AgriPost October 29 2021

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

WGEA Responds to Contract Buyout Concerns

According to Wade Sobkowich executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association this year farmers are short on their supply contracts which Photo by Harry Siemens in turn make grain companies short on domestic and export commitments.

By Harry Siemens Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA), is receiving numerous calls from farm associations regarding the problem farmers have with their forward-priced contracts, penalties and administration fees on any contracted but undelivered grain.

Sobkowich said the WGEA could not interfere or mandate

what the grain companies can do and people would view that as being anti-competitive. The grain companies like farmers’ forwarded contracts to millers, domestic and international buyers.

Farm Twitter community keeps this on the front burner with discussions from all sides and a recent quarterly Keystone Agricultural Producer’s (KAP) council meeting had a

focused discussion between council-member farmers.

He said it is a tough question with no easy answers. Sobkowich described this year as a perfect storm with strong germination of all crops early in the growing season, optimism riding high about what the harvest would bring in the fall. Because prices were historically high producers forward sold in some

cases as any reasonable person would, to take advantage of the prices. This optimism caused grain companies to forward sell, locking up grain through the forward contracts.

“They sold that grain both domestically and into the international marketplace, not only to take advantage of good prices but to create grain movement,” said Sobkowich.

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Favourable Commodity Price and Interest Rates Fuel Farmland Market Strong commodity prices combined with low interest rates continue to sustain farmland value increases in most parts of Canada, according to a mid-year review by Farm Credit Canada.

“While the drought across most of western Canada and the pandemic have captured most of the headlines, strong commodity prices and low interest rates have been quietly supporting a vibrant farmland market for the first six months of 2021,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist.

“Higher-than-normal prices for wheat, canola and corn have improved the profitability of many operations in the second half of 2020 and early 2021, putting them in a better position to invest in farmland as the opportunities arise.”

Average farmland values in Canada are once again showing steady increases for the first half of 2021, although the full impact of widespread drought this summer has yet to be weighed.

The average value of Canadian farmland increased by 3.8 per cent for the first half of this year, compared to an average increase of 3.7 per cent for the same time last year. This increase is in line with mid-year results over the past six years, which showed single-digit increases for the full year.

In general, Prairie and Atlantic provinces reported the most modest increases, while Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec had the largest increases. Buyers from different sectors are competing for the limited amount of land on the market.

Interest rates declined at the outset of the pandemic and remain historically low, which is also supporting the demand for farmland and weakening the supply of available land for sale in the market.

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October 29, 2021

The AgriPost

Despite COVID Challenges Domestic Pork Demand Remains Exceptional

A sow and weanling group housing picture from the WhatsApp Hog Producer group.

By Harry Siemens Tyler Fulton, the Director of Risk Management with HAMS Marketing Services in Winnipeg, said lower than expected slaughter hog numbers helped create an opportunity to lock in some very profitable prices.

The USDA’s quarterly Hogs and Pigs report in September showed that while the heavier weight slaughter hog categories are in line with market expectations, some lighter weight categories fell six percent from a year-ago.

The drop is a reflection of disease challenges in the US and prices may firm up even more. The heavier weight categories are a bit closer to expectations but the reality is recent hog slaughter levels are still down. Overall this year was slightly better than 2.5 million hogs per week which is quite supportive.

“We see more support on the pork carcass side with fairly tight supplies to meat and pork, in particular,” said Fulton. “But not as much on the uncommitted hogs still coming to market. As a result, there’s some weakness on some of those prices.”

For producers on a formula contract that commit those animals to a particular packer, generally, they see the benefits of those strong pork prices. “Interestingly the market reacted very positively,” said Fulton. “The Lean Futures

price saw their largest single-day increase ever.”

Usually, there are price limits as to how much the market can move and that is still the case but, recently the US Futures Exchange, the CME Group, changed the price limits associated with lean hog futures. It happened to be the first day the industry saw a limit move at these new larger limits.

“Interesting that, in response to this bullish Hogs and Pigs report, the market moved pretty much bigger than ever before corresponding with some forward contracting opportunities,” he said.

Many producers took advantage of that, mainly focusing on the winter time frame. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of action for the spring of next year yet he said.

Fulton did not have an answer to how the processors are coping with their various challenges. “There are no doubts ongoing implications from COVID, particularly related to the workforce in those packing plants,” he said. “But, on the flip side, it does appear as though the US is down from its peak.”

“Maybe there’s a better prospect that we’ll be able to make it through the fall, the critical fall timeframe, without too much disruption,” said Fulton. “But I think it’s pretty fair to say that COVID continues to throw a wrench into both the demand and supply sides of the equation.”

At this time there is not much new information on global pork demand. Hi noted that Mexico continues to be a very strong importer of US pork. However, there is a concern over container supply, which is a bottleneck in shipping pork, in particular, to Asia.

“That’s a concern, but we’re in a pretty good spot

Submitted photo

from a demand perspective,” said Fulton. “On the domestic side, COVID is disrupting the normal flow of pork through the channels. Unequivocally, we’re coming off of one of the best pork demand equations so far this year in 2021. Unless things turn around, we’re looking at an exceptional year for pork demand domestically.”

Tyler Fulton, the Director of Risk Management with HAMS Marketing Services in Winnipeg, MB said lower than expected slaughter hog numbers helped create an opportunity to lock in some very profitable prices.

Photo by Harry Siemens

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

WGEA Responds to Contract Buyout Concerns When crop damages started occurring in late June and in July this caused everyone to be short.

“Farmers are short on their contracts and grain companies are short on export commitments,” he said. “In more normal conditions, this might not be the case, but the way it played out, led everybody to be very optimistic and then it turned and caught everyone by surprise.”

The system could be more flexible if grain companies did not forward sell grain and instead roll those con-

tracts forward to next year.

Grain companies are viewing contracts individually within a competitive environment, he explained.

“And so for myself and the Western Grain Elevator Association, it doesn’t give us the ability to bring grain companies together who are competitors and say, well, how are you going to deal with the producer buyback issue?” said Sobkowich on the challenges the association is dealing with.

Sobkowich clarified the concern around the concept

of an administration fee. He said it is called an administration fee but it is not. “It is an amount that bridges what the posted elevator price is and what the replacement value is because each grain company wants that grain,” he explained. “They now know there’s a limited amount of that, as they have for several weeks and even months. And they know that growers will have forward contracts with perhaps more than one grain company, so each company wants that grain.”

With healthy competition, the grain company’s motivation is not to be easy on the producer since each individual grain company would rather have their competitor be easier on the producer so that they can be the ones to get the grain.

“And that exacerbates the problem because each grain company wants their competitor to offer the producer buyback and be the one to accept that grain so they can fulfill their contract overseas to their cus-

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tomers,” noted Sobkowich.

He said due to a decreased harvest this affected availability of grain coming off the fields this year, grain companies are finding out that some farmers have oversold their crop even as prices have changed since the time of the contracting.

This environment is conducive to speculative activity in the market.

“For all of these reasons, the motivation for grain companies is to be diligent and cautious,” said Sobkowich. “It’s in part govern-

ing their decision-making, which comes down to an individual farmer and even a field-by-field basis.”

Grain companies are also setting the replacement value for farmers to buy out of these contracts; that replacement value is going somewhere too.

They are buying their grain from somebody else to fulfill contracts. That means farmers with extra tonnage above their forward contracts have the opportunity to supply some of that grain.

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

Science Gonna Science

Read the AgriPost Online www.agripost.ca

Scientific research never stops. All over the world, inquiring minds are constantly trying to figure things out and make them better. Three interesting stories caught my eye this past month: one on dirt, another regarding glyphosate and the third on plant breeding.

In July, Quanta magazine ran a piece titled “A Soil Science Revolution Upends Plans to Fight Climate Change”. Apparently, a lot of what we thought we knew about dirt has been radically changing over the last ten years. Modern high resolution microscopes and imaging technology allow us to look deeper into dirt than we ever have before.

“Soil doesn’t give up its secrets easily,” the article says. “Its constituents are tiny, varied and outrageously numerous. At a bare minimum, it consists of minerals, decaying organic matter, air, water, and enormously complex ecosystems of microorganisms. One teaspoon of

healthy soil contains more bacteria; fungi and other microbes than there are humans on Earth.”

They uncovered an important secret: there’s almost nothing that microbes in soil can’t break down and digest. “Soil researchers have concluded that even the largest, most complex molecules can be quickly devoured by soil’s abundant and voracious microbes,” the writers explain. “The magic molecule you can just stick in the soil and expect to stay there may not exist.”

This could throw a monkey wrench into the carbon-capture plans some people have been cooking up.

Back in June, an independent European Union study concluded once again that glyphosate does not cause cancer. Coming in at somewhere around 11,000 pages, the Assessment Group on Glyphosate (AGG) offers as thorough a review as you can have.

They looked at glypho-

sate’s potential germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, specific target organ toxicity, endocrine-disrupting effects, and environmental impact, and concluded: “For all proposed uses, a safe use could be demonstrated for operators and workers (both without personal protective equipment) and for bystanders … Overall, the AGG concludes that glyphosate meets the approval criteria … as an active substance to be used in plant protection products.”

The real kicker, though, was their conclusion about glyphosate’s carcinogenicity: it doesn’t exist: “Taking all the evidence into account i.e. animal experiments, epidemiological studies and statistical analyses … the AGG does not consider the criteria for classification with respect to carcinogenicity … The AGG proposes that a classification of glyphosate with regard to carcinogenicity is not justified.”

Penner’s Points

Over at the University of Chicago, they’ve been fiddling with the By Rolf RNA in plants to try Penner and boost crop yields and increase drought tolerance.

They’ve been focusing on a protein called FTO, which early point in development, erases chemical marks on which continues to affect RNA. It’s been known for a the plant’s food production while that it can be used to even after we remove the affect cell growth in humans switch. It seems that plants and animals. Scientists in- already have this layer of serted the gene into rice regulation, and all we did is plants to see what would tap into it. So the next step happen. would be to discover how to In the lab, this new rice do it using the plant’s existgrew three times more seed ing genetics.” than the control plants. Field Furthermore, according trials showed 50% more to the professor, “It worked plant mass and 50% more with almost every type of seed. Then they tried it with plant we tried it with so far, potatoes and got the same and it’s a very simple modiresults. fication to make.”

“This is a brand new type Wonderfully magnificent of approach, one that could microbes in dirt, superbly be different from GMO satisfying safety in glyphoand CRISPR gene editing, sate and righteously radical explains University of Chi- RNA for breeding bigger cago Prof. Chuan He. “This and better plants. The scitechnique allows us to ’flip ence train just keeps on rolla switch’ in the plants at an ing down the track.

Yes, Many Reasons to Be Grateful You gotta move; love. You have to forgive people who sometimes aren’t even sorry.

Master this, and the blessings overflow. Move love!

You may wonder where Harry is going this time.

Bear with me; this is my Thanksgiving message for 2021, prompted in part by a message I received on FaceBook.

First, you gotta move, love; and what exactly does that mean to you and me. The second part that prompted me to write this is how many people face deep struggles for various reasons, the fear, uncertainty, economic fallout, and restrictions surrounding Covid-19. And

thirdly the need for more Thanksgiving in our hearts and “you gotta move, love.”

Normally special occasions were difficult for me, especially Thanksgiving.

This year for the first time no burden of grief after losing my wife Judy more than three years ago. When I shared that with a pastor friend, he said how the burden of his mother’s passing had stuck with him until one day it lifted. I had no burden of grief for the first time on a special day, Monday, October 11, Thanksgiving Day. - Thanksgiving here is a combination of Europeans giving thanks and American Thanksgiving. But those thanksgivings centred on giving thanks for what they have to the living God; wow what a blessing. Then later, Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving Day.

- I’m thankful that a brush with Covid-19 when I tested positive, while quite ill did not have a fever nor did it affect my breathing. Yet, it zapped my energy and I’m still working at getting it back. This isn’t a discussion about whether or not you should receive the vaccinations. In my case, several medical doctors in my life for many years looked after my physical health to the best of their abilities with their medical health knowledge and experience.

All three of my underlying health conditions said the double vaccination I received in July most likely saved my life.

- So thankful that at 75-years old I still work as an independent, international agricultural and farm journalist of 51 years. I put 1-God, 2-family 3-accurate journal-

ism, 4-farmers’ advocate I n that order. I love what I do.

I know the business pretty well but still, keep learning.

- So thankful that despite all the misgivings surrounding Covid-19 our country continues to be the freest and best place to live bar none.

Many seem to forget that sometimes; and that doesn’t mean it is Rosy for everyone all the time, but when we have it better than 99 per cent of the people in the world, that is a huge reason to be thankful.

- I’m thankful for the people I serve in the agricultural industry. After more than 50 years of going to meetings, interviewing farmers, suppliers, politicians, researchers, professors, and assistants, I am so thankful; it is almost too hard to express.

- I’m thankful for my immediate family who stepped in

to help, support and encourage after the passing of my wife. Wow, thanks to Laurelle and Kevin, Lynn and Luke and my seven grandchildren. Only God knows how important family is to me.

- I’m thankful for the almost 30,000 followers I serve and ask for information on three social media platforms. Grateful for two reasons, it gave me access to the farming industry despite no meetings to attend during Covid-19.

- Last but not least, I’m thankful for God, family, friends, relatives and other acquaintances. Remember, if not, go back to the beginning of this editorial - “You gotta move; love. You have to forgive people who sometimes aren’t even sorry.

Master this, and the blessings overflow. Move love!”

The AgriPost Favourable Commodity Price and Interest Rates Fuel Farmland Market “While many crop producers have benefited from the high commodity prices and have been able to take advantage of low interest rates to buy land, not everyone is in the same boat,” Gervais said.

“The outlook for revenues is murkier for 2021 and 2022 given exceptional production challenges in parts of the country.”

Livestock producers, for example, have seen their cost of production increase and profits shrink as a result of the drought.

“The overall economic environment of the next

12 months bears watching.

The possibility of higher interest rates, inflationary pressures and the demand for Ag commodities could influence the demand for farmland,” Gervais said.

He recommends farm operators continue to exercise caution, especially in regions where the rate of farmland values growth significantly exceeded that of farm income in recent years. He also recommends operators maintain a risk management plan to protect their business from unpredictable circumstances.

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Average increase in farmland values chart.

One More Ride I have driven across our province a few times but no previous trip had the impact of the last trip. I drove from the Saskatchewan border to our home on Lake of the Woods in the very southeast cover of the province on of the last days of September.

I was past the deadline for our September issue which would highlight Thanksgiving, and early for this issue which concentrates on Remembrance Day. Three decades in this business get you thinking like that; it is not about dates on the calendar as much as deadlines for the next issue.

Sure there is an editor reading this wondering when I started to respect deadlines as more than a large feline who has given up on life, but deadlines have become a part of my psyche.

There was also the looming deadline of workers

having to be vaccinated or face actions in their place of employment, but we will get to that later.

The drive across the province was part of a photo course that I took with Pete Ryan who is best known for his work in National Geographic. It was a 3-day course called Abandoned Manitoba and as the title suggests we visited abandoned buildings on our trip, not just stopping and wandering on someone else’ s property because it looked interesting, there are enough people doing that. Pete had secured permission from the property owners or as best he could. We visited several yard sites with homes that were now in some state of disrepair and I could not help but wonder about them in their prime.

As I peered in the windows of these houses I thought about the happy places they must have been at one time. The Thanksgiving dinners, the soldiers returning home, the Christmas gatherings that centred around the table that in a few cases was still there.

We also stopped at a couple of one-room schools; you know the kind, where the flag was raised every day, where a picture of the Queen graced the front of the room. The kind of place where they sang “Oh Canada” to start the day, and “God Save the Queen” to end it. One of them had been restored to its glory days, with desks and books and a fellow working to repair the floor.

We stopped at grain elevators; yes there are still a few left. I had missed the Lowe Farm one by a week but for some reason I was drawn to taking pictures of elevators on the skyline.

Perhaps it is there scarcity that now made those photos valuable.

We stopped at a railway station that is now a museum and my mind went to a time when soldiers would have returned from the War aboard a train.

I wondered what would they be thinking today, as I drove across a province that is besieged by COVID, but worse by a conflict inside.

Someone pretty smart once

said that “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” and I wondered if that described our province.

Did those soldiers who we recognize for fighting for our freedom fight for our freedom to make an issue of a vaccination?

Somehow I think that the guys who came to know what a Spanish influenza epidemic looked like would have been a pretty easy sell on a vaccination if it would have been available, but that is just my thoughts.

I wonder if they fought for our freedoms to make choices that endanger our neighbours and our communities. I arrived home that evening and despite the 5 hours of windshield time I did not have a clear answer.

I do know that our province has changed a lot, and the battle within is a much greater one than the battle with a flu that has the same name as a Mexican beer.

It was a good ride, but I have so many questions.

Greenhouse to Sprout in Winnipeg

By Elmer Heinrichs An inner-city greenhouse will soon burst with plants and people to tackle food insecurity and unemployment once plans now in the works are realized.

The Spence Neighbourhood Association in Winnipeg unveiled its community greenhouse at 689 Maryland Street recently.

“In our neighbourhood, food access is a big issue,” said Mandalyn Unger, a

co-ordinator with the nonprofit. Unger and her colleagues regularly accept input from locals about their vision for the neighbourhood, she said.

“It was the community that identified the greenhouse as a need,” she said.

“It’ll be a place where people can learn about food, grow food and also get paid a fair wage to grow food.”

The 15-foot by 30-foot

structure is tucked among rows of a community garden that’s between two residential apartment blocks.

Its wooden shelves are empty, and the electricity is not yet running, but, visions of peppers and tomatoes growing in the shelter are so close to being a reality said Unger. “It’s sort of like a dream come true,” she said.

The association will hire locals to care for the plants

and will host training sessions and workshops on food production.

The site is the first of its kind in downtown Winnipeg, organizers noted.

The group hopes to sell its produce to nearby businesses or create products, such as salsa and salad dressing, to sell.

The project is a recipient of a grant under Manitoba’s building sustainable communities program.

October 29, 2021

Fertilizer Emissions Reduction Mandate Will Reduce Canadian Farm Income Dear Editor: A disturbing outcome for Canadian agriculture is on the horizon, according to the Canadian Association of AgriRetailers, due to the Government of Canada mandate to reduce farm-applied fertilizer emissions by 30% by the year 2030.

The Government of Canada has mandated a 30% emission reduction target of on-farm fertilizer use without first consulting the primary agriculture industry, processors and provincial stakeholders.

The Fertilizer Canada report commissioned by Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) released September 27, 2021 indicates that cutting fertilizer applications to meet the Federal government fertilizer emissions targets could reduce farm income by $48 billion over the next eight years—an undesirable outcome that will negatively affect our agricultural industry.

The Federal government is leaning on the principles set forth by the European Union Commission’s Farm to Fork Strategy which has received vocal criticism from the German agriculture industry, after the agriculture organization Grain Club commissioned a study by the University of Kiel described in detail both the negative economic and environmental impact of the strategy.

Canadian farmers supported by agriculture retailers and agronomists are leaders in the evolution of agricultural production. Our agricultural industry drives Canada’s economy by providing a safe, sustainable and environmentally reliable supply of food, materials and employment for all regions of Canada.

Our farmers have and continue to embrace new production practices that improve soil health, safeguard water and the sequestering carbon. Adoption and expansion of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program furthers Canadian agriculture’s proactive approach by using best management practices to reduce farm-applied fertilizer emissions.

The Canadian government must recognize that innovation is best driven by the farmers and organizations that support them.

The proposed Canadian mandate will lesson our country’s ability to compete on the global market by increasing cost of production and reducing yield.

This is counter to the ambitions of the 2017 Economic Growth for Canada agri-food sector to increase exports to $85 billion by 2025, a 32% increase from the $64 billion achieved in 2017.

The MNP report demonstrates the need to institute an open and transparent Federal government engagement with all agriculture stakeholders including provinces.

We respectfully request the Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister to engage with agricultural stakeholders at the first opportunity to develop science-backed solutions that will meet environmental targets, but avoid burdening Canadian farmers, the agriculture industry and the end consumer.

Mitch Rezansoff, Executive Director Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers

October 29, 2021

The AgriPost

Beware of the Hay You Buy

By Harry Siemens A Sundown area cattle producer and custom grazer for others noticed something weird in a bale of hay while getting it ready to feed a customer’s animals.

Randy and Joyska Tkachyk run a third generation farm established in 1907 with the assistance of two border collies.

With the lack of moisture, Randy Tkachyk secured feed from another producer when needed. Even after the August rains when grass production picked up they still needed to supplement grazing with some baled feed.

“I’m feeding out some bales and I’m thinking there’s a lot of a stick in here. When I unloaded the feed I didn’t know what they paid for it,” said Tkachyk. “It doesn’t involve me except to make arrangements for it to come to our place.”

As he looked at the contents of that bale, there were a few cattails, some good hay, but as he started feeding a few more bales he noticed more and more willows.

“Guys, these are fellow producers. If you’re selling hay, sell hay; don’t sell stuff from cleaned-up places that aren’t cut for a few years,” said Tkachyk. “Instead, you’re picking up your cattails, willows and selling that. And what exactly is the cow going to get and are you truthful to the producers?”

Tkachyk described the bales in question as four by five feet that he was able to pick up two at a time with his loader and old tractor. “One bale of hay wasn’t hay, and it was more sticks about 60 per cent sticks, including the leaves,” he recalled.

Instead of feeding the own-

A Sundown, MB cattle producer and custom grazer of cattle for others noticed something strange in a bale of hay while getting it ready to feed a customer’s animals. The bale had sticks.

Submitted photos

er’s cattle the questionable bales that they had sourced he fed his own good hay.

Tkachyk said that from the road, the bales all looked the same. But as he took a closer look, it became apparent that these bales were wood instead of hay.

What disappointed him the most was whether this was price gouging or if it was a case of not being careful enough. “It’s almost like buyer beware; you got to know what you’re getting,” he said. “But, on the other hand, there’s integrity as well. It makes me sad that people are willing to not be truthful and say, hey, we’ve got hay for sale. But once they get the money they run with it and it’s not right.”

When they brought the feed, the owners had paid for half already, and then the seller came out and asked if Tkachyk was paying the balance. Tkachyk explained that

Randy Tkachyk agreed that those producers who avoided the hay scam refused to give deposits in advance, insisted on speaking on the phone, and only paid cash when delivered.

the purchase had nothing to do with him he said that the person who requested the hay was good for it. What was also concerning Tkachyk was that the cattle owner bought the hay sight unseen.

When sending him a picture and a video of the hay, the other producer said, well, its ditch hay. They didn’t see it, sight unseen.

“So then I thought, well, this is out of my hands,” said Tkachyk.

While checking further he noted a media report from Alberta where the RCMP was warning rural and farming communities to be aware of the fraud when producers purchase hay.

Undoubtedly, the summer’s drought in western Canada put extreme pressure on cattle producers and ranchers, which prompted a high demand for hay at increased costs. However, as witnessed, it had farmers and agricultural workers making purchases without properly verifying or researching sources.

The RCMP warning said fraudsters were listing hay on social media and buy-andsell platforms, requesting immediate payment before buyers have the opportunity to research the producer, see the product, or receive the delivery. RCMP said in all reported cases of hay fraud, the maximum individual deposit sent to scammers was over $5,000, and the minimum was $1,000.

Randy Tkachyk agreed that those producers who avoided the scam most likely refused to give deposits in advance and insisted on speaking on the phone rather than anonymously, and only paid cash on delivery.

The AgriPost

Manitoba Harvests Decent Crop in Extreme Weather

By Elmer Heinrichs Extremes in weather characterized the 2021 growing season, from extremely dry top soils in spring, to extreme heat in late June and early July, with minimal rain over that time, to above normal rains for the month of August in much of the province.

A lack of snowmelt and dry soils meant seeding began in early to mid-April, well ahead of the normal generalized start. Frosts touched down over nearly all of Manitoba causing crop injury, delayed emergence and slow growth in cereals and forages. Some farmers re-seeded their canola crops.

Much-needed July rains during peak crop water demand and growth failed to arrive, leading to widespread downgrades in crop yield outlook, and triggering a high volume of crop insurance claims.

While August rains were too late to improve yield prospects for early crops, they did benefit soybeans and sunflowers most noticeably, with reported average yields nearing 30 bu/ac in soybeans and over 2,000 lbs/acre in sunflowers. This later rain helped stimulate forage regrowth, rejuvenating pastures for late season grazing and second and third cut hay yielding relatively good growth and excellent

harvest quality forage.

A drawn-out harvest started early, due to early seeding and plant shutdown resulting from drought stress and extended into mid-October due to green regrowth hampering crop drydown.

Winter cereal harvested acres were down compared to the last few years. Winter wheat yield ranged from 50 to 65 bu/ac, and fall rye ranged from 50 to 80 bu/ac.

Winter cereals seeded acres are reportedly down this fall due to limited winter wheat seed supplies and for relatively lower price offerings for rye.

Dennis Lange, a pulse specialist with Manitoba agriculture said the soybean crop has been surprising at, “Pretty close to about a 30 bushel an acre average across the province this year.”

“Dry bean yields that I’m hearing right now are anywhere from 800 to 1,200 lbs/acre. In the good areas where they’ve got more rainfall, those yields are in that 1,600 to 1,800 lbs/acre. Field peas, provincially, will yield somewhere around 40 bushels per acre,” added Lange Lower crop yields, despite high quality and record commodity prices will negatively impact farmers’ cash flow for this coming year.

Cattle producers faced serious feed shortfalls due to low

forage and pasture yields, and had to supplement cattle for portions of the summer.

Recent regrowth has alleviated some pressure, but cattle producers have been creative in finding alternative feeds and stockpiling for winter.

Fall tillage and fieldwork has progressed, in many cases faster than expected given the dry soil conditions and need for moisture conservation ahead of next year’s crop.

Fall fertilizer application has begun, but is expected to be slightly reduced in volume given extremely costly fertilizer prices.

Recent rains are very welcome to help recharge soil moisture ahead of the 2022 crop.

Sunflower harvest is well on the way to completion with early yield reports ranging from 2,000 to 2,600 lbs. for oil sunflowers, with good test weights, and in good quality.

Grain corn harvest in central and eastern regions is moving along. Hot and dry conditions helped with drydown. Early reported yields range from 60 to 140 bu/ac., averaging about 110 bu/ac.

Potato harvest is mostly complete. Harvesting conditions were very good this fall with reported yields in the below to near average range of 275 to 350 cwt/acre.

Foodgrains Project Harvests Nearly Done

By Elmer Heinrichs “The harvest of project crops grown for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank is winding down with a few later crops, mostly corn, still to be combined,” said Gordon Janzen, regional representative for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Most of the 38 active growing projects this year are already harvested, said Janzen, noting that there was a real variation in yield across the province usually depending on rainfall which was, “Quite spotty throughout the growing season.”

“There were some projects

that had good yields, close to average and some even better, but many more of them were below average and some had a poor yield,” said Janzen. “We are thankful

that good prices for many of the crops will help offset the shortfall in yield.”

Crops grown this year included wheat, canola, soybeans, corn and sunflowers.

Dean Toews invited travellers on Highway No. 1 near MacGregor MB to stop and take selfie photos in the family’s sunflower field, which was part of the Focus Growing Project. Many people stopped for photos and put money in the donation box. Around $2,000 was collected in Submitted photo this way. The field was harvested October 6.

October 29, 2021

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

New Legislation Protects Landowners from Trespassers

New legislation amending the Petty Trespasses Act, the Occupiers’ Liability Act and the Animal Diseases Act create new restrictions and offences related to trespassing on private property.

“Trespassing is an important issue in rural Manitoba, because every landowner has the right to have their property respected,” said Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler.

“Farms and rural property need to be protected as a business, but also as people’s homes. Trespassing can expose farms and food production facilities to biosecurity risks that could spread disease and may cause injury and stress to farm animals.”

Bill 62, the Animal Diseases Amendment Act, strengthens legislation to protect biosecurity zones in place on agricultural operations, and help to protect livestock from biosecurity breaches during transport and at foodprocessing facilities.

Bill 63, the Petty Trespasses Amendment and Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act,

removes the need to confront trespassers where possible, by making entry onto certain specified premises without permission an offence, unless the person has a lawful excuse for doing so.

Manitoba livestock farmers are concerned about on farm safety for their families and their livelihood. Anyone who enters a biosecurity zone without permission can compromise the biosecurity of the livestock and therefore the safety of food produced at the premises, Eichler noted.

“KAP welcomes the announcement that the bills 62 and 63 have received proclamation and are in effect.

Improvements to trespassing and biosecurity laws are important steps in ensuring Manitoba farm families feel safe and biosecurity protocols are maintained,” said Bill Campbell, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers.

These amendments establish proactive measures that recognize the importance of biosecurity practices, guided by national standards, and

ensure that biosecurity zones are protected. These changes are based on recommendations by Manitoba’s auditor general to strengthen legislation to support the province’s ability to proactively address an animal disease emergency, Eichler said.

“The Manitoba government is committed to protecting the property rights of Manitobans,” said Justice Minister Cameron Friesen. “We have listened to Manitobans and their concerns about rural crime, and we are proud to be providing landowners with greater protection from civil liability for the actions of trespassers.”

The bills are in response to concerns raised about rural public safety and crime, and puts Manitoba in with other jurisdictions, added Friesen.

After a significant public consultation process that included thousands of Manitobans and stakeholders, the bills were passed in the legislature on May 20.

Amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act ensure a landowner’s legal respon-

Bill 62, the Animal Diseases Amendment Act, strengthens legislation to protect biosecurity zones in place on agricultural operations, and help to protect livestock from biosecurity breaches during transport and at food-processing facilities.

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sibility for injury is fair and reasonable when someone is on their property without permission.

Previously, owners, occupiers or tenants of premises had the same level of legal responsibility for injury or

harm to criminal and noncriminal trespassers.

Amendments to the Preset Fines and Offences Descriptions Regulation under the Provincial Offences Act will permit enforcement officers to issue tickets with set fines

for offences with respect to animals in transport and at food processing facilities.

The Animal Diseases Act took effect on October 8, and the Petty Trespasses Act and the Occupiers’ Liability Act took effect October 15.

The AgriPost

Cutting Fertilizer Emissions Could Affect Farmers and the Food Chain

By Harry Siemens Ryan Dyck, territory manager-Manitoba with ADM Agri-Industries located in Lasalle, MB weighed in on the challenges farmers will face if the policy is implemented.

“Many companies have worked on biologicals for years now that they feel they are getting close to consistent results. Farmers could use a specific biological that will help fixate 20% of the nitrogen needs for cereal crops from the soil and atmosphere,” said Dyck. “We need to see consistent results for this to become an accepted practice to trust and use. If it comes to reality it will help with the sustainability view of cutting applied fertilizer.”

Dyck said to cut fertilizer usage by 30 per cent without tools such as nitrogen fixating biologicals that work consistently would be devastating to farmers. According to Dyck it would reduce their

To cut fertilizer usage by 30 per cent without tools such as nitrogen fixating biologicals that work consistently would be devastating to farmers according to Ryan Dyck, territory manager-Manitoba with ADM Agri-Industries.

Photo by Harry Siemens

ability to produce yields they currently expect while cutting into the potential profitability of the grain farmer.

Farmers only want to use the nitrogen for the yield goal on their farm with the help of consultants, genetics, soil tests, variable rate and many other tools he explained.

“They’re not just throwing on more nitrogen hoping for more, which is how it appears with a proposed blanket reduction of 30 per cent fertilizer by 2030,” he noted.

“Hope isn’t a strategy.”

Yet farmers using proper, suggested and proven tillage practices are doing it right he said. During the drought of 2021 farmers used more zero and minimum till said Dyck.

“When we get back to normal moisture farmers will get back to conventional tillage,” he said. “Many have tried zero/minimum tillage in the heavier soils with larger water holding capacities; it’s tough to manage while cutting into profitability through later planting and not doing as well in wet soils.”

Dyck said those farmers practicing zero tillage to conserve moisture and improve soil health are doing it successfully and ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability from the government’s view.

“However it’s soil type, water holding capacity and normal moisture that’s making this successful. The successful tillage practices change from farm to farm, area to area, and soil type to soil type. The heavier soils need to dry out with proper seedbed preparation in normal years to plant the crop in the spring at the right time.”

He said for a farmer to go

from 125 lbs of actual nitrogen to 80 pounds in wheat, and for corn 160 pounds actual to 110 pounds would affect the yields negatively if genetics remain the same in a normal growing season. “It doesn’t balance with today’s land and input costs to be profitable,” said Dyck.

He said the industry needs to view fertilizer as the worldwide commodity that it is. Therefore, price is relative to many factors on production and trade flows around the world price; not only based on local production and supply chains.

Recent events are an example he explained. The combination of the recent hurricane season caused one of the largest nitrogen manufacturers to lose several weeks of production with high energy prices in the EU make nitrogen production unprofitable.

This resulted in plants going offline. Shortages were exasperated when China reduced fertilizer exports. All of these recent events drove prices up affecting trade flows.

Farmers have more tools on fertilizer markets such as publications, market analysts who are following N/P/K/S (nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulphur) complex and reporting on the use and farmers follow grain markets.

Dyck said ADM fertilizer offers market transparency with a monthly farmer call providing market indications and recommendations for current and future markets.

He said that ADM also allows the farmer to price and lock in fertilizer up to 12 months out for delivery pricing off futures markets and other tools that they did not have in the past.

ADM Agri-Industries fertilizer offers market transparency with a monthly farmer call to give market indications and recommendations for current and future markets.

Photo Supplied by ADM

October 29, 2021

MNP Analysis of Proposed Fertilizer Emission Change Predicts Losses for Farmers

By Harry Siemens Shock is how the Western Canadian Wheat Growers (WCWG) responded by the depth of the impact of the federal government’s proposed 30 per cent reduction in fertilizer emissions.

Fertilizer Canada had an independent analysis done to look at the effects of the proposed emissions reduction. Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) calculations show that if Canada adopts the EU model, the potential economic impact would be devastating to Canadian farmers.

The analysis showed that by 2030, the Prairie Provinces will see losses.

In Alberta a $2.95B loss in their canola and spring wheat crops, Saskatchewan, would see $4.61B loss in their canola and spring wheat crops, and Manitoba a $1.58B loss in their canola, corn and spring wheat crops.

The accumulated cost

to individual farmers is big and farmers cannot pass those losses on to the end consumer because prices for grain and oilseed are sold on the world market. These vast losses have severe implications for Canada’s food security, said Gunter Jochum, Wheat Growers president.

“This analysis shows the proposed Canadian changes have the possibility of devastating our agriculture value chain. Farmers don’t need the government to tell them how to use fertilizer properly,” said Jochum. “Instead, we engage crop consultants, soil tests and use the latest technology available to us. Our government should be strongly supporting the agronomic techniques that we have put into practice.”

He pointed out that calculations show that Canadian prairie farmers are net-zero emitters. With the many agricultural and technological advances over the past two decades, Canadian farmers lead the charge around healthy

soils and carbon sequestration.

“Proposed policies such as this impact every farmer’s bottom line and makes me question whether there is a future for me as a farmer in Canada said Fiona Jochum, daughter of president of WCWG).

“Many of my peers will be questioning their farming future as well.”

An Executive Summary of the MNP Economic Report is available at wheatgrowers.us12.list-manage.com.

A recent Meyers Norris Penny analysis showed that the proposed 30% fertilizer emission reduction changes has the potential of devastating agriculture in Canada said Gunter Jochum, Western Canadian Wheat Growers president.

Photo by Harry Siemens

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The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

MCGA Commits Funding to New Crop and Soil Research Facility

The Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility is a 20,000-square-foot facility that will accelerate research to benefits crop farmers in western Canada and drive innovations to keep Canada’s Agri- food sector internationally competitive.

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The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) have committed $500,000 to support the construction of the Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility (PCSRF)

at the University of Manitoba (UM) that will extend the capacity for crop research and strengthen the development of tomorrow’s agricultural specialists and farmers.

“We truly appreciate MCGA’s investment in the PCSRF, a facility that will greatly enhance our research and education programs in sustainable crop production,” said Dr. Martin Scanlon, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, UM. “We look forward to working with Manitoba’s canola growers in advancing agronomic practices, cultivar development and digital agriculture, while preparing our students to become future leaders for the sector.”

The Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility is a 20,000-

square-foot facility that will accelerate research to benefits crop farmers in western Canada and drive innovations to keep Canada’s Agri- food sector internationally competitive.

“MCGA has long recognized UM as a key resource for quality education and agricultural research. As the birthplace of canola, it holds special significance to the canola industry” said Delaney Ross Burtnack, Executive Director, Manitoba Canola Growers Association.

“MCGA is proud to collaborate with other agricultural organizations in supporting

UM as they advance to the next level of agricultural research with the innovative new Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility.”

Collaboration is key, and the PCSRF will make it easier for teams of agronomists, crop and soil scientists, entomologists, livestock specialists, and plant breeders to work jointly on field research programs that address farmers’ key needs.

“Manitoba farmers benefit from Manitoba focused research and this facility will ensure Manitoba is on the leading edge of discovering

and bringing these advancements to our farms.” said Clayton Harder, Chair of MCGA. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with UM on behalf of Manitoba’s canola farmers.”

MCGA values the partnership with UM and are currently funding 12 projects through the Canola Agronomic Research Partnership, Canola AgriScience Cluster and Manitoba Extreme Moisture Program. This funding also supports the training of graduate and undergraduates working on these projects.

Biosecurity Key to Prevent Spread of Swine Diseases

By Harry Siemens Canada’s governments at all levels, the pork sector, the veterinary community and research institutions place a much greater emphasis on biosecurity today.

Florian Possberg a partner with Polar Pork Farms in Saskatoon, said Canada’s pork producers’ have increased their focus on biosecurity over the past 10 to 15 years dramatically improving the ability to guard against disease.

Possberg said biosecurity is a big deal for his operation especially with trucks going to BC, Ontario and Iowa every week or every other week.

“Those areas have pathogens that we don’t want here. So we wash our trucks and trailers before they come to our units,” said Possberg. “Then, employees not only wash, but the whole units go into bake units and bring the temperature of the whole unit up to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius which kills almost all of the pathogens.”

He explained that staff arriving at work always shower before going into the barn and when coming out. The employees from the Philippines for example quarantine every time they go home to visit.

“The Philippines has things like Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever that sort of thing so they have to follow a strict protocol to re-enter Canada,” said Possberg.

“So those are just some of the examples of things that we do.”

Possberg said Canada’s hog sector is a world leader in developing strategies to care for and look after the animals because a healthy herd is a productive herd. However,

it can make an individual producer a winner or a loser and affect Canada’s ability to trade products globally.

“So health is one of those big items in terms of how our industry functions,” he said.

Because Canada depends so much on exports a disease break-out can stop exports overnight with major trading countries. By implementing good animal care and biosecurity practices, the industry hopes these are sufficient to produce successful results.

“But besides the things that we’re doing now, we have good people working on ongoing disease and health threats,” he said. “Places like the Prairie Swine Centre, our veterinarian community, they’re all working with us as producers to build a shield around our industry.”

Possberg said it is essential for the public to know that the hog industry is an animal industry leader trying to make sure these animals are well cared for. “So keeping our animals healthy is key to good welfare and good responsibility by the industry for good animal husbandry,” he said.

He recalled when he first became involved with the Canadian Swine Health Board (CSHB), that their concerns and interests were initially on foot and mouth disease, shifting their focus to other emerging diseases such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea, or PED and PRRS or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. He said, to start the CSHB the federal government provided about $80 million to help establish the CSHB in order to focus on biosecurity, develop awareness programs and implement protections for the Canadian pork industry.

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

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The Successful Farm Transition

By Brenda Hunter As an agricultural producer, it’s never too early to start thinking about transition planning.

“It is difficult for families to begin these important conversations,” said Dr. Tom Deans, intergenerational wealth transfer expert who has written two books on the topic. “[However] the greatest gift we can give our family is predictability, so there are no surprises.”

According to Farm Management Canada (FMC), over the next 10 years, 75 percent of farms in Canada will change hands, yet only eight percent have a transition plan in place.

It seems that a lot of farm families make assumptions about farm succession; parents assume that they will pass down the farm to their children, and/or children assume they will take over the farm from their parents.

However, many families don’t really talk about it in such a way that everyone knows exactly what the plan really is; it’s almost taboo. More often than not, there is no plan, just an understanding that things are progressing towards a more ‘formal’ arrangement, whatever that may be.

There is no way of knowing what everyone’s thoughts, ideas, intentions or expectations are without discussing them openly and honestly.

“It’s one thing to tell producers they need a transition plan and they need to start early to keep all options available,” said Greg Thomarat, manager of Farm Credit Corporation (FCC) advisory services. “But the biggest challenge is sometimes knowing where to start and who to turn to for

Tyler Fulton, President of the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association whose family successfully executed a transition plan.

the tools and resources to help develop a plan that’s right for you, your family and your business.”

Farmers have been selfsufficient and largely selftaught for decades. They figure things out for themselves. It is little wonder that they dodge the issue of transition planning because it causes fear and uncertainty. “Transition planning is the most complex and emotionally confusing business transaction to ever occur on a farm,” added Deans.

While every family’s situation is unique, in talking to farm families, transition advisors and professionals all have heard a version of a similar situation from other clients and can usu-

ally identify specific patterns.

“Our role is in pre-transition, to help families narrow down what they trying to achieve and identify the key steps and resources they will need in order to reach those goals,” said Patti Durand, Transition Advisor with the FCC. “We help them to recognize their gaps and create a ‘to do’ list to begin their process.”

“The most common concern for junior partners in farm transition is lack of certainty and/or transparency of the future plan and process to get there,” reported Durand. However, the most troubling question for the senior partners is, “How can we redeem the farm value we’ve earned

but not yet been paid for, without burdening our kids?”

“It’s not fun, so when things are not fun, you can find a hundred other things to do on the farm to avoid working on the transition,” said Tyler Fulton, President of the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association whose family successfully executed a transition plan. “We needed help to keep forward progress, and thankfully, my mom was motivated to get it past the finish line. We scheduled meetings to talk about it, so that it was not hanging over our heads at family meals.”

Their key to success started with setting a schedule of steps in the plan that all

parties could agree to. They did seek professional advice from their accountant, tax specialist and lawyer.

The words of wisdom they have for the new generation are, “Be patient, but persistent, and willing to take on the responsibilities associated with the transition; for the older generation. Be accepting of new ideas and trust that the next generation will figure things out and that mistakes will be made.”

Carey Knight, accounting partner at Alliance Accounting Group, noted two main concerns from both sides. “Will the farm continue to be successful?

And how do we fund the parent’s retirement without it being a cash flow burden

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on the farm?”

“We help facilitate a smooth transition to the next generation by assisting in the transfer of farm assets while trying to reduce the impact on cash flow,” explained Knight.

“There are many tax planning strategies and exemptions in the Tax Act specific to farm succession.

Everyone’s succession plan is different because situations are not the same for all farm families.”

He recommends farmers discuss their long-term plans annually with their accountant to make sure the plan is on track and to make any necessary changes.

One thing is certain, transitioning does not happen overnight.

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October 29, 2021

The AgriPost

The AgriPost

Ancient Varieties May Provide a Solution

By Les Kletke Late Blight is a disease that strikes fear into the hearts of potato producers everywhere. Even those who are able to achieve some control with the use of fungicides would prefer to do away with that method of control and have a variety that provided resistance to the disease.

Earlier this month in conjunction with World Food Day a variety of potato was released that shows promise for resistance to the disease.

CIP Matilde is a variety that was developed by the International Potato Center in Lima Peru. The variety was developed using material from older varieties that were produced in the Andes Mountains. There is concern that with changing climates warmer temperatures and higher humidity will mean that Late Blight will appear in locations not previously found.

In releasing news of the new variety PIC said that many of the producers in Peru cannot afford the multitude of treatments of fungicide that are required to control the disease.

“Late Blight can destroy everything. It can leave you without enough to eat, to sell, not even enough to use for seed,” said farmer Rolando Papuico, who grows potatoes near the Andean city of Huancayo, Peru.

In field trials the new variety did not show any yield drag and was comparable to

A selection of varieties of potatoes grown in Peru. The diversity may be a source of genetics for North American breeders.

vanities produced in the area.

Yield tests were conducted in 10 areas throughout the country and yield of the new variety was similar to the most common produced variety in Peru.

Scientists at the International Potato Center credit working with local farmers as one of the reasons for success of the program and making the new variety accepted by farmers.

While the genetics have not yet been incorporated into varieties produced in North America the science is available and there is hope that this method of breeding the traits into the plants will be more ready accepted by consumers.

Manitoba producers led the

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Women farmers harvesting potatoes in the Andes of Peru may be harvesting the genetics to be used in varieties in Canada.

way in production of a Late Blight resistant variety a few decades ago but it had been achieved my GMO breeding and was not accepted by consumers. So the variety was lost.

This new variety has been

achieved using an ancient variety as a source for the resistance. For Peruvian potato farmers it means lower cost production of their crop as they can grow it without the fungicide treatments.

Feed Assistance Program Works, Says Langruth Cattle Producer

By Harry Siemens AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a collaborative process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly to and when disasters occur. One of the specific programs developed by the federal government was to develop the livestock feed and transportation drought assistance program after consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing drought conditions.

The program is to help livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 purchase feed to maintain their breeding herds. In

addition, producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to buy and test feed for eligible livestock and transport purchased feed from distant locations.

While producers look at the program from various perspectives some say it does not do enough while others have found success in getting feed to tide them over until next year. The biggest challenge voiced by most is sourcing feed a price including transportation costs to make it economically viable for the cattle producer.

Tom Teichroeb a cattle rancher near Langruth, MB and past president of the Manitoba Beef Producers said it’s a solid program.

When they lobbied federal

and provincial governments, they looked for ways to capture some incentives that would cover the producers who might have to sell or disperse cattle as well as accommodate those folks who could find a way to buy the feed or transport the feed.

“In my opinion, it’s futile to complain about a program that the producers asked for.

They’ve asked for feed assistance and got it, asked for freight assistance. They got that,” said Teichroeb.

“It appears as though the tax deferral option is going to be at least for one year. Then, hopefully, we’ll negotiate multiple years. Is it going to be ideal? No.” On the flip side, yes some carriers realize producers

are buying their feed with freight cost assistance. There is a chance a carrier might abuse the program and also the person selling the feed.

Teichroeb said that abuse of government programs by some will always happen.

He said that many producers are resorting to buy feed wherever the source. While he was not aware of feed sources from further away, he spoke of a local producer who seeded an entire section of corn that he had planned to sell on the open market.

“He’s not going to combine a single acre because he reached out to the greater community and negotiated with all the ranchers selling his entire section of corn to the ranchers of which I am

October 29, 2021

13

Substantial Contributions to Hay West 2021 Supporting Prairie Farmers The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) recently announced that Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) have both made substantial contributions to the Hay West 2021 initiative to help cover the shipping costs to send hay to drought-stricken farmers in the Prairie Provinces.

The Hay West initiative helps farmers in the west who are currently suffering from a hay shortage due to devastating drought. Farmers from the east coast, as well as Ontario and Quebec, have graciously committed and/or donated hay to be sent out west to help feed livestock.

The OFA has contributed $50,000 to the initiative, while FCC has contributed $25,000. FCC has also agreed to provide an additional $25,000 if CFA is able to secure an additional $25,000 contribution from another source. CFA hopes these gestures of financial support will spur further contributions, as the drought in western Canada has been extremely lengthy and resulted in a dire need for hay.

All proceeds from donations go directly to paying the shipping costs for moving hay across Canada and the logistical support needed to do so. CFA currently has tens of thousands of bales of hay to be sent to the Prairie Provinces, but the demand for hay is still extremely high and more is needed.

“CFA would like to thank both FCC and OFA for their generous contributions. FCC has supported farmers for a long time through their services, and we greatly appreciate the help they are offering today.

The donation from OFA continues a long history of farmers helping out their colleagues from all across Canada whenever they are hit by devastating and uncontrollable circumstances,” said CFA President, Mary Robinson.

“There have been two initiatives like Hay West in Canada’s history, with the most recent being when farmers from the west sent hay out east for farmers struggling with drought. OFA is happy to be able to make a contribution to help farmers when they are struggling, no matter where they are. We hope these donations can spur other organizations to do so as well,” said Peggy Brekveld, OFA President.

CFA is still looking for contributions to cover shipping costs, as well as farmers looking to buy or supply hay. Visit haywest2021.net if you are looking to supply or purchase hay.

Please contact Laurie Karson at Laurie@canadianfarmers.ca if you would like to donate funds.

one,” said Teichroeb.

His price was extremely fair with no gouging because everybody got the same price or went to crop insurance said Teichroeb. “So he did it, made his adjustment, or they gave him an adjustment of where they thought the crop was at,” he said. “He sold it at a level where he felt if harvested and got approximately a 50-bushel corn crop, what that corn crop would be worth to him if he sold it. That’s what the producers paid. It was extraordinarily fair and it worked well,” said Teichroeb.

This is just one example of transporting feed over 10 miles compared to other dry feed purchases that arrived at producer yards from over a hundred miles away.

Teichroeb said several producers at Austin, MB where they received more rain had an oat crop good enough to combine and helped some desperate producers in the Interlake area. “They cut it and negotiated with those folks up there and shipped all that feed grain to Fisher Branch,” he said. “So some people are using this program and using it in the right way.”

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October 29, 2021

The AgriPost

The AgriPost

The Time is Right

By Les Kletke

Consumers are ready for a potato that has less chemical applied.

An official, Dale Smith with World Food Day said that consumers in North America would welcome a potato produced with less chemical application.

Smith said the announcement of a potato variety that has resistance to Late Blight which is a disease effecting potatoes world-wide could be good news for producers on this continent as well. The variety was develop in Peru and will be commercialized in that country first. In trials the new variety showed yield equal to the most popular variety currently grown in

the country. The variety was developed the International Potato Center in Peru, the country that claims origin of the domestic crop as grown today.

The work done to bring about the new variety used an ancient variety that showed resistance to the Late Blight disease.

Manitoba producers were leaders in production of a variety that offered resistance when one appeared several years ago, the concern was that the traits had been introduced through what was considered GMO breeding and it was felt consumers would reject the product on that basis. The irony was that the variety did require no fungicide ap-

plication during the growing season and was actually produced with less chemical application than other varieties.

Smith did not offer information on how the breeding was done to introduce the resistance traits to the new variety but did offer the opinion that the variety could become a source for the trait in other breeding programs.

“Currently the variety is being introduced in Peru and will be used by farmers there as a method of producing potatoes more economically and making poor farmers more competitive and profitable,” he said.

The Matilde variety is named for one of the pio-

neers in the program which sources desirable traits from ancient varieties that can provide solutions to modern production problems. The program, Grow Wild, is looking at several other traits for potatoes and other crops that could be a benefit to current breeding programs.

“We think there is real potential for finding these kinds of traits in ancient varieties and using them in modern breeding programs,” said Smith. He would not offer an opinion on how yield drag would be addressed when introducing traits from ancient varieties which are usually much lower yield than varieties grown by farmers currently.

Consider Getting a Class 1 This Winter When Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) was implemented by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) in the fall of 2019, a 1-year exemption was put in place to support the agricultural sector and provide farmers more time to gain a class 1 licence without impacting the 2019 farming season.

Soon after the exemption expired in the fall of 2020, Keystone Agriculture Producers (KAP) of Manitoba was able to advocate for grant funding for farmers to complete MELT between November 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

However, as farmers are now starting to recover from a drought-filled season and are leading into the off months of winter, what programs are left for them now to utilize timeoff and prepare for the next season?

First, let’s start at the beginning with some frequently asked questions.

What is required to get a class 1 licence?

Before you can book a road test for a class 1 licence, you must complete an approved training program through a registered school.

I already have experience.

Do I need to complete the whole program?

Previous experience does not count towards hours in a program. You must complete an entire MELT program to qualify to take a test.

How long is the program?

There are currently 2 program options in Manitoba.

The first is MELT which consists of 121.5 hours of training - 40 hours in-class and 81.5 hours practical.

This course can be taken full-time or part-time de-

First Buffalo Driver Training MELT program test pass in Winnipeg.

pending on the school.

The other program is the Entry Level Professional Truck Driver Training Program. It is a 6-week fulltime program with a total of 244 hours -80 hours inclass, 80 hours practical, 80 hours observation, and MPI road testing.

How much does it cost?

There is no set price for MELT training in the industry, but averages for programs are between $5,000 - $6,500. The 244-hour program is generally capped at $9,000 as this program has funding options available for individuals through Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centres and Employment Insurance.

Where do I start?

Before you can apply for funding, you first need to meet the entrance requirements of a school, receive an acceptance letter, and

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obtain a conditional letter of employment. You can contact us directly to help you with each step, and we can guide you through the entire process.

How is training happening?

Our classroom training sessions are delivered live, online, which means you can learn right from home.

And practical in-cab training can be done through our satellite location in Ile des Chenes. So there’s no need to commute to our main location in Winnipeg.

Who are we?

Our school Buffalo Driver Training prides itself on delivering the highest quality training. We’ve been voted the best truck driver training school in Winnipeg by Consumer’s Choice Awards 5 years in a row. For more information, see our website at buffalodrivertraining. com. Or better yet, contact us at 204-633-7697 to find out how you could qualify for no-cost Class 1 truck driver training.

Are there any grants for employers?

There could still be options for employers to apply for funding for the MELT program for employees or hire new employees and provide them with training through the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant. However, this program has closed for this year. Farmers who would like to consider using that program should be ready to make an application in the new provincial fiscal year for training they may want to complete next winter.

October 29, 2021

Crop Trust & CIP Announce New Disease-Proof Potato On the occasion of the 42nd World Food Day, the Crop Trust and the International Potato Center (CIP) announced the release of a new disease-resistant potato called CIP-Matilde. The new potato’s resistance to disease will help to counteract the threat of climate change and global warming to conventional potatoes, ensuring this vital food crop remains a staple for future generations. The potato is the third most important food crop in the world, with hundreds of millions of farmers and consumers depending on it worldwide.

The new potato was developed by farmers, breeders, and scientists in Peru by identifying wild potatoes with resistance to disease and incorporating this resistance into cultivated varieties, a process known as pre-breeding. The outcome is a tasty tuber suitable for regular consumption that also withstands late blight, an aggressive disease that can destroy a potato crop in a matter of weeks. Late blight, which is becoming increasingly common due to global warming, poses a serious threat to existing potato crops. The new potato, which has been in development since 2010, should ensure that edible potatoes remain available to humankind in the long-term. At present, late blight costs potato farmers up to $10 billion (USD) every year.

“Late blight can destroy everything. It can leave you without enough to eat, to sell, not even enough to use for seed,” said Rolando Papuico, a potato farmer from the Huancayo province, where the CIP-Matilde variety was developed. “I recommend Matilde to other farmers because it produces a lot, the potatoes taste good, boiled, mashed, fried, in soup, and late blight doesn’t affect it the way it does other varieties. I’m thankful to have this new variety because now I don’t have to invest so much in agrochemicals.”

CIP-Matilde was developed by the International Potato Center (CIP) with the support of the Crop Trust through its Crop Wild Relatives Project, an 11-year initiative to help agriculture adapt to climate change.

The Crop Trust is an international organization based in Bonn, Germany working to safeguard crop diversity for future generations. It supports genebanks, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, and pre-breeding efforts around the world. CIP is a globally-focused CGIAR research-for-development organization based in Lima, Peru, that aims to deliver innovative sciencebased solutions to improve access to nutritious food, strengthen food systems, and drive inclusive growth.

“Ensuring food and nutrition security under the stress of climate change means we need to harvest the power of the genetic diversity in our midst,” said Barbara Wells, the Director General for CIP and Global Director of Genetic Innovations in One CGIAR. “CIPMatilde is just one great example of that work and only the first of many to come.”

“Pathogens, pests and weeds can cause major crop losses, particularly in the developing world,” said Benjamin Kilian, coordinator of the Crop Wild Relatives Project at the Crop Trust. “By adapting our agriculture to these threats, we can help ensure a food-secure future.”

A new potato variety called CIP-Matilde is the latest example of using the wild relatives of crops to adapt our agriculture to new threats.

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October 29, 2021

The AgriPost

The AgriPost

Madsen Family Share Love of Clydesdales

October 29, 2021

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Manitoba Sheep Association to Host Hybrid AGM The MSA Board will attempt to host a hybrid Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 13 in which members can either attend in person or electronically via zoom. Details are still being worked out and a program of speakers in addition to the business meeting is being finalized. Visit www.mbsheep.ca for more information.

Reg Madsen and his wife Carol have done well in the show ring over the years winning Supreme Champion at the Toronto Royal with the mare WV Greendykes Charismatic Finale (affectionately known as Allie).

By Joan Airey Reg and Carol Madsen have shared their love of Clydesdales with numerous young people over the years by teaching them how to prepare the majestic horses for the show ring.

They have shown across Canada and the United States taking part in the World Show

as well taking time to share their knowledge with young people while showing on the Milk Run summer fairs in western Manitoba and at Austin Threshers Reunion.

“My life with draft horses and Clydesdales in particular, has now spanned some sixty-five years,” said Reg. “It began with helping my

uncle who raised and showed Clydesdales and I gathered some of my own as I was growing up as a teenager.”

“When my wife Carol and I were married we tried buying a Clydesdale but at the time the prices were totally out of our reach, especially for someone starting a farming operation,” recalled Reg.

“Hubert Freitag generously offered us a pick of a Belgian filly. From there we showed Belgians for twenty years but our eyes were always on Clydesdales. It was while attending the draft horse show in Denver, Colorado a nice Clydesdale filly found her way back to Manitoba and from there began our jour-

ney to attaining a Clydesdale herd where our heart was from the beginning. We are presently retired but are kept as busy as we want to be on our farm raising and showing our Clydesdales. We have reduced our numbers to make it more manageable.”

The Madsen’s have two daughters Sharla Kirk who owns Classic Country Hair Salon and Karen Cobbs, who is involved in the Clydesdales with Grandview Clydesdales in Florida. They also enjoy four grandchildren.

They have done well in the show ring over the years winning Supreme Champion at the Toronto Royal with the

mare WV Greendykes Charismatic Finale. They have also won supreme Champion at Calgary Stampede; Reserve Grand champion Mare at the World Clydesdale Show, Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Stallion and Reserve Grand Champion Gelding as well as first place Stallion and three mares at the World Clydesdale show.

“When the idea of hosting a World Clydesdale Show in 2023 in Brandon arose we strongly supported the ideas and became part of the organizing committee,” said Carol. “We enjoy promoting the Clydesdale industry.”

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October 29, 2021

Government Funds Maple Leaf Foods Skills Training in Bacon Expansion The Manitoba government is investing approximately $1.9 million through the Industry Expansion Program to support skills training for approximately 350 new and existing employees at Maple Leaf Foods.

“The pre-cooked bacon industry is one of the fastestgrowing industries in North America,” said Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes. “Our government’s investment in Maple Leaf Foods Inc.’s expansion will help Manitoba’s economy to recover from COVID-19, strengthen training opportunities in the meat sector, and support innovation and job creation in an industry that is in high demand.”

Manitoba is implementing a two-year agreement with Maple Leaf for the creation of approximately 350 new positions.

Manufacturing of pre-cooked bacon is growing in North America and Maple Leaf has a significant existing portfolio in this industry. Currently, the company sources raw material from Brandon and processes it through co-manufacturers in the US. As part of the expansion program, this operation will move to Maple Leaf’s Lagimodiere Boulevard facility in Winnipeg to reduce freight and product costs. In addition, the company will be investing an additional $182 million in the Winnipeg facility to increase production.

“We are grateful for the support our company has received from the Manitoba government,” said Iain Stewart, senior vice-president, operations, supply chain and purchasing, Maple Leaf Foods. “This expansion has the potential to benefit not just our company, but Winnipeg and its residents through good employment opportunities and increased production of nutritious, great-tasting and sustainable products in which we can all take pride.”

Raw material will continue to be sourced from Brandon and the Lagimodiere facility will be the secondary processor. Manitoba’s contribution to the program will cover costs associated with training and developing the new employees.

“Maple Leaf Foods is a global leader in food and protein processing, and this investment builds on our protein strategy, which focuses on sustainability and innovation,” said Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Ralph Eichler. “Their expansion will advance our protein value chain and create significant spin offs that will strengthen the entire industry all the way from the farm gate to the consumer’s plate.”

Manufacturing of pre-cooked bacon is growing in North America and Maple Leaf has a significant existing portfolio in this industry.

Submitted photo

The AgriPost

Implement That Lameness Prevention Plan in the Dairy Barn

Good hooves make for happy productive cows. Fortunately most lameness in dairy cows is preventable with a well-thought-out plan that should be implemented in every barn.

Top performing dairy cows must have healthy hooves. Walking and standing on four good hooves is the foundation of eating lots of well-balanced feed and then producing lots of milk.

It is also a prerequisite for good standing heats, which leads to successful pregnancy.

On the other hand, lame cows have a painful time.

From getting out of their stalls to going over to the milking parlor or robot station. Fortunately, most lameness in dairy cows is preventable with a well-thought-out plan that should be implemented in every barn.

A good lameness prevention plan starts with a basic understanding of what a set of four healthy hooves is all about. As illustrated in the cross-section of the cow’s foot, it is comprised of several interlocking parts; on the outside, a horny hoof wall, sole, heel, and white line (a junction between the sole and the hoof wall on the underside of the hoof).

Inside the hoof or claw, the pedal bone sits inside the laminar corium, which is a nerve and blood-enriched living tissue that sit along the horn wall. It is this laminar corium that produces the healthy nail of the hoof.

Laminitis is the inflammation of this laminar corium, in which research surveys say account for about 80% of all treated cases of

lameness. Its damage to this living tissue that leads to abnormal horn growth, and is responsible for causing great pain. It also predisposes the limping dairy cow to other hoof problems such as a breakdown of inner hoof tissues observed in sole ulcers, hemorrhages in the sole and hoof walls as well as often allows disease to enter through hoof cracks or in white-line separation.

Good dairy cow nutrition has one of the biggest impacts on prevention of laminitis in dairy cattle. Feeding diets with enough effective forage-fibre has long been known to underlie strong hooves. And equally avoid over-formulated high grain diets, low-forage diets, or finely chopped forage; all of which eventually leads to sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) – a primary cause of laminitis. SARA has also been implicated in greater rates of hoof wear, physical hoof injury and viral or bacterial invasion of the hoof.

As a dairy nutritionist, I have visited many farms that had severe lameness problems. In one particular case, a 400-dairy cow operation had six visibly limping dairy cows standing within 20 feet of one of its many robot-milking stations.

It didn’t take me long to watch these and other cows, and discover that it was caused by a lack of dietary

effective-fiber for three good reasons.

They are: 1. A lack of cows lying in their stalls and chewing their cud, 2. the dmi of effective forage fibre in the PMR was inadequate compared to a large amount of robot concentrate fed. 3. The PMR was also heavily sorted by the cows at the feed bunk.

As a result, the dairy producer could have avoided most of his limping cows’ pain and suffering, if only he had taken the time to implement the following lameness prevention plan: 1. Feed enough forage effective fibre – A well-formulated dairy diet should maintain NFC levels between 33 to 38%, while a minimum of 28% neutral detergent fibre (NDF) should be guaranteed, with 75% of this NDF coming from forage feedstuffs.

In another dairy robotbarn, I struggled with achieving this advice until I balanced the PMR first and then followed through as to the type and amount of robot pellets to offer at the feeding stations. In addition, I checked the proper moisture levels (50%) and particle length of the PMR to avoid sorting by dairy cows at the feed bunk.

1. Implement a good dry cow feeding program – As a dairy nutritionist, I don’t believe that faraway and close-up dry cows should be fed the same diet. My ideal faraway dry cow diet

should be made up of bulky good-quality forage by which the cow consumes 1.8 – 2.2% of her bodyweight (dm, basis). And followed by my close-up diet, which contains moderate-energy forage such as mixed grass hay (limiting alfalfa), and is complimented with 5 or 6 lbs. of a specific grainbased close-up pellet; both of which should be mixed with limited amounts of barley or corn silage.

2. Use specialized nutrition – Feed zinc methionine complex at 4 grams per head per day, because it is proven to strengthen hoof health. Other dietary nutrients are thought to assist with healthy hooves, include: Biotin, Vitamins A and E, copper, organic iodine, and selenium.

Many of these nutrients are thought either to play a similar role in hoof formation and integrity.

When it comes to healthy hooves, dairy cattle need all the help they can get.

Just by feeding the right well-balanced diet to the transition and lactating cows can prevent a lot of painful laminitis. Such proaction should reduce number of limping cows, while at the same time; optimize the dairy’s valuable performance.

As illustrated in the cross-section of the cow’s foot, it is comprised of several interlocking parts; on the outside, a horny hoof wall, sole, heel, and white line (a junction between the sole and the hoof wall on the underside of the hoof). Inside the hoof or claw, the pedal bone sits inside the laminar corium, which is a nerve and blood-enriched living tissue that sit along the horn wall. It is this laminar corium that produces the healthy nail of the hoof.

The AgriPost

One Man’s Waste is Another Hog’s Treasure

Luc Tudeau started his business, Bio Bins (inset) which places receptacles at restaurants to capture waste food that would normally go in the garbage. They then collect the bins and deliver them to small farmers and homesteaders who use it as livestock feed.

Submitted photos

By Les Kletke Luc Trudeau wants to tighten the cycle between farmers and restaurants by not only having the farmer deliver produce to the eatery, he wants it to be a true food cycle.

His business, Bio Bins places receptacles at restaurants to capture waste food that would normally go in the garbage. They then collect the bins and deliver them to small farmers and homesteaders who use it as

A sample of the Bio Bin that collects waste suitable for animal feed from restaurants.

livestock feed.

“We only collect waste from the kitchens. If the items have been to the front of the restaurant there is a danger of contamination and we know there are diseases that can jump from humans to animals,” said Trudeau. He acknowledged that bio security would be a concern if the business expands to a larger scale needing to involve commercial operations.

Trudeau himself raises hogs on his farm in southeastern Manitoba and has them converted to wieners which he sells at his hot dog cart under the Farm Dog label.

Currently the profit is the fee he charges restaurants for disposing of their waste.

“We have had a good response from the restaurants we are working with but we have targeted our clients,” he said. “With rising fuel costs we have to be at the location of the restaurants and access to the farms.”

He said that there are no illusions of working with large commercial farms in the short term but has another project that may fit that market. “We are working on an

anaerobic digester that could be used for a larger volume of material and may someday fit into that market,” said Trudeau.

He said the response to the new business has been good and feels that despite increased fuel costs and the onset of winter, the time is right for the business to grow. “We are seeing a change in attitude and people want to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills,” he said. “Grocery stores have begun to sell items that are no longer perfect. The attitude is right to reduce waist and that is what we do.”

While he uses the waste on his farm to produce hogs and markets the wieners through his hot dog cart he hopes that farmers will make contact with the restaurants that can provide the material they feed their animals and offer back to the restaurant the finished product at a lower price.

“We would like to expand on the connection between farm and restaurant and tighten that cycle, because it truly can be a cycle,” said Trudeau.

October 29, 2021

Drive Away Hunger Shifts Approach Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is evolving Drive Away Hunger to provide even more food for Canadians in need by engaging the larger agriculture and food community in raising food and cash donations.

“Food banks have told us how Drive Away Hunger has transformed their ability to feed hungry families and we think we can do even more to help,” said FCC president and CEO Michael Hoffort, in announcing plans for the 18th edition of Drive Away Hunger.

“FCC has the national reach to bring Canada’s agriculture and food industry together like never before for a cause that is close to all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us there’s a very fine line between those who have the means to pay for food and those who don’t, since personal situations can rapidly change,” Hoffort said. “Whether our partners are growing, producing, processing or distributing food, we see an opportunity for them to help us replenish the shelves in food banks in both rural and urban communities.”

This year, Drive Away Hunger hopes to collect food and cash donations equivalent to the cost of providing 20 million meals to hungry Canadians. Since 2004, FCC employees, customers and community partners have provided over 85 million meals to food banks in Canada.

Along with raising money and food for Canadian food banks, FCC is once again contributing a total of $200,000 in support of food programs offered at 200 schools selected by FCC offices across Canada based on need. Half of that contribution will be directed towards schools that serve Indigenous children, as part of the federal Crown Corporation’s reconciliation efforts.

Each school is receiving $1,000 in support of their feeding program.

FCC is committed to supporting the elimination of hunger. Thanks to a $150,000 donation from FCC, Moisson Montréal is now using a new fruit and vegetable bagging line that allows Canada’s largest food bank to accept unprecedented volumes of surplus fruits and vegetables from producers for distribution to people and families in need. This was also made possible through the partnership of Bonduelle, a leader in providing naturally preserved, ready-to-use vegetables, and Drive Away Hunger partner.

Food Banks Canada is focused on providing healthy choices for those who live with food insecurity and appreciates the efforts of Canada’s food partners in supporting Drive Away Hunger.

“We look forward to expanding our reach and accessibility while raising our advocacy efforts nationwide to address the underlying causes of food insecurity,” said Chris Hatch, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “As always, we remain deeply committed to relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow.”

Cash and food donations can be made online at driveawayhunger.ca.

On Canada’s Agriculture Day, February 22, 2022, the total raised from the Drive Away Hunger campaign will be announced.

“No one should go hungry, and thanks to the support of both generous Canadians with individual donations as well as Canada’s strong agriculture and food value chain, Drive Away Hunger helps to keep food on the shelves at food banks,” Hoffort said.

This year, Drive Away Hunger hopes to collect food and cash donations equivalent to the cost of providing 20 million meals to hungry Canadians Photo courtesy of FCC

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The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

Glenlea Research Station Receives Support for Egg Facility The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $1.5 million for Manitoba Egg Farmers (MEF) to establish the Egg Layer Research and Public Engagement Facility at the University of Manitoba’s (UM) Glenlea Research Station.

The announcement came on October 8, the 25th anniversary of World Egg Day. “Our province’s egg farmers account for 10 per cent of the country’s egg production and generate about $120 million in farm cash receipts. We look forward to the continuation of research that helps drive interest in eggs and advances the egg industry,” said Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler.

The UM currently operates the only egg research facility in Manitoba, but this facility is in need of significant upgrades. The proposed new facility will advance and enhance research on modern egg production techniques and technologies. This new facility will help ensure Manitoba is home to world-class research on egg production and development in support of the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy, the minister noted.

“We thank our partners for their investment in research and training at the UM,” said Dr. Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) at UM. “Researchers in the faculty of agricultural and food sciences are leaders in the field of laying hens and eggs. This new facility will be the hub for egg and layer research aligned with industry priorities on welfare and sustainability, and provide worldclass training to grow our local and national economies.”

Manitoba Egg Farmers will also partner on the cost of construction, and the UM will continue to own and operate the facility once it is completed.

This partnership-based effort will cement Manitoba as a Canadian leader in egg research, attracting and supporting highly qualified graduate students and growing employment opportunities in the sector, Eichler said.

“This new, state-of-the-art facility will showcase what we do as modern egg farmers for the benefit of the general public. It’s important to us that we open the barn doors and show consumers how eggs are produced and how hens are housed,” said Catherine Kroeker-Klassen, board chair, Manitoba Egg Farmers. “It will be the most modern egg and layer research, education and training facility in all of Canada and the only one purpose-designed to connect with the general public.”

The proposed new facility will advance and enhance research on modern egg production techniques and technologies.

Submitted photo

Measuring Soil Health Easily and Reliably In a recent study carbon dioxide flush information was found to be a more reliable and useful indicator of soil health. Healthy soils are a precious resource and they are vital for protecting ecosystems, maintaining water quality, producing crops, and mitigating climate change.

There are numerous indicators to measure soil health.

However, these indicators don’t always provide consistent results. In a new study, researchers report evaluating a rapid and inexpensive indicator of soil health, especially for dryland farming.

The researchers measured bursts of carbon dioxide gas emitted when dried soil samples are rewetted. These bursts of carbon dioxide, called carbon dioxide flush are an indicator of soil microbial activity.

“Measuring carbon dioxide flush is simple and inexpensive,” said Upendra Sainju, lead author of the study. “We also found that carbon dioxide flush is related to several soil properties and long-term crop yields.”

Sainju believes carbon dioxide flush can be used to measure soil health and relate crop yields reliably.

Currently, this method is evaluating to estimate dryland crop yields in arid and semiarid regions.

There are several advantages to using carbon dioxide flush as an indicator of soil health. For one, no chemicals are needed. Researchers can measure carbon dioxide flush from soil samples using devices called infrared analyzers.

“Not needing chemicals means carbon dioxide flush can easily be used to measure soil health directly from

A view of the experimental site in dryland farming in eastern Montana where soil samples were collected to measure carbon dioxide flush. The research team determined that the easier and faster method of measuring carbon dioxide flush also resulted in a more reliable and useful indicator of soil health.

Photo by Daniel Liptzin

the field,” said Sainju. “No chemicals being used also make this process quick and economical.”

That’s important because several existing ways to measure soil health can be expensive and take a long time to analyze. Also, “They provide mixed results when measuring soil health,” said Sainju. Having a single reliable measure of soil health will help farmers, ecologists, policy makers and various other stakeholders to evaluate the sustainability of agroecosystems for crop production, according to Sainju.

In addition to measuring soil health, measuring carbon dioxide flush can also help farmers reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. “We can use carbon dioxide flush to estimate how much nitrogen will be available from the soil to crops during a growing season,” said Sainju.

That means farmers can be strategic with fertilizer use.

That can lead to lower costs of farming while enhancing environmental benefits.

To test carbon dioxide flush as a soil health indicator, the researchers collected soil samples from two dryland study sites, both in northeastern Montana. For each soil sample, Sainju and colleagues measured carbon dioxide flush in two different ways.

One was the traditional way, adding water to airdried soil samples and let them sit for four days. Then the researchers used chemicals to measure carbon dioxide flush.

They also tested a faster method; one where the wetted soils sat for just one day.

Then, the researchers used an infrared gas analyzer to detect the carbon dioxide flush from the samples.

These two methods yielded slightly different carbon dioxide flush results. So, Sainju and colleagues tested a whole lot of soil properties, physical, chemical, and biological and matched them with the two sets of carbon dioxide flush results. “Our results showed that the one-

day results were better related to soil properties and crop yields than the four-day incubations,” said Sainju. That meant the easier and faster method of measuring carbon dioxide flush also resulted in a more reliable, inexpensive, and useful indicator of soil health.

Sainju and colleagues plan to test this method in shortterm experiments under dryland and irrigated cropping systems next. They will also expand testing the method in various soil and climatic conditions in different regions of the country.

Testing of carbon dioxide flush as a predictor of long-term mean crop yields is especially important, according to the study authors.

That’s because non-soil factors such as droughts and floods, or pests can affect crop production dramatically in some years.

In the meantime, “Measuring carbon dioxide flush provides soil health results that are accurate and reliable,” said Sainju.

Prevent Electrical Issues This Fall As fall transitions to winter, it’s a good time to consider these tips to prevent electrical issues around your house and farm outbuildings; - Store warm weather tools like lawn mowers and trimmers, and drain the fuel if they aren’t electric.

- Check cold weather tools like leaf or snow blowers for unusual wear and tear, especially on power cords. Replace worn parts before using. Apply the

same check to all other outdoor electrical wiring and cords.

- Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities.

- Sweep dry leaves away from outdoor lighting, outlets and power cords to eliminate fire risks.

- Test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries.

- Install a surge suppressor to reduce the chance of

damage to your sensitive electronics that may result from a power surge.

It’s also important to maintain your furnace so it stays running all winter long.

- Have a qualified heating contractor check your furnace and venting system.

- Keep air moving freely by vacuuming the registers and ducts during furnace maintenance or after home renovations.

- Clean the furnace’s air

filter regularly during the winter. A clean air filter will maintain furnace efficiency and extend its life expectancy.

- Consider replacing an older furnace to prevent it failing on the coldest day of the year or over the holidays. A new furnace is safer, more reliable and its increased energy efficiency can pay for itself in the long run.

Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

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Manitoba Pork Aims to Grow Sector with Its New Strategic Plan

By Harry Siemens

Cam Dahl, the general manager of Manitoba Pork Council (MPC), said they are looking to grow the industry after first determining how to expand and develop.

The MPC’s five-year strategic plan for 2022-2027 will focus on key result areas over the next five years, including challenges and opportunities that will guide this work.

MPC represents all Manitoba hog producers with over 600 hog farms that produced 8.2 million pigs in 2020.

“In addition to supplying our local needs, world-class Manitoba pork is an export superstar, shipping to over 24 countries around the world,” said Dahl.

Coming on the heels of close to $200 million of investment he said, “Its excellent news for Manitoba and value-added processing and investment in agriculture.”

Maple Leaf Foods is expanding its bacon plant in Winnipeg to make it a centre of excellence for bacon and that comes with 350 more jobs. The bacon comes from pork produced by Manitoba farmers and the processing moves back to Winnipeg from the United States.

Topigs Norsvin is investing in a new nucleus farm in Manitoba at the other end of the value chain. This represents the single biggest investment in the history of Topigs Norsvin. The new nucleus farm will be part of a bigger plan to upgrade and expand the capacity in Canada. A $30 million investment and 30 jobs will help build the communities and the hog industry.

Dahl said while all this is

going on MPC and the industry are at an inflection point.

Some of the infrastructure built in the late eighties and the nineties needs rebuilding.

“We’re looking for growth so that we can fill those processing jobs in places like Brandon [Maple Leaf Foods] and Neepawa [HyLife Foods],” said Dahl.

“And looking at ways of securing stability for the industry to allow and facilitate that investment for growth and renewal. So such things like access to credit, access to labour is critically important.”

The point is to address the questions from consumers around where their food comes so that assurances around environmental sustainability and animal care can be provided.

“Our farmers do care for their animals, and we need to tell that story and help farmers tell that story,” said Dahl.

“So that’s all part of the renewed plan going forward.

It’’ exciting, and it’s looking optimistically for the next five years for growth and development.”

When asked how realistic it is to accomplish those goals in the current political atmosphere, Dahl said it’s realistic, but it will take some work noting it may be slightly different for the organization to spell out how they will engage explicitly with provincial politicians.

“We will engage with our municipalities, the political leaders in your community, how we work together to have that investment. But, again, think about what Topigs investment for Plu-

mas, means,” continued Dahl. “Having those discussions with our provincial and municipal and federal leaders on how we accomplish those goals, I think it’s realistic, but we need to do some things.”

Those discussions need to focus on public trust ensuring the regulations continue on sound science rather than misperceptions and providing access to international markets, ensuring proper preparation to keep diseases like African Swine Fever out. Finally he said they are ensuring that producers are up to date on best management practices around environmental stewardship and animal care.

“I think the growth is realistic, but it takes some work.

In the last five years, we look back at $150 million to $200 million invested in private money in growth in hog production in Manitoba,” said Dahl. “So that’s up to $200 million invested in expanding primary agriculture in this province. And that’s a good news story, and I think we can continue.”

According to Dahl the return on investment is still lacking and partially comes from the cycles in the industry, locally, politically, and in international market uncertainty.

“We see that now surrounding China and some of those non-tariff aid barriers that are keeping our processors from shipping into China,” he said. “We have some of those international market conditions that are contributing to that uncertainty. And that is a brake on investment.”

The point is to address the questions from consumers around where their food comes so that assurances around environmental sustainability and animal care can be provided. “Our farmers do care for their animals, and we need to tell that story and help farmers tell that story,” said Dahl.

Cam Dahl, the general manager of Manitoba Pork Council, said they are looking to grow the industry after determining how to expand and develop.

Photos by Harry Siemens

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The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

AAFC Sees Decline in Prairie Grain Crops

By Elmer Heinrichs Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in its October outlook, says drought in western Canada resulted in an early harvest and an estimated a 40 per cent decline in total field crop production.

Early indications from the Canadian Grain Commission harvest survey program are of generally good quality grain. In Eastern Canada, the corn and soybean harvest is not expected to be complete until early November.

For 2021-22, Statistics Canada estimates production of wheat (ex-durum) at 18.2 metric tonnes (Mt), down 36 per cent compared to 2020-21 and 31 per cent below the last five-year average, as lower seeded area and higher abandonment are compounded by low yields caused by the drought conditions during the growing season.

Canadian corn supply is projected at 19.54 Mt, up sharply from 2020-21 and reaching a record high, primarily due to estimates for a bumper corn crop in eastern Canada, as well as a sharp increase in expected imports from western Canada.

For 2021-22, Canadian oat supply is projected at 3.25 Mt, down 35 per cent from 2020-21 and 28 per cent from the previous five-year average. This is primarily due to production issues in Canada’s Prairie Provinces, despite carry-in stocks at a normal level.

Canola production is estimated at a 13 year low of 12.8 Mt on a seeded and harvested areas of 9.1 million hectare (Mha) and 9.0 Mha, respectively.

Harvest is rapidly wrapping up across western Canada on widespread warm and dry weather, although combining was delayed in some regions by green undergrowth.

Soybean production is estimated at 5.9 Mt on planted and harvested areas of about 2.15 Mha and 2.14 Mha, respectively. Yields are estimated at 2.75 t/ha, down slightly from the 3.1 t/ha for 202021 but similar to the 5-year average of 2.82 t/ha.

Manitoba increased acreage to about 1.2 million acres of soybeans and averaged about 30 bushels an acre.

For 2021-22, dry pea production in Canada is estimated to decrease by 45 per cent to just over 2.5 Mt due to significantly lower yields attributed to the drought in western Canada. Prices will be good.

Overall dry bean production is estimated to fall by 28 per cent to nearly 352 Kt, consisting of 103 Kt of white pea bean types and 249 Kt of coloured bean types. Production in Manitoba and Ontario decreased. Manitoba bean yields ranged from about 800 to 1,600 pounds an acre.

Grain prices in Canada are forecast to stay relatively strong as tight Canadian supplies, more comfortable but still relatively tight global grain supplies and strong international demand provide support.

Harvest of corn and sunflowers continues in Manitoba through October.

Play it Safe with High Nitrates in Beef Cow Forage

By Peter Vitti This year’s drought taught me many lessons about the dangers of high-nitrates in beef cow forage. That is why I am recommending that all cow-calf producers test all their harvested forages for nitrates, whatever field, it came from.

It’s going to be money well spent, whether tests are negative or positive. And if they are positive, it is likely that something can be done about them, so this highnitrate forage can be fed safely.

One of my first nitratelessons is that nitrates are essential to plant life. It all starts with the plant roots’ uptake of nitrogen as nitrates from the soil, and then it is transported to its leaves and converted into plant protein. Dangerous accumulation of nitrates often occurs when this process is suspended due to a lack of moisture which slows down the transportation of nitrates, which literarily stops further protein production.

We see this happen in drought-stricken cornfields in which nitrates accumulate in the bottom 1/3 of the corn-plants’ stem. By a different means, a lack of moisture causes alfalfa to accumulate nitrates in its leaves rather than its stems as compared to corn/cereal crops. That’s because alfalfa growth adds plant material at each new leaf junction at the top of the plant. In either case, nitrate accumulation is usually higher in young plants or re-growth versus more mature stands.

Another lesson is that not all drought situations cause immediate accumulation of nitrates in forages. This means, if the soil is excessively dry; very little nitrates are absorbed by the equally dried-out plants. It might take a few days or so after an appreciable rainfall that that drought-stricken forage may take up high levels of surrounding soilnitrates.

It happened to a friend that raises about 300 red Angus x Charolais beef cows in southern Manitoba. We tested individual forage samples for nitrates from half-

dozen drought-burnt fields, namely: oat straw, barley straw, oat greenfeed, mixed barley-greenfeed straw, alfalfa and grass hay. We also ran a seventh sample from a field of grass hay re-growth (photo) that recently had three inches of rain.

The laboratory results revealed that the former six samples had nitrate accumulations from 0.02 – 0.10% NO3. Such nitrate levels are considered as safe to feed cattle, since research says mature cows and youngstock can safely consume a total diet containing no more than 0.5% Nitrate (NO3) on a dry matter basis. We also got our nitrate result of our last sample of re-growth, which recorded 0.39% (dm, basis).

Although this last result tells us that it was okay to graze my friend’s brood cows on it; I made the recommendation that he should bale it as gestating cow hay.

My reasoning was this – we only took one 2 lb. sample, which represented 40 acres,

which could possibly have more dangerous nitrate “hot spots.”

This situation finally taught me that the presence of nitrates in this tested forage or those found on other farm can always pose a threat to the well-being of the entire cowherd. That’s because the gestating cow fall/winter diet is usually made up of mostly forages, despite unused grains and other concentrates, which are found to be low in nitrates.

Plus, cattle cannot significantly detoxify dangerous levels of forage nitrates, or reverse damaging effects upon their own metabolism.

Such nitrate toxicity includes a high incidence of death of the unborn calf by causing fetal oxygen deprivation.

This means that abortions are much more common among gestating beef cows consuming high levels of nitrates.

Consequently, there are three recommendations that I can offer to effectively reduce the threat of nitrate poisoning

in beef cattle, when forage laboratory analysis proves high levels of nitrates: 1. Don’t feed high-nitrate forage – This is the safest choice, yet it is not always practical when high nitrate forage such as hay might be the cattle’s main feed supply.

2. Ensile high-nitrate forage Ensiling barley and corn into silage reduces nitrate levels as much as 60%, yet high nitrate silage may still contain toxic levels of nitrates.

3. Dilute high-nitrate forages – This recommendation is the most practical choice. For example, my friend cited above can dilute his new re-growth hay with low-nitrate oat and greenfeed straws.

While these points of advice may not seem like the solid solution in this year’s drought, they are still viable options when producers are faced with feeding high nitrate forage to beef cows. As a result, they can address the safety issues of this high nitrate forage fed to beef cows, without worry.

A field of grass hay re-growth that recently had three inches of rain tested for nitrates recorded 0.39% (dm, basis), compared to the six samples from the same field earlier in the dry season when growth had slowed which had nitrate accumulations from 0.02 – 0.10% NO3.

Submitted photo

The AgriPost

Healthy Soil, Healthy Farms Soils, like people, can be healthy or unhealthy. We’ve recently learned how important the microbes inside our bodies are to human health.

Likewise, soil health depends on a complex group of microbes. These bacteria and fungi recycle nutrients and prepare the soils to better support plants.

Yet, understanding what leads to healthy soils remains a challenge. Even defining “healthy” soils, and then measuring that health, hasn’t quite been settled by science. But new research is uncovering the secrets of healthy soil in greater detail. This information can help farmers and, in turn, consumers.

“Understanding the management practices that lead to healthier soils will allow farmers to grow the same crops while reducing costly chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides) and protecting the environment,” said Lori Phillips, a scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Phillips and her colleagues recently studied the soil health in a long-term study of different farming practices. They discovered what kinds of plant growth supported healthy soils. And they tested a new system for measuring soil health, which could help other scientists study the same issue in the future.

The field experiment started in 2001. Located in Ontario, the study is designed to study the longterm effects of different crop-growth systems. They compared pasture systems with those planted with typical corn and soybean crops.

Phillips and her colleagues

The grass “creeping red fescue” and the legume “birdsfoot trefoil” produced the healthiest soils in the study.

Healthy soils had lots of biological activity, diverse microbes, and plenty of fungi Photo by Lori Phillips

asked how 18 years of continuous growth of corn, soybeans or perennial grasses affected soil health.

To find the answer, they had to first decide how to measure soil health. In years past, this mostly meant how much organic matter is in soil. But organic matter changes slowly. Microbes change fast.

“These microbial communities could be considered to be a ‘canary in a coal mine’ for soil health,” said Phillips. Measuring them quickly yet accurately is important.

So, the scientists turned to a test called “CNPS.” CNPS measures enzymes involved in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur nutrient cycles in the soil. It produces a holistic measure of biological activity. They also looked at the variety of fungi and bacteria in the soil and the ratio between these groups of microbes.

The perennial grasses had the healthiest soils. They had lots of biological activity and diverse microbes.

They also hosted lots of

fungi. The fields growing both a perennial grass and a legume called birdsfoot trefoil were especially healthy. Fields constantly growing soybeans, another legume, came in last place.

Corn fields were between the two.

Legumes like birdsfoot trefoil and soybeans can produce their own nitrogen, a useful trait in agriculture.

But that doesn’t always lead to stronger soils, especially for soybeans, said Phillips.

“Many people assume that because soybean is a legume and legumes provide their own nitrogen through nitrogen fixation, that soybean must be healthy for the soils,” she said. But most of the nitrogen gets taken away in the soybeans, and what’s left behind is less useful.

“So, it’s the cumulative effect of smaller roots, less residue returned, and the residue that is returned gets broken down too quickly to be stable.”

The perennial systems also had more fungi than the crop fields. Since the perennial grasslands weren’t

plowed, they had more time to build up strong microbial communities.

“Intensively managed agricultural soils, with more frequent tillage and high fertilizer inputs, tend to be dominated by bacteria. In contrast, more sustainable management practices increase the overall amount of fungi in soil,” said Phillips.

Fungi hold onto soil, reducing erosion.

Having tested the CNPS measuring system, the scientists learned that it’s a useful new tool for capturing soil health. And by uncovering what kinds of farm practices produce healthier soils, Phillips’ team can help farmers understand how to protect this vital resource.

“Agricultural management practices that reduce soil disturbance, reduce chemical inputs, and increase the amount of time the soil is covered by a living crop all contribute to improved soil biological health,” said Phillips. “Improved soil biological health will lead to more profitable and sustainable farms.”

October 29, 2021

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What is “Soil Carbon”?

You may have heard a lot about soil carbon, “storing” carbon in soil, or “carbon markets.”

One important type of “soil carbon” is organic matter, which is made of decayed materials from living things like plants, animals and microbes. How does organic matter have carbon in it? The term “organic” in chemistry means chemical compounds that contain carbon (and usually hydrogen) along with other elements.

Organic compounds are prevalent in nature, especially in living things. You may recall that plants “breathe in” carbon dioxide, and “breathe out” oxygen. Plants use the carbon dioxide to make new cells so stems, roots, and leaves can grow. The carbon part of carbon dioxide is even used to make flowers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables (along with many other elements like nitrogen and oxygen).

A feature of healthy soil is a buildup of carbon in the form of organic matter, and even waste of earthworms, insects and other creatures that live in the soil.

Even human bodies have organic carbon compounds in them. Humans are mostly made of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.

Another form of soil carbon is frozen. Frozen carbon dioxide is found in abundance in the frozen ground of the tundra. Warming temperatures of the earth can cause that frozen carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere. As global warming continues, soil carbon is being lost at faster and faster speeds, as the frozen carbon dioxide thaws. In addition, increases in temperatures of the tundra also increase the activity of soil microbes. As they “eat” more organic matter, this stored carbon is lost.

The carbon cycle is an important concept tied to soil carbon. As plants grow and die, they leave behind sugars and carbohydrates (both contain carbon) in the soil. This is used by soil microbes and other soil life as a food source. This makes a wonderful carbon cycle, with plants pulling carbon from the air in the form of carbon dioxide and storing it in the soil as organic matter for other living things to use.

As long as this carbon cycle stays balanced, either by keeping organic matter quantities stable or increasing the atmosphere is safe. But when human disrupt this cycle by building cities where forests once were, or other anthropogenic changes, it disrupts the carbon cycle. The carbon that was stored as organic matter can easily be put back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Clearing land for agriculture also made soils lose carbon to the atmosphere. Melting tundra soils and ice also contribute to this lost carbon.

Soils in the Arctic and Subarctic regions store over half of the Earth’s soil carbon. Shown here a thick organic matter layer of moss, twigs and roots. They formed under cool, acid, aerobic conditions. Note the dark layer of charcoal at about 30-35 cm.

Festuca rubra is a species of grass known by the common name red fescue or creeping red fescue.

James Lindsey - Wikipedia

Lotus corniculatus is a flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae, commonly named bird’s-foot trefoil.

Matt Lavin - Wikipedia

Photo by Chien-Lu Ping, University of Alaska, retired.

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October 29, 2021

Consider Options in Environmental Liability Insurance Climate change, pipelines, carbon tax, methane from cows.

Let’s talk about the environment. Or since I’m an insurance broker with a one-track mind, let’s talk about insurance for environmental exposures that exist.

Environmental insurance is readily available in Canada. Even with the challenging insurance market we are facing, the Suez Canal blockage hasn’t stopped the supply chain for environmental insurance.

Whether you are a crop input retailer, a manufacturer, a farmer, or a contractor, there are multiple markets that are willing to provide environmental insurance should you have an accidental spill on your property or inadvertently cause harm to a third-party. Buying insurance protects you from obvious claims made against you should there be a catastrophic event that causes potential harm to the environment around you.

If you drive around most small towns across the prairies, you will likely find a site that used to be home to a service station, gas bar, recycling facility, machinery or truck storage facility, etc. These sites are no longer occupiable due to their condition and the cost of remediating the land. Many of these sites could still be operational today if there had been proper environmental precautions and insurance in force.

Another benefit in buying proper environmental insurance is to protect the long-term value of your land.

We have seen an interesting wrinkle in business sales being stalled, cancelled or substantially changed when pollutants are found on the sale site. You may think this would be easy to keep hidden from potential buyers, but it is commonly uncovered when the purchaser’s financing company requests an environmental survey before releasing the funds. In certain situations, having any hint of site pollutants has caused major hiccups in transitioning business assets.

Is all environmental insurance the same?

There are a wide variety of forms and wordings available for coverage. Farm Liability policies typically include limited pollution insurance, with sub-limits applying to certain claims. With some insurers, there are also coverage additions available for a Commercial General Liability policy.

Stand-alone environmental policies typically provide the best coverage available in the marketplace.

Some policies provide only sudden & accidental coverage, with a short time-frame for discovery of a pollution event. This wording is typically less expensive, as it will not respond in the event that the pollution spill is found after the discovery limitation. Another option is called gradual pollution, which provides coverage for any new pollution events from the retro-active date specified on the policy. In addition to these options, there are policies that will protect only 3rd party exposures and will not pay for any pollution clean-up on your own site. Needless to say, there are many options.

If you ever wonder why your insurance broker looks like they haven’t slept in months, it’s because they are likely awake at night considering the options, reviewing the details enclosed to provide good advice and education to clients on the complexity, and availability of environmental insurance.

Be sure to seek advice and purchase insurance from those who understand your business!

David Schmidt is an Account Executive and Rempel Insurance Brokers in Morris, MB, specializing in insuring farms and businesses across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Contact office 204-746-2320, Text 204712-6618, email davids@rempelinsurance.com or visit rempelinsurance.com.

The AgriPost

Sunn Hemp a Superhero of the Plant World

Sunn hemp plant in Kansas. The extensive root systems of sunn hemp improve soil structure and allow water to infiltrate. Above ground, the plants Photo by Thomas Roth can grow to nine feet tall, creating biomass for future use.

Sunn hemp is a superhero in the plant world. The plant is a powerful solution to many agricultural challenges related to degradation of natural resources and food security.

It can grow in inhospitable environments yet still provide numerous ecological benefits.

According to blogger Carlos Pires with Kansas State University, sunn hemp is a legume commonly used as a cover crop for southern and sub-tropical and tropical farming systems. It has recently been more adopted in the midwestern US cropping systems.

It is a tall, shrubby plant that can reach up to nine feet high. It’s an annual crop that creates a lot of biomass along with well-developed root systems. Its deep-yellow flowers produce tiny seeds, so tiny that one pound can contain over 15,000 seeds.

Because it is a legume, sunn hemp pulls atmospheric nitrogen and puts it into the soil, a process called nitrogen fixation. This leaves the soil with more nitrogen than before the sunn hemp was grown.

Farmers only need 8 to 12 weeks of frost-free growth conditions to receive the benefits of sunn hemp. Ide-

Sunn hemp is a legume. Its roots are colonized by bacteria called Rhizobium. These bacteria pull nitrogen from the air after becoming established inside the root nodules in a process called nitrogen fixation.

Photo by Carlos B. Pires

ally, farmers would then plant a small grains crop, like wheat, to use the symbiotically produced nitrogen.

Planting another crop after sunn hemp may reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which can be lost to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide or even leached as nitrate to groundwater.

Sunn hemp has been extensively used as a soil improvement crop. Its enormous po-

tential to produce biomass and fix nitrogen is crucial to build up soil organic matter and sequester carbon.

When used as a cover crop, sunn hemp can reduce soil erosion and conserve soil moisture. The large root systems break up soil, which increases water infiltration, and because it’s a legume, it boosts soil microbial community composition.

It can be used as a forage

crop as well and has the potential to fill an important gap in annual summer grazing. Its hardiness, productivity, and palatability make it an option worth considering for farmers looking to build their soil and grow their livestock.

Foraging needs to be stopped if seedpods are formed. This is because the seeds have a low concentration of a toxin.

Read The AgriPost Online at www.agripost.ca

The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

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Survey Results Finds On-Farm Cover Crop Innovation Occurring Across the Canadian Prairies Researchers at the University of Manitoba (UM) have shared the results from the 2020 Prairie Cover Crop Survey which capture a snapshot of the use and grower observations of this new practice. The report suggests that cover crops are becoming established in the Prairies and can be grown in a wide range of locations and environments across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Accessing local information about cover crops has been a hurdle for Prairie farmers interested in adopting this production method which holds the potential to build soil health and store carbon in soils.

To help fill these knowledge gaps the 2020 Prairie Cover Crop Survey was developed to provide information to farmers, agronomists, researchers, policy makers, and government organizations that will play an important role in the future of cover crops in the region.

Between October 2020 and April 2021, Dr. Yvonne Lawley and graduate student Callum Morrison from the Department of Plant Science at UM asked farmers questions about how their farm utilized cover crops in 2020, such as how cover crops were grown, their agronomy, the benefits and the problems farmers have experienced. Respondents were also asked about what

could be done to support those using cover crops as well as questions to characterize farm types and size.

“It is an important time to hear from farmers about their needs for research and knowledge transfer,” said Callum Morrison. “Farmers want to know how to use cover crops to meet their goals. Policy makers and extension providers want information to best assist farmers and design policy to reach environmental targets.”

In total, the survey collected responses from 281 early adopters who grew a cover crop in 2020. These farms,

which were from every major agricultural region of the Prairies, grew 102,539 acres of cover crops. Of the respondents, 31% were from Alberta, 32% from Saskatchewan and 37% from Manitoba.

“As early adopters of cover cropping on the Prairies, we’ve found it to be a bit of a lonely pursuit,” said Kevin Nickle, survey respondent and grain farmer in the Red River Valley of Manitoba.

“This survey demonstrates that there is widespread participation and a general desire to continue. There is so much to learn in this realm and this survey may

help inform researchers and practitioners on the specific questions to ask.”

“Although I had not yet used cover crops at the time of this study, I am encouraged by the uptake of the practice, and have now planted fall rye as a trial on some of our acres and may be used for spring grazing. We are also able to purchase a no-till drill this fall and look forward to the possibilities,” said a survey respondent.

The research team partnered with a number of farm organizations and individuals in sharing the survey widely..

“We must thank all those who took the time to call their neighbour, send an email, add the survey notice a newsletter, published a story, or retweeted a post,” said Yvonne Lawley. “It was exciting to experience the strength of networks in the agricultural community throughout this project.”

This survey demonstrates that there is widespread participation and a general desire to continue.

Callum Morrison is a graduate student at the University of Manitoba specializing in cover cropping on The Canadian Prairies. Originally from Scotland, Callum is now living in the Red River Valley of Manitoba. Callum has thoroughly enjoyed the 2020 Prairie Cover Crop Survey journey, especially working alongside organizations, and most importantly, connecting with the farmers themselves.

In total, the survey collected responses from 281 early adopters who grew a cover crop in 2020.

Callum Morrison said “Farmers want to know how to use cover crops to meet their goals.

Policy makers and extension providers want information to best assist farmers and design policy to reach environmental targets.”

Dr Yvonne Lawley is a professor at the University of Manitoba. Her area of research is agronomy and cropping systems. Dr. Lawley’s research has focused on several crops including soybeans, corn, and wheat and a range of management practices from residue management, strip tillage, to cover crops. Her research involves both small plot and onfarm field scale agronomy research. Dr. Lawley enjoys communicating the results of her research to a wide range of audiences including farmers, agronomists, scientist in a range of disciplines, and especially in the classrooms where she teaches at the University of Submitted photos Manitoba.

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The AgriPost

October 29, 2021

Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference Lines Up November Webinars

By Joan Airey On November 15 at 7 pm, Kim Moffat, owner of Maple Grove Counselling and Consulting will lead a presentation, called “Wellness on the Farm” hosted by Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference.

Moffat is a trained psychiatric nurse and is a certified crisis counsellor who worked for Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services at the Manitoba Suicide Prevention Support Line for twenty years.

Elsie and her daughter Emily operate “Porch Drop Produce” in Winnipeg and have recently opened a commercial kitchen.

For over ten years she facilitated a Suicide Bereavement support group for farm and rural people providing care and comfort to those impacted by the loss of a suicide. She has been a lead facilitator for the University of Guelph’s “In the Know” mental health training program for farmers and people working in the agricultural industry and has delivered more than forty training sessions across Canada.

Moffat grew up on a farm and raised cattle for several years with her partner Brent while raising their three children. Following the fallout of BSE in 2003, they made the difficult decision to leave farming.

She continues to use that experience to help understand and connect with farm-

Over the last few years Yanara Peters has started a flower business called Stone Shed Gardens.

ers who are facing increasing stress levels. She is a vocal advocate for making mental health services accessible to our farmers and their families. Moffat has recently gone into private practice offering in-person and online sessions prioritizing farm and rural populations. Her website is kmoffat.com.

If you haven’t received an e-mail on this webinar visit manitobfarmwomensconference.ca for further information.

On November 17 in the evening will be a second webinar featuring direct from the producer to the dinner table two families that make it happen.

Elsie and her daughter Emily operate “Porch Drop Produce” in Winnipeg and have recently opened a commercial kitchen. This mother-daughter team pack a powerful punch when it comes to connecting with Manitoba Producers.

They help market the goods and distribute fresh produce directly to the people of Winnipeg. Bringing yet another meaning to from-the farm-to the city table. Their website is porchdropproduce.com.

Mark and Yanara Peters call their farm Spruce Drive Farms, located about 20 minutes north-west of Portage la Prairie. They produce about 100 acres of seed potatoes and about 500 acres of grass and alfalfa hay.

Kim Moffat, owner of Maple Grove Counselling and Consulting will lead a presentation, called “Wellness on the Farm” hosted by ManiSubmitted photos toba Farm Women’s Conference.

“I find potatoes to be a pretty intensive crop so a smaller amount is manageable for me, and doesn’t need a huge land base to draw from. We are located close to marsh land, Portage diversion, and Lake Manitoba. Being in close proximity to this causes our land to be prone to salinity,” said Mark. “So, a good fit was to focus on hay production to help for soil recovery

from high water events.”

Over the last few years Yanara has started a flower business called Stone Shed Gardens. It’s something she’s always loved doing and decided to make a business out of it. Stone Shed Gardens can be found on Facebook.

Keep checking the Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference web page for more free webinars.

Latest Frost Date in Fifty Years of Gardening

By Joan Airey It’s been a great fall for gardeners with such a late date for the first killing frost of the season. I still have beets in the garden but our carrots are all put away for winter.

Pansies planted in pots are still blooming on the patio but think it’s time to put the strawberry planters away for the winter and the sage.

It’s a good time to make a list of anything you want to make sure you grow next year and also keep a record of the spot where you grew vegetables this year so you don’t grow things like tomatoes or potatoes in the same place next year. I made a detailed diagram when I planted the garden this year.

The Prairie Garden for 2022 will be launched virtually on November 7. Virtually because of COVID. It makes a great gift for gardeners on your Christmas list. Their website site is

theprairiegarden.com. Information on their website says whether you’re new to gardening or an old hand, working with large or confined to a tiny balcony, everyone has a smaller space they want to grow plants.

The 2022 edition of the Prairie Gardner covers the all-important gardening question: what can I grow where? And how do I get the best out of the space I am working with. You can learn about light and how it works to feed our plants, how to keep potting soil fresh and viable, about house plants, making small gardens look bigger and making gardens where you’d never believe possible.

Two things I have put on my list for growing next year are a beef steak for growing in containers called Big League Hybrid (68 days) from T & T Seeds. The plant I had in the largest pot did

the best and we feel that a pot that is not black might be a good idea too. Our yard gets extremely hot in summer because it is surrounded by evergreens and numerous other trees.

Fresh Bite Peppers, I want a couple for the patio again next year as they have kept us in red and green peppers for four months. The peppers are small but great for individual salads and they have been so prolific that some have been used in salsa.

On the Lawn and Garden show on 1220 radio last Saturday, I learned of a new to me group; the Manitoba gardens they show have some neat zoom presentations coming up on regenerating the soil in your garden. You can check them out atgardensmanitoba.com.

Minus six here this morning so it’s time to start lettuce under my grow lights along with other salad mak-

ings. Yesterday my husband did some renovations on my greenhouse making improve-

ments for next spring. While cleaning the greenhouse yesterday I realized my green-

house was thirty-one years old. It definitely has paid for itself over the years.

These Fresh Bite Peppers were picked October 21. I had set the plants in our garage on the weekend because of frost warnings. Today our thermometer read -7 °C at 7 am. I guess outdoor gardening is over for 2021.

Photo by Joan Airey

The AgriPost

“CASE CORNER”

Most Canadians Confident in Farmers’ Ability to Meet Domestic Food Demand

3-Wheeled Case a Historic Success The Case 10-20 design entered production in 1915 and remained in production until 1922. At the time this Case design was introduced, three wheeled designs were enjoying good success in the market.

These designs featured only one rear wheel that was driven with the other rear wheel being an idler. With this arrangement, an expensive differential was not needed. The Case 10-20 was somewhat different as the left rear wheel could be driven when then the tractor was moving forward.

The tractor was equipped with a 4 cylinder vertical engine mounted cross wise on the tractor. The engine was equipped with a high tension magneto with impulse starter, engine cooling was provided by a fan and radiator and engine lubrication was provided by splash lubrication. The drive train featured a cone clutch inside the belt pulley. This clutch drove a bull gear and pinion final drive.

There was just one forward speed (2 MPH). Reverse was accomplished by the use of a separate drive train consisting of a jaw clutch and chain drive.

Case 10-20

Case 10-20

1916 Case 12-25 Nicknamed Hercules This 1916 Case 12-25 tractor was donated to the Museum in 1955 by

1916 Case 12-25

W. Longstaffe of Cardale, Manitoba. Apparently the tractor was nicknamed

“The Hercules” during its time working field in the Cardale area.

October 29, 2021

The Case Company introduced the 12-25 in 1913. The tractor features a 2 cylinder opposed engine operating at 600 RPM, a two shoe friction clutch, sliding gear transmission with a bull gear and pinion final drive with a floating one piece rear axle. There are two forward speeds. Originally, the kerosene tank was mounted over the right rear wheel. The tank over the left rear wheel was for water. During restoration the tractor was adapted to run on gasoline, with a single tank on the left.

The cooling system features a circulation pump, fan and radiator, quite modern in comparison to the tractor’s big brother in the Case tractor line up of the time, the 20-40.

Visit mbagmuseum.ca for more artifacts!

A recent Perceptions of Canadian Agriculture Report

by Angus Reid, commissioned by Climate Corporation, reveals a high level of trust in Canadian farmers with three-in-four Canadians confident in their ability to meet the country’s food demand, with strong confidence in Saskatchewan/Manitoba at 93%, Atlantic at 86% and Alberta at 84% while lower in BC at 68%, Quebec at 71% and Ontario at78%.

There was also a difference by gender with men were more confident at 83% while women were at 73%.

Substantially more Canadians gained respect for Canadian agriculture during the pandemic than lost it with nearly two-thirds saying they now have more appreciation for the industry, particularly in the area of domestic food security.

“While confidence in Canadian farming is generally high, public knowledge of the agriculture industry remains low,” according to Marvin Talsma, Climate Corporation. “We hope to raise recognition and support of Canadian farmers, particularly the role of modern farming in advancing innovation and sustainability while putting healthy, nutritious and affordable food on our tables.”

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, contributing more than $100 billion to it annually.

While countrywide efforts of farmers enable Canada to take a place among the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the world, only 12% of Canadians see agriculture as more innovative than other industries, and 37% saying they don’t know how the use of technology in agriculture compares to other Canadian industries, with 14% believing the use of technology is less advanced than in other Canadian Industries.

“There is an outdated view of the agriculture industry in Canada,” added Talsma. “People don’t realize the amount of innovation and adoption of technology that is happening on Canadian farms.”

In fact, Canadian farmers are embracing digital and data transformation in increasing numbers to manage their complex businesses. A Statistics Canada Report released in June this year indicates Canadian farmers in most sectors are strong proponents of data-driven technology and have long been ahead of the curve when it comes investing in new technology. On farms reporting 10,000 acres or more of cropland, 93.6 per cent used automated steering, 97.1 per cent used GPS and 52.7 per cent used GIS mapping.

Other highlights from the Perceptions of Canadian Agriculture Report show that Canadians have gained more respect for Canadian agriculture during the pandemic with 59% citing the importance of the domestic food supply.

When asked why they gained appreciation for Canadian agriculture as a result of the pandemic 49% cites farmers’ jobs; 22% cites economic reasons such as want to buy Canadian.

However, only 12% of Canadians see agriculture as more innovative than other industries and only 17% see Canadian agriculture as more innovative than other countries.

Knowledge of technology used in Canadian agriculture is low, with 37% saying they don’t know how it compares to other Canadian industries and another one-third (32%) expecting it’s about the same.

The survey sample was comprised of a representative sample of n=1,511 Canadians (18+) who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on gender, age, region and education. For comparison purposes only, probability samples of this size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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