Irrigating Alberta Spring 2015

Alberta Energy Rules Market Information Aquatic Hitchhiker Rat Phone Line Volume 19 Number 1

SPRING 2015

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IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 1

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 2

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volume 19 • number 1 SPRING 2015 03 ....................................

04 .............................................

Ric’s Corner

06 - 07 ...................................

Energy Rules

08 ..........................

Snow Manure Spreading

10 ......................................Bug Forecast Map 11 ................................... Manure Regulations 11 ........................................Buying Fertilizer 12 ................

Irrigation at Lethbridge College

14 ........................................

15 ..................................

PUBLISHER Jeff Sarich DESIGN & PRODUCTION Taryn Tamayose & Whitney Olitch EDITOR Ric Swihart ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Al Such & Mel McDonald ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Kathy Overes

Table Of Contents

Vegetable Book

Market Information

18 ........................................... Paul Kenway 19 .........................................

Project Protein

20 ........................................ Snow Pack Data 22 ..........................LNID Winter Construction 23 .......................................... Rat Phone Line 24 .................................................. Vern Hoff 25 ............................ Terrence Lazarus SMRID 26 - 27........................... Aquatic Hitchhikers 27......................................... Vern Hoff Poem

view online at www.farmpressltd.com IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 3

RIC’S corner F

arm families, I believe, remain the backbone of society, and not just because they feed us, along with a good share of the world’s population.

Farmers, their wives and children, have a vast network of supporters who help them do their job – yes that sector of society which puts the expanding world of knowledge at the farm gate and another sector which provides the goods and services, the tools if you like, which help producers do their job.

Over years working in the world of agriculture, there are many who earned ultra respect, each displaying special talents that made them special.

One such person who stood out for this editor was Bob Lyons, a tall lanky cowboy type who let his actions speak loud and clear. Bob died recently from cancer and sincere condolences go out to Karen and their children and families. He was 72.

My first encounter with Bob was during a Southern Alberta Hereford Club annual tour in the Pincher Creek area. Bob was the provincial district agriculturist who, along with Karen, turned a 10-acre homestead just west of town into a varied world of farm production.

He jumped into the local world of farming and ranching with both feet. In fact, he was one of three Hereford princess judges, obviously a new challenge. He said he would rather judge cattle because you have to do it hands on to tell much of the story.

It didn’t take long for Bob to know everybody in the area, and he didn’t look at his watch while meeting their needs either.

They built a cedar log home and started adding to the property.

A major adventure was the honey business. He ran only about 100 hives but he did it right. He built a honey processing building. He won top honours at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair and at the American Beekeepers Association several times. During that princess competition, Bob’s narrow facial features were swollen. It turned out three bees had found a way inside his honey hat, and one stung him on the bridge of his forehead.

He sold honey at farmers’ markets and at the farm. He kept a cupboard filled at the front door with an honour cup for payment if he was away.

He kept a couple of lambs in spring through fall to mow the yard grass. He used a Jersey cow for milk and cream and sold the calf. He raised two hogs twice a year – one for the home and one for market.

They raised gray Plymouth Rock chickens and a number of meat rabbits. A very large garden filled their pantry.

His professional career is what earned him such huge respect in community. At one time, there was talk he might be encouraged to move from the Pincher Creek area. An out roar from producers, they say, saved the day.

Bob attended meeting after meeting to learn of producer concerns or to make sure they were getting the right information. He wore out trucks on the back roads in his territory. And he was never without a comment for a newsman,

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 4

something which gave an outsider a true appreciation of the kind of service his producers were getting.

He even took time for special people. One, a hermit-like senior who lived on a piece of land south of town, became a project. Bob would visit him often, bringing bread and milk and his mail just because. Years ago, Bob earned an invitation from the chap for a visit from this reporter. It was such an interesting time. He knew everything about the plant material in his world, like which plants could be eaten or used for tea.

Did you know dried beaver gonads ground into a powder are good for the blood pressure?

Well, that story appeared locally, and in the Western Producer based in Saskatoon. Not long after, two lawyers approached Bob asking about the chap. It turned out family had been looking for him for years, and sitting there waiting for him, were three quarter sections of land, taxes paid, and money in the bank.

Bob remained friends, but now the fellow would come to town for his groceries and mail.

Bob was unique, but he isn’t alone when it comes to people who are simply cream of the crop. It was an honour just to know Bob. Agriculture is full of such folks. That is the main reason agriculture is such a great story.

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Energy RULES

F

armers, ranchers, land agents and energy companies should have a basic understanding of ethics for energy negotiations, says a provincial Farmers’ Advocate Office official.

“One of the roles of the FAO is to assist farmers and ranchers understand the laws that guide the energy industry and their rights and obligations in relation to negotiations with energy companies,” says Carol Goodfellow of Edmonton, assistant farmers’ advocate-land and energy. “People who have never undergone energy negotiations may not have an understanding of what the process should look like, and, as a result, may unknowingly sign agreements that aren’t to their benefit.

“While there are many excellent companies and land agents, unfortunately there are also some who use questionable ethics in their negotiations with farmers and ranchers. The FAO believes that it is important that landowners are treated fairly and respectfully,” she said.

Ethics are the standards of moral behavior (right and wrong) that govern the behavior of a society or group. “Legal requirements set a valuable baseline, but they are not a sufficient guideline for ethical behavior,” said Goodfellow. “Just because something is legal doesn’t make it ethical. A land agent seeking to be ethical in energy negotiations must rise above the legal requirements.

The FAO has recommendations for landowners.

Landowners should not feel pressured...

“A landowner should have enough time to review an agreement, research and ask questions prior to signing,” said Goodfellow.

“If the landowner lacks specific expertise in the area of surface rights, he should be afforded the opportunity to seek representation.”

Landowners should be aware that signing bonuses can be tactics to get a landowner to sign quickly (and ignorantly). Putting pressure on landowners by suggesting that the bonus will be withdrawn without expeditious signing of an agreement is a highly questionable approach.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - Fall SPRING 20142015 •6 •6

From time to time, the FAO hears of situations where landowners have been given an agreement for review and been told they have a specified time to sign, says Goodfellow. “In reality, a landowner has 48 hours of uninterrupted time (not including weekends and holidays) to review the documents. They may choose to take additional time after that.”

The landowner has a right to information that affects them, she said.

“Agreements should fully disclosure all impacts of the development and be forthright about the future intentions of the project as they relate to the landowner,” said Goodfellow. “Furthermore, the agreement should detail all commitments that were formed during the discussions. This is vitally important for ensuring a landowner’s needs and interests are reflected throughout the development, maintenance, and reclamation processes.

The obligation should be on the land agent to direct and lead the process in cases where the playing field may not be level.

The landowner should be treated like an equal, she said.

Land agents should recognize the business acumen and diversity of skills it takes to be a farmer or rancher, said Goodfellow.

“It may not be reflected on a gold-rimmed piece of paper, but farmers and ranchers are also businessmen, financial managers, strategists, stewards, and entrepreneurs who have developed skills in heavy duty mechanics, carpentry, veterinary medicine, crop management, nutrition science and so forth. Landowners should be treated as equals.”

The landowner should feel like they are being respected, she said.

“Many Albertans have invested deeply in their properties for generations, both financially and emotionally,” says Goodfellow.

“A person who has spent a life on a piece of property will be rightfully insulted if they receive instructions from someone who has been on their property for a few hours. Land agents should be sensitive and polite, remembering that they are uninvited guests in a landowner’s home.

Statements such as “we will just force entry” or “government and the Alberta Energy Regulator will support us” are unacceptable.

To an individual landowner the land contract is very significant,” she said. Land agents should remember that signing is a weighty decision for the landowner.

“Changes to their property have implications for a landowner’s family, farming operations, investment, and future.”

For more information on ethics and energy negotiations, contact Carol Goodfellow at 780-427-2350.

IRRIGATING IRRIGATING ALBERTA ALBERTA - SPRING - Fall 2014 2015 • 7

SNOW MANURE SPREADING

P

roducers can spread animal manure on snow-cover and frozen soil, but there are rules and regulations covering the activity.

Karen Yakimishyn, a spokesman for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in Red Deer, told the annual Manure Management Update Conference in Lethbridge the controls are needed because of the increased risk to water quality during snowmelt compared with other times of the year.

Provincial legislation manages the risks through Section 24 (manure application limits standards and administration regulation of the Agricultural Operational Practices Act. Yakimishyn said the authority is through the Natural Resources Conservation Board, which has two options for producers.

When weather conditions prevent manure spreading in certain area the board can post a notice to producers that allows spreading.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 8

And inspectors can grant permission to individual producers.

In both instances, the board will issue conditions to be followed to apply manure to snow and frozen land.

While such manure application isn’t common, producers could face a situation requiring such action.

She said shortage of manure storage could be a problem for some producers. Perhaps weather conditions restricted application on bare ground, custom applicators may not have been available or a producer faced an emergency situation.

Another factor could be management of snow loads in feedlot pens vital for animal production and health.

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BUG FORECAST MAP

A

lberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a new tool to help farmers plan for insect problems – forecast maps.

“One of the challenges that can impact yield and grain quality is insect pests,” said Mark Cutts, crop specialist at Alberta Ag-Info Centre at Stettler. “A number of insects can cause crop damage at various times throughout the growing season. For example, insects can impact canola from the time of emergence (cutworms) to the pod ripening stage (lygus bugs). It’s important to understand the potential risks that insect pests cause.”

One important tool that producers can use for this is forecast maps, said Cutts. “ARD produces a number of forecast maps for various insect pests in Alberta. These forecast maps are updated annually, are published on the ARD website and cover canola, cereal and pulse crop insects.”

Several of the forecast maps are produced from data collected in the fall and are made available prior to the growing season.

Forecast maps for grasshoppers, wheat midge and wheat stem sawfly are generated from fall sampling. These maps allow producers to evaluate whether any of these insects could be a concern in the upcoming growing season.

A second type of forecast map provides insect updates during the growing season.

“This type of map allows producers to receive timely information on the number of insects in their farming area,”

said Cutts. “Bertha armyworm and diamondback moth activity is monitored through the use of pheromone traps during a portion of the growing season. The number of moths captured in the traps is updated weekly. Areas with high moth counts are more likely to see feeding damage by the larvae that emerge later in the growing season.”

There are also forecast maps based on surveys performed the previous growing season. These include the maps for pea leaf weevil and cabbage seed pod weevil.

“Although they are not strictly forecast maps, the information is still beneficial,” said Cutts. “Areas with high numbers of these pests in one growing season are at risk to have economically damaging populations the next.”

Cutts cautioned that forecast maps should not be used in isolation.

“It’s important to note that while forecast maps provide insight into a potential insect pest, they cannot replace a field scouting program. Field scouting allows producers to evaluate the type and number of insect pests present, the presence of any insect damage, and the growth stage of the crop.

They can then use this information to make an appropriate management decision regarding the control of an insect pest.”

For more information on insect forecast maps and insect management, contact the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).

Contact Cutts at 310-FARM (3276).

“These forecast maps are updated annually, are published on the ARD website and cover canola, cereal and pulse crop insects.”

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 10

MANURE Regulations

U

nder the Agricultural Operation Practices Act anyone, including crop and livestock producers, as well as manure haulers and applicators, handling more than 500 tonnes of manure a year, must keep records for a minimum of five years.

“When we are talking about manure, we’re including everything from manure, compost, bedding, and feed to the wash water,” Deanne Madsen, CFO (confined feeding operation) extension specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) at Morinville says in a department release. “Anything that touches manure is considered manure.

The records may be requested by the Natural Resources Conservation Board, says Madsen. “Records are required for recording manure production, applications and transfers to ensure soil nitrate-nitrogen and salinity levels aren’t being exceeded.”

To help put 500 tonnes into perspective, Madsen says if you’re using a solid manure applicator with a 30-tonne load, 500 tonnes is about 19 trucks worth. An excellent resource is the Nutrient Management Planning Guide. There is a table in the guide with solid manure production estimates for different livestock categories.

“If you are managing liquid manure, about 100,000 imperial gallons is equal to 500 tonnes of manure,” says Madsen. She cites an example using dairy cows from the liquid manure production values in the AOPA Manure Characteristics and Land Base Code.

“If you have approximately 20 lactating dairy cows in a free stall barn that produce about 21 imperial gallons per day each, then you are managing approximately 158,000 imperial gallons and you’re going to need to keep records.”

Any operation in Alberta that is permitted under AOPA produces enough manure that manure management records must be kept. Records include who handled the manure, and what, where, and when manure was applied, says Madsen.

“Essentially, this means recording how much manure was applied to meet crop needs based on soil tests. Repeat applications of manure at rates exceeding crop needs can reduce the soil’s ability to remain at peak productivity over the long-term, as well as increase the chance of nutrients being lost to surface water and groundwater. To avoid this, it is important to keep and refer frequently back to manure management records.

For more information, there are two factsheets on the AOPA Legislation website under publications covering manure spreading regulations and record keeping.

“If you need the table, the factsheets, or help with any of this, contact an ARD CFO extension specialist through 310-FARM (3276),” said Madsen.

For more information contact Madsen at 780-939-1218

Buying FERTILIZER

“

Nine times out of 10 it pays to pre-buy fertilizer in the fall/winter season as opposed to the spring,” says Jennifer Stoby, market analyst-agriculture inputs, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton.

“By firming up your fertilizer needs in the fall you remove the risk of high spring prices and non-availability of product. It’s ideal if farmers can pre-buy and store on farm but, if storage is not available, at least making a commitment to your retailer will help with logistics and price spikes in the spring.”

Stoby recommends producers maintain a good relationship with their retailer and to keep an eye on fertilizer prices.

“By waiting until spring to buy fertilizer you might be leaving a lot of money on the table and have limited access to the products you needs.

Stoby can be contacted at 780-638-3740.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 11

Irrigation at LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE

E

ducation costs, but when folks have money and a dream, great things can happen.

Canada’s giant irrigation industry, centred at Lethbridge, has received a major educational boost, thanks to a $3.1 million donation from Lloyd and Dorothy Mueller of Lethbridge.

That fund, topped up with another $1.9 million from Lethbridge College’s Access to the Future grant, was used to generate a legacy endowment. The interest earned will operate the new Mueller Program in Irrigation and the Mueller Applied Research Chair.

Stuart Cullum, the college’s vice-president academic and chief operating officer, said recruiting work to fill the research chair was to begin in mid-February. That position is to be filled

by July. It will be the college’s first fully funded research chair.

Cullum, coming from a farm family background in cattle and poultry in the Three Hills area, said the thrust of the new work will be helping irrigators increase use of the growing bank of technical information, data that ranges from increasing food production to reducing man’s footprint on the environment.

“We have got to figure how to use and take advantage of all the new data and technology and make meaning of it,” he said.

Industry has been helping identify future knowledge needs of producers and the army of men and women who will be needed to work with the growing bank of technical knowledge in the support business side of agriculture.

Cullum said the Mueller gift comes at a time when the college was deciding how to enhance its agriculture program. It needed a complete assessment of opportunities.

He is confident the new program will help develop employees best suited to the needs of industries linked to irrigation, and to those who will return from college to become the next generation of irrigation farmers.

Mike Mueller of Warner, a nephew of the donors and a member of the first graduating class of the University of Lethbridge when that campus was still at Lethbridge College, was not surprised at his uncle’s and aunt’s generosity.

“My uncle and aunt wanted to find a way to advance the pursuit of knowledge through their legacy,” he said. “They wanted to offer a benefit and make this available to as many people as possible. They felt a gift to the college was the best way to do that.”

Lloyd Mueller remained in contact with agriculture all his life and enjoyed several business ventures and investing in the stock market. His wife Dorothy worked in administration at St. Michael’s Hospital for 35 years. The couple had no children.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 12

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 13

Vegetable BOOK Vegetable producers in irrigated agriculture now have a new resource available from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“

Commercial Vegetable Production on the Prairies is a comprehensive resource manual and reference tool for new and experienced vegetable growers of all scales of production,” says Robert Spencer, commercial horticulture specialist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre at Stettler. “The book represents close to five years of work and contains contributions from experts across the Prairies.”

There is a significant demand for fresh vegetables in Alberta and across the Prairies, says Spencer. Many market gardeners and commercial vegetable growers work to meet that demand each year. And every year, new growers with a range of vegetable production experience enter the industry. This manual should be a help to all producers, both new and experienced.

The 300-page, full colour manual covers all aspects of vegetable production, including: • planning for vegetable production • from seeding/transplanting to harvesting and storage • getting fertility and irrigation right • business issues, risks, management and marketing • detailed chapters on individual vegetable crops covering production and pest information This new manual is available from ARD’s publications office at 1-800-292-5697.

The book sells for $20 plus GST and handling.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 14

“

Market INFORMATION

Market price information fundamentals have never been more important in agriculture, says the province’s business risk spokesman for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Having a good understanding of potential upside market possibilities as well as potential risks can give a business a competitive advantage when expanding the beef cow herd,” says Bruce Viney of Olds.

He said there are many sources of market information and opinions freely available from a variety of sources; however, it’s suggested that managers and producers work to refine their market information sources and analytical resources.

“One inexpensive way to receive market data, information and analysis is through a membership with CanFax. CanFax is the long-standing analysis arm of the Canadian Cattleman’s Association and an annual membership for a typical rancher costs about $125 per year. This is money well spent because you get personal access to trained analysts, data and their charts.”

For further information and tools to assist with a variety of management decisions, go to the Farm Manager homepage on the Alberta Agriculture website. Producers can also call the Ag Info Center at 301-FARM (3276).

Viney can be reached at 1-403-556-4250.

Consistent information and analysis from trusted sources can add confidence to all marketing and business planning decisions.

In developing a network of market information and professional analysis, Viney says it’s wise to spend a little money on trusted services that will be with you for the long run.

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IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 17

Paul KENWAY Industry competition and service has been a forte of southern Alberta’s irrigation industry

T

his year, Oliver Irrigation will become a bigger player in both arenas, armed with a new general manager and, soon, a new Lethbridge operations centre.

Paul Kenway is the new general manager, with some time already in the saddle, time to assess company operations in Lethbridge, Taber and Medicine Hat, and more important, vital staff in all three sites.

He is pleased with what he sees; a team he feels will make Oliver an even more significant player in the multi-milliondollar industry.

He simply smiles when opening the door to Oliver’s underconstruction Lethbridge sales and service centre in the Broxburn Industrial Park, four kilometres east of Lethbridge.

The workspace is geared to fast service for farmers. The 1.5acre lot is designed for transport truck service. It will even feature a coffee nook.

Economics is Kenway’s background, his degree earned in 2000 at the University of Lethbridge. The Calgary native worked in the banking industry before moving to the farm implement sector, both in Lethbridge and High River. Then Oliver entered his business plan.

While lacking irrigation industry experience, Kenway was won over by Oliver owners Harold and Connie May of Medicine Hat and a team that is known for specializing in all aspects of modern irrigation. His strength is management earned after several years of working directly with farmers and ranchers.

When he learned that four Oliver service technicians had participated in a major company conference, he was pleased.

When three of them earned top marks for the North American event, he was more than pleased. Quality rises to the top.

On the new service centre, Kenway said about half the 8,000 square feet will be devoted to the working shop. The rest will be sales and parts. Offices and boardroom are on a mezzanine floor.

In addition to enhanced and quicker customer service, the Broxburn location offers better access for customers.

When Kenway isn’t working, his focus is his sons Weston, 5 and Harris, 3; a team already enjoying skating and swimming and ready to tackle skiing next.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 18

Project PROTEIN S

outhern Alberta farmers have a new way to help food bank clients.

“Project Protein sources meat from the livestock industry to be processed into ground meat for food bank clients,” says project co-ordinator Thressa Bens of Lethbridge.

The project will rely on beef and pork livestock donations from local farmers, ranchers and feedlot operators. The donators will transport their animals to a participating abattoir, and will receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value of the weight of the ground product.

The project coordinators aim to create a model and communication plan for the program that can then be implemented into other southern Albertan food banks.

The program is accepting livestock donations (beef or pork), financial contributions and sponsorships, and has received funding for one year from the provincial Community Initiatives Program. This funding will be used for the processing of the livestock and for creating a sustainable program that can be u s e d b y o t h e r food banks without additional funding needed to support it.

For more information, contact Project Protein coordinator Thressa Bens at 403-320-8779.

“Project Protein sources meat from the livestock industry to be processed into ground meat for food bank clients.”

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Snow Pack Data November was kind to the Southern Alberta snow pack

D

ata collected by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development as of Jan.10, shows snow packs were at least near normal throughout most of the province, largely due to well above normal precipitation received throughout the month of November.

However, December was drier and warmer than normal, with the exception of parts of southern Alberta and along the north western slopes of the Swan Hills.

The new year ushered in a complete turn-around as cold arctic air dominated the weather, bringing with it appreciable snowfall to many areas.

So far in 2015, much of the west half of the province had received well over 15 cm of new snow. West-central regions between Olds and Grand Prairie were hit the hardest, with many areas along the foothills receiving over 30 to 50 cm of new snow.

The data shows: • Province wide snow packs are variable, ranging from one in 6-year lows across small pockets in southern Alberta to one in 50-year highs south of Slave Lake and south of Grande Prairie.

• Notably, snow packs through parts of the Special Areas are estimated to be near one in 12 year highs for this time of year. Similarly, snow packs through parts of the southern and western Peace Region are higher than normal, with some areas estimated to have snow packs this deep, on average only once in 12 to 25 years.

• Snow packs in the rest of the province are generally near normal, with the exception of the northern Peace Region and few scattered areas scattered in central Alberta, where they are below normal.

• One of the warmest places in the province this year so far was recorded at the Stavely station, recording a temperature in excess of 10°C on Jan.7.

Ralph Wright, manager of the Agro-meteorological Application and Modeling Section of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, says near real-time hourly weather station data can be viewed and downloaded at www.agriculture.alberta. ca/stations Wright can be contacted by 1-780-427-3556 or his cell phone at 1-780-446-6831

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 20

Oliver Irrigation Taber • (403) 223-1170 Lethbridge • (403) 328-9999

Academy Services Brooks • (403) 362-5133

C & H Irrigation Medicine Hat • (403) 526-3294

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 21

LNID Winter Construction

either sleet or snow or rain and winds will completely halt Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District’s $7-million pipeline installation 15 kilometres northwest of the city.

Allan Harrold, district manager, said work is on schedule despite heavy frozen soils and some excess underground water that slowed excavation work at times. B11B pipeline will eliminate surface canals over 17 kilometres and provide water to 36 parcels of irrigated land covering 4,650 acres.

Work started Sept. 1 and has entered the last phase of construction, says Harrold. The project is expected to be operational before spring fieldwork begins. “Nobody starts construction earlier than LNID,” said Harrold. “Our farmers have bought into that philosophy in a big way. One farmer one year planted barley on a narrow strip of construction right-ofway, and harvested the crop early to allow construction to proceed.”

Harrold said irrigation districts’ construction work has a major impact on two public water issues – water conservation for future generations and improved food production potential.

Winter work poses some problems, including conditions faced by staff. It also means large chunks of frozen soil are dug up. That can cause uneven soil settling, a problem solved either by mounding soil on top of new buried pipeline, or putting soil on the low settled spots to aid farming operations.

Harrold said the old concrete-lined canal along property lines would be removed.

Harrold said the construction contribution was started in 1995. It allows producers to make payment in equal installments over three years.

LNID participates in the provincal-district cost-shared Irrigation Rehabilitation Program, and qualifies for about $3 million a year, including the district’s 25 per cent. The province contributes the rest. B11B is being funded totally with district reserve funds. That fund is created through sale of water rights, when district-owned land is sold, or in years when there is a surplus in the IRP kitty.

Harrold said that poses a problem for districts wanting to proceed more quickly with rehabilitation work that eliminates water seepage and enhances crop production in serviced areas. More government support is the key, but districts face an 11 to 12 per cent reduction through the 2015 construction season as the Alberta government tightens it financial belt.

That isn’t stopping LNID, he said. It will build a $1.3 million project this fall and after that, a $1 million project for four kilometres of pipeline.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 22

Landowners are required to contribute to the project. The basic charge is $3 per pound per square inch of water pressure per acre irrigated. They also must pay $50 per acre surcharge.

Taber Irrigation District

TID

Specialty Crop Country

(Established in 1915) Taber is the centre of specialty crop production and value added processing in Alberta including sugar beets, hay, potatoes, corn and many other vegetable crops.

4420 - 44 Street, Taber, Alberta T1G 2J6 Telephone: (403) 223-2148 • Fax: (403) 223-2924 Email: tid@telusplanet.net Email: tid@taberirrigationdistrict.ca • Visit Our Website: www.taberirrigationdistrict.ca

TABER IRRIGATION DISTRICT Serving over 82,000 acres and 750 water users in the Taber area

Rat PHONE LINE 310-RATS

A

lbertans now have a new way to report potential rat sightings.

“Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has a new easily remembered phone number, 310-RATS (7287), for all Albertans to report possible rat sightings,” said Bruce Hamblin of Olds, department rat inspector.

“It’s not a replacement for the current system of reporting rats, but it is an addition to it,” he said. ”

The new number is in response to some of the time delays people were getting when trying to report possible. The new 310-RATS phone line is just a more efficient tool to help ensure Alberta remains rat free.

For more information on Alberta’s rat control program, check the department’s webpage or call Hamblin at 403-507-4063.

Currently, municipalities are responsible for rat control in their jurisdictions, and have phone numbers available to contact by-law officers, agriculture fieldmen or pest control companies.

“310-RAT is an extension to this network for someone who thinks they saw a rat and isn’t sure who to call,” said Hamblin.

The caller to 310-RATS is connected to ARD. The call will be answered immediately during normal business hours. If the call is on the weekend or after hours, the caller can leave a message, which will be responded to as quickly as possible.

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Vern HOFF L

ove in terms beyond the heart doesn’t usually jump out and bite, like that first glance at Mr. or Mrs. Right.

That’s why Vern Hoff’s new booklet on a life in Southern Alberta’s irrigation fields rings of a passion earned from years of growing crops and feeding his fellow man.

The Small Green Triangle Inside the Big Brown Box is Hoff’s “easy reading tribute” to irrigators of Alberta.

His target area stretches from the small irrigation districts edging towards Waterton Lakes National Park northward to a point between Calgary and Edmonton centred at Irricana and southeast to east of Medicine Hat, perhaps a tempered look at the Palliser Triangle, that region once declared unfit for human occupation.

The Gleichen-area farmer literally took pen to hand to produce the 20-chapter booklet, one he calls his “very academically and journalistically incorrect memoirs.”

He builds on a history spanning more than 100 years, and a life on an irrigation farm that experienced all the technological advances over time. He also witnessed major changes at the irrigation district level and praises the people who are irrigation – “the greatest people in the world” He also served on the government of irrigation, like the board of Western Irrigation District and for many years, on the board of Irrigation Council.

What has irrigation done for Alberta, and perhaps, the world, according to Hoff?

“We have been blessed,” he says. “We produce 40 per cent of Alberta’s agricultural wealth on 14 per cent of the arable land.

He builds on a history spanning more than 100 years, and a life on an irrigation farm that experienced all the technological advances over time.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 24

“We enjoy a camaraderie stronger than any other calling.

“We operate at the cutting edge of agricultural innovation, and we’re admired and imitate the world over.

“That dark cloud of doom, predicted for the Palliser Triangle no longer hangs over the heads of those who keep the inside triangle.”

Hoff is realistic when he gives thanks for the ride through irrigation. “May the next generation be as blessed as we have been.”

Vern can be contacted at Box 490, Gleichen, Alberta, T0J 1N0.

TERRENCE LAZARUS

W

SMRID

ater has been a big part of Terrence Lazarus’ life, and moving from the public arena to private industry this year gives him a new challenge.

The new general manager of Canada’s largest irrigation district – Lethbridge-based St. Mary River Irrigation District – only blinked once before accepting the position.

Armed with 31 years in public service, much of it involved with water and reservoirs, Lazarus feels he solved two issues with his decision. Personally, it was time for a change and time to make way for new people with new ideas with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Development. He had longed to be a part of the energetic and dynamic irrigation industry, and to work with a producer-based board of directors.

He marvels at the massive strides irrigators have made in modernizing their farms and updating equipment with watersaving equipment. Irrigation districts have worked with the Alberta government on a cost-shared formula to upgrade the water delivery system of canals, and increasingly, installation of pipelines. And he knows both sectors will continue to be part of the social license that strives to ensure all parts of society will have a share in available water supplies. “Irrigation districts are shareholders with everybody else for available water.”

He points to advances on most irrigated farms as the lever for water conservation. Water efficiencies abound on farms.

Production is increasing with less water than ever. Increased electronics abound, allowing producers to apply varying amounts of water to different parts of a field.

Lazarus also inherits the manager role for Irrican Power, Irrigation Canal Power Co-operative created several years ago

by SMRID, Taber Irrigation District and Raymond Irrigation District. Irrican Power operates three hydroelectric power generation plants along the St. Mary Project main canal.

“Producing and selling power is an exciting proposal for me,” he said.

Lazarus acknowledges a wealth of knowledge within the SMRID staff, and as retirements occur, the job of finding the right people to continue the strong district growth and development.

Born and raised in Africa, Lazarus never moves far from water even in his leisure life. He is a master scuba diver and holds the title dive master, the first step towards being a professional diver. He has expanded a love of photography to the underwater world. “Now, the world is my canvas.” That will be proved this summer when he plans to cycle Tuscany, Italy, especially the wine country.

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 25

AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS

A THREAT TO ALBERTA’S IRRIGATION SYSTEM

D

Protecting Alberta’s Irrigation Infrastructure

id you know that Alberta is currently in the midst of preparations to avoid an invasion by tiny aquatic creatures? Zebra and quagga mussels are small freshwater clams that were first introduced into North America through the ballasts of cargo ships arriving in the Great Lakes in the 1980s. Though not yet present in Alberta, zebra and quagga mussels have spread throughout North America during the past 30 years. Mussels are established in many lakes in the United States with the most recent infestation in Lake Mead, Nevada in 2007 (quagga mussels). The mussels are moving westward in Canada as they (zebra mussels) were found in Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2013.

These invasive mussels are also called ‘aquatic hitchhikers’ because the most common method for their spread between waterbodies is on trailered watercraft, either as attached adult mussels, or as microscopic larvae hiding in internal ballasts or bait buckets.

Although the mussels are small (about the size of a thumb nail), they pose huge environmental and economic threats to Alberta’s water resources. If mussels invade, they are likely to be first found in a lake or reservoir, and this is concerning because they are able to attach to all hard surfaces in the water (docks, boats, and water intakes); multiply by the millions each year; and are ‘filter feeders’, meaning they compete with our native fish species for food. There is no way to completely eradicate the mussels, and they are very difficult to control.

Zebra and quagga mussels are small freshwater clams that

efficiently and effectively convey water throughout the irrigation system. All irrigation water users would be affected including agricultural and industrial users, and many communities.

Given the interconnectedness of water courses in the South Saskatchewan River Basin, it is likely that the impact would be felt throughout Alberta’s irrigated area. The costs to manage the mussels would be millions of dollars each year in perpetuity and would likely be at the expense of all water users.

Irrigation infrastructure in Alberta connects most of the water within the

The Government of Alberta recognizes the threat posed to Alberta’s economy, society and environment by invasive mussels. Consequently government has developed a provincewide Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program lead by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), along with several key partners, such as the Alberta Irrigation Projects Association. multiply rapidly, and can attach to any hard surface in the water, as shown in the above images at a drawn-down reservoir in Kansas, and on a boat propeller.

Alberta’s irrigation infrastructure includes more than 50 reservoirs and about 8000 kilometres of irrigation canals and pipelines. Irrigation reservoirs that are popular destinations for recreational boaters and anglers are at a high risk of invasive mussel introduction. Further, the water chemistry of Alberta’s irrigation reservoirs provides the required habitat for these mussels to thrive.

An infestation of invasive mussels in an irrigation reservoir would change the aquatic ecosystem in the reservoir. Fisheries would deteriorate, as would water quality. The shores or beaches around the reservoir would become littered with shells, further detracting recreational enthusiasts due to the reduced aesthetic and increased hazard posed by sharp shells. Additionally, the mussels would reduce the ability of the irrigation districts to

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 26

Key aspects of the program include: • education & outreach • rapid response • watercraft inspections • monitoring • changes to policy & legislation In 2014, ESRD’s comprehensive program saw over 3,700 watercraft inspections. Four fouled boats were intercepted in Alberta, adding to seven from the previous year. ESRD also initiated a mussel sniffer-dog pilot program in collaboration with the Flathead Basin Commission out of Montana. These dogs proved to be an impressive tool to detect invasive mussels on watercraft and attracted a lot of media and public interest.

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) has been involved in the program over the past two years, helping to get the word out to irrigators, as well as assisting in monitoring for invasive mussels in 21 high-risk irrigation reservoirs and supporting ESRD by providing a high-pressure wash unit used for decontaminating watercraft. In support of the provincial

List of priority irrigation reservoirs: Badger Chestermere Chin Lake Crawling Valley Forty Mile H Reservoir Jensen Keho Lake Newell Little Bow McGregor Milk River Ridge

program ARD is currently working with the irrigation districts and partners to develop rapid response and long-term management plans for all at-risk irrigation reservoirs.

The irrigation districts operate several of southern Alberta’s reservoirs, and have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be important for rapid response should mussels be detected in a reservoir.

What can you do to help in the prevention of mussel invasions?

As an irrigator or concerned member of the public, there are several things that you can do to help prevent an infestation of invasive mussels in your irrigation district: Familiarize yourself with and spread the message: CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your boat.

South Saskatchewan River Basin.

If you or any of your family members or neighbours are ‘snow birds’ that spend the winter months outside the province, make sure that unwanted invaders are not brought back to Alberta on

O ldman River Reservoir Park Lake Payne Lake Rolling Hills S auder/ Rattlesnake St. Mary Stafford Travers W aterton Reservoir

recently purchased watercraft. You can be sure that your boat is clean by stopping at one of the watercraft inspection stations that the Alberta government will have on key border crossings during the spring and summer months.

If you see anything suspicious, want more information, or want to arrange for a boat inspection, be sure to call the AIS hotline: 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).

You are also encouraged to discuss invasive mussel preparedness planning with your respective irrigation district board.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IRRIGATION AND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES: www.albertaparks.ca • www.esrd.alberta.ca www.mywildalberta.com OR call the Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276)

VERN HOFF

POEM

Sixty-four Years of Farming

Sixty-four times he saw the purple crocus shudder in a brisk spring breeze.

Sixty-four times he felt his winter-whitened hands tan brown, annually recalloused by fork and shovel handles, leather lines and hard, rough steering wheels.

Sixty-four times he marveled as fallow fields grew green, then changed again to gold.

For sixty-four season he enjoyed the drumming of a summer rain, smelled the fresh-disturbed earth, the new-mown hay, and the sweet wild rose; and watch sixty-four harvest moons silver plate late night combine scenes.

He assisted six-four cycles of eternity when he pressed good seed into moist black soil, and as many times the miracle of life recurred.

He mused at sixty-four Ground Hog Days, thrilled to sixty-four June solstices, and greeted twenty thousand dawns.

He tasted salty sweat and ate the dust of field and barn and bin; and bent his back (once lithe and strong – now stiff and tired_ to tasks of fixing fence, picking rocks, of digging, cutting, driving . . . then relaxed in pleasant sleep that comes from honest weariness.

And, yes, worries of depression, war and kids have lined his wind-burnt face. Sixty-four springs have challenged his resolve while sixty-four summers tested acumen and skill, and sixty-four harvest yielded their rewards – some 100 fold, some only ‘next year’ hope. And sixty-four winter’s gave him rest.

Bless you good and faithful steward of the soil!

IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 27

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IRRIGATING ALBERTA - SPRING 2015 • 28

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