The Grenville Federation of Agriculture held their June 8 meeting at the EBI Boardroom in Kemptville. With seven in attendance and two guest speakers, James Fisher and Dennis McKnight from the University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus. James Fisher is the Agriculture Co-ordinator and Dennis McKnight, Research Co-ordinator for Kemptville.
James talked about the agriculture programs at Kemptville College. There are four main areas of study, Business, Animal science, Agronomy, and other. Their goal is to have 60 students enter the programs. Out of the 60, 52 have farming backgrounds. Once the course of study has been completed 50 per cent will return to the family farm. Others will become dairy herd managers or work in the agriculture service industry. Career opportunities are list on their web site at www.kemptvillec.uoguelph.ca.
James felt it important to talk with GFA because their most important client is the farm family.
Dennis gave us some information on the research stations. The one located at Winchester is about 150 acres. At Kemptville they test plant varieties, alternative crops, turf, weed, disease and insects. Dairy reproductive techniques, fertility, greenhousing. RMR - calf / heifer management. Just to name a few.
The research department needs support to maintain a research program in Eastern Ontario. They need more land to support plant research programs especially for those projects dealing with pest controls. They are in need of funding to build a free - stall dairy research facility, there is no other in Ontario and it would be on the leading edge.
Kemptville College is providing quality education to farm families in Ontario and hopes to do so, well into the future.
The Economic Impact Study is now complete. There was a press conference on June 29, held at the Kemptville Truck Centre. A large crowd gathered to hear the results of the Study. If you would like a copy of the Economic Impact Study please contact Don Scott at 258-7780. A huge thank you to the Kemptville Truck Centre for hosting the press conference.
MARK THESE DATES
ON THE CALENDAR
Agriculture Fairs in Grenville County
Merrickville Aug. 11-13 Corner of Read and Main Streets, Demo Derby, Fiddling and Step-dancing contest, antique tractor pull, horse and cattle shows.
Spencerville Sept. 7-10 Demo Derby, tractor pull, cattle, sheep, goat and horse shows, a very large exhibit of crafts, one of the largest Holstein shows with over 100 head.
September 14, 2000 Regional meeting Spencerville Town Hall 7:30p.m. Topic is Nutrient Management with Paul Verkley.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Laurie McFarland at 658-2518.
From the Archives:
Federations, July 2000
