The Rural Voice, 2002-02, Page 50BRUCE
Email: bruce@ota.on.ca
website: www.ofa.on.ca/bruce
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9
519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
• The Rural Voice is provided to Bruce
County Farmers by, the BCFA.
Education - today's problem/tomorrow's solution
Never before has agriculture been
scrutinized and held accountable to
such a high level as it is today.
Environmental groups, urban
populations. commodity
organizations and fellow
agriculturalists all want and demand
safe farming practices and a healthy
environment. At the same time
providing a high quality, inexpensive
food source. A big bill to fill.
As with most problems a lack of
understanding by participants is at the
core. This may be overcome with
education, a simple explanation or
example. The risk that is present
however, is that the knowledge we
possess is outdated or irrelevant for
the situation. How often have you
heard the words "I didn't know that"
or "what do you mean"?
Of course no individual can have
all the correct answers or right
directives. That is the key element for
individuals working together on
commodity boards, farm
organizations, clubs, co-operatives,
etc. Only by striving for a mutual
goal will success be realized.
However, we must each assume
responsibility for acquiring as high a
level of knowledge as possible. For
some it may mean completing journal
education classes while for others
srmply.staying abreast of the latest
developments in agriculture in the
news media of your choice. Even
chatting with a neighbour can be
enlightening.
There is a wealth of knowledge
and experience available at our
fingertips, usually at little or no cost.
I am referring to the Best
Management Practice series
published by OMAFRA. If you are
BRUCE COUNTY FEDERATION OF
AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2002
8:00 P.M.
Sprucedale Agromart
R . #2, Walkerton
25th sideroad Brant (north off of former
Hwy.#4 - east of Walkerton)
MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
46 THE RURAL VOICE
familiar with the publications I am
sure we agree they are priceless
resources. If you are unaware the
books existed. I encourage a closer
look. Topics range from Nutrient
Management Practices, Water and
Stream Preservation, Woodlot
Maintenance, Rotational Cropping
and Minimum Tillage Practices to
name just a few. Contact the
OMAFRA office at 1-888-466-2372
or visit their website at
www.gov.on.ca/omafra to reserve
your copy.
Often a hands-on learning
experience is the most
impressionable. The Grower
Pesticide Safety or Livestock
Medicines Education courses are
great examples. I have yet to talk
with anyone that does not think the
course was time well spent.
Another example is the Advanced
Agricultural Leadership Program for
individuals wanting to further their
horizons and enhance leadership
skills. We also cannot forget the
Environmental Farm Plan or Nutrient
Management Plan workshops. In my
opinion every farmer should
complete an Environmental Farm
Plan before planting or harvesting a
crop, grazing, feeding, or housing
livestock. Upon completion, an
individual would have a far greater
knowledge of the optimum
agriculture practices and the effect
they have on their environment. What
is wrong with acquiring a license to
farm? It only represents a higher level
61-6
BRUCE
COUNTY
FARMERS
Bruce County Federation of Agriculture has funding
available to assist farmers with On Farm Best
Management projects for quality initiatives.
For information call Tony Morris AESI Co-ordinator
Toll-free: 1-866-466-8729 Evenings: 519-367-2136
or the BCFA Office at 519-364-3050
Funding made available from Agriculture and
Agri -Food Canada through the Agricultural
Environmental Stewardship Initiative (AESI)
program administered in Ontario by. Agricultural
Adaptation Council
of knowledge in a given field. We all
need a license to buy chemicals or
drive a vehicle. I definitely would not
ride in a motorized vehicle knowing
that person did not have a valid
driver's license.
The next step is conveying what
you have learned, including others in
your enterprise, but also persons or
groups opposing your endeavours.
For everyone who wants a successful
future for agriculture it is imperative
to spread our good news to all, and
what better way to sum up the fact
that agriculture is maintaining and
enhancing a healthy environment.
Truly good news.0
— Submitted by Mark Hamel
Brant Township Director.
OFA COMMUNICATIONS SEMINAR
Tuesday, March 5 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location to be confirmed
Grey and Bruce Directors, OFA Members and
Commodity Organizations are welcome to attend
To register call OFA office at
1-800-275-9551 or 519-364-3050
MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE
INFORMATION MEETING
Thursday, February 21, 2002
8:00 p.m.
Ayton-Normanby Complex
For information contact:
Paul Wettlaufer 519-665-7646
Sponsored by Normanby Township
Federation of Agriculture
QUEEN'S BUSH RURAL MINISTRIES
Helping Rural People Survive Crisis with Dignity
Whether it be a need to talk with someone on a
confidential basis or a referral the Queen's Bush
Rural Ministries offers empathy and support
Phone: 519-369-6774 (collect)
Alex Leith, Co-ordinator
THE FARM LINE
An initiative of the Ontario Farm Women's Network
The Farm Line is a full-time, province -wide,
toll-free telephone help line which assists
farmers and their families deal with job and
lifestyle -related stress.
By contacting The Farm Line farmers and their
families can seek advice and confidential
counselling and be directed to appropriate
agencies. Need a sympathetic ear?
Toll free: 1-800-451-2903