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Antimicrobial use could be slashed, say experts Simple management changes, like pre-weaning vaccinations, can greatly increase immunity in cattle

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Stepping up to the plate:

Young farmers and the need to be involved How to get young people involved in farm organizations — and why it matters

af staff

see antimicrobial } page 7

There’s lots on the farm to keep Kent Erickson busy, but the Alberta Wheat chair says he’s “lucky” to be actively involved in farm groups. Photo: Alberta Wheat Commission

af staff

arming has a bumper crop of grey hair, and industry veterans worry about where the next generation of leaders will come from. But some are already on the scene. Alberta Farmer asked four young producers what needs to be done to encourage young people to get involved in farm organizations. Mike Vanden Dool Alberta Milk delegate The 35-year-old runs a dairy farm with his brother and father near Picture Butte. He’s been a delegate with Alberta Milk for 6-1/2 years, and his

buyers beware

Alberta Farme --

Cyan,

By Alexis Kienlen

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By Alexis Kienlen

he livestock sector could significantly reduce and in some cases, eliminate, antimicrobial use with simple changes in management practices, say veterinarians. And that would reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance and boost consumer confidence in the cattle industry. “The key is to have animals that are properly vaccinated,” said Craig Dorin of Veterinary AgriHealth Services. Dorin — and his call “to change our management system” — is featured in a new video from the Beef Cattle Research Council. Specifically, the Airdrie vet recommends low-stress weaning and pre-weaning vaccination so young cattle can build up their immune systems long before being transported to feedlots and mixing with other animals. But that’s not happening often enough and producers commonly tailor vaccine programs to their own needs, without thinking of what is best for the animals or the person who will own the cattle next.

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role is to advise board directors and assist them with committee work. “I think the biggest barrier for young producer involvement is the time commitment, especially when you have a young family,” said Vanden Dool, who has two young children. “Directors are gone from about 60 to 100 days. That’s a huge time commitment, and with a young family, it’s pretty hard to do.” But the time it takes to be a delegate — about 10 days a year for Vanden Dool — is much more manageable. “Some people think that being involved is a big workload, but it really depends on how busy you want to be. As a delegate, I’m only on one committee, but I could be on two or three. We have regional meetings a few times a year. It’s really about how busy you want to be, and I think a lot of people have false information about what’s involved.”

Vanden Dool encourages other young producers to get involved, but said he also understands that even a delegate role can be too much for some. “My generation is usually the people who are doing all the milking,” he said. “I’m lucky I have a good hired hand who frees me up to do this.” But getting involved can also help young producers get ahead. Alberta Milk holds a biannual Next Generation Forum for producers between the ages of 20 and 40. This year’s forum is in Red Deer and is designed to minimize time away from the farm — it starts at 1 p.m. on May 20 and concludes the next day at 3:15 p.m. Along with learning about the activities of Alberta Milk’s board and how to make policy changes, attendees will hear presentations on topics ranging from succession to improving herd health.

see YOUNG FARMERS } page 6

miracle supplement or snake oil? } PAGE 21

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news » inside this week

inside » HOT OFF THE PRESSES The updated 2015 edition of the Blue Book is out

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

livestock

crops

DROUGHT BUSTERS

RARING TO GO?

columNists JOHN MORRISS Cellulosic ethanol would upset the biofuel apple cart

brenda schoepp

SNAP AND CLICK

Putting pulses into the spotlight Organizers of the 2016 International Year of Pulses have set a goal “to position pulses as a primary source of protein.” “The International Year is the single largest opportunity to increase awareness of pulses many of us will ever see,” the international organizing committee states on its website (www.iyop.net). “In many countries, consumer, food industry members, and governments have little knowledge of pulses, their attributes, or their ability to contribute to the solution of many food-related issues facing the world today.” Along with promoting the health benefits of pulses, the CICILS–IPTIC (soon to be renamed the Global Pulse Confederation) wants to raise awareness of the challenges faced by pulse producers, most of whom are smallholder farmers in developing nations. For example, a recent study found that improvements in planting techniques could double pulse production in Ethiopia and boost smallholder income by 40 to 70 per cent per hectare. “This could contribute to incomes and improved food security by meeting demand for pulses locally,” says the Global Pulse Confederation. Pulse Canada has posted videos on the International Year of Pulses on its website, www.pulsecanada.com (use the News + Multimedia pull-down menu and click on videos). — Staff

A hard lesson about family dynamics

New app helps to battle noxious weeds

Daniel Bezte Study shows boosting organic matter is key

The risks and rewards of seeding early

Weird weather from around the world

Lemon tart takes the cake at Mission Impulseible student competition Pulse-based ‘Peamon’ tart takes the cake at Mission Impulseible By Alexis Kienlen af staff / edmonton

alling something a “lemon” suggests it’s not up to par, but a lemonbased tart was the winner in this year’s Mission Impulseible. The “Peamon” tart was created by a trio of University of Alberta food science students who used canned red kidney beans, chickpeas, romano beans and great northern white beans as well as other traditional ingredients for the crust for their dessert. They also created “Peggs,” a protein binder made out of peas, as a substitute for the eggs in the filling of their tart. “We came up with our product because I had the great opportunity of working with pulse crops last summer,” said Andrea Roman, who also admits to having a sweet tooth. Realizing there weren’t a lot of pulse-based products in the bakery case, Roman pitched her idea to team partners Kaixing Tang and Minghua Yu. The tart is a gluten- and eggfree product, and also has fewer calories, sugar and fat than a traditional lemon tart. And it contains dietary fibre and nutritional protein. “The Peamon tart celebrates the International Year of Pulses by using a variety of pulses to showcase their variety and versatility,” she said. The seventh annual student food development contest was attended by about 40 people who sampled the entries. The trio won $1,500 and will

1+1=3

Alberta pulse representatives pose with winners of this year’s Mission Impulseible student food development competition. From left, competition co-ordinator Debra McLennan, Minghua Yu, Andrea Roman, Kaixing Tang, and pulse growers’ chair Allison Ammeter. Photo: Alexis Kienlen work with the Leduc Food Processing Centre to see if their product could be commercialized. They will also represent the province in Mission Impulseible’s national competition in Calgary on June 23. A chickpea nugget captured second place and a $1,000 prize, while the third-place team won $500 for Pulscotti, a pulse-based cookie spread. Alberta Pulse Growers chair Allison Ammeter said pulse growers and processors need to

capitalize on the attention generated by the International Year of Pulses in 2016. “We have a chance to tell the world about pulses and about their attributes and benefits, and we are planning to make use of every bit of it,” said Ammeter. “One of the cool things is this is the first time that a United Nations designation has been embraced by an industry determined to make the most of it. They’re watching the pulse industry very closely to see what we do with it and how it goes.”

An international team has been set up to create a pulse brand, she said. “Our goal is to have this brand on every product that has pulse products in it,” said Ammeter. About 60 countries are developing committees to promote pulses during the International Year of Pulses, with events and promotional projects beginning in November and running throughout 2016. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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The price of change? More money in your pockets Doing 20 little things five per cent better will make a difference on your farm, says renowned farm management expert By Alexis Kienlen af staff / leduc

hen it comes to farm management, take a cue from No. 99. “Wayne Gretzky said, ‘I’m not bigger, stronger or faster than the players I’m up against. What I’ve realized is that the only real difference is that they always go to where the puck was, whereas I try to go to where it’s going to be,’” said Danny Klinefelter. “That’s strategic management.” When it comes to farm management, the best tool is constant evaluation and improvement, said the professor at Texas A & M University and internationally renowned expert on farm management. “If it ain’t broke, you haven’t looked hard enough,” said Klinefelter. “There’s always a way to improve and prioritize.” And the little stuff counts, he told attendees at a farm management seminar put on by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Klinefelter is an ardent proponent of the ‘five per cent rule.’ Instead of doing one thing 100 per cent better, producers will see bigger gains on the farm if they do about 20 things five per cent better. The effects are cumulative, compound, and cause the farm to grow exponentially.

Five per cent rule

Choosing to use a five per cent approach to improvement means that a producer is always looking at the numbers and making small adjustments. “The most dangerous language in agriculture is, ‘because we’ve always done it this way,’” he said. Studies of farm profitability have found the best operations generally do about five per cent better than average, and the worst farms are about five per cent below average. “Successful farms are always a little better than average, and they stay there,” he said. One of the ways that good farms become great is by adopting strategic management, which means anticipating and capitalizing on change. These producers learn, build, and adapt faster than the competition, said Klinefelter. Leading farmers spot opportunity way before others, but Klinefelter recommends producers spend as much time looking at what they are already doing as they spend searching for new opportunities. Another management tip is to break the annual budget into monthly segments, examine the projected budget, and compare it to reality. “Move away from the symptoms and get to the root cause. Correct it as soon as possible,” he said.

Tips for managing risk Know your numbers, get insurance, and market wisely, says expert By Alexis Kienlen af staff/leduc

ttendees of the farm management seminar received tips on managing risk from Brian Wittal of Pro Com Marketing in Didsbury.

Good records

Knowing cost of production and break-evens is critical, both for “year-end damage control” if things go south and looking at different scenarios in the future. Record actual yields and average them over several years. Wittal makes all of his clients use spreadsheets for this job. Include wages (including holidays) in the spreadsheet and all expenses, including things such as electricity.

Use insurance

“Guys hate their premium and shake their head when they see the statements, because it’s big dollars,” said Wittal. “But you’re playing with even bigger dollars on your farm.” Understand what type of coverage you’re buying (for example, general insurance doesn’t cover all costs) and think about whether you want to ensure anticipated revenue or cost of production. If it’s the latter, you’ll need savings or other revenue to cover your living expenses.

Cut costs

“ Just because you’ve always done it that way doesn’t mean it can’t be done differently.” Danny Klinefelter

Nailing down costs

Producers need to use an accounting system that allows them to know their cost of production. And they want to be able to break out those numbers in a host of ways so they can look at overall farm costs, but also zero in on every enterprise, every acre, and every bushel. They also need to be able to measure how every change impacts the overall business. Klinefelter is a firm believer in the value of peer groups and benchmarking. Benchmarking isn’t just looking at the financial health of the farm, but involves examining strengths, weaknesses, and ways to improve. If producers prepare their information the same way, and then share it with a peer group, they can offer each other suggestions on how to improve and share ways to solve problems. “To have new ideas, you need

Wayne Gretzky is a good role model for farmers wanting to boost the bottom line, says Danny Klinefelter. Photo: Alexis Kienlen someone from outside without a vested interest,” he said. Peer groups can feed off of each other, network, and learn together. Another management trick is to prioritize tasks and initiatives, and then make changes that will have the most impact on the business.

“Don’t stick to tradition or accept that this is the way we’ve always done it,” said Klinefelter. “Just because you’ve always done it that way doesn’t mean it can’t be done differently.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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Calculate the return you get from an operating expense, and whether there are ways to become more efficient. “Expenses are always growing — try to reduce costs and increase your potential,” Wittal said. “It’s all your money in there. You’re carrying that risk and you’re doing it on your own dime.”

Market wisely

Production contracts with active out clauses are a good way to pass off or share risk with those offering the contracts, but they restrict marketing options and limit the producer to one company, said Wittal. Many producers wait until the grain is in the bin, rather than pre-selling it, because they fear the quantity and quality won’t be there. But that’s swapping one risk for another. Prices are generally lowest at harvest and so pre-pricing a percentage of the crop allows a producer to sell when markets are higher. However, there’s a buyback risk if you can’t deliver. Because quality is dependant on Mother Nature, Wittal recommends using a lower grade on some of he pre-priced contracts, especially in the wheat. “Don’t just contract a No. 1 red if you grow a No. 2 red,” he said. “Contract a few No. 2 reds as well.”

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

EDITOR Glenn Cheater Phone: 780-919-2320 Email: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com twitter: @glenncheater

Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton 780-668-3121 Email: akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

A black swan on the horizon

Jennifer Blair, Red Deer 403-613-7573 Email: jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Cellulosic ethanol has been ‘just around the corner’ for decades, but when it comes it will have dramatic repercussions for agriculture

CIRCULATION manager Heather Anderson Email: heather@fbcpublishing.com

PRODUCTION director Shawna Gibson Email: shawna@fbcpublishing.com

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national ADVERTISING SALES Jack Meli Phone: 647-823-2300 Email: jack.meli@fbcpublishing.com

Local ADVERTISING sales Crystal McPeak Phone: 403-646-6211 or 403-360-3210 Email: crystal@fbcpublishing.com

classified ADVERTISING SALES Sharon Komoski Phone: 1-888-413-3325 Fax: 204-944-5562 Email: sharon.komoski@fbcpublishing.com

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PUBLISHER Lynda Tityk Email: lynda.tityk@fbcpublishing.com

Associate PUBLISHER/ editorial director John Morriss Email: john.morriss@fbcpublishing.com

president

By JOHN MORRIsS EditorIAL DIRECTOR

mong the many topics in the science news releases recently was one from the University of East Anglia in the U.K. “A new study pinpoints five strains of yeast capable of turning agricultural byproducts, such as straw, sawdust and corncobs, into bioethanol — a well-known alcohol-based biofuel,” the release said. We’ve seen similar news dozens of times since the first “energy crisis” in the 1970s. A breakthrough in producing “cellulosic ethanol” has been “just around the corner” ever since. The U.S. imposed standards for the proportion of ethanol in gasoline to come from cellulose rather than corn or wheat, but they’re continually relaxed since the product is not available. Many will remember Canada’s Iogen Corporation, which for several years said it was planning to build a

plant somewhere in the West to make ethanol from wheat straw, but it never came to fruition. As have other prospective cellulosic energy producers, Iogen said its process uses enzymes, a word which sometimes tends to raise the snake oil antenna. Over the years we’ve heard claims for enzymes that can miraculously process manure into pure water or make dirt roads as hard as asphalt. But enzymes can be for real. In 2013, Iogen was purchased by Novozymes, the world’s largest enzyme manufacturer. Those TV commercials for detergents with enzymes that can make clothes whiter than white? They’re for real, and supplied by Novozymes, a Danish company with about $1.5 billion in annual sales. It says its commercial-size cellulosic ethanol plant using wheat straw in Italy is now operating. Other well-financed companies, including DuPont, are now working on the technology. Given that kind of financial muscle,

it’s hard to imagine that this technology isn’t going to take off someday, if not sooner. We sometimes hear about “black swan” events — unpredictable events such as wars or September 11, 2001, which have dramatic repercussions. Cellulosic ethanol could be a black swan for the grain markets. Almost half the U.S. corn crop now goes for ethanol. Consider what would happen if the whole plant — not just the grain — could be used in the process. Demand would drop by 25 per cent. Corn would also be competing with other higher-yielding, lowerinput crops grown specifically for fuel. The need to develop this technology becomes even more important based on the piece below — it turns out that the U.S. ethanol boom has been at the expense of marginal land, and may actually be increasing greenhouse gas. Black swans usually appear out of nowhere, but this one may already be visible on the horizon. john.morriss@fbcpublishing.com

Bob Willcox Glacier FarmMedia bwillcox@farmmedia.com 204-944-5751

Unintended consequences of U.S. biofuel policy

The Alberta Farmer Express is published 26 times

Using marginal land for biofuels is increasing CO2 emissions

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University of Wisconsin-Madison

niversity of WisconsinMadison has found that crops for biofuels, including the corn and soy, expanded onto seven million acres of new land in the U.S. over a recent fouryear period, replacing millions of acres of grasslands. “We realized there was remarkably limited information about how croplands have expanded across

the United States in recent years,” says Tyler Lark, the lead author of the study. “Our results are surprising because they show large-scale conversion of new landscapes, which most people didn’t expect.” The conversion to corn and soy alone, the researchers say, could have emitted as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as 34 coal-fired power plants operating for one year — the equivalent of 28 million more cars on the road. The study is the first comprehensive analysis of land-use change

across the U.S. between 2008 and 2012, in the “critical time period” following passage of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires blending of gasoline with biofuels that are supposed to be grown only on pre-existing cropland. But the study found that 3.5 million acres of corn and soy grown during this time period were produced on new, rather than preexisting, cropland, rendering it potentially ineligible for renewable fuel production under the RFS.

However, this went undetected due to limitations in current federal monitoring, which captures only national-level, aggregate land-use change. The study used high-resolution satellite imagery data collected over the last 40 years to identify where land had been converted to cropland, to what extent conversion had occurred, and the nature of the conversion — for instance, whether wetlands were converted for soy, or grasslands were turned into cornfields.

Topsoil loss is a threat that can’t be ignored Canada is a world leader in soil management and conservation and needs to help developing countries By Stuart Clark

Special adviser to Canadian Foodgrains Bank

ne of the greatest threats to the future of the planet is right under our feet — yet most Canadians don’t see it. According to one estimate, we are losing one per cent of the world’s topsoil every year, and up to 45 per cent of topsoil is already degraded. Another calculation suggests we have only 60 years of topsoil left. In the past, when the fertility of the land declined, people just went out and found new land by cutting down forests, plowing up grasslands, or draining wetlands. But we may have reached the end of the road for that approach. Forests are essential because they scrub the atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Draining wetlands endangers plant and animal life, and makes coastal areas more vulnerable to storms and flooding. And there aren’t many grasslands left. Meanwhile, food demand is rising, so we need to make better use of farmland. The problem is that soil isn’t a sexy topic, we still describe things as being as ‘cheap as dirt.’ But good, fertile soil is far from cheap. It takes

roughly a century to make just one inch of topsoil. And, unlike oil, we can’t extract more from underground or from deep in the ocean using new technology. It’s a precious — and finite — resource. Although most Canadians don’t think much about the decline in topsoil, one group of people does: Farmers. In Western Canada, topsoil loss and declining soil fertility has led many to largely abandon the plow in favour of no till. By not turning over the ground, they not only reduce soil erosion by wind and water, they also are protecting the organic matter in the soil by leaving plant residues on the ground. This helps to restore the soil, and make it healthy. Right now, it is in Africa that the problem is most acute — and that’s also where there is the greatest potential. Part of the reason for this is the age of the soils. Centuries of farming and eons of rainfall mean that the important minerals have been washed out of the soil, leaving it depleted and infertile. These challenges could be overcome through greater investment in research, extension services and infrastructure to help African farmers — the majority of whom make a living from farms of a few acres or less.

Research has shown investment not only improves yields, but stimulates economic growth, improves opportunities for women (who do most of the farming in Africa), contributes to better nutrition for children, helps people adapt to changes in climate, and promotes environmental sustainability. Canada has a good track record of supporting agricultural development in its foreign aid programs. From 2008-10, Canada led the world with the highest percentage of aid devoted to food security, but that support is now falling. If Canada wants to improve the health of women and children over the long term, it needs to return to those previous levels so they have enough food to live healthy and active lives. After the dust bowl of the 1930s, the Canadian government invested in agriculture, enabling our farmers to become world leaders in soil management and conservation. We now have an opportunity to do the same thing in Africa, and other developing countries. 2015 has been declared the International Year of Soils by the United Nations, which underlines the urgency of this issue. It reminds us that while some may consider dirt to be cheap, the consequences of its loss of soil will be very expensive.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

A tale of success, and how greed can overpower common sense Dutch entrepreneur learns a hard lesson about family dynamics and the need to put things in writing By Brenda Schoepp af columnist

dda sat at my kitchen table, the tears streaming down her face. A young innovator from the Netherlands, she seemed to have it all — a successful business, access to land, her own cattle herd, and a fabulous boyfriend. What could be the problem? Like many young and passionate innovators I’ve met and mentored in agriculture, there comes a time when the reality of the relationships in which you live kick in. And when it does, it can take the wind from a person’s sails, leaving our future agricultural leaders confused, hurt and unsure. Pulling the rug out from young folks in farming is not new — I hear it every week from every corner of the world. In the case of Edda (not her real name), the production portion of the farm was to be sold to her by her parents, with a similar verbal promise to the urban sibling to have a home given to her, also on the same property. The details were spelled out and

the papers were to be signed and all three parties were in full agreement. Dad and sister did not expect things to change, farming was tough and Edda could have it. Knowing that there was little in the future in selling apples en masse to be juiced, Edda worked with retail leaders to find out where apples could be sold at a premium. Then she set out to develop a premium apple and set up a trading company to sell her apples. The research project on apples yielded some fresh and startling results. Without changing the species or location of the trees, it was discovered that the apples on the sunny side of the tree had higher sugar content than the apples on the shade side. Leaving the sunny-side apples on just a little longer resulted in a premium fresh eating apple. Those apples were sold individually in a beautiful presentation through her trading company. The retail price was 10 euros per apple (about C$14), with many of these apples being shipped to Japan.

On a Dutch farm, depending on your location, it is not unusual to have 2,000 persons pass by on their bicycles or cars every day. After looking at market models here in Canada, Edda also started a value-added enterprise: apple pie production. The pies were sold at the farm gate, her trading company marketed the juicing apples and what weren’t sold were enjoyed by her beloved cattle. Soon Edda had an established business with sales of one million euros, and she began adding other fruit production and further expanding her markets. This young woman was clearly a success. And that was the problem. Suddenly, sister had a renewed interest in the orchard and wanted her share of the profits and convinced her dad that she was right. Long story short — Edda was told the deal was now off and Dad would take things back in hand. From a moral and ethical perspective, this is a tragic case. From a business perspective these manoeuvres are dev-

astating. The company cannot support a three-way split nor do the other two parties have the contacts to sell the apples in a value model. Edda wisely started the trading company outside the farm. It was her work and her relationships; her risk and her reward. But not delivering on apple contracts was not an option. The stress was palatable. Edda found apples in other orchards to sell to keep the contracts afloat, while her family discovered it was a lot of work to differentiate product. In the interim, Edda developed an international presence and won the nation’s highest award in innovation. Eventually it became clear to the family that they could not do what Edda did and she was successful without them. The discussion was renewed. Sister got her house and Edda bought her orchard. The tears Edda shared with me that day were not for her own failure — she most certainly was not a failure — they were from shock and the loss

of support from the people she loved and respected. Greed overpowered common sense, commitment, and the future of the business. Edda was a victim to it. Not one to be derailed, Edda continues to grow her business and is looking out at her orchards and processing facilities surrounded by a lovely stone wall that gives her a sense of private space and says to the family on both sides, ‘This I did alone. I have passion, drive, intelligence, connections, ideas and commitment. You cannot have all of me.’ On farms in every nation, young passionate innovators grieve when family fails and not every family comes back to the table. When they do, it is important to put it in writing, set boundaries, and define yourself inside and outside of the farm. Brenda Schoepp is a farmer from Alberta who works as an international mentor and motivational speaker. She can be contacted through her website www.brendaschoepp.com. All rights reserved. Brenda Schoepp 2014

Interprovincial barriers — in trade or farm inputs — are wrong Ontario’s limit on neonic use is an example of the growing patchwork of overlapping federal and provincial regulations By Cam Dahl

Cereals Canada president

was in a Tokyo liquor store the other day (I don’t have many opportunities to say that) and came across a bottle of single malt Canadian vodka. The box contained the logo of Ducks Unlimited, showcasing the Canadian industry’s strong environmental record. Kudos to the small distillery in B.C. that is bringing this value-added product onto world markets. While I can buy this product in Japan I can’t seem to be able to get it in Winnipeg. Internal barriers to trade make it easier for the B.C. company to export to international markets than ship across provincial boundaries. It’s time for this to change. Canadians should expect fewer barriers to trade between provinces than we see in trade between nations. Internal barriers don’t just apply to processed value-added products but also to farm inputs. Different regional regulatory regimes for farm inputs are a barrier to agriculture potential. Instead of diminishing over time, these differences are growing. This can be rectified through amendments

to the Agreement on Internal Trade, provided there is political will. Canada has a science-based regulatory system that is the envy of much of the world. This includes the regulation of crop protection products through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and the regulation of new seed varieties through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). But this science-based regulatory framework is under threat. There is a growing trend of local environmental and health regulations that are based on the perception of public opinion and not grounded in sound science. Local or regional regulations that are not science based represent internal barriers that hamper the competitiveness of agriculture from coast to coast. For example, a number of provinces have enacted legislation and regulations that limit the use of crop protection products that have been reviewed by the PMRA and approved for use in Canada. The result is a growing patchwork of overlapping federal and provincial regulations that differ from province to province. This patchwork of regulation puts farmers in some regions of the country at a competitive disadvantage

to farmers in other parts of Canada and, just as importantly, puts Canadian farmers at a competitive disadvantage to farmers in other countries, like the U.S. The most recent example of provincial jurisdictions overriding the science-based regulatory decisions of the PMRA is the move by the Ontario government to limit the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments. These regulations will put Ontario farmers at a competitive disadvantage for two reasons. First, the provincial limitation on the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments will increase the cost of production in Ontario as alternative pest control products are more expensive to apply. Second, the regulations will limit the availability of seed for Ontario producers. This includes new varieties with increased yield potential. The problems don’t stop at the Ontario border. Regional or local regulations not based on science significantly increase the risk of investing in research and development in all of Canada. A company looking to introduce a new farm input or new seed variety not only has to contend with federal requirements, but must factor in the risk their product might be taken off the shelf by local governments. If we allow this risk to continue to grow, companies will simply

take their investment elsewhere — to our competitors in the U.S. and Australia for example. There is a straightforward concrete solution. Federal and provincial governments must develop a science-based dispute resolution process as part of the Agreement on Internal Trade. This provision would allow the review of regulations on agricultural inputs and products to ensure that all regulations conform to national standards and fit within Canada’s sciencebased regulatory framework. This is what we are demanding of our international trading partners and we should expect nothing less at home. Bringing down the barriers to internal trade will help foster the development of domestic value-added initiatives. Reducing internal barriers to investment will ensure Canada is a top choice for the introduction of new crop varieties and inputs. The result will be increased choice for both consumers and farmers and accelerated growth in agriculture across the country. Free trade within Canada should be based on regulations that are founded in strong science. It is something that is long overdue.

Off the front

young farmers } from page 1 Kent Erickson Alberta Wheat Commission chair Although only 34, Erickson has been chair since 2012 and first got involved with farm organizations in 2006 when he was asked to sit on the board of the Alberta Winter Wheat Commission. A father of four, he operates a grain farm near Irma with his father and wife. “I got kind of lucky,” he said. “I was young and wasn’t really involved with the industry. My dad was really involved, and had a lot of experience and was going to a lot of meetings. I really enjoyed the politics side, networking, and getting involved in policy, so they asked us if either my father or I would sit on the board.” Young people can be shy about volunteering, and often don’t understand the impact farm organizations have, he said. But there are ways to overcome those barriers. “Alberta Wheat has tried to use its bigger network to get people involved in projects and get young farmers to go on the Canadian International Grain Institute’s Combine to Customer course. One of the biggest things we can do is use technology and social media to reach out to the younger generation. That’s the way they like to communicate. We try to communicate a lot with younger producers, so that when they get asked to do something, they don’t feel so intimidated.” Technology is also being used

April 13, 2015 • Albertafarmexpress.ca

to address the time crunch faced by young producers. “It’s hard to get people to go to meetings,” said Erickson. “That’s why we can try to meet more efficiently, and try to hold meetings over FaceTime or things like that.” And more young people seem to be interested in getting involved, he said. “The challenge is that the older generation, or guys like me who have been involved for a while, have to make sure that we don’t talk over their heads,” he said. “You have to tell people that there are huge opportunities available for them to expand their own knowledge, so they can bring that information back to their farm.” Jake Meyer Young Cattlemen’s Council president There’s “a huge learning curve” when you first join an organization, said the 30-yearold father of three, who farms with his wife and has 110 head of cattle on their ranch south of Lethbridge. “You have to get comfortable speaking out and communicating about the issues,” said Meyer. “But it’s necessary to have young people sitting at the board table, because older people may not be in the industry that much longer. Young people have a longer future in the industry, so they should be at the board table helping make those decisions.” However, they also have a lot on their plate. Along with growing their business, many young producers are dealing with suc-

cession, managing high debt levels, and doing most of the farm work because they can’t afford hired labour, Meyer noted. Nevertheless, there are more organizations for young farmers, including his. (The Young Cattlemen’s Council, which serves producers aged 18 to 35, was set up by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, but has its own board and terms of reference.) “These groups are actively introducing young people into the industry on either the political or the marketing end,” said Meyer. “There are fewer producers in the industry and they’re getting older, so it seems to be a growing concern.” Groups like his teach members how to be board directors and run meetings; introduce them to organizations like the CCA and the Five Nations Beef Alliance; and offer insights into the issues (and politics) of their sector. “It’s less intimidating because people are with their peers and can encourage one another,” said Meyer. “This helps the CCA and they’re doing succession planning for their own organization and grooming leaders for the future. “You get to see how things are

“Young people have a longer future in the industry, so they should be at the board table.” JAKE MEYER

done, and you can bring forward issues that are affecting young people.” For older producers, a five- or 10-year initiative may seem like a long-term project but Meyer has a different view. “I’m planning to be in the industry for the next 40 years, so I’m always wondering what this is going to look like in 40 years. And nobody ever thinks that far ahead. Some initiatives could have longer-lasting effects on producers who are young, versus ones who may be retiring.” Stuart Somerville Cattlemen’s Young Leaders mentee The 29-yearold, who runs a commercial cow-calf farm near Endiang with his wife and parents, has just finished his year-long mentee program, which matches professionals and industry leaders with young producers. Part of the appeal of the program is that it fits activities into blocks to minimize time away from the farm.

“Instead of having an event every other month, we have two or three events during the year where we get everyone together and put as much stuff as possible into that time,” said Somerville, a father of two. “This is done in recognition of the fact that so many of us are spread so thin right now. You need to have a more flexible meeting schedule, because the traditional meeting schedule doesn’t work for young people today.” This kind of program also overcomes the perception that the industry is a closed club. “If you look at the board of a provincial industry association, it tends to be men of a certain age,” he said. “If you don’t feel that you fit within that demographic, you might not even try to be involved.” Like Meyer, Somerville views issues through a long lens. “I’ve got an entire lifetime of involvement in the industry in comparison to someone in their 50s and 60s. If industry groups don’t seem to be representing our interests, or if we don’t feel we have a place in them, we’re going to look elsewhere to meet our needs.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Want to learn more? The four producers profiled in this story are willing to answer any questions from other young farmers who want to know more about being involved in a farm organization. Here’s how to reach them. Mike Vanden Dool: mikevddool@gmail.com Kent Erickson: kerickson@albertawheat.com Jake Meyer: jakebmeyer@live.com Stuart Somerville: somerville.stu@gmail.com

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

ANTIMICROBIAL } from page 1 “The industry hasn’t been very good at paying people for these value adds, and there hasn’t been a lot of incentive for people to do that,” said Dorin. Indeed, the situation of a feedlot operator also featured in the research council video — Bryan Thiessen of Namaka Farms — illustrates the problem. Thiessen kicks off the eightminute video by explaining that antimicrobials are used judiciously at his family’s Strathmore feedlot and only when cattle become sick. (The video is available at www.beefresearch. ca; click on Videos under the Resources pull-down menu.)

No choice

But in an interview, Thiessen said that while he doesn’t vaccinate cattle from his herd when they enter the feedlot, he has no choice but to vaccinate animals coming from elsewhere. “Being that we’re buying through an auction mart system, there really is no way of proving what people did in the past or not,” he said. “There is no way for us to know what the animals have had in the past, unless you are buying straight off a farm or have a relationship with the cowcalf producer.” But cattle will have a much stronger immune system — and therefore be much less likely to fall ill — if low-stress weaning and early vaccination are employed, Dorin states in the video. “If we’re going to talk about the development of resistance in the antimicrobials we use, we need to change our management system,” he says. He then explains vaccinations are more effective when calves aren’t under stress. “One of the management practices we’ve had some big success with is pre-weaning vaccinations,” Dorin says in the video, explaining how calves are vaccinated two weeks before weaning and then placed back with their mothers. “In that two-week period, they’re not under any stress at all and their immune system has

ample opportunity to develop a response to the vaccine and that provides protection against these diseases. Then when they’re taken to a feedlot or transported or taken to an auction mart, they already have the immune system protection in their bodies and they’re much less likely to get sick. “Then we can significantly reduce the amount of antimicrobials we use at the feedlots and change whether we use them at all if these animals come to the feedlot with their vaccines and their immune systems in place.” Namaka Farms’ vaccination program for its own cattle gives them the robust immunity that Dorin describes, said Thiessen. “Having a proper vaccination program on farm is huge,” he said. “It helps the calves be a lot stronger.”

Info sharing

Vaccination information doesn’t normally travel with cattle, said Kent Fenton, a veterinarian and partner in Feedlot Health Management Services of Okotoks. Having an easy-to-use system to share this information would be a big step forward, he said. “Knowing the history could enhance what feedlots are able to do,” said Fenton.

Some pharmaceutical companies have branded vaccine programs, which allows participating producers to sell their animals as vaccine verified. However, these programs are not independently audited. It’s possible vaccination data could eventually be tracked in a program such as BIXS (Beef InfoXchange System), which is currently being revamped for McDonald’s verified sustainable beef initiative. But this type of system has to prove its worth, Fenton said. “If you can show value from the data and make it easier to enter, analyze and show value from that, I think there will be greater uptake,” he said. “If there’s more information up and down the different sectors and more information transferred from the animals, we’ll all be able to do our jobs better. We’re able to manage those animals better because we have an understanding of what has been done to them.” However, reducing antimicrobial use comes with a cost, said Dorin. “At the end of the day, food retailers and consumers need to step up and say, ‘We know it costs more money to produce

“The effects would be huge for the industry if we did not use antimicrobials,” feedlot manager Bryan Thiessen says in a new video from the Beef Cattle Research Council. animals that are raised in an environment with little to no antimicrobial use. We’ll pay you to do that,’” he said. But that economic signal hasn’t been sent yet, he added. “I don’t think that there is a strong message to producers that people are prepared to do that,” Dorin said. In the meantime, cow-calf producers can still take action on their own to reduce the need for antimicrobials — and the threat of antimicrobial resistance, he said. In addition to pre-weaning vaccinations and low-stress

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“We can significantly reduce the amount of antimicrobials we use at the feedlots and change whether we use them at all if these animals come to the feedlot with their vaccines and their immune systems in place.”

weaning, producers should be talking to their vets to learn more about the appropriate use of antimicrobials, he said. And even though calves are fetching record prices, producers “still need to be prudent” in choosing what antimicrobials to use and whether they’re even needed. “There are lots of times that animals have a disease that is not infectious in nature that doesn’t respond to antimicrobials,” he said.

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Expert says mindset in livestock sector must change David Fraser says a ‘professional animal production’ approach to animal welfare is needed to reassure society By Brad Brinkworth

Meristem Land and Science

uch of the debate on farm animal welfare changes has centred on major infrastructure shifts such as facilities improvements and housing approaches. But the greatest challenge — and also opportunity — facing animal agriculture may lie not in the physical environment but rather in the mindset of producers, says David Fraser, a professor of applied biology of the University of B.C. Recognizing this and taking steps to ensure a professional, responsible mindset among everyone involved in handling and managing animals may just be the most impactful way to effect strong and sustainable welfare advancement, he said. “Very different welfare outcomes occur in the same type of physical environment. Why is this?” Fraser said at the recent Livestock Care Conference. “Of course it’s because animal welfare depends on so much more than just the physical environment. It depends strongly on the quality of animal care that the animals receive. This in turn depends so much on the knowledge, skill and attentiveness of the producers and staff.”

key elements of a profession include: a) the main outcome is some kind of service to clients or the public; b) participation requires competence, typically demonstrated to peers; and c) the ethical acceptability of the profession comes from adhering to the ethical norms of society, usually through some form of self-regulation.

Building trust

Canada is making progress on this pathway in the area of farm animal care; through organizations such as the National Farm Animal Care Council and Alberta Farm Animal Care; and through standards and guidelines such as the Codes of Practice and Assessment Models, said Fraser. “The traditional industry model of enforcement people coming in and correcting problems is what we want to avoid. Industry-driven progress; producers taking charge

of responsibility; and advancement — these approaches make us much more like a true profession.” Good animal producers can develop self-regulatory processes to demonstrate they are meeting the ethical expect a t i o ns o f s oc i e t y , h e s a i d . Enforcement agencies can work in collaboration with industry groups to address any issues or problems, because while each has a distinct and important role they share the same interests. Over time, the public will see the industry organizations as the main group to reach out to when asking for concerns to be looked into and addressed. “I think this shift has already begun with many of the initiatives industry has undertaken, particularly in recent years,” said Fraser. “We are moving in the right direction. Changes are occurring that make a professional model much more feasible for the future.”

The livestock industry should emulate professions like the health sector to develop self-regulatory processes for animal welfare, says UBC professor, David Fraser. Photo: Meristem Land and Science

Doctors, lawyers, farmers?

Farming and animal agriculture have unique roots; a diversity of scales and approaches; and unique characteristics quite distinct from other “professions.” But nonetheless a professional mindset is critical to maximizing success, particularly in the case of key areas of sustainability under increasing scrutiny in the public eye, including farm animal welfare, he said. “Whether it’s food safety, environmental stewardship, or farm animal welfare, what we need is a system that rewards that high level of skill, knowledge, dedication and performance,” said Fraser. “I believe we need a continued shift in our thinking toward what I would call ‘professional animal production’ as the way forward on these issues.”

“We need a system that rewards that high level of skill, knowledge, dedication and performance.” David Fraser

Animal agriculture needs to ‘walk the talk’ and make sure professional approaches are implemented in all facets of the industry, he said. The potential reward is a society that is less questioning and challenging of animal agriculture, and more trusting and comfortable with livestock and meat industries, he said. Health care is arguably the most professionalized industry, and while agriculture is different it can benefit by gradually moving closer to a professional model, said Fraser. Three

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

Telling farming’s story — the good, the bad and the ugly Airdrie vet Cody Creelman says being open and honest takes away power from foes of livestock production By Brad Brinkworth

Meristem Land and Science

T:17.4”

ights seconds is a good bull ride. And in the new age of Tweets, Vines and Snapchats, it’s also about all the time needed to create a viral video or have someone form an impression — good or bad — about animal agriculture. So how can producers benefit from social media? Airdrie vet Cody Creelman had numerous insights for attendees at the recent Livestock Care Conference. The beef veterinarian at Veterinary Agri-Health Services has more than 3,500 followers on Twitter and has tweeted nearly 10,000 times, often with pictures or links to his many YouTube videos. (His username is @ VetPracticeVAHS.) “The way that I tell my story is simple,” he said. “I tell my story in the year that I actually live in. And that means that right now I’m telling my story in the year 2015.

And that story differs from the way I told it in 2011, and my story in 2020 will differ even more… So I tell my story in 2015 in the place where a lot of eyeballs and ears are going, and that is social media.” At its core, social media — not just Twitter (he calls it “the 140-character cocktail party of the Internet”) but also Facebook, Instagram, Vine, Snapchat, Meerkat and others — is about new ways to harness the power of storytelling, Creelman said. It helps his brand, his business, and the industry he serves, he said. “A story can do things. A story can educate. A story can advocate. A story can entertain. A story can connect people and bring people together. Social media is the way to do all of this today in a place where more and more people are going to communicate and consume their media. It’s an area of great opportunity for anyone in agriculture to tell their story and build good relationships.” A defining characteristic of social media is that anyone can

Animal agriculture isn’t perfect and producers shouldn’t try to hide its unpleasant side when telling their story, says Cody Creelman. Photo: Meristem Land and Science

chime in, interact or essentially serve as their own media company.

Building trust

For those in agriculture, including those involved in sometimes sensitive or tough issues such as animal welfare, social media can

generate understanding and build trust, he said. To do this effectively, one of Creelman’s mantras is to “be real.” “I’m not so naive to believe that everything we do in animal agriculture is perfect,” he said. “But isn’t the system better today than

it was yesterday? And doesn’t it keep getting better? I think it does. “And for me to stay credible as a food animal veterinarian and for you to stay credible as producers, the goal is not to fake perfection. It is to tell our story. The good, the bad and the ugly.” You have to pick the market and demographics you want to target, and decide how much time and energy to put into social media, he said. “But you want to tell your story,” he said. “And social media at the end of the day is just an amplification for a good story. You may have heard the phrase ‘Content is King’ in the social media world. I’ll add this: If Content is King, Context is God.” Misinformation is the greatest threat to animal agriculture, he said. “There are people out there who are telling a story. They are telling a story about farming and about animals. And their story is sensational. Their story has all the right components to be very sharable.” When those in agriculture step up and make sure their story is told directly and honestly, they take away power from activists and industry opponents, said Creelman. “If we tell our story to the absolute minute detail and customers decide they don’t want to eat meat or drink milk, I can live with that,” he said. “But what I can’t live with is someone deciding that what I do is bad or murder, based on untruths, propaganda or even pure ignorance... So I tell my story — the good and bad — but I need all of you to tell your story too.”

Nine AFSC offices closing

T:10”

The province is closing nine offices of the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation as part of its deficit reduction efforts. Sixteen people will lose their jobs, 14 vacant positions won’t be filled, and seven employees have been offered transfers to other branches, said AFSC spokesperson Nikki Booth. As of May 1, eight branches will be closed, in Cardston, Lloydminster, Fort Vermilion, Valleyview, Slave Lake, Castor, Rocky Mountain House, and Fort Saskatchewan. AFSC’s Airdrie and Calgary branches will be combined into one office, at a location to be determined. The soon-to-be-closed branches didn’t serve enough producers to be viable, said Booth. “We looked at how many clients were served by all of our offices and determined that some of these offices were servicing as few as five clients,” she said. AFSC should not see any disruption in service when their accounts are transferred to nearby branches, said Booth. The closures will see the number of AFSC offices fall from 55 to 46.

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NEWS » Markets

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Selling at farmers’ markets

Updated Cropchoice$ available

Producers wanting to sell at farmers’ markets can learn about the basics at the Getting into Farmers’ Markets workshop. Farmers’ markets in Alberta had more than $700 million in sales in 2012 and continue to see rapid growth. Topics include food safety culture and best practices, product pricing, and regulations. A panel of experienced vendors will also offer tips. The day-long workshops will be held at the Garden Valley Community Hall (south of Spruce Grove) on April 21 and at the Provincial Building in Olds on April 28. The fee is $25 and includes lunch. Call Shelly Hall at 780-538-6208 to register. — AARD

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has released the 2015 version of Cropchoice$. The software tool allows users to choose from 40 different crops and evaluate eight different scenarios. Each scenario can accommodate 32 fields. Users can either use their own costs and land rents to build their crop plan or use the AgriProfit$ costs already built into the program. The new version has also been updated with 2015 crop insurance premium rates. The software is free and is available at www.agric.gov.ab.ca (search for ‘cropchoices$’). For more information, call the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM.

Canola pushes higher on U.S. soybean crop intentions Concerns over U.S. winter wheat supported wheat futures By Terryn Shiells

CE Futures Canada canola futures moved $11 to $13 per tonne higher during the short week ended April 2, with markets closed for Good Friday on April 3. The advances seen in canola were mainly linked to a rally in the Chicago soybean market after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s first survey-based acreage estimate of the year came in smaller than expected. USDA said growers in the U.S. intend to plant 84.64 million acres of soybeans this spring — about a million fewer acres than anticipated. Those extra acres are likely to move into corn, as USDA pegged corn area at a largerthan-expected 89.2 million acres. The corn market initially moved sharply lower after the report was released on March 31, but managed to erase some of the weakness in the days following. Overall, the market was still about three to five U.S. cents per bushel lower to end the week, but the focus was starting to shift to actual planting conditions in the U.S. for both corn and soybeans. Some traders believe USDA’s estimates will change, as the price ratio still favours soybeans. They expect corn acreage to be smaller than USDA predicted, and soybean area to be larger. Planting delays in the U.S. Delta could also lead to some intended corn area shifting into soybeans.

Canola picture fuzzy

The canola market is also starting to focus on spring seeding conditions, with major planting likely a few weeks away in both Canada and the U.S. The picture for Canada’s canola crop is murky, with a very wide range of acreage estimates still floating around. The first survey-based acreage report from Statistics Canada isn’t due out until April 23. Until crop establishment conditions become more concrete, North American grain and oilseed markets are likely to stay in a choppy “spring” pattern. There will be some spurts of buying and selling seen sporadically until a longer-term trend can be established based on weather — but for the most part, funds and farmers are expected to stick on the sidelines. If the crops do get off to a good start, it may not be reflected in prices until later in the growing season, as traders like to keep weather premiums built into the market just in case there’s a weather scare. Seeding conditions will also be important for U.S. wheat futures, as spring wheat will be seeded in both Canada and the U.S. soon — but weather affecting winter wheat crops will also move the market. Concerns about dry conditions lowering production prospects for U.S. winter wheat

The canola market is starting to focus on spring seeding conditions, but there’s a wide range of acreage estimates. Photo: thINKSTOCK in the Great Plains bolstered prices during the week, with Minneapolis, Kansas City and Chicago futures all up over 20 cents U.S. per bushel. The large advance comes despite a huge drop seen on March 31, following USDA’s stocks and planting report, which was thought to be more neutral for wheat, but bearish for corn. USDA pegged 2015-16 all-wheat acreage at 55.4 million, slightly below expectations. Terryn Shiells writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

For three-times-daily market reports from Resource News International, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.albertafarmexpress.ca.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

Lean hog futures plunge to a six-year low market outlook } What was first seen as a downward correction was a longer-term trend By david drozd

ean hog futures have lost 57 per cent of their value since prices peaked at a historical high of $134 per hundredweight on July 15, 2014. As always, the news was incredibly bullish at the top. Expectations for higher hog prices ran rampant, as the industry was concerned about the PED virus outbreak and the possibility of lower pork production in the months ahead. The rapid rise and fall of this market created a V-Top. Dynamic and substantial price moves often follow V-Top formations. V-Tops contain three essential components: 1) Prices must be in an uptrend and a futures contract is more apt to be in a near-vertical rise. 2) A pivot point is reached which will mark the extreme high price level. While this will most commonly be a single trading session, wherein the selling pressure reaches a climax, it may in fact be composed of a few sessions of activity at or near the high price. 3) The third condition is the sudden emergence of a downtrend. An aid in recognizing this downtrend at an early stage is to compare the slope of prices during the rally to the slope of prices after the pivot. If the angle of decline is approximately equal to the angle of the advance, the pattern is more likely to be valid.

slightly higher, but selling picks up early in the week causing the advance to halt and prices begin to erode. By the end of the week, the market drops to around the preceding week’s low and closes at or near that level. The longs respond to weakening prices by exiting the market. This is referred to as long liquidation and is the reason a bull market dies under its own weight. Hog producers who were able to recognize this reversal pattern locked in prices at the top of the market, just before the CME lean hog futures plummeted $76 per hundredweight. Fortunately for hog producers in Canada, the weak Canadian dollar has helped to offset some of the effect of falling hog prices.

This is a classic example of how charting and technical analysis can help producers recognize market tops, so they can lock in prices (hedge), just before a market turns down. Send your questions or comments about this article and chart to info@ag-chieve.ca.

GRAPH Lean hog weekly nearby Chart as of March 25, 2015 PEDv in 2014.

David Drozd is president and senior market analyst for Winnipeg-based Ag-Chieve Corporation. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and are solely intended to assist readers with a better understanding of technical analysis. Visit www.ag-chieve. ca for information about our grain-marketing advisory service and to see our latest grain market analysis.

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Market psychology

Since the market is likely to be in a vertical rise prior to the V-Top, the longs are reaping profits and the shorts are being battered. Suddenly, a dramatic shift in psychology drives the longs to cover (sell) their positions. They find that they have plenty of company, as potential new shorts also want in. Emotions probably run higher in a V-Top than in any other chart formation. Without news to explain the sudden turn, longs may at first misjudge the turn as being merely a downward correction. With profits on the books, they are going to wait and see what happens, which proves to be a big mistake! The market is forced lower by aggressive new shorts and suddenly the longs are trying to make the best of a rapidly deteriorating position, as the motivation to preserve profits quickly takes hold. Unlike other major chart formations which indicate a trend reversal, a V-Top takes little time to form, so this pattern is difficult to predict. However, on July 18, 2014, a two-week reversal materialized on the weekly nearby chart. This is a reversal pattern which often appears at the height of a sustained bull market rally and identifies a vast change in market sentiment, a clue this could be a major top. A two-week reversal occurs when a market advances to a new high and closes near the high of the week. The following week, prices open unchanged to

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Publication: Alberta Farm Express

Tawn

news » livestock

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

New conditioning resources

Next generation of young cattle leaders

New resources have been added to www.BodyConditionScoring.ca. The new feed cost calculator compares the extra expense of adding condition to thin cows in the fall to the extra value gained by the resulting larger calf crop. The calculator is not a ration formulation tool, but rather a customizable demonstration of extra costs versus extra returns. Producers can select a 60- or 90-day feeding period scenario to increase cow condition by one body condition score, and input herd size, feed supply options, feed costs, and projected weaned calf sale price. Three new conditioning fact sheets have also been added. — BCRC release

Nine Albertans are among the 16 young producers chosen as Cattlemen’s Young Leaders’ 2015 national mentorship recipients. The Alberta recipients are Benjamin Campbell (Black Diamond), Robert Dixon (Vermilion), Jodi Flaig (Two Hills), Brett Hassard (Medicine Hat), Elizabeth Homerosky (Calgary), Angela Kumlin (Duchess), Penny Patton (Athabasca), Byron Whitford (Lethbridge), and Brittany Wiese (Bentley). The program provides industryspecific training and mentorship to young producers, giving them opportunities to explore a potential career choice or become involved in producer organizations. — CYL release

Bale grazing and processing best at battling drought A Peace Country study found bale grazing and processing is the best way to improve water retention and infiltration By Jennifer Blair af staff

wo up-and-coming grazing systems could help Alberta cattle producers combat drought. In a three-year study conducted by the Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, researchers found bale-grazing and bale-processing sites improve organic matter in the soil and increase the soil’s water-holding capacity more than other types of grazing system. “We’ve seen a lot of drought in the Peace Country the last few years, so we see these as really handy management tools that are definitely doable for producers in our area,” said Monika Benoit, manager of the association. Bale grazing and bale processing are becoming increasingly popular, she added. “They’re viewed as a low-cost production system, which is something that’s really important for cow-calf producers,” she said. “But people have lots of questions about them.” That prompted the association to get some local data to answer some of those questions. Benoit’s team compared different grazing management systems by taking soil samples, and measuring compaction, water infiltration, forage yield and quality, and field nutrients in each. By and large, bale grazing and processing performed better than other types of grazing management systems — particularly when it came to improving organic matter in the soil. “Every fraction of organic matter built increases the water-holding capacity of your land,” said Benoit. Soil with two per cent organic matter will hold 32,000 gallons of water, or 21 per cent of a 5-1/2-inch rain, she said. If organic matter levels in the soil get up to eight per cent, the water-holding capacity jumps to 128,000 gallons of water, or 85 per cent of that same amount of rainfall. “For bale processing, our average over the three years was 10.4 per cent organic matter, which is really good, and we had 10.8 per cent organic matter for bale grazing,” said Benoit. “In comparison, the winter feeding site was only 3.5 per cent and hay production was at 4.6 per cent. There’s really quite a significant difference.” Water infiltration was also better at the bale-grazing and bale-processing sites. “The bale-processing site came back at

Soil sampling found bale-processing and bale-grazing sites had organic matter levels above 10 per cent — far more than levels at the winter feeding and hay production sites. Photos: Peace Country Beef and Forage Association

“We’ve seen a lot of drought in the Peace Country the last few years, so we see these as really handy management tools that are definitely doable for producers in our area.” Monika Benoit

14.3 inches per hour, and the bale grazing was at 13.1 inches per hour,” said Benoit. “Greater than 10 inches per hour is considered very rapid.” The stockpiled grazing site saw comparable water infiltration rates, at 13.6 inches per hour, but the hayfield only saw rates of 9.3 inches per hour, and the pasture topped out at 5.5. inches per hour. The wintering site performed worst of all. “We thought, from the surface, that that would have showed better values, but it was only 2.3 inches per hour,” she said,

Summer technician Taylor Iwasiuk samples a bale-grazing site in the Peace, where the forage stand is vigorous and lush in the year following a bale-grazing trial. adding the entire field was tilled in the fall of 2011. “That had a very detrimental effect on organic matter levels and infiltration.” No matter what system producers choose, getting the feed tested is “a big thing,” said Benoit.

“Not every management system works on every farm,” she said. “If you have poor hay, it doesn’t matter how you’re feeding it, but if you have decent forage, they’re likely going to do better.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

The third farm and a new set of challenges to overcome The goal to quadruple carrying capacity in as many years was achieved, but soil building is ongoing By Brenda Schoepp af columnist

t was a dry year and the grasshoppers on our new farm were the size of jackknives. The carrying capacity was terribly compromised and the fact that sheep once prevailed was evident in the close-clipped grass. I found it a terrific challenge. Turns out this area north of Rimbey is great for rain and so it was a matter of cross-fencing and rest. The goal was to quadruple the carrying capacity in as many years, clean up the weeds, and build the soil. We most certainly have quadrupled the carrying capacity and right now our problem is that the paddocks are too big and we need to cross-fence for the third time. The weeds are subsiding, but the soil is still lacking and we take responsibility for that. After a long wait, we have finally seen the emergence of trefoil and vetch that were likely planted 15 years ago. This is a good sign but we need to bolster the soil in as natural a way as possible. We will start with manure and take it from that point. Healthy soil makes for a healthy plant. The more starved the soil, regardless of the mass, the weaker the nutritional offering for the livestock. Challenges differ and here the issue is rocks and water. The land is crisscrossed with waterways and there is water close to the surface in a multitude of underground rivers. Getting around with equipment is tough. It is truly “cow country.” That does not mean we treat it as such. Even on pasture land there is a great potential for improvement and for productivity. We started with cross-fencing and water access. The year-round creek was fenced off from the cows and the set-back provisions (as outlined for Alberta) were put in place to ensure we did not have run-off contamination. As we tend to keep our calves closer to the yard in winter, our focus here was environmental. The first year the pasture was weeds, which grew among some stalks of pale-yellow grasses. A mixture of timothy and orchardgrass along with some old standbys like smooth meadow brome tried to compete. To his credit, hubby spent hours in the weeds cutting the heads off of Canada thistle with a pair of scissors and bagging them because we could not get to many spots with equipment. It worked and after three years these areas just need some maintenance. We fenced off the bushes to start as we wished to preserve space for the multitude of wildlife that

A south-facing hill that is nutrient deprived, and the same hill after a few years of manure from rolling feed out. photos: supplied live here. To further enhance the property, we will focus on a design that fences off all waterways and increase our shelterbelt plantings. This serves to protect the wet areas and encourage a more complete ecosystem and we need to divert some storm wind in summer. It will be artsy, but with a full knowledge of the interaction of plants, it is important to replicate a permaculture design. This will not take away from production. In areas where we focused on soil health, we have seen tremendous change and we are doing that almost entirely with manure. Our most exciting asset right now is the manure pile and any nutrients that we apply will need to be natural to stay with our core values. As producers of food, our client dictates a certain amount of our practice and this is not difficult to do. It does, however, require a little more patience. There are two main activities here — cow, calf and horse rescue. Horses are hard on land and so they have a designated rotation. Any south-facing horse pasture is exposed for short periods of time so the close clip does not heat the soil. Natural shelter is used for protection and warmth. For both cattle and horses, we observe where they want to spend their time on the coldest days and ensure they have access to it. The heavy rains in June also call for shelter for young calves and the paddocks are designed so cattle have access to the bush for these

times. It is not the most desirable time to expose the bush to cattle but necessary for overall health. Designated high-ground wooded areas then become part of the rotation. For feeding, the hay is rolled out and the location changed daily. This spreads the nutrients around the fields and allows for us to fertilize the soil strip by strip. In the extreme cold we have an area that

is both sheltered and allows for the bales to be rolled out. There is a higher concentration of manure here but it is set well back from water and run-off and the practice is knocking out the weeds that were established on the face of that hill. Nurturing land is like raising a child. It takes time and patience and the more we put ourselves into it — the more we get out.

I see it as a huge research platform that always needs to go further. This year, soil testing by quadrants will lead us to new decisions and more production capabilities. It does not take a lot of land to raise cattle. It only takes commitment to bring an old farm back to new life. Third of a three-part series by columnist Brenda Schoepp

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Common genetic disorders of the quarter-horse horse health } Genetic testing is the only way to know whether the horse is a carrier By carol shwetz, dvm

he American Quarter Horse Association has recognized the presence of five genetic disorders in the quarter-horse breed. These disorders can also affect horses of quarter-horse ancestry. The effects of genetic disorders range from mild and manageable to severe and terminal. Understanding the prevalence and expression of these genetic disorders better equips quarter-horse owners to make informed decisions with regard to breeding. The popularity of select sires coupled with assisted reproductive technologies such as shipped, cooled, and frozen semen, creates an environment whereby expres-

sion of unfavourable genetic defects becomes increasingly possible. Correction relies on conscious decisions from educated horse owners and breeders who recognize the warning signs. Passing these disorders on to successive generations causes unnecessary suffering and financial losses. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a hereditary disease of the muscle. The defective gene ineffectively codes the sodiumpotassium channels in muscle cell membranes. The contraction of muscle fibres is controlled through these channels. Muscle cells with the defective channel “leak,” causing the muscle fibres to become hyper-excitable, easily and involuntarily contracting. The repeated contractions

cause the muscles to become large and prominent. This muscular appearance is highly sought after in the quarter-horse halter shows and breeders have selected for this trait, and so, inadvertently, the disease. The disorder causes sudden, unexplained muscle twitches, cramping, profound muscle weakness and in severe case an attack which may progress to collapse and death. The genetic mutation can be traced back to Impressive, a halter horse stud from the 1970s and ’80s. HYPP is caused by a dominant gene and a single copy of the gene can cause the disease. Horses with two copies of the diseased gene appear to be even more severely affected. Careful nutritional management and exercise programs can help to alleviate the clinical expression

of HYPP in many affected horses. Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is an inherited degenerative skin disease. Horses that have HERDA are born with a defect in the structure and function of collagen, a tensile component that makes up tissues such as skin, muscles, and cartilage. Affected horses have fragile hyper-extensible skin, which is easily injured, heals ineffectively and rarely heals without a disfiguring scar. Foals appear normal at birth but by the age of 1.5 years they begin to develop skin lesions. Wearing a saddle often causes the horse’s skin to tear away from the underlying muscles, leaving disfiguring wounds and scars. Sunburn can also be a concern. There is no cure for the disor-

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der and most horses with HERDA are euthanized before four years of age for humane reasons. Many carriers and affected horses can be traced back to the foundation quarter-horse sire, Poco Bueno. The disease is recessive, which means that a horse must have two copies of the defective gene to suffer from the disease. Consequently both the sire and the dam must possess at least one copy of the gene in order for the offspring to be afflicted. Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED) is a simple hereditary recessive lethal condition. Foals affected with the disorder are missing the enzyme that turns glucose into glycogen, a major fuel. No fuel, no foal; GBED is always fatal. Many affected foals are miscarried or stillborn. Those born alive do not survive beyond three months of age. The disease occurs in foals that are homozygous for the lethal GBED allele meaning both parents carry one copy of the gene. The stallion King P-234 has been linked to this disease. Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) is a hereditary autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by a defect in the gene related to glycogen storage in muscle. Denied access to their fuel source, muscles struggle to function properly. Affected horses may show muscle stiffness, cramping, tying up, and/or gait abnormalities that may be mild to severe. In some cases horses with PSSM are unable to exercise normally because of weakness, pain, and reluctance to move. Horses with PSSM have a predisposition to muscle soreness and require long-term management of their condition. Clinical expression depends on turnout, pasture, diet, and exercise regimens. Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder that causes a lifethreatening condition. It is triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia, overwork or stress. In susceptible horses, a specific trigger induces excessive body temperature, muscle rigour, metabolic acidosis and death. It is important to know the status of a horse prior to surgery or before initiating a new training regime. Genes come in pairs. Each parent contributes one copy to the offspring. With autosomal dominant genetic diseases such as HYPP, PSSM, and MH only one defective gene is necessary to express the genetic disease. For the autosomal recessive genetic diseases such as GBED and HERDA typically two copies — a pair of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the horse to show expression of the genetic defect. Offspring born with one copy of the defective gene and one non-defective gene are considered “carriers.” Carriers have a 50 per cent chance of passing on the defective gene. Genetic testing of quarter-horses is critical in breeding management, as it is the only way to know whether a certain horse is a carrier for these specific diseases. Carol Shwetz is a veterinarian focusing on equine practice in Millarville, Alberta.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

They’re nasty little critters — and alfalfa weevils are on the move

Beekeepers bank on biodiversity in pasture lands Canola is a great source of pollen and nectar — but only for one month of the year By Jennifer Blair af staff / olds

Previously deemed a southern Alberta problem, alfalfa weevils have been spotted as far north as Stettler and Provost By Jennifer Blair af staff / olds

ell, it turns out alfalfa weevils can’t read road signs. “We thought it was a southern Alberta problem that doesn’t go beyond Highway 1 — most weevils don’t like it beyond Highway 1 — but lo and behold, we found it all the way through Stettler and Provost,” said Shelley Barkley, insect research technologist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “There was a large enough number there that they have been there awhile.” Barkley and colleague Scott Meers visited 150 alfalfa fields across the province last summer as part of an insect survey of forage crops. While they found plenty of other bugs from one end of the province to the other, the spread of the alfalfa weevil was a surprise — and not a good one. “This is a nasty little creature, because their larvae are out early in your alfalfa-growing season. In Brooks, they’re there before the first cut,” said Barkley. “Their larva will actually feed on the leaves on your alfalfa, and when they’re really bad,

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Alfalfa weevil can cause significant yield loss and their territory is getting larger. Photo: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development they can shred the leaves, so there’s a yield loss there for sure.” Another critter that seems to be spreading is the alfalfa blotch leafminer, a small black fly that lays its eggs on alfalfa leaves. “This was a problem that showed up around Brooks probably in 2004, and it caused quite a bit of yield loss early in the season,” said Barkley. “Again, we thought this was just a Brooks problem. We didn’t think it was further afield than that, but we found it from one end of the province to the other. We even found it in the Peace. And in some places, they’re really bad.” Three different species of leafminer flies have shown up in

Barkley’s samples, which could affect control measures depending on which species is causing the problems. It’s too soon for an accurate dollars-and-cents estimate of damage as this is the first year of a three-year project. The goal for right now is to “know how far they’ve stretched.” “We want to know economic levels so we can make control recommendations for you, but we had no idea that alfalfa weevil was as far north as Stettler,” said Barkley. “We need to get a baseline, and then we can get recommendations from that baseline.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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s the Alberta countryside gets eaten up by field crops, pastures are becoming a “safe haven” for field crop pollinators. “Bees spend maybe a month sitting in a canola field, and in that month, they have adequate supplies of pollen and nectar from the canola,” said Adam Ovinge, a beekeeper from Granum. “The problem is I have to keep those bees alive the other 11 months of the year, too. That’s where our pastures and forage lands come in.” Alberta — particularly the south — has an “intense agricultural landscape of monoculture” that has eliminated the biodiversity that pollinators need, Ovinge said. “All pollen is not created equal — every different plant creates different pollen, so in order to get good nutrition to your bees, you need a variety of flowering plants that are flowering throughout the year. Variety, in a word, is what we need for bees.” Forage producers can keep bees happy by not cutting “at the first hint of purple.”

“A five per cent bloom will do virtually nothing for a honeybee. They need to have weeks of it.” For farmers growing field crops, maintaining marginal lands — and even leaving some weeds in the field — will go a long way toward keeping pollinators healthy. “My first major pollen nectar source is dandelions,” he said. “If I didn’t have dandelions, it would be exceedingly difficult for me to keep bees. I would have no real nectar flow until sometime in June, and if I don’t have a pollen nectar flow, my bees will not start building colonies.” Farmers have become used to the idea of pollination “more or less taking care of itself,” he said. “But we’re finding that, the more we look into it, the less that is the case.” Pollinators need “to be part of the equation” that producers consider when it comes time to grow their crops. “Everybody needs to have their needs met here,” said Ovinge. “It runs counter to the way farming is going, but we’re thinking we can still find our niche.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Aussies fear El Niño coming

Beans built for a warmer world

Recent warming of the Pacific Ocean may signal an El Niño weather event is forming. Climate models indicate the central tropical Pacific Ocean is likely to continue to warm, with El Niño thresholds reached or exceeded by mid-year, says the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. “There is about a 50 per cent chance of El Niño developing in the coming months, which is twice the normal likelihood,” the weather bureau said. That would likely bring below-average winter and spring rainfall over eastern Australia and above-average daytime temperatures over the southern half of Australia. Both would be bad for wheat production. — Reuters

Scientists have bred 30 new varieties of “heat-beating” beans designed to provide protein for the world’s poor in the face of global warming. Beans are a key food source for more than 400 million people across the developing world, but the area suitable for growing them could drop 50 per cent by 2050 because of global warming, scientists say. Many of the new varieties, bred to resist droughts and higher temperatures, put traits from less popular strains, such as the tepary bean, into pinto, black, white and kidney beans. The new varieties were bred through traditional crossing of different species. — Thomson Reuters Foundation

Weather stories from one pole to another It’s been warm at the poles, raining in the driest place in the world, and California is headed for trouble By Daniel Bezte

he snowpack has pretty much disappeared across farmland on the Prairies, and, as is typical with spring, the snow has come and gone a few times now! That said, for the most part, it was a fairly early year for snow cover loss. With rising temperatures our thoughts slowly begin to shift towards more summer-like weather, and in particular, thunderstorms. So far it’s been a very quiet start to the thunderstorm season across the U.S., with the period of January to March only seeing 38 tornadoes, compared to an average of 163, as reported by the Weather Underground. Across our region there have been a few lightning strikes so far this year, making some of us wonder if this might be a more active year for our part of the world. Usually by this time of the year, I like to re-explore the topic of thunderstorms and severe weather, but I think I’ll leave that for another couple of weeks and allow the weather to warm up a bit more. For this issue we’ll take a look at a few interesting weather stories that have come up around the world. Let’s start off at the bottom of our planet — Antarctica. According to Christopher C. Burt, the continent may have broken an all-time heat record. On March 24, Base Esperanza, located near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, recorded a temperature of 17.5 C. The reason for the “may have” broken a record is kind of complicated, and basically has to do with the remoteness of the region and what is officially considered Antarctica and what is not. Should the record only count if it comes from the continent proper and not one of the islands? If you include the islands, then how far off of the coast do you go? If you are interested in looking into this further, I suggest you read Christopher’s full article located at the Weather Underground. Jumping to the top of the world, it appears Arctic winter sea ice will set a record for the lowest maximum extent. Ice coverage reached what looked to be a maximum on February 25 at 14.54 million square kilometres. The 1981 to 2010 average is 15.64 million square kilometres. The ice continued to decline into early March before growing slightly during the rest of the month, but it doesn’t appear that it increased beyond the February 25 level and has started to decline once again. With ice coverage already

Precipitation Compared to Historical Distribution (Prairie Region) November 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015

Record Dry Extremely Low (0-10) Very Low (10-20) Low (20-40) Mid-Range (40-60) High (60-80) Very High (80-90) Extremely High (90-100) Record Wet Extent of Agricultural Land Lakes and Rivers

Produced using near real-time data that has undergone initial quality control. The map may not be accurate for all regions due to data availability and data errors. Copyright © 2015 Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s National Agroclimate Information Service (NAIS). Data provided through partnership with Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and many Provincial agencies.

Created: 04/01/15 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

This map shows total precipitation across the Prairies between Nov. 1 and March 31. Eastern regions received very low to record-low amounts of precipitation, while north-central parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan received very high to record-high amounts.

two standard deviations below average at the beginning of the melt season, it could be an interesting summer over Arctic waters. Going back south, heavy rain fell in the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert in Chile. This region typically only sees about 1.7 millimetres of rain a year. You read that right — 1.7 millimetres of rain per year! There are parts of this desert that have never seen rain. The reason this region is so incredibly dry is that it has a triple whammy of conditions that prevent rainfall. First of all, it is located around 20 degrees south, which puts it in the zone where high pressure usually resides due to subsiding air. Second, it is located on the rain shadow side of the Andes Mountains. As the easterly trades rise up over the Andes they cool and the moisture falls. This air then descends across the Atacama Desert, warming and drying as it does.

Either of these two processes would keep the region dry, but to make it even worse is the fact that there is a cold current of water flowing along the coast, which prevents any significant amount of moisture from coming in off of the Pacific. In fact, most of the rainfall in this region comes in the form of mist or drizzle. So, how much rain did it get? Well, on March 25-26, 24.4 millimetres of rain fell in a 24-hour period, or more than 14 years’ worth of rain. While this doesn’t sound like much, for an area that does not get rain, it has caused some severe flooding with at least 107 people either dead or missing. Finally, our last piece of weather news comes out of California, and yes you probably guessed it — drought. Modest winter rains brought water reservoir levels up a little, but a recent springwinter snowpack survey brought some devastating news. The survey found

that the snowpack, which is a major contributor to filling California’s reservoirs over the summer, held only five per cent of the usual amount of water it should have at this time of the year. This means there will be virtually no spring run-off and thus almost no water making it into the reservoirs. So while the reservoirs might seem to be doing a bit better, any water that is in them right now will be quickly depleted over the summer. California has now introduced mandatory water restrictions, and with a large part of California’s agricultural industry relying on water, this will be a very interesting summer to watch and see what happens. Daniel Bezte is a teacher by profession with a BA (Hon.) in geography, specializing in climatology, from the U of W. He operates a computerized weather station near Birds Hill Park. Contact him with your questions and comments at daniel@bezte.ca.

} Payments

Trim: 10.25”

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

Cash advances now available Cash advances are available for the 2015-16 Advance Payments Program. This year, there are changes to make the program more convenient. The Canadian Canola Growers Association is administering cash advances for 45 commodities, including oilseeds, cereals, pulses, specialty crops, cattle, and hogs. Other changes include the removal of withhold and added flexibility for repaying grain advances. Producers are eligible for an interest-free cash advance of up to $100,000 and an additional, interest-bearing $300,000 at CIBC prime. For more info, visit www.ccga.ca, call 1-866-745-2256, or contact your local elevator. — CCGA release

Ready to pull the trigger? Some thoughts on seeding early A head start is tempting, but frost dates and saprophytic organisms may curb your enthusiasm By Alexis Kienlen af staff

Pest problems

For example, peas can go into cold ground, but cereals can be plagued by saprophytic organisms that will eat the seed. Saprophytic bacteria eat dead organic material and become more active in wet, cool temperatures (typically 1 C or 2 C). “If you don’t treat your seed, there will be saprophytic bacteria that will rot that seed so it won’t germinate,” said provincial crop specialist Harry Brook. Even when things seem to go well, there can be problems. Sure the neighbours will be a bit envious if your canola fields are the first to emerge in your area. But when that canola blooms, it will be cabbage seedpod weevils that take notice. “If your canola is the first in the area, you know without a shadow of a doubt that you’re

“A day in April isn’t necessarily the same as a day in May. Three to five days earlier in April might only get you a day or two further in advance (by harvest).”

Early birds

Of course, as Pauly puts it, “the warmer the soils are, the faster that seed will pop out of the ground.” But don’t expect a big head start in spring to last right through to fall. “A day in April isn’t necessarily the same as a day in May,” said Pauly. “Three to five days earlier in April might only get you a day or two further in advance (by harvest). It’s not day per day, because we’re talking about seeding into cooler conditions. The heat accumulation benefit is not the same as during warmer parts of the year.” Seeding early can also present staging and timing challenges. For example, an early-seeded crop may emerge just as wild oats are becoming an issue. If the crop is peas, your herbicide options are limited (Odyssey or a similar product) and they’re not only expensive but have to be applied early. Wild oats control can also get tricky with early-seeded cereals, although there are products that offer good control over a range of staging.

The advantages

There are several and the big one is higher yield. A 2006-09 study led by renowned agronomy research scientist Ross McKenzie found early-seeded cereals had increased tillering while oilseeds got yield bump because of increased pod formation.

Doon Pauly

There are also less obvious benefits. When exposed to chilly overnight temperatures (even as low as -3 C), canola maintains frost tolerance and will later be able to withstand light frosts that would kill canola that emerged when overnight temperatures were higher. And seeding canola early can help the crops avoid overly warm heat during the flowering stage. And, of course, starting early means more time to get the crop in. “With the size of farms increasing, and limited labour, a lot of producers are really under a time pressure to get all the crops seeded on all the land they have,” noted Brook.

Feeling lucky?

Before pulling the trigger, Brook recommends producers check out the frost dates on Alberta Agriculture’s website (search for ‘freezing date’).

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o seed early or not to seed early; that is the question. “If you have an early spring, there is that tendency to want to go early,” said Doon Pauly, agronomy research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in Lethbridge. “I’m fully expecting that we will be in the field by the middle of April.” Soil temperature and the risk of frost are the top-of-mind factors, but there are other factors to consider, say the experts.

going to have to spray for them,” said Brook.

The website lists the average date of the last spring frost (and first one in autumn) for 114 locations.The earliest date is May 8 (for Duchess) and there are plenty of dates in late May stretching all the way to June 12 (Newbrook). Reviewing those dates may curb your enthusiasm, but the bottom line is that the earlier you seed, the greater the risk. “Producers are tempted to push the envelope and some days they will get away with it when other days they won’t,” said Brook. “You can seed earlier than normal, but there is a chance that you can run a real risk if the frost kills it all out.” And it can be a lot worse than that, said Pauly, recalling one year when winter returned with a vengeance in the middle of April. “It was -25 C. There were crops that were already seeded and up when they got a week of really awful weather.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Smartphone app helps farmers scout for Alberta’s noxious weeds App allows farmers to identify noxious weeds and report them to their local municipal fieldmen By Jennifer Blair af staff

eed help identifying a noxious weed? Of course, there’s an app for that. “Most people have a phone with them at any given time,” said Jeff Fleischer, a member of the communications committee for the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen. “We prepared the app so that people could have a list of all of the noxious weeds in Alberta readily available.” Most farmers aren’t familiar with the 75 different species of noxious weeds found in Alberta — especially the prohibited noxious weeds, he said. “Some of these you don’t see

every day,” said Fleischer, who works for the Municipal District of Rocky View. “Let’s face it, Canada thistle would be the only one on the app that we see regularly. People are unsure of them, so this way, people will have them at hand.” The app allows users to search by keyword, type (noxious or prohibited noxious), and colour. “If you just know the colour of the weed that you’re looking at, you would then be able to filter it down by flower colour, and it would show you all the weeds with, say, yellow flowers in Alberta,” said Fleischer, adding the app also links to the full Alberta Invasive Plant Identification Guide. But the thing the fieldmen “like most” about the app is its reporting capabilities.

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“If someone is unsure about a weed, they can just attach that photo and send it off, and someone will be able to ID it for them.” Jeff Fleischer

“If you wanted to report an unknown weed, you can actually click the ‘Report’ button on the app, attach a photo of it, and send it to your local municipal

fieldmen to help identify it,” he said. “If someone is unsure about a weed, they can just attach that photo and send it off, and someone will be able to ID it for them.” The hope is that farmers will use the app to report noxious weeds when scouting so municipal fieldmen can map the weeds and monitor their spread. “These are the weeds that we don’t want in Alberta. The more we know about them, the more we can help people with controlling them and reducing their spread.” The app is available for free in the Google Play Store for Android smartphones and on iTunes for iPhones by searching ‘alberta agriculture fieldmen.’ jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Dairy program expanded Alberta Milk release

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Changes have been made to the New Entrant Assistance Program to offer more help to those who want to start a dairy farm in Alberta. The program reduces some of the costs of starting a dairy farm by loaning dairy production quota to successful applicants. Since the program started in 2011, it has helped establish 12 new dairy farms into the province. “Sustainability is a large focus for dairy producers and these new guidelines are reflective of that,” said Tom Kootstra, chairman of Alberta Milk. “It’s a longterm investment on behalf of all dairy producers in Alberta.” Highlights of the changes to the 2015 New Entrant Assistance Program are: • New entrants will receive up to 25 kilograms/day of total production quota (up from 15 kilograms/day) on a 2:1 proportional basis between owned and loaned quota to help kick-start their new business. This loan translates to enough quota to milk about 20 to 25 cows. • The term of the program has been extended from seven to 10 years to offer greater flexibility. The loan gradually expires starting at the beginning of year seven and is reduced to zero at the end of year 10. While receiving this quota loan, new entrants can expand up to 70 kilograms/day of total quota holdings. All current and 2015 successful applicants will be eligible under the new guidelines. Alberta Milk will be accepting new applications from April 1 to June 30. For more info, visit www. albertamilk.com or call 1-877-361-1231.

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As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and Assure® II are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Member of CropLife Canada. ©Copyright 2015 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

Not everyone is a potential customer There are three key questions every entrepreneur should ask about their customers Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

ho are your customers? This simple question is often one of the most challenging for most entrepreneurs, says a new venture specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Not everyone is a potential customer,” said Christine Anderson. “The more specific you can be in clearly identifying who your ideal or target customer is, and the more you know about what their needs and values are, the better able you are to target your products or service to best meet those needs and drive sales.” For example, health-conscious consumers are driving the demand for healthy and convenient food options. “Rather than targeting everyone in your promotional strategy, consider targeting mothers who are

shopping for healthy options for school lunches,” said Anderson. “By narrowing down the focus to families with school-age children, you can better tailor your products or services to meet their specific needs. This also includes decisions on packaging, marketing and market channel. For example, your food product would be packaged in a child-appropriate portion, with child-friendly packaging and likely through a retail store.” Three key questions every entrepreneur should ask about their customers are: • Who are they? • What do they buy? • Why do they buy it? “Knowing who your customer is includes demographics such as typical age of buyers, their income levels, where they live and work, whether they have children, if they belong to a particular ethnic group and their level of education,” said Anderson. “You will also need to understand the interests, beliefs

“Farmers’ markets and trade shows are good examples of places to interact with your potential customers.” Christine Anderson

Photo: Thinkstock and values of your customers. Do they value price over quality? Is buying local and supporting sustainable food systems important to them? And finally, you need to ask the question why a customer would be interested in your product or service. What expectations do they have regarding service, convenience, product mix, and price?” T:10.25”

While there are a variety of market research tools — such as published reports and online research — talking to potential customers is often the most effective way to gather market information, she said. “Meeting your customers face to face provides the opportunity for immediate feedback,” said Anderson. “Farmers’ markets and trade

shows are good examples of places to interact with your potential customers, but you can also use online questionnaires or surveys if you have a client database or website. “Strong sales are driven by emphasizing the benefits that your product or service brings to your customers. If you know the challenges facing them, it’s much easier to offer them solutions.”

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

On-farm scientific research saves Manitoba farmers big bucks What started off as a way to answer questions on one farm has evolved into a research business other farmers can access By Allan Dawson

staff / portage la prairie, man.

anitoba farmer Adam Gurr says he and his partners have discovered a way to save more than a million dollars over their farming career, and they’re sharing it with others. Gurr — who farms 4,800 acres near Rapid City and Brandon with his father Barry and brother-inlaw Stephen Vajdic — isn’t peddling a miracle product. Their money-saving discovery is cutting the amount of canola seed planted without hurting yield. And it’s just one of many agronomic insights they’ve unearthed through scientifically conducted farm-scale research available now through their company Agritruth. Three years of testing three seeding rates, and planting canola no earlier than mid-May using terrain-following openers with no till resulted in very little (zero to 15 per cent) plant mortality. More viable plants means seeding rates can be safely reduced, cutting seed costs. “For canola with a 1,000-kernel weight of five grams we will seed at 3-1/2 to four pounds (an acre) and save between $10 and $21 an acre,” Gurr said at an Agvise Laboratories’ meeting last month. “If canola seed had a four-gram, 1,000-kernel weight we’ll seed at 2.8 to 3.2 pounds, saving $18 to $30 an acre. Annual farm savings are in the neighbourhood of $30,000 to $40,000 and for the rest of my 22 years of farming compounded it works out to a million and a half (dollars). And it didn’t cost a lot to set that trial up either.” The recommended canola seeding rate is much higher at five pounds an acre. The goal is to get 14 to 26 plants per square foot for a final plant stand of seven to 14. “It assumes a mortality rate of 50 per cent, which is the safe thing to do,” Gurr said. “With seeding rates I think there is an opportunity to narrow the ranges in all crops and refine those recommendations specific to certain systems,” Gurr said later in an interview. “Industry recommendations have to be very safe. They’ve got to work everywhere.”

Unexpected results

Some of their research results have been surprising. One trial comparing a 60- and 130-pound rates of nitrogen found no difference in wheat yields. “This was in a high-yield environment with 90-bushel (an acre) red spring wheat,” he said. “We saw differences in protein, which of course affected the economics of it, but it was not what I would’ve expected.” On-farm spring wheat variety trials have also shown different results than small-plot experiments, Gurr said. Harvest wheat is rated very poor for fusarium head blight, but on their farm they’ve found when sprayed with a fungicide, Harvest produces higher-quality wheat than varieties rated moderately resistant to fusarium. The potential cost of picking the wrong varieties was part of the motivation to do their own research, Gurr said. So was a lack of independent, scientific data on new products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) used to require companies to prove their new fertilizers and soil amendments worked, but since 2013 they only have to prove they’re safe.

Need to be more vigilant

University of Manitoba soil scientist and professor, Don Flaten likes what Gurr is doing. With the changes at CFIA, it’s easier than ever for the unscrupulous to scam farmers with snake oil, he said at the same meeting. The provincial government and university don’t have the resources to test new products so farmers need to be more vigilant. “With the right sort of testing I think farmers are capable now, especially with all their GPS equipment, to do very good on-farm tests on their own.” On-farm research requires planning ahead, but modern technology, including GPS systems, makes it relatively simple, said Gurr, who has a diploma and degree in agriculture from the University of Manitoba and is currently working on a master’s degree through Iowa State University. “You need to set priorities for trials, have a backup plan in place and consider logistics,” he said. “You want to make it as simple as possible for everyone.

On-farm, scientific research is paying off, says Adam Gurr, who farms with his father and brother-in-law in western Manitoba. They’re now sharing their findings through a new company called Agritruth. photo: allan dawson

“Annual farm savings are in the neighbourhood of $30,000 to $40,000 and for the rest of my 22 years of farming compounded it works out to a million and a half (dollars). And it didn’t cost a lot to set that trial up either.” Adam Gurr

“You have to be passionate about it too, to do it on this scale. You have to love agronomy, you have to love what you’re doing or otherwise you won’t follow through.”

And the research has to be scientific — a point Gurr repeatedly stressed. To get accurate data, trials must be replicated to remove the effects of natural variability. “I would even suggest that you not bother with yield trials if you’re not planning to replicate because non-replicated strip trials can be very dangerous,” Gurr said. “They’re good for demonstration purposes but not to gather yield data from.” Trials should be done in randomized blocks to protect against bias and gradient differences in fields, he said. Yields need to be measured using weigh wagons or scale-equipped grain carts because combine monitors are inaccurate, Gurr said. “Statistically analyze your data,” he added. “This is done to sort out what responses are real and what are not. It’s easy to perform statistical analysis on replicated strip trials.” Trials should also be repeated

over several years to get results under varying conditions. Although their on-farm research began as a way to answer important questions for themselves and has paid for itself, Gurr and his partners suspected other farmers and agronomists would be interested in their results. That’s why they recently launched Agritruth. A free membership provides access to older research results and participation in forums and votes on what research Agritruth should do. A $300-a-year membership gives members access to Agritruth’s latest data. “It’s entirely independent,” Gurr said. “We fund it. We do contract work but it’s separate. It’s field scale and done with equipment farmers use so they can relate to what we are doing. It’s current and responsive. We can decide on the day of (seeding) to make a change. We don’t have to get approval from anybody.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

Watch for charlatans peddling miracle farm inputs Cherry-picking study results, vague promises, and misdirection can make bogus products sound great, says soil scientist By Allan Dawson

staff / portage la prairie, man.

t’s easier than ever to sell snake oil as a fertilizer, supplement or replacement, so for farmers it’s “buyer beware,” warns a professor of soil science at the University of Manitoba. “It’s what I’d call the Wild West,” Don Flaten said at an agronomists’ meeting last month. “With the Wild West it means there’s no more evidence for effectiveness (needed).” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency used to require companies to prove a new fertilizer was safe to use, and increased crop yields. Since May 2013 they only have to demonstrate products are safe. The federal government made the change to encourage entrepreneurs, but it also makes it easier for charlatans. “The market is going to decide if products are good or bad and farmers will need to be more careful than ever about their purchase of farm inputs,” Flaten said. “They’ll pay for the failures themselves either through increased input costs or decreased yields or both.” Flaten has wrestled with flyby-night products for more than 30 years. With his tongue in his cheek, he declared he was going into business with a couple of partners so they could improve “their economy” and “help farmers reduce their income taxes.” Their company is called BSI — Baloney Science Incorporated. “We will market products without telling any lies whatsoever and in some cases even with statistical analysis,” Flaten said. “We can put together a story that seems to work.”

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Flaten cited two studies to illustrate how data can be manipulated to distort the truth. The Two Penny study, a replicated trial, showed planting two pennies per plot increased yields by 45 per cent. But it turns out that huge yield increase occurred at just one out of 23 sites. Statistically one or two trials out of 23 will produce erroneous results due to natural variability, Flaten explained. A snake oil salesman can present the results he likes and ignore the rest. In another study, 20 plots were treated with Acer negundo extract and compared with an unfertilized check, a 60-poundper-acre application of nitrogen, 60 pounds of nitrogen with Acer extract and 120 pounds of nitrogen with Acer extract. In one plot out of 20 the crop treated with Acer extract (Manitoba maple syrup) combined with 60 pounds of nitrogen yielded as well as the plot treated with 120 pounds of nitrogen. Moreover, the land used in the trial was already high in nitrogen.

“There really wasn’t very much response to nitrogen at all,” Flaten said. “And there was absolutely no difference between 60 pounds of N with the extract and 60 pounds of N without the extract, but if I am selective with it I can show you that 60 pounds of N with the extract is equivalent to 120 pounds without. I’m not telling any lies here, I’m just being very selective with the truth.”

Good research

Farmers’ best protection is good research on and off the farm, Flaten said. • Conduct research under conditions representative of your farm. • Use unconfounded treatments with inputs applied at levels that are appropriate to answer the question. • Replicate and randomize trials in plots or strips. Use several locations and years. And remember one or two trials out of 20 will give erroneous results. • Use and interpret statistical analyses properly. • C onsider all the data and be alert for random erroneous differences. • Measure scientifically sound factors that could explain cause and effect. • B e open minded. Seek input from experts and colleagues. Agronomists need to be cautious too, Flaten said. “For agronomists, remember that your credibility is a huge asset and that once you lose it, it is very, very difficult to regain it.”

Snake oil tricks

Flaten also had a list of tricks used by unscrupulous salespeople. Among them: • Appeal to “anti-establishment” customers with a rebellious theme such as suggesting scientists are in the pockets of big fertilizer companies. • Appeal to “pro-establishment” customers through implied endorsements from reputable institutions. • Speculate and imply, using highly selective language. Don’t lie. Use vague language such as “this product will increase zinc uptake” without talking about the yield effect. • Cherry-pick results. • Distract the audience from the most important stuff (yield and profitability) by focusing on the less important stuff (seed safety and uptake). • Use Internet-based information to support claims. • Encourage on-farm tests with a money-back guarantee, and just be selective. Most farmers will not conduct their tests properly. A side-by-side comparison with a useless product has a 50:50 chance of yielding better than the alternative and you can always dismiss loweryielding trials because they are not replicated. allan@fbcpublishing.com

“I’m not telling any lies here, I’m just being very selective with the truth.”

Don Flaten

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Scientist defends report linking glyphosate to cancer Monsanto accuses cancer institute scientists of relying on ‘junk science’ By Carey Gillam / Reuters

World Health Organization group’s controversial finding that the world’s most popular herbicide is “probably carcinogenic to humans” was based on a thorough scientific review and is a key marker in ongoing evaluations of the product, says the scientist who led the study. “There were several studies. There was sufficient evidence in animals, limited evidence in humans and strong supporting evidence showing DNA mutations… and damaged chromo-

somes,” said Aaron Blair, a scientist emeritus at the National Cancer Institute. Blair chaired the 17-member working group of the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which rocked the agricultural industry by classifying glyphosate as “probably” cancer causing. Monsanto has demanded a retraction and explanation from WHO. Monsanto officials have accused the IARC group of relying on “junk science” and basing conclusion on politics rather than sound science. Company officials say glyphosate has been proven safe for decades.

“We looked at, ‘Is there evidence that glyphosate causes cancer?’ and the answer is, ‘Probably.’ That is different than ‘Yes.’” Aaron Blair National Cancer Institute

“We are in the process of determining the best path forward,” said Monsanto spokesman Wil-

liam Brennan. “Monsanto would like to understand how this conclusion could be reached and how the IARC process differs from other scientific reviews.” But Blair said the classification is appropriate based on current science. There have been hundreds of studies on glyphosate, he said, with concerns about the chemical growing over time. The IARC group gave particular consideration to two major studies out of Sweden, one out of Canada, and at least three in the U.S., he said. He stressed that the group did not classify glyphosate as definitely causing cancer. “We looked at, ‘Is there evidence

that glyphosate causes cancer?’ and the answer is, ‘Probably.’ That is different than ‘Yes,’” said Blair. He said the scientific understanding of glyphosate impacts is still evolving. “It is different than smoking and lung cancer. We don’t say smoking probably causes cancer. We say it does cause cancer. At one point we weren’t sure, but now we are.” Blair said the criticism of his group’s conclusion was not surprising given the widespread use of glyphosate. “These sorts of things are going to go on as evidence is evaluated and B:17.4” scrutinized. That is what scienceT:17.4” is in democracy.” S:17.4”

BayerCropScience.ca/Infinity or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. Infinity® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

Glyphosate: Advice to producers remains the same Without the introduction of herbicide-resistant canola, yields would likely be much lower than they are today By Shannon VanRaes staff

he Canola Council of Canada isn’t suggesting producers make any changes following a move by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to label glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic.” Glyphosate, the primary active ingredient in Roundup, along with malathion and diazinon received the designation due to “limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals,” following the agency’s evaluation of existing scientific data.

Curtis Rempel, vice-president of crop production and innovation for the canola council, downplayed the legitimacy of the French cancer agency following the announcement, questioning its links to the World Health Organization (WHO). “The WHO uses (IARC) occasionally, but not always. It’s not the WHO coming out saying that glyphosate is potentially carcinogenic, just to clarify that,” he said. The agency, which published its findings in The Lancet Oncology last month, is described as the “specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization” on its website. Rempel said that so far, the council has not heard from producers

concerned about the change to glyphosate’s designation and questioned the veracity of the findings, which came from a year-long review culminating in a week-long working group composed of 17 cancer experts from 11 countries. “It seems like the IARC study, at first blush for me, it’s stepping right outside of the boundary of sound science, and for me that’s a concern,” he said. “All of the regulatory reviews to date have not identified glyphosate as being carcinogenic, at all, in terms of any sort of realworld applications… so for now nothing changes in terms of advice to growers.” Rempel said he couldn’t hazard a guess on what a loss of access to

glyphosate would mean for the canola industry, which contributes nearly $20 billion to the Canadian economy, according to Agriculture Canada. “I couldn’t even begin to speculate on that,” said Rempel. New technologies will continue to emerge as old technologies fall from use, for one reason or another, he said. “But clearly in the current scheme… we’ve seen some real steep changes in canola agronomic gains with the introduction of herbicide-tolerant canola, like Roundup Ready,” he said. “So if those technologies wouldn’t have happened… would we see the yield and profitability gains that we’ve currently seen in canola and other crops? I think the yield curve would have lagged.” He also said he believes IARC’s findings won’t hurt canola’s healthy image. Promoted largely on the benefits of its omega-3s for heart health,

Rempel said that marketing will remain the council’s focus. “We’re gonna stand behind that and keep focusing on that,” he said, calling the IARC report “opinion style.” According to IARC Monographs Volume 112: evaluation of five organophosphate insecticides and herbicides, the experts in the working group examined “reports that have been published or accepted for publication in the openly available scientific literature” as well as “data from governmental reports that are publicly available.” Rempel said he does not find the IARC case a compelling one. “Gyphosate-based herbicides, they have passed some of the rigorous scrutiny from regulatory and public health authorities globally,” he said. “I’m standing by the safety of the product and we’re standing by our agronomic recommendations.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

The 2015 edition of the Blue Book is out The 2015 Crop Protection book has updated information on herbicides, insecticides, seed treatments and foliar fungicides Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

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LIGHT ’EM UP

ne of the most widely requested publications from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is the Blue Book. “An important part of the annual update is the addition of newly registered products,” said provincial crop specialist Mark Cutts. “For the 2015 Blue Book, a number of new pesticide entries have been added. New product additions were made to all four pesticide sections (herbicides, insecticides, seed treatments and foliar fungicides). Significant changes in some products, crops covered and usage instructions/selector charts give producers better options than ever.” Newly registered seed treatments focus on wireworm suppression. These seed treatments contain active ingredients that provide early-season wireworm protection in cereals.

Other seed treatment products have added additional fungicides to provide a more complete disease package. A number of new insecticides have been registered for use in 2015. Most of the new insecticides are registered for use on potatoes to control insects such aphids and Colorado potato beetle. “Compared to the previous few years, there were fewer foliar fungicides registered for 2015,” said Cutts. “New foliar fungicides are available for use on pulse crops and potatoes. For 2015, new herbicides were also introduced, however, these products use existing herbicide modes of action. These new herbicide entries were registered for in-crop use and vegetation control in non-crop areas.” Free digital copies of the 2015 Crop Protection book are available at www.agriculture.alberta. ca/blue. Print copies cost $12 and can be ordered on the website or by calling 780-427-0391.

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Check crop inputs to ensure they’re end-use customer approved Manipulator, a plant growth regulator recently registered for wheat in Canada, hasn’t been approved in the United States yet By Allan Dawson staff

nd-users and regulators are literally putting your grain under the microscope, measuring residues in the parts per trillion. That puts the onus on farmers to deliver grain that meets their standards or risk rejection. Before applying inputs farmers should consult agri-retailers and grain buyers about what products markets are accepting and follow label directions on the inputs they use, Canadian grain industry officials advise. “Before a product is used make sure that somebody’s not going to say ‘no’ when you drive the truck up to the elevator,” said Cam Dahl, executive director of Cereals Canada. Just because an input is registered in Canada doesn’t mean it has been approved everywhere. That’s the case with Manipulator (chlormequat), a growth regulator registered in Canada last fall for use on all types of wheat. Engage Agro, the company selling it here says Manipulator reduces wheat height, reduces lodging and boosts yield. But while chlormequat has been used in Europe for 30 years, it has not been approved yet for wheat in the United States, said Engage Agro product manager Tom Tregunno. Since there’s no maximum level of residue (MLR) set for chlormequat in the U.S. for wheat, zero is the limit by default. As a result Canadian wheat containing traces of chlormequat could be rejected in the U.S. “Farmers need to talk to their buyers ahead of time,” said Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association, which represents Canada’s main grain companies. “Knowledge is what we need when it comes to this and then we can plan our shipping accordingly.” Policies about buying wheat treated by chlormequat or other inputs will vary among companies, by location, and even the time of year, Sobkowich said. Elevators that don’t normally export wheat to the U.S. might have few, if any, restrictions. Other elevators might decide to segregate the wheat while others might not buy it at all. “If farmers talk to their elevator then they can decide whether they should use the product, or, if they do use the product, if they can deliver it,” Sobkowich said. “They can find out if they are inadvertently removing themselves from a potential market by using it or if it does not matter.” Awareness of end-users’ concerns is not new. The Canola Council of Canada has warned farmers for years not to spray malathion in bins used to store canola. Canada’s maltsters also don’t want farmers applying desiccants, including glyphosate, to malting barley. But increasingly farm practices are under scrutiny, said Dahl, adding that it’s not all bad because Canada has a strong regulatory system and positive story to tell. “So the impact of being outside the lines — whether those are technical lines or not — are greater,”

You might think applying product in ounces per acre is small, but buyers are checking in parts per trillion. photo: canstock he said. “And at the same time our ability to test (for trace substances) is significantly improving. We’re testing down to one part per trillion… when your tolerance is zero one part per trillion is not zero.” Buyers’ concerns aren’t restricted to pesticides and plant growth regulators. Mycotoxins, some of which develop when grain is in storage, crop traits developed through genetic engineering or the adventitious presence of genetically modified crops can cause buyers to reject shipments. Currently there’s no list of input residues importers have zero or low tolerances to in cereal shipments, but it’s something the grain industry and the federal government are working on, Dahl said.

“Before a product is used make sure that somebody’s not going to say ‘no’ when you drive the truck up to the elevator.” Cam Dahl

Engage Agro has geared down its Manipulator spring sales program, given the product hasn’t been approved on wheat in the U.S. yet. “If guys have question we will give them the information,” Tregunno said. Seed growers are still potential customers because they sell their crop domestically for seed, instead of export. “Obviously we’ve cut back on shipments into Canada so supply is relatively low relative to what we originally forecasted,” Tregunno said. “We see a real fit in Manitoba where the yield potential is high and there are a lot of innovative growers who really want to push it.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

How are biocontrol agents like James Bond? Beneficial control agents include beneficial bacteria, fungi, nematodes and insects that feed on harmful organisms Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

s the public grows more concerned about chemical use, many growers struggle with how to keep their product salable while using fewer pesticides. Some growers are turning to a new kind of ‘undercover operative’ to deal with crop pests. “Biological controls or biocontrol agents attack and ‘neutralize’ or reduce pests in a cropping system and can be used to manage insects as well as weeds and diseases,” said Dustin Morton, a provincial commercial horticulture specialist. “These increasingly popular agents are just one aspect of a good Integrated Pest Management program.” Beneficial control agents (BCAs) or “natural enemies” include beneficial bacteria, fungi, nematodes and insects that feed on harmful organisms. BCAs are often introduced into an area like a greenhouse or field, or can be native natural enemies that are encouraged to proliferate or colonize, as in many field situations.

Ladybugs are one example of an ‘undercover operative’ that can deal with crop pests, says a provincial commercial horticulture specialist. PHOTO: tHINKSTOCK “Most growers are familiar with predation as a control method,” said Morton. “Predation can mean one insect feeding on another, such as ladybugs

on aphids, but can also include mites and flatworms feeding on nematodes or soil-dwelling animals dining on fungi. BCAs that control through predation might

be specific (they only control a certain life stage or certain species) or they may be more generalist like a true ‘00 agent’ and eat a number of different species.”

More specialized than predation, parasitism involves an agent living in or feeding on a pest. “Parasites, however, should not be confused with parasitoids which tend to be more common in biocontrol,” said Morton. “This differentiation is important as parasitoids will actually control the pest by eventually killing it, as opposed to parasites which may just slow it down. Common examples of these agents are parasitic wasps or fungal pathogens.” With herbivory, “assassin” insects or diseases are imported from a problematic weed’s native range to deal with a weed problem. While these agents are not as common in Canada, there are successes, as with the black dot spurge beetle controlling leafy spurge or the root-crown weevil on knapweed. Given the options available, growers need to consider these important, not-so-secret agents as part of their IPM program, added Morton. “By incorporating these into their cropping systems, growers can reap the benefits of a diversified pest management plan and truly give these agents a licence to kill.”

Putting the ‘competition’ to work for you Some biocontrol agents employ very targeted means to deter pests Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

ompetition and antibioses are two of the ways biocontrol agents can help control plant pests. “Producers are familiar with the concept of competition, as in crowding out weeds in a field using row spacing, stand density, etc.,” said Dustin Morton, commercial horticulture specialist, at the Alberta Ag-Info Centre in Stettler. “Biocontrol agents can also be used as competition. This could include using Pseudomonas bacteria to block potential entryways for fireblight in fruit crops or Bacillus subtilis to outcompete powdery mildew.” These micro-organisms don’t attack or infect the pest itself, their presence can be enough to deter other more problematic species, he said. “Alternatively, these agents might infect the plant of concern, inducing a defence response that allows the plant to fend off an attack from another more dangerous pathogen or insect.” Another method biocontrol agents use to help con-

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trol plant pests is known as antibiosis or antagonistic association. In this case a biocontrol agent “runs interference with a pest.” “Perhaps the best-known example is Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, which paralyzes the mid-gut when ingested by the larvae of Lepidopteran insects such as cabbage worm or European corn borer,” said Morton. “As the biocontrol agent continues to break down, it also produces a toxin which will eventually kill the larvae but is safe for humans, animals and other insects. Given how targeted these agents are, much research is being done in this area because of its potential to reduce casualties in other beneficial insects.” However, Morton does have a caution for growers. “When using a biopesticide such as Bt or Pseudomonas, it’s important to remember these agents are registered with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency with Health Canada,” he said. “Due care and attention should be paid to all labels for information on application and pre-harvest interval to ensure you can sell your product when you want and for the price you deserve.”

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Record lentil area likely in Western Canada this spring Lentils seen as taking acreage from peas and canola in Saskatchewan By Phil Franz-Warkentin, Commodity News Service Canada

By Sybille de La Hamaide Geneva / Reuters

The world’s wheat crop will shed three per cent this year to 703.4 million tonnes from last year’s record, but it will still remain above the five-year average, grainmarketing company CWB estimated Mar. 25. The global 2015 corn crop should fall 1.6 per cent from a record last year to 973.5 million tonnes in 2015, Neil Townsend, CWB’s director of market research, said at the Cereals Conference in Geneva. He put the global 2015 soybean harvest at 299.0 million tonnes against a record 315.1 million in 2014. U.S. consultancy AgResource head Dan Basse was more optimistic, pegging the world’s 2015 wheat output at 720.8 million tonnes and the corn crop at 984.9 million tonnes. Both analysts used comparative data for the 2014 world crops of 724.8 million tonnes for wheat and 989.7 million for corn. Townsend forecast the European Union would ship a record 32.35 million tonnes of wheat on the world market next season, up from 31.5 million in the current one. U.S. exports in the 201516 season would rebound partly to 27.6 million tonnes, up from a sharply lower 24.5 million estimated for 2014-15, but below the 32.0 million exported in 2013-14, Townsend estimated. U.S. exports have been hurt by a surge in the dollar this season. The EU and U.S. rises would be to the detriment of Canada’s wheat exports, which would fall after at least four years of increases, to 20.75 million from 23.0 million estimated for the current season, Townsend said. Black Sea countries that harvested hefty crops in 2014 could see their exports wane next season as production returns closer to 2013 levels with the Russian wheat crop pegged at 53.2 million tonnes, down 10 per cent on year, and Ukraine’s at 21.9 million tonnes, down 11.5 per cent on 2014. Russian exports, set to rise to 20 million tonnes in the current season from 18.5 million in 2013-14, would fall 12 per cent in 2015-16 to 17.6 million tonnes, also hit by the country’s export restrictions, Townsend said. Ukraine’s exports are set to fall 12 per cent to 9.7 million tonnes in 2015-16 after a 13 per cent rise this season to 11 million tonnes. Ukrainian consultancy UkrAgroConsult pegged the country’s wheat harvest to decrease to 20.6 million tonnes from 22.5 million tonnes in 2014. Townsend said combined exports for the Black Sea region including Kazakhstan would fall to 34.1 million tonnes from 37 million in the current season.

anadian lentil acres are expected to rise considerably this spring, with most of the increase in red lentils, according to industry participants. While the acres are going up, the opposite is likely in prices. “Everybody is looking for an increase (in lentil acres),” said Darren Lemieux, of Simpson Seeds in Moose Jaw, Sask. Red lentils would see the biggest increase, accounting for about two-thirds of the country’s total lentil production, he said. Large green laird varieties will also be up, said Lemieux, but to a lesser extent. “The high prices for reds and large greens, and the poor prices of other commodities, are the reason for driving the acres up,” said Lemieux. Lentils are “a clear winner,”

STOP

said David Nobbs, of CanPulse in Kindersley, Sask., adding lentils would be taking some area away from both peas and canola this spring. Red lentils mature quicker than green lentils and also have good disease resistance, said Lemieux. He noted red lentils fared better than greens in 2014, as most of the crop was already harvested when poor weather hit in the fall. Canadian farmers planted 3.1 million acres of lentils in 2014, according to Statistics Canada data, the second largest on record. Trade estimates range from about 3.5 million to 3.8 million acres for this year. Some old-crop red lentils are still trading at 35 to 36 cents per pound, but buyers are now generally holding out for the newcrop supplies which are about 10 cents per pound cheaper, said Nobbs. He added movement on green lentils has dried out, with very few supplies left to move.

Red lentil area is expected to increase more than for green lentils, says one merchant. photo: istock

resistant weeds IN THEIR TRACKS.

Avoid glyphosate resistance by mixing and rotating herbicides.

“

Since glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia was first identified in southern Alberta in 2011, it has reared its ugly head in several new counties each year. While it is this province’s biggest, most-concerning weed issue to date, most scientists agree that GR kochia is only Alberta’s first taste of what may soon be many glyphosate-defying superweeds. Luckily, growers have effective tools available to slow the spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds and manage resistance as it appears—so long as they use these tools correctly.

“The answer is quite simple: to counter resistance, producers need to rotate herbicides with differing modes of action, and they need to mix products so they have multiple modes of action working at once,” says Dr. Chris Neeser, a weed research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Yes, glyphosate is really cheap. But, you’ve got to think: we’re not talking about a huge investment to add a second mode of action to your tank or to change to a combined product. If there is glyphosate-resistant kochia in your area, the value of even just delaying it getting a start in your field is certainly worth the money of a tank mix. And if you do already have

“

CWB sees smaller world grain crops

The answer is quite simple: to counter resistance, producers need to rotate herbicides with differing modes of action...

resistance, spraying a combination product will stop the resistant weed population from having an opportunity to build up.” Glyphosate resistance can appear in one of two ways. Firstly, it can be introduced from elsewhere via transported seed. Kochia’s tumbleweed nature is ideal for dispersing each plant’s 15,000 to 25,000 seeds an impressive distance from its original growing location. Secondly, it can evolve independently in any location. Growers’ overreliance on a single mode of action fosters the natural selection of herbicide-tolerant weed biotypes, leading to much greater chance of new glyphosate resistance spontaneously occurring.

While GR kochia is the devil we currently know, there is much speculation that GR Canada fleabane (already highly resistant in Ontario), wild oats, green foxtail or cleavers could be introduced or evolve in Alberta next. For these reasons, all farmers should follow Neeser’s ‘mix and rotate’ advice. Included are those who have experienced GR kochia and those who have not; those who farm near fields with known GR kochia and those who farm far from the nearest known resistance. “Dealing with glyphosate resistance is similar to the question of crop rotation,” says Neeser. “Growing canola on canola may be the most profitable option in the short term but it is certainly not the best thing in the long term. Unless you are only worried about this year’s profits and you’re planning to sell the farm at the end of the season, the right thing to do is to mix a second herbicide with a different mode of action in with your glyphosate.”

Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

Ottawa drops minimum rail shipping order, but can bring it back if needed Permanent improvements to grain transportation must come from the Canada Transportation Act review By Allan Dawson and Dave Bedard staff

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Transport Minister Lisa Raitt say the government order did its job, since shipments to ports are 31 per cent higher than last year and 25 per cent higher than the five-year average. Photo: Allan Dawson

he federal government’s order-in-council requiring the two major railways to ship a minimum amount of grain has expired, but can be reinstated if required, says Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. But fundamental problems remain and need to be addressed as part of the review of the Canada Transportation Act, said Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association. “ Ou r t w o ke y r e co m m endations are No. 1 for the act to provide a better definition of the railways’ obligation to provide adequate and suitable

accommodation in a way that reflects shipper demand,” said Sobkowich. “And No. 2, to allow an arbitrator to include performance penalties in service-level agreements so service contracts resemble normal commercial agreements. His members want a demandbased system for filling rail car orders as opposed to the current car supply-based system, he said. CN Rail welcomed the end of the year-old grain movement order, which initially called for total weekly shipments of one million tonnes (later adjusted several times) and threatened fines of up to $100,000 a day (later changed to $100,000 per incident). “CN believes that normal commercial relationships and a

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stable regulatory environment are essential for an effective, well-functioning rail transportation marketplace, including that for grain,” said spokesman Mark Hallman. He said that since the first order last March, total tonnage of western grain shipped has exceeded the mandated volumes by nearly three million tonnes, or more than 12 per cent. Canada’s grain supply chain is fully back in sync in all corridors and CN continues its record-setting grain movements in the 2014-15 crop year, Hallman said. As of March 21, 2015, CN has moved on average approximately 4,650 grain hoppers weekly in Western Canada — 20 per cent more than during the same period of the record 100-year crop year of 2013-14. The government said its order, issued to clear a huge backlog in grain exports following a record western Canadian crop and the worst winter in 100 years, had done its job. Grain shipments to ports are 31 per cent higher than last year and 25 per cent higher than the five-year average. The West’s carry-out going into the new crop year is near average, at 10 million tonnes. The Ag Transport Coalition’s weekly reports continue to paint a less rosy picture. In shipping week 30, CN and CP supplied 2,302 of the 6,228 hopper cars ordered for delivery that week, plus 4,202 cars filling orders from previous weeks. So far this crop year, each week’s unfulfilled demand for hopper cars has reached nearly 24,000 cars, the coalition said. Net unfulfilled demand now sits at 9,539 orders, the coalition added. With input from grain industry stakeholders through the Crop Logistics Working Group and Ag Transport Coalition, the government said it will review its Grain Monitor program before the new crop year, “to determine how more effective data can be collected to find efficiencies in the supply chain.” Before the end of the year, the CTA review will issue recommendations to improve the system. allan@fbcpublishing.com

To learn more about how we can help you get the most from your crop’s potential, contact your local UFA Customer Account Manager, or our customer service centre at 1-877-258-4500 (option 1), or email customer.support@UFA.com

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Pencil first, shovel second: Planning is key to shelterbelt success Specialist recommends visiting mature shelterbelts and talking to landowners Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

You don’t have to limit yourself to straight lines when planting a shelterbelt, and multiple species are recommended. Photo: Thinkstock

KICK START YOUR CROP’S

health & productivity.

Insure your investment with a seed treatment.

“

Farming is risky. If you’re a farmer, you know you have absolutely no control over most of that risk. Volatile markets can throw commodity prices for a loop. Wild weather can decimate a prime crop. Spring can come late or winter early, ruining the best-laid plans. But some farming risk can be managed easily and inexpensively. If you’d like to maximize returns from your crop—and sleep better at night—experts recommend you consider a seed treatment. Seed treatments start seedlings strong by mitigating many kinds of disease and insect risk, leading to faster emergence, stronger plant stands and improved yield. “We see seed treatments as a best management practice and recommend that all farmers across Alberta use them,” says Lorena Pahl, executive director of the Alberta Seed Growers Association. “Many factors can ruin a crop; a seed treatment can ensure that a problem at germination or emergence isn’t one of those factors.”

“Many factors can ruin a crop; a seed treatment can ensure that a problem at germination or emergence isn’t one of those factors.”

shorter crop rotations, have caused more disease inoculum to accumulate in the soil,” says Neil Whatley, a crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “[This] is an indicator that seed treatment may be cheap insurance for many growers in the spring of 2015.”

Under ideal conditions, seedlings can achieve a good start on their own. Many times, however, a variety of factors conspire against a seedling’s growth, including seeding early into cold soil, excessive or insufficient moisture or disease and insect pressure. When the crop can’t grow quickly enough to protect itself, a seed If you haven’t ever or don’t usually apply a seed treatment will give the seed a 10- to 14-day treatment, you may want to reconsider for 2015. protective head-start. “Higher-than-average moisture conditions over the last few years around Alberta, coupled with

Seed treatments protect crops from pathogens present in and on the soil, on infected residue, or carried within the seed. While some seed treatments protect young plants from early leaf disease and root rot infection, the main role of a seed treatment is to protect seeds from seed rot and seedling blights. Some treatment brands also contain insecticides that help control insects such as flea beetle and wireworm. Protection against these pests helps to ensure a stronger seedling and higher plant population, thereby promoting a strong crop that is better able to compete against later stressors including weeds, foliar diseases, insects and harsh weather.

“

rees and shelterbelt planting is a long-term investment that requires careful planning and design. “Ask yourself what you want to accomplish by planting trees or shelterbelts on your property,” said Toso Bozic, a provincial agroforestry/bioenergy specialist. Trees should always be managed with future generations in mind, he said. “The goals can be many — ranging from wind protection, reduce the energy cost, increase the property values, providing visual barriers and privacy, increase biodiversity of wildlife species, retain water and many other goals. All of these can be achieved if you plan and design properly.” Start by visiting established and mature shelterbelts in the local area. “Talk to landowners about what did or did not work on their property,” said Bozic. “That’ll give you valuable information about potential soil and water problems, maintenance requirements, cost and potential issues, tree growth, reasons to choose different species, various spacing, and weed control issues.” For proper design and planning the most important tools are a pencil and eraser, he said. “I can’t stress enough that you can change anything on paper but once you put trees on ground changes are costly. You are in a unique position to create something that can be in harmony with nature but at the same time very different.” Proper planning and design include several steps: • Find an area to plant that combines effective protection from wind and snow with functional design possibilities to increase esthetic value. • Use an aerial photograph from the local county office or Google Earth to draw a map for the design. • Once the mapping is complete, collect as much information as possible on soil type, drainage, slope, prevailing winds, sunlight exposure, property lines, power and other utility lines, buildings, and roads. • When the site assessment is complete, choose tree and shrub species. “The key thing is to diversify,” said Bozic. “Many people just choose a very few species such as spruce, hybrid poplar and lilac. There is nothing wrong with any of these species, but there is a higher longterm risk for your trees if you only plant a few species. Plant a variety of trees and shrubs on your property. Each species provides unique beauty and benefits as well as challenges. Diversity is key for the longterm viability of your shelterbelts.” In a natural forest, trees, through competition, provide their own best spacing. Landowners don’t need to plant in straight lines and should take a creative approach, said Bozic. “Planning and design are probably the most crucial steps in the long journey of establishment of trees and shrubs on your property,” he said. “It takes detail and thought, but is also fun where the creativity and wisdom of your family create something unique and joyful.”

A seed treatment is only as good as its coverage. Buying professionally treated seed from a certified seed producer or retailer or having it processed and treated through a seed cleaning plant is highly recommended. If you choose to apply treatment to your own seeds, ensure you have the proper equipment and your machine is calibrated for the specific product.

Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

Know the rules before using phosphine fumigants Products such as Phostoxin, Gastoxin or Weevilcide are highly toxic and there are easier ways to deal with grain beetles Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

Rusty grain beetles are attracted by heated grain. Upon hatching, larvae will feed on the germ of the kernel. Photo: Canadian Grain Commission

sing fumigants for grain beetle control in stored grain has become more complex, says a provincial crop specialist. “Obtaining the fumigant, whether Phostoxin, Gastoxin or Weevilcide, is only half the job, as requirements for application and record-keeping have changed,” said Harry Brook. “Products containing phosphine are highly toxic and rules have been recently updated to reduce the risk to both the applicators and the public.” Phostoxin is used extensively to control grain beetles in stored grain, both on farm and at the grain elevator. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has been inspecting users of Phostoxin to ensure they are complying with the new requirements for its use.

With a seed treatment solution from UFA, your crop has a chance to get established before pests and disease can take over. UFA carries a wide variety of effective treatments including:

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“If you have to use Phostoxin either for stored grain pests or rodent control, you must have a valid Farmer Pesticide Certificate with the proper endorsement to purchase and use Phostoxin,” said Brook. “These certificates can be obtained by studying and taking the Farmer Pesticide Certificate exams.” Certificates without an expiry date are no longer valid as they were issued prior to 2008, he said. “There is one for the base course, then endorsements for stored grain pests and vertebrate pests (gopher control). Most producers can contact their local agriculture fieldman in the county office for details. These certificates are good for five years. After that, producers have to attend a refresher course to renew for an additional five years.” When using these fumigants to deal with grain beetles or Richardson ground squirrel problems, applicators must have the right equipment, said Brook. This includes an approved air-purifying, full-face gas mask with a chin strap, and a front- or back-mounted canister approved for phosphine whenever handling this pesticide. There are also some major restrictions for use of Phostoxin. A main one prohibits its use within 500 metres of a residential area. “As well, treated bins should be aerated prior to re-entry,” said Brook. “Treated areas must have posted placards. Warning placards must be placed on every possible entrance to the fumigation site.” It is also illegal to move treated products over public roads or highways until they have been aerated and the warning placards removed. In addition, a fumigation management plan must be in place. “The plan must address characterization of the site, appropriate monitoring and notification requirements,” said Brook. “It outlines the steps you will be taking before and during application of Phostoxin as well as when aerating. Phostoxin can only be used where bin temperatures are 5 C or warmer or it will fail to activate. The colder it is, the longer it will take the pellets to gas off, and the longer the bin must be sealed before being aerated.” But there are less complicated ways to deal with grain beetles, he added. “You can condition the grain immediately after harvest to bring its temperature down below 20 C so the hot grain doesn’t attract the beetles. This is the easiest answer. You can also aerate a bin interior down to -20 C for two weeks to kill off the beetles.” Producers should consider whether fumigation is the best course of action, he added. “Phostoxin, Gastoxin and Weevilcide are very dangerous products that need to be handled properly,” said Brook. “If you must use them then you’ll have to abide by the increased oversight and care required to use them. Improper use can result in death or injury.” For more information, call Julie Sisson with the PMRA at 403-393-1576 or the Alberta AgInfo Centre at 310-FARM (3276).

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

One last blast of the white stuff?

A line of cattle on a ranch near High River, Alta., head in for water, retreating from a spring snowstorm that swept over much of southern Alberta over the Easter long weekend. Photo: Wendy Dudley

No Roundup Ready alfalfa production for 2015 But Forage Genetics International will allow more demonstration plots in Eastern Canada this year By Allan Dawson staff

enetically modified Roundup Ready alfalfa will not be sold commercially in Canada this year and it’s unclear when, if ever, it will be commercialized in Western Canada. “At this time FGI does not have plans to introduce biotechenhanced alfalfa traits to growers in Western Canada,” Forage Genetics International (FGI), the company selling the GM alfalfa, said in a “Stakeholder Update” issued last month. However, the U.S.-based company says work is underway to develop a “hay-to-hay” coexistence plan for the West.

“If they are addressing this it’s all a good thing.” Heather Kerschbaumer Forage Seed Canada

“The goal is to have this plan completed by January 2016,” the company said. “This Western Canada plan is being developed in response to requests for additional stewardship to address the possibility of product moving from Ontario (and) Quebec to Western Canada.” Heather Kerschbaumer, president of Forage Seed Canada, which represents forage seed growers, welcomes the company’s effort to prevent GM alfalfa from making its way west. “If they are addressing this it’s all a good thing,” Kerschbaumer said from her Fairview farm and seed business. “I think the more planning and discussion and looking at the consequences is a good thing. If we could be involved in some way we are definitely interested in being part of it.” Forage Seed Canada along with hay exporters and organic farmers are worried that once commercialized, Roundup Ready alfalfa will hurt their businesses because they say it will be tough to keep GM and

Brief Cow-Calfenomics recordings now available One of the sessions from the recent Cow-Calfenomics risk management series is now available on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s web page. The theme of this year’s

series was Seizing Opportunity in the Alberta Cow-Calf Sector. The agenda included: • Meat and cattle fundamentals for herd planning: opportunities and threats to expanding the cow herd; • Linking pasture systems to optimize beef performance and profit; • Beef cow investment;

• Managing prosperity in the beef industry; • A helpful hand: human resource strategies for the ranch; • Transition tactics; • A producer’s perspective. The Olds Cow-Calfenomics session is available at www. agriculture.alberta.ca/ cowcalfenomics. — Alberta Beef Producers release

non-GM alfalfa segregated. Alfalfa is a perennial crop that grows wild in ditches and on uncultivated land, and bees and wind spread its pollen. Seed growers and hay exporters fear they’ll lose markets in countries where buyers don’t want GM crops.

Coexistence

A coexistence plan aimed at preventing Roundup Ready alfalfa from spreading in Eastern Canada was created in 2013. FGI says its stewardship plan in the U.S. “has allowed organic, conventional and genetically modified (GM) alfalfa farmers to coexist, regardless of the production method they choose.” Although the company won’t sell Roundup Ready alfalfa in Eastern Canada this year it will allow 20 farmers — eight more than last year — to grow 20 to 30 acres for demonstration purposes. “Feedback gathered from farmers who participated in the 2014 onfarm field trial program confirms that Genuity Roundup Ready alfalfa delivers outstanding weed control, superior crop safety, quick stand establishment and vigorous growth, reinforcing that the Roundup Ready technology has been incorporated into FGI’s very best seed genetics,” the company said. In addition, two “small-scale research trials” in the East will include the company’s newest GM alfalfa, HarvXtra, which is the Roundup Ready trait stacked with a reduced lignin trait. The latter produces alfalfa with better nutritional and digestability benefits for cattle. Canadian regulators approved HarvXtra alfalfa in December. “At this time, FGI is considering the potential for commercial seed sales of HarvXtra alfalfa with Roundup Ready technology in Ontario and Quebec only,” the company said. “That decision is confined to the sale of seed. Companies would not be permitted to undertake any Genuity Roundup Ready alfalfa or HarvXtra alfalfa with Roundup Ready technology seed production in Canada. All seed production would take place in the U.S., with only commercial sales for hay production allowed in Canada.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • April 13, 2015

Bar-code system can link every package of meat to the farm Ontario-based co-operative offers new tracking options for small and medium-size operations By Jennifer Paige staff / Brandon, Man.

anitoba farmers were given a demonstration of two Alberta marketing tools developed for grass-fed beef producers. “We have some neat systems developing that are great tools to use in the endeavour of producing grass-fed beef,” Vince McConnell, beef business development specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, said at the Direct Farm Marketing Conference here last month. The management systems — bioTrack and bioLinks — were developed by BIO, an Ontariobased producer co-operative specializing in animal identification technology. BioLinks is an Internet-based inventory management, pricing, sales tracking and traceability system designed for small to

medium processors. The simple bar-coding system has been developed for use with smartphones and can identify and track every cut of meat from an individual carcass. “The smartphone system uses common technology with a scanner and it synchronizes to a database. It utilizes bar codes to track inventory,” said McConnell. Following the development of bioLinks, the BIO co-operative took the project a step further in creating bioTrack, an on-farm management system that enables producers to log pedigree, location, movements, health records, performance, expenses, income, biosecurity and connects to both the RFID tags as well as the bioLink information to provide traceability for every cut of beef directly to the consumer. “Full ability on any smartphone changes the way that farmers will look at data collection,” BIO

“Full ability on any smartphone changes the way that farmers will look at data collection.” Mike McMorris BIO

BioTrack enables producers to log pedigree, location, movements, health records, performance, expenses, income and biosecurity data. general manager Mike McMorris said in an interview. “No more calving/lambing books that can get lost or go through the washing machine. Information on animals can be taken to the barn and field and when there, data can be collected on a large number of factors important to business decisions.”

McMorris said farmers can flag information and set up automatic email reminders at a set time to follow up on actions noted. Pictures of animals and locations can be captured for future use. “It is basically a herd book on your phone,” said McConnell. “You can scan the animal’s bar code and then enter the information. You can take a picture of the animal and note treatments. When the animal is processed a carcass tag can be attached and linked to the RFID tag to allow recording of things like grading, fat thickness and dress weight.” Information logged through the bioTrack system can be linked to a home database for analysis and then carried through to the bioLink program. McMorris said the systems allow producers to make better management decisions.

“These could include identification and culling of low-producing animals, better selection of new sires to meet the needs of the herd, comparison of performance of offspring of current sires and benchmarking performance and impact of decisions.” Finally, a QR code can be placed on the meat’s packaging to give the consumer access to information on where the animal was raised, nutrition and processing details, as well as recipes and cooking tips. “With this serial number embedded into the QR code, it gives us true traceability, which allows you to offer your customers the option of knowing details on every aspect of how that meat came to the store shelf. It certainly gives them a lot of added confidence in your product,” said McConnell. “The QR code also allows for the customer to give instantaneous feedback about the product. Reviews the customers may send are completely private and confidential.” Alberta Agriculture invested in the original programming and initial funding for the project came from Beef Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Sheep Marketing Association and Ontario Goat. For more information visit, www.bridgingintelligence.com. Jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

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Vince McConnell, a beef business specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, outlined bioTrack and bioLinks to Manitoba producers. Photo: Jennifer Paige

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

Midge trap managers wanted

Livestock research online

The Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network is looking for people to manage Swede midge traps in Beaver, Minburn, Wetaskiwin, Two Hills and Smoky Lake counties. Managers need to set up traps in canola fields (trapping kits provided); make weekly trap visits to change the cards (10 to 12 weeks depending on canola); and send the sticky cards to Agriculture Canada in Saskatoon for identification (shipping costs are paid). Once analyzed, the trap managers will have the results returned to them. The AIPMN is looking to set up 15 to 17 new sites. For more information, email bugs.r.us@gov.ab.ca or call 310-APSS. — AARD release

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s livestock research branch has launched its own website. “Ever wondered if you can feed faba beans to pigs?” asks website co-developer Miranda Smit. “Or camelina meal to poultry? Interested in using synchronization protocols to improve your dairy herd’s reproductive performance?” Those questions are answered on the website. Each research group has its own page with information on who they are, projects they’re working on, presentations, published results, fact sheets, and other information. The website is at www.agriculture.alberta.ca/livestockresearch.

Moving from famine relief to relief from famine HEARTLAND Ethiopia has made solid gains thanks to a co-ordinated attack on the root causes of hunger “You are looking at very large sums of money, very large tonnes of food and so there is just a huge effort required for this,” he said. “So the capacity building was to ensure smoother implementation of the program.”

By Laura Rance

Manitoba Co-operator Editor Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

amine relief was a hit in the 1980s — literally — as pop music stars donated the proceeds of their collaboration on the song “Feed the World” to help feed starving people in Ethiopia. It was a sincere effort that raised millions and was part of a global response that saved lives. But it didn’t change lives. At the time, Ethiopia was one dry season away from another famine. The rural farming population had lost its resilience to withstand production shortfalls, which meant emergency food aid was going to people who had little hope of ever regaining their independence. “We saved lives but we did not improve livelihoods because every year there were food shortages,” said Ato Berhane, the director of the food security co-ordination directorate with the Ethiopian government. “Their land was not being productive, it was degraded, the forests are deforested, and the land size was getting smaller as the population pressure increased,” he said. That started to change in 2005. The Ethiopian government, with support from international donors, introduced the Productive Safety Net Program — a coordinated strategy to reach people before famine struck with support that would not only prevent a pending disaster, but would shield them from future threats. Although donors have continued to provide famine relief when disaster strikes, the program’s focus on projects designed to build or restore community capacity before people are shut down by hunger has been adopted by nongovernment agencies here, too.

Food or cash for work

While this project is not affiliated with the Productive Safety Net Program, it follows a similar food- or cash-for-work model. This badly eroded hillside in the Boricha district of southern Ethiopia is being restored by the Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association with support from the Mennonite Central Committee and Canadian Foodgrains Bank. They work for four hours a day for 16 days from six in the morning to 10 a.m., digging trenches to slow the water’s flow down the hillside and planting trees and grasses. They are paid the equivalent of one Canadian dollar per day. Photo: Laura Rance Rethinking approach

“If you look at the history of Ethiopia, food insecurity has been a chronic issue,” said Chris Demerse, a program officer with Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development based in Addis Ababa. “It’s a country with very dense population with pressure on the land and historically in the broader aid community, this tended to be done on an annual basis.” A rethink began in the early 2000s. “There was a realization that a lot of the beneficiaries are the same people year after year,” Demerse said. “If it’s people who are year-in-year-out food insecure, then there was a realization that there should be a better, more predictable way of handling this caseload.” Canada is the fourth-largest

international donor to the program, following the World Bank, the U.S., and the EU. “It is not only the financial contributions that we are seeing from the Canadian government,” Berhane noted. “The good part for us is the technical support provided from the Canadian government through the DFATD office and the knowledge sharing.” Canada has supported the program with training for government staff, assistance establishing efficient delivery mechanisms and monitoring how the program is working — all of which helps to ensure the targeted recipients receive the support to which they are entitled in a timely manner. “This (program) is implemented by government officials and that requires a lot of logistics,” Demerse said.

The Productive Safety Net Program started working with 15 million people in 319 districts in Ethiopia that were either chronically food insecure or facing the kind of temporary shortages that cause households to sell off assets and begin the downwards slide into permanent insecurity. Able-bodied people living in the target areas are paid, in food or cash, to work on building schools, roads, clinics, bridges or improve access to water and reclaim eroded landscapes — with local communities choosing the priorities for these public works. Food-insecure people incapable of working because they are elderly or disabled, or women who are in their later stages of pregnancy or who have recently given birth, are supported with no labour requirement. However, in the latest phase, young mothers are required to participate in nutrition and cooking classes. Unlike welfare programs in countries such as Canada, in which recipients are penalized if they work while receiving assistance, the program is intended to assist recipients in regaining their productive capacity, and building up their household and community assets to where they “graduate” from a life of dependence. And it’s working. “So far about 3.4 million people who were food insecure in 2005 now have now become food secure,” Berhane said, noting that number is expected to reach 4.4 million by the end of June.

Infrastructure improvement

As well, the community infrastructure has been improved, which is enabling more local economic development. Better roads improve trade, access to water both improves health and expands agriculture, such as vegetable production, which improves nutrition and provides higher-value commodities for sale. Although no one is allowed to graze or harvest wood from eroded areas that have been stabilized through terracing and then reforested and sown back to grass, Berhane said area residents are allowed to use those forests for beekeeping. They will also be allowed to harvest hay for use in livestock feeding-fattening operations. Both of these uses provide a source of employment for the growing class of rural youth who don’t have access to farmland. As well, part of their role as sanctioned users is to protect those lands from illegal uses. The program, now entering its fourth phase, is being scaled up and applied to a wider base. It is currently reaching about seven million people per year and is a key pillar in the Ethiopian government’s policy framework for transforming the country into a middle-income economy by 2025. “It is recognized as the best model for social protection programs in low-income countries — and so we are very happy to be a part of that,” said Demerse. “We are not talking about large transfers. But it is enough that households don’t have to sell off their assets and find themselves in a worse position just because the rain didn’t come one year.” Laura Rance has been on secondment to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank writing about agriculture and development in Africa. laura@fbcpublishing.com

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Irrigation project means year-round food, and more A Canadian government-supported project has led to impressive gains in yields, and in health of the local population Major change coming

By Laura Rance

“Now to provide the vegetables, we don’t have to sell anything.”

Manitoba Co-operator editor Deiza village, Sirba Abay, Ethiopia

egetables were once a rarity in this community located three hours northeast of Asosa in the remote BenishangulGumuz region of Western Ethiopia. If onions, potatoes and tomatoes were available at all, they had travelled a long distance and been on at least three trucks. They were expensive, often prohibitively so, and poor quality. Two of the women in the group of 20, who gathered in the shade of the newly constructed farmer training centre here, said they occasionally bought them for their families. But most said they didn’t eat vegetables at all. That is, until a small-scale irrigation project gave them the opportunity to start growing their own. A six-hectare irrigation project that pumps water from a nearby river up the hill to a gravity-flow

Bedane Etane Ethiopian farmer

Members of the Sirba Abay irrigation users’ group gather in the shade of their new farmers’ training centre to discuss how irrigation has improved their incomes and nutrition. Photo: Laura Rance system shared by 23 farmers not ducers. But arguably the biggest only supplies vegetables for these benefit is the project’s contribufamilies, there is enough surplus tion to local nutrition. to supply the whole community “We were buying from the marwith reasonably priced fresh pro- ket, but it was not the same at duce. all,” said Bedane Etane, speaking That generates badly needed through an interpreter. “Now we income for these small-scale proare using these vegetables in our Trim: 8.125”

homes. It has improved our nutrition and health. Now to provide the vegetables, we don’t have to sell anything.” These farmers are among nearly 40,000 people in the impoverished Benishangul Gumuz state bordering Sudan who have benefited from an ambitious Canadianfunded development project that began in 2010. Despite being well endowed with farmland, 86 per cent of the population is short of food for part of the year.

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And the region is about to face a barrage of change with encroaching development of its minerals, forests, and agricultural lands, not to mention the looming shadow of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, which will be the eighth largest in the world when completed in 2017. The dam will create a 1,800square-kilometre lake in the Sirba Abay district, displacing thousands of people, but also opening the door to unprecedented economic growth in the region. The Benishangul Gumuz Food Security and Economic Growth Project tried something that has never been done before. It drew seven NGOs (six of them Canadian) into a consortium to work with local state government in delivering $20.4 million in Canadian taxpayer funds. The six Canadian agencies — Save the Children Canada, Canadian Hunger Foundation, Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief, Food for the Hungry, Oxfam Canada, and World Vision — were joined by a Chinese intergovernmental organization in delivering the program, with funding coming from Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development. Although the participating NGOs had project staff in the region, their role is supporting the local regional government through assets and training.

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The target areas for intervention included agriculture, natural resource management, nutrition, gender mainstreaming, disaster risk reduction, and value chain and market-led development. It has achieved some impressive gains. Over the past five years, average maize yield has increased 75 per cent, while sesame and sorghum have increased 33 per cent and 20 per cent. There has been an increase in soil conservation and water management activity and the number of underweight children has been reduced to around just under 16 per cent from 45 per cent. What’s more, farmers’ returns from their sales of products such as sesame, honey, incense and bamboo rose dramatically after they organized and began to deliver higher-quality products. Sesame production from the region is now consolidated by cooperatives into consistent lots that can be traded on the Ethiopian Community Exchange. Honey from the region is now separated from the wax, cleaned and sold as a premium organic product. But although the overall aim was to improve food security and incomes for the largely agrarian population, this project was about much more than coming in with hard assets such as irrigation technology, better genetics, tsetse fly-resistant oxen and training. As important as those assets are as a foundation for transforming the local economy, this project recognized from the beginning that sustainable development could only occur if the local people were freed from traditional beliefs that prevented half of the population from fully contributing

Laura Rance was on secondment to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, writing about agriculture and development in Africa. laura@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

Making life a little less hard for women When communities started talking, they discovered all would be better off if harmful traditions were abandoned by Laura Rance

Manitoba Co-operator Editor Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia

f there’s a list of “worst places in the world to be born a woman,” Benishangul-Gumuz would rank near the top. This is a place that remains steeped in cultural taboos and superstitions, many of them targeted at women. The sanitized bureaucratic terminology is “harmful traditional practices” the origins of which no one seems to know. But their effect is to leave women overworked, undernourished and suffering from chronic health problems. And if women suffer, so do the children. It is customary here for women about to give birth to be banished to the bush to deliver alone, only to return, or not, when the whole messy process is over. “I myself have gone to the bush without assistance to give birth to a child,” said Haula Bajib, a community conversation facilitator who grew up in the area and has returned to the area as a regional government worker. It is taboo for women here to consume eggs, an important source of protein in subsistence households, because of a belief it will cause her husband to die. Female genital mutilation is widely practised. And young women on their way to fetch water or get grain processed are considered fair game by sexual predators. Laws and regulations are of little benefit in addressing these traditions that are deeply rooted in superstition and in some cases perpetuated by community leaders.

supplemental sources of nutrition. People didn’t know how to cook the foods they were being taught to grow. Nefisa Almadi Alakib, the head of the bureau for women and children’s affairs with the Benishungul-Gumuz regional government, said the conversational approach has raised awareness and empowered women, even though it has not eliminated the problems. “Female genital mutilation is not zero,” said Alakib. “It is still there, but it is not openly practised. At least going from open to hidden is an improvement.”

A community plan

There were also self-help groups established in the region built along the Coady Institute ABCD (asset-based community development), a process in which the community develops its own plan for economic growth built on its strengths and resources, not its deficits.

Communities in this remote state in Western Ethiopia were encouraged to talk about issues of common concern. Photo: Laura Rance As the project nears the end of its five-year term, regional government officials say they hope there will be a second phase of the project. “We are very happy with the

project,” said Akasha Ismeal, head of the local government’s bureau of finance and economic development. It has increased the capacity of the producers in the region as

T:8.125”

well as the government extension workers who work with them, he said. However, local project leaders say a second phase is unlikely due to reluctance by consortium members to continue in its current formation and a lack of commitment by the Canadian government to a second phase. Already, senior program staff have started moving on to other positions. An external evaluation of the project prepared for the Canadian government concluded that while the project has been successful in achieving many of its objectives, the consortium configuration was unwieldy and cumbersome, making for inefficient program delivery. Laura Rance was on secondment to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank writing about agriculture and development. laura@fbcpublishing.com

‘Community conversation’

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But a less confrontational and communal approach has met with some success. Facilitators bring community members together for a “community conversation.” The group that gathers, usually under a shady tree, identifies issues of concern that are then prioritized by the group. And the conversation begins. Topics that have not been discussed by the time the meeting is over are kept on the list for the next meeting, so no issue goes unheard. Not surprisingly, those “harmful traditional practices” came up. And once people started talking about them, willingness grew within the community for change to even out the labour load. Some of the men in the group we met with volunteered and they now help their wives make coffee and haul firewood. Bush deliveries have declined as more women, with the support of their husbands, choose to deliver at home at the community health clinic. Women in the group we spoke with also said they now also have access to contraceptives. As well, more women are eating eggs, after a facilitated meeting at which a community leader’s wife ate an egg in front of everyone. And her husband didn’t die. “I know this community from childhood and I have seen many changes,” Bajib said. Concurrent community gatherings focused on developing cooking and nutritional skills, particularly as they affect growth and development among young children. Mothers didn’t know they were permanently stunting their children by continuing to breastfeed well into toddlerhood with no

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Community news and events from across the province

Big Valley rodeo family inspires each other to greatness

what’s

Send agriculture-related meeting and event announcements to: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com April 15: Working Well Workshop, Donalda (also April 22 in Airdrie, April 30 in Grovedale, and five locations in May and June). Contact: Melissa 780-422-1791 April 16: Solar Energy Workshop, Center for Sustainable Innovation, Vermilion. Contact: Tanis 780-842-4454 April 18: Small Flock Poultry Workshop, U of A South Campus, Edmonton. Contact: Agnes 780-430-0319 April 18: Exhibitors and Judges Workshop, 98 E Park Street (Red Barn), Raymond. Contact: Pam Stewart or Donna Coppieters 403-849-0446 or 403-752-4957 April 21: Getting into Farmers Markets workshop, Garden Valley Community Hall, (Hwy. 627 & Range Rd. 274), Spruce Grove (also April 28 in Olds). Contact: Delores Serafin 780-427-4611

A ‘believe in your abilities’ philosophy is deeply rooted in the Thurston family. From left: Sam, Zeke, Tess, Wyatt, Skeeter, and Lynda Thurston. Photos: Kaylee-Jo Henkleman By Dianne Finstad

April 28: Generating Electricity from the Sun, Rochester Ag Society Hall, Rochester. Contact: Christine 780-349-4546

af contributor

here was surprise and delight on the Canadian rodeo scene, when young bronc rider Zeke Thurston rode all the way to the championship and the $50,000 bonus at RodeoHouston last month. Likely one of the least surprised about the whole deal, though, was Zeke’s mother Lynda. “I had a good feeling in my gut the whole day,” said Thurston. “I knew it was a great opportunity for him, he’d been riding well all winter and he’d put on a good show regardless of what happened.” It was a tall order — competing against the world’s best cowboys and some of the toughest horses on the trail in a huge football stadium filled with 75,000 fans and big money on the line. But the 20-year-old rookie kept his cool in his first appearance at Houston and focused on the job at hand — making the whistle on an outlaw with the menacing name of Lunatic from Hell. “You always get nervous a little bit, but I was maybe a little more nervous than usual,” Zeke admitted. “But I had to tell myself, ‘Hey, no matter how this plays out, you’re just blessed to get the opportunity.’” Thurston was a last-minute replacement at the $1.7-million, invitation-only rodeo when some bronc riders didn’t show up for their first horse. “I told myself just let it all hang out, and it’ll happen,” he said. Despite being one ride behind,

April 23: A Holistic Management Overview with Don Campbell, Cottonwood-Gordon Hall, Innisfail. Contact: Lorelee Grattidge 403-994-0837

April 28: Getting into Farmers Markets workshop, Olds Provincial Building, Olds. Contact: Delores Serafin 780-427-4611 April 29: Marketing and Pricing for Profit workshop, Provincial Building, Olds. Contact: Shelley Hall 780-538-6209 May 2: Heritage Livestock 101, Lacombe Ag Society. Contact: Kathy hawthorn@xplornet.com

Thurston garnered 89 points on his first horse, known to be difficult to handle in the chutes, and continued to do well in the qualifying rounds. Then came the Final Four Showdown and a date with Lunatic from Hell. The two duelled it out jump for jump, and when the dust settled, Thurston’s “heavenly” score was the best of the bunch, another 89. That earned him a trophy buckle, a total of $54,900 in cash, and a championship saddle. Thurston was especially happy to get the saddle. He had long admired the one in the living room, which his father Skeeter won in Houston in 1986. “That was pretty cool,” he said. While he was excited recalling details of his win, he was just as eager to talk about his 10-year-

old sister Tess, who had been in provincial hockey playoffs at the same time he was riding in Houston. Performing well in the spotlight is nothing new to any members of the talented family, based in the rolling prairie hills near the cowboy community of Big Valley. Skeeter and Lynda, who will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this summer, met on the rodeo circuit. Skeeter, who was ranch raised in Nebraska, qualified for six trips to the National Finals Rodeo as a saddle bronc rider, and also competed at the Canadian Finals Rodeo five times. Lynda grew up in a rodeo family, and also reported on the sport. When Zeke was just eight, he and brothers Wyatt and Sam earned renown as the Thurston

Gang, doing trick riding and roping at some 250 rodeos across the country before ‘retiring’ in 2008. And they’ve amassed a big collection of buckles and championships, initially in steer riding and then bronc riding. Wyatt, 23, and Zeke are now full-fledged professional cowboys while Sam, 19, competes on the amateur circuits and Tess has started barrel racing and goat tying. Each Thurston family achievement is celebrated, whether Houston size, or Atom hockey size. “We really look at it as a whole team,” said Lynda. “It’s inspiring if one can do something because that makes it seem more attainable for the rest.” The kids have also learned to be “at home” in front of big crowds.

“The bigger the crowds, it seems the more they know how to calm themselves and get focused,” said Lynda. “You have to have belief in yourself, and that’s a choice we make every day — to believe in our abilities. It’s something we’ve talked about with our kids ever since they were little.” And Mom adheres to that philosophy, too. She writes songs and performs with Genuine Cowgirls, a musical trio, and is working towards her certification as Raw Foods instructor and coach, focusing on the benefits of growing and eating your own healthy foods. “Wyatt is on his way home from being on the road, and says he can’t wait to get home and have some good food,” she said with a laugh.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

Trio wins awards of distinction

gg Farmers of Alberta chair Susan Schafers is the 2015 recipient of the Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) award of distinction for communication. The awards were established in 2001 to recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions in the field of livestock welfare. Dr. Ben Schlegel won the award for innovation and RCMP Cpl. Dave Heaslip, the recently retired livestock investigator, won the leadership award. The communication award honours those who take an active role in effectively getting the message out about livestock issues, and informing the public and agrifood industry about farm animal care in a factual and honest way, to build trust and credibility. Schafers is a second-generation

Susan Schafers egg farmer and chair of the egg farmers’ board since 2014. She has also been the Alberta representative for the Pullet Growers of Canada, the egg industry representative for AFAC, and the leader of the 4-H club in Spruce Grove. — Staff

What does sustainability mean to you?

outh between the ages of eight and 21 who are involved in Beef 4-H, junior cattle shows or beef production can win cash in the Young Guns essay contest. The theme of the contest is what sustainability means to you and what it looks like on your farm or ranch. An entry may be submitted as an essay, video, audio segment, social media campaign,

press release, or any other form of communication tool. First prize is $1,000, second spot wins $500, and the third-place prize is $250. The entry form can be found at www.albertabeef.org. The entry deadline is midnight, May 30. Winners will be picked by a panel of judges at the Alberta Beef Producers semi-annual meeting in June. — ABP release

Tips on dealing with a lack of calcium Beef and forage specialist Barry Yaremcio does the math on providing this mineral to pregnant cows Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development release

hen feeding cereal silage, greenfeed or swath grazing to pregnant cows, there can be a concern with a lack of calcium and magnesium. An added product can often be the solution. “In this situation, an added product should have more calcium than phosphorus,” said Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist, with the Ag-Info Centre in Stettler. “Most block and tub products along with some minerals have equal amounts of calcium and phosphorus or generally 2:1 calcium-tophosphorus ratio. In many situations, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in a mineral product may need to be 8:1 or higher (similar to a feedlot-type mineral) to bring calcium and phosphorus levels into line. “Tub or block products have lower calcium and phosphorus levels compared to a dry mineral. It’s difficult to have minerals stay in suspension during the manufacturing process.” To successfully register a feed product, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires the nutrient content in the first block must be the same as what is found in the last block in a batch. Calcium and phosphorus are difficult to keep

in solution during the mixing and manufacturing phase; thus, the lower concentration in the final product. “It’s generally more efficient and more economical to feed a dry mineral to provide calcium or phosphorus in a ration rather than using a tub or block,” said Yaremcio. In a swath-grazing situation where the feed contains 0.32 per cent calcium and 0.2 per cent phosphorus and the calcium content in the tub or block is 4.7 per cent calcium and 1.75 per cent phosphorus, it would require 3.9 pounds of the block product to achieve 2:1 calcium-tophosphorus ratio in the final feeding program. Cost would be $0.63 per head per day (at 17.5 cents a pound). “There would be other nutritional problems if this feeding program was followed,” said Yaremcio. “Some nutrients would be excessive and it could cause a reduction in performance. A second option would be to feed 0.067 pounds (30 grams) of limestone (38 per cent calcium) to achieve the 2:1 ratio. The cost would be one to two cents per head per day. If a feedlot-type mineral with 24 per cent calcium and eight per cent phosphorus is used and fed at 0.25 pounds a day, the cost would be roughly eight cents per head per day. The key is to minimize expense but provide a proper ration.”

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pickups 2004• Activesweep™ New Holland82-inch SD440 , SC430 TBH Air

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2003 John Deere 1895 Air Drill 430 Bu 1910 Air cart

• Proven combination of rolls and belts for fast core starts and dense, uniform bales in any crop • Simplified twine and net wrapping systems

$89,000

$23,000

2004 John Deere 1895 Air Drill,

Flexi-Coil 2340 VR cart w/3rd tank, NH 3 Kit

$112,000

2003 Flexi-Coil Sys 67 Sprayer, 90’, Auto Rate

$42,000

© 2014 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. New Holland is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or , , licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

2011 New Holland P2070 Air Drill 60’, 10” spacing

2002 Flexi-Coil 3450 Air Cart Variable Rate

TRACTORS

Kubota ZG20, ‘04, mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,900 New Holland TG305, ‘07, FWA, 255 PTO HP, 3171 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000 Case 2390 ‘81, 160 PTO HP, 5853 hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,500

SWATHERS

NH H8080, 2008, w/18’ disc head, autosteer, 1230 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $95,000

SPRAYERS & SEEDING

FC 5000 33’, air drill w/2340 variable rate air cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,000 FC 5000 57’, w/3450 TBH air cart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000

HAYING EQUIPMENT

MF 1375, ‘10, 15’ disc mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,900 NH 499, ‘06, 12’ haybine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000 NH 2300, ‘99, 18’ header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000 NH 688, ‘00, bale command, 17, 694 bales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,000 NH 688, ‘00, w/auto tie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000

OFF ROAD UTILITY

Kawasaki KLF250, ‘05, 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,700 Kawasaki 4010, ‘14, Mule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500

MISCELLANEOUS

Renn RGU1214, ‘11, 12’ bag extractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 Rem 2700, ‘08, grain vac, 283 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500

Claresholm, AB 403-625-3321

1-800-852-7270 www.challengernh.ca

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

It’s ‘all about the horse’ at The Mane Event in Red Deer Annual expo focuses on learning and giving people from different horse disciplines a chance to meet and learn from each other By Dianne Finstad af contributor

hen Tammy Botsford began working with her young horse Jake, she was looking for opportunities where they could both learn. She’d read about U.S. events where top-level clinicians came together in one place, and longed for something like that closer to her home in Chestermere. Then she noticed something new coming to Alberta called The Mane Event that looked exactly like what she was hoping for, so she quickly applied to be a volunteer rider. That was nine years ago, and Botsford and Jake have since competed their way to world-class honours, thanks to a diversity of skills learned through clinics at The Mane Event. “It’s such an opportunity and such a great facility, and the program is so good,” said Botsford. The annual equine extravaganza at Red Deer’s Westerner Park (April 24-26) allows various types of horse disciplines to come together to learn, have fun, and do business, said organizer Gail Barker of Kamloops, B.C. “We’re horse people ourselves,” said Barker, who organizes the event with husband Ron. “But we were performance horse people. Our girls rode, and still do. But we didn’t know anything about jumping or dressage. The big thing is you can learn from anyone, whether you ride that discipline or not. “It’s all about the horse. We all love horses just as much.” Giving members of the various equine communities a chance to rub shoulders is a key objective of their program, which includes a Mane Event in Chilliwack each October, she said. “Our goal all along has been, No. 1, to provide learning, but we want to mix the disciplines so people can consider trying something different with their horse,” said Barker. “We

Participating in Mane Event clinics has allowed Tammy Botsford and horse Jake to capture world-class honours. Photo: Courtesy Tammy Botsford tend to stay in our own groups, our comfort zones. But maybe they haven’t done another discipline because they’ve never seen it before. Or maybe, as our population ages, you need to do something different for your body, like moving to driving from riding.” While learning at The Mane Event is primarily done by observing, clinicians want to be able to demonstrate their techniques, so a limited number of rider positions are open.

Slow and steady

Botsford and her paint gelding have been part of a clinic every year but one at Red Deer, benefiting from the knowledge shared by such trainers as Dana Hokana, Brian Isbell, and Tim Kimura. “I wanted to build slowly with Jake, so we started with the slow stuff,” said Botsford. “It’s been a great way to bring him along. But I really enjoy pole bending, and he was game for some speed, so last

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The goal of the Mane Event is to allow all types of horse disciplines to come together to learn, have fun, and do business. Photo: courtesy of the Mane Event

“The big thing is you can learn from anyone, whether you ride that discipline or not.” Gail Barker

year we did Doug Leasor’s clinic. He gave me some good tools for my tool box; things I could work on at home.” However, riding as part of a clinician’s teaching session is not for everyone. “You’ve got all those people watching and critiquing your riding. It can be intimidating,” said Botsford. “You just have to go in with an open mind. You can’t think you know everything.” Trying to absorb everything is one of the biggest challenges, she added. “It’s impossible to put it all into your retinal,” she said with a laugh. “I try to take in things I can work on at home. After a clinic is over, I do jot down notes, and I ask lots of questions. I run things over in my head a bunch of times. I like to come away with one or two things each lesson that can take you that much further ahead.” The beauty of The Mane Event format is that there is time to follow up with the clinicians during the weekend, she said. “You can go and ask them questions afterwards at their booths, and talk to them. Often they have training aids there you can get to help at home.”

The payoff

When picking clinic volunteers, organizers try to select riders and horses at different stages in their training in order to showcase how the trainer’s assistance can make a difference for all levels or even breeds. “Each Mane Event, we’ll have about 50 to 60 clinic riders,” said Barker. “They apply and in some cases, supply video clips. We usually get way more applicants than we can fit in.

Along with numerous clinics, the event says it has the largest indoor equine trade show in Canada. Photo: courtesy of the Mane Event “The best thing for anyone interested is to read what the clinicians are looking for, and apply accordingly, through the website.” While Tammy Botsford and Jake progressed with every clinic, she cites the Leasor clinic as a turning point in their show career. “Doug made a huge difference. Our focus had been trail and pleasure. When I thought I might make a run for the world (championship), I knew I’d need some better tips and tricks. Taking that clinic made all the difference. Then I did some one-onone training with him, and tried to work on the things he told us. We went to a lot of local functions to get seasoned.” Dedication paid off for the duo, and they’ve now made several successful trips to the American Paint Horse Association World Champi-

onships in Fort Worth, Texas. Building on winning the Super Gelding Award at Paint World in 2013, Botsford and Jake topped the open competition in Pole Bending last November and finished in the top five for Barrel Racing, as well as winning third in the Open Stake Race. They also won runner-up honours in the non-professional category at the Extreme Cowboy Challenge while down in Texas. “Jake’s a pretty cool horse. I call him my dream achiever,” said Botsford. So what’s her advice for first-time attendees? “Wear comfortable shoes, and maybe bring a seat cushion for the bleachers. There’s so much going on. Be prepared to spend some time and enjoy it. Bring a notebook. Oh yes, be ready to shop too!”

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

What’s new at this year’s Mane Event By Dianne Finstad af contributor

ne of the additions to this year’s Mane Event in Red Deer is a youth essay contest with a big prize — a young filly from the renowned Rocking Heart Ranch. “Mark Garner approached me and said the ranch would be interested in doing something like this,” said Gail Barker. “They raise foundation quarter-horses, and he wants to encourage youth in horses.” Young people between the ages of 13 and 18 have been asked to describe in 500 words or less how winning a filly would impact them as a person and future leader in the equine industry. Essays must be submitted by April 17, and the winner will be announced at the finale of the Trainer’s Challenge on the Sunday of the Mane Event. The popular challenge is back, where a trio of trainers works with young untrained horses, to see how much progress they can make over the course of the show. For the first time, a female Alberta trainer is being featured.

Kateri Cowley grew up on the Rafter 6 Guest Ranch in the Rocky Mountains, took the Olds College’s equestrian sciences program, and spent time interning in Texas. The former Calgary Stampede princess and 2014 winner of the Stampede’s Cowboy Up Challenge has done extensive colt starting work. She’ll be showcasing her skills alongside Australian-born TJ Clibborn of Wisconsin and Patrick King of Pennsylvania. Linda Parelli will be conducting a clinic for the first time in Western Canada, and she’ll be working with Parellitrained locals such as Don Halliday and the Cardinals. Mane Event organizer Gail Barker also expects Terry McKinney’s new session to be a popular addition to the varied clinicians program. McKinney will talk about having fun while horse packing in the back country. The Equine Experience runs both Friday and Saturday evenings, and features drill teams, liberty training and roman riding demonstrations, and fjord horses. The trade show will have close to 280 vendors, and The Mane Event offers over 100 hours of equine education. For more details, visit www.maneeventexpo.com.

Big bales are bottom of the barrel for the horse industry Alberta’s horse industry buys more forage than any other livestock sector, but it has exacting criteria By Jennifer Blair af staff / olds

orage producers could tap into a huge domestic market for their hay — if they drop their bale sizes. “The horse industry purchases more forage than any other sector in agriculture,” said Les Burwash, manager of horse programs for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “I’m not saying we use more — we buy more. Of the hay that’s fed, at least two-thirds or threequarters is purchased. A lot of the producers involved in the industry do not raise much hay, if any.” Alberta is home to between 200,000 and 250,000 horses — one-third of Canada’s horse herd — and 600 stables, and “one of the things that stables do is buy hay,” said Burwash, who spoke at the Alberta Forage Industry Network AGM in mid-March. Horses need to eat between 1.5 to two per cent of their body weight per day in forage, or roughly 20 pounds daily. But the horse industry has specific criteria, he added. “The horse industry wants quality hay,” said Burwash. “It has to be put up in a relatively early- to mid-maturity range.” It’s also “absolutely critical” that hay be free of dust and mould.

“Horses do not tolerate moulds very well. We see a huge increase in respiratory problems in horses when we feed dusty or mouldy hay,” said Burwash. “You’ve got to be putting it up drier than 17 per cent, or we see mould.” Alsike is also “out of the picture” for the horse industry. “The horses develop a photosensitization when consuming alsike clover while grazing and in hay, so you’re going to be asked if the hay has alsike clover in it. If the answer is ‘yes,’ we’re not interested.” Young horses and lactating mares need alfalfa hay harvested at early to mid-maturity, while performance horses and yearlings do better with midmaturity alfalfa hay, with protein levels that are 12 to 16 per cent. Mid- to late-maturity grass hay is better for recreation and overweight horses. But form is just as important as substance in the equine industry, said Burwash. “The big round bales, the big square bales, and the mid-size bales — the majority of our people doesn’t want them,” he said. “You’re not going to sell a whole bunch of that to our industry. We don’t have big enough tractors. It’s that simple.” The horse industry will buy bigger bales as a last resort, said Burwash, but “if you can move

“The products of choice are either going to be the 1x1x2 cubes or the small squares.” Les Burwash

down in size, it sure as heck would help our industry. “The products of choice are either going to be the 1x1x2 cubes or the small squares,” he said. “I get that you guys want to put it up in the big rounds or the big squares because it’s more economical, but when it comes to our industry, it’s a whole bunch simpler to use the small squares or the cubes, and that’s what the industry is going to be asking for.” The horse industry would pay a premium for smaller bales, if it meant better access to feed they could use, he said. “You guys are in the driver’s seat because you’ve got the product. Just give it to us in the form that we can use it.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

USED EQUIPMENT USED HAYING Case IH RBX562, ‘03, $230/mth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,250 NH BR780A, ‘06, Autowrap, Hdy P/U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$16,500

USED TILLAGE

NH BR780, ‘04, Xtrasweep pickup, bale command twine wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,000 NH 1475 Mower conditioner, 18’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,000

(2) Flexicoil 2070 Precision Hoe Drill, ‘12, 60’, 10” spacing, Dutch Side Band, Dlb Shoot,pneumatic packers, intelliview 4 monitor, w/ Flexicoil P1060 Cart 430 bushels, variable rate - tbt, dual fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $241,500 Flexicoil 5000 Hoe Drill, ‘02, 51’, 9” spacing, 3.5” Dutch Low Draft Paired Row, Dlb Shoot, 3.5” steel packers, dual castors on wings, w/Flexicoil 4350 cart, 430 bushels, varialbe rate tbh, dual fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $103,000 Morris Maxxim 2, ‘05, 40’ airdrill w/8336 cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 Flexicoil 820/1330 Cart, 12”–29’ single shoot, 4 bar harrow, 75 packer bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,000 Flexicoil 5000 Hoe Drill, shortened to 37’ have wings for 51’, 7.5” spacing, 2” stealth boots, single shoot, 2.5” rubber packers,w/ Flexicoil 2320 cart, 230 bushels, mechanical - tbh, fan . . $57,000 Bourgault 330 Series Air Seeder, 42’, 8” spacing, 1.75” Bourgault openers, single shoot, 2” steel packers, granular kit, w/ Bourgault 180 cart, 180 bushels, mecanical - tbh . . . . . . . . . $17,000 Concord Drill, 47’, 10” spacing, 4.5” GEN Paired Row, dbl shoot, pneumatic packers, w/Case IH 3400 cart, 340 bushels, Mechanical - tbh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,500

Bills

FARM SUPPLIES

4004 44th Ave. – Stettler, AB Phone: (403) 742-8327 Fax: (403) 742-1282

www.billsfarm.com

NH 780A Netwrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,000 JD 568, ‘08, twine/net, mega wide pickup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,000

USED SWATHERS HB 30’ fits NH 8000 Series Swather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37,000

USED TRACTORS 2010 T9040 HD, 435 hp, 710/42 rubber, 2765 hrs, w/Degelman 4 way blade/silage guard, 0% - 12 month waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$235,000 1995 JD 7800 w/loader, FWA, quad shift/grapple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40,000 2010 NH T9020, 4WD, 2635 hrs, 335HP, 14’ 6 way Degelman Blade . . . . . . . .$185,000 Case 990 w/loader 2wd, 1970 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000 JD 8640 4WD w/14’ 6 way blade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$26,500

USED COMBINES

0% FOR 30 MONTHS

NH CR960, ‘04, 76C, 14’ p/u, excellent condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$129,000 Case 2388, ‘02, 2034 hrs w/2015 axial flow p/u, very clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$95,000 NH CR9070, ‘10, 932 hrs, 76C, 16’, p/u, duals, crop catcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$209,000 TX36, Swath master p/u, 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 TX66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20,000 ‘11 72C Header, 25’, 2 Available w/new trailteck transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$24,500 Honeybee 30ft. draper header to fit 2388 case combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32,000 2011 NH CR9080, rotary, GPS full yield/moisture monitor, 0% - 30 months

$270,000

YOUR POWER TEAM HEADQUARTERS AFTER HOURS TELEPHONE Terry Jobs – 403-740-9473 General Manager: Tracey Peters Service Manager: Regan Finlay 403-740-6494 Parts: 403-742-8327

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

USED FARM EQUIPMENT AIR DRILL

2011 BOURGAULT 3710 .................................................. $184,000 2008 BOURGAULT 5710 .................................................. $108,000 1998 NEW HOLLAND SC380 ............................................. $59,500 2012 BOURGAULT 3710/L6550 ....................................... $259,000 1997 BOURGAULT 5710 .................................................... $48,000 2011 BOURGAULT 3710 .................................................. $184,000 2010 BOURGAULT 3710 ............................................................. $0 1998 BOURGAULT 5710 .................................................... $59,900 2009 BOURGAULT 3310 .................................................. $148,000 2010 FLEXI-COIL P2060 .................................................... $68,000 2003 FLEXI-COIL 5000/3450 ............................................. $89,000 2012 BOURGAULT 3710-50 ............................................ $168,000 2013 BOURGAULT 3710 .................................................. $189,000 1996 FLEXI-COIL 5000 ...................................................... $39,000 2001 FLEXI-COIL 3450 ...................................................... $39,500

AIR SEEDER

2001 BOURGAULT 5440 .................................................... $48,000 2009 BOURGAULT L6550 ........................................................... $0 2011 BOURGAULT L6550 ........................................................... $0 2013 BOURGAULT L6550 ................................................ $139,000 2010 BOURGAULT 6450 .................................................. $108,000

BALE PROCESSOR

2003 BALE KING 3100 ......................................................... $9,800

BALER/ROUND

2008 CASE IH RBX564 ...................................................... $19,800 2007 NEW HOLLAND BR780A .......................................... $15,900 2003 NEW HOLLAND BR780 ............................................. $15,800 2007 NEW HOLLAND BR780A .......................................... $12,800 2004 NEW HOLLAND BR780 ............................................. $12,500 2006 NEW HOLLAND BR780A .......................................... $14,500 2005 NEW HOLLAND BR780 ............................................. $13,500 2004 CASE IH RBX562 ...................................................... $13,800 2003 NEW HOLLAND BR780 ............................................... $7,900

BLADE

2012 LEON Q5000 ............................................................. $30,000 2012 LEON Q5000 ............................................................. $19,500 2011 LEON Q5000 ............................................................. $30,000

COMBINE

2012 NEW HOLLAND CR8090......................................... $339,000 2013 NEW HOLLAND CR8090.................................................... $0 2012 JOHN DEERE S680 ................................................. $359,000 2010 NEW HOLLAND CR9090......................................... $318,000 2013 NEW HOLLAND CX8080 ......................................... $358,000 2008 NEW HOLLAND CR9070......................................... $249,000 2013 NEW HOLLAND CX8090 ......................................... $359,000 2012 NEW HOLLAND CR9090Z ................................................. $0 1998 NEW HOLLAND TX66 ............................................... $49,500 2010 NEW HOLLAND CX8080 ......................................... $255,000 2004 NEW HOLLAND CX860 ........................................... $138,000 1999 NEW HOLLAND TR99 ............................................... $69,000 1999 CASE IH 2388............................................................ $68,000 2013 AGCO GLEANER S77 ............................................. $329,000 2011 NEW HOLLAND CR9090......................................... $339,000 1998 NEW HOLLAND TR98 ............................................... $48,000 2005 NEW HOLLAND CR970........................................... $159,000 2006 NEW HOLLAND CR970........................................... $169,500 2014 NEW HOLLAND CR9090.................................................... $0 2009 NEW HOLLAND CR9080......................................... $269,000 2007 NEW HOLLAND CR9070......................................... $198,000 2009 NEW HOLLAND CX8080 ......................................... $213,000 2014 NEW HOLLAND CR9090.................................................... $0 1997 NEW HOLLAND TX66 ............................................. $385,000

1993 NEW HOLLAND TX36 ............................................... $25,000 2008 CASE IH 8010.......................................................... $169,500 2013 NEW HOLLAND CX8090 ......................................... $348,000 2012 AGCO GLEANER S77 ............................................. $298,000 2012 NEW HOLLAND CR8090......................................... $359,000 2000 JOHN DEERE 9650 ................................................... $98,000 2007 NEW HOLLAND CX8080 ......................................... $218,000 1996 NEW HOLLAND TR98 ............................................... $39,000 2007 NEW HOLLAND CR9070......................................... $229,500 2006 NEW HOLLAND CR970........................................... $189,500 1996 NEW HOLLAND TX66 ............................................... $48,000 2007 JOHN DEERE 9860STS .......................................... $208,000 2013 CLAAS 760 .............................................................. $389,000 1998 NEW HOLLAND TX66 ............................................. $395,000 2010 NEW HOLLAND CR9090......................................... $356,000 2012 AGCO GLEANER S77 ............................................. $298,000 1997 NEW HOLLAND TR98 ............................................... $48,000 2003 NEW HOLLAND CX860 ........................................... $129,000 2013 NEW HOLLAND CX8090 ......................................... $348,000 2008 NEW HOLLAND CR9070......................................... $195,000 2009 NEW HOLLAND CR9070......................................... $239,000

FIELD CULTIVATOR

2008 FARM KING 17FCW ....................................................... $995

HEADER DRAPER

1998 MACDON 960............................................................ $25,000

MOWER CONDITIONER

2000 NEW HOLLAND 2300................................................ $10,500 2007 NEW HOLLAND 1475................................................ $22,000 1998 NEW HOLLAND 1475................................................ $13,800 1992 JOHN DEERE 1600 ..................................................... $5,800 2000 MACDON 5010.......................................................... $12,000

MOWER/RIDING

2005 HUSQVARNA YTH1848XP .......................................... $1,300

ROW CROP TILLAGE

2010 RITEWAY 8100 .......................................................... $36,000

SPRAYER

1998 FLEXI-COIL S62 .......................................................... $3,400 2008 NEW HOLLAND SF115 ............................................. $24,900 1987 FLEXI-COIL S62 .......................................................... $4,800 2006 SPRAY-AIR 3690TS ................................................... $24,000 2003 FLEXI-COIL S67 ........................................................ $27,000

SPRAYER/HIGH CLEARANCE

GRAIN AUGER

2008 CASE IH PATRIOT 3320 .......................................... $148,000 2008 MILLER A40 ............................................................ $138,000 2005 MILLER 2275HT ...................................................... $169,000 2011 NEW HOLLAND SP240F ......................................... $268,000

GRAIN VAC

SWATHER

2010 NUVISION 5395......................................................... $21,000 2001 BRANDT 1390 ............................................................. $9,000 2011 REM MFG 2700 ......................................................... $17,500 2008 REM MFG 3700 ......................................................... $22,000

HAY CONDITIONER

2006 NEW HOLLAND HS18 ............................................... $19,000 1997 WESTWARD 9200 ..................................................... $39,000 2003 MACDON 922............................................................ $12,500

HEADER COMBINE

2003 NEW HOLLAND 94C-30............................................ $29,500 2009 NEW HOLLAND 88C-42............................................ $68,000 2003 NEW HOLLAND 94C-36............................................ $44,000 2008 NEW HOLLAND 94C-36............................................ $49,500 1998 MACDON 871.............................................................. $6,000 2012 JOHN DEERE 635 ..................................................... $68,000 1998 NEW HOLLAND 994-25 ............................................ $28,500 2009 NEW HOLLAND 94C-36............................................ $53,000 2003 MACDON 972............................................................ $39,000 2008 HONEY BEE HB36 .................................................... $48,000 2008 JOHN DEERE 936D................................................... $39,900 2006 NEW HOLLAND 88C-36............................................ $58,000 1998 MACDON 960.............................................................. $7,500 2011 MACDON FD70 ......................................................... $89,500 1999 NEW HOLLAND 994-30 ............................................ $29,500 1995 MACDON 960............................................................ $19,800 2010 MASSEY FERGUSON 5100-35 ................................. $58,000 2003 NEW HOLLAND 94C-36............................................ $39,500 1994 NEW HOLLAND SP30 ............................................... $19,500 1997 HONEY BEE SP30..................................................... $29,900 1996 HONEY BEE SP25..................................................... $18,500 1995 HONEY BEE SP30..................................................... $29,500 1999 NEW HOLLAND 994-25 ............................................ $25,000 2013 MACDON FD75 ......................................................... $79,000 2012 JOHN DEERE 635 ..................................................... $68,000 1992 MACDON 960-30 ...................................................... $19,800 1999 NEW HOLLAND 994-25 ............................................ $26,800 2009 NEW HOLLAND 94C-36............................................ $44,000 1994 HONEY BEE SP36..................................................... $19,500 2000 NEW HOLLAND 994-30 ............................................ $38,000

2006 NEW HOLLAND HB30............................................... $26,000 2011 MACDON M150 ................................................................. $0 1990 AGCO HESSTON 1200 ............................................... $2,800 2013 MACDON M155 ................................................................. $0 2006 MASSEY FERGUSON 9420 ...................................... $58,000 2011 MACDON M150 ................................................................. $0 1999 NEW HOLLAND HW300 ............................................ $39,800 2011 NEW HOLLAND H8060 ............................................. $95,000 1998 WESTWARD 9300 ..................................................... $35,800 2008 JOHN DEERE 4895 ................................................... $82,500

TRACK LOADER

2008 NEW HOLLAND C190 ............................................... $43,500

TRACTOR

2008 NEW HOLLAND T7040.............................................. $99,500 2006 MASSEY FERGUSON 6480 ...................................... $49,000 2009 MCCORMICK TTX230............................................... $99,000 2010 NEW HOLLAND T6070 ELITE ................................... $93,000 2011 NEW HOLLAND T7.170 AUTOCOMMAND ............. $119,000 1995 NEW HOLLAND 9030................................................ $28,000 2009 NEW HOLLAND TV6070 ........................................... $95,000 2007 NEW HOLLAND TG245 ........................................... $122,800 2008 NEW HOLLAND T7030............................................ $109,000 2008 NEW HOLLAND TV6070 ........................................... $79,500

TRACTOR 4WD

2012 BUHLER VERSATILE 500 ........................................ $275,000 2012 BUHLER VERSATILE 500 ........................................ $285,000 2009 CASE IH STX485 ..................................................... $198,000 2014 NEW HOLLAND T9.615........................................... $338,000 2014 NEW HOLLAND T9.615........................................... $338,000 2009 CASE IH STX535Q .................................................. $278,000 2008 NEW HOLLAND T9040............................................ $209,000 2002 NEW HOLLAND TJ450 ............................................ $138,000 2010 NEW HOLLAND T9060HD ................................................. $0 2010 NEW HOLLAND T9040............................................ $208,000

VERTICAL TILLAGE

2010 SALFORD 570 RTS ................................................... $65,000

BOX 89, PARADISE HILL, SK. S0M 2G0

1-306-344-4448 • 1-877-344-4433

www.novlanbros.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

18,000

99,000

EZEE-ON 7500 AIR DRILL

FLEXI-COIL 5000 AIR DRILL

62,000

79,000

‘01 MORRIS MAXIMII

43,000

‘90 CASE 2300 AIR DRILL

‘02 HARMON 3280 AIR DRILL

115,000

110,000

APACHE AS710 SPRAYER

AIR DRILL

CALL

AIRDRILL

29,000

67,500

2001 CONCORD 4012

‘05 JOHN DEERE 1820

AIR DRILL, 7300 TANK THREE COMPARTMENT

25,000

TRACTOR, 4WD, 500HP

TRACTOR, EXCELLENT COND.

69,500

‘13 NEW HOLLAND T9.560

‘12 NEW HOLLAND T7.185 $

‘14 LANDOLL 6230-36 DISC

235,000

NEW HOLLAND TV6070 TRACTOR

339,900

‘07 NEW HOLLAND CR9070

‘14 JOHN DEERE 9410

COMBINE

280,000

APACHE AS1220 SPRAYER

TRACTOR, 278HRS

76,500

‘03 NEW HOLLAND TG230 TRACTOR, 230 HP, 480/80R46 DUALS,POWERSHIFT,DELUXE CAB

129,000

69,000

‘05 NEW HOLLAND CR960 COMBINE

‘14 LANDOLL 7431-29 VERTICAL TILLAGE, EXCELLENT COND.

4723 - 39 Ave., Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2J4

1-888-489-7221 www.hilinecnh.com

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

USED EQUIPMENT

USED COMBINES/HEADERS

LIVESTOCK EQ

NH 8870, 180hp MFD 3pt row crop rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500

2 - 2012 CR8090 Combines, c/w Stone trap and GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choice @ $295,000 2012 CR8090, 550 hrs, loaded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $295,000

Cockshutt 1850, cab FEL 90 hp, no GST . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,750

Haybuster 2650, bale buster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,900

USED FORAGE/HAYING NH 216 Hyd Rake, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,900

SKID STEER 2009 NH L170, 4300 hrs, new tires open cab. . . . . . . . $26,500

2009 MacDon FD-70, 40’ Flex header . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,000

RSS10T Vicon, tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000

2008 NH CR 9060, 1400 hrs DLX chopper . . . . . . . . . $185,000

New Holland BB960A, 3x4 square baler. . . . . . . . . . . $58,000

2007 NH CR9060 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coming In

Case IH LB433, 3x4 square baler only 3300 bales . . . . . . . . $88,900

2012 MacDon D50, 30’ combine header fits CNH. . . . $45,000

JD 567 RB, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In

BARGAIN LIST

SP30N Honeybee Header, fits CNH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,000

USED SWATHERS/SPRAYERS

ALL UNITS ARE NEW WITH FULL WARRANTY AND ALL ARE AT OLD PRICING WHEN THE DOLLAR WAS BETTER

2012 94C, 30’ head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,000

2013 New Holland SP365F,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $365,000

2006 NH C185, compact track loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,500 2008 Bobcat 250, low hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In

CALL FOR PRICING

USED TRACTORS

2009 NH S1070, S/B 100’ Sprayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500

NEW 2014 NH T8.390 CVT Loaded

NEW 2014 NH T8.390 CVT Loaded, Bought On Old Dollar. CALL

M&S suspended boom sprayer, 1000 gal, 86’ booms auto rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,500

Power Star t4.75 62 hp tractor mfd ldr wet clutch

JD 2010, gas FEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,750 2011 NH TV6070 Biderectional, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89,000

2008 Brandt SB 4000, 100’ booms frame suspension boom height control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,900

2014 Demo Special NH SP333F, w/1600 Gal, 120’ Loaded 2014 NH SP240F, 275hp 120’ boom 1200 gal stainless tank

“Southern Alberta’s New Holland Dealer since 1967” 510 – 36th. Street, North, Lethbridge, AB

Farm Centre Inc.

PHONE: (403) 327-1100 ALBERTA TOLL FREE: 1-800-565-0592 EMAIL: vfc@telusplanet.net

JOHN BEYER JAKE PETERS Cell: 403-380-0488

Cell: 403-654-3243

www.vaneefarmcentre.com

USED EQUIPMENT NEW & IN STOCK • Parker Grain Carts • Rem Grain Vacs • Haybuster Bale Processors • PRO ALL Medium Harrow 70’

697847

698190

2014 New Holland 1989 New Holland 846 Tractor, 7400hrs, Fair cond., 12 T9.450HD Tractor - 4WD, 610hrs, 450HP, Excellent cond., speed standard, 14’ Degelman 710/70R42,1000PTO,mega blade flow,GPS

$295,000

HARVEST EQUIP 0% 30 MON USED COMBINES

NH CR9070, 2011,525 sep hrs, gps . . . . . . . . . . . . . $235,000 NH CR9070, 2011,550 sep hrs, gps . . . . . . . . . . . . . $235,000 NH CR8090,2013,400sep,dsp,gps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $335,000 NH CR9090 Elevation,750sep, gps, 2012 .. . . . . . . . $350,000 NH CR9060, 2008,940 sep hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175,000 NH CR960, 2005,1130 sep hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,000 JD 9600,1989, stored inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,500 NH 840CD-30 like new,cross auger . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,500 NH 840CD-30, header height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59,500 Macdon 973-36’ header,pur,trspt, cross auger (2) . . $39,500 HoneyBee sp36 hdr,CIH adptr,2011,4 in stock . . . . . $58,000 NH 971-30’,header,batt reel, trspt (2) TR-TX adptr . . . $9,500 JD 230-30 auger header .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500

TRACTORS 0% 36 MON USED 4WD TRACTORS

NH T9.450HD ,2013,1000PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265,000 CIH Puma 140,1000hrs,PS,2012 ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110,000

$49,500

682931

689299

698243

690360

2001 Fendt 712 Tractor, 7750hrs, 110HP, Good cond., vario,50k,loader,grapple,3 point,540/1000

2010 New Holland T7050 Tractor, 3300hrs, 165HP, Good cond., 18 speed ps, 3 point, 4 hydraulics, 3 function joystick

2013 New Holland H8040 Windrower, 410hrs, Excellent cond., 2 roto shears, Trimble easy pilot

2013 Degelman M34 Manure Spreader, Good cond.,

$110,000

$49,500

$98,500

$129,500

$85,000

CIH 9270,6300hrs,PS,20.8R42 duals . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000 NH Powerstar T4.75,2014,20hrs,ldr,grpl,warranty $55,000 NH 8160, loader,grpl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,000 CIH STX485 900 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225,000 NH T7050,PS,3100hrs,CVT,ldr,grpl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000 NH T7050,PS,3point,3300hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,500 NH T7.235,2013.PS,ldr,grpl,4 hyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135,000 NH 846 6200hrs,12 spdd std,14’ blade .. . . . . . . . . . $49,500 NH 9030, 7500hrs, ldr/grpl, EE PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,500 Steiger Panther 1000, PS, 14’ blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,500 Steiger Cougar 1000,PS,6200hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 FENDT 712 VARIO,7750HRS,LDR,GRPL . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 NH L220 Skid Steer,200HRS,CAH .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,500 NH L220 Skid Steer,500hrs,CAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,500

SWATHERS

695910

2012 Case IH Puma 140 Tractor, 4WD, 1000hrs, 140HP, Good cond., 4 hydraulics, 3 point

Premier 2952i-30’ 1020hrs,06. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,500 NH H8040-30’,2 roto shears,Trimble easy pilot, 2013.410hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,500 Macdon M105-25,2013,290hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115,000 Westward M155-30’,AS,2 roto shears, canola roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139,500

Westward 7000-25’ 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 Heston 8100-25’,pur,2 shears2125hrs .. . . . . . . . . . . $24,500 Prairie Star 4620-25’ PTO swather, kear shear . . . . . . $9,500 Westward 3020-25’ pto swather,pur . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500 Westward 3020-25’ pto swather,pur . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 Swath Rollers available 8” steel & polly . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200

LAWN GARDEN

Exmark LZE 691 52” zero tu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JD Z445-54 zero turn w/ bagger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NH MZ19H 52” dec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grasshopper T616-48” front mower, powerfold.. . . . .

$7,900 $4,500 $2,950 $7,900

SEEDING & TILLAGE

FlexiCoil 5000-39’,9”,4” rbr, 3450tbhnd cart . . . . . . $59,000 Bourgault 7200-72’ heavy harrow, hyd tines . . . . . . $26,500

SPRAYERS

FlexiCoil S65XL,100’, screens, markers, SP655 monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500

HAYING & LIVESTOCK

NH BR7090 auto wrap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,500 NH 1475 16’ mower conditoiner .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,500 Heston 1275-16 mowr conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500 Jiffy 1105 high dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 Jiffy 600 high dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 Haybuster 2650 bale processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,900 Artex 1050 high dump . l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,500 JF Stoll 1360 for age harvestor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 Degelman M34 manure Spreader (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,000

AUGERS

Sakundiak HD8x1600 24hp,mover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,900 Sakundiak HD10x140038hp, mover,clutch light kit $13.900 Sakundiak HD10x1200,31hp,mover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500 Sakundiak HD10x1200,mover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500 Sakundiak HD8x1400,24hp,mover,clutch . . . . . . . . . . $5,900 Sakundiak HD8x1600,mover,hyd drive . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,900 Westfield MK 130x71,low pro hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 Westfield MK130x71 low pro hopper . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500 Farmking 8x51xhyd swing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . offers Brandt 5000 grain vac ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,900

Linden Agri-Centre Ltd.

(403)546-3814

www.lindenag.com

(403)263-4688

Sales Manager - Ken Toews 888-8109 (cell) 546-2634 (res) • Ian Anhorn 888-8121 (cell) 631-2260 (res) • Kevin Helmer 373-5554 • Andy Nelson 588-4355

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

2002 FLEXI- COIL 5000-57’ AIR DRILL

10” Spacing, 4” Rubber C/W 2002 Flexi-Coil 3450 Air Tank. 30325A/30284A

$80,000 FOR THE PAIR

2009 BOURGAULT- 3310-48’ Air Drill, 9.8” Spacing, MRB’s. 30355A

$120,000 CASH NO TRADE

1998 BOURGAULT L4350 AIR TANK

3 Tank Metering, Single Shoot, 8” Unload/Load Auger 30363B

$29,512

2011 BOURGAULT 5810-72’

Air Drill, MRB III’s Hydraulic, Double Shoot, 3 ½” Steel Packers w/Mud Scraper, 9.8” Spacing. 30384A

$80,000

2011 BOURGAULT- 3310-75’

12” Spacing, Mid Row shank, Single Shoot, Double Liquid Kits, Installed S/S Blockage Monitors. 30363A

$125,000 CASH NO TRADE

2014 BOURGAULT 3710-60’

Disc Drill- 10” Spacing, Leading Tank Conﬁguration, MRB III’s w/Cleaning Wheels, Single Shoot Leading, Liquid Kit, 4.5’ Wide Cleaner Wheel, Rear Tow Hitch. 30382A

$205,900

TRI-AG IMPLEMENTS LTD.

Wainwright, AB. (780) 842-4408 • Consort, AB. (403) 577-3899 • St. Paul, AB. (780) 645-4465

2001 FLEXI-COIL 5000-45’

Drill, 12” Spacing, 3 ½ Steel Packers, C/W 2005 Flexi-Coil 4350 Tank. 11980A/30307A

$80,000 FOR THE PAIR

2011 NEW HOLLAND SP.240F

High Clearance Sprayer- 1000 Gallon Stainless Steel Tank, 3” Quick Fill. 12150A

$195,000 CASH NO TRADE

2010 JOHN DEERE 1835-62’

10” Spacing, 3 ½ Steel Packers w/ Mud Scrapers. 30344A

$115,000 CASH NO TRADE

2013 NEW HOLLAND SP.240F

High Clearance Sprayer- 1200 Gallon Stainless Steel Tank, Boom Leveler Power guide, Luxury Cab 12162A

$220,000 CASH NO TRADE

Find us at

www.triag.ca

2003 APACHE AS1090 HIGH CLEARANCE SPRAYER Out Back S3 w/E-Drive, 90’ Raven Controller, Triple Nozzle Bodies, 5 Boom Valves, 1000 Gallon Tanks.12087B

$70,000 CASH

2012 NEW HOLLAND SP.240F

High Clearance Sprayer- 1200 Gallon Stainless Steel Tank, Fence Line Spray Kit, rear Wheel Nozzle w/Fender, Electric Flush & Rinse Control, 100-60, 10 Section Control Kit, UltraGlide w/5000 controller, 3” Quick Fill, Amber Rotating, Raven Radar Speed Sensor 11792A

$210,000 CASH NO TRADE

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

S e r v i c e S i n c e 1933

EBB’S

CLARK PIPKE

MIKE GOTTSELIG

TRAVIS GIEBELHAUS

MILES MACKOW

VEGREVILLE, AB

RANDY REICHEL

PETER D. POLISCHUK

LAMONT, AB

KEVIN MARTIN

MIKE SYMES

COLTON DRAVES

VERMILION, AB

1-877-632-6772 1-855-895-2189 1-888-853-5196 TRACTORS

MF 9220, 2008, 360 hrs, 30’, SK, UII reel, roto shears, guage wheels . . . . $79,500 VEG MF 9435, 2009, 1340 hrs, 30’, SK, UII Reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $82,500 VER MF 9430, 2007, 930 hrs, 30’, SK, center delivery, 18.4R26, frt tires, roto shears, electric fore & aft, guage wheels, 5200 header . . . . . . . . . . . . $89,000 VEG MF 9430, 2010, 1200 hrs, 25’, p/u reel, elec F&A, guage wheels, SK . . . . $93,500 VEG MF 9435, 2011, 617 hrs, 25’, p/u reel, topcon GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $94,500 VER MF 9435, 2010, 320 hrs, 25’, p/u reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $95,000 VER CASE WD1203, 2010, 380 hrs, 30’, DK, elec mirrors, cab & rear axle suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99,000 VEG MACDON M150, 2009, 1343/1003 hrs, 30, sk, pick-up reel, transport, D60 s/n: 187220-09 (7186-2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $109,000 VEG NH H8060, 2013, 320 hrs, 190HP, 2 speed Prairie Special, dlx cab, 600/65R28 tires, HB30 header, DK, DS, EZ pilot, & FM750 . . . . . . . . . . . $135,000 LAM MACDON M205, 2012, 900/695 hrs, 30’, DK, stabilizer wheels . . . . . . . $145,000 VER MACDON M205, 2012, 969/267 hrs, 30’, DK, stabilizer wheels . . . . . . . $145,000 VER

0% FINANCING FOR 36 MONTHS ON 4WD TRACTORS CASE 2096, 1984, 12000 hrs, 2wd, 3 remote, loader, grapple. . . . . . . . . . $13,000 VER NH TC48DA, 2006, 1000 hrs, soft cab, loader, 1 rear remote, std trans $21,500 VER NH T4040, 2013, 20 hrs, 70 PTO HP, 2WD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 LAM MF 6480, 2004, 4745 hrs, 115 pto, MFWD, 3 remotes, FEL . . . . . . . . . . . $64,000 LAM NH TV145, 2004, 3990 hrs, EE pto, EE hyd, long loader and grapple . . . . . $74,000 LAM NH TV145, 2005, 3906 hrs, long loader with grapple, C.E. Pto and 3 pt $80,000 LAM JD 7330, 2010, 4500 hrs, 125PTO HP, 3 remotes, 3pt hitch, 12’ blade $82,000 LAM NH TV6070, 2011, 3300 hrs, LL, directional tires, high flow . . . . . . . . . . $130,000 VER NH T7.235, 2011, 3300 hrs, CVT, 20.8R42, 4 electric remote, 860TL, grapple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $135,000 VER NH T7.210, 2013, 140PTO HP, NEW 855 LOADER AND GRAPPLE . . . . . . $142,000 VEG NH T7.250, 2013, 165PTO HP, no ldr, P.S. sidewinder, 4 remotes 2 Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $142,000 VEG NH T7.250, 2013, 165PTO HP, 860TL, P.S. sidewinder, 4 remotes . . . . . . $158,000 VEG NH T8.330, 2012, 900 hrs, dlx cab, 18 speed, P.S., duals, HID, full GPS, 3 pt hitch, 4 Rems, HD front axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $188,000 LAM VERSATILE 836, 1985, 4225 hrs, 24.5-32 singles, 1000pto . . . . . . . . . . $30,000 VER NH 936, 1986, 7490 hrs, std., 4 remotes, needs tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,500 VER VERSATILE 876, 1988, 7427 hrs, duals, 4 remotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,500 VER JD 8650, 1984, 9453 hrs, 12 Degelman blade, manual, PTO, 20.8 R38 duals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 VER NH T9.450HD, 2012, 730 hrs, 710 duals, 4 remotes, full GPS, Omnistar, RENTED, NOT AVAILABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $249,000 VEG NH T9.450HD, 2013, 1320 hrs, 710 Mich, PTO, diff lock, 2 pumps, 6 remotes, HP/XP GPS, dlx cab, full HID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $263,000 LAM NH T9.450HD, 2013, 716 hrs, 800’S, DIFF, GPS, HID, 2 hyd pumps, 6 remotes, LCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $269,000 LAM JD 9530, 2011, 1761 hrs, PS, 5 remotes, diff lock, HID, GPS full, high flow$285,000 VER

COMBINES 0% FINANCING FOR 30 MONTHS NH TR86, 1989, 3893/3003 hrs, as is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 VER NH TX66, 1998, 3160 hrs, chopper, chaff spreader, hopper ext, 4 different TX66’s Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,000 LAM JD 8820, 1983, 4032 hrs, 212 pick up, chopper, turbo, dial a speed, chaff spreader, 2 Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,000 VEG NH TR97, 1994, 2582/1970 hrs, 13’ westward, chopper, hopper cover $34,000 VEG NH TR98, 1997, 3500/2500 hrs, stone trap, chaff spreader, chopper, 13’ sw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,000 LAM JD 9770STS, 2009, 1623/994 hrs, duals, long auger, chopper, GPS . . . . $240,000 VER NH CR960, 2003, 1905/1475 hrs, 14’ swathmaster, 900 tires . . . . . . . . $122,000 LAM NH CR960, 2003, 2191/1612 hrs, singles, chopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000 VER NH CR960, 2005, 1993/1436 hrs, 14’ SW, 900 singles, dlx cab, dlx chopper, 2 speed rotors, beacons, Y&M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,000 VEG NH CR970, 2004, 1885/1361 hrs, 14’SW, dlx cab, clx chopper, Y&M. . . . $148,000 LAM NH CR970, 2005, 2010/1488 hrs, 76C-14, 900 tires, deluxe chopper, moisture sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $148,000 VEG NH CR970, 2005, 1963/1420 hrs, 900 singles, long auger, Y&M, 76C . . . $155,000 VER NH CR970, 2005, 1835/1366 hrs, 14’, rake-up 900 tires . . . . . . . . . . . . $158,000 LAM NH CR9070, 2009, 2280/1820 hrs, 16’SW, 900 singles, dlx chopper, diff lock, long auger, electric mirrors, LCTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $159,000 VEG NH CR9070, 2007, 1490/1105 hrs, 76C-14, Int IV, 900 tires, deluxe chopper, Y&M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175,000 VEG NH CR9070, 2008, 1306/907 hrs, singles, long auger, Y&M, dlx chopper $212,000 VER NH CR9070, 2011, 904/723 hrs, 16’ swathmaster, dlx chopper, 900 tires, long auger, diff lock, intellisteer ready, Y&M, SCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $255,000 LAM NH CR9080, 2009, 956/742 hrs, 14’ swathmaster, 900 singles, LCTS, dlx chopper, Michel’s hopper top, diff lock, Calmar spout . . . . . . . . $260,000 VEG NH CR9080, 2009, 1160/822 hrs, 900 singles, long auger, dlx chopper, diff lock, HID lights, GPS ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $260,000 VER NH CR9080, 2009, 1353/1035T hrs, 20.8R42 duals, dlx chopper, no diff lock, long auger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265,000 VER NH CR9070, 2011, 633/496 hrs, 790CP, singles, diff lock, dlx chopper, electric mirrors, HID, long auger, auto steer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $282,000 LAM NH CR9070, 2011, 490/397 hrs, 16’, 76C, singles, diff lock, dlx chopper, electric mirrors, HID, long auger, auto steer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $282,000 LAM NH CR9070, 2011, 914/618 hrs, duals, GPS, diff lock, HID, Y&M, Michels cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $295,000 VER NH CR8090, 2013, 850/625 hrs, 900 singles, DSP, diff lock, dlx chopper, HID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $305,000 VER NH CR9090, 2011, 950/682 hrs, 14’ swathmaster, dlx chopper, 900 tires, long auger, auto steer, leather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $305,000 LAM NH CR9080, 2011, 1046/699 hrs, 790CP, 620 duals, full GPS, HID, deluxe chopper, Michel’s covers, diff lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309,000 VEG NH CR9090, 2012, 893/686 hrs, 790CP, dlx cab, dlx chopper, full GPS, 900 tires, ASP, elec fold covers, leather seat, HID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309,000 LAM

SEEDING EQUIPMENT

NH CR8090, 2012, 559/361 hrs, 790CP, 900 tires, dlx chopper, twin pitch rotor, ASP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $315,000 VEG NH CR8090, 2012, 757/542 hrs, DSP, 900 singles, long auger, leather, dlx chopper, GPS ready, HID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $316,000 VER NH CR8090, 2012, 834/595 hrs, duals, diff lock, dlx chopper, HID, leather, DSP w/ kit, GPS complete, incab covers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $328,000 VER NH CR8090, 2013, 452/352 hrs, DSP, duals, covers, HID, leather, deluxe chopper, GPS ready, twin pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $366,000 VER NH CR8090, 2014, 306-242 hrs, 790CP, 900 tires, full GPS, DSP, dlx chopper, HID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $385,000 LAM NH CR8090, 2014, 290/236 hrs, 790CP, 900 tires, twin pitch, DSP, diff lock, GPS ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $385,000 VEG NH CX860, 2006, 2432/1928 hrs, 76C-14, lateral tilt, blowers . . . . . . . . $133,000 VEG NH CX8080, 2007, 2366/1875 hrs, 76C-14, lateral tilt, blowers, LCTS $153,000 VEG NH CX8080, 2008, 2146/1699 hrs, 76C-14, lateral tilt, blowers, LCTS $173,000 VEG NH CX8080, 2014, 273/203 hrs, No pick-up, full GPS, dlx chopper, HID, cast drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350,000 VEG

HAYING EQUIPMENT MF 220AH, 2004, 16’ hay header . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 VEG NH 664, 1996, autowrap, twine only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,200 LAM MF 220-16, 2001, 16’ hay header, DK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500 VEG HESSTON 856A, 2000, 7818 hrs, auto cycle, bale shape monitor, pick up wheels, bale ejector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500 VEG NH HS16, 2005, 16’, DK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000 VEG MACDON 5000, 1997, 16’ pivot, steel rolls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000 VER NH BR780A, 2006, 12000 hrs, twine only, narrow pick-up . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,500 VER HESSTON 1275, 2005, 16’ pivot, steel rolls, clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,000 VER MF 9120, 2010, 16’, S.P. hay header, DK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,500 VEG HESSTON 956A, 2004, mesh wrap, autocycle, bale kicker . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,000 LAM NH 1475, 2006, HS16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,500 LAM MACDON R85, 2012, 16’ discbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,000 VEG MACDON R85, 2012, 16’ discbine hdr, fits a M205, reconditioned . . . . . . $28,000 VER NH BR7090, 2013, 1300 hrs, twine only, B/C, hyd pick-up . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,000 LAM

SWATHERS JD 2360, 1992, 25’, SK, P.U reel, guage wheels, diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,000 VEG HESSTON 8100, 1993, 1886 hrs, 21’, DK, UII, pu reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,900 VEG HB WS30, 2006, 30’, DK, HCC reel, transoport, came off of JD 4895. . . . . $21,500 VER MF 220, 1996, 2422 hrs, 22’, SK, DS, UII reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,000 VER MF 220, 1998, 2500 hrs, 26’, SK, UII p/u reel, roto shears . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,000 VEG NH HB30, 2012, 30’, DK, UII reel, transport, came off of H8060. . . . . . . . . $39,000 VER MACDON 9300, 1997, 2475 hrs, 30’. SK, guage wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,000 VEG HESSTON 8250S, 2002, 1900 hrs, 30’, SK, DS, rotoshears . . . . . . . . . . . $42,500 VER MACDON D60, 2008, hrs, 30’, DK, trip del, transport, split 6 bat reel, poly cutterbar, swather header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44,000 LAM MACDON 2940, 2002, 1600 hrs, Non Turbo, 25’, p/u reel, SK, guage wheels$55,000 VEG MACDON 9352i, 2005, 1684 hrs, 30’, split reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000 VER MACDON 9352i, 2006, 30ft, SK, gauge wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,000 VER NH HW325, 2006, 653/503 hrs, 30’ SK, UII, transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72,500 VER

FC 2320, 1996, 4 run, mech, TBH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 VER JD 787, 1993, TBH, 4 run, single shoot, 230 bushel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,000 VER FC 2320, 1996, TBT, airseeder hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500 VEG FC 5000/1720, 1993, 39’, 9”, DS, stealth, 4” steel packers, 1720 cart $28,000 VER FC 3450, 1998, TBH, DS, no hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,000 VEG FC 3450, 2000, TBH, DS, 6 run, VR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,000 VEG FC 5000, 1992, 45’, 2320TBT, DS, 9”, steel packers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,000 VER FC 5000/3450, 1998, 57’, 12”, 3.5” stealth, 4.5” pneumatic, TBH, 340bu, VR, DS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,000 LAM JD 1820/1900, 2001, 35’x10”, DS, 4” steel, TBH, 270 bushel tank, VR, 6 run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,000 LAM FC 5000/3450, 2003, 39’, 12”spacing, 3.5” paired row, 4”steel, 3450 TBT cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,000 VER NH P1060, 2011, 430 BU, TBH, VR, DS, no monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 LAM BOURGAULT 5710/5350, 1999, 40’x9.8”, DS, 4.5” steel, midrow banders, TBH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,000 VEG NH P2050/SC430, 2009/2007, 51’, 9”spacing, 4”stealth, 4” rubber, basic blockage, 430 mech cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118,500 VER NH P2050/P1060, 2010, 57’X10”, 4” paired row stealth, 4.5” steel, VR, DS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $167,000 VEG

SPRAYERS NH S1070, 2010, 120’ wheel boom, 120 gal, screens, foam, no monitor, boom unfold, double nozzles, ind. Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,000 VEG NH SF115, 2006, 90’, suspended boom, Raven auto boom, dbl nozzles, auto rate, screens, 1200 Gal tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,000 VEG NH SP240R, 2011, 715 hrs, 100’, 1000gal poly, fence nozzles, foam marker, NH GPS, hyd wheel adj, induction tank, boom blow out, ultraglide, duals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $219,000 VEG NH SP275F, 2012, 621 hrs, 100’, 1600 gal, Intelliview IV, 5 way nozzles $279,000 VEG NH SP.275F, 2012, 574.8 hrs, 1200gal SS, 120’ boom, Norac, FM750 control, 380 tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $279,000 VER NH SP.365F, 2013, 239 hrs, 1600gal, SS, 120’ boom, intelliview monitor, ultraglide, accuboom, intellisteer, electric flush, 650 tires . . . . . . . $368,500 LAM

MISC Ezee-On 1001, 1988, disc, 8ft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 VER HAYBUSTER 2650, 2005, bale processor, right side discharge, 3 chain slat conveyor, adjustable slug bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,900 VEG REM 2500, 2005, grain vac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000 VER REM 2700, 2008, 260 hrs, Grain Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,000 VEG REM 2700, 2008, 190 hrs, Grain Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,500 VEG Krause 969, 1982, 30’x8” spacing, 20” discs, smooth discs. . . . . . . . . . . $18,000 VEG REM 2700, 2008, 111 hrs, grain vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 LAM FC S85, 1996, 70’, 5/8 tines, manual adjust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,000 VEG REM 2700, 2012, 47 hrs, grain vac, clean up nozzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,000 VEG FC S85, 2002, 70’, hyd tine adj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,000 VEG RITEWAY 8178, 2010, 78’, 5/8” tines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,000 LAM DEGELMAN SM700, 2012, 82’ heavy harrow, hyd fine adjust, 5/8”x26” tines, mint condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49,500 VEG NH L230, 2013, 88.6 hrs, 2spd, E-H control, cab, A/C, heat, 84” bucket $53,000 VER

CONSIGNMENT LEON 770, 770 Blade, one way, off a 2090 Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000 VER Renn 24”, Roller Mill, unload auger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000 VER NH 3114, side discharge manure spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,300 LAM NH 660, twine only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 VER CHALLENGER 75C, 1996, 8410 hrs, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,000 VEG CASE STX450Q, 2003, 5282 hrs, quad trac, 36’ tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . $160,000 VEG

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

NEW BUHLER 2450 BALE MOVERS

NEW RB560 SPECIALTY CROP BALERS

NEW BOOMER WORK MASTER TRACTORS

Hauls 14 big round!

New twine wrap 1000 PTO

35 - 47 HP, hydro, loaders and more!

CALL

IN STOCK

NEW HOLLAND 660

SUPREME 900T

WILL-PAC SHEAR HARROW

1992, round baler

6,500

CASE DC162 DISCBINE

2012, 15.7 hydro swing, 1000 PTO

29,500

‘04, Twin Screw

31,500

SCHULTE 15’ BATWING MOWER 2008

10,000

2006, 30’

HESSTON 956 2004, auto cycle

9,000

CASE RBX 562 ROUND BALER Bale command, new belts, rebuilt pick-up

10,000

NEW HOLLAND BOOMER 3045 CVT 2010, cab, air, 3pt super steer, 162 hrs

28,875

12,000

CASE RBX 562 2005, round baler

11,000

QUALITY USED HAYING EQUIP. FIELD READY CASH PRICES SUPREME 900T, 2007 TWIN SCREW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28,000

1993 NEW HOLLAND 660 ROUND BALER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500

NH BR 780, 2004, EXTRA WIDE P/U, AUTO WRAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,000

2005 NEW HOLLAND FP230, 29P PICKUP,

KRAUSE 1900 19’ DISC, NOTCHED BLADES, DOUBLE OFF-SET . . $7,900

ALWAYS SHEDDED, RECENT WORK ORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . SOLD $13,900

2012 CASE DC162 DISCBINE, 15.7 HYDRO SWING,

2008 NEW HOLLAND 195 SPREADER, UPPER BEATER,

1000 PTO, AS NEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,500

HYDRAULIC APRON CHAIN,HYDRAULIC END GATE . . . . . . . SOLD $10,000

5410 - 43 ST. Rimbey AB • Phone: 403.843.3700 • Fax: 403.843.3430

www.rimbeyimplements.ca

Al York

Cell: 403-783-0593 Home: 403-783-5317

nts.ca alyork@rimbeyimpleme

APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

1-800-665-1362 • abclassifieds@fbcpublishing.com

inDEx Tributes/Memoriam Announcements_ Airplanes Alarms_&_Security_Systems ANTIqUES Antiques_For_Sale Antique_Equipment Antique_Vehicles_ Antiques_Wanted Arenas AUCTION SAlES BC_Auction AB_Auction_Peace_ AB_Auction_North AB_Auction_Central_ AB_Auction_South SK_Auction MB_Auction_Parkland MB_Auction_Westman_ MB_Auction_Interlake MB_Auction_Red_River_ Auction_Various_ U.S._Auctions Auction_Schools AUTO & TRANSPORT Auto_Service_&_Repairs Auto_&_Truck_Parts Autos Trucks Semi_Trucks Sport_Utilities_ Vans_ Vehicles_Various_ Vehicles_Wanted BEEKEEPING Honey_Bees_ Cutter_Bees Bee_Equipment Belting_ Biodiesel_Equipment_ Books_&_Magazines_ BUIlDING & RENOVATIONS Building_Supplies_ Concrete_Repair_ Doors_&_Windows_ Electrical_&_Plumbing Insulation Lumber_ Roofing_ Buildings Business_Machines_ Business_Opportunities_ BUSINESS SERVICES Crop_Consulting Financial_&_Legal_ Insurance/Investments_ Butchers_Supply_ Chemicals Clothing/Work_wear_

Clothing/Western_Specialty_wear_ Collectibles_ Compressors_ Computers_ CONTRACTING Custom_Baling_ Custom_Feeding_ Custom_Harvesting_ Custom_Seeding_ Custom_Silage_ Custom_Spraying_ Custom_Trucking_ Custom_Tub_Grinding_ Custom_Work Construction_Equipment_ Crop_Inputs Dairy_Equipment_ Electrical_ Engines_ Entertainment_ FARM MAChINERy Aeration_ Conveyors_ Equipment_Monitors_ Fertilizer_Equip_ Grain_Augers_ Grain_Bins_ Grain_Carts_ Grain_Cleaners_ Grain_Dryers_ Grain_Elevators_ Grain_Handling_ Grain_Testers_ Grain_Vacuums_ Hydraulics_ Irrigation_Equipment_ Loaders_&_Dozers_ Parts_&_Accessories_ Potato_&_Row_Crop_Equipment_ Repairs_ Rockpickers_ Salvage_ Silage_Equipment_ Snowblowers/Plows_ Specialty_Equipment_ Machinery_Miscellaneous_ Machinery_Wanted_ hAyING & hARVESTING Baling_Equipment_ Mower_Conditioners_ Swathers_ Swather_Accessories_ Various_ COMBINES Belarus Case/IH Cl_ Caterpillar_Lexion Deutz Ford/NH_ Gleaner_ John_Deere_ Massey_Ferguson_ Versatile_ White_ Combines_Various Combine_Accessories

SPRAyING EqUIPMENT Sprayers Spray_Various_ TIllAGE & SEEDING Air_Drills_ Air_Seeders_ Harrows_&_Packers_ Seeding_Various_ Tillage_Equipment_ Tillage_&_Seeding_Various_ TRACTORS Agco_ Allis/Deutz_ Belarus_ Case/IH_ Caterpillar_ Ford_ John_Deere_ Kubota_ Massey_Ferguson_ New_Holland_ Steiger_ Universal_ Versatile_ White_ Zetor_ 2-Wheel_Drive 4-Wheel_Drive_ Various_ Fencing_ Firewood_ Fish_Farm_ Forestry/Logging_ Fork_Lifts/Pallet_Trucks_ Fur_Farming_ Generators_ GPS_ Health_Care_ Heat_&_Air_Conditioning_ Hides/Furs/Leathers_ Hobby_&_Handicrafts_ Household_Items_ Iron_&_Steel_ lANDSCAPING Greenhouses_ Lawn_&_Garden_ lIVESTOCK Cattle Cattle_Auctions__ Angus_ Black_Angus_ Red_Angus_ Aryshire_ Belgian_Blue_ Blonde_d'Aquitaine_ Brahman_ Brangus_ Braunvieh_ BueLingo_ Charolais_ Dairy_ Dexter_ Excellerator_ Galloway_ Gelbvieh_ Guernsey_ Hereford_ Highland_

Holstein_ Jersey_ Limousin_ Lowline_ Luing_ Maine-Anjou_ Miniature_ Murray_Grey_ Piedmontese_ Pinzgauer_ Red_Poll_ Salers_ Santa_Gertrudis_ Shaver_Beefblend_ Shorthorn_ Simmental South_Devon Speckle_Park Tarentaise_ Texas_Longhorn_ Wagyu_ Welsh_Black_ Cattle_Composite_ Cattle_Various_ Cattle_Wanted lIVESTOCK horses Horse_Auctions_ American_Saddlebred_ Appaloosa Arabian_ Belgian_ Canadian_ Clydesdale_ Draft_ Donkeys_ Haflinger_ Miniature_ Morgan_ Mules_ Norwegian_Ford_ Paint_ Palomino_ Percheron_ Peruvian_ Pinto_ Ponies_ Quarter_Horse_ Shetland_ Sport_Horses_ Standardbred_ Tennessee_Walker_ Thoroughbred_ Warmblood_ Welsh_ Horses_For_Sale_ Horses_Wanted_ lIVESTOCK Poultry Poultry_For_Sale_ Poultry_Wanted_ lIVESTOCK Sheep Sheep_Auction_ Arcott_ Columbia_ Dorper_ Dorset_ Katahdin_ Lincoln_ Suffolk_ Texel_Sheep_ Sheep_For_Sale_ Sheep_Wanted_

display Classified

• Minimum charge — $15.00 per week for first 25 words or less and an additional 60 cents per word for every word over 25. Additional bolding 75 cents per word. GST is extra. $2.50 billing charge is added to billed ads only. • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. • 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your ad you must pay with VISA or MasterCard to qualify for discount. • Ask about our Priority Placement • Prepayment Bonus: Prepay for 3 weeks and get a bonus of 2 weeks; bonus weeks run consecutively and cannot be used separately from original ad; additions and changes accepted only during first 3 weeks. • If you wish to have replies sent to a confidential box number, please add $5.00 per week to your total. Count eight words for your address. Example: Ad XXXX, Alberta Farmer Express , Box 9800, Winnipeg, R3C 3K7. • Your complete name & address must be submitted to our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential & will not appear in the ad unless requested.)

• Advertising copy deviating in any way from the regular classified style will be considered display and charged at the display rate of $34.30 per column inch ($2.45 per agate line). • Minimum charge $34.30 per week. • Illustrations and logos are allowed with full border. • Advertising rates are flat with no discount for frequency of insertion or volume of space used. • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. • Price quoted does not include GST.

Published by Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 WINNIPEG OFFICE Alberta Farmer Express 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-665-1362 Phone 403-341-0442 in Winnipeg FAX 403-341-0615 Mailing Address: Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 • •

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AGREEMENT The publisher reserves the right to refuse any or all advertising for any reason stated or unstated. Advertisers requesting publication of either display or classified advertisements agree that should the advertisement be omitted from the issue ordered for whatever reason, the Alberta Farmer Express shall not be held liable. It is also agreed that in the event of an error appearing in the published advertisement, the Alberta Farmer Express accepts no liability beyond the amount paid for that portion of the advertisement in which the error appears or affects. Claims for adjustment are limited to errors appearing in the first insertion only. While every endeavor will be made to forward box number replies as soon as possible, we accept no liability in respect to loss or damage alleged to a rise through either failure or delay in forwarding such replies, however caused, whether by negligence or otherwise.

(2 weeks prior)

ORGANIC Organic_Certified_ Organic_Food_ Organic_Grains_ Outfitters_ Personal_ Pest_Control Pets_&_Supplies_ Photography_ Propane_ Pumps_ Radio,_TV_&_Satellite_ REAl ESTATE Commercial_Buildings_ Condos_ Cottages_&_Lots_ Houses_&_Lots_ Land_For_Rent_ Land_For_Sale_ Mobile_Homes_ Motels_&_Hotels_ Resorts Vacation_Property_ Farms & Ranches British_Columbia_ Alberta_ Saskatchewan_ Manitoba_ Acreages/Hobby_Farms_ Farms/Ranches_Wanted_ Pastureland_ RECREATIONAl VEhIClES All_Terrain_Vehicles_ Boats_&_Water_ Campers_&_Trailers_ Golf_Carts_ Motor_Homes_ Motorcycles_ Snowmobiles Recycling Refrigeration Restaurant_Supplies Sausage_Equipment_ Sawmills_ Scales_

COMMON SEED Cereal_Seeds_ Forage_Seeds_ Grass_Seeds_ Oilseeds_ Pulse_Crops_ Common_Seed_Various_ SEED/FEED/GRAIN Feed_Grain_ Hay_&_Straw_ Feed_Wanted_ Grain_Wanted_ Hay_&_Feed_Wanted_ Seed_Wanted_ Sewing_Machines_ Sharpening_Services_ Silos_ Sporting_Goods_ Stamps_&_Coins_ Swap_ Tanks_ Tarpaulins_ Tenders_ Tickets_ Tires_ Tools_ TRAIlERS Grain_Trailers_ Livestock_Trailers_ Trailers_Miscellaneous_ Travel_ Water_Pumps_ Water_Treatment_ Welding_ Well_Drilling_ Well_&_Cistern__ Winches_ CAREERS Career_Training_ Child_Care_ Construction_ Domestic_Services_ Farm/Ranch_ Forestry/Log_ Health_Care_ Help_Wanted_ Management Mining_ Oil_Field_ Professional_ Resume_Services_ Sales/Marketing_ Trades/Tech_ Truck_Drivers_ Employment_Wanted_

MAiL TO: Alberta Farmer Express, Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 FAx TO: 403-341-0615 PhOnE in: Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-665-1362 OR (403) 341-0442 in Alberta

NAME_ ___________________________________________________________ ______PHONE_#_______________________________ ADDRESS_____________________________________________ ______TOWN_____________________________________________ PROVINCE____________________________ _____POSTAL_CODE__________________________

All classified ads are non-commissionable.

advertising deadline Wednesday noon

Livestock_Equipment_ Livestock_Services_&_Vet_Supplies_ Miscellaneous_Articles_ Miscellaneous_Articles_Wanted_ Musical_ Notices_ On-Line_Services_

CERTIFIED SEED Cereal_Seeds Forage_Seeds Oilseeds Pulse_Crops Specialty_Crops

AD ORDER FORM

adveRtising Rates & infoRmation

RegulaR Classified

lIVESTOCK Swine Swine_Auction_ Swine_For_Sale_ Swine_Wanted_ lIVESTOCK Specialty Alpacas_ Bison_(Buffalo)_ Deer_ Elk_ Goats_ Llama_ Rabbits_ Emu/Ostrich/Rhea_ Yaks_ Various_

Even if you do not want your name & address to appear in your ad, we need the information for our files.

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CAUTION The Alberta Farmer Express, while assuming no responsibility for advertisements appearing in its columns, exercises the greatest care in an endeavor to restrict advertising to wholly reliable firms or individuals. However, please do not send money to a Manitoba Co-operator box number. Buyers are advised to request shipment C.O.D. when ordering from an unknown advertiser, thus minimizing the chance of fraud and eliminating the necessity of a refund where the goods have already been sold. At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other strategic business partners. For more information regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1. Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other reputable firms whose products and services might be of interest to you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the address in the preceding paragraph, or call (204)-954-1456. The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well as Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communication assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all information provided.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CLASSIFICATION__________________________ ❏ I would like to take advantage of the Prepayment Bonus of 2 FREE weeks when I prepay for 3 weeks. _

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • APRIL 13, 2015

ANTIQUES

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

ANTIQUES Antiques For Sale ONE GRAIN TREATER; ONE grain fanning mill; two clothes cupboards; two old trunks; one bee smoker; old wooden egg crates. Phone (780)597-3747

BUILDINGS STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS, 20-ft & 40-ft. Wind, water & rodent proof. 1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722 magnate@telus.net

BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS We also specialize in: Crop Insurance appeals; Chemical drift; Residual herbicide; Custom operator issues; Equipment malfunction; Yield comparisons, Plus Private Investigations of any nature. With our assistance the majority of our clients have received compensation previously denied. Back-Track Investigations investigates, documents your loss and assists in settling your claim. Licensed Agrologist on Staff. For more information Please call 1-866-882-4779

BUILDINGS

2004 NH RG200B GRADER air, dozer & ripper, 5,000-hrs; 2003 Hitachi ZX200LC track hoe & thumb; Case 621 3-yd loader; D7F dozer ripper, PWR shift; New Quonset in crate 52x35x18-ft. $17,000; 1999 GMC T8500 Cat DSL, tow truck, 20ft. tilt & wheel lift, $14,500; 1977 IHC 1700 series floater w/tiler fertilizer spreader, $5,000; 3-Ton fertilizer spread $1,500; Rotex SR7 Pwr parachute needs frame, as is, $3,000; Ford Major DSL loader 3-PTH bale fork, $6,700. (306)236-8023

FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous 2003 NH TM190 FEL grapple joy stick, 3-pt., 3,810-hrs, $54,000. Call:(403)665-2341, Craigmyle, AB. ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: 3-PT. CULTIVATORS, Discs, Plows, Blades, Harrows, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, AB.

Stretch your ADVERTISING DOLLAR!

1-800-665-1362

BUILDINGS

40’ X 60’ X 16’ RIGID FRAME STEEL BUILDING

$29,418 When you go with steel you get the right deals!

Pioneer One Steel Buildings

Call toll free 1 (877) 525-2004 or see us online at www.pioneeronesteel.com

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted WANTED: NH BALE WAGONS & retrievers, any condition. Farm Equipment Finding Service, P.O. Box 1363, Polson, MT 59860. (406)883-2118

RON SAUER

MACHINERY LTD.

HAYING & HARVESTING

Wanted - JD 9450 Hoe Drills............... ........................ CALL 946 Versatile Ford Tractor, 4,994 hrs, 24.5 x 32 D....$50,000 8070 AC Tractor, FWA, wheel base extended, duals .. $22,500 275 MF Tractor, diesel, multi power, 3 pth, new 18.4 x 30, front weights, loader available, looks and runs great ......... $12,500 B275 IHC Tractor & Loader .....................................$3,500 (2) NH P1060 TBH Air Tanks, as new .............EA $69,500 40’ Salford RTS 570 Vertical Till, as new ............ $73,500 35’ 4590 EEZE-ON Double Disc, good condition .... $36,000 62’ 820 F.C. Deep Till Cultivator, c/w 4 Bar Harrow & Raven NH3 kit, excellent condition.......................... $46,000 44’ 820 F.C. Deep Till Cultivator, harrows ............... CALL 40’ 340 F.C. Chisel Plow & 75 Packer Bar, P30’s... $35,500 62’ F.C. S75 Packer BAR P30’s, good condition .... $11,000 48’ F.C. S75 Packer Bar, P30, pressure springs, NEW .. $37,500 2003 4300 IHC Service Truck, 466 diesel, 5 speed Allison auto, crane, compressor, welder, nice ................ $50,000 51’ Degelman Landroller, as new.... ...................... $40,000 Degelman Dozer Frame MF 4000 Series 4WD .....$1,000 41’ Flexicoil 300 B Chisel Plow, 3 bar harrows ..... $12,500 Flexicoil 6 Run Seed Treater....................................$1,000 100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete with windguards, elec. end nozzles single tips, auto rate, excellent condition ... $12,500 10 Wheel MATR (Italy) Trailer Type V-Hayrake, hyd. fold, as new ........................................................$5,000 7 x 1200 (39.37’) Sakundiak Auger, 18 HP Koehler engine, c/w hyd. pump for bin sweep ...........................$2,500 1390 Brandt XL Swing Auger, elec. power swing, spout, adj. axle, reverser, as new ............................... $19,500 225 DOW Kello-Bilt Tandem Disc, 28” smooth front & rear blades, 10.5” spacing, oil, bath bearings, as new ........ $62,500 47’ 820 Flexicoil Chisel Plow, 4 bar harrows ......... $67,500 70’ S82 F.C. Harrow Bar, like new............................$5,500 New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps available ............ Call 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, hydraulic drive .......$1,500 New Outback RTK BASE stn.......................................... Call New Outback MAX & STX guidance & mapping ........In Stock New Outback E-Drive, TC’s......................................In Stock New Outback E-Drive X, c/w free E turns.................In Stock New Outback S-Lite guidance .................**In Stock** $900 New Outback VSI Swather Steering Kit...............In Stock Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. kits .................................. $500

WANTED: JD 7810 c/w FEL & 3-PTH; sp or PTO bale wagon; JD or IHC end wheel drills. Small square baler. (403)394-4401

HAYING & HARVESTING Baling Equipment

(403) 540-7691 ronsauer@shaw.ca

**NuVision (Spray Air) & Meridian-Sakundiak Augers, Outback GPS Systems, EK Auger Movers, Belt Tighteners, Bin Sweeps & Crop Dividers, Kohler, Robin Subaru & Generac Engines, Headsight Harvesting Solutions, Greentronics Sprayer Auto Boom Height, Kello-Bilt Discs**

We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you want to sell it fast place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free number today. We have friendly staff ready to help. 1-800-665-1362.

Barb Wire & Electric High Tensile Wire Spooler & Water Hose Roller

Go public with an ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. Phone 1-800-665-1362.

Tillage & Seeding - Wire Roller can now be converted to roll up & unroll flat plastic water hose up to 6” diameter (11” flat) - Hydraulic Drive (roll or unroll) - Mounts to tractor draw bar, skidsteer front end loader, post driver, 3pt. hitch or deck truck (with receiver hitch & rear hydraulics) - Spool splits in half to remove full roll - Shut off/ Flow control valve determines speed - Works great for pulling out old wire (approx. 3--5 minutes to roll up 80 rod or 1/4 mile) - Also works great for swath grazing or rotational grazing The Level-Winder II Wire Roller rolls wire evenly across the full width of the spool automatically as the wire is pulled in Ken Lendvay (403) 550-3313 Red Deer, AB email: kflendvay@hotmail.com Web: www.levelwind.com

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COMBINES Accessories RECONDITIONED COMBINE HEADERS. RIGID & flex, most makes & sizes; also header transports. Ed Lorenz, (306)344-4811 or Website: www.straightcutheaders.com Paradise Hill, SK.

Memory assistance. Network

Combines

Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express classified section. It’s a sure thing. 1-800-665-1362.

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Equipment

GAUGE WHEEL & GAUGE WHEEL KIT 3” & 4” OPTIONS

www.ridgelandmanufacturing.ca

204-866-3558 ridgemetal@hotmail.com

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Various 6200 IH PRESS DRILL 24-ft, factory transport, rubber packers; 510 IH wheel drill; #10 IH wheel drill; 14-ft deep tillage cultivator; 97 Ford 150 ext. cab truck. (780)919-9985.

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APRIL 13, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

CALF CATCHER Catch process & transport your newborn calves all w/the safety of your Quad Roper calf catcher. www.calfcatcher.ca (780)688-2496

The Icynene Insulation System® JD 9400, 9420, 9520, 8970 JD 9860, 9760, 9750, 9650, 9600 JD 9430, 9530, 9630 Case STX 375, 425, 430, 450, 480, 500, 530 CIH 8010-2388, 2188 combine CIH 435Q, 535Q, 450Q, 550Q, 600Q pto avail. JD 4710, 4720, 4730, 4830, 4920, 4930 SP sprayers JD 9770 & 9870 w/CM & duals CIH 3185, 3230, 3330, 4430, 4420 sprayers

4955 JD low hrs, 3 pth, very clean S670/680/690 JD Combine low hrs 4730 JD Sprayer, 100 ft. JD 8770, 4WD, 24 speed with PTO Case IH 9170, 4WD 854 Rogator SP Sprayer, complete with JD auto steer, swath pro GOOD SELECTION OF JD & CASE SP SPRAYERS AND 4WD TRACTORS

• Sprayed foam insulation • Ideal for shops, barns or homes • Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient®

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Land For Sale

www.penta.ca

TracTors TRACTORS John Deere 2003 JD 9420, 1,605-HRS, 24spd, 710/70R/42, castway front & rear, GreenStar ready, full diff., extra lights, shedded, excelletn, $186,000. Olds, AB. Phone Mike:(403)335-9205.

TRACTORS Various Alberta Farmer Express classifieds, 1-800-665-1362.

JD 2130 3 pth with loader JD 4255 2 WD, ldr. available JD 4440, loader available JD 7420 FWA, 741 loader with 3pth JD 7800 FWA, with 3 pth JD 7810 FWA, 740 loader Clamp on Duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38

Big Tractor Parts, Inc. Geared For The Future

STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST

RED OR GREEN 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement parts for your Steiger drive train. 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions and dropboxes with ONE YEAR WARRANTY. 3. 50% savings on used parts.

1-800-982-1769

FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB

www.bigtractorparts.com

1-800-587-4711

LANDSCAPING Lawn & Garden

CERTIFIED SEED

FOR SALE: ONE 17.5-BU compost tumbler, used very little. It’s like new yet. Phone (780)597-3747

CERTIFIED SEED Cereal Seeds

LIVESTOCK

DEALS ON THE GO!

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD THE APP »»

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN Wheat, Barley, Oats, Peas, etc. Green or Heated Canola/Flax

CERTIFIED CDC PLENTIFUL, new HRS, 96% germ, 0 fusarium graminaerum. AC Enchant, VB, new CPS red, AC Conquer, VB, midge tolerant, high germination, 0 fusarium graminaerum. AC Andrew, soft white wheat, 99% germ, 0 fusarium graminaerum. Phone:(306)843-2934. www.herle.ca

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Angus LIGHT BIRTHWEIGHT RED & Black Angus yearling bulls. $2500 Bellshill Red Angus & Davidson Angus. Lougheed, AB. Ph:(780)384-2354 or (780)888-2123 Cell:(780)888-7585 Lorraine (780)888-1087

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Red Angus

SEED / FEED / GRAIN SEED/FEED/GRAIN Feed Grain BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the farm. Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, Lacombe.

REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS Quiet, Easy Calving, Low to Moderate Birth Weights, Good Growth, E.P.D’s available Guaranteed Breeders (Vet Checked & Semen Tested). Excellent Bulls for Heifers or Cows. Cleveley Cattle Company (780)689-2754.

FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Hereford

BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

HEREFORD BULLS, YEARLINGS & two year olds, dehorned, & polled, excellent quality, low birth weights suitable for heifers, catalogue online at couleecrest.ca Coulee Crest Herefords, Bowden, AB. (403)227-2259 or (403)588-6160.

BUYING SPRING THRASHED CANOLA & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

LIVESTOCK Sheep For Sale

AG EQUIPMENT

BOW VALLEY TRADING LTD.

18-ACRE LOT FOR SALE. Located in NW Montana. Lincoln County Hwy-56, in the cabinet mountains. Easy access to a private pine wooded paradise with a blue ribbon trout river. 549-ft river frontage, fishing, hunting, kayaking, floating. Build your dream cabin surrounded by mountains! Land is set up for 1 or 2 lots, private financing available. $199,000. Call Mark (507)402-7405.

LANDSCAPING

“LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” • Phone: (403)526-9644 • Cell: (403)504-4929 • Email: kendeal@shaw.ca

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

PLAN TO ATTEND THE 9th Annual Pound Maker Ram Sale. 110 yearling rams sell by auction. Thursday May 21, 2015 at Ford Macleod Alberta. Suffolk, Dorset, Hampshire, Charollais, Ile de France, Rambouillet, North Country Cheviot & Coloured. Catalogue on the website after May 10th. For details, call Warren:(403)625-6519 or check our website: www.poundmakerrams.com

1-877-641-2798 TRAVEL

AGRICULTURAL TOURS Ireland/Scotland ~ June 2015 NWT/Yukon ~ July 2015 Alaska Cruise ~ July 2015 Australia/New Zealand ~ Jan 2016 Kenya/Tanzania ~ Jan 2016 South America ~ Feb 2016 South Africa ~ 2016 India ~ 2016 *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible

Select Holidays 1-800-661-4326

www.selectholidays.com

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

BUYING:

HEATED & GREEN CANOLA • Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed “ON FARM PICK UP”

1-877-250-5252

Advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

1-800-665-1362

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