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The Rural Voice, 1993-03, Page 31Gerald Poechman also warned the ecological farmers "If any of you think it's going to be easy, you're wrong." Since most ecological farmers have integrated systems with both animals and crops, they will have to complete most of the 23 components of the plan. But Roger George, OFA president, said after the initial pretest that "participants found the Environment- al Farm Plan modules easy to work through, especially after attending the half-day introductory workshop." Poechman has a criticism of the plan because it doesn't recognize the cyclical nature of farming from soil to plant, to animal to animal waste which then goes back to enrich the soil. Wildlife and agriculture can go hand in hand. The plan also treats the farm as if it exists on its own. "Ecological farmers realize the farm is connected to the rest of the world," he told his group. Brian Miller was one of the 50 farmers who completed a pretest of the plan in November. The plan proved popular with the participants, according to Don Hill, the Grey county farmer who is co-ordinator of the Plan. "Ninety-five per cent of the farmers said they would recommend to their neighbours that they should participate in the Environmental Plan Workshop," he said. It's the kind of response the Plan's supporters will be looking for when the 500 farmers across Ontario complete their workshop this spring.0 R. R. 3, Walkerton, Ontario NOG 2V0 BE PREPARED FOR SPRING. MAKE YOUR DRAINAGE PLANS NOW! Contact Bruce Tile or Your Local Bruce • Farrow Farms, Chatsworth • Schmidt Drainage, Harriston • K.M.M. Farm Drainage, Walton • Ron Williams Drainage, Listowel • Tait Brothers, Grand Valley Toll free 1-800-265-3080 Tile Drainage Contractor: • Scott Bros., Ripley • Nichol Drainage, Listowel • Steve Otto Drainage, Sebringville • Bruce Cook, Stratford • Harold Kuepher, Newton • Barry Weigel Drainage, Mildmay H&S BI-FOLDWHEEL RAKE - H & S Bi -Fold Wheel Rakes make easier work of handling your hay crop! - H & S Bi -Fold Wheel Rakes are available in 8 wheel, 12 wheel & 16 wheel V -Rake models. - H & S Bi -Fold Wheel Rakes are available in manual & hydraulic fold. - Three models offer you varied raking widths of up to 31' 6" (depending on model). - Gauge wheels provide for cleaner and gentler raking. *uraTifire 00/1,11 qulp.N.1 liletribuflars ROBERT H. LANING & SONS LTD. ONTARIO QUEBEC MARITIMES For more information, see your local dealer or contact Robert H. Laning & Sons Ltd. Waterford, Ontario NOE 1 YO Phone: 1-519-443-8601 MARCH 1993 27