To CanadaPost, your Mailbox orSuperboxis designatedinoneof four ways -House,Apartment, FarmorBusiness.
Justheaddown to your localpostoffice andask your Postmaster to have yourMailbox/Superbox designatedas a“Farm”. Youshouldstartreceiving your copy oftheHorizon within acoupleofweeks.
83891005july24
Your Northern Horizon Team
Dan PRZYBYLSKI Heather ANDERSON Sales/Classifieds Circulation (250) 784-4319 handerson@farmmedia.com dcsales@glaciermedia.ca
Please direct all accounting inquiries to ap@farmmedia.com
THE NORTHERN HORIZON (Published by Glacier FarmMedia) 1666 Dublin Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 0H1
The Northern Horizon retains full, complete and sole copyright of any advertisement, written or photographic material published in the Northern Horizon. Reproduction is not permitted without the written permission of the Northern Horizon. All contributed material will be included in the Northern Horizon as space permits. We reserve the right to edit or re-write any aspect of contributed copy to make it suitable for publishing.
OUR NEXT ISSUE: FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH, 2025
REGULAR AD DEADLINES:
- Booking deadline for regular display ads:
• Noon on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11TH, 2025
- Ad material deadline:
• Noon on FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH, 2025
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE:
- Any submissions for Classified Ads should be made to Dan Przybylski by phone at (250) 784-4319 or email at dcsales@glaciermedia.ca
- All classified ad submissions must be received by the Northern Horizon by 10:00 am (BC time) on FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH, 2025
SUBSCRIPTIONS
- Subscriptions to the Northern Horizon are available by contacting Dan Przybylski by phone at (250) 784-4319 or email at dcsales@glaciermedia.ca or Heather Anderson by email at heather@fbcpublishing.com
- The annual subscription rate is $150.00 (GST included) with full payment due at time of subscription.
Blair Hector Vold
OCTOBER 13, 1955 ~ MAY 11, 2025 (AGE 69)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Blair Hector Vold, our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, dad, and papa.
Blair was born in Ponoka, Alberta, on October 13, 1955. He graduated from Ponoka Composite High School in 1973, and went on to pursue a career in the cattle industry alongside his father, Ralph.
In 1957 Ralph formed Vold Jones & Vold (VJV) Auction Mart alongside his brother Harry, and business partners, Bill and Shorty Jones. Blair wasn’t far behind his dad’s footsteps, and stepped into the auction market business as a teenager, and so began a career that spanned decades. Much like his parents, Blair got his pilot’s license and flew around western Canada, securing cattle sales for VJV. In 1991, Blair and best friend Brant Hurlburt spearheaded the Canadian Satellite Livestock Auction, which was a revolutionary shift in livestock marketing in Canada, allowing producers to sell their cattle to a broader audience via satellite TV.
In 1980, Blair joined the Ponoka Stampede Board of Directors and served as President for three terms. In addition to his Presidency, he took great pride in organizing the infield and main stage concert acts, always striving to bring the most authentic Wild West entertainment to the Ponoka Stampede.
Blair also served on the Livestock Markets Association of Canada (LMAC) board of directors for over 10 years, and in 2017 was inducted into the LMAC
Hall of Fame. He is former president of the Alberta Auction Market Association (AAMA), and Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) vice-chair. He was deeply passionate about the art of auctioneering and was steadfast in his support of the auctioneers on his staff.
Blair is survived by his wife Sheryl; son Nansen and wife Jennifer (Jayden, Cheyanna); daughters Labrie and husband Allen Kruger (Taylor, Reid), and Gjenna and husband Dave Saretsky (Jack, Emma); his stepdaughter Sarah (Lyric, Bella and Arrianna); his mother Dolores; brother Ryan (Ellie); sisters Cathy Wiancko (Joe), Lori, and Vicky Robinson (Duane); his numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; and his beloved dog Odie.
He was predeceased by his father Ralph and his step-son Cooper.
The Vold family would like to give their sincere thank you to Dr. Halse, Angie Rentz, and Christina Wedin for their care and compassion, as well as the Ponoka Home Care staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association (Box 18069, Shawnessy RPO, Calgary, AB. T2Y 0K3) and the Ponoka Arts, Recreation, and Culture Society (Ponoka PARCS, 5013 49 Ave. Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R5).
A celebration of Blair’s life was held at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds Grandstand on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
When we think of energy, it ’s easy to remember the technical terms like kilowatts and efficiency But what does it really mean to us, aspeople? It ’s warming up the house when it ’s chilly It ’s sterilizing medical tools for our doctors and nurses It ’s firing up the BBQ to enjoy some delicious salmon
Enbridge is proud to be at the heart of what makes beautiful BC thrive—supporting the things you love and driving key industries like healthcare, manufacturing, construction and more Above all, we’re committed to keeping natural gas affordable, reliable and versatile— empowering BC today and for the tomorrows to come Visit enbridge.com/bc to learn more
ReplacementParts forEarlytoLateMode Combines,Tractors &HayingEquipment el
|andersonhardwareltd@gmail.com
Dangers of Blue-Green Algae When Temperatures Rise
Blue-green algae is actually cyanobacteria and can produce toxins that can be dangerous,” says Shawn Elgert, agricultural water engineer with the Alberta government. “It can cause organ damage or even death if ingested by livestock or pets.”
“There are other potential toxins on the farm that can also cause harm to cattle, such as water hemlock or batteries. You may need to talk to a veterinarian for assistance if you are trying to determine the cause of poisoning.”
Elgert says the first and most important step is to identify the type of growth. “Blue-green algae can look like blue-green scum, pea soup or grass clippings suspended in the water. You should start watching for it when the temperatures rise above 25°C.”
“If blue-green algae is suspected in a dugout, it is best to be cautious,” says Elgert. “You should contact a water specialist to diagnose the growth to determine if it is potentially a toxic growth. You should also remove your livestock from the water source in the interim and prevent them from accessing it. One rule of thumb is that if you can grab it as a solid mass in your hand, it is not blue-green algae.”
If blue-green algae is present, the dugout can be treated using a copper product registered for use in farm dugouts. “Once you treat it, consumption should be
restricted for up to a month. The use of copper will break the cells open and release the toxins, if present, into the water all at once. It is important that cattle do not drink the water during this time so the toxins can degrade. You can follow up with aluminum sulfate and/or hydrated lime treatments afterwards to remove the nutrients from the water to prevent regrowth.
Sometimes these coagulant treatments are better than a sole copper treatment.”
Elgert says there are also preventative measures that can be taken to try to avoid the problem. “Temperature is an important factor in the growth of blue-green algae, so a deeper dugout with steeper slopes while avoiding slope deterioration would help make the dugout water cooler.”
Nutrients are required for growth of blue-green algae. “We have information on how to reduce nutrients from entering the dugout in our Quality Farm Dugouts manual. Buffer strips, grassed waterways, culvert controls and off-source watering systems are examples of how you can reduce nutrients.”
“Dugouts should not be built in the waterway, as sediments can bring more nutrients into the dugout and depth can be lost quickly,” adds Elgert.
“Aeration of the dugout can also help improve the water quality. A dye packet can also be thrown into the dugout to help prevent photosynthesis from occurring, thereby reducing the growth of blue-green algae. However, one action alone may not be enough to prevent growth.”
Elgert also notes that the wind can push the bluegreen algae into highly concentrated pockets where the risk of harm is higher. “Since blue-green algae can rise or fall in the water column, inspection of the dugout should include peering into the deeper part of the water. Always be safe around the dugout by going along with another person and have a rope with a flotation device attached.”
For more information or assistance, contact an Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation water specialist at 310-FARM (3276). NH
Of the Foster’s Pavilion at Evergreen Park, the Tara Centre and the J.D.A. Raceway from local artist Julius Oscar Miraflor.
Planting,spraying,orprepping —whateverstage you’re at,Rolla Ag isheretohelp. Withtrustedadvice,qualitycropinputs,andlocalsuppor tyou cancounton, we’reproud to be yourpar tnerinthefieldthisgrowingseason. Stopinorgive us acall —let’sgetgrowing together. Friendlyfaces.Pr ovenproducts.Local service. GROWINGWITHYOUTHISSEASON
ROLLA AG |5082 Rolla Road |Rolla,BCV0C2G0 P: (250)759-4770 ThecoffeeisonMondaytoFriday,8:00amto5:00pm
Adaptation and Development of the Anesthetic Elastrator Band for Use in the Canadian Lamb Industry
(Agri-News, May 23, 2025) The LidoBand™ is a novel anesthetic delivering elastration ligation band that can be used with all current elastrator tools. This made-in-Alberta solution has been designed to be used by veterinarians to deliver a clinically relevant therapeutic dose of anesthetic for the duration of its application(s).
Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Ram lambs are normally castrated for management reasons. Tail docking in sheep is done for health and hygiene reasons, to reduce the risk of flystrike and to decrease dag (manure build up) on a docked animal, thereby helping to avoid contact of the meat with bacteria at processing. All methods of castration and tail docking at any age cause pain.
Drugs effective for pain mitigation in food animals are available in Canada, but their use in lambs constitutes an extra-label drug use and these drugs must be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian. Pain mitigation can be achieved by the use of an injectable local anaesthetic and post-operative analgesia can be achieved when a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is administered at the time of the procedure. However, there are a number of challenges in applying anesthesia and analgesia to large numbers
of animals in field situations, including administering local anesthesia to lambs in medium to large flocks, the difficulty of using current drug formulations, and the reluctance of veterinarians to dispense large volumes of drugs to farmers for extralabel use.
The LidoBand™ technology has the advantage over other pain administration routes in that the continual release provides pain mitigation for the entire banding process.
Pending the outcome of this research, this technology has the potential to become the standard of care during painful elastration procedures in Beef Cattle.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
The goal of this work is to provide producers with a practical and effective tool to provide long-term pain control for banded castration and tail docking.
The benefits to the Canadian lamb industry include a simplified banding procedure (eliminating the need for lidocaine injection), reduced costs, societal and animal welfare benefits associated with improved pain control, and a potentially improved product (i.e., through increased average daily gain and enhanced recovery).
Overall, this product will improve public confidence in Canadian Lamb, by promoting the highest standards in animal care, and demonstrating the safety and efficacy of new production technologies. Canada is already recognized as a leader in food animal welfare research; however, this project could also position Canada as a leader and innovator in providing solutions to existing farm animal welfare issues. This is significant, as much of the research and development around products for improving lamb health and welfare are driven by demand in the U.S. market. NH
Tips For Planting A Successful Fall Crop
Seed expert says farmers who start planning early and have everything ready to go at seeding will have a smoother time
Mark Halsall, Grain News, May 5, 2025
Farmers intending to plant a fall crop such as winter wheat or hybrid rye this year shouldn’t leave planning too late. In fact, the sooner you can get started, the better.
That’s the advice of Greg Stamp of Stamp Seeds, a second-generation family seed farm and seed retailer at Enchant, Alta., northeast of Lethbridge. Stamp is a certified crop advisor and is the seed sales manager for the 7,000-acre operation that’s a major seed supplier for Prairie farms.
Stamp had some fall cropping tips for producers during the CropConnect 2025 conference in Winnipeg in February and in a subsequent interview with Grainews.
Growing crops that overwinter, such as a fall hybrid rye or winter wheat, is a different way of farming in some ways than a spring crop, so producers need to be aware of that, Stamp says — and farmers who start mak-
A successful harvest of fall-seeded crops can involve scheduling help to arrive earlier in the season. Photo: Stamp Seeds
For Greg Stamp, pictured here in fall hybrid rye field at Stamp Seeds farm, “fall cropping is all about early planning.” Tips for planting a successful fall crop photo: Stamp Seeds
ing preparations early in the year will provide their fall crops with the best chance of success.
He points out it can also help ensure fall seeding goes smoothly during what’s typically a very hectic time for farmers.
“Farms are very busy when these crops need to be planted in the fall, so getting the crop in the ground in time and having enough staff in place to make that happen can be challenging,” Stamp says.
“For me, fall crops are all about early planning. When you try and do this just a few days before you go in to seed, it just causes stress and problems for everyone,” he adds. “If you want to grow a fall crop, you should be planning right now.”
One way to avoid planting headaches, he says, is to grow an earlier-maturing non-cereal crop like canola or pulses in fields slated for fall cropping. This enables farmers to get the spring crop off earlier so there’s more time to get that fall crop in.
BUY SEED EARLY
Stamp also recommends farmers buy their seed early once the decision is made to seed some fall acres — and plan a timeline for when those fall crops will be seeded, so as to ensure they have everything they need once the ground is ready.
An important part of that, he says, is making sure there are enough people on hand to do the job. “That’s so critical. Schedule that help for Sept. 1 or end of August so you can get rolling on your fall crop.”
Many farmers have a relative or a neighbour who lends a helping hand at harvest, he notes; one suggestion would be to have them arrive during that window for seeding winter wheat or hybrid rye, freeing farmers up to get started.
Another tip for successful fall planting is to have a tractor and seed drill prepped and standing at the ready prior to the start of harvest.
“It can take half a day to hook a tractor up some-
times, by the time you’ve got monitors set up and troubleshoot problems,” Stamp says. “If you have a spare tractor that you’re not using on the harvest run, have that tractor hooked up and ready.”
Stamp also recommends farmers leave stubble up from the harvested spring crop, then seed their fall crops between the rows. This can help trap snow in fields, providing an insulating layer for crops so they better withstand the rigours of winter.
Winterkill is always a danger for fall crops, which is why Stamp urges farmers to use a dual seed treatment to maximize protection against disease and insects.
“I’m a big believer in winter crops getting a fungicide/insecticide seed treatment for stress mitigation and winter survival,” he says.
“Some people would consider planting an untreated fall crop, and I think that’s a mistake. Personally, I would not put a winter crop in the ground without a fungicide/insecticide seed treatment.”
The danger of winterkill is another reason to ensure fall crops have correct plant populations, Stamp says.
He urges farmers to follow the advice of their seed retailers or agronomists on proper seeding rates for fall crops such as winter wheat or hybrid rye. “I’ve just seen people try and cut rates too much and then they’re not happy with the crop,” Stamp said.
Stamp also suggests seeding fall crops with a narrower-spaced drill can be beneficial come springtime.
“The narrower your drill, the better, because you’ll have more even flowering,” he says. “If you do have the choice, I’d go for seven-inch row spacing, especially on a rye.” NH
LUNDGARD TAPALFALFASEED multi-cut,highestyieldsandlongevityinvarietytrials YELLOWBLOSSOM(FALCATA)ALFALFASEED extremelylong-lived&highyielding,singlecut,excellentbloat-freepastures CICERMILKVETCH Long-lived,perennial,non-bloatlegume,Vigorouscreepingroots ALSO AVAILABLE
Demonstration plots with 2024 fall crop yield trials at the Stamp Seeds farm. Photo: Stamp Seeds
Winter wheat being harvested at the Stamp Seeds farm.
PHOTO: STAMP SEEDS
Screening Perennial Forages for their
Dr. Blasius Azuhnwi (PhD, PAg) and
Introduction
Perennial forages seeded as monoculture grasses and legumes or in mixtures make a valuable contribution to feed for the beef cattle industry in Alberta. With new varieties constantly being released, quickly screening these for their forage value (i.e, combining high forage dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value) is necessary. Principal component analysis (PCA) is a multivariate analytical method that can simplify a large dataset by identifying and representing patterns in fewer dimensions or factors. We used PCA to screen a forage collection for high forage value.
Methodology
On May 31 2021, a total of 23 monoculture grasses, 20 legume varieties, and 15 perennial commercial mixes (Table 1) were seeded on small plots of 8m x 2m in randomized complete block design with four replicates in DeBolt, Alberta. Plots were harvested as first and second cuts in the first production year (2022) on July 12 and September 15, respectively. The harvested biomass was weighed, and a sub-sample was air-dried to determine forage DM. Dried forage samples were subsequently analyzed for various forage quality parameters. A PCA was conducted on the correlation matrix of the dataset of forage DM yield and nutritive value.
Results
The Kaiser Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity verified the sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.71 and p > 0.001, respectively) for the analysis. The first two principal components (PC) had eigenvalues over Kaiser’s criterion of 1 and, in combination, explained 71 % of the variance. Most of the legumes yielded higher forage DM, crude protein, energy, macro minerals (Ca, Mg, and P), and micro minerals (Zn, Fe, and Cu) compared with grasses and mixtures (Figure 1). Among the legumes, the following alfalfa varieties exhibited high forage value (i.e., combined both high forage yield and nutritive value and loaded in quadrant (I)): Peace Alfalfa (Le16), PV Ultima Alfalfa (Le17), Alfalfa Dalton (Le7), Algonquin Alfalfa (Le8), AC Yellow Head Alfalfa (Le6), Trueman Alfalfa (Le20). Noteworthy are the four non-alfalfa legume species [Birdsfoot trefoil (Le12), Glenview Sainfoin (Le13), Mountainview Sainfoin (Le5) and Cicer Milkvetch (Le21)], which loaded on the opposite quadrant (IV) to most alfalfa varieties, thereby demonstrating lower forage value compared to the alfalfa varieties. The grass varieties were
more dispersed on the multivariate space of the first two PC, thus exhibiting the grass collection’s inherent variability in forage value. Most had high forage DM yield but not forage quality as they were high in fibres (ADF and NDF) and loaded primarily on quadrants (II) or (III), opposite to the positive forage value attributes (in quadrant I). The mixtures loaded similarly to the grasses, with a couple loading close to the legumes but most close to the grasses, revealing their high fiber contents. Mixtures that demonstrated high forage value were predominantly all legume or legume-dominated mixtures. These were: LegumeMaster Mix (Mi11 – composed of Mountainview Sainfoin [55%], Cicer Milkvetch [25%] and Spredor 5 Alfalfa [20%]); Haygraze Forage Mixture (Mi8 – composed AC Grazeland Alfalfa [60%], Hybrid Bromegrass [30%] and Amba Orchard Grass [10%]; Haymix#1 (Mi9 – composed of Alfalfa [90%] and Timothy [10%], Legume Mix 20% each (Mi12 – composed of Cicer Milkvetch [20%], Standard Alfalfa [20%], Siberian Alfalfa [20%], Sainfoin [20%] and Birdsfoot Trefoil [20%].
Conclusion
PCA was a quick and valuable tool in distinguishing treatments with high forage value. These were predominantly alfalfa varieties and all-legume or legume-dominated mixtures, corresponding to some widely used species or varieties and mixtures in Alberta.
In partnership with Research Groups
their Forage Value with a Quick Tool
and Dr. Akim Omokanye (PhD, PAg)
Figure 1: Score plot of the data’s first two principal components score vectors showing high forage value forages in red insert.
In partnership with Research Groups
Dr. Hayford Gyamfi, DeBolt Perennial Site
DeBolt Perennial Site, Haymix #1 Demo Plot
DeBolt Perennial Site, 2024
DailyGrainPrices -May 30,2025
What to Watch for in Your Neonatal Foals
Dr. Lynn Thiessen
With the transition from spring to the beginnings of summer, many new foals are being born across the Peace Country. And with their arrival, a renewed vigilance from many owners to ensure that these neonates are thriving. The “1-2-3 Rule”, is a fairly simple way to remember the three things a normal foal will do after it is born: 1) stand up within an hour, 2) nurse within 2 hours, and 3) pass meconium (bowel movement) within 3 hours. They should also get up frequently, nurse (3+ times and hour), and go back to sleep in between. First urination should be within 6-12 hours of birth. Normal foals are easily aroused, have exaggerated movements, and should seek protection from the dam, following her around. They should be bright and inquisitive. When these parameters are met, you know that your foal is healthy and its body is operating as it was designed to: its suckle is intact, stomach and intestines are absorbing nutrients and excreting waste appropriately, kidneys are filtering blood, lungs are exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide normally, heart is pumping oxygenated blood, and that its brain and muscles are receiving enough sugar to function well.
Now, if you’ve been around a newborn foal or calf, you may have heard something about colostrum. What’s that all about? Horses (and cows) have a type of placenta where there is no antibody transfer from the mother to the fetus. This means that foals must ingest colostrum after they are born to receive antibodies from the dam which, in turn, helps them fight off infections until their own immune system is able to respond. The foal must ingest approximately 1-2 litres of high-quality colostrum before 12 hours of age. If you are not sure if your foal has received adequate immunity, a SNAP test for IgG antibodies in the foal’s blood is highly recommended. Foals that do not have enough antibodies at birth are at a very high risk of sepsis (systemic response to an infection), and this can be fatal. In addition to the higher risk of infection, foals are also at an increased susceptibility to respiratory issues, hypoglycemia, hypoperfusion, hypothermia, as well as to rapid deterioration with subtle clinical signs. If your foal is behaving strangely: weak, dull, has a warm umbilicus, a puffy joint, has diarrhea, or has not met any of the normal parameters, these may be early indicators of disease. Many foals do just fine, spending their time nursing, napping, and exploring the world as they grow. And we love to see these tiny unstable creatures become powerful equine athletes or gentle companions. However, please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding these critters. We are here to help you and strive to provide excellent care for your four-legged companions. NH
Admin: Dawn Hollins, Grande Prairie, AB Office 780-538-1263 Cell 780-882-6314
North Peace Feeder Association Ltd.
Admin: Donna Haakenson, Berwyn, AB 780-338-2270
Prairie River Feeders Co-op Ltd.
Admin: Tammy Roberts, High Prairie, AB 780-523-4887
Westlock Feeders Association Ltd.
Admin: Megan Keith, Westlock, AB 780-348-5850 Cell 780-206-5481
Braydon Gough & Scott Gough Whitelaw, AB Braydon 780-274-0099 Scott 780-618-4747
GRA-TAN Farm
Grant & Tanya Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-284-0684
Crystal Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-204-2005
Harvest Angus
Tom & Carolyn Dewaal, Prince George, BC 250-960-0022 | 250-562-5200
Heart Valley Angus
Nat Tschetter & Chris Tschetter Wanham, AB 780-978-6407 / 780-978-6406
Hill 70 Quantock Ranch
Bill, Connor & Ted Creech, Lloydminster Bill 780-871-4947, Connor 780-871-8496 Ted 306-307-2873, Adam 780-218-4301
Horizon Red Angus
Philip Driedger, La Crete, AB 780-926-5896
Keen Industries Angus
Kim & Evan Keen, Charlie Lake, BC Kim 250-271-0548
Kjos Black Angus
Marty & Miriam Kjos, Fort St. John, B.C. 250-787-0970
Lakeroad Black Angus
Jim & Donna Rowe, Worsley, AB
Jim 780-835-0455 | Donna 780-835-9588
Lazy B Livestock
Trevor Binks & Melanie Klassen
Grande Prairie, AB
Trevor 780-518-0630
Melanie 780-518-0230
Lazy S Ranch
Stewart Ainsworth, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-785-3136 or 780-786-4150
Penson Angus
Darren Penson, Sexsmith, AB 780-814-4993
Rio Grande Angus
Clint & Anna Collins, Beaverlodge, AB Clint 780-814-1455 | Anna 780-814-3875
Silent K Stock Farms
Delano & Megan Kjos, Tomslake BC D 250-467-9450 / M 403-804-1107
Silver Willow Ranch
Kevin & Barbara Quist, Teepee Creek, AB 780-876-4649
Sorenson Cattle Co.
Murray & Nicole Sorenson Teepee Creek, AB Murray 780-831-6332 Nicole 780-832-1189
True North Angus
Byrch Grant, Pouce Coupe, BC 250-782-0123
Willow Creek Simmentals
Crooked Creek, AB
Mike & Mari Klassen 780-832-7343
Colby & Tiffany Klassen 780-832-6714
M.C. Quantock
Mac & Pat Creech, Lloydminster, AB 800-561-2855
Mountain Side Angus
Bulls for Sale by Private Treaty
John & Judy Mayer, Beaverlodge, AB
John 780-831-8497 Home 780-354-2726
Nicklason Stock Farms
Brad & Cole Nicklason, Deadwood, AB
Brad 780-836-5197 Cole 780-836-0570
Northway Cattle Co.
Hwy 64 & RR 94.5, Cleardale, AB
Albert 780-834-7055 Peter 780-835-8291
Don’t Be a Pest
Pest of the week: Early Season Canola Pest
Flea beetles are a pest that is monitored closely in the Peace Region and Western Canada. Flea beetles mainly affect canola, mustard, and other rapeseed field crops. Since canola is one of the most grown crops in the Peace Region, these little pests can make a huge impact.
Flea beetles get their name from their strong hind legs that they use to jump like a flea. There are two common species of flea beetles to look out for in the Peace Region. The Crucifer Flea Beetle, which is all black and quite small at 2.5mm in length which use to be the common species in Western Canada. But in the last decade or so an increase in Striped Flea Beetle numbers has been witnessed and now they are the most prevalent pest species. Striped Flea Beetles have two large yellow/orange stripes in their back and but are the same length as a Crucifer.
Flea beetles are most damaging to crops when the plants are in the earliest stages. When a canola crop is in the cotyledon stage, flea beetles will feed on the leaves or stem of the plants which can inhibit
its growth. If feeding is heavy enough, the plant could completely stop growing and never advance past the cotyledon stage. To confirm whether crop damage is from a flea beetle, assess the leaves for tiny notches. There is a prescribed action threshold of 25% or greater leaf damage. This can be applied from the cotyledon stage to 4 leaf stage. If you are concerned about flea beetles in your field, you may have already seeded with treated seeds, but another option of management for these pests is to apply foliar insecticides.
Our next article will focus on another common pest for many field crops, Grasshoppers. NH
With Ella Wilson, pest student at the Peace River Forage Seed Association
500-599
600-699
700-799
800-899
900-999
CattleMarketReport
TUESDAY S WEEKLY Office (250)782-3766 Fax:(250)782-6622 dawson@vjvauction.com
THURSDAY S WEEKLY Office (780)354-2423 Fax(780)354-2420 beaverlodge@vjvauction.com
THURSDAY S WEEKLY Office (780)349-3153 Fax(780)349-5466 westlock@vjvauction.com
WEDNESDAY S WEEKLY Office (403)783-5561 Fax(403)783-4120 office@vjvauction.com
How to Use Foliar Sprays Effectively Against Flea Beetles
By Keith Gabert, Agronomy Specialist
with the Canola Council of Canda. Reprinted with the permission of the Canola Council of Canada
The best defence against flea beetles in canola is a fast-growing, uniformly emerging crop with five to eight plants per square foot that quickly reaches the four-leaf stage. However, unpredictable weather often forces growers to rely on plan B: foliar sprays.
To reduce the need for multiple sprays, consider these strategies.
SPRAY WHEN FLEA BEETLES ARE ACTIVE
Ideal spraying conditions are warm, dry, and calm — when flea beetles are most active and feeding. During cool, rainy weather, flea beetles shelter in soil and feed less, which lowers insecticide efficacy.
CONSIDER THE TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON INSECTICIDE EFFICACY
Temperature influences the performance of foliar sprays. Malathion and Sevin XLR are more effective in heat, with labels suggesting application during the hottest part of the day and at a minimum of 20°C.
In contrast, pyrethroids like Decis, Pounce, and Perm-UP are less effective above 25°C. If spraying in higher temperatures is necessary, mitigate risks with higher water volumes, make the correct nozzle choice and boom height adjustments to reduce evaporative losses and spray during cooler parts of the day. Historical research (Harris and Kinoshita, 1977) shows pyrethroids are 2.6 times more potent at 15°C than at 32°C.
SET A REALISTIC THRESHOLD
In high-risk areas where growth is stalled and beetle activity is high, spraying before the 25% leaf area loss threshold may be advised. Still, some feeding is necessary for seed treatments to be effective, so spraying too early can limit their benefit.
ENSURE COVERAGE
Most foliar sprays for flea beetles work through contact, making uptake through ingestion of insecticide on canola tissues a “bonus”. Spray with at least 10 gallons of water per acre. Use appropriate nozzles — typically medium — to ensure proper droplet size. Avoid tank-mixing your foliar sprays with herbicides unless label guidelines support it, as coarse droplets from low-drift herbicide nozzles can reduce insecticide effectiveness.
TARGET FOLIAR SPRAYS TO FIELD EDGES
Flea beetles in Western Canada winter as adults in sheltered areas, preferably with lots of foliage, and emerge from late April to early June. Adults will fly to find the first-emerging canola crops. In stressed crops, spraying borders or small areas twice may be faster and more cost-effective than one full-field application. If scouting indicates heavy flea beetle pressure along one side of a field, spraying only that area can be enough – as long as it’s done quickly after scouting. Within a day, flea beetles can spread through the rest of the field.
NOTE THE PERMITTED APPLICATIONS PER YEAR FOR EACH PRODUCT
Insecticides have restrictions on the number of applications per field per year. For example, Decis can be applied three times, Pounce and Sevin XLR can be applied two times, and malathion can be applied only once. For growers anticipating more than one insect pest of concern each season, have a product plan to effectively manage pests and stay within label restrictions.
For more on flea beetle management tips and how to make the spray decision, check out our Canola Watch fundamentals article: Flea beetles: Management tips. While there, please sign up to receive our free Canola Watch agronomy emails. NH
Fly and Tick Control In Cattle
University of Missouri Ext, May 21, 2025
It’s the time of year when flies and ticks start becoming a problem for cattle, and they can be more than just a nuisance.
“These external parasites not only cause irritation and stress but also reduce production efficiency and serve as vectors for certain cattle diseases,” said Craig Payne, University of Missouri director of veterinary extension. “It’s important to use control practices through an integrated approach.”
Among the flies that affect cattle, horn flies and face flies can be the most troublesome. Horn flies are small, blood-feeding insects that remain on the animal nearly all the time. They feed frequently, sometimes up to 40 times per day, and tend to concentrate along the back line unless they are forced to move to the underbelly due to heat or moisture. Their feeding causes significant stress and economic loss. Face flies spend limited time on cattle, feeding on secretions from the eyes and nose. This causes eye irritation, and the flies contribute to the spread of pinkeye-causing pathogens such as Moraxella bovis.
Beyond their role as blood feeders, ticks carry pathogens, Payne said. One such pathogen, Anaplasma marginale, causes anaplasmosis, which is widespread in Missouri and other parts of the
country, causing anemia and potentially death in mature cattle. The recent appearance of the Asian longhorned tick in Missouri introduces additional risk, as this species has been associated with the transmission of Theileria orientalis ikeda, a protozoal organism that causes symptoms similar to anaplasmosis. Heavy infestations of this tick can lead to stress, excessive blood loss and reduced performance.
Timely intervention is critical for effective fly control, he said. “The rule of thumb is that control measures should be implemented once the horn fly count reaches around 200 flies per animal. A practical reference is that 100 horn flies will cover an area about the size of the palm of your hand.”
For chemical control, insecticide ear tags remain a common tool. These tags gradually release an insecticide — it could be a pyrethroid, organophosphate, abamectin, tolfenpyrad or, in some cases, a combination of these compounds — that disperses across the head and back, providing protection. Tags can be effective for several months. To maximize efficacy and minimize resistance development, adult cattle should be tagged with two matching tags, and the tags should be removed at the end of their useful life.
Other control methods include pour-on products or applying approved insecticides with a tank sprayer. These may serve as a primary control method or can be applied later in the season as fly tag effectiveness declines. Their duration of protection is generally shorter, from one to three weeks, and is often reduced by rain or water exposure. Cattle dewormers that also target external parasites may be effective, but repeated use should be limited due to the potential for developing internal parasite resistance.
Feed-through products, such as insect growth regulators and oral larvicides, disrupt the development of fly larvae in manure. These products must be consumed consistently for full effectiveness, and feeding should begin about 30 days before peak fly activity. Though not as widely used, back rubbers and dust bags remain effective in operations where cattle reliably use them and the devices are properly maintained.
Some ear tags are also labeled to control certain tick species, but additional control with a pour-on approved for tick control may be warranted, Payne said. Regardless, controlling tick habitat can be just as important. Practices such as mowing, brush control, fence line clearing or controlled burns can significantly reduce tick populations by limiting the environments in which they thrive.
ALL THE TIME!
108thSt, Grande Prairie,
-99thStreet,Sexsmith,AB (780)537-2110 |
To address resistance in fly populations, producers should rotate among classes of insecticides and avoid overusing a single product. Horn flies, due to their rapid generational turnover and the fact that they spend most of their life on the animal — and therefore have more time in contact with the insecticide — can develop resistance rapidly, sometimes within a year. The frequency with which compounds are rotated depends on the operation. Some fly tag manufacturers provide a rotation schedule for their product line, but local veterinarians can also provide input based on their experience.
“Incorporating nonchemical methods into a fly control program may also be beneficial,” said Payne. Biological control using parasitic wasps has shown some success in reducing fly populations by targeting larvae. Management strategies such as improving manure handling and using walk-through traps can also reduce fly pressure. NH
PHOTO BY LINDA GEIST
NH Classifieds
Advertiser at a Glance
2-YEAR-OLD &
Yearling
Registered Blk/Angus bulls for sale. Semen tested/ready to sell. Call Darren 780-8144993.
Registered & Commercial Purebred Red & Black Angus heifers for sale. Call Anna 780-831-8338.
Two-Year-Old Black Angus bulls for sale by Private Treaty. Call Anna 780-8318338.
LOOKING FOR USED horseshoes. Call Ron at 780774-2017.
Purebred & Commercial Hereford cross heifers for sale. Grande Prairie area. Call Anna 780-831-8338.
RED & BLACK reg. polled Hereford bulls, sementested, vet inspected, vaccinated, free delivery. Garry 780-836-0117, Ethan 780-836-0552.
Yearling & Two-Year-Old Hereford bulls for sale by Private Treaty. Call Anna 780-831-8338.
Registered & Commercial Purebred Red and Black Angus heifers for sale. Call Anna 780-831-8338.
REGISTERED YEARLING AND two year old purebred Simmental bulls by private treaty. 780-814-2567 or 780354-8842.
YEARLING SUMMENTAL BULLS for sale. Semen tested, vet inspected, delivery available. 250-7930462.
For Sale: Black white-faced heifer yearlings, 2-year-olds, & more. Information: 250827-3843.
Registered white-faced bulls. 70bw known as registered black Herefords. Yearlings, 2-year-olds, & more. Information: 250-827-3843.
2 PYRENEES PUPS for sale, 7 months old. Call for pricing, 250-789-3778.
PUREBRED SIBERIAN HUSKY pups for sale, 5 months old. Call for pricing, 250-789-3778.
HAYBUSTER 2640 BALE processor for sale. In very good condition, asking $7,250. Call 780-876-3200.
Arefundabledepositwillberequiredbythesuccessfulbidder andwillbereturnedoncethebuildinghasbeenremovedand site cleanedup.
PostmarkedbidproposalsshouldbesentbeforeJune23,2025, to: Bid:GordondaleCommunityClubBox14,Gordondale,AB T0H1V0orbyemailtogordondalecommunityclub@gmail.com
LOOKING TO BUY shed antlers for art projects. Will pay top dollar. Call 780-7662937.
LOOKING FOR A set of side heads for a Beaver planer. Call Dave 780-751-2239.
MANY TOOLS including slide Bessy C-Clamps & 4' vice grips clamps. 780-2965010.
CLASSIFIEDCATEGORY LISTING
DOUBLE D FENCING. Available for your barbed wire, page wire & plank fencing needs. 780-5186319.
Looking to lease farmland in the GP/Sexsmith/Teepee Creek area. Contact David to discuss options. 780-9786768.
LAND TO SELL. Remote 20 acres on pavement, unfinished highway lodge, gardens. Call Duane 250500-1837.
CAT D8H dozer blade for sale. Hydraulic tilt on one side. Call 780-618-9161 or 780-836-2107.
Kioti Launches the HX1302 and HX1402
A New Standard for Power and Performance in Utility Tractors Up to 25 More Horsepower, Cutting-edge Transmission, and Superior Operator Comfort
WENDELL, N.C., May 20, 2025
KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA Inc., is proud to introduce the HX1302 and HX1402, the latest additions to its HX Series utility tractor line. These models represent KIOTI’s most powerful tractors yet, delivering a significant leap in performance with up to 35 more horsepower than previous models. Engineered for demanding applications, the HX1302 and HX1402 are built to excel in heavy-duty farming, bailing, tilling, cultivating, excavating, and grading.
EXPERIENCE ENHANCED POWER AND EFFICIENCY:
The HX1302 and HX1402 feature a state-of-the-art power shift transmission, designed for smooth and efficient power delivery. This advanced technology
minimizes operator fatigue, while providing a highly responsive driving experience. With enhanced capabilities, these tractors effortlessly handle heavy loads and power demanding attachments. The robust closedcenter hydraulics system delivers an impressive 44 gallons per minute, ensuring rapid and efficient operation.
Stay informed and in control with the KIOTI Connect TMS system, providing real-time alerts and essential vehicle data. The illuminated digital instrument panel offers critical information at a glance including vehicle status, warnings, and TMS alerts.
Boasting an 8,492-pound maximum lift capacity and a category II three-point hitch, the HX1302 and HX1402 offer exceptional versatility for a wide range of applications. Reach speeds up to 25 mph, while wet multi-disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. The versatile rear PTO, with 540/540E/1,000 rpm speeds, adapts to any task.
The models’ heavier base ensures enhanced stability and minimizes the risk of tipping, providing superior control on challenging terrain. Powered by a potent KIOTI four-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine, delivering up to 140 horsepower and 120 PTO horsepower, the HX1302 and HX1402 are engineered to handle the toughest jobs. The power shift transmission offers infinite speed control for precision and efficiency, while the high-capacity hydraulic system effortlessly powers demanding implements.
The ergonomic operator station features a deluxe seat, a standard instructor seat, and adjustable controls to maximize comfort and minimize fatigue. Whether tackling expansive fields or demanding terrain, the HX Series delivers a powerful blend of performance, precision, and comfort.
“The HX1302 and HX1402 utility tractors represent a significant advancement in stability, power, and versatility,” said Joel Hicks, product line manager for tractors at KIOTI. “These new models empower operators to tackle demanding tasks across farming, land management, and grounds maintenance. KIOTI remains dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that enable our customers to achieve exceptional results.” NH
JUNE
Przybylski
Protecting Farm Animals in Extreme Heat
Cattle, Sheep, and Goats PLEASE RECYCLE
As temperatures increase throughout the summer, it is important for farmers and ranchers to continually monitor their animals—in particular, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and goats — for heat stress and to create a management plan to keep them cool and comfortable.
Heat stress occurs when the temperature rises above an animal’s thermoneutral zone, which is the range of ambient temperatures in which an animal can maintain normal body temperature and stay warm or cool without expending extra energy. The temperature-humidity index (THI), which accounts for air temperature and relative humidity, is one of the most critical indicators of an increased risk of heat stress.
Susceptibility to heat stress depends on a number of factors, including species, age, reproductive status, weight, coat characteristics, and the animal’s environment. Cattle have greater difficulty dissipating body heat compared to other animals, so they are more susceptible to heat stress. Additionally, cattle confined to feedlots, especially those that consist primarily of dirt and concrete surfaces, are at higher risk than pastured cattle that have greater access to shaded areas and air movement to cool themselves.
Other animals that are at an increased risk include high-producing dairy cattle, heavy feedlot cattle closest to market, very young and very old animals that do not produce enough energy to withstand prolonged periods of heat, animals with dark hides, and those with prior health problems. While sheep and goats are able to tolerate heat better than cattle, they can still experience heat stress and should be monitored accordingly.
The Animal Welfare Institute offers the following tips to keep farm animals cool during extra hot days:
To optimize animal welfare, it is important for farmers and ranchers to monitor for early signs of heat stress and deploy heat abatement and intervention strategies before more problematic signs begin to appear. One way to do so is by continually measuring and recording the animals’ respiration rates. Signs of heat stress include panting, open-mouth breathing, excessive salivation, foaming around the mouth, decreased feed intake and rumination, and abnormal behavior such as restlessness, grouping together, and spending more time standing.
• Providing animals with shade is critical and should be the starting point for heat abatement. Shade can be provided using trees, buildings, or other sunshades. If shade is not available, other strategies for helping animals dissipate heat can be employed. Increased water intake is important to help alleviate heat stress. Ensure all animals have adequate access to clean water, and provide extra water tanks if necessary. At least 2 to 3 inches of trough space per head is recommended for cattle.
• Water intake decreases if the water temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep water cool, make sure water lines are covered or are not exposed to the sun.
• Low-pressure sprinklers or soakers should be used to to wet cattle, as such devices are highly effective in lowering body temperature and keeping the animals cool. Cattle should be sprayed in a shaded area at least every 15 minutes when ambient temperatures are high to consistently keep them cool throughout the day. Heat abatement can be enhanced by using sprinklers/soakers in conjuction with high-speed fans.
• High-pressure misters or foggers can also be used in climates with low humidity to lower the temperature in the animals’ surrounding area and indirectly cool them.
• Provide adequate ventilation, including in calf hutches, and ensure air movement is unrestricted by using fans, opening up buildings and barns, and removing any windbreaks or barriers outdoors that would block air movement.
• Adjust the animals’ feeding program by adding more fiber, fat, and higherquality forages to the diet. This will help maintain rumination, increase energy content, and decrease heat produced during fermentation and digestion.
• Move feeding times to the cooler periods of the day. Provide a smaller portion of feed in the morning and a larger portion during the late afternoon or evening to allow rumen fermentation, which produces body heat, to occur during cooler night temperatures.
• Shear sheep in the spring to allow their fleece a chance to regrow a bit before the hot summer season. This will help keep the sheep cool and protect them from sun exposure.
• Avoid handling, moving, or transporting animals during high temperatures. As much as possible, animals should be handled when temperatures are lower, using low-stress techniques
Reprinted with permission of the Animal Welfare Institute. Taken from their website at www.awionline.org NH
The 26th Annual Bluey Day, hosted by the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, brought the community together once again in a powerful show of support for local cancer care. Held in Centennial Park, this year’s event was marked by a historic milestone — the 1000th person to “Be Brave and Shave” since the event’s inception.
With the sun shining and spirits high, families, friends and supporters gathered for a day of celebration, remembrance and hope. The event featured free face painting, Shell carnival games courtesy of the City of Fort St. John and welcomed members of the Fort St. John RCMP, BC Ambulance Services and City of Fort St. John Fire Department. Mr Mikes generously hosted a charity BBQ, adding to the festive atmosphere.
This year’s Bluey Day was especially meaningful as the FSJ Hospital Foundation proudly surpassed its fundraising goal of $100,000 – Ted Sloan, Emcee, announced the amount at the end of the day was $124,648. You can still donate to the cause here which supports the Cancer Diagnostic & Treatment Fund. This year, these funds will directly support the Community Cancer Centre in Fort St. John, which serves over 120 cancer patients from across the North at any given time.
ENHANCING PATIENT CARE THROUGH INNOVATION
Funds raised will be used to purchase new infusion chairs designed to significantly improve patient comfort and care. These chairs feature:
• Heating and massage capabilities
• USB ports for device charging
• Manual and electric reclining functions
• A bariatric chair for inclusivity
• Moveable arms for easier patient transfers
• Full recline for emergency procedures like CPR
• Central locking castors for improved nurse access
• Durable materials resistant to hospital-grade cleaners
“These upgrades will make a real difference in the lives of our patients,” said Kelly Amboe, Executive Director of the FSJ Hospital Foundation. “Every dollar raised, every head shaved, and every person who showed up today is helping us bring further comfort to those facing cancer. We are so proud of our community.”
A COMMUNITY UNITED
The event was attended by participants, their families, volunteers and supporters from Fort St. John and surrounding areas. Special guests included Mayor Lilia Hansen, FSJ City Councillors and MLA Jordan Kealy. Jordan joined the ranks of the brave by shaving his head in solidarity.
The FSJ Hospital Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who participated, donated, and volunteered to make Bluey Day 2025 a resounding success. We hope to see you again next year !
For more information or to donate, please visit www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca. NH