Agricultural Practices

Agriculture is a major part of the economy and a livelihood for many in our community. Historically farming and forestry are the backbone of this area. If you choose to live in proximity to agricultural operations, you should be prepared to expect some inconveniences.

Agricultural operators often work around the clock, especially during planting and harvest time, hay is often swathed or baled in the evening, equipment may be moved from one field to the next at any time. Land preparation and other operations can cause dust or objectionable odors.  Support local farmers with a healthy diet of locally grown foods. Food Link Grey Bruce offers information on where to buy products grown in this area.

Farm animals and their manure may cause smells, especially during early spreading. Animal confinement means that manure is often stockpiled until practice allows it to be spread or otherwise distributed.

Livestock are pastured out on fields during the summer months. Please ensure that your family pets do not take to roaming. Animals found bothering livestock will not be tolerated.

If you are out for a walk do not enter fields with livestock as they can be dangerous to you. Generally do not access property without the consent of the land owner. Snowmobile trails are for snow mobiles they are not public trails accessible all year round.

If you see an animal in distress please contact the land owner, the OPP or local agricultural specialist (through Ontario Ministry of Agriculture ).

Livestock Losses

Under the Livestock, Poultry and Honeybee Protection Act, livestock and poultry producers are entitled to make claims to their local municipality for livestock losses attributable to attacks by wolves, coyotes or bears. Contact the Township of Georgian Bluffs office if you wish to make a claim.

Driving Country Roads

Remember when going for a drive in the Country was a family outing. Maybe that is when you first thought of living in the country.

Country roads can sometimes be challenging - gravel roads, oversized farm equipment, slow moving maintenance vehicles, school buses and the occasional stray livestock can require different driving skills and attention than you might find in the City or highway.

Please slow down and enjoy the view.

Giant Hogweed

The following information was supplied by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture regarding Giant Hogweed.

Giant hogweed has been documented in Ontario since 1949.  It is distinguished by its huge size, its very large, compound leaf blades, its tall, thick, hollow, often sharply roughened stems, and its large flat-topped compound inflorescence with white flowers and large, flat fruits with prominent dark-coloured oil tubes. Flowering inflorescences are often heavily infested by aphids.  Please see the following webpage from WeedInfo.ca for additional information: http://www.weedinfo.ca/weed.php?w=HERMZ

Ministry staff is aware of the significance of giant hogweed from a human health and invasiveness perspective.  OMAFRA is working with the University of Guelph and several municipalities across the province to identify best management practices for giant hogweed

Giant Hogweed identification videos are now located on the OMAFRA website home page as well as at the following links:

• http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/insects/weeds.html

• http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/giant_hogweed.htm

What do to if you suspect giant hogweed:

Wild Chervil

The following information and link are from the Ontario Invasive Species Council.

Wild Chervil (or cow parsley) is classed as a biennial plant  spread primarily through seed dispersal. Wild chervil is found in packages of European wildflower mixes and has made its way to North America. It is most commonly found along roadsides and hedgerows in the north-eastern United States and can be found in various locations in South and Central Ontario.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/Wild_chervil.pdf

The Township and Grey County are looking for ways to control wild chervil.  More information will follow in the coming months.