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Advocating Farm Safety is a Priority
Grain hazard display at Ag Days in 2016.
Todd Botterill lost his own father in 2009 to a farm incident. Robert ‘Bob’ Botterill was 63 years old and had other places to be the evening he got into a grain bin of seed oats. Todd said he knows his father knew it was not safe. It even appeared as though he had originally tried to break up some crusting on the grain surface with a pole from outside the bin.
But he was in a hurry, so he went in anyway; alone. “I think we all get away with a lot of things; you look back after and go ‘well, that was stupid,’ but you get away with it,” Botterill said. “Sometimes, you start to take that for granted.”
Continued in Farm Safety Feature Page 28
February 24, 2017
Canadian Pork Producers Break Export Records Again In the most recent Canadian pork export statistics for 2016, the pork industry has shown that it can fill global demand when favourable terms of access to foreign markets exist. “Pork producers understand that market access is of paramount importance to the sustainability of the country and the hog industry,” said CPC Chair Rick Bergmann. “The development of international market opportunities like Japan and China creates Canadian jobs across the country, attracts investment and contributes to growing the economy.” In 2016, the pork industry exported 1.246 million tons of pork valued at $3.8 billion to over 100 counties. The United States, China and Japan remain Canada’s top three pork export markets in both volume and value. Japan continued as a high valued market worth $1.07 billion for Canadian pork. Demand for Canadian pork in the Chinese market increased by 144 per cent in 2016. Canada shipped approximately 12,500 forty-foot shipping containers filled with 312,000 tonnes of Canadian pork across the pacific to China. The $580 million in sales of Canadian pork to China is an increase of 157 per cent. “Canadian hog producers, pork processors and meat traders and the many other companies in Canada that provide inputs and services to our industry have a very strong interest in Canada aggressively pursuing further progress toward reducing agri-food trade barriers and trade-distorting subsidies, and achieving additional market access,” added Bergmann. The globally competitive Canadian hog and pork industry generates $13.1 billion in economic activity and 31,000 on-farm jobs. Another 69,000 Canadians rely on the pork sector for their livelihoods. Well over 70 per cent of the industry’s output is now exported, with pork and pork products shipped to almost 100 countries. The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, the organization’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.
February 24, 2017
The AgriPost
KAP Delegates Get Down to Work at AGM By Harry Siemens Participation was high, engagement even higher at this year’s annual meeting of the Keystone Agricultural Producers in Winnipeg. “Things have changed with the ability we now have to communicate via social media you wonder sometimes why you are attending these meetings,” said Dan Mazier who was acclaimed as KAP’s President for a third one-year term. “I can’t get over this last meeting here, you can’t beat sitting down face to face especially when it comes to debating complicated questions like carbon tax, other taxation, host of other topics on resolutions passed, surface water, drainage, things like where people have a different opinion.” Mazier said it is great to see the delegate body engaged, with representation from all over the province offering a great forum for people in the industry. Among 17 resolutions passed were ones on climate change, Canadian Grain Commission surplus, and how to attract investment to build a world-class soybean processing plant. One put forward by Manitoba’s young farmers called
for both levels of government to reinvest carbon taxes they collect back into primary agriculture. The young farmers stressed that they want to be part of the climate change solution, and therefore need new programming that can help the agriculture industry do this. They anticipate the industry will garner public trust with these efforts. Other resolutions include working with Manitoba commodity groups and others to attract investment to establish a soybean-processing plant in Manitoba. When asked about the feeling of the delegate body to the resolution on supporting the ability to attract a soybean processing plant, he said it was good. “There was a resolution passed at our advisory council in Brandon to work closely with Brandon Chamber of Commerce looking at the how to attract a world class plant based on an earlier study, which was good for that time, but things keep changing,” said Mazier. “Number one, the government changed and wants to see development in the livestock industry, a key signal we didn’t have when the study was done the first time. The other factor, the explosion
in the soybean industry and especially projected acres for 2017 and beyond.” He said this is particularly true for Manitoba. The expansion of the soybean acres are moving to the west of the traditional areas pushed along by better varieties and is an untapped resource in Manitoba. “The whole concept of this, let’s look at this with a different lens. How do we go about attracting the investment required to bring a soybean plant into Manitoba? Which I see as a provincial project and impacts our entire agricultural industry in the province; the size of the plant they are talking about,” said Mazier, who grows soybeans already out of the traditional growing area in the Red River Valley. When forward-thinkers talk about a soybean processing plant, it is not like the smaller cold-press ones now in operation, but a world-class plant with the potential to make biodiesel and feed to potentially supply the expanding livestock industry. “Wherever that is happening that is where the plant is going to go,” he said. “When we look back, we grew up on mixed farms, kind of a no-brainer that we just grew our own feed for our own live-
Keystone Agricultural Producers President Dan Mazier.
stock. The model now is we’re importing the majority of our soybean meal from the United States. With all the talk going on in the US right now, Manitoba can get it back together to start attracting investments, for our own processing plants and for our livestock industry, the timing will be pretty good I honestly think.” Mazier said it is a shift away from the traditional thinking that all these communities are trying to lure this investment. This will need to be a regional approach and if not then a provincial approach. While admitting it is a huge plant, $100 million invest-
ment with an annual operating budget of $1 billion he thinks, ownership gives you a little bit of control. “If you have some skin in the game, maybe it provides some checks and balances put into these plants that should provide some opportunity for Manitobans to invest in it,” he said. In another resolution, delegates called on KAP to investigate whether the Canadian Grain Commission (CCG) should use its $100 million surplus of user fees paid by farmers to develop an insurance program similar to Ontario’s, to protect farmers selling grain.
KAP has been calling for years for a program to replace the CGC’s current bonding system, which the industry finds inadequate. “It is producer money, sitting right there and there might be an opportunity there to start something,” said Mazier. “It doesn’t say let’s do it this way but at least have a discussion with CGC and industry groups to see where it goes. The CGC has a new Chief Commissioner, Patti Miller; maybe there is a new appetite to look at some farmer-driven changes including a different government.”
The AgriPost
February 24, 2017
Gardening is Cheaper than AAFC Sees Therapy and You Get Tomatoes! More Oilseeds Ahead
By Joan Airey
Like most people I prefer bright sunny days but this winter we seem to wake up to fog or snow falling on a regular basis so when the above headline caught my eye on Facebook I had to read the gardening site’s article for the day. Most Canadian gardeners can hardly wait for the first delicious tomatoes of the year. Host of the Lawn and Gardening Show recommended a new tomato “Cloudy Day” which produces even when there is a lack of sun. He mentioned the seed isn’t available in Canada just the bedding plants from greenhouses. After doing some online research I found out it is a Burpee seed, which is resistant to early, and late blight and a bountiful cocktail tomato. Another cherry tomato he recommended was Baby Boomer one, which several people are recommending and I’m hoping to try one of them this year if they are available in my area.
We have been eating radishes, green onions, and lettuce grown under grow lights all winter. One package of seeds kept us in radishes for four months. I will only have to start using a new package this week. With the abundance of snow in our yard I have been melting snow in a couple of five gallon pails to water plants and found that plants do better with this method rather than using well water. Whatever you do, don’t use softened water; the salt is hard on plants. Indeterminate tomatoes are generally easier to keep blight free as they are kept off the ground by staking. Start your tomato seeds six to eight weeks before planting outdoors counting back from your last frost date. A friend’s of Dad told me to start my tomatoes April 7 and my broccoli and cauliflower by April 14 when I first started gardening and it works for me. I always start a couple of tomatoes earlier, which I move to the greenhouse when temperatures are above freezing.
One generally has better luck starting plants if they use a seed starting mix. Keep the pots in a warm location at a temperature of about 20 °C. When they germinate move them to a sunny location and if they are on a windowsill turn seedlings regularly to keep them growing properly. Also, make sure you mark each tray of plants so you know what is in them. Don’t forget to give them some fertilizer when required. Make sure to harden the plants off before transplanting them to
the garden. I purchased a set of ten Hot Hats from Stokes this year to use when setting out my first tomatoes. More than likely, we will have to take precautions for blights this summer as many lost their tomatoes to blight last summer. A copper spray helps fight late tomato blight and septoria on tomatoes. Spray tomatoes as a preventive measure early in the season on a regular basis. At the moment, there is several feet of snow on my garden so planting will need to wait, maybe late this spring.
Greenhouse Tomato called Cobra started two weeks ago under grow lights.
By Elmer Heinrichs
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), in its first 2017 crop outlook, suggests the area seeded to oilseeds is expected to increase with decreases for both grains and pulse crops. AAFC estimates total production of all field crops in 2016-17 at 91.7 million tonnes (Mt), up about 7 per cent from the previous year. This estimate incorporates near-record estimates of average yields as reported by Statistics Canada. However, the late harvest in western Canada had a negative impact on crop quality in the affected regions. In the grains sector, AAFC notes that the long term outlook for barley looks good, especially for malting varieties. Many of the traditional large-scale commercial beers use malt barley in conjunction with corn, rice and other cereals. Domestic crushing of canola in the current year is forecast at a record 8.9 Mt versus 8.3Mt for 2014-15. The crush pace to-date is running 15 per cent ahead of last year. For 2017-18 seeded area in Canada is forecast to rise by three per cent to 8.5 million hectares (Mha) as returns remain attractive compared to other field crops. Soybean planted area is forecast to rise as well, by eight per cent to a record 2.4 Mha, due to relatively attractive returns compared to alternate crops. Production is forecast to rise slightly to a record 6.8 Mt on lower average yields. Little change is seen for dry bean seeded area because of higher potential returns from other crops, particularly soybeans and corn.
February 24, 2017
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A Hoot with The Daily Bonnet Let’s face it, on some days farming can get to you. Murphy’s Law takes over and nothing seems to go right. Or everything is going so well that it’s just one mindnumbing, boring hour after another. Either way, when you need a break and a good laugh with a local twist, there’s no better place than “The Daily Bonnet.” It’s a hoot! Created by Andrew Bergman of Steinbach, “The Daily Bonnet” is a satirical Mennonite news source that pokes fun at life and current events and how Mennonites are coping with the world. When
you do a Google search for it the first thing you see is the slogan, “Fleeing worldliness one article at a time.” For Valentine’s Day we had, “Mennonite Lady to Spend the Evening Reading Amish Romance Books.” Apparently, “Local spinster Annie Goertzen, 51, will spend a romantic evening alone tonight snuggling up on her sofa with a glass of dealcoholized wine, half a Toblerlone bar, and an Amish romance book.” Mennonites are also well represented at the biggest awards shows. “Rapper Corny Reimer Wins Big at the 2017 Grammy Awards”, for his album “Straight Outta Rosenfeld”. Reimer is best known for the theme song to the popular TV show, “Fresh Prince of Plum Coulee” and lyrics like “In West Reserve, born and raised, on combine is where I spent most of my days…” In 2016, Matt Falk’s film “That Mennonite Joke” brought in three billion dol-
lars, beating out James Cameron’s Avatar to become the highest grossing film of all time. Scanning the headlines of the Bonnet truly reflects the diverse interests of today’s Mennonites. “A Glossary of Mennonite Profanity” is quite handy. “Single Uncle Elmer Refuses to Date Women Who Wear Pants” touches on a common problem amongst singles, and the Mennonite influence on the corporate world can be found in stories like, “McDonalds to Offer All-Day Faspa.” One of the great riddles of our time was covered in, “Mennonite Man Finds Money- Mysteriously left Behind- on Restaurant Table.” And last September we learned of a troubling domestic dispute in, “Man Sparks Family Feud After Mowing His Lawn on a Sunday.” Then there’s the Bonnet’s award winning political coverage. Saskatchewan’s Brad
Wall won the Award for “Canada’s Best Mennonite Premier.” Steinbach made a controversial decision: “All Abe Friesens Required By Law to Use Middle Initial.” In an unusual show of unity, the four Provencher-area Members of Parliament came together to, “Form [a] Southern Gospel Quartet.” Ted Falk “Proposes Referendum on Tent Caterpillars” was another hot-button issue. In other Abe-related news, Rocker Bono met with Justin Trudeau and, “Vows to Fight Abes Epidemic in Winkler.” The city of Winkler also decided, “To abandon the Metric System in Favour of Ice Cream Pail Method.” The US election was big news and Mennonites were ever present there as well. First we noticed “Questions about Hillary Clinton’s Health May Disqualify Her From Ushering in Church.” Then more controversy as, “Pastor’s Wife Plagiarizes Michelle Obama.”
Penner’s Points By Rolf Penner
As he did everywhere else, Donald Trump made the most headlines. First, “Mennonites Ask Donald Trump to Stop Using Hymn 606 in Rallies.” We then found that “Donald Trump’s Tax Returns Reveal 10% Tithe to Mennonite Church.” Later, “Trump Manages to Convince Mennonite Autoharp Player to Perform at Inauguration,” followed by a tweet from the Donald: “I’m excited to say we’ve got @ artreimer signed on for the inauguration. His autoharping is tremendous!” During the first presidential press conference, “Trump Refuses Question from Mennonite Reporter.” And lately there was the great human-interest story, “Uncle Abe Really Pumped to Meet Trump.”
Closer to home federal Conservative party hopeful, Kevin O’Leary, had a timely and inspirational message to share. He “Encourages Mennonites to Work Harder, Make More Money, Be More Industrious.” O’Leary said, “If I can convince just one Mennonite to work a little harder, then I’ll feel that I will have done my job.” You can find the Daily Bonnet on Facebook, Twitter and its website dailybonnett. com or you can sign up for their e-mail service so you can stay up to date in the latest goings-on. As they like to say, it’s “a Mennonite’s most trusted source for untrustworthy news”. Check it out, it’s well worth it.
It All Starts with a Seed Canada, and in particular the farming industry, celebrated the first national Canadian Agriculture Day last Thursday. In Winnipeg, it was part of a jam-packed CropConnect day as part of a two-day event at the Victoria Inn, getting farmers and industry people together from across Manitoba to celebrate and learn. It is interesting how all are different and yet in one respect all focused on exactly the same thing. Yes, most if not all need to make a living, a profit if you like, working on their specific management aspects, production practices, unique techniques, and yet it all needs to fit together, mesh if you like, to feed a growing population at home and abroad. I’m so proud and so humbled by the fact that I’ve had the privilege growing up on my mom and dad’s farm northeast of Plum Coulee to watch my father. He
loved the smell of freshly tilled soil, to see those first seedlings break through the ground, get out the sprayer and kill those yield-robbing weeds, to look for the first head, ear or blossom shoot forth, make the first round with a new swather, watch it lay down the ripe grain in just the proper way, and then to see that first new fresh grain hit the hopper of the combine, rush off to the elevator, test for moisture content and head back to the field. My father tried to in still in me the love of farming. Yet, when a specific job as a farm broadcaster came up, he also realised that while I may not have loved the actual work on the farm, I did have and still do today, a love for farming, and love for farmers. The Manitoba Beef Producers encouraged their members to share their story on Canadian Agriculture Day. That to me is the key to the future of farming. We can have all
kinds of professionals speak to farmers about farming and how to tell their stories, but it is the farmer that has to tell his or her own story, warts and successes alike. Surveys show that consumers still trust the farmer the most, so if you want to know how and why a farmer does a certain thing, ask him to tell. And Mr. Farmer, be ready to tell your story from the heart. Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) encouraged members to celebrate the milestone by sharing their story. At their recently concluded 38th AGM, attendees heard numerous times the beef industry has a great story to tell and all stakeholders, from industry through to producers, need to tell that story. My suggestion to them is, not only tell their story throughout Agriculture Day, but 365 days of the year. Their members need to pull back the curtain on their farms and post photos showing daily life on the farm. “As we heard from Dr. Cody Creelman, social media has become an important and ac-
cessible tool for producers to tell their story and promote the industry,” said President Ben Fox. “Canadian Agriculture Day is a perfect time for members to get active and share the great story our industry has to tell.” MBP asked members to post their photos on Twitter and Facebook during Canadian Agriculture Day using the hashtag #sharingourstory on Twitter while Facebook users need to use the tag Manitoba Beef Producers in their photos. “This is a terrific opportunity to show the general public what takes place during an average day on the farm and see that the people who produce their beef are often families just like theirs,” said MBP General Manager Brian Lemon. The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) celebrated Canada’s first national Agriculture Day with the launch of its Better Seed, Better Life program. How fitting, yes seed is the start of it all, but only the start. CSTA’s more than 130 members work in over 50
different crop kinds and are proud to be vital contributors to Canada’s economy and to the health and well-being of Canadian consumers. Through Better Seed, Better Life, CSTA will engage in dialogue with Canadians on the role of seed as the foundation for the food and drink we enjoy, the clothes we wear and the fuel in our cars. CSTA’s Better Seed, Better Life program is based on materials created by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and is a collaborative effort of CSTA and ASTA. CSTA’s Better Seed, Better Life program started February 16 with the launch of a fact sheet, “The A to Z of Garden Seeds”. “CSTA congratulates agriculture more than ever for bringing the sector together on this first national Agriculture Day. CSTA members believe that the conversations started today must continue all year, and that is why we have launched Better Seed, Better Life,” said Brent Derkatch, CSTA President. “Seed is a compact package that carries the innovation that the world’s farmers will need to feed, fuel and clothe a population that is forecast to reach over 9 billion in 35 years.”
The AgriPost
Old School is Still Good
I remember a time when you could tell the coldest day of the year by the content of your mailbox. It was the one in January when the most seed catalogues arrived. It was a decade or so ago that seed companies would all send those full colour catalogues and they arrived in mid-January. Was it a coincidence or was it well planned marketing, knowing that you would not be poking your nose out the door for a few days and you would be revisiting your mail a few times before it left the house. The internet and web browsing along with postal rate increases have made those days ancient history. Today if you can find it on your phone in under 5 seconds, it is obviously something you don’t need or no longer want. I beg to differ, this year I received a T & T Seeds catalogue and took the time to enjoy it. Yes, a brightly coloured catalogue still gets my attention on a cold winter day, and it is great entertainment for a bit of time
in a big comfy chair near a sunny window. A place where naps are never far away. The front cover of the 2017 version proudly proclaims it is the company’s 72-year anniversary and goes on to invite the reader to visit them on the web at www. something or other. There is also the bright red and white box in the bottom right corner of the page proclaiming the company does not carry any GMO products. Now that we have that out of the way, I got into the catalogue. The stuff is just as much fun as it used to be. Yellow potatoes, brown tomatoes and a cross between tomatoes and something else but none of it GMO. I did not do the official count but on the tomato, pages I am guessing over half of the entries were hybrids. I am not here to try and explain the intricacies of plant breeding programs or to judge peoples preference of food but it just seems ironic that something that takes great pride in being nonGMO is screaming hybrid. Is GMO not just the same effect that can be achieved by natural selection, sped up? Oh, well it is not about judging or even pretending that I understand. The people that sell seeds know their business and I have to say that I did enjoy seeing and old school seed catalogue.
CFA Comments on a Balanced Implementation of CETA The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) was very pleased to see that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been approved by the European Union’s parliament recently. Implementation legislation in Canada is also expected to receive Parliamentary approval in short order. Trade between Canada and the EU amounts to more than $63 billion a year, and the CETA deal is expected to boost this by 20 per cent by removing almost all tariffs. Immediately upon implementation, this agreement should help to improve real and profitable market access for Canadian agriculture and agricultural food exporters throughout the EU’s, which represents a market of more than 500 million consumers. Moving forward, CFA stressed that to allow the sector to fully take advantage of the deal, the Canadian government needs to ensure that transportation, regulatory, la-
bour and other constraints in agriculture are addressed and the introduction of any nontariff barriers is avoided. The CFA will continue to emphasize that dairy producers should be compensated to fully mitigate the EU’s new access that allows it to sell 17,000 tonnes of cheese into the Canadian market. CFA called for the government to continue its balanced trade approach that strengthens and supports all of the commodities that make up Canada’s diverse agricultural sector.
February 24, 2017
February 24, 2017
The AgriPost
EUR Ranch Named 2016 Commercial Angus Producer of the Year By Joan Airey The Commercial Angus Producer of the Year Award for 2016 was won by EUR Ranch Ltd. owned by the Layher family and is a large commercial ranch near Lake Francis, Manitoba in the southern Interlake. The successful ranch has been managed by Henry Rosing since 1992. They run approximately 1,700 cows on 18,000 acres and have used Red Angus
bulls in his Charolais X Angus cowherd for many years. They calve in late April to early May avoiding biting insects and cold weather. Rosing has been the EUR Ranch Manager since 1992 and has pursued an aggressive strategy to improve the ranch’s rangeland through brush control, rotational grazing, improving grasses and legume mixtures. He is described as an astute, observant, and progressive indi-
vidual and is always looking to improve his ranch through many innovative strategies. Rosing is a great steward of his land and has worked hard to improve some of the poorly drained and scrubby land with thin topsoil and oftenstony ground. He has implemented many management strategies including AI, trenched in pasture water pipelines, sod seedling legumes, feeding alternative feeds, carcass information feedback and genomic testing of some of his cattle. Rosing is very well read and knowledgeable and always insightful and informative about his own operation and the cattle business in general. EUR Ranch has purchased and successfully used a large number of Red Angus bulls in their program since 1992 and the ranch has been a great promoter of the Angus breed. He has purchased bulls from several Manitoba
Angus Breeders. He has used Red Angus genetics to cross breed Charolais cross cows to produce moderate to larger framed, high performance animals that are his trademark. EUR sells backgrounded steers for finishing repeating buyers in Ontario and Quebec. Rosing said that cross breeding Red Angus genetics seem to produce the quality feedlots want. Henry and his wife Bea immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1981. They are proud of their three children, Kim, a medical doctor who has worked in many rural and remote hospitals and resides in Winnipeg, Justin a Veterinarian who practices out of the Woodlands Veterinary Clinic, and Harmon who works at the EUR Ranch. Running a large ranch like EUR is hard work and Rosing points out that he has been very fortunate to have many long term, hardworking and dedicated staff.
Henry Rosing of EUR Ranch Ltd. Photographs supplied by Arlene Kirkpatrick
Planning for the Big Switch By Les Kletke Ask Gilbert Sabourin about plans for 2017 and he chuckles. “We made the big switch last year and now it is a matter of carrying through with it,” he said. While he is referring to the installation of a major drying system on his farm in 2016, the year also brought some changes in equipment that was unplanned. “When the fall got wet we put tracks on both of our combines,” he said. “Then we were still cutting ruts in the field with the grain cart, so we traded that to get a cart with tracks as well.” Sabourin who farms at St. Jean-Baptiste said these decisions proved correct when
November turned warm. “We were able to get our fall work done, going into that warm spell we had no field work done and by the end of the two weeks we had 90 % done. The last field I worked was the first I combined. We had to wait for the ruts to dry up.” When asked about any changes in his planting intentions for 2017, he said, “My seeding intentions were different than my harvested acres. I replanted a lot of canola to corn because of the frost and dry conditions so I had more corn acres than planned.” Despite the challenges of the year from reseeding canola to a wet harvest, the quantity of crop was good and the installation of a new
drier system proved advantageous for most crops. He not only dried his corn but also wheat and soybeans. Sabourin farms 3,600 acres and his son Jayden has 240 on his own. Jayden graduated from the School of Agriculture in 2016 and is on the payroll for his Dad’s farm. This year he was able to use the farm equipment at no charge to get started, and he plans to use his salary to build an equity position in the farm. Gilbert produces seed soybeans on contract for several sales reps in the area and the crop has continued to expand in acreage. “We have seen decent prices in the past few years, and varieties are getting better. With a premium for the seed pro-
duction they show a good return,” he said. Sabourin was considering some oat acres this year and when he found a contract with Anderson Grain of Ohio that gave him $3.60 a bushel combined with local delivery he signed. “We were considering malt barley but oats is less risky and the new shorter varieties allow you to put some nitrogen on the crop and we have seen some pretty good yields,” he said. Sabourin is also careful with his rotation using seven or eight crops with four types of herbicides to reduce the chance of resistant weeds.
Research Gets Real at MBFI Moving cattle around for innovative research at Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives (MBFI) is getting a real boost thanks to a generous partnership with Real Industries. “Real Industries Ltd. is based in south central Manitoba and works across western Canada with many of the industry leaders and audiences that are vitally important for both of our interests,” said Ramona Blyth, MBFI Chair. “Our direct interactions and relationships with the agricultural community provided a great foundation for this partnership. We are very pleased to have Real Industries on board with our MBFI efforts.” The agreement with Real Industries will allow MBFI to be fully equipped with handling and transportation equipment necessary to conduct the day-today management of the herd, handle cattle for research studies, and
for extension and demonstration purposes. According to Jamie Rea, Real Industries saw a great fit for their business on the MBFI farms and in support of the ongoing MBFI research. Rea said the win-win scenario was a key reason for Real Industries to step forward with MBFI. “Real Industries Ltd. has been in business since 1977, providing a range of manufactured livestock handling equipment to farmers across western Canada and north central United States,” said Rea. “From panels and cattle feeders to squeeze chutes, alleyway, crowding tubs and portable systems, our products have been developed for use in the harsh and varied climates of Canada, and attention has been paid to durability and reliability. We are proud to help MBFI conduct leading livestock research and exemplary animal care and comfort with our products.”
The AgriPost
February 24, 2017
Nature Conservancy of Canada Marks Canada’s Agriculture Day To mark the occasion of Canada’s Agriculture Day, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in Manitoba is underscoring the importance of partnering with agricultural communities. The not-for-profit charitable organization has established relationships with producers across the province to help maintain, and in some cases improve, the health of working landscapes. Nature Conservancy of Canada President and CEO John Lounds said this is a valuable opportunity to celebrate Canadian agriculture, our food and the people responsible for it. It also highlights the connection between the agricultural community and large, biologically rich, inspiring open spaces for grassland and habitat conservation. In Manitoba, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and a local grazing club recently toured two of their properties used for agricultural purposes. The grazing club agreed that good pasture management is important, to not only maintain and enhance the biodiversity values of Manitoba’s grassland habitats, but also to provide resistance and a buffer against year-toyear climate variations. The ability of grasslands to support biodiversity and livestock production during extremes is a result of management history. Taller grass has deeper roots that are able to access moisture deeper in the soil during dry periods. In addition, the energy reserves plants have access to,
Cow on Fort Ellice.
are greater when they have not been over-utilized. Grazing is an important conservation tool that can be used to improve the environment that prairie species depend upon. Through consideration of key factors, good grass management can maintain and enhance biodiversity and support profitable livestock production. Across the province, the NNC uses grazing to create the conditions that may be needed for endangered species habitat. Both the Poweshiek Skipperling and Spragues Pipit benefit from the use of grazed habitats. “Effective conservation needs partnerships. We have been fortunate to join forces with conservation-minded producers in various provinces to protect rare and ecologically significant habitats,” said Lounds. “These are amazing people who are close to the land. Partnering with agriculture, industry and livestock groups has helped NCC better understand issues and play a role in local conservation strategies.” Some of those connections include lease agreements on many of the NNC properties in Manitoba where producers use these properties to graze livestock. This helps manage the land sustainably, prevents wildfires and develops good relationships with neighbours. NCC monitors the grass to ensure maintenance of a sustainable resource, year after year. It also encourages two-way sharing of ideas on ways to have animals graze to enhance both
livestock and grassland values, weed control and prevention, ecological services of grasslands and reducing wildlife-livestock conflicts. Many of Canada’s crops, including fruits, vegetables and forage crops, depend on or benefit from wild insect pollinators. Grasslands, wetlands and forests provide habitats for pollinators that forage on agricultural lands. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). The NCC has provided financial and technical support to help ensure that the health of the grasslands in which ranchers graze livestock is maintained and, wherever possible, enhanced. NCC has also supported CRSB’s development of important environmental goals, including flood control, stream health and the reduction of water footprint and greenhouse gas footprints. NCC continues to be a member of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute Board and pleased to provide input on conservation benefits and issues related to various forms of agriculture. The organization has participated with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, helping develop a common vision for agricultural sustainability. Of particular interest to NCC is helping reduce habitat loss of wildlife on Canadian farms, which impacts biodiversity, and maintaining the health of watershed and aquatic areas.
February 24, 2017
The AgriPost
Manitoba Farmer Powers Home with Record Solar System A recently completed solar Manitoba project has become the largest ground mount system in the province. One Manitoba farmer is now powering his home with the latest milestone project delivered by Solar Manitoba. The 80 photovoltaic panels on Tim Sawatzky’s property east of MacGregor makes up the largest ground-mounted solar power system in the province that has been approved under Manitoba Hydro’s rebate program for solar power installations. Sawatsky’s new system will generate 20.8 kilowatts, enough to power his house and cut his net home electricity cost to zero. “As farmers we rely on the sun to help produce our crops. We are always looking for ways to cut costs, be good to the environment, and produce safe food. What safer way to produce electricity than from the sun?” said Sawatzky. He said that the switch to solar power on his home could not have been done without Hydro’s rebate program, which covered 25 per cent of the $67,000 cost to install the system. He knows the investment protects him and his family from possible future increases in electricity rates. “I felt I could limit my future exposure to higher costs and do it in an environmentally sustainable way,” said Sawatsky. Sawatzky is a local agricultural producer who grows several crops on 4,500 acres in the rural community east of Brandon with his son and brother. Justin Phillips, President of Solar Manitoba’s parent company Sycamore Energy, said Manitoba’s agricultural community will reap the benefits of solar power. “The Manitoba Hydro rebate has put solar power within reach of many producers,” said Phillips. “Farmers know the value of clean, renewable and affordable energy.” This project is one of several Solar Manitoba has underway across Manitoba.
The largest ground-mounted solar power system in the province
New Incentive for Soybean Crushing Plants By Harry Siemens With the talk of farmers planting more soybeans in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and in the US, the talk of building more soybean processing plants is increasing, too. In a recent headline, it was announced that American farmers could easily plant 90 million acres of soybeans in 2017. While, the US Department of Agriculture placed this spring’s projected soybean acres at 85.5 million acres, an increase of 1.8 million from 2016, some farm media analysts are suggesting it could be closer to 90 million because of profitability margins. In 2016, Manitoba farmers grew 1.7 million acres of soybeans, and analysts are projecting the province’s growers could actually hit over the two million mark this year. With yields exceeding 50 bushels an acre in 2016, under what some would call adverse weather and cropping conditions, agronomists and farmers have been improving their practices and techniques. Commercial seed companies are also approaching close to 100 new varieties. This combination has added incentive to building processing plants in the province. On the heels of the Westman Opportunities Leadership Group’s (WOLG) efforts to attract a world-class soybean processing plant to western Manitoba, a group from Minnesota announced plans to build a soybean processing plant in North Dakota. On February 7, Governor
Doug Burgum and leaders of Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP) and its subsidiary North Dakota Soybean Processors (NDSP) announced that MnSP is taking steps toward construction of a $240 million soybean processing plant, the first of its kind in North Dakota at Spiritwood. In a written statement, MnSP said the plant would be an integrated soybean crush facility and refinery, crushing 125,000 bushels of soybeans per day. It would produce soybean meal, refined, bleached and deodorized soybean oil and biodiesel. MnSP, a membership cooperative that owns and operates a soybean crush facility and biodiesel operation in Brewster, Minnesota, has selected a site on 150 acres near Spiritwood. The co-op would move forward with construction following further due diligence, necessary approvals and a successful engineering study. By selecting the Spiritwood site, MnSP is able to conduct a preliminary front-end engineering and design study, which will be used to determine feasibility of construction. MnSP is working with the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission to complete the construction feasibility study. “The potential for this type of value-added project is great news for our farmers and the entire state of North Dakota,” said Burgum. “The NDSP plant will create value in the local community and beyond by creating 55 to 60 full-time jobs, supporting local service companies,
vendors and suppliers and supporting the soybean price paid to local farmers.” MnSP General Manager Scott Austin said the company’s preliminary market analysis shows there are markets this facility would serve that would complement their current efforts at the Brewster facility to reach both global and domestic markets for meal and oil. “We also believe that the biodiesel from this plant would serve both domestic and international markets.” The NDSP plant would annually produce 900,000 tons of soybean meal, which is usually used as livestock feed for poultry and swine but can also be used for cattle, and 490 million pounds of oil. Half of the oil will be used to produce biodiesel, while the other half will be food-grade soybean oil. “We think of it as a verification of the significant growth of soybean production on the plains region of USA and observe that it is similar to that which is occurring here in the same regions of Canada,” said Ray Redfern, Chair of the Westman Opportunities Leadership Group looking to get someone to build a similar plant in Manitoba. “It has given rise to this announcement that this growth has created an opportunity to locate another soybean processing plant into that market which serves to add credibility that our market here in western Canada can also serve the production demands of a processing facility here too.” Redfern added that their work on the Manitoba initiative will continue.
Oil LoadOut facility at the MnSP, soybean crush facility and biodiesel operation in Brewster, Minnesota, USA.
Economic Farming Forecast Remains Positive Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has released the 2017 Canadian Agricultural Outlook. The report provides a forecast of farm income in the agricultural sector for the previous and current calendar years (2016 and 2017), and looks ahead to longer term trends that could affect the agriculture sector. “Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry is a key driver of the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada will support the continued growth of the sector by investing in research and innovation, working to open new markets around the world and collaborating with our provincial and territorial partners,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. In 2016 and 2017, net cash income is forecast to see slight declines, but will remain above the 2011-2015 average. The primary driver of declining income is weakness in North American livestock markets as cattle and calf prices descend from record high levels observed in 2015. Crop receipts are expected to increase in both 2016 and 2017 due to strong marketing, or volumes marketed, of canola in 2016, and an overall increase in grain marketing in 2017 as the large crop harvested last fall works its way through the grain marketing system. Most indicators suggest a continuing positive economic situation for the sector. A growing world population, increasing disposable incomes in developing nations and increasing trade in farm products present opportunities to further grow the Canadian agriculture sector. In the Canadian Agricultural Outlook, the report highlighted that net cash income in 2016 is estimated to experience a modest 2% annual decline to $14.8 billion. A decline of 7% to $13.8 billion is expected in 2017, however 2016 and 2017 are still expected to be the second and fourth best years on record, respectively. Livestock receipts in Canada are expected to decrease by 7% in 2016 to $23.9 billion as a result of downward pressure on North American red meat prices from growing meat supplies in the U.S. with a further decline of 4% for 2017. Crop receipts are expected to increase 2% to $32.6 billion in 2016, and increase by a further 1% to $32.9 billion in 2017. With lower market receipts anticipated in both forecast years, program payments are expected to make up some of the shortfall, increasing by 24% in 2016 to $2.6 billion, and by a further 22% in 2017 to reach $3.2 billion. Farm operating expenses are forecast to decline by about 1% in 2016, to $44.2 billion, and increase by 2% in 2017 to $45.1 billion. The net worth of the average farm is expected to increase, reaching $2.8 million in 2017.
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February 24, 2017
Manitoba to Ease Building Codes and Permitting Burdens By Harry Siemens For some time now, the hog industry in Manitoba has worked extremely hard to expand the industry. Now there is news from the Manitoba government that changes are coming to streamline and make it easier to apply for a construction permit. Ralph Eichler, Manitoba’s Agriculture Minister said announcements will happen soon. In April 2015, to facilitate the construction of new swine production capacity to address a shortfall of pigs for processing, the Manitoba government introduced the Pig Production Special Pilot Project Evaluation Protocol. The program was designed to allow new hog barn construction based on 11 new conditions; however, a key obstacle has been the complicated approval process, which requires upwards of a year to complete. Manitoba Pork has applauded the provincial government’s Red Tape Reduction Strategy as it lobbies the province for a streamlining of the process for approving new construction permits. Eichler told reporters at a news conference in Brandon at Ag Days the province is working with Manitoba’s pork industry to address the situation. “One thing you have to learn about any process is you’ve got to make sure you maintain the public trust so, if you’re not going to be coming with us, you’re going to be part of the prob-
lem. When you look at any process, let’s make sure we get it right,” he said. “Of course we’ve been working with the Manitoba producers, the municipalities, talking to the investors to ensure that we do get it right. We have done a lot to date but we have not announced not yet, but stay tuned. Very soon you’ll see some major changes happening on that front.” Manitoba Pork would like to see the time it takes for the approval of new construction permits cut in half. Estimates show up to 1.2 million additional feeder pigs per year are currently needed to bring the province’s processing plants up to full capacity, which would require something in the neighbourhood of 100 new barns, depending on the size of the barns. Brian Pallister, Manitoba’s Premier said the onerous regulatory burden placed on agriculture is obstructing the ability to create economic opportunity and jobs. Pallister said the agriculture industry has a ton of potential in Manitoba and needs the support of all. “We know that the industry has the capacity to produce more, the processing industry has the additional unused capacity, and has had for some time. We know that the product is marketable and wanted,” said Pallister. “We know that these opportunities have been undiscovered for a long time and not solely because of regulatory constraints but
The Manitoba government is working hard at removing red tape burden to help the economy of the province.
that is one aspect that we need to have a look at.” He said Manitoba has perhaps the most onerous regulatory burden on any hog producers in the country. One could argue this has obstructed Manitoba from having a chance to create more jobs and more economic opportunity. “One of our principal points of initial focus with our red tape exercise is the value added Ag sector,” said Pallister. “We really think
that there’s potential for us to grow our economy in this area. It’s an area where we have not only some strong competitive advantages but we have just tremendous producers with capabilities that are second to none.” Pallister said agriculture is a key economic driver in Manitoba, “And if it’s a good year in farming, it’s a good year for everybody in the province.”
Ralph Eichler, Manitoba’s Agriculture Minister said announcements on the province’s plans to streamline the process for the approval of permits to construct new hog barns in Manitoba will happen soon.
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New Loan Program Available for Young Entrepreneurs Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) announced a new loan for young entrepreneurs in the agriculture retail, manufacturing and food processing sectors. The Young Entrepreneur Loan offers financing of up to $1 million per qualified applicant, under age 40 and can be used for the purchase or improvement of agriculture-related assets or the purchase of shares in an agriculture-related business, including those in the agri-food sector. This access to capital will allow these businesses to take advantage of new opportunities, grow the economy and create more middle class jobs. “The Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector needs more young people to get engaged, because they bring the energy and innovative ways of thinking that grow the sector and keep it on the cutting-edge,” said MacAu-
lay to an audience of high school students and industry professionals at the Canada Agriculture Day celebration in Ottawa. “Through the Young Entrepreneur and Young Farmer Loans, FCC is improving access to capital so that young Canadian farmers and entrepreneurs can start and grow their businesses, and pursue their dreams in this dynamic industry,” said MacAulay. “From production to food processing and retail, Canada’s agriculture industry needs the ideas, passion and energy of our young people. And as they enter into this dynamic industry, FCC is committed to helping them succeed,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC President and CEO. “By providing specialized loans for young farmers and entrepreneurs, we are helping the next generation get established and contribute to Canada achieving its full potential as a leading food sup-
plier worldwide.” The Young Entrepreneur Loan has a 25 per cent minimum down payment requirement, custom variable and five-year fixed rates. Similar to the Young Farmer Loan, which was introduced in 2012 and enhanced last December, there are no processing fees. In 2015-16, FCC approved more than $2.6 billion in financing to farmers and entrepreneurs under age 40. The Young Entrepreneur Loan complements FCC’s suite of existing products and services that support young producers, such as the FCC Transition Loan, FCC Ag Knowledge Exchange events, FCC Publications, FCC on Campus, and FCC Management Software for both accounting and field management. For more information on the FCC Young Entrepreneur Loan, visit fcc.ca/youngentrepreneurloan or producers can call the local FCC office at 1-800-387-3232.
It’s No Bull – Ducks Unlimited Canada Celebrates Agriculture For almost 80 years, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has not only partnered with hard working farmers and ranchers across the country, it has also played a substantial role in shaping Canada’s agricultural industry. On February 16, Canada’s Agriculture Day, DUC celebrated this long history of supporting producers’ sustainability goals. “Partnering with those who produce our food is a part of who we are, ever since we began in 1938. In those early years, we worked alongside farmers and ranchers during the difficult times of the drought to put water back on the land, not only to benefit the crops and animals under their care, but to also safeguard our natural areas and the many benefits they provide Canadians,” said Paul Thoroughgood, Regional Agrologist for Prairie Canada. “Nearly 80 years later, these partnerships have continued, have grown, and have benefitted agriculture and conservation alike.” One of the ways DUC partners as “agvocates” is as the newest member of Agriculture More Than Ever, an initiative that encourages people within the agriculture community to promote Canadian farming. DUC is celebrating by taking the opportunity to tell their story about how they work with the industry. DUC also works with individual family farms to implement best management practices on their land. Their professional agronomists help
farmers with their production decisions. A pragmatic partner on the landscape, DUC is often the only environmental non-government organization asked to sit at the table with agricultural leaders and has led many innovative farm production movements. Science at the heart of innovation, especially during years of drought and increased soil degradation in the mid-1980s, DUC was a key participant in the no-tillage effort and owned some of the first reduced tillage equipment. With substantial research backing this decision to increase soil health, many producers have since adopted no-till practices across the country. In improved cropping options for more than 20 years, DUC has played a leadership role in winter wheat extension, supporting plant breeding and agronomy research in western Canada. A former DUC employee, Lee Moats, even has a variety named after him in recognition for his advocacy of the crop. To beef up support DUC advocates for a strong and viable Canadian beef industry. During times of extreme drought and flooding, DUC opens its land to farmers and ranchers to help feed their livestock during feed shortages and offers incentives to convert cultivated land back into perennial cover. Recently hiring a new beef specialist, DUC has increased its support of the Canadian beef industry and
its members. “As the agriculture industry evolves and changes so do we,” said Thoroughgood. “We’re excited about our role and engagement in the sustainability movement across Canada. Just as notill changed how we manage soil, we believe that science is pointing us toward the importance of keeping water on the landscape. This is a vital step forward as we help shape sustainable agriculture for the next 150 years.” DUC participates in all areas of the agricultural industry, from working with governments and industry leaders to individual farmers and ranchers. With science as its cornerstone, DUC and its many industry partners have a shared vision for agricultural sustainability in Canada. A key component of this vision sees Canadian agriculture doing its share to meet the growing demand for agricultural products on the existing land base by implementing sustainable intensification. This production paradigm seeks to maximize the units of output per unit of input on our existing land base while protecting areas not under production.
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Manitoba’s Young Outstanding Farmers to Compete Nationally By Harry Siemens This past week Canada celebrated Canadian Agriculture Day and as part of those celebrations, Manitoba and Canada recognized the country’s young farmers. The announcement of Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for 2017 will be made at the Manitoba OYF annual banquet Saturday, March 4, at the Elk Horn Resort, Onanole, Manitoba. This year’s two nominee couples include Clint and Shannon Desjardins of Laurier, and Brent and Kirsty Oswald of Steinbach. One couple will go on to compete and represent Manitoba at the nationals. Each couple completed a lengthy nomination form and will appear before a panel of judges before the final announcement. The winner will then go on to compete at the National
Nominated for Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2017, Clint and Shannon Desjardins of Laurier, Manitoba know that there is a life work balance that is needed while running their farm and raising their children.
Brent and Kirsten Oswald of Steinbach, Manitoba are nominees for Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2017 and are passionate about farming while raising their children in a lifestyle that is second to none.
level this November. Celebrating 37 years of identifying great agricultural successes, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year. The program is sponsored nationally by CIBC, John Deere, Bayer CropScience, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Clinton Desjardins grew up on his family ranch in Laurier and is the third generation to own and operate the ranch. His Grandpa, Tony ran 35 horned Hereford cows, and then his dad Alexis ran 60 commercial cross cows. Clint, knowing that there is power in numbers, knew to be sustainable and profitable he would have to grow the ranch into what it is today as Cattle Drive Ranch Inc. Now, the Ranch consists of 800 mother cows and 40 bulls. In 2005 when Clint and Shannon got married, they owned 160 acres and have since bought the family ranch and two other ranches bringing the total size to 1,800 acres of private land and over 24,000 acres of Crown lease which is used for summer grazing. “We grow 400 acres of corn, 400 acres of barley for silage and 160 acres of hay,” said the couple Shannon grew up in the town of Ste. Rose, where she worked in her father’s small engine repair shop doing the bookkeeping. She graduated from high school and went on to college getting a diploma in accounting, making that a huge asset to the ranch as raising good cattle and growing good crops is only part of today’s ranching. Shannon quickly learned what it took to be a rancher’s wife when Clint went out to work in the oil patch for five winters. She had to feed the cows when Clint was off working in Alberta making extra money to grow the ranch and pay bills. “We, along with our children Alexa and Brook-
lyn know that if you want to be successful, you have to work hard and put in long hours,” said Clint. It is also important to the Desjardins to know that there is a life work balance. Alexa and Brooklyn learned a saying from their dad that is repeated daily. “You take care of your cows and they will take care of you.” Brent Oswald 34 years old married Kirsty in August 2006 and have two children, Taylor who is eight, and Brenden who is six. Brent is the Vice President of Cottonwood Holsteins Ltd. “The original farm was homesteaded by my grandparents in the early 1930s. My parents, Edwood and Gwen Oswald, purchased the farm from my grandparents in 1968. On May 31, 2008, my parents and I completed a succession plan and performed an estate freeze. At that point we issued new common shares, of which I have total ownership of,” he said. “Cottonwood Holsteins is a mixed dairy and grain farm. We are milking 135 cows in three Delaval robots, and grain farm just shy of 2,500 acres. As my parents have phased out of the day to day activities, an increased emphasis on investing in equipment to boost efficiencies has become a major focus.” Brent said his focus is always to get better before bigger. “Because of this attention to detail we are routinely weighing off corn trials at 200 plus bushels per acre. This year we almost managed to hit 70 bushels of soybeans, weighing off a variety at 66.9 bushels per acre. On the dairy side, we had a cow produce 96.22 litres of milk in one day, her daily average was over 90 litres per day for a span of three weeks,” he said. “It is these advances, and new benchmarks that we are achieving that keep the passion for farming in me burning strong.” Brent knew from a very young age that all he ever wanted to do was farm. “I look forward to the rest of my farming career, enjoying it while raising my children in the lifestyle that is second to none,” said Brent.
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Interest in Oats on the Rise By Les Kletke Dillion Wiebe believes that the increase in oat acres for 2017 will be more than a one shot wonder so much so that he is planning to produce some seed oats for sale in 2018. “That is part of the business,” he said. “You have to have seed ready for this year but you have to be ready for what guys are going to want the following year. That is why we keep out rotation fairly stable.” The oat’s swing will be a small percentage of the 2,500 acres that Dillion and his uncle Lloyd farm. They are partners in the seed business and the work in the business is allowing him to build equity in the farm that is just west of Altona. Wiebe believes there are a number of factors contributing to increased interest in oats for 2017 one being the improvement in varieties. “We have seen better varieties that have a short straw and allow for a better nutrient package as well as having a good disease resistance package,” he noted. “There were some quality issues with the wheat crop this year and that has increased the interest in oats. We believe it will last longer than just this year.” The farm, which has about 75% of its acreage
in pedigree seed production, will also see some of those acres dedicated to barley and wheat. “We don’t vary a lot but we do have some swing acres.” The non-seed acres on the farm are dedicated to corn and canola. “We sell corn seed for two companies and we like to grow the varieties we sell so that we are familiar with the product,” said Wiebe. “It has also provided a good return for us, and this year the yields were fantastic in our area.” The farm is also going back to producing some seed peas. “The peas were doing well until things got wet,” he said. “But we think there will be some pea acres for the next couple of years.” Things did get wet in the Altona area and Wiebe said the long fall was beneficial in allowing them to get fieldwork done and some fertilizer applied. “We probably got about 90% of what we wanted done, and we did get some fertilizer on,” he said. “We are a bit behind but not nearly what it looked like in October. He is concerned with wet conditions during last year’s freeze up and with the amount of snow still on fields; he sees a wet spring. Wiebe has also noticed that seeding plans have switched throughout the winter months. “Guys are changing their seeding plans as they go,” he added.
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NYK Cattle Company Named 2016 Purebred Angus Breeder of the Year By Joan Airey Cameron and Kaitlin Nykoliation operate NKY Cattle Company along with their daughters Madison and Rylee around the Douglas Marsh area ten miles east of Brandon. Their herd consists of purebred Black Angus, Limousin and Lim-Flex
cows. Cameron is Director on the Manitoba Angus Board as well as head of the Communications board and Gold Show committee. Beginning in 2010, they purchased their first Angus females from the Mountainview Farm dispersal. Now their herd has grown with
additions from Cameron’s parents herd N7 Stock Farm and various consignment sale and dispersals. “Our herd has been built with a focus on maternal traits such as feet, udder structure, fleshing ability and fertility. Cattle are selected to fit a low maintenance program while still maintaining the traditional Angus appearance that the breed has been so well known for,” said Cameron. “Bulls are sold by private treaty annually starting in January; we market our females the same way. Plus we consign to the Keystone Klassic each fall.”
Kaitlin, Rylee, Cameron and Madison Nykoliation 2016Purbred Angus Breeder of the Year. Photo courtesy Nykolation family
Cameron and Kaitlin both grew up showing cattle. The couple focuses on mentoring youth in the beef industry and judge numerous 4-H and Junior shows in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. They also take enthusiastic youth with them to shows. “In 2012, NKY Cattle Company started hosting the Princess of the Marsh Jackpot Heifer Futurity at the farm near Douglas each September. The show has grown since its beginning to over one hundred head participating in 2016,” said Cameron. “Over six thousand dollars in cash and prizes were given out in 2016. The show encourages females to show first as calves, then yearlings and the third year to come back with their calves at side. We have had entries from across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We love been able to provide the venue for the friendly competition and fellowship within all breeds in the beef industry in Manitoba.”
Manitoba Outlook Shows More Soybeans and Fewer Fields Peas By Elmer Heinrichs Despite some concerns, Manitoba farmers are looking at growing as much as two million acres of soybeans in the coming year, says Manitoba Pulse Specialist Dennis Lange. Last year farmers planted almost 1.7 million acres of soybeans with yields averaging a record 42 bushels an acre. As for other pulse crops, Lange sees edible beans staying at around 110,000-120,000 acres, with field peas dropping
from 170,000 acres to about 100,000 acres after last summer’s wet season. As well, says Lange, growers may be planting some 9,000 acres of faba beans and perhaps 10,000 acres of lentils, down a bit from last year. An issue for western Canadian soybean growers is a lower protein bean, perhaps due to an early-maturing variety, and Lange hopes that good cropping rotations and new varieties coming on stream will address the matter.
Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) Chair Jason Voth said it was a mixed-bag for growers this past year with moisture creating problems in many parts of the province. Voth talked about the need to study and improve rotations, especially in the Red River Valley. “We don’t want to have a situation where you grow too many soybeans, and then you get disease or insects or some sort of pressure and you can’t grow soybeans again. We need to work with all
the other groups to find out what crops in our rotation are the best crops for the whole farm.” The group is also supportive of efforts to establish a soybean crushing facility in Manitoba, however, says Voth, “It shouldn’t be at growers’ expense. It must be a private company that makes the investment.” The recent announcement of a pea processing plant being built in Portage la Prairie is also seen as positive for the industry and the economy as a whole.
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Manitoba’s Beef Producer Organizations Partner Up
By Joan Airey
The Manitoba Beef Producer (MBP) partnered with The Young Cattlemen’s Council to hold the MBP Young Producer luncheon in early February 2017. The meeting was open to all attendees of the MBP AGM, but geared towards young beef producers. “In my opinion the turnout at the luncheon was fantastic. Marty Seymour had a great message on public trust, the message was challenging and inspiring with great engagement of the crowd and while educating the producer.” said Brett McRae the President of the Young Cattlemen’s Council. McRae was elected President of the Young Cattlemen’s Council (YCC) in Calgary this past August in 2016. YCC is a national collective that links members of the cattle industry aged 18-35 years with industry news, policy, and sector organizations. “As a young producer involved in YCC it allows you to see what is going on beyond your own farm. You see what your check off dollars are used for, insight into trade deals and updates on research initiatives. In my opinion I think that it is really important for young producers to be in touch with this side of the industry.” said McRae. McRae farms with his parents and sister who operate Mar Mac Farms near Brandon where they raise purebred Angus and Simmental cattle. They also grow one thousand acres of grain and oil seeds. McRae graduated from Lakeland College with an agri-business diploma. In 2014, he entered the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program, mentored by Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranch. He has since completed the Ranching for Profit, Year Round Grazing System, Bud Williams Marketing and Stockman ship, and Holistic Management courses. McRae also does custom A.I. and bull clipping for shows and sales. There is no charge to join the Young Cattleman’s Council and you can join online at youngcattlemanscouncil.com. They also have a Facebook page you can check out for more information.
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Telling the Story Why and How Livestock are Raised By Harry Siemens Speaking at the Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg, recently Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at the University of California said the persistent red barn image of agriculture is misleading the public and needs dispelling if modern agriculture is to be free to meet the challenge of feeding the world. In only 40 years, the world’s population doubled and people say the population could increase by another 50 percent over the next 40 years. No wonder, HyLife founded in 1994 as a joint venture and has quickly grown to become Canada’s leading pork producer is producing 1.69 million hogs annually in Canada and the US and expanding. With $120 million, the company will add to its Neepawa pork processing plant, building a number of hog barns and a feed mill to meet the climbing demand for the company’s products in Japan and China. Without that expansion, the company will not be able to keep up with the current demand, let alone the demand from an expanding population. Dr. Mitloehner said to feed that growing population; agriculture must become and be allowed to become as efficient as possible. “I think we are on the right track with respect to how we produce livestock today but we’re not on the right track on how we communicate as to how we do it and why,” he said. “One of the stories that you hear out there is that in the 1950s and 1960s we had a much better agricultural production then. Everything was greener and therefore less environmentally harmful. The opposite is true.”
Dr. Mitloehner said farmers needed three to four times more animals to produce the same amount of food under conditions that were not welfare enhancing. “We had to tie animals onto equipment. We had to hand milk or hand raise animals. We had to, or we did put manure straight into the next stream to get rid of it. All of these things are unthinkable today,” he said. “We are a much more sustainable animal agriculture today than we were in the 1950s and 1960s but this red barn idyllic picture is in the heads of people.” “They think that’s what they want but I don’t think they know what that entails.” Dr. Mitloehner said the field of animal agriculture needs to step out of the cave and that they must really engage with a public who increasingly want to know how farmers produce animal protein and why. “There’s nothing to be hidden, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, people are proud and they should be but in order to stay in business they need to tell their story.” At the same conference, Dr. Candido Pomar, a Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said, “As the human demand for protein grows, it will become increasingly important for livestock producers to make
more efficient use of the nutrients fed to livestock.” As part of research being conducted in partnership with Swine Innovation Porc, scientists are developing precision feeding strategies designed to provide each pig with the exact amount of nutrients necessary to optimize growth. Dr. Pomar said that, by tailoring rations to meet the specific nutritional needs of each pig, farmers would be able to reduce the total amount of nutrients provided to the herd by about 25 percent. “We are expecting, in the coming years, that we are going to be competing with human nutrition because the human population is growing more and more and also meat consumption is growing, particularly driven by China,” he said. “China’s consumption per capita is increasing very fast so it is not going to be too long that available protein has to be used for humans and animals so improving the efficiency is an essential element because otherwise we are going to be in competition with human nutrition and we can not be there.” He went on to say that with tailored nutritional content for each pig farmers will be able to cut production costs while also reducing the amount of nutrients excreted into the environment.
Hog producers from across the province attended a very successful Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg recently.
A Break Even Year for Manitoba Hog Producers By Harry Siemens Optimism radiated from the hog industry for two days in Winnipeg during the Manitoba Swine Seminar. That is despite some ominous clouds on the horizon surrounding trade deal negotiations and lower than anticipated hog prices due to US hog production increases. “Prices seem to be holding but profits in the US will be slim in 2017,” said Andrew Dickson, General Manager of Manitoba Pork. “But because of the Canadian exchange rate, our producers should be able to break even, and in some cases might even make some money, depending how they price their inputs and how they price their pig sales when they sell it off the farm.” Dickson in his address on the state of the hog industry said this year will be very critical in how hog producers tend to both ends of their business, inputs and sales and management practices from sow to finish. In an interview, he said producers must make sure they have a price margin that takes into account their fixed costs, which are about 93 percent for each pig. “The good news is that by the end of 2017 or early 2018 there is new processing capacity coming into play in the US,” said Dickson. “Hopefully that will peel off some of the pressure that is on the existing processing capacity and increasing demand from producers.” “The thing we have to worry about is pork exports because if you want the price in the North American market to go up, you have to get the pork out of North America and that will pull up the US domestic price,” said Dickson. “Exports are critical because the US exports 25 to 30 percent of their production. There are some unknowns about the American dollar going up or down relative to the other currencies.” He said more importantly, tearing up the Trans-Pacific Partnership was not good news for
At the Manitoba Swine Seminar, Manitoba Pork General Manager Andrew Dickson said tearing up the Trans-Pacific Partnership was not good news for the pig business.
the pig business. “It was going to open up markets for Canadians and Americans in profitable markets like Japan, Vietnam and so on,” said Dickson. “Then this discussion about NAFTA and maybe having to renegotiate NAFTA is very worrisome for us both in Canada and the US. It has been good for the two industries. Both industries have grown; in fact, trade has been so good where the Americans have captured something like 20 to 25 percent of our domestic market at the same time we may have captured 3, 4, or 5 percent of their domestic market. Of course their market is ten times bigger than ours.” Dickson said NAFTA is good on both sides of the border. They have cuts Canada is short of, and Canada has cuts that they may be short on. Provincially, Premier Brian Pallister’s government has provided a new atmosphere where they want to see the industry grow, to see more barns built, produce more pigs to fill up the processing plants and are looking at what can they do to help. The hog industry is happy to see government announce the changes to the Farm Building Code. “To a more sensible Farm Building Code that we can maybe reduce some of the costs to replace the barn infrastructure, maybe five to 10 percent but
it is helpful. Every little bit helps,” he said. “We’re also looking at some changes to the Environment Act, getting rid of the anaerobic digester ideas and streamlining this municipal planning process, still allowing for public input to where the industry will place these barns, but at the same time a more rational approach to developments.” Dickson said in other words, permitting livestock development in areas zoned for livestock development. “It can’t be a tossup every time as to whether they’ll permit a development or not. If you stand back, and look at the industry over the next ten years, we need to replace all of our buildings because most are getting 18 to 19 years old. They were designed for a lifespan of 25 years,” he said. “At some point we have to replace them and we’re looking at a $1.7 billion challenge.” Dickson agrees it is not as simple as ripping up the moratorium as it has some common sense planning going forward. “You don’t amend legislation lightly, we’re encouraging the government to not do it piecemeal, but part of a bigger package so that it all makes sense,” he said. “They understand that as well, not wanting to go back opening up pieces of legislation every time you find something that doesn’t quite work.”
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Old School Nutrition Works in Beef Cows After Calving By Peter Vitti Already, I know of a few producers that had a couple of sleepless nights checking upon their cows that are due to give birth. Most of them have told me that all has gone well, because their cows came through the winter in good shape and therefore well prepared for this year’s calving season. Moving forward, they now feed nutritious diets to their calved-out beef cows, which contain a higher plane of nutrition than those diets they fed during gestation. These post-partum diets help their cows produce lots of milk for new spring calves and return cows to good reproductive performance. Such post-partum beef cows require about 60 - 62% TDN (total digestible nutrients) and about 11 – 12% crude protein in their diet, by the time they are milking at their highest levels (re: 10 litres per day). First-calf heifers do not eat nor milk as well as older cows, but their dietary
concentrations are similar, because they need extra nutrients for growth. It is also important to keep in mind that all cows that calve out in February to April might use 20 – 30% more dietary energy just to keep warm, which supersedes above milk production and reproduction requirements. Not to be forgotten, essential cattle minerals (and A, D and E vitamins) should also be provided in post-partum cow diets, such as calcium, phosphorus and other essential macro-minerals. They largely compliment whatever mineral levels are found in forages fed after calving. In a similar fashion, trace mineral requirements of beef cows nearly doubles, since the start of the winter season, and respective bio-available sources of copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, cobalt and selenium must be fed. With these nutrient guidelines in mind, I asked a friend that runs a 150-beef cow operation in the Interlake region of Manitoba, how he specifi-
cally feeds and manages his cowherd after they calve in mid-March. First, he tells me that the main goal of his post-partum feeding program for his cows is to maintain their calving body condition score of 2.7 – 3.0 (1= thin to 5 = obese) for the next 80 – 90 days. It’s his foundation in order to have cows milk well, repair their reproductive tracts and almost assure that all of his cows and replacement heifers have at least one strong heat cycle before the start of this year’s breeding season. His subsequent post-partum feeding program is what he calls “old school nutrition”. Back in the early part of December, he segregated his 1,200 – 1,400 lb hay bales. Near the south side of an old barn, he stores bales of gestation hay; mostly fair quality grass hay. Across the road in a tree-lined field, he stores lactation bales; better quality hay (1/3 alfalfa and 2/3 timothy hay) for main post-partum cowherd and replacement heifers.
Currently, my friend rolls out the lactation bales at the rate of 30 – 40 lbs of hay per cow on a daily basis. He often supplements 3 – 4 lbs of ground barley, but admits he really doesn’t feed grain all the time, unless the weather gets really cold. In contrast, he is a big advocate of putting out loose “breeder cattle mineral” (with organic/chelated trace minerals and fortified levels of vitamins A, D and E) at the rate of 2 – 4 ounces per head, per day in tire-mounted mineral feeders along with blue cobalt-iodized salt blocks. Like many other beef producers, my friend is a costconscious beef cow-calf operator. He likes to budget out his feeding programs for his cattle. Example of his investment for this year’s postcalving diet: •35 lbs forage @ $40 /1200 lb bale = $1.17 • 3 lbs of barley @ $3.75 per bushel = $0.23 • 4 oz. of Breeder mineral @ $40 per 25kg bag = $0.18 Total per head = $1.58
As a result of this approximately $1.60 per head per day investment, my friend successfully maintains the BCS of his cowherd from calving to the breeding season. His cowherd’s conception rate by mid-June is around 95% in a 70-day calving/breeding season. Several university studies have confirmed my friend’s commitment of maintaining BCS from calving to the breeding season. Case-in-point: a two-year Oklahoma State University study illustrates two polarized BCS situations; beef cows that were fed to maintain body condition from calving until the beginning of the breeding season averaged 94% pregnant, while those that calved in similar body condition but lost nearly a full condition score were 73% re-bred. Regardless of my friend’s “old school nutrition” or the latter well-run university study; a good feeding program for beef cows after they calve comes down to
meeting their essential nutrient requirements, so they milk well and are ready for the upcoming breeding season. Success of these feeding efforts is measured with this year’s well-growing calves and the cows getting pregnant with another new calf.
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The McPhail Outfit Circa 1919
Among the photos donated to the Manitoba Agricultural Museum is a series of photos taken on the Archie McPhail farm northeast of Brandon sometime around 1919. The photo seen here shows the threshing machine in use by Archie McPhail and at the time, a wooden Sawyer Massey. The other photos seen in the series show the machine being powered by a Sawyer Massey 25-45 kerosene tractor, which was in production from 1911 to 1922. Given the tractor is fitted with an automotive type radiator not the tank type that early production 25-45 tractors were fitted with, it is likely that the outfit, tractor and threshing machine, were purchased sometime after 1912. Wooden threshing machines were obsolete by 1919 with the introduction of steel threshers that featured a steel frame to support the threshing mechanism and were covered with light galvanized steel sheathing. As can be seen here the wooden machines had a timber frame, which supported the mechanism with the sheathing, being thin tongue and groove boards about 3 inches in width. Wooden separators posed various problems such as being prone to rot, fire and the need for the machine to be stored
and operated in a level position to prevent the wooden frame from “racking” or being twisted which opened the joints and weakened the frame. Steel machines were not as prone to these problems and were capable of being abused with minor ill effects. For fire to destroy a steel machine, the machine would have had to be full of straw in order to create enough heat to buckle the frame. Sawyer Massey may have persisted with wooden machines for several reasons such as a better supply of quality wood in Canada such as red and white spruce, white oak, rock elm and so on which was available from Ontario forests. As well, Sawyer Massey may have no choice but to persist in manufacturing wooden separators after 1914 as the war would have absorbed all the steel that manufacturers were able to produce. As usual in these photos, there are some interesting details. Of particular note is the jackrabbit hanging from the rear of the machine. The crew obviously took an opportunity to get fresh rabbit for their supper. At the time, fresh meat was rare as there was limited refrigeration available on farms, usually consisting of an icehouse. Ice can only keep meat and
produce at a temperature just above freezing unless large amounts of salt were mixed with the ice. Generally, farmers did not do this due to the expense, labour involved and the problems of what to do with the salt water that resulted. While one could slaughter a beef or hog when a threshing crew was on farm, this was a labour intensive operation to be undertaken when there was all sorts of other work to be done. If there were a big, enough crew to be fed then the farmer would undertake a slaughter. In addition, in many areas a “beef ring” operated. A beef ring consisted of a number of families. An individual family slaughtered an animal once a week or so and then shared the meat with the other families in the ring. According to some accounts of beef ring operations, some rings featured beef breeds not common today. Instead, some novel genetics allowed the animal to consist of nothing but six front legs and a very long neck. Or at least the writers thought so as the meat was so tough. Food was prepared by the farmer’s wife and feeding three meals to a threshing crew was a major undertaking which would require not only the wife’s full attention but at least one helper, if not
more, in order to generate the volume of food needed for breakfast, lunch and supper. Some accounts of threshing operations mention crews quitting en mass as the food was not adequate in terms of quantity or quality. Bachelor farmers would be particularly hard pressed and so would need to hire a cook if one could be found. Given the number of men involved in a threshing crew, the cost of meals would have been substantial and many farmers would have been tempted to reduce costs where possible. However, in achieving economical meals,
the crew may rush the job to escape poor meals and move onto a job that perhaps featured better ones. However if the crew rushed by “crowding” the separator this then resulted in the machine throwing grain over. Grain thrown over would cost the farmer more than he saved with substandard meals. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the Manitoba Agricultural Museum has identified the top 150 artefacts in the collection. You can find this list in the
Museum website, visit the Museum to examine these artefacts and others in the collection and then give us your opinion as the top 150 artefacts! The staff and volunteers would love to see you in 2017! The Manitoba Agricultural Museum is open year round. Visitor information and events can be viewed on the website ag-museum.mb.ca.
The McPhail Sawyer Massey thresher in 1919 had to be routinely maintained by oiling the babbitt bearings in use at the time. Long spouted oilcans allowed the operators to remain as far away as possible from revolving parts although during the Pioneer era, missing fingers and limbs were common as result of farm machinery accidents.
Free Trade, Rural Canada and How to Keep Canada from Being Trumped Over the decades since the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and later, NAFTA, was signed, Canadian agriculture has undergone a significant shift. There was once a multitude of diverse local and regional economic drivers, but now we have a “one size fits all” export-driven, low-priced commodity production model. Farm capital needs have skyrocketed as illustrated by the massive $90 billion farm debt. Off-farm investors control more and more of Canada’s farmland. Production per farm, per acre and per worker continues to go up. That production became increasingly export and transport dependent as NAFTA-driven deregulation accelerated consolidation and transnational ownership of handling and processing facilities. Farmer numbers are ominously declining, yet governments, and most farm commodity groups and agri-business corporations remain euphoric over each signed trade agreement and growing exports.
What is missing in this picture is a few very sobering facts. The once mighty farmer cooperative handlers and processors have been dismantled and absorbed into a handful of transnational corporations. Eighty percent of Vancouver’s terminal capacity used to be owned and operated by prairie Pools. Now the private trade owns it all. With the Canadian Wheat Board gone there is no real economic participation by farmers beyond the farm gate, nor any referee to discipline the railroads. Prairie farmers, who once ran the majority of Canada’s grain industry, no longer have a direct connection to the customers and endusers that pay the real market value for their product. Under NAFTA, Canada’s regulatory system facilitated North American integration of pork and beef slaughter, processing and marketing at the expense of regional and local processors, marketers and the jobs they provided. Despite trade agreements, Canadian exports are still disadvantaged
due to transportation costs. Apart from supply management sectors and a brief spike after 2009, overall inflationadjusted net farm income is dismal. Farm communities across Canada are suffering from chronic economic decline. This was camouflaged by off-farm manufacturing jobs in central Canada and resource sector jobs in western Canada, but those jobs are no longer easy to get. The decline of Canada’s rural economy is not often discussed, but four decades of loss of elevators, rail service, machinery dealerships, manufacturing, processing, input suppliers, essential community services and retailing outlets has steadily diminished the quality of rural life. Government cutbacks to agricultural research facilities, public plant breeding, the PFRA and government extension services have further aggravated prospects. The decline of rural Canada is stark and given little attention compared to the rural quality of life in other devel-
oped countries. Canada’s growing dependence on food imports is another sobering fact. We can grow many of these products, but have lost our own market because trade agreements help integrated food companies operate across borders, depressing prices for producers while controlling the consumer price. Trade agreements also reward over-processing of foods by substituting basic ingredients with cheaper fats, vegetable oils, soy lecithin, cornstarch, fructose and modified milk ingredients, hence North America’s infamous over-consumption of processed foods. If free trade facilitates efficiency, as claimed, why is the spread between prices at the farm gate and the grocery store constantly getting larger? President Trump vilifies Mexico for the loss of US jobs, but fails to mention the American companies that flocked to the Mexican maquiladoras to take advantage of low labour and environmental standards. NAFTA allowed the US to
By Jan Slomp
flood Mexico with its heavily subsidized corn, pork, chicken, beef and dairy, destroying the livelihoods of millions of Mexican farmers. Many subsequently migrated (often illegally) to become super-exploited labour in American fields, factories and meat packing plants. President Trump will likely find reasons to reject Canadian product coming across the border, so it is very important that Prime Minister Trudeau is prepared for the worst and applies the utmost diplomacy in dealing with the Trump administration. It is important to understand that NAFTA was never the golden egg its promoters pretended it to be, and neither are the other free trade agreements signed since. NAFTA has caused a lot of damage to the Canadian rural economy and President Trump is likely going to add more trouble. The last thing rural Canada needs
is more give-aways to the US in an attempt to persuade the Americans not to back out of the deal. It is time for our Prime Minister to stop trading away the livelihoods of Canadian farmers and to start repairing the damage these deals have done so our domestic and international markets can function in a way that will make farming profitable again. The decline of the Canadian rural economy must be turned around. If Prime Minister Trudeau wants to prevent the election of a Trump-like Canadian leader in three years, he will have to start fixing things in rural Canada. We need an agenda for agriculture that makes rural quality of life and viable family farms the priority. Jan Slomp is President of the National Farmers Union. He farms near Courtenay, BC.
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SPECIAL FEATURE SECTION
Did you know?
Agriculture is a big deal. Canada is the fifth largest agricultural exporter in the world and Canadian farmers are world leaders in quality food production. But did you know that an average of 84 Canadians are killed each year in agriculture related incidents? We need this to stop. Canada needs farmers to be safe and secure so they can continue to grow quality food for a growing world. Did you know you can make a difference on your farm? Create a plan, one that makes safety the top priority on your farming operation. After all, world leaders deserve to have the safest and most productive farms possible. This Canadian Ag Safety Week, take the time to make a commitment to your farm, your family and yourself. For more information on building a farm safety plan, visit agsafetyweek.ca.
Advocating Farm Safety is a Priority Continued from Page 1... Botterill applauds any demonstration that can fight that tendency. He hopes the BeGrainSafe program will leave a lasting impression that could prevent other tragedies. He said he would consider their efforts a great success if they would, “Show farmers ways that might be safer, and the ramifications of some of their decisions, before they learn them the hard way.� After seven people lost their lives in grain entrapment related incidents in 2015, making farm safety more appealing to adults has emerged as an important undertaking.
Ag Days Board Members have decided to make Farm Safety a priority at the show in Brandon. Front row (from left): Sharon Ardron, Kristen Phillips, Andrea Guthrie, Rejean Picard, Roy Arnott and Dustin Williams. Back row (from left): Scott Perkin, Greg Setter, Craig Davidson, Christine Roskos, Ernie Sirski, David Laudin, Todd Botterill, Brad Crammond and Blake Nestibo. Missing: Stephanie Cruickshanks and Hannah Minshull.
Todd Botterill, an Ag Days Board Member, lost his father in 2009 in a grain entrapment.
The AgriPost
Make a Commitment to Your Farm this Canadian Ag Safety Week This March, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is celebrating Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW). This is the second year of the “Be an AgSafe Family” theme. In 2017, CASW is “Appealing to Adults”. What does that mean? Appealing to Adults? Well, statistics tell us that each year approximately 85 Canadians are killed in an agriculturerelated incident. These statistics, made available through the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting, give us a snapshot of what’s killing our farmers. Runovers, rollovers and being pinned or struck are the top way Canadians are dying on farms. What does a death of a farmer mean? How does this impact the farm? The family? The community? The nation?
First, the death of a family member is horrific. The world stops. Grief, anger, and sadness all set in. Hearts are broken and relationships are ended in an instant. This is the real emotional impact of the loss. For your family, your death means losing a little of themselves. It means missing those big moments. Weddings, births and graduations. It also means missing those little moments. Morning coffee around the kitchen table, truck rides to check the crops, and laughter around a bonfire. The emotional impact of a death due to a farmrelated incident has real consequences for the people left behind. Second, to your farm, your death could mean the end of your operation. Dollar-wise, the estimated economic impact to the farm is around $275,000. Can your farm absorb that kind of economic impact? Do you have almost
$300k in the bank, in cash, to cover the cost of your death? Then what? Do you have a plan in place in case the unthinkable happens? Who takes your crop off? Who fixes your machines? Who plans the future of your farm? The cost of a death due to an agriculture-related incident does not stop there at the gates of the farm. Canada also suffers when a farmer is lost due to an agriculture-related injury. Agriculture is a major driver in the Canadian economy. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in 2013 the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system generated $106.9 billion. Thriving, safe and healthy Canadian farms are a vital part of these exports. So what can we do? There is great news! Unintentional agriculture-related farm fatalities are preventable. This CASW, make a commitment
to your farm, your family and yourself. Start by developing a general policy for safety and health on your farm. Decide what your health and safety philosophy is. Talk about what the objectives are for keeping your farm safe. Share your commitment to preventing injury and illness. This is this first step in developing an overall farm safety and health plan for your operation. Visit agsafetyweek.ca and check out the resources. You’ll find a template to develop your very own general policy statement, toolbox talks and more. This Canadian Ag Safety Week, make a commitment to keep your farm a safe place to live, work and visit.
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Taking a Bite Out of Red Tape By Shannon Martin Whether you call it red tape, regulation or government rules, it is a source of frustration for everyone involved. Whether it is the businessperson, Ag producer, and homeowner or not for profit, there is always government red tape to address. The name itself, red tape, refers to the historical practice of bureaucrats rolling up and tying the King’s decrees with a red bow as part of their storage. Computers somehow haven’t made much of a difference either, instead we are now inundated with virtual red tape. Our provincial government has made a commitment to reduce the amount of red tape facing Manitobans. As a first step in that commitment we have struck a Red Tape Reduction Task Force of which I have been named Co-Chair. It includes representatives from a range of businesses, organizations and industries, to identify excessive regulations that hurt the competitiveness of Manitoba companies and degrade the services provided by non-profit agencies. Reporting to the Minister of Finance, the task force will develop and recommend solutions to remove the overbearing regulations and to eliminate unnecessary red tape. Consultations with stakeholders began in January and recommendations with an action plan will be developed this coming spring. Full implementation of the recommendations is expected by May 2018. Under the NDP Manitoba was ranked last among all the provinces in measurements of regulatory accountability, according to the CFIB, which gave our province an ‘F’ on its 2016 red tape report card. Manitoba has no system to measure regulations, no constraints on expansion of regulatory requirements and no legislation to ensure accountability. This has to change. Manitoba businesses and nonprofit organizations need their government to work with them so they can succeed and create quality jobs, rather than use needless regulations to hold them back. Employers across our
province have long called for a more transparent, effective and efficient regulatory environment. Our government’s task force will use an accountable process to eliminate red tape and make Manitoba more prosperous. The biggest challenge facing any red tape review is where to begin. You can quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer volume and despite your best efforts you may end up drowning. There is an old saying, “When eating an elephant take one bite at a time.” By focusing, as a first step, on four sectors: agriculture, land development, transportation and nonprofits I believe we can take a large bite. We have already started taking action on some of the issues that were identified to our committee. For example, on the transportation file, we announced plans to increase the weight allowances for trucks, as Manitoba was the only province in Canada that restricted the 24,000 kg maximum weight allowance for medium spread tridem trailer axle groups. On the agriculture file, we heard clearly from the livestock sector concerns about some of the regulatory requirements related to the construction of farm buildings. Specifically we will establish a “low human occupancy” building classification among other key changes that will make us more competitive. There is more to do, that much is evident based on our conversations with 12 agricultural groups held recently during Ag Days at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. But we are trying to show our agricultural sector that we are aware of the many regulatory issues they face, and we are prepared to work together to remove unnecessary regulatory requirements. Shannon Martin is MLA for Morris and Co-chair Red Tape Reduction Committee.
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Ag Learning Centre to Connect the Next Generation to the Land By Elmer Heinrichs Farming is always changing and now a Manitoba school division is planning to build a $6 million agricultural learning centre, beginning this summer. The Seven Oaks School division is planning to build a state-of-the-art farm themed centre on 50 acres in the RM of West St. Paul.
It seems it all stems from one educator’s idea to teach his class where food comes from. It began when teacher Simon Hon at Amber Trails School tore up a chunk of sod in front of the school near Garden City and got middle year students growing kale, Swiss chard, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and beets, in large quantities. An organic gardener for 13 years, Hon was a grower with the Landless Farm-
er’s Collective from which people bought shares in exchange for weekly deliveries of produce. He did the same with kids at Amber Trails, with parents buying shares of their kids’ produce. Hon’s kids got so into gardening that they volunteered to weed, water and harvest vegetables through their summer holidays. New construction will include a 25,000 squarefoot building and an out-
door classroom. It will have sprawling vegetable gardens, with plans for a nursery to grow trees for replanting on school grounds for shade trees. A barn and a corral are part of the plans in hopes of eventually housing animals. Also planned is an indigenous garden with crops, such as squash, beans and corn, which indigenous people grew well before the Europeans arrived.
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Controlling Hairy Heel Warts in Dairy Cattle Since the new year, I have travelled to many dairy farms across western Canada and conducted a personal survey about lameness in dairy cattle. At each visit, I asked producers; “What was their biggest cause of hoof problems?” Almost unanimously, their answer was “Hairy Heel Warts!” This is no surprise to me, since multiple surveys conducted over the last few decades, mapped its spread across North American dairy farms. Fortunately, early detection, constant vigilance and prevention are the key to controlling this major hoof disease. Hairy heel wart, also known as strawberry foot disease is
a digital dermatitis, which affects the heel tissues above and proximal to the meeting of the hoof claws (interdigital space). It’s a rather insidious virus, specifically a bacterium in the spirochete family called treponema. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly to susceptible animals such as dairy cattle around calving, first-calf replacement heifers and malnourished cattle. Interestingly, some infected cattle do not show clinical lesions, yet are contagious carriers often to break with disease later on, when they become stressed. Wet conditions and poor manure sanitation plays a significant role in its spread
throughout the dairy barn. The accompanied photograph is an actual picture of a cow with hairy heel warts taken by a dairy producer and good friend of mine. This is no a stock-photo. Upon close inspection of this cow’s hoof, it illustrates the early stages of hairy heel warts, which is literarily a raw hole, prone to bleeding when broken open (strawberry warts). As these growths mature, they become larger (2 cm) lesions with hair-like projections giving hairy heel wart its name. Needless-to-say hairy heel warts are an extremely painful condition for dairy cattle, which affects hind hooves in
Agriculture: My Journey So Far By Brenna Mahoney
If you had told me in high school or even university that I would be working in the agricultural industry, I would have laughed and shaken my head. A short while ago, I was managing a law firm and living in downtown Vancouver, worrying more about rain boots and labour law than winter coats and cereal crops. Here I am though, living in Winnipeg and working for Cereals Canada as the Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations. The journey to get here has been an interesting one, personally and professionally. I am pleased to report I have never been happier or more proud to be where I am. Working in a communications role, I am constantly hearing about what has led people into this diverse industry. Each story is unique and highlights the mosaic that is the Canadian agricultural industry; I am excited that I can now share my story. One of the first things I did when I began my career at Cereals Canada is sit down with the organizations that I would be working with regularly. The Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) and the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) were the first stops that I made. Every single person who I met on those tours were passionate, intelligent and eager to share their story, insights, and most of all to advocate for Canadian agriculture or in other words,
“agvocate”. For the first time in my life, I was surrounded by people that loved what they did. I have worked in the textiles industry and as a human resource manager. Let me tell you now. genuine happiness in work is rare indeed. On my way back to the Cereals Canada office, I had an epiphany, “Brenna, I think you have found where you belong!” Since that day, I strive to grow and learn everything I can, as fast as I can. I have dubbed myself the agriculture sponge, seeking out any opportunity I can to ask questions, listen and most of all learn everything I can. So, this is what I have learned so far. Agriculture is a dynamic and innovative industry that consistently aims for improvement, year after year. There is a strong motivation to be sustainable and better serve our customers while remaining profitable, three very good reasons to continually invest in better technologies and methods to achieve desired results throughout the value chain. Collaboration is essential to the success of our industry. I am fortunate that I get to work for a national organization that represents the entire cereals value chain. On a daily basis, I get to see the level of collaboration and investment that is being made across the industry, such as the New Crop Missions where technical experts, exporters, producers and industry leaders speak with our foreign customers on behalf of Canadian wheat. Producers are leaders in this industry. This isn’t just about government or industry partners; producers are indi-
viduals who are highly motivated to build sustainable and profitable farms that feed the world. Working the trade show scene, I get to meet and greet producers from a variety of regions, and each of them is eager to understand what is happening in the industry to benefit both their business and their foreign and domestic communities. Modern science-based agricultural practices are the best foundation of good health, for both the environment and me. When I want to buy a loaf of bread or some vegetables in the local grocery store, I now know that what I am getting is the best of the best. I don’t need to feel shame that it isn’t organic or part of the latest diet trend; I am getting something of the highest quality that is being produced by invested farmers that leverage the most technologically advanced tools to ensure their farms are profitable and sustainable for years to come. I think the biggest point of interest for me is that this is an industry that requires exponential growth of knowledge; there is always something new to learn and experience. As a comparatively younger member of this industry, how could I not be fascinated by a career that will keep feeding my hunger for change and variety? I see a bright future for myself in an increasingly uncertain world. Learning about how our food is grown, my health, technology, science and the overall investment of each member of this industry has captivated my imagination and made me passionate about agriculture. I cannot wait to see what I learn next. Brenna Mahoney is Cereals Canada Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations.
85% in confirmed cases. Dairy producers may first observe that afflicted cattle tend to walk on their toes, because the developing warts may also cause abnormal heel overgrowth. Such dairy cows also do not perform well. For example, a lame dairy cow with hairy heel warts in early lactation often has a reduction in milk production by 20 – 50%. It’s likely a matter that a lame lactating cow doesn’t want to go up to the feed-bunk in the place. As a result, dry matter intake (DMI) that provides dietary energy and other essential nutrients for otherwise good milk production is reduced. In some hairy wart cases, such a reduction in DMI may cause a severe negative energy balance; a rapid and abnormal breakdown of bodyfat to ultimately end in detrimental metabolic ketosis. Fortunately, I have witnessed that over the years, many hairy wart problems are successfully treated as they pop up in the lactating barn. Medicated soluble powder recommended by the herd’s veterinarian is often applied directly to the lesion and then the hoof is wrapped with an elastic bandage. In a few days, these once limping animals seem to be walking around and up to the feed bunk as if nothing ever happened. As a dairy nutritionist, I be-
lieve in preventative medicine against hairy heel warts, which in this case means making the dairy cows’ skin around the hooves, healthier and the hoof-horn, harder by nutritional means. A few years ago, I instructed a dairy producer to add 4 grams per head per day of zinc methionine to his lactation dairy premix, which in turn was added to his daily milking TMR. After 7 months of zinc addition, a successful reduction in general lameness including hairy heel warts was observed. Even the hoof-trimmer made the comment - the condition of the skin around the hooves and general hardness of the hooves in the cowherd had improved. Aside from this nutritional testimony in order to help combat hairy wart lameness, I am also an advocate in laying out good footbath protocols such as the bi-weekly use of running cows through a clean acidified copper or acidified copper-zinc sulphate bath. This routine can be tailor-made to one’s situation, which should help disinfect cowherd hooves, which in turn should prevent the spread of hairy warts. Such foot-care should be parallel with good sanitary barn conditions. I know of one producer who runs alley manure scrapers in his free-stall barn more frequently than most
people would normally practice. Another producer that I know, who operates a robotbarn, washes the concrete pad and metal grate under each milking station. In both cases, the lactating cows’ feet are notably cleaner and hairy heel warts are not much of a problem compared to my other barn visits. Whether it comes to turning on the scrapers or washing down the barn each day or even treating each hairy heel wart case as it pops up; dairy cows need our help when it comes to controlling hairy heel warts. Cows that are free of this disease should easily stand on their feet and go up to the bunk at their leisure. When they are able to eat their fill and without the pain of hairy heel warts, they are able to contribute to optimum milk performance.
Hairy heel wart
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February 24, 2017
The AgriPost