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Canada has one of the best records for animal health stan- dards in the world. Agriculture Canada has several programs to ensure they maintain this reputation by preventing exotic animal diseases from entering this country. All livestock coming into Canada must be certified as free of disease and are in- spected upon arrival. They are particularly proud of the effort made by veterinary inspectors at points of entry such as airports. Another program the depart- ment carries out to prevent diseases from entering this country is a close inspection of imported meats. As well, during the past several years, incinerators have been built in Canada to burn "International garbage"'. This activity is carried out at ay uh i j H hp | h , | he best airports and sea ports. A close eye is also kept on people coming from other coun- tries who may be carrying meat or other animal products. Are these precautions necessary? Keep this in mind. Livestock sales in Canada add up to $5 billion each year and retail sales of meat twice that. Consider that one small out- break of foot and mouth disease in Saskatchewan in 1952 cost the livestock industry $800 million to eradicate. If a disease such as African swine fever were to enter Canada, we would have to slaughter every hog in this country. Inspection services are our first defense against the disaster of such disease out- breaks. Every hour counts for corn freshness Every hour it is off the stalk, corn loses its sweetness. That's because its sugar content changes into starch, says Foods and Nutrition Specialist Monica Beaumont of the On- tario Ministry of Agriculture and Food's rural organizations and services branch. For the best-tasting corn, buy it locally and serve it the same day. When buying fresh corn, look 'innate for bright green ears with soft husks. Examine the silk to be sure 'it is free of decay or worms. Check the stem end. It should be moist and white. A brown, shrivelled or dry stem means it is an old ear of corn, says Foods and Nutrition Specialist Monica Beaumont of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food's rural organizations and services branch. Agri cultural U Fall 1985 pdate Man and nature combine forces Farming is one of the toughest jobs around Being a farmer has never been an easy job. The combina- tion of natural and man-made hazards have combined to wreak havoc on farms that have been productive for a family for year. Several examples of hazards of the natural order made, struck farms this year. One of the most spectacular instances of nature at her worst was the lightening strike at the farm of Honore Lesperance. An estimated $35,000 in damage was caused when a bolt of lightening destroyed the barn of the Allenwood farmer. The early morning strike that started the blaze also knocked out the phone at the family farm. Claude, one of Honore's two teenage sons had to race to a nearby neighbour to phone the Elmvale fire department. While Claude was running to make the call, Marc, the other Lesperance boy and Honore worked frantically to rescue as much livestock and equipment as possible. Finally the heat became to much and the pair had to standby leaving some 12 animals in the burning' barn. One bright point was the fact that most of the families cattle were out grazing in nearby fields. Lesperance lost all of his tools, a large quantity of grain, several pieces of machinery and a brand new wagon. The members of the volunteer Elmvale fire depart- ment were on the scene within minutes but could do little but stop the flames from consuming nearby outbuildings. The barn was gone within an hour. Other natural enemies faced by the area farmers this year were the annual attacks on crops from insects and bacteria. Alfalfa weevil damage was much more apparent this year in Ontario than it has been in some time. Weevils were found on several farms in North Sim- coe. Most of the destruction is caused by the weevil's larvae. The larvae feed within the stems and soon make their way ag rer ea | to attack the leaf buds at the tip of the plant. Later it makes its way down to the lower leaves. Some fields in the area displayed the characteristic grey or frosted look of weevil damaged crops. Harvesting the crop for limit OUTTHE VALU feeding was recommended and in some cases spraying was necessary. Farmers were encouraged to check their alfalfa fields for signs of the damaging pest. Corn rootworm was another pest that assailed the crops of Bring in this ad & save!!- Diheximin teat dip $44.00/case All Rubber Boots 20% Off Coveralls $24.88 Rope Halters $3.99 oe Elmvale 8th Line Flos 322-3041 0s PENS os Ee ae ee ee eae r I ! ! 1 I | | I | I | I l | ! ! I I l | | ! | | | | l | | | ! Supplement to: Elmvale Lance, Wasaga Times, Midland Times, Penetanguishene Citizen Improve the efficiency of your operation with a new John Deere Tractor. We've got a large selection in stock, all value-priced and ready to go! Plus, if you finance your purchase through John Deere, you'll pay no credit charges until June 1, 1986. At this time you have the option of either paying the remaining principal balance owing or continuing your finance agreement. Hurry in and take advantage of this limited time offer. JOHN DEERE EE DAVE RAWN EQUIPMENT LTD. AIRPORT RD.S.,STAYNER 428-6232 'V] FINANCE WAIVER TO JUNE 1, 1986 'V| FAMOUS JOHN DEERE QUALITY AND DEPENDABILITY local growers. Ministry of agriculture specialists made the rounds offering demonstra- tions to farmers on proper equipment calibration for con- cont'd on f2 September 17, 1985, F1