Farmforum winter2011

farm forum is online

INSIDE: Agri-business goes global

p. 16 KVD gives way quietly to declarations

FarmFORUM www.farmforum.cA

Bayer CropScience supporting Canadian farm families Winter 2011 | $5.00

He lives the dream PLUS:

Put high-tech tools in their place >> Technology: Say goodbye to written records >> Business: Know your custom operator >> Production: >> Farm Life: Meet Lauren and Ryan Maurer

For over a decade InVigor速 has been number one in yield and provides excellent early season vigor and high stress tolerance. But even more importantly, InVigor remains number one with growers who want to maximize their profit.

To see how far ahead of the pack InVigor hybrids are, check out results from the most reliable, on-farm, statistically sound scientific trial program in the marketplace, the DSTs. Complete DST (Demonstration Strip Trial) results can be viewed at InVigorResults.ca.

Nothing outperforms.

BayerCropScience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative.

Always read and follow label directions. InVigor速 is a registered trademark of Bayer. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

12/10-14824B

FarmFORUM volume 25 | issue 1 | Winter 2011

contents >> PRINT TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS

PRODUCTION

FARM LIFE

FarmFORUM www.farmforum.ca Publisher Bayer CropScience Editor Sherry Butt Associate Editor Dave Wreford

COVER STORY

10

He lives the dream

Downplay the negatives and relish the positives, says this first-generation grain grower who figures farming’s a great gig

14

20

22

Agri-business goes global

Know your custom operator

Meet Lauren and Ryan Maurer

Canadian businesses take advantage of today’s global marketplace

Reaping the benefits of outsourcing depends on choosing the right custom operator

2010 Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program winners in the Saskatchewan region

4 Editor’s note: plan for a profitable growing season 5 Say goodbye to written records: better bookkeeping means trading pencil and paper for computer 6 Put high-tech tools in their place: GPS technology earns farm fans the old-fashioned way: in the field 16 KVD gives way quietly to declarations: affidavit system is no big deal for CWRS producers

look for crop talk starting on page 24

contents >> WEB

CropTalk

FarmFORUM.ca

Contributors Joy Gregory, Clare Stanfield, Jennifer Barber, Kim Langen, Gerald Pilger, Angela Lovell and Genesis Studio.

Graphic Design Aaron Mumby Design Farm Forum is published seasonally by Bayer CropScience.

Contact Farm Forum at: Bayer CropScience Suite 200 160 Quarry Park Blvd SE Calgary, AB, T2C 3G3 T. 1 888-283-6847 F. 1 888-570-9378 E. farmforum@bayercropscience.com www.bayercropscience.ca Contents of this publication are copyrighted and may be reproduced only with written permission of the publisher, Bayer CropScience.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743517 Registered in Canada Copyright 2011 Website www.farmforum.ca Return undeliverable copies to: Bayer CropScience Suite 200 160 Quarry Park Blvd SE Calgary, AB, T2C 3G3

Aerial photos enhance GIS data

Controlled traffic farming gains ground

Wheat identification goes high tech

The switch to digital gives farmers “real pictures”

System used in Europe, New Zealand and Australia cropping up in Canada

With KVD gone, talk turns to DNA testing

www.farmforum.ca/aerialphotos

www.farmforum.ca/CTFarming

www.farmforum.ca/wheatID

On the cover Youthful enthusiasm and a passion for farming are keys to this first generation farmer’s success.

Farm Forum.ca | 3

s h o r t ta k e s

More at farmforum.ca Our website, farmforum.ca, is an integral part of this publication. Through additional online stories and links to related material on every article published in Farm Forum, our goal is to provide you with relevant information to help you operate your farm better. We recently reviewed our website stats and discovered some interesting tidbits: • • • • • • • • •

55% of visitors come from search engines, mainly Google 25% of visitors come directly from the magazine or our online news 20% of visitors come from other sites 1.5% of visitors are now on mobile phones: iPhone and BlackBerry are the top two 2.23 pages are viewed, on average, per visit 1.38 minutes is the average time spent on the site 123 countries and 3,089 cities around the world visited farmforum.ca The top subject areas, in order of interest are: technology, production, business and farmlife Of foreign countries, Switzerland spends the most time and reads the most pages on the site. Ireland is a close second

We get a number of emails and phone calls regarding Farm Forum throughout the year, all of which help us improve the publication. We really enjoy the feedback so don’t hesitate to email us at farmforum@bayercropscience.com. Thanks for reading Farm Forum. FF

4 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

Editor’s Note As a new year begins, it’s a great time to reflect on last year’s achievements and disappointments and forge a fresh set of goals for the season ahead. In this issue we take a look at some tools to help you run your farming operation more efficiently, give you a global ag perspective through Canadian agri-businesses and introduce you to two great examples of today’s progressive farm families.

If you’re still using pencil and paper to keep the books, it’s time to invest in a computer and small business software. These tools are no longer toys. They work: not only to save you time, but provide more comprehensive financials to help you analyze and operate your business better.

While GPS is not new to farmers either, technological improvements and new applications are always coming out of the developmental pipeline. In our story on page 6, we take a look at how prairie farmers are using GPS and some of the new gadgets on the market.

Steve Larocque loves farming. He is just one example of a new breed of farmer who takes a positive attitude to his industry, has a hunger for new ideas and ways of getting things done, and leaves nothing to chance.

See for yourself in our cover story on page 10.

Lauren and Ryan Maurer, Saskatchewan’s 2010 Outstanding Young Farmers also possess these same winning attributes. The two have managed to blend the benefits of a large farming operation with small-farm service.

The trend to larger farms, along with rising equipment costs and labour shortages has prompted many farmers to hire custom operators to handle a variety of jobs such as seeding, spraying or harvesting. But reaping the economic and time-saving benefits of outsourcing depends on choosing the right custom operator for the job and your ability to develop good working relationships.

Finally, we take a look at Canadian agri-businesses and what it takes to operate successfully in other countries. FF

business

Say goodbye to written records

>>

m a r ketin g m in u te

By Joy Gregory

Joan Cool doesn’t usually talk specif- inventory component” that’s helpful with ics about commodity prices, input costs AgriStability documentation.

All that said, about 50 per cent of and application rates. But ask her how many tonnes of wheat, barley or canola western Canadian farmers still keep their she and husband Mike sold last year, and books using pencil and paper. But the Cool has a lot to say. She can also go into real issue isn’t what software to use when detail on how she tracks grain inventory computerizing your records, but why you and capital assets, or calculates GST re- should make the switch in the first place.

Accounting software, which should turns and financial statements. And why not? The 13-year veteran of computer re- cost less than $500, will help you do a ticord keeping knows exactly where that in- dier and faster job of bookkeeping, but it formation is and how to put it to work on won’t fix poor accounting practices, says their 2,000-acre farm near Carseland, AB. Nibourg. “The computer lets you do some More than a decade after Cool comput- calculations quickly and make comparierized her farm books using Farm Credit sons faster than you could by hand. But Canada (FCC) AgExpert Analyst software, the person using the software has to have that package remains the only ag-business a good understanding of (the listing of general ledger accounts) accounting software deand how to allocate exveloped specifically for The steady shift penses accordingly. AcCanadian farmers. counting fundamentals Farmer, accountant to computerized are critical.” and AgExpert advibookkeeping from 21 per So is support. When sor and trainer Janet John Lorenz’s clients Nielsen likes that it’s cent in 1996 to 37 per ask which software easy to use, facilitates cent in 2001 and 45.5 they should buy to GST reports and filing, tracks the invenper cent in 2006, mirrors keep their farm books, the central-Alberta tory data needed to file the adoption of fieldcomputer specialist reports for programs management software advises them to talk to like AgriStability, and their accountant and produces capital asset neighbours. Translareports for tax and business planning. It also helps calculate net tion: you need to have a program your worth reports based on fair market value accountant works with and you need — numbers banks want to see before they someone you can rely on to answer questions. And because neighbours might not approve loans.

But it’s not the only program that can be there when needed, and accountants be applied to a farm business. Ted Ni- can be expensive, software users should bourg, a business management specialist familiarize themselves with the Internet with Alberta Agriculture and Rural De- or phone support offered by the softvelopment, says small business software ware company.

“AgExpert Analyst is really designed like QuickBooks or Simply Accounting have their place in farm businesses, es- for people to use as much or as little as pecially if users rely on accountants to they want,” says Glen Kroeker, director, help them complete GST or AgriStability FCC management software. “The beauty forms. For those who want to do more of of this program is that farmers can use that work themselves, QuickBooks PRO it for straight bookkeeping, or to genereven offers what Nibourg calls “a good ate detailed management reports and do

payroll. It’s their choice and we provide support regardless.”

And every question is important, adds Kroeker. AgExpert’s call centre delivers five-day-a-week phone or Internet support for questions like where’s the start button? How do I get something to print?

How do I complete GST forms or how do I complete my AgriStability reporting?

Across the prairies, the steady shift to computerized bookkeeping from 21 per cent in 1996 to 37 per cent in 2001 and 45.5 per cent in 2006, mirrors the adoption of field-management software like FCC’s AgExpert Field Manager, which helps farmers plan crops, track performance and assess performance over time.

Landview Systems’ FarmView Record Keeper plays a similar role with crop production record keeping, planning and management information that includes a mapping component, says representative Paul Barlott. “It combines really good crop production records with revenue, expense and profit/loss reporting by field, which is what producers need to make good management decisions.”

Back at her farm, Joan Cool can’t imagine keeping the books without a computer, and envisions an ever-increasing role for technology that aids management choices. “I know farmers with much bigger farms who still do their books on paper. Not me. I just like pushing the buttons and then looking at what the information tells me.” FF farmforum.cA

Photo ©veer.COM/Corbis Photography

For faster, more efficient bookkeeping and financial analysis, trade pencil and paper for a computer

for more information visit us online ONLINE ARTICLES Software support eases switch from paper www.farmforum.ca/softwaresupport Desktop PCs still rule farm offices www.farmforum.ca/PCsrule ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Farm Credit Canada management software www.farmforum.ca/FCCsoftware FarmView Record Keeper software www.farmforum.ca/farmviewsoftware Farm Forum.cA | 5

Technology

Put high-tech tools in their place

By Joy Gregory

GPS technology earns farm fans the old-fashioned way: in the field GPS technology is changing the way farmers approach the hands-on business of seeding, spraying and harvesting their crops. Widespread adoption of auto-steer and the steady move toward GPS-driven variable rate (VR) application practices underscore a fundamental truth about why this technology is gaining fans — it has proven its worth in the field.

Terry Aberhart of Langenburg, SK, started experimenting with GPS technology on his farm about 10 years ago. At the time he was employed by a major equipment dealer and wanted on-farm experience to add credibility to his sales pitch. He’s since used the technology in precision drainage and yield trials and to fine-tune VR applications of fertilizer, fungicide and insecticides on his own 10,000-acre farm.

Seeing a market void between farmer 6 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

interest and hands-on support, Aberhart now farms and works as a consultant to producers who want help applying the technology. While a lot of farmers still aren’t soil testing let alone using GPS mapping to track crop yields and input application rates, “those who do want to manage their farms at a higher level are working with a consultant because there’s a lot of new technology out there and they want to make sure they’re using the data they collect,” explains Aberhart.

The concept of precision farming was launched in the 1970s. It took a giant leap forward in 1995 when GPS, developed for the U.S. military, was made available to non-military users. Within 10 years, GPS-linked auto-steer was widely available on farm machinery, with add-ons ranging from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, depending on how many GPSlinked functions you wanted.

Auto-steer, which reduces fatigue when operators spend long days and nights in tractor and combine cabs, made an immediate impact on the bottom line. “The

ability to follow straight lines also means less overlap and misses, so they’re using their equipment and products more efficiently. There’s a real cost savings to this technology and it builds confidence in management decisions,” says Aberhart.

Technical glitches As with any high-tech equipment, there are bound to be problems, says Ty Faechner, executive director, Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA). At VR training workshops ARECA held across Alberta in 2010, 94 per cent of participants were already using guidance systems and 96 per cent had GPS receivers. They liked what the guidance systems could do, but were troubled by signals lost due to weather issues or field topography.

Their frustrations contributed to lower levels of geo-referenced data being used to guide seeding, input applications and field scouting. Those committed to making the technology work are opting for the reliability of subscription ser-

GPS add-ons tackle precision envy

Too early to upgrade? Add-ons deliver what you’re looking for

Here, data integration will likely involve a coach like Knutson, who can fine-tune the information you get from basic GPS maps, then layer it with data from high-resolution aerial photographs and field-level knowledge.

That information can be channeled into field level zoneby-zone prescriptions for variable rate input applications and drainage. But the maps aren’t enough. “I rely on agronomists and farmers as much as they rely on me. Everybody has their own piece of the puzzle,” says Knutson.

Echoing Knutson’s approach, MacKinnon is wary of producers who think they can reap immediate rewards from GPSmapping and variable rate technology — especially if they don’t enlist help and aren’t prepared to measure results. “The technology works. But why invest in technology if you’re not going to test it? This is agriculture. You should always want better results than you had before, but you can’t expect perfection. Continuous improvement is the key to successful agriculture.” FF

vices, including RTK, a cellular-based the farm office — or to the buyers of contracted production, says Jay Bruggencate, GPS signal.

Farming 3,000 acres near Lacombe a precision farming consultant also based in central Alberta, Craig Shaw says his in Lacombe. farm employs a number of tools that fit in the realm of precision farming. “We Get the most from your data have been using variable rate fertilizer To avoid issues related to collecting more technology for about four years and RTK information than you can use, experiauto-steer guidance for the past two. We enced precision farmer and consultant Curtis MacKinnon use sectional control of Pilot Mound, MB, for both the sprayer Auto-steer, which encourages farmers and for NH3 applicato first use the techtion. And we use highreduces fatigue when nology on 10 to 15 pressure NH3 applicaoperators spend long per cent of their land tion for more precise control.” He also uses days and nights in tractor and then test its value. “If you want betsome tele-matics for and combine cabs, made ter VR data than you data transfer. had before, this is the What RTK does an immediate impact on way to go.” for satellite signal rethe bottom line With no one-sizeliability, tele-matics fits-all way to use does for real-time data transfer. Those on the leading edge of GPS technology on-farm, early adoptGPS technology foresee a time when yield ers of new advances will probably need and even quality data collected in a com- outside help to make sure the technology bine will be automatically transmitted to works and collects the right data, and

that the data can be analyzed to provide zone-by-zone agronomic prescriptions, adds Faechner.

Meantime, the lessons of VR technology are the lessons of sound agronomics.

When it comes to growing better crops, you’ve got to know what’s in your fields before you can make changes, says MacKinnon. He doesn’t believe GPS technology is poised to replace solid hands-on field management any time soon, but insists the technology matters. “If you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards.” FF farmforum.cA

PHOTOs (left) gensis studio; (right) courtesy topcon precision ag

GPS-capable add-ons are the high-tech version of haywire and binder twine because they let you upgrade farm machines without forcing you to buy new equipment with factory-installed technology.

Producers who want to run multiple GPS functions on existing machines should look at what’s offered by industry leaders like Trimble and Topcon Precision Ag. Their products can autosteer your machines, record field data and use GPS mapping data to control application of crop inputs, says Curtis MacKinnon, a farmer and ag consultant at Pilot Mound, MB. Simpler systems, which offer one or two functions (like autosteer or variable rate control), are available from a variety of other suppliers. Whereas new multi-function add-ons can cost $15,000 or more, basic variable rate technology may be added to a sprayer for around $2,500. McKinnon figures basic yield mapping technology would likely run around $7,000.

The key to making add-ons work is communication, says Simon Knutson, a GPS/GIS specialist who helps farmers and agronomists make sense of the high-tech puzzle generated by raw GPS data.

As technology created by one company won’t necessarily be compatible with technology created by another, Knutson recommends farmers enlist their dealer’s help to trouble-shoot technical issues and make sure “their equipment all talks to each other.”

After that, it’s a matter of making sure you understand what the data is trying to tell you.

for more information visit us online ONLINE ARTICLES Aerial photos enhance GIS data www.farmforum.ca/aerialphotos Field smarts trump satellite data www.farmforum.ca/satellitedata ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Agricultural Research & Extension Council of Alberta www.farmforum.ca/ARECA Farmers Edge (variable rate technology) www.farmforum.ca/farmersedge VRT and precision ag consulting www.farmforum.ca/precisionag Farm Forum.cA | 7

Convenience comes in bulk.

To guarantee your supply, book Infinity®, Puma® Advance, Puma®120 Super, Buctril® M, and Thumper® BigBoys through your retailer before January 21, 2011.

Ask your retailer for details or visit us online at BuyBigBoys.com

BayerCropScience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative.

Always read and follow label directions. Buctril速, Infinity速, Puma速 and Thumper速 are registered trademarks of Bayer. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

12/10-15455

Cover story || By Clare Stanfield

Steve Larocque indicates preferred stubble height for optimum visibility when inter-row seeding.

10 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

He lives the dream Y

Downplay the negatives and relish the positives, says this first-generation grain grower who figures farming’s a great gig

ou’ve heard the expression, “like a kid in a candy shop.” Well, that’s Steve Larocque in a wheat field, or canola field, or barley field … any field really. “I love farming,” he says, the enthusiasm crystal-clear in his voice. “It’s what I was meant to do.”

How Larocque morphed from southern Ontario acreage kid into full-time prairie agronomist and grain farmer is a combination of pure fate, clear focus, hard work and an unfailing positive attitude.

Larocque is a rarity on a number of fronts: he’s a first-generation farmer, embraces big ideas and huge change, and while not necessarily welcoming adversity, doesn’t shy away from it either. He prefers to see it as an opportunity to learn, improve and grow.

This attitude has carried him far already, and will continue to be his strongest asset as he lives out his dream of being a successful farmer.

Go west, young man

Larocque grew up on an acreage just south of Ottawa. “I moved out here in 1996 with a friend from Westlock (AB) — I’d worked with him in Ontario doing landscaping,” he says. “Then in the spring of 1997, I got a job at the Alberta Wheat Pool.”

Working at the Pool opened Larocque’s eyes and imagination to western Canadian agriculture — something he’d known nothing about, but which grabbed him by the neck and hasn’t let go.

“I was reading everything I could find, talking to colleagues and farmers and learning everything I could,” he says. He was lucky enough to have a boss who recognized genuine passion and aptitude and who encouraged Larocque to take it further with a formal education.

He graduated from the Crop Advisory program at Olds College in 2001, then earned a B.Sc. in agriculture from the University of Lethbridge in 2003 and went on to become a certified crop advisor that same year. While attending Olds College, Larocque met his wife Vanessa, who is from a farm family near Morrin, AB. He began consulting, eventually starting his own business, Beyond Agronomy.

Then, four years ago, the opportunity to rent some land from his in-laws presented itself and, at last, Larocque began farming.

Farm Forum.cA | 11

Cover story || By Clare Stanfield

The big experiment

Tramlines concentrate compaction, leaving soil structure undamaged across the rest of the field.

12 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

“I’ve given production advice for years and if I inspired my clients, they certainly inspired me,” says Larocque, recalling the decision to farm. “I love farming and I really wanted to do it myself: to test out some theories and sharpen my skills as a consultant.”

The farm Larocque operates with his brother- and father-in-law may be small by western standards at 640 acres, but what’s happening on those acres is pretty big in terms of testing old ideas and trying new ones.

Right now, he’s revved up about controlled traffic farming (CTF), a system whereby permanent traffic lanes, or tramlines, are established for all farm machinery so that where the crop grows is forever separate from where wheels roll. RTK GPS is critical to establishing and sticking to the tramlines, while inter-row seeding and precision crop protection are key elements of the practice.

“I saw this in New Zealand, Australia and the UK,” says Larocque. “So I know it works in all climates from very dry to very wet.”

He explains that the idea behind CTF is to reduce compaction and open the soil to aeration for better crop performance.

“When you think about all the times you take equipment over a field, from preseed burn, to seeding, then in-crop spraying and harvest, about 40 to 60 per cent of the crop sees a wheel track. That delays maturity and reduces yield.”

He saw the true power of the practice in Australia where he visited a farmer who’d been using CTF for eight years.

The tramlines were so well established and firm, says Larocque, that driving equipment on the fields, “was like riding a bicycle on a paved road versus a gravel road.”

But the clincher was the crop. At the time of his visit, that part of Australia was in its third consecutive year of drought.

“When all the other farmers had nothing, his sheds were full with 25-bushel canola, 65-bushel barley and 45-bushel wheat,” says Larocque. “The only difference between him and his neighbours was the controlled traffic and zero till.”

On his own farm, he put the theory into practice during the 2010 season. It’s a new way of thinking about machinery use, he says, and all field equipment must have a similar wheel gauge. “It’s not that difficult a concept to put into place

Steve and Vanessa Larocque & their children, Wyatt & Ava, at home in Three Hills, AB

if you buy new,” he adds, but modifying existing equipment is also practical. With only one year of CTF under his belt, he’s already seeing noticeable benefits to the crop, but also to his fuel bill, his overall efficiency, equipment wear and tear, and so on.

“The efficiency side — that’s what really makes me tick,” says Larocque.

“We’ve eliminated overlap completely.

There’s less draft load on the drills, no rolling resistance, which means fuel savings. Even the weeds that grew in the tramlines were smaller, so they weren’t a problem at harvest.” There were other benefits too. CTF helped Larocque’s crops mature better and earlier because they weren’t constantly recovering from being run over by equipment. As a result, even in a wet year like 2010, Larocque was able to leave his wheat and barley to straight cut, while many people in the area had to swath to help deal with late green tillers.

He can hardly wait for the 2011 season. “It’s a full-on experimental farm with the controlled traffic system,” says Larocque. “As a consultant, I can recommend x, y or z, but it’s another thing to understand the logistics of something like this by doing it.”

A little attitude goes a long way

Looking at plans for future expansion, Larocque is torn between his two loves — farming and consulting. “Deep down, I’d like to grow to 2,000 or 3,000 acres, but we haven’t sat down and planned a direction for our business yet. We’re still building our foundation, so to speak, and need to determine what each of us wants to

achieve by growing the business.”

And he enjoys sharing his knowledge, spending eight to 10 hours a week studying some aspect of agricultural production and writing his weekly newsletter, which Vanessa edits for him.

“She keeps me rolling, fed, fueled and inspired,” he says.

much rain you get, it’s about how much grain you can produce with the rain you get. In other words, how can you best use fuel, inputs, time, techniques and knowledge to get the most out of sun, rain, soil and seed? That’s a question he’ll never tire of answering.

Blind optimism? Not a bit. “I can em-

They have two young children who may or may not follow in their parents’ farming footsteps, and that’s fine with him. “I want them to do whatever they’re passionate about,” says Larocque. “I want them to (be excited by) what they do.

“I fell into agriculture and it shocked me how awesome it was,” he says. “I love the simplicity of putting a seed in the ground, nurturing it, doing everything you can to help it grow and all the decisions that go into that process.”

He’s a nut for measuring efficiencies down to the penny, and sees this as the key to profitable farming. “Understanding the numbers is so important,” says Larocque. “We need to put a value on everything we do, every little activity.”

Farming, he says, isn’t about how

pathize with guys who are negative about agriculture,” he says. “But it’s a choice.

You can choose to live there, or you can choose to be positive.

“The negatives are the negatives, they happen in a lot of businesses, but you can choose to use them as opportunities to learn and grow — become a better manager. You just have to get your head down, deal with it and move on.” FF farmforum.cA

all photos genesis studio except left courtesy beyond agronomy

I love farming and I really wanted to do it myself: to test out some theories and sharpen my skills as a consultant

for more information visit us online ONLINE ARTICLES Controlled traffic farming gains ground www.farmforum.ca/CTFarming ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Controlled traffic farming info www.farmforum.ca/CTFinfo Beyond Agronomy newsletter www.farmforum.ca/beyondagronomy Farm Forum.cA | 13

business Crop advisors from Agroservicios Pampeanos (ASP) in Argentina check a customer’s field.

Agri-business goes global When Canadian agri-businesses look ly motivated by growth, especially in the to expand, they’re more likely than ever case of large companies,” says Al Mussell, to cast their nets beyond Canada’s bor- senior research associate with the George ders. Doing business abroad is a rela- Morris Centre, an agri-business think tank tively new concept for the input sector of based in Guelph. “And the larger you get, Canadian agriculture, and also for many the more difficult it is to grow in a cost effood processors, but it’s one that more fective way (at home).”

Mussell says agri-business in Canada and more companies are becoming inhas relatively few competitors and the creasingly comfortable with.

Fifteen years ago the industry was al- only way for Canadian companies to exmost entirely domestically focused. But to- pand in a mature domestic market is to day trade liberalization has played a large take market share away from competitors. part in allowing Canadian products and That can be expensive and unproductive.

“In many cases, these companies know businesses to move around the globe. that if they go to under“Global expansion has serviced markets where been on Agrium’s radar there are not a lot of for more than 10 years,” We live in a global competitors and lots of says Andy Kelemen, senior marketplace and it unfilled demand, their director of global strategy of goods sold ends and business development only makes sense for cost up being much lower,” with the Canadian-based Canadian businesses Mussell explains. “Comfertilizer company. “We panies can also leverage started our international to operate within their capacity by expandgrowth by expanding our that marketplace ing outside of Canada. If production capabilities and you can go somewhere moved on to retail and diselse and grow rapidly, tribution. Today we’re not only present on a global scale, we’re present you can make better use of your infrastructure.” throughout the international value chain.”

Another advantage of global expansion This approach to global expansion is shared by other Canadian agri-businesses is that companies operating in different including Viterra, Saputo, Cargill Canada areas of the world are less vulnerable to and Alliance Grain to name a few. These isolated catastophic events such as BSE companies are playing a key role in pro- closing a border or weather-related disasducing and delivering products to a grow- ters. These businesses might get hurt, but ing global population with a steadily-im- not fatally if they can continue operating in areas unaffected by the crisis. proving diet.

For Agrium and Viterra, expanding “Canadian agri-businesses are obvious14 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

By Jennifer Barber

Agrium nitrogen fertilizer has more than tripled yield in Kenya and Nigeria. operations from Canada to Australia was a good decision for several reasons. Both countries have strong export-orientated agricultural sectors and similar political and legal systems. Also, the six-month lag in growing seasons spreads the work around and Australia is well located to serve Pacific markets.

“Australia’s agri-businesses run in a similar fashion to those in North America,” says Kelemen. “We can bring growers there an expanded slate of products and services. In addition, Australia provides us with a base to position ourselves for Asia/ Pacific growth.”

Products registered in Canada have been developed under strict environmental and safety regulations, which meet the de-

farmforum.cA

Photos: (LEFT) courtesy Agrium; (top right) ©istockphoto.COM/Nikada; (top left) courtesy bayer cropscience

mands of many countries looking for ways to improve land efficiency and crop yield.

“Part of our international growth strategy is focused on providing products and services that support reduced nutrient losses to the environment and improved economic returns for growers,” says Kelemen. “Demand for our controlled-release products is increasing in North America, Europe and China as a key part of growers’ nutrient management plans.”

This increase in global expansion doesn’t mean these companies are about to forget their Canadian markets: it just means that domestic opportunities are becoming fewer and farther apart. “Canada is where we developed our base businesses and we want to build on our success,” says Kelemen. “But opportunities are becoming more difficult to find.”

Kelemen does not expect Canadian farmers will be affected by Agrium’s global expansion, except on the retail end of the business where global experience can have a positive influence. “We can take the best retail models around the world and bring them to Canadian farmers,” he says.

He also suggests that, for example, as Canadian agri-businesses expand their production capabilities around the world, it will help maintain their competitiveness in an increasingly international industry. Canadians want the security of their domestic production, and Kelemen says that by becoming secure on a global scale, companies such as Agrium become more stable.

Mussell adds that Canada does not need to worry about suppliers suddenly shorting domestic farmers of the inputs and services they need in favour of foreign customers.

He sees international expansion as a sign of Canada’s agricultural success. “We live in a global marketplace and it only makes sense for Canadian businesses to operate within that marketplace,” says Mussell. FF for more information visit us online ONLINE ARTICLES Potash deal could hurt foreign investment www.farmforum.ca/foreigninvestment Viterra takes on the world www.farmforum.ca/viterra ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Agrium www.farmforum.ca/agrium George Morris Centre www.farmforum.ca/georgemorriscentre Grain Growers of Canada www.farmforum.ca/graingrowerscanada

Get a grip on foreign markets

Food produced by Canadian farmers is reaching more regions of the globe every year. It could be reaching still more foreign buyers. But how do farmers find out just what the world is looking for?

“The most successful, leading-edge farmers follow international markets,” says Richard Phillips, executive director of the Grain Growers of Canada. “At the very least they look at the commodities side of things. But more are increasingly looking at the global supply/demand situation.”

Still, he says, many farmers don’t make the direct connection to what’s going on around the world when deciding what to seed. He believes that’s a mistake.

“Think globally when making your cropping plan,” he says. Some farmers do this already, he adds, be it through a commodity broker or marketing club.”

While much of Canada’s crop production is marketed through third party organizations, it is in a grower’s best interest to know what the big picture looks like. Phillips says farmers involved in stakeholder groups or other commodity organizations often are the most aware of the worldwide supply and demand situation for their crops.

“As an organization, each year our board invites the big agri-business companies based in Canada to not only tell us what their latest products are, but also where they are going globally,” says Phillips. “As growers we need to be looking ahead to see what trends are coming down the line.”

He says that there is big international competition for research dollars and that Canada is known for being forward thinking when it comes to testing new technologies. He says there are always opportunities for Canadian farmers to get in on the ground floor of new seed varieties and crop protection products.

While Canadian growers want access to foreign markets, they are often influenced by the cost of transportation. Phillips suggests that while cost is naturally a factor, to truly compete globally farmers should be more concerned about access to transportation.

“A grower can watch the markets closely and, say, see a terrific spot price for lentils in Turkey,” says Phillips. “He could have the ideal product for that customer, but unless he can get it there on time and at a competitive cost, it’s a moot point. If we can get there first we will be more important on a global basis.”

Right now, Phillips says, one of the top trade issues for Canadian farmers is trade discussions with the European Union. A free trade agreement would open up a customer base of 500 million consumers, which is bigger than the U.S. market, currently our biggest export customer.

He adds that government can be crucial when it comes to helping producers gain access overseas. “We do not believe the government owes Canadian farmers a living,” says Phillips. “We think the government should put in place policies that allow us to make a living. But it’s up to farmers to make informed decisions on what they should grow based on markets not only at home, but abroad.” FF

Farm Forum.cA | 15

Technology

KVD gives way quietly to declarations

By Kim Langen

It wasn’t such a revolutionary event after all. The move to an affidavit system turned out to be no big deal for CWRS wheat producers Things were simpler for western red spring wheat growers before August, 2008.

That’s when Canada’s traditional method of visually identifying wheat varieties at the elevator changed, and the onus moved to growers to legally declare exactly what they were pouring into the grille.

Losing KVD (kernel visual distinguishability) and going over to the declaration affidavits now required was an historical change, but all changes can lead to opportunities.

Grain industry observers expect the elimination of KVD to open new doors for plant breeders, and ultimately greater variety choices for farmers. While some might lament the loss of the old tried-and-true system, what everyone does seem to agree on is that keeping Canada’s reputation for sterling quality remains a top priority. At this point, no one is seriously concerned that plant breeders will stop striving for CWRS quality.

Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) agronomist Mike Grenier reports a good selection of CWRS wheat varieties for growers to choose from, with new varieties continuing to come on stream. He encourages farmers to check out the Annual Variety Survey on the CWB website to look at characteristics and regional adaptability.

Changing over to the new declaration system in 2008 was not a big event for most wheat growers. For Barry Reimer, a Holmfield, MB, farmer with 4,000 acres in grain and oilseeds, the biggest challenge was just making sure he had multiple declarations in place at points of sale. Like many other growers, Reimer monitors market prices carefully, aiming for top dollar, which can mean dealing with more than one elevator.

“I deal with five or six different grain 16 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

buyers, and I have to sign up at every elevator,” says Reimer, who seeds about 1,000 of his acres to CWRS wheat each year.

“I thought once I signed one, it would be good for all of them. It was a little bit of a hassle when I sent my hired man on the road. He had to bring the form back for me to sign before they would issue the cheque.

It’s really simple to fill out, but you have to prepare for your deliveries. For farmers who deal with one elevator, it wouldn’t be much of a deal, but I price my grain with a number of elevators.”

Reimer’s variety of choice is Harvest, a registered red spring wheat that fits in well with his rotation of oats, flax and canola on the family farm in southwest Manitoba.

The top CWRS choice elsewhere in Manitoba is the relative newcomer Kane, followed

by Glenn, Harvest, and AC Barrie, according to the 2010 CWB variety survey.

Checking for red wheat quality: Pierre St. Godard, Plant Manager at Tri-Lake Agri in Killarney, MB, examines and grades samples of wheat delivered to the elevator that day.

Every load that comes in has a corresponding sample bag of grain kept at the elevator to ensure traceability to the farmer.

In Saskatchewan, the clear leader is Lillian, followed by McKenzie, Harvest, and Superb. Albertans choose Harvest first, followed by Lillian and CDC Go. Growers must check out seed price, yield, disease resistance, hardiness and value when choosing the best varieties to seed. An unregistered feed wheat can sell for around $4 a bushel, and there are varieties out there that can reputedly produce 100 bushels an acre. But a good CWRS was bringing $7.40 per bushel in mid-November. With KVD gone, is there a temptation to try passing off one variety for another at the elevator? It isn’t at all common, say officials, and there are systems in place to prevent it.

Signing on the dotted line doesn’t appear to be keeping producers awake at night. Reimer never worries about liability with his declaration form because, like the majority

of farmers, he’s honest.

“I’m not nervous, because I know I don’t have anything to be nervous about,” he said. “Most farmers are honest, but I guess a few might be tempted to lie — they might lie because of better yields with other varieties that don’t meet CWRS specs. I haven’t heard of anyone.”

The CWB agrees that the declaration system is working well so far. “Most of the

I deal with five or six different grain buyers, and I have to sign up at every elevator

farmforum.cA

Photos: (left) KIM LANGEN; (right) Genesis studio

time it’s what it’s supposed to be,” says Lawrence Klusa, manager of quality control at the CWB in Winnipeg. “Mistakes or fraud are rare, and the Canadian Grain Commission tracks for ineligible varieties. Grain companies are also responsible but it’s not a serious problem, and we stay on top of it. We have to keep our reputation. Wheat from western Canada is the most consistent and highest quality in the world.”

Klusa adds that the CWB has not been pressuring farmers into using more certified seed since the affidavit system came in.

“There’s not a push for it by the CWB. The general view out there is that you should change your seed every few years, and use new certified seed, and that has continued,” he said.

Reimer hasn’t changed the amount of certified seed he uses, but suspects the declaration system may eventually lead to the control of what wheat varieties farmers use.

“This is the first baby step to getting farmers to grow only certified seed,” said Reimer. “They are going to keep track of it.

I can see in the future we won’t be able to use bin-run seed.” FF

for more information visit us online ONLINE ARTICLES Verify wheat variety through lab test www.farmforum.ca/wheatlabtest Wheat identification goes high-tech www.farmforum.ca/wheatID ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CWB 2010 variety survey www.farmforum.ca/CWBvarietysurvey Varieties of wheat designated as the class CWRS www.farmforum.ca/CWRSvarieties Identity preserved contract programs www.farmforum.ca/IPCprograms

IPCPs fill demand for special wheats Marketing non-registered varieties of hard red spring wheat is possible, and often profitable, through arrangements such as Identity Preserved Contract Program (IPCP). It’s basically a way to fill a gap in the market that isn’t being met with registered varieties, and it can be set up for you by your own local elevator.

It’s a way to use a wheat that is not registered in one of the wheat classes, says Mike Grenier, a Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) agronomist based in Winnipeg, MB. It allows the CWB to export a particular variety under special conditions, such as the deal for supplying wheat to a very demanding customer in England.

“A good example is a contract we have with Warburton in the UK,” says Grenier.

“We’ve been shipping the variety 5400IP there for about three years. It’s a wheat they like, and works well in their milling process.”

It’s also a way that a breeder or developer can apply to bring a variety onto the market, says Grenier. And where there’s a customer in need, there’s also an opportunity for a farmer to grow a crop, and hopefully make a good return. “If there’s a market pull, it’s an avenue that can be pursued,” he adds.

The hard white spring wheats, AC Snowbird and the new AC Snowstar, are two more examples of IP varieties. You need a contract to grow them.

The CWB says that the IPCP was set up with two components in mind. One is to develop new markets, both domestically and internationally, for western Canadian wheat, by test-marketing new varieties among customers. The second, commercial IPCPs, are designed to meet specific customer requirements, like Warburton’s, for varieties that already have established markets. Farmers receive incentives to grow specific varieties.

Grain grower Barry Reimer, of Holmfield, MB, agrees that there is potential in the specialty programs, provided premiums are high enough to give a farmer enough financial reward. IP crops are tested and scouted throughout the growing season by crop input specialists, and must be kept in separate bins.

“I hear Warburton pays up to 50 cents a bushel more, and to me that’s close to what I’d be willing to do it for,” said Reimer, who grows 1,000 acres of CWRS wheat each season in his 4,000-acre rotation of grains and oilseeds. “I’d like to see 75 cents a bushel. They are dealing with anywhere from a nickel to 25 cents a bushel as a premium, and to me that’s an insult to the all the work and effort a farmer puts in.” FF

Farm Forum.cA | 17

More More freedom and flexibility with Liberty herbicide No matter what your weed concerns are, Liberty® has an affordable, effective option for every field.

• 1-Pass Liberty at a regular rate • 1-Pass Liberty at the higher labelled rate • 1-Pass Liberty tank-mixed with Centurion® herbicide • 2-Pass Liberty Whatever option you choose, you can rely on the weed control of Liberty to further unlock the yield potential of InVigor® hybrids. With its unique mode of action (Group 10), Liberty is an excellent resistance management tool.

For more information visit BayerCropScience.ca/Liberty

BayerCropScience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. read and follow label directions. InVigor® and Liberty® are registered trademarks of Bayer. Centurion is a registered trademark of Arysta LifeScience.

18 Always | Farm Forum | Fall 2010 Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

freedom, more affordable.

Farm Forum.cA | 19 09/10-14760-01A

production

Know your custom operator Larger farms, rising equipment costs and labour shortages are just a few of the reasons farmers are turning to custom operators. But reaping the time-saving and economic benefits of outsourcing depends on choosing the right custom operator for the job — and on your ability to develop a good working relationship.

Like many prairie farmers, Wade Koch of Edenwold, SK expanded his farm operation over the past decade to the point where he needed more equipment. But instead of buying a second tractor, air drill, combine, etc., Koch relies on a custom operator to cover about 1,000 of the 4,500 acres he farms.

His farm is an in-between size. He doesn’t crop enough land to justify a second seeding rig and combine, yet he has too much land to cover with just one of each given the prairie region’s narrow seeding and harvesting windows.

Furthermore, extra equipment requires additional labour, which Koch does not have. Even if good help could be found, keeping that employee would require finding work for him outside the busy spring and fall seasons — something Koch is not prepared to do. “So instead of expanding my equipment line, I hired a custom operator,” he says. “Having some of my acres custom farmed took the pressure off. It really worked out well for me.”

For anyone thinking of outsourcing farm work, Koch has some suggestions to help select the best custom operator for the job.

“Reliability is the most important. Hire growing season. A custom farming agreean operator who will be there when he says ment for 2011 should be made by now. By he will. Second, make sure the fellow you December 1 many custom operators are hire has decent equipment that can do the already fully booked for the next growing work you need done,” adds Koch. “Third, season.”

Details of the agreement are critical. make sure the custom operator knows what you need done and will be there to Taking a closer look at custom harvesting, keep an eye on the manpower he has hired for example, you quickly see the impact to actually operate his equipment. And fi- your hiring decisions and ability to communicate have on your bottom line. nally, know the quality of work he does.”

Shawn Gallagher from Vermilion, AB, is Joe Melnick farms at Fort Qu’Appelle, SK. He also owns MFI Ag Services Ltd. a custom harvester and current president of that’s provided a full suite of custom farm- the Association of Canadian Custom Haring services to growers in Saskatchewan for vesters. He agrees that communication is vital. “The relationship between a custom the past 13 years.

Melnick sees three reasons for in- harvester and farmer is like a marriage. creased interest in hiring custom op- How you communicate and handle proberators. “Manpower is becoming a big lems defines the relationship. It all comes down to trust and open problem,” he explains. communication.

Given today’s sophistiThe relationship “Custom harvesting cated equipment, growis much more that just ers have a challenge between a custom another service a farmer finding people who can harvester and farmer hires. Harvesting is almost operate modern farm emotional. Most farmers equipment. is like a marriage. consider harvesting to be Second, equipment the most important job on is expensive. “Often it’s cheaper to hire a custom operator than to the farm so there has to be trust between own the needed equipment.” And third, farmer and custom harvester that the har“more and more farm land is being bought vesting will get done and be done right!”

When hiring a custom harvester, says by investors who want the benefits of owning agricultural land and farming but don’t Gallagher, farmers need to consider much more than just price. “Does the harvester want to get their hands dirty.”

Melnick adds that when it comes to cus- have a good reputation? Timing is a huge tom farming, communication is key. “The issue. Can he be there when you need him?”

According to Gallagher, a farmer’s land owner and custom operator need to sit down and plan well ahead for the next management practices will also have a big

Watch your equipment costs

Hiring a custom operator can help you save on equipment costs.

20 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

By Gerald Pilger

Farmers typically hire custom operators for one of two reasons. First, they do not have time to do the job themselves.

Maybe they are farming more land than they have equipment to cover it in a timely manner. Or they may have other farm enterprises which take precedence.

Or their off-farm interests prevent them from putting in the hours necessary to get the farm work done when it should be done.

Time availability differs for every farm, depending on farm size, equipment available, labour available, type of farm, off-farm interests, etc. Each farmer has to look at his own situation to determine if he has time to get the work done without sacrificing quality, quantity and profitability not only of the crop in question but of the entire farm operation. And let’s not forget quality of family life.

The second reason is economics.

Given the high cost of equipment, hiring a custom operator is often cheaper than owning and operating a piece of equip-

impact on price of the services a custom harvester provides. “How does the farmer seed? Is all the crop ready at the same time or will there be down time between the ripening of various crops? Is the land spread out? Are fields large or small? Are there hills, valleys and/or sloughs that will slow down harvest? Are there rocks or other hazards? Is the bin setup such that it will accommodate large equipment and semis?”

Gallagher figures 90 per cent of a custom harvester’s business is repeat and that the number of repeat customers is dependent on the relationship forged between farmer and custom operator.

Claussen Farms Custom Farming Inc. has provided custom farming services to farmers in the Brucefield area of Ontario for 15 years. Company president Sonke Claussen says most of his work is for dairymen with European backgrounds. Claussen says these farmers are very comfortable turning field operations over to his company because that is the way it was done in the old country. By hiring a custom operator for their cropping needs, these producers can concentrate on what they do best — dairy farming.

“The farmers we work for see the benefits of hiring custom work. They know we can do the work faster, which results in higher quality production,” says Claussen.

“Economically, it is cheaper for them to hire (a custom operator) than to buy and own equipment. And by hiring an operator with new equipment they can take advantage of the latest technology like field mapping.”

Many of Claussen’s customers have now turned their entire crop management over to his company. “Customers tell me, ‘this is my land base, you make the cropping decisions.’ I am given all responsibility for the crop because they know I will do the best job possible.”

To develop such a working relationship, Claussen explains, “the quality of work is the most important factor. There is a lot of trust built over the years.

“The personal relationship is also important. You have to be willing to work with lots of different types of people. You have to realize some are demanding and others worry. Personalities must match.”

Other suggestions Claussen has for farmers looking for a custom operator in-

clude making sure the operator you hire has quality equipment that is right for the job and that you fully understand the level of service you can expect. “Make sure you compare apples to apples when comparing custom operators and the costs of the service they offer.”

Hiring a custom operator can save time and help your bottom line. But depending on the relationship that develops, the experience can be positive or worrisome and frustrating. Communication is key. Start talking well before cropping season begins, update each other throughout the year and be willing to discuss any problems and concerns as soon as they arise. FF

ment that is used for only a short period each year.

Ted Nibourg, a farm management specialist with Alberta Agriculture, warns farmers that over-investment in equipment can lead to cash flow problems.

Producers who find they have too much money invested in equipment have two choices. First, they can spread the equipment’s fixed costs over more land.

This may mean buying land, renting land or providing a custom farming service themselves which uses their excess equipment capacity. All three options can

generate more gross revenue without increasing fixed equipment costs.

The alternative is to reduce their equipment investment by selling what is under-used or no longer used at all, and spending the proceeds to hire a custom operator to do the work. While not changing gross revenue, both actions reduce a farm’s equipment investment.

Before buying a piece of equipment, it’s a good idea to compare its ownership and operating cost with the custom rates charged for that equipment in your area. For example, many farmers’

wish lists include a new high clearance sprayer. But what is the actual cost per acre of owning and operating such a sprayer, and how does it compare to the cost of hiring a custom operator to spray your crops?

To make this comparison, you can access a number of machinery cost calculators on the web. These sites will let you generate ownership costs which can then be compared with local custom rates.

You may find custom farming services are not nearly as expensive as owning and operating the equipment yourself. FF

farmforum.cA

PHOTO (LEFT) courtesy john deere; (right) ©istockphoto.COM/Niclasbo

The move to larger farms, rising equipment costs and labour shortages are some of the reasons farmers hire custom operators.

for more information visit us online ONLINE ARTICLES Put it in writing www.farmforum.ca/customagreements Will that be cash or a crop share? www.farmforum.ca/cashorcropshare ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Making custom work profitable www.farmforum.ca/customprofitable Working successfully with a custom operator www.farmforum.ca/workingwithcustomoperator Custom farming arrangements www.farmforum.ca/customarrangements

Farm Forum.cA | 21

fa r m l i f e

Meet Lauren and Ryan Maurer: T Saskatchewan’s 2010 Outstanding Young Farmers

Empowering sustainable agriculture

by Angela Lovell

The Maurer family L to R: Danyka, Lauren, Mariah, Levi, Ryan and Cassandra 22 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

hose words, emblazoned on a highway sign near Grenfell, SK, direct you to Land and Sky Grains.

The same words provide the direction and inspiration that has guided Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for 2010, Lauren and Ryan Maurer, through 18 seasons on this third-generation farm.

The Maurers manage and operate their farm based on the concept of viable and sustainable growth, taking a “big picture” view that means recognizing new opportunities, often in advance of them becoming mainstream. “We have always tried to anticipate what the world is going to want in the future,” says Ryan.

The couple quickly realized that, when it comes to food production, worldwide demand would increasingly be driven by consumers, who, armed with advanced communications technology, are requiring ever more information about how and where their food is produced.

In 1996 they were among the first Canadian producers to begin growing crops under an Identity Preserved (IP) program, starting out with hard red spring wheat for Warburton’s Family Bakery in the UK, a producer of high-end, specialty breads.

“It was a new program at that time and we felt it had a future because of consumer trends,” says Ryan. “Plus it made sense for the farm because it gave us a premium.”

They are now Warburton’s number one Canadian producer and have also added IP malt barley, grown under contract with Sapporo Breweries in Japan and Canada Malt in Calgary.

They also grow green field peas, red lentils, flax, canola, yellow mustard and caraway, and have “dabbled” with dill.

Being ahead of the curve is a position the Maurers strive for as they expand their farm operations and employ technology to help improve efficiency. “We are often first adopters of new technology but we are always informed adopters,” says Lauren. “We always ask ourselves, ‘is this sustainable or just a fad?’

A lot of research goes into our expansions and investments.”

fertilizer placement. And they’ve invested scale production with small-scale direct in GPS guidance systems, variable rate marketing to a specific customer group, and combined them to make it work.” equipment and soil mapping technology.

More innovation lies ahead for Land Communications has also made a huge difference to their business style and Sky Grains, as the Maurers venture compared with that of the previous into fields such as bio-fortification of generation. “My Dad was all about crops. A few years ago they participated in an experiment to see production,” says Lauwhether top-dressing ren. “He grew what he Communications has wheat with zinc increased grew and then he marseed viability. “I think in keted it, whereas we also made a huge the future these types of have the technology to difference to their things will become more research the market and important, whether it’s then choose what to business style comfor seed vitality or adding produce.” pared with that of the micronutrients to meet Along with the overall the needs of a specific picture, however, comes previous generation diet,” says Ryan. They a huge amount of comalso see crop producplexity, which means the details have to be attended to, especially tion for pharmaceutical use as another when dealing with the stringent expec- huge growth area for commodity-based, tations of IP customers. They currently agricultural products. And on the direct employ five full-time and several part- marketing end, they are not ruling out time employees throughout the year. “We processing their own branded products, probably have a higher rate of people for grown and packaged to serve specialized the acres we farm than average but it’s niche markets.

One thing is certain; the Maurers will because of the attention to detail that we apply sound business principles to innomust provide,” says Ryan.

Those investments have included construction of aerated temperature-cableequipped grain storage facilities, that enable them to meet the on-farm food safety protocols that apply to the 75 per cent of their production now devoted to IP crops.

They also went no-till in 1994 and use single-shoot independent hoe-openers with mid-row banders for precision seed and

The Maurers believe their farm business is successful because they have managed to blend the concepts behind two very different methods of farming.

“There are a lot of successful large operations and there are also a lot of successful smaller, direct marketing operations,” Ryan explains. “With our vision we have married those two. We have taken large-

vation and creative thinking to keep Land and Sky Grains living up to its mission. FF farmforum.cA

PHOTOS COURTESY land and sky grains

Lauren and Ryan Maurer working on their farm, Land and Sky Grains, in Grenfell, SK.

for more information visit us online additional resources Land and Sky Grains Inc. www.farmforum.ca/landandskygrains Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program www.farmforum.ca/oyfcanada

Farm Forum.cA | 23

CropTalk Innovation meets convenience Introducing the new cereal herbicide pre-mixed formulations of Tundra™ and Velocity m3

T

aking control of broadleaf and grassy weeds in cereal crops just got so much easier with the introduction of the advanced premixed formulations of Tundra and Velocity m3.

Now available at participating retailers across western Canada, both herbicides give growers an easy-to-use, easy-to-manage, all-in-one solution that provides comprehensive weed control and an effective resistant management tool. CT

24 | Farm Forum | Winter 2011

Volume 20 | Issue 1

What’s new with Bayer CropScience products

Tundra is an all-in-one formulation that provides both grassy and broadleaf weed control without the fuss of having to add an additional herbicide. So say goodbye to the headaches, worries and time associated with measuring and mixing errors and say hello to convenience and flexibility.

Safe on barley, spring and durum wheat, Tundra contains three active ingredients — Pyrasulfotole (Group 27), Bromoxynil (Group 6) and Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (Group 1) — which control Group 2 resistant broadleaf weeds such as kochia, cleavers, chickweed and spiny annual sow thistle.

With its wide window of application, Tundra can be applied from one to six leaves on the main stem all the way to emergence of the third tiller on the crop.

Alfalfa, barley, canary seed, canola, field corn (Manitoba only), flax, oats, field peas (see label for complete details), soybeans (Manitoba only) and wheat (spring and durum) can be planted 10 months following an application of Tundra. Lentils can be planted back 22 months following an application of Tundra.

The easiest and most effective way to manage herbicide resistance is to rotate herbicides with different modes of action. That’s why Velocity m3 is so effective. It combines three active ingredients, thiencarbazone-methyl (Group 2), pyrasulfotole (Group 27) and bromoxynil (Group 6).

Together, these three actives provide “one solution” for comprehensive, broad spectrum grassy and broadleaf weed control as well as effective resistance management in spring and durum wheat. All it takes is one product. Nothing else is required — no tank mixing, no adjuvant — and you are controlling both Group 1 resistant wild oats and Group 2 resistant broadleaf weeds such as kochia and cleavers.

For added grower convenience, Velocity m3 is crop safe on all varieties of wheat (including durum), can be applied from the one to six leaf stage, up to three tillers (prior to the presence of the first node) and is registered for both aerial and ground application.

With the re-cropping flexibility of Velocity m3, growers can plant spring and durum wheat, barley, oats, canary seed, canola, flax, peas (see label for complete details), soybeans (Manitoba only), alfalfa and field corn (Manitoba only) the year following application. Lentils require a replanting interval of 22 months.

A Newsletter from Bayer cropscience

Weeds controlled/suppressed:

Weeds controlled/suppressed:

Grassy weeds

Grassy weeds

• Barnyard grass (1 to 6 leaf stage/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Green foxtail (1 to 6 leaf stage/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Wild oats (1 to 6 leaf stage/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Yellow foxtail (1 to 6 leaf stage/up to emergence of 3rd tiller)

• Barnyard grass (1 to 6 leaf/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Canary seed (1 to 6 leaf/up to emergence of 2nd tiller) • Green foxtail (1 to 6 leaf/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Japanese brome (suppression, 1 to 6 leaf) • Persian darnel (suppression, 1 to 6 leaf/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Wild oats (1 to 6 leaf/up to emergence of 3rd tiller) • Yellow foxtail (suppression, 1 to 6 leaf/up to emergence of 3rd tiller)

Broadleaf weeds1 • Annual sow thistle (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Canada thistle (suppression, up to 30 cm in height) • Chickweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Cleavers2,3 (1 to 6 whorls) • Common ragweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Dandelion (suppression4, up to 10 cm in height/ 25 cm in diameter) • Flixweed (up to 10 cm in height) • Hemp-nettle (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Kochia (up to 10 cm in height) • Lamb’s-quarters (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Pale smartweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Perennial sow thistle (suppression, 1 to 6 leaf stage) • Redroot pigweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Round-leaved mallow (suppression, 1 to 6 leaf stage) • Russian thistle (up to 10 cm in height) • Shepherd’s purse (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Stinkweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Volunteer canola (including herbicide tolerant, 1 to 6 leaf stage) • Wild buckwheat (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Wild mustard (1 to 6 leaf stage) Includes ALS (Group 2)-resistant biotypes.

For enhanced control of cleavers at the 4 to 6 whorl growth stage, add ammonium sulphate (AMS) at 500 g/ha (99%) or 1 L/ha at 49% solution (0.5 L/ac. or 20 acres per jug). Add one 10 L jug of AMS for every 2, 8.1 L jugs of Tundra or 8 jugs of AMS for every 160 acre drum of Tundra. Always add AMS to the spray tank first, prior to adding any other pesticides.

3 Includes indoleacetic acid (Group 4)-resistant biotypes.

4 Includes seedlings and overwintered rosettes.

1 2

Broadleaf weeds • Annual sow thistle (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Canada thistle (suppression, up to 30 cm in height) • Chickweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Cleavers (1 to 6 whorls) • Dandelion (suppression, up to 10 cm in height/ 25 cm in diameter) • Flixweed (up to 10 cm in height) • Hemp-nettle (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Kochia (up to 10 cm in height) • Lamb’s-quarters (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Pale smartweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Perennial sow thistle (suppression, 1 to 6 leaf stage) • Redroot pigweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Round-leaved mallow (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Russian thistle (up to 10 cm in height) • Shepherd’s-purse (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Stinkweed (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Volunteer canola (including herbicide tolerant, 1 to 6 leaf stage) • Wild buckwheat (1 to 6 leaf stage) • Wild mustard (1 to 6 leaf stage)

Farm Forum.cA | 25

CropTalk New Registrations for 2011 New fungicides deliver more control to more crops

D

epending on weather conditions, leaf and head diseases in cereal crops can cause substantial damage to yield and quality. For many growers, applying a fungicide is just good insurance to protect their investment.

To ensure growers are getting the best protection possible, Bayer CropScience is introducing two new fungicides for 2011 – Folicur® EW and Prosaro®. Both products will be available at participating retailers across western Canada for the 2011 growing season.

Folicur 432F, the original foliar fungicide, has been effectively protecting spring, winter and durum wheat against fusarium head blight and other leaf and head diseases for over eight years. With the addition of NEW Folicur EW in 2011, plus the registration of both products for your oat, barley and soybean crops, protection of your investment has reached a new level of confidence.

Convenient and flexible, Folicur EW doesn’t require a surfactant and is registered for ground and aerial application.

Bayer CropScience research results and on-farm feedback from producers over the past eight seasons show that Folicur often provides a 20% yield increase, 21% higher yield better grades and improved marketability.

50.5 At the end of the sea41.6 son, that means more 0 15 30 45 60 grain in the combine Yield (bu./ac.) and more dollars on Folicur 432F Untreated check the bottom line. CT

Folicur EW controls the following diseases:

Barley • Net blotch • Powdery mildew • Rusts (leaf, stripe and stem) • Scald • Septoria leaf blotch • Spot blotch Oats • Crown rust • Stem rust Wheat (Durum, Spring, Winter) • Fusarium head blight (suppression) • Powdery mildew • Rusts (leaf, stripe and stem) • Septoria glume blotch • Septoria leaf blotch • Tan spot Wheat midge control • For wheat midge control, tank-mix Folicur with Lorsban™.

Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat • For optimum suppression of fusarium head blight in wheat and control of septoria glume blotch, apply Folicur EW within the time period from when at least 75% of the wheat heads on the main stem are fully emerged to when 50% of the heads on the main stem are in flower.

Source: 32 Bayer CropScience trials (2004-2005).

PROSARO Prosaro is a new cereal fungicide that delivers the highest level of control and curative activity on leaf diseases and the highest level of protection against fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and barley.

With the combination of the best two active ingredients — prothioconazole and tebuconazole — for controlling

26 | Farm Forum | winter 2011

cereal diseases, Prosaro is the most effective broad spectrum fungicide available for suppressing FHB, reducing levels of DON (deoxynivalenol) and other fungal mycotoxins in grain, and stopping all of the major yield-robbing diseases including leaf rust, stem rust, septoria leaf and glume blotch, tan spot, and net blotch

Application guidelines To reduce the number of scabby kernels, lower DON levels and achieve plumper kernels with higher test

weights, apply Prosaro when the most florets are in the open, exposed stage.

For FHB control, coverage of the heads is essential. Forward and backward facing nozzles deliver the best results.

Prosaro Trial Results in Wheat and Barley • When applied at the early flowering of the wheat head and just after head emergence in barley, Prosaro greatly increased yields of wheat and barley in comparison to the untreated check.

• Prosaro reduced DON significantly

A Newsletter from Bayer cropscience

Early book InVigor savings 2011 BayerValue program offers growers added savings

G

rowers can save big next season with the 2011 BayerValue program, especially if they book their InVigor acres by January 31, 2011. Depending on the purchase levels, growers can save as much as 25% off select Bayer CropScience products.

Growers who have redeemed in the 2006-2010 BayerValue programs are automatically re-enrolled in the 2011 BayerValue program. For those who haven’t participated, signing up is easy. Growers can register online at BayerCropScience.ca, by calling the Bayer CropScience Rebate Fulfillment Interaction Centre at 1-888-2836847 or through their local retailer. CT

Important Dates • To qualify, growers must be registered for BayerValue before May 1, 2011.

• All products must be purchased between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011.

• All purchases of products after September 30, 2011 may be used for the 2012 BayerValue program which is yet to be determined.

EARLY BOOK INVIGOR

BAYER REWARDS

Book by January 31, 2011

Proline™ Bonus

InVigor Value Bonus

Buy a minimum of 200 acres of InVigor to qualify

Save on matching InVigor acres

Buy up to 480 acres of Proline – 15% savings on all your Proline

Buy 480 or more acres of Proline – 25% savings on all your Proline

†

Qualify at one of the following levels with all Bayer CropScience products

Bayer Rewards Savings Segment

Purchase $10,000 Purchase $40,000 Purchase $75,000 or more of or more of or more of Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience products products products

Infinity® = 10%

Tundra™ Velocity m3

2%

3%

4%

Folicur®* or Prosaro® = 8%

Infinity Folicur* Prosaro

4%

8%

12%

Decis®* or Sevin® XLR* = 20%

Decis* Sevin XLR*

10%

15%

20%

Raxil®* or Trilex® AL* = (up to) 25%

Raxil* Trilex AL*

15%

20%

25%

Book by January 31, 2011 BAYER REWARDS * Save a maximum of $1.00/ac. on each acre of Raxil MD, Raxil T, Raxil WW and Trilex AL from the combination of Early Book InVigor and Bayer Rewards.

Save a maximum of $1.25/ac. on each acre of Decis and Sevin XLR from the combination of Early Book InVigor and Bayer Rewards.

Bayer Rewards includes Folicur 432F and Folicur EW. All % savings and savings levels will be calculated using Suggested Retail Pricing as of July 31, 2011.

by 58% in wheat and 51% in barley where the incidence of FHB was high. In trials with low to moderate levels of FHB, DON reduction was as high as 72%.

Protect your yields and profits Prosaro protects yields by delivering plump kernels with high test weight, more bushels and less risk of dockage.

And that means you can protect their profit potential as well! CT

Cereal Grain Yield Application of Prosaro Fugicide at 75% Head Emergence in Wheat

Cereal Grain Yield Application of Prosaro Fugicide at Full Head Emergence in Barley

140

140

120

120

100

100

80

80

60

60

Grain Yield % of UTC

40

40

% DON reduction

%

%

129

127

128

58

20

0

109

108

51

20

Septoria Source: 11, 2007-2008 Bayer CropScience Internal Research Trials

Rust Source: 22, 2007-2008 Bayer CropScience Internal Research Trials

FHB Source: 6, 2007-2008 Bayer CropScience Internal Research Trials

0

Leaf Disease Source: 9, 2007 Bayer CropScience Internal Research Trials

FHB Source: 4, 2004-2007 Bayer CropScience Internal Research Trials

The bars indicate fungicide performance evaluated under specific disease pressure versus an untreated check.

Farm Forum.cA | 27

Slams WireWorms

You know Raxil® seed treatment as the most effective opponent of smut in wheat, barley and oats. You trust it to have your back against seed and soil-borne fusarium. And there is no doubt that it is the undisputed champion when it comes to return on investment.

So what’s this about new Raxil WW? It’s all the above and more. It’s the sworn enemy of the dreaded wireworm.

It takes it down and teaches it a lesson it will never get a chance to remember.

Ring the bell for Raxil WW. For more information visit

BayerCropScience.ca/Raxil

BayerCropScience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative.

Always read and follow label directions. Raxil® is a registered trademark of Bayer. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

12/10-15156