November 12, 2019 Country Booster by The Camrose Booster

The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta

Always better – always better read

8 Pages

November 12, 2019

& s d n a l r a G heri ng s t a G Camrose Regional Exhibition executive director Dianne Kohler and City of Camrose economic development officer Patricia MacQuarrie were “moo”ving into the spirit of the upcoming holiday. Using a little agriculture humour, the two donned adorable cow costumes to promote Garlands and Gatherings Community Initiative.

News Features

Inside...

A variety of merchandise and services:

Farm supplies, equipment and services, homes, home decor, real estate, hunting supplies, entertainment and more!

New County graders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Lock up your gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Little House on the Slough Column by Lisa Kaastra . . . . . . 6

www.camrosebooster.com

Win a photo of your farm! See page 8

Photo by Lori Larsen

‘Herding’ into the season… Camrose County and City of Camrose are working with the Garlands and Gatherings Community Initiative committee to bring the best Holiday Season thus far to Camrose and area. The committee is composed of representatives from a variety of County and City organizations and businesses, all with the same mandate of promoting the many events happening in our area during the Christmas season. See full details inside on page 6.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 2

EST. 1980

New Crop Nuts & Dried Fruit

www.ranchovignola.com

Camrose

New County graders

Fresh is best!

By Murray Green

Harvest Sale

Best of the 2019 Crop!

• FRESH NUTS • NEW CROP DRIED FRUIT • FINE CONFECTION • GOURMET GIFTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CONVENIENT LOCATION: NORSEMEN INN – 6505-48 Avenue, Camrose

Hybrid fall rye used to fatten up hogs By Murray Green

Some producers have been using hybrid fall rye to fatten up hogs prior to market. “High yields of new hybrid fall rye was the main reason we conducted a recent trial using it as feed for pigs,” said Miranda Smit, livestock research extension coordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Hybrid fall rye was launched about five years

ago in Canada. Herman Wehrle, director of marketing and business development with FP Genetics, said that its higher yield is a game changer. “Its yields are 25 to 30 per cent more than any other cereal that is grown in western Canada at this time. For livestock producers growing their own feed, having a high yield allows them to produce the lowest cost of feed per acre and for farmers

that is going to be a game changer,” said Wehrle. Smit added that another reason this hybrid rye was used in the trial was due to its increased resistance to ergot contamination. “These new hybrids have a new trait called a pollen plus trait and this has been critical in helping improve ergot management, which has been key in rye production in general,” said Wehrle.

There are some other benefits with this rye. “It is a winter cereal, so it helps producers spread out their workload, allowing them to do some seeding in the fall which takes some pressure off seeding in the spring. More importantly, it allows them to harvest much earlier than they would be harvesting other crops.” Being grown as feed for forages and grazing, it gives an opportunity for double cropping. “As an example, if a farmer was growing a hybrid rye and took a forage off in late June, they could turn around and reseed it to a forage barley or oat and get a second crop off in one year.” Wehrle noted that he sees it as a very high value product in hogs, something that Smit took away from her research trial.

The biggest debate among grader operators around the area is whether the John Deere model 872 or the Caterpillar 160 is a better machine. To help solve that issue, Camrose County decided to purchase one of each so drivers will see for themselves. Public works manager Zach Mazure gave the County council options to consider at the Oct. 8 meeting. “I move that Camrose County council award the supply of one new John Deere 872GP AWD motor grader from Brandt Tractor, for the tender price of $434,600 (plus GST) with funding to come from the 2020 public works capital budget and further, that Camrose County council award the supply of one new Caterpillar 160M3 AWD motor grader at $440,134 (plus GST),” said councillor Brian Willoughby. “I want the Cat 160 so that we can compare apples to apples with these machines.” The graders will be completed with new mastless snow wing and front lift group. The County council allocated $96,000 to new grader repairs, in a reserve savings account, in 2020 to mitigate any potential of major repairs on the two new 2020 motor graders, that might require unplanned expenses during their lifespan with the County. Administration contacted grader operators prior to making the options available to council.

Does your

Make a great first impression? Users make up their minds about websites in about 7 seconds.

Increase consumer action? Does your website get people to respond? Do they buy?

Properly convey your image? Does your existing website inspire confidence in your brand?

We do website makeovers. We build effective websites.

799

Websites that $ perform

4925-48 St., Camrose

Ph. 780.672.3142

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 3

BEST BUYS AT EQUIPMENT LTD. USED

Degelman 33’ Protill Front notched, rear smooth, rubber packers

139,000

CNT

RUN A DIESEL TRUCK? Diesel Exhaust Fluid 10 litres Terrific price at AMRAA!

1225

We’re your new authorized SUPREME dealer in East Central AB

Demco 1050 Grain Cart

NEW

With tarp and scales 1,050 bushel

62,500

Find the right canola seed to fit your operation Purchase your seed with a line of credit from Farm Credit Canada by Jan. 31, 2020, and enjoy no payments and no interest until October 2020. For full details, speak with your Wild Rose Co-op Grow Team member.

CNT

WWW.AMRAA.CA • 780.673.9593 HWY 13 & 56, CAMROSE, AB

Stop over-paying for your

CHEQUES! Small Business Cheques 7.5” x 3.25” plus stub, black ink, white paper, numbered

250 cheques. . . . . . 88.00 500 cheques. . . . . $108.00 1000 cheques . . . $149.00 $

Viking

780.336.2100

Camrose Sedgewick 780.672.3051

780.384.3679

Call your Wild Rose Co-op Grow Team member about soil sampling

Wild Rose

Our prices are up to 50% LESS…

OUR R PRICES BEAT THE BANKS!

Personal Cheques All security features, unique background pattern to head off reproduction, copying and cut-and-paste operations.

Our cheques are bank-quality with bank secure features.

80 cheques . . . . . . . . . . $31.50 160 cheques . . . . . . . . . $42.50

Top of the class Platinum status achieved by technicians at The Auto Shoppe. National Recognition g

PHONE 780-672-3142 4925-48 STREET, CAMROSE

A national organization recognizing educational achievements in the automotive collision co repair industry, I-CAR, awarded platinum p status to all of the technicians and estimators at The Auto Shoppe in Camrose. Owner Gord Graham says his team spent years attaining these prestigious awards. The T Auto Shoppe is one of only five collision repair centres in Alberta to be awarded r platinum status. p For F highly-trained expertise, call the professionals. p

Now that’s a bodyshop! N is published for Controlled Distribution By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 12,660 copies Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway, Ferintosh, Bashaw, Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone 780-672-3142

Left, top to bottom: Ryan Graham (estimator and auto physical damage appraiser) Timothy Klassen (steel structural technician, non-structural technician and aluminum structural technician)

Dan Johnson (estimator and auto physical damage appraiser) Richard Mattis (steel structural technician, non-structural technician and aluminum structural technician) Chance Chapman (refinisher technician, steel structural technician, non-structural technician and aluminum structural technician)

Gord Graham (non-structural technician, estimator, auto physical damage appraiser)

Fax 780-672-2518

News email: news@camrosebooster.com Display Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Classified Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Website: camrosebooster.com

4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7 The most effective, most economical advertising medium in the Camrose area. The entire contents of THE CAMROSE BOOSTER and THE COUNTRY BOOSTER are protected by copyright and any unauthorized reproduction of it, in whole or in part, without consent in writing, is expressly prohibited.

COLLISION REPAIR CENTRE 4709-36 Street, Camrose 780-672-7231 www.autoshoppe.ca

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 4

Model 70 Sporter The classic Model 70 - built for looks, comfort and performance. Bolt-action controlled round feed, sporter profile barrel, satin finish checkered walnut stock, Pachmayr Decellerator pad, blued barrel and receiver. The Model 70 Sporter is pure and traditional. Over the years, it has become the essence of a bolt-action rifle for the serious sportsman. The Sporter’s raised cheekpiece puts your eye in perfect alignment behind a scope. The highly stable, comfortable stock is synonymous with accuracy. Its classic claw extractor gives extreme reliability under every condition. • SATIN FINISH GRADE I WALNUT STOCK WITH CUT CHECKERING and DELUXE CHEEKPIECE places your eye in perfect alignment with scope • POLISHED METAL SURFACES add style and elegance • STEEL SLING SWIVEL STUDS allow you to attach your favourite sling • ALLOY ONE-PIECE BOTTOM METAL adds rigidity for better accuracy • FORGED STEEL RECEIVER WITH INTEGRAL RECOIL LUG IS BEDDED FRONT AND REAR to eliminate shifts in zero for exceptional long-range accuracy • PRE-’64 STYLE CONTROLLED ROUND FEED WITH CLAW EXTRACTOR fully controls the cartridge from magazine, to chamber, to ejection • Three-Position Safety shows safety status at a glance • COLD HAMMER-FORGED FREE-FLOATED BARREL for years of pinpoint accuracy • RECESSED TARGET CROWN enhances accuracy and protects the rifling • M.O.A. Trigger SYSTEM with zero take-up, zero creep and zero overtravel gives you outstanding accuracy • Blade-Type Ejector for full control of ejection force • PACHMAYR® DECELERATOR® RECOIL PAD for optimal protection against felt recoil Main Street, Bashaw || 780-372-4440

Bashaw Sports

Lock up your hunting gear By Lori Larsen

Hunting is a sport enjoyed because of its opportunity to take advantage of the great outdoors, fresh air, participating in physical activity and perhaps harvesting some wild game. However, it can be an expensive hobby as well, especially if your gear is stolen. Camrose RCMP want to remind hunters to ensure their hunting gear is locked and secured and provide the following tips on taking extra steps to protect your property. “The best advice is to remove your gear from your vehicle and secure it in a safe place, whenever you can,” began Camrose RCMP Corporal Mark Cusack. “If you absolutely have to leave it in your vehicle, always make sure your vehicle is locked and all of the items are out of sight.” Cusack appreciates that after a long hunt arriving home late at night it may be easy to just leave your gear in your vehicle, but the temptation may be too great for would-be thieves. “Take that extra minute or two to take all your gear inside.” Cusack also advised recording the serial numbers of all gear including spotting scopes, rifle scopes, binoculars, range finders, cameras, trail cameras, GPS

instruments, satellite phones, two way radios, tree stands, blinds, bows and of course firearms. “That way if they do happen to be stolen we can be supplied with the serial numbers which will greatly assist in an investigation. We can’t put firearms on our system, if they are stolen, unless it has a serial number attached to it. So it is important to record the serial numbers.” He also suggested engraving gear to make it more identifiable. “Hunters should make a complete inventory of all their gear–record the serial numbers and describe them, that way if we do need to investigate all they have to do is provide us with a copy of the inventory.” While keeping an inventory along with photos of your gear on your cellular phone or other device is easy and quick, a copy should also be kept somewhere at your residence. It only takes a minute to use a little extra caution and can save not only money but time in the event you become a victim of theft. Lock up your gear so you have it for the next great adventure into the wilderness.

Rifle safety tips By Lori Larsen

With general hunting season (which includes use of a firearm) in the Parkland WMU (Wildlife Management Unit), which includes Camrose County, officially open, the potential for incidents involving firearms causing injury or death could increase. With the use of rifles comes an onset of concerns from both rural residents, located near popular hunting spots and Conservation and Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch officers assigned with the duty of ensuring hunters abide by the laws and proper gun safety. A few simple precautions by anyone handling firearms can mean the difference between a safe and satisfying hunt and one that could potentially turn extremely dangerous. Transporting

When transporting your firearm, completely unload it including rounds in the breech or chamber and remove cartridge magazines, then separate your ammunition from your firearm. Remember, it is unlawful to have a loaded firearm (live ammunition in breech, chamber or magazine) in or on, or discharge a weapon from a boat unless the boat is propelled by muscular power or is at anchor and the person is hunting, or any kind of aircraft or vehicle whether it is moving or stationary. Note: Ammunition may be carried in a magazine that is not attached to the firearm. Place your firearm in a protective case and secure the case so it does not get knocked around during travel. Every time you remove your firearm from the case

be sure to check the bore for obstructions. Handling

Begin by being totally familiar with your firearm and ensure it is properly cleaned and maintained at all times. Always use the proper ammunition for your firearm. Whenever you are handling a firearm always treat it like it is loaded. Never point the muzzle of your firearm towards yourself or in the direction of another person. In fact doing so, without lawful excuse, whether loaded or not is a criminal offence. Keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed at the ground with the safety on until you are ready to shoot and are totally aware of what your target is and what lays beyond your intended target. Be in complete control of where your firearm is pointed at all times. This includes traversing rough terrain such as steep hills, rocks, rivers and crossing fences. If these pose dangerous obstacles it is best to ensure your firearm is unloaded. Keep the action of the firearm open, except when shooting or when storing an unloaded gun. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are steadied, aimed and ready to shoot. When you are ready to shoot remember an important tip, slow and steady not only wins the race but can help ensure you not only hit the target but do so safely. These suggestions may seem simple but hunting is often accompanied by moments of excitement which can lead to sudden decisions. Being prepared and cautious converts to a safer, happier hunt.

Hunter safety

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Camrose Fish and Wildlife District Officer Lorne Rinkel demonstrates how to properly transport a firearm.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 5

Family fun at CRE By Lori Larsen

The Camrose Regional Exhibition is changing up the season with a new family fun event replacing the Festival of Trees. The Garlands and Gatherings event at the CRE will run Nov. 22 to 24 and is aimed at a whole lot of family pleasure with a seasonal celebration of Funky Fun. For the price of admission, guests will have a slew of exciting activities in which to take part that include listening to and watching local performers on the Camrose Community Performance Stage with the bulk of performances on Saturday, Nov. 23; and photos with Santa on Friday, Nov. 22 from 2 until 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and 2 until 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. This year, the CRE will be adding a 5,000-squarefoot Children Fun Zone consisting of a variety of inflatable rides, a Toddlers’ Room for children under five years of age with a p i n t - s i z e d - p a r t i c ip a n t inflatable ride and crafty activity centres. A Video Game Theatre will feature a variety of video games for video game enthusiasts to come and test out new video games, do hands-on play, challenge another player and have mini-tournaments. The floor layout will also be taking on a new look. Trade show vendors and not-for-profit booths will be spattered throughout the main floor area with Santa taking centre stage in the middle. CRE is welcoming any not-for-profit organizations to set up a booth (free of charge for not-for-profits). “The theme this year is Funky Christmas. It is going to be very bright and neon. We will still have some trees, but we what we are really aiming for this year is to have activities for all ages instead of mostly just trees to view – lots of hands-on fun.” There will still be a spattering of funky decorated trees throughout including an oversized real tree that will adorn the mezzanine area. Garlands and Gatherings at the CRE will run Friday, Nov. 22 from 2 until 7 p.m., Saturday Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tickets are available online for the event and part of the cost of admission will be donated to Camrose Neighbor Aid (Food Bank). The ever popular Teddy Bear Disco, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Garlands and Gatherings at the CRE promises tons of fun for everyone.

“Let’s take a drive ” to

Irma!

It’s time for our annual

CHRISTMAS

Open House Irma Home & Garden Centre – Sunday, Nov, 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A country gem!

The rustic charm of this home and garden centre in Irma is worth the drive. Come discover the quirky, interesting, extraordinary pieces in the nooks and crannies of this timeless emporium.

Be sure to wear a warm jacket (some of the shop is unheated)..

Charming Savings throughout the store! Cute, Unique Christmas Decorations, Furnishings and DéCor!

IRMA

Home & Garden

Between Viking & Wainwright on Hwy. 14 780-754-3642

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 6

Garlands and Gatherings – ’tis the season By Lori Larsen

This year let Garlands and Gatherings Community program help you to enjoy all the excitement of the holiday season that is happening in and around Camrose. Garlands and Gatherings is a new community wide initiative directed by a committee comprised of representatives from county and city organizations and businesses. Spearheaded by Tourism Camrose executive director Jennifer Filip and Camrose Regional Exhibition executive director Dianne Kohler, the committee has put together a list of events happening in and around Camrose over the holiday season. “The momentum is growing,” said Filip. “The more we talk about this initiative and not just limiting it to the City but expanding it out into the County to be inclusive of Ag societies, villages and towns, it has sparked enthusiasm and excitement.” This is also an opportunity to cross promote other events. Many of the organizations/ businesses will have handouts containing a list of the events. The main goal of the Garlands and Gatherings Community initiative was to ensure city and county residents were given every opportunity to get out and enjoy as many events as they could this holiday season. “If you are there already why not take in other events.” The following list includes some of the upcoming events. Saturday, Nov. 16 – Bailey Italian Christmas Fundraiser at the Bailey Theatre beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 – Rosalind Ag Society Christmas Market. Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Teddy Bear Disco at Camrose Regional Exhibition. Thursday, Nov. 21 – SingAble Sing Along at the Bailey Theatre beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 – Lighting of the Downtown Christmas Tree located at the north end of Main Street (50 Avenue). Thursday, Nov. 21 – Old Time Country Christmas at Camrose United Church at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 – Grateful Grannies Christmas Market at the Bailey Theatre beginning at noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 – The About Time Productions The Grinch shows at 3, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 – Bashaw Agriculture Society Christmas in the Country Craft Fair at the Bashaw Community Church from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 22, 23 and 24 – Garlands and Gatherings at the CRE. (formerly Festival of Trees.) Friday, Nov. 29 – Midnight Madness in Camrose Downtown core.

Saturday, Nov. 30 – Kinette’s Silent Santa Countdown to Christmas at Camrose Registry (5613-48 Avenue). Saturday, Nov. 30 – Ed Sullivan Tribute Show and Dinner at the Bailey Theatre, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 – Ed Sullivan Tribute Show at the Bailey Theatre at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 – Concert in a Country Church at the Fridhem Heritage Church beginning at 7 p.m. Also – John McDermott Christmas at Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6 – Kinsmen Club of Camrose 65th Annual Radio Auction Saturday, Dec. 7 – Annual Cookie Walk, Tea and Christmas White Elephant Sale at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. or until supplies last. Saturday, Dec. 7 – Camrose Public Library Annual Family Christmas Party from 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Dec. 7 – Hay Lakes Lighting of the Tree. Sunday, Dec. 8 – Ennis Sisters Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Christmas Show beginning at 2 p.m. Garlands and Gatherings Community programs gear up for Sunday, Dec. 8 – Sugar and Spice all the wonders of the holiday season. Christmas Gift and Craft Show at the Norsemen Inn from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. is planning another New Years event on TuesMonday, Dec. 9 – Round Hill Christmas day, Dec. 31, in conjunction with the Kodiaks Market in Round Hill. Hockey Team. Stay tuned for further details. Friday, Dec. 13 – Infinite Imagination Be sure to look for the Garlands and GathVariety Show and Dinner at the Spotlight Biserings logo to stay tuned to upcoming regional tro (Bailey Theatre) at 7:30 p.m. events during the Christmas season. Friday, Dec. 13 – Strictly Business ChristAs other events come available they will mas Cabaret at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre beginning at 8 p.m. be posted on the Garlands and Gatherings Friday, Dec. 13 – Christmas theme Name Facebook page. Were just settling in to our small sleeping nook.

“T’was the month before Christmas” By Lisa Kaastra T’was the month before Christmas, and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, except for… a mouse. So the traps were all set ‘neath the sink with such care In hopes that they’d catch the small rodents soon there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of pups and snow danc’d in their heads. And Hubby with cell phone, and I with my book,

That Tune at Retro (5017-51 Street) 7 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 – Michelle Wright Christmas at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 – Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce Motown Theme Christmas party at the Camrose Regional Exhibition from 6 p.m. until midnight. Sunday, Dec. 15 – Buckaroos Country and Western Christmas Show at the Bailey Theatre at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Christmas Social at Camrose Public Library. Thursday, Dec. 19 – Buzz Brass Christmas at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 27 and 28 – Camrose Academy of Curling Christmas Curling Camp for Youth. To wind up 2019 and ring in 2020 The City

When out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter, Hubby sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away from the bedroom, he flew like a flash, Tore open the door, and kept up his dash.

More rapid than eagles, they scurried ’cross the floor, And they squeaked and they sniffed, as they headed to th’ door. “A Mickey, a Minnie, a Chuck E. Cheese too, “But a family of mice in my house just won’t do! “Out to the front porch and down you must crawl - “Get away, get away, get away, all!” As water slides down the drain ’round in a hurry, When it empties and leads to a slithering fury,

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave lustre of mid-day to creatures below;

So down the heat vent, the courses they scampered, With a belly-full of peanut butter, their paws still unhampered.

When, what to his wondering eyes should appear, But fat, whiskered vermin - just what he did fear.

And then in a twinkling, he heard a loud snap; The great sound of success from o’er near the trap.

With skinny, long tails, so lively and quick, He knew in a moment that this was no trick.

As he drew in his head, and was turning around, The rest all escaped with a leap and a bound.

But none of us knew that then later that week, We’d meet NINE more mice who for more treats they’d seek, And yet each one met end after end in the night; They’d put up a good one, then give up their fight. For when every morning, with daughter nearby, She’d look at their furry paws and then squeal, “Oh my!” “How sweet, how cute!” her little voice claimed, Thank goodness, they exited the door, still unnamed. Perhaps there are times when the mice need their space, But for now in our house, let’s not have such take place. So tonight we shall say, as we turn out the light “Be free of all mice, and to all a good night.”

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 7

Custom Silaging Hank

• Chopping • Trucking • Bagging • Swathing NEW!

Darren

Book now! “Any size job welcome, big or small.”

T hank you!

We would like to say thank you to the farmers and chemical dealers for their support and for welcoming us to the Camrose area.

Think of us for your fungicide and insecticide needs next season.

1-306-689-2882

Hank 403.783.1270 • Darren 403.704.0843

F ofessional, friendly assistance with your accounting needs, visit or call us soon.

Alberta Service Licence 450863-00-00

Lynn Kneeland

Mainstream Accounting 4704E-49 Avenue, Camrose | Fax 780.608.8714 Phone 780.608.8700

Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canola experts speak By Murray Green

Join Alberta Canola director Roger Chevraux for a seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Norsemen Inn. In addition to the speakers, there will be an update on clubroot in Alberta as well as an overview of Alberta Canola’s activities, priorities and budget for the coming year. Speakers include Murray Hartman, an independent canola specialist that

has a good news climate story for agriculture in Alberta. Mike Jubinville is from MarketsFarm, Glacier Farmmedia and will be talking about navigating grain markets in turbulent political times. Clinton Jurke is on the Canola Council of Canada and will be sharing views on clubroot and blackleg. Rob Strilchuk of MNP will be talking about managing cash flow to manage the bank.

ONLINE AUCTION 482.05 ACRES PASTURE LAND

3 SEPARATE PARCELS RYLEY, ALBERTA 9:00 AM, DECEMBER 16, 2019 TO 6:00 PM, DECEMBER 18, 2019 George Singer FARM REALTOR®

780.608.6555

PRE-REGISTER TO BID ONLINE

WWW.FARMAUCTION.COM

1.866.345.3414

For more farm listings, visit us online!

FARMREALESTATE.COM

Sniffing out clubroot in fields By Murray Green

Dogs don’t just make good pets, they can be very helpful around the farm. Sniffer dogs were used this fall in canola fields near Brooks and in Leduc County to hunt for clubroot galls. The dogs and their trainers were used in the field trial, of the canine detection of clubroot project. The project started when Michael Harding, a research scientist of plant pathology with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF), was contacted by dog trainer Mario Bourque in New Brunswick about training sniffer dogs to detect plant disease. Harding suggested clubroot. “I knew that the concept had been done before (with avocados) and we needed to find the situation that needed the solution,” explained Harding. “Clubroot was the one (choice) because all the symptoms are underground. We have to destructively sample to see them. We needed something that could see the roots without pulling them out of the ground. That is where the dogs’ olfactory senses came into play.” Harding contacted Farming Smarter’s general manager Ken Coles to support the project. “In the research world, it is always a struggle to figure out how to get the projects that are interesting to farmers and practical in your area,” said Coles. “We felt that it was a relevant and kind of an out

there idea and that’s kind of the premise of Farming Smarter.” Before the two dogs (Josie, a two-year-old German Shepherd and Adi, a 13-month-old Golden Doodle) flew to Alberta, trainer Bill Grimmer used clinical scent training for three months in New Brunswick. Once they had proven the dogs could detect clubroot in the clinical trials, they were ready for field testing. In two days in the field, collected evidence showed that the dogs would alert their handlers to areas where clubroot was present without digging up the roots. “We set out to answer the question can dogs be trained to sniff out clubroot. We have shown that is truly the case both in the clinical setting and in the field setting,” Harding added. “We learned a lot in those field trials. The dogs had never been in a canola field before. They had never been on an airplane. It did not go seamlessly because this was a really new environment and a new experience for the dogs. They are used to detect gall material that is not underground on a canola stubble, so it was the first time for that.” Although the dogs still need some additional training to be full working dogs, they had a high rate of success at detecting clubroot. “We have seen lots of evidence that they can do it.” It could save canola

producers some money in the long run. “Clubroot costs the industry a lot of money,” said Coles. “For us down south, where we are in that sort of clubrootfree zone, to be able to detect it earlier, we can employ the strategies that have already been successful and maybe keep it out a bit longer.” Training dogs could be the answer. “If you have a scent dog that can help scout for clubroot, you eliminate the need to pull out 500 roots to find one with a gall,” said Harding. “There is an upfront cost for a sniffer dog, but you do not have to pay them a salary. They are really happy to go. Dogs could be trained to detect resting spores in the soil, so they could detect clubroot infestations in soil on equipment. The dog could verify there is no presence of clubroot spores on equipment up for sale. You could combine with GPS, on the dog’s collar to see where the dog has scouted, what it missed, where it has alerted and where it has not.” Harding also added the possibility of training the dogs to detect more than clubroot. “You could train a single animal to alert you to fusarium, aphanomyces, blackleg, verticililium wilt, late blight and these dogs have the capability of learning that skill.”

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, November 12, 2019 – Page 8

Win a photograph of your farm!

Insurance is like a fire extinguisher

You’re never sure it works until the time comes to use it. To be ready for an emergency, a fire extinguisher must be recharged and kept close at hand. Your insurance, too, should be constantly updated and prepared. The insurance experts at Central Agencies are ready to help you prepare. We offer a complete line of auto, home, farm, life and property coverage, backed by the strength of stable and committed insurance carriers. Call us today. We’ll make sure you’re ready for whatever the future brings.

CENTRAL AGENCIES INC. 4870-51 Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-4491 Edm. Direct 780-429-0909

Laundry

If this is your farm… YOU’RE A WINNER! WFW5620HW

Steam Washer

Front Load Dryer

5.2 cu. ft. capacity. Skip detergent refills for up to 20 loads with the Load & Go dispenser.

7.4 cu. ft. capacity. Prevent overdrying your family’s fabrics with Advanced Moisture Sensing and keep wrinkles from setting in.

YWED5620HW

SALE…

The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” color enlargement of the photo.

• The winners of the September 24th Mystery Farm prize are Wayne and Cheryl Domes of Camrose. • This week’s prize must be claimed by December 10, 2019. • This week’s Mystery Farm is sponsored by the businesses on this page.

Rural Services