“let’s talk” isn’t just an invitation. · shovels, rubber boots or even a chainsaw! visit...
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FEBRUARY 2015
General Manager’s MessageJanuary weather was viewed by many as “payback” by Mother Nature for the mild December we experienced. For the first time in recent memory we were still shipping bulk fertilizer a week before Christmas! By the time you get this newsletter you will know whether
you really hate groundhogs or not. The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for an average February temperature of -9°C (1° below average) and 35mm of precipitation (10mm below average). The Almanac also calls for the last frost in Owen Sound by May 5th.
There are however signs of spring. Seed racks and indoor gardening supplies are ready to go in our greenhouses. We are expecting a truckload of Broil King BBQs followed quickly by a truck-load of shiny new Husqvarna mowers, tillers, and tractors. Seed corn, beans, seed wheat, and bagged fertilizer is arriving at a quickening pace. Many producers are completing spring cropping plans despite there being a fair amount of uncommitted acres out there. Spring will come and it’s time we start to get ready.
Seed supply is reasonable at this time with the exception of spring wheat seed. The best varieties will sell out first, of course, so now is the time to complete seed orders. Consider taking delivery of seed and bagged fertilizer product early so that product is in place in the event of an early spring. We are due for one of those! Ask about our extended terms program. Take your crop products early and get an extra 30 to 60 days to pay! Now may also be the time to have a look at maximum price fuel contracts. This program allows you to put a cap on your fuel price for up to six months. Give us a call; we can help with your spring input planning.
Don’t forget your Valentine on the 14th! Your Co-op Store has lots of great gift ideas from flowers and giftware, to new snow shovels, rubber boots or even a chainsaw! Visit our greenhouses to see the latest seed arrivals and talk to our staff about sourcing that hard to find seed, tree or perennial. We are here to help you get your green thumb on! Have a great month and watch out for those incoming lions and lambs (of March).
Regards… Kelly Boyle, General Manager
Item of the Month
I02015 NBSalepriceineffectuntilFebruary28,2015orwhilestocklasts.Firstcome,firstserved.Norainchecks.
Beef Feedlot Producer Meeting
Family Day Hours
MAXIMIZING PROFIT IN YOUR FEEDER OPERATION FROM BEGINNING TO ENDJoin North Wellington Co-op March 5th 12:00 pm for Lunch at Pebbles Restaurant in Varney. • Maximizing returns with Optaflexx in the last 21-42 days.
What is it, How does it work?• Costs / benefits of using Rumensin at the correct feeding
level.• Receiving cattle: Cattle have been stressed enough during
transport, feeding strategies to move on to feed as smoothly as possible.
For more details or to register, contact Michael Ryan at [email protected] or by calling/texting 519-321-9705.
In observance of Family Day, North Wellington Co-op stores, bulk deliveries and offices will be closed Monday February 16, 2015. Please have arrangements made to ensure you have adequate supplies for the long weekend.
Our Hanover Gas Bar will be open 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Please have a safe and happy holiday!
WoolWork Socks3 Pairs7035077Reg. 10.99 pack688688
$4
“Let’s talk” isn’t just an invitation.
FEBRUARY 2015 | PAGE 2
my.northwellington.ca Online Account AccessIn the past month our system has had intermittent trouble allowing access to my.northwellington.ca, our online account access site. We apologize for this and appreciate those who have notified us when things are down. Hopefully by the time you read this things are all fixed up!
As well as allowing you to print invoices, with signatures if available, the my.northwellington.ca has a link to produce a Volume Statement of purchases made within a time frame. The Volume Statement link takes you to a page where you select a date range to produce a one page report that gives you the total units purchased and the price paid within our groups. It looks similar to the Statement Recap at the end of each monthly statement. A couple notes: finance charges are not included, and the “Other” category includes taxes.
Co-operative Young Leaders Program
Memorial Bursary
From your week-long leadership training this summer to potential international internships, scholarships and more, the opportunities are endless for our Co-operative Young Leaders!
By Jennifer Magwood, Hanover Garden Centre
INDOOR SEED STARTING TIPS• Most annual flowers and vegetables should be sown indoors
about six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area.• Some seeds are more tricky to start, you may need to soak,
scratch, or chill the seeds before planting them. Read up or ask us about the best way to start your seeds.
• Use clean containers.• Label your containers so you know what you planted.• Fill your containers with a seeding mix, like PRO-MIX Seed
Starting Mix or Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix. You could even use peat moss.
• Add moisture to your soil before you plant the seeds.• When planting the seeds, plant the largest seeds in the
packages - they have better germination. • Cover your seeds to hold in the moisture, but make sure there
are holes in the top for good ventilation to prevent rot.• Water seedlings carefully. Mist hand sprayers offer good
coverage and will not cause too much soil disruption. • Artificial light or a heating pad will helps keep the soil
temperatures between 18 to 24°C - the ideal temperature to sprout your seedlings.
• When seedlings get their second pair of leaves, they can be moved to individual pots with potting soil.
• One week after transplanting them you can use a fertilizer like 10-52-10. This will help with root growth.
If you have any questions don’t be afraid to stop by your local branch and the garden center staff will be happy to help you! Happy planting!
Garden Corner
What’s Growing
PRO-MIX ORGANIC VEGETABLE & HERB MIXOMRI-Listed and Ready-to-use, this peat-based organic vegetable & herb mix is perfect for all your vegetable, fruit, and herb garden needs, whether in-ground or in containers. It is specially formulated with an organic fertilizer that provides gradual feeding to your plants, gypsum for amazing tomato growth, and MycoActiveTM Organic Growth Enhancer that will help produce vigorous growth and a bountiful and healthy harvest.
$799 for 28 litres. 3693113
Contact Jeff McCallum in Harriston or at [email protected] for more information on sponsorship from NWC.Appy to NWC by April 30, 2015.
In memory of Gerald Raby, former General Manager of North Wellington Co-op, North Wellington Co-operative Services Inc. in partnership with Partners Indemnity Insurance Brokers Ltd. offer four bursaries of $500.00 each annually.
Pick up information and application from any of these locations:online at www.northwellington.ca > About Us > Youth Programs > Bursaries, any North Wellington Co-op branch, or your school’s guidance office. The North Wellington Co-op’s Board of Directors will make the selection from complete applications postmarked no later than August 1, 2015.
N O R T H W E L L I N G T O N C O - O P M E M O R I A L B U R S A R Y
FEBRUARY 2015 | PAGE 3
Voice from the FieldBy Luke Hartung @NWCLHartung
CROP PLANS: Plan for your spring today!If you haven’t already, arrange a time to meet with your NWC Crop Specialist to develop a crop plan for your 2015 crops. This will ensure that you are putting the right crops in the right field, and that you are meeting those crops fertility requirements. Contact your NWC Crop Specialist today to create a Crop Plan for your farm!
SPRING GRAIN SEED & BAG FERTILIZER: Early take Opportunities.Although spring is a few weeks away, North Wellington Co-op has already begun receiving bag fertilizer and spring cereal seed. Please contact us if you are able to take your seed or fertilizer early, as you may qualify for early take discounts! Contact your North Wellington Co-op Crop Specialist or the Harriston Branch for more details.
FS Agri-FinanceHave you talked to your North Wellington Co-op Crop Specialist about FS Agri-Finance for your 2015 crop inputs yet? If not, now is the time to make financing arrangements for the spring. FS Agri-Finance not only allows you to finance your crop inputs, but the fuel you use to get your crop in the ground and harvested.
Not sure where to start, call Jackie Ziegler in Harriston or contact your NWC Crop Specialist to discuss your need for this spring.
Grower Pesticide SafetyMOUNT FOREST - Saturday February 21 and Friday March 20.HARRISTON - Thursday March 5.
For more details or to sign-up contact our Harriston or Mount Forest branch. Cost of the course and/or exam is $105 payable to the University of Guelph. Books can be picked up at any location at no charge, just call ahead to check we have one for you.
Energy Division Coupon Book
By Allan Williamson @NWCEnergyAl
Things are busy in the Energy Division this time of year. Small storms and weather conditions have created some difficulties, but our drivers are working hard to keep deliveries on track. Please have your driveways cleaned out wide enough for our trucks to get into, they are much larger than your average passenger vehicle.
Now that snow is starting to accumulate, you want to make sure any outdoor vents are clear and dug out from snow. This might also be a good time to stop in at your neighbors or relatives who could use some assistance with this task. Proper ventilation of your fuel-burning appliances is vital to the safety of those in the building. Homes or attached garages with fuel-burning appliances are now legally required to have a Carbon Monoxide (CO) by April 15, 2015. Stop by any North Wellington Co-op Store to purchase a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm!
We are busy working on ten-year propane inspection renewals. If you receive a letter in the mail, we will contact you by phone to book your appointment, or you may also call in.
Our February Coupon Book is back again! Watch for your copy in papers starting February 4th, or download a copy from our website at www.northwellington.ca. This year features over $575 worth of savings on products from bird seed to potting soil, and everything in between.
Pick up or download your copy today. Coupons expire on February 21, 2015. Also, don’t forget to bring your coupons with you when you shop!
Canada Blooms Bus Trip
Beef Day
Thursday March 19, 2015 Tickets $54.99 each including HST
Busses depart from Hanover at 8:00 AM and Harriston at 8:30 AM.
Cost includes show ticket and transportation in a deluxe coach.
Reserve your tickets by contacting any of our garden centres or by email to [email protected].
Limited Seating, Call NOW!
Wednesday February 11, 2015 You are invited to join North Wellington Co-op’s Animal Nutrition staff along side representatives from Masterfeeds for our 2015 Beef Day.
Topics and speakers for the day will include:• Pasture products and proper
installation• Benefits and results of a good pasture
program• Worming and delousing programs • Best practises for consistent
reproduction in your herd• Cow Nutrition
Join us at the Mount Forest Fire Hall (381 Main St N, Mount Forest ON) starting at 10:00 AM SHARP, finishing by 3:00 PM.
Please RSVP to North Wellington Co-op in Mount Forest or email [email protected].
FEBRUARY 2015 | PAGE 4
56 Margaret St S, PO Box 700Harriston ON N0G 1Z0ph: 519-338-2331 fx: [email protected]
377 Garafraxa St SDurham ON N0G 1R0ph: 519-369-2415 fx: [email protected]
691 10th StreetHanover ON N4N 1S1ph: 519-364-4777 fx: 519-364-7128 [email protected]
404 Main Street SouthMount Forest ON N0G 2L3ph: 519-323-1271 fx: 519-323-3438 [email protected]
People together are stronger
By Mike Ryan
Trouble keeping condition on Cows?As we’re coming closer to the commercial calving season it’s a great time to make sure your cows are in top shape to maximize milk production and your young calves hit the ground running. For those without bunk space, tubs offer a superb way to supplement in the yard over winter. Lick tubs are not only for mineral supplementation! As we know, mineral deficiency can play a role in retained placentas, prolapses and poor reproduction when breeding cows back.
“Tubs are an expensive way to supplement mineral!” is a common complaint. However, we often forget to add in the increases utilization of forage tubs allow. The protein and suspension in lick tubs play an important role in rumen digestion that is often overlooked. Rumen microbes or “bugs” thrive on a healthy rumen and tubs are a great way of growing your microbial populations in the rumen to increase the utilization of your forage. Furthermore, many times poor quality hay limits an animal’s ability to consume enough energy in a day. The rumen becomes full of poor quality forage that she is unable to digest fast enough to make room for more forage. The increased microbial populations resulting from supplementing tubs increases the rate of digestion and utilization of poor quality forage allowing your cows to eat more hay in a day and get the energy they require for their growing calves while not losing condition. A lot cheaper and labour efficient way to increase energy to cows than feeding grain.
North Wellington Co-op carries a wide variety of SmartLic and Crystalyx tubs to suit your needs. Talk to your NWC Livestock specialist or any of our stores about your needs!
Sheep Day - March 14th, 2015
Goalmarker Insulated Vest Promotion
You are invited to join North Wellington Co-op’s Animal Nutrition staff along side representatives from Masterfeeds for our 2015 Sheep Day.
Topics and speakers for the day will include:• BacktoBasics:Whatyoudo,ordon’tdo,willimpactflockhealth - Dr. Jocelyn Jansen, DVM, OMAFRA• FeedingtheEweFlockforProductivityandProfit - Ken DeBoer, Small Ruminant Specialist, Masterfeeds• FinancingProgramsforSheepProducers - Don LeDrew, Agricultural Credit Corporation• Productiondecisionsforalargecommercialflock - John Steele, Sheep Producer• SheepIndustryupdate - Jen MacTavish, General Manager, OSMA• AlternativeStrategiesforDeliveringBalancedRations - Ken DeBoer, Small Ruminant Specialist, Masterfeeds• ReplacementEwes:BuyorRaisethem? - Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist, OMAFRA • DollarsandSensewithSheep - John Steele, Sheep Producer
Mount Forest and District Sports Complex, 850 Princess Street, Mount Forest ON N0G 2L3Please RSVP by March 10th to North Wellington Co-op in Mount Forest by phone at 519-323-1271 or by email at [email protected].
Feeding your livestockis feeding your family.
PROUD DEALER OF:
LAMB STARTER & GROWER PROMOTION GOALMAKER INSULATED VESTPurchase four tonnes of the following GoalMaker products from January 1 to March 31, 2015 and you will receive a GoalMaker Insulated Vest as appreciation of your continued support of our sheep feed products. Your purchases may be over several purchases, and may include a combination of both bagged and bulk feed. Only one vest per customer.Qualifying products: GoalMaker 20% Lamb Starter with Bovatec, GoalMaker 18% Lamb Grower with Bovatec, GoalMaker 18% Lamb Grower (plain), and GoalMaker 16% Lamb Grower with Bovatec.
Scoops from the Feed Pen