Horse racing study panel welcomed says OHRIA president Wednesday, June 6, 2012 by DAVE PINKThe president of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) said she welcomes the provincial government’s appointment of a three-member panel to study and make recommendations on the future of horse racing in the province.The creation of the panel, along with plans to spend up to $50 million to help the racing industry transition to a future without slot machines, was announced today by Agriculture Minister Ted McMeekin.“OHRIA has been pushing very hard to get someone to sit down with us for a meaningful dialogue,” said Sue Leslie. “We want to sit down with this panel to review our expenses and the economic data to prove our point.”But Leslie said she is disturbed by the ministry’s use of the word transition, and the ministry’s promise to have Employment Ontario assist racing industry employees to find new jobs.“We’re not looking for a way to transition people out of the industry. We’re looking for a way to sustain our industry,” she said. “I don’t like the word transition. It is our intent to work together to develop a sustainable plan to save the industry.”Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) announced in March it would end its 14-year partnership with the province’s horse tracks and relocate its slot machines into urban centres — a move that Leslie said could potentially put 60,000 full- and part-time horse industry jobs in jeopardy. She said at the time the OLG decision did not make economic sense.Under an arrangement set in late 1998, when the slot machines started moving into the tracks, a deal was struck that allowed the province to receive 75 per cent of the profits — or about $1 billion a year — while 20 per cent went to the track and the remaining five per cent went to the host municipality.OLG has since paid out $3.7 billion to the racetracks and the horse industry. The racing industry is expected to receive a payment of $340 million from OLG this year.Former provincial cabinet ministers Elmer Buchanan, John Snobelen and John Wilkinson will form the panel. They will report their conclusions to McMeekin toward the end of summer. BF CFIA proposal to standardize food inspection make sense says farm group Army worms advance
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online