November 1998
Industry News
Terry Boland, Editor-in-Chief
ACC Loan Rate Set for 1999
The Agricultural Commodity Council (ACC) has announced its loan rates for 1999. The corn rate is $2.15 per bushel (ACC), applicable on the amount of crop covered by crop insurance. The rate of participation in the program continues to grow. Contact the ACC office in Guelph at 1-888-278-8807 for more information. See the invitation to farmers on the inside front cover of the magazine.
1999 Hybrid Corn Performance Trials Report
Don’t forget to watch out for the 1999 Ontario Hybrid Corn Performance Trials Report in the December issue of the Ontario Corn Producer magazine. Published by the Ontario Corn Committee (OCC), the new 16-page booklet will provide more extensive and detailed information, contain results for each valid OCC trial, in addition to traditional data.
Market Report
Daily grain market and weather reports and weekly crop production information reports are available free, by telephone, for those in the 519 area code. This is an innovative free phone-in information delivery partnership between Farm Market News (a unit of Ridgetown College, University of Guelph) and Environment Canada as content providers, and W.G.Thompson & Sons Ltd. as a sponsor. If you are within the Ridgetown toll-free dialing zone call 674-6397, elsewhere in the 519 area code, dial the toll-free line at 1-877-637-6397.
Announcements from Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and its Canadian subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited have announced a special pricing package for 1999 to respond to the challenging economic conditions faced by crop producers in the United States and Canada. There will be no price increases for 1999 corn and soybean seed products. In addition there will be price reductions among selected corn hybrids with YieldGard 1, and special credit packages for qualified customers.
Also, Pioneer Hi-Bred has announced that Argentine researcher Dr. Gustavo Garcia has been appointed as Corn Product Development Manager at the company’s research centre located near Woodstock, Ontario. His expertise and experience from across both North and South America will lend critical insight into advancing corn hybrid development for Canadian growing conditions.
Proposals Requested by OACC
The Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council (OACC) has launched a request for proposals that will address the issue of agricultural losses as a result of damage caused by wildlife. "OACC sees this request as an opportunity to develop a strategy for wildlife management across all sectors, with an associated communications plan, that identifies solutions for the agricultural industry," said OACC Chairman Wayne Newman. For more information contact Graeme Hedley, OACC Secretary at (519) 824-0334.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair ~ It’s Really Down to Earth
From November 5-14, 1998, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair invites everyone to experience the excitement of the country in the city. Horses, goats, chickens, geese and more will share The Coliseum and The National Trade Centre in Toronto with giant vegetables, Christmas trees, and almost everything in between. Throughout the 10 days of world-class competition, an estimated 351,000 visitors will take advantage of the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and tastes of the Fair.
New Addresses for TFIO and OGFA
Two Ontario organizations associated with the grain industry have moved. The Ontario Grain and Feed Association (OGFA) and The Fertilizer Institute of Ontario (TFIO) are sharing facilities in Guelph. They are now located at Suite 104, 160 Research Lane, Guelph, Ontario. N1G 5B2. The OGFA can be reached at (519) 822-3004 and TFIO at (519) 822-7474.