armer ancher Serving the producers of Northwest Saskatchewan Thursday, February 23, 2017
North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Local seed grower earns service award Staff
Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association presented Denis Gregoire with an Outstanding Service Award during the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon in January. In the photo are: Kevin Runnalls, president Canadian Seed Growers Association; Marlene Gregoire and Denis Gregoire, Gregoire Seed Farms Ltd.; and Roy Klym, president Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association. In the background is Bob Rugg, national director (Saskatchewan representative) of the Canadian Seed Growers Association. Photo submitted
Denis Gregoire of Gregoire Seed Farms, North Battleford, had earned an Outstanding Service Award from the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association. According to the association, the award is presented to a Saskatchewan seed grower who has a minimum of eight years of pedigreed seed production, has made significant contributions to the pedigreed seed industry
and who is active and has shown leadership in his or her community. The presentation was made Jan. 11 at the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon. Gregoire has been a pedigreed seed grower since 2001 and has been producing pedigreed seed crops for 15 years. Gregoire was born in North Battleford and was raised on a mixed family farm. Continued on Page 2
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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017
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$3.5 M provided for forage research projects Staff Federal Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart have announced nearly $3.5 million in funding for 24 livestock and forage-related research projects. Support for the projects is provided through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund, part of the federal-provincial Growing Forward 2 agree-
ment. “Our government is proud to support research that helps our livestock producers solve problems and put more of their world-class beef products on the tables of families across the country and around the world,” MacAulay said. “This investment helps position the sector to take advantage of the new opportunities we are opening up internationally and will put more money in the
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pockets of our ranchers." “Saskatchewan is a world-class agricultural research hub and home to farmers and ranchers that excel at producing high-quality food,” Stewart said. “Continued investments in research through the ADF ensure we have the tools and knowledge to sustainably grow the livestock sector.” ADF research seeks to increase productivity and to address emerging issues in Saskatchewan agriculture. Projects include research into the prevention of bovine respiratory disease, the effect of ergot-contaminated feed on bull fertility, the development of new forage varieties and the modification of swine diets to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, among others. Industry groups are providing additional funding, totaling more than $280,000, to several of the ADF projects. Funding partners include Western Grains Research Foundation Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and SaskMilk. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate on research,” SCA chair Ryan Beierbach said. “Continual improvement in all ar-
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eas of production, including how best to prevent animal disease and deliver animal nutrition, helps to secure a solid future for our beef industry.” “We look forward to the knowledge that will result from important proj-
ects in areas such as influenza vaccine development and animal transport, and welcome today’s investment by the federal and provincial governments,” Sask Pork chair Florian Possberg said. In January, the federal
and provincial governments announced $7.7 million for 46 crop-related research projects. To see a complete list of funded projects, visit www.Saskatchewan.ca and search “Agriculture Development Fund.”
—Photo by Louise Lundberg
Outstanding service award Continued from Front After completing high school, he obtained training as a farm machinery mechanic. While employed at a local Massey Ferguson dealership, he kept close contact with the farm operated by his father and brother. He returned to farming full time in 1983. The operation branched out into processing and shipping of lentils and peas and custom seed cleaning. That eventually led to the growing and
cleaning of pedigreed seed for sale. Those crops consist of wheat, barley, green peas and flax with canola rounding out the rotations. Gregoire’s community involvement has included 4-H, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool committees and representing his rural municipality in investigating the feasibility of the Highgate Dam project. He has also coached and managed minor hockey and baseball teams. In 1998, Gregoire Seed
Farms won the Malt Barley Competition for Saskatchewan in two and six row barley. “We have won many awards at various seed shows, but my biggest highlight is the great people I have met over the years in the seed business and the mutual interests and friendships we have maintained,” Gregoire says. “Farming has always had its challenges, but the rewards are always there to be thankful for.”
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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017 - Page 3
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Commentary
New crop missions: a farmer’s story By Kevin Bender This January I went on a much-anticipated trip to Maui with my wife. Twenty years ago, we committed to spending the rest of our lives together and thought this was a good way to celebrate such a milestone (sans children, of course!). One month prior to this celebration, I was over the Indian Ocean heading to Asia as part of a small group from Western Canada, all with the same goal of promoting Canadian wheat to those who buy it from us. In the very early morning hours of Dec. 3, I headed for the Red Deer Municipal Airport for the first of many legs of a trip around the world. Upon arriving in Vancouver, I met up with the rest of our “Team Canada” — half of them for the first time— as a mem-
ber of one of four new crop mission teams travelling to customer countries that have been, and continue to be, significant purchasers and users of Canadian wheat. The teams consisted of a representative of Cereals Canada, an exporter/handler, a producer and tech-
nical experts from the Canadian Grain Commission and Canadian International Grains Institute. Each of us had distinct and important roles to play in the seminars we gave in each of the markets we visited. Our team began in Manila, Philippines then continued to Jakarta, Indonesia; Dubai,
United Arab Emirates and finally completed our mission in Lagos, Nigeria. The other teams that went out, beginning in the middle of November, covered markets in Central and South America, Europe, Asia and North Africa. The seminars delivered a consistent message
around the world. They were made up of several presentations. The producer presentation opened each seminar, followed by Cereals Canada and the exporter who presented on the growing season and Canadian supply and disposition, and then Cigi and CGC representatives providing data on the technical and processing qualities of the 2016 crop. On our mission, I was, of course, the producer. I realized why it was so important for a producer to be on the missions when I saw how intently focused the attendees were when I showed them pictures of my family, my farm, some of the machinery we use, a GPS map from my combine and snow! (I always got a reaction when I presented a slide of the forecast at home showing
daytime highs around -24 C.) They were interested to see an aeration fan and floor and hear about how below zero temperatures can be effective in preserving and maintaining wheat quality. They heard how crop rotations benefit both soil and wheat quality along with minimizing levels of pathogens such as DON and ergot. They saw a picture of my soil probe and heard about soil tests that guide us in applying only the right nutrients and the right amount of nutrients to grow an optimal and high-quality wheat crop. They heard about reduced tillage and direct seeding that has resulted in significantly less soil erosion from both water and wind along with increased soil organic matter. Continued on Page 7
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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Herbicide residue damage to crops By Joanne Kowalski
very wet soil conditions can interfere with herbicide breakdown causing microbial activity to stop or slow and that can lead to the risk of injury from herbicide residues or losses from lower yield and/or weed control. Some evidence indicates that microbial activity can be greater under wet/dry cycles than constant moist conditions. Some critical matters to keep in mind include: • Risk of residual herbicide carryover. Be prepared to assess the risk and to use recropping recom-
Ministry of Agriculture
In order to avoid herbicide residue damage to crops in the next growing season, it is important to know that herbicide breakdown requires certain conditions. When there is sufficient moisture and soil temperature microbial growth that can degrade herbicide molecules will be supported. Some herbicides degrade quickly and some take more time so restrictions on recropping options apply. Very dry and
— Photo by Louise Lundberg
mendations found in the Guide to Crop Protection that are taken directly from the labels developed by the
herbicide manufacturing company. Read these carefully as restrictions may apply.
• Preventing crop injury from residual herbicide carryover. Once you know the risk of carryover, follow the cropping recommendations. Crops that fall outside of the recommendations should be avoided. Following the cropping recommendations prevents the risk of injury, yield loss and delayed maturity. But remember to keep in mind that poor climatic conditions can alter the outcome and result in injury. • When the risk of herbicide residue is present. Make sure that your crop is healthy and therefore better able to withstand stress induced by herbicide residues. Taking the following measures will maximize crop health and reduce damage by herbicide residues and the varying environmental conditions crops will face over the growing
season: • Shallow seeding with good seed-to-soil contact. • Provide adequate fertility through soil testing, use starter phosphate fertilizer. • Use of certified seed will ensure good quality, healthy seed. • Use an in-crop herbicide that is not in the same group as the residual to avoid a situation where there is a combined effect. • Keep records to prevent problems that occur by accident. For more information, please contact your local Regional Crops Specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-4572377. — Joanne Kowalski is Regional Crops Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in Prince Albert
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armer ancher PUBLISHING LTD. BATTLEFORDS tchewan Serving the producers of Northwest Saska Saskatchewan
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SEED SELLING BUSINESS? Publisher: Alana Schweitzer success. First, the in agriculture costs may continued of the rail siding have slowed some expan- expansion access to both provide Freelance Reporter sion, but it hasn’t seemed to to CP’s rail networks our companies as the CN’s and UNITY - Last month hinder to both CN’s and access — again once list our of provides the comSaskBusiness released its bulk under the agriculture CP’s lines 2015 list of Saskatchewan’s falls pany with additional shipcategory.” top companies. opportunities, which Later on, Smith says, ping SecAs in previous years, our Top 100 benefits local farmers. to “Throughout headNorth West Terminal, the recent upgrade we see industry lead- ond, quartered in Unity, was on list bio-products plant to defying the atmosphere the that list. In fact, this year, for ers for the production of market trends. Weyburn allow of alcohol is the first time since Crown and and North West higher grades Terminal added were comthe give corporations both saw major expected to to the list, NWT moved up Terminal in sales this year, pany access to higher-value into the top 50, settling into increasesNykolaishen Farm industrial markets.” slot number 49, up from last while NWT president Brad Equipment is also up.” year’s 52. agreed, saying “The Closer to home, North Sperle The article by Cassi to the company’s expansion JaCEO Terminal Smith even made special West infrastructure and the son Skinner said, “We are rail to the bio-products mention of NWT. to continue seeing upgrades expected to con“Despite soaring farm- pleased — and its wholly facility are land prices — a trend that NWT subsidiary NWB tribute to the continued suchas continued for almost a owned of the company.” Sperle recognized as a top per- cess out, “It is imdecade — the agriculture in- — pointed also company in Saskdustry continues to be well forming especially as a portant to note that the rankatchewan, both NWT and represented in our Top 100. owned company ser- ing is for Millsap Fuel Distributors, locally NWB as NWB is a wholly local farmers.” North West Terminal and vicing subsidiary.” owned tothe of some Although Bourgault Industries — to Another top 100 agriculshipping and revenue figcompany with name a few — all saw in- tal for 2014 resulted from ture-related creases this year. The spike ures Unity connection, JayDee the backlog of grain created a Ltd., also moved from the railway perfor- AgTech standings. JayDee Unity-based North West in the mance issues of two winters up Terminal is number 49 on number 28 to from ago, Skinner pointed out two went the 2015 list of Saskatche25. The company projects completed over the number 229 people in Saskwan’s top 100 companies. past year “are expected to employs Photo by Helena Long contribute to the company’s atchewan.
By Helena Long
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Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Ron Bonnett, vice-president Humphrey Banack and vice-president Marcel Groleau serve up free soup to celebrate Food Freedom Day. Photo submitted
Food Freedom Day kicks off Canada 150 activities Staff The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has calculated that by Feb. 8 Canadians will have earned enough income,on average, to pay their grocery bill for the entire year, a date that CFA has coined as Food Freedom Day. In 2016, Canadians are expected to have spent 10.7 per cent of their disposable income on food, compared to 11 per cent in 2015. To calculate the date, CFA compares food expenditures against average income and prorates this to represent calendar days. In 2017, it will take an estimated 39 days of work to cover food costs, which landed on Feb. 8. In marking Food Freedom Day 2017, CFA is kicking off a series of Canada 150 activities to highlight the many positive contributions agriculture brings to Canada, including the point that Canadians enjoy some of the lowest food costs in the world. Canada consistently ranks in the world’s top five countries for lowest food costs. “As Canada approaches its 150th birthday, we’ll take a close look at the relationships between Canadians, their food and farming
communities. As the country reflects on its history and looks ahead, we have an ideal chance to raise awareness of how Canadians enjoy an abundance of safe affordable food produced by our farmers,” said CFA president Ron Bonnett at a launch event in downtown Ottawa near Parliament Hill. “Agriculture is at the heart of Canada. Many family farms helped to form our communities, and we’re eager to show that farms are woven into our national fabric,” added Bonnett. CFA has several activities planned for its “Canada 150: Our Farms. Our Food. Our Future” campaign, and over the next few months will shine a spotlight on the value of farms and agriculture industry. As an initial publication for this campaign, CFA has released a new infographic for members and other groups to use in promotional or educational settings. Later this month, CFA hosts its 2017 annual meeting at which members and industry observers can expect a fascinating dialogue on future agriculture policy priorities and the sector’s growth potential.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017 - Page 5
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Alberta’s livestock industries take charge on housing Staff Alberta’s livestock industries are taking steps to lead, innovate and manage rising expectations around the increasingly high-profile issue of animal housing, with an aim to support a “home sweet home” for livestock that optimizes welfare and production priorities. Progress, challenges and opportunities related to continued advancement in livestock housing were outlined at a recent Alberta Farm Animal Care Advisory Council session in Red Deer. The session designed for AFAC members featured speakers from across different livestock species and production sectors, with an aim to support discussion and debate, information sharing and idea generation. “Keeping up to date, ensuring proper approaches and championing ongoing advances in livestock housing continues to be a major focus of Alberta livestock industries,” says Brent Bushell, general manager of the Western Hog Exchange and AFAC Finance Chair, who chaired the advisory council session on livestock housing. “There are vast differences between livestock species and the unique challenges faced by different sectors with respect to housing. Yet all share a common goal of supporting a high level of care and welfare for the animals while continually improving based on new knowledge and opportunities. Responsible care, including housing considerations, is supported by codes of practice and other key resources, guidelines and standards for each species. At the same time, all sectors need to always look ahead and keep improving.” In the egg industry, operations have made strong progress in shifting away from conventional housing toward alternative “furnished” and loose housing options, which provide
— Photo by Louise Lundberg
more space and allowance for expression of natural behaviours, says Christina Robinson, Farm Production manager with Egg Farmers of Alberta. The sector faces further challenges related to market issues and ongoing retailer demands such as the increase in customers pushing a cage-free agenda, with a bottom line that uncertainty on housing and related sustainability issues continues. “One thing we know for sure is that as the future unfolds, our farmers will continue to work to provide what the market demands and to provide choice to consumers. They will also continue to learn and implement improved management strategies to support the new systems demanded.” For the swine industry, among the most high-profile issues has been sow
housing, with trends now pointing toward a total phase out of sow gestation crates by 2022. The industry has made solid gains in shifting to new housing systems for all aspects of pig production, however an ongoing challenge is the cost burden, says Javier Bahamon, Quality Assurance and Production manager with Alberta Pork. “The big question is ‘who pays?’ Demands are coming from retailers, consumers and government. It’s difficult if the cost burden is placed too heavily on the producers alone. But our industry is committed to leadership and working with stakeholders, to take the right path forward.” Change has also been a constant for the dairy industry, which has taken charge of housing innovation along with broader
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welfare and sustainability issues through its national proAction initiative. “Consumers today are not only interested in the quality of our products but also how they are produced – and they want to have a vote in that,” says Dr. Herman Barkema of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. “This is simply the new reality – a fact of life for all livestock industries. In the dairy industry, we believe we need to be proactive in addressing all of these issues. We are much better off when we take the lead.”
Horse housing, which includes addressing diverse equine environments spanning hobby use, recreation, performance, working farm purposes and feedlots, is continually advancing with improvements in areas such as housing design, ventilation, tie stalls and outdoor shelters, says veteran horse industry advocate Les Burwash. However, an ongoing challenge is managing public expectations, as horses in farm fields and acreages are often highly visible to passersby who may not understand housing requirements. “A hurdle all of us face as livestock sectors is anthropomorphism, whereby the public place human attributes and needs on the animals or think of them more like domestic pets. There’s a big knowledge gap. It’s important we keep making progress to reach out and improve public understanding.”
The Advisory Council session also featured talks on housing systems for beef cattle, by Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada; for broilers by producer Byron Ference; for bison by Linda Sautner of Bison Producers of Alberta; for goats by Laurie Fries of the Alberta Goat Association and Patrick Bos of Rock Ridge Dairy; and for sheep by Lakeland College students Amy McCormack, Larissa Woodrow, Madison Holgate and Kayla Clarke. It also included a large group discussion focused on thoughts and ideas toward further advancement. AFAC Advisory Council sessions are open to AFAC member organizations and their members. Additional groups who want to participate in the discussions can do so by becoming a member of AFAC. Learn more at www.afac.ab.ca.
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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Farmers champion gender equality in rural Rwanda Submitted
Canadian Co-operative Association
Rice farmer Andre Samvora loves to cook. “I used to eat only meat and rice,” he explains while peeling potatoes. “Now we eat a balanced meal with the vegetables we grow ourselves.” Andre and his wife Anastasie grow carrots, radish, onion, spinach and eggplant in their kitchen garden, a three-tiered affair that resembles a wedding cake. This layout produces more than a flat garden the same size. It retains moisture longer and more efficiently, simply by watering just the top layer and letting gravity do the rest. They learned about it from training offered by their co-op, Cooproriz Abahuzabikorwa. The impact has been profound for this couple and their four
Andre, left, and Anastasie, right, with their three children. Photo submitted
children. “Our children no longer have parasites or diarrhea,” says Anastasie. “We save money this way and our
sleep is better.” The couple took gender training at the co-op a few years ago and then made changes in who does what
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around the home. “Our neighbours thought Anastasie was poisoning me because I cooked and did other woman activities,” he explains. “Now they see us differently. We are happy and doing better.” Anastasie nods in agreement. “We spend more time together and plan and share decisions and chores. Our love is shiny now.” Gender equality like this is taking root in a big way in the 15 farmer co-operatives that are part of CCA’s Rwanda Co-operative Agricultural Growth Project. Each co-op has established a gender committee composed of men and women to bring greater gender balance to their co-op’s governance, management, and within their members’ households. “There is a definite excitement and energy around this,” says CCA country manager Fresnel Devalon. “Our project established the committees, but they have taken on a life of their own.” He says each co-op board has embraced the need to provide equal opportunity and value to both men and women within their institutions. They
have backed this commitment up with formal policies that require co-op leaders to make it happen. Each co-op now requires at least 30 per cent representation by women on their boards and committees. Women, dependent for so long on their husbands for a share in revenue are now registered co-op members, receiving payments directly from the co-op. They are opening their own bank accounts, many for the first time, starting small businesses and building up savings. Gender committees are asking their co-op members what training they need. As a result, training sessions on nutrition, HIV care and prevention, and conflict resolution are in full swing. To help fill the void of young rural women leaders, the project is selecting women from the gender committees for special mentoring by two women co-op presidents. Male gender committee members have strong views on gender equality. They are actively engaging with men in their co-ops who are not supportive of gender equality. One such supporter (and keen soccer fan) uses a sports analogy to press his point home. He
D Alana Schweitzer Publisher: E RVEditor: Becky Doig
E S E
R N U
LAND AUCTION
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ONLINE BIDDING - THURSDAY, MARCH 9th - THURSDAY, MARCH 16th RITCHIE BROS. REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD.
says, “picture your wife as the coach of your football team, doing most of the work to help the team succeed. Yet on the day of the big game she is not allowed in the stadium because she is a woman. It’s the same at home, where she carries most of the burden, but plays no role in making the financial decisions that effect the family.” Municipal leaders have taken note of the gains coops are making in bringing gender equality to their regions. The mayor of Muhanga recently commended the work of the gender committees. Mayor Beatrice Uwamariya says the training is increasing production and bringing women into the value chain in ways they have never experienced before. She adds there are now more children in school, better nutrition, productivity, health, peace and contentment. District authorities regularly call the gender committee of one of the co-ops to help resolve family conflicts among non-co-op members in the district. They are also called upon to train people invited by district authorities using the same training modules. The co-ops are in effect “schools of democracy” where farmers (men and women) learn to express their views, evaluate options, nominate and elect leaders, monitor performance, and engage in planning and evaluation activities through their finance, membership, business development, governance and board committee structure. Rwanda is ranked among the top 10 countries for its gender parity, according to the Global Gender Gap Index, and has the highest share of female parliamentarians in the world. Fresnel Devalon believes the presence of so many women leaders on the national scene has fostered action at the local level to equalize opportunities among men and women there. He is optimistic about what can be achieved through co-operatives. Back outside Andre’s home, his son Divin is pounding soya beans, something boys don’t usually do. He’s imitating his father, who shares in household chores, giving his mother more time to rest and do her job promoting healthy lifestyles to other families. Over 600 families have now taken gender training and are sharing in household chores and decision making. Many of those families have installed kitchen gardens in their yards. “Our project ends in a few months, but the gender committees and their work will continue long after,” says Fresnel. “That’s a very positive legacy, for women as well as for men, and for the future success of their co-operative enterprises.”
Regional Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017 - Page 7
www.newsoptimist.ca
Integrated weed management tool in fight against HR weeds By Joanne Kowalski
Ministry of Agriculture
Over the past decade, an increase in the number of herbicide resistant weeds has caused researchers and producers to look for weed control management systems that can diminish the rate of occurrence. Right now, there are 461 unique cases of herbicide resistant weeds around the globe: The rapid increase in Group 9 (EPSP synthase inhibitor) or glyphosate resistant weeds over the past 20 years is of large concern because of the quick increase from zero in 1995 to 30 in 2015. Resistance to Group 2 herbicides, which are protein production inhibitors, has seen the fastest rise from zero species in 1985 to more than 160 in 2015. Groups 5, 6 and 7 (photosynthesis inhibitors) together have the next highest number of resistant species, increased from zero in 1985 to 105 in 2015. Group 1 (ACCase inhibitors) is next at zero in 1985 to just over 45 in 2015. Group 4 (synthetic auxins/growth regulator) has increased steadily since 1985 from zero to 30 in 2015. Canada has 60 species verified as herbicide resistant. In Saskatchewan, there
—Photo by Louise Lundberg
are about 13 HR weeds. Of concern in Saskatchewan for Group 2 resistance are: cleavers, kochia, wild oat, chickweed, shepherd’s purse, wild and ball mustard, redroot pigweed, Russian thistle, stinkweed and hemp nettle. Group 1 includes Persian darnel and green foxtail (also Group 3) and for Group 9 it is kochia. During the adoption of zero-tillage practices over the 1990-2005 period, the use of an integrated approach to weed management and control was an important part of the extension message from the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association. An integrated weed management, or a “many little hammers” approach, is acknowledged as nec& Service essary in order Parts to manage
the increase. The hammers include: • Seeding Rate: increased seeding rate can provide better crop competition. But it is more expensive. • Row Spacing: narrower row spacing in studies shows lower weed biomass especially when combined with higher seeding rates. • Fertilizer Placement: placing the fertilizer into the soils rather than broadcasting shows crops are more competitiveness and yields are improved. • Seed Size: using larger seeds can reduce weed biomass and seed production. • Seeding Date: earlier the better to allow the crop to get a head start on establishment interfering with weed seed ability to germinate and growth as
A farmer’s story
they are biologically adapted to faster development. A N/S seeding orientation results in shade between rows where weed seeds may be trying to germinate and grow • Competitive Cultivars: are of course better competitors with weeds especially when combined with other methods. • Silaging / Green Feed can reduce weed seed populations; and using perennial crops in rotation is great competitor for reducing weed populations. Of course, rotating herbicide groups is always a good idea. Integrated weed management that recognizes the use of multiple methods of control both agronomic and chemical is now a vital function of overall production management. “None of individual control measures provide acceptable control on their own,” says Eric Johnson of the Crop Development Centre (Agronomy Research Update 2016). For more information, please contact your local regional office or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377. — Joanne Kowalski is Regional Crops Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in Prince Albert
Continued from Page 3 Then they asked an array of questions such as, “What is the capacity of a 13-inch auger, what percentage of my crops are wheat, how do I decide which variety to plant and do I bin different varieties of the same class of wheat separately and sell them as such?” Meeting a producer, and seeing and hearing how the wheat they are buying is grown, stored and delivered are essential parts of our customers’ need for information in a competitive global marketplace, one where consumers are increasingly demanding more information about where
their food comes from. Our competitors are active in these markets too and we need to maintain and grow our presence. Fostering relationships with our customers is paramount to our continued business with them. As I reflect, 20 years of marriage did not happen by doing nothing. It took effort. It took work. Fruitful rewards require investment. I’ve got a good thing going with my bride. Canada’s got a good thing going with wheat. My intent is to keep them both that way. Aloha! — Kevin Bender is a cereals producer from Bentley, Alta.
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Used Equipment We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. Since becoming a full Parts & Service Ana always diverse & changing inventory of used equipment. Give us a call or view our We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. Since becoming full service CLAAS dealership our standards of service have only grown. We carry an service CLAAS dealership our standards of service have only grown. We carry an complete listings at tingleyshc.com Every piece of used equipment is inspected & extensive parts inventory & have a fleet of service trucks ready to get parts & trained extensive parts inventory & have a fleet of service trucks ready to get parts & trainedby our trained technicians. serviced
PARTS & SERVICE USED EQUIPMENT We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. An always & CLAAS is industry leading techs full-service, to where ever you diverse need them. in their service & parts Tingley’s Harvest Center is aFromgrowing, agriculture equipment dealer with support. With a Parts Logistics Center the heart of the prairies in Regina, SK to its seeding to tillage, through hay seasoninventory of inused Since becoming a full service CLAAS dealership our standards changing 175,000 square foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA. harvest we’ve got you covered. 3service locations ABWe&carry SK. There&parts is a permanent, in the North Battleford of have onlyin grown. an extensive equipment.full-time Give us a callopening or Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 New Equipment brands include: 780-632-3246 inventory & have fleet of serviceVegreville: trucks ready to get parts & view our complete listings branch fora a: North Battleford: 306-445-8010 LEXION combines - JAGAUAR forage harvesters - XERION tractors Toll free: 1-888-335-9454 trained techs to whereTHever you need them. CLAAS is industryCLAAS:JCB at tingleyshc.com. Every SeedMaster McCormick HORSCH MacDon Highline YR/JOURNEYMAN HEAVY EQUIPMENT 4 Convey-All is HoneyBee TECHNICIAN Shulte Richiger leading in their service & parts support. With a Parts Logistics Elmer’s piece ofBunning used equipment Center in the heartWITH of the prairies in Regina, SK to its 175,000 inspected & serviced by our OR EXPERIENCE Used Equipment AN AGRICULTURE BACKGROUND An always diverse & changing inventory of used equipment. Give us a call or view our square foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA. tingleyshc.com Every piece of used equipment is inspected & complete trained listings at technicians. techs to where ever you need them. CLAAS is industry leading in their service & parts support. With a Parts Logistics Center in the heart of the prairies in Regina, SK to its 175,000 square foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA.
New Equipment brands include:
CLAAS: LEXION combines - JAGAUAR forage harvesters - XERION tractors JCB SeedMaster McCormick HORSCH MacDon Highline Elmer’s Bunning Convey-All HoneyBee Shulte Richiger
Used Equipment An always diverse & changing inventory of used equipment. Give us a call or view our complete listings at tingleyshc.com Every piece of used equipment is inspected & serviced by our trained technicians.
From seeding to tillage, through hay season & harvest we’ve got you covered.
Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 Vegreville: 780-632-3246 North Battleford: 306-445-8010 Toll free: 1-888-335-9454
serviced technicians. The position offers a competitive wage &by our fulltrained benefits package including a company From seeding to tillage, through hay season RRSP program. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. & harvest we’ve got you covered.
Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 • Vegreville: 780-632-3246 • North Battleford: 306-445-8010 • Toll free: 1-888-335 Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 Please email resumés to: garth@tingleyshc.com Vegreville: 780-632-3246
North Battleford: 306-445-8010 Parts & Service We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. Since becoming a full Toll free: 1-888-335-9454 service CLAAS dealership our standards of service have only grown. We carry an extensive parts inventory & have a fleet of service trucks ready to get parts & trained techs to where ever you need them. CLAAS is industry leading in their service & parts support. With a Parts Logistics Center in the heart of the prairies in Regina, SK to its 175,000 square foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA.
From seeding to tillage, through hay season & harvest WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.
New Equipment brands include:
CLAAS: LEXION combines - JAGAUAR forage harvesters - XERION tractors JCB SeedMaster McCormick HORSCH MacDon Highline Elmer’s Bunning Convey-All HoneyBee Shulte Richiger Used Equipment
Parts & Service
CLAAS: LEXION combines - JAGAUAR forage harvesters - XERION tractors JCB • SeedMaster • McCormick • HORSCH • MacDon • Highline • Elmer’s Bunning • Convey-All • HoneyBee • Shulte • Richiger
We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. Since becoming a full Parts & Service Ana always diverse & changing inventory of used equipment. Give us a call or view our We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. Since becoming full service CLAAS dealership our standards of service have only grown. We carry an service CLAAS dealership our standards of service have only grown. We carry an complete listings at tingleyshc.com Every piece of used equipment is inspected & extensive parts inventory & have a fleet of service trucks ready to get parts & trained extensive parts inventory & have a fleet of service trucks ready to get parts & trainedby our trained technicians. serviced techs to where ever you need them. CLAAS is industry leading in their service & parts techs to where ever you need them. CLAAS is industry leading in their service & parts support. With a Parts Logistics Center in the heart of the prairies in Regina, SK to its support. With Parts Logistics Center in the heart of the prairies in Regina, SK to its 175,000 square foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA. From seeding to tillage, through haya season
PARTS & SERVICE USED EQUIPMENT We’ve been providing equipment service for over 20 years. An always diverse & Since becoming a full service CLAAS dealership our standards changing inventory of used foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA. & harvest we’ve175,000 got yousquare covered. of service have only grown. We carry an extensive parts equipment. Give us a call or Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 New Equipment brands include: 780-632-3246 inventory & have a fleet of serviceVegreville: trucks ready to get parts & view our complete listings North Battleford: 306-445-8010 LEXION combines - JAGAUAR forage harvesters - XERION tractors Toll free: 1-888-335-9454 trained techs to where ever you need them. CLAAS is industryCLAAS:JCB at tingleyshc.com. Every SeedMaster McCormick HORSCH MacDon Highline Elmer’s Convey-All is HoneyBee Shulte Richiger leading in their service & parts support. With a Parts Logistics piece ofBunning used equipment Center in the heart of the prairies in Regina, SK to its 175,000 inspected & serviced by our Used Equipment An always diverse & changing inventory of used equipment. Give us a call or view our square foot North American Parts hub in Columbus, IA. tingleyshc.com Every piece of used equipment is inspected & complete trained listings at technicians. New Equipment brands include:
CLAAS: LEXION combines - JAGAUAR forage harvesters - XERION tractors JCB SeedMaster McCormick HORSCH MacDon Highline Elmer’s Bunning Convey-All HoneyBee Shulte Richiger
Used Equipment An always diverse & changing inventory of used equipment. Give us a call or view our complete listings at tingleyshc.com Every piece of used equipment is inspected & serviced by our trained technicians.
From seeding to tillage, through hay season & harvest we’ve got you covered.
Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 Vegreville: 780-632-3246 North Battleford: 306-445-8010 Toll free: 1-888-335-9454
serviced by our trained technicians.
Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 • Vegreville: 780-632-3246 • North Battleford: 306-445-8010 • Toll free: 1-888-335-9454 From seeding to tillage, through hay season & harvest we’ve got you covered.
Lloydminster: 780-875-8010 Vegreville: 780-632-3246 North Battleford: 306-445-8010 Toll free: 1-888-335-9454
Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 23, 2017
Regional Optimist
www.newsoptimist.ca
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