by OMAFRA Ag Rep Brian Bell
Ontario Farms 150
To honour Ontario’s incredible story and help recognize key agricultural contributors, our government is offering complementary commemorative signs to Ontario farming families, farming communities and farm properties that have been continuously connected to agricultural production for more than 150 years. Applicants can apply for a sign by October 31, 2017, designed for being displayed outdoors, by visiting www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/ontario150.htm Eligible registrants can also request a sign by mail. Please ensure to include a short description of your agriculture history along with your mailing address when doing so. Requests via mail can be sent to: Ontario Farms 150, c/o Agricultural Information Contact Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ont. N1G 4Y2.
OSCIA Soil Champion Nominations
OSCIA is heading into its fifth year with the Soil Champion Award and we are hoping for another good response from the membership to maintain the great profile this award deserves. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2018 Soil Champion has been extended to November 1, 2017. That should be sufficient time for you to consider someone in your area. To be eligible for the Soil Champion Award, an individual must be a resident of Ontario and/or have contributed to soil management in a way that improves soil health, and supports sustainable crop production and is environmentally friendly. Practices that may be considered include: Minimal use of tillage – primary tillage is not eligible; Protect and enhance organic matter, soil biota and soil aggregation; Efficient and careful use of nutrients; Effective surface water management; Windbreaks and land retirement; the advancement of science and advocacy for soil care. Do you know a farmer, researcher or extension professional that would be a strong candidate? We urge you to consider making a nomination. An individual may nominate him/herself or be nominated by a third party. If you are nominating someone else, please ensure he/she is informed of your intention and is a willing participant. Details and the nomination form can be found on the OSCIA website www.ontariosoilcrop.org under ‘Soil Champion Award.’
