The spring itch is starting to settle in as the days are getting longer, the sun is getting warmer, and we have killed our wheat crop theoretically twice so far. We are anxious to see our wheat come out of winter and produce another yield breaking crop. That seems to be a hot topic these days while attending winter meetings.
If you attended the Dufferin Soil and Crop AGM held Feb 22 at the Amaranth township building, you would not have been disappointed with the guest speakers.
To start off the day we had a brief update from Lois Sinclair, the regional OSCIA program lead talking about past, present and future programs we should be keeping our ears open for. Following Lois was Andrew Barrie from OMAFRA, giving us a brief overview of nitrogen use and how we can reduce nitrogen volatilisation and/or amount used to help maintain a healthy environment. Andrew spoke on the soil sampling that has taken place across Ontario and the in-depth studies to go along side them, helping to give a bigger picture of the soil structures in Ontario. Next on the agenda was Adrian Opt’Hoog from IGPC Ethanol, who spoke on their operations and business plan. Adrian gave an overview of how shares work in their company and how you could become a member and own shares. Next up we welcomed a neighboring entrepreneur; Melissa of 1847 Stone Milling. Melissa and her brother created this business prior to COVID as they felt there was a need for local flour with no additives. Melissa took us through the bumpy road they encountered before ending up where they are today. They produce 100% certified organic flour of all types; bread, all purpose, pastry and more. Before lunch (while we had everyone’s attention!) we did the formal annual meeting covering any business that needed to be discussed.
After a great lunch provided by Tracey of TP Fries, the seed show winners were announced. To wake everyone up from a filling lunch Steve Kell from Kell Farms presented a market overview, giving insight and perspective on the markets. As always, Steve brings humour and knowledge around markets, which all producers look up to. To end the day we welcomed Deb Campbell and her panel David Orr, Alan Lyons and John Blydorp to discuss how they look after their winter wheat crop to have high producing yields. As always it’s very interesting to see and hear what other local producers have tried and what worked and didn’t work on their operations.
It was so nice to be back in person and to our ‘old’ roots. We look forward to hosting more events in the future, but for now let’s prep the planters and maintain the equipment for another safe and productive 2023 spring.
Brandi McCabe, Dufferin SCIA Secretary & Local Producer.
Cell: 519-940-6679