2018 Agriculture Supplement & Salute to Farmers

Agriculture

Supplement 2018

& Salute to Farmers

Mercury LEADER The Tofield

THE LAMONT

Page 2 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 3

Drones revolutionizing industry, including Agriculture Leslie Cholowsky The Community Press Drones are emerging in industry as far more than just fun, flying toys.

Traditionally, the term drone is given to any remotecontrolled pilotless aircraft, and these small flyers have long been used by the military in situations where manned flight was too risky or difficult.

When equipped with cameras, in a military application, drones provide a 24-hour eye in the sky.

Transport Canada classifies drones as aircraft, and as such, there are rules for recreational and industrial drones.

Operation of all drones does not require a licence, but all operators must follow Transport Canada guidelines.

Unsafe operations can result in penalties of fines up to $25,000, if drone use puts an aircraft at risk, flies where not allowed, or endangers any person’s safety.

A new study in Europe has estimated the emerging global market for business services using drones could

value more than $120 Billion.

Whether it is the delivery of real-time data, or their potential ability to carry a payload, drones are taking their place in the farming world, in fact the predicted use of drone-powered applications globally shows Agriculture to be the number two key industry standing to benefit from drone use.

One Alberta company is already well aware of the usefulness of drones for farmers and ranchers, and travels throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan hosting Ag Drone Schools.

Covering topics like crop imaging using drones, LandView Drones not only teaches practical applications for the use of drones in agriculture, but also offers a complete course that satisfies Transport Canada licencing requirements.

Drone technology changes quickly, Markus Weber, President of LandView, and keeps getting better and better, but what’s also very exciting are new applications that turn drones from fun flying machines to useful tools.

Weber has a background in farming, through his

parents, who farmed in Germany, and says that instilled in him a lifetime passion for agriculture, which he now combines with his interest in technology and data.

Continued on Page 14

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Page 4 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

New practices in organic farming MAUREEN SULLIVAN When we think of Organic Farming most people just assume that it means no pesticides have been used in the growing of the food but that is just the beginning.

It is a sustainable farming practice that not only supports the use of naturally occurring organisms and prohibits the use of synthetic products, but involves crop rotation and more hands on work.

Organic farms are found in every province in Canada producing fruit and vegetables, hay, crops (wheat, oat, barley, flaxseed, lentils, etc) animals and animal byproducts, maple products and

herbs.

More than half of all certified farms are in Western Canada.

Saskatchewan has 1,000, Quebec 950, Ontario 675, British Columbia 470, Alberta 290, Manitoba 170, and Maritimes 130.

In Atlantic Canada they grow mostly fruits and vegetables and greenhouses. In the prairies and Ontario they grow grain crops and some livestock and in Quebec mostly maple products.

Organic farming was a way of life for a millennia until the 1900s where it went from local production to growing mono crops. In the 20th Century organic became

an alternative to conventional farming as a reaction to rapidly changing farming practices. It relies on organic fertilizers and emphasizes techniques such as crop rotation and companion planning. It allows the use of naturally occurring substances while prohibiting the use of synthetic substances, respecting the link between the natural balances between soil, plant and animals.

In Canada organic food is 1 - 2 % of total food consumption but is growing by about 20 per-

cent each year. This need is mostly being met by food imports from the United States.

Organic farming is considered sustainable farming because of its positive environmental impact and greater biological diversity. The practice of moving crops and animals around to ensure that too much of any one nutrient is never depleted is the go to method of maintaining soil health. It is a three field rotation, using two and allowing one field to rest every year.

More money is gener-

ated per acre on an organic farm where a well run small farm can generate $40,000 gross sale per acre in comparison to a cash crop such as corn or soy which can generate $300 an acre.

Organic farms have been shown to produce higher yields than their counterparts, Nutrient dense organic soils are capable of retaining more moisture during times of drought allowing them to continue producing crops in drought conditions.

It is difficult to switch from conventional farm-

ing to organic farming because not only does it require different equipment but it takes up to 36 months to be certified.

Integrated farming may be the best of both worlds where 60 - 70 per cent of the farming is organic and 30 per cent is conventional.

This allows the growers to deal with common problems like weeds with the use of a synthetic herbicide, while also reaping many of the environmental, economical and personal benefits of organic farming.

Andrew Farmers Market MAUREEN SULLIVAN When we think organic food we think Farmers Markets. They however need the support of the community. It takes a lot of effort and time to get a market up and running and to get regular support from the community.

The people need to know that the produce is going to be there on a regular basis and the vendors need to know that the buyers are going to show up.

After 19 plus years the Andrew Farmers Market is opening on Saturday April 31, with a lot of

baking available for Easter. They are open every Saturday from 1 - 3 at the Andrew Arena.

Vendors tend to have hand made goods and produce grown in their own backyard. They also have members of the Hutterite Colony bringing in produce.

Of course there is more fresh produce available as the growing season develops. Other Farmers Markets in the area are in Smoky Lake on Saturdays from 10 - 3, and in Fort Saskatchewan on Thursdays from 4:30 7:30.

When it comes to hay and cattle farming, there’s never a moment’s rest.

But there can be a lot more comfort. The Kubota M6S series was built to be easier on its operator, with a fully loaded cold climate cab, more manoeuvrability in tight spaces and a more ergonomical design. It was also built with the power and performance you come to expect from Kubota and a little something you didn’t expect: an affordable price tag. kubota.ca |

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Phone:780 443 3800

www.edmontonkubota.com

2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 5

Irvings Farms: Bringing a slice of Britain to Alberta Moush John Tofield Mercury A short drive from Tofield will bring one to the Irvings Farms in Round Hill.

This year as they mark their 10th anniversary in September, Nicola and Alan Irving look back on their journey.

The Irvings settled in their first property, 30 minutes north of St. Albert in the community of Vimy.

But shortly after moving they discovered that they couldn’t get the great quality sausages that they were used to back in the UK, so they set about making their own. “After some positive feedback from our neighbours we decided to start a small business making

and selling sausages at farmers’ markets, and we opened our first food facility in our home basement in early 2006 and started Irvings Farm Fresh,� Nicola recalls. “Sales were brisk and we soon outgrew the small meat processing facility in our basement.�

In addition, they started raising Berkshire pigs, which is a heritage breed of pork from the UK prized for its superior meat quality, and since they did not have enough land on the acreage to grow the free range pig herd, to meet the needs of their growing business, they realized they needed to move to a bigger farm.

That in short was the

The Irvings raise Berskshire pigs, and sell various cuts of pork, made in-house.

MOUSH JOHN PHOTO

Continued on page 35 00

Location: 5013 48 St. Vegreville AB. Office: 780.632.2542

Mobile: 780.603.0944 Email: ralphsoldan@royallepage.ca

RALPH SOLDAN REALTORÂŽ

Salute to the Farmers! $367,500

TICKETS $25 KIDS 10 & UNDER FREE DOORS OPEN @ 6 PM

47517 RGE RD 132 5 min to Viking - city water MLSÂŽ# E4083710

$89,000

5103 52 St., Viking House - great value MLSÂŽ# E4029075

$585,000

SE-NE 11-54-15 4th 320 acres north of Vegreville MLSÂŽ# E4098204

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SE 29-51-16 W4 Grain land south of Vegreville MLSÂŽ# E4086089

$269,500

4827 47 Ave., Vegreville House - adult living MLSÂŽ# E4084605

$659,000

SW 28-47-13 W4 - Grain land min south of Viking MLSÂŽ# E4094501

Page 6 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Wishing all the farmers a safe and bountiful season. ~Viking Fire and Rescue

IT IS OUR PLEASURE TO SERVE ALL AREA FARM FAMILIES.

WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AND WISH YOU A SUCCESSFUL GROWING SEASON!

Are you looking to develop your networking or customer base for your new or existing business?

Do you have a new product or service you would like to showcase to the community?

Viking, AB 780-336-4944

Are you a home-based, cottage, or startup I\ZPULZZ VY UVU WYVĂ„[ VYNHUPaH[PVU& If you answered yes to these questions then join us for the Community Showcase in Viking on Saturday, May 12 at the Viking Carena Complex.

We would like to take this time to thank all the farmers and wish them a wonderful year.

Town of Viking

May 12, 2018

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This venue is an opportunity to expand your existing connections with other business operators and meet new customers who may be unaware of your business venture, service or product.

Register by May 7, 2018 to hold your space.

For more information contact: Doug Lefsrud Recreation Director

Phone: 780-336-3466, extension 4 Cell: 587-256-0524 Email: doug.lefsrud@viking.ca

www.viking.ca

Home of the Sutters

Find us on Facebook!

Viking Carena Complex, 5120-45 Street, Viking, AB

Viking 780-336-4730

Wainwright 780-842-4307

Thanks to our ag industry!

2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 7

Farm types in Alberta Statistics Canada’s latest Census of Agriculture for Canada is a comprehensive collection of data that updates the portrait of the country’s agricultural sector.

Austin Leitch, research analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) looks at the key highlights for farm types in Alberta.

Statistics Canada defines a census farm as an agricultural operation that produces at least one of the following products intended for sale: crops, livestock, poultry, animal products or other agricultural products, such as Christmas trees, greenhouse or nursery products, honey and others.

“Alberta had over 40,600 census farms in 2016, a six per cent decline from 2011.

Despite the decline the province continued to rank second nationally, behind Ontario,” Leitch said. “Nationally, farm

numbers fell almost sixper cent to just over 193,000. Farm numbers were down for all provinces. Alberta continued to account for 21 per cent of farms in Canada.”

In 2016, Alberta led the nation in cattle ranching farms in Canada with over 12,600 farms, up 1.5 per cent from 2011, and over 26 per cent of the national total.

“Alberta represents over 34 per cent of Canada’s beef cattle ranching farms, up from just over 32 per cent in 2011,” Leitch added. “Dairy cattle farms fell about 15 per cent from 2011 to about 400 farms in 2016.”

While farms reporting horse and other equine production fell 20.5 per cent to just over 3,100 farms in 2016, Alberta remained the highest reporting province.

In 2016, poultry and egg production farms increased by 10 per cent

to 373 farms.

“This increase was primarily caused by a 35 per cent increase of chicken egg producing farms to 173 farms,” Leitch explained.

Alberta reported 166 hog and pig farms in 2016, down 14 per cent from 2011. The number of sheep and goat farms also fell just over 19 per cent, to almost 400 in 2016.

As for Alberta crop farms by type, the number of oilseed and grain farms increased six per cent in 2016 to just under 13,500 farms, up from about 12,700 farms in 2011.

“Oilseed and grain farms have been on the rise since 2006,” Leitch remarked. “Those continued to represent the highest proportion of farms in Alberta.”

Alberta has the third most oilseed and grain farms in Canada, behind Saskatchewan and Ontario.

780-662-4842

5020-52 Ave. Tofield

Thank you to our local Farmers for your business and support!

Good Luck to the 4-H members in 2018!

From the Management & Staff of

TOFIELD PACKERS

Continued on page 34 00

Wishing our farmers the best in the 2018 growing season!

Wishing the farmers a great growing season!

Tofield 780-662-3233 Camrose toll free: 1-866-222-2085 Greg Litwin, REALTOR®

Trevor Sharek & Staff at UFA Petroleum

Economy Concrete Thank You for your Patronage & Have a Happy New Year

Thank you to the hard Jerry Coombes working RR #2 Kingman, AB farmers!

T0B 2M0

780-918-9300 5105 - 50 Street, Tofield, AB.

Wishing all the farmers the best!

Ryley Sausage Wishing the farmers a successful growing season!

780-662-2600 662-2600

Phone 780-663-3990

OK Tire Tofield 5031-53 Ave, Tofield 780-662-3003

1-866-683-2121 Cam Parker, Bart Orr, John Person, Derek Robertson, Colin Yuha, Bob Hanrahan, Keri Vickers, Donell Nycholat, Barrie Fenby, and Robert Lyslo

Thank you to all our hard working farmers and all the best for the upcoming season!

We would like to thank our farmers for their business, support and all the

Residential New Home Construction

hard work they do!

David & Lesley McQuaid

Ryley AB. 780-663-3583

Phone: 780-662-4300 Email: westgencontr@gmail.com

THANKS TO OUR FARMERS!

Page 8 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

RECAPPERS • RECAPPERS • RECAPPERS • RECAPPER

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for drill press wheels

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR CAP NEEDS

FOR ALL YOUR CAP NEEDS 2 piece caps (3/16 material) for easy installation Available at:

McNabb Welding & AgSales Parts Crossroads Parts

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The Ultimate Vertical CROP CUTTER D65

With 37 different sizes and three profile of caps, we can provide caps for most packer wheels on the market. Material is 7 gauge or 3/16 and two piece for easy installation.

This is a vertical crop cutter mounted on ends of swather (Divider Boards). The use of Rotoshear eliminate`s build up of materials on the end of the table. Rotoshear also eliminates uneven curing , and beaver huts in your swath. As a result of uneven swath your now able to travel at a faster speeds while Order yours today !

McNABB WELDING ROTOR-SHEAR@ FORESTBURG WELDING & MACHINING & AG PARTS info@mcnabbconstruction.ca www.rotoshear.com www.mcnabbconstruction.ca

Merlin Bady, Pres., PHONE: 780-582-3581 Box 667, Forestburg, AB FAX: 780-582-2478 Toll Free: 1-877-582-3637

BEAVER COUNTY SEED PLANT CO-OP 780-688-3917

SALUTING OUR FARMERS

Overbo Contracting Ltd. Kelly, Fay and staff

780-336-2282

Thanks to our farmers!

We clean seed, Ergot and dockages for all grain.

Grateful for our local farmers

PMD Polled Herefords 40 years of breeding & selling Registered Polled Herefords for DOCILITY, FERTILITY & MILKING ABILITY, Bulls for sale

Paul & Marilyn Dinisyk 780-336-2675 780-385-5157

WE SALUTE OUR FARMERS!!

Food with Flair Donna, Jack and Staff Viking 780-336-2476 Thank you to all the farmers

We Salute You Farmers!

4107 - 53 STREET

780-582-3637 Fax: 780-582-3732 FORESTBURG, AB. Viking Veterinary Clinic Call 24/7 780-336-4048 Follow us on Facebook. www.vikingvetclinic.com

Spring to do list: Cattle: Vaccinate cattle herd pre-breeding Semen test bulls & treat with Footrot Vaccine Vaccinate calves at branding or earlier

Horses: Deworm (fecal exams done in clinic) Vaccinate before going to shows, rodeos, and gymkhanas Dental checkups

Cats/Dogs: Deworm Make sure vaccinations are up to date 10 rabies cases in Alberta last year We saw several distemper cases in our clinic last year in mature dogs Flea & tick prevention - 1 tick has already been found and sent for testing from our clinic!

FREE VACCINE CONSULTATION GIVEN AT THE CLINIC. PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR VETERINARIANS.

Shop Local!

2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 9

Spuds in Tubs program Leslie Cholowsky The Community Press

Agriculture for Life announced Monday, March 26 that it has recently partnered with McCain Foods to offer a program called Spuds in Tubs to 30 schools across Alberta.

The program was developed in BC, where it has run for a few years, and equips teachers of all grades with the materials they need to grow potatoes in their classrooms and schoolyards.

Materials include growing tubs, spuds, a how-to booklet, lesson ideas, and curriculum connections.

“We know that one of the most effective ways to connect children and youth to agriculture is through hands-on learning opportunities,” says Ag for Life CEO Luree Williamson.

“We’re honoured to receive support from The McCain Foundation which allows us to deliver this program to 30 classrooms in Alberta, giving students the chance to grow their own food and learn more about farming and nutrition.”

T h e Spuds in Tubs program is open to kindergarten to Grade 12 classes across Alberta. Teachers can apply by emailing hhanlon@agricultureforlife.ca. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Working for you!

WES TAYLOR

MLA Hats off to Battle River-Wainwright farmers… working hard, working safely.

Battle River-Wainwright Constituency Office 780 842-6177 (toll free: 310-0000, then 780 842-6177) battleriver.wainwright@assembly.ab.ca

Thank You to our Loyal Customers!

From Stefan Cloutier, Manager, and the Staff

What’s different about PowerRich Fertilizer When you compare the PowerRich fertilizer program with traditional fertilizer you’ll notice 3 big differences and they are:

1

PowerRich, along with your present nitrogen program, provides a total fertilizer. In addition to phosphorus and potassium PowerRich also provides all of the other nutrients that are either absent from your soil or in a form unavailable to your crops.

PowerRich fertilizer uses nutrients that are all compatible with one another. PowerRich uses primary, secondary and micronutrients which are compatible and are readily available to your crop.

3

2

The third main difference with the PowerRich fertilizer program and traditional fertilizer, is that rather than applying the fertilizer all in one shot, the PowerRich program is a 3 part program that is tailored to the different requirements of your crop as it grows.

Great Northern Grain Killam, Alberta

780-385-3622

VERNON ABBOTT Agent, Strome, AB

VernPhone: Abbott Ph. (780) 376-3526 Cell: email:

(780) 679-8736 vabbott@telusplanet.net

www.powerrich.com

email: www.powerrich.com powrich@gatewest.net 1-800-491-8984

1-800-491-8984

Page 10 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

We would like to thank the farming communities and their families for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year of 2016.

Thank You!

D & D Septic Services

Snow Goose Quilting 780-662-2022

Wishing our Farmers a bountiful year ahead!

TOFIELD HOTEL

• Vacuum Truck Service • Septic Tank Cleaning

T HANK

YOU TO OUR LOCAL FARMERS !

Ryley 780-663-2147 Camrose 780-679-9219

Thank You Farmers!

663-2038

Thank You!

We would like to say thank you to our local farmers!

Ryley

780-662-4014

BP s GLASS

TILLY’S

would like to thank the local farmers and wish them a great year ahead!

Specializing in auto glass Residential & Commercial

• Ph. 780-662-4881 • Cell. 780-884-5698 5204 - 50 Street Tofield

Family Dining & Pizza

780-662-3727 Buy one pizza get the second pizza half off!

Thank you to all the farmers in the community!

God Bless 780-662-4325 or 780-662-4116

Thank you farmers for all that you do.

It is greatly appreciated!

Tofield Agricultural Society We would like to wish our local farmers the best in the upcoming season!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK! WE SALUTE OUR LOCAL FARMERS!

2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 11

Purple Scissor Salon 780-582-3539 5009 - 49 Ave. Forestburg

Daysland Dayslan D Da ays ysla sland Open Tues 9 am - 8 pm Wed- Fri 9 am - 5 pm

780-374-3623

Make Daysland Your Home!

MAXIM KILLAM AUTOMOTIVE LTD.

PLUMBING & HEATING

Killam, Alberta

Vaughn Prichard

780-385-3644 780-385-3562 VILLAGE OF FORESTBURG

SEDGEWICK

GROW WITH US SINCE 1906

Murray Prichard 708-384-3504 www.Daysland.com

www.sedgewick.ca

Mayor, Councillors, and Staff

780-582-2220 780-582-3668

Village of Heisler

Village of Alliance

Village of Lougheed www.villageoflougheed.com

780-385-3977 780-879-3911 780-889-3774 780-386-3970

Budding Ideas

FORESTBURG VET CLINIC

Providence Place

We salute our Agricultural Producers!

Daysland, AB

Dr. Jeff Serfas

Thanks to all those whose work brings food to our table We salute you, farmers!

“For all your floral needs.”

Main Street, Killam 780-384-4100

Aging in Place

flagstaff.ab.ca 780-385-3014 780-582-3970

780-374-2527

T h a n k yo u Fa r m e r s fo r G ROW I N G o u r l o c a l c o m m u n i t i e s !

Flagstaff Family & Community Services

CHRIS’S WATER WELL SERVICING LTD. CHRIS CULSHAW

KILLAM

Killam

“We appreciate our farmers!”

FAX: 385-3166

Forster Feeder Manufacturing Ltd. & Forster Hydrovac Service

Box 724, Killam

780-385-3771 780-385-3976 780-385-3165 780-385-2283 780-385-3050

Killam General Insurance Alberta Registries Agent Box 369, Forestburg

780-582-3560

Liquor

Drive-In Restaurant An Independent Business Serving Independent Agri-Business STORE HOURS:

Daysland, Alberta

Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 4 pm Sun. Noon - 4 pm

Killam, Alberta Killam

www.briltd.com

Shelcraft Woodwork (1997) Ltd. Killam, Alberta

780-374-3939 780-385-3598 780-385-2344 Town of Hardisty Fee & Sons Dagwood’s Funeral Auto & Diesel Home & Repair HARDISTY Crematorium Hardisty, Alberta

D

iscover

MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE

780-385-3949

Killam, Alberta

Killam, Alberta 780-385-3652

780-374-2107 5034 - 50 St. Daysland Thank you to our producers!

780-888-2349 780-888-3623 780-385-3642 780-374-2107

Page 12 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Busiest time of year for Beaver County Seed Cleaning Plant Patricia Harcourt The Weekly Review

The County of Beaver Seed Cleaning Plant is an extremely busy place at this time of year testing and cleaning grain for shipment.

The full service seed cleaning plant, which got a new colour sorter seven years ago, provides seed cleaning, dockage cleaning and separations for farmers both local and re-

gional.

The cleaning facility can remove ergot from wheat and wild oats from oats.

But as of Feb. 1, 2018 farmers must get their grain tested for fusarium before having it cleaned and shipped. Fusarium is a blight on grain that has been found in Beaver County over the past several years.

The plant has been operational since Jan. 1, 1961 and has been working for

farmers since that time, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011.

This year is no different for the plant, which has been running two shifts since March 2 and expects to be busy cleaning grain right through until May. And since fusarium testing is now mandatory, the plant can send grain samples into two seed laboratories so farmers can get their grain tested before cleaning or shipping.

The labs can also test for germination and vigour, said seed plant Manager Tyler Suchy.

"Know what you have before you clean it," he said. "Call and get booked in before the spring rush and road bans."

Once the grain is cleared to go, Suchy also urged farmers to "get a jump on cleaning," for the same rea-

sons.

Another change is that, as of Feb. 1, the cleaning rates have risen to $.70/bushel.

The plant will be selling common seed oats again this spring, which is ger-

mination and fusarium tested.

1432740 AB Ltd.

Jerry Mandel Certified Septic Tank Design & Installation Service

780-385-4600 For all your Foundation, Landscaping, and Excavating Needs!

• Repairs & Maintenance • Thawing Frozen Lines • Root Blockage Removal in Sewer Lines • Spaghetti Line for Small Frozen Lines with Creeper Nozzle

Farmers...

We salute the dedicated men and women of our agricultural industry. Their commitment to produce a thriving variety of crops and livestock requires long hours, risk and hard work.

Our hats go off to you! ~ Staff and Management

We just want to say, we give you thanks three times a day!

Dwayne Andrashewski

780-208-4808

They touch the lives of people in our community, our country and around the world by producing the best foods and fibers. They take chances; brave harsh weather; and work long, hard hours to bring us the finest quality products. They're our area farmers, and we're happy to salute and support them!

For all your crop input needs Viking, AB. 780.336.3180 www.cpsagu.ca

Viking Meats • Groceries • Fresh Produce • Dairy • Meat Counter • Custom Sausages • Fireworks •

Farmers continue to provide inexpensive and abundant food for Albertans through their modern production technology.

We celebrate with pride in the accomplishments of our local farmers.

780-336-3193

Yogi, Shirley & Staff

2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 13

For the Winsnes, raising purebred is a way of life Moush John Tofield Mercury Having reached the 100-year milestone recently, the Winsnes Farms Inc. owners, William and Christa Winsnes pride themselves on the animals they raise – the Charolais cattle.

“We really pride ourselves on the animals we raise and the work we do – to be efficient and good stewards of the land and environment,” Christa Winsnes said. “It is our goal to raise bulls and females that are quiet, easy to be around, and will complement our

customers’ herd.”

The Winsnes said that they appreciate the support from the local community who come to their farm to buy animals.

“Agriculture is like a family and in working together we can all achieve sustainability for the generations to come,” Winsnes added.

Having the family farm has meant something different to each generation, according to Winsnes.

William’s grandparents were dairy farmers and were pioneers in breeding practices and automating part of the milking process.

The next generation found it’s calling in grain farming, while the Winsnes found theirs in cattle. When they took over in 2007, cattle was their “passion,” and so they made the transition to purebred Charolais and commercial cattle production hoping to be a little different and capture market opportunities.

“We still feel very lucky to have been able to purchase the cattle we did when we did,” Winsnes explained. “We have been fortunate to build and add over the last few years with a most recent Continued on page 26 00

William and Christa Winsnes with their son, Douglas. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Drones Continued from Page 3 Weber says, “The sky’s not the limit, it’s an opportunity,� when talking about the possibilities for unmanned aerial vehicles in agriculture.

With a new model available about every six months, Weber says that drone technology changes quickly, but optics/cameras have not, although he expects that to change over the next few years.

He says over the past few years, leading-edge farmers have started adopting drones as part of their farm tool kit. “Every year, there are new developments in how these small UAVs are used on the farm.�

Weber says he would guess that around a third of all farmers own drones, but thinks the actual use of drones in the farming operations is likely down around 10 to 15 per cent.

In the past three years, drone software for agriculture use has expanded to allow for field mapping, infrared cameras to check crop health, and improvements on camera

systems open the door to not just checking crops, but identifying problem areas.

Weber predicts that updated applications and technology will soon allow for identification of specific weed species.

He’s working on a project for mapping leafy spurge, working on a sensor/software combination that will allow users to identify growth of this noxious weed.

Weber says many growers start out buying drones for fun, but says, “The fun factor wears off fairly quickly for farmers because drones are really so simple to fly. “Luckily, agricultural drones are definitely more tool than cool.�

Weber says that agricultural drone use captures field operations in a manner previously unseen, providing a unique perspective to share with family and friends on social media. “Farmers are unique in a sense. They buy the drones for one thing, and then they find 10 other things to do with it, extracting real value for their crop and livestock operations. “They save time, and

increase a grower’s insight into management decisions. “With some additional sensors, analytical software, and training, the drones become an invaluable source of mid-season data and information about crops.�

Weber says ranchers also find a multitude of uses for drones, from checking fence lines to locating missing animals.

Ag Drone School provides participants with the opportunity to learn about mapping using infrared and multi-spectral sensors on their drones. “These sensors are used to create maps of crop health, crop stress, canopy coverage, and even yield potential. “The students quickly progress from their first takeoff to programming the UAV to fly a grid over a field, capturing hundreds of pictures which are combine to create an orthomosaic, or high-resolution map.�

Weber says, “The sky truly is a huge opportunity, and it will be exciting to see the new developments for farm drones in the 2018 crop year.�

Continued on Page 29

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Page 16 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement, March 28, 2018

Bee box building generating lots of buzz Leslie Cholowsky The Community Press

Flagstaff County is hosting a Build-a-bee-box workshop this April that’s generating a lot of buzz on social media.

With only 20 spots available, or 20 boxes, Assistant Ag. Fieldman Kelsey Fenton says she’s hoping that she can come away from the presentation with plans, at least, and maybe the opportunity to record the presentation.

The project is one offered by Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society (AWES), and participants only have to bring their own screwdrivers or cordless drills, all materials and supper will be provided.

Fenton says that just because only 20 boxes are available doesn’t mean that one or more people per family can’t come.

“It’s an educational, fun event.”

Alberta is home to about 300 species of native bees,

most of who are solitary bees, unlike honeybees and bumblebees.

More and more, groups like the Bee-friendly Farming Task Force are working for the protection of pollinators across Mexico, the US, and Canada.

Most of these solitary bee types are passive, they don’t bite unless provoked, say experts.

One of these 300 species is the Mason Bee, who builds nests in old logs, holes in trees, and other hidden areas, but who can be attracted to bee boxes.

Before honeybees, who originated from Europe took over pollination duties, native bees like the Mason bee performed the job, and in fact are more efficient pollinators, pollinating everything in their paths.

Providing native bees with safe nesting areas takes the pressure off their search for nesting sites.

One mason bee can pollinate as much as 100 hon-

eybees, so if you can attract a few to your garden this year, you could also expect to be rewarded with bigger yields of fruit or veggies.

One of the biggest differences between honeybees and mason bees is that the solitary mason bee produces neither honey or beeswax.

AWES presents a number of workshops that help to help growers improve

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their knowledge of native pollinators, and how to enhance and develop their habitat.

“As many pollinating species provide essential services to a significant number of crops in the province, it is a priority that information on the importance of pollinators and protection/development of their habitat becomes widely available,” AWES Continued on Page 31

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Page 20 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Thank you to our farmers.

dŚĞ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŽĨ ŽŶĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌ͕ ŽŶĞ ǀŽƚĞ tŚĂƚ ŝĨ ZƵƌĂů ůĞĐƚƌŝĮĐĂƟŽŶ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ;Z Ϳ ĐŽ-ŽƉ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ͞ŽǁŶĞĚ͟ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ͍

One of the advantages we gain through our ǁŽƌŬ ĂƐ Ă &ĞĚĞƌĂƟŽŶ͕ ŝƐ Ă ďŝƌĚ͛s eye view of the whole electricity landscape and how it is ĐŚĂŶŐŝŶŐ ŝŶ ůďĞƌƚĂ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŶŽǁ͘ tĞ ŐĞƚ ƚŽ evaluate what͛Ɛ ŐŽŝŶŐ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĚǀŽĐĂƚĞ ƐƚƌŽŶŐůLJ ĨŽƌ ŵĞŵďĞƌ Z Ɛ͘ tĞ ĐŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ĚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŽƵƌ ďŽĂƌĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽƵƌ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͕ ǁŚŽ ƐƚĞƉ ƵƉ ƌĞŐƵůĂƌůLJ ƚŽͲ ŐĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ƐƚĞĞƌ Z ĐŽ-ŽƉƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ͘ /ŵĂŐŝŶĞ ƚŚĞ ŬŝŶĚ ŽĨ ŵŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ ǁĞ ŵŝŐŚƚ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ ŝĨ Ă ďƌŽĂĚ ƐǁĂƚŚ ŽĨ Z ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ĂůƐŽ ƐƚĞƉƉĞĚ ƵƉ ĂŶĚ ƚƌƵůLJ ŽǁŶĞĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ƐƉĞĂŬ͕ ƚŽ ĂĐƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ǀŽƚĞ ĨŽƌ ǁŚĂƚ ƚŚĞLJ ƚŚŝŶŬ ŝƐ ďĞƐƚ ĨŽƌ ƌƵƌĂů ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJ͍ &ĞǁĞƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽĚĂLJ ƐĞĞŵ ƚŽ ďĞ ĐŽŶǀŝŶĐĞĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĐŽ-op can change the course of ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͘ ŶĚ ƐŽ͕ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ Žī ϮϬϭϴ͕ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ƌĞǀŝƐŝƟŶŐ ƚŚĞ ďĂƐŝĐ ŝĚĞĂ ŽĨ ĚĞŵŽĐƌĂƟĐ ŽǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ͘ ,Žǁ ĚŽ ǁĞ ůŝǀĞ ƵƉ ƚŽ ƚŚĂƚ ŬĞLJ ĐŽŽƉĞƌĂƟǀĞ ƉƌŝŶĐŝƉůĞ͕ ĞŵŽĐƌĂƟĐ DĞŵďĞƌ ŽŶƚƌŽů͍ ƚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ďĂƐŝĐ ůĞǀĞů͕ Ă ĐŽ-ŽƉ ŝƐ Ă ĚĞŵŽĐƌĂƟĐ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ zĞƐ͕ Ă ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ – ďƵƚ Ă ĚĞŵŽĐƌĂƟĐ ŽŶĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŽůůĞĐƟǀĞ ŐŽŽĚ ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͘ Ž-ŽƉƐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ ĂƌĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝŶĐŝƉůĞ ŽĨ ĚĞŵŽͲ ĐƌĂƟĐ ŽǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ͘

Thank you to our rural power co-ops for lighting the way.

ůďĞƌƚĂ ŚĂƐ Ă ƌŝĐŚ ŚŝƐƚŽƌLJ ŽĨ ƐĞƫŶŐ ƵƉ ĐŽ-ŽƉƐ ƐŽ ƚŚĂƚ ƌƵƌĂů ůďĞƌƚĂŶƐ ĐŽƵůĚ ǁŽƌŬ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ĚĞŵŽĐƌĂƟĐĂůůLJ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ŶĞĞĚƐ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ĐƵƐͲ ƚŽŵŝnjĞĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ŽĨ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ĐĂƉŝƚĂů ŇŽǁ ďĂĐŬ ŝŶƚŽ their co-ŽƉ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͘ Ž-ops ƐƚĂƌƚ when people see that a need is not ďĞŝŶŐ ŵĞƚ͕ Žƌ Ă ƉƌŽďůĞŵ ƐŽůǀĞĚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ Žƌ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂůŽŶĞ͘ dŚĂƚ ǀĂĐƵƵŵ ĐĂƵƐĞƐ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ĨŽƌĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉŽŽů ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ ;ƚĂůĞŶƚ͕ ƟŵĞ͕ ŵŽŶĞLJͿ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĨĂŵŝůŝĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ ĐŽ -ŽƉ ƐƚŽƌLJ ŽĨ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ũŽŝŶŝŶŐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ ƚŚĞ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŽŶ ŝŶ ƌƵƌĂů ůďĞƌƚĂ͘ ;ĐŚĞĐŬ ŽƵƚ ŽƵŶƚƌLJ WŽǁĞƌ – dŚĞ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ZĞǀŽůƵƟŽŶ ŝŶ ZƵƌĂů ůďĞƌƚĂ) ŽŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ŶĞĞĚƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ŽŶŐŽŝŶŐ͕ ŚŽǁĞǀĞƌ͘ >ŝŬĞ ĂŶ ŽůĚ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ƐůŽǁůLJ ĐƌƵŵďůĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ŶŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ͕ Ă ĐŽ-ŽƉ ǁŝůů ƐƵīĞƌ ŝĨ ďLJůĂǁƐ ŐƌŽǁ ŝƌƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ͕ ĮŶĂŶĐĞƐ ŐŽ ƵŶŵĂŶĂŐĞĚ͕ ůĂǁƐ ƉĂƐƐ ƵŶŶŽƟĐĞĚ͕ ĐŽŵƉĞƟƚŽƌƐ ŵŽǀĞ ŝŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĞŵͲ ďĞƌƐ ůŽƐĞ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ͘ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ĂƐƐĞƚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐŽůĚ Žī ĂŶĚ ĐůŽƐĞĚ͕ ŝƚƐ ǀĂůƵĞ ƉĞƌŵĂŶĞŶƚůLJ ůŽƐƚ͘ ĐŽ-ŽƉ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ƚŚƌŝǀĞ ŝŶĚĞĮŶŝƚĞůLJ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ƐƚĞƉƉŝŶŐ ƵƉ ƚŽ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ ĂƐ ƌŝŐŚƞƵů ŽǁŶĞƌƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ ƚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂƌƚ ŽĨ ŝƚ͕ ŝƚ͛Ɛ Ă ŵĂƩĞƌ ŽĨ ŵĞŵďĞƌ-ŽǁŶĞƌƐ ďĞůŝĞǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĞLJ ĞĂĐŚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ƉŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞ͘ tŚĞŶ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂĐƚ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ŽŶ ƚŚŝƐ ďĞůŝĞĨ͕ ŚŝƐƚŽƌLJ ŚĂƐ ƐŚŽǁŶ ƚŚĞ ĞīĞĐƚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ͙ ǁĞůů͕ ĚLJŶĂŵŝƚĞ͘ tŚĂƚ ŝĨ ŵŽƌĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ďĞůŝĞǀĞĚ͕ ŵŽƌĞ ŽŌĞŶ͕ ǁŚĂƚ ǁĞůů-ŬŶŽǁŶ ĂƵƚŚŽƌ͕ ƌ͘ ^ĞƵƐƐ͕ ĂĚǀŝƐĞƐ ĞǀĞŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͍ ͞hŶůĞƐƐ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ůŝŬĞ LJŽƵ ĐĂƌĞƐ Ă ǁŚŽůĞ ĂǁĨƵů ůŽƚ͕ ŶŽƚŚŝŶŐ ŝƐ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ ďĞƩĞƌ͘ /ƚΖƐ ŶŽƚ͘͟ Ɛ ŚĂƌĚ ĂƐ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŶŽǁ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ĂƐ Ă &ĞĚĞƌĂͲ ƟŽŶ͕ ǁŚĂƚ ǁŽƵůĚ ŚĂƉƉĞŶ ŝĨ ĞǀĞƌLJ Z ĐŽ-ŽƉ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ ƚŽ ŽǁŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ͍ Sponsored by the Alberta Federation of REAs www.afrea.ab.ca

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 21

The Town of Lamont wishes to recognize the dedication and hard work of our agrictulural community.

H ARDWORKING FARMERS , W E S ALUTE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS !!

To w n o f L a m o n t

LHS students with their plants. Lamont High School received a grant of $5,000 for the Lamont High Aquaponics Project from the Alberta Healthy School Community Wellness Fund

Aquaponics passing test MAUREEN SULLIVAN Lamont High School received a grant of $5,000 for the Lamont High Aquaponics Project from the Alberta Healthy School Community Wellness Fund, funded

by Alberta Health and administered by the University of Alberta.

The students are growing their own vegetables that are then used in home economic studies.

Aquaponics blends aquaculture - the raising of fish - and hydroponics - the growing of plants without soil in a nutrient rich solution. A simple system uses a growing bed for plants and an aquarium for raising fish. There is no weeding, no chemicals, less water and pests. The fish provide the only nutrients that are needed.

It is a symbiotic system because the fish fertilize the plants via the waste they produce and the hydroponic system feeds the plants as it cleans and oxygenates the water for the fish. It enables both the plants and fish to grow faster, healthier and more productive than separate systems. It also uses 1/10 of the water needed to grow plants in soil and the same electricity as running a couple of lightbulbs.

The system at the high school was built last year and monitored by the tech class with the fish being donated by a parent, Clark Marshall. This year the system is being monitored by the kids in the LINCS program as part of their science cirriculum.

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Page 22 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Rail delays beginning to slowly improve Leslie Cholowsky The Community Press

Last Monday, March 19, grain industry representatives were in Ottawa to address the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and AgriFood on the grain transportation backlog.

Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay met with representatives from the grain industry who form the Crop Logistics Working Group (CLWG) to discuss rail car shortages and measures the Government has in place to assist producers impacted by delays in grain delivery.

MacAulay has been working with Farm Credit Canada to ensure producers have the financial flexibility they need to face cash flow pressures.

FCC is available to support all its grain and oilseed customers potentially impacted by delays in grain delivery in the three Prairie Provinces and British Columbia's Peace region, and to explore options to address

their individual needs.

Producers also have access to tools such as the Advance Payments Program, which offers cash advances for a stored or planted crop of up to $400,000, the first $100,000 interest-free.

This meeting took place just two weeks after Minister MacAulay and Transport Minister Marc Garneau, wrote to CN and CP to express their significant concerns with the railways' failure to meet the expectations of shippers and grain producers this winter.

The Ministers also asked for the railways to clarify how they intended to address the immediate backlog in moving western grain and other commodities to export markets. CN and CP have since responded to the Ministers with a commitment to address the problems.

The Minister also wanted to hear first-hand about the rail service problems grain farmers and shippers are experiencing, and get the sector's views on recent commitments made by the Canadian National

Iron Creek Vet Hospital is wishing everyone a safe and successful calving season!

Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) to address the situation.

Officials from CN and CP blamed a combination of extremely cold weather, lots of snow, and a shortage of crews and locomotive power say reports from the meeting, adding that CN also said it was surprised by the surge in demand for rail cars from across the board, not just grain.

“From retired Continued on Page 27

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 23

Lamont County has thorough plan for farm safety JOHN MATHER When it comes to farm safety Lamont County has a very thorough plan in place to deal with emergency situations on the farm.

Lamont County Regional Fire Chief David Zayonce outlined the County’s emergency preparedness plan at a workshop hosted by the Lamont and District Agricultural Society at St. Michael in February.

Zayonce told the group the county has done risk assessment studies and put a plan in place to minimize the effect to producers “whether it’s from a health quarantine or livestock rollover.

“It’s our goal to help and protect our County producers,” he said.

He added through consultations a plan for public works and emergency service personnel has been developed.

“We looked at the hazards and asked what could we do to remain safe,” Zayonce said.

Variety of hazards studied “We do risk assessments all the time,” he pointed out. “It’s much like common sense.

When you go to the grocery store you assess the situation when you pick the fastest check out counter… you do an assessment when you go home by the quickest route.”

The county is prepared for different natural hazards from flooding to fires, which may have

devastating effects on farm.

Other hazards could be a loss of power for a length of time or manmade disasters.

“We looked all different types of potential hazards in our area and assigned a risk rating number to it,” reported Zayonce. “I’m on the road quite a bit and noticed a large number of cattle liners on the roads and we have an assessment for that in the event of an accident.”

Once the assessments are in place, he added, training programs are developed. These are then put into action through training at all county fire departments providing total emergency preparedness.

Knowing what equipment is available and the people who can be utilized is an important part of the emergency response plan.

As Zayonce pointed out when an emergency occurs it’s not just the county department, but it’s a team.

“We use other jurisdictions and we work together to resolve the situation.”

To that end the county is one of the 16 jurisdictions in Alberta with an emergency livestock handling equipment trailer.

“Whether it’s highway accident, barn fire, flood, or other incident this trailer is a great tool,” said Lamont Agricultural Fieldman Terry Eleniak, “it fea-

tures the jaws of life, panels which can quickly be erected for pens, tarps, and ropes – all items needed for the containment of livestock.”

In addition, it also has a full range of rescue equipment. Housed at the Bruderheim fire hall the unit has been part of the county emergency preparedness system since 2014.

Providing county residents with a magnetic flip chart outlining possible emergencies and response numbers is another project Zayonce is very proud of.

In addition to having a cover that lists all personal information, the chart provides notes on the assessment of risk, risk awareness, preparedness tips, plan development, and a wide variety of available resources for people to remain informed.

“Emergency management and preparedness – it’s all the same,” emphasized Zayonce.

“Unfortunately as we put more and more into preparedness we’re creating a complacency among the population.”

He cited Hurricane Irma in the United States as an example where people had heard the warnings for previous hurricanes, which weren’t severe so they weren’t as panicked to move quickly when reality hit home.

Rescue personnel can deal with injured people and animals When asked what

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would activate an emergency response for livestock other than a fire, Zayonce replied floods, electrocution, or even cattle in the ditch could be the trigger.

Zayonce said while people might try to contact the owner, calling the police has to be the first call.

Eleniak echoed his comments saying any time there’s a risk of property damage, a call to emergency services is imperative.

He cited the Skaro fire of a few years ago where livestock wandered throughout the fire area and they had to be rounded up and saved.

“We have people who know animals and know how to save and protect them as well as any people who may be involved in accidents with them,” Eleniak added. “You have to know how to deal with different animals and different aged animals because they all have different behaviour patterns.”

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MCF Holdings Ltd., operating as NBI Feedyards is a cattle feedlot that can hold up to 10,000 head of cattle is looking for a full-time General Manager to start employment as soon as possible. The feedlot is located in Lamont, Alberta.

The General Manager is responsible for completing operational requirements through management of the feedlot’s management team. This individual maintains responsibility over the implementation and execution of the day to day feed yard processes and farming operations.

Responsibilities of this position may include: • Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of feedlot employees • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws; • Interviewing, hiring. and training of both hourly and management employees; • Planning, assigning, and directing work; • Required to take an active, hands on role in the day to day technical duties of the Cattle (receiving, shipping, pen riding, and doctoring), Feed/Mill, Yard Departments and farming operations in order to help establish structure and processes consistent with other Company Feedlots; • Develops management team by providing information, educational opportunities, and experiential growth opportunities; • Additional responsibilities as required.

The ideal candidate should have 3-5 years of managerial experience in the agriculture industry and hold a diploma in agriculture or animal science (both would be preferred). This position is physically demanding and candidates must be physically fit. Salary will commensurate with experience and education.

If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the above requirements, please forward your resume to: Human Resources 100, 101 Riel Drive St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3X4 Email: hr@nbinc.com Fax : (780) 479-8469

We thank you for your interest however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Page 24 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 25

Dr. Glynnis Hood's pond leveller project - devices help people and beaver co-exist Patricia Harcourt The Weekly Review

Dr. Glynnis Hood of the Augustana Campus, University of Alberta, in Camrose spoke to Beaver County's committee of the whole meeting concerning her beaver project.

Hood offered a presentation of her work in the county to bring the new councillors up to date on the project.

The work involves a technique using pond levellers to keep water from flooding where there is beaver activity.

The beaver are unaware of the leveller and it allows them to continue their activity without being removed.

Hood told councillors that her team has installed 30 pond levellers in three different jurisdictions, with some in Beaver County. Forty foot piping that siphons water off a rising pond to keep it level is used along with a four foot high cage.

Reeve Jim Kallal, speak-

ing via teleconference, expressed his concerns about Beaverhill Lake east of Tofield, a body of water that dried up during the last drought experienced in Alberta.

"It's now mostly grass," said Kallal, with a "carbon storage potential" for creating wildfires. The lake already experienced a fire following the drought about 15 years ago.

Hood was also doing a study on how natural habitats help with carbon sequestration and biodiversity within Beaver County. At the March meeting, she emphasized that concerns such as those expressed by the reeve were the reason pond levellers were such a good idea. Beavers help retain the water in the countryside, thereby helping to protect the landscape from fire.

Councillor Gene Hrabec (Division 3) thanked Hood stating he had heard about pond levellers previously but after

her presentation he now understands how they work. "I appreciate it, it's a good presentation." He suggested the Agricultural Services Board should promote this concept to local students and try to get them interested in the field.

"The kids need to know what we're doing in our community," he said.

"Beaver County's needs are the number one focus on the kind of research we want to set up here," agreed Hood, concerning the beaver.

Deputy Reeve Barry Bruce (Division 4) asked Hood if she could supply the schematics for setting up a pond leveller so farmers could install their own.

Hood stated that there is a video on the Beaver County website demonstrating how it is done, and the website has had hits from people around the world interested in it.

The contract between the county and Hood,

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who is a biologist at the Augustana Campus, ends in July. Hood said there would be no research done this summer as she will be on sabbatical.

"I think we've done as much pond levellers that we could do," she said.

Most of the work took place in the moraine part of Beaver County's west end. Students from the county studying at Augustana have been involved in her work.

"They're seeing the county in a different light as well," said Hood.

In 2014, Hood and her summer research team demonstrated how to install a pond leveller using the west end of Beaver County in the Beaverhills moraine area, which is replete with marshland and wooded areas.

At that time, Hood called herself a "wetland

plumber" who wanted to create and maintain biodiversity in the ponds, which are vital to the ecosystem and for water retention.

Hood and her team manually unblocked a culvert, allowing the water level to drop to the bottom so it could be cleared of debris.

The device consists of a pipe with one end kept under water and protected against beaver attack with the use of a wire mesh cage. The other end of the piping goes through the culvert where water flows to the other side of the road, keeping the pond at a certain level.

Grates were put in at both ends of the culvert with a hole cut for the pipe to pass through into the culvert.

The pipe continually drains out keeping the

water levels down. And the beaver has little cause for worry as most of the piping is under water.

The county's only solution to bothersome beaver has been to blow up their dams.

But Hood is trying to convince people that there is a better way to manage beaver other than blowing up their dams and/or killing them.

"All this (type of) beaver management was doing was losing wetlands," said Hood, at the time. "You lose all kinds of wildlife."

Still, the county that is its namesake has slapped a $25 bounty on beaver tails this year, up to a maximum of 400 for 2018, totalling $10,000 due to concerns over expected flooding and infrastructure damage this spring by the animal.

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Page 26 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Winsnes Farms’ labour of love Continued from page 13 00 purchase of a heifer from Circle Cee farms in Lamont for our youngest son to start his herd,” Winsnes said. “It has been fun to work with other breeders locally to grow our herd and make connections and relationships.”

Speaking about why they decided to go with the Charolais breed, Winsnes said that they

liked it for its growth and performance.

“When the calf crop leaves the farm, the producer is paid for the pounds the animal weighs, and we found this breed to be easy to get on the ground – the mothers are maternal and take care of their babies, and the calves grow and weigh up,” Winsnes stated. “Our commercial herd is a mix of different breeds and

William Winsnes with son Douglas at the Farmfair 2017. Douglas showed in the UFA Peewee Show and was second in his class. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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we find the Charolais cross well on them all.”

WInsnes said that if she had to mention a disadvantage it would be that the breed in its early days is larger framed and the calves are big at birth. However, genetic advancements and breeding practices have resolved this and the animals are different in their conformation today.

“We still deal with a bit of stigma from those

early days but we are starting to make headway,” Winsnes added.

The Winsnes are excited about the advances in technology and how it can help them as producers reach efficiencies in production.

For their particular operation the adoption of RFID scanners and herd management software allow them to participate in value chain projects like the pilot project currently being carried out through the Verified Beef and McDonalds Sustainability program.

“My favourite piece of technology on the farm right now is the calving camera,” Winsnes said.

“We are able to see check on the cows at night and see coloured images and able to monitor the animals from our home and phones.”

They have been able to monitor the cows and have intervened whenever necessary to save the calf.

“We are also able to watch through adverse

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 27

Rail

Continued from Page 22

employees coming back, to delaying vacation, to the hiring we’re doing, and the leasing of locomotives, everything we’re doing right now is to clear the backlog,�

CNR’s COO Michael Cory and CP VP of Strategic Planning and Transportation Services James Clements told the committee.

A spokesman for the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan blamed the reduced service on deep operations cuts that reduced manpower and locomotives. “The fact that we are talking about this again is quite ridiculous,� he said. “We get winter every year in Canada, the railroad should know that after operating for 100plus years.�

MacAulay told producers, “These current issues with the grain backlog must be resolved quickly, but we also need to ensure they're not repeated. “This is one of the key reasons our Government introduced Bill C49, which gives grain shippers the tools they need. “We are committed to working closely with farmers on this situation and we will continue to closely monitor the performance of the railways. ...Canada needs a world-class transportation system not only for this year or next year -but for many years to come. “Our farmers, our customers, and our economy count on it."

Prince Albert MP Randy Hoback published an opinion piece Thursday, March 22, saying, “A decline in railway service for our grain sector has seen

performance numbers drop dramatically, resulting in the worse grain backlog in years. “Contracts are in jeopardy, demurrage costs are mounting, and Canada’s reputation as

a reliable grain exporter is on the line. “There are currently between 30 and 40 ships sitting at ports on the BC coast waiting to be loaded with our grain, but none is getting out

to fill them.�

Hoback goes on to say that, “Last week saw a marginal improvement with CN and CP sup-

plying 45 per cent of cars ordered. “This is still not nearly good enough.�

When you have grain to market, reach out to us to see what we can do for you.

Marketing options for wheat and canola, as well as pulses and specialty crops. We aim

to provide a better quality experience for farmers, offering: We’re proud to be a part of this community’s farming tradition, and we care about the well-being and continued success of our local farmers. That’s why you can turn to us for quality financial advice and assistance, from affordable ag loans and farm mortgages to everyday banking needs and retirement planning.

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Page 28 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

We want to take some of the risk out of farming.

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Talk to us about tailoring a package for your farm insurance needs. We’re also here to help with your home, automobile, tenant/condominium, home business, commercial, rental, life and health insurance.

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 29

Join us in thanking our local producers for their contributions to our rural communities!

More Drones Continued from Page 14 Students do not need to own a drone to attend Ag Drone School, he says.

But if they decide to purchase, they can spend from $2,500 for a starter package to $20,000 for a top-end unit. Drones vary widely in design, from fixed-wing models to multicopters.

The vast majority of attendees of Ag Drone School include farmers and agronomists, Weber says.

Flagstaff County has embraced drone use, by the Ag Service Board, but also by Public Works.

In a presentation from Brownlee LLP to Alberta

Municipal Supervisors, some of the uses given for drones by a municipality include fire fighting, for aerial spotting and monitoring; use of drones to monitor and inspect remote roads and infrastructure, and monitor construction and repair; for municipal enforcement, potentially to inspect for safety codes, land use bylaws, and unsightly premises; and finally for floodplain mapping.

The presentation outlined the authorized use of drones, especially regarding the collection of use of personal information provided by the drones.

A 2016 presentation to the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association highlighted privacy as

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Page 30 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

New Holden ag outlet set for completion mid-May Patricia Harcourt The Weekly Review

After two years since the initial announcement, a new regional agricultural retail outlet in the middle of Beaver County is set for final completion by mid-May, says Maury Micklich, partner and location manager for Holden Crop Management.

The final touches are taking place on the new office building at the site located east of the Village of Holden proper (but still within its boundaries) and just north of Highway 14.

The office needs the concrete flooring poured and some walls still have to go up inside. "Once the office is done, that's it," said Micklich. "Every-

thing (will be) 100 per cent operational."

Plus, a grand opening will be scheduled for some time in June.

The outlet will employ four full time people as well as three seasonal employees.

But they are already open for business. "We're already working out there," he said, "delivering fertilizer right to their

bin." The outlet owns a fleet of 10 larger trucks to make their deliveries.

The new ag retail outlet is part of the Crop Management Network composed of independent, locally owned retailers who work with farmers to maximize their crops.

There are also ag retail outlets in Daysland, Vegreville, Fort Saskatchewan and Ed-

berg.

"Our companies are growing nice and fast," said Micklich.

The Holden facility will provide dry fertilizer from a 600 ft. long shed that will store urea and phosphate. A previously stated liquid fertilizer facility won't proceed at this time.

The outlet will also provide crop protection products (such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides), canola seed and bulk water. The bulk water storage tank and pump house is already on site as well.

This will enable farmers to come and get commercial for spraying purposes whenever they

need it, and holds 20,000 gallons at a time.

"The dry fertilizer and blending facilities are done," he said, "and we will be making winter deliveries to farmers. We have about 9,800 metric tonnes of urea and stored about 6,000 metric tonnes of phosphate.

"The blending facility will hold 1,100 tonne of product," to provide whatever amount a farmer will need. A 120 ft. by 64 ft. chemical warehouse is attached to the office.

"The chemical warehouse and dry fertilizer is the focus right now," said Micklich, who grew up in the Holden area and still farms there.

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 31

Bees

Continued from Page 16 reports.

They say one potential practice that can provide habitat for native pollinators is planting ecobuffers.

These are described as a complex, dense tree and shrub system designed to trap snow, improve agriculture yields, and provided habitat for bees, insects, and birds.

“These systems work much like windbreaks and riparian forests in that they enhance biodiversity to a great extent and connect natural areas such as riparian zones, wildlife corridors and wooded areas.

“These systems can also

encourage other beneficial wildlife that can suppress prest species.”

In AWES publication called “The Practical Guide to Establishing an Eco-Buffer,” the conclusion is, “Establishing an Eco-Buffer is more complex than establishing a shelterbelt.

“It is also more expensive, requiring around twice the number of seedlings for a given length.

“However, the benefits of the initial investment are significant, and will begin to be felt as maintenance is phased out after two years.

“At this point, the site should increasingly become “captured” by suckering trees and shrubs that shade out weeds and provide shelter for slower

growing, long-lived trees.

“As the Eco-Buffer continues to mature, a diversity of birds, small mammals, insects, and soil microbes will take up residence and spread seed, pollinate, and cycle nutrients both within it and in the surrounding landscape.

“If the Eco-Buffer is well designed, after about 10 years it will be difficult to

tell that it was in fact a planted Eco-Buffer and not a remnant strip of natural forest running through your land.”

The Soil Conservation Council of Canada, with Syngenta Canada, and Agriculture Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) has a program to help prairie farmers establish Operation Pollinator sites on

farms, where producers agree to convert one-totwo acres of lower-productivity land to establish a dedicated Operation Pollinator site.

In exchange for dedicating the land, participating producers receive a provision of high-quality, pollinator-friendly wildflower seed, agronomic advice, and assistance to help offset site establishment

costs.

Through this program, Syngenta has also partnered with 4-H Canada and this year will celebrate their fifth-annual Proud to BEE a 4-H’er. Clubs who register will received 100 packets of Proud to Bee a 4-H’er Pollinator seed mix.

The program is aiming to surpass 150,000 seed packets distributed in total after this year’s program.

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Page 32 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Environmental Farm Plan needed April 1 Government Funding Based on up to date EFP MAUREEN SULLIVAN The way Alberta farms are changing, one of the new tools needed is an Environmental Farm Plan or EFP. This is a plan that takes into account all the various parts of the farm and tells the farmer what can be done to improve environmental safety. This includes things like safe water for livestock, safe use and storage of pesticides and good growing practices.

Alberta EFP is preparing for a future where the majority of commodities are sustainably sourced. Consumers and the agri-food industry are demanding proof that agricultural products are safe and healthy and grown with minimal impact on the environment.

Sustainable Sourcing means buying goods from suppliers who adhere to a code of practice that reduces the social, economic and environmental impacts of food production, processing and distribution.

Environmental criteria includes; soil stewardship, nutrient management, agrochemical use, biodiversity enhancement, and protection of water. Social criteria are composed of human rights, worker condi-

tions, social protection, employment relations, human development and social dialogue.

Management criteria include economic viability, sustainable management and supply chain responsibilities. Ethics criteria include no forced or child labour, prevention of corruption and compliance with legislation.

In recent years major corporations have committed to increasing the proportion of sustainably sourced agricultural products. For example Unilever has committed to sourcing 100% of their agricultural materials sustainably. This will ripple through the food chain since not only are they the third largest consumer goods company but they work in partnership with other large multinationals on agricultural sustainability.

Canadian food giant McCains will only purchase produce from farms with a completed EFP. As a result the Potato Growers of Alberta make EFP completion a requirement of membership. The beef industry is planning to include EFP as part of their verified Beef Program and the dairy industry are planning the add EFP to their pro-

duction program.

These impending market requirements around sustainable production means Alberta producers will be called upon to demonstrate that the food is produced sustainably. It will mean having standards to adhere to and documentation to prove it.

The EFP was launched in Alberta in 2003 and now changes are coming to align the province with the rest of the country. There is now the need to have a plan with a renewal period of 10 years that will allow farmers to apply for Growing Forward Funding.

Effective April 1, 2018, producers will need to have an EFP completion letter dated within the last ten years to be considered eligible for cost

share funding with the Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change programs of the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP).

There has been criticism from industry that in the past when a EFP has been filled out, no one ever sees what happens to it. Do the actions get implemented, what per cent of them, what things are being done?

This renewal period is a part of the process of harmonizing plans across Canada so that when a producer in Canada does an EFP, to the outside world that means he has done a specified amount. It will mean that every producer in Canada meets some level of standards that are required by the international sustainable sourcing requirements.

The plans are pretty standard across Canada though there are some regional differences such as a predator chapter for producers that are near the Rockies geared towards things like bears, wolves and coyotes. Saskatchewan has a

drought mitigation chapter.

EFPs can be completed online, which means any changes or updates are easy to add. The Lamont County Agricultural Department is happy to assist anyone with their plan.

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 33

Reality Check: how much meat do Canadians eat?

A new analysis of Statistics Canada data shows Canadians are consuming moderate amounts of meat.

On average, Canadians consume 41 grams of cooked fresh meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, and veal, a day – that’s about half the size of the palm of your hand.

They also consume prepared poultry and prepared red meat in modest amounts – 28 grams a day, which is roughly two slices of deli turkey or ham.

“Canadians are consuming red and prepared meat well within Canada’s Food Guide recommendations, and are knowledgeable about the essential nutrients that meat provides,” says Chris White, President of the Canadian Meat Council (CMC).

“Many might be surprised to know that meat consumption in Canada is similar to that found in Mediterranean countries, places where diets are widely recognized as being amongst the healthiest worldwide,” he added.

Additional Statistics Canada data collected through 24-hour dietary recalls shows that Canadians are consuming less than one Food Guide serving of red meat and prepared meat/poultry a day.

An Ipsos poll conducted in September 2017 of 1,000plus Canadians complements these findings.

According to the poll 72 per

cent of respondents reported to eat three or less servings of meat a week.

Encouragingly, three out of four respondents understand the important role that red meat plays in getting essential nutrients for health.

“Canadians understand that meat is nutrient dense and plays a key role in balanced diets and even has benefits when added to diets that are largely plantbased by helping the body absorb nutrients, like iron and zinc,” said Mary Ann Binnie, a nutrition expert with the Canadian Meat Council.

Health Canada notes women are at risk of inadequate intakes of iron, zinc and vitamin B12: essential nutrients found in red meat.

The analysis from Statistics Canada highlights that a significant number of women consume less than the recommended number of servings for meat and alternatives.

“I encourage Canadians to cook with whole, naturally nutrient-rich foods and eat together as often as possible. For a healthy plate, fill it with half vegetables and fruit, one-quarter protein and one-quarter whole grains.

“Over the course of the week, aim for lots of variety too," says Carol Harrison, a Canadian Registered Dietitian and founder of Yummy Lunch Club.

To those who work in hectares, not hours We thank you!

From Flagstaff County Council and Staff

Page 34 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

Farm types Continued from page 700 Alberta reported almost 2,900 wheat farms in 2016, about a 39 per cent increase from 2011.

“Alberta continued to record the second highest amount of wheat farms in Canada, behind Saskatchewan,” Leitch said.

“However, Alberta’s oilseed, excluding soybean farms decreased almost 29 per cent to about 3,700 farms.”

Dry pea and bean farms recorded the

largest increase of over 259 per cent from 2011 to 2016, with 582 farms.

Alberta hay farms decreased almost 22 per cent in 2016, from just under 7,800 farms in 2011 to almost 6,100 farms in 2016.

In 2016, Alberta recorded almost 300 vegetable and melon farms, just under eight per cent increase from 2011.

Potato farms decreased about 16 per cent in 2016, but other vegetable and melon farms increased almost 36 per cent.

Our spring supplement is coming out on April 25.

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2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018 - Page 35

Irvings Farms Fresh Continued from page 500 beginning of Irvings Farms Fresh.

In 2008, when the Irvings moved to Round Hill, it allowed them to grow their business significantly, and they started cutting their own pork carcasses, and the product range expanded rapidly.

“We have upgraded equipment several times over the past decade, and in late 2016 we expanded our current facility, to double the space that we operate out of today,” Alan added. “Our newly expanded facility has a custom-built food processing area, with recently added three phase

power allowing us to use bigger equipment.”

They also installed a new walk-in cooler and freezer, and a new retail space for customers to purchase products directly from the farm.

“The store sells our full range of pork products, plus a selection of other locally produced gourmet food items, such as honey, soup mixes, mustard, jams and preserves, pickles, and salsa,” Nicola said. “As a producer selling directly to consumers, we benefit from working directly with our customers. We are able to gather feedback and opinion, and understand what our customers need.”

For the Irvings, this interaction has resulted in some great benefits.

“We’ve been able to try out new products and sausage varieties, and we find out fairly quickly which ones are going to be popular,” Nicola explained. “We have built relationships, and in many cases friendships, over the years.”

According to Nicola, customer loyalty is key to a successful business, and they’ve put a lot of value on always giving excellent customer service, which has helped them grow their business, mostly by word of mouth, and customer recommendations.

The Irvings empha-

sized that logistically, the most important thing for any food processing business is to ensure that they are meeting, and hopefully exceeding the standards for food safety and traceability.

“Operating a meat processing facility requires diligent record keeping, monitoring procedures, and temperature controls, and making sure that all of our standards are being achieved on a daily basis,” Alan said. “We pride ourselves on operating well above the minimum required standards, and are always happy to welcome visitors to come and see for themselves our standards of hygiene and cleanliness.”

Nicola and Alan Irving at their farm in Round Hill. MOUSH JOHN PHOTO

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Page 36 - 2018 Agriculture Supplement (The Community Press, Weekly Review, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader), March 28, 2018

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