Manitoba co operator by Farm Business Communications

A big deal

Commodities and crude

Climate change accord approved

What the latest drop means » PG 8

» PG 22

SERVING MANITOBA FARMERS SINCE 1925 | Vol. 73, No. 51 | $1.75

December 17, 2015

Manitoba tops in pedigreed seed

manitobacooperator.ca

Cattail harvesting shows promise to aid province’s water woes

It boasts the highest acreage in Canada BY ALLAN DAWSON

The cattail-harvesting project taking place at Pelly’s Lake sees progress in extracting overloaded nutrients and processing the biomass crop

Co-operator staff

t’s a three-peat for Manitoba seed growers. For the third year in a row, the province has grown the most pedigreed seed of any province in Canada — 380,131 acres in 2015, up 22 per cent from 2014. It’s quite likely a Manitoba record too, said Jennifer Seward, secretarymanager of the Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association (MSGA). At the very least, it’s the most pedigreed seed acres grown in Manitoba in more than 20 years and a third higher than the five- and 10-year averages. Saskatchewan and Alberta were second and third at 333,293 and 304,971 pedigreed seed acres, respectively. But what makes Manitoba’s feat stand out is its small size. Saskatchewan and Alberta have about 38 million and 34 million acres See PEDIGREED on page 7 »

After a decade of experimentation with equipment and processes, cattail harvesting is poised to move beyond the pilot project stage. Photo: Allan Dawson

BY JENNIFER PAIGE Co-operator staff/Brandon

Publication Mail Agreement 40069240

en years after a research team first considered harvesting cattails in Manitoba, one of the lead researchers remains as enthusiastic as ever about its environmental and economic potential. “Essentially, we have been working on this for the past 10 years. When we set out it was a small project looking at how cattails and reeds and other grasses can actually absorb phosphate and nitrogen and then how we can

actually use those plants for something,” said Richard Grosshans, senior research scientist at the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s water program during a presentation at the Manitoba Conservation Districts Association’s 40th annual conference here last week. The project, which was originally spurred by the need to find a solution for the increasing eutrophication of Lake Manitoba, quickly expanded into a larger research project looking at ways to mange the landscape, preserve the environment while growing the economy.

“Most of you likely know about Lake Winnipeg and the issues that we have there. That was really the reason we got into this project,” said Grosshans. “We have been looking at better, more innovative ways to manage the landscape and cattails are one of the plants we are really interested in.”

Pelly’s Lake Since 2012, researchers have been on site at Pelly’s Lake near Holland, Man. actively harvesting cattails as a means to extract overloaded nutrients, See CATTAILS on page 6 »

FARM SAFETY: The battle rages on in Alberta » PAGE 5

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

INSIDE

Did you know?

LIVESTOCK

Our bacon ambassador does Alberta proud

Social licence on the farm Doing right by animals is the right thing — and good business

Weirdly wonderful dishes shine a light on bacon’s culinary versatility BY DIANNE FINSTAD FBC contributor

CROPS Tile drainage and manure The call is out for research on how the two interact

FEATURE The mega-merger The Dow-DuPont marriage is a sign of more to come

CROSSROADS In defence of small towns Don’t let others define your hometown’s image

acon is getting a whole new sizzle on the gourmet scene these days — would you believe chocolate bacon Fudgsicles? — and Russell Bird is making sure Alberta gets its due. The Sherwood Park man represented his country in the bacon category at the World Food Championships in Florida last month and reports things have never looked better for everyone’s favourite cured meat. “Bacon has been a hot spot in cooking the last three years,” said Bird. “I saw bacon desserts at the WFC that would blow your mind.” Bird, a marketing specialist in promotional products, is also doing his part to add to bacon’s culinary canon — an effort that began last year when he and wife Jocelyn, also an accomplished cook, wound up with 16 pounds of bacon after a work-related swap. “We get together with three other couples who love food and have these ‘fests,’ judging each other’s entries. So we decided to have a Baconfest. I made a bacon salad, and my wife made sushi with bacon. Her dish won.” The concept was resurrected when Bird, who had won a couple of ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen cooking contests, was invited to compete in the Canadian Food Championships, part of the Taste of Edmonton promotion, this summer. Bird set out to perfect his wife’s creation, testing different types of bacon. The duo perfected the process for their firstround entry, a butter-poached lobster tail bacon sushi roll. The second round required using maple syrup, so they created a sushi roll with the bacon and rice glazed in maple, and traditional

Russell Bird (r) and father-in-law Ron Yoneda took on the world — with bacon sushi. PHOTOs: COURTESY RUSSELL BIRD

tomago cooked eggs in the centre, also enhanced with maple. The lobster tail sushi came fourth and their breakfast entry first, giving them a thirdplace overall finish. The top two teams earned a berth in the world championships, but when one couldn’t make it, Bird and his father-in-law joined 18 Canadian teams competing in the various categories. The event attracts hundreds of teams competing for a $100,000 grand prize. Using 25 pounds of President’s Choice Blue Menu natural wood-smoked bacon (which Loblaws shipped to Florida for him), Bird created two dishes. The first category — a ‘structured build’ — was a bacon dumpling, and his green onion cake with bacon and fennel was judged 14th best overall. His now signature bacon and egg sushi grabbed 13th spot.

36 READER’S PHOTO

4 5 9 10

Editorials Comments What’s Up Livestock Markets

Grain Markets Weather Vane Classifieds Sudoku

11 16 26 30

ONLINE & MOBILE Visit www.manitobacooperator.ca for daily news and features and our digital edition. (Click on “Digital Edition” in the top right corner.) At our sister site, AGCanada.com, you can use the “Search the AGCanada.com Network” function at top right to find recent Co-operator articles. Select “Manitoba Co-operator” in the pull-down menu when running your search. Scan the code to download the Manitoba Co-operator mobile app.

www.manitobacooperator.ca

For Manitoba Farmers Since 1927 1666 Dublin Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Tel: 204-944-5767 Fax: 204-954-1422

www.manitobacooperator.ca Published by Farm Business Communications A division of Glacier FarmMedia

Member, Canadian Circulation Audit Board, Member, Canadian Farm Press Association, Member, Canadian Agri-Marketing Association TM

Editor / FBC Editorial Director Laura Rance laura@fbcpublishing.com 204-792-4382 Managing Editor Dave Bedard daveb@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5762

NEWS STAFF / Reporters Allan Dawson allan@fbcpublishing.com 204-435-2392 Shannon VanRaes shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com 204-954-1413 Lorraine Stevenson lorraine@fbcpublishing.com 204-750-0119 Jennifer Paige jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com 204-291-4348

Ron Paddock shows “Magic Man” that they made the paper!

ADVERTISING SERVICES Classified Advertising: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Phone: (204) 954-1415 Toll-free: 1-800-782-0794 Director of Sales Cory Bourdeaud’hui cory@fbcpublishing.com 204-954-1414 NATIONAL ADVERTISING Jack Meli jack.meli@fbcpublishing.com 647-823-2300

CIRCULATION MANAGER Heather Anderson heather@fbcpublishing.com 204-954-1456 Production Director Shawna Gibson shawna@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5763 Publisher Lynda Tityk lynda.tityk@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5755

RETAIL ADVERTISING Terry McGarry trmcgarr@mts.net 204-981-3730

Associate Publisher John Morriss john.morriss@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5754

ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Arlene Bomback ads@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5765

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

photo: suzanne Paddock

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Toll-Free: 1-800-782-0794 U.S. Subscribers call: 1-204-944-5568 E-mail: subscription@fbcpublishing.com Subscription rates (GST Registration #85161 6185 RT0001) Canada 12 months $61.00 (incl. GST) 24 months $103.00 (incl. GST) 36 months $129.00 (incl. GST) USA 12 months

$150.00 (US funds)

Publications Mail Agreement #40069240 ISSN 0025-2239 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Canadian Postmaster: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to: Circulation Dept., 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB. R3H 0H1

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Farming with a focus on restoration

An experienced Ontario producer says implementing a holistic management plan would be a benefit BY JENNIFER PAIGE Co-operator staff/Brandon

s many in the industry strive for sustainability, an experienced Ontario farmer wants to go one step further to build a farming system that does better than perpetuate itself. “The term ‘sustainability’ has really come to mean less damaging than the alternative, rather than truly improving or repairing,” said Harry Stoddart, during a presentation at the Manitoba Conservation District Association’s 40th annual conference held in Brandon on December 8. “I like the term ‘regenerative’ or ‘restorative.’ Essentially, the central concept in that is that we are not happy with the status quo. We are not talking about reducing our harm, we are looking for ways we can rebuild and restore.” A sixth-generation farmer, Stoddart spent seven years as a management consultant before taking over his parents’ conventional hog farm in the Kawartha Lakes region. Today he farms full time and is also a faculty member in the sustainable agriculture program at Fleming College in Lindsay, Ont. With a number of years’ experience experimenting with various management systems, in both conventional and organic methods, Stoddart says implementing a holistic management sys-

tem should be a top priority for every operation. “From my perspective, holistic management is key to any farm operation. It doesn’t matter whether you are grazing or not, the concepts in holistic management, the financial planning piece are key to moving a farm forward profitably and maintaining your eye on the triple-P bottom line — people, planet and profit,” said Stoddart. “We implemented a holistic management program about four years ago and it was one of the best things that we ever did for the management of our operation. I highly recommend it.” The concept of holistic management looks at allowing land managers to mimic nature through guided relationships between plants, soil, livestock and waterways. The four cornerstones of the concept are financial planning, grazing planning, land planning and biological monitoring. “In agriculture, our success is tied to the environment piece more closely than any other industry, and when you get right down to it, we are in the business of capturing solar energy and transforming it into protein and carbohydrates for human use, whether that is food or fibre.” Stoddart says he has seen a number of benefits to his operation since switching over to holistic management techniques, including increased land stability, reduced erosion, and better water filtration. He insists on a no-till system, saying the

“The future isn’t about turning the clock back 50 years, the future is about taking the knowledge that we have now and creating systems that are truly restorative systems.” Harry Stoddart Ontario producer

Harry Stoddart, a sixth-generation Ontario producer presented at the Manitoba Conservation District Association’s 40th annual conference held in Brandon on December 8. Photo: Jennifer Paige

key is focusing on nurturing and growing the soil. “Soil or dirt is probably one of the things that gets the least amount of respect in agriculture. When we talk about soil, oftentimes the conversation stops at chemistry. But, if we want the soil to be working for us, we need to get rid of the Big Iron. In my mind there are no ifs, ands, or buts about that,” said Stoddart. He added that while many producers are opinionated about management practices — organic versus conventional, till or no till, sustainable versus restorative —

the conversation needs to be focused back on the end goal of rebuilding deteriorated soils. “The discussion we need to have isn’t about conventional or organic practices. I have destroyed soil worse or just as bad with organic practices as I ever did with conventional,” said Stoddart. “Anywhere we have agriculture we have degraded soils. And, this has been happening long before we got into chemical, industrial or any name you want to put on modern-day practices. The future isn’t about turning the clock back 50 years, the future is about taking the knowledge that we have now and creating systems that are truly restorative systems.” jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

World Food Prize experience an eye-opener for Manitoba teen The conference gives youth an opportunity to dream big about their future in agriculture BY LORRAINE STEVENSON Co-operator staff

ublic speaking before an unfamiliar audience can be scary enough, never mind having a bunch of distinguished international scientists in the audience. But 16-year-old Laura Didyk was undaunted making a speech while attending the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa this past October. “It was a little nerve-racking,” says the Grade 11 student from Elie’s St. Paul’s Collegiate. “But I think I did well because of 4-H communications experience. And it was neat to be talking to these experts and they had feedback on my paper. It was kind of amazing actually.” That kind of poise and confidence is why Didyk, who lives with her family on an acreage just outside St. Francois Xavier, was one of two student delegates from Manitoba selected to attend the prestigious international event this fall. Didyk and another Manitoba student, Bailey Gitzel

of Graysville, were among 200 students from across the U.S., as well as China, India, Kosovo, Mexico and Turkey to attend.

Eye-opener The event was an eye-opener, says Didyk. “I got to meet so many amazing people from all over the world.” The World Food Prize is an international award recognizing great achievements in improving the quality, quantity and availability of food in the world. It was created by Dr. Norman Borlaug in 1986. This year’s annual award went to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of Bangladesh, founder of BRAC, which is considered to be the most effective anti-poverty organization in the world. The two young women from Manitoba witnessed that awards ceremony, plus had many opportunities to interact with leading scientists and food security experts from around the globe. As part of the experience, the students were expected to deliver their own thoughts on the subject. Didyk’s topic was climate change and how it’s affecting food security in Kenya.

Sixteen-year-old Laura Didyk of St. Francois Xavier was a Manitoba delegate to the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in October. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Climate change worries her because of the effects it’s having on the natural world, she said. “I love nature and I love being outside. I want to help fix it or stop it from being destroyed,” she said.

Career options Didyk said her interest to go in the first place was to find out what sort of career in agricultural science she might pursue. The conference emphasized helping girls and women find career paths in areas such as

engineering, mathematics and agriculture. She didn’t come home with her mind made up. But it certainly opened her eyes to many possibilities, she said. “I haven’t decided yet, but it has given me a viewpoint on how many careers there are in agriculture. It’s a very viable option,” she said. “There’s lots of things I could do that would be interesting related to agriculture that would be something I would enjoy.” Gitzel, who spoke at the M a n i t o b a Fa r m Wo m e n’s Conference last month about her own GYI experience, plans to study plant biotechnology at university next year. This is the second year two delegates from Manitoba have attended. The opportunity is open to all students in Grades 9 to 12 who demonstrate a mix of interests and experiences that show they’d benefit from attending the event. The invitation to attend the GYI comes through the Canadian consulate to the province of Manitoba. AITC-M and the Manitoba 4H Council were

asked to help select delegates due to their work with youth in Manitoba while industry sponsorship from Manitoba Canola G r ow e r s , M a n i t o b a C o r n Growers, Monsanto and Viterra cover the students’ travel costs. AITC-M’s main hope is that the GYI exposes these young people to the bigger picture, said Karen Hill, AITC-M’s program co-ordinator. “It’s taking some of our best and brightest youth and opening their eyes to the global opportunities and responsibilities that the agricultural industry has,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these kids and hopefully it will make them dream big.” “We were thrilled to send two such deserving young women and their mentors down to the GYI conference,” added Clayton Robins, Manitoba 4-H Council executive director. “I know that the Manitoba delegates really got a lot out of the experience both years and we are certainly hoping to continue to have the opportunity.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

ALL-IN-ONE CEREAL SEED TREATMENT, FUNGICIDE + INSECTICIDE

NipsIt SUITE ™

Ask your local retailer for more information

1.800.868.5444

Nufarm.ca/NipsIt

Always read and follow label directions. NIpsIt™ is a trademark of Nufarm Agriculture Inc. 46733-1115 MC

46733_NFC_2016_NipsItSUITEPrint_10.25x3_MC_a1.indd 1

11/9/15 10:48 AM

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Conservation connections

he kids were heading for their buses as I arrived at the 40th Manitoba Conservation Districts Association (MCDA) annual convention in Brandon last week, just in time to help hand out plaques to the district award winners. There were hundreds of them, students brought in for the day by the association with support from commuLaura Rance nity and business sponsorships. Editor The day featured several speakers of the kind that might well connect with a younger audience whose interest in and knowledge of environmental issues is in its formative stages. Incidentally, they were also the kind of speakers that grey-haired delegates were still talking about as they gathered for the evening’s banquet. Manitoba farmer and youth leader Clayton Robins talked about polycropping. Ontario farmer Harry Stoddard talked about changing the language of agriculture from “sustainable” — which implies doing less harm — to “restorative,” a concept that sets the bar higher. The event featured workshops about shelterbelts and harvesting cattails, and by Chad Pregracke, founder of the Living Land and Waters Movement in the U.S. Pregracke began single handedly cleaning up the Mississippi River when he was 17 years old. He now heads up an organization of 70,000 volunteers who have collectively removed eight million tonnes of garbage from the Mississippi and 16 other rivers. The day was capped off with a presentation from the popular CBC and Discovery Channel science journalist Jay Ingram. The MCDA, which like most umbrella organizations is chronically underfunded and highly dependent on volunteers, continues to punch above its weight when it comes to delivering on the educational component of its mandate. In the past, that teaching and mentorship role was focused at forming connections with farmers and building their capacity through knowledge, infrastructure and technology to improve their water and land management. In recent years, the MCDA’s outreach on water and land stewardship issues has turned to youth. From competitions and scholarships, to partnerships between districts and local schools, the MCDA has morphed into an organization that truly educates through mentorship and hands-on opportunities. Considering current trends in agriculture, most of the young people growing up on farms and in rural communities will become urbanites as they reach adulthood. So by engaging with youth, this conservation community is forming important and potentially long-lasting connections with the broader community. Teaching and mentorship is showing up more often in the annual conservation district awards as well, for which the Manitoba Co-operator is a proud sponsor. For example, this year’s lineup included the Gaynor Family Regional Library in Selkirk, a community learning facility that boasts an outdoor classroom with an interpretive trail through native tall-grass prairie. The Pembina Valley district recognized lifelong teacher Kent Lewarne. In the Turtle Mountain district, Rick Schoonbaert and his wife Helen were recognized for how they farm and for his contribution as a high school teacher. Whitemud district recognized the Austin Elementary School for multiple projects undertaken in partnership with the local district. Farmers continue to figure into the scene. Dennis and Ardith Burdeniuk were honoured by the Intermountain district for their donation of land for a tree plantation and nursery. Gord and Margaret Hammell were recognized by the Little Saskatchewan River district for their commitment to maintaining natural lands on their farm, and Grant Edel by the Seine Rat River district for his development of a system to hold back water on his farm as a form of flood control. But the common theme through all of these is leadership — through example, innovation and teaching. These are important inroads to make in light of news this week that suggests global governments are finally getting serious about confronting the challenge of climate change. In an agreement hailed as setting the course for a “historic transformation of the world’s fossil fuel-driven economy,” world leaders agreed to seek a balance between output of man-made greenhouse gases and absorption — by forests or the oceans — by the second half of this century. Achieving this will require a very different ethic in how the landscape is managed, putting farmers the world over on the front lines of this transformation. It implies less of an emphasis on what the land can produce by way of yield and a more robust consideration of its ability to provide environmental services. All of this makes the MCDA’s efforts to help tomorrow’s leaders understand the connections between agriculture, conservation and climate even more relevant. laura@fbcpublishing.com

Old food has become new again BY ALAN GUEBERT

helsea Market, a block-long, block-wide brick building in New York’s lower west side, was built 120 years ago on the edge of the city’s then-bustling meat-packing district to house a rising food powerhouse, the National Biscuit Company. It was no accident that the state-of-the-art food factory was located near the city’s slaughterhouses; the neighbourhood was knee deep in one key Nabisco input: lard. Today, Nabisco’s roaring ovens, bustling loading docks, and loud tin shop are long gone. It is now home to dozens of restaurants and retailers selling everything from Sunday brunch to everyday kitchen knives. Six million shoppers visit it each year. Walking through the old-factory-turned-newmarket is a walk through the evolution of the American food system. A century ago, its nearness to inputs, an endless river of immigrant labour, and the nation’s growing population combined to make this newfangled concept — a food factory — an enormous success. Today, however, the building is all newfangled food. Even more striking is that today’s “new” food looks a lot like yesterday’s “old” food. Chelsea Market’s bakery, butcher shop, and fishmonger look more like 1915 than 2015. But that yesterday, the yesterday of Big Food pioneer Nabisco, was all about scale, efficiency, and profitability. Today’s New Food yesterday is more about quality, experience, and flavour. As such, many of New Food’s farmers, retailers and restaurants don’t see themselves as competitors to Big Food. Instead, they see themselves more as an alternative to Big Food. Growing evidence supports that view. Retail organic food sales alone this year will top $40 billion. That’s about 10 per cent larger than esti-

OUR HISTORY:

mated farm value of the 2015 American soybean crop, figures the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Even more surprising, players no one even knew existed a decade ago are expanding their New Food reach. In June, Costco passed Whole Foods as the nation’s largest organic food seller, moving about $4 billion of retail organic food through its stores last year. Other aspects of New Food are getting traction, too. The just-completed annual Young Farmers Conference at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, now in its eighth year, had twice as many applicants — 500 — than it could accommodate. The lucky 250 who were invited to attend listened to New/Old Food sessions like “Whole Animal Butchery” and “Edible Ecosystems.” Ten years ago, a young farmers’ conference like this would not have succeeded, let alone succeeded this wildly, on the East Coast. Why? Because the how and what this nation eats and drinks is changing and changing rapidly. It’s the same with almost every aspect of food — from farm food to fast food. McDonald’s Corp., which uses 1.8 billion eggs per year, announced in September that it plans to switch to only eggs from “cage-free” hens in its restaurants. Mickey Ds has gone all gushy over “happy” hens or, as some ag commenters have suggested, it’s being pressured by animal welfare groups. It’s far simpler: customers want the eggs and the fast-food giant knows it has to deliver ’em or risk becoming a dead duck. If farming and ranching is really about food, then farmers and ranchers should be at the forefront of New Food, not in the lead ranks of the Old Guard. Their new customers, after all, already are. The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the U.S. and Canada. www.farmandfoodfile.com.

December 1974

udging by this ad in our Dec. 12, 1974 issue, there was also a lack of snow as we approached Christmas that year. Our front-page news that week was the introduction of a bill to establish the Western Grain Stabilization Act. Farmers would contribute two per cent of their income to a maximum of $25,000 ($500 per year) and the federal government would add $2 for every dollar contributed by the producer. Deductions would be automatic when grain was sold. Payments would be triggered to all producers based on overall Prairie grain revenue falling below a five-year average. The program was dropped in the late 1980s after it ran out of money and was unable to handle drastic drops in income during a U.S.-EU grain price war. Another front-page story was settlement of yet another strike on the Great Lakes — 220 grain inspectors had walked out for 10 days. We also reported the sale of a sample shipment of 40,000 pounds of Manitoba grass-fed beef to Israel. Agriculture Minister Sam Uskiw said Israelis preferred the younger grass-fed cattle from Manitoba to older animals from Brazil and Argentina. In accordance with kosher laws, only meat from the front quarters was sent to Israel. A special promotion on the hind quarters was featured at the Hudson’s Bay grocery in Winnipeg.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

COMMENT/FEEDBACK

Politics and farm safety in Alberta In no other industry would such a poor safety record be allowed stand unchallenged By Greg Neiman Red Deer, Alta.

y grandfather died in a farming accident. A great-aunt lost an arm in an auger. A boy I rode the school bus with stopped a church service one autumn to tell everyone his brother had just been crushed to death in a combine. In the last few months, four children have died in farming mishaps in the region around Red Deer, Alta., alone. In no other industry would such a poor safety record be allowed to stand unchallenged. But in Alberta, it’s just statistics — and poorly reported at that. Alberta’s non-profit Farm Safety Centre lists agriculture as Canada’s third most dangerous industry. Other stats-gathering groups such as FinancesOnline rank agriculture at No. 9 in the top 10 most dangerous ways to earn a living, behind logging, fishing, flying, roofing, steel work, garbage collecting, power-line work and truck driving. Police work and firefighting don’t even make the list. The difference between these other dangerous careers and farming is only in farming do we think it’s normal to make our children do it. In Alberta, the farming community and the Opposition in the legislature don’t think labour laws regarding safety or mandatory insurance should apply to farm work. And that’s unique in all of Canada — farms everywhere else operate just fine with those laws. Extending occupational health and safety laws to the farming industry has been part of the Alberta NDP’s platform for years. It’s been part of the Progressive Conservative platform for some time as well — former premiers Jim Prentice and Alison

Redford both said they would cons i d e r s u c h l a w s, a c c o rd i n g t o Farmworkers Union of Alberta president Eric Musekamp. And the NDP advocated this for so long nobody thought bringing Alberta up to speed on farm safety should be so difficult. But that’s the problem: nobody thought. So the introduction of Bill 6 became the first lesson to a rookie provincial government about the art of the possible. It had to happen sooner or later to this government, and sooner is probably better. It’s not that Prentice, Redford and other premiers before Rachel Notley didn’t care about the safety of farmers or their children (not quite one in five farm deaths in Canada involves children 14 and younger). It’s that a veteran government with a complex agenda didn’t want to face the wrath of people who don’t want change, even if their families would benefit most. So the Conservatives let things slide, ignored the deaths and injuries, and allowed reporting of incidents to be incomplete. Alberta’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported there were 25 farm deaths in the province in 2014. The report and breakdown of the grisly ways there are to die young on the farm included a note that due to poor reporting, the numbers are likely low. On Dec. 14, labour activists planned to gather in Edmonton to lay down 112 pairs of work gloves representing the lives lost on Alberta farms since 2009. Those gloves only represent the deaths that have been reported. Will they lay down fingers of gloves for all those who have lost limbs or been otherwise seriously injured? It’s unlikely, since those stats aren’t kept.

Three-year-old Ally South of Stavely holds an anti-Bill 6 sign prior to a meeting in Okotoks December 2, 2015 between farmers and ranchers and provincial Labour Minister Lori Sigurdson and Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier. Alberta’s government will retool a bill that would overhaul workplace standards on farms in Canada’s biggest cattle-producing province, its agriculture minister said, after protests by farmers and ranchers. Photo: REUTERS/Mike Sturk

How many of those lives could have been saved if safety regulations were in place? If farm workers with few rights had not worked long hours, had been properly trained regarding heavy equipment and dangerous chemicals or been allowed to refuse work that just isn’t safe? After learning a hard lesson in the art of governance, the NDP introduced amendments to Bill 6, exempting family members from these safety regulations. Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour Lori Sigurdson said this was the plan all along: that farm children were always to be allowed to drive without a licence, operate heavy equipment, handle large animals and work whatever hours would be required to keep the farm going without labour protection.

I wish she hadn’t said that, but I’m not the one taking all the angry calls, standing in front of enraged crowds and being called all sorts of unmentionable names. I also wish the Opposition Wildrose Party didn’t see fit to make such political hay over the broken bodies and shattered families on Alberta farms. There are better ways to oppose and present alternatives. But in Alberta, the government and the Opposition are very new to their roles. They are all still learning how far ahead of the crowd you can be and still lead — and how important it is to be courageous and do the right thing. Greg Neiman is a freelance editor, columnist and blogger living in Red Deer. Distributed by Troy Media

Energy strategy could help rural Manitoba Rather than being a solution to provide lower costs and prices, the Hydro monopoly has become a barrier to innovation Cheaper options by Jim Collinson

anitoba’s energy strategy is inconsistent with current and future sustainable and renewable energy priorities. Overreliance on hydro-electric power from the Nelson River is no longer competitive, and is steadily increasing huge debts to be borne by future taxpayers/hydro customers. In particular, provincial policy and existing legislation does not encourage local rural solutions. A fresh review of Manitoba’s energy strategy is needed, and a moratorium on current generation and transmission construction should be declared immediately, to avoid further excess costs. Ideally, surplus electricity might be sold to Saskatchewan and/or Alberta to offset some portion of their coal generation to meet climate objectives. In this case, Bipole III could be diverted north of Dauphin (or even near The Pas) to serve western markets. It certainly isn’t needed now within Manitoba. In recent years Manitoba has generated surplus electricity and often sold it at garage sale prices. Consequently, this dramatically increased provincial debt guarantees, and raised public concern about the viability of current projects.

This is now an industry faced with a wide range of competitive production options that produce cheaper energy than that generated in Manitoba’s north which has to be transported over long distances. Small-scale clean energy options, including solar, wind and geothermal systems can now provide opportunities for farm and small communities to generate much of their own power at lower generation and delivery costs. Within Manitoba’s agricultural areas, Manitoba Hydro’s current generation and grid system can offset any low production periods due to lack of wind or sunlight locally. Excess production could be used either to flow back into the grid (if Manitoba Hydro would accept it and pay for it), or be used to produce hydrogen either on site or by Hydro. A recent announcement by Toyota indicates they expect to have all their models fuelled by hydrogen by 2050. Hydro now sells surplus power through a “spot market,” but producing hydrogen from water would be more profitable. There are now many viable options for producing power. These provide opportunities for small generating operations for one farm, or one community, or one industry, or a group of interested parties that have done their homework and concluded

that together they can do it cheaper than Manitoba Hydro. A monopoly such as Manitoba Hydro (subject to overview by a Public Utilities Board) made economic sense in the past. Production and transmission costs under technology existing at the time did not make economic sense to duplicate one or more times, so provisions were made for a large single ownership. Competition would increase costs, given the huge capital requirements of each individual provider. However, in recent years, this monopoly has actually prevented innovation. Rather than being a solution to provide lower costs and prices, the monopoly has become a barrier to bringing online mixtures of power generation and transmission options at lower cost to consumers. It blocks the freedom to seek the most attractive production costs to maintain low rates for consumers.

Not viable Undeveloped capacity on the Nelson River may not be viable for domestic use, but it could serve a new purpose: producing hydrogen from water on a large scale for export. This could accommodate a nuclear generating plant that has “exhaust” in the form of huge amounts of steam/hot water. Using this hot water for hydrogen electrolysis could improve the efficiency of the hydrogen

process by 25 per cent. Hydrogen could be exported using existing roads, as the impact of melting segments of discontinuous permafrost could soon render the Churchill railway unserviceable. The need for a fresh look at Manitoba’s energy strategy is an opportunity to consider an approach to the industry based on new and viable technologies. In addition, Manitoba industries could produce engineering components to link a mixture of energy sources that serve special units of demand, connecting to a grid that absorbs excess power while providing extra power when needed. Small hydrogen production units could also be worked into these local systems. Hydrogen, especially if produced by clean energy, could well become the energy of choice for mobile units (e.g. cars). It emits no greenhouse gases. Manitoba has reached a multi-route intersection on the road to economically viable renewable and sustainable energy production and delivery in the future. Studies and consultations will be needed, carried out by qualified and objective persons. Their findings could serve as an unprecedented basis for future growth and essential economic underpinning of Manitoba’s economy over the coming decades. Jim Collinson in an agricultural economist and consultant based in Kanata, Ont.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

FROM PAGE ONE CATTAILS Continued from page 1

increase site biodiversity and improve surface water management and flooding. “Pelly’s Lake is an active water retention project now. The control str ucture was active for the first time this year,” said Grosshans. “It is flooded in the springtime and creates an amazing wetland habitat, by midsummer the water disappears and the cattails emerge, soaking up all the phosphorus and other nutr ients. This creates an amazing biomass crop that we harvest in the fall.” The IISD has used var ious pieces of equipment for harvest but has found recent success with the rotary disc mower. “It is an amazing piece of equipment for cutting cattails. It has the conditioning rollers that bite into the cattail and help to draw out the moisture,” said Grosshans. “ We found when we compared it to the swather, it was cutting drying time in half and if we can draw that water out faster, we can be baling faster.” Grosshans said since they began harvesting, they have re m ov e d 1 , 2 0 0 t o n n e s o f material and 1.5 tonnes of phosphorus from the Pelly’s Lake system. “In north Ottawa, researchers calculated that if they harvested 300 acres of cattail, of the 600 acres of cattail at their site, they can remove the equivalent of all of the phosphorus that comes into that

IISD researchers see promise in harvesting cattails to reduce nutrient levels in overloaded waterways. Photo: iisd

system on an annual basis. So that is pretty significant and promising for us here,” said Grosshans. The IISD has also been working with the City of Winnipeg and other municipalities on harvesting ditches. “In terms of the highway ditches, you will see that ever ything is mowed, and the materials are left in the ditch.

P u b l i c c O N S u lTAT i O N

Share Your Views About a Plan to Recycle Empty Pesticide and Fertilizer Containers

This is releasing all of the nutrients and in the spring enabling them to move downstream quickly. Har vesting a n d re m ov i n g t h a t m a t e rial can have a number of benefits.”

Working with the biomass crop Along with harvesting the cattails and monitoring nutrient

levels, researchers have also been looking at the different market avenues for the biomass crop. “How can phosphorus and cattails actually be valuable? How can we reuse the phosphorus that is in those plants? The project quickly grew into a research program and we formed this bioeconomy program, looking at different

“We have been looking at better, more innovative ways to manage the landscape and cattails are one of the plants we are really interested in.”

Dr. Richard Grosshans senior research scientist at IISD’s water program

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

CleanFARMS is a not-for-profit organization that works closely with pesticide and fertilizer companies. They have submitted a new stewardship program plan for recycling empty pesticide and fertilizer containers. This program will collect and recycle such containers from Manitoba farms and commercial generators in an environment friendly manner.

We Want to Hear from You Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship wants to hear what you have to say about this new plan from CleanFARMS. The plan is available for you to review at Manitoba Conservation’s public registry: www.manitoba.ca/ conservation/eal/registries/index.html You may request a printed copy of the plan by calling 204-945-0578 or 1-866-460-3118. Please provide any feedback via email to: stewardship@greenmanitoba.ca. Comments on the plan will be accepted until January 18, 2016. Feedback may also be sent in writing to: Green Manitoba Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Box 50, 160-123 Main Street Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A5

PHOTO: Chris Reynolds

things in the lab like liquid fuels, biogas, compost, and organic fibre,” said Grosshans. T h e I I S D b e g a n t o c re ate fuel pellets and cubes t h a t we re p u t i n t o a b i o mass burner. According to Grosshans, this is an efficient system that produces ver y controlled emissions. “We can use things like cattails, wheat straw and other agriculture waste, to actually create low-carbon energy,” he said. IISD has been looking at prepar ing these processed fuels and says the ban on using coal for space heating may create new demand for the product. “This mainly affects Hutterite communities that have been burning coal for heating. By 2017 they will need to be switched off to something else. Many of them will be switching to natural gas, electric or biomass-based heat,” said Grosshans. Most recently the project has begun moving towards commercial processing. “ We use the bale shred ders, we have been testing different-size pellets, cubes, etc., and burning them to see what works the best. We have enough cattail material to make about 1,500 tonnes of mixed product. That is very exciting.” Grosshans notes that while some of the project’s outcomes require testing to see value, the environmental benefits of the project are clearly v i s i b l e a t t h e Pe l l y L a k e site. “When we began harvesting in 2012, the site was fairly desolate with dense cattail growth and very few ducks and geese. This year, when we began flooding in the springtime it was amazing to see all of the wildlife. There is clear evidence that harvesting cattails has helped to restore the biodiversity of the habitat,” said Grosshans. jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

Manitoba Cooperator Ad size: 4 cols x 100 Insertion date: Thurs. Dec. 17 & Dec. 24, 2015 Position: WFN

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

PEDIGREED Continued from page 1

of cropland respectively, compared to Manitoba’s 12 million. “I can’t say it is anything else but the expansion of soybean acres in western Manitoba,” Eric McLean, the MSGA’s outgoing president, said during an interview Dec. 10 at the association’s annual meeting in Winnipeg. Glyn Chancey, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association’s, new executive director agrees — soybean seed production has been significant in Manitoba.

Soybean growth As commercial soybean production has expanded here, so too has pedigreed soybean seed production — most of it genetically modified. Because of contracts with seed companies, most farmers can’t save their soybean seed; they buy new certified seed every year. In 2015, Manitoba seed growers produced 132,861 acres of pedigreed soybeans making it the highest acreage seed crop for the second year running. That beat wheat, even though pedigreed wheat acres jumped 25 per cent to 132,217, according to CSGA data. There were 718 pedigreed seed growers in Manitoba in 2015, up 10 per cent from last year. This year Manitoba accounts for 20 per cent of Canada’s seed growers and 28 per cent of Canada’s pedigreed seed acres. There were 3,506 seed growers in Canada in 2015. They grew 1.4 million acres of pedigreed seed. McLean isn’t sure how long Manitoba can hold the top position. Eventually Saskatchewan will produce more soybeans commercially for seed as the crop expands there. Manitoba farmers grew 1.4 million acres of soybeans this year according to Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation records — up 14 per cent from last year. And with bumper yields in 2015, acreage is expected to rise again in 2016. But eventually Manitoba’s soybean plantings will plateau.

Traditionally, pedigreed seed production has been relatively flat, but as soybeans have expanded in Manitoba, so too has pedigreed production, McLean said. Manitoba farmers are also buying more certified seed of other crops, added McLean, operations manager with JS Henry Seeds at Oak River, Man. “They realize the quality commitment that comes with certified seed,” he said. “Some of our customers buy 100 per cent certified seed now.” It also saves time. Farmers don’t have to worry about keeping their own seed in good condition. Most certified seed also comes treated. Pedigreed soybeans and wheat accounted for 70 per cent of Manitoba’s seed acres in 2015. Placing third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively were ryegrass (22,251 acres), timothy (20,390), oats (15,383) and alfalfa (14,675). allan@fbcpublishing.com

More Manitoba farmers are growing certified seed, says Eric McLean, the outgoing president of the Manitoba Seed Growers Association. For the third consecutive year Manitoba topped the nation with the highest number of acres of pedigreed seed. PHOTO: ALLAN DAWSON

Poor weather Seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta have also struggled with poor weather the last few years. In 2015 drought was a problem in some areas, while in 2014 and 2013 some regions were too wet. Alberta produces almost all Canada’s pedigreed canola seed, but since it takes far fewer pounds of canola seed to grow a commercial canola crop compared to a soybean crop, it also translates into fewer acres of pedigreed canola seed to meet farmer demand. Canadian farmers routinely plant more than 20 million acres of canola, but only grow around 54,000 acres of pedigreed canola seed. In contrast, around five million acres of soybeans are planted annually but there’s more than 330,000 acres of pedigreed soybean seed grown. While Manitoba had the most pedigreed seed acres in 2015, it didn’t produce the most acres of any particular crop. However, it did come close, placing second in soybeans behind Ontario’s 141,368 acres.

G E N E R AT I O N S O F B E I N G

in the

First Corn Field Selecting the right corn seed for your soil conditions is

pivotal for a high yield, high profit potential crop. We’ll help custom select the seed you need for maximum growing success.

QUARRY SEED 888-274-9243

w w w. t hun d e r s e e d . c a

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Commodities’ fate debated as crude oil falls The U.S. Federal Reserve’s next moves may also have an impact on grain markets BY DAVE SIMS CNS Canada

ust about everyone agrees the plunging price of oil will have a bearish effect on commodity prices — but expectations for the size and impact of that fall are varied. As recently as Nov. 4, crude oil prices were $48.64 a barrel, but since then have fallen to US$37.86, where they opened Dec. 9. Some analysts seem to stick with the adage that “people gotta eat,” which will slowly but surely enable markets to chew through massive world supplies of grains and oilseeds — and the knowledge that oil prices were under US$10 a barrel during the early 2000s, but the world kept turning. On the other side of the coin, this recent drop in crude comes as the U.S. is still recovering from the recession of 2008 and is already suffering from export problems. The strength of the U.S. dollar has made sales of corn and wheat too expensive in the minds of many international buyers, who have simply turned to South America and the Black Sea region for cheaper supplies. There are also widespread expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hike interest rates in that country next week. It’s all adding up to something that could prompt another reces-

s i o n i n t h e U . S . , a c c o rd i n g t o Errol Anderson of ProMarket Communications in Calgary. “The risks to me are high; even though the Canadian dollar may be going down to 72.5 (U.S. cents), there is sort of a day of reckoning coming in the U.S.” The sudden drop in oil over the past few days has already had noticeable effects, he said. On Dec. 7, “soyoil dropped and the cattle board dropped, (after) crude oil dropped,” he said. “Crude oil is the psychological leader.” If crude continues its descent, Anderson said, the situation will just get worse. “Products like soyoil and palm oil will actually go down even though we have the El Niño effect. Because once we get improved weather conditions — the fundamentals will fall back further, which is a risk for canola too,” he said. The president of Chicago-based Ag Resource Co. agrees commodities will remain under pressure. Overproduction is already making life difficult for stakeholders, Dan Basse said, adding that the world needs to cut 20 million acres of grain production in the next three years just to balance things out. “If they don’t, it gets even worse,” he said.

Overproduction As for the big picture, Basse said, we’ve been here before. “Back in the early 2000s, oil was trading for under $10 a barrel, so some of

Market analysts say a drop in crude oil values had already put grains and other commodities under pressure. file photo

us would argue the price of oil is still relatively expensive,” he said, adding weak prices and low margins are likely here for a while. “Due to the investments that were put in place during the commodity supercycle which lasted from 2005 to 2013, it’s not (a case of ) slowing demand; it’s just overproduction.” While the low price of oil also makes corn-based ethanol less attractive, Basse said that shouldn’t affect its usage. “The U.S. has mandates. It just raised that to 14.5 billion gallons in

2016. So it (ethanol) is mandated regardless of the price,” he pointed out. For Anderson, the signs point to a conflagration of economic factors that could send equity markets and commodities tumbling even more. “It could hit a crossroads before Christmas,” he said. “It will be interesting to see what happens next week.” The situation may change if the Fed rethinks its strategy, he added. “Crude is having a big impact on U.S. stock markets, so it may cause the U.S. Federal Reserve to back away from the rate hike.”

Want to know what’s next in Agriculture? Watch This Country Called Agriculture and be informed. This Country Called Agriculture is a new on-demand video series that delivers relevant news & information on the agriculture industry. Host Rob Eirich interviews ag pioneers, professionals and academics that offer insight into today’s trends and what the future holds for agriculture – on and off the farm. Video topics include:  Sustainability

 Ag innovations

 Exporting

 Starting a new farm

 Renewable energy

 Alternative energy

 New technology

 Production

& fuel sources  AND MORE

 Food production

and marketing

Start watching now at AGCanada.com/TCCA Or scan the code with your phone to watch.

TCCA CURRENT EPISODES Consumer Benefits from Genomics Rob Eirich talking with Tom Lynch-Staunton of Livestock Gentec, and Colin Coros of Delta Genomics, about the benefits of animal genomics for consumers.

Brought to you by

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Canada trailing in innovation

Governments and industry share responsibility to increase investment in innovation “If Canada is to regain its leadership in agricultural research, AIC’s agricultural research policy is a good first step.”

BY ALEX BINKLEY Co-operator contributor

Serge Buy CEO of the Agriculture Institute of Canada

PHOTO: thinkstock

this country’s future. Canada must increase the number of firms that embrace and effectively manage innovation as a competitiveness and growth strategy. “At the same time, Canada cannot afford to be complacent about its knowledge and talent advantages,” the report pointed out. “Canada must keep pace with other countries that have been increasing their support for R&D at a faster rate.” The report said government and industry share the responsibility to reverse the decline. “While success requires that all players pursue excellence in their respective roles, at the same time all players must work more closely together, as a system, to effect change.” The report urges private companies to increase their investment in research and development. “Given the strategic importance of Canada’s natural resources industry, this should be an area of ST&I leadership for Canada. Increased research and development investment m u s t b e a c c o m p a n i e d by enhanced investments in other knowledge assets.” It calls on governments to provide more direct support to high-risk, high-reward business research and develop-

Ad Number: SEC_PAST14_T Publication: Grainews Size: 3 x 133 6" x 9.5” Non Bleed

anada has fallen behind many of its global competitors when it comes to science-based innovation in its key economic sectors, says a federal advisory panel. The greatest failure has been “in private-sector investment in research and development,” said a new report from the Science Technology Innovation Council (STIC). “Despite ongoing efforts to improve Canada’s lagging business innovation performance, it has continued to deteriorate.” Canada is now 26th in private-sector research investment and at barely a third of the level of the top five performing countries, the STIC noted. “Canada’s most profound and urgent ST&I challenge lies in increasing the number of firms that embrace and effectively manages innovation as a competitiveness and growth strategy. “Maintaining and enhancing excellence requires that our investments keep pace with those of competitor countries,” the report continued. Canada has an $8-billion-ayear trade deficit in processed foods and beverages. S e r g e B u y, C E O o f t h e Agriculture Institute of Canada, said the report provides a snapshot of Canada’s status. The AIC has developed a new agri-food research policy that it’s promoting to government and industry. “If Canada is to regain its l e a d e r s h i p i n agr icultural research, AIC’s agricultural research policy is a good first step,” he said. “Our policy includes many concrete steps that can be taken, some of which are similar to STIC’s recommendations.” The STIC repor t should provide plenty of fodder for Science Minister Kirsty Duncan a n d I n n ov a t i o n M i n i s t e r Navdeep Bains. “Addressing Canada’s business innovation performance gap is critical to

ment. “The approach should be strategic, focused on fostering innovation in large firms and in high-growth SMEs with the potential to grow into significant players.” It also said Canada must increase the number of large, SEC_PAST14_T_GN.qxd 11/10/14 innovative firms to enhance

future competitiveness and job growth, as larger firms are often more productive and tend to invest and to export more than smaller firms.” Business also has to become less risk averse and more ambitious, the report states. 6:13 PM Page 1 “Ca n a d a’s ve n t u re c a p i t a l

industry can support this by more aggressively backing highpotential Canadian firms with innovative ideas and mentoring them through the innovation process.” Ed u c a t i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n s “should work more closely with industry to develop curricula that better integrate science and technology knowledge with a broader set of business, entrepreneurship and commercialization skills and that nurture creativity, intelligent risk taking and ambition.”

Breaking the yield barrier

Pasteur

GENERAL PURPOSE WHEAT

WHAT’S UP Please forward your agricultural events to daveb@fbcpublishing.com or call 204-944-5762. Jan. 26-28: Keystone Agricultural Producers annual meeting and Young Farmers Conference, Delta Winnipeg, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg. For more info visit kap. mb.ca or call 204-697-1140.

2016

Feb. 4-5: Manitoba Beef Producers annual general meeting, Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave., Brandon. For more info or to register visit www. mbbeef.ca/annual-meeting/.

Jan. 11: Beef and Forage Day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ukrainian National Home Hall, 106 Main St., Vita. For more info call MAFRD at 204-425-5050. Jan. 14: Direct Marketing Your Meat Products workshop, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sun Gro Centre, 360 Veterans Lane, Beausejour. For more info or to register ($20, lunch included), call MAFRD at 204-392-7268 or 204-4612978. Jan. 19-21: Red River Basin Land and Water International Summit Conference, Alerus Center, 1200 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, N.D. For more info or to register visit RedRiverBasinCommission.org.

Produced by: SeCan Product/Campaign Name: SeCan Pasteur Date Produced: November 2014

Dec. 16-17: Manitoba Agronomists’ Conference, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. For more info or to register visit umanitoba.ca/faculties/afs/ agronomists_conf.

Feb. 10-11: CropConnect Conference, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info visit cropconnectconference.ca.

March 1: Manitoba Turkey Producers annual meeting, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info call 204-489-4635. March 11-12: Direct Farm Marketing Conference, Canad Inns, 2401 Saskatchewan Ave., Portage la Prairie. For more info visit www. directfarmmarketing.com.

Aim higher ✔ top-yielding General Purpose variety ✔ very late, but huge yield potential

✔ low DON accumulation ✔ exceptionally strong straw

Genes that fit your farm. 800-665-7333 www.secan.com ®

Developed by Wiersum Plant Breeding, The Netherlands. Genes that fit your farm® is a registered trademark of SeCan.

Ad Number: SEC_PAST14_T

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

LIVESTOCK MARKETS

(Friday to Thursday) Winnipeg Slaughter Cattle Steers — Heifers — D1, 2 Cows 90.00 - 101.00 D3 Cows 85.00 - 92.00 Bulls 120.00 - 125.00 Feeder Cattle (Price ranges for feeders refer to top-quality animals only) Steers (901+ lbs.) 165.00 - 197.00 (801-900 lbs.) 190.00 - 207.00 (701-800 lbs.) 195.00 - 219.00 (601-700 lbs.) 210.00 - 253.00 (501-600 lbs.) 230.00 - 284.00 (401-500 lbs.) 260.00 - 300.00 Heifers (901+ lbs.) 160.00 - 180.00 (801-900 lbs.) 175.00 - 190.00 (701-800 lbs.) 180.00 - 205.00 (601-700 lbs.) 190.00 - 220.00 (501-600 lbs.) 210.00 - 250.00 (401-500 lbs.) 225.00 - 260.00

Heifers

Alberta South — — 94.00 - 111.00 80.00 - 95.00 119.60 - 119.60 $ 191.00 - 205.00 195.00 - 210.00 206.00 - 221.00 216.00 - 221.00 234.00 - 263.00 272.00 - 300.00 $ 175.00 - 195.00 189.00 - 200.00 190.00 - 205.00 197.00 - 215.00 213.00 - 233.00 235.00 - 269.00

($/cwt) (1,000+ lbs.) (850+ lbs.)

(901+ lbs.) (801-900 lbs.) (701-800 lbs.) (601-700 lbs.) (501-600 lbs.) (401-500 lbs.) (901+ lbs.) (801-900 lbs.) (701-800 lbs.) (601-700 lbs.) (501-600 lbs.) (401-500 lbs.)

Feeder Cattle January 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 August 2016 September 2016

Cattle Slaughter

December 11, 2015

DAVE SIMS CNSC

Close 159.75 157.80 158.90 159.30 161.28 159.48

Change -6.28 -5.88 -6.22 -6.02 -5.53 -5.53

Cattle Grades (Canada)

Week Ending December 5, 2015 49,494 11,990 37,504 N/A 560,000

Previous Year 55,405 12,406 42,999 N/A 564,000

Week Ending December 5, 2015 1,349 25,340 11,806 464 651 8,993 192

Prime AAA AA A B D E

Previous Year 1,447 25,523 12,507 520 520 11,428 229

Hog Prices (Friday to Thursday) ($/100 kg)

Source: Manitoba Agriculture

E - Estimation MB. ($/hog) MB (All wts.) (Fri-Thurs.) MB (Index 100) (Fri-Thurs.) ON (Index 100) (Mon.-Thurs.) PQ (Index 100) (Mon.-Fri.)

Current Week 152 E 142 E 138.44 140.11

Futures (December 11, 2015) in U.S. Hogs December 2015 February 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016

Last Week 149.42 138.70 134.84 136.95

Close 56.00 60.55 64.70 72.00 76.18

Last Year (Index 100) 192.33 178.86 183.61 186.30

Change -2.35 1.72 1.55 1.50 1.97

Sheep and Lambs Winnipeg Wooled Fats

Choice (110+ lb.) (95 - 109 lb.) (80 - 94 lb.) (Under 80 lb.) (New crop)

— — Next Sale December 16th — —

Chickens Minimum broiler prices as of April 13, 2010 Under 1.2 kg..................................................$1.5130 1.2 - 1.65 kg....................................................$1.3230 1.65 - 2.1 kg....................................................$1.3830 2.1 - 2.6 kg.....................................................$1.3230

Turkeys Minimum prices as of December 13, 2015 Broiler Turkeys (6.2 kg or under, live weight truck load average) Grade A ................................................$1.935 Undergrade ........................................$1.845 Hen Turkeys (between 6.2 and 8.5 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A ................................................$1.925 Undergrade ........................................$1.825 Light Tom/Heavy Hen Turkeys (between 8.5 and 10.8 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A ................................................$1.925 Undergrade ........................................$1.825 Tom Turkeys (10.8 and 13.3 kg, live weight truck load average) Grade A................................................. $1.905 Undergrade......................................... $1.820 Prices are quoted f.o.b. producers premise.

uction prices for Manitoba cattle showed noticeable weakness during the week ended Dec. 11, as plunging U.S. futures led the way lower for the bulk of the Canadian industry. Volumes were steady, though, as 11,268 animals made their way through the rings of the province’s eight major stockyards. A few outlets even reported higher bids on a few classes, but for the most part, prices were under fire. Feeder steers and heifers (400-500 lbs.) were down about C$10 per hundredweight from the week earlier. Offers for heavier-weighted animals were also generally softer. “Our exports to the U.S. are down dramatically, both live cattle and feeder cattle. That means we are probably starting to back them up in Canada,” said analyst Herb Lock of Farm$ense Marketing in Edmonton. The retail price of beef hasn’t dropped as quickly as the live price, he added. “A top-end steak in Alberta is $62 a kilogram… so that’s causing stickiness at the consumer end.” While ranchers are still realizing profits, Lock said they have definitely moved lower from a year ago. The ones taking it on the chin right now are feedlot operators. “Their losses are massive,” said Lock. “They are margin-makers and they are losing $200$400 a head in some cases. “The reality of the situation is that we’re on the downside of the cattle cycle, so we’re probably heading into four or five years of marginally lower prices due to higher numbers of calves coming to market in the U.S.” Last week, U.S. cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange hit near their lowest levels in the past 2-1/2 years. The demand for beef is lighter throughout all levels of the industry, but live cattle tend to be experiencing the sharpest decline. An influx of wet weather throughout much of the U.S. has also

“The reality of the situation is that we’re on the downside of the cattle cycle, so we’re probably heading into four or five years of marginally lower prices…” herb lock Farm$ense Marketing, Edmonton

complicated the sales process, as some owners and auction marts debate whether to sell the animals on a dressed basis, which takes into account the meat taken off the carcass, rather than overall weight. Fortunately, Lock said, the market has already “fallen out of bed,” so the severity of the drop isn’t as severe as it might be otherwise. Another trend impacting the industry is the larger weights of animals making their way to market. Better genetics and cheaper feed can take most of the credit for the size difference from a decade ago, he said. Even looking back two or three years ago, he said, today’s biggest animals are 200-300 lbs. heavier. So even though production is up, it’s not necessarily because of more animals at the auctions — it’s because the cattle are simply bigger. “It’s called, ‘Bigger in, bigger out,’ so if they’re bigger in the lot, they will be bigger (coming) out of the lot,” Lock said. “When you have feed, you keep them, but when you don’t, you panic and sell them.” Canada also has lots of competitors in the U.S. market, he said, as Australia and New Zealand have been unloading hamburger beef into the U.S. at “massive” amounts. Furthermore, good prospects for grass and forages in the States mean “we’re backing up onto the farms instead of in the feedlots in the U.S.” Dave Sims writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

briefs

Other Market Prices $/cwt Ewes Lambs

Auction prices come under pressure from U.S. futures Feedlot operators face the hardest hits from lower values

Ontario $ 144.48 - 158.82 142.65 - 156.83 67.71 - 92.92 67.71 - 92.92 110.63 - 138.02 $ 180.24 - 215.18 174.07 - 218.59 174.56 - 231.72 183.53 - 256.09 191.61 - 273.99 206.99 - 282.86 $ 158.65 - 182.01 167.45 - 193.85 157.28 - 204.21 162.18 - 218.30 179.37 - 235.23 210.39 - 255.09

Futures (December 11 2015) in U.S. Fed Cattle Close Change December 2015 125.70 -6.12 February 2016 129.45 -4.40 April 2016 129.68 -4.45 June 2016 122.13 -3.00 August 2016 119.95 -3.02 October 2016 121.38 -3.10

Canada East West Manitoba U.S.

$1 Cdn: $0.7301 U.S. $1 U.S: $1.3696 Cdn.

column

Cattle Prices

Slaughter Cattle Grade A Steers Grade A Heifers D1, 2 Cows D3 Cows Bulls Steers

EXCHANGES: December 11, 2015

Toronto 100.60 - 135.08 150.72 - 184.93 175.82 - 198.81 184.91 - 222.74 190.05 - 301.16 —

SunGold Specialty Meats —

Eggs Minimum prices to producers for ungraded eggs, f.o.b. egg grading station, set by the Manitoba Egg Producers Marketing Board effective November 10, 2013. New Previous A Extra Large $2.00 $2.05 A Large 2.00 2.05 A Medium 1.82 1.87 A Small 1.40 1.45 A Pee Wee 0.3775 0.3775 Nest Run 24 + 1.8910 1.9390 B 0.45 0.45 C 0.15 0.15

Antibiotic use in livestock continues to rise Chicago / Reuters / U.S. sales of medically important antibiotics approved for use in livestock rose by 23 per cent between 2009 and 2014, federal regulators said Dec. 10, fuelling concerns about risks to humans from antibioticresistant bacteria. Last year, domestic sales and distribution of such drugs increased by three per cent, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Public health advocates, along with some lawmakers and scientists, have criticized the long-standing practice of using antibiotics in livestock, arguing that it is fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Agribusinesses defend the practice as necessary to help keep cattle, pigs and chickens healthy and to increase production of meat for U.S. consumers. Avinash Kar, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council said the continued rise in use is dangerous. The FDA in 2013 released

voluntary guidelines for drug makers and agricultural companies to phase out antibiotic use as a growth enhancer in livestock. The agency said the antibiotics could still be used to treat illnesses in animals raised for meat, but should otherwise be pared back by December 2016. “Sales does not equal use and use is not the same thing as resistance,” said Ron Phillips, spokesman for the Animal Health Institute, which represents drug companies including Zoetis, Merck Animal Health and Eli Lilly and Co.’s Elanco Animal Health.

Goats Kids Billys Mature

Winnipeg (Hd Fats) — — —

Toronto ($/cwt) 187.80 - 323.89 — 120.56 - 297.97

Horses <1,000 lbs. 1,000 lbs.+

Winnipeg ($/cwt) — —

Toronto ($/cwt) 15.00 - 70.00 41.00 - 56.00

Looking for results? Check out the market reports from livestock auctions around the province. » PaGe 14

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

GRAIN MARKETS column

Manitoba Elevator Prices

Canadian dollar weakness is Prairie canola strength

Average quotes as of December 14, 2015 ($/tonne) Future

Basis

Net

Weekly Change

Red spring wheat

187.00

39.55

226.56

-4.36

Red winter wheat

177.65

15.40

193.05

5.53

Prairie spring wheat

177.65

14.94

192.60

1.90

Canola

474.40

-23.12

451.28

1.19

Markets await the U.S. Fed’s decision on interest rates Phil-Franz Warkentin CNSC

CE Futures Canada canola contracts bounced around within a $5 range during the week ended Dec. 11, but jumped to the top end of that range by Friday’s close as the plummeting Canadian dollar was more than enough to counter the general weakness in the Chicago soy complex. The currency fell below 73 U.S. cents during the week, losing a full two cents compared to its U.S. counterpart. When factoring in the currency, canola actually lost ground on a U.S. dollar basis during the week, which should be making the oilseed more attractive to international buyers. March canola has shifted to the role of the “contract to watch” in canola as participants were busy rolling out of the nearby January contract during the week. The March contract settled at C$485.80 per tonne on Dec. 11, up from $483 the previous week. However, on a U.S. dollar basis, global customers pricing in the U.S. currency could buy a tonne of canola for US$353.50 on Dec. 11 (C$1 at 72.77 U.S. cents), which was actually cheaper than the US$361 they were paying only a week earlier when the Canadian dollar was worth 74.76 U.S. cents. Beyond the currency-related strength, the news is a little more bearish for canola. While both the export and domestic crush pace are running slightly ahead of the yearago level, the country also grew a larger-

than-expected crop this year — which will need to be worked through. In the U.S., soybeans, corn and wheat were all lower during the week. While Canadian commodities benefited from a weaker currency, the situation was the opposite in the U.S., where a rising U.S. dollar makes that country’s grains and oilseeds less attractive for international buyers. Relatively favourable crop prospects out of South America were another bearish influence in the background for soybeans and corn. Prospects for increased exports out of Argentina, following the swearing-in of a new government there, also weigh in the background. T h e U . S . De p a r t m e n t o f A g r i c u l t u re released updated supply/demand estimates on Dec. 9, but the slight adjustments were not thought to be enough to break beans or corn out of their sideways trading ranges. With foreign exchange rates at the forefront of the commodity markets, attention will be on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate announcement, due Dec. 16. Many economists are of the opinion that the Fed could be set to raise rates for the first time in nearly a decade, which would cause some major ripples through the global financial markets. However, there is also a growing opinion that any rate hikes may be postponed yet again, given the latest weakness in the energy sector, which could lead to its own consequences in the broader markets. Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

For three-times-daily market reports and more from Commodity News Service Canada, visit the Markets section at www.manitobacooperator.ca.

Port Prices As of Friday, December 11, 2015 ($/tonne) Last Week

Weekly Change

U.S. hard red winter 12% Houston

191.98

13.41

U.S. spring wheat 14% Portland

235.25

-0.83

Canola Thunder Bay

484.00

-1.30

Canola Vancouver

502.00

-3.30

Closing Futures Prices

As of Monday, December 14, 2015 ($/tonne) Last Week

Weekly Change

ICE canola

474.00

-1.30

ICE milling wheat

243.00

4.00

ICE barley

191.00

0.00

Mpls. HRS wheat

189.42

1.29

Chicago SRW wheat

182.07

6.15

Kansas City HRW wheat

179.95

4.87

Corn

149.30

0.89

Oats

154.00

-1.46

Soybeans

322.70

-7.07

Soymeal

301.73

-14.99

Soyoil

700.97

20.29

Cash Prices Winnipeg As of Monday, December 14, 2015 ($/tonne) Last Week

Weekly Change

Feed wheat

199.13

-1.47

Feed barley

178,67

-4.59

Rye Flaxseed Feed peas

n/a

454.70

-0.39

n/a

Oats

202.31

1.30

Soybeans

369.38

-8.45

Sunflower (NuSun) Fargo, ND ($U.S./CWT)

17.05

-0.10

Sunflower (Confection) Fargo, ND ($U.S./CWT)

Ask

CWRS wheat bids dip in Western Canada, CPRS up CWRS basis levels across Western Canada range from $15 to $31 below the futures By Dave Sims Commodity News Service Canada

a s h b i d s a c r o s s We s t e r n Canada were mixed during the week ended December 11, with gains in some classes and losses in others. Ave ra g e Ca n a d a We s t e r n Re d Spring (CWRS) wheat prices were $ 2 - $ 4 w e a k e r a c ro s s t h e t h re e Prair ie provinces, according to price quotes from a cross-section of delivery points. Bids ranged from about $226 per tonne in Manitoba, to as high as $243 per tonne in southern Alberta. Quoted basis levels varied from location to location, but held steady overall to sit at $49 above the

futures when using the grain company methodology of quoting the basis as the difference between the U.S. dollar-denominated futures and the Canadian dollar cash bids. When accounting for the currency exchange rates by adjusting the Canadian prices to U.S. dollars ($1=US$0.7277 as of December 14) CWRS bids ranged from US$164 to US$176 per tonne. That would put the currency adjusted basis levels at about US$11 to US$23 below the futures. Looking at it the other way around, if the Minneapolis futures are converted to Canadian dollars, CWRS basis levels across Western Canada range from $15 to $31 below the futures. Av e r a g e C a n a d a P r a i r i e R e d

Spring (CPRS) bids were up $2-$3 p e r t o n n e. C P R S p r i c e s c a m e in at about $192 per tonne in Manitoba, $202-$203 per tonne in Saskatchewan, and $213 to $216 per tonne in Alberta. Soft white spring wheat prices were up by roughly $4 per tonne on average, ranging from $219-$220 per tonne in Alberta. Winter wheat pr ices were up $6-$7. Prices were approximately $188-$194 per tonne across all three provinces. Average durum prices were up $3-$5 with average prices in southern Saskatchewan rising to $295 per tonne. The March spring wheat contract in Minneapolis, on which most CWRS contracts in Canada are

based off, was quoted at US$5.0775 per bushel on December 11, down 7.75 cents from the week prior. The Kansas City hard red winter wheat futures, which are now traded in Chicago, are more closely linked to CPRS in Canada. The March Kansas City wheat contract was quoted at US$4.8250 per bushel on December 11, up 2.00 cents from the week prior. T h e Ma rc h C h i c a g o Bo a rd o f Trade soft wheat contract settled at US$4.9050 on December 11, which was up six cents compared to the week prior. The Canadian dollar closed at 72.27 U.S. cents on December 11, which was down roughly 2-1/2 cents relative to its U.S. counterpart compared to the previous week.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

LIVESTOCK h u s b a n d r y — t h e s c i e n c e , S K I L L O R ART O F F AR M IN G

Social licence requires animal welfare

photo: thinkstock

Don’t expect cows to be sleeping at the foot of the bed any time soon, but farm animals are being extended new welfare consideration BY SHANNON VANRAES Co-operator staff

t was an uncomfortable moment for producers at the annual Manitoba Dairy Conference, held in Winnipeg earlier this month. It was an image of downer cows, about to be shot at an American slaughter plant, displayed during a presentation by Jennifer Walker to bring home the message that just because something has become routine, doesn’t make it good animal welfare. “We have to understand, the animals we send to slaughter are a direct reflection of our care and compassion,” she said, adding the photo wasn’t taken in secret. The veterinarian and director of dairy stewardship for the U.S.-based Dean Foods snapped the photos in the open, with staff watching. No one objected, she said. “They told me that this was an average cull cow day. Two of the seven cows that arrived fell down on the trailer, two fell down while getting off the trailer, one more was so skinny and weak she fell down later while trying to navigate the system,” said Walker. “All five of these were perfectly and humanely handled by staff at the slaughterhouse; all five of them should have never been put on the trailer to begin with.” While Canadian dairy producers have largely been spared the kind of undercover animal abuse videos plaguing producers south of the border — with the exception of Chilliwack Cattle Sales in 2014 — the veterinarian stressed that animal welfare must meet consumers’ and processors’ expectations, even if the details are difficult to define.

Ethics Farmers are no stranger to making ethical decisions, but she stressed they need to recognize that those decisions aren’t made in a vacuum. While cost, profit and production are vital considerations, so is animal welfare and public opinion. “When it comes to animal welfare and animal health, and understanding what our consumers and custom-

Jennifer Walker speaks during the annual Manitoba Dairy Conference in Winnipeg. Photo: Shannon VanRaes

ers want, we need to remember it is a matter of perspective,” she said. “So what you might rank as a dairy farmer as your top concern, is going to be different than a customer.” Giving the example of a farmer with a top-producing cow that’s going on three good legs, she painted a picture of a difficult decision that can’t — at the end of the day — be about money. “How long does she have to walk around in pain until you sell her? And

how miserable is that journey to the sales barn and then to the slaughterhouse?” Walker asked. “And if she gets there and has to be euthanized on the trailer because she can’t actually get up, can we look consumers in the eye and say we’ve done the right thing? “We have to come to terms with the fact that science can only tell us what we can do; what we’re dealing with today is questions about what we should do,” she said. Long gone are the days when producers could justify practices on scientific terms, or by relying on efficiency. Reiterating the mantra that cows must be happy and healthy if production is high, is a failure in the eyes of consumers. Not only does it diminish consumer trust, she said, it pushes consumers to seek information from alternate sources, such as Mercy for Animals or PETA. “What consumers expect is that we take good care of our cows,” Walker said, and that includes producers acknowledging that their animals have emotional or mental needs, as well as physical ones.

Cow feelings It’s not an idea that’s particularly popular with some producers.

“I hear it all the time, again and again, we have to feed the world, there’s going to be nine billion people… we’re going to have to increase food production by 70 per cent, and you want me to stop and worry about my cows’ feelings? Are you kidding me?” said Walker. But she added that good animal welfare, which Walker roughly defines as animals having a life worth living and a comfortable death, has many real benefits for producers to consider. Besides the all-important need to maintain social licence and consumer trust, healthy and happy animals do produce more and are more resistant to disease, requiring less medical interventions, and fewer antibiotics. They react more predictably during research, in addition to providing better, more profitable carcasses when all is said and done. No one expects cows to be sleeping at the foot of the bed, however, farm animals are being extended types of consideration that are new to agriculture. And that consideration is being fuelled by some marketing trends, such as not labelling meat products as animal. Where consumers might once have gone to the grocer to pick up a chicken, it’s now labelled a broiler. Beef and pork are labelled by cut. “So while we have removed the animal from the food we eat, we have simultaneously elevated the animals in our lives, for many, cats and dogs are treated like members of the family. In many cases animal companions have really become the primary, sometimes, only stable form of companionship,” she said. So it’s not that the ethics around the treatment of animals has changed, it’s that the number of animals those considerations are extended to has been expanded. “I argue that our ethics aren’t changing, not at all, simply put, the golden rule is still the golden rule. What has changed is to whom we extend consideration of the golden rule to… our circle of caring is expanding,” said Walker. And if that circle has expanded for consumers, it must also expand for farmers, she added. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

CFIA wrapping up latest BSE probe The Alberta beef cow was born two years after the enhanced feed ban took effect “The detection of this case does not change our OIE risk status.”

STAFF

a n a d a’s f o o d s a f e t y agency is still tracking down herdmates of the country’s 19th domestic case of BSE, but will otherwise assume the Alberta cow most likely caught the disease from trace proteins in its early feed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Nov. 30 submitted its final report on Case 19 — a 70-month-old purebred black Angus beef cow — to the World Organization f o r A n i m a l He a l t h ( O I E ) , and describes the case as “resolved.” A feed-borne infection is “likely the source” of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in Case 19, Dr. Martine Dubuc, CFIA’s chief food safety officer, said in the report. “The feed investigation was unable to identify a specific source, but the carry-over of a small amount of residual contaminated feed on farm is the most plausible explanation.” Born in March 2009, Case 19 was euthanized in February t h i s ye a r, a f t e r i t s ow n e r reported it as a “downer” cow — which in turn made it a prime candidate for testing via the national BSE surveillance program. Case 19 also was Canada’s first case to be born after the countr y’s “enhanced” feed ban took effect in 2007. It was also Canada’s first to be born on the same farm as a previous Canadian BSE case — Case 17, born in 2004 and confirmed BSE positive in 2010. That said, “the detection of this case does not change our OIE risk status,” Dubuc wrote in her report to the OIE. “Our continued surveillance confirms that Canada has an effective feed ban in place.” Canada’s enhanced feed ban expanded on its 1997 ban on the feeding of ruminant tissues to other ruminants. The enhanced ban also blocks the

Dr. Martine Dubuc Canadian Food Inspection Agency

use of specified risk materials (SRMs) from rendered ruminants in any animal feeds, pet foods or fertilizers. It’s also not unheard of for countries that have had BSE in their domestic herds to see cases appear after comprehensive feed bans are imposed. Spain, for example, saw such cases up to four years afterward, CFIA noted in February.

Residual feed No “significant events” of feed contamination could be linked to Case 19, but the potential for carry-over of “a small amount of residual contaminated feed” couldn’t be discounted, CFIA said in its report. Given the enhanced feed ban and the “rigorous inspection oversight by the CFIA,” contamination of both prohibited and non-prohibited materials with SRMs at either a slaughter establishment or a rendering plant, “would, in all likelihood, be highly improbable,” the agency said. The birth farm’s “bin management and storage practices… could not eliminate the possibility that feed products produced prior to the enhanced feed ban may have remained (to some extent) on the farm” after the enhanced feed ban kicked in, CFIA said. But there was also “no indication that feedstuff was stored for extended periods,” and, given the nature of the feed — forages, commercial feed and supplements, with no on-farm mixing — there would have been “no reason to consider the potential that feed might be contaminated.” It’s important to note, CFIA

In the 10 months since Canada’s 19th case of BSE was confirmed in Alberta, nearly 750 other cattle have had to be traced from the animal’s “birth cohort.” file photo

said, that while Case 17 most likely became infected in 2004, it wasn’t detected as a BSE case until February 2010 — nearly a year after Case 19 was born at the same farm and likely became infected.

Birth cohort CFIA’s trace-out of birth cohort animals — 746 in all — is “ongoing and expected to be completed for the end of 2015,” with just 30 still to be traced, the agency said. Feed cohorts — animals exposed to the same feed supply — are also usually traced

in BSE investigations, but Case 19’s feed and birth cohorts were “indistinguishable,” CFIA said. All animals from the birth cohort had access to the same feed as Case 19 in its first year of life. CFIA noted the OIE no longer considers a BSE-positive cow’s calves to be “equivalent-risk” animals, but the agency tracked down Case 19’s calves from the 24 months before its death anyway, “to satisfy specific country export requirements.” That trace found Case 19’s 2013 calf died of scours soon after birth, and its 2014 calf is

now “under quarantine” at its birth farm. Despite posing no change to Canada’s BSE profile, Case 19 remains a setback in Canada’s efforts to level up from “controlled risk” to “negligible risk” for BSE. By OIE standards, a country’s youngest case of BSE must have been born 11 years before “negligible-risk” status can be considered. Up until February, Canada had been on track to start that process in August this year. Case 19’s birthdate delays “negligible-risk” status for Canada until 2020 at the earliest.

Beef and Forage Week Seminars The Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) are hosting beef and forage seminars in your local community. Register today to hear a wide variety of speakers provide information on how to maximize forage fertility and productivity, extensive wintering of livestock, beef market outlook for 2016 and updates on the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative and the McDonalds Canada sustainable beef pilot*. Seminar times are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday, January 11 Tuesday, January 12 Wednesday, January 13 Thursday, January 14 Friday, January 15

Vita* Ste. Rose du Lac* Holland* Brandon Eriksdale

Vita GO Office Ste. Rose GO Office Portage GO Office Brandon GO Office Arborg GO Office

204-425-5050 204-447-4032 204-239-3352 204-726-6482 204-376-3300

*Includes an update on the McDonalds Canada sustainable beef pilot

For more information and to register, contact the MAFRD GO Office listed above. Beef and Forage Week Seminars Print Ad Ad size: 10.25” w x 5.14” h

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

LIVESTOCK AUCTION RESULTS Weight Category

Ashern

Gladstone

Grunthal

Heartland

Brandon

Virden

Killarney

Ste. Rose

Winnipeg

Feeder Steers

8-Dec

10-Dec

9-Dec

7-Dec

10-Dec

11-Dec

No. on offer

2,500

1,414*

544

994*

2,113*

820*

1300*

980*

Over 1,000 lbs.

n/a

900-1,000

n/a

175.00-200.00

185.00-205.00

n/a

180.00-195.00

175.00-185.00

800-900

n/a

170.00-203.00

185.00-195.00

205.00-219.00

192.00-210.00

n/a

185.00-205.00

180.00-193.00

700-800

200.00-218.00

190.00-215.50

190.00-207.00

210.00-233.50

202.00-220.00

215.00-228.00

195.00-216.00

190.00-213.00

600-700

210.00-239.00

210.00-236.50

200.00-234.00

225.00-246.00

213.00-238.00

220.00-239.50

200.00-235.00

200.00-239.00

500-600

220.00-268.00

250.00-280.00

220.00-267.00

255.00-279.00

235.00-272.00

245.00-279.00

230.00-265.00

220.00-260.00

400-500

240.00-292.00

280.00-319.00

240.00-280.00

280.00-315.00

270.00-310.00

280.00-318.00

240.00-276.00

245.00-310.00

300-400

n/a

280.00-318.00

275.00-355.00

290.00-325.00

n/a

280.00-320.00

250.00-300.00

280.00-317.00

900-1,000 lbs.

n/a

160.00-175.00

160.00-177.00

n/a

150.00-178.00

800-900

n/a

150.00-179.50

155.00-175.00

165.00-186.00

166.00-181.00

n/a

160.00-180.00

700-800

n/a

150.00-180.00

170.00-195.00

170.00-184.00

183.00-201.00

n/a

185.00-203.00

180.00-204.00

600-700

180.00-208.00

180.00-215.00

190.00-227.00

190.00-215.00

188.00-215.00

200.00-290.00

190.00-210.00

188.00-218.00

Feeder heifers

500-600

190.00-236.00

210.00-231.00

210.00-237.00

220.00-240.00

205.00-232.00

210.00-225.50

215.00-243.00

200.00-240.00

400-500

200.00-245.00

230.00-267.50

225.00-262.00

235.00-255.00

230.00-268.00

235.00-268.50

215.00-245.00

225.00-262.00

300-400

n/a

240.00-275.50

240.00-280.00

240.00-265.00

n/a

270.00-290.00

205.00-231.00

260.00-290.00

No. on offer

300

n/a

120

D1-D2 Cows

90.00-100.00

n/a

90.00-96.50

89.00-100.00

93.00-102.00

85.00-96.00

92.00-102.00

D3-D5 Cows

80.00-100.00

n/a

77.00-85.00

73.00-88.00

86.00-93.00

n/a

85.00-92.00

75.00-90.00

Age Verified

100.00-106.00

up to 98.50

75.00-90.00

n/a

Good Bulls

110.00-134.00

107.00-123.50

115.00-122.25

125.00-138.50

126.00-136.00

115.00-125.00

120.00-135.00

120.00-125.00

n/a

Slaughter Market

Butcher Steers Butcher Heifers

n/a

Feeder Cows

n/a

110.00-128.50

112.00-125.00

95.00-110.00

n/a

95.00-110.00

Fleshy Export Cows

n/a

Lean Export Cows

n/a

Heiferettes

n/a

* includes slaughter market

(Note all prices in CDN$ per cwt. These prices also generally represent the top one-third of sales reported by the auction yard.)

mOBile

BROWSE

yOUR PORtaBle eQUiPment sOURCe!!

OVeR 30,000 FUlly seaRChaBle aG eQUiPment listinGs in the Palm OF yOUR hand!!

Define your search criteria by your choice of parameters.

FIND

Scroll through your search results instantly.

CONTACT

Find the ag equipment you’re looking for quickly and immediately on your iPhone or Android Device. Get more details and photos of your found equipment.

Email or phone the seller directly – save search results!

Why Wait and miss a deal!? Start your search now! Scan the code to download the app »»

Sponsored by

Or visit agdealermobile.com for download details.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Livestock sector has multi-faceted plan to tackle climate changes The industry is tackling the challenge — and its critics — by being proactive BY ALEX BINKLEY Co-operator contributor

Animal industry efficiency and environmental sustainability are improving. photo: Allan Dawson

he climate change conference in Paris brought together world leaders and countless economic organizations vowing to improve the environment. Among them was the International Meat Secretariat, which represents livestock and meat groups. Jurgen Preugschas, for mer chairman of the Canadian Pork Council, is chair man of the IMS Sustainable meat committee. “We are working together with many stakeholders, including an important ongoing project with the Food and Agriculture Organization to develop global guidelines in the Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance par tnership,” he said in a s t a t e m e n t a f t e r t h e Pa r i s meeting. Participants agreed to work together to confront charges from some critics that livestock production is a major contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change. IMS president Guillaume Roue, said: “We all come from different countries, with different production systems, and we are all commercial competitors. But it is important that we work together

COOL retaliatory tariffs could be authorized by Dec. 18 But Canadian officials hope the U.S. will repeal the legislation before they have to use them By Alex Binkley Co-operator contributor

h e Wo r l d Tr a d e Organization could give Canada the green light to impose $1.1 billion a year’s worth of retaliatory tariffs on American-made consumer products as early as Dec. 18, says a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada. The duties would be in retaliation for an American meat labelling program that has cost beef and pork farmers about $8 billion since 2008 in reduced exports and lower prices. The WTO ruled Dec. 7 on the amount of duty Canada could impose. “The WTO Dispute Settlement Body is expected to adopt the requested authorization to retaliate on Dec. 18 or 21,” said John Babcock, a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada. Canada will select its targets from products noted on a list released in 2013. Trade Minister Chrystia Fre e l a n d h a s n’t re ve a l e d how quickly Canada would bring retaliator y tariffs into effect although tar-

iff changes usually take months. Instead she told the Commons that the government hopes the U.S. Senate will finally agree to repeal COOL following the House of Representatives’ lead. The chairman of the U.S. Senate agriculture committee has called for its repeal, she noted. Shor tly after the W TO h a n d e d d ow n i t s d e c i sion on Dec. 7, Freeland and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay issued a statement urging fast action in Washington. “If the U.S. Senate does not take immediate action to repeal COOL for beef and pork, Canada will quickly take steps to retaliate. Canada continues to work with our partners in the United States, and in the U.S. Senate, to urge the full repeal of the discriminatory COOL policy for beef and pork.” Canadian livestock and meat groups issued a joint statement through the Canadian Meat Council welcoming the decision. At the same time, the U.S. National Grain Feeders Association also repeated its call for an end to COOL.

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association says it has spent about $3.25 million fighting COOL while the Canadian Pork Council estimates its cost at more than $1 million. Global Affairs hasn’t revealed the cost to the federal treasury. “There is no further negotiation to be done and no compromise is acceptable,” the groups said. “Canadian livestock producers and meat processors expect the U.S. to do nothing less than repeal COOL or face the immediate imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods to the same extent as the damage we have endured.” Canada sought authority to impose $3 billion a year in retaliator y tariffs. The WTO only accepted losses caused by lower prices on exports to the United States and not lower prices in the domestic markets caused by a buildup of meat and livestock. The office of the U.S. Trade Representative had claimed that COOL had only cost Canadian producers about US$43.2 million a year. There is no appeal to the WTO’s final decision.

“We are proud to provide highquality, nutritious and delicious animal protein as an essential part of a healthy, sustainable diet.” Guillaume Roue IMS president

on key issues that affect us all, like greenhouse gas emissions, animal welfare and human health and nutrition. “We are proud to provide high-quality, nutritious and delicious animal protein as an essential part of a healthy, sustainable diet.” In a statement at the end of its meeting, the IMS said, “Huge strides are being made around the world to improve the efficiency of and environmental sustainability of meat production. GHG emissions per kg of meat produced have been reduced by adopting innovative health and husbandry practices and tools that support sustainable and environmentally responsible production of animal protein, utilizing fewer resources and resulting in less environmental impact. The statement said the industry is working with all partners in the production chain and is: • Improving animal breeding and health programs to raise productivity and developing better animal nutrition to avoid carbon or nitrogen losses in the atmosphere. • Promoting manure management practices to recycle nutrients and energy and enhance profitability from

this natural fertilizer, while reducing ammonia and methane emissions. • Preserving the soil by optimizing grass production, managing grazing land for ruminants, preventing erosion, and avoiding overgrazing, with benefits in carbon sequestration. • Using best technologies in meat processing to optim i z e re s o u rc e s , s i g n i f i cantly reducing the use of water and energy, while at the same time improving working conditions. As well, the industry is assisting in a significant reduction “in deforestation through sustainable intensification.” Delegates also called for “an open and balanced discussion that promotes furt h e r p r o g re s s i n s u s t a i n ability, including the many positive contributions from livestock.” Livestock production “uses mainly land not suited for crops and for which there is no other productive use.” Animals “are efficient recyclers, transfor ming 80 per cent of all feed that is not edible, such as grass, biomass, crop residues and byproducts, into high-value nutr itious animal protein. They also produce important byproducts including power, fibre, medicines, slurry for biogas, and manure to maintain soil fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.” Meat production is “necessary for food and nutrition security and diversity to diets, and help address the multiple challenges of malnutrition, which include wasting, stunting, obesity, and anemia in women of reproductive age.” According to the FAO, the livestock industry including dairy contributes about 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Pasture manager The Association of Manitoba Community Pastures is seeking to fill the Pasture Manager’s positions at the Cote-San Clara (north of Roblin, Manitoba and near Togo, Saskatchewan) and the Dauphin-Ethelbert Community Pastures (Ethelbert, Manitoba). These are full time term positions running from March to November each year. Duties would include managing the day to day operations of the community pastures and its staff. Applicant must have significant cattle experience. Experience treating cattle from horseback is required and ability to supply your own horses and tack. Other duties include repair and maintenance of fences and other infrastructure. Accommodations are available to rent. Please apply by Dec 18th 2015. For more information contact Barry Ross Phone 204-841-1907 or email amcp@pastures.ca

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

WEATHER VANE

Network

Search news. Read stories. Find insight.

“Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.” Mark Twain, 1897

Are we due for a pre-Christmas storm? Issued: Monday, December 14, 2015 · Covering: December 16 – December 23, 2015 Daniel Bezte Weather Vane

ast week’s system, which brought significant snow to west-central Manitoba, was originally forecast to travel much farther north. This more southerly route prevented the system from tapping into colder air, which is why we stayed fairly mild. I had also forecast a system to bring snow over the weekend to extreme southern and eastern regions and it too tracked further south, which kept our region in a rather stagnant flow. This resulted in milder-than-expected conditions over the weekend along with fog and some freezing drizzle. For this forecast period it does look like colder air will finally move in, with temperatures by Friday expected to be right around the mid-December average. What will help bring in the colder air will be a Colorado low, forecast to track through the Dakotas on Wednesday or Thursday. This low is not expected to directly affect our region, but the possibility of some snow can’t be ruled out. As the low tracks to the northeast it will place us in a fairly broad and cool northerly flow. Arctic high pressure will try to

nose southward within this flow, but it looks like the coldest air will remain over northern Manitoba for the weekend before sliding eastwards early next week. Skies look to be sunny to partly cloudy over the weekend and into the early part of next week, with daytime highs in the -6 to -10 C range and overnight lows in the -13 to -18 C range. This is when things become interesting. The weather models then show a large and strong area of low pressure developing over Montana on Tuesday and tracking along the international border on Wednesday and Thursday. Confidence in this system is very low, but if it does develop, we could see some messy weather just before Christmas, with temperatures ahead of the system warming up enough for rain on Wednesday before transitioning over to snow late in the day. Snow is then forecast for Christmas Eve, with some significant accumulations possible. Usual temperature range for this period: Highs, -18 to -4 C; lows: -27 to -12 C. 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.

So you want snow for Christmas History pegs Winnipeg as the most consistent city for white Christmases BY DANIEL BEZTE Co-operator contributor

ith the first half of December star ting off with record-warm temperatures and well-belowaverage snow cover across most of the Prairies, it’s time to take our annual look at Christmas weather. The big question at this time of the year is whether we’ll have perfect Christmas weather, but the million-dollar question is, “Just what is perfect Christmas weather?” For those of you who have followed my articles it’s probably no secret that my perfect Christmas weather is to have a nice big snowstorm that keeps everyone at home for a couple of days. I know a big storm at this time of the year would cause all sorts of problems and hardships, but deep down inside it is the idea of being stuck at home for a few days, no pressure to go anywhere because you can’t, plenty of food available, family around you, and hopefully something new to play with — basically, a perfect time to be forced to sit back and just relax and get away from all the holiday bustle. But that’s my holiday weather wish and I am sure

others out there would prefer no snow and record warmth, or daytime highs right around 0 C with great big lazy snowflakes falling, and maybe even clear skies and frigid cold! All I know is, it takes all kinds to make the world go round and what’s perfect for one person is not perfect for another. According to Environment Canada, perfect Christmas weather means there is already snow on the ground and, at some point during Christmas Day, there is measurable snowfall. What are the chances of this happening somewhere across the Prairies? Table 1 shows the probability of having snow on the ground for Christmas, along with having snow fall during the day. Interestingly, it breaks the data down into two 18-year periods (1964-82, 1991-2009) to try and show how our winters seem to be becoming warmer with less snow. From the data in Table 1, it seems that if you want a white Christmas, then Winnipeg is your best bet. If you want Environment Canada’s version of a perfect Christmas, then Regina is your best bet. If your version of a perfect Christmas is to have recordbreaking warm or, heck, even cold

WEATHER MAP - WESTERN CANADA

Percent of Average Precipitation (Prairie Region) November 1, 2015 to December 10, 2015

< 40% 40 - 60% 60 - 85% 85 - 115% 115 - 150% 150 - 200% > 200% 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: 12/11/15 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

This issue’s map shows the total amount of precipitation that has fallen across the Prairies so far this winter (Nov. 1 to Dec. 10) compared to the long-term average. With the exception of central Saskatchewan westward into extreme east-central Alberta and along the foothills in Alberta, precipitation so far this winter has been below to well-below average.

Table 1. Chances of having a white Christmas, a “perfect” Christmas and average snow depth at Christmastime across the Prairies. Average chance of snow on ground (%) 56 85 91 96 98

City Calgary Edmonton Regina Saskatoon Winnipeg

Chance now (%, 1991-2009) 47 79 89 89 95

Chance before (%, 1964-82) 74 100 95 100 100

Overall chance of “perfect” Christmas (%) 4 20 38 22 11

Table 2. Christmas (Dec. 24-26) minimum, maximum, and precipitation records for the Prairie provinces Max.

Year

Min.

Year

Ppt.

Year

Winnipeg Dec. 24

3.9

1953

-47.8

1879

15.2

1929

Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Brandon Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Regina Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Saskatoon Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Edmonton Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Calgary Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26

5.4 4.4

1999 2011

-40 -38.9

1879 1883

9.4 30.5

1938 1916

4.4 7.2 4.8

1953 1999 2005

-41 -40 -39.4

1983 1902 1891

5.1 15.2 7.6

1938 1938 1976

4 6.1 6.1

1999 1943 1898

-40.6 -39.4 -39.3

1884 1933 1990

9.7 7.1 13.5

1950 1959 1916

6.9 4.5 4.4

2011 1895 1928

-37.8 -38.9 -41.7

1917 1933 1934

12.7 7.6 9.9

1938 1922 1959

10.4 8.9 10

1999 1987 1999

-41.7 -39.4 -38.3

1880 1880 1880

25.4 17.8 21.1

1938 1938 1955

17.6 14.8 13.8

1999 1985 1999

-36.1 -35 -35.6

1983 1886 1886

5.1 10.2 10.2

1937 1923 1923

temperatures, Table 2 is your list of the warmest, coldest and snowiest Christmas periods on record for two major centres in each of the three Prairie provinces. These records are based on the full set of

data for each of these cities, which mean they go back to the late 1800s. While some might argue these old records are not valid, I personally think they are and that they should be included.

Snow depth now (cm, 19912009) 4 11 12 11 14

Snow depth before (cm, 1964-82) 6 17 15 13 14

If you are looking for a place to go in the Prairies to experience a really warm Christmas, Calgary would be the place for you. While all of the other centres have seen some nice warm Christmases in the past, not one comes close to Calgary’s recorded highs. If you want a chance at seeing some really cold weather during this period, then you could pick pretty much anyplace, as they have all seen Christmases colder than -35 C. Winnipeg comes out the winner here, though, with a bonechilling -47.8 C on Christmas Eve in 1879! Interestingly, when you examine the precipitation records for these three days, you’ll notice the Christmas period has been a relatively dry, storm-free period, but there are a couple of exceptions. Winnipeg did see a heavy dump of 30.5 cm of snow on Boxing Day 1916, but the record for biggest Christmas snowstorms has to go to Edmonton. Back in 1938, Edmonton recorded over 25 cm of snow on Christmas Eve, then a further 18 cm of snow on Christmas Day, for a total of 43 cm of snow! Whatever weather you do end up with, I hope it’s what you wanted; if not, then remember the season and try to make the best of it!

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

T:10.25”

CROPS h u s b a n d r y — t h e s c i e n c e , S K I L L O R ART O F F AR M IN G

Genuity® and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Pioneer ® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® SM TM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2015, PHII.

Literature review for research on manured, tiledrained land being sought Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative Inc. wants to see what scientists have already discovered and consider how it might fit under Manitoba conditions “With our climate and soil, our reality here is different than in other jurisdictions.”

BY ALLAN DAWSON Co-operator staff

John Carney

file photo

ture review on manure processing technology, it followed up by evaluating the technology under Manitoba conditions, Carney said. “I believe it’s important that science informs our direction and the policies that we come up with and the procedures we put in place and that’s why work like this is valuable,” he said. “Science has a major role to play in these questions and that’s why organizations like ours exist — to go there and learn and bring that science together.” Under conventional tile drainage, water flows unencumbered, but by adding a control structure the farmer can adjust or even stop water from leaving the field. Managing controlled tile drainage can cut the annual average nitrogen load coming from fields in Ohio in half, according to research done by Ohio State University. While controlling the

water that comes from a tiledrained field doesn’t reduce the concentration of nitrogen in the water, it can significantly reduce the nutrient load, Ohio State extension agricultural engineer Larry Brown said in a webinar April 17. Holding water back during dry times in the growing season can also boost yields, Brown said. MLMMI says applications to do the literature review should address the following questions and objectives, with specific reference to how these findings are relevant to Manitoba conditions: • Detail the factors to consider when determining if subsurface drainage is beneficial. • R e v i e w a n d s u m m a r i z e re s e a rc h o n n u t r i e n t a n d pathogen transport from tile-drained lands to waters. Comparing nutrient and pathogen transport from non-tiled

land and tiled land amended with manures would be particularly valued. • Describe the structures, methods and approaches currently used in controlled drainage systems and their suitability under Manitoba conditions. • Summarize operating best management practices (BMPs) that decrease the risk of nutrient and pathogen transport to water that can occur with subsurface drainage systems. • Summarize system maintenance BMPs that decrease the risk of nutrient and pathogen transport to water that can occur with subsurface drainage systems. • Outline any research gaps and recommendations future research and development needs/priorities in the use of tile drainage in Manitoba. • Approved applicants must assist MLMMI communicate project findings to the industry and public and describe how in their application. • Preferred applicants will have significant knowledge and experience in nutrient planning and manure application in Manitoba and have a soil science or an engineering background. Although the deadline to apply is 10 a.m. CST Jan. 5, 2016, interested applicants should contact MLMMI executive director John Carney before Dec. 23, 2015 at (204) 945-2122, or john.carney@ gov.mb.ca if they have questions.

T:15.58”

ile-drained fields can remove surplus subsurface moisture improving crop-growing conditions, but there’s also a risk after manure is applied that nutrients and pathogens could leave the field in that water. The Manitoba Livestock Manure M a n a g e m e n t In i t i a t i v e In c . (MLMMI) wants to find out what scientists already know about mitigating nutrient losses in fields with controlled tile drainage. To that end it’s “inviting qualified individuals, partnerships, companies, and research organizations to submit an application to conduct a literature review in the area of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) for the Application of Manure on Tile-Drained Lands.” The relationship between tile drainage and nutrient loss has been widely studied, manager of the MLMMI, John Carney, said in an interview Dec. 9, but not necessarily in Manitoba. “With our climate and soil, our reality here is different than in other jurisdictions,” Carney said. “That’s one of the values of having an organization like ours — we’re Manitoba-centric. “So we’re keen to learn best practices and hear what’s working in other areas, but we’ve always got to pass it through the Manitoba filter to see if it’s practical or appropriate for our conditions. That’s our starting point.” The successful applicant will complete the literature review by May 2016. The review may trigger further research in Manitoba, but not automatically, Carney said. “First of all we want to find out what the established baseline science out there has discovered and what we can learn or use from work that has already been done, and frankly paid for in other areas, because there is no point reinventing the wheel,” he said. After the MLMMI did a litera-

allan@fbcpublishing.com

Genuity Roundup Ready canola that truly delivers built-in Sclerotinia resistance ®

Pioneer® hybrid 45S56 is a top performing canola hybrid with very good yield, standability and built-in resistance to Sclerotinia. Call your local Pioneer Hi-Bred sales rep today to see how 45S56 can ﬁt on your farm!

pioneer.com

OGILVY PRINT PRODUCTION CONTACT:

PUB: Alberta Farmer / Manitoba Cooperator

AD #: PBRW-CANOLA-AB/MB-01015-REVERSE L ATE: Sep 8/15

OP:

CSR:

FORMAT: None

FILE: DD-05-41306- PBRW-CANOLA-AB/MB-01015-REVERSE L -NWS-Final.

Bonnie

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Phosphorus recovery can complement source reduction Globally, it’s estimated that one-third of all phosphorus applied is lost to water due to erosion, leaching and run-off by Julienne Isaacs Co-operator contributor

Manitoba engineer says phosphorus (P) recovery methods can be an important addition to the province’s phosphorus management strategies. Francesco Zurzolo, an engineer specializing in nutrient management and reduction with Dillon Consulting, says Manitoba is dealing with eutrophication and destruction of important ecosystems due to P buildup. Zurzolo spoke at the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association’s (MEIA) annual Emerging Issues conference in Winnipeg on November 19. “The basic question is, where is this phosphorus coming from and what can be done about it?” he asked. Lake Winnipeg carries a P load annually of 7,655 tonnes, with the Red River its biggest “loading factor,” contributing 68 per cent of the annual total load, said Zurzolo. At least 80 per cent of the nonpoint source load — or pollution discharged from a wide land area rather than a specific location — is run-off from agricultural soils. “Globally, it’s estimated that one-third of all P applied to land is lost to water due to erosion, leaching and run-off,” said Zurzolo, citing a 2009 study. In Manitoba, the recent surge of nutrients, especially P, to Lake Winnipeg is due to the flooding cycle of the last decade, with P moving as a particulate and dissolving in flooding events, he explained.

Management Manitoba’s Water Quality Standards cap P at one milogram per litre. In addition, producers must follow P application rates for fertilizer and manure,

file PHOTO

and are required by Manitoba Conservation to test soils prior to manure application. Zurzolo said source reduction is the best method for reducing P loading. “The best technique is to avoid applying too much phosphorus to soils in the first place,” he said. Zurzolo said one way to address diffuse sources of P run-off, such as cattle operations, is source reduction. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of excess P on soils. One method involves manure treatment through dewatering, drying, composting or direct P recovery through struvite removal. Another technique is sedimentation, or particulate P recovery. Sedimentation involves the use of stilling basins along drainage routes to allow par-

ticle settling, followed by occasional dredging for particle recovery. This method can sometimes require the use of land area currently used for crop production, said Zurzolo. “But the loss of a small amount of land to crop production is a small price to pay for the health of our freshwater ecosystems. These structures have been found to reduce flooding and they’re good for drought years,” he said, pointing to the success of the Tobacco Creek Model Watershed. Another method involves filtration for particulate and soluble P recovery. “Dillon has reexamined an age-old design of the “passive filter” concept which combines physical and chemical removal processes,” he said. Partnering with the East Interlake Conservation District, which offers programs and funds for projects that improve the health of Interlake watersheds, the company has developed a project on one cattle operation to help a farmer utilize a detention basin to remove organics and particulates through a filtration system. “It’s a low-cost solution and very robust,” said Zurzolo. “These are the kinds of solutions we need to start looking at around the province. “We need to combine source reduction and runoff management to come up with a proper solution,” Zurzolo concluded. “The concern I want to leave with you is that right now the big money is being spent on point sources, but we need to increase funding to look at diffuse sources of phosphorus reduction and recovery. We need to incorporate P recovery considerations for all projects. Reducing the need for P imports will contribute to a healthier lake.”

Looking for some ag inspiration? Watch the AgCanada TV video series online now. Gain a new perspective on your farm, your family and your future with this informative video series from Farm Credit Canada.

INFORMATIVE:

INSPIRATIONAL:

Watch reviews of the latest ag products. From vehicles, equipment and services to emerging ag technologies.

Listen to such noted speakers as Rick Hanson and many others discuss the challenges and rewards of farm living.

Current AGCanadaTV topics include: 

Know Your Options: Take the Risk Out of Grain Marketing

Tyler Russell, Cargill National Grain Marketing Solutions Manager shares how farmers can mitigate grain marketing risks and go from price takers to price makers.

Trade in the Canadian Agri-food Industry



Hear about the resiliency of Canada’s agri-food industry and its importance in the Canadian economy from FCC Chief Agricultural Economist J.P. Gervais.

Grainews looks at Ford’s all-new, aluminum-bodied F-150



Grainews field editor Lisa Guenther talks with Trevor Boquist about the features on Ford’s 2015 F Series truck.

Start watching: www.agcanada.com/video

AGCanadaTV is sponsored by

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Weirdly warm weather hasn’t hurt winter wheat The crop is dormant and winter hardy, says MAFRD’s Pam de Rocquigny BY ALLAN DAWSON Co-operator staff

a n i t o b a ’s w i n t e r wheat crop is just fine despite an unusually warm fall and a lack of snow in many parts of agro-Manitoba, says Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development c e re a l s p e c i a l i s t Pa m d e Rocquigny. “It’s obviously warm, but it’s not warm enough to break dormancy, so now the (winter wheat) plant is at its most winter hardy,” de Rocquigny said in an interview Dec. 8. “Even though we have warmerthan-normal temperatures it really should not be having an impact on the crop at this point.” Dozens of maximum temperature records were shattered around Manitoba this month. In many places daytime highs were 10 C warmer than normal. In some instances overnight lows were warmer than normal daytime highs. Most fields south of Carman, Man., were snow free as of Dec. 9. CBC reported Jim Hartry of Morden mowed his lawn in shorts and a T-shirt Dec. 4. Morden hit 14° that day. In all, 23 record highs were set across Manitoba Dec. 4, said CBC meteorologist John Sauder. De Rocquigny has been getting some calls from farmers wondering about the state of their winter wheat. But she said those calls come in this time of year no matter what the weather. “Winter wheat is doing what it’s supposed to be doing this time of year and that’s being dormant,” she said. “We’ve had a really great fall for the plants to get that winter hardiness. We’ve had a nice open fall and a decline in those temperatures so that has been good as well. And the crop went into the fall in that perfect growth stage that we like to see. I think there are a lot of pluses going for it right now so we’ll remain positive.”

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF

“It’s obviously warm, but it’s not warm enough to break dormancy, so now the (winter wheat) plant is at its most winter hardy.” Pam de Rocquigny Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development cereal specialist

Ideally winter wheat should go into dormancy with three leaves to one tiller. The leaves won’t survive winter; what’s critical is that the root crown does. A good layer of snow helps insulate the crown, protecting it from freezing to death. Winter wheat is probably more susceptible to winterkill nearer spring as it prepares to start coming out of dormancy. If there hasn’t been much snow, or it has melted or blown away, the crown is more vulnerable to cold temperatures. The November Statistics Canada report estimates

Manitoba farmers planted 240,000 acres of winter wheat. De Rocquigny suspects that might be high. Last year Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation reported 160,000 acres of insured winter wheat. “I don’t think we’re going to see a huge jump in acres from last year,” she said. “I think we’re seeing interest in these higher-yielding spring wheat varieties as opposed to some of our winter wheats. We’ll see what happens. My guess would be 175,000 to 200,000 acres.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

Manitoba’s winter wheat crop is fine so far, despite weirdly warm temperatures this fall, says Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development cereal specialist Pam de Rocquigny. File photo

Advertorial

Why Inoculate or Dual Inoculate? • Effective nodulation is essential for nitrogen fixation, particularly in soils where soybeans have not been planted recently • Dual (or double) inoculation can help quickly establish high populations of rhizobia bacteria to ensure optimal nodulation and soybean performance

Control

Enhanced root growth.

Dual Inoculation Land that has been through less than ideal growing conditions, or has not had soybeans for a few years, requires special attention when it comes to inoculation. Dual inoculation can help quickly establish high populations of rhizobia bacteria to help ensure the best possible nodulation and soybean performance. Land with a history of longer soybean rotations, or land with a history of flooding or longer periods of drought, is not conducive to rhizobia survival. It is in these soils that farmers will benefit greatly from the application of two formulations of inoculant.

Dual inoculation combines seed-applied inoculants with a sequential in-furrow application of a granular or liquid inoculant to quickly establish high populations of rhizobia bacteria to ensure optimal nodulation and soybean performance. How to dual inoculate As the base treatment in dual inoculation, Optimize® ST, a new more concentrated formulation of Optimize, provides the benefits of a specially selected Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant along with lipochitooligosaccharide (LCO) technology: • Improved nodule formation • Increased nitrogen fixation

A GAMBLE...

• Enhanced nutrient availability, which supports root and shoot growth • Broad seed treatment compatibility with 120-day on-seed stability

Root nodules and a dissected, pink nodule

Advertise in the Manitoba Co-operator Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

Seed-applied inoculants tend to form nodules closer to where the seed is located (closer to the primary root); in-furrowapplied granular inoculants tend to form nodules on the secondary or lateral roots. Combining the two formulations allows for wider distribution of nodules along the whole root system.

LCO is a molecule involved in the rhizobia– legume nodulation system. LCO is an important component in nodulation as a key driver in the communication between plants and rhizobia. With Optimize ST, there is no lag time for plant development waiting for the LCO signal, as it is delivered on the seed. This gives the plant more time to grow (closing the communication gap between the plant and the rhizobia). Optimize ST is applied to soybean seed by retailers.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. Cell-Tech®, JumpStart®, Monsanto BioAg and Design™ Optimize® and TagTeam® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. © 2015 Monsanto Canada Inc.10.15 1697

1-800-782-0794

Optimize

For soybean growers with air drills and a granular applicator, TagTeam® granular is an ideal sequential product with Optimize ST. TagTeam for soybean combines the phosphate-solubilizing organism Penicillium bilaii and Bradyrhizobium japonicum in one inoculant to help address your soybean crop’s phosphate and nitrogen fertility needs. Penicillium bilaii provides crops access to soil and fertilizer phosphate. For growers without a granular applicator, or a planter with a liquid kit, Cell-Tech™ liquid applied in-furrow through a liquid applicator is a good option. Cell-Tech is a single-action inoculant that contains a specially selected Bradyrhizobium japonicum species. If phosphate is limited, JumpStart® inoculant, containing Penicillium bilaii, can be seed-applied along with Optimize ST by your retail, and Cell-Tech liquid or granular applied sequentially in-furrow. JumpStart increases phosphate availability for better use of phosphate and higher yield potential. Consult your local Monsanto BioAg representative or local retailer for further information on how to dual inoculate soybeans to ensure optimal nodulation and soybean performance.

www.monsantobioag.ca

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

cons e rvat i o n c h a m p i o n s

Norfolk builds retention ponds to aid watershed management Members of the municipality of Norfolk council say their partnerships are win-win BY JENNIFER PAIGE Co-operator staff/ Brandon

solid relationship between the municipal council and the local conservation district has benefited both in the RM of Norfolk, local officials say. “There are a lot of drains in our municipality that the conservation district looks after, so that is huge for us,” said Bill Wieler, a councillor with the municipality. “We have always had a good relationship. It is a good fit and only makes sense to work with it in order to stretch both our dollars.” The RM has been a solid partner to the Whitemud Watershed Conservation District (WWCD) for a number of years and earned the district’s conservation award in 2014. “Specifically, the retention pond projects that we have partnered on are very helpful, for downstream as well as helping to rejuvenate the aquifer. It is really a win-win for everyone involved,” said Wieler. T h e R M p a r t n e re d w i t h WWCD last year to construct three water retention ponds along the Manitoba Escarpment on Rat and Squirrel creek. The RM offered support in terms of participating in landowner meetings and negotiations but also assisted in the construction process. “The water usually comes fairly fast so these retention ponds will allow us to hold on to some of the water and control it a little bit better,” said

“Water, flooding and water retention is a big issue and by being actively involved in this we hope to raise some awareness and get others aware of the work that has and is being done so that we can get more participation in other areas of the province. When we hold the water back everyone wins.” Neil Christoffersen mayor of the municipality of Norfolk

Wieler. “We usually do a lot of the dirt work during construction for the WWCD because we have a lot of the equipment that is needed.” The municipality was specifically recognized by the conservation district because of its willingness to collaborate, something mayor, Neil Christoffersen, hopes will be recognized by other municipalities and encourage similar partnerships. “Water, flooding and water retention is a big issue and by being actively involved in this we hope to raise some awareness and get others aware of the work that has and is being done so that we can get more

Mayor of the municipality of Norfolk, Neil Christoffersen (l) and councillor, Bill Wieler (r), see value in having a strong partnership with their conservation district. Photo: Jennifer Paige

participation in other areas of the province. When we hold the water back everyone wins,” said Christoffersen. Two of the three projects that were constructed last year are located side by side on two tributaries of Rat Creek and, once operational, will hold approximately 10 to 15 acre-feet of water each. The third retention pond is located along Squirrel Creek and has the capacity to hold approximately 30 acre-feet of water.

“The retention ponds that we installed last year have been left to sit and pack down, so this year will be the first year that they will be holding water,” said Christoffersen. Along with creating the retention ponds, the RM and WWCD also upgraded existing culverts and installed new culverts with gates in order to drain them following spring run-off. “By population we are one of the largest watersheds in Manitoba and ours is a true watershed. So, everything that

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship.

runs through here ends up in the Whitemud River and eventually in Lake Manitoba,” said Wieler. By lowering water levels through the winter with the use of gated culverts, the retention ponds are able to capture more water during the spring run-off. This creates a number o f b e n e f i t s d ow n s t r e a m , including slowing water flow and reducing the transfer of nutrients. jennifer.paige@fbcpublishing.com

briefs

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola contains the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil and thiamethoxam. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola plus Vibrance® is a combination of two separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil, thiamethoxam, and sedaxane. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn (fungicides and insecticide) is a combination of four separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, and clothianidin. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn (fungicides only) is a combination of three separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin and ipconazole. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn with Poncho®/ VoTivo™ (fungicides, insecticide and nematicide) is a combination of five separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, clothianidin and Bacillus firmus strain I-1582. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for soybeans (fungicides and insecticide) is a combination of four separate individually registered products, which together contain the active ingredients fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, metalaxyl and imidacloprid. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for soybeans (fungicides only) is a combination of three separate individually registered products, which together contain the active ingredients fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin and metalaxyl. Acceleron and Design®, Acceleron®, DEKALB and Design®, DEKALB®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity®, JumpStart®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Transorb®, Roundup WeatherMAX®, Roundup®, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax®, Transorb®, VT Double PRO®, and VT Triple PRO® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Used under license. Vibrance® and Fortenza® are registered trademarks of a Syngenta group company. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. Poncho® and Votivo™ are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

2016 Forage Seed Conference and AGM Victoria Inn, Winnipeg

January 10 & 11, 2016 The Manitoba Forage Seed Association invites you to their Annual Forage Seed Conference and AGM. A range of topics will be covered dealing with various aspects of growing and managing forage and turf seed crops. This year’s conference is featuring: • Tank Mixing to Delay Weed Resistance • Enhancing Seed Yield with Plant Growth Regulators • Oregon Grass Seed Bargaining Association • Alfalfa Fungicide Screening Study • MFSA Research, Kevin Gulay • New Trends in Farm Equipment A full agenda and registration information is available at www.forageseed.net or contact MFSA @ 204-376-3309. Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11 at 8:00 am, Breakfast Buffet

Australia wheat regains market share Singapore / Reuters / Australian wheat is making a comeback in Asia, with buyers in the region locking in supplies for early 2016, as prices have dropped below that of cargoes from the United States and Canada. “Australia is one of the cheapest origins right now, we have seen buyers switch back to Australian wheat,” said a manager at an international trading company in Singapore. “If you look at the value it is even cheaper than Black Sea cargoes.” Australian wheat producers had been losing market share in Asia to rivals from Black Sea.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

To spur farmer selling, Prairie oat prices move higher

Conservatives call on Liberals to move forward on TPP

Processors hope to coax better-quality oats into the marketplace

By Alex Binkley

But Chrystia Freeland says the deal is not yet ready to sign Co-operator contributor

BY JADE MARKUS CNS Canada

r a i r i e o a t p r i c e s a re ticking upward as buyers tr y to coax far me r s i n t o a s l ow market — but prices, most notably in Saskatchewan, may need to move further before that happens. “Prices are below expectations, and in some instances quality is below what the market is willing to accept at this point,” said Ryan McKnight, grain merchandising manager for Linear Grain. He said most quality issues stem from northern Saskatchewan where producers are seeing sprouting and groat damage, which in some cases has resulted in rejected rail cars. “The industry needs to sort out what they can and can’t use,” McKnight said. “Some buyers have tolerances for certain amounts of that, and others don’t.” Manitoba has seen an uptick in local farmer selling as the province has moved past psychological pr icing triggers — “but not a whole lot out of Saskatchewan at this point,” McKnight said. “Oat marketing has been a little slower than we would like.” Delivered elevator oat prices fall between $2.37 and $2.67 in Saskatchewan, $2.87 and $3.10 in Manitoba, and $2.70 and $3.16 in Alberta, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. “ We’re a little way away from what producers would like at this point,” McKnight said. Slower-than-expected m ove m e n t o ut of Wester n Canada has also been reflected in stronger Minneapolis basis prices, said Randy Strychar, a Vancouver oat market analyst at Ag Commodity Research. T h e Ma rc h Mi n n e a p o l i s basis level for oats is between 1 0 t o 5 5 c e n t s a b ov e t h e futures, according to USDA. “It’s re s u l t i n g i n h i g h e r prices across Western Canada, because as you move the basis levels up higher, it pushes the flat prices up higher,” Strychar said.

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

Advertise in the Manitoba Co-operator Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

1-800-782-0794

he Trudeau government won’t be pressured by the Conservatives or business lobbies into ratifying the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal until the public has been consulted about it, says Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland. She told Conservative trade critic Gerry Ritz in the Commons that the deal is not even open yet for ratification or a signature. A tentative agreement was reached among 12 countries during the Oct. 19 election campaign. Trade experts have said the TPP deal, which hinges on U.S. congressional approval, likely won’t have to be approved until 2017. The Liberal government supports free trade, Freeland said. “We understand that on a deal this big, it is essential to consult Canadians and have a full parliamentary

debate.” The Liberals have yet to indicate how they plan to consult the public. Ritz worked on the TPP negotiations as agriculture minister in the former government. He has called on Freeland “to stop stalling and sign the deal.” He has also criticized her for saying it’s not her job to promote the TPP deal. Jacques Gourde, the Conservatives deputy agriculture critic, challenged Freeland to support a Conservative promise to compensate dairy and poultry farmers for economic losses the TPP might cause. She replied that the Trudeau government is “committed to ensuring full transparency and having a full debate in Parliament. We will stand up for Canadian farmers.” She and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay have personally assured farmers on trade issues. Gourde accused the Liberals of “ignoring the problems facing farmers. The speech from the throne did not contain a single word, let alone a paragraph, about agricul-

ture. The Liberals have banned the words agriculture, farmer and agri-food from their vocabulary.” Freeland noted that MacAulay is a former potato farmer while her parents and grandparents were ranchers in Peace River, Alberta. “We are on the side of Canada’s producers. We are in their corner.” Freeland heated up the TPP debate during a presentation on the trade deal during one of the seemingly endless string of academic and business discussions about it in Ottawa. At that point, she said it was not her job to promote the deal, which basically is what the Liberals said during the election campaign. Ritz accused Freeland of “showing an alarming lack of urgency to support Canadian business by ratifying the milestone TPP. “An extended period of Liberal navel-gazing over the TPP, or over whether they support free trade at all, will do nothing to help the Canadian economy,” Ritz said.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

World climate accord hailed as turning point from fossil fuels

The new text is ambitious and balanced, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says BY ALISTER DOYLE AND BARBARA LEWIS Paris / Reuters

he global climate summit in Paris forged a landmark agreement Dec. 12, setting the course for a historic transformation of the world’s fossil fueldriven economy within decades in a bid to arrest global warming. After four years of fraught U.N. talks often pitting the interests of rich nations against poor, imperiled island states against rising economic powerhouses, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius declared the pact adopted, to the standing applause and whistles of delegates from almost 200 nations. “With a small hammer you can achieve great things,” Fabius said as he gavelled the agreement, capping two weeks of tense negotiations at the summit on the outskirts of the French capital.

A first Hailed as the first truly global climate deal, committing both rich and poor nations to reining in rising emissions blamed for warming the planet, it sets out a sweeping, long-term goal of eliminating net man-made greenhouse gas output this century. “It is a victory for all of the planet and for future generations,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who led the U.S. negotiations in Paris. “We have set a course here. The world has come together around an agreement that will empower us to chart a new path for our planet, a smart and responsible path, a sustainable path.” It also creates a system to encourage nations to step up voluntary domestic efforts to curb emissions, and provides billions more dollars to help poor nations cope with the transition to a greener economy powered by renewable energy. Calling it “ambitious and balanced,” Fabius said the accord would mark a “historic turning point” in efforts to avert the potentially disastrous consequences of an overheated planet. The final agreement included a more ambitious objective of restraining the rise in temperatures to “well below” 2 C above pre-industrial levels, a mark scientists fear could be a tipping point for the climate. Until now the line was drawn only at 2 C. In some ways, its success was assured before the summit began: 187 nations have submitted detailed national plans for how they will contain the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, commitments that are the core of the Paris deal.

Diesel prices remain high across Prairies Lower crude oil values aren’t reflected in diesel costs in West BY DAVE SIMS CNS Canada

A woman walks past a map showing the elevation of the sea in the last 22 years during the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) at Le Bourget, near Paris December 11, 2015. photo: REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

While leaving each country to pursue those measures on its own, the agreement finally sets a common vision and course of action after years of bickering over how to move forward. “This agreement establishes a clear path to decarbonize the global economy within the lifetimes of many people alive today,” said Paul Polman, the CEO of consumer goods maker Unilever and a leading advocate for sustainable business practices. Polman said it will “drive real change in the real economy.”

Turning point Many of the estimated 30,000 officials, academics and campaigners who set up camp on the outskirts of Paris say they see it as a long-overdue turning point. Six years after the previous climate summit in Copenhagen ended in failure and acrimony, the Paris pact appears to have rebuilt much of the trust required for a concerted global effort to combat climate change, delegates said. “Whereas we left Copenhagen scared of what comes next, we’ll leave Paris inspired to keep fighting,” said David Turnbull of Oil Change International, a research and advocacy organization opposed to fossil fuel production. Most climate activists reacted positively, encouraged by long-term targets that were more ambitious than they expected, while warning it was only the first step of many. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the last

major climate deal reached in 1997, the Paris pact will also not be a fully legally binding treaty, something that would almost certainly fail to pass the U.S. Congress. In a win for vulnerable low-lying nations who had portrayed the summit as the last chance to avoid the existential threat of rising seas, nations would “pursue efforts” to limit the rise in temperatures to 1.5 C (2.7 F), as they had hoped.

Road map While scientists say pledges thus far could see global temperatures rise by as much as 3.7 C (6.7 F), the agreement also lays out a road map for checking up on progress. The first “stocktake” would occur in 2023, with further reviews every five years to steadily increase or “ratchet up” those measures. And for the first time, the world has agreed on a longer-term aspiration for reaching a peak in greenhouse emissions “as soon as possible” and achieving a balance between output of manmade greenhouse gases and absorption — by forests or the oceans — by the second half of this century. It a l s o re q u i re s r i c h n a t i o n s t o maintain a $100-billion-a-year funding pledge beyond 2020, and use that figure as a “floor” for further support agreed by 2025, providing greater financial security to developing nations as they wean themselves away from coal-fired power.

hile the price of crude oil continues to decline across North American markets, diesel remains stubbornly high in Western Canada. Prices are equal to gasoline, or in some cases, exceeding them by as much as 10 cents in some Saskatchewan and Manitoba locations. “Diesel production in the West has been crimped by months of turnaround issues and heavy focus on gasoline,” said Dan McTeague of GasBuddy.com. Some of the distribution problems diesel encountered in 2015 included a leaking Enbridge pipeline in Alberta as well as a broken crude distillation unit at Whiting, Indiana, which carries 413,000 barrels of crude a day. “In Western Canada, refineries have not produced as much as expected and this is the time of year prices go up” traditionally, McTeague said. Ac c o rd i n g t o Mc Te a g u e, the price of low-sulphur diesel in the U.S. is now around US$1.35-$1.40 a gallon. “When you convert that, it’s just a little bit under what we’ve been seeing for Canadian diesel prices… so there is a regional problem with diesel production, unless you’re on the East Coast,” he said. Currencies’ rises and falls will continue to impact price, said McTeague. “It’s important to note that all of our energy is priced in U.S. dollars, so we’ve seen prices remain significantly higher than one would expect, given where crude is at.” Canada’s weakened currency doesn’t mean we get the same advantages Americans do on their production of diesel, according to McTeague. “ They’re actually seeing declines in prices in ways that Canadians have not,” he said. The high-demand season traditionally runs from now until April, and McTeague said anyone buying now will run into a heavily hedged market. Fortunately, he said, the unseasonably warm temperatures now seen across most of Western Canada should help reduce the pressure on prices. “Given El Niño, and what appears to be the emergence of warmer weather, it likely won’t have the same type of shock and impact we’ve seen in previous years.”

“In Western Canada, refineries have not produced as much as expected and this is the time of year prices go up.” Dan McTeague GasBuddy.com

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

P&H plans new Hamilton bulk flour mill

A Prairie sunrise

The Winnipeg firm’s new $45-million dockside mill will get Ontario provincial backing STAFF

ith public funds in hand, Winnipeg agrif o o d f i r m Pa r r i s h & Heimbecker is set to build Ontario’s first new flour mill in three-quarters of a century, near the company’s grain terminal in Hamilton. The Ontario government on Dec. 7 pledged a $5-million investment from the Food and Beverage Growth Fund arm of its $2.5-abillion Jobs and Prosper ity Fund for P&H’s planned bulk mill. The company’s P&H Milling division will invest $40 million, the province said. The new mill will be built on Hamilton’s Pier 10, where P&H already operates a unique twin-domed grain terminal. Local media quoted company officials as saying the new facility will be up in late 2016. The mill site will include “state-of-the-art” equipment and more grain and flour storage, the province said. The expansion is expected to allow P&H to process 25 per cent more grain and boost its annual intake of Ontario wheat by more than 10 per cent, the province added. P&H is already Ontario’s biggest flour miller and Canada’s second biggest, with Ontario mills at Cambridge, A c t o n a n d Ha n ov e r, p l u s mills at Montreal, Halifax, Lethbridge and Saskatoon. The pr ivately held grain firm has been in flour milling since 1964, when it bought Hanover’s Knechtel Milling, followed by Ellison Milling at Lethbridge in 1975, Saskatoon pulse and grain p ro c e s s o r Pa rr heim Foods in 1989 and Hayhoe Mills at Vaughan, Ont. in 2007. The Vaughan mill was lost to fire the following year. The flour mills at Acton, S a s k a t o o n , Mo n t r e a l a n d Halifax came to P&H in 2009, in a $99-million deal for the 75 per cent of Burlington, Ont.-based Dover Industries that the Winnipeg firm didn’t already own. T h e c o m p a n y ’s p r o d u c t lines include hard red spring wheat flour for breads, soft winter wheat flour for cakes and cookies, semolina for p a s t a , o r g a n i c f l o u r, r y e flour and atta flour for chappati. The Parrheim plant at Saskatoon also mills pea fractions and barley beta-glucan. The province said Dec. 7 a new Hamilton mill will boost P&H Milling’s productivity and competitiveness, create 16 new jobs and help retain over 200 Ontario jobs. T h e Fo o d a n d B e v e r a g e Growth Fund, launched in January 2015, offers grants or loans covering up to 20 per cent of costs for food and beverage processing and bioproduct projects. A qualifying project must have at least $5 million in total eligible costs.

The early-morning sun casts a rosy glow onto grain bins near Roseisle December 9. Photo: Laura Rance

Blue Works!

Last chance to buy a new 2015 LEMKEN compact disc, cultivator, or seeder at year-end prices! Our dealers are clearing out all 2015 LEMKEN models to make room for our 2016 inventory. Buy now at year-end pricing and finance your new LEMKEN equipment at 0% interest for one year (some conditions apply).

Ask your dealer for a quote today! DENNILL’S AGRICENTER Dewberry Vegreville

(780) 847-3974 (780) 632-2514

HANLON AG CENTRE Lethbridge

(403) 329-8686

PENTAGON FARM CENTRE Lacombe Red Deer Leduc Westlock

(403) 782-6873 (403) 346-1815 (780) 387-4747 (780) 349-3113

www.LEMKEN.ca

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Cash crunch may pressure U.S. farmers to crack bins

Knocking on wood

U.S. farm incomes are expected to decline to a 13-year low BY NIGEL HUNT London/Reuters

alling incomes in the U.S. will make it more challenging for farmers to hold stocks as they wait for prices to recover from curre n t d e p re s s e d l e v e l s, t h e U . S . Department of Agriculture’s chief economist Robert Johansson said. “Now (U.S.) producers are holding more stocks waiting for a better price but we’ve seen that farm incomes are coming down so the ability to hold that crop without selling it is somewhat limited,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of a food conference at London’s Chatham House. U.S. farm incomes are expected to drop in 2015 to a 13-year low due to weaker crop and livestock prices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said last month. Wo r l d f o o d p r i c e s h a v e b e e n dragged down by a strong dollar and ample supplies. A monthly index of prices put out by the United Nations food agency earlier this month was 18 per cent lower than a year earlier. The strength of the dollar had added to the challenge faced by U.S. producers and exporters. “If you look at the last year and a half, the dollar has appreciated remarkably against our competitor currencies. Our grains, oilseeds and livestock producers are really getting

hammered by the high dollar value,” Johansson said. In contrast, local currencies in rival exporters such as Brazil and the European Union have been weak. “In Brazil, producers of maize and soybeans are seeing prices (in local currency terms) that are similar to historic prices we had three or four years ago,” he said. “They have an incentive to continue increasing production. Our producers are facing a harder export environment.” USDA is always looking to improve the accuracy of its forecasts, he said, though he saw little immediate role for devices such as combinemounted yield monitors. “I have a couple of projects out there looking to see how that could affect our provision of information,” he said. “As we move forward I would imagine that data would become better. We will continue to evaluate it but right now we are pretty happy with how NASS (National Agricultural Statistics Service) is doing its field s u r v e y s i n t h e Un i t e d St a t e s ,” Johansson said. He also saw no major role for drones. “Drones right now are able to detect pest outbreaks in fields so you could argue they would be very good for USDA; it is just that the coverage is too spotty,” he said.

This pileated woodpecker was spotted near Grunthal. photo: hermina janz

HOW CUSTOMERS USE CANADIAN FIELD CROPS

Pasta in Italy is made with durum – or else! The best pasta is made with durum wheat, just ask Italy. A decree from the President of Italy in 2001 declared that Italian pasta manufacturers are forbidden by law to use any wheat other than durum in dried pasta for domestic consumption. That’s a good thing for Canada, the world’s leading exporter of high quality durum wheat.

cigi.ca

Canadian International Grains Institute

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

Monsantobacked panel says glyphosate not carcinogenic The herbicide’s manufacturer disputes a report by the WHO’s cancer research agency BY KARL PLUME Reuters

panel of scientists is disputing a World Health Organization report published earlier this year that concluded glyphosate, the world’s most widely used weed killer and main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, is probably carcinogenic to humans. The 16-member panel, assembled by Intertek Scientific and Regulatory Consultancy, was to present its findings to the annual meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis on Dec. 7, aiming to publish the study at a later date after peer review. Monsanto paid Intertek for the panel’s work. The group said the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) misinterpreted or incorrectly weighted some of the data it reviewed and ignored other data before classifying glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen, according to an abstract of its findings. “Thus, none of the results from a very large database, using different methodologies, provides evidence of, or a potential mechanism for, human carcinogenesis,” the abstract said. The panel’s assessment is similar to that of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which in November said glyphosate was not likely carcinogenic. IARC was not immediately available for comment. The U.S. government says the herbicide is considered safe. In 2013, Monsanto requested and received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for increased tolerance levels for glyphosate. Critics say industrylinked scientists are downplaying the risk to human health and trying to discredit the IARC report by casting doubt on some of the scientific studies that it reviewed. Ten of the 16 scientists on the Intertek panel have been consultants for Monsanto in the past and two others are former Monsanto employees, according to a roster published on Monsanto’s website. “IARC’s goal was just to score the cancer hazard, that’s it. They’ve looked at all the data and they have really convincing evidence,” said Jennifer Sass, senior scientist with the National Resources Defense Council.

Australia blocks foreign bids for largest farm owner Cattle producer Kidman sought to sell up to 25 million acres BY LINCOLN FEAST AND COLIN PACKHAM Sydney/Reuters

ustralia on Nov. 19 blocked the sale of the country’s largest landowner, private farming group S. Kidman and Co., to foreign investors, saying an agricultural area the size of South Korea should remain in Australian hands. Ownership of farmland is a sensitive political issue in Australia amid concerns that foreign buyers are snapping up properties to cash in on a boom in food demand from Asia. S. Kidman and Co.’s 10 cattle stations cover more than 100,000 sq. km (25 million acres) of land spread across Western Australia, the Northern Territor y, Queensland and South Australia.

“… it would be contrary to Australia’s national interest for a foreign person to acquire S. Kidman and Co. in its current form.” Scott Morrison Australian treasurer

The privately owned company said in April it was looking to sell its cattle operations, which hold an average herd of 185,000 cattle, to raise cash for other businesses and investments. Local media reported that two Chinese companies, Genius Link Asset and Shanghai Pengxin, were leading the race to secure S. Kidman in a deal expected to be worth about A$350 million (C$335 million). S. Kidman’s largest station, Anna Creek, is partly located on

the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA), a weapons testing range in South Australia. “Given the size and significance of the total portfolio of Kidman properties along with the national security issues around access to the WPA, I have determined, after taking advice from FIRB, that it would be contrary to Australia’s national interest for a foreign person to acquire S. Kidman and Co. in its current form,” treasurer Scott Morrison said in a statement.

S. Kidman was not immediately available for comment. Morrison said all bidders had now withdrawn their FIRB applications and it was up to the vendor to decide how to proceed with the sale of the business or parts of it. Concerned it is losing control of its food security, Australia in February slashed the amount beyond which land purchases w o u l d re q u i re re g u l a t o r y approval and said a registry of foreign landownership would be set up. From March 1, foreign purchases of agricultural land over A$15 million (C$14.3 million) are subject to regulatory approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board. In 2013, Australia rejected a takeover of grain handler GrainCorp by U.S. giant Archer Daniels Midland.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

FARMER'S

MARKETPLACE selling?

Call to place your classified ad in the next issue: 1-800-782-0794 FAX your classified ads to: 204-954-1422 · Or eMAiL your classified ads to: mbclassifieds@fbcpublishing.com

Classification

Index Tributes/Memoriams Announcements Airplanes Alarms & Security Systems AntiqUes – Antiques For Sale – Antique Equipment – Antique Vehicles – Antiques Wanted

Your guide to the Classification Categories and sub-listings within this section.

BUiLding & renovAtions – Building Supplies – Concrete Repair – Doors & Windows – Electrical & Plumbing – Insulation – Lumber – Roofing Buildings Business Machines Business Opportunities

Arenas AUCtion sALes – MB Auction Parkland – MB Auction Westman – MB Auction Interlake – MB Auction Red River – SK Auction – AB Auction Peace – AB Auction North – AB Auction Central – AB Auction South – BC Auction – Auction Various – U.S. Auctions

BUsiness serviCes – Crop Consulting – Financial & Legal – Insurance/Investments Butchers Supply Chemicals Clothing/Work wear Clothing/Western /Specialty wear Collectibles Compressors Computers

Auction Schools AUto & trAnsport – Auto Service & Repairs – Auto & Truck Parts – Autos – Trucks – Semi Trucks & Trailers – Sport Utilities – Vans – Vehicles Various – Vehicles Wanted BeeKeeping – Honey Bees – Cutter Bees – Bee Equipment

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

Belting Biodiesel Equipment Books & Magazines

tiLLAge & seeding – Air Drills – Air Seeders – Harrows & Packers – Seeding Various – Tillage Equipment – Tillage 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

– Fertilizer Equipment – 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

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

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 – Accessories

LAndsCAping – Greenhouses – Lawn & Garden LivestoCK Cattle – Cattle Auctions – Angus – Black Angus – Red Angus – Aryshire – Belgian Blue – Blonde d’Aquitaine – Brahman

sprAYing eqUipMent – Sprayers – Various

– 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 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 poultry – Poultry For Sale – Poultry Wanted Sheep – Sheep Auction – Arcott – Columbia – Dorper – Dorset – Katahdin – Lincoln – Suffolk – Texel Sheep – Sheep For Sale – Sheep Wanted Swine – Swine Auction – Swine For Sale – Swine Wanted Speciality – Alpacas – Bison (Buffalo) – Deer – Elk – Goats – Llama – Rabbits – Emu/Ostrich/Rhea – Yaks – Various Livestock Equipment Livestock Services & Vet Supplies Misc. Articles For Sale Misc. Articles Wanted Musical Notices On-Line Services 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 – Acreages/Hobby Farms – Manitoba – Saskatchewan – Alberta – British Columbia – Pastureland – Farms/Ranches Wanted reCreAtionAL vehiCLes – All Terrain Vehicles – Boats & Water – Campers & Trailers – Golf Carts – Motor Homes – Motorcycles – Snowmobiles Recycling Refrigeration Restaurant Supplies Sausage Equipment Sawmills Scales CertiFied seed – Cereal Seeds – Forage Seeds – Oilseeds – Pulse Crops – Specialty Crops 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

✁

Classified Ad Order Form MAiL TO: Manitoba Co-operator, Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7

FAX to:

204-954-1422

Name: __________________________________________________________

phone in: TOLL FREE IN CANADA:

1-800-782-0794

Phone #: ______________________________

Postal Code: _________________________

pLeAse print YoUr Ad BeLoW:

Classification: ___________________________ ❏ I would like to take advantage of the Prepayment Bonus of 2 FREE weeks when I prepay for 3 weeks. No. of words _________________ x $0.45 x VISA

❏

MASTERCARD

No. of weeks _______________________ = ____________________ Minimum charge $11.25 per week Minus 10% if prepaying: ______________________

Card No. Expiry Date:

Add 5% GST: ______________________

Signature: _______________________________________________

TOTAL: ______________________

Published by Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 WINNIPEG OFFICE Manitoba Co-operator 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-782-0794 Phone 204-954-1415 in Winnipeg FAX 204-954-1422 Mailing Address: Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7

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 Manitoba Co-operator shall not be held liable. It is also agreed that in the event of an error appearing in the published advertisement, the Manitoba Co-operator 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.

(unless otherwise stated)

Advertising rAtes & inForMAtion REgulAR ClASSIfIED

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

❏

NOON on THURSDAYS

Or (204) 954-1415 in Winnipeg

Address: ___________________________________________ Town: _____________________________________________ Province: ____________________________

ADVERTiSiNG DEADLiNE:

CAUTION The Manitoba Co-operator, 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 Informa-

tion 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 1-800-782-0794. The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to Manitoba Co-operator and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Manitoba Co-operator and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well as Manitoba Co-operator 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.

• Minimum charge — $11.25 per week for first 25 words or less and an additional 45 cents per word for every word over 25. Additional bolding 75 cents per word. GST is extra. • 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your ad you must pay with VISA or MasterCard to qualify for discount. • Prepayment Bonus: Prepay for 3 weeks & get a bonus of 2 weeks; bonus weeks run consecutively & cannot be used separately from original ad; additions & changes accepted only during first 3 weeks. • Ask about our Priority Placement. • 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, Manitoba Co-operator, Box 9800, Winnipeg, R3C 3K7. • Your complete name and address must be submitted to our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential and will not appear in the ad unless requested.) DISplAy ClASSIfIED • Advertising copy deviating in any way from the regular classified style will be considered display and charged at the display rate of $32.20 per column inch ($2.30 per agate line). • Minimum charge $32.20 per week + $5.00 for online per week. • Illustrations and logos are allowed with full border. • Spot color: 25% of ad cost, with a minimum charge of $15.00. • Advertising rates are flat with no discount for frequency of insertion or volume of space used. • Telephone orders accepted • Price quoted does not include GST. All classified ads are non-commissionable.

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

AUCTION DISTRICTS Parkland – North of Hwy 1; west of PR 242, following the west shore of Lake Manitoba and east shore of Lake Winnipegosis. Westman – South of Hwy 1; west of PR 242. Interlake – North of Hwy 1; east of PR 242, following the west shore of Lake Manitoba and east shore of Lake Winnipegosis. Red River – South ofHwy 1; east of PR 242.

The Pas

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS Doors & Windows

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories NEW & USED TRACTOR PARTS NEW COMBINE PARTS Large Inventory of new and remanufactured parts

Birch River

Swan River Minitonas Durban

Serving Manitoba, Saskatchewan, NW Ontario & Alberta....Since 1937

Winnipegosis

Roblin

Dauphin

Grandview

Ashern

Gilbert Plains

Fisher Branch

Ste. Rose du Lac Russell

Parkland

Birtle

Riverton Eriksdale

McCreary

Lundar Gimli

Shoal Lake

Langruth

Minnedosa Neepawa

Gladstone

Rapid City

Melita

Brandon

Carberry

Waskada

Killarney

Pilot Mound Crystal City

Elm Creek

Sanford

Ste. Anne

Carman

Mariapolis

Lac du Bonnet

Beausejour

Winnipeg

Austin Treherne

Westman Boissevain

Stonewall Selkirk

Portage

Souris

Reston

Interlake

Erickson

Hamiota

Virden

Arborg

St. Pierre

242

Morris Winkler Morden

Altona

Steinbach

Red River

AUCTION SALES AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake

McSherry Auction Service Ltd. We would like to Thank all our Auction Friends of 2015. We look forward to seeing you in 2016.

• Quality Commercial/Agricultural/Residential Overhead Doors & Operators. • Aluminum Polycarbonate Doors Available. • Non-Insulated and Insulated Sectional Doors Available. • Liftmaster Heavy Duty Operators. • Mullion Slide Away Centre Posts. • Commercial/Agricultural Steel Man Doors and Frames. • Your washbay door specialists. • Quality Installation & Service. • 24 Hour Service. • Replacement Springs & Cables.

Phone: 204-326-4556 Fax: 204-326-5013 Toll Free: 1-855-326-4556 www.reimeroverheaddoors.com email: kurtis@reimeroverheaddoors.com BUILDING & RENOVATIONS Roofing

CONTRACTING Custom Work

PRICE TO CLEAR!!

CUSTOM ROUND BALE HAULING long haul, short haul, in MB, SK, AB. 2, 53-ft. deck trailers. Call or text for arrangements (204)851-2983.

75 truckloads 29 gauge full hard 100,000PSI high tensile roofing & siding. 16 colours to choose from.

All the Best in The New Year & Merry Christmas!

B-Gr. coloured......................70¢/ft.2

Also in stock low rib white 29 ga. ideal for archrib buildings BEAT THE PRICE INCREASES CALL NOW

2003 D-6-RXW SINGLE SHANK ripper. 28-in pads, A/C, Cab, diff steering, $85,000; 2000 D-6-R LGP. 16-ft 8-in dozer, cab, A/C, bush canopy, diff steering, winch, very clean, $85,000; 2007 D-6-N LGP crawler w/6-way dozer, A/C, cab, canopy, diff steering, ripper, extra clean, $96,000. 2004 D-6-N LGP crawler, 6-way dozer, A/C, cab, diff steering, Allied W6D winch, $86,000; 2008 CAT D-6-N LGP crawler tractor, 6-way dozer, A/C, cab, canopy, diff steering, cargo winch, $110,000. Phone:(204)871-0925.

FOUILLARD STEEL SUPPLIES LTD.

6 QUICK ATTACH EXCAVATOR buckets, some trenching & clean-up buckets, plus 6 excavator rippers, some Cat’s & WBM’s. (204)871-0925, MacGregor MB.

Multi-coloured millends.........49¢/ft.2

Ask about our blowout colours...65¢/ft.2

! AUTO & TRANSPORT AUTO & TRANSPORT Trucks DODGE 2006 DIESEL 2500, transmission needs repairs, 330,000-kms, new injectors 270,000-kms. gooseneck hitch, $8,500. Phone (204)248-2110.

To All Our Clients & Friends From Across Western Canada

ST. LAZARE, MB. 1-800-510-3303

BUILDINGS AFAB INDUSTRIES IS YOUR SUPERIOR post frame building company. For estimates and information call 1-888-816-AFAB(2322). Website: www.postframebuilding.com CONCRETE FLATWORK: Specializing in place & finish of concrete floors. Can accommodate any floor design. References available. Alexander, MB. 204-752-2069.

BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

FARM CHEMICAL / SEED COMPLAINTS

From Everyone at

We also specialize in: agricultural complaints of any nature; Crop ins. appeals; Spray drift; Chemical failure; Residual herbicide; Custom operator issues; Equip. malfunctions. Licensed Agrologist on Staff. For assistance and compensation call

Back-Track InvesTIgaTIons

1-855-326-4556

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

1-866-882-4779. www.backtrackcanada.com

FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY Grain Vacuums CURT’S GRAIN VAC SERVICES, parts & repair for all makes & models. Craik SK, (306)734-2228.

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories GOODS USED TRACTOR PARTS: (204)564-2528 or 1-877-564-8734, Roblin, MB. MURPHY SALVAGE New & used parts for tractors, combines, swathers, square & round balers, tillage, press drills & other misc machinery. MURPHY SALVAGE (204)858-2727 or toll free 1-877-858-2728.

FYFE PARTS

1-800-667-9871 •• Regina 1-800-667-9871 Regina 1-800-667-3095 •• Saskatoon 1-800-667-3095 Saskatoon 1-800-387-2768 • Winnipeg 1-800-667-3095 Manitoba 1-800-222-6594 •• Edmonton “For All Your Farm Parts”

www.fyfeparts.com AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland

STEINBACH, MB. Ph. 326-2443 Toll-Free 1-800-881-7727 Fax (204) 326-5878 Web site: farmparts.ca E-mail: roy@farmparts.ca The Real Used FaRm PaRTs sUPeRsToRe Over 2700 Units for Salvage • TRACTORS • COMBINES • SWATHERS • DISCERS Call Joe, leN oR daRWIN (306) 946-2222 monday-Friday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WATROUS SALVAGE WaTRoUs, sK. Fax: 306-946-2444

rbauction.com/farmauctions

FLEX PLATFORMS W/AIR REEL/AIR BAR. 2010 CIH 2020 Air Reel, 35-ft, Single point, $18,500 USD or $29,500 CAD. Also fits NH combine; 2002 CIH 1020 Air Reel, 25-ft, $15,800 USD or $23,900 CAD; 1997 CIH 1020 Air Reel, 30-ft, $12,900 USD or $18,900 CAD; 2003 NH 74C 30-ft, Single Point, Clipped PU teeth, $11,500 USD or $17,500 CAD; 2000 Agco Gleaner 800 Air Reel, 30-ft, $14,500 USD or $23,900 CAD; 2004 JD 635 Air Bar, 35-ft, Single Point, $16,500 or $22,500 CAD. 1998 JD 930 Air Reel, 30-ft, $12,500 USD or $18,900 CAD. Delivery included free of charge to AB, SK, MB if purchased by Dec. 31, 2015. All above platforms are field ready condition & most are reconditioned w/new PU teeth, new sickle, new poly skids, totally gone thru shop w/field ready guarantee. Reimer Farm Equipment Ltd. #12 Hwy, Steinbach, MB Please call Gary: (204)326-7000.

FOR SALE: 2012 SNOWBLAST Model 10800A 3-PT snowblower. VGC, all options, 12-ft+ wide, green/yellow. Wide enough to cover the duals on your tractor. $25,000 OBO. (701)389-1042, (204)649-2276, Pierson MB.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous 16-FT JOHN DEERE TANDEM disc model #310, $8,000 OBO; JOHN DEERE D TRACTOR, styled and on rubber, $5,000 OBO; GALLAND INDUSTRIAL ROAD GRADER, $6,000 OBO. Phone (204)526-2719, call or text (204)794-8550. 1999 GMC T8500 DSL tow truck, 20-ft tilt & wheel lift, $14,500; 1977 IHC 1700 SER w/Tyler fertilizer spreader $4,000; MF 2675, cab, dsl, w/Degelman dozer, A1; Sewer pump & tank for a truck; Ford Major dsl loader, snowblade, 3pth & bale spear. 1960 Edsel for re-building; Field Marshall & Bull Dog tractors, running. Phone:(306)236-8023. 2004 F-150 FORD 1/2-TON, 5.4 Titan auto, 4x4, Super-cab, new safety, 143,000-kms, Asking $6,000; Cockshutt 40 tractor w/mounted post pounder, good condition, Asking $2,750; 24-ft Ccan container, Asking $3,000 OBO. Phone:(204)728-1861. NEW GRAVITY WAGONS 400B, $7400; 600B, $12,500; 750B, $18,250. Large selection used wagons; 250-750 Bushel used grain carts, 475-1050 Bushel; PTO & Hydraulic drive Grainvacs: Brandt #4000, $8000; #4500, $8500; REM 2500 HD, $9500; Weigh wagon, $3500; Valmar #2420, $3000; #3255, $3500; #1620, #1655; Wishek discs: #842 14-ft, $25,000; #742 30-ft, $33,000; #842 30ft, $40,000; Land levellers 10-ft, $2450. Phone (204)857-8403.

Combines COMBINES Accessories 2012 JD 635, 35-FT Hydra Flex, $32,900; 2011 JD 635, 35-ft Hydra flex, $29,900; 2007 JD 635, 35-ft Hydra Flex, $22,900; 2005 JD 630, 30-ft Hydra Flex, $18,900; (2)2002 JD 930 F, 30-ft Flex, F/F auger, $17,500; 2000 JD 930 F, 30-ft Flex, F/F auger, $14,900; 1997 JD flex, 30-ft, $15,900; 1994 JD 930 Flex, 30-ft, $7,900; 1996 JD 925 Flex, 25-ft, $14,900; 1994 JD 925 Flex 25-ft, $7,900.Reimer Farm Equipment Ltd. #12 Hwy, Steinbach, MB. Please Call Gary: (204)326-7000.

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland

We would like to take this time to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and continued success in the New Year ! Steven Perrin Ritchie Bros. Territory Manager Western Manitoba 204.573.0993 | sperrin@rbauction.com

2008 NH 88C FLEX Draper, 42-ft, PU reel, poly skids, gauge wheels, reconditioned mint, $37,900; 1998 NH 973 Flex, 25-ft, $15,900; 1996 NH 973 Flex, 30-ft, $17,900; 2010 CIH 2020 Flex, 35-ft, gone thru shop, $25,900; 2008 CIH 2020 Flex, 30ft, reconditioned, $23,500; 2006 CIH 2020 Flex, 30ft, $16,900. All 2020 CIH heads also fit NH combines. 1996 CIH 1020 Flex, 25-ft & 30-ft, reconditioned, $14,900; 2001 CIH 1020 Flex, 30-ft, reconditioned, $16,900; 1996 Agco Gleaner 500 Flex 25ft, reconditioned, $14,900, 2000 Agco Gleaner 8000 Flex, 30-ft, reconditioned, $23,900; 2008 Agco Gleaner 8200 Flex 35-ft, F/F auger, $27,900; 2010 Agco MF 8200 Flex, 35-ft, F/F auger, reconditioned, $27,900. Free delivery included to AB, SK, MB if purchased by Dec. 31, 2015. Reimer Farm Equipment Ltd. #12 Hwy, Steinbach, MB. Please call Gary:(204)326-7000.

FARM MACHINERY Snowblowers/Plows

Happy Holidays!

Brad Goossen Ritchie Bros. Territory Manager Eastern Manitoba 204.781.2336 | bgoossen@rbauction.com

COMBINES Accessories

HEADER TRAILERS & ACCESSORIES. Arc-Fab Industries. 204-355-9595 charles@arcfab.ca www.arcfab.ca

Tillage & Seeding TILLAGE & SEEDING Seeding Various CERTIFIED CONVENTIONAL CM440 GRAZING CORN. Early maturing, leafier for increased grazing yield. No planter required. Swath or stand graze cattle, sheep, bison & for wildlife food plots. Early booking discounts til Dec. 31. CanaMaize Seed Inc., 1-877-262-4046, www.canamaize.com JD 7200 8RN, VACUUM planter, needs reconditioning, w/o fertilizer, $7,900; JD 7200 8RN, vacuum planter, liquid fertilizer, pull type, field ready, $16,900; JD 7200 Folding 12 RN, vacuum planter, w/o fertilizer, reconditioned, $18,900. Call me for any of your planter needs as more planters are arriving & my supplier has all sizes, models & makes available. Delivery available. Reimer Farm Equipment Ltd. #12 Hwy, Steinbach, MB. Please Call Gary:(204)326-7000.

TILLAGE & SEEDING Tillage Various JD PLANTER MODEL 1280 8 row 30-in. row fertilizer box, corn plates, $1,200; NH Mixmill Model 358, 540 RPM, bale feeder, 20-ft. unloading auger, $4,000. Both stored inside. (204)838-2397

TracTors TRACTORS Case/IH FOR SALE: VA CASE 1949, pully, PTO, good rubber, good running condition. Phone (204)641-0204, Arborg MB.

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

TRACTORS John Deere FOR SALE: JD 2750 MFWD, CAH, 3-pt, 2 hyd’s, w/245 loader; JD 2950 2WD, CAH, 3-pt, 2 hyd’s; 2 JD 4050 MFWD, 3-pt, PS, w/o loaders; JD 4640 Quad, 3 hyd’s; JD 6420 MFWD, 3-pt, PQ w/LHR, 2,900-hrs; JD 7410 MFWD, 3-pt, 3-hyd’s, PQ w/LHR, w/740 loader; JD 7610 MFWD, 3-pt, PQ w/LHR, w/740 FEL; JD 7700 MFWD, 3-pt, PQ, fact. duals, w/740 FEL, grapple. All tractors can be sold with new or used loaders. Now a Husqvarna dealer, with a full line of Husqvarna Equipment. Mitch’s Tractor Sales Ltd. St. Claude, MB. Phone: (204)750-2459 (cell) Mitchstractorsales.com

1-800-782-0794

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

LIVESTOCK Cattle Various

The Icynene Insulation System®

80 BRED HEIFERS. Black Angus & Angus Hereford cross. Bred to calving ease Black Angus bulls. Late February, March calving. From a range calving herd. Preg check with all shots. Ph:(204)873-2525 morning or evenings.

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

www.penta.ca

LIVESTOCK Cattle Wanted

TRACTORS 2-Wheel Drive STEVE’S TRACTOR REBUILDER specializing in JD tractors in need of repair or burnt, or will buy for parts. JD parts available. Phone: 204-466-2927 or cell: 204-871-5170, Austin.

TRACTORS Various 276 FORD BI-DIRECTIONAL 3-PTH & PTO on both ends, 20-hrs on new engine, new tires, $28,000. Phone (204)625-5225, (204)625-2702. FOR SALE: 1370 WHITE tractor (Fiat), 65-hp, FWA, 3-pth, White FEL & home built grapple, & 9-ft blade. $8,500. Phone:(204)546-2299.

1-800-587-4711

300-700 LBS. Steers & Heifers Rob: 528-3254, 724-3400 Ben: 721-3400

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 www.bigtractorparts.com TRACTORS Various

IRON & STEEL FREE STANDING CORRAL PANELS, Feeders & Alley ways, 30ft or order to size. Oil Field Pipe: 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 1 7/8, 2-in, 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3 1/2. Sucker Rod: 3/4, 7/8, 1. Casing Pipes: 4-9inch. Sold by the piece or semi load lots. For special pricing call Art (204)685-2628 or cell (204)856-3440.

800-1000 LBS. Steers & Heifers Don: 528-3477, 729-7240

Contact: D.J. (Don) MacDonald Livestock Ltd. License #1110

LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK Cattle Auctions

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Angus

Hwy #205, Grunthal • (204) 434-6519

Season’s Greetings from the owners and staff

Mark your calendars for the SUNSET RIDGE RED ANGUS COMPLETE DISPERSAL, Sat., Dec. 19, 1:00PM at Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB. Selling 50 cow/calf pairs, 15 bred heifers & 2 herd bulls. Wintering program & terms available on all bull calves. For a catalogue, or more info, Contact Nancy Howatt:(204)825-8292 or T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd:(306)220-5006. View the catalogue online at www.BuyAgro.com (PL#116061).

GRUNTHAL, MB.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Black Angus

REGULAR TUESDAY CATTLE SALES

I WANT TO RETIRE. For Sale: small herd of 20 PB registered cows & 5 heifers. Wanted: Pasture to rent for 2016 near Shoal Lake, MB. Phone: (204)759-2412.

For on farm appraisal of livestock or for marketing information please call

LIVESTOCK Horses For Sale BLACK QUARTER HORSE STALLION, bred mares & open mares, several saddle horses. Phone (306)435-3634

LIVESTOCK Swine Wanted

Round up the cash! Advertise your unwanted equipment in the Manitoba Co-operator classifieds.

AGENT FOR T.E.A.M. MARKETING

start back up on January 5th, 2016 at 9:00 am

WANTED: BUTCHER HOGS SOWS AND BOARS FOR EXPORT

Advertise your unwanted equipment in the Classifieds. Call our toll-free number and place your ad with our friendly staff, and don’t forget to ask about our prepayment bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and get 2 weeks free! 1-800-782-0794.

P. QUINTAINE & SON LTD. 728-7549 Licence No. 1123

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Simmental

2 HORSE BOBSLEIGHS, W/POLE, double tree, 3-yrs old, 2.5-in steam-bent runners; 1 pony bob-sleigh; 1 horse cutter complete w/shaft & tree. Call Leon (204)866-4141.

WWW.GRUNTHALLIVESTOCK.COM

TRACTORS Various

MB. Livestock Dealer #1111

12V. or Hydraulic Electronic Scale Opt.

1 877 695 2532 www.ezefeeder.ca

MUSICAL CD’S, GOSPEL & FIDDLING. 48 bass accordion, $699; Ukuleles $35-$200, Student guitars $79.95-$200; Electric guitars $129.95; Amps $69.95; Corg piano $525; Harmonicas $10-$225; 5 string banjo $229-$999; Violins $89.95-$899; Drum set $400; Hildebrand Music, Portage La Prairie mall. Phone:(204)857-3172. Call our toll-free number to take advantage of our Prepayment Bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and we’ll run your ad 2 more weeks for free. That’s 5 weeks for the price of 3. Call 1-800-782-0794 today!

PERSONAL SINGLE NON-SMOKER, YOUNG SENIOR, seeking a meaningful relationship with serious, loving & honest lady interested in country living in clean newer house to call home. Reply to Ad# 1026, c/o Manitoba Co-operator, Box 9800, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7 TIME TO APPRECIATE RELATIONSHIPS... Life is Meant to be Shared. We are Here to Help You. CANDLELIGHT MATCHMAKERS. Confidential, Rural, Photos and Profiles to selected matches, Affordable, Local. Serving MB, SK, NW-Ontario. Call/Write for info: Box 212, Roland, MB, R0G 1T0, www.candlelightmatchmakers.ca (204)343-2475.

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Houses & Lots MARVIN HOMES INC- Ready to Move Home Builder since 1976. Book now for 2016 delivery. (204)326-1493 or (204)355-8484 Marvin Vogt, MARVIN HOMES, Mitchell, MB. www.marvinhomes.ca

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

SPRING CREEK SIMMENTALS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY II FEMALE SALE will be held at the farm near Moosomin SK, Dec 22nd/15, 1:00PM. On offer will be 86 Red & Black Simmentals, Angus, & Simm/Angus cows & bred Heifers. Brian McCarthy (306)435-3590, Cell (306)435-7527.

Harold Unrau (Manager) Cell 871 0250 Auction Mart (204) 434-6519

ALTERNATIVE POWER BY SUNDOG SOLAR, portable/remote solar water pumping for winter/summer. Call for pricing on solar systems, wind generators, aeration. Service & repair on all makes/models. Carl Driedger, (204)556-2346 or (204)851-0145, Virden.

TIRED OF THE HIGH COST OF MARKETING YOUR CALVES??

Stretch your ADVERTISING DOLLAR!

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE: IH 1150 mix mill. Good condition. Call Don:(204)422-5216.

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale QUARTER SECTION located between Wawanesa & Shilo, MB. Currently crop land, 145/160 cultivated. $280,000 Call or Text (204)215-0006 www.stephanierealtor.com

TRACTORS Various

SPECIAL EDITION Manitoba Ag Days Taking place Jan. 19, 20 & 21, 2016 at the Brandon Keystone Centre

The Manitoba Co-operator is presenting a great opportunity for you to feature your business, products or booth at Manitoba Ag Days in the Jan. 7th edition. The Manitoba Ag Days Show is a winter indoor exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology, and equipment held in Brandon every January. The Show attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and North Central United States and provides an annual opportunity for producers to comparison shop for everything they need for their agricultural operations.

DEADLINE: DEC. 21st · ISSUE DATE: JAN. 7th Contact your Manitoba Co-operator Sales representative to book your space today!

Terry McGarry Ph: 204-981-3730 Fax: 204-253-0879 Email: trmcgarr@mts.net

Warmer Winter, longer seasons

Butter is Back

David Phillips sees more climate change » PG 3

Consumption up six per cent last year » PG 15

November 5, 2015

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!

The new government’s ag ‘to do’ list Ralph Goodale says improvements to grain transportation and trade are top priorities, but safety nets and research are also on the agenda BY allan DaWson Co-operator staff

rain transportation and trade are top of the new Liberal government’s agricultural agenda, says veteran Saskatchewan MP and former agriculture minister Ralph Goodale. Other priorities include determining if farm aid programs are adequate, investing in infrastructure to protect soil and water and refocusing the government’s role in scientific research. The Canadian Wheat Board is not coming back, but the Liberal government will dig into its apparent ‘giveaway’ to a foreign company and perhaps release

ServiNG maNitoba FarmerS SiNce 1925 | vol. 73, No. 45 | $1.75

maNitobacooperator.ca

Concerns expressed over loopholes in farmland ownership act The Manitoba Farm Industry Board asks for feedback on how to strengthen legislation preventing foreigners from buying farmland

The Manitoba Co-operator | December 17, 2015

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale

CERTIFIED SEED Cereal Seeds

RECYCLING

LESS FUSARIUM MORE BOTTOM LINE. GP Wheat WFT603 seed available. Suitable for ethanol production, livestock feed. Western Feed Grain Development Co-op Ltd. 1-877-250-1552 www.wfgd.ca

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We BUY used oil & filters Collection of plastic oil jugs Glycol recovery services Specialized waste removal Canadian Farm realty Buying & Selling Farms: 5 Agents, 1 Team

Winter & Summer windshield washer fluid

(Santa & Rudolph are Seasonal Employees only)

Peak Performance anti-freeze

Sheldon FroeSe 204.371.5131 Stacey hiebert 204.371.5930 dolF FeddeS 204.745.0451 Junior thevenot 204.825.8378 henry carelS 204.573.5396

( available in bulk or drums )

The only company that collects, recycles and re-uses in Manitoba! 888-368-9378 ~ www.envirowestinc.com

CanadianFarmRealty.com If you want to sell it fast, call 1-800-782-0794.

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Acreages/Hobby GRANT TWEED: Specializing in farm properties. If you’re selling, buying or renting, I can help. Call (204) 761-6884. E: grant.tweed@century21.ca

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba EXCELLENT LIVESTOCK FARMS: 1) 1000 head feedlot, Hartney. 2) 1732 deeded acs w/4,425-acs of Crown land, fenced, small bungalow, very good buildings & metal corral system, can carry 450 cow/calf pairs. 3) 1,270 deeded ac cattle farm by Lac du Bonnet, 640-acs Crown land, turnkey operation. 4) Cattle ranch, Pine River, 3,300 deeded & 1,200-acs Crown land. Jim McLachlan (204)724-7753, HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc, Brandon, MB, www.homelifepro.com

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba

Proud Supporter of Manitoba Businesses & Municipalities

LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER Completed Tenders & a $20,000 Deposit per parcel are invited to be received up to 12:00PM (noon) on January 4, 2016 (the “deadline”) at: Brown & Associates Law Office Box 1240, 71 Main Street Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0 Attn: Mona Brown/Carol Roulette Ph: (204)745-2028 Property for sale: Any or all of: E 1/2 of NE 1/4 23-8-3 WPM (80 acres) Title No. 2561865/4 SW 1/4 24-8-3 WPM Excepting Plan 1710 MLTO (150 acres) Title No. 2561884/4 S 1/2 of S 1/2 NW 1/4 24-8-3 WPM (40 acres) Title No. 2561883/4 (the “Land”) Located in the Rural Municipality of Grey Conditions of Tender 1. Completed tenders, in the form prepared by Brown & Associates Law Office, must be received by the deadline to be considered. To obtain a tender form or more information, contact Brown & Associates Law Office. 2. Each Tender must be accompanied by a certified cheque, money order or bank draft, payable to Brown & Associates Law Office (in trust), in the amount of $20,000 per parcel. Highest Tender or any Tender need not 3. necessarily be accepted. 4. The Possession date & the due date of the balance of Tender Price shall be the 15th day of January, 2016. 5. The deposit of $20,000 per parcel will be forfeited if a successful Tenderer does not finalize or complete the terms of the Agreement of Purchase & Sale. 6. The maker of any Tender relies entirely upon his/her personal inspection & knowledge of the Land, independent of the representations made by the vendor or the solicitor & agent of the vendor. The Land will be sold “as is” & the bidder is solely responsible to determine the value & condition of the Land, Land quality, Land use, environmental condition & any other information pertaining to the Land.

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba

NOTRE DAME USED OIL

FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER, RM of Portage la Prairie &parcels FILTER DEPOT Sealed bids for the purchase of the following of land, located in the RM of Portage la Prairie, MB •will be received 5.00 pm Buy Used Oil •up Buy to Batteries • Collect Used Filters • Collect Oil Containers on January 18, 2016 at the offices of CanadianFarmRealty.com, Box 2046, Carman, MB, R0G 0J0, and Attention: Dolf Feddes Southern and Western Manitoba

Tel: 204-248-2110 SE 1-10-4W, 139.97 acres South ½ of NE 1-10-4W, 80 acres

CONDiTiONS OF TENDER:

1. Interested parties must rely on their own inspection and knowledge of the property. 2. Tenders must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a certified cheque or bank draft of 5% of the amount offered, payable to Royal LePage Riverbend Realty in Trust. Deposit cheques accompanying unaccepted bids will be returned. 3. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 4. The purchaser(s) shall be responsible for payment of GST or shall self-assess for GST. 5. Successful bidders will be asked to enter into a formal Purchase agreement covering the terms and conditions of sale. Possession date will be February 16, 2016. 6. Tenders will be held in confidence and not be released to the public.

Any questions regarding this parcel or this tender can be directed to: Dolf Feddes, REALTOR CanadianFarmRealty.com 204-828-3371 (office) or 204-745-0451 (cell) or look for more information on www.canadianfarmrealty.com | Royal LePage Riverbend Realty

Call our toll-free number to take advantage of our Prepayment Bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and we’ll run your ad 2 more weeks for free. That’s 5 weeks for the price of 3. Call 1-800-782-0794 today!

BuyUsed Used Oil Oil ••Buy NOTRE •• Buy Buy Batteries Batteries DAME ••Collect CollectUsed Used Filters Filters • Collect Oil Containers • Collect Oil Containers USED • Antifreeze OIL & Southern,Southern Eastern, and Manitoba Western Western FILTER Manitoba DEPOT Tel: 204-248-2110 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Motorcycles WANTED: CANAM MOTORCYCLES, 125, 175, 250 & 380 CC. Also looking for 1975 Z1 900 Kawasaki. Phone:(204)728-1861. Call our toll-free number to take advantage of our Prepayment Bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and we’ll run your ad 2 more weeks for free. That’s 5 weeks for the price of 3. Call 1-800-782-0794 today!

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Snowmobiles WANTED:1972 EXT 290, 340 & 440 CC Arctic Cats. 1974 Roll-O-Flex Wild One 340CC-440CC; 340CC-440CC Yamaha GPX; 340CC Liquidator JD & 440 Liquidfire JD. 245CC-340CC RV Ski-doo. Mercury Trailtwister or Snowtwister. (204)728-1861.

Phone: 204-526-2145 | www.zeghersseed.com Email: shawnz@zeghersseed.com

QUALITY PEDIGREE SEED: • AAC Brandon Wheat • Faller CWIW Class Wheat • Cardale Wheat • Souris Oats • Conlon Barley • Lightning Flax • Meadow Peas

North Star Seed - Forages Red Proso Millet Zeghers Seed Inc. is also an Exporter! Flax, Mustard, Damaged Canola, Canary, Rye, Triticale, and other crops. We would be glad to help market your special crops.

ASK ABOUT Early Pay, and Volume DISCOUNTS! On Select Seed Purchases. Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds. Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator classifed section. 1-800-782-0794.

CERTIFIED SEED Forage Seeds

GOT PARTS? Sell them here! Call today to place your ad.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

1-800-782-0794

Put the power of in your hands!

 Search

over 30,000 equipment listings!

With the AgDealer Mobile App for IOS and Android devices.

 Browse

your specific search results instantly!

 Email

or call the seller directly – and save your results!

Why wait and miss a deal!? Start your search now! Scan the code to download the app.