Better Farming Ontario | September 2024

38 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | September 2024 FIELD TRIP The Ontario Forage Council (OFC) recently teamed up with the Huron County and Eastern Valley Soil and Crop Improvement Associations to host two Forage Expo events. “Forage Expo is a day of equipment demonstrations, as well as a trade show of businesses in the industry,” explains Rebecca Vito, executive assistant for the OFC. “You get the chance to come out and see equipment from all the different companies in the field in one place and compare them in the field. “It’s a great way for the community to find out more about the adjustments they’re looking to make with their forage production.” The events took place on two different farms: The first occurred in Gorrie at the farm of Mark Horst and his family, and the second was in St. Isidore at the farm of Thomas Haerle and family. “We couldn’t do this without Mark Horst, Thomas Haerle, and their families,” Rebecca says. “They were so fantastic to work with, and we really appreciate using their field and land.” Before the event, the OFC invited local firefighters out to the site for an informational session. “It’s a way for them to get to know what they may be facing when they go out to the call. They see the equipment up close, talk to the reps, and get a better sense of what they’re dealing with when they have an equipment emergency,” she explains. “We talk with them about where to find their local dealership, opening the equipment, and what you don’t want to do. “We had a great turnout from the firefighters at each location.” Tube-Line TL360 bale wrapper. THE ONTARIO FORAGE COUNCIL SHOWS FARMERS THE BEST OF FORAGE ‘HAY MAKING IN MOTION’ BY LESLIE STEWART | PHOTOS BY REBECCA VITO, EMILY MCKAGUE & PATRICIA ELLINGWOOD

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