Serving the producers of the Northwest
FARMER North Battleford, Saskatchewan
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Thursday, July 25, 2019
Space: The newest frontier in agriculture When the Canadian Space Agency launched its first Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, RADARSAT-1, in 1995, they weren’t thinking about agriculture. But scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada saw data streams from earth-orbiting satellites as an opportunity to look at agriculture from a stellar new vantage point. Soon, they were using satellite data steams to run crop models and evaluate the ability of fields to drain. Fast forward to June 2019 when the CSA launched its third generation of SAR satellites, the RADARSAT-Constellation, and agriculture is now one of the primary clients and end-users. The RADARSAT-Constellation is a series of three SAR satellites. When linked together, they orbit the earth, providing more frequent coverage and more advanced imaging of our agricultural resources. Dr. Andrew Davidson, manager of Earth Observation Operations at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, explains there is no better way to obtain national-scale information on the state and trends of agriculture and resource use than from space. “Satellites can cover way more ground at a much faster pace than humans, drones or aircraft, and the data can be used to measure things such as crop type, vegetation cover and productivity and surface soil moisture conditions,” he says. These data are correlated with data from aircrafts, drones, and ground collection networks to produce
There is no better way to obtain national-scale information on the state and trends of agriculture and resource use than from space
highly accurate measurements of crops and conditions, with the ability to detect changes quickly. “Satellites can cover way more ground at a much faster pace than humans, drones or aircraft. While satellites provide imagery, it is the scientists on the ground who turn it into something useful,” says Davidson Davidson underlines that satellites provide the kind of timely, reliable and scientifically validated information that is necessary to help scientists, farmers, producer groups as well as policy-makers make good evidence-based decisions
to manage their operations while protecting our natural resources. AAFC’s Earth Observation Operations is based at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre. They are small, but mighty and the amount of data they manage is impressive. “Satellites provide imagery, but it is the scientists on the ground who turn it into something useful,” says Davidson. With other AAFC research scientists, they also manage international collaborations and together, AAFC is acknowledged as global experts in optical as well as SAR satellite tech-
nology. What’s in it for Canadian agriculture? Much of what Dr. Davidson’s team produces are data sets, maps and forecasting tools that can be accessed online through various AAFC web portals. There are also tools and applications for analyzing these data so that decision makers can make informed agricultural management decisions. The Annual SpaceBased Crop Inventory, a product of AAFC research, annually maps the crop type of every field in Canada and is used to detect trends in crop planting
practices. It is also critical for other applications, such as warning growers of possible threats such as crop diseases. The inventory is also being used by provinces, private sector and academia to determine how crop agriculture is affecting the surrounding environment including lake water quality and honeybee populations. “These data have opened up the possibility of enhanced decision making in the agriculture sector,” Davidson says. “And it doesn’t stop there; our ability to help meet the informational needs of the sector is only expected to
improve as new satellite sensor technologies are launched, brought online, and made available.” All in all, earth observation research is helping the Canadian agricultural sector thrive and the launch of Canada;s new RADARSAT-Constellation satellites will continue to benefit future generations of Canadians by protecting food production systems and the environment. More information on the RADARSAT-Constellation Mission can be found on the Canadian Space Agency “What is the RADARSAT Constellation Mission” webpage.
Argo wildfire benefit concert raises more than $75,000 The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has announced that the Argo Wildfire Benefit Concert was a huge success raising more than $75,000. The event took place on July 6, in Biggar and was part of the SSGA’s Wildfire Relief fundraising campaign to help those producers affected by the mid-April wildfire near the Biggar area. The event in-
cluded live and silent auctions and a performance by Saskatchewan musician Chris Henderson. “The benefit concert showed overwhelming support for those ranchers affected by the Argo Wildfire in April. It really reflected that Saskatchewan spirit where we lend a hand to neighbours in need,” stated SSGA President Bill Huber. “We know
the funds won’t replace everything that was lost, but it can go a long way to helping them recover.” “SSGA extends its appreciation to all those who attended the benefit and purchased auction items from the live and silent auctions,” Huber added. SSGA also thanks the Biggar and area community for hosting the event as well as all the volunteers
for helping to make this benefit concert a success. “We would like to thank all of our sponsors and the donors of items for the live and silent auctions. We are grateful for your support to put on this level of event,” Huber said. “SWF is proud to have sponsored this outstanding event,” stated Clark Schultz, president of the Saskatchewan Wildlife
Federation (SWF), which sponsored the Chris Henderson performance for the benefit. “We recognize the ag community as stewards of the land, providing wildlife populations, including species at risk, with the necessary habitat to thrive.” A number of dignitaries also attended the benefit, including Kelly Block, MP for Carlton Trail-Ea-
gle Creek, Randy Weekes, MLA Biggar-Sask Valley, Jeanne-Marie de Moissac, Reeve of the RM of Biggar and Biggar Mayor Ray Sadler. The Argo fire in midApril burned over 22,000 acres of pastures and damaged over 75 miles of fence. Producers face significant costs rebuilding fencing and finding alternative grazing.
Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 25, 2019
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Moisture kickstarts sclerotinia spray discussions Canola Watch The decision whether to spray for sclerotinia stem rot in canola begins with a moisture assessment about three weeks before flowering. The situation before that point is almost irrelevant, given the canola plant’s ability to crank up yield potential in response to improved growing conditions. Sclerotinia stem rot can go from no risk to high risk with a timely period of regular rains and humidity. Moisture before flowering will result in the emergence of spore-producing apothecia. Under ideal warm and moist conditions, it takes around three weeks for sclerotia to germinate and release ascospores. Moisture during flowering will enable ascospores to infect canola petals and grow into leaf and stem tissues when the infected petals fall into the crop canopy. Spraying after flowering or after symptoms have appeared on the plant is too late, so the decision has to be based on the risk situation before and during the spray window — which is 20 to 50 per cent flower — and the forecast of weather and yield to come. Risk of economic levels of sclerotinia stem rot increases with: A wet soil surface underneath the canola canopy for most or all of the day. This promotes germination of sclerotia and production of apothecia, the tiny mushrooms that release sclerotinia spores. The presence of apothecia, which are a sign that
spores will be present. Other options for spore detection are the Spornado (from 20/20 Seed Labs) or DNA-based petal tests (from Quantum Genetix and Discovery Seed Labs). Higher yield situations. Yields are difficult to predict, so a better indicator may be a canopy dense enough to create the humid microclimate that favours disease. If you walk through the canopy in early afternoon and your pants get wet, the field has favourable conditions for infection. Moderate average temperatures of 15-25°C and moderate rainfall that favour host infection while extending the bloom period and reducing sloughing off of leaves, thus maintaining potential infection sites. Extensive sticking/ clumping of petals in the crop canopy, especially in the leaf axils and bases. A history of significant levels of sclerotinia in the specific field or in adjacent fields. Host crops include canola, soybeans, sunflowers, potatoes and pulses. Risk of economic levels of sclerotinia stem rot decreases with: Dry conditions through the flowering period. A poor canola canopy that allows for a lot of air flow. When doing the wet pants test, if the canopy and your pants and boots are dry at 8-10 a.m., then the field has less favourable conditions for the disease. Well belowor above-average temperatures (less than 10°C or more than 25-30°C) and limited rainfall.
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When spore-infested petals drop on leaves and stems, they provide an entry point for sclerotinia stem rot. That is why fungicide applications aim to hit petals before they fall. Photo by Clint Jurke
A large rainfall event over one or two days that is followed by several days of dry, warm conditions. Continuous rain events that may lead to washing off of petals from plants and remove spores from the air, while trapping spores in water droplets that form on the tops of the apothecia. Note that a moisture situation like this that actually reduces sclerotinia stem rot risk would be unusual. Management approaches if the potential
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can be an effective time to spray, especially in a situation where moisture changed dramatically for the good and the crop canopy is slowly filling in. Farmers in this situation may choose to wait a little longer to assess crop recovery before making the spray decision. Generally, early infections cause more yield loss than later infections, which is why the economic benefit of a fungicide application is usually higher with early applications. Consider an ‘on-off’ or zone-spraying approach, basing it on previous yield maps or current NDVI maps. Fungicide application could be turned ‘on’ for areas with high yield potential and ‘off’ for typically low-yielding areas. If you need to spray so
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for disease is uncertain: Apply the lowest rate of fungicide. Use programs or lowest-cost products to keep costs as low as possible. Always use highest label water rates to get the most coverage and best efficacy. If perked-up fields are to rebound and achieve target yields, they will likely have to branch out and flower for longer. In this situation, ‘full flower’ (50 per cent flower) could last a week or more. This
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you can sleep at night, then spray. But leave a few test strips to compare disease amounts and yield. This can help with future decisions. Conditions where a grower may want to spray more than once: Variable crop staging that extends the flowering period. Thin stands mean branchier plants and an extended flowering period. Note that continued rain throughout flowering will add to the yield-loss risk for the first two scenarios. Regrowth after a hail. In any of these situations, assess yield potential and crop stage relative to the calendar when penciling out the potential return on investment.
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Flora and fauna of the northwest
Photos by Louise Lundberg Blackbird eggs.
Whitetails in the morning sun.
Goldfinches clasp an elm tree in a hailstorm.
Lady’s slipper.
Pelicans and ducks.
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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 25, 2019
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Meat alternatives mean opportunities for plants An interdisciplinary university group led by University of Saskatchewan researcher Michael Nickerson has been awarded $1.65 million by the federal granting council NSERC to train a new generation of innovative plant protein scientists to help industry satisfy the exploding worldwide demand for meat alternatives. “This major public investment in research and training presents a novel and exciting opportunity to leverage our university’s expertise and investment in both agricultural research and agri-food and bioproduct development for a sustainable future,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “By working across disciplines and institutions, and engaging with industry, this innovative project will provide young scientists with strong technical and leadership skills to advance the expanding protein ingredient industry,” she said. Nickerson said global demand for plant protein ingredients is expanding due to population growth, the high cost of animal-derived proteins, and a large group of consumers who’ve chosen a “flexitarian” diet—mostly vegetarian and meat only occasionally—for ethical and health reasons.
“This project is a huge opportunity for students, who will acquire the skills needed for a rapidly growing plant protein ingredients industry that needs graduates who can hit the ground running,” said Nickerson, a professor of food and bioproduct sciences at the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources. “By incorporating fourmonth industry internships into the program, we will train scientists who will have a blend of leadership, science training and human dynamics, and an understanding of what issues really impact the development of the protein ingredient industry.” NSERC’s six-year Collaborative Research and Training (CREATE) award includes eight co-applicants and 12 collaborators. The project, called Canadian Agri-food Protein Training, Utilization and Research Enhancement (CAPTURE), includes scientists from USask, University of Manitoba and University of Alberta, and aims to train 71 highly qualified personnel—10 PhDs, 44 master’s students and 17 undergraduates. Including cash and in-kind support from the institutions, government, and industry partners, the investment totals $4 million. “In addition to plant
Global demand for plant protein ingredients is expanding due to population growth, the high cost of animal-derived proteins, and a large group of consumers who’ve chosen a “flexitarian” diet – mostly vegetarian and meat only occasionally – for ethical and health reasons proteins having huge implications for the health of Canadians, there will be considerable economic and social benefits to Canada as we diversify ingredients and foster innovations in the food industry,” Nickerson said. Efforts of Prairie governments to build a strong value-added plant-ingredient processing sector have been effective, said Nickerson who holds a Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research
Chair in Protein Quality and Utilization. “There’s a huge wave of industry investment happening across the Prairies, whether it’s Roquette building a huge pea protein fractionating plant in Portage la Prairie, Verdient Foods investing in a plant in Vanscoy, or the involvement of big players like AGT Food and Ingredients,” he said. As processing plants expand and more players come on stream, com-
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panies can’t find enough highly qualified personnel with not only technical and scientific knowledge, but soft skills such as leadership, project management, communications, and creative thinking, Nickerson said. Trainees will focus on five key research areas: Improving the quality of protein feedstocks; Developing innovative dry and wet fractionation (separating crop seeds into protein, starch and fibre
components); Improving the properties of plant proteins to create new uses or increase nutritional quality; Developing value-added applications; Examining supply chain and market development opportunities for plant protein ingredients and identifying barriers to moving new ingredients to market. CAPTURE also will help develop a protein research network on the Prairies where the feedstock is grown, said Nickerson. USask resources such as the Crop Development Centre and Global Institute for Food Security, and facilities such as KeyLeaf, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the National Research Council, make Saskatoon a great hub to build a protein network, he said. The group is also working with provincial food development centres and integrating with the industry-led Protein Industries Canada (PIC) supercluster. “Building this protein network is really important because it will make us that much more ready for when the protein supercluster comes online, not only with our students but in research collaborations among the group’s industry interactions,” said Nickerson.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, July 25, 2019 - Page 5
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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 25, 2019
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Find edible weeds in your prairie garden By Jackie Bantle A weed may be identified as an unwanted plant in your garden that growing next to the cultivated plants. The problem with garden weeds is that, not only do they steal water
and nutrients, but they can even completely choke-out cultivated plants. Any gardener knows that a weedy garden is not only an embarrassment, but also reduces the beauty and yields of the desirable plants.
What if the weeds were to become a useful part of the garden? Rather than continue the centuries old war on weeds, what if we were to start eating some of these invaders? Perhaps, our workload could be lightened and our diet supplemented if we started to include these pesky plants in our daily menu. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common weed whose parts are all edible. From the roots to the blossoms, all parts of the dandelion can be eaten
raw or cooked. The fresh leaves can be added to any salad or stir fried, sautéed or used in soup for a milder flavor. The crunchy yellow blossoms can be eaten raw, used to make syrup or wine or breaded and fried. The root can be eaten fresh or dried, roasted and ground up to use as a coffee substitute. Clover (Trifolium sp.) leaves and flowers can be chopped up and used as an addition to salads or sautéed for addition to meat dishes or as a topping for
roasted root vegetables. Clover is now being grown as an addition to lawns thereby making it abundantly available. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is the bane of my existence. However, chickweed can serve both a culinary and a medicinal purpose. The leaves and stems should be rinsed with water before being applied directly to a skin irritation. These same stems and leaves can be steamed in a 50:50 water/vinegar mixture, cooled and
The leaves and seeds of wild amaranth are both edible.
The leaves and young shoots of lamb’s quarters can be eaten fresh or sautéed and used in any recipe in place of spinach. Photos by Jackie Bantle
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Purslane is very high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants: not only tasty but nutritional.
then applied as a poultice. Chickweed leaves, stems and flowers can all be eaten fresh or cooked. The flavor is similar to spinach. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) or wild portulaca, is another weed that can be aggressive and challenging in the garden. Any little piece of purslane can form roots, producing a new plant. Purslane leaves and stems are succulent and have a crispy texture. The leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked and add a peppery flavor to any dish. Purslane is also very high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants: not only tasty but nutritional. The leaves and young shoots of lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album), can be eaten fresh or sautéed and used in any recipe in place of spinach. The leaves are crunchy with a similar texture to spinach. Lamb’s quarters are in the same botanical family as Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and like quinoa, the seeds of lamb’s quarters can be eaten. Wild amaranth or red root pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is another common edible weed. Certain types of amaranth are grown commercially for their seed and many Asian cultures grow certain varieties of amaranth for their leaves. The leaves and seeds of wild amaranth are both edible. The leaves can be used fresh or cooked in any recipe that calls for leafy greens: younger leaves are tenderer than older leaves. Amaranth seeds are a good source of protein. Plantain (Plantago major) is considered a medicinal plant and as such it should be used with caution. Plantain leaves are high in calcium, vitamins A, C and K however plantain has astringent properties which, when made into a tea, can treat diarrhea and soothe raw internal membranes. Older leaves are tougher than younger leaves: flavor improves in older leaves if they are sautéed. Plantain seeds, which are found in a definitive flower spike, can be cooked as a grain or ground into flour. Before any weed plants are consumed, one must be certain that they are correctly identified and have not been sprayed with any herbicides. Be sure that the ‘weeds’ that you are going to eat are not poisonous. (ex. hemlock and nightshade) Do not pick weeds from public areas where animals may have urinated on the plants. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (SPS; saskperennial@ hotmail.com ). Check our website (www.saskperennial.ca) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/saskperennial) for a list of upcoming gardening events.
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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, July 25, 2019
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