The Rural Voice, 2001-04, Page 61season to develop a strong root
system and not get crowded out by
existing established species. For
more information on frost seeding
see the OMAFRA factsheet Frost
Seeding (No. 09-071) or visit the
OMAFRA web site at,
www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA.O
Ag Census
coming May 15
By Linda McFadden
OMAFRA Regional
Administrative Coordinator
May 15, 2001 is Census Day in
Canada. In early May, farm
operators across Canada will receive
a Census of Agriculture
questionnaire and a Census of
Population questionnaire.
The Census of Agriculture prov-
ides vital information that supports
decisions made at all levels of the
agricultural industry. The confident-
iality of the information you provide
on your Census of Agriculture form
is protected by law.°
Biosecurity
in a cold climate
By Ed Barrie
Swine Specialist
Stratford, OMAFRA
Winters such as this past one can
bring out the best and the worst in
people. Interestingly enough, winters
like this also bring out the best and
the worst in biosecurity systems.
Among the pluses, we have
incredible cold that destroys a lot of
disease -causing organisms or
severely restricts their movement.
Airborne pathogens are typical. We
also have reduced challenges from
rodent migrations, fly infestations
and diseases which may be carried by
migratory birds.
On the worst side of the sheet, we
see increased problems related to
washing and cleaning. It is much
more difficult to carry out proper
washing and disinfecting procedures
of buildings in very cold conditions.
Equally important, it is not
uncommon to not wash trucks and
vehicles properly, or not to wash
them at all in very cold conditions.
Failure to take this one step at the
Advice
trucking level, especially when
moving young animals, can destroy
the integrity of the whole biosecurity
system.
There are a number of steps that
can make the washing and cleaning
processes go a little better. Plastic
lined transport vehicles (except the
floors) are easier to scrape and wash
then plywood or steel. Excessive
bedding in cold conditions not only
increases animal footing and comfort
but also reduces the contact between
animal wastes and the floor of the
vehicle, making washing easier. Hot
water washing, while adding some
expense, is much faster and more
thorough than cold water.
Maintaining biosecurity is
important each day that you are in
pork production and the steps must
be carried out regardless of the
conditions or the season. Today
might be an appropriate time to look
at the problems of your system and
plan modifications to be made in the
coming year.°
APRIL 2001 57
South Grey Regional
Snowmobile Association
Gratefully thank the landowners who graciously allow
our snowmobile trail to run over their property. In
doing so, you the landowner, are helping to contribute
to.the local economy by allowing tourist dollars to be
spent in your area during the slow winter season.
The trail is used by many local people as well, some of whom
are local farmers who can only spare a few hours for
recreation between chores.
l
it ` f 2C�r , v. 6,
e, -j Ti
7
'
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r �. �4
Thank you again from the clubs [Mich forst
South Grey &glottal ),lnlr►ttobile, lssociatiotrs
Fergus Elora Belwood Snowmobile Club
Arthur Snowblazers
Conn Cruisers
Mount Forest Drifters
Durham & District Trailblazers
APRIL 2001 57