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Alberta growers should give peas a chance Despite the headaches, pulse crops are an important part of any crop rotation

By Jennifer Blair af staff / red deer

ne-time pulse growers across Alberta all seem to say the same thing when asked about their experience with pulse crops, “I tried peas once, and never will again.” Though Alberta pulse acres have grown steadily over the past five years, field peas have earned a reputation as being more work

than they’re worth at harvest time. For many growers, improved varieties, strong prices, and reduced input costs have not yet proven enough incentive to lure growers away from their tight rotations of crops that are comparatively simple to grow. But Leanne Fischbuch, executive director of Alberta Pulse Growers, says pulses have a lot of potential. “If we can grow a domestic industry and use the product — whether whole or as an ingredient — in Canada, that would be a really positive breakthrough for the industry,” she said. In Alberta, pulse

crop acres — which include field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean, and soybean — account for around five per cent of the arable land in the province. The pulse industry would like to see that grow to 15 per cent — a lofty goal that will depend both on improved varieties and improved domestic processing capacity. Without improved varieties, however, improved processing capacity becomes almost a moot point, says Sheri Strydhorst, agronomy research scientist with Alberta Agriculture. “Processing capacity is a real issue, but if we can’t grow it and grow it well, we’re not going to have anything to process,” said Strydhorst. “If the price of peas were to double, I’m sure pea acres would follow. Given that that’s not

realistic right now, making them a more friendly crop to grow would make a tremendous advancement.”

Other options

For those growers who don’t want to give peas a second chance, emerging pulse types may prove to be a viable option in rotations that are missing a nitrogen-fixing crop. Faba bean is one such crop. Over the past year, faba acres in Alberta have almost tripled, from around 5,000 in 2012 to around 15,000 in 2013. Strydhorst credits the growth in acres to increased market opportunities. “Having somewhere viable to sell into has certainly helped faba bean production grow in the province,” she said. Blair Roth, Viterra’s director of special crops, says improving agronomic knowledge for fabas could help to increase marketing options.

see PEAS } page 6

Over the past year, faba bean acres in Alberta have almost tripled, from around 5,000 in 2012 to around 15,000 in 2013. PHOto: thinkstock

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SPELLCHECK PROD

news » inside this week

inside » The Millarville Fair Photo feature on annual equine event

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

livestock

crops

Separating sheep from the wool

Colourful addition to rotations

columNists Daniel Bezte Six fearless forecasts for fall

Carol Shwetz Considering chiropractic for your horse?

More space for the hens Egg farmers to move to ‘enriched’ cages

‘Staggering’ British farmland prices

Bernie Peet

Shearing school teaches the right technique

Red lentils suggested as alternative to peas

Study shows benefits for immunological castration

37 34

History lives on at the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site Tens of thousands of visitors flock to rural restored industrial site to relive the glory days of coal mining in the the Drumheller Valley

Average price has tripled in the past decade staff

ritish farmland prices have tripled in the last decade and are set to rise further, according to a report in the U.K. Farmers Weekly. Quoting the RICS rural land market survey, it says that during the first six months of this year, farmland prices jumped to £7,440/acre (C$12,180) across the U.K. In 2004 land prices were just over £2,400/acre (C$3,929). RICS said the growth in prices was largely being driven by commercial farmers seeking to expand their operations, although investors were also seeing land as an economic safe haven. Farmer buyers were said to favour large, top-quality neighbouring plots with as small a residential component as possible. Plots that were smaller and of lower soil quality were attracting much less interest and receiving lower prices. “The growth in farmland prices in recent times has been nothing short of staggering. In less than 10 years we’ve seen the cost of an acre of farmland grow to such an extent that investors — not just farmers — are entering the market,” said RICS spokesman Sue Steer. “If the relatively tight supply and high demand continues, we could experience the cost per acre going through the £10,000 (C$16,370) barrier in the next two to three years.”

Photo: thinkstock

The last coal tipple of its kind in Canada. Photo: supplied

ay Russell never forgot his first visit to the Atlas Coal Mine, the mining massive operation in central Alberta’s famed Badlands. It was 1976, and the youngster was a passenger in an old Apache truck. As Russell arrived in East Coulee, he heard the industrial rumble and then caught sight of its wooden tipple — the last one ever built in Canada — that processed the coal. After the truck was weighed, loaded and then weighed again, he left the site with a notion that maybe someday he would be part of this mine, that it was somehow important not only to him but for thousands of others. Although coal is no longer the resource king of Canada as it once was, it still had the respect from most every citizen in the Drumheller Valley. It’s been more than 37 years since the mine, which first opened in nearby Newcastle in 1917, suspended

operations — the last of the 139 mines that once dotted the Badlands’ landscape. But Russell, who since 2009 has been program director of the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, is ensuring its legacy is not lost. “It certainly has become a real tourist attraction. It has an important story to tell,” said Russell. “This mine, like all the others in Drumheller Valley and many others in Western Canada, built the country.” When the Atlas Mine closed, it was slated to be demolished. But the local Dinosaur Valley Heritage Society successfully kept the wrecking ball at bay, and a small museum was established through a non-profit society. In its early years, the museum drew about 8,000 visitors a year. but that’s since risen to 35,000 annually. It offers tours and even a short train ride through the mine site, and Russell is an enthusiastic guide.

“Its popularity is an upward trend,” he said. “There has been a multitude of reasons, a perfect storm of a number of things helping us out and gaining that popularity. There have been a few television shows now that have been filmed here, including “Amazing Race Canada” last May; “Extreme Frontiers: Canada in 2012”; a couple paranormal investigation shows; music videos; and going further back, we were the locations for a couple of movies. We are a very visually interesting site. We have two dozen buildings, 10,000 artifacts, and tens of thousands of digital images.” The last four years have seen an ambitious $1.5-million upgrade for the visitor experience. The mine opened up a 210-foot conveyor tunnel for visitors that once moved coal from above to the tipple. As well, a 40-foot tunnel has been blasted through the oncesealed No. 3 mine entry above the mine site. The site now

offers an unparalleled visitor experience, said Russell. “We have been trying to expand what we offer tourists. We are a coal mine, the most complete coal mine in Canada,” he said. Future plans include lengthening the tunnel through No. 3 mine entry and constructing an interpretive visitor’s centre. “It would not be similar to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre or the Tyrell Museum. Folks can come year round,” said Russell. The organization also led the recent $125,000 fundraising drive to erect a black granite Miner’s Memorial in downtown Drumheller with the names of 207 miners who died during the days of underground operations. “I think it is neat that finally the time has come where we are recognizing some of this heritage we have right in our backyard,” Russell said. For more information visit www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Pain control to be required for dehorning, bull castration The CCA and NFACC have released their new version of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle STAFF

ain control will be required starting in 2016 when castrating bulls beyond a certain age, where beef cattle operations follow the now-updated and finalized code of practice for care and handling. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) on Sept. 6 released their new version of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle, to replace the previous code developed in 1991. Researchers, producers, veterinarians, transportation representatives, humane societies, animal enforcement and government took part in the new code’s development. Cattle operations that follow the code will, as of Jan. 1, 2016, be required to use pain control, in consultation with a veterinarian, when castrating bulls older than nine months. Starting Jan. 1, 2018, pain control will be required when castrating bulls older than six months of age. The code also emphasizes that castrations, by any method, cause pain and distress for bulls, “which can be minimized by castrating as early as possible, preferably within the first week of life.” Early castration, the new code says, also makes it easier to restrain calves, reduces the time

taken for the procedure and increases operator safety. “Current techniques for local anesthesia during castration are not practical at a herd level,” the code notes. “Research is currently underway in Canada to seek practical solutions to these challenges.”

Dehorning

Starting Jan. 1, 2016, the new code will also require the use of pain control to limit pain in dehorning calves at any point after the horn bud attaches itself to the calf’s skull. (Attachment usually occurs at about two to three months of age.) Disbudding — that is, removing the horn bud before it attaches — “involves less tissue trauma when horn development is still at the horn bud stage,” the new code notes. Nevertheless, both disbudding and dehorning still

“The updated (code) will give people a better understanding of all that’s involved in raising beef cattle.”

ne of Canada’s top forage seed and turfgrass companies has become part of the world’s biggest. Danish grass and clover seed firm DLF-Trifolium recently closed its deal to buy the Ontariobased Pickseed Companies Group, with operations across Canada and in Oregon, for an undisclosed sum. Pickseed’s owners Tom and Martin Pick, sons of company founder Otto Pick, signed a sale agreement with DLF in July for the company and all its operations across North America, which today represent about US$100 million in annual sales. “We felt that it was important to sell to an entity that would have a good cultural fit with Pickseed. We are confident that DLF-Trifolium as a dedicated turfgrass and forage crop seed company will be able to carry forward and develop the Pickseed business and legacy,” the Pick brothers said in a release. DLF CEO Truels Damsgaard in July described the Pickseed deal as “a major strategic step forward” for his company. DLF, Damsgaard said, is “looking forward to developing the Pickseed business in North

cause “pain and distress for all cattle.” That said, the proportion of beef cattle with horns has been steadily decreasing in recent years, as the availability and adoption of polled (hornless) genetics has increased, the new code notes.

“Science has advanced” RYDER LEE CCA

World’s top forage seed firm picks up Pickseed STAFF

The new code will require pain control to limit pain in dehorning calves at any point after the horn bud attaches itself to the skull.

America, and to further develop a strong platform to promote DLF-Trifolium forage products in Canada, and to bring the Pickseed product potential through the DLF-Trifolium global network.” Pickseed started in 1947 as Otto Pick Agricultural Service, focused on direct sales of improved forage seed to southern Ontario livestock producers, based on the then relatively new concept of “permanent pasture.” Otto Pick’s sons and his wife Marie took over the business following his death in 1959, expanding into turfgrass products and expanding both west and east with a Manitoba seed production unit, a processing plant in Winnipeg and a distribution site at St-Hyacinthe, Que. The company later expanded into the U.S. in the 1970s through Oregon-based Pickseed West, and took over one of Canada’s biggest forage and turfgrass seed businesses, the seed division of Maple Leaf Mills, in 1981. DLF operates subsidiaries in Denmark, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Holland, France, the Czech Republic and New Zealand and books sales of over US$350 million per year, holding a worldwide market share of about 20 per cent in the grass and cool-season clover business.

The work involved in cattle care “is not often fully understood by people unfamiliar with livestock production and the practices of the industry in general,” Ryder Lee,

the CCA’s manager of federal and provincial relations and a member of the code development committee, said in a release. “The updated (code) will give people a better understanding of all that’s involved in raising beef cattle,” Lee said. Since the previous code was developed in 1991, “science has advanced, public interest in agriculture has changed and practices have evolved,” NFACC said in 2012 when the new code’s development was underway. The code of practice is consid-

ered “one way to address customer, consumer, retail and activist concerns about how Canadian beef cattle are raised,” NFACC said. “Industry leadership on this initiative is the preferred option over government regulation.” “Beef producers care about the welfare of our animals and we work to protect their health and well-being,” Manitoba Beef Producers president Trevor Atchison said Friday. “These renewed national guidelines will allow us to demonstrate that to the public at large.”

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

EDITOR Will Verboven Phone: 403-697-4703 Email: will.verboven@fbcpublishing.com

Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton (780) 668-3121 akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

CCIA procrastination is setting industry back

Victoria Paterson, Calgary (403) 806-0522 victoria.paterson@fbcpublishing.com

PRODUCTION director Shawna Gibson Email: shawna@fbcpublishing.com

Director of Sales & Circulation

Acceptance of UHF ear tag technology seems to be the obvious choice

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national ADVERTISING SALES James Shaw Phone: 416-231-1812 Fax: 416-233-4858 Email: jamesshaw@rogers.com

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Printed by Gazette Press, St. Albert, AB The Alberta Farmer Express is published 26 times a year by Farm Business Communications. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities. Publications mail agreement number 40069240 Canadian Postmaster: Send address changes and undeliverable addresses (covers only) to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7

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www.albertafarmexpress.ca or email: subscription@fbcpublishing.com At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other strategic business partners. For more information regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., Wpg., MB R3H 0H1 Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other reputable firms whose products and services might be of interest to you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the address in the preceding paragraph, or call 1-800-665-0502. The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well as Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all information provided.

By will verboven

Alberta Farmer | Editor

n our last edition, AF contributor Madeleine Baerg reported on the status of UHF (ultra-high-frequency) RFID ear tags for the cattle industry. She noted ongoing research by facilities such as SAIT are clearly showing the superior readability and reliability of this ear tag technology compared to the low-frequency (LF) ear tags in use today. This should be no surprise as that is the usual course of technological development. UHF technology is not exactly new — it’s been used in ear tags for around 10 years. The problem with its earlier implementation, as many in the industry suspect, had more to do with politics, competition and agency foot-dragging. In other words, business as usual, as it is with so many cattle industry issues. However, this technology procrastination is seeing the Canadian livestock industry falling behind other countries. That’s unfortunate as, at one time, we were leaders. The whole issue, as many might recall, has a tangled history complete with alleged hidden agendas, vested interests, bureaucratic busybody-ness and grandstanding by some politicians. Its genesis goes back to implementing a national cattle ear tag ID program. Although it was controversial back then, that now seems pretty innocent compared to all the intrigues involved in the ongoing traceability initiative. Many of us suspected back then that the National ID program was merely the first step in a much more complex traceability scheme. The example back then was the European livestock passport program, which is a bureaucrat’s dream and a producer’s nightmare. I expect the plan was to use RFID technology to make a Canadian version of the EU animal passport easier and better. Well it started out that way, but it now seems derailed by the technology steamroller.

The present ear tag struggle over which RFID frequency to use started when provincial and federal ministers of agriculture declared they wanted full livestock traceability by an arbitrary date. They threw a bunch of money at the idea to make it so. However, that assumption suddenly brought to light the shortcomings of the present LF RFID frequency being used. It proved to be inadequate and unreliable for the existing speed of commerce. However, that was not the conclusion of the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and I expect the CFIA (the ID and traceability regulator) and existing LF tag manufacturers wanted to hear, so procrastination set in and more research was demanded.

The whole issue has a tangled history complete with alleged hidden agendas, vested interests, bureaucratic busybody-ness and grandstanding by some politicians… To be fair, the CFIA had spent considerable time and taxpayer money getting the existing LF RFID program organized to replace the old bar code system. Understandably, officials are in no mood to approve another complete change to a fairly new technology. Tag manufacturers had also invested millions into the system, so they are less than eager to change over again. But the existing LF RFID frequency and technology was unable to shake its shortcomings. Meanwhile, other players were quickly developing UHF technology and proving its superiority. As Baerg reported, UHF tag technology is being embraced by other nations and competi-

tors. That UHF momentum may well see it used as the American livestock industry standard. Global acceptance of UHF would clearly indicate that the LF RFID frequency being used by Canada has become inferior and outdated. No amount of further research and wishful thinking is going to stop ear tag technology progress. Yet unofficial comments from industry sources imply the CCIA seems to be less than enthusiastic in facing the UHF reality and is dragging its feet in embracing the new technology. Remember this is nothing new, the UHF concept has been around at least 10 years. Tag manufacturers may not be enthused about a wholesale change again, but I expect most are well along with developing UHF tags in order to stay competitive and in the market. Millions are already in use in Brazil and South Korea. Which brings us to the situation today. The CCIA claims UHF technology has a number of technical problems, UHF proponents dispute that and say further development will resolve any concerns. They also note reliability and readability — the big problems with LF — are completely resolved by UHF. The CCIA brings up retention concerns, which is a bit of a red herring as no tag will ever perfect retention. It would seem from tag research labs in Calgary and Europe that the focus is on UHF technology and not on preserving old LF technology. Even ALMA has shown its support by investing $500,000 into the SAIT lab. I would suggest there is a message in that — the CCIA and CFIA need to make that big leap forward as it would seem that UHF technology is leaving their present position in the dust. The livestock industry deserves the best technology available and should be in the forefront. The reality is that if no decision is made soon by the CCIA and CFIA on embracing UHF technology in Canada, I expect our competitors and particularly the U.S. will do it for us.

Conference a great forum for young ag people S ome of us on the verge of retirement wonder at times who will be taking over the reins of leadership of ag organizations, ag academia, the ag government bureaucracy, and the industry in general. It’s a real concern as the never-ending efficiencies in ag production mean fewer and fewer people are needed to produce more food. In addition, agriculture is just not that sexy a career choice for many smart, ambitious young people, especially in this province as the energy industry regularly scoops up the brightest university grads. However, a recent Calgary conference saw many of those concerns put to rest by an outstanding display of youthful exuberance, enthusiasm and commitment to agriculture on a global scale. The conference entitled “Feeding a Hungry World — Youth Ag Summit,” sponsored by Bayer CropScience, celebrated the 100th anniversary of 4H in Canada and the 150th anniversary of the global Bayer company. Kim McConnell, prominent Alberta ag industry advocate and summit participant, put it all

into perspective when he said at the event, “Agriculture is in good hands with these young people.” At one session, the young delegates were asked to come up with ideas on alleviating hunger in the world. That question has plagued the human race for millennia, but these young folks were undeterred and came up with some excellent ideas. Those with old cynical attitudes (yes, I am guilty) would dismiss many of the ideas as unrealistic, considering the political, economic, cultural and religious hurdles that play such a large part in perpetuating hunger around the world. The delegates, some of whom were from developing countries, were aware of the confounding realities that would frustrate the implementation of their ideas. What is encouraging is that a conference like this would seem to open possibilities, and that, yes, these ideas are achievable if only some effort, however small, was made to start the process. If nothing else, these ideas would seem to plant some seeds in these young minds that might grow, whilst they

advance into ag leadership roles in their various countries. Another real benefit is the networking connections made by these young people. Unlike the past when it was difficult to maintain connections, it is now much easier to continue the conversation through blogs, websites and social media. But the concern is: Will all this enthusiasm and hope just fade away with the memory of this conference? This was a costly event and it takes big sponsors to keep them going. Bayer CropScience got the ball rolling, now others will need to step up to the plate and join in. This type of youthful excitement over critical food issues needs to be nurtured now — it will pay off down the road for the entire human race. To further future related initiatives, Bayer CropScience Canada and 4-H Canada announced that each organization will donate $20,000 to the cause. I would suggest such generosity and commitment will indeed help nurture the future of global agriculture leadership and, yes, help moderate world hunger. We need a lot more of that!

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Not all beekeepers calling for a ban on neonicatoid seed treatments ‘Dusting events’ from treated corn seed have greatly impacted Quebec and Ontario beekeepers, but the situation is different elsewhere in the country By Rod Scarlett Executive Director, Canadian Honey Council

ecent media articles seem to suggest all beekeepers are calling for a ban on neonicatoid seed treatments and that is far from the truth. While two of our member associations (the Ontario Beekeeper Association and the Federation des Apicultuers du Quebec) have publicly asked their respective governments to ban neonicatoid seed treatments, this strategy has yet to be adopted by the majority of members of the Canadian Honey Council. The council has preferred a different course of action to protect beekeeper interests, and has spent a great deal of time and energy addressing the matter of neonicotinoids and the dusting events of 2012 in Quebec and Ontario. While initial claims were directed towards an incident, more recent claims are being targeted towards the systemic nature of the pesticide and its sublethal

impacts. In 2012, at the request of the Ontario Beekeeper Association, the council formed a Bee Incident committee, which has put forward a number of recommendations (which can be found at www. honeycouncil.ca). These recommendations represent a national, co-operative perspective and were vetted by all board members and approved by every provincial representative. The committee took the view that co-operation and association with all those involved in the agricultural sector will yield greater benefits for beekeepers versus an adversarial approach. In turn, the council’s board did not attempt to interfere with the actions that individual associations were taking. Members of the council have considerable sympathy for the beekeepers who were, and are, being impacted by corn seed treatments. Those beekeepers who are situated in and around the nearly 3.3 million acres of feed corn grown in Ontario and Quebec are experiencing situations that other beekeepers from across Canada are either not experiencing or not reporting.

It is hoped that as acute and sublethal effects of pesticide poisoning are better understood and identified, more beekeepers will come forward. Nevertheless, there were over 21.3 million acres of seed-treated canola planted in Canada last year, and there were

“There were over 21.3 million acres of seed-treated canola planted in Canada last year and there were no reported incidents of neonicotinoid poisoning.”

no reported incidents of neonicotinoid poisoning. In addition, there were millions of other acres planted with crops that use the seed treatments such as soybeans, and again, no reported incidents, at least none that the council is aware of. While the sublethal impacts may be proven in these crops, they have not been evident to date, at least in widely accepted scientific form. While it may seem contrary to some, we have been working with CropLife Canada in putting forward information, and BMP and IPM recommendations to minimize the risk. We have been working with, and gathering information from national commodity organizations like the Grain Growers of Canada, the Canola Council of Canada, and the Grain Growers of Ontario — all of whom are directly impacted by seed treatments. We have been working with the equipment manufacturers’ association, the PMRA, and other interested parties to ensure beekeepers’ needs and representations are effectively heard and recognized.

We also have been looking at the alternatives should a national ban or moratorium be placed on neonicotinoids, and how that would impact beekeepers across the country and our fellow agricultural producers. As a national organization we are aware there is a vast array of interests and opinions and try as we might to support all provincial actions, sometimes the national perspective needs to take precedent. The council will continue to work toward getting answers, whether through sponsoring additional research as with the Corn Dust Research Consortium, working with the PMRA in ensuring its investigation covers all the necessary bases, working with chemical companies urging them to develop more pollinator-friendly products, working with farmers in engaging their awareness of the importance of bees, and most importantly, working for and with beekeepers to ensure their livelihood is nurtured, protected and sustained.

Is the U.S. farm sector as healthy as it looks? A steep downturn in land prices could change the balance sheet significantly By Gavin Maguire chicago / reuters

he latest U.S. farm sector wealth and income statistics released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture paint a robust picture of the U.S. farm economy, with net farm income projected to top $120 billion for the first time in 2013 while the farm sector debt/equity ratio is down to more than 50-year lows. But with production expenses up nearly 80 per cent since 2003 to a record $354 billion, and crop receipts projected to show their largest-ever year-over-year contraction, the financial landscape is not without its potholes. And when you add in the fact that real estate constitutes its largest-ever share of U.S. farm asset valuations, it is clear that the U.S. farm economy is at risk of deteriorating should land values retreat from their current record-high levels.

Cash, not corn, is king

While the prevalence of the maize plant across most of the U.S. Midwest suggests corn is the chief currency of the U.S. farm economy, a close look at the sector’s balance sheet reveals that cash is even more abundant lately.

Receipts from commodities sales are tipped to hit roughly $391 billion in 2013 versus a record $395 billion in 2012. Crop receipts are expected to hit $211 billion, compared with $223 billion in 2012, while livestock and product receipts are projected to come in at a record $180 billion versus $171.5 billion in 2012. Gross cash income for the U.S. farm sector is forecast to hit just over $439 billion in 2013, which is roughly flat for the year but up more than 77 per cent from a decade ago. Total gross income, which includes the value of farmer rental properties, commodities consumption in farm households, and crop and livestock inventory adjustments, is expected to come in at close to $475 billion, which would mark a more than $100-billion increase over 2010 levels and an 83.5 per cent climb from 2003 levels. All told, the net result is a $120.6-billion net farm income total, which is close to double the net farm income of 2003 and a $42.5-billion increase over 2010 levels.

Bulletproof balance sheets

In addition to strong cash flows, U.S. farmers are also sitting on historically strong balance

sheets with U.S. farm equity projected to top $2.7 trillion in 2013 thanks to a farm asset valuation of more than $3 trillion and total farm debt of less than $310 billion. The massive gap between assets and debt has pushed the U.S. farm sector debt/equity ratio to multi-decade lows, and certainly paints a rosy picture of the U.S. farm economy. But a closer inspection of farm asset values reveals that the chief driver of the gains in U.S. farm equity has been the steep appreciation of U.S. farmland. USDA valued U.S. farm real estate at more than $2.48 trillion for 2013, which compares to a $2.31-trillion valuation in 2012 and $1.03 trillion in 2003. Certainly, farmers and land managers have invested in and improved large swaths of U.S. cropland over the past decade, so that it remains the most productive in the world. But the overall area of land dedicated to crop production in the United States has remained largely flat for the past several years, and is in fact projected to decline slightly relative to 2012 area due to uneven planting progress this spring. The chief difference is the amount of U.S. cropland dedi-

cated to corn production, which has increased by 25 per cent over the past decade as rampant demand and rising corn values spurred crop growers to pare back the area of other crops in favour of expanded corn output. That trend continued into the planting season of 2013, with U.S. corn seedings reaching their highest level in more than 70 years this spring as tight inventories and enduring price strength kept farmers highly motivated to grow large amounts of corn.

What goes up must come down?

But as this year’s corn crop developed amid broadly friendly growing conditions the price of corn took a steep turn lower, and current values are roughly 40 per cent below last summer’s drought-fuelled peak on projections of a record-large haul in the fall. With these supplies set to follow on from record-high output from major exporters such as Argentina, Brazil and Ukraine, world inventories of corn are projected to jump by more than 20 per cent year over year to their highest level since 2001-02. In that environment, corn

prices are not expected to sustain any notable rallies, and indeed are widely projected to veer lower as consumption levels ramp up more slowly than output levels. Should that be the case, and prices remain mired in a sideways to downward path amid the most abundant supply environment seen in years, there is a strong likelihood that farm appraisers will have to rethink their recent assessments of U.S. farm assets, especially when it comes to land prices and the value of stored inventories. Further, given that real estate constitutes more than 82 per cent of the total value of U.S. farm sector assets, any decline in those valuation estimates stands to have a notable impact on the overall financial health of the farm sector. So even though the latest balance sheet estimates currently project the U.S. farm economy to be in the rudest of health, there is an obvious risk that any steep downturn in farmland values could make a major difference to the industry’s financial benchmarks as well as its sense of well-being. Gavin Maguire is a Reuters market analyst.

e 8 o d m i h

l b

Off the front

September 16, 2013 • Albertafarmexpress.ca

PEAS } from page 1 “There’s some good work going on agronomically, and I think we need to understand that more as we try to grow the faba bean marketplace.” Seed quality has been a marketing concern for fabas in the past, and that hasn’t changed. “The challenge with faba beans is finding the right genetic types that work within various parts of Alberta and then growing the qualities required by specific markets,” said Roth. “Today, Egypt is probably one of the largest importers of fabas in the world, but our challenge is growing the appropriate quality to hit that marketplace.” Though fabas are generally exported for human consumption or used for feed, Alberta Pulse Growers sees significant potential for faba beans in the ingredient market. “If we could break the faba bean into its various fractions — protein, fibre, and starch — we should be able to develop markets for use of those products,”

“If the price of peas were to double, I’m sure pea acres would follow.” Sheri Strydhorst

said Fischbuch. “Seeing that part of the sector develop would be a real bonus for the pulse industry.”

Soys need heat

Soybeans have also drummed up some interest in the past year, but so far, southern Alberta growers seem to be having the most success with them. “Soybeans could be an option in some parts of the province, but for most of Alberta, I don’t think the breeding is there yet,” said Strydhorst. This year’s pulse Regional

Prevent insect infestations when storing grain

Variety Trials will evaluate soybean variety performance across Alberta for the first time, a move supported by Alberta Pulse Growers. “There’s a ways to go yet in terms of the development of soybeans for our growers and for use in the province as a cropping option, but it’s certainly on our radar,” said Fischbuch. “All we need to do is look over to Manitoba and see what’s happened there as a potential precursor of what could happen here in time.” While work is still needed on both established and emerging pulse types, Strydhorst says that no matter which type a producer chooses to grow, pulse crops are a vital part of a sustainable cropping system. “Although pulses can have their headaches, what they offer in terms of the overall health of the system, environmental sustainability, and diversifying the cropping system both biologically and economically is unlike any other crop.”

s the 2013 grain harvest gets underway it is important for grain producers to take steps now to reduce potential insect infestations in stored grain, according to the Canadian Grain Commission. “Although this year was not as warm as the preceding summer, there is ample potential for stored grain insects to infest bins as grain comes in from harvest,” explains Brent Elliott, infestation control and sanitation officer.

jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Before harvest

Insects will be attracted to empty bins if there is debris for them to feed on CGC release

Even before harvest begins, insects may be attracted to bins if there is enough debris for them to feed on. Producers can prepare their empty bins for storage by: • Ensuring bins and areas around bins are clean and free of debris; • Repairing or sealing any cracks or crevices. Even small amounts of grain can attract insects; • Treating bins with a registered insecticide; • Cleaning and treating aeration plenums and spaces under bin floors where debris may collect and attract insects.

After harvest

Soybeans passed the million-acre mark in Manitoba this year.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Attention: Grain producers

Reminder of upcoming variety reclassification Effective August 1, 2014, CDC Falcon will be moved from the Canada Western Red Winter class to the Canada Western General Purpose class. Working together, we all play a part in maintaining Canada’s grain quality. For more information, contact the Canadian Grain Commission: 1-800-853-6705 or 204-983-2770 TTY : 1-866-317-4289 www.grainscanada.gc.ca Follow us @Grain_Canada Stay informed. Check the variety designation lists on the Canadian Grain Commission’s web site.

To maintain overall grain quality and minimize insect pest problems once grain is in storage, producers should dry grain before storing it, if necessary, to bring it to the recommended moisture content.

While daytime temperatures remain high, run fans only at night. photo: thinkstock

Producers should also:

• Use aeration to help control the heat and moisture of grain in storage, particularly if grain is stored at a high temperature. • Bring grain temperature below 15 C and moisture content to recommended level as quickly as possible. • Keep the temperature of grain low and uniform, below 15 C. • While daytime temperatures remain high, run fans only at night. • When air temperature is cooler than grain, run fans 24 hours to cool and dry grain. • If using aeration, keep the surface of the grain inside the bin as level as possible to avoid the collection of moisture in the cone. • Monitor grain routinely to ensure insects are not becoming a problem. The Canadian Grain Commission offers resources on managing stored grain on its website, www. grainscanada.gc.ca.

Prairie co-ops to own 17 Viterra retail outlets The deal includes eight former sites in Alberta staff

eventeen Prairie farm retail supply outlets are headed back to the co-operative model from whence their former owner came. Federated Co-operatives Ltd. (FCL) recently signed a deal to buy 17 fertilizer, seed and agriculture chemical supply centres from Viterra, the Prairie grain arm of Swiss commodity firm Glencore Xstrata, for an undisclosed sum. The sale, expected to close by the end of this month, includes eight sites in Saskatchewan (Canwood, Cupar, Leoville, Lloydminster, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Strasbourg, White Star) and eight in Alberta (Barons, Claresholm, Crossfield, Grimshaw, High River, Manning, Stettler, Viking) and one in Roblin, Man. The deal is a “two-step” transaction, in which FCL will buy the 17 sites from Viterra, and will then transfer those sites’ ownership

and operations to local retail coops that have already agreed to accept the facilities. FCL, whose 235 retail co-op owners already operate over 140 ag retail centres in the West through the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS), said staff at all 17 Viterra centres will be offered similar terms of employment within the CRS. Customers “will be contacted about the changes and informed about the benefits of buying their products from Co-op,” FCL said. Customers who don’t already have co-op memberships will be “welcomed and encouraged” to join, which would provide them with equity accounts and the opportunity for cash back on overall purchases, FCL added. Viterra agreed in a side deal in May last year to sell about 90 per cent of its ag retail network, among other assets, to Calgarybased fertilizer and ag retail giant Agrium. That deal only recently picked up approval from Canada’s Competition Bureau.

Albertafarmexpress.ca • September 16, 2013

Canada may use satellites, not farmers, to measure crop size The cost-saving measure is expected to save up to $75,000 per year By Rod Nickel and Louise Egan Reuters

tatistics Canada may scrap one of its annual farmer surveys on crop yields in favour of a report that uses satellite data to estimate production. StatsCan, the national statistical agency, said the satellite data was producing increasingly similar results to its September farmer survey on yields of wheat, canola and other crops, and the change would help meet cost-cutting goals. “We’ve been comparing (satellite data) over the last couple of years and they’re getting quite close to what we release in September estimates,” said Yves Gilbert, head of StatsCan’s field crop-reporting unit. The agency’s Crop Condition Assessment Program has typically released data on vegetation conditions on a weekly basis late in the growing season. Axing the September farmer survey would be the latest in a series of changes to how the Canadian government calculates data for the agricultural sector in Canada, which is the world’s biggest canola grower and No. 6 wheat producer. It would also save $50,000 to $75,000 per year, and relieve farmers of the hassle of dealing with StatsCan phone calls during harvest, Gilbert said.

the federal budget. Chief statistician Wayne Smith said the cutbacks meant the volume and detail of information available would be “sharply reduced.” The government foresees a federal deficit of $18.7 billion in the 2013-14 fiscal year, dropping to $6.6 billion next year, and a return to a small surplus the year after that. The grain industry is also adjusting to changes to another widely watched government source of crop information — the Grain Statistics Weekly publication from the Canadian Grain Commission. Some grain analysts expressed concern when the non-profit Canadian Ports Clearance Association wound down last year, marking the end of its regular freight reports. They said loss of these reports made grain movement less transparent.

Statistics Canada may turn to an eye in the sky to capture production data instead of phoning farmers during harvest. PHOTo: thinkstock

StatsCan, the national statistical agency, said the satellite data was producing increasingly similar results to its September farmer survey on yields of wheat, canola and other crops, and the change would help meet cost-cutting goals.

But Derek Squair, whose company Agri-Trend Marketing helps farmers decide when and where to sell their crops, said switching to a less trusted source of information on supplies will make it harder for farmers to market their crops. “To the producer, it should be a concern. That data is pretty important,” he said. StatsCan is currently conducting this year’s September survey and will release the data in its Oct. 4 yield and production report. The agency would drop the September survey starting next year, but would keep two other crop production reports that are based on farmer surveys, Gilbert said. StatsCan has already cut some lower-profile agriculture-related reports on hogs and fruits and vegetables. The government said last year that it planned to cut Statistics Canada’s budget by seven per cent as of 2014-15 as it seeks to balance

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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NEWS » Markets

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Brazil crops get larger

Australia wheat still a bumper

Brazilian government crop supply agency Conab raised its forecast for the country’s 2012-13 corn crop further into record territory in a report Sept. 10 and held its forecast for the now-harvested soy crop at a record 81.5 million tonnes. In its final report for the season, the agency estimated the corn crop at 81.3 million tonnes, up from its 80.3-million-tonne forecast in August. Conab also cut its forecast for the 2013 wheat crop to 4.95 million tonnes from 5.62 million tonnes. — Reuters

Australia has trimmed its forecast wheat production by more than three per cent after dry weather across key growing states, but output from the world’s No. 2 exporter is still expected to be its sixth largest on record. The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) on Sept. 10 pegged wheat production at 24.467 million tonnes, down from its previous forecast of 25.399 million tonnes in June. ABARES predicted that Australian canola production in 2013-14 would rise to 3.31 million tonnes. It had previously forecast output at 3.23 million tonnes. — Reuters

Uncertainty over U.S. crop underpins soybean prices A big crop won’t necessarily drag down canola values

photo: thinkstock By Phil Franz-Warkentin

arvest operations are picking up steam across Western Canada, and the increasing likelihood that the country will end up with a record-large canola crop this year kept the path of least resistance to the downside in the ICE Futures Canada market. The most active November contract lost over $20 per tonne on the week to settle below the psychological $500-per-tonne level. That chart point will likely now be seen as nearby resistance, with just about everything in the market indicating that canola has more room to the downside. Harvest operations are officially underway across all three Prairie provinces and will only be picking up steam over the next few weeks. With weather conditions looking generally favourable, the likelihood of a record-large crop continues to edge closer to reality, while concerns over frost damage slowly fade. Carry-out from the 2012-13 crop year was pegged at 608,000 tonnes by

Statistics Canada, which would mark the tightest ending stocks since 2004. However, when that small carry-over is combined with the 15-million- to 16-million-tonne crop on which most market participants are banking, suddenly the industry has the largest beginning canola supplies to deal with ever. The larger supplies don’t necessarily mean a sharp drop in prices, as demand remains strong for canola. The domestic crush sector in particular has been forced by the tighter availability over the past year to run at a reduced capacity. According to the latest Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) weekly stats, crushers are currently only running at about 50 per cent capacity. Their margins remain favourable, which means they should be looking to increase their usage once the supplies are there.

Corn, wheat soften

In the U.S., the most active soybean contracts were all higher during the week, while corn and wheat were a little softer. Persistent hot and dry Midwestern weather conditions have led to con-

“Harvest operations are officially underway across all three Prairie provinces and will only be picking up steam over the next few weeks.”

cerns over yield reductions in the U.S. soybean crop, and the uncertainty of the production situation has underpinned beans lately. Soybeans are a bit on edge at this time, with the broader price direction largely dependent on how the crop actually turns out. If production is downgraded, there could be more room to the upside. However, if the harvest gets started and production beats expectations, prices could easily back away from their nearby highs.

The November soybean contract faces stiff resistance around US$14 per bushel, while a chart gap between US$13.28 and $13.48 remains to be filled. Corn, meanwhile, is further along in its development and early harvest reports from the southern Corn Belt were helping ease the concerns over possible yield losses in the crop. For wheat, all three U.S. futures contracts moved lower during the week, with the largest losses seen in Minneapolis spring wheat. Some weakness there was tied to expectations for a large Canadian wheat crop. Farmers in the northern-tier states were also moving forward with the spring wheat harvest, with better-than-expected yields being reported. However, protein levels will be a factor to watch in both Canada and the U.S., with early reports pointing to lower-than-average protein levels on both sides of the border. Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Lean hog market succumbs to seasonal downturn Nearby lean hog futures prices have declined 18 per cent since mid-August BY DAVID DROZD

he Labour Day weekend marks the end of the summer BBQ season, with the resulting reduction in demand partially responsible for the seasonal downturn in prices. Also weighing on the market is that producers are increasing their deliveries of market-ready hogs, and these slaughter animals are coming in heavier than normal. The lean hog futures contracts at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) exemplify a strong seasonal tendency for lean hog prices to turn down after the August futures contract expires. On Aug. 14, the August 2013 futures contract posted a new contract high and expired at $102.425 per hundredweight. The following day, the October 2013 futures contract became the nearby contract, which opened at $88.225 per hundredweight and then declined five per cent over the ensuing five trading days to $83.80. Prior to this price decline, the charts gave early indications of an impending downturn. Amid bullish news of the cash market leading the futures higher, on July 31 a two-month reversal developed on the monthly nearby lean hog futures chart at the CME. This reversal pattern indicates a market is about to change direction and forewarned of an impending downturn in the market.

Two-month reversal

On the first month, at a top, the

WHAT’S UP Send agriculture-related meeting and event announcements to: will.verboven@fbcpublishing.com September 15/18: Ag Biotechnology International Conf., Telus Centre, Calgary. Call: Chantelle 403-686-8407 September 23/26: 2013 WPAC Summit, Lakeland Inn, Cold Lake. Call: Harry 780-812-2182 September 26: Financial Advice Panel, Rec Centre 5:30 pm, Savanna. Call: Monika 780-5234033 September 27/29: Alta Goat Breeders Convention & Sale, Exhibition Grounds, Camrose. Call: AGBA 780-739-1091 October 1: Financial Advice Panel, Cleardale School 5:30 pm, Cleardale. Call: Monika 780-523-4033 October 3: Canadian Association of Farm Advisors “Current & Connected” conference, Lethbridge Lodge, 320 Scenic Dr., Lethbridge. For more info call 1-877-474-2871 or visit www.cafanet,com. October 5: Triticale Swath Grazing Field Day, Lentz Farm 10:00 am, Brownvale. Call: Monika 780-523-4033 October 10: Financial Advice Panel, Curling Rink 5:30 pm, Debolt. Call: Monika 780-5234033

market advances to new highs and closes very strong at or near the high of the day. The following month, prices open unchanged to slightly higher, but cannot make additional upside progress. Quantity selling appears early in the month to halt the advance and prices begin to erode. By month’s end, the market drops to around the preceding month’s low and closes at or near that level. For a two-month reversal to be valid, the second month’s settlement price must be below the midpoint of the previous month’s opening and closing price.

CME LEAN HOG MONTHLY NEARBY

Market psychology

The two-month reversal is a 180-degree turn in sentiment. On the first month, the longs are comfortable and confident as the market closes higher. The market’s performance provides encouragement and reinforces the expectation of further gains. The second month’s activity is psychologically damaging as it is a complete turnaround from the preceding month and serves to shake the confidence of many who are still long the market. The immediate outlook for prices is abruptly put in question. The longs respond to weakening prices by exiting the market. At first the “smart money” sells to take profit, while others eventually sell to cut their losses. This action is referred to as long liquidation. In this scenario, a market tends to erode until the long

Chart as of August 27, 2013

liquidation is over — often ignoring bullish news. The exodus of market participants and the flow of money leaving the market sometimes causes prices to go down further and stay down longer than most in the trade would have first anticipated. As illustrated in the accompanying chart, after the twomonth reversal developed at the end of July prices remained up near the high during the first couple of weeks in August providing opportunity for livestock producers to take advantage of

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn is a combination of four separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, and clothianidin. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola is a combination of two separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil, thiamethoxam, and bacillus subtilis. Acceleron and Design®, Acceleron®, DEKALB and Design®, DEKALB®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Transorb®, Roundup WeatherMAX®, Roundup®, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax®, Transorb®, VT Double PRO®, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2®, YieldGard Corn Borer and Design and YieldGard VT Triple® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Used under license. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. Respect the Refuge and Design is a registered trademark of the Canadian Seed Trade Association. Used under license. ©2013 Monsanto Canada Inc.

10801A-Gen Legal Trait Stewardship-AF.indd 1 7/26/13 2:33 PM

Today’s top ag stories: www.albertafarmexpress.ca

the sell signal provided by the two-month reversal. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) releases Commitments of Traders (COT) reports each Friday afternoon. These weekly reports provide a snapshot or breakdown of each Tuesday’s open interest. This report reveals large speculators are currently holding a record long futures position and the commercials have a record short futures position in lean hogs. Therefore, traders and livestock producers should be aware that the unwinding of the October 2013 futures con-

tracts leaves the lean hog futures market susceptible to extreme volatility in the weeks ahead. Send your questions or comments about this article and chart to info@ag-chieve.ca. David Drozd is president and senior market analyst for Winnipeg-based Ag-Chieve Corporation. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and are solely intended to assist readers with a better understanding of technical analysis. Visit Ag-Chieve online at www.ag-chieve.ca for information about grain-marketing advisory services, or call us toll free at 1-888-274-3138 for a free consultation.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Agricultural outlook good, but appetite for risk uncertain: FCC economist Lower grain prices might have a positive effect in dampening land prices BY MADELEINE BAERG AF CONTRIBUTOR / CALGARY

rom drought to hail to flooding, from BSE to swine flu, and from an elevated Canadian dollar to sky-high input costs, agriculture has taken its share of hits over the past decade. But those who can stay in the game have a bright future ahead, says J.P. Gervais, the chief economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC). “The overall message is that though there are challenges in the agriculture industry, the outlook is positive,” says Gervais. “We are selling commodities that have high demand in world markets especially because the middle class keeps expanding. When incomes go up in emerging markets, that’s good for Canada because the demand increases for meat proteins and for feed grains.” Though grain prices are unlikely to stay at the U.S.drought-induced highs of last year, Gervais expects they will remain higher than the 1980 to 1995 average.

Gervais says that while domestic demand has levelled out, that’s positive after a decline for several years. “The only question is, after so many years of thin profit margins given high feed prices and not great prices, is there an appetite for risk?” Gervais says. “Will producers consider expanding? The outlook is positive and the opportunity is there.” Similarly, demand is growing steadily for pork, led by a huge increase in Asia. Gervais says that if export market demand continues to increase and grain prices come down, profits should improve for the hog industry. But as with beef, the big question remains. “Will producers choose to stay in the pork production game, or have the impossibly tough recent times pushed many

beyond the point of return? Time will tell.”

Supply management

While the supply-managed sector is seen as stable, it is far from boring and mature. “There are lots of things happening,” says Gervais. First, domestic consumption is rapidly changing. While the greatest profit margin is for fluid milk, consumers are decreasing their consumption of milk in liquid form but are increasing their specialty cheese and yogurt purchases. Second, new technology is increasing operating costs, thereby demanding an everincreasing scale of production to offset the cost. Third, international trade negotiations may force some degree of change upon supply-managed commodities.

“Being a nation that exports more of our commodities than we sell at home, we need to have access to foreign markets. Protecting an industry like dairy or poultry is one of the challenges during trade negotiations. What will be the end result? No one knows. At some point they are likely to be faced with more competition in Canada,” says Gervais. No matter whether his positive outlook comes true or not, Gervais says FCC will continue to offer resources and support to all agricultural producers. “Unlike any other financial institution, we’re not going anywhere. Agriculture is the only thing we do. On bad days or good days, we’ll be there. We’re not making loans to grow our business; we’re making loans so we can grow the business of ag.”

J.P. Gervais says supply-managed producers are likely to face more import competition. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“The key thing for grain and oilseed producers is to have realistic expectations. You can’t look at the last year or two and make your choices based on those numbers.” J.P. GERVAIS FCC

“The key thing for grain and oilseed producers is to have realistic expectations. You can’t look at the last year or two and make your choices based on those numbers,” says Gervais. He adds that a slight dampening of prices would be in one way beneficial. “High (crop) prices are resulting in an increase in farmland values. If you own farmland, that’s a good thing. But, we have such high asset values in our sector right now that it is difficult for producers looking to start out or to expand. If the prices come down a little, younger producers may have a better chance to get in.”

Better livestock outlook

Gervais says that after several tough years due to BSE, a high dollar and trade restrictions, it looks as though better days are on the horizon for Alberta’s livestock producers. “Beef consumption is projected to increase six per cent worldwide over the next 10 years,” says Gervais. “Add to that, we’re much better off compared to the U.S., which is still going through the effects of drought in the southwest. Our (cattle herd) numbers have declined a little in the last two to three years, but the U.S. numbers have dropped a lot, which means we are in a better position than the U.S. to capture some of the demand growth.”

*Source: 2012 Canola Performance Trials Always follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2013 Monsanto Canada, Inc.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Webinars targeted at those in local food industry Social media webinars useful for producers who work directly with consumers BY ALEXIS KIENLEN AF STAFF / EDMONTON

ork a day job but still want to access information that can help you out on the farm? Tired of driving for hours to get to seminars that are only an hour or two long? “Explore Local,” an Alberta Agriculture initiative, has created a series of free webinars that help producers involved in the local food industry to access the information they need. Eileen Kotowich, farmers market specialist with Alberta Agriculture in Vermilion, says webinars are a good tool to get the word out on specific topics. “Webinars are just another tool and way for us to connect with our producers. Some peo-

ple cannot take the time to get out to workshops. A webinar works really well because it’s short, it’s really topic focused and if people can’t make it live, they can always view it after.” Explore Local held face-toface workshops in the past, but decided to offer a new series of webinars focusing on social media this year. Attendance at last year’s webinars, which focused on everything from pricing to regulatory issues, varied from 15 to 55 people. Over 300 people participated in last year’s webinars or watched them in the archives. Kotowich says no advanced computer skills are required, and the registration link will advise participants how to access free software if needed. “You don’t need to be a computer whiz to take a webinar,” said Kotowich.

Participants will learn best practices and ways to incorporate social media into their business strategies and marketing plans. The first webinar on Sept. 17 will be led by Rob Eirich, who will discuss the different social media tools and how to use them to engage customers to increase brand loyalty. David West will lead other webinars on using Facebook, blogging, Pinterest, Twitter and managing social media tools. Eirich will return for another webinar on cloud computing and business applications. The final webinar will feature a success story from a business that has effectively used social media tools. The webinars last for about an hour. Margurite Thiessen, value chain specialist with Alberta Agriculture in Stony Plain,

Webinars are available through the Explore Local website at www.explorelocal.ca. says producers have expressed interest in learning more about social media, since it seems to be a valuable way of connecting with customers and clients. Thiessen recommended these webinars for any new entrepreneur or existing company who wishes to use social media as part of their marketing plan.

There’s no cost for the webinars, but participants need to register for them ahead of time. A list of dates and times and links to register are at www. explorelocal.ca. All of the webinars are archived and available on the website. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Hands-on look at using durum STAFF

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ourteen representatives from 10 countries attended the International Durum Wheat Program at Cigi (Canadian International Grains Institute) in Winnipeg during the week of Aug. 19. The program included lectures, laboratory sessions, field visits, and pilot processing demonstrations on Canadian durum wheat. Topics will include breeding, production, grading, handling, transportation, marketing, milling and end-use processing. The participants represent trading organizations, mills and processing companies from Algeria, Colombia, Cuba, Germany, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, South Korea, and the U.S. In addition to classroom and technical sessions in Winnipeg, the participants visited the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, a grain farm near Saskatoon and a terminal elevator at the Port of Vancouver. “The program will offer international customers a greater understanding of Canada Western Amber durum wheat and its application in pasta and other end products as well as providing us with additional information on their end-use requirements,” said Earl Geddes, Cigi CEO.

The program included lectures, laboratory sessions, field visits, and pilot processing demonstrations.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Glencore sale of Viterra farm outlets to Agrium wins Canadian regulatory nod Some farmers sought to have the purchase scaled back BY ROD NICKEL REUTERS

anadian regulators have approved Glencore Xstrata PLC’s sale of some Viterra farm retail stores to Canadian fertilizer company Agrium Inc. in a deal that will make Agrium the dominant farm retailer in Canada. Agrium, already the biggest U.S. retail seller of fertilizer, chemicals and seed, will get 210 stores across Western Canada from Glencore in the deal approved by Canada’s Competition Bureau, Agrium said Sept. 5.

Agrium chief executive Mike Wilson said he expects the company’s “highly attractive” purchase to close within weeks. Terms will be released when the deal closes, he said. In June, Agrium acquired 13 Viterra locations in Australia. Swiss commodities trader Glencore bought Canada’s biggest grain handler Viterra in 2012 and kept most of Viterra’s grain storage and processing sites in Canada and Australia. It struck side deals to sell some assets to Canadian companies Agrium and grain handler Richardson International Inc., soft-

ening any political concerns about the foreign takeover. The Competition Bureau approved Glencore’s deal with Richardson in December, leaving the two as roughly equal-size players in the Canadian grainhandling industry. Agrium’s deal, however, rankled some farmers, who wanted the regulator to scale back the purchase to prevent the company from becoming too powerful in the sale of fertilizer and other crop supplies. Along with being the biggest North American farm retail dealer, Agrium is the

world’s third-biggest maker of nitrogen. Agrium’s original deal with Glencore was for about 90 per cent of Viterra’s Canadian farm retail business, or 232 stores. That number was whittled down by the bureau excluding seven stores from the deal, Agrium exercising an option to pass on buying some outlets and Viterra selling or closing other outlets, Agrium spokesman Richard Downey said. Including its existing 65 outlets, Agrium will have 275 farm retail stores in Western Canada after the deal closes.

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Almost 20 per cent of grain in China lost or wasted from field to fork A new report urges action to reduce the amount of food that is lost or spoiled

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

comprehensive new review of food waste in China has concluded that about 19 per cent of its grain is wasted, according to a report from the American Chemical Society. An estimated one-third to onehalf of food produced worldwide is lost or wasted from farm to fork, but the problem is especially acute in China. With only six per cent of the world’s total water resources and barely nine per cent of the arable land, China nevertheless must feed 21 per cent of the world’s population. Researchers found about 19 per cent of rice, wheat and other grain in China is lost or wasted, with consumer waste accounting for the largest portion — seven per cent. The overall loss also means about 177 billion cubic yards of water are used to produce food that is never eaten — a volume equal to the amount of water Canadian farmers use to grow all their crops — and that 64 million acres of cropland are sown and harvested in vain. The report recommends several strategies, including raising public awareness, improving storage systems, mechanizing the harvest of grains and putting in place monitoring programs to track food waste with more precision.

A farmer piles wheat up after a harvest in Zouping county, Shandong province. A review of food waste shows nearly 20 per cent of the country’s grain is wasted. PHOTO: REUTERS/CHINA DAILY

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

THE GRASS IS GREENER

Peso, a small standard donkey pastured northwest of Millarville, Alta., believes the pickings on the other side of the fence are much tastier than the fare on his side. PHOTO: WENDY DUDLEY

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Brazil to set cattle slaughter record BARRETOS, BRAZIL / REUTERS Brazil will likely slaughter a record number of cattle in 2013, 11 per cent more than a year ago. Cattle prices are about 21 per cent lower than in the U.S., and that’s encouraging beef consumption and production, said Fabiano Tito, head of market research for Minerva Foods, the country’s No. 3 meat packer. “We have a record supply of animals for slaughter this year and prices are being maintained by a very strong demand that is being reflected in the whole production chain,” he said. Export volumes of beef are very strong thanks to a weaker Brazilian currency, and are on pace to break the 2007 record. Tito said 106,000 tonnes of beef could be exported in August after 105,000 tonnes were shipped abroad in July.

Protein down in U.S. spring wheat REUTERS Yields are good, but protein levels are down in spring wheat grown in the northern U.S. “Farmers are certainly pleased with the yields and obviously the big yields tend to be lower protein,” said Jim Peterson, marketing director of the North Dakota Wheat Commission. The USDA is forecasting average spring wheat yields at 42.8 bushels per acre, down from 45.0 in 2012. Protein content could average in the mid-13s, compared to 14.6 per cent protein in the last two years, according to wheat commission data. “The quality has been kind of the outlier here — the protein is just not impressive,” said Tregg Cronin, who farms 8,500 acres in South Dakota.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

TOUGH WEEDS, MEET EXPRESS . ®

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Express® brand herbicides. This is going to be hot. Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit express.dupont.ca

As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and Express® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Member of CropLife Canada. ©Copyright 2013 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

AWC GROWER RELATIONS CO-ORDINATOR

Alberta Agriculture has set out to answer agronomic questions on how best to grow red lentils in Alberta thing,” Bowness said, but it hasn’t shown an advantage either. “The plants are lazy. They’re not going to produce a lot of nodules if there’s nitrogen readily available there. The plant nodulating and doing what it’s supposed to do is the best way to go about it.”

BY JENNIFER BLAIR AF STAFF / RED DEER

learfield red lentils may be the answer for Alberta producers who are looking for a nitrogen-fixing crop alternative to peas, according to a study underway at five Alberta Agriculture sites across the province. “We’re trying to find an option for farmers in areas where their only option is pea,” said Robyne Bowness, pulse crop pathology technologist with Alberta Agriculture. With trials in Falher, St. Albert, Killam, Lethbridge and Brooks, the four-year study has introduced two Clearfield red lentil varieties — CDC Maxim and CDC Dazzle — into areas of Alberta they might not traditionally grow. So far, the results have been a bit surprising. “Lentils are performing best in Lethbridge and surprisingly well in Killam,” said Bowness. “Based on one year of data, they fit nicely in Killam. Falher is still a bit of a question mark, but St. Albert is the area where we’re really pushing the envelope.” Interest in red lentils peaked several years ago due to strong prices and new Clearfield varieties, which are tolerant to IMI herbicides. But when producers began growing lentils, they quickly realized they didn’t have answers to many basic agronomic questions, including

Seeding rate

Red lentils could be a colourful addition to Alberta crop rotations. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

best practices for fertilizer application, seeding rates, and herbicide use. “We set out to answer all these questions and get the big picture for farmers — especially in the specific regions, because the answers might be different depending on what part of the province you’re in,” Bowness said. Though the results are based on only one year of a four-year study, the first year of data has reinforced that growers should inoculate with rhizobium specific to lentil and add only a little nitrogen, if any at all. Giving lentils some nitrogen to get them started is “not really a bad

Preliminary data also supports the recommended seeding rate of 120 plants per square metre. “What we’re seeing is the lower the seeding rate, the lower the yield,” said Bowness. Though the plants compensated for the fact they had more room to grow, yields for plots seeded at 40 and 80 plants per square metre were lower than those seeded at 120 and 160 plants per square metre. But Bowness cautions that high seeding rates don’t always equate to high yields. “When we got up to 200 plants per square metre, we didn’t always see an advantage. Right now, the 120 plants per square metre seeding rate is probably the best.” The results surrounding herbicide use were less decisive, however. In comparing Odyssey, Odyssey DLX , Solo, and ARES, Bowness found that the differences between the yields are likely statistically insignificant. “Compared to the control, the yields were way better, but different herbicides worked best in different areas,” said Bowness.

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Disease was another concern, specifically at the higher seeding rates because of the thick stands, but in the end, disease in the plots was low — one benefit lentil has over pea. “Part of the problem with pea is aschochyta, which causes the majority of the lodging in our peas,” Bowness said. “It’s not a big problem in our lentils.” Though lentil plants only grow to around 40 inches, depending on the area, their lodging resistance is high, making them a good option for growers who don’t want the headache of harvesting peas. “They’re not necessarily a whole lot higher for combining when compared to a pea, but you’re also not picking them up right off the ground either. You do have to set your combine a little lower, but their standability is better than peas for sure.” Input costs and market prices for red lentils are comparable to peas, but Clearfield red lentils have the added benefit of herbicide tolerance. Because of that, Bowness feels that growers could do very well with Clearfield red lentils if they fit in their area. “If there are farmers out there who would like to include a pulse in their rotation but don’t want to because of the challenges with peas, lentils would be a great alternative for them,” Bowness said. “It’s always good to have options.”

*Source: Independent feeding trial conducted at the Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lethbridge, Alberta (2009-2010).

Clearfield red lentils may prove a viable alternative to peas for Alberta growers

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The Alberta Wheat Commission has appointed Brian Kennedy as the new grower relations co-ordinator. Originally from Manitoba, he has worked on the family farm, been a computer science professor in Japan, and worked in corporate training in Alberta. Since his appointment he has been travelling Alberta to meet with AWC producers. He can be reached at 587-888-9203 or bkennedy@albertawheat.com.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Canada thistle an issue for alfalfa Planting on clean field is still the best way to avoid having weeds invade a perennial seed crop BY SHANNON VANRAES STAFF, BEAUSEJOUR , MAN.

he Manitoba Forage Seed Association (MFSA) is running herbicide trials with the hopes of providing producers more options for weed control.

Canada thistle

“Perennial weeds are typically the biggest issue with alfalfa, the one that we seem to have the most trouble with is Canada thistle,” said Kevin Gulay, research manager for the organization. “It’s tough to control that weed in alfalfa, but it’s also tough of course to deal with dandelions, and narrow-leaved hawk’s beard — night-flowering catchfly can also be difficult to control.” Although the results are far from complete, producers toured the plots during MFSA’s summer tour in mid-July to get a look at early results. Gulay hopes the end result of the trials is a greater number of registered herbicides to deal with perennial weeds, Canada thistle in particular. “There’s the common products on the market, like Pursuit, Odyssey, Partner, but it’s definitely limited compared to your grain crops. A lot of the companies just don’t do the research and development in alfalfa seed as they

would do in some of the major crops,” he said. “Farmers have to do a lot of work themselves.” The products MFSA are testing aren’t yet registered, but Gulay is optimistic some will make it to market in the near future. What the researcher is looking at more closely this summer, is how well alfalfa tolerates these newer herbicides. Although some products can cause burn-down, most damage can be avoided if applied when the crop is dormant, he said. The trials are also looking at how soil type affects the effectiveness of different products and the amount of residue left behind. But Gulay adds the best defence against Canada thistle and other weeds is to get off to a good start when establishing a field. “Of course the best option is always to start with a clean field,” he said. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

Kevin Gulay, research manager for the Manitoba Forage Seed Association, speaks about weed control. PHOTOS: SHANNON VANRAES

Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition

CDC Falcon moves to CWGP class, August 1, 2014 CGC says sufficient supplies of replacement varieties CGC RELEASE

T Join the young Canadians who are speaking up for agriculture. Are you passionate about agriculture? Do you enjoy sharing your views with others? Join the upcoming Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition. As part of this unique competition, contestants prepare a five-to seven-minute speech on one of five agriculture-related topics and present it in public. Cash prizes are available for two age groups: Junior (11 to 15) and Senior (16 to 24). The 29th annual Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. For competition rules, a list of speaking topics and accommodation assistance please visit www.cysa-joca.ca.

Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture. It’s your time to shine.

he Canadian Grain Commission has reminded producers that effective August 1, 2014, the Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) variety CDC Falcon moves to the Canada Western General Purpose (CWGP) class. “When we first announced that certain CWRW varieties were moving to the CWGP class in 2013, we stated that CDC Falcon would not move until a sufficient amount of a suitable replacement was available to producers,” explains Elwin Hermanson, chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission. “In October 2011, we had proposed keeping Falcon in the CWRW class until at least 2014.” Based on consultation with a broad representation of the industry, the Canadian Grain Commission has determined that there are sufficient supplies available for those producers who would like seed replacement varieties this fall. CDC Falcon will continue to be a registered variety, but as of August 1, 2014, it can only be delivered into the CWGP class.

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Southern special crops coming off well despite storms High humidity contributed to late blight on potatoes and mould on edible beans By Helen Mcmenamin

af contributor / lethbridge

outhern Alberta’s specialty crops have mostly done well this season, despite the occasional hailstorm and windstorm. In Taber, David Jensen and his family were just finishing their sweet corn harvest Sept. 7. “It’s a really busy time,” he said. “For that six weeks, we start at 4 a.m. and we’re working till late every night. We harvest mechanically, but it’s graded by hand — cob by cob, counted and bagged and then trucked to sales locations across southern Alberta and even farther afield.” Edible bean harvest began in early September, with some growers pulling off good yields. “Even most of the fields that were hailed quite badly have come back, although they’re far from hitting their yield potential,” said Owen Clelland of the Viterra Bean Plant in Taber. “Still most people have got some production out of them —1,000 or 1,500 lbs.” Overall, Clelland expects an above-average crop, although it’s early yet. “Mould nicked some yields, though. We had a lot of dew and showery weather when the canopy was full or that little extra bit of watering was too much,” he said. For some reason, Alberta’s bean-growing area has more challenges with mould than other areas of North America. Possibly, the mould spores — the same organism canola and sunflower growers call sclerotinia — is more plentiful because of the amount of canola that’s grown. “In the Dakotas they only seem to have a problem in wet years,” said Clelland. “If we could really figure a way to handle mould, we could pull off some fantastic yields. Clelland said improved varieties have helped. “The breeding program at Lethbridge has been good for us. We have upright varieties in every type now and almost no old-type floppy varieties.” Clelland said prices have been good. “We’ve pre-sold some beans already at prices that mean 50 cents a pound to growers. I believe we’ll be able to average this year’s crop at 38 to 50 cents a pound.”

“The hail completely defoliated some crops, but they’ve come back to some extent… they’re much better than they looked right after the storm.”

Ideal blight conditions

Most of the potatoes that were hailed out have recovered quite well, just a few fields won’t be harvested. Growers had to contend with late blight, though. “It was like a greenhouse all summer, hot and humid,” said Potato Growers of Alberta executive director Terence Hochstein. “Any time nighttime temperatures stay above 9 C, the blight fungus can incubate. But, we have a good forecasting to warn growers of disease and any time a grower has some issues, they let their

neighbours know, so they can watch too. Fungicides are quite effective on late blight as long as you spray on time and rotate groups.” The main crop, Russets, aren’t generally harvested until the second half of September, but chippers for Frito Lay and Hostess are coming off quite well and seed potato crops look good. “It’s been a good season, so far,” said Hochstein. “We’re quite optimistic. But you never really know until the storage is empty next June. Potatoes are unique; they’re still living when they go into storage, so harvest is not like storing grain that’s safe once it’s in the bin. You never know how you’ve made out till the storage is empty.”

Sugar beet growers were only able to contract 24,000 acres this year, a big drop from last year’s 30,000.

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Sugar beet growers were only able to contract 24,000 acres this year, a big drop from last year’s 30,000. “After two very good crops, we have a surplus of sugar in Canada,” said Andrew Llewlyn-Jones of the Lantic Inc. plant in Taber. He said a worldwide surplus has depressed prices. “So it’s quite a competitive market with companies fighting to supply the big buyers,” Llewlyn-Jones said. The beet growers are hoping trials of an industrial beet as an industrial fine chemical feedstock work out so they can develop new markets for their product. Beet harvest doesn’t start until Lantic opens its receiving stations on Oct. 1. Llewlyn-Jones expects a very good average yield 24 or 25 tons per acre, despite the hail.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Ghost town comes alive to celebrate its centenary

More than 700 people flocked to Retlaw to celebrate its 100th Year Homecoming and experience its unique, ghostly appeal BY JOHNNIE BACHUSKY AF CONTRIBUTOR / RETLAW

here’s really not much left of Retlaw, but this August the Alberta ghost town came alive. More than 700 people flocked to the defunct town — some from as far away as Sweden — on Aug. 10 to celebrate its 100th Year Homecoming. “A lot of them remember some of the businesses and they shared lots of memories,” said Terry Culver-Franz, a member of the homecoming committee. “A lot of them went to school here. There were lots of people they had seen that they had gone to school with.” At first glance, there isn’t much left in Retlaw, 10 kilometres west of Vauxhall. It was obvious from the start — the area was opened to homesteaders in 1906 — that a scarcity of water was going to be an issue. But the first residents pinned their hopes on the proposed Bow River irrigation project. The population quickly reached 150 residents, with many businesses — including grain elevators and a hotel — up and running before the start of the First World War. But the war forced the bankruptcy of the water project and Retlaw’s dreams turned to dust. “Retlaw was a big town at one time but it went down when irrigation bypassed it and on to Vauxhall,” said Leona Wright, another homecoming organizer.

Scattered foundations of Retlaw’s former business section still cover much of the abandoned townsite.

“The people were just getting dried out and they couldn’t make a living on it. They slowly moved away.” LEONA WRIGHT

“The people were just getting dried out and they couldn’t make a living on it. They slowly moved away.” Wright’s grandparents settled in the area in 1909 and unlike most, the 71-year-old stayed in the area. The last business in town closed in 1965 and all that remained of the once-promising frontier town were two grain elevators, a community hall, and the Retlaw Union Church, the latter being the inspiration almost 20 years ago to keep the community’s memories alive. In 1995, after much legal wrangling and a petition, the church was saved from the wrecking ball and restored. Area residents worked together to make Retlaw a tourist attraction, setting up signs all over the townsite to mark former businesses and points of interest. With the church’s restoration and the commitment to maintain and commemorate the townsite, hundreds of curious heritage enthusiasts visit Retlaw

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Development of Ug99resistant wheat ‘a major breakthrough’

Visitors to the Aug. 10 reunion were able to see the many signs throughout the Retlaw townsite that mark the locations of the ghost town’s former institutions PHOTO: JOHNNIE BACHUSKY (the reverse spelling of the first name of CPR official Walter R. Baker) every year. “I don’t think there are many places like ours that can get 1,000 visitors a year,” said Culver-Franz. “One person said to me it’s like an outdoor museum; you can walk around and read all the signs. There is something special about Retlaw where everybody comes and says, ‘Wow, you know, it is just openness.’” The homecoming featured

guided tours of the church, cemetery and townsite. Organizers created special stations throughout the ghost town, including stops at the sites which were once home to the former Bank of Commerce, barbershop, police station and hotel. There was also a cenotaph dedication for past veterans of both world wars, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony. The day was topped off with an evening meal for hundreds, followed by entertainment.

New varieties available for planting in Kenya this year

The restored Retlaw Union Church, built in 1918, is still holding special services. It was a popular attraction at the reunion.

STAFF

PHOTO: JOHNNIE BACHUSKY

“It was definitely emotional for many people to see after so many years and they were very surprised what they came to,” said Culver-Franz. “I think they got more than they thought they would get and they all went away feeling they had more than they came with.” The town will never rise again, but the reunion will create renewed public interest in the ghost town as a roadside attraction, she said.

Organizers of the reunion set up stations on Retlaw’s former business sites, including the hotel. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

consortium of organizations led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization is distributing two new wheat varieties resistant to the Ug99 fungus to Kenyan farmers. The fungus — discovered in Uganda in 1999 — causes wheat stem rust, and cuts yield by 70 to 100 per cent. The regions directly affected by Ug99 account for over 37 per cent of the global wheat production. “Wheat rusts, particularly the Ug99 strain, are a major threat to food security,” said Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, one of the groups which developed the new varieties. “This international project involving affected countries, plant scientists and breeders, and international organizations is a major breakthrough,” added Jose Graziano da Silva, director general of the FAO. The rust-resistant varieties were developed by exposing seeds, or plant tissue, to radiation. This caused mutations, which breeders used to develop new varieties. About six tonnes of the new varieties will be made available this month for the next planting season in Kenya.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Wheat’s future is bright and bountiful, says top Syngenta official The giant seed and pesticide company says it expects to nearly quadruple North American wheat yields By Allan Dawson staff / elm river, man.

orn and soybeans are getting lots of ink as Prairie acreage skyrockets. Canola has had a long run as the Prairies’ Cinderella crop. And then there’s wheat. Considered merely a “rotation” crop by some farmers, it feeds more people and is planted on more acres than any other crop on Earth. But it hasn’t come close to reaching its potential, said Norm Dreger, head of cereals for Syngenta in North America, which is upping its investments in new wheats for Western Canada and the world. “It’s almost like the last frontier,” Dreger said at a recent meeting at Syngenta’s Manitoba research. “First of all it’s huge — half a bil-

Norm Dreger, head of cereals for Syngenta in North America, said Syngenta is committed to developing new wheats for Western Canada and the world. PHOto: allan dawson

lion acres (seeded worldwide). A lot of people wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for wheat. It’s very diverse for its uses. And there’s the huge (yield) potential.” North American wheat yields average around 40 bushels an acre now, but Syngenta is aiming at 150. “Syngenta’s ambition is to transform cereal production worldwide by creating innovative solutions, which set unprecedented standards for yield, quality and sustainability,” said Dreger. “Syngenta is very committed to wheat.” Hybridizing wheat, which has been difficult because of its complex genome, will add 15 per cent to yields in the near term, Dreger predicted. Researchers are also working to help wheat use water, nutrients and sunlight more efficiently, and further gains are expected from improved agronomics, pesticides, and pesticide applications. Syngenta also collaborates with other wheat breeders, including in the public sector, and is working with CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre. Global wheat production is increasing by 0.9 per cent a year, but global demand is growing by 1.5 per cent a year, said HansJoachim Bruan, CIMMYT’s director of global wheat. “Partnerships like this can greatly benefit the world’s farmers, rich and poor,” he said on Syngenta’s website.

Some concerns

Not everyone supports large multinational companies expanding their role in new varieties. The National Farmers Union fears higher seed costs for farmers. According to the ETC Group,

which is critical of corporate concentration in seed and pesticide production, the world’s top three corporations control 53 per cent of the world’s commercial seed market and the top 10 control 76 per cent. Others including the Grain Growers of Canada, which supports public wheat breeding, welcome and encourage private plant breeding. Syngenta, headquartered in Switzerland, is among the world’s biggest seed and pesticide companies with US$10.1 billion in pesticide sales alone in 2011, according to the ETC Group. But its size also gives it the wherewithal to spend big on wheat research, which Dreger said is “way north of $100 million (a year) and south of $200 million.” About 450 of Syngenta’s 27,000 employees work on wheat, and the company is in it for the long run, he said. “It’s an art, not just a science,” he said. “It takes tenacity and patience. Breeders are very optimistic. It would be easy to get pessimistic and give up, but you’ve got to hang in there.”

End-use standards

Syngenta’s renewed focus on wheat coincides with major changes in Western Canada’s wheat sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, which over the last 40 years produced about 75 per cent of wheat varieties grown in the West, said it’s going to stop producing new wheats and focus on developing new lines others can commercialize. As well, the CWB’s monopoly on wheat exports ended last year, and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is pushing for a streamlining of new crop registration.

There are some good ideas on how to get new wheats to market faster, but his company wants the registration criteria clearly spelled out, said Dreger. “Only if it’s not clear would you have some sort of panel (decide) and that panel itself needs to be small and focused and not political,” he said. Farmers want higher-yielding varieties but any new variety must meet end-user’s needs, he said. Neither Syngenta officials, nor those invited to the all-day meet-

ing mentioned genetically modified wheat. Syngenta supports the technology, but also recognizes it can’t be used until there’s widespread public acceptance, Dreger said in a later interview. “Right now we feel we have other technologies we should be putting our limited resources towards to help farmers in the shorter and medium term that will be totally accepted and will benefit the grower.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

Syngenta excited about its new and upcoming Canadian wheats Syngenta crossed its first Canadian wheat in 1974 and released its first wheat in Canada, a Canada Prairie Spring called Oslo, a decade later. One of its newest is BW918, a Canada Western Red Spring that is “the Cadillac of bread making,” said Francis Kirigwi, Syngenta’s Canadian wheat breeder, who is based in Morden. The variety, now named 5605HR CL, was registered in 2012 and will be marketed commercially through Viterra in 2015. It is a high-yielding, high-quality wheat rated moderately resistant to fusarium head blight. Syngenta has two other relatively new CWRS wheats on the market now — SY433 and WR859 CL. The latter averaged 59 bushels an acre last year in the Manitoba Crop Variety

Evaluation Trials and is rated as moderately resistant to fusarium head blight and stem rust, as well as resistant to leaf rust, common bunt, and loose smut. SY433, which averaged 57 bushels an acre in last year’s trials, has excellent milling and baking characteristics, said Kirigwi. It’s also rated moderately resistant to head blight and resistant to leaf and stem rust. Another new variety, SY985, is a Canada Prairie Spring wheat with high yield potential and excellent bread-making attributes. In fact, its protein content falls just short of meeting the CWRS standard. It yielded an average of 61 bushels an acre in last year’s trials, and has “intermediate” resistance to head bight and is resistant to leaf and stem rust.

Barley and wheat commissions share same office The two will also host some of their regional meetings together

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he Alberta Barley Commission (ABC) and the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) have teamed up and will soon be working out of the same office in Calgary. AWC’s new general manager Doug Cornell said the arrangement will save grower checkoff dollars because the two commissions will be able to share infrastructure and office costs. They will share five or six positions including a receptionist, accounting and events and marketing staff, as well as a meeting room, boardroom, kitchen area and reception area. “It’s a neat setup. There is an Alberta Barley side and an Alberta Wheat side, but we have joint staff throughout. I think it will be really neat to be able to build off of each other and have that collaboration that really creates great ideas and moves the industry forward,” said Lisa Skierka, general manager of the ABC. The new office is located in the northeast part of Calgary in the same building that houses Alberta Beef Producers and the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation. “We’re really looking forward to

this. This is a good use of shared resources and a good way for us to make sure that we’re making the best use of the resources we have,” said Skierka. The AWC, which formed in 2012, is using the ABC and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission and the Alberta Pulse Growers as models for its operations. Cornell said Alberta Barley and Alberta Wheat will also host some of their regional meetings together. “We remain flexible for what’s relevant to the directors and the regional reps,” he said. “It works nicely so that we won’t be stepping on each other in the country and the agenda is a little more expanded, but still relevant to both organizations.” The AWC has recently hired new staff including a new markets manager who is responsible for market development in Canada and abroad, a research manager and a grower relations manager. Shared marketing and events staff will also be able to set up joint events at Farm Tech, Agri-Trade and the Calgary Stampede. The ABC is only half moved into the office, but expects to move in by October. The two commissions are hoping to launch a shared cereals magazine in January 2014. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Australian government plans tighter farm investment rules The threshold for land purchases to be reviewed would be significantly lowered CANBERRA / REUTERS

ustralia’s new Conservative government will tighten scrutiny of foreign investment into the country’s farm sector over concerns of rising interest from China in Australian agriculture. Opposition leader Tony Abbott confirmed his LiberalNational Party coalition would significantly lower the threshold for land purchases to be considered by Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) if he wins power. Current rules state the FIRB considers all investments against a national interest test, with the threshold starting at A$248 million, or around A$1 billion for U.S. investors, as

well as all investment from a state-owned enterprise. “Under a coalition government, should we win the election, the threshold for Foreign Investment Review Board (scrutiny) of foreign land acquisitions will come right down from A$200-odd million to about A$15 million,” Abbott said on Sept. 4. Any move to tighten foreign investment rules could upset China, Australia’s biggest trading partner, and possibly hinder farmland investment at a time when Canberra is seeking to boost its agricultural output to become the food bowl of Asia. China is encouraging its firms to expand overseas to increase food security for its 1.3 billion people, and Chinese investors

U.S. corn growers may favour storage

have been involved in some high-profile deals over the past year. Chinese investors last year bought Australia’s biggest cotton farm Cubbie Station and China’s Shanghai Zhongfu Group has approval to invest around A$700 million to build a sugar industry in northwest Australia. Abbott said he broadly supported foreign investment and it was generally in Australia’s interest to allow investments. Abbott’s comments follow a long-running Senate inquiry, which heard farmers complain that foreign investors were buying up parcels of small family farms to avoid FIRB scrutiny. He said if he won power, Australia would publish a register of foreign land holdings.

Australian farmers have complained that foreign investors were buying up parcels of small family farms to avoid regulatory scrutiny. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

Multiply your operation.

PERTH / REUTERS

U.S. farmers will hold corn rather than sell at prices that have dropped 30 per cent this year on expectations of a bumper harvest, predicts a U.S. Grains Council official. “In the glut of the harvest, we will likely trade lower than we are now, but because of farmers’ strong financial position, they will store the corn as opposed to sell early on,” council secretary-treasurer Ron Gray said on the sidelines of a conference in Australia. U.S. producers have enjoyed huge profits over the last few years as corn prices climbed to record highs due to tight global supplies. But since peaking at $8.43-3/4 a bushel in August last year, corn futures have plunged to the $4.75-a-bushel range and will likely stay low unless an early frost hurts production, Gray said. The weather has been ideal in most states this year. Nebraska’s average corn yield is at 154.9 bushels per acre and Indiana’s at 167.36 bushels. However, Gray said declining prices could curb growth in lowercost producers such as Argentina, Brazil, and Ukraine. “There may be places where acres will shrink in the very marginal areas where (the cost of) transportation is exceedingly high,” said Gray.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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Global warming, trade helps crop pests spread Farm pests have moved more than 25 km per decade towards Poles By Alister Doyle oslo / reuters

rop-damaging pests are moving towards the Poles at a rate of more than 25 km (16 miles) a decade, aided by global warming and human transport, posing a potential threat to world food security, a new study shows. The spread of beetles, moths, bacteria, worms, fungi and other pests in a warming world may be quicker than for many types of wild animals and plants, perhaps because people are accidentally moving them with harvests, it said. Scientists based in Britain studied more than 600 types of pests around the world and found that their ranges shifted on average towards the Poles by 26.6 km per decade since the 1960s, occupying vast new areas. “We believe the spread is driven

to a large degree by global warming,” lead author Daniel Bebber of Exeter University told Reuters of the findings in the journal Nature Climate Change. They wrote it was the first study to estimate how pests are moving because of a changing climate. The spread of pests is “a growing threat to global food security,” the study said. Between 10 and 16 per cent of crop production is lost to pests, with similar losses after harvest, they wrote. The rate of spread, away from the equator and towards the North and South Poles, is slightly faster than 17.6 km found in a study in 2011 for wild animals and plants that was in turn quicker than 6.1 km for wildlife estimated in a 2003 study. The rate, however, is virtually identical to a theoretical prediction in 2011 that rising temperatures would allow a Poleward shift of wildlife of 27.3 km a decade,

the experts wrote. Many crops are growing nearer the Poles due to warming. Researchers say crop pests are moving into new areas at a quicker rate than their predators, meaning they can do more damage to crops. Wild species may find it harder to move because their habitats are getting fragmented by deforestation, farms, roads or cities. “Pest species are constantly being shifted around the world by trade... We are giving them a helping hand,” Bebber said. “I’m not surprised,” by the faster rate than for wild animals and plants, said Gary Yohe, a professor at Wesleyan University in the United States who was co-author of the 2003 study that put the average Polewards shift at 6.1 km. A tiny pest is more likely than the average animal or plant to be carried inadvertently on an train, truck or airplane to a new area, he

noted. And he said the 2003 study was conservative. Another possibility is that the rate of movement by wildlife “has really speeded up” in recent decades, said Michael Singer, a professor who works at both Plymouth University in England and the University of Texas. And some insects pests may be getting more mobile since they are often forced to move by humans. “They have to be mobile because humans are constantly plowing or otherwise modifying their habitats,” Singer said. The study said that there were many problems in determining how far climate was driving the pests’ movements. “New crop varieties and agricultural technologies have extended the agricultural margin northward in the United States and deforestation has increased production in the tropics, thus

Potato beetle eggs clustered on a leaf. The spread of beetles, moths, bacteria, worms, fungi and other pests in a warming world may be quicker than for many types of wild animals and plants. PHOTo: thinkstock providing new opportunities for pest invasions at high and low latitudes,” it said. The scientists urged governments to think more about where to plant crops and monitor trade more closely to limit losses.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Farmer co-operators sought for insect survey Participants will receive a report of what was found in their fields Agri-News

very year, members of the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network survey approximately 300 fields for canola insects, another 300 for wheat insects and 150 for pea leaf weevil. These are in addition to pheromone traps and the grasshopper survey carried out by agriculture fieldmen in each county. In order to improve the quality of these surveys, the creation of a network of co-operative producers who will work with the network to help select appropriate fields for survey work has been proposed. In return, these producers will receive a report back at the end of the year which will include information on what was found in their fields. “As you can imagine, managing a system like this could become very time consuming,” says Scott Meers, insect management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and

Rural Development. “Because of this, correspondence will be conducted via email, but if specific questions arise, a member of the network team will be happy to talk to producers by phone or face to face. An administration person will work through the process with producers and the program staff will be visiting the fields. The information collected for this database will be used only for pest surveys.” Surveys that require pre-approval are wheat midge, pea leaf weevil, and the canola insect survey. “These surveys give us an idea

of populations for severity, forecasting and tracking insect range expansion,” Meers says. If you are interested in working with the network, send an email to bugs.r.us@gov.ab.ca and include the township and county where your home quarter is located (this is how the database will be sorted). Producers will be contacted shortly after they have sent in this information. Followup will include designation of a specific field or fields for the wheat midge survey, which will be starting very soon.

Global food prices continue to fall as cereal production soars rome / reuters

Global food prices fell in August for the fourth month running, according to the U.N.’s food agency, which again raised its 2013-14 forecast for grain production. Declines in the price of corn, wheat and edible oils were the main drivers, said the Food and Agriculture Organization. Food prices surged during the summer of 2012 due to the U.S. drought but a rebound in cereal supplies to record levels have reversed the price trend this year. The FAO price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy, meat and sugar, averaged 201.8 points in August, about 1.9 per cent below July’s level and the lowest since June 2012. It also forecasts global cereal production in 2013-14 to hit a record 2.492 billion tonnes. But that’s now factored in the market, said FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian. “We are almost at the bottom. Further declines are likely to be much less than those seen over the past few months,” Abbassian said.

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Canada canola stocks tighter than expected; wheat supplies thin But market analysts see a large enough crop to replenish the supply chain

Canada’s largest lamb feedlot closes its doors With high prices pushing away consumers, demand for lamb had dropped — along with producer revenue BY SHANNON VANRAES STAFF

BY ROD NICKEL

WINNIPEG / REUTERS

anadian stocks of canola dropped to their lowest level in 15 years at midsummer, further than expected, and wheat supplies were the smallest in five years, Statistics Canada said Sept. 6. The national statistical agency, using a farmer survey, pegged canola stocks in commercial storage and farms at 608,000 tonnes as of July 31, down 14 per cent from a year earlier and well below the average trade expectation of 730,000 tonnes in a Reuters survey. StatsCan’s canola estimate, near the bottom end of a range of trade guesses, is not likely to influence markets much, said Dave Reimann, market analyst for Cargill Ltd.’s grain-marketing services division. “We are coming off a fairly tight situation, no question about it, but with harvest upon us already,

I think the trade is much more focused on that big supply (coming),” he said. All-wheat stocks amounted to 5.057 million tonnes, down 14.8 per cent, and just below the average trade estimate of 5.13 million tonnes. Canada is the world’s biggest canola grower and exporter, and the sixth-largest wheat producer. StatsCan also reported yearover-year declines in stocks of barley (to 983,000 tonnes), durum (to 1.15 million tonnes) and oats (to 511,000 tonnes). “They were down for virtually every crop, just a reflection of how very tight all of these markets were last crop year (due to) drought in the U.S. and problems in the former Soviet Union and other areas,” analyst Jonathon Driedger of FarmLink Marketing Solutions said on a conference call organized by Minneapolis Grain Exchange. “It just created that strong incentive for farmers to deliver grain, and for commercials to export it.”

eading lambs to slaughter in western Manitoba will soon be more challenging. After three decades in business, the Roy Leitch Livestock Company is shutting the doors of the country’s largest lamb feedlot. “I’m not going to retire altogether, but I’m going to retire from the livestock industry and do some other things,” Leitch said from his home near Brandon, Man. Last winter, the 65-year-old began warning his longtime customers he might be winding up his operation this summer. No new stock has been received since the beginning of August. Although he’s enjoyed the work — and thanks his clients for their many years of loyalty — Leitch said recent fluctuations in the sheep market have made generating a profit a challenge, given the size of his operation. “In the good old days... we were feeding 90,000 a year. Last year we fed about 30,000,” he said. Prices as high as $2.40 per pound drew new producers into the industry two years ago, but have since plummeted to the $1.20 mark, leaving doubts about the viability of some startup lamb operations. For the sake of producers, Leitch hopes lamb prices stay steady this winter, but he is worried high retail prices will push consumers away from the meat.

“I love lamb, but even I wouldn’t pay the price they’re asking for it, and that’s only one or two times a year,” Leitch said, adding he believes grocers are hesitant to lower prices once they’ve established a new higher retail price. He estimates consumption of lamb fell by about 25 per cent when retail prices jumped last year. At the same time, drought in the U.S., coupled with a strong dollar, brought exports to a standstill. “It’s hard to stay in business, when your business is cut in half,” he said. Now the former lamb buyer is directing producers to Tony Atkinson of Virden, Man., who has been buying and shipping sheep for 15 years. Atkinson has also seen his share of ups and downs, but hopes new producers stick it out. “It was really booming ahead a couple years ago and then the price took a huge dive last year, so there is a bit of uncertainty out there now — there are already a few people out there looking to liquidate,” he said. But he’s grateful Leitch has passed many customers his way, noting, “It’s probably going to double my business.” Last year Atkinson purchased about 20,000 lambs, this year he expects that number to be closer to 40,000. Leitch isn’t planning on selling his operation just yet, but may in the next year or so. “I’ve got a good operation here, so if someone wanted to get it up and running again, they could,” he said. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

AFSC racing to keep up with livestock and crop insurance claims A bad year for hail, but not as bad as the record year in 2012 By madeleine baerg af contributor /calgary

t’s never a good idea to start counting either your pennies or your losses before the year is in the bag. That said, with harvesting already underway in many areas and livestock price insurance programs reaching fall settlement time, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) is getting closer to final insurance claim tallies. “The big push is on right now, trying to get as many acres inspected and claims processed as quickly as possible before harvesting completes,” said Brian Tainsh, AFSC’s manager of on-farm inspections. Tainsh said 2013 has been a particularly rough year for hail, though not quite as many claims have been submitted as the record year of 2012. As of early last week, AFSC had received 7,500 hail damage claims, up from the approximately 6,000 received by now in an average year, but down from the 9,000 received at this time last year. As of the last week of August, AFSC’s 140 inspectors completed inspections on 5,500 of the 7,500 claims, or approximately 2.456 million acres. Approximately 77 per cent of Alberta producers opted for AFSC insurance in 2012, up slightly from last year. While AFSC insures against

any peril (“Anything Mother Nature can throw at them,” says Tainsh), most claims are due to hail. AFSC offers two forms of hail insurance: basic production insurance which includes a hail endorsement, and specific hail-only insurance which many producers use as an additional top-up to their production insurance. While claim amounts have not yet been calculated for this year, last year’s numbers are staggering. Last year, AFSC distributed $386.9 million in production insurance, and an additional $58.5 million in hail insurance.

caused catastrophic damage to cities and towns, they did not affect wide swaths of farmland. And, average to above-average growing conditions have offset limited flooding losses for most producers. Land planted to forage has done especially well this year due to the early-season rainfall, so claims should be fairly low. “The early rainfall this year means the majority of hay land did very, very well. Some of the fields that are usually dry have phenomenal number of bales in the field this year. I’m not expecting large claims on forages.”

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Livestock

This year’s claims are fairly evenly spread across the province, from the Peace region in the north right through to Foremost in the south. Though whopper storms have contributed large numbers of claims all at once — 276 claims were submitted from hail on Aug. 17 alone — most claims come from more localized storms that affect between a handful and a few dozen producers. Producers who have escaped without hail damage so far should not assume they are in the clear yet, says Tainsh. “I’m hoping the hail is done. But, we had a hailstorm last year on the 10th of September that saw our claim number jump by 1,000. We’re not done just yet.” Though this year’s June floods

On the livestock insurance side, AFSC is currently working to settle price insurance policies purchased earlier in the year. In total, more than 318,000 head of cattle were insured under the feeder program, with the majority of those settling this fall. The number of insured feeder animals grew significantly year over year, which AFSC attributes to the fact that producers had to weather market fluctuations in the fall of 2012 and are realizing the ongoing volatility in this sector of cattle marketing. Calf price insurance sales for calves born in 2013 increased 300 per cent over last year to more than 85,000 head.

While some fields have been damaged by hail, overall forage conditions are good this year. “AFSC is very pleased with the increased use in both the Feeder and Calf programs over the past year,” says Brenda Campbell, AFSC’s livestock price insurance field analyst. “We expect the program to continue to grow as the industry has an ever-present volatility to the markets at any time. We believe the program is a risk management tool that is as valuable as other inputs into every cattle operation in Alberta.”

AFSC also offers fed cattle and hog livestock price insurance programs, but uptake has been slower to build on those offerings. “Although they haven’t seen the same jump in uptake, the Fed and Hog programs continue to be offered and utilized by producers. Coverage levels have remained attractive and AFSC is pleased that producers continue to incorporate the program in their risk management strategies,” says Campbell.

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Shift to enriched egg-laying cages in the works A national policy to harmonize the transition from conventional to enriched egg-laying cages is being pushed by Egg Farmers of Alberta

af staff / red deer

gg farmers in Alberta will need to wait a little longer to learn when a shift from conventional to enriched cages will begin. Following a resolution at Egg Farmers of Alberta’s annual general meeting in February, the organization has approached Egg Farmers of Canada with plans to develop a national policy which it hopes will harmonize the transition. “The resolution gave our board of directors the mandate to set a date to begin the shift of the industry away from conventional cages,” said David Webb, marketing and communications manager at Egg Farmers of Alberta. “We want to make sure that whatever policy that winds up being the standard for Alberta is a national standard as well.” Egg Farmers of Canada recently passed a similar motion at its AGM. It has Dec. 31, 2014 as the date the transition will begin. Egg Farmers of Alberta is working on a provincial policy based on that recommendation, with that date being considered. While the new policy is still in the works, the shift should come as no surprise to egg farmers, Webb said. “We’ve seen the direction that the industry is going in for several years.” He added that discussion about this issue and similar developments in the U.S. and EU has been occurring for almost two years.

“Whatever the end result for the industry, we want to make sure it’s one that is supported by the science of research. We don’t want to make a decision based on assumptions, and we don’t want it to be based on pressure from activists.” With Alberta’s policy being a “first step” toward the transition provincially, Webb hopes that a comprehensive national policy will result from the s t r o n g s u p p o r t Al b e r t a e g g farmers have shown for these changes. “The motion came from a producer from the floor at the AGM, and it was an overwhelming majority vote for the motion,” Webb said. “I think that speaks volumes of the support our industry has for this transition.” An announcement about the date the transition will begin is expected before the end of the calendar year. jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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Egg Farmers of Alberta has also been working with egg farmers to ensure any new cage developments will adhere to the new standards. “Over the past few years, we haven’t had anyone install a new conventional cage, even though we haven’t had a hard policy in place,” said Webb. “By being proactive as industry rather than waiting until someone forces our hand, we not only preserve the ability for our farmers to have a choice but also allow them to take a longerterm approach to rolling out any changes.” Finding a solution that works for all industry partners — including retailers and consumers — has been a priority for Egg Farmers of Alberta. “We’re trying to find a solution that fits for everybody.” Even so, Webb emphasized that any changes adopted by Egg Farmers of Alberta will be based on hard data, not politics.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

D-SERIES CANOLA HYBRIDS

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www.dseriescanola.ca The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont™ and FarmCare® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Pioneer®, the Trapezoid symbol, and Pioneer Protector® are registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents. Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. © Copyright 2013 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Perennial forage fact sheet

U.S. Clears Smithfield acquisition

When it comes to planting and establishing a healthy and productive forage stand, all species and types of forage are not created equal. Alberta Agriculture forage specialists maintain a fact sheet, Perennial Forage Species Grown in Alberta Adaptability Matrix, to help make the best seed selections and forage decisions. It provides information on legumes and grasses, forage soil and climatic zones and a chart that makes it easy to find which species grow well in which areas of the province. To view the fact sheet visit AARD’s website and search for “adaptability index.” — Agri-News

The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment has cleared the way for Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd.’s proposed $4.7-billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods Inc. The deal, which would be the biggest purchase of a U.S. company by a Chinese firm, still needs shareholder approval at a special meeting scheduled for Sept. 24. Shuanghui and Smithfield expect the transaction, valued at $7.1 billion including debt, to close shortly after that meeting. Experts in Washington and on Wall Street had expected the deal to get the nod, and do not expect a move by a major investor to block the deal.

See Daniel Winters’s video report on the shearing school at www.manitobacooperator.ca.

School teaches art of sheep shearing ‘blow by blow’ Two-day course shows shearers how to separate the wool from the sheep with a minimum of fuss

By Daniel Winters staff / atkinson farm near brandon, man.

magine trying to provide a full-body buzz cut to a woolly, four-legged GrecoRoman wrestling opponent. That’s sheep shearing in a nutshell. Nine students had a chance to hone their technique at a recent two-day sheep-shearing school sponsored by the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers and hosted by Miniota, Man. shepherd Brian Greaves. Shearing is a lot like dancing, said Greaves, who was taught by his grandfather back in New Zealand. “Footwork is very impor-

tant, but you have to be able to multi-task,” said Greaves, also a director of the wool growers’ co-op. “You have to concentrate on where your feet are, how you’re holding the sheep, and your blows.” With an ample supply of cull ewes on hand in Tony Atkinson’s spacious shed, the students were quickly put through their paces by Greaves and two young professional shearers. A few rams and lambs were thrown into the mix, and after the first day, some 60 shorn sheep scampered into the holding pens. As the wool piled up, the students were shown how to clean it on a table and pack it into square bags using a wool press.

Speed was the focus for Darlingford, Man.-area shepherd Jonathon Nichol, who runs 35 ewes on 80 acres. “I’m looking to get faster for my own flock, and to possibly be able to do some custom shearing at a speed that is economical and makes me a bit of money,” he said. Before the course, his best day was a “very tiring” 50 head, but he upped speed substantially at the school with “less blows, less movements, and fighting less.” South African-born shepherd Wian Prinsloo said he is hoping that learning how to shear will move him a step closer to his lifelong dream of farming full time. Currently running about 100 ewes on a rented quarter section near Nesbitt, Man., the crop insurance adjuster and his partner Lydia Carpenter are interested in learning all they can about all aspects of farming. They still plan to hire a shearer next year, however, because it’s hard to justify the $2,000 cost of brand new, topof-the-line clippers.

“Trying to get above 30 was extremely painful. The first day I got to 40, I thought I was going to die.” Russell Eddy

Jonathon Nichol gets pointers on how to speed up his shearing from instructor Brian Greaves at the recent shearing school sponsored by Canadian Co-operative Woolgrowers. Photos: Daniel Winters

“In the next year or two, depending on how the flock grows, we’ll likely invest in a machine,” said Carpenter. Carberry, Man.-area shepherd Jeff Bieganski, who runs about 80 purebred Dorset ewes, was hoping to improve his shearing skills so that he could shear a few when necessary and prepare his own animals prior to shows. “I just want learn so that I can do a few when the shearer can’t show up,” he said, adding that

getting small numbers of sheep done outside the shearing season can be costly.

Practice is key

However, students were warned that practice is key, with one of the professional shearers quipping that “the first 10,000 are the hardest.” Russell Eddy — although just 16 — knows all about that after learning the craft from his father Chris on the family farm near Yorkton, Sask. He can now shear 80 to 90 sheep in a day and has a personal best of 102. But those numbers seemed impossible when he started out. “Trying to get above 30 was extremely painful,” he said. “The first day I got to 40, I thought I was going to die. When I got to 65, that was probably the most painful day of my life. But this year, I’ve steadily increased because once you get through the beginning, it becomes way easier.” Once the “fighting” with the sheep is minimized, a shearer can look for ways to drop a stroke, and generally increase speed, he said. The “blows” or strokes with the clippers, follow a carefully thought-out pattern that follows the contours of the animal’s body with the aim of being both speedy and producing the best possible fleece. Greaves taught an updated version of the Bowen technique, first developed in the 1950s by New Zealand shearer Godfrey Bowen, who was the first to shear a sheep in less than a minute. Greaves, who in his prime sheared over 300 head in a day, said a controversy that erupted within the Manitoba shepherding community over a perceived shortage of shearers has led to increased interest on the part of students, noting this year’s course was filled up well in advance. A two-day course isn’t enough to mint expert shearers, but can help shepherds with small flocks get a good handle on the basics, he said. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

Jonathon Nichol

Brian Greaves

Russell Eddy

Jeff Bieganski

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Slow uptake on immunological castration despite economic benefit An independent study shows significant gains for producers using alternative to conventional castration BY BERNIE PEET

panel of independent U.S. economists has found producers who use immunological castration (IC) can generate a potential increase of $5.32 per head over conventionally castrated barrows. The benefit is primarily derived from being able to market the treated pigs at a heavier carcass weight, an increase in feed efficiency, and cost saving from not having to carry out physical castration, according to a recently published report. The use of immunological castration using Improvest (Zoetis Animal Health) has been approved in both the U.S. and Canada but, so far, uptake has been very limited. The product is a protein compound that works like an immunization to temporarily protect against offodours in pork. Male pigs are given Improvest in the finishing phase, eliminating the need for physical castration (PC). As a result, male pigs are able to fully express their natural potential for feed-efficient growth, with all the inherent performance advantages of an intact male for the majority of the production cycle. Treatment involves two

immunizations, one sometime after nine weeks of age and the second three to 10 weeks prior to marketing. To date, there have been 12 studies conducted in the U.S. that compared the performance of immunized males with PC barrows throughout the growing and finishing period. The results indicate that immunized males averaged an 8.4 per cent improvement in feed/gain ratio, 4.3 per cent greater average daily gain, and 1.17 mm less backfat. The first obvious benefit of immunization is the removal of physical castration. “Elimination of physical castration can provide significant positive impacts on pre-weaning and post-weaning mortality and morbidity while also saving the value of the labour and inputs associated with this practice,” the report states. The authors estimate the elimination of physical castration improves wean-to-finish net income by an average of $1.61 per male pig marketed, deriving from direct cost savings from non-castration, dilution of fixed costs, and increased opportunity profit from saved pigs. While such a saving is worthwhile, the biggest benefit comes from the fact that immunized males effectively perform like

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boars during the majority of the growing period. Intact males and immunized males demonstrate more efficient conversion of feed into lean meat and lay down significantly less fat than barrows. However, the report notes, after administration of the second dose of Improvest, males increase feed consumption, decrease feed efficiency and begin generating more fat in the carcass. “This process implies an economic trade-off involving choice of the optimal harvest weight which produces the greatest profits while maintaining the necessary fat essential to pork quality and value,” the report states. The panel of economists used modelling techniques to compare the optimum market weight of the immunized pigs with conventional barrows, calculating returns to both the producer and packer. They took the average of feed costs and hog prices over 2007-11 as the basis for their calculations. The results showed that the optimum profit margin for IC males was at a carcass weight five to six pounds heavier than for barrows, assuming the same growth period in the finisher barn. However, the authors

point out, immunized males have lower carcass yields due to the presence of the scrotum, testicles and associated organs, as well as some other minor carcass changes. Thus, live weight at slaughter will need to be 10 to 12 pounds heavier than a PC barrow to achieve the five- to six-pound increase in carcass weight. As part of the study, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to look at the impact of high or low feed costs on the optimum carcass weight. “While the optimal weights of both types of animals are reduced under this scenario (as expected), the differential profitoptimization weight between IC and PC barrows remains essentially the same,” conclude the authors. The report notes immunized barrows will command a $1.75/ cwt premium over barrows due to less variation in carcass weight relative to the optimum weight. In addition, both the producer and the packer will benefit economically from a larger, leaner carcass. Using average prices over the fiveyear period, combined with cutout data, it was calculated that immunized males would generate the packer a total return per carcass $9.75 more than a barrow.

“After paying the producer $6.71 for the added weight and premium increase, a net improvement in returns of $3.04 was realized for the primal cuts,” the report states. The total benefit to the packer was calculated as $5.04. The expected improvement in net returns for U.S. producers adopting Improvest is $5.32 per head, concludes the report. This is derived from $2 in feed cost savings, $6.71 from the higher carcass weight and carcass premiums and $1.61 from ceasing physical castration, totalling $10.32, less the $5-per-head cost of using Improvest. So far, uptake of immunization has been minimal in North America, despite these large economic benefits. Packer resistance and unwillingness to change may be part of the reason, while producers also seem wary. But can the producers and packers afford to let competitors take advantage of this technology while not adopting it themselves? There is an interesting saga to be played out here and only time will tell. Bernie Peet is president of Pork Chain Consulting of Lacombe, Alberta and a director of U.K.based Pig Production Training Ltd.

Alberta scientists make a significant finding in prion research Prion proteins act normally, until they misfold and become infectious BY ALEXIS KIENLEN

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decade after BSE rocked the Canadian cattle industry, two University of Alberta scientists and their Swiss colleagues have taken a major step towards finding a way to block prion infection which leads to BSE and scrapie. “My lab contributed how the antibodies interact with the various parts of the prion molecule,” said biochemistry professor, Michael James who led one of the teams in the three-year project. His team, and a team led by another University of Alberta professor and protein chemist, Nat Kav, were joined by biologists at the Institute of Neuropathology in Zurich. James’ research team used X-ray crystallography to determine a three-dimensional structure of the prion and identify a site where antibodies could bind to the prion molecule. It’s a key step forward, he said. “We hope to design a chemical compound that would bind to some part of the prion molecule to prevent the conversion of the normal form of the protein to the disease-causing form,” said James. “We already know from work that other people have done that there are some small molecules that bind to the prion and prevent the conversion of the normal cell of the prion into the infectious form, the so-called scrapie form. “What we’re doing now is look-

Diagram of a prion.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

ing at the structure of the prion molecule, to see exactly where these molecules bind to the prion, hopefully to design better-binding molecules that will prevent the conversion of the normal cellular form to the infectious form.” Kav and his team used molecular biology to produce smaller versions of the antibodies used by James. Prions are unusual infectious agents because they are made by normal cells. Their normal function seems to be involved in binding copper in the body. “When prions go wrong, it’s very interesting because nothing changes in the molecule except the way it folds up,” said James.

These types of molecules are also found in Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other protein-folding diseases. If researchers learn how to stop a normal prion from turning infectious, it would be a huge benefit to humans and the livestock industry. “We could perhaps have an additive to a feed for cattle that would prevent those cows from ever developing BSE, for example,” said James. “That’s another possible spinoff that we could see, further down the road.” Results of the study were published in the science journal, Nature. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

July cattle placements hit five-year low Downward-trending cattle slaughter means beef prices will hover at or above record levels through 2014 BY THEOPOLIS WATERS REUTERS

he number of cattle placed in U.S. feedlots in July fell 10 per cent from a year earlier and to the lowest level for July in five years, a USDA report showed last Friday. Analysts attributed the decline to high-priced feed that hurt feedlot profits. Feedlots had fewer cattle to draw from after last year’s drought hurt crops and reduced the herd to its lowest level in 61 years. Contributing to the slowdown in placements was quality grazing land that allowed cattle to gain weight outside of feedlots longer. The report showed July placements down 10 per cent at 1.722 million head, compared with 1.922 million a year earlier. Analysts, on average, expected a 1.4 per cent decrease. The placements were the smallest for any July since 1.656 million in July 2008. Last month’s placements were “incredible” given lower cash cattle prices, and feeders looking ahead to the prospect of cheaper corn this fall, Allendale Inc. chief strategist Rich Nelson said. “We had a huge offering of calves and feeder cattle which went into sale barns last month rather than feedlots,” Nelson said. He said those who needed heavyweight calves bought them to finish on late-summer grass following muchneeded spring rains from Texas to Kansas. July’s sizable placement shortfall could result in a firstquarter cattle slaughter down at least eight per cent year over year versus the possible decline of six per cent that some in the industry had anticipated, Nelson said. The downward-trending cattle slaughter means beef prices will hover at or above record levels through 2014, analysts said. USDA’s monthly retail price data reported the average beef price in July hit an all-time high of $5.36 per lb., beating the previous record of $5.30 per lb. set in March. Jim Robb, Livestock Marketing Information Center director, said the number of cattle that weighed 800 lbs. and over the past few months has finally declined and other weight categories were significantly under a year ago. He said Colorado and Kansas, both with placements at 81 per cent of a year ago, stood out and reflected feedlots grappling with sustained margin losses in the feeding cattle sector. USDA put the feedlot cattle supply as of Aug. 1 at 10.026 million head, or 94 per cent of the year-earlier total. Analysts polled by Reuters, on average, expected 95.8 per cent. It was the lowest since 9.880 million on Aug. 1, 2010.

No bull — composted manure benefits row crops Because it’s much lighter, compost can be economically trucked farther BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI AF CONTRIBUTOR / LETHBRIDGE

t makes economic and environmental sense for feedlot operators to start composting their manure, says a soil conservation researcher at the Lethbridge Research Centre. “I think a lot of feedlots are now realizing that they should look at composting because you can only rely on your neighbours for so long to take the raw manure,” said Frank Larney. Producers of potatoes, sugar beets, beans and other row crops in southern Alberta often apply manure from nearby feedlots. But they, too, would gain by switching to composted manure. “I think the onus is on the feedlot owners to hopefully ensure than these nutrients are spread out over a wider area so that we are not getting high nutrient loadings on land close to feedlots,” said Larney. “One way of doing that is to go the compost-

ing route because it is much more economical to transport nutrients in the form of compost than as raw manure.” Chin-area potato grower Harold Perry, who has purchased compost-turning equipment, has been impressed by the significant weight reduction in the composted material. “Good compost has about 60 per cent of the weight of raw manure,” said Perry. “If you get too far away from the feedlot, then the trucking (of manure) just kills you.” Compost offers other benefits. Perry said he’s seen productivity gains when applying compost to land where potatoes have been grown previously. That’s not surprising, said Larney, as potatoes, sugar beets, beans, “and a lot of these crops don’t return organic matter to the soil. “If the rotations have a lot of these row crops, organic matter can become depleted and the addition of compost is a very

Compost weighs about 60 per cent of raw manure, making transport more economic. good way of replenishing soil organic matter in these soils,” he said. That’s a significant benefit in southern Alberta, which has less organic matter than soils in central Alberta. Organic matter also boosts the water-holding capacity of soils, and makes them less prone to wind and water erosion. Compost also provides nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen and

phosphorus, as well as micronutrients not found in commercial fertilizers, Larney added. Federal researchers in Summerland, B.C. have found adding compost seems to help to thwart a destructive potato pathogen called verticillium wilt, also known as early dying syndrome. Potato crops infected with this pathogen will typically see the tops of potato plants die off between early August and September, which can have a devastating impact on yields. The pathogen enters the plant through root lesions caused by nematodes that live in the soil that feed on the roots. The B.C. research indicates adding compost enhances the presence of a fungus that feeds on the nematodes, thus preventing root lesions and closing the pathway for the verticillium wilt pathogen. “That’s what we think is happening, but we actually haven’t proven that yet,” said Larney.

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Generosity and humility — the ingredients of leadership From the hip } Leaders are driven with passion from a deep place of core beliefs and values By brenda schoepp

ome things just blow your hair back and at that moment you feel a bit validated. I was speaking recently at the Youth Ag Summit in Calgary and was pleased to meet the great leaders of tomorrow there — several were from Alberta. As I entered the conference a woman from South Africa, who had been following my work for the past year jumped at the chance to talk to me. I was so humbled by the experience that it took everything I could do not to weep in front of her and the 117 other global delegates. Whether we stumble or parade through life is not of consequence. What is of importance here is that as we move through it — someone is watching. The transparency of our actions makes it even more so. And they look to us — look up to us — to show them the attributes of agricultural leaders. What makes a great leader? I broached this subject in my presentation and I would like to share that with you. As I have travelled the world, I have eaten everything from radish to rattlesnake to brie and baby camel. It was all good. That food was prepared in my honour on every stove from a $500,000-euro affair that was 14 feet long to the one square foot of brick oven fuelled by

cow dung. And it was prepared with love. And the people who I shared it with were rich and poor and of every race and religion, from farm or city, able and disabled, men and women and they were all — beautiful. What made them so was that among and within them were leaders. Leaders are driven with passion from a deep place of core beliefs and values. They are centred and grounded even when life or business gets rather frantic. Calm and assured in their principles, they are a constant. In addition, those leaders stand accountable for themselves, their farm, their company and their people. The born leader does not claim that the tree jumped onto the road when they smash up the family car. Rather, they own the problem and admit to the error following up with a collective solution that works. “I smashed the family car and apologize. What is it that I have to do, or we can do together to solve the problem?” Have you ever thought about how your core values and beliefs are an inspiration to other people? When I was done, a young lady from Manitoba said she picked up a clear Christian message. Yes indeed — it was meant to be so!

example of preparedness. Is it not amazing that you can drop in at any farm in any country and they come out with a meal from a seemingly empty cupboard? This is because the farm is the ultimate example of preparedness. Just as the garden is grown for the winter

In all places and at all times, I find true leaders to be generous and kind.

Always prepared

I have often used the farm Coming To table Alberta... kitchen as the ultimate

PHOto: thinkstock

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as is the livestock seed, so is the pantry or freezer stocked for that “just in case” moment! Have you ever thought about how your preparedness sets you apart? In all places and at all times, I find true leaders to be generous and kind. They do not have to shout out their name for attention, everyone knows who they are because they respect them. They care enough to remember your name and to ask what is important to you. They understand that to truly be a leader, one has to first serve, because when we are servants, we are not greater (or less) than any other. And serving comes as naturally as the sun rising for these men and women, boys and girls. Have you ever thought about how your kindness will change and empower others? I feel the leader of tomorrow will have something else in their kit bag as well — a way of leading through inspiration. A way of attracting the right people and keeping them for the betterment of their community and their nation. This is why mentorship is so very important. Mentorship is not coaching or guiding. It is not providing solutions. It is the drawing out of the best that is within a person so they may find their own solutions. It is “unconditional” in its format and “unconventional” in its approach. To mentor is to

Supplies remain tight after the 2012 drought

chicago / reuters

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1 pm - 3 pm:............National Blonde d'Aquitaine annual general meeting For more information contact: rigney@clearwave.ca www.canadianblondeassociation.ca Alberta Blonde Association Canadian Blonde Association Reed Rigney 780-348-5308 Flesch 403-549-2371 Cattle will beMyrna ondisplay display throughout the the weekend weekend with Cattle will throughout with Box 5959, Westlock, AB T7P 2P7 be onwestwind@telusplanet.net breeders in attendance to answer questions. rigney@clearwave.ca breederswww.canadianblondeassociation.ca in attendance to answer questions. For more information contact:

Alberta Blonde Association

For more information contact:

Canadian Blonde Association

continued

Brenda Schoepp is a Nuffield Scholar who travels extensively exploring agriculture and meeting the people who feed, clothe and educate our world. A motivating speaker and mentor she works with young entrepreneurs across Canada and is the founder of Women in Search of Excellence. www. brendaschoepp.com

Price for U.S. beef trimmings hits record high By Theopolis Waters

High Yield + Excellent Feed Conversion = A Highly Profitable Terminal Sire n Us i o J e s Plea

find that seed laying latent in the pasture and to provide the right environment for it to grow. It is to empower, enable, liberate and permit. Mentorship is the giving of oneself in servitude solely for the benefit of the other. All great leaders carry a passion that burns from a core belief that aligns with their values. They are prepared at all times for all things and do not let incidences hinder their leadership. They own their mistakes and with great skill and kindness empower those around them. As they are there for the long haul — they are ok with the idea of mentoring — so that someone else at any point in time can fill their shoes. It is leading without fear of self or threatening others. The room at the summit was full of young men and women of courage and determination from around the world. Groomed and prepared — they were prepared for the transparent world in which we live and they committed to lead it without apology to the next level of excellence.

he price that the U.S. Department of Agriculture quoted for 65 per cent lean beef trimmings, used to make sausage and hamburgers, hit an all-time high Sept. 5, industry sources said. Roughly 462,250 lbs. of fresh 65 per cent lean trimmings, which is blended with 35 per cent fat to reach 100 per cent consistency, hit an average price of $147.86 per hundredweight (cwt), according to USDA data. That price surpassed the previous record of $145.67 on Dec. 6, 2011. The government said the country’s supply of beef trimmings overall was lower amid light demand. The 65 per cent lean trimmings market typically is not a “big” traded item, said Livestock Marketing Information Center director Jim Robb. The 50 and 90 per cent trimmings are what drive the

market and those prices are not at record highs, he said. John Ginzel, analyst with Linn Group said: “One has to be careful how the data is interpreted.” More than one day is needed to validate whether that price is just a few loads changing hands between a few people in the industry or signs of an active broader trend underway, he said. Ground beef costs at wholesale typically come down after the U.S. Sept. 2 Labour Day holiday, which is the unofficial end of the summer grilling season. However, prices for ground beef have not declined as much as some had expected, possibly due to better hamburger demand, said Ginzel. Tighter cattle supplies may have also influenced demand, he said. Last summer’s historic drought in the Midwest, and prolonged dryness in the U.S. southwest, hurt crops. That drove feed costs to record highs, reducing the U.S. cattle herd to its smallest in 61 years.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Considering chiropractic care for your horse? Chiropractics can help reveal underlying issues affecting how a horse moves or behaves BY CAROL SHWETZ, DVM

hen horse owners discover the benefits of quality chiropractic care for themselves they will often seek out the same for their horses. This has brought forth a growing trend in the horse industry for animal chiropractors. Chiropractic work does not replace traditional veterinary medicine, yet it can provide a complementary approach in the diagnostics and care of health and performance problems. When indicated, chiropractics can be an effective tool to benefit the attitude and physical abilities of the horse. Postgraduate training is provided to human chiropractors and veterinarians in the areas of canine and equine chiropractics. The field of study requires at least 220 credit hours of study over a six-month duration to be awarded the degree. Currently there are five approved animal chiropractic programs, one in Canada, one in Europe and three in the United States. The principles of animal and human chiropractics are similar, focusing primarily on the health of the spinal column. The nervous system of the body is housed by the spinal column, travelling first within it and then moving outward from the spine. Any interference in its course of travel will directly hinder the nervous messages of the body. The generic goal of chiropractic

work is to remove nerve interference, primarily along the spine, and allow the body to be healthier as a result of improved neurological function. When a chiropractor says that a “joint is out” or the “back is out” they do not mean the joint is totally displaced as this would obviously require medical attention. When chiropractors use this simplistic lay term they are describing a subluxation. A subluxation in chiropractic terms is when a joint is not moving effectively or efficiently, however, contact between joints surfaces has remained intact. It is essentially a functional entity which influences blood flow, muscular responses, and nerve conduction. A chiropractic adjustment is an attempt to reset the joint, correcting its movement, blood flow, and nerve conduction. The adjustment itself is a high-velocity, low-force, controlled thrust

The principles of animal and human chiropractics are similar, focusing primarily on the health of the spinal column.

of the hand directed in a specific direction on a specific joint. The skilled and “listening” hands of a practitioner detect subtle changes in the health and movement of the spine, noticing pain/sensitivity, muscular tension, incomplete range of motion, and increased warmth. When a subluxation occurs, the horse’s spine loses its normal flexibility resulting in stiffness, resistance and decreased performance. Compensation patterns then develop throughout the body as the horse attempts to protect its sore neck or back. These patterns result in altered posture, gait, and unsoundness. Symptoms such as gait abnormalities, bucking, rearing, tail swishing, head tossing, pulling back, refusal, lack of impulsion/ engaging of the hindquarters, behaviour problems, neck or back pain, muscle imbalances, toe dragging, uneven shoulders and hips, reluctance to stand for the farrier, short striding, stumbling or knuckling, and incompletely resolved injuries are commonly associated with spinal misalignments/subluxations. Proper kinematics and movement of the limbs are heavily influenced by the spinal column. The highly innervated and delicate musculature of the spine is responsible for the “setup” of the limbs as they are engaged in motion. Unless primary causes of back pain are identified and addressed, most horses will have recurring unsoundness when

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

returned to work, even after a period of medication or rest. Not all lamenesses respond to chiropractic adjustments but a large proportion do. A consultation with an equine chiropractor starts with a thorough examination of the horse, including history, care and use. The chiropractor may ask to see the horse move through all gaits first without a rider, and then at times with the rider. The chiropractor will then pursue static and motion palpation of the spine and its joints. Following initial examination the animal chiropractor will adjust the affected area of the spine so as to return the joints to normal motion. In doing so muscle spasms and pain in the neck and back are often alleviated. Chiropractics are used to discover underlying issues looking at the animals as a whole

and helping the owner/rider/ trainer understand why the horse is not moving or behaving correctly. It is important to recognize that horses need to be educated properly to carry a rider and themselves without incurring physical injury and developing unsoundness over time. Further influences to the success of a chiropractic treatment are dental alignment, hoof balance, tack fit, training and turnout. Addressing physical or pathologic problems such as strains, sprains, and degenerative joint diseases is also necessary for a successful adjustment. Once the reason for the misalignment/subluxation is discovered and addressed the need for chiropractic care is reduced substantially. Carol Shwetz is a veterinarian specializing in equine practice at Westlock, Alberta.

Prairie forage crops looking good Quality isn’t as good, but yields are much better than last year’s BY BRANDON LOGAN

COMMODITY NEWS SERVICE CANADA

Good forage crops across most of Western Canada will help farmers replenish their supplies after a long winter led to very low carry-over stocks, crop specialists said. Most areas in his province are moving on to second or third cuts and reporting good yields, said Ken Ziegler, forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture. “Yields are as good as any other year, if not better,” he said Sept. 6. Saskatchewan is down a bit from last year but still around the fiveyear average — and all of the production is needed, said Daphne Cruise, regional crops specialist for Saskatchewan Agriculture. “Last winter, because it was so long, most of our cattle producers just made it through with just enough feed,” she said. “I think for this year, there weren’t much carry-over stocks, so a lot of people are looking to get through the winter again.” In Manitoba, the second cut of alfalfa is about 75 to 85 per cent completed in the southwest

region, while hay is currently getting a second cut across most of the province, according to Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives’ weekly crop report in early September. However, the story is much different as you move farther north. Yields have been good, but quality is lacking because of the delayed harvest, said Pamela Iwanchysko, MAFRI farm production specialist. “Around here, guys are finishing up their first cut, because it was such a late start,” she said. “Yields are average to above average from what I’ve been told, but quality is probably down because of the high-fibre content due to the late harvest.” Even with quality issues, Iwanchysko said this season’s forage crops have been much better than last year. “Supplies are way better than last year,” she said. “I think guys are just starting to take an inventory of what they got, and for the most part, I think it’s adequate to just below average.” There were virtually no carryover stocks in the area due to the extremely long winter, she said.

Join us for the first annual Canfax Cattle Market Forum, a power-packed day of dynamic speakers and discussions – dedicated to presenting information and perspectives on a variety of important factors affecting the Canadian Cattle markets. Tuesday, November 26, 2013 – Registration, Guest Speaker and Reception 7:00pm – 10:00pm Wednesday, November 27, 2013 – Registration and Plenary Session 7:00am – 5:00pm, includes breakfast, coffee breaks and lunch Location: Deerfoot Inn and Casino, 1000, 11500 – 35 Street SE, Calgary, AB (Deerfoot Trail south and Barlow Trail) For more information and to register online for the Forum visit www.canfax.ca or call 403-686-8407.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

THE MILLARVILLE FAIR Photos by Wendy Dudley

rom Western Pleasure to English jumping, equine enthusiasts had a lot to cheer on at the annual Millarville Fair held in late August in southern Alberta. Under sunny and hot skies, there was a musical ride, pole bending and barrel racing. Riders of every age and expertise showed grit and determination to do their best. Parents, friends and grandparents all came out for the 106th fair, with stick-horse racing making its debut. Judging from the happy faces, the event is sure to return next year.

Chalmers and her horse show 1 Lesley some serious concentration in the junior pole-bending event.

Biddle tore up the arena, as 2 Callie she raced her Appaloosa around the

barrels in a speedy time to take first place in the Intermediate barrelracing event. Who says you need a real horse?

3 Youngsters dash down the infield in a colourful stick-horse race.

Senior barrel racer Carmen Fox had

4 on her game face, as she rounded the barrel and rode home to first place. Junior rider Justine Brady puts the

5 brakes on her Appaloosa.

Kayla McAlister takes a tumble during

6 the seniors barrel-racing event. Both she and her horse were fine.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Consider sainfoin as an option for hay and pasture Sainfoin has good leaf retention and frost tolerance, making it ideal for fall grazing Agri-News

re you thinking about seeding a new hay or pasture field in the next few years? If so, consider trying something new and adding sainfoin into the mix. “Sainfoin is a cool-season, perennial forage legume,” says Stephanie Kosinski, forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “It was introduced to North America from Europe and parts of Russia and Asia. It develops a deep, branched taproot and numerous fine lateral roots. It is a non-bloat legume that is suitable for mixtures with alfalfa or cool-season grasses, such as crested wheatgrass, russian wild rye and western wheatgrass. Sainfoin has good longevity under optimal growing and management conditions.” Sainfoin is best adapted to the brown and dark-brown soil zones, and the irrigated areas of southern Alberta. It favours well-drained, light- and medium-textured soils with good water-holding capacity. It has poor tolerance of acidity and salinity, but handles those soil conditions better than alfalfa. It has good tolerance of alkalinity and drought. Sainfoin grows well in areas that receive 300 mm or more of precipitation in a year. However, it is sensitive to flooding, wet soils and high water tables. “Sainfoin is quite large seeded compared to the other forage legumes, but even with its large seed size, it still needs to be seeded shallow, no more than three-quarters inch (two cm) deep,” says Kosinski. “Be sure

Sainfoin is best adapted to the brown and dark-brown soil zones, and the irrigated areas of southern Alberta. to inoculate sainfoin with the correct rhizobia species before seeding to facilitate nodulation. It germinates well, but can establish slowly. In general, spring-seeded sainfoin stands are well established by the fall. There may be some hard seed, but you generally don’t need to scarify seed before seeding. It has been suggested that sainfoin is seeded separately and at a right angle to other forages if in a mixture. If seeding sainfoin alone, it is not recommended to use a companion or cover crop.” The seeding rate of sainfoin should be based on the pure live seed (PLS). Suggested seeding

Classroom Agriculture Program zone co-ordinators wanted Agri-News

he Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) is currently looking for three new zone co-ordinators in Calgary, and the Flagstaff County and Red Deer areas. “CAP started in 1985, and since that time more than 550,000 students in Alberta have participated in the program,” says Karen Spelay, CAP co-ordinator. “CAP is about the food we eat and where it comes from. CAP explains the value and importance of agriculture in Alberta, the people, producers and industries that drive this trade, and it highlights the vast opportunities in agriculture.” CAP is presented to Grade 4 students across Alberta at no charge. Volunteers deliver the program through storytelling, engaging props and fun activities. “The role of the zone co-ordinator is to organize the volunteers in their specific zone with the schools that have registered for the pro-

gram. Zone co-ordinators also offer training, presentation ideas and guidance to volunteers. They recruit volunteers and provide volunteer recognition. They organize and maintain the supplies and resources in their areas. Across the province, there are approximately 250 active CAP volunteers who are paired with schools that have registered for CAP. Last year about 20,000 students registered for the program.” CAP zone co-ordinators are dedicated to preserving and promoting agriculture. They should have an education or agricultural background and be comfortable speaking in front of people. Anyone interested in becoming a CAP zone co-ordinator, is asked to email CAP or call 403-710-1959. Additional information on the time commitment as well as monetary compensation is available by clicking on the volunteer drop-down menu and going to the job postings web page on the CAP website.

densities are 40-60 seeds/metre of row (12-18 seeds/foot of row) and 175-250 seeds/m2 (16-23 seeds/ ft.2). The final bulk seeding rate will vary with row spacing, seed quality and seed amendments. Seeding rate can be calculated using the forage seed mix calculator found on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website. “Sainfoin grows upright, making it easy to harvest as hay,” says Kosinski. “It also has excellent leaf retention. If cut at 50 to 100 per cent flowering, you will maximize yields. It can work in either a two-cut system under irrigation or a one-cut system in drier areas.

Sainfoin has a higher moisture content than alfalfa, but still cures well for hay. It yields about 80 to 90 per cent of alfalfa hay.

Rotational grazing

If considering sainfoin for pasture, it is best suited to a rotational grazing system. It can be grazed midsummer or stockpiled and grazed in the fall. You will have maximum yield when sainfoin is grazed at 50 to 100 per cent bloom, but you will get better regrowth when it is grazed in the vegetative stage. Sainfoin relies on its residual leaf material and stem buds to support new growth more than alfalfa does.

This means it is important to leave residual sainfoin after each grazing period. Newer varieties, such as Mountainview have improved regrowth compared to older varieties. Sainfoin has good leaf retention and frost tolerance, making it ideal for fall grazing. Be sure to rest it four to six weeks before a killing frost in order to allow the plants enough time to build up their carbohydrate reserves to survive the winter. It is a good management practice to allow sainfoin plants to reseed themselves every few years. This helps maintain its presence in the stand. Recent studies conducted in Alberta and Saskatchewan have looked at the potential of including new sainfoin varieties in alfalfa pastures for grazing. They have found that these new varieties are more competitive and have improved regrowth rates compared to some older varieties. These studies have also shown that including 20 to 30 per cent sainfoin in an alfalfa pasture significantly lowers, and in certain cases eliminates, the risk of bloat. “Sainfoin is highly palatable, with cattle often selecting it over alfalfa when grazing,” says Kosinski. “Research has shown that it has lower acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre levels than alfalfa, along with increased digestibility of its stems.” Sainfoin is a non-bloating legume due to the presence of condensed tannins. These tannins bind to protein in feed, allowing it to be digested as bypass protein. This avoids the problem of large amounts of protein being quickly digested in the rumen, which can lead to bloat.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

BRIEF Italian poultry worker gets avian flu ROME / REUTERS A man who works with poultry in Italy has tested positive for avian influenza following outbreaks among birds on farms in the northern Emilia Romagna region, the Italian Health Ministry said Sept. 2. Italian authorities have been culling thousands of birds since the discovery of the H7N7 strain on several farms in August, the first outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Italian poultry since 2000. The ministry said the affected man, who was exposed to sick poultry during work in contaminated areas, has contracted conjunctivitis as a result of his infection. It said the H7N7 strain can be passed only to humans who come into direct contact with diseased animals and usually has mild effects on humans, such as conjunctivitis.

U.S. beef industry to offer ‘tender’ cuts CCA and industry partners also working on a tenderness rating system BY DANIEL WINTERS STAFF

ack in the days when oxen past their prime usually ended up on dinner plates, there was a saying that eaters of such fare would “sit down hungry and stand up tired.” A century or so later, with the realization that tenderness is one of the most significant factors in consumer acceptance of beef, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to launch a new program which will guarantee it on the label. Mark Klassen, director of technical services for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said that it appears that the USDA is using a mechanical shear force testing protocol that uses meat cores or slices taken from middle cuts or the loin area of a carcass to measure how much pressure is required to cut it. “You could use that method on any piece of beef that you had an interest in knowing the tenderness of,” said Klassen, who added that gauging the tenderness of the entire carcass could be done just by testing a few loin samples. A recent post on the USDA’s blog explained the new criteria. Although some beef may not

technically make the top grades such as Choice or Prime, it may in fact be rated just as tender by consumers, and similarly, certain cuts of beef, no matter how high their USDA quality grade, may not be as tender. To address these issues and provide consumers with a more useful purchasing tool, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) worked with academia and industry to develop an accurate system to rate beef cuts as either tender or very tender. Based on an objective scale, the system ensures that specific beef cuts consistently meet these established thresholds. Now, approved beef processors will be able to market products as “USDA-Certified Tender” or “Very Tender” through product labelling, advertisements and promotions. On the Canadian side, Klassen said that data collected from Beef Quality Audits based on lab studies using shear force techniques and consumer assessments since 2001 have shown that the overall trend in beef north of the border appears to be steadily moving towards increased tenderness. He added that the CCA is also working with the beef industry to develop ways to use shear force measuring instruments and

existing grading tools to create a new classification system for Canadian beef that might be similar to the USDA’s. “We’re trying to figure out the most cost-effective ways to determine tenderness,” said Klassen, who added that a system might be ready within a couple of years. Canada’s existing grading system is a fairly reliable measure of overall eating quality, he said. Although it doesn’t specifically address tenderness, the other indications built into it can be used to infer that a particular cut will be tender.

“It’s not a perfect system, but it’s certainly a useful system,” said Klassen. “But with what we’re working on now, we hope to get to the point where in a very practical way we can make an assessment of tenderness while we’re grading.” In June, Cargill became the first processor to have a program certified by USDA, and there are two other programs under review — one other beef processor and a major grocery store chain. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

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AGRI-VACS

Tired of shovelling out your bins, unhealthy dust and awkward augers? Walinga manufactures a complete line of grain vacs to suit your every need. With no filters to plug and less damage done to your product than an auger, you’re sure to find the right system to suit you. Call now for a free demonstration or trade in your old vac towards a new WALINGA AGRI-VACS Fergus, ON: (519) 787-8227 Carman, MB: (204) 745-2951 Davidson, SK: (306) 567-3031

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Grain Wanted BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 BUYING SPRING THRASHED CANOLA & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

BOW VALLEY TRADING LTD.

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Accessories

FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS

2005 MACDON 972D, 21-FT, like new, w/trailer, $25,000; 2000 JD 922R, pick-up reels, like new, $15,000. Phone:(780)446-4931.

We also specialize in: Crop Insurance appeals; Chemical drift; Residual herbicide; Custom operator issues; Equipment malfunction; Yield comparisons, Plus Private Investigations of any nature. With our assistance the majority of our clients have received compensation previously denied. Back-Track Investigations investigates, documents your loss and assists in settling your claim. Licensed Agrologist on Staff. For more information Please call 1-866-882-4779

ENGINES ASSORTED DEUTZ & OTHER Diesel engines. KMK Sales, (800)565-0500, Humboldt, SK.

BUYING:

HEATED & GREEN CANOLA • Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed “ON FARM PICK UP”

1-877-250-5252

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Various NH 1063 SQUARE BALE wagon PT, excellent condition. Phone (780)986-4605 or (780)498-6859.

Combines

1985 Case IH 1480 3,950 engine hours, specialty rotor, 2 sets concaves, chopper, rock trap, new front tires, stored inside, 12-ft. PU head w/large auger Phone (204)362-4532

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Ford/New Holland NH 1500 COMBINE, W/3208 Cat diesel, A/C, Straw Chopper & Melroe pick-up. 2,000-hrs. Always shedded & field ready. $5,000 OBO. Call: (403)932-2343 or (403)519-7815.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Gleaner 1995 R72 GLEANER, 2522/SEP hours, 3245 engine, Sunnybrook rotor, new feeder chains, $35,000 (403)818-6443 1996 GLEANER R72, 2160/SEP. hrs, 2724 eng. hrs. Sunnybrook rotor, new feeder chains, $40,000 (403)818-6443

Buying Tough, Heated, Green, Canola, Freight Options, Prompt Payment Bonded and Insured

JD 9600 COMBINE 1989 model 3,200 thrasher hrs, 4,500 eng hrs, new feeder chain, $35,000. Phone (403)818-6443.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Various

www.milliganbiofuels.com BUILDINGS

COMBINE WORLD located 20 min. E of Saskatoon, SK on Hwy. #16. 1 year warranty on all new, used, and rebuilt parts. Canada’s largest inventory of late model combines & swathers. 1-800-667-4515 www.combineworld.com

AUCTION SALES Auctions Various

AUCTION SERVICE LTD. General Auction Services since 1960

FARM, RANCH, REAL ESTATE & COMMERCIAL

Email: john@shieldsauctionservices.com • Phone: 403-464-0202 BUILDINGS

Double LL Industries 780.905.8565 Nisku, Alberta

1987 Case IH 385

John Deere 520

FWA, 45 HP Diesel, 3 Point Hitch

Loader

12,500

BUILDINGS

3,800

1983 Kubota L245 1974 Offset Tractor John Deere 401A

High Clearance, 1368 Hrs, w/ 3 Point Hitch, And Mid Mount Cultivators

GAS, 60 HP, 3 Point Hitch, 540 Pto, NEW Rear Tires

8,800

7,500

www.doublellindustries.com 41-47-FT LEON CHISEL PLOW, NH3 kit. Case 2090 tractor, w/loader; Greenbelt 900 chain highdump. Gehl 1260 FH for parts; 22-ft stripper header w/JD & Case IH mounts; 19-ft JD straight-cut; Chaff saver w/wagon. Phone:(780)623-1008.

NEW WOBBLE BOXES for JD, IH, MacDon headers. Made in Europe, factory quality. Get it direct from Western Canada’s sole distributor starting at $1,095. 1-800-667-4515. www.combineworld.com

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Various

Versatile 875 JD 4250 FWA, 280 loader JD 4440 Loader Available JD 7600 Complete with loader, FWA JD 7700 FWA loader JD 4230 JD 6400, FWA loader JD 2550, FWA JD 746 loader, new Mustang 2044 Skidsteer, 1300 Hrs. Clamp on Duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38 158 & 148, 265, 740.280, JD loaders JCB 1550B, Backhoe FWA, Extend A Hoe, Ford Backhoe 655C 4x4, Extend A Hoe

ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: CULTIVATORS, DISCS, Plows, Blades, Post pounders, Haying Equipment, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, Ab.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted WANTED: NH 8500 ROUND bale wagon. Phone (406)883-2118

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

www.penta.ca

FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB

1-800-587-4711

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous 1976 CCIL 960 PTO combine, c/w new belts on the PU, shedded, $1000; IHC #10 rubber end wheel seed drill, $500; 50-ft in-land crop sprayer, $500. (780)349-2357. 1998 SPRAY AIR 13X70 swing auger, good condition, $9,000; 2001 NH 195 manure spreader, top beater, new paddles, double floor chain, location tires, good condition, $9,000. Call:(780)203-9593 or (780)963-0641, Stoney Plain, AB.

Big Tractor Parts, Inc. Geared For The Future

STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST

RED OR GREEN 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement parts for your Steiger drive train. 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions and dropboxes with ONE YEAR WARRANTY. 3. 50% savings on used parts.

1-800-982-1769 www.bigtractorparts.com FARM MACHINERY Sprayers

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

1998 NH TV140 BI-DIRECTIONAL, excellent condition, 2,440-hrs, asking $50,000. Phone (780)789-0195 leave msg.

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Various

Affordable Engineered Temporary Structures Motorcycle/Car/RV/Boat Carports, Storage Shelters, Party Tents, Greenhouses, Swimming pool enclosures. Custom sizes available, 5-10yr warranty, Rentals Xtreme Shelters, Phone:(780)803-7854.

SHIELDS

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories

1999 CAT 460 1300 sep. hrs, rake up $86,000; 1998 AGCO 9755, 530/int electronic, 18spd p/s, 3096/hrs, 4 remotes, 540 front weights, duals, $46,500; 2005 MacDon 922, 16-ft DK, $15,500; 2000 MacDon 972, 25-ft DK, DS, pick-up reel, $18,500; Bergen swath mover, started at $3900. (403)665-2341, Craigmyle, AB.

CALL 1-866-388-6284

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Various

RECONDITIONED COMBINE HEADERS. RIGID & flex, most makes & sizes; also header transports. Ed Lorenz, (306)344-4811 or Website: www.straightcutheaders.com Paradise Hill, SK.

WANTED: JD 7810 c/w FEL & 3-PTH; sp or PTO bale wagon; JD or IHC end wheel drills. Small square baler. (877)330-4477

FARM MACHINERY Combine – John Deere

CANOLA WANTED

Flex header with air reel. JD 930F flex head w/AWS air tube with one full season, header in nice shape, stored inside, plastic in good condition. $15,500 OBO. (204)325-4658 info@ensfarmsltd.com

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Baling

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Case/IH

1-877-641-2798

AERATION HALF CIRCLE PERFORATED duct work 24-in. system complete have several sets. (403)728-3535.

FARM MACHINERY

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN Wheat, Barley, Oats, Peas, etc. Green or Heated Canola/Flax

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Various

RON SAUER

MACHINERY LTD. (403) 540-7691 ronsauer@shaw.ca

1977 850 Versatile Series II, Atom jet hyd., 20.8 x 38 dual tires, nice shape........................... $17,500 31’ Flexicoil B Chisel Plow Extensions Included, Extends to 41’, 3 bar harrows, Excellent Condition ............. $12,500 Flexicoil 6 run seed treater ................................ $2,000 Wanted Flexicoil S95 harrow packer draw bar, 5 bar harrows, P30 packers, good condition ......................................... Call 134’ Flexicoil S68XL sprayer, 2007, suspended boom, auto rate, joystick, rinse tank, triple quick jets, auto boom height, electric end nozzle & foam marker............. $39,500 130’ Flexicoil 67XL PT sprayer, 2006,trail boom, auto rate, rinse tank, hyd. pump, combo jets, nice shape.... $26,500 100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete with windguards, elec. end nozzles dual tips, markers ........................ $5,500 30’ 8230 CIH PT swather, PU reel, nice shape,.. $10,000 25ft Hesston 1200 PT swather, Bat reel, nice shape .......................................................... $5,500 MATR (Italy) 10 wheel V-Hayrake, hyd. fold, as new.................................................................... $5,250 New Sakundiak Augers Complete with E-Kay Attachments ............................................... Call 2 Used 8” Self Propelled Sakundiak Augers .Coming In New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps .........................Call 1 Used E-Kay 9” Bin Sweep, with hyd., pump, motor & tank ....................................................... $1,250 Flexicoil 10”x 50’ Grain auger ......................... $2,500 7721 JD PT combine, decent cond. ....................... $5,000 7701 JD PT combine, new concaves & rub bars ..... $4,000 Jiffy Feed Wagon, like new, hardly used, shedded .....$9,250 415 New Holland Discbine, like new ................. $12,500 166 New Holland Hay Turner, like new .............. $5,500 40’ Morris Packer Harrow Bar, P30 packers, 4 bar harrows, Hyd. fold up, good condition ..................... $5,500 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, as new............ $1,500 New Outback MAX & STX Guidance & Mapping...In Stock New Outback E-Drive, TC’s .................................In Stock New Outback E-Drive X, c/w free E turns ............In Stock New Outback S-Lite................................................$900 New Outback VSI Swather Steering Kit...........In Stock Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. Kit ...............................$500

Barb Wire & Electric High Tensile Wire Spooler Adapter available to unroll new barb wire off of wooden spool

- Hydraulic Drive (roll or unroll wire) - Mounts to tractor draw bar, skidsteer or bobcat, front end loader, post driver, 3pt. hitch or deck truck (with receiver hitch & rear hydraulics) - Spool splits in half to remove full roll - Shut off/ Flow control valve determines speed - Works great for pulling out old wire (approx. 3--5 minutes to roll up 80 rod or 1/4 mile) The Level-Wind Wire Roller rolls wire evenly across the full width of the spool automatically as the wire is pulled in Ken Lendvay (403) 550-3313 Red Deer, AB email: kflendvay@hotmail.com Web: www.levelwind.com

LIVESTOCK Livestock Equipment 5’X10’ PORTABLE CORRAL PANELS, 6 bar. New improved design. Storage Containers, 20’ & 40’ 1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Mobile Homes CANADA SINGLE FAMILY HOME NEW 16 wide & 20 wide MODULAR HOMES at GREAT prices. (218)751-7720 frontierhomesonline.com

SEED / FEED / GRAIN SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Feed Grain BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the farm. Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, (403)350-8777 Lacombe. FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

NOW BUYING OATS!

Competitive Rates

PAUL MOWER

DAVE KOEHN

ALL GRADES Prompt Payment

**NuVision, Sakundiak & Farm King Augers, Outback GPS Systems, EK Auger Movers, Belt Tighteners, Bin Sweeps, & Crop Dividers, Kohler & Robin Subaru engines, Degelman, Headsight Harvesting Solutions, Greentronics Sprayer Boom Auto Height**

FARM MACHINERY Sprayers

403-304-1496

403-546-0060

LINDEN, ALBERTA CANADA

40’ X 60’ X 16’ RIGID FRAME STEEL BUILDING

$28,418 When you go with steel you get the right deals!

Pioneer One Steel Buildings

Call toll free 1 (877) 525-2004 or see us online at www.pioneeronesteel.com

JD 9400, 9420, 9520, 8970 JD 7810 & 7210, FWA JD 9860, 9760, 9750, 9650, 9600 JD 9430, 9530, 9630 CIH 8010 w/RWD, lateral tilt, duals 900 hrs. Case STX 375, 425, 430, 450, 480, 500, 530 CIH 8010-2388, 2188 combine CIH 435Q, 535Q, 450Q, 550Q, 600Q pto avail. NH TJ 450, New Triples, Big Pump 8100 Wilmar Sprayer

JD 4710, 4720, 4730, 4830, 4920, 4930 SP sprayers JD 9770 & 9870 w/CM & duals CIH 3185, 3230, 3330, 4430, 4420 sprayers 9580 Kubota, FWA, FEL, low hours 3545 MF w/FWA FEL

TIRES FEDERATION TIRE: 1100X12, 2000X20, used aircraft. Toll free 1-888-452-3850

GOOD SELECTION OF JD & CASE HEADERS: 635F, 636D AND MANY MORE CASE & JD

“LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” • Phone: (403)526-9644 • Cell: (403)504-4929 • Email: kendeal@shaw.ca

New 30.5L-32 16 ply, $2,195; 20.8-38 12 ply $795; 18.4-38 12 ply; $789; 24.5-32 14 ply, $1,749; 14.9-24 12 ply, $486; 16.9-28 12 ply $558, 18.4-26 10 ply, $890. Factory direct. More sizes available new and used. 1-800-667-4515. www.combineworld.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Dry weather boosts U.K. quality

U.S. forecaster sees neutral conditions

Dry conditions at harvest have boosted the quality of this year’s wheat harvest in Britain, according to initial results of a survey issued by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority. The provisional average for Hagberg falling numbers, a measure of milling quality, was 334 seconds, the highest since 1990, although HGCA warned that the initial results included a large proportion of samples from the east of England where higher-quality varieties are sown. Protein content was 12.4 per cent, marginally below last season’s 12.5 per cent. — Reuters

The U.S. weather forecaster said on Thursday it still expects neutral conditions to continue through February 2014 in the Northern Hemisphere. The Climate Prediction Center’s outlook in its monthly report was based on its assessment of the past four weeks, reducing the chance that the La Niña or El Niño weather patterns would form before next year’s planting season. Last month, the CPC, an office under the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, said extreme weather would be unlikely to occur into the Northern Hemisphere spring in 2014. — Reuters

Fearless forecasts for fall weather in Alberta Though the forecasts beyond 15 days aren’t that accurate, everyone keeps trying by daniel bezte

rom a meteorological point of view we have officially entered into fall (September, October, and November). After a mediocre summer across most of the Prairies, the big question on most people’s minds is whether we’ll be treated to a nice warm fall or will winter make early inroads bringing more cold than mild weather this fall. Before we take a look at what the different forecasts are saying I thought we could take a bit of a look back over the last five or so years to see what kind of fall weather we’ve been seeing across different parts of Alberta. Starting in the Edmonton region, they’ve seen fall start off warm and dry for the most part, and then it seems to transition into a dry and near- to slightly below-average temperatures by the middle of fall. The end of fall for this region has been a mixed bag, but overall, near-average temperatures with a little below average amounts of precipitation seem to win out. Farther south, the Calgary region has seen most of the last five or so falls start off warm and dry, with average temperatures and precipitation being the worst start to fall. As fall moves on it starts to become a bit of a dice roll, with a pretty even split between cold and wet middle falls and warm and dry ones. The end of fall is a little like Edmonton in that there is quite a mixture of conditions, but overall, nearaverage temperatures and below-average precipitation have been the most frequent.

The long range

Now on to the long-range fall forecasts! For these I’ve decided to go with five main long-range weather forecasts plus my own forecast. For those of you who have not followed any of my previous long-range forecasts, I need to point out that while forecasts going out as long as 15 or so days have improved a fair bit over the last 10 or so

years, the monthly and seasonal forecasts are still not very reliable. We still do not understand enough about how all the different factors that drive our weather work and interact with one another to create reliable long-range forecasts. So why does everyone create long-range forecasts? That is a darn good question! First of all, if you don’t keep trying then you will never be able to do it, but beyond that I would say that it is a bit like betting on a horse. The forecasters take a shot at what the weather might be like by looking at different weather tips (patterns they see and current weather conditions around the world). They combine this with their intuition and then make their best guess on how it will turn out. If they are wrong then oh well, they will come up with a good reason why. If they are right, then pats on the back all around and bragging rights until the next long-range forecast comes out.

The predictions

OK, here we go. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this fall is going to see near-average temperatures with belowaverage precipitation. I think I could handle that. Over at the Canadian Farmers Almanac they are calling for colder-than-average temperatures with above-average precipitation. Turn that into general day-to-day weather and that means cold and wet to start the fall with conditions turning to cold and snowy by the time the middle of October rolls around. I don’t think I like this forecast very much. Our next forecaster is good old Environment Canada. According to them we should see above-average temperatures this fall with near-average precipitation over northern regions with above-average amounts in the central and southern parts of the province. I kind of like the above-average temperatures but I think southern and central regions would probably not want to see above-average amounts of rain. The Weather Network is calling for similar conditions as Envi-

The crystal ball forecasts a mixture of sun and cloud this fall. PHOTo: thinkstock ronment Canada except that they are only predicting nearaverage temperatures instead of the above-average ones. Last but not least on our list of official long-range weather forecasts is AccuWeather. According to its latest fall forecast we are expecting to see below-average temperatures this fall along with nearaverage precipitation over southern and central regions with above-average amounts in the north. Now it is on to my long-range forecast. To me fall is one of the most difficult periods to forecast as the battle between warm and cold air kicks into high gear. I have to admit I go purely on gut feelings, and my gut is saying that the first half of fall we’ll see warmer- and drier-than-average conditions. This will then transition into a cooler and wetter pattern as we get deeper into fall, but whether that pattern will continue to the end of fall is anyone’s guess. If I have to go out on a limb then I’ll say that most places will be seeing an early start to winter. There, now that I said it the opposite will probably happen. Either way I hope that fall brings whatever type of weather you hope for this year.

This shows the total precipitation across Alberta during the three-day period ending on Sept. 15. Southern, central, and Peace regions saw little in the way of rainfall during this period. The northern region was a little wetter with some small pockets seeing upwards of 100 mm of rain.