AgriPost March 31 2023

Cattle Prices Strengthen

Major Risk of Spring Flooding on Red River Projected

By Elmer Heinrichs

Manitobans are being warned there’s now a major risk of flooding on the Red River this spring after a series of big snowstorms south of the border in the United States.

Although cattle numbers continue their decline, cattle producer Tom Teichroeb of Langruth, MB said while a long time coming the business is good with the current commodity prices.

By Harry Siemens shared with Teichroeb how they dispersed their 400 cows because they could not make a living in the cattle business. They wanted to sell their herd before they lost all their equity position. That is a very common theme, he said.

“We’re finally where we must be to make money from this gig,” said Teichroeb.

Even though inflationary pressure has increased input costs the current market is more favourable for the cattle sector.

“The commodity prices before 2023 just did not cut the mustard. The industry needed to be more sustainable,” he said. “Even where we are now with the current fuel and fertilizer, and equipment prices, we need to stay there or be better for people to want to be a part of this industry. It’s just that simple.”

A cattle producer recently

He thinks with the higher commodity prices for cattle it will still take time to correct meaning cattle producers entering the twilight of their careers will take advantage of these prices and liquidate when they can make some money.

“It’s twofold, Harry. First, the guys in it like myself, with a slightly better equity position and some younger producers who need a few years for us to break the trend,” said Teichroeb. “In Manitoba consistently, our herd numbers have gone down since BSE 2003. That has not changed.”

That indicates how the industry is doing in general he said. However, producers must see multiple years of current conditions for that trend to stop.

Teichroeb and two other producers recently sold their calf crop a little earlier because of the timing of another producer who came in with the sale and didn’t quite have the silage pile that he was hoping to, due to last year’s wet and hail conditions.

The sale did well but needed more weight because of the calf crop. With a very difficult spring and calving conditions in 2022, those calves had a different start than in other years.

“Then going into the fall, we decided not to buy corn or some of the grain commodities because at the time, when we were looking at the calf prices in mid-December, the

corn was up near 30 cents a pound,” said Teichroeb.

The calf prices were nowhere near where they are now, so he decided to go with a cheaper ration producing lesser gains.

“We did profit more this year with lighter calves than last year with heavier ones,” he said.

Teichroeb sold in the 280, 285 mark, with a combined total from three producers just shy of one thousand head in that video sale.

About 15 years ago he started calving season by April 15 and because of the storms in March, he backed it off even farther.

“So our date will be right into the end of April,” he said. “With some luck, we’ll have a slightly gentler spring than last year in the calving season, and we can experience a more normal year.”

Those storms have left an above-normal snow pack in much of the US portion of the Red River basin, the province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reported recently.

The flood risk largely depends on weather conditions from now until the spring melt. Favourable conditions would create a moderate risk of flooding similar to what was seen in fall 2019, the forecast says.

However, community dikes and other flood protection works are higher than even the predicted peak levels in the worst scenario.

The forecast is a significant change from the earlier flood outlook that came out at the end of February, predicting moderate flows along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and in the Interlake region along the Fisher and Icelandic rivers.

In the latest outlook the flood risk remains low to moderate along those other waterways, including the Assiniboine, Souris, Roseau, Rat and Pembina rivers.

Water levels are expected to remain below flood protection levels in communities along those rivers.

The Red River Floodway is expected to be put into operation this spring to reduce water levels in Winnipeg. Ice-cutting work along the Red and Icelandic rivers to reduce ice jam-related flooding began in mid-February and has been completed.

Cattle rancher, Tom Teichroeb of Langruth, MB is positive about this year’s market prices. Although cattle numbers continue their decline, Teichroeb said that while it was a long time coming, the business is good with the current commodity prices. File photo by Tom Teichroeb

Wheat Growers Take the Cost of Living Issues to Consumers

Minister Bibeau’s office with great dialogue when they first came in with a price on carbon pollution, also known as the carbon tax. During both meetings other farm group leaders said that this carbon tax, is very hurtful to the Canadian economy and not only that, to everyday Canadians.

According to Jochum said everybody was singing from the same song sheet but in the last four years, none of those groups had frequented that office.

for. Our membership and board of director’s makeup are only farmers,” he said. “We want to convey to everyday Canadians what is happening at the farm.”

By Harry Siemens Consumers do care, said Gunter.

On April 1 the price on carbon pollution will increase again, further driving up input costs for food producers and others.

“We know we can’t pass along our carbon tax price increases. And if mandated fertilizer cuts happen, we will reduce yields and some other countries, with more intensive inputs, will grow more and get even more global Co2. Such a ridiculous policy. But who cares?” wrote Gunter Jochum a Manitoba farmer and president of the Wheat Growers in a recent Wheat Growers Beat newsletter.

In a recent interview Gunter Jochum said the name Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association had become cumbersome therefore the name change.

“In the last few years people knew us by Wheat Growers. Our handle on social media is @wheatgrowers, our website is wheatgrowers. ca, we’ll shorten the name to Wheat Growers and that’s the core of what we are,” said Jochum.

Jochum feels frustrated as do other Canadian farm groups because of two visits to the Federal Agricultural

“Bibeau is cherry-picking which groups she meets with and the government is ignoring the everyday farmers that grow the grain that gets turned into food,” he said. “Cherry picking special interest groups that will follow the government’s ideological outlook and ideas of how to farm; how Canadians are to live.”

He said it’s time to broaden their audience and speak to everyday Canadians rather than to only the Wheat Grower’s membership.

“You will see messaging going forward on social media that is not necessarily directed at farmers because farmers know what we stand

Former Wheat Growers president and Member of Parliament Ted Menzies spoke from a panel at the Keystone Agricultural Producers annual meeting in January, “You think that agriculture at this point has any clout? No. It’s all coming from climate and environment. They’re the ones that are calling the shots. So it’s a real challenge that farmers and consumers face.”

“So he’s a great supporter of ours and knows what

he’s talking about. We are not going to back down,” said Jochum. “We will get our message out to everyday Canadians and how, for example, the carbon tax will increase in April. It’s a silent killer. It’s killing the economy, and it is driving up prices. Government should scrap it because we don’t know what happens to all that money.”

According to Jochum it is not revenue neutral, it a problem for the economy and a problem for everyday Canadians. It’s a huge problem for farmers he added.

“On my farm last year, the hidden cost, the carbon tax is close to $40,000, that’s a hid-

den tax,” said Jochum. “One of our members crunched the numbers, which works out to be on my farm and is only going up. We can’t afford a hit like that.”

He said that the Wheat Growers were the first group to push back on the fertilizer emission reduction ideas.

“The way the government proposes, I can’t see it being voluntary. They will, in the future, come down and make that mandatory,” he said. “But, if not, I want them to come out and put it in writing and say; we will not make it mandatory.”

“I have yet to find an organization that loves the carbon tax,” said Jochum.

Parliamentarians Told to Look Elsewhere for Inflated Food Prices

By Harry Siemens

As grocery chain CEOs fielded many tough questions in front of a parliamentary committee meeting in March while investigating why Canadians face such high food prices other agricultural and food supply chain specialists were also on hand to provide their expertise.

One of those experts was Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS also known as the Food Professor. He said there are other areas to look for that cause high retail food prices.

“[It] is to recognize that there are some areas we need to look into and I don’t think that retail is the place,” said Dr, Charlebois.

Dr. Charlebois agreed there are issues with meat packing and some fundamental challenges dating back 20 years when we were dealing with the BSE fallout. He noted that the fish and seafood sectors have similar pricing issues as those involving cattle, beef and pork he said.

“And ranchers aren’t necessarily pleased, and rightly so, about what’s going on here,” said Charlebois, “So those are the challenges that we face.”

Canada’s grocery landscape needs more competition with more options for the industry and consumers he said.

“The challenge for the committee is how to make Canada a more attractive place to invest, a more competitive place overall,” said Charlebois.

The committee heard that retailers come and leave Canada, like Target, Sears, and most recently Nordstrom because of

inter-provincial barriers and a heavy fiscal regime.

“We pay taxes on many things, including carbon, which scares many people away. Labour and rules between provinces are extremely restrictive,” said Charlebois. “Honestly, it’’ been cozy for grocers. The margins are steady. They’ve not taken advantage of anything, but it’s been cozy. Why? Because there’s just no competition.”

Dr. Charlebois said the carbon tax going up to $65 per metric tonne on April 1 concerns him because no one has ever looked into how the carbon tax compromises Canada’s food affordability issue.

“We’re slowly marching towards a carbon tax of $170 a metric tonne more than double what it is now and how will we deal with this? And so we need to know,” said Dr. Charlebois.”

He cautioned on what this will do to Canada’s food security; this is about food here and can quickly get ugly if you can’t feed your people” he stressed.

He described “Shrinkflation” a marketing strategy where a company reduces the quantity or size of a product while keeping the price the same or increasing it slightly. The company then maintains its profit margins while avoiding consumer backlash from a noticeable price increase.

Dr. Charlebois said the current Canadian fiscal regime and taxes have companies reducing quantities in manufacturing but prices remain the same.

“When input costs go up in manufacturing, they don’t want to lose any market share

so they don’t want to raise prices but reduce quantities” he said.

More specifically in Canada, the Revenue Agency ruling clearly distinguishes snacking from basic groceries. Due to shrinkflation, some products ordinarily exempt from sales taxes suddenly become subject to a sales tax at the provincial and federal levels because they went from being an essential grocery item to a snack.

“Granola bars had six bars in a box. Shrinkflation got a lot of companies to put in five granola bars instead of six granola bars,” explained Charlebois. “But if you go down from six to five, it becomes a snack.”

For the consumer this means the cost increased by an extra 15 per cent making the food more expensive.

“It has nothing to do with industry, farmers, processing or grocers, it’s about our fiscal regime that is incredibly wacky, and that’s a scientific term,” said Dr. Charlebois.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS provided his expertise to a Parliamentary committee investigating high grocery prices said we that there are some areas we need to look into but he does not think that retail is the place to solely focus on.

Wheat Grower members tour the Port of Vancouver.

Submitted photo

“COOL” Back on the Table in the USA

By Harry Siemens

Origin labelling claims on meat and poultry products are again up for discussion in the US.

According to the Federal government announcement, Canada will firmly oppose US proposals to renew mandatory country-oforigin labelling for pork and beef to avoid disruptions to the North American livestock supply chains.

The statement by Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and International Trade Minister Mary Ng came in response to a proposed US rule requiring meat, poultry or eggs labelled as a US product to be raised and slaughtered within the country.

“Canada remains concerned about any measures that may cause disruptions to the integrated North American livestock supply chains,” said the Federal Ministers Bibeau and Ng. “Canada will also firmly oppose any

on meat products from imported animals that are processed in the US.

The Manitoba Pork Council no stranger to the disruptions that mandatory country of origin labelling (M-COOL) caused from 2009 through 2015 is investigating this proposal said general manager Cam Dahl.

Dahl said the word voluntary is an important one.

“This isn’t the same as the mandatory country of origin labelling the initiative that Canada and Mexico successfully took to the WTO and won the case against the US in 2015,” said Dahl.

At the outset, this proposal is voluntary. However, if a processor or a marketer wants to use the product of the USA label under this proposal, the meat would have to come from animals born, raised and slaughtered in the US, Dahl noted. That’s very restrictive and of concern for a province like Manitoba that ships 3 million pigs a year into the US. While the impact of this proposed rule is still unknown, it is crucial to determine Manitoba

In today’s climate, voluntary can mean a bit of a slippery slope because the world has become much more protectionist with, “coun-

Dahl said this is an excellent example of a protectionist measure. For an exporting country like Canada and an exporting province like Manitoba, rising protectionism is a huge

The voluntary part consists of the fact it is not a mandatory label. This means that a US producer can import Canadian isoweans and a US processor can still buy Canadian pigs.

However, suppose the company chooses to put that “Made in USA” label on their package at the grocery store. Under the proposed labelling regulations, it no longer is an option for Canadian producers to sell either isoweans to producers or finished pigs to the processor. Ultimately it is going to impose restrictions in

Canada and Mexico took the US’ previous mandatory country-of-origin labelling rule to

“We need to determine if there are ways of challenging this new proposed rule and probably involve a lot of lawyers and analysis and

While still only a proposed rule Manitoba Pork and its partners in the US including processors and producers will have the opportunity to comment to help preserve the integrated market, especially for cattle and hogs

“Agriculture in the City” Event Highlights the Origin of Food

By Elmer Heinrichs

A long-running celebration of Manitoba farming returned to The Forks Saturday, March 18 educating Winnipeggers about where their food comes from in a fun and interactive way.

Agriculture in the City was a free, oneday event teaching people about the food they eat and how it’s produced. Attendees learned about careers in agriculture and were able to speak with food producers from across the province.

Egg farmer Sandra Dyck said she loves talking about her job. “Any opportunity we have to interact with the public and share our passion of farming and where their food comes from, and the processes we have in producing that food,” she said.

Dyck said she was getting lots of questions about eggs.

“The common one is ‘is there a difference between a brown and a white egg’, she said.”There isn’t. Nutritionally they are exactly the same; it’s just basically colourful packaging.”

Organizing committee member Richard Lavergne said knowing where your food comes from is just as important now as it was when they started Agriculture in the City nearly 20 years ago.

“One of the reasons we started it was so

that people in urban areas could understand how important agriculture was to them in everyday stuff, when you go to a restaurant, when you buy food,” said Lavergne. “One of our goals was to make sure that people understood where their food comes from, who grows it.”

The event ran all day Saturday and featured various exhibitor booths, games and hands-on activities, food samples, and a photo booth.

Dyck said it’s a unique event.

“I think it’s great at events like this where all the commodity groups are here together,” she said. “And it’s rare in that you can come and ask any question you have about your food.”

The annual public awareness event highlights the contributions agriculture makes to the economy and how important and vital it is for all Canadians.

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system generated over $134.9 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2021 and employs 2.1 million people across the country, including 35,260 in Manitoba alone.

Manitoba is home to 24 agri-food research and development centres, and our province leads the way in providing cutting edge technology and skills to the entire agriculture sector.

For an exporting country like Canada, an exporting province like Manitoba, and an export industry like Manitoba Pork, rising protectionism is a huge problem.

Currently the voluntary labelling means that a US producer can import Canadian isoweans and a US processor can still buy Canadian pigs.

Cam Dahl, the general manager of Manitoba Pork Council, said that they will determine if there are ways of challenging this new proposed rule by involving many lawyers to respond to proposed changes to US country of origin labelling.

Photos by Harry Siemens

Does Anyone Know the Actual Cost of the Carbon Tax?

I came from the local A&W drive-thru and sat down and wrote this column. Why? Because three chicken fingers cost $8, plus fries and a drink. Wow, that will be the last time I order those delicious chicken fingers.

The bill was considerably higher than a week ago so I asked the server why so much more money. She said some food items had gone up in price so that you know there was nothing she could do, so I did not argue.

We are into spring a time of optimism and renewal; that has not changed. But what about the carbon tax and should the government move ahead on fertilizer emission cutbacks. This will and could have a greater effect on those who produce the food and those who consume it.

Gunter Jochum, a farmer at Elie, MB and president of the Wheat Growers, said when the Feds first introduced the carbon tax he and other farm group representatives met in Ag Minister Bibeau’s office with great dialogue when they first came in with a carbon tax. Both times other farm group leaders said the

same thing, that this carbon tax, for example, is very hurtful to the Canadian economy and not only that, to everyday Canadians.

Everybody was singing from the same song sheet but in the last four years, none of those groups had frequented that office. “Bibeau is cherry-picking which groups she meets with and the government is ignoring the everyday farmers that grow the grain that gets turned into food. Cherry-picking special interest groups that will follow the government’s ideological outlook and ideas of how to farm how Canadians are to live.”

Former Wheat Growers president and Member of Parliament Ted Menzies spoke from a panel at the Keystone Agricultural Producers annual meeting in January, “You think that agriculture at this point has any clout? No. It’s all coming from climate and environment. They’re the ones that are calling the shots. So it’s a real challenge that farmers and consumers face.” What does this mean for the consumer who has already tightened that grocery money belt because of the last three years?

First, here is what the hidden tax cost Jochum and his family farm in 2022. “On

my farm last year, the hidden cost, the carbon tax is close to $40,000, that’s a hidden tax. One of our members crunched the numbers, which works out to be on my farm and is only going up. We can’t afford a hit like that.”

That is about $13 to 15 dollars an acre. Well, you may say that is a little but you tag it on all other items down the food chain and many consumers will be ditching healthy foods for foods that cost less and are more affordable. Still, that same carbon tax of $65 a metric tonne on April 1 will also affect those less affordable foods.

With the ever-increasing

carbon tax on things that most people know or have any idea on, why not have the federal government do a cost analysis as to where this will take our country? So far no one seems to know or even care in Ottawa. It’s like a hidden tax, and we must determine what the government uses for the extra tax grab.

It is spring, and farmers despite the uncertainty of costs move forward with optimism because of good commodity prices, good crops in 2022, and lots of moisture to fill rivers, streams and dugouts, and good start-up moisture once the snow melts and farmers plant the 2023 crop.

Farmers are Partnering with Investors to Bolster the Agricultural Sector

By Sylvain Charlebois

We all know what’s happening to real estate these days. Everything got more expensive in a hurry, fuelled by rock-bottom interest rates. But farming has also been impacted by lower interest rates and investors looking for safety and better yields.

The increase in farmland value in Canada has been nothing short of spectacular. The value per acre of farmland in Canada has skyrocketed by 334 per cent since 2001, but most of the increases have occurred within the last few years. Since 2016, the increase has been 213 per cent. According to Statistics Canada, the average acre in Canada is now worth almost $3,800, compared to $862 back in 2001.

The value of an acre of farmland in Saskatchewan has increased by 391 per cent since 2001, the highest in the country. The highest increase since 2016 is in Manitoba, by 266 per cent. Depending on what is produced, some farmland valuations have increased more than others due to various factors such as location, soil quality, and potential revenues.

The Atlantic region, though, is not seeing much change compared with other

regions. Increases in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island have been more modest. Farming in the Atlantic region remains affordable compared to other provinces, not due to protectionist policies but more because farming is not as profitable and options to market are limited for many farmers. With lower value increases, building capacity when land is barely worth more year after year is more challenging.

In contrast, since 2016, the average farm real estate value in the United States has increased by 27 per cent, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But an acre of farmland on average in the U.S. is now worth about US$3,800, so Canada has somewhat caught up to the U.S. in recent years.

Farmland values are being pushed higher in Canada by a series of economic forces.

The includes high prices for commodity crops, a robust housing market, an extended period where interest rates were extremely low until recently, and a profusion of government subsidies supporting certain sectors.

Compensation, which exceeded $5 billion, linked to trade agreements and given to supply-managed sectors

like dairy, poultry, and eggs, has overcapitalized many farm operations out there, compelling many to buy land. That’s a problem few are talking about.

In Canada, barely seven per cent of all our land is devoted to agriculture. It’s not a lot, and that amount of land where farming occurs is shrinking. In 2011, 166 million acres of land were devoted to farming to support over 245,000 farms. Today, this amount is about 150 million acres for about 188,000 farms. Farms are bigger, more resourceful, and more efficient.

Yes, farmland in Canada is getting more expensive, but farmers in Canada are also making more money. In 2021, cash receipts exceeded $83 billion, a record, and 2022 is likely to be another record year. Last year was also a record year for agri-food exports; if you’re a hedge fund or an investor, these numbers will catch your attention, and they have. Fewer barriers, including the end of the Wheat Board’s single desk on wheat and barley, have brought a slew of new possibilities for the farming community.

As a result, we have seen more farmers renting land instead of owning. Close to 50 per cent of farmers in

Canada now rent land instead of owning. Some may see this as a threat to normal ways of producing food and supporting agriculture, but it’s not necessarily a terrible strategy.

In fact, the largest farmland owner in the country is not even a farmer. Alberta’s own Robert Andjelic has bought over 225,500 acres of land, a portfolio worth somewhere between $500 and $700 million. At the root of this investor’s move into agriculture is the will to produce more food and address our global food security crunch. Along with his capital, his team brought knowledge of sound soil management practices, helping over 250 farmer-tenants to benefit from such expertise. Andjelic’s job is to make sure his tenants make money. Otherwise, he’s not getting paid – simple as that. This new way of thinking can make Canadian agriculture more profitable.

Canada’s agri-food potential is immense, and farmland has always been a good investment. A growing number of groups and investors who understand how to make capital work are making a difference. The intent of investors from outside the agriculture sector is to make our agriculture stronger.

Farmers who have been in the system for decades still have a lot to offer. But producing and investing simultaneously is getting harder, which is slowly getting agricultural pundits to specialize. Capital markets and the investment community worldwide have changed dramatically over the last five years. This is why more than half of younger farmers in Canada are leasing land now in order to operate.

The correlation between land prices, rental rates, and farm revenues is quite strong. All three tend to move synchronously higher over time, according to a report from Farm Credit Canada last year. With more specialization, everyone wins. Younger farmers also see value in renting and partnering with investors. It’s just a different way of seeing farming.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. Submitted photo

Report on Reducing Fertilizer Emissions Highlights Collaboration

The Government of Canada set a target to reduce fertilizer-related emissions, which led to consultations with the sector to gather feedback on how best to support farmers and producers through voluntary measures moving forward.

Over 2,000 submissions were received through the online consultation, technical workshops and town hall meetings between March and October 2022. Farmers, producers, industry associations, provinces and territories, scientists and environmental organizations provided their input. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) analyzed the valuable feedback, and recently published

the “Fertilizer Emissions Reduction Target Consultation What We Heard Report”. The feedback will inform AAFC’s work, in collaboration with the sector, to meet Canada’s fertilizer emissions reduction target, of 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, and will unlock new economic opportunities. The desire to increase communication and strengthen engagement between Government and the agricultural sector emerged through the consultation process. To this end, in partnership with industry, a Fertilizer Working Group is being formed under the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy Advisory Committee.

As a co-chair of the Advi-

sory Committee, AAFC will collaborate with this group to reach its objectives, which are to strengthen the ongoing dialogue between industry and government to share information, best practices and identify resources to reduce emissions from fertilizers; examine mechanisms that need further support, such as program funding and the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMP); and improve the measurement and tracking of fertilizer emissions reductions in the sector.

The feedback received through the consultations will hopefully temper the Government of Canada to ensure that its programs

are designed to support the adoption of beneficial management practices, implement clean technologies, as well adapt its research and innovation programs while keeping in mind decisions must be suitable for realworld application.

“CFA is pleased to see the ‘What We Heard Report on Fertilizer Emissions Reduction’ released,” said Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. “There is clearly a diversity of perspectives on many key issues, and we are pleased to see the report identify the importance of further producer engagement in advancing this voluntary approach.”

Applications Open for Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Applications are now being accepted for federal programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) that will go into effect on April 1. Federal, provincial and territorial governments are investing a record $3.5 billion in the new five-year agreement to position the sector for continued success as a global leader in agriculture that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.

The Sustainable CAP was developed in consultation with a broad group of stakeholders from across Canada.

The federal programs, which include AgriAssurance, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriDiversity, AgriInnovate, AgriMarketing and AgriScience, are currently delivered through the Canadian Agricultural Partner-

ship and are being renewed for five years to support key priority areas, including strengthening the sector’s ability to grow by focusing on technological advances, attracting a new generation of farmers and creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce; accelerating the development and adoption of research and innovation in both primary agriculture and value-added processing; advancing measurable action on climate change and the environment, including a reduction of 3-5 MT in greenhouse gas emissions; expanding markets for Canadian exports through global business development and trade promotion, supported by a stronger and more resilient supply chain, with a goal of increasing exports to $95 billion and overall industry sales to $250 billion by 2028; and establishing

even greater trust in the sector by developing and enhancing quality and safety assurance systems.

“The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership includes a suite of programs that will allow our producers and processors to remain competitive and profitable while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the sector,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By opening applications for federal programs, we are ensuring that there will be no interruption in funding between the old and the new partnership.”

The six federal programs are part of a $1 billion investment that also includes support for trade policy and market access, market development, market information and regulations, sector engagement tables, and foundational science led by

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

In addition to these programs, the Sustainable CAP includes $2.5 billion in costshared programming that will be delivered by provincial and territorial governments. Bilateral agreements between the Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governments are in the process of being finalized.

Cost-shared funding for programs delivered by provinces and territories has been increased by $500 million to $2.5 billion, up 25% from the current Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Details and applications for federal programs are now available online for AgriAssurance, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriDiversity, AgriInnovate, AgriMarketing and AgriScience at agriculture. canada.ca/sustainable-cap.

Ministers Bibeau and Ng Respond to Proposed “Product of USA” Labelling Regulations

Dear Editor:

The Canada and United States meat and livestock sectors are highly integrated. This collaboration contributes to the growth and resilience of farmers and processors on both sides of the border. It also allows us to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality products.

Canada remains concerned about any measures that may cause disruptions to the integrated North American livestock supply chains.

Canada will closely review the proposed amendments to the labelling of meat, poultry and egg products in the US and will participate in the US rule-making process to ensure that these changes conform to the US’ international trade obligations and do not disrupt supply chains.

Canada will also firmly oppose any proposition from the United States to renew a mandatory country of origin labelling system for pork and beef, a practice which the World Trade Organization allowed Canada to take retaliation measures against the United States.

Canada will work with the US to ensure that new definitions and rules allow farmers, processors and consumers in both countries to continue to benefit from efficient, stable and competitive markets.

Marie-Claude Bibeau Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Mary Ng Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

“At the same time, we are pleased to see the report highlight the key themes we continue to explore in the context of the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy such as the importance of data capturing regional variation and accurately depicting on-farm emissions, and the need for robust incentives to effectively support adoption of best practices,” added Currie. “Most importantly, we are pleased to see the report factor in producer profitability, reflecting the need to consider emissions reduction strategies in the context of environmental, economic, and social sustainability.”

“We are pleased to see the universal support of 4R Nu-

trient Stewardship,” commented Karen Proud President & CEO of Fertilizer Canada. “We look forward to continuing to work with the government and producers to improve measurement and accelerate the adoption of 4R Best Management Practices, which reduce emissions and increases productivity.” Over the years, Canadian producers have already adapted to new growing conditions caused by climate change. AAFC’s goal from this report is to build on the work already underway in the agriculture sector to support Canada’s environmental and economic goals, while feeding a growing world population.

KAP Commends Government of Manitoba on Budget 2023

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) commends the Government of Manitoba for the introduction of Budget 2023 and is pleased with the appearance of key advocacy issues that have been raised in recent years.

“Increased funding to Manitoba agriculture of $221 million over the next five years through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership will provide key support for Manitoba producers,” said KAP president, Jill Verwey. “This includes $103.1 million for AgriInsurance premiums, $8.3 million increase in AgriStability, and $3.1 million increased funding for AgriInvest.”

With continually rising input costs and inflation affecting farmers, it is encouraging to see the implementation of temporary reductions in forage leases over the next three years and increases to loan limits through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). “By having a reduction in lease rates of 50 percent, 33 percent, and 15 percent over the next three years, respectively, farmers will receive much needed relief that will help them manage their cashflow,” continued Verwey. “The increase in loan limits through MASC to $500,000 will also help farmers who need access to capital for their operations.”

Support for rural communities is another key highlight in Budget 2023, with an increase of $47 million to municipalities, new capital investments in hospitals, investments to expand the number of veterinarians, and the continued removal of the Education Property Tax on farmland.

“The delivery of the government’s commitment to increase the Education Property Tax Rebate to 50% for 2023 is welcome news for Manitoba farmers,” said Verwey. “We are also pleased to see new hospitals being constructed in Neepawa and Portage la Prairie, as well as funding to increase seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine earmarked specifically for rural, large animal veterinarians that KAP has been advocating for.”

KAP will continue our calls for the complete removal of the Education Property Tax on all farm property, ensuring optimal service levels in rural areas, the development of an education funding model that works for rural Manitobans, and working with government and industry partners on solutions to address labour shortages facing agriculture.

There is Bacon Walking Around Our Area Again

By Harry Siemens

In a Twitter exchange, it is notable that sightings of wild pigs continue in Manitoba.

“There is bacon walking around our area again.” That’s what farmer Chad Berry of Glenboro tweeted back on February 9, when spotting some wild pigs on his property.

Phil Gervais asked, “Is the meat any good? Or is it like bear meat? The few that I have seen guys shoot, they just garbage it. I’ve never had any to try.”

Berry replied to Gervais, “Yes but not the big boars.”

Devon Baete oversees the field operations for the Manitoba Invasive Swine Eradication Project (MISEP” funded by CAP from 2021 through March 2023.

“Manitoba Pork Council has supported our efforts since 2018 to get more traps on the ground and administer and manage the CAP project,” said Baete of the trapping of wild pigs in Manitoba in a partnership with landowners.

Baete strives to keep the partnership going.

“We don’t come onto farms to trap pigs; we provide the tools and expertise so farmers can successfully remove them,” said Baete. “Farmers know their land and are there on-site to manage their sites. I make sure they have the tools and expertise to succeed.”

The MISEP program receives a report through the squealonpigsmb.org website or call-in line. A field technician then makes contact and if needed does a site visit to confirm the sighting. The

technicians use several tools such as a thermal drone to scout locations although they mainly rely on observations such as rooting or when available, photos.

“When we suspect a wild pig we set up cellular trail cameras where we expect pig presence. Landowners then connect to these cameras to monitor activity,” explained Baete. “Then, we use a bait attractant that will vary by the season and then wait.”

When pig confirmation happens work begins with the landowner setting up a specialized corral trap as well as monitoring the area.

The technicians have learned a lot about wild pigs and their movements during five years of trapping which otherwise can be very random.

“By understanding pig behaviours we can plan to set up where pigs will be, not always where they last were,” said Baete. “We also know areas that pigs will move to during the winter when food supplies are scarce and pigs are more attracted to bait.”

He said successful trapping takes patience and in some key locations they’ve gone eight months without seeing a pig to capturing 20 in a few days. Having these traps ready especially in years with deep snow that lasts until March is essential. Human scent or disturbance will push pigs from an area, so keeping camera and trap locations confidential is vital.

Berry is part of a family-run farm with crops such as potato, corn, wheat, peas, granola, beans, and flax in Manitoba’s

Glenboro, Stockton area. With the wild pig sightings in the area over the last five or six years a local person builds the circular traps about 20 feet round with a trip gate made mostly of cattle pen panels.

After catching wild pigs Berry shoots the animals and keeps the smaller wild pigs for meat but disposes of the big boars.

While very intermittent Berry has trapped a number of wild pigs in the last year and a half and most recently in March.

“The idea is to catch a bunch at once, not one or two because they’ll get smart to the traps,” said Berry. As mentioned earlier the Manitoba Invasive Swine Eradication Project supplies a camera that goes up in these traps.

“We can keep an eye on them and bait them for a while before we arm the traps. So they get used to the traps” noted Berry. “They’re going in and out of the traps without being worried. And then when they’re going in the trap consistently, we arm it so that the gate will go up.”

Berry said that wild pigs are good at uprooting corn by eating it down the row.

“They haven’t acquired a taste for potatoes yet on our farm, which is good. But they root up around the edges of wet and low spots,” he said. “They look like they’re digging for worms. They root up the ground well.”

He recommends that all producers who spot a wild pig report it via squealonpigsmb.org or toll-free at 1-833-SPOTPIG (1-833-776-8744).

Spring Road Bans Limit Farm Travel

By Elmer Heinrichs

The looming spring melt across western Canada will likely disrupt some grain and livestock movement over the next few weeks, as seasonal spring road restrictions come into effect across the Prairies. Spring road restrictions set

axle weight limits for vehicles moving on certain roads to reduce the damage heavier loads can cause during the spring thaw period.

Grain and equipment movement can both be affected by the spring road bans, as drivers may need to find alternate

routes or haul smaller loads.

The duration of the restrictions will depend on the local weather conditions, but typically last through April and into May.

In Manitoba, spring road bans came into effect on Friday, March 17.

CP Rail Workers Ratify Contract

By Elmer Heinrichs Lana Payne

Unifor members at Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail have ratified a new two-year contract.

The new contract will expire December 31, 2024.

Unifor national president

credited the solid support of its membership, and the bargaining committees in persevering and securing an agreement.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 work-

ers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

To eradicate wild pigs on his property Glenboro farmer, Chad Berry traps and then shoots the animals. He keeps the smaller wild pigs for meat but disposes of the big boars.

Chad Berry is part of a family-run farm growing potato, corn, wheat, peas, granola, beans, and flax in the Glenboro / Stockton area.

Human scent or disturbance will push pigs from an area, so keeping camera and trap locations confidential is vital. Submitted photos Chad Berry

Manitoba Pork Sees the Hog Industry Entering a Renewal Phase

By Harry Siemens

At the Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg in February Grant Melnychuk, director of sustainable development, research, and data management, gave the industry update on behalf of the Manitoba Pork Council.

“Over the next decade or so, I see us entering a renewal phase,” said Melnychuk.

Melnychuk said a producer survey in 2022, with close 75 percent of respondents, well over half the industry, foresee their facilities needing a major retrofit or renovation in the coming decade.

“With that, I think we’ll see a lot of renewal of barns, a lot of upgrading and modernization, and hopefully, a little bit of expansion,” reported Melnychuk.

Melnychuk does not believe the permit application process will be the same as in the past when producers, municipalities and communities ended up in shouting matches or in heated debates.

He said producers will still need permits if it’s a new site

If you’re just rebuilding your barn or doing a minor expansion of herd size, 15 per cent or less, there’s no public hearing process involved, no conditional use approval, no technical review,” he said. “In those circumstances, you need a building permit from your municipality or planning district.”

Melnychuk said the pork industry in Manitoba is working much closer with the municipalities. By working proactively with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and meeting with individual municipalities, not on specific barn proposals he believes doing some proactive outreach and engagement will help the industry.

“Getting to know the councils, the administrative officers and development officials, answering any questions that these individuals have about our sector,” he said. “It’s been a great experience.”

He said municipalities appreciate the engagement with ManPork officials and producers, by offering good questions and through this open discussion they have built a good dialogue with several municipalities.

Melnychuk reported that the

and 2022. There were over 40 hog proposals that underwent the provincial technical review process and received approval. Some were new sites but many were expansions. Those represent all types of growth and help aid independence in the colonies and the integrators.

“Much of that growth has occurred in the province’s southwest corner, south of the Trans-Canada Highway and west of the Red River,” said Melanchuck. “With 40 approved proposals it means most likely 150 new jobs with about 200 million-plus dollars of private investments. So it’s good to see.”

Recently, Rick Prejet, the chair of the Manitoba Pork Council, said some people who would like to build bigger barns are hesitant because there needs to be more staff around to look after the pigs.

“One of the challenges we’re facing as a sector, and many industries are facing, is the labour shortage,” said Prejet. “Certainly, when producers consider building a site, they make sure that they build it to a size that they have enough staff to service the new expansion. Manitoba Pork works with the Assiniboine Community College to bridge the labour gap as well

Federal Government Seeks to Address Ag Work Force Needs

By Elmer Heinrichs

A labour force survey in December, 2022 showed that 260,600 people were working in the agriculture and agrifood sector, down 12.5 per cent compared to pre-pandemic numbers from February, 2020.

The demand for agricultural workers in Manitoba is expected to grow by a modest 0.4 per cent per year over the forecast period, rising from 25,800 workers in 2017 to 27,000 by 2029. This growth rate is slightly lower than the national average of 0.5 per cent.

The federal government has announced some key funding to help resolve agriculture’s current workforce challenges.

The impact of the pandemic hit the agriculture and agri-

food sector hard, with plant closures, market fluctuations and supply chain delays resulting in a significant shortage and loss of skilled labour.

Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced over $19.7 million for two agriculture and agri-food projects under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP).

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is receiving an investment of just over $12 million for their “Growing the Agriculture Workforce of the Future:

Cultivating Canada’s PostPandemic Recovery Project.”

The project will help to address labour issues by identifying skills most in need, providing innovative and

targeted training programs to 1,175 employers and employees, and by setting sectorwide standards for recruiting and retention.

Bibeau says the future of the agriculture and agri-food sectors is contingent on having a skilled and reliable workforce.

“Over these past few years in particular, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector has faced significant challenges in acquiring workers and maintaining stability,” said Bibeau. “These two very important projects will strengthen this crucial sector for generations to come.”

The labour force survey predicts agriculture’s chronic labour shortage is forecasted to grow from 63,000 to as many as 123,000 workers by 2029.

Great attendance at the Manitoba Swine Seminar on February 7 and

Grant Melnychuk, while addressing hog producer meeting, said that the industry will see a lot of upgrading and modernization, and some expansion of barns.

Farmland Values Continued to Climb

The average value of Canadian farmland increased by 12.8 percent in 2022, amid strong farm income, elevated input prices and rising interest rates. The demand for farmland remained robust and the supply of farmland available for sale continues to be limited, according to the latest Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Farmland Values Report.

Farmland values saw the highest increase since 2014 and follow gains of 8.3 percent in 2021 and 5.4 percent in 2020.

In Manitoba, average farmland values increased by 11.2 percent in 2022, following gains of 9.9 percent in 2021 and 3.6 percent in 2020.

“Challenging economic conditions could have been expected to slow the demand for farmland and the resulting price buyers paid for land in 2022,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist. “But the underlying fundamental factors in the farmland market tell another story.”

FCC estimates that receipts of grains, oilseeds and pulses in Canada have increased 18.3 percent in 2022, and are projected to grow 9.4 percent in 2023.

“Higher farm revenues are driving the demand for farmland, but higher borrow-

ing costs and increased input prices are expected to lead to declines in the number of sales in 2023,” according to Gervais.

The highest average provincial increases in farmland values were observed in Ontario, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, with increases of 19.4, 18.7 and 17.1 percent, respectively. Saskatchewan followed with a 14.2 percent increase. Five provinces had average increases below the national average at 11.6 percent in Nova Scotia, 11.2 percent in Manitoba, 11.0 percent in Quebec and 10.0 percent in Alberta.

British Columbia is the only province to have recorded a single-digit increase at 8.0 percent, but it is also a market where land values are the highest on average.

There were insufficient number of publicly reported sales in Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon to fully assess farmland values in those regions.

“Its good practice to have and maintain a risk management plan that takes into account possible economic changes,” said Gervais. “When producers ensure their budgets have room to flex if commodity prices, yields or interest rates

shift, they’re better off in the long run.” FCC also suggests producers to exercise caution, especially in regions where the growth rate of farmland values exceeded that of farm income in recent years, which was the case in most provinces.

Gervais acknowledges that higher farmland values pose a challenge for young producers, new entrants and other operations that are looking to expand.

“Land is more expensive now relative to income than it’s ever been. The ability to service debt and overall equity in the operation are critical factors of success going forward,” he said. “The good news is that farmland value increases reflect a positive outlook for the demand of agriculture commodities and the quality food we produce in Canada.”

“Producers have a long track record of making strategic investments in land, even before agriculture and food was identified as one of six sectors with the highest potential for growth by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth in 2016,” Gervais said. “These long-term investments in food production have spurred growth and create a bright future for Canada’s agriculture and food industry.”

Smooth Grain Movement a Benefit of Milder Winter

By Elmer Heinrichs

It’s been a relatively smooth ride for Prairie grains to west coast export terminals thus far in 2022-23, says Syngenta Canada.

Mark Hemmes, president of Quorum Corp., which tracks rail movement in Canada, said Canadian Pacific and Canadian National are both doing a relatively good job in transporting grain to the ports.

“They have benefited from one of those years where they’re really enjoying a calamity-free year,” he said. “We don’t have floods. We don’t have blockades. We don’t have massive derail-

ments. We’ve had a reasonably mild winter.”

At 2.29 million tonnes, CP Rail set a new January record for grain movement, with the company’s grain shipments to date for the 2022-23 crop year running about 45 per cent ahead of 2021-22.

“The thing to keep in mind is its one thing to measure yourself on absolute volumes, based on how well you have done in the past. The other dimension to performance is measuring yourself against demand,” said Wade Sobkowich, of the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA). “We’ve seen CP in

the 70 to 80 per cent car fulfillment, which is a satisfactory number.”

Still, Sobkowich warned that a recent bout of cold weather across the Prairies likely slowed producer deliveries of grain, operations at grain elevators and rail movement throughout the region. Halfway through the 2022-23 crop year, the Canadian Grain Commission pegged producer deliveries of all grains at 34.02 million tonnes, up almost 33 per cent compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, total exports were up 45.4 per cent at just under 24.9 million tonnes.

MFGA Green Gold Program Seeks Alfalfa Producers

Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association (MFGA) is seeking producers with hay fields that are mostly alfalfa, fairly new, and in good condition who will sample their fields through the May to June growing season and submit to Central Testing Laboratory Ltd via courier

(costs covered by MFGA). You will receive results twice-weekly from the beginning of sampling until first cut, providing you with real time information on when might be the best first-cut for your alfalfa field. Since sampling is in real-time, the effect of current weather conditions

on quality is accurately reflected in the results.

The Green Gold Program (Optimum Alfalfa Harvest Date) represents MFGA’s longest-running producerbased program for Manitoba forage producers since 1995.

To register email terra@ mfga.net.

“Spring” Forward with New Life

Scholarships

Now Available to Graduating Grade 12 Students

Grade 12 graduates looking to enter post-secondary education in agriculture, food science or culinary arts can get some cash to help. Apply before June 8, 2023, to be eligible for one of 32 scholarships, each valued at $3,000, offered by Bayer Crop Science Canada.

The Bayer Crop Science Opportunity Scholarship program is available to graduating grade 12 students entering their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture, food science or a culinary program at a Canadian university or college of their choice in the fall of 2023.

“The Canadian agriculture and food industry continues to advance in creative ways, through technology, new products, and sustainable practices,” said Ginger Rozmus, Sr. Communications Business Partner for Bayer Crop Science Canada. “This scholarship program supports students exploring educational opportunities that will ultimately help shape our farming and food system of the future.”

Be Slow to Arrive

Spring Thaw May Be Slow to Arrive

By Elmer Heinrichs

In releasing his spring weather outlook for southern Manitoba, David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada, cautioned Manitobans not to consider putting away

Phillips called for the month of March to be a little cooler than normal for this part of the province.

And, he says there is a good reason for that.

Phillips explains that because of all of the white snow still on the ground it is going to take longer for our temperatures to start climbing. The normal high for this time of the year is -4 degrees Celsius.

Even though Phillips called for a colder than normal month of March, he reminds us that on average, the month of March is between seven and eight degrees warmer than February.

Scholarships will be awarded to students based on demonstrated academic achievement, leadership in their community and their vision for how they will contribute to Canadian agriculture in the future. The application deadline is June 8, 2023.

To apply, students can visit cropscience.bayer.ca/OurCompany/ScholarshipInformation to review the program guidelines and connect to Scholarship Partners Canada – a division of Universities Canada who serve as the independent administrator for the Bayer Crop Science Opportunity Scholarship program.

If you know of a student planning to pursue studies in agriculture or a food-related discipline of study, encourage them to apply today.

There may be a bit of snow on the ground and Manitoba weather can change dramatically from one day to the next, but “spring” calving season is a definite sign that spring is around the corner.

Black Simmental calves take in the respite of warmer weather on the family farm of Justin Walker near Plumas.

Photo by Justin Walker.

These Red Simmental Cross calves will be raised on Aaron Schmidt’s farm in Plumas.

Photo by Krista Schmidt.

the winter parka just yet.

Ukraine Farm Workers Contend with Raising Hogs in a Conflict Zone

By Harry Siemens

Dr. John Carr, a livestock consultant, veterinarian, and lecturer living in Brisbane, Australia, returned to Ukraine in the last week of January 2023 because as he put it, “I’m a Ukrainian veterinarian, a consultant for a large Ukrainian company selling PIC the Pig Improvement Company breeding stock.”

While there he was in the middle of a war zone. “On February 24 I woke up at 6:45 am to the hotel shaking, missiles and a bit like a fireworks display.” It took him four days to get out and back to the home of his parents in England.

He said there’s no point in being a consultant vet without personal contact, so he spent a week visiting the nucleus farms and talking to friends and customers.

While not as unpleasant as getting out the last time, getting in meant entering through Poland by train to the border, taking a taxi, and then walking across the border from Poland into Ukraine.

He said there were still Christmas trees and some decorations around, although there was a lack of lights because they didn’t have power.

The lack of power is causing

big problems for farms including hog barns. Producers have an increased mortality problem in the finishers due to the need for more electrical power. Farms, for instance, have power four hours a day and they uses a liquid feed system.

“I love liquid feed systems, but with only four hours of power, you’ve got to grind the food and pump the food around,” said Dr. Carr. “As a result, the pigs panic a little or at least are very enthusiastic about food.”

The result of only four hours of power available is that some pigs still need to be fed. When the power comes back on the pigs will jump into the long troughs in desperation for the food. They end up standing on each other more than they should and more digestive upsets happen. He said that there are more prolapses, strictures, and tail biting because the pigs are stressed.

“[This is] just an example of how the animals are innocent bystanders to this disaster,” said Dr, Carr.

In many cases the men have gone to war, and their wives come in to help. Two veterinarians Dr. Carr worked with were leaving for the front line a week after he left.

“I shook their hands; we had a hug. A number of the vets that I work with are paramedics and running ambulances,” he said.

Another slight problem especially with the cold in January was the lack of heat because pigs will pile up to stay warm, causing the prolapse problem.

“We have more deaths than I would like in the finishing pigs, but they produce pork,” he said.

Being part of agriculture and in the conflict zone there is still the duty to feed people. Farm workers are still needed even when a nation is in the midst of war.

“We need to produce as much food as possible,” said Dr. Carr.

The finishers go all over Ukraine, with everyone working together. The country also produces their own brand of sausages. Dr. Carr said, Ukrainians make some fantastic summer sausages. PIC also donates several pigs every couple of weeks for the Ukrainian army. “We do feed some of the lads, but they also give it to some of the people in Kyiv who no longer have a house; then give some of the food back to the civilians in Kyiv. So it was great to be back,” he said.

The lack of power is causing big problems for farms including hog barns. Producers have an increased mortality problem in the finishers due to the need for more electrical power. Another slight problem especially with the cold in January was the lack of heat because pigs will pile up to stay warm, causing prolapse problems.

Dr. Carr still saw Christmas trees and decorations although there was no electricity available to light them up.

A Ukrainian pig worker staff meeting.

Dr. Carr said, Ukrainians make some fantastic summer sausages. the Pig Improvement Company also donates several pigs every couple of weeks for the Ukrainian army.

Photos by Dr. John Carr

Pursuing Full Market Price for Your Pigs

By Harry Siemens

Dr. John Deen is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He is a world-renowned expert in swine health and production, and his research focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of pig farming.

One of Dr. Deen’s areas of expertise is getting value from pigs, which involves maximizing the productivity of pigs while minimizing costs and environmental impact. In February, he told producers at the Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg, MB there are three steps to adding value to pigs.

“Number one is creating an accounting system to know when we create added value and understand the components of increasing profitability on the farm,” said Dr. Deen. “We don’t have it in our record-keeping systems, and we need to do a better job there.”

Producers need not only look at the averages of pigs but look at individual pigs. That doesn’t mean weighing each pig but knowing the

Dr. Deen said producers must create counts and monitors to know when they buy or introduce pigs into the nursery. They may introduce a population of pigs that predictably have a lower value. And sometimes producers cull those pigs but need more discipline to help them make higher-quality decisions. Discipline means being organized or consistent in the way of doing something with a set of rules or guidelines.

Thirdly, he said producers need to have some analytic system to understand how much the poor quality affects not only their income received at the market but also how the pigs proceed through their system.

“We discussed today low birth weights can have a real effect through to market,” he said. “And yet, we rarely have the systems to understand the effect upon that pig across the whole system.”

With poorer-quality pigs in the producer’s barn, the question that should be asked id when do we know and decide that a pig just isn’t worth moving along.

“It’s a statistical question and it’s the question of odds. I explain to farmers it’s like which horses do you race, and which ones do you put out to pasture,” said Dr. Deen. “And that means looking at the numbers and understanding in more detail what you have.”

It’s very different when a producer has too many pigs and moves the poorest pigs elsewhere. But when there aren’t enough it takes a much better understanding of which pigs are good and which

aren’t.

He stressed that better analysis means record-keeping and watching those pigs.

“I’m optimistic that individual animal monitoring will be part of our technological increase which will surprise the spread of performance and activities in our barns’” said Dr. Deen. “But, unfortunately, we don’t have enough time to focus on an individual pig in a 5,000-head site and understand its full dynamics.”

Before that happens, producers can take the outliers and monitor them in more detail and use that as a beginning point to understand how to manage quality.

World-renowned veterinarian Dr. John Carr has said producers will have fewer people available to work in barns in the future and those who do work will need to be professionals and not only people looking for a job.

“Yes, exactly. And some professionals will be working on statistics, and some on labour management. And John’s a colleague of mine from a long time ago, and he worked with another colleague, Dr. Mike Muirhead,” said Dr. Deen. “And Mike used to talk about producers need to do a better job quantifying their systems.”

Dr. Deen said data analysis could improve efficiency; his research has shown that analyzing data on pig health, growth, and performance can help farmers identify areas for improvement and increase efficiency. This includes monitoring feed intake, growth rates, and conversion ratios to optimize feed usage and reduce waste.

Manitoba Crop Alliance Launches APP Cash Advance Program

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Advance Payments Program (APP), with funds to be issued starting April 1, 2023.

The APP is a federal loan program administered by MCA on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It offers Canadian farmers marketing flexibility through interest-free and lowinterest cash advances, allowing them to sell their agricultural products based on market conditions rather than the need for cash flow.

“The program is available to farmers across Manitoba and allows them to access funds throughout the growing season when they need them most,”

said Pam de Rocquigny, CEO of MCA.

“Our friendly and knowledgeable cash advance staff are always a click or call away, ready to answer clients’ questions and walk them through the application process.”

MCA provides cash advances on over 35 different crop kinds, including cereals, grain corn, oilseed crops, pulses, specialty crops, hay and grasses, and honey. Farmers can access up to $1 million per program year in advances based on the value of their agricultural product.

In 2023, AAFC will pay the interest on the first $250,000 advanced to a producer. For interest-bearing cash advances, in 2023, MCA has secured lower interest rates that are

better than or very competitive with other APP administrators, as well as major banks and credit unions. Call our office today to learn more.

“As an APP administrator for more than 40 years, we offer an unmatched level of customer service to clients when they come to us for an advance,” said de Rocquigny. “We know farmers are busy and their financial needs are complex, which is why we pride ourselves on fast turnaround times on all cash advance applications.”

For more information about the APP Cash Advance program, including 2023 application forms, rates and fees, and important dates and deadlines visit mbcropalliance.ca.

At a recent Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg, Dr. John Deen discussed the three steps to adding value to pigs.

Photo by Harry Siemens

Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU) Numbers Further Reduced

By Brenda Hunter

Six equine ranchers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have once again been cut, leaving the total number left in the network and producing pregnant mares’ urine (PMU) for pharmaceutical use by Pfizer Canada, at only 10.

Cuts were announced on March 3 following a meeting with all ranchers on February 21 alerting the network of equine ranchers that there would once again be reductions.

Not only have six ranches been eliminated from the program in this round of cuts, but the number of grams of estrogen to be collected for those left in the network, is also further reduced. Ranchers only currently collect and ship urine for 5 weeks, down from an 18-week collection period previously.

The recent cuts affect ranches at Elkhorn, Birtle, Miniota, Rapid City, Notre Dame, as well as one in Saskatchewan.

This followed on the heels of 2019 cuts which resulted in a 17 per cent cut in product equalling approximately 33,000 grams of estrogen and a further reduction in 2020 where ranchers collected and

shipped for only 5 weeks and caps were imposed on some of the larger contracts.

Equine ranchers are independently contracted by Pfizer to collect PMU, which contains estrogen used in the production of Premarin, used for hormone replacement therapy for peri-menopausal and menopausal women.

In the hey days of PMU, the network boasted over 500 ranches scattered across the three Prairie Provinces and the northern United States. This number drastically changed beginning with the announcement of the Women’s Health Initiative released in 2002 and the backlash on the industry that resulted.

The widely-known clinical study suggested hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to be responsible for an increase in breast cancer and heart attacks in women. The industry has seen a slow decline ever since with numerous reductions made over the years by the company.

New research has concluded that in many cases, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women within ten years of menopause out-

weigh the risks dependant on their personal and family health history. Short-term HRT is now considered to be beneficial for not only treating the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, but also provides secondary benefits such as a reduced risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, endometrial cancers and Type II diabetes. However, this new information does not seem to have resulted in an increase in demand for the raw product by Pfizer.

Christina Antoniou, the Director of Corporate Affairs for Pfizer Canada responded to questions with a statement on March 6, 2023, saying the following:

“Pfizer conducts periodic reviews of its inventory management. We are now able to satisfy market demand by working with fewer ranchers. As a result, the company has decided to reduce the size of the PMU rancher network. Pfizer values its network of ranchers and the decision to resize our network was not made lightly. We are committed to treating ranchers fairly and reasonably and to helping to make this transition as smooth as possible.”

Not only have six ranches been eliminated from the program in this round of cuts, but the number of grams of estrogen to be collected for those left in the network, is also further reduced. Ranchers only currently collect and ship urine for 5 weeks, down from an 18-week collection period previously.

Six equine ranchers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have once again been cut, leaving the total number left in the network and producing pregnant mares’ urine (PMU) for pharmaceutical use by Pfizer Canada, at only 10. Photos by Brenda Hunter

What’s Lurking in Your Freezer Or Pantry?

By Joan Airey

When I read the above headline Getty Stewart sent out with her regular e-mails on menus, not wasting food, salad dressings, etc. I had to laugh. If you are looking for menu ideas or recipes check out her website. Getty is a home economist who lives in Winnipeg. My husband said the other day if we were invaded, I was prepared with food to do for two years. I am afraid that we would run out of milk, cream, and buttermilk ingredients I use regularly when preparing meals. I admit I do freeze fruit from our garden so I can use it when a dessert is required plus can fruit and make numerous kinds of pickles, relishes, and salsa’s etc.

I make apple pie filling up and freeze it to make pies over the winter. We have a Prairie Magic apple tree that makes beautiful pies and a Goodland apple tree. A Heyer #12 is our old apple tree that makes okay desserts but I prefer the other two apples.

Homemade Evans Cherry Pie Filling

4 cups cherries, fresh or frozen

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4cup water (no water if frozen cherries - our cherries are so juicy I never add water)

1 Tablespoon butter

Cook cherries for a few minutes in water. Mix sugar and cornstarch together and add to cherries. Stir well when adding it and stir until thick and clear. It will thicken more when cool. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Dot with butter or margarine. Put on top crust and bake in preheated oven at 450F for 10 minutes then at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cherries must be pitted before freezing or making a pie with fresh berries.

I use the following recipe for making pumpkin pie but do not use the pecans.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

4 large eggs

1 can 16 oz. solid pack pumpkin or 2 cups mashed cooked and drained fresh pumpkin.

3/4cup sugar

1/2 cup dark corn syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 - 9inch unbaked pie shell

1 cup pecan halves

Heat oven to 350F.

Slightly beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in remaining filling ingredients until blended, put into pie shell. Arrange pecans on top. Bake 45 to 55 minutes until filling is set and knife inserted comes out clean. Cool pie on wire rack.

One recipe my family likes which I cannot grow the filling for is raisin pie. This recipe which a neighbour shared with me years go is over a hundred years old.

Raisin Pie

2 cups raisins

2 cups water

1 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice

3 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 Tablespoon butter

Cook on stove until thickened. Bake for 50 minutes at 400F. I let filling cool before putting filling in crust and putting on top crust.

For making pastry I like to use Prairie Flour Mills Ltd. The flour which is milled at Elie, Manitoba. The company operates a state-of-the-art flour milling operation in the heart of western red spring country near Winnipeg.

My husband said the other day if we were invaded, I was prepared with food to do for two years.

Photos by Joan Airey

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program Celebrates Its First Anniversary

Manitoba’s only free one on one counselling service for farm families celebrates its first anniversary this month. With significant support from sponsors and a growing following on social media, the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) has lots to celebrate including their announcement of the continuation of the service in Manitoba.

“Last year was an exciting year for MFWP,” said Marcel Hacault, MFWP’s chair. “On March 1, 2022 we launched our confidential, no cost counselling services to support the mental health and wellness of Manitoba farm families. We saw a need and with overwhelming support from the industry, we are excited to announce we are continuing this service in Manitoba. We are thankful for the growing community of sponsors and supporters that see value in the program, and we are in a great position for the future.”

The MFWP board is currently going through a strategic planning exercise to define the future direction of the program. Part of that exercise is establishing the sustainability of the program, not just financially, but also from an awareness and promotion perspective.

“What we learned in our first year is that the program works, is valued by those who use it and it should be continued. This year we would like to raise funds to support 160 Manitoba farm families, and our focus will be on increasing awareness about the program with industry, farmers and health care professionals,” said Roberta Galbraith, vice chair, MFWP.

The results of the program can be summed up in this unsolicited testimonial: “A true highlight of the 2022 growing season for me was finding out about and using the counselling services provided by MFWP. Not only was it encouraging to hear that such a program exists, my sessions with Kim provided me with valuable perspective and insight towards how my own mental health is connected to the health of my farm. I better understand now that tending to my own self and my own mental health is equally as important as tending to the fields. These lessons are benefiting me immensely.”

Farmers and their immediate family members can access six free, confidential one on one (one hour) counselling sessions with a registered counsellor with a background in agriculture, funded by the MFWP. The services are available during the day, evenings or on weekends to accommodate farmers’ unique schedules, and can be in person, by telephone or video chat depending on preference.

If you are interested in booking an appointment with a counsellor, making a donation or learning more about the program, visit manitobafarmerwellness.ca.

The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is a nonprofit organization that provides one on one counselling sessions by professional counsellors with backgrounds in agriculture to farmers and their families seeking mental health services. For more information, visit manitobafarmerwellness.ca.

Wise to Invest in Good Feed Budget for Growing Dairy Heifers

Cost of putting replacement dairy heifers on the milk-line has skyrocketed in the last few years. High feed prices drive most of this ascent, but excellent heifer performance also contributes.

Since, growing replacement heifers don’t generate any income until they enter the lactation barn, it is therefore important to set up a wellbalanced feeding program for them that matches their nutrient requirements. In this way, we can efficiently utilize our feed budget as it invests precious dollars that turn these growing dairy heifers into profitable milk-cows.

Before, I consider what to feed or how much to spend on raising these replacement heifers; I set up a few goals that I expect to achieve by the time, they are 24-months of age. Many dairy farms bring in a lot of poor-doers or destine-to-be culled heifers on the milk-line, because one of these goals was not met:

- Good body condition - All pre-weaned and post-weaned candidates for the future milk-line should not deviate too much from a BCS of 3.0 – 3.5 (1 = emaciated and 5 = obese). This is because BCS mirrors how well the nutrition of their diet (particularly dietary energy) matches calf growth requirements. We often think this applies mainly to only replacement heifers for breeding, but it also applies to baby calves too. For example, I have witness 12week-old pre-weaned calves that were fed a 20-20-20 milk replacer at 12 litres per day and clearly were fat.

- Promote “functional” dm feed intake – A baby calf starts out at about a 1.5 kg per head per day, dry matter intake. Initially, she can digest only milk-based nutrients, such as lactose carbohydrates.

Within about two weeks time, she can digest more complex carbohydrates in calf starter. This calf starter stimulates her small non-functioning rumen to grow. It gets inoculated with environmental microbes and becomes fully functional by six months of age and she weighs about 200 kg.

- Avoid challenging “as fed” intake – For post-weaned calves until before entering the milk-line, I often estimate their dm intake at about 2.5%. So, I recommend that post-weaned calves should be at least eight months of age, before feeding them significant amounts of silage in their diets. Furthermore, feeding low-energy feeds should as straw should be avoided unless; their purpose is to cut down the energy density of the diet.

- Achieve modest post-weaning heifer growth rates - Such good dry matter intake of wellbalanced heifer replacement feed dovetails into desired post-weaning growth rates of 1.8 – 2.0 lbs per day, and increased to 2.0 – 2.2 lbs after puberty at about 9 – 10 months

of age. I match these growth rates with all-encompassing dietary requirements of 6467% TDN, 14 – 16% crude protein and a good complimentary mineral and vitamin pack and medicated with 22 mg/kg (dm, basis) sodium monensin.

Once, I got these goals in place; I am ready to set up a proper feeding program with an associated feed budget. For demonstration purposes, it is set up in three simple ways:

1. Once calves are weaned from milk replacer (and calf starter), post-weaned heifers are fed a diet of high-quality mixed alfalfa-grass hay supplemented with a 16% heifer complete feed pellet.

2. This feed pellet is discontinued, once animals are bred, and is replaced by a heifer TMV premix (no grain is fed).

3. Corn silage is introduced at 8 months of age and continued until calving. No closeup feeding program is fed, but not illustrated prior to calving.

My spreadsheet is illustrated

here (See Table 1). I calculated a total feed investment of $2,300 per replacement heifer to bring her on the milk-line. I also parallel the % cost of each feed as it relates to the total cost of overall diet (re: an opportunity to save money on significant inputs). As a footnote, I added 70 cents per head, daily of yardage – covers fuel and labour costs. However, I did not add the inherent cost of a newborn calf, or the cull value of sold-heifers, nor close-up feeds or any gross housing-costs.

Despite these minor shortcomings, my feed budget for growing dairy heifers is sound. It does a good job of merging; both the goals of raising proper heifers with a proper replacement heifer feeding program and its major costs. Plus, it is easy to use, so anybody can input their own costs and determine their own invested feed budget.

Table 1

Manitoba Women’s Institute Chronicles COVID Stories and More

By Joan Airey members to send in stories of how they coped during the COVID outbreak. They can be read at mbwi.ca” said Ann Mandziuk.

Ann Mandziuk may have retired from her job as a home economist but she keeps busy volunteering and helping setup workshops to keep the public informed. When I received an e-mail from her telling me about the COVID stories collected to record the history of how it affected lives the past two years, I decided to track her down by phone.

“We could find no record from the Spanish Flu era of how families managed so WI members decided to get their

Manitoba Women’s Institute Women’s Day is Saturday April 29, 2023 and people can attend at Dugald Community Club, in Dugald. Attendees will find that this is an important workshop as it covers rural safety and avoiding scams.

“Diversity and Inclusion in Today’s World” is the first topic of the day and Diane

Burelle who works for the City of Winnipeg will be the first guest speaker. She will speak on gender diversity and disabled people needing inclusion in everyday life.

Burelle will be followed by Ellen Swistun talking on Women’s Heart Health.

Two volunteers from the Springfield Citizens on Patrol (COPP) who operate under the guidance of the RCMP will give a presentation on ‘Rural Safety’.

In addition the Springfield Municipal Police Force will

present “Avoiding Scams”. Finally you can participate in a workshop put on by Fresh Forage Farm’s Joel Weber on growing microgreens with an optional “make and take” microgreen seed-tray home. Cost for that part of the workshop is $10,” said Mandziuk. Registration starts at nine and you can attend in-person for $25 which includes lunch or virtually for $20. The attending virtually option is great for people unable to make the long drive or break away from a busy schedule.

Potassium and Potatoes: Understanding Fertilizer / Crop Interactions

By Kaine Korzekwa

For farmers and researchers, a field is often like a giant chemistry set. The timing and amounts of different fertilizers to supply nutrients can interact with each other, the soil, and crops.

For example, potassium, an essential macronutrient for crops, is often applied to a field in the form of potassium chloride. Potassium and nitrogen are the two nutrients that crops need in abundance. Past research has documented an uptake between chloride and nitrate, a form of nitrogen that crops take up. In crops like potatoes, which are high in potassium, chloride and other salts have been shown to reduce what is called tuber specific gravity.

Specific gravity is a quality evaluation metric used by the potato industry and higher specific gravity increases crop value. A lower tuber specific gravity means a potato will hold more water. While many potatoes are sold to make foods like french fries, more water in the potatoes means more time in the fryer to become crispy. Not only is this more expensive, but the fries may also absorb more fat during frying.

Sarah Light, an agronomy farm advisor with University of California Cooperative Extension, led a study on the timing of potassium chloride in potato fields.

In the study, the researchers applied three different potassium fertilizers at three different application times during the season. Potassium chloride is the most common and inexpensive potassium fertilizer. They also used sulfate of potash and sulfate of potash magnesia. They applied these fertilizers to different research plot 210 days before planting (fall), 14 days before planting (spring), and 35 days after planting.

They found that the fall application did not increase chloride in the plants. The researchers believe that this is because the chloride was leached below the root depth by the time the potatoes were planted 210 days later. However, the potassium was left in the soil to be taken up and used by the potatoes as they grew.

“Fertilizers are soluble salts and leaching is the process of draining salts from the soil,” Light explains. “Especially in

low rainfall areas, high salt content in the crop rootzone, known as soil salinity, is a top reason that fields can become unfarmable.”

Although they did find higher chloride in some of the aboveground parts of the potato plant from spring and in-season applications, it did not greatly impact nitrogen levels. They also found no significant difference in yield or quality such as specific gravity between the three fertilizer timings in their specific study.

The study indicated that chloride accumulates more in the stems and leaves of the potato plant, and not in the potatoes themselves.

However, after potatoes are harvested, the stems and leaves are left in the field. The chloride isn’t removed from the field and may increase the risk of elevated chloride in the soil for future seasons. In this study, chloride leached below the rootzone when applied in the fall.

“Potato plants will take up chloride

when it is available and chloride will accumulate in plant tissue until potato harvest,” says Light. “Though specific gravity was not affected by treatment in this research, if elevated plant chloride is of concern, applying potassium chloride in the fall is a way to reduce chloride uptake. This is because it has time to travel, or leach, deeper into the soil.”

Light, who conducted this research while a graduate student at Oregon State University, says that she and her team were pleased to find that chloride can travel below the potato root zone, even in a low rainfall area. This provides a way for farmers to minimize risk of lower quality potatoes.

“Optimizing our fertilizer applications is always a high priority in agriculture,” Light says. “It’s important to understand plant, soil, and nutrient dynamics in order to continue to optimize our production systems and improve our efficiencies.”

Grow a Bartender’s Garden with the 2023 Garden Guide

We all know that when preparing a meal, fresh is best— and that growing your own veggies and accompanying herbs makes for an especially appetizing experience. This is no different when it comes to crafting cocktails!

When considering growing herbs for a bartender’s garden, start small and grow herbs that you’re most likely to use. Whether perennial or annual, most herbs are easy to grow and share the same need for full sun, well-draining soil, neutral pH, and little, if any, fertilizer.

Consider growing the following herbs for happy-hour inspirations:

Basil: Basil varieties offer a range of flavor profiles, from sweet to citrusy lemon and lime to spice cinnamon to aniselike Thai; the dark purple variety bears a mild clove flavor but is usually chosen for the color that it lends to drinks. Basils pair well with gin, vodka, or rum. A tender annual, basil is easy to grow from seed.

Cilantro: Cilantro infuses fruity drinks with south-of-the-border zing. Good with vodka, gin, tequila, or rum, it’s a great candidate for your next mojito or margarita. Plant new seeds of this annual every few weeks to keep a fresh supply growing.

Lavender: Lavender adds a floral sweetness. Use it sparingly, though: It can be overpowering and even bitter, if overdone. These petals make a delicious lemonade that can be enjoyed as is or enhanced with light spirits such as vodka or gin. It is also tasty with a splash of tequila or rum. Perennial to Zone 5, lavender likes slightly alkaline soil, so add lime or wood ashes if necessary to raise your pH to between 6.5 and 8.

Thyme: Thyme offers many flavor profiles, depending on the type you choose—lemon, orange, caraway, coconut, nutmeg, rose petal, or culinary thyme. Each is perennial and most types are hardy from Zone 5 to 7. Grow them from seed, cuttings, or transplants. Thyme marries well with vodka or gin; try it with bourbon for a thyme old-fashioned.

Mints: Mints are many, and all are interesting. For drinks, chocolate mint, spearmint, and apple mint are best. Peppermint can be too sharp and intensely menthol. If you love mojitos or mint juleps, mints are must-haves in the garden.

(Check out the Chocolate Mint Mojito recipe below!) Be sure to plant these perennials in a pot or otherwise contain them to prevent them from running rampant.

Nuffield Canada Scholar Applications Open April

Nuffield Canada will accept a new intake of scholar applications from April 1 through June 30 for the 2024 scholar cohort. Applications and more information can be found at nuffield.ca.

Nuffield Canada annually offers four to six $20,000 scholarships to mid-career men and women, who are Canadian citizens approximately, aged 25 –50, with a passion for agriculture who are ready to challenge themselves in a self-directed program of international travel and study. Unlike academic scholarships, Nuffield Scholarships are for the personal and professional benefit of those already established in the industry, while adding value to Canadian agriculture as scholars assume positions of greater influence in their fields.

Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production includ-

ing food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Recipients can come from any part of agriculture, from production to value added processing to governance or communications.

They can be involved in any aspect of the industry including as owners, managers, employees, administrators, or bureaucrats, and all industry philosophies are welcome including commercial, organic, cottage, medicinal, Indigenous and others.

Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choosing that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors,

and industry leaders in attendance.

For scholar sponsors, Nuffield Canada offers a pathway for leadership development within organizations and industry. Producers, customers, clients and employees can be recognized for their leadership potential and encouraged to apply.

Nuffield Canada, a registered Canadian charity, is over 130 alumni strong. As part of a larger international community, Nuffield Canada has affiliate organizations in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Zimbabwe. Scholar recipients instantly become members of the 1,900 global Nuffield alumni network, which hosts and supports travelling scholars.

Bottoms up! Santé! Cin-cin [chin-chin]! Salud! Proost! Kanpai [gahn-pie]! Cheers! However you say it, when enjoying your unique botanical cocktails with friends, be sure to toast to good health—and herbs!

The 2023 Garden Guide is published annually and available for $7.99 USD/CAD online and at local booksellers. A full list of retailers can be found at Almanac.com/WheretoBuy. A digital version of the Garden Guide, plus other resources, is available at store.almanac. com/2023-garden-guide.

Photos by Sarah Light

Rows of potato plants emerge from the soil and soak up the sun at the study site in Hermiston, Oregon. Layby fertilizer treatments were applied 35 days after planting. Potato plants had emerged but had not closed canopy at the time of the fertilizer application.

Potatoes emerging in mounded rows at the study site in Hermiston, Oregon. The study focused on examining the timing of potassium chloride absorption in potato fields. After potatoes are harvested, the stems and leaves are usually left in the field. This can increase the risk of elevated chloride in the soil, but is avoided by applying potassium chloride in the fall.

Government Supports Farmers’ Mental Health

While participating at the recent inaugural National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health, MarieClaude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the federal government’s financial support to the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW).

This investment of up to $168,440 will help the CCAW spread awareness of and multiply the resources available for the agricultural community. The mission of this new not-forprofit organization is to lead research and roll out initiatives in collaboration with community organizations across the country to address farmers’ wellness challenges.

This funding contributed to, among other things, the creation of this inaugural National Symposium on Agricultural Mental Health, a conference organized by CCAW, in concert with The Guardian Network. Bringing together mental health groups, researchers, decision makers, agricultural associations and farmers, this conference addresses the challenges and opportunities of the mental health movement across the country.

“Farmers have a very demanding job and deal with a lot of stress,” said Bibeau. “Mental health issues are so often taboo in the sector, which is why initiatives like the ones created by the Canadian Centre for Agricul-

tural Wellbeing are so essential to open the dialogue and, ultimately, save lives.”

“The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing is very pleased to work in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada to develop evidence-based programming and supports for the well-being of Canadian farmers,” added Dr. Briana Hagen, Chief Executive Officer and Lead Scientist, Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing. “Together, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, will continue to eliminate barriers to accessing mental health services across the Country.”

Manitoba Crop Alliance Takes a Holistic Approach

to

Farm Management

By Harry Siemens

A whole farm specialist is an agricultural advisor or consultant who provides comprehensive advice and guidance to farmers on various aspects of their farm operations. Unlike other types of specialists who focus on specific areas of farming, such as crop production or livestock management, a whole farm specialist takes a holistic approach to farm management and considers all aspects of the farm as an integrated system.

Ashley Ammeter is such a specialist with Manitoba Crop Alliance, a new position because it represents many different crop types.

“We have a unique research program called whole farm that looks at issues non-commodity specific, so they’re cross-commodity not necessarily looking at an individual crop.” said Ammeter. “Instead, we’re looking at important rotations and issues regardless of what crop you’re growing.”

As a Manitoba Crop Alliance expert, Ammeter provides knowledge and understanding of the whole farm approach to agronomy.

“Making sure that our farmers are aware of these issues and have the information they need to help them make decisions,” she said.

Ammeter said the issues could include designing the most efficient crop rotations depending on what the problems on the farm are. Other issues such as cover cropping and intercropping are increasingly becoming of interest in Manitoba and how to fit cover cropping into the farm system. In addition she will assist framers with soil health and fertility, water management both on the excess and the deficit side, pest management and herbicide-resistant weed control.

“All of these issues are becoming increasingly important on our farms but are

sometimes falling between the gaps when looking at farming and research from a commodity-specific view,” she said.

Like many of the other extension specialists at Manitoba Crop Alliance, this farm specialist’s job connects researchers and farmers and ensures that the information flows back and forth.

“If a farmer has a question on an issue they’re facing on their farm, they’re welcome to call me up,” said Ammeter. “I’m involved in our on-farm research program interacting with farmers regularly and doing extension activities.”

With new species of weeds starting to show up and increasing herbicide resistance, it becomes an even bigger issue to manage the whole cop system.

“All of those things fall under our whole farm program and it’s exciting to interact with our farmers at events,” she said.

Ammeter started with Manitoba Crop Alliance filling in a maternity leave position and then moved to the whole farm position. However, it took a vision and more schooling to make that work.

She did her undergrad at the University of Manitoba in Plant Biotechnology and a minor in soil science, followed by her Master’s at the University of Manitoba in plant science.

“And so I have a background in agriculture,” she said.

This role is very much needed and Ammeter wants to pull all of these things together and fill in some of these gaps including nutrient management.

“Many big issues we see on farms are not commodity specific. They’re not specific to wheat or corn or soybeans. So to help fill the gaps when looking at farming from a commodity-specific point of view is exciting for me,” said Ammeter.

She has a unique background in that a lot of her education was in plant breeding and plant biotechnology combined with her knowledge of soil science

“I grew up on a farm. And so being able to pull all that together is important,” said Ammeter.

Ashley Ammeter, a specialist with Manitoba Crop Alliance, said that they have a unique research program called whole farm that looks at issues non-commodity specific. The program focuses on issues within the cropping system. Submitted photo

The AgriPost

Manitoba Crop Alliance Awards Six Students with 2022-23 Bursaries

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has awarded six students from Manitoba with MCA 2022-23 bursaries valued at $2,000 each. The six bursary recipients are Kaitlyn Christine Hunt-Delaurier from Laurier, Lianne Rouire from Treherne, Milan Lukes from Gunton, Stephanie Manning from Souris, Hannie Peters from Ile Des Chenes, and Alison Manness from La Salle/ Domain.

“I would like to congratulate all our 2022-23 bursary winners and thank all the students who applied,” said MCA Chair Robert Misko. “It is clear from the quality of all the bursary applications we received that the future of the agriculture industry in Manitoba is bright.”

MCA established the bursary to assist with the financial needs of students who are enrolled in a postsecondary agricultural program within the province of Manitoba. Bursary applicants needed to meet the following criteria.

Have completed their first or second year of post-secondary education at the college or university level (diploma or degree) and are enrolled full-time for the 2022-23 school year in an agricultural program within the province of Manitoba; achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0; have an interest in wheat (spring or winter), corn, barley, flax or sunflower crops, or agriculture in general, as demonstrated in a brief, one-page letter; are from a farm that is a member in good-standing of MCA and have not previously been awarded an MCA Bursary.

An independent selection committee was contracted to evaluate the applicants based on their connection to or interest in agriculture, explanation of why they decided to enrol in an agriculture-related postsecondary program, how they hope to benefit the agriculture industry once they have graduated and are in the workforce, and their academics and writing skills.

This year, the selection committee included James Frey, applied production specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, and Rachel Evans, technical sales manager at FMC Canada for Manitoba and southern Saskatchewan.

began at a young age and she has always been eager to be involved in the farm in one way or another. She knew she wanted to pursue agriculture in post-secondary school and help farm with her father and grandfather, so her grandmother suggested she pursue a degree in agronomy. She is now in her second year of an agronomy degree at the University of Manitoba. Once she graduates, she hopes to begin her own agronomy business, while also farming with her family. She hopes to help encourage farmers to make decisions that will improve their land as well as deliver highyielding crops.

Hunt-Delaurier grew up on a grain farm near the small town of Laurier, MB. Her passion for agriculture

Treherne, MB

Agriculture has always been a part of Rouire’s life. Her dad owns RWay Ag Ltd., and her mom and stepdad are grain farmers. However, it wasn’t until she was in university and was trying to figure out what program to take that her parents suggested she take a couple of agriculture courses. It was in these classes that she grew to love the science behind agriculture. She has learned about all aspects of agriculture through summer jobs and has been able to attend the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference. She completed her diploma in agriculture in May 2021 and is now enrolled in the degree program to complete her agronomy degree. Her goal is to help farmers attain high yields while maintaining sustainability. She also hopes to encourage young women to consider agriculture as a career choice and help mentor them throughout their education and professional life.

Lukes’ interest in plant science started at a young age when he took up the hobby of giant-pumpkin. At 13 years of age, he became the youngest winner of the Roland Pumpkin Fair, with a pumpkin weighing

1,348.2

pounds. To date, he has grown several pumpkins weighing over half a ton with his personal best being 1,369.5 pounds. Though these giants were not genetically modified organisms, his experience made him wonder what could be possible with the introduction of novel traits in certain species, especially as the world’s increasing population increases demand for higher-yielding crop varieties. Lukes is currently a third-year student at the University of Manitoba majoring in plant biotechnology. After graduation, he intends to con tinue his education at university.

harvest, working cattle and creating cropping plans. She is passionate about regenerative agriculture and integrates practices such as cover crops, rotational grazing and no-till on her farm. She sees a need for experts in this field, which is why she decided to go back to school at Assiniboine Community College and get her diploma in agribusiness. After graduation in spring 2023, she hopes to work as a technical agronomist and attain her CCA designation.

to continue her education with an agronomy degree to further her knowledge of crop management. After she finishes school, she plans to go back to the family farm with new knowledge of how to improve the farm’s soil health to help increase crop yields.

Manning was born and raised in Souris, MB. Her interest in agriculture started at a young age, helping grandma on the farm or hanging out with dad at the elevator. Today, she lives on a mixed grain/cattle farm near Minnedosa, MB, and helps her significant other manage his family farm. Her love for agriculture grew even stronger after learning how to manage her own farm and taking on new responsibilities, such as driving the combine or grain truck at

Raised on a family dairy, grain and beef farm, Peters has always been surrounded by agriculture. From milking and working with cattle to helping her dad in the field with harvest, farming played a big role in her life. She grew up not knowing what she wanted to do in the future, but over the years has fallen in love with working in the field and learning the best ways to improve yields. Peters is enrolled in the second year of her agricultural diploma, majoring in crop management. After graduation, she plans

in La Salle and Domain, MB. From a very young age she remembers going on combine rides with her dad, which sparked her passion for agriculture. She started off on the family farm doing yard jobs, such as watering trees, mowing the lawn and cleaning grain bins, but recently became the head grain cart driver. Manness chose to study agribusiness at the University of Manitoba so she could learn more about managing a farm and, one day, take over her family’s operation. When she graduates in 2025, she hopes to continue farming alongside her dad and family. Manness knows she will gain a lot of knowledge not only from the classroom, but also from the field, so she can excel as a farm manager.

Hunt-Delaurier, Laurier, MB

Are You Ready For Spring?

By Joan Airey

I think everyone in Manitoba is ready for spring mentally and physically. They want to be able to go for a walk around their yard or to take the dog for a walk without cumbersome boots and outer wear. One thing about having a dog you must dawn your warm clothes and walk them a couple of times everyday.

To get ready for spring, I’ve been enjoying reading some new gardening book releases over the past month such as “Tiny and Wild” by Graham Laird Gardener which explains how to build a small scale meadow anywhere. I’d love to have the patio furniture on the front cover on my deck but it would be the problem where do I store it for the winter months.

Kathy Jentz author of “The Urban Gardener” has written a new book “Ground Cover Revolution” which tells how to use sustainable, low-maintenance, low water ground covers to replace your turf. It contains alternative choices for a no mowing, no fertilizing, and a no pesticides yard. It contains some interesting ideas although I do like a green lawn.

Noelle Johnson the “AZ Plant Lady” has written a book on “Dry Climate Gardening”. Some of the photographs in it remind me of photographs friends have sent me back from their winter homes in Arizona. When we lived in the Coulter area of Manitoba for a few years my mother grew cactus in her flower beds like the ones in the photographs.

Have you started your pepper plants so they will be ready for transplanting in your garden when summer arrives? I plan to start my tomato plants by April 7. I planted a planter of lettuce under lights earlier this year and as we have eaten 90% of it, it’s about to be dumped on the garden to make room for bedding plants along with the spinach which I started later.

Anyway, there were no tomato seeds in the package of lettuce I planted but in the middle of the long lettuce planter there was single tomato plant growing. The soil the lettuce was grown in was newly purchased so it must have come with one lonely tomato seed. I transplanted the tomato plant into a bigger pot and presently it is flowering so I am hoping for a few early tomatoes.

Last spring I felt we needed to plant more potatoes than I ordered from the seed company that we normally deal with. I had picked up more seed at our local Home Hardware and I was so pleased I decided to buy all my seed from them this year. I found it to be of excellent quality and more economical than buying from the seed company as I didn’t have to pay freight on top of the cost of the seed potatoes.

Home Hardware warehouse has stopped stocking T-5 grow bulbs so I contacted the wholesalers of the bulbs and they informed me of numerous places I could order them from, some of which wanted me to drive to Winnipeg to pick them up or pay a large amount for postage and insurance.

Another alternative was to ask my local Home Hardware manager if she could order them for me. I contacted her and her price was very reasonable. I have my bulbs and the hardware store has extras in stock. It pays to shop around these days when everything is getting expensive and shopping local can be the best deal.

The AgriPost

Buy a Good MineralVitamin Program for Your Beef Cowherd this Spring

By Peter Vitti

Spring is a good time to review your cowherd mineral-vitamin program. That’s because nursing beef cows (and bulls) should be in good mineral and vitamin status that drive a solid return to active reproduction by the breeding season. In order to do so, beef producers often collect and review several commercial feed labels. Most of this paper lists the guaranteed analysis of macro-, micro- and fat-soluble vitamins found in each product. Regardless of many choices, it a good idea to buy a good min-vit feeding program that helps gets your cowherd into calf.

Subsequently in the last few weeks, I have walked along the fence of several drylots and holding pastures during this years’ calving season in order to assess the general body condition of their beef cows. Although, dietary energy and protein have a lot to due with maintaining or achieving such good condition and general good health, meeting essential mineral and vitamin requirements is always equally important.

It is my first wish that all beef cows calve out in a body condition (BCS) of 5 - 6, which should be carried to the end of the upcoming breeding season. Such adequate BCS has been research-proven to return a higher proportion of fertile beef cows compared to thin cows (BCS < 4.0) to a strong estrus 80 – 90 days post-partum, which ends in high conception rates.

After each assessment, I am ready to put together a good mineral-vitamin feeding program that will match most cows’ macro-, trace-mineral and vitamins requirements. In doing so, I follow a

3-point goal orientated strategy:

1. Complement the cows’ forages for calcium and phosphorus – A feed test may be very useful, but if I don’t have one, I find out the kind of hay, silage or later-on - pasture that the post-calving cows are fed. For example, I know a 120-cow beef producer that corn-grazes his cowherd until they calve. Then he feeds them corn silage-based diet until pastures are well-established. Since, corn-based forages are very low in calcium; a 21:7 or 3:1 (calcium to phosphorus ratio) is my recommendation. Likewise, when producers are feeding bales of calcium-enriched alfalfa/mixed grass hay to their cattle; a 10:10 cattle mix makes a better fit.

2. Assess regional soil/forage and water mineral levels – Western Canada forage and pastures are notorious for deficient levels of essential traceminerals or contain antagonistic elements that bind essential trace-minerals and render them biologically unavailable to cattle. For example, a beef cow requires about 100 mg of copper per day, and her forages contain this adequate amount. Yet, a high molybdenum level in this forage or high-sulphates in well-water likely binds dietary copper and renders it unavailable to the cow. In these cases, I often increase the dietary concentration of copper in the mineral feeding program or switch to a cattle mineral formulated with “chelated” copper (more bioavailable form of copper).

3. Review the mineral directions for use: Many producers will compare min-vit feed labels’ guaranteed analysis that illustrate its concentration of minerals and vitamins, but fail to note its feeding level. The

feeding rate of loose mineral or mixed into the beef cows’ diet is between 100 – 300 grams, per head, daily. Such variance dictates the absolute amount of each mineral and vitamin that the cow eats and also it’s overall cost of feeding.

Take Mineral A that costs $52 per 25-kg bag, its feeding rate is 100 grams per head, plus contains 3,000 ppm of copper. Put that against a bag of cattle mineral that costs $62 per 25-kg bag, but its feeding rate is 50 grams per head, plus contains 6,000 ppm. As a result, mineral A and B supply the same about of copper to beef cows, but the cost to feed mineral A is 20.8 cents per head/day compared to 12.4 cents per head/day, respectively. Keep in mind feeding Mineral B might be cheaper, but there might be other extenuating features of each mineral that determines their final value.

It’s fortunate that most people recognize the importance of a good mineral-vitamin program for their fresh cowherd until the breeding season. And they use a similar strategy to mine to buy one that works for them. In this way, an investment of about $20 per post-partum cow (80 – 90 days) that contributes to a saleable fall-calf that brings about $1,400 in today’s market.

It a good idea to buy a good min-vit feeding program that helps gets your cowherd into calf. Submitted photo

Egg Farmers Mark 50th Anniversary with Net-Zero Commitment

In a recent announcement, Egg Farmers of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as the next step in the Canadian egg farming industry’s sustainability journey. The commitment builds on five decades of work to embrace research, innovation and techniques that support sustainable agricultural practices.

“Stepping up our commitment to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions is a natural extension of our already established holistic approach to sustainability; an approach that continues to guide our actions today and into the future,” said Roger Pelissero, Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada. “A net-zero goal naturally builds on these efforts and further entrenches our commitment towards the environment in the core of our farming operations.”

Canadian egg farmers have a longstanding track-record of supporting

sustainable initiatives and programs, including investment in a comprehensive science-based research program, farm level decision-making tools, and environmental technologies. This programming has led to efficiencies and productivity gains within the egg farming sector, allowing farmers to produce more eggs while using fewer resources. The recently launched National Environmental Sustainability and Technology Tool is one example of how egg farmers are improving environmental outcomes. Canadian egg farmers can use the tool to set sustainability goals, create action plans, track progress and work towards making their farms even more sustainable.

“I am extremely proud of the work that egg farmers across Canada have undertaken to evolve and adapt their farming operations, supporting both Canada-wide and global efforts to

address climate change,” added Pelissero. “We know we cannot achieve this goal alone, and we look forward to working side-byside with our supply chain partners and stakeholders to develop and implement a roadmap to net-zero that takes into account the unique circumstances of our farming operations and value chain. Our next step is to roll out a comprehensive consultation that evaluates how we can scale up our initiatives and put a plan into practice.”

The announcement was made during an event that marked the 50th anniversary of Egg Farmers of Canada and egg supply management, setting a strong course for the next chapter for the egg farming sector. This commitment aligns with the Government of Canada’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as well as guidance from the United Nations.

Some of the latest gardening books offer in depth expertise in building small scale meadows, dry climate gardening and the essentials in growing ground cover.

A lonely tomato germinates in my lettuce under lights so I’m hoping for early tomatoes.

Photos by Joan Airey

Introduction to Keeping Backyard Chickens

By Leah Bouchard

Reasons abound to keep backyard chickens – it might be for fun, food security, tick control or producing fresh eggs or meat on a budget. My husband and I have been raising meat birds and keeping laying hens for years, and I can’t imagine having my families’ eggs supplied another way. If you’ve never done it, making the leap may seem intimidating. The good news is you don’t have to be an experienced farmer to keep a few chickens.

As long as you understand the basics, have the ability to offer the chickens adequate feed, safe, ventilated housing, and are willing to put in the effort, you can learn as you go, and it can be a rewarding learning experience to take on as a family.

Before you start, ensure you live in an area where you can keep poultry and your neighbours are on board with you doing it. You may want to check with your municipality and/or talk to neighbours that live close-by.

CHooSiNG YoUR CHiCkENS

Do you primarily want to keep chickens for eggs or meat? That is the first question you need to answer, and you can narrow your search from there. Research breeds to find out pros and cons of each. Heritage breeds tend to be better foragers and more resistant to disease, but their production (of eggs or meat) won’t be as high as modern breeds.

Egg layers can be purchased from neighbouring farmers, or even on kijiji, but if you’re raising meat chickens, you’ll have to buy the chicks from a hatchery or dealer and raise them from day one. Check out local feed stores, as they often bring in chicks from local hatcheries.

HoUSiNG

Summer can be a good time to try out keeping poultry because housing requirements may be more manageable. First off, the chickens need shade and a location that can be secure from predators. Meat chickens require quite a well-ventilated place during the summer as they generally don’t handle heat very well. Laying hens will need comfortable laying boxes with clean straw or shavings where they can lay eggs.

Some predators are quite small and can squeeze through small openings. Overhead protection from birds might also be a consideration. At one point, my eggs were mysteriously disappearing, and we had to observe the chicken pen all day to discover a raven was raiding the laying boxes to steal the eggs.

I enjoy allowing my chickens to forage and roam free around the yard but again, but if you do this, make sure to keep them in a safe enclosed area and count them every night. (You won’t see much more than a little pile of feathers if one of them was nabbed.) And you may need to change up the routine, so the predator doesn’t make your chickens a regular source of food. You’ll also have to keep a close eye on the garden. I generally let them forage around the yard only until my garden starts coming up in May.

If you keep chickens over the winter, you will need an insulated coop that can be kept above freezing. Good ventilation to maintain air quality is probably the most important factor. Generally, the rule is at least four-

square feet per chicken, so a 10 by 10 coop could fit 25 birds. Cleaning out the coop on a regular basis is also important. Clean straw or shavings make comfortable bedding.

FEEd ANd WATER

You can purchase specially prepared feed mixes for starting chicks, growing meat birds, or nourishing your laying hens from local feed stores. We have chosen to mix our own feed. If you make up your own, keep in mind that you will need to add in minerals to make sure the chickens are getting what they need. Adequate protein is extremely important, especially for laying hens. You may want to talk to a feed consultant to come up with the right formula, so you don’t run into health problems later on.

Chickens can also eat many garden and household food scraps. If they are kept in an outdoor area, they will eat plenty of bugs and seeds. I love when the egg yolks turn bright yellow in spring, reflecting the variety the chickens are foraging! You may also let them into the garden after you’ve cleaned it out in fall to help clean up weeds and seeds.

(And fertilize it for next year) Be aware that scraps and seeds can be a wonderful supplement to the chicken’s diet, but prepared feed should be supplied to them at all times. The same is true for water. Chickens require fresh, clean water to be available consistently.

oTHER CoNSidERATioNS

Keep a close eye on your flock and notice and deal with any health issues before they become a problem. Call a vet if something appears off. Remember to change or wash your boots if you go to a neighbour’s farm to make sure you don’t spread disease.

At the end of the season, we have a tradition of getting together with family and neighbours for a chicken butcher day. You may want to learn how to butcher your own chickens or make an appointment at a local butcher.

Keep in mind that butchers are usually extremely busy, so make sure to book the appointment early.

Meat chickens should be butchered between six and 12 weeks. Depending on your feed and the breed, they can get large quickly, so don’t prolong the butcher date if you don’t have to.

Egg layers will begin laying at around 19 weeks of age and will potentially lay an egg a day for the first half year. After that, egg production usually decreas-

es. You can keep the chickens around as long as you want but many people choose to replace them every year to keep a consistent supply of eggs.

WHERE To GET CHiCkS

If you order chicks from a hatchery or dealer, make sure to order well ahead of time. Fehrway feeds in Ridgeville and Horizon Livestock in Steinbach are two good local options. You will pick up the chicks when they are just hours old, the same day they hatch.

If you already have hens and a rooster, another option might be letting one of your laying hens sit on her own eggs. (It might happen naturally if they are free-range in the summer.) In this case, the hen will do most of the initial work of caring for the chicks herself. If you choose this option, there’s a risk that the hen will not brood for the entire 21 days or not brood exactly when you want her to. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll end up with the number of chickens you wanted. Some breeds are instinctively broodier than others, so this may not work with all chickens.

We’ve borrowed a neighbour’s incubator and hatched our own chicks, which was a cool experience for our family. You may be able to find fertilized eggs from a farmer neighbour or kijiji to incubate. The incubator simulates a mother sitting on her eggs by regulating humidity and temperature. It’s important to follow directions well; there are plenty of online resources and you-tube videos to help you out.

HoW To PREPARE

FoR CHiCkS

If chicks have a bad first few hours of life, it can weaken them, affecting them negatively throughout their life. Temperature is one of the most important factors. We usually use a cardboard ring to keep the chickens in a small area with a heat lamp.

Additional heaters can help keep the temperature constant in the 32-to-35-degree range. If your barn is drafty, you can start them in your garage or even house. (Don’t worry; you can move them out by the time they get too active and/or smelly.)

Heat lamps provide localized heat; however, it may be slightly too cool a few meters away from the heat lamp. Ensure all the chicks have enough room under the lamp - you may need more than one. You may also want a plan for a power outage which could include a propane heater or a generator.

Chicks need to be started on a specialized starter feed that is higher in protein and smaller granules than regular chicken feed. Clean water should be supplied at all times, and you may want to add electrolytes and vitamins for a boost on the first few days. You can buy chick starter and packets of electrolytes at any local feed store.

We’ve found that feeders and waterers should be placed in close proximity to the chicks, so they don’t have to search around for it.

WHAT YoU NEEd To

kNoW THE FiRST FEW dAYS

If you buy your chicks, taking them home on the first day is exciting (and they usually make quite the racket). Just remember not to let them get a chill on their ride home and provide them with food and water as soon as you possibly can. Check on the chicks every few hours for the first few days. We even recommend doing night checks for the first couple of nights. Ensure the temperature is very constant for the first week. We generally rely on observation more than the thermometer. If the chicks are spread out and not spending time under the heat lamp it’s likely because it’s too hot. If they are huddling together, they may be trying to keep warm. Adjust the temperature accordingly. After a week, you can slowly reduce the temperature and by about three weeks, the chickens will be fine at a normal room temperature.

WHAT HAPPENS NExT

At five or six weeks of age, when the chickens fully feather, they can start going outside if that’s what you planned for them. At this point, they can also switch to regular grower feed. Always make sure they inhabit a well-ventilated area, and check them several times a day, making sure they have feed and water and look comfortable.

Starting chicks is not complicated, but it does require dedicated care and attention – especially during the first three weeks. With these simple guidelines your backyard chicken venture will be off to a good start.

And there you have the basics. Of course, there are many other details, but much can be learned through hands-on experience. Neighbours and farmer friends with expertise make great resources. Enjoy the journey, and keep in mind that if you want to raise chickens this year, it may be time to place an order at a local hatchery, farm, or dealer.

By Elmer Heinrichs

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), in its March outlook for 2023-2024 says total field crop production in Canada is projected to decline somewhat from 2022-23, based on an expectation of a return to average yields as area seeded remained relatively unchanged.

For 2023-24, Canadian area seeded to wheat is projected at 8.16 Mha, up 4 per cent year-on-year and 6 per cent more than average levels. Assuming average yields, production is pegged at 28.88 Mt and total supply at 32.98 Mt.

Canadian oat area is forecast at 1.2 Mha, down 22 per cent from 2022-23 and the lowest in the recent five years. Assuming average abandonment and yield potential, along with smaller acreage, Canada’s oat production in 2023 is expected to decrease by 31 per cent from the previous year to 3.6 Mt.

For 2023-24, canola area is forecast to rise slightly, to 8.8 Mha, on support from attractive prices; expansion is limited by similarly attractive prices for alternate crops such as wheat and peas. Production is forecast at 18.5 Mt, assuming normal abandonment of crop area and trend yields. Current moisture conditions are drier than normal across much of Western Canada. Above normal spring rains are required across most of the west to recharge soil moisture prior to spring seeding.

For 2023-24, planted area for soybeans is projected to increase by 7 per cent to 2.28 Mha while harvested area rises to 2.27 Mha. Trend yields of 3.0 t/ha are predicted assuming normal temperatures and moisture conditions.

Exports are expected to continue to be relatively strong and domestic use is expected to maintain normal levels. In general, prices are expected to decrease but remain historically high, as global demand for grains remains strong while world production and supplies increase.

AAFC Anticipates Larger Wheat and Oilseed Crops Record Set for Moving Grain

February 2023 was the best February ever for western Canadian grain movement on CN’s network according to the railway.

CN says it worked with its customers and supply chain partners to move more than 2.4 million metric tonnes of grain from western Canada over the course of the month. This exceeds the previous record set in February 2021 by over 200,000 metric tonnes. CN attributes February’s performance to increased collaboration between supply chain partners, enabling strong performance through operational challenges, including periods of extreme cold.

“Improved communications between CN, our customers, and supply chain partners have made our grain supply chain a success in February,” explained Sandra Ellis, CN Vice-President, Bulk – Rail Centric Supply Chain. “When each of us has a better understanding of what our partners are dealing with, we can adjust our individual operations to work through disruptions when they occur. That type of collaboration leads to higher levels of performance across the entire supply chain. It also sets a new benchmark for all of us to strive for as we work through the rest of this winter.”

“Our team of railroaders has done an excellent job executing our Winter Plan. Their focus on keeping mainline traffic moving, making sure trains run on time and ensuring we have the infrastructure and fleet in place to support that plan continues to pay off,” added Ed Harris, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. “Reduced delays and disruptions put capacity back into our network and support our customers’ shipping needs.”

As long as you understand the basics, have the ability to offer the chickens adequate feed, safe, ventilated housing, and are willing to put in the effort, you can learn as you go, and it can be a rewarding learning experience to take on as a family.

Submitted photo