Times Advocate, 1995-11-22, Page 18Page 18 Times -Advocate, November 22, 1995 FARM I I P T) A T F
Meetings planned as part of
the Artificial Insemination
of Livestock Act review
TORONTO - The Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Af-
fairs (OMAFR.'.) will be holding
consultation meetings with indus-
try stakeholders in November and
December as part of the review of
the Artificial Insemination of Live-
stock act (A.I. Act). Harry Dan-
ford, parliamentary assistant (agri-
culture and food) and MPP for
Hastings -Peterborough, will be
representing the Minister of Agri-
culture, Food and Rural Affairs,
Noble Villeneuve.
"The input of all industry stake-
holders is critical to ensure that
A.I. Act reflects the environment
in which Ontario's dairy, beef and
swine industries are working to-
day," Danford said.
Minister Villeneuve announced
in August that OMAFRA was be-
ginning a review of the Act. A
consultation paper was circulated
to stakeholders at the beginning of
September for comment. Industry
stakeholders are now invited to at-
tend one of five consultation meet-
ings where a compilation and sum-
mary of comments received CHill
be presented. Discussions will be
held on how the A.I. Act can be
made more responsive to the in-
dustry's needs.
Meetings will be held at the fol-
lowing times and locations: Tues-
day, November 21, 7 - 10 p.m.,
Knights of Columbus, 151 Lorne
Ave. West, Stratford.
Thursday, November 23, 7 - 10
p.m., OMAFRA Field Office, Ce-
dar Hill Plaza, 449 Dunlop St. W.,
Barrie.
Tuesday, November 28, 7 - 10
p.m., Quality Inn, Corner of High-
way 401 and 59 Woodstock (this
session will deal specifically with
swine industry issues).
Thursday, November 30. 7 - 10
p.m., Pinewood Park Motor Inn,
210 Pinewood Park Dr., North
Bay.
Tuesday, December 5, 7 - 10
p.m., Kemptville College of Agri-
cultural Technology, Gym. W.B.
George Centre, Kemptville.
The A.I. Act provides for the li-
censing of businesses and individu-
als involved in A.I. Artificial In-
semination is one of the most
valuable tools available for achiev-
ing genetic improvements in live-
stock, and its importance continues
to grow. 1t is used to breed approxi-
mately 95 per cent of purebred
dairy cattle and 80 per cent of com-
mercial dairy cattle in Ontario. It is
also used by leading edge beef and
swine producers and seedstock
breeders.
To receive a copy of the consul-
tation paper or further information,
stakeholders can contact Rhonda
Oud, OMAFRA Resources and
Regulations Branch, (519) 767-
3562.
Brussels livestock sales
BRUSSELS - Sales at Brussels Livestock for the week ending November 17,
1995.
Fed cattle 931 Cows 288
Veal calves 190 Lambs & Goats 144
Stockers 1546 Pigs 132
The market at Brussels Livestock saw fed steers and
heifers selling on a good strong active trade. Cows sold
fully steady. On Thursday veal sold steady. Lambs sold on a strong trade. On Fri-
day all weights of stockers sold steady.
There were 637 steers on offer selling from 84.00 to 88.00 to the high of 97.00.
Twelve steers consigned by Jim Howatt. Londesborough averaging 1275 lbs.
sold for an average of 90.27 with sales to 97.00.
One hundred and six steers consigned by Norma Hamell, Dobbinton averaging
1 364 lbs. sold for an average of 85.53 with sales to 93.25.
Twenty-four steers consigned by Laverne Martin, Mount Forest averaging 1400
lbs. sold for an average of 86.52 with sales to 93.00.
Thirteen steers consigned by Schmidt Brook Farms Inc., Woodstock averaging
1444 lbs. sold for an average of 86.16 with sales to 92.25.
Ten steers consigned by Mike Dalton, Goderich averaging 1364 lbs. sold for an
average of 87.26 with sales to 92.00.
Twelve steers consigned by Terry McCarthy, Dublin averaging 1441 lbs. sold
for an average of 84.92 with sales to 90.00.
Forty steers consigned by W.B. Pletch Co. Ltd., Rockwood averaging 1365 lbs.
sold to the high of 89.50.
Six steers consigned by Dave Bender, Palmerston, averaging 1127 lbs. sold for
an average of 86.87 with sales to 89.00.
Twelve steers consigned by Beetonia Farms Ltd., Becton averaging 1451 lbs.
sold for an average of 82.93 with sales to 88.75.
Two steers consigned by Barry Jacklin. Bluevale averaging 1467 lbs. sold for
an average of 87.69 with sales to 88.75.
There were 218 heifers on offer selling from 84.00 to 88.00 to the high of
94.75.
Thirty heifers consigned by Johnston Farms, Bluevale averaging 1129 lbs. sold
for an average of 84.07 with sales to 94.75.
One heifer consigned by Ron Gordon, Blyth weighing 1285 lbs. sold for 91.00.
Fifteen heifers consigned by Wayne Rowe, Woodham averaging 1258 lbs. sold
for an average of 83.95 with sales to 90.00.
Two heifers consigned by Emil Weidner. Grand Valley averaging 1180 lbs.
sold for an average of 83.77 with sales to 86.75.
Three heifers consigned by Ron Pentland, Goderich averaging 1 181 lbs. sold
'for an average of$3.90 with sales to 86.75.
Five heifers consigned by Charles Ready. St. Marys averaging 1166 lbs. sold
for an average of 84.05 with sales to 86.35.
Eight heifers consigned by William Alderson. Clifford averaging 1268 lbs. sold
for an average of 82.43 with sales to 85.75.
Four heifers consigned by Hank Versteeg, Wingham averaging 1314 lbs. sold
for an average of 80.83 with sales to 85.25.
Nineteen heifers consigned by Bally Kocher. Listowel averaging 1262 lbs. sold
for an average of 1262 lbs. sold for an average of 83.08.
There were 288 cows on offer selling from 30.00 to 48.00 to the high of 58.00.
Five cows consigned by Allen and Dorothy Martin, Listowel averaging 1277
lbs. sold for an average of 53.21 with sales to 58.00.
Three cows consigned by John Semjanous. Orangeville averaging 1740 lbs.
sold for an average of 48.95 with sales to 56.00.
Three cows consigned by Frank Nigh. Seaforth averaging 1395 lbs. sold for an
average of 51.62 with sales to 53.00.
There were 28 bulls on offer selling from 41.50 to 54.00 to the high of 64.50.
One Limo Bull consigned by Harvey Becker, Ayton weighing 2020 Ibs. sold
for 64.50.
One Limo Bull consigned by Cliff Campbell, Stratford, weighing 1685 lbs. sold
for 64.00.
There were 190 veal on offer selling: Hol. 75.00 to 90.00; Beef 80.00 to
109.50.
Five veal consigned by Allan McKinnon, Shallow Lake, averaging 616 lbs.
sold for an average of 96.51 with sales to 109.50.
Six veal consigned by Ducharme Farms Ltd., Zurich averaging 612 Ibs. sold for
an average of 102.25 with sales to 108.00.
Three veal consigned by William Ten Hove, Monkton averaging 683 lbs. sold
for an average of 86.70 with sales to 93.00.
Lambs: 50-80 lbs. 128.00 to 153.00
80-94 lbs. 125.00 to 134.00
Sheep: 51.01310 67.00
Goats: 642.50 to S125.00
Stockers
Steers:
400 - 499 lbs. 80.00 to 118.30
500 - 599 71.00 to 102.00
600 - 699 85.00 to 95.50
700 - 799 55.50 to 98.00
800 - 899 79.50 to 100.00
900 and over 37,73 to 91.00
Heifers:
300 - 399 lbs. 70.00 to 106.00
400 - 499 82.00 to 105.00
500 - 599 63.00 to 93.75
600-699 63.50to81.00
700 - 799 65.00 to 86.00
800 and over 71.00 to 82.50
Denfield
market report
The market at Denfield traded on a
good demand
at $2.00 c.w.t.
higher on all
classes of fed cat-
tle with buyers
very aggressive on
the well-fed cattle. Cows traded
steady, with good quality cows show-
ing improvement.
350 stockers met a good demand at
fully steady prices. Good veal sold
stronger. Light offering of pigs sold
strong.
640 cattle, 100 pigs.
Don Eedy and Mark Vanderploeg,
Denfield sold 8 heifers. ay. weight
1290, average price 93.31, to a high
sale of 97.50 purchased by M.G.I. and
97.25 purchased by M.G.I, Packers.
Glen Minielly, Wyoming sold 8
heifers average weight 1147, average
price 85.19, sales to 93'75, purchased
by Holly Park.
G. O'Leary Farms, Ailsa Craig, sold
4 heifers, average weight 1221, aver-
age price 85.11.
Wayne Robinson, Dresden. sold 6
steers, average weight 1305, average
price 88.00, sales to 92.75, purchased
by Holly Park.
Norman G. Hodgins, Parkhill sold
32 steers, average weight 1409, aver-
age price 85.11, with sales to 95.75,
purchased by M.G.I. Packers and
95.00 purchased by Holly Park Pack-
ers.
Choice Steers: 85-90, sales 95.75
Good steers: 80 -85 -
Plain steers: 65-75
Choice exotic cross heifers: 86-91,
sales to 97.50
Good heifers: 80-85
Common and medium: 65-75
DI and D2 cows: 40-47, sales to 51
D3 and D4 cows: 35-40
Shells: 20-30
Bulls: 55-75
Choice veal: 85-95
Good veal: 75-85
Plain veal: 50-60
Yearling steers: 85-93
Yearling heifers: 83-90
Steer calves: 85-105
Heifer calves: 85-100
Pigs: 40-60 lbs., 75-90: Over 60 lbs.
86-80; sows 37-43; boars 33-39
Grid mapping : a new
methold of soil testing
Brenda Burke T -A staff
MITCHELL - As part of the FS
Green Plan, which consists of a
new information database for farm-
ers, Perth County Co-op is one of
eight co-ops in Ontario to imple-
ment grid mapping, a computerized
method of recording and mon-
itoring data for soil sampling.
Traditional soil testing during the
past 15 to 20 years has involved
taking random samples of earth.
"Instead of randomly sampling
soil throughout a
field, combining
the samples and
sending in one
sample to repre-
sent the whole
field," stated a re-
cent Green Plan
press release;
"farmers are get-
ting samples col-
lected from more
frequent and more
specific points
throughout a field
to generate as
much detailed in-
formation about
their fields as pos-
sible."
Using the results
of this intensive soil testing, crop
specialists are able to use comput-
ers to create gri4 maps, revealing
soil nutrient variations throughout a
field. A field is sectioned into grids
and soil samples are taken at grid
intersectjons. Information is stored
on a data card and brought to a co-
op where grid maps are made to in-
form the farmer about his soil.
"The possibilities are endless,"
said Barry Gordon. crop enterprise
specialist at Perth County Co-op
Inc. "You can collect the data and
pinpoint where it came from," he
said, adding "At least we can do
(soil sampling) according to ac-
curat' data. It's. data -based rather
than estimated averages...Our soft -
wear package is going to allow us
to read anybody's (data cards)."
Dave Templeman, crop centre
manager at Perth County Co-op,
describes grid mapping as 'site spe-
cific farming'. Grid mapping can
help determine sections of a field
that may require more nutrients and
at the same time identify over -
fertilized areas. This saves the
farmer time, money and guesswork.
Instead of spreading fertilizer
over an entire tiled at an average
rate, farmers 'can add precise
amounts only where needed, re-
sulting in increased profits, pro-
tection of the environment and
more consistent
yields.
Gordon ex-
plained farmers
"can now make
more informed
management de-
cisions" and op-
timize their yields.
Combined with
the Global Posi-
tioning System
(GPS), a network
of government sat-
ellites used to pin-
point locations on
the earth's surface,
soil samples can be
taken from the
same location and
compared from test
to test using latitudinal and lon-
gitudinal measurements.
The initial grid mapping setup
services cost approximately $15 per
acre. Then the cost drops to about
$5 an acre since grid mapping is
done every three to tour years. Al-
though traditional soil sampling is
less expensive at an average of $1
to $1.50 per acre, it tails to provide
detailed soil information.
"It's very big in the States," said
Templeman, adding the system has
been in place there for five years.
Growmark, a major buying gmup
for most Ontario co-ops. initiated
the .program to be introduced to
Perth, Simcoe, Waterloo -Oxford.
Stoney Point, St. Isidore. Norfolk,
Stouffville and Embrun co-ops by
spring. Although the Perth County
Co-op, among the first to imple-
"Instead of randomly
sampling soil through-
out a field, combining
the samples and send-
ing in•one sample to
represent the whole
field, farmers are get-
ting samples collected
from more frequent
and more specific
points throughout a
field to generate as
much detailed in-
formation about their
fields as possible."
ment the system, had an initial
goal to set up 2,000 to 3,000 acres
for grid mapping in the fall, early
snow has moved that figure closer
to 1,500 acres.
"We want to (gradually) keep
adding to it every year," said Tem-
pleman, explaining one third of the
co-op's customers support the idea
of grid mapping while one third are
considering it and one third reject
it.
Perth Co-op members were in-
formed of grid mapping in Sep-
tember and those who have agreed
to use the system are starting by
having small sections of acreage
tested. By next fall, the co-op
should have a good indication of
how the system is working.
Because it's not practical for
farmers to do grid mapping them-
selves, which includes working
with a laptop computer grid while
driving machinery and receiving
signals through a receiver mounted
on the cab, co-ops are providing the
service.
Besides grid mapping, Green
Plan also offers record keeping, nu-
trient plans, expert systems. rec-
ommendations, economics, variable
rate technology, yield monitoring,
which is a computerized system
mounted in a combine that meas-
ures and displays the yield as it is
harvested, and crop scouting, a pro-
cess that involves monitoring fields
to check crop progress and ac-
curately pinpoint problem areas.
The Perth County Co-op will
have crop scouting softwear in
place by Dec. I and hopes to begin
using it in the next growing season.
Precision applications may begin
next fall.
Although there are only a few
farmers in Perth County trying the
Green Plan so far, Gordon said if
the system's success in the States is
any indication, "It will he succcss-
fiul. It will just take time."
Gordon added although the Hen-
sall District Co-op is not yet imple-
menting the system. it seems "to be
interested in what we're doing."
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