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A LUXURIOUS APPROACH

A TRUE MOUNTIE

Earning premiums starts with avoiding the commodity mindset » PG 3

Cattle thieves learned to fear Cpl. Dave Heaslip » PG 42 Publications Mail Agreement # 40069240

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It’s getting dry — is it time to worry?

No, says weather expert, but areas across the province are on Bruce Burnett’s watch list

By Alexis Kienlen and Jennifer Blair af staff

W

ith warm-weather records dropping like flies and bare fields drying out in parts of the province, is there trouble ahead?

Don’t worry yet, says Bruce Burnett, weather and crops specialist at the CWB. “I don’t think that this earlyspring weather means that we are necessarily headed for a drought,” Burnett said in a March 20 interview.

see DRY } page 6

Face the facts — trust trumps science for many consumers And the key to building trust, says expert Charlie Arnot, is to show that farmers are transparent and share the same values as consumers

By Alexis Kienlen af staff / leduc

W

hen it comes to talking about agriculture, a “just the facts” approach doesn’t cut it anymore.

Attitudes towards the food industry have changed and those in agriculture have to adopt new tactics to reach out to consumers, said Charlie Arnot of the Center for Food Integrity.

“People are fundamentally more skeptical about food than ever before, which is a great frustration to people in agriculture,” said Arnot, CEO of the American nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to building consumer confidence in the food system.

“We find ourselves in a different place today, which means we need to adopt some new strategies. We can’t continue to do the same things we did 10, 20 or 30 years ago and expect them to work in this rapidly changing environment.”

The Internet has changed how people learn about food, and controlling the message on this or any other topic is no longer possible, Arnot told attendees at a recent social licensing conference here.

TRUST } page 7

PHOto: thinkstock

SPRAY

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news » inside this week

inside » BASIC BIXS TO STAY FREE But new owners also want paying customers

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

livestock

crops

LESSEN THE STRESS

FINE TUNING FERTILITY

columNists Sylvain Charlebois

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Brenda Schoepp

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Inspired by the contribution of women

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS If GM alfalfa can be kept out of Western Canada

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How will consumers react to a GM apple?

Roy Lewis Measuring the pros and cons of remote weighing

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Are you leaving money on the table by skipping soil tests?

Evaluating a bull isn’t straightforward

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Improve performance with a sweet treat for your cattle — afternoon-cut forage Sugar concentration in forages peaks about 11 to 13 hours after sunrise — and can be as much as five per cent higher

By Jennifer Blair af staff

M

‘

ake hay while the sun shines’ is good advice in more ways than one, says a federal research sci-

entist.

“There’s fairly strong evidence that shows, by increasing the sugar concentration in forages, you can improve the performance of ruminants,” said Gilles Bélanger, who spoke during a recent Beef Cattle Research Council webinar.

“If you want to increase sugar concentration in your forage, the easiest thing to do is cut your forages in the afternoon.”

Cattle performance has been linked to how microbes function in the rumen, said Bélanger. And those microbes have a sweet tooth.

“The growth of the microbes depends on both the energy and the protein content of that forage,” he said. “If we increase the concentration of sugars in forages, we’ll have more energy available to the microbes.”

The maximum sugar concentration is reached toward the end of the afternoon, 11 to 13 hours after sunrise, Bélanger found.

“As you go through the day, there’s an increase in the total amount of sugars, and that increase comes mostly from the starch,” he said. “As the crop grows, it produces sugars faster than it can use them for its growth.”

And the gain can be substantial.

“The concentration of sugars can increase between two and four per cent — that is, it can go from six per cent in the morning to eight per cent at the end of the day — and the maximum is reached toward the end of the afternoon and early evening,” said Bélanger.

The afternoon-cut crop also maintained its sugar concentration longer than its morning-cut cousin even when left to lie in the field for a few days, he said.

“Throughout the wilting process, the difference in sugar concentration in p.m. and a.m. cutting was maintained so that at the

end of the wilting period, you still had that difference.”

But swathing reduced the sugar concentration, said Bélanger.

“Cutting alfalfa at the end of the day — between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. — without swathing is the best way to maximize sugar concentration in wilted forage.”

While the concentration of sugar was greater in some species, such as reed canary grass, all forages showed an increase when cut in the late afternoon — up to five per cent in some cases, said Bélanger.

“We did this research on a number of forage species that are widely grown in Canada, and for all the forage species that we had, there was an increase in sugar concentration with the p.m. cutting.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

“Cutting alfalfa at the end of the day — between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. — without swathing is the best way to maximize sugar concentration in wilted forage.”

Gilles Bélanger

You can please the palates of cows — and boost their feed performance — by cutting forages later in the day. Photo: Thinkstock

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Want to earn a premium? Then take a page from Rolex’s playbook Heritage Angus Beef became one of Canada’s largest specialty beef producers by positioning itself as a luxury product

By Jennifer Blair af staff / ponoka

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hat do BMWs and bison have in common? More than you might think, says the CEO of Heritage Angus Beef.

“Bison or high-end beef are no different than high-end Scotch or Grey Goose Vodka or a Rolex,” Christoph Weder said at the Wildrose Bison Convention earlier this month.

“Bison are not a commodity.

They’re a luxury product. Produce it with the mindset that you’re producing the Rolex of proteins.

“It’s about the story.”

The story of Heritage Angus Beef began around the time drought hit in 2002, when Weder was a cattle producer and Alberta Agriculture beef specialist near Camrose. After a visit to the Peace Country, where drought was less of an issue, Weder and his family packed up and headed north to Rycroft.

A week later, BSE was found on a farm down the road from his old operation.

So Weder decided he needed a differentiated product and began raising beef without added hormones or antibiotics.

“No one else was doing it at the time,” said Weder. “Everybody else was getting out of the beef industry, but we used it as an opportunity to expand and keep growing.”

Today, Heritage Angus Beef consists of more than a dozen ranches producing specialty beef with a long list of attributes: hormone and antibiotic free, GMO free, grass fed, environmentally friendly, Prairie Wise certified, Halal certified, verified, audited, and fully traceable.

“At Heritage Angus Beef, we’re more than beef,” said Weder. “We’re trying to build a luxury car that has all the bells and whistles.”

A lot of its beef is exported to highend markets in Europe and it also supplies Hero Certified Burgers, the popular high-end burger chain with more than 50 locations in Ontario.

Marketing matters

Most producers concentrate on production, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle, said Weder, who now ranches in Hudson’s Hope, B.C. “We focus so much on cost of production and finding ways to do things cheaper and faster,” he said.

“But there’s a whole other side of the equation that not a lot of focus has been done on, and that’s marketing.”

Premiums come from marketing your product as a luxury good, says Heritage Angus Beef CEO Christoph Weder (right), seen here at a Swiss food show for hotels and catering companies last year. pHOTO: yoUTUBE One of “the biggest downfalls in agriculture” is focusing entirely on the cost of production.

“We teach everybody ‘produce, produce, produce,’ but really, at the end of the day, we’re producing food products,” he said.

“We want to get paid for those food products, so we really need to know about and concentrate on marketing.”

At Heritage Angus Beef, Weder works to be “in the bottom 20 per cent on cost of production, but also in the top 20 per cent in marketing.”

“To continue in agriculture, it’s not just about lower cost of production. It’s also about getting higher value up the chain.”

The real deal

And producers need to build true value chains — “not ‘screw you’ chains,” he said.

“People talk about value chains, but really, it’s one guy screwing the other guy over half the time,” he said.

“You need to look at cost of production, return on investment, and reasonable profit — for everybody along the chain.”

Value chains “don’t stop at your farm gate,” said Weder. “You’ve got

“Beyond no hormones and no antibiotics, people want to know where their food comes from — what’s behind it, what’s done to it, who are the people that are raising it.”

Christoph Weder

to look at your partners down the road.

“If you think about doing a better job of selling your product and finding out who bought your product, you could really make a huge difference for your bottom line.”

But marketing has to be based on “real things, no smoke and mirrors,” he added.

“Beyond no hormones and no antibiotics, people want to know where their food comes from —

what’s behind it, what’s done to it, who are the people that are raising it,” he said.

The company lists its member ranches, most of which are in Alberta, on its website, which also details how its cattle are raised.

“One of the things that we have in agriculture is authenticity. Farmers and ranchers, believe it or not, are still well trusted by most people in the city.”

But livestock agriculture needs to

be worthy of that trust, by focusing on traceability, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, said Weder.

“When I go market beef, I can tell you where it came from, how it was raised, when this or that was done to it,” he said.

“You need to have standards of production and be prepared to do those things.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

EDITOR Glenn Cheater Phone: 780-919-2320 Email: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com twitter: @glenncheater

Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton 780-668-3121 Email: akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Non-browning apple will make for an interesting market study

Jennifer Blair, Red Deer 403-613-7573 Email: jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

CIRCULATION manager Heather Anderson Email: heather@fbcpublishing.com

Consumers are wary of genetically modified foods, but the Arctic apple offers them a tangible benefit

PRODUCTION director Shawna Gibson Email: shawna@fbcpublishing.com

Director of Sales Cory Bourdeaud’hui Email: cory@fbcpublishing.com

By Sylvain Charlebois

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national ADVERTISING SALES

t seems rotten apples may be on their way out. A genetically engineered nonbrowning apple, developed in Canada, called Arctic, has recently been approved for sale in Canada and the United States.

The regulatory bodies in both countries feel the product is safe for human consumption. With these apples projected to hit store shelves sometime in 2017, many are now wondering how consumers will respond to this new product. Innovation is certainly not new to the apple industry as consumers have had access to well over 7,000 varieties over the years. But this time, the very visible, non-browning feature makes this novelty an interesting market study.

Obviously, the Arctic apple is intrinsically linked to the whole debate on GMOs. Many consumers are wary of genetically modified seeds used by farmers in their fields, some question the virtues of industrialized farming and its so-called denaturalized model.

Though there is evidence that genetically modified seeds have made agriculture more efficient, skeptics remain.

But seeding, farming and biotechnology are all vague, remote concepts for many city slickers For many consumers, not just city dwellers, it is challenging to appreciate how genetic engineering serves them, not Arctic just agriculture. This time though, with the

Jack Meli Phone: 647-823-2300 Email: jack.meli@fbcpublishing.com

Local ADVERTISING sales Crystal McPeak Phone: 403-646-6211 or 403-360-3210 Email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

classified ADVERTISING SALES Sharon Komoski Phone: 1-888-413-3325 Fax: 204-944-5562 Email: sharon.komoski@fbcpublishing.com

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Associate PUBLISHER/ editorial director John Morriss Email: john.morriss@fbcpublishing.com

president Bob Willcox Glacier FarmMedia bwillcox@farmmedia.com 204-944-5751

The Alberta Farmer Express is published 26 times a year by Farm Business Communications.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Arctic apple, research is providing a product with a noticeable benefit consumers can bring home.

This is not to suggest it is guaranteed market success. It could go either way. The product could contribute to consumers gaining a new appreciation for the work being done to improve agricultural produce, and apple sales may increase. This would be a welcome result since Canadian apples sales have plateaued in recent years.

Consumption of apples in Canada per capita currently sits at around 11 kilos, a decent number given that only the banana exceeds our dearly beloved apple, but most apples are grown here, not bananas.

The sale of salads and sandwiches containing apple pieces may also increase as a result of this new non-browning feature.

These products could look more appealing for longer periods, meaning less food waste.

This could create a new market for apples.

Who hasn’t been guilty of throwing an apple away, at one time or another, when it’s become brown and repellant?

On the other hand, there is a potential risk that consumers who are categorically opposed to genetic engineering will avoid all apples, and the entire industry would be affected as a result. In 2012, a survey in B.C., where the apple was developed, suggested that 69 per cent of respondents were not comfortable with the non-browning phenom. Many describe GMOs essentially as the most potent cancer-causing agent in our food supply. Those are strong words indeed.

Consumers should realize that many genetically engineered produce are already sold in Canada. Currently, genetically engineered papayas, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, soybeans and squash are available for purchase. But of course, given that GMO labelling is voluntary in Canada, consumers are unaware of the status of their foods while visiting the produce aisle. With proper labelling rules in Canada, which would capture the essence of transparency and consumer education, there would be likely less uncertainty around the release of the Arctic apple.

In other words, food products with genetically engineered ingredients should be labelled, full stop.

Regardless of whether or not the rules change, many who care about that halfeaten apple left on the kitchen counter may be tempted to give this apple a try.

On a final — but no less interesting — note, the Canadian-designed apple was actually approved by the USDA before it got approved by Health Canada. This certainly speaks to how incredibly slow our system is in evaluating new food products, compared to the U.S. Things are getting better, but we need to get our act together if innovation in Canadian agri-food is to be fully embraced.

Sylvain Charlebois is professor in the College of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph.

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Trade agreements are only half the battle Push to make trade free and fair, but meanwhile assume it is neither Excerpts from testimony by Rory McAlpine, senior vice-president of government and industry relations, Maple Leaf Foods to the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, March 10.

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’m going to give you my three half-truths and three whole truths that emerge from this.

The first half-truth: Canada’s sector depends on exports, and success requires that we get the international market access priorities right. It’s true, but the whole truth is that business success in Canada’s agri-food sector is achieved by growing profitable, sustainable market share in domestic and export markets in the face of fierce global competition and constantly shifting market access barriers.

Getting the market access priorities right is only half the battle.

My second half-truth: Continued export success for Canada’s agri-food sector will be achieved by new trade agreements with priority markets. The whole truth?

Well, new trade agreements are a necessary but not sufficient condition for continued export success.

We also need world-leading trade capacity and competence both on the part of business and on the part of government.

Put simply, a new trade agreement, even one that gives Canada a potential first-mover advantage

like CETA (Canada-EU Trade Agreement) does, can set us off in a wonderful new direction, but only if we have gas in the tank. For business, this means we need competitive supply chains, including modern, world-scale plants. We need to have labour. We need competent financial institutions and so on.

In the government sector, we need highly competent trade institutions. They need to work closely with the domestic economic departments whose decisions directly impact our competitive situation. We need modern transportation and telecommunications. We need to knock down internal regulatory barriers that harm our competitive position.

Shooting yourself in the foot

I’ve mentioned how several of these factors affected our export activity in 2014. Most of them had nothing to do with trade agreements, trade missions or the press releases that go with them, but let me mention one that fits the classic definition of shooting yourself in the foot — the government’s overreaching reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Because of the government’s decisions, and despite a 10-year record of exceptional success in recruiting highly productive foreign workers and transitioning them to permanent residency, we

have today 150 job vacancies at our plant in Brandon. This means we have stopped exporting certain products to Asian markets, we have diverted labour away from the value-added activities that are most desired by our best customers, and we can no longer grow our chilled pork business to Japan. We may not be able to meet our export goals in China. Taking advantage of new trade agreements is out of the question.

And finally, my last half-truth: Winning new export market access should be the fundamental driver of Canada’s trade policy. Well, I would say the whole truth is that we need a sophisticated, strategic, hardball approach to trade policy, both offensive and defensive.

This mindset is particularly important in the multilateral context, particularly as the WTO shows no sign of progress and, in the TPP, it’s especially important as regards agriculture market access to Japan. If the U.S. were to secure better terms of access than Canada enjoys, and in the absence of a stand-alone Canada-Japan agreement with a most-favourednation clause such as Australia has concluded, 30 years of growing a highly profitable chilled pork business in Japan could be eliminated overnight for Maple Leaf Foods.

A further illustration of this third whole truth applies in dealing with

the U.S., or I’d say particularly with the U.S. Congress, in a bilateral free trade relationship that I believe needs a reset. It’s not a good feeling to be running a business in 2015, with dozens of trucks crossing a border daily between two countries that seem able to find common cause in fighting global terrorism but struggle to facilitate bilateral trade in pork bellies. It’s a sad feeling to actually imagine that retaliatory tariffs being applied to U.S. agri-food products could be here in a few months because of the U.S. refusal to withdraw its own version of a shoot-yourself-in-the-foot policy — mandatory COOL. In conclusion, Maple Leaf applauds the government for its ambitious trade agenda and for the tremendous support we get in confronting complex trade risks and opportunities that we face.

The incredible work of Minister Ritz is greatly appreciated, but we can never get complacent about our agri-food industry’s competitive position or its trade performance… we have a serious deficit now in our agri-food or processed food trade balance. It now sits at negative $6.8 billion. We were significantly in a surplus 10 years ago. We can do better by deploying trade policies aimed at making global agri-food free and fair while deploying tactics that assume it is neither.

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

In praise of those who make our lives and communities great We are all makers of history and symbols of hope, and the contribution of women is invaluable and inspiring

By Brenda Schoepp af columnist

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am writing this on the eve of International Women’s Day and as we near the celebration of the birth of my seventh granddaughter and remember the birth of her great-great-grandmother, Martha. I’m reflecting on women I know, and those whom I do not, who contribute to our societies and our future.

I am overcome with a sense of appreciation of all women in society. It is because of them that I am able to do what I do.

My schedule does not permit me to engage at the level that I desire. I am often absent, sitting in another airport, driving down a new road, or simply too tired to contribute at a high level to the community in which I live. There is a farm to run, books to do, travel to arrange, documents to read, and calls to return. I chose this life and will do the best I can — every day — but I am only a small part of the greater whole. And the greater whole is composed of the support of women around me.

My “not-so-secret” secret

sister Sonja is the one who calls to check in, buys flowers to brighten my day, bakes for me, and ensures that we always have the best deals from her shopping in our fridge. She listens with a caring ear and always attacks life with joy and energy. On those rare occasions that we can sit in her brightly lit home, I relax knowing I am in a safe place.

My long-suffering mom has made a noble attempt at domesticating me and in that quest has bought every gadget ever made for the kitchen.

Sadly for her, I would rather sort cattle. My kitchen does not know me.

Despite this inability to bake (which will be a lifelong affliction) she has taught me well and I know the value of preparation and keep a neat home, understand reuse and recycle, and am trained to select lovely fabric. In my younger years, she cared for my children and I have never heard her say that I could not do what I set out to achieve.

My neighbours have helped me with calving and feeding, flooded basements, downed power lines, and all the trials of the farm. The ladies surprise

me — you guessed it — with baking and other goodies. It seems that regardless of where we have lived, we often come home to bread, cakes, loaves and cookies. I am not a thin girl and these acts of kindness ensure I stay that way!

The generosity and unselfish giving of my friends is overwhelming. When they are not caring for my physical needs or rescuing me from some current disaster (including letting me use their new chainsaw), they are listening with openness and reply with candour and truth. My friends are a great strength and I am humbled to be associated with such resourceful and dedicated women.

I am also surrounded by women who I don’t know well, but whom I wish to honour in this column.

They are the nurses and doctors at our local hospital and the support staff at our efficient clinic. They are the ladies who take care of the church and the community hall, ensuring that families have a place of worship and play. I always appreciate the women who do the cooking for large crowds and co-ordinate

community events, clubs, and associations. This is a lot of work! They are just as busy, or more so, as I. They have children, farm work, careers and other obligations, and yet still have the time and energy to keep church and community events alive and enjoyable.

Volunteers amaze me because they give so much of themselves. Although I love to go to the seniors’ home and visit (there are indeed many amazing men and women there) I don’t do this enough.

I am grateful for those who do this on a regular schedule as their presence brings an appreciated light into the lives of those who need care or visitation, guidance or help, culture or outings. I congratulate women like my daughter who with an all-female volunteer team raised and then built a quarter-million-dollar playground for their school and the surrounding community, ensuring all ages and abilities had access to play. We would not be the communities of caring, loving people that we are without all these volunteers.

Statistically, we know women own the majority of small and medium-size busi-

nesses and are huge contributors to economic stability in Canada. They are also CEOs and corporate owners, photographers, artists, scientists, ranchers, farmers, accountants, homemakers, lawyers, and much more. They are wives, daughters, sisters and grandmothers. With such a diversity of interest and talents, our world is culturally and intellectually a better place. It is said that we are all makers of history and I believe we are all symbols of hope. I know as I watch the women around me I am inspired and grateful.

To all women who have gone ahead and paved the way to a better future; to women who are making our lives and communities great; and to those women of the future who will add to the stability, colour and culture, economy and prosperity of our country, I salute you. Thank you for making our world a better place.

Brenda Schoepp is a farmer from Alberta who works as an international mentor and motivational speaker. She can be contacted through her website www.brendaschoepp.com. All rights reserved. Brenda Schoepp 2014

A GMO by any other name The fallout from California’s ‘Prop 2’ would smell sweeter The terminology used to describe modern plant breeding gives it a bad name

By Sandi Knight

G

oogle reveals a plethora of ideas for “How to choose a name.” It has suggestions for your baby, your dog, your business, your blog, and more.

Have you ever wondered what the discussion would be around food and agriculture if plant scientists sought similar advice when naming genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

They’re immersed in science, their everyday field, and the terminology of their everyday language. “Transgenic plant breeding” and “biotech crops” are also used to describe the breeding methods, but the terminology has created fear, apprehension and misunderstanding for many consumers.

Even when people do not know what a GMO is they believe they should be feared and avoided. For an example, go to YouTube and search for “What’s a GMO?” the Jimmy Kimmel take on the subject.

So instead of technology moving forward to provide solutions to drought, famine and disease, it sits on a shelf while a heated public debate ensues.

But where would we be if a different name had been chosen?

GMOs are a precise extension of conventional plant breeding, changing only one to three genes instead of 10,000 to 800,000. It takes less than five years to develop a new variety as opposed to five to 30 years.

It is a straightforward, accurate, timely and effective process.

Humans have been manipulating plant genetics for more than 10,000 years but only recently

By Brad Brinkworth, Meristem Media

have breeding practices been called into question. Is it possible the name contributed to the skepticism?

Would have ‘precision plant breeding’ better suited the process? Would have it instilled confidence instead of fear?

Enthusiasm instead of activism? We will never know, but as the #farmtofood conversation continues to grow, perhaps we should re-examine the terminology we use and the names we choose.

If we are to bridge the gap between science, industry and consumer, care should be taken to ensure our language is building bridges of understanding not fences of fear. A name needs to be representative and descriptive but should also be clear and concise to all.

Sandi Knight farms near Macdonald, Man.

Now what?

That’s the question facing many both in and around livestock industry circles as California Proposition 2, the infamous animal welfare legislation, has finally been implemented. The legislation, first developed in 2008 and hotly debated since, targets veal crates, poultry cages, and sow gestation stalls.

There’s definitely a sense of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but many industry fears — ranging from the specific production changes to myriad ripple effects on logistics, branding and verification for the food system — have subsided, in part because of the long lead-up period that has allowed time to prepare for change.

One area where “Prop 2” is creating the greatest initial stir is the egg sector, where new space requirements for laying birds are nearly twice the previous standard. Most producers have made the switch but some are

lagging and that is creating supply issues.

The shift has been described as “a shock” that is “scrambling” the egg industry. Prices have risen sharply but early indications are consumers are willing to pay for the “welfare-enhanced” product.

The egg industry, like all major food production sectors, crosses state lines and it is difficult to implement a patchwork of stateby-state requirements. In the wake of Prop 2 and other similar state initiatives, there have been efforts in recent years by United Egg Producers to work with adversaries such as the Humane Society of the United States toward workable uniform national approaches. This has been lauded by some as forward thinking, while lambasted as a sellout by others.

Will these efforts be enough to help California producers make the transition toward a new, sustainable future? Advocates and critics on all sides of the debate will be watching closely in the months ahead.

From the NewStream farm animal care newsletter, www.meristem.com

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Off the front

DRY } from page 1 “I’m not going to jump out and say that 2015 is going to be a drought year because it’s a little bit early yet to establish what the dominant spring pattern is going to be in the Prairies. Just because we’re dry here in March, doesn’t mean that we’re going to see shortfalls in April and May as well, which certainly would raise alarm bells.”

While not having adequate moisture for germination is a worry, Burnett is looking deeper.

“Subsoil deficits are more concerning because they could really impact the yields if we go through a hot, dry period in the summertime,” he said. “Most of our summers do have one to three weeks of hot, dry weather that can cause stress to the crops.”

In southern Alberta, there’s “pretty good soil moisture going into spring,” said Ralph Wright, manager of Alberta Agriculture’s agro-meteorology division.

“It looks like south of Red Deer, most places are well above average for soil moisture for this time of year,” he said. The situation changes north of Edmonton, where soil moisture levels are below average.

“But generally speaking, we’re under above-average snow packs in those areas, so we don’t really know what soil moisture is going to be like.”

Peace Country is the biggest worry. It’s been dry for several years running and, once again, Mother Nature disappointed this winter.

“We didn’t see the type of snowfall that you would normally see in that area,” said Burnett. “When you get into a persistent pattern of dryness, it is a cause for concern.”

March 30, 2015 • Albertafarmexpress.ca

East-central and northeastern Alberta are also a concern, he said, with low subsoil moisture levels after being dry most of last year. Fortunately, there was a heavier-than-average snowfall along the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, which should offer a bit of relief.

At this point, though, it’s too soon to tell if the soil moisture levels will be a blessing — or a curse.

“Just because we’re dry here in March, doesn’t mean that we’re going to see shortfalls in April and May.” Bruce Burnett

“Good soil moisture this time of year may be a bad thing if there’s a really, really wet spring,” said Wright. “Moisture is like a bank account. If you’ve got lots of moisture, it’s generally a good thing because you’re able to store it in the soil.

“But it could be a mixed blessing. The story hasn’t been written yet.”

Hotter than L.A.

Drought is no stranger in southern Alberta, and the area has seen lots of double-digit days in the last two months, including a couple in January where Lethbridge was as warm as Los Angeles. The unseasonable shirt-sleeve weather has dried out topsoil.

“These areas have dried out more quickly because they’ve had above-normal temperatures and not very much snowfall this winter,” said Burnett.

“Those areas are also vulnerable to dryness, especially in the spring.”

While it’s too early to sound the drought alarm, producers in much of the province are going to need timely rains.

“When we get into that seeding window, we’re going to need to see a pickup in moisture here to get the crops germinated and the ground in good shape in those southern growing areas,” said Burnett.

The dryness is linked to the weak El Niño in the Pacific.

“The influence of this weather pattern is generally in the winter months and it starts to wane in February and March in terms of influencing the weather pattern,” he said. “So again, we’re probably going to see a change coming up and we’ll see how it settles. If it settles into a dry pattern, obviously we’re going to be concerned about drought.”

The warmer-than-average winter and lack of snow will likely tempt many out into their fields early — a sharp contrast to the delays in seeding experienced in the last couple of years because of wet conditions.

“I think farmers generally welcome this earlier start to spring, but certainly we’re going to need some rain in those areas that I outlined in order to get the crops off to a good start,” Burnett said.

But producers across the province will be playing a “waitand-see game” for a little while yet, said Wright.

“We’re only at the tail end of March, and March marks the

The soil moisture situation looks worse in the north than it likely is, said Alberta Agriculture’s Ralph Wright. “It’s under snow. The snow still has to melt and recharge the soil moisture.”

Graphic: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

end of the dry season throughout most of the province,” he said.

“We’ve still got April and May to go before we see how things are shaping up, and even then, we

can only guess what’s going to happen in June and July.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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7

Albertafarmexpress.ca • March 30, 2015

TRUST } from page 1 “My argument would be that the Internet is to food as television was to the Vietnam War because it has fundamentally changed the access to information,” Arnot told a packed room of producers, industry leaders, and government officials.

A skeptical public

But there’s been other big changes — skepticism of all institutions is the new cultural norm and people no longer communicate the way they once did, he said.

The Internet plays into that, too. People look for information aligned with their values and use it to buttress their beliefs rather than looking to authority figures.

And there’s no shortage of selfappointed experts who don’t back up their opinions with facts or credible research.

Like it or not, said Arnot, these people often hold more sway than authority figures.

But there are strategies that people in agriculture can adopt in order to maintain social licence and public trust, he added.

“People in agriculture need to be champions of transparency in an age where anyone who has a cellphone is a cinematographer,” he said. “Increasing the transparency has the greatest effect on those who are most skeptical about who we are and what we do.”

times more important in building trust than competency.

Arnot recommends people in agriculture talk about their values and look at it through that lens, rather than putting the emphasis on sharing facts.

Watch your language

It’s especially important to choose your words carefully, as the wrong language can undermine your argument, he said.

For example, talking about economic returns suggests the motivation is financial and selfinterested, which erodes trust.

Giving consumers information about science and economics may increase knowledge, but it will do nothing to influence how they feel or what they believe, said Arnot.

It’s better to demonstrate that farmers want the same things as consumers.

“Be open and transparent; answer and ask questions; and admit you have more to learn,” he said. “Don’t abandon science — but focus on talking about values and ethics instead.

“People are much more likely to make decisions based on what they feel or what they believe, rather than what they know.

That’s why efforts to educate the

public are not going to be successful.”

The Food Babe

Arnot held up one of the most polarizing critics of modern agriculture as someone who farmers can learn from.

Vani Hari — a.k.a. The Food Babe — was just named by Time magazine as one of the 30 most influential people on the Internet. Despite having no training in food science, Hari has become an international bestselling author and attracted more than 85,000 Twitter followers by railing against what she calls poisons in food.

Although the lack of science behind her claims infuriates farmers and others in the food industry, she appeals to consumer values because she positions herself as an ordinary, concerned citizen, said Arnot.

To connect with consumers Arnot pointed to the handling of in that way, advocates for farm- the Maple Leaf listeria crisis as an ing need to be seen as a trusted example of a job well done because resource, he said. Part of that the company was open and transinvolves sharing both positive parent right from the start. and negative information, even “People want us to be forthcomif the latter might turn off some ing, not just honest,” he said. consumers. But make sure the Finally, view consumers’ worry information you put out is “easy and fears about the food system as to find (and) helpful for making an opportunity to show that you informed decisions.” care about things such as animal T:8.125”

The Food Babe — and her unsubstantiated allegations about food “toxins” — drives many in agriculture up the wall, but an expert on building trust in the food system says she offers lessons on how to connect with consumers.

welfare, the environment, and providing healthy food to families.

“Skepticism is so much better than indifference,” he said.

“Embrace that as an opportunity to have a conversation about who we are and what we do. Don’t become defensive. Skepticism is the fuel for scientific discovery.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

“The Internet is to food as television was to the Vietnam War because it has fundamentally changed the access to information.”

Charlie Arnot

Social licence

T:10”

Trust is the primary driver of social licence — the popular term for having public support for an activity.

Trust is developed in three ways, said Arnot.

Having the support of family, friends and experts is the first element.

The second is competency, which includes technical capacity and science. But farmers tend to think that the public doesn’t understand the science in agriculture and so wrongly believe the “just the facts” approach is enough to win the day, he said.

“The assumption is that if we give them more facts, they’ll be more rational and come to our side of the argument,” said Arnot.

“If they haven’t come to our side of the argument, it must be because we haven’t given them the right facts.”

This approach doesn’t work because shared values — the third element — are actually more important in building trust, he said.

His organization has surveyed 6,000 Americans, asking them questions about farming, food safety, sustainability and other food-related issues. It found that shared values are three to five

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MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Basic info from cattle database will remain free But new owners of BIXS also need to create revenue now that government funding has dried up

By Alexis Kienlen af staff

C

attle producers will be able to access basic data from the now privatized Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS), but may have to pay for some types of information, says the head of the company.

“BIXS is totally voluntary, just like the Internet,” said Hubert Lau, president and CEO of BIXSco. “You can use the Internet and do all kinds of things, and it doesn’t cost you any money. But you can also go to the Internet and buy things. That’s your choice. We want to create those choices.”

BIXSco was formed when the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association struck a partnership deal with Edmonton-based ViewTrak Technologies earlier this winter.

The association contributed the cattle database — which has been

plagued by technical issues and slow uptake — with ViewTrak agreeing to revamp it and make it more useful to producers, feedlots, and other players in the beef value chain.

The two partners are still working on the funding model, and no final decisions have been made, said Lau. But ViewTrak is now paying the bills as the government funding which created BIXS has run out.

The priority at the moment is meeting with ranchers, industry associations, packers, and others in the industry in a bid to bring them on board.

There has been a good reception from industry players, but cattle producers still have many questions, said Lau. “When producers ask me why they should support BIXS, I tell them our goal is to create a larger market for you, so you have the ability to do more for your business,” he said. “I’m not there

“You can also go to the Internet and buy things. That’s your choice. We want to create those choices.”

Hubert Lau

to tell you how to do it, or force you to do something. I’m here to enable you to do more. And the way we do that is by opening more data flows.”

One of the most frequently asked questions from producers is whether they will still be able to use their herd management software, and Lau said the revamped BIXS will work with the programs producers are using.

It will also work seamlessly with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s database, he said.

“BIXS didn’t have enough technical resources to work with the CCIA resources, so that caused a whole host of integration issues that caused problems for users,” he said.

The company is also working with McDonald’s Canada,

which has decided to use BIXS for its verified sustainable beef pilot project.

“It’s not the technical part of BIXS that could be the holdup,” said Lau. “It’s actually the definition of verified sustainable beef. We’re confident we can meet the tech needs as long as we have enough time to meet the definition of verified sustainable beef.”

Lau also said ViewTrak has sold its herd management software to a co-operative in Ontario because it didn’t want BIXS to be viewed as a competitor to other cattle software providers.

BIXSco wants to see veterinarians and breeders participating in the database and is considering how it might create data that others, such as auctions or government agencies, would be willing to pay for, he added. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Year-end values have a big impact on inventory Breeding stock can have an especially big effect on the value of inventory Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

When it comes to doing an accrual, an Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development specialist says it’s important to remember that a change in value for an inventory item can have a dramatic effect in calculating the accrual adjustments.

As an example, if you had 500 cows with a value of $2,000 each on Dec. 31, 2014, and that value increased to $2,500 each at the end of 2015, there would be an accrued gain due to inventory valuation increase of $250,000. Conversely if the value of those cows was $2,500 at the end of 2014 and were valued back at $2,200 each at the end of 2015 for some reason, the adjustment would show a loss of $150,000 due strictly to the drop in value.

“This issue is most prevalent when valuing the breeding stock,” said farm financial specialist Rick Dehod.

“Although this could easily

be the real case, the farmer who just carried on with no other changes would show large fluctuations in accrued income due only to this adjustment. If a historical review is being done, it might be more meaningful to record the per-unit value of breeding stock the same each year so as not to adversely affect the accrued income calculation. The income would still include an appropriate adjustment for a change in numbers of breeding stock.”

This may also be applicable to other inventories such as feeds or grains but normally has less of an effect, said Dehod.

“If you do not have the actual market values of the commodities, you can record an average value each year for the specific commodity and then again, the accrual adjustment will only be affected by the volume of product.”

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • March 30, 3015

Forage growers, get your seed lined up soon Alberta forage growers can expect limited seed supplies and high prices for almost all forage types this upcoming spring

By Jennifer Blair af staff / olds

B

ad news for forage growers: Seed is in short supply and prices are “through the roof” heading into spring.

“The prices reflect the supply,” said Heather Kerschbaumer of Golden Acre Seeds in Fairview.

“We’re advising anybody who’s planning on doing any reseeding to go to your seed supplier and get your orders in early.”

Forage seed acres in Alberta are “way down,” said Kerschbaumer, who spoke at the Alberta Forage Industry Network AGM in mid-March.

“High grain prices a few years ago caused a lot of the growers to pull out their forage seed crops and put them into canola and wheat. It takes a few years to get those acres back again.”

As a result, “there’s going to be a lot of shortages of seed this spring,” she said.

“Even though grain and canola prices have dropped back, the grass acres are still slow coming back.”

Forage grass acres, including crested wheat grass, have taken a hit in the past two years.

“There seems to be a shortage of all grasses in general, and the prices are

SMALL.

very high this year on pretty much all the grasses,” said Kerschbaumer.

It’s the same story with timothy and brome grasses — especially for meadow brome.

“Acres are way down, yields are down.

We had poor yields in 2014, so numbers are going to be even less again this year,” she said.

Smooth brome is “pretty much a mirror image” of meadow brome.

“In spite of the high prices, we haven’t seen a huge planting of brome grass,” she said. “A lot of the growers who grew brome in the past have not gone back to growing brome.

“The acres are still falling, and there’s very little carry-over anymore.”

Sweet clover is also “in extreme short supply,” she said.

“Prices are higher than they’ve been as far as I can remember, and I’ve been in the business for about 30 years,” said Kerschbaumer.

That shortage will translate into increased demand for red clover.

“When they can’t get sweet clover, they start looking for alternatives,” she said.

“Prices on red clover are not exorbitant yet, and there still is seed available, but it’s also in short supply.”

Alsike supplies are faring somewhat better, but the price is still high.

EARLY.

“We’re advising anybody who’s planning on doing any reseeding to go to your seed supplier and get your orders in early.”

Heather Kerschbaumer

“It doesn’t seem like that high price has made people too excited to be planting alsike.”

Slender wheat grass is “the one thing there isn’t a shortage of,” she added.

“The acres are higher than they were in the previous few years. They went up again this year from where they were in 2013,” she said.

“Prices on slender wheat grass have been very stable the last few years, so you’re not going to see a huge increase in prices in slender wheat grass.”

No matter what type of forage they’re planning on seeding this spring, producers will need to get their seed lined up soon, or they could be out of luck, said Kerschbaumer.

LATE.

Supplies of meadow brome as well as smooth brome are both tight this year. Photo: AAFC “For anybody who wants seed, I wouldn’t advise waiting until the last minute. Otherwise, you might not be able to get what you want.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Farmers urged to plant certified flaxseed The Flax Council of Canada says the goal of removing Triffid from the system is getting closer staff

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f seeding flax this spring, buy certified seed.

That’s the message from the Flax Council of Canada.

Certified seed is free of Triffid, the genetically modified flax found in Canadian flax exports in 2009. Even though only trace amounts were found, the contamination disrupted Canadian flax exports to the European Union — one of Canada’s main flax customers.

Soon after, the council began asking farmers to test farm-saved seed to ensure it was Triffid free before planting.

Because of farmers’ cooperation, Canada’s flax industry is getting closer to its goal of eliminating all traces of Triffid from the system, the council said in a news release.

“We are currently seeing extremely low levels but, although we are close to our objective, as long as farmsaved seed is being used at all, we cannot discontinue the sampling and testing procedure,” Flax Council of Canada president Don Kerr said.

Farmers should continue to test harvested flaxseed

“We are currently seeing extremely low levels but, although we are close to our objective, as long as farm-saved seed is being used at all, we cannot discontinue the sampling and testing procedure.”

Don Kerr

and planting seed for the presence of Triffid, the council said. A description of sampling procedures can be found on the flax council’s website.

“Please note that some flax buyers will only accept test results from certain labs,” the council said.

“Check with the flax council for the complete list of approved testing labs (at) www.flaxcouncil.ca.”

NEWS » Markets

10

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Producers wanted for Open Farm Days Organizers of Alberta Open Farm Days are looking for producers to be hosts this year. More than 60 farms and ranches signed up last year, and farmers who are considering being part of this year’s event can get more information and see videos of past participants at www.albertafarmdays.ca. The main event is on Aug. 23 when farms and ranches are open to the public at no cost. Some producers opt to also participate in the culinary event, on Aug. 22, teaming with chefs to create farm-to-table dining experiences. Tickets and reservations are required for most of the culinary events. — Staff

Russian harvest may disappoint Russia’s 2015 grain crop may fall short of official forecasts as the condition of winter grains in some key growing regions has deteriorated since last year. Russia has been pushing farmers to harvest a large crop this year, after a near-record 105 million tonnes in 2014, to cover domestic demand and replenish state stocks after the ruble’s plunge spurred exports. But the harvest will be in the 70- to 85-million-tonne range, said an official with agribusiness division of a conglomerate owned by oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a confidant of President Vladimir Putin. The official noted farmers are having trouble buying imported seed and fertilizer. — Reuters

Lack of fresh news keeps canola in holding pattern Weather uncertainty offers support to wheat futures

By Phil Franz-Warkentin

I

CE Futures Canada canola contracts traded within a $10 range during the week ended March 20, but finished Friday’s session relatively in line with where they were seven days earlier. That rangebound activity could be the norm, at least until spring seeding, as canola chops around awaiting some fresh fundamental news.

The May canola contract settled at $460.90 per tonne on March 20, right in the middle of its well-established $450- to $470-per-tonne range. A break to either side would get the ball rolling one way or the other from a chart perspective, but it will likely take an outside influence to trigger such a move.

The two most likely catalysts, in the short term, are the Canadian dollar or the CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade) soy complex.

The Canadian currency saw a couple of volatile days during the week, climbing a penny higher one day, only to drop right back down the next, then jumping back again by Friday. Canadian dollar activity was largely a function of movements in the U.S. currency, which was reacting to statements from the country’s Federal Reserve.

Currency analysts remain of the opinion that a weaker bias in the Canadian dollar is more likely than any sustained strength, at least relative to its U.S. counterpart. However, given Canada’s close economic relationship with the U.S., the Canadian dollar still remains strong relative to other world currencies.

On a more fundamental level, movements in the CBOT soy complex will have a more direct influence on canola, with currency exchange adjustments affecting the visible price more than the actual value.

Soybean futures ended narrowly mixed during the week, after seeing some choppy activity of their own. Attention in the soy market remains fixed on the South American harvest. While supplies from Brazil and Argentina are expected to be bearish overall, logistics issues in the region do have the potential to provide support on occasion. U.S. planting conditions will also become more of a factor going forward, with early expectations calling for recordlarge planted area this year.

U.S. wheat futures were stronger during the week, moving up across the board as chart-based buying provided some support. North American wheat does remain relatively expensive in the global marketplace, but there are also still enough weather concerns in a number of wheatproducing regions of the world to provide some caution in the futures. In the U.S., winter wheat crop ratings have declined

Canola contracts seem stuck in the $10 range as the market awaits some fresh fundamental news. Photo: Thinkstock slightly, due to dryness, and will continue to be watched closely.

Ongoing uncertainty over wheat production and the export potential from Russia and Ukraine also remain background factors in the wheat market, with conflicting news from the region keeping the futures on edge.

Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

For three-times-daily market reports from Resource News International, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.albertafarmexpress.ca.

11

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Canadian flax prices still strong enough to increase acreage

rough-legged hawk

New-crop bids are down, but still higher than a year ago

By Terryn Shiells, Commodity News Service Canada

A rough-legged hawk finds the perfect perch on a weathered shed near Millarville, Alta. With spring closing in, raptors are returning to the fields.

Photo: Wendy Dudley

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Canadian flax prices are still holding, and strong enough to encourage an acreage increase this spring despite concerns about slowing demand.

Prices have held up even as shipping opportunities have started to slow down, as there’s a standoff between buyers and sellers, and supplies remain tight, said Mike Jubinville of ProFarmer Canada.

Western Canadian old-crop flax prices were about $12.50 to $14.50 per bushel, delivered to the elevator as of March 18, Prairie Ag Hotwire data shows. New-crop values ranged from about $11.50 to $12.50 per bushel.

Those prices are down slightly from month-ago levels, but up sharply compared to a year ago, and should still lead to an increase in acreage.

Farmers could plant as many as two million acres to flax this spring, Jubinville said — a sharp increase from last year’s 1.56 million acres.

“The price of flax can fluctuate and it’s dependent on the demand,” said Don Kerr, president of the Flax Council of Canada.

“Some of the reports I read are indicating that the demand side might start to diminish a little bit, and how that affects the price I think will determine what happens going forward.”

Jubinville predicted prices would have a hard time moving higher due to competition from Europe’s new crop that will be harvested in July.

If weather conditions remain favourable, and acreage does increase as much as expected, supplies could become very large. But new-crop prices have already started to reflect the large Canadian production prospects, Jubinville said.

Even if this year’s crop is very large, there will likely be a home for most of the production as demand is coming from the U.S., China and Europe.

“We expect the demand is going to drive the price, and the price is going to drive the production,” said Kerr.

12

news » livestock

Poor hay causing concern Up to one-half of Alberta hay supplies may be of lower quality, says a provincial beef and forage specialist. “Protein levels in a lot of hay that was cut late or damaged by rain over the summer, is testing 25 to 30 per cent lower than normal,” said Barry Yaremcio, noting that skinny cows have serious problems during calving.

“I’m getting calls on a regular basis and I’d say about 25 to 50 per cent of the hay this year is of lower quality than what the physical appearance will show.” Feed testing is well worth the cost, said Yaremcio, who also recommends consulting a vet or fellow producer if there’s a potential problem. — AARD release

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Confused about wildlife compensation?

Alberta Beef Producers has created a road map for accessing compensation programs for carnivore, ungulate, and bird damage to livestock and crops. The system can be “rather convoluted” as there is one process for hay and crop damage, and another for predator damage (but not for coyotes), shot livestock and waterfowl damage prevention.

As well, Alberta Financial Services Corporation, the provincial Fish & Wildlife branch, and Alberta Conservation Association handle different parts of the process. For a guide to the process, go to www.albertabeef.org, click on News, and then the March 6 edition of Grass Routes. — ABP release

U of A students take the stress out of stepping on the scale — for bison, that is University of Alberta students hoping to reduce handling stress in bison through a remote weighing system using automatic platform scales

By Jennifer Blair

“There’s less stress on the animals from less handling and restraint, and a low-stress, lowhands-on environment can eliminate trim losses or give you a Grade A carcass.”

af staff / ponoka

S

tepping on a scale doesn’t have to be stressful — for your bison, at least.

“Just like in people, when bison step on a scale, sometimes they have quite a harsh stress response,” said Josh Perryman, a University of Alberta student who spoke at the Wildrose Bison Convention earlier this month.

Bison are notoriously flighty animals, and reducing stress when handling them is the main goal of a project by Perryman and fellow students Elyse Semchuck and Nicky Lansink. The trio is working with the Bison Producers of Alberta to study a remote bison-weighing system and develop a guidebook based on their findings.

“Bison haven’t been domesticated for very long, so there are setbacks when handling the animals,” said Semchuck.

“The stress adaptation in the bison can be a problem when they’re in enclosed spaces, so the current system of squeeze chutes can cause problems, like bruising and depreciation of the animal.”

And that has a direct impact on the bottom line, she said.

“We know that, per animal and per stressful event, it can lose up to 10 pounds over a week. That means more days on farm to gain that weight back.”

But bison producers still need a way to weigh their animals.

“Not being able to weigh your animals can be problematic because bison require feed appropriate for their stage and rate of growth,” said Semchuck.

“You’re going to maximize profits by sending the animals away at the optimal finishing weight.”

And remote weighing systems using automatic scales could be the answer.

“Automatic scales have been used in other species because they’re less labour intensive and less time consuming,” she said. “There’s less stress on the animals from less handling and restraint, and a low-stress, lowhands-on environment can eliminate trim losses or give you a Grade A carcass.”

Elyse Semchuck

Bison need to walk over this automatic platform scale in order to get to food and water.

Photo: Courtesy Dr. Jayson Galbraith

Testing underway

Working with bison producer Ivan Smith, the students have installed two Tru-Test Alleyway platform scales at Big Bend Bison Ranch near Penhold.

“We have a platform in front of a mineral trough and a walk-over platform between where the feed is and where the water’s located,” said Perryman, adding that the bison are monitored with trail cameras and RFID readers near the platforms.

So far, the trio has found that the bison will stand still on a platform in front of a mineral trough with “about 70 per cent success.”

“The idea was that the bison would walk onto the platform and stand on the scale,” said Perryman. “The bison would need to stand on the scale to get the minerals.”

Of course, the animals have to want minerals.

“If the bison have a nutritionally complete diet, they might not want minerals, and then they might not stand on the scale,” he said.

The walk-over platform, on the other hand, lies between the bison’s feed and water, making it more likely that they will step onto the scale.

“In the walk-over scenario, there will be more traffic going between the areas just because the drive for water would be strong,” said Perryman. “It’s also open so the bison aren’t going into an enclosed area, standing on a scale, and then having to back out.”

The system was installed March 10, and so far, the preliminary results are promising. With three days of data at the time they presented their findings, the students had 379 total readings from the walk-over platform.

“The bison moved freely over the scale and appeared to be comfortable with it,” said Perryman.

Cost and benefits

But there’s a cost to installing a system like this, said Lansink, who presented some cost estimates at the meeting.

“The main cost of something like this is the cost of the installation of the scale, the scale itself, the RFID reading software, and the maintenance of the system,” she said, adding cost benefits include decreased labour, feed costs, and stress-related losses.

“By implementing this scale, you’d see an increase in your income by being better able to achieve an optimal weight.

You’d also have an increase in meat quality, as there will be less stress and less bruising on the carcass.”

The installation and maintenance of one system would cost around $12,000 in the first year, while the total cost benefits would be around $6,200 for a herd of 100 bison.

But once installed, the only cost will be for maintenance and ongoing weight monitoring, roughly $1,200 a year, depending on how often the bison are being weighed.

“If you’ve got two cycles of bison going through, you should be able to pay off your scale with just the value of the benefits,” said Lansink.

And the increase in meat quality using a low-stress weighing system is “extremely important,” she said.

“In order to maximize our profits, it’s important that we get that A-grade carcass,” Lansink said. “Stressed animals are more prone to becoming dark-cutters, and a dark-cutter will not receive an A or B grade.”

By using a remote weighing system, rather than putting bison through a squeeze chute, producers can improve meat quality while reducing handling-related stress.

“You’re just that much more likely to get that Grade A carcass and minimize your trim loss by not putting your animal through the squeeze,” said Semchuck.

“You’re going to weigh your bison without them even knowing.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

13

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Top tips for feeding for rumen health Cattle — and microbes in their rumens — need a consistent supply of both dry matter and nutrients to improve performance and reduce digestive diseases

By Jennifer Blair af staff

C

attle feeders aren’t just feeding cattle — they’re also feeding the microbes that live in the rumen.

And those little critters are picky.

“Regardless of the production system, the challenge that we face is variation in dry matter intake and total nutrient intake,” said Greg Penner, assistant professor of animal and poultry science at the University of Saskatchewan.

“If we’re looking to promote rumen health, we need to ensure we’re providing those cattle — and in the end, those microbes — a consistent supply of dry matter, as well as adequate nutrients so that they have the tools required to do their job.

“Focusing on management strategies that minimize variation in intake will achieve the greatest rewards for your operation.”

Through digestion, gut microbes turn feed into energy, protein, and nutrients. When the right kinds of microbes are working well in the rumen, cattle use feed more efficiently and have a reduced risk for digestive diseases.

But variations in diet can affect how microbes digest feed.

“The microbes have to respond to those changes in nutrients that

are provided in the rumen and adapt to those responses,” said Penner. “Unfortunately, not all of those responses are beneficial.”

Feed with variable energy, for instance, will create a different “growth response” in the microbes.

“If the growth response is not well controlled, the result can be harmful products such as antigens, and these antigens can actually induce an immune response,” he said.

Because of that, cattle feeders need to balance having an “active microbial population” with regulating the population.

“We want that microbial community to be focused on fibre digestion to ensure there’s adequate nutrients for the cattle, but also to make sure they’re efficiently digesting those feed components.”

And providing a consistent feed supply is the best way to do that.

“Whether it’s a forage-based diet or a concentrate-based diet, we need to ensure we have a consistent supply of dry matter and a consistent and adequate supply of nutrients to meet the microbial nutrient demand and to meet the cattle nutrient demand,” said Penner.

Dry matter matters

Ensuring cattle have adequate feed is the first step — but improving access to dry matter can be equally important, he said.

“If we’re looking for the greatest reward in terms of management strategies, it comes back down to basic management and simply minimizing variation for dry matter intake and nutrient intake in your cattle.”

Greg Penner

“You’ve got to ensure you’re restricting access to extensive feeding systems to ensure that they don’t simply overindulge on those tasty corncobs or barley cereal grains and leave the fibre for later,” said Penner.

“I know of producers who are providing additional forage to ensure adequate dry matter intake.”

For feedlot or backgrounded cattle, bunk management “plays an incredibly important role.”

“You’ve got to be reading those bunks and feeding based on the behaviour of those cattle and the amount of feed available in the bunk.”

Monitoring grain processing is another practice that can be done “fairly easily.”

“It not only prevents overconsumption but also ensures that you have adequate fermentation of that potentially expensive cereal grain,” said Penner.

Using ionophores is “one easily adoptable feeding strategy” that can also stabilize rumen fermentation.

“There’s an extensive use of ionophores in the beef industry, and they’re very effective tools to stabilize dry matter intake by the cattle,” he said. “They help to manipulate rumen fermentation

to make that fermentation process more efficient and certainly resulting in greater efficiency in feed utilization.”

Cattle feeders are “probably already doing a lot of these things” on their operations, he said, and that’s what’s going to improve production performance.

“If we’re looking for the greatest reward in terms of management strategies, it comes back down to basic management and simply minimizing variation for dry matter intake and nutrient intake in your cattle.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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14

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

A close look at the Breeding Soundness Evaluation form beef 911 } Evaluating a bull isn’t straightforward

and there is a number of factors to consider

By Roy Lewis DVM n talking with astute, diligent and thorough cattlemen, it’s come to my attention that a close examination of the Breeding Soundness Evaluation form is clearly warranted.

All conscientious breeders will make them available before a sale or for sure at the point of delivery. Specific things on the form may be more applicable depending on the specific use of the bull.

Has the bull just passed his test in one or more categories?

Does his scrotal circumference just make the breed minimum?

Do other specific things catch your attention, such as have there been warts removed, did the bull have a frenulum, old cuts on the penis, etc.? A frenulum could be hereditary, but is only carried through on the male side so a commercial breeder should have no issue as all his bulls will become steers. But a purebred breeder should shy away from a herd prospect that has had a frenulum cut. A frenulum, by the way, is a ligamentous attach-

I

ment which attaches to the tip of the penis and doesn’t allow it to extend at erection.

Is there any issue whatsoever with his feet or legs, which could affect future usage? No bull is perfect, but still the most important comment is, ‘In the vet’s opinion is the bull considered satisfactory on that day?’

Other issues are comments on the forms such as a bit softer testicles, a size difference in the testicles, or he did not protrude (meaning the penis did not extend out of the sheath).

No protrusion could mean there was just not enough or overstimulation of the bull or it could mean there is a physical problem. The physical problem could be to do with an erectile dysfunction or scarring of the penis to the side of the sheath and as a result no protrusion. Sometimes we may see a large swelling in the sheath which points to a potential problem. I have even seen a couple of bulls over the years with such a large wart on the penis as to be unable to protrude or the wart scarred the sheath to itself. The very odd

bull goes down before we can stimulate him very much and these are unlikely to protrude as well. It is ideal to visualize the penis every time. Another way could be on all those that don’t protrude to tranquilize them after the semen sample is collected and their penis will extend passively. At least one veterinarian I know does this and then can honestly say he has visualized the working apparatus.

Many of the smaller issues we all comment on, but may not really have much of a detrimental effect on the bull’s breeding ability.

The veterinarian’s comment of softer testicles is still very subjective and may identify a problem or could simply be the variation we see between bulls. If you have herd bull’s semen tested every year, compare evaluations year to year to compare differences. If you see decreased results, in other words, such as morphological defect increasing or testicles, which are shrinking, that may indicate impending failure the following year.

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Bigger testicles may yield a greater serving capacity as long as libido is good and physically the bull is sound. We have seen instances where abnormally large testicles will be detrimental to breeding ability. So bigger is not always necessarily better.

Keep in mind that some bulls reach puberty a little later in their first year, so the yearling semen evaluations will on average be below the quality of the twoyear-old and older bulls. You are not really comparing apples to apples, and generally speaking, the yearlings will be running with fewer cows. We need to compare semen evaluations between bulls of the same age group.

Another caution flag could be with bulls with evidence of seminal vesiculitis. The majority of these bulls clears up either on their own or with treatment.

Some will never clear up and it is important they have a clean bill of health before using them. Most veterinarians will stain the supposed recovered semen sample and check very closely for white blood cells (pus) cells to make sure there has been a complete recovery.

As always with all semen evaluations usually both the libido and ability to breed are best checked by observing the bull in his first few matings. If you need bulls with higherserving capacity closely scrutinize the ones which just pass the semen morphology, or just make the breed minimum for scrotal size. If you have any questions, talk to the breeder.

They are more than happy to help you select the bull that best fits your needs. Characteristics such as polled/horned, colour dominance, carcass characteristics and genetic testing can all be discussed.

There are copious amounts of data on bulls these days. The trick is determining what are the important ones for you the purchaser and selecting based on your criteria.

The old adage, you pay for quality, holds true in the bull business as well.

Roy Lewis practised large animal veterinary medicine for more than 30 years and now works part time as a technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health.

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15

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Rotation grazing and an amazing transformation The one-wire fences, cover crops, and intensive grazing raised some eyebrows — as did 500 fast-gaining head on 600 acres

By Brenda Schoepp af columnist

T

he ranch we were starting from scratch had a stunning mountain view west of Grande Prairie. But except for a small lovely piece of native prairie, this was land mined hard for grain crops.

A relentless wind meant drift from the sprayer had hardened the shelterbelts to a few old stalks of saskatoon bushes.

Our plan was to seed appropriate species, this time with some nutrients, and watch a grazing enterprise evolve from grain land.

Everything we did was to optimize the forage resource, build organic matter, manage natural waterways, increase wildlife populations, extend the grazing season while maintaining integrity in the landscape, and nourish the land for future generations.

We started with water — both dugout and well. The dugout was professionally done and we had the largest solar water system in Canada at the time.

My daughter was instrumental in the design which allowed pumped water to flow to round tanks that could accommodate up to 500 breeding heifers.

The shelterbelts were fenced off to allow them a rest and to invite birds back into the area.

The dugout was also fenced and as there were no standing cattle or winter facilities, we could safely use every square inch without run-off concerns. The real challenge was the long, cold springs, the variability in the land, and the stubborn weeds, such as horseradish, that grew in large patches.

At the end, the ranch had a total of 50 paddocks, one quarter section of which was temporary so it could be pulled for cleanup bulls who need space to think and for weather events such as eight inches of snow in August. This barley was the safety valve for the ranch as the seeded pasture with such heavy soil could not tolerate excessive wet. But you could trash the barley and it would simply grow back again.

There is a miracle in rest and rotation. With 50 pastures, that meant 49 were resting and that is a lot of the land in recovery at a time. We direct seeded legumes and grasses with 50 pounds of N and 25 pounds of P, using barley as a cover crop.

Although using a cover crop is not preferred by some grazers, we found it a fantastic jumpstart and that because of the rapid growth, the underseeded plants were not jeopardized.

The long hours of sunlight

allowed for several sweeps over the barley. Many grain farmers would drop by trying to find weeds in our barley fields, but we used the cattle for weeding pre-seed emergence and the fields tended to be clean.

This was the first intensive rotational grazing system in the area and so there was terrific concern about one-wire fences.

But we never had an issue with the cattle going on walk about.

The lifting of the fences with a white pipe to move them (no inside gates) was a positive reinforcement so we were also always in front of the cattle and not behind them. My husband and I could easily sort through 400 to 500 heifers for AI in a morning without any chasing or disruption to the cattle. Much to our working mates’ dismay, I changed the outer gate locations often as I got a feel for the land!

As for the pastures themselves, we liked to push the envelope and grow what our local friends said could not be done like corn (they were right, too close to the mountains) or orchard grass (amazing) along with combinations that would assure palatability in the field for the entire grazing season.

This meant that fescue (which is harvested in the area) was grazed early in the spring and late in the fall. Relentless fellows like foxtail were grazed as soon as the snow melted. We could go back to brome continuously, but always with caution as varieties of alfalfa were mixed with the grasses to contribute to nitrogen. We did not add fertilizer after seeding as the cattle were nutrition enough with 500 head rotating on 600 acres.

Mother Nature is modest and will always try to cover herself. First with weeds and then with plants that appreciate the cooled soil. With rest and rotation, even the most stubborn of weeds disappeared. We had a minimum gain of two pounds and a maximum gain of 4.2 pounds. But on average with the barley in the mix and grazed at the shot blade, we had continuous gains of over three pounds per head per day.

The profitability on each paddock was directly related to our selection of grazing material, the palatability and the performance of it and the cattle while there. For example, our closeouts on the grazing on a peracre basis in 2002 was $183 acre net on barley (cover crop), $63 acre net on Rangeland and Kay orchard grass, $28 acre net on traditional fescue, and $80 acre net on Fleet meadow brome. We could not make this level today, but it shows how important plant selection is.

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Using barley as a cover crop provided a fantastic jump start.

The extreme difference in soil type, high winds, frost, and long days that ended suddenly all contributed to a steep learning curve and we discovered that what you have stored by mid-August is what you have for the rest of the year. It is about focusing on the roots and planning for extremes in the North. In the end, we had super pastures and revived shelterbelts that hummed with birds and bees. It was an amazing transformation for the land and a great time for our family.

Second in a three-part series.

Intensive rotational grazing was new in the area and so field day at the ranch drew a crowd.

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16

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Chicken feed doesn’t describe this system Some broiler breeders gobble more than their fair share of feed, but a new Alberta-designed system has a fix for that

By Jennifer Blair

“The system has done a great job at growing birds to the right weight.”

af staff

U

niversity of Alberta researchers are only halfway through a precision feeding trial for broiler breeders — but the early results are promising.

“The system has done a great job at growing birds to the right weight,” said Martin Zuidhof, an associate professor at the University of Alberta.

Along with a team of electrical and mechanical engineers, the poultry systems expert developed the feeding system last year as part of a research project on improving broiler breeder performance through precision feeding.

“Every year, breeding companies are producing broiler chickens that grow faster and faster and faster,” said Zuidhof.

“The competition for feed, at the breeder level, is very high. Because feed is a scarce resource that’s competed for, it’s difficult to distribute it evenly amongst all the chickens in the flock.”

The broiler breeder industry has attempted to address that problem by “feeding bulkier diets so that there’s more feed to go around.”

But that system isn’t foolproof.

“We have a very difficult time getting the right amount of feed to the right bird, and we have flock uniformity issues,” he said.

“The problem with flock uniformity is that birds don’t lay as many eggs when the flock isn’t uniform, because they’re not getting the right amount of feed or they’re not ready at the same time to start laying eggs.”

Targeted feeding

Zuidhof’s precision feeding system is attempting to work around that problem by only feeding underweight birds.

Martin Zuidhof

This photo only shows a corner of the University of Alberta’s precision feeding machine because it is not yet patented, along with one of the flocks of broiler breeders in the study. Photo: Courtesy Martin Zuidhof “That system weighs the broiler breeder before feeding time,” he said. “The bird goes into a station, gets its weight taken, and then if it’s less than the target that it’s supposed to be at, we give it a meal.”

And halfway through the 60-week feeding trial, the system seems to be working — at least as far as flock uniformity is concerned.

“A key part of the system is kicking the birds out when the meal is finished, and by doing that, we’ve been able to control body weight and grow birds on the body weight curves that we prescribe for them,” said Zuidhof.

Feed efficiency has also improved, he said.

“We’ve seen a four per cent increase in feed efficiency in the precision feeding

system versus the conventional feeding system.”

That’s largely due to the frequency at which the birds are being fed.

“They’re fed any time they qualify for a meal — that is, any time their body weight is less than the target. We’re feeding them small meals multiple times a day,” he said.

Feeling peckish?

On average, the birds are eating eight small meals a day (versus one big one daily in a conventional system), and that allows them to make better use of their feed.

“The birds don’t have to store their energy and their nutrients and then mobilize it from their body stores,” said Zuidhof.

But egg production is what’s “really going

to sell the system” for breeding companies, he added.

“They’re holding out to see the results of the laying phase — understandably. What we’re looking at is an expensive way to feed chickens, albeit very effective,” he said.

“Production has to improve a lot for this to be economically feasible.”

Zuidhof expects that egg production “will improve a lot,” based on systems like those in Colombia and Brazil where workers manage birds on the basis of body weight.

“They put all the big birds together and feed them a little less, and they put all the small birds together and feed them a little more,” he said.

Because they manage the birds more intensively, “they do a tremendous job,” producing over 145 chicks per hen, while Alberta’s numbers are under 120 chicks per hen. Precision feeding should be able to make up some of that difference, said Zuidhof.

“That’s a 10 to 15 per cent increase in productivity that’s being left on the table currently, and I think the system can help extract some of that potential from the birds.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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} Varieties

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

17

T:10.25”

Pulse performance data online This year’s version of Varieties of Pulse Crops for Alberta is now available. This annual fact sheet contains information on pulse crop variety performance in Alberta and northeastern B.C. Important agronomic characteristics and disease resistance information are provided for varieties of field pea, chickpea, lentil, faba bean, dry bean and soybean. It can be found at www.agric.gov.ab.ca by typing ‘pulse crops varieties’ in the search box. For additional variety information, including ones not listed in the fact sheet, search for ‘regional variety testing’ or by calling 310-FARM (3276). — AARD release

Flying Skipping soil tests blind? could cost you big time You have to know how to interpret it, but not soil sampling and using ‘the usual retail blends’ can be a costly mistake

By Jennifer Blair af staff

N

Fine tuning fertility

That’s what led producer Richard Limoges to begin “intensive” soil sampling in 2005.

“We use it to monitor our nutrient levels in order to identify opportunities to improve nutrients that will help us grow better crops,” said Limoges, who operates a 1,500-acre seed farm near McLennan with his father.

Typically, that means avoiding “the usual retail blends” and fine tuning the farm’s fertility program.

“It’s given us a better idea of our immobile nutrients, like phosphorus and potassium, and it’s allowed us to manage our nitrogen much better, which is the biggest cost for

fertility on the farm,” said Limoges, who is also an Agri-Trend coach.

“It helps us allocate our fertilizer dollars better.”

The average amount of fertilizer he buys hasn’t changed much in the past decade, but the swing on a specific field can be dramatic in any given year.

“If we’re coming off a dry year, we might find a lot of residual nitrogen, which will really cut back our need for the next year,” he said. “After a wet year or a really good crop, we might have none and need to apply a lot more.”

One field in particular has benefited from soil testing, he said. In that field, the crops tend to lodge and stay green through harvest. The solution was to decrease nitrogen and boost phosphorus and potash.

And Limoges said he has “absolutely” seen a yield impact.

“It takes some time, but it’s worth

“It takes some time, but it’s worth it. There’s no question.

I wouldn’t farm without it now that I’ve been doing it.”

Richard Limoges

it. There’s no question,” he said. “I wouldn’t farm without it now that I’ve been doing it.”

More is good

On Michael Kalisvaart’s farm, soil sampling is one extra step to making sure there’s “no gaps in (his) management.”

“Without a soil sample, you’re just flying blind,” said Kalisvaart, who has been soil sampling on his 12,000-acre grain farm near Gibbons for the past 20 years.

“We know how much nutrition we’re pulling out of the soil, and we need to know where we’re starting so that we can hit our yield targets.

It’s given us great confidence that we’ve done everything that we can to have a successful year.”

And the results speak for themselves.

“I’m absolutely sure we have higher yields and that our yield averages across all our fields are higher than they would be otherwise, if we were just taking a guess,” he said. “It helps us control costs and be more accurate with what we use.”

Kalisvaart is now ramping up his sampling to integrate variable-rate fertilizer application into his operation.

“This year, for the first time, we’re doing about 35 per cent of our ground on either a 2.5- or five-acre grid,” he said. “We’re going from one composite sample of the whole field to a minimum of 30 samples and up to 60 samples per field.”

Using an AutoProbe system that hooks onto the back of his tractor, Kalisvaart was able to take soil samples every 11 feet.

see SOIL TEST } page 18

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T:15.58”

ot very many hands go up when Mark Cutts asks a room full of producers how many of them test their soil every year.

“I don’t think the majority is doing soil testing,” said the crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“If a producer is happy with his yields and he’s not soil testing — well, he’s happy with his yields. He doesn’t necessarily know he could have got another five bushels if he had changed his blend or done things a little differently.”

That sort of additional yield translates into big bucks — but fewer than half of Alberta producers use soil tests to shape their fertility programs, said Cutts. Cost is one factor — a basic test runs from $20 to $50 — but producers tend to go with the blends they know, he said.

“Once producers get settled into some blends, they tend to run with those blends for a number of years,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s probably not a bad idea every four or five years to collect some soil samples and see if nutrient levels are where you want them to be.”

“Things do change, and if you haven’t been replacing the nutrients at the same amount they’re being removed, that level may start to drop down.”

It’s all about finding the right balance.

“If you’re not applying enough,

you’re potentially limiting yield,” said Cutts. “On the other hand, you don’t want to be overapplying them because then that’s money that’s not being put into yield.”

18

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

SOIL TEST } from page 17 “We’re getting really, really accurate soil tests just because of the number of times we poke the ground, and then of course, we’re getting these fantastic nutrition maps of our fields.”

It takes about three hours to collect 60 samples “versus one composite sample taking two hours roughly, if they do a good job,” he said.

He’s also reduced his costs by working with a network of other farmers — called FamilyFarms Group — to get a group rate.

“I did try and pursue a price for lab tests with a Canadian lab independent of retailers, and it did quote me significant savings as well but only with large volume,” he said.

“The lab test itself we are getting done for about a third of the price, with freight included.”

It’s a worthwhile investment, he added.

“When you’re spending the kind of money we do on fertilizer, I don’t see why you would do it any other way.”

Testing tips

More testing also helps weed out the ones that are out of whack.

More is better for Gibbons-area farmer Michael Kalisvaart, who is using an AutoProbe for precision soil sampling for the first time this year.

“Producers should not be afraid to tweak those numbers based on their own experiences.”

Richard Limoges

OW N ON

til un

Photo: Courtesy Michael Kalisvaart

“Because we have such a large number of samples on most of our fields, when we get a sample that’s a bit of a surprise, we can discount it because we know it isn’t following our trends,” said Kalisvaart.

That’s the trick to using soil tests successfully, said Cutts.

“If the recommendation comes in and it’s asking for

80 pounds of nitrogen on a barley crop and the producer knows that if he puts on over 70 pounds, that crop is going to lodge, he’s going to make some decisions using his own experience,” he said.

“Producers should not be afraid to tweak those numbers based on their own experiences.”

Limoges recommends producers

015 2 , 30 l i r Ap

also take a “systematic approach” to soil sampling — in other words, this is one area where free is not necessarily a good thing.

“A lot of retailers will offer free soil sampling, and there’s no continuity to it from last year, because they’re not asking the right questions,” he said. “They’re still offering the guy the same blend that he took home last year, regardless of the soil test.”

In addition to current crop and yield goals, producers need to consider past crop types, fertility, and yields if they hope to make the most of their soil samples, said Limoges.

“I think that’s where people drop the ball. You can’t get a good recommendation without the background.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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19

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Wheat breeder extraordinaire Ron DePauw retires DePauw will continue to work for improved wheat cultivars as ‘mentor, adviser and consultant’

By Allan Dawson staff

O

ne of the world’s pre-eminent wheat breeders has retired — sort of.

Ron DePauw, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s senior principal wheat breeder at the Semi Arid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre (SPARC) in Swift Current, retired from the department March 20.

Last year DePauw was dubbed the “billion-dollar man” in recognition of the close to 60 wheat cultivars he and his colleagues developed since 1973, including AC Barrie and AC Lillian.

“I will continue to be available to further genetic enhancement as a mentor, adviser, and consultant,” he said in an email.

“The fruits of our labours at SPARC have been the uptake and adoption of high-value traits and performance of ‘field-ready’ cultivars.”

That’s an understatement.

“You could call him the billion-dollar man,” SeCan’s Jeff Reid said in a news release last year announcing DePauw

as winner of the annual Canadian Plant Breeding and Genetics Award. “That’s the value of grain produced annually from wheat cultivars developed by Ron DePauw.”

DePauw is a co-developer of AC Lillian — the first solid-stem Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat variety widely grown across the Prairies and the most popular the last four years.

But according to the CSTA, DePauw’s most notable contribution to Canadian agriculture was the development of AC Barrie, which it says “literally changed the face of wheat production in Canada.” Registered in 1994, by 2000 AC Barrie accounted for almost half of the CWRS acres in Canada.

“It was the most widely grown

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada wheat breeder Ron DePauw retired from the department March 20 after more than 40 years of service, but will continue to further genetic enhancement as a mentor, adviser, and consultant. photo: allan dawson Trim: 8.125”

variety between 1998 and 2005,” the release said. “All new wheat cultivars that have come along since are measured against the new standard set by AC Barrie.”

Not only was AC Barrie substantially higher yielding than other CWRS wheats, but had higher protein.

DePauw’s work has been widely recognized. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2003 and received the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Public Service in 2011.

As of 2011, DePauw’s cultivars had earned the Canadian government $8.8 million in royalties. allan@fbcpublishing.com

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20

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Forage seed industry wants Western Canada to be a GM alfalfa-free zone Seed growers say keeping GM alfalfa out of Western Canada would save current export markets and open the door to additional sales

By Jennifer Blair

“In China, zero means zero. They have no tolerance. It doesn’t matter if you can test it down to one-onethousandth of a per cent. If they find any kind of a trace, it’s not acceptable.”

af staff / olds

A

lfalfa seed growers in Alberta could stand to gain a huge market advantage over their neighbours to the south — if the industry can keep GM alfalfa out of Western Canada.

“We’ve got access to potential market gains by picking up markets that are possibly going to be lost in the States,” said Heather Kerschbaumer, a Fairview-area seed grower and president of Forage Seed Canada.

“The longer we can keep it out, the more of an advantage we’re going to have for marketing.”

Alfalfa is the fourth-largest crop, in acreage and value, in the U.S., but contamination from genetically engineered crops in “supposedly GE-free zones” in California and Washington are raising red flags with Europe, China and other buyers.

“In China, zero means zero,” Kerschbaumer said at the Alberta Forage Industry Network AGM in mid-March.

“They have no tolerance. It doesn’t matter if you can test it down to one-one-thousandth of a per cent. If they find any kind of a trace, it’s not acceptable.”

She has also seen first hand how

Heather Kerschbaumer

Keeping Roundup Ready alfalfa out of Western Canada is critical, says Fairview seed grower and Forage Seed Canada president Heather Kerschbaumer. photo: allan dawson GM contamination can affect forage seed markets.

Last month, she lost a 16,000pound sale of yellow blossom sweet clover to northern Europe because some GM canola seeds were found in the shipment, even though it was certified organic.

The farmer who grew the seed says he hasn’t grown canola for 15 years, Kerschbaumer said.

This wasn’t her first lost sale due to GM contamination. A 40,000-pound shipment of timothy seed destined for Japan was lost after one canola seed was found in a 25-gram sample collected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The seed cut the shipment’s value in half, from $1 a pound to just 50 cents.

T:10.25”

“So we lost $20,000 just from one canola seed,” she said.

Big business

Collectively, American hay exporters are facing huge losses.

The potential market losses of hay exports to China alone could reach up to $20 billion, she said.

“Canada could pick up on

some of these markets that they’re losing,” said Kerschbaumer. “There’s big potential.”

But it all depends on keeping GM alfalfa out of Western Canada.

“In Canada, we have it coming into the East, but we’re wondering about the West,” she said.

“It’s probably never going to be completely stopped, but we’re wondering if it could be slowed down.”

see Forage seed } page 21

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21

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Forage seed } from page 20 Five Roundup Ready alfalfa varieties were approved for Canada in 2013 and were set to hit shelves in Eastern Canada last spring. Monsanto and marketer Forage Genetics International held off due to “push-back” from the industry, but almost a dozen test plots were planted in Ontario and Quebec last year, with more to come this year.

That’s a problem for growers in Western Canada, where the risk of contamination is greater, said Kerschbaumer.

‘GE-free zone’

The forage seed industry is looking to have Western Canada designated as a “GE-free zone” where clean seed can be produced.

“Seed companies are already starting to move seed production out of the U.S. up into Canada because they need clean seed stocks, even for their own varieties that they’re trying to market into Europe. They still need to have a safe area.”

Kerschbaumer said she suspects that’s partly why Canada grew 5,300 more acres of certified alfalfa seed in 2014 compared to 2013.

Alfalfa seed: a growing industry

By Jennifer Blair af staff / olds

It’s a good time to be an alfalfa seed grower, says the president of the Alfalfa Seed Commission.

“It’s been a fantastic industry to be in the last few years, with tremendous growth,” said Darren Nikkel, an Enchant-area seed grower who spoke at the Alberta Forage Industry Network AGM in mid-March.

After hitting a low of 10,000 acres in 2004, the certified alfalfa seed industry in Alberta has been slowly rebuilding, said Nikkel.

“It took until 2008 to regain the acres that were lost,” he said.

Alfalfa seed acres reached 22,000 in 2012 and jumped to 25,000 in 2013.

“But the industry in Alberta has not slowed its growth since then. We were at 27,600 acres last year, and we’ll be higher than that this year — quite substantially.”

And there’s no mystery why.

“There’s been a shortage of alfalfa seed the last few years, which has caused higher prices and has been the main reason for the increase in acres here in Alberta.”

A drop in seed production in the U.S. has also created more opportunities for certified alfalfa seed growers in Canada — especially in Alberta, where GM alfalfa hasn’t yet spread.

“There’s a supply shortage for seed, and it would take an awful lot to refill that supply chain,” said Nikkel.

“We have tremendous opportunities in the alfalfa seed industry, and we’re planning to capitalize on them.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

The plan has some precedent, she said. In 2011, Monsanto and Forage Genetics International agreed not to commercialize Roundup Ready alfalfa in California’s Imperial Valley, the largest exporter of hay in the U.S. And as seed suppliers for the hay industry, the forage seed industry could make a strong argument to keep GM alfalfa out of Western Canada.

“We have everyone on our shoulders,” said Kerschbaumer.

“If we don’t have clean seed, we’re not going to have clean hay.”

She said she’s not personally opposed to GM technology, but what matters is that customers in China, Japan, the Middle East, Mexico, and South America are.

Those markets will be lost forever once Roundup Ready alfalfa is grown in Western Canada, she added.

“It’s not something we can get back,” Kerschbaumer said. “If we decide in five years that’s all OK, I’m OK with that. I’m not against it either, except I think they should slow down and make sure it’s not going to hurt us.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com with files from Allan Dawson

Roundup Ready is already on sale south of the border, but it’s causing problems for American forage seed growers and hay exporters. Photo: www.americasalfalfa.com

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MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Harper says railways can’t be allowed to misuse market power Grain sector wants legislation to ‘counterbalance’ the duopoly power of CN and CP Rail

By Allan Dawson staff

W

“We simply cannot accept outcomes where those two big companies would dictate to the market just what they think is satisfactory.”

Stephen Harper

days’ worth of car supply,” said CN president Claude Mongeau.

CN accused the transport coalition of using ‘phantom orders’ in its calculations because grain companies routinely order more cars than they have grain to fill them with — something the elevator association denies.

“The railways have the ability to penalize grain companies for unused capacity,” said Sobkowich.

“When the railways start supplying rail cars that grain companies don’t accept and use then they can argue phantom ordering. Until then, it is a ‘phantom’ argument.”

Sobkowich also denied CN’s charge that port terminals are a bottleneck.

Railways can’t dictate what is “satisfactory” when it comes to moving grain, says Prime Minister Stephen Harper, shown here with Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president Ray Orb. Photo: Jill Thompson, PMO “We could do about 2.3 million tonnes of throughput on the West Coast per week,” he said. “The railways are supplying… around 450,000 tonnes per week. So we have much more capacity to unload grain than they have to supply it. We are out of cars between 20 and 30 per cent of the time.”

Whose data is correct?

It depends on how one counts car orders, said Mark Hemmes of Quorum Corporation, hired by

W

estern Canadian farmers and grain companies have a new supporter for their argument that the railways have too much market power — Prime Minister Stephen Harper, no less.

A year after his government ordered CN and CP to ship a weekly minimum volume of grain or face steep fines, Harper said government intervention is justified.

“We understand, and it’s important that everyone who’s looking at this system understands, that this is an unusual situation where in the marketplace you have two large suppliers — the two big railway companies — where they have extraordinary market power,” Harper said at the recent Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities’ annual meeting.

“And we simply cannot accept outcomes where those two big companies would dictate to the market just what they think is satisfactory.”

The prime minister is bang on, said the executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association.

“It stands to reason that the extraordinary railway market

power must be counterbalanced with legislative solutions, which we are optimistic the government will introduce after the CTA (Canadian Transportation Act) review process has been completed,” Wade Sobkowich said in a statement.

But the railways argue that’s not needed and rail service is now “in sync” with the grain supply.

“CN today is efficiently responding to the demand… and is on pace to deliver another banner year for western Canadian grain,” said CN spokesman Mark Hallman.

At press time, there was no word if the current grain-movement order, due to expire March 28, would be extended. But Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the government is still concerned and watching, though the system is not as strained as last year.

However, both railways issued statements saying they’re shipping more grain than ordered and another grain-movement order isn’t needed. They also disputed data gathered by the Ag Transport Coalition, which claims the railways failed to deliver 22,884 cars or 11 per cent of grain company orders since the start of the crop year on Aug. 1.

“The facts are clear, when we compare our shipments with all valid car orders, our wait list stands at less than 2,000 orders, just a few

the federal government to monitor grain transportation.

He said he suspects the Ag Transport Coalition’s count is based on every order put to the railways, but the railways use a different method. For example, CN prohibits the current and earlier week’s total orders from exceeding double the grain company’s total car spot capacity. allan@fbcpublishing.com with files from Reuters

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23

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

New book shows good and bad bugs

WALK IN THE WILLOWS

AAFC scientist edits book listing 600 beetle specimens Staff

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientist Patrice Bouchard has edited a new book — The Book of Beetles: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred of Nature’s Gems.

One in five of all known life forms on Earth is a beetle, and the various species can be both helpful and harmful to agriculture. They recycle soil nutrients, eat live and dead plant and animal tissue, can help control weeds, and eat insect pests like aphids, slugs, and caterpillars.

Beetles have been successfully used by Agriculture Canada scientists as biological control agents to address weed problems in crops and rangelands.

Mogulones crucifer, a weevil from the beetle family for example, has recently provided much relief to rangelands in Western Canada affected by hound’s tongue, a weed highly toxic to livestock.

However, beetles can damage or destroy crops and trees. If not understood and managed, they can cause significant losses to the agriculture sector by feeding on plants and eating up crop yields before harvest or after harvest when grains are stored.

Many of the beetles photographed in the book come from the Canadian National Collection of insects, arachnids, and nematodes housed at its research centre in Ottawa.

Each beetle is presented with a life-size photo as well as a magnified picture to showcase the characteristics and colourations of these diverse insects.

The book is written to appeal to professional and armchair beetle enthusiasts alike. Basic biological information is given for each beetle, along with a map showing where it is found in the world, its conservation status, and information on its cultural and economic significance.

The Book of Beetles: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred of Nature’s Gems is published by the University of Chicago Press and available at book retailers.

Winter hasn’t been too tough on this horse near Lundbreck, Alta., as it has plenty of free range among snow-free willows. Photo: Wendy Dudley

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AgSolutions is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation; CARAMBA is a registered trade-mark of BASF Agro B.V.; TWINLINE is a registered trade-mark of BASF SE; all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. Snap-on is a registered trade-mark of Snap-on Incorporated. TWINLINE and CARAMBA fungicides should be used in a preventative disease control program. © 2015 BASF Canada Inc.

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24

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Mind your own business Small-town business fair an idea others should try, says Manitoba chamber president staff / Boissevain, Man.

W

hen residents of a small Manitoba community talk about minding their own business, what they mean is, “Let’s help someone start one.”

“The next time someone says, ‘You know what this town needs,’ say, ‘How can I help you get that started?’” said Marj Billaney, host of a recent chambersponsored business fair.

“And let’s not say to the kids, ‘Go get a job.’ Let’s say, ‘What kind of business can you start?’”

Business people in the town of 1,600 sponsored the fair, an evening that began with swapping stories among local business owners and wannabes, and ended with a lighthearted version of the CBC show “Dragons’ Den.” Prizes included free chamber memberships, offers of mentorship and $1,000 worth of ‘chamber bucks’ for spending locally.

The Mind Your Own Business fair impressed Manitoba Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Chuck Davidson. He drove out from Winnipeg to see what was happening in Boissevain and said he plans to start talking up this kind of event with the rest of Manitoba’s 67 chambers of commerce.

This is about growing local business from within, and differs from the usual approach of trying to spur community economic development by attracting business from outside, said Davidson.

“This is a unique approach and something I’m not seeing in a lot of communities,” he said. “What Boissevain is doing is taking a proactive approach to looking at business development within its own community. I really applaud it for that.”

Getting started

Speakers such as Kamara Sisson said this kind of support is key to encouraging entrepreneurs like her. She opened a hair salon here after moving to Boissevain with her husband and their young family. At first, the prospect of running a business was daunting, she said.

“I was terrified to own a business,” she told her audience of about 100 local farmers and business owners. “I just knew how to do hair.”

She got the advice she needed through a provincial business start program, but said others are aware of those supports, and never pursue their ideas.

“People don’t know where to begin, and I think a lot of people are scared to start, so they don’t,” she said.

Electrician Marc Loewen is owner of Copperman Electric in Boissevain. He and his wife moved their young family here for the quality of life in Boissevain, as well as the opportunity to start a business, he said.

There’s plenty of work and good opportunity to build your business because it’s easier to earn a good word-of-mouth reputation in a smaller centre, he said.

Conrad Klassen, who moved here last summer to become a regional representative for Primerica financial advisers, joked how he’d miss a cup of coffee from Starbucks if it

weren’t for Boissevain’s Sawmill Coffee and Tea Company. But there’s not much else he misses about city life.

“A handshake out here means something,” he said, adding that even at age 26 he’s put off by reliance on technology that doesn’t do much for creating meaningful relationships between people.

“I believe relationships are built with quality time spent with each other.”

The evening’s free-ranging discussion generated more ideas about how to spur on local business including setting up a fund contributed to by existing businesses to provide seed funding for startups, and lowcost commercial space to incubate new companies.

Cam Clark, general manager for CKLQ/STAR FM radio, one of the evening’s guest speakers, said things have changed

STOP

dramatically over the last decade and a half, making it possible to live and work virtually anywhere people wish.

There are new opportunities to attract people into smaller centres because high-speed technology now makes it much easier to set up shop outside larger centres.

“It makes it a lot easier to do business where you are,” he said. “And you’ve already got support networks in place... family and friends, cost of living is pretty reasonable.

“A lot of people say the grass is greener somewhere else. But today technology allows people to stay where they are. They don’t have to leave to succeed.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

Paul Unrau of Ninga pitches his prizewinning product idea — a bit that prepares a horse for the bridle — to the assembled judges in the Coyotes’ Den during Boissevain’s Mind Your Own Business fair last week. PHOTO: LORRAINE STEVENSON

resistant weeds IN THEIR TRACKS.

Avoid glyphosate resistance by mixing and rotating herbicides.

“

Since glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia was first identified in southern Alberta in 2011, it has reared its ugly head in several new counties each year. While it is this province’s biggest, most-concerning weed issue to date, most scientists agree that GR kochia is only Alberta’s first taste of what may soon be many glyphosate-defying superweeds. Luckily, growers have effective tools available to slow the spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds and manage resistance as it appears—so long as they use these tools correctly.

“The answer is quite simple: to counter resistance, producers need to rotate herbicides with differing modes of action, and they need to mix products so they have multiple modes of action working at once,” says Dr. Chris Neeser, a weed research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Yes, glyphosate is really cheap. But, you’ve got to think: we’re not talking about a huge investment to add a second mode of action to your tank or to change to a combined product.

If there is glyphosate-resistant kochia in your area, the value of even just delaying it getting a start in your field is certainly worth the money of a tank mix. And if you do already have

“

By Lorraine Stevenson

The answer is quite simple: to counter resistance, producers need to rotate herbicides with differing modes of action...

resistance, spraying a combination product will stop the resistant weed population from having an opportunity to build up.”

Glyphosate resistance can appear in one of two ways. Firstly, it can be introduced from elsewhere via transported seed. Kochia’s tumbleweed nature is ideal for dispersing each plant’s 15,000 to 25,000 seeds an impressive distance from its original growing location.

Secondly, it can evolve independently in any location. Growers’ overreliance on a single mode of action fosters the natural selection of herbicide-tolerant weed biotypes, leading to much greater chance of new glyphosate resistance spontaneously occurring.

While GR kochia is the devil we currently know, there is much speculation that GR Canada fleabane (already highly resistant in Ontario), wild oats, green foxtail or cleavers could be introduced or evolve in Alberta next.

For these reasons, all farmers should follow Neeser’s ‘mix and rotate’ advice. Included are those who have experienced GR kochia and those who have not; those who farm near fields with known GR kochia and those who farm far from the nearest known resistance.

“Dealing with glyphosate resistance is similar to the question of crop rotation,” says Neeser.

“Growing canola on canola may be the most profitable option in the short term but it is certainly not the best thing in the long term.

Unless you are only worried about this year’s profits and you’re planning to sell the farm at the end of the season, the right thing to do is to mix a second herbicide with a different mode of action in with your glyphosate.”

25

Albertafarmexpress.ca • March 30, 2015

Star power advertising: if it works for junk food…

Entertainment and sports celebrities promote the ‘FNV’ (that’s fruits and vegetables) brand Staff

A

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton plugs oranges in this screenshot from the video “Prepare to be marketed to,” the first shot on a new campaign to promote healthy eating. photo: Cam Newton screenshot

Sidestep glyphosate resistance with an in-tank herbicide solution from UFA.

U.S. organization that promotes healthy eating is taking a page from the playbook of its junk food competitors.

It’s launched FNV — a brand focused on increasing consumption and sales of fruits and vegetables among teens and moms.

And to promote FNV, it’s enlisting entertainment and sports celebrities such as actors Kristen Bell and Jessica Alba, WWE Superstar John Cena, musician Nick Jonas, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

The campaign is sponsored by The Partnership for a Healthier America, a non-partisan, nonprofit that is led by prominent health and childhood obesity advocates, including honorary chair First Lady Michelle Obama.

“FNV was inspired by big consumer brands, whose tactics are relentless, compelling, catchy and drive an emotional connection with their products,” the organization’s CEO, Lawrence A. Soler, said in a release. “We want to do the same thing for fruits and veggies, which have never had an opportunity to act like a big brand. Until now.”

The campaign is designed by advertising agency Victors & Spoils.

“The days of humdrum health messages and finger-wagging PSAs are over.”

UFA carries a wide variety of effective solutions including:

To learn more about how we can help you get the most from your crop’s potential, contact your local UFA Customer Account Manager, or our customer service centre at 1-877-258-4500 (option 1), or email customer.support@UFA.com

“Using our freshly minted list of celebrity endorsers, we’ll look to roll out in-your-face marketing tactics that go toe to toe with other big iconic brands. The days of humdrum health messages and finger-wagging PSAs are over,” said chief marketing officer Andrew Nathan.

A teaser video for a broader campaign posted online features stars with fruits and vegetables set to music, with the words “Prepare to be marketed to” flashing on the screen.

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

UFA.com

© 2015 UFA Co-operative Ltd. All rights reserved.

All products are registered trademarks of their respective companies. 03/15-43311 AFE

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26

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

IPM: It’s all about combining pest management tools The multi-pronged approach known as Integrated Pest Management can boost yields while reducing costs

W

hile Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has become a catchphrase in agriculture today, there can be confusion as to what it actually is.

“While the mechanics of the concept are discussed at workshops and lectures, many producers still don’t understand exactly what IPM is,” said Dustin Morton, a commercial horticulture specialist with the Alberta Ag-Info Centre in Stettler.

“These same producers may be surprised to learn that to some extent, they are already using IPM and with a little coaching, they could maximize its potential for their real benefit.”

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, IPM is “an ecosystem approach to crop production and protection that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of pesticides.”

“Many growers are not aware that IPM relates not only to insect ‘pests’ but can also encompass weeds, diseases and vermin,” said Morton. “Ultimately, this is the stage where the term ‘integrated’ in IPM applies: Growers are dealing with a multitude of problems or potential problems in a variety of different ways, all at the same time. It’s this combination or integration of these methods that has the potential to make IPM an overall success.”

IPM can be thought of as a tool box, said Morton.

“In this tool box, growers have many different pest control methods/tools. Some of these tools are familiar such as tillage, rotation, genetic resistance and, of course, pesticides. But growers may also be using other pest control methods and not be aware that, in doing so, they are actually practising IPM.” These alternate methods can include tools such as crop timing, cover crops, scouting, optimizing fertility to the crop, proper record keeping and equipment sanitation.

The five basic themes of IPM programs are: • Identify the pests of concern; • Monitor the population of the pest in the field; • Have a point at which growers will move to control this pest; • Try, when possible, to prevent the pest; • Use all tools available (chemical, biological, cultural and physical) in a responsible manner to control the pest.

“Again, most growers may be surprised to learn that their management plans have all the hallmarks of an IPM plan,” said Morton. “For example, a grower may choose to plant a cabbage crop in a four-year field rotation. If the field previously had cabbage maggot, they might consider planting a shorter-season variety so as to be able to plant later in the season and avoid the worst damage from the pest. Furthermore, if it had been a particularly bad infestation, they might consider a preventive soil drench with increased scouting as the crop grows. All of these are basic principles of IPM.” If an infestation was particularly bad in the past, the grower might

also consider a preventive pesticide drench at planting. As the crop matures, the producer might walk it regularly to visually scout the insect population and cull any badly infested plant material.

Producers who are incorporating these types of decisions into their operation are already using IPM. However, it may be time to take the practice to the next level, further integrating their approach.

Techniques such as encouraging natural predators and parasites, such as beetles and parasitic wasps, or more intensive scouting and data management for tracking outbreaks or infestations are important IPM components.

“They might also consider other pest control methods like cover crops, crop-adapted spraying, intercropping or better nutrient

Scouting fields for pests and monitoring their populations are key themes of an Integrated Pest Management system. photo: laura rance management,” added Morton.

“Regardless of which methods are used, the more tools used appropriately in the operation,

the better prepared growers are to deal with pest problems that may come along.

“Ultimately, IPM in a growing

operation leads to a stronger, healthier crop and can give growers the return on investment they are looking for.”

KICK START YOUR CROP’S

health & productivity.

Insure your investment with a seed treatment.

“

Farming is risky. If you’re a farmer, you know you have absolutely no control over most of that risk. Volatile markets can throw commodity prices for a loop. Wild weather can decimate a prime crop. Spring can come late or winter early, ruining the best-laid plans.

But some farming risk can be managed easily and inexpensively. If you’d like to maximize returns from your crop—and sleep better at night—experts recommend you consider a seed treatment. Seed treatments start seedlings strong by mitigating many kinds of disease and insect risk, leading to faster emergence, stronger plant stands and improved yield.

“We see seed treatments as a best management practice and recommend that all farmers across Alberta use them,” says Lorena Pahl, executive director of the Alberta Seed Growers Association. “Many factors can ruin a crop; a seed treatment can ensure that a problem at germination or emergence isn’t one of those factors.”

“Many factors can ruin a crop; a seed treatment can ensure that a problem at germination or emergence isn’t one of those factors.”

shorter crop rotations, have caused more disease inoculum to accumulate in the soil,” says Neil Whatley, a crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “[This] is an indicator that seed treatment may be cheap insurance for many growers in the spring of 2015.”

Under ideal conditions, seedlings can achieve a good start on their own. Many times, however, a variety of factors conspire against a seedling’s growth, including seeding early into cold soil, excessive or insufficient moisture or disease and insect pressure. When the crop can’t grow quickly enough to protect itself, a seed If you haven’t ever or don’t usually apply a seed treatment will give the seed a 10- to 14-day treatment, you may want to reconsider for 2015. protective head-start.

“Higher-than-average moisture conditions over the last few years around Alberta, coupled with

Seed treatments protect crops from pathogens present in and on the soil, on infected residue, or carried within the seed. While some seed treatments protect young plants from early leaf disease and root rot infection, the main role of a seed treatment is to protect seeds from seed rot and seedling blights. Some treatment brands also contain insecticides that help control insects such as flea beetle and wireworm. Protection against these pests helps to ensure a stronger seedling and higher plant population, thereby promoting a strong crop that is better able to compete against later stressors including weeds, foliar diseases, insects and harsh weather.

“

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

A seed treatment is only as good as its coverage. Buying professionally treated seed from a certified seed producer or retailer or having it processed and treated through a seed cleaning plant is highly recommended. If you choose to apply treatment to your own seeds, ensure you have the proper equipment and your machine is calibrated for the specific product.

27

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Think safety before taking equipment on the road Thirteen per cent of farm-related fatalities across Canada are traffic related, and most involve tractors Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

S

A quiet back road is one thing, but hauling equipment on public roads can be hazardous. Photo: Manitoba Labour & Immigration

pring often means taking equipment on public roads, and that can be a hazardous business.

According to the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting program, 13 per cent of farm-related fatalities across Canada are traffic related, and most involve tractors.

“Maintenance is a contributing factor to the safety of transporting farm equipment,” said Kenda Lubeck, farm safety co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Poor maintenance of equipment such as brakes or tires can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.”

In addition to checking tires for air pressure, cuts, bumps and tread wear, always lock brake pedals together for highway travel as sudden braking at high speeds on only one wheel could put the tractor into a dangerous skid, said Lubeck.

Heavy wagons should have their own independent brakes, and equipment should be clearly visible and have proper lighting and signage (including a properly mounted ‘slow-moving vehicle’ sign if the equipment is travelling at less than 40 kilometres per hour).

Red-and-orange reflective tape and reflectors are also a good idea.

Tape is sold in kits or by the foot at farm or hardware stores. Farm equipment should also be cleaned to increase visibility.

Farmers should check their route beforehand to ensure their equipment will fit on all roads and bridges, and that there are no low-hanging power lines along the route, said Lubeck.

Try to travel during the day and use common sense.

“Avoid busy roads whenever possible, even if travel time will be longer. If your route takes you across a rural railway crossing, be aware that some crossings have poor visibility.

Always stop and make sure the way is clear before crossing.”

Some tips on dealing with the long days (and nights) during seeding Regular meals, exercise breaks, and simply talking to someone will help

With a seed treatment solution from UFA, your crop has a chance to get established before pests and disease can take over.

UFA carries a wide variety of effective treatments including:

To learn more about how we can help you get the most from your crop’s potential, contact your local UFA Customer Account Manager, or our customer service centre at 1-877-258-4500 (option 1), or email customer.support@UFA.com

UFA.com

©2015 UFA Cooperative Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Always read and follow label directions.

Cruiser®, Cruiser Maxx® and Vibrance® are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other products are trademarks of their respective companies. 03/15-43310 AFE

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

Sleep often gets sacrificed during the long hours of seeding, and that can be dangerous.

“When you’re tired, you may think and move slowly, make more mistakes, and have difficulty remembering things,” said Kenda Lubeck, farm safety co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Any time a worker disrupts (the sleep) cycle they need to develop a strategy that will help their body adjust.”

The National Sleep Foundation has lots of helpful tips for staying alert on the job and for sleeping, including: • Taking short breaks throughout your shift and going for a walk or stretch.

• Working with a buddy.

• Exercising during breaks.

• Talking with co-workers when you can.

• Eating three normal meals per day and sticking to healthy snacks.

• If you consume caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, gum, mints), do so early in the shift.

• Avoiding exercise just before bedtime because it raises energy and body temperature. (Exercise should be done at least three hours before sleeping.)

“There isn’t a lot farmers can do to reduce shift work as it’s a necessity to getting a large amount of work done in a short amount of time,” says Lubeck.

“The important thing is to have someone available to take the next shift at the specified time.

When people push themselves too hard that’s when work incidents and injuries occur.”

28

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

New milling and sorting equipment for Cigi The Canadian International Grains Institute still plans to expand, but isn’t looking for funding just yet

By Shannon VanRaes staff

S

Cigi CEO JoAnne Buth speaks during a funding announcement. Photo: Shannon VanRaes

ome cutting-edge technology is about to be installed at the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi), courtesy of $2 million in government funding.

“One of the big pieces we’re getting is the BoMill, which is actually almost at commercial scale, so we’re currently exploring some opportunities to put it into a commercial situation where we can bring people in and commercial partners could be using it on a regular basis,” said CEO JoAnne Buth.

Previously researchers had to travel to the University of Saskatchewan to use a Swedishdesigned BoMill, which sorts wheat using near-infrared spectroscopy.

A Ferkar Mill (a one-stage mill

for pulses and other crops), Mixolab, extensograph, grain-cooking system, and other technologies will also be added to Cigi’s arsenal.

“This wide range of equipment will give us a huge opportunity to add value to the crops we work with” said Rex Newkirk, the institute’s vice-president of research and innovation.”

Fitting the equipment in might be a bit of a tight squeeze, but an expansion is being eyed.

“This is Phase 1 for us,” said Buth. “We’re not actively looking for funding for a move right now, not until we nail down whether or not we stay here and expand our facility, or whether we move to a purpose-built facility.”

The equipment funding is from the Grain Innovation Hub, a joint federal-provincial initiative announced last May. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

Ask the big questions before buying land

Faster harvest.

Better Weed Control. no Compromises.

Answering 16 Questions to Consider before Buying Farmland is a good way to avoid buyer’s remorse Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

Alberta farmers are still keen to buy land, says a farm financial specialist.

“Interest rates remain low and, although some farms have experienced some cash flow problems, the majority of Alberta farms has a strong balance sheet and is interested in purchasing additional land, should the opportunity arise,” said Rick Dehod.

But before making a decision, producers should do their homework, he said.

The province has created a document to help with that. It’s titled 16 Questions to Consider before Buying Farmland. The questions deal with topics such as the business case for buying land, the farm’s financial condition, and the need for analyzing cash flow.

“Buying land in this market is an important decision, and will impact your farm business,” said Dehod. “Use all of the resources available to do your financial and cash flow planning. Speak to your banker, your accountant or your farm adviser.

Speak to your lawyer regarding issues that could affect title ownership. A strong purchase plan will aid in making the purchase of land a good investment.”

The document is available at www.agriculture.alberta. ca (type ‘16 questions’ in the search box).

Timing doesn’t get more crucial than at harvest. That’s why you’ll appreciate the rapid action of new Heat® LQ herbicide. Registered for use in field peas, soybeans, dry beans, sunflowers and canola, it’s the only harvest aid that gives you a faster crop dry down plus exceptional broadleaf weed control. Heat LQ also enables straight-cutting canola for a faster, more efficient harvest. So get time on your side this season. Visit agsolutions.ca/HeatLQPreHarvest or contact AgSolutions® Customer Care at 1-877-371-BASF (2273) today.

Always read and follow label directions.

AgSolutions is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation; and HEAT, and KIXOR are registered trade-marks of BASF SE; all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2015 BASF Canada Inc.

110201935_HeatLQ_PH_AFE_v4.indd 1

NEWSPRINT

2015-03-17 10:49 AM

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Genetically modified, engineered or just edited?

The result can be the same without the addition of a gene from elsewhere Staff

J

ust what is a genetically modified organism?

Japanese scientists writing in a recent issue of the journal Trends in Plant Science say the answer is not so clear, and call for action to clarify the social issues associated with genetically engineered crops.

“Modern genome-editing technology has allowed for far more efficient gene modification, potentially impacting future agriculture,” Tetsuya Ishii of Hokkaido University

said in a release. “However, genome editing raises a regulatory issue by creating indistinct boundaries in GMO regulations because the advanced genetic engineering can, without introducing new genetic material, make a gene modification which is similar to a naturally occurring mutation.”

The release says that under current regulations, a GMO is a living organism that has been altered by a novel combination of genetic material, including the introduction of a transgene.

Advanced genetic engineering technologies raise regula-

tory issues because they don’t require transgenes to make alterations to the genome. They can simply pluck out a short DNA sequence or add a mutation to an existing gene.

“Genome-editing technology is advancing rapidly; therefore it is timely to review the regulatory system for plant breeding by genome editing,” says Ishii.

“Moreover, we need to clarify the differences between older genetic engineering techniques and modern genome editing, and shed light on various issues towards social acceptance of genome-edited crops.”

B:10.25”

But just what does GMO free mean, exactly? Photo: Thinkstock

T:10.25” S:10.25”

Quality meets quantity.

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30

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Glyphosate classified as ‘probably carcinogenic’ Monsanto questions results of report, which also include diazinon, malathion and parathion AgCanada.com

T

Monsanto is slamming the study, but a World Health Organization agency has classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic” and has been found in the blood and urine of agricultural workers. Photo: Thinkstock

he decision by an international group of cancer experts to classify the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide as “probably carcinogenic” has drawn fire from the product’s main maker.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a France-based arm of the World Health Organization, released its working group’s evaluations on the cancer-causing potential for glyphosate herbicide and four other organophosphate pesticides — diazinon, malathion, parathion, and tetrachlorvinphos.

For glyphosate, malathion and diazinon, IARC’s 17-member group found “limited” evidence of cancer sites in humans, but “sufficient” evidence in animals for glyphosate and malathion.

The group has classified all three

chemicals in the agency’s Group 2A — “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

Parathion and tetrachlorvinphos, meanwhile, were placed in Group 2B — “possibly” carcinogenic.

Monsanto — the company that first brought broad-spectrum glyphosate to market under the Roundup name in 1974, followed

by Roundup Ready crops starting in 1996 — said the agency’s report offers no new research or data, but instead relies on certain studies while disregarding others.

The evaluation of diazinon, IARC said, is based on “strong mechanistic evidence” — that is, evidence based on the product’s physical processes. For glyphosate and malathion, meanwhile, “the mechanistic evidence provided independent support of the 2A classification based on evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and experimental animals.”

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The evidence in humans, IARC said in a release, is from “studies of exposures, mostly agricultural” in the U.S., Canada and Sweden published since 2001, and “convincing evidence that glyphosate also can cause cancer in laboratory animals.”

‘Increased risks’

The IARC group noted glyphosate now has the highest production volumes of all herbicides, and its use has risen “sharply” with the development of genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crops. The chemical, it said, “has been detected in air during spraying, in water, and in food.”

In humans, the group said, case-control studies of occupational exposure in the U.S., Canada and Sweden reported “increased risks for non-Hodgkin lymphoma that persisted after adjustment for other pesticides.”

I n m a le mi c e, I AR C sa id , glyphosate “induced a positive trend in the incidence of a rare tumour, renal tubule carcinoma” while a second study reported “a positive trend for haemangiosarcoma in male mice.” (Haemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels, found mainly in dogs.)

Glyphosate, IARC said, also “increased pancreatic islet-cell adenoma (tumours) in male rats in two studies” and a glyphosate formulation “promoted skin tumours in an initiation-promotion study in mice.”

The group said the chemical “has been detected in the blood and urine of agricultural workers, indicating absorption” and that the detection of aminomethylphosphoric acid (AMPA) — a chemical formed when glyphosate is degraded by soil microbes — suggests humans’ intestinal microbes are metabolizing the product.

The group’s review also said glyphosate and glyphosate formulations have induced “DNA and chromosomal damage” in mammals as well as in human and animal cells in vitro, and cited a study reporting increases in blood markers of “chromosomal damage” in residents of several communities after spraying of glyphosate formulations.

‘Disregarded’ studies

In a separate statement, Monsanto’s vice-president for global regulatory affairs, Philip Miller, called out the IARC report for excluding “the most relevant, scientific data” from the studies the group mined for its conclusions.

“No new research or data… was used” in the IARC report, he said, and “there is no link between glyphosate and an increase in cancer when the full data set is included in a rigorous review.”

Monsanto, Miller said, has put out an “urgent request for appropriate (WHO) personnel” to meet with members of the world’s glyphosate task forces and “other regulatory agencies” to account for the studies used in the IARC analysis — “and, equally as important, to account for those scientific studies that were disregarded.”

“We don’t know how IARC could reach a conclusion that is such a dramatic departure from the conclusion reached by all regulatory agencies around the globe,” he said.

31

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

It’s getting worse in California

Damage from big freeze showing up

California’s record drought is about to get worse as the dry season begins, says the U.S. Climate Prediction Center. “Periods of record warmth in the West and not enough precipitation during the rainy season cut short drought relief in California this winter and prospects for above-average temperatures this spring may make the situation worse,” said centre official Jon Gottschalck. The western U.S. is expected to see the multi-year drought intensify in 2015 and extend into the northern Plains, the outlook said. That’s expected to lead to another significant drop in California field crop production this year. — Reuters

Evidence of freeze injury in winter wheat from a cold spell last autumn is starting to show up in parts of northwest Kansas as the crop comes out of dormancy, says a state agronomist.

The damage resulted from a plunge in temperatures in November, when readings fell from around 16 C to -13 to -17 C in a 24-hour period. It is too early to know how the damage will impact yields, as plants sometime can recover by producing new tillers, or shoots, in the spring. Nearly half of Kansas, the biggest producer of hard red winter wheat in the U.S., is also suffering from drought. — Reuters

How the winds blow and big spring snowstorms A new website lets you see how air is moving around the planet, and history proves that late-winter storms can bring major snowfalls

By Daniel Bezte

T

o start off this week I just have to share one of the coolest weatherrelated websites I’ve come across in a long time.

I think it was last year when I shared a link to a website that showed surface winds across North America. It was a website that was actually created as part of an art project and used weather model data to show an animated map of wind patterns and wind strength.

Well, it seems that project has now gone global. If you go to the website: earth. nullschool.net, you will find a scalable Earth — much like Google Earth — that will allow you to see current wind direction and speed all across the Earth. You can move around the Earth and zoom in and out to see more detail — all based on weather model data. It might not be actual real-life data, but it’s still pretty close and I find that it really allows you to visualize how the air is moving around the planet.

You’ll be able to see areas of high pressure with winds flowing out from one area, and you will definitely be able to find areas of low pressure where the winds are spiralling in towards a centre of low pressure. The page defaults to surface winds, but if you click on the word ‘earth’ in the bottom lefthand corner, a menu will pop up allowing you to make a whole bunch of changes.

I won’t bore you with all of the options, but what you should check out is how the wind patterns change as you move up in the atmosphere. You can see this by selecting different pressure levels: 1,000, 850, 750 hPa, each one representing a level higher up in the atmosphere. If you are even slightly interested in the weather I would recommend that you check out this resource. You won’t be disappointed!

Now on to my next topic, spring snowstorms. (I know — don’t talk about them and then maybe they won’t happen.)

But believe it or not, across the Prairies, March and April have seen some of the biggest snowstorms. As warm, moist air begins its yearly push northwards, cold air from the Arctic sometimes has a hard time letting go. When the two combine, we can get some truly big snowstorms. I don’t have the time or resources to check out every location across our region, so once again I’ll rely on our three main centres: Calgary in the south, Edmonton for central regions, and Peace River in the north.

For this study, I only looked at snowfall and did not take into account any combination of rainfall and wet snow, as this would mostly have been recorded as rainfall at Environment Canada stations.

Let us begin by looking at Calgary. April

Percent of Average Precipitation (Prairie Region) November 1, 2014 to March 18, 2015

< 40% 40 - 60% 60 - 85% 85 - 115% 115 - 150% 150 - 200% > 200% Extent of Agricultural Land Lakes and Rivers

Produced using near real-time data that has undergone initial quality control. The map may not be accurate for all regions due to data availability and data errors.

Copyright © 2015 Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s National Agroclimate Information Service (NAIS). Data provided through partnership with Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and many Provincial agencies.

Created: 03/19/15 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

With the official winter season coming to an end, this issue’s map shows the total amount of precipitation that has fallen so far this winter as a per cent of average. Over the eastern Prairies it has been a dry winter, with amounts in the 40 to 60 per cent range. Saskatchewan and Alberta received more precipitation, with most regions seeing between 85 and 150 per cent of average. Northwestern agricultural Saskatchewan and the Slave Lake region of Alberta were the wettest regions with 150 to more than 200 per cent of average.

snow is not an unknown thing to residents of this part of Alberta. Looking back through Calgary’s weather records, I was actually very surprised at just how many snowfall days occurred during April. The biggest April snowstorm I was able to find occurred in 1932, when between April 20 and 21 an amazing 49.3 centimetres of snow fell.

Then, only one year later, a storm hit on April 15 and lasted through to the 17th. During this storm, nearly 46 centimetres of snow fell. Another 40-plus-centimetre snowstorm occurred in 1966 on April 25-27, when 45 centimetres fell.

In 2003, between April 26 and 28, 38.5 centimetres of snow fell. This storm recorded the second-largest one-day snowfall total for April, when 32.2 centimetres fell on April 26. The largest single-day snowfall total for April occurred during the 1932 storm, when on April 21 an absolutely amazing 45.7 centimetres of snow fell.

In the Edmonton region, the number of spring snowfalls is not as great as the Calgary region, but the city has still seen its fair share of large April snowstorms. The largest one occurred in 1955, when between April 18 and 20 a whopping 47.5 centimetres of snow fell. Yet another big April storm hit in 1948 when 43 centimetres of snow fell between April 1 and 3.

The third-biggest storm occurred from April 6-7 of 1991, when nearly 41 centimetres of snow fell, with over 36 centimetres falling on April 6. This is the second-largest one-day snowfall record for April. The largest occurred on April 19, 1955 when 38 centimetres fell. The most recent big snow event was in 2002 when 28 centimetres fell on April 14-15.

The Peace River region has seen a couple of big spring storms, but not many of them. The biggest I could find occurred in 1966 when from April 9-12, a total of 49.3

centimetres of snow fell. The second-biggest storm I could find for this region was in 2003 when from April 1-3 45.3 centimetres of snow fell.

So, as the stats point out, some of the largest snowstorms to hit this part of the world have occurred in April.

Are we going to see a repeat this year?

I really hope not, but as the weather goes, you just never know! So, let’s keep our fingers crossed that April ends up bringing us perfect weather and that we enter May with nice mild temperatures and soil moisture conditions just where we want them to be.

Daniel Bezte is a teacher by profession with a BA (Hon.) in geography, specializing in climatology, from the U of W. He operates a computerized weather station near Birds Hill Park. Contact him with your questions and comments at daniel@bezte.ca.

32

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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33

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Troubled canola crusher considers selling itself Legumex Walker says it might sell itself or make other strategic moves. The Winnipeg-headquartered Legumex has a long history as a major processor of pulse crops, and more recently built a canola-crushing plant in Washington state.

Its financial performance has been hampered by railway congestion limiting delivery of canola seed to that plant, along with its slow ramp-up to full production. The company posted a loss of $13.1 million for the first nine months of 2014. The announcement pushed up share prices but they are still down sharply from a year ago. — Reuters

Elm pruning ban starting The ban on pruning elm trees in Alberta goes into effect April 1. The ban helps to prevent the spread of elm bark beetles and Dutch elm disease (DED). “If elm trees are pruned during the pruning ban period, these beetles which are active at this time can be attracted to the scent of the fresh wound and possibly infect an otherwise healthy elm, said Janet Feddes-Calpas.

“Once an elm tree is infected with DED, it will die within that year.” Once the ban is lifted on Sept. 30, dead wood should be pruned and disposed of by burning, burying or chipping. Tree owners are encouraged to hire a professional certified arborist. — AARD release

A HEARTLAND new type of Prairie inland fishery Consumers are looking for sustainably raised seafood, putting the Prairie provinces in a position to capitalize on cheaper land and pristine water

By Shannon VanRaes staff

A

t times, Manitoba producers Rudy and Leslie Reimer have felt like they’ve been swimming against the current.

But surveying the tanks at Watersong Farm’s newly built trout observation room, Rudy Reimer said the five years spent developing and redeveloping their self-contained fish farm have been worth it.

“There is a lot of potential here — a lot,” he said.

And the potential for inland farmed fish is continuing to grow, according to Ruth Salmon, executive director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance.

“The demand for seafood is huge, it’s been growing at seven to nine per cent per year,” she said. “And there are lots of opportunities for trout and other species in the Prairie provinces, particularly using old facilities.”

Not only is demand for seafood growing, so is the market for fish farmed in selfcontained aquaculture systems as people become more aware of the environmental impact of traditional fisheries and cage production.

“What’s going on in the industry right now is that everybody wants to be Ocean Wise or SeaChoice approved for retailers or restaurants; they want to be sustainable,” said Julie Tuk, a purchaser with Mariner Neptune Fish & Seafood Co. in Winnipeg.

“And the best way for fish to be sustainable is for it to be raised in a closed, contained facility — not in oceans or lakes.”

Reimer noted that 50 per cent of seafood consumed worldwide already comes from farms, but many are cage farms located in natural bodies of water, a type of production associated with higher environmental impacts.

Complex project

But just because the market for fish raised in containment systems is thriving, it doesn’t mean connecting with consumers is a simple task.

The Reimers, who farm northwest of Winnipeg, began their journey in 2008 with a pilot project sponsored by the Interprovincial Partnership for Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture Development and funded by the Canadian Model Aqua-Farm Initiative.

When the project was first announced in December 2008, both the federal and provincial governments committed just over $300,000 in funding. By the time the project concluded in 2013, the Manitoba government had invested almost double its estimate — $712,000 — while the Reimers covered operating costs, and provided infrastructure such as a hog barn, land and a well.

Not everything went according to plan, said Reimer, explaining that after the project officially ended, the tanks had to be drained and reconfigured to accommodate the size of fish the market actually

Rudy Reimer inside an observation room he built to allow visitors a bird’s-eye view without biosecurity concerns.

“I certainly think there is opportunity everywhere, the demand for seafood is huge, it’s been growing at seven to nine per cent per year.”

Ruth Salmon Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance

Rudy and Leslie Reimer inside a hog barn converted to raise trout. Photos: Shannon VanRaes wanted. Consultants had recommended a two-pound trout, which is popular in the food service in Eastern Canada. But the market in Western Canada is at the retail level, and consumers wanted a larger fish.

“We’re just at the point where we’re starting up again, and we’ll see,” he said.

“Hopefully everything goes really well this time, we’re much more confident that we have the processing side of it and the marketing figured out now.”

Design problems also arose, as did processing concerns as the joint initiative went forward, Reimer said.

“So there was more than one thing we had problems with, but I don’t want to dwell on too many of them anymore, because that just frustrates you,” said Reimer. “We did get some assistance, so no matter whether it didn’t all go as perfectly as planned, the fact is there was financial assistance there.”

Regulatory woes

With larger fish in the tank, Reimer now plans a two-pronged approach to processing and marketing his trout when they are ready to be harvested.

Watersong Farm is looking to establish a licensed meat shop on site so that it can process some of its own fish, while the rest will be processed at Mariner Neptune, which has a federally inspected facility and can ship outside of Manitoba.

“Once they are up and running again, we’ll take all of their product, or as much as we can get,” said Tuk. “Trout is in big demand across Canada.”

But Salmon points out that while the global demand for sustainable fish has grown, growth in Canada’s fish farms has

Inside Watersong Farm near Warren. stalled. She points the finger at federal regulations.

“To date it has really imposed a lot of costs and delays that have restricted growth and investment,” she said, adding that while technically regulated by the Fisheries Act, that act never once actually uses the word aquaculture.

“The act is there to guide the wild fisheries and protect wild stocks, which is really important,” she said. “But it doesn’t have anything to do with farming seafood and it doesn’t have anything to do with guiding an innovative aquaculture industry.”

A final report has not yet been issued on the Canadian Model Aqua-Farm Initiative, but all parties seem to agree that a lot has been learned since it began.

Ten years ago, when the Reimers took

over a successful chicken farm, they couldn’t possibly imagine that fish would be in their future. Now they couldn’t imagine a future without fish and haven’t ruled out expanding down the road.

And while government funding might not be on the table again, foreign investment, particularly from China could buoy the industry, Reimer said.

“There is significant interest in it,” he said. “And we have an advantage on the Prairies, a number of advantages actually… if they’re going to move into closed containment systems, which are basically buildings on land, our land is still pretty cheap compared to say the West Coast and we have excellent water quality here.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

34

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Government foot-dragging said to be slowing honey exports Honey council cites lack of residue standards and concerns over Chinese imports

By Alex Binkley af contributor

C

anadian honey exports are being hindered because of government inaction, the Senate agriculture committee has been told.

“We need the Canadian government’s involvement and attention,” said Rod Scarlett, executive director of the Canadian Honey Council.

Although colony collapses and the neonic controversy have grabbed the headlines, the industry is enjoying strong growth, he said. The number of beekeepers in Canada has increased substantially to 8,777, and the sector produced about 81 million pounds of honey (worth $200 million) last year, most of it on the Prairies.

But the number of trade issues is also growing, he said.

Loads of honey destined for Japan were blocked last year when that country set a zero tolerance for residues of tylosin, a common veterinary medicine used to combat resistant American foulbrood disease in bees.

“In essence what happened is that Japan changed its maximum residue levels (MRL) for tylosin to zero if the exporting country does not have its own MRL,” said Scarlett.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has been working on an MRL but has not finalized it, he said.

“We were caught in a grey area where we had no MRL and Japan had zero. However, tylosin has been used by beekeepers for a long time.”

The Canadian Honey Council says that despite recent neonic concerns, the industry is growing. PHOTO: thINKSTOCK Chinese imports

At the same time, Chinese honey has been flooding into Canada even though “there is considerable concern in North America primarily due to quality issues, but pricing is also a grave concern to beekeepers,” Scarlett said.

“Chinese honey can be purchased at about half the cost of domestically produced honey,

and producers are not subject to the same food safety requirements. This development has caused some within the beekeeping community to push for antidumping action.”

Another headache is Europe’s rules against genetically modified crops.

In 2010-11, Europe was the second-largest foreign destination

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for Canadian honey. Then Europe ruled that honey that came from GM products had to be labelled and that has essentially closed Europe to Canadian honey, much of which is produced in Western Canada from bees foraging in GM canola crops.

It took five years for Ottawa to catch up with the European rules and labelling issues remain unresolved, he noted.

To deal with bee health issues such as pest, nutrition, habitat and pesticides, the industry has created a Bee Health Roundtable to identify ways to deal with these challenges, he said.

He also said that changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program are jeopardizing many successful commercial bee operations, which depend on seasonal labour.

Monsanto scholarship applications for 2015 High school grads from farm families entering ag programs eligible Staff

The Monsanto Fund Opportunity Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for 2015.

The program offers graduating Grade 12 students from farm families the opportunity to capture one of 65 entrance scholarships valued at $1,500 each to help fund post-secondary studies in agriculture or agriculture-related fields.

The scholarships are available to students who: • Come from a family farm with confirmed plans to enrol in their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture or an agriculture-related program at a Canadian educational institution; • Have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership capabilities and a keen interest and involvement in their rural community; • Submit a completed application form, which includes an essay that outlines what area of agriculture they would like to work in and why. They must also have a farmer provide a reference letter.

All applications must be postmarked not later than May 29.

Scholarship application forms and posters in both French and English are in the process of being distributed to high schools, 4-H clubs, provincial and federal agriculture offices, farm retail outlets and seed companies.

Application forms and complete program details are also available from Monsanto’s CustomCare line at 1-800-667-4944 or at www.monsanto.ca.

Thousands of students have received a total of more than $1.5 million since the program launched using corporate funds in 1991, which has been funded by the Monsanto Fund since 2012.

35

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

OOPS!

This trio of deer takes advantage of jumping over a fence with a sagging top strand, near Beaver Mines, in southern Alberta. Photo: Wendy Dudley

T:8.125”

Consult vet when newborn sheep and goats die If a common infectious agent is the cause, steps can be taken to reduce the risk Alberta Lamb Producers release

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Outbreaks of abortions and stillbirths in sheep and goats, and deaths in newborn lambs and kids, can have severe economic impact on a farm’s profitability.

With the help of their veterinarian, producers can identify common infectious causes of abortions, stillbirths and deaths in newborn lambs and kids.

This will allow the producer to take preventive steps to avoid health risks in future lambing and kidding seasons.

Several causes of abortions and stillbirths are due to infectious agents that can pose a health risk to the personnel who work with ewes and does during lambing and kidding season.

The Food Safety and Animal Health division of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development with participation of Alberta veterinarians is continuing the project launched in 2013 to identify causes of abortions and stillbirths in does and ewes and mortality in lambs and kids less than 10 days old.

Producers are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian so the cause of abortions and stillbirths in does and ewes and deaths in newborn lambs and kids can be diagnosed.

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36

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Know the real bottom line before heading out to seed Finance expert says knowing your actual cost of production allows for better decisions on marketing and risk management Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

A

nother seeding season is within view, but do you know how you fared last

year?

“Unfortunately, farmers really don’t know if their farm was profitable in 2014,” said Rick Dehod, farm financial specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“The majority of farms still reports their incomes and expenses on a cash basis via their annual income tax returns with the goal of avoiding or postponing income tax. Very few actually have an accurate accrual statement prepared to give them a true picture of profitability.”

Converting cash statements into accrual ones is key, he said.

“This will give you a true picture of income and expense for your farm and whether you made a profit,” said Dehod. “It will allow you to make better decisions into the future and fully understand your cost of production. You will have a better understanding of what your break-even points are and when you can take a profit.”

This knowledge is also critical in deciding what risk management tools are appropriate for a farm, he added.

Financial statements for incorporated farms will include an accrued income statement.

“Items that will affect the calculations are year-end numbers for inventories of livestock, crops for sale, feed on hand, purchased supplies, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued interest.”

These numbers are usually available from the year-end statement provided to a lender or accountant or from the farm’s annual AgriStability returns.

“The only number that may not be readily available is the accrued interest at year-end, so that number may have to be estimated,” said Dehod. “Producers need to have the required numbers for the beginning of the year and end of the year for the accrual adjustments to be calculated properly for any given year. They can also ask their accountant or business adviser for assistance in accruing their cash statement.”

Depreciation is “the tricky one,” he added.

“Income tax returns may have

Was it a good year or bad on your farm? Only accrual financial statements provide a true picture of income and expenses. Photo: Thinkstock capital cost allowance (CCA) numbers, but those can be quite different from the actual depreciation numbers that should be charged as a business expense,” said Dehod. “For the historical accrued net farm income numbers to be meaningful, deprecia-

tion amounts must reflect true depreciation of the assets used to generate an income. This may be close to 16 per cent for your equipment line and two to four per cent for your grain and machinery storage. If you are in an intensified livestock opera-

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tion, depreciation on building and equipment could be higher.”

To learn how to accrue income and expense statements go to www.agriculture.alberta. ca/farm-manager and enter ‘Income and Expense Statement’ in the search box.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

37

38

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Expert questions need to double global food production Sustainable food expert says cutting food waste is the first step in dealing with population growth

By Shannon VanRaes staff

I

Ralph Martin says calls to double global food production are not well founded. Photo: Shannon VanRaes

t rots in fields, storehouses, trucks, and fridges — and there is enough wasted food to feed one billion people.

And that’s why oft-repeated mantras about the need to increase food production need a rethink, said Ralph Martin, chair of the University of Guelph’s Sustainable Food Production program.

“There’s no doubt that the population is growing,” he said. “What I take issue with is the idea that that means the demand for food is going to grow more than the population.”

While the world’s population may increase by 30 or 40 per cent by 2050, it is frequently estimated the food supply will need to increase 75 to 100 per cent over the same period.

“This is not just ‘a supposed’ — at most meetings I’ve been at this becomes axiomatic,” he said.

“It becomes something that we just must do. We have to increase food production by 70 to 100 per cent.”

But before marshalling the huge increase in inputs and energy, as well as land and other resources, to tackle that huge task, the focus should be on how to better use the food grown now.

“We need to examine waste first,” Martin said in a speech at the University of Manitoba, adding that means different challenges in different parts of the world.

In developing countries, the problem is limited by poor storage technology along with transportation hurdles. In the West, where 40 per cent of food is wasted, half occurs in homes.

“Mostly because we buy too much, our fridges are too big, we forget about it and throw it

Calling all farmers We need your help to tell a story that directly affects your livelihood.

out,” he said, adding an average household spends $140 on groceries each week and throws out $28 worth of what is purchased.

“Buy less, buy the quality you want, eat it. It’s not complicated,” Martin said. “It’s an awareness issue. Almost everybody who I know does not like to see food wasted, and that includes farmers who are very good at producing it, they don’t like to see it wasted either. We all have an interest in having a system that makes sense.”

Overconsumption is another type of waste, he said.

While nearly a billion people have too little to eat, nearly twice that many people compromise their health because they eat too much.

Canadian statistics aren’t available, but Martin said they’d be similar to Americans, who on average, eat 1.6 times the amount of food they need to.

Less meat?

Many cite growing demand for animal protein, particularly from China, as a key reason why food production needs to increase.

But Martin said that may not be the case, and that demand for animal protein began to decline in China a few years ago. Citizens of the developed world might also want to examine their meat consumption and look at adding protein from foods like legumes and pulses, he said.

“I think there is still a role for meat and I think there is still a role for intensive agriculture, provided it’s balanced with ecological imperatives,” he said.

“The main thing I’m challenging is that we have to double food production at a time when the population is only going to go up 30 or 40 per cent.”

“The main thing I’m challenging is that we have to double food production at a time when the population is only going to go up 30 or 40 per cent.”

As farmers we need all of the tools in our tool box, be they aspects of conventional, or organic production. The use of GMO technology is one of those tools and we need your help to protect it.

KNOW GMO the MOVIE will be “an uplifting discussion about food” and is going to be a world-class, science-based documentary designed to show consumers what the words genetically modified actually mean. It will demonstrate how biotechnology is contributing to global food security, decreasing disease and conserving land, all in a sustainable manner. Filming across North America has already begun.

If you care about how the story of agriculture is being told, we need your support to make this movie a reality. Please go to www.knowGMOtheMovie.com to learn more and to donate.

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“Fear sells and is easy to believe.

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Ralph Martin

He also challenged the idea that intensive agriculture should focus on crops used for livestock feed. Arguing that no food fit for human consumption should be diverted to livestock, Martin pointed to a number of ways that unavoidable food waste can be channelled back into livestock production to reduce use of feed grains.

He also questioned using the hungry-world argument to justify new or controversial food production technologies.

“It’s just a matter of having an awareness about that and not just blindly carrying on as if we’re frantic and have to produce more and more and more,” he said.

“There are options that we can think about. We can slow down a little bit, and take account of what’s really happening.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

39

Albertafarmexpress.ca • MARCH 30, 2015

NFU wants government to keep non-farming investors from owning farmland

!

Your pension money is at work competing with you for farmland, says an NFU report

By Allan Dawson staff

I

f you want to buy farmland, you’re up against some tough competition — your pension money.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has joined big corporations buying up farmland as an investment, the National Farmers Union says in a new report called Losing Our Grip — 2015 Update.

“Farmland investment companies are shifting ownership of Canadian farmland from the hands of actual farmers into those of absentee landlords, thus recreating the tenant-farmer model that many of Canada’s early immigrants were trying to escape,” the report states.

Among its eight recommendations is a call for a law to restrict farmland ownership to individuals living in the province where the land is located and to incorporate farming operations and co-operatives operating in that province.

It also suggests provincial governments consider restricting the amount of land farmers can own, as P.E.I. does.

“We know that land is the foundation of our culture and social fabric, and here in Prince Edward Island we’ve been able to limit the amount of land owned by big Canadian companies and offshore bargain hunters,” said Reg Phelan, an NFU board member from the Maritimes.

The report profiles several companies that have been buying farmland in Canada since 2010, including Bonnefield Financial, Agcapita, Walton International, AGInvest Canada and Assiniboia Capital. Assiniboia was formed in 2010 with a goal of owning 400,000 acres, but sold all of its holdings (128,000 acres) to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board last year.

The companies operate as limited partnerships, so are not required to disclose financial information. The NFU report says some claim to be eligible as RRSP investments, though that is hard to verify.

The report highlights the credit crunch facing farmers as a result of high land values, which offshore investors can use to their advantage by buying land to farmers and then leasing it back.

‘Canola streaming’

The report also targets a new form of farm debt called “canola streaming” used by AgStream Inc., an offshoot of Assiniboia Capital.

“The company provides an upfront sum to the farmer in return for a specified volume of canola from each of the next five to seven years’ crops at a fixed price (which may be zero dollars),” the report states. “Input Capital then turns around and sells the contracted canola to elevators and canola crushers at market prices.”

Farmers must take out crop insurance and AgStream requires a general security agreement on the farm’s assets, which in some

cases is a second mortgage on the land, the report says.

According to the NFU, farmland investment companies will soon be able to use the cash advance program, saving money “to fund further land purchases, thus unfairly competing with bona fide farmers.”

In 2013 farmers received $8.3 billion in credit from input suppliers to buy their products, up $800 million from 2010. That diminishes farmers’ independence, the report says.

The NFU also says it has heard input suppliers are giving farmers who have used their credit, preferential grain delivery opportunities.

The report summarizes provincial farmland ownership laws. It says there has been progress in Quebec, setbacks in B.C., and that Saskatchewan is reviewing its law in light of public concern about investment company purchases.

“The current policy environment promotes unaffordable land prices, ever higher farm debt loads and concentration of land ownership in fewer hands, thereby systematically pushing farmers out of business,” the report says.

The full report is available at www.nfu.ca. allan@fbcpublishing.com

!

!

The National Farmers Union says investors are driving up land prices and pushing farmers deeper into debt.

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MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Dealing with hazardous materials on farms Website has user-friendly info on handling anhydrous ammonia, disinfectants, compressed gases, and other hazardous farm materials Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

T

he Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, or WHMIS, is more than just a short course for workers handling pure chemicals.

WHMIS is a Canada-wide system that communicates the dangers and other information about hazardous materials used in the workplace. It does this through labels on containers of hazardous materials, safety data sheets (SDS) with detailed hazard and

precautionary information, and worker education programs.

“There are numerous hazardous materials used across a variety of agricultural activities,” says Nicole Hornett, farm safety coordinator for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “The materials WHMIS covers contain more than just stereotypical industrial chemicals. It includes items you would find on many farms such as fuel, propane, anhydrous ammonia, disinfectants, compressed gases, acetone or spray paint.”

Everyone plays a part in hazard-

ous materials safety — WHMIS’s consistent labelling guidelines and SDS are just the tip of the iceberg. WHMIS clarifies the roles that suppliers, employers and employees have regarding hazardous materials.

Suppliers label containers according to the guidelines and provide a current SDS to customers. The label must clearly identify the contents of the hazardous material and the SDS explains what the hazards are.

Employers plan and conduct hazardous materials orientation, education and training pro-

grams for workers. They must also ensure products are properly labelled, securely stored and that the SDS is readily available to all workers for all products.

Workers participate in the training programs and apply the knowledge to working safely. They promptly report missing or illegible labels, SDSs or signs. They also report unsafe acts.

Children and visitors are not permitted in hazardous materials storage areas. They need to be kept away from active work areas where there is a risk of exposure to a hazard.

“Farmers looking for more information on hazardous materials can check out the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS),” says Hornett. “It has recently launched a national website dedicated to WHMIS which makes it easier for everyone to access information.”

The new website features upto-date reference manuals, fact sheets, laws, worksite posters, e-courses and webinars. Farmers can access WHMIS information at www.whmis.org, or call CCOHS’s B:17.4” toll-free number 1-800-668-4284.

T:17.4” S:17.4”

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41

Albertafarmexpress.ca • MARCH 30, 2015

A combination of new additives and husbandry can replace antibiotics If Scandinavian pork producers can go antibiotic free, so can Canadians, says animal scientist

By Shannon VanRaes staff

I

f you think you can’t raise a healthy pig and turn a profit without the aid of antibiotics, think again.

While there is no silver bullet to replace growth promotants, a thoughtful mix of improved husbandry and antibiotic alternatives can prove as effective, says a Uni-

versity of Manitoba animal science professor.

Those with doubts can look to Scandinavian countries for guidance, he said.

“Really, the first step was taken in 1986 when Sweden became the first country to outlaw the use of antibiotics in livestock diets,” said Martin Nyachoti. “After that a few other Scandinavian countries followed suit.”

In 2006, the European Union

banned the use of antibiotics as feed additives, and now the U.S. and Canada are also moving in that direction, albeit through voluntary changes to product labelling.

“To put things in context, there have been questions for a very long time — right since the 1960s — as to whether or not we should be using antibiotics in animal or livestock feed,” said Nyachoti. “This has been going on for a long, long time.”

That long history gives Manitoba’s producers a lot of good information to base production decisions on.

For example, when Scandinavian countries moved away from antibiotics by incorporating zinc oxide into piglet feed, the result was fewer enteric diseases, including post-weaning diarrhea. But Nyachoti notes Canadian producers won’t be able to replicate that transition because of Canadian restriction on the use of zinc — it can still be used in pig feed in Canada, but not at levels high enough to be effective on its own.

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However, Nyachoti said there are other elements that can also be incorporated, including probiotics and prebiotics, the effects of which he is continuing to study.

“There has been a lot of interest in using the probiotics and prebiotics together to create a potential benefit, rather than using either one of them independently,” he said, adding they can also be combined with feed enzymes, which can then assist in creating the short-chain carbohydrates pigs need to grow.

Egg yolk antibodies, cornstarch, lysozyme and organic acids have also proven beneficial, as have more controversial feed additives, such as blood plasma.

“Spray-dried plasma was in the news quite a bit last year, but it is actually one ingredient that we know works, and has been shown to work in baby pigs, it improves performance, it improves feed intake, and it does help prevent diarrhea problems in the piglets,” he said.

However, the additive was also implicated in the first cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED).

“That is something to talk about on another day,” said Nyachoti.

Many of these alternative feed additives are already in use in Canada, such as starch.

“Since we published that first paper on potato starch, there has been a lot of people who use that in the swine industry,” he said. “The industry realizes that it can actually get a benefit by including this product in baby pig diets.”

Other methods of improving piglet health and lessening the occurrence of gastrointestinal disease include low-protein diets and fermented feed.

“Fermented products do have high levels of organic acids and they can have a benefit to gut health,” Nyachoti said.

Husbandry

But to achieve good piglet health, and raise healthy pigs, husbandry methods also have to be re-examined.

“I think if we took the approach that you start clean and you stay clean, you can already go a long way in helping these pigs stay

C-52-03/15-10287626-E

“I think if we took the approach that you start clean and you stay clean, you can already go a long way in helping these pigs stay healthy.”

Martin Nyachoti

healthy, then they do not have to need this intervention,” he said.

One production method that made Nyachoti’s list of possible changes was outdoor pork production, although he acknowledges that isn’t likely to become a solution for Prairie producers.

“For us, one of our biggest problems obviously is the weather, so outdoor production is probably not the way to go,” he said. “But I think if we took the approach that you start clean and you stay clean, you can already go a long way in helping these pigs stay healthy. Then they do not have to need this intervention.”

But while he advised greater attention to husbandry methods, he didn’t go so far as to say less intensive methods were needed to prevent disease.

“Right now the way it is, there is the code of practice that says each animal needs to get so much space, and that, I think, is based on good information,” he said.

“But having said that though, it’s also good to know that restriction in space does lead to stress and that can also compromise the health of an animal. But I think that what the industry is using, the code of practice, is determined as being sufficient.”

In the end, producers will likely need to use a combination of alternative feed additives, in addition to re-evaluating husbandry practices, to completely move away from the use of antibiotics as growth promotants.

“Yes the cost of production might go up a little bit,” he said.

“But you can still competitively produce livestock.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

AG DEALS TO GO!

42

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Community news and events from across the province

RCMP livestock investigator hangs up his hat — but not his spurs

up

Send agriculture-related meeting and event announcements to: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com

By Alexis Kienlen af staff

C

pl. Dave Heaslip will be hanging up his red serge coat and putting away his tall, dark boots — but he doesn’t plan to give up his horses.

And when he retires April 2, his 45 years and 192 days of service will make him one of the longestserving members in RCMP history.

But the longtime Ponoka resident is best known in Alberta’s farm community for his work as a livestock investigator during the past 11 years.

He fell into his unique role because of his interest and background in cattle and horses.

While working as a general-duty RCMP officer in Ponoka, he began heading up cattle-related investigations and managed to catch several cattle thieves. When his predecessor retired in 2004, Heaslip applied for the job.

“I thought I’d just try it for a year or two and see how it was, but I really enjoyed it. Working with farmers and ranchers is great,” he said.

The province’s two livestock investigators are the go-to guys for other RCMP detachments when it comes to handling livestock complaints involving strays, frauds, thefts, and animal welfare concerns. They also handle and investigate major livestockrelated crimes.

Heaslip’s territory ranges from Red Deer to the Northwest Territories and the Saskatchewan border, and he and his southern Alberta counterpart work closely with Livestock Inspection Services.

“It’s hit and miss sometimes, looking for people’s cattle, but there’s nothing better than finding a guy who has stolen some cattle and putting him behind bars,” he said. “It’s been a real pleasure serving the farmers and ranchers of Alberta.”

Horses and cattle have always been near and dear to his heart.

During a five-year stint in St. Paul, he raised Simmental cattle and quarter-horses, and served as a 4-H leader. He’s been active in the RCMP’s musical ride and represented the force during

what’s

April 3-6: Easter Light Horse Riding Clinic, Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition, Lloydminster. Contact: Sam Hardstaff 306-825-5571 April 6-7: Advancing Women - Life Skills for Leadership – Women in Ag Conference, Hyatt Regency, Calgary. Contact: Brenda Driver 403-686-8407 April 10-12/April 25-26: Artificial Insemination for Cattle Course, Animal Science Building, GPRC-Fairview Campus, Fairview.

Contact: Sue Sych 780-835-6601 April 11: Alberta Lamb Producer’s “Meet the Board,” Canalta Hotel, Stettler. Contact: Susan 780-679-1305

Cpls. Dave Heaslip (left) and Christian Reister, the province’s southern livestock investigators, sit atop of their horses, Spud and Duke, as part of a promotion for Banff Tourism. Photos: Supplied

It’s hit and miss sometimes, looking for people’s cattle, but there’s nothing better than finding a guy who has stolen some cattle and putting him behind bars.”

Corporal Dave Heaslip

Cpl. Dave Heaslip, one of the province’s livestock investigators, is retiring after more than 45 years of service with the RCMP. Canadian Night at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. It was his horse that appeared riderless in the ceremonial funeral of St. Albert Const. David Wynn in January, an RCMP tradition to honour a fallen comrade.

“I will miss the esprit de corps of the RCMP family and working

with the livestock inspector guys,” he said.

Heaslip said he is looking forward to working his horses on his Ponoka-area acreage, spending time at home and in the mountains and travelling to Arizona.

When asked for his parting

advice to ranchers, he didn’t hesitate: Brand your animals.

“Using the CCIA tags is one thing, but putting a brand on your animals is another — it just can’t be rubbed off,” he said. “It’s a good piece of insurance for preventive measures and to give a police officer, when they locate them, to be able to prove it in court. It’s very important.”

April 11: Gardner’s Day, St. Louis Parish Hall, Bonnyville. Contact: Marguerite Vallee 780-826-3240 April 11: Industry Day 2015 (for owners and managers of the ARD licensed meat facilities), Sheraton Red Deer Hotel, Red Deer. Contact: Ag-Info Centre 1-800-387-6030 April 11: Small Flock Poultry Workshop, Ellis Bird Farm, Lacombe (also April 18, U of A South Campus, Edmonton).

Contact: Agnes 780-430-0319 April 16: Solar Energy Workshop, Center for Sustainable Innovation, Vermilion. Contact: Tanis 780-842-4454 April 21: Getting into Farmers’ Markets workshop, Garden Valley Community Hall, (Hwy. 627 & Range Rd. 274), Spruce Grove (also April 28 in Olds). Contact: Delores Serafin 780-427-4611 April 29: Marketing and Pricing for Profit workshop, Provincial Building, Olds. Contact: Shelley Hall 780-538-6209

akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Travel the world and advance Canadian agriculture Nuffield Canada release

T

he Canadian Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust is accepting applications for its 2016 program.

Three scholarships of $15,000 each will be awarded to enthusiastic individuals, with a passion for agriculture and a desire to expand their knowledge, pursue new ideas and to share

their findings with others. Applicants should be in mid-career, and be between the ages of 25 and 45 (recommended only).

They must have a minimum of five years agricultural business or farming experience and able to step away from their current duties. Recipients must travel for a minimum of 10 weeks, with a leg of at least six consecutive weeks. Scholarships are not for those involved in full-time stud-

ies or for the purpose of furthering existing research projects.

“Allowing scholars to further develop their capabilities, we enable them to be better farmers, business managers and leaders and make a significant contribution to Canadian agriculture “ said Kelvin Meadows, chair and 2011 scholar.

Scholars must complete their project within two years of winning the award and are expected

to produce a written report and present their findings.

Canadian Nuffield Scholars are also required to participate in the Contemporary Scholars Conference where they will meet other current scholars from around the world. The 2016 conference will be held in Ireland in March 2016.

Applications are due by April 30, 2015 and forms can be downloaded from www.nuffield.ca.

Photo: tHINKSTOCK

43

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

1-800-665-1362 • abclassifieds@fbcpublishing.com

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display Classified

• Minimum charge — $15.00 per week for first 25 words or less and an additional 60 cents per word for every word over 25. Additional bolding 75 cents per word. GST is extra. $2.50 billing charge is added to billed ads only.

• Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice.

• 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your ad you must pay with VISA or MasterCard to qualify for discount.

• Ask about our Priority Placement • Prepayment Bonus: Prepay for 3 weeks and get a bonus of 2 weeks; bonus weeks run consecutively and cannot be used separately from original ad; additions and changes accepted only during first 3 weeks.

• If you wish to have replies sent to a confidential box number, please add $5.00 per week to your total.

Count eight words for your address. Example: Ad XXXX, Alberta Farmer Express , Box 9800, Winnipeg, R3C 3K7.

• Your complete name & address must be submitted to our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential & will not appear in the ad unless requested.)

• Advertising copy deviating in any way from the regular classified style will be considered display and charged at the display rate of $34.30 per column inch ($2.45 per agate line).

• Minimum charge $34.30 per week.

• Illustrations and logos are allowed with full border.

• Advertising rates are flat with no discount for frequency of insertion or volume of space used.

• Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice.

• Price quoted does not include GST.

Published by Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 WINNIPEG OFFICE Alberta Farmer Express 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-665-1362 Phone 403-341-0442 in Winnipeg FAX 403-341-0615 Mailing Address: Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 • •

•

AGREEMENT The publisher reserves the right to refuse any or all advertising for any reason stated or unstated.

Advertisers requesting publication of either display or classified advertisements agree that should the advertisement be omitted from the issue ordered for whatever reason, the Alberta Farmer Express shall not be held liable. It is also agreed that in the event of an error appearing in the published advertisement, the Alberta Farmer Express accepts no liability beyond the amount paid for that portion of the advertisement in which the error appears or affects. Claims for adjustment are limited to errors appearing in the first insertion only.

While every endeavor will be made to forward box number replies as soon as possible, we accept no liability in respect to loss or damage alleged to a rise through either failure or delay in forwarding such replies, however caused, whether by negligence or otherwise.

(2 weeks prior)

ORGANIC Organic_Certified_ Organic_Food_ Organic_Grains_ Outfitters_ Personal_ Pest_Control Pets_&_Supplies_ Photography_ Propane_ Pumps_ Radio,_TV_&_Satellite_ REAl ESTATE Commercial_Buildings_ Condos_ Cottages_&_Lots_ Houses_&_Lots_ Land_For_Rent_ Land_For_Sale_ Mobile_Homes_ Motels_&_Hotels_ Resorts Vacation_Property_ Farms & Ranches British_Columbia_ Alberta_ Saskatchewan_ Manitoba_ Acreages/Hobby_Farms_ Farms/Ranches_Wanted_ Pastureland_ RECREATIONAl VEhIClES All_Terrain_Vehicles_ Boats_&_Water_ Campers_&_Trailers_ Golf_Carts_ Motor_Homes_ Motorcycles_ Snowmobiles Recycling Refrigeration Restaurant_Supplies Sausage_Equipment_ Sawmills_ Scales_

COMMON SEED Cereal_Seeds_ Forage_Seeds_ Grass_Seeds_ Oilseeds_ Pulse_Crops_ Common_Seed_Various_ SEED/FEED/GRAIN Feed_Grain_ Hay_&_Straw_ Feed_Wanted_ Grain_Wanted_ Hay_&_Feed_Wanted_ Seed_Wanted_ Sewing_Machines_ Sharpening_Services_ Silos_ Sporting_Goods_ Stamps_&_Coins_ Swap_ Tanks_ Tarpaulins_ Tenders_ Tickets_ Tires_ Tools_ TRAIlERS Grain_Trailers_ Livestock_Trailers_ Trailers_Miscellaneous_ Travel_ Water_Pumps_ Water_Treatment_ Welding_ Well_Drilling_ Well_&_Cistern__ Winches_ CAREERS Career_Training_ Child_Care_ Construction_ Domestic_Services_ Farm/Ranch_ Forestry/Log_ Health_Care_ Help_Wanted_ Management Mining_ Oil_Field_ Professional_ Resume_Services_ Sales/Marketing_ Trades/Tech_ Truck_Drivers_ Employment_Wanted_

MAiL TO: Alberta Farmer Express, Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 FAx TO: 403-341-0615 PhOnE in: Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-665-1362 OR (403) 341-0442 in Alberta

NAME_ ___________________________________________________________ ______PHONE_#_______________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________ ______TOWN_____________________________________________ PROVINCE____________________________ _____POSTAL_CODE__________________________

All classified ads are non-commissionable.

advertising deadline Wednesday noon

Livestock_Equipment_ Livestock_Services_&_Vet_Supplies_ Miscellaneous_Articles_ Miscellaneous_Articles_Wanted_ Musical_ Notices_ On-Line_Services_

CERTIFIED SEED Cereal_Seeds Forage_Seeds Oilseeds Pulse_Crops Specialty_Crops

AD ORDER FORM

adveRtising Rates & infoRmation

RegulaR Classified

lIVESTOCK Swine Swine_Auction_ Swine_For_Sale_ Swine_Wanted_ lIVESTOCK Specialty Alpacas_ Bison_(Buffalo)_ Deer_ Elk_ Goats_ Llama_ Rabbits_ Emu/Ostrich/Rhea_ Yaks_ Various_

Even if you do not want your name & address to appear in your ad, we need the information for our files.

PLEASE_PRINT_YOUR_AD_BELOW_ ______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAUTION The Alberta Farmer Express, while assuming no responsibility for advertisements appearing in its columns, exercises the greatest care in an endeavor to restrict advertising to wholly reliable firms or individuals.

However, please do not send money to a Manitoba Co-operator box number. Buyers are advised to request shipment C.O.D. when ordering from an unknown advertiser, thus minimizing the chance of fraud and eliminating the necessity of a refund where the goods have already been sold.

At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other strategic business partners. For more information regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1.

Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other reputable firms whose products and services might be of interest to you.

If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the address in the preceding paragraph, or call (204)-954-1456.

The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis.

However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well as Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communication assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all information provided.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION__________________________ ❏ I would like to take advantage of the Prepayment Bonus of 2 FREE weeks when I prepay for 3 weeks. _

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❏

VISA

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44

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

BUSINESS SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

RON SAUER

FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS

MACHINERY LTD.

We also specialize in: Crop Insurance appeals; Chemical drift; Residual herbicide; Custom operator issues; Equipment malfunction; Yield comparisons, Plus Private Investigations of any nature. With our assistance the majority of our clients have received compensation previously denied. Back-Track Investigations investigates, documents your loss and assists in settling your claim.

Licensed Agrologist on Staff.

For more information Please call 1-866-882-4779

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

(403) 540-7691 ronsauer@shaw.ca

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

Wanted - JD 9450 Hoe Drills............... ........................ CALL 946 Versatile Ford Tractor, 4,994 hrs, 24.5 x 32 D....$50,000 555 JD Crawler Loader, good condition................... $12,500 8070 AC Tractor, FWA, wheel base extended, duals .. $22,500 275 MF Tractor, diesel, multi power, 3 pth, new 18.4 x 30, front weights, loader available, looks and runs great ......... $12,500 B275 IHC Tractor & Loader .....................................$3,500 (2) NH P1060 TBH Air Tanks, as new .............EA $69,500 We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you 40’ Salford RTS 570 Vertical Till, as new ............ $73,500 want to sell it fast place your ad in the Alberta Farmer 35’ 4590 EEZE-ON Double Disc, good condition .... $36,000 Express classifieds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free 62’ 820 F.C. Deep Till Cultivator, c/w 4 Bar Harrow number today. We have friendly staff ready to help.

Medicine Hat - 403-528-6609 & Raven NH3 kit, excellent condition.......................... $46,000 Waskatenau - 780-358-2720 Beiseker - 403-947-3767 1-800-665-1362.

44’ 820 F.C. Deep Till Cultivator, harrows ............... CALL 62’ F.C. S75 Packer BAR P30’s, good condition .... $11,000 48’ F.C. S75 Packer Bar, P30, pressure springs, new .. $37,500 2003 4300 IHC Service Truck, 466 diesel, 5 speed As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. label instructions carefully. label instructions carefully.

Allison auto, crane, compressor, welder, nice ................ $50,000 The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered 51’ Degelman Landroller, as new.... ...................... $40,000 trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada.

Degelman Dozer Frame MF 4000 Series 4WD .....$1,000 © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

41’ Flexicoil 300 B Chisel Plow, 3 bar harrows ..... $12,500 Flexicoil 6 Run Seed Treater....................................$1,000 Round up the cash! Advertise your unwanted equip100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete with windguards, FARM MACHINERY herbicides ment in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. elec. end nozzles single tips, auto rate, excellent condition ... $12,500 Machinery Wanted 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 39 15-02-19 5:37 PM 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 29 15-02-19 5:37 PM 10 Wheel MATR (Italy) Trailer Type V-Hayrake, 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 33 15-02-19 5:37 PM hyd. fold, as new ........................................................$5,000 WANTED: NH BALE WAGONS & retrievers, any ANTIQUES 7 x 1200 (39.37’) Sakundiak Auger, 18 HP Koehler condition. Farm Equipment Finding Service, P.O. engine, c/w hyd. pump for bin sweep ...........................$2,500 Antiques For Sale Box 1363, Polson, MT 59860. (406)883-2118 FARM MACHINERY 1390 Brandt XL Swing Auger, elec. power swing,

Richardson Pioneer

DynAgra, a division of Beiseker Agri Services Ltd.

Medicine Hat Co-op

precisionpac.ca

precisionpac.ca

precisionpac.ca

ANTIQUES

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

ONE GRAIN TREATER; ONE grain fanning mill; two clothes cupboards; two old trunks; one bee smoker; old wooden egg crates.

Phone (780)597-3747

FARM MACHINERY

Machinery Miscellaneous

spout, adj. axle, reverser, as new ............................... $19,500 225 DOW Kello-Bilt Tandem Disc, 28” smooth front & rear blades, 10.5” spacing, oil, bath bearings, as new ........ $62,500 47’ 820 Flexicoil Chisel Plow, 4 bar harrows ......... $67,500 New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps available ............ Call 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, hydraulic drive .......$1,500 New Outback RTK BASE stn.......................................... Call New Outback MAX & STX guidance & mapping ........In Stock New Outback E-Drive, TC’s......................................In Stock New Outback E-Drive X, c/w free E turns.................In Stock New Outback S-Lite guidance .................**In Stock** $900 New Outback VSI Swather Steering Kit...............In Stock Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. kits .................................. $500

ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: 3-PT. CULTIVATORS, Discs, Plows, Blades, Harrows, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, AB.

W.Buis Holdings Ltd. Foremost - 403-867-2436

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

herbicides

Looking for a hand around the farm? Place a help wanted ad in the classifieds. Call 1-800-665-1362.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 50

15-02-19 5:37 PM

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Retail Greenhouse & Garden Center for sale. 6.4-ac & 24,000-sqft of Retail Greenhouses, Garden Center Store & Nursery for sale. Natural gas & city water.

Patmore Nursery Sales.

MLS# 1500592

Crop Production Services Inc.

Fort Saskatchewan - 780-998-2808

**NuVision (Spray Air) & Meridian-Sakundiak Augers, Outback GPS Systems, EK Auger Movers, Belt Tighteners, Bin Sweeps & Crop Dividers, Kohler, Robin Subaru & Generac Engines, Headsight Harvesting Solutions, Greentronics Sprayer Auto Boom Height, Kello-Bilt Discs**

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

15-02-19 5:37 PM

STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS, 20-ft & 40-ft. Wind, water & rodent proof.

1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722 magnate@telus.net

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit: Richardson Pioneer

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

herbicides

AGCO FINANCE LLC WILL offer the following equipment for sale to the highest bidder above our reserved price, for cash, plus applicable sales tax.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 27 15-02-19 5:37 PM Equipment: MF 5470 Tractor S/N: C282066; MF 956 Loader S/N UX7361362. Date of sale: Apr. 14th, 2015. Time of Sale: 1:00pm. Place of sale: agriterra Equipment 10116-132 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4J7. Equipment can be inspected at place of sale. The equipment will be sold AS IS w/o warranty. For further info please contact Kent Torgalson (780)993-1140 Reference Number 1369665.

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

herbicides

Grande Prairie - 780-532-1281

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

BUILDINGS

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 47

15-02-19 5:37 PM

2004 NH RG200B GRADER air, dozer & ripper, 5,000-hrs; 2003 Hitachi ZX200LC track hoe & thumb; Case 621 3-yd loader; D7F dozer ripper, PWR shift; New Quonset in crate 52x35x18-ft. $17,000; 1999 GMC T8500 Cat DSL, tow truck, 20ft. tilt & wheel lift, $14,500; 1977 IHC 1700 series floater w/tiler fertilizer spreader, $5,000; 3-Ton fertilizer spread $1,500; Rotex SR7 Pwr parachute needs frame, as is, $3,000; Ford Major DSL loader 3-PTH bale fork, $6,700. (306)236-8023 Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds.

Place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifed section. 1-800-665-1362.

15-02-19 5:37 PM

BUILDINGS

15-02-19 5:37 PM

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Equipment Harmon 2480 Air Drill

Webb’s Crop Services Vermilion - 780-853-6565

precisionpac.ca

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 51

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

24-Ft with 9.6-in spacing & packers. Double shoot Carbide Tip Openers. 1900 Air Tank. 150-bu. split Tank; granular tank on the front. (403)740-2799 rmglover80@gmail.com

15-02-19 5:37 PM

IS ENOUGH OF

Crop Production Services Inc.

Sexsmith - 780-568-6060

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

A GAMBLE...

Stretch your advertising dollars! Place an ad in the classifieds. Our friendly staff is waiting for your call.

1-800-665-1362.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 26 15-02-19 5:37 PM

herbicides

40’ X 60’ X 16’ RIGID FRAME STEEL BUILDING

$29,418 When you go with steel you get the right deals!

Pioneer One Steel Buildings

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

FARMING

herbicides

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 36

Tillage & Seeding 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 45

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

Provost - 780-753-2355

United Farmers of Alberta

Magrath - 403-758-3162

Crowfoot Ag Solutions Inc.

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

Richardson Pioneer

Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds.

Place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifed section. 1-800-665-1362.

precisionpac.ca

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

BUILDINGS

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

Strathmore - 403-934-2204

precisionpac.ca

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 21

herbicides

Call toll free 1 (877) 525-2004 or see us online at www.pioneeronesteel.com

Advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit: Crop Production Services Inc.

Crossfield - 403-946-4588

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 19

15-02-19 5:37 PM

1-888-413-3325

45

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Various

Spraying EquipmEnt

Spraying EquipmEnt

Dutch Low Draft Openers

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers

JD 9400, 9420, 9520, 8970 JD 9860, 9760, 9750, 9650, 9600 JD 9430, 9530, 9630 Case STX 375, 425, 430, 450, 480, 500, 530 CIH 8010-2388, 2188 combine CIH 435Q, 535Q, 450Q, 550Q, 600Q pto avail.

JD 4710, 4720, 4730, 4830, 4920, 4930 SP sprayers JD 9770 & 9870 w/CM & duals CIH 3185, 3230, 3330, 4430, 4420 sprayers

40 Dutch Low Draft Opener Assembly. Removed from Flexicoil; New Holland drills. Asking $100 each or best offer. (403)740-2799 rmglover80@gmail.com

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit: Nampa - 780-322-3737

herbicides

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

HAYING & HARVESTING 15-02-19 5:37 PM

HAYING & HARVESTING Baling Equipment

GOOD SELECTION OF JD & CASE SP SPRAYERS AND 4WD TRACTORS

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

Stirling - 403-756-3452

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

LIVESTOCK Sheep For Sale

precisionpac.ca

PLAN TO ATTEND THE 9th Annual Pound Maker Ram Sale. 110 yearling rams sell by auction. Thursday May 21, 2015 at Ford Macleod Alberta. Suffolk, Dorset, Hampshire, Charollais, Ile de France, Rambouillet, North Country Cheviot & Coloured. Catalogue on the website after May 10th. For details, call Warren:(403)625-6519 or check our website: www.poundmakerrams.com

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

The Icynene Insulation 15-02-19 System

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 41 ®

RED OR GREEN 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement parts for your Steiger drive train.

2. We rebuild axles, transmissions and dropboxes with ONE YEAR WARRANTY. 3. 50% savings on used parts.

High Clearance 2000 Spray Air

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 49

HEREFORD BULLS, YEARLINGS & two year olds, dehorned, & polled, excellent quality, low birth weights suitable for heifers, catalogue online at couleecrest.ca Coulee Crest Herefords, Bowden, AB. (403)227-2259 or (403)588-6160.

Richardson Pioneer

STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST

Airdrie - 403-948-5913

herbicides

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Hereford

5:37 PM

• Sprayed foam insulation • Ideal for shops, barns or homes • Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient®

Geared For The Future

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit: United Farmers of Alberta

WANTED: JD 7810 c/w FEL & 3-PTH; sp or PTO bale wagon; JD or IHC end wheel drills. Small square baler. (403)394-4401

15-02-19 5:37 PM

www.penta.ca

CALF CATCHER Catch process & transport your newborn calves all w/the safety of your Quad Roper calf catcher. www.calfcatcher.ca (780)688-2496

REAL ESTATE

1-800-587-4711

18-ACRE LOT FOR SALE. Located in NW Montana. Lincoln County Hwy-56, in the cabinet mountains. Easy access to a private pine wooded paradise with a blue ribbon trout river. 549-ft river frontage, fishing, hunting, kayaking, floating. Build your dream cabin surrounded by mountains! Land is set up for 1 or 2 lots, private financing available. $199,000. Call Mark (507)402-7405.

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

1-800-982-1769 www.bigtractorparts.com

Crop Production Services Inc.

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Medicine Hat - 403-526-9499

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Coronation - 403-578-3302

90-ft suspended boom; Wet or Air Nozzles; Raven SCS440 Rate Control; 800-gal tank; 80-gal rinse tank; Chem fill tank; Marker; 1.5 low drift nozzles, Field ready. $15,000.00 or best offer. (403)740-2799

precisionpac.ca

Combines

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

COMBINES Accessories

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RECONDITIONED COMBINE HEADERS. RIGID & 1-800-665-1362. flex, most makes & sizes; also header transports.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 25 15-02-19 5:37 PM Ed Lorenz, (306)344-4811 or Website: www.straightcutheaders.com Paradise Hill, SK.

TracTors TRACTORS Various

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

LANDSCAPING Lawn & Garden

Fort Saskatchewan - 780-998-2058

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

15-02-19 5:37 PM

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

precisionpac.ca

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

Stretch your advertising dollars! Place an ad in the classifieds. Our friendly staff is waiting for your call.

1-800-665-1362.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 44 15-02-19 5:37 PM

Vulcan - 403-485-6696

Search news. Read stories. Find insight.

Camrose - 780-679-5230

precisionpac.ca

FOR SALE: ONE 17.5-BU compost tumbler, used very little. It’s like new yet. Phone (780)597-3747

Search for

herbicides

JD 2130 3 pth with loader JD 4255 2 WD, ldr. available JD 4440, loader available JD 4555 FWA, 280 loader JD 7420 FWA, 741 loader with 3pth 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 37 15-02-19 JD 7800 FWA, with 3 pth JD 7810 FWA, 740 loader SEARCH Clamp on Duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38 FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB

15-02-19 5:37 PM

Richardson Pioneer

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Richardson Pioneer

LANDSCAPING 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 23

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizers Inc.

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale

AG DEALS TO GO!

Crop Production Services Inc.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 32

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

Big Tractor Parts, Inc.

precisionpac.ca

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS Quiet, Easy Calving, Low to Moderate Birth Weights, Good Growth, E.P.D’s available Guaranteed Breeders (Vet Checked & Semen Tested). Excellent Bulls for Heifers or Cows.

Cleveley Cattle Company (780)689-2754.

herbicides

“LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” • Phone: (403)526-9644 • Cell: (403)504-4929 • Email: kendeal@shaw.ca

Richardson Pioneer

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 43

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Red Angus

4955 JD low hrs, 3 pth, very clean S670/680/690 JD Combine low hrs 4730 JD Sprayer, 100 ft.

JD 8770, 4WD, 24 speed with PTO Case IH 9170, 4WD 854 Rogator SP Sprayer, complete with JD auto steer, swath pro

TRACTORS Various

LIVESTOCK

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

5:37 PM

AG EQUIPMENT DEALS on your

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

PHONE

Kneehill Soil Services Ltd.

Drumheller - 403-823-4600

Get the APP »»

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 30

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

15-02-19 5:37 PM

FOR THE BEST EQUIPMENT SELECTION, VISIT

ROCKYMTN.COM

46

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

SEED / FEED / GRAIN

PERSONAL

SEED/ FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

SEED/ FEED/GRAIN Feed Grain

KING SALMON

BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the farm.

Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, Lacombe.

FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

Cindy is 41,

precisionpac.ca

PRINCE RUPERT BRITISH COLUMBIA

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

Lethbridge - 403-328-5531

15-02-19 5:37 PM

claudegourlin@hotmail.com www.salmoncharters.ca

Neerlandia - 780-674-2820

United Farmers of Alberta

AVAILABLE BACHELORETTES

**ALL INCLUSIVE** 3 & 4 DAY CHARTERS 250-600-2055 or 778-983-2018

Neerlandia Co-op Association Ltd.

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

Dunmore - 403-527-6600

CHESAPEAKE CHARTERS

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

herbicides

Richardson Pioneer

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 42

herbicides

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

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precisionpac.ca

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As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow

WINCHES

AGRICULTURAL TOURS

label instructions carefully. never married, The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont and PrecisionPac are registered no children, with trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada.

Ireland/Scotland ~ June 2015 no baggage © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

NWT/Yukon ~ July 2015 financially Alaska Cruise ~ July 2015 secure, slim. 5’8 SEED/ FEED/GRAIN 139 lbs blonde Australia/New Zealand ~ Jan 2016 Grain Wanted 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 48 15-02-19 5:37 PM herbicides healthy, loves herbicides Kenya/Tanzania ~ Jan 2016 BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & sports hockey, South America ~ Feb 2016 GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain basketball, Nascar, South Africa ~ 2016 1-877-250-5252 as a professional India ~ 2016 and single lady BUYING SPRING THRASHED CANOLA & GRAIN *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible I have a great “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 life. I love my 1-800-661-4326 family, friends and community. I just www.selectholidays.com Crop Production don’t get many Richardson Pioneer Services Inc. opportunities to If you want to sell it fast, call 1-800-665-1362.

Fairview - 780-835-3003 meet single men Falher - 780-837-2343 that are available precisionpac.ca precisionpac.ca for a committed herbicides As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow relationship. label instructions carefully. label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont and PrecisionPac are registered I work with The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont and PrecisionPac are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. all ladies. My E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved. town has a small herbicides population, and an We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you aging population. want to sell it fast place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. a Sure Thing. our toll-free I would relocate 1059 PPAC Classified 2015It’s AB2.indd 22 Call15-02-19 5:37 PM 1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 40 15-02-19 number today. We have friendly staff ready to help. for the right man. I 1-800-665-1362. do like a man who Richardson Pioneer can make me feel Lavoy - 780-658-2408 safe and secure regardless of his age. If he treats and cares for me and precisionpac.ca appreciates and respects me, I would move As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow P&H label instructions carefully. heaven and earth for him and only him.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont and PrecisionPac are registered Mossleigh - 403-534-3961 TM

®

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

TM

TM

5:37 PM

HEATED & GREEN CANOLA • Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed “ON FARM PICK UP”

1-877-250-5252

Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express classified section. It’s a sure thing.

1-800-665-1362.

herbicides

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

TM

herbicides

BUYING:

Alberta Farmer Express classifieds, 1-800-665-1362.

®

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN Wheat, Barley, Oats, Peas, etc.

Green or Heated Canola/Flax

Rycroft - 780-765-2865

precisionpac.ca

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

WELDING

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 52

Richardson Pioneer

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

AG EQUIPMENT DEALS on your

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For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

Where the stories15-02-19 go. 5:37 PM

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 24

Kneehill Soil Services Ltd. Linden - 403-546-4050

Network

precisionpac.ca

Buy one province, buy two provinces or buy all three.

Great rates whatever you choose Contact Sharon

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Email: sharon.komoski@fbcpublishing.com

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

15-02-19 5:37 PM

SEARCH

Search news. Read stories. Find insight.

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

MORE OPTIONS TO SAVE YOU MONEY

Crop Production Services Inc.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 20

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

15-02-19 5:37 PM

Prairie-Wide Display Classifieds

herbicides

Vermilion - 780-853-4711 SEARCH

5:37 PM

precisionpac.ca

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 31

CERTIFIED CDC PLENTIFUL, new HRS, 96% germ, 0 fusarium graminaerum. AC Enchant, VB, new CPS red, AC Conquer, VB, midge tolerant, high germination, 0 fusarium graminaerum. AC Andrew, soft white wheat, 99% germ, 0 fusarium graminaerum. Phone:(306)843-2934. www.herle.ca

Network

Red Deer - 403-346-2931 herbicides

Search 46for15-02-19 PHONE

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit: Crop Production Services Inc.

As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

CERTIFIED SEED CERTIFIED SEED Cereal Seeds

15-02-19 5:37 PM

precisionpac.ca

Get the APP »»

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herbicides

Lamont - 780-895-2353

1-877-641-2798

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 28

5:37 PM

precisionpac.ca

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

BOW VALLEY TRADING LTD.1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd

Dunvegan Ag Solutions

®

®

1-888-916-2824 SEED/ FEED/GRAIN www.selectintroductions.com1059 PPAC Classified 2015 Grain Wanted 15-02-19 AB2.indd 38 Thorough screenomg process, customized memberships and guaranteed service.

Est 15 years in Canada & US. We are a full service permanent relationship firm with a success rate of 87%. Testimonials available.

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trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

Matchmakers Select

For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit:

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

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For custom herbicides as unique as your fields, visit: Richardson Pioneer Oyen - 403-664-2620

precisionpac.ca As with all DuPont crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPontTM and PrecisionPac® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

1059 PPAC Classified 2015 AB2.indd 35

15-02-19 5:37 PM

47

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

See the lAteSt in the FielD

Welcome to Ag in Motion – Western Canada’s only outdoor farm expo!

16

LANGHAM

July 21 – 23, 2015

15 min. NW of Saskatoon

Join us at Ag In Motion – the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with today’s agricultural technology. Experience live demonstrations of field equipment, crops, livestock and services all together on 320 acres near Saskatoon. Come to the farm show where there’s room to see it all – and how it all fits together.

SASKATOON

™

See Technology

tOUCh Innovation

™ Denotes a trade-mark of Canada’s Outdoor Shows Limited Partnership.

Be Empowered

www.aginmotion.ca

48

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

As third generation farmers, the Jeffries look to us for next-generation advice.

TD is committed to helping farmers build for the future.

Dave Jeffries and his sons, Roland and Ernie, know a thing or two about farming. So, when it was time to expand the business, they naturally chose a bank that knew how to help. At TD, they found Agriculture Specialist Vince Puchailo, who helped implement a succession plan that involved Dave’s brother. Vince’s understanding of the complex process even impressed the lawyers handling the sale. A personalized approach to agriculture finance, like Vince’s, is something all TD Agriculture Specialists bring. Maybe it’s time you brought one to your farm.

Visit a branch or tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture ®

The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

0004404_M4256_2A R1.indd 1

4/11/14 4:47 PM

1

Round

M4256-2A R1.indd

49

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Troubled state seeks ‘fresh start’

South Africa takes different tack

Guinea-Bissau is asking donors for nearly $2 billion in aid to fund a 10-year development plan aimed at turning the page on years of political instability in the tiny West African nation. Finance Minister Geraldo Matins said his government is asking for a “fresh start” for the former Portuguese colony of about 1.7 million people. Amid rampant corruption and weak state institutions, it became a transit point for Latin American cocaine destined for Europe, earning the country the reputation as West Africa’s first narco-state. It has also suffered frequent military coups by an army believed to be involved in drug trafficking. — Reuters

New farmers are turning the soil to profit in South Africa’s old tribal homelands as Pretoria speeds the transfer of land from whites to blacks. Most farmland remains in white hands despite government efforts at redistribution. Rural homelands, however, are held in trust by tribal authorities, and locals and agribusiness are collaborating on ways to farm the underutilized soil.

Because the land is not owned by individuals, farmers have trouble getting credit. But many are now being helped by groups such as Grain SA, which consists of mostly white commercial farmers.

— Reuters

Good soil, better plants, make for healthier HEARTLAND people and stronger communities A partnership between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Hawassa is paying big dividends

By Laura Rance

A

Manitoba Co-operator Editor / Hawassa, Ethiopia

little yellow seed is sprouting big changes for farming families here in the Great Rift Valley, within reach of the Hawassa University extension services.

Chickpeas grown as a double crop after maize are boosting families’ nutrition, providing extra income and helping improve the soils.

Farmers here have traditionally grown one crop of maize, tef, and sometimes haricot beans per year on their plots, which are often one hectare or less, with hopes of harvesting enough of these staples to keep the family fed.

But researchers and extension agronomists have been working with families since 2010 to add a double crop of chickpeas to the mix. The chickpeas are sown in August right after the maize is harvested.

“We’re trying to address the problem of smallholder farmers in some of the areas, the farm households whose average family size of six has less than 0.5 hectare,” said Sheleme Beyene, a soil scientist with Hawassa University in this city, 270 kilometres from the country’s capital Addis Ababa.

“For this farmer with only 0.5 hectare, producing maize alone with one crop per year is really very difficult,” he said. “If you introduce a new idea like double cropping, it is extremely important for feeding families.”

Something from nothing

Improved chickpea varieties are grown on land that is otherwise idle, using residual moisture that is otherwise lost. An added bonus is the contribution legumes make to aggregate soil structure and organic matter.

The biggest challenge was getting farmers used to the idea of seeding again right after harvest.

If the seeding date was left too late, the moisture the chickpeas need to get started was gone.

Additionally, nutritionists affiliated with the university also extensively trained families participating in the pilot project — both in home visits and in workshops — in how to store and cook chickpeas to add much-needed protein to their diets.

“I can see the change in the faces of my children,” said Sefya Leliso, who farms one hectare with her husband Kedir and

Sefya Leliso and two of her children brace themselves against a dust devil sweeping through their parched yard. Photos: Laura Rance seven children in a community about 70 kilometres east of the Hawassa.

“Their face and body have changed and the prevalence of illness has decreased,” she said, speaking through an interpreter.

Her family has typically been short of food for two to three months before the first crop is harvested in early August. But now she has food, including chickpeas in storage.

“Now we have sufficient food, extra income and clothing for our children.”

Kedit Asemo, who farms one ha with his wife Kehirwa and three young children, said his family wasn’t short of food in the past, but adding chickpeas to the family’s diet has made all their food reserves last longer, plus the addition of protein makes them feel less hungry.

“We don’t need additional food in the daytime,” he said.

Extra income

Extra production is sold and this year, the cash was used to pay off the fertilizer he had purchased on credit. Access to fertilizer has helped him expand his crops to include more cash crops such as hot peppers.

Data collected by researchers in several districts now producing chickpeas found they now contribute about one-fifth of the family income.

“Totally, our lives have improved,” Asemo said.

Chickpeas are a low-residue crop, so they aren’t a big help in reducing the soil erosion that is

The Asemo family has seen improvements in their diet and income following the introduction of chickpeas.

prevalent in the area, evidenced by the dusty haze that tickles the throat and clouds the view this time of year.

But Beyene said the extra crop does improve the soil structure in addition to adding nitrogen and organic matter. “If aggregate stability is increased then the water percolates rather than runs off,” he said.

“I can see the change in the faces of my children.”

Sefya Leliso Ethiopian farmer

Partnership

The chickpea project is part of a partnership between Hawassa University and the University of Saskatchewan dating back to 1997. The collaboration has focused over the years on improving soil health, increasing Ethiopia’s post-graduate capacity, and improving food security and nutrition through plant breeding and increased biofortification through pulse crops.

The various initiatives under the partnership have been supported

by Canadian government development aid.

Hawassa is now recognized as one of Africa’s two Centres of Excellence in teaching and research in agriculture and nutrition.

A research report prepared by the International Development Research Centre, a federal Crown corporation, said that the improved varieties developed by the program have helped farmers in the southern region of Ethiopia achieve a twofold increase in nutrient-dense chickpea production.

That’s significant in a country with one of the highest rates of

protein and calorie malnutrition as well as micronutrient deficiency in the world.

“The problem is especially acute in southern Ethiopia, where three-quarters of pregnant women suffer from zinc deficiency and nearly half of all child deaths are associated with deficiencies in protein and micronutrients,” the IDRC report said.

Key deficiencies were identified in vitamin A, iodine, zinc and iron.

We are what we eat

Researchers have been tackling the issue three ways: introducing new varieties that yield better and offer improved cooking quality, addressing soil nutrient deficiencies, and teaching people how to prepare nutritious diets.

Beyene said research trying to address the human nutritional deficiencies by treating deficient soils with zinc and iron fertilization has produced some interesting results.

Fertilizing legumes planted into deficient soils didn’t

increase yield, but the concentration of zinc and iron in the plants increased.

Work is continuing on how best to make that increase more available to human consumers through methods such as fermentation and sprouting, which increase digestibility.

Beyene said the project has identified a compelling link between soil health and human nutrition.

“We can address deficiency by applying nutrients, thereby improving the concentration of those limiting nutrients in the plants, and use those plants for human consumption. So it links soil and plant and human nutrition,” he said.

Co-operator editor Laura Rance is on secondment to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank writing about agriculture and development in Africa. laura@fbcpublishing.com

see related story } page 53

50

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

More than a cool idea — fans can be a lifesaver on a hot day An Ontario project found a big payoff from using fans to keep pigs in a stationary trailer from becoming heat stressed

By Lilian Schaer

AgInnovation Ontario

R

esearch shows pigs going to market in the hot summer months are more likely to die in transit than those shipped during cooler times of the

year.

Heat-stressed pigs are at risk of collapsing and may die due to cardiovascular failure. Not only is this an animal welfare concern, but heat stress can also affect meat quality.

This led Ontario Pork to undertake an innovative project to try to keep pigs from overheating while they were waiting to be unloaded from trucks at processing plants.

“When a truck is moving down the road, heat isn’t as much of an issue as it is when the truck is stationary, like it is when it is waiting to unload pigs at a processing plant,” said Sam Bradshaw of Ontario Pork.

As part of the project, a bank or wall of fans was set up at two Ontario processing facilities so trucks waiting to unload could pull up next to them and let the air blow through, cooling the animals inside.

Each fan bank was equipped with eight 48-inch basket fans delivering 28,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) each for a total of 224,000 cfm, and four 36-inch fans delivering 12,000 cfm each for a total of 48,000 cfm. This delivered a total airflow of 272,000 cfm, and resulted in airspeed of 300 feet per minute flowing through the entire trailer, the level recommended to cool pigs sufficiently.

Data loggers monitoring temperature and relative humidity were installed in livestock trailers. On a day with an outside temperature of 32.5 C, the temperature inside a parked truck climbed to 36.8 C within an hour.

But when the fans were turned on, it dropped to 34.5 C in only 15 minutes.

A weather safety index for pigs states that a temperature of 32 C with relative humidity of 33 per cent is a “danger” zone, and that status rises to “emergency” when the relative humidity increases to 68 per cent, said Bradshaw.

“The fans took us from the emergency zone down into the danger zone simply by blowing air through the trailer,” he said. “After the trailer arrived at the plant and was parked for a while on a hot day, the pigs would be lying down and panting. But as soon as they got in

This bank of fans creates an airspeed of 300 feet per minute and rapidly cools down pigs in a trailer on a hot, humid day. Photos: Supplied front of the fans, they’d start looking around, standing up and just being more comfortable.”

Although one of the processing facilities in the study is no longer in business, the fan bank is still in use at the other plant and is scheduled to be expanded to accommodate more trucks.

“I think this is something that we really need at all processing plants. We talked to a lot of transporters during this project and they all said this is just great for the pigs,” said Bradshaw.

“In fact, some transporters are now experimenting with on-board ventilation systems that run off a truck’s electrical system and keep temperatures cool during the entire transportation process.”

This project was supported in part by Growing Forward 2.

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If feed quality, amounts, and animal weights aren’t known, you can’t tell if supplements are required, says specialist Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

Look at the facts before buying feed supplements, says a provincial beef and forage specialist.

“After talking to various retailers, one comment comes out loud and clear,” said Barry Yaremcio of the Ag-Info Centre in Stettler.

“Sales of lick tubs, molasses blocks, mineral products, and protein supplements are way up from previous years. But are any of these products actually needed in your situation?”

But three factors must be known before deciding whether supplements are required, he said.

• Are the feeds tested?

• What are the weights of the animals you are feeding?

• How much of each feed is supplied daily (i.e. do you know the weights of the bales)?

“If the quality of the feeds isn’t known, there’s no way to know if a tub, block, mineral or supplement is actually needed,” said Yaremcio.

“If there is no defined starting point in the process, it’s difficult to know if the actions taken are helping or hurting the situation.”

There are many feed combinations for providing a balanced ration, and what you do on your ranch must fit your management style and operation, he added.

“It isn’t acceptable to copy what a neighbour is doing because it seems to be a reasonable thing to do. Use a pencil and paper or computer to figure out costs. If necessary, consult with a nutritionist to balance the ration or, if you are comfortable with it, use a ration-balancing program such as CowBytes to do the work yourself.”

For more information, go to www.agriculture.alberta. ca and type CowBytes in the search box.

51

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

Make a list and check it twice before loading a livestock trailer Here’s a list of what to inspect — which should include everything from brakes and bearings to tires and flooring Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

I

n order to haul livestock safely, there are a few things to check on both the truck and trailer before hooking on, loading up and heading out.

“Knowing the load capabilities of your truck before using it to haul livestock is important,” says Kenda Lubeck, farm safety co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Just because your truck can pull a loaded trailer down the road doesn’t mean it can handle it safely. Drivers often won’t discover this until they have problems manoeuvring the rig at highway speeds or find it difficult to stop.”

To know if your truck is rated to safely handle a loaded livestock trailer, check the truck’s gross combined vehicle weight rating.

This is the maximum weight the tow vehicle can safely handle. It factors in the tow vehicle’s weight (including passengers, fuel and any equipment or cargo) plus the weight of the loaded trailer.

Lubeck cautions that hitches are also rated for weight and fall into different classifications. Before you even mount a hitch in your tow vehicle, whether bumper pull or gooseneck, make sure it is rated for the loads required.

It’s important to set aside time to do a thorough safety inspection of the trailer. This should include: • Latches and safety chains: Double-check the latches and the safety chains and cables between the truck and trailer to make sure they are fastened securely. Make sure you are using a ball that is the correct size for the trailer.

On a bumper pull, safety chains should be crossed under the tongue and be just long enough to enable the rig to turn, but not so long as to drag on the ground.

• Trailer brakes: Inspect the breakaway cable or brake system. In Alberta, brakes are required on any trailer over 910 kilograms being towed by a private passenger tow vehicle.

• W heel bearings: Repack the wheel bearings on a regular basis and replace as necessary.

• Electric wiring and connections: Make sure all wiring is in good condition. Trailer connectors should match the truck connectors. Check to make sure that all the lights (brake light, turn signals, and tail lights) on both the truck and the trailer are working.

Make sure the electrical connection is securely plugged into the truck.

• Tires: Examine for signs of dry rot, wear, or damage, and make sure that all tires, including the spare and inside dual tires, have the correct air pressure. Consider replacing tires at least every five years, regardless of use. Now is also a good time to ensure that your tow vehicle tires are strong enough for the job. Check the sidewall and compare the load rating of your truck to the load each tire will be required to carry.

• Lug nuts: Inspect regularly to ensure they are properly tightened.

• Flooring: Inspect to ensure it is sturdy and clean. If more traction is needed, install rubber matting. Replace floor boards showing signs of wear or rot.

• B attery: If you use batterypowered accessories, ensure that your emergency battery is charged and ready for use.

• General condition: Look for signs of weakness such as warped areas, rust, corrosion or cracked welding points, any sharp edges that could injure an animal or handler, and that all screws, nuts and bolts are tight and secure.

• Brake controllers: Test and make adjustments as needed depending on the weight of your trailer.

This needs to be done before each trip as load weights change.

“By thoroughly inspecting your truck and trailer each year, you reduce the chances of being caught off guard at an inconvenient and possibly dangerous time,” says Lubeck. “Knowing your rig is safe lets you focus on other important tasks, such as driving.”

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Everything on a trailer should be given a close inspection before hauling livestock. Photo: Thinkstock

52

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

CRICKET HUNTING

Children in Malawi dig for crickets that are considered a delicacy this time of year. These crickets are steamed or roasted. Photos: Laura Rance

Apps could transform Africa Spread of mobile phones, Internet could boost productivity and lift millions out of poverty

By Joe Brock

reuters / Johannesburg

W

ider smartphone and Internet access has allowed technology firms to reach remote African farmers with apps providing veterinary diagnoses, crop-planting guidance and virtual marketplaces.

Africa’s farms have failed to cash in because of a lack of access to infrastructure, training, capital and rapidly advancing technology. Areas being farmed by African smallholders are only producing around one tonne per hectare, compared with seven tonnes in developed markets.

The growth of Africa’s middle class combined with a fall in the prices of technology have opened up opportunities for investment in farms on the world’s poorest continent.

“Africa is key to global food supply and we need to unlock its potential,” said Mark Davies, who runs Esoko, which provides advice to farmers and links them with traders in a virtual marketplace.

Esoko charges farmers $1 a month to use the service and businesses pay between $3,000$20,000 annually. Other recent apps include a Kenyan cattlemonitoring app called iCow and online marketplace M-Farm, which has partnered with Samsung.

By 2025, half of Africa’s one billion people will have Internet access and there will be 360 million smartphones on the continent.

“People who don’t have access to running water or electricity have access to a phone that is

more powerful than computers we had a few years ago,” said Sami Ibrahim, of Glasgow-based technology startup Cojengo which developed VetAfrica, an app which provides veterinary advice.

Growth in agriculture is twice as effective at reducing poverty as other sectors, aid agencies say, but tech firms are also hoping to turn a healthy profit. Cojengo wants VetAfrica to build a database it can sell to African governments, NGOs and pharmaceutical companies.

To spur growth however, governments need to improve transport and power infrastructure, and banks need to lend to farmers.

“The No. 1 challenge for smallholder farmers in Africa is access to credit,” said Kola Masha, founder of Nigerian firm Doreo Partners, which has linked up with Swiss RE to insure farmers against drought.

“As smartphone technology becomes cheaper we’ll see an increasingly positive impact.”

Masha hopes to reach one million smallholders by 2025 by providing technology, fertilizer and seeds to farmers, who pay him back when their profits increase.

Microtech firms are also popping up in off-the-beaten-track areas.

Botswana startup Modisar tracks cattle herds and gives advice on feed, vaccinations and finance by text message. Cameroon’s Mewanko Farm has set up an online marketplace for farmers to sell fresh produce in a scheme it hopes will increase the income of 13 million people.

These and other efforts could bring hundreds of millions of poorly organized and isolated people in rural communities into global markets.

53

Albertafarmexpress.ca • March 30, 3015

Increasing food security and nutrition Women get together to learn new ways of preparing the food they grow on their farms

By Laura Rance

Manitoba Co-operator Editor / Katete District, Eastern Zambia

W

Betty Tembo says that local farmers often have foods, but don’t know how to prepare them. Photo: Laura Rance

TOUGHER EASIER

Spinoff effect

Ruairidh Waddell, program consultant for Zambia with World Renew, said their evaluation showed the investment in agricultural development is having a spinoff effect in both food security and nutrition.

“One of the things we did as part of our evaluation is go talk to the health personnel from the government that are working in these areas with the community clinics, and they were very adamant that they’d seen a big change in the health of children, especially in our household areas within the program we work in,” Waddell said.

Young children were “graduating” from the undernourished category. Of the children that were being tracked, “none of them have regressed into that category, even with the hunger months, so there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel.”

The RCZ project officers worked with individual families to expand the crops they grow that could contribute to a healthy diet.

For example, the Chinyama family is now growing sunflowers, which are processed locally into cooking oil, cowpeas and pumpkins, the leaves of which can be cooked like spinach during the lean months.

“They have been growing all the components that you need for proper diet,” Waddell said.

“They have protein from cowpeas, oils and fats from the groundnuts and sunflower, they have the staple with maize, they have greenery from the pumpkins, the pumpkin leaves, and then of course they have an extra carb from the sweet potato too.

“What we are trying to champion is looking at individual households and how they can improve their diet with what they have readily available,” he said. laura@fbcpublishing.com

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ho would have thought cooking could be so tasty — oh, and nutritious too?

As we sat in the shade of a tree outside the Tiyanjane Co-op Society Ltd., members of the cooking subgroup explained through an interpreter how they once looked upon soybeans as a cash crop, not something they could eat.

Now they are frying them, making cakes, porridge for breakfast and even turning them into milk. Cowpeas were something to be boiled and salted. Now they have learned how to make them into sausage.

“We didn’t know how to prepare chicken with peanut butter,” said one woman. “A lot of people in the district know us now because of what we prepare.”

Project officers with a Reformed Church of Zambia project supported by the Canadian Foodgrains B ank and World Renew over the past several years have taken a twopronged approach promoting conservation farming methods and better nutrition to about 2,100 area families.

By improving these farming families’ use of soil and water resources, it was hoped they could increase productivity and crop diversification. The second aim was to help families use that diversification to improve food security, nutrition and income.

“We teach them how to prepare different types of food using our local foods here in Zambia,” said Betty Tembo, project officer for the RCZ project. “These people have foods but actually don’t know how to prepare them; they don’t know how many times to feed their children.”

Tembo works to train volunteers, who in turn work with families in their local community. In addition to the cooking demonstrations, children were regularly weighed, and the families provided with health education.

In the third year of the project, the percentage of households eating three meals a day had increased to 25.6 per cent from

14.6 per cent, according to an evaluation completed in 2014.

As well, two-thirds of the households surveyed were providing children under five in their care with three meals a day with the other third were providing three meals a day on average three times a week.

Download the 2015 Field Guide App from the iPhone App Store or at Google Play.

Insurance programs for poor farmers today could save tens of billions of dollars in coming decades as climate change upsets growing patterns and makes harvests fail.

An investment of $350,000 in disaster prevention for farmers — including irrigation systems, crop insurance and terraces — saves an estimated $4 million in averted costs for humanitarian relief when a drought or flood hits, said Richard Choularton of World Food Program.

Index insurance systems, where farmers receive a payout if rainfall levels or the tempera-

ture pass a given threshold, have been some of the most effective tools in helping communities respond to floods, droughts or heat waves, Choularton said.

“The poorest farmers are the ones who need access to insurance most,” said Choularton.

“Safety nets are needed to reduce and manage the risks from disasters.”

A recent U.N. report put the bill for disasters at $300 billion annually, and that cost is spurring some action.

The African Union, for example, has set up an insurance fund to help member states when a drought hits, and individual countries are also building their own programs, Choularton said.

54

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Doubling up on triplets — of the same gender With calving about half done, the Dycks have had six sets of twins plus a set of triplets so far this year

By Allan Dawson

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C

orney and Linda Dyck had their first triplet calves in 2000.

That’s uncommon enough, but the triplets were all heifers, making the event even rarer.

On March 5, 15 years later, the Manitoba producers had another set of triplets — this time all bulls.

The mother of this year’s triplets is 13 years old and has delivered 15 calves, said Corney Dyck as he and his daughter Janelle rounded up the calves for a photo shoot. The first time this cow calved she had twins, followed by single calves, culminating with triplets this year.

The Dycks have 80 to 90 cows.

With about half the herd calved so far they’ve had six sets of twins, the triplets, plus singles.

So, how rare are triplet calves?

Google it and you’ll get anywhere from one in 400,000 to one in 700,000 births — which is not far off the one in a million chance of being struck by lightning. But Dr. Wayne Tomlinson, an extension veterinarian with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, says Google is off. While rare, triplet calves are not “super rare,” he said.

It varies a lot between breeds.

The odds of multiple births

are higher in Simmentals and Charolais than in Hereford and Angus in the beef breeds and more common in Brown Swiss than Holstein among dairy breeds, Dr. Tomlinson said.

A 1970s study found Brown Swiss cows twin 10 per cent of the time compared to Holsteins at four or five per cent, he added.

“I know there’s an old study from 1920 and the incidence (of triplets) in beef cattle was one in 100,000,” Dr. Tomlinson said. “I would suspect we’ve made some advances in genetics over the years. We’re selecting constantly for fertility. I would suspect it would be down to one out of 50,000 or one out 40,000.”

Most twin and triplet calves are due to the fertilization of two or three eggs as opposed to splitting embryos, Dr. Tomlinson said. That’s why same-gender triplets are rare — there’s a 50-50 chance each calf will be either male or female.

When the Dycks’ first triplets arrived in 2000 they snapped a picture of them with Janelle, who was just four years old. Now 18, it only seemed appropriate she pose with the latest triplets.

Janelle, who is a health-care aide, plans to become a licensed practical nurse, but she’s interested in farming too. allan@fbcpublishing.com

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MF 1375, ‘10, 15’ disc mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,900 NH 499, ‘06, 12’ haybine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000 NH 688, ‘00, bale command, 17,694 bales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,000 NH 688, ‘00, w/auto tie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 NH 2300, ‘99, 18’ header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000

OFF ROAD UTILITY

Kawasaki KLF250, ‘05, 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,700 Kawasaki 4010, ‘14, Mule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500

MISCELLANEOUS

Renn RGU1214, ‘11, 12’ bag extractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 Rem 2700, ‘08, grain vac, 283 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500

Claresholm, AB 403-625-3321

1-800-852-7270 www.challengernh.ca

Triplet calves are relatively uncommon but triplets that are all the same gender are even rarer. Corney and Linda Dyck had their first set of samegender triplets — all heifers — in 2000 and snapped a picture with their then four-year-old daughter Janelle. On March 5 the Dycks have another set of triplets — all of them bulls. Corney (l) and Janelle help the mother cow out with some supplemental bottle feeding. photos: linda dyck (top) and allan dawson (Bottom)

55

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • MARCH 30, 2015

USED EQUIPMENT USED COMBINES/HEADERS

Versatile 9682 C/W dozer, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,000

2 - 2012 CR8090 Combines, c/w Stone trap and GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choice @ $295,000 NH CR9070, 2010, 980 thr hrs, Y/M long auger . . . . . . .$215,000 2012 CR8090, 550 hrs, loaded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $295,000 2009 MacDon FD-70, 40’ Flex header . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,000 2008 NH CR 9060, 1400 hrs DLX chopper . . . . . . . . . $185,000

Cockshutt 1850, cab FEL 90 hp, no GST . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,750

USED FORAGE/HAYING NH 216 Hyd Rake, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,900 RSS10T Vicon, tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000 New Holland BB960A, 3x4 square baler. . . . . . . . . . . $58,000 Case IH LB433, 3x4 square baler only 3300 bales . . . . . . . $88,900

2013 New Holland SP365F,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $365,000 2009 NH S1070, S/B 100’ Sprayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500 M&S suspended boom sprayer, 1000 gal, 86’ booms auto rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,500 2008 Brandt SB 4000, 100’ booms frame suspension boom height control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,900

JD 567 RB, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In

LIVESTOCK EQ

SP30N Honeybee Header, fits CNH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,000

USED SEED & TILLAGE

Haybuster 2650, bale buster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,900

2012 94C, 30’ head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,000

Flexi-coil 40’ S75, packer bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,500

NH195 HYD Drive Spreader, new Tires and floor chains $17,500

2007 NH CR9060 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coming In 2012 MacDon D50, 30’ combine header fits CNH. . . . $45,000

USED TRACTORS

Flexi-coil 1330, air cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Offers

USED SWATHERS/SPRAYERS

NEW 2014 NH T8.390 CVT Loaded, Bought On Old Dollar. CALL

2014 Demo Special NH SP333F, w/1600 Gal, 120’ Loaded, Paid out before the dollar fell!. . . Call for Details

JD 2010, gas FEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,750 2011 NH TV6070 Biderectional, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89,000 NH 8870, 180hp MFD 3pt row crop rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500

SKID STEER 2009 NH L170, 4300 hrs, new tires open cab. . . . . . . . $26,500 2006 NH C185, compact track loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,500 2008 Bobcat 250, low hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In

“Southern Alberta’s New Holland Dealer since 1967” 510 – 36th. Street, North, Lethbridge, AB

Farm Centre Inc.

PHONE: (403) 327-1100 ALBERTA TOLL FREE: 1-800-565-0592 EMAIL: vfc@telusplanet.net

JOHN BEYER JAKE PETERS Cell: 403-380-0488

Cell: 403-654-3243

www.vaneefarmcentre.com

USED EQUIPMENT NEW & IN STOCK • Parker Grain Carts • Rem Grain Vacs • Haybuster Bale Processors • PRO ALL Medium Harrow 70’

669382

693742

689301

689299

695910

690360

691403

2013 New Holland T9.450HD Tractor, 1950hrs, 450HP, Good cond., 710R42 duals,full gps, 1000 PTO, mega flow hyd

1987 Steiger Panther 1000 Tractor - 4WD, 8100hrs, power shift, 14’ degelman blade,diff reworked

2011 New Holland T7050 Tractor, 3100hrs, 165HP, Good cond., auto command, loader, grapple, 3 point, 4 hydraulics

2010 New Holland T7050 Tractor, 3300hrs, 165HP, Good cond., 18 speed ps, 3 point, 4 hydraulics, 3 function joystick

2001 Fendt 712 Tractor, 7750hrs, 110HP, Good cond., vario,50k,loader,grapple,3 point,540/1000

2013 Degelman M34 Manure Spreader, Good cond.

2013 New Holland BR7090 Round Baler, 8650hrs, Good cond., Specialty crop, net/ twine, wide pickup

$265,000

$58,500

$125,000

$98,500

$49,500

$85,000

$29,500

HARVEST EQUIP

TRACTORS

0% 36 MON USED 4WD TRACTORS

0% 30 MON USED COMBINES NH CR9070, 2011,525 sep hrs, gps . . . . . . . . . . . . . $235,000 NH CR9070, 2011,550 sep hrs, gps . . . . . . . . . . . . $235,000 NH CR8090,2013,400sep,dsp,gps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $335,000 NH CR9090 Elevation,750sep, gps, 2012 . . . . . . . . $350,000 NH CR9060, 2008,940 sep hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175,000 NH CR960, 2005,1130 sep hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,000 JD 9600,1989, stored inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,500 NH 840CD-30 like new,cross auger . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,500 NH 840CD-30, header height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59,500 Macdon 973-36’ header,pur,trspt, cross auger (2) . . $39,500 HoneyBee sp36 hdr,CIH adptr,2011,4 in stock . . . . . $58,000 NH 971-30’,header,batt reel, trspt (2) TR-TX adptr

$9,500

JD 230-30 auger header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500

NH T9.450HD ,2013,1000PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265,000 NH TJ430,2007,PS,mega flow,GPS,710R42 duals, 1750hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $179,500 CIH Puma 140,1000hrs,PS,2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110,000 CIH 9270,6300hrs,PS,20.8R42 duals . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000 NH Powerstar T4.75,2014,20hrs,ldr,grpl,warranty . . $55,000 NH 8160, loader,grpl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,000 CIH STX485 900 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225,000 NH T7050,PS,3900hrs,ldr,grpl . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOLD $98,500 NH T7050,PS,3100hrs,CVT,ldr,grpl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000 NH T7050,PS,3point,3300hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,500 NH T7.235,2013.PS,ldr,grpl,4 hyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .coming in NH 846 6200hrs,12 spdd std,14’ blade. . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 NH 9030, 7500hrs, ldr/grpl, EE PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500 Steiger Panther 1000, PS, 14’ blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,500 FENDT 712 VARIO,7750HRS,LDR,GRPL . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 NH L220 Skid Steer,200HRS,CAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,500 NH L220 Skid Steer,500hrs,CAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,500

SWATHERS

HAYING & LIVESTOCK

LAWN GARDEN

AUGERS

Premier 2952i-30’ 1020hrs,06. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,500 Westward M155-30’,AS,2 roto shears, canola roller$135,000 Westward 7000-25’ 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 Heston 8100-25’,pur,2 shears2125hrs . . . . . . . . . . . $24,500 Prairie Star 4620-25’ PTO swather, kear shear . . . . . . $9,500 Westward 3020-25’ pto swather,pur . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500 Westward 3020-25’ pto swather,pur . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 Swath Rollers available 8” steel & polly . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200 MacDon M105-25’, 1 roto shear, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . $115,000 NH H8040-30’, 2013, easy steer, 2 roto shears . . . $129,500 Exmark LZE 691 52” zero tu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,900 NH MZ19H 52” dec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,950 Grasshopper T616-48” front mower, powerfold . . . . . $7,900

SEEDING & TILLAGE

FlexiCoil 5000-39’,9”,4” rbr, 3450tbhnd cart . . . . . . $59,000 Bourgault 7200-72’ heavy harrow, hyd tines . . . . . . $26,500

SPRAYERS

FlexiCoil S65XL,100’, screens, markers, SP655 monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500

NH BR7090 auto wrap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,500 NH 1475 16’ mower conditoiner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,500 Jiffy 1105 high dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 Jiffy 600 high dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 Haybuster 2650 bale processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,900 Artex 1050 high dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,500 JF Stoll 1360 for age harvestor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 Degelman M34 manure Spreader (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,000 Sakundiak HD8x1600 24hp,mover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,900 Sakundiak HD10x140038hp, mover,clutch light kit $13.900 Sakundiak HD10x1200,31hp,mover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500 Sakundiak HD8x1400,24hp,mover,clutch . . . . . . . . . . $5,900 Sakundiak HD8x1600,mover,hyd drive . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,900 Westfield MK 130x71,low pro hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 Westfield MK130x71 low pro hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500 Farmking 8x51xhyd swing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . offers Brandt 5000 grain vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,900

Linden Agri-Centre Ltd.

(403)546-3814

www.lindenag.com

(403)263-4688

Sales Manager - Ken Toews 888-8109 (cell) 546-2634 (res) • Ian Anhorn 888-8121 (cell) 631-2260 (res) • Kevin Helmer 373-5554 • Andy Nelson 588-4355

B:10.25”

56

T:10.25”

MARCH 30, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

S:10.25”

ENTER A NEW HARVESTING DIMENSION

PRODUCTIVITY. Largest ever 410 bu. grain tank, 4 bu./sec unloading speed, 34 ft. pivoting auger for greater unloading flexibility.

QUALITY. Unique Twin Rotor™ threshing system, 10% higher capacity with Twin Pitch technology, crop accelerating Dynamic Feed Roll™ for even higher throughput.

POWER. Mighty Cursor 16 ECOBlue™ HI-eSCR engines for Tier 4B compliance and 10% fuel savings. Up to 653 hp on the new CR10.90, the world’s most powerful combine.

NEWCR.NEWHOLLAND.COM

www.newcr.newholland.com

D E D I C AT E D . U N C O M P R O M I S E D . S M A R T.

©2015 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

B:15.5”

COMFORT. All-new Harvest Suite™ Ultra cab with 68 ft2 glass and acres of space for unsurpassed visibility and operating ergonomy. Smooth ride SmartTrax™ system with Terraglide™ suspension.

T:15.5”

S:15.5”

DISCOVER COMFORT, PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY FROM THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL COMBINE.