taste of huron reconnecting agriculture with populace
Peter Johnson, cereal specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, was the guest speaker at the Food for Thought dinner held at The Little Inn on Aug. 19. The evening was part of the Taste of Huron Culinary Festival. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Peter Johnson is the cereal specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs but he is a “farmer at heart”.
Johnson was the guest speaker at the Food for Thought Dinner held at The Little Inn in Bayfield on Aug. 19. The topic for the evening was "You are What You Eat". The dinner was part of the Taste of Huron Culinary Festival running from now until Aug. 27.
In between courses of local heirloom tomatoes, slow roasted Tamshire pork and local peach gazpacho, prepared by the Executive Chef of The Little Inn, Joseph Petrinac and his culinary team, approximately 30 diners learned that Johnson is a big believer in discovering ways to increase production, as that is his job.
Johnson, who lives in Ingersoll, has a farm outside of Lucan.
“I try to practice what I preach. I will try something on my own farm and if it works well then I will suggest it to other farmers,” he said.
According to Johnson, over time there has become a disconnect between agriculture and the populace and events like Taste of Huron help to keep people more in tune.
“Only 1.7 per cent of the population are now involved in primary agriculture and true full-time farmers are well below one percent,” he said.
Johnson went on to say that there are two spectrums of thought: conventional farmers and organic farmers. In the province of Ontario, farming is one percent organic and 99 per cent conventional. One is not necessarily superior over the other; they just take different approaches with regards to production and methodology.
“The reality is we have never eaten better regardless how we produce it.”
Johnson shared information from a study he found. A survey conducted in 1920 showed the average weight of a North American man to be 160 lbs. A more recent study put a North American male’s average weight to be 215 lbs.
“Now it is true that we are eating more, including more sugars and more fats but our life expectancy has increased and we have a better, balanced diet that was unheard of in 1920,” he said.
Johnson then examined the production aspect of conventional versus organic agriculture. He stated that the maximum production of organic agriculture averages 50 to 70 per cent of the yield of conventional agriculture.
“The organic corn yield produces 70 per cent of what conventional yield can produce,” said Johnson. “The number one thing you can do to increase corn yield is to plant it earlier and give it a longer growing season. In conventional agriculture you have a 60-day window of sunshine. The corn will tassel earlier, it will pollinate earlier, you can use an herbicide to kill the weeds and have a longer grain fill period.
“In organic farming if you plant the corn early the weeds will come up with the corn. So you have to wait until the weeds come up, till them out and then plant the corn,” he said.
He went on to say that organic farmers do use pesticides and herbicides but they must be natural to the environment. He also added that there are new chemistries arising in terms of how conventional agriculture combats weeds and insects.
He challenged those present to consider how they shop at a grocery store.
“Are you going to buy the tomato with a blemish or are you going to pick up the round, red perfect tomato? We have the mindset that if it looks gorgeous it should taste better. So we really force grocery stores to bring in those products that we will buy.”
He added that consumers could vote with their wallets.
“People need to recognize that agriculture can support the local economy better than any other industry out there. If you go to a local farmer’s produce stand, for every dollar you put in the farmer’s pocket, $20 is generated in the local economy.
“If you go to the grocery store and choose things that are not grown locally the impact generated for the local economy is only $2. So it is very important to pay attention to the Foodland Ontario signs on display in the grocery store when you are shopping,” he said.
He also requested that the next time people go to the grocery store they refrain from giving the store’s owner a blast about carrying local product; as the chain stores have one buyer that buys everything across the board and then sends it out to all of the stores.
When Johnson was a boy of about five years he was put to work by an older brother with entrepreneurial aspirations.
“Our farm was on a busy road and he’d set up a sweet corn stand at the end of the laneway. My job was to show the sweet corn, with one cob in each hand and a smile on my face, I would get the attention of passing vehicles. And it worked. We had lots of business,” he said.
Johnson’s anecdote helps to demonstrate how in more recent times the connection between local agriculture, whether it is organic or conventional, has somehow gotten lost and with more events like those offered at the Taste of Huron Culinary Festival perhaps consumers and producers can begin to share the road less traveled.
PLEDGE FORMS NOW AVAILABLE FOR TERRY FOX RUN
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) invite members of the community to work together to outrun cancer and be apart of the village’s 2nd Annual Terry Fox Run, Sept. 19.
“This year it is the 30th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Run so we are hoping for a great turn out,” said Heidi Martin, one of the organizer’s of the event. “Last year we raised just over $2,400 and are hoping to beat that amount this year.”
It will be an all-inclusive, non-competitive, family oriented event. The Bayfield run is a BRVTA initiative and is scheduled to start and end at Clan Gregor Square. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. with the event to begin at 9:30 a.m.
To be a part of the Terry Fox Run people can choose to walk, run, bike or wheel. In town there are two routes; the two kilometer route is suited to wheelchairs, strollers or roller blades and the five kilometer route is perfect for running and walking. Participants up for more of a challenge can choose to walk or run distances of either seven or 10 kilometers. These longer distances include the Sawmill Trail Loop, which travels along the Bayfield River. There is also an in-town 10 kilometer route for cyclists.
There is no minimum pledge and donations can be collected through pledges, personal donations or on-line pledging. Pledge sheets are now available at Outside Projects, Nip N’ Tuck, Bayfield Tourist Information Booth and Bayfield Post Office.
Special 30th anniversary t-shirts are also for sale through the Terry Fox Foundation. If you are interested in ordering a t-shirt email Heidi Martin at outsideprojects@tcc.on.ca. or visit Outside Projects at 6 Main St.
All proceeds from the sale of the T-Shirts go directly to the Terry Fox Foundation. Adult t-shirts in sizes small to extra large are $17; child t-shirts (32 in.) are $15.
The Terry Fox Foundation is the second largest non-government fundraiser for cancer research in Canada. To date, more than $500 million (CDN) has been raised by the Foundation. Its mandate is two-fold: to maintain Terry's visions and principles while raising funds for cancer research.
“It is hard to believe that 30 years ago Terry Fox embarked on his Marathon of Hope. He is a true Canadian hero and icon,” said Martin. “I would've been five when he first dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean and set out on his Marathon of Hope beginning in St. John's Nfld, and here we are today carrying on Terry's dream. His dream that one day there would be a cure for cancer.”
FALL GREAT TIME TO EXPLORE MUSICAL TALENTS
As the calendar will soon turn to September many groups will resume their fall activities. One such organization is the singing group, The Glee Sisters, and they are looking for new members.
Their first rehearsal of the season will be held on Sept. 10 from 3-4:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church. Those who attend are asked to enter the church via the north door.
According to Leslie Bella, “We have a lot of fun, both at rehearsals and at the socials that follow. Singing and laughter are both good for your health.”
Another opportunity to explore music has also presented itself in Bayfield in the form of Elliot’s Band. If you used to play a musical instrument, or want to learn how, check with Bella to see if the band might have a place for you. She can be contacted by email at lbella@tcc.on.ca The band meets at St. Andrew’s on Mondays from 3-4:30 p.m.
Or if your musical taste is more specific, Bella can provide instruction in learning how to play the clarinet. She is accepting students, both young and old, this fall and can be contacted at the email address listed above.
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In memoriam
On Aug. 8 a vital member of the Bayfield community lost her fight with colon cancer. She was 72.
Now the community is invited to join together with her family and celebrate the life of Marla Dykstra at a memorial service to be held on Aug. 28 at St. George’s Anglican Church in Goderich. The memorial will begin at 11 a.m. following an one-hour visitation.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Huron Church Camp Bursary Fund, 190 Queens Ave, London, ON. N6A 6H7.
BRICK SALE
Aug. 31st is the last day that people can leave their mark in stone in front of the Bayfield Town Hall as the society for the hall will be ending their brick fundraiser on that date.
For more information please contact Pat McDougall at 519 565-2572.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Fungi and Other Food from Our Forests will be the topic of discussion at the next Bayfield Horticultural Society meeting, Sept. 20. Jim Francis and Vicky Brown will be the guest speakers for the evening.
The event will be held at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building starting at 7:30 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.
BAYFIELD CONCERT SERIES
The fall line up of top tier entertainment has been established for the autumn months in the ongoing Bayfield Concert Series. The concerts feature big town Canadian singers going small town and highlights opening acts of local Huron County talent.
The concert schedule is as follows: Sept. 25, Jason Collett; Oct. 30, Oh Susanna; Nov. 13, Danny Michel; and Dec. 10, Good Lovelies.
Ticket prices range from $25 to $35. Tickets are available at the Black Dog Pub and Bistro, Ernie King (Goderich) and at www.ticketscene.ca
The concerts are being presented by Meades Bros. Productions and The Little Inn of Bayfield. Overnight packages are now available at The Little Inn; to learn more please call 1-800-565-1832.
PUBLIC FORUM
A group calling themselves, Concerned Citizens of Bluewater, is extending an invitation to all ratepayers in the municipality to attend a public meeting on Aug. 26.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to share, and present on, ongoing concerns within the Municipality of Bluewater in anticipation of the Oct. 25 municipal elections. All members of Bluewater Council have been invited to attend.
The meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Stanley Complex in Varna starting at 7 p.m.
UNITED CHURCH
Karen and Bill Butt, United Church Overseas Personnel, who are currently home from Mozambique, will be the guest speakers at the St. Andrew’s United Church Anniversary Service to be held on Aug. 29 at 11 a.m.
Special music for the service will be provided by Sarah Hahn, singer and pianist.
In addition, there will be an opportunity to visit with the Butts at a luncheon to be held following the service.
MARCHING BAND
In the past many Bayfield and area girls have been proud members of The Seaforth and District All Girls Marching Band. The band is currently looking for girls between the ages of 11 to 19 for their color party.
Girls would be part of the color party or be part of the flag waving corp. A trip to Disney World is being planned for March Break 2011 that these girls could also be a part of.
For more information please contact Charlie Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244.
PIONEER PARK
Pioneer Park will be the place to be on Aug. 28th when a popular Goderich-based group will be the opening act for the park's world famous sunset.
The Pastels will take concert goers on a trip down memory lane with their unique take on the classics. The music begins at 7 p.m.
BRIDGE CLUB
Lillian Martin and Brenda Blair were the high scorers when the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club met at the Bayfield Lions' Community Building on Aug. 18.
The next evening of cards will be Sept. 1. The decks will be shuffled starting at 7:30 p.m.
FITNESS FUN
Looking for a new way to exercise your mind? Mah Jongg games and lessons will start on Sept. 23 at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. The games will get underway at 2 p.m.
For those searching for something more physical, Pole Walking is a popular part of many fitness regimes. There is currently a Pole Walking session on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. The group departs from 6 Main Street. The session incorporates an hour of walking with an ending cool down stretch.
Anyone new to Pole Walking can contact Livingston at 519 565-2202 for more information.
Dancefit and Toning classes continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. The Sit and Get Fit Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Both classes are held in the Bayfield Community Centre.
ARCHIVES ROOM
The Bayfield Historic Walking Tour booklets are now available to guide both residents and visitors about our fair village.
The booklet, is based on notes of a Guided Walking Tour composed by Elaine Sturgeon, volunteer archivist from 2001-08. These notes were revised and expanded by Dianne Smith and produced by the Bayfield Historical Society,
Ralph Laviolette current volunteer archivist and Dave Gillians, historical society president. Its production was funded by memberships, donations and a grant from the Huron Heritage Fund.
The Historic Walking Tour booklets are now available for $5 each at the Bayfield Archives Room on Main Street or by calling 519 565-2454. The booklet is in a 5.5 X 8 inch format and includes a map at its centre. The booklet was created to compliment the Bayfield Historical Society guided walking tours that depart from the Bayfield Archives Room every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. during August. This coming Saturday will mark the last guided walk of the season.
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