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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-01-23, Page 88 Times -Advocate Wednesday, January 23, 2008 Lucan hosts economic strategy open house By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF LUCAN — An Economic Development Strategy open house in Lucan Jan. 17 focused on creating a new strategic eco- nomic development plan for Middlesex County. President of McSweeney & Associates Management Consultants Eric McSweeney was on hand speaking with members of the community in the Leprechaun Hall. McSweeney was accepting ideas and suggestions on three key areas: "Agriculture/Agri-Business/Agri-Food/Bio- Products," "Manufacturing/Auto Parts Manufacturing" and "Tourism/Agri- Tourism." Lucan hosted the final Economic Development Strategy open house over the course of a few days. Other locations were Parkhill, Glencoe and Dorchester. McSweeney says all the open houses were successful, adding, "The quality of the input was very good as well." Although still early in the process, McSweeney says it's becoming very clear that there "is certainly support for agriculture. Agriculture is very strong in the county." McSweeney says some members of the community are suggesting more economic support for individual producers. McSweeney also says manufacturing is a key issue. "Most manufacturers are under severe financial stress for a number of reasons," says McSweeney, adding that the county needs to "try and retain what we already have." On it's website, Middlesex County coun- cil states its reasons for launching in the economic development strategy. "Middlesex County has been engaged in economic development for the past 12 years and has maintained its focus on a co-operative model in which support is provided to its member municipalities through various means. County council believes it needs to move forward in pro- viding a new strategy for economic devel- opment for a number of reasons: • Increased difficulty in retaining and attracting investment in certain economic sectors as a result of a strong Canadian dollar and the globalization of trade; • Competition for eco- nomic development from surrounding areas and; • Increased economic stress in industry sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing." McSweeney and his team will compile the information given and present it at a stakehold- er summit Feb. 4 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Coldstream. The location is unknown at this time. The public is also encouraged to fill in a brief online survey until the end of the month at www. county. middlesex. on. ca McSweeney was accepting ideas and suggestions on three key areas: "Agriculture/ Agri -Business/ Agri-Food/Bio-Products," "Manufacturing/ Auto Parts Manufacturing" and "Tourism/Agri-Tourism." Record year predicted for 2008 By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — 2008 should be the best year ever for winter wheat yields. So says Mervyn Erb of Erb Crop Management Systems. Erb was speaking at the Exeter Masonic Hall Jan. 16 at the first of six agronomy sessions hosted by Huron Perth Ag Service. The topic Jan. 16 was wheat and cere- als, with Erb using most of his time to talk about wheat. Erb began by giving examples of how wheat yields have dramatically increased in Ontario over the past century. In 1895, for example, wheat yields were 20 bushels per acre; 2007 saw a high of 76 bushels per acre. "We've been on a real healthy incline," Erb said, noting there have also been steady increases for soybeans and corn. He pointed to the years 1985, 1992, 2000 and 2006 as being "great wheat years," and added "hopefully this coming year is another great one . . . and why shouldn't it be?" Erb told farmers last week that good production practices will help them maxi- mize their yield potential. He also stressed the importance of predicting which wheat lines will do the best. Erb said intensive crop management pays off, but results are influenced by variety, location and the year. In Southwestern Ontario, variety is the biggest factor, Erb said. He added that insects aren't a big prob- lem here, but the area experienced a warm fall, so he's interested in what kind of insects are seen in the spring. Erb also talked of the importance of planting dates. He said he's never seen wheat too big, but he's seen lots of wheat too small going into the winter. Planting too late, Erb said, results in powdery mildew and leaf rust problems. As a rule of thumb, Erb said farmers lose two thirds to one bushel per acre for each day they plant after Oct. 5. Citing the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Erb said the difference between planting Oct. 10 and Nov. 8 is 17 bushels per acre. Wheat grows quickly in the spring and Erb suggested farmers spray for weeds between May 5-10. He said by May 11-12, yield has been set. Erb also spoke of diseases such as pow- dery mildew, septoria, rust and stag- nospora. "Rust is devastating on wheat," he said, adding head blight is moving north from the U.S. and has been expanding since the early 1990s. "Don't lose your crop to disease," Erb said, summing up by explaining that wheat is a predictable crop, but it takes season -long management. Future agronomy sessions at the Exeter Masonic Hall hosted by Huron Perth Ag Service include tonight's (Jan. 23) topic of maximizing yield and profit of corn and soybeans. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Future meetings include: Feb. 6, edible beans and hay/haylage/forages; Feb. 20, understanding the reproductive stage of corn and soys; March 5, crop scouting and what we learned from 2007; and in a still to be determined date, getting your corn and soybeans off to a great start. For more information, visit www.hpagservice.com Carpet bowling Jan. 14 Helen Patterson 3w-33, Mariion Dearing 3w-31, Bob Patterson 3w-31, Audrey McGregor 2w1T-26, Peter McFalls 2w-21, Marg Deichert 2w-19, Mary DeBoer 2w-19, Don Maguire 1w1T-17 Jan. 18 Marshall Dearing 3w-34, Don Overholt 2w- 27, Sue Underhill 2w1T-24, John Batten 1w1T-17, Lucy Sage 1w1T-17 2007 NE (Diane Woolley) At first you didn't lift your head; You didn't know to smile. The time before you knew my voice Seemed such a long, long while. I couldn't wait for you to roll, And then to sit and clap. And now you're off and crawling, Not helpless in my lap. Why didn't someone tell me How fast a baby grows, That every little baby stage jos •.• r••• •�ti t••• 1 Soon comes, but sooner goes. So I'll enjoy the fleeting time Before you learn to walk. And treasure every tiny noise Before you learn to talk. For soon you'll learn to walk, Then run, And talk and sing a song, And never be my babe again. The babe's forever gone. Little baby, take your time, For while you're tiny, you are mine. Carson Andre' Keith Beauchamp Born: June 10, 2007 Weight (birth): 11 lbs. 4 oz. Weight (now): 23 lbs. Birthplace: Stratford General Hospital Parents: Paula Allen and Neil Beauchamp Grandparents: Keith and Nancy Allen, Londesboro, Don and Elaine Beauchamp, Exeter What 1 liked best about 2007: Meeting all my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins! Chloe Elizabeth Nichols Born: December 19, 2007 Weight (birth): 6 lbs. 13 oz. Weight (now): 9 lbs. 1 oz. Birthplace: Saint Albert, Alberta Parents: Brad and Adrienne Nichols Siblings: Julia Grandparents: Chris and Leann Nichols and Brock and Marc Fuller (Waterloo) 7E12 VIA22.- PA VOt SE 5300 'S G^9ONJ(� La • tee 4.1 • .•1 D LLUE.2 U o • Al RRI APIP Ap ••M