Jan/2002 Convention

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Twenty years of building optimal animal nutrition By Matthew Morrison, 'The Voice of the Farmer'.

WELLESLEY - For close to 20 years, Blo-Ag owner Murray Bast has held an annual farm seminar to promote sharing Ideas, education, and animal health and welfare issues. When the Wellesley based feed Input and animal nutrition company recently held the 2002 version of the seminar In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, it was clear the event continues to grow in popularity.

"Twenty years ago, we started telling and listening to farmers who wanted to share Ideas about sound nutrition through the animal's life; said Bast. "Two decades ago, we had 23 farmers here who wanted their animals to have optimum growth and production through nutritional supplements and products formulated to keep each animal In the best health."

Bio-Ag now needs to hold its annual seminar over two days. The Jan. 22, 23 event, held at the Wellesley Community Centre, attracted more than 350 people and guest speakers, Peter Kudelka, president of Hoof Trimmers. and the Honourable Eugene Whelan, former federal Minister of Agriculture.

Bast, through thorough analysis of the nutritional needs of farm animals, is convinced the immune systems of young, stressed, or sick animals can be bolstered by supplementing their feeds with nutrients lacking In their diet.

"Our company specializes in solving agricultural problems," he said. "We encourage farmers to create environments that promote quality crops and healthy livestock.

"Conditions differ from one farm to another," remarked Bast. "Blo-Ag is proud that they address the source of problems rather than treat the symptoms with drugs or medicine."

Kudelka told the audience that farmers must rely on using the gifts they naturally have. He suggested farmers have an innate ability to observe their animals, helping them see, hear and smell any problems.

Kudelka blasted some farmers for not properly feeding their dairy cows, leading to hoof and leg problems. He added he's happy for the business brought on by such inadequate nutrition but, after treating animals for close to 30 years, be believes be can make some very intelligent analysis.

The main guest speaker, Whelan, did not disappoint, delivering his often controversial but usually accurate commentary.

"I know a Iittle something about agriculture;" chided the former parliamentarian. He has a lot of views on the state of agriculture today and sees fault with both his beloved Liberals and his assailant Tories. Whelan suggested that, when be was the minister, be hired only people with farm backgrounds and not from another ministry or the Privy Council.

Whelan's biggest attacks were reserved for a federal ministry that he suggested has depleted its rich scientific core and sold out to big business. He offered that, when be was minister, his department told the giant agri-businesses what to do; today, he suggested, It Is the opposite. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has multi-million dollar grants for Monsanto and Dow, be charged, as well as other organizations promoting genetically-modified technologies.

Bio-Ag bas been helping farmers utilize their natural resources and, thereby, reduce their dependency on chemicals and drugs, Bast explained. The theory goes that this, in turn, creates an even more profitable business.

Bast asserted that Bio-Ag customers have seen an improvement in the health of their livestock, improved breeding rates, less burn-out, fewer calls to the vet and lower cull rates. After 20 years, be added, Bio-Ag leads the way In research and quality service.

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