Thursday, November 30, 2017 North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s fossil record shows that today’s prairie was not always the perfect home for flowing fields of grain and pastures of cattle. Our province was home to both carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs, including meat-eaters like Tyrannosaurus rex, horned dinosaurs like Triceratops, and duck-billed dinosaurs.
Saskatchewan’s newest emblem, the Provincial Fossil
Tyrannosaurus rex is Saskatchewan’s Provincial Fossil. Photo by Neil Fisher
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced legislation to amend The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act, adding the Tyrannosaurus rex as Saskatchewan’s Provincial Fossil. In 2016, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s Saskatchewan Fossil Campaign held a video contest for schools, an exhibit and an in-person vote at the RSM, and an online poll allowing anyone across the province to vote for one of seven provincial fossil candidates. The results were announced in May of 2016, showing massive support for the T.rex. “The Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s campaign to choose a provincial fossil saw many from across the province learn more about Saskatchewan’s rich fossil
official
history,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said. “Thanks to the leadership of the RSM, the Bill introduced … will see Saskatchewan as the only jurisdiction to have the Tyrannosaurus rex as its official fossil.” The Saskatchewan Fossil Campaign and exhibit resulted in an increase in visitation, website traffic and social media engagement, and led to the RSM receiving the Gil Carduner Marketing Award at the 2016 Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence. Dinosaur-themed activities, events and a special exhibit were featured for the month of November. Fossil Favourites from Across Canada is a national travelling exhibition featuring some of Canada’s most impressive, famous and significant fossils.
In June 1994, palaeontologists began excavating the T. rex, one of the largest known carnivorous dinosaurs, from exposed bedrock along the Frenchman River Valley near Eastend. Over 6,000 people visited the excavation site during 1994. The 65-million-year old skeleton is the first T. rex found in Saskatchewan, and was named Scotty. Battlefords Publishing file photo
The exhibit, which centres around a replica of Scotty the T.rex’s skull, is on display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum until the
end of January 2018. The RSM, located at 2445 Albert Street in Regina, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
To see Scotty the T.rex in person, the T.rex Discovery Centre in Eastend opens in May of 2018 for the summer season.
Visit www.royalsaskmuseum.ca or call 306787-2815 for information about events and exhibits. Admission is by donation.
Canadian livestock genetics going worldwide More Canadian livestock will be raised outside of Canada using prized Canadian genetics, says Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Farmers around the world demand Canada’s superior livestock breeds so they can raise cows and goats that produce more milk, and sheep, which pro-
duce more meat, for example. Budget 2017 identifies agriculture as a key growth industry, and targets investments that will help the sector build on its competitive strengths and chart Canada’s path to prosperity. A $3 million federal investment to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) will help ex-
porters develop and expand new markets for Canadian livestock genetics. Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, Lawrence MacAulay made the announcement in November, along with the Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill Mary Ng at the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, where Canada’s top
livestock breeders compete. The focus of the project will be on exports of dairy, sheep and goat genetics, which in 2016 generated exports of over $150 million dollars. The CLGA is looking to increase those exports to over $200 million through trade missions, training and promotion.
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MacAulay wraps up China mission Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, recently wrapped up a successful 10-day visit to China, finishing a series of promotional events and meetings that raised the profile of Canadian agricultural products to our second-most valuable agrifood export market. The three-city mission will help Canada reach its goal of growing global agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025 by providing Canadians and processors new oppor t un ities to grow their businesses. F r o m Shanghai to Guangzhou to Beijing, the Minister strengthened Canada’s position as a strong agr icultural trading partner, and took every opportunity to showcase Canada’s safe, high-quality food products to one of the world’s most competitive and desired markets for agriculture. Through meetings with his counterpart, Minister Han Changfu, and with Minister Zhi Shuping from China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), he set a path for continued stable trade for agricultural products, including canola and meat. “China is a fast-growing market. More and more Chinese consumers are looking for the safe, high-quality food that Canadian farmers and processors deliver. The Government of Canada is working to get even more of our quality food products on Chinese store shelves and e-commerce platforms, creating good, well-paying jobs in Canada and helping to strengthen our middle class,
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”said MacAulay. “I’m happy to hear the positive news coming from Minister McAulay’s trip to China. China is an important market for Canadian products, and this is encouraging news for both the Canadian and Chinese economy,” said Mary Ng, Member of Parliament, Markham-Thornhill. “China is now the world’s second largest economy, and Canadian producers have a lot to offer. Whether it is canola, soy or seafood, our processors and farmers continue to offer products that are safe and of the highest quality. Increasing trade between our two countries will not only help Canadian businesses, it will grow our middle class, create new jobs and increase our shared prosperity,” said Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament, Scarborough North. China’s economic success and increasing number of middle class consumers translates into rising demand for value-added agricultural products, including proteins and edible oils. China’s growing food demand aligns closely with the commercial interests of Canada’s agricultural sectors. China is Canada’s second-most valuable agri-food export market, after the U.S. In 2016, the value of Canada’s total agriculture, agri-food and seafood exports to China was $6.8 billion. This includes: canola seed ($1.9 billion); soybeans ($948 million); canola oil ($556 million); dried peas ($434.1 million); and frozen pork ($433 million).
Canadian fertilizer industry showcased at newly redesigned Canada Science and Technology Museum The Canadian fertilizer industry is one of the largest stakeholders in the mining sector, with 15 million tonnes of potash unearthed from reserves each year. As the national association representing the Canadian fertilizer industry, Fertilizer Canada is pleased to have the industry’s integral role in mining demonstrated as part of the new From Earth to Us exhibition at the renovated Canada Science and Technology Museum, opening Nov. 17. Sponsored in part by Fertilizer Canada, Agrium, PotashCorp and The Mosaic Company, the From Earth to Us exhibition explains the role of fertilizer in agriculture, the mining innovations the industry has created and the efforts being undertaken to create sustainable agriculture for the future. “Fertilizer Canada is proud to partner with the Canada Science and Technology Museum to showcase the fertilizer industry and its place in the mining sector,” said Garth Whyte, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada. “Our role in the mining sector is significant, and being included in the comprehensive From Earth to Us exhibition will go far in putting the scale of the Canadian fertilizer industry in perspective.” Potash is an essential mineral fertilizer used to support crop growth around the world. With 46 per cent of global reserves, the Canadian potash industry is fundamental in the mission to achieve sustainable food security for the growing population. Exporting to more than 70 countries, the collective Canadian fertilizer industry is also a leader in growing the national economy. “We are pleased to have the participation of Canada’s fertilizer industry in the Museum’s new From Earth to Us exhibition which explores how Canadians transform natural resources to support the growing domestic and international need for agricultural products,” said Christina Tessier, Director General of the Canada Science and Technology Museum. The From Earth to Us exhibition will be open to the public along with the entirety of the newly redesigned Canada Science and Technology Museum on Nov. 17. For more information, visit IngeniumCanada.org.
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Around the globe By Joanne Kowalski
Regional Crops Specialist Ministry of Agriculture Prince Albert
The global reputation of the high quality of Saskatchewan grown crops means that export of our crops is big business, totally about $14.4 billion in 2016 the second highest on record (an increase of 70% since 2010. With the largest landbase of agricultural land in Canada (over 40% of the Canadian total), Saskatchewan has 33 million acres in crops each year. Saskatchewan producers have access to and utilize some of the latest technology in food production and are thus able to impact in the global agricultural marketplace and provide food to both the rest of Canada and 147 other countries. Some places our crops end up may surprise you. To give you an idea, the top ten are:
United States China India Japan Mexico Pakistan United Arab Emirates Turkey Bangladesh Algeria In 2016, Saskatchewan exports production made up:
99 per cent of Canada’s chickpeas 96 per cent of Canada’s lentils 87 per cent of Canada’s durum wheat
82 per cent of Canada’s flaxseed 76 per cent of Canada’s mustard 64 per cent of Canada’s dry peas 50 per cent of Canada’s canola Globally, Saskatchewan’s agricultural exports are worth over $1 billion in each of these product sectors: cereal grains (wheat, oats, rye and barley), oilseeds (canola and flax), pulses (peas and lentils) and edible oils (canola). In 2016 Saskatchewan crop exports comprised:
98 per cent of Canada’s lentil 94 per cent of Canada’s pea 91 per cent of Canada’s canary seed 84 per cent of Canada’s durum 81 per cent of Canada’s flaxseed 78 per cent of Canada’s chickpea 60 per cent of Canada’s oat 57 per cent of Canada’s mustard 52 per cent of Canada’s canola seed 51 per cent of Canada’s canola meal 49 per cent of Canada’s canola oil 47 per cent of Canada’s barley 38 per cent of Canada’s non-durum wheat
In terms of the world, Saskatchewan crops and products accounted for the percentage of exports for the following:
66 per cent of the world’s canary seed 62 per cent of the world’s lentil 45 per cent of the world’s pea 34 per cent of the world’s oat 32 per cent of the world’s durum 30 per cent of the world’s canola meal 28 per cent of the world’s flaxseed 26 per cent of the world’s mustard seed 24 per cent of the world’s canola seed 21 per cent of the world’s canola oil 5 per cent of the world’s chickpea 5 per cent of the world’s rye 4 per cent of the world’s non-durum wheat 2 per cent of the world’s barley Collaboration among government, industry, producers and researchers continues to make the agriculture industry the most diverse and progressive of Canada’s industry sectors. This relationship ensures that Saskatchewan remains competitive in new areas that will add value and profitability, such as new crops (camelina), honey production, fruit vegetable production and even agri-tourism.
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Keep Calm and Talk On By Alicia Sopatyk, BSA, PAg
Regional Livestock Specialist, Tisdale Regional Services Branch Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
With so many buzz words used in the food industry today, nothing is more of a buzzkill than hearing those words used incorrectly. It can be easy to get frustrated or angry. But we have to remember that the connection between food and agriculture isn’t firsthand knowledge for a large portion of the population anymore. And while there are endless facts and figures that can be shared to bridge the gap from farm to fork with consumers, having a genuine conversation can yield greater results. Those directly involved in the agriculture industry are in the best position to address consumer concerns about production practices used in modern agriculture. Consumers trust farmers and ranchers as a source of information. That’s why it’s important for us to speak up and connect with consumers based on shared values. Values are long-lasting beliefs gained through knowledge and experience that shape the basis of what is important to an individual. They ulti-
mately become standards we choose to live by. As human beings we have shared values. We all want safe, nutritious and affordable foods for ourselves and our families. Our shared values can serve as a connecting point, even when we disagree about something. For example, I value health which is why we administer antibiotics as needed to sick animals on our farm. But I also value safe food for my family, which is why we work with our local veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment and adhere to withdrawal times to ensure a safe product. As producers and agriculture professionals, we have to take action to positively promote agriculture and our production practices. Consumers are curious, and rightfully so! Rather than getting frustrated with people who perhaps don’t understand production practices, use the power of shared values to connect with them. Keep calm and talk on. For more information on this or anything else related to agriculture, contact your regional livestock specialist or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or you can find us at saskatchewan.ca/agriculture.
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Canadian Bison Assoc. Auction sells 67 animals A total of 67 bison consigned by 14 bison producers from Western Canada were sold by video auction at the Canadian Bison Association’s 25th National Show and Sale in Regina in November. “This second video auction built on the success of the first video auction held for bison since the Canadian National Bison Show and Sale began in 1993,” stated Nolan Miller, chair of the bison show and sale committee. The 2017 sale average of $7,935 is comparable to the 2016 sale average of $8,023. Although bull prices were marginally below last year’s level, heifer prices averaged
$9,350 compared to the $6,356 average of 2016. “We are very please with the results. The heifer prices reflect an interest in growing the industry,” Miller added. The Bouffioux family of XY Bison at Fort St. John, B.C. captured top honours at the show with their yearling bull. The bull sold to Brian Brown of Hodgeville for $18,000. The Miller family of the Silver Creek Bison Ranch from Binscarth Manitoba captured top honors in the two-year old bull category with the bull selling to the Johnson family from Westbrook Farms of Elkhorn Manitoba for $11,000.
The top selling bull was sold by the Gompf family of Bison Spirit Ranch for $25,000 to Brian Brown. A two-year-old heifer consigned by Trevor Gompf form Bison Spirit Ranch topped the sale at $18,000 and sold to the Moran family of the Shale Creek Bison Ranch. The Gompf Family of Bison Spirit Ranch were the winners of the Premier Breeder Award. The Online Sale Broadcast was handled by Direct Livestock Marketing System (DLMS), with Brennin Jack of the Jack Auction Group providing the auctioneering services.
—Photo by Louise Lundberg
Tapping into global markets for Canadian farmed fish and seafood Canadian aquaculture farmers are increasingly important contributors to Canada’s seafood farmers the Canadian economy, produce the best quality particularly in smaller coastal and rural comfarmed fish and seafood products munities. Surging globin the world. al consumer demand for - Lawrence MacAulay high-quality and sustainably-sourced seafood products is making aquaculture one of the fastest growing study, aquaculture employs keting Program. industries worldwide. With about 14,000 people in “Canada’s seafood exports valued at $1 billion full-time, well-paying jobs farmers produce the best in 2016, fish and seafood and generates a little more quality farmed fish and are a key part of meeting than half a billion dollars seafood products in the our government’s ambi- in labour income. world. This investment will tious goal of reaching $75 Budget 2017 set an am- help Canada’s high-quality billion in annual agri-food bitious goal of growing farmed seafood find new exports by 2025 with the Canada’s agri-food exports markets around the world ability to create well-pay- to $75 billion by 2025. while creating well-paying jobs for Canadians, Budget 2017 focused ing jobs especially in our says Agriculture and Agri- on agri-food as one of the rural and coastal commuFood Canada - Lawrence Matop industries in our Gov- nities.” The Honourable Dom- ernment’s Innovation and cAulay, Minister of Agriinic LeBlanc, Minister of Skills Plan, an ambitious culture and Agri-Food Fisheries, Oceans and the effort to make Canada a “Canada’s seafood Canadian Coast Guard, world leader in innovation, farmers make an important on behalf of the Honour- with a focus on expanding contribution to the world’s able Lawrence MacAulay, growth and creating good, food supply. As a regulaMinister of Agriculture well-paying jobs. tor, we are committed to and Agri-Food, announced This investment is be- ensuring a responsible and recently an investment of ing made under the Grow- sustainable aquaculture in$2.48 million to support ing Forward 2, AgriMar- dustry that can create jobs the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) in their efforts to increase awareness and demand for Canadian farmed fish CUT KNIFE - TURTLEFORD and seafood in the United CONSTITUENCY States, Asia and Europe. CAIA will implement a P.O. Box 850 diverse range of both tradiMaidstone, SK S0M 1M0 tional and innovative marPh: (306) 893-2619 keting activities targeting the markets of the United Fax: (306) 893-2660 States, Europe and Asia. Email: larrydoke@sasktel.net Canada’s aquaculture top species produced in 2016 were salmon (Atlantic, coho and chinook), mussels, rainbow trout, oysters, and clams. Wish List... The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance Unique, represents Canada’s seafood farmers, from coast one of a kind to coast to coast, including finfish, shellfish and aquatic plant farmers, feed companies and suppliers, and works to promote the Custom when you purchase select window shadings. quality and sustainability Window of farmed seafood to do® Coverings * mestic and international Bonus PowerView Hub markets. Canada is the Design fourth-largest producer Consulting of farmed salmon in the Creative Interiors world and mussel is our 141-22nd Street West Clothing top shellfish aquaculture Battleford 306-446-0058 export. Alterations creativeinteriors@sasktel.net According to a 2009
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and grow the economy in coastal and Indigenous communities,” said Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “Our industry’s ultimate goal is further developing Canadian farmed seafood excellence, and delivering uniquely responsible, healthy and nutritious seafood that is in high demand from consumers around the world. This program continues to help our industry to establish new and long-term global demand for Canadian farmed sea-
Budget 2017 set an ambitious goal of growing Canada’s agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. food products like salmon, mussels, oysters and more. This investment in the market development of our sector will deliver jobs,
growth and opportunity for rural and coastal communities across Canada,” said Timothy Kennedy, Executive Director of CAIA.
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Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation launches Phase 2 of the 2017 Public Safety Campaign
Give wildlife a brake
Saskatchewan’s deer are on the move, and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is appealing to motorists to be more alert while driving through areas that deer inhabit. Whitetail and mule deer around the province are in the middle of the rut, a sixweek-long breeding season that peaks around the end of November which means that more and more deer will be crossing the roadways. October, November and December account for the highest number of vehicular collisions with deer throughout the year. Deer/ vehicle collisions can be both dangerous and costly
(over $55 million in claims in 2016), including the potential for personal injury or fatality. Over 10,000 deer were killed in 2016 as well. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, with continued support from SGI, is promoting a province-wide educational awareness campaign called “Go Slow and Save a Little Doe,” with a focus on preventing vehicular collisions with animals thereby reducing and eliminating personal injury or fatalities and saving our wildlife. Phase one was launched in June to coincide with increased summer highway traffic patterns and now,
phase 2 is being launched to coincide with the rut. The 2017 public safety campaign consists of radio and TV public service announcements and highway billboards as well as informational dinner placemats used by SWF branches at special events around the province. “We’re hoping that this campaign will remind motorists to pay attention to highway signs depicting deer crossings and also to just be more alert when driving through areas with higher deer populations, said SWF executive director Darrell Crabbe. “Drivers should be especially vigilant at dawn, at dusk,
Book highlights Saskatchewan’s food history
Award winning author Amy Jo Ehman’s book, Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens, has been chosen by the Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) as its choice for the 2018 One Book, One Province. Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens was chosen for its potential to promote an understanding of the province’s heritage through its food, while appealing to a broad, diverse, and contemporary audience. This is a year-long award with community and library events scheduled to be held across the province. This is what Gordon Barnhart, historian, and former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, says about the book: “This is simply an amazing glimpse into the food we ate and the people who prepared it.” Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens was published in 2015 and that year was nominated for the Saskatoon Book Award. It has been a bestseller ever since.
and through the night when deer are more mobile and less visible”. Here are some tips to keep in mind when driving in areas where wildlife inhabit: Watch your speed – Slowing down reduces the distance to stop Constantly scan the
road from shoulder to shoulder At night, watch for glowing eyes of animals and use high beams whenever possible If you see an animal on the side of the road, slow down and pass by slowly When one animal crosses the road, often others
will follow If an animal appears suddenly, brake firmly and stay in control of your vehicle. Avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or the ditch. More tips are available at: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/ individuals/safety/training/ driveright/wildlife.html
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Picturesque
— Photo by Louise Lundberg
PAGE 16 - Tuesday, September 5, 2017
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Producer cars stats now weekly Nov. 14, the Canadian Grain Commission launched a weekly statistical report on the allocation of producer cars. The publication of these statistics enhances the transparency of commercial grain handlings and supports the marketing of Canadian grain. The report is available on both the Canadian Grain Commission’s web site and the Government of Canada’s Open Data site and will be updated weekly. Each week’s publication reflects the cumulative number of producer cars allocated from the start of the crop year to the end of
the shipping week. Reports within the publication break down the allocation numbers by the type of grain shipped, province of origin, and the grain’s destination. By making data such as this available publicly, the Canadian Grain Commission is supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to making data open and available to all Canadians. Reports for years before the 2017-18 crop year can be requested from the Canadian Grain Commission The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for
establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions. Previously, statistics about producer railway cars were only available via email. They were distributed for free, but only went to a small number of stakeholders. Not all stakeholders were aware they could receive these reports. This didn’t align with the Government of Canada’s policy on open data. Because the Canadian Grain Commission is publishing its producer railway car statistics online in more accessible formats, users will be able to compile the data to meet their specific needs. Rather than using the categories wheat, durum, oats, barley, rye, flaxseed, canola and other to display grain movement by grain type, the new online content doesn’t use an “other” category. Instead, statistics are displayed by grain type, even if the number of railway cars shipping that grain type is relatively low. Also, the destination category now includes producer railway cars going into the licensed Canadian system (terminal and process elevators by region); the unlicensed Canadian system (by western or eastern region; processors; container facilities; seed or feed facilities); United States; and Mexico. The online statistical reports include: Glossary Summary – cumulative and weekly totals by grain type and cumulative totals by country and grain Cumulative by province
and by grain Cumulative by destination Producer railway car statistics have been published since the 1910 to 1911 crop year. Each year, producer railway car statistics (referred to back then as platform loadings) appeared in the Report of the Department of Trade and Commerce Part V Statistics. In the 1942 to 1943 crop year, the Canadian Grain Commission began publishing weekly producer railway car statistics as part of the Board of Grain Commissioners for Canada Visible Supply of Canadian Grain report. Eventually, this report became Grain Statistics Weekly which is published weekly online. The Canadian Grain Commission prepares 3 railway car statistical reports: weekly, monthly and annual. The weekly report is one page and includes cumulative data by type of grain and a weekly summary of the number of railway cars by port. The monthly report and the annual report are made up of 5 tables of producer railway car shipments as follows: by grain; by province and grain; by train run; by train run and grain; and by destination. By publishing our producer railway car statistics on our website, the Canadian Grain Commission is aligned with the Government of Canada’s open data policy as contained in the Directive on Open Government. This directive’s objective is to maximize the release of government information and data of business value to support transparency, accountability, citizen engagement, and socio-economic benefits through re-use, subject to applicable privacy, confidentiality and security restrictions.
Sask Flax Development Commission joins Grain Growers of Canada Grain Growers of Canada, the national voice of grain farmers, has announced that the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission (SaskFlax) is GGC’s newest member. The addition of SaskFlax brings GGC’s membership to 13 regional and national grain groups. SaskFlax will be represented on the GGC Board of Directors by Shane Stokke, flax farmer from Watrousand Chair of SaskFlax. “Canada is a leading global producer of flax, the majority of which is grown in Saskatchewan and destined for the export market,” said Jeff Nielsen, GGC President. “We are excited to add this important voice around our table and further represent the true diversity of the grain
industry in Ottawa.” Canada produces 40 per cent of the world’s flax with annual exports valued at $150-180 million. With the 2017 Federal Budget seeking annual agriculture and agri-food exports of $75 billion by 2025 it is crucial that flax growers have a strong voice in Ottawa to ensure that their products play a role in meeting that goal. Flax is increasingly being recognized globally and here at home for its excellent nutritional value, creating more demand for Canada’s top-quality products. “SaskFlax is pleased to become a member of GGC,” said Mr. Stokke. “GGC is an important voice for advocating for grain farmers and will help bring the flax voice to Ottawa.”
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