Manitoba co operator

Eating and health

Statistically proven Cows lose their tags » PG 13

A debate as old as time » PG 3

SERVING MANITOBA FARMERS SINCE 1925 | Vol. 74, No. 5 | $1.75

February 4, 2016

More MAFRD staff needed

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Protecting the farm from labour-related grief

Producers must travel farther than ever before to speak to provincial agriculture specialists in person

The most important thing employers can do to protect themselves from labour-related headaches is to have employment contracts in place, says lawyer

BY SHANNON VANRAES Co-operator staff

T

he Keystone Agricultural Producers is hoping to reverse a downward trend in the amount of support and outreach offered to farmers by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD).

Members of the province’s largest general farm organization resolved at their annual general meeting in Winnipeg last week, to lobby the provin-

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See MAFRD on page 6 »

BY JENNIFER PAIGE Co-operator staff/Brandon

E

m p l oy m e n t c o n t r a c t s are a farmer’s best insurance against costly and stressful disputes with workers hired to help out on the farm, a labour and employment lawyer told an Ag Days crowd recently.

Taking the time to understand your obligations to workers is an investment that can protect your wallet in the long run, Shereese Qually, labour and employment lawyer with Taylor McCaffrey LLP said.

“There are labour issues in every industry. When you are an employer, engaging employees, things go wrong. That is just the way it is,” Qually said.

Qually said it became clear during the recent controversy over new farm labour and safety legislation introduced in Alberta, that many Manitoba farmers have a lot to learn in this area.

“I’ve heard a lot of people saying, ‘What if that happens here?’ Ever ything there is already the standard in Manitoba,” she said. In fact, Manitoba offers fewer exemptions.

Qually said the most imporSee LABOUR on page 6 »

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Shereese Qually, labour and employment lawyer with Taylor McCaffrey LLP presented at Ag Days in Brandon on January 19, discussing the importance of implementing employee contracts.

Photo: Jennifer Paige

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PROVEN WHERE IT COUNTS — ON A FARM NEAR YOU. See for yourself at provenseed.ca

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

INSIDE

Did you know?

LIVESTOCK

The upside of no sex life

Ultra-highfrequency tags Can save producers time and money

It may spell the end for the parasite responsible for African sleeping sickness

12

A

CROPS Fusarium West The disease is no longer just a Manitoba problem

17

FEATURE Partnerships key Ron Offutt grew his potato company by filling marketplace voids

33

CROSSROADS Mutually beneficial Community service pays back in spades, young farmers told

4 5 9 10

Editorials Comments What’s Up Livestock Markets

London/ Thomson Reuters Foundation

40

Grain Markets Weather Vane Classifieds Sudoku

n unusual sex life may spell the extinction of the deadly African sleeping sickness parasite, which threatens millions of people in West and Central Africa, an international team of scientists said Jan. 27.

The parasite, called T.b. gambiense, has not had sex for thousands of years and is now made up entirely of asexual clones descended from a single ancestor. “ We’ve discovered that the parasite causing African sleeping sickness has existed for thousands of years without having sex and is now suffering the consequences of this strategy,” said Willie Weir, bioinformatician at the University of Glasgow.

“Theoretically... the predicted consequence of this is that it will become extinct in the long term,” added Weir, who was lead author of the study published in the scientific journal, eLife.

Sexual reproduction shuffles up an organism’s DNA — the building blocks of life — creating genetic diversity and eliminating undesirable mutations, helping a species survive.

Tsetse flies spread the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness.

photo: thinkstock

“In the near to medium term... identifying this weakness in the parasite could help researchers find ways to develop new forms of treatment for sleeping sickness,” Weir added.

The parasite is spread through the tsetse fly, and affects people living in rural areas in 24 countries in West and Central Africa.

Once a person is infected, it can lie dormant for years before symptoms start to develop, damaging their nervous system and eventually causing a coma if left untreated.

The later stages of the dis-

ease are treated using chemicals which are difficult to administer and have potentially dangerous side-effects.

It can be treated more easily if diagnosed early on.

The parasite “jumped” from animals into the human population within the last 10,000 years, at a time when livestock farming was developing in West Africa.

The most recent major o u t b re a k o f t h e d i s e a s e began in the 1970s and lasted until the late 1990s.

The WHO has targeted it for elimination as a public health problem by 2020.

READER’S PHOTO

11 16 26 30

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Consumers seek paradise lost on grocery store shelves Author Alan Levinovitz believes there is a role for storytelling in changing public perceptions of agriculture

BY SHANNON VANRAES Co-operator staff

W

hat can a scholar of classical Chinese religions add to the agriculture debate? A lot as it turns out.

Speaking at Keystone Agricultural Producers’ annual general meeting in downtown Winnipeg, Virginia-based author Alan Levinovitz said the debate around which foods are good for you and which are not has been going on for thousands of years.

“Even 2,000 years ago you have classical Chinese texts advocating diets — contradictory diets,” the religious scholar said, citing a group of monks that adhered to a grain-free diet in the belief it would increase one’s lifespan, improve skin health, allow teleportation and endow the gift of flight.

A couple of centuries later, these same Chinese monks had stopped prohibiting the consumption of grain and moved on to prohibiting meat. But while the prohibition changed, Levinovitz said the promises stayed the same. Not eating meat would give you the ability to live longer and teleport with glowing skin, they wrote.

If you fast-forward a little further towards modern times, the monks said that mushrooms or golden jade were the ticket to immortality.

“So it never really changes,” he said. “People today are still just as confused about food choices.”

Contradictory Pointing to recent contradictory messages around eggs and cholesterol, butter and fat, meatbased and plant-based diets, the scholar said so-called food gurus and experts appeal to people because they help make sense of a complicated world.

That applies even if the information they provide is untrue and potentially harmful.

“This is very frustrating. It creates a public that is extremely scared and it creates a public that is also wondering, well, if it’s not cholesterol, if it’s not fat, what is it? What is causing all of our problems?” said Levinovitz.

“Well, right now bread is the culprit — gluten.”

In his book, The Gluten Lie: And Other Myths About What You Eat, Levinovitz explores many of the themes around fad diets and food taboos, but when it comes to those who produce food there is one, very long-standing narrative that is concerning.

It’s an issue that the author said can be traced back to what is possibly the oldest and most famous story the world has ever known.

“A long time ago, in a beautiful garden — that was probably organic — there lived a man and a woman, and it was awesome… they lived a wonderful life and they were immortal,” he said.

“Then one day an evil advertiser came along and convinced them to eat the wrong food, and all of a sudden everything went to hell.”

“When people are seeing little red farmhouses in logos, when people see cows in green pastures with sun, talking to each other… an image of an actual farm becomes terrifying, it doesn’t look like reality, it looks like the place we were cast into after paradise was lost.”

Alan Levinovitz

It was Satan appearing in the form of a serpent, imploring Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, that resulted in humanity being cast out of the Garden of Eden. Ever since then, humans have longed to return to paradise, longed to return to a simpler, purer time, free of modernity, when food was natural and safe, said Levinovitz.

“How do we get back to that garden? What are we eating that has cursed us? And who is Satan that has fed it to us?” he said.

“This narrative, the idea of paradise past when it comes to food and agriculture is one of the most, if not the most important ways in which people come to understand food.”

It can be seen on most food packaging in the form of the little red barn, the tiny farmhouse with a yard void of machinery, or a smiling pig standing in a green pasture, he said. Food processors and marketers brand food in a way that harkens back to an agriculture that no longer exists.

“The reason these logos command attention, is because they are telling a story, they are telling people that when you buy our product, you are really buying something that belongs in the past, in a beautiful place,” he said.

Outdated imagery The problem is that those images simply don’t square with the realities of modern farming.

“Then when they see the truth — an actual dairy farm — they feel deceived, they feel like you are lying to them. Then, you become the villain,” the writer said. “When people are seeing little red farmhouses in logos, when people see cows in green pastures with sun, talking to each other… an image of an actual farm becomes terrifying, it doesn’t look like reality; it looks like the place we were cast into after paradise was lost, and that is not how you want people seeing the reality of agriculture.”

There are ways to combat this, however. One approach is for farmers to work with processors and marketers to create and implement more realistic images for products, said Levinovitz.

The second is for farmers to

Alan Levinovitz Photo: Shannon VanRaes

present and promote an alternative narrative.

“As much as people want to organize their lives with stories, they also want to know the truth.

And so there is room right now for change,” he said. “You need to tell people about what modern agriculture actually looks like.”

But that doesn’t mean attacking other people’s narratives or going after their beliefs, he added. It means offering people another version of events, another story to consider — a

story that allows people to continue to order the world around them, while also being based in truth.

“I think people respond to the telling of stories, much better than they do to the deconstruction of their own story,” Levinovitz said, adding that “at the end of the day, you’re not going to disprove someone’s story by throwing science at them… better to offer people alternative narratives that are appealing and have the added virtue of being true.”

He pointed to the example of the Peterson brothers, farmers who make parodies of popular songs to explain modern farming, as a kind of storytelling that is non-threatening, fun and most importantly, truthful.

As for Levinovitz, he said he’s learned a lot about agriculture himself over the last few years, but is looking forward to getting back to teaching religion.

“It’s so much less controversial,” he said. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Cultivating trust

N

early every farm conference agenda these days contains one or more speakers talking about consumer attitudes to farming, food and the agricultural sector’s “social licence.”

The titles are often provocative, as in, “Will farmers be allowed to benefit from new technology?” or, “Don’t let your silence take away your licence to farm,” or, “Don’t let activists drive your comLaura Rance bine,” and, “The good and bad of reachEditor ing out to the consumer.”

The presentations often offer very good advice to farm folks on how to communicate with passion and conviction about what they do for a living.

But in many cases, they also miss the point by perpetuating the notion that deconstructing the criticisms and discrediting the critics will win the day.

Restoring the public’s trust is a much more complex process than can be achieved by exchanging blogs and tweets through social media. It is about much more than a communications exercise.

In some ways, it is encouraging to know this generation of food producers isn’t the first to struggle with contradictory messages around diet, food and agriculture. Farmers attending the recent KAP annual meeting heard from Alan Levinovitz, an author and scholar of Chinese religion, who said that these debates have been going on for thousands of years. (See Page 3.)

However, it could be argued that stakes today are higher than ever before for an agricultural sector dependent on exports and an agricultural community increasingly more distanced from the consuming public.

Consider this statement from a newly released report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute: “How we cultivate trust may very well be the key to future competitiveness. Securing trust requires greater transparency about food practices and their impacts, as well as credible national metrics that measure and demonstrate performance.

“This is the route to attain the sector’s ‘social licence’ to operate, express Canada’s food brand, and improve productivity across the food system.”

In other words, all the declarations, PR campaigns, arguments and counter-arguments in the world won’t convince a skeptical public of agriculture’s trustworthiness.

Agriculture’s commitment to nutritional and environmental quality must be demonstrated through transparent practices and measurable benchmarks that give consumers the ability to judge for themselves. “The view emerged that consumers should confer such a label rather than see the sector or government declare it so,” the report says.

This is a problem for modern agriculture, which has become increasingly cloistered within biosecurity, intellectual property rights and its aversion to labelling.

GMO labelling is a case in point. The same industry is perfectly willing to label products as “gluten free” or “trans fat free,” even if those foods never contained them in the first place, has argued it would be too costly to tell consumers it sources ingredients that include GMO crops.

It didn’t matter that foods containing GMOs are, for all intents and purposes, the same as those that don’t. What mattered was the lack of transparency, which played right into the anti-GMO campaign’s strategy.

The CAPI process is an attempt to get the food and agriculture industry in Canada thinking proactively about how to position itself for the future, using trust as its beacon.

“It is in Canada’s best interest — both economically and for the well-being of its citizens — to see that the country’s agrifood system delivers a strategy to enhance and retain trust.

“This goal requires a new spirit of collaboration, one that includes a dramatic change in how scientists, policy-makers and industry collaborate and tackle innovation priorities.”

The report identifies four challenges, starting with achieving that all-important social licence through transparency.

Secondly, it says Canada must look for ways to leverage its natural advantages into global competitiveness — which may require rethinking how subsidies are used. While wellintended, subsidies have unintended consequences such as overproduction, suppression of crop prices, intensifying animal diseases, resource depletion, pollution and climate change. Those consequences are not factored into the costs of these programs.

The report calls out Canada’s complacency about adding value, noting it is seemingly content to remain a commodity supplier. It is also seen as a laggard in investing in innovation or being proactive on important issues such as establishing trade rules.

And the sector is fragmented, “with each part narrowly defining what is in the ‘national interest,’ undermining the potential leverage required to attract greater support on important issues.”

CAPI has issued a call to action. Will anyone answer? laura@fbcpublishing.com

Consumers trust farmers — but not farming

By Alan Guebert

D

espite claims to the opposite, the increasing chances of Donald— “You’re fired!”—Trump changing to “I, Donald—do solemnly swear—Trump” is not a sign of the coming apocalypse.

Granted, the end could be closer than we think when any billionaire steps off his Boeing 757 airliner and declares, “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.”

One sign that the apocalypse is near is the near-perfect dissidence on what the nonprofit Center for Food Integrity (CFI) says consumers want in food labelling and what farm groups say consumers will get in food labelling.

“It’s simple”: noted the very first sentence of a 2015 CFI report that compiled three years of detailed consumer research, “if you increase transparency, you will increase trust.”

The two groups most responsible for that transparency are “food manufacturers” and “(f)armers,” explained Charlie Arnot, CFI’s chief executive officer, to members of the American Farm Bureau Federation at their convention in mid-January.

But while “consumers trust farmers,” Arnot told the AFBF crowd, “… they’re not sure they trust farming.”

That’s not clever doubletalk; it’s an insightful explanation to the ever-growing

OUR HISTORY:

I

disconnect between farming America and consuming America. In short, eaters like farmers but, increasingly, they dislike how they farm.

That gap grew when farm and commodity groups successfully lobbied Congress last December to repeal country-of-origin labelling (COOL) for imported meat and poultry.

No COOL means less transparency and, in turn, less trust of farmers by consumers. It’s exactly what CFI’s Arnot told Farm Bureau conventioneers not to do.

Now, just weeks later, a new U.S Department of Agriculture’s Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook forecasts that U.S. consumers will see more imported, unlabelled pork in American stores because “COOL repeal likely means a slow increase of live swine imports.”

Interestingly, slow to USDA means that “Imports of Canadian live swine in 2016 are expected to increase about nine per cent, from 5.6 million head in 2015 to 6.2 million head this year.”

A nine per cent, 600,000-head increase in Canadian hog imports may not be apocalyptic to USDA, but the decrease it brings to domestic hog prices will trim U.S. farm profits while it pads global meat packer profits.

That’s a terrible trade-off — for farmers, consumers, and the rural economy — now or in the best of times.

For more Alan Guebert, go to www.farmandfoodfile.com.

February 1957

n February 1957 you could buy “The one and only disker” which was “built in the farmers’ own factory here in Winnipeg by men who know what the farmer wants!”

At the annual meeting of the Manitoba Vegetable Growers, directors complained about lack of co-operation from the provincial government in setting up compulsory inspection stations in Winnipeg. Past president W.E. Kroeker also asked why the province did not support a marketing board, and reportedly said that “growers could not understand why a board should be so repulsive to the government when similar boards were accepted not only in Manitoba but other parts of Canada.” He also criticized the government for not enforcing laws controlling the collection of municipal taxes from market gardeners.

At the annual meeting of the Canadian Meat Council, it was reported that there was record Canadian meat production of almost two billion pounds in 1956. The meeting also heard that no less than 400 chemical food preservatives were under consideration by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, because of the “gross inadequacy of refrigeration facilities presently available.”

A report from the Brandon Experimental Farm said that it had been found that mixtures of grasses and alfalfa were preferable to grasses alone, with 1956 yields of 0.7 ton of dry matter for grasses alone and 3.5 tons for a grass-alfalfa mix.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

COMMENT/FEEDBACK

Analysis: Longtime CGC chief commissioner steps down During his tenure Elwin Hermanson stepped up enforcement and defended the importance of grain quality control

BY ALLAN DAWSON Co-operator staff

A

f t e r e i g h t ye a r s a t t h e h e l m o f t h e Canadian Grain Commission (CGC), Elwin Hermanson is as convinced as ever it plays a vital role to Canada’s success as a grain exporter.

“This is a great organization,” Hermanson said in an interview as he prepared to depart the CGC’s downtown Winnipeg headquarters on his final day of working there Jan. 20. “I think it’s critical to Canada’s success in the international grain marketplace. It provides tremendous service and protection to producers. It has been around since 1912. It’s over 100 years old and there’s reason why it has stuck around that long — it’s needed.”

And while not all farmers agree with some of the changes the former Harper Conservative government made to the CGC, only the most churlish would question Hermanson’s commitment to the institution charged with regulating Canada’s grain industry and assuring grain quality.

So m e p e o p l e w e re i n i t i a l l y s u s p i c i o u s.

Hermanson, a farmer from Beechy, Sask., was a Reform Party member of Parliament from 1993 to 1997 and then helped form and lead the Saskatchewan Party. The Harper Conservative government appointed him and Harper was openly anti-government and anti-regulation.

The House of Commons agriculture committee, consisting of a majority of opposition MPs, voted to reject Hermanson’s appointment, accusing him of being too partisan and too close to then agriculture minister Gerry Ritz. Ritz was Hermanson’s campaign manager in 1993.

file photo

“This is a great organization. I think it’s critical to Canada’s success in the international grain marketplace.”

Elwin Hermanson

Interview process Hermanson may have been appointed but had to apply for the job first. He was interviewed by officials from the Privy Council Office, Prime Minister’s Office and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

“They interviewed quite a few people and I managed to be the successful candidate,” he said.

T h e g ov e r n m e n t p re v a i l e d a n d s o d i d Hermanson. Hermanson spoke at many farm meetings, handling questions with ease. He knew his stuff and was obviously well prepared.

Hermanson was friendly and confident, but he never came across as arrogant.

Under his watch, the CGC developed a backbone. In 2010, the CGC started requiring some licensed grain dealers to become licensed primary elevators. A primary elevator can buy and store grain. A licensed grain dealer can only buy but many stored grain too. For years, the CGC turned a blind eye, not wanting to discourage entrepreneurs. But it was unfair to companies that followed the rules — and it put farmers at risk.

Under Hermanson, the CGC also stepped up grain company monitoring to ensure they posted enough security to cover what they owed farmers.

The CGC worked on a new security plan. It wanted a private company to backstop the risk but after concluding it was impractical wisely backed off.

Now it proposes grain companies pay into a fund to cover defaults. The CGC says it will be more effective and cheaper than the current security posting scheme.

Under Hermanson’s watch, mandatory CGC inward inspection — weighing and grading grain at export terminals — was scrapped. The move substantially cut CGC costs, which starting Aug. 1, 2013, were 90 per cent transferred to the industry and ultimately farmers through user fees.

Grain companies and farmers still don’t like it.

In 2008, Ritz ended kernel visual distinguishability — a wheat quality control tool — two years sooner than the industry wanted. Still,

Former Canadian Grain Commission chief commissioner Elwin Hermanson was at the helm during a time of major change for the commission. PHOTO: ALLAN DAWSON

Hermanson defended quality control, often against farmers who argued the market should decide.

“Every major grain exporter has some kind of infrastructure in place to provide grain quality assurance,” Hermanson said.

“Canada has the reputation for providing the most consistent product, pleasing the customer.

So I think we should take some pride in that.

It’s not just the commission but the commission plays a significant role in achieving that outcome.”

Consistency Grain buyers want consistency, he added.

“The Canadian system assures them that they get that product they want to a better degree than anywhere else in the world and we’re very proud of that.”

Hermanson defended the wheat variety registration system, which assists in quality control, even when Ritz seemed intent on destroying it.

Also while Hermanson was at the helm, the CGC worked hard to address customers’ complaints about weaker gluten strength Canadian wheat. That sparked a review of the wheat class

system culminating in tighter standards for Canada’s premier wheat class, Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS), and the creation of the new Canada Northern Hard Red class starting Aug. 1.

It came after almost a year of consultations resulting in industry consensus — a practical move protecting and enhancing the CWRS quality brand, while allowing the industry to pursue the potential of higher-yielding wheats.

Under Hermanson, the CGC revamped its grain shrinkage regulations, resulting in farmers getting paid for more of their grain.

As a farmer he knew a lot about what the CGC did, but gained a greater appreciation after becoming chief commissioner.

“I did not realize the complexity and the importance (of the CGC),” Hermanson said. “I didn’t understand fully what we were doing on outward inspection, the Certificate Final and how that all worked. And most farmers have no idea of the terrific role the Grain Research Laboratory plays in the whole scheme of things and what it has contributed to our industry.”

The last two governments proposed ending commissioner governance at the CGC and replacing it with a full-time president and chief executive along with a board of directors.

Whatever happens, Hermanson hopes the CGC is led by people close to the grain sector and especially farmers.

“This has been a strength of the CGC,” he said.

As for highlights, Hermanson pointed to the resiliency of employees after downsizing.

“I think that speaks to the quality of people here, the value of what we provide the industry and the recognition within the CGC that we’re important and needed. If you feel you are needed and important what more could you ask?

“I have nothing but hopes and aspirations that this institution does well going forward and the government recognizes its role.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

FROM PAGE ONE LABOUR Continued from page 1

tant thing employers can do to protect themselves from labour-related grief is to have an employment contract in place for every employee. There are so many things that you can do with these that proactively limit your liability,” she said.

“The family farm is changing. There are legal interventions evolving in every aspect of your operation. Whether it is leasing land or hiring employees, a handshake and goodwill are not sufficient anymore,” she said.

Contractor versus employee Qually says the first step to establishing effective employee contracts is to determine how you are engaging workers, as independent contractors or employees.

“If someone is being paid as a contractor, but they should a c t u a l l y b e a n e m p l oye e, there is significant risk to the employer,” she said.

To determine if your workers are in the proper roles, Qually suggests thinking about what level of supervision you have to provide the worker, who is supplying the equipment and if the worker’s function is integrated into the business.

“When you have someone come and build a fence for you, you’re not in the business of building fences. But, if you have someone come and run your combine or tractor or assist you with seeding, you are in fact in the business of doing that,” she said. “It is important to ask if their contribution complements your business or, is it integrated into your business? If it is a complement they would be considered an independent contractor.

“The most common place for this to become an issue is if your seasonal worker, whom you have employed as a contractor, in the off-season tries

to apply for employment insurance (EI) and they are told that they don’t qualify because they were employed as a contractor not an employee.

“The EI representative may begin to look into the situation and see that they should have been an employee. That is generally where that situation begins to snowball,” said Qually. “If you have treated someone as a contractor and the court discovers that they are an employee, what is the risk associated?”

According to Qually, employers in this situation can end up retroactively owing Canadian Pension Plan, EI, other source deductions, as well as fines and interest from Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA).

Termination Qually says one of the most common issues she deals with is when workers are terminated and they seek recourse.

“The most important thing to include in the employment contract is the termination piece. Make sure you are clear on the rights and obligations of termination,” she said. “The reality is that I can charge you between $500 to $1,500 now for a contract or $30,000 to $50,000 later, when things go bad.”

While producers may be concerned with the cost of having numerous employment contracts drawn up, Qually notes that in most cases, a general employment contract can be used for all employees.

For those looking to establish employment contracts, Qually recommends including a clear description of duties, Workplace, Health and Safety obligations, defined roles as an employee or independent contractor, a list of deliverables and associated time frames, as well as the rights and obligations around termination.

“One of the most misunderstood areas of termination is

that employers think their obligations of termination are limited to the Employment Standards Code. But, that isn’t right,” said Qually.

There are two sources where an employee can pursue damages if they are fired without just cause, one is under the Employment Standards Code, and the second is the common law.

“B u t , p r o d u c e r s s h o u l d know that this is one of the easiest issues to address. Get a contract. If you have a valid, enforceable employment agreement with your employee, you can avoid wrongful dismissal claims. This is the easiest area of risk to mitigate,” said Qually.

Common pitfalls Qually says employers should also familiarize themselves with the standard requirements for employee leaves and vacation time.

“For farm employees, the easiest way to manage vacation time and pay, especially if you are seasonally hiring them, is to pay their vacation percentage on their paycheques and schedule their vacation for when the work is complete,” she said.

In terms of leaves, employees are entitled to maternity, bereavement and family leave under the Employment Standards Code.

“An important thing to note is that if you don’t bring workers back after one of these leaves, there is a remedy under the code that they can pursue to be reinstated with back pay,” said Qually.

She also points out those engaging employees under the age of 16 should be aware that they require a permit.

“Statistically the ag industry violates this rule more than any other industry. If you have employees under 16, you need a permit. However, there is an exception for family members.”

“The family farm is changing. There are legal interventions evolving in every aspect of your operation. Whether it is leasing land or hiring employees, a handshake and goodwill are not sufficient anymore.”

Shereese Qually Labour and employment lawyer with Taylor McCaffrey LLP

Fines can reach up to $25,000 for corporations that are not following the Employment Standards Code.

“Understand your obligations, amend your practices and appreciate the risks if you are wrong,” said Qually.

She encourages employers to implement employment contracts and consult with

the Employment Standards Branch to better understand their rights and obligations in order to mitigate the risk of costly disputes with employees.

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n : h t t p s : / / w w w. g o v. m b . c a / labour/standards/. jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

MAFRD Continued from page 1

cial government to fill vacant positions in r ural offices.

The resolution also asks KAP to push “the government of Manitoba to support growth and development of personnel, research and extension services within MAFRD.” Glen Franklin moved the motion and said having strong links between farmers and researchers is important.

“The truth is, when you look at what we’ve had in agriculture and where we got our resources for the things that we did, we got them very often from someone who worked in MAFRD,” he said.

Not so anymore, or at least not to the same extent as in days gone by, he said. In 2012, the Manitoba government closed some GO offices, increasing the distance farmers had to travel to meet with extension specialists in person.

“I realize it’s a changing world and there are more technologies available than there used to be, but just to put the rubber to road in southwestern Manitoba, there is no livestock specialist

“We’re in this time of elections and promises, so it is a good time to bring this forward, look at options.”

Dan Mazier

in the southwestern part of the province,” said Bill Campbell.

The closest specialist is now in Portage la Prairie or Gladstone.

But while the resolution passed with strong support, there were some questions about the role provincial extension services should play.

“I kind of struggle in supporting this resolution,” said Rob Brunel. “I can appreciate the extension staff that we have within the province and the expertise and knowledge they share throughout our industry… but I’m wondering if it’s time to revisit what our extension staff and the province do for us.”

Others at the meeting noted

Keystone Agricultural Producers attended the organization’s annual general meeting in Winnipeg last week. Photo: Shannon VanRaes

that farmers are increasingly turning to seed and input company representatives for their information and agronomy needs, even if that information isn’t unbiased.

“I wish we would use our ag reps more, but we don’t,” said Butch Harder.

Keystone president Dan

Mazier said it’s an issue that merits more debate and one that the organization takes very seriously.

“We’re in this time of elections and promises, so it is a good time to bring this forward, look at options,” he said. “I think it’s a reasonable ask.”

It’s also a good time to review all areas of government services

to see what is missing in rural Manitoba and what could be improved, he added.

“We need to know what the needs are in those rural areas,” said Mazier. “The big thing is finding out who is slipping through the cracks.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

7

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

China’s demand for food stays strong China’s decreased rate of growth might be a concern for some, but agriculture should be fine as long as China’s consumers retain purchasing power

BY SHANNON VANRAES Co-operator staff

I

t was bound to happen.

China’s economy is slowing down or at least its rate of growth is.

However, those in the agriculture sector shouldn’t be concerned about the impact here at home, according to Farm Credit Canada’s chief agricultural economist.

“We monitor China all the time, but especially a week ago when they released their numbers for GDP growth,” said J.P. Gervais. “It triggered a bunch of stories about how China is slowing down, and this is bad, and overall this is not a good thing.”

But Ger vais disagrees with that assessment.

While China’s GDP growth of 6.8 per cent last quarter is lower than recent years and the previous quarter — and far below the 1993 peak of 15.40 per cent — the economist believes that GDP doesn’t provide the whole picture.

“What does it say really? Not much,” Gervais said. “We should not be focusing on GDP when we’re in the ag sector.”

What is key for agricultural producers and exporters is how much food Chinese consumers buy, how much they spend on it, and how much food China is actually producing.

“Disposable income is perhaps a statistic I look at more carefully,” said the economist. “And when you look at disposable income in China — the money that consumers have to spend on food — it’s still growing at a rate of over nine per cent a year and inflation is low. So there is no doubt in my mind that consumers have more money to spend on food now.”

For years now, the diet of Chinese consumers has been improving as more disposable income and a changing social landscape increased the consumption of meats and proteins, which usually means an increase in agricultural imports.

And while China has reduced some imports — like dairy — over the last couple of years, Gervais is quick to point out

“The biggest risk for me is to see China not slow down fast enough.”

J.P. Gervais

that is the result of production issues, not an economic slowdown.

“That’s because of the overproduction of the last couple of years. It’s not a demand issue, it’s a production issue. They are also importing fewer feed grains, but again, it’s because of the overproduction of the last few years,” he said. “And that is going to change, they are still importing a lot of oilseeds and lot of corn.”

Oilseed and corn imports have actually picked up over the last six months, he added.

What the slowing rate of GDP growth does show, is that the country’s demand for investment has been reduced.

“The biggest risk for me is to see China not slow down fast enough,” Gervais said. “When you think about investment 10 years ago or over the last 10 years, you would go ahead with investment projects that were easy to identify… but now, China has sort of picked all of the low-hanging fruit. So if it wants to keep having a good return on the investment, then China needs to pick more risky projects.”

Not surprisingly, risky projects come with a lot of risk and uncertainty. Gervais also noted that as sure investments such as infrastructure projects disappear, new investments will become more reliant on borrowed money and increased debt.

But as growth slows and China’s economy moves away from an investmentheavy model, risk is decreased and ensuing stability helps allow consumers to retain and grow purchasing power.

“I realize it’s not as positive for other sectors, but for the ag sector I think it’s actually positive,” he said. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

Low dollar helps exporters Canadian exporters are seeing increased profits due to a sagging loonie

BY SHANNON VANRAES Co-operator staff

W

hile many industries are cursing the low Canadian dollar, the agriculture sector isn’t one of them.

As the loonie continues to head towards the 60-cent range, Farm Credit Canada’s chief agricultural economist said there are benefits to those selling agricultural goods into other markets.

“I think there is a benefit right now as we speak,” said J.P. Gervais. “When it comes to food and the Canadian dollar there are a few things we see — one, we sell more, and the second thing is what we sell is usually priced in U.S. dollars (USD), whether it’s hogs, whether it’s livestock, or grain and oilseeds, it’s priced in USD, so when our dollar is low, you take that price in USD and you convert it.”

But while the low Canadian dollar increases profitability on a per-unit basis, it doesn’t change the fundamentals of Canadian production.

“People tend to make too much of a case for a low dollar and our ability to export,” he said, noting that producing highquality products that appeal to export markets is more important — even if a low dollar is a positive.

“We’re also competitive, which is extremely important,” Gervais said.

So while the lower dollar helps, the economist said it can’t explain increases in foreign markets on its own.

“I think it’s mostly a profit issue, and that’s good, it raises the price we get for what we sell,” he said. “But on the flip side, it also raises the cost of what we buy.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

British Columbia gets high marks for busting red tape Manitoba ranked last due to inconsistent information and confusing forms

By Alex Binkley Co-operator contributor

B

ritish Columbia followed closely by the federal government, Ontario and Quebec is leading the way in reducing the paperwork burden on employers and farmers, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Based on an extensive survey of business operators across Canada, B.C. received an A grade from CFIB while Ottawa, Ontario and Quebec were at B+. Saskatchewan was the next highly rated province with a B. Manitoba had a solid grip on last place sliding to an F from a D. “It’s not regulation they’re complaining about; it’s inconsistent information and confusing forms,” Mandy D’Autremont, a CFIB senior policy analyst, said in an

“It’s not regulation they’re complaining about; it’s inconsistent information and confusing forms.”

Mandy D’Autremont CFIB senior policy analyst

inter view about business complaints about regulations. “They’re really looking for improved customer service from government and less of the one-size-fits-all approach.”

CFIB polled more than 8,000 business owners including 417 farmers across Canada to gather information for its assessment, she said. “These are the people who bear the brunt of regulations.”

Farmers more than other small business operators complained the most about the paperwork and red tape, she

added. “They have seen little relief from the burden of costly government rules and paperwork.” The federation wants to meet Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay to find ways to improve the situation.

Farmers rated government regulation and paper burden as the biggest concern to their business ahead of taxes, government deficit, labour shortages and employment insurance, the survey revealed.

The most positive change governments could make is “to spend time understanding

agriculture” before unleashing new regulations and reporting requirements, she added.

A classic example of government dictates that aggravates business owners is Statistics Ca n a d a e x p e c t i n g f a r m ers to complete the Census of Agriculture in May when they’re busy planting, she said. The federal agency has improved somewhat because it now allows the census to be filled in via the Internet.

The Ontario restrictions on neonic pesticides is another example of overly complex regulations that are a nightmare to comply with, she added.

The federal requirement that an old regulation must be eliminated for every new one introduced has set Ottawa on the right road “but there is little control around the government rules that can come from other places such as legislation, policies and guidelines.”

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CFIB said it’s hopeful the new Liberal government will make a priority of reducing paperwork for businesses. “Red tape reduction was mentioned in the mandate letter to the minister of small business.”

While welcome, federal policy “does not constitute the comprehensive measure needed to track the regulatory burden over time.”

B.C. has had a minister responsible for red tape reduction since 2001 and Premier Christy Clark has made cutting the paper burden for business a priority for her cabinet ministers, CFIB says.

Quebec and Ontario have instructed departments to trim their reporting requirements from business and make a greater effort to understand how they impact on entrepreneurs. Now they need to expand that requirement to agencies and boards, D’Autremont said.

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anadian Pacific Railway’s decision to cut 1,000 jobs has caught the attention of at least two Prairie farm leaders.

Nor m Hall, president o f A g r i c u l t u ra l Pro d u c e r s Association of Saskatchewan, worries the move is short sighted and may catch up with the railway in months and years to come, when commodity prices catch fire again.

“You dump those employees now but when things heat up in 12, 18 months, either in the oilpatch or potash, it’s going to take another 18 to 24 months to find enough employees to replace these guys,” he said.

His concerns are echoed by Saskatchewan’s Kevin Hursh, who sits on the board of the Inland Terminal Association of Canada. CP’s cuts came up at a meeting Jan. 25, he said.

“There is a worry that when times are slow it’s pretty easy to cut capacity and cut jobs. It’s much more difficult to gear them up when demand returns,” he said.

The current winter has been a relatively easy one for the railways, but that could always change, he added.

“A whole lot of factors can come to play and the railways have not shown much eagerness to have surge capacity at their disposal.”

Both Hall and Hursh said the railways are doing a good job presently and they hope that continues.

However, Hall said, grain still tends to be a low priority when it comes time to actually move the product.

For its part, CP said in an email it adjusts staffing levels to the demands of the ever-changing market.

Furthermore, the company said, it would look to bring back employees to meet any future demand.

9

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

The ultimate consumers’ choice award Significant change is needed throughout the sector to secure Canada’s future global competitiveness

BY ALEX BINKLEY Co-operator contributor

I

f farmers and food manufacturers want to be ranked world leaders, then they have to prove to Ca n a d i a n c o n s u m e r s t h e y deserve that status, says the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

In the final report out of a process charting the industry’s future growth that began last fall, CAPI said the sector should consider setting a goal of becoming rated as the most trusted food system on the planet.

David McInnes, CAPI president and CEO, says it comes down to consumers trusting Canadian-produced food is as safe as can be. “Trust touches everyone and everything in the food system.”

That trust “must be conferred on us by our consumers based on the actions we collectively take — and not simply declared to be so by stakeholders,” he notes.

The challenge “will be gaining the trust of consumers who rarely have any real k n ow l e d g e a b o u t m o d e r n agriculture. Reaching out to them will take a concerted cooperative effort by the entire sector.”

There will always be food s a f e t y i n c i d e n t s, h e a d d s.

“The test will be how we handle a crisis. That’s when our transparency and governance will matter.”

T h e re p o r t u rg e s a c o alition of the willing take up the challenge of positioning the sector “for a changing food world and to help fulfil its potential as a priority economic sector for Canada.”

A g r i c u l t u re Ca n a d a s a y s the sector ranging from the farm through the processer to the retailer generates almost seven per cent of the gross domestic product. It provides one in eight jobs in Canada, employing over 2.2 million people. With the global population expected to reach 9.5 billion in 2050 compared to just over seven bil-

address animal care, contribute to the planet’s health and “Trust touches satisfy other expectations,” everyone and the report continues. “It is everything in the in Canada’s best interest — both economically and for food system.” the sake of the well-being of its citizens — that we ensure our agri-food system delivers David McInnes a strategy that enhances and CAPI president and CEO retains trust.”

The report also notes that “m a n y c o u n t r i e s a re t r ying to sort out how to ensure lion currently, the agri-food the future economic growth sector should have a growing of their food systems while demand for its products. It’s addressing climate change already the fifth-largest food and responding to a litany of evolving consumer concerns. exporter.

Such consumer issues The national food policy called for in Agriculture i n c l u d e h e a l t h , n u t r i t i o n , Minister Lawrence MacAulay’s food safety, sustainability, mandate letter “talks about ethics, food security and relit r u s t a n d t r a n s p a r e n c y,” ability of supply. As well, one McInnes says. CAPI’s report of the biggest global issues tries to make the connections will be how to produce more needed within the agri-food w i t h o u t d e p l e t i n g n a t u ra l sector to make a new policy capital.”

Every ingredient needed for possible.

“We need to credibly dem- gaining consumer suppor t onstrate the care being taken “relates to matters of trust. t o e n h a n c e f o o d s a f e t y, Tr u s t i s n ow t h e d e f i n i n g facing2:06 nearly everyone im p r o v e f o o d n u t r i t i o n , issue SEC_PENH15_MS_MC_SEC_PENH15_MS_MC.qxd 2015-10-07 PM Page 1

involved in food production and supply, both in Canada and among competitors.

“How we cultivate trust may very well be the key to future c o m p e t i t i ve n e s s. Se c u r i n g trust requires greater transparency about food practices and their impacts, as well as credible national metrics that m e a s u re a n d d e m o n s t ra t e performance.”

The report calls for a new spirit of collaboration “one that includes a dramatic c h a n g e i n h ow s c i e n t i s t s, policy-makers and industry collaborate and tackle innovation priorities,” the report said.

“It is in Canada’s best interest — both economically and for the well-being of its citizens — to see that the country’s agri-food system delivers a strategy to enhance and retain trust. To be for ward thinking, we must produce safe food that enhances ecosystems and improves nutritional quality. This is the basis to reposition one of Canada’s priority sectors.”

WHAT’S UP Please forward your agricultural events to daveb@fbcpublishing.com or call 204-944-5762.

Feb. 10: Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association (ManSEA) conference and annual meeting, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Manitoba Agriculture GO Centre, 1129 Queens Ave., Brandon. For more info visit www.mansea.org or contact wdigby@mymts.net or 204-727-1394.

Feb. 10-11: CropConnect Conference, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info visit cropcon nectconference.ca.

Feb. 14-16: Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference, Russell Inn and George P. Buleziuk Conference Centre, Russell. For more info call 204-648-3965 or to register and get details visit www.canadianfga.com.

March 1-3: Canola Council of Canada annual convention, Loews Coronado Bay Hotel, 4000 Coronado Bay Rd., San Diego. For more info or to register visit convention.canolacouncil.org.

March 8: Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Forum, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info or to register visit www. fcc-fac.ca/en/events/fcc-forums. html.

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Feb. 9: Farm Credit Canada Ag Outlook 2016, 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave., Brandon. For more info or to register visit www.fcc-fac.ca/en/events/agoutlook.html.

March 1: Manitoba Turkey Producers annual meeting, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info call 204-489-4635.

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March 11-12: Direct Farm Marketing Conference, Canad Inns, 2401 Saskatchewan Ave., Portage la Prairie. For more info visit www. directfarmmarketing.com.

April 18: CropLife Canada’s Manitoba provincial council annual general meeting, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Canadian International Grains Institute, 1000-303 Main St., Winnipeg.

Feb. 18-19: Prairie Organics: Think Whole Farm, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Agriculture Building, 66 Dafoe Rd., University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

LIVESTOCK MARKETS (Friday to Thursday) Winnipeg Slaughter Cattle Steers — Heifers — D1, 2 Cows 97.00 - 105.00 D3 Cows 85.00 - 93.00 Bulls 125.00 - 135.00 Feeder Cattle (Price ranges for feeders refer to top-quality animals only) Steers (901+ lbs.)

180.00 - 209.00 (801-900 lbs.)

200.00 - 218.50 (701-800 lbs.)

212.00 - 235.00 (601-700 lbs.)

225.00 - 271.00 (501-600 lbs.)

240.00 - 288.00 (401-500 lbs.)

270.00 - 302.00 Heifers (901+ lbs.)

175.00 - 193.00 (801-900 lbs.)

180.00 - 205.00 (701-800 lbs.)

190.00 - 212.00 (601-700 lbs.)

205.00 - 240.00 (501-600 lbs.)

220.00 - 255.00 (401-500 lbs.)

235.00 - 266.00

Heifers

Alberta South — — 100.00 - 115.00 88.00 - 105.00 132.69 - 132.69 $ 201.00 - 214.00 211.00 - 224.00 223.00 - 238.00 238.00 - 259.00 261.00 - 286.00 285.00 - 316.00 $ 190.00 - 199.00 195.00 - 207.00 202.00 - 216.00 215.00 - 231.00 232.00 - 250.00 244.00 -250.00

($/cwt) (1,000+ lbs.)

(850+ lbs.)

(901+ lbs.)

(801-900 lbs.)

(701-800 lbs.)

(601-700 lbs.)

(501-600 lbs.)

(401-500 lbs.)

(901+ lbs.)

(801-900 lbs.)

(701-800 lbs.)

(601-700 lbs.)

(501-600 lbs.)

(401-500 lbs.)

Feeder Cattle January 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 August 2016 September 2016

Cattle Slaughter

February 1, 2016

Previous Year­ 51,982 12,421 39,562 N/A 581,000

CNSC

Close 161.30 159.43 158.95 158.20 159.33 157.50

Change 2.63 5.20 4.50 3.97 3.47 3.10

Week Ending January 23, 2016 1,442 23,075 11,509 572 409 8,893 284

Prime AAA AA A B D E

Previous Year 881 22,403 16,305 411 549 10,687 159

Hog Prices Source: Manitoba Agriculture

(Friday to Thursday) ($/100 kg) E - Estimation MB. ($/hog) MB (All wts.) (Fri-Thurs.)

MB (Index 100) (Fri-Thurs.)

ON (Index 100) (Mon.-Thurs.)

PQ (Index 100) (Mon.-Fri.)

Current Week 170 E 157 E 152.46 152.66

Futures (February 1, 2016) in U.S. Hogs February 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016

Last Week 163.65 154.41 148.14 149,99

Close 65.30 69.70 75.90 79.78 79.50

Last Year (Index 100) 175.13 162.33 162.62 166.49

Change 1.55 0.67 0.33 0.48 0.50

Other Market Prices Winnipeg Choice (110+ lb.)

(95 - 109 lb.)

(80 - 94 lb.)

(Under 80 lb.)

(New crop)

Wooled Fats

— — Next sale February 3rd — —

Chickens Minimum broiler prices as of April 13, 2010 Under 1.2 kg..................................................$1.5130 1.2 - 1.65 kg....................................................$1.3230 1.65 - 2.1 kg....................................................$1.3830 2.1 - 2.6 kg.....................................................$1.3230

Turkeys Minimum prices as of February 1, 2016 Broiler Turkeys (6.2 kg or under, live weight truck load average) Grade A ................................................$1.925 Undergrade ........................................$1.835 Hen Turkeys (between 6.2 and 8.5 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A .................................................$1.910 Undergrade .........................................$1.810 Light Tom/Heavy Hen Turkeys (between 8.5 and 10.8 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A .................................................$1.910 Undergrade .........................................$1.810 Tom Turkeys (10.8 and 13.3 kg, live weight truck load average) Grade A..................................................$1.880 Undergrade.......................................... $1.795 Prices are quoted f.o.b. producers premise.

M

anitoba cattle markets are moving slower than last year but are seeing strong demand from Eastern Canada, auctioneers say, expecting sales to pick up into February. “ We star ted getting a little bit more interest from the East… which is always a good thing, and they’re looking this way,” said Allan Munroe of his 797-head sale at Killarney Auction Mart on Jan. 25.

Demand from the East for Manitoba cattle is partly due to shrinking herd sizes in Ontario and Quebec, said Brian Perillat, manager and senior analyst at CanFax, the market analysis arm of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

“It is surprising how strong demand is this year,” he said.

The declining eastern herd size comes down to demographics and age, and the increasing value of land, he said. “It’s tougher for cattle guys to compete, so they just sold the herd.”

U.S. buyers, meanwhile, are sitting out.

“The Americans aren’t on the board yet, from my understanding. These cattle will be staying in Canada,” said Dave Nickel of Gladstone Auction Mart, which had a 691head sale on Jan. 26.

Nickel said he thinks the lack of U.S. participation stems from feedlots losing money on last year’s cattle.

Many U.S. feedlots bought expensive calves and feeder cattle in 2014 and at the start of 2015 — “and when the market really cratered, or went down a whole bunch, they sold them at big losses,” Perillat said.

Despite strength in the U.S. dollar relative to its Canadian counterpart, currency isn’t a huge driver of cattle exports south of the border.

A weaker loonie limited losses in Canadian

dave nickel, Gladstone Auction Mart

cattle prices, Perillat said, and currencyadjusted Canadian prices are similar to those in the U.S. — which doesn’t justify the freight costs of bringing cattle back to the U.S. “If we keep the calves in Canada, then we finish them in Canada. We can still sell the fed cattle at more money,” Perillat said.

Ranchers are not in a hurry to market this year, Munroe said, especially compared with the same time frame last year.

In 2015 high prices encouraged fast selling, as producers were quick to market cattle in case prices moved back down.

That’s not the case this year, and producers are getting used to prices where they’re at, Munroe said.

Another factor is favourable weather, and a decent feed outlook. “A lot of guys were a little later weaning because there was some damp weather and warmer weather compared to where they normally are,” he said.

The warmer weather is also contributing to better weights this winter than auction marts normally see, he said.

Nickel also has the sense that producers are holding back from the market, but he attributed it to volatility in cattle futures.

“They’re moving back and forth, so there’s uncertainty in the market, but I think by February things are going to be going pretty good again.”

Munroe, meanwhile, said he thinks sales will be full this month and into March.

Jade Markus writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

briefs

Sheep and Lambs $/cwt Ewes Lambs

“The Americans aren’t on the board yet, from my understanding. These cattle will be staying in Canada.”

Jade MarkuS

Cattle Grades (Canada)

Week Ending January 23, 2016 46,729 11,563 35,166 N/A 569,000

Auctioneers expect livelier cattle sales this month Smaller herds in East have buyers looking at Manitoba

Ontario $ 164.78 - 183.69 162.36 - 178.06 79.56 - 107.82 79.56 - 107.82 123.64 - 141.94 $ 195.77 - 225.89 187.53 - 225.75 182.62 - 247.40 192.92 - 266.55 215.85 - 292.61 222.84 - 304.90 $ 174.40 - 194.70 181.83 - 209.09 173.11 - 225.47 181.90 - 243.18 190.28 - 255.19 208.64 - 269.49

$

Futures (February 1, 2016) in U.S. Fed Cattle Close Change February 2016 135.43 5.18 April 2016 134.53 3.35 June 2016 123.98 1.07 August 2016 120.40 1.10 October 2016 121.38 1.50 December 2016 121.60 1.57

Canada East West Manitoba U.S.

$1 Cdn: $0.710 U.S. $1 U.S: $1.4080 Cdn.

column

Cattle Prices

Slaughter Cattle Grade A Steers Grade A Heifers D1, 2 Cows D3 Cows Bulls Steers

EXCHANGES: February 1, 2016

Toronto 116.21 - 156.31 137.88 - 151.33 159.88 - 190.93 207.01 - 250.67 220.82 - 310.60 —

SunGold Specialty Meats —

Eggs Minimum prices to producers for ungraded eggs, f.o.b. egg grading station, set by the Manitoba Egg Producers Marketing Board effective November 10, 2013.

New Previous A Extra Large $2.00 $2.05 A Large 2.00 2.05 A Medium 1.82 1.87 A Small 1.40 1.45 A Pee Wee 0.3775 0.3775 Nest Run 24 + 1.8910 1.9390 B 0.45 0.45 C 0.15 0.15

Goats Kids Billys Mature

Winnipeg (Hd Fats) — — —

<1,000 lbs.

1,000 lbs.+

Chicago / Reuters / Beef prices will keep trending lower, analysts said after the government’s semi-annual cattle inventory report Jan. 29 showed the U.S. cattle herd as of Jan. 1 grew three per cent from a year ago to a five-year high.

Healthy pastures, moreaffordable grain and recordhigh cattle prices a year ago encouraged ranchers to beef up their herds. Rebuilding is aiding recovery of the herd

that at one point in 2014 had fallen to a 63-year low after years of drought.

As a result, retail beef prices have declined seven months in a row to $5.97 per lb. in December versus $6.31 a year earlier, based on the government’s most recent data.

Analysts look for that pattern to continue when beef is pitted against competitively priced pork and chicken during the highly anticipated spring grilling season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture twice-yearly cattle inventory report showed

the U.S. cattle herd as of Jan. 1 up three per cent from a year earlier at 91.988 million head. That exceeded analysts’ average forecasts of a two per cent increase from 89.143 million in January 2015.

The USDA data showed the January 1 cattle population was the highest since 92.9 million in 2011.

“Clearly the sector has turned,” said Chicago-based Linn Group analyst John Ginzel. The industry “is waving a red flag” that it is responding to strong economic incentives to expand its breeding herd, he said.

Toronto ($/cwt) 106.70 - 373.62 — 133.98 - 285.50

Horses Winnipeg ($/cwt) — —

U.S. cattle herd grows to five-year high

Toronto ($/cwt) 35.00 - 100.00 55.00 - 83.00

Looking for results? Check out the market reports from livestock auctions around the province. » PaGe 14

11

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

GRAIN MARKETS column

Manitoba Elevator Prices Average quotes as of February 1, 2016 ($/tonne)

Crude oil hikes help canola against a rising loonie Expected snow for U.S. winter wheat weighed on futures DAVE SIMS CNSC

I

CE Futures Canada canola contracts suffered small losses for the week ended Jan. 29, pushed lower by the rebounding Canadian dollar.

The loonie climbed three-quarters of a cent in value relative to its U.S. counterpart during the five-day period. This upward surge put pressure on canola, making the commodity less attractive to domestic crushers and foreign buyers.

For the most part, farmer selling was steady last week, which contributed to the declines. Some traders also attempted to rebalance their positions by spread-trading between canola and CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade) soybeans. Relative to soybeans, canola looked overpriced to some traders, though, which weighed on the market.

Chart-based spec selling was another feature during the early portion of the week as values drifted toward the lower part of their recent trading range.

However, canola did have some factors lending strength to its price. For instance, crude oil rebounded from its temporary

descent under US$30 a barrel, which was positive.

By week’s end, supportive chart signals had entered the fray and prices were holding near the 50-day moving average.

In the U.S., CBOT soybeans chalked up gains during the week as South American supplies were negatively affected by adverse weather. Yields were also expected to be down, which could be good news for U.S. farmers. A report that China had imported 9.1 million tonnes of soybeans in December — the second-highest monthly amount ever — was seen as a bullish indicator, even as China cancelled a U.S. order.

Corn futures traded within a narrow range for another consecutive week and ultimately finished a few cents higher. Values were underpinned by news that South Africa’s corn harvest was severely drought damaged.

Stronger crude oil prices also helped pave the way forward.

Wheat futures finished stronger as ideas took hold early in the week that Russia was mulling new measures to limit wheat exports. The slow pace of U.S. export sales was also supportive.

On the other side, snow forecasts for the U.S. Plains were expected to aid the crop.

Dave Sims writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

Future

Basis

Cash

E. Manitoba wheat

182.43

51.24

233.68

W. Manitoba wheat

182.43

42.41

224.84

E. Manitoba canola

474.70

-25.81

449.09

W. Manitoba canola

474.70

-29.55

445.15 Source: pdqinfo.ca

Port Prices As of Friday, January 29, 2016 ($/tonne) Last Week

Weekly Change

U.S. hard red winter 12% Houston

194.55

0.45

U.S. spring wheat 14% Portland

225.97

1.10

Canola Thunder Bay

483.90

-5.10

Canola Vancouver

503.90

-5.10

Closing Futures Prices

As of Monday, February 1, 2016 ($/tonne) Last Week

Weekly Change

ICE canola

477.90

-5.10

ICE milling wheat

235.00

-11.00

ICE barley

190.00

0.00

Mpls. HRS wheat

181.97

-1.84

Chicago SRW wheat

173.52

-1.01

Kansas City HRW wheat

170.77

-2.48

Corn

143.89

-0.59

Oats

129.04

-3.08

Soybeans

318.85

-3.95

Soymeal

294.12

-5.84

Soyoil

676.71

16.54

Cash Prices Winnipeg As of Monday, February 1, 2016 ($/tonne)

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

Last Week

Weekly Change

Feed wheat

195.82

-8.08

Feed barley

182.80

3.22

n/a

n/a

471.63

3.94

Rye Flaxseed Feed peas

n/a

n/a

Oats

184,80

-3.24

Soybeans

392,79

-6.61

16.65

unch

Ask

Ask

Sunflower (NuSun) Fargo, ND ($U.S./CWT) Sunflower (Confection) Fargo, ND ($U.S./CWT)

Firm loonie cuts into Prairie spring wheat bids The stronger Canadian dollar trumped any gains in U.S. wheat futures

BY PHIL FRANZ-WARKENTIN CNS Canada

C

ash spring wheat bids across Western Canada moved lower during the week ended Jan. 29, as continued strength in the Canadian dollar more than countered any support from advances in U.S. futures.

Ave ra g e Ca n a d a We s t e r n Re d Spring (CWRS) wheat prices were down by $3 to $5 per tonne over the week, according to price quotes from a cross-section of delivery points across the Prairie provinces compiled by PDQ (Price and Data Quotes). Average prices ranged from about $224 per tonne in southeastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba, to as high as $240 in southern Alberta.

Quoted basis levels varied from

location to location, but generally sat at $42 to $58 per tonne a b ov e t h e f u t u re s w h e n u s i n g the grain company methodology of quoting the basis as the difference between U.S. dollar-denominated futures and Canadian dollar cash bids.

When accounting for the currency exchange rates by adjusting the Canadian prices to U.S. dollars, CWRS bids ranged from US$160 to $171 per tonne. That would put the currency adjusted basis levels at about US$11-$22 below the futures.

Looking at it the other way around, if the Minneapolis futures are converted to Canadian dollars, CWRS basis levels across Western Canada range from C$15 to $31 below the futures.

Average Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) bids were down by $2-$5 per tonne. Average CPSR

prices came in at about $183 per tonne in Manitoba, $186-$198 per tonne in Saskatchewan, and $200$203 per tonne in Alberta.

Average durum prices were down during the week, losing anywhere from $7 to $9 per tonne. Bids in s o u t h e r n Sa s k a t c h e w a n , w h e re the bulk of the crop is grown, were down by $9, to sit at roughly $310 per tonne.

The March spring wheat contract in Minneapolis, off of which most CWRS contracts in Canada are based, was quoted Jan. 29 at US$5 per bushel, up three U.S. cents from the previous week.

Ka n s a s C i t y h a rd re d w i n t e r wheat futures, traded in Chicago, are more closely linked to CPSR in Canada. The March K.C. wheat contract was quoted at US$4.72 per bushel on Jan. 29, up 1.25 U.S. cents compared to the previous week.

When accounting for the currency exchange rates by adjusting the Canadian prices to U.S. dollars, CWRS bids ranged from US$160 to $171 per tonne.

T h e Ma rc h C h i c a g o Bo a rd o f Trade soft wheat contract settled Jan. 29 at US$4.7925, 3.75 U.S. cents higher compared to one week earlier.

The Canadian dollar closed at 71.4 U.S. cents on Jan. 29, up by about three-quarters of a cent relative to its U.S. counterpart compared to Jan. 22.

12

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

LIVESTOCK h u s b a n d r y — t h e s c i e n c e , S K I L L O R ART O F F AR M IN G

Ultra-high-frequency RFID takes tag reading to the next level Forget reading one tag at a time, this technology can track every member of a herd going down an alley at once

By JENNIFER BLAIR Staff

C

attle producers could save themselves a fair bit of time and money — if they’re willing to make the shift from standard low-frequency RFID tags to a new ultra-highfrequency alternative.

“The typical button tag has been around for a long time and works very well, but it’s in a low-frequency spectrum and the read range is therefore very, very short,” said Glen Kathler, applied research chair of the Radio Frequency Identification Application Development Lab at SAIT Polytechnic.

“With this ultra-high radio frequency technology, now you have a tag that you can read from up to 20 feet away, and you can also read more than one tag at a time.”

T h e Ca l g a r y s c h o o l w a s approached in 2011 by Livestock Identification Services to see if there was technology to improve cattle traceability. LIS and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were interested in things such as real-time tracking of cattle during transport and enhanced disease traceability when animals commingle.

“We looked at the whole supply chain, right from the producer all the way to the packing plant — with stops at the auction markets, the feedlots, and the transport companies — to see where some of the biggest gaps are,” said Kathler.

Ultra-high-frequency RFID tracking — widely used in areas as diverse as oil and gas, manufacturing, and prisons — seemed like the way to go, not just for agencies like LIS but also producers. Kathler uses the example of a producer loading cattle or moving them to a new pasture.

“He c o u l d l i t e ra l l y t a k e something out of his saddlebag, stick it into a fence post for 20 minutes while he moved animals, and it would just read all of the tags of the animals going through the gate,” said Kathler.

“It’s very automated, and it simply creates a higher level of accuracy as opposed to trying to read something visually, as well as having to be so close to an animal that you can read a tag with a low-frequency wand reader.”

The technology would also be highly useful at auction marts for tracking animals from pre-sale pens through to loading. But it’s feedlots that stand to gain the most, he said.

“Just the ability to sort animals, to move animals, and to

Two newly tagged cattle walk under an archway equipped with ultra-high-frequency RFID readers that record their data during field testing with SAIT RADLab industry partner CL Ranches. PHOTO: SAIT POLYTECHNIC

read tags without adding any additional stress by having them go through the squeeze chute was a big attraction for that particular market,” said Kathler, adding cattle are conservatively estimated to lose one per cent of body weight from stress each time they go through a squeeze chute.

“We showed that if you could eliminate even one of the trips through the squeeze chute to get its tag read, there’s a significant cost savings because there simply would be no stress on the animal.

They don’t know they’re being read. They’re not being squeezed.

They’re just being moved from one pen to another.”

Other benefits And because the system can read multiple tags at once, there’s a big time savings, too.

“We can have animals go through a wide alley as they’re sorting from pen to pen, and we can read all the tags, even if they’re going one at a time or we’re bunching them 20 or 30 or 200 or 300 at a time through the alley.”

Ultra-high-frequency systems are also one-tenth the cost of their low-frequency cousins, and have impressive accuracy. “ We d i d r o u g h l y 4 , 0 0 0 squeeze chute tag reads, and we only ever read the tag we were tr ying to read,” said Kathler. “People were wondering if they were going to read all the animals in the tub way behind the animal in the squeeze chute, and we showed that you only read the animal in the squeeze chute.”

His team also installed readers in two cattle liners and hauled a few loads to Cargill’s High River plant.

“We captured a real-time cloud-based manifest of the 48 animals and the exact inventory list of those animals,” said Kathler. “The reader on the liner automatically uploaded its loading and unloading manifest into the cloud, and we were able to compare those two manifests to show that there is the ability with this technology to create this automated shipping manifest

that would allow for better traceability.”

More testing is planned for this spring at Olds College, which will allow researchers to study a single herd for 35 to 40 weeks.

But while everything has been highly promising so far, widespread adoption of the technology is a ways off.

“It is probably in the threeto five-year window before it would even be approved for use in traceability,” said Kathler, adding that he expects the feedlot sector will be keenest to adopt the technology.

There may be a period when both technologies exist side by side, and one tag manufacturer is making a dualpurpose tag, with both lowfrequency and high-frequency components.

“In essence, the tag could be approved for use by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency for its low-frequency capabilities, but it now also has this ultra-high-frequency portion to it as well.”

Ka t h l e r’s t e a m h a s a l s o

“With this ultra-high radio frequency technology, now you have a tag that you can read from up to 20 feet away, and you can also read more than one tag at a time.”

Glen Kathler

developed a smartphone reader that can read both types of tags.

“We’re trying to look at as many ways as possible when it comes time to transition to make it as easy as possible for any portion of the industry to consider adopting it.”

The four-year, $1-million research project was funded by the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency. jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

13

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Missing in action: Study finds ear tag retention a major problem Calves have almost 100 per cent ear tag retention, but one in nine mature cows loses their tag — and it can be as high as one-third

By JENNIFER BLAIR Staff

C

ow-calf producers were right all along — cows are pretty good at losing their ear tags.

“There is a lot of back and forth within the industry as to the effectiveness of these tags, and a lot of the cow-calf producers were identifying concerns about the longevity of the tags,” said Ross MacDonald, project manager for the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag retention project.

“But really, there was no hard data out there. This project is the first step in saying yes, there does appear to be a problem in these areas.”

The project began in 2011 with more than 5,000 animals tagged to look at how ear tags perform in calves and mature cows in Western Canada. “ We’r e e v a l u a t i n g n o t only gross retention across the country, but also retention between those indi vidual brands and retention between various locations of the cow herds,” said MacDonald, who ranches near Lake Alma, Sask.

A n d s o f a r, t h e d a t a “reflects some of the concerns in the industry.”

“Across the country, there are complaints about the performance of the tags, so the fact that we’ve identified that there’s a legitimate issue is paramount,” said MacDonald.

In calves, tag retention is “almost 100 per cent” up to 18 months of age, but mature calves average around 90 per cent retention — a full 10 per cent drop after cows hit 18

months. And in some cows, tag loss ranged from three per cent to an astonishing 35 per cent.

“It’s not really the calves where there’s a huge issue.

They retain their tags just f i n e ,” s a i d M a c D o n a l d .

“Really, it’s the mature cows that seem to be the thorn in some producers’ sides.”

And though the project w a s n’t d e s i g n e d t o t ra c k the exact means of loss, the anecdotal evidence is that there is “pretty consistent plastic breakdown” on the tags. The seven brands of tags used were all applied according to manufacturers’ directions, and in calves, that was enough to help improve retention.

“On the young cattle, we seem to have demonstrated that when tagged according to manufacturers’ directions, retention can be expected to be near 100 per cent,” said MacDonald.

But for mature cows, the process is a little trickier, and MacDonald has seen that things like facilities, restraints, and weather all seem to have a role in tag retention.

“It’s allowed the discussion to move beyond general complaints. We’re starting to dial in on where the more specific roadblocks or challenges are,” he said.

“If there are ways to narrow the scope as to which methods, which tags, and at what temperatures you can have the best chance of keeping those tags in there long term, that’s all pretty relevant information.”

Once the project is completed this year, the results will be used to drive pol-

All tags were applied according to manufacturers’ directions in the CCIA study, which did the trick for the first 18 months, but not so much after that. PHOTO: CCIA

icy changes to address the “legitimate concern” producers have with existing tags.

“With this information, the corresponding policy steps will follow and the corresponding decisions can be made as to where Canada’s re a d y t o g o i n t e r m s o f c a t t l e t r a c e a b i l i t y,” s a i d MacDonald.

On his own farm, tag retention is “definitely an issue” — one that goes beyond mere frustration by hitting his bottom line.

“You don’t want to invest the time and dollars in tag-

“Across the country, there are complaints about the performance of the tags, so the fact that we’ve identified that there’s a legitimate issue is paramount.”

Ross MacDonald

ging an animal with the expectation it’s going to be there for the life of that animal and then at some point you have to go back and redo it,” said MacDonald.

“I think most people want to know that when they tag an animal and go to ship that animal, that tag is still there.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Oreo maker Mondelez plans for cage-free eggs Canadian and U.S. products will be sourced from cage-free suppliers by 2020 REUTERS

M

ondelez International, the maker of Cadbury chocolates and Oreo cookies, said it would stop using eggs laid by caged hens for its products sold in Canada and the U.S. by 2020.

Formed in 2012 by Kraft Fo o d s’ s p i n o f f o f i t s g ro cery business, including the Christie and Nabisco cookie and cracker lines, Mondelez joins a slew of companies shifting to cage-free eggs amid pressure from consumers and animal rights groups.

The company, which already uses cage-free eggs in all of its European chocolate brands

as well as in its biscuit products sold in Belgium and the Netherlands, also said it would switch to cage-free eggs for all its products sold in Europe by 2025.

“We ultimately want all eggs to be produced cage free, and we’ll continue to advance conversations with suppliers to establish timelines for cage-free production in other regions, when we have evidence that commercially viable supplies are available,” Jonathan Horrell, the company’s director for sustainability, said in a release.

The decision comes at a time when the food industry is under pressure from groups such as the Humane Society

of the United States, Mercy for Animals and World Animal Protection, which have successfully lobbied many companies to adopt animal welfare practices.

B o t h G e n e ra l Mi l l s, t h e maker of Betty Crocker cake mixes, and Kellogg said last year they would source 100 per cent cage-free eggs by 2025.

Fast-food companies have made similar announcements.

McDonald’s said in September t h a t i t s 1 6 , 0 0 0 Sales U . Management: S. and Canadian restaurants OBI would serve only eggs laid cageRob by Holowaychuk 780.916.2628 free chicken within 10 years, Mark Holowaychuk while Burger King403.896.4990 has committed to using such eggs by 2017.

100 RED & BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS

Sales Management:

R PLUS SIMMENTALS

R PLUS SIMMENTALS

Ross LeBlanc & Sons Box 1476 Estevan, SK S4A 2L7

Ross LeBlanc & Sons Box 1476 Estevan, SK S4A 2L7

Marlin 306.634.8031 Cell 306.421.2470

Marlin 306.634.8031 SALES MANAgEMENT: Cell 306.421.2470

Ross

306.421.1824

oBI Ross

Jason

306.421.9909

RoB HoLowAyCHUK Jason 306.421.9909

306.421.1824

780.916.2628

MARK HoLowAyCHUK 403.896.4990

OBI

R PLUS SIMMENTALS

Rob Holowaychuk 780.916.2628

Box 1476 ESTEVAN, SK S4A 2L7

Mark Holowaychuk 403.896.4990

MARLIN LEBLANC (CELL) 306.421.2470 (CELL) 306.421.9637 (HoME) 306.634.8031

14

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

LIVESTOCK AUCTION RESULTS Weight Category

Ashern

Gladstone

Grunthal

Heartland

Heartland

Brandon

Virden

Killarney

Ste. Rose

Winnipeg

29-Jan

Feeder Steers

27-Jan

26-Jan

26-Jan

26-Jan

27-Jan

25-Jan

28-Jan

No. on offer

1,433

691*

270

2,089*

2,143*

797*

2,213*

870

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

180.00-200.00

Over 1,000 lbs.

900-1,000

n/a

175.00-222.75

n/a

195.00-213.00

200.00-212.00

n/a

205.00-214.00

195.00-209.50

800-900

185.00-221.00

205.00-231.00

170.00-195.00

200.00-217.00

209.00-222.00

210.00-222.00

210.00-223.00

205.00-219.00

700-800

190.00-242.00

220.00-270.00

180.00-195.00

215.00-228.00

220.00-237.50

220.00-236.00

225.00-235.00

215.00-239.00

600-700

210.00-269.00

240.00-299.00

200.00-232.00

230.00-256.00

231.00-255.00

230.00-255.00

230.00-264.00

235.00-273.00

500-600

230.00-285.00

280.00-304.00

225.00-247.50

250.00-282.00

250.00-288.00

250.00-275.00

250.00-290.00

250.00-288.00

400-500

240.00-280.00

262.00-317.50

240.00-275.00

285.00-310.00

270.00-315.00

270.00-295.00

250.00-295.00

265.00-310.00

300-400

n/a

n/a

270.00-340.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Feeder heifers 900-1,000 lbs.

n/a

n/a

n/a

175.00-190.00

185.00-196.00

n/a

205.00-214.00

180.00-202.00

800-900

n/a

170.00-198.00

180.00-195.00

180.00-200.00

190.00-202.00

n/a

210.00-223.00

190.00-202.00

700-800

n/a

184.50-208.50

190.00-218.00

190.00-206.00

193.00-210.00

190.00-203.00

225.00-235.00

190.00-211.00

600-700

190.00-210.00

200.00-231.00

210.00-262.00

205.00-225.00

201.00-227.00

200.00-214.00

230.00-264.00

205.00-228.00

500-600

200.00-220.00

205.00-246.00

260.00-305.00

230.00-253.00

222.00-244.00

215.00-236.00

250.00-290.00

220.00-255.00

400-500

205.00-245.00

220.00-259.00

280.00-310.00

235.00-260.00

235.00-264.00

235.00-255.00

250.00-295.00

240.00-267.00

300-400

n/a

241.00-265.00

300.00-350.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Slaughter Market No. on offer

200

n/a

94

n/a

n/a

n/a

D1-D2 Cows

85.00-95.00

n/a

n/a

93.00-106.00

96.00-107.00

93.00-103.00

92.00-102.00

95.00-105.00

D3-D5 Cows

n/a

n/a

n/a

80.00-93.00

94.00-103.00

n/a

85.00-95.00

88.00-95.00

Age Verified

95.00-106.00

96.00-107.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Good Bulls

118.00-147.00

n/a

115.00-124.00

130.00-145.00

135.00-148.00

135.00-145.00

125.00-144.00

134.00-139.00

Butcher Steers

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

159.00-167.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

Butcher Heifers

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

158.00-165.00

n/a

n.a

n/a

Feeder Cows

n/a

92.00-95.50

100.00-112.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

105.00-125.00

Fleshy Export Cows

n/a

76.00-80.00

90.00-96.50

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Lean Export Cows

n/a

n/a

80.00-87.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

140.00-183.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

125.00-189.00

n/a

Heiferettes * includes slaughter market

(Note all prices in CDN$ per cwt. These prices also generally represent the top one-third of sales reported by the auction yard.)

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15

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Cattle industry cycle to trend lower through 2018 A livestock market expert predicts 2016 to be the third best year for cow-calf producers, but sees vulnerability in summer stocker programs

BY JENNIFER PAIGE Co-operator staff/Brandon

C

Jim Robb, director of the Livestock Marketing Information Centre, gave a presentation on the current price situation and market outlook for 2016 at the recent Ag Days in Brandon. Photo: Jennifer Paige

attle prices will continue to decline until 2018, but will remain profitable, says a livestock marketing expert.

“2016-17 will not be the same as last year and our long-term forecast is that we are in a cyclical decline,” said Jim Robb, director of the Livestock Marketing Information Centre, who spoke on the current price situation and market outlook for 2016 at Ag Days in Brandon on January 20.

Robb said cattle prices will continue to decline in 2016 but that decline will be less dramatic moving forward.

“The biggest adjustment has happened here in late ’15, early ’16. The markets will still be cyclically lower through 2018, but we are not going to keep getting this huge decline, the largest portion of fluctuation has already occurred,” said Robb.

He says the exchange rate, changes in the chicken and pork industries, and the slowdown of the U.S. herd growth will all impact the market landscape in 2016.

“We saw a dramatic decline all at once because these factors — the U.S. cattle feeders, the world economy — came together

all at once, in the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2015,” said Robb.

The expected cyclical decline through 2018 is normal for the industry, he said.

“This is a highly cyclical business. You can see the long-term graphs go up and down, both in Canada and the U.S., that hasn’t changed,” said Robb. “This will just be a different management time for producers.”

As long as Canadian producers keep management practices tight they will be able to remain profitable, especially in the cow-calf sector.

“Long term, this is still a fundamentally good year in cowcalf country. 2016 is going to be our third best year ever in terms of producer income,” said Robb.

“But, the coming year will still pale in comparison to 2013-14.”

Summer stocker programs are forecast to have the toughest margins in 2016.

“This is the sector that is most vulnerable to widely variable prices,” said Robb. “Growing cattle from calves to yearlings before they enter feedlots is sort of the shock absorber in the system and that becomes where prices are the most unstable. Those who rely on these programs have to be the best marketers, managers and buyers of cattle.”

Demand profile Robb said the beef demand profile hasn’t been this high since 1991 due to growth in the restaurant industry and consumers’ willingness to continue to purchase beef, even at premium prices.

“Beef is very much influenced by the restaurant trade.

The restaurant trade has picked up enormously throughout the world but especially in North America,” said Robb. “But also, consumers didn’t switch to pork and chicken to the extent they historically would have for cheaper prices. They have kept paying a premium for beef, which tells you a lot about what they think of the taste and quality of the product.”

On a global scale, Robb forecasts the Canadian herd to stabilize in 2016, but doubts growth.

“The Canada herd could grow a little bit but it will be difficult to grow in a lower-price environment,” said Robb, adding that Canada’s long-term export demand remains very positive.

“When we look at the exporting countries, Brazil and North America are really best positioned to fill some of the converging consumer demand overseas.” jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

WEATHER VANE “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.” Mark Twain, 1897

Light snow, but no big storms Issued: Monday, February 1, 2016 · Covering: February 3 – February 10, 2016 Daniel Bezte Weather Vane

L

ast week’s forecast played out pretty close to what was predicted. Last Wednesday’s Alberta clipper tracked a little farther south and packed a bit of a stronger punch than anticipated, while the weekend system was weaker than expected. These two systems did bring some very mild weather with them, though, which helped to end the month much like it began.

For this forecast period, it looks like we’ll see temperatures cool down a little bit, but the latest model runs keep the coldest air well to our north.

If you’re wishing for significant snow — well, it looks like you’re going to have to keep on wishing. It looks like the battle between mild air to our west and southwest, and cold air to our north and northeast, will continue, at least for the next couple of weeks. This will keep any large storm systems well away from our region.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we’ll have weak high pressure in place along with a cool north-

westerly flow, keeping temperatures right around average. Later in the week, we’ll see a secondary arctic high build southward, bringing slightly cooler air into our region on Friday. This high will quickly push off to the east as a large area of low pressure moves in from the Pacific and pushes southeastward. This system will bring a chance of light snow on Sunday or Monday, along with milder temperatures, as highs are expected to climb back up to around -5 C on Sunday before colder air begins to get pulled down behind this system on Monday.

Colder but near-average temperatures look like they will stick around for the first part of next week. Looking further ahead, the battle between mild Pacific high pressure to our west and cold arctic air will continue — and right now, I’m not sure which will win.

Usual temperature range for this period: Highs, -21 to -4 C; lows, -32 to -13 C. 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.

WEATHER MAP - WESTERN CANADA

1 Month (30 Days) Percent of Average Precipitation (Prairie Region) December 30, 2015 to January 28, 2016

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

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

Copyright © 2016 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: 01/29/16 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

This issue’s map shows the total amount of precipitation that has fallen across the Prairies so far this year compared to the long-term average.

Most of the Prairies saw a dry month, the only wet region being in northwestern Saskatchewan and adjacent Alberta. Across Manitoba, the southernmost areas were driest, receiving less than 40 per cent of their average precipitation.

Above-average winter temperatures continue Watch for the battle between cold arctic air and mild Pacific air to keep raging

BY DANIEL BEZTE Co-operator contributor

J

anuary 2016 had a little bit of everything in it, weather-wise — warm spells, cold spells, some snow, high winds, freezing rain and, in some areas, even a little rain. The first month of 2016 ended much like it began, with well-above-average temperatures. From talking to people it seems most of us forgot the first week of January was warm, with daytime highs on most days in the -2 to -5 C range. What most of us remember was the mid-month cold snap that saw the coldest weather of the winter move in on Jan. 9, then stick around for a good 10 days. While we did see a few overnight lows around the -30 C mark, and had a few days where daytime highs struggled to make it to -20 C, all in all it wasn’t that bad of a cold snap. No places came even close to any recordcold temperatures.

January has 31 days and the cold snap lasted about 10 days; that means that only a third of the month was cold. Of the remaining two thirds, nearly all saw above-average temperatures, with some near-record highs reported during the last few days of the month. After the

After the incredibly warm December, it’s not surprising that following the cold snap, people felt January had been a cold month.

incredibly warm December, it’s not surprising that following the cold snap, people felt January had been a cold month. In reality, when all the numbers were added up, January was warmer than average; in fact, it was much warmer than average.

Average daily temperatures for January across our three main locations range from -15.4 C in Dauphin to -16.6 C in Brandon. Daily mean temperatures for this Januar y were 2 to 3 C above the average, with Brandon being the warmest spot compared to average. With warmer-thanaverage temperatures came little in the way of precipitation. Only the Dauphin region saw near-average amounts of snow, with 13.7 mm of waterequivalent precipitation recorded. Both the Brandon and Winnipeg regions saw below-average amounts, with around eight mm recorded in both locations. Most of the precipitation came from the Alberta clipper that moved

through late in the month, bringing a quick shot of heavy snow, freezing rain and just plain rain. The above-freezing temperatures that ended the month were enough to melt off some of this new snow and compact the snowpack, resulting in less snow cover in most areas compared to earlier in the month.

Who called it?

Looking back at the weather predictions for Januar y, it looks like I’ll have to give the nod to Environment Canada, as it called for above-average temperatures along with below-average amounts of precipitation. I was correct in my prediction of a cold middle of the month, but then called for near-average temperatures to end the month resulting in near-average temperatures for the month as a whole. Both the Old Farmer’s and Canadian Farmers’ almanacs were way off, with calls for a cold and snowy month.

Looking ahead, the alman a c s’ f o r e c a s t s h a v e n o t changed. The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls for near- to slightly above-average temperatures in February, along w i t h s l i g h t l y a b ov e - a v e r age amounts of snow. This will then be followed by a slightly cooler-than-average March, along with aboveaverage amounts of snow. The Canadian Farmers’ Almanac seems to sing the same old cold tune, calling for cold and snowy conditions in February and near- to slightly-belowaverage temperatures in March, along with near-average amounts of snow.

Environment Canada’s forecast is a little more unsure than usual. Its three-month forecast has our region at about a 60 per cent chance of seeing above-average temperatures, but its newer 30-day forecast shows our region at a 50 per cent or slightly greater chance of seeing colder-than-average temperatures. As for precipitation, it calls for near-average amounts, with far northwestern regions having the best chance of seeing slightly above-average amounts.

F i n a l l y, h e r e a t t h e Co-operator, I’m a little unsure of what’s going to happen over the next couple of months.

El Niño is still strong and is

expected to only slowly weaken toward neutral conditions by late spring or early summer.

That said, so far this winter we’ve seen a fairly classical El Niño weather pattern across North America, but with a few variations.

The biggest question mark in the long-range forecast, in my opinion, is how the current arctic vortex sitting over northern Hudson Bay and Baffin Island will play out. It has been trying to push down cold arctic air, but so far these pushes have been fairly short lived as mild Pacific air keeps pushing back in. I think we’ll continue to see this battle between cold arctic air and mild Pacific air during February, which will result in near-average temperatures overall for the month.

Precipitation will continue to be on the light side as storm systems continue to track well to our south.

If we continue with our low snowpack into March, there’s a good chance we’ll see aboveaverage temperatures as it won’t take much to melt the snow, which will allow the sun’s energy to go into heating the air rather than melting the snow.

As usual, all we can do is sit back and watch to see if Mother Nature will continue to play nice with us.

17

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

CROPS h u s b a n d r y — t h e s c i e n c e , S K I L L O R ART O F F AR M IN G

FHB no longer a Manitoba problem

Producers across the Prairies need to manage to minimize their risk of fusarium

file photo

hits hard: since the early 1990s, losses in Canada from fusarium head blight have ranged from $50 million to $300 million annually.

“There’s yield loss, there’s reduction in grade, there’s reduction in functional qualities, and there may be implications for where you can market that grain,” said Turkington.

Management strategies And “there are no silver bullets” when it comes to managing fusarium head blight.

“One of the most frustrating aspects of this disease is that I can’t give you an effective strategy to manage it,” said Turkington.

“Even when we use all of the strategies that we have available — resistant varieties, good rotation, fungicide — we still see issues in terms of yield reduction, grade reduction, and mycotoxin contamination, especially when the weather conditions are favourable.

It’s a tough target to hit.”

That said, extending rotation is the first step. That’s “not a sexy strategy, but it’s something that we need to start to re-evaluate.”

Fusarium builds up in the soil, said Turkington.

“If you have a poor rotation — canola-wheat-canola-wheat, which for me is not a rotation — you’re going to build up that level of infested residue fairly quickly.”

It takes at least two years for infected residue to decompose, he noted. Once you have a longer rotation, resistant varieties are the next step.

And test seed to make sure it’s free from disease. “This is simply to try and limit the potential of introducing this pathogen into your farming operation,” said Turkington.

Seed treatment is a good bet, but it won’t eradicate fusarium, especially if it’s a well-established infection.

“Depending on the level of seed infection that you have and the germination level, seed treatments can be something to look at in ensuring good stand establishment,” said Turkington, adding good stand establishment can reduce the severity of the disease.

Fungicide is a last resort. “The thing that I want to emphasize with fungicides is that they provide suppression at best,” he said.

“When you look at the level of control, you need to be realistic in terms of what you expect from a fungicide. For fusarium head blight, it’s 50 per cent control at best.”

The flowering stage is the key time when the pathogen attacks, so producers should be applying fungicide just after the heads have emerged in that crop. “The proper time to apply is when you

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W

hen it comes to fusarium head blight, cereal growers tend to suffer from NIMBY syndrome — ‘not in my backyard.’

“Over the years, we’ve heard many comments that ‘it’s a Manitoba problem — it’ll never be a problem here in Alberta,’” federal research scientist Kelly Turkington said at the recent Agronomy Update conference.

“But in some areas, like southern Alberta, it’s already well established. Other areas, like central Alberta, are probably in a transition period. In the Peace, we have a problem that is fairly limited.”

Since 2007, Alberta has seen a “steady increase” in Fusarium graminearum, the pathogen that causes fusarium head blight in crops such as wheat and barley.

The disease was mostly restricted to southern Alberta until 2012, when it spread across the province until reaching a peak — for the time being — in 2014.

“We’re seeing it all throughout central Alberta and through many counties, and there’s quite high levels in southern Alberta,” said Trevor Blois, disease diagnostician for 20/20 Seed Labs.

In 2014, producers saw very high levels of fusarium in their crops, with over 13 per cent of samples submitted to 20/20 Seed Labs testing positive on the plate. Those numbers dropped last year.

“In 2015, we’ve seen a much lower per cent of samples that are testing positive,” said Blois. “This year, we’re down below seven per cent.” For fusarium levels, the drought was a blessing in disguise.

“Fusarium graminearum likes those really moist conditions right around flowering, and it was a very dry year,” Blois told conference attendees. “This year, we had good conditions that Fusarium graminearum didn’t like, but in future years, if those conditions are more moist around flowering, things could be bad.”

And when fusarium hits, it

As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully.

Staff/Red Deer

Unless indicated, trademarks with ®, TM or SM are trademarks of DuPont or affiliates. © 2016 DuPont.

By JENNIFER BLAIR

“One of the most frustrating aspects of this disease is that I can’t give you an effective strategy to manage it.”

Kelly Turkington

have about 75 per cent of those heads out of the boot, up until the point where you have 50 per cent of those heads on the main stems starting anthesis (flowering.)”

That’s a narrow window at the best of times, and one that’s especially hard to hit in a wet year.

But even with the best management practices, producers have to accept that there’s no knockout blow for fusarium. jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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18

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Major investment to build Farmers Edge’s data power The $58-million infusion will also go toward expansions into new markets STAFF

P Winnipeg precision agronomy Farmers Edge plans to boost its data science capabilities with new funding from three of its previous investors. file photo

recision agronomy and farm data management firm Farmers Edge plans to keep taking its services to previously underserved acres around the world, with a major cash infusion from a group of its backers.

Japanese commodities trading and investment firm Mitsui, Toronto commercial real estate company Osmington and the Green Growth Fund operated by investment firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers announced

Jan. 27 they’ll jointly invest $58 million in the Winnipeg company.

The three companies will get equity stakes on top of their previous holdings in Farmers Edge, and Kenji Otake, a general manager with Mitsui’s information technology (IT) division, will join the company’s board of directors. Farmers Edge declined to say how much equity, percentage-wise, goes to the three firms.

Farmers Edge said the investment will go toward expansion of its data science team and its engineering group for new prod-

uct development, and to finance further expansions into South America, Australia and Eastern Europe, noting Brazil’s Mato Grosso region and New South Wales in Australia.

“As we move into this next high-growth period, we will continue to expand into lucrative markets like the U.S., as well as Russia, Australia and Brazil, where our field-centric approach to predictive modelling is generating high yields even in data-sparse regions,” company CEO Wade Barnes said in a release.

“At the end of the day, our goal is to bring the precision agriculture movement to the largest broadacre markets in the world, creating a new generation of breadbasket regions in previously untapped land.”

Between software and hardware development, the company has hired about 40 people in the past 12 months and will likely double that in the next year, Barnes said in an interview.

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Mitsui’s Otake, in the same release, said Farmers Edge has been demonstrating “its ability to operate in regions like Brazil, that lack traditional infrastructure to support technology-enabled agriculture” — an important ability for a company such as Mitsui, whose commodities business procures 17.5 million tons of grains, oilseeds and other “food resources” per year.

In Brazil alone, Farmers Edge said Jan. 27, “there are nearly one billion acres of arable land that represent a significant and largely untapped market opportunity, primed for increased agricultural productivity.”

Farmers Edge, Barnes said, has shown it can operate not only in “data-rich” environments, but in relatively “datasparse” environments — and not only overseas. Jurisdictions such as Saskatchewan and the Dakotas have far smaller troves of publicly generated soil and climate data, he said, compared to states such as Iowa and Minnesota, where the company has also recently opened offices.

The company also plans to expand its services eastward in Canada, he said, noting Ontario’s cropland, for example, is relatively data rich compared to the Prairies but data sparse compared to parts of the U.S. In North America, he said, Farmers Edge is considered the “viable alternative” among just a handful of companies that provide such services at the field level — as agribusiness giants such as Deere, DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto, through its takeover of Climate Corp. in 2013, have staked claims in the same space.

Such companies’ investments and continued interest in farm data show its value, he said, as they look for ways to boost farmer productivity and reduce environmental impact.

19

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Russia now expected to leave grain export taxes intact Options for lower wheat taxes or new corn and barley taxes are shelved for now

BY POLINA DEVITT AND MICHAEL HOGAN Moscow/Reuters

R

ussia, one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, is not expected to change its current regime of taxes on grain exports, sources said on Jan. 29, following proposals to change them.

Concerns over the possibility of tougher limits on Russia’s foreign sales of wheat sent global prices to a onemonth high earlier in the week.

However, the Agriculture Ministry proposed removing or cutting the export tax on

wheat, while imposing one on barley and corn.

“They will not change anything,” one industry source said on Friday after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, who is in charge of agriculture.

Dvorkovich’s spokeswoman, Aliya Samigullina, told Reuters that no decision had been made at the meeting.

Any decision to reduce the tax would have been a blow for other exporters, including the European Union, the U.S. and Argentina, a German trader said.

“This would keep Russian competition in wheat export markets high at a time when

“This would keep Russian competition in wheat export markets high.”

German trader

falling oil prices have reduced purchasing power in some of the biggest Middle East grainimporting countries,” he said.

Russia could yet consider a downgrade of the wheat export tax and will decide on the matter on Feb. 3, Dmitry Rylko, the head of agriculture consultancy IKAR said.

But officials are unlikely to approve this idea, three sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Russia has a floating tax on wheat exports; the formula is set at 50 per cent of the customs price minus 6,500 rubles (C$121) per tonne but not less than 10 rubles per tonne.

Dvorkovich said earlier on Jan. 29 he saw no need to change the existing wheat tax for now unless there were extraordinary reasons to do so.

Russia originally imposed the wheat export tax a year ago when the ruble’s fall boosted domestic grain prices.

Since then, anxiety over domestic prices has eased, said Andrey Sizov, the head of SovEcon agr iculture consultancy.

The government can sell some grain from domestic stocks, if it needs to cool prices without changing export regulation, one trader said.

Baltic Dry Index trolls new depths, again Some shipping companies are now docking boats or going out of business

BY PHIL FRANZ-WARKENTIN

Handles the toughest diseases. And climates.

CNS Canada

T

he ocean floor remains one of the few unexplored mysteries of the world — but commodity shippers are now exploring how much lower the floor can go for the cost of ocean freight.

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) was quoted at 325 points on Jan. 28, marking a new low since records began in 1985, and only two weeks since falling below 400 points for the first time ever.

The index was trading above 1,200 as recently as the beginning of August 2015, but has struggled over the past five months.

The BDI, compiled daily by the London-based Baltic Exchange, provides an assessment of the price of moving major raw materials by sea, including grain.

An overcapacity of ships, the slowdown in Chinese demand for building materials, weakness in crude oil, and declining commodity prices have all been cited as contributing factors to the lower freight rates, according to freight analysts.

As far as Canadian grain and oilseed exports are concerned, the lower freight rates even the playing field in some cases by lessening the importance of shipping costs in the final price to the buyer.

For example, while Australia will always be closer to China than Vancouver, lower freight rates lessen the importance of shipping costs in the final price.

However, declining rates are already causing some shipping companies to dock their boats and others to go out of business completely.

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20

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

COLUMN

Crude oil slips below $27 per barrel Producers who 18 months ago recognized the impending downturn in the crude oil market, were able to position themselves David Drozd Market Outlook

T

he price of crude oil has dropped $80 per barrel in the past 18 months.

In July 2014, a two-month reversal materialized in the accompanying long-term chart indicating the crude oil market was about to turn down from $106 per barrel. Once prices fell below an important line of support in the $96-per-barrel area (shown as A), sell stops were triggered, causing prices to plummet to a long-term line of support in the $46-perbarrel area (shown as B).

Then, after having a “dead cat bounce” (minor bounce) to $62 per barrel, the market resumed the downtrend, dropped below the major long-term line of support (B), and collapsed to $26.16 per barrel on January 20, 2016 before encountering another reaction.

Support Support is a term used to describe a price level where the buying of futures contracts is expected to noticeably increase and at least temporarily halt the current direction of the market.

On bar charts, these areas will appear as well-defined price ranges within which the market previously traded essentially sideways or higher prior to making a decisive move down. The greater the amount of time the line of support persists, the greater will be the potential for support or resistance in the future.

To illustrate; crude oil prices were supported by line (A) for five years. Once prices fell below $96, thus breaking the line of support, then $96 became resistance on the following upward reaction.

Another characteristic which helps to gauge the relative support of a price area is the vertical distance the market must fall prior to reaching the area in question. The greater the market decline, prior to reaching a support level, the greater should be the support at that area.

To exemplify this characteristic; after the crude oil market broke down below support at $96 per barrel, the market plummeted $60 before bouncing off a major line of support (B), which had persisted for 16 years.

Lines of support, once identified, prove to be reliable indicators of future price direction.

Market psychology Support areas evolve because the market attracts buying around the bottom of a range. If prices break down through the line of support, shown as (A) in the accompanying chart, then all recent buyers are holding losing positions. Any return move back to this area subsequently represents an area in which to liquidate a long position at break-even or with a reduced loss. Therefore, the area where contracts are offered for sale increases and becomes resistance. Also, those who sold at higher levels, now have profits and may use the bounce to add to their short position.

The concept of support and resistance and the market’s reaction when it moves into a support or resistance area

CRUDE OIL MONTHLY NEARBY Chart as of January 22, 2016

are among the most interesting facets of chart study. Where a classic formation may not appear on a chart for several months, one can be reasonably sure that there is always a support or resistance area, even if minor, not very far from the market. This is important because it can help one formulate expectations of future price action.

Support or resistance areas are commonplace on futures charts, but are extremely important as they illustrate where future rallies and declines are likely to fail. Support and resistance levels define the parameters of the major trend.

It is important for producers to recognize the trend in the crude oil market and to understand its significant influence on the Canadian dollar and subsequent impact on

agriculture. Producers who, 18 months ago, recognized the impending downturn in the crude oil market, were able to position themselves for the anticipated decline of not only crude oil, but the Canadian dollar as well.

Send your questions or comments about this article and chart to info@agchieve.ca.

David Drozd is president and senior market analyst for Winnipeg-based AgChieve Corporation. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and are solely intended to assist readers with a better understanding of technical analysis. Visit AgChieve online at www.agchieve.ca for information about our grain-marketing advisory service and to see our latest grain market analysis. You can call us toll free at 1-888-274-3138 for a free copy of my latest eBook, Technical VS Fundamental Analysis.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Canada aims to leapfrog U.S. in global wheat trade A lower loonie has allowed Canada to undercut the U.S. in some export markets

C

anada is aiming to supplant the United States as the Western Hemisphere’s dominant wheat exporter, as its invigorated grain-exporting sector cashes in on weakening currency and cheap freight rates.

Canada overtook the U.S. in 2014-15 in wheat export volumes for the first time, exporting 24.1 million tonnes. It is forecast to fall short of eclipsing U.S. shippers in 2015-16, with both countries trailing top exporter Russia.

A once-large gap is steadily narrowing, however, with U.S. wheat exports forecast this year at a 44-year low, and Canadian shipments up nearly 30 per cent during the past decade.

Favourable dollar exchange currently allows Canadian exporters such as Richardson Inter national, V iterra and Cargill to undercut U.S. prices in some markets, traders say.

Record-low ocean freight rates have also extended Canada’s reach.

“I do think we will see the current trends in both countries continue, which would result in Canada being the leading exporter more years than not,” said Cam Dahl, president of industry group Cereals Canada.

The U.S. also faces stiffer competition from Argentina, whose wheat prices tumbled in December after the country devalued its peso and scrapped export taxes.

As currencies weaken against the greenback, some buyers are turning to Canada and other suppliers first, and the U.S. only if necessary, said Rhyl Doyle, director of export trading at Winnipeg-based grain handler Paterson Grain.

“They are gradually becoming the emergency storehouse,” Doyle said.

Me x i c o, Pe r u a n d s o m e Car ibbean countr ies have shifted purchases to favour more lower-quality wheat from the Black Sea region for blending with high-quality Canadian wheat, resulting in cheaper supply than U.S. hard red winter

news

Germany investigates possible tractor cartel Duesseldorf/Reuters / Germany’s antitrust regulator said Jan. 29 it was investigating a possible cartel of companies making agricultural machinery, particularly tractors.

It did not name any targets of the probe.

German agricultural trading group Baywa said the cartel office had searched its headquarters earlier

“Overall, they are not going to exceed us as a wheat exporter.”

Alan Tracy president, U.S. Wheat Associates

wheat to produce bread, Doyle said.

But export-focused industry group U.S. Wheat Associates, doubts Canada will consistently outship the U.S., and says a buildup of Canadian stocks may be behind last year’s anomaly.

“Overall, they are not going to exceed us as a wheat exporter,” said Alan Tracy, U.S. Wheat Associates president, adding that the U.S. system is more efficient.

Wheat from Canada is unloaded from a freight ship to a grain elevator at Chiba, on Japan’s Tokyo Bay, in November.

‘More accustomed’ Recent investments by Canadian grain handlers aim to change that. Grain handler G3 Global Grain Group is planning a new grain terminal at Port Metro Va n c o u v e r, w h i l e Ca r g i l l , Richardson and Viterra are upgrading port facilities there to ship more grains and oilseeds to Asia.

By contrast, expansion of grain export terminals in the U.S. Pacific Northwest has slowed since the 2011 opening of a $200-million Longview, Washington, grain terminal owned by EGT, LLC. It is the only new grain export terminal built in the U.S. in the past 30 years.

The region has seen no grain terminal expansions since 2013, said one PNW exporter, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

After Canada in 2012 scrapped the Canadian Wheat Board’s marketing monopoly, grain handlers who handle a variety of commodities are now directing export sales, not the board.

That has allowed companies to combine different crops on bigger vessels headed to a common region, adding to freight savings, said Terry James, vicepresident of export marketing at Richardson International.

“I think the buyers are becoming more accustomed to this out of Canada, and they are reacting accordingly by putting cargoes to us,” James said.

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this week on suspicion that some of its employees were involved in anti-competitive agreements.

Baywa said a court order showed several companies from the industry were being investigated, adding it was co-operating with the cartel office.

Deere and Co., the maker of John Deere tractors, said Jan. 29 it was not involved.

“Deere has not been contacted by German antitrust authorities and has not experienced a ‘raid’ of any kind,” a spokesman said by email.

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22

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Environment commissioner rips neonic registrations Federal watchdog’s critique follows PMRA’s move to end conditional registrations

BY DAVID LJUNGGREN Ottawa/Reuters

C

Canada’s environment commissioner says some neonic pesticides, under fire for potential risks to pollinators, have been available under conditional registrations for over a decade, while federal regulators haven’t yet gathered the data required for full registration. photo: thinkstock

POC 4.0000X10.0000 000067253r1 4C

anada’s official environmental watchdog on Jan. 26 expressed concern that authorities were allowing the long-term use of pesticides linked to bee deaths despite not having enough information about the products.

H e a l t h C a n a d a’s P e s t Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) can grant a five-year provisional licence to some products to give manufacturers time to provide more information.

Environment Commissioner Julie Gelfand said nine products had remained conditionally registered for more than a decade, even though the agency had not gathered the data it required.

Eight of the nine belong to the neonicotinoid class, which many beekeepers blame for devastating their hives.

“These products continue to be used extensively in Canada despite widespread concern they may pose a threat to bees, other pollinators and broader ecosystems,” she said.

Pesticide use is a sensitive issue in Canada, where last July Ontario’s provincial government became the first in North America to curb use of seed treated with neonicotinoids, which are used to kill insects that harm crops.

Quebec last fall announced plans for similar curbs.

Gelfand said the prolonged use of products with conditional registrations means “users may come to depend on a product that is ultimately shown to be unsafe.”

“Conditional registration of commercially available pesticides must be subject to timely and robust review, something the PMRA is simply not doing.”

Elizabeth May Green Party leader

In some cases, firms had not provided the required data for neonicotinoid pesticides. Even so, the agency continued to allow the products to be conditionally registered.

In a written response, the PMRA said it would gather the information more quickly in the cases of products which had been granted conditional registrations.

The PMRA said in January it would stop issuing conditional registrations on June 1.

The agency said earlier in January that available science suggested multiple factors could be responsible for bee deaths, including loss of habitat and food sources, diseases, viruses and pests, and pesticide exposure.

Separately, the agency concluded there was no risk to bees from the insecticide imidacloprid when it was used to coat seeds.

But it found bees could be endangered when the pesticide was used to treat soils or applied to plants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in January that its own preliminary risk assessment of imidacloprid found that chemical residues of more than 25 parts per billion would likely harm bees and their hives and result in the bees producing less honey.

Gelfand also found the agency had moved slowly to remove dangerous pesticides. It took the agency up to 11 years to remove some products deemed harmful.

“Conditional registration of commercially available pesticides must be subject to timely and robust review, something the PMRA is simply not doing,” federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said in a release Jan. 26.

“That so many neonicotinoids, for example, remain on the market and actively used across Canada having never undergone a proper assessment is simply unacceptable.”

“The audit findings confirm our worst fear, that PMRA delivers on industry interests and not those of people and the environment,” John Bennett, a senior policy adviser to the Canadian arm of environmental lobby group Friends of the Earth, said in a separate release.

The organization’s CEO Beatrice Olivastri, in the same release, said the federal government should replace the PMRA with a new agency that has “the money and scientists to do the real job to prevent unacceptable risks to people and the environment from the use of pesticides.”

23

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

CN’s grain handle down, grain revenue up The railway saw lower U.S. grain traffic to the Gulf of Mexico STAFF

C

anadian National Railway’s (CN) fourth-quarter and full-year ledgers show lower traffic, but increased revenue, from its grain and fertilizer business in 2015, en route to record full-year earnings.

Montreal-based CN on Jan. 26 reported overall net income of $3.538 billion on $12.611 billion in total revenues for 2015, up from $3.167 billion on $12.134 billion for 2014, for adjusted earnings per share of $4.44, up 18 per cent.

For its fourth quarter ending Dec. 31, CN booked net income of $941 million

on $3.166 billion in revenues, up from $844 million on $3.207 billion in the yearearlier period.

“I am particularly proud that CN’s team of railroaders quickly recalibrated resources to respond to weaker volumes, while protecting customer service,” CEO Claude Mongeau said in a release.

CN reported lower handles of U.S. grain bound for export via the Gulf of Mexico, and of energy-related commodities, steel products, iron ore and coal, compared to 2014.

Those lower volumes were offset by higher freight rates, U.S.-to-Canadian currency translations and “solid” overseas intermodal demand, the company said.

In its grain and fertilizer business, the company moved about 607,000 carloads in 2015, down five per cent from 2014. That handle included 163,000 carloads in the fourth quarter of 2015, down from 175,000 in its 2014 Q4.

However, for 2015, CN reported $2.071 billion in grain and fertilizer revenue, up from $1.986 billion in 2014, for revenue per carload of $3,412, up from $3,103.

For its 2015 Q4, the company booked $568 million in grain and fertilizer revenue, up just one per cent, for revenue per carload of $3,485, up from $3,200.

By comparison, Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), which reported its year-

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end results the previous week and announced another round of job cuts, reported its revenue per carload of Canadian grain at $3,750 for 2015, and $3,707 for the Q4. In its fertilizers and potash sectors, CP’s revenue per carload came in at $4,410 and $2,887 respectively for 2015.

CN’s quarterly reports don’t separate its figures for traffic in Canadian or U.S. grain or fertilizers.

According to the Canadian Transportation Agency, CN’s federally regulated maximum revenue entitlement from Canadian Prairie grain for the 2014-15 crop year was $738.2 million, compared to $721.9 million for CP.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Cooked data on rice threatens Indonesia’s food supply Government officials say harvest data is inflated to keep subsidies flowing

BY BERNADETTE CHRISTINA MUNTHE AND MICHAEL TAYLOR Jakarta/Reuters

I

ndonesian agriculture officials routinely inflate rice harvest data to present a rosy picture to the government and keep farm subsidies flowing, but their latest phoney numbers could lead to a severe shortage of the staple in coming months, officials say.

If the data had been correct, Indonesia would be awash with rice supplies and the country’s president would have less to worry about. The number rigging, critics say, flies in the face of food self-sufficiency targets that Joko Widodo has been aggressively pursuing since taking office in 2014.

“These numbers are so exaggerated,” said a senior government official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. “We’re scrambling right now to build stocks in case there’s a failed harvest in February and March.”

Another government official, who works on agriculture issues, confirmed that the numbers are rigged.

Supply shortages forced the government to hurriedly import rice from Thailand and Vietnam in December to avoid a surge in prices, which in the past has sparked civil unrest and contributed to the downfall of autocratic leader Suharto.

Warehouses should be bulging with tens of millions of tonnes of rice, if harvest data is to be believed, but every January officials reset the numbers to zero and the stock just evaporates from the books, the senior official said.

“There’s actually some very real vested interests behind some of these distortions,” he said, referring to Indonesia’s endemic corruption but giving no details.

Bad data, bad policy Dwi Andreas Santosa, a professor at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, said his research showed the government’s figures for rice output in 2015 were 17-19 per cent higher than estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

USDA numbers are considered to be the global benchmark for crop forecasts.

The government estimated a seven per cent year-on-year rise in production last year, shrugging off crop-damaging dryness linked to the El Niño weather pattern that prompted the region’s leading exporter, Thailand, to slash its rice output forecast. Indonesia is the world’s third-largest producer.

Santosa said he interviewed far mers in 61 Indonesian regions and found that output had actually fallen: in 67 per cent of the area surveyed, he found an average drop of 20 per cent from 2014.

“Production data can’t be trusted,” he said. “Our food policies are in disarray because of disarray in the data.”

USDA estimated Indonesia’s 2014-15 rice harvest at 35.56

“We’re scrambling right now to build stocks in case there’s a failed harvest in February and March.”

Unnamed government official, Indonesia

million tonnes, down two per cent from the previous year.

It forecasts output of milled rice at 36.3 million tonnes this year. The Agriculture Ministry’s estimate for this year is 75.13 million tonnes of unhusked rice, which after milling would come to about 47.2 million tonnes, said Santosa.

I n d o n e s i a’s A g r i c u l t u r e Ministry and statistics bureau are responsible for compiling rice production data, which is used to decide whether stateowned food procurement body Bulog should import or focus on domestic buying.

Last June, Bulog’s chief was removed after just five months in the role, a reflection of Wi d o d o’s f r u s t ra t i o n w i t h missed targets.

Workers unload imported rice from Vietnam from a ship at Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta, Indonesia on Dec. 15.

Photo: Reuters/Darren Whiteside

A dark underside Domestic prices of rice shot up in 2015 as supplies dwindled and the government dithered on imports. It ultimately imported 848,000 tonnes from the fourth quarter until midJanuary, an additional 600,000 tonnes is on its way and Indonesia is now in talks with sellers in Pakistan and India for more.

The Agriculture Ministr y denied that it manipulates the rice data, which is compiled through a wide network of contributors that include regional and central gover nment agencies.

“This is the best way we have,” said Hasil Sembiring, director general for food crops at the ministry.

“We are very open to critics.

Please show us if there is any other way. If people are saying that the Agriculture Ministry is setting up the data… it’s not true.”

Industry officials said the numbers are often exaggerated to reassure the president that his self-sufficiency policies are working, but other motives are to attract central government funding and fertilizer subsidies that are based on production.

The Agriculture Ministry was allocated 30.1 trillion rupiah (C$3.06 billion) for fertilizer subsidies in the 2016 budget, up from 18.8 trillion rupiah (C$1.91 billion) in 2011.

“The darker underside of this is like this: larger numbers lead to larger budgets,” said the senior government official.

“So if you say we have tens of millions of farmers, that gives more budget allocation to the Agriculture Ministry. Or if we say we’re going to push for X million tonnes of production, that argues for more fertilizer subsidies.”

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

India lifts ban on lentil linked to paralysis India seeks self-sufficiency as lentil buyers turn to Canada and Australia

BY KRISHNA N. DAS New Delhi/Reuters

I

ndia is lifting a five-decade-old ban on a type of lentil that has been linked to nerve damage and paralysis, in a desperate attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut legume imports and make the nation self-sufficient in the edible seeds.

Hit by back-to-back droughts for the first time in over three decades, India’s lentil output has fallen and prices have nearly doubled. Now the government has cleared three varieties of the khesari lentil, which can grow in dry or wet conditions.

But the opposition Congress party, which is trying to pressure Modi over continuing rural hardship, said the government was playing with the health of unsuspecting Indians by allowing the cultivation of khesari.

The varieties developed by Indian scientists, however, contain a lesser amount of a neurotoxin that can damage nerve tissues and weaken the legs of both humans and animals than previous varieties, said Narendra Pratap Singh, director of the state-run Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR).

“… there are no adverse long-term effects if consumption is in reasonable quantity.”

Narendra Pratap Singh Indian Institute of Pulses Research

“The government thought if in a reasonable quantity it can be consumed then why not allow it, particularly when there’s a crisis and we’re importing pulses,” said Singh.

Despite the ban placed on the lentil in 1961, khesari is still eaten in eastern India and neighbouring Bangladesh, mainly as a cheap source of protein for millions of poor people.

“This is how the Modi government is tackling price rise — by lifting (the) ban on a pulse that’s medically proven to cause paralysis,” Congress party spokesman RPN Singh said on Twitter.

The three varieties now allowed have been ready for the last 10 years and “various experiments on animals have shown there are no

adverse long-term effects if consumption is in reasonable quantity,” IIPR’s Singh said.

Every year Indians consume about 22 million tonnes of lentils used to make dal, a stew commonly taken with rice or flatbread across South Asia. About a fifth of the volume is imported from countries such as Canada, Australia and Myanmar, which grow the legumes mainly to sell to India.

Modi wants India to be self-sufficient in lentils and last month approved a scheme to encourage greater cultivation of the legumes.

Higher incentives for water-intensive crops like wheat and rice have made India a big grains producer at the cost of other key crops like lentils and oilseeds.

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T h e E PA i n N o v e m b e r had sought court approval to withdraw its previous registration for the proprietary glyphosate/2,4-D combination.

The agency said it wanted to re-examine the product, which Enlist varieties of corn and soybeans are genetically modified to tolerate.

The EPA, in its court filing, had said it since learned Dow Agro was claiming Enlist Duo’s two active ingredients work better together.

Until 2014, the choline salt form of 2,4-D used in Enlist Duo — billed as less prone to drift and volatilization than other forms of 2,4-D — hadn’t been registered for any U.S. herbicide use.

EPA in November said its earlier study of Enlist Duo assumed the 2,4-D and glyphosate components didn’t have such “synergistic effects” and may have understated the product’s phytotoxicity.

But a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Jan. 25 denied the EPA’s motion to vacate the Enlist Duo registration.

The EPA’s request to vacate came as a result of related actions against both the agency and Dow by two U.S. groups, the Center for Food Safety and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The judges said their decision is made “without prejudice to the rights of either party to litigate that question before the agency.”

Dow Agro, in a separate statement by email, said it “agrees” with the Appeal Court’s decision and “will continue to work co-operatively with the U.S. EPA concerning Enlist Duo.” Meanwhile, Dow said, “as a result of the decision, the current U.S. registration for Enlist Duo remains fully intact for all labelled uses.”

Enlist Duo, Dow Agro said in November, “continues to be available in Canada for its registered uses,” and the Enlist traits in corn and soybeans are still “fully approved for cultivation in Canada.”

Apart from its uses on Enlist crops, Enlist Duo is also registered in Canada for pre-seeding and pre-emergent use on spring, winter and durum wheat, barley, rye and field corn acres.

Dow had already kept Enlist corn and soybeans from full Canadian commercial release until the traits were approved in the U.S., “out of respect for movement of grain between the two countries.”

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

FARMER'S

MARKETPLACE selling?

Call to place your classified ad in the next issue: 1-800-782-0794 FAX your classified ads to: 204-954-1422 · Or eMAiL your classified ads to: mbclassifieds@fbcpublishing.com

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CAUTION The Manitoba Co-operator, 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.

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28

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Parkland – North of Hwy 1; west of PR 242, following the west shore of Lake Manitoba and east shore of Lake Winnipegosis.

Westman – South of Hwy 1; west of PR 242.

Interlake – North of Hwy 1; east of PR 242, following the west shore of Lake Manitoba and east shore of Lake Winnipegosis.

Red River – South ofHwy 1; east of PR 242.

The Pas

AUCTION SALES Saskatchewan Auctions

Birch River

Swan River Minitonas Durban

Winnipegosis

Roblin

Dauphin

Grandview

Ashern

Gilbert Plains

Parkland

Birtle

Langruth

Neepawa

Gladstone

Rapid City

1

Melita

Brandon

Boissevain

Killarney

Elm Creek

Beausejour

Sanford

Ste. Anne

Carman

Mariapolis

Pilot Mound

Lac du Bonnet

Winnipeg

Austin Treherne

Westman

Waskada

Stonewall Selkirk

Portage Carberry

Souris

Reston

Interlake

Erickson

Hamiota

Virden

Arborg

Lundar

Minnedosa

AUCTION SALES U.S. Auctions

OPENS: Wednesday, Feb.3 / CLOSES: Wednesday, Feb.10

Riverton Eriksdale

McCreary

Gimli

Shoal Lake

AUCTION SALES U.S. Auctions

Fisher Branch

Ste. Rose du Lac Russell

AUCTION SALES U.S. Auctions

FEBRUARY

AUCTION DISTRICTS

St. Pierre

242

Morris Winkler

Crystal City

Morden

Altona

Steinbach

1

Red River

AUCTION SALES AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake

McSherry Auction Service Ltd

AUCTION SALE Moving & Estate

Sat., Feb. 6th @ 10:00 am Stonewall, MB - #12 Patterson Drive

Yard * Tools * Antiques * Household!

Always Lots of Exciting Items!

Stuart McSherry

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

www.mcsherryauction.com

Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds.

Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator classifed section. 1-800-782-0794.

MACK AUCTION CO presents a land auction for the Estate of Ron Carriere Thurs., Mar 31st, 2016 7:00pm at the Days Inn Estevan, SK. Up for unreserved auction are 8 quarters sections of farmland in the RM of Benson #35. Some of the will sell w/surface lease oil revenue. Visit www.mackauctioncompany.com for sale bill & photos.

(306)421-2928 or (306)487-7815 Mack Auction Co. PL 311962.

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS BUILDING & RENOVATIONS Roofing

PRICE TO CLEAR!!

75 truckloads 29 gauge full hard 100,000PSI high tensile roofing & siding. 16 colours to choose from.

B-Gr. coloured......................70¢/ft.2

Multi-coloured millends.........49¢/ft.2

Ask about our blowout colours...65¢/ft.2 Also in stock low rib white 29 ga. ideal for archrib buildings BEAT THE PRICE INCREASES CALL NOW

FOUILLARD STEEL SUPPLIES LTD. ST. LAZARE, MB. 1-800-510-3303

McSherry Auction Service Ltd

AUCTION SALE

Moving & Estate Featuring Tools & New Store Product!

Sat., Feb. 13th @ 10:00 am Stonewall, MB - #12 Patterson Drive

Truckload of New Product: Skid Steer Blade * 3PH Rotary Tiller * 20’ x 30’ Storage Shelter * 30’ x 65’ Storage Building * Tire Changer * 10’ 20 Drawer Work Bench * 20’ Wrought Iron Driveway * 50 Ton Shop Press * Propane Space Heater * Fork Extensions * ATV Winch * Insulated Tarps * Welding Helmets & More * Hardware Close Out – New Store Product & New Tools! Yard, Antiques, Household * Go To Web! Stuart McSherry

BUILDINGS AFAB INDUSTRIES IS YOUR SUPERIOR post frame building company. For estimates and information call 1-888-816-AFAB(2322).

Website: www.postframebuilding.com CONCRETE FLATWORK: Specializing in place & finish of concrete floors. Can accommodate any floor design. References available. Alexander, MB. 204-752-2069.

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

www.mcsherryauction.com

Stretch your advertising dollars! Place an ad in the classifieds. Our friendly staff is waiting for your call.

1-800-782-0794.

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Red River

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Red River

A U C T I O N AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TOOLS, YARD EQUIPMENT & LIVESTOCK HANDLING SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13th 10:00 AM Location: 218 Brandt St. Steinbach, MB

SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS

• Forks • Grapples • Buckets • Snow plow blades

AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS • Shop repo new & used

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS • New & used

LIVESTOCK HANDLING EQUIPMENT

• 30-9ft 5 Rail Panels, 6ft & 8ft Gates, 10ft, 12ft, 16ft Gates • Industrial Propane Heaters • Good Selection of Shop Tools • 2006 Asun FSC 300 ATV 4X4

• (2) TMG Industrial 3 PTH Roto Tillers 82inch • Storage Buildings (30ft, 40ft, & 65ft) • 10ft 20 Drawer Heavy Duty Workbenches • New Tire Changer & Wheel Balancer Machines • 30 Ton Log Splitter w/ Honda Engine • 80 Gal Vertical 7.5 HP Air Compressor w/ 7.5 HP Electric

TIMED ONLINE

4WD TRACTORS 2012 Case-IH Steiger STX535 HD deluxe cab, powershift, 5 hyd., return flow, AFS Pro 600 monitor, auto steer, front & rear diff lock, tow cable, front & rear suitcase weights, 520/85R46 triples, 1,924 engine hrs.

2008 Case-IH Steiger 485, deluxe cab, air seat, powershift, 4 hyd., large 1000 PTO, WAAS, 252 receiver, Pro 600 display, deceleration pedal, diff lock, HID lights, (10) rear suitcase weights, 620/70R42 front & rear duals, 2,000 hrs., S/NZ8F111556 1991 Versatile 976, CAH, 855 Cummins, 12 spd., 4 hyd., AM/FM radio, block heater, Michelin 650/65R42 duals, 35%, 6,500 engine hrs., 8,400 total hrs., fresh oil change, 500 hrs. on clutch, turbo, water pump, U-joints, hinge pins, & exhaust systems 1983 JD 8650, CAH, quad range, 4 hyd., 3 pt. w/o arms, PTO, 18.4-38 press steel duals, 15-20%, shows 4,900 hrs., tach is not original, fresh oil change MFWD TRACTORS 2004 Case-IH MX285, MFWD, buddy seat, 3 hyd., 3 pt., quick hitch, complete AgLeader auto steer, front suitcase weights, rear wheel weights, 420/90R30 front tires w/duals, 480/85R46 rear tires w/duals, 7,860 hrs., New rear inside Michelin tires, work orders available, S/NJAZ133183 2002 Case-IH MX220, MFWD, buddy seat, powershift, 5 hyd., 3 pt., return flow, quick hitch, 540/1000 PTO, HID lights, 6,664 hrs., S/NX2204C4JA0116694 1997 Case-IH Magnum 8910, MFWD, powershift, 3 hyd., 3 pt., PTO, diff lock, 8,714 hrs., S/NJJA0081942 1998 NH 8770, MFWD, 16 spd. powershift, 4 hyd., 3 pt., large & small 1000 PTO, Super Steer, 5,800 hrs., stored inside 1988 White 185, MFWD, CAH, 8.3 liter Cummins, 3 spd.

1999 Roscoe RB48 power broom, CAH, diesel asphalt pump Brought to you by SteffesGroup.com Shop-built (2) Monarch 2” water pumps stored inside, not used in 2015, (20) Motorola Max Trac 2-way powershift, 3 hyd., 3 pt., 1000 TILLAGE EQUIPMENT single owner, S/N701196 PTO, Trimble EZ Guide 250 2013 Summers disc chisel, radios, UHF display, 16.9-28 front tires on 32’, rolling chopping baskets PTO generator on trailer EDIBLE BEAN EQUIPMENT ZF axle, 7,331 hrs.

(2) heavy duty dozer blades 2012 Summers disc chisel, 2008 Pickett TwinMaster, 2 Heavy duty roto tiller, 82”, 3 pt.

40’, rock flex spd., 540/390 trans., 1000 GPS EQUIPMENT (2) self-dumping hoppers, New 2007 Summers pull-type PTO, variable spd., pickup, JD Starfire 3000 globe, SF2 packer, 60’ SNOWBLOWERS activation, S/NPCGT3TA327902 Case-IH Tiger-Mate 200 field touch screen shaft monitor Buhler YC962000 system w/alarms & shaft JD 2630 display, SF2 ready, cultivator, 55’ snowblower, 96” width speeds for threshing cyl., less power cord, Miskin S-2013 sub soiler, shaker table, transition auger, Hiniker snowblower, approx. 7’ S/NPCGU2UG561098 14 shank, 20” spacing bucket elevator, vacuum fan, Woods Alloway SD96 Outback S guidance light bar straw chopper & bin full alarm, snowblower, 8’, 2 stage, 3 pt.

SEMI TRACTORS & TRUCKS PLANTERS monitor also controls pickup Bobcat snowblower, 8 hp.

2009 Kenworth T660, Aero cab 2008 JD 1790 planter, CCS, head on/off & spd., Ag Cam Bobcat snowblower, 7 hp. flat top sleeper, C13 Cat, 430 16x30”, 31x15”, 2 pt., half shows final shaker screen, MTD 204CC snowblower, 24” hp., 10 spd., air ride, cruise, diff approx.18,500 lbs. storage width disconnect, vacuum, lock, air dump, fixed 5th wheel, bin cap.

SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS spring down pressure, heated & power mirrors, 3:36 Skeleton rock bucket S/NA01790C725381 ratio, shows 598,590 miles SPRAYERS grapple, 84”, New 2007 Moore-Built planter, 2008 Kenworth T600, 72” 1994 Tyler Patriot XL selfTree & fence post puller, opens 24x22”, stack fold, vacuum, Aerodyne double sleeper, ISX propelled sprayer, 80’ boom, up to 16”, flat-faced couplers hyd. ProShaft drive, hyd. suspension leveling, Pallet forks, 48” carriage, 48” MaxEmerge XP, 3 bu. boxes, Cummins, 475 hp., 13 spd., double spring down pressure, engine brake, air ride, air slide 4WD, Trimble GPS to include Receiver hitch attachment 5th, twin aluminum tanks, 252 Omnistar unlocked Dawn row cleaners, steel (2) HD solid 5/16 weld on cruise, Thermo King APU unit, receiver, FMD display, E-Z scrapers, SeedStar monitor, quick attach plates 252” WB, 3:36 ratio, shows boom w/ 8-section shutoff, ProMax 40 soybean discs, 2016 Hawz heavy duty rock AIXR tips, 20” spacing, 750 John Blue ground drive pump, 1,143,664 miles & brush grapple, 74”, New Keeton seed firmers w/liquid 2004 Peterbilt 385, quad axle gal. tank, foamer, rinse tank, 2016 Hawz heavy duty rock day cab, C12 Cat, Eaton 2,973 hrs., S/N6940768 fertilizer, Precision Planting & brush grapple, 84”, New Fuller 10 spd., engine brake, Redball 680 sprayer, 90’ boom, upgrade on all row unit 2016 Hawz tree puller, New air ride seat & susp., cruise, 20” nozzle spacing, 1,350 meters, stored inside, very A/C, steerable pusher, locking gal. tank, rinse tank, chemical (2) fork ext., 72”, New well maintained, field ready rear ends, dual lifting tag, dual inductor, S/N99-00096 LONG GUNS 1995 JD 7200 planter, exhaust, 24’x8’ box w/Headlift MaxEmerge II, VacuMeter, Manhattan Arms Co. side-byNH3, CHEMICAL/ hoist, beet equipped 3 pc. end 12x30”, front-fold, 2.2 bu. side shotgun, 12 ga.

FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT gate, Saf-T-Pull hitch, 250” hoppers, JD 250 monitor, 2011 Progressive 1500 strip National Firearms Co. 12 WB, shows 815,116 miles Totally Tubular liquid, full no-till ga. pump tiller, 30” spacing setup w/manual adj. down force 1966 Oshkosh P-1823 plow Yetter fertilizer caddy w/1,600 John Buckingham side-bytrash whippers & coulters, Max truck, Cummins diesel, side shotgun, 10 ga. gal. tank & 400 gal. tank 40 plates & bean plates, Yetter Siccard twin rotor blower, AC Gustafson seed treater, 12v Bayard Arms Co. side-by21000H engine, leaf springs, firmers on back, also comes side shotgun, 12 ga. shows 25,429 miles FORAGE EQUIPMENT w/coulters for a 2x2 system, Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. 2002 Jay-Lor 2425 vertical converted from 2 pt. pull to side-by-side shotgun, 12 ga.

TRAILERS mixer, 540 PTO drawbar style, 100 acres on Knickerbocker side-by-side 2014 Timpte Super Hopper DewEze Super Slicer II bale new bolt-on gauge wheels hopper bottom, 43’x102”x78” processor, sickle cutting bar shotgun, 12 ga. T. Barker side-by-side shotgun, 12 ga.

2009 Timpte Super Hopper AIR DRILL 2001 Ag-Bag G6000 pull-type Richmond Arms Co. side-byhopper bottom, 40’x96”x72” bagger, 9’, 540 PTO 2014 JD 1890 air drill, 42’, side shotgun, 12 ga.

2009 Great Dane SuperSeal Belted conveyor, 40’x48” 7-1/2” & 15” spacing, single Royal Gun Works side-byXLT reefer trailer, 53’x102” shoot, hyd. variable rate LASER EQUIPMENT side shotgun, 12 ga. drive, SeedStar less display, 2002 Great Dane flatbed trailer, 2007 Trimble Spectra T. Barker side-by-side 48’x96”, wood deck, spring ride 8,500 acres, 31x13.5-15 precision laser, w/transmitter, shotgun, 12 ga. high flotation duals, JD 1910 receiver & remote, connector Side-by-side shotgun tow-behind commodity cart, BEET HARVESTER cable, remote holder 350 bu., 150 bu. front tank & 2012 Amity 2700 beet SHOP EQUIPMENT harvester, 12x22”, row finder, OTHER EQUIPMENT 200 bu. rear tank, 12” belted large 1000 PTO, ferris wheel Taarup 205 disc mower, 3 pt. FUEL TANKS conveyor w/hopper, cart style, folding boom, 2,400 Mounted spreader, 540 PTO, TIRES & PARTS S/N1A81910HVEF755640, MISC. ITEMS 3 pt. drill S/N1Z81890CEEF755469 acres, extra parts included,

For consignor information & location, complete terms, lot listing & photos visit SteffesGroup.com

Auctioneers & Clerk: Steffes Group, Inc.

West Fargo, ND Grand Forks, ND 701.237.9173 701.203.8400 Ames, IA Sioux Falls, SD 515.432.6000 605.271.7730

Litchfield, MN 320.693.9371

Mt. Pleasant, IA 319.385.2000

SteffesGroup.com

BUILDINGS

MIXED LOT BASS PRO SHOP GOODS

BUILDINGS

Book NOW for spring building!!

• Hunting, Winter Gear & Toys sold by pallet

PALLET LOTS TOOLS OPEN BOX, DISPLAY MODEL & RETURNED GOODS

(Ask your sales rep about discounts on spring built buildings!)

• Sold by the pallet

SMALL QTY HOUSEHOLD GOODS

• Sold by the pallet

• Mostly 2011 & 2012 Drop Decks Some 99, 01, 07 • 2004 New Holland LS 170 Skid Steer Loader w/ Bucket • 98 Genie S65 Diesel Boom Lift • Rock-O-Matic Rock Picker w/ Rock Rake • New Holland 195 Manure Spreader • (2) 20T Tandem Axle Manure Spreaders

BALERS, TRACTORS, COMBINES, VEHICLES & MUCH MORE!!

SOME CONSIGNMENTS ACCEPTED BUT GET IN EARLY CALL TODAY!!

TO CONSIGN CALL 204-326-3061 M-F 9AM to Noon-1PM to 5PM

THIS WILL LIKELY BE ONE OF THE LARGEST SALES OF THE YEAR!! www.pennerauctions.com

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

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

Full Listing At www.pennerauctions.com

PENNER AUCTION SALES LTD. 218 Brandt Street Steinbach, MB Ph: 204.326.3061 Fax: 204.326.7529 Toll Free: 1-866-512-8992 www.pennerauctions.com

FARM MACHINERY Grain Vacuums CURT’S GRAIN VAC SERVICES, parts & repair for all makes & models. Craik SK, (306)734-2228.

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF

Live Internet Bidding

Advertise in the Manitoba Co-operator Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

Location: 218 Brandt St. Steinbach, MB

HWY TRACTORS (QTY UNKNOWN) APPROX 15 TRAILERS

WESTERN GRAIN DRYER, manufacturers of grain dryers w/fully automatic moisture & control systems. Updates for all screenless dryers include, roof, tiers & burner etc. Used dryers are available.

Toll-free 1-888-288-6857, westerngraindryer.com

A GAMBLE...

REPO AUCTION SATURDAY APRIL 9th 10:00 AM

FARM MACHINERY Grain Dryers

Sale Conducted by: PENNER AUCTION SALES LTD.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 2007 D-6-N LGP CRAWLER w/6-way dozer, A/C, cab, canopy, diff-steering, ripper, extra clean, $96,000; 2004 D-6-N LGP crawler, 6-way dozer, A/C, cab, diff-steering, Allied W6D winch, $86,000; 2003 D-7-R, cab, a/c plus bush canopy, 4-barrel multi-ripper w/a dozer & hyd tilt, new engine plus repairs, total work order $137,000 3,000-hrs ago, $105,000 USD; 2008 Hitachi ZX-270-C-3 hyd excavator w/hyd thumb, w/quick attach bucket, 7,190-hrs, $70,000 USD; 2006 Hitachi ZX 270-LC Hyd excavator w/quick attach bucket, 11-ft stick, axillary hyd, 6,382-hrs, $65,000 USD. (2) 2005 Komatsu 320 payloaders w/quick attach buckets, $50,000/each; 2010 CAT 324 excavator w/electronic thumb. Phone:(204)871-0925.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

FARM MACHINERY Fertilizer Equipment

6 QUICK ATTACH EXCAVATOR buckets, some trenching & clean-up buckets, plus 6 excavator rippers, some Cat’s & WBM’s. (204)871-0925, MacGregor MB.

USED DRY FERTILIZER SPREADERS, 4-8 tons, large selection, 18-ft Drillfill, has extra brush auger, $2,900. www.zettlerfarmeuipment.com Phone: (204)857-8403.

1-800-782-0794 FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories GOODS USED TRACTOR PARTS: (204)564-2528 or 1-877-564-8734, Roblin, MB. MURPHY SALVAGE New & used parts for tractors, combines, swathers, square & round balers, tillage, press drills & other misc machinery. MURPHY SALVAGE (204)858-2727 or toll free 1-877-858-2728.

FYFE PARTS

1-800-667-9871 •• Regina 1-800-667-9871 Regina 1-800-667-3095 •• Saskatoon 1-800-667-3095 Saskatoon 1-800-387-2768 • Winnipeg 1-800-667-3095 Manitoba 1-800-222-6594 •• Edmonton “For All Your Farm Parts”

www.fyfeparts.com

29

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories

COMBINES Accessories

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Angus 55 RED AND BLACK Angus Two-Year Old Bulls Suitable for Heifers and Cows. Private Treaty @ the Ranch Info sheets available. Triple V Ranch Dan (204)665-2448 or (204)522-0092, Matthew (204)264-0706 Website vvvranch.com

The Real Used FaRm PaRTs sUPeRsToRe Over 2700 Units for Salvage • TRACTORS • COMBINES • SWATHERS • DISCERS Call Joe, leN oR daRWIN (306) 946-2222 monday-Friday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WATROUS SALVAGE WaTRoUs, sK. Fax: 306-946-2444

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous 1999 Agri Fab Great used mixer! This is one of the heaviest mixers we’ve ever seen. Four augers offering a great mix front to back top to bottom. 3/4-in flighting & heavy side walls. New 48-in conveyor. All parts are common & available at any bearing store. $12,999.99 (306)971-9006 8820 JD COMBINE; 4555 JD tractor, FWA w/front end & grapple; 1086 Int tractor w/front end & grapple; 32-ft Ezee-on air seeder w/1400-gal fertilizer caddy; 40-ft harrow packer; Melroe 5 bottom plow; 4490 Case tractor; 54-ft Friggstad deep tiller; 20-ft Case Int 50000 sp swather w/cab, heat & AE w/U2 PU reel; 140-bu grain dryer; Rock-matic stone picker & 12-ft stone rake; 62-ft spray air 12-in swing out auger; 10,000-gal., 2)5000-gal, 2)3000-gal & 1)1700-gal liquid fertilizer tanks; various size grain bins; 120-ft Flexi-coil sprayer; 2-ton Ford grain truck w/roll tarp; 4-wheel 2 axle swather carrier; 20-ft deep tiller; 20-ft cultivator. Call (204)744-2491 or (204)825-8616.

ARTSWAY MIXMILL, $1,500; HENKE 30-in. PTO rollermill, $3,500; Peerless 20 rollermill, $2,000; Bearcat grinder, $800; NH LX865 skidsteer, $13,900; New skidsteer 48-in. forks walk through $950; Valmar 1620, $2,500; 3255, $3,500; 2420 trailer type, $5,000; JD 7000 8RN planter, $7,000; REM 2500 HD grain vac, $9,500; Brandt 4000, $8,000; Brandt 4500, $8,500; REM 1026, $4,500; New 10-ft. box scraper, $2,450. (204)857-8403 GRAVITY WAGONS- NEW 400-BU., $7,400; 600bu., $12,500. Large selection of used gravity wagons 200-750 bu, $2,000 up. Large selection of used grain carts 495-1050 bu. Brent 610, $10,000; UFT 750 hyd dr, $17,500; MW 620-bu. $13,500; Used dry fertilize spreaders 4-8 Ton; Gehl 500-bu. 4 auger feed cart, $10,000; Roorda feeder cart, $2,000; JD 780 spreader hydra push, $10,000; Gehl 1315 slinger, $5,000. (204)857-8403.

MCKEE 7-FT SNOW BLOWER, $1,250; Leon 12-ft blade, $3,500, 10-ft blade, $2,000; Box scraper new 10-ft, $2,450; New Holland LX865 skidsteer, $13,900; Melroe Bobcat 943 skidsteer, $14,900; Grapple bucket for skidsteer new, $1,750; Grain screeners dual screen Hutchinson, $1,500; Up DMC 44, $2,500; Kwik Kleen 5 tube, $5,000, 7 tube, $6,500; Kelly Ryan Feedcart, $2,000; Snowco feeder cart, $1,000. www.zettlerfarmequipment.com Phone:(204)857-8403.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted FLEX HEADER TO FIT Massey 750 combine.

Phone Bill (204)770-4706.

WANTED: SIDE-MOUNT NH3 POINTS. Also wanted: 14-ft & 18-ft bin hoppers. Phone (204)655-3458

HAYING & HARVESTING HAYING & HARVESTING Various 2008 MACDON M150 SWATHER…., D60-40Header,18.4x26 Tires, Slow Speed Transport,…$111,750 Call Don:(204)325-3465.

FOR SALE: LARGE ROUND brome & alfalfa mix hay bales, $65, can deliver. Phone (204)324-9300.

Rebuilt Concaves

Rebuild combine table augers Rebuild hydraulic cylinders Roller mills regrooved MFWD housings rebuilt Steel and aluminum welding Machine Shop Service Line boreing and welding

Penno’s Machining & Mfg. Ltd. Eden, MB 204-966-3221 Fax: 204-966-3248

Check out A & I online parts store www.pennosmachining.com

Combines COMBINES John Deere 2001 JD 9750 VSFH, Fine Cut Chopper, 20-ft Unload Auger….$52,000 Call Don @ 204-325-3465

COMBINES Combines - Various 2000 JD 9650 STS, Contour Master, 18.4x42 Duals, Y & M…$48,000 Call Mike:(204)745-7690.

COMBINES Accessories 2005 GERRINGHOFF ROTO DISK… 8 Row 30-in …$42,000 Call Mike:(204)745-7690.

2008 JD 612C STALKMASTER Corn Head 12 Row 30-in…$75,000 Call Don:(204)325-3465.

AGCO MF CAT flex platforms: In stock Models 500 Gleaner 25-ft. & 30-ft.; Model 8000 30-ft. & 8200 35-ft. MF; Cat FD30 flex; FD40 flex. Reconditioned, ready to go. Delivery in SK, MB, AB. Gary: (204)326-7000, Reimer Farm Equip, Hwy #12 N, Steinbach, MB. www.reimerfarmequipment.com CASE/IH FLEX PLATFORMS: MODELS 1020 25ft. & 30-ft. w/wo sir reel; 2020 30-ft. & 35-ft., 2020 30-ft. w/air reel; 2011 3020 35-ft. Can install new AWS air bar for additional $11,500. Deliver in SK, MB, AB. Gary (204)326-7000, Reimer Farm Equip, Hwy #12 N, www.reimerfarmequipment.com Steinbach, MB. JD FLEX PLATFORMS: 922, 925, 930, sever- al newer ones w/full finger augers & air reels; 630-635 w/wo air bars. Deliver in SK, MB, AB. Gary (204)326-7000, Reimer Farm Equipment, Hwy #12 N, Steinbach, MB. www.reimerfarmequipment.com NH FLEX PLATFORMS: In stock Models 973 both 25-30’; 74C 30-ft. w/air reel; 88C 36-ft. flex draper; 94C 25-ft. rigid draper w/trailer. Deliver in SK, MB, AB. Gary (204)326-7000, Reimer Farm Equip, Hwy #12 N, www.reimerfarmequipment.com Steinbach, MB.

EDIE CREEK ANGUS HAS 35 Rugged 2-Yr Old Angus Bulls at our 9th Annual Sale, March 12 at Ashern Auction Mart. Meaty, Moderate, Maternal, Easy Calving, Easy Fleshing BREEDING BULLS for Grass Farmers. Developed Entirely for Sale as 2-Year Olds to breed more cows for MORE YEARS! Great Temperaments, many suitable for heifers.

WWW.EDIECREEKANGUS.COM or call Jonathan Bouw @ (204)471-4696.

HEADER TRAILERS & ACCESSORIES. Arc-Fab Industries. 204-355-9595 charles@arcfab.ca www.arcfab.ca

F BAR & ASSOCIATES Angus bulls for sale.

Choose from 20 two-yr-old and yearling Red and Black Angus bulls. Great genetics, easy-handling, semen-tested, delivery available. Call for sales list.

Inquiries and visitors are welcome. We are located in Eddystone, about 20-mi E of Ste. Rose, or 25-mi W of Lake MB Narrows, just off Hwy 68. Call Allen & Merilyn Staheli. Tel: (204)448-2124 Email: amstaheli@inethome.ca

Tillage & Seeding TILLAGE & SEEDING Seeding Various CERTIFIED CONVENTIONAL CM440 GRAZING CORN. Early maturing, leafier for increased grazing yield. No planter required. Swath or stand graze cattle, sheep, bison & for wildlife food plots. CanaMaize Seed Inc., 1-877-262-4046, www.canamaize.com GLY 1 SOYBEAN SEED. Early, mid, long season available. Top yields. Bulk or bagged. Keep your own seed, with the convenience of glyphosate! No contracts or TUAs. Dealers wanted. Call or text Matt: (204)280-0568 or Nate: (204)280-1202

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Equipment

The Icynene Insulation System®

2008/06 JD 1830/JD 1910, 50-in, 7.5-ft Sp, 3-in Rubber Press, Sgl Shoot, 430 BU w/Duals, TBH, Conveyor, Dbl Shoot, Variable Rate $142,900…Call Mike:(204)745-7690.

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

2011 DEGELMAN 82-ft STRAWMASTER, Hyd Tine, Hyd Press…$43,000 Call Don:(204)325-3465.

2011 LEMKEN RUBIN, KNIFE rollers…..$79,000 Call Mike:(204)745-7690.

2013 JD 2625 DISK 33-ft 7-in, 26-in Blades, 11-in Spacing, Single Point, Touch Depth Ctl….$72,500.

Call Don:(204)325-3465.

2014 LEMKEN HELIODOR 40-ft tube/tube, Ext Dome, ….$106,000. Call Mike:(204)745-7690.

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Various FOR SALE: 1985 IHC 7200 hoe press drill ,always shedded, very clean. For more info phone evenings (204)859-2724 Advertise your unwanted equipment in the Classifieds.

Call our toll-free number and place your ad with our friendly staff, and don’t forget to ask about our prepayment bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and get 2 weeks free!

1-800-782-0794.

www.penta.ca

1-800-587-4711

IRON & STEEL FREE STANDING CORRAL PANELS, Feeders & Alley ways, 30ft or order to size. Oil Field Pipe: 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 1 7/8, 2-in, 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3 1/2. Sucker Rod: 3/4, 7/8, 1. Casing Pipes: 4-9inch. Sold by the piece or semi load lots. For special pricing call Art (204)685-2628 or cell (204)856-3440.

LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK Cattle Auctions

TRACTORS Case/ IH

Hwy #205, Grunthal • (204) 434-6519

1988 CASE IH 7130 MFD 7,058-hrs, rebuilt engine no hrs, 20.8x38 tires 50%, 3 hyd, 1,000 PTO, $33,500. Phone (306)542-3037.

AGENT FOR T.E.A.M. MARKETING

JD 2550 2-WD, 3-PT, hi/low shift, 4500-hrs, w/o loader; JD 2750 MFWD, CAH, 3-pt, 2-hyd’s, w/245 loader; JD 2950 2-wd, CAH, 3-pt, 2-hyd’s; JD 2950 MFWD, 3-pt, 2-hyd’s, w/loader; JD 4050 (2)MFWD, 3-pt, PS, w/o loaders; JD 4640 Quad, 3-hyd’s; JD 6420 2-MFWD, 3-pt, 3-hyd’s, PQ w/LHR, w/640 loader; JD 7610 MFWD, 3-pt, PQ w/LHR, w/740 FEL; JD 7700 MFWD, 3-pt, PQ, fact duals, w/740 FEL, grapple. Mitch’s Tractor Sales Ltd. St. Claude,MB. Phone: (204)750-2459 (cell) Mitchstractorsales.com

TRACTORS Versatile

GRUNTHAL, MB.

REGULAR CATTLE SALES

every TUESDAY at 9 am February 9th, 16th & 23rd

Saturday, February 20th at 10 am Bred Cow Sale

Monday, February 29th at 12 pm

Sheep and Goat with Small Animals & Holstein Calves

For on farm appraisal of livestock or for marketing information please call

Harold Unrau (Manager) Cell 871 0250 Auction Mart (204) 434-6519 MB. Livestock Dealer #1111

WWW.GRUNTHALLIVESTOCK.COM

875 VERS. W/ATOM JET & good tires. Nice shape.

Ph:(204)325-2416.

TRACTORS 2-Wheel Drive STEVE’S TRACTOR REBUILDER specializing in JD tractors in need of repair or burnt, or will buy for parts. JD parts available. Phone: 204-466-2927 or cell: 204-871-5170, Austin.

TRACTORS 4-Wheel Drive FOR SALE: JD 8970 Cummins 400-HP, 24-spd, 5 remote, 710-38 tires, 7100-hrs, clean, shedded. $68,000. Phone: (204)324-9300

TRACTORS Various

Big Tractor Parts, Inc. Geared For The Future

STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST

RED OR GREEN 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement parts for your Steiger drive train.

2. We rebuild axles, transmissions and dropboxes with ONE YEAR WARRANTY. 3. 50% savings on used parts.

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

RED ANGUS PUREBRED LONG yearling & two year old bulls for sale. Contact DBM Angus Farms at Holland, MB: Brian:(204)723-0474 or David: (204)723-0288.

ANGUS INFLUENCE SALE

Friday, February 12, 2016

SHEEP LAMB AND GOAT SALE

Wed., Feb. 17, 2016 @ 1:00 p.m.

SPECIAL HOLSTEIN STEER SALE Fri., Feb. 19, 2016 @ 9:00 a.m.

BRED COW SALE

Mon., Feb. 22, 2016 @ 10:30 a.m.

(Butcher And Feeder Sale @ 9:00 a.m.)

SPECIAL REPLACEMENT HEIFER SALE

Friday, February 26, 2016 - Sell In Groups Of 5 to 10 • 25 BWF Brackle Heifers • 50 Black And Black X Heifers • 50 Red And Red X Heifers (Phone To Consign)

REGULAR BUTCHER AND FEEDER SALE EVERY FRIDAY We Have 5 to 7 Cow Buyers 6 to 7 Feeder Buyers 3 to 5 Local Buyers “Where Buyers & Sellers Meet” To Consign or for more information call:

204-694-8328 or call Mike at 204-807-0747

www.winnipeglivestocksales.com Licence #1122

WANTED: BUTCHER HOGS SOWS AND BOARS FOR EXPORT

P. QUINTAINE & SON LTD. 728-7549 Licence No. 1123 LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT ALTERNATIVE POWER BY SUNDOG SOLAR, portable/remote solar water pumping for winter/summer. Call for pricing on solar systems, wind generators, aeration. Service & repair on all makes/models. Carl Driedger, (204)556-2346 or (204)851-0145, Virden.

AN ASSORTMENT OF CREEP feeders & self feeders on wheels & skids. All Cypress Industries.

Phone:(204)325-2416.

KELLN SOLAR SUMMER/WINTER WATERING System, provides water in remote areas, improves water quality, increases pasture productivity, extends dugout life.

St. Claude/Portage, 204-379-2763.

12V. or Hydraulic Electronic Scale Opt.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Black Angus 21ST ANNUAL CATTLEMANS’ CONNECTION Bull Sale, March 4th, 2016, 1:00pm. Heartland Livestock Brandon. Selling 100 Yearling Black Angus Bulls. For Catalogue or more information call Jack Hart, Brookmore Angus (204)476-2607 or email brookmoreangus@gmail.com Barb Airey manager HBH Farms (204)566-2134 email rbairey@hotmail.com Sale management Doug Henderson (403)782-3888 or (403)350-8541.

BLACK ANGUS BULLS YEARLINGS & Long Yearlings, some Heifer Bulls, semen tested & performance records avail. Call Don Guilford, Hereford Ranch (204)873-2430, Clearwater.

FOR SALE: 15 ANGUS Hereford X Heifer Calves, will make excellent cows. Call Don Guilford, Hereford Ranch (204)873-2430, Clearwater.

OSSAWA ANGUS AT MARQUETTE, MB has for sale: Yearling & 2-yr old bulls. For more info call (204)375-6658, cell (204)383-0703.

STEWART CATTLE CO. & GUESTS BULL SALE Feb 25, 2016 at 1:30PM Neepawa Ag-plex, Neepawa, MB. 50 Black Angus bulls & Simm/Angus bulls. Contact Brent Stewart (204)773-2356 home, (204)773-6392 cell. View catalogue at www.stewartcattle.com. Email: stewartcows@wificountry.ca

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Charolais

TracTors

TRACTORS John Deere

HORNER CATTLE COMPANY HAS for sale approx 50 top quality home-raised angus cross cimmental bred heifers. Exposed to easy calving, red and black angus bulls, from June 15-Sept 15. Heifers are from established herd with proven performance in the progeny and long-standing comprehensive health program. Call Alan (204)867-7117 or (204)867-2087 or horner.ranch@gmail.com.

LIVESTOCK Swine Wanted

FOR SALE: COMING 2 yr old Charolais bulls, grandsons of Bluegrass. Will be easy calving, good dispositions & guaranteed. K.E.H Charolais phone Keith Hagan (204)748-1024, Virden.

PUREBRED CHAROLAIS YEARLINGS & three 2-yr old bulls for sale by private treaty, White & Red factor. Phone Brad (204)523-0062 www.clinecattlecompany.ca WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT selection of PB Charolais bulls, both Red & white yearling & 2-yr olds.

Pictures & info on the net www.defoortstockfarm.com. Call Gord or Sue:(204)743-2109.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Hereford FOR SALE: 15 ANGUS Hereford X Heifer Calves, will make excellent cows. Call Don Guilford, Hereford Ranch (204)873-2430, Clearwater.

FOR SALE: POLLED HEREFORD Bulls Yearlings & Long Yearlings, semen tested & performance records avail. Call Don Guilford, Hereford Ranch (204)873-2430, Clearwater.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Limousin POLLED RED & BLACK BULLS quiet, guaranteed, semen tested, delivery available. Performance & pedigree information www.cherwaylimousin.ca Yearlings & 2 Year olds. (204)736-2878 info@cherwaylimousin.ca

LIVESTOCK Cattle Various 500 BRED HEIFERS. Reds, Blacks, Silvers & Tans. Start calving March 25th, 2016. Had all shots, preg checked, Ivomec, pelvic measured, weigh approx 1250-lbs. Phone:(204)325-2416.

HORNER CATTLE COMPANY HAS for sale group of 25 angus cross cimmental bred cows. Age 3-8yrs. Preg checked to angus and cimmental bulls.

Calving in May/June. Call (204)867-2087 or (204)867-7117. horner.ranch@gmail.com.

LIVESTOCK Cattle Wanted

TIRED OF THE HIGH COST OF MARKETING YOUR CALVES??

300-700 LBS. Steers & Heifers Rob: 528-3254, 724-3400 Ben: 721-3400 800-1000 LBS. Steers & Heifers Don: 528-3477, 729-7240

Contact: D.J. (Don) MacDonald Livestock Ltd. License #1110

1 877 695 2532 www.ezefeeder.ca

LIVESTOCK SERVICES & VET SUPPLIES The following dealer and agent have applied for a licence under the Livestock Dealers and Agents Licencing regulation, which comes under the Livestock and Livestock Products Act. (C.C.S.M. c. L170)

LIVESTOCK DEALER’S LICENCE Jason Mullenhoff Pig Express Inc. Leigh NE USA

ORGANIC ORGANIC Organic – Grains GROW ORGANIC QUINOA! Total production contracts available.

Visit: www.quinoa.com or Phone:(306)933-9525.

PERSONAL MANITOBA MAN LOOKING FOR lady 60-71 years for friendship & companionship, to go for dances & coffee, Photo Please. Reply to Ad# 1027, c/o Manitoba Co-operator, Box 9800, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7 TIME TO APPRECIATE RELATIONSHIPS... Life is Meant to be Shared. We are Here to Help You. CANDLELIGHT MATCHMAKERS. Confidential, Rural, Photos and Profiles to selected matches, Affordable, Local. Serving MB, SK, NW-Ontario.

Call/Write for info: Box 212, Roland, MB, R0G 1T0, www.candlelightmatchmakers.ca (204)343-2475.

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Houses & Lots READY TO MOVE 3-BDRM home. Just completed.

Stunning white shaker kitchen. See photos on website. MARVIN HOMES, Marvin Vogt, Mitchell, MB. (204)326-1493 or (204)355-8484. www.marvinhomes.ca

REAL ESTATE Land For Rent LOOKING TO RENT IN Stonewall, Teulon, Warren & Rosser area. Phone (204)513-0332.

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale 149.54-AC OF PRIME FARMLAND (SE 04-17-17-3E) located North & East of Teulon in RM of Rockwood. For further details Ph:(204)793-5496.

JOHN DIDYCHUK OF TOUTES Aides & the estate of Laurence Didychuk of Rorketon, MB intend to sell private lands: NE7-29-14W, W1/2 7-29-14W, E1/2 32-28-15W, NE31-28-15W, NW9-29-14W, SW17-29-14W, SE9-29-14W to Clayton Breault, Jesse Breault & Dwain Breault who will be considered by Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Development for possible transfer of the Crown land forage lease associated with this ranch unit. This forage lease currently consists of the following: NW27-28-14W, S1/2 27-28-14W, E1/2 28-28-14W, NW06-29-14W, SE07-29-14W, W1/2 28-28-14W, E1/2 32-28-14W, W1/2 33-28-14W, W1/2 04-29-14W, NE09-29-14W, SW09-29-14, W1/2 18-29-14W, SE18-29-14W, SE34-28-15W, SW35-28-15W, NE27-28-14W, SE33-28-14W, SW34-28-14W, NE04-29-14W, E1/2 05-29-14W, SE 08-29-14W, E1/2 19-29-14W, W1/2 20-29-14W, W1/2 29-29-14W by unit transfer. If you wish to comment on or object to the potential transfer of this forage lease to this purchaser, please write to: Director, MAFRD, Agricultural Crown Lands, PO Box 1286, Minnedosa MB, R0J 1E0; or Fax:(204)867-6578.

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba EXCELLENT LIVESTOCK FARMS: 1) 1000 head feedlot, Hartney. 2) 1732 deeded acs w/4,425-acs of Crown land, fenced, small bungalow, very good buildings & metal corral system, can carry 450 cow/calf pairs. 3) 1,270 deeded ac cattle farm by Lac du Bonnet, 640-acs Crown land, turnkey operation. 4) Cattle ranch, Pine River, 3,300 deeded & 1,200-acs Crown land. 5) Excellent horse ranch in Erickson MB, Riding Arena & Bldgs in Fantastic condition. Jim McLachlan (204)724-7753, HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc, Brandon, MB, www.homelifepro.com

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

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Just a Little Modification...

by Adrian Powell

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37 38 40 41 43 44 DOWN 45 1 Trucker's rig 46 2 Flat as a pancake 47 3 Poor man's fireplace fuel 50 4 Proclaim 51 5 Drug that could change your mind? 53 6 They'll open a lot of doors 7 Dawn, in Venice 54 8 ___ chi martial art 55 9 Canadian Mint employee, maybe 57 10 University newbie 58 11 Good-for-nothing slimeball 12 Speak out loud 13 Thai dough 18 Unstable cyclotron particle 19 Turns the sound off 24 Interjection from The Bard 25 Wield authority 26 GM car until 2004 27 Milkmaid's need 28 Jealousy relative 29 Crystal-filled rocks 30 Pastoral people of Kenya 33 Phosphoresce 34 Star-nosed beast 35 One with creditors

What dandies are often doing Aberdeen's locale Big name in coffee makers Alice Springs avian, perhaps Monopoly's "___ Jail" Staph's kin A lot of "Happy Days" extras Military forays Cereal fungus "Good gravy!"

"Kiss" uses them Something Macbeth might have uttered Sign of stagnant water Helios' mother, in myth "The One," played by Keanu Born, in Montreal SOLUTION TO PUZZLE

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Minimal high tide Follow as a result Hissed attention-getter Jupiter and Mars, e.g.

Diuretics might treat it

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ACROSS 1 Petunia part 6 Actress Winslet 10 Mess up 14 Half of the integers 15 Dash of panache 16 Duty roster 17 "There I go again!"

20 "What have I got myself ___?"

21 Obama's bailiwick, briefly 22 Rough-skinned apple 23 Inexplicable night light 25 Collects 26 Pawn to king four, maybe 31 Jousting weapon 32 Where wind chimes might be hung 33 Biotech crop letters hidden in the puzzle's theme answers 36 Really seedy joint 37 Real hard question 38 Snail-like 39 Conniving 40 Pipe material 41 Where to go to French class 42 Relaxing grass cutting gizmo 44 Small rivers 48 Not at home 49 Get a bit misty 50 Ward off starvation 52 "___ we forget" 56 Elizabeth II, currently 59 Within, in combinations

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Sudoku 6 4 5 2 8 5 6

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My Main crops are: No. of acres 10. Lentils ___________ 11. Dry Beans ___________ 12. Hay ___________ 13. Pasture ___________ 14. Summerfallow ___________ 15. Alfalfa ___________ 16. Forage Seed ___________ 17. Mustard ___________ 18. Other (specify) ___________ Livestock Enterpise No. of head 5. Hog farrow-to-finish (# sows) ______ 6. Finished Pigs (sold yearly) _________ 7. Dairy Cows ___________ 8. Other Livestock (specify) __________

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The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

www.canadianfarmrealty.com Royal LePage Riverbend Realty

SELLING YOUR FARM. Some agents sell houses, some sell cottages, some sell stores, some sell condominiums, some sell everything, some nothing.

Some sell at half price. We @ www.manitobafarms Sell Farms, Land & Rural Property. Call Harold (204)253-7373 Delta Real Estate (204)223-8101.

We BUY used oil & filters Collection of plastic oil jugs Glycol recovery services Specialized waste removal Winter & Summer windshield washer fluid Peak Performance anti-freeze ( available in bulk or drums )

Darlingford South – Farm Land For Sale 780 acres in one block, All under cultivation. Top quality farm land.

For further information contact: Golden Plains Realty Ltd Phone: 1-204-745-3677

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Morden South – Farm Land For Sale 300 acres all cultivated, 140 acres all cultivated, 155 acres all cultivated.

Top quality farm land.

For further information contact: Golden Plains Realty Ltd Phone: 1-204-745-3677 Call our toll-free number to take advantage of our Prepayment Bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and we’ll run your ad 2 more weeks for free. That’s 5 weeks for the price of 3. Call 1-800-782-0794 today!

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Wanted FARMS WANTED. If you are considering selling your farm, contact me. I have eight years experience selling farms and farmed all my life. All discussions are confidential. Rick Taylor, Homelife Home Professional Realty. (204)867-7551, rtaylor@homelife.com www.homelifepro.com

RECYCLING

NOTRE DAME USED OIL & FILTER DEPOT

BuyUsed Used Oil Oil ••Buy •• Buy Buy Batteries Batteries ••Collect CollectUsed Used Filters Filters • Collect • CollectOil OilContainers Containers • Antifreeze

Southern,Southern Eastern, and Manitoba Western Western

Manitoba

Tel: 204-248-2110

The only company that collects, recycles and re-uses in Manitoba!

888-368-9378 ~ www.envirowestinc.com

CERTIFIED SEED CERTIFIED SEED Cereal Seeds LESS FUSARIUM MORE BOTTOM LINE. GP Wheat WFT603 seed available. Suitable for ethanol production, livestock feed. Western Feed Grain Development Co-op Ltd. 1-877-250-1552 www.wfgd.ca JAMES FARMS LTD Brandon, Cardale & Faller wheat, Summit, Souris & Haymaker forage oats, Mcleod RR2 soybeans, Tradition barley, forage seeds, various canola & sunflower seed varieties.

Custom processing, seed treating, inoculating, as well as delivery are available. Early payment discount. For info call (204)222-8785, or toll-free 1-866-283-8785, Winnipeg. djames@jamesfarms.com We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you want to sell it fast place your ad in the Manitoba Cooperator classifieds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free number today. We have friendly staff ready to help.

1-800-782-0794.

CourtSeeds

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Hay & Straw

SAINFOIN SEED FOR SALE. Nutritious, bloat-free, perennial forage loved by all animals and honeybees. Research from Utah University indicates better meat flavor and nutrition from sainfoin supplemented forage. Prime Sainfoin is certified organic. www.primegrains.com Ph:(306)739-2900 jhusband@primegrains.com.

LARGE ROUND BALES, Feed tested, netwrapped, no rain. Phone (204)723-0658, email colletfarm@gmail.com Notre Dame, MB.

SEED/ FEED/GRAIN Feed Grain

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

Specializing in: • Corn, wheat, sunflower, canola,

soymeal, soybeans, soy oil, barley, rye, flax, oats (feed & milling) • Agents of the CWB • Licensed & bonded 5 LOCATIONS to serve you!

“Naturally Better!”

Soybean Crushing Facility (204) 331-3696 Head Office - Winkler (888) 974-7246 Jordan Elevator (204) 343-2323 Gladstone Elevator (204) 385-2292 Somerset Elevator (204) 744-2126 Sperling Elevator (204) 626-3261

www.delmarcommodities.com

Toll Free: 888-974-7246

220 4X4 SQUARE ANNUAL rye grass straw bales, 82RFV, $0.025/lb. 175 4x4 square bales annual rye grass re-growth, 96RFV, $0.03/lb. 400 bales of wheat straw 4x4 bales, $25/bale. Notre Dame, MB. Matt:(204)723-5002.

High yields and protein levels Good for milling, white hulls Less thins, better returns

ALFALFA 3X3 SQUARE BALES. Dairy quality 1st, 2nd & 3rd cut available. Have feed tests; Also have beef quality mixed alfalfa/grass hay. Also Have horse hay quality timothy/orchard grass in big & small squares. Wheat straw in bigs as well. Delivery available. Phone Daryl:(204)856-3561 for pricing.

CERTIFIED SEED Specialty Crops OAT OR SOYBEAN LAND wanted! Grow quinoa in 2016! Total production contracts available. Competitive returns and guaranteed delivery. Ph: 306-933-9525 or www.quinoa.com

FIRST CUT ALFALFA, ALFALFA grass hay for sale, medium squares, can deliver. Phone (204)642-3259 or (204)642-3043.

FOR SALE: 1ST & 2nd cut Alfalfa Brome Timothy bales, 70% Alfalfa 30% Grass, avg 1,200-lb bales, $38 per bale.

Phone (204)344-5360 or (204)781-4504.

FOR SALE: 5X6 STRAW round bales, $17 per bale. (204)447-0184 or (204)447-2756.

LARGE ROUND 3RD CUT alfalfa grass mix bales, No rain. Also some 1st & 2nd cut. Phone: (204)642-7684.

WE BUY OATS Call us today for pricing Box 424, Emerson, MB R0A 0L0 204-373-2328

Vanderveen Commodity Services Ltd. Licensed and Bonded Grain Brokers

Heated/Spring Threshed Lightweight/Green/Tough, Mixed Grain - Barley, Oats, Rye, Flax, Wheat, Durum, Lentils, Peas, Canola, Chickpeas, Triticale, Sunflowers, Screenings, Organics and By-Products √ ON-FARM PICKUP √ PROMPT PAYMENT √ LICENSED AND BONDED SASKATOON, LLOYDMINSTER, LETHBRIDGE, VANCOUVER, MINNEDOSA

Andy Vanderveen · Brett Vanderveen Jesse Vanderveen

37 4th Ave. NE Carman, MB R0G 0J0 Ph. (204) 745-6444 Email: vscltd@mts.net A Season to Grow… Only Days to Pay!

BUYING:

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

“ON FARM PICK UP”

1-204-724-6741

1-877-250-5252

TRAILERS Do you want to target Manitoba farmers? Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator. Manitoba’s best-read farm publication.

SEED/ FEED/GRAIN Hay & Straw 1ST & 2ND CUT Alfalfa, Timothy, 5x6 round bales, have some w/70% alfalfa & some w/30% alfalfa. No rain, 1,400-lbs.

Phone: (204)661-1091 or (204)427-2601.

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

FARMERS, RANCHERS, SEED PROCESSORS BUYING ALL FEED GRAINS

**SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY**

AC Summit Oats Plumas, MB courtseeds@gmail.com 204 386-2354 courtseeds.ca

ROUND BALES OF ALFALFA Grass Hay 1,250lbs to 1,300-lbs, small squares, Alfalfa Grass mixtures, also small square Wheat Straw bales, store in shed. Also 2 yearling Black Angus bulls. Phone (204)886-2083.

TAME HAY, EARLY CUT, no rain, 5x6 soft core.

Phone (204)886-2960, Teulon MB.

5X6-FT HARDCORE ALFALFA BROME grass round bales for sale, 1500-lbs. Good quality & large quantity. First & second-cut. Feed test available.

Price negotiable. Loading available. Phone (204)967-2247 Kelwood, MB or Cell (204)212-0751.

Presents:

LARGE ROUND BALES OF wheat & oat straw; Large round bales of hay. Phone:(204)325-2416.

TRAILERS Trailers Miscellaneous HAY WAGONS 9X40-FT BUILT from new metal, 1122.5 tires, $6,500. Phone KCL Repairs, Ashern (204)739-3096.

TRAVEL

For Pricing ~ 204-325-9555

NOW BUYING Confection and Oil Sunflowers, Brown & Yellow Flax and Red & White Millet Edible Beans Licensed & Bonded Winkler, MB.

MALT BARLEY *6-Row* MALT BARLEY

Celebration & Tradition *2-Row* ACbuy Metcalfe, CDC Copeland & AAC Synergy We feed barley, feed wheat, MALT BARLEY MALT BARLEY oats, soybeans, corn & canola We buy feed*2-Row* barley, feed wheat, *6-Row* & AAC Synergy ACoats, Metcalfe, CDC Copeland soybeans, corn & canola & Tradition COMECelebration SEE US AT AG DAYS IN We buy feed barley, feed wheat, THE CONVENTION HALL SEE barley, US AT AG DAYS IN WeCOME buy feed feed wheat, oats, soybeans, corn & canola CONVENTION HALL BOOTH 1309& oats,THE soybeans, corn canola BOOTH 1309 COME SEE US AT AG DAYS IN COME SEE US AT AG HALL DAYS IN THE CONVENTION THE CONVENTION BOOTH 1309 HALL

BOOTH 1309

2013 Malt Contracts Available 2016 AOG Malt Contracts Available Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 BoxPhone 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 204-737-2000 Phone 204-737-2000 2014Toll-Free AOG Malt Contracts Available 1-800-258-7434 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 BoxMalt 238 MB. R0G 1C0 Agent: M &Letellier, J Weber-Arcola, SK. 2013 Contracts Available Agent: M & J Weber-Arcola, SK. Phone 204-737-2000 Phone 306-455-2509 Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Phone 306-455-2509 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 Phone 204-737-2000 Agent: M & 1-800-258-7434 J Weber-Arcola, SK. Toll-Free Agent: Phone M & J 306-455-2509 Weber-Arcola, SK. Phone 306-455-2509

MALT BARLEY

1135 acre grain farm for sale near Killarney, MB with an option to rent an additional 855 acres. 57,000 bushels of modern grain storage, 2 machine sheds, well graveled yard with comfortable housing. Contact Stacey Hiebert at 1-204-371-5930

Proud Supporter of Manitoba Businesses & Municipalities

Grain Farm For Sale

COMMON SEED Forage Seeds

*6-Row* Celebration & Tradition We buy feed barley, feed wheat, oats, soybeans, corn & canola

n Manitoba 110

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COME SEE US AT AG DAYS IN THE CONVENTION HALL BOOTH 1309

atteries t Oil Containers

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba

2013 Malt Contracts Available Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Phone 204-737-2000 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 Agent: M & J Weber-Arcola, SK. Phone 306-455-2509

SED OIL EPOT

31

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

RURAL & CULTURAL TOURS Ireland & Scotland ~ June 2016 Newfoundland/Maritimes ~ Multiple Dates Yukon/NWT & Alaska ~ July 2016 Switzerland & River Cruise Italy Villa Experience ~ Oct 2016 Egypt Land/Nile Cruise ~ Nov 2016 Australia /New Zealand ~ Jan 2017 Kenya/Tanzania ~ Jan 2017 South America ~ Feb 2017 Costa Rica ~ Feb 2017 Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand ~ Mar 2017 *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible

Select Holidays 1-800-661-4326

www.selectholidays.com CAREERS CAREERS Help Wanted EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY- SILVER WEANLINGS INC. is looking for fulltime Hog Barn Workers. Job duties include daily chores, assisting sows at farrowing, A.I Breeding, some minor record keeping and etc. We have two locations in Interlake, Manitoba; one is located 7-miles south -west of Arborg, MB and the other at 9-miles south-west of Fisher Branch, MB. Weekend work required. Experience an asset but not required. Starting wage $12-15.10 per hour plus benefits. Please forward all resumes to silwean@gmail.com or mail to Box 1320 Arborg, MB R0C 0A0.

Prairie-Wide Display Classifieds

MORE OPTIONS TO SAVE YOU MONEY

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Great rates whatever you choose

Contact Sharon

Email: sharon.komoski@fbcpublishing.com

32

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

*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 March 31, 2016, at participating New Holland dealers in Canada. Offer subject to change. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. © 2016 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 is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

USED EQUIPMENT www.agdealer.com/raymorenh

COMBINES

2015 NH CX8090 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $459,000 2013 NH CX8090 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $344,000 2011 NH CR9080. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $269,000 2011 NH CX8080. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175,000 2011 NH CR9080. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $239,900 2010 NH CX8080 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $209,900 2010 NH CX8070 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $190,000 2008 NH CX8080 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175,000 2003 NH CR970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000 2003 NH CX840 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $76,900 2000 CIH 2388 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,000 1998 NH TR98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,900

COMBINE HEADS

2015 NH 840CD-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,000

$62,000

‘11 New Holland CR9080

Combine, 1135hrs, Good cond., 620 DUALS, S3, SID’S, DSP, DELUX CHOPPER, 790CP-15

$54,000 ‘10 MacDon D60

35FT CNH Header, Good cond., 35FT, CROSS AUGER, TRANSPORT, CNH ADAPTER

‘07 Morris FIELD PRO-70

Harrow, Good cond., 70FT, STANDARD TINE ADJUST

716097

‘15 New Holland 840CD

35FT Header, 35FT, TRANSPORT, GUAGE WHEELS, AHHC, X-AUGER

‘15 Elmers 1150

Haul Master Grain Cart, Excellent cond., 1200BU, TRANSFER TRACKS, SCALES, AGRIMATICS, TARP, PIVOTING AUGER

SWATHERS

Baler/Round 2009 NH BR7090 . . . . . . . $27,000 Baler/Round 2008 NH BR7090 . . . . . . . .$14,900 Mower Conditioner 2013 NH H7460-16FT Rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,000 Mower Conditioner 2013 NH H7460 $38,500 Mower Conditioner 2008 NH 1475 . . . . . $28,571

MISC.

ATV 2009 CK 3100S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,250 Deep Tillage 1984 FC 800 . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,000 Deep Tillage 1984 MR CP750. . . . . . . . . .$16,000 Truck 2003 IHC 9900I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38,000 Track Loader 2012 NH C238 . . . . . . . . . $49,900 Tires 2012 GDYR 380/90R46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $Mower/Batwing 2014 SU XH1500 S3 SERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,900 Mower/Zero Turn 2012 CK RZT 54 KW $3,650 Mower/Zero Turn 2010 CK TANK 60 $4,000 Skid Steer Loader 2008 BCAT S205 $21,900 Lawn Tractor 2012 CK LTX1050KW. . . . . . $1,500 Fertilizer Cart Liquid PATTI 2150 . . . . . .$19,000 Harrow Heavy 2007 MR FIELD PRO-70 $21,900 690840

‘08 New Holland CX8080

Round Baler, Good cond., 1.5M PICK UP, LACED BELTS, 31X13.5-15 TIRES, HYD, PICK UP

Combine, 1785hrs, 360HP, Good cond., 900/65R32 Tires, CAST, BLOWERS,76C Swathmaster

677744

677851

High Clearance Sprayer, 4WD, 865hrs, 275HP, Good cond., 100FT, 1200GAL SS, 2 SETS TIRES, FM1000, AUTO PILOT

‘10 SeedMaster TXB44FT

14IN C/W SC230 TBH Air Drill, Good cond., 6 RUN DOUBLE SHOOT, REAR CASTER WHEEL,TIRE N TIRE,SC230 TBH

HAYING

739591

‘13 New Holland SP.240F XP

$79,000

$205,000

1989 JD 590 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 1999 MB 9200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $46,900 2013 NH H8060-36FT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$118,000 2013 NH H8060-36FT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$118,000 2012 NH H8060-36FT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $105,000 2008 NH H8040-36FT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,000

‘08 New Holland BR7090

$35,000

$215,000

$115,000 $76,000 ‘14 Seed Hawk 8412

Air Drill, Good cond., 8RUN DOUBLE SHOOT FLEXI COIL AIR PACK, SETUP TOW BEHIND, LARGE REAR AXLE,

2015 NH 840CD-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,000 2015 NH 840CD-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,000 2015 MB D65-35FT CNH . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,000 2015 MB D65-35FT CNH . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,000 2010 MB D60-35FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $54,000 2010 NH 94C-42FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000 2010 NH 94C-36FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $43,000 2009 NH 94C-40FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $50,000 2009 NH 94C-36FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $43,000 2009 NH 94C-30FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $35,900 2008 NH 94C-36FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $36,500 2008 NH 94C-36FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $37,000 2008 NH 94C-36FT CR/CX . . . . . . . . . . . $42,000 2005 NH 94C-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,900 1993 MB 960 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500

737592

$89,000

736273

737591

‘95 New Holland 9680

Tractor, 4WD, 6808hrs, Excellent cond., 20.8R42 DUALS, STANDARD, 4 REMOTES

746042

$270,000

1995 CIH 9280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,000 2013 NH T8.330 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175,000 2003 NH TM140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59,900 1995 NH 9680 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $76,000 1989 NH 946 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38,000

737584

744124

$38,000

TRACTORS

741787

‘15 Versatile 450

Tractor, 4WD, 500HP, Excellent cond., STD, 800’s, 98GPM, 6 REMOTES, E-PRO STEERING

700503

$24,900

2001 FC 67 XL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,000 2000 SPAIR 3200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,900 2013 NH SP.240F XP 1200GAL 100FT $245,000

‘89 New Holland 946

‘04 New Holland SD440

$175,000

SPRAYERS

‘00 Case IH 2388

737580

‘08 Bourgault 331065FT

$33,000

2014 SHAWK 8412 c/w P1060 & P1070 $355,000 2014 SHAWK 8412 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $205,000 2014 NH P1070 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000 2012 SEMST 8012 CT TXB w/300 Onboard tank and JD1910 . . . . . . . . . . $295,000 2010 SEMST TXB44FT-14IN C/W SC230 TBH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,000 2010 JD 1910 TBH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,000 2009 NH P2070 70FT X 12IN. . . . . . . . . . $65,000 2009 SEMST TXB66FT-12IN c/w P1060 TBH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $160,000 2008 BO 3310 65FT-10IN c/w 6550 TBH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $215,000 2004 NH SD440 51FT-12IN . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 2000 FC 5000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,000 1998 JD 1900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,900 1994 MR MAXIM 1 50FT-10IN . . . . . . . . . .$12,900

$239,900

SEEDING

Combine, 2730hrs, Good cond., 30.5X32 FRONTS, ROCK TRAP, HOPPER TOPPER

746037

Tractor, 4WD, 7780hrs, 325HP, Good cond., 24.5R32 DUALS, 4 REMOTES, 12X4 TRANS

736280

10IN c/w 6550 TBH Air Drill, Good cond., 51FT-12IN Air Drill, Excellent cond., 51FT-12IN, DOUBLE SHOOT DRY, NH3 TO MID ROW BAND- 4-1/2”STEEL, 6-RUN SS, LIQ, 550LB TRIPS ERS, PRIMARY BLOCKAGE, BT 3/4” OPENERS

$14,900

‘13 New Holland H8060

36’ Windrower, 190HP, HB 36’ UII split 5 bat double drive reel Draper Header, Delu

737582

Air Cart, Excellent cond., 580BU 3 TANK VR, DELUXE AUGER 900/60R32 FRONTS, REAR DUALS

$21,900

‘13 New Holland H8060

36FT Windrower, 298hrs, 190HP, Excellent cond., 36FT, DELUXE CAB, CAB SUSPENSION, DELUXE LED LIGHTS, 600/65R

‘14 New Holland P1070

C/W P1060TBH Air Drill, Fair cond., 66FT, 12IN, ANHYDROUS KIT, 8RUN DOUBLE SHOOT FLEXI-COIL AIR PACK, 2011 NEW

$119,000

678145

$119,000

677742

‘09 SeedMaster TXB6612

746610

$269,000

‘14 SeedMaster CT6012

Air Drill, Excellent cond., 60FT 12IN, TIRE N TIRE, HD FRONT CASTERS, DUAL FRONT WING CA

$110,000

‘09 New Holland P2070

70’ Air Drill, NH Opener, Double Shoot, Floatation Tires

746043

$160,000

745457

$159,000

693358

$65,000

618931

‘13 New Holland H7460

16FT Disc Mower Conditioner, Excellent cond., CHEVRON RUBBER ROLLS, MOMAX MODULAR DUTTER BAR, HYD TONGUE S

‘15 Rem VRX

Grain Vac, VRX $24,900

Highway #2 South

Highway #6 North

Highway #10 East

Fax: 306-946-2613

Fax: 306-746-2919

Fax: 306-782-5595

Ph: 306-946-3301

Ph: 306-746-2911

Ph: 306-783-8511

33

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

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LOCAL , NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

International potato success From a modest potato farmer to international capitalist, Ron Offutt says his success has come on the backs of strong partnerships

Ron Offutt, founder of Emeritus, the United States’ largest producer of potatoes, spoke about his business success on the final day of Manitoba Potato Production Days in Brandon on January 28. photo: jennifer paige

BY JENNIFER PAIGE Co-operator staff/Brandon

I

nternational farmer and businessman, Ron Offutt contributes his success to strong partnerships, finding marketplace voids and focusing on customer satisfaction.

“What has been a key to our success has been looking for a void in the marketplace and finding a way to fill that void,” said Offutt on the final day of Manitoba Potato Production Days on January 28 in Brandon.

Fro m h i s f a m i l y p o t a t o f a r m , Offutt has created a lucrative farm enterprise both domestically and internationally.

“To truly be successful you need to have customer satisfaction. It is not an option. It is what you build your business on,” he said.

Growing up in Moorhead, Minnesota, he began farming with his dad after high school graduation.

“I learnt an immense amount from my father. He taught me the ropes and what it really meant to run the family farm,” said Offutt. “At the time I got into potato production, the country was on the edge of tremendous growth in the french fry industry and any time you are in a sector with that kind of growth it becomes much easier to grow and grow successfully,” said Offutt.

Offutt founded Emeritus, which today is the United States’ largest producer of potatoes and holds farm

“We continue to be an effective company today because we are always seeking out ways to climb the value chain and integrate different aspects of it into our business.”

Ron Offutt founder of Emeritus, the United States’ largest producer of potatoes

operations in nine states, which total 190,000 acres, and includes a 34,000-acre, 25,000-cow dair y operation.

As his business grew, he began to diversify into food-processing and retail equipment.

“I reached a point where I realized, if I was going to survive in this game, I was going to have to build my own french fry plant,” he said.

Offutt operates a number of foodprocessing manufacturing operations and markets his products through Simplot, McCain Foods, Frito-Lay, Con-Agra/Lamb-Weston. “ We continue to be an effective company today because we are always seeking out ways to climb the value chain and integrate different aspects of it into our business,” said Offutt.

In 2006, he began a joint venture with Calbee Corporation and built a processing plant in Boardman, Oregon that sells snack food to Japan.

Since that time the business has expanded, building two additional

plants in the U.S. and acquiring a 22,000-acre farm in Russia.

“Partnerships are the reason I have been so successful. Any time I have begun a new venture I have found myself the best possible person to work with and that has made all of the difference. You can’t do everything on your own,” said Offutt.

Along the way, Offutt also founded RDO Equipment, the largest network of John Deere equipment dealers.

Today, RDO has 80 dealership locations throughout the U.S., as well as partnerships in the Ukraine, Russia and Australia.

Offutt says he is proud of the business he has created and is also happy to see his children flourish in the enterprise.

“After all these years, we are still a family business, a family farm. My children are involved in different aspects of the business and have brought skills to the table that I have never had. They have been able to continue to evolve the business,” said Offutt. jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

34

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Zimbabwean farmers fear worst as drought hits cattle, crops About 14 million people are facing hunger in southern Africa

BY MACDONALD DZIRUTWE Mafomoti, Zimbabwe/Reuters

I

n this dusty village in southern Zimbabwe, farmers have already lost cattle and crops in the severest drought to hit the nation in a quarter of a century.

But the worst may be yet to come.

Midway through the farming season, the fields around the village are normally green at this time of the year but now they lie barren. Local people, who should be looking forward to the harvest in late March, are instead awaiting its failure and wondering how to make do with meagre supplies of food aid.

“It will not take us far so we will have to eat sparingly,” said Jesta Kugarira, 65. Apart from a few showers in mid-January, it hasn’t rained in Mafomoti since September and her maize, millet and sorghum crops have been destroyed.

Kugarira, who has 12 children and grandchildren aged between three and 24, said her family is surviving on one meal a day.

She has just six kg (13 pounds) of cereal, two kg of beans and some vegetable oil that she has received from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to keep them fed for a month.

The drought is likely to damage harvests across southern Africa and about 14 million people are at risk, the WFP says.

Where neighbouring South Africa is wealthy enough to tackle the problem of food shortages, the impact is looking particularly serious for Zimbabwe where 70 per

“Livestock was our bank because people expected to sell and raise money for school fees, but they are all dying and there are no pastures. If you look around you, it’s just barren.”

Luxon Mabvongwe 50-year-old father of 11

cent of the population still survives on farming.

Zimbabwe’s economy has been struggling for five years to recover from a catastrophic recession that was marked by billion per cent hyperinflation and widespread food shortages. Strained relations between President Robert Mugabe and aid donors such as the European Union have complicated matters.

Agriculture is critical to Zimbabwe’s economy, generating 30 per cent of export earnings and contributing 19 per cent to GDP. But a report by the government and international aid agencies last year said 16 per cent of Zimbabwe’s population of 13 million required food up to March 2016.

Prized possessions In drought-stricken areas, emaciated cows root around the bare earth trying to find some-

Zimbabwean men attempt to get a malnourished cow on its feet in rural Masvingo, about 300 km south of Harare, on Jan. 21.

Photo: Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo

thing to eat. Some livestock are too weak to stand while birds flock around the carcass of a dead donkey.

Around Mafomoti, 500 km south of the capital Harare, 375 families have received aid which is expected to feed a total of 2,784 people.

Villagers said they were being forced to sell surviving cattle — prized possessions in rural Zimbabwe, kept usually to fund future family expenses such as educating the next generation.

“Livestock was our bank because people expected to sell and raise money for school fees, but they are all dying and there

are no pastures. If you look around you, it’s just barren,” said Luxon Mabvongwe, a 50-year-old father of 11.

Whereas food prices usually rise in times of drought, the opposite is true of livestock in Zimbabwe at the moment. With animal feed so scare, farmers are selling cows for as little as $50 compared with at least $400 they would get in better times (all figures US$).

Harare plans to import up to 700,000 tonnes of maize and has secured a $200-million loan to import grain.

The EU has urged Mugabe’s government to declare a food emergency, allowing international donors to raise money quickly to provide more food aid. Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said only that Harare is already providing food imports but is open to assistance.

Relations between Brussels and Harare remain fraught.

The EU, which imposed sanctions in 2002 over electoral fraud and human rights abuses, has renewed measures including a travel ban and asset freeze on Mugabe and his wife until February.

Some villagers in Mafomoti are considering trekking the 100 km to the South African b o rd e r t o l o o k f o r f o o d .

However, the continent’s top maize producer is suffering from the same drought and could reap its smallest maize crop in a decade this year, a Reuters poll showed.

Josphat Ngwenya, the local chief, said the long-term consequences of the drought went well beyond food shortages.

“Most households will collapse and many children will fail to go to school.”

news register as a young farmer at cyff.ca for a chance to win prizes including an all expense paid trip to the #farmtogether – agriculture united 2016 cYFF annual Young Farmers conference

2016 cYFF annual Young Farmers conference FeBruarY 26-29, 2016 ~ VancouVer, Bc Pinnacle hotel Vancouver harbourfront (1133 west hastings Street) Powerful line up of speakers and presentations on topics of interest to all young Canadian farmers

network with young farmers of various commodities from coast to coast!

We all share the same table. educate Pull up a chair.

THE REAL STORY OF AG

“We take pride in knowing we would feel safe consuming any of the crops we sell. If we would not use it ourselves it does not go to market.”

– Katelyn Duncan, Saskatchewan

energize empower

“The natural environment is critical to farmers – we depend on soil and water for the production of food. But we also live on our farms, so it’s essential that we act as responsible stewards.”

Box 24, Middle lake, SaSkatchewan S0k 2x0

– Doug Chorney, Manitoba

1-888-416-2965

•

info@cyff.ca

canadian Young Farmers Forum

@cYFF

“The welfare of my animals is one of my highest priorities. If I don’t give my cows a high quality of life they won’t grow up to be great cows.”

www.cyff.ca

– Andrew Campbell, Ontario

Safe food; animal welfare; sustainability; people care deeply about these things when they make food choices. And all of us in the agriculture industry care deeply about them too. But sometimes the general public doesn’t see it that way. Why? Because, for the most part, we’re not telling them our story and, too often, someone outside the industry is.

The journey from farm to table is a conversation we need to make sure we’re a part of. So let’s talk about it, together.

Visit AgMoreThanEver.ca to discover how you can help improve and create realistic perceptions of Canadian ag.

Brazil prosecutors charge JBS board chairman Sao Paulo/Reuters / Prosecutors in Brazil have charged Joesley Batista, chairman of Brazilian meat packer JBS’s board and president of its controlling shareholder J+F Investimentos, and eight others with crimes against the financial system.

The announcement sent shares of JBS SA, whose JBS Food Canada arm operates one of Canada’s biggest beef plants at Brooks, Alta., down more than eight per cent on Jan. 26.

The statement from prosecutors said J+F Investimentos and another subsidiary in Grupo JBS, Flora Produtos de Higiene e Limpeza, obtained a loan for 80 million reais (C$27.8 million) from Banco Rural in 2011 and passed it on to the group’s bank, Banco Original.

Banco Original then allegedly loaned the funds back to Banco Rural’s holding group Trapezio S.A.

Triangular operations in which two financial institutions from different economic groups issue credit to companies that also are part of these conglomerates violate loan laws in Brazil, the prosecutors said.

In a statement, J+F said neither JBS nor any of its executives were named in the lawsuit. J+F said those charged were confident they would prove their innocence.

Banco Rural was liquidated in 2013 due to its poor financial situation and senior managers were found guilty of fraud and money laundering in a vote-buying scandal.

Local bank Bradesco BBI called the charges “a negative news flow” in a commentary to clients but noted JBS is not involved.

Brazil’s federal accounts court, the TCU, said in November it had identified irregularities on loans to JBS and is deepening an investigation into the company’s relationship with state-run lender BNDES.

35

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

PotashCorp forecasts bleak year ahead

Barge accidents rise on flood-swollen Mississippi

The world’s biggest fertilizer firm slashes its dividend

BY KARL PLUME

BY ROD NICKEL AND NAROTTAM MEDHORA Reuters

PotashCorp has forecast its bleakest year in a decade and slashed its dividend, due to tanking fertilizer prices.

Potash prices have fallen under pressure from bloated capacity, soft grain prices and weak currencies in consumers such as India and Brazil. Saskatoon-based PotashCorp suspended operations at its newest mine, in New Brunswick, earlier this month.

The world’s biggest fertilizer company by capacity lowered its quarterly dividend by 34 per cent, to 25 cents per share.

“The real story is how poor 2016 guidance is due to weak potash fundamentals and a 34 per cent dividend cut may not be deep enough,” BMO analyst Joel Jackson said in a note.

The company forecast 2016 earnings of 90 cents to $1.20 per share. The midpoint, $1.05, would be the smallest profit in 10 years. Analysts on average were expecting $1.33, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. “Weaker fertilizer prices late in the year reduced our earnings for the quarter, giving rise to a more cautious outlook,” CEO Jochen Tilk said in a statement.

Tilk told analysts the company is not planning more mine closures.

Even with the cut, PotashCorp expects its dividend to use up its 2016 net earnings. Tilk said it maintains flexibility for acquisitions, although he’s not interested in bidding again for Germany’s K+S AG, which rebuffed PotashCorp last year.

As PotashCorp idles capacity, rivals have seized market share, but Tilk said the company can increase production when conditions improve.

“We have more future incremental capacity than any other producer,” he said in an interview. “What we intend to do is capture that incremental growth as demand kicks out.”

PotashCorp forecast 2016 global potash shipments of 59 million to 62 million tonnes, about flat from last year’s 60 million.

Supply contracts between potash producers and Chinese buyers, which usually set a global price floor, are anticipated to include a steep discount.

Average realized price for potash fell 16 per cent to $238 per tonne in the fourth quarter.

Net earnings fell in half to $201 million, or 24 cents per share from $407 million, or 49 cents per share. Revenue decreased 29 per cent, to $1.35 billion.

Analysts expected earnings of 30 cents per share and revenue of $1.44 billion.

Sluggish U.S. grain exports are, for now, a saving grace for barge shippers Chicago/Reuters

T

he U.S. Coast Guard temporarily halted shipping traffic on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Jan. 15 after a tow boat struck stationary barges in a fleeting area, marking at least the fifth barge accident that week on the flood-swollen river.

High water has severely restricted barge shipping traffic on the river and several tributaries since a late-December storm slammed the central U.S. The rivers have been closed to navigation at various points since the storm as flood waters flow south toward the Gulf of Mexico. Shipping restrictions

remain in place on much of the lower Mississippi, including limits on the number of barges per tow, specific navigation times and minimum tow boat horsepower requirements.

“The coast guard works very closely with the Army Corps of Engineers and the inland marine towing industry to manage the elevated navigation safety risks associated with the strong currents noted during high river stages,” said U.S. Coast Guard Captain Timothy Wendt.

The waterways are key arteries for shipments of grain, coal, oil and other commodities. Some 60 per cent of all U.S. corn, soybean and wheat exports exit the country via the Gulf Coast.

The impact on grain-shipping costs was muted by the current sluggish pace of exports from the U.S., industry sources said.

“The grain pipeline is running at half-speed at best, but we’re not seeing it in the rates because exports are so slow,” said a barge broker.

The river crested at more than 50.2 feet in Vicksburg on Jan. 15, within seven feet of a record, according to the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

In New Orleans, the river crept up to flood stage on Jan. 15 and is expected to remain at that level at least through the middle of the following week.

The tow boat Lucia struck several stationar y barges early on Friday near the Crescent City Connection Bridge and six barges broke free, the coast guard said.

All have been recovered and secured and the river reopened to navigation.

A barge tow hauling ethanol struck a highway bridge i n He l e n a , A rk a n s a s, o n Monday, resulting in 292,000 gallons of the biofuel spilling into the river, the coast guard said.

From Jan. 12 to 14, barge t ow s h i t t h e s a m e r a i l road bridge in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on three separate occasions. Barges broke free and sank in two of the incidents.

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36

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

New global targets urged to cut antibiotic use in livestock A U.K. government-backed review warns effectiveness of medicines in people is at risk “Denmark has shown that a very productive farming industry can be sustained alongside relatively low levels of antibiotic use.”

BY KATE KELLAND London/Reuters

M

assive use of antibiotics in farming poses a critical threat to global public health and should be reduced dramatically to an internationally agreed target, according to a British government-commissioned review.

Agreeing and implementing a global target for agricultural antibiotic use won’t be easy, the review, led by former Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neill, said, but is vital if life-saving medicines designed to fight bacterial infections are to be kept effective, both for animals and for people.

The review suggested that following examples of Denmark and the Netherlands could make a swift, significant difference.

Denmark has an average of fewer than 50 milligrams of antibiotics used a year per kilogram of livestock, which O’Neill said “may be a good starting point for such a target.”

“Denmark has shown that a very productive farming industry can be sustained alongside relatively low levels of antibiotic use,” the review said.

O’Neill, who presented his review Dec. 8 at a briefing in London, said he found it “staggering” that in many countries most of the use of antibiotics is in animals, rather than in humans.

He noted, for example, that in the U.S., more than 70 per cent of the use of med-

Review on Antimicrobial Resistance

ically important antibiotics is in animals, with only 30 per cent in humans.

“This creates a big resistance risk for everyone,” he said. “It’s time for policymakers to act on this.”

Any use of antibiotics promotes the development and spread of so-called “superbugs” — multi-drug-resistant infections that can evade the medicines designed to kill them.

O’Neill was asked last year by Britain’s prime minister to conduct a full review of the problem and suggest ways to combat it. In his initial report, he estimated antibiotic and microbial resistance could kill an extra 10 million people a year and cost up to US$100 trillion by 2050 if it is not brought under control.

International alarm about the superbug threat is rising after the discovery in China of a gene called mcr-1 that makes bacteria resistant to all known antibiotics.

A U.K. government-backed report warns the continued widespread use of medically important antibiotics in livestock production, such as in this medicated feed shown at a U.S. chicken farm in June 2014, carries a “big resistance risk for everyone.” photo: reuters/randall hill

Research published over the weekend said mcr-1 had also been found in bacteria samples from Denmark, suggesting it is already spreading around the world.

Jeremy Farrar, an infectious disease expert and director of the Wellcome Trust health charity, said urgent action is needed.

“We can now be certain that the health of livestock animals, and how we care for

them, is inextricably linked to our own health and the effectiveness of medicines we rely on every day,” he said in a statement.

“We need international governments, policy-makers and the agricultural industry to co-ordinate their actions and set tangible targets for the reduction and better use of antibiotics in animals.”

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Iran aims to be self-sufficient in wheat The government hopes to boost yields via irrigation and new varieties Paris/Reuters

I

ran aims to be self-sufficient in wheat in future by improving yields but will continue to be reliant on imports for maize and barley, Iranian Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati said during a visit to Paris Jan. 28.

Iran has been a major wheat importer in recent years as the country aimed to guarantee local food supplies and curb political tensions, although its needs have varied partly due to erratic domestic production.

Iranian annual wheat imports have fallen to 1.5 million tonnes in its current season, which runs to March, and the country hopes to be self-sufficient in wheat as soon as next year, Hojjati told a Franco-Iranian business forum.

The country’s state grainbuying agency, the Government Trading Corporation (GTC), said earlier this month it was considering a two-million-tonne cut in its strategic wheat reserves to three million tonnes to save storage costs.

Hojjati, who did not mention the wheat stocks reduction plan, said domestic crops would benefit from efforts to improve irrigation and seed technology.

“Given the area devoted to wheat, our problem is more to do with yields,” he said. “We hope to be self-sufficient in wheat by raising yields.”

Faced with acute water problems, Iran’s government has a target to introduce modern irrigation systems to 450,000 hectares of farmland, he said.

In seeds, Iran wants to develop ties with France as a leading producer of crop seeds, he said.

Hojjati is part of a delegation accompanying President Hassan Rouhani to Paris, as the countries seek to revive economic ties following the lifting of trade sanctions against Iran.

Farming and food was a focus of a French delegation that visited Iran last September, and Prime Minister Manuel Valls said agriculture would be among sectors covered by other agreements to be announced in Paris that week.

Hojjati did not cite any contracts that would be signed on Jan. 28 but said other deals were expected soon, including a greenhouse farming project and a second fish farm project following a first one concluded last year.

Food products were not covered by western sanctions imposed on Iran but payment and ocean shipping had been complicated by the trade restrictions.

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Monsanto sues in California over carcinogen listing California plans to add Roundup to its list of cancer-causing chemicals

BY KARL PLUME Chicago/Reuters

M

onsanto stepped up its defence of a widely used weed killer on Jan. 21 by filing a lawsuit in California seeking to prevent glyphosate, the main ingredient in its Roundup herbicide, from being added to the state’s list of known carcinogens.

The seed and agrochemicals company said it filed the suit against the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and the agency’s acting director, Lauren Zeise, in California state court, according to the filing seen by Reuters.

California law requires the

state to keep a list of cancercausing chemicals to inform residents of their risks.

OEHHA said in September that it planned to add glyphosate to the list after the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a probable human carcinogen last March.

Monsanto has disputed assessment, citing decades of studies deeming glyphosate safe, including a 2007 study

by OEHHA that concluded the chemical was unlikely to cause cancer.

“The IARC classification of glyphosate is inconsistent with the findings of regulatory bodies in the United States and around the world, and it is not

a sound basis for any regulatory action,” said Phil Miller, Monsanto’s vice-president of regulatory affairs.

Monsanto’s lawsuit argues that listing glyphosate under Proposition 65, as the state’s law is known, based on IARC’s classification cedes regulatory authority to an “unelected, undemocratic, unaccountable, and foreign body” that is not subject to oversight by any state or federal entity.

Monsanto argues that the lack of oversight violates the company’s right to procedural due process under California and U.S. law.

A listing would also require Monsanto and others offerin g p rodu ct s c ont ai nin g glyphosate to provide a “clear

and reasonable warning” to consumers that the chemical is known to cause cancer, damaging Monsanto’s reputation and violating its First Amendment rights, the company said.

OEHHA did not comment, as it had not seen the lawsuit.

Roundup is used by farmers around the world, generating Monsanto US$4.8 billion in fiscal 2015 revenue. Genetically modified seeds designed to tolerate glyphosate are immensely popular among corn and soybean growers.

Since IARC’s classification last year, Monsanto has been named in numerous lawsuits accusing the company of knowing of the dangers of glyphosate for decades.

38

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Oil bust could mean skyrocketing property taxes Some Alberta municipalities are being hit hard as oil companies stop paying

By JENNIFER BLAIR Staff / Red Deer

W

ith oil prices bottoming out around $30 a barrel, oil companies are scrambling to save money — sometimes at the expense of farmers.

“Some companies are just deciding not to pay the annual rentals,” said Daryl Bennett, who represents the Action Surface Rights Association in southern Alberta.

Last year, the Surface Rights Board had more than 750 new applications and gave landowners over $1.5 million to repay defaulted rents, said Bennett, who spoke at the recent Alberta Federation of Agriculture annual general meeting.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There should have been thousands and thousands of new applications.”

But while lost rents are a

shor t-ter m fr ustration for farmers, the long-term effect this will have on rural municipalities is much bigger.

“If you as a landowner don’t get paid by a company, it’s not that big of a deal. The minister of finance will ensure that you get your money,” he said.

“The implication to counties and municipalities is what you should be concerned about.”

R i g h t n ow, c o u n t i e s i n Alberta get two streams of oil and gas revenues. The first is through linear property assessments. “ That’s generally all the pipelines, power lines, that type of stuff. Currently, there’s $845 million being assessed to the operators in the province that goes to counties,” said Bennett.

“A lot of these companies that are going bankrupt are not paying their linear assessments to their counties and municipal districts.”

And 25 per cent of the lin-

“The County of Taber has estimated that if it were to lose its linear assessments paid by oil and gas, it would have to increase its property taxes by 350 per cent.”

Daryl Bennett

ear tax assessment goes toward education — money that has to be paid by the county “whether they collect it or not from the oil and gas operators.”

Counties also do local tax assessments, which fund their operating budgets. “An oil lease is assessed at higher rates than you are for your property taxes, and that’s collected by the municipality.”

In s o m e m u n i c i p a l i t i e s, between 60 to 90 per cent of their total budget depends on oil and gas tax revenues. For instance, oil and gas tax rev-

enues make up 68 per cent of the budget for the County of Taber.

“The County of Taber has estimated that if it were to lose its linear assessments paid by oil and gas, it would have to increase its property taxes by 350 per cent on everybody else to make up that loss,” said Bennett. “They’re going to have their budgets drastically cut in some cases. Then what do they do? Do they raise taxes or do they lay off people?”

Reduced oil and gas tax revenues will create a “snowball effect” in these counties

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— “they lay off more people, those people don’t pay taxes, real estate prices go down, property assessments go down, and it just continues on and on.”

And counties are starting to get worried, he added.

“Some of these companies that have gone bankrupt owe $15 million to $20 million to various counties.”

Until the oil market corrects itself, Alberta’s farmers will need to tighten their belts, regardless of whether they rent land to oil companies, said Bennett.

“As landowners, you can get your revenues back, but I think you need to be concerned about what’s happening in the industry and how this may impact your property taxes and the abilities of your counties and municipalities to function as they have in the past.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Pallister seeks banknote to honour Nellie McClung Staff

Ma n i t o b a O p p o s i t i o n Leader Brian Pallister wants the Bank of Canada to put Nellie McClung’s picture on a banknote in recognition of her efforts to secure voting rights for women a century ago.

Jan. 28 marked 100 years since Manitoba became the first province to legislate voting rights for women.

Pa l l i s t e r’s l e t t e r t o Governor Stephen Poloz reads in part: “I am writing to express my suppor t for plac ing a woman on one of Canada’s banknotes. This would be a visible and i m p o r t a n t e x p re s s i o n of the role women have played in Canada’s life and history. . . I can see no better representation of a female pioneer and democratic icon on a Canadian b a n k n o t e t h a n Ne l l i e McClung’s image. This would be a vivid visual reminder to all Canadians, young and old, of how we hold democracy dear and everyone’s place in it.”

The Bank of Canada recently invited Canadians to comment on the principles guiding the design of banknotes, a Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party release says. When asked what considerations should factor into banknote design, respondents most frequently cited gender equality and inclusion of more women. Canadian history was also cited as an important factor.

39

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

Ducks Unlimited shifts forage incentive Manitoba growers will get rebates by the acre, not by the bag STAFF

A program encouraging Prairie farmers to improve waterfowl habitat by flipping cropland into hay land or pasture will continue the same this spring — except in Manitoba.

The DUC/CPS forage program, offered by Ducks Unlimited Canada and Crop Production Ser vices (CPS) Canada, will still see growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta get a rebate of $100 for each 50-lb. bag of CPS’s Proven Seed forage seed they buy.

For 2016, however, the program will see Manitoba growers get their rebates instead as a $50 payment per new forage acre seeded.

Craig Bishop, DUC’s regional forage lead, said in a release that grower response to the forage program so far this year has been very positive.

“Declining prices for wheat

New dairy safety courses available online The eight-part series is designed for new recruits as well as experienced operators

and other cereal crops, as well as a simultaneous increase in beef prices, are leading many landowners to seriously consider the move to increase their cattle herd,” he said Jan 26.

“This, in turn, spurs a demand for increased forage.

Drought in 2015 led to “many poor hay crops in several areas and further motivated producers to convert additional land to forages,” he added. “That year, we saw 25,000 acres of cultivated fields across the Prairies be put into grass with this program with CPS — a significant increase from previous years.”

Research shows the level of waterfowl nesting and success is significantly higher in areas of perennial cover or grasslands than in cultivated fields, he said, and the program also helps with measures such as critical wetland restoration.

More information is available from CPS retailers or DUC conservation program specialists.

Forage seed from Agrium-owned CPS will be available to Prairie growers at a discount under a Ducks Unlimited-backed incentive plan. Photo: Dave Bedard

We all share the same table.

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THE REAL STORY OF AG

“We take pride in knowing we would feel safe consuming any of the crops we sell.

If we would not use it ourselves, it does not go to market.”

CASA release

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has released an eight-part training series for dairy workers. The Dairy Worker Safety Orientation Series covers: animal handling and health, chemical safety, feed handling and storage, general safety, machinery safety in the field, milking and chores, personal protective equipment and robotic safety.

The series is appropriate for anyone looking to develop, or brush up on their dairy safety skills, including producers, dairy workers, and health and safety professionals. The Dairy Worker Safety Orientation Series is affordable, professional and conveniently available 24 hours a day through CASA’s website. Each course takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete and offers a quiz at the end of the learning experience.

Courses available in English only.

For more information on the Dairy Worker Safety Orientation Series or other CASA courses available online, visit casa-acsa.ca/ training or contact Glen Blahey, Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist with CASA at gblahey@ casa-acsa.ca or 1-877-452-2272.

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– Katelyn Duncan, Saskatchewan

“The natural environment is critical to farmers – we depend on soil and water for the production of food. But we also live on our farms, so it’s essential that we act as responsible stewards.”

– Doug Chorney, Manitoba

“The welfare of my animals is one of my highest priorities. If I don’t give my cows a high quality of life, they won’t grow up to be great cows.”

– Andrew Campbell, Ontario

Safe food; animal welfare; sustainability; people care deeply about these things when they make food choices. And all of us in the agriculture industry care deeply about them too. But sometimes the general public doesn’t see it that way. Why? Because, for the most part, we’re not telling them our story and, too often, someone outside the industry is.

The journey from farm to table is a conversation we need to make sure we’re a part of. So let’s talk about it, together.

Visit AgMoreThanEver.ca to discover how you can help improve and create realistic perceptions of Canadian ag.

40

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

COUNTRY CROSSROADS CON N EC T I NG RU R A L FA M I L I E S

Leaders needed — but harder to find Delegates to the Keystone Agricultural Producers Young Farmer Conference were urged to consider volunteering as a rewarding investment

Being involved in your community is a tremendous learning opportunity, says Elm Creek farmer Colin Penner. He became involved in KAP about a year ago. PHOTOs: LORRAINE STEVENSON

BY LORRAINE STEVENSON Co-operator staff

I

f you’re joining that committee or sitting on that board because ‘someone’s got to do it,’ Elm Creek farmer Colin Penner has some advice.

Think about how you’ll benefit from it too.

“Be a little selfish. You don’t have to get involved for strictly noble reasons,” he told some 60 delegates attending Keystone Agriculture Producers Young Farmer Convention, held concurrently with the KAP annual meeting.

There’s more gained from saying ‘yes’ to invitations to serve on committees and boards than some might think, he said in a talk dubbed ‘get involved, invest in your future.’

“If you’re a leader in your community you learn things faster. You’re aware of things well before the rest of the public is.”

Penner speaks from experience. With a farm operation to manage, a young family to raise and a teaching job at University of Manitoba, he still found time to volunteer with the STARS rescue on the island fundraiser last year. When family members asked if he’d officiate at their wedding he agreed to that too.

A b o u t a y e a r a g o a Ke y s t o n e Agricultural Producers delegate asked him if he’d come to a few District 3 meetings. He went.

“One of the district members said, ‘Hey, do you want to come and check out this? I think you’d be good at it. Come and sit in on a few meetings. I went and saw the way things are done and said, ‘I want to be involved with this,’” he said.

If only more were so inclined.

The struggle for rural organizations of all kinds is that fewer people are volunteering.

Non-profit groups are struggling to fill board vacancies and find those willing to serve on committees, said another conference speaker, Cedric MacLeod, an agronomist and consultant who has extensive experience working with national and provincial not-for-profit boards.

“This human resources piece is potentially crippling and it’s only going to get harder,” he said. “We’ve got fewer farmers, fewer people, fewer leaders.

Everyone’s busy. It’s hard to find new people.”

MacLeod, who has served both as a board member on some organizations and executive director on others including the Canadian and New Brunswick Young Farmers’ Forums says the need for succession planning in the nonprofit sector is as critical as it is on the farm.

MacLeod cited his own experience serving as a chair of the New Brunswick Cattle Producers as an example. They worked hard and accomplished many things, from strategic planning and setting policies, to preparing long-term budgets and negotiating with partners.

“But what we did not have is an engagement process for young cattle producers in New Brunswick to fill those seats on the board,” he told delegates.

“Actually, what we barely have in New Brunswick is young cattle producers,” he added.

That’s the crunch. Fewer people in rural areas make it all that much more critical that non-profits of any kind be able to pitch the importance of their organization to those still available

Agronomist and consultant Cedric MacLeod says it’s critical that non-profit organizations invest time in how to replenish their human resource capacity.

“This human resources piece is potentially crippling and it’s only going to get harder.”

Cedric MacLeod

and potentially able to serve with it, he said.

“That’s the key for non-profits and for leaders... defining what it is you’re trying to do and who you’re doing it for,” he said.

Further complicating everything is that people no longer joined boards for the reasons they once did, he said in a followup interview. At one time, you were involved in organizations as part of your social life. It’s where you connected with people.

That’s not the case anymore.

“A lot of these boards are a remnant of a time gone past,” he said. “That infrastructure was established in a different time and a different era when we had more people in the community. Those boards served the function of operating those non-profits, but they also served as the social connection piece in those rural communities.”

But just because leaders are getting harder to find, it doesn’t make finding them any less critical, MacLeod stressed.

The solution lies with good leadership exercised now, he said. That means being able to focus on why you exist, your vision, and being able to clearly state your goals to encourage others to be involved he said.

“I think we get caught sometimes in the politics and we lose sight of

the vision of what it is we’re trying to achieve,” he said.

“We get caught up in the nuts and bolts. From a basic board governance perspective, that’s a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with volunteers... they are operational boards.”

Another potential strategy for handling the human resource scarcity may lie with fundamental reorganization, such as amalgamating several existing smaller boards to pool resources and better use people’s energy that way, MacLeod said.

“Are there opportunities to join other boards and serve a larger function, or combine functions so you don’t have to carry that organizational overhead?

“Great leaders take a look at things and say, ‘Do we still need this, or do we need it in its current iteration?’” he said.

These aren’t easy things to do, but neither is wrapping up because you can no longer find people, MacLeod said.

“I think people are going to have to be courageous and make some difficult decisions,” he said.

The quandary is it often needs new people to make those choices.

That’s why Penner is pushing more to get involved.

“In Troopers’ lyrics there’s that song, ‘If you don’t like what you’ve got, why don’t you change it? If the world’s all screwed up, rearrange it,’” he said. “If you’ve got something that’s driving you nuts, get involved for positive change. It will benefit your community.”

“We’ve got a lot of aging people in the rural population. We really need to bring in new ideas and break the “this has already been done mould.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

41

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

Gate to Plate Eating closer to home, wiser use of food helps curb the food bill By choosing Canadian-grown food most of the time, we’re not as vulnerable to exchange rate increases and volatility

By Lorraine Stevenson

Y

our grocery bills may be making you wince a little right now. The sticker shock could last awhile. The sinking loonie is expected to keep the price of food, particularly imported foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts high this year. A recent report out of University of Guelph’s Food Institute estimates the average Canadian household will spend about $345 more for food in 2016.

But before we start complaining, let’s remember food remains very affordable for most Canadians. Next Tuesday — February 9 — is ‘Food Freedom Day,’ annually calculated by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture to remind us of how many days the average income earner must work to pay the entire grocery bill for the year. Last year

Food Freedom Day was February 6, so yes, we’re working a little longer for our dinner this year. But we’re still in a country that ranks among the top five places in the world for lowest cost of food.

We’re also not locked into paying the grocery bill like a mortgage either. We’ve been reminded lately of many ways to keep right on eating nutritiously and affordably in a year of rising food prices, by changing some of our food-buying habits, cooking more meals at home, improving meal planning to avoid impulse grocery purchases, and using leftovers more creatively.

That helps lessen the amount of food we waste too. Canadians waste an appalling amount of it when we buy what we don’t use.

More creative use of leftovers, separating ripening produce so natural gases given off don’t cause spoilage, and cooking perishable foods to freeze for use later all save extra trips to grocery stores.

Buying less imported food

saves money too. By choosing Canadian-grown food most of the time, Canadian households aren’t nearly as vulnerable to exchange rate increases and volatility.

There are many great cookbooks filled with recipes to help us eat closer to home this way.

A recent release is Homegrown: Celebrating the Canadian Foods We Grow, Raise and Produce,

(Whitecap Books) featuring 160 recipes from the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA).

“Local means Canada,” says the book’s author professional home economist and author Mairlyn Smith.

“I want Canadians to put Canada on their plate when they go to the grocery store. When there is a choice between a local food and an import, I encourage Canadians to choose the local,” she says.

Homegrown’s recipes are all triple tested by home economists, with a nutrient breakdown plus a carb counter (for those living with diabetes) with each recipe and is found in Chapters bookstores and available online at: https://www. chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/ homegrown-celebrating-thecanadian-foods/9781770502321item.html OR through Amazon a t : h t t p : / / w w w. a m a z o n . c a / Homegrown-CelebratingCa n a d i a n - Fo o d s - Pro d u c e / dp/1770502327.

Wild Rice and Vegetable Pilaf

minutes. Stir cooked rice and parsley into vegetables and season with salt and pepper.

6 c. whole wheat flour (approx.)

Home economist Wendi Hiebert describes first tasting wild rice while living in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba. “I quickly learned to love the chewy texture and nutty flavour of this aquatic grain (it’s not actually rice) and appreciate its versatility,” she writes.

Makes 3 cups (1 serving = 3/4 cup).

Lightly oil two 9×5-inch (2-l) loaf pans or line with wet parchment paper, well wrung out. Set aside. Rinse a very large mixing bowl with hot water to warm it up, then add the lukewarm water. Sprinkle yeast and sugar over the water. Let stand about 10 minutes or until yeast becomes frothy.

1 c. wild rice 2-1/2 c. no-salt-added chicken broth 1 tbsp. canola oil 1 medium carrot, scrubbed well and diced 1 rib celery, thinly sliced 1 small onion, diced 1 small red sweet pepper, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 c. thinly sliced cremini mushrooms (approx. 3 large mushrooms) 2 tsp. dried oregano leaves 2 tsp. dried thyme leaves

Per serving: 219 calories, 4 g Fat, 0.4 g Sat. Fat, 0 g Trans Fat, 210 mg Sodium, 39 g Carbohydrates, 4.7 g Fibre, 5.9 g Sugars, 0 g Added Sugars, 8.2 g Protein.

Tip: • Don’t throw out the broth drained from the cooked rice. Save it and add it to homemade soup or stew. If desired, water can be substituted for the broth in the recipe. Turn this dish into a salad by letting the cooked rice and vegetables cool, then adding a few splashes of your favourite vinaigrette.

Recipe courtesy of Homegrown: Celebrating the Canadian Foods We Grow, Raise and Produce

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine wild rice and broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender but slightly chewy and split open, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for five minutes. Drain any remaining broth, or reuse later if desired.

A few minutes before rice finishes cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add carrot, celery, onion and sweet pepper.

Cook, stirring frequently, for five minutes.

Add garlic, mushrooms, oregano and thyme.

Continue to cook, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender, about three to four

Whisk in honey, oil, bran (or wheat germ), oats, sunflower seeds and salt (do not omit!).

Using a wooden spoon, beat in flour one cup at a time, making sure you beat until the batter is smooth before adding more flour.

When all the flour has been added, beat vigorously until well blended. Dough will be heavy and moist.

1/4 c. canola oil

Divide dough in half and pat into the prepared pans. Sprinkle unbaked loaves with additional quick oats and sunflower seeds, pressing into the surface of each loaf. Cover loaves with a clean tea towel and let stand in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until risen. Note: this is a heavy bread so it won’t rise as high as a regular yeast bread. About five minutes before the dough has risen, preheat oven to 375 F. Bake loaves for 40 to 45 minutes or until a deep golden brown.

Loaves should produce a hollow sound when tapped. Cool loaves on racks for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely before storing.

1 c. natural bran or wheat germ

Makes two 9-inch loaves, 16 slices per loaf.

1 c. quick oats

Recipe courtesy of Homegrown: Celebrating the Canadian Foods We Grow, Raise and Produce

2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1/4 tsp. salt

Additional oats or seeds to pat on to surface

Whole Wheat Seed Bread “This wholesome loaf is a perfect accompaniment to soups and salads, not to mention freshly made preserves in the summer,” says home economist Jan Main.

3 c. lukewarm water (approx. 100 F/38 C) 2 tbsp. traditional active yeast 2 tsp. granulated sugar 1/3 c. liquid honey

3/4 c. sunflower seeds 1 tbsp. iodized salt

42

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

S

“

o, how was Vegas?” Randy Jackson posed the question to Andrew and Rose as the three of them waited for Jackie to return from the kitchen with a fresh pot of coffee.

“Hot enough for ya?”

“It was plenty warm,” said Rose. “All we did all week was sit around the pool drinking mojitos and eating shrimp. Which is a nice way to spend a week in the middle of January.”

“I can’t believe Grant and Karen paid for your whole trip,” said Randy. “I don’t have friends like that. All I have is 250 Facebook friends. And I hate every one of them.”

“Ah, that’s why I don’t sign up for Facebook,” said Rose. “If I did I’d have to be one of your friends and pretty soon you’d hate me too.”

“I would,” said Randy, “if you were as moronic as most of the people on there.”

“Friendships have to be cultivated,” said Andrew. “I highly recommend that you cultivate a few. Find people you like and with whom you have things in common, and who have more money than you. And the more money they have the less important it is that you have things in common.”

“In that case,” said Randy, “I’ll be friends with Bill Gates. We have nothing in common but he has scads of money. How’s that?”

“Perfect,” said Andrew. “We can all winter together in Bill’s mansion in Barcelona.”

“You guys are pathetic,” said Rose. “As if having friends is only worth it if you can get free stuff out of it.”

“Not only worth it,” said Randy, “just more worth it. And Mom, don’t tell me you are going to pass up a winter in Barcelona just as a matter of principle.”

“I’ll pass up a winter in Barcelona just as a matter of nobody’s going to take me to Barcelona,” said Rose. “That being said, if you can figure out how to get Bill Gates to be your friend and offer you his mansion in Barcelona, I won’t turn down an invitation to join you there. Even if you are pathetic.”

“That’s the spirit,” said Randy. “It’s good to have principles, even if you don’t live up to them.”

The

Jacksons

By Rollin Penner

“Spoken by an expert,” said Jackie who appeared at that moment with the coffee. She filled the cups on the table. “Was it crowded in Vegas?” she wanted to know.

“Uh uh,” said Rose. “I mean there were tourists obviously, but most of them were Americans so we had the pool to ourselves. If

it’s below 90°, apparently that’s parka weather in Vegas, not swimming weather. And I don’t know how to put this politely, but if you think Americans look big anyway, wait till you see them in parkas. A lot of them could pass as Paul Bunyan.”

“Or as Paul Bunyan’s big blue ox,” said Andrew.

“Gotta love Americans,” said Randy. “They make us seem so normal.” He paused and took a sip of coffee. “So, what’s the weirdest thing you saw while you were down there? Everybody comes back from Vegas with at least one kooky story, right?”

Andrew and Rose looked at each other, and then they both laughed.

“What?” said Randy.

“It had to be the Furry convention,” said Rose, still chuckling. “We were sitting in a café on the strip and we looked out and suddenly there was this random assortment of people dressed in animal costumes wandering up the street. At first we thought it was a convention of sports mascots but then we saw the unicorn and we figured it out.

“A unicorn?” said Jackie.

“Yup,” said Rose. “And I don’t know if it was because the horn kept falling down over its face so it couldn’t see or because it had had too many mojitos earlier in the pool, but that poor unicorn couldn’t walk 10 feet without falling over a hydrant or running into a light post.”

“I’m pretty sure it had been drinking,” said Andrew. “I was afraid it was going to fall off the curb, right into the traffic.”

“Oh dear,” said Jackie. “I guess now we know why unicorns are so rare.”

“That one wasn’t really rare,” said Rose. “It was pretty well done if you ask me.”

“Sounds like you guys had fun,” said Randy.

“We had a hoot,” said Andrew, “in the tamest sort of way.”

“Well in that case,” said Randy, “I’m glad that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

“I could show you the selfies we took in the pool,” said Rose.

“I’ll pass,” said Randy.

“Wise choice,” said Andrew. “Wise choice indeed.”

Verona Lace fern — a striking display plant Less common than the Boston fern but requires the same indoor growing conditions

By Albert Parsons Freelance contributor

F

erns are ancient plants and there are thousands of species — over 15,000 — and new ones are still being discovered.

Some gardeners have ferns in shady spots in the outdoor gardens and some also have them in the indoor plant collection. While many of these are quite common, such as the Boston sword fern, some are quite rare, like the Verona Lace fern.

Nephrolepis exalta or “Verona Lace,” is not that common and few garden centres carry it, probably because it is a bit harder to take care of than its cousin, the Boston sword fern. It is also more delicate, so it does not transport as easily and it takes longer to grow market-size plants. You may have to hunt for it, but Verona Lace fern is well worth the search as it is an extraordinarily lovely plant.

This plant produces long fronds and its foliage is very lacy; its fronds are covered with tiny leaflets produced on short side branches. The foliage is bright green and a mature plant can be quite large so should be grown in a large pot or hanging basket and displayed either as a hanging plant or on a sturdy plant stand.

Verona Lace ferns require the same growing conditions as most other ferns grown indoors. They like bright, indirect light; most are happy with the light from a north-facing window. They do not tolerate direct sunlight unless it is the weak rays of the winter sun. Leaves will brown if they are exposed to too much strong sunlight — and also if temperatures are too high as ferns like temperatures on the cool side. Ferns prefer a loose soil as their hair-like roots need oxygen to flourish, so a heavy soil will not be suitable.

For the same reason, ferns must be watered with care since overwatering and keeping the planting medium sodden will reduce the amount of air in the soil and eventually suffocate the plants.

They like their soil to be kept moderately moist, but to avoid overwatering, it doesn’t hurt to allow the soil to dry out somewhat. Ferns can be easily damaged by too much fertilizer (the tips of the fronds will turn brown) and should be fertilized with half-strength soluble fertilizer every three or four months — or more often with an even weaker solution.

The Verona Lace fern will grow into a very large specimen and from time to time may need to be repotted into a larger pot. This is difficult to accomplish

You may have to hunt for it, but Verona Lace fern is well worth the search as it is an extraordinarily lovely plant.

without damaging some of the fronds, so do this carefully. They do not mind being slightly pot bound so this job won’t have to be done too often, and other than that, it is fairly low maintenance.

Occasionally dead fronds and those with brown tips can be removed to enhance the plant’s appearance.

Verona Lace needs lots of space, both to accommodate its width and also to allow its long fronds to cascade freely. A large specimen with its lacy fronds cascading down is indeed a strikingly decorative plant.

The intricate delicacy of the Verona Lace fern’s foliage makes for a beautiful display.

PHOTO: ALBERT PARSONS

Albert Parsons writes from Minnedosa, Manitoba

43

The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

Time to count some birds

Annual event is this month and you could contribute some valuable information

By Donna Gamache Freelance contributor

D

o you put out food for birds in winter? If so, why not take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), an annual four-day count held in February each year? This year it will take place February 12 to 15 (the Louis Riel holiday weekend).

The Great Backyard Bird Count has been held throughout North America for the past 18 years. Organized by the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bird Studies Canada, it has spread over the years to include more than 100 count r i e s. In Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 a record 147,265 checklists were s u b m i t t e d a n d ove r 5 , 0 0 0 species were identified. In Manitoba alone, 768 checklists were submitted, with 68 species recorded.

To take part in the GBBC, you need access to the Internet, since all information is submitted that way. The website is: http://gbbc.birdcount.org/. If you are interested in participating, check out the site before getting started, as directions are given for how to participate and how to identify various species.

Basically, you just tally up the numbers and kinds of birds you see on one or more of the four days. If this is your first time counting, you will need to register online. If you have participated previously, you can use your existing login, and type in the species and numbers of birds you have counted.

If you feed the birds why not record the visitors that you’re getting? GAMACHE PHOTOS

Most counts are made by watching backyard feeders, although the term “backyard” is somewhat of a misnomer, since participants can also check out other locations.

Last year Canada geese were counted at one of the bridges in Winnipeg, and a grey jay was recorded on the Clearwater Lake Ski Trails. Reports are updated frequently as they are submitted, so ongoing results can be checked out each count day.

Those wanting a little help can go to the opening web page, click on “Get Started” and then scroll down to “Bird Lists.”

If you click on the Canada/U.S. section and type in your town or postal code, a list of common birds from your area will

appear. Click on a bird and a picture will appear.

The pages on “Tricky Bird IDs” is useful for such hardto-distinguish species as the house finch and purple finch.

Another feature of the GBBC website is photos taken by participants over the years. Be sure to check these out, as some of the pictures are amazing.

Information from the GBBC is used by scientists to help give an overall picture of changes in bird populations over the years, perhaps due to weather or other factors. For instance, the number of redpolls, pine siskins, purple finches, crossbills and pine grosbeaks at bird feeders in southern Manitoba can vary greatly, depending on the

Information from the GBBC is used by scientists to help give an overall picture of changes in bird populations over the years, perhaps due to weather or other factors.

temperature, snow cover, and availability of seeds farther north in the boreal forest.

If you’d like to take part in the bird count, mark the weekend of February 12 to 15 on your calendar. It doesn’t take a lot of time. Even half an hour counting can be productive, especially in early morning or late afternoon — when

the birds flock to feeders for their first and last feedings of the day. Then a little time on the computer — your own or one at your local library — can send your information on its way to help in this worthwhile project.

Donna Gamache writes from MacGregor, Manitoba

This Old Elevator

I

n the 1950s, there were over 700 grain elevators in Manitoba.

Today, there are fewer than 200. You can help to preserve the legacy of these disappearing “Prairie sentinels.”

The Manitoba Historical Society (MHS) is gathering information about all elevators that ever stood in Manitoba, regardless of their present status. Collaborating with the Manitoba Co-operator it is supplying these images of a grain elevator each week in hopes readers will be able to tell the society more about it, or any other elevator they know of.

MHS Gordon Goldsborough webmaster and Journal editor has developed a website to post your replies to a series of questions about elevators. The MHS is interested in all grain elevators that have served the farm community.

Your contributions will help gather historical information such as present status of elevators, names of companies, owners and agents, rail lines, year elevators were built — and dates when they were torn down (if applicable).

There is room on the website to post personal recollections and stories related to grain elevators. The MHS presently also has only a partial list of all elevators that have been demolished. You can help by updating that list if you know of one not included on that list.

Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will help the MHS develop a comprehensive, searchable database to preserve the farm community’s collective knowledge of what was once a vast network of grain elevators across Manitoba.

Please contribute to This Old Grain Elevator website at: http://www.mhs.mb.ca/elevators. You will receive a response, by email or phone call, confirming that your submission was received.

Deerwood — In 1959, a 28,000-bushel elevator at the Deerwood siding in the RM of Thompson was purchased by UGG from the Canadian Consolidated Grain Company. It closed in July 1970 and, four years later, was sold to a specialty seed producer. It was demolished in October 2003. PHOTO: BERNIE FREEMAN

44

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The Manitoba Co-operator | February 4, 2016

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