January 28, 2020 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

Photo by Ron Pilger

8 Pages, January 28, 2020

Camrose County Seed Cleaning plant manager Murray Van Petten inspects a sample of field peas brought in by local farmer Ron Pedersen.

Inside... A variety of merchandise and services: Farm supplies and services, auto, RV, homes, real estate, auctions, livestock, finance, home decor, entertainment, and more!

News Features… Organic Alberta, Holistic Management to hold conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Bull Congress teaches students about ag industry. Page 4 New laws to protect property owners. . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7

Win a Colour Enlargement of your Farm! See page 8

With Christmas and New Year’s holiday season now in the rear view mirror, farm families have quickly focused their time and energy on

preparing for

Spring

Activity is brisk at Camrose County Seed Cleaning plant, Lougheed Co-op Seed Cleaning Plant and other similar operations in the trade area. Despite a challenging fall, the ever-resilient farmer is already eagerly anticipating a perfect spring for planting. Interest is reported to be already high, related to purchasing the best available brands of pedigreed seed and cleaning commercial seed. Staff are being kept busy with testing, separations and conditioning as well as providing additional seed treating services for which each has been trained. See page 5 for more information on treating seeds.

Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 – Page 2

Let me play out this scenario for you…

4716-38 Street, Camrose • Phone 780-672-2452 Agriterra Equipment is one of North America’s largest AGCO agricultural equipment dealers, offering Massey Ferguson, Challenger, Gleaner, Rogator and Fendt as mainline, with complementary products such as Bourgault and Morris Seeding and Tillage equipment and Cub Cadet Consumer Products. We provide our customers with new and used equipment, complimented with product support throughout our parts and service departments. Our Camrose location is currently accepting resumés for the position of:

You get into an accident. Your insurance company says, “Take your vehicle to so and so.” But you say, “I want to take it to The Auto Shoppe – I know Jackie Rae is the celebrity apprentice there, and she wouldn’t lead me astray!”

FULL-TIME SERVICE MANAGER

All joking aside, where you take your vehicle after an accident is the most important decision you can make. Two reasons: Number 1: You need to take it to a shop certified by the world’s leading auto manufacturers. Number 2: You need someone you can trust, and that’s The Auto Shoppe in Camrose.

Wow, now that’s a body shop.

Jackie Rae, Celebrity Apprentice at the Auto Shoppe

Gord, Jenn and Ryan

A family-owned business for 40 years.

It’s your right to choose who works on your car.

4709-36 Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-7231

www.autoshoppe.ca

Consumers looking for convenience Submitted

“The demand for convenience has never been greater,” said Jeewani Fernando, provincial consumer market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “Around the globe, consumers need and look for convenience in all forms,

whether it be simplicity, time saving or suitability.” She adds that in today’s world, convenience goes beyond products, services and store channels. Consumers will continue to seek new ways to streamline their lives to cope with urban lifestyle challenges.

Does your 1

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?

4925-48 Street, Camrose

Phone 780.672.3142

“Packaging, preparation, storage, portability, disposal, ordering, replenishment and fulfilment, as well as device, payment and application technologies are all key considerations when providing an overall convenience experience.”

We do website makeovers. We build effective websites.

Websites that perform

799

We are looking for someone who: • has exceptional time management skills • has considerable experience managing a service shop and a team of service personnel • consistently demonstrates exceptional customer service • has basic computer skills and likes to solve problems • has the ability to take initiative and thrives in a fast paced team environment • can effectively manage work orders, warranty submissions, and provide customer satisfaction, always, on a timely basis We will give preference to individuals with: • Journeyperson Certification • Previous experience at an AGCO or competing ag industry dealership We would like to offer you: • an exemplary health and dental benefits package • a competitive wage, with bonus package Join our TEAM and work in an environment that is both rewarding and positive. Please contact Branch Manager Blaine Heck at 780-672-2452 or bheck@agriterraeq.com

Organic Alberta to hold conference

By Murray Green

A conference for farmers, ranchers and industry to grow organic agriculture will be held at the Camrose Regional Exhibition on Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Organic Alberta is partnering with Western Canadian Holistic Management to provide three days of information, insight and inspiration. Learn new ideas and practices to improve your land and your business. Organic agriculture offers solutions to many of the challenges facing society today. Hear from world-renowned experts on the impact organic farmers are making. Known for attracting an amazing community of farm families, this is the place

to meet other farmers who are exploring new practices, ways of thinking and supporting the paradigm shift in our agriculture and food systems. While feeding your mind, we’ll feed your stomach with food from farmers across Alberta. We are committed to farmers who are growing nutrient dense food that is good for people and good for the land. Organic Alberta is committed to supporting the next generation and offers an educational children’s program at our conference so they can learn alongside us. For more information contact Dana at coordinator@holisticmanagement.ca or call 780-914-6282.

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 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.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 – Page 3

International’s on call

We service all makes and models

…Have arrived! Thanks to Camrose County for choosing the fabulous new model of commercialgrade truck for their needs. This series was built as tough and as adaptable as it’s “big brothers.” The CV Series has been created for maximum comfort of drivers, features a 350 hp/6.6 L engine and 6-speed Allison transmission. Plus, a forward tilting hood and much more!

Introducing…

Big rigs don’t always break down at convenient times, and rarely at handy locations. Tractors and trailers don’t necessarily need to be diagnosed or repaired in-shop. Our well-equipped, diagnostic and repair truck can be mobile within minutes. Yes, even in the night or on Sunday afternoon. When your call comes in, an experienced technician will hit the road with the diagnostic equipment, tools and the skill to get you going in as short of a time as possible.

New Service/Parts Manager

New Shop Foreman

Calvin Shantz

Chris Boersma

Calvin has worked for Glover since 2002, you may know him from his lengthy service in the parts department. As the company’s new parts and service manager, Calvin’s goal is to provide more mobile service to new and existing clients, and broaden their scope of parts and repair work to agricultural and industrial customers.

3836-42 Ave. ◆ 780-672-7396

Introducing…

Chris has been a licensed heavy duty service technician since the age of 21. Chris has provided value to satisfied trucking clients for the past 16 years. He’s PACCAR certified, brings six years of mobile service to his new role at our shop, and has an enviable track record diagnosing and solving engine issues. Welcome, Chris!

RCMP advise on intersection safety By Lori Larsen

The Alberta RCMP are advising motorists on the dangers of intersections during Intersection Safety Month in Alberta and offer the following tips on how to make the roadways safer for all users.

Motorists

Slow down as you approach an intersection, come to a complete stop and check all traffic before proceeding. Obey traffic signs and signals. Come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs. Be a defensive driver and be prepared to react accordingly to other motorists lack of judgement or unsafe driving. At a four-way stop, remember the Right of Way rule. You must yield to the vehicle on your right. Always initiate your turn signal when making turns. Ensure it is safe to turn before doing so. Check for both pedestrian and

motor vehicle traffic before making any turns. Yield the right of way to pedestrians in all marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drive for the weather and road conditions. Even if the roads are cleared, black ice can still be present. Slow down and allow for plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of yours. If you are approach ing an intersection controlled by a traffic light and the light has been green for a while, anticipate it turning by taking your foot off the gas and slowing down prior to the intersection. Pedestrians

Never jaywalk. Check traffic both ways before crossing and only proceed when it is safe to do so. Always use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals when they are available. Don’t be a distracted pedestrian. Remove headphones and put away cell phones or other electronic devices when crossing the street. “You should always be prepared for the unex-

pected at intersections: pay attention to pedestrians, changing lights, slippery road conditions and other drivers before proceeding through an intersection,” said Alberta Sheriffs superintendant Rick Gardner. “Intersection safety entails consistently watching the road and other drivers and pedestrians to avoid dangerous collisions.” Most motor vehicle collisions can be avoided by driving defensively and using extra care and control. “According to Alberta Transportation, over 85 per cent of collisions involve a driver error,” said Alberta RCMP Traffic Services superintendent Gary Graham. “The most common driver errors identified in casualty collisions at intersections include left turns, stop sign violations and disobeying a traffic signal. “Intersection safety is a shared responsibility. Together, we have the ability to reduce the number of collisions and save lives.” The Alberta RCMP will continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make the right driving decisions. For more traffic safety tips visit their Facebook page at @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @ RCMPAlberta.

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

OUR R PRICES BEAT THE BANKS! Our cheques are bank-quality with bank secure features.

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

Our prices are up to 50% LESS…

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

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

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 – Page 4

Bull Congress teaches students about the agriculture industry

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Twin brothers William left, and Claude right, Kelland, Grade 3 students at Bawlf School, roll out some canola seeds during a demonstration at the Canadian Bull Congress Education Program held at the Camrose Regional Exhibition on Jan. 21 and 22. By Lori Larsen

Grade 3 students from schools in and around Camrose were once again given a wonderful opportunity to learn about life on the farm and the agriculture industry. On Jan. 21 and 22

the participating schools took the students on a field trip to the Camrose Regional Exhibition hosting the annual Canadian Bull Congress Education Program, where they were able to learn, hands on, some of what it takes to be

an agriculture producer at a variety of vendors and presenting organizations, as well as valuable safety tips from Camrose Fire Department. “The Canadian Bull Congress Education program is sponsored by Camrose County and made possible by the CRE team and many wonderful volunteers,” said Camrose Regional Exhibition Agriculture liaison and Bull Congress Education Program coordinator Megan Lethbridge. “It is a great opportunity for students to receive hands on education about agriculture.” Topics covered at the different booths included: a veterinarian presentation by Dr. Ileana Berezanski from Camrose Vet Hospital; canola seeds processing and usage; milk production; chicken producers; farm and fire safety; auctioneering and cattle ear tagging. The Bull Congress Education Program played host to 15 schools and approximately 522 students and is well received throughout Camrose and the county as a valuable tool for educating youth on the important role agriculture plays in our communities.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Being a good sport for the photo, Grade 3 Bashaw School student Jayden Dejonge front, looked a little nervous as Camrose UFA Farm and Ranch Supplies store manager Barry Ness talks about ear tagging, used to identify farm animals.

Cold weather translates into more feed for livestock By Murray Green

This winter frigid temperatures have been taxing for both humans and their livestock across the province. The colder the weather, the more feed is needed to keep animals warm. Some animals have lost condition or dropped weight due to the cold weather. “Animals that are kept outside–be they cattle, bison or horses–all increase the amount of feed they consume during the cold weather,” explained Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist at the Alberta Ag-Info Centre. “This is to increase the amount of heat that is generated during the digestion process to stay warm. Using beef cattle as an example, if temperatures drop below -20° C, feed intake can increase by five to 30 per cent compared to a warmer day,” added Yaremcio. Because of the cold, Yaremcio said that some producers are noticing that their haystacks or silage pits are emptying a lot faster than what was expected. However, he says that producers have some options even on limited feed supply. “Cows in late pregnancy can be fed a certain amount of straw per day, which is no different than before the cold weather. However, the straw cannot be the total

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Frigid temperatures means more feed for livestock in order to maintain their weight and overall health.

increase in feed supplied because it is low in protein, high in fibre which reduces digestibility and rumen efficiency. Good quality hay and additional grain is needed as part of the additional feed supplied. Adding two lb. of grain per head per day at -30° C and four lb. of additional grain at -40° C is a good starting point,” he added. “Managing the protein content, calcium and phos-

phorus, magnesium, trace minerals and vitamins are all important to provide a balanced ration. If hay or silage supplies are very short, feeding roughly 10 lb. of straw per day to a lactating cow with the remainder being silage or hay along with 10 to 15 lb. or more of grain per head per day may be necessary. Grain feeding rates will depend on the quality of

the other feeds and forages,” said Yaremcio. After calving, when including straw in the diet, it is critical to include sufficient amounts of protein. The ration should contain a minimum of 11 per cent protein on a dry matter basis. Adding faba beans, peas, distillers grains or 32 per cent with Rumensin are all possibilities. “Changing and adjusting the feeding program when including lower quality straw is critical. It is possible that calcium and magnesium levels will be low, creating a concern with downer cows or milk fevers.” Keep an eye on the animal’s body condition score. “When a cow loses body condition score prior to calving, the energy availability the cow has to produce milk after calving is reduced because there is less fat to mobilize off her back in addition to the feed that is providing them with energy. “If the cow can’t mobilize the extra fat to get energy to produce milk, peak milk production is going to go down. If you lose two pounds of milk production off the peak at eight weeks after calving, your loss of milk production over the entire length of that lactation period is

going to be down that two pounds. It is not just the peak that is lost, but the two pounds all the way through,” he continued. “If cows are losing weight between calving and when the bulls are turned out, it takes longer for the cows to start cycling and first service conception rates go down,” explained Yaremcio. “Therefore, you are either going to have a bunch of calves born later in the calving season next year, or that cow might be open and gets culled.” Yaremcio added that bringing the cows back into condition will take a little more attention to details. “Get some extra help working through current rations. Or, use the CowBytes program and readjust them as soon as possible to allow the largest amount of time to regain condition before the breeding season begins. Feeding an extra two, three or four pounds of grain a day over and above what is fed in warmer conditions is a starting point. The extra grain will help increase weight gains by about onehalf to three-quarters of a pound a day. That is over and above fetal and placenta growth for cows in late pregnancy and some weight gain for lactating cows.”

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 – Page 5

INVITATION TO TENDER FARMLAND The following farmland, located near Forestburg, is hereby offered for sale by tender, subject to the restrictions, reservations, and non-financial obligations in the existing Certificates of Title: PARCEL 1: SW 03-42-15-W4 (containing 141.53 titled acres, 90 cultivated acres, more or less) PARCEL 2:

NE 20-42-15-W4 (containing 159 titled acres, 120 cultivated acres, more or less)

PARCEL 3:

SE 20-42-15-W4 (containing 159 titled acres, 95 cultivated acres, more or less)

Tenders will be entertained on any or all of Parcel 1 and Parcel 2 and Parcel 3. Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes, marked “McNABB TENDER”, to Andreassen Borth, with the tenderer’s GST number and accompanied by a cheque made payable to “Andreassen Borth” for $5000.00 per parcel and delivered before 12:00 noon on February 28, 2020, to Andreassen Borth, Barristers & Solicitors, #200, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1S1. Attention: James Harry Andreassen. The taxes will be adjusted on closing.

Lougheed Co-op Seed Cleaning Plant P.O. Box 123, Lougheed, AB, T0B 2V0 Manager: Jeremy Simpson, 780-386-3771, lscp@xplornet.com, lougheedprocessing.ca

The surface lease will be assigned on closing. Any payments paid, or accrued, to closing will be retained by the Vendor, without adjustment.

403-443-2577

Tenders will not be opened in public. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid to Andreassen Borth on or before April 15, 2020. Tenders are irrevocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Andreassen Borth. If a successful tenderer does not complete the purchase after acceptance of that tender, their deposit shall be forfeited. The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. The owner reserves the right to reject any and all tenders. Deposits received from unsuccessful tenderers will be returned to them by mail.

PEDIGREED SEED FOR SALE

RETAILERS FOR:

780-777-5885

Inland Plastics

For further information, please call Keith McNabb at 780-582-2401 or Barbara Roth at 780-889-2260.

Wheat: -AAC Brandon -AAC Redberry -AAC Viewﬁeld Barley: -AAC Synergy Oats: -CS Camden

Seed Treating Available

INVITATION TO TENDER FARMLAND The following land is hereby offered for sale by tender, subject to the restrictions, reservations, and non-financial obligations in the existing Certificate of Title: SW 10-43-15-W4, (containing 160 acres, more or less) Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes, marked “BENDFELD TENDER”, to Andreassen Borth, with the tenderer’s GST number and accompanied by a cheque made payable to “Andreassen Borth” for $5000.00 and delivered before 12:00 noon on March 2, 2020, to Andreassen Borth, Barristers & Solicitors, #200, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1S1. Attention: James Harry Andreassen. The taxes will be adjusted on closing. Any surface leases will be assigned, but not adjusted. Tenders will not be opened in public.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

The balance of the purchase price shall be paid to Andreassen Borth on or before April 6, 2020. Tenders are irrevocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Andreassen Borth. If a successful tenderer does not complete the purchase after acceptance of that tender, their deposit shall be forfeited. The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. The owner reserves the right to reject any and all tenders. Deposits received from unsuccessful tenderers will be returned to them by mail.

1.866.345.3414

FARMREALESTATE.COM HALF SECTION OF PASTURE ID#1100906 • KINSELLA, AB

329 ACRES

$670,000

Land for sale by Ducks Unlimited Canada Good perimeter fence and dugouts Land is seeded to tame grass mix & na ve grass Subject to a “No Break No Drain” Conserva on Easement Agreement EXCLUSIVE FARMREALESTATE.COM

GEORGE SINGER

780.608.6555

PASTURE LAND

ID#1100904 • BRUCE, AB

160 ACRES

$299,000

Located north of Bruce, Alberta New perimeter fence & dugout for livestock Newly seeded with a tame pasture mix Ducks Unlimited Canada “No Break No Drain” Conserva on Easement Agreement EXCLUSIVE FARMREALESTATE.COM

GEORGE SINGER

780.608.6555

FarmRealEstate

.com

Treating seeds is your own insurance plan By Agri-News

Whether to seed treat, or not is a question that often comes up in the spring. “Seed treatment should be looked at as an insurance policy to protect against less-than-ideal growing conditions in the spring,” said Harry Brook, crop specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. If a producer has high germinating, vigorous seed planted into warm, moist soil, the crop will germinate quickly and be off to a good start. However, spring often comes in spurts between winter and summer, and using treated seed can help to avoid potential problems. “Soils warm up only to cool off. Long periods of cool, damp conditions hovering around five and six °C gives plenty of chances for root rots to take hold and kill off the plant. Early plant and root development is a crucial contributor to the overall yield a plant will deliver in the fall. As the roots go, so do the shoots.” There are other factors besides weather that can increase the risk of seedling losses. Smuts, bunts and fusarium are seed-borne diseases, and even low levels on untreated seed can, under the right conditions, take over and cause significant yield loss in the crop. “Without treatment and with a series of damp cool years, small pockets of infection can spread and become a field-wide disaster,” said

Brook. “Treating your seed with fungicide kills off those potential damaging organisms and can protect the seed in the soil for up to two weeks. This protection will also extend to some of the common root diseases that attack the crop at the germination stage such as common root rot and seedling blights. Some seed treatments also have insecticides incorporated to prevent early feeding by insects on the seedlings. Seed treatment for flea beetle in canola is standard and treatment for wireworm in cereals is becoming more common.” Other farming practices that increase the risk of seedling losses include slow soil warming, limited crop rotation and seed quality. “The majority of seeding done is now zero or minimum till. This is good in so many ways but it also slows soil warming in the spring. Plentiful crop residues insulate the soil surface and keep soils cooler and moister, ideal for slowing down germination and emergence and giving fungi a chance to affect the seedling.” Another big risk factor, said Brook, is crop rotations with little variety. “A lot of central and northern Alberta producers have moved to a canola-wheat or canola– barley crop rotation. Many diseases will overwinter on crop residues left on the soil surface and provide a primary source of infection for surrounding, suscepti-

ble crops for the next year. Reducing the spore source requires burial, which is not done with zero tillage. Blackleg on canola is a good example. Infectious spores are produced on the stubble for two to three years after the crop is harvested. Highest spore production occurs two years after the crop, which is a problem with a wheat-canola rotation. Recent surveys of canola stubble show increasing levels of blackleg in the canola. Crop yield losses are also starting to increase as well.” Seed treatments with insecticide in them are essential for a couple of crops. “As canola is a very small seed and the seedlings take some time to get established and begin to grow, insecticide treatment is required to protect the seedlings from flea beetles. All hybrid canola sold in Alberta is treated with an insecticide because flea beetles are endemic in the province. As well, peas are susceptible to pea leaf weevil, which is expanding through all of central Alberta. Larval feeding on pea nodules in the roots can lead to nitrogen deficiencies and reduced yields. In areas with high pea leaf weevil populations or signs of heavy feeding in previous years, seed treatment for the weevils is a matter of course. Seed treatment for pea leaf weevil is the only effective way to reduce damage from these pests.” Continued on page 6

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 – Page 6

Food regulations could see changes By Murray Green

The province is gathering feedback on proposed changes to Alberta’s Food Regulation and Food Retail and Foodservices Code. They are looking for ways to make it easier for Albertans to make, sell and purchase low-risk, home-prepared foods. The primary goal of the Food Regulation and Code is to protect the public from food-borne illness. The proposed changes will reduce unnecessary red tape and increase flexibility for consumers and home-prepared food entrepreneurs, while protecting public health. Home-prepared food entrepreneurs and food industry operators can share feedback by taking the online survey by Feb. 2. Your feedback will help inform potential changes to Alberta’s Food Regulation and Code, expected to be introduced in the spring of 2020. Go to www.alberta.ca/ food-regulation- engagement.aspx for more information or to take the survey.

Seed treatment helps insure Continued from page 5

Another factor to consider when applying seed treatment is the application method. “Ideally, you want every seed to be adequately covered by the seed treatment. Some methods are better than others at getting it on each seed. Drip and gravity feed applicators are not good methods for application, as they don’t allow for accurate volume control or seed coverage. To improve coverage, you need an even volume of fungicide being applied over the whole stream of seed as it travels up the auger. Use an applicator tip with a known volume output and pressure.” Modern seed treatments have lower application rates with less physical product being used, noted Brook. “Even if the seed doesn’t have as much colouring, the fungicides are still effective if applied properly. This makes seed treating calibration even more important, as a visual inspection of the seed is no guarantee of good coverage.” Seed treatment should never be used to replace good seed. Poor, diseased, low germinating seed will still be poor, diseased, low germinating seed with or without treatment. It is insurance and protection, and not a replacement, for good seed quality. “As with any insurance, seed treatment is a way of reducing the risk to the crop at the important, early stages of growth and establishment. With the uncertain nature of weather in the spring and tight crop rotations, seed treatment can be a way of ensuring a healthy, vigorous crop stand, or you can seed into warm, moist, soil. It’s all a matter of timing.”

Ron Pilger, Camrose Booster

Keeping your seed grains clean and treated offers a better chance for higher yields and helps avoid disease in your grain fields. Treatments take out the risk in the early growing season.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 7

New laws to protect property owners

By Murray Green

The Alberta Government has introduced legislation to strengthen protections for law-abiding Albertans and their property. Bill 27, the Trespass Statutes (Protecting LawAbiding Property Owners) Amendment Act, has received first reading in the Legislature. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed changes in Bill 27 came directly from listening to rural residents whose lives have been affected by crime. As the next step in our plan to combat rural crime, this legislation will not only protect property owners and help law-abiding Albertans feel safe in their communities, but also will ensure that trespassers face the proper consequences for their actions,â&#x20AC;? said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. If Bill 27 is passed, amendments to the Occupiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Liability Act would better protect law-abiding property owners from civil liability for injuries to trespassers, where the owner has reasonable grounds to believe the trespasser is committing, or about to commit, a criminal offence. The amendments would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018. The proposed amendments do not change a property ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal duty to child trespassers or trespassers who are not committing, or are about to commit, a criminal offence. The proposed legislation would also strengthen deterrents to trespassing through amendments to trespass laws. This includes five-fold increases to maximum fines for trespassing, with fines of up to $10,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences, as well as possible prison time of up to six months. Corporations that help or direct trespassers would face fines up to $200,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a first for Canada. In addition, the maximum amount a court may order for loss or damage to property would be raised from $25,000 to $100,000. Bill 27 would also better protect farmers and ranchers from harassment and occupation by protesters, which are actions that risk introducing disease and threaten the welfare of animals. This includes amending the Petty Trespass Act to add explicit references to land used for crops, animal-rearing and beekeeping. Once these changes come into force, Alberta

COUNTRY BOY FARM SERVICES

GET A

Lynn Kneeland

on your income tax and RRSP planning with help fromâ&#x20AC;Ś

FOR ALL YOUR FARM OR ACREAGE NEEDSâ&#x20AC;Ś WE OFFER: Experience, honesty, security and reliability. We will be happy to provide: â&#x20AC;˘ Customized premises surveillance and care. â&#x20AC;˘ Top quality care of all pets and domestic livestock. â&#x20AC;˘ Monitoring, or moving of all farm commodities (grain, feed, livestock). Experienced Class I drivers available. â&#x20AC;˘ Seasonal help for seeding, foraging and grain harvesting etc.

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.

would be the first province to have offences and penalties for creating a biosecurity hazard to animals. It is important that property owners remember that they can still be held criminally responsible for their actions and should call law enforcement to deal with trespassers. The proposed increas-

es in maximum fines for trespassing would be done through amendments to the Petty Trespass Act and the Trespass to Premises Act. The maximum fines for first and subsequent offences would increase from $2,000 and $5,000 to $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.

Allan Nichols

(Experience with GPS and most equipment monitoring systems including air seeders, balers, combines, swathers and grain carts.

â&#x20AC;˘ Day workers for all services.

We would be pleased to answer and return calls between 8 am and 5 pm, Mon. to Fri.

780-608-3663

We accept last minute calls

Serving Camrose & Area â&#x20AC;˘ Flexible hours All services subject to availability. Please call early.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, January 28, 2020 – Page 8

Win a photograph of your farm!

Burglars strike without notice…

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

…anytime, anywhere. Could your home, farm or business be their next target? We can provide the right insurance at the right price and give you the peace of mind to sleep right through the night.

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

French Door Refrigerator

• 22 cu. ft. • Exterior ice and water • Fingerprint resistant stainless steel MF12269FRZ

SALE… When purchasing appliances at our store, you will receive a 2nd year warranty absolutely FREE! *See store for details.

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 January 14th Mystery Farm prize are Wade and April Worthing, Armena. • This week’s prize must be claimed by February 18, 2020. • This week’s Mystery Farm is sponsored by the businesses on this page.

Rural Services