The Agri Post
May 27, 2016
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Tractors Are Family Affair By Les Kletke
Trekking Through Time By Les Kletke Anne Toews describes it as an event that has something for everyone with any interest in antique tractors. “It” is the Tractor Trek that is a joint venture of the Mennonite Village Museum and the Eden Foundation. This year will be the seventh event that raises money for the Eden Mental Health Centre. The past 6 events have attracted tractors from across the southeast and as far away as Saskatchewan.” “It allows the fellows to show off the tractors they have restored and get them out on the road for a drive,” said Toews who Coordinates the event on behalf of the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV). “The parade itself also allows anyone with an interest in tractors to watch these machines roll by.” The event is restricted to 50 tractors and they must be able to maintain a speed of 10 miles an hour to minimize the disturbance to normal traffic. “We have what we call the 50-50-50 rule,” said Toews. “We restrict it to 50 tractors, and they have to be 50 years old, and we want to raise 50 thousand dollars with the event.” To attain the final goal
Fifty tractors, at least 50 years old and raising $50,000 for a good cause is the goal of this year’s Tractor Trek that begins at the Steinbach Heritage Village Museum on June 11. It will make its lunch stop in Richer and everyone is invited to check out the tractors.
it is suggested entrants raise $1,000 each in sponsorship. “Some raise the minimum for entry while others raise much more,” said Toews. “We had one driver who raised over $9,000 on her own, and several who raised over $3,000.” The drivers are a mix of returning and new participants. Some have been on the ride since the beginning and others take a year or two off before returning.
The day is about much more than showing off their restored tractors. “We start with a breakfast and then head over to Richer for lunch,” said Toews. “We spend about an hour and half there and that gives the drivers some time to visit and some time for people to see the tractors, and to vote for the People’s Choice award.” Toews said that communities like Richer are important to
make the event as popular as it has become. “The community can make it as big an event as they wish.” Afternoon coffee will be provided by Penner’s Pumpkins and the drive concludes back at the Mennonite Village Museum. “That is where we hand out the awards and there is always some fun with that. Depending on the weather, we might revive the Dirties Tractor Award, one
Ask Al Brandt if he is going to drive in the Tractor Trek and the answer is in the form of a question. “Can’t see why not?” Brandt has driven in the first 6 editions and plans to make it 7 straight. “I drive with two sons and three grandsons,” said Brandt with obvious pride. He has six McCormick tractors ready for the event. The tractors are stored in a shed on his son’s yard, which was the family’s home place. The family tradition runs deep with the Brandt’s and it is not just these three generations. “I have a Super W F that my Dad bought new in 1955,” he said. “And I have them up to the WD9 which was the biggest tractor they made on rubber tires at the time.” While all the other tractors in his collection are gasoline powered, the WD9 starts on gasoline and when warm is switched over to diesel. He has restored all the tractors himself up to the stage of painting which he has trusted to someone else. The only one that he has not had painted is the WD9, and it is the one he will drive in the upcoming Tractor Trek. “It is the biggest and a little clumsier,” he said. “So I drive that myself, the boys [grandchildren] are not farm boys and not used to handling the tractors so I take that one.” Brandt takes the tractors to a few other local shows such as a similar event in Winkler and the July 1 parade in Vita. Brandt said that farming in his time did not include any row crops in the Blumenort area so he has neither row crop tractors nor ones equipped with a 3-point hitch. “Row crops were grown in the lighter land, so we did not have any row crop equipment,” he said. “A lot of the McCormick A’s and C’s were used for row crop and stayed around for a long time.” For the Brandt’s the Tractor Trek is a family affair and he says his grandsons seem to enjoy the event as much as he does so he has plans to continue on Trekking. The June 11 Tractor Trek begins at the Mennonite Heritage Museum, continues to Richer for lunch before winding back to the museum for supper and awards. year that got the driver a car wash kit,” she said. The Tractor Trek gives owners a chance to show off their restoration skills and for
some it is a family affair like Al Brandt of Blumenort who makes it an annual event with his grandsons.
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One PED Safeguard Removed Manitoba Pork is extremely disappointed and concerned that earlier this month the Government of Canada has removed the emergency protocol, which required hog transporters, returning to Canada empty have their trailers washed and disinfected at a certified Canadian facility they insist has kept Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in check. PED is a swine disease that is almost 100% fatal to piglets, and to date has killed roughly 8 million newborn pigs in the US since the first cases appeared there in 2013. When the PED virus first began circulating in the US, in the interest of preventing the disease from entering Canada Manitoba Pork and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) agreed to suspend Section 106(5) of the Health of Animals Regulation and launch a trailer wash pilot project. Under an emergency protocol, the pilot project
allowed swine transporters returning to Canada from deliveries to US farms to have their trailers washed and disinfected in disease-free, certified Canadian facilities, rather than be washed in US facilities in regions where PED had become rampant. To date, the project has been extremely successful in keeping western Canada free of PED, with only five on-farm cases of the virus found in Manitoba since the launch, all of which have been contained. Along with other strict biosecurity measures, this washing protocol has kept the PED virus at bay even though Manitoba continues to ship almost three million weanlings to US finishing farms each year. The federal government now demands that livestock trailers be washed at US facilities before crossing the border into Canada, even though there is no evidence that such facilities will not contaminate disease-free Canadian transporters. According to Manitoba Pork, this procedure once again complies with the decades-old border regula-
tion, which threatens the health of Canada’s swineherd. Manitoba Pork is accusing the government of ignoring professional advice from practicing veterinarians, all the major swine producer groups, the chief veterinary officers of the three Prairie Provinces, and swine health researchers. Manitoba Pork is viewing this as a crisis moment for the Canadian swine industry and is advising all swine producers in western Canada to insist that any trailer returning from the US be properly washed and disinfected in a certified Canadian facility. They say producers should assume that trailers washed only at US facilities are almost certainly contaminated with the PED virus. Manitoba Pork is calling upon the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to intervene and have CFIA commit to working collaboratively with industry representatives to re-evaluate the decision.
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May 27, 2016
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Blackleg in Manitoba Poses Threat to Canola Disease prevention is the key to minimizing losses and maximizing the success of your canola crop this growing season. Increasing acres of canola spreading across the province and tighter crop rotations are creating the perfect recipe for blackleg disease to thrive. In fact, according to provincial disease surveys, blackleg had a prevalence of 80% and an incidence rate of 14% recorded in fields across Manitoba last year. “The risk of blackleg causing economic losses in canola fields in Manitoba this growing season is very real,” said Glen Forster, Technical Marketing Specialist (Fungicides) BASF Canada. “Known for its persistence, the disease, particularly under dry conditions, can live on crop residue for several years. Even on resistant varieties grown for blackleg, if not managed properly, growers can expect to see blackleg robbing yields.” Although blackleg can affect canola from seedling to harvest it is critical to control early, on the main raceme of canola, to
minimize the impact of the disease on crops. Due to tightening of canola rotations, which increase the potential inoculum source, there is also evidence that blackleg is shifting to more aggressive strains. Growers should remain vigilant to ensure the longterm success of current resistant genetics. “Growers, particularly under tighter rotations, should consider something more than only seed genetics to protect canola from blackleg,” said Forster. “We are definitely seeing increases in blackleg over time, which will increase the pressure on resistance. That is why we recommend that growers take a more integrated approach.” You are at increased risk for blackleg disease if you: - Are seeding canola every three years or less - Are using the same varieties repeatedly - Have the presence of host weeds in non-canola years - Are not routinely scouting for the disease, both during the season and in the fall at swathing -Are not using blackleg
fungicides Blackleg prevention tips and best practices: - Ensure a one in four-year crop rotation - Rotate resistant varieties - Properly scout and assess risk - Use a foliar fungicide, like Priaxor - Implement an integrated management approach to manage blackleg on your farm.
Above: Surveys across western Canada, including Manitoba, have found that blackleg has increased in both incidence and prevalence, with evidence showing that blackleg is shifting to more virulent strains that can overcome or reduce the effectiveness of today’s resistance genetics. Left: Blackleg overwinters on infected canola stubble and can survive for up to four years, leaving this year’s crop at high risk for the disease.
Chris Grenier farms four thousand acres of cereals and oilseed along with his brother, father and nephew
in St. Leon, Manitoba. In 2015, Grenier utilized a fungicide on all of their canola acres as part of their
integrated management approach to protect their canola crop from blackleg. “Blackleg is a very, very big
concern for us. It could wipe out our entire crop and that is why we spray for it,” said Grenier.
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The Agri Post
When It Works, When It Doesn’t
Penners Points by Rolf
Regular readers of this column know its author is not a big fan of intrusive, top-down solutions to problems. Does socialistic or central planning ever work? As a matter of fact, it sometimes does. The key to success for such schemes involves the size of the group under regulation. They only work if the group is quite small. A recent article in the Western Producer titled “Many Voices, Mixed Messages” lamented that “Canada’s 200,000 family farms rarely speak with a unified voice to ministers and people in power.” Why? Because there are hundreds of different farm groups; even within those groups, many members feel that their leaders don’t really represent their true interests. A real consensus is only possible when the groupings are small. In The Freeman magazine, economist Steven Horwitz goes into specifics with his article “When Socialism Works”. He describes the problem in trying to apply across-the-board solutions to a large-scale, heterogeneous group. We’re all farmers. But the profession includes many different people, lots of different interests and subsequently different needs. One of the other confounding factors is anonymity. Horwitz writes, “There’s no way for any one person or group to acquire enough knowledge about everyone’s preferences or about how best to use existing resources to make the things others might want.” So cattle farmers may not know what works for dairy, canola growers don’t necessarily know eggs, pork producers could have trouble relating to corn growers, and so on. Add in other variations between Provinces that arise simply from geography and it’s not hard to see what a smorgasbord of different interests farmers possess. What’s required for socialism to work are groups that are small and just as importantly homogenous. Nobel Prize-winning economist Friedrich Hayek would also add the word “intimate” to the list. If you look back through our evolutionary history, humans spent most of their time in family-based groups of maybe a few dozen people. Our brains are wired for this kind of setting where we know everyone through personal interactions. This kind of intimacy means that we know what others like and what they might need. This kind of knowledge, according to Professor Horwitz, “Enables us to be collectivist and altruistic.”
Obviously, in a family setting you don’t need prices Penner or markets to decide how to allocate things. Sports teams rolfpenner@agripost.ca would be another example of socialistic institutions that can work. Others would be the military, and even companies can successfully organize in a way where everyone agrees on particular goals. A company wants to make money, a sports team wants to win games, and armies want to win wars. As Horwitz explains, “With a clear and agreed-on ranking of ends, each group member can understand their role in achieving them. This makes them willing to engage in what would otherwise be pure sacrifices.” Hockey player’s block slap-shots, a soldier might throw himself on a grenade, workers might do jobs they don’t like to achieve a common goal. Family members recognize when one of them needs more of something than the others. Horwitz again says, “Where the organization is intimate, simple, and transparent, members can come together, agree on goals, and reach mutual understanding about each person’s role in achieving them.” The problems begin when we scale up these arrangements, when we get beyond small, face-to-face, intimate settings and venture out into larger, extended, more anonymous ones. That’s when conflicts start. The goals and the means of achieving them are no longer agreed upon. That’s why trying to get all farmers to move in a certain direction is like trying to herd cats. Socialist principles can work. The problem is that they can’t work very well beyond the smallest and most familiar situations. What to do then? Hayek would argue that all of these competing groups should be able to interact in ways that, “Produce peace, prosperity and social cooperation.” And for that, you need a free market. As Professor Horwitz reminds us, the alternative generally leads to, “Conflict, poverty, and totalitarianism.” Successful solutions fall apart when forced on large groups which contain differently perceived, sometimes competing interests. Open societies work because they allow those real differences to be expressed and applied.
Graduation 2016 Momentous for All As I sat in the audience at the recent convocation of the School of Agriculture’s 2016, I could not help but be transported back to the 1970s. Not because that was the time that I attended the school but it was the time that American brewing giant Miller introduced light beer. Some would say it was fitting that a Diploma graduation makes you think of a malted beverage because over the years, students have consumed a few, but it was the marketing of their light beer that captured my mind. “Tastes great,” said one voice on those now iconic commercials. “Less filling” argued another equally as vehemently. That was what came to mind as I saw the procession making its way to the dais with fitting pomp and ceremony. The procession included both the Minister of Agriculture and the Minster of Education, and I could not help but wonder whose jurisdiction this even fell under. I have been to more than two dozen of these events and cannot remember one being graced with the presence of two ministers; in fact, there have been years that no Minister deemed it worthy of their attendance. My mind wandered to a discussion that could have taken place and most liked did only in my mind. “It is an agriculture event (tastes great),” says Ag Minister Ralph Eichler. “It is an education event,” insists Ian Wishart, who ironically holds a degree in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba. The discussion carried on in my mind, but in reality, what mattered is that two newly minted Ministers thought it worth their while to attend the event and that speaks volumes. Yes, I know they are new and still in the baby kissing stage of campaigning. But they both showed up and I think I mentioned, there were some years no one
from government thought it worth their while to make the trip to Fort Garry to be a part of a big day for many rural Manitoba families. Dean of the Faculty, Karin Whittenburg noted after that it was indeed a momentous occasion to have both ministers present. As I stood chatting with a couple of instructors Ian Wishart came over to bring greetings to our group and I asked him about attending the event and if it really was his domain.
He pointed out in no uncertain terms that it was, and made a strong case for being there. Thanks for the clarification, Ian. Well thought and well said. It looks like agricultural training programs and the delivery of new information has secured a place in the new government and will be well represented at the Cabinet table. That is a good thing and speaks well for the future of the School of Agriculture as it heads into its twelfth decade. Congrats to the grads of 2016.
The Agri Post
May 27, 2016
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The Swearing in of a New Government Gives Room for Optimism I took the opportunity as a media representative to attend the recent swearing in ceremony of Brian Pallister and the PC Manitoba government at the Canadian Human Rights Museum. First off, southern Manitoba has a number of ministers in this new Pallister government, Cam Friesen, WinklerMorden as Finance Minister, Kelvin Goertzen, Steinbach, Minister of Health, Seniors and Active living, Cliff Cullen of Boissevain as Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade and Blaine Pederson, Minister of Infrastructure. While listening to the five ministers chosen to speak to the media immediately after the ceremony, they all made their appropriate comments relating to their charge, but all said, “The challenges are big, but I will work hard to make Manitoba a better place. Knowing the Pallister family, especially Brian’s brother Jim, being successful is about having a plan, implementing that plan as best as possible, and working hard at making it work for the betterment of Manitoba. However, my focus is on the
Premier Brian Pallister
Minister of Agriculture, Ralph Eichler because that is where my top interests lie. In an interview with MLA Eichler, he answered some of the questions posed to him before the election. As an aside, I’m so happy to see them delete the long-name-no-one can remember, ‘Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’, or MAFRA for short and call Ralph simply the Minister of Agriculture. “Right off the bat we have the new Growing Forward 2 program up for renewal that will be a priority for us,” says Eichler in the interview. “If you remember going back when I was the previous Ag critic, I talk much about consultation.
Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen.
We have to get this program right, our staff in the department has been working on that, and I look forward to making it right.” The new Ag minister told me he’s happy to retain the services of Dori Gingera Beauchemin, who became the Deputy Minister back in 2013. “I’m tickled to death that she stayed on as Deputy Minister and things are pretty smooth in the department, but they need some tweaking. We need to find those things that need tweaking and fix them, and make them bet-
Keeping Canada ’s Grain Industry Canada’s on TTrack rack for Growth Renewal of rail provisions would open window to build a system farmers can count on. Canada’s world-class grain industry spurs economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity across Canada. The industry brings over $20 billion to the farm gate, and generates about one-third of Canada’s agriculture and food exports. Canada’s grain farmers depend on exports for a significant portion of their income. In fact, on average, one of every two bushels of grain from Canadian farms is exported – 40 million tonnes in a typical year. That’s why a reliable, efficient, predictable grain transport system is vital to Canada’s grain industry. An efficient rail system also underpins and builds Canada’s global reputation for quality, consistency and reliability. Canada’s customers around the world need the certainty that the quality product they’re accustomed to will reach them on time. The Federal Government is committed to working with industry to ensure a predictable and stable transport system – for both grain and other commodities that depend on rail. That is why on April 22, my colleague Transport Minister Marc Garneau and I announced the intention to renew, for one year, certain provisions of the Canada Transportation Act that were enacted in 2014 by the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act. This is a one-year extension of the Government’s authorities over four key provisions of the Act: minimum volumes, level-of-service agreements, compensation and extended interswitching. The renewal of these provisions will
By Lawrence Macaulay allow all stakeholders in the grain handling and transportation system the time they need to plan for the coming crop year under predictable conditions. It will also provide time to fully consider the recommendations of the Canada Transportation Act Review Report, which Minister Garneau tabled in February. I want to ensure that we have a system that is sustainable and built not for the next two, five or 10 years, but for 25 years or more. Canada needs a reliable rail system to deliver on the existing and exciting new opportunities that are opening up on the world stage. The Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that annual global demand for cereals will grow by one billion tonnes over the next three decades. The measures we have announced will provide stability for the short term while we work together to build a system that Canadian farmers can count on to get their products to growing markets around the world. Lawrence MacAulay is Federal Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood.
Agricultural Minister Ralph Eichler.
ter for Manitobans,” he says. “And of course our red tape program we want to do as well, making it more simple to do some things, if possible. Those are the first things we need to be working on. I have a great team and look forward to working with them.” That took me right into my next question because in my opinion regulations have really squeezed the Ag industry unduly and I know we can’t live without them but is there any way we can fine tune some of them as it pertains to raising hogs, and those
kinds of things. “Well you know all of those kinds of things are up for discussion. We will look at those on a case by case basis, but we have a very aggressive program we want to move forward on, announcing that as we go forward,” says Eichler. Another point asked of the Ag Minister has to do with going back when I started as a farm journalist in 1971, I relied heavily on what we then called the Ag reps. And there were and are good ones across the province that gave of themselves and the things they knew to help farmers improve wherever possible. We had really top-notch extension people out in the field. I know we need specialists, and pencil pushers, but that was a time when farmers in Manitoba really got a bang for their buck from their extension service. That’s a good point says Eichler and all that will be up for review. “As you know, I
was so disappointed with the closure of many of the rural Ag offices, but what’s done is done. We will look forward not backward.” “All that will be up for review and working with my staff to ensure we get the best bang for our buck. You are bang on with those comments and I support them, but as far as moving forward with them, it is just a little premature,” he says. As you know, we want an open and transparent government, an accountable government, a government the people can trust, and we want to make Manitoba the miracle that it really is. That is what we want to focus on, he adds.
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Sprague Farmer Wants to See Drainage Rules By Les Kletke John Van Gorp would like to know the rules about putting tile drain into his land at Sprague. “We need a drainage policy in Manitoba,” he said. “There has been one in Ontario for over 100 years and Manitoba has no policy in place and no one able to make a decision.” Van Gorp knows of what he speaks to, as he has been a farmer his entire life southwest of London, Ontario and operated a company that specializes in tile drain. “My sons now run the company and they put in 3 and half million feet of drain a year,” he said. “We would like to know what we can do on the land in Manitoba.” Van Gorp bought 2,450 acres last year and is planting his second crop on the sandy soil near Sprague. He has 1,000 acres of spring wheat and 1,350 of soybeans. He stayed with one variety of beans throughout. “We like to keep it simple,” he said with a smile just as three units were finishing up on one field. One unit was discing, he was harrowing and another hired man was operating the planter. He spends as much time as needed in Manitoba and returns to southwestern Ontario and his construction business in the down time. “I work with pulling drains under roads,” he said. “The boys do the tile drain and I am here for
John Van Gorp says Manitoba needs a drainage policy. Van Gorp farms near London Ontario as well as Sprague and says that province has had one for 100 years.
seeding and harvest. I have a fellow who looks after the operation the time between.” He said he was attracted to Manitoba mainly on one point. “The price of land,” he noted. “Land is $20,000 an acre where I live, and you can’t farm that. This was a large block in close proximity and it is an opportunity,” said the 68 year old. Van Gorp said his sons do not share his passion for farming. He is not sure they will take over the operation but he relishes the challenge of farming on a large scale. “We need to know what we can do,” he said. “Last year was my first crop here
and I got hurt by the excess moisture. I probably lost money on the farming operation because of the moisture.” Area farmers met with the local RM in late May to discuss the issue. “We are told that they [the RM] want to get some things in place to allow us to put in drains but no one is sure, and no one has the jurisdiction. We need a drainage policy in Manitoba.” He hopes the province sets some policy or regulations soon so that he plan some drainage this year after taking off the crop, a crop that ironically needs rain now.
Manitoba Beef PProducers roducers to Offer Six Bursaries Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is pleased to announce it will again award six $500 bursaries to deserving Manitoba students in 2016. The bursaries are available to MBP members, or their children, who are attending a university, college or other post-secondary institution. Students pursuing trades training are also eligible. Preference will be given to students who are pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or those acquiring a skilled trade that would benefit the rural economy. “We are proud to offer these bursaries to our members and their children,” said Manitoba Beef Producers President Heinz Reimer. “Investments in education reap strong dividends. Our past recipients have gone on to careers in the trades and veterinary services, among others with many of them settling in rural Manitoba and making significant contributions to their communities.” Those applying must be at least 17 years old as of January 1, 2016 and be an active beef producer or the child of one. Applicants must use the bursary within two years of receiving it and the program they are attending must be at least one year in duration. Interested students are required to submit an essay no more than 600 words in length discussing what the beef industry means to them, their family, community and Manitoba at large. Students are also asked to include the reasons they enjoy being involved in agriculture. Applicants must also submit either a high school or post-secondary transcript, proof of enrolment in a recognized institution, a list of their community involvement and three references. The application can be found at mbbeef.ca/producers/mbp-bursary. Completed applications must be submitted to MBP by June 3, 2016. All entries will be reviewed by the selection committee and the winners will be notified on July 31, 2016.
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NFU Mourns the Passing of Founding President The National Farmers Union (NFU) wishes to express sincere condolences to the family of Roy Atkinson, who served as their organization’s first President from 1969 until 1978. “It is often said that we can see as far as we do today because we stand upon the shoulders of giants,” said Jan Slomp, NFU President. “Roy Atkinson is certainly one of those giants. His legacy as our farm movement’s leader is unmistakable. He was one of the visionaries who brought provincial farm unions together to create the foundation of our present national organiza-
tion.” Former NFU President (2001-2009), Stewart Wells, places Roy Atkinson in the same league as the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the Canadian Wheat Board, Tommy Douglas, Woodrow Lloyd and Medicare. “Roy was a man of tremendous intellect and discipline,” said Wells. “He believed if you gave people all the information they would make the right decision, and that people should be able to control their own means of production and marketing.” “Roy Atkinson dedicated his life to confronting the powers that are intent on unravelling
farmers’ livelihoods. Older NFU members recall the massive tractor rallies and blockades that farmers organized with Roy at the helm. His sharp analysis of economic and political forces informed his very practical and uncompromising positions in defence of family farmers’ interests,” said Nettie Wiebe, who was NFU President from 1995 to 1998. “Roy was a courageous leader. He fought for and with farm families to
protect their economic interests and their way of life,” continued Wiebe. “He was a clear-eyed strategist who understood the political dynamics of his times. Time and again, he made sure that politicians had to face the farmers on their own terms and see the people whose lives were affected by their policies. Farmers of our generation continue to benefit from Roy’s legacy.” Roy Atkinson was the
President of the Saskatchewan Farmers Union from 1962 until 1969. He was a key figure in creating the National Farmers Union in 1969, which brought together the Ontario, Manitoba, BC and Saskatchewan Farmers Unions, with the support of the Maritime organizations. He served as NFU President until 1978. After retirement from elected office at the NFU, he continued to promote farmers’ interests as an active leader in the
Roy Atkinson
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and other cooperatives. In 2002, he was named to the Order of Canada.
Genetically Engineered Crops the Most Precise Method to Develop New Varieties By Harry Siemens Robert Wager is a faculty member of the Biology Department, Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo BC. His training is in biochemistry and molecular biology working as an independent scientist with zero financial connection to the biotechnology industry. Wager’s focus is on genetically engineered research, educating the public by giving many talks and writing articles that explain different aspects of genetic engineering (GE) technology. In a recent interview, Wager said GE crops are where scientists have changed certain traits by moving in DNA from other sources. These crops are very popular with farmers and today over 90 percent of corn, cotton, soybeans, sugar beets are GE crop varieties in North America, including canola. He delivers his message
directly to farmers and supports what they do. “Farmers would not plant these crops in the acreages that they do unless they believe these crops benefit the environment, and the farmers’ bottom line,” he said. “In both these cases, economic and environmental benefits are well documented for these crops.” What asked about the negativity surrounding GE crops he said the vast majority of that comes from people who are scared, because they have read false information on the internet. Often people trying to sell alternative products put this false information forward. But some of the negativity is coming from others as well he said. “Some people have ideological reasons against this type of technology but the reality is agriculture is by definition the manipulation of the DNA of plants and animals to suit our needs. That is what agriculture is. GE
technology is just the latest technique and by far the most precise method we’ve ever use to change the DNA of our foods.” Some years ago, scientists even changed insulin from what it was before, to where it is not nearly as allergic for people needing it to live a normal life. Virtually all the insulin that is on the market now is a genetic engineered product. “They took the human gene for insulin and now grow it up in microorganisms,” said Wager. “In the past we had to isolate the insulin from the pancreas of cows or pigs so there were many issues with cross reactivity when you are injecting proteins from another species into humans. So now we use just the human protein that is grown up in microorganisms.” Wager said farmers could change attitudes by speaking on what they do and know. “Farmers traditionally have always worried
about farming and are very good at it,” he said. “Canadian farmers are some of the most productive farmers in the entire world. They have concentrated on how to produce the best quality food, and the highest yields, and with the least amount of environmental impact. GE crops have helped in that respect. However today there are large amounts of money being spent to try and convince people GE crops technology is not in fact good, but bad. We’re talking billions of dollars, which does buy much influence.” Wager said farmers are finding themselves facing a backlash of people who think they know what the technology is about and farmers are not quite sure how to deal with it. In the past the average person did not care about primary food production, all they cared about was price and quality at the supermarket. Today people are more interested in how food is actually produced at the primary level. So farmers are faced with questions that they have not had to really think about in the past. “I would argue farmers know this technology better than anybody because they have used it for 20 years,” he said. “What farmers need to do is tell the public or whoever comes asking questions exactly what they do and why they do it. They don’t need to get into the science because that is debated at another level, they need to talk to the public about why they plant a GE crop in a field and how it has changed the way they farm compared to previous years when these options were not available.”
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Prepare the Faraway Dairy Dry Cow for Lactation As a dairy nutritionist, I’ve noticed a new trend amongst dairy farmers in the last few years in feeding and management of their dry cows. The line between a faraway dry cow and close-up dry cow has faded and we are feeding much more nutrient packed rations to them than we used to. I am not saying that this trend is necessarily a bad thing, but I feel that faraway dry cows still have their own special nutrient needs compared to close-up dry cows, which should be recognized and managed for optimum milk production later on in the lactation barn. I believe that a successful faraway dry cow nutrition and management period parallels four objectives, 1. Post-lactation udder goes through a period of rejuvenation, 2. Rumen rebounds by repairing tissue lining and muscle tone
compromised by consuming high starch diets, 3. Internal organs such as the liver damaged by metabolic digestive problems (ketosis and fatty liver syndrome) is also repaired and 4. Immune function is built back up. All of which should happen within a 60 - day total dry cow period, which is still a common practice; 40 days for faraway cows and about 20 pre-lactation days for the close-up animals. I realized that some dairy specialists say that dairy lactation cows really don’t need a 60-day dry cow period to prepare for lactation. They point out that many high milkproducing cows produce significant amounts of milk during the latter part of their lactation and it would be of greater economic benefit to allow additional days of lactation rather than dry them off on a man-made schedule. Aside from the duration of a proper dry cow period, which should I believe should include 40 faraway dry days; the nutrition of faraway dry cows is also very important. The National Research Council (NRC) requirements for energy, protein, minerals and vitamins of the faraway dry cow are
approximately 80 - 85% of a lactating counterpart cow milking 30 litres during later lactation. Consequently, a dairy cow taken off the milk-line should be brought into the non-lactation period with an optimum body condition score at around 3.0 – 3.5 (1 = thin, and 5 = fat) and fed a well-balanced diet based on a maintenance plane of nutrition. While it seems tempting to build back body condition on thinner dairy cows, this exercise should be handled back in later lactation. Similarly, over-conditioned faraway dry cows should be fed like their optimum BCS pen-mates, which avoid putting them a “diet” that leads to metabolic problems such as ketosis and fatty liver syndrome during early lactation. With a proper faraway feeding program, it is not particularly difficult to maintain the dry cow body condition of any animal in the dry cow pen. One should target dry matter intake at 1.8 – 2.0% or about 11 – 12 kg (23 – 25 lbs) of dry feed based on a forage level of at least 60% of total ration dry matter. Most sound recommendations advise that good quality bulky feed such as long stem grassy mixed hay is the best choice for faraway dry cow diets. It should contain enough energy and protein to meet their essential NRC requirements as well as have enough digestible fibre to keep the cows’ rumen functioning. Some research from Penn State (2003) suggests that faraway dry cows fed these traditional high forage feeds allows the dairy cows’ rumen to lose its capacity to digest and absorb milk-producing nutrients. This is an invisible problem, which makes lactating cows play nutritional “catch-up” when they are put back on the milk-line. Subsequently, Penn State says it might be necessary to look at feeding faraway dry cows in a different way. These researchers suggest that faraway dry cows should be fed limited amounts of moderate energy forages complimented with non-forage high fibre feeds such as soy-hulls, cottonseed hulls or corncobs. Known as “onegroup dry cow diets”, these diets can be also be dovetailed into the close-up dry cow program, which primes dry cows for lactation. Other similar diets use a combination of corn silage and straw as proposed by the University of Illinois achieve respective nutritional goals. Aside from the energy and fibre status of these diets, I recommended the entire faraway dry cow diet provide sufficient 14 – 16% protein (dm, basis), particularly for 1st lactation cows coming off the milk-line. I also advocate a well-balanced mineral-vitamin pack containing a high proportion of chelated/organic copper; zinc and selenium as well as high levels of Vitamin A, D and E. Lastly, 10 – 20 g per head per day of commercial cultured yeast should be included. Meeting such nutritional needs of faraway dry cows doesn’t seem difficult to me. I have seen a lot of different diets put in front of them, given the availability to good quality forages and other feed ingredients. I have found that the successful programs are the ones that best matched what nutrients and management that any individual faraway group needed in the first place.
Dairy Farmers Support Green Gold Program
Ray Mangin, DFM Director/MFGA Board Member (left) presents John McGregor, MFGA Hay Expert, with a cheque from DFM, a long-time supporter of the MFGA’s Green Gold program. The Green Gold program, now in its 21st year, helps alfalfa growers across the province identify the optimum harvest date for their forage know as Hay Day.
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New Housing Goes Up on Campus
New bee houses are being tested for functionality at several sites at the University of Manitoba campus and at the farm and food discovery centre. The design contest attracted entries from 9 countries. Photo Courtesy of Robert Currie
By Les Kletke There is some new housing on the campus of the University of Manitoba and it is not for students, it is for bees. The bee houses are also being tested at the Glenlea Research Station and the University’s Carman Farm. The designs of the new structures were part of a contest sponsored by the University that attracted entries across Canada and eight other countries. It had no cash prizes but brought the honour of having successful entries constructed and tested for their bee likability. “There were no prizes but the bragging rights to the contest and seeing their designs being built and tested,” said Rob Currie one of the event organizers. The contest called for structures that would house 80-100 individual bees and be more attractive than the current models on the market. “Bees can live in trash or build houses in dead branches but people are not too keen about having that around their yard,” said Currie. “So the idea is to have something that people might find attractive and put in their yard, but it still has to be functional and house the bees. So that is why they are being tested to see if the bees will inhabit them.”
Currie acknowledges that the designs are a bit unusual and more concerned with appearance than normally thought of. “There were some that looked like x’s and some that looked like o’s, which is not what I would have thought of but we will see if the bees like them,” he said. “Theories are being tested on campus and various sites so we can get a reading of how the bees respond.” The houses vary in size but most are less than one cubic foot in volume. One is in the shape of a bench that could accommodate flowers. Currie said that bee populations have been depleted in recent years and the contest is part of an effort to maintain and rebuild the population. “While pesticides are often implicated in the decrease in population they are a number of other factors that have contributed to the decline in population,” he said. “There have been parasites and disease problems that are a factor, as well as weather issues.” He is hopeful the contest will become an annual competition, and at least one Manitoba firm is considering commercializing production of the houses if they prove successful in attracting bees. Unlike human real estate, it is about not only location, location, location there is also a strong element of design that bees consider before moving into a new modernized home.
Designs TTested ested to Attract the Next Bee Generation By Les Kletke A contest calling for new more aseptically pleasing housing for bees has exceeded organizers expectations. The contest sponsored by the University of Manitoba called for entrants to provide a design for a practical bee house that individuals may choose to put in their yard. Ian Hall of the University of Manitoba said that not only were the designs new and innovative so were the materials used in the construction. “We had one entry that was printed by a 3-D printer in plastic,” said Hall the Director of Sustainability at the U of M. The winning entries were placed at various sites including the Fort Garry Campus and the St. Norbert Farmers Market. Some will be placed in more urban settings like the Forks or the U of M campus on Bannatyne. “We are hoping to raise the awareness of people while testing the houses design for practicality,” said Hall. “With the new designs people might choose to have a bee house in their yard and we hope to find that is, considering the commercialization of the new designs if they prove practical for the bees.” The houses are not designed for specific varieties of bees. “The holes for the bees vary from 1 mm to 8 or 9 mm,” said Hall. “That is something that a bee might deposit a part of a leaf in.” While the houses are not intended for leaf cutter bees that are used to pollinate forage fields the behaviour of some of these bees is similar and they would bring clippings from leaves back to deposit in the holes. “The designs are much more playful than what is on the market and one of them looks like a flower,” he said. “We want the bees to come back and lay eggs in these structures so that is what we will be testing for to see if the bees like the structures.” There are no insects being released with the trial, it is intended to provide a home for wild bees to replace natural habitat that people might not find as attractive and have instead cleaned up. “The designs are unlike anything on the market and we have no way of knowing what bees will like until we test it. That is what we are doing by placing these are various sites. We will see how the bees react to the new designs.” Each of the houses are intended to hold up to 100 bees.
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The Agri Post
Halt the Advancement of Pinkeye in Your Beef Herd By Peter Vitti It’s a funny thing about walking amongst beef cattle; I tend to catch things that I wouldn’t otherwise see just by staring at them from a truck. Take spotting cattle with pinkeye for instance. The other week, I was walking along with the feedlot manager after the feed-bunk was filled. Most of the beef finishers were up to the bunk cable and eating, but about a dozen animals hung back. I saw that two of these steers had each something wrong with one eye; one animal had an inflamed dripping eye that was closed shut, while the other steer had a visibly cloudy eye. The manager took their ear-tag numbers and treated them that afternoon for pinkeye. By now, I understand that the patches used to protect their infected eyes had fallen off and both animals are up to the bunk with the rest of the cattle, like nothing happened. This story is a good reminder that early detection, rapid treatment and a good prevention program should halt the advancement of pinkeye in most cattle herds. We should also be reminded that untreated cattle that go blind in one diseased eye consume less feed and don’t gain as well compared to cattle with acceptable two-eye vision. For example, mid-American research [SDSU, 2013] states that spring calves diagnosed with pinkeye weigh about 20 lbs. less than normal, which translated in hard cash is about $30 of lost revenue at weaning time. Even with a respective pinkeye program in place, some people are shocked when a string of their cattle comes down with this highly contagious and painful disease caused by Moraxella bovis bacteria. In itself, the healthy bovine eye has adequate defence mechanisms to prevent M.bovis growth, but a num-
ber of factors particularly during the summer months come together that breakdown this natural protection and cause a pinkeye outbreak. I find it surprising that pinkeye can literarily start with one animal; a cattle’s eye for whatever reason starts to tear, which underlies the perfect environment for the M.bovis bacteria to thrive. The initial source of eye irritation can come from anywhere such as abrasive pasture grass, dust, wind, or excessive sunlight, yet by far the primary source of cattle eye irritation is the common face fly. Face flies are naturally attracted to the head of cattle on pasture, and specifically attracted to the discharges of the eye. These flies have abrasive spongy mouthparts that stimulate the eye to tear, so they can feed off the secretions. Inadvertently, they fly from one individual transferring m.bovis from animals with clinical pinkeye or recovered pinkeye carriers (still harbor bacteria in inner eyelid surface) to healthy cattle. These flies also cause small scratches on the conjunctiva and corneas of the eyes when they feed, which makes it much easier for the M. bovis organisms to attach to the eye tissue and thrive. Treating cattle infected with pinkeye can be straightforward, but nobody should wait for it to appear before medical action is taken. A sound program for pinkeye prevention may start with insecticidal and non-chemical control, which focuses around the head of the animal as well as takes into account that face flies spend only about 10% of their adult life on the face of cattle. Face flies are usually found spending most of their time on fences, trees and other objects. In the fall time, face flies tend to overwinter in cattle buildings. Consequently, the underlying foundation of a good pink-
eye control programs are: - Ear-tag protection – Plastic ear-tags are impregnated with either organophosphates or pyrethroids. One tag per season is recommended per animal. Most people should be aware that the efficacy of the insecticide in ear-tags is good up to about five-month control. - Strategic rotation of insecticides - It’s also common practice for producers to alternate organo- and pyrethrin-based tags every other year to reduce the chance of face-fly resistance. Note: a new ear tag has come out in recent years that contain both of these insecticides. - Non-chemical and animal management – Some producers keep their cattle out of tall grass pasture and overgrown bush, which is not always practical, but reduces the incidence of eye irritation. In drylots, excessively dusty areas are controlled by various means. Ideally, infected animals should be isolated from the rest of the herd, because they are highly contagious. - Nutrition prevention - Make sure nutrients that promote good eyesight and a functioning immune system (such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, copper and selenium) are fed. - Feed management - I know of one feedlot producer who adds water to his beef grower diet to keep the dust, down. Another producer quit empting dusty feedlot ration on the heads of the cattle during feeding time to avoid irritating feed getting in the cattle’s eyes. Such methods to halt pinkeye in cattle are important because of the serious economic losses when an animal loses sight of even one eye. Pinkeye might be a summer-time disease because of the associated risks involved, but implementing the proper treatment and prevention programs can help producers combat the effects of pinkeye, all year round.
Private Crop Hail Insurance Are you protected from the devastation of Hail and Fire to your crop? With Private Crop Hail Insurance, you get both Hail and Fire coverage. Both losses are paid on a “spot loss” basis. Crop Hail insurance provides immediate cash flow relief. Hail insurance is one of the smallest per acre input costs. Can you afford to lose any part of your crop? Insurance companies are just like you, they know it will hail this summer, they just do not know where. So they limit the amount of risk they accept in any one area. Once they get to that dollar amount, they stop selling in that specific area. The problem is that if you have not purchased your coverage yet, you will need to buy from another company, likely at a higher cost. Therefore, you may
want to consider buying sooner rather than later. Insurance: Money from many to pay for the losses of a few. This is the very basic principle of insurance. These insurance companies practice Risk Management. You do as well. How much risk can you afford and how much are you comfortable with? Be sure to seek advice and purchase insurance from those who understand your business! Andy Anderson is an Associate Insurance Broker specializing in General, Life and Group Benefits for Farm and Business P 204-746-5589, F 866-765-3351, andya@rempelinsurance.com / rempelinsurance.com /or valleyfinancial.ca.
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Abandoned Farm House to Scare Away Cancer By Joan Airey Grim Acres Scare Away Cancer located between Brandon and Kemnay is a project started six years ago by Brian and Amber Sutherland, a young couple to raise money for Cancer Society in Manitoba. The original setting for this event was in their yard in Brandon but they have moved to a farmyard and spent the past year expanding the event by turning an abandoned house and farm sheds into a maze with more animatronics and displays. Last year forty volunteers and actors helped stage the four-day event. “Amber and I had always been a fan of the local fundraiser haunts in Shoal Lake and Brandon, and had always wanted to somehow get involved locally in helping out at one. As time went on, we soon realized that Grim Acres was beginning to take on a life and purpose of its own. Six year ago, we really decided to take the leap and recreate Grim Acres as a fundraiser maze during Halloween season. It was a natural progression for us and our project. Both Amber and I had lost our mothers to cancer over the years. My father fought a long battle with lung cancer, before finally passing away a few years ago as a result of complications from only having one lung,” said Sutherland. Grim Acers Scare Away Cancer has become a huge event and requires a lot of time, effort and financial investment. The Sutherlands are often asked, if they spend so much of their own on the event, why they do not charge to offset the cost. The reality is that
while it costs them a large amount of money to finance the event their sole purpose is to keep raising money to scare away cancer. They accept cash donations at the door for a tour of Grim Acres in Halloween season and those donations are all turned over to the Cancer Society. “We had over 1,200 square feet of haunt space on three floors, as well as space outdoors, which we maximized for concessions, a kids laser tag area, and a professional DJ to help keep the crowd entertained. Additionally we also had our hugely successful flash mob come back from last year, which is instrumental in our success every year. For the 2015 season we had over 3,000 visitors and guests over the four day event, with some coming from as far away as Winnipeg, a busload of people from Rossburn, and on our biggest night had a crowd of well over eight hundred standing in attendance. All told, we were able to raise over $12,000, taking our five-year total to over $33,000 for the Cancer Society. We also have a Grim Acres Scare Away Cancer relay team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life and volunteered to help out at the ‘Stick it to Cancer’,” said Sutherland. “Many business in the area help the project grow. The new location needed electrical service for which Chown Electric donated material and labour. C & C donated the use of a port-a-potty and Hertz loaned us a large light and
generator for the parking area. Centum Mortgage and RDI Roofing covered the cost of shingles and labour for the new haunt. Behlen has donated the cladding so Amber and I can close in the 3,000 sq foot pole shed during this summer. This will mean more mazes for visitors to pass through. We are always looking for volunteers and actors to wear costumes,” said Sutherland. “We invested our own money to build a new shed this spring for our concessions and volunteers. Grim Acres is located at 52030 Stanley Road and we plan to be open October 28 -30 from 6 -10 pm and October 31 from 6 - 11 pm,” said Amber Sutherland. If you would like to learn more about this four-day country event, you can check out grimacres.ca or on Facebook under “Grim Acres Scare Away Cancer”.
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The Value of Friends By Les Kletke Rylan Laudin knew the value of friends. In his Valedictory Address to the School of Agriculture 2016, Laudin stressed that long after students had forgotten the names of the reproductive parts or the internal organs of a chicken the friendships they had struck during the two years in the program would still be will them and still be just as valuable. Laudin, aged 23 was tragically killed in a farm accident the day after graduation. In his address, he joked that in true to tradition he had completed the address at 2 am that morning. “But had got it done before the deadline.” “It was just like so many things we did in the last two years,” he said. “We did it together, whether it was a Facebook group chat or in person, we helped each other and that is what mattered.” He went on to talk about reaching out to others in the Ag community. “There are Aggies everywhere and we can call on them. It was an honour to go through the final presentation and have the opportunity to present our budgets and ratios to those people who had come back because they have an interest in the program.”
Addressing the programs’ instructors, he offered thanks. “You made it manageable, you supported us when we needed it,” said Laudin. “That was what got us through and we thank you.” In an interview after the ceremony he shared with a smile, “I am a bit more ‘mature’ than some of the other students. “Laudin had spent 5 years working in the industry in the seed sector, had worked on a farm in Australia and was planning to continue his education by attending the diesel mechanics course at Red River Community College in the fall. “Something I will be able to use on the farm, or do some work for the neighbours,” he said. He was returning to the family farm at Brunkild, a 2,500-acre operation that produces alfalfa seed, wheat, oats and soybeans. When asked about what farmers need to do better he did not hesitate. “Succession planning,” he said. “We do a good job on the day to day things, we are growing a good pool of knowledge but we need to do more about planning for the future.” Rylan was clear on another thing. “My dad taught me so much when I went to University, it seems that so many of the things he did make sense now,” he smiled and his eyes twinkled.
Rylan Laudin told the grads of 2016 that friendships will last long past when they forget the names of a chicken’s internal organs.
Portage Entrepreneur Insists on Doing it Right By Les Kletke Kelly Beaulieu hates waste and wanted to do something about it, so she started Canadian Garden Puree a company
that is making great strides in reducing the waste of vegetables grown in Manitoba. “We waste 30-60% of the production of Manitoba vegetables,”
said Beaulieu. “Because they are not perfect. Just because they have, a blemish does not decrease their value as food. We are going to have 9.5 billion people in the world by 2050, we need to feed them.” Beaulieu was awarded the Certificate of Merit for her achievements in agriculture at the 2016 Convocation of the School of Agriculture but it is the future she wants to talk about not her past achievements. “Our plant in Portage will be able to process 50 million pounds of vegetables a year,” she said. “We will buy the farmers total production, not just the vegetables that are perfect.” By process Beaulieu, means turn the produce into puree and package aseptically for shipment to customers around the world. Although her company is called Canadian Garden Puree, it has expanded too much more than vegetable crops. It also processes dry pulse crops into products that can be used as binders in the meat industry. “We buy chick
Kelly Beaulieu was awarded the Certificate of Merit at the 2016 Graduation Ceremony for her work with processing Manitoba foods into purees. She established a state of the art production plant at Portage for Canadian Garden Purees.
pea and navy bean flower from local plants, process and package it and ship it off to meat processors,” she said. “It replaces what was formerly flour and egg mixture and is gluten free. It also reduces the microbial load that occurs when manufactures soak the crops themselves.” The 16 million dollar plant is fully automated and will be able to run with 50 people when fully operational and up to capacity. Currently the Portage company employs 10 people. Beaulieu a professional Agrologist with both a
BA (English and History), a BSc in Agriculture (Horticulture) and credentials earned from the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists is a firm believer in practicing what she preaches so when she started to look for equipment she insisted on equipment that would have a minimal footprint on the environment. “We could not find anything that met our expectations,” she said. “So we designed the equipment our selves and put it in the food lab in Portage la Prairie, next might be a standalone plant but we
have to get established in the business.” Her first year has already resulted in $10 million in sales, and she said that is only the tip of the iceberg in the food industry. She lists her clients as the major manufactures in the soup and baby food industry as well as food processors and the restaurant trade that uses her puree in soups. The puree is shipped out in 1,300 kg totes and 50-gallon drums that contain a plastic liner. Looking to the future, she is not only positive about the growth of her company but sees things that could impact Manitoba vegetable production on a larger scale. “We get half our vegetables from California and with the water issues there we will find their production reduced and prices increasing. The prairies are going to benefit from global warming and we already have 80,000 acres of irrigated land in Manitoba, the potential is tremendous. Kelly Beaulieu was recognized with the Certificate of Merit but she is only beginning a journey to put Manitoba food processing on the world map.
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Taking Our Place in the Community By Les Kletke Dean, Dr. Karin Wittenberg told the graduating class of the School of Agriculture, that agriculture had been left out again. “We have been left out of the current down turn in the economy,” she said in her address to the class of 2016, “We have been left out again just as in the last two down turns.” She went on to say that, this is a good time to be in the business of agriculture and the future looks as bright as at any time. “We see numbers that are predicting a growth rate of 5-6% in our sector and that makes it one of the brightest sectors of the economy,” said Wittenberg. She also had a word of warning for those who might have thought her address was all about sunshine and lollipops in the future. “We did not teach you everything, in the past 4 years the world has gained as
much information as it had in the previous 3,000 so it is impossible to have taught you everything you will need to know.” Wittenberg did not restrict her remarks to the economy and the job market but broached the place that the school of agriculture plays in the community. It was the first graduation ceremony that featured a traditional native honour song to open the ceremony. Justina Mckay opened the ceremony with a song to honour mother earth. Wittenburg said it was only fitting to have a song recognizing the native traditions at a time when the University had to concern itself with more that teaching methods of agriculture. “We have to be concerned about our place in the community and how we interact with the community; we have to recognize the treaties between our nations and the
history of our province.” Fittingly both the Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture attended the event and were part of the official event. In the reception that followed, Wittenberg noted that it was great to have an alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture as the Minister of Education. MLA Ian Wishart joked that he had never been lucky enough to be a dip, “I was only
Dean of Agriculture Karin Wittenberg says it is good to have alumni Ian Wishart as the Minister of Education.
High Hopes for New Minister and Rural Manitobans By Les Kletke The province’s agricultural organizations have given the new Agricultural Minister a conservative vote of confidence while adopting a wait and see approach to what the new government will bring to the industry. Ralph Eichler was named Minster of Agriculture by Premier Brian Pallister and while not a farmer does bring some agricultural business savvy to the position. He is the former owner of Prairie Ranch and Farm Supply and currently owns Ray’s Auction Service at Tuelon. The Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) Association said it is ready to
work with Eichler. “Agriculture is such an integral part of our province,” said President Jason Voth. “Pulse and Soybean acres are strong here, and it should be encouraging to our membership that someone with Mr. Eichler’s expertise is at the helm. We look forward to collaborating with him.” “This is an exciting time for Manitoba,” said MPSG’s Executive Director Francois Labelle. “The province’s future looks bright. We are confident in Mr. Eichler’s ability to lead and make sound, prudent decisions, and we’re excited for the opportunity to cultivate strong relationships with him and his office.” Keystone Agriculture Producers (KAP) is happy with
Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture, and Ian Wishart, Minister of Education both attended the School of Agriculture graduation and both are expected to bring a strong rural presence to the new Cabinet.
in the degree program,” he said. Director of the School, Michele Rigalosky, challenged the 70 graduates to take their place in the community not only in production agriculture but also in leadership roles. She noted that perhaps a future Minister of Agriculture might be in the class of 2016. “A classmate of mine, Cliff Cullen, from 1984 is now an MLA so it is up to you.”
the rural representation in the new cabinet of which at least two have formal training in agriculture. Ian Wishart a former KAP President has been named Minister of Education, and Cliff Cullen is a graduate of the School of Agriculture. KAP President Don Mazur said that representation from rural Manitoba could only be a benefit. “The premier sets that tone and anytime they can mention all of Manitoba, and rural Manitoba especially, I think it bodes well for agriculture in general. We know at least it’s in the background of their thoughts when they’re trying to decide some important situations.” Eichler is not a stranger to Ag policy and has been active representing Manitoba internationally. His peers elected him as a Director to the State Agriculture Rural Leaders Board, a cross-border group with members from Canada, the United States and Mexico. The group brings together stakeholders from provincial, state, and federal governments to discuss and develop agriculture policy and to exchange best practices. Most organizations acknowledge that the provincial government will be working with strict fiscal controls and do not expect a windfall of provincial programs but all are hopeful the programs in place will be maintained.
School of Agriculture, University of Manitoba Diploma in Agriculture 109th Graduating Class Adamson, Jody Ruth; Gladstone Gilmore, Benjamin J.; Oak Bluff McLaren, Keean M.; Carberry Adriaansen, Adam V.; Douglas Gregory, Campbell P.; Fisher Branch Meggison, Sheena F.; Goodlands Anseeuw, Cale D.; Oak Bluff Hamblin, Janessa R.; Warren Mueller, Melanie; Arnaud Audet, Russel Z.; St. Pierre-Jolys Hamilton, Andrea; Glenboro Murphy, Luanne E.; Teulon Bashford, David E.*; Binscarth Henderson, Tyler G.; La Riviere Onyschak, Patrick C.; McCreary Bergen, Magdalene M.; Altona Hildebrand, Matthew A.; Altona Parker, Jamie L.; Sanford Blerot, Daniel; Grande Pointe Holod, Ryley A.; Stonewall Penner, Derek M.; Winkler Boonstra, Chelsea D.; Meadows Holtmann, Joseph T.*; Rosser Pfrimmer, Josh Ryan++; Roland Bruneau, Gregg N.; St. Claude Janssen, Monique*; Brunkild Pouteau, Devin R.* ; Sanford Bruneau, Jenna L.; St. Claude Joyal, Jared D.; Winnipeg Robertson, Jordan A.; Treherne Buchanan, Jayden K.; Crystal City Karpinchick, Elizabeth E.*; St. Pierre-Jolys Sabourin, Jayden G. ; St. Jean Baptiste Bueckert, Cody Ryan+; Altona Kiel, Elliott D.; Teulon Schweizer, Kristina M.; Cartier Chandler, Morgan Paige; Gladstone Kieper, James Wyatt; Russell Siemens, Harley K.; Rosenort Davy, April J.; Fisher Branch Kirchner, Ralf; Oak Bluff Soper, Lyndon P.; Gladstone Dodds, Rhett D.; Elgin Klippenstein, Julianna R.*; Niverville Stewart, Maxwell D.; Marquette Doerksen, Joel E.*; MacGregor Kostal, Brandon J.; Winnipeg Strang, Adam T.; Dauphin Doornbos, Geertje J.; Carman Laudin, Calder B.; Brunkild Tataryn, Kyle*; Selkirk Drewry, Robert Connor; Cartwright Laudin, Rylan E.; Brunkild Thomson, Landon G.; MacGregor Dyck, Jenilee K.*; Winkler Lepp, Jodi D.; Brandon Turski, Erin I.; Vermette Ferguson, Cord D.; Gladstone Martin, Cory J.; Swan River Vuignier, Pierre N.; Notre Dame de Lourdes Findlay, Evan; Rosser Martin, Daniel A.*; East Selkirk Wiebe, Cooper C.; Starbuck Friesen, Kenleigh J.; Reinland Mazinke, Dylan J.; Morris Wright, Bradley A.*; MacGregor Frieze, Nolan T.; Russell Mazinke, Matthew Ryan++; Morris Wytinck, Christian J.; Cypress River Gerber, Tobijah J.; Fort Frances, ON *With Distinction, (The Diploma in Agriculture with Distinction is awarded to Agriculture Diploma students who obtain a Grade Point Average of 3.75 or better out of a possible 4.5). +October 2015 Graduate. ++February 2016 Graduate.
A Leader Does Nothing in Isolation By Les Kletke Marlene Baskerville’s name might not have been recognized by many before she was named as a winner of the Certificate of Merit from the Faculty of Agriculture during the School of Agriculture’s Convocation but there is little doubt most have felt the impact of the work she has done. Baskerville has spent a career helping organizations make things happen, even in retirement she is serving as the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies, the umbrella organization of the provinces 59 Agricultural societies. She is also the Finance
Chair of the provinces largest Ag society, which is responsible for the Red River Exhibition, and the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Baskerville was part of the movement establishing the 4H organization and still plays an active role in its activities as a co-leader. This role as a leader is a return engagement for Baskerville who has served in every capacity in the organization, member, leader, parent, and departmental staff before returning as a leader. Baskerville grew up on a farm at Rosenfeld and earned a teaching diploma from the Manitoba Teachers College. After a stint teaching, she de-
cided to enter the faculty of Home Economics. Upon graduation, she was hired by the Department of Agriculture and began work in Bossevain as the Home Economist. She moved to Winnipeg as the Agriculture Curriculum Specialist and remained there until 2012. She also served as the Acting Superintendent of Agricultural Societies and was involved with the Century Farm Program. In accepting the award Baskerville commented, “That nothing is done in isolation.” There is little doubt that most of the people in the industry of agriculture in the province of Manitoba have been touched by work she has done in agricultural organizations.
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The Push to Plant
Wes and Ray Schroeder loading a seeder preparing to put in a quarter section of soybeans. Photo by Elmer Heinrichs
Farmers on the Move to Finish Seeding By Elmer Heinrichs The province’s crop report estimated that by mid-May seeding was 61% done. It also noted that the unseasonably cool weather had slowed progress, with some frost damage reported. Sunshine and warmer temperatures are now encouraging farmers to get on with seeding. A majority of cereals are seeded with progress ranging from 90 to 100%. Crops are emerging nicely where moisture is adequate. However, some areas are noting slow emergence and growth due to cooler air and soil temperatures, as well as drier soil conditions in some areas. Altona Farm Production Advisor Dennis Lange expects Manitoba will have 100,000 to 120,000 acres of both edible beans and peas this year, with perhaps up to 1.4 million acres of soybeans, the newest favourite. Lower than normal snowfall, followed by high winds, helped to dry the topsoil in many Manitoba fields. The result has been spotty germination in some fields. At Plum Coulee, farmer Doug Dyck said the soil in their area is extremely dry and the early emerging crops is in difficulty with frost, dryness and wind all playing havoc with the young crop. “Right in our area and north to Kane we missed some of the rains and it’s as dry as it was in the 1980s. Unless we get some rains soon, it could be a pretty sparse crop,” noted Dyck. Central region reports excellent winter survival of winter wheat and fall rye. Most fields are tillering, with some stem elongation in fall rye reported. Eastern region, usually a bit later, reported 60% seeded by mid-month, consisting of 70% of spring wheat, 60% of the canola acres, as well as sunflowers, field peas and corn. With favourable weather forecasted, farmers were expected to make considerable progress. Also with warmer weather, quick emergence of canola, soybeans and corn is expected. Across the region, majorities of hay fields are in good condition, and pasture lands range from good to fair. Livestock producers are moving cattle to pasture and supplemental feeding.
CFA Supports Efforts to Keep the Canadian Family Farm Intact A private members bill tabled recently, Bill C-274 is taking on the inefficient tax treatment of intergenerational transfers for small businesses, addressing a major issue for family farm and fishing businesses. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is was to see MP Guy Caron’s bill propose amendments to the Income Tax Act that would ease the tax burden on farmers seeking to transfer their businesses to the next generation. “Over $50 billion in farm assets are set to change hands over the next 10 years as farmers age and future plans are made. In order to ensure the continuation of family farms in Canada, urgent efforts are needed to address the barriers hindering farm transfers to family members. We are pleased to see this issue move forward in Parliament and are hopeful it receives the political profile and priority it deserves,” said CFA President Ron Bonnett. CFA regularly hears from farmers across the country encountering significant and costly obstacles when attempting to pass their businesses on to family members. Specific tax rules pose disincentives to keeping farms within the family and actually incent sales to non-family members. In many instances, farmers find it markedly less costly to sell their farms to outside buyers. “Simply put, if taxation barriers aren’t addressed, we will see fewer and fewer family farms in Canada. We support Mr. Caron and his colleague’s commitment to addressing these tax burdens that could cause significant administrative burden, cost, and ultimately disruption to what looks to be the most significant period of farm transfers in the history of Canadian agriculture,” added Bonnett. At this point, 98% of Canadian farms continue to be family-owned and operated and CFA is committed to working with government, and all parties, to ensure the Income Tax Act supports the continuation of this successful and valued farming tradition.
Stay Safe During Busy Farming Season Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade reminds farmers, farm families, employees and motorists to be aware of the health and safety risks associated with spring activities. Manitobans are encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect themselves. To help improve safety on and around the farm, Manitoba farmers can: - create a safe, separate play area for children on the farm; - identify which farmrelated tasks may be appropriate for children, based on their age, skill levels and the North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks, which are available at nagcat.org; - ensure equipment and machinery is regularly inspected and maintained in good working condition; - use appropriate personal protective
equipment when working with chemicals, fuel and other potentially dangerous materials; - understand the risks associated with handling livestock, particularly if they may be under stress; - ensure all farm equipment is appropriately lit and marked before travelling on roadways, with all required permits in place;
- take extra precautions when driving past slowmoving farm equipment; - train new workers, including family members, about on-farm risks and regularly review these materials with all workers; and - take time to rest, even during busy periods.
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Canadians Helping Feed the Less Fortunate from start to finish. The silk worms eat the mulberry leaves 3 times a day, which creates the cocoons and then the silk thread, which is coloured naturally in up to one hundred colours. The Alliance Church of Canada is the main supporter of the silk farm,” said
By Joan Airey For seventeen days at the end of March Ray Baloun, a grain see buyer from the Brandon area, with other members of the Canada Food Grains Bank visited Laos and parts of India. The group visited Canada Food Grain Bank partner projects to learn how their work contributes to ending global hunger. “For years I’ve been a Food Grains Bank board member and growing project leader. I coordinate a project called Kernels of Hope, where city folks sponsor the input costs for growing a crop and with the proceeds from the sale of that crop being donated to the Food Grains Bank and matched by the Government,” said Baloun. At the Malto Village in a remote area near Pakur, India, in the eastern central parts north of Kolkata and very near Bangladesh, the group visited one of the projects. “The Maltos all live high in the hills. The land there is not very fertile. The crop that was curing tasted something like a date. They gather it from the ground under trees in March, dry it and take much of it to the local weekly market that is about twelve kilometres away from the village where I took the photograph. Once a week people take things they can grow or make to sell in the market while buying food and supplies there. They have no refrigerators and poor storage means that you don’t buy more than you will use within a week,” explained Baloun. “When we asked the people in this village if they were able to grow enough food for the year, they answered that it would usually last about four months. Some of them would need to travel to cities or large farms and get jobs for part of the year to survive.” World Relief Canada has only been working with them for a few months. The village had a few fruit trees that were fenced off that would help with the local diet especially since life expectancy in Malto Villages is currently at a maximum of sixty. The village also had a school and the younger children were taking advantage of the opportunity. The people over thirty likely had little or no schooling. Houses had small fire pits for cooking and heating if needed. “When we visited the village it was really hot outdoors,” said Baloun on not needing warmth during the tour. Sugeet works for EFICOR a World Relief partner in India guiding the group during the tour most of the time in India. The group visited with a
domly but we had running water,” said Baloun. Baloun said food is not shipped from Canada anymore. It is now untied which means we can buy it in the country of need and move it to those in need or buy it near by. This makes it much time-
can feed themselves and their families expressed Baloun. “The fifteen partners of the Canadian Food Grains Bank work diligently in helping people in about forty countries a year to survive and to thrive when possible. There are many ways this is done
Sugeet works with EFICOR a partner with World Relief in India who guided the group tour explaining about the farmer’s crop of Malto corn seed and how they look after the seed.
farmer who showed them his seed corn. “They have to wait till the rainy season before they plant their corn or maize on the side of the hills and they need to protect their seed until planting season. Protecting seed in India is very different from in Canada. Here we might order canola seed with insecticide or something to keep diseases away. There they have to protect the seed either by hanging it in the rafters of their houses where it’s away from rodents and hopefully in the smoke from their fires so bugs stay out off it. They also must protect it from themselves, eating the seed. If you have no food available and see the seed you need to save to grow a crop, just hanging there, it must be hard decision to not eat it. Survival for now or for the future? At this same village they told us, to protect the crop while it is growing a person is stationed in a small hut on the field to guard it from wild pigs and monkeys who both can destroy the crop quickly,” said Baloun. “The market is run every Monday year round. It is where the village farmers get all their supplies. The main guy sitting by the grain bags caught my eye because I thought of him as sort of having my job [The Grain Guy]. He was buying and selling various kinds of beans, lentils and peas of which most would be used for eating but I’m sure some would be used for seed. He was mostly selling and just had a blanket in front that he would pull back to access money for change. He was very friendly and seemed to be doing a brisk business. We didn’t find out any prices. There are currently about 50 rupees in a Canadian dollar but there would also be bartering going on,” said Baloun. Before going to India Ray Baloun made a purchase from Loonie Twoons in Brandon some rubber balls representing the globe since they were unbreakable in a suitcase. “They were so cool to be able to put perspective into the minds of the villagers of loca-
tion of both us and them. Often I would give one to the village leader and draw an X with a pen on the middle of Manitoba and an X on their part of their country. Through the interpreter, I would say something like ‘Our Worlds have come a little bit closer today’. The person in the accompanying photograph was very intrigued with the globe and followed us all the way to the bottom of the steep path that led to their village to ask more questions about the geography. Who knows how those globes may have sparked someone’s imagination of what is out there,” said Baloun. The tour group was away for seventeen days and spent fifty-one hours flying. They always traveled west going around the world once. They also traveled with half-ton trucks, small SUVs, trains and on foot. Baloun said the locals had an amazing variety of conveyances especially in India. “In the steep hills in Laos in the province of Xianghoung that is north west of Laos very near Vietnam we saw a lady getting ready to plant a crop. They will carve out fields on steep hillsides and farm the field for about four years till most of the nutrients are gone, then they move to a different piece of forest and start again. It is incredibly steep even to walk on. Lots of clearing is done by fire and erosion is a problem,” said Baloun. “In a village in Laos, all the houses are elevated off the ground about seven feet. Under a few of the houses were looms. The ladies were busy making fine detailed cloth on the looms for skirts and other uses that they would sell at a local market. They were made of cotton. The young girls were making the thread somehow. I ended up buying one finished cloth that would be intended for a skirt. They asked 100,000 KIP that was about fourteen dollars Canadian. The memory will last longer than the cloth.” “This wasn’t silk but we did visit a silk farm near the city that they made everything
Having a truck in a village caused much excitement, as the women did not have to carry wood to build a fire to cook dinner, which is the normal way of life.
Baloun. “In one village we visited they had gathered wood into a truck box for the first time. Normally the ladies had to go and get the firewood for cooking but the guys somehow got access to the truck for a day and they were excited to go out and cut the wood and haul it in. The village did have a well for water. That took two of the biggest time and labour items off their shoulders, literally off the ladies who were preparing the meals,” said Baloun. Often the food grains bank will supply poor families with two goats or maybe two pigs. The more well off families often had cattle. “We ate in the villages in both countries. I’m a meat and potatoes and Lemon Pie guy but I learned to eat a little of mostly everything they offered. Lots of chicken and rice in both countries. Otherwise, we stayed in adequate enough hotels, in the cities power was often going off and on ran-
A market in India.
The two cement rings are for collecting water that comes from a pipe inserted in a spring high on the hills near the village. A small stream of water comes in that really is not sufficient for the village needs. Clean water means healthy people that can work hard to feed themselves. It also saves an enormous amount of labour and time for the ladies.
lier in case of emergencies and does not upset the local market. It also provides them with food that they are familiar with, that is a big thing. The Food Grains Bank often supplies seed, tools, and fishing equipment and know how projects so they can better feed themselves. People anywhere are happier if they
and it is always done so that we know the funds are going to places that are accountable for the proper use. HOPE is a small word but it is a HUGE thing that Canadians are able to provide to people they will likely never meet on the other side of world. The people we met were so thankful that Canadians care,” said Baloun.
Photos by Ray Baloun
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Land Owners Hoping Pallister Government Does the Right Thing on Bipole III By Harry Siemens Sometime in 2015, then opposition leader Brian Pallister said if he became premier he would not rule out shutting down construction of the $4.6billion Bipole III transmission line and relocating the massive project to the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Pallister said if it results in a savings to Manitobans, then it would naturally be cancelled. Now that Pallister is the new premier Jurgen Kohler a farmer at Brunkild and Chair of Manitoba BiPole Landowner Committee is looking for the new PC government to do the right thing. “We expect the new government to put BiPole III on hold and have Public Utilities Board [PUB] do a proper review,” said Kohler. “While this review is being done we want the new government to extend the Land Values Appraisal Commission, [LVAC] deadline by at least one to two years. If the result of the review is
that BiPole III keeps going ahead, then we expect government to direct Manitoba Hydro to negotiate in good faith with us through Canadian Association of Energy and Pipeline Landowner Associations, [CAEPLA].” Earlier, before the April 19 election, Kohler said Manitoba Hydro refused to negotiate in good faith, is not respecting the property rights of family farmer and would not recognize the Canadian Association of Energy & Pipeline Landowners Associations [CAEPLA]. “Manitoba Hydro and the NDP Government are using police state tactics to bully and intimidate landowners whenever they meet opposition to building the transmission towers for Bipole III. Instead of consulting with rural citizens, they are surveilling them,” said Kohler. “Farmers and landowners know how to best take care of their own land, livestock, and agriculture. They have the best in-
centive to ensure environmental protection and biosecurity, not the Government and Crown Corporation.” Now Kohler is waiting for the PC government to do the right thing as they outlined in a release during the recent election campaign. “The Selinger NDP government’s approach to Manitoba Hydro is reckless and dangerous,” said Pallister during the campaign. “It guarantees a focus not on conservation or energy efficiency, but on increasing rates at home while selling power at a loss to Manitoba’s competitors in the US. The focus should be on protecting Manitobans.” Pallister had gone on to say, “A PC government will return Manitoba to its place as a leader in energy efficiency and will curb increases in Hydro rates. We will establish an arm’s-length demand-side management agency with a focus on making Manitoba a leader in energy-savings programming.”
Marginal Increases in Crop Production Forecasted By Elmer Heinrichs Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC), in its May crop outlook report, says after taking into account Statistics Canada’s March report on seeding intentions, it appears that 2016 area seeded to field crops in Canada will be only marginally higher than 2015. Manitoba should see increases in barley, peas and soybeans, says AAFC in its May outlook. Significantly, higher area seeded to pulse crops, coarse grains and durum is expected to more than offset the lower area seeded to non-wheat and oilseeds. In western Canada, the area in summer fallow is forecast to continue its downward trend, which will open up some area for seeding with crops. For all crops, average or trend yields have been assumed despite the current persistence of dry conditions in parts of western Canada. However, “It’s too early to tell,” what the impact will be on yields. In a review of the 2016 crop, a little less wheat is predicted and the report notes that western Canada accounts for 98 % of spring wheat seeded area with eastern Canada coming in at two %. A slight increase in bar-
ley acres for livestock feeding is forecast, as well as for corn as it gains some acreage due mainly to gains against small cereals and special crops. In 2016, adds the report, oats is the only course grain too have its area remain unchanged or decrease in nearly every province, except one. This is completely opposite from last crop year when all provinces either increased or remained unchanged from 2014. Due to low stocks, Alberta acres are up. Manitoba soybean area is expected to rise by 10 % largely due to the ability of the crop to withstand excessive moisture. Overall, soybean area will be down as Ontario seeds more win-
ter wheat. Producers in Manitoba and across western Canada were intending to increase dry pea seeded areas to 1.7 million hectares, up 16 % largely due to good returns and its value in a crop rotation. Total crop production is forecast to be marginally higher than 2015.
Blaine Pederson, the new infrastructure minister, said in an interview in earlier 2016 the issue landowners were dealing with is not about whether Manitoba Hydro should go in or not, but about dirty drill bits, trucks, and equipment moving from field to field, farmer to farmer. “It is about the landowners’ livelihood and whether club root, or even the dreaded PED virus will show up later, when Manitoba Hydro is long gone,” said Pederson. “The stress is sure taking it toll.” Pederson referred to what Kohler called bullying by Hydro contractors in the farming area east of Steinbach, when they moved in equipment to erect new towers. Premier Pallister has taken first steps by replacing the entire Manitoba Hydro board of directors.
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Marketing Sea Buckthorn a Thorny Issue By Les Kletke Mila Maximets believes that a crop introduced to the prairies to combat drought could have a future as a health food. Sea Buckthorn was introduced to the prairies at the Ag Canada Station in Morden by Researcher Dr. L Skinner. He imported some of the thorny shrub from his native Siberia and believed it could be used to combat the conditions that were causing widespread soil erosion in the 1930s. The deciduous shrub gained some traction and gradually became
one of the offerings of the PFRA tree nursery at Indian Head, Saskatchewan. Maximets company Solberry Seabuckthorn’s website notes that the nursery celebrated the planting of its 600 million trees, by planting it on then Ag Minister Gerry Ritz’s yard. Ironically, he was the Minister that announced the cut in funding and closure of the nursery a short time later. The plantings from the Indian Head facility have meant the shrub spread across the prairies and was used for fence lines and the rehabilitation of
marginal land as Dr. Skinner intended. However, there has been little processing of the fruit. The plants thorns prove a double edge sword. They made it attractive on fence lines and as cattle fences, but it makes it difficult to pick the berries for processing. Maximets who also has Eastern Europe roots said she first became aware of the plant from her Ukrainian grandmother. She currently process the berries at the Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie. “The demand is there for the product,” she said. “And we have growers who have the fruit. Now it is a matter of developing the industry and bringing the two together.” She said that she is still combating the get rich quick prom-
ises of the 1990s that had growers believing the Sea Buckthorn fruit had near magical powers and would bring astronomical returns in the market place. The leaves, berries and roots can all be used in different forms and some research shows it is rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamin E, rare Omega 7 and 190 other bioactive nutrients. Currently she works with a small number of growers and can pay them roughly $3.45 a pound for their fruit. “It is all picked by hand,” she noted. “We are experimenting with some mechanical pickers that are used for grapes, but that is in the developmental stage.” Her products are available at several stores around the province.
Mila Maximets of Solberry Seabuckthorn is working with some mechanical equipment to harvest the thorny crop. She says there is potential for the crop if it comes to the market at a reasonable price.
Manitoba’s Foodgrains Projects Off to a Great Start By Elmer Heinrichs Seeding of Manitoba’s Grow projects for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) this spring, “Has been going very well,” said Harold Penner, Regional Representative for the Foodgrains Bank in Manitoba. Penner added that while he does not have a good count of all acres in Manitoba yet, “It’s a particularly busy time for farmers but I’d like to remind all growing project people. Send me a quick text of
your total acres for 2016 and how many acres of each crop.” “Manitoba raised over $3 million for the year ending March 31 from 6,000 acres in crop an amount before any matching dollars from the Government of Canada,” said Penner. One project in the Plum Coulee-Altona area, CHUM (Communities Helping Undernourished Millions), seeded a 150-acre field near Rosenfeld to canola on May 12-13. Doug Dyck, member of
the CHUM project committee said one difference this year is that, “We raised money to grow the crop by selling one-acre plots, a total of $37,500 to cover the estimated growing cost of $250 acre. “This way,” said Dyck. “We should be able to donate the total crop to the Foodgrains Bank.” Kevin Nickel, Coordinator of the Common Ground project, said their Foodgrains project, a 300acre field east of Rosenfeld, was seeded to soybeans
May 17-18. Seed for the field was donated by WesMar Farms and seeded by Green Valley Equipment. Net proceeds from the crop will go toward the Foodgrains Bank. Penner added that the Foodgrains Bank is gearing up for the biggest event ever, for the CFGB and perhaps also for the Manitoba Agricultural Museum seeking to set a world record this summer with the world’s largest pioneer harvest near Austin.
Frost Doesn’t Hamper Growth in Southeast Corner By Les Kletke The province’s winter wheat suffered minimal winterkill and is off to a good start despite the cool temperatures this spring. In the southwest part of the province, weed control is underway and the crop is advancing but still behind for this date. At the Pineland Colony in the southeast the crop is tailoring and is about to get a treatment of fertilizer and weed control. A colony representative said the winter wheat looked excellent and had shown little winter kill. “We also planted some fall rye last year and that is looking very good, it is tall and won’t be long before it goes into the shot blade,” a colony representative said. “I am not sure what we are going to do with it when we harvest but it looks like we will get a good crop.”
The Agri Post The colony crops 4,800 acres and splits it between cereals and soybeans. They were completing seeding on May 21 and finishing up with soybeans. “We had the cereals done and were just waiting to put the soybeans in, we needed the ground to warm up a bit,” he said. “We don’t have as sandy as soil as some in the area and it takes a bit longer to warm up.” He reported that seeded conditions were near ideal throughout the spring and continued into late May as the final field of soybeans was going in but it would not be long before they would need some rain. “Our heavy land is a bit better off but the fellows on lighter soil are looking for rain already, and it won’t be long before we need rain on all the crops.” Manitoba Agriculture’s crop report agrees with the observations from the southeast reporting that rye in most regions is going through stem elongation and most fields are show little weed pressure. Over all winter wheat, survival is rated as excellent. Examination of the plants at Pineland showed excellent development of the plants and were tillering well. The stand was even across the field with little competitive weed pressure. “It came up
Winter wheat survived the winter and is off to a good start. These plants at the Pineland Colony near Piney are faring well against any weed competition.
well last fall and had a chance to get established before we went into winter,” said Gary Joe who did not offer a last name. He reported that early seeded cereals were out of the ground and had not suffered because of extremely cold temperatures the week before. Temperatures dropped to well below freezing the previous week but field crops were not damaged, little canola had emerged at the time of the frost.
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