Agassiz Observer, March 05, 2013

Chicken Story

The real story of how B.C. chicken is produced.

Page 6

Volume 13 • Issue 1

Free rural delivery from Langley to Agassiz

March, 2013

Inside your

•N ew restrictions on the use of controversial propane cannons in Abbotsford could be coming in the form of a municipal bylaw.

•L indsay Babineau, Executive Director of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, was presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal .

•D r. Jim Thompson, Professor and Director of the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre has been awarded the 2013 Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and AgriFood.

•M eet John Urquhart is a well-known, and long time breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Chilliwack.

•G round water and its importance to sustainability.

Sara and Troy Harker, flanked by Canada's Outstanding Young Farmer Program president Derek Janzen and B.C. Lieutenant Governor Judy Guichon, have been named this year's Outstanding Young Farmers for B.C. See story, page 3.

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Agricultural and Horticultural Employment Law • Farm and Agri-business Succession Planning • Estate Planning and Estate Litigation • Quota Boards and Transactions • Lending Transactions and Farm Acquisitions • Agricultural Foreclosures and Insolvency • Marketing Boards

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March, 2013

Grant Ullyot

Fraser Valley’s Agriculture Publication

Grassroots

WCF editor awarded Queen’s Medal

Publisher: Liz Lynch 604-702-5560

“

Managing Editor: Greg Knill 604-702-5570 Editor: Grant Ullyot

It has been a pleasure to be part of the history of Chilliwack over the past 40 years and it was indeed an honour to receive recognition of my work

Advertising: Larry Krause 604-702-5579 Production: Gina Rokochy 604-702-5569 Classified Manager: Sharon Harmsen 604-702-5555

45860 Spadina Avenue Chilliwack, B.C. V 2 P 6 H 9 Published by

westcoastfarmer@theprogress.com

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INDEX 3 Queen’s Medal 3 Outstanding 5 IAF awards 7 John Urquhart 9 Master Breeders 10 Beyond the Barn

I

would like to thank MP Mark Strahl for selecting me to be among 30 recipients from Chilliwack who were awarded one of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medals.

My family and I came to Chilliwack in 1972 when the Chilliwack radio station hired me as News & Sports Director. However, I very quickly found myself doing play by play coverage of the first Chilliwack Bruins hockey club. Terry Bodman was my color commentator and for eight years we worked together in the old coliseum. I was also involved with the 3 Field hockey team from CFB Chilliwack which played in a senior league.

Then there was the popular Peewee Hockey Jamboree in the days when all the kids slept in Evergreen Hall and all the food was prepared by the cooks at CFB Chilliwack.

In 1974 I was elected President of the Chilliwack Senior Men’s softball league, a position I held for six years, at a time when Church League softball teams abounded, and was instrumental in getting a second ball diamond built for softball. I also became involved with Rec Men’s hockey and was President for two years.

Meanwhile, I also served as a director-at-large with the Fraser Valley Cubs and Scouts Association covering all groups from Chilliwack to Boston Bar for close to 20 years Working at CHWK radio I covered numerous news events including fires and accidents, and countless other meetings. In 1976 my mandate

”

not only covered news & sports but the Farm shows as well.

Some say I virtually became “the voice” for just about anything and everything that happened in Chilliwack often reporting from my “Cherry Ford news cruiser”.

Officially retired in 1997, I was re-hired to cover local news only for another two years bringing my tenure at CHWK to 27 years.

In 2001 I accepted a job with The Chilliwack Progress) editing a farm publication called West Coast Farmer, which I still do today. During this time I have personally interviewed hundreds of farmers and others associated with agriculture, in addition to developing on-going stories about the industry.

It has been a pleasure to be part of the history of Chilliwack over the past 40 years and it was indeed an honor to receive recognition of my work.

thought you might like to talk with me. Maybe you have some good questions to ask me.”

Not knowing he was going to call I told him I did not have any prepared questions, to which he replied, “Aren’t you the Farm Director.” I said yes and he said, “Good, let’s just talk.” And we did.

Gerry Ritz, our present day Federal Minister of Agriculture, called Whelan a “proud Southwestern Ontarian – and a strong voice for Canadian agriculture.”

“Whelan was planted firmly on the side of farmers. His more than twelve years as Agriculture Minister serve as a clear testament to the passion and dedication he brought to the job every day.

I am privileged to continue Mr. Whelan’s efforts in putting farmers first, because as Eugene would agree, a strong farm gate is the backbone of our economy.”

Whelan

Wise

Who can forget the big green Stetson hat that the late Eugene Whelan wore when he was the Federal Minister of Agriculture. He stood out wherever he went. He was probably best known for introducing Supply Management to the Dairy, Egg, and Poultry industries.

My personal recollection of Mr. Whelan occurred in the late seventies after I had taken over responsibility for the farm show on CHWK radio. It was just before Christmas and the phone rang in the newsroom. I answered it, and heard the voice at the other end say, “Hello, This is Eugene Whelan calling. I

John Wise, a dairy farmer from Ontario and another former Federal Agriculture Minister also passed away recently. He served in municipal politics, farm organizations and as the member in Parliament for Elgin County for 16 years.

During his tenure as Minister, Wise helped develop the North American Free Trade agreement.

He also helped to lay the foundation for today’s world-class wine industry.

Wise was recognized by his peers as a person who was a capable and realistic minister with knowledge of agriculture from the ground up.

Blueberry Cannons

The efforts to reduce (or eliminate) the use of cannons by blueberry growers continues with efforts in both Abbotsford and Langley. The blueberry growers representation on the Abbotsford committee has withdrawn because they feel the committee is biased. It all comes down to which group should prevail, the growers or the residential land owners. The Farm Industry Review Board drafted new regulations aimed at reducing the effect of the cannons, but that hasn’t stopped efforts to ban them. It is a proven fact that cannons are the best bird scare device, but in the past they have proven to be a nuisance to many urban residents, people by the way who probably eat blueberries. Hopefully the issue can be resolved satisfactorily.

Sandra Tretick

Sandra, a former senior communications officer with the Investment Agriculture Foundation in BC, and her husband Chris are now living aboard their boat (named Moken) in the Philippines.

“It’s a trawler-style single diesel with sail assist 51 feet in overall length. It was manufactured by Seahorse Marine in mainland China but the design is called a Diesel Duck and the designer is from the San Juan Islands in Washington State. It doesn’t go fast but we do have very long range capability.”

They plan to spend at least a year exploring some of the 7,107 islands that make up this south-east Asian archipelago before venturing further afield. You can read about their adventures at www.moken.ca.

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Abbotsford takes aim at blueberry cannon bylaw Kevin Mills Black Press

New restrictions on the use of controversial propane cannons in Abbotsford could be coming in the form of a municipal bylaw.

Considered a noisy nuisance by many residents who live near blueberry fields, the civic legislation would impose new limitations on the timing and placement of audible bird scare devices (ABSDs), currently regulated by the ministry of agriculture.

The draft was created by the

farm bylaw committee, a group of Abbotsford city councillors, farm representatives and members of the public.

Coun. John Smith said the ministry regulations are “impossible to enforce” and a bylaw would put management in city hands.

A full ban on ABSDs has been suggested, but Smith worries about the effect on berry farmers, who lose around 10 per cent of their crops to birds.

“I can see the need for cannons in a certain case.”

The draft bylaw seeks middle

ground, he said, adding that the problems exist between rural berry farmers and residential neighbours, but also with other farmers, including those who own animals that are spooked by the explosions.

Propane cannons emit loud blasts, which can be more than 100 decibels, and may fire more than 100 times per hour, with multiple shots.

Smith said the noise is similar to a shotgun, and the repetition makes it sound like “a war zone.”

The ministry suggests local

governments adopt a farm bylaw increasing restrictions, instead of seeking a ban.

The committee’s draft would regulate the noise level, frequency of use, distance from homes and hours of operation for the devices.

The bylaw would stipulate that the devices do not exceed 60 decibels, face away from neighbouring homes, and prohibit use on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and statutory holidays.

The committee is seeking input on the draft bylaw until Feb. 8.

Comments can be directed to the

manager of bylaw enforcement, Gordon Ferguson, at 604-864-5630 or gferguson@abbotsford.ca, or on an online form at www.abbotsford. ca.

Though the bylaw would improve conditions for neighbours, Smith said the problem for farmers will continue, as ABSDs only scare birds to other crops.

He said something must be done about the starlings eating the berries.

“It’s a big issue. It isn’t going to get any better.”

Cawston couple simply outstanding Grant Ullyot

West Coast Farmer

Pictured left to right: Lieutenant Governor’s Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, award recipient Lindsay Babineau, Honourable Norm Letnick, BC Minister of Agriculture, and Honourable Michael de Jong, BC Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West.

Diamond Jubilee medals awarded at BCAC Gala Grant Ullyot

West Coast Farmer

Babineau has led the Foundation in educating schools across the province through various programs that promote agriculture and healthy eating. The Foundation’s largest program, the BC School Fruit and

have made a difference for agriculture, education and health.”

Other Recipients

Lindsay Babineau, Executive Director Richard Bullock Chair of the Agricultural of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Land Commission was also Foundation, was presented presented with a Queen’s with the Queen Elizabeth medal by LieutenantII Diamond Jubilee Medal Governor Judith Guichon. in recognition for her years Guichon presented of service towards educatThis award is not just for me, but for our staff, the medal as well to the ing students on the value partners, growers and volunteers. It’s not one Executive Director of the of agriculture and healthy person alone, but all of us working together who BC Agriculture Council Reg eating.

The Honourable Michael have made a difference for agriculture, education Ens, and to Nico Human, Chief Executive Officer of de Jong, BC Minister of and health Finance and MLA for the BC Food Processors Abbotsford West, nominatAssociation. The awards ~ Lindsay Babineau ed Babineau for the award, were part of the program at and it was presented to her this year’s BCAC Gala.

by Lieutenant Governor Troy and Stacey Hadwick Judith Guichon at the annufrom South Dakota were the al Agri-food Industry Gala in guest speakers at the Gala. They have Vegetable Nutritional Program, began in Abbotsford . become major proponents and world wide “Lindsay has been untiring in her efforts 2005 delivering fruits and vegetables to speakers for agriculture. They were thrust over many years to promote BC agriculture 10 schools. The program has now grown and to encourage healthy eating and living to over 1,400 BC public and First Nations into the limelight by a story in the New habits in children,” said Minister de Jong schools, serving over 500,000 students York Times by reporter Michael Pollen which portrayed their farm and agriculture during the medal presentation ceremony. across the province.

“It’s an honour to be recognized with much to the dismay of the Hadwicks. So “She is a most deserving recipient and her work has helped reach and introduce BC this award,” said Babineau. “This award is they embarked on a campaign to change agricultural products to over 500,000 BC not just for me, but for our staff, partners, people’s attitudes about agriculture. And students, and her success has had, and will growers and volunteers. It’s not one person they have been very successful in doing have, an effect for generations to come.” alone, but all of us working together who that

“

”

A fifth generation farmer and his wife have been named BC’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2013.

Thirty-year-old Troy Harker and his wife, Sara, also 30, farm in the Cawston area considered by many as the organic capital of Canada, They received their award from BC Lieutenant Governor Judy Guichon and Canadian OYF president Derek Janzen in front of over 400 people at the annual BC Agriculture Gala in Abbotsford.

The Harkers run a family farm which also includes Troy’s parents and sister. Based on a diverse 30-acre organic vegetable farm and orchard founded by Troy’s great-great grandfather, William James Manery, in the 1880’s, the farm’s 48 full-time and seasonal workers also operate a fruit winery, on-farm retail store, restaurant program and wholesale distribution service under the banners: Harker Organics, Rustic Roots Winery, Farm to Fork Delivery and Harvest Moon Growers.

When Troy and Sara joined the operation in 2006, then comprising only an organic farm, retail market and small organic packing and distribution service, they “saw the need for diversification.”

They responded by adding the restaurant delivery program, which now serves 25 restaurants in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Sara is also the winemaker for Rustic Roots, a new fruit winery which has given the Harkers and their fellow organic growers a rewarding outlet for their cull fruit.

They are slowly converting their orchard to high-density plantings and now have two acres of Honeycrisp apple trees in a two foot by 10 foot super-spindle production system.

Their wholesale packing business has also expanded and now distributes organic fruit and vegetables from 25 organic growers with a total of 550 acres of production.

The 2013 B.C. Outstanding Young Farmer award is one of a long list of awards the Harkers have received in recent years. In 2011, the B.C. Institute of Agrologists named them the Farming Family of the Year and the Canadian Wine Awards honored them for the Best Fruit Wine in Canada. Harker Organics has also been named one of B.C’.s Top 5 Agrotourism Destinations and Eat Magazine’s Best Okanagan Farm.

The Harkers will represent B.C. at the national OYF competition in Saskatchewan in November.

4

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i r Sp

March, 2013

News

in the air

Our next issue tuesday

June 4th

3-13 wcf

Clark Services has expanded and is now B.C.’s official distributor of Winkler Structures.

Federal funding helps dairy herd management The Federal Government is helping dairy farmers improve their herd management. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced an investment for the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) to develop software that will evaluate diseaseresistant traits in livestock.

“Our Government is proud to support innovative projects like this one that strengthen the dairy industry in Canada,” said Minister Ritz. “This investment will help farmers increase their competitiveness through better management of their herds and improved animal health on their farms.”

CDN provides genetic evaluation services to dairy farms across the country.

Data is collected on cattle through a national genetic evaluation system, which provides information to farmers on over 60 traits, such as the quality of milk produced and occurrences of disease in their herds.

This investment of up to

$54,000 will be used to develop a specialized software program to track mastitis in dairy cattle—a mammary gland infection that results in poor milk quality and is costly to the sector.

Farms across Canada will report each incidence of mastitis, enabling CDN to eventually determine disease-resistant traits in cattle, allowing farmers to better select animals for breeding.

This will result in better milk quality, reduced use of antibiotics and improved animal welfare, ultimately helping to boost the bottom line of dairy farmers.

“This initiative will add to the comprehensive portfolio of genetic and genomic evaluation services offered

by CDN to help Canadian producers have more profitable dairy farms and places Canada amongst the first countries in the world with a national system to improve disease resistance,” added CDN General Manager, Brian Van Doormaal.

This project is supported through the Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP), a $50-million initiative announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2011. AIP is part of the Government’s commitment to help Canadian producers benefit from cutting-edge science and technology. AIP boosts the development and commercialization of innovative new products, technologies and processes for the agricultural sector.

In September 2012, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture reached agreement on the five-year Growing Forward 2 (GF2) policy framework.

The new agreement will continue to drive innovation and long-term economic growth in Canada. In addition to a generous suite of business risk management programs, governments have agreed to invest more than $3 billion over five years in innovation, competitiveness and market development.

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Increase of the support prices for skim milk powder and butter

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The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) announced that butter and skim milk powder prices will increase on April 1, two months later than has been the norm. This year, the CDC delayed its decision on support prices in order to further its consultations with industry stakeholders and to take into account the many changes occurring in the industry.

The support price for butter will increase from $7.2810 to $7.3379 per kg, and the support price for skim milk powder will increase from $6.3673 to $6.4170 per kg. Support prices are the prices at which the CDC buys and sells butter and skim milk powder to balance seasonal changes in demand on the

domestic market. They are also used as references by provincial marketing boards to price industrial milk used to make products such as yogurt, cheese, butter and skim milk powder.

“The change in support price reflects the increase in the cost of inputs, especially the cost of feed,” says Randy Williamson, Chairman of the CDC. “However, it remains considerably lower than the rate of inflation for food which currently stands at 2.4%.

For dairy producers, this increase in support prices should translate into a revenue increase of 0.9% for industrial milk. Prices received by producers for fluid milk are determined by provincial authorities.

The CDC helps design, implement, and administer policies and programs to address dairy producer and processor needs.

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March, 2013

News

UBC professor wins IAF Award of Excellence Grant Ullyot

West Coast Farmer The Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF) presented Dr. Jim Thompson, Professor and Director of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Dair y Education and Research Centre with its 2013 Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food.

IAF Chair Peter Levelton said Dr. Thompson is cited for his contributions in facilitating innovation in his field. His pioneering efforts in developing UBC’s Dairy Education and Research Centre have produced significant advancements for the dairy sector in B.C. and beyond.”

Dr. Thompson has worked hand in hand with Nelson Dinn to create a world class dairy research institute at PARC (Pacific Agriculture Research Centre) in Agassiz.

A self-sustaining operation that supports the development and adaptation of new technologies for the dairy industry, the Centre is unparalleled on an international scale. The facilities

IAF chair Peter Levelton, left, and Dr. Jim Thompson at the BC Agri-Food Industry Gala in Abbotsford, Jan. 23.

BCAC Chair Rhonda Driediger presents leadership award to Marcus Janzen.

benefit producers in B.C. and around the world by supporting research and teaching in the areas of cattle reproduction, nutrition, housing, welfare, and nutrient and energy recovery from manure.

Recently Dr. Thompson confirmed that UBC has approved the construction of the long awaited new housing for both students and other research personnel. It was the one missing piece in the overall development of the dairy education and research centre. And this project is another feather in

successful research partnership with the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre, which benefits countless dairy producers with its world-class research.”

“Dr. Thompson’s accomplishments are a key reason British Columbia’s dairy sector continues to be respected as an international leader in discovery and excellence, said BC Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick. “On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend my congratulations and appreciation to Dr

the cap of Dr. Thompson.

“It is very gratifying to be recognized for my efforts with the Centre,” says Dr. Thompson. “Taking the vision from concept to reality has been an incredible journey, and the rewards of witnessing the improvements in dairy cattle practice in the province are ongoing.”

“We are very pleased Dr. Thompson’s accomplishments are being recognized with this industry award,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Dr. Thompson’s leadership has been invaluable to AAFC’s

Thompson for his dedication and leadership. His success exemplifies the innovation the Investment Agriculture Foundation and the B.C. government work so hard to encourage and support.”

The IAF Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food celebrates the innovative thinkers in the B.C. agriculture and agri-food industry.

BCAC Award The BC Agriculture Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership was awarded to Abbotsford greenhouse

www.avenuemachinery.ca

grower Marcus Janzen.

Marcus Janzen is a proven, well rounded leader in all aspects of agriculture, from livestock to horticulture, from local to global.

Marcus’ involvement in agriculture includes the City of Abbotsford’s Agriculture Advisory committee, BC Business Risk Management Committee and BC Agri-Food Trade Council’s WTO Advisory Group. Marcus is a Past President of the Canadian Horticulture Council and a founding director of the BC Agriculture Council (representing pork producers from 1997-2002 and the greenhouse and berry sector, 2002-2006).

His strengths in articulate communication and consensus building are widely recognized by agriculture industry leaders from across Canada.

BCAC’s Award of Excellence in Agriculture Leadership is designed to honour leaders in the agriculture industry who have exemplified personal values, performance, and achievement in BC’s farm community.

6

March, 2013

News

Free trade talks with European union continue Grant Ullyot

West Cost Farmer Already the negotiations that were to bring about a free trade agreement with European countries are a year behind schedule, and while there are indications that the talks could wrap up soon, no one knows for sure when that will be.

Prime Minister Harper earlier said he expected the talks to wind up by the end of 2012.

A free trade agreement with Europe would become Canada’s most important international trade arrangement since the North American free trade agreement came into effect.

According to sources, a free trade deal with Europe would eliminate tariffs on a wide range of products and ser vices and make some European consumer products cheaper to buy.

Once an agreement is reached it must then be ratified by both the House of Commons and the Senate and that process could take several weeks and/or months to complete.

Our chief negotiator is Steve Verheul considered by many as one of the world’s best.

The real story of how B.C. chicken is produced Grant Ullyot

West Coast Farmer An educational video, which will provide consumers with factual information on how chicken is produced in British Columbia, is receiving Buy Local program funding.

The BC Chicken Growers' Association will receive $15,500 to help with the cost of producing the short movie and the literature to support it. The video will showcase B.C. family run chicken farms and the responsibility and care they take in ensuring animal welfare, biosecurity, food safety and the environment.

The video will debunk several myths, among them that BC chicken producers use hormones and steroids which is not true. The use of hormones and steroids in the production of chicken is illegal in Canada and has been since the 1960s.

Another myth claims broiler chickens are raised in cages.

They are not. They are raised in free-run barns and have free access to both their feed and water.

The poultry industry is the second-largest agricultural industry in British Columbia with farmers generating just

under half a billion dollars in total combined revenues in 2011. The chicken produced in B.C. is popular both locally and internationally. Asia is a key market. The Philippines is the biggest importer receiving more than $10 million in B.C. chicken products.

Building the local market

for B.C. foods is a key commitment of government's Agrifoods Strategy. A component of the BC Jobs Plan, this strategy is designed to continue to grow the agrifoods sector into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.

BC’s Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick says, “Our hard

working BC chicken farmers located throughout the province and their high-quality product is consistently in the top five commodities in terms of farms sales each year in B.C. I congratulate the B.C. Chicken Growers' Association on receiving this funding and look for ward to seeing the video when it is finished, as they have a great story to tell."

BC Chicken Growers' Association president Ravi Bathe is quoted as saying “Growers are grateful for the support from the BC Government under the Buy Local program. This project will showcase our B.C. familyoperated chicken farms and promote the fact we raise the highest-quality chicken in the world without the use of hormones or growth promotants.

B.C. chicken is a healthy food choice and a very good protein source."

B.C. has more than 300 chicken growers. They produce a variety of chickens from free run and free range to specific breeds such as the Silkie or Taiwanese chicken. The BC Chicken Growers' Association was founded in 1957 as a nonprofit organization to unite commercial chicken growers in B.C.

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March, 2013

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John Urquhart: A cattle breeder with a varied career

“

Grant Ullyot

West Coast Farmer John Urquhart is a wellknown, and long time breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Chilliwack. His 60-acre farm which he bought in 1969 can be reached from Evans road.

The farmhouse that John helped build is located in a grove of trees and cannot be seen by the passerby. You have to travel over a long 2,000 foot driveway to reach the house and eventually arrive at the barn that houses the cattle.

John has been operating his cattle farm since 1973, the day he retired from service with the RCMP. John said the reason he retired from the RCMP was because his late wife Betty was very involved in the formation of Fraser Valley College at that time, in addition to being a cocoordinator of a Night School program at Chilliwack Senior Secondary. So while she worked tirelessly on the college project, John went back to raising cattle and helping look after his family.

He once had a herd of close to 60 cows, but today he has only 35.

“I basically farm by myself now, but I do have a part time helper,” he noted.

John considers Aberdeen

I am enjoying my life; raising top quality cattle and looking forward to many more years ~ John Urquhart

Angus cattle to be the supreme beef cattle. They were developed in the early part of the 13th century from the polled and predominately black cattle of northeast Scotland. Angus cattle as they became known are naturally polled (no dehorning is required) and can be black or red. However black is by far the predominant color. It is the most popular breed of cattle in the United States. Angus cattle are adaptable to all weather conditions.

The breed has superior feed conversion and Angus cross are among the most efficient providing higher net returns on investment.

”

John says his cattle are too good to eat.

“I sell my cattle mainly to other ranchers in Alberta and a lot of bulls to ranchers in the interior. Every spring I take a group of animals up to the big Williams Lake sale.”

Prior to becoming a cattle breeder John was a member of the RCMP for 25 years. He joined the force right off the farm in Manitoba.

“It was the right thing for a farm boy to do,” stated John.

He first went through basic police training at the RCMP depot in Regina.

His first posting out of training was to Ottawa, where his love

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of horses cultivated back on the family farm resulted in his being assigned to be part of world renowned RCMP Musical Ride.

For a year he travelled with the ride which took him to major cities along the U.S west coast It was New Years Day 1953 when John was transferred from Ottawa to Kamloops detachment, the start of his career in BC. He spent three years in Kamloops, then three years in Vernon, followed by six more years in Kelowna.

Then came a major move to Nanaimo where he was put in charge of the highway patrol.

Finally he was transferred to Chilliwack to become the NCO

in charge of traffic enforcement, which at the time covered the area from Langley to Penticton, until his retirement in 1973.

In 1980 he accepted an appointment to become the Chilliwack Coroner, and soon after became District Coroner covering the area from Abbotsford-Mission to Boston Bar and up the Hope-Princeton highway to the summit. He held the position for the next 14 years.

Then in 1994 his wife Betty was diagnosed with cancer and died a year later. That’s when John stopped working off the farm and concentrated on being a rancher again.

In addition to being a long time member of the AberdeenAngus Breeders Association, John is also a charter member of the Chilliwack-Fraser Rotary Club.

He says he has always liked working and associating with people. He enjoys barbershop singing, and loves to travel. John was remarried in 1999 to his current wife Barbara.

“I have had a wonderful long life so far with a few health problems that I’ve overcome and I am raring to go. I am enjoying my life; raising top quality cattle and looking forward to many more years.”

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The 15th annual Pacific Agriculture Show held in the Tradex Centre at the Abbotsford airport was another outstanding success. New this year was the use of the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Twitter account. Tweets were sent to '#pacagshow' by attendees and by Twitter Champions stationed at many of the sessions. Twitter Champions tweeted from @agrifoodbc and @agriculture_bc, ongoing handles used to communicate agricultural information from BCMA year-round. This extended the reach of awareness about the PacAgShow to tens of thousands of people. Solid figures for the enter picture on this are tricky, but as an example of the potential promotional power of this Twitter campaign, a quick Renewable Energy ewoP analysis was doneybofderthe Renewable agri-energy ihsibustiM reach of just AgrifoodBC technologies present BC’s tweets under the hashtag agricultural sector with #pacagshow. Based on an opportunity to convert the number of followers of waste, wind, water and sun everyone that either retweet- into energy and valuable ed, tagged as a favourite, or co-products. These techidentified as having followed nologies therefore enable AgrifoodBC's tweets about agricultural operations to the event, those posts were dramatically reduce their fed to over 19,500 Twitter dependence on utility-based users. energy subject to price Overall there were 860 increases and to develop Short Course Registrants additional, diversified, revand 81 presenters, along enue streams that protect with 260 exhibitors and over from fluctuations in agri7,000 general attendees at cultural commodity prices. the Pacific Agriculture Show. Renewable agri-energy tech-

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The 55th annual Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association Short Course provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the recent progress in research and development, sustainability and innovation, marketing, agricultural programs and policies, and the ever-changing face of the horticulture industry in BC. This event is organized by the LMHIA Board of Directors, which includes growers, agribusinesses, government and university personnel - all of whom deserve credit for its delivery. Short Course evaluations this year indicated a very high rating for both the choice of speakers and the topics presented. Revenue generated by the Short Course enables the LMHIA to award research projects in support of agriculture in BC.

s i g n i r Sp

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nologies have also proven to be powerful economic development engines that provide significant community and regional economic development benefits in the form of local investment and highquality job opportunities.

The 2013 Agri-energy Forum provided an invaluable opportunity to bring together individuals from across the agricultural sector, government and private industry to learn about the benefits, feasibility, suitability, opportunities and outcomes of research into renewable agri-energy and co-product development technologies suitable for agricultural producers in BC. Presentations during the 2013 Agri-energy Forum included those on anaerobic digestion policy development in Washington state, the feasibility of small-scale wind and micro-hydro in BC, recent pyrolysis, biochar and duckweed cultivation research, and the installation of a biomass boiler carbon recycling project at a BC greenhouse.

In total, over 120 individuals attended the 2013 Agrienergy Forum a the annual Pacific Agriculture Show. Of these, it is estimated that at least 50% were agricultural producers from a variety of industries, including dairy, poultry, greenhouse, beef and tree fruits in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and Northern BC.

in the air Our next issue tuesDAY

June 4th

March, 2013

9

Business

Local breeders earn top Holstein honours Grant Ullyot

West Coast Farmer

Mark Ricka and his Brooknook Farms in Chilliwack have earned Master Breeder.

Rudy and Trudy Russenberger, of Alpina Dairy Farm Ltd. in Abbotsford, have been awarded Holstein Canada’s Master Breeders Award.

Holstein Canada phoned to advise the Russenbergers that they had been selected to be a Master Breeder a second time.

Russenberger has a herd of about 150 cows, of which approximately 120 are milked twice a day using a Westfalia-Surge double-ten parallel parlour. He said at the time he installed his new parlour (7 years ago) he considered the idea of installing robots. However, they were pretty new in BC at the time, so he decided to install the parallel parlour.

“It has served us well,” says

Russenberger. “We love it.”

Russenberger’s herd in 1998 was smaller than the one he has today by about 30 cows.

Russenberger has been involved in dairy farming for over 50 years.

Born in Vancouver General hospital in 1960 Rudy lived on the family farm in Greendale for about six years before the family moved to their current farm on Lamson Road in Abbotsford.

“So I basically grew up on this farm. In 1992 my wife Trudy and I bought my Mum and Dad out.

So this is now a second generation

REPORT

Continued: Master/ p10

McCLARY

Sale Days: Monday - Slaughter, Feeder & Misc. Livestock 11:00 AM start.

Wednesday: Dairy and Slaughter 1:00 PM start

S T O C K YA R D S LT D .

Choice Holstein Veal ....................................(600-700) ......................................................................... $80.00 -105.50 Holstein Feeder Veal ....................................(175-300) ........................................................................ $90.00 - 120.00 Good Beef Type Cows ..................................(Exportable) .................................................................... $62.00 - 71.00 Medium Beef Type Cows.............................(Over 10 Years Old) ........................................................ $50.00 - 65.00 Young Cows and Heiferettes.................................................................................................................. $70.00 - 81.00 Best Holstein Cows ................................................................................................................................. $64.00 - 71.75 Medium Holstein Cows ........................................................................................................................... $50.00 - 63.75 Poor Holstein Cows .................................................................................................................................. under $49.75 Holstein Heifers........................................................................................................................................ $70.00 - 80.00 Top Quality Slaughter Bulls .........................(1200-2400) ...................................................................... $72.00 - 85.00 Good Slaughter Lambs.................................(80-100) ........................................................................ $135.00 - 145.00 Good Slaughter Goats ..................................(54 - 164 LBS)................................................................None On Offer Good Slaughter Horses................................(800-1200) ........................................................................ $10.00 - 27.00

MACHINERY

SALE

FEEDER CATTLE

Bred Cows ...............................................................................................................................................None On Offer Cow Calf Pairs ........................................................................................................................................None On Offer Beef Type Calves ..........................................(200-399) ...................................................................... $135.00 - 160.00 Beef Type Steers...........................................(400-600) ...................................................................... $120.00 - 143.00 Beef Type Steers...........................................(600-800) ...................................................................... $105.00 - 120.00 Beef Type Steers...........................................(800-950) ...................................................................... $100.00 - 112.50 Beef Type Steers...........................................(1000-1250) .................................................................... $85.00 - 105.00 Beef Type Heifers .........................................(400-600) ...................................................................... $120.00 - 133.00 Beef Type Heifers .........................................(600-800) ...................................................................... $105.00 - 125.00 Beef Type Heifers .........................................(800-950) ...................................................................... $100.00 - 116.00 Beef Type Heifers .........................................(1000-1250) .................................................................... $80.00 - 100.00

Saturday, April 13th 10:00 am Start!

BABY CALVES (By The $)

Started Holstein Bulls (4 Weeks Old+) ............................................................................................. $100.00 - 180.00 Good Holstein Bulls (100 lbs+) ............................................................................................................... $50.00 - 90.00 Small Holstein Bulls................................................................................................................................$ 10.00 - 40.00

McClary Stockyards Ltd.

DAIRY REPLACEMENT - Wednesday (ALL COWS CMT TESTED - HEIFERS VET CHECKED)

34559 McClary Ave., Box 40 Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 4N7 Office (604) 864-2381 • Fax (604) 854-3038 www.mcclarystockyards.com 3-13 wcf

Good Fresh & 2nd Calvers.............................................................................................................. $1400.00 - 1700.00 Springing Holstein Heifers ............................................................................................................. $1300.00 - 1600.00 3rd & 4th Lactation Cows ................................................................................................................. $900.00 - 1300.00 Good Open Heifers .......................................(630 - 800) .................................................................... $600.00 - 800.00 Good Open Heifers .......................................(840 - 970) .................................................................. $800.00 - 1100.00

w w w. m c c l a r y s t o c k y a r d s . c o m

vvv

Brooknook Farms in Chilliwack has been around for close to 100 years and can now boast about being named a Master Breeder.

Owner Mark Ricka said he was

B.C.’s Best Cow Market For Over 40 Years

McCLARY STOCKYARDS LTD.

McCLARY STOCKYARDS LTD. • 34559 McClary Ave, Abbotsford • 604-864-2381

family farm. My Mum and Dad live on an acreage about a mile from our farm and we rent their land.

My Dad helps out once in a while with field work. He turned 80 this year.”

Russenberger also has two full time employees that have been a big part of winning a second Master Breeder shield. The Russenbergers have 5 children, that have all help out in some way over the past years and continue to do so.

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Alpina Dairy Farm Ltd, Rudy and Trudy Russenberger’s farm on Sumas Prairie, in Abbotsford BC has been awarded Holstein Canada’s Master Breeders Award for a second time. Russenberger was among 21 Master Breeder recipients this year, seven of which were repeat winners.

Russenberger was also named a Master Breeder in 1998.

Asked if winning for a second time was more rewarding than the first, Russenberger replied, “I think it is an affirmation of being able to do what we want to do and that is to breed the best cows possible.

To qualify for a Master Breeder designation, Russenberger had to register his purebred herd with Holstein Canada which then tracked the results of his breeding program.

“It is a whole combination of things that go into the decision that leads to a Master Breeder Shield being awarded. You must prove your ability to create the complete package, a herd of cows that combines high production, superior conformation and longevity” says Russenberger. “Holstein Canada keeps track of everything and it certainly makes it a lot easier for us.”

It was January 12, 2013 when

hoping to be named a Master Breeder soon, but was surprised to learn that he had been selected this year.

“I was hoping to get one soon,” he says. “I have taken care of breeding on the farm for the past 12 years.”

The family has been on this farm since 1947.

“My grandfather came to Canada from India in 1896. He started farming in 1915 with a herd of Guernsey on a farm that was located on land now occupied by Agropur’s dairy plant in Chilliwack. We switched to Holsteins in the nineteen-seventies and have been milking and raising Holsteins ever since.

Being named a Master Breeder requires a lot of patience and perseverance,” says Ricka.

“You have to register your herd, breed cows that have very good milk production – lots of high components like fat in their milk and good protein and they have to score well in confirmation – they have to look good. It really is a combination of production and confirmation in order to get this award. You also have to be on the DHI (Dairy Herd Improvement) program which gives the Holstein Association the information it needs to determine eligibility for an award.”

Monday Sales 1:00 p.m.

Beef & Feeder Cattle

Dairy Dispersals & Machinery Sales

Wednesday Sales 12:30 p.m.

Dairy & Beef Cattle

10

Opinion

Protect your investment!

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` MARCH 31 Vegetables and Strawberry Crops ` APRIL 30 Grain, Silage Corn and Forage Spring Plantings

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Banques alimentaires Canada

March, 2013

The hidden side of sustainability When people think of a clean environment they think of air and water. But what lies beneath isn’t just soil for crops. The ground itself plays a vital role in generating a clean, healthy and productive environment optimized for agriculture.

Rainwater filters through the thin layers of soil and vegetation on top and trickles down through the geologic layers of sand, gravel and rocks to the underground network of aquifers, lakes, and streams.

In the process, the water is cleansed and purified into safe, clean drinking water which is also a source for irrigation and water for livestock.

According to Henry Lin, professor of hydropedology and soil hydrology with Penn State University, understanding the components that make up the integral parts of the soil ecosystem and the layering of the bedrock beneath can lead to better groundwater management and smarter environmental and agricultural policy.

Soil health determines its ability to sustain plant and animal productivity and diversity, maintain water and air quality, and support human health. It is a living, dynamic and changing environment profiled by its own biological, chemical and physical properties. But soils health can easily be overlooked.

“We look at nature and we see all the beauty and all the prosperity around us," said Lin. “But most people don't know or tend to forget that the key to sustainability is right underground.”

Lin reported his research in February at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston. He said that Earth's outer layer from the top vegetation canopy to the strata of soils and layers of underground material

helps soak up and purify water by extracting excess nutrients, heavy metals and other impurities. The ground becomes a storage container for freshwater.

About 60 per cent of the world's annual precipitation ends up in this zone. "In fact, there is more water under the ground than there is in the so-called blue waters such as lakes and rivers,” said Lin. Rainwater that falls on Margaret rivers, lakes, Evans and that seeps into the ground is known as “blue water”. This is the water source used for domestic, industrial, and irrigation purposes and it constitutes 30-35 per cent of water in the hydrological cycle. “Green water” is the amount of rainfall that is absorbed by vegetation.

When vegetation expires that moisture back into the atmosphere the evapotranspiration process is known as “white water”. The green water process represents some 65 per cent of the absorption of rainwater and includes the water source for rainfed agricultural crops.

Besides using freshwater for drinking, people use large amounts of water to irrigate agricultural fields and as part of industrial operations. Lin said that just as a global green revolution raised awareness about food security, a blue revolution may lead to efforts around water security. In the face of global warming and predicted changes in rainfall patterns, access to adequate

and safe water is going to become critical around the globe.

Rainwater is an ever increasing valuable commodity. On the west coast, we are blessed with an abundance of it but elsewhere in the world it is increasingly scarce. Climate change could lead to rainfall patterns to the extent that conflicts over water could replace all other territorial disputes in the future.

“Without water there is no life," Lin said. “Without groundwater, there is no clean water.”

Lin said that the groundwater system in many regions of the world is currently under threat from poor land management practices that fail to consider how groundwater is affected by land uses such as new building projects, underground storage, and agricultural operations. Planners should consider, for example, how the ground and plants in an area can affect water run-off. In some cases, not taking the ground and underground features of an area into consideration can lead to flooding or to the addition of impurities into drinking water supplies.

Besides reaching out to managers and planners, Lin said that the general public also must become more aware of groundwater management issues.

“In a lot of cases, for the general public and even people from government agencies and funding agencies, it's out of sight, out of mind," Lin said. “But, beneath the surface lies the foundation of our sustainability.”

Master breeders recognized Master from page 9 Brooknook Farms milks 125 cows. It has 290 cows in total, a lot of dry cows and heifers and a lot of work, notes Ricka.

His father John still works on the farm, and his mother Colleen helps with the calves. She also milks

the herd when Mark cannot. Ricka also has an older brother who is a veterinarian with Greenbelt Veterinary Services in Chilliwack. He is an integral part of the farm and looks after herd health issues.

“It’s nice to have your own vet,” stated Mark. “And my brother also helps out on the farm when its time to bring

in the crops.”

They grow all their own corn and grass silage on 80 acres of land on their main McGuire Road farm, and rent an additional 100 acres on which they grow their forages.

The next big step for Mark is getting married next October.

March, 2013

11

News

Growing Forward 2 programs ready for implementation Grant Ullyot

The AgriInnovation Program will focus on investments to expand the sector’s capacity to develop and commercialize new products and technologies.

ing information to farmers and the industry so that they are familiar with the kind of Federal Agriculture support that will be available Minister Gerry Ritz has and so they may plan their unveiled three new federapplications well in advance. al programs All three programs under Canada’s are now accepting new Growing applications.

Forward 2 agriG r o w i n g We are making sure farmers and cultural policy Forward 2 repreframework that a $3 billion the entire sector have the tools and sents will streamline investment over investments in resources they need to stay ahead five years in strathe agriculture tegic initiatives of the ever-changing demands of and agri-food for innovation, sector.

The competitiveness consumers new programs and market develwill focus on opment, in addi~ Federal Agriculture Minister strategic initiation to a full and tives in innoGerry Ritz comprehensive vation, comsuite of business petitiveness risk management and market programs that will development to continue to help further strengthen the secThe AgriMarketing farmers withstand severe tor’s capacity to grow and Program will help industry market volatility and disasprosper. improve its capacity to adopt ters. Investments in the “These new Growing assurance systems, such as three priority areas are critiForward 2 programs will food safety and traceability, cal to facilitating the secbuild on the success of exist- to meet consumer and mar- tor’s expansion and leveraging programs to provide ket demands. It will also sup- ing of provincial-territorial more streamlined support to port industry in maintaining and industry investments the sector to help it remain a and seizing new markets to increase productivity, world leader in agricultural for their products through growth and jobs. innovation and trade,” said branding and promotional Agriculture and AgriMinister Ritz. “We are mak- activities.

Food Canada is also improving sure farmers and the The AgriComp-etitiveness ing service delivery through entire sector have the tools Program will target invest- better program design and and resources they need ments to help strengthen streamlined administration, to stay ahead of the ever- the agriculture and agri-food as promised in Economic changing demands of con- industry’s capacity to adapt Action Plan 2012. This will sumers.” and be profitable in domes- make it easier for applicants Three new federal pro- tic and global markets. to access programs and grams will come into effect Agriculture and Agri-Food report results from federal on April 1, 2013.

Canada is proactively provid- investments.

West Coast Farmer

“

”

Seed potatoes get funding boost As part of the British Columbia government’s Buy Local program, the B.C. Certified Seed Potato Growers Association is receiving $5,000 to develop promotional materials that will help raise awareness about the value of buying B.C. certified seed potatoes.

The project will connect seed purchasers and producers through a web-based, market-exchange tool and improve access for B.C. consumers to potatoes grown from B.C. certified potato seeds.

The Buy Local program offers successful applicants matching funds up to $100,000 to launch or expand local food marketing campaigns.

Building the local market for B.C. foods is a key commitment of government’s Agrifoods Strategy, a component of the B.C. Jobs Plan, to lead the agrifoods sector growth into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.

The provincial government’s Buy Local program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. B.C. grows approximately 1,100 acres of certified seed potatoes grown by approximately 20 growers, producing over 20 different varieties.

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Ground-breaking discovery of new kind of antibiotic resistance Kelly Thoreson

Special to West Coast Farmer It’s a known fact that a bacteria population that has been exposed to antibiotics for long periods of time can evolve to protect itself by either modifying the antibiotic compound or expelling residues faster than they come in. A team of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists from London (ON), in collaboration with colleagues from France, recently discovered a soil bacterium that found a new way of protecting itself – and the environment, from a commonly used veterinary antibiotic, sulfamethazine (SMZ). The newly discovered bacterium breaks down SMZ and uses it as food, which helps limit the drug’s impact on the environment.

Motivated by concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, AAFC scientist

Dr. Ed Topp and his team started their experiments on AAFC research plots more than 14 years ago. The team repeatedly treated plots with a mixture of three common veterinary antibiotics used to promote livestock growth and health – SMZ, tylosin, and chlortetracycline – and monitored how long-term exposure affected soil bacteria populations.

Previous research indicating that pesticides often break down more quickly in soils with a long history of exposure prompted Dr. Topp’s team to compare antibiotic persistence in untreated soil and soil from their treated plots.

The team was surprised to discover that antibiotics were disappearing much faster from soil that was treated with antibiotics over long periods than from the untreated soil. In particular, SMZ was removed from the soil as much as five times faster in the historically treated soil. The culprit

was singled out as a new strain of Microbacterium, an actinomycete that has adjusted to long-term exposure by learning to break down SMZ and using it as a food source. Actinomycetes are extremely common in soils and known to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, but this is the first strain known to break down an antibiotic to feed itself.

Dr. Topp’s research could significantly change the current understanding of our environment and antibiotic resistance. These findings suggest that under conditions of long-term exposure to antibiotics, bacteria can evolve to break them down, use them as a food source, and help reduce the amount of time that the environment is exposed to these drugs. Research is ongoing to determine if long-term exposure to antibiotics puts pressure on the soil bacteria to evolve and be resistant to these antibiotics.

Attention Producers:

AgriStability participants experiencing income declines may apply for an Interim Payment for the 2012 crop year. An Interim Payment provides program participants with an advance payment of up to 50 percent of their estimated final 2012 benefit.

Here are some important details: • The 2012 Interim Application deadline is March 31, 2013.

• To apply for an Interim Payment, you must be enrolled in AgriStability for the 2012 program year, and your enrolment fee must be paid by the deadline date.

• Participants, who receive a 2012 Interim Payment, are required to submit a completed 2012 Harmonized Form by December, 31st, 2013, so that their final 2012 benefit can be calculated.

• Participants, who do not submit their 2012 harmonized form by the December deadline, will be considered to be in an overpayment position, and therefore, be required to repay the full amount of their 2012 Interim Payment. (Note, December 31th is the final deadline with penalty; late penalties are applied to Harmonized Forms submitted after September 30th.)

If you have any questions regarding Interim Benefits please contact AgriStability at 1-877-343-2767, and ask to speak to your regional Customer Service Representative.

Website: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/agristability

Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative AgriStability Regional Offices • Toll Free: 1-877-343-2767 200 - 1500 Hardy St Kelowna, BC V1Y 8H2

1767 Angus Campbell Rd Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3

PO Box 857 201 - 583 Fairview Rd Oliver, BC V0H 1T0

10043 100th St Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Y5

12

March, 2013

News

Use spare farm land to grow food, says study Alina Konevski Black Press

A university researcher is recruiting every municipality from Vancouver to Hope to create a regional food system. The City of Chilliwack is not participating, because of a belief that most agricultural lands are well used here.

Southwestern B.C. has many hectares of underutilized agricultural land that is a billion-dollar missed opportunity, according to Kent Mullinix, a director at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.

"I know that there is significant income to be generated for our local regional economy, and many many jobs to be created, and many many small- and medium-sized businesses that will emerge from developing a substantial regionalized food system," says Mullinix.

A few years ago, his research team discovered that approximately 15 per cent of Surrey's agricultural land reserve is underutilized, and could be put into production. Were it farmed, it could create hundreds of jobs, and double Surrey's agricultural revenue.

Mullinix has now set out to design a "road map" for farmers, consumers, entrepreneurs, and governments to follow in the effort towards regional food self-reliance, a three-year project that has already raised $1.1 million of its $1.4 million goal. Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Vancouver, have all signed on, and the University of Fraser Valley is one of six institutions leading the research.

Mullinix pitched the concept to the City of Chilliwack in late 2012, and requested a city project liaison and a $12,000 contribution.

Although Mayor Sharon Gaetz says she was "very excited" about the initiative, she doesn't believe it would be a significant benefit to Chilliwack.

"For the city of Chilliwack, it's not a big deal.

Our cupboards are full. We have a lot of food lands here," says Gaetz.

The problem, Gaetz says, is restricted to lands further west, where industrial development has taken over a large share of arable land.

"Now they're scrambling looking for food lands."

Two-thirds of Chilliwack's land lies in the agricultural land reserve. But people purchasing a piece are under no obligation to farm it. The result is that only 60% of the 16,982 hectares that make up Chilliwack's ALR land have farm class, according to BC Assessment.

Another 2,000 or so hectares of agricultural land in the city are deemed "vacant."

ALR land that doesn't meet its agricultural potential is well suited to creating a labourintensive, local regional complementary food system, that reduces the region's food imports and creates jobs, says Mullinix. The biggest obstacle he is having is people seeing the potential beyond a transnational commodity food market.

But another big, practical challenge is finding people willing to work the land.

Federal government orders independent review of XL Foods Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the review is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure that Canadians continue to have one of the safest food safety systems in the world.

“We take the safety of Canada’s food supply very seriously, and we remain committed to the continuous improvement of Canada’s strong food safety systems that allow Canadian consumers to shop with confidence. I look forward to receiving the Panel’s report so that its recommendations can be reviewed and made public,” says Ritz.

Canada’s food safety system remains among the best in the world, but events such as the XL Foods Inc. beef recall that occurred in September and October of 2012 underscore the importance of ongoing review and continuous improvement.

As a result, the Government of Canada has appointed an Independent Expert Advisory Panel to conduct a review of events and circumstances related to the XL Foods Inc. E. coli O157:H7 investigation and recall.

The review team includes recognized scientific, public health, and industry experts. The team consists of Dr. Ronald Lewis (Chair), Dr. Ronald Usborne, and Dr. André Corriveau.

The review will examine the events, circumstances, and factors that contributed to the E. coli outbreak

in XL Foods Inc. products, including the design, implementation, and oversight of food safety preventative control programs, inspection policies and protocols, and information exchange between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and its food safety system partners, includ­ing XL Foods Inc. and foreign regulators. It will also consider whether the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or XL Foods Inc. could rea­ sonably have detected the contamination prior to beef products entering into distribution and commerce; and review the effectiveness of the response of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in light of the additional resources provided to it since 2006 by the Government of Canada, in conjunction with the response of its food safety system partners, including XL Foods Inc. and foreign regulators, to the E. coli outbreak, including but not limited to the effectiveness of their prevention, detection, recall response, incident management, and investigative activities, as well as their collaboration and communication with one another, the public, and stakeholders for the purpose of ensuring consumer safety.

Based on the findings and conclusions, the team will make recommendations, within the existing resources of the Cana­ dian Food Inspection Agency, to strengthen prevention strategies and regulatory oversight.

TD Canada Trust

Meet our Agriculture Services Team Karen Landon District Manager British Columbia (604) 870-2211 Cell (604) 556-4560 karen.landon@td.com

Ryan Holling Relationship Manager (604) 870-2229 Cell (604) 897-2214 ryan.holling@td.com

Scott Shields Account Manager (604) 870-2222 Cell (604) 751-4591 scott.shields@td.com

Jeremy Siddall Account Manager (250) 763-4241, ext. 222 Cell (250) 503-4501 jeremy.siddall@td.com

Nathan Janzen Account Manager (604) 795-9166, ext. 305 Cell (604) 316-3491 nathan.j.janzen@td.com

Trevor Way Manager Agriculture Credit (604) 870-2225 trevor.way@td.com

Kuljit Mann Analyst (604) 870-2228 kuljit.mann@td.com

Bonnie Davis Customer Service Officer (604) 870-2233 Toll-Free 1-855-770-5544 bonnie.davis@td.com

TD Canada Trust knows that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of life. We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communities by providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the business of farming.

Contact one of our Agriculture Services specialists. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

32817 South Fraser Way Abbotsford tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture ®/

The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

March, 2013

13

News

n H azelnut I ndustry

More growers take part in Immune Trees project Compiled by Peter Andres BC Hazelnut Growers Association President Peter Andres from Agassiz says new things are happening in the industry - primarily with the Immune Trees project.

“We now have participation from Hornby Island, Chilliwack, and Agassiz. Those who planted trees are: Charlotte Spencer from Hornby, Helmut Hooge, Walter Esau, Pentti Hanninen, Neal teBrink, and Peter Andres.

It is good that other BC geographic areas are included in the project. The BCHGA has also funded 5 trees to be grown in the Southern Interior at Rock Creek. The aim is to see if these trees will grow in colder interior climates. Although growth is not as prolific, it has been reported that these trees are growing. We need to see if they survive the past winter,” notes Andres.

Funding from the Investment Agriculture Foundation has again been received for 2012. Levies on the other hand are down a lot because of the drop in production – severe for some growers and

for others it was similar to the previous low crop.

The same levy charge as in previous years (half cent per lb) applies to the 2012 crop. We need every grower to continue to remit their half-cent per pound of production through a processor or by direct cheque to the BCHGA. We need to show that we use it for our share of funding for the Variety Trials Project.

For those who have not had their 2012 crop levy deducted (mostly those crops going to the USA), please remit your levy cheque at the AGM or send it to Peter Andres,1611 Tranmer Rd, Agassiz, BC, V0M 1A2.

Hopefully all growers will attend the AGM planned for Wednesday, April 9th to get the latest information on the severity of the eastern filbert blight infection and what to do about it.

The Annual General Meeting of the BC Hazelnut Grower’s Association will be held on Tuesday April 9th , 2013 at the BC Ministry of Agriculture 1767 Angus Campbell Road (The Red Barn) in Abbotsford.

Hazelnut farmers Helmut Hooge (left) of Chilliwack and Peter Andres of Agassiz have been fighting eastern filbert blight on trees in the Fraser Valley. JENNA HAUCK/ Black Press File

it’s the best Part of summer Come Celebrate at bC’s largest agriCulture showCase

PNE 4-H FEstival

saFEway Farm CouNtry

PaCiFiC sPirit HorsE sHow

Over 30 project competitions as well as provincial programs for judging, speak and show and educational displays.

Come out and experience BC’s remarkably diverse agriculture industry. Featuring the crowd-favourite Discovery Farm exhibit plus a whole barn full of exciting animal displays!

Competitions in: JuniorAmateur Jumping, Cattle Penning, Draft Team, Miniature Horses, Indoor Eventing and the PNE summertime challenge, The Battle of the Breeds.

August 17–20

Entry deadline: June 28, 2013

August 17–september 2

August 21–september 2

Entry deadline: July 19, 2013

604-251-7788 • agriculture@pne.ca • www.pne.ca

14

March, 2013

You could end up unearthing more than your soil.

Know what’s below. Call us first.

When it’s time to turn your fields over, make sure you know what you’re digging into.

Buried high-pressure natural gas pipelines may be close at hand. Before you dig or till, make the FREE call that keeps everyone safe.

Plus, it’s the law. That’s because if you rupture a natural gas pipeline, you could be injured, lose your life, or incur damage to your property or the environment.

Call first, before you do any of the following work along a Spectra Energy pipeline right-of way: • Deep tilling or ground disturbance over 30 cm (12 in.), and within 30 m (98 ft.) of the right-of-way edge • Removing or adding soil cover • Excessive rutting • Crossing the pipeline with heavy equipment or loads Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886, with three days notice of any digging activity.

For emergency locates, call Larry Olson, Spectra Energy at 604-793-5166.

For safety’s sake, call first. Learn more at spectraenergy.com

3/13wcf SE5

Spectra_Westcoast Farmer_Ad.indd 1

12-09-11 1:12 PM

March, 2013

15

The Chilliwack Progress Monday, March 4, 2013

TRAVEL 74

TIMESHARE

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 130

HELP WANTED

PERSONAL SERVICES 182

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today.

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76

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300

LANDSCAPING

PETS 477

PETS

REAL ESTATE 648

CHILLIWACK/SARDIS

Borrow Against Your Vehicle!

• MONEY TODAY! • Instant Approvals • No Credit Checks • Privacy Assured

An employment service assisting employers and job seekers. Ph: (604)823-6222 www.agri-labourpool.com GUARANTEED Job Placement: General Laborers and Tradesmen For Oil & Gas Industry. Call 24hr Free Recorded Message For Information 1-800-972-0209 Looking To Hire? We can help you reach candidates locally or out of province. Simple, affordable packages! classads@theprogress.com

www.topdogloans.com 604.503.BARK (2275)

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

203

ACCOUNTING/TAX/ BOOKKEEPING

Paisley Tax Service

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

750

www.paintspecial.com Running this ad for 8yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $299, 2 coats any colour

(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint.

NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

NO HST/GST! Contact John Zillwood Chilliwack - 604-792-7635

•New Roofs •Re-Roofs •Repairs

Eastcan Roofing & Siding

Liability Insurance/BBB/10% off with ad

604.562.0957 or 604.961.0324

www.paisleyservices.com

ITALIAN MASTIFF(Cane Corso) P/B blues, ready to go, 1st shots, tails/dew claws done.

Ultimate family guardian $1000 (604)308-5665 PUG avail for stud service. He is a rare silver male, purebred but not registered, $700 or puppy back.

Also Golden retriever (not reg.) avail for stud $600 (OFA hips and cert eyes) Mission 604-820-4827 Shepherd x, spayed female, all shots, 7 mos. asking $400. Call (604)847-0171

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE PERSONAL SERVICES 173

548

MIND BODY SPIRIT

• Twins • Fulls • Queens • Kings 100’s in stock! www.Direct Liquidation.ca (604)294-2331

DECADENT RELAXING

182

374

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Need CA$H Today?

Own A Vehicle?

Borrow Up To $25,000

No Credit Checks!

Cash same day, local office.

www.PitStopLoans.com 604-777-5046

FURNITURE

MATTRESSES starting at $99

FULL BODY SWEDISH MASSAGE *PRIVATE *EUROPEAN From $65 & up. 604.230.4444

TREE SERVICES

REAL ESTATE 639 REAL ESTATE SERVICES

257

DRYWALL

BOARDING, TAPING, spraying, drywall repairs. No job too small.

Call Les, (604)866-4594/391-2296

283A

HANDYPERSONS

SOUTH SWANSON HOME Services, no job too small. Call (604)845-4389

749

TREE & STUMP

CHILLIWACK: 2 bdrm 2 bath end unit, 1 storey condo, Oak kitchen, new paint, gas f/p. Low strata fees, $224,900, 778-809-0757.

TRANSPORTATION 845

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL 2 hr. Service www.a1casper.com (604)209-2026

RENTALS 706

APARTMENT/CONDO

CHILLIWACK AREA, 1 , 2 & 3 bedrooms, family building close to schools, shopping and bus. Parking, cable, laundry incl. small pet ok, avail now. Rob, 604-316-5404.

Chilliwack. Fully renovated incl. new kitchen, spacious & bright 1 bd, balcony, FREE heat h/w, parking, elevator, great Mary St location, from $675. 604-702-0722

Mountain Village Apts 9482 Williams St. Some of Chilliwack’s Largest apartments.

Bright, extra large 1 and 2 bedrooms

Heat & hot water, new carpet & lino, balcony, parking, coin laundry, elevator, cls to amenities, under new on-site mgmt.

Ref’s req’d.

604-795-9492 to view

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

851

TRUCKS & VANS

2007 FORD RANGER, ext cab, 2wd, auto, air, 6 cyl, matching canopy, 200 hwy km, well maintained. $6500. 604-316-7285 2010 Tundra Ltd edition 4x4, 4 dr, leather heated seats, option, backup camera, $33,500 (604)845-6242

NEED TO advertise rental of an apartment? Look to the Chilliwack Progress classifieds, 604-702-5552

709 COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL

604-787-5915/604-291-7778

CHILLIWACK, 28x40’ shop in Greendale area, $500/m. Call (604)823-6530

www.treeworksonline.ca 10% OFF with this AD

SUITES, LOWER

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removal done RIGHT!

• Tree Trimming • Fully Insured • Best Rates

STORAGE

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604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley

(since 1988)

All aspects of Personal Tax Mobile Service for shut-ins

RENTALS

EAST CHILLIWACK Storage/Work Shop. hydro incl, secure. Call 604819-7231. Mon-Sat.

UPPER VALLEY BOBCAT Services. (604)316-6791

VACATION SPOTS

$449 CABO SAN LUCAS, ALL INCLUSIVE SPECIAL! Stay 6 Days in a Luxury Beachfront Resort with Meals & Drinks!

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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WE’RE ON THE WEB w w w.bcclassified.com

Start something with a donation of time or money at bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

of the Fraser Valley

16

March, 2013

Offers expire March 31, 2013

Superior Quality. Trusted Tradition

0% Financing for 60 Months

0% Financing for 60 Months

0% Financing for 48 Months

5055E Tractor only

5075E Tractor only

5083E Tractor w/ H260 Loader

•4WD •55 HP •8F/4R SyncShuttle Transmission •Dual Mid Valves •Independent 540 PTO Retail $28,373

Sale $27,300

Add a 553 Loader for $7200

854 Silage Baler

•14 Knife Pre-Cutter •Cover-Edge Net Wrap •Drop Floor to unplug •Dense great looking bales

•4WD •75 HP •9F/3R transmission •Turbo charged engine •Independent 540

Retail $32,875

•Impeller Conditioner •2PT Hitch, great maneuverability •High Floatation Tires •Toughest Cutterbar , 3 Year Warranty

Retail $36,471

Retail $23,361

Cash Price $30,990

Cash Price $19,990

No Payments or Interest for 12 Months

RSX Gator- Base Model

X300

•4WD •Mid Frame 22.4 HP Powerful Diesel Engine •Twin Touch™ Hydro Trans.

•Folding ROPS •Mid & Rear PTO

Sale $2999

Retail $3499

0% Financing for 60 Months

1023E Tractor only

•18HP •Hydro Trans.

•V-Twin Kawasaki Eng •42-inch Mower Deck •Premium Series •4 YR/ 300HR WARRANTY

April 5-6

830 Mower Conditioner

•Side Drop Bale Chute •Bale Counter •Gauge Wheels •Side Hay Resistor •Stackable Bales!

2.9% Financing for 60 Months!

Sale $13,999

Cash prices do not qualify for financing.

328 Square Baler

Cash Price $44,500

Retail $14,599

Sale $48,700

Sale $31,500

Add a 553 Loader for $7200

Retail $52,801

•53 Mph top speed, 839-cc, V-Twin engine •Full-locking, true 4WD sys •1200-lb towing cap.

•800-lb payload cap.

•10.3-inch ground clearance

•4WD •83HP •H260 SL Loader •12F/12R PowrReverser Transmission •540/540E PTO •Open Station tractor Retail $52,188

Retail $12,599

Sale $11,799

Add a H120 Loader for $3899

0% Financing for 60 Months

3038E Tractor w/305 Loader •4WD •Mid Frame •37.1 HP Yanmar 3-cylinder, Diesel Engine •Twin Touch™ Hydro Trans.

•Ind.(no clutch) PTO Retail $23,274

Sale $21,200

Attachments not included unless stated otherwise

Come check out the NEW 2013 AG and Turf Products! Enjoy a BBQ Lunch from 11am-2pm each day,

open house specials, and info stations for RTK, Agri-Trend, FarmSight, Parts, Mower Maintenance and Tech Training Processes

Abbotsford Only

1-877-553-3373 www.prairiecoastequipment.com

Kamloops 250.374.1932

Kelowna 250.765.9765

Abbotsford 604.864.9844

Langley 604.530.4644

Duncan 250.715.3711

Prices are suggested retail prices only and are subject to change without notice at any time. Dealer may sell for less. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight and preparation charges not included. Attachments and implements sold separately. Equipment may not be exactly as shown. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 until April 30/13. Down payment may be required. A $50.00 documentation fee may apply. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment. Minimum finance amount may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. See participating dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. 0% purchase financing for 5 years on new 5E Utility Tractors 45-75HP with cab or PR Transmission. Ex) Model 5075E with cab or PR Transmission at $41,969, plus a $50 documentation fee, less a down payment of $8,403.80, at 1.71% APR, semi-annual payment is $3,361.52 for 5 years, total obligation is $33,615.20, cost of borrowing is $1,528.50 (includes foregone cash rebate of $1,500 in order to take advantage of offer). Down payment may be required. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 until April 30/13. Down payment may be required. A $50.00 documentation fee may apply. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment. Minimum finance amount may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. 0% purchase financing for 4 years on new 5E Utility Tractors 45-75HP with cab or PR Transmission. Ex) Model 5075E with cab or PR Transmission at $41,969, plus a $50 documentation fee, less a down payment of $8,403.80, at 2.1% APR, semi-annual payment is $4,201.90 for 4 years, total obligation is $33,615.20, cost of borrowing is $1,530.50 (includes foregone cash rebate of $1,500 in order to take advantage of offer).

Down payment may be required. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 until April 30/13. Subject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. For purchases on your Multi-use Account for personal, agricultural and commercial use. For eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) minimum monthly payment required and 2) finance/credit charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 2.90% per annum. No down payment required. A statement of account will be provided monthly. For example, on a new John Deere RSX 850i Utility Vehicle, based on a cash selling price of $17,358 (selling price in example is based on MSRP as of 13 June 2012 and may change at any time without notice. Dealer may sell for less) less a down payment of $0, to be financed for a maximum of 60 months with 60 monthly payments of $312.44 totalling $18,746.64 based on 2.90% AIR with a cost of borrowing of $1,388.64. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 to April 30/13. Subject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. For purchases on your John Deere Financial Multi-use Account for personal use only. Offer is unconditionally interest free for the first 12 months. After the 12 month period, for eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) a minimum monthly payment of $76.98 is required; and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 17.9% per annum until paid in full.