Grenville Cattlemen's Bus Tour Report
August 21 and 22, 2002
A great time was had by all on this popular annual event. Alec MacGregor and Christine Bennett with help from Mr. Pierre Demers of Agriculture Quebec and Jenny Playfair, took us into the beautiful rolling hill country around Sherbrooke, Quebec. (everyone spoke English)
An early morning start, comfortable Healy coach, friendly driver and good company and we were in Sherbrooke by noon. A mall stop for lunch and shopping and then onto Ferme La Villandroise. This is a commercial cow-calf farm using intensive grazing system, and positive watering for their cattle. They participate in a unique marketing type co-op with other producers in the area.
Our second stop was at Beaver ridge Farm - a purebred Hereford operation. We quickly learned from both operations that the government is very involved and farmers much more regulated than in Ontario.
Both of these farms had low and high-density wintering areas for their cattle. The high density is a hard surface yard or barn where animals must be housed when fields are soft. Slopes from both of these areas must be controlled and these are a few of the regulations and controls they face. The reward is monetary and up to 75% of the cost can be recovered in some instances.
Our evening included supper and theatre at The Piggery in North Hatley. Overnight at the Delta in Sherbrooke, affordable, comfortable and a bountiful breakfast included.
The first stop on the 22nd was C.R.I.F.A. - a High School and College with 200 students. A farm school of interest, classes and a lot of practical application. The students could work with beef, dairy, swine and sheep and the local Agricultural Community was very involved.
Ferme Daniel et Maryse was our next stop to tour their 80 cow cross-bred herd with intensive grazing and controlled water access.
Lunch at picturesque North Hattley and then onto Fellgarth Farm. Our host has progressed in 16 years from a conventional beef farm to a self-contained organic operation. They use a 7-year rotation, and also grow organic carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. The produce is marketed locally. This farmer uses biodynamic farming practices and his knowledge, ideas and innovation were most interesting.
Then it was homeward bound, a buffet supper in Montreal and back in reasonable time. A most enjoyable trip.
Thanks.
P.S. Everyone was very "jumpy" after supper having enjoyed deep fried frogs legs! All ideas welcome for next years tour. Some suggestions from the participants included: - extended trip (3 days/2nights) to New Liskeard (7 votes) - Peterborough/Hastings/Victoria (5 votes) - Prince Edward County (4 votes) - Pennsylvania (3 days/2 nights) (3 votes) - Eastern Ontario
