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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2015-11-05, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015. PAGE 19. Initiative marks International Year of Soils Co-op buys Fleming FM By Mark Kunkel, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture There’s nothing farmers depend on more than farmland and healthy soil. So when the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) announced the development of a soil health and conservation strategy, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) welcomed the initiative to sustain our most valuable farm resource. The OFA has always prioritized the sustainability of farms, it’s part of our mission. Healthy soil is essential for food production, a healthy environment and the long- term sustainability of Ontario agriculture. OMAFRA’s soil health and conservation strategy will help maintain and enhance the productive capacity of Ontario’s farmland, contribute to the economic growth of our agri-food sector, improve water quality and biodiversity, and increase agriculture’s resilience by adapting to climate change. OMAFRA and agricultural industry groups like the OFA have always shared a commitment to the sustainable management of farmland and soils. OFA President Don McCabe is serving as a member of the Agricultural Soil Health Working Group, a group of stakeholders brought together by OMAFRA representing farm organizations, soil conservation associations, academia and the federal government. Working together, the group will be researching and collecting information on the extent of soil- related challenges, including farming practices that affect soil health and the increasing risks of climate change. The working group will also reach out to farmers, industry and the public through a series of upcoming meetings and workshops to gather information and perspectives on soil health and conservation. Ontario is home to approximately 4.1 million hectares of prime agricultural land. In 2006 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimated 57 per cent of Ontario farmland was at risk of erosion and 82 per cent was losing organic matter. Research has also shown changes in soil quality and erosion can reduce productivity and profitability through yield losses of up to 40 per cent. Preserving Ontario’s farmland and soil is at a critical stage. Soil health is also being recognized internationally with the United Nations marking 2015 as the International Year of Soils. The OFA is proud to be part of developing an Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy, working on behalf of Ontario farmers to maintain and preserve our most basic and essential resource – soil. Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Oct. 30 were 2,510 cattle and 428 lambs and goats. On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold on a strong active trade at prices $2 to $3 higher. Choice steers and heifers sold $164 to $168 with sales to $179. Second cut sold $160 to $164. Cows sold steady with higher yielding cattle selling stronger. On Thursday veal sold at prices fully steady to last week with only the very heavy veal calves trading a little easier. Lambs and goats sold steady while sheep sold lower. On Friday calves and yearlings sold on a strong active trade at fully steady prices. Andrew Black of Proton Station, consigned 24 steers that averaged 1,441 lbs. and sold for an average price of $170.77. Four steers averaged 1,270 lbs. and sold to Butch Clare Livestock for an average price of $179. Clarence Carter of Parkhill, consigned three cattle that averaged 1,352 lbs. and sold for an average price of $166.30. One red steer weighed 1,320 lbs. and sold to Norwich Packers for $167.50. Donald Cormack of Mount Forest, consigned 40 heifers that averaged 1,393 lbs. and sold for an average price of $168.43. Seven charolais heifers averaged 1,373 lbs. and sold to Norwich Packers for an average price of $169.75. Larry Reinhart Sr. of Mildmay, consigned 10 cattle that averaged 1,499 lbs. and sold for an average price of $163.84. Two red heifers averaged 1,400 lbs and sold to Norwich Packers for an average price of $168.50. There were 200 cows on offer. Export types sold $85 to $95 with sales to $105.50; beef, $102 to $112 with sales to $126; D1 and D2, $90 to $95; D3, $83 to $90; D4, $72 to $83. Berkana Farms Ltd. of Brussels, consigned one black cow that weighed 1,510 lbs. and sold for $126. There were seven bulls selling $112 to $137. Rob Droefke of Chepstow, consigned one limousin bull that weighed 2,125 lbs. and sold for $137. There were 90 head of veal on offer. Beef sold $185 to $240 with sales to $250; good holsteins, $150 to $165 with sales to $168; medium holsteins, $130 to $140; heavy holsteins, $135 to $160. Lamar Frey of Listowel, consigned four calves that averaged 901 lbs. and sold for an average price of $207.45. One blonde steer weighed 825 lbs. and sold for $250. Justin Ulch of Dublin, consigned one blue steer that weighed 755 lbs. and sold for $250. Keith Weber of Clifford, consigned one limousin heifer that weighed 910 lbs. and sold for $242. Lawrence Brubacher of Harriston, consigned five heifers that averaged 912 lbs. and sold for an average price of $221.64. Two limousin heifers averaged 900 lbs. and sold for an average price of $227. Lambs, 50 - 64 lbs. sold $221 to $315; 65 - 79 lbs., $199 to $220; 80 - 94 lbs., $188 to $207; 95 to 110 lbs., $198 - $203 / lb. Sheep sold $70 to $120 / lb. Goats: kids sold $150 to $250; nannies, $80 to $125; billies, $150 to $250 / lb. Top quality stocker steers, 400 - 499 lbs., sold $309 to $355; 500 - 599 lbs., $289 to $331; 600 - 699 lbs., $258 to $292; 700 - 799 lbs., $240 to $267; 800 - 899 lbs., $225 to $255; 900 - 999 lbs., $227 to $245; 1,000 lbs. and over, $231 to $237. Top quality stocker heifers, 300 - 399 lbs., sold $295 to $350; 400 - 499 lbs., $267 to $330; 500 - 599 lbs., $251 to $286; 600 - 699 lbs., $231 to $260; 700 - 799 lbs., $222 to $236; 800 - 899 lbs., $222 to $234; 900 lbs. and over, $219 to $235. Jamie Irwin of Lucknow, consigned 38 steers that averaged 980 lbs. and sold for an average price of $227. Wayne Goodfellow of Mulmur, consigned 167 cattle, 67 heifers averaged 579 lbs. and sold for an average price of $261. Hensall District Co-op (HDC) is pleased to announce the purchase of the Fleming Feed Mill (FFM) and Elevator operations in Clinton. Fleming Feed Mill has been a strong family-owned business started by Bill and Margaret Fleming. For over 40 years they built a successful feed and elevator business. Bill earned the trust and loyalty of many customers while servicing Huron and Perth County areas. The Fleming Family wanted the new owners to continue the Fleming Legacy and continue to focus on excellent service and strong customer relationships. As a farmer- owned and customer-focused company, HDC was chosen to be the buyer of their family company. Since the passing of Bill in 2010, Rick McGlynn has been chosen as the Fleming Feed Mill Manager. Rick has done an excellent job carrying on the Fleming legacy. Bill built the original FFM facilities in 1967 to meet customer demand for pelleted feed and grain elevator services. Since then, the facilities have been updated and expanded numerous times to improve feed quality, volume and efficiencies. Marg, Ian, Jim and Rick and staff sincerely thank their loyal feed and grain customers, many of whom have dealt with them for over 48 years. The Hensall District Board of Directors and management are pleased that Fleming Family and Rick McGlynn chose HDC to purchase their business to carry on their legacy and tradition.Let us help you market all your crops Storage Programs Available Blyth Location 40605 Walton Road, Blyth Walton Location 10 Patrick Street, Walton 519-523-9624 • 1-800-663-3653 We are now ready to receive your 2015 Corn Crop Gloves Downtown Blyth 519-523-4740 Bainton’s Old Mill TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m. Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows THURSDAYS 8:00 a.m.Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep FRIDAYS 10:00 a.m. Stockers Call us 519-887-6461 Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd. UPCOMING SALES Agriculture Brussels Livestock report Fed steers, heifers sell on active trade BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.comHensall 519-262-3002 | 1-800-265-5190 | www.hdc.on.ca Multiple Locations across Southwestern Ontario · GRAIN ELEVATORS · CROP PRODUCTS · PETROLEUM & PROPANE · FEEDProud to be farmer-owned. wouthoss Srrotions accraoccaMultiple L ensall 519-262-3002 | 1-800-265-5190 | wH V· GRAIN ELE d.wneo farmer-o bee ud tPro · FEED · PETROLEUM & PROP · CROP PRODUC arioern Onttaesttewwe a.on.c.hdcwwensall 519-262-3002 | 1-800-265-5190 | w ORSTAATV ANEM&PROPPA ST· CROP PRODUC