MBC120913 by Farm Business Communications

ONWARD AND UPWARD

HOT SUMMER, HIGH PROTEIN

St. Norbert Farmers’ Market keeps growing » PAGE 13

But that means lower premiums » PAGE 18

SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

SERVING MANITOBA FARMERS SINCE 1925 | VOL. 70, NO. 37

Beef industry at a crossroads New report: Canada’s beef sector is stuck in a rut By Alex Binkley CO-OPERATOR CONTRIBUTOR / OTTAWA

decade after rebounding strongly from the 2003 BSE crisis, Canada’s beef sector is stuck in a competitive rut with no clear idea of how to get out it, says a report prepared by the Canadian Agriculture Policy Institute (CAPI). The world market for beef has changed in the last 10 years, says the report, based on interviews with farmers and other players in the cattle industry. The “sector faces many new challenges, of which our balance of trade with the U.S. is a paramount concern.”

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Herds get paid to graze Providing a “browsing service” to contain invasive species may be a lucrative niche By Daniel Winters CO-OPERATOR STAFF / NEAR HUMBOLDT, SASK.

ric Weisbeck had one big problem on the 17,000-acre community pasture he manages — brush was taking over. Brian Payne had a simple solution — 700 of his goats. “And then when he told me that I wouldn’t have to do a whole bunch of fencing, I was even more in favour of

that,” said Weisbeck, pasture manager of Wolverine AESB, a PFRA pasture established in 1941. One summer of goat grazing was enough to set the wolf willows back dramatically and there’s hardly a poplar branch below what a goat can reach standing on its hind legs. The best part of all, was that the goats left the grass more or less alone for the 1,350 cattle owned by 45 local patrons. “I’m hoping to make this a long-

term thing and hopefully move the goats to other spots throughout the pasture,” Weisbeck said at the recent Multi-Species Grazing Conference. Payne, who camped out all summer in a rustic van on a hilltop next to a picturesque lake, calls it “bare-naked goating” and a great opportunity to scale up a flock without spending big dollars on land. See GOATS on page 6 »

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See BEEF on page 6 »

A flock of goats grazes on the Wolverine AESB community pasture near Humboldt, Sask. PHOTO: DANIEL WINTERS

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

INSIDE

on the lighter side

LIVESTOCK

Popcorn soon to cost more than the movie

Be not afraid Sheep predators can be managed

chicago / reuters

CROPS Winter wheat acres to rise

Last year’s record looks ready to fall

FEATURE Farming through war Syria’s farmers keep food on the table

CROSSROADS Old school gets new life Cypress River attracts nursing program

4 5 8 10

Editorials Comments What’s Up Livestock Markets

Drought has hit the popcorn crop too

Grain Markets Weather Vane Classifieds Sudoku

or more than half a century, the Shew family has harvested mountains of popcorn kernels to be buttered, salted and munched by movie fans. But as a crippling Midwestern drought sends commodity soybean and grain prices soaring, the family’s farmland in west-central Indiana is suffering. Plants are listing, stalks are spindly and corn ears small. It’s a scene repeated across the Midwest and an ill portent for the snack food world. “This is the worst season we’ve ever had,” said thirdgeneration popcorn purveyor Mark Shew, who runs the family’s farm in Vigo County. “In some places, they’re going to be down to counting kernels at the bottom of the storage bins.” The situation has popcorn buyers — big and small — scrambling to line up their supplies. Small mom-andpop shops have seen prices jump from about $20 for a 50 pound bag to $30 or higher. Large distributors are trying to source new supplies by wooing farmers in Louisiana

and elsewhere in the South into growing popping corn, as their growing season typically starts and ends earlier than the Midwest. They’re also scouting acreage in South America. That may be a tough sell. High prices for commodity corn in recent years has seen a slow but steady decrease in popcorn acreage, which was

down to about 190,000 acres last year. However, moviegoers may be spared. “The popcorn portion of the product is a very low percentage of the price, and the prices are already so high, I think consumers would balk if they went up any higher,” said confectionery supplier Bob Goldin.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Feds boost development of plantbased plastic and straw paper Prairie Pulp & Paper receives more grist for the mill, as feds announce funding By Shannon VanRaes co-operator staff

anitoba’s Composites I n n ov a t i o n C e n t re is one step closer to putting plant-based plastic alternatives into daily life, after receiving a federal grant of $860,000. The centre will use the funding to further research and develop plant-fibre mats — like those used in the automotive industry — and develop a system of classifying fibre quality and availability. “ We’re b a s i c a lly looking at the properties of the fibre ... that’s how we can ensure the quality is high, working with and building the supply chain,” said Sean McKay, the centre’s executive director. That classification system will also assist in ensuring the right type of plant fibre is readily available for industry as value chains mature, he said. Aerospace and transportation components are considered a prime market for plantbased plastics, as are novel musical instruments, he said. The funding will come from the Agricultural Innovation Program, which is also providing $385,000 for Prairie Pulp & Paper Inc., which recently launched a straw-based printer paper. “This moves the marker up the field a little farther,” said company chairman Clayton Manness. “We’ve been struggling — we’ve never bounced a cheque, we’ve never been late — but our cash flow is right to the dollar. So this helps us move it along.” The money will be used for further research and development of chlorine-free and sulphur-free paper, he said. In the meantime, the company is gauging the popularity of its Step Forward Paper in the hope of launching new products and eventually building a manufacturing plant in rural Manitoba. “I think we’re six months minimum, probably 12 months maximum, out from mak-

Prairie Pulp & Paper Inc. chairman, Clayton Manness, holds up samples of the company’s straw-based printer paper. Photos: Shannon VanRaes

“This moves the marker up the field a little farther.” Clayton Manness

ing the major decision,” said Manness. St a p l e s i s t h e e xc l u s i v e Canadian retailer of the paper. “ Wi t h o u t t h e m a rk e t i n g component, you’re going to have a hard time selling it to investors,” he said. And investors will be key. The proposed straw paper plant would cost about $500 million. It would employ as many as 300 people, producing 215,000 tonnes of paper each year.

Between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes of straw would also be needed each year, requiring an estimated 400 to 500 farmers to supply straw. The company wants to up the content of its paper to 100 per cent straw content. Currently, 20 per cent of Step Forward Paper is made from Forest Stewardship Councilcertified wood fibre.

Sean McKay, Composites Innovation Centre’s executive director, discusses plans for the future after a funding announcement.

shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

MP Joyce Bateman speaks on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz during an Agricultural Innovation Program funding announcement.

Feds hope for Growing Forward deal this month Federal agriculture minister wants provincial approval of “framework agreement” By Alex Binkley co-operator contributor / ottawa

fter two years of largely behind-the-scenes discussion, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz hopes to strike this month for a framework agreement with the provinces on the next version of Growing Forward. In a news release, Ritz said a wide variety of views has been heard. “Canadians have spoken on the future direction of agriculture and governments have listened,” said Ritz.

Not so, said Ron Bonnett, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. Governments never formally engaged farm groups in discussions about the new programs, he said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t support the government’s desire for more focus on market development and innovation,” said Bonnett. “But farmers still need to be backstopped through tough times.” This summer’s drought in Ontario and Quebec is the kind of event that farmers need help with, just as flooding in Western

Canada was in previous years, he said. A key issue for farmers is what will trigger payments from AgriStability and AgriRecovery, he added. There have been suggestions payments wouldn’t be triggered unless a farmer’s income drops by 30 per cent — double the current 15 per cent. The new programs, which would take effect in March and run to 2018, aim “to balance the risk between governments and producers while ensuring we are investing strategically to promote sector competitiveness,” said Ritz.

He said during the last two years, ministers, MPs, and government officials have met farmers, processors, distributors’ manufacturers, held public hearings and listened to ideas from groups such as the George Morris Centre and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute. Agriculture Canada said governments have spent $10 billion since 2007 on business risk management income supports. AgriStability accounted for 32 per cent of spending, Agri-Insurance 39 per cent, and AgriRecovery nine per cent. The cross-country consulta-

tions generated consistent support for more investment in research and development, as well as on-farm innovation and commercialization, officials said. As for the business risk management programs, some groups opposed significant change, but were willing to consider possible modifications. There was also support for Ritz’s goal of improvements in insurance products, including private-sector insurance products for the livestock sector, which doesn’t get the same benefit from Agri-Insurance as crops do, they added.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

OPINION/EDITORIAL

What’s wrong with this picture?

very once in a while an idea comes along that makes so much sense, it’s crazy. A case in point is the concept of using goats to beat back the bush and other invasive species on pastures. Instead of paying for pasture land, some goatherds are being paid up to $1.50 per goat per day to graze other people’s land. Now that’s crazy. Laura Rance But for the landowners, it’s well worth it. Editor In Saskatchewan, where a goat-browsing service is being used to clean up poplar and other invasive brush at the AESB Wolverine Community Pasture for $1 per doe per day, there are some rather astounding opportunities for revenue emerging. “So, if I have 1,000 does for 90 days, that’s 90 grand for camping out all summer,” and that doesn’t include the value of the fall kid crop, goatherd Brian Payne told a recent MultiSpecies Grazing Conference near Humboldt, Sask. Goats tend to eat the things cattle don’t, so it’s possible for the two to coexist to the mutual benefit of both. In fact, research is showing grazing goats and cattle together can actually increase the carrying capacity of pastures. Overlay that against the worsening problem of leafy spurge in Manitoba. According to Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, the losses in beef production due to lost grazing capacity alone amount to more than half a million dollars per year. There is also reduced land values, lost natural habitat, and effects on water quality and soil. Surveys have shown that up to 1.2 million acres of Manitoba is infested already, which is a ninefold increase over two decades. It’s moving along roadsides and across what little remains of natural prairie, choking out the native species. Chemical control is expensive, not terribly effective and not possible in terrain that can’t be reached by a sprayer. Burning or tilling it have had limited success and are not very environmentally friendly. At best, producers are able to achieve modest control using a combination of herbicides and cultural methods. However, grazing spurge with goats and sheep has proven to be an effective means of controlling its spread and reducing its dominance so other plant species can compete with it better. The weed is noxious to cattle, but nutritious for goats and sheep, who are unaffected by the milky latex it produces. “Although grazing in itself does not kill the plants, it will prevent seed production, and if grazed at a sufficient intensity, will lead to a depletion of root reserves and an associated decrease in plant vigour,” a MAFRI fact sheet on controlling leafy spurge says. “This will result in a reduced ability of the weed to compete against grass species, as well as withstand effects of herbicides or other control means.” So we have a well-established and worsening problem that is sucking millions of dollars out of the province’s economy. We have a control mechanism that is effective, economical and environmentally friendly. And it involves a species of livestock for which market demand is on the rise, particularly among newcomers to Canada. Consider this against the backdrop of other animal agriculture in Manitoba. It’s been well established in the past few weeks that our hog industry is in crisis, again, because of high costs and razor-thin margins. Now a new report from the Canadian Agricultural Policy Institute is telling us our beef industry is dying a slow death, stuck in a competitive rut with no clear idea of how to get out of it. Canada’s cow herd has declined by 20 per cent — more than a million head — since 2005, making it questionable whether Canada will retain the critical mass necessary to meet future market opportunities. One can envision nomadic goatherds — possibly university students as either summer employees or entrepreneurs — roaming the Prairies, rotating from spurge patch to spurge patch helping landowners get the problem under control while earning enough to live through the winter without student loans. It’s entry-level animal agriculture with no requirement for multimillion-dollar production complexes or manure storage. Operators don’t have to buy or lease land; they get paid to use someone else’s. Equipment costs would be minimal, perhaps some herding dogs, and a form of transportation such as a horse or ATV, and a camper for shelter. With the communications and Internet capacity of today, they could even stay in touch with their friends. A crazy idea? Maybe. But when you read what’s happening to the rest of animal agriculture in this province these days, you have to wonder which is worse, being crazy or depressed. The only thing wrong with this picture is that no one here is trying it. laura@fbcpublishing.com

Hog outlook to get worse before it gets better By Gavin Maguire CHICAGO / REUTERS

he recent slump in nearby hog values may only mark the beginning of a season of pain for pork producers. Already-high feed costs look set to keep climbing just as hog values enter their traditional seasonal soft patch, which may place hog production margins under even more pressure. To make matters worse, inventories of pork remain well above average in cold storage facilities across the U.S. Although the price of soymeal — a key ingredient in nearly all hog feed rations — has been on an upward tear all year, the values of other key feeds such as corn, feed-grade wheat and distillers dried grains (DDGs) largely moved sideways for the first five months of the year. Indeed, for most of the first four months of the year lean hog prices outperformed corn and wheat prices to give many savvy hog producers plenty of profit potential. That encouraged hog farmers to increase production, but rising output weighed on pork cutout levels — a measure of the value of the hog’s edible components.

About turn

Things changed drastically beginning in late June. Drought slashed corn and soy production, while prices for DDGs soared more than

OUR HISTORY:

25 per cent. Hog producers responded by bringing their animals to market as early as possible, which pushed up pork supply. But much more aggressive herd liquidation may be needed as the overall U.S. herd size remains close to multi-year highs. Moreover, a majority of production capacity is centred on a few deep-pocketed corporations which can withstand long periods of negative margins in order to gain market share. In addition, there remains a huge overhang of pork supplies that will need to be chewed through before there is any realistic hope that a scarcity of supplies will bring about a sustained upturn in pork prices. And all this is occurring at the dawn of the seasonal softening in lean hog prices, brought about by a rise in hog weights as pig appetites recover from heat-stunted summer diets. This year’s price softness could be exacerbated by the additional pork brought to market as a result of the sow slaughter currently underway that will eventually reduce overall U.S. pork production capacity but could bring about a further deterioration in hog market sentiment over the near term. So while the recent heavy slump in hog prices may suggest that this market has already adjusted to the challenging feed and pork price outlook, things could actually still get worse before they get better. Gavin Maguire is a Reuters market analyst.

September 14, 1947 Our September 14, 1947 issue reported that the NorthWest Line Elevator Association had sent a telegram to Prime Minister Mackenzie King asking him to lift price ceilings on coarse grains that had been imposed during the war. The private trade was reported to be advising farmers to hold back deliveries until they were lifted. Rural health care was in the news — Manitoba Pool secretary F.W. Ransom, speaking to the Co-operative Health Federation of America meeting in Oklahoma, described proposed enabling legislation that would allow the federal government to provide 60 per cent of health insurance costs, with the remainder provided by provinces. The front page featured a photo of a new hospital under construction at Boissevain. Manitoba Pool had donated $3,000 to each hospital being built under the Manitoba Hospital Plan. Also reported were impending new tax regulations which would allow beef and dairy producers to have their basic herds recognized as capital. And in a reminder that the effects of the Second World War were still being felt, we reported that the French government had reduced the bread ration from 250 grams (nine ounces) to 200 grams (seven ounces) daily.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

COMMENT/FEEDBACK

Multiple predicaments: One core solution Corn farmers worry a change in the ethanol mandate may collapse prices on top of a reduced crop By Daryll E. Ray and Harwood D. Schaffer

Letters

he livestock industry and others that use corn as key input are calling on Congress and the administration to modify or suspend the ethanol mandate for the 2012 corn crop. Pressure for modifying the mandate is also coming from a hunger community that is fearful that a further rise in corn prices will trigger an increase in the number of food insecure people as it did in 2008 when over 200 million were added worldwide to the rolls of the food insecure. Corn farmers, on the other hand, are concerned that a change in the ethanol mandate may collapse prices just when they are facing a reduced crop. At this point we have a better idea of the size of this year’s crop than we do about how the ethanol mandate debate is going to shake out. What we are certain about is how we got into this pickle. There are two parts to the story and they both hinge on the same policy change. The export boom of the 1970s began with a decision by policymakers in the Soviet Union to import grain rather than reduce their domestic grain demand by reducing the size of their cattle herd. By 1975, U.S. corn exports had tripled to 1.7 million bushels. Meanwhile the price of corn doubled putting pressure on cattle producers. Fast-forward to the drought of 2012 where the projection is for the corn yield to fall for the third year in a row to 123.4 bu./ac., 16 per cent below the 2011 yield and 25 per cent below 2009. 2012 farm gate corn prices are projected to be more than double their 2009 farm gate average of $3.55. Now to the second part of the story. Beginning in 1998, the farm gate price of corn fell below $2 for only the second time in the prior 25 years. And unlike 1985, it stayed there for four

We welcome readers’ comments on issues that have been covered in the Manitoba Co-operator. In most cases we cannot accept “open” letters or copies of letters which have been sent to several publications. Letters are subject to editing for length or taste. We suggest a maximum of about 300 words. Please forward letters to Manitoba Co-operator, 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, R3H 0H1 or Fax: 204-954-1422 or email: news@fbcpublishing.com (subject: To the editor)

Support a sustainable, humane alternative Laura Rance is correct. There is no excuse or justification for failing to provide proper care for farm animals. But hog industry excuses continue. Depopulating barns and “euthanizing” piglets is deemed necessary in tough market conditions, hence the recent killing of 1,300 “severely distressed” piglets. Why aren’t they discussing the fatal flaws in the vertically integrated, export-oriented pig market?

years. Even with the emergency payments, corn farmers were desperate. They were told that the problem was overproduction and the solution was to get involved in non-food-related demand enhancement.

In 2012, like in the early 1970s, we find ourselves with a drought-reduced corn crop and no reserves to fill in the gap.

New products

And so they began to cast about for uses that did not involve food products. They looked at converting cornstarch into clothing fibres. They funded research into using corn to make glues. And they looked at ethanol. That corn could be used to make ethanol was a no-brainer. Whiskey makers had been doing it for centuries. And, unlike the other non-food products, the production of ethanol as an automotive fuel oxygenate could be ramped up very quickly. Corn farmers began to organize meetings to set up ethanol plants. To fund the ethanol plants, we saw farmers plop down a $10,000 investment in shares of an ethanol co-op for the right to sell 10,000 bushels of corn to the co-op at a two- to five-centsper-bushel premium over the local market. It looked like a fool’s investment, but, with sub-$2-per-bushel corn, their backs were up against the wall. It did not take long for non-farmer investors to see the money that was to be made in ethanol production and soon the use of corn for ethanol production went from a number close to zero to five billion bushels a year. What policy instrument do both parts of this story have in common? Grain reserves, well more precisely, the lack of grain reserves. For more than three millennia, people have known that agricultural production is highly variable from year to year while the demand for food is very stable. Ancient Egyptians and Chinese implemented the use of government-organized reserves to buy grain during periods of high pro-

Ron Kostyshyn, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, believes the market will take care of the sow stall problem as giant buyers such as McDonald’s are committed to sourcing pork from sow stall-free operations because stalls are internationally regarded to be inhumane. Yet, he, the industry and his federal counterparts are seeking to find ways for the public to once again prop up the collapsing industry without addressing the fundamental problems in the global market that lead to human and animal welfare, economic and environmental problems. Instead of addressing industry-systemic problems, the Chief Veterinary Office (CVO), threatened a witness to the shooting of these piglets, with criminal charges for video taping the event. If these piglets were euthanized humanely, what is the problem with video documenting it to ease public concern? Secrecy and threats breed suspicion. Temple Grandin has shown how transparency encourages humane practices and builds public confidence in industry and regulations. Video documentation is good for animal welfare, secrecy is bad. Suspicion grows when the public isn’t told the cause of “severe distress.” If the CVO deems the suffering endured by

duction and then sell the grain when crops failed.

Grain reserves

In the U.S., the use of grain reserves was successfully implemented during the Depression and used off and on over the next five decades. By 1961, corn reserves were 65 per cent of annual utilization and policy-makers decided that they had to empty out the larder. Want to guess when Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard was bare? It was the early 1970s, just when we needed the grain. By the 1977 crop year, with prices two-thirds of their recent levels, reserves were back in favour. Once again, in the late 1980s reserves fell out of favour and were effectively eliminated in the 1996 Farm Bill. And what happened two years later? The government lacked the ability to purchase reserves to stabilize prices — exports were supposed to do it — as a result prices plummeted. The result was an ethanol industry that developed at a much faster rate than it would have in the absence of extremely low corn prices. In 2012, like in the early 1970s, we find ourselves with a droughtreduced corn crop and no reserves to fill in the gap. There is more to this story. In the late 1940s, the U.S. accumulated significant grain reserves and policy-makers were looking for ways to reduce them. But before the government could get rid of them, there

piglets shot several times before dying to be humane, this is a serious problem for farmers, consumers, farm animal welfare activists and animals. Rather than further subsidizing this fatally flawed model, collapsing under the weight of market forces, isn’t it time to support a downsized, sustainable and humane alternative? Ruth Pryzner Alexander, Man.

Not much has changed Basically, not a great deal has changed in the hog industry from what occurred three years ago when reporter Ron Friesen told us, “The once-booming pork industry hits the wall and their chickens come home to roost.” (Co-operator 2 July, 2009) The hog expansion in Manitoba led by corporate investors and supported by the government(s) had no foundation, no plan and no foresight. Its only self-commitment, motivation and strategy was to keep growing and as such became nothing more than like a house of cards; remove one or two cards and the house will begin to collapse. In 2009, it was too many hogs. In the most recent scenario, it

was a sharp increase in demand. Uncle Sam got involved in the Korean War and needed grain reserves to feed hungry soldiers. We had significant yield and production problems with corn in 1983 and 1988. In 1983, production dropped by 49 per cent, yet the total utilization (sum of domestic and export corn uses) declined by only eight per cent. Similarly, in 1988, U.S. corn production declined by 31 per cent from the previous year, while total utilization declined by only six per cent. In both years, it was the presence of reserves that made the difference. In 1983 and 1988, total beginning stocks brought into the marketing years exceeded 3.5 billion bushels with well over half being non-commercial reser ves s t o c k s. To d a y — w i t h o u t s u c h stocks — total utilization must track production declines nearly bushelfor-bushel. What about the years ahead? Will the shortfalls of 2012 reset corn’s demand base? Demand destroyed may take time to reconstruct. In addition, the current high prices may trigger increases in production that could result in extremely low prices in the future. Daryll E. Ray holds the Blasingame Chair of Excellence in Agricultural Policy, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, and is the director of UT’s Agricultural Policy Analysis Center (APAC). Harwood D. Schaffer is a research assistant professor at APAC.

is the “high cost of grain” to feed their inventory of hogs. So, what to do next? Well as Laura Rance tells us in Part 2, of “What now?” in the same 2009 edition, a far better approach would be to take a hard look at what the industry must do to win over, not only consumers but rural neighbours and Canadian taxpayers as well. Producers have had significant financial support from the public sector. Advance payments alone over the past three years (2006-09) running have averaged more than $100,000 per producer. So, will the hog industry simply pick up the same deck and just redeal? If that is their transition action plan, the game must be played a lot differently to succeed. There is a good future for hog producers in Manitoba, but changes will be necessary. There must be an attitude change. There must be adherence to environment considerations, and a recognition of the realities of economics and the marketing of commodities. There must be an acceptance of responsibility. And most importantly, changes to the factory style of raising hogs are foremost. John Fefchak Virden, Man.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

FROM PAGE ONE GOATS Continued from page 1

“The opportunity that this provides all of us is huge,” he said. Multi-species grazing essentially combines the leaf- and weed-browsing tendencies of goats with the grass-munching nature of cattle. It’s a win-win, but first cowboys need to be educated about the advantages, said Payne. Another obstacle is goats’ reputation for being environmentally destructive, but that’s where herding comes in, he said. “We want to displace that myth,” said Payne. “You actually can improve your carrying capacity by getting rid of the brush and increase income on your ranch by adding another enterprise.”

Another enterprise

Striking a partnership with a cattle operation or providing a “browsing service” for municipal governments could be one way for young people without deep pockets to get into agriculture, he added. Herding goats could be highly lucrative — as much as $1 per doe per day for grazing invasive species, he said. “So, if I have 1,000 does for 90 days, that’s 90 grand for camping out all summer,” and that doesn’t include the value of the fall kid crop, he said. Donna Lindblom, who has operated Rocky Ridge Vegetation Control with husband Conrad for 13 years, has earned that kind of money grazing reforested cutblocks in the mountains of British Columbia. When a local First Nations band was concerned about the effect of aerial spraying on their blueberry-picking grounds, they were hired by the logging company to open up the vegetative canopy that was hindering tree growth. The goats went in like a “horde of locusts” and ate all the weeds and woody shrubs, she said. With a herd of 1,500 goats, a few good saddle horses, guardian dogs and riders, they were

Goats eat different species of weeds than cattle, including the notorious leafy spurge, which makes them complementary grazers. photos: daniel winters

paid up to $1.50 per head/day. That lucrative work has dried up recently because of a slump in forestry, but the Lindbloms are branching out into greener pastures, grazing ski hills, clearing thistles from city parks and areas with heavy weed problems such as gravel pits. This past July, her outfit has hired by the city of Kamloops to graze invasive toadflax in a city park, and now there is talk of hiring them on as their “official herd” for five years to clear up a neglected 200-acre former penitentiary site overgrown with thistle. “Cities want their own herd of goats that can first look after all their weeds within the city, then do other jobs as well,” she said. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

“So, if I have 1,000 does for 90 days, that’s 90 grand for camping out all summer.”

Brian Payne

Wolf willow after it has been grazed.

BEEF Continued from page 1

The beef industry “needs a robust, long-term strategy — and a sustained commitment to execute the strategy — if it wishes to secure its place as a competitive force in domestic and global markets,” the report adds. About 85 per cent of C a n a d a’s b e e f a n d c a t t l e exports go to the U.S., it notes. While that generates $1.8 billion in total sales for Canadian beef, Canada needs to increase the proportion of exports to recently opened overseas markets, it suggests.

“Stakeholders are keen to have a new dialogue on strategy. But this discussion can only occur if leaders in the sector are willing to act.”

Among other key points in the report are: • Canada is at risk of becoming a net importer of beef; • Canada focuses on supplying the American market even though the returns are lower than for beef exports to other countries and the U.S. benefits more from the arrangement than Canada does; • I n 2011, Canada had a net trade balance in beef of $42 million with the U.S. compared to a trade balance of nearly $1.4 billion in 2002, which suggests the industry is losing its competitive edge; • The value of Canada’s exports to the U.S. is only about 60 per cent of the value of American imports to Canada because of the amount of Canadian beef and cattle processed in the U.S., which exports higher-value product back to Canada; • W hile Canada backfills the U.S. market, that country is realizing a greater advantage

by significantly expanding e x p o r t s b e yo n d Ca n a d a . Since 2005, U.S. beef exports are up 280 per cent on a value basis, and 159 per cent on a tonnage basis. Canada’s expor ts beyond the U.S. have increased by 45 per cent, in terms of value, and 13 per cent in tonnage of beef; • C a n a d a’s c ow h e r d h a s declined by one million head or 20 per cent since 2005 raising questions about whether Canada has a critical mass of cattle to meet future market opportunities. CAPI says its research indicates the Canadian beef sector “is forgoing economic opportunities and its competitive position is falling behind.” Many in the industry think change is over due, it adds. “Stakeholders are keen to have a new dialogue on strategy. But this discussion can only occur if leaders in the sector are willing to act.”

It needs a strategy to take advantage of the opening of new foreign markets. The industr y also needs to pay more attention to the domestic market, the report recommends. Beef consumption has fallen by 10.7 per cent since 2001 while pork consumption has declined by 28 per cent and poultry has increased 3.4 per cent. “Price is a key determinant. Beef costs more to produce than other proteins. Moreover, despite improvements, more grain is required per kilo of beef production than for other meat proteins.” This statistic is part of the charges “that beef ’s environmental footprint is unsustainable and, for some, a reason not to consume beef,” the report says. “There are also concerns about the perceived healthfulness of beef and the ethical treatment of animals.” CAPI suggests that a longterm strategy is needed “to

build the beef brand and to generate consumer trust in the product and production processes.” Canada has a more advanced traceability system that can provide consumers with information about what they’re buying. “While a strategy must be industry led, government can support the development of a robust industry strategy,” the report urges. “Government then must align its own policies, initiatives, funding and regulation to enable this strategy. Importantly, government must also approach market access negotiations for the beef industry with a strategic plan which aligns with t h e i n d u s t r y s t ra t e g y a n d positioning.” As well, the reports call for the industry to create a national organization “to articulate and support an overall domestic and international strategy.”

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Farm groups set objectives for fall session of Parliament By Alex Binkley

Solutions being sought Rising feed costs continue to drain hog industry

co-operator contributor / ottawa

By Shannon VanRaes

CO-OPERATOR STAFF

ith the Canadian Wheat Board battle in the rearview mirror, this fall’s parliamentary session won’t be as controversial. But long-promised legislation to set standards for railway service levels, drought aid for Ontario and Quebec farmers, and the new Growing Forward deal — expected to make farmers more responsible for their financial well-being — should generate political debate. Legislation to overhaul the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has, so far, been generally well received, but a devil-in-thedetails debate may arise once MPs and senators take a closer look at it. Trade talks — on CanadaEurope free trade, the TransPacific Pact and bilateral deals — will also attract close attention. “The government will continue to focus on negotiating bilateral deals,” said Ron Bonnett, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. “A CanadaJapan deal would be an important piece for the country’s trade expansion.” Grain Growers of Canada will be watching the railway legislation and the future role of the Canadian Grain Commission, says president Stephen Vandervalk. “Farmers will be responsible for most of the fees that will go to fund the operations of the commission, yet many of their services do not add value to our product,” he said. “We are concerned that farmers will not have a significant say in the ongoing governance or direction.” He also welcomed the continued emphasis on bilateral trade deals. “Even a smaller trade deal with Morocco is important as they buy about one-third of all our durum wheat each year.” Both farm leaders said they’re concerned about the lack of farmer input into the proposed changes to the AgriStability program. “We are concerned that without sufficient producer input and direction, any downturn in prices or a widespread crop failure will take us back to the days of emergency farm aid,” said Vandervalk. “We can say with confidence farmers do not want to return to aid programs. We want dependable and predictable programs to help us manage risks that are beyond our control.” Another item on the to-do list of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is gaining international acceptance of a plan that would allow crop shipments to be considered GM free if they had no more than 0.1 per cent of approved genetically modified material.

anitoba has lost five per cent of its sow herd in the last two months as producers continue to downsize in the face of rising feed costs, a senior industry official says. “We all understand and agree there is a problem,” said Rick Bergmann, vice-chair of the Manitoba and Canadian Pork councils. “Now we are looking at ways to mitigate the significant loss to producers.” As a member of a recently formed federal task force designed to examine the causes of rising feed prices, Bergmann said one of the goals is to build an industry that is less susceptible to price fluctuations. “Producers have good facilities, they’ve got great manage-

ment, great production, great genetics and great feed quality, but then the price of corn goes up because of drought and producers are going out of business,” he said. The price of feed has gone up 60 per cent since this spring, said Bergmann, adding it has resulted in 17,000 sows being prematurely shipped to market. Only two months ago industry insiders expected the price of corn to drop to about $5 a bushel this fall, but instead it has increased to nearly $9 per bushel. At the same time, hog futures have hit a 20-month low as producers liquidate their herds. Pork prices in Manitoba were also 8.8 per cent lower this August than the previous year according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, with other provinces seeing prices drop by

as much as 14 per cent over the same period. And although it’s farmers who feel the pinch first, Bergmann noted the hog industry also provides many urban jobs as well. “It supports 45,000 jobs across Canada,” he said, adding the industry is worth $9.3 billion nationwide. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn has also been discussing the current situation with producers and industry representatives. He didn’t rule out the possibility of financial assistance, but didn’t offer any specifics. “It would definitely have to be some form of partnership with the federal and provincial governments,” said Kostyshyn. But given the ongoing negotiation of Growing Forward 2, Kostyshyn said “it would be

ASK FOR THE

somewhat inappropriate” to make any further comments on the possibility. Still recovering from a 2009 H1N1 swine flu scare, the effects of U.S. country-of-origin labelling laws and a strengthening Canadian loonie, this current downturn has left producers examining all options, said Bergmann. Producers in Manitoba will also see the implementation of a winter manure-spreading ban this year. Kostyshyn noted the province has provided more than $26 million to assist hog producers in improving manure management techniques, but said he hasn’t raised the possibility of delaying the ban’s implementation with the province’s minister of conservation. shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

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Manitoba Co-operator Jr. Page 4/C 8.125” x 10”

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

WHAT’S UP Please forward your agricultural events to daveb@fbcpublish ing.com or call 204-944-5762. Sept. 13: MAFRI beef meeting (market outlook, humane transport of animals, nutrition), 7-10 p.m., Grunthal Auction Mart. For more info call MAFRI in Vita at 204-425-5050. Sept. 26: Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) Supplier Expo, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. Pre-registration required at manito basection@cifst.ca. For more info contact Aline Tezcucano at Aline. Tezcucano@gov.mb.ca or 204795-7968. Sept. 29: ATV health and safety awareness session for farm workers, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Keystone Kat, 250 Sixth St. NE, Altona. For more info or to register contact Jacquie Cherewayko by Sept. 21 at 204324-2804. Sept. 29-30: Manitoba Plowing Association provincial match, two miles west of Kemnay, 1.5 miles north of Highway 1. For more info email mb.plowing@hotmail.ca or call 204-534-6451.

Wyoming wolves to lose Endangered Species Act protection Unregulated wolf killings will be allowed in most of the state By Laura Zuckerman jackson, wyo. / reuters

rey wolves in Wyoming, the last still federally protected in the northern Rockies, will lose endangered species status at the end of September, opening them to unregulated killing in most of the state, the U.S. government said Aug. 31. The planned delisting of Wyo m i n g’s e s t i m a t e d 3 5 0 wolves caps a steady progression of diminishing federal safeguards for a predator once hunted, trapped and poisoned to the brink of extinction throughout most of the continental United States. Wy o m i n g w i l l o f f i c i a l l y regain control over the management of its wolf popu-

lation on Sept. 30, joining Montana and Idaho, where more than 1,500 wolves were removed from the federal endangered list in May of 2011. About 4,000 wolves in the northern Great Lakes region — primarily Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota — lost their status as endang e re d o r t h re a t e n e d l a s t January. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director Dan Ashe hailed delisting of the last wolf population in the northern Rockies as a victory assured by the Endangered Species Act and co-operation among state and federal partners. “The return of the wolf to the Northern Rocky Mountains is a major success story,” he said in a statement.

Conservationists decried the move, questioning how an animal could be protected until Sept. 30 only to be subject to “open fire” on Oct. 1, the first day of Wyoming’s regulated hunting season. Environmental groups say they fear ending federal safeguards could push wolves back to the brink. Like Idaho and Montana, Wy o m i n g i s r e q u i r e d t o maintain a statewide population of at least 150 wolves, including 15 breeding pairs, to prevent a relisting. Wy o m i n g w o l v e s w i l l remain off limits to hunters inside national wildlife refuges and national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, as well as on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

But restricted hunting will be permitted from October through December within zones just outside those parks and refuges in the greater Yellowstone region of northwestern Wyoming, where most of the state’s wolves reside. For the rest of the state, wolves would be classified as predatory animals, subjecting them to unlicensed, unregulated killing year round through methods such as shooting, trapping and pursuit on mechanized vehicles. Wolves were reintroduced to the northern Rockies in the mid-1990s, but their re t u r n t r i g g e re d a n e m o tional debate that pitted livestock producers and hunters against conservationists. Continued on next page

Oct. 4-6: Canadian Plowing Championships, two miles west of Kemnay, 1.5 miles north of Highway 1. For more info email mb.plowing@hotmail.ca or call 204-534-6451. Oct. 17-18: Canadian Swine Health Forum, location TBA, Winnipeg. For more info visit www.swinehealth.ca. Oct. 23-24: International Wolf and Carnivore Conference, Riverlodge Place, Thompson. For more info visit www.thompsonspiritway.ca. Oct. 30: Harvest Gala fundraiser benefiting Red River Exhibition Association scholarships and Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave., Winnipeg. For tickets call 204-888-6990. Oct. 30: Manitoba Turkey Producers semi-annual meeting, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info call 204489-4635. Nov. 2-3: Organic Connections conference and trade show, Conexus Arts Centre, 200 Lakeshore Dr., Regina. For more info call 306-543-8732 or email info@organicconnections.ca. Nov. 7: Manitoba Pork Council fall producer meeting, location and time TBA, Portage la Prairie.

Moving at the speed of technology

Nov. 8: Manitoba Pork Council fall producer meeting, location and time TBA, Niverville. Nov. 9: Fields on Wheels Conference: Agribusiness Logistics in Turbulent Times, Radisson Hotel, 288 Portage Ave., Winnipeg. For more info call 204-474-9097 or visit http://umanitoba.ca/facul ties/management/ti. Nov. 15: Manitoba Turkey Producers annual turkey management and health seminar, Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg. For more info call 204-489-4635.

breaking the yield barrier

Dec. 3-4: Manitoba Conservation Districts Association conference, Keystone Centre, Brandon. Keynote speaker: David Suzuki. For more info visit www.mcda.ca or call 204-570-0164. Dec. 10-12: Canadian Forage and Grassland Association annual general meeting, Radisson Plaza Mississauga Toronto Airport, 175 Derry Rd. E., Mississauga, Ont. For more info visit www.canadianfga. ca or call 204-726-9393.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

More states join call for end to U.S. ethanol rule Georgia poultry farmers said to spend extra $1.4 million daily By Patrick Rucker reuters

From hunter to hunted, wolves will soon be subjected to unregulated killing. Photo: Reuters

Under Endangered Species Act protections, wolf numbers rebounded in the northern Rockies, far exceeding the original recovery goals set by the federal government. Efforts in recent years by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove wolves in Idaho and Montana from the endangered species list were reversed by court rulings. Bu t Id a h o a n d Mo n t a n a wolves ultimately were delisted last year through an unprecedented act of Congress, and those states have since sought to reduce wolf numbers — mostly through

hunting and trapping — to as few as 300 from as many as 1,500. The Fish and Wildlife Service’s latest estimate puts current numbers in all three states at more than 1,774 adult wolves. The grey wolf originally was classified as an endangered species across the lower 48 states and Mexico, except in Minnesota, where the animal was listed as threatened. An estimated 7,000 to 11,000 wolves roam much of Alaska, but are so abundant they have never been federally protected.

wo U.S. states that depend on the livestock industry are adding their voices to a string of states asking Washington to ease pressure on corn prices by suspending rules that send a large share of the crop to produce ethanol. Georgia, the centre of U.S. poultry production, and New Mexico, with its large cattle industry, on Aug. 22 asked federal officials to suspend a program that encourages converting corn into ethanol fuel. Roughly 13 billion gallons of ethanol are due to be blended with gasoline this year under a federal renewable fuels man-

date meant to bolster domestic energy sources. The rules can be waived under a formal appeal from a state to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Livestock farmers complain that demand for ethanol wrongly diverts a large share of the feed corn they need and drives up prices already inflated by a long dry season. Poultry farmers in Georgia are spending about $1.4 million more in feed costs per day due to the drought and ethanol rules, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal wrote in a letter to the EPA that seeks a waiver of the ethanol mandate. But corn farmers note that about a third of the ethanoldistilled corn becomes

livestock feed and that the mandate has other built-in flexibilities that could be tried before shelving the program. “Ignoring (these facts) exaggerates the impact of ethanol on corn supplies,” said Matt Hartwig, a spokesman for the Renewable Fuels Association. But livestock industry organizations are demanding total relief from the mandate. The head of the National Chicken Council, Mike Brown, said a “full, one-year waiver” is needed to keep high corn prices from devastating the poultry industry. In recent weeks, six states have urged the EPA to suspend the ethanol mandate, although not all of the states have formally petitioned the agency.

briefs

Tory caucus shift Staff / Newly elected Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister wasted no time shuffling his shadow cabinet. Among the changes is a shift for Lakeside MLA Ralph Eichler into the critic’s role for Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives. Former ag critic Midland MLA Blaine Pedersen becomes the critic for Local Government. Larry Maguire, MLA for Arthur-Virden, will serve as Conservation and Water Stewardship critic.

Deadline looms for young speakers

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Youth between the ages of 11 and 24 years of age have until Sept. 30 to enter the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture (CYSA) competition. This year’s competition takes place Nov. 3 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. “We have an excellent group of speakers who have already registered for the competition, but the stronger and deeper the field, the better the competition will be,” says John J. MacDonald, president of CYSA. Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture contestants prepare and deliver a fiveto seven-minute speech, in English or French, on one of five agriculture-related topics. Cash prizes are awarded to the six finalists in both the Junior Competition (ages 11-15) and Senior Competition (ages 16-24). All Canadians of these ages are eligible to enter. For information about the 28th annual CYSA competition, including available topics, competition rules, accommodations assistance and registration, visit /www. cysa-joca.ca” www.cysajoca.ca.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13 2012

LIVESTOCK MARKETS Cattle Prices Winnipeg

September 7, 2012

Cattle volumes dialled up at Manitoba’s markets

Steers & Heifers — D1, 2 Cows 70.00 - 76.00 D3 Cows 62.00 - 70.00 Bulls 80.00 - 89.25 Feeder Cattle (Price ranges for feeders refer to top-quality animals only) Steers (901+ lbs.) 110.00 - 130.00 (801-900 lbs.) 120.00 - 137.00 (701-800 lbs.) 123.00 - 142.00 (601-700 lbs.) 125.00 - 146.00 (501-600 lbs.) 130.00 - 152.00 (401-500 lbs.) 135.00 - 155.00 Heifers (901+ lbs.) 100.00 - 117.00 (801-900 lbs.) 105.00 - 122.00 (701-800 lbs.) 110.00 - 126.00 (601-700 lbs.) 115.00 - 133.00 (501-600 lbs.) 120.00 - 135.00 (401-500 lbs.) 135.00 - 145.00

Heifers

Alberta South $ 108.75 - 110.75 109.00 - 109.00 74.00 - 84.00 62.00 - 75.00 — $ 122.00 - 134.00 130.00 - 143.00 135.00 - 148.00 140.00 - 155.00 145.00 - 165.00 155.00 - 182.00 $ 115.00 - 128.00 120.00 - 132.00 125.00 - 137.00 133.00 - 144.00 135.00 - 155.00 140.00 - 164.00

($/cwt) (1,000+ lbs.) (850+ lbs.)

(901+ lbs.) (801-900 lbs.) (701-800 lbs.) (601-700 lbs.) (501-600 lbs.) (401-500 lbs.) (901+ lbs.) (801-900 lbs.) (701-800 lbs.) (601-700 lbs.) (501-600 lbs.) (401-500 lbs.)

Futures (September 7, 2012) in U.S. Fed Cattle Close Change October 2012 126.05 0.55 December 2012 129.20 0.75 February 2013 132.72 0.57 April 2013 136.27 0.30 June 2013 132.57 -0.23 August 2013 132.45 -0.40 Cattle Slaughter

Feeder Cattle September 2012 October 2012 November 2012 January 2013 March 2013 April 2013

Melita’s Taylor Auctions has halted its cattle sales Terryn Shiells

Previous Year 55,680 14,734 40,946 NA 663,000

Ontario $ 94.60 - 116.87 98.82 - 115.08 51.69 - 69.59 51.69 - 69.59 70.66 - 87.18 $ 121.92 - 138.89 128.21 - 145.27 122.94 - 145.68 127.45 - 154.24 134.95 - 164.13 137.21 - 186.18 $ 104.26 - 114.90 115.98 - 128.14 107.05 - 126.68 124.66 - 140.93 119.29 - 148.57 130.78 - 155.64

Close 144.62 146.25 147.82 149.82 152.40 153.40

Week Ending September 1, 2012 424 23,118 21,597 1,497 1,049 3,940 502

Prime AAA AA A B D E

Change 1.32 1.35 1.57 1.05 0.58 0.30

Previous Year 400 22,849 21,202 1,340 959 5,229 509

Hog Prices Source: Manitoba Agriculture

(Friday to Thursday) ($/100 kg) MB. ($/hog) MB. (All wts.) (Fri-Thurs.) MB. (Index 100) (Fri-Thurs.) ON (Index 100) (Mon.-Thurs.) P.Q. (Index 100) (Mon.-Fri.)

Current Week 150.00E 138.00E 135.98 144.84

Futures (September 7, 2012) in U.S. Hogs October 2012 December 2012 February 2013 April 2013 May 2013

Last Week 163.52 150.20 147.57 156.79

Close 71.75 70.90 78.75 87.20 96.00

Last Year (Index 100) 171.47 157.12 158.91 167.81

Change -2.40 -0.90 -1.15 -1.45 -1.25

Other Market Prices Sheep and Lambs $/cwt Ewes Lambs (110+ lb.) (95 - 109 lb.) (80 - 94 lb.) (Under 80 lb.) (New crop)

Winnipeg 80.00 - 95.00 110.00 - 117.00 115.00 - 126.00 115.00 - 127.00 117.00 - 137.00 —

Chickens Minimum broiler prices as of May 23, 2010 Under 1.2 kg................................... $1.5130 1.2 - 1.65 kg.................................... $1.3230 1.65 - 2.1 kg.................................... $1.3830 2.1 - 2.6 kg...................................... $1.3230

Turkeys Minimum prices as of September 16, 2012 Broiler Turkeys (6.2 kg or under, live weight truck load average) Grade A .................................... $2.065 Undergrade .............................. $1.975 Hen Turkeys (between 6.2 and 8.5 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A .................................... $2.065 Undergrade .............................. $1.965 Light Tom/Heavy Hen Turkeys (between 8.5 and 10.8 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A .................................... $2.065 Undergrade .............................. $1.965 Tom Turkeys (10.8 and 13.3 kg, live weight truck load average) Grade A..................................... $2.025 Undergrade............................... $1.940 Prices are quoted f.o.b. farm.

Toronto 76.50 - 110.33 126.66 - 137.12 131.45 - 141.44 130.31 - 149.61 145.87 - 201.96 —

Goats Toronto ($/cwt) 79.24 - 214.33 — 92.73 - 208.14

Horses <1,000 lbs. 1,000 lbs.+

Pasture under pressure

Volume started to pick up even more steam than during the previous week and is expected to be fully back to normal by the middle to end of September. Harvest operations started to wrap up across the province which enticed some farmers in Manitoba to send their cattle to auction during the week, said Scott Anderson, field representative with Winnipeg Livestock Sales. He also said some producers are running out of pasture because of dry weather, which made sending cattle into the ring an attractive option for them. “A lot of areas are dry,” he said. “A few guys have been feeding a little bit of hay already,

scott anderson

Winnipeg Livestock Sales

which starts to get expensive. They’ve had to start using up their winter supply and they don’t like to do that very often.” Prices on the feeder side of the market remained strong during the week, as an increase in both volume and demand provided support for the market, Anderson said. “There were more calves around, so more guys were starting to come out to buy,” Anderson said. “Activity is starting to pick up again; we had about 800 cattle at our sale this week. It’s a little easier to buy when there’s that many.” Anderson said livestock producers in the province were also enticed to send cattle to sale because the market is stronger than most people had anticipated. Most of the demand was coming from Canadian buyers, as Canadian cattle weren’t very attractive to U.S. buyers because of a very strong Canadian dollar, Anderson said. Strong Canadian employment data helped the Canadian dollar to soar even further above parity with its U.S. counterpart late in the week. At the close of trade on Sept. 7, the Canadian dollar was worth US$1.0223. Anderson said most of the calves from the sale during the week were headed east, while half of the yearlings sold went east and the other half were headed west. Activity on the slaughter market was on the slower side, but demand and volumes remained steady enough to keep prices from falling. Cow prices were a little bit stronger compared to the week prior, Anderson said, while bulls sold at fully steady prices. The barbecue season is lasting a little bit longer, which helped to sustain the slaughter market, he said. Terryn Shiells writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

news

Eggs

Winnipeg ($/cwt) — —

c t i v i t y a t a u c t i o n m a r t s a c ro s s Manitoba was starting to get back to normal during the week ended Sept. 7, with most sale yards open for business again after taking a break for the summer. All the auction yards held sales during the week ended Friday, with the exception of Taylor Auctions at Melita, and Killarney Auction Mart. Killarney Auction Mart will hold its first sale after taking a break for the summer on Sept. 10, said Allan Munroe from the company. Sadly, Taylor Auctions was not open during the week because the company has decided it will no longer hold any sales. A release from the company explained that it decided to stop holding sales because of the “extreme” costs that would be necessary to upgrade facilities, on top of a labour shortage and diminishing cattle numbers. The release also noted that the company will not be closing its doors for good and will continue to assist customers with the marketing of their cattle. “We are not finished in the livestock business, just changing in ways we hope will help you and us in the years to come. We have joined forces with NBI and Heartland with the intent to serve our customers better by providing more options for them as well as allowing us to stay very active in the livestock business,” the release stated.

SunGold Specialty Meats —

Minimum prices to producers for ungraded eggs, f.o.b. egg grading station, set by the Manitoba Egg Producers Marketing Board effective June 12, 2011. New Previous A Extra Large $1.8500 $1.8200 A Large 1.8500 1.8200 A Medium 1.6700 1.6400 A Small 1.2500 1.2200 A Pee Wee 0.3675 0.3675 Nest Run 24 + 1.7490 1.7210 B 0.45 0.45 C 0.15 0.15

Winnipeg ($/cwt) Kids 90.00 - 140.00 Billys 160.00 - 250.00 Mature —

“A few guys have been feeding a little bit of hay already, which starts to get expensive.”

CNSC

Cattle Grades (Canada)

Week Ending September 1, 2012 Canada 52,774 East 12,384 West 40,390 Manitoba NA U.S. 641,00

$1 Cdn: $ 1.022 U.S. $1 U.S: $0.9778 Cdn.

COLUMN

(Friday to Thursday) Slaughter Cattle

Slaughter Cattle Grade A Steers Grade A Heifers D1, 2 Cows D3 Cows Bulls Steers

EXCHANGES: september 7, 2012

Toronto ($/cwt) 11.15 - 36.00 26.35 - 50.66

EU to limit cropbased biofuels brussels / reuters

he European Union will impose a limit on the use of crop-based biofuels over fears they are less climate friendly than initially thought and compete with food production, draft EU legislation seen by Reuters showed.

The draft rules, which would need the approval of EU governments and lawmakers, represent a major shift in Europe’s much-criticized biofuel policy and a tacit admission by policy-makers that the EU’s 2020 biofuel target was flawed from the outset. The plans also include a promise to end all public subsidies for crop-based biofuels after the cur-

rent legislation expires in 2020. The commission is expected to formally publish the draft rules in the coming weeks. “The (European) Commission is of the view that in the period after 2020, biofuels should only be subsidized if they lead to substantial greenhouse gas savings... and are not produced from crops used for food and feed,” the draft said.

Looking for results? Check out the market reports from livestock auctions around the province. » PaGe 36

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

GRAIN MARKETS Export and International Prices

column

Canola still pointed higher despite harvest pressure A stronger loonie’s good for shoppers, not croppers Phil Franz-Warkentin CNSC

anola futures on the ICE Futures Canada platform bounced around near the top end of their recent range during the week ended Sept. 7, finishing with modest gains overall, as concerns that the Canadian crop may not be as large as initial expectations provided support. Ideas that canola was underpriced compared to other oilseed markets, particularly soybeans, were also supportive. Canola harvest operations in Manitoba are nearing completion, while producers in Saskatchewan and Alberta approach the halfway point. The influx of newly harvested canola does have the potential to limit the upside in the near term. However, the demand is showing no signs of slowing down either, with a large export program said to be on the books this fall.

For three-times-daily market reports from Commodity News Service Canada, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.manitobacooperator.ca.

The Canadian dollar climbed to its strongest level relative to its U.S. counterpart in over a year during the week. A loonie that’s worth more than a U.S. dollar bodes well for any cross-border shopping expeditions in the works, but the stronger currency cuts into crush margins here at home and also makes Canadian commodities less attractive to foreign buyers — who do all of their pricing in U.S. currency. In any case, the general consensus these days is that harvest pressure could slow the upward trend in canola over the next month or two, but the overall outlook remains pointed higher, given strong demand and the likelihood of a tight supply/demand balance.

Statistics Canada reported canola ending stocks for the recently finished 2011-12 crop year at only 788,000 tonnes. That’s well below the revised 2.2 million tonnes left over from the previous year. A number below a million tonnes is generally thought to be very tight for the canola market these days, and with actual production this year likely below the optimistic 15.4 million tonnes predicted by StatsCan in late August, some end-users may be forced to ration their demand. Looking at the charts, the November canola contract ran into serious resistance at the $645-per-tonne level during the week. A break above that could set the stage for a move towards the $690 level, or beyond, as far as the technicals are concerned. However, a corrective move back toward the $600-pertonne level seems more likely in the near term, barring a weather scare or other market-moving news. Canola can also be expected to continue to take its cues from the CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade) soy market, which also traded near the top end of its recent range during the week on the back of uncertain yield prospects. However, the most active soybean contracts all ran into profit-taking and were down on the week. The soy crop is still some time away from being harvested, and persistent concerns over hot, dry conditions cutting the yield potential of the U.S. crop accounted for some of the buying interest. However, at the same time, there were also ideas circulating that the soy crop may not be as bad off as originally feared, as timely rains later in the growing season likely helped yields in some cases. The U.S. Department of Agriculture releases updated supply/demand data of its own on Sept. 12, and whatever the numbers show will likely dictate what happens in the futures — at least in the short term. The corn numbers will be watched the closest, as traders will be looking for confirmation on just how bad yields were hurt by this year’s drought. Wheat futures in the U.S. moved higher during the week, with most of that strength tied to production concerns elsewhere in the world, including the Black Sea region and Australia. Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

Last Week

All prices close of business September 6, 2012

Week Ago

Year Ago

Wheat

Chicago wheat (nearby future) ($US/tonne)

320.37

321.29

260.58

Minneapolis wheat (nearby future) ($US/tonne)

341.41

338.19

348.85

Coarse Grains US corn Gulf ($US)

—

US barley (PNW) ($US)

—

Chicago corn (nearby future) ($US/tonne)

313.88

318.40

284.74

Chicago oats (nearby future) ($US/tonne)

250.29

251.26

229.05

Oilseeds Chicago soybeans (nearby future) ($US/tonne) Chicago soyoil ($US/tonne)

640.93

634.59

517.02

1,252.00

1,237.45

1,274.93

Winnipeg Futures ICE Futures Canada prices at close of business September 7, 2012 Western barley

Last Week

Week Ago

October 2012

260.00

264.50

December 2012

265.00

269.50

March 2013

268.00

272.50

Last Week

Week Ago

November 2012

640.60

633.60

January 2013

644.50

637.20

March 2013

645.50

635.30

Canola

Special Crops Report for September 10, 2012 — Bin run delivered plant Saskatchewan Spot Market

Spot Market

Lentils (Cdn. cents per pound)

Other ( Cdn. cents per pound unless otherwise specified)

Large Green 15/64

21.00 - 24.75

Canaryseed

Laird No. 1

20.00 - 24.75

Oil Sunflower Seed

Eston No. 2

20.00 - 22.75

Desi Chickpeas

21.00 - 24.00 — 24.20 - 25.50

Field Peas (Cdn. $ per bushel)

Beans (Cdn. cents per pound)

Green No. 1

Fababeans, large

—

Medium Yellow No. 1

10.00 - 10.50

Feed beans

—

Feed Peas (Cdn. $ per bushel)

7.75 - 8.60

No. 1 Navy/Pea Beans

—

Feed Pea (Rail)

No. 1 Great Northern

—

4.80 - 5.00

Mustardseed (Cdn. cents per pound)

No. 1 Cranberry Beans

—

Yellow No. 1

34.75 - 35.75

No. 1 Light Red Kidney

—

Brown No. 1

29.20 - 30.75

No. 1 Dark Red Kidney

—

Oriental No. 1

23.50 - 24.75

No. 1 Black Beans

—

No. 1 Pinto Beans

—

Source: Stat Publishing SUNFLOWERS

No. 1 Small Red

—

No. 1 Pink

—

Fargo, ND

Goodlands, KS

27.95

28.10

—

Report for September 7, 2012 in US$ cwt NuSun (oilseed) Confection Source: National Sunflower Association

Western Canada farmland values soar as growers expand Average prices in the West have jumped 20 to 25 per cent By Rod Nickel winnipeg / reuters

estern Canadian farmland is soaring in value, as farmers expand their lands and look to cash in on high crop prices, a report by real estate organization RE/MAX said Sept. 10. The price of high-end grain-producing land in southern Saskatchewan has jumped 20 per cent on average from last year to a range of $1,200 to $1,800 per acre, while the average price in central Alberta is up 20-25 per cent to between $2,000

and $4,500 per acre of nonirrigated land. “(With) the strong pricing in cereal grains and beef, a lot of Alberta farmers are looking to expand and (are) buying Saskatchewan farmland — that has really increased the price,” said Elton Ash, regional executive vice-president of RE/MAX in Western Canada, from Kelowna, British Columbia. “And in the rest of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the largest demand is from local farmers wanting to expand their own operation.” Canada is the world’s big-

gest producer of canola and the sixth-largest wheat grower. The average Canadian farm grew to a record size in 2011, and the number of farms shrank to a record low, according to Canada’s census. Improving machinery has made it possible to farm larger areas, and size also gives farmers negotiating power for selling their crops. Grain prices have touched historic highs in recent years on growing demand for food in developing countries like China and India, as well as the usage of corn, wheat and

oilseeds in production of biofuels. This year, severe drought in the U.S. Midwest has raised concerns about supplies falling well short of demand. As in Western Canada, farmland values in the United States have risen sharply over the past several years, and not even this year’s drought could keep prices from climbing in the second quarter. Along with farmers scooping up more land, funds are steadily amassing large areas of the western Canadian Crop Belt, then leasing fields back to farmers to work.

“Certainly we don’t influence the price because we’re not big enough to do that,” said Doug Emsley, president of Saskatchewan-based Assiniboia Capital Corp, which owns 120,000 acres of farmland in the province. “But what does start to move the dial is when farmers start to buy land on the basis of farmer economics.” Chinese investors are also buying western Canadian farmland, Ash said, although Saskatchewan, the top wheatand canola-growing province, restricts purchases by foreign interests to 10 acres.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Deadline approaching to comment on cosmetic pesticide policy KAP and CropLife Canada stress only pesticides deemed to be safe are permitted for use in Canada By Allan Dawson co-operator staff

armers and pesticide manufacturers are lining up against a proposed ban on cosmetic pesticides in Manitoba as the Oct. 1 deadline for public comment on the issue approaches. Even though agriculture, forestr y and golf courses would be exempt if the province proceeds with a ban, Keystone Agricultural Producers president Doug Chorney said restricting cosmetic use would cause the public to question the safety of food produced using the same products. That question is already being asked. “All this talk about residential bans upsets me because we use far less then any farmer,” Rob Menard wrote last week in response to a Winnipeg Free Press story on the proposed ban. “We should be going after them for their bad farming practice!!! Its (sic) their fault for the state of our lakes!!!!!” Someone named Striker added: “And farmers use a much stronger concentrate that is not available to consumers.”

Safe

Both KAP and CropLife Canada stress the Pest Management Review Agency (PMRA) only approves the use of pesticides determined to be safe.

“B e f o re a p e s t i c i d e i s allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process, which provides reasonable certainty that no har m, including chronic effects such as cancer, will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions,” PMRA’s website states. “Under this pre-market approval process, results from more than 200 types of scientific studies must be submitted to determine if the pesticide would cause any negative effects to people, animals, birds, insects, plants, as well as on the soil and in the water.” The fact that the Manitoba government doesn’t intend to restrict pesticides used for food production proves a ban on urban pesticides is political, according to Pierre Petelle, CropLife Canada’s vice-president of chemistry. “It’s truly not a health issue,” he said in an interview. “This is politics at its worst. When they try to dress it up as a risk to health or the environment it falls flat because it doesn’t correlate to their approach on other uses.” Petelle also criticized the Manitoba government’s consultation paper on cosmetic pesticides, saying it borders on “unprofessional” and is “biased and misleading.” “I joke that if you read that document and still support

lawn pesticides you must be crazy,” he said.

Investment chill

Even though cosmetic pesticides make up only four per cent of the Canadian pesticide market, a ban would create an investment chill, according to Petelle. At least two new active ingredients, which he would not name, have not been introduced to Canada because of bans elsewhere in the country. The discussion document quotes the Canadian Cancer Society as supporting a ban. “While the connection between pesticides and cancer isn’t conclusive at the moment, we are very concerned about the growing body of evidence suggesting pesticides may increase the risk of several different types of cancers. We concluded that since cosmetic use of pesticides has no known health benefits and has the potential to cause harm, we would advocate for a ban on the use and sale of pesticides for this purpose.” Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh was unavailable to comment at press time, but said in an interview in February that many doctors and scientists agree precautions are needed. A Manitoba government official defended the discussion document in an email

photo: laura rance

saying it was prepared using peer-reviewed data from nationally recognized sources including the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian College of Family Physicians. “The document is a tool that allows Minister Mackintosh to engage Manitobans in discussions on how best to address the use of cosmetic pesticides on lawns and other green spaces where people may be exposed to those chemicals,” the official wrote. “The minister has been clear that any proposed regulatory changes coming out of these consultations will be specific to cosmetic lawn pesticides.” Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Manitoba, a coalition of health and environmental groups and advocates, has an online

“It’s truly not a health issue. This is politics at its worst.” Pierre Petelle

petition asking for a cosmetic pesticide ban. “By definition, cosmetic pesticides are unnecessary,” coalition spokeswoman Anne Lindsey said in a news release. “Yet they are linked with a range of serious health and environmental problems, including asthma. It’s time to get these poisons off the shelf and out of our environment.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

news

Villagers kill cattle thieves in Madagascar Gangs armed with semi-automatic rifles descended on three villages

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 Viscount Gort Hotel - 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB Tickets $100. Reception 5:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00 p.m. Guest speaker: Ian White, President CWB. Please respond by October 8, 2012 Please make your cheque payable to “Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame”. Mail to: Harvest Gala Dinner 3977 Portage Avenue,Winnipeg, MB R3K 2E8 For more information contact Judy @ Red River Ex Telephone: 204.888.6990 Fax: 204.888.6992 email: judy.worthington@redriverex.com

antananarivo / reuters / Malagasy villagers killed at least 67 cattle thieves when they attacked a number of villages in early September, the gendarmarie of the Indian Ocean island said on Sept. 4. General Bruno Razafindrakoto said about 100 cattle rustlers simultaneously attacked three villages in the southern region of the world’s fourth-largest island, prompting villagers to kill the rustlers with spades, spears and machetes. “We counted 67 dead on the side of the dahalo (cattle thieves). People were acting in self-defence to defend their property,” he told Reuters. Razafindrakoto said that incident took place in the Anonsy region, more than 1,000 km south of the capital Antananarivo. A statement issued after a meeting of security officials said the rustlers had stolen 180 cows, of which 176 had been recovered. Separately, security forces clashed with cattle rustlers in the nearby southern district of Betroka Sept. 2 resulting in the deaths of three security forces and at least eight rustlers, the statement said. The rustlers had stolen about 1,200 cattle, of which some 800 were recovered during the chase. Razafindrakoto said police reinforcements had been sent to the area. Cattle rustling has traditionally been common among Madagascar’s southern tribes — in some communities it is a rite of passage ahead of marriage. But it has taken on a criminal dimension as gangs armed with automatic rifles are increasingly involved in the raids.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

It’s onward and upward as crowds flock to St. Norbert Farmers’ Market

Popular Winnipeg market planning numerous improvements as its popularity continues to grow By Lorraine Stevenson CO-OPERATOR STAFF

t’s official: Le Marché St.Norbert Farmers’ Market is one heck of a draw. The market on Winnipeg’s southern outskirts drew 10,000 people on a single day in August. The huge Saturday crowd demonstrates why recently announced renovations and improvements are badly needed, said Marilyn Firth, the market’s community relations manager. Those include upgraded drainage, improved washroom facilities, better signage and improved walkways. Market president and Starbuck beekeeper Phil Veldhuis said $250,000 has already been raised from the province, City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Foundation and community supporters. The improvements, expected to cost several million dollars, will be phased in over the next decade as money is raised. If past growth is any sign, the future is bright, said Veldhuis, who started selling honey at the market in 1991 to help pay for university. “ We’r e d o i n g f a n t a s t i c , but there’s all sorts of awareness and energy that could be tapped into yet,” he said. The crowds are not only larger, but sticking around longer — weeks longer in fact. “Twenty years ago we would have thought it was crazy to be running a market to the end of October,” said Veldhuis. “Now it doesn’t seem like such a big deal.” Market officials want to eventually erect permanent buildings and structures to extend the market season, but there are no plans to go year round as the financial risk would be too great, he said. “It would be a huge expense. We’ve looked at what our resources could generate and they would not finance that large a project,” he said.

Still, it’s been quite a run for a market, given its humble start on July 16, 1988 when a dozen vendors gathered on the grassy site at the south end of Winnipeg, said the market’s first president Bob Rhoele. Farmers’ markets had been absent on the Winnipeg scene for several decades when local residents began brainstorming on how to best use a parcel of land donated to the St. Norbert Foundation, he recalled. “The question was: If we d o n’t w a n t a n y m o re c a r washes or hamburger joints in St. Norbert, what could we use if for?” said Rhoele. “Some of us said, ‘Why don’t we do a farmers’ market?’ Except nobody knew how to create one.” They got help from the farmers’ market association in Saskatchewan and money from a Canadian Wheat Board co-op development fund. Today, the co-op has more than 150 members, said Rhoele. From the beginning, market days were social events and Rhoele says he still sees patrons from the early days. It’s been wonderful to watch the market grow and thrive, he said. “I usually ask people if they’ve come to the farmers’ market, and invariably, people say yes. Some say, ‘Oh, we come two or three times a summer,’ or, ‘We go every Saturday.’ In that sense, we’ve put St. Norbert on the map.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

“We’re doing fantastic, but there’s all sorts of awareness and energy that could be tapped into yet.” PHIL VELDHUIS

President of Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market

Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market president and Starbuck beekeeper Phil Veldhuis, pictured here with his daughter Jayna, sees a strong future for the popular Winnipeg market on the south end of Winnipeg. PHOTOS: LORRAINE STEVENSON

Getting a loan just got easier.

Discover what MASC’s new loan program enhancements mean to you.

he Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has been providing financial assistance to producers for over 50 years. And now, we have made it easier than ever for you to borrow the capital you need to grow your operation. Increased Lending Limits – Our Direct Loan limit has been increased to $2 million for individuals, partnerships, corporations and co-operatives. Improved Eligibility – There are no restrictions on net worth, off farm income and farm housing limits. Expanded Loan Purpose – You can get financing for new and used agricultural farm equipment. To learn more about how these changes to MASC’s lending options can help you grow your operation, visit your local MASC lending office or visit masc.mb.ca.

Eric Stenhouse with Grassroots Prairie Kitchen in Winnipeg dishes out a saskatoon dessert to Robyn Laurie and Ronnie Sugden of Beausejour. Laurie and Sugden were among over 250 who attended the Farmers’ Feast fundraiser at St. Norbert Farmers’ Market September 6. The funds will be put toward future development of the market site as well as support Food Matters Manitoba’s Localvore Iron Chef Cook-Off competition for high school students.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

NEWS

REFRESHING DRINK ON A HOT DAY

India fertilizer giant eyes Saskatchewan potash

PHOTO: LUC GAMACHE

NEW

D3154S

D3153

D3152

There are still a few watering holes around, despite the ongoing dry spell.

WINNIPEG / REUTERS Western Potash Corp., a junior mining company looking to build a potash mine southeast of Regina, says it is talking about a joint venture with India’s Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, among others. It hopes to open the $2.5-billion Milestone mine by 2016 and eventually produce 2.8 million tonnes of potash annually. “We have talked to and are talking to (Rashtriya),” said company vice-president John Costigan. “I would say right now they’re one of numerous players. These big companies move very slowly, and we’re proceeding cautiously too. We don’t want to get in bed with the wrong player.” Rashtriya’s chairman, R.G. Rajan, said the state-run company is considering a possible $1-billion investment in Canadian potash mines to secure long-term supply of the nutrient. The world’s two biggest mining companies, BHP Billiton and Vale SA, recently delayed decisions on building their own potash mines in Saskatchewan, home to more than 40 per cent of the world’s potash reserves.

New Zealand forecasters predict El Niño will be short and weak

ReDefining Canola Performance Pioneer® brand D-Series canola hybrids are bred to deliver outstanding performance. D3153 delivers high yield with exceptional standability and harvestability. D3152 adds the Pioneer Protector® Clubroot trait for protection from this devastating disease. And new D3154S has the Pioneer Protector® Sclerotinia trait for built-in protection. D-Series canola hybrids are available exclusively from select independent and Co-op retailers and are backed with service from DuPont Canada. Purchases of D-Series canola hybrids will qualify you for the 2013 DuPont™ FarmCare® Connect Grower Program. Terms and Conditions apply.

Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. 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. © Copyright 2012 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

DP86 D-Series Canola_MC_FE_240.indd 1

www.dseriescanola.ca 27/08/12 3:43 PM

WELLINGTON / REUTERS El Niño weather conditions will likely be weak and short lived, according to New Zealand scientists. El Niño is a warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific that occurs every four to 12 years and can have farranging effects around the globe, particularly on food output. “A weak, short-lived El Niño is predicted for the spring and summer periods,” the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere said in its latest climate outlook. Sea surface temperatures have risen to above accepted El Niño levels, but other indicators such as the strength of trade winds are still close to normal. The El Niño would likely “decay” in the first quarter of 2013, the agency predicted.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

2012-13 crop year — so far, so good It’s early days but the grain pipeline is working smoothly in wake of the new open market for wheat and barley By Allan Dawson CO-OPERATOR STAFF

o far, so good. That sums up Western Canada’s 2012-13 crop year following the introduction of an open market for wheat and barley Aug. 1. But it’s still early days, say grain company officials. “It’s really too early to say a lot on the logistics side,” Ward Weisensel, CWB’s chief operating officer, said in an interview Sept. 6. “We’re pretty comfortable with where we’re sitting right now, but we need to see how this plays out. There’s huge demand on the West Coast (export capacity) and there are going to be challenges. But we’re comfortable with where we’re at.” The grain pipeline has been running smoothly, said Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Canadian Grain Elevator Association, which represents the major grain companies operating in the West. “Our members say they are generally pleased with how the transition has gone,” he said in an interview Sept. 10. “But it’s still early and there are still things to be worked out.” Although much of Manitoba’s cereal and canola crop is in the bin, harvest farther west is just getting underway. That means the grain pipeline has yet to be fully tested. Much of the grain that’s been shipped so far is still old crop, Weisensel said. He expects by

Asia-Pacific economies push for open farm trade MOSCOW / REUTERS

sia-Pacific finance ministers have agreed to bolster growth to fight economic headwinds from Europe and say free trade should be upheld on global farm markets as poor harvests force up grain prices. The 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) made the appeal to resist protectionist measures in the agriculture sector at talks in Russia, which faces its worst wheat harvest in nine years, while prolonged drought has decimated U.S. crops. The ministers highlighted “the need to avoid export bans,” an apparent reference to hosts Russia, which imposed a temporary embargo on grain exports two years ago after crops failed. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov backed the joint statement, telling a news conference that restrictions on farm trade “would not serve the general trend towards economic growth.”

October most of the grain moving through the system will be new crop. Western farmers are expected to harvest a bigger-than-average crop, according to Viterra. So far grain quality and protein have been excellent and that generally makes grain handling more efficient, Sobkowich said. In 2008, when Australia introduced an open market for wheat, grain exports bogged down due to a combination of railway problems and exporters, anxious to secure market share, overselling the country’s export handling capacity. But in an earlier interview CWB president and CEO, Ian White, an expatriate Australian, said Canada’s grain-handling system is different in that most grain companies own their own port facilities.

Different system

Canada’s grain transportation system still has the same potential problems as it did before the Canadian Wheat Board lost its monopoly over the sale of western wheat and barley destined for export or domestic human consumption. “Regardless of the system if there is something that disrupts it like an avalanche or huge rainfalls that will bear upon everyone, as it has in the past,” Weisensel said. “We’re going to be focused on our program as everyone else will be focused on their pro-

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Our members say they are generally pleased with how the transition has gone. But it’s still early and there are still things to be worked out.”

The supply-demand balance is expected to remain tight

WADE SOBKOWICH

grams. I’m confident people will work these things through, but time will tell.” There are reports CP Rail hasn’t been keeping up with car orders, but Weisensel said it has more to do with harvest being further advanced on the southern Prairies where CP Rail does most of the grain shipping. According to the Canadian Grain Commission’s weekly statistics as of Sept. 2, there was slightly more wheat, but 30 per cent less canola in the system compared to the same period last crop year. Farmer wheat deliveries were up 42 per cent, while canola deliveries were down eight per cent. It’s too early to read much into those figures, Weisensel said. Most of the difference probably reflects this year’s earlier harvest. Spring wheat protein is averaging around 13.5 per cent, which is higher than it has been for several years, Weisensel said. That’s putting pressure on protein premiums, with some companies not paying a premium

CWB announces 2012-13 initial payments for canola

on protein of more than 13.5 per cent. “If it continues to come off like I’m expecting (in the top grades) then I would expect you’d see protein premiums narrow in from what farmers have seen in recent years,” he said. “Through our pools that differential is still there, but I think overall when you have more protein it tends to be less valuable.” The CWB is still urging farmers to sign up for its early delivery and harvest pools. The deadlines are Sept. 28 and Oct. 31, respectively. “Our early delivery pool is a first come, first served,” Weisensel said. “One thing that’s true is capacity is tight; there is not unlimited capacity for early delivery into the system. From our perspective it’s important that farmers make decisions as quickly as they can, particularly to the early delivery pool, but even the harvest pool may be limited by what capacity is available.” allan@fbcpublishing.com

WB will pay far mers delivering canola into its Harvest Pool a $475-pertonne initial payment for No. 1 and $462 per tonne for canola graded No. 2, the company announced Sept. 4. The initial payments, which are guaranteed by the federal government, represent a portion of expected final returns. The current pool return outlook for No. 1 canola is $640 per tonne. The Harvest Pool sign-up deadline is October 31, 2012, with a marketing period that runs from harvest to June 30, 2013. Pool volume may be capped depending on farmer demand and logistical capacity, CWB says in a release. Farmer participation in CWB pools is based on a first-come, firstserved system. In its market commentary, CWB says the canola supplyand-demand balance is relatively tight and will remain strained through 2012-13 due to strong domestic and off-shore demand. “The Canadian canola crop is estimated at 14.7 million tonnes, somewhat less than expectations and, given anticipated demand, there is very little chance that ending stocks will increase year on year,” it said.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

WEATHER VANE

Instant info. With the Manitoba Co-operator mobile app you can stay up to date on all things ag. Download the free app at agreader.ca/mbc

I F T H E L A R K F L I E S H IGH, E X PEC T FA I R W E AT H E R .

Summer weather trying to hang on Issued: Monday, September 10, 2012 · Covering: September 12 – September 19, 2012 Daniel Bezte Co-operator contributor

e are starting to see a shift in the general weather pattern across much of Canada, but I’m not sure if this is really a fundamental change in the pattern or the pattern simply adjusting to the changing season. For this forecast period we’ll see a bit of a battle between a ridge of high pressure over western North America and a trough of low pressure over east-central North America. Right now it looks like Manitoba will be stuck on the dividing line between these two features, meaning this could be a tough forecast to figure out. Weather models show the western ridge weakening midweek, as an area of low pressure tracks across the northern Prairies. This will mean cool conditions on Wednesday and Thursday along with a mix of sun and clouds. The western ridge then looks to rebuild during the second half of the week and we should see temperatures warm back into the low

20s by Friday. Saturday should continue on the warm side before the central North American trough deepens, bringing cooler conditions on Sunday. This upper trough looks as if it will be in control for at least the first half of next week. This will mean fairly cool temperatures, with highs only in the mid-teens and overnight lows in the 3 to 5 C range. It doesn’t look right now as though there will be any widespread frost — but if there is any frost, the best chance will probably be Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Most days will probably start off with plenty of sunshine, but with cold air aloft and daytime heating we’ll likely see afternoon clouds. The western ridge looks as if it will rebuild eastward during the second half of next week. If this happens we should see temperatures warm back up into the low 20s. Usual temperature range for this period: Highs, 13 to 24 C; lows, 1 to 11 C. Daniel Bezte is a teacher by profession with a BA (Hon.) in geography, specializing in climatology, from the U of W. He operates a computerized weather station near Birds Hill Park. Contact him with your questions and comments at daniel@bezte.ca.

WEATHER MAP - WESTERN CANADA

1 Month (30 Days) Accumulated Precipitation (Prairie Region) August 8, 2012 to September 6, 2012

0 mm 0 - 5 mm 5 - 10 mm 10 - 15 mm 15 - 20 mm 20 - 25 mm 25 - 30 mm 30 - 40 mm 40 - 50 mm 50 - 60 mm 60 - 70 mm 70 - 80 mm 80 - 90 mm 90 - 100 mm 100 - 125 mm 125 - 150 mm 150 - 200 mm > 200 mm Extent of Agricultural Land Lakes and Rivers

Produced using near real-time data that has undergone initial quality control. The map may not be accurate for all regions due to data availability and data errors. Copyright © 2012 Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s National Agroclimate Information Service (NAIS). Data provided through partnership with Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and many Provincial agencies.

Created: 09/07/12 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

This issue’s map shows the total amount of precipitation that fell across the Prairies during the 30-day period ending on Sept. 6. Rainfall across much of the Prairies was low during this period, with most regions recording fewer than 30 millimetres. In Manitoba the only wet spot was the far northwest, where upward of 100 mm of rain were reported. These wet conditions continued across northern Saskatchewan and into north-central Alberta.

Warm summer, warm fall? August was unfortunately well below average for precipitation in most areas By Daniel Bezte CO-OPERATOR CONTRIBUTOR

rom most people’s perspective summer is now over and we are entering fall. A few locations in southeastern Manitoba even saw a touch of frost over the weekend. That means it’s time to take a look ahead to see what the longrange forecasters predict for this fall. But before we tackle that, we need to look back at both August and the summer as a whole to see how they stacked up. Looking back at August’s weather across agricultural Manitoba, we find that once again, the average monthly temperature for nearly every station came in above average. This makes it the 15th straight month with aboveaverage temperatures. This also continues the record for warmest 12-month period ever. The mean temperature from last September to the end of August was 6.0 C, which was well above the previous record of 5.6 C set back in 1877. August star ted off with fairly average temperatures,

with highs on most days in the mid- to upper 20s. Then around the middle of the month, some unseasonable cool air moved in and it looked like we might finally see an end to the aboveaverage monthly temperatures. Mother Nature then decided that summer wasn’t ready to end and we saw high pressure build back in and a return to warm and even hot conditions. Temp e ra t u re s p e a k e d o n t h e 29th when several locations broke records with highs in the 35 to 37 C range. Precipitation during August was, with the exception of the far northwestern region, below average. The month started off promising, with a number of locations seeing significant rains during the first week. After that the showers were few and

far between, and when they did come they were slight. By the end of the month the majority of agricultural Manitoba had received less than 60 per cent of what we usually expect to see during the month, with a fairly large area receiving less than 40 per cent of the average. When we look back at the summer as a whole it’s not surprising that we saw a b ov e - a v e r a g e t e m p e r a tures. The mean summer t e m p e ra t u re a c ro s s m o s t regions came in right around the 20 C mark, about 1.5 C warmer than average, but a full degree cooler than the re c o rd - w a r m s u m m e r o f 1988. Precipitation amounts recorded this summer in the northern third of agricultural Manitoba were between 115 and 150 per cent of average, while west-

The mean summer temperature across most regions came in right around the 20 C mark.

ern regions saw amounts right around average. Over south-central and eastern regions this summer was pretty dry, with most spots only seeing between 60 and 85 per cent of the average, and some only around 50 per cent. It would appear the forecast for a war m and dr y summer was partially true. Now, it’s time to take a look ahead and see what the different forecasters predict for this fall’s weather. Environment Canada calls for the mild weather to continue, as all of Manitoba is expected to see above-average temperatures from September through to November. Precipitation is not as well defined, but overall, EC calls for near-average amounts during this time period. Over at the Old Farmer’s Almanac they are also calling for above-average temperatures in September and November, with near-average temperatures in October. Precipitation, it says, will be near average this fall. The Canadian Farmers’ Almanac sings a little different tune for this fall. It appears to call

for near- to above-average temperatures in September as it mentions fair and pleasant several times. Temperatures then look to cool down to near or even slightly b e l ow a v e r a g e i n O c t o ber as it mentions fair and cold a few times. This cooling trend looks to continue into November as it seems it will be a colder-than-average month with several mentions of cold or turning colder. Precipitation this fall according to the Canadian Farmers’ Almanac will be near average for September and above a ve ra g e f o r Oc t o b e r a n d November. For November it mentions snow several times and calls for heavy snows late in the month. Finally, my forecast is for milder-than-average conditions to continue well into the fall. Along with the mild weather we’ll also see nearto slightly below-average amounts of precipitation. But as I have pointed out several times in the past, if I, or anyone else for that matter, was actually able to reliably predict the weather this far in advance, we would be rich!

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

CROPS Record-busting winter wheat crop eyed Manitoba farmers have set planting records two years in a row, but this fall’s seeding could far exceed that By Allan Dawson CO-OPERATOR STAFF

anitoba farmers are getting pretty fond of winter wheat and the head of Winter Cereals Manitoba hopes the romance continues to build. Farmers in the province grew a record 593,906 acres of winter wheat this year (double the 10-year average) and conditions are right for even more to be planted this fall, said Jake Davidson. “I’d like to see 725,000 acres of winter wheat,” said Davidson. “There’s been a good demand for seed.” And no wonder. This year’s winter wheat yields ranged between 50 and 100 bushels an acre, with yields in total expected to be average (65 bushels an acre) to above average, said Pam de Rocquigny, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives’ cereal specialist. This year’s winter wheat crop is also high quality, had very low fusarium head blight damage, higher-thanaverage protein, and was harvested early, with many fields in the central region combined before the end of July. But the icing on the icing was strong prices, ranging from $7 to $7.50 a bushel. And things are set up nicely for next year’s crop. Canola stubble is ideal for seeding winter wheat into and there’s plenty of that — a record 3.55 million acres of canola were grown in Manitoba this year, and much of it is already in the bin. To qualify for crop insurance coverage, winter wheat has to be seeded into “eligible stubble” as it is less vulnerable to winterkill. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) defines that as “stubble from a crop harvested in the same year that the winter wheat is seeded, with that stubble having not been disturbed by cultivation.” However, if the wheat survives the winter the corporation will insure it for the rest of the growing season. Other qualifying stubble crops are tame hay, tall fescue seed, rapeseed, barley, wheat, oats, mixed grain, triticale, flax, mustard, fall rye, canaryseed, ryegrass seed, timothy seed,

CDC Falcon shifts to general purpose class Aug. 1, 2014 Accounted for about 70 per cent of Manitoba’s winter wheat By Alan Dawson

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Conditions are right for Manitoba farmers to increase their winter wheat acres this fall. George Froese combined Ron Zacharias’s winter wheat south of Morden July 24. PHOTO: ALLAN DAWSON

alfalfa seed, hemp grain, sunflowers, corn, borage, millet, coriander, sorghum, sudan grass or buckwheat. The deadline for seeding winter wheat and getting full crop insurance coverage is Sept. 15. Farmers can seed until Sept. 20 but will get 20 per cent less coverage. Anything sown later than that isn’t eligible for crop insurance, even if it survives the winter, said David Van Deynze, MASC’s manager of claim services. Farmers should burn off weeds before seeding winter wheat and also kill any cereals growing in the field, said de Rocquigny. Living cereals can host the wheat curl mite, which can carry wheat streak mosaic that could infect the crop next year. Wheat streak mosaic is a virus and isn’t controlled with fungicides. Even though soils are dry, de Rocquigny recommends seeding winter wheat no deeper than one inch. Seeding deeper reduces the vigour of the emerging seedling. Ideally the crop should be in the three-leaf to tillering stage by freeze-up. Aim for a surviving plant population of 25 to 30 plants per square foot. That means taking seed germination and potential seedling mortality into account. Farmers should also soil test to determine how much fertilizer needs to be applied. Generally 30 to 40 pounds of phosphorus are recom-

mended at seeding time. It helps get the crop going in the fall and again in spring. Winter wheat doesn’t need much nitrogen in the fall (which can be lost under wet conditions), but it needs it early in the spring, said MAFRI’s fertility specialist John Heard. However, wet fields can delay or prevent the application, and spring-applied nitrogen can also be lost or stranded if it’s too dry — a dilemma Agriculture Canada researcher Byron Irvin describes as being “caught between a rock and a hard place.” His research found fall application can be effective, but during one wet year at a trial at the Brandon Research Station, fall-applied nitrogen was lost and the crop yield was cut 20 per cent. Farmers in the Red River Valley are at the highest risk of losing fallapplied nitrogen because their fields are so often wet, Irvin said in an interview last year. “I don’t have the data to suggest you should be using one of these protected nitrogen products there, but if I was farming there I probably would just do it because their risk of losing it is much higher than most of us (in the drier areas).” Protected nitrogen fertilizers like ESN, Super Nitrogen and Agrotain cost more, but should be considered under higher-risk conditions, he said.

CDC Falcon, Manitoba’s most popular winter wheat, will be shifted to the Canada Western General Purpose wheat class next August as long as there’s enough suitable replacement seed available. Moats and Flourish have performed as well as CDC Falcon in trials and meet the quality standards for the Canada Western Red Winter wheat class. There’s a lot of interest in another new winter wheat, W454, as it’s less susceptible to fusarium head blight, although trial results won’t be published until after harvest next year. CDC Falcon has accounted for about 70 per cent of Manitoba’s winter wheat acres, largely because of its good yield and short straw. But it failed to meet the end-use standards needed to better compete against American winter wheat. The general purpose class, which has no end-use quality standards, is aimed at serving livestock and ethanol producers. allan@fbcpublishing.com

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Western Canada wheat high in protein, but supplies plentiful The hot summer boosted protein levels in Canada as well as the U.S. By Rod Nickel WINNIPEG / REUTERS

“You can’t turn that extra protein into money.”

estern Canadian farmers are harvesting a spring wheat crop that looks to be well above average in protein content, but DOUG HILDERMAN they are unlikely to command NorAg Resources much of the usual premium this autumn due to abundant A year ago, the Minneapo- to the fermentation process supplies, analysts say. After two years of flood- lis spring wheat premium was in making bread, said Nancy ing, Western Canada is set to more than three times the cur- Edwards, program manager of bread wheat research for the produce its second-biggest rent level. The loss of traditional pre- CGC. all-wheat crop in 16 years. Millers often blend lowerGrowing conditions have been mium levels for high protein mostly favourable, but stress are unlikely to dampen farm- and higher-protein wheats to caused by midsummer heat ers’ mood much, however, achieve an average protein helped boost protein con- with big crops being harvested content specified by a custent by shrinking kernels and across much of the Prairies and tomer. In contrast to high-protein, reducing their starch produc- prices high, due to drought harming corn in the U.S. Mid- t o p - g r a d e m i l l i n g w h e a t , tion. “It’s high, and in some cases, west, and pulling up other crop demand is stronger than usual extremely high,” said Jonathon prices, said Chuck Penner, ana- for feed wheat, the lowestDriedger, market analyst for lyst at LeftField Commodity priced wheat grade, Penner said. Farmers have used feed FarmLink Marketing Solutions. Research. C a n a d a i s t h e b i g g e s t wheat this year as a substitute “There’s no shortage of proexporter of spring wheat, used for feeding livestock in parts tein.” of the United States because The United States is the big- for baking. Western Canadian spring corn supplies are lower than gest importer of Canadian wheat, but its winter wheat wheat averaged protein con- expected. For the most part, Canacrop was relatively high in pro- tent of 13.1 per cent last year tein this year, Driedger said, across all milling grades, down dian millers aren’t eager to and the northern Plains’ spring from the previous 10-year aver- buy wheat with higher than wheat production this year is age of 13.7 per cent, according 13.5 per cent protein, since expected to be larger than last to the Canadian Grain Com- it doesn’t perform any better above that level, said Doug mission (CGC). year. This year’s average spring Hilderman, vice-president of The premium of nearby Minneapolis spring wheat futures wheat protein content is 14.2 western grain merchandising to Chicago soft red winter per cent so far, based on 420 for Manitoba-based NorAg Resources. samples ofArea: all grades, mostly wheat was around cents Headline: 73 We know corn Type NA Colours: CMYK “You can’t turn that per bushel Sept. 4, recovering from Manitoba where the har- extra protein into money.” Publication: Manitoba Size: 6 x 6.625 Resolution: 300 ppi Canada’s two biggest millers somewhat after hitting itsCooperator low- vest is advanced, according to are Archer Daniels Midland Co. est level in late August since the CGC. MBC 2012-001 Bleed: NA Insertion January 12 and and P&H Milling Group. Protein levels are important October, 2010.IO: MBC 2012-002 Dates: February 2, 2012

Scientists are watching Ug99 closely There are fears it could spread farther By Alister Doyle OSLO /REUTERS

heat experts are stepping up monitoring of a crop disease first found in Africa in 1999 to minimize the spread of a deadly fungus that is also a threat in Asia, experts said Aug. 31. A “Rust-Tracker,” using data supplied by farmers and scientists, could now monitor the fungus in 27 developing nations across 42 million hectares (103 million acres) of wheat — an area the size of Iraq or California. “It’s the most serious wheat disease,” Ronnie Coffman, vice-chair of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI), told Reuters ahead of a meeting of wheat experts in Beijing from Sept. 1 to 4. “If it gets started... it’s like a biological firestorm,” he said. Experts will review progress in combating the disease, with fungicides and 20 new resistant varieties developed in recent years. The stem rust disease, forming reddish patches on plants like rust on metal, is known as Ug99 after it was found in Uganda in 1999. It has since spread as far as South Africa and north to Yemen and Iran.

Spreading

The fungus, which can destroy entire wheat fields, is likely eventually to be carried worldwide on the winds. The biggest threat in coming years is a spread across Asia to Pakistan, India and China, the world’s top producer, Coffman said. “Effective control often depends on finding out what is happening in distant regions, and the Rust-Tracker can help scientists assess the status of stem rust and other rust diseases,” said Dave Hodson, the developer of RustTracker. About 85 per cent of wheat now in production worldwide

was reckoned to be vulnerable to Ug99 and its variants, the BGRI estimated. Rich nations are far less vulnerable because they can afford to switch to new varieties or deploy fungicides.

Front line

Among developing nations, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Kenya, Nepal and Pakistan are on the front line of deploying rustresistant varieties. Coffman said that relatively minor amounts of wheat output had been lost so far. “The only country under immediate threat of a dramatic loss of production is Ethiopia,” he said. In Kenya, for instance, Ug99 had been brought largely under control because of shifts to new varieties. Another threat was from yellow rust, which has struck nations from Morocco to Uzbekistan in recent years. The Ug99 fungus is among threats to food supplies. A UN panel of scientists says that heat waves, floods and droughts — like the one affecting the United States this year — are likely to become more frequent because of manmade climate change. Scientists were also studying ways to limit a woody plant known as barberry, where the fungus also lives. Efforts to eradicate the plant in the 20th century seem to have reduced rust. And the rust had overcome a genetic resistance to the disease developed for wheat in the early 1970s by Norman Borlaug, the father of the “Green Revolution” that introduced higheryielding crop varieties, Coffman said. He said that rust had been known at least since Roman times. About 40 per cent of the U.S. crop was destroyed in the early 1950s when rust swept up from Mexico.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

Food crisis strengthens EU biofuel critics Non-crop feedstock requires higher investment By Barbara Lewis and Ivana Sekularac BRUSSELS/AMSTERDAM / REUTERS

This sign outside of Morden is a good reminder for motorists now that the kids are back in school. PHOTO: JEANNETTE GREAVES

rought-stricken crops and record-high grain prices have strengthened critics of the European Union biofuel industry, adding fears of a food crisis to their claims that it does not ultimately reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The renewed anxiety adds to pressure on the EU’s executive commission to forge a deal this year to help ensure that EU biofuels do not clash with food production or the environment. Such an agreement would remove some of the uncertainty that has hung over the multibillion-euro bioenergy industry during years of debate. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization last month called for a suspension of U.S. ethanol quotas as a response to the impact of the worst U.S. drought in more than half a century on corn supplies and prices. Ahead of a U.S. election, immediate change is unlikely. But the polemic highlights concerns that EU goals also stoke commodity volatility because they exaggerate inelasticity of demand. “The U.S. situation should be a warning for the EU that our inflexible biofuel mandate can lead to food price volatilities, especially as we are currently converting 65

per cent of our vegetable oils into biodiesel,” Nusa Urbancic, program manager at campaign group Transport and Environment, said. In the European Union, far more than in the United States, the raison d’être of biofuel is to lower carbon emissions. Urbancic and many other campaigners doubt it achieves that. “Science has also shown that biodiesel can be worse for the climate than conventional oil, once indirect impacts on forests and peatlands are included,” she said. Action plans drawn up by EU member states predict that bioenergy, including biomass for power generation and biofuel for transport, will provide more than 50 per cent of the EU share of renewable energy as part of 2020 climate goals. Use of biodiesel — dominant in Europe, while ethanol prevails in the United States — is expected to double by 2020 to 19.95 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe) from around 10 mtoe in 2010. The EU already has enough refining capacity at more than 22 million tonnes to cope with the projected doubling in biodiesel demand, according to Rabobank. But it faces daunting challenges in coming up with the investment and technology needed to move to feedstock, such as weeds, grass and waste stems, leaves and husks, that would take the pressure off grain supplies for food. It also needs to find inputs that

would no longer result in the clearing of environmentally sensitive forests and wetlands to plant fuel crops, an issue known as indirect land use change (ILUC). The costs of moving to new feedstocks are hard to specify because of variables including volatile commodity prices. “You can compare it with iPad; when it first came out, the price was much higher. But now the price has come down because of large-scale production,” Rabobank analyst Justin Sherrard said.

Policy conflict

EU sources have said the commission will attempt to get agreement before the end of the year on how to measure ILUC. The aim is to clarify the impact of biofuel policies on displacing food crops or driving unwelcome environmental change. For now, energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger has opposed raising a target of deriving 10 per cent of transport fuel from biofuels, as part of an overall goal to get 20 per cent of energy from renewables by 2020. For an industry keen for investment certainty, that means such policy predictability as there is expires in 2020. Apart from biofuels, bioenergy includes biomass, most commonly made up of wood pellets, for power generation.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Pancake puzzler: Maple syrup heist baffles Quebec Officials are still trying to determine how much was stolen By Julie Gordon toronto / reuters

hieves in Quebec may have pulled off the sweetest heist of all time, siphoning off a reservoir of maple syrup from a warehouse and cleverly covering up their caper to evade detection, an industry group said Aug. 31. T h e w a re h o u s e i n r u r a l Quebec held more than $30 million worth of maple syrup, a whopping 10 million pounds of the amber pancake topping. It w a s n o t c l e a r e x a c t l y how much of the sweet stuff was taken in the heist, which

occurred at some point over the last few days and was uncovered during a routine inventory check. “ We don’t know yet how much is missing — we do know it is significant,” said Anne-Mar ie Granger G odbout, executive director of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. Numerous barrels in the warehouse were emptied of their sticky contents. The remaining barrels need to be weighed and tested to ensure the syrup inside had not been tampered with. T h e r o b b e r s “w e re w i s e enough, they tried to hide

their crime,” said Granger G o d b o u t . “ We j u s t w a n t to make sure we know how much is missing and how much is still there.” The warehouse, some 160 kilometres (100 miles) northeast of Montreal, is one of many locations where Quebec’s maple syrup is temporarily stored ahead of sale and distribution. The agency believes the syrup was taken to be sold on the black market. Quebec’s provincial police force is investigating the robbery. With Quebec’s 2012 harvest expected to top 96 million pounds, the province pro-

Thieves with sticky fingers made off with maple syrup stored in a warehouse near Montreal. photo: REUTERS/Mathieu Belanger

duces some 75 per cent of the global supply of maple syrup, made from the sap of maple trees. All the syrup held by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers is insured and the agency maintains a stockpile of syrup that it likens to a “global strategic reserve,” according to a press release. “I c a n a s s u re y o u t h e re will be no shortage in maple syrup,” said Granger Godbout.

“We just want to make sure we know how much is missing and how much is still there.” Anne-Marie Granger Godbout

Executive director of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers

briefs

El Niño short and weak

THE

CANOLA

Reuters / El Niño weather conditions have emerged but will likely be weak and short lived, New Zealand scientists said Sept. 4. El Niño is a warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific that occurs every four to 12 years. “Borderline El Niño conditions are present in the tropical Pacific, and a weak, short-lived El Niño is predicted for the spring and summer periods,” the National Institute of Water and Atmosphere said in its latest climate outlook.

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12-09-05 1:14 PM

Publication: Manitoba Co-op

Jeannette

Richardson International has loaded its first wheat vessel at Churchill since the end of the CWB marketing monopoly. The MV New Legend Pearl was loaded with 27,500 tonnes of No. 2 Canadian Western Red Spring wheat on Aug. 25 and set sail for Colombia. Richardson’s vice-president of export marketing says the Port of Churchill has become “more accessible to us” since CWB lost its monopoly on wheat and export barley. “Being headquartered in Manitoba, we are pleased to have quickly identified opportunities to make use of Manitoba’s port in the new grain-marketing environment,” said Terry James. Richardson, which first shipped from Churchill in 1929, is planning more shipments of grains and oilseeds from the port before the close of the shipping season, the company said.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Ethanol output to drop 10 per cent

BLOOMING BUCKWHEAT

The sector is suffering from high prices too By Charles Abbott WASHINGTON / REUTERS

.S. ethanol production will fall by 10 per cent in the coming year as rising prices from the drought cut exports in half, a University of Missouri think-tank forecast on Aug. 28. The Obama administration is weighing whether to relax a requirement to use cornbased ethanol in gasoline as meat and dairy farmers complain that demand for cornbased biofuels is driving up the cost of food. But the record-high corn prices caused by the worst drought in half a century will cause a 10 per cent decline in ethanol production next year, according to the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, or FAPRI. “Higher ethanol prices contribute to sharply reduced ethanol exports and increased imports, but domestic ethanol consumption declines by just two per cent,” said the newly updated FAPRI forecast. Ethanol output will fall to 12.4 billion gallons next year compared to 13.8 billion gallons this year, according to the forecast. Exports would drop to 505 million gallons from nearly 1.1 billion gallons this year. V irginia G over nor Bob McDonnell joined governors of seven other states — Texas, Georgia, New Mexico, Arkansas, North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware — in asking the Environmental Protection Agency for relief from the so-called ethanol mandate. They say the Renewable Fuels Standard is disrupting livestock production and causing severe economic harm. The so-called ethanol mandate guarantees use of 13.2 billion gallons of ethanol in 2012 and 13.8 billion gallons in 2013. An ethanol trade group estimates production will total 13.4 billion gallons during 2012, a reduction from earlier estimates. “It c o u l d b e l owe r t h a n that depending upon market conditions through the rest of the year,” said the Renewable Fuel Association. The trade group had no forecast for 2013.

It is still unknown how the later crops like this buckwheat, and corn or soybeans fared with the lack of rain this summer.

PHOTO: LES MCEWAN

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31/08/12 12:48 PM

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

briefs

BASF says new compostable plastic a “game changer” Chemical giant BASF says it has made “a gamechanging breakthrough towards sustainable snack-food packaging.” The packaging is both cost competitive and is fully compostable, the company claims, adding earlier attempts by other companies to come up with green packages “fell short of consumer expectations.”

Frito-Lay introduced a 100 per cent compostable bag for its SunChips line of chips in 2009, but it was withdrawn for most of the line after consumer complaints. The material was stiff and people said it made a loud crinkling noise, making it unsuitable in places such as movie theatres. BASF says it has developed a new plastic, partly derived from cornstarch, that is supple and breaks down in a few weeks under industrial composting plants, which ensure temperatures and humidity, as well as micro-organism and oxygen levels, are ideal.

Supercomputers to replace frogs in forecasting monsoon? Indian crops depend on time and amount of annual rainy season By Ross Colvin and Jatindra Dash new delhi / reuters

SHARE YOUR VIEWS

About the Bipole III Hydro Transmission Project You’re invited to participate in the review of Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole III Transmission Project Proposal. Manitoba Hydro proposes to construct a 500kV high-voltage DC hydro transmission line originating at the site for the proposed Conawapa generating station near the mouth of the Nelson River. Running along the west side of Manitoba, the proposed line will cross south central Manitoba and terminate near Winnipeg. The Manitoba Clean Environment Commission, as requested by the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship, will conduct a public hearing about the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of constructing and operating this proposed project. Public sessions will take place in locations along or near the proposed route, as follows: Winnipeg

October 1- 5

Fort Garry Spa and Conference Centre

222 Broadway

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gillam

October 10

Gillam Recreation Centre

235 Mattonabee Ave.

7 p.m.– 9 p.m.

October 11

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thompson

October 15 October 16

Juniper Centre

108 Nelson Rd.

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Pas

October 17

Kikiwak Inn and Conference Centre

Hwy. 10

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

October 18

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dauphin

October 22

Watson Arts Centre

104-1st Ave. SW

Portage

October 24

Canad Inn

2401 Saskatchewan Ave. 9:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Niverville

October 26

Niverville Heritage Centre

100 Heritage Trail

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Winnipeg

October 29 - 31

Fort Garry Spa and Conference Centre

222 Broadway

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November 1

Fort Garry Spa and Conference Centre

222 Broadway

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

November 5 - 7

Fort Garry Spa and Conference Centre

222 Broadway

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November 8

Fort Garry Spa and Conference Centre

222 Broadway

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

November 13 - 15 Winnipeg Convention Centre

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November 19 - 22 Winnipeg Convention Centre

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Additional days in Winnipeg may be added as necessary. Schedule changes will be posted at www.cecmanitoba.ca and announced at the appropriate sessions. Using the information gathered from this hearing, the Commission will prepare a report for the minister, with recommendations regarding the issuance of an Environment Act Licence. The project proposal may be viewed at www.cecmanitoba.ca Printed copies may be viewed at Public Registry offices. Call the number below to ask about the Public Registry nearest to your location.

Register Today If you, your group or organization is interested in making a presentation at one of these hearing sessions, please register at least seven (7) days prior to the session. All presentations will be limited to 15 minutes unless prior arrangements have been made with the Commission office. To register, please complete a presenter registration form available at www.cecmanitoba.ca and submit it to the Commission office or contact them directly.

Written Submissions If you prefer, you may also submit a written submission. The deadline for written submissions is November 1, 2012. This can be done directly through the website or by mail: The Manitoba Clean Environment Commission 305-155 Carlton St. Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8

For more information Phone: 204-945-0594 or 1-800-597-3556 (toll free) Email: cec.gov.mb.ca

cientists aided by supercomputers are trying to unravel one of Mother Nature’s biggest mysteries — the vagaries of the summer monsoon rains that bring life, and sometimes death, to India every year. In a first-of-its-kind project, Indian scientists aim to build computer models that would allow them to make a quantum leap in predicting the erratic movements of the monsoon. If successful, the impact would be life changing in a country where 600 million people depend on farming for their livelihoods and where agriculture contributes 15 per cent to the economy. The monsoon has been dubbed by some as India’s “real finance minister.” “Ultimately it’s all about water. Ever ybody needs water and whatever amount of water you get here is mainly through rainfall,” said Shailesh Nayak, secretary of the Earth Sciences Ministry. India typically receives 75 per cent of its annual rain from the June-September monsoon as moisture-laden winds sweep in from the southwest of the peninsula. The importance of the re c e n t l y l a u n c h e d f i v e year “monsoon mission” has been underscored by this summer’s patchy and below-average rains, which have provoked much anxious skywatching and fears of drought in India’s northwest, even as floods in the northeast displaced two million people and killed more than 100. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar cautioned that there was no need for alarm just yet, although he fretted that the monsoon w a s “p l a y i n g h i d e - a n d seek.” Working with counterparts in the United States and Britain, Indian scientists are trying to crack the monsoon’s “source code” using super-fast computers to build the world’s first shortrange and long-range computer models that can give much more granular information about the monsoon’s movements. This would help India conserve depleting water resources and agricultural output would get a boost as farmers would be able to plan their crops better.

Extending short-term forecasts

More than half of the arable land in India, one of the world’s biggest producers Share Your Views - Bipole Ad size: 6.13” wide x 175 lines deep Manitoba Cooperator PO#:4500790743

“We were able to guess from the nature of the croaking of frogs if there would be any rain in the near future.” Trilocha Pradhan Farmer

of cotton, rice, sugar and wheat, is rain fed. A successful monsoon means rural residents have more money to spend on everything from motorcycles to refrigerators. “ We d o f e e l u n d e r a lot of pressure,” said S.C. Bhan, senior scientist at the India Meteorological Office (IMD), when asked about the challenges the IMD faces in trying to correctly predict the monsoon’s movements. The weather office publishes a forecast in April predicting how much rain will fall over the four months and whether the monsoon will be “normal.” It does this by comparing s e a t e m p e ra t u re s, w i n d speeds and air pressure with data from the past 50 years. Despite advances in computer weather models, the statistical model remains the most accurate longrange forecaster of monsoon rains, Bhan said. But only up to a point. Many of the weather office’s long-range summer monsoon predictions last year were inaccurate. It also struggled to predict extreme weather events such as the drought in 2009 — a year when it had forecast normal monsoon rains. Several farmers in Maharashtra state, already at the end of their tether and deeply in debt after buying fertilizer and seeds, reportedly killed themselves in June after rains abruptly stopped, farmers’ rights activist Kishor Tiwari said. Many farmers ignore the weather forecasts and rely instead on Hindu astronomical almanacs and signs in nature. “We were able to guess f r o m t h e n a t u re o f t h e croaking of frogs if there would be any rain in the near future,” said Trilocha Pradhan, 63, who far ms about seven acres of rice paddy in the mostly agricultural state of Odisha. “ Su c h c r o a k i n g i s r a r e today,” he added, blaming the effects of climate change.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Collective farm emblematic of Russia’s new farm scene Banner of Lenin collective farm transforming itself into entrepreneurial force By Melissa Akin STAROSHCHERBINOVSKAYA, RUSSIA / REUTERS

his year’s wheat, piled in steel sheds on the Banner of Lenin collective farm, shimmers greyish gold in the dusty air, a vision of plenty worthy of a Soviet propaganda poster. In Soviet times, the 15,000-hectare farm in Russia’s Black Sea breadbasket region of Krasnodar, stuck to growing wheat, but over the past two decades has turned itself into a one-billion-ruble- ($31-million-) per-year business producing wheat, fruit, sausages and sugar. It sells its 45,000 to 50,000 tonnes of high-quality milling wheat at the farm gate to be shipped to consumers such as Turkey. It is emblematic of a Russian agriculture industry trying to establish itself as a global force. That’s a far cry from the time of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who launched collectivization on these lands nearly 80 years ago. The town’s Bible was seized, its church razed and its people left to starve. State quotas still governed the farm when Yuri Kharaman, a wiry man in his late 50s with a permanent sunburn from life in the fields, took over as the collective’s chairman. “We don’t have that pressure anymore. We can focus on profit per hectare,” said Kharaman, who drives a sport utility vehicle and, like other members of the collective, owns a five-hectare share of the farm’s land. Although hit twice by drought in the last three years, Russia is thinking big and aiming for grain exports of 40 million to 50 million tonnes by 2020. For the Banner of Lenin farm, Russia’s re-emergence has brought modest prosperity and money for better technology, including John Deere combines to replace older models made in the nearby city of Rostov.

billions of dollars in investment to modernize and expand to match Russia’s export ambitions. Wealth has been slow to trickle down to farmers, too. The collective’s shareholders receive 720 rubles per month in profits, plus a share of the farm’s output, which has expanded to include fruit, vegetables, flour, sugar and sausage, all produced and marketed under the Banner of Lenin brand. Average monthly salaries for the 1,100 regular employees are 21,000 rubles, and up to 30,000 ($920) for machinery operators. Kharaman is among those who worry that Russia could

again ban exports, leaving his farm to sell at depressed domestic prices. “When wheat costs $300 on the world market, and we get $150, we can’t buy new combines, planters or tractors,” Kharaman said. The town got its Bible back after Soviet rule collapsed, and there are plans to reconstruct the long-destroyed church. Kharaman says he hopes the church will serve as a moral guide for his people. “Before, we had Communist ideology, which had elements of religion,” Kharaman said. “Now there is no ideology at all, and there is a vacuum.”

A worker watches sunflower seeds being loaded on a private farm in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region. The seeds are dried and sold as a snack, a great favourite across Russia. PHOTO: REUTERS/VLADIMIR KONSTANTINOV

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The potential for growth has not escaped the attention of Russia’s wealthy businessmen or the world’s largest agribusiness companies. Oleg Deripaska, owner of the world’s largest aluminum company, owns an 84,000-hectare farm in his hometown of Ust-Labinsk north of the regional capital of Krasnodar. And along the North Caucasus Railway, which carries much of Russia’s export grain to the Black Sea Port of Novorossiisk, stand Soviet-built grain elevators, now owned by Glencore, Louis Dreyfus, Cargill and Bunge. It’s a sharp contrast to the final decades of the Soviet era, marked by heavy dependence on grain imports and a mass slaughter of livestock in the ’90s because of feed shortages. That had another consequence: Russia met the global commodity boom with its grain storage and transport infrastructure configured for import. It now requires

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Manitoba Co-operator: Junior page -8.125” x 10”

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Despite reforms, Cuba is growing less food than five years ago The government says working to broaden reforms By Marc Frank HAVANA / REUTERS

uba is producing less food than it did five years ago despite efforts to increase agriculture production, the government reported Aug. 31. Some export crops and farm output aimed at substituting food imports registered minor gains, but overall output last year remained below 2007 levels, according to a report issued by the National Statistics Office. The government has also reported that food prices rose 20 per cent in 2011. Cuban President Raul Castro has made increasing food production a priority since he took over as president from his ailing brother, Fidel, in 2008.

The communist country imports up to 70 per cent of its food and is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to boost production of rice, beans, coffee and milk and reduce imports. D o m e s t i c p ro d u c t i o n o f two Cuban food staples has increased, the government said. Rice production reached 5 6 6 , 4 0 0 t o n n e s c o m p a re d with 439,600 tonnes in 2007, and farmers produced 133,000 tonnes of beans with 97,200 tonnes in 2007. To stimulate production, Castro has decentralized decisionmaking, opened up more space for farmers to sell directly to consumers and raised prices the state pays for produce. He has stopped short of allowing market forces to take hold and drive production.

Marino Murillo, who is leading efforts to steer Cuba’s statedominated economy in a more market-fr iendly direction, announced in July that a government effort to reduce state bureaucracy in the agriculture sector had recently been completed. Speaking to the National Assembly, he outlined plans for separating quasi-co-operatives from the state and allowing them to operate like private cooperatives. These operations, formed by state-run companies in the mid-1990s on 30 per cent of Cuba’s arable land, have performed poorly. Murillo also said at that time that a land-lease program begun in 2008 involving some 170,000 farmers would be expanded to allow up to five times more land per individual.

Cuban farmhand Bienvenido Castillo, nicknamed Lilly, carries a wooden stake while doing chores on his neighbour’s dairy farm in Aranguito near Havana. In spite of his age at 74 years old and having underwent a colostomy, he works some 16 hours and walks at least nine miles (14 km) a day. PHOTO: REUTERS/DESMOND BOYLAN

Private farmers produce the bulk of the food in Cuba on a fraction of the land. This has led farmers and agricultural

experts inside and outside the country to call on the state to pull back further and let market forces drive the sector.

BRIEFS

Eastern European maize a rare bright spot

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KIEV / REUTERS / Eastern European maize crops have survived a summer drought, but exporters are unlikely to benefit as domestic buyers seek alternatives to wheat and barley ravaged by the heat. Top maize producers in the Black Sea region — Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria and Romania — are likely to produce a total of 37 million tonnes of maize this year, compared to 39.7 million tonnes in 2011. However, most is expected to replace feed wheat, whose output has drastically fallen this year amid soaring temperatures. Hot, dry weather in some European Union countries has severely hit prospects for this year’s EU maize harvest, adding pressure to a world market already reeling from huge drought damage in the U.S.

Ukraine may limit wheat exports in 2013 Ukraine may limit wheat exports in early 2013 to keep a lid on prices after the wheat harvest declined this year, traders and analysts say. The government has set 2012-13 maximum export volumes at 19.4 million tonnes of grain, including 4.0 million of wheat. The former Soviet republic has already exported 1.3 million tonnes of wheat and may sell the rest of the agreed volume in the next two or three months, followed by a halt in exports.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

crop report

First frost of the season but no damage to crops Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives – Report for September 10, 2012 Weekly Provincial Summary

• Hot, dry conditions across most of Manitoba allowed for excellent harvest progress. • In some areas of Manitoba, frost was reported early Sunday, Sept. 9 but no reports of crop damage have been received. • Harvest of spring cereals is 95 per cent complete. Canola harvest ranges from 70 to 100 per cent complete. Flax, edible beans, soybean and potato harvest continues. • G rain, corn and sunflowers are maturing quickly. Silage corn harvest has started. • Seeding of winter wheat continues across Manitoba. • Precipitation would be welcomed to aid in winter wheat stand establishment, fall field work and replenishing soil moisture reserves and dugouts.

Southwest Region

Wheat harvest is 90 per cent complete and yields are average with good quality. Barley is also 90 per cent complete with below-average yields and below-average quality. Oats are 90 per cent complete with average yields and average quality. Canola is 70 per cent complete with average to belowaverage yield with good quality. Flax is 15 per cent complete and yields to date are below average. Sunflowers and corn are starting to dry down, aided by warm and dry conditions. Soybeans are starting to mature. Producers have started to seed fall rye and winter wheat. Fall weed control has begun in most of the region. Several pastures are about done

and some producers are starting to supplemental feed. Dugouts are about 50 per cent full with older dugouts at 30 per cent full.

Northwest Region

Soil moisture conditions are dry causing poor conditions for fall tillage operations and causing delays in planting of fall-seeded crops. Post-harvest herbicide applications are being made. The wheat harvest is 95 per cent complete with reported yields averaging 45 bu./acre. About 75 to 80 per cent of the canola crop has been harvested with yields varying between 15 and 50 bu./acre with an average of 23 bu./acre. Flax has yet to be harvested; yields are expected to be lower partly due to the presence of asters yellow. Silage corn has matured to the dent stage of growth. Some soybeans have just reached R7 stage with a good yield outlook. Straw supplies appear to be adequate throughout the area. Second-cut hay operations are winding down with some localized shortages reported from areas that had suffered excess moisture over the growing season. Pasture growth has nearly halted because of the continuing dry fall conditions.

Central Region

T h e f i r s t re p o r t s o f f ro s t occurred over the weekend, with no indication of crop damage. Most of the region is waiting for rain to aid in fall field work and improve seedbed and germination conditions for fall cereals. Quality is generally good, although canola dockage

is higher than average due to small seeds. Many of the reseeded canola fields have yielded higher than the earlierseeded fields. Flax has turned and harvesting has begun, with yields in the 10 to 20 bu./acre range. Edible bean harvest continues. Yields are respectable, especially given the dry conditions. Quality is very good but dry seed is a concern. S oy b e a n s a r e m a t u r i n g quickly and harvest continues. Early harvest reports are in the 20 to 35 bu./acre range, with some higher yields seen. Corn is generally denting but some fields are physiologically mature. Harvest is imminent for some of the earliest-maturing varieties. Early potato yields and quality are average to above average. Winter wheat seeding continues with increased acres going in. Majority of seeding is complete in eastern parts of the region. Seed supplies for winter wheat and fall rye are tight due to increased demand. Livestock water supplies continue to decline in most areas with some pumping occurring to fill dugouts. Some producers are cleaning out their dugouts with low water levels and some new dugouts are being constructed. Pasture growth is slow. Those that are rotationally grazed or have lower stocking rates are in better condition, but most pastures continue to suffer due to warm, dry conditions. Secondcut hay is almost complete and yields are below normal. Hay

When something needs to be said, you say it.

Many of the reseeded canola fields have yielded higher than the earlier-seeded fields.

supplies are tight and prices are higher as a result.

Eastern Region

In some areas of the region, a slight frost early Sunday morning was noted but no reports of crop damage have been received. Canola harvest was completed last week. Yield reports range widely from 22 to 35 bu./acre. Sunflowers are transitioning to the R9 growth stage. The drydown and browning of bracts are noted as producers monitored their fields for desiccation timing. Soybean maturity progressed rapidly with about 60 per cent of the crop in the R8 to 95 per cent brown pod growth stage. About 25 per cent of soybean acres are harvested in southern districts last week with average yields of 25 bu./acre. Corn is transitioning to the R6 growth stage. Many producers completed winter wheat seeding last week. In regards to winter feed supply level, hay is rated as 25 to 65 per cent adequate, straw is 80 to 90 per cent adequate, greenfeed is 70 per cent adequate and feed grains are 25 to 80 per cent adequate. The condition of the majority of pasture lands in the Eastern Region is rated as poor to

very poor. Availability of livestock water is rated as 25 to 40 per cent inadequate.

Interlake Region

A light frost was experienced in many areas of the North Interlake on Sunday morning. Canola yields are below average in the 25 bu./acre range. There are local highlights where yields of individual fields topped 40 bu./ acre. Cereal crop yields are average on most farms. Post-harvest herbicide application is delayed as weed seed and volunteer emergence is poor due to dry conditions. A general rain would improve winter wheat emergence and soil conditions for fall tillage. Alfalfa seed desiccation has started on many fields and some harvesting has taken place on very dry areas. Third-cut haying operations continue in eastern parts of the region. Hay shortages are expected in the southwest and many other localized areas around the region. Corn silage harvest is general in the South Interlake with average to above-average yields. Pasture growth is slow due to dry conditions. Water supply issues are arising.

Manitoba’s Controlled Crop Residue Burning Program

Always Call Before You Burn

1-800-265-1233 Stubble burning restrictions Manitoba’s crop residue burning regulation restricts daytime burning between August 1 and November 15. Burning at night is illegal. Burning within Burning Permit Areas requires a permit issued by Manitoba Conservation. If you do not comply, you may be fined as much as $50,000.

Join the young Canadians who are speaking up for agriculture.

If you must burn, be responsible

Are you passionate about agriculture? Do you enjoy sharing your views with others? Join the upcoming Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition.

Before you burn straw, stubble or chaff this fall, call 1-800-265-1233 or visit manitoba.ca to find out whether burning is allowed in your area that day.

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 28th annual Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition takes place on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 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. The application deadline is September 30, 2012.

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

Burning is permitted only on days when the weather conditions allow for effective smoke dispersion. It is essential that you make sure appropriate fireguards are in place during a burn and you must supervise your fires at all times.

Consider the alternatives In most years, crop residue management practices can reduce or eliminate the need to burn. For more information, contact your local Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Growing Opportunities Centre or visit manitoba.ca.

Manitoba Cooperator 4" x 100 lines

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

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TOTAL: ______________________ tion Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, 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 1-800-782-0794. The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to Manitoba Co-operator and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Manitoba Co-operator and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well as Manitoba Co-operator and Farm Business Communication assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all information provided.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GUN & MILITARIA SHOW Sunova Centre West St Paul Rec Centre 48 Holland Rd Located North of the North Perimeter Hwy between McPhillips & Main St off Kapelus Rd WINNIPEG, MB. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Adults $4.00 – Women free Children under 12 accompanied by an adult free There will be dealers from Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba Show Sponsored by the MCC of C

ANTIQUES ANTIQUES Antiques For Sale AUCTION SALE SEPT 22ND, 10:00am Miami. Many antiques including, crocks, lamps, furniture, pictures, harness, etc. Phone:(204)435-2106. RED BARN ANTIQUE SALE Sept 24th 3:00pm-7:00pm, Sept 25th to Sept 29th 11:00am-5:00pm. Hwy 59 South to Grande Pointe. www.theredbarnantiques.blogspot.com

AUCTION DISTRICTS Parkland – North of Hwy 1; west of PR 242, following the west shore of Lake Manitoba and east shore of Lake Winnipegosis. Westman – South of Hwy 1; west of PR 242. Interlake – North of Hwy 1; east of PR 242, following the west shore of Lake Manitoba and east shore of Lake Winnipegosis. Red River – South ofHwy 1; east of PR 242.

The Pas

Birch River

Swan River Minitonas Durban

Winnipegosis

Roblin

Dauphin

Grandview

Ashern

Gilbert Plains

Fisher Branch

Ste. Rose du Lac Russell

Parkland

Birtle

Riverton Eriksdale

McCreary

Gimli

Shoal Lake

Langruth

Neepawa

Hamiota

Gladstone

Rapid City

Reston Melita

Brandon

Carberry

Treherne

Killarney

Pilot Mound Crystal City

Elm Creek

Sanford

Ste. Anne

Carman

Mariapolis

Lac du Bonnet

Beausejour

Winnipeg

Austin

Souris

Boissevain

Stonewall Selkirk

Portage

Westman

Waskada

Interlake

Erickson Minnedosa

Virden

Arborg

Lundar

St. Pierre

242

Morris Winkler Morden

Altona

Steinbach

Red River

AUCTION SALES AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland AUCTION SALE FOR Henry & Helena Wieler Sat., Sept 29th 11:00am. 9-mi South of Gladstone, MB on Hwy 34 till Rd 74N 3-mi East till Rd 62W 1/4-mi South yard #73129. Tractors Trucks: 1957 820 JD pup start; 18.4x34 single hyds PTO power steering; 1974 1135 MF 2 hyds PTO 18.4x38 duals; 1966 1100 MF Allied Ldr; 18.4x34 clamp on Duals 2 hyds PTO 10,600-hrs; 1974 1370 White 4,950-hrs Ldr 3-PTH PTO single hyds; 1985 Ford F150 6 cyl 4-SPD 209,230-km; 1970 Dodge 300 318 eng 4-SPD box & hoist; Seeding & Tillage: 21-ft. MF 63 Press Drill; 12-ft. JD Press Drill; 10-ft. Glencoe 3-PTH Cult; Single furrow Breaking Plow; 18-ft. Co-op Deep Tiller; 18-ft. Glencoe Cult; 22-ft. Cockshutt Tandem Disc; 21-ft. Cockshutt Cult; 15-ft. Glencoe Cult; 14-ft. Ford Deep Tiller; 15ft. IHC single Disc; 12-ft. MF single Disc; 5-16 JD Plow; 4-14 IHC Plow; 18-ft. Pony Harrows; 2 Ring Co-op Harrows; 4 like new Cranks for Co-op Harrows; 56-ft. Vers Sprayer; 7-ft. 3-PTH Blade; 6-ft. Trailer type brush Mower; 6-ft. 3-PTH Finishing mower; 6-ft. Buhler 3-PTH Rotovator; 7-ft. Allied 3-PTH Snowblower; Haying & Cattle Equip: 8-ft. Allied Bucket & Grapple; 486 New Idea Rd Baler; 15-ft. Vers Swather w/PU Reel; Swather Transport; 15-ft. Vers pt Swather; 400 Vers swather for parts; 16-ft. IHC pt swather for parts; MF side delivery Rake; 15 Bale Stooker; IHC Manure Spreader; 8in.x50-ft. Vers PTO Auger; 3 Rd Bale Feeders; Squeeze Chute; 3-PTH Post hole auger w/6, 9, 12in. bits; 3-Ton Truck frame Bale Wagon; Big M farm Wagon; JD Farm Wagon; Model T Ton truck Chassis (wagon); 2-Ton Trailer w/Box & Hoist; 17-in. PTO Krushel Hammermill; 8-in. Grain Roller; Calf Puller; Bale elevator; Misc & Shop Equip: 18.4x38 Duals; Single Row PTO Corn Picker; Baler type Log Splitter; 1/2-Ton Cattle Rack; Spring Harrow Teeth; 18-HP Simplicity 44-in Riding Mower; 6.5-HP Garden Tiller; 6.75-HP self propelled Lawn Mower; 5000W gas Power Plant; Skill Saw; Table Saw; 45 Husqvarna Chain Saw; elect Cut off Saw; Wood Lathe; Gas Weed Eater; 250A LKS Welder w/DC adapter; Hyd Floor Jack; 20-Ton Hyd Jack; 2 RR Jacks; Shop Power Tools; 6-in. bench Vice; Fencing Tools; assort of Wrenches; measuring Wheel; 3, 300-gal Fuel Tanks; Platform Scale; 1/2Ton Tool Box; 4, P185/65R14 Tires & Rims; RR Iron; HD Battery Charger; 20-ft. alum ext ladder; Wheel Barrow; Rope Maker; Garden Seeder; Horse Drawn Equip; 1 row JD Corn Cult; 1 row Corn Cult; Hay Rake; Farm Wagon; Steel Wagon Wheels; Antiques & Collectibles: G JD Grill; 10-gal Red Wing Crock; 2-gal Red Wing Crock; Chest of Drawers; 27x38-in. Kitchen Table; Kraut Shredder; Galvanized Bath Tub w/feet; Barn Lantern; Ford Signs; Tobacco Tins; School Desk; Household. Website www.nickelauctions.com Terms Cash or Cheque w/ID Lunch served. Subject to additions & deletions. Not responsible for any errors in description. GST & PST will be charged where applicable. Everything Sells AS IS Where Is All Sales Final Owners & auction company are not responsible for any accidents on sale site sale conducted by Nickel Auctions Ltd. Dave Nickel & Marv Buhler auctioneers Phone (204)637-3393 cell (204)856-6900 owner (204)385-2096.

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake

AUCTION SALE FOR KEITH & KATHY ARTHUR Sat., Sept 22nd 12:00pm 1-mi West of Gladstone, MB on Hwy 16 till yard #66028. Yardman 20-HP 46-in. cut Riding Lawn Tractor; 5.5-HP Garden Tiller; 38-in. Lawn Sweep; Elect Garden Tiller; 2000 Polaris Sportsman 500 4x4, 4 Wheeler; independent shaft drive; 18-ft. Camper; 14-ft. alum & Trailer; 14-ft. Fibre Glass Boat; 55-HP older Merc out board eng; 18-HP Evinrude outboard eng; Minn Kota 40-lb thrust foot control trolling motor; 4, 8x8in. Trailer Tires; Equip & Shop Tools: Milestone Potatoe Seed Cutter; 36-in. Potatoe Grader; 8x17ft. Cattle Rack for Trailer; A150C JD DSL construction Heater; Power Hacksaw; 6-in. Bench Grinder; 1, 500-gal Fuel Tanks & Stand; 1, 500-gal fuel tank (2 comp); 2, 300-gal Fuel Tanks & Stands; Air Compressor; elect Simoniz Pressure Washer; 8-in. Bench Vice; Acetylene welder & Cart; Piston Pressure pump; elect Pressure Pump; Engine Stand; 12V Power Inverter; elect Power Tools; Tool Boxes; Pipe Wrenches; Wrenches; Socket Sets; Hyd Jacks; Hyd Cyl; Bolt Bins; Pintol Hitches; assort of Conveyor Belting; Shaft RPM Gauge; Poulon Chain Saw; Port elect Panel Breaker Boxes; Barrels; Western Saddle (10 yr old); elect Shop Heater; Plastic wheel Barrow; Household: Cress model #FX-23P elect Ceramic Kiln; Pet Supplies; Pet Carriers; Garden Tools. More household than listed. Antiques & Collectibles: farm style Baker MFG Co Wind Mill; 2, 5-gal Cream Cans; 4-gal Red Wing Crock. Plus misc. Website www.nickelauctions.com Terms Cash or Cheque w I.D. lunch served Subject to additions & deletions Not responsible for any errors in description. GST & PST will be charged where applicable Owners & auction company are not responsible for any accidents on sale site. Sale conducted by Nickel Auctions Ltd Dave Nickel & Marv Buhler Auctioneers Ph (204)637-3393 cell (204)856-6900.

MCSHERRY AUCTION SERVICE LTD Acreage Auction Leonard & Gladys Ciszewski Sun., Sept 23rd 10:00am Winnipeg Beach. #8 Hwy & 229 Jct Go North 3-mi on Hwy # 8 then 1-mi West on Rd 105 then South 50 yards on Rd 18E. Auction Note: Moving to Town & No Longer Need these Items! Everything Sells to the Highest Bidder. Contact: (204)642-5685. Tractor & Equip: Kubota L 4200 MFWA 3PH 540 PTO dual hyd w/Kubota 680 FEL, HM Cab 741-hrs; Ford 951 3PH 5 Rotary Mower; Inland 8A-73 3PH Snowblower Hyd Chute; King Kutter 3PH 6-ft. Blade; 3PH 6-ft. Cult; Yard: Kubota ZD 18-HP DSL Zero Turn hyd 60-in. Cult; Poulan 11-HP 30-in. Snowblower Elec Start & Cab; Noma 12-HP R Mower nr; HM Yard Sprayer; Grass Sweep; Gas Weed Eater Redimax; Cordless Pole Saw; Elec Chain Saw; Back Pack Sprayer; Wheel Barrow; Hand Yard Tools; Plastic Snow Fence; Vintage Vehicle & Rec: 75 International Scout II 4x4 106,000-km, Restored Sft; Honda Big Red 3 Wheeler; ATV Trailer; Evinrude 16-HP Outboard; Mercury 9.8 Outboard; Yamaha EF 3000 Generator; 4-ft. Poly Sleigh; Pedal Bikes; Golf Clubs; Smoker; Camping & Fishing Items; Guns & Accessories: Browning, Model 2000, SA, Cal: 12 ga; Winchester, Model 77, SA, Cal 22; Ranger, SS, Cal 12 ga; Cooey, Model 60, BA, Cal: 22, Tubular Mag; 303 British, BA, No bolt or clip; 303 British, BA, w/Peep Sight; Connectict Black Powder SS, 1) Barrel 45 cal 1) 32 cal; Browning, SA, Cal 30-06 w/Scope; Rifle Pellet Gun; Various Ammo; Gun Cleaning Kit; Black Bear Tanned Hide; Black Bear Skull; Deer Mts; 2) Live Traps; Spotting Scope; Scope; Metal Double Locker; Tools: “Melmark” TD5A Metal Lathe 36-in. Bed 10-in. Swing 3 & 4 Jaw Chuck; 3/4-HP Milling Machine w/Power Feed, Variable Speed, Many Tooling, Boring, Cutters, Face Cutters, Center Rest, Steady Rest, Face Plate, Gauge Blocks 10) Calipers; Ind 12-SPD Drill Press; Metal Band Saw Converted Hyd; LKS AC/DC 250A Welder; Arbor Press; Air Comp; Battery Charger; Delta Disc/Ribbon Sander; Table Saw; Chain Saw; Bench Grinder; Power Tools; Power Wet Stone Sharpener; Cordless Tools; Air Tools; Air Regulators; Multi Tester; Sockets 3/4-in., 1/2-in. 3/8-in., 1/4-in.; Tap & Die Set; Many Hand Tools; Jackal; Misc: Elec Cement Mixer; Elec Transfer Pump; Hyd Cyl; 24-ft. Booster Cables; Al Blding Jacks; Come Along; Elec Motors; Lumber; Welding Material; Shop Supplies; Work Bench; Antiques: Oak Desk; Inuit Art “James Martin”; Body 40s? GMC Delivery Van; Household Scale; Radio; Folding Camera; Cream Separator; Cream Can; Platform Scale; BA Oil Cans; Oak Tool Box; Peter Wright 65-lb Anvil; Leg Vise; Post Drills; Saw; Scythe; Draw Knife; Block Planer; Pioneer Chain Saw; Pop Crates; Hand Painted Cookie Jar; Toy Steam Engine; Cast Toy Train; Wood Skis; Local History Book “Beyond The Gates-St. Andrews”; Encyclopedia American Steam Engine; Household: Central Vac System; 26-in. Flat Screen; Stereo; Wine Rack; Men’s Full Raccoon Jacket. Stuart McSherry (204)467-1858 or (204)886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com

MCSHERRY AUCTION SERVICE LTD Tractor, Equip, Construction Auction Sat., Sept 22nd 10:00am. Location: Inwood, MB 1/2-Mile West on RD 416. Auction Note: Having Received Instruction from Central Collection Services, Local Consignments the Following Goods will Sell to the Highest Bidder! Selling Order: Cattle: 10:00; Equipment: 11:00; Tractors: 12:00. Construction: Kohring 6620 Track Excavator w/4-ft Buckets 30-in Buckets w/Teeth S#1177085; Int 100 Serious E Power Shift Crawler w/FEL & Bucket; Bobcat & Attachments: BobCat S 300 Enclosed Cab Backup Cup Camera 4,300-hrs S#525817324; BobCat Bucket; Lowe Hyd Post Auger 9-in Bit; Stout Grapple; Stout 72-in Stone Fork; Pallet Forks; Bale Forks; Manure Forks; BobCat Quick Attach; 4 Wheel Drive Tractors: Steiger Super Wild Cat, Cat Turbo 4WD Dual Hyd 4855-hrs; Coop Bear Cat II, 4WD Cat 3208 Triple hyd S#45162, 3,662-hrs; Belarus 1500 4WD 1000 PTO Dual Hyd; Tractors Modern & Vintage: JD A Row Crop Hyd 540 PTO S#638352; Cockshutt 550 gas; M Moline 445 Row Crop 540 PTO; M Moline U 540 PTO S#646068; Ford 2N 3-PTH 540 PTO; Dietz 50 3-cyl DSL 540 PTO Dual Hyd S#771213459; Dietz D 8005 Dual Hyd 540 PTO S#7921; McCormick 2230 All Steel; MH 30 gs PTO Pulley; Case 930 Cab Dual Hyd 540 PTO 18.4x38 dual 4,373-hrs; Fiat DSL MFWA 3-PTH 540 PTO w/FEL; Fiat DSL HL MFWA 3-PTH 540 PTO 3,542-hrs; NH 35 Mix Mill w/Auto Bale Table; Rome 10-ft 28-in Single Disc; Int. 310 16-in Discer Seeders; Herman 67-ft Spring Tine Harrows; Landroller 12-ft W 42-in H; Co-op 15-in Tandem Disc; Trucks: 06 Dodge 2500 4x4 Mercedes Benz gas Quad Cab, Loaded w/Leather Lift Kit & 35-in Rubber, 149,000-km; 1975 Ford 750 gas 5-SPD x2 tag Axle w/18-ft B&H 47,000-mi; Equip: Shultz Giant 2500 hyd Rock Picker; Case SCX 100 hyd Swing 16-ft; Mower Cond S#HAS0014096; Bourgault 330 Air Seeder; Bourgault 2195 40-ft Air Seeder Cart S#2837; Bourgault 40-ft Chisel Plow; JD 1600 16-ft Deep Tiller; New 1st Claas Variant 380 RD Baler; 3-PTH RD Bale Spinner; Hyd Drive Winch Style Item; 2-Wheel Rake. Misc: Granary Aeration Fan; Stihl 270 Chain Saw; Port Air Comp. Cattle: Herd of Cattle Limo Anus Sim X; 15 Cow Calf Pairs; 5) Late Calving Cows; Limo Bull; 5 Open Cows. Local Consignment: Case 885 3-PTH, 2,600-hrs; 1967 JD 5020 Cab Dual Hyd 1000 PTO Duals; 87 Sokal GooseNeck 26-ft Flat Deck w/Beaver; NH 35 Mix Mill w/Auto Bale Table; Rome 10-ft 28-in Single Disc; Int. 310 16-in Discer Seeders; Herman 67-ft Spring Tine Harrows; Co-op 15-in Tandem Disc; Vers. 3000 68-in Sprayer w/Foam Markers; 4-Ton Dual Speed Fertilizer Wagon; JD 215 15-in Tandem Disc; Landroller 12-ftW 42-in H; Silver Lake Mfg Trailer Post Pounder. Stuart McSherry (204)467-1858 or (204)886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake MCSHERRY AUCTION SERVICE LTD Acreage /Auction Sale Roy & Dorothy Fox Sun., Sept 16th, 11:00am. Inwood 5-mi North on Hwy #17 then East 1/4-mi on Sandridge Rd. Contact: (204)278-3311 or (204)339-0806. Tractors: JD AR Styled hyd PTO w/FEL; Ford 8N gas 3-PTH PTO New Rubber; 2) Ferguson TE20 gas 3-PTH PTO; Equip: Trailer hyd Wood Splitter; 3-PTH 7-ft Cult; 3-PTH Ferguson Side Del Rake; 2) 3-PTH 2B Plows; 3-PTH HM Breaking Plows; 3-PTH V Snowblower; JD 14T Sq Baler; JD #5 7-ft Sickle Mower; 3 Sec Diamond Harrows; Saw Mandrel; Bumper Hitch 14-ft Tandem Flat Deck; Utility Trailer; Cord Wood Trailer; Yard: Crafts 13.5-HP R Mower; Yardman 8-HP R Mower; Crafts 5-HP Roto Tiller; Crafts 32cc Roto Tiller; Viking 5-HP Snow Blower; 2 gas Push Mowers; Elec Chain Saw; Propone BBQ; Patio Table & Chairs; Hand Yard Tools; Tools: Air Comp; Welder; Accetylene Torches; Table Saw; Sliding Mitre Saw; Poulan 38cc Chain Saw; Battery Charger; Bench Grinder; Many Power Tools; Grinder; Saw; Router; 1/2 Drills; Many Hand Tools; Wrenchs; Socket Sets; Tap & Die Set; Welding Clamps; Jackal; Hyd Jack; Floor Jack; Vise; Drill Bits; Drill Bit Sharpeners. Misc: 81 Ford 1/2-Ton, NR; Ferguson Parts; 3-PTH Draw Bar; Belt Pulley; Oils; Tow Bar; Auto Tires; Chain Ratchet; Load Binders; Chains & Hooks; Sft Harness; Al Step & Ext Ladders; Home Repair Items; Lumber; Welding Table & Vise; Tiger Torche; Elec Motors; HD Elec Cords; Wood Heater; Const Heaters; Some Household; TV Microwave. Antique Trucks & Equip: 1952 Chev Step Side 1/2-ton; 8-ft Hse Cult on Steel; Saulky Plow; 4) Single Walking Plows 1) JD; Single 8-ft Disc; Hse Dump Rake; 2) Scufflers; 2) Hand Corn Planters; 10) Steel Wheels; Champion Forge; Post Drill; Leg Vise; Threasher Scale; Many Old Tools; Double Axe; Push Reel Mowers; Sad Irons; Drop Side Toasters; Crocks; Bicycle License Plate; BA Oil Can; Coal Scuttle Pail; Cream Cans; Lantern. Guns: Remington, Model 878, SA, Cal 12 ga; Ranger, SS Cal 12 ga; 303 British, BA w/Scope; Savage, LA, Cal 243 win w/adj Scope; Yukon Tradition 50 cal Black Powder. Stuart McSherry (204)467-1858 or (204)886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland

Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds. Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator classifed section. 1-800-782-0794.

MCSHERRY AUCTION SERVICE LTD Manitoba Largest Annual Fall Gun Auction Sat., Oct. 20th 9:30am Stonewall #12 Patterson Dr. Taking Consignments Now! World Internet Exposure! Growing List on Website. Stuart McSherry (204)467-1858 or (204)886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com Round up the cash! Advertise your unwanted equipment in the Manitoba Co-operator classifieds.

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Parkland

S & E Puchailo Logging Ltd. Grandview, MB

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26th STARTING @ 10 A.M. SHARP!!!

UNRESERVED FORESTRY & CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: CRAWLER TRACTOR • CAT D8K • KOMATSU D65E • MOTORGRADER • CHAMPION 740 • CHAMPION 740A • HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR • 1997 KOMATSU PC200LC • KOMATSU PC200LC • SKIDDER • 2003 TIMBERJACK 660D • 1999 TIMBERJACK 660 • 1995 TIMBERJACK 560 • 1995 TIMBERJACK 560 • DELIMBER • 1995 KOMATSU PC200 • 1992 KOMATSU PC200LC • 1990 HITACHI EX200LC • SLASHER • 2003 TIMRICK 2750 • Bush Tag-Along Slasher • TIMRICK Portable Slasher • FELLER BUNCHER • 1994 TIMBERJACK 618 • 2003 608S • LOG LOADER • 2003 KOMATSU PC20LC7 • TRUCK TRACTOR • 2006 WESTERN STAR • 2006 WESTERN STAR • 2001 WESTERN STAR • 2000 WESTERN STAR • 1996 KENWORTH T800 • 1986 FREIGHTLINER • TRAILERS • T/A 45 Ft. Flat Deck • 30 Ft. S/A Dry Van • WILLOCK 40 Ton Jeep • ASPEN Tri-Axle • LOG TRAILER • 1999 DOEPKER Reverse Super B • 1995 DOEPKER Super B • Shop Built Super B • 1996 DOEPKER Super B • 1994 DOEPKER Super B • 1995 SUPERIOR T/A (Rear Trailer of Super B) • 1995 SUPERIOR Tri-Axle • ATTACHMENTS • Prentice Tree-Length Log Grapple • Log Heel & Clam • Hyd. Excavator Ripper Tooth • Quick Attach Delimber • ROTOBEC Log Clam • GEN SET • DEUTZ • CAMP EQUIP • ATCO 8x24 Ft. T/A • 10x30 Ft. T/A Self-Contained • 12x40 Bumper Hitch Unit, Self-Contained • MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS • Log Straightener • 16 Ft. Mull Board • Scare Fry & Blades • Asst’d Truck Tires • Asst’d Propane Basket Heaters • UNUSED, Undercarriage • Asst’d Bunks for Trailers • TWO, UNUSED, 35.5x32 Firestone Forestry Special Tires w/ Timberjack Rims • Asst’d Used Skidder Rims & Tires

For More Information or a Complete Listing, Call or View our Website Today!!

hodginsauctioneers.com

1-800-667-2075 SK PL # 915407 • AB PL # 180827

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake

UNRESERVED BANK AUCTION SALE of Cat D6H

Machine will be delivered the day of the auction to Western Storage at 1300 Dugald Road, Winnipeg for viewing at 11:00 am

Wed., September 19 at 1:00 PM (Viewing after 11:00 AM Same Day of Sale Only)

AUCTIONEERS NOTE*

Be on time ONLY 1 Item For Sale Having Received instructions for the CREDIT UNION we will sell the following asset:

Cat D6H

Runs Good TERMS: Cash, Visa, Mastercard or Debit paid in Full Same Day of Sale.

SUBJECT TO ADDITIONS & DELETIONS “Everything Sold As Is, Where Is” with no warranties implied or expressed.

KAYE’S AUCTIONS

(204) 668-0183 (WPG.) www.kayesauctions.com AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Red River AUCTION SALE for Cam & Betty Calder & Merv & Brenda Mihaychuk on Sat., Sept. 15th, 11:00am held at Carlowrie, MB. Located from Hwy #59 at St Malo, go Hwy #218 S, 7.6-kms to Carloweie to yard #21125. JD 420 Crawler/Dozer, gas, running; approx 1953, Model A Car, runs, needs some work; approx 1930, JD 3140 Tractor, 3-PTH, hi-low shuttle shift; JD 9350 20-ft. Press Drill; MF 510 Combine, gas, shedded, used last year; 12-ft. Deep Tiller; IHC 24 Run Disc Drill; Rock Picker; Creep Feeder; Lewis Cattle Oiler; Farm King Auger 7/41 PTO; Westeel Bins 1, 2,900-bus; 3, 1,650;bus. To View Call (204)427-2703. Lincoln AC225 Welder; Air Compressor; Construction Heater; Jacks; Carpenter & Drywall Tools. Misc Shop Items. Household: Bdrm set; Spin Washer; Entertainment centre; 28-in. Colored TV; Computer Desks; Dishes; Plus More. Antique: Crocks; Clock; Cream Cans; Booker Stove; Radio’s & Tubes, More. Partial ad. www.harderauctions.ca In case of rain, auction will be held inside shed. Owners: Calder (204)427-2781; Mihaychuk (204)427-2703; Harder Auctions, W. “Butch” Harder (204)746-8005; Howard Brown (204)746-8284. MCSHERRY AUCTION SERVICE LTD Auction Sale Joe Yvon Sat., Sept 15th 10:00am St. Labre, MB. South Side of Village 1/8-mi South of Church. Auction Note: Joe is moving so Everything Sells to the Highest Bidder! Contact: (204)429-2146. Crawler & Tractor: JD 450 DSL Power Shift Crawler PTO w/8-ft. Angle Dozer; Case 930 Cab 540 PTO Dual Hyd Sold w/Ezeeon FEL; Ford 9N 3PH PTO; Equip: Ezeeon 12-ft. HD Breaking Disc; Taylor Mfg 16-ft. Tandem Disc; Delgeman PTO Hyd Stone Picker; MEL Cam 410 Hyd Stone Picker; 3 Yard 8ft.W Scraper; 2) Vers Cult; 1) 18-ft.; 1) 22-ft.; Int 45 18-ft. Cult; 6-ft. Breaking Disc; Case 10-ft. Chisel Plow; Cockshutt 240 12-ft. Deep Tiller; 15-ft. Crowfoot Packer; Farm King 3 PH 72-in. Finishing Mower; Trailer 6-ft. HD Rotary Mower; Vehicle & Trailer: 64 GMC 900 w/14-ft. B&H; 45-ft. Freight Tandem Semi Trailer (Storage); Car Dolly; 11-ft. Tandem Hyd Tilt Trailer; 1,000-gal 4 Wheel Water Trailer; 2 Older HD 2 Wheel Trailers 1) used for crawler; 80 Dodge 1/2-Ton nr; 76 Dodge 200 Ext Cab nr; Saw Mill, Misc & Bldings: 24x28-ft. Wood Framed Garage Wired 10-ft. Walls; Started Project Band Saw Mill 22-ft. Rail Saw Mandrel Blades; Jari 24-in. 5-HP Sickle Mower; Gas Water Pump; Hyd Cyl, Controls, Hyd Hose; Labronics Hyd Tester; 3PH Draw Bar; Manure Tines; Electric Livestock Clipper; Welding Material; Elec Motors; Load Strapping; Chains & Hooks; Fifth Wheel Plate; Auto Tires; Tools: Hobbart 400Amp 6 Cyl gas Port Welder; Metal Band Saw; 50-Ton hyd Press; 10Ton hyd Power Pack; Air Comp; Chain Saws; Power Tools; 2) Air Jack Hammers; Air Tools; Pipe Vise & Threader; Wrenches up to 2-in.; Socket Sets up to 3/4-in.; Lge Amt of Hand Tools; Tap & Die Set; Ratchet Blding Jack; Hyd Jack; Gear Pullers; Pry Bar Set; Grease Guns; Chain Ratchet; Come Along; Vise & Welding Table; Lge Amt of Shop Supplies; Tool Cabinets; Antiques: Cockshutt Breaking Plow; JD 10-ft. Double Disc; 3) M Moline One-Way; 1) 8-ft.; 2) 6-ft.; Horse Dump Rake; Steel Wheels; Fanning Mill; Hand Cream Separator; Cream Cans; Lantern; Hay Knife; Blow Torche; Oil Cans. Stuart McSherry (204)467-1858 or (204)886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com MEYERS AUCTION REMINDER Restaurant Equipment, Household & Industrial Equipment 10:00am Sat., Sept 15th, 2012. Southport, MB. Meyers Auctions & Appraisals, Arden, MB. Bradley Meyers Auctioneer. Phone (204)368-2333 or (204)476-6262 cell. www.meyersauctions.com

Winkler, MB • 1-204-325-4433

FArmlAnd For sAle

280 acreS more or leSS South ½ off 5-3-7 W in rm of Pembina ½ mile South of Jct 3 and 31 hWyS darlingford mb sells At Auction mondAy, septemBer 24 At 10 Am at Hitchin post restaurant, Darlingford MB. Terms 10 % non Refundable on Auction site Payable to Gilmour law office , balance within 30 days at Closing See our website www.billklassen.com or call 204-325-4433 cell 6230 Bill Klassen Auctioneers bill@billklassen.com

Do you want to target Manitoba farmers? Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator. Manitoba’s best-read farm publication.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

TracTors FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous 1972 FORD 1/2-TON TORINA w/cap Intl drill w/end wheel; farm hand stacker w/hay baskets, steel tines; Massey 44 for parts; gooseneck hay trailer. (204)834-3034. 2005 PETERBILT # 386 w/CAT C15, warranty & saftied, 593-mi, A1, Peter Trucks:(204)487-1347. Winnipeg, MB. 20-FT 620 MS TANDEM disc w/dual axels; 18.5 IH cultivator w/harrows; 775 18-ft swather w/MacDon hay header; 24-ft JD C20 cultivator; Gehl 120 mix mill w/power bale feeder; quarter turn bale shoot. Phone:(204)386-2507. BALERS JD 535, $5,900; JD 530, $3,500; JD 510, $1,500; JD 336, $3,000; Vermeer Hyd rake, $7,000; 12 wheel rake, $6,000; 10-ft. Landlevellers, $2,150; 12-ft. $2,450; Dics Hutch 25-ft. Rock Cushion, $9,500; JD 230, $3,000; Bushog 21-ft., $7,500; JD Dot 16-ft., $4,000; DMI Ripper 5 Shank, $10,900; 7 Shank, $11,900; Valmar 240 Applicator, $1,000; Woods 15-ft. Batwing Mower HD, $7,000; Woods 10-ft., $4,500; Used Fertilizer Spreaders 4-9T. Phone (204)857-84043 FOR SALE: 1978 1630 JD 145 loader, always shedded; could be sold separate 7-ft. snowblower; 5-ft. rotary brush mower, $13,500. (204)471-0571 FOR SALE: 2001 CUSTOM built 32 x 8.5 flat deck, gooseneck, triple axle checker plate floor, full hydraulic side tilt. View pictures at www.buyandsellfarmmachinery.com Shellmouth, MB (204)564-2540 FOR SALE 25-FT CO-OP 204 deep tiller w/mounted harrows; 36-ft anhydrous applicator on Morris cultivator frame w/mounted harrows; 54-ft Morris harrows; 68-ft modernized Great Northern sprayer. Wilmot Milne (204)385-2486 or cell (204)212-0531, Gladstone. FOR SALE: GRAIN CARTS LARGE SELECTION 450-1050 bu hyd & PTO drive. J&M 875-bu., $20,000; EZ 475, $7,900; Brent 670, $12,500; New 400-bu. gravity wagons, $6,700; 600-bu., $12,000; Used gravity wagons 250-750 bu.; Grain Screeners Kwik Kleen 5 tube, $4,500; 7 Tube $6,500; Hutch 1500, $1,750; Sioux Screener w/Auger, $2,500; Westfield 10x70 Auger, $2,900; REM 552 Grain Vac, $3,500; Brandt $4,500-$7,500. Phone (204)857-8403. FOR SALE: LEWIS CATTLE Oiler double wick, grain troughs, coral panels, calf gates, calf pen, cattle trailer, flat deck trailer complete, 851 NH baler, 853 NH baler. Call Ben:(204)444-2997 or (204)485-2044 for all prices. Many other items for sale. HAYBINES: GEHL 2270, $3900; NH 116, $3000; JD 1209, $3000; NH 144 Swath Turner, $3000; Hay Conditioners $800 up; NH 9-ft mower 2200; IH 9-ft $1650; GEHL 12 wheel rake, $6000; Rotary mowers. JD #1518, $8500; Woods 20-ft batwing, $7500; 10-ft batwing, $3500; 6-ft pull type, $1600; JD 5-ft pull type, $1000; Woods ditchbank 3-PTH, $1500; 6-ft finishing mower, $1000; Woods 6-ft 3-PTH, $750; Bush hog 9-ft disc mower, $2000. Phone: (204)857-8403. JD 925 FLEX HEADER, $6500; 930, $2500; Case IH 25-ft flex, $6000; Case IH 30-ft rigid, $5000; IH 820 flex $2000; Case IH #1015 PU, $3000; #810 PU, $1000; Summers 72-ft heavy harrow, $14,000; Phoenix #17-#14 harrows; 6 yard scraper, $5000; JD 12YD, $12,000; 4 YD, $4500; Manure spreaders. Meyers #550 horse/poultry manure spreader, $11,900; New Idea 3634, $4000; HS 400-bu, $3000; GEHL scavenger, $3900. Phone:(204)857-8403. JD 930 FLEX HEAD, good working condition, $9500; 855 NH round baler, $1700; Wanted for JD 1600 or 1610 deep tiller, complete shank assembly. Phone:(204)373-2502, leave msg. LATE MODEL 875 LOW hrs, VGC; 40-ft. IH 2 row mulcher harrows, new tines; 40-ft. air seeder w/floating hitch, 220-bu tank, good condition, $8,500. (204)864-2953 MACDON 30-FT SELF-PROPELLED SWATHER, 480 cutting hours, PU reel, in excellent cond; 60-ft Flexi-Coil cultivator, comes w/4 bar harrows & air kit, in VGC. Phone:(204)522-8640. MCKEE #400 MANURE SPREADER w/Tandem axle & dual wheels $8,500. 48-ft Ezee-On tandem disc, equipped with double bearing w/7-yr warranty, $37,500. Above equip in good condition. Phone:(204)746-8851, Morris. MOVING, MUST SELL! 1086 IH tractor T/A has been done. Lots of other work too; 3000-gal manure wagon w/injectors; Houle lagoon pump, ready to go, 42-ft; Large pig transfer trailer. Call Les (204)529-2164 or (204)825-0128, Cartwright. NEW HEAVY DUTY 1250-GAL Equinox LR177 Yellow tank, retails at $874, special $536; New Equinox LR177 1250-gal black tank, 3 left must sell $425 special; Used 1 FarmKing 6-ft Mechanical swath roller, $625 OBO; New 16-ft Beavertail tandem trailer w/3500-lb axles w/2-in ball, special $2890 OBO; Used 1998 Ford XL 4x4, 143,720-kms, V6 4.2 engine. Cell (204)823-1559 or (204)822-1354. This is our close-out sale. WANTED: V-276 Fiberglas hood nose cap No.73051 side mount sickle mower for Sears 16-18HP LGT. FOR SALE: White 4-row 36-in row corn header. Phone:(204)222-6310.

BUILDINGS

AUTO & TRANSPORT Auto & Truck Parts

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Baling

FARM MACHINERY Combine – John Deere

REMANUFACTURED DSL ENGINES: GM 6.5L $4,750 installed; Ford/IH 7.3L $4950 installed; GM Duramax/Ford 6.0L, $8,500 installed; new 6.5L engines $6500; 24V 5.9L Cummins, $7,500 installed; other new/used & reman. engines available. Thickett Engine Rebuilding, 204-532-2187, Binscarth. 8:00am-5:30pm Mon.-Fri.

FOR SALE: HIGH-LINER MODEL 1400 bale picker, hauls 14 bales, w/new tires. Phone:(204)836-2523.

JD 224 FLEX NEW poly, metal finger PU reel, GC, $4800; 20-ft JD 100 Flex header, fits 20 series combine, poly, PU reel, GC, $800. Phone:(204)635-2600, Stead.

NH BR7090 2009 BALER, endless belts, wide PU, auto-wrap, big tires, always shedded, less than 7000 bales, used 3 seasons. Phone:(204)388-4975.

AUTO & TRANSPORT Trucks

ROUND BALERS IN STOCK. JD 535; NH 648, 650, 664, 688 BR; 780-NI 4565 soft core 5x6. Call Gary at (204)326-7000 or go to www.reimerfarmequipment.com

1993 F250 EXTENDED CAB, 7.3 engine, auto trans, would make good service truck; 1975 GMC grain truck, 8x16 box & hoist, safetied. Phone Alfred (204)745-2784.

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Swathers

2001 FREIGHTLINER 120, C15Cat, 13-spd, good cond, $12,500 OBO; 1996 30-ft high-boy, $4200 OBO. Will do custom hauling in MB w/32-ft gooseneck trailer. Phone:(204)252-2266 or (204)871-1185.

1990 WESTWARD 3000 30-FT. PT swather, 160-acs on new guards & knife, Haukaas hitch spring, not used for 7 yrs, shedded, $4,500 OBO. (204)546-2021, cell (204)638-2513, Grandview, MB.

2005 GMC SIERRA 2500 4x4, 180,000-km, NEW paint, mag wheels, front end, steering box, axle seals & brakes, camo seat covers, NEWer motor 80,000-km, $10,000. Phone:(204)338-7532.

1998 PREMIER 1900 PULL-TYPE swather, auto fold & transport, pick-up reel, Keer-Sheer, always shedded, very low acres. Phone:(204)325-2416.

WANTED: FORD LOUISVILLE OR Sterling grain truck. Must be clean, rust free & low kms. Phone (204)222-8785.

2000 PREMIER 2940 SWATHER, 2825-hrs, 30-ft 3 way canvas, PU reel, heater, A/C, Vern swath puller. Phone:(204)776-2047 cell (204)534-7458, Minto MB.

AUTO & TRANSPORT Vehicles Various

2009 M-150 MACDON SWATHER D-60-S, fully loaded, 35-ft. header, 1,100-hrs, $110,000. Phone (204)522-5428, Deloraine, MB.

OVER 200 VEHICLES LOTS OF DIESELS www.thoens.com Chrysler Dodge (800)667-4414 Wynyard, Sk.

FARM MACHINERY Grain Bins

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS

CUSTOM BIN MOVING Book now! Fert Tanks. Hopper Bins/flat. Buy/Sell. Call Tim (204)362-7103 or E-mail Requests binmovers@hotmail.com

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS Roofing

Sukup Grain Bins - Heavy Duty, hopper or flat bottom, setup available, good pricing. Call for more info. (204) 998-9915

PRICE TO CLEAR!! 75 truckloads 29 gauge full hard 100,000PSI high tensile roofing & siding. 16 colours to choose from. B-Gr. coloured......................70¢/ft.2 Multi-coloured millends.........49¢/ft.

Ask about our blowout colours...65¢/ft.

Also in stock low rib white 29 ga. ideal for archrib buildings BEAT THE PRICE INCREASES CALL NOW

Two 19’ Bins - 4700 bushels per bin Four 21’ Bins - 5900 bushels per bin (with .094 aeration floors).

ONLY $1500 A PIECE!

Located in the Oakville area come and get ‘em! Contact Dave, Blaine or Ron at Wall Grain at 204-269-7616 for more information.

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS 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

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 2007 621D CASE WHEEL loader, 3 yd bucket, ride control, VGC. Call (204)447-0184. CASE 450 CRAWLER DOZER, 6-way blade, $17,500. Cat 931 crawler loader, Powershift trans, pedal steer, good undercarriage, $13,500. www.waltersequipment.com Phone (204)525-4521. EARTH SCRAPER FOR SALE, Letourneau-M scraper, 6 yard stock capacity, VGC, Jack Fehr hyd. conversion w/sequencing valve, $7,900 OBO. Phone:(204)427-2261. HYD PULL SCRAPERS, 6-40-YDS caterpillar A.C./LePlant, LeTourneau, etc. PT & direct mount available. Bucyrus Erie, 20-yds, cable, $5000. PT motor grater $14,900; tires available. Phone: (204)822-3797. Morden, MB.

AUTO & TRANSPORT

FARM MACHINERY

AUTO & TRANSPORT Auto & Truck Parts

FARM MACHINERY Grain Bins

FOR SALE: (BULL BAR / Moose catchers) for 2010-2012 Volvo truck, also 1 for a 95 Freight liner. We are selling them cheap! Can Deliver. Phone:(204)868-5040.

BIG BINS & FLOORS at old prices, 20,000-56,000bu. bins holding prices until spring. NEW MOISTURE CABLES! Call Wall Grain for details (204)269-7616 or (306)244-1144 or (403)393-2662.

BUILDINGS

BUILT RIGHT. ON TIME. FARM MACHINERY Grain Carts 472 BRENT GRAINCART 500-BU, in excellent shape, $11,900; 400-Bu UFT graincart, $6500. Phone:(204)529-2046 or (204)529-2091.

FARM MACHINERY Grain Dryers NEW SUKUP GRAIN DRYERS On hand & ready for immediate delivery. Propane/NG, canola screens, 1 or 3 phase. Also some used dryers available. Call for more info (204)998-9915 NEW MC DRYERS IN STOCK w/canola screens 300-2,000 BPH units. Why buy used, when you get new fuel efficient & better quality & control w/MC. Call Wall Grain for details (204)269-7616 or (306)244-1144 or (403)393-2662.

10X40-FT HEAVY DUTY HAY wagon, hauls 20 round or square bales, 10.00-20 tires, built from new steel, $4800, delivered. Phone:(204)325-6650. 1997 AGCO/GLEANER MODEL 530, flex head, PU reel, poly, $13,000. Phone Rob (204)735-2852 or (204)981-0885, Starbuck. REBUILT ROLLERS FOR CASE-IH 3650 5x6 softcore round baler, will fit other makes. Drive $510, Idler $260. Prices include core exchange. Phone (204)389-4038 or (204)642-3205.

1964 CASE 600 SELF-PROPELLED, w/straight cut & PU attachments, add-on cab, always shedded, used for avg 30-acres per year on small holding, in working order when last used 3-yrs ago. Gas engine in good shape, uses no oil, original paint still looks good, for antique collector or small holding. $1000 OBO. Phone:(807)223-7833. SALVAGE YOUR WIND BLOWN CANOLA JD 222 header w/20-ft. Sund PU, $11,900; Universal head w/22-ft. Sund PU, $14,900. Phone (204)324-6298, Altona.

Precision Seeding

starts

here Seedbed Preparation Simplified.

Combines

2008 CASE-IH 2588 combine w/2015 PU, 476 sep hrs, 594 engine hrs, Pro 600 monitor, y/m, rice tires, hopper topper, shedded, heavy soil machine, $184,000 open to offers. (204)735-2886, (204)981-5366.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Ford/New Holland FORD NH 1998 TR96 971 header, 2,276 engine hours 1,875 separator hours, good shape, Elmers 25-ft header trailer, $1,500. Phone:(204)745-3773 or (204)745-6321. FOR SALE: 1979 NH TR70, Ford 6, 2500-hrs, lots of new parts, always shedded, field ready, VGC, $2500. Phone:(306)452-3582, or (306)452-7015, Redvers, SK.

24’ Continuous Flow NECO Grain Dryer with 25 HP fan and gen set (needs some work).

TR-96 NH COMBINE, 1,890 separating hours, new concaves & rebuilt straw chopper, w/chaff spreader & rice tires. Asking $27,000; 971 NH 24-ft straight cut header, for parts, needs new wobble box. MacDon NH TR adapter, to fit 972 MacDon headers, $5,500 OBO. Phone:(204)488-5030 or (204)782-2846.

Includes 8 x 3700 bushel bins with canola floors and unload augers with u-trough auger on top of bins. Contact Dave, Blaine or Ron at Wall Grain at 204-269-7616 for more information.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Gleaner

GREAT FOR CORN!

$36,000 OBO

1, 30-FT. FLEX HEADER; 1, 30-ft. straight cut header; both w/PU reel used on R72. Phone (204)745-3773 or (204)745-7654.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – John Deere 08 JD 635 HYRDA FLEX w/crary air bar, excellent condition, asking $33,900; 4 wheel trailer avail $2,900. Phone (204)324-6298, Altona.

www.strawchopper.com

1-866-733-3567 Combine ACCessories FARM MACHINERY Combine – Accessories 224 JD STRAIGHT CUT flex header, bat reel, fits 7720, $1,600. (204)476-2445, Neepawa. 224 JD STRAIGHT CUT header, bat reel, crop lifters, PTO shaft drives, for 50 series combine, could be changed back for 7720, $1,250. (204)476-2445, Neepawa. AGCO GLEANER 30-FT HEADER, new reel bats; AGCO Gleaner 27-ft header both in good condition & fit N&R series combine. (204)867-0043, Minnedosa, MB. FLEX PLATFORMS IN STOCK. All makes, models, sizes. Have over 30 in stock at most times. 94 JD 925 good poly, PU teeth, new sickle $5,950; 97 JD 930 new poly, PU fingers, sickle $11,900; 98 JD 930 new poly, sickle, PU fingers, full finger auger $13,500; 97 JD 930 good poly, PU teeth, auger, air reel $13,900; 01 JD 930 new poly, PU teeth, sickle, full finger auger $16,900; 03 930 good poly, PU teeth, new sickle, full finger auger $15,900; 07 JD 630 like new, reduced to $24,900; 06 JD 635 AWS air bar, real nice head $24,900; 96-’04 CIH 1020 25-30 ft. models in stock w/ or w/o air reel; 07 CIH 2020 35-ft., good teeth, auger, poly, ready to go $22,900; 09 CIH 2020 35-ft. like new, paint still on auger $24,900. We deliver anywhere in Western Canada, right to your farm. Call Gary at (204)326-7000 or www.reimerfarmequipment.com FOR SALE: 1083 8-ROW 30-in. Case corn head, $8,000 OBO; Case 30-ft. Model 1010 straight cut header, $4,500 OBO; 30-ft. JD 930 straight cut header, $3,500 OBO. Phone (204)745-8334 or (204)745-8381, Carman, MB. JD 843 CORNHEAD, oil bath, low tin, recent overhaul, field ready, $8,500. Call (204)324-9300 or (204)324-7622.

1980 8820 COMBINE, 2-SPD cyl drive, good condition, $13,000; 2-224 rigid heads w/pickup reels, $3000 each. Phone: cell (204)362-2316, or (204)822-3189. 1991 JD 9600 914 PU, Sunnybrook cyl, long auger, new 30.5 R32 tires, 3370 sep hours, well maintained, very nice condition. Phone:(204)526-7805, Cypress River. 1997 JD 9600, 4X4, 2,100 thresher hours, loaded w/options, comes w/930 flex header, very good machine; JD 8970 tractor, 710x38 tires @ 90%, excellent tractor. Best Offers. Phone:(204)766-2643. 1998 JOHN DEERE 9610 maximizer, 914 PU chaff spreader, auto-height control, double-knife chopper, rice tires, 1980 separating hrs, VGC, asking $81,500 OBO. Phone Murray (204)372-6051.

BUILT RIGHT. ON TIME.

1986 WALINGA AGRA VAC for Phone:(204)488-5030 or (204)782-2846.

sale.

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Baling 1999 CASE IH 8370 14-ft haybine, www.waltersequipment.com (204)525-4521.

Toll Free:1-877-239-0730 www.mcdiarmid.com/farm

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Various

2005 CASE IH 8010 combine, 4-WD, front tire size is 1250-45-32, means they are 45-in wide, rear tires 28L-26, means 28-in wide. Apparently will go as far as a track machine. 4-Spd, hyd trans, straw chopper & spreaders, pro-600 monitor, bin extensions w/2052-30-ft dripper header, $165,000. Phone:(204)871-0925.

FARM MACHINERY Grain Vacuums

STRONGEST POSTS INDUSTRY-WIDE

ESTATE SALE:1984 4400, HYDRO, 22-ft header w/batreel, big rubber, sliding table, asking $4,100; 1982 20-ft 400 Vers. hydro, asking $1,450 OBO; 1981 20-ft batreel 400 Vers. hydro, sliding table, asking $1,100. Phone:(204)728-1861 or (204)724-9497.

1987 CASE IH 1680, 1015 head, Westward 388 PU, 3884 engine hours, grain & bean concaves, 30.5x32 tires, serviced, excellent shape, field ready. Phone:(204)265-3363.

BUILDINGS

BUSINESS SERVICES

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Various

2010 M-150 MACDON SWATHER D-60-S, fully loaded, 35-ft. header, 1,100-hrs, $115,000. Phone (204)522-5428, Deloraine, MB.

1984 IH 1480 COMBINE, specialty rotor, airfoil sieve, Loewen concaves, $20,000 work order, shedded, excellent cond, asking $9500. Phone: (204)529-2046 or (204)529-2091.

ST. LAZARE, MB. 1-800-510-3303

CONCRETE FLATWORK: Specializing in place & finish of concrete floors. Can accommodate any floor design. References available. Alexander, MB. 204-752-2069.

SUPER 92 MASSEY COMBINE, many refurbs, hinged chopper, pressurized cab, good sieves. Phone:(204)822-3649, Morden.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Case/IH

FOUILLARD STEEL SUPPLIES LTD.

AFAB INDUSTRIES IS YOUR SUPERIOR post frame building company. For estimates and information call 1-888-816-AFAB(2322). Website: www.postframebuilding.com

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Massey Ferguson

$3900.

2002 HESTON 856 ROUND baler, megawide pickup, short crop kit, fully auto, moisture readout, shedded & field ready. $10,000 OBO. Phone:(204)325-1383 or (204)362-4874. 535 JD BALER W/MONITOR & kicker, $6500. Phone:(204)345-8532 evenings. Go public with an ad in the Manitoba Co-operator classifieds. Phone 1-800-782-0794.

2000 JD 9650W 150-HRS since Performax service at which time new Sunny Brook rasp bars, concave, clean grain chain, sprockets & bearings & Redekop MAV chopper rotor were install, complete invoice $20,000, 2,300 sep hrs, 914 PU, chaff spreader, hopper topper, auto height sensing, recent new feeder chain, batteries, HID lights $107,500; 2003 930F header, PU reel, new knife & guards w/Crary Air System, excellent for beans or dowcrops, 50 series hook up w/header trailer, $24,500; Firestone 24.5x32 rice tires on 9000 series rims, excellent condition, $3,000. (204)347-5244 leave msg. 9600 JD 1994 2,665 sep hrs, 914 PU, chaff spreader, fine cut chopper, 100-hrs on new bars & concave, yield & moisture, shedded, one owner, $57,000 OBO. (204)546-2021, cell (204)638-2513, Grandview, MB. ‘06 JD 630 FLEX w/Crary air & bar. Exc. condition, $26,000. Phone:(204)436-2364, (204)781-3883 or (204)750-1019.

HEADER TRAILERS & ACCESSORIES. Arc-Fab Industries. 204-355-9595 charles@arcfab.ca www.arcfab.ca

FARM MACHINERY Irrigation Equipment ROTARY DITCHER AVAILABLE TODAY in all sizes, 30-in, 42-in, 60-in & 72-in, works in all soil cond. wet or dry, spreads soil evenly, no piles. Fast & efficient, call Gilbert (204)436-2469, Fannystelle.

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories

Harvest Salvage Co. Ltd. 1-866-729-9876 5150 Richmond Ave. East BRANDON, MB. www.harvestsalvage.ca New, Used & Re-man. Parts

Tractors Combines Swathers Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds. Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator classifed section. 1-800-782-0794.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Case/IH

FYFE PARTS

FOR SALE: CASE IH MODEL 1494 tractor mechanical front wheel assist 75 PTO HP w/model 74L FEL 3-PTH 500-1000 PTO, cab, air, 12 Forward 4 Reverse, Trans, 4 cyl DSL engine w/3,007-hrs, $25,000. Phone (204)633-3205, Winnipeg, MB.

1-800-667-9871 • Regina 1-800-667-3095 • Saskatoon 1-800-387-2768 • Winnipeg 1-800-222-6594 • Edmonton “For All Your Farm Parts”

www.fyfeparts.com The Real Used FaRm PaRTs sUPeRsToRe Over 2700 Units for Salvage • TRACTORS • COMBINES • SWATHERS • DISCERS Call Joe, leN oR daRWIN (306) 946-2222 monday-Friday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

LOOKING FOR 1965 CASE Comfort King tractor w/square fenders & home built cab, left front entry, wishing to purchase. Kelvin Peters (204)864-2106.

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – John Deere 1979 JD 4440, W/148 FEL w/joystick, $19,500. www.waltersequipment.com (204)525-4521

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Black Angus

WATROUS SALVAGE

PRAIRIELANE FARMS LTD

WaTRoUs, sK. Fax: 306-946-2444

NEW & USED TRACTOR PARTS NEW COMBINE PARTS Large Inventory of new and remanufactured parts

STEINBACH, MB. Ph. 326-2443 Toll-Free 1-800-881-7727 Fax (204) 326-5878 Web site: farmparts.ca E-mail: roy@farmparts.ca FARM MACHINERY Salvage FARM MACHINERY FOR PARTS: COMBINES IHC 1682, 1482, 1480, 1460, 915, 914, 715, 403, 402, 150, MF 860, 760, 850, 751, 750, 550, 510, 410, 405; JD 7701, 7700,6601, 6600, 630, 96, 65; WHITE 8900, 8800, 8600, 8650, 7800, 5542, 545, 542, 431; NH TR95, TR85, TR70, 1500, 990, 980; Coop 9600, 960; Gleaner L2, N6, F, C2; VERS 2000, 42; Case 1600, 1060; FORD 642 BELARUS 1500 Don; SWATHERS VERS 4400, 400, 330, 103, 10; IHC 4000, 230, 210, 175, 201, 75; COOP 550, 500, 601; MF 655, 36, 35; JD 800, 290; NH 1090; WHITE 6200; COCKSHUTT 503 HESSTON 300. We also have parts for tractors, square & round balers, press drills, cultivators, sprayers, haybines, & misc machinery. We handle new & rebuilt parts for tractors & combines. MURPHY SALVAGE (204)858-2727, toll free 1-877-858-2728. GOODS USED TRACTOR PARTS: (204)564-2528 or 1-877-564-8734, Roblin, MB. PARTING 1985 IH 1480, no motor, lawn augur, good sieves, also 2 top sieves for an IH 2188. Phone:(204)546-2508.

Tillage & Seeding FARM MACHINERY Silage Equipment

Harvestore Silo 80 x 20 This Silo is in great shape, was built in 1988, was only used for 5 years at most, it’s in immaculate shape, comes w/ unloader & feeder(they may need a bit of work). Offers, you will have to deal with the disassembling & moving. Located 40min. south of Winnipeg in St-Malo, MB. Jean-Luc (204) 226-7783 or (403) 363-3483 email- saddleup403@hotmail.com

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Air Drills CASE IH/CONCORD ATX5010, 10-IN, 50-ft, excellent condition, w/Case IH/2300 tank, 3 1/2-in Dutch openers, lots of maintenance done. $34,900. Phone:(204)391-1011 or Email: pro_terra@hotmail.com

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Tillage 59-FT JD 1650 CHISEL plow w/Degelman 3 row harrows & rear hitch, $20,000 OBO; 60-ft Delmar heavy harrows w/new tines, excellent condition, $25,000. (204)867-0043, Minnedosa, MB.

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Various 24 ANHYDROUS POD W/HYD shut-off, 24 anhydrous Dutch knives. Phone:(204)386-2507. AIR SEEDERS AFTER SEASON Sale. Under $25,000 Ezee On 30-ft. 5500/2175 tank w/harrows, packers; Under $15,000 Ezee On 24-ft. 5500/2175 tank w/harrows; Under $9,000 Flexi Coil 1110/CCIL 23-ft. Cultivator. Call Gary at (204)326-7000 or go to www.reimerfarmequipment.com

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Allis/Deutz 1987 DUETZ 7085 FWA, open-station, 85-HP, 5,900-hrs, Allied 794 FEL $17,000. (204)525-4521 www.waltersequipment.com

2008 JD 5225 TRACTOR w/542 Loader, MFWD, 3-PTH, CAH, Radio, Joystick, 200-hrs., $47,900. Call Gary (204)326-7000 Steinbach, MB. www.reimerfarmequipment.com

FOR SALE: 7810 MFWD, PQ, LHR, 3-pt, new tires, low hrs; 7710 MFWD, PQ, LHR, 3-pt, new tires, low hrs; 4455 MFWD, 3-pt, 15-SPD, w/280 FEL; 4450 MFWD, 15-SPD, 3 pt; 4450 3-pt, 3 hyd’s, 15-SPD, fact duals; 4250 MFWD, 3-pt, 15-SPD; 2755 MFWD, 3-pt, w/245 FEL; 2555 MFWD, 3-pt w/245 FEL. All tractors can be sold w/new or used loaders. MITCH’S TRACTOR SALES LTD Phone: (204)828-3628, shop or (204)750-2459, cell. Roseisle. JD 7320 MFWD, Power Quad, 3-pt., 741 Loader, 7ft. bucket, grapple, 6,500-hrs $69,900; JD 8560 18.4x38 duals, 7,500-hrs, $37,900; 08 JD 5225 w/542 loader, MFWD, 3-PTH, CAH, Radio, Joystick, 200-hrs, like new, $47,900. JD 2140 2WD, 3-pt., 245 Loader, 7-ft. bucket, 7,500-hrs $16,900; Call Gary at (204)326-7000 or www.reimerfarmequipment.com

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Versatile 1981 VERSATILE 875, VG 20.8 radial tires, 7200-hrs, $24,500; 1984 Versatile 945, good tires, replaced 855 Cummins 365-horse, Atom Jet kit, $28,500. Both tractors in very good working order. Phone Reg Loewen (204)763-4746, Brandon. FOR SALE: 1988 846 Vers 4WD, 5,500-hrs, VGC. Call (204)268-5615, Beasejour. NEW VERS TRACTOR PARTS: #51416 clutch pressure plate assy for Series I, II & III for PTO equipped tractors, $2,495; #48320 PTO gear box housing, $995; #21370 axle tube for Series I & early series II tractors, $795; #17920 Radiator (core measures 30-in. W x31-in.) fits 800, 850 & 900 Series I, $995; #56688 hyd pump for 800, 850, 835, 855, 875, 895 single pump tractors, $795; #62072 5 spool hyd valve for 1150 & 1156 tractors, $1,295. Fouillard Implement Ltd, (204)683-2441, St. Lazare, MB.

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – 2 Wheel Drive

SAT., OCTOBER 13th, 2012 at 1:00 pm Heartland livestock yards, Virden Manitoba

with the Wolverine Ditcher equipped with GPS leveling grade control. Perfect ditches in 1/2 the time with no mess

Call for a Quote

1955 TD6 IH CRAWLER tractor w/7-ft IH dozer blade, excellent working condition, asking $4000 OBO. Phone Raymond (204)489-8121.

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

Advertise your unwanted equipment in the Classifieds. Call our toll-free number and place your ad with our friendly staff, and don’t forget to ask about our prepayment bonus. Prepay for 3 weeks and get 2 weeks free! 1-800-782-0794.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

204-853-2075

E-mail: dynamicditchers@mts.net

www.dynamicditchers.com FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted 91 OR 93 MCCORMICK Deering IHC combine, parts or whole combine. Phone:(204)737-2275 between 6 & 7 p.m.

LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK Cattle Auctions

WANTED: OFFSET OR BREAKING disc. 8 or 10 or 12-ft. Phone: (204)854-2560.

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

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

www.penta.ca

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Various

Contact: Blaine Canning 204-858-2475 Michael Canning 204-858-2457 or visit website & catalogue @ www.prairielaneangus.com

Custom Ditching

STEVE’S TRACTOR REBUILDER specializing in JD tractors in need of repair or burnt, or will buy for parts. JD parts available. Phone: 204-466-2927 or cell: 204-871-5170, Austin.

1-800-587-4711

FEEDER/SLAUGHTER SALES Every Friday 9AM Special Yearling Sale September 7 Receiving open until 10PM Thursdays NEXT SHEEP & GOAT SALE Wednesday, September 5 Gates Open Mon.-Wed. 8AM-4PM Thurs. 8AM-10PM Friday 8AM-6PM Sat. 8AM-4PM Starting in September our Sheep and Goat sales will be the 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of the month For more information call: 204-694-8328 or Jim Christie 204-771-0753

IRON & STEEL

www.winnipeglivestocksales.com

FREE STANDING CORRAL PANELS, Feeders & Alley ways, 30ft or order to size. Oil Field Pipe: 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 1 7/8, 2-in, 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3 1/2. Sucker Rod: 3/4, 7/8, 1. Casing Pipes: 4-9inch. Sold by the piece or semi load lots. For special pricing call Art (204)685-2628 or cell (204)856-3440.

GRUNTHAL LIVESTOCK AUCTION MART. LTD. GRUNTHAL, MB.

FULL LINE OF COLORED & galvanized roofing, siding & accessories, structural steel, tubing, plate, angles, flats, rounds etc. Phone:1-800-510-3303, Fouillard Steel Supplies Ltd, St Lazare.

FARMING

IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

Licence #1122

Agent for T.E.A.M. Marketing Regular cattle sales every Tuesday @ 9 am

Monday, September 24th at 1 PM a complete holstein dairy heard dispersal of 80 head including bred and open heifers. Call for more info Mondays, September 10th & September 24th Sheep and Goat sale with small animals @ 12 Noon

Sales Agent for HIQUAL INDUSTRIES

Advertise in the Manitoba Co-operator Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

1-800-782-0794 FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

AVAILABLE

Livestock Handling Equipment for info regarding products or pricing, please call our office. We also have a line of Agri-blend all natural products for your livestock needs. (protein tubs, blocks, minerals, etc) For on farm appraisal of livestock or for marketing information please call Harold Unrau (Manager) Cell 871 0250 Auction Mart (204) 434-6519

www.grunthallivestock.com MB. Livestock Dealer #1111

A great way to Buy and Sell without the ef for t.

EQUIPMENT SALES

6 - 1635 Burrows Ave. Winnipeg, MB.

204-837-1660

www.edgeequipmentsales.com

The choice IS easy! Grasshopper

2) 2 Ω YR old Bulls proven & records, 1- 1 Ω tested, ready to go. Call Don (204)422-5216. COMPLETE RED ANGUS FEMALE dispersal by private treaty: 45 cows, bred heifers & heifer calves, many are from AI sires, most calves are sired by “detour” & bred females are bred the same way. Red Rose Angus, Brian McCarthy Phone: (306)435-3590 or (306)435-7527. Email: bmccarthy@rfnow.com. REGISTERED PB RED ANGUS bulls, 15-17 months old & some w/low birth weights. Phone: Ren-Ele Red Angus, (204)526-2424, Bruxelles.

SELLING: 5, 2 YR old PB Charolais virgin bulls, $3,000 each. Pasture ready. Mike Neilson, Neilson Cattle Company, (306)783-0331 Willowbrook, SK (close to Yorkton).

nutrition digestion prevention 99 PRE-CALVING 99 CALVING 99 PRE-BREEDING 99 FREE9DELIVERY 99 LOWEST9COST-TO-FEED RIOCANADA

1.888.762.3299

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Hereford 1 QUALITY PB YEARLING horned bull, from a heavy milking Polled cow, no papers; 1, 4 yr old PB Herdsire, no papers from 9 yr old Grand Champion Polled Bull from Lacombe, AB. (204)436-2284, (204)745-7894.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Limousin TRIPLE R LIMOUSIN, HAS bulls for sale for Fall breeding. Also pick out your 2013 Herdsire now. Take delivery next Spring. Red or Black 40+ to pick from. Plus bred Heifers & 4H projects, steers & heifers. Your source for quality Limousin genetics. Call Art (204)685-2628 or (204)856-3440.

LIVESTOCK Cattle Various 10 COW CALF PAIRS 1st calf Hereford X cows w/Hereford calves. Cow started calving Aug, $1,900 pair firm. (204)795-6823, Springfield.

LIVESTOCK Cattle Wanted WANTED: ALL CLASSES OF feeder cattle, yearlings & calves. Dealer Licence# 1353. Also wanted, light feed grains: wheat, barley & oats. Phone:(204)325-2416. Manitou, MB.

TIRED OF THE HIGH COST OF MARKETING YOUR CALVES?? 300-700 LBS. Steers & Heifers Rob: 528-3254, 724-3400 Ben: 721-3400

This mower deck can be lifted with one finger

EDGE

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Red Angus

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Charolais

GRASSHOPPER®

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Case/IH

FOR SALE: 4490 CASE 4WD, 180hp, 3pth, 4hyd., PTO, $8,000. Phone:(204)739-3740.

ANGUS DISPERSAL SALE

4450 & 4650 MFWA, JD loader 158, 148 & 740. 4240 w/3-PTH & 148 loader; 5300 Mfwa w/540 loader; Ezee-On loader/bale fork. Phone: (204)828-3460.

WD45 AC TRACTOR. PHONE:(204)386-2507

FOR SALE: 2290 CASE 1982 3,300 original hours, very good shape. Phone:(204)768-9090.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

Classifieds

800-1000 LBS. Steers & Heifers Don: 528-3477, 729-7240

Contact: D.J. (Don) MacDonald Livestock Ltd. License #1110

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

LIVESTOCK Sheep – Katahdin

MUSICAL

PUREBRED KATAHDIN RAMS FOR sale. Phone:(204)322-5364 or leave message, Warren.

FLUTE $189; CLARINET $250; Digital piano $599; Violins $69.95-$1295; Mandolins $195-$599; Student guitars $59.95-$199; Amps $59.95-$1200; Harmonicas $8.98-$180; Music stand $15; Mic stand $25; Music books 20% off; Q-chord $350; Drums $349. Hildebrand Music, Portage La Prairie Mall. (204)857-3172.

LIVESTOCK Sheep For Sale FOR SALE: SUFFOLK CROSS, Texel cross, Dorset cross ewe lamb & yearling cross rams. Phone: (204)523-7042 or (204)523-0544.

ORGANIC

Horses

ORGANIC Organic – Grains

LIVESTOCK Horse Auctions

R.W. Organic Ltd. Currently Buying all grades of wheat, durum, rye, barley & peas. Immediate pickup. Offering fall contracts. Mossbank, SK. (306)354-2660

MJ QUARTER HORSES partial Dispersal Sale at Johnstone Auction Mart, Moosejaw, SK. Sunday, Sept 30, 2012 @1pm. Selling 25 Brood Mares, 33 Weanlings, Stallion & 17 ylgs. & 2-yr old Geldings & Fillies. “Home of the Working Horse Captial” Jim/Marguerite Lussier. Ste Rose Du Lac, MB. (204)447-2328. Catalogue online mjquartersandpaints.com

PERSONAL HI: I AM A mid 50’s single white male. 6-ft, 185lbs. I’m looking for a single lady who likes to dance, travel & have quiet times in the country. Reply to Ad# 1020, c/o MB Co-operator, Box 9800, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7

LIVESTOCK Horses – Donkeys

LOOKING, HOPING? ...For a best friend, a romantic happy relationship. CANDLELIGHT MATCHMAKERS can help make it all happen! Confidential, Photos & Profiles to selected matches. Affordable, local, 2 recent summer Weddings! Serving MB, SK, NW Ontario. Call/Write for info: Box 212, Roland, MB, R0G 1T0, (204)343-2475.

1- MAMMOTH 7.5-YR old Jack, 1 half-Mammoth, half standard, 2.5-yr old Jack, 1 spring born halfhalf Jack. The 2 older are gentle, good w/cattle & halter broken. Call Don (204)422-5216.

Swine LIVESTOCK Swine For Sale

PETS

LARGE BLACKS, BOARS, SOWS, gilts, weanlings. Call Neal (204)526-7869.

PETS & SUPPLIES

LIVESTOCK Swine Wanted

PB BLUE & RED Heeler puppies for sale, excellent farm & cattle dogs. Call (204)447-2756 or (204)447-0184. REGISTERED BORDER COLLIE PUPS of top imported breeding. Parents working cattle & sheep, ready to go Oct 1st, $300. Phone Martin Penfold (204)722-2036 (Virden/Moosomin area)

WANTED: BUTCHER HOGS SOWS AND BOARS FOR EXPORT

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Vacation Property

P. QUINTAINE & SON LTD. 728-7549 Licence No. 1123

DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME, Weslaco Texas, gated community, pics. avail. rwheh@hotmail.com

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba

REAL ESTATE Land For Rent

FARM SPECIALIST: COUNT ON GRANT TWEED, informed, professional assistance for sellers & buyers. www.granttweed.com Call (204)761-6884 anytime. Service with integrity.

WANTED: LOOKING FOR CROPLAND in Argyle, Stonewall, Warren, Balmoral, Grosse Isle & surrounding area. Please call Deric (204)513-0332, leave msg.

FOR SALE: SW 1/4 21-2-12. 75-ac pasture w/creek, 85-ac arable. Large older barn. House w/fridge, deep freezer, stove, washer/dryer, microwave, electric furnace. Small steel shed. Price: $150,000. Phone:(204)242-2452.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

GOOD FARM OF APPROX. 635-ac only 20-mins from Brandon. The property is all fenced & is currently run as a dairy operation, though it could easily be converted to a mixed operation. 450-ac can be cultivated w/the remainder in pasture. Bungalow home in good condition, machine shed, cattle sheds, hay sheds, dairy bran, etc. Quota & cows are not included in the price. Phone:(204)761-0511. www.farmsofcanada.ca HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc. ORGANIC FARMLAND W/HOUSE. BEAUTIFUL treed large front yard, 1320-sq-ft house w/attached NOTRE USED OIL ingarage. Farm yardDAME has 2 sheds & 7 granaries, cludes all& farm equipment, DEPOT always shedded, hay, FILTER grasses, forage, cereals, oil seeds as produced. 240-acres owned, property is 500-acre op• Buy Used Oil w/rental• Buy Batteries eration, all land is certified organic. Call Norm, cell • Collect Used Filters • Collect Oil Containers (204)990-8752 or home (204)755-3333.

Southern and Western Manitoba

VERY TIDY FARM OF 160-ac only 11-mi from Killarney, would lend to a mixed or dairy operaTel:itself 204-248-2110 tion. Approx. 110-ac cultivated. Large hay shed & lean-to, built in 2005. Commodity shed 42-ft x 16-ft. Small workshop w/generator. 3 cattle sheds. 4 hopper bottom bins. Good split level house. Phone: (204)761-0511. www.farmsofcanada.ca HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc.

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Pastureland OVERSEAS INVESTORS SEEKING FARMS & farm land. Contact Cindy Grenier at St. Pierre Realty for qualified buyers. Phone:(204)330-2567.

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Wanted REQUIRE FARMS FOR LOCAL & European buyers grain land with or without bldgs, sheep farms, cattle ranches, suburban properties, or just open land, acreages, houses, cottages. Call Harold (204)253-7373 Delta R.E. www.manitobafarms.ca

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale

REAL ESTATE Motels & Hotels

Specialty LIVESTOCK Specialty – Goats 2 OPEN CROSS-BRED BOER Nannies & 2 Kids from Kiko buck, $150 ea or $500 for all 4. Call (204)981-0055.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES All Terrain Vehicles ATV 250 BAJA 4X2 5-spd, 114-kms, like new $2,800 OBO. Also 18-ft brand new Selkirk chimney. Phone:(204)452-2844. Wpg. BRAND NEW ATVS, DIRTBIKES & go-carts; 110cc $699; 125cc $899; 150cc $1,375; 250cc $1575; 300cc $2495; W/6 mth warranty. Phone:(204)727-1712.

RECYCLING

BuyUsed Used Oil Oil ••Buy NOTRE •• Buy Buy Batteries Batteries DAME ••Collect CollectUsed Used Filters Filters • Collect Oil Containers • Collect Oil Containers USED • Antifreeze OIL & Southern,Southern Eastern, and Manitoba Western Western FILTER Manitoba DEPOT Tel: 204-248-2110

PEDIGREED SEED PEDIGREED SEED Cereal – Wheat WINTER WHEAT, CERTIFIED FALCON sunrise new generation ptarmigan. For Secan members only foundation & registered flourish. For more information call Fraser Seeds (204)776-2047 or cells (204)534-7458 (204)534-7722, Minto MB.

MACK AUCTION CO PRESENTS a land auction. TAMMY GREER Thurs., Dec. 6th, 2012 7:00pm TAYLORTON ROOM, DAYS INN, ESTEVAN, SK. 3 Quarters of Land Located in the RM of Benson No. 35 SW 4-5-8 W2 (C/W Surface Oil Lease); NE 28-4-8 W2; NW 10-5-8 W2. Call (306)421-2928 or (306)487-7815 www.mackacutioncompany.com Mack Auction Co. Pl311962

HI-QUAL CLASSIC SQUEEZE CHUTE w/palpation cage & 30-ft crowding alley w/Inline Gates, $3500.00. Phone (204)449-2323 or email ev1953@live.ca , can send pictures. JD 550 T.A. MANURE spr, $5500; Farmhand 450 manure spr $3800. www.waltersequipment.com (204)525-4521.

THE FOLLOWING PRIVATE LAND (NE + SE-32-21-06W, NW 28-21-06W, NE 20-21-06W) is being offered for sale. The following crown lands have been approved by Manitoba Agriculture Food & Rural Initiatives for transfer to the purchaser of the private lands listed as these lands are part of the ranch unit held by Allen M. Lamb of Eriksdale, MB. If you wish to purchase the private land & apply for the unit transfer, contact the lessee at PO Box 248 Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0, or Phone: (204)739-3082. If you wish to comment on or object to this unit transfer write: Director, MAFRI Agricultural Crown Lands, PO Box 1286, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 or email RobertFleming@gov.mb.ca

KELLN SOLAR SUMMER/WINTER WATERING System, provides water in remote areas, improves water quality, increases pasture productivity, extends dugout life. St. Claude/Portage, 204-379-2763. PORTABLE WINDBREAKS, CALF SHELTERS, free standing rod & pipe panels, fence line & field silage bunks. Also sell Speed-Rite & 7L Livestock fence equipment, drill pipe & sucker rod. Phone (204)827-2104 or (204)827-2551, Glenboro. WANTED: METAL SELF-FEEDER on wheels. Minimum 250-bu capacity. Phone:(204)828-3483 or (204)745-7168.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE WESTFIELD MK 10X71 GRAIN auger, VGC, $3700 OBO; Chaff spreader fits 7720 combine 8020 & 9600, $700 OBO. Phone:(204)746-8721.

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba EXCELLENT HOBBY FARM OF 158-ac. Very nice upgraded 4 level split home w/5 bedrooms. Beautifully sheltered yard only 1-mi from pavement. Approx. 110-ac of cultivated land. Phone: (204)761-0511. www.farmsofcanada.ca HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc. Do you want to target Manitoba farmers? Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator. Manitoba’s best-read farm publication.

LIVESTOCK Livestock Equipment

Check OTR-Recycling.com for more information

They're still UGLY They're still TOUGH They're still the best value on the market. Research proves that providing clean water for your calves can add 20 per cent or more to your weaning weights.

WATER TROUGHS

MLS #1118851, Winnipegosis, Manitoba, $349,000 - This is a very productive ranching operation, including 929.84 acres of deeded land, a 1200 sq. ft. house, a 2880 sq. ft. pole machine shed and several outbuildings, grain bins, and corrals, bordering Lake Winnipegosis. There are also 4 quarters of Crown Land approval. Also available is a second spacious modern house outbuildings, a yard site on 113.3 acres of lake front property connected to the parcel.

The UGLY water troughs

For more information about this listing, please contact

800 gallon trough Beauty fades… ugly lasts forever! • costs less & lasts longer • virtually indestructible • guaranteed not to leak • 200-800 gallon capacity

Call a dealer near you today for more information ARBORG CO-OP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-376-5201 CO-OP FEEDS, BRANDON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-727-0571 7-L RANCH, LAKELAND, MB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-445-2102 GILBERT PLAINS CO-OP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-548-2099 TWIN VALLEY CO-OP, MINIOTA, MB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-567-3664

TJ O'Sullivan 204-768-0600 sales@otr-recycling.com

Trusted. Innovative. Professional.

STE. ROSE DU LAC CO-OP, STE. ROSE DU LAC, MB . . . PEMBINA CO-OP, GLENBORO, MB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MCGREGOR CO-OP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORTHFORK RANCH (CARTWRIGHT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

204-447-2545 204-827-2228 204-685-2033 204-529-2881

Ernie Tucker (204) 447-7192 Please visit our website to view all of our listings at www.andrewagencies.com

“ON FARM PICK UP”

1-877-250-5252

Vanderveen Commodity Services Ltd. Licensed and Bonded Grain Brokers

37 4th Ave. NE Carman, MB R0G 0J0 Ph. (204) 745-6444 Email: vscltd@mts.net Andy Vanderveen · Brett Vanderveen Jesse Vanderveen

A Season to Grow… Only Days to Pay!

CANOLA WANTED

Heated, Green, Damaged Buying all levels of damaged canola. Excellent Market Prices. Bonded, Insured.

CALL 1-866-388-6284 www.milliganbiotech.com

INC.

FOR SALE: CERTIFIED FALCON Winter Wheat. Phone James Farms Ltd, (204)222-8785 or Toll Free 1-866-283-8785. WINTER CEREALS: CERTIFIED FALCON & Buteo Winter Wheat. General purpose Winter Wheat & Fall Rye also avail. Wheat City Seeds Ltd (204)727-3337 Brandon, MB.

Box 144, Medora, MB. R0M 1K0 Ph: 204-665-2384

PEDIGREED SEED Oilseed – Various

Also Buying Brown & Yellow Flax & Field Peas Farm Pickup Available CGC Licensed and Bonded Call Cal Vandaele the “Rye Guy” Today!

RYE GRAIN WANTED

NOW BUYING Old & New Crop Confection & Oil Sunflowers Licensed & Bonded 0% Shrink Farm Pick-Up Available Planting Seed Available

Call For Pricing Phone (204)747-2904

Toll Free 1-888-835-6351 Deloraine, Manitoba

SEED / FEED / GRAIN SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Feed Grain JAMES FARMS LTD: good quality feed oats for sale. Phone (204)222-8785 or 1-866-283-8785

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Hay & Straw 200 FIRST CUT ALFALFA 5x6 soft core round bales, 80 bales 5x6 soft core alfalfa grass, round&small square oat straw bales, small square alfalfa bales. Phone: (204)265-3143 or (204)479-0116. 2012 CROP MILLET STRAW, excellent feed quality at a cheap price, also round wheat & barley straw bales. Phone:(204)325-1383 or (204)362-4874. 5X6 ROUND & 3X3X8 square wheat straw, good, solid, dry bales. Phone:(204)325-1383 or (204)362-4874. DAIRY, BEEF & HORSE hay for sale, large squares. Phone: (204)526-7139 (day) or (204)827-2629 (evenings). FOR SALE APPROX 250 oat-straw bales, net wrapped w/some green, Will load. Phone:(204)837-9750 or (204)799-8130. ROUND STRAW BALES FOR SALE: 1,200 wheat straw bales. FOB Skylake, hayMB $20/bale OBO. Phone (204)746-4550.

Hay Tarps All Tie Downs Included

10 Available Sizes

Call Mark @ Haybusters:

(800) 371-7928 haybusters.com

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Hay & Feed Wanted WANTED: DAIRY, BEEF, GRASS & Straw bales in large square bales. Phone Mark 1-800-371-7928, Winnipeg.

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Grain Wanted

We are buyers of farm grains.

• Vomi wheat • Vomi barley • Feed wheat • Feed barley • Feed oats • Corn • Screenings • Peas • Light Weight Barley You can deliver or we can arrange for farm pickup. Winnipeg 233-8418 Brandon 728-0231 Grunthal 434-6881 “Ask for grain buyer.”

FARMERS, RANCHERS, SEED PROCESSORS BUYING ALL FEED GRAINS Heated/Spring Threshed Lightweight/Green/Tough, Mixed Grain - Barley, Oats, Rye, Flax, Wheat, Durum, Lentils, Peas, Canola, Chickpeas, Triticale, Sunflowers, Screenings, Organics and By-Products √ ON-FARM PICKUP √ PROMPT PAYMENT √ LICENSED AND BONDED SASKATOON, LLOYDMINSTER, LETHBRIDGE, VANCOUVER, MINNEDOSA

1-204-724-6741

Andrew Agencies Ltd. 126 Main St. N., Russell, MB

OTR TROUGHS Check out our website at OTR-Recycling.com for more information Call Toll Free 1-866-621-5853

• Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed

FOR SALE: CERTI FALCON winter wheat. Call Elias Seeds:(204)745-3301. Carman, MB.

Dealer inquiries welcome

for pastures and feedlots made from mining tires

FARM LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER N 1/2 22-2-10 WPM, exc Public Road Plan 611 MLTO Tenders close 2:00pm on Oct 5th, 2012 For details contact: SELBY LAW OFFICE Phone (204)242-2801 Fax (204)242-2723 Email: selbylaw@mts.net

BUYING:

HEATED & GREEN CANOLA

PEDIGREED SEED Cereal – Various

LIVESTOCK Livestock Equipment HAY BUSTER BIG BITE H1000, new v-belts last year, 2/3 good sides of hammers left. For more info Phone:(204)868-5040.

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Grain Wanted

GENERAL & AUTO INSURANCE • FINANCIAL SERVICES TRAVEL • REAL ESTATE

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

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CAREERS CAREERS Help Wanted HELP WANTED: WE HAVE a position available on our dairy farm near Haywood for someone who enjoys working with dairy cattle. Duties will mainly include feeding & doing other barn work. Competitive wages. If interested, please call (204)379-2640 or (204)745-7864. Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Manitoba Co-operator classified section. It’s a sure thing. 1-800-782-0794.

Senior Crop Input Manager Providence Grain Solutions requires a highly motivated, reliable, dependable, detail oriented individual to join our team. Managing three separate crop input centres, as the Senior Crop Input Manager you will be responsible for marketing seed, fertilizer and crop protection products to new and existing customers in trading areas; provide agronomic advice; manage product inventories; ensure proper handling and storage of crop input products; and manage the financial and the facility aspects for the crop input business by identifying grain merchandise and crop input opportunities to maximize profitability while maintaining strong customer relationships. The ideal candidate will have a Degree/Diploma in Agriculture/Business and/ or a minimum of 5-10 years of crop input experience in an agricultural related role. A Certified Crop Advisor designation is considered an asset. Candidates will have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills along with a working knowledge of Microsoft applications. Required: • Strong leadership and organizational skills • Strong communication and listening skills • Ability to influence decision-making • Excellent interpersonal skills • Ability to work effectively within a team • Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills • Customer service including creating value for the customer. • Marketing and merchandising knowledge • Crop inputs (fertilizer, e.g.) and general agronomic knowledge Providence Grain Solutions provides an excellent compensation package consisting of a competitive salary, benefits, bonus and training and career development opportunities. Please forward all resumes to: Providence Grain Solutions #168 11870 - 88 Avenue Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta T8L 0K1 Fax: 780-997-0217 • email: sozirney@providencegrain.ca • www.providencegrain.ca We thank all applicants for your interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

WORLD NEWS FA R M I NG N E W S F ROM A BROA D

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Even as war wages around them, Syrian farmers keep country fed Prices are higher, but there remains enough food grown within the war-ravaged country to stave off food shortages By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AL DANA, NORTHERN SYRIA / REUTERS

or the past six months, farmer Hisham al-Zeir’s wife and daughters have been up before sunset each day when it’s still cool, baking traditional tanoor bread in a century-old clay oven in their home in Syria’s rich agricultural province of Idlib. Rather than selling all his wheat to the state as he usually does, Zeir decided this year to keep almost a third of it to ensure his wife and six children have enough food to survive on as the conflict in the country spreads. “I am putting it aside to eat from until Allah eases on his people and things become clearer,” Zeir said at his modest farm in Idlib, a region of gently rolling hills and olive groves that supplies a large proportion of Syria’s fruit. Zeir is not alone. Many farmers are hunkering down as the 17-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule — which has killed at least 18,000 people — drags on. “People’s ability to live off their land has helped in this crisis unlike urban dwellers,” said Samir Seifan, a prominent Syrian economist. The current crisis is actually reversing a decade-long exodus of rural residents to cities like Damascus and Aleppo, as those fleeing violence in the cities return to villages. The conflict is never far away, however. “A mortar has hit and killed two of my sheep and destroyed our yard,” said Omar al-Natour, a day after army shelling at his house in the town of Al-Sahara in Idlib. The 45-year-old former factory worker now supplements his meagre income by rearing cattle and other livestock.

Food aid

Food production has been rising in Syria in recent years despite sharp fluctuations in harvests and bouts of drought. That has helped diversify the economy, and in the present conflict, staved off significant food shortages in the countryside so far, residents and Damascus-based economists said. They contradict the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program, which estimated this month about 1.5

A villager tends to his herd in a field near Azaz, some 30 km (18 miles) northwest of Aleppo, Aug. 26. The rural economy has been less affected by the ongoing turmoil in the country. PHOTO: REUTERS/ZAIN KARAM

million people in Syria need immediate food aid. Across the country, agricultural production continues, despite a shortage of seasonal labourers who once flocked to work in the fields during the harvest period. This has secured an adequate supply of vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers, staples of the Syrian diet, as well as grains, even though the high cost of tractor fuel and a lack of fertilizer has reduced the amount of cultivable land. This is allowing people to survive during a time when many shop owners have not replenished their stocks for over a year. “People are managing with the minimum. Don’t forget, some people are just barely surviving,” said grocer Farouq al-Masous from Hazanoh, a town known for its olive groves. As the fighting in Syria shows no sign of abating, the populations of some rural towns in Idlib have surged, and across rural Syria, a new breed of private trader has emerged, supplying foodstuffs to now isolated communities. “The rural resident is not able to get his goods from the city so he is relying on new traders who are buying directly from farmers and selling in local villages,” said Saleh al-Shawaf, a former electrician. He now works as

“People’s ability to live off their land has helped in this crisis unlike urban dwellers.” SAMIR SEIFAN

A prominent Syrian economist

a vegetable trader, frequently dodging army checkpoints to go to Aleppo’s bigger markets to buy goods he can sell in the villages. City dwellers have reduced their food consumption much more than rural residents, said Taher al-Guraibi a former housing contractor who has gone back to his family’s hometown of Binish after fleeing Aleppo. “You used to eat fruit daily, now it’s every two days,” he said. “Consumption of goods has in general gone down... If you used to buy a kilo of meat every week now you buy half a kilo.”

Higher prices

In Darat Azah’s bustling marketplace, traders offer a range of local produce including cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons and peaches. People consistently complain about higher prices, not shortages, traders say. Nearby, a butcher hangs up a piece of mutton, which has almost doubled in price in the past year. “There are lower quantities

of food but no food shortages in Syria... there are people who are supplying food. As you know, in every crisis, there are those who profit,” said a senior Syrian official at the state wheat procurement agency. State bakeries remain open even in rebel-held areas and officials say no village in Syria has been deprived of bread. At a private bakery near the rebel-controlled town of Sahara, baker Abu Adnan is surrounded by dozens of men and women jostling to get bread that has just arrived from a bakery in a nearby town that now serves several villages. “For God’s sake... everyone, just one loaf,” Adnan shouts. Despite long bread queues, prices have barely gone up for a loaf of Arabic bread, on sale for a heavily subsidized 15 Syrian pounds (about 22 cents Cdn). In a tacit agreement with the government, rebels have not sought to take control of 36 state-owned silos spread across the country that remain in government hands.

BRIEFS

Climate threat to world’s poor is underestimated LONDON / REUTERS Climate change will greatly increase the suffering of the world’s poor, says Oxfam. More frequent extreme weather events will create shortages, destabilize markets, and cause price spikes on top of projected structural price rises of about 100 per cent for staples such as maize over the next 20 years, the charity said in a report. “For vulnerable people, sudden and extreme price hikes can be more devastating than gradual long-term rises to which they may have more chance of adjusting,” the report states. “Though the price spike and coping strategies may be short term, the impacts are often felt across generations. An increase in malnutrition can cause stunting and reduce developmental potential in young children.”

UN says world food prices have stabilized but action needed ROME / REUTERS World food prices stabilized in August at levels close to those reached in the food crisis of 2008, but global grain stocks are likely to shrink this year as cereal crop output falls short of what is needed, says the United Nations food agency. The FAO Food Price Index, which measures monthly price changes for a food basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy, meat and sugar, averaged 213 points in August, unchanged from July, when prices surged six per cent. The index is below a peak of 238 points hit in February 2011, when high food prices helped drive the Arab Spring uprisings. But it is still close to levels during the food price crisis in 2008. “Although we should remain vigilant, current prices do not justify talk of a world food crisis. But the international community can and should move to calm markets further,” said FAO director general Jose Graziano da Silva. “We are reassured that the drought problems in the U.S. will not pull us into a similar situation that we had in 2008.” The agency says there are still upside risks for food prices, such as the potential for speculative capital to return to markets.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

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h u s b a n d r y — t h e s c i e n c e , S K I L L O R ART O F F AR M IN G

Coyotes no excuse for staying out of the booming sheep and goat sectors Gord Schroeder says predation losses can’t be totally eliminated, but good management can keep them to a minimum By Daniel Winters co-operator staff / humboldt, sask.

emand for sheep and goats is sky high and growing — so why aren’t more farmers raising them? The most common reason is fear of coyotes, said Gord Schroeder, executive director of the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board. “I’m tired of people saying that coyotes are a problem and that’s why we can’t go ahead,” said Schroeder, in a presentation at a recent Multi-Species Grazing Conference hosted by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. “As goat and sheep producers, we’re going to learn to manage the problem. We’re going to grow in spite of coyotes and in spite of predation.” Totally eliminating predator losses is impossible, but successful livestock operators have figured out ways to manage risk and prevent losses, he said. When Schroeder ran a 450-ewe operation near Drake, Sask., he said he often spotted coyotes running through his flock and within a quarter-mile of his house.

Not all bad

Gord Schroeder, a longtime sheep producer who is now executive director of the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, says fear of predation is one of the biggest obstacles to growth in the sheep and goat industry. photo: Daniel Winters

“There’s no one tool that you can use to eliminate coyote problems. You’re going to have to combine a number of different ones.” Gord Schroeder

He generally left them alone because in his experience, not all coyotes are livestock killers, and a chorus of spine-tingling coyote howls in the evening did not always herald the appearance of mass carnage in the morning. Indiscriminate killing opens up a territorial vacuum that will be filled by new, and potentially worse, coyotes, he added. Practices such as night penning, socalled coyote-proof fencing, and noise and light deterrents may offer shortterm, temporary relief from the fourlegged, furry terrorists. “Coyotes will adapt to anything that you throw at them,” he said. In one Ontario project he was involved in, a fence was built at enormous cost that was buried two feet in the ground and rose eight feet high, but coyotes still managed to get inside. “There’s no one tool that you can use to eliminate coyote problems. You’re going to have to combine a number of different ones,” said Schroeder.

No one tool

First, check stock regularly. That means taking extra steps as soon as a problem appears. Keep weak or sick animals

closer to the house for protection. Coyotes survive the winter mainly by feeding on carrion, so keeping deadstock out of reach by composting it or burying it in a specially built vessel avoids lending them a helping hand. Calling and shooting is one of the best ways to get rid of bad actors in the coyote population because the most aggressive, opportunistic predators are the first to respond to the sounds of an animal in distress. But don’t bungle the shot, because they won’t fall for it a second time, he said. Coyotes are lazy by nature. Their currency is food energy, and they are always looking for ways to conserve it by opting for the cheapest, easiest kills. That means they generally use the same paths, night after night. Setting a power snare on a trail beaten in the grass under the fence will often catch the culprit. A good guardian dog is the best of all predation control methods, said Schroeder. Different breeds have different characteristics. Great Pyrenees tend to stay close to the flock, while Akbash dogs tend to roam farther, noisily patrolling the perimeter. Anatolian shepherds are a more aggressive breed that won’t hesitate to pursue attackers, and may get into trouble with neighbours. Schroeder used three dogs of different breeds with his flock to provide overlapping layers of security. Getting a dog to work requires patience, especially during the critical bonding period. A balance between the need to provide grooming and worming care must be struck to avoid turning a pup into a “useless” pet. Dogs provide round-the-clock protection from predators, and the sound of barking at night provides peace of mind because it means they are working hard. Many shepherds and goatherds are reluctant to pasture their flocks on remote or bushy areas due to fears of predation, but a “good working dog will open all that land up for you,” he said. Schroeder has heard from some producers that losses of up to 15 per cent per year due to predation must be accepted as the cost of doing business. “But that’s your cream, your profit. You need to capture that,” he said. “Guardian dogs may not eliminate everything, but they sure will help.” daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

column

Variable creep feed intake confounds trial results Recent research by the Prairie Swine Centre found litters fed creep did not have a higher daily gain Bernie Peet Peet on Pigs

he benefits of creep feeding are notoriously variable, with some research trials showing a positive benefit and others showing no advantage. Even taking into account factors such as weaning age, length of the creep-feeding period, and type of diet fed, it is somewhat of a mystery why the outcomes are not more consistent. So what’s the latest on this topic? Work published last year by the Prairie Swine Centre (PSC) found no benefit. Pigs provided with creep feed for seven days prior to weaning were not heavier at weaning and, perhaps surprisingly, this was true for both the heaviest and the lightest pigs in the litter. “Moreover, this data showed that piglets from litters offered creep were less inclined to visit the feeder in the nursery immediately post-weaning,” said researcher Denise Beaulieu. “This implies that there were no behavioural benefits from the early introduction of solid feed.” This latest research indicates variability in results is likely due to differences in feed intake between individual pigs. A recent trial involving 100 litters used creep feed containing a non-toxic dye so individual pigs that ate creep could be identified by taking anal swabs. Similar to the previous work, on average, litters fed creep did not have a higher daily gain from 21

days of age, when creep feeding commenced, until weaning. Nor did they show improved growth rate during the early nursery stage. However, results for individual pigs had some differences. “Approximately 37 per cent of piglets offered creep showed evidence of consumption after five days,” said Beaulieu. “Within the creep ‘eaters,’ 45 per cent had evidence of consuming the Phase 1 diet when swabs were taken 48 hours after weaning. Within the creep ‘noneaters,’ this figure was 55 per cent.” This, she said, corroborates a previous experiment where video tape observations showed piglets from litters offered creep had fewer “feeder approaches” during the first 24 hours post-weaning. Growth rate during the first three days post-weaning, of piglets classified as “creep and nursery eaters” was improved relative to other groups. Moreover, according to Beaulieu, there is evidence this improvement was maintained throughout the nursery period. “Creep feeding improves weaning and nurser y exit weights for those piglets which actually consume feed,” she said. “Further work is required to determine why not all piglets consume the creep feed and whether these piglets will show improvements in growth if they can be encouraged to consume the creep feed.”

Can we feed according to growth potential?

During the grow-finish period, variability in the response of individual pigs and groups

of pigs makes defining their nutritional requirements a challenge. Even when pigs are penned according to size, and diets fed according to weight, variability is still high. In practice, we tend to feed a betterquality diet than we need to, in order to meet the needs of the smaller and slower-growing pigs. But what if we could categorize pigs according to their growth potential and feed them accordingly? A PSC trial looked at whether early growth rate is predictive of the efficiency of energy utilization later in life. Sixty barrows were assigned to either a slow, average or fast potential growth rate (PGR) group on the basis of their growth from birth to 30 kilograms, then fed either a low- or a high-energy diet. “The slow-growing pigs were about 98 days of age, almost four weeks older than the fastest-growing pigs, which reached 30 kilograms at only 71 days of age,” said Beaulieu. “The average PGR group was 78 days of age.” Despite the differences in growth rate to 30 kilograms, daily gain from 30 to 60 kilograms was only slightly higher for the fast PGR pigs. Also, energy concentration of the diet had no effect on growth rate — feed intake was reduced on the high-energy diet, therefore feed efficiency was improved for pigs fed this diet. “ T h e p i g s w e re s l a u g h tered when they reached 60 kilograms, then the carcasses ground and analyzed for nutrient content,” said Beaulieu. “Comparing the data with a group of pigs slaughtered at

Creep feeding improves weaning and nursery exit weights, for those piglets which actually consume feed, according to the latest research from PSC.

the beginning of each experiment allows the calculation of nutrient retention within each growth period.” The efficiency of utilization of energy for growth, protein or lipid deposition was numerically lower for the fast-growing pigs relative to the average or slower-growing pigs, however, this difference was not significant. “The efficiency of energy utilization for protein or lipid deposition was improved with the low-energy diet,” said Beaulieu. “Also, pigs fed the diet at 85 per cent of ad libitum intake utilized energy more efficiently relative to those allowed 100 per cent intake, regardless of PGR or dietary energy concentration. The ad libitum fed pigs

took fewer days to reach 60 kilograms, grew faster, ate more and had improved feed efficiency. However, the efficiency of energy utilized for protein or lipid deposition was improved with the lower intake. “The efficiency of the utilization of dietary energy for growth was comparable among pigs selected for high or low potential growth rate,” concluded Beaulieu. This implies that segregating pigs and feeding based on their potential growth rate is not a tool that will improve our ability to match feed to requirements. Bernie Peet is president of Pork Chain Consulting of Lacombe, Alberta, and editor of Western Hog Journal.

news

Iowa testing milk for aflatoxin

AgriInvest

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chicago / reuters / Iowa, the No. 1 corn producer in the United States, began requiring the state’s dairy processors to test all milk received in the state for aflatoxin Aug. 31, the toxic byproduct of a mould that tends to spread in drought-stressed corn. The Iowa Department of Agriculture said the required aflatoxin screening of all milk will continue indefinitely. The order requires milk processors to screen all Grade A and Grade B farm bulk milk pickup tankers and farm can milk loads for aflatoxin on a weekly basis. Cows that eat corn infected with aflatoxin can pass the substance through to their milk. The department said it was also instituting a state-wide corn-sampling program. “We were well aware that aflatoxin could be an issue this year due to the historic drought conditions,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said in a statement this week. “Now that farmers are starting to harvest silage, and corn in some cases, it is appropriate to begin this screening process

to make sure our milk supply remains safe,” Northey said. The U.S. grain, dairy and crop insurance industries have been on high alert for outbreaks of aflatoxin in the U.S. corn harvest following the worst Midwestern drought in half a century. Aflatoxin is the byproduct of a powdery, greenish mould that has emerged in cornfields across much of the Corn Belt and is harmful or even fatal to livestock. The presence of the mould does not necessarily lead to aflatoxin. Under guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain types of animal feed can contain an aflatoxin concentration of up to 300 parts per billion (ppb). Human foods must contain less than 20 ppb, while the threshold for milk is even lower, at 0.5 ppb. Aflatoxin can cause liver disease and is considered carcinogenic. Human exposure to high amounts of aflatoxin is rare, but aflatoxin contamination prompted a series of pet food and livestock food recalls last December, including products produced at Cargill’s Lecompte, Louisiana plant and Procter & Gamble Co. plant in Henderson, North Carolina.

The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

Activists turn investors in a bid to change farm practices The Humane Society said it plans to introduce shareholder proposals next year promoting alternatives to sow stalls By P.J. Huffstutter CHICAGO / REUTERS

he Humane Society of the United States has bought shares in four major financial services companies in a bid to use shareholder pressure to force two of the nation’s largest pork producers to stop housing pregnant sows in gestation stalls. The animal rights group said Aug. 31 that its investment — a relatively small $3,000 or so worth of stock in each company, but large enough to introduce proposals during shareholder meetings — was targeted at investors in Tyson Foods Inc. and Seaboard Foods, a unit of Seaboard Corp. The group has successfully used such shareholder advo-

cacy in the past to pressure food and agriculture companies to change corporate buying habits and production practices. Now, t h e Hu m a n e So c i ety is taking a new strategy: tell investors in the livestock industry it’s a bad financial move for farmers to use this equipment. The Humane Society said it plans to introduce shareholder proposals next year that, among other things, will point out that dozens of food retailers have vowed to eventually only buy pork from farmers and other sources that don’t use gestation stalls. By not changing over to alternative animal housing, claims the group, Tyson and Seaboard are putting their lucrative contracts with these customers at risk.

McDonald’s, the nation’s top hamburger chain by sales, vowed in May that its U.S. business would only buy pork from farmers and other sources that do not use gestation stalls for housing their pregnant sows by 2022. “We’ve tried talking with (Tyson and Seaboard) and they refuse to make any progress,” said Humane Society food policy director Matthew Prescott. So t h e Hu m a n e So c i e t y decided to put the pressure on in a less direct route and press its case with Tyson investors: JP Morgan Chase, the biggest U.S. commercial and investment bank by assets; BlackRock, the world’s biggest asset manager; Jennison Associates, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, the second-largest U.S. life insurer;

and Ameriprise Financial, a financial services company. BlackRock also is a leading investor in Seaboard, Prescott said. Tyson Foods told Reuters in an email that it is committed to humane animal treatment at all stages of food production, and expects the same from those farmers who supply products to it. “We buys hogs from thousands of family farms, many of whom use gestation stalls for mother pigs and some of whom have group or pen housing. Experts believe both housing systems are humane for mother pigs when managed properly,” the company said in its statement. Seaboard Foods, the nation’s third-largest pork producer,

could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for JP Morgan Chase declined to comment. None of the other financial services firms could be reached for comment. The Humane Society and other activists say their goal is to pull back the curtain on the nation’s food supply, and are using undercover videos shot at farms, social media campaigns and shareholder activism to prompt the food and agricultural industries to change. The campaign has been increasingly successful in recent years: Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture temporarily shut down a California slaughterhouse after undercover video showed cows being mistreated during the slaughtering process.

Swine workshop slated for Red Deer NIR technology could reduce feed costs

ear infrared (NIR) technology, management and stockmanship will be on the agenda at the 2012 Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop on Oct. 31. M a r y L o u Sw i f t o f Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development will discuss how using NIR technology to analyze grain samples can lead to significant feed cost savings. The system will be demonstrated during the breaks and producers may bring grain samples for analysis, a process that literally takes seconds. Using technology to optimize the pig’s environment and solve ventilation problems will be discussed by Mario Ramirez of Gowans Feed Consulting. Other topics include management of the gilt up to first farrowing, optimizing herd parity structure and the impact of stockmanship on individual pig care. The workshop will be held at the exhibition hall at the Sheraton Hotel (formerly the Capri Centre) in Red Deer. Registration costs $75, with a special “5 for the price of 4” package available for $300. For fur ther information or to register, contact Bernie Peet at Pork Chain Consulting Ltd. at (403) 782-3776 or (403) 392-3104 or email bjpeet@telusplanet.net.

“We’re optimistic. We’re producing more and better products and seeing a positive result.

I think the future is going to be great.” – Sabrina Caron, Quebec

It’s time to tell the real story Canadian agriculture is a modern, vibrant and diverse industry, filled with forward-thinking people who love what they do. But for our industry to reach its full potential this needs to be better understood by the general public and, most importantly, by our industry itself. The story of Canadian agriculture is one of success, promise, challenge and determination. And the greatest storytellers are the 2.2 million Canadians who live it every day. Be proud. Champion our industry.

Share your story, hear others and learn more at AgricultureMoreThanEver.ca 08/12-18723-4E B

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The Manitoba Co-operator | September 13, 2012

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Ashern

Feeder Steers

Gladstone

Grunthal

Heartland

Brandon

Virden

Killarney

Ste. Rose

Taylor

Winnipeg

Sep-07

Nov-18

Sep-05

Sep-04

Sep-05

n/a

Sep-06

No. on offer

221

257

239

290

379

n/a

318

633

1,320

Over 1,000 lbs.

n/a

110.00-122.00

105.00-116.00

900-1,000

125.00-128.00

115.00-123.25

115.00-128.00

n/a

122.00-133.00

n/a

120.00-129.00

120.00-131.00

122.5

800-900

120.00-139.00

124.00-134.25

125.00-134.00

128.00-138.00

n/a

130.00-137.00

128.00-137.00

125.00-138.50

700-800

118.00-142.50

125.00-141.75

130.00-140.00

132.00-149.75

135.00-147.50

n/a

135.00-145.75

130.00-145.00

130.00-141.00

600-700

132.00-144.75

120.00-148.50

132.00-143.50

140.00-154.25

139.00-151.00

n/a

140.00-151.00

135.00-152.00

138.00-154.00

500-600

n/a

125.00-151.00

138.00-147.50

145.00-162.00

144.00-156.00

n/a

130.00-152.50

140.00-155.00

145.00-169.00

400-500

n/a

130.00-158.50

145.00-159.00

155.00-173.00

150.00-164.00

n/a

150.00-185.00

145.00-172.00

150.00-189.00

300-400

n/a

150.00-182.00

n/a

159.00-173.00

n/a

150.00-182.00

160.00-198.00

900-1,000 lbs.

n/a

105.00-114.50

n/a

110.00-122.00

109.00-119.00

n/a

118.00-127.25

100.00-118.00

108

800-900

n/a

114.00-123.25

113.00-122.50

115.00-125.25

117.00-126.00

n/a

122.00-135.00

105.00-125.00

114

700-800

100.00-132.25

116.00-130.50

117.00-127.00

120.00-133.00

122.00-133.00

n/a

125.00-139.50

110.00-133.00

110.00-120.00

600-700

128.00-135.00

119.00-138.50

122.00-133.50

125.00-142.00

126.00-138.00

n/a

135.00-144.00

118.00-135.00

122.00-130.00

500-600

n/a

120.00-141.00

128.00-138.00

128.00-142.50

130.00-143.00

n/a

140.00-161.00

120.00-138.00

130.00-147.00

400-500

n/a

125.00-134.00

130.00-155.00

130.00-145.50

135.00-148.00

n/a

125.00-147.50

135.00-151.00

300-400

n/a

138.00-143.00

140.00-174.00

135.00-155.00

n/a

130.00-155.00

n/a

No. on offer

174

n/a

135

n/a

177

168

320

D1-D2 Cows

62.00-68.00

n/a

73.00-79.50

70.00-75.00

n/a

71.00-78.00

68.00-76.00

54.00-59.00

Feeder heifers

Slaughter Market

D3-D5 Cows

52.00-61.00

n/a

65.00-72.00

60.00-70.00

n/a

62.00-70.00

63.00-70.00

n/a

Age Verified

70.00-74.25

30.00-79.00

n/a

72.00-77.00

n/a

47.00-62.00

Good Bulls

80.00-91.00

60.00-90.00

84.00-88.50

82.00-87.50

80.00-92.50

n/a

87.00-95.00

83.00-90.50

65.00-77.50

Butcher Steers

n/a

101.00-105.00

n/a

Butcher Heifers

n/a

98.00-102.75

n/a

Feeder Cows

n/a

30.00-74.00

70.00-77.00

80.00-91.00

72.00-82.00

n/a

78.00-84.00

74.00-82.00

n/a

Fleshy Export Cows

n/a

67.00-71.00

n/a

50.00-62.00

Lean Export Cows

n/a

60.00-66.00

n/a

44.00-50.00

* includes slaughter market

(Note all prices in CDN$ per cwt. These prices also generally represent the top one-third of sales reported by the auction yard.)

Your smartphone

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers

Instant info. With the Manitoba Co-operator mobile app just got smarter.

you can stay up to date on all things Get ag.the Manitoba Co-operator mobile app and get the latest ag news as it happens. Download the free app at agreader.ca/mbc Download the free app at agreader.ca/mbc

Manitoba ®

RETURN YOUR UNWANTED OR OBSOLETE PESTICIDES AND FOOD ANIMAL MEDICATIONS Farmers: safely dispose of your unwanted agricultural pesticides and food animal medications between October 23-25, 2012. Location

Ag-Retailer

Location

Ag-Retailer

Location

Arborg

Viterra

Grosse Isle

Viterra

Portage La Prairie

Munro’s Farm Supplies Ltd.

Arnaud

G.J. Chemical Co Ltd

Holland

Patterson Grain

Reston

Viterra

Birtle

Twin Valley Co-op

Inglis

Jacksons Seed

Stonewall

Terraco

Brandon

Acropolis Warehousing Inc.

Killarney

Patterson Grain

Swan River

Richardson Pioneer

Neepawa

Redfern Farm Services Ltd.

Niverville

Patterson Grain

Virden

Valleyview Co-op

Dauphin

Dauphin Co-op

Oak Bluff

Terraco

Winkler

Cargill

Elva

Cargill

Pilot Mound

Double Diamond Farm Supply

Ag-Retailer

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through StewardshipSM (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of BiotechnologyDerived 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 StewardshipSM is a service mark 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® agricultural herbicides. Roundup® 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®, Acceleron and Design®, DEKALB®, DEKALB and Design®, Genuity®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Roundup®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, RIB Complete and Design™, RIB Complete™, SmartStax®, SmartStax and Design®, VT Double PRO™, VT Triple PRO™ and YieldGard VT Triple® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. 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. (3701-MON-E-12)

Program supported by:

Manitoba Co-operator 1 x 84 li B/W

For more information call 877-622-4460 or visit: www.cleanfarms.ca

BRIEFS

U.S. hog market “a wreck” CHICAGO / REUTERS / Record-high feed costs caused by the worst drought in half a century are forcing U.S. farmers to slaughter more of their hogs, with the number reaching 9.9 million head in August. With the pace of slaughter set to increase seasonally in the fourth quarter, the country could be awash with pork. That would push prices of hog futures, already near 20-month lows, even lower. “If we continue to go seasonally higher (slaughter) from here, as we normally do in the fourth quarter, this is going to be a much larger number than anticipated and we’ve got a wreck on our hands,” said Jim Robb of the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver. “Feedstuff costs are high and hog prices are headed lower.”

The Manitoba Co-Operator | September 13, 2012

COUNTRY CROSSROADS CON N EC T I NG RU R A L FA M I L I E S

New food products head to school NuEats brand part of Manitoba Agri-Health Research Network’s effort to promote functional foods made from Manitoba-grown ingredients By Lorraine Stevenson co-operator staff

Barley waffles and tortilla chips, a yogurt-granola bar, and sundaes topped with saskatoons and oatmeal are some of the made-inManitoba foods headed to university this month — for a taste test. If they pass, they’ll be launched under the “NuEats” brand, and put on the menu at University of Manitoba cafeterias and eateries. On any given day up to 25,000 people are on campus, so it’s a great test market, said Lee Anne Murphy, executive director of the Manitoba Agri-Health Research Network. The hope is the healthy products will catch on with students — and catch the interest of food manufacturers, she said. “We wanted to give these really interesting products a chance to shine,” said Murphy. “If they’re commercially viable, we want someone else to take it to market.” The NuEats program is a partnership with the U of M’s faculty of food science to “micro-commercialize” new and natural products using healthy local ingredients. There are six products in all. Three were tested by the Manitoba AgriHealth Research Network’s cluster — which includes the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods, the Food Development Centre, and Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine. One was the PrairieBerry sundae, made in small batches at the little dairy in the Agriculture and Food Sciences building. The sundae, made with saskatoons and oatmeal, was a hit, so it’s been accepted for the NuEats brand. A buckwheat snack also passed muster and is also ready to be launched. It’s hoped the initiative will get students in food sciences and human nutritional sciences programs interested in developing food products, said Murphy. Already a group of recent graduates asked NuEats organizers for help with their prototype product, she said. “These are kids with jobs and coming back on their own time to figure out how to get this going,” she said. “So we’ve got engaged students, some cool products and maybe some commercial successes too.” To be eligible to carry the NuEats brand, products must contain ingredients with some connection to Manitoba Agri-Health Research Network. People with products that don’t fit that criteria should contact Growing Opportunities (GO) staff at Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, she said. lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

Members of the Cypress River Resource Centre board are thrilled to be welcoming 25 licensed practical nurse trainees into the former Cypress River Consolidated School, which closed in 2009. Pictured are board members Linda Truelove (l to r), Pam Griffin, Jim Cassels, Lisa Clousten, Jeannie Christie, chair of the board and Georgette Hutlet. photo: lorraine stevenson

Former elementary school opens as nurse training facility Cypress River residents look forward to welcoming 25 LPN trainees who will study in the small town’s former elementary school By Lorraine Stevenson co-operator staff / Cypress River

hen local residents put up $100 to buy their four-classroom school back from the Prairie Spirit School Division last year, they weren’t sure what they were going to do with it. But they weren’t prepared to stand by and watch the 7,000-square-foot school closed in 2009 fall into disrepair, so they took a leap of faith that it would find new purpose. They were right. Soon after they took possession, they opened Encore!, a second-hand store now doing a brisk trade in one of the classrooms. Then in June the community hosted an inaugural Prairie Wind Music Festival. “That’s going to grow in the future and we think it will be one of our major fundraisers,” said Georgette Hutlet, one of the board members for the Cypress River Resource Centre. But their real coup came from learning about Assiniboine Community College’s rotating LPN training program, which has been offered in other underused spaces across rural Manitoba since 2000. CRRC immediately approached ACC to see if their little school might be considered. They learned late last month they’d

been been chosen as the site for the ACC’s 22-month program starting in 2013. The school will be outfitted with hospital beds and other training equipment for the 25 students scheduled to start classes in the new year. Encore! will stay open in the school’s gymnasium. “We’re very excited,” Hutlet said. “It’s something brand new for us.”

“We want to bring educational opportunities as close to home as possible. That’s one of our mandates.” Georgette Hutlet

The LPN program will provide a secure tenant for the next 22 months and a chance to build on the mandate their board gave the facility when they acquired it — giving their school a new lease on life. This wasn’t done for sentiment for an old school either. Needs are evolving across rural Manitoba, said Hutlet. The business plan they put together for a new use for this school aims to meet them. “We want to bring educational opportunities as close to home as possible,” said Hutlet. “That’s one of our mandates.”

They’re now looking forward to 25 new faces around town. Some from farther away will rent accommodations in Cypress River and nearby Glenboro. Cypress River is planning a community supper to welcome them when they arrive. They hope other towns with a closed school, or a closure looming might take heart from what they’re doing too, she added. “As much as it’s a sad day when a school closes you need to look for other options,” said Hutlet. “You can make it something that your community will still be proud of.” ACC offers this localized training after sur veys done across the province’s RHAs to determine where demands for LPN training is highest, said Kirk Joyce, chair of health programs at ACC. Over the years, they’ve had training programs set up in other towns’ closed churches and even empty stores. There are many advantages to bringing training to where the students are, said Joyce, including reducing the need for students to travel or relocate while they study. Students trained locally regularly land a job locally afterwards. LPNs are in high demand and have excellent job prospects, he added. lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

The Manitoba Co-Operator | September 13, 2012

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

RecipeSwap

Send your recipes or recipe request to: Manitoba Co-operator Recipe Swap Box 1794, Carman, Man. ROG OJO or email: lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

Follow your nose Along the Cinnamon Bun Trail Lorraine Stevenson Crossroads Recipe Swap

he warm spice, fresh-baked bread combo of a newly baked cinnamon bun is, in a word, irresistible. Who hasn’t been lured into Mom’s kitchen, or a hometown bakery, when they’ve picked up the scent of them. That’s the idea behind the new “Cinnamon Bun Trail” a map and guide to help you follow your nose to all the best cinnamon buns baked in rural Manitoba. The idea came to co-ordinators of this province’s rural tourism associations after a trip to southern Ontario where they were charmed by all the small cafés and roadside stands that make up that province’s Butter Tart Trail. “We said we’ve gotta do this at home,” said Georgette Hutlet, marketing co-ordinator of the Central Plains Tourism Network. Cinnamon buns, she and her colleagues agreed, were pure Prairie, and with Kathy Swann at Parkland Tourism Association leading the charge, the search for the sweet treats was on. The Cinnamon Bun Trail — In Search of Sweet Treats in Rural Manitoba is a map that lists 35 different cafés, stores and bakeries across the entire province. The ooey-gooey treats you’ll get when you arrive are the real McCoy too. They must be made from scratch and fresh to be on the trail. This sounds like fun. Austin’s Bake and Coffee Shop claims theirs are “the best in the West,” while, according to the guide, at St. Claude’s Mama Lou’s, the guide says, “Colleen must be in the mood to knead the old-school yeast and Claude must soak the raisins.” The buns at St. Pierre Bakery’s are made with a “generations old secret recipe.” I can personally vouch for Grandview’s Friendly Corner Bake Shop’s “exceptional buns.” I’ve sampled a few. Who knows, cinnamon buns might be a bit like made-in-Manitoba sausages, each slightly different from those down the road. Pick up a guide and have fun figuring that out for yourself.

Where to find the map The Cinnamon Bun Trail map and guide is produced by Parkland Tourism Association, Tourism North Manitoba, Interlake Tourism Association, Eastern Manitoba Tourism Association and Central Plains Tourism Network. Right now you can find the downloadable brochure at www.cen tralplainsmanitoba.ca or call 877-856-5002 for help locating one.

You probably have your own favourite handed down through the family, but here’s a couple of cinnamon bun recipes to add to your collection. Both recipes courtesy of ACH Food Companies, Inc. www.achfood.ca.

©THINKSTOCK

Grandma’s Best Cinnamon Rolls Oatmeal Dough: 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 c. all-purpose flour 1/3 c. quick oats 1/4 c. granulated sugar 1 pkg. Fleischmann’s Traditional or QuickRise Yeast 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, cut up 1/4 c. milk 1/4 c. water 1 egg Filling: 2 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 c. raisins (optional) Honey Butter Icing: 1/3 c. sifted powdered sugar 2 tbsp. butter or margarine, softened 2 tbsp. honey

In large bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, oats, granulated sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. Heat 1/4 cup butter, milk and water until very warm (120 F to 130 F.) Gradually add to dry ingredients; beat two minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add egg and 1/2 cup flour; beat two minutes at high speed. With spoon, stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth, about five minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled. Punch down dough. (When using QuickRise Yeast, cover kneaded dough and let rest 10 minutes. Proceed with recipe.) On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 18x8 inches; brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins, if desired, to within 1/2 inch of edges. Roll up tightly from long side, pinching seam to seal; cut into nine equal pieces. Place, cut sides up, in greased 8x8-inch pan. Cover; let rise in warm place 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled. Bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and softened butter with fork until blended; stir in honey until smooth. Drizzle or spread on rolls. BREAD MACHINE VARIATION (all-size machines):

Measure dough ingredients into bread machine pan as suggested by manufacturer; use 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour and 1-1/2 teaspoons Fleischmann’s Bread Machine Yeast. Process on dough/manual cycle. When complete, remove dough to floured surface; knead in additional flour to make dough easy to handle, if necessary. Roll out dough and proceed as directed.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls 5 to 5-1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1/2 c. sugar 2 pkgs. Fleischmann’s QuickRise Yeast 1 tsp. salt 1/2 c. water 1/2 c. milk 1/4 c. butter or margarine 3 large eggs

In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. Heat water, milk and butter until very warm (120 F to 130 F). Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat two minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add eggs and 1 cup flour; beat two minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about eight to 10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into 12x8-inch rectangle. Spread Apple Filling evenly. Beginning at long end of each, roll up tightly as for jelly roll. Pinch seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 equal pieces. Place, cut sides up, in greased nine-inch round pans. Cover, let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle with CinnamonSugar Topping. Bake at 375 F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pans. Serve warm. TO MAKE APPLE FILLING: Combine 2 large cook-

ing apples, chopped; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup butter or margarine in medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook three minutes. Reduce heat to medium low; cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly until thick. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Cool completely. Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Combine 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir until well blended.

Recipe Swap… I’m always happy to hear from readers with your recipes and suggestions for columns! Write to:

Manitoba Co-operator Recipe Swap Box 1794, Carman, Man. ROG OJO Or email: lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

The Manitoba Co-Operator | September 13, 2012

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

Couple protects property through NCC Land will be managed as a long-term stewardship By Candy Irwin For Nature Conservancy Canada

he “privacy” signs on the gates belie the friendly and welcoming couple whose acreage is just south of Stuart Lake in the Rural Municipality of Park. Fred and Karen Crivea live on their 39-acre hobby farm surrounded by their horses, kittens, rabbits and dogs. Like many of us who live rurally, the Criveas cherish the nature around their peaceful home. The small lake alongside their house is host to a plethora of water birds, some of whom are just passing through, like the pelicans, but others, like the Canada geese, felt safe enough to parade their fuzzy hatchlings on the Criveas’ clipped lawn. A bald eagle regularly surveys their yard from a towering snag, and if it does hunt, Fred accepts it as, “Well, that’s nature.” Both Fred and Karen take great delight in observing nature, and they are mindful of how they use their land. Dead trees are left standing for cavity nesters, like buffleheads, and barn swallow nests are left undisturbed. There is a sense that if the forest and wildlife flourish, the Criveas will as well. “We share our lives with the nature around us and we are the richer for it,” said Fred. Fred is an experienced horseman who used to round up and move cattle on horseback on his family’s northern Interlake farm. He used to hunt, too, but he doesn’t anymore. Now, both Fred and Karen watch with amusement as coyotes visit their yard to feast on crabapples and berries in the winter. Karen is a homemaker and Fred travels a great deal with his job — work that has taken him all around the world. Soon he will travel to Papua, New Guinea in South America for an extended period of time, where he will perform exploration drilling for precious metals. “I feel like I’ve seen it all,” said Fred, “but believe me, there’s no place

Fred and Karen Crivea have protected some of their land through NCC. PHOTO: CANDY IRWIN

more special than Manitoba!” About a year ago, Fred and Karen went to an open house held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). Sometime later, after a chance meeting with securement representative, Jean Rosset (in the grocery store!), the couple began to think about protecting the 107 acres they also own, 17 acres of which are along the shore of Stuart Lake. “Everything the NCC stands for fit with our thinking perfectly,” said Fred. The NCC has recently purchased the land, which is comprised of sloughs, small lakes and steep ravines, not very amenable to farming, although they still retain the right to take some hay off it for their horses. It is indeed, valuable riparian habitat, but what is particularly special is that it links Stuart Lake with a tract of land owned by Ducks

Unlimited, making a long, protective corridor for all things natural and wild. “Some things are more important than money,” said Fred. “You can’t take it with you when you go, but meanwhile, Karen and I can enjoy the satisfaction of having preserved 107 acres of habitat to be managed as a long-term stewardship by the NCC.” People are still welcome to walk on the land and enjoy it as the Criveas do. Research students might also find that the land provides data to support their studies, but the Nature Conservancy asks that the findings be shared with them, compiling a body of knowledge to benefit us all. Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, a private, charitable organization, has protected over 2.6 million acres across Canada. It works hard to preserve

some of the last cover that still exists, for our benefit and for the benefit of future generations. By doing so, conservation organizations like the NCC “ensure that there are homes for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink.” The conservancy has protected 46,206 acres of ecologically significant land in Manitoba. To read about some of the work that has already been done within the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve go to www.natureconservancy.ca and follow the links to “Manitoba,” then to “Our Work” and to the “Riding Mountain Aspen Parkland Natural Area.” Contact the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Manitoba Regional Office, toll free at 1-866-683-6934. Candy Irwin writes from Lake Audy, Manitoba

An apple a day… So is there any truth to that old expression? By Julie Garden-Robinson NDSU Extension Service

he other day, I was admiring our prolific apple tree through my kitchen window and pondering how I should use and share all of the rosy red fruit. Last year, I made jelly, pies, dried apples and apple juice. Apples are members of the rose family, and according to archeologists, we humans have been consuming them since 6500 BC. Throughout history, many health benefits have been associated with apples, ranging from relief of stomach problems and nervous conditions to serving as beauty aids. While not all

of these apple anecdotes have withstood the test of science, researchers continue to study the health benefits associated with apples. Apples provide soluble fibre (pectin), vitamin C and natural antioxidants. Eat the peel whenever possible as many cancer-fighting phytochemicals (plant chemicals) are concentrated there. Cornell University researchers reported that about three ounces of unpeeled fresh apple provides the antioxidant activity of 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C. Most of us have heard the expression that begins with “an apple a day.” Is there any truth to deterring physician visits by munching on a daily apple?

Researchers have reported that regularly eating apples can help lower blood cholesterol, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. University of California-Davis researchers reported that eating two apples or drinking 12 ounces of apple juice a day protected arteries from plaque buildup. If you make your own apple juice, be sure to heat the juice to 71.1 C (160 F) to kill harmful bacteria that might be present. After heating it, place it in a pitcher or other container and store it in your refrigerator. When you select apples at the grocery store, farmers’ market or your backyard, look for firm apples free of blemishes

and cuts to the skin. Colour isn’t always an indication of quality. According to horticulture experts, the reddest apple isn’t necessarily the best-tasting apple. When picking an apple from a tree, try to avoid pulling. Instead, lift the fruit toward the sky to release the stem from the tree. This helps avoid damaging the apple tissue and can lengthen the apple’s storage life. Although whole apples are safe to keep at room temperature for several days, their crunchy texture and flavour may change. For best quality, store apples in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator separate from other produce. Be sure to rinse apples thor-

oughly with plenty of running water. Do not use detergents or soaps to clean apples because these cleaning agents can leave residues on the fruit. If you have an abundance of apples, consider freezing, drying or canning them. You can learn more about preserving apples, as well as many other types of fruits and vegetables, by visiting the NDSU Extension Service food preservation materials at http://www. ag.ndsu.edu/food. Julie Garden-Robinson, PhD, R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension Service food and nutrition specialist and associate professor in the department of health, nutrition and exercise sciences.

The Manitoba Co-Operator | September 13, 2012

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

Ideas for that unused attic An attic space could make the perfect bedroom/office area Connie Oliver Around the House

ttic or loft spaces are fun rooms to decorate, with their angled ceilings and unique layout. These same attributes, however, can also prove to be challenging when it comes to furniture placement and hanging art. The room in the photograph is a light and airy attic bedroom with a small office area. This would be a great space for a student because it provides a study area with lots of natural light and functional storage for books and supplies. Loft spaces often have lots of large windows but because these rooms are above the main level of a house they can get quite warm during the summer. If you don’t have central air it’s a good idea to install a window air conditioner. Using window treatments that can block out the sun but also allow light into the room is also a good idea. Room-darkening shades/blinds under simple window treatments is a good solution. You may have varying window sizes in your attic room. Our loft bedroom, for instance, has four windows all of different sizes. As well, each window may have its own special requirements. For instance, the treatment over the built-in desk area needs special attention because of where the bottom of the curtains or blinds will land. You don’t want curtains or blinds in the way of the small work surface. Other windows in the room may allow floor-toceiling window treatments. To keep some flow to the room, try to co-ordinate the window treatments by way of colour then have fun with each individual treatment style. The built-in cabinets and desk are a great way to create a work area. Custom built-ins will allow for optimum space

PHOTO: COURTESY DULUX

usage and storage. Because loft rooms have angled ceilings, it’s often hard to include a full-size dresser with mirror in the mix because there isn’t a lot of flat wall height. Built-in cabinetry can provide storage solutions to suit your specific space and needs. The attic room in the photograph has dresser drawers recessed right into the wall, utilizing the actual

One noisy hitchhiker

attic space behind the wall. Having these recessed drawers keeps the floor space open but provides lots of storage. Before you haul furniture up into the space, work out a layout on paper. Be sure to include the height measurements and requirements for all pieces, and you’ll also want to make sure the furniture will fit up the stairwell before you start.

Depending upon the layout of the space, placing large furniture groupings might be a challenge. Again, the angled ceiling and unusual wall space is not conducive to overscaled furniture. You may have to remove the headboard and footboard on the bed to make it fit, for example. Another option is to purchase a platform bed that will work well in the space because of its low visual and physical profile. You may also have to either remove the attached mirror from a dresser or purchase a low-profile cabinet instead, or hang a wall mirror over the dresser. If you have to alter every piece in your current furniture set to make it fit, you might want to use a mix of items that will fit and forgo the matching set. The centre of the room is where you’re going to have the most ceiling height so you may be able to place the bed in the centre of the room on an angle if you have a tall, four-poster bed. A low-profile dresser or trunk sitting at the foot of the bed can provide storage and/or seating. You have to get creative in attic rooms. Perhaps a teen or young adult would enjoy a hanging bed, suspended from the ceiling. Think outside the box. Hanging artwork is a bit of a challenge in a loft space because of the limited and often low-height wall space. Placing artwork on a ledge, as in the photograph, is one option but this can take up valuable workspace so choose your pieces carefully. One or two may be all you need. You can also group a collection of paintings or prints on the floor leaning against a low wall. Some attic spaces have ceilings that extend to a very low-profile wall that is about two or three feet. This space is good for storage but can also be used to display art. Don’t overdo it though. A great wall colour will be more effective than a lot of knick-knacks. Connie Oliver is an interior designer from Winnipeg

Reader’s Photo

Country cricket decides to try life in the city By Alma Barkman FREELANCE CONTRIBUTOR

fter coming home from a camping trip, my husband and I discovered a stowaway had concealed his presence by hiding in some blankets our grandkids used in their tent. He didn’t let out a peep until darkness fell, and then just when overnight visitors were bedded down in the rec room, someone exclaimed, “There’s a cricket down here!” “No way! Are you sure it isn’t near the open window?” “We’re sure! We think it’s in the furnace room, or in the closet, or maybe under the chest freezer. It’s really loud, too.” Not only was he loud (only males chirp) but this guy was a veritable ventriloquist. Try as we might, nobody could determine just where the sound was coming from, although the consensus of opinion zeroed in on the freezer. Good, I thought. There’s nothing under there to eat so he’ll die of malnutrition. Well, maybe not. One day, two, three… he was still chirping away, long and loudly, except when I’d approach the freezer. I began sneaking down the stairs in my slippers in hopes I’d catch sight

of him — not a chance! Maybe if I banged around some frozen stuff in the freezer — no dice. He was one sneaky cricket. How was this guy surviving, let alone chirping? Research explained both. They live on decaying plant material and fungi. (Which led to a guilt trip: Just what was under my freezer besides dust bunnies?) As for the sound, a cricket has a large, serrated vein along the bottom of each wing. Running the top of one wing along the “teeth” at the bottom of the other wing creates the familiar sound, while the membranes in the wings provide the acoustics. On day five, the thought struck me: What if that cricket goes exploring, finds my pile of new patchwork quilts and decides the cotton is edible? I’d had enough. Grabbing the yardstick, I raced down the stairs, and on the second sweep under the freezer, out popped Mr. Cricket, and I nailed him before he could chirp one more time. In Barbados, they believe a loud cricket in the house means money is coming in. I guess I won’t be richer any time soon. Alma Barkman writes from Winnipeg

Just checking the canola.

PHOTO: LILLIAN DEEDMAN

Welcome to Country Crossroads If you have any stories, ideas, photos or a comment on what you’d like to see on these pages, send it to: Country Crossroads, 1666 Dublin Ave., Wpg., Man. R3H 0H1, Phone 1-800-782-0794, fax 204-944-5562, email susan@fbcpublishing.com. I’d love to hear from you. Please remember we can no longer return material, articles, poems or pictures. — Sue