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The expression "agricultural exports' usually conjures up im- ages of wheat, apples and corn, But what about Sinbryos and frozen semen? Export of genetic material and genetically superior © animals is big business for On- tario, Totalling $368 million in 1967 and serving nearly 120 countries around the world, Ontario is Canada's biggest contributor to this rapidly growing business. In fact, Ontario is known around the world for genetically superior livestock, ranging from dairy cows and beef cattle to swine and poultry. The Holstein cow is recognized for its excellent milk production, and Canadian beef animals for their lean car- casses and rapid growth rate. Pigs are also popular for their leaness and ability to convert feed to meat. Canadian poultry, bred for egg laying and meat, is popular because it is virtually disease free. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food is involved in marketing these animals and their genetic material interna- tionally. With offices in London, Tokyo and five cities in the United States, ministry employees market a variety of agriculture and food commodities, including livestock and livestock products. An average of $3 million worth of Ontario livestock and feed pro- ducts are shipped to more than 120 countries around the world -each day of the year. The United States is our biggest customer, with Western Europe and the 'Pacific Rim close behind. © Customers vary from in- dividual farmers who know . Canaga's reputation and want to ~ develop their breeding stock, to governments like Yugoslavia's who are working with their farmers to improve their agricultural industry's produc- tivity and the quality of their agricultural ucts. What makes Canadian livestock so outstanding and ap- ? It's a combination of several factors, including research, animal health and animal improvement. Research revolves around genetic improvement through the selection of the best animals, with the objective to produce better genetic material at a quicker rate, according to Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food geneticist Bob Kemp. Ex- periments aimed at making genetic improvements include in - vitro (laboratory) fertilization, cloning, genetic engineering and sex determination. Kemp cites the example of "sexed" semen to show how research goes to support and im- prove genetic material already on - the market. On average, all off- spring are half male and half female. Efforts are being made to produce semen that would result in female offspring 100 per cent of the time. This would be a boon to dairy and livestock producers, providing them with a method of controlling the sex of the offspr- ing from a given mating. Another way of improving the uncertainties of reproduction is through embryo transfer, which has become a fairly common way of marketing improved genetics, Kemp says. This technique is us- ed to make rapid genetic im- provements, by increasing the number of offspring per year from genetically superior Durham West Junior farmer by Marlene Werry, Rural Organization Specialist Anne Vanderven of R.R. 2, Ux- bridge, was recently selected as 'the 1988 Durham West Outstan- ding Junior Farmer of the Year. The awards presentation was - made at the annual banquet and dance held at the Udora Com- munity Centre. Anne has been an enthusiastic, hard working member of the Junior Farmers' Association for the past four years. She was ac- tively involved in club and coun- ty executives, as well as zone and provincial activities. In 1989, the 26 year old word processor operator will provide guidance as past president to the newly elected county executive. Anne will also assume provincial duties as Assistant Provincial Director. The Durham West County Board of Directors is comprised of Junior Farmer members from local clubs in Beaverton, Brooklin, and Uxbridge. The newly elected president is Mike Risebrough, Uxbridge, with Brian Jones, Brooklin represen- ting the county as Provincial, - Director. The Board of Directors meet the first Wednesday of each month in the board room of the Agricultural Office, planning county activities which enhances their own personal development as well as their community. Lindsay Hilton and War Amps Chief Executive Clifford Chadderton...these two amputees sharea special bond. And that bond is part of a long tradition here at The War Amps where the experiences of one generation shape the future of the next. 3 National He, ers . 2827 Drive The War Amputations of Canada Charitable Registration No. 0286831 09 Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0C4 (613) 731.3821 females. Canadians were the first to capitalize commercially on em- bryo transfer, semen and embryo freezing and embryo splitting. Canada was the first country to implement animal health regula- tions geverning the collection, sale and transport of embryos. health standards have con- tributed significantly to the reputation of Canadian livestock in the world market. In Ontario, the excellent health of livestock is maintained in part by the agriculture ministry's veterinarians, diagnostic labs and superior health programs. When someone buys Canadian livestock or genetic material, they know the animals' most- desired characteristics have been recorded through a genetic evaluation system which includes «data collection, and evaluation of the animal's genetic ability for reproduction, growth rate, milk production and other desirable traits. As the markets of the world become moke accessible, the op- portunities and challenges for On- tario and Canada to promote and Ded Le Hey, thought you said winter is over PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, March 21; 1909 -- 53 * Ontario leads in genetics exports advance the genetic Sesiorny of their livestock and. genetic material increase. '""This is not the type of business where you can rest on your laurels, Our competitors are our customers. They can buy the very best from us and take off from there, so we always have to make improvements. One thing that's kept us ahead of the game is that we have a system in place to make those improvements," Kemp says. "Advanced evaluation systems, industries that recognize the im- portance of exporting genetic im- rovement, cilities and government support add up to make Canada a world leader in sales of livestock genetics." ' Festival results The 32nd Annual Sunderland Lions Music Festival was recent- ly held with many local flute students participating: Class 70 - Woodwind Solo - Private Instruction Beginners - Marnie Kindree - 80 percent. Class 71 - Woodwind Solo - Private Instruction ; Gr. II-IV - Katharine Honey - 82 percent; Valerie Sanderson - 81 percent; and Carla Davis - 78 percent. Class 72 - Woodwind Solo - Private Instruction 8 Gr. VI-VIII- Lisa Scott - 87 per- cent (2nd place) ; Kathy Moor - 85 percent (3rd place) and Kim Cowdy 82 percent. Class 76 - Woodwind Duet - Private Instruction 2 years and under - Emily Smith and Disa Kohls - 75 percent (2nd place). Class 77 - Woodwind Duet - Private Instruction - 3 years or over - Katharine Honey and Col- lette Bertrand - 81 percent (2nd place) and Valerie Sanderson and Carla Davis - 75 percent. Congratulations to everyone from your proud teacher, Laural Griffen. "hi Taylor and -Brent Meeking were not just outside on Friday for a good time. The two young lads and big sister Melissa headed out after the big snowfall to clean the sidewalk for their Mom. Both boys had special cartoon character shov- els to help them get the job done a little faster and make it a little more fun. Good things continue to happen at the Scugog Library March 4 as Kate var- rett and John Hart provided some wonderful entertainment for about 50 young Township children. Kate and John, who are from London, Ont., play a large number of musical instruments including guitar, banjo, dulcimer, bowed psal- tery, autoharp, penny whistle and harmonica. They Invited audience particpa- tion In many of their songs. The children were especially delighted by the amazing limberjack dolls. who danced up a storm. This exciting peformance was made possible by Linda Baca and the Library staff were pleased that such tal- ented musicians and entertainers could visit the Scugog Library. good research. cu ai a ae i TR -- pe pp fr RG i hii a