Our History
How we began. . .
After changes in government services to the local agricultural industry in the year 2000, the need for a support system for agricultural organizations and the farming community became apparent. With greater than 80% of this rural area dependent on dial-up internet access, it was and is, imperative that farmers have a local agricultural “hub” for information resources. There is a shortage of meeting space in central Grey County and most rural organizations do not have financial resources to cover costs for expensive meeting room rental. Access to free boardroom usage is critically important to the survival and long-term sustainability of these organizations that form the backbone of the rural community. With the support of local agricultural organizations, individual farmers, and Grey County Council, Grey Ag Services, a “grass-roots”, “farmer-driven” initiative, “not-for–profit” organization was created to service and fulfill the needs of the local farm community.
In the start-up phase, a Trillium grant; support from OMAFRA for office furnishings and equipment; and Grey County Council’s in-kind support through the provision of free rental space for the office and two meeting rooms; were all invaluable contributions. Since that time, an annual grant from the county, partnerships with local, regional and provincial organizations, and generous support from local agricultural groups, help offset operating costs.
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About Us
How we began. . .
After changes in government services to the local agricultural industry in the year 2000, the need for a support system for agricultural organizations and the farming community became apparent. With greater than 80% of this rural area dependent on dial-up internet access, it was and is, imperative that farmers have a local agricultural “hub” for information resources. There is a shortage of meeting space in central Grey County and most rural organizations do not have financial resources to cover costs for expensive meeting room rental. Access to free boardroom usage is critically important to the survival and long-term sustainability of these organizations that form the backbone of the rural community. With the support of local agricultural organizations, individual farmers, and Grey County Council, Grey Ag Services, a “grass-roots”, “farmer-driven” initiative, “not-for–profit” organization was created to service and fulfill the needs of the local farm community.
In the start-up phase, a Trillium grant; support from OMAFRA for office furnishings and equipment; and Grey County Council’s in-kind support through the provision of free rental space for the office and two meeting rooms; were all invaluable contributions. Since that time, an annual grant from the county, partnerships with local, regional and provincial organizations, and generous support from local agricultural groups, help offset operating costs.
Staff
- Ray Robertson, Manager
- Kathy Kennedy
- Mary Turkington
- Lorie Smith
Please come in and visit us, or give us a call and we will be happy to help you!
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Programs
- Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week
- Grey Bruce Agricultural Course Brochure, and Winter Course Line-up
- Environmental Farm Plan
- Ontario Forage Council activities, including the New Hay Listings Website
- Georgian Central Soil & Crop Improvement Association activities
- Grey & Bruce County Weather Records
- 4H Cartridge Recycling Project
Services Provided
“I have a question, and I was told Grey Ag would know the answer.....”
The staff at Grey Ag Services are proud to say that over the past nine years, more and more, this is the opening line of many of the calls or visits to the office. Unprecedented challenge and uncertainty has hit the agricultural community in Grey County and across Ontario in a series of waves since the inception of Grey Ag Services. Whether it was the severe pressures of BSE, the challenges of poor grain prices, or the recent significant decline in beef prices, Grey Ag Services has become a “one stop shop” for answers, direction, referrals, guidance, as well as a strong voice of understanding and support. OMAFRA publications and fact sheets are available at Grey Ag Services. The Ag Centre recognizes that one of their most important roles is to get the required information into the farmer’s hands as efficiently as possible and many times they have been complimented for going far beyond the call of duty, as they strive to deliver on their mandate.
Grey Ag Services inspires to educate and create a much broader awareness by coordinating: the very insightful Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week (6 day event); the annual winter course program that addresses timely issues; two annual Ontario Forage Council conferences; and the Environmental Farm Plan program. The success of these programs is a testament to the skill and organizational abilities of the centre. The centre also coordinates quarterly Georgian Central Soil and Crop Improvement Association newsletters, and Forage Council’s Think Green Newsletters. Grey Ag Services strengthen these organization’s voices, which advocate good forage management and crop rotation. Grey Ag Services has also taken the initiative to publish the Grey County Rural Guide that lists all of the organization’s executive contact information in an effort to promote networking between the various organizations and municipalities.
Another example of the Ag Centres’ commitment to local organizations can be exemplified by the initiation of the Grey County 4H - Printer Cartridge Recycling Program. Since the inception of the program, the Ag Centre, with the support of local agribusiness and farmers, over $1600.00 has been presented for this worthwhile cause.
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