The Citizen, 2010-09-02, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010.
There was an exchange of
information on the power of
pasturing livestock when
international pasture specialist Janet
McNally toured area farms, Friday.
McNally, who has a sheep farm at
Hinckley, Minnesota, 90 miles north
of Minneapolis/St Paul, was brought
to Ontario by the Western Ontario
Lamb Producers Association for a
series of seminars in Walkerton,
Saturday. She took time, along with
about a dozen sheep producers, to
tour farms near Brussels,Walton and
Auburn.
In an interview, McNally said she
had used both intensive confinement
livestock management and pasture-
raised sheep and cattle but found thata pasture-raised system helped limitthe costs enough for her to quit heroff-farm job and finally become afull-time farmer. Pasturing alsoprovides some cost-certainty, shesaid, not leaving farmers vulnerable
to cost increases like $8 corn.
The low-cost side of grazing was
demonstrated during the first stop at
the farm of Tim and Donna Prior of
Brussels where rotationally-grazed
pastures are used to feed finishing
steers on the first pass, followed by
cows with their calves.
Prior said the value of the weights
gained by the animals in a season on
pasture works out to about $300 an
acre while his costs were just $50,
leaving a net of $250 an acre.
At the next stop, Chris Boettcher
of Walton explained that sheep are
part of a mixed farming, certified
organic operation which includes
hay and pasture in a rotation that
also includes spelt, oats for theflaking market, rye for bread flourand soybeans for tofu production. As well as the income from sale ofbreeding stock, cull sheep and lambsand wool, he credits his flock of 300ewes and 500 market lambs with $50
per acre in improved fertility for his
other crops. After two years in hay
and pasture, a heavy feeding crop
can be grown on the land, he
explained.
McNally, who was making her
third visit to speak in the area, said
Huron County’s diverse crop
potential offers an ideal situation
where sheep can be part of a mixed
farming operation, providing
fertility the soil and weed control as
well as the value of their meat and
wool.
The tour ended at the farm of Rick
and Marg Steele, who own a sheep
and pasture-raised livestock
operation near Auburn.
Police are actively looking for 17-
year-old Brendan Dixon of Waterloo
who went missing from a Seaforth
residence on August 20.
Dixon left a Church Street
residence, where he was visiting
with his family, at approximately
6:30 p.m. with plans to hitchhike
back to Waterloo to see his friends.
The last known communication with
Dixon was on August 20 at
approximately 8 p.m.
It is believed that Dixon may have
friends in Burlington, London,
Barrie, Waterloo, Guelph, Oakville
and Toronto and leads are being
followed up in all those areas. Police
need to locate Dixon to ensure he is
safe and well.
Dixon is described as being 5’11”
(177 cm), 110 lbs (50 kg) and with a
slim build. He has medium length,
straight brown hair and brown eyes.
Dixon was last seen wearing a
blue T-shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with any information on
his whereabouts is being urged to
contact the Huron OPP at 1-888-
310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-
800-222-8477.
Outstanding in his field
Chris Boettcher addresses a group touring his Walton-area farm Friday. Boettcher explained to
the visitors, including Minnesota pasture specialist Janet McNally, how sheep not only produce
money themselves but increase fertility for the other crops on his organic farm.(Keith Roulston photo)
OPP searches for teen
International pasture specialist tours local farms
Bus Safety Tips
• Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and
can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your
books and belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting
up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using
the hand rail.
• Do not cross the centre line of the road until the driver has
signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
• Stay away from the bus’s rear wheels at all times.
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and
the street.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and
the driver signals you to enter.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant
steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between
you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can
see you best when you are back away from the bus.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal
that it’s okay to approach.
• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required
to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses,
however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!
• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or
other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.
Special thanks to our sponsors
Have a safe school year!
Remain seated while riding bus!
from
Optimist Club
of
Brussels
Blyth & District
Lions Club
Welcome back students!Remember your bus safety rules!
Brussels Legion
Branch 218
Blyth Legion
Branch 420
Listen to your bus driver!
Show respect for your driver & other riders!
Set a good example!
SCRIMGEOUR’S
FOOD MARKET
Queen St., Blyth
519-523-4551
Auburn &
District
Lions Club
Always check for traffic!
Keep aisles clear on bus
Brussels
Lions Club
Stand safely away from traffic
Majestic
Women's Institute
Brussels
Lucy Hess ~ President
Jeff Ireland ~ President
Belgrave
Kinsmen
Howson &
Howson Ltd.
www.howsonandhowson.ca
Blyth 519-523-9624
One mile east of Blyth
By Keith Roulston
The Citizen