The Rural Voice, 1988-07, Page 25OCIA label, a product must be ap-
proved every step of the way, from
farmer to processor to retailer.
For its part, the Ontario govern-
ment, in conjunction with organic and
ecological farming groups, is compil-
ing an Organic Foods Register. The
list will consist of producers, distribu-
tors, processors, and consumers of
organic products. It is hoped that the
list will enable farmers to market their
products more effectively.
Adjusting to "certified" organic
growing methods, however, is only
one of many ecologically sound routes
farmers can take. Ken Gascho and his
family, for example, have been farm-
ing their 200 -acre farm near Zurich
organically since 1962.
The Gaschos raise beef cattle, pigs,
and chickens and grow white and soya
beans, com, sunflower, and mixed
grains. The decision to farm ecologi-
cally was made because of personal
convictions and health concerns. Ken
also felt it was important to leave a
healthy earth to his grandchildren and
their children. A lover of wildlife, he
has seen a tremendous increase of
birds and other forms of wildlife since
adopting organic methods.
"The fertility of our soil is high
and is maintained by crop rotation and
the use of manure," he says. "We are
composting our manure for the first
time this year. Composting makes the
manure go farther."
Ken says his crop yields are at
least equal to those off a conventional
farm and perhaps better. He also
points out that production costs are
much lower.
Ken does not sell his produce on
the organic market, and although he's
a member of the EFAO his farm is not
certified by the OCIA. He explains
that his returns have always been
excellent on the conventional market.
The beef cattle on the Gascho farm
do not receive any medicated or con-
centrated feed. Ken mixes feed grown
on the farm. Antibiotics are used only
if an animal is ill. Overall herd health
has been excellent, he says. "As long
as the cattle are fed a well-balanced
feed they will do well."
Disease and insect control have not
been a problem with the crops, he
adds. Benefical insects and the large
bird population, in the absence of
pesticides, have done their work.0
ATTENTION
WOODLOT OWNERS
Thinking of selling firewood, sawlogs? The Ministry of
Natural Resources has experienced and professional staff to
provide advice and management expertise in managing your
woodlot.
Services provided include:
1. Marking of trees for cutting
2. Advertising of your marked sawlogs
3. Tips on marketing forest products
Give us a call. AO services are FREE. In Grey and Bruce
Counties contact the Ministry of Natural Resources in Owen
Sound at (519) 376-3860 or toll free 1-800-265-3720.
Ontario
Ministry of
Natural Mary Mogford
Resources Deputy Minister
Hon. Vincent G. Kerrio
Minister
TIRES
1.1
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• Radials
• Rice tires
• Reg. tractor tire.s
• Truck tires
• Automotive tires
All makes in stock
ON FARM SERVICE
Willits
Tire Service
Lucknow
519.528.2103
•
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NMI
Call us today
for all the benefits
of drainage and Roth!
roth drain, age
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Gadshill
519-656-2618
Clinton
519-482-5950
JULY 1988 23