Updates
As the old saying goes, “Patience is a virtue” certainly holds true when we are experiencing the weather patterns of the past few weeks. Farmers are anxious to get on the land, but experience has taught us that we must be patient and not push the envelope to fast. At the end of April, our forage stands are still lacking the colour and growth of areas in the south/west of the province, but then as stated earlier, we must be patient and count our lucky stars.
The Ontario Hay Marketing Forum (OHMF) teamed up with the Ontario Hay & Forage Co-operative Inc. on a recent Timothy hay tour in south western Ontario. We saw more advanced stands of timothy and witnessed a few different methods of planting and fertility applications being utilized. We heard many positive comments about the current forage situation, as well as reports of this being one of the best times hay producers have experienced.
The emphasis is certainly focused on producing a high-quality forage product, that will compete very well with any other cash crop and at the same time. We also saw evidence of how forages can improve soil health and fertility. To maximize our bottom line in hay production today, we must employ a totally different management system than grandpa had done in his day. We only need to look at the cereal crops and how their production levels have advanced in recent years. Hay can more than equal those production levels, if we revise our production and management practices. From a market perspective, all of Canada can not supply the total export demand and there is certainly a growing awareness of the true value of good quality hay.
If you are in the hay marketing business, or regularly sell hay or straw locally, you may find it beneficial to join the Ontario Hay Marketing Forum. The Ontario Hay Marketing Forum is the first entity we think of when referring producers to a reputable hay supplier. It can be an excellent marketing tool, that gives you constant exposure to a broad clientele and at a reasonable price.
This is an exciting time for the forage industry and producers, or potential hay producers are invited to join the Ontario Hay Marketing Forum and be part of this entrepreneurial endeavour. You could also become eligible to join the Canadian Forage Export Group.
For a membership form, or more information, please feel free to contact Ray Robertson at 1-877-892-8663 or ray@ontarioforagecouncil.com
Membership Benefits
Hay Marketing Forum Membership - $500 (2 year Membership)
Member benefits include, but are not limited to:
Hay Marketing Forum Brochure
Members will have their name, company name and contact information published in an annual brochure exclusive to the Hay Marketing Forum! This brochure is available at all OFC and affiliated events.
Access to the Most Recent Research Information
Hay Marketing Forum members receive final reports on OFC supported research projects as soon as they become available!
OFC Website
On the "Members" page, Hay Marketing Forum members will be listed with hot link to connect customers directly to their website!
THINK GREEN! Newsletter
Members are encouraged to submit articles for inclusion in the newsletter.
OFC Council
The Ontario Hay Marketing Forum has recently been invited to elect two representatives to sit on the Ontario Forage Council Board of Directors. These representatives will be re-elected on an annual basis.
Members
Andre Larocque 3385 Larocque Rd Glen Robertson, ON K0B 1H0 (613) 551-2986 |
Smith Sales Bruce Smith 9399 Conc. Rd. 4 RR #1 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R1 (905) 852-5246 |
Marhaven Agri Inc. Chris Martin 7715 Wellington Rd. 8 Alma, ON N0B 1A0 (519) 638-3423 |
Dunlea Farms Fritz Trauttmansdorff 400 Field Rd. RR #1 Jerseyville,ON L0R 1R0 (519) 647-2311 |
Heritage Acre Farms Limited Ian Dann 22504 Fairview Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0 (519) 317-0693 |
Via Pax ET Led. Don Rowntree 12921 5th Sideroad RR #2 Georgetown, ON L7G 4S5 (416) 464-2373
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Glen Isle Farms Matt or Jim Glen 15 McCallum Place, PO Box 190 Keene, ON K0L 2G0 (705)295-4487
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Joe & Vince Gordon RR #3 Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 (519) 986-4826 (519) 375-5898 |
Jon Blydorp, Blydorp Farms Ltd. 215350 10th Line Amaranth, ON L9V 1K1 (519) 216-1641 |
Dekkdale Farm Josh Dekkers 1466 Haldimand Rd. 9 Caledonia, ON N3W 2E2 (289) 260-4346 |
Josh Mullin RR #1 Feversham, ON N0C 1C0 (226) 668-8953 mullinhayandfeed@gmail.com |
Daveland Farm Larry Davis 222 Bishopsgate Rd RR #2 Burford, ON N0E 1A0 (519) 449-2690 |
Fielders Hay Farms Mike Faulkner 5630 4th Line RR #3 Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 (519) 829-8361
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Luckholm Farms Ltd. Sam Luckhardt RR #6 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N8 (519) 376-5489
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Flynn Farms Stephen Flynn 40307 Conservation Rd. RR #1 Clinton, ON N0M 1L0 (519) 482-5365
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