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Dorothy elevator loses roof, but residents are rallying » PG 3

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McDonald’s cage-free move gets thumbs down Egg Farmers of Alberta says enriched housing meets consumer concerns, and has advantages over free-run systems By Alexis Kienlen AF STAFF

he impact isn’t known yet, but Egg Farmers of Alberta isn’t pleased with McDonald’s Canada’s decision to switch to free-run eggs over the next 10 years. “From my perspective, I was a bit disappointed that they’ve chosen to go cage free, knowing the inherent benefits of the enriched housing system,” said David Webb, the organization’s marketing and communications manager. “I think (enriched housing) addresses a lot of the concerns people had with conventional housing in terms of animal welfare.” The Egg Farmers had no advance warning of the announcement, and didn’t have an exact number of Albertan farms that sell to Burnbrae Farms, McDonald’s supplier. But fewer than five per cent of egg sales in Alberta are from cage-free operations. While many consumers favour cage-free systems, mortality rates are often in the double digits while enriched housing and caged housing have a two per cent mortality rate. An American group called the

ELECTION 2015:

Action items for Alberta agriculture No matter what your sector, there are pressing farm issues for the next federal government Staff

ith the longest federal election campaign in Canadian history, you can’t say there hasn’t been time to discuss farm issues. But other than a few photo ops on farms, agriculture rarely gets a mention on the hustings. And, in a way, that’s OK with farm leaders in this province. Alberta Farmer reporter Jennifer Blair spoke to officials from seven major commodity groups and while their priorities differ, there was a common theme: They’re looking for action, not words and promises. Many of their action items reflect the

fact that today’s farmers have a global outlook. “At the end of the day, we only have 30 million people in this country, and we can only consume so much. We are an export country,” said Lee Markert, chair of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. “We have the land base and resources to provide for the rest of the world, and we really require these customers from around the world to make ourselves sustainable.” Along with election stories, this edition of Alberta Farmer also has a quiz (on page 2) on some of the buyers of the record $9.7 billion of agri-food products exported by the province last year. And as the graphic below shows, there is rich potential in upping that value through processing.

“It’s to the point where we do a lot of value added here in Canada and move different types of products from the same commodity to the rest of the world,” said Markert. “When you make those programs available, it can create a lot of growth within Canada and provide a lot of basis for value chains here.” Value added is just one issue: Rail transport, labour issues, trade deals, and not sacrificing supply management in trade deals were also top items. The bottom line is that whether the current government is re-elected or a new one takes its place, farm leaders will have a full list of priorities they want addressed by the next administration. The slate of election stories begins on page 3.

Adding up Alberta’s agri-food exports Although 44 per cent of Alberta’s agrifood exports are classed as “value-added products,” more than half of that is beef and pork. But the numbers are larger when looking at the domestic scene — food and beverage manufacturing generated an estimated $12.5 billion in sales in 2013. However, as the chart below shows, the growth in those sales has been slow for most of this century.

MCDONALD’S EGGS } page 6

VALUE OF SALES AND EXPORTS (2013)

PRODUCT CATEGORY

VALUE OF EXPORTS ($000,000)

Meat Products

5,671.2

1,298.1

Grain and Oilseed Milling

1,693.7

468.0

Animal Food Manufacturing

891.4

458.0

Bread and Bakery Products

346.0

33.0

746.1

274.8

968.0

79.1

All Other Food Manufacturing

ALBERTA FOOD MANUFACTURING SALES BY TYPE (2013)

VALUE OF MANUFACTURING SALES ($000,000)

Beverage Products

ALBERTA FOOD & BEVERAGE MFG. SALES ($ BILLIONS, 2000-2013)

BEVERAGES %

ALL OTHER FOOD MFG.

MEAT PRODUCTS

23.5%

45.3

% GRAIN AND OILSEED MILLING

13.5%

7.7

BREAD & BAKERY PRODUCTS %

2.8

ANIMAL FOOD MFG. %

7.1

Source: Alberta Government (Alberta’s Agricultural Processing Industry Overview Directory 2015)

12.5

12 B 9B

10.3 10.1 9.8 9.5 9.9 9.7 10.0 9.1 9.3 9.4

10.6

11.1 11.3

6B 3B 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

news » inside this week

inside » PREPARING FOR THE WORST Emergency responders stand ready during farming’s dangerous season

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

livestock

crops

columNists

BIG ON LITTLE COWS

A SMALL SILVER LINING

Rural Canada’s woes need to be addressed

‘Peak soil’ prompts modern-day land rush

Alberta couple says Highland cattle are ‘the whole package’

Early harvest yields aren’t great, but may not be as bad as feared

Should you vaccinate for anthrax?

Senior staff have been appointed to new roles within the division of Glacier FarmMedia Glacier FarmMedia Release

Laura Rance

aura Rance has been appointed editorial director of Farm Business Communications (FBC), a division of Glacier FarmMedia effective Sept. 1, Glacier FarmMedia president Bob Willcox has announced. Rance replaces John Morriss, who continues as associate publisher of Farm Business Communications and who will be working in a new capacity developing Glacier FarmMedia’s online grain and livestock reporting and analysis services.

Rance will oversee the print and online news, feature and content delivery for all publications in the FBC family, including Alberta Farmer Express, Manitoba Cooperator, Grainews, Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, Country Guide, and Canadian Cattlemen. She will continue as editor of the Manitoba Co-operator. Rance has worked in agricultural journalism for more than three decades, beginning her career in daily newspapers before joining the Western Producer and later moving to the Manitoba Co-operator. Morriss and Rance were among six partners who formed the Farmers’ Inde-

pendent Weekly, which operated for five years before merging with the Manitoba Co-operator in 2007. Morriss, also a career agricultural journalist, was formerly publisher of the Manitoba Co-operator and director of information for the Canadian Wheat Board. Glacier FarmMedia is the agricultural division of Glacier Media Inc., an information communications company focused on the provision of primary and essential information and related services through print, electronic and online media. For more information on Glacier FarmMedia, visit www. farmmedia.com.

John Morriss

Do you know your customer? Try this pop quiz Alberta exported a record $9.7 billion of agri-food products last year — but where did they go? 3) Suds or spuds?

Staff

Processed potatoes — a.k.a. french fries — get the nod with $253 million in sales. But malt sales weren’t far behind at $226 million. The strength of both sectors may surprise those who think Alberta is just cows, canola, and wheat. The combined potato/malt total is $479 million, which is what exports of live cattle were in 2013. However, cattle sales surged by 50 per cent in 2014 to $715 million.

armers are being urged these days to know their customers, so here’s a pop quiz based on the province’s latest agri-food export stats. 1) The U.S. has long been the No. 1 importer of Alberta agri-food products (raw commodities and processed products). What country is No. 2 and did its purchases go up or down in 2014? 2) Which major buyer doubled its purchases in 2014 and what drove the increase? 3) Suds or spuds? In dollar terms, does Alberta export more malt or more processed potatoes? 4) Name the bigger buyer in each of these pairs: Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh? Peru or India? Hong Kong or Turkey?

4) Bigger buyer?

1) Who is No. 2?

China bought $1.3 billion of Alberta agri-food products last year, with canola accounting for more than half of that. But even though it upped its canola buy to $783 million (an 18 per cent jump), the overall total fell by 12.4 per cent from 2013. Sales of wheat, dried peas, and “other beverages” all suffered major declines, according to provincial data. Although it’s not likely to come up on “Jeopardy,” the second most valuable Alberta product exported to China is raw hides and skins. It bought $202 million worth of hides last year. And even though exports to the world’s second-largest economy dipped last year, the trend is strongly upwards — a decade ago, total exports were just $350 million.

2) Who bought twice as much?

For just the second time in the past decade, South Korea’s purchases topped the $200-million mark. The other time was in 2011, when wheat sales surged, only to promptly plunge the next year.

Photo: Thinkstock Wheat accounted for a third of last year’s $228 million in sales to South Korea, with pork coming in at No. 2 with $36 million. Beef sales tripled to $23 million but that wasn’t enough for third spot — that honour goes to hides at $27 million.

Roy Lewis

Management changes at Farm Business Communications L

Brenda Schoepp

A BLOOMING GOOD IDEA Hometown pride shines in these Alberta towns and villages

Laura Rance

Only a dozen countries spent nine figures or more on Alberta farm products last year. Peru (No. 8) and Bangladesh (No. 10) were in that category, while Saudi Arabia (No. 14) and India (No. 40) were not. But all four are examples of how you never know who might be a buyer. Sales to Peru have quintupled over the last decade and Bangladesh bought just $9.4 million of Alberta farm products 10 years ago. The latter two are up-and-down customers. Sales to Saudi Arabia went from $168 million in 2009 to $25 million in 2013, and then jumped to $88 million last year. India is all over the map — $5 million in 2005, $85 million in 2006, back to a few million during the 2008-10 period, nearly $60 million in each of the following two years, and then down to $18 million last year. And Hong Kong or Turkey? That’s a gimme. Hong Kong was just out of the Top 5 with $192 million in purchases while Turkey just squeaks into the Top 50 list at $11 million. The full list of who bought the bounty of Alberta agriculture can be found at www.agriculture. alberta.ca. Search for ‘agri-food exports 2014’ and click on the link at the bottom of the document Alberta Agri-Food Exports, 2005-2014.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Uncertain future for iconic elevator Dorothy landmark lost its roof in summer storm By Johnnie Bachusky AF contributor

inda Miller was napping during the afternoon of July 22 when she was suddenly awakened by a thunderous boom. “There was terrible wind, terrible noise. There was rain and hail,” said Miller, a sixth-generation resident of Dorothy, a popular ghost town tourism destination along Highway 570 at the southeastern end of the Drumheller Badlands. The powerful thunderstorm caused massive damage to many ranchers’ outbuildings and ripped off hundreds of shingles from the hamlet’s newly restored Catholic Church. Most alarming, the storm’s fury tore off the roof from the nearby 87-year-old Alberta Pacific grain elevator, leaving the iconic structure leaning precariously. “I look at it as the gateway to the Special Areas. It’s kind of an icon,” said Miller, who operates a bed and breakfast at the hamlet. Since the storm, the community has agonized whether the grain elevator can be repaired and who would pick up the cost. The structure is legally owned by Alberta’s Special Areas. “We’ve never had to deal with something like this. We are so small and with this storm we are learning as we go,” said Joanne Hoff, president of the Dorothy Community Club. She said the club’s limited funds are earmarked for a new camp kitchen on the hamlet’s townsite. However, a Bluegrass for Dorothy fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 3 in nearby East Coulee. Some of the proceeds may go towards fixing Dorothy’s elevator.

AF staff

Former resident Barry Randall (l), B&B owner Linda Miller, and local rancher Robert Hoff stand in front of now roofless elevator. PHOTOS: Johnnie Bachusky

Jim Faubion, another sixthgeneration resident, has climbed into the damaged elevator five times and maintains it’s fixable. “The top plate is perfect up there. Everything looks really good, structure-wise. We are not fighting a losing battle,” said Faubion. “I think a guy could build a roof on the ground and with a big crane we could lift it up and put it on top.” He said the overall undetermined cost could be mitigated with volunteer labour and donated equipment. If funds are required, the Special Areas Board is willing to seriously consider a grant, said Darcy Ferguson, the agency’s director of finance and administration. “We all want to develop our tourism industry. It’s iconic in nature — that is certainly a consideration,” said Ferguson, adding he’s waiting for Faubion to provide a cost estimate. “As the community drives at what it wants to do, that certainly helps us respond.” However, not everyone is hoping a new roof is put on the revered Badlands landmark. “I would like to see it stay

The wind-damaged Dorothy grain elevator still stands proudly along Highway 570 in the heart of the Drumheller Badlands. It remains an important tourism attraction for the local economy. there just as it is with the roof off. That tells a story, too,” said former resident Barry Randall, a retired CFL all-star lineman who regularly visits Dorothy. “What I would not like to see is the structure falling over. If it fell over Special Areas might not do anything and there could be a pile of lumber there that sits for years and years. I would not like to see that.”

Mike Ammeter says Ottawa needs to fix broken system AF staff

poor crop means rail transport might not be an issue for grain growers this year but “the challenge is still there,” says the chair of Alberta Barley. “What we went through a couple of years ago, with not being able to get our product off the Prairies to port and to our customers, was a real challenge, and I think transportation is still our No. 1 issue,” said Mike Ammeter. “Our yields have been trimmed pretty good because of the drought that took place, so there will be less to export this year I’m sure. But we’re continuing to improve our cropping methods and our varieties, and we’re

Tom Kootstra says critics of supply management don’t understand there’s no free market in milk By JENNIFER BLAIR

Rail transport still needs fixing, says farm leader By JENNIFER BLAIR

Protect supply management, says Alberta Milk chair

going to have another big crop somewhere down the road. “I don’t think I’d say we’re cured.” The Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act came into effect May 2014 to address the overwhelming grain backlogs between inland processors and port terminals. Under the new law, Canada’s railways became subject to stricter reporting and heavy fines for not moving the minimum level of grain outlined in the act. That legislation “certainly helped alleviate the situation,” but there’s “still work to be done,” said Ammeter. “It’s not just agriculture. It’s really our whole economy,” he said. “We are an exporting nation. A lot of what we export is in the Prairies a long way from tidewater, so rail is extremely important. We’re dependent on that in a lot of ways.”

And Canada’s reputation as a reliable grain exporter could be at stake if the new federal government doesn’t conMike Ammeter tinue to work on the holes in Canada’s grain transportation system. International trade partners “gave us a mulligan” two years ago, but Canada can’t continue to do business that way. “They said, ‘You can do this once, but if this becomes a habit where we can’t rely on you, there will be some real consequences,’” he said. “They understood the challenges, but obviously, that’s not a good strategy to have. You just can’t treat customers like that and be unreliable.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

lberta’s dairy industry needs Ottawa to fight for supply management, says the chair of Alberta Milk. “The biggest issue is continued support for our unique production model — supply management — and the potential impact that a trade deal could have on our system,” said Tom Kootstra. That means going to bat for supply management as the government negotiates trade deals, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations that are currently underway. “Support for supply management — where the cost of production is met by the consumer and the marketplace — is the support I need from the government,” said Kootstra. “With supply management, the assurance that I will remain economically viable — that I will have a decent return for my dairy product — is there. “I need a system that allows us to be sustainable.” The system often comes under fire during trade negotiations, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed last year. At the time, the dairy industry worried increased access to the Canadian market for European Union cheese makers would weaken Canada’s dairy industry. But the industry isn’t “anticipating any economic consequences from the signing of that trade deal for at least 12 to 18 months,” said Kootstra. “At this point, that negative impact has not been identified, but

Supply management keeps dairy production viable in Canada, and the federal government should support that, says Alberta Milk chair Tom Kootstra. PHOTO: SUPPLIED the government has committed to compensation for any negative impact that that trade deal has,” he said. “If it comes to pass that there is a consequence for dairy as a result of this CETA agreement, we would expect the government to honour its commitment to adequately compensate us those negative impacts.” And without that support for supply management, the Canadian dairy industry will become “much more volatile,” he said. “The pundits and thinktanks think there’s such a thing as a free market, but there is no such thing as a free market, particularly in a perishable product like dairy,” he said. “If my milk doesn’t leave the farm every 48 hours and find a home, I can’t hold my product until such time as the market gives it a higher value, like you might if you were in the grain business.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Call for Nominations: Directors for Regions 3,6,9,12 Leaders wanted to represent Alberta canola growers The Alberta Canola Producers Commission (ACPC) is seeking four canola growers to serve on the board of directors for a 3 year term. This year, directors are needed in regions 3, 6, 9, and 12. Visit www.albertacanola.com/regions for a map and information on the regions.

Can I become an ACPC Director? Do you grow canola in Alberta? Do you pay your levy? Then yes! Any producer who has paid ACPC a service charge on canola sold since August 1, 2013 is an eligible producer and can stand for election as a Director. Eligible producers must produce canola within the defined region in order to be nominated, but do not have to reside within the region. Nominations for the position of Director must be filed in writing at the ACPC office, emailed to ward@albertacanola.com, or by fax 780-451-6933 on or before 4 pm October 30th, 2015. Nomination forms must be obtained by contacting the ACPC office at contact info above.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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

Let’s face it, rural Canada needs to welcome more newcomers

Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton 780-668-3121 Email: akienlen@fbcpublishing.com Jennifer Blair, Red Deer 403-613-7573 Email: jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

CIRCULATION manager Heather Anderson Email: heather@fbcpublishing.com

Whether it’s working with First Nations people or displaced people, rural communities need to open the door

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BY LAURA RANCE

Manitoba Co-operator Editor

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t was a hot, humid day near Saskatoon this summer when I noticed a man helping out at the ticket booth at the inaugural Ag in Motion outdoor farm show. This man was sporting a big, bushy white beard and wearing bib overalls, thrusting his hands deep into those pockets as he rocked back and forth on his heels. He matched the stereotype of the “dusty ol’ farmer” Murray McLaughlin made famous in his 1970s ballad. I’m not proud of this, but I thought “redneck.” That image changed for me when he weighed in on a conversation about the number of newcomers from different parts of the world making their way to Canada. “All of us came from someplace,” he said, noting his grandparents immigrated from Sweden as homesteaders. I have to admit, I didn’t expect to hear someone that looked like him, say something like that, especially given the tone of the conversation taking place. But his observation is one that bears repeating. Perhaps it should even become the rallying cry for rural renewal

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 Communications assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all information provided.

That point is especially poignant at a time when the nightly news is filled with images of desperate people displaced by the atrocities of war, fleeing to countries that are already crowded and increasingly hostile. Homesteading on the Canadian Prairies began two centuries ago with the arrival of the Selkirk settlers, also members of a displaced people. The people who already lived here were charitable. That didn’t work out so well for them in the end, and that perhaps explains why many of us are reluctant to extend a similar welcome now. Amidst all of the complexities involved with supporting Canada’s First Nations as they build healthy communities and all of the complications involved with resettling displaced people — it is our own fear, suspicion, and misinformed assumptions that present the biggest hurdles. These are people who will invest in their new communities. They buy businesses and fill houses that would otherwise remain vacant. They pay taxes. Their kids go to school, making it possible to improve the overall quality of education. Perhaps the single, most important investment we can make in our rural communities is on a welcome mat. Our future depends on it. laura@fbcpublishing.com

How farmers can sustainably, and affordably, meet humanity’s growing demand for both BY CARL R. WOESE

INSTITUTE FOR GENOMIC BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANACHAMPAIGN

www.albertafarmexpress.ca

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While historically, policy that was good for agriculture was also good for the rural economy, that correlation has diminished as the number of people employed in primary agriculture has declined. The replacement rate of workers in non-metro Canada fell below 100 per cent in 2008. In metro Canada, it dropped below 100 per cent in 2013. That means an increasingly intense competition for labour at a time when rural Canada’s ability to compete is sagging. Rural areas are also lagging in education and skills, with a greater high school dropout rate and a lower average level of education. “Among the 34 OECD (Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development) countries Canada has the largest and hence, worst rural-urban gap with respect to levels of education in the workforce,” the report states. It suggests economic development may stem from working more closely with First Nations communities and working harder to attract new immigrants to rural areas. “If rural Canada is to develop vibrant communities and economies then it must enhance its existing human capital, which means welcoming newcomers,” the report said.

It’s time to stop debating food versus fuel

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in Canada in light of a newly released report about the declining state of our rural culture. The State of Rural Canada (see story on page 9) is a disturbing cross-country snapshot of current trends. One of its main conclusions is that rural Canada is running out of people as a result of government neglect of rural issues, crumbling infrastructure, the pressures of globalization, the continued exodus of young people in search of better opportunities, and an aging population left behind. “Fundamentally, we have forgotten how to reinvest in rural and small-town places, preferring instead to simply run down the capital invested by previous generations,” the report says. But it also offers an insightful and more hopeful glimpse of what could be its future. It cites innovative thinking demonstrated by small towns trying to survive in the face of constrained resources, the economic and environmental importance of rural spaces, strong social networks, and diversity. It notes the saying, if you know one rural community — you know one rural community. “There is no single rural Canada, only the many manifestations of rural Canada and this makes rural policy development incredibly challenging.”

ome say growing more biofuel crops today will decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but will make it harder to produce food tomorrow. In a recent article, Steve Long (University of Illinois’ Gutgsell Endowed Chair of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences) and Chris Somerville (University of California’s Philomathia Professor of Alternative Energy) predict farmers can sustainably, and affordably, meet humanity’s growing demand for food and fuel. “It is not possible to control which fields are affected by climate change, but we can decide which fields could produce biofuels without impacting food production, and which crops will benefit the environment most,” said Long. Biofuel crops capture and store carbon dioxide from the air, lowering greenhouse gases (GHG). This is especially true of the perennial biofuel crops, such

as Miscanthus and prairie cordgrass. Biofuels also reduce GHG emissions from your cars.

Not all created equal

Corn ethanol produces 34 to 44 per cent less GHG emissions than gasoline. Sugar cane ethanol reduces GHG emissions by more than 50 per cent; some estimate it reduces GHG by as much as 82 per cent. Cellulosic ethanol, when combined with carbon capture and storage, may be a carbon-neutral source of fuel with no net GHG emissions. Cellulosic also converts more sunlight energy into biomass energy per unit land area than food crops. Their deep, soilbinding root systems preserve precious topsoil and recycle nutrients, requiring little or no additional fertilizer. And because they don’t have to be replanted each year, perennial feedstocks have an even smaller carbon footprint than annual crops. Long and Somerville predict that over time acreage devoted to sugar cane and cellulosic biofuels will increase while corn — which has relatively fewer GHG

benefits — will be grown almost exclusively for food and livestock feed. Over the past 25 years, six million hectares of U.S. land dropped out of crop production due to federal conservation reserve programs and farmers abandoning marginal land that is not profitable for food crops. Cellulosic feedstocks thrive on this marginal land, including infertile land in the South as well as semi-desert and salty soils. Miscanthus giganteus, a promising cellulosic feedstock, showed no significant difference in yield when grown on high-quality or marginal land in Illinois. In England, it was grown for 14 years without fertilizer without any evidence of yield loss.

The cost?

In time, biofuels will likely cost less than fossil fuels which might one day be subject to carbon taxes for environmental damage from GHG emissions. While biofuels made from food and feed crops (such as corn and sugar cane) will increase the price of food, you won’t notice a price hike at the grocery store.

The price of grain is a very small portion of retail food prices in developed countries. This also provides an incentive to the farmer to invest and improve efficiency of production, Long said. Biofuels will increase food prices in developing regions where large numbers of urban people live on a few dollars a day and depend on raw grains. However, rural small farmers in these areas will benefit from higher crop prices and could invest their profits into increasing production, which would eventually decrease prices. But ultimately it’s the environmental costs we have to worry about, Long said. “We cannot afford to ignore the effects of GHG emissions on our climate,” said Long. “Failing to allocate acreage to produce these sustainable fuels will cost us much more in the long run. But to fully realize the potential of bioenergy, we need support for continued technical improvements, together with effective and enabling policies. Planned in an informed way we can have both food and fuel from plants.”

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

We need to look at land in the larger context Fear of ‘peak soil’ is driving global investment and raising questions about who will control it in the future By BRENDA SCHOEPP AF columnist

man named Louis Glickman once said, “The best investment on Earth – is earth.” And what do we, as farmers, know of this great

gift? We know it is the foundation of civilization, the centre of well-being, and the giver of abundance, including joy. We know that it is scarred with the battles that have been fought for it and exposed by those who have exploited it. What may surprise us is how few of us have the privilege of owning it. As privileged as we are in Canada to trade land, the same is not true in most parts of the world. The church and the state are large landowners and many of my colleagues live with long-term leases. Some areas seem to be reflective of medieval tenure as land leases are retracted from 99 to 30 years, which is not a long time in the life of a farmer. Urbanization is predominating in every corner of the earth and that pressures the very best of land. And while Canadians enjoy an apparent unregulated land-ownership environment, governments worldwide are considering a clawback of agricultural land for recreational purposes. In Alberta, the use of Crown land is under review. In Scotland, there is a movement to break up farms back into smaller holdings. In South Africa and Zimbabwe, redistribution has not entirely been successful, and the solution has now become the problem. In other parts of Africa, land grabs by the UAE, India, China, and large chemical and investment firms are chewing through the rural landscape. The fear of ‘peak soil’ is pushing investment from the Persian Gulf to South America, and pressure

mounts for foreign investment in all real estate including everything from agricultural lands to banks and airports. The stark reality is that protectionism is detested by financial markets and governments are sensitive. Foreign investors continue to knock on Canada’s door as they recognize it as one of the great food baskets of the world. Proponents of foreign investment think it is a good idea to allow more foreign investment as it may increase land value while those in rebuke feel it is not the economic generator it is set out to be. As the debate lingers in coffee shops and investment offices, it is important to note that Canadians are deep in the foreign agricultural land investment game. Collectively, they are the second-largest investor in Australian farmland following the U.S., and also own other farms around the globe. In the global village, the average farm size remains small — with most farms at under 10 hectares. So when we talk about farmland, we have to talk about subsistence farms and challenges in land ownership. Most are owned by women who have trouble obtaining credit for land, tools, technology or market access because of gender discrimination. As women make up much of the world’s farmers and grow the majority of the world’s food, accessing credit is critical. So is safety and the ability to get to and from the farm as many women farmers face harassment, rape, torture, or death in their daily treks. Infrastructure that works would benefit all farmers everywhere. Product sitting by the road does not differ from grain in a Prairie bin that has no train to haul it. And a long-term lease over short-term rent would help all farmers plan for improvements in soil and productivity. In Canada, more than 40 million acres of land are rented farmer to farmer. It is no secret that the global farming model is revert-

ing back to a system in North America and globally to consolidated domestic and foreign ownership by farmers and non-farmers alike. If the small farm is threatened, then we need to ask why there were revolutions to release farmland to the peasants and create the small farm model in the first place. The short answer: For democracy to exist and to spark capital investment. Business understood what governments didn’t: A strong economy needed a middle class and a middle class is reflective of a strong rural economy. The landholder of the day has changed and the pressure is on to consolidate and to allow foreign investment, but we must acknowledge that Canadians are highly supportive of the small-farm and men and women who farm. The question is: Who owns your farm? Well, technically the Queen does as Canada is part of her 6.6-billion-acre holdings which represents one-sixth of the world’s surface. In Canada, the federal government on behalf of the Crown directly manages 90 per cent of the land while private ‘ownership’ makes up the rest. Ownership rights are not protected in the constitution nor is ‘property’ defined. But the “right to enjoyment of property” is a fundamental right of every Canadian and Canadian farmer. It is no small task to tackle the historical and constitutional discussions on land ownership. Nor is it easy to track just who owns what, but we do know population growth in the Persian Gulf and other areas will be fed with food from other lands. Around the globe, as food travels the world so does data and money. Investment will no doubt continue in the most valuable of all — the earth itself. 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 2015

Don’t expect society to shoulder costs created by agricultural production From California’s depleted aquifers to dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico, farming is creating ‘negative externalities’ BY HARWOOD D. SCHAFFER AND DARYLL E. RAY

alifornia is in the midst of a multi-year drought that has reduced the snowpack and rains that fill the reservoirs and irrigation canals that provide water for its cities and agricultural sector. The result is lower allocations and higher prices for all water users including agriculture. Some farmers have responded by planting higher-value crops such as almonds, even though they take even more water than the crops they replace. Many farmers have responded to the shortfall in their irrigation water allocation by increasing their pumping of groundwater to water their crops. The heavier use of groundwater has resulted in the need to drill everdeeper wells as aquifer water levels drop below pump levels. According to a recent NASA press release, the ground level in California’s Central Valley is dropping as the water beneath the land is being pumped out. In some areas, land is sinking as fast as two inches a month.

“The increased subsidence rates have the potential to damage local, state, and federal infrastructure, including aqueducts, bridges, roads, and flood control structures. Long-term subsidence has already destroyed thousands of public and private groundwater well casings in the San Joaquin Valley. Over time, subsidence can permanently reduce the underground aquifer’s water storage capacity,” writes NASA. Farmers bear the full cost of drilling their wells, installing the pumps, paying for the power to run the pumps, and the cost of drilling ever-deeper wells. They do not, however, bear the cost their nonfarm neighbours experience when they, too, have to drill deeper wells, and as residents of California, they only bear a small portion of the costs needed to repair or replace critical public infrastructure. Economists call those costs that result from a firm’s activities, but are not billed to the firm “negative externalities.” It is also true, for instance, that if only one farm uses groundwater to irrigate its fields, the impact on ground subsidence is probably

not measurable. But when a large number of users in a confined area engages in drawing significant amounts of water from their wells, the results are real, measurable, and impose costs on others.

Nitrates from tile drainage

Recently we wrote about a lawsuit by the Des Moines Water Works, which is seeking to force several counties to obtain National Pollution Elimination System permits as a means to reduce the nitrates being discharged from farm tiles in drainage districts for which they serve as trustees. The water agency contends the nitrates being discharged from field tiles impose additional costs on its customers. But the externalized costs of the nitrate discharge from field tiles don’t end in Des Moines, Iowa. They continue to be borne by various entities all the way to the Gulf of Mexico with its growing dead zone. The controversial “Waters of the U.S.” regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to identify waterways that have the potential to contribute to downstream pollution of navigable

waterways, so that fair rules can be made to reduce externalities produced by upstream users. We understand it when farmers fight against regulations that put limits on their use of their land. Farmers, on the other hand, need to understand that when they externalize some of the costs that result from their activities, eventually someone is going to complain with a lawsuit or new regulations. For any one farmer to try and reduce the nitrates being discharged from their farm’s tiles, the attempt to implement the chosen strategy may result in higher production costs than their neighbours who choose to do nothing. Though none of us like externally imposed rules, one of the roles of government regulations is to make sure that all market participants face the same expectations in reducing externalities like nitrates. Nitrates from Iowa field tiles and land subsidence caused by groundwater pumping in California are not the only externalities that result from current farming practices. The list certainly includes the depletion of the Oglala aquifer, phosphorus discharge into Lake

Erie and Chesapeake Bay, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ground beef, and pesticide residues on food. To be sure, agriculture is not the only human activity — natural gas fracking, chemical manufacturing, automobile production, retailing, and even the non-industrial watering of urban lawns — that externalizes some of the costs of various activities. The solution in each case involves common-sense actions combined with a common-sense set of rules. Rather than responding with indignation when someone challenges us about a cost we are externalizing on others, we need to tackle the problem by changing our behaviour so that when a regulation comes along we are ahead of the curve. Harwood D. Schaffer is a research assistant professor in the Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee. Daryll E. Ray is emeritus professor, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, and is the former director of the Agricultural Policy Analysis Center (APAC). http://www.agpolicy. org.

Off the front

MCDONALD’S EGGS } from page 1 Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply recently conducted a study on conventional, enriched, and aviary housing systems. The study said each system has its pros and cons, but while free range and free run score high for animal welfare, they come with increased costs, a bigger environmental footprint, and increased mortality. “Some of the issues we do see with the loose housing system are things like the air quality in the system is not as good, because the birds have access to their litter, scratch and dust bathe and this brings particulate up into the air which can affect the air quality in the system,” said Christina Robinson, producer services manager with the Egg Farmers. “I understand the move away from conventional systems, which we’re encouraging our producers to do, but to go completely cage free was a bit of a surprise,” added Webb. “We haven’t been pushing cage free because furnished or enriched housing has a lot of advantages. Our approach has been to try and find the best solution to balance all the different factors like food safety and environmental impact.” In 2013, the organization passed a policy to move away from conventional housing, and new conventional barns haven’t been allowed since Dec. 31, 2014. Eighteen per cent of Alberta egg producers have moved away from conventional housing. Many chose furnished housing, which doesn’t meet McDonald’s cage-free criteria. It generally costs about 30 per cent more for an alternative housing system because of the extra space and equipment required. But it comes down to a farm’s specific situation. Some might be able to retrofit an existing barn, while others might need to build a new one even though their current barn hasn’t reached the usual 20- to 25-year lifespan. “The important thing is that systems that are existing need to be able to live out their intended lifespan in order to make it a feasible transition,” said Robinson. “If

september 28, 2015 • Albertafarmexpress.ca

McDonald’s rolls out campaign thanking farmers

they are making a change with their barn now, then it’s not such a big deal. But if they had to transition an existing barn earlier than expected, that would be a significant impact for producers.” But the transition period is lengthy, said Margaret Hudson, president of Burnbrae Farms. “We have 10 years to do that — we feel like we’ve got a sufficient amount of time to make that transition happen,” she said.

Eighty-five per cent of the food it serves three million Canadian customers per day comes from Canadian farmers

“I was a bit disappointed that they’ve chosen to go cage free, knowing the inherent benefits of the enriched housing system.”

BY LAURA RANCE Editorial director

David Webb

Christina Robinson.

“As barns need to be renovated or replaced, we have a conversation with the egg producer when that happens. We have hundreds of egg producers who are part of the system. Producers who decide to be free run will be part of the McDonald’s system.” Hudson said that it does cost a lot of money to replace a hen barn, but the whole process is doable. “Clearly consumers have spoken and McDonald’s has decided this is the way it wants to go with its egg production and we’re just really excited to be part of this and help make all of this happen,” she said. McDonald’s Canada announced the changes in conjunction with its U.S parent. Five per cent of McDonald’s Canada eggs will be free run by the end of September, and that will expand to 10 per cent by the end of 2016. McDonald’s Canada purchases about 120 million eggs a year for its breakfast menu. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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Housing options for egg layers Caged systems

Conventional: The traditional battery cage provides birds with 67 square inches of space. Enriched (or furnished) housing: Cages have a nesting box and a perch that allow birds to engage in natural behaviours. Each cage is 116.25 square inches.

Cage-free systems

Aviary housing: Birds run loose in the barn, can move to different levels, and have nests and feeders. Alberta was the first province to have this type of barn when Rockport Colony built one in 2008. Free run: The birds are inside a barn and are loose. Generally, the birds are all on one level. Free range: Similar to free run, but birds also have access to the outside. This system is required for organic certification.

cDonald’s Canada wants Canadian farmers to know it couldn’t do it without them. The company has rolled out a new advertising campaign with commercials featuring empty containers for its most popular menu items with the slogan “not without Canadian farmers.” The TV and online campaign emphasizes the whopping big quantities of its farm purchases. “We spend almost a billion dollars on food ingredients every year in Canada alone,” said Sherry MacLauchlan, the company’s director of government relations. “Over 85 per cent of those purchases come from Canadian suppliers… so a large majority of our expense for food is domestic.” Every year, McDonald’s Canada buys 143 million pounds of potatoes, 52 million pounds of chicken, and 24 million litres of real milk and cream — not to mention 67 million pounds of ground beef. “We are the largest purchaser of ground beef in the Canadian restaurant industry,” said MacLauchlan. As for eggs, it buys 120 million fresh eggs, 76 million of which go into its Egg McMuffins. Pork is notably absent from the list. MacLauchlan said for some ingredients, purchases are made on a North American scale to take advantage of economies. For other food ingredients, such as lettuce and tomatoes, the company sources outside of Canada to maintain a consistent yearround supply and to meet certain specifications, she said. It was time to let customers know most of what they are eating when they go to McDonald’s comes from Canadian farms. “It is something we feel very strongly about as a Canadian company, but we realized we haven’t been telling the story,” she said. But the company also wants farmers to know it listens to its customers. “We have the benefit of having a direct relationship with Canadian consumers — three million a day visit our restaurants,” she said. “And we can bring that back to the food value chain and all of the players in the chain and tell them what customers think.” That feedback led to the decision to source all of its eggs from cage-free operations over the next 10 years. “The eggs are a very good example — the public generally is very supportive of those kinds of measures,” she said. laura@fbcpublishing.com

Albertafarmexpress.ca • september 28, 2015

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For complete details on this offer, see your retailer or visit powerfulcombination.ca Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Tank mixtures: The applicable labeling for each product must be in the possession of the user at the time of application. Follow applicable use instructions, including application rates, precautions and restrictions of each product used in the tank mixture. Monsanto has not tested all tank mix product formulations for compatibility or performance other than specifically listed by brand name. Always predetermine the compatibility of tank mixtures by mixing small proportional quantities in advance. Genuity and Design®, Genuity®, Monsanto and Vine Design®, Roundup Ready® and Roundup® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. AgSolutions is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation; PRIAXOR and LANCE are registered trademarks of BASF SE; all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2015 Monsanto Canada Inc. and BASF Canada Inc.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

While you’re harvesting, first responders hope they aren’t needed

Canola hailed as a model for valueadded processing Canola Producers chair says processing of commodities should top Ottawa’s to-do list

It’s a dangerous time of year — here are some tips for making it safer

ven as farmers were out in their fields, dozens of first responders from the Foothills Fire Department were preparing for the worst. More than 20 members of the 150-person department attended a training session at Heritage Pointe Fire Station in De Winton earlier this month. Among the sessions was a hands-on practice in which a dummy was freed after its leg became entangled in a grain auger. The training session was put on by Agriculture for Life, which has a checklist for reducing the danger on the farm and assisting first responders if there is an accident. 1) Have a ‘work alone’ plan for your operation: Families and employees should know where everyone is working and when they are expected to be done. 2) Ensure that all equipment safety guards are in place and working properly. 3) Keep first aid kits in equipment. Everyone should be trained in first aid and know what to do until first responders can arrive. 4) Have a fire extinguisher in farm equipment and ensure everyone knows how to properly use it in an emergency. 5) Keep a list handy of the legal land location of all fields and pastures, along with the best access points for getting on those parcels of land. 6) If possible, have an individual meet first responders at the road to help direct them to the incident.

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In this training simulation, emergency responders first cut open a portion of a grain auger to assess how badly the ‘victim’ is injured and then cut the auger to free its leg. PHOTO: Kaley Segboer, Agriculture for Life

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alue-added processing has created a stronger canola industry in Canada — and there’s nothing to say it couldn’t work in other commodities as well. “We’ve seen a lot of infrastructure put together in Western Canada to lengthen our value chain here domestically,” said Lee Markert, chair of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. “For a long time, we exported a lot of seed — and we still do — but now, it’s to the point where we do a lot of value added here in Canada and move different types of products from the same commodity to the rest of the world.” And Markert would like to see that happen to other commodities. “It’s good for our gross national product. We’re creating more jobs at home. We’re adding more value and bringing more money back into the country,” he said. “I think that will be a crucial part of whatever government gets into power.” And because exports are so crucial to Canada’s ag sector, Ottawa needs to ensure it has the tools to build that export business. “We have the land base and resources to provide for the rest of the world, and we really require these customers from around the world to make ourselves sustainable. I would hate to see that lost in the process.” And to meet that demand, “reliable, consistent” transportation of canola and canola products is important, he said. “Because so much of what we produce is exported, we have to have reliable ways of getting it to the coast.”

It’s easy for a lot of that progress to get eroded if we’re not talking about it, regardless of whether there’s a lot of grain to move.” Lee Markert

Rail transport isn’t an issue that only affects farmers, added Markert. “It’s not just agriculture that relies so heavily on transportation. It’s all production sectors across the country,” he said. “Canada is an export nation, and our ability to get our products to port is crucial to our gross domestic product.” And the next federal government shouldn’t shelve the review of grain transportation issues — even if this year’s crop is smaller than it was when the crisis hit in 2013. “It’s easy for a lot of that progress to get eroded if we’re not talking about it, regardless of whether there’s a lot of grain to move.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola contains the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil and thiamethoxam. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola plus Vibrance® is a combination of two separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil, thiamethoxam, and sedaxane. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn (fungicides and insecticide) is a combination of four separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, and clothianidin. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn (fungicides only) is a combination of three separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin and ipconazole. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn with Poncho®/ VoTivo™ (fungicides, insecticide and nematicide) is a combination of five separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, clothianidin and Bacillus firmus strain I-1582. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for soybeans (fungicides and insecticide) is a combination of four separate individually registered products, which together contain the active ingredients fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, metalaxyl and imidacloprid. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for soybeans (fungicides only) is a combination of three separate individually registered products, which together contain the active ingredients fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin and metalaxyl. Acceleron and Design®, Acceleron®, DEKALB and Design®, DEKALB®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity®, JumpStart®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Transorb®, Roundup WeatherMAX®, Roundup®, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax®, Transorb®, VT Double PRO®, and VT Triple PRO® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Used under license. Vibrance® and Fortenza® are registered trademarks of a Syngenta group company. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. Poncho® and Votivo™ are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Rural Canada being neglected, report says There are lots of vibrant rural communities, but they can’t single-handedly reverse a decades’ long decline BY LORRAINE STEVENSON Staff

newly released report paints a bleak picture of rural Canada — a rundown place that is neglected by governments and running out of people, despite its vital role and partnership with urban Canada. The State of Rural Canada 2015 details multiple and serious challenges facing rural regions including depopulation, aging infrastructure, lack of access to health care and education, and centralized decision-making. These represent nothing less than the erosion of the foundation of both Canadian society and economy, says the report by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and the Rural Policy Learning Commons, an international network. It’s a first-of-its-kind report intended to put the needs and

issues of rural Canada in front of federal leaders with recommendations for advancing rural development across the entire country, says foundation president Al Lauzon, a professor of rural development and environmental design at University of Guelph. “I think rural is sometimes seen as irrelevant,” said Lauzon. Rural Canada has increasingly taken a “back seat” in federal policy development, and is viewed by policy-makers more as a series of sectors such as agriculture and forestry, he said. Fundamentally, we have lost a vision for rural Canada, said Lauzon, adding policy-makers now also tend to have an urban bias, further clouding their ability to understand the interdependent needs and issues of rural Canadians. The 2013 decision by the federal government to shut down the Rural Secretariat was a piv-

otal moment, revealing how senior governments have come to view non-urban areas, Lauzon said. “They’ve lost what I would describe as a means to develop ground intelligence about what’s going on in rural communities,” he said. The elimination of the longform mandatory census was another blow because it reduced the data needed to inform decision-making and policy, the report states. Rural Canada faces a mix of demographic, economic and social challenges including an aging population and a need to provide new development opportunities for younger workers. And while rural communities have proven to be highly innovative, drawing on strong social ties, and doing more with less, they cannot continue to pursue community and economic development without more support.

“Government policy has to create what I would call enabling conditions for communities... to mobilize their resources and assets,” said Lauzon. However, rural communities need to do more, he added. “They need to overcome what I would describe as regional animosity between communities, and find ways of working together,” he added. The report provides snapshots of individual provincial challenges and priorities. Alberta’s challenges, for example, include recent population growth, which has “further reinforced a gap between rural and urban municipalities as the population and their tax base moved to urban areas.” “While the province has encouraged voluntary regional partnerships to conserve local resources and deal with regional issues, these efforts have been largely hindered by a history of

Pork prices seen set to soften By Dave Sims CNS Canada

s North America’s barbecue season winds down for another year, so too goes some strength in the pork market. For instance, cash slaughter-weight hogs in Saskatchewan, based on the Maple Leaf Signature No. 3 contract, averaged $162.55/ cwt over the week of Sept. 7, down $7.95 (4.7 per cent) per 100 kilograms, said Brad Marceniuk, a provincial livestock economist in Saskatoon. Prices will “probably creep lower over the next two months, just a function of seasonality,” he said. Cut-out values for hogs typically dwindle in the fourth quarter, he added. Other factors include a rise in pig numbers south of the border. U.S. hogs slaughtered for the shorter Labour Day week under federal inspection were pegged at just over two million head, down 0.5 per cent from the same period in 2014. Part of the reason for that increase may be a slowdown in exports of U.S. pork, due primarily to the strength of the U.S. dollar. However, there were some exceptions in the market: prices for feeder pigs have actually risen recently, with some futures contracts up a couple of bucks, according to Marceniuk. “I believe the futures went up because the futures price is below the cut-out value today.” This may indicate that hog prices could be slightly better three or four months from now than what the market currently indicates, he said.

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Learn more at DEKALB.ca/canola ALWAYS FOLLOW IRM, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication ©2015 Monsanto Canada, Inc.

distrust for regional initiatives and an ambiguous definition of qualifying initiatives,” the report states. The provincial government has cut municipal grants in recent years even while “downloading” responsibilities for health and social programs to municipalities, it says. The report makes several key recommendations including developing a new and robust vision for rural Canada, increasing engagement by all rural Canadians themselves in the planning and reinvestment of their regions, and creation of a new relationship with Aboriginal communities. The situation can be reversed, the report states. “There is nothing inevitable about rural decline.” The full report can be found at www.sorc.crrf.ca. — with staff files lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

NEWS » Markets

}soybeanS

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

U.S. soy forecast jumps

Food warning for Arab states

The USDA has unexpectedly raised its forecast for domestic soybean production, based on projections for record yields in key states such as Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. But the government lowered its forecast for corn production by more than expected in its September supply-and-demand report. However, supplies, while lower than the previous crop year, will still be ample as the corn harvest will be the third largest on record if it matches the government’s outlook. Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures hit a 6.5year low following the report’s release, but corn futures jumped. — Reuters

The cost of food imports to Arab states is expected to double over the next 20 years, potentially spurring more violence and waves of refugees, if the region’s farms do not become more efficient, an agriculture expert said. The Middle East currently imports about US$35 billion of food annually, and this looks set to double in two decades as climate change impacts crop yields and the population rises, according to the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. In some areas, yields are as low as one tonne per hectare when they should be five times higher, the report said. — Reuters

StatsCan’s new models put canola harvest even higher The Fed’s unchanged interest rate boosted the loonie By Phil Franz-Warkentin

CE Futures Canada canola contracts were up and down but finished last week on a soft note as harvest pressure starts to pick up and losses in outside vegetable oil markets weighed on values. Canadian farmers delivered 345,000 tonnes of canola into the commercial pipeline during the week ended Sept. 13, according to the most recent Canadian Grain Commission data. That marked the largest weekly deliveries during the crop year to date, and should only get larger over the next month or two. While there have been some problems, as the harvest moves forward there are also plenty of anecdotal reports of better-than-expected yields. How the harvest all shakes out remains to be seen, but official estimates at least are rising. Statistics Canada put out a new “model-based” report on canola production during the week. Using a combination of satellite imagery, survey data and other climate data, the government agency pegged canola production for 2015 at 14.4 million tonnes. That would be over a million tonnes above the 13.3 million tonnes estimated back in August using the old methodology. Many analysts are now of the opinion that actual production may be even larger still. The larger crop, together with the rather sizable carry-out announced earlier in September, means the market may not need to work as hard as originally thought to ration demand going forward. While that means prices have more reason to go down than up, there are still some supportive factors out there. Improving basis levels were noted in some areas, which is a sign end-user demand is still stronger than the futures may imply. In the short term, there are also boats that need to be filled, but due to harvest delays some exporters may need to pay up to get the canola where it needs to be in a timely manner. In the U.S., soybeans and corn were both trending lower during the week, while all three U.S. wheat markets managed to hold relatively steady. Harvest operations are just getting started in the southern U.S., and will steadily progress northward over the next month, keeping a bearish tone over beans and corn. U.S. growers are also planting next year’s winter wheat crop and conditions remain relatively favourable for the time being. Aside from harvest news, another

pHOTO: thINKSTOCK factor to watch in grains and oilseeds is swings in the international currency markets. The U.S. Federal Reserve decided to keep its key overnight interest rate unchanged at 0.25 per cent after a meeting during the week. That decision weighed on the U.S. dollar and provided some relative strength for the Canadian currency. A weaker U.S. dollar benefits U.S. exports in the global market, while the strengthening loonie makes Canadian commodities a little less attractive. Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

For three-times-daily markets reports and more from Commodity News Service Canada, visit the Markets section at www.albertafarmexpress.ca.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Boosting hay stand conditions

Capturing value through innovation

Many hay stands, especially older ones, are in poor condition following this year’s drought and in need of a fertility program, says a provincial forage specialist. “Doing it in spring is good, but although doing it in fall might lose a little bit of the nitrogen component, it allows for a very early effect on that hay stand in the spring,” said Grant Lastiwka. About 14 pounds of phosphate and 58 pounds of potassium are taken out of every alfalfa ton, with 10 pounds of phosphate and 40 pounds of potassium per grass ton. If doing a late cut, leave four to six inches under the cutter bar and some strips in the field to capture snow and insulate the stand. — AAF release

Playing the Long Game: Capturing Value in Livestock Innovation is the theme of this year’s Livestock Gentec Conference. Presentations include a look at what’s possible in genetic improvement in commercial beef cattle and the U.K. experience in increasing value in the beef chain. There will also be a panel on sustainable beef production along with presentations on communication, cost of production, innovation in the poultry sector, and traceability in niche markets. The Oct. 13-14 conference is being held in Edmonton. More information on the conference and registration can be found at www.livestockgentec.com. — Livestock Gentec release

Hardy Highland cattle right at home in the hills of east-central Alberta They calve easily and don’t turn up their nose at poor pasture lands — but their stubborn streak can be vexing By JENNIFER BLAIR

“Highlands are the whole package.”

AF staff / Czar

here were a few raised eyebrows when Jaylyn Ettinger decided to build a Highland cattle herd. “My dad thought we were crazy,” said Ettinger, who farms with husband Grant Marchand near Czar in east-central Alberta. But in the three years since the couple bought their first five Highland cattle, he’s come around. “Now he loves them — he says he wants the hills filled with Highlands,” said Ettinger, who grew up on her family’s cattle operation just down the road from where she farms today. When the couple moved back to the farm with their three kids in 2008, they knew that they would need to get creative to work around Marchand’s demanding oilfield job. Highland cattle seemed like the perfect fit. “We wanted something that was easy to work with, that calved easy, and that finished well on grass,” said Ettinger, who now has around 70 head of purebred registered cattle. “Highlands are the whole package.” For the most part, they’re docile and easy to manage — but come with a stubborn streak a mile wide. “They’re super smart, and they’re stubborn,” said Ettinger. “When we’re bringing them in to vaccinate in the spring, there’s a few smart old girls, and what somebody else could do in a morning takes us from morning ’til dusk.” Because they calve easily, some commercial breeders will use a Highland bull on their first-year calvers. “They generally just spit them out, and their mothering instinct is strong,” she said, adding birth weights are usually between 50 and 75 pounds. “Our first year calving, one of the cows ended up calving in February during one of the worst storms we’ve seen. But she just bunkered him down in bedding and stood over top of him during the storm, and he was fine.” They’ll also eat anything — a real plus in a year like this one where drought and insect damage decimated pasture land across the province. “Sometimes the pasture here isn’t the greatest, and these guys browse,” said Ettinger, who estimates their pasture land saw only about six inches of rain this year. “They eat a lot of vegetation that the other cattle won’t eat.”

Jaylyn Ettinger

“We make sure to match each customer with each animal. I can tell them everything about their animal. Some even ask for pictures.”

Preserving the breed

East-central Alberta may be a long way from Scotland, but these Highland cattle don’t look out of place in the rolling hills near Czar.

Highland cattle producers are rare in Alberta, but Jaylyn Ettinger and Grant Marchand have fallen in love with the unusual breed. PHOTOS: JENNIFER BLAIR Lean but tender

Because they’re grass fed and smaller than most commercial cows — steers generally finish at around 1,000 pounds — they take a bit longer to finish. “Our boys go in as close to 30 months as we can push it,” said Ettinger. “We try to send them into the butcher at the end of September and into October. After those fall grasses have hardened off, the sugar content goes up, and they just balloon.” The animals that don’t make the cut for breeding stock go into the couple’s small meat program. “This year, we butchered 11. Next year, we’ll have five,” she said, adding they

participate in the Verified Beef Production program. “We haven’t done much marketing because there isn’t much to do. It’s mostly been word of mouth.” Highland cattle meat is “lean but well marbled,” she said. “I always make sure people try it before they purchase a bigger order because it’s kind of in between bison and beef,” she said. “It has a little bit different texture, but it’s tender even though it doesn’t have a lot of fat in it.” Their customers tend to be more a little more discerning than the average consumer.

Ettinger is able to offer that level of detail because of the genetic records she keeps using a cattle management program her father designed called Herd Books. “We don’t have that many in Canada, so knowing that pedigree is important to know that you’re not inbreeding,” said Ettinger, adding it’s also easier to cull bad stock that way. “Preserving the breed is very important. Crossbreeding and mixing is certainly good, but I think it’s important to keep those original building blocks so if something goes wrong, you have something to come back to.” Starting out with unregistered cattle likely “set (them) back a year,” and as they’ve been building the herd, they’ve kept “a few more bad bags” than they should have. “Their offspring goes straight into meat, so we do have to fiddle a little more with those genetics.” Despite some of the drawbacks that come with producing a relatively novel breed, interest in Highlands is growing in Canada, said Ettinger. “We get calls every week from people looking for heifers or cows,” she said. But Ettinger doesn’t expect that Highlands will replace more traditional Canadian cattle breeds any time soon. “They just aren’t suited for a commercial operation, with the hair and the horns,” she said. “Feeding them in a feedlot situation, you’d just end up with bruised meat because they would bump each other. “There’s no way that, all of a sudden, the countryside is going to be overrun by Highland cattle.” But there will be a few more near Czar — the couple is looking at expanding their herd to around 100 animals in the next few years. “We’ve just fallen in love with them.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Preventing conflicts with bears before they start By Alexis Kienlen

AF STAFF / CLEARWATER COUNTY

It doesn’t matter where you are in the province — Alberta is bear country. Bears prefer to be left alone, but tragedies do happen. It was the death of a woman attacked by a grizzly bear in Canmore in 2005 that led to the creation of the Bearsmart program. The voluntary program is a partnership between citizens, local and provincial governments and other stakeholders. The first step is making people aware of the danger, said Chiara Feder, Alberta Environment and Parks wildlife biologist and Bearsmart program co-ordinator for the North Saskatchewan and Red Deer region. “It was shocking for me in 2008 when a hunter got killed by a sow with three cubs in the Sundre area,” said Feder. “People were totally unaware that they were in bear country. So our biggest project there was to build awareness.” But the program in the Sundre area has expanded over the years, such as providing electric fences. “We are starting to work with ranchers and farmers and honey producers to put in place measures that prevent the conflict before the conflict actually starts,” said Feder. That’s key because bears have long memories and will return to an area where they once found food (such as garbage, beehives, or a carcass) for up to five years. Deadstock is a huge attractant for bears and other predators, and the problem increased after BSE hit in 2003 and carcass disposal became more costly. Composting livestock is an effective way to remove deadstock, and it’s become popular in southern Alberta and Montana, both of which have high grizzly bear populations. When Montana began composting deadstock and roadkill, authorities saw a 92 per cent reduction of conflict between bears and humans within two seasons. Bearsmart will work with interested individuals and community groups who want to implement projects. “We can do education and awareness and we also do projects like Marty Winchell’s (deadstock composting),” said Feder. In Clearwater County, Bearsmart has provided courses and workshops, informational sessions to recreation enthusiasts, and entered partnerships to implement carcass disposal and waste management projects. For more info on starting a Bearsmart project, contact Fish and Wildlife at 310-000 or Chiara Feder at 403-845-8303 or chiara.feder@gov.ab.ca. Bear information for agricultural producers can be found at www.aep.alberta.ca (click on the Recreation & Public Users tab). akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Could a cement mixer have a place on your operation? Composting deadstock is no different than garden waste — except you need a really big composter By Alexis Kienlen

AF STAFF / ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE

f you’re in a wildlife corridor, the last thing you want to do is attract predators to your place. But that’s not easy if, like Marty Winchell, you’re raising sheep, pigs, laying hens and bees, as well as custom grazing cattle. Which is why there’s an old cement mixer sitting in his yard. His mixer is sans the truck, which in hindsight was a mistake because he could have picked up an entire unit at auction for as little as $2,000. “Had I known what I know now, I would have bought a cement truck, drove it here, sold the truck and would have been a lot further ahead,” joked the producer from Rocky Mountain House. Still, he’s pleased with his investment, which has taken on a new life for composting deadstock. The process really isn’t much different than what homeowners do in their backyard and is a big improvement on his old method. “We used to compost our birds with manure, but it was an attractant for coyotes,” said Winchell, who is also an agricultural program supervisor with Clearwater County Agricultural Services and Landcare. Coyotes and foxes are a common sight in the area, and he’s also seen mountain lions and lynxes. His parents even had bears licking their barbecue. Winchell decided to use a cement mixer after seeing a similar system in Pincher Creek. He tapped into Bearsmart, a provincial government program, for some funding for the purchase of the cement mixer, and paid for the transportation and setup costs on his own. He has 300 laying hens, and since starting composting in late July is saving 50 cents on the pickup and rendering of every spent hen. In the first few weeks of operation, he put in the equivalent of two yards of protein waste (spent hens and several dead lambs) and added about four yards of carbon mix (which includes straw, egg waste, shavings, and paper). The right balance between carbon and nitrogen reduces smell and achieves optimum composting. He spins the compost mechanically every once in a while, and adds water to the mixture. “Every time I turn it at night, when I just walk up to it and put my hand on the top and bottom, you can feel it cooking,” Winchell told a group during the West County Ag tour last month. “It gets plenty hot in there. In the evening, when I spin it, steam comes billowing out.” It’s impressive how quickly deadstock breaks down, he said, adding he is going to try to compost through the winter in hopes enough heat will be generated to keep it going. The process does attract flies, but not huge numbers. He’s also going to limit where the compost is used because it contains specified risk material from sheep, and he wants to minimize the potential risk of prion diseases. He also doesn’t compost roadkill or animals from other farms because he doesn’t want to bring potential diseases onto his farm. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

It ain’t pretty but it works. This old cement mixer is now composting deadstock on Marty Winchell’s operation. Photos: Alexis Kienlen

Composting deadstock is a very quick process, says Marty Winchell, a producer from Rocky Mountain House.

This compost was started on July 20.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know about anthrax There are outbreaks every few years, especially during drought, but there are ways to deal with this scary killer By Roy Lewis DVM

nthrax puts fear into cattle producers and with good reason. Cattle are very susceptible along with a long list of other species, including bison and horses. It is also considered a zoonosis which means humans can contract it. Fortunately, it is generally the cutaneous (skin) form in humans and responds well to antibiotics. Unfortunately, terrorist groups have used anthrax spores as a form of bioterrorism. (This is not new — it was used in the First World War to infect horses.) Humans only very rarely get the fatal inhalation form. In fact, in 2006 with the hundreds of producers and veterinarians exposed to anthrax only two contracted the skin form and were treated. Anthrax has killed cattle and bison in several outbreaks over the last 100 years, but the biggest was in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in 2006, when more than 800 animals died on over 150 different premises. Approximately 20 to 25 outbreaks have been reported in cattle across Canada since 1967. We all know cattle, bison, horses, moose, deer, and other species contract the spores from the soil and spores can remain infective for at least 250 years if deeply buried. Soils high in organic material and calcium

and with a higher pH make survival more likely, while spores on the soil surface break down in a few years. Outbreaks occur primarily in wet springs followed by a very hot, dry summer or in very dry conditions. Very wet springs bring the spores to the surface, while in dry years, livestock generally will graze low areas close to the ground where they normally don’t have access and contact the spores. If enough spores are ingested a toxemia results in very sudden death. Toxemia results in severe weakness and co-ordination depression followed quickly by death. All sudden deaths in cattle should be autopsied by your herd veterinarian. Not only do they qualify for the BSE program, finding out the cause of anthrax in the sentinel case allows you and your neighbours to initiate a preventive program. Based on blood not clotting, lack of rigor mortis to the carcass, and other findings such as an enlarged spleen, anthrax may be diagnosed or at least suspected on the original post-mortem. Ideally, if suspected the carcass should not be opened. The diagnosis can be made from collecting a few drops of blood. There are many causes of sudden death, so in most cases the carcass will be completely opened up before anthrax is suspected. The problem is often it is not the first disease your veterinarian will suspect. Lab backup is

If enough spores are ingested a toxemia results in very sudden death. Toxemia results in severe weakness and co-ordination depression followed quickly by death.

required to confirm it. Spraying with formaldehyde to prevent scavenging by predators initially and burying with lye are also accepted procedures. Until complete disposal has taken place, take care to keep dogs, cats and humans away from the carcass. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency used to help with disposal and decontamination, but no longer compensates producers to help offset losses and disposal costs. It still is reportable to both the federal and provincial authorities, but the labs do that automatically if there is a positive confirmation. The preventive vaccine is a non-encapsulated live spore vaccine (sterne 32F4 strain). It is called the anthrax spore vaccine and is manufactured by a Colo-

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rado serum company. Immunity to the vaccine is almost 100 per cent with two shots three to four weeks apart. These must be boostered yearly in order to maintain immunity, preferably just before summer, the prime time for contraction. At $2 to $3, the cost is comparable to other cattle vaccines. It’s administered subcutaneously and slaughter withdrawal in cattle would be around 42 days. It is only available from one distributor in Canada and most veterinarians don’t normally stock it. It becomes a decision between the producer and his veterinarian as to how long to continue. My recommendations would be to vaccinate if a herd of cattle or bison were diagnosed in your immediate area, especially if on the same water course. In the 2006 Saskatchewan outbreak, CFIA veterinarian Dr. Greg Douglas recommended vaccinating all cattle, horses, sheep, goats and bison within a fivemile radius of all positive cases. This is very wise advice. Vaccinating cattle for anthrax is not part of most routine preventive programs because the incidence is very low and sporadic. However, since the spores are extremely resistant, if cattle were pastured in areas with a history of anthrax, I would vaccinate indefinitely. Cost is minimal and protection is high. If there has never been a case in your immediate area, there is probably no need to vaccinate. But there have been reported incidences of anthrax coming in on the feed. This is easily possible where round bales are made in old lake bottoms in a drought and dirt gets wound into the bales. If sourcing feed from a confirmed anthrax area, this would be another good reason to vaccinate. The cost of valuable purebreds may make the decision to vaccinate easier. If diagnosed, the best plan is to move cattle as quickly as possible off the contaminated pasture or area and either vaccinate or first treat with long-acting penicillin, wait eight days, and then vaccinate. The vaccine is very susceptible and rendered ineffective by antibiotics if they are given simultaneously. You and your herd veterinarian will weigh the pros and cons of each method. This may depend on how quickly it was diagnosed and the handling facilities available. With bison this is difficult as it is generally at a time when the calves are still small. Commonly the bulls are disproportionately affected as they are often in the breeding season and more stressed than the cows.

Discussion should occur with your regular veterinarian on their vaccination protocols. He or she would be familiar with the past history of anthrax in your area and could best advise you. It is extremely important to have all cattle sudden deaths autopsied so the first case is not missed. Vaccination will provide some protection as soon as seven days with total protection by 14 days after administration. An outbreak back in 1991 in four Alberta locations was thought to be linked to migratory birds from Wood Buffalo Park — a theory that has some credibility. Our practice diagnosed one of those outbreaks and vaccinated for four years after the then-mandatory two years (for a total of six years). Vaccination was then stopped at the owners’ request and the herd has not had another case since. But had it been my choice, I would have kept vaccinating. The vaccine is labelled for cattle, so we vaccinate bison extra label. Because the vaccine technically has a shorter level of immunity (roughly six months), we try to vaccinate when just going out to pasture. The problem with bison is they are just going to start calving. Dr. Dave Hunter, who is chief bison veterinarian for Ted Turner Enterprises, has done some interesting work with doubling the dose, which seems to extend immunity. He recently double dosed using a needleless vaccinator and got an even greater immune response. Withdrawal, of course, will be longer but this may shed some light on getting better and longer protection and more easily allow us to fit this into our management programs with other vaccines. We don’t know yet how long this method may protect our vaccinated animals. Fortunately, anthrax can be controlled well with vaccination, and unfortunately we have to live with it cropping up every so often in the three western provinces — often in new locations. It is also prevalent in the Midwest U.S., especially in some areas of Texas. Discuss all vaccination requirements with your herd veterinarian as this summer saw a few outbreaks across the Prairies because of the hot, dry summer. Just like vaccinating for the clostridial diseases, vaccinating for anthrax is a no-brainer if endemic in your area. 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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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Without reliable grain transport, trade deals won’t pay off A Trans-Pacific trade deal would be great, but better rail transport is needed, says Alberta Wheat By JENNIFER BLAIR AF staff

anada needs to be part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, says the general manager of Alberta Wheat. “We think it’s a critical issue for the Canadian wheat industry to maintain and enhance access to key wheat markets,” said Tom Steve. “If we look at the member countries of the TPP, those 12 countries represent over 65 per cent of Canada’s ag and food exports, amounting to about $42 billion. “You can imagine the implications of us not being a party to that agreement, and the advantages to us of being a party to the agreement, in terms of greater access to and stronger relationships with some of our key trading partners.”

Once the deal is signed, the market access opportunities could be significant for Alberta’s wheat growers, he said. In Japan, for example, Steve expects there will be a reduction on import quotas for Canadian wheat, as well as decreased subsidization of domestic production. “There is a certain amount of wheat production in Japan that would in all likelihood fade away if this agreement is successfully concluded,” said Steve. “That would provide a market in the neighbourhood of perhaps an additional million tonnes of Canadian wheat. Right now, we’re selling up to 1.5 to two million tonnes into Japan, and that’s a premium market.” But trade and transport go hand in hand, he said, and Canada needs to continue to work on the holes in its rail transportation system. “If we look back to the winter

“Growers are accountable. The shippers are accountable. But the missing piece is that the railways aren’t fully accountable in the current system.”

Tom Steve

of 2013-14, there was a tender issued by Japan that Canada could not fulfil, so the tender went to the U.S.,” said Steve. “That was an example of our system breaking down. We had the quality. We had the quantity. But we couldn’t get the product to market.” In the wake of that crisis, the federal government began a Canadian Transportation Act

mOBile

review, seeking advice from groups like Alberta Wheat. “Our key recommendation is the implementation of reciprocal penalties, where the shippers can actually extract penalties from the railways for not performing,” said Steve. “That’s something that’s very difficult for them to achieve in the current regulatory environment.”

In the current system, he said, railways aren’t faced with “sufficient accountability” for any breakdowns in the system. “Growers are accountable. The shippers are accountable. They’re actually penalized by the railways when they don’t fulfil their obligations to load trains. But the missing piece is that the railways aren’t fully accountable in the current system.” While Steve can’t say whether reciprocal penalties will make the final cut in the updated act, expected to be released in December, he’s “optimistic that the voice of agriculture was well represented at the table.” “This idea of railway accountability has been debated for decades,” he said. “The circumstances we got into in the winter of 2013-14 have brought it to a head, where we finally need to ensure that we have a reliable transportation system. “It’s definitely a priority.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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} forecasts

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

El Niño to last until winter

Drought prompts massive cull

A U.S. government weather forecaster says El Niño conditions would gradually weaken through the Northern Hemisphere spring after peaking in late fall or early winter. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center said the likelihood that El Niño conditions would persist through the Northern Hemisphere winter was about 95 per cent, up from a more than 90 per cent chance in last month’s forecast. There has been a growing consensus among forecasters for a strong El Niño. The World Meteorological Organization says this year’s phenomenon could be the strongest on record and is likely to peak between October and January. — Reuters

Drought conditions worsened by El Niño is forcing Australian farmers to maintain near-record slaughter rates. Beef exports are expected to total 1.225 million tonnes in the crop year ending next July 1, said the Australian Bureau of Agriculture, Resource Economics and Rural Sciences. That’s 20 per cent higher than its June forecast of 1.02 million tonnes. The U.S. imported record amounts of Australian red meat in 2014-15 after seven years of consecutive falls in the size of the U.S. herd. Queensland, the country’s largest producing state, has been plagued by drought for more than two years, with culling at record levels. — Reuters

Not every frost is equal — it depends on how you measure it Fall is definitely in the air, and a strong El Niño means we’ll likely see some interesting weather this winter

First Fall Frost

BY DANIEL BEZTE

ell, fall has officially arrived and with the exception of a few days, most of September sure felt like fall, with some pretty chilly temperatures. Frost occurred as early as Sept. 3 in the Edmonton and Peace River regions. Farther south, it has come close to freezing on a few nights, with overnight lows around the 1.0 C mark. This means that some of the more frost-prone areas probably saw some light frost around the 17th of September. Every year around this time I talk a little bit about fall frost. The typical measurement we use to record whether or not frost has occurred is when the temperature recorded by a thermometer hits or falls below 0.0 C, but frost can occur even when the thermometer is showing temperatures above the freezing mark. In fact, research has shown that groundlevel frost can occur at thermometer readings as high a 2 C, and in some cases, as high as 5 C! This happens for a number of reasons, but largely depends on where the thermometer is located. As most thermometers are placed above the ground, they record air temperature several feet above the ground and may not accurately reflect actual ground temperature. For these reasons, frost studies will typically look at a few different temperatures, namely: 2.0 C, 0.0 C, and -2.0 C, to determine when we may expect the first fall frost. If we use the 2.0 C criteria, then pretty much all stations have possibly received frost. If the -2.0 C criteria is used then we’re back to the Edmonton and Peace River regions seeing this level of frost, which is often referred to as a killing frost. Here is the average date that these temperatures may be anticipated based on the entire record of weather data for each location. Looking at the three main locations: Edmonton saw an earlierthan-average first fall frost, Calgary a later-than-average first fall frost, and Peace River’s first fall frost came in right around average. In other weather news, tying

Date of Average First Fall Frost Station Average Fall Frost Date (0 C)

Accumulated Precipitation (Prairie Region) September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015

Fort McMurray Airport Sept. 4 Fort Vermilion CDA Sept. 4 Peace River Airport Sept. 4 < 25 mm 25 - 50 mm 50 - 75 mm 75 - 100 mm 100 - 125 mm 125 - 150 mm 150 - 175 mm 175 - 200 mm 200 - 250 mm 250 - 300 mm 300 - 350 mm 350 - 400 mm 400 - 450 mm 450 - 500 mm 500 - 550 mm 550 - 600 mm 600 - 700 mm > 700 mm Extent of Agricultural Land Lakes and Rivers

Whitecourt Airport Sept. 4 High Prairie Sept. 6 Vermilion Airport Sept. 9 Edmonton International Airport Sept. 10 Red Deer Airport Sept. 10 Caldwell Sept. 11 Lac La Biche Sept. 11 Pincher Creek Sept. 11 Rocky Mountain House Sept. 12 Sion Sept. 12

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: 09/01/15 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

This map shows the total amount of precipitation that fell across the Prairies during the agricultural year ending Aug. 31. The eastern half of agricultural Manitoba saw the greatest amount of precipitation, with amounts in the 500- to 700-millimetre range. Precipitation amounts dropped off a bit to the west, with most of western Manitoba and eastern and central Saskatchewan seeing 350 to 500 millimetres. The driest region was west-central Alberta, where amounts were in the 200- to 350-millimetre range.

Alliance Sept. 13 Cold Lake Airport Sept. 13 Olds Sept. 13 Vauxhall CDA Sept. 13 Brooks AHRC Sept. 14 Coronation Airport Sept. 14 Fort Saskatchewan Sept. 14 Grande Prairie Airport Sept. 14 Raymond Sept. 14 Stettler Sept. 14

into our discussion of El Niño over the past few weeks, it’s looking more and more like the current El Niño event might become the strongest one on record. Current sea surface temperatures in the main El Niño region are running 2.1 C above average (0.8 C is the level where an El Niño is said to be occurring). This is the time of year when El Niño tends to intensify, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a 95 per cent chance of it continuing through to at least February. While we’ve seen that El Niño doesn’t necessarily mean a warm, dry winter, I think we’ll be seeing some very interesting weather this winter. Will it be good or bad? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. Sticking with large global weather events, Arctic sea ice appears to have reached its

Cardston Sept. 15 Calgary International Airport Sept. 16 Camrose Sept. 17 Drumheller City Sept. 17 Fairview Sept. 17 Fort Macleod Sept. 18 Hanna Sept. 18

You can still get frost when the thermometer says it’s above freezing. PHOTo: Thinkstock

minimum, with a reading of 4.41 million square kilometres. That would place this year as the fourth lowest since reliable records began. For those of you who are into statistics, current ice levels are running well below two standard deviations from the average. Around Antarctica, sea ice levels are right around average for the first time since the fall of 2011.

That’s it for this issue. If you have any questions or have a topic you would like me to cover please email me at: daniel@bezte.ca. 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.

Lethbridge Airport Sept. 19 Vulcan Sept. 19 Edmonton/Stony Plain Sept. 21 Milk River Sept. 21 Foremost Sept. 22 Taber Sept. 22 Medicine Hat Airport Sept. 23 Aden Sept. 27 Breton Sept. 29 Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

Fusarium graminearum survey underway

By Alexis Kienlen

“There’s lots of talk about crop insurance.”

AF STAFF

Kelly McIntyre

In a very tough year, no till proved its worth, says Fairview producer Kelly McIntyre. PHOTO: SUPPLIED from drought, but some places have had three to eight inches of rain since the beginning of August. Eight hundred kilometres to the southeast it’s been so wet that Steve Marshman can’t “even hazard a guess as to where guys are at” in their harvest. It’s been a hard, strange year for the owner of Rocking Horse Land and Cattle Incorporated near Rosebud. No rain until the end of July, then a whopping 15 inches and a large amount of hail, which took out some crops. Not being able to get the spraying done before the rains came means lots of weeds and a tricky harvest. But it’s also a year when no till has shined, he said. “Even on land that I heavy harrowed versus land that was untouched, when I went in with the no till, there was a huge difference on germination,” he said.

His crops are also shorter than normal, and the heads on the crop are a bit bigger than normal because it rained while they were filling. “We’ve swathed the canola, but we haven’t taken any in yet. It could be good. We don’t know until we start combining,” Marshman said in a mid-September interview. While yields will be lower than the five-year average, many producers are like McIntyre and seeing betterthan-expected results, said Mark Cutts, crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture’s Ag Info centre in Stettler “They may not be down quite as low as people were thinking, based on the type of summer that we had,” he said. An early-September provincial forecast put yields at 80 per cent of the five-year average, but the range is about 77 to 85 per cent of average, he said.

“It comes down to when the rains came, and how much came,” said Cutts. The northwest and northeast areas fared the worst. “If you look at precipitation accumulation up until the first week of September, northwest and northeast of Edmonton certainly remains dry, compared to central Alberta which has picked up moisture in the last couple of months,” he said. But Cutts, too, says reduced tillage is a factor in the uptick in forecasted yields simply because conserved moisture allowed that many more plants to get established. That and timely rains in some areas will likely see a larger-thanforecast crop, said Bruce Burnett, weather and crop specialist with CWB (soon to become G3). But “we had some pretty low expectations because of the drought for most of the year,” he said. And while it may not be as bad as feared, it will still be bad, he added. “Overall yields are still down considerably from last year.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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ome farmers are getting more in the bin than they expected this harvest — a bit of a silver lining in a tough year that has swung from drought to too rainy in many areas. “People are seeing a little better yield than they originally expected, maybe five bushels more,” said Kelly McIntyre, who grows canola and wheat southwest of Fairview. “It’s still not great because it’s still a drought.” Most producers he’s talked to have higher yields than expected. “It just seems to me, looking at the plants themselves, I think the crop was stunted in height,” said McIntyre. “And whatever energy it had, it put into pod size. It made an effort to produce as much seed as it could after it kind of got shortened. “I think that’s what happened, in my unprofessional opinion.” But 20 to 25 bushels for canola and 30 to 35 bushels for wheat being seen in his area still doesn’t cut it. “They’re happy that they’re getting way more than they thought, but they’re not happy because it’s way below the cost of production,” he said. “There’s lots of talk about crop insurance.” McIntyre has been pleased with his own crops during a drought year, and thinks that his zero-till practices could have contributed to his yields. He got his wheat before the first round of rain and saw good grades, but a frost at the start of September will have hurt laterharvested crops. The Peace region hasn’t recovered

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In many areas those poor, stunted crops managed a few extra bushels — now the challenge is getting them off

HARVEST 2015: It’s not good — but not as bad as it could have been

Roundup Ready is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. LibertyLink and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Herculex® I insect protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. ®, ™ Herculex and the HX logo are trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is conducting a survey on Fusarium graminearum to help better manage the disease. “For example, if you’re trying to prevent the introduction of the organism in an area, there are certain things you can do, but if it’s already there, the prevention practices aren’t going to work,” said provincial plant pathologist Michael Harding. In the last four years there have been indications graminearum distribution might be changing. Samples, typically collected by agricultural fieldmen, are sent to the Canadian Grain Commission for lab tests, which include testing for mycotoxin contamination. For more information, call 310-FARM (3276). — AAF release

} PREVENTION

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Now’s the time to attack winter annuals Many winter annuals are often too well established or already flowering once spring arrives Alberta Agriculture and Forestry release

Winter annuals, such as stinkweed, need to be controlled post-harvest. File Photo

onditions are favourable this year for some excellent post-harvest weed control, says a provincial crop specialist. “Winter annuals are weeds that germinate in the fall or late fall, go through the winter in a rosette form, and go to seed quickly once spring comes,” said Harry Brook. Common winter annuals include stinkweed, shepherd’s purse, scentless chamomile, narrow-leaved hawk’s beard, bluebur, stork’s-bill, ball mustard, peppergrass, downy brome, dog mustard, wormseed mustard, chickweed, flixweed, knawel, night-flowering catchfly, and common groundsel. “They form a few leaves in the fall, and overwinter in that state,” said Brook. “These plants

develop their own anti-freeze, preventing them from dying. It gives the plants an advantage the following spring as it will send up a seed stalk and go to seed before most other plants get started.” Winter annuals also deplete soil moisture and nutrients in the fall and spring. A spring herbicide application is too often late as the plants are well established and may already be going to flower or seed. Tillage is an effective control measure, but conservation and zero tillage, a late-fall application of herbicide is the best route. This should be done from late September to mid- or late October, depending on the fall and the problem weeds. “A successful fall weed control program requires the right conditions,” said Brook. “Weed control, even after a frost, can still be very effective as long as the weeds have some green,

actively growing plant material.” Winter annuals are able to continue growing, even after the first frost, until the ground freezes, he added. Most winter annuals can be controlled in the spring, except for narrow-leaved hawk’s beard, but control after they bolt is a lot more expensive and less effective.” Herbicide options are very economical in the fall. Chemicals such as 2,4-D and MCPA provide good control and, at recommended rates, will be safe for most crops the subsequent spring, said Brook. “It is important to know the problem winter annuals you have so you can pick the best herbicide for it. Glyphosate works well in mixtures, on many winter annuals but it may not be the best one depending on the weed.” Other common herbicides used for winter annuals are dicamba, tribenuron-methyl and bromoxynil. Problem perennial weeds such as Canada thistle, quackgrass, dandelion, and sow thistle are best controlled by a fall application of herbicide. Once again, the plants need some green leaf material and be actively growing. Dandelion seedlings are easy to control in the fall but, after overwintering, they become almost bulletproof.

“Weed control, even after a frost, can still be very effective as long as the weeds have some green, actively growing plant material.” Harry Brook

CONNECTING TO THE WORLD — AND TO EACH OTHER. Crop and livestock farmers know how closely they’re tied to what happens around the world. Their products are exported to more than 100 countries, and demand and price for them depend on everything from weather and crop conditions to domestic and international politics. At Canadian Cattlemen, we’re proud of the work that our publication does in connecting our farm readers to world news, but also proud of our work to help connect Canadian farmers to each other through our features on what’s happening on farms and in rural communities around the province and across the country. We’re pleased to be a Founding Member of Ag for Life and their work in promoting a strong, progressive, safe and sustainable agricultural community in Western Canada. To learn more about Ag for Life, go to agricultureforlife.ca.

Because herbicides such as 2,4-D, MCPA, and Dicamba have some residual effect, be careful with the following spring’s crop, said Brook. “There will be little breakdown of the chemical over winter and there might be some carry-over effects on the succeeding crop. When using dicamba, tribenuron-methyl, 2,4-D or MCPA you might want to do a bioassay prior to seeding any non-cereal crop. A bioassay is simply taking some of the soil and trying to grow plants in it prior to actual seeding. If the plants die, don’t seed.”

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Grain-pricing website promises ‘very robust’ numbers Price & Data Quotes website is collecting elevator bids, but farmers urged to shop around for best deal Staff

ll of the major buyers of Prairie wheat, canola, and yellow peas are automatically providing cash prices electronically from all of their elevators for www. pdqinfo.ca, says the company that is building the service. “I would say ours (numbers) are very robust,” said John De Pape of Farmers Advanced Risk Management Company. De Pape’s company was hired by the Alberta Wheat Commission, which launched the Price & Data Quotes (PDQ) website earlier this year. It has been in a pilot mode for several months and was officially launched Sept. 8. Grain buyers agreed to provide their elevator prices because all of the information is averaged and so competitors can’t determine specific prices for a particular company. As useful as PDQ’s prices will be, they remain elevator bids, and farmers should still contact several buyers before selling their grain, said De Pape. “We know that a lot of business goes on at prices other than the bid,” he said. For example, sometimes an elevator needs a little extra grain to fill a train and offers a premium for a limited time or to certain customers. A buyer might also pay a premium to attract a new customer. PDQ is the only service reporting deferred cash prices up to 12 months out, according to De Pape. They are an important price signal, he said. If the cash price today for yellow peas is $6 a bushel but the May cash price is $6.56, that means some farmers can make money selling the peas today for delivery in May, he said. If today’s cash price is a lot higher than a deferred price that’s a signal to sell and deliver now. The website just launched is version 1.0. There will be revisions, and the Alberta Wheat Commission wants farmers’ feedback on improvements, said its general manager. “This is for the entire industry,” said Tom Steve. “We would encourage everyone to weigh in on it. We’re trying to build a platform that has the broad support and consensus of the industry.” Comments can be sent to pdq@ albertawheat.com. The federal government provided $743,000 in funding for the project, but that money will run out this spring. The commission will prepare a report, including recommendations on how to operate and fund the service, but a final decision will rest with the federal agriculture minister, Steve said. One option is for Ottawa to continue funding the service and seek tenders for its operation as it does now for monitoring grain transportation. Another is for Canadian farmers, through their commodity groups, to fund it, Steve said. The website covers five crops: No. 1 Canada Western Red Spring wheat 13.5 per cent protein, No. 1 Canada Western Amber durum wheat 13.0 per cent, No. 1 Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat 11.5 per cent, No. 1 Canola and No. 2 Yellow Peas. Prices are averaged for nine geographic zones, including three in Alberta.

John De Pape discussed the cash grain price website at a farm meeting this spring. PHOTO: ALLAN DAWSON

This poisonous invader is growing in numbers

ntroduced from Europe in the 1600s as an ornamental species, common tansy (sometimes called tangee) has been spotted across central Alberta and its numbers have been on the rise in recent years. The weed is particularly threatening in pasture and riparian habitats, but can also be found in disturbed soils and flower beds. Most livestock find it unpalatable, but some can ingest enough to cause serious poisoning or death. Common tansy has small button-like flowers clustered at the top of the stem and a deeply divided, fern-like leaf structure. The multiple stem structure and yellow flowers often stand out among other green forage and can grow from one-half metre to 1.5 metres tall. Dense patches can form and outcompete native plant

Pastures are vulnerable to common tansy, which can poison livestock. PHOTO: Fallon Sherlock species resulting in a loss of forage and natural habitat. Chemical control gives the best results, although repeated cutting can reduce the seed production abilities. Consult your local Agricultural Fieldman for more information on identification and control measures.

Contact your local fieldman at www.aaaf.ab.ca

For more information on noxious weeds: www.abinvasives.ca

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Check for insects in stored grain Here are some tips for protecting the quality of stored grain Canadian Grain Commission release

e on the lookout for insects in any grain stored over the summer or in areas around storage bins, says the Canadian Grain Commission. These insects could move easily between bins and infest the new harvest. To protect the quality of grain currently in storage, the commission recommends the following: • Sample the grain from the core at a depth of 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 18 inches) from the surface. Insects are likely to be found in pockets of warm or moist grain. Sieve the samples or examine small portions carefully. Typically, stored product insects are very small beetles (less than three millimetres or one-eighth inch) that may not be moving. A magnifying glass can be helpful. • For best results, grain temperature should be less than 15 C and have

an appropriate moisture content (for example, wheat should be at or lower than 14.5 per cent moisture content). • Summer surveys have shown that the lesser grain borer has been found across the country, particularly in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The lesser grain borer is one of Canada’s most damaging pests found in stored grain. • Insects could be grain feeders, fungal feeders, or predators of these insects. By accurately identifying insects, you can determine the appropriate control method. • Make sure storage areas are clean and free from grain residues that can harbour or attract insects. • If required, treat your empty storage bins with a registered contact insecticide such as malathion, pyrethrin or a diatomaceous earthbased product. Make sure you treat floor-wall joints, aeration plenums or floors and access points thoroughly. Do not use malathion in bins intended for canola storage.

Saskatchewan tightens drainage regulations New rules aim to reduce flooding and the impact on water quality and habitat BY LORRAINE STEVENSON Staff

You need to find and identify pests in stored grain to determine the right control method. Photo: Thinkstock

National Agriculture Leaders Debate to be held September 30, 2015 The Canadian Federation of Agriculture will be hosting a National Agriculture Leaders debate in lead up to the Federal Election. The debate will highlight issues facing Canadian farmers and give an opportunity for each party to outline its platform positions as they pertain to Canada’s farm and food future. WHEN Wednesday, September 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHO  Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Hon. Gerry Ritz  Malcolm Allen, NDP Agriculture Critic  Mark Eyking, Liberal Agriculture Critic  Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader, Green Party  Bloq Québécois, representative TBC WHERE Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, the Laurier Room, Ottawa RSVP & WEBCAST REGISTRATION Please register in advance for the webcast and RSVP if attending in person. Registration information, as well as details on farmers’ priorities for the upcoming election, can be viewed here: www.cfa-fca.ca Debate questions will be posed via pre-taped video segments from farmers across Canada. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country’s largest national general farm organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations, national and interprovincial commodity organizations - representing over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families through its members. Founded in 1935 to provide Canada’s farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the CFA works on behalf of Canada’s farmers to ensure the continued development of a viable and vibrant agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada.

For further information visit: www.cfa-fca.ca CFA General Inquiries: Email: communications@canadian-farmers.ca Phone: 613-236-3633

A new approach to drainage regulation rolled out this month by Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency is being called a good first step, but rural leaders say they’re anxious to hear more details. The new rules — the first significant change in 35 years — are the first phase of an agricultural water management strategy that recognizes the benefits of drainage while mitigating its negative impacts. Key changes include assessing and addressing the impact on flooding, water quality, and habitat loss while simplifying and streamlining the approval process. The new regulations, to be phased in over the next 10 years, mean all drainage activity, including pre-1981 works, will be required to obtain an approval or be closed. Written landowner agreements will serve as adequate land control downstream of works for many drainage projects, a significant change from the current approach that now requires applicants to obtain an easement over potentially impacted lands. Lower- and moderaterisk works will be subject to “simple and minimal design and operation conditions” while higherrisk jobs will need more effort and may be denied, according to the Water Security Agency’s website. Responses to complaints will focus on regulatory compliance rather than technical investigation, and the use of “qualified persons” will be required in the design of higher-risk projects. “We’re pleased that the province is taking this first step,” said Ray Orb, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. “We see changes in the regulations as good but at the same time we’re waiting for the second phase when the province will elaborate on the process it’s going to follow.” Drainage is a major issue facing rural Saskatchewan, and municipalities want stiffer penalties and more enforcement to curb activities that cause damage. “We’re saying this impacts a lot of people,” said Orb. “Maybe they should be looking at $50,000 and $60,000 fines so there’d be more of a deterrent.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Fall a good time for winter annual, perennial weed control Whether you apply a desiccant or glyphosate depends on the weed and your harvest plans BY ALLAN DAWSON Staff

he swather and the combine are good places from which to spot weed problems and autumn can be a good time to control winter annual and perennial weeds. Pre-harvest control hinges on the type and stage of weeds and harvest goals, said Jeanette Gaultier, a weed specialist with Manitoba’s Agriculture Department. If a farmer wants to quickly dry down green weeds to make harvesting easier applying a desiccant such as diquat makes the most sense, she said. That’s especially true when dealing with annual weeds. “When you apply a systemic (herbicide such as glyphosate to annual weeds) it’s just revenge spraying,” she said. “But when you have winter annuals or perennials and no till, then glyphosate is something you look at.” Glyphosate is cheaper than a diquat. And while glyphosate can take up to two weeks to kill plants, depending on growing conditions, it suppresses or kills many weeds. Diquat dries down green plant tops fast speeding up harvest. Both Group 22 (diquat) and Group 14 (Heat, AIM) desiccant

herbicides require lots of water when applied to crops pre-harvest — 25 and 20 gallons per acre, respectively. Group 22 products work best under cloudy conditions or when applied in the evening, while Group 14 products perform better under sunny conditions. Cleavers are a weed farmers might want to control pre-harvest with glyphosate, Gaultier said. It’s normally an annual but can overwinter. Spraying annual weeds postharvest is also futile because they’ll die when it freezes, but it can be effective on overwintering annuals and perennials, including thistles. Often perennials are patchy, allowing farmers to spot spray and save money, Gaultier said.

Hard to eradicate

Perennials are usually hard to kill with herbicides alone. Farmers should combine them with other measures, such as tillage and crop rotation, including perennial crops, said Gaultier. Post-harvest weeds need to regrow some before a herbicide is applied, she said. In the case of thistle they should be six to 10 inches tall, but that’s often hard to determine. Four new leaves is another timing guide to go by.

“When you apply a systemic (herbicide such as glyphosate to annual weeds) it’s just revenge spraying. But when you have winter annuals or perennials and no till then glyphosate is something you look at.”

Jeanette Gaultier

S — Suppress weed growth TG — Top Growth control mainly Research has also shown herbicides are more effective on thistles following a “light” frost. However, since that’s almost impossible to forecast, Gaultier recommends spraying when convenient, but before a killing frost. Following a killing frost, the top of the plant is dead and can’t absorb the herbicide, she said. Field horsetail is another tough perennial, and “once you have it, you have it forever,” Gaultier said. It prefers sandy, poorly drained

soil. The plant is also very competitive and hard to control with herbicides alone, she said. It’s unclear if glyphosate controls it, Gaultier said. Amitrol and MCPA amine can be effective, while 2,4-D just offers top control. Integrated pest management is recommended for this weed too. Volunteer canola, especially the Roundup Ready type, is a major weed issue for many farmers. Traditionally, the advice has been to leave canola seed undistributed

on the soil surface where it can germinate in the fall or get eaten by birds and insects. However, preliminary research at the University of Manitoba shows lightly harrowing a field stimulates germination, cutting canola volunteer in half. “That’s pretty significant,” Gaultier said. “If that’s something you have time for it’s something you might want to try.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Battle lines drawn as U.S. legislative fight over GMO labelling looms It’s too early to say which side will prevail in the prolonged debate over whether food products made from GMOs should be labelled BY CAREY GILLAM Reuters

ombatants in a national food fight over label ling genetically modified products are gearing up for a showdown in the U.S. Senate. The tactics range from oldfashioned lobbying to modern social media campaigns, and both sides say it is too early to tell who will prevail. “I feel like we’re in the final battle now,” said David Bronner, a California business owner and leading backer of mandatory labelling for foods made with genetically engineered crops. The CEO of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps said he has purchased $250,000 in advertising space in several national publications to identify concerns about GMO crops, and challenge what he called a “smokescreen” promoted by corporations and others who say GMOs and the pesticides used on them are safe. Bronner has already spent well over $2 million on efforts to pass GMO labelling laws in several states. His new ad buy includes advertorials in The New Yorker, The Nation, Forbes and other publications. Leaders of the Just Label It

A demonstrator holds a sign during a rally in support of GMO labelling in San Francisco in 2012. The debate is continuing in Washington, D.C. PHOTO: REUTERS/Stephen Lam movement say consumers want mandatory labelling so they can make informed choices about consuming foods made with GMOs. They have been meeting with senators, armed with 50,000 signatures from consumers the group said support mandatory GMO labelling.

The group said last month its “#ConcealOrReveal” hashtag reached more than nine million people through social media. On the other side, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents more than 300 food companies, is also lobbying lawmakers hard and using social media. The association

and many top agricultural companies say GMO crops are as safe as conventional ones, and mandatory labelling would result in unnecessary costs and confusion for consumers through an unworkable patchwork of state laws. “This issue is a five-alarm fire for our industry,” said associa-

tion vice-president Michael Gruber. “We need to get this resolved before the end of the year.” Gruber said a U.S. Senate agriculture committee is expected to take up the issue late this month. The association wants to see the Senate approve a measure like the one passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in July that creates a national, voluntary standard for labelling and blocks mandatory GMO labelling, including pre-empting a state labelling law set to take effect next year in Vermont. Gruber said leaders from 500 different organizations supported the House measure and many are also reaching out to senators. The debate heated up in March when the World Health Organization’s cancer research unit classified glyphosate as “probably” cancer causing for humans, with labelling proponents saying concerns about the herbicide are a key reason GMO foods should be labelled. Regulators in California, one of the largest U.S. farming states, have said they are moving to list glyphosate as potentially cancer causing. The California Environmental Protection Agency is taking public comments on the move through Oct. 5.

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If you are thinking of adding a new building to your operation, UFA is ready and able to make it happen. We build all sorts of structures – barns, sheds, shops, arenas, garages and more. From initial designs and permits to construction through completion, we can handle everything for you.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Glencore to rein in debt as commodity slump persists Viterra’s owner proposes to offer minority stakes in some unnamed agriculture assets By Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo Reuters

ommodities giant Glencore acknowledged the severity of the global commodity market slump as it suspended dividends and said it would sell assets and new shares to cut heavy debts built up through years of rapid expansion. The Swiss-based company, which bought Viterra for $6.1 billion in 2013, is under pressure to cut its net debt of US$30 billion, one of the largest in the industry, as prices for its key products, copper and coal, sank to more than six-year lows. Despite the rout in commodity prices, Glencore had said only last month that its cash flow was “comfortable” to service the debt, return cash to shareholders and support growth. The market did not share this view, especially after Glencore lowered its earnings forecast for its trading division, an unusual step given the company’s track record for winning bets on trends in raw material prices. Glencore says it would cut net debt by a third by the end of 2016. It will sell assets and raise $2.5 billion in a share sale, with its billionaire directors diverting part of their wealth back into the business (all figures US$). The company proposed also to raise about $2 billion from the sale of assets, including an offer of “minority participation of thirdparty strategic investors in certain of Glencore’s agriculture assets, including infrastructure.” It didn’t specify which of its worldwide ag assets would be on the table, saying “further announcements will be made in due course, at the appropriate time.” The company’s shares had fallen almost 60 per cent this year to a record low, a worse performance than rival miners such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. In a sign of how pessimistic the market has become over the commodities outlook, most analysts praised Glencore’s decision to secure its balance sheet. CEO Ivan Glasenberg said it followed “recent stakeholder engagement.”

billion from further cuts in capital spending by the end of 2016. It expects to reduce working capital by an additional $1.5 billion by the end of next June. The company stuck to its forecast for the trading division to make an operating profit (EBIT) this year of $2.5 billion to $2.6 billion, adding: “(we) remain confident of our long-term guidance range of $2.7 billion to $3.7 billion.” But there were calls for Glencore to reveal more of the workings of its powerful trading arm. It does not say how much trading profit comes from arbitrage, supply chain activities or directional bets and only discloses volumes marketed and overall profits, said Morningstar analyst David Wang. “As such, we can’t distinguish what portion of the profits of the division are correlated with prices or the activities that should be less correlated with commodity prices,” he added.

Commodities giant Glencore, which purchased Viterra for $6.1 billion in 2013, is under pressure to cut its enormous debt load. fILE photo

READY FOR ANYTHING

Under pressure

Glencore labours under a higher debt load than its mining peers in part because its trading unit uses borrowed money to take large positions that generate tight margins. Formerly just a commodities trader, Glencore surfed a boom in raw materials prices since the start of the 2000s driven by accelerating emerging economies to become a global mining giant. A 2011 flotation made multi-billionaires of several Glencore directors. In 2013, Glencore bought peer Xstrata for $41 billion. Glencore has already disposed of some non-core mining assets it inherited through its Xstrata takeover and has trimmed capital spending plans for this year and 2016. But analysts had expected more cost savings. Glencore also said it had suspended dividends until further notice. It would not pay a final dividend for 2015, which would save about $1.6 billion, while around $800 million would be saved from the suspension of the 2016 interim dividend. The company said it expected to save some $500 million to $1

ALWAYS FOLLOW GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2015 Monsanto Canada, Inc.

Albertafarmexpress.ca • september 28, 2015

Birds of a feather flock together

Legumex to sell cropprocessing plants, wind down company BY ROD NICKEL

Winnipeg / Reuters

A flock of magpies, like this group on a round bale south of Turner Valley, is also known as a ‘tiding’ or a ‘mischief.’ Photo: Wendy Dudley

There’s no way to know what Mother Nature is going to throw at you, but there is a way to be ready for it. With built-in technology that helps you tackle tough weeds in tough conditions, Genuity® Roundup Ready® canola can be the most valuable tool in your field. It’s the foundation for a family of high-yielding canola hybrids that offer diverse disease resistance and enable progressive farming practices such as straight cutting. You can’t anticipate everything, but you can prepare for anything. Get ready for next season; talk to your retailer about booking Genuity Roundup Ready canola for 2016.

Legumex Walker has sold its legume crop-processing plants and expects to sell its U.S. canola-crushing facility, allowing it to wind down the company. Winnipeg-based Legumex plans to sell its special crops division, which includes 14 plants in Canada, the United States and China, to private U.S. grain-marketing company Scoular for $94 million. Including Legumex’s working capital, the deal is valued at $174.6 million. Legumex also said it is negotiating the sale of its 84 per cent interest in Pacific Coast Canola (PCC), a crushing plant in Washington state. Glencore PLC owns the rest. The news sent Legumex shares soaring. They had plunged in July, when the company said PCC had defaulted on a $54.6-million loan. The company was hampered in 2014 by railway congestion limiting delivery of canola seed, and more recently weak industry margins and plunging crude and soyoil prices. “It’s really been difficult and that’s why all the independent canola crushers have sold,” said Legumex chief executive Joel Horn. “None of the independents were able to survive pretty amazing macroeconomic events.” Two other canola-crushing plants, Felda’s TRT-ETGO facility in Quebec and PICO Holdings Inc.’s Northstar plant in Minnesota, were sold this year to Glencore’s agriculture segment Viterra Inc. and CHS Inc. respectively. Potential buyers for Legumex’s canola plant are Glencore and U.S.-based oilseeds crusher Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cormark analyst Marc Robinson said in a note. Those are “two good guesses,” Horn said, but declined to identify the company Legumex is talking with. Once the processing plants are sold, Legumex will wind down operations and expects to pay its investors $2.50 to $2.75 per share. It will then cease trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Scoular chief operating officer Bob Ludington said in a statement that the acquisitions will expand its U.S.-based grainhandling network, allowing it to sell to more crop buyers globally. The deal requires approval by Legumex’s shareholders at a special meeting on Nov. 9.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

U.S. court overturns sulfoxaflor approval, says more studies needed The pesticide is approved in Canada, with ‘risk reduction measures’ for bees By Carey Gillam Reuters

U.S. Appeals Court has ruled federal regulators erred in allowing a neonicotinoid insecticide developed by Dow AgroSciences onto the market, cancelling its approval and giving environmentalists a major victory. The lawsuit was filed in 2013 against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by organizations representing the honeybee industry, which said studies have shown insecticides containing sulfoxaflor — marketed under names such as Transform and Closer — are highly toxic to honeybees. “It’s a complete victory for the beekeepers we represent,” said Greg Loarie, an attorney who represents the American Honey Producers Association, the American Beekeeping Federation and others. “The EPA has not been very vigilant.”

A U.S. court has vacated a crop pesticide’s federal EPA approval, citing the “precariousness” of the country’s bee populations. photo: Thinkstock Dow said in a statement that it “respectfully disagrees” with the ruling and will “work with EPA to implement the order and to promptly complete additional regulatory work to support the registration of the products.” The demise of the bees has

become a hotly debated topic between agrichemical companies, which say the insecticides they sell are not to blame, and those who say research shows a direct connection between neonicotinoids and large bee dieoffs.

The White House has formed a task force to study the issue and the EPA has said it is trying to address concerns. In its ruling, the court found that the EPA relied on “flawed and limited data” to approve the unconditional registration of sulfoxaflor, and its approval was not supported by “substantial evidence.” The federal agency analyzed studies and data provided by Dow about the effects of sulfoxaflor on various species, including bees, and initially proposed several conditions on approval due to insufficient data provided by Dow, the court found. However, in May 2013 the agency decided to go ahead with unconditional registration even though the record revealed Dow never completed additional requested studies, the ruling stated. The agency must obtain further data regarding the effects of sulfoxaflor on bees as required by its regulations before it grants approval, the court said.

*For commercial use only. Offer subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. See your New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. standard terms and conditions will apply. Depending on model, a down payment may be required. Offer good through November 30, 2015, at participating New Holland dealers in Canada. Offer subject to change. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. © 2015 CNH Industrial Capital America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland Agriculture 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. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland Construction are trademarks in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

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In Canada, Dow picked up full federal registration in June this year for sulfoxaflor as an active ingredient in Closer, Transform, Twinguard and Isoclast insecticides. According to Health Canada, sulfoxaflor is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, like neonicotinoids, but has a different mode of action, which puts it in the sulfoximine class. In its registration decision, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency said that while sulfoxaflor is “unlikely to pose a risk to bee colonies, it may pose a potential risk to adult foraging bees exposed directly to spray droplets or to fresh residues on plants.” Those effects, it said, “are relatively short lived, lasting approximately three days or less. When the risk reduction measures included on the label are followed, risks to bees are considered to be acceptable.”

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MINT

725008

725009

725010

2005 John Deere 9660 Combine, L/A, Guidance,

2009 New Holland 94C

2187/1629 hrs, Singles, 2009 Macdon pw7 pick

36’ Header, 36ft Auger, Trans, Cr Adapter, PU reel

$149,000

$49,000

USED COMBINES *0% – 60 month (interest free)

2013 Case IH 9230, 847/615 hrs, duals, loaded ...................$379,000 2013 Case IH 9230, 822/603 hrs, duals, loaded ...................$379,000 2013 Case IH 9230, 831/595 hrs, Guidance, L/A, duals, PU header ...............................................................$339,000 2013 Case IH 9230, new cab, 660/529 hrs, loaded ...............................................................................$389,000 2013 NH CR9090, 520/350 hrs, L/A, duals, guidance ...........................................................................$350,000 2012 NH 9090, loaded, 670/500 hrs ....................................$310,000 2012 NH CR9090, 1147/827 hrs, Guidance, DSP, diff, duals .....................................................................$299,000 2012 Case IH 8230, 800/580 hrs., L/A Duals ...................... $315,000 2011 NH CR9090Z, 1026/724 hrs, L/A, duals, guidance ...........................................................................$289,000 2010 NH CR9090Z, 850/650 HRs., Guidance, L/A, PU header ..................................................................$289,000 2010 Case IH 8120, Guidance, 1424/1126 hrs, sm tube RT, fine cut chopper .............................................$249,000 2009 Case IH 8120, 1744/1189 hrs, L/A, duals, hopper top ..............................................................$210,000 2009 Case IH 8120, duals, L/A 1643/1357 hrs .....................$210,000 2009 NH CR9070, 1350/1200 hrs, Duals, L/A, .....................$215,000 2009 NH CX8080, L/A, 1750/1300 hrs .................................$189,000 2009 NH CX8080, L/A, 1770/1330 hrs ................... SOLD $189,000 2008 Case IH 7010, duals, fine cut chopper, L/A, 1661/1249 hrs ...........................................................$210,000 2007 NH CR9070, L/A, 1542/1264 hrs .................................$199,000 2007 Case IH 7010, duals, new chopper, 2360/1766 hrs, P/U header, L/A.........................................$169,000 2006 NH CR960, 1887/1343 hrs .........................................$129,000 2005 JD 9660, 2187/1629 hrs, guidance .............................$149,000 2004 Case IH 8010, 2006 2016, L/A, singles, 2663/1968 hrs .....................................................$169,000 2004 Case IH 2388, AFX rotor, chopper, AFS, 2357/2028 hrs., L/A, 2015 swathmaster PU ......................$110,000 1999 Case IH 2388, hopper top, 4100/2876 hrs, 1015 PU header, L/A............................................................$89,000 1998 Case IH 2388, hoptop, PU, L/A, 3428/2535 hrs ...................................................................$75,000 1992 Case IH 1680, 4033 hrs, L/A, 1015 PU header ..................................................................$25,000 1986 Case IH 1680, PU header, 25’, 1010 header, 4200 hrs ...$29,000 1994 JD 9500, 4208/2980 hrs, 914 PU..................................$42,000

725012

2013 Case IH 1903 Windrower, 50hrs, 36 ft, shears deluxe cab

$139,000

USED WINDROWERS

2013 Case IH WD1903, 36 ft, shears, deluxe cab, 110/60 hrs .....................................................$114,000 2012 Case IH WD2303, 36 ft, 550 hrs, shears ......................$110,000 2011 MacDon M205, 30 ft, 950/686 hrs ..............................$125,000 2008 WD1203, 36ft, hyd roller, 550/403 hrs...........................$95,000 2008 Case IH WD1203, 36ft, 753 hrs .....................................$69,000 2006 Praire 4940, 30ft, DS, shears, Split reel, 1019/754 hrs ......................................................................$69,000 1998 Macdon 4920, 30ft, PU Reel, 1700 hrs ..........................$45,000 1998 Prairie Star 4930, 2 spd, turbo, 30ft, 972 header, 2800 hrs ............................................ SOLD $49,000

USED 2WD TRACTORS

2012 Case IH Farmall, 140A, Loaded, MFD, 700 hrs ...............$89,000 2012 Case IH Farmall, 140A, Loaded, MFD, 800 hrs . SOLD $88,000 2011 NH T7.250, MFD, loader/grapple, CVT, 1500 hrs....................................................................$139,000 2008 Challenger MT565B, MFD, Loader/Grapple, powershift ...........................................................................$79,000

USED HAYBINES

725013

725014

2013 Case IH 9230

2013 Case IH 9230 Combine, loaded, 822/603 hrs, duals, spreaders

Combine, hopper top, 4100/2876 hrs, 1015 PU header, L/A

$369,000

$89,000

Combine, Loaded, 847/615 hrs, duals, spreaders

1999 Case IH 2388

2007 NH TJ530, triples, 2650 hrs, 16ft blade, 2009 Case IH 4420, Guidance, 120ft, Aim, auto box, PS, HO hyd, PTO ................................................................$239,000 2 sets tires, 2200 hrs ........................................................$239,000 1998 NH 9882, 4850 hrs, 710 duals, weights .......... SOLD $89,000 2008 Case IH 4420, 100’ Aim, 2 sets of tires, 1993 Ford 876, 5800 hrs, duals .............................................$49,000 2420 hrs ................................................................................. CALL 1981 JD 8440, 9400 hrs, 18.4/38 duals, 4 hyd ......................$19,000 2007 Rogator 874SS, 3100 hrs, 320-50, 800 gal, fenders, 480/42 tires ..................................................................................$119,000 2 - 2014 Case IH 3162, 45’, auger, transpeed ........................$89,000 2007 NH SF216 PT, 100 ft, 1600 gal, screens, 2011 Case IH 2152, 40 ft auger, single knife, auto rate ............................................................... SOLD $22,000 no adapter ..........................................................................$40,000 2008 MacDon D60, 40 ft, adapter, auger, trans ......................$38,000 2007 JD 4720, 90ft, Guidance, 1490 hrs..............................$189,000 2008 NH 94C, 36 ft, adapter, trans, auger ..............................$45,000 2005 Rogator 1074, Auto Boom, 2 sets of tires, 2005 NH 994-30, 30 ft U2 pickup reel, tx adapter ..................$27,500 3700 hrs, 100’ ..................................................................$115,000 2005 NH 94C-30, 30 ft hyd fore/aft.,trans, gauge wheels .....................................................................$39,500 2005 NH 94C - 42 ft., transport, auger, CR adapter ................$39,000 2011 Case IH PH800, 60on10, DS, VR, 3 - 2004 MacDon 973, headers, auger, TBT 2010 3430 ................................................................$200,000 transport, CR adapters ........................................................$35,000 2004 Honeybee, GB36, 36 ft, Split Reel, transport ..................$39,000 2010 Case IH P800/3430 Tank, 70ft, 12inch, DS ..................$149,000 1994 Macdon 960, 30ft, tr adapter .......................................$10,000 2008 Case IH SDX40/ADX3430 tank, VR, 40ft, liquid kit ............................................................................$139,000 2013 NH BR7090, 1000 PTO, Net/Twine, wide PU ..................$35,900 2008 Seedmaster 50ft, 10”, NH P1060 430 B, tank, DS, liquid tank on board ....................................................$169,000 2004 NH BR780, 590 pto, STD PU, Auto Wrap ........................$16,900 2007 Seedhawk 66’, 12”, Bourgault DS ...............................$110,000 1997 Bourgault 4300 Tank, DS ..............................................$35,000 2008 Riteway 8168, 68 ft, Hyd. Pressure ...............................$35,000

USED HEADERS

USED AIRDRILLS

USED ROUND BALERS USED HARROWS

2009 NH H7460 discbine, 16 ft, 1000 PTO, rubber/rubber......................................................................$29,000 2007 NH 1475, 18 ft, rubber rollers, HS18, 1000 pto .............................................................................$26,000 1999 NH 1475, 18ft ...............................................................$11,999 *0% to 1/1/17 1999 NH 1475, 16’, rubber rolls .............................................$16,000 2014 Case IH 3230, loaded, 100 ft., no Aim, ........................$279,000 2013 Case IH 4430, 120ft, loaded, dividers, 2 sets of tires, 1005 hrs ...................................... SOLD $310,000 2006 Highline 8000, 1000 PTO ..............................................$12,900 2013 Case IH 4430, 120ft, loaded, 983 hrs ..........................$329,000 Hesston BR25, tub style ...........................................................$3,999 2012 Case IH 4430, 120ft, 1082 hrs, AIM, Guidance, Dividers, 2 sets tires..........................................$299,000 2012 Case IH 3330, 100ft, Aim, 2 sets tires, autoboom, accuboom, 1300 hrs ........................................$269,000 *0%/60 months or 4.25 for 84 months 2012 Case IH 4430, 120 ft aim, viper, 2013 NH T9.615, 1020 hrs, luxury, 36” Tracks, guidance, loaded, 1184 hrs ...............................................$279,000 HID, Cab Susp, guidance ...................................................$389,000 2011 Rogator 1194, 120 ft, sectional, viper, 2250 hrs, 2013 Case IH 600 Quad, PTO, 1387 hrs ...............................$399,000 2 set tires..........................................................................$205,000 2009 Case IH 4420, 120 ft, Aim, 2 sets tires, 2008 Case IH 535 Quad, 3030 hrs, diff lock, guidance, PTO ...................................................................$239,000 viper, 2550 hrs ..................................................................$239,000

USED SPRAYERS

BALE PROCESSORS

USED 4WD TRACTORS

* See Dealer for Details, Restrictions May Apply.

USED DISCS

2010 Lemken, Rubin 12S/1200, 40ft new blades .................$139,000

PLANTERS 2012 Case IH, 1240 Pivit Planter 16/31 rows, bulk fill ..............................................................................$110,000

NEW GRAIN CARTS 2014 Unverferth 1610, U-Haruost, scale, tarp, tracks........................................................................$149,000 2013 Unverferth 9250, scale, tarp ............................ SOLD $52,000 2013 Unverferth 9250, scale, tarp ............................ SOLD $52,000 2013 Unverferth 9250, scale, tarp ..........................................$52,000 2013 Unverferth 1315, scale, tarp ..........................................$82,000

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Scientists trying to create plant-triggered fertilizer Special coatings activate fertilizer when crops such as wheat and canola release chemical signals STAFF

arleton University researchers are using nanotechnology to develop a fertilizer that only releases when plants signal they need it, an article in the online publication AgInnovation Ontario says. “If a crop isn’t ready to take up fertilizer when it is applied, it is wasted and it’s estimated we waste about $1 billion per year in unused fertilizer,” lead researcher Maria DeRosa said in the article. “Our goal is to make fertilizer smart so that it delivers its nutrients to a crop only when the crop needs it.”

A more efficient and cost-effective fertilizer can play a leading role in increasing crop yields and addressing malnutrition issues, as well as reducing the amount of fertilizer that farmers need to use, resulting in cost savings. DeRosa is using aptamers, which are small, single-stranded nucleic acids that can bind to large or small target molecules. Her research involves identifying these aptamers, which are the “keys” to finding which DNA sequences will bind to the target molecules. The theory goes that crops such as wheat and canola will release chemical signals when they need nitrogen.

Through partnering with Carlos Monreal, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, DeRosa and her team learned the identity of some of those signals — which allows her to program the coating of special biodegradable fertilizer capsules she’s developed to release the nutrients on demand. “For example, if we place the fertilizer into a coated, biodegradable capsule, the coating will protect the fertilizer until the signal arrives from the plant that it needs fertilizer. That signal will hit the aptamer in the coating, break it downB:10.25” and release the fertilizer,” DeRosa said, adding that T:10.25”

the capsules protect the fertilizer from being washed away or damaged by extreme temperatures, but allow the nutrients to be released over time as the plants need them. DeRosa and Monreal are now moving their concept into a greenhouse setting to see how well it performs with real soil and plants. If successful, DeRosa says this development could open up a whole new field of using nanotechnology and biodegradable polymers in agricultural production. The project has received support from Coop Fédérée and Agrium, as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions.

It’s believed crops release chemical signals when they need nitrogen. Photo Thinkstock

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Agricultural technology investment soars Market turbulence or not, North American investors are plowing money into innovative ag companies BY ROD NICKEL AND CAREY GILLAM

Winnipeg / Kansas City / Reuters

Drones are a visible sign of how agriculture is changing, but a host of companies is betting on plant and soil technology such as “biologicals.” Photo: Thinkstock

orth American investors are pouring money into agriculture technology despite turbulent financial and commodity markets, as cutting-edge advances that enhance farm production bring opportunities for profits. Investment in this technology, which spans plant and soil technology to drones, amounted to $2.06 billion in the first half of 2015, on pace to smash last year’s record $2.36 billion, according to AgFunder, which matches startups with investors. Technology that reduces reliance on chemicals and fertilizers is one area of interest. The most widely used herbicide, glyphosate, was classified this year by the World Health Organization as a probable human carcinogen, and farmers also face scrutiny for overapplying fertilizer.

“Biologicals,” which use natural sources such as bacteria, are especially attractive. In this field, researchers harness soil and plant microbes and bacteria for products that protect plants from disease and drought. Biological solutions face fewer regulatory hurdles and are more environmentally friendly than chemicals while still yielding crop production benefits, agricultural experts said. “This kind of capability is really what we believe is necessary for the future of food production,” said Sonya Franklin, director of microbial traits at Monsanto Co., the world’s largest seed company. Some companies in the sector could see revenue growth of 20 per cent per year for five years, said Todd Solow, a partner in Norwest Equity Partners of Minneapolis. Norwest’s sale of agriculture technology company Becker Underwood to BASF Corp. for

$1.02 billion in 2012 came after its revenue increased fourfold to $246 million from the time of Norwest’s 2004 purchase of a controlling stake. “If you have differentiated technology and can prove to the market that you have yieldenhancing capabilities, you have the potential for very significant growth,” said Solow. That kind of return has attracted the interest of Bank of Montreal, which is looking to help companies raise funds prior to any initial public offerings (IPOs) and facilitate mergers and acquisitions. “There are all sorts of new technologies being developed in and around crop nutrients, crop efficiency, seed efficiency,” said Greg Pearlman, head of Bank of Montreal’s food and consumer group. “We think this is a hot area.” Monsanto, together with Syngenta AG and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are investors in North Carolina-based AgBiome LLC, which recently raised $34.5 million for research and the launch of a new biological fungicide. “The industry has an ongoing need for new and innovative products. We have a lot of people to feed in the coming decades,” said Dan Tomso, AgBiome’s chief science officer. Another company with large interests in agriculture, Calgaryheadquartered fertilizer maker Agrium, bought stakes in two plant technology companies in 2014. “In the last two years definitely it’s picked up in the number of companies willing to talk about joint ventures or all-out acquisitions,” said Brent Smith, vice-president of Agrium subsidiary Loveland Products. A recent deal in the sector was last month’s $160-million purchase by U.S.-based Intrexon Corp. of Oxford Univ ersity spinoff company Oxitec, which specializes in controlling insect damage to crops. Venture capital firms have also been attracted to the sector, with funding up two per cent from July 2014 through June 2015 over a year earlier despite a 16 per cent dip in the broader “clean tech” sector, according to professional services firm PwC. Massachusetts-based Symbiota LLC, launched two years ago with $7.5 million from Flagship Ventures, is testing products to help crops yield more with less water and fertilizer, while fighting disease. “The potential for this space is absolutely astronomical,” said founder Geoffrey von Maltzahn. At the ground level, farmers are paying more to grow more. Mark Nelson uses modern technology on much of his Kansas farm, but he said the costs are high. Still, he sees improved yields from the latest farming advances. “It’s not our father’s agriculture anymore.”

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NH HB30, 2005, , 30’, SK, Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,500 HB WS30, 2006, , 30’, DK, HCC reel, transoport, came off of JD 4895. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000 MACDON 2930, , 3190, 25’, SK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,000 MF 220 Series II, 1998, 2500, 26’, SK, UII p/u reel, roto shears . $33,000 NH HW320, 2000, 2438, 30’, SK, guage wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,000 MF 220 Series II, 2000, 1820, 25’, Single Knife, Roto Shears. . . $35,000

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NH CR9070, 2008, 1306/907, 14’ SW, 900 Singles, long auger, Y&M, dlx chopper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $185,000 NH CR9080, 2009, 1162/822, 790CP, 900 singles, long auger, dlx chopper, diff lock, HID lights, GPS ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $226,000 NH CR9070, 2011, 904/723, 16’ SW, dlx chopper, 900 tires, long auger, diff lock, intellisteer ready, Y&M, SCTS . . . . . . . . . . . $249,000 NH CR9070, 2011, 940/618, 790CP, duals, GPS, diff lock, HID, Y&M, Michels cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $258,000 NH CR9070, 2011, 490/397, 16’,SW singles, diff lock, dlx chopper, electric mirrors, HID, long auger, auto steer . . . . . . . . . $275,000 NH CR9090, 2012, 893/686, 790CP, dlx cab, dlx chopper, full GPS, 900 tires, ASP, elec fold covers, leather seat, HID . . . . . . . . $289,000 NH CR9090Z, 2010, 841/636, 790CP, ASP, diff lock, NAVII, no Rec, HID, Elec cov, Opti Spread, duals,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,000 NH CR8090, 2013, 850/625, 790CP, 900 singles, DSP, diff lock, dlx chopper, HID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $305,000 NH CR8090, 2012, 757/542, 790CP, DSP, 900 singles, long auger, leather, dlx chopper, GPS ready, HID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $316,000

MACDON 4952C, 2003, 2810, 25’, pick-up reel, swath roller, DK, 500/70R24 front tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $53,500 This year’s Value Bonanza sales event gives you more SMART WAYS TO SAVE! It starts with BONANZA BUCKS – it’s like bonus cash just for buying select See us before this offer ends on November 30, 2015. See all the SMART deals at nhvaluebonanza.com *For commercial use only. Offer subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. See your New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. standard terms and conditions will apply. Depending on model, a down payment may be required. Offer good through November 30, 2015, at participating New Holland dealers in Canada. Offer subject to change. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. © 2015 CNH Industrial Capital America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland Agriculture 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. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland Construction are trademarks in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Consider pros, cons of alternative grain storage methods Grain should be dry and cool when placed in alternative storage facilities NDSU EXTENSION RELEASE

umper crops and transportation delays create a need for additional temporary storage on many farms. Here are some things farmers should consider about the various options. “Grain can be stored in many types of facilities,” says Ken Hellevang, an agricultural engineer with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. “But all storage options should keep the grain dry and provide adequate aeration to control grain temperature.” Grain must be dry and cool (near the average outdoor temperature) when placed in alternative storage facilities because providing adequate, uniform airflow to dry grain or cool grain coming from a dryer is not feasible.

Structural issues

Grain pushing against the walls can damage buildings not built for grain storage. The walls must be anchored securely, and their structural members must be strong enough to transfer the force to the building poles or support structure without breaking or bending excessively.

Select an elevated, well-drained site for the storage bags, and run the bags north and south so solar heating is similar on both sides. Photo: Thinkstock

gRAIN sTORAGE } page 31

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gRAIN storage } from page 30 Typically, you’ll need additional poles and a grain wall to support the grain force in a pole building. Hellevang advises hiring an engineer to complete a structural design or analysis, or contacting the building company for guidance to prevent a structural failure. Before placing grain in a building previously used for grain storage, look for anything out of alignment, such as a bowing wall. Also check the roofline. Bowing or bending indicates the load on the building exceeds the load for which it was designed and built. Examine connections for separation or movement. A connector failure can lead to a building failure. You may need to reinforce the connection by adding a gusset or splice.

Storing in bags

Storing grain in poly bags is a good option, but it does not prevent insect infestations or mould growth in damp grain, Hellevang says. Grain should be placed in the bag at recommended storage moisture contents based on grain and outdoor temperatures. Heating will occur if the grain exceeds a safe storage moisture content; grain in a bag cannot be cooled with aeration.

The average temperature of dry grain will follow the average outdoor temperature. Select an elevated, well-drained site for the storage bags, and run the bags north and south so solar heating is similar on both sides. Sunshine on just one side heats that side, which can lead to moisture accumulation in the grain on the cool side. Wildlife can puncture the bags, creating an entrance for moisture and releasing the grain smell, which attracts more wildlife. Monitor the grain temperature at several places in the bags. Never enter a grain bag because it is a suffocation hazard. If unloading the bag with a pneumatic grain conveyor, the suction can “shrink wrap” a person so he or she cannot move and will limit space for breathing.

Grain piles

Grain frequently is stored short term in outdoor piles. However, precipitation is a severe problem in uncovered grain. A one-inch rain will increase the moisture content of a one-foot layer of corn by nine percentage points. This typically leads to the loss of at least two feet of grain on the pile surface. A onefoot loss on the surface of a 25-foothigh cone-shaped pile is about 13 per cent of the grain.

Cooling stored grain

Never enter a grain bag because it is a suffocation hazard. If unloading the bag with a pneumatic grain conveyor, the suction can “shrink wrap” a person so he or she cannot move and will limit space for breathing.

Hellevang strongly recommends using a cover to prevent water infiltration. Aeration and wind blowing on the pile will not dry wet grain adequately to prevent spoilage. Prepare the ground surface where grain will be piled with lime, fly ash, cement or asphalt to prevent soil moisture from reaching the grain. The storage floor should be higher than the surrounding ground to minimize moisture transfer from the soil into the grain. Make sure the ground surface is crowned so moisture that does get into the pile drains out rather than creating a wet pocket that leads to grain deterioration. Also examine the entire area to assure that flooding will not occur during major rain events.

Grain covers

A combination of restraining straps and suction from the aeration system holds grain covers in place. However, you must provide inlets for adequate airflow through the grain to control its temperature. Place perforated ducts on the grain under the cover to provide a controlled air intake for the aeration system and airflow near the cover to minimize condensation problems. Properly sized and spaced ducts should be placed on the ground under the pile to pull air through the grain. If you use a perforated grain wall, the aeration ducts near the wall should not be perforated or the airflow through the grain will be limited to near the wall.

Trim: 8.125”

Cool grain with aeration to reduce the insect infestation potential. Insect reproduction is reduced at temperatures below about 15 C, insects are dormant below about 10 C, and insects can be killed by extended exposure to temperatures below about -1 C. Cooling grain as outdoor temperatures cool reduces moisture migration and the condensation potential near the top of the grain pile. Grain moisture content and temperature affect the rate of mould growth and grain deterioration, with the allowable storage time approximately doubling with each 6° reduction in grain temperature. The grain should be cooled whenever the average outdoor temperature is 6 to 9 C cooler than the grain. It should be cooled to near or below -1 C for winter storage, depending on available air temperature. Aeration ducts need to have perforations sized and spaced correctly for air to enter and exit the ducts uniformly and obtain the desired airflow through the grain. The maximum spacing for aeration ducts is equal to the grain depth to achieve acceptable airflow uniformity.

What is the effect of lower crush margins? Lower margins suggest canola crushers will reduce production, but that’s not necessarily so Staff

Trim: 10”

rush margins have dropped sharply in the last 18 months, but the implications for canola producers aren’t clear, says a provincial crops analyst. Canola crushers don’t disclose their margins, and so the trade estimates a “board” canola crush margin based on ICE Canada canola futures and U.S. futures markets for soybean oil and soybean meal, said Neil Blue. “Keeping in mind that actual crusher margins do not necessarily match the calculated board crush margin, over the last 18 months, the canola board crush margin has dropped from $200plus per tonne in February 2014 to the current level of about $50 per tonne, even though the Canadian dollar has weakened during that time,” said Blue. “The implication, especially with the limited size of the 2015 Canadian canola crop, is that Canadian canola crushers will not be operating at full capacity this crop year. However, canola crush margins could improve.” The low dollar is one factor that will help Canadian crushers, but there are several others, he said. U.S. meal prices could rebound after harvest, and vegetable oil values may improve, especially since lower rainfall levels in Malaysia and Indonesia this summer could reduce palm oil production and support vegetable oil prices. Canola meal and oil also have well-developed markets, and that will keep Canadian crushers keen to attract canola deliveries in competition with export demand,” said Blue. “You may expect stronger canola basis levels again this season after harvest selling pressure subsides.”

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Database for gauging soils

Medhat Nasr honoured

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Soil Information Viewer can help with an understanding of soils in the province. “The viewer accesses soil information stored in database tables called the Agricultural Regions of Alberta Soil Inventory Database,” said David Speiss, geographical information systems engineer. The online tool looks at the ability of Alberta soils to grow grains crops, allows comparisons between different land in different areas, gives information on soil properties, and helps with making environmental farm plans, he said. It can be found at soilinformation.alberta.ca. — AAF release

Provincial apiculturist Medhat Nasr was recently given the Roger A. Morse Outstanding Teaching/Extension Service/Regulatory Award. The award committee cited Medhat’s two decades of research, teaching and extension work with the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association, Rutgers University, and, for the past 13 years, in Alberta. “I would personally like to thank you for sharing your work with formic acid treatments to control varroa mites when other treatments were failing us in Pennsylvania,” said Jim Bobb, chairman of the Eastern Apicultural Society of North America. “You gave us the tools we needed to keep our bees alive.” — AAF release

It’s time to reward ranch stewardship, HEARTLAND says Alberta Nuffield scholar Coronation rancher Tim Smith will travel the globe to find ways to bring ecological goods and services into the Canadian mainstream BY ALEXIS KIENLEN AF STAFF

aying farmers for stewardship that produces environmental benefits isn’t a new idea, but it’s one that’s been slow to catch on in Canada. Coronation rancher Tim Smith wants to know why — and what can be done to move ecological goods and services into the mainstream of agriculture here. “There are benefits in grassland biodiversity and healthier air and water and land systems — but there isn’t a lot of societal support to improve these things,” said Smith, who runs a 750-head Angus cowcalf operation and custom forage harvest business. In the coming year, Smith will be travelling the world to find out what’s being done elsewhere and what can be done here after being selected as one of three Canadian Nuffield scholars for 2016. “I saw the opportunity to apply for

Coronation rancher Tim Smith is a 2016 Nuffield scholar. PHOTO: SUPPLIED a travel-and-learn scholarship and thought it was a great opportunity for a mid-career rancher,” said the 46-year-old, who is an Alberta Beef Producers delegate and a Canadian Cattlemen’s Association director. His Nuffield project will focus on the value of ecological goods and services provided by cattle ranching and the incentives offered by other countries.

“They’re going to give me an opportunity to go to many countries in the world to talk to some of the best in the business,” he said. “They’ll open doors and help me open them when I need to get some accurate information,” he said. His first international stop will be Ireland and he hopes to visit other areas in the European Union, where what’s called “agri-environment measures” have been mandatory for member states since 1992. And they involve big money. From 2007-13, spending on agrienvironmental programs in Europe totalled nearly 20 billion euros ($30 billion at current exchange rates) or 22 per cent of the expenditure for rural development, according to the European Commission. Canada’s version of this program — called ALUS (pronounced ‘Alice’ and short for Alternative Land Use Services) — has been around for a decade and now has programs in four Alberta counties, but receives much of its funding from foundations.

But increasing public interest in sustainable farming practices offers an opportunity to do more, said Smith. “I believe there will be some big things coming out of this when the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef gets involved and moves us ahead,” he said. Smith hasn’t fully planned his itinerary yet, but along with attending the 2015 Nuffield AGM in Regina in November and a week-long gathering of international Nuffield scholars in Ireland in February, he hopes to travel to Australia, the U.S., and South America, along with European countries. The beauty of the Nuffield program is that you’re immediately connected to “a really impressive network” of scholars, said Smith. “It isn’t like you’re on your own in a foreign land — they want me to use their network and visit with the Nuffield scholars of the past and get their direction to lead me,” he said. “It’s overwhelming to think that you’re doing it by yourself, but

when you have a network of support behind you, it’s not so intimidating.” His scholarship, which is sponsored by Glacier FarmMedia (the parent company of Alberta Farmer), is worth $15,000, but won’t cover all of his travel expenses. Smith is raising additional funds and seeking sponsorship to cover the rest of the cost of the program. “I’ll be approaching others who have a vested interest in the industry, as well as others who want to donate,” he said. One forage group has already come forward with some funds to contribute to his endeavour. (Any group or individual willing to do likewise can contact Smith at 780856-3996 or tntsmith_40@hotmail. com.) The other two Nuffield scholars are Tony Balkwill of Paris, Ont. and Clair Doan of Norwich, Ont. For more information on the program, see www.nuffield.ca. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

This is sweet — high-energy forages net rancher $40 an acre Clayton Robins travelled the world to find the most profitable forage mix for his Manitoba farm BY JENNIFER PAIGE Staff / Rivers, Man.

etting a Nuffield scholarship wasn’t an academic exercise for Clayton Robins — it was about earning more dollars per acre. And that’s just what the Manitoba rancher has done with his high-energy forage system. “In this field, I am budgeting for 90 days on 20 acres with 35 pairs,” Robins said during a recent open house at his operation about 40 kilometres northwest of Brandon. “Seventy cattle doing three pounds a day, for 90 days and I am getting 50 cents a day for grazing. We are talking well over $40 an acre gross income, and I think anyone wouldn’t take that in any business, grain or cattle.” The fourth-generation producer, a former federal beef and forage researcher, travelled to 11 different countries and consulted over 200 grazing specialists after being selected as a Nuffield scholar in 2013. “I was part of a team that went down to Argentina to look at the beef value chain and I learnt a few things about sugars,” said Robins. “That is really what got the gears turning about how we could do this here in Canada.”

Clayton Robins recently published a Nuffield report on energy-dense forage. Photo: Jennifer Paige In his Nuffield report published in April, Robins outlines a host of benefits from grazing certain forages, including improving rumen digestive efficiency; lowering greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon

footprint of cattle; improving soil structure and biology; inducing programming of intramuscular fat cells in suckling calves; and creating healthier and tastier foragefed beef. “This is our fourth year with our management in this field where we have been putting out a cereal over story crop, putting it up as feed and then growing something in the bottom,” he said. “We seeded on the 25th of May with a bushel and a half of oats; seven pounds of festulolium; 2-1/2 pounds of chicory and plantain; and two pounds of clover.” All boast high sugar levels that can offer “comparable gain” to a feedlot. “We need to try and get the sugar content up and that is when you will start to see the rumen function better. At 18 per ce ssnt sugar is when really good things start to happen.” Last October, Robins sampled his pasture’s Italian ryegrass and chicory, which registered at 39 per cent sugar. “This does some phenomenal things in the rumen. I believe we can get gains of three pounds a day if we have this mix as good as it can be and we cut what is in the bale as immature as possible.” Robins aims to cut his pasture around 50 days after seeding, and bale at 50 per cent moisture.

“My goal is to cut mid-July, at the headsemerging stage, as I want the highest-quality feed in that bale as possible, and this will also give the pasture more time for regrowth.” Robins will graze his cattle and grow his pastures into late October. “If we are grazing at this time of year, we are going to see calves under the age of 200 days hopefully initiate the development of marbling cells with these plants, and a year later on a pseudo-finishing diet, hopefully doing well on the same plants. There is also a lot of data to support having this cover crop growing longer is promoting soil biology, organic matter, and plant health.” The system also boosts organic matter and reduces soil compaction, particularly chicory. “The chicory is a really good scavenger for nutrients and also has a very aggressive root, which has helped quite a bit in combating compaction issues.” Robins also said plantain induces a diuretic effect, which can increase an animal’s water intake, resulting in fewer urine spots as ammonia is diluted. Robins’ Nuffield report Energy-Dense Forages: An Opportunity for the Canadian Beef Production Model can be found at www. nuffield.ca (click on the Scholar Profiles & Reports tab). jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Straw and chaff are a good — but incomplete — diet Provincial forage specialist Barry Yaremcio offers guidelines for mineral supplementation Alberta Agriculture and Forestry release

urning cows out onto stubble fields is a good feed choice, but there are some things to consider, says a provincial beef and forage specialist. Cattle “pick and choose” what they want when grazing stubble, slough hay, or mature hay growing along the fences and headlands, said Barry Yaremcio. Straw, chaff, and overmature grass hays typically have low amounts of protein, energy, calcium and magnesium. “These feeds are also high in neutral detergent fibre (which can reduce total feed intake) and relatively high in phosphorus,” said Yaremcio. “Grains and weed seeds are also high in phosphorus and have higher energy and protein content than the grasses, straw and chaff.” Cow-calf pairs that are turned onto stubble fields have different mineral supplementation requirements compared to when they were on a mixed alfalfa and grass pasture. A lack of calcium and magnesium in the straw and forages can cause two problems: • A diet low in calcium and higher in phosphorus can reduce phosphorus absorption. Phosphorus is the driver of all meta-

bolic functions. When phosphorus is not absorbed, feed intake is reduced which in turn reduces milk production and weight gain on the calves. Cows can also start to lose weight. If the imbalance continues, it can impair reproductive performance, with cows taking longer to cycle and conceive a calf next year. • A calcium/magnesium deficiency can cause cows to go down and it generally requires a veterinarian to treat animals in this situation.

“With lower grain prices and high calf prices, creep feeding will pay very well in the long run.” Barry Yaremcio

What to do

A mineral supplementation program should contain additional calcium and magnesium. “When it comes to calcium, in many cases; a 2:1 mineral does not provide enough calcium to remedy the situation,” said Yaremcio. “A feedlot mineral with a 3:1 or 4:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio is preferred. If a 1:1 or 2:1 mineral is left over from the summer, mix one bag of limestone (38 per cent calcium) with one bag of mineral and one bag of fortified trace mineral salt (with selenium). This mixture (roughly 165 pounds) should be consumed by 100 cow-calf pairs in five to six days. If consumption is too low, add dried molasses to improve consumption. Add eight to 10 pounds of dried molasses to the entire mix and adjust to get the proper intake.”

Pricey hay is making alternatives more attractive, but the diets must be balanced. Photo: Thinkstock If feeding a straight mineral, magnesium content should be in the three to five per cent range if the recommended intake is between 70 and 100 grams per day. “The added magnesium along with the calcium reduces the risk of downer cows,” said Yaremcio. “If magnesium is not present in the mineral, it can be purchased

as an individual product from some feed stores or feed mills.”

Adding grain

Feeds that are overmature or crop aftermath are usually low in protein. “A lactating cow requires 11 per cent protein (minimum on a dry basis) to maintain feed intake and milk production,”

he said. “Dry cows can manage on eight per cent protein. Supplementing protein on pasture is troublesome. Protein tubs or blocks will help solve the problem, but the mineral and vitamin supplementation should still continue as described above. “Feeding three to four pounds of grain every third day along with a protein supplement is another option. Putting weaned cows onto these fields is an option to reduce protein requirements.” If the energy and protein requirements of the cow are not met, the cow will not be producing much milk. “This will reduce calf gains. To offset the loss of calf performance, creep feeding the calves with a ration that is between 14 and 16 per cent protein will improve average daily gains. If feeding straight oats (which have 10 to 11 per cent protein on average), the calves will put down fat rather than lean growth and they could possibly not frame out properly resulting in fat, dumpy butterballs that will be discounted at auction. A mixture of one-third peas and twothirds oats or barley by weight will provide a creep ration that meets protein and energy requirements. With lower grain prices and high calf prices, creep feeding will pay very well in the long run.”

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Glow-in-the-dark GMO chickens shed light on bird flu fight But these genetically modified birds are a long ways from becoming commercialized By Tom Polansek Reuters

n the realm of avian research, the chicks with the glow-inthe-dark beaks and feet might one day rock the poultry world. British scientists have genetically modified chickens in a bid to block bird flu and early experiments show promise for fighting off the disease that has devastated the U.S. poultry and egg industries. Their research, backed by the U.K. government and top chicken companies, could potentially prevent repeats of this year’s wipeout: 48 million chickens and turkeys killed by the disease since December in the United States alone.

But these promising chickens — injected with a fluorescent protein to distinguish them from normal birds in experiments — won’t likely gatecrash their way into poultry production any time soon. Health regulators around the world have yet to approve any genetically modified animals for use in food because of long-standing safety and environmental concerns. To genetically engineer chickens, the U.K. researchers inject a “decoy” gene into a cluster of cells on the yolk of a newly laid egg. The egg will hatch into a chick containing the decoy gene, which it will be able to pass on to its offspring. The decoy gene is injected into the chicken chromosome alongside the fluorescent pro-

tein that makes the birds glow under ultraviolet light, similar to glow-in-the-dark posters in college dorm rooms. The birds would not be bred to glow if they are commercialized. When the modified birds come into contact with the flu, their genetic code is designed to trick the virus into copying the decoy and to inhibit the virus’s ability to reproduce itself. In one study with a form of decoy, scientists put 16 infected conventional chickens in contact with a mixture of 16 normal and 16 genetically modified chickens that contained a decoy. The GMO birds were found to be less susceptible and succumbed to infection more slowly than the conventional birds.

There’s a range of byproduct feeds

A baby chick, genetically modified to block transmission of bird flu, glows under an ultraviolet light, next to a chick that has not been modified. PHOTO: REUTERS/NORRIE RUSSELL OF THE ROSLIN INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

NEW

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry release

Dry conditions, short supplies of forage, expensive supplements, and tight profit margins have many sheep producers looking for alternate feeds. “Canola or grain screenings, potato waste, grass seed cleanings, or beet pulp are just a few of the byproducts that can be used to feed sheep,” said Susan Hosford, a provincial sheep industry specialist. “Byproduct feeds become available when a traditional feed ingredient is processed into another product, such as the alfalfa fines from an alfalfa cubing plant. Byproducts such as brewer’s grain or bakery waste can sometimes be sourced from local food or beverage manufacturing. Byproduct screenings are produced when grains, legumes, or forage seeds are cleaned.” But know the availability, supply, and price of a byproduct before incorporating it into a flock feeding program. “Dry conditions increase competition for feed which makes local availability and price major considerations. Many byproducts are available only through contracts and are delivered at times specified by the seller. Some are only available at certain times of the year.” Producers also need to know how many days of feed they need, how they will store it, and feed quality. “Before purchasing or feeding any byproduct, try to have feeds sampled and tested to determine the nutrient content,” said Hosford. “This is critically important for every new batch whether the byproduct is used regularly or is a new feed ingredient. The nutrient and moisture content of byproduct feeds vary dramatically with different loads depending on the supplier, the product itself, processing methods, harvesting methods, the season, the weather and, of course, how it was stored.” Ration balancer software www. sheepbytes.ca has a feed library that includes some byproduct feeds.

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1044 Pioneer Protector ad_Field_ABFarmExp.indd 1

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9/9/15 3:34 PM

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

When it makes sense to have cattle custom fed Freight costs, yardage, and the ‘opportunity cost’ of your labour may be the deciding factors Alberta Agriculture and Forestry release

rucking in hay is very expensive this year, but you still have to run the numbers to decide if it’s better to buy feed or have cattle custom fed, says a provincial farm business management specialist. The first step is to calculate the cost of putting feed into the feed bunk, said Dean Dyck. This is the sum of the feed cost, shipping costs, yardage charge on the farm, ‘opportunity cost’ of labour, and shrink and waste. “For example, if each cow needs about 35 pounds of hay per day to maintain her, it will take about 7,500 pounds or approximately 3.75 tons of hay over 215 days,” said Dyck. “Feeding days are suggested to be longer this coming winter due to a lack of fall grazing opportunities and to give pastures time to recover from lack of moisture.” At $200 per ton, the total cost of the hay will be $750 per animal. Freight charges add about $6 per loaded mile. If hay is picked up 100 miles away, that works out to $33 per ton or $123 per animal for the 215 days, said Dyck. Yardage charges include the cost of operating equipment, corral cleaning, utilities, and wear and tear on facilities. Using approximately $0.70 per head per day for ‘at home’ yardage, the total cost of hay delivered to the farm is $1,026 per animal for 215 days. “This example assumes that there is less than 15 to 20 per cent of wasted hay per day and that the farmer has no opportunity cost for labour,” says Dyck. “That is, if the owner can use the labour to generate alternative income, then the opportunity cost of not feeding cattle must be added to the cost of purchasing and hauling feed.”

If the price of hay is the same at the custom feeder, the cost of feed would be $750 per animal.

Step two

The second step is to calculate the cost of moving animals to a custom operator and paying for the feed and care there. This is the sum of shipping the animals to and from the lot, along with the cost of feed at the facility, and the yardage charge by the feeder to care for and feed the animals. If the price of hay is the same at the custom feeder, the cost of feed would be $750 per animal. However, the cost of freight for moving the cattle to and from the feed yard has to be factored in. The average custom rate for hauling cattle is about $5.50 per loaded mile with 50 cows per load. A 100mile round trip cost will be $22 per head, making the total cost of hay and hauling $772 per head for 215 days. If the feeder charges $0.85 per head per day in yardage, the total cost will be $954 per head for 215 days, or $72 per head lower than the cost of buying feed. “These are just examples and you must figure your own costs including the purchase price of feed and the cost of shipping hay and cattle,” said Dyck. “If you are considering custom feeding, both parties should agree on a body condition score going into and coming out of the feed yard as well as a fairly accurate estimate of pregnancy.”

Custom feeding may be the wise choice this year, but you still have to calculate all the costs. Photo: Thinkstock

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FEEDING

JD 9860 2004 Hopper Cover, Clean & Ready To Work, 1,815 T Hours 2420 E015728 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $124,900

Haybuster 2650 With Grain Tank E013339. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,600

New Units Also In Stock at Great Pricing!!!

Wheat-Belt Never used 20’ Electric Bale Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,900

Haybuster 2650 With Grain Tank E015596. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,900

GRAIN CARTS

DR Pro Lawn Vac & Chipper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,600

Haybuster 2650 No Tank E015141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,900

FK Y720 Farm King 72” Rotary Cutter E016017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,700 Kub ZG227 54” Zero-Turn Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500

TILLAGE & SEEDING

Demco 850 & 1150 2014 1150 Bu, Black or Blue, PTO & Hyd. Drive, 900 Tires, Tarp & Scales Starting At: New . . . . $47,900

NH Boomer 3040 2012 40hp, Loader, Skid Steer Q/A, CVT Trans. E016441. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,000

Summers 60ft Heavy Harrows E014008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,900

United Farmer 750bu. Hydraulic Drive Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,700

JD 701 10 Wheel V-Rake E016365 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,900

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Alberta Beef: Keep up countryof-origin labelling battle Rich Smith says next government must maintain the pressure on Washington in long-running dispute By JENNIFER BLAIR AF staff

ountry-of-origin labelling — a.k.a. COOL — isn’t cool for Alberta’s beef producers. “We’re an exporting industry, and trade issues like country-oforigin labelling are probably our top priority,” said Rich Smith, executive director of Alberta Beef Producers. “In terms of the negative impact of COOL, it continues to have an impact of close to $1 billion a year in our industry.” In 2002, the U.S. implemented mandatory country-of-origin labelling for various Canadian commodities, including beef and pork. The World Trade Organization has ruled four times in four years that COOL discriminates against Canadian beef and pork, but the battle isn’t won yet, said Smith. “We think we’re really close to being able to resolve the issue, but certainly, the United States will be looking for signs of a weakening resolve in Canada,” he said. “We need to be sure the new government maintains the commitment that Canada’s made to impose retaliatory tariffs if the United States doesn’t fix COOL.” Any sign of weakening will “reduce pressure on the United States,” said Smith. “If we’re not able to get COOL resolved and bring back the balance in the market forces in our industry, it’s going to have a negative impact on us,” he said. “We just can’t afford to be leaving that money on the table.” And anything that reduces the economic benefits of producing cattle could further delay the expansion of Canada’s cattle herd. “We think that, given the prices of the last couple of years, producers are starting to look toward moving ahead with that expansion,” said Smith. “If we can get some of these issues resolved in terms of trade,

that will encourage expansion, but if they’re not resolved, that would tend to delay expansion.” And herd expansion needs to take place soon. “We need to be expanding our herd soon or we start to place some of our feeding and processing infrastructure at risk,” said Smith. “The cattle feeders and the processors depend on a supply of cattle, and if cattle are in limited supply and we don’t start moving forward with expanding our herd, it puts pressure on those businesses.”

By resolving COOL and gaining greater U.S. market access, the Canadian government will “send another signal to producers that they should be expanding their herd.” But the new federal government needs to stand firm and impose retaliatory tariffs if Washington doesn’t fix or scrap COOL. “The current government has made a strong commitment to that, and we would want whoever wins the election to maintain that commitment.”

“We think we’re really close to being able to resolve the issue, but certainly, the United States will be looking for signs of a weakening resolve in Canada.”

Rich Smith

jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Meat packers desperate for workers despite jump in jobless rate There are 1,000 job vacancies at slaughter plants, but Canadians shun them By JENNIFER BLAIR AF staff

espite job losses in other sectors, Canada’s pork industry is still struggling to build a sustainable workforce. “For us in Western Canada, it really comes down to availability of labour,” said Darcy Fitzgerald, executive director at Alberta Pork. “We need to have workers available for us, and often, they’re not Canadian, only because we don’t have enough workers to come work on farms with us or to work in processing. It’s right through the value chain.” There are currently 800 to 1,000 job vacancies at meatpacking plants across Canada — about 10 per cent of the workforce. That won’t be remedied by

massive layoffs in the oil and gas sector, said Fitzgerald. “If you don’t know the industry or have a history with it — as most Canadians don’t — it doesn’t pay those big six figures like the oil and gas industry does,” said Fitzgerald. “Those people don’t come to work at the farm. They don’t come to work in food processing. That’s the reality of it. We need to be real about our situation. Just because one industry lays off workers doesn’t mean those workers will come work in another one.” And the industry isn’t a fit for a lot of people, he added. “Just because you’re a body and don’t have a job, it doesn’t mean you’re the right body to work in an industry that has to have a lot of compassion for animals. We need people who know how to work with

“Just because you’re a body and don’t have a job, it doesn’t mean you’re the right body to work in an industry that has to have a lot of compassion for animals.”

Darcy Fitzgerald

animals and have an innate ability to do that.” That’s why the industry is reliant on the federal temporary foreign worker program. And while it helps, said Fitzgerald, it’s also “cumbersome to get through.”

“It’s a long process. It’s an arduous process. And we’re moving down the road of making it harder than better.” Seasonal workers aren’t an issue for the industry, but finding long-term employees is. “We’re looking for the types

of workers that can come year round and the types of programs that can work long term for our livestock industry.” Ideally, temporary foreign workers would be nominated to become Canadian citizens, but again, red tape gets in the way. “Often, we have too many people lined up to become Canadians, and suddenly these individuals — who are very good people and who want to become citizens — are turned away and have to go back home,” he said. “Then they’re out of the system for four years, and we can’t wait four years for them to come back to Canada.” Fitzgerald wants the next federal government to fix the program so it “serves both the worker and the employer, while being good for Canada.” “This really comes down to industry and government working together on programs that are good for everyone and good for the country.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

JUST A REMINDER AgriStability

The deadline for 2014 Supplementary Forms (without penalty) is September 30th, 2015.

Perennial Crop Insurance

The last day to file Hay and Export Timothy Hay Harvested Production Reports (without penalty) is October 15th, 2015.

www.AFSC.ca • @AFSC_AB 1-877-899-AFSC (2372)

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

USED FARM EQUIPMENT This year’s Value Bonanza sales event gives you more SMART WAYS TO SAVE! It starts with BONANZA BUCKS – it’s like bonus cash just for buying select New Holland tractors and equipment. And, your savings continue with 0% FINANCING or CASH BACK in lieu of financing. But hurry! The clock is ticking. See us before this offer ends on November 30, 2015. See all the SMART deals at nhvaluebonanza.com

AIR DRILLS

2011 Bourgault 3310 ...................... $158,000 2009 Bourgault 3310 ...................... $148,000 2013 Bourgault 3710 ...................... $198,000 2012 Bourgault 3710-50 ................ $159,000 2002 Bourgault 5710 ........................ $55,800 1998 Bourgault 5710 ........................ $59,900 2008 Bourgault 5710 ...................... $108,000 1997 Bourgault 5710 ........................ $48,000 2007 Case IH ATX700/3430 ............. $79,000 2000 Flexi-Coil 3450 ...................... $115,000 2001 Flexi-Coil 3450 ........................ $39,500 2003 Flexi-Coil 5000/3450 .............. $89,000 2002 Flexi-Coil 6000 / 3450 .......... $115,000 2010 Flexi-Coil P2060 ...................... $68,000 2008 NH SD550 .............................. $59,000

AIR SEEDERS

2013 Bourgault 3320/L6550 .......... $289,000 2001 Bourgault 5440 ........................ $48,000 2010 Bourgault 6450 ...................... $108,000 2012 Bourgault 6450 ...................... $125,000 2010 Bourgault 6650 ...................... $115,000 2011 Bourgault L6550 .................... $105,000 2009 Bourgault L6550 .................... $105,000 2009 Bourgault L6550 .................... $105,000

AIR TANK/CARTS

Bourgault 3225 ................................. $13,500 2000 Bourgault LFC2000 .................... $8,200 1995 Flexi-Coil 2320 ........................ $13,500

ROUND BALERS

2004 Case IH RBX562, 12600Bales ... $13,800 2009 NH BR7090 ............................. $29,800 2003 NH BR780 ................................. $7,900 2005 NH BR780 ............................... $13,500 2007 NH BR780A ............................ $15,900 2006 NH BR780A ............................ $14,500

BLADES

2013 Leon Q5000 ............................ $33,000 2012 Leon Q5000 ............................ $33,000 2013 Leon Q5000 ............................ $33,000

COMBINES

2012 AGCO Gleaner S77 Eng Hrs: 423 Sep Hrs: 323 ......... $298,000 2012 AGCO Gleaner S77 Eng Hrs: 446 Sep Hrs: 346 ......... $298,000 2000 Case IH 8010 Eng Hrs: 1728 Sep Hrs: 1322 ..... $189,000 2008 Case IH 8010 Eng Hrs: 1781 Sep Hrs: 1169 ..... $169,500 2013 Claas 760 Eng Hrs: 361 Sep Hrs: 233 ......... $389,000 2007 John Deere 9860STS Eng Hrs: 1627 Sep Hrs: 1161 ..... $208,000 2005 John Deere 9860STS Eng Hrs: 1497 ............................ $148,000 2012 NH CR8090 Eng Hrs: 554 Sep Hrs: 434 ......... $359,000 2012 NH CR8090 Sep Hrs: 480 ...... $339,000 2010 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 1654 Sep Hrs: 1240 ..... $189,000

2010 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 1655 Sep Hrs: 1239 ..... $189,000 2008 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 1434 Sep Hrs: 1023 ..... $189,500 2007 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 948 Sep Hrs: 780 ......... $198,000 2007 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 1710 Sep Hrs: 1253 ..... $179,000 2010 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 1616 Sep Hrs: 1190 ..... $189,000 2009 NH CR9070 Sep Hrs: 920 ...... $239,000 2008 NH CR9070 Eng Hrs: 1489 Sep Hrs: 1020 ..... $195,000 2010 NH CR9080 Eng Hrs: 1131 Sep Hrs: 823 ....... $268,000 2009 NH CR9080 Eng Hrs: 1347 Sep Hrs: 980 ....... $249,000 2010 NH CR9080 Eng Hrs: 1417 Sep Hrs: 1045 ..... $259,000 2012 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 635 Sep Hrs: 458 ......... $369,000 2014 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 458 Sep Hrs: 319 ......... $395,000 2014 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 491 Sep Hrs: 342 ......... $389,000 2011 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 1069 Sep Hrs: 827 ....... $308,000 2012 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 546 ...... $369,000 2012 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 860 Sep Hrs: 630 ......... $359,000 2010 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 1165 Sep Hrs: 796 ....... $318,000 2012 NH CR9090 Eng Hrs: 677 Sep Hrs: 542 ......... $369,000 2006 NH CR970 Eng Hrs: 1400 Sep Hrs: 1100 ..... $178,000 2005 NH CR970 ............................ $138,000 2006 NH CR970 Eng Hrs: 1547 Sep Hrs: 1219 ..... $189,500 2005 NH CR970 Eng Hrs: 2459 Sep Hrs: 1821 ..... $159,000 2006 NH CR970 Eng Hrs: 1861 Sep Hrs: 1300 ..... $169,500 2009 NH CX8080 Eng Hrs: 1315 Sep Hrs: 1024 ..... $199,000 2014 NH CX8080 Eng Hrs: 63 Sep Hrs: 44 ............. $398,000 2007 NH CX8080 Eng Hrs: 1002 Sep Hrs: 785 ....... $189,000 2014 NH CX8080 Eng Hrs: 54 Sep Hrs: 36 ............. $398,000 2002 NH CX840 Eng Hrs: 3700 Sep Hrs: 2500 ....... $78,000 2004 NH CX860 Eng Hrs: 2374 Sep Hrs: 1851 ..... $138,000 2006 NH CX860 Eng Hrs: 1860 Sep Hrs: 1347 ..... $138,000 1996 NH TR98 Eng Hrs: 2931 Sep Hrs: 2211 ....... $39,000 1997 NH TR98 Eng Hrs: 2740 Sep Hrs: 1934 . $48,000 1993 NH TX36 Eng Hrs: 3079 ........... $25,000

1997 NH TX66 ROW CROP TILLAGE Eng Hrs: 3754 Sep Hrs: 2781 ....... $38,500 2010 Riteway 8100 .......................... $36,000 1996 NH TX66 Eng Hrs: 2796 Sep Hrs: 2188 ....... $48,000 SPRAYERS 1993 Flexi-Coil S65 ............................ $7,900 1998 NH TX66 Eng Hrs: 3438 Sep Hrs: 2643 ....... $39,500 2003 Flexi-Coil S67 .......................... $19,500 DEEP TILLAGE 2008 NH SF115 ............................... $24,900 2013 Mandako MT3620RB ............... $65,000

FIELD CULTIVATORS

HIGH CLEARANCE SPRAYERS

2008 Case IH Patriot 3320 Eng Hrs: 3030 ............................ $148,000 2011 NH SP240 GRAIN AUGERS Eng Hrs: 747 Spray Hrs: 542 ..... $268,000 2001 Brandt 1390 .............................. $9,000 2011 RoGator 1396 Eng Hrs: 900 ... $288,000 2010 NuVision 5395 ........................ $21,000 2013 Bourgault 8910 - 70 .............. $115,000 2014 Valmar 3255 ........................... $12,800

GRAIN VACS

SWATHERS

2010 Massey Ferguson 5100-35 ....... $79,000 2006 NH 88C-36 ............................. $58,000 2009 NH 88C-42 ............................. $68,000 2009 NH 94C-30 ............................. $39,800 2003 NH 94C-36 ............................. $39,500 2009 NH 94C-36 ............................. $44,000 2008 NH 94C-36 ............................. $49,500 1998 NH 994-25 ............................. $28,500 1999 NH 994-30 ............................. $29,500 2000 NH 994-30 ............................. $38,000 1998 NH 994-36 ............................. $19,000 1999 NH 994-36 ............................. $29,000 1998 NH 994-36 ............................. $19,000 2006 NH HB30 ................................ $26,000 1998 NH SP30 ................................. $28,500 1994 NH SP30 ................................... $9,800 1992 NH SP30 .......................................... $0

TILLER

2008 REM Mfg 3700 ........................ $22,000 1990 AGCO Hesston 1200 ................. $2,800 2013 MacDon M105 Hrs: 170 ........ $138,000 HARROW HEAVY 1999 Bourgault 7200 ........................ $24,000 2009 MacDon M150 Hrs: 911 .......... $95,000 2011 MacDon M150 Hrs: 871 ........ $125,000 HEADER COMBINES 2008 Honey Bee HB36 ...................... $48,000 2010 MacDon M150 Hrs: 950 ........ $109,500 1996 Honey Bee SP25 ...................... $18,500 2012 Massey Ferguson 9740 ............ $98,000 1995 Honey Bee SP30 ...................... $29,500 1999 NH 2450 Hrs: 2800 ................. $25,000 1994 Honey Bee SP36 ...................... $19,500 2010 NH H8060 .............................. $89,000 2008 John Deere 936D ..................... $39,900 2003 Premier 2952 Hrs: 2098 ........... $48,000 2011 MacDon FD70-45 .................... $75,000 2013 MacDon FD75 ......................... $79,000 2005 Westward 9352 Hrs: 1450 ....... $69,000

HEADER DRAPERS

1998 MacDon 960 ............................. $9,500 1998 MacDon 960 ........................... $25,000 2013 MacDon D65 ........................... $59,000

LAWN TRACTOR

2008 Husqvarna 2754GLS Hour Meter: 99.9Hrs ....................... $2,200

MOWER CONDITIONERS

1992 John Deere 1600 ....................... $5,800 2000 MacDon 5010 ......................... $12,000 2006 NH 1475 ................................ $21,500 1995 NH 2216 .................................. $9,500 1995 NH 2216 .................................. $7,500 2000 NH 2300 ................................ $10,500 2013 NH H7460 .............................. $37,500 2012 NH H7560 .............................. $28,000 2006 NH HS18 ................................ $24,500

1988 Buhler C2540 ............................ $1,600

TRACTORS 2007 Kubota BX2350 ....................... $15,000 2008 Kubota BX2660 Eng Hrs: 200 ... $11,500 1994 NH 8670 ......................................... $0 1994 NH 8970 Eng Hrs: 9250 .......... $48,000 2009 NH T6030 Eng Hrs: 4550 ......... $89,000 2011 NH T7.170 Eng Hrs: 1850 ...... $119,000 2011 NH T7.235 Auto Command Eng Hrs: 2000 ............................ $119,000 2011 NH T7.270 Auto Command Eng Hrs: 2360 ............................ $178,000 2010 NH T7040 Eng Hrs: 2570 ....... $118,000 2012 NH T9.615 Eng Hrs: 2706 ...... $259,000 2001 NH TM125 Eng Hrs: 7435 ........ $48,000 2009 NH TV6070 Eng Hrs: 4660 ...... $95,000 2011 NH TV6070 Eng Hrs: 2560 .... $118,000 2009 NH TV6070 ............................. $89,000 2008 NH TV6070 Eng Hrs: 4555 ...... $79,500 1980 Steiger P III PTA310 .................. $28,000

TRACTORS 4WD 2012 Buhler Versatile 500 Eng Hrs: 925 .............................. $285,000 2009 Case IH STX535Q Eng Hrs: 3103 ............................ $278,000 2014 NH T9.615 Eng Hrs: 1263 ...... $338,000 2002 NH TJ450 Eng Hrs: 9000 ....... $138,000

VERTICAL TILLAGE 2010 Salford 570 RTS ....................... $68,000

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

It’s a fine day for a rest

Nothing like a day by the pond for these horses pastured near Millarville. With sweltering temperatures in the 30s, it is the perfect place for an equine siesta. photo: wendy Dudley T:17.4”

BayerCropScience.ca/InVigor or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. InVigor® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

FS:8.35” F:8.7”

Albertafarmexpress.ca • September 28, 2015

Supply management wants the federal government in its corner The feds should be supporting supply management, says the chair of Egg Farmers of Alberta By JENNIFER BLAIR AF staff

ird flu hasn’t yet hit Alberta’s poultry industry but it’s a real threat for provincial egg farmers, and one the federal government needs to manage. Avian influenza has killed nearly 50 million chickens and

turkeys in the U.S. and hit a handful of Ontario and B.C. operations earlier this year. “We saw what a big hit that took out of the poultry industry and the ag industry overall,” said Susan Schafers, chair of the Egg Farmers of Alberta. But while producers “do the best they can” to protect their barns, there’s no guaranteed defence against a disease that

can originate with wild birds and spread quickly from farm to farm. “You can have the best type of operation, and if it’s an airborne issue, there’s very little you can do as a farmer,” said Schafers. “Having that continued support from government for major disease issues is something we would be looking for.” The federal government sup-

ports national biosecurity programs to protect farmers against disease outbreaks like avian influenza, including reporting systems, lab facilities, and veterinarians. But financial support is important as well, she said. “At this stage, avian influenza losses are often covered under government support programs, and it’s important that that continues on.” Any disease outbreak erodes consumers’ confidence, she said. “There are certainly concerns with any disease and any biosecurity issues, in that consumers just don’t feel as confident purchasing the product,” said Schafers. Her industry will also be expecting the next government

to stand by supply management, she said. “If we move away from supply management, we’re going to move away from small family farms and local business into very large, vertically integrated farms.” There seems to be “very good” support for supply management at the federal level, “but there’s a lot of concern from farmers from all across the country about this,” she said. “They need to be keeping the farmers and their communities in mind when they go to these trade negotiations,” said Schafers. “We’re asking them not to trade off supply management for access for other commodities.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

“Having that continued support from government for major disease issues is something we would be looking for.”

Susan Schafers

T:11.428”

Avian flu risk higher with fall migrations Staff

oultry farmers are being warned to keep biosecurity top of mind as wild birds start heading south. “With the fall weather quickly approaching, resulting in colder temperatures and wild bird migrations, the threat of re-emergence of (highly pathogenic avian influenza) is real,” the Feather Board Command Centre, the emergency response arm of Ontario’s poultry and egg boards, said in a recent notice.

O-66-08/15-10406655-E

F:8.7”

Farmers will want to stick rigorously to their daily biosecurity measures, such as putting on clean footwear and protective clothing every time they go into a barn and not visiting other poultry or egg production sites. Three Ontario farms were infected with high-path H5N2 in April while B.C. had 11 commercial farms and two backyard flocks had avian flu infections in early 2015. Barring any new cases, Canada is on track to regain its status as free of high-path avian flu by the end of October.

AG DEALS TO GO!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

COOL decision down to the fine points An arbitration panel heard widely different interpretations of how much damage was done By Alex Binkley AF contributor

Photo: Thinkstock

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anada has made its final pitch to a World Trade Organization panel on the billions of dollars of damage beef and pork producers say they have suffered due to the U.S. countryof-origin labelling (COOL) program. Now it awaits a decision on what level of retaliatory tariffs it can impose on imports of American food and consumer goods. The presentation from Canadian representatives and a counter-argument from the U.S. were heard in Geneva Sept. 14. The next step will be written questions to the two countries from the WTO panel studying the dispute, with a final decision due by Nov. 27. The Canadian presentation “relied on facts, rather than the Americans’ hypotheses and assumptions which attempted to trivialize the enormous harm COOL has imposed on Canada’s livestock industry,” said Rick Bergmann, chair of the Canadian Pork Council. Almost six years have passed since Canada first protested COOL to the WTO as a violation of international trade rules that burdened its producers with $3 billion a year in lower prices and extra costs, said Bergmann, who farms near Steinbach, Man. “The WTO has ruled four times that COOL is discriminatory. The United States needs to deal now with fixing the faulty legislation before allowing steep tariffs to be imposed on a wide swath of its exports to Canada.” The office of the United States Trade Representative has claimed that COOL has only cost Canadian producers about US$43 million a year. It says Canada made fundamental legal errors and numerous flaws and erroneous assumptions in developing its damage claims. “The chief economist for the United States Department of Agriculture has stated that COOL is costing the American industry alone some US$2.6 billion annually,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Canada is confident in our assessment that COOL is causing more than $3 billion in annual damages to the Canadian cattle and hog industry.” Ritz has repeatedly urged the U.S. to repeal COOL to avoid the retaliatory duties. A handful of senators blocked a motion approved by the House of Representatives to do that. Instead they offered a modified plan, which Canada had dismissed as irrelevant and misleading. Bergmann said the costs of complying with COOL “are so onerous for the U.S. food distribution system that the number of U.S. plants willing to purchase Canadianborn pigs fell from over 25 prior to mandatory COOL to just a handful today.” The Canadian duty list will include beef, pork, apples, rice, corn, maple syrup, wine, jewelry, wooden furniture and mattresses. Ritz says Canada will aim its tariffs to goods coming from states whose senators opposed ending COOL.

Search news. Read stories. Find insight.

15-08-19 11:30 AM

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

2002 FLEXI-COIL 5000-57’

2005 JOHN DEERE 9620T

$80,000

$169,000

Air Drill,10” Spacing, 4” Rubber. Comes with 2002 F/C 3450 Air Tank

2011 NEW HOLLAND 94C, CX Adapter, Call for more details. Stk # 60974A

$65,000 CASH

3959 Hours, 500 hp, Stk # 12077B

2009 NH 94C

40ft, CR Adapter, Cross Auger Assembly, Fore/ Aft Hdr. Tilt. , Stk # 12004A

$55,000 CASH

2014 BOURGAULT 3710-60’

Disc Drill, 10” spacing, leading tank conﬁguration. MRB III’s w/ cleaning wheels, single shoot leading

$195,000

2011 NEW HOLLAND H7560, 2003 BOURGAULT 5710-47’, 2011 BOURGAULT 5810-62’, Stk # 11594A, 3400 Acres, Put through shop, re-done, Stk# 11594A

$23,500 CNT

Drill, 4.5” steel packers w/ mudscrapers, double shoot, no MRB’s, 9.8” spacing

$30,000 CNT

9.8” spacing, 2.25” steel packers. W/ 2011 Bourgault L6550, 4 tank metering, 591 monitor.

$225,000

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2013 NH SP.240F,

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$220,000 CNT

2011 JOHN DEERE 1910,

2012 NH SP.240F,

High clearance. 1200 gal stainless steel Tank. Fence line spray kit, electric ﬂush and rinse, Stk# 11792A

$210,000 CNT

2012 NH 94C,

3 tank metering, Dbl shoot, TBT, duals, c/w 2011 JD 1810 Sir Drill, 12” Sp, Dbl shoot, Stk # 70044A/70043B

Stk # 40164A, Cross Auger Assembly, Dual Knife, Fore/Aft Hdr. Tilt Feed., Stk# 40164A

2010 NH P1060,

1995 NEW HOLLAND 9680,

$89,000

$69,000 CASH

$210,000

3 tank metering, dbl shoot, TBT, 430 Bushels.w/ 1996 F/C 5000 drill. 9” Sp, 3.5 steel packers, Stk# 12252A

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5430 Hours, 350 hp, MFWD. Stk # 12256C

2011 NH SP.240F,

High Clearance. 1000 gal. stainless steel tank. 3” Quick Fill, Stk #12150A

$195,000 CNT

2009 NH CR9070,

1458 hrs, 400hp, 1078 Thresher Eng., AutoGuidance Nav II w/ GPS, Dlx Chopper, AugerLong Unloading, Duals, Stk # 12061A

$185,000 CNT

2011 NH T6050 PLUS,

6620 hrs,Trans 16/16 Autoshift, 3rd Hyd Outlet, 3 Mid-Mount Hyds w/ Ldr Bracket, Cab w/AC, Cab Susp, Stk# 12244A

$75,000

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2010 NH CR9080,

Axle diff lock, dual tires, auto guidance NAV II w/ GPS, Std. Hydro, Stk #12036A

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Community news and events from across the province

Making Alberta beautiful: It’s a blooming good idea Staff

Send agriculture-related meeting and event announcements to: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com

rought or not, Alberta’s Communities in Bloom must go on and earlier this month, a host of communities was recognized for their efforts to brighten up their towns and villages. Earlier this summer, volunteer judges toured participating Alberta communities to evaluate them on six criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, and floral displays. Each category is worth 150 to 200 points (for a total of 1,000 points), but evaluated communities are assigned a “bloom rating.” It takes a score of 55 per cent just to get one bloom, and hitting the 5 Bloom level requires a score of 82 per cent or better. The village of Delia won 5 Bloom honours and first place for communities of 500 or fewer residents. Glenwood and Rosalind each scored 4 Blooms. Coronation, Bon Accord, and Spirit River all earned 5 Blooms for towns of 501 to 2,000 residents, with Coronation earning the title of category winner. Irricana had 4 Blooms. In the 2,001- to 6,000-resident category, Provost edged St. Paul, with both earning 5 Blooms. Barrhead had 4 Blooms and Fox Creek had 3 Blooms. Cold Lake had 5 Blooms and won the 6,001- to 15,000-resident category. Several communities wanted to be evaluated — which means paying the judges’ travelling expenses — but didn’t want to compete. Redwater had 5 Blooms while Morinville, Ponoka, and Wabamun all earned 4 Blooms. For more information about the Communities in Bloom program, visit cib.arpaonline.ca.

what’s

Sept. 29: Herd Management Software Workshop, Beaverlodge Ag Society meeting room, Beaverlodge. Contact: Stacy Pritchard 780-835-6799 Sept. 30: Facility Design Workshop, Evans Cattle Co., Airdrie. Contact: Cassandra Kirkpatrick 403-652-4900 Oct. 2: Ration Balancing Workshop Series, High Prairie PCBFA office, High Prairie (also Oct. 6 in Valleyview, Oct. 7 in both Clear Hills County and Savanna). Contact: Stacy Pritchard 780-835-6799 Oct. 2-4: Rural Alberta Innovation and Learning Commons, Augustana Campus, Camrose. Contact: Trish Macklin 780-679-1672 Oct. 3: Ponoka Women’s Conference, Ponoka Community Centre, Ponoka. Contact: Lauraine Weir 403-783-3713 Oct. 6: The #RealDirt on Farming — Speakers’ Bureau Training, Red Deer Public Library, Red Deer. Contact: Alberta Farm Animal Care kristen@ afac.ab.ca Oct. 13-14: Playing the Long Game: Capturing Value in Livestock Innovation (6th Annual Livestock Gentec conference). Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton. Contact: Livestock Gentec 780-248-1740 Oct. 15-17: Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association 2015 Value of Health Symposium, Holiday Inn and Suites South, Red Deer. Contact: Linda Brandes 1-866-967-4337 Oct. 20: Biosecurity Workshop, GPRC Fairview Campus, Fairview. Contact: Stacy Pritchard 780-835-6799

Dozens of volunteers, such as Audrey Petruk (left) and Claudette Stetsko in Redwater, help make Communities in Bloom a success. PHOTOS: Alberta Recreation and Parks Association

Oct. 20: Getting into Farming Information Session For the Aspiring Farmer, Airdrie Agriculture Centre, Airdrie (also Oct. 22 in Leduc). Contact: Ag-Info Centre 1-800-387-6030

Oct. 21: Working Well Workshop, Clearwater County (Aurora). (Also Oct. 22 in Parkland County, Oct. 27 in County of Wetaskiwin, and five locations in November.) Contact: Gary Lewis or Chelsea Kehler 403845-4444 Oct. 21-22: Natural Health Product and Functional Ingredients Industry conference, AITF Auditorium, Edmonton. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 780-968-3513 Oct. 26-30: Return unwanted or obsolete pesticides and livestock medications campaign - Alberta Clean Farms, various locations across southern Alberta (list and dates at www.cleanfarms.ca). Contact: Clean Farms 877-622-4460 Nov. 2-3: Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue - Awareness Level Course, Executive Royal Inn, Leduc (also Nov. 4-5 in Drumheller). Contact: Alberta Farm Animal Care 1-403-652-5111 Nov. 3: Cow-Calfenomics Series, Vermilion Regional Centre, Vermilion (also Nov. 4 in Westlock, Nov. 5 in Olds, and Nov. 6 in Lethbridge). Contact: Abby 780-422-1834 Nov. 6: Succession Planning Workshop, Vulcan Lodge Hall, Vulcan. Contact: Cassandra Kirkpatrick 403652-4900 Nov. 8-10: Flourishing Rural Economies Conference, Pomeroy Inn and Suites at Olds College, Olds. Contact: Lori-Jo Graham 403-5564244 Nov. 11-14: Agri-Trade, Westerner Park, Red Deer. Nov. 11-15: Farmfair International, Northlands, Edmonton. Contact: Northlands 1-888-800-7275

Reporter’s Notebook Carefree summer camp — no kids allowed By JENNIFER BLAIR af staff / lacombe

was never much for summer camp. Endless hours sitting in a hot, dusty church doing crafts; athletic competitions disguised as fun and games; cranky children and even crankier camp counsellors — none of that was for me. That is, until I attended horse camp. As an adult. Toward the end of August, I spent a weekend in a hot, dusty barn, taking part in athletic competitions disguised as fun and games, with cranky grown-ups and even crankier horses. And I had the time of my life.

Joined by my parents, Maggie and Randy, I spent almost three days at a horse camp tailored to adults (complete with a glass or two of wine after a hard day of riding). Over the course of a weekend, we learned the ins and outs of horse care: how to break a horse; how to tack and groom it; how to administer basic first aid; and how to decide if you’re ready to buy a horse. “Take $10,000 out of the bank and set it on fire — if you can do that without crying, you’re ready to buy a horse,” was the advice from Roy, our ‘camp counsellor’ for the weekend. The learning didn’t stop once we got into the saddle.

Roy put us through the paces, setting up obstacles to manoeuvre and urging us to do them at a trot once walking them became too easy. And because Roy’s operation is a working ranch, complete with a small herd of Corriente cattle, we spent one afternoon team penning some cattle, which we enjoyed so much that we did it again the next day. I even tried my hand at roping a training dummy — poorly, of course, but I got it on my second try. We had fun. As adults with bills to pay and responsibilities to take care of, fun doesn’t always make it to the top of a to-do list. We

leave so much of our childhood behind as we grow up. Play dates become meetings. Summer breaks become distant memories. Fun becomes something we slot in on a Sunday afternoon. But for one weekend, I was able to recapture some of the magic of childhood. I was able to have the kind of fun that makes you grin from ear to ear. For as much as I learned about horse care and riding and penning and roping during my weekend at horse camp, there’s one thing I learned that will carry me through the rest of my days: You’re never too old to have fun at summer camp. jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Just call her Maggie the Kid — this reporter’s mother tried her hand at roping a training dummy at horse camp late last month. PHOTO: JENNIFER BLAIR

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Everybody is harvesting

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Spare the rake — and your back — by leaving leaves on your lawn Before you start raking all those leaves up, here’s some options

Goat-killing menace mutates to clean energy source Kenyan farmers harvest invasive tree for electricity By Kagondu Njagi

Marigat, Kenya / Thomson Reuters Foundation

Red River Basin Commission release

ave you noticed the days shortening? So have many of the trees. Deciduous trees like oak, maple, elm, and birch rely on day length to tell them when to grow their leaves in the spring and drop them in the fall. The brilliant colours of autumn soon turn to frustration for many as leaves collect on their lawns. But before you take a rake out of the garden shed consider the advantages of leaving leaves on your lawn. Leaves contain many nutrients that the tree absorbed from the air and the soil over the summer. Trees pull carbon from the atmosphere and water from their roots to produce sugar in a process called photosynthesis. When you bag up leaves these stored nutrients don’t have a chance to be recycled. On the other hand, when leaves are burned they release their stored carbon back to the atmosphere. You can improve your soil and slow the release of carbon to the atmosphere by mulching leaves into your lawn.

There are better things to do with leaves than raking them up and taking them to the landfill. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK Simply going over your yard with a mower and chopping the leaves into small pieces will not only result in saving time but perhaps spare you a backache in the morning. Bacteria and microbes will go to work decomposing the leaves, making their nutrients available for next spring. Allowing leaves to compost can also save you money on expensive lawn-care fertilizers.

For more information on disposing of leaves visit: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/ garden/yard-garden/soils/ options-for-disposing-ofleaves/. The RRBC is a grassroots organization that is a chartered not-for-profit corporation under the provisions of Manitoba, North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota law.

goat-killing toxic shrub that was the bane of this Rift Valley town now has a new starring role: a clean fuel that lights homes and can earn villagers up to $1,000 a year. Jane Chirchir is one Marigat resident who has turned the tables on the invasive Prosopis juliflora, a kind of mesquite tree. The dense shrub, which can grow up to 12 metres (39 feet) in height, had spread across the area, choking grazing land and poisoning livestock. Now mathenge, as it is known locally, is being harvested and sold as fuel for an electric power station that has for the first time brought power to some village homes and reduced power cuts at others. “The company buys the raw materials from us,” said a happy Chirchir. “This is helping my family recover the loss we incurred when our goats died after eating mathenge.” She said she had lost 15 animals to the pest. Using the shrub for fuel represents a turnaround for villagers, who five years ago faced economic collapse after a court rejected a

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lawsuit seeking to force the government to clear the invasive plant from their land and compensate herders for their losses. The plant was first introduced into the area about 25 years ago by the Kenyan government and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to serve as a windbreak to cut erosion and slow desertification. But planting the invasive species had unintended consequences. Village elders said that when goats ate pods from the mathenge, the seeds stuck in the animals’ gums, poisoning them. Others claimed that the shrub’s long and deep roots encroached upon the foundations of their homes, eventually destroying them. Now, however, the plant’s very ability to spread and regenerate rapidly is causing money to flow into Chirchir’s home, and many others, as villagers harvest and sell it as biomass fuel to a power generation plant in Marigat. Cummins Cogeneration Kenya Ltd. has collaborated with the government to build the plant on a 15-acre plot on the outskirts of the village. The facility — the first in the country to use mathenge for fuel — burns harvested bundles of the shrub, converting the plant into electricity.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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Always read and follow label directions. AgSolutions is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation; ARES is a trade-mark, and Clearfield, and the unique Clearfield symbol are registered trade-marks of BASF Agrochemical Products B.V.; all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2015 BASF Canada Inc.

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Wheat, canola estimates increased

Russian stats questioned

StatsCan has upped its estimates of wheat and canola production after factoring in satellite and other climate data for the first time. Its mid-September estimates put spring wheat production at 18.4 million tonnes, compared with 17.97 million in the last report in August. That’s down 13 per cent from 2014 and is based on an average yield of 40.5 bushels per acre. Canola production is pegged at 14.4 million tonnes (versus 13.3 million in August), down 11.6 per cent from 2014. It’s based on yields of 32.6 bushels per acre. Barley production is forecast to be seven million tonnes and oats 3.2 million tonnes. — Reuters

Russian officials are pressuring farmers to report more grain crop than they actually harvest this year, according to the head of farmers’ lobby the Grain Union. Arkady Zlochevsky said that the difference between the actual harvest and the declared figures was not significant. Agriculture officials in Russia set targets for the grain crop in each region, and are under pressure to fulfil those targets. Russia is officially expected to harvest around 103 million tonnes by clean weight this year, down two million tonnes from a year ago, but still the third-largest grain crop in its post-Soviet history. — Reuters

HEARTLAND Churchill off to a late start

in a bid to reduce costs

The port is trying to reduce track maintenance costs without compromising export shipments By Jade Markus

Churchill, Man. / CNS Canada

hipping from the Port of Churchill started a month later than usual this season — a trade-off between reducing railway maintenance costs in warm weather and getting as much grain as possible through the northern route before winter freeze-up. Loading started Sept. 9 on the Clipper Bettina with the vessel bound for Kenya and other African ports carrying 36,000 tonnes of hard red spring wheat. Churchill typically sees its first shipment in early August, but port officials said they started later this year to lower the cost of maintaining the track. Cooler temperatures lower the cost of maintaining the rail line through northern Manitoba, said Merv Tweed, president of OmniTrax Canada, the railway company that operates the port. When running trains over the tundra, he said, “when it firms up, it stays firm.” Another factor was excessive supplies and low demand within the global grain market, said Jeff McEachern, executive director of the Churchill Gateway Development Corporation. “I’ve talked to other port terminals and people in the industry and they’re saying the same thing,” he said, adding, “the grain isn’t moving as quickly as we would like.” If the weather co-operates, the port is scheduled to operate until Nov. 6. Tweed said he is confident combined shipments from the four companies using the port will exceed 400,000 tonnes, but it may fall short of the budgeted 500,000 tonnes. The port will also ship 75,000 tonnes of lentils this year as part of its bid to diversify its handle. Churchill offers a cheaper shipping route because it is closer to Prairie grain production, but its short shipping season presents challenges, said Jerry Trenouth, wheat merchant for Richardson International. “Our harvest starts coming

Grain-moving equipment at the Port of Churchill, Sept. 2015. Photos: Jade Markus CNS

Grain being loaded onto the first ship of the season at Port of Churchill.

Vessel loading at the Port of Churchill.

off in September, so we can really only ship from the Prairie farmer in a very short window,” he said. The port’s longer-term outlook remains uncertain as a $25-million subsidy from the federal government runs out in 2017. Tweed said he is appealing to different levels of government to continue supporting the port but the fact that it became

would be able to hire more people from those communities, he said. While the northern climate shortens the shipping season, it’s warm weather that causes the greatest cost in maintaining the northern route, he noted. A large stretch of the track runs over tundra. When the ground heats up it becomes soft.

privately owned by OmniTrax in 1997 is a drawback. The company is willing to entertain partnerships, perhaps with First Nation governments, if it means it can access continued operational support, he said. The port hires mechanics, carpenters, millwrights, and engineers, and if the port works with band councillors, the port

“It’s a huge expense and it’s a continuous expense, even now.” He says the port’s budget runs up to $5 million. “And I always say we’re one grain accident away from $10 million. It can add up very quickly.” Transportation to and from the Port of Churchill for this article was provided by Hudson Bay Port Company.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Kale or steak? Change in diet key to UN plan to end hunger by 2030 Diets should feature less red meat and more plant-based proteins if world hunger is to be eliminated BY CHRIS ARSENAULT

Rome / Thomson Reuters Foundation

n trendy, hipster London or New York, it’s all about juicing, vegan diets and snacking on kale crisps. Thousands of miles away, in Nairobi or Bogota, the middle classes are more likely to reach for roasted goat or a juicy steak. Later this month, world leaders are set to endorse a UN goal to eliminate hunger by 2030, but they will have to convince their citizens to adopt new eating habits first, experts say. Diets must feature less red meat, which consumes 11 times more water and results in five times more climate-warming emissions than chicken or pork, according to a 2014 study. The shift, like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) themselves, must apply to both wealthy and developing nations, where consumption of ecologically unfriendly foods is growing fastest. “Sustainable and healthy diets will require a move towards a mostly plant-based diet,” said Colin Khoury, a biologist at the Colombia-based International Centre for Tropical Agriculture. Other key changes needed are cutting food waste and combating poor nutrition, he added.

pHOTO: tHINKSTOCK There are some signs the public is starting to take such advice on board. They include the release of an “EatBy” app that reminds consumers to use up food in the fridge, and a new social network to help people adopt a “climatarian” diet that

shuns meat from gassy grazing animals, such as beef and lamb. More than one million people have also signed an online petition calling on European ministers to pass laws and launch national action plans aimed at meeting a target in the SDGs

to halve global food waste per capita by 2030.

Zero hunger possible

Achieving the SDGs means the international community will need to find enough food over the next 15 years for the 795 mil-

lion people who go to bed hungry every night. “I don’t think it’s all that ambitious to eliminate hunger,” said Jomo Sundaram, assistant director general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). That is because incomes are rising in much of the world, transport to move food is improving, and new technologies are keeping yields of many key crops on an upward trend, he said. A previous set of goals adopted in 2000 aimed to halve the proportion of hungry people worldwide, a target that was largely achieved. UN officials believe that success can now be extended to put an end to hunger, which is judged according to the number of calories people consume — a system some experts say is too narrow. Despite a rapidly rising world population, there are 216 million fewer hungry people on earth today than in 1990, the FAO reported in May. But with the global population expected to climb to 8.5 billion by 2030, from 7.3 billion now, and climate change predicted to ravage yields in some nations, ending hunger will require tough choices in the field and on the dinner table.

kale or steak } page 51

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See all the SMART deals at nhvaluebonanza.com *For commercial use only. Offer subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. See your New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. standard terms and conditions will apply. Depending on model, a down payment may be required. Offer good through November 30, 2015, at participating New Holland dealers in Canada. Offer subject to change. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. © 2015 CNH Industrial Capital America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland Agriculture 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. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland Construction are trademarks in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

KALE OR STEAK } from page 50 “It’s not going to be easy, but if you look at the arithmetic, it is achievable,” Sundaram said.

Wasted opportunities

The world already produces enough food for everyone, but around one-third of it is discarded or spoils in transport or storage before reaching consumers, according to the FAO. In rich countries, individuals and grocery stores are responsible for most of the waste when they throw away imperfect vegetables or products they think are no longer safe to eat. Developing countries lose roughly a third of their edibles due to poor refrigeration systems and infrastructure bottlenecks, which prevent food from reaching the market. “Today we could easily feed everyone — it’s a distribution issue,” said Michael Obersteiner of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, an Austria-based think-tank. Meeting the hunger goal by 2030 may be possible if funding were available to cut waste along the supply chain, and yields continued to climb, he said. But by 2050, climate and population pressures — alongside an expanding global middle class with an appetite for meat — will make it harder to keep up the momentum on zero hunger. “Diets will have to change,” Obersteiner said.

Lower yields for a key food source in a region where one in four still do not get enough to eat could spell disaster. But farmers should be able to maintain or even increase production in the face of climate change if they switch to sorghum, millet and traditional vegetables like African nightshade or spider plant, Guarino said. In addition, new “climatesmart” varieties of maize and other staple crops, bred to withstand hotter, drier weather, will be crucial for meeting the SDGs, he added. Some scientists have also been developing food crops with extra micronutrients — such as orange sweet potatoes containing high levels of vitamin A — to tackle malnutrition. Large gene banks, used to breed crops containing the best traits adapted to particular environments, together with public education to shift diets to new and more diverse foods suited to a warmer world, will be crucial, the scientist noted. “There is no silver bullet to reaching the goal (of eliminating hunger),” Guarino said. “But even if we get 80 per cent there, it’s well worth it.”

Changing climate, shifting diets

Paying tribute to the success and innovation of Alberta’s export companies.

Today half the world’s agricultural land is used for livestock farming, he said, which is far less efficient for feeding people — and worse for the environment — than producing grain, fruit and vegetables for direct human consumption. And as middle-income earners in developing nations rapidly boost their meat consumption, pressure is growing on farmland, forests and water supplies, Obersteiner said.

“It’s not going to be easy, but if you look at the arithmetic, it is achievable.” Jomo Sundaram

Switching from eating meat four times a week, as recommended by the U.K.-based Food Climate Research Network in 2008, to just once would reduce commodity prices, as less grain would go to feed animals, making food cheaper for the urban poor, he said. It would also curb greenhouse emissions from the livestock sector, which account for roughly 14 per cent of the global total, more than direct emissions from transport, according to a Chatham House paper published in December. But with around 1.5 C of global temperature rise already locked in, some regions will have to change what they grow as the climate warms, bringing more extreme weather. “A lot of people in south and east Africa will have to move away from maize, which is the main staple at the moment,” said Luigi Guarino, senior scientist with the Global Crop Diversity Trust, a plant research organization.

pHOTO: tHINKSTOCK

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

New study says big plates lead to more ‘waist’ It’s not just overeating that’s a problem, so is ‘overserving,’ say British researchers STAFF

et another report is pointing to bigger plates, larger portions and super-size deals as a major cause of rising levels of obesity. Research at the University of Cambridge suggests eliminating larger-size portions from the diet completely could reduce energy intake by up to 16 per cent among U.K. adults or 29 per cent among U.S. adults. Researchers at the Behaviour and Health Research Unit combined results from 61 highquality studies, capturing data from 6,711 participants, to investigate the influence of portion, package and tableware size on food consumption. The data showed that people consistently consume more food and drink when offered larger-size portions, packages or tableware than when offered smaller-size versions “There has also been a tendency to portray personal characteristics like being overweight or a lack of self-control as the main reason people overeat,” said Dr. Gareth Hol-

Too much cheap food is a classic First-World problem. Photo: Thinkstock lands from the Behaviour and Health Research Unit, who coled the review. “In fact, the situation is far more complex. Our findings highlight the important role of environmental influences on food consumption. Helping people to avoid ‘overserving’ themselves or others with larger portions of food or drink

by reducing their size, availability and appeal in shops, restaurants and in the home, is likely to be a good way of helping lots of people to reduce their risk of overeating.” The researchers say actions could be taken to reduce the size, availability or appeal of larger-size portions, packages and tableware. But making smaller portion sizes a reality is likely to require regulation or legislation. One potential action includes restricting pricing practices whereby larger portion and package sizes cost less in relative (and sometimes absolute) monetary terms than smaller sizes and thus offer greater value for money to consumers; and restricting price promotions on larger portion and package sizes. “At the moment, it is all too easy — and often better value for money — for us to eat or drink too much,” said Ian Shemilt, who co-led the review. “The evidence is compelling now that actions that reduce the size, availability and appeal of large servings can make a difference to the amounts people eat and drink.”

Obesity rising everywhere, but two billion malnourished One in 12 adults worldwide now has Type 2 diabetes By Chris Arsenault

Toronto / Thomson Reuters Foundation

espite a drop in the number of people facing starvation, nearly one in three of the world’s population is malnourished, even as obesity spreads around the globe, says an international food security think-tank. Stunting — children too short for their age due to a poor diet — affects more than 160 million children under five years old, the International Food Policy Research Institute said in its Global Nutrition Report. The number of hungry people in the world fell, but obesity rose between 2010 and 2014 “in every single country,” and one in 12 adults worldwide now has Type 2 diabetes, the report said. Adult diabetes is increasing in 185 countries and is decreasing or stable in just five. “The coexistence of nutritional problems associated with extreme deprivation and obesity is the real face of malnutrition,” said Corinna Hawkes, co-author of the report. Globally, two billion people are not eating the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals, and thus face micronutrient malnutrition, while 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese. Forty-five per cent of all deaths of children under five are related to malnutrition, the report said. In five large developing countries — Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nige-

Malnutrition and obesity are both on the rise. Photo: Thinkstock ria and Pakistan — the percentage of children under five who are not stunted or wasted (underweight for their age) ranges from 43 to 48 per cent. Childhood malnutrition will have a dangerous impact on future development in those countries with fastexpanding populations, as children will not reach their full physical or intellectual potential as adults, it said. The report said $1 invested in nutrition-related programs offers a return of up to $16 in economic benefits, the report said, such as increased productivity and lower health-care costs. “People cannot get anywhere near their full potential without first overcoming malnutrition,” Lawrence Haddad, the report’s lead author, said in a statement. “This not only jeopardizes the lives of those who are malnourished, but also affects the larger framework of economic growth and sustainable development.”

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Agriculture research needs to focus on future challenges The institute said rising population, climate change and the need to find alternatives to fossil fuels are priorities BY ALEX BINKLEY AF contributor

anada needs a forwardlooking agriculture research policy to help feed a burgeoning global population, cope with climate change and develop alternatives to fossil fuels, says the Agriculture Institute of Canada. It has released a proposal to create a strong scientific base that “will be the primary source of innovation and productivity enhancements needed to meet these future challenges,” said AIC CEO Serge Buy. “If Canada is to regain its leadership in agricultural research, this is a good first step,” said Buy. “The concrete steps outlined in this policy can pave the way for the future.” The institute, which represents academics and researchers in agri-food issues and related disciplines, has spent nearly two years consulting with its members, farm groups and government officials on

the scope of the policy. The institute’s purpose when it was formed in 1920 was to develop a national research policy. It contains five basic themes and the measures that scientists, industry and governments need to implement to achieve them. They are: • Setting long-term national goals in agricultural research; • Better consulting all stakeholders when establishing research priorities; • Recognizing Canada has global responsibilities in agriculture research; • E n h a n c i n g t h e t r a n s f e r knowledge from researchers to farmers and others; • P roviding stable and predictable financial support for both fundamental and applied research. Buy said the institute will treat the research policy as a living document and continue to consult on its contents to keep them relevant. As well, it will provide an annual checklist on the progress of implementing its plans. It will require “a shared vision and

commitment from governments, producers and industry” to succeed. Canada shouldn’t conduct agriculture research in isolation, the policy points out. “We must acknowledge Canada’s partnership role in international efforts to meet future food security and climate change challenges,” it states. Sharing the discoveries of scientists and researchers discover is also key, it states. One of the first steps is the creation of “a national body to develop medium- and longterm agricultural research priorities and strategies.” While the federal Science, Technology and Innovation Council identified agriculture as a priority research area, it “lacks the mandate to be a co-ordinating body to bring multiple stakeholders together to develop the needed medium- and longterm research strategies.” A national research co-ordinator “will help us to create a road map to meet our future food security and environmental challenges and become a

global leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.” Consumers are demanding more information on how their food was produced,” the statement notes. “Agriculture and agricultural research relies on the public’s trust for success.” The co-ordinating body would look for research that “monitors social concerns and expectations regarding agriculture, and search for ways to meet these concerns and expectations through basic research and development of new technology.” The co-ordinating body would also look for funding from a diverse range of sources including governments, industry and producers, as well as co-funding from other research disciplines. It says researchers need stable and predictable government support — both at the federal and provincial levels to work on long-term solutions. But better co-ordination of priorities will reduce duplication and provide a better return on investment, it says.

Producers needed for blackleg survey

he Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association is conducting a blackleg survey and asking producers to collect samples while scouting canola fields. Virulent blackleg of canola is a fungal canker or dry rot disease that causes stem girdling and lodging. In heavily infested crops, up to 100 per cent of the stems may be infected, resulting in major yield loss. Two types of blackleg fungus infect canola weakly virulent and virulent. The weakly virulent, or mild type, has always been common in canola fields. The disease appears on leaves and stems in August but does not usually cause significant damage. Blackleg is spread by infected seed or by spores splashed about by rain or carried by the wind. For a fact sheet on how to survey for blackleg, email provincial plant pathology research scientist Michael Harding at michael.harding@gov. ab.ca. — SARDA release

File Photo

USED EQUIPMENT USED COMBINES/HEADERS

2 - 2012 CR8090 Combines, c/w Stone trap and GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choice @ $295,000 2011 NH CR9070, Auto Steer, 900 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMING IN 2013 NH CR8090, DSP, Steering, duals, 300 hrs . . . . .COMING IN SOLD 2011 NH CX8080, 900 hrs, GPS, deluxe chopper . . . . .$199,900 SOLD 2012 94C, 30’ head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$58,000 SP30N Honeybee Header, fits CNH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,000 NH 74C, 36’ auger flex headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37,500 CIH 8010,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Common cattle virus linked to breast cancer in women A high percentage of women with breast cancer has been exposed to the bovine leukemia virus UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY RELEASE

esearchers are exploring a link between a common bovine virus and breast cancer in women. In a study analyzing 239 tissue samples from women diagnosed with breast cancer, University of California scientists found 59 per cent had been exposed to the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) compared to 29 per cent of tissue samples from women without. While stressing that the results do not prove that BLV infection causes breast cancer, the presence of BLV in humans could be a significant indicator of risk, said lead researcher Gertrude Buehring, a professor of virology in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health. “As many as 37 per cent of breast cancer cases may be attributable to BLV exposure,” the paper published in the online journal PLOS ONE said. “This odds ratio is higher

Researchers have linked a common bovine virus to breast cancer, but say there’s no indication it causes cancer. Photo: Thinkstock than any of the frequently publicized risk factors for breast cancer, such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and use of post-menopausal hormones,” said Buehring. Bovine leukemia virus infects dairy and beef cattle’s blood cells and mammary tissue. The

retrovirus is easily transmitted among cattle primarily through infected blood and milk, but causes disease in fewer than five per cent of infected animals. A 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture survey of bulk milk tanks found that 100 per cent

of dairy operations with large herds of 500 or more cows tested positive for BLV antibodies. Even dairy operations with small herds of fewer than 100 cows tested positive for BLV 83 per cent of the time. The PLOS ONE paper noted that pasteurization renders the virus non-infectious, as does thorough cooking of beef. However, it said the virus, which is readily transmitted from cow to calf, may have become established in the human population before pasteurization became common in the 1920s and may still be entering the population through consumption of raw milk and undercooked beef. It was believed until recently, based on studies done in the 1970s, that the BLV could not be transmitted to humans, but research published by Buehring last year overturned those results. “The tests we have now are more sensitive, but it was still hard to overturn the established dogma that BLV was not transmissible to humans. As a result, there has been little incentive for the cattle industry

to set up procedures to contain the spread of the virus,” she said. There is precedence for viral origins of cancer. Hepatitis B virus is known to cause liver cancer, and the human papillomavirus can lead to cervical and anal cancers. Notably, vaccines have been developed for both those viruses and are routinely used to prevent the cancers associated with them. Buehring emphasized this study does not identify how the virus infected the breast tissue samples in their study. The virus could have come through the consumption of unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat, or it could have been transmitted by other humans. As well, she said researchers must still confirm that infection with the virus happened before, not after, the breast cancer developed. If BLV were substantiated as a risk factor for breast cancer, its detection in breast fluid cells or tissues might serve as a biomarker to identify women at higher risk for developing breast cancer.

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• 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. _

No._of_words_______________________x____$0.60____x_____No._of_weeks___ ______________ __=____ ______________ _ Minimum charge $15.00 per week

❏

VISA

❏

MASTERCARD

Card_No.___/__/__/__/____/__/__/__/____/__/__/__/____/__/__/__/____

Add $2.50 if being billed / Minus 10% if prepaying ________________ Expiry_Date___/__/_____/__/

Add 5% GST ________________

Signature_________________________________________________________________________ _

TOTAL _____________

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake

BUILDINGS

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

BUILDINGS

McSherry Auction Service Ltd

CLOSE OUT AUCTION NORTH INTERLAKE CONTRACTORS LTD.

40’ X 60’ X 16’ RIGID FRAME STEEL BUILDING

Thursday, October 8 @ 10:00 AM Riverton, MB - South 3 Miles on Hwy #8 then East 2 Miles on Balaton Rd. Contact: Eric (204) 641-1390

When you go with steel you get the right deals!

Excavators: 01 JD 110 * 09 Hitachi ZX 200 LC-3 *10 JD 200 DLC * 06 CAT 320 CL *11 JD 290G LC * Crawlers: 98 Cat D6M LGP * 06 JD 750 J LGP * 97 JD 650 G LGP * 08 JD 750 J Crawler * Graders: 03 Case 885 * 07 Volvo G 960 * 87 Champion 740 * Wheel Loader / Skidder: 04 JD 648 G Grapple Skidder * 99 CAT 938 G Wheel Loader * Heavy Trucks: (Wet Kits & Safeties On All) 99 Int. 9200 Eagle * 96 Int 9200 * 02 Int. 9200 I Eagle * 97 Freightliner * 96 Int 9200 * 99 Int. 9200 Eagle * 89 Ford 9000 Tandem * 95 Int. 4900 Tandem 15’ Gravel Box * 86 Intl Mdl 1954 w 1800 Gal Water Tank * Rock Trucks: 06 J D 350 D 6 x 6 Articulate Dump Truck * 06 JD 400 D 6 x 6 Articulate Dump Truck * Trailers: (All with Safeties) 2) Canuck R12 28’ End Dump Trailer 1) 11 , 1) 10 * 2) Clement Scissor Lift End Dump 33’ 1) 92 , 1) 89 98 Trail Boss Tandem 21’ * 97 Dorsey 48’ Tandem Highboy * 04 Witzco Challenger RG 50, 50 Ton Tri Axle Lowboy Detach Neck * 00 Deopker 40 Ton Low Bed Tri Axle * 10 16’ Flat Deck * 13 ETNYRE Blackhawk 55 Ton Tri Axle Lowboy * 06 H Enclosed 16’ Tandem * Light Trucks: 06 Ford F 550 HD 4 x 4 Crew Cab Service Truck w Crane * 95 Ford XLT 350 Service Truck * 11 GMC 2500 Crew Cab 4 x 4 Z71 Dsl * 03 Chev 2500 4 x 4 Dsl Ext Cab * 06 Ford F150 4 x 4 * 95 GMC 3500 Ext Cab Dsl 4 x 4 * 05 GMC 2500 HD Sierra * 00 Chev 350 Dually 18 Passenger Van 6.5 L Dsl * 07 GMC 2500 Ext Cab 4 x 4 6.6 Dsl * Skid Steer: 12 JD 333 D Skidsteer on Tracks * 13 J.D. 60” Mulcher Attach * 84” Tines & Grapple Attach * Excavator Attach.: 2) Rippers 42”, 50” * 3) Wrist Twist Buckets up to 72” * 6) Buckets 22” to 54” * 2) 52” Bush Cutters * 1) 52”Mulcher * 3) Tree Shear Grapple 24”, 29” * Herder 10’ Bullrush Cutter * Misc: 3 Bunk Houses * Culverts * 25KW Gen Set Mounted In Fruehauf 26’ Semi Frt Trailer * Blast Mats * Fuel Slip Tank * 2273 Litre Fuel Tanks * New, Over 20 Retreads * Stihl Brush Saws * Stihl Chain Saws * Dolmer Quick Saw * 25) Al. Wind Master Sign Stands * Construction Signs * Glow Posts * Various Construction Related Items Service Maintenance Items * Safety Items *

www.mcsherryauction.com

Search news. Read stories. Find insight.

(403) 934-2204 www.dseriescanola.ca

Call toll free 1 (877) 525-2004 or see us online at www.pioneeronesteel.com

2004 ROGATER 1264, 1200-GAL., 80-ft outback auto steer, Raven auto rate, Raven GPS w/mapping, rear duals, 2 sets of tips, $74,000. 1990 1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 5 15-08-19 9:58 AM Kongskilde 700 Grain Vac, $2,700. Call: (403)665-2341, Craigmyle, AB.

BUILDINGS

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

Go public with an ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. Phone 1-800-665-1362.

FARM CHEMICAL / SEED COMPLAINTS We also specialize in: agricultural complaints of any nature; Crop ins. appeals; Spray drift; Chemical failure; Residual herbicide; Custom operator issues; Equip. malfunctions. Licensed Agrologist on Staff. For assistance and compensation call

Back-Track InvesTIgaTIons

1-866-882-4779. www.backtrackcanada.com

FARM MACHINERY

Available at:

Medicine Hat, AB

BUILDINGS

Strathmore, AB

Pioneer One Steel Buildings

Medicine Hat Co-op Ltd.

Stuart McSherry (204) 467-1858 or (204) 886-7027

Network

Crowfoot AG Solutions Inc.

$29,418

Late Model, Low Hours Well Maintained Equipment! It All Sells Unreserved! Internet Bidding - BidSpotter.com

STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS, 20-ft & 40-ft. Wind, water & rodent proof. 1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722 magnate@telus.net

Available at:

FARM MACHINERY Specialty Equipment CORR GRAIN SYSTEMS INC Dealers for Westeel Grain & Fertilizer storage products. Bin Sense monitoring available. Call Allen Capnerhurst (403)396-0242, John Thomas (403)506-4742 for pricing.

(403) 528-6609

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

www.dseriescanola.ca

KUBOTA 60-IN BELLY MOUNT mower, fits all “B” series tractors, used only 4-hrs. Asking $1999.00. (403)318-1667.

1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 8

ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: 3-PT. CULTIVATORS, Discs, Plows, Blades, Harrows, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, AB. CASE 6000 SWATHER 25-FT, shiftable table, 1200hrs, gas, PU reels; 25 JD disc wing-type; 14-ft Cockshut deep tillage cultivator; 22-ft Case 5500 deep tillage cultivator w/mount harrows; 1976 3- tonne GMC grain truck; 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada SUV, 260,000-kms, AWD; 1998 Ford 150 Ext cab Pickup truck; 70x40 Brandt grain auger w/16-hp Kohler engine & various grain augers; MF 88 gas tractor w/#80 Ezee-On loader; Ford utility tractor w/FEL; Case 2590 2WD tractor, duals, 5700-hrs. Phone (780)919-9985. CASE 621 LOADER 8-FT. bucket; 1981 GMC 17- ft. B&H; Ford Major loader 3-PTH, $6,500; 25-ft. UII reel; 16-ft. OMC boat & 60-HP motor trailer, $2,500; 18-ft. 1,800-gal vac tank & pump; 1981 Ford gravel truck tandem gas, $7,500; MF 860 PU & straight cut $5,500; 1999 GMC T8500 DSL tow truck 20-ft. $14,500. (306)236-8023 1981 GMC 7000 SERIES, factory, 17-ft B&H, 10X20 70% A1, $8,000; 1980 Chev 1/2 tonne flat- deck, winch, duals, $3,500; 1978 GMC 6000 series, factory 15-ft steel B&H, original 38,000-km, $12,000; 1988 Chev 20-ft factory flat-deck, 10X20, 75%, $3,500; 410 MF combine, PU, all good, $1,050; Vac tank 1800-gal. & pump A1 $10,000; Rotex SR7 power parachute for parts, $3,000; 21-ft Hart Carter PU reel, A1, $1,100; 25-ft U2 PU reel, A1, $4,000. Ph (306)238-4411.

15-08-19 9:58 AM

Prairie-Wide Display Classifieds

MORE OPTIONS TO SAVE YOU MONEY

Buy one province, buy two provinces or buy all three. Great rates whatever you choose

Contact Sharon

Email: sharon.komoski@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

TRACTORS Various

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

RON SAUER

BOW VALLEY TRADING LTD.

The Icynene Insulation System®

MACHINERY LTD.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN

• Sprayed foam insulation • Ideal for shops, barns or homes • Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient®

(403) 540-7691 ronsauer@shaw.ca

25’ 725 CIH (MacDon) PT Swather .........................$3,000 (3) CIH Late Model High HP Tractors, 1 with pto .......... CALL Wanted - 30’ to 40’ JD 9450 Hoe Drills, complete with mover .................................................................... CALL 40’ Morris 3100 Hoe Drills, mover and hitch ............$10,000 946 Versatile Ford Tractor, 5,000 hrs, 24.5 x 32 D....$50,000 265 MF Tractor & Loader, diesel, multi power, www.penta.ca 3 pth, Eeze-On loader, looks & runs great ................... $13,000 B275 IHC Tractor & Loader .....................................$3,500 560 Hesston Round Baler, 1,000 PTO ................... $5,500 660 NH Round Baler, 540 pto, nice shape ..................$5,500 New NH 1060 TBT Air Tank, on duals ................... $85,000 NH P1060 TBH Air Tank, as new ........................... $69,500 30’ 4590 EEZEON Double Disc, good condition .... $36,000 44’ 820 F.C. Deep Till Air Seeder, harrows ................. CALL 2320 F.C. TBH Air Tank, complete with 320 - 3rd tank ... CALL 40’ 340 F.C. Chisel Plow & 75 Packer Bar, P30’s... $30,000 62’ F.C. S75 Packer Bar P30’s, good condition ...... $13,500 48’ F.C. S75 Packer Bar, P30, as new ....................... $33,000 2003 4300 IHC Service Truck, 466 diesel, 5 speed Allison auto, crane, compressor, welder, nice ................ $50,000 Degelman Dozer Frame MF 4000 Series 4WD .....$1,000 41’ Flexicoil 300 B Chisel Plow, 3 bar harrows ..... $12,500 Flexicoil 6 Run Seed Treater....................................... $750 JD 4430 c/w loader 100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete with windguards, elec. end nozzles single tips, auto rate, excellent condition ... $12,500 JDCalssifieds.indd 4440 FWA, c/w loader 1142 D-Series Alberta 3 15-08-19 9:58 AM 29’ 225 DOW Kello- Bilt Tandem Disc, 28” smooth front JD 4450 c/w loader & rear blades, 10.5” spacing, oil, bath bearings, as new .... $60,000 JD 4455 FWA, c/w loader 47’ 820 Flexicoil Chisel Plow, 4 bar harrows ......... $67,500 JD 7130 FWA, with loader, 3 pth 2009 GMC Topkick 20 ft. Grain Truck, automatic, silage gate, air ride suspension,approx. 7,000 kms ....$105,000 JD 7410 FWA, with loader, 3pth New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps available .......... CALL JD 7600 FWA, 740 loader with 3 pth 13 x 70 Farm King Grain Auger, complete with JD 7800 FWA, 740 loader with 3 pth spout, Brehon elec. winch & swing, full bin alarm ....... $10,500 Clamp on Duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38 HD 12 x 1200 (39.37’) Sakundiak Grain Auger, Kohler Diesel, Hawes Mover, clutch, reverser & lights, FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME excellent condition ................................................... $14,500 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB HD 8 x 1600 (53’) Sakundiak Grain Auger ..........$1,250 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, hydraulic drive .......$1,500 New Outback RTK BASE stn............ Clearance Price - 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** $1250 New Outback VSI Steering Wheel Kits .................. In Stock Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. kits .................................. $500

Available at:

Central Alberta Co-op

TRAVEL

Wheat, Barley, Oats, Peas, etc. Green or Heated Canola/Flax

1-877-641-2798

Available at:

1-800-587-4711

South Country Co-op Ltd.

CANOLA WANTED

Stettler, AB

Buying Tough, Heated, Green, Canola, Freight Options, Prompt Payment Bonded and Insured

(403) 742-4036

www.dseriescanola.ca

CALL 1-866-388-6284 www.milliganbiofuels.com

Available at:

McEwens Fuels & Fertilizers

Lethbridge, AB

(403) 394-2476 www.dseriescanola.ca RURAL & CULTURAL TOURS 15-08-19 9:58 AM

1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 10

Italian Villa ~ Oct 2015 Spain & Portugal ~ Nov 2015 European River Cruise ~ Multiple dates Australia/New Zealand ~ Jan 2016 Costa Rica/Panama Canal ~ Jan 2016 Tanzania/Zimbabwe ~ Jan 2016 South America ~ Feb 2016 India ~ 2016

TOOLS

Fort Saskatchewan, AB

(780) 998-2058

SEED / FEED / GRAIN

www.selectholidays.com

SEED/ FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

CropMaxx Inc. Westlock, AB

(780) 349-2201 www.dseriescanola.ca

Big Tractor Parts, Inc.

1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 4

Available at:

STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST

Legal, AB

RED OR GREEN 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement (780) 961-3088 parts for your Steiger drive train. 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions www.dseriescanola.ca and dropboxes with ONE YEAR WARRANTY. HAYING & HARVESTING 1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 11 15-08-19 9:58 AM 3. 50% savings on used parts. HAYING & HARVESTING Baling Equipment

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

1-800-982-1769 www.bigtractorparts.com

Combines COMBINES Accessories

Neerlandia Co-op Assoc. Ltd.

WELDING

Neerlandia, AB

(780) 674-3020

BUYING:

HEATED CANOLA & FLAX • Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed

We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you want to sell it fast place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free number today. We have friendly staff ready to help. 1-800-665-1362.

Available at:

www.dseriescanola.ca TRAVEL

1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 9

15-08-19 9:58 AM

2016 Canada Cuba Farmer Tour

“ON FARM PICK UP”

1-877-250-5252

Available at:

15-08-19 9:58 AM BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

Geared For The Future

Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers

1-800-661-4326

15-08-19 9:58 AM

1,600 WINTER WHEAT GRAIN feed bales 3x4x8, bales are 1,345-lbs, $200 short Ton in the stack. (403)362-6712

Available at:

WANTED: NH BALE WAGONS & retrievers, any condition. Farm Equipment Finding Service, P.O. Box 1363, Polson, MT 59860. (406)883-2118

Stretch your

Dunvegan AG Solutions Inc.

BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 BUYING SPRING THRASHED CANOLA & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 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.

Join Cdn Agrologist Wendy Holm for a farm tour of Cuba this winter! Two weeks: Jan 25 to Feb 8. $3,400/prsn 2 sharing + air. All inclusive. Deductible. 18th season. 8 nts 5 star, 6 nts country hotels. Max 24. Varadero-Cienfuegos-Ciego de Avila-Camaguey-Stgo de Cuba-Havana. HURRY! Phone: (604) 947-2893 wendy@wendyholm.com

Rycroft, AB

(780) 765-2865 www.dseriescanola.ca

1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 6

1-800-665-1362

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers

S670/680/690 JD Combine low hrs 4730 JD Sprayer, 100 ft. 854 Rogator SP Sprayer, complete with JD auto steer, swath pro Special 450 CIH Quadtrac with big pump 554 Rogator Sprayer SP 4840 JD 2WD, low hours, new tires

Prepayment Bonus Prepay your regular word classified ad for 3 weeks and your ad will run an additional 2 consecutive weeks for free! Call Our Customer Service Representatives To Place Your Ad Today!

Outside Winnipeg: 1-800-782-0794 Winnipeg: 954-1415

GOOD SELECTION OF JD & CASE SP SPRAYERS AND 4WD TRACTORS

“LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” • Phone: (403)330-7847 • Cell: (403)504-4929 • Email: kendeal@shaw.ca

15-08-19 9:58 AM

Watch your profits grow!

ADVERTISING DOLLAR!

RECONDITIONED COMBINE HEADERS. RIGID & flex, most makes & sizes; also header transports. Ed Lorenz, (306)344-4811 or Website: www.straightcutheaders.com Paradise Hill, SK.

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

Select Holidays

SEED/ FEED/GRAIN Feed Grain

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers

www.dseriescanola.ca

1142 D-Series Alberta Calssifieds.indd 7

**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**

*Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible

Manitoba’s best-read farm publication

1-800-782-0794

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

It’s the

kind of canola

The Cargill logo, ®VICTORY and ®VICTORY Hybrid Canola logo are registered trademarks of Cargill Incorporated, used under license. Genuity,® Genuity and Design,® Genuity Icons, Roundup Ready,® and Roundup® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, used under license. Always follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2015 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

182-225 AD 10_25 x 15_5 v100.indd 1

www.victorycanola.com www.cargillag.ca

8/6/15 11:13 AM