrigation Wells E • Dewatering Services

MarCrest Backhoe Septic Installations • Tile Repairs Small Footings • Silo Footings

Maynard Martin 2512 Kressler Road RR 1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0

Tel. 519-699-0507

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

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

COMING EVENTS -------------------------------------------Hanover & District Horticultural Society's Craft Show. Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hope Church, 373 18th Ave., Hanover -------------------------------------------Huron Tract Spinners and Weavers and Goderich Quilters' Guild Show and Sale. Saturday, November 4, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 5, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at Huron County Museum, 110 North St., Goderich.

Free Admission. Betty, 519-5244695.

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

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

Call 519-625-8242 or 519-2741490.

-------------------------------------------FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Seed fertilizer cups for MF33 seed drill, $20 each; Allied grain auger 6"x40', PTO driven and wheels, $600; Snap-On duals 18.4"x30", 30-40% tread, $600. 519-3642099 -------------------------------------------FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Available certified fall wheat varieties and fall rye. For pricing contact Courtney Grain & Seed (2015) Ltd., 225 Hwy 21, RR 1 Ripley. Phone 519-395-2972. Ask for Carmon or Mitch.

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

FOR SALE ------------------------------------------Red or white potatoes $15 for 50 pounds. McIntosh apples $16 per bushel. Seasoned split hardwood $75 per cord; stacked or in tote bags. Glenlee Gardens, Harriston 519-338-2691.

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

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

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

Sittler Grinding Inc. Rick Sittler.

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

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

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

48 The Rural Voice

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE -------------------------------------------Suffolk Sheep - Purebred breeding ram and ewe lambs. Born in February/March. GenOvis tested, M-V negative, closed flock.

Florence Pullen, Clinton. 519-2337896.

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

Posthaven Limousin, John Post, 519-766-7178. www.posthaven limousin.com.

-------------------------------------------McKague Charolais bulls, registered purebred yearlings, polled and semen tested. Heifers available.

Wingham, 519-357-3808.

-------------------------------------------Red Angus, Red Angus-Simmental and Simmental bred heifers for sale. Bred to a calving ease Red Angus bull for spring 2024 calving.

Silver Springs Farms, James, Joan and Robert McKinlay 519-5996236.

-------------------------------------------Milking Herd (850 Goats in production, 75 doelings) and equipment for sale. CAE prevention in place. Contact Greg 519-5357920.

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

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

Heights of 8'-14' (1-pour). All jobs engineer specifications/inspections - guaranteed. Best firm quote in Ontario. Mark Cronin, 519-274-5000. www.croninpouredconcrete.ca --------------------------------------------

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

Ph. 519-528-3019

DANNY’S

Deadline for the November Rural Voice is October 10

Custom Painting & Sandblasting 86362 Harper Line RR 1 Lucknow N0G 2H0 (just north of Zion Road) Specializing in on Farm Pest Management Serving Southwestern ON, Golden Horseshoe, GTA Email: info@sgsltd.ca

519-692-4232

www.sgspestmanagement.ca

JOIN US ON THESE UPCOMING HOSTED TOURS! **Act Fast – Limited Space**

A TASTE OF ITALY DAIRY TOUR & CREMONA INT’L DAIRY SHOW

November 24 – Dec 3rd 2023 plus 5 Night Optional Extension Dec 3 – 8th 2023 *****

• Tree Seedlings • Nursery Stock • Shade Trees • Native Species Now taking Fall orders

888-226-6344

www.hrichardsonfarms.com

-------------------------------------------WANTED -------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------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.

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

7 NIGHT HAWAIIAN CRUISE on NORWEGIAN PRIDE OF AMERICA February 16 – 25 2024 Plus Optional Pre/Post Stay in Honolulu ***Limited space*** *****

WINE, DINE & TULIPS on the RHINE RIVER CRUISE

April 13 – 20 2024 Plus Optional 4 night Pre-Post custom Itinerary in Switzerland and Netherlands ***Early booking expiring soon*** ****

Follow us on Facebook or our Website for details on these upcoming launches!

FARMS & CHARMS of SCOTLAND June 2024 with the Royal Highland Show & Optional Post Tour to Isle of Islay

GIRLS BIG FAT GREEK GETAWAY

Girls Only Greek Getaway to Athens & Greek Island Hopping..

2025 River Cruise Dates, 2024 European Farm Show, 2025 European Dairy Show & more Agricultural Tours, Inbound Tours Girls Getaways & River Cruise Specialist.

Your Tour Host

Wendy Weir CTA Direct Line 519.378.3352

wendy@farmsteadtravel.ca www.farmsteadtravel.ca Farmstead Travel is an a liate of The Travel Agent Next Door 416.367.8264 55York St. Suite 1003, Toronto ON M5J 1R7 TICO# 5002128

October 2023 49

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

I

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

The NFU convenes in Ottawa this November!

f you’ve been reading the Rural Voice, you know that the NFU continues to fight on behalf of farmers. In Ontario, we’re opposing Ontario Bills 23, 39, and 97 and the changes to the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), and fighting for permanent farmland protections.

Across the country, we’ve won a reversal of the decision of the Canadian Grain Commission that would move profits from grain farmers to corporations; raised concerns about the Bunge-Viterra merger; and sounded the alarm for our farmers and farm workers working in unprecedented heat and smoke.

We’ve clearly shown that rising food costs are a result of corporate greed – not supply management, nor farmers’ incomes. We’ve urged the government to allow Mexico sovereignty over its decision to exclude genetically-modified corn.

In conjunction with allied organizations, we’ve brought a farmer-led strategy to the Sustainable Agricultural Strategy Advisory Council, advocated with Farmers for Climate Solutions for the creation of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, and raised the voice of farmers’ interests over multinational corporations.

The NFU’s National Convention is a time to celebrate the wins and coalesce around the work still to

come. We invite you to join us in Ottawa this November.

In usual NFU-style, we’ll have: Informative panels covering topics including farmland, trade, climate solutions, migrant workers’ experiences, seed sovereignty, and more; lively debate on resolutions from across the country; leadership elections for the 2023-2024 year; an in-person Indigenous learning circle; a Friday “Local Food Feast” and dance with a live local band, awards, jam session (BYO instrument) and more!

Our panels are filled with dynamic speakers including: ▪ Kelly Bronson, Canada Research Chair (Tier I I) in Science and Society at the University of Ottawa ▪ Stuart Trew, senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) ▪ Karen Ross, Director of Farmers for Climate Solutions and farmer ▪ Stewart Wells, a Saskatchewan grain farmer and N F U V POperations ▪ Amanda Wilson, Director General of the Office of Energy Research & Development at Natural Resources Canada ▪ Aabir Dey, Director of the Canadian Field Program at The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security ▪ Gabriel Allahdua, author of Harvesting Freedom: The

Life of a Migrant Worker in Canada and more!

Plus! You won’t want to miss our keynote address, delivered by Fatima Syed, a Mississauga-based climate journalist with The Narwhal. Fatima, and her colleague Emma MacIntosh, have played a critical role in keeping citizens informed about the outgoing scandal’s around the removal and redesignation of Greenbelt lands, and holding the Ontario government accountable to their public promises.

Additionally, on November 22,, members will be meeting with MPs and Senators on Parliament Hill on four topics: seed regulations; climate change; retaining farmland for farming; and farm workers’ freedom of association. Training for these meetings is free, but mandatory, so register today if you’re interested in participating! For more info: https://www.nfu.ca/pre-conventionlobby-day-2023/ As farmers and farmworkers, we know first-hand that these times are turbulent. At this convention, we regather our strength and take part in the democratic practices that support farmers and farm workers through solidarity.

Join us!

More information is at www.nfu.ca/ 2023convention. ◊

Local News/Events ● Local 344 (Grey) is partnering with local allied organizations to offer exclusive screenings of “Regenerating Life: How to cool the planet, feed the world, and live happily ever after”, a three-part documentary film by John Feldman. “Regenerating Life” takes an ecological look at environmental crises and, by challenging the prevailing climate change story, offers new attainable solutions. The screening schedule is as follows: In Owen Sound at the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library on October 12, 7-9 p.m.

(Part I & II) and on October 26, 7-9 p.m. (Part III, with farmer panel); in Southampton at the Bruce County Museum on October 14, 7-10 p.m. (full film, with Q&A); and in Meaford at Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre on October 18, 7-10 p.m. (full film, with Q&A).

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

Henry Groenestege, President

Perth County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER

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

How does the reproductive output of a sow compare to hen?

By Craig Hulshof ne of the many tools that Ontario Pork uses to engage and educate consumers about pork production is the pig mobile.

The pigmobile is a fifth-wheel trailer with a glassed in farrowing crate on one end, and information about careers in the pork supply chain down the side.

One of the most impactful events for the pig mobile is the CNE. Almost 100 producers and industry personnel sign up to take a shift talking to the Toronto public, and watching the looks on people's faces when they see a litter of pigs with the sow. There is a non-stop crowd of people who stop by to see the pigs.

The pig mobile always generates some interesting discussions. Most are about pigs as a pet (not recommended). A man from South America was inquiring about how to get some good genetics into his country. Another woman was concerned about the nanoparticles that pig farming might generate.

The one that stuck with me this year was what a woman said after I

O

told her a sow can have a litter of 15 pigs: “Oh that’s why pork is so cheap!” she exclaimed. With the rising cost of groceries making headlines, I was relieved that she still found pork to be of good value. But I always thought it was the egg farmers who won the award for the most economical animal protein! So how does the reproductive output of a sow compare to that of a hen? A full grown sow is 100 times larger than a hen, so how does a solitary, highly prolific sow compare to 100 mother cluckers?

Look at the numberes in the table

above. Amazing, isn't it? Obviously the feed efficiency of a growing pig is just as important to its competitiveness as a protein source as the prolificacy of a sow.

Please note that the Health Canada method for determining protein content of food is different from that of the feed industry. Also, during gestation the sow is rebuilding her body stores after nursing the previous litter. The calculation doesn't account for this, it’s a different animal.

Thank you to Jay Squire at Wallenstein Feed and Supply for putting these numbers together. ◊

LOCAL PORK PRODUCTS AVAILABLE Fill your freezer with local pork products Order today from: Tanya and Darryl Terpstra (519-291-7603) or visit Leis Feeds in Milverton – Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon BBQ services for large groups are also available, contact: perthcountyporkproducers@gmail.com for more details.

Pork supplied by: Perth County Pork Producers October 2023 51

519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551 Grey County Federation Email: grey@ofa.on.ca Website: greyfederation.ca of Agriculture * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA Members in Grey County by the GCFA

Proudly Presents

Jeff McEnery

Dom Pare

October 13, 2023 Proceeds are going to the “Build a Barn at the Safety Village” project

Kinplex, Flesherton, ON Dinner 7pm — Entertainment 8pm Live and Silent Auctions Tickets available on Eventbrite — ”GCFA Build A Barn”

Come out to support a great cause!

Grey County Federation of Agriculture

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING November 1 Please reach out to our office staff if you are interested in GCFA Board or have questions regarding our initiatives.

Social: 6:30 p.m.

Dinner 7:00 p.m.

Grey Ag Services, Markdale

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

52 The Rural Voice

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

NEWSLETTER

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

Bruce County Federation of Agriculture

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Take a deep breath... and one more....

We all share the road.

Featuring:

Ron Martin Magician and Illusionist

BCFA 2023 MEETINGS • October 20 • November 13

SMV SIGN If you require a new SMV sign for your equipment before heading out on the road, contact the BCFA office, there are some available to members.

October 20, 2023 Walkerton Legion Social: 6:30 p.m. / Dinner 7:00 p.m.

Tickets available on Eventbrite by searching bcfaagm or contact the Federation office at 519-364-3050 ext. 1

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

October 2023 53

Perth County Federation of Agriculture Email: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com Website: www.perthcountyfarmers.ca Office: 1-833-229-6834 Julie Danen, President: 519-801-9200

Remember to thank farmers and celebrate food Submitted by Eric McLagan PCFA Director As we get into the busy fall harvest season, it’s also a good time to think about Ontario Agriculture Week. Ontario Agriculture Week is an annual opportunity for everyone to celebrate the importance of food and farming throughout the province in the week leading up to Thanksgiving.

This year it is from October 2-8.

Agriculture is a major part of Ontario's economy. It is important to celebrate it. Ontario farmers proudly grow and produce more than 200 different food commodities for the province, country and world. The food and other ag products that we use every day are the result of skill, hard work, and dedication of Ontario’s farmers.

Ontario Ag week originated as a private members bill from Perth M.P.P. Bert Johnson in 1998. It is to recognize the work that farmers do to feed and provide for the province.

Thanksgiving is when we gather to give thanks for the bounties of harvest making it a great time to celebrate Ontario Ag Week.

Most of the focus this week is on the food we eat. It is also important to recognize all the other industry services to keep the food growing.

Things like equipment shops, feed mills, grain elevators, fertilizer and seed companies are sometimes overlooked around agriculture. They are also important to be thought about this Ontario Ag Week.

Remember to take a moment this week to give a nod to the people who work every day producing safe, healthy food and raising awareness of the industry. As well as the people who are shaping the policies and regulations that govern agriculture. ◊

COME CELEBRATE WITH US 2023 PERTH COUNTY

Harvest Gala THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE ARDEN PARK HOTEL 522 ONTARIO ST., STRATFORD ONTARIO 6:00 PM SOCIAL - 7:00 PM DINNER $70 PER PERSON - $500 PER TABLE OF EIGHT

A PROJECT OF THE PERTH COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE

For tickets, please email: perthcountyfedofag@gmail.com or call 1-833-229-6834 or contact any PCFA Director

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

54 The Rural Voice

Index Adam Lesperance ......................22 Apples ..........................................11 Business Directory ........46, 47, 48 Bautec Industries Inc ..................27 Bernie McGlynn Lumber ............29 Bervie Supply ..............................40 Bio-Ag Consultants ....................12 Bushell’s Auto Sales ..................45 Canadian Co-operative Wool ......31 Chalmers Fuels ............................31 Cottrill Heavy Equipment............55 Crafter’s Corner ..........................39 Crop Quest Inc ............................29 Cross County Eavestrough ..........9 Easy Lift Doors Ltd ......................14 Fall Harvest....................................7 Farm to Table ..............................34 Farmstead Travel ........................49 Feeney DesignBuild ..........Cover 4 Gerber’s Workwear........................6 Green Valley Heating Inc ............34 Greenville Liquid Plant Food ........8 GRK Products ..............................19 Hanover Honda ............................17 Hayden Water Wells ......................9 Hearing Life Canada Ltd ............24 Hill & Hill ............................Cover 2 Huron County Econ. Dev. ..Cover 4 Lakeside Shelving & Racking ....34

Live Landscape ..........................37 Lucknow Auto Parts Supply ......45 Mapleview Agri Ltd ....................20 Marquardt Farm Drainage Ltd ....37 Marvin L. Smith ..........................24 McLeod Water Wells Ltd ............29 Morris Sachs Silo Construction ..24 Nature’s Wave Inc ......................28 Ontario Agriculture Week ............4 Ontario Mutual Ins Assoc ..Cover 3 Rail Fence Books ........................37 RBC Ag West ................................9 RCS Forestry Mulching ..............16 Rural Voice Books ..............Cover 6 Seed Directory ..........................2, 3 Schmidt’s Farm Drainage............22 Schweiss Doors ..........................28 Stratford Agri Analysis................22 Stratford Crane Rental ................10 Superior Barn Painting ......Cover 5 SWO Diesel Inc ..................Cover 5 Townsley Barn Painting ..............55 Tree Planting & Maint.............13,15 Triple P Consulting ......................19 Trouw Nutrition ............Back Cover Varna Grain ........................Cover 2 WD Hopper & Sons Ltd ................7 Waddell Engineering Ltd ............17

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www.cottrill.ca

info@cottrill.ca October 2023 55

HURON

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

County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER

Klaver guest speaker at Huron OFA Regional Meeting Ontario Queen of the Furrow Maranda Klaver was the guest speaker at the Huron OFA Regional Meeting on August 30th.

Maranda spoke on how mental health in farmers was the elephant in the room.

Website: www.hcfa.on.ca Email: ofahuron@tcc.on.ca

Upcoming Events October 1-8 - Ontario Agriculture Week - Fresh, local and quality food and fiber products are grown right here in Ontario.

October 9 - Thanksgiving

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship winners.

St. Annes in Clinton Nicole Vermue CHSS in Clinton Brett Young FE Madill in Wingham Ethan Price GDCI in Goderich Maxine Ronald SHSS in Exeter Indra Hamilton

Huron County Federation of Agriculture

ANNUAL MEETING October 27, 2023 Social time: 6:30 p.m.

Meal: 7:00 p.m.

Clinton Royal Canadian Legion Guest Speaker: Dr. Wayne Caldwell on Rural Planning Contact the office for tickets – $10 per person

Finding Fairness in Farm Transition Huron County Economic Development is hosting a succession/transition planning workshop with Guest Speaker Elaine Froese (Canada’s Farm Whisperer) November 16, 2023 Goderich 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Tickets are $75 per person and deadline to register is November 2, 2023 Details at huroncounty.ca/economic-development

October 31 - Halloween Huron County Federation of Agriculture

BOARD MEETING Monday, October 23 - 8:00 p.m.

Vanastra office

Congratulations to Rachel Gras, the new Huron County Queen of the Furrow and to Rachel Wilts the new Huron County Princess of the Furrow.

The HCFA publishes its Annual Paper, The Huron County Ag Review in October and it will be delivered by Canada Post to all the farm mailboxes in Huron County.

We anticipate the post offices in Huron will receive the papers for distribution on October 5th.

If you do not receive a copy please contact us and we will send you a copy – but you should also contact Canada Post to confirm your address is classified as a farm in their system.

Your Policy Advisory Committee for 2023-2024 is Rob VandenHengel Erica Murray Murray Workman

HCFA OFFICE The office is open on Mondays and alternate Fridays 9 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

56 The Rural Voice

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Liquid Rubber Sealant Uses:  Roof Maintenance & Restorations  Foundations  Bins

 Pressure Washing  Asphalt Coatings  Sand & Air Blasting  Roofs & Walls  Elevator Legs  Lightning Rod Systems  Heavy Duty Seamless Eavestroughing  Fully Insured

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BACKROADS OF SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY This book features the best daylong excursions in the Southern Georgian Bay area. Eleven of the best day trips off the beaten path.

This book is full of fascinating historical facts, beautifully drawn maps and so much more. $19.95

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

TOP 170 UNUSUAL THINGS TO SEE IN ONTARIO Ron Brown’s new edition reveals even more odd and unusual, rare and offbeat sites - and sounds - close to Ontarian’s very own backyards. $29.95

A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH THE LITTLE BOOK OF THE HANDMADE MARKETPLACE: 300 BEST POTATO RECIPES Our most common vegetable can II - Commemorative Edition (1926- WOODLAND BIRD SONGS How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Brings the sounds of the forest to Globally and Online (Second Edition) also be the most versatile. 2022) The life and reign of her Majesty life. Learn and recognize these Kari Chapin has worked in marketing Information on potato history and Queen Elizabeth II. When Princess bird sounds - from the hermit varieties and recipes for everything and publicity and managed a retail Elizabeth of York was born, she was thrush to the downy woodpecker. store selling artisan goods. Now she from appetizers, snacks, salads, never expected to rule. Regardless, No walk in the woods will be the helps crafters sell their goods with soups, main courses, breads and she went on to become the longest- same again. $19.95 desserts. $27.95 this manual. $25.95 reigning British monarch.$22.99

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

Subtotal 5% GST on Subtotal Order Total

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

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

Hidden Gems of Huron County

FREE Fall 2023

Hidden

Gems of

Huron Co

unty

Fall issue print version now available FREE at tourist information booths, town halls, retail outlets, accommodations, and restaurants throughout the county and beyond!

Online version available at

stopsalongtheway.ca

Measure in order to manage Use income over feed costs calculations to evaluate profitability

Our team is trained to analyze your operation from input cost to milk cheque to achieve maximum financial profitability.

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• Capture feed costs and

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Contact your local Shur-Gain dealer for more information.

HENSALL CO-OP Londesboro 519-523-9606 800-265-9000 Zurich 519-236-7155 800-565-7155 Ripley 519-395-5955 855-895-5955 Alisa Craig 519-232-4449

MCBRAYNE

HOLSTEIN FEED MILL (2015) LTD. Holstein 519-334-3424

FEEDS & NEEDS LTD. Dresden 519-683-4439

THE HITCHING POST (2019) LTD. St. Marys 519-284-2360

TROUW NUTRITION CANADA INC. Tavistock 519-655-2033