Look for MOU vote this summer Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by SUSAN MANN The heads of the three producer groups signed an updated memorandum of understanding April 2 reaffirming their commitment to bring plans for a single organization to a producer vote. No date for the vote has been set yet but “if the timelines go as planned we’re probably looking at a late summer vote,” says Ontario Soybean Growers chair Leo Guilbeault. “There’s an awful lot of work that has to get done yet.” Part of that work includes developing a business plan and ensuring that all the information is accurate and precise so when growers get their information packages as part of the voting process “they’ll have all the information at hand that they’ll need to make a decision.” Guilbeault says soybean growers want to ensure the strategic plans of the three organizations continue even if there’s one organization representing them. “It’s still dealing with three specific commodities. If you look at the markets for those three commodities a distinct strategic plan for each one would still have to go forward.” In addition they want to ensure “the financials are good so that the organization starts on a solid foundation,” he adds, noting they also want to ensure there’s a proper business plan. It’s good the plans to develop one grains group are continuing to be developed, Guilbeault says. “One way or another there’s going to be a producer vote and we’ll let the producers decide.” Work on developing one organization began in 2004 when representatives from the three organizations signed an original agreement to come up with a proposal. The process was suspended last November after the Ontario Soybean Growers pulled out. But during county and annual meetings for all three organizations this winter and spring producers urged their elected representatives to get the plans for developing one organization and holding a producer vote back on track. “We were directed by farmers to get it back moving again,” says David Whaley, chair of the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board. Farmers spoke loud and clear at the county annual meetings and told their directors they wanted to be able to vote, notes Dale Mountjoy, president of the Ontario Corn Producers’ Association. “Corn producers always wanted to let farmers have a vote,” he says. A working group made up of the chairs and general managers from the three organizations will be working with the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission to ensure all requirements needed for the vote are met. It’s the Commission that will be conducting the vote. Mountjoy estimates the number of farmers eligible to vote to be 20,000. BF Commission supports mandatory fee for floriculture growers Ontario beef producers at a 'disadvantage' says OCA's president
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online
Milwaukee Extended Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench Thursday, September 12, 2024 Measuring torque is a common on-farm task it can sometimes be a challenge to accomplish this for multiple and varied pieces of equipment, that where Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL™ 1" D-Handle Ext. Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ can provide value. Cordless tools create convenience,... Read this article online
Ontario and Feds look to strengthen the provincial agri-food sector Monday, September 9, 2024 The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced they will be investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses that will enhance... Read this article online
The Great Ontario Yield Tour predicts a record-breaking soybean crop Friday, September 6, 2024 The Great Ontario Yield Tour is predicting the 2024 Ontario soybean yield will be 54.12 bu/ac—a NEW RECORD high surpassing the previous record of 53 bu/ac set last year. If the prediction is correct, it will be the best soybean crop ever produced in Ontario!... Read this article online
IPM needs volunteers Thursday, September 5, 2024 The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2024 (IPM) could use a helping hand for volunteers. The IPM is being held this year in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, between October 1 and 5, 2024. While we are aware that the majority of the popular event is being held during... Read this article online