Information is critical in the management of a modern farm, and the investment in machinery is one of the highest in the budget of most farms. One of the best opportunities for farmers to get information is at specialized trade shows. The Atlantic Farm Mechanization Show is such an event, totally dedicated to serving the Agricultural Industry in the Atlantic Region.

The Show will commence on Thursday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. with the 4-H program, followed at 12:00 pm with the Celebrity Showmanship, and continue throughout the day culminating with the selection of the Grand Champion of the Show.

The Sale will start promptly at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 8th with the Opening Ceremonies. The Grand Champion from the show is the first lot to be auctioned followed by the remaining animals. Please come out to support the Island beef industry and be part of this Island tradition!

The PEI Potato Board, in cooperation with staff from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Environment, Labour & Justice, will be sponsoring consultations on mandatory headland and buffer zone requirements for fields in row crop production. These sessions, conducted on a one-to-one basis, will give producers the opportunity to review their fields for compliance with existing environmental legislation. Sessions will be held in various locations across the province during the months of January February and March. During their consultation, producers will be provided with paper maps of their properties and a CD of the maps that can be printed later. Wetland and watercouse technicians from the Department of Environment, Labour & Justice will be on hand to issue exemptions for headlands that qualify and to answer any questions regarding environmental legislation producers may have.

Growers are asked to pre-register, , so that maps can be prepared for their properties in advance.

The Atlantic OYF Region is pleased to be hosting the annual recognition event, honoring the most outstanding young farmers in Atlantic Canada.

We have had initial nominations, but would like your support in this area. If you know of a deserving farm couple that fit the criteria, please nominate them!

To qualify,

• nominees must be between the ages of 18 and 39 years and be farm operators,
• deriving a minimum of two thirds of their income from their farming operation.

The OYF programs goal is to discover, celebrate and recognize progress and excellence in Canadian agriculture. Please join with us in reaching this goal.

For Banquet tickets please Contact Clair Green at newgreenfarm@pei.sympatico.ca. The awards Banquet is Friday, March 7th.