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THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2001. PAGE 15.
Nitrogen 2nd highest input cost for corn producers
With the big jump in nitrogen
prices this year, this element
now represents the second • largest
cost item in producing a crop of
corn.
Corn growers do have some
options available to them for
reducing this fertilizer cost. None
of these suggestions are new but
they have all proven their worth
over many years. Simply put,
take advantage of the nitrogen
already available to you on your
farm and soil test to ensure that you
are applying the correct amounts of
nutrients where they are - most
needed.
1) Livestock Manures:
Using manure to supply all of the
nutrients your corn requires can
reduce costs by as much as $40 per
acre, even after application costs are
considered. Inject the manure into
the soil or work it in immediately
after application to make sure that
the nitrogen goes into the soil not
into the air.
Have your soils tested to
determine the recommended rate for
each field and to indicate where rates
should be limited to prevent soil
phosphorus from building up to
excessive levels. Have the manure
tested before application so you
know what nutrients you're
applying. Be sure to use a reliable
laboratory.
-2) Legume Crops:
When a hay crop, that was half
or more alfalfa, is plowed down,
it can supply most of the nitrogen
required for corn. A red clover
plow-down crop will supply at least
40 - 80 pounds of nitrogen per
acre to the succeeding crop.
Even a soybean crop should be
credited for' 20 pounds. In some
years, these amounts might not
matter, but in 2001 every cent
counts.
Soil Testing:
If you are side-dressing nitrogen
fertilizer or manure, consider
having the soil tested for nitrate
nitrogen just prior to side-dressing
time. Soil nitrogen levels vary from
year-to-year depending on our
weather.
Soil testing for nitrogen isn't
perfect but it can indicate whether
you can afford to cut back or
whether you need to add more than
usual. .
In either case, the cost of soil
testing for nitrate nitrogen can be
money well spent. (The sample must
be taken at a depth of one foot and
refrigerated or frozen until delivery
to lab.)
4) Application Rate:
The higher the price of nitrogen
and the lower the price of corn, the
less nitrogen you can justify
applying. With the current price
situation in Ontario, you can cut
back on nitrogen rates by 15 to. 20
lbs. acre and still come out money
ahead. Any reduction in yield will be
small and more than paid' for by the
savings on fertilizer.
Pork Congress Launches 2001-A Pork Odyssey
On one hand, it's an event that
shoots for the stars while at the same
time, acknowledges the almost-
heroic commitment of pork
producers in Ontario.
2001 -A Pork Odyssey is the
theme for the 28th Annual Ontario
Pork Congress, being held June
21 and 22 at the Stratford
"Canadian pork is a safe,
wholesome product, which is sold
around the world", said Edouard
Asnong, president, of the Can-
adian Pork Council (CPC),
..the national association of hog
farmers.
Asnong was responding to some
recent media reports concerning a
Health Canada review of carbadox, a
veterinary medication which is
effective at treating intestinal
ailments in young pigs.
With Canadian packing plants
expected to begin reading the
Canadian Cattle Identification
Program individual ID numbers
beginning July 1, packers are
reminding feedlots and others who
direct-ship cattle to them that they
expect cattle to arrive tagged as of
that date.
"Packers take health and safety
issues seriously and are ready to
cornply with the Program," said
Garnet Altwasser, president of the
Canadian Meat Council (CMC).
The CMC represents federally-
inspected plants across Canada. "It's
at carcass inspection within the
packing plant that health issues are
often recognized, and we realize we
play an important role in protecting
the health of the Canadian herd.
Plants are going to a great deal of
expense and effort to be ready. We
expect our suppliers to comply as
well:"
As of July I packing plants are
required to read the tag numbers and
maintain the identification to the
point of carcass inspection. All cattle
currently in the system that are
moving from their present location
are required to be tagged with a
CCIA-approved ear tag. Monetary
penalties for non-compliance begin
Fairgrounds.
This year's festivities and
competitions will focus on the
challenges that lie ahead for the
Ontario industry. At the same time,
the two-day celebration will also pay
tribute to the continued, levels of
excellence afforded by pork
producers and those involved in the
The federal health department's
concerns with the drug are primarily
with any risks that might exist
for those handling the product (such
as on farms and in feed mills) as
well as potential environmental
impacts.
• On Tuesday, April 10, on learning
of Health Canada's intentions to
propose removing approval of the
product, the Canadian Pork Council
advised hog producers to stop using
the drug, at least until official word
July I, 2002.
Once the Canadian Cattle
Identification Program is fully
operational, the ID number will be
used to help the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency trace, contain and
eliminate serious animal health and
food safety problems faster than is
possible without individual
identification.
"The Canadian Cattlemen's
Association and provincial cattle
associations showed a great deal of
By Michael Roy
On April 7 at the Walton Hall the
fifth and sixth 4-H Chinchilla club
meetings were held at 11 a.m.
President Nicole Moore led in the
4-H pledge and roll call. Michael
Roy, acting secretary, read out the
minutes of the previous meeting.
The meeting and activity sheets
were handed out. Georgian Bay
industry, in spite of difficult times
for agriculture in Canada.
For years, the Pork Congress has
boasted a line-up of outstanding
Information workshops, culinary
excellence and opportunities to
network in a relaxed and friendly
atmosphere. This year's line-up will
offer those same attractions. Once
comes from Health Canada on
further action, which it is hoped will
be very soon.
"The Canadian hog industry's
Canadian Quality Assurance
(CQA® on-farm food safety
program is designed to assure
prudent use in swine production of
all veterinary drugs", added Asnong.
"We are very confident that our
regulatory systems and our industry
practices promote safe, wholesome
pork."
foresight in recognizing the need for
this program long before the current
situation in Europe caused animal
health issues to come to the
forefront. I commend those
organizatidns and the Board of
Directois of the Canadian Cattle
Identification Agency for the hard
work they've put in developing this
program for the protection and
benefit of all cattle and beef
producers in Canada," said
Altwasser.
Chinchilla club members joined in
on a delicious potluck lunch.
Leaders Ray and Barb Storey
talked about chinchilla preparations
before the auction. The auction will
be on May 5 at 9 a.m. at the Walton
Hall.
Members were then invited to
view a Georgian Bay Chinchilla
auction.
again, the Black Tie Dinner in the
Country, scheduled for Friday, June
15 in Stratford, will mark the start of
the Ontario Pork Congress's
schedule of events, with a feast for
the senses.
If it's the latest trends in
management practices and updates
on equipment and other information
that's key, The GAO Event will have
everything the on-farm manager
could want.
The Education Program, held
during the two days of the Congress,
will build on that foundation with
additional speakers and information
sessions, along with a walk-through
of the exhibits.
And when the business of the day
is complete, relax and renew
acquaintances with those from years
past or make new contacts for the
times to come at the Pork Congress's
own Social Event.
As always, the 2001 Ontario Pork
Congress will have annual favourites
like the Junior Barrow Show,
the Innovations Display, the
Carcass Demonstration and the Pig
Art Competition, including cash
prizes.
Each year, the Ontario Pork
Congress serves to celebrate and
recognize the level of excellence
afforded by the pork industry in this
province. In this, its 28th year, the
congress recognizes the vital
contribution made by producers and
those involved in pork production. In
2000, the Ontario pork industry was
worth an estimated $4.2 billion in
direct sales and indirect economic
impacts, accounting for more than
35,000 jobs created through the
• dedication and work of the 4,400
producers, their dealers and
affiliates.
The Pork Congress also provides a
useful and timely forum for all facets
of the industry -from producers to
retailers, packer to consumers; a
unique opportunity to learn, share
and reflect on all that Ontario pork
production has to offer.
Pork Council emphasizes safety
Cattle to be tagged by July 1
Chinchilla Club discusses auction
Livestock
Purchasing Agent
Needed For
Meat Packing Plants
- self employment
- $750.00 weekly plus
- plus expenses
- truck preferably, but not necessary
- knowledge of local farmers & hog
producers in the Huron East area a
necessity
Meat Packing Plant looking for
Livestock Truckers
Please call with rates
between Milton & Brussels
To all Farmers &
Hog Producers
of Huron County area.
Top city dollar paid for hogs, all sizes,
poor doers included,
weaners to market size.
Please call collect at
905-825-5669