The Agri Post
May 30, 2014
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Cutline Will Bergmann, a grain, special crops and hog farmer, took this picture May 23 after returning to his fields for seeding after a four-day rain delay.
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May 30, 2014
The Agri Post
Farmers W elcome to Learn the Welcome Operation of TTractor ractor TTrailer railer Units
Training Centre to Open Doors By Les Kletke If you have questions about the trucking industry and want to help a good cause at the same time, Fred Hiebert has come up with the perfect solution in a truck extravaganza to celebrate the 7th anniversary of United Driver Training. Hiebert, the President of United Driver Training says the company wanted to give something back to the community while celebrating its anniversary. “We are a giving company and wanted to do something special,” said Hiebert. “So, we came up with this way of highlighting the industry and raising money for STARS. We have become very close to STARS in the last couple of years, some of our students have been airlifted by the helicopter and the southeast part of the province has really felt the benefit from the organization.” The event will be held Saturday, June from 10 am – 5 pm at United Driver Training’s facility at 21 Clearsprings Road East in Steinbach and will feature the arrival of the STARS helicopter at noon. “It will be an opportunity for people to meet the STARS crew and see the helicopter up close,” Said Hiebert. All the funds raised from the event will go to STARS, and while admission is free for the day, we will have a huge trade show featuring every aspect of the trucking industry. Monies from the trade show will go the charity. The event will also feature a dunk tank and the first chance to put Hiebert in the drink will be sold by auction. “We want to feature our industry,” explained Hiebert. “And, if anyone has questions about the trucking industry this is the place to get answers. We will have trucks and representatives from all the major companies on hand, so people can see the trucks and ask their questions.” Hiebert says that while his company trains drivers for most companies, an area of growth for his student population has been farmers. “We are seeing more and more tractor trailer units on farms and farmers are realizing that they need some training for the operation of these units,” said Hiebert. The day will also feature tours of the school for those interested in attending the company’s course. His main goal is to make sure that the industry is highlighted and STARS is the beneficiary of the funds. Hiebert invites everyone to the exhibit and their children to visit the giant bouncers and enjoy a hot dog and drink.
2nd PED Case Discovered on Farm The Office of Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) has confirmed the province’s second on-farm case of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus in a finisher barn in southeast Manitoba. The CVO has been advised the animals on this farm have shown no symptoms of PED. The CVO will identify other premises that have been in contact with this farm and investigate how the virus arrived on the farm premises. This case was identified by a CVO investigation related to a previously reported positive sample from a high-traffic site.
The Agri Post
May 30, 2014
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Farmer’s Market Opens Early By Les Kletke The province’s largest Farmer’s Market opened one week earlier than usual this year despite a cooler than usual spring. Marylin Firth, Manager of the St. Norbert Market said the organization has long opened on the first weekend in June but with the calendar, falling as it did that would put things back to the 7th of June. With the large number of vendors ready to go, it made sense to move things up to May 24. Earlier in the week, staff from Pembina Valley Canvas was on hand to put the canvas coverings over the metal shelter skeletons and appreciated the warm weather and little wind. “We really don’t need a wind for this job,” laughed one of the employees while holding Staff was installing the covers at the St Norbert Farmers Market May 23 for the market’s opening on down a rope pulling the canvas over the structure. “But we usually get one.” Firth said the market has grown to much more that fruits and vegetables. In its 26 years of May 24. The earliest date in the 26 year history of the market. Photo by Les Kletke existence, the market has grown to have a significant number of meat suppliers as well as baked goods, and handicrafts. All of which contribute to the festive atmosphere of the twice weekly event. Even though Saturday remains the most popular day, a weekday evening has been added. Last year the market also added a Fibre Festival that featured wool and felt products from across the province and a variety of species. While the weather was less than ideal, the event attracted a good crowd and another is being planned for this September. Organizers would like to see the market location used for more than the twice-weekly market, with some stand-alone events as well as incorporation of some larger events in to the regular market. This year’s opening featured the largest ever-Canadian Sticky bun made by Johnny’s Stick Buns. Johnny said that while he considered going for the larger world record his research should that producing a bun that large rendered it inedible and that defeated the purpose of making a sticky bun. “It has to be something that people can enjoy,” he said, “or else there is no point in making it.” His goal was to produce a bun that could be enjoyed by approximately a 100 people. Vegetable and fruit production may be a bit later coming to farmers markets this year but the attendance at the opening day of the St. Norbert market indicated that the venues have established themselves. The Market is not only a shopping place but also a social destination that allows consumers to connect with the people that produce their food.
Fighting Against Extinction
Reuben Nesom gets to know his new charge as he meets him on arrival at the airport.
Townsend Farms in Woodridge received a very rare delivery recently as pork Manager Reuben Nesom picked up an extremely rare Large Black Pig from the Winnipeg International Airport. Pam Heath and Dr. John Mills delivered the ‘special gift’ to Nesom. Dr. Mills is the Chairperson from The Rare Breed Society of Canada and Pam Heath is the President of the Large Black society in Canada. The pig was originally a donation from a local heritage breed farmer in Ontario, Andy Sprosdon from Grimbsy. The large black pig was originally brought to Canada from England in the late 1800’s and was a popular breed due to its superb taste and docility but has declined in numbers since the end of WWII when industrialized pork production became the standard practice. The Large Black Pig is on the Rare Breeds of Canada Conserving Livestock list as Endangered (36- 115 Canada wide) and was on the critical list (1-35 new females) last year. With dwindling numbers, the
large black pig is now more endangered in Canada than the panda in China or the White Rhino in Africa. The breed is considered special due to its ability to forage on pasture with ease and live without shelter in the colder Manitoba climate. It is very docile and especially friendly and has superb pork marbled with a great layer of flavourful fat. The meat produces excellent bacon and it is especially known in Europe for its huge delectable cuts made into Italian Prosciutto, Pancetta and Capocollo. Sprosdon has sent out the last of a legacy of his Large Black Pig “Bob” of a rare genetic line here in Canada and has worked closely with the Large Black Society and Rare Breeds of Canada to regain the genetics here in Canada. Sprosdon’s donation of the last of his pig line was put on a plane from Montreal to Winnipeg to find his final destination at Townsend Farm. The act was born out of desperation from a dedicated farmer trying to save the
breed. Only a handful of Canadian farmers own large blacks and it is difficult to find these genetics here in Canada. Mills with the Rare Breed Society said, “harder than finding hen’s teeth.” According to Townsend Farms, they are, “so excited to be included in this opportunity in assisting in the breeding of this lost beautiful pig, help bring this pig out of danger of extinction and expose other small hobby farmers to this adaptable great pig. We hope to have great success with him. He will be joining the other registered large blacks here on the farm; Stovikor our boar and our two sows, Pam and Odette.” Mills and Heath were excited to know that Reuben Nesom, who is only 16 years old, has committed himself to taking on this great and important undertaking. They are happy to know a new younger generation is carrying on this legacy and they have great hopes for the Large Black’s future.
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The Agri Post
May 30, 2014
Crazy Trains
Penners Points
As the new crop year begins, farmers in western Canada by Rolf are still wondering whether or not they’ll be able to sweep Penner their bins clean of last year’s monster-sized harvest. The problem is our national railways’ lacklustre attempts at rolfpenner@agripost.ca moving higher-than-normal volumes of grain to ports. If this failure had a theme song, it wouldn’t be Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips or the O’Jays’ classic Love Train, instead heavy metal madman Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train. Global demand and prices are still quite high, so farmers are rightly frustrated at seeing the value of their inventory dramatically slashed because of logistical issues of a ‘second world’ nature. The lyrics of Osbourne’s hit single are indeed apropos, “Mental wounds still screaming/Driving me insane/I’m going off the rails on a crazy train,” although it’s the hole in their balance sheets rather than in their heads that madden grain growers. When people talk about ways of adding a little more competition into the mix, the railways bridle. CN CEO Claude Mongeau calls that ‘poaching’. When Hunter Harrison, CPR’s CEO, gave a speech in New York about intermodal shipments, he said, “That’s one commodity that we’re sensitive to,” and “If you miss, you miss. It’s not like grain or it’s not like coal, [where] if you’re a little bit late you’re still going to haul it.” What we really have in western Canada is a dual-opoly. The two companies running rail service don’t really compete. Of the 342 grain elevators, only seven can ship grain on either railway. As the Western Canadian Wheat Growers have pointed out, “CN and CP effectively operate side-by-side monopolies.” One of the modest steps proposed to help get the grain moving is giving 40 elevators the ability to use rail services, which originate in the Northern U.S. states. Naturally, our railroads are not happy with this idea. The majority of our farmers do not, like the railways, have the luxury of a captive market. They have to compete with every other farmer in the world for their income and for the most part, they do a pretty good job of it. So, the farming community has little sympathy when the railroads complain about having to compete just a little for its business. This is also true for the attitude that, “We’ll get to it when we get to it.” Agriculture is not just about getting the job done, but getting it done when it needs to get done. If you seed too late, you have problems. If you deal with pests too late, you have problems. If you don’t harvest your crop when it’s ready, you have problems. All of these problems cost farmers money, sometimes a lot of money. Even when everything goes right, the bottom can drop out of the market at any time, leaving them in a serious bind. It is a rare thing to have a great crop and great prices all at the same time. At harvest time last year, we actually had that. Thanks to the railroads, the amount of money that ends up in farmers’ pockets has taken a major hit. Farmers and railroads should be natural allies, not enemies. Farmers have stuff that needs moving and railroads need to move stuff. Back to Osbourne’s lyrics, “Crazy, but that’s how it goes/ Millions of people living as foes.” “Maybe, it’s not too late/To learn how to love/ and forget how to hate.” Perhaps the analogy is now getting downright corny, but the point is that the railroads need to do better. If things don’t improve, change could well be imposed in ways far more dramatic than what’s being discussed in Ottawa right now. That’s a song the railways really shouldn’t want to hear.
People I Meet and the Special Ones I’m one who isn’t afraid to tell people to their face, or comment about them in public, if they mean something to me in my life. My wife Judith, my in-laws, my parents, my children and grandson and my extended families are very important to me, as is my mentor, Orion Samuelson. In my life as a journalist first and farmers’ advocate second, I meet many people. In fact, that is what makes my career and mission so fulfilling and ever changing. Harry Enns, a personal friend and in my opinion the best practical Ag minister this province has ever had, was a favourite. Why? He wasn’t afraid to take a stand, did what was right, and wasn’t afraid to ask even this humble scribe’s opinion on some of the major changes he brought in, like freeing up the hog industry.
Our Connection to the Farmer’s Market It is one of the latest springs in recent memory and the St. Norbert Farmers Market announces its earliest opening in its quarter century of existence? Have we lost the connection to a farmers market, what could possibly be ready for a market in May even in an early spring? Those that operate markets around the province talk about making the connection to the consumer and a growing number of consumers are getting used to the idea of actually meeting and spending a few minutes talking to the people that raise the food that ends up on consumers table. There has to be a limit to how far this can go. I do not really see farmers having the time to spend, chatting with everyone who is going to enjoy a tasty morsel that had its beginnings on said farmer’s farm but the idea has merit. It would appear the dates of spring thaw and market opening is somewhat incongruent. Especially since I had a friend tell me that February was so cold, he could not keep enough heat in his green houses to get the plants started. Closer examination reveals that in fact the opening of the market earlier this year says more about the coming of age of the market than the timing of the vegetable crop. Farmers markets especially the major ones like St. Norbert have grown to the point where they are much more than a bunch of vendors selling their vegetables on a Saturday morning. The number of sellers of meat is the most obvious example and while the late spring does impact the production of animals to a large degree, there is meat waiting in the freezers of producers to find its way to the freezers of consumers and the last weekend in May is as good a time as any. Could it be that Winnipeg has grown to the point that it could support a full time Farmers’ Market and see an increase in vendors when the local produce is ready? It is a question that many would answer ‘yes’ to and there are those that would say, The Forks has tried to fill that role while others would say it doesn’t have the local component when Manitoba production is at its prime in June through September. Only consumers hold the answer and they vote with their dollars, but the votes have been increasing at Farmers Markets and the early opening of St. Norbert this year is not about being out of tune with farmer’s production it is about the markets having expanded to include so much more than fruits or vegetables. It is about people connecting with those who actually produce their food and that can only lead to a better understanding of our industry. That is a good thing.
His philosophy was for government to get out of the way, provide guidance, some resources, and infrastructure so that farmers, business, and people alike could excel at what they were best at and make this province flourish. On Thursday, May 22, I worked with another person who reminds me of that rare breed of knowledge, know-how (experience if you like) practicality, steadfastness and stick-toitiveness, and the ability to communicate it to those who need it and want the help. He is Dr. John Carr, originally from England, moving around as a worldwide consultant to the animal production industry. He consults with hog farmers in China, Taiwan, Ukraine, Australia, United States and, of course, Canada and right here in Manitoba. Carr said, “I dedicate my website, carrsconsulting.com, to bringing you information, to help promote the welfare and wellbeing of farmed animals.” I met John at the Manitoba Swine seminar in Winnipeg in Jan 2012. I liked his talk, asked to interview him and asked him several tough questions I wasn’t really expecting an answer for. He looked at me with that distinct twinkle in his eye and in his heavy British accent said, “I think I can answer that because I’m old enough.” Meaning of course that it didn’t matter what others thought or how others would respond, he’d tell me what he had learned and what he thought. We keep in contact via Skype and email. I sent John a message earlier in the week asking for some new action shots. Guess what, he said? “I’m in Winnipeg, and can you come to a producer meeting on Thursday to take them yourself.” Amazing, I thought, another chance to hear him speak, meet him, and ask some more tough questions. Thursday at 12 noon, John called on an Alberta telephone number, asking me if I could fill in as a wrap-up speaker at that meeting because another man had some health issues and couldn’t make it. Two hours later, I’m in Portage la Prairie, getting ready to listen to his talk, and preparing mine on the way. The meeting included about 50 or 60 hog farmers, mostly from the Hutterite Colonies and representatives from Nutrition Partners, a company Carr consults for worldwide. Dr. Carr told these producers it isn’t about how many hogs they sell, but about what it costs them to bring those hogs to market. He said that with the higher hog prices and lower feed prices combined, farmers’ profits are higher, but if you don’t know what it cost you to raise that pig, when those profits drop, you’ll be back losing money sooner than you think. I asked a hog producer through Twitter how he’s spending his newfound profits from raising hogs. His answer was, “I’m not spending it because I’m only 31, and I know there will be more tough times ahead.” Great advice and John loves it. For me, to interact with people who raise the food we eat, one of the most noble professions in this world, is still the highlight of my mission and work. Those guys around the tables, as we sat and ate pork together, made my day.
The Agri Post
A Real Whopper Dear Editor: Re: “Siemens Says: Time for Railways to Move this Grain” The March 28, 2014 Agri Post “Siemens Says” article represents a new low in journalism. On the other hand, it could easily win an award for the best April Fool’s story. In the article Curt Vossen, CEO of Richardson International, is quoted by Harry Siemens (and I have trouble believing Mr. Vossen actually said this) as saying that, if this present flood of grain movement had happened during the old Wheat Board days we would probably have plugged terminals with the wrong kind of grain in them and got a 6 bushel per acre quota. This is a ridiculous statement that exposes how out of touch some people are about how the modern Wheat Board worked for farmers. Farmers have not had anything as low as a 6bushel quota delivery opportunity for 30 or possibly 40 years. Many farmers today aren’t even old
enough to know what a quota is. The delivery quota system has not been used for decades. What you could say if you get right down to it is that this is the 1st time in recent history that many farmers in Western Canada have had a “ZERO Bushel Quota.” Mr.Vossen is reportedly also suggesting that under the old system the terminals would probably be filled with the wrong type of grain, which strangely enough is exactly what is happening now without Wheat Board coordination. In the Wheat Board days when delivery opportunities were tight, the board would meet weekly or biweekly with all the industry players, including the nonboard side, to allocate cars in an equitable manner to achieve some fair targets. It would match up grain needed at port with what was to be shipped from the country elevators. This I believe evolved into the WGTA (Western Grain Transportation Authority). This is what many in the Grain Industry want today but ostrich farmer Gerry Ritz is rejecting it because he wants to allow “market forces” to work.
Self Serving Conference Board Idea is Ill Conceived By Jan Slomp The Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) embraces the mantra that ‘all growth is good’. Their plan to change supply management for growth is a prescription for weakening, if not eliminating, the three pillars of supply management for dairy production in Canada, production controls, import tariffs and farmers’ cost of production pricing, in order to produce more milk, lower its price and increase exports. The CBoC claims to be an independent think tank, but it is affiliated with the New York-based Conference Board that is run by and for US-based multinational corporations. While pretending to serve the public it advocates for a suite of policies, including dismantling dairy supply management, that promote corporate interests at the expense of the values and aspirations of Canadian people. Let’s do a quick review of why we have dairy supply management and how it works. In the 1960s, dairy processors were using erratic milk hauling practices to depress farm-gate prices paid to farmers. Farmers were faced with delivering milk at whatever price they could get or lose it all. Ontario and Quebec farmers protested and demanded government action. In 1969, a new system had the government regulate farm-gate prices based on farmers’ cost of production in return for farmers producing a constant flow of high quality milk along with a system of discipline (quotas) to prevent over-production. Its success led to rapid adoption in all provinces. Since then, provincial milk, marketing boards have successfully managed procurement, marketing, quotas, quality control and government regulation. To ensure supply and demand is synchronized, Canada restricts dairy imports via WTO-compliant tariffs. Thus, Canada’s dairy sector produces primarily for the domestic market. Canada’s dairy supply management operates smoothly, efficiently and sustainable without government subsidies in contrast to other Canadian agricultural sectors where Agri-Stability payments are often needed to support farm incomes and overcome depressed commodity prices. The CBoC now promotes increasing dairy production beyond Canadian needs in order to export.
For Mr. Siemens to say that “before, during the CWB era, the terminals were always the bottleneck” because they were filled, too full, with the wrong kind of grain is a real whopper. If this was the case then why did the Wheat Board, followed by the Saskatchewan & Alberta Governments, buy all the hopper cars? They did it because the railways were unwilling to invest in rolling stock. For Siemens to have the audacity to say, “The CWB couldn’t put any more influence on the railways than we can” is another fat whopper that is hard to duplicate. Siemens should go back into his files and dig out the April 14th, 1997, press release, which says in part; “The CWB, on behalf of farmers, today filed a level of service complaint…” I have a copy of this release as well as the copy of the complaint that was filed. The subsequent result was that the Wheat Board won the case and CP paid $15 million in damages and CN settled out of court. The cash received went back to farmers in the pool accounts. I also have a letter dated
June 20, 1997, sent by Manitoba Pool Elevators to the CWB. The letter asked the CWB to withdraw its action against the railroads stating that this action would probably delay yet another study of an industry task force to resolve the transportation problem issue. As a Pool Director, I voted against it because the CWB had generated a lot of positive coverage from their action and their chances of winning were good. The point is that the private companies and even the co-operatives were afraid to take the railways to task because they feared retribution on their daily operational relationships with the railways. The grain companies and some farm groups were too blind to see the tremendous advantages of the Wheat Board system in keeping the railways accountable and now they still don’t want to admit it. What is most absurd is that Minister Gerry Ritz is now being seen by some folks as a hero for being tough on the railways when his government created the problem in the first place. Wilfred “Butch” Harder
There is definitely capacity in Canada to produce a lot more milk. However, what kind of export markets could we pursue, what kind of programs would be required to obtain those markets and what net benefits would there be for various players in the system? Only a small portion of the world’s milk production crosses borders because it is a bulky perishable product. Most exports depend on subsidies, often obscured as indirect production supports to comply with trade agreements. American dairy farmers receive US Farm Bill-related payments that nearly double their milk cheques. European subsidies provide dairy farmers a base income, allowing them to survive on lower farm gate prices. The exception is New Zealand, a major dairy exporter with little or no subsidies. With the world’s lowest production cost (no winters), it can sell at the world’s lowest farm-gate prices. Dismantling dairy supply management would be costly for Canadian taxpayers. To compete internationally we would have to match the massive subsidies given by the USA and European countries. Dairy farmers in Canada would receive lower prices for milk, be subjected to less transparent pricing and require government bail-out programs such as Agri-Stability to keep operating. Ironically, the CBoC’s dairy plan is modeled after the deregulated export-oriented hog and beef sectors which have not only failed to grow, but have seen a steady decline punctuated by several crises over the past 15 years, because farmers cannot recover the cost of production. The CBoC suggests that an export-oriented dairy system with lower farm gate prices would result in lower prices for consumers. In reality, retailers charge what the market will bear. New Zealand consumers pay among the highest prices for dairy in spite of their farmers’ low cost of production. Canadians value dairy supply management, as they enjoy a steady supply of high-quality products for a reasonable price. Supply management regulates production in each region of our vast geography, providing milk where consumers need it. An unregulated dairy market would centralize production, processing and distribution, requiring consumers in distant areas to pay more due to transportation and storage costs. Processors benefit from the constant, predictable flow of milk under supply management that allows them to maximize plant and labour force utilization, unlike their U.S.
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Direct Buying Rules Speak NDP Paranoia Dear Editor: All across Manitoba, farm families are developing markets for locally produced farm products through direct relationships with urban consumers. These markets are built on trust, quality and the interest of consumers in knowing how and where the food consumed by their family is being produced. Food Safety is paramount, whether you buy your food at your favourite supermarket or directly at the farm gate from a local producer. Unfortunately, this NDP government is using the threat of food safety as a means to impose more rules and regulations on the growing relationship between producers and consumers. The ‘rules’ do not allow consumers to purchase food products directly from a community website. The ‘rules’ do not allow farmers to work together to deliver their products to consumers’ doors. Why is the NDP government so paranoid about direct sales to consumers of wholesome food products? Rather than build bridges, this tired NDP government issues more rules and regulations. It is time this NDP government began to work with farm families and urban consumers who build relationships based on trust, quality and food safety. This can be a winning formula for both the agricultural community and urban consumers across Manitoba. The NDP just don’t get it. It is time for a change. Blaine Pedersen Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development MLA for Midland counterparts who must deal with wide and erratic fluctuations. Dismantling dairy supply management would help companies affiliated with the CBoC, such as food processors and retailers and those industries that have their eyes on massive concessions at the trade deal table. Their gain would be a huge loss for Canadian citizens and Canadian dairy farmers. Jan Slomp is President of the National Farmers Union and a dairy farmer from Rimbey, Alberta.
One Step Forward for Manitoba’s Grains By Jon Gerrard The recent announcement of a grain innovation hub in Winnipeg is a positive one. It is a good start but we need to be focussed on building this effort into a much larger one. A Centre of Excellence in the Grain Industry in Winnipeg was first proposed in a Myers Norris Penny study in 2005. In 2008, the federal Conservative government announced it would proceed bringing together the Cereal Research Centre, the Grains Research Laboratory at the Canadian Grains Commission and the Canadian International Grains Institute to form a powerhouse centre that would ensure Winnipeg would continue as a major global centre for grains research and innovation. Since then the Cereal Research Centre has been terminated and the possibility of this type of Centre of Excellence has been lost. After much delay, however, we do finally have a positive announcement of funding for a grain innovation hub. Though the funding is certainly less than expected, and therefore the hub a shadow of what was originally envisioned, we should nevertheless see this as a welcome and important development. It is one that we, in Manitoba, need to nurture and build upon. Grains continue to play a very important role in Manitoba’s economy and building the research and innovation for the future is vital. There are concerns about new strains of wheat rust affecting crops in Africa and we need to have the research and innovation to stay ahead of this problem should it arrive here. We also need ongoing efforts to create new nutritious foods from our grains so that we can do more food processing here in our province. Recent work on the health benefits of flax, done right here in Manitoba, is an example of the opportunity. Producing food products that can reduce diabetes is another example. The future is ours to build. We need to expand upon this development to help our farmers and to help build new agrifood businesses based on the excellent crops we produce.
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The Agri Post
Moving the Pig Industry Forward By Harry Siemens With near record pork and pig prices, lower feed costs and an exchange rate benefiting exports there’s room for some real optimism amongst hog farmers to payoff some longstanding bills. That is why there was such great attendance at this year’s annual meeting of Manitoba Pork Council. “I am very pleased with how well-attended the meeting was,” said Chair Karl Kynoch. “It is great to see more optimism in the industry with the higher prices we have been receiving.” The members passed a resolution asking Manitoba Pork to explore improvements to the availability of a foreign workforce, including the potential to establish a pool of employees who are ready to come to Canada on short notice. “The passing of a resolution at our AGM, with regards to the frustrations some producers have when trying to access the foreign worker market, emphasizes the challenges of a rural labour shortage in Manitoba,” said hog farmer and MPC Director George Matheson. “The recent controversy regarding Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker program makes it further apparent that Manitoba Pork needs to help producers attract local workers to the industry.” Matheson said increasing the budget over tenfold, to $67,000 for 2014, Manitoba Pork’s Human Resources Committee has developed the Manitoba Pork Industry HR Strategy and Action Plan. “The overall goal of this initiative is to increase applications, attract better qualified individuals and attract candidates likely to stay in the industry in the long term,” he said. Matheson a Stonewall hog farmer said the plan started with an in-depth survey of long-term industry employees to determine their background and what has made their relationship with their employers a success. Manitoba Pork has attended career fairs to distribute promotional materials and is in the process of developing a human resources video. Industry promotion and job advertising through radio and newspapers will occur in the next couple of weeks. “We have a great industry with great career opportunities and we are going
Dr. Wayne Lees received the Award of Distinction at the 2014 Pork Industry Awards.
h@ms Marketing Services received the Innovation Award at the 2014 Pork Industry Awards.
to tell the rest of the country about it,” he added. The 2014 Pork Industry Awards were also presented during the banquet, recognizing outstanding contributions to the agriculture and hog sector in Manitoba. Dr. Wayne Lees, former Manitoba Chief Veterinary Officer, is the recipient of this year’s Award of Distinction. During his many years as Chief Vet, Dr. Lees strongly supported hog producers throughout numerous controversial issues, while building cooperation with the industry. Thanks to his support for
improved biosecurity training and investment, Manitoba producers have so far been able to contain PEDv with significant economic benefits to producers and to the provincial economy. The recipient of the Innovation Award was h@ms Marketing Services. Throughout the years, h@ms has grown with the industry, extending its services into Saskatchewan and Alberta. Through hog marketing and risk management services, h@ms has had a significant impact on the financial well-being of its members.
CropT alk W ebinars to Focus CropTalk Webinars on Current Crop TTopics opics The Manitoba Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) Farm Production Advisors on crops for the Interlake, South East and Red River regions are collaborating this field season to produce a weekly webinar focused on agronomic topics relative to the areas they serve. The webinars are free of charge and is meant to assist growers and agronomists with this year’s field season. CropTalk will run weekly every Thursday morning from 9 -10 am until September 25, 2014. It will focus on current cropping issues throughout the growing season. Potential topics are weather forecasts, grain corn yield potential, soybean seeding decisions, recheck your winter wheat, blackleg ID and control, insect update, assessing hail damage, when to swath canola, clubroot update and assessing the states of corn and soybeans. CCA credits are also available for participating in the weekly webinars. If you require CCA credit, you will need to enter your CCA number during the registration process. If you are unable to watch the webinar at presentation time, register to receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar so that you can watch at a time that is more convenient.
The Agri Post
May 30, 2014
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The Agri Post
May 30, 2014
Helping Hooves Meanders through Manitoba to Make a Difference By Marianne Curtis During the first three weeks of May, if you spotted a pair of riders on horseback all decked out with pink ribbons and paint then you stumbled upon this year ’s Pink Ride, a fundraiser for Helping Hooves Manitoba. On May 4, Pam Glover and Sandy Schmidt hit the Pink Trail to raise funds for Manitoba’s breast cancer patients who require financial assistance while undergoing treatments. The pair rode about 161 miles from Ninette to Richer in 16 days, despite the frigid temperatures, rain and even some snow. “After losing my step daughter to breast cancer in 2009 I decided I wanted to do something in honour of her memory,” Pam explained. “Because I’m a horse lover and would rather ride one than walk or run, whatever I did had to involve horses.” In 2010, Glover volunteered to ride with a group in Alberta called Wild Pink Yonder, who used their horses to raise funds for breast cancer research. In 2011, Glover brought the group to Manitoba, ran a
three-week long trail ride here, and raised over $35,000 for Cancer Care Manitoba. Shortly afterward, she formed her own group and Helping Hooves Manitoba was born. Helping Hoovers collaborated up with Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer and hit the Pink Trail. “Instead of riding for research, we turned our attention to Manitobans who need financial aid while undergoing treatment,” Glover continued. “Cancer of any kind is a battle for one’s life and we believe that many problems should not be an added stress at such a time.” Glover said that fundraising totals are not in yet for this year’s ride. “We don’t have an exact total yet as money is still coming in but we have already raised over $5,500 just by riding our horses!” Glover said. This year the riders hit the trail in Ninette and finished 161 miles and 13 days later arrived in Richer. “The best part was that we started this ride with two riders and ended in Richer with a dozen,” Glover added.
A dozen riders speckled in pink arrived at the Richer Inn on May 16 at the end of this year’s Pink Ride to raise funds for Helping Hooves. Photo by Lee McQuitty
In 2012, Helping Hooves Manitoba hosted five fundraising events with in-
dividual trail rides, flea markets and fun days and donated almost $6,000 to
MPC Partners in Education to Solve Algal Blooms in Lake Winnipeg By Harry Siemens The Manitoba Pork Council (MPC) is taking a more proactive approach that involves a new exhibit to help inform the public about the hog industry in Manitoba. Susan Riese, Manager of Consumer Marketing and Community Relations Programs with MPC, is confident a new exhibit at the Manitoba Museum will help get the public more involved in addressing the environmental problems of Lake Winnipeg. MPC partnered in the Manitoba Museum’s new Lake Winnipeg Shared Solutions Exhibit. Riese said the goal is to build awareness of the issues faced by Lake Winnipeg concerning algal blooms and how the public can help save the lake. The centerpiece of the
Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer. This organization
supports breast cancer patients with their out-ofpocket expenses.
exhibit is a computer simulator. “Basically it’s a simulation of the Lake Winnipeg watershed so it’s very interactive, it’s all computerised and it allows you to explore the different options that one can make in terms of solving some of the problems,” said Riese. “Then you get to see if you have had the desired effect, which is of course to reduce the algal blooms that cover the lake and then if those choices came at a price. Was it a good choice, was it a balanced choice in terms of keeping the public happy and at the same time making sure it doesn’t break the bank.” Riese believes that sometimes people think this is an easy fix; let us just do this but meanwhile it is going to cost billions of dollars the province would not be able to afford. “So there are pros and cons to all of the different options and creating awareness, making people aware of what their role is in terms of things that they can do at home or at the cottage or what ever to help minimise the algal blooms in the lake,” she adds.
The Agri Post
Better Late than Never for Forage Crops By Les Kletke The provinces forage crop is off to a late start but there is no reason to panic at this time. While the late start will definitely influence the likelihood of a third cut this year it is too early to make the final decision. Glenn Friesen of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) suggests that producers enrol in the Green Gold program to maximize their feed value production. Friesen suggests that the value of the feed is a greater concern that the volume. Since the introduction of the Green Gold program producers are taking their first cut two weeks earlier than if, they had waited for the visual evaluation of the crop. That has resulted in a higher quality of feed, which in most cases more than makes up for the reduced volume. The most recent Forage Bulletin advises producers to develop a nutrient program for their forages. An average forage yield in the province is 2.3 tons per acre but with proper nutrient application that can be increased to 3.5 to 5.5 tons per acre. A high producing forage field can use 4 times the nitrogen and up to 6 times the potassium of a 40bushel wheat yield. John Friesen a dairy farmer near Steinbach said that he will probably make his first cut three weeks later than normal this year. “The cold weather has held everything back this year,” said Friesen. “When you look at pastures or trees you might think we are a month behind where we should be.” He is confident that with some warm weather the forages will catch up. “We are at the time of the
Rentals Available The Agassiz Soil & Crop Improvement Association maintains an equipment rental program.
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Land Packer (51' Degelman) – $3.50 per acre plus $10 membership once per year Contact: Bruce Modrzjewski Ph. 204-268-3059, cell 204-268-5340 Bin Crane – $125/day plus $10 membership once per year Contact: Bruce Modrzjewski Ph. 204-268-3059, cell 204-268-5340 Laser Level – $25/day Contact: Terry Buss, MAFRD Beausejour Office – 204-266-2061 Laser Level & Scraper Attachment – $50/ day Contact: Terry Buss, MAFRD Beausejour Office – 204-266-2061 Measuring Wheel – No Charge Contact: Terry Buss, MAFRD Beausejour Office 204-266-2061 Tree Planter – $25/day Contact: Garry Naurocki cell 204-785-3638
year where the days are approaching the longest and if we get some warmer temperatures things will really move along,” he said. “We have more than adequate moisture in most fields so things will really come along.” According to Friesen, the large hay crop last year has been a benefit this spring as he has been forced to feed his herd longer than usual before getting them out on pasture. “We are fortunate to have the feed, but that doesn’t mean we want to use it up this spring,” he added with a chuckle, “I would not mind carrying some into the fall.” He is cautious about letting his cattle out early on a wet pasture. “They can do a lot of damage that is difficult to recover from, if we wait a bit and the weather improves we will be alright.”
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Free Phone App Enables Farmers to Share Input Prices The Farmers of North America Strategic Agriculture Institute (FNASTAG), a not-for-profit informational research organization, has launched a mobile application that could have a major impact on how farmers price inputs and researchers’ ability to find reliable farm input price data. The application, called AgPriceBook, is available to all farmers free of charge through either the Apple or the Google Play app stores. A ‘small idea with large potential’, the app gives farmers the opportunity to post prices they have been quoted or actually paid, for specific input products. At launch, the product categories covered include crop protection, fertilizer, petroleum products and inoculants. Users can request products to be added from within the app and FNA-STAG will add categories or products where there is significant demand. The app enables farmers to view prices posted within a 100 km diameter from a centre-point location they select, or larger areas, to see how the prices they are paying compare to those being quoted or paid in any area of the country. FNA-STAG CEO and VP Government Affairs, Bob Friesen said that tools to increase price discovery and price transparency are vital to farmers as they adapt to the ever-changing agricultural environment. “Farmers need more tools for cost competitiveness by discovering what prices are in other locations, including other provinces and across the country,” Friesen said. “With today’s marketing techniques and bundling strategies it is important that farmers have the ability to get as accurate a price as possible. The more we can do for farmers to learn about and compare prices, the better off they are.” App users are completely anonymous. When a user posts a price, the data is anonymized to a 100 km diameter, which prevents identifying farmers who post prices by making proximity connections. As well, the app does not identify specific retailers, ensuring that no identifying connection can be made between retailer and farmer. If producers use the app in sufficient numbers, its benefit will reach beyond individuals. Over time, aggregation of the information will provide the foundation for reports that could be useful to farm organizations, researchers and policy makers. Using near-real time numbers, the data will provide the most reliable tracking of farm input prices ever available, making it an unprecedented and strong tool to help farmers improve their cost-competitiveness. FNA-STAG says that it will use that data to produce reports that track specific input categories and even specific products with regional and national comparisons. “If we get solid participation, the information available to those farmers should exceed the value of any of the various farm input price surveys that have been or are currently being used,” Friesen said. However, he noted that farmers will, “Make or break,” the application. If too few farmers are willing to post prices, then the price finding features will be of little value and the aggregate data will be insufficient to generate useful reports.
Who is Cereals Canada and Why Should YYou ou Care? Farmers today, no matter what they are producing, belong to or support a number of agriculture associations and organizations. These industry groups are working on your behalf and as a farmer, you are better off because of their work. However, I am likely biased on this assessment. When does it become too much? Does Canadian agriculture really need all these organizations? These are valid questions for farmers to ask. Let me answer these questions from the perspective of one of the new kids on the block, Cereals Canada. Cereals Canada is a national organization that invests both producer and company funds. So how do these investments directly benefit your farm? The cereals sector in Canada is currently undergoing a time of transition. In western Canada, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) traditionally filled the role of industry coordinator for market development and research initiatives. The end of the CWB’s marketing monopoly has resulted in gaps in industry coordination and Cereals Canada was created to fill these gaps to coordinate efforts across the entire country. Cereals Canada provides an opportunity for the industry as a whole to guide the growth and development of Canadian cereals research, market outreach and customer support. Our goal is to ensure a profitable and vibrant future for all links in the cereal value chain. Words like ‘value chain’ are often used as catch phrases that don’t really have a lot of meaning. So, what do we mean by value chain? You are a critical part of the cereals value chain. Farmers make up 1/3 of the membership of Cereals Canada’s Board of Directors that has equal representation from producer organizations, grain handling, export and processing firms, crop development and seed companies. Each sector also pays 1/3 of Cereals Canada’s budget. This equal representation from all of our member groups is both deliberate and important. Everyone involved in growing and marketing cereal grains are better off when the industry works together on common goals. The alternative is each sector retreating to their individual silos and viewing everyone else as a competitor. That approach will quickly lead to duplication, wasted efforts and investment flowing to other commodities and other countries. Cam Dahl is President of Cereals Canada.
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Active Country Kids NAFTA Anniversary Marks Growth in Agriculture Trade
Nine-year-old KateLeigh Heapy gives Holstein milk cows an extra scoop of feed after milking. She has grown up with the cows in their dairy herd, teaching them to lead when only a few days old. Like many other farm kids, she keeps active playing hockey and baseball. She also belongs to a rodeo club and beef 4H club. Photo by Joan Airey
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has concluded a successful visit to Mexico, where he and his two counterparts, Mexican Agriculture Secretary Enrique Martínez, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, gathered together for the first time. To mark the North American Free Trade Agreement’s (NAFTA) 20th anniversary, Ritz joined Secretaries Vilsack and Martínez to discuss the vast benefits the Agreement has created for the North American agriculture industry at a panel discussion with the three agriculture leaders. “The signing of NAFTA 20 years ago has led to a more competitive and integrated North American agriculture industry,” said Ritz. “This visit to Mexico provided a unique opportunity for myself, U.S. Secretary Vilsack and Mexican Secretary Martínez to come together to reaffirm our continued commitment to promoting a fair, open and integrated North American market that will continue to keep our industries strong.” During the NAFTA panel, Ritz stressed the importance of fair and science-based decisions to facilitate trade within the NAFTA region. Ritz later reinforced the same message during bilateral discussions with U.S. Secretary Vilsack and Mexican Secretary Martínez. During his meeting with Secretary Vilsack, Ritz raised various issues of interest to Canada, including the importance of the U.S. ending the discrimination against Canadian cattle and hogs under mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (COOL). In his bilateral meeting with Secretary Martínez, Ritz stressed the need for a resolution of market access for Canadian beef from animals over thirty months in accordance with science-based
Minister Ritz with Mexican Agriculture Secretary Enrique Martínez and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at NAFTA Panel, Foro Expectativas, Mexico City.
rules. Ritz also travelled from Mexico City to Zacatecas, Mexico, for the Mexican Cattle Association’s Annual Convention, which provided him the opportunity to reinforce Canada’s position on U.S. mandatory COOL with key industry leaders and express the need for cattle industries within the NAFTA region to work together to address this important issue. Since NAFTA came into force in 1994, the North American economy has
more than doubled and agricultural trade has more than quadrupled. NAFTA has had a significantly positive impact on the competitiveness of the North American agriculture industry. Today, the U.S. remains Canada’s top customer of our agricultural products with Canadian agriculture exports to the U.S. totalling $26.1 billion in 2013, while Mexico is our fifth-largest buyer, with $1.6 billion in Canadian agricultural products exported to the market in the same year.
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Agriculture Grads Celebrate
Class of 2014.
Fifty-eight graduates received their Diplomas in Agriculture at the 107th convocation of the School of Agriculture held on Friday, May 2, at the University of Manitoba. Fiona Jochum of St. Francois Xavier received the Governor General’s Bronze Medal, an award given to the graduate with the highest academic standing in the two-year Diploma Program in Agriculture. Fiona was also the recipient of the President’s Medal, given annually to a student who combines scholarship with outstanding qualities of leadership. Diplomas with Distinction, awarded to students who obtain a Grade Point Average of 3.75 or better out of a possible 4.5, were presented to Kayla Antonowich (Morden), Nathan Beichter, (Carman), Michelle Gaudry (Linden), Cody Ireland (High Bluff), Fiona Jochum, Alyson Johnson (Killarney), Alexandra Leishman (Carman), Karin Mueller (Oak Bluff), Dylan Sanders (Manitou), Matt Sawatzky (MacGregor), Jennifer Temmer (St. Williams, ON) and Matthew Wiebe (Morden). Since its inception in 1906, the Diploma in Agriculture program at the School of Agriculture has undergone many changes and challenges to meet the evergrowing needs of Canada’s agri-food industry. Students opt for one of four programs, crop management, livestock management, business management or general agriculture, depending on their career aspirations.
Energizer Bunny of Agriculture By Les Kletke By accepting the Certificate of Merit from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Ed Tyrchniewicz joked about a number of earlier retirements and that he had just kept on finding new jobs. He could well be called the Energizer Bunny of Manitoba Agriculture because he just keeps on going. Currently he focuses his attention on a program that helps emigrating agrologists settle into Canada and secure their required credentials. He teaches in the one-year program that allows immi-
grants with Agriculture Degrees from other countries make the transition to Canada and have their degrees recognized in this country. In his acceptance of the Certificate of Merit he made mention of his roots in Prairie Grove, just south east of Winnipeg and that he graduated from Agricultural Economics in 1962. He listed Dr. Clay Gilson as one of his early influences. He went on to obtain his PhD from Perdue University and returned to teach at the University of Manitoba from 1967-88. Tyrchniewicz was the founding Director of the Transport Institute and
served a term as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Alberta. He later became the Senior Fellow of the International Institute of Sustainable Development and the founding Executive Director of the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council. His interests diversified as an Associate Dean of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. While he has had strong influence in Manitoba and is dedicated to securing a financially viable future for Manitoba farms he has been working internationally in the Ukraine, Bangladesh, Thailand,
Kenya, Argentina and China. Known to most, as Dr. Ed he continues to work in academia with a strong bent to the practical. “He knows everyone and stops to talk to them,” said one of the attendees of the graduation banquet. “Most people don’t know all the things he has done and he just keeps on going.” The Energizer Bunny of Manitoba Agriculture does not intend to slow down, just spending more time with his grand and great grand children. Ed Tyrchniewicz was inducted into the Manitoba Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2012.
Fiona Jochum receiving the President’s Medal from University of Manitoba Vice-Provost David Collins. She also received the Governor General’s Bronze Medal.
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Celebrating Diversity By Les Kletke
From left to right: School of Agriculture Director Michele Rogalsky, Dean of the Faculty Michael Trevan, Marg Rempel, Ed Tyrchniewicz, Vice-Provost David Collins.
Dean In Transition By Les Kletke Dean Michael Trevan is in transition and that is entirely different from retirement. Trevan made that clear in his remarks to the graduation banquet of the School of Agriculture earlier this month. Trevan who has served two 5-year terms as Dean will be moving to another role, which has not yet been determined. He emigrated from England ten years ago to fill the role of Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, became a Canadian citizen and plans to continue with his work in Manitoba. In his remarks, he took the opportunity to poke fun at Manitoba winters but said that overall, it had been a great experience and he plans to stay. The same transition theme was used in his address to the graduating class of 2014 earlier in the day. He pointed out that it was the 107th graduating class of the school, which was also in transition a while back when it moved to the Fort Garry location. “You have been in transition during your two years at the school,” he told the 58 graduates. “And you have achieved personal competencies.” He noted that the group had formed the first University 4-H club during the 100 year celebration of 4-H. In her remarks to the graduates, Michele Rogalsky, Director of the School noted that the Class of ’63 had held their 50th reunion last year and were still in touch with each other. The Class of 63’ decided to donate money for a scholarship that was awarded for the first time at the 2014 graduation.
Rogalsky suggested that with social media today it would be much easier for this graduating class to stay connected than it was for the graduates of 50 years ago. Dean Trevan challenged the grads to use the skills they had acquired over the last two years to be ready for the transitions they would see in the industry they were entering.
Looking back at his 10 years in the faculty he noted that involvement with groups like the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or the Canadian Wheat Board where not things he had thought of as a food chemist in downtown London. However, these were great experiences he had because of his willingness to make the transition to the University of Manitoba a decade ago.
When Marg Rempel was awarded the Certificate of Merit from the School of Agriculture at its graduation ceremony earlier this month she was treading new ground. Rempel was the first recipient of the award who was not a graduate of the School or Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba. For Rempel sailing uncharted waters is not a new experience. She farms with her son Jason and uses a unique system for feeding the 500sow farrow to finish operation on the farm. It uses high moisture grain stored in a silo. “It is used in southern Ontario but has not caught on in Manitoba,” explained Rempel. “I wondered why do we dry the grain and add water later on.” She said the system utilizes a silo that was salvaged from an existing farm
but does not rely on ensiling the grain, rather storing it at the high moisture content it is harvested. “The drying system is often the bottle of the harvesting system,” she said. “So, by avoiding the drying we are able to harvest faster without the investment in a large drying unit, and the high moisture feed works well in our operation.” Grain corn is harvested at 23-28% moisture and goes in to the silo to be stored until used in the hog operation. The New Bothwell farm has 1,600 acres of grain production along with the 500 sows and some other unusual livestock operations. Jason has raised chickens on grass for a number of years and found a waiting market for the naturally raised birds. More recently, the farm has expanded into goats. “We have found a real market locally with the Fili-
pino population,” said Rempel. “They have added so much to our community and this is a way of saying thank you to them. They don’t have access to fresh goat through the retail channels and this allows them the slaughter the animals in the traditional way and use the entire animal.” Rempel sees the expansion into goats as good economics on the farm that also serves a demand in the community. “It is as much about celebrating the diversity as anything,” she said. “I have always appreciated the diversity of our industry in any organization I have been involved with.” Rempel was recognized for her contribution to the agricultural industry with the FCC Rosemary Davis Award in 2012 and says the resultant 5-day trip and study was valuable but she values the friendship and connection with other recipients as an equal part of the award.
Two Lists to Conquer for Honoured Retiree By Les Kletke Gary Martens is very clear about what he plans to do in his retirement from the University of Manitoba Plant Science Department. “I plan to practice what I preached,” said Martens, who was part of the School of Agriculture’s Graduation Ceremony as one of his last official acts as an instructor in the School. He began as a lecturer in 1978 after graduating from the program. He will do that on his farm southeast of Winnipeg. “I call it a nano-farm because it is smaller than a micro-farm,” he said. “I will be able to practice what I preached and not make a huge foot print on the world.” The farm is 25 acres in size and includes several different long term experiments. Martens may not make a huge footprint on the world as such but his teachings and questions have had a huge impact on many acres of crop production in Western Canada. It would be difficult to estimate the number of acres that are now under the management of producers
taught by Martens, renowned for not only delivery facts but also for questioning common practices. Martens has two lists posted by the back door of his house, “And neither prepared by my wife; these are things I want to do.” The first deals with some short term things. He wants to plant more trees, which have been an ongoing project on the farm, and he wants to finish his electric car. He is converting a 1990 Mazda Miada to electric propulsion, which he estimates would cut his cost of a trip to Winnipeg and back from $15 to about $1.50. “I should have done it a while ago to use for my commuting but I just haven’t had time. I started three years ago,” he said. On the other list are some longer term items. One of which is developing a farm game that he wants to more realistic than any offered today. “I want it to have real time markets and scenarios that would play out as close to real as possible,” he said. “I want it so that farmers can play it and yet it would
Gary Martens receives Teacher of the Year award from students Dylan Wiebe and Ravae McDonald. Martens hangs up his academic gown for the last time after the graduation for the School of Agriculture in early May. He is retiring to pursue some of his own interests.
be something that could be understood by urban people and they would enjoy it as well.” He estimates it could take him 10 years to develop that game and acknowledges that he is aiming at a moving target. “I know that things are changing in the industry, and I want that to be a part of the game,” he said. “I can get that information, and I know that there are people who can incorporate that into the game, but I am not one of them.” He is confident he will find someone with the computer knowledge to put the program together and in-
corporate the rapidly changing scenarios he wants to include. He may be done with his time at the front of the classroom but Gary Martens has
no intention of fading into the sunset, he will be challenging and questioning the status quo for the foreseeable future.
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Locally Grown Flaxseed is a Dairy Friendly Feed Ingredient Over one million acres of bright blue-flowered flax bloomed in western Canada in 2013, which makes us the largest producer of flaxseed in the world. The harvest was about 700,000 tonnes of which 90 percent was exported to Europe and the United States. Much of this flax is crushed for its high quality linseed oil for non-food industrial use, but this oil is also edible for dairy cattle. Therefore, dairy producers should look at feeding whole flaxseed in order to improve dietary energy to support high milk production and because of recent evidence of potential dairy health and reproduction benefits. Centre to such dairy attention is Canadian flaxseed contains about 40 percent vegetable oil - 70 percent of which is polyunsaturated fat and of this amount - 57 percent is the desirable alpha-linolenic acid/omega-3 fatty acid. This latter amount is of significantly higher concentration compared to other edible dairy oilseeds, such as whole canola seeds, soybeans, sunflower seeds and cottonseed that contains less than 1 percent of fat content is omega-3 fatty acids. General nutrient profile of flaxseed and other common oilseeds are as follows:
(Source: NDSU Extension Service)
Motorized YYard ard Equipment All Farm Homeowner Policies have a listing within the wordings called “Special Limits of Insurance”. This listing of personal contents describes the maximum amount of money that you can claim on each of these items and/or category of items. An example of the special limit of insurance listing reads something like this, “We insure lawn mowers, snow blowers, garden tractors or other motorized garden equipment up to $5,000 in all.” So, if your total value of yard equipment based on “new value” exceeds this amount, you may want to increase the limit to the full new value for a small additional premium. It is not uncommon for new yard tractors with all the attachments to cost $20,000 to $30,000. Even if your equipment is older, it will take this same amount of money to replace it with the new one. Therefore, in order to have full coverage to replace your yard tractor with a new one you will no doubt want to increase this particular special limit of insurance. 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, Commercial/Agri-business P 1-204-746-5589, F 1866 765 3351 andya@rempelinsurance.com /rempelinsurance.com / valleyfinancial.ca.
Setting aside for the moment that whole flaxseeds added to the typical dairy TMR increases energy density, much recent Canadian research has focused upon flaxseed’s omega 3 fatty acid benefits upon reproduction and health (immune function) in lactating dairy cows. As reported, Alberta Agriculture (2006) supplied 750 g per head per day of unsaturated fats to lactating dairy cows; from either rolled flaxseed or rolled sunflower seeds to test whether alpha linolenic acid/omega-3 fatty acid improves pregnancy rates. In the first group, 2.4 kg/head of whole flaxseed (lipid content = 55 percent alpha linolenic acid) was fed and in the second group, 2.29 kg/head of whole sunflower seeds (lipid content < 1 percent alpha linolenic acid). The results showed that confirmed pregnancy rates at 32 days after insemination were higher in dairy cows fed the flax diets (embryonic death = 9.8 percent - flaxseed and 27.3 percent - sunflower seeds). Similar trials in other provinces yielded similar results. These researchers believe that alpha linolenic acid from whole flaxseed reduces embryonic deaths and thus improves pregnancy rates in dairy cows by assisting the corpus luteum (CL or temporary endocrine structure on the ovary) to release elevated levels of specific reproductive hormones, namely: prostaglandin P4, which has a positive effect on conception or in contrast; suppress prostaglandin F2, which causes the regression of the CL during critical establishment of pregnancy. Such positive reproductive benefits of feeding flax to dairy cows are not always repeatable. For example, the University of Guelph (2008) found that feeding flaxseed to donor cows and in comparison to a commercial bypass fat as a control group had no effect upon the number of embryos produced by each treatment cow. Furthermore, the cows on the flaxseed diets had comparatively lower fertilization rates and adverse embryo longevity. Feeding flaxseed to either donor cows or recipient heifers were shown not to affect overall pregnancy rates. We should keep in mind that these are only two cited examples concerning feeding whole flaxseed to dairy cows. Much research is needed and continues in this area and others, such as flaxseed’s effect upon dairy cow health. Case-in-point: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2003) allotted flaxseed (containing alpha-linolenic acid), commercial by-pass fat and soybean treatments to different groups of early lactation dairy cows. After calving and breeding, the immune response of the flaxfeed cows compared to these other diets (as measured by lymphocyte/white blood cell production) was altered (increased or decreased); dependent on the parity of the cow groups. It is very interesting that other field trials of feeding flaxseed/omega-3 fatty acids to dairy cows have shown visible reduction in inflammatory reactions as well as similar alterations of cytokines, macrophages or lymphocyte population; components of a functioning immune system. In order to receive these promising reproduction and health benefits of flaxseed as well as use it as a high-energy feed source for high milk yield, we still must incorporate it into “everyday diets” of high milk producing dairy cows. This means there are limitations to feeding flaxseed because of its high-fat content. The overall rule for adding high-fat ingredients, such as whole flaxseed, to early lactation diets is to take into account all the natural sources of fat already present and add in flaxseed; making sure not to exceed 5-6 percent total fat of the entire dairy diet. Furthermore, unsaturated fats from flaxseed interact and are relatively toxic to rumen microbes, particularly those forage fibre-digesting bacteria and may depress milk fat, if overfed. Therefore, dairy producers should limit the amount of flaxseed to 1.0-1.5 kg per cow per day and assure effective forage requirements are met in order to optimize rumen function and avoid any digestibility problems. In using flaxseed in a dairy TMR, one often thinks about rolling or grinding flaxseed to improve its digestibility by early lactation cows, but it might not be necessary. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Quebec field trials discovered that physical grinding of whole flaxseed and feeding it to lactation dairy cows had no effect upon: dry matter intake, milk composition or production. They thought whole flaxseed might have a longer shelf life as grinding may lead to oxidation of flaxseed fat. Otherwise, feeding whole flaxseed to dairy cows can be fed unadulterated. Despite the social popularity that feeding whole flaxseed to early lactation dairy cows can increase the level of alpha linolenic acid/ omega-3 fatty acids in milk fat and make “healthier” milk for people, it is a dairy friendly high-fat, modest protein and palatable feed ingredient. Similar boosts to the cows’ immune function and reproduction are proven, but flaxseed’s energy and protein basic values can help meet these first-limiting nutrients required by lactating dairy cows, fill the bulk-tank and generate a good milk cheque.
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Survey Predicts Less Wheat, More Soybeans and Dry Field Peas By Elmer Heinrichs Based on a Statistics Canada survey of 11,500 farmers prior to March 31, 2014, farmers are expected to plant less wheat this year than they seeded in 2013, while both soybean and dry field pea areas are forecasted to increase. Soybean areas could reach another record in 2014, which would mark the sixth consecutive year of historic highs. Farmers may modify their plans prior to planting time, as some reported being undecided about their strate-
gies for 2014. Similar to 2013, many areas of the country are experiencing a longer winter than anticipated. Nationally, according to planting intentions reported by farmers, total wheat area could decrease 4.8 percent to 24.8 million acres in 2014. Specifically, seeding intentions for spring wheat show a 5.6 percent decline from 2013 to 18.0 million acres in 2014, while acreage of durum wheat is expected to decrease 2.6 percent to 4.8 million acres. Manitoba farmers antici-
pate seeding 2.8 million acres of spring wheat, down 3.6 percent from 2013. Canadian farmers reported that they expect to seed a record soybean area of 5.3 million acres in 2014, up 16.5 percent from 2013. Producers in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan all plan to seed record levels in 2014. Manitoba intend to seed an additional 250,000 acres. Canadian farmers indicated that they might seed 19.8 million acres of canola in 2014, down 0.7 percent from 2013. Manitoba looks
to seed 3.2 million acres in 2014 the same as in 2013. At the national level, barley seeded area is expected to decline 10.9 percent to 6.3 million acres. Canadian farmers also plan to seed 3.2 million acres of oats in 2014, up 0.6 percent from 2013. Nationally, corn for grainseeded area is expected to decline 8.7 percent from 2013 to 3.4 million acres. Canadian farmers indicated that they intend to seed 21.0 percent more acres of dry field peas in 2014 compared with 2013.
Slow Start to Seeding By Les Kletke Don Braun would like to be further ahead with his seeding but is not worried about the conditions of this spring. Braun farms 4,000 acres near Portage la Prairie and by May 25 had about ¾ of it seeded already. “We have the wheat, canola and soybeans in,” said Braun. “We are not concerned about the edible beans. We would have liked to get them in according to the calendar but the soil has not warmed up and we are not going to take a chance on putting them into cold soil.” Braun said, he was able to carry through with his original seeding plans but had to do some adjustment on the order of fields that he planted. “We ended up moving equipment back and forth more than we would liked to but, that is a part of the business and we are just happy to have things in the ground and waiting for some more warm weather to get things out of the ground and growing,” he said. Braun is somewhat concerned about the cool soil temperatures yet he could not wait longer. “We could not wait for the soil to warm up, then we would have been faced with doing everything at once and if we had got another rain on some of our heavier land that would have been a problem,” he explained. He noted that he treated more seed that usual this year particularly his wheat that went in earliest. “Had we known the kind of spring we were going to have we would have most likely planted some winter wheat, but we didn’t.” he said. He has grown winter wheat in the past and likes the way it spreads the workload both with an early harvest and at seeding time. Last fall he choose not to plant winter wheat just to leave his options open for this spring. He said 2013 was one of his best crops ever and he was fortunate to have marketed some of the crop early. “I was able to deliver some right off of the combine and that helped,” he said. “Other fellows had some issues with storage space and that could be a real problem if we don’t see significant movement of grain through the summer.” Braun reserves judgement on the railways and the lack of movement of grain through the winter, saying that if things go well through the summer he will be back on track with his marketing plan.
Spring seeding and fertilizing in one operation on a field near Altona on May 17. Photo by Elmer Heinrichs
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Canadian Grain Reputation Began Early with No Mixing Rule In the early days of the western Canadian grain trade, the grain terminals at the Lakehead were largely owned by the railways and were classified as public terminals. It was not until 1907 that the first private grain terminal was built at the Lakehead. The public grain terminals operated under the same rules as public warehouses with a very important difference. In a public warehouse, the very same goods placed in storage by the owner are returned to the owner upon request. However, in a grain terminal, this was not possible as grain of a specific grade was stored in a common bin of the terminal along with other grain of the same grade. A person depositing grain in the public terminal would get grain of the same grade back. This method of operation meshed neatly with the no mixing rule and idea that the western Canadian grain trade was to provide grain at the average standard of the grade. A public terminal was not legally able to mix grain. A bin then contained various parcels of grain from various areas of the prairies, all of which were assessed at the same grade when first graded. The bin represented the average standard of the grade that was usually above the minimum specified in the grade standards. This reduced disputes over the quality of grain that a shipper received back from a public terminal. Another facet of public terminal operation in the pioneer period was the practice of directing loaded grain cars arriving at the Lakehead to the terminal best able to store the grade of grain in the car. This was aided by the practice of sampling all grain cars in Winnipeg and grading the grain while the car was enroute to the Lakehead so the grade was known before the car was unloaded. The downside to this was that anyone shipping grain then could have the grain spread around a number of public terminals. This posed problems when the owner of the grain wanted it shipped as a vessel. The owner may have to visit multiple terminals in order to load this grain. The answer was the Lake Shippers Clearance Association (LSCA), which brought together the ship-
Military Heritage to be Feature at Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede The Manitoba Agricultural Museum (MAM) unveiled Manitoba’s Military Heritage as the feature attraction for the 60th Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede. To be held July 24-27, 2014, the feature display will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of World War I and the 75th Anniversary of World War II. The attraction includes Manitoba’s largest public display of operating vintage military vehicles in decades and an exhibit of the current capabilities of Canada’s Armed Forces. More details will be released as the event approaches. “The World Wars had a significant impact on Manitoba’s families and communities,” said Georgette Hutlet, the Museum’s Chief Museum Officer. “With many of Manitoba’s military and historical organizations joining us to pay tribute to the men and women who served our country, this will be an once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The exhibit is the result of many organizations coming together to raise awareness of the impact of the military on Manitoba farms, families and communities. MAM is excited to announce the following organizations taking part: · 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery · The Royal Canadian Legion · 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry · Prairie Command Military Vehicle Association · Royal Winnipeg Rifles Museum · Fort Garry Horse Ghost Squadron · Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum · Military History Society of Manitoba The Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede is Canada’s largest summer festival celebrating the history of rural Canada. Featuring a working 1900s era village, pioneer fashion show, live farm demonstrations, heavy horse shows, petting zoo, classic car show, live entertainment and a rodeo, this family-friendly festival has been entertaining and educating the public for 59 years. For more information on the festival’s 60th Edition activities and events, please visit the website at ag-museum.mb.ca/ events/threshermens-reunion-and-stampede.
pers, vessel owners, public terminal elevators and the banks that financed the grain trade. When the public terminal unloaded the grain car, it issued to the owner a warehouse receipt, which was a recognized financial instrument. The owners of the grain could deposit these warehouse receipts with the LSCA and in return receive a Lake Shippers Certificate that outlined the volume and grade of grain covered by the warehouse receipts surrendered to the LSCA. When the owner wished to sell this grain, the owner could sell the Lake Shippers Certificate to a buyer or employ it to arrange shipment directly. In either event, the holder of the certificate gave the document to the association, ordered the grain to be loaded on a specified vessel, and gave the date the vessel was expected in port. The association kept daily track of the amounts, types and grades of grain the association had control over in all of the terminals at the Lakehead. The association then directed the vessel when it arrived to the public terminal best able to load the vessel regardless of where the owner’s grain had been unloaded. In the ideal circumstances, the vessel would be directed to the terminal containing not only the grade of grain needed but also the bushel amount involved in the transaction. This reduced the need for the vessel to move to another terminal to load further grain. The association even kept track of congested terminals and on occasion, directed vessels to congested terminals to load grain, freeing up storage space and keeping the terminal ‘fluid’, even if this meant shifting the vessel between a number of terminals to fully load the vessel. This method of operation resulted in efficient use of port terminals and faster, cheaper unloading of railcars and loading of vessels at the Lakehead. However, it appears not all grain moving through the public terminals made use of the services offered by the association. In general, off grades of grain such as tough, ‘dirty’ or smutted grain were not suited to the operations of the LSCA. Off grades did move through the Lakehead and had to be directed to a particular terminal when the railcars arrived at port to be unloaded with agreement for handling arranged beforehand between the terminal and the off grade grain owner. The banks were involved often because the owners of grain used warehouse receipts as security for bank loans. These warehouse receipts had to be coordinated with the movements of grain to ensure security for the lenders. The Lake Shippers Clearance Association in 1908 was appointed to register warehouse receipts inward and outward. After 1912, the Board of Grain Commissioners took over this duty. Registration of warehouse receipts ensured security in a manner that did not hinder terminal operations. The no mixing rule had a role here. If grain was allowed to be mixed, it was possible in the event of a bankruptcy that the holder of a warehouse receipt may not find the tonnage and
A Board of Grain Commissioners inspector sampling grain as it is loaded into vessel at the Lakehead in the early 1950s. The sample taken as the vessel was loaded would be graded and the results used in issuing the ‘Certificate Final’ that guaranteed the grade of grain. Eventually the Board of Grain Commissioners evolved into the Canadian Grain Commission. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Grain Commission.
particular grade of grain specified in the receipt in the bankrupt elevator or terminal as the grain had been mixed and turned into another grade. This fluid system allowed for the maximum use of the pioneer grain handling and transportation system as it sped the movement of grain through the system. However, for off grades of grain the system was far less fluid. One should note that in this period of time that western Canada’s reputation for quality in wheat was established with the industry’s adherence to the idea that grade of grain should represent the average standard of the grade. By 1912, the no mixing rule had a few more twists in store for the grain trade such as contributing to elevators being declared as ‘works in the general advantage of Canada’ and contributing in a roundabout way to the disappearance of the public port terminals.
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Make Sure a Copper Deficiency Is Not Hiding in Your Cowherd By Peter Vitti Before the 1980s, copper deficiencies were a real problem for just about anybody that raised cattle from western Canada to Cape Canaveral. Extensive copper research in beef cattle undertaken by Canadian and a host of international universities and governments, followed up by practical copper supplementation programs used by many producers, has made severe copper deficiencies on cow-calf operations a thing of the past. Despite some of our best efforts, subtle or marginal copper deficiencies in cattle are still with us. Without adequate testing and investment into a well-balanced mineral program, they can negatively affect the present breeding
The Agri Post season, future calf crops and final farm revenue. Oddly, we’ve all been taught the classic copper deficiency lesson; “copper deficiency causes black cattle to turn grey and red cattle to turn yellow”. This tagline might work in the most severe copper deficiencies cases, but misleading when trying to determine whether your herd is suffering from marginal copper status, where deficiency symptoms are invisible, yet underlie frustrating poor performance. In such “hard-to-pinpoint copper cases, it is important to recognize that micro-amounts of copper are always required by all cattle; involved as activators of vital enzyme systems (specialized proteins) that drive cellular reactions in many areas of cattle maintenance and performance. Here are a few metabolic examples of how copper through these enzyme systems function and are required by healthy and productive cows and calves: - Vital functions - Copper has been found to play many life-giving roles in the body. Case-in-point, it plays an irreplaceable role in respiration because it is essential to haemoglobin synthesis (the compound that carries oxygen in blood) and red cell maturation. Copper also affects iron absorption in cattle (the active metal in haemoglobin). Anemia is therefore a common condition in marginally copperdeficient animals. - Immunity - It is theorized that within cattle immune systems, copper along with zinc, manganese and selenium play a pivotal role in antioxidant reactions, which destroy dangerous compounds known as “free radicals” produced during a normal immune response against disease. It has been proven by indirect evidence such as elevated copper levels being present in white blood cells responding to infections and inflammation. - Reproduction - Although well-defined biological pathways are unclear, copper plays a role in hormone production, normal estrus cycles, egg release, fertilization of the egg and early embryonic survival. Marginally, copper deficiencies may lead to delays in cattle puberty, silent heats, failure to conceive and a greater incidence of early embryonic deaths and overall lower pregnancy rates. - Hooves - Copper has an important role in connective tissue synthesis and keratinization (hardening) of hoof horn in cattle. Cattle with a marginal copper deficiency are predisposed to heel cracks, foot rot, sole abscesses and other types of lameness. This information is an informal checklist that might explain an odd year or series of years when a herd should have performed better (re: calving and breeding seasons), despite the cows being in relatively good shape for much of the year. One might ask is this just the experience of an “off” season or caused by a copper deficiency that was previously unknown? One can easily verify the copper status of most cowherds. It can save a lot of time, effort and money just by taking forage and feedstuff (including water samples) in
order to determine their copper and other complete mineral profiles. Similarly with the assistance of a veterinarian, tissue (liver biopsies) and blood samples from cattle might be taken and analyzed for copper and other trace mineral status ( zinc and selenium). After this evidence is received, it becomes a matter of interrupting of this information, accepting its findings, and taking the appropriate corrective action to reverse an established copper deficiency. Correcting a verified marginal copper deficiency in many cowherds can be a straightforward matter of feeding cattle a well-balanced commercial mineral containing supplemental copper. The NRC copper requirement for young and mature cattle is no more than 15 mg/kg of diet (dm, basis), which takes care of the beef animals’ basic copper requirement and also takes into account the antagonistic effects upon dietary copper by moderate molybdenum or sulphur levels in forages, other feedstuffs or water. Therefore, a purchased mineral containing 3,000 mg/kg of inorganic copper (added as copper sulphate) and fed at 50 - 100 grams per head per day should solve most copper deficient problems. Consequently, the following nutritional and management suggestions are helpful in assuring that your beef cows receive enough dietary copper when as you pour commercial cattle mineral into their feeders: - Target cowherd mineral consumption - The best wellformulated mineral containing adequate copper levels cannot do its job unless cattle eat it. Target the above-mentioned 50 - 100 grams per head per day. - Know the dietary copper sources in your mineral - The copper concentration on the mineral’s feed label is useful, but of limited information. Copper comes in many forms such as copper oxide, copper sulphate, and chelated copper forms, which have relative biological availabilities of 5 percent, 100 percent, and 125 - 150 percent in cattle. - Consider feeding “Breeder mineral” all year long - some producers feed a more fortified cattle mineral (with more biologically available organic copper) all year long, saying that the cost-difference between a basic and such a fortified mineral calculates up to $10 per cow per year, yet it is worth the assurance of good copper and other essential mineral status at all times. - Fill your mineral feeders on a regular basis -. Mineral feeders should be filled every 2 - 3 days and hardened old mineral should be removed. Check the condition of your mineral feeders and replace those that are broken and beyond repair. Each cow-calf operation can be negatively impacted by a hidden marginal copper deficiency in different ways (immunity, reproduction, and other performance) due to mitigating conditions, unique to their situation. However, once this plane of copper nutrition is assessed and elevated by a well-balanced cattle mineral program, the adverse effects of a marginal copper deficiency upon the cowherd can be successfully eliminated.
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