MBC130124

CHANGING CROP MIX

Just for looks

The Big Six has two new faces » PG 25

Cosmetic pesticide ban short sighted: Pallister » PG 12

January 24, 2013

SERVING MANITOBA FARMERS SINCE 1925 | Vol. 71, No.4

Weeding out resistant weeds the oldfashioned way Farmers are urged to hand pull weeds that don’t die after a herbicide treatment

|

manitobacooperator.ca

$1.75

CWB privatizing sooner than later Some of the potential private investors are new to the grain industry

By Lorraine Stevenson co-operator staff / St. Jean

FO

I

f hand roguing a commercial farm field in Manitoba seems like an outlandish investment of your time, you might reconsider after seeing Ingrid Kristjanson’s photos from North Dakota.

Judging from the astonished whistles by some in the St. Jean Farm Days audience earlier this month, the farmers in attendance were inspired, to say the least, to at least give the thought some consideration.

Kristjanson, Morris-based farm production adviser with Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives had photographed fields infested with resistant weed species in Manitoba’s next-door neighbour to the south.

One was of a North Dakota soybean field in Richland County so choked with glyphosateresistant kochia it resembled a small forest.

The weeds were so dense and tall, she and colleague Jeff Stachler, North Dakota State University/University of Minnesota sugar beet weed specialist, had to be careful not to get lost in it.

RS

AL

E

See WEEDING on page 6 »

CWB has had its 423 Main St. office in Winnipeg for sale since November as it prepares for full privatization within the next five years. However, the building is one of the assets named in a lawsuit launched by Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board, that says it belongs to western farmers.

See pg. 3. photo: dave bedard

By Allan Dawson co-operator staff / brandon

Publication Mail Agreement 40069240

T

he CWB is talking to potential partners about taking the government-owned grain company private sooner than later.

“We’ve been talking to people already in the grain industry and people who are not and want to invest in it,” Gord Flaten, the CWB’s vice-president for grain procurement, told reporters Jan. 16 after speaking at Ag Days.

“That involves either positioning ourselves as an independent company, sell it to some other investors, or to look at other options including some level of farmer involvement.”

Flaten declined to identify the companies and individuals.

Legislation passed a year ago, ending the Canadian Wheat Board’s historic monopoly over the sale of western Canadian wheat and barley destined for export or domestic human consumption, requires the CWB to become a

private company by 2017 and submit the plan for doing so to the agriculture minister by 2016 or the government will wind down the CWB. “There are a lot of companies that either want to expand their (grain) origination capacity or don’t have origination capacity at all in Western Canada and that is one of the things that we bring into that environment,” Flaten said.

“We’ve got that relationship with farmSee CWB on page 6 »

SEIZED: HORSE ROUNDUP CONTROVERSIAL » PAGE 35

2

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

INSIDE

on the lighter side

LIVESTOCK Year of the big decision

2013 not a good year to be sports party host

Do you sell the calves this fall or feed them?

The cost of essential ingredients to the quintessential football party is at an all-time high

33

By Gavin Maguire chicago / reuters

CROPS

C

It was a very bad year If you were a canola grower in 2012

17

FEATURE Hit the snooze button Getting to the root of sleeplessness

14

CROSSROADS Build a strong financial house By filling it with less stuff

4 5 8 10

Editorials Comments What’s Up Livestock Markets

alendars tend to get crammed around this time of year with parties for various televised sporting events that invariably involve classic and nutritious American staples such as chicken wings, chili and potato chips — washed down by a beer or two.

But this year, stocking a house full of such goodies could break the bank.

While most traditional football parties tend to encourage grazing, there are still a few critical essentials that require the use of utensils and would be notable by their absence from any half-decent spread.

Chicken wings and chili are the most obvious items in this category, although a shortage of hotdogs and burgers would also be frowned upon.

Whatever the meaty offering, party organizers need to brace themselves for a large bill at the checkout as chicken parts and ground beef prices recently scaled their highest levels on record at the grocery store.

Sneaky chefs might be tempted to swap out the meat in favour of some veggies, but

photo: thinkstock

even ingredients such as peppers and potatoes are currently retailing close to multi-month highs.

And spendthrift hosts shouldn’t even think about putting out a cheese plate, as the average price of cheddar cheese has outperformed even the costliest cuts at the meat counter in recent months.

There’s not much refuge on the snacks aisle either. Potato chips — surely a staple at even non-football gatherings — also neared all-time price highs in recent months.

And there’s no point trying to cry into cheap beer — such a thing doesn’t exist anymore after the price of malted beverages climbed steadily over the

past few years and is again hovering not far off record levels.

Some football fans at this point may be tempted to scrap the idea of holding their own bash and look to crash someone else’s. But even this option is faced with a few potholes, as anyone who drives will need to pony up for historically high gas prices while the designated driver will have to sip down nearly recordexpensive coffee.

All told, it looks likely to cost a pretty penny to have friends over for football games this playoff season. The best option might be to convince a neighbour to host the event instead — just make sure they’re within walking distance.

37

Grain Markets Classifieds Sudoku Weather Vane

11 26 28 31

READER’S PHOTO

ONLINE Visit www.manitobacooperator.ca for daily news and features and our digital edition. (Click on “Digital Edition” in the top right corner.) At our sister site, AGCanada.com, you can use the “Search the AGCanada.com Network” function at top right to find recent Co-operator articles. Select “Manitoba Co-operator” in the pull-down menu when running your search.

www.manitobacooperator.ca Publisher Bob Willcox bob.willcox@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5751

For Manitoba Farmers Since 1927 1666 Dublin Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Tel: 204-944-5767 Fax: 204-954-1422

www.manitobacooperator.ca Member, Canadian Circulation Audit Board, Member, Canadian Farm Press Association, Member, Canadian Agri-Marketing Association

TM

CANOLA INK

Associate Publisher/ Editorial Director John Morriss john.morriss@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5754 Editor Laura Rance laura@fbcpublishing.com 204-792-4382 Managing Editor Dave Bedard daveb@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5762 Director of Sales & Circulation Lynda Tityk lynda.tityk@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5755 Production Director Shawna Gibson shawna@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5763

photo: les rankin

NEWS STAFF Reporters

ADVERTISING SERVICES

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

Allan Dawson allan@fbcpublishing.com 204-435-2392

Classified Advertising: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Phone (204) 954-1415 Toll-free 1-800-782-0794

Toll-Free 1-800-782-0794 U.S. Subscribers call: 1-204-944-5568 E-mail: subscription@fbcpublishing.com Subscription rates (GST Registration #85161 6185 RT0001)

ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Arlene Bomback ads@fbcpublishing.com 204-944-5765

Canada 12 months – $55.44 (incl. GST) 24 months – $96.00 (incl. GST)

Shannon VanRaes shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com 204-954-1413 Lorraine Stevenson lorraine@fbcpublishing.com 204-745-3424 Daniel Winters daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com 204-720-8120

NATIONAL ADVERTISING James Shaw jamesshaw@rogers.com 416-231-1812 RETAIL ADVERTISING Terry McGarry trmcgarr@mts.net 204-981-3730

USA 12 months – $150.00 (US funds) Publications Mail Agreement #40069240 ISSN 0025-2239 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities. Canadian Postmaster: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to:

Circulation Dept., 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB. R3H 0H1

3

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

COOL damage pegged at $2 billion for pork alone

Canada could retaliate if the U.S. fails to comply with COOL ruling, but expert says picking a fight with your neighbour requires serious thought

By Shannon VanRaes CO-OPERATOR STAFF

The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal former wheat board directors and the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board had hoped would result in restoring the board’s single-desk powers. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK.COM

Supreme Court hammers another nail in wheat board’s coffin But the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board will continue to pursue a class-action lawsuit for $17 billion in compensation

By Allan Dawson CO-OPERATOR STAFF

W

ith their appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada rejected, the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board (FCWB) are vowing to continue with a class-action lawsuit, their last remaining legal avenue for challenging the federal government’s decision to end the board’s monopoly last year.

T h e Su p re m e Co u r t h a s refused to hear appeals of the eight former directors and the FCWB. The decision released Jan. 17 ends the effort to reinstate a lower court ruling that Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz broke the law when he introduced the Marketing Freedom Act for Grain Farmers to Parliament. That ruling was later overturned on appeal.

Calling the Supreme Court decision not to consider their appeal a disappointment, Saskatchewan farmer and former elected director Stewart Wells said their fight will continue in civil court.

The FCWB, with the support of the former directors, has star ted a class-action lawsuit arguing the government should either restore the wheat board’s single-desk marketing powers for western Canadian wheat and barley destined for export or domestic human consumption, or pay an estimated 70,000 farmers $17 billion in compensation.

The suit also argues farmers paid for wheat board operations and therefore own the board’s assets, including 3,400 hopper cars, an office building in downtown Winnipeg, which is now for sale, two lakers to be launched next year and the $150 million to $200 million in contingency funds.

We l l s a c k n o w l e d g e d a favourable Supreme Court ruling would have bolstered the FCWB’s suit.

“It’s not helpful not winning at the Supreme Court but it’s not fatal,” he said, noting the Supreme Court case was about the process used to end the board’s single desk, while the class-action suit focuses on financial losses to farmers.

The single desk provides western grain farmers with

“We are pleased with today’s decision that upheld the right of Western Canadian grain farmers to make their own business decisions.”

GERRY RITZ

between $630 million and $850 million in additional revenue annually, according to Wells.

Ritz and farm groups that had pushed for the change were pleased by the Supreme Court’s decision.

“We are pleased with today’s decision that upheld the right of western Canadian grain farmers to make their own business decisions,” Ritz said in a statement last week.

“The overwhelming majority of Prairie grain farmers are already taking advantage of the benefits of an open market.”

Asked if he felt vindicated, Ritz said it was never about vindication but about giving farmers the right to market their own grain.

“All the plague and pestilence and the sky falling that was predicted certainly did not happen,” he said.

Wells still argues Ottawa broke the law. In 1998 the then Liberal government was clear future changes to the wheat board should be up to farmers, he said.

“After all the appalling and vicious things the government has done since 2006 we always held a hope that at some point or other they wouldn’t be able to get away with acting as if they were above the law,” Wells said.

The Conservative party promised to end the monopoly and has done so, Ritz said.

“Looking back I don’t think we would’ve done anything differently. I think we had the right and the responsibility as parliamentarians and a government to move forward.”

“Democracy is about having your say not necessarily having your way,” he added. allan@fbcpublishing.com

I

t’s illegal under international trade rules and is estimated to have cost producers billions in lost sales, but Canada doesn’t have a lot of options for ending the pain caused by the American country-of-origin labelling (COOL) legislation.

A recent report by the Canadian Pork Council estimates the sector has lost nearly $2 billion in revenue since Washington enacted COOL legislation in 2009.

“We have a huge trade with the U.S. and it’s disrupted a huge amount of our operations,” said Barry Prentice of the Asper School of Business.

“And of course we see producers going out of business in Manitoba.”

The Wo r l d Tr a d e Organization has twice ruled against the U.S. on the issue of COOL, saying it is little more than a trade barrier. But that hasn’t spurred Canada’s southern neighbour into action.

Under current trade agreements, Canada has the right to take retaliatory action in other sectors if the U.S. doesn’t comply by the May 23 deadline.

But Prentice said Ottawa will want to avoid taking that sort of action.

“Do you really want to go to war with your biggest trading partner?” he asked.

It’s not only Canadian pork and beef producers that have

been impacted by COOL. American meat processors, pork producers, and cattle feedlot operators have also opposed COOL, notes Kevin Grier, a senior market analyst with the George Morris Centre.

“The real reason for COOL was to impede the flow of livestock, and it was successful beyond any cowboy’s dream,” he said, explaining cow-calf operators in the American Northwest were the driving force behind policy.

Representatives of the Ca n a d i a n p o rk i n d u s t r y hope that by working with their Amer ican counterparts, enough pressure can be applied to U.S. legislators to revoke the law. But Prentice said not all of COOL’s damage can be reversed, calling the loss of integration in the North American market the most tragic aspect of the U.S. law.

“That’s really the backwards step,” he said.

But he also noted not all of the pork industry’s troubles — and perhaps not even all of the $2 billion referred to in the CPC report — can be attributed directly to COOL. “We have to remember that other things have happened,” Prentice said. “There was the rapid rise of the value of the Canadian dollar and that made us less competitive.”

But the general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council notes that the flow of weanlings has been dramatically reduced

“I’m not going to deny there are other factors, but COOL is the principle factor in causing us to reduce the amount of weanlings we export to the United States.”

ANDREW DICKSON

since the legislation was enacted and only one major American processor is still buying Canadian pigs.

“The reality is that there are walls around the marketplace,” said Andrew Dickson.

“Yes, (other) factors still play a role within the context of those walls, but the walls are pretty important.”

Whether those walls come down remains to be seen, but Prentice expects Washington will eventually get around to complying, in some form or another, with the World Trade Organization ruling.

“In the end, I think what we’ll see is some kind of adjustment,” said Prentice. “Either COOL disappears or gets modified so it’s no longer a barrier.

The trouble is the damage has already been done.” shannon.vanraes@fbcpublishing.com

YaraVita® Impregnation

Secure Optimal Micronutrient Delivery A typical distribution pattern when using granular micronutrients

YaraVita® impregnated micronutrients using YaraVita® products Scan to learn more about YaraVita®

YaraVita® Coptrac, Zintrac and Mantrac when impregnated on your fertilizer, offer both agronomic and cost advantages. The impregnation process is done by your local fertilizer retailer which saves you valuable time during seeding. YaraVita® products are highly concentrated to ensure a sufficient micronutrient amount on every fertilizer granule resulting in even distribution across the field.

For more information on YaraVita® products, contact Yara Western Canada 1-306-525-7624 / 1-800-667-7255 www.yaracanada.ca

4

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

OPINION/EDITORIAL

A penny a plant?

B

ack in the days when being a farm kid spelled work and a penny was still worth five Mojos at the local store, Grandpa had us all out there one hot, July afternoon hand roguing his seed oats for a penny a plant.

If some agronomists are correct, it’s looking like farm kids of the future won’t be deprived of that developmental/family bonding/entrepreneurial experience.

Laura Rance Hand weeding — as well as every other Editor means of offing herbicide-resistant weeds before they go to seed — is now being promoted as a measure farmers should consider if they want to avoid the aggressive invasion overtaking fields south of the border.

Just a couple of years ago, we brought you stories of Arkansas cotton farmers whose farm trucks, once loaded with herbicide containers, are now filled with hoes. Well last fall, provincial agronomists visited fields just across the line that are infested with weeds resistant to at least one, if not multiple herbicides.

Some weed scientists are openly questioning the agronomy industry’s single focus on herbicides, particularly the introduction of stacked traits — varieties that are tolerant to multiple active ingredients.

“Why are so many weed scientists and extension personnel recommending more herbicides to mitigate herbicide-resistance problems?” asks an editorial by six leading Canadian weed researchers, Neil Harker, John O’Donovan, Robert Blackshaw, Hugh Beckie, C. Mallory Smith and Bruce Maxwell published last year in the journal Weed Science.

These researchers argue promoting “herbicide diversity” and stacked-trait technology as the solution to herbicide-resistant weeds is short sighted at best. “Multiple resistance to herbicides with different sites of actions has occurred in the past and will increasingly occur in the future,” they say.

They call for greater crop rotational diversity, more focus on integrated pest management and fewer in-crop applications of glyphosate.

“Are we a discipline so committed to maintaining the profits for the agrochemical industry that we cannot offer up realistic longterm solutions to this pressing problem?”

In a 2011 essay, Robert Zimdahl, a retired weed scientist from Colorado State University, eloquently describes the root of the problem.

“Most biologists accede to the view that their research is contributing to an expanding view of nature that will never be complete. However, in some sectors of biology, and I think especially in weed control, scientists may not operate from this broader biological perspective. We know weed control is evolving, but its evolution has been constrained because 20 years ago the science focused almost exclusively on a single solution to the problem.

The desirable goal of weed control was too frequently hitched to the technological achievement of herbicides.”

Farmers can’t control the weather. They can’t control the markets. But on this one, they are in the driver’s seat. They are the ones deciding what to grow. Maybe the idea of hand weeding your fields has appeal. For the record, those memories are fond ones.

The problem is, pennies are being phased out, the fields are bigger and there aren’t that many farm kids around anymore.

Speaking of stacked…

We’ve observed more than once around here that the CWB issue is so full of twists and turns, there’s really nothing that could surprise us anymore.

Well, we were wrong. Last week, we were surprised and it had nothing to do with the Supreme Court ruling turning down the former directors’ and Friends of the CWB’s request to appeal the government’s actions ending the monopoly.

At the risk of sounding prudish, we were taken aback and quite frankly baffled by the new CWB’s latest pitch to convince farmers they should sign up for the voluntary pools.

The “Still on the Fence?” ad running in newspapers and on the cover of the latest Grain Matters certainly catches one’s attention.

It’s not unusual for advertising campaigns to use controversial images to selectively

target their demographic.

There’s that old adage it doesn’t matter what you say about me as long as you spell my name right.

In this case, that’s easy: C-WB. But then you start wondering what a busty cowgirl who couldn’t possibly get off that fence without slivers in her butt has to do with sensible grain marketing.

The practical reality of her predicament is she’s stuck on her prickly perch until someone swoops in and scoops her up.

We suppose the same could be said about the new CWB, which seems unlikely to draw in the kind of volume it will need to make it as a stand-alone operation once the government pulls out. It’s hard to see how retro ads that exude outdated social mores will help. laura@fbcpublishing.com

Have U.S. corn farmers lost their edge?

By Gavin Maguire CHICAGO / REUTERS

F

or the first time on record, U.S. farmers have fallen out of the top two-yielding corn and soybean producers in the world after drought conditions dented production of both crops.

The USDA says 2012-13 corn yields in Argentina and Canada will both top the 123.4 bushels an acre averaged in the U.S., while soybean growers in Argentina, Brazil and Canada are also expected to yield more per acre than their U.S. counterparts.

In view of this shakeup in yield rankings, it might be tempting to think that the crop production playing field has levelled off, and that American growers must get used to being outperformed. But a closer look at the performance of top U.S. producers reveals that the best American growers still outstrip competitors by a wide margin, and that it is the second-tier corn farmers who give the impression that America’s status as the world’s premier corn grower is waning.

A quick glance at a chart of corn yields in the world’s top 10 producing countries reveals that technology and improved land management have contributed to steep advances in the corn yields of countries such as Argentina and Ukraine in recent years. At the same time, it is also clear American corn yields have struggled over the past decade.

But such a view overlooks the significant impact that lower-tier U.S. farmers have had on the overall American corn yield in recent years.

Last year’s drought was clearly the most direct factor behind the steep yield drop seen in 2012, but it is clear from the flattening in the slope of the national yield over the past decade that last year’s yield dip was far from a one-off phenomenon.

OUR HISTORY:

A major driver of this overall yield drag has been the huge swell in acreage outside of the top producing states that have been converted to corn production from other crops.

Between 2002 and 2012, the total area dedicated to corn production in the U.S. increased by 23 per cent, while total U.S. corn production swelled by more than 30 per cent (using a 200812 average for production).

Yet the average yield for the country in 2012 dropped by more than six bushels an acre compared with the 2002 average yield. A close look at where most of the additional acreage has been deployed reveals why yield drag has been such a problem.

Over the last decade, the top five corn-producing states (Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota and Indiana) increased acreage by 17.4 per cent, while plantings in the next five (South Dakota, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri) grew by 30.5 per cent.

Yields simply aren’t as good in this second tier, and tend to fall dramatically when growing conditions are poor, as they were in 2012.

As a result of the growing proportion of corn acres located outside of the top producing states, the overall national corn yield has strong upside potential if and when farmers in those secondtier producing states opt to switch to other crops.

And that’s likely to happen at some point because expected returns for growing corn on Tier 1 versus Tier 2 land is dramatically different. Farmers in Iowa, for instance, can routinely pencil in a 185-bushels-per-acre corn yield as a starting point, while their counterparts in Kansas are highly unlikely to see a corn yield average of more than 145 bushels an acre.

If corn prices drop, farmers located outside of the very top corn-producing areas will likely favour other crops, boosting the average national yield and restoring the U.S. as the top-yielding corn grower on the planet.

January 22, 1948

F

armers looking for a sleigh in 1948 could have chosen this one advertised in our Jan. 22 issue, and elsewhere in the issue farmers were invited to visit the Co-op implements manufacturing plant whenever they visited Winnipeg. Also advertised that week was an oil-burning chick brooder, presumably an improvement on the coal-burning model advertised in the previous issue.

It was announced that Manitoba’s first and only female ag rep, Miss Edna McConnell, would start a one-year leave from the Manitoba Department of Agriculture to receive her master’s degree in co-operative extension at Columbia University.

“As well as tending to her duties as agricultural representative, Miss McConnell has found time to organize many junior clubs in the district and she originated ‘The Grub Club’ which promotes better and more interesting food programs. Her efforts have resulted in more varied and interesting dishes on many farmers’ tables.”

Another report said that a minimum annual teacher’s salary of $1,400 had been established in the municipalities of Rhineland and Stanley, $200 higher than had been requested by the teachers themselves.

5

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

COMMENT/FEEDBACK

Shelterbelts make the landscape more resilient and sustainable New research is exploring another crucial ecosystem function to agriculture — the role shelterbelts play in maintaining soil fertility by sustaining soil biological activity

By Louise Bellet

Shelterbelts are often seen as part of traditional agriculture, but can very well be designed for and adapted to modern agriculture.

S

cientists and environmental agencies inform us that agriculture on the prairie, like in most parts of the world, is becoming more vulnerable as climate changes, energy cost rises and natural resources including organic matter and biodiversity are depleted.

This increased vulnerability not only threatens food security at a global scale (the Canadian Prairies contributes to 20 per cent of international wheat trade), but also the mere survival of Prairie communities. Besides reducing contribution to climate change and natural resources depletion, sustainable development experts urge rural communities to heighten agro-systems robustness and adaptability to climate changes “undesirable effects” (intensified weather variability, increased drought frequency, lower water storage capacity, and changes in precipitation patterns).

Long-term research in sustainable agriculture proves that trees in the agro-landscape help agriculture productivity and increase resilience to climate change. Judiciously chosen species of trees can contribute to farm total production (fruit, timber, energy, medicine) while fulfilling ecosystem services for crop production (windbreak, nutrient cycling, microclimate, moisture, and habitat for beneficial insects).

New research is exploring another crucial ecosystem function to agriculture — the role shelterbelts play in maintaining soil fertility by sustaining soil biological activity.

Despite these staggering benefits, many farmers decide to eradicate trees from their operation. Today, more

photo: thinkstock.com

shelterbelts are being removed than planted, and combined with aging trees, one can question the future of agro-landscapes.

Many reasons drive farmers to give up on shelterbelts, the main reason being that the short-term cost-benefit ratio is not always in favour of trees.

Farmers’ values and perception of trees reflect a change in farming practices, structure and local knowledge.

Shelterbelts are often seen as part of traditional agriculture, but can very well be designed for and adapted to modern agriculture.

Shelterbelts not only provide economic benefits for agriculture production, but also provide services to the ecosystem and therefore to the rural society. Too often the community and politics underappreciate the importance of ecosystem functions and processes in society’s social and economic well-being. Conserving fertile soil, protecting water quality, enhancing air movement and biological connectivity in the landscape, reducing energy bills while capturing carbon, but also recreation opportunities, esthetic, bird-watching and the solely

cultural identity of a community are few examples of shelterbelts’ multifunctionality. One might call it the backbone of Prairie rural communities’ resilience and sustainability.

Shelterbelt adoption and management faces several issues. Besides the lack of knowledge in shelterbelts possible designs, functions and benefits, there is most of all a problem of valuation between private and public costs benefits. If shelterbelts do not provide sufficient financial benefits to offset farmers’ implementation and maintenance costs, are the social and ecological benefits to society significant enough to justify an intervention from the public authority to remunerate or compensate farmers for the stewardship of these public benefits?

Conflicts between utilitarian versus non-utilitarian views, as well as production, conservation, recreation and cultural goals are expected. Nevertheless these conflicting values and goals ought to be explored in order to develop a shared vision that responds to the population wishes and needs while ensuring its sustainability. This should not be based on short-term

economic return but long-term community health.

A survey is presently underway in the Rural Municipality of Stanley to determine farming and non-farming local knowledge, perceived benefits and willingness to pay for shelterbelts. We are hopeful this survey will help local farmers, natural resources managers and rural planners make informed decisions about shelterbelt management in the face of climate change.

Louise Bellet is an M.Sc. candidate in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University from France. She first studied community-based natural resources management, primarily for the purpose of ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation in Australia, before returning to her farming background and specializing in agro-ecology. Her M.Sc. thesis project explores the complementary strategies between trees and soil organisms to sustain soil fertility, with consideration of the farming community values that influence agro-ecosystem management.

She can be reached by email: louise.bellet@ hotmail.com or phone: 204-218-5964, University of Manitoba.

The world turns its attention to animal welfare (Part two of two) South America and emerging European economies are stepping up their game on animal welfare Meristem Information Resources

I

n part two of this look at key global developments, University of British Columbia animal welfare expert Dr. David Fraser highlights an innovative effort gaining steam in Canada, along with European and South American progress.

On the home front, a key big-picture development that also promises to hold substantial profile on the global radar is the activity of Canada’s own National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council.

This group, a mix of government and industry representatives and experts, was formed as an advisory council to the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Regulatory Assistant Deputy Ministers of Agriculture Committee. It has focused on co-ordinating the development of a national strategy on all aspects of farm animal health and welfare.

The original national strategy document, released in 2009, focused heavily

on animal health. The new document proposes a new strategy specifically for farmed animal welfare. It was released in December 2012 at the forum hosted by the council in Ottawa.

The council is a major connection point between industry and government on the health and welfare of production animals.

“The idea behind the formation of the council was to have a high-level steering group to advise governments and industry on the implementation of national strategies for farm animal health and welfare,” says Fraser, who is a member of the council. “The welfare document represents two years of discussion and consultations. How that is received will have a strong bearing on how Canada will approach national coordination on this issue.”

FAW interest expanding

Less specific but equally important to these developments is a noticeable trend of increasing participation

in livestock welfare initiatives and progress by parts of the world not typically considered hot spots of farm animal care innovation.

A couple of quick examples include the rise in participation by eastern European countries in programs such as the AWARE initiative, and by South American countries in similar education and awareness initiatives.

AWARE stands for Animal Welfare Research in an Enlarged Europe, a program designed to promote integration and increase the impact of European research on farm animal welfare. It accomplishes this through networks of scientists, lecturers and students who champion farm animal welfare knowledge transfer and implementation.

While attention to animal welfare is well established among the western European Union countries, AWARE has targeted and established specific participation by the new EU Member States that have joined in the past decade, comprising primarily eastern European

states, such as Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and others.

South America is another example of non-traditional livestock players stepping up their game. Demand for educational resources and programs on livestock welfare on the continent has skyrocketed in recent years. Both examples indicate a fast-increasing world expansion of progressive-thinking states on livestock welfare.

“The ramping up of interest and expertise in both the eastern European countries and the South American countries is remarkable,” says Fraser. “And these examples are not isolated — the more you look around the world, the more you find.

If you go to most regions of the world that are agriculturally important, we’re seeing strong interest and activity that wasn’t there even five years ago.”

From the NewStream farm animal care newsletter by Meristem Information Resources.

To subscribe email newstream@meristem.com.

6

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

FROM PAGE ONE CWB Continued from page 1

ers and with the companies and a fair amount of knowledge of how the system works and where the opportunities are and so that makes us an attractive partner to quite a few potential investors. There’s also a lot of demand to invest in the grain industry so the timing for that might work out well.”

The CWB is looking at corporate models. Options include private ownership, a publicly traded shareholder-owned firm and a co-operative.

“We are not restricting it to any one kind of model,” he said.

“I think it is clear there is a role for farmers somehow. How that happens I think will be up to farmers and the potential investors, some of whom may be farmers and we’re going to facilitate that discussion.”

During his formal address, Flaten said the CWB is looking to build its own grain-handling facilities. Currently it has handling agreements with most grain companies.

The CWB will also earn money leasing out its two lake ships that expected to be sailing in 2014.

It also owns 3,400 rail cars leased to the railways and its office building at 423 Main St. in downtown Winnipeg, which was put up for sale or lease in November. The former CWB staff filled the eight-storey building, whereas its current staff occupies only one floor of it.

Flaten said the CWB is getting $150 million to $200 million from the old wheat board’s contingency fund. The money was earned from futures hedging and cash trading and was

WEEDING Continued from page 1

meant to offset losses that sometimes occur in those areas.

Many farmers argued that money belongs to them because it was earned when farmers marketing through the board covered all the board’s operating costs.

The CWB, which cut staff to 100 from 400 after losing its single-desk marketing authority, has a clean balance sheet thanks to $350 million from Ottawa to cover transition costs, Flaten said.

“Producer cars, I would say, are working better than we expected in the open market... “ Flaten said. “That is something we expect to be a pretty big portion of our program.”

This crop year 4,460 producer cars have been authorized, down 25 per cent from the same period last year, a Canadian Grain Commission official said later.

Of the record 14,951 producer cars shipped in 2011-12, all but 919 were loaded with wheat board grains.

When the wheat board had its single desk, farmers saved around $1,000 loading their own cars bypassing elevators and their handling fees. Most observers predicted producer car use would decline because grain companies usually have little economic incentive to do so.

“Because we’ve been able to negotiate terminal access and we’ve got some good logistical relationships working between us and those terminals we’ve been able to facilitate producer cars,” Flaten said.

He also said the CWB has been working closely with pro-

ducer car administrators and loaders to ensure the right grain gets loaded. “It’s logistical detail and access to the ports that’s going a bit better than a lot of people would’ve predicted would happen in this environment.”

A few hundred farmers this crop year have taken advantage of the CWB’s “Act of God” clause to get out of sales contracts after hail or other disaster wiped out or downgraded their crops, Flaten said.

Several thousand farmers have also been able to make grade changes to their contracts penalty free.

“The feedback we’ve been getting is they really appreciate the flexibility,” he said. “They don’t have that on every other contract.”

The key is for farmers to inform the CWB early about grade changes, Flaten added.

Because the CWB is selling large volumes throughout the year it can usually accommodate it.

“We’re not going to charge a cost (to farmers) for something that doesn’t cost the pool any money,” Flaten said.

In addition to its pools, the CWB is buying and selling cash grain. Sometimes the CWB buys grain from other companies at port and resells it, Flaten said.

That raised a red flag with Deleau farmer Ian Robson.

The CWB is one more middleman making money on farmers’ grain.

“There’s an extra fish in my pocket is what I’m saying,” Robson said later. allan@fbcpublishing.com

RetuRn youR BALe WRAP, tWIne And GRAIn BAGS Bale wrap and twine must Be Bagged. Pick up bags at participating Co-op Agro Centres and participating landfills. Grain bags must be rolled into bundles no bigger than 48” in diameter.

Program open to residents of the RM of Portage La Prairie, Evergreen Technologies partner municipalities and the RM of Edward. portage la prairie landfill PR 227, 6 miles east of Oakland

evergreen technologies regional landfill PR 466, 3.5 miles south of Hwy 16, West of Neepawa

rm of edward landfill Highway #256, one mile south of Highway #3

For more information call 877-622-4460 or visit: www.cleanfarms.ca return – dOn’t Burn. it’s Free and easY! This program is brought to you by:

Jeff Stachler, the six-foot-two North Dakota State University/University of Minnesota sugar beet specialist collects samples from kochia believed to be resistant to glyphosate. PHOTO: INGRID KRISTJANSON, MAFRI

“You could easily lose sight of each other in this field,” she said, adding that the overwhelmed farmer had tried to plow it, then decided to wait for a killing frost.

Her point? Keep a watchful eye out for weeds your herbicides aren’t killing, and be prepared to get in there and hand pull any survivors.

Kristjanson went south last fall to learn more about multiple resistance issues developing in North Dakota and Minnesota.

She told her St. Jean Farm Days audience of some scary scenarios that could be headed our way.

These include the spread of water hemp resistant to glyphosate (Group 9), water hemp resistant to Group 2, Group 9 and Group 14, and kochia resistant to glyphosate and fluroxypyr.

Found in North Dakota, there is even a suspected, though not yet confirmed case of kochia resistant to fluroxypyr, 2,4-D, glyphosate and dicamba.

Water hemp, a member of the pigweed family, has been found historically in Manitoba.

But it’s only a matter of time b e f o re t h e re s i s t a n t t y p e arrives. It is growing along the Cheyenne and Red rivers and can easily travel by flood waters, said Kristjanson.

Water hemp also produces mind-boggling amounts of seed and can go from one to over six million plants in a single acre in two growing seasons — if the earliest plants aren’t detected and yanked to prevent more selection for resistance.

Given the impact resistance can have, it just makes sense now to get out and deal with these weeds when their numbers are small, Kristjanson said.

“Scouting is going to be key,” she said. “If you can deal with one plant, why not take the time, if you see a few stragglers, to hand weed?” she said.

“It’s the cheapest thing you can do and one of the most effective.

If it’s not dropping seeds, there’s no opportunity for the resistance to spread from that plant.”

Other strategies farms have include frequently rotating crops and herbicides.

Managing to prevent resistance

South of the border, in parts of North Dakota, Kristjanson said it was notable to see only the occasional field of wheat or edible

Farmers need to watch for glyphosate-resistant weeds such as waterhemp. With its abundant seed expected to travel northward via both the Red River and flood water, it’s only a matter of time before it shows up in Manitoba too.

PHOTO: JEFF STACHLER

beans amidst vast acres of herbicide-tolerant varieties of soybeans, corn and sugar beets.

“One thing we do have going for us in Manitoba is we still tend to have quite a number of crops in our rotations,” she said.

“Having those mixes in there, and growing wheat, winter wheat, oats, sunflower canola... that’s all in our favour. Keeping that broad variety is certainly helping.”

Other management strategies farmers have include choosing the most effective herbicides, rotating herbicide mechanisms of action, applying at the appropriate droplet size and reducing sprayer travel speeds.

It’s key that spraying be done early, stressed Kristjanson.

“I think we get into the trap of thinking to wait until everything emerges,” she said.

“Spray early and spray twice if you need to, but go after those weeds when they are small, when you’ll have a better chance of having good control.”

Preserve

The old adage of “an ounce of prevention” is especially critical given no “pound of cure” is expected any time soon.

No novel new herbicides are expected in the next five to 10 years, so it’s important farmers manage so they retain the weed control they have, said Kristjanson.

“Glyphosate is the most effective herbicide ever discovered,” she said. “Let’s make sure that we’re preserving it for the future.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

7

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

NEWS

Strong finish prompts thoughts of longer seaway season

CANADA BEEF INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCER WEBSITE

By Alex Binkley CO-OPERATOR CONTRIBUTOR / OTTAWA

A

late-season surge in grain shipments gave the St. Lawrence Seaway a solid increase in traffic for 2012 and is sparking interest in a longer shipping season.

The seaway handled 38.9 million tonnes of cargo for the season, which began in midMarch and ran to Dec. 3. Mild winter weather meant it could have easily stayed open into January.

In addition to increased shipments of Canadian grain, demand for low-sulphur coal from Europe and iron ore from China boosted business, although this was partially offset by reduced U.S. grain shipments, which were impacted by the drought.

The seaway could stay open longer if interest from shippers and marine carriers is sufficient to justify the added costs, said the head of the Canadian Seaway Management Corp.

“If it makes commercial sense and if there is enough cargo, we would be open to that,” said Terence Bowles. “Until now there has not been a great demand for it.”

The seaway has upgraded its locks and related facilities with bubblers and gate heaters so they could operate in cold weather, he noted.

As well, the St. Lawrence River has been opened to year-round navigation.

Until the last few years, the seaway usually shut down before Christmas and opened in late March. The opening has been pushed ahead to mid-March and this year it will keep its gates open until the new year.

Extending the shipping season into January and opening earlier in March would be done in incremental steps, Bowles said.

“Not only does there have to be the business, it also has to be environmentally acceptable.”

In the long run, the seaway could try to match the closing of the Soo Locks from Jan. 15 to March 15, he said.

Canada Beef Inc. has launched a website geared to Canadian beef producers and designed to provide information, merchandise and resources that may be useful when selling, discussing or promoting Canadian beef. “We designed the site with the producer in mind. Every week we get requests from beef producers for resources, images and information they can use at the farm gate, farmers’ market, on their own website or in their promotional material. We tried to make it easy to get those resources through this website,” said Annemarie Pedersen, Canada Beef’s stakeholder communications manager. www.canadabeef.ca/producer

Choose with ConfidenCe. In an uncertain business, there is one thing you can be sure of – with CWB pools you get the industry’s leading grain sales team working for you.

The winter Pool has a six month time frame where you can capture lateseason prices. The BRAND NEW futures Choice winter Pool gives you all of the benefits of pooling with the freedom of picking your futures value. sign up by february 15, 2013

MAKE DEATH WAIT VOLUNTEER TODAY Together, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in Manitoba, and claim the life of one Canadian every seven minutes.

heartandstroke.ca/help

Visit www.cwb.ca/offthefence to choose what’s right for you.

8

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

WHAT’S UP Please forward your agricultural events to daveb@fbcpublish ing.com or call 204-944-5762.

Jan. 22-24: Red River Basin Land and Water International Summit Conference, Alerus Center, 120042nd St. S, Grand Forks, N.D. For more info call 204-982-7250 or visit www.redriverbasincommission.org.

Jan. 24: Kick-Start Your Food Product Idea workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stonewall. For more information or to pre-register, call 204-467-4700.

Jan. 28: MAFRI consultation meeting on Growing Forward 2 programs, 9 a.m. to noon, St. Viator’s Church meeting room, 307 Whitmore Ave. E., Dauphin.

Jan. 29: MAFRI consultation meeting on Growing Forward 2 programs, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Legion Hall, 294 Lumber St., Steinbach.

Jan. 30: MAFRI consultation meeting on Growing Forward 2 programs, 1 to 4 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, 28 First St. NW, Carman.

Jan. 30: MAFRI consultation meeting on Growing Forward 2 programs, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., conference room, Ag Centre, 1129 Queens Ave., Brandon.

Devloo Roto Mudscraper takes first prize in Inventor’s Showcase Two farmer-invented solutions for seeding through muck and trash were recognized as top innovations for 2013

By Daniel Winters co-operator staff / Brandon

C

all it the battle of the mud scrapers.

Two farmer-invented devices for keeping packer wheels from gumming up in adverse seeding conditions took home the top honours in the Inventor’s Showcase at Ag Days.

Winner of the 2013 Top Invention Award, Mark Devloo, said his father originally came up with the design for a rotating, cup-shaped mud scraper about three years ago.

“Mud on the tire makes it bigger and your seed starts coming out of the ground or going around the wheel, and you end up with your seed on top of the dirt instead of in the dirt,” said Devloo.

The Devloo Roto Mudscraper, made from a seven-inch steel disc that is formed into a cup shape on a hydraulic press, rotates a quarter-inch above each packer wheel on a 6203 bearing.

Installation method varies depending on the seeder model, but typically it involves a single bolt or u-bolt and a specific-shaped bracket.

With five times the surface area of a flat scraper, and the fact that it is constantly rotating means that it does a better job of keeping the wheels clean in wet, heavy gumbo.

“As soon as the mud touches it, it spins, so there’s nothing holding it back,” said Devloo, adding that after three seasons on their 2,600-acre farm near Somerset, the scrapers show virtually no wear.

“As soon as the mud touches it, it spins, so there’s nothing holding it back.”

Mark Devloo

Sales for the family-run manufacturing operation are booming, and the recent trade show in Saskatoon saw over 2,000 scrapers sold, he added.

“My father hasn’t started asking for royalties – yet,” said Mark.

The Devloo scrapers are currently available for Harriston Potato Planter, John Deere 730, K-Hart, Seed Hawk, Seed Master, Ezee On, and the 1820 John Deere with gang packers. The

family is presently fabricating for Salford, Morris, Bourgault, Amitty, JD Conserva Pak, New Holland and the Cross Slot Seeder from New Zealand.

Runner-up was an allweather gauge wheel design from South Dakota’s Pro Mags.

Consisting of a flat, knifestyle scraper with a universal frame mount bracket that fits on the double disc in any posiContinued on next page »

Jan. 30: Kick-Start Your Food Product Idea workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Winnipeg River Learning Centre, Pine Falls. For more information or to pre-register, call 204392-7268.

Jan. 31: MAFRI consultation meeting on Growing Forward 2 programs, 1 to 4 p.m., Credit Union Room, Arborg Bifrost Community Centre, Arborg.

EXPECT MORE FROM Y O U R S E E D T R E AT M E N T.

Feb. 6: Kick-Start Your Food Product Idea workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Brandon. For more information or to pre-register, call 204-483-2153.

Feb. 8: Farm Succession Seminar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Steinbach Legion.

Registration $20. For more info or to pre-register call MAFRI at 204346-6080 or 204-268-6094.

Faster and more consistent germination.

Feb 12-13: Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference, George P. Buleziuk Centre and Russell Inn, Russell. For more info call 204-622-2006 or visit mbforagecouncil.mb.ca/westerncanadian-holistic-managementconference-3/.

Feb. 13-14: Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers convention, Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Ave., Banff. For more info visit www.caar.org or call 1-800-4639323.

Increased seedling vigour.

Quicker seedling emergence.

Control of key target diseases.

Feb. 14: Food entrepreneurs’ workshop: “Steps to commercialization: Food retail or food service,” 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Morden Friendship Centre, 306 N. Railway St., Morden. To pre-register call 204-822-5461.

Feb. 25-26: Wild Oats Grainworld ag outlook conference, Fairmont Winnipeg, 2 Lombard Place. For more info visit wildoatsgrainworld. com or call 1-800-567-5671.

Feb. 26-28: Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual general meeting, Delta Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon St., Ottawa. For more info call 613236-3633 or visit http://cfa-fca.ca.

March 1-2: Growing Local Conference, Marlborough Hotel, 331 Smith St., Winnipeg. For more info visit www.foodmattersmani toba.ca or call 1-800-731-2638.

March 5-6: Soils and Crops 2013 conference, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. For more info visit www.usask.ca/soilsncrops.

Always read and follow label directions.

AgSolutions, and HEADLINE are registered trade-marks of BASF Corporation; AgCelence, and INSURE are trade-marks of BASF SE, all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. INSURE Cereal and/or HEADLINE should be used in a preventative disease control program. © 2013 BASF Canada Inc.

110200812_Insure_MC_v2.indd 1

Client: BASFCAN

Publication: Manitoba Co-Operato

Operator

9

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Continued from previous page

NEWS tion, it flips mud, trash, rocks and clods out of the furrow through extra-large holes in a specially designed wheel hub.

“It clears in between the rows and doesn’t leave anything for your closing wheel to have to fight through,” said Eric Hesla, vice-president, who added that the “active” cleaning system is the first of its kind.

The scraper and specialized wheel hub work under any conditions on planters or drills of any make in any conditions, including heavy cor nstalk trash cover and weeds to wet, low spots in muddy fields.

The system was developed

by Hesla’s father Ron on their 600-acre farm and has been in production for two years and is now selling outside the region in the Midwest and Canada.

“It started out as a project to make life easier for us, then the neighbours came over and said, ‘I don’t know what you have but I want it,’” said Hesla. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

Europe FTA ignored in Harper government statements

By Alex Binkley co-operator contributor / ottawa

T

First-place winner Mark Devloo receives his plaque from FBC’s Jim Affleck. Looking on is Blake Nestibo. photo: sandy black

Better emergence under cool germination conditions.

Increased yield potential.

Now you can expect more from your cereal seed treatment. New INSURE™ Cereal contains three active ingredients, including the same one found in HEADLINE®. It delivers all the benefits of this proven fungicide below the ground. So in addition to getting premium disease control, your cereal crop will thrive with the unique benefits of AgCelence™ – faster and more consistent germination, better emergence under cold germination conditions and more. It’s the science of seedling growth perfected, and only INSURE offers it. Visit agsolutions.ca/insure for more information.

13-01-11 3:06 PM

he year-end target for striking a free trade deal with Europe has come and gone — with no sign of concern from Prime Minister Stephen Harper or his trade minister.

Although he talked about several pro-trade initiatives in his yearend statement, Harper made no mention of the Canada-Europe deal and Trade Minister Ed Fast mentioned it only in passing, noting there has been “continuing progress toward trade agreements with the European Union and India.”

Ottawa and Brussels have spent years in negotiations, with the last official negotiating session last fall. What’s needed now is for politicians to make the tough decisions that would close the deal, said Richard Phillips, chairman of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Association.

“There’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to get this deal completed and we hope some key decisions will be made in January,” he said.

Trade expert Peter Clark said Harper and Fast are still keen to strike a deal, and he hopes that can happen by spring “or the process will drift along, especially if Europe gets involved in free trade talks with the United States.”

Keeping a low profile may be deliberate, said Danielle Goldfarb of the Conference Board of Canada.

“There could be a number of reasons for not giving them higher profile, and one of them could be that they want to downplay the deal for negotiating reasons, or because they want to underpromise and overdeliver,” she said.

Neither side wants the deal to “unravel” after spending so much time in negotiations, she added.

Proponents of the deal, including Goldfarb, say Canada needs to diversify its trade and access new markets, especially the $17-trillion European market.

The EU is already in trade talks with India and Japan, and once “the Americans start negotiating, it will be impossible to get the EU’s attention again,” said Goldfarb.

Among the stumbling blocks, said Clark, is Canada’s insistence on greater access for its beef and pork producers, and rules of origin that would make it harder for Canadian food companies to use American or foreign ingredients in their products.

10

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

LIVESTOCK MARKETS Cattle Prices Winnipeg

January 18, 2013

Holiday break more than long enough for producers

Steers & Heifers — D1, 2 Cows 60.00 - 66.00 D3 Cows 50.00 - 58.00 Bulls 75.00 - 83.00 Feeder Cattle (Price ranges for feeders refer to top-quality animals only) Steers (901+ lbs.)

107.00 - 130.00 (801-900 lbs.)

122.00 - 135.00 (701-800 lbs.)

127.00 - 138.50 (601-700 lbs.)

130.00 - 148.00 (501-600 lbs.)

137.00 - 155.00 (401-500 lbs.)

140.00 - 168.00 Heifers (901+ lbs.)

100.00 - 115.00 (801-900 lbs.)

107.00 - 123.00 (701-800 lbs.)

112.00 - 128.00 (601-700 lbs.)

115.00 - 133.00 (501-600 lbs.)

120.00 - 138.00 (401-500 lbs.)

125.00 - 145.00

Heifers

Alberta South $ 113.00 - 115.00 115.50 - 115.50 65.00 - 77.00 55.00 - 68.00 76.80 - 76.80 $ 120.00 - 132.00 125.00 - 137.00 130.00 - 141.00 136.00 - 150.00 145.00 - 166.00 160.00 - 185.00 $ 110.00 - 121.00 115.00 - 126.00 118.00 - 130.00 125.00 - 137.00 131.00 - 147.00 138.00 - 157.00

($/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 (January 18, 2013) in U.S. Fed Cattle Close Change February 2013 126.60 -4.95 April 2013 130.87 -4.20 June 2013 126.72 -3.65 August 2013 126.67 -3.60 October 2013 130.60 -3.42 December 2013 132.40 -3.40 Cattle Slaughter Canada East West Manitoba U.S.

Feeder Cattle January 2013 March 2013 April 2013 May 2013 August 2013 September 2013

It’s back to business as usual at Manitoba’s auction marts Terryn Shiells

Ontario $ 100.13 - 126.60 101.78 - 123.78 51.72 - 69.93 51.72 - 69.93 69.16 - 85.68 $ 119.37 - 138.76 120.91 - 148.45 121.88 - 151.96 122.97 - 164.18 128.58 - 171.16 125.11 - 173.53 $ 112.53 - 125.68 109.58 - 129.24 113.45 - 139.05 115.32 - 142.89 116.75 - 145.65 114.50 - 149.60

Close 144.40 145.85 148.22 150.35 156.32 158.30

Change -6.45 -7.07 -6.53 -6.02 -4.93 -3.55

Cattle Grades (Canada)

Week Ending January 5, 2013 37,403 8,710 28,693 NA 519,000

Previous Year­ 42,880 11,442 31,438 NA 561,000

Week Ending January 5, 2013 365 15,821 11,584 386 295 8,489 4

Prime AAA AA A B D E

Previous Year 351 16,927 16,099 497 444 6,109 85

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.)

$1 Cdn: $ 1.006 U.S. $1 U.S: $0.9937 Cdn.

COLUMN

(Friday to Thursday) Slaughter Cattle

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

EXCHANGES: January 18, 2013

Current Week 162.00E 151.00E 151.19 155.46

Futures (January 18, 2013) in U.S. Hogs February 2013 April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013

Last Week 161.25 149.98 150.15 158.83

Close 85.95 88.07 94.70 96.65 96.50

Last Year (Index 100) 147.03 135.34 135.19 136.52

Change 1.35 0.97 0.10 0.10 0.20

Other Market Prices

CNSC

A

ctivity at the cattle auction yards across Manitoba started to get back into full swing again during the week ended Jan. 18, as all of the province’s auction yards held sales for the first time in 2013.

Killarney Auction Mart, Ashern Auction Mart and Gladstone Auction Mart held their first sales of 2013 during the week ended Jan. 18, and all reported a good amount of cattle were up for sale.

Gr unthal Livestock Auction Mar t, Heartland Livestock Services at Brandon and Virden, Winnipeg Livestock Sales and Ste. Rose Auction Mart held their second sales of 2013 during the Jan. 14-18 time frame, and all reported good volume as well.

Allan Munroe at Killarney said the market had quite a few slaughter cows go through the ring during its sale on Jan. 14.

“We had a lot of cows on Monday to what we normally would,” he said. “I think some guys did a hay inventory and a look at their cows and some finally got their price checking done at that, so there was quite a few out there. And, our last sale was Dec. 17, so

by Jan. 14 there were some cows that guys wanted to get sold.”

There’s also a bit of a backlog, because the cow kill in Canada has been slow due to delays at XL Foods at Brooks, Alta. the Brooks plant’s slaughter pace has been slow as it recovers from its closure in the fall due to an E. coli contamination. The slaughter there has also been delayed due to its takeover by JBS USA. “The plant at Brooks didn’t kill Monday because they were doing inventory for the takeover, that was the day JBS USA took ownership was my understanding,” Munroe said.

Prices for slaughter cattle across the province were steady compared to previous sales at most of the auction yards, as strong demand supported prices.

On the feeder cattle market, pr ices remained strong early in the week, but started to slide by the end of the reporting period, Munroe said.

“Farmers are looking at the highs of -25 C and high winds and they really don’t want to work in that if they don’t have to.” allan munroe

Killarney Auction Mart

“Feeder prices started to slide a bit on Wednesday afternoon,” he said. “I think it was completely related to the U.S. futures board.”

U.S. cattle futures dropped late in the week due to a rally in U.S. corn futures sparked by tight supply concerns and increased domestic usage.

Demand for feeder cattle remained strong, which helped prices stay steady early in the week. Munroe said most of the demand was coming from the west, though there were some U.S. buyers in the mix as well.

“I think there was a little bit of southern demand there, but they were just getting rolling. We’ll get a lot better feel of that at our next sale” on Jan. 21, he said.

A good amount of feeder cattle sold at auction yards across the province during the week as well, and those numbers should continue to climb throughout the next few weeks.

Munroe said the sale at Killarney on Jan. 21 should see more cattle than on Jan. 14, but it will be smaller than originally anticipated due to a weather-related cancellation.

“Farmers are looking at the highs of -25 C and high winds and they really don’t want to work in that if they don’t have to,” he said.

“We’ll still have a good-size sale, just not as good as it would have been otherwise.”

Munroe noted the cattle that aren’t marketed during the week of Jan. 21-25 due to cold temperatures will come up for sale in coming weeks, making for good numbers in upcoming sales.

“I think we’re going to be very busy for the next couple of months,” he said.

Most of the cattle to be marketed in the coming months in Manitoba will most likely be backgrounded feeder cattle, he said.

Terryn Shiells writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

Sheep and Lambs $/cwt Ewes Lambs (110+ lb.)

(95 - 109 lb.)

(80 - 94 lb.)

(Under 80 lb.)

(New crop)

Winnipeg — Next sale is January 23 — —

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 January 27, 2013 Broiler Turkeys (6.2 kg or under, live weight truck load average) Grade A .................................... $2.030 Undergrade ...............................$1.940 Hen Turkeys (between 6.2 and 8.5 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A .................................... $2.020 Undergrade ...............................$1.920 Light Tom/Heavy Hen Turkeys (between 8.5 and 10.8 kg liveweight truck load average) Grade A .................................... $2.020 Undergrade ...............................$1.920 Tom Turkeys (10.8 and 13.3 kg, live weight truck load average) Grade A......................................$1.980 Undergrade................................$1.895 Prices are quoted f.o.b. farm.

Toronto 80.80 - 110.09 132.24 - 151.04 140.13 - 157.89 140.66 - 165.23 154.08 - 221.92 —

SunGold Specialty Meats 40.00 - 60.00

Cargill to idle its Plainview, Texas, beef plant

Eggs 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

Goats Kids Billys Mature

Winnipeg ($/cwt) — — —

Toronto ($/cwt) 60.59 - 220.29 — 55.48 - 178.81

Horses <1,000 lbs.

1,000 lbs.+

Winnipeg ($/cwt) — —

news

Toronto ($/cwt) 24.38 - 86.55 25.16 - 39.25

The U.S. cattle herd is the smallest since 1952 chicago / reuters / U.S. agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. said Jan. 17 it will idle its Plainview, Texas, beef-processing plant on Feb. 1 due to tight U.S. cattle supplies brought on by years of drought in the Southern Plains states.

“The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level since 1952. Increased feed costs resulting from the prolonged drought, combined with herd liquidations by cattle ranchers,

are severely and adversely contributing to the challenging business conditions we face as an industry,” John Keating, president of Cargill Beef, said in a statement.

Cattle previously sent to the Plainview plant will be shipped to Cargill’s beef plants in the region, at Friona, Texas; Dodge City, Kansas, and Fort Morgan, Colorado.

The company’s regional beef facilities at Fresno, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, as well as its beef plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, and two beef plants in Canada are not affected, Cargill said.

Cargill plans to lay off the 2,000 employees at the plant.

Looking for results? Check out the market reports from livestock auctions around the province. » PaGe 15

11

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

GRAIN MARKETS Export and International Prices

column

Last Week

All prices close of business January 17, 2013

Crushers aim to coax canola from farmers’ bins Strong demand and soybean gains boost canola futures Dwayne Klassen CNSC

C

anola futures on the ICE Futures Canada platform continued their slow trek to higher ground during the week ended Jan. 18, with strong demand from the domestic and export sectors fuelling the rally. Some spillover from the gains in Chicago soybeans contributed to the strength.

Concerns about tight canola ending stocks further lifted the commodity. There were also attempts by a variety of market participants to push the March canola contract through key technical resistance at the $600-per-tonne level, but the efforts failed.

Farmer deliveries of canola into the cash system in Western Canada were “hit and miss” during the week, with movement dependent on the region of the Prairies.

Domestic crushers in Manitoba seem to be the most desperate to acquire canola from farmers, with processors in the southern region of the province providing some pretty attractive offers.

There was word during the week that these southern Manitoba processors were offering basis that were $18.50 per tonne over the canola futures price if delivered during January. That value increased to $22 over the futures price if delivered in February. The basis was raised to $27 over the futures if farmers agreed to deliver in March.

T h a t va l u e w a s c o n s i d e re d a t t ra ctive, with cash bids then hitting the $14-a-bushel level, if not a bit better.

Processors in Western Canada have some good sales on the books, and are trying to secure enough canola to meet those sales commitments. There are ideas that between exporter and domestic demand, Canadian canola ending stocks will only be in the 350,000- to 600,000-tonne range, which is considered extremely tight. The tight carry-over projection has definitely been supportive of canola values as a result.

The downward push in the value of the Canadian dollar was also an underpinning price influence for canola during the week.

Milling wheat, durum and barley values on ICE’s Winnipeg platform continued their uneventful way, with no actual trades seen. Some arbitraging of value for milling wheat by the exchange was the only action reported.

Soybean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT ) posted some pretty significant advances during the reporting period. Strong export and domestic demand combined with the buying back of previously sold positions by investors provided much of the upward price

m o m e n t u m . So m e s u p p o r t w a s a l s o drawn from the dry weather which had moved into the soybean-growing areas of Argentina.

However, those advances were brought to an abrupt halt late in the week, amid ideas that the upcoming South American soybean harvest will begin in just a few short weeks. The South American soybean crop was still anticipated to be recordlarge and the availability of those cheaper soybean supplies was seen cutting significantly into U.S. soybean demand.

Weather outlooks from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( N OA A ) , c a l l i n g f o r a n a b ov e - a v e r age period of precipitation in the U.S. Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana during the March, April and May period, also cause the rally in soybean futures to falter. Rain at that time would be a positive factor for U.S. crops early in their growing season.

As a result, some commodity analysts are recommending U.S. farmers sell some of their soybeans at these levels, indicating that once the South American production becomes available, a push back to the US$13-per-bushel range is inevitable for CBOT soybean futures. Some continue to feel those values will still be in the $11-per-bushel range by the summer.

CBOT corn futures also gained some g ro u n d d u r i n g t h e we e k , w i t h f re s h demand from the global feed market behind the advances. The buying back of previously sold positions by investors also contributed to the upward price push. The tight old-crop supply situation also influenced some of the advance.

Dryness concerns in Argentina’s cornproducing regions also offered some support.

The price trend in wheat futures on the Chicago, Minneapolis and Kansas City exchanges was to the upside during the week. Much of the support came from continued concerns about the dryness threat to the U.S. winter wheat crop.

Spillover from the advances in CBOT corn and soybeans also generated some of the upward price movement.

The upside in the wheat market continued to be hampered by the complete lack of demand for exportable U.S. wheat supplies. Commodity analysts also recommend U.S. farmers unload wheat positions as values were not expected to hold current levels.

These individuals point out that while prices are not as high as growers hoped they would get, the fact is that end-users are not exactly stepping up to the plate to purchase supplies. Ethanol producers are losing money, livestock producers are not making any money and exporters continue to struggle to sell corn or wheat.

Dwayne Klassen writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg company specializing in grain and commodity market reporting.

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

Week Ago

Year Ago

Wheat

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

287.03

273.53

222.28

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

319.36

308.34

296.68

Coarse Grains US corn Gulf ($US)

—

—

—

US barley (PNW) ($US)

—

—

—

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

285.24

275.10

240.75

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

230.19

220.14

184.31

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

525.47

520.79

432.98

1,135.35

1,089.05

1,127.86

Winnipeg Futures ICE Futures Canada prices at close of business January 18, 2013 barley

Last Week

Week Ago

March 2013

242.90

242.90

May 2013

243.90

243.90

July 2013

244.40

244.40

Canola

Last Week

Week Ago

March 2013

598.40

583.10

May 2013

588.90

574.50

July 2013

581.30

—

Special Crops Report for January 21, 2013 — 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 - 21.75

Canaryseed

Laird No. 1

20.00 - 21.75

Oil Sunflower Seed

Eston No. 2

20.00 - 21.75

Desi Chickpeas

25.25 - 28.00 — 27.00 - 28.75

Field Peas (Cdn. $ per bushel)

Beans (Cdn. cents per pound)

Green No. 1

Fababeans, large

—

Medium Yellow No. 1

14.30 - 15.50

Feed beans

—

Feed Peas (Cdn. $ per bushel)

8.40 - 8.75

No. 1 Navy/Pea Beans

—

Feed Pea (Rail)

No. 1 Great Northern

—

Mustardseed (Cdn. cents per pound)

No. 1 Cranberry Beans

—

Yellow No. 1

39.75 - 40.75

No. 1 Light Red Kidney

—

Brown No. 1

34.75 - 36.75

No. 1 Dark Red Kidney

—

Oriental No. 1

26.40 - 27.75

No. 1 Black Beans

—

No. 1 Pinto Beans

—

5.00 - 9.00

Source: Stat Publishing SUNFLOWERS

No. 1 Small Red

—

No. 1 Pink

—

Fargo, ND

Goodlands, KS

22.90

23.85

—

—

Report for January 18, 2013 in US$ cwt NuSun (oilseed) Confection Source: National Sunflower Association

Italy launches durum wheat futures market January 21 milan / reuters / Europe’s first futures market for durum wheat, used mainly to produce pasta in the continent and couscous in North Africa and the Middle East, was launched January 21.

Borsa Italiana, controlled by the London Stock Exchange, was due to launch the durum futures in November but the date was put back for market conditions.

The new AGREX futures, which will be traded on the Italian Derivatives Exchange Market (IDEM), will trade in 50-tonne contracts, with five maturities available at any one time.

The delivery months will be March, May, September and December.

Italian pasta maker Barilla advised the Italian exchange on the launch of the market.

Futures could be useful for Barilla and other big durum wheat buyers to help cope with volatile grain prices. Traders have said the new index could find it hard to build enough liquidity and trading volumes.

Grain futures generally take a long time to attract a large trading base, and the minimal volumes seen since the launch of durum futures in Canada at the start of the year have highlighted the difficulties in the niche grain market.

12

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Pallister calls for caution on cosmetic pesticide ban Brian Pallister says Ontario’s ban has resulted in grass fields being replaced by artificial turf harbouring infectious bacteria

By Allan Dawson co-operator staff /brandon

B

anning pesticides from Ma n i t o b a l a w n s a n d sport fields could have unintended negative conse-

quences, says Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party Leader Brian Pallister.

Banning so-called “cosmetic pesticides” — those not used in agricultural production — in Ontario has resulted in

“an explosion of artificial turf fields,” because grass fields have been overrun by weeds, Pallister said in a news release last week. And fake turf has created an epidemic of staph infections.

www.cyff.ca Ph: 888-416-2965

INNOVATION · INSPIRATION

MOTIVATION EDUCATION

ThE CYFF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTISES PROGRAM

The CYFF BMP Program will be delivered in Alberta, southern Ontario, Manitoba and the Maritimes.

REGISTER NOW by calling the CYFF office at 888-416-2965 or by email: bmpsessions@cyff.ca The BMP program is designed to motivate young farmers to improve and identify their operations needs with confidence.

Contact the CYFF office today for further details. Ph: 888-416-2965 or email: bmpsessions@cyff.ca

BMP topics include: • • • • • •

Vision for their Farm Leadership Roles Relationships, Alliances & Value Chains Risk Management Human Resources Management Production, Innovation & Environmental Management • Financial & Asset Management • Marketing Management • Succession Planning

YOUNG FARMERS: AGRICULTURE’S FUTURE.

Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister is concerned about the Manitoba government’s plan to ban cosmetic pesticides. photo: allan dawson

“I don’t think that’s the answer for Manitoba, but Manitobans need to understand that’s the reality of this course of action that this government is proposing,” Pallister told reporters while visiting Ag Days Jan. 15.

“From an agricultural standpoint I’m always concerned when I see an unscientific approach taken in legislation.

And the science around for the

“Banning a pesticide because some people are overapplying it doesn’t seem to be a smart approach to legislation any more than banning food because some people overeat is a smart approach.”

Brian Pallister

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities

Notice to Farmers

MCGA, MPGA, NSAC and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives presents the

February 6th & 7th, 2013 Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave, Winnipeg Speakers will present agronomic and marketing topics on Corn, Edible Beans, Soybeans and Sunflowers as well as the 2013 Annual General Meetings for MCGA, MPGA and NSAC. Tradeshow both days, with 75+ booths on display.

For more information on the agenda, tradeshow, parking and hotel accommodations, visit

www.manitobaspecialcrops.ca

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product.

Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, Roundup Ready®, and Roundup® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Used under license.

approval process of cosmetic pesticides is extremely onerous.

“If there’s a danger with a pesticide it isn’t allowed.”

Weeds from lawns and sport fields represent a threat to neighbouring farmland, Pallister added.

“Banning a pesticide because some people are overapplying it doesn’t seem to be a smart approach to legislation any more than banning food because some people overeat is a smart approach.”

Last year the Manitoba government announced it was considering a ban on cosmetic pesticides.

“Where the use is for nonessential, lawn applications, the risks that have been red flagged by many organizations and scientists and doctors, really compel us to look to see if there are precautions that should be taken,” Conservation Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh said in an interview. “It’s about being cautious and looking to see if there are reasonable ways to reduce risks of harm to the environment.”

Legislation is expected this spring despite opposition from the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) and CropLife Canada, which represents pesticide makers.

Asked if a Progressive Conservative government would repeal a ban, Pallister said he wanted to see the legislation first before commenting.

“The government has only given us general comment at this stage so it puts us in a difficult position because we can’t respond with detail,” he said.

“But if they’re going to a radical environmental approach then we’re going to be opposing it.”

Last week KAP president Doug Chorney said banning c o s m e t i c p e s t i c i d e s, e ve n though deemed to be safe when used properly, is a slippery slope. Some people, he noted, are already asking if pesticides are too dangerous to apply to a lawn how can they be safe on food?

“It would open the door (to restricting farm pesticides),” Chorney said. “If they (Manitoba government) ignore the federal Health Canada, PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency) protocols for registering products and using them what’s to make them acknowledge and respect those other uses of those products?” allan@fbcpublishing.com

13

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Tripartite agreement signed to promote nutrient management in Manitoba The Canadian Fertilizer Institute will spend $150,000 over three years with the Manitoba government and KAP as its partners CO-OPERATOR STAFF /BRANDON

A

new program promoting improved nutrient management among Manitoba farmers was launched last week by the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI), the Manitoba government and the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP).

The three signed a 4R Nutrient stewardship memorandum of understanding Jan. 15 during Ag Days.

CFI will provide $150,000 over three years to fund the extension program, which will include online learning, workshops and demonstration plots, officials told reporters during a news conference.

Agronomists from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives will assist in training the trainers, said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. KAP will encourage its members to participate and assure the practices being promoted are practical for farmers, Chorney said.

“We have a really unique level of co-operation between industry, farmers and government and I think this is how we’re really going to move things forward and make change really happen on farms here in Manitoba,” he said.

The four “Rs” of nutrient management are using the right source of fertilizer, at the right rate, right time and in the right place.

“The four principles help to ensure that nutrient run-off and other impacts are minimized,” Kostyshyn said.

Although not formally part of the agreement, Lake Friendly, a coalition of municipal leaders around the south basin of Lake Winnipeg, is supporting the initiative, said its executive director Colleen Sklar.

“I think when we stop pointing fingers and start working together that’s when we’re going to get the greatest impact (on reducing nutrients in water),” she said later in an interview. “To see an event where everyone is at the table I think is really important.”

Manitoba farmers are good stewards, but there are always ways to improve, said Chorney, who farms at East Selkirk.

It doesn’t make economic sense for farmers to overapply fertilizer because it’s so expensive, he said.

“I want to use those dollars as efficiently as possible and be a good steward of the environment,” Chorney said.

Through the 4R system farmers can reduce their fertilizer costs, boost yields, sequester carbon in the soil and help improve water quality, said Lindsay Kaspick of Koch Fertilizer Canada ULC and CFI director.

“Our goal for this partnership is to communicate to farmers the benefits of the 4Rs and to increase the number of farmers who use these best management practices,” he said.

Manitoba is the first western province to sign on to the program, which CFI hopes will eventually be implemented across Canada, he said.

Phosphorus levels are rising in Lake Winnipeg and are coming from rural and urban areas. Farmland flooding, which farmers have

little or no control over, is another contributor, but there are ways to mitigate the impact such as rehabilitating marshes, creating buffer strips and holding flood water back, Sklar said.

“We believe everybody has a role in protecting our waters,” she said. allan@fbcpublishing.com

“I want to use those (nutrient) dollars as efficiently as possible and be a good steward of the environment.”

DOUG CHORNEY

Lindsay Kaspick of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (l-r), Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and KAP president Doug Chorney signed an agreement Jan. 15 to promote the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program among Manitoba farmers. CFI will contribute $50,000 a year over three years. The goal is to improve farmers’ earnings while reducing nutrient run-off and improving water quality. PHOTO: ALLAN DAWSON

Manager Strategist Marketer Accountant Problem-Solver Role Model

Farmer Carmela Miller – FCC Customer

We understand your business 1-800-387-3232 www.fcc.ca/advancing

01/13-19769-04

By Allan Dawson

19769-04E FCC_Miller_8.125x10.75_rev.indd 1

1/18/13 12:43 PM

14

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Sleepless in Manitoba? Expert offers tips for spending quality time in slumberland Sleep specialist says there are diagnostic methods and treatments for those with sleep disorders, and simple lifestyle changes that can help the rest of us

By Lorraine Stevenson CO-OPERATOR STAFF / BRANDON

T

his was a speech that put no one to sleep. But with any luck, it will

later.

“Sleepless in Manitoba — staying awake on the job” was the title of a presentation given by Dr. Carlyle Smith, a psychology professor and director of Trent University’s sleep research laboratories at last week’s Ag Days.

A restless night can do a lot more than leave you cranky the next day — especially if you operate heavy equipment or do a lot of driving, Smith noted.

“Many, many accidents are caused by falling asleep,” said Smith, often when tired people succumb to the temptation to shut their eyes “just for a minute.”

The key in getting goodquality sleep is doing it when you’re supposed to — in bed at night.

Smith detailed the two components of sleep — non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) phases.

Brain wave monitoring reveals a busy brain in REM sleep because you’re dreaming. This is also when your body is in a state of paralysis, with only the eye muscles moving. Not getting enough of this type of sleep can lead t o c l i n i c a l d e p ression, up the odds of suffering a heart attack or stroke, and affect memory loss.

Tossing and turning

As many as 40 per cent of

Canadians suffer from insomnia. Some have trouble falling asleep, while others don’t stay asleep or wake early.

Many take pills for their insomnia, but pill potency wears off and there are other health-related risks associated with sleep medication, the doctor said.

The best treatment for insomnia is cognitive behaviour therapy, which gets at the root of the cause.

“It takes several weeks to get results, but it works,” said Smith.

Sleep apnea, when there’s repetitive air way blockage and breathing starts and stops, is another common problem. It’s most common in men, who often have no idea they’re suffering from this particular disorder. Typically, a spouse seeks help for it because they hear their partner’s blisteringly loud snoring.

“Twenty to 25 per cent of us actually snore, and that’s OK,” he said. “But this is snoring like a truck. This is really, really loud stuff. It’s ear splitting.”

Sleep apnea must be treated because you’re essentially starving your brain of oxygen, Smith said.

“Most important here, if you have any idea that you have this, and you’re thinking you’ll just let it go, remember this... at some point in your night you can have up to 70 per cent less oxygen in your brain,” said Smith.

“What happens is your cells die in the thousands, and ones that are really important, the ones for doing your

“Many, many accidents are caused by falling asleep.”

DR. CARLYLE SMITH

m e n t a l c a l c u l a t i o n s. A n d it happens every night with people who have this problem.”

Sleep strategies

Many farmers are prone to sleep problems because they live a life similar to shift workers — often rising early and soldiering on into the night, and sometimes going round the clock.

This disr upts the body’s natural temperature and sleep cycles and effectively produces jet lag, he said.

The body actually wants you to go to bed at the same time every night and to get up at the same time every morning, Smith said.

He h a s n u m e r o u s s u g gestions for prompting better sleep, including avoiding alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime and giving oneself a per iod of quietdown time, including turning off screens. Recommended snacks before bed are small portions of a carb and a protein, such as milk and cereal, or cheese and crackers.

A perfect snack is a small turkey sandwich because yo u’re g e t t i n g t h e L - t r y p tophan, a natural sleep inducer found in turkey, along with the carb of the rest of the sandwich.

How well you sleep makes a huge difference in the quality of your life, including how well you perform on the job, said Dr. Carlyle Smith, a sleep specialist invited to speak at Ag Days and at several workshops around rural Manitoba last week. PHOTO: LORRAINE STEVENSON

Counter to what some might think, hot beverages or hot baths can actually disrupt falling asleep because they drive the body temperature up. Sleep happens when the body temperature drops.

“It has the opposite effect you want. It’s keeping you awake.”

Smith also highly recommends naps.

“They’re good for you,” he said.

Lastly, don’t let pets you allow on the bed to interrupt

lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers

Taking care of the world’s most important farm. Yours.

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)

Steinbach Credit Union – expertise, experience & trust!

305 Main Street Steinbach 326.3495 2100 McGillivray Blvd.

Winnipeg 222.2100 1575 Lagimodiere Blvd.

Winnipeg 661.1575

scu.mb.ca

your sleep, and invest in a good mattress.

Mo n e y s p e n t o n a g o o d mattress is an investment in preventive health, Smith said, plus it’s a sensible “costper-wear” investment given the average person spends one-third — or 20 to 25 years — of his or her life sleeping.

If you’ve bought a mattress and you don’t think it’s working out for you, consider buying another, he said.

1 800 728.6440

Your smartphone 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

just got smarter.

Get the Manitoba Co-operator mobile app and get the latest ag news as it happens.

Download the free app at agreader.ca/mbc

Manitoba Co-operator 1 x 84 li B/W

15

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

LIVESTOCK AUCTION RESULTS Weight Category

Feeder Steers

Ashern

Gladstone

Grunthal

Heartland

Heartland

Brandon

Virden

Killarney

Ste. Rose

Winnipeg

Jan-18

Jan-16

Jan-15

Jan-15

Jan-18

Jan-16

Jan-14

Jan-17

No. on offer

780

471

241

793

1,643

484

1,355

390

Over 1,000 lbs.

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

110.00-112.00

900-1,000

n/a

110.00-124.25

n/a

110.00-128.00

120.00-130.00

n/a

n/a

107.00-117.00

800-900

n/a

110.00-127.50

118.00-129.00

120.00-134.00

122.00-134.00

125.00-131.00

130.00-135.00

112.00-128.00

700-800

120.00-142.50

110.00-133.50

125.00-132.50

125.00-140.25

127.00-139.00

125.00-134.50

131.00-150.00

117.00-134.00

600-700

130.00-157.50

121.00-144.00

132.00-143.00

130.00-148.00

132.00-147.00

133.00-143.00

135.00-158.00

125.00-150.00

500-600

140.00-159.00

136.00-159.00

150.00-164.00

142.00-160.50

140.00-158.00

140.00-160.00

145.00-166.00

130.00-156.00

400-500

150.00-170.00

145.00-180.00

160.00-172.00

160.00-172.00

150.00-174.00

155.00-175.00

155.00-172.00

140.00-160.00

300-400

n/a

150.00-161.00

165.00-185.00

175.00-190.00

n/a

145.00-175.00

150.00-174.00

145.00-165.00

Feeder heifers 900-1,000 lbs.

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

105.00-116.00

n/a

n/a

100.00-112.00

800-900

112.00-116.00

100.00-120.00

105.00-116.00

110.00-124.00

114.00-124.50

n/a

110.00-119.00

107.00-116.00

700-800

112.00-120.00

109.00-121.50

110.00-120.00

115.00-124.00

116.00-126.00

117.00-124.00

118.00-127.00

110.00-123.00

600-700

100.00-130.00

109.00-124.00

117.00-132.00

120.00-137.00

119.00-133.00

120.00-130.00

130.00-135.00

115.00-127.00

500-600

110.00-136.00

110.00-138.00

130.00-150.00

125.00-145.00

125.00-143.00

125.00-138.00

123.00-137.00

120.00-136.00

400-500

120.00-146.00

120.00-155.50

145.00-162.00

135.00-160.00

133.00-155.00

135.00-149.00

130.00-153.00

125.00-140.00

300-400

n/a

120.00-149.00

145.00-170.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

130.00-152.00

128.00-145.00

Slaughter Market No. on offer

140

n/a

74

199

n/a

n/a

n/a

320

D1-D2 Cows

50.00-60.00

n/a

n/a

65.00-70.00

60.00-65.50

50.00-58.00

52.00-63.00

60.00-66.00

D3-D5 Cows

40.00 and up

n/a

47.00-55.00

57.00-64.00

35.00-60.00

n/a

40.00-50.00

52.00-58.00

Age Verified

60.00-67.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

62.00-68.50

57.00-65.00

61.00-69.00

n/a

Good Bulls

46.00-76.00

n/a

72.00-76.00

77.00-84.50

77.00-84.00

75.00-80.00

72.00-84.00

75.00-82.00

Butcher Steers

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

102.00-106.50

n/a

n/a

100.00-102.00

Butcher Heifers

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

101.00-105.50

n/a

n/a

97.00-101.00

Feeder Cows

n/a

n/a

60.00-68.00

70.00-83.00

65.00-80.00

n/a

n/a

65.00-75.00

Fleshy Export Cows

n/a

n/a

57.00-62.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Lean Export Cows

n/a

n/a

50.00-57.00

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

* 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.)

B:10.25” T:10.25” S:10.25”

By 2050, there will be 9,000,000,000 hungry people and less farmland than there’s ever been. On August 19–25, 2013, the world’s youth will gather at the global 4-H Youth Ag-Summit to advance solutions to this growing crisis of agricultural sustainability.

FOR A RIGHT PAGE AD SBC13009.ManCoop

T:7.75”

Apply now at youthagsummit.com.

B:7.75”

Come to the table. Your perspective could change the course of history.

S:7.75”

If you’re 18–25, you should send us your thoughts.

We might just send you to Calgary, Canada (expenses paid) to share them with 120 other bright young minds and industry leaders.

16

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Confidence, right from the start.

Axial® provides superior control of even the toughest grass weeds in spring wheat and barley – the kind of reliability you can build an operation around. And that’s why Axial is the #1 graminicide in Western Canada.

CLIENT: SYNGENT

PROJECT: AXIAL BRA

PUBLICAT MANITOBA

DESIGNER CB (

) MECH

FINAL SIZ

UCR: 240%

CLIENT SE

PROOFRE

ART DIRE

PRODUCT

Visit SyngentaFarm.ca or contact our Customer Resource Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682).

Always read and follow label directions. Axial ®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2013 Syngenta.

5353F AXIAL Ad_MBCo-Operator.indd 1

13-01-14 2:14 PM

17

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

CROPS

sus 359) but also more seeds per pod (20 versus 15).

“So it’s really important to consider that when you’re going in and spraying that these guys can increase your yield and if you’re not even at that economic threshold yet you could be throwing money away in two ways,” Brackenreed said.

Last year also emphasized the need to get your seeding rate right. Five plants per square foot is the minimum, and seven is better, she said.

“To reach 100 per cent (yield potential) at five plants per square foot you’re really going to have to have everything stacking up in your favour,” she said.

Fa r m e r s s h o u l d k n ow t h e 1,000-kernel weight of their canola seed. A 2009 survey found most farmers stick with five pounds of seed per acre. But heavier seed means fewer plants per square foot, and since only abut 60 per cent of athe seed plant produces viable plants, seeding rates need to be adjusted accordingly.

CO-OPERATOR STAFF / BRANDON

I

t was a year to forget for Manitoba canola growers.

If you’re keeping a scorecard, the list of problems suffered by growers in 2012 included high weed pressure in fields that were waterlogged in 2011, frost hitting some early-seeded crops, a blistering hot July, insect populations just under the level that warrants spraying, aster yellows and blackleg.

Chalk up most of it to bad luck, save for blackleg which “definitely is one of my biggest concerns for canola production in the future,” agronomy specialist Angela Brackenreed told farmers at Ag Days.

Canola infected with blackleg before the six-leaf stage usually suffers substantial yield loss as it causes lesions that girdle the base of the stem and choke off the uptake of water. It often results in lodging, too.

“In the summer, the symptoms are buff-coloured, round to irregular spots with black fruiting bodies. Stem lesions later in the season cause premature plant death,” notes the website of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.

Farmers who spot the latter symptom often think they have sclerotinia, but that’s a mistake you don’t want to make, said Brackenreed, who works for the Canola Council of Canada. (For detailed scouting info, go to www.gov. mb.ca/agriculture and type blackleg in the search box.)

Disease survival

The disease can survive for two or more years on stubble, infect seed, and also survive on brassica-type weeds. It’s also shown a talent for successful mutation and blacklegtolerant varieties are becoming less so, said Brackenreed.

Using certified seed and planting tolerant varieties does help, as does rotating fungicides, but if you’re serious about avoiding it, then plant canola less often in your rotation, she said.

PHOTO: ©ISTOCK

“You need to add diversity to your farms,” Brackenreed said.

There are some additional lessons to be drawn from 2012.

One was a reminder that early isn’t always better. Some earlyseeded fields struggled all year — likely because they were knocked off stride by an early frost — while later-seeded ones chugged along.

“Some think the later-seeded stuff actually performed better because it was kind of continually and evenly stressed throughout the season and it just allowed it to adapt,” Brackenreed said.

The year also provided food for thought in regard to insect control. While canola-attacking insects got off to an early start, populations often didn’t warrant spraying.

Moreover, these pests can be kept in check by beneficial insects. So the question becomes: Is it worth killing the bad guys when it means taking out the good ones, too?

Brackenreed noted one study that caged honeybees with canola and compared it to canola without any honey-making friends.

The canola with bees not only had twice the number of pods (815 ver-

“(Blackleg) definitely is one of my biggest concerns for canola production in the future.”

ANGELA BRACKENREED

Seed weight

A farmer planting seed weighing 7.1 grams per 1,000 seeds would need almost eight pounds an acre to get a decent population, said Brackenreed. That would be too expensive, she added, so farmers would want to increase management to assure an adequate number of plants.

“If your 1,000-kernel weight changes between fields by a gram you should be thinking about recalibrating your drill,” she added.

And while farmers can’t control the weather — such as preventing July’s heat wave — they can make adjustments. Brackenreed noted the best time to swath canola is when 60 to 70 per cent of the seed has changed colour. But many farmers start cutting earlier because they have so many acres to get done.

She said one alternative option is to seed varieties with different maturities so swathing and harvest can be spread out.

proving ground.

By Allan Dawson

The

A lot of last year’s woes came down to the luck of the draw in terms of weather and pest and diseases issues, but the big exception to that was blackleg

TM

Lots went wrong with Manitoba canola in 2012

Pioneer ® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents.

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks licensed to Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. © 2013, PHL.

H USB A N DRY — T H E SC I E NC E , SK I L L OR A RT OF FA R M I NG

allan@fbcpublishing.com

Better seed

in so many weighs Every year, DuPont Pioneer conducts over 1500 large-scale canola, corn and soybean trials - more than any other seed company in Western Canada. Ask your local Pioneer Hi-Bred sales rep for details.

www.pioneer.com PR343 PG CPS Weigh_v2.indd 1

13-01-10 4:40 PM

18

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

New study says Brazil beats Iowa in protecting waterways from eutrophication Brown University study finds deficient Brazilian soils hold on to phosphorus while rich Iowan farmland is spoiling waterways even though much less of the fertilizer is being applied Rural workers load soybeans into a sowing machine at the town of Estacion Islas in Buenos Aires province. A recent Brown University analysis of how phosphorus interacts with soil in three major soybean-producing countries found Argentina is in a “sweet spot” using not too much and not too little phosphorus. PHOTO: REUTERS/ENRIQUE MARCARIAN Staff

A

new Amer ican study has turned a long-held belief on its head by discovering that — in one respect, anyways — growing soybeans

in Iowa is environmentally worse than growing them in the former Amazon rainforest.

Researchers from Brown University found Iowa farmers are doing more harm to waterways than their counterparts in

Matto Grosso, Brazil.

The soils of the Amazon basin are among the poorest in the world, but now produce crops at a rate that rivals that of global breadbaskets. The Brazilian soils require massive amounts of both lime (to raise soil pH) and phosphorus. The latter is a serious pollutant as it encourages algae growth and, in extreme cases, eutrophication of entire lakes or streams.

But despite heavy application, phosphorus is not caus-

ing problems in Matto Grosso, researchers found.

“If you are concerned about the global phosphorus supply, Brazil is your problem — they are using a ton of it,” said Stephen Porder, assistant professor of biology and coauthor of the study.

“If you are concerned about lakes and rivers being filled with algae, then Iowa is your problem, and learning how to mitigate even very small amounts of loss after decades of overfertilization is a real challenge.”

So, you think you’re

pretty fast.

The Grainvac 7500 HP is up to any challenge.

When it’s time to move huge volumes of grain, nothing out-hustles the GrainVac 7500 HP. Brandt’s breakthrough technology delivers high capacity and high efficiency – with lower horsepower requirements and low-cost, easy maintenance. So if you’ve got a need for speed, see the GrainVac 7500 HP at your local Brandt dealer. That’s powerful value, delivered.

$500 Rebate on GrainVac 5200EX or 7500HP Some restrictions apply. Offer valid until March 31, 2013.

Visit thanksabillion.ca for rebate details and other offers. For product details and a dealer near you, call 1-866-4BRANDT or visit www.brandt.ca

The “good news” is that the nutrient-deficient, but deep soils in Brazil keep such a tight grip on phosphorus that almost none of the fertilizer is ending up in nearby waterways, the researchers found.

The exact opposite was the case in Iowa, where the relatively fertile soils release phosphorus much more readi l y. Soy b e a n f a r m i n g g o e s back to the 1920s in Iowa and in many places excess phosphorus was used to increase and ensure high yields, leading to widespread phosphorus pollution.

Since 1995, Iowa farmers have used much less phosphorus, adding only a net of three kilograms per hectare per year (only one-tenth of Matto Grosso levels), but local lakes and rivers are being polluted because the soil is still releasing all that phosphorus applied long ago. Half of the waterways in Iowa assessed under the Clean Water Act are listed as impaired.

Adding phosphorus appears to be a balancing act, the researchers found, citing findings from a third area they studied near Buenos Aires, which has soils similar to Iowa’s. Until 2000, the researche r s f o u n d , s oy b e a n s we re drawing more phosphorus out of the soil than farmers were adding, leading to net deficits of phosphorus without much pollution. More recently, the Argentines have been adding more of the fertilizer, leading to a roughly break-even phosphorus budget.

“They are in sort of a sweet spot in a way,” Porder said.

“They have these very fertile soils and came to the game a little bit later. They essentially mined the soils for nutrients for a while and now they are bringing it back into balance.”

By 2050, Porder said, the world’s farmers will need to grow about 70 per cent more food. With limited supplies both of phosphorus and clean water, farmers must balance adding enough phosphorus to maximize yields but little enough to avoid unintended losses. “ W i t h i n c re a s i n g g l o b a l demands from a growing population and growing appetites for commodities like meat, we will need to produce much more from cropland over the coming decades,” said lead author Shelby Riskin.

“To do this least badly, that is, with a minimum of environmental costs, will be one of the great environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Phosphorus in soybeans is just one example, but illustrates a broader point: We have to produce a lot while being aware of local and global environmental costs. What this means for management is different in different places.”

19

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

U.K. farm minister calls on European authorities to speed up approval of GM crops Owen Paterson says genetic modification isn’t a “frightening, new, spooky technology” and brings many benefits, including reduced pesticide and fuel use Oxford england / reuters

B

r i t a i n’s f a r m i n g a n d environment minister, Owen Paterson is calling for an acceleration in the European Union’s approval process for genetically modif i e d c ro p s, w h i c h h e s a i d offered benefits including less pesticide use.

“I think we need to work with like-minded par tners to move the (GM) legislation along at a European level because it is going grindingly slowly and we are getting further and further behind,” he said.

There has been strong public opposition to genetically modified crops across much of the European Union, linked partly to concerns about their safety, which has helped to slow the approval process.

“There are definite gains but there is a big battle to be won with the public,” Paterson said.

M a i re a d Mc G u i n n e s s , a member of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee, said that lobbying against GM crops had become less intense in the last couple of ye a r s b u t s a i d o p p o s i t i o n remained significant.

“The view for some time of many in the European Parliament has been that the public doesn’t want it and therefore we are not going to have it,” McGuinness said.

But Paterson said GM crops could offer benefits including a potential significant reduction in pesticide and diesel use.

“This is not a frightening, new, spooky technology, this is something that is well established in very large parts of the world,” said Paterson, n o t i n g c r o p s w e re g r ow n by 16 million farmers in 29 countries in 2011.

Paterson also cited benefits from GM crops such as golden r ice which he said could have the potential to stop 400,000 to 500,000 young people going blind.

Golden rice has been genetically modified to help combat vitamin A deficiency which affects millions of children and pregnant women and can cause irreversible blindness.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth, however, said in a statement that GM crops don’t provide the solution to food challenges. “ T h e y a re l a r g e l y b e i n g developed to benefit multinational biotech firms that are gaining control of the seed industr y, not to feed poor people in developing countries,” senior food and far ming campaigner Clare Oxborrow said. “ Wo r l d f o o d p ro d u c t i o n n e e d s a ra d i c a l ove r h a u l , but this should be based on less intensive practices that increase agricultural diversity, deliver resilience to the impacts of climate change and benefit local communities.”

Activists of environmental group Greenpeace wear masks and protective clothing while protesting outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels November 7, 2012. Demonstrators said that the vast majority of genetically modified (GM) crops currently awaiting approval for cultivation in the European Union have been engineered to tolerate herbicides. photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman

Everything’s bigger in Manitoba.

Now, so are your soybean yields.

Growers have made Nodulator® N/T Canada’s #1 soybean inoculant. Choose our BioStacked® liquid and BioStacked® sterile peat formulations for greater plant vigour, more root biomass and more nitrogen-fixing nodules on every plant.

For in-furrow use, look to our unique Nodulator® spherical granules. This innovative formulation is virtually dust-free, with greater consistency and better flowability than peat crumble inoculants. In 2013, grow BIG with Nodulator® N/T.

BioStacked® and Nodulator® are registered trademarks used under license by Becker Underwood Canada Ltd. The Becker Underwood logo is a trademark of Becker Underwood, Inc. and is licensed to Becker Underwood Canada Ltd.

27892 NodulatorNT_Bison_ad_ManCoopFP.indd 1

www.nodulatornt.com

11/12/12 4:33 PM

20

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

At least it’s a dry cold

NEWS

Struthers seeks input on upcoming budget The meetings will allow Manitobans to weigh in on budget priorities

Calves on the Greaves farm nestle into the straw under a blanket of snow. photo: jeannette greaves

Staff / Finance Minister Stan Struthers is taking to the road for a series of pre-budget consultation meetings this month.

But with the provincial deficit running higher than forecast, it’s unlikely that new spending will be the focus.

“In this time of global economic uncertainty, it is important to keep focused on responsible fiscal management,” Struthers said in a statement. “But we’ll keep working and listening to Manitoba families to ensure their priorities (are) reflected in the 2013 budget.”

The province announced in December that it expects to end the fiscal year with a $567-million deficit, up sharply from the $460-million shortfall projected in last April’s budget. The government has been trying to rein in spending but has seen costs go up in several areas, notably health and law enforcement.

In last year’s budget, Struthers imposed a new three-cent-per-litre tax on marked gasoline and upped vehicle registration fees by $35. He also ended a riparian tax credit program.

Struthers will host seven meetings, all running from 7 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise stated: • Jan. 28, Flin Flon: City Hall, council chambers, 20 First Ave. (1 to 3 p.m.)

• Jan. 28, Swan River: Westwood Inn, Valley Room, 473 Westwood Rd. • Jan. 29, north Winnipeg: Valley Gardens Community Club, 218 Antrim Rd. • Jan. 30, Brandon: Keystone Centre, 1175 18 St. (1 to 3 p.m.)

Those unable to attend can write the minister (at Budget Consultations, Room 103, 450 Broadway, Winnipeg, Man. R3C 0V8), email him at min fin@leg.gov.mb.ca, or fill out a questionnaire at www.gov.mb.ca.

MAKE DEATH WAIT VOLUNTEER TODAY Together, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in Manitoba, and claim the life of one Canadian every seven minutes.

heartandstroke.ca/help

21

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

After a bumper harvest in 2012, India poised to be a new wheat export powerhouse Government reserves now have reached 31 million tonnes, second only to China and three times the official target levels

By Gavin Maguire chicago / reuters

W

hile most other major wheat growers around the world suffered from production setbacks in 2012 due to drought, India’s farmers had a banner year which has resulted in a glut of wheat supplies at state-run warehouses and export facilities.

In d i a’s s t a t e re s e r ve s o f wheat have reached 31 million tonnes (34 million tons) — the highest level in the world outside of China and three times larger than official target levels. This sets the stage for the country to emerge as a major player on the wheat expor t stage in 2013 and potentially make up for any shortfalls from other exporting regions.

I n d i a i s t h e t h i rd - l a r g est consumer of wheat in the world, and this boost in supplies puts the country’s exporters in an unusual position, as traditionally India is only a bit-part player in global wheat trade.

So far, the Indian government has raised its wheat export allowance gradually as it assesses overall crop supply prospects for 2013, with licences for 2.5 million tons of wheat recently issued to follow on from the two million tons released from state reserves in late 2012.

But with global prices remaining attractive due to the shortage of supplies out of other regions, additional flows of Indian wheat are very likely, and should hit a record by the end of 2013. Traditionally India ranks around 10th among wheat-exporting nations, but will likely move up three or four places this year.

A flash in the pan?

However, the country’s status as a major player on the wheat export stage may not last long.

Massive domestic demand levels coupled with erratic production of all major food and feed staples mean that India’s exporters may well have substantially lower levels of crop excesses to trade with a year from now.

That said, steady improvements in the country’s wheat yields have materialized over the past five years or so, which suggests that sustainable increases in food and crop p ro d u c t i o n c o u ld be seen from India going forward that may secure its place as a top exporting powerhouse.

But given the relentless levels of demand for all crops stemming from its giant

human and animal herd populations, the lion’s share of India’s crop output will likely remain destined for domestic users.

St i l l , f ro m t i m e t o t i m e India will emerge as a major force on the export stage in certain markets to play a critical role in plugging supply shortages, as looks likely to be the case in wheat this year.

Workers load wheat onto a cargo ship at Mundra port in the western Indian state of Gujarat. photo: REUTERS/Amit Dave

CLIENT: SYNGENT

PROJECT: CRUISER WHEAT FO

PUBLICAT MANITOBA

DESIGNER PL (

) MECH

FINAL SIZ

UCR: 240%

CLIENT SE

PROOFRE

ART DIRE

PRODUCT

Vibrant roots form stronger defences.

Crops thrive with Cruiser Maxx® Vibrance™. When the Vigor Trigger ® effect meets Rooting Power ™, you get enhanced crop establishment from stronger, faster-growing plants, above and below the ground. It also protects your wheat and barley crops against a broad range of insects and diseases and delivers best-in-class Rhizoctonia control.

Visit SyngentaFarm.ca or contact our Customer Resource Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682).

Always read and follow label directions. Cruiser Maxx® VibranceTM Cereals, Rooting PowerTM, Vigor Trigger ®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2012 Syngenta Canada Inc.

4977-2D SYNGENTA VIBRANCE_Wheat Fortress.indd 1

12-10-01 4:18 PM

22

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Impact of climate change hitting home, U.S. report finds Heat waves, heavy downpours, floods and droughts have become more frequent

By Deborah Zabarenko Reuters

T

he consequences of climate change are now hitting the United States on several fronts, including health, infrastructure, water supply, agriculture and especially more frequent severe weather, a congressionally mandated study has concluded.

A draft of the U.S. National Climate Assessment, released Jan. 11, said observable change to the climate in the past halfcentury “is due primarily to human activities, predominantly the burning of fossil fuel,” and that no areas of the United States were immune to change.

“Corn producers in Iowa, oyster growers in Washington state, and maple syrup producers in Vermont have observed changes in their local climate that are outside of their experience,” the report said.

Months after Superstorm Sandy hurtled into the U.S. East Coast, causing billions of dollars in damage, the report concluded that severe weather was the new normal.

“Certain types of weather events have become more frequent and/or intense, including heat waves, heavy downpours,

and, in some regions, floods and droughts,” the report said, days after scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared 2012 the hottest year ever in the United States.

So m e e n v i ro n m e n t a l i s t s looked for the report to energize climate efforts by the White House or Congress, although many Republican lawmakers are wary of declaring a definitive link between human activity and evidence of a changing climate.

The U.S. Congress has been mostly silent on climate change since efforts to pass “cap-andtrade” legislation collapsed in the Senate in mid-2010.

A three-month period for public comment will now ensue, as well as a review by the National Academies of Sciences, before the final version is produced.

“A warning to all of us”

The report noted that of an increase in average U.S. temperatures of about 1.5 F (.83 C) since 1895, when reliable national record-keeping began, more than 80 per cent had occurred in the past three decades.

With heat-trapping gases already in the atmosphere, temperatures could rise by a fur-

Maple syrup producers are among those feeling the effects of climate change. photo: thinkstock

ther 2 F to 4 F (1.1 C to 2.2 C) in most parts of the country over the next few decades, the report said.

Ce r t a i n p o s i t i v e c o n s e quences of rising temperatures, such as a longer growing season, were said to be offset by more disruptive impacts, including: • Threats to human health f ro m i n c re a s e d e x t re m e weather events, T:10.25” wildfires and

air pollution, as well as diseases spread by insects and through food and water; • Less-reliable water supply, and the potential for water rights to become a hot-button legal issue; • More vulnerable infrastructure due to sea-level rise, bigger storm surges, heavy downpours and extreme heat; • Warmer and more acidic oceans.

“This draft report sends a warning to all of us: We must act in a comprehensive fashion to reduce carbon pollution or expose our people and communities to continuing devastation from extreme weather events and their aftermath,” Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat who heads the Senate environment committee, said in a statement.

Grounded in plant health.

With Raxil WW you get stronger emergence, increased vigour and a healthier, higher yielding crop that’s better able to withstand seasonal stresses.

To learn more about what Raxil with Stress Shield can do for you, visit BayerCropScience.ca/Raxil

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

Always read and follow label directions. Raxil® and Stress Shield® are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

C-55-02/13-BCS13021-E

T:7.75”

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes when you use Raxil® WW seed treatment, but all you’ll see is a beautiful, healthy cereal crop.

Raxil WW with Stress Shield® is the complete protection package, combining the serious seed- and soil-borne disease protection of Raxil (including true loose smut and fusarium), with Stress Shield for increased plant health.

23

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

NEWS

North Dakota State University develops farm fuel budget app

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

NDSU release

Farmers can use a new Farm Fuel Budget cellphone app to plan their farm fuel budget and use for the next year or more.

John Nowatzki, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural machine systems specialist, developed the Android cellphone app for crop producers to compare projected fuel costs based on alternate crop acreages, tillage systems and crop rotations.

The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, which is accessible from the market app on Android cellphones.

Users select the number of acres they intend to plant each year and acreage for each crop, then select the field operations they will use for each crop. The app estimates the fuel cost by year.

The amount of fuel budgeted for each field operation is based on the machinery cost estimates published annually by University of Minnesota Extension. These fuel consumption estimates are based on the assumption of 0.044 gallon (U.S.) of diesel fuel per power takeoff horsepower-hour, on average, for each implement type.

Users can select the number of acres allocated to each crop to compare total farm fuel use based on the same number of acres.

“This feature is intended to help crop producers quickly see the difference in fuel consumption on their farm by changing the number of acres allocated to each crop,” Nowatzki says.

“Because field operations vary significantly for each type of crop, changing the number of acres of each crop grown impacts the total fuel cost for the farm.”

By choosing the field operations on each crop, users can use the Farm Fuel Budget app to evaluate the effects of various tillage systems on fuel use. Because each field operation requires a different amount of fuel per acre, users quickly can see the impact on fuel costs by eliminating or adding specific field operations for each crop.

The last user input for the app is to enter the projected fuel cost per gallon. Crop producers can use this feature to see the effect of projected fuel prices on their total fuel budget.

Users can evaluate the Farm Fuel Budget app on the Google Play website at https://play.google. com and search for Farm Fuel Budget.

A snowstorm left bales in the Goodlands area looking like buns dusted with icing sugar.

PHOTO: SHARLENE BENNIE

. t i m i l e h t o t t h g i r . . . s d l Out yie e. anc m r o f r e p yield ny hybrid m u m i titive with a x e p m o c Ma is canola bigger yield , VR 9559 G ffers es to yield t’s more, it o a h W .

When it com s ie ir e pra ht across th system – rig a rtility rates. fe r e h ig h to ed.viterra.c e s r o il response ta re g iterra a , visit your V n o ti a rm fo For more in

ct rAte impA NitrogeN

Data ab

stem Trials

ronomic Sy

11 Viterra Ag

m the 20 stracted fro

oN YieLD

(VAST)

Available at:

Nitrogen is not the only factor to yield. Weeds, insects, and disease also have an impact. Always practice a balanced crop and fertility management approach to ensure optimal yields. VR 9559 G canola is a Viterra researched and recommended variety.

Roundup Ready® is a registered symbol used under license from Monsanto Company. Pioneer® and the Trapezoid symbol are registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

10607G-VIT-VR9559_GrainNews_MBcoop_ABFE_8.125x10.indd 1

30/08/12 2:06 PM

24

NEWS

Tight supplies and growing organic demand signals brighter days

By Lorraine Stevenson CO-OPERATOR STAFF / BRANDON

Tight supplies and growing demand mean organic farmers can anticipate decent prices for 2013.

“It’s definitely a good time to be in organics,” Leslie Johnson, marketing manager of Growers International Organic Sales (GIOSI) told a small gathering of organic farmers at Ag Days last week.

“Prices are on the rebound with interest in organics from both the end-user and our customers,” she said. “The demand is pretty much bigger than the supply for sure.”

GIOSI, a division of Paterson Global Foods, is Canada’s largest exporter of bulk organic grain and has elevators at Lang, Bracken, and Wolseley, Sask.

However, the organic market is unpredictable, and is seeing so-called “natural” eating into sales.

Overall economic conditions, particularly in the U.S., are also key, said Johnson.

“If the U.S. goes back into a recession and people feel they don’t want to pay the increased price for organic, they will go back to a conventional or a natural product which will affect our demand and therefore our prices,” she said.

It’s been a wild ride for the organic sector in recent years, particularly in 2008 when the recession sent prices tumbling below conventional. It’s estimated that prompted about 25 per cent of all Canadian organic grain producers to switch back to conventional, battered not just by lost premiums, but ongoing weather and yield issues.

Manitoba lost more — probably about 40 per cent of all the organic producers who were around five years ago are now out, said Laura Telford, business development specialist in organic marketing with Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives.

There’s reason to believe we’ve “bottomed out” at this point and the numbers may again start to turn around, Telford said.

Those who quit aren’t expected back, but organic production systems continue to appeal to another cohort of younger, conventional farmers due to its lowered input costs.

If you can handle the market uncertainty, you can definitely benefit from being organic, Telford said.

“Organic is much more labile. You can benefit dramatically. But you have to stick around.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Funding for value-added food processors Federal funds will support provincial food-processing sector

By Daniel Winters CO-OPERATOR STAFF / BRANDON

T

he Manitoba Food Processors Association is getting $440,000 in funds to assist with commercializing new products and expand food manufacturing in Manitoba.

“Here in Manitoba and across the country, the food-processing industry delivers a lot to the Canadian economy and it deserves our support,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in announcing the funding at Ag Days.

Manitoba’s value-added food sector was worth $3.6 billion in 2010, and is the largest manufacturing segment in the province, said Ritz.

Two-thirds of the funding will pay for resource planning tools and the consultation services of a business development coordinator to help entrepreneurs launch new valued-added foodprocessing businesses. The coordinator will work with a board comprised of specialists in product development, marketing, distribution, and business management, to determine a business’s development needs before drafting a marketing strategy.

The second investment of $141,666 will allow the Manitoba Food Processors

“Each and every year, food manufacturers purchase about 50 per cent of what our farmers produce for further processing.”

DAVE SHAMBROCK

Association to study the concept, feasibility and optimal development of a service centre designed to enhance the existing functional food and nutraceuticals research, processing and commercialization capacity available in the province.

The centre, involving a partnership deal between the association, the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, and the University of Manitoba food sciences department, would also assist entrepreneurs with commercialization and marketing activities, while serving as a hub for the development of new research and packaging technologies in the province.

There are about 300 foodprocessing companies in the province, ranging from small

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announces $440,000 in funding for the Manitoba Food Processors Association at Ag Days. PHOTO: DANIEL WINTERS

startups to giants such as Maple Leaf Foods, which collectively employ about 12,000 workers, said Dave Shambrock, MFPA executive director.

“Each and every year, food manufacturers purchase about 50 per cent of what our farmers produce for further processing,” said Shambrock.

“While that’s impressive, I think there’s a lot more to be gained for our economy and our producers if we work to higher levels of value-added processing.”

A portion of the new funding

will be used to create controlled environment growth chambers to study potentially lucrative bioactive compounds found in Manitoba crops, as well as a nutritional research unit conducting clinical trials to test their efficacy in everyday foods.

Funding for both projects will come from the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, a five-year, $163-million initiative that helps the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS IN HISTORY

Yes. It’s that big!!

Expand your planting window to 120 days with LCO Promoter Technology®, available in Optimize®. The LCO molecule drives communication between the soybean plant and the nitrogen inoculant independent of soil conditions. The result? A scientific breakthrough in enhanced nutritional capabilities that drive natural growth processes, maximizing soybean plant growth and overall crop performance – and now with an even longer planting window! Let’s change history together. Call your Novozymes representative today.

www.useOptimize.ca | 1-888-744-5662 Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. Together with customers across a broad array of industries we create tomorrow’s industrial biosolutions, improving our customers’ business and the use of our planet’s resources. Read more at www.novozymes.com.

25

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Corn, soybean crop insurance might expand to new areas Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says his staff is investigating the idea

By Allan Dawson

T

h e Ma n i t o ba gover nment is exploring whether it can expand crop insurance coverage for corn and soybeans to more parts of the province, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn told farmers at Ag Days Jan. 15.

“I want to assure the audience today our department is in the process of investigating expanding potential areas for coverage, but we’re not in a position to truly designate that at this point in time,” he said.

Both crops are gaining in popularity among Manitoba farmers. They insured a record 836,000 acres of soybeans in 2012, now Manitoba’s thirdlargest acreage crop behind canola and wheat, according to Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation data.

Industr y observers say if spring conditions are favourable, producers could seed a million acres of soybeans this spring.

There was a record 258,053 acres of grain corn insured in Manitoba in 2012, breaking the previous record of 225,000 in 1981.

“I want to assure the audience today our department is in the process of investigating expanding potential areas for coverage, but we’re not in a position to truly designate that at this point in time.”

RON KOSTYSHYN

Both corn and soybeans are heat-loving crops and coverage currently isn’t available in some of the cooler parts of agroManitoba. But seed companies continue to offer earlier-maturing varieties.

In 2012 corn, still considered a bit of a special crop, ranked sixth in acreage behind canola, wheat, soybeans, barley and oats.

The so-called “six major grains and oilseeds” once included rye and flax, but they’ve been pushed out by soybeans and corn.

Flood compensation

Since May 2011, more than $33 million was paid in compensation for lost crops, hay and emergency flood mitigation in the Lake Manitoba flood zone, Kosty-

shyn said. Some of the affected farmers say their pastures and hay land still haven’t recovered and more aid is needed.

“We’re well aware of the circumstances in the flooded areas (around) Lake Manitoba,” Kostyshyn later told reporters, adding the province is discussing the possibility of additional support with the federal government.

Speaking to reporters the next day, Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader Brian Pallister complained fewer than half the Lake Manitoba flood compensation claims have been settled.

“That’s just not acceptable,” Pallister said. “Governments are there to protect people when they are vulnerable and when they need help and this

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn covered a lot of topics, including the possibility of expanding corn and soybean crop insurance coverage to other parts of Manitoba, when he spoke at Ag Days in Brandon Jan. 15 PHOTO: ALLAN DAWSON

is exactly what these floodaffected people in these areas deserve to get.”

Since June 2012, $8.5 million has been paid to flooded farmers for forage restoration, Kostyshyn said.

He also announced MASC’s pilot pasture insurance program, which began in 2012 with 50 farmers, has been expanded to two crop insurance offices covering 90 farmers.

Farmers, who can already insure open-pollinated corn for

grain production, will be able to get silage insurance starting this year.

Crop insurance will continue to be a major focus under the new federal-provincial Growing Forward II program, Kostyshyn said. Up to $20 million a year will be spent to develop new insurance schemes, including those delivered by the private sector to protect farmers from weather disasters and price volatility.

“We’re sure hoping by 2014 there would be something in place (for livestock price insurance),” Kostyshyn said later.

Meat inspection

LCO Promoter Technology

NOW

120

with

day pl windanting ow!

® Optimize and LCO Promoter Technology are registered trademarks of Novozymes A/S. All rights reserved. 12042 09.12

© 2012 Novozymes. 2011-26973-02

CO-OPERATOR STAFF / BRANDON

The minister also said the four western provinces are co-operating to develop a meat inspection program for provincially regulated abattoirs. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which has been doing the inspections under contract, will no longer provide the service starting in 2014.

It will not allow provincially inspected plants to export meat interprovincially or internationally. However, a provincial official said there’s a pilot project under way to bring certain provincially inspected plants up to federal standards so meat can move freely between provinces.

Increased trade, not only of raw production, but processed food, continues to be a Manitoba government goal, but Kostyshyn added the province strongly supports supply management.

Agriculture, which accounts for 8.2 per cent of Manitoba’s Gross Domestic product, generates $3.6 billion annually in production revenue, creating 54,000 jobs, is important to the province’s economy, Kostyshyn said.

Manitoba has more than 1.2 million people — 30 per cent of them rural — with the annual growth rate exceeding the national average three years in a row, he said. Between 2001 and 2006 Manitoba’s rural population grew faster than in urban areas.

“Food is still the No. 1 demand in the world and we are somewhat blessed in this province to have the real estate, the entrepreneurs, the young generation to make it happen,” Kostyshyn said. allan@fbcpublishing.com

26

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

FARMER'S

MARKETPLACE Call to place your classified ad in the next issue: 1-800-782-0794

Selling?

FAX your classified ads to: 204-954-1422 · Or eMAiL your classified ads to: mbclassifieds@fbcpublishing.com

Classification

index Tributes/Memory Announcements Airplanes Alarms & Security Systems AnTiqueS Antiques For Sale Antique Equipment Antique Vehicle Antiques Wanted Arenas

Your guide to the Classification Categories and sub-listings within this section.

Roofing Building Supplies Buildings Business Machines Business Opportunities BuSineSS SeRViCeS Crop Consulting Financial & Legal Insurance/Investments Butchers Supply Chemicals Clothing/Work wear Collectibles Compressors Computers

AuCTiOn SALeS BC Auction AB Auction Peace AB Auction North AB Auction Central AB Auction South SK Auction MB Auction Parkland MB Auction Westman MB Auction Interlake MB Auction Red River Auction Various U.S. Auctions Auction Schools

COnTRACTinG Custom Baling Custom Feeding Custom Harvest Custom Seeding Custom Silage Custom Spraying Custom Trucking Custom Tub Grinding Custom Work Construction Equipment Dairy Equipment Electrical Engines Entertainment Fertilizer

AuTO & TRAnSpORT Auto Service & Repairs Auto & Truck Parts Autos Trucks Semi Trucks Sport Utilities Vans Vehicles Vehicles Wanted

FARM MAChineRy Aeration Conveyors Equipment Monitors Fertilizer Equip Grain Augers Grains Bins Grain Carts Grain Cleaners Grain Dryers Grain Elevators Grain Handling Grain Testers Grain Vacuums

BeeKeepinG Honey Bees Cutter Bees Bee Equipment Belting Bio Diesel Equipment Books & Magazines BuiLDinG & RenOVATiOnS Concrete Repair Doors & Windows Electrical & Plumbing Insulation Lumber

New Holland Steiger Universal Versatile White Zetor Tractors 2WD Tractors 4WD Tractors Various Farm Machinery Miscellaneous Farm Machinery Wanted Fencing Firewood Fish Farm Forestry/Logging Fork Lifts/Pallets Fur Farming Generators GPS Health Care Heat & Air Conditioning Hides/Furs/Leathers Hobby & Handicrafts Household Items

hAyinG & hARVeSTinG Baling Equipment Mower Conditioners Swathers

Swather Accessories Haying & Harvesting Various COMBineS Belarus Case/IH Cl Caterpillar Lexion Deutz Ford/NH Gleaner John Deere Massey Ferguson Versatile White Combines Various Combine Accessories Hydraulics Irrigation Equipment Loaders & Dozers Parts & Accessories Salvage Potato & Row Crop Equipment Repairs Rockpickers Snowblowers/Plows Silage Equipment Specialty Equipment

LAnDSCApinG Greenhouses Lawn & Garden LiVeSTOCK CATTLe Cattle Auctions Angus Black Angus Red Angus Aryshire Belgian Blue Blonde d'Aquitaine Brahman Brangus Braunvieh BueLingo Charolais Dairy Dexter Excellerator Galloway Gelbvieh Guernsey Hereford Highland Holstein Jersey Limousin Lowline Luing Maine-Anjou Miniature Murray Grey Piedmontese

SpRAyinG Sprayers Spray Various TiLLAGe & SeeDinG Air Drills Air Seeders Harrows & Packers Seeding Various Tillage Equipment Tillage & Seeding Various TRACTORS Agco Allis/Deutz Belarus Case/IH Caterpillar Ford John Deere Kubota Massey Ferguson

Pinzgauer Red Poll Salers Santa Gertrudis Shaver Beefblend Shorthorn Simmental South Devon Speckle Park Tarentaise Texas Longhorn Wagyu Welsh Black Cattle Composite Cattle Various Cattle Wanted LiVeSTOCK hORSeS Horse Auctions American Saddlebred Appaloosa Arabian Belgian Canadian Clydesdale Draft Donkeys Haflinger Miniature Morgan Mules Norwegian Ford Paint Palomino Percheron Peruvian Pinto Ponies Quarter Horse Shetland Sport Horses Standardbred Tennessee Walker Thoroughbred Warmblood Welsh Horses For Sale Horses Wanted LiVeSTOCK Sheep Sheep Auction Arcott Columbia Dorper Dorset Katahdin Lincoln Suffolk Texel Sheep Sheep For Sale

Sheep Wanted LiVeSTOCK Swine Swine Auction Swine For Sale Swine Wanted LiVeSTOCK poultry Poultry For Sale Poultry Wanted LiVeSTOCK Specialty Alpacas Bison (Buffalo) Deer Elk Goats Llama Rabbits Emu Ostrich Rhea Yaks Specialty Livestock Various Livestock Equipment Livestock Services & Vet Supplies Miscellaneous Articles Miscellaneous Articles Wanted Musical Notices On-Line Services ORGAniC Organic Certified Organic Food Organic Grains Personal Pest Control Pets & Supplies Photography Propane Pumps Radio, TV & Satellite ReAL eSTATe Vacation Property Commercial Buildings Condos Cottages & Lots Houses & Lots Mobile Homes Motels & Hotels Resorts FARMS & RAnCheS British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Pastures Farms Wanted

Acreages/Hobby Farms Land For Sale Land For Rent

Oilseeds Pulse Crops Common Seed Various

ReCReATiOnAL VehiCLeS All Terrain Vehicles Boats & Water Campers & Trailers Golf Carts Motor Homes Motorcycles Snowmobiles Recycling Refrigeration Restaurant Supplies Sausage Equipment Sawmills Scales

FeeD/GRAin Feed Grain Hay & Straw Hay & Feed Wanted Feed Wanted Grain Wanted Seed Wanted Sewing Machines Sharpening Services Silos Sporting Goods Outfitters Stamps & Coins Swap Tanks Tarpaulins Tenders Tickets Tires Tools

SeeD/FeeD/GRAin pedigreed Cereal Seeds Barley Durum Oats Rye Triticale Wheat Cereals Various peDiGReeD FORAGe SeeDS Alfalfa Annual Forage Clover Forages Various Grass Seeds peDiGReeD OiLSeeDS Canola Flax Oilseeds Various peDiGReeD puLSe CROpS Beans Chickpeas Lentil Peas Pulses Various peDiGReeD SpeCiALTy CROpS Canary Seeds Mustard Potatoes Sunflower Specialty Crops Various COMMOn SeeD Cereal Seeds Forage Seeds Grass Seeds

TRAiLeRS Grain Trailers Livestock Trailers Trailers Miscellaneous Travel Water Pumps Water Treatment Welding Well Drilling Well & Cistern Winches COMMuniTy CALenDAR British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba CAReeRS Career Training Child Care Construction Domestic Services Farm/Ranch Forestry/Log Health Care Help Wanted Management Mining Oil Field Professional Resume Services Sales/Marketing Trades/Tech Truck Drivers Employment Wanted

✁

Classified Ad Order Form MAiL TO: Manitoba Co-operator, Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7

FAX TO:

204-954-1422

Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ Province: ____________________________

phOne in: TOLL FREE IN CANADA:

1-800-782-0794

Phone #: ______________________________

Town: ____________________________________________

Postal Code: _________________________

plEASE pRInT youR AD BEloW:

Classification: ___________________________ ❏ I would like to take advantage of the Prepayment Bonus of 2 FREE weeks when I prepay for 3 weeks.

❏

VISA

❏

________________ x

$0.45

x

No. of weeks ____________________ = ____________________ Minimum charge $11.25 per week

MASTERCARD

Add $2.50 if being billed / Minus 10% if prepaying: ______________________

Card No.

Add 5% GST: ______________________

Expiry Date: Signature: _______________________________________________ Published by Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 WINNIPEG OFFICE Manitoba Co-operator 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-782-0794 Phone 204-954-1415 in Winnipeg FAX 204-954-1422 Mailing Address: Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7

AGREEMENT The publisher reserves the right to refuse any or all advertising for any reason stated or unstated.

Advertisers requesting publication of either display or classified advertisements agree that should the advertisement be omitted from the issue ordered for whatever reason, the Manitoba Co-operator shall not be held liable. It is also agreed that in the event of an error appearing in the published advertisement, the Manitoba Co-operator accepts no liability beyond the amount paid for that portion of the advertisement in which the error appears or affects. Claims for adjustment are limited to errors appearing in the first insertion only.

While every endeavor will be made to forward box number replies as soon as possible, we accept no liability in respect to loss or damage alleged to a rise through either failure or delay in forwarding such replies, however caused, whether by negligence or otherwise.

noon on THuRSDAyS (unless otherwise stated)

Or (204) 954-1415 in Winnipeg

plEASE noTE: Even if you do not want your name & address to appear in your ad, we need the information for our files.

No. of words

ADVeRTiSinG DeADLine:

CAUTION The Manitoba Co-operator, while assuming no responsibility for advertisements appearing in its columns, exercises the greatest care in an endeavor to restrict advertising to wholly reliable firms or individuals.

However, please do not send money to a Manitoba Co-operator box number. Buyers are advised to request shipment C.O.D. when ordering from an unknown advertiser, thus minimizing the chance of fraud and eliminating the necessity of a refund where the goods have already been sold.

At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other strategic business partners. For more information regarding our Customer Informa-

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.

ADVERTISIng RATES & InfoRMATIon REgulAR ClASSIfIED • Minimum charge — $11.25 per week for first 25 words or less and an additional 45 cents per word for every word over 25. Additional bolding 75 cents per word. GST is extra. $2.50 billing charge is added to billed ads only.

• Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice.

• 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your ad you must pay with VISA or MasterCard to qualify for discount.

• Prepayment Bonus: Prepay for 3 weeks & get a bonus of 2 weeks; bonus weeks run consecutively & cannot be used separately from original ad; additions & changes accepted only during first 3 weeks.

• Ask about our Priority Placement.

• If you wish to have replies sent to a confidential box number, please add $5.00 per week to your total. Count eight words for your address. Example: Ad XXXX, Manitoba Co-operator, Box 9800, Winnipeg, R3C 3K7.

• Your complete name and address must be submitted to our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential and will not appear in the ad unless requested.)

DISplAy ClASSIfIED • Advertising copy deviating in any way from the regular classified style will be considered display and charged at the display rate of $32.20 per column inch ($2.30 per agate line).

• Minimum charge $32.20 per week + $5.00 for online per week.

• Illustrations and logos are allowed with full border.

• Spot color: 25% of ad cost, with a minimum charge of $15.00.

• Advertising rates are flat with no discount for frequency of insertion or volume of space used.

• Telephone orders accepted • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice.

• Price quoted does not include GST. All classified ads are non-commissionable.

27

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

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

Swan River Minitonas Durban

Winnipegosis

Dauphin

Grandview

Ashern

Gilbert Plains

Parkland

Birtle

Riverton Eriksdale

McCreary

Langruth

Minnedosa Neepawa

Gladstone

Rapid City

1

Melita

Carberry

Brandon

Waskada

Pilot Mound

Killarney

Crystal City

Elm Creek

Sanford

Ste. Anne

Carman

Mariapolis

Lac du Bonnet

Beausejour

Winnipeg

Austin Treherne

Westman Boissevain

Stonewall Selkirk

Portage

Souris

Reston

Interlake

Erickson

Hamiota

Virden

Arborg

Lundar Gimli

Shoal Lake

1980 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, 2-DR, 352 motor, could be easily restored. $1,000 OBO Phone: (204)669-9626

AUTO & TRANSPORT Trucks

FOR SALE: 04 CHEVY 2500 4x4, 4-dr, gas, new safety, new steer tires, flat deck w/tool boxes, $8500. Phone:(204)871-0925.

Fisher Branch

Ste. Rose du Lac Russell

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Various

2007 GMC CLSC CREW DSL 4x4, cloth seats, 6.6 box, one owner, $19,900; 2006 F350 Diesel Crew Lariat, 6.6 box, leather seats, extended warranty included, $15,900. Trades considered. Financing available. Free delivery to Manitoba, Sask & NW/Ontario. Call Anytime (204)895-8547 Glenn.

Birch River

Roblin

AUTO & TRANSPORT Autos

St. Pierre

242

Morris Winkler Morden

Altona

Steinbach

1

Red River

ANNOUNCEMENTS LEO & SYLVIA HRUSHOWY of Rorketon, MB intends to sell private lands: SE7-29-16W, NE, NW, SE, SW8-29-16W & transfer the following Crown lands: NW6-29-16W by Unit Transfer. If you wish to comment on or object to the eligibility of this unit please write to: Director, MAFRI, Agricultural Crown Lands, PO Box 1286, Minnedosa MB R0J 1E0; or Fax (204)867-6578.

ANTIQUES ANTIQUES Antiques For Sale 2 SETS OF LIGHT driving harness; 2 sets of general purpose leather harness; Scotch tops; Antique ivory spread rings; several horse collars; several leather halters; cutter tongue eaveners & neck yokes; a good selection of antique horse machinery. Phone:(204)242-2809.

AUCTION SALES AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Interlake MCSHERRY AUCTION SERVICE LTD Vintage Service Station/ Coca Cola/ Toys Sat., Jan 26th 10:00am Stonewall, MB. 12 Patterson Dr. WE Accept Phone & Proxy Bids! email: mcsherry@mts.net 20s Gilbarco White Rose Pump; 3) Pinball Machines; Drink Cooler; Over 150 Signs; Cadilac; Nash; Red Indian; 6x8-ft. Mobile Oil Porc Pegisis Horse; 2) JD Porc Signs; White Rose; Texaco; North Star; Coca Cola; Oil Racks; Ignition Cabinets; Oil Cans & Bottles; Adv Therm; Clocks; Door Bars; Flanges; Vintage Chain Saws; Lincoln Toys; Die Cast; Pedal Tractors; Muhammad Ali Fighting Signed Robe; VINTAGE SNOWMOBILES- Gd Cond, Runs; 71) Puma 440 Sach; 71 Scorpion Stinger; 71 Raider Double Eagle; Hard To Find Items in their Org Cond w/age. NOT RESTORED ITEMS! OVER 500 LOTS. Go to Webwww.mcsherryauction.com Stuart McSherry (204)467-1858 or (204)886-7027.

AUCTION SALES Manitoba Auctions – Red River

MOVING AUCTION FOR JOHN ENNS

FEATURING WOODWORKING TOOLS, SHOP TOOLS, FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

THURSDAY JANUARY 31 5:30 PM Location: At our indoor facility 218 Brandt St. Steinbach, MB

PARTIAL LIST:

WOODWORKING TOOLS • Ridgid 14” Band Saw BS14002 • 32” Delta Wood Lathe • 7 1/4” Porter Cable Circular Saw • Makita 3” Planer • Craftex Dust Collector/Blower • Dust Collection System • Specialty Router Bits Set • Door Hanging Kit SHOP TOOLS • 5500 Watt Gas Generator Honda GX270cc (never used still in box) • TG 1200 Watt Generator • Bostich 2HP 6 GAL Air Compressor • 90amp 110V Mig Welder • New Leather Welding Gloves • 6 in 1 Air Framing Nailer • Brad Air Nailer • 20 Gal Air Compressor • 1” Drive Air Impact Wrench • 18V Cordless Grease Gun • 18V Makita Cordless Drill & Charger • 1” Drive Socket Set • Misc Tools Makita, Porter Cable, Ridgid • Milwaukee 14” Cutoff Saw • 14” Metal Cut Off Saw • Electric Breaker Hammer w/ Chisels (Jack Hammer) LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT & MISC • James Soully Cattle Dehorner • Small Cattle Dehorner • Electric Dehorner • Stewart Electric Cattle Clippers • Electric Fencer • 1000lb Trailer Axle & Springs FURNITURE & APPLIANCES • KitchenAid 20cu Stainless Fridge • Kenmore 30” Stove smooth top Stainless • 20cu Freezer • Maytag Front Load Washer • LG Front Load Dryer • Dinning Room Table & Chairs • Bedroom Sets & Living Room Furniture VEHICLES • 1997 Chevrolet 1500 • 2002 Buick Century 158K, Safetied • PLUS MUCH MORE!!

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

1-800-667-4515 www.combineworld.com

AUTO & TRANSPORT Vehicles Various

Combine ACCessories

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

FARM MACHINERY Combine – Accessories

BUILDING & RENOVATIONS BUILDING & RENOVATIONS Roofing

FARM MACHINERY Grain Bins

B-Gr. coloured......................70¢/ft.2

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.

Multi-coloured millends.........49¢/ft.2

Ask about our blowout colours...65¢/ft.2 Also in stock low rib white 29 ga. ideal for archrib buildings BEAT THE PRICE INCREASES CALL NOW

FOUILLARD STEEL SUPPLIES LTD. ST. LAZARE, MB. 1-800-510-3303

BUILDINGS

CUSTOM BIN MOVING Book now! Fert Tanks.

Hopper Bins/flat. Buy/Sell. Call Tim (204)362-7103 or E-mail Requests binmovers@hotmail.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SELLING WELL ESTABLISHED FEEDLOT Cleaning Business in South Central MB included in sale, 2 vertical beater spreaders, rubber tracked skidsteer, including customer list. Reason for selling pursuing other interests. Phone (204)466-2818 or (204)871-2787.

BUSINESS SERVICES 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

CLOTHING / WORKWEAR INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES SALES & Service for Sergers walking foot for machines & Patchers.

Sewing for wedding dresses, costumes, all gar-ments & alterations. Also leather, shoe repairs & upholstery.

Call Anne or Doug (204)727-2694 cell (204)574-4213 mabrolund@hotmail.com

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT CATERPILLAR D6B SER#1134, standard shift w/Johnson bar, hydraulic angle dozer, good undercarriage, pup start, tractor in good shape, ready to work, $13,000 OBO. Phone:(204)669-9626.

LINKBELT LS98 CRAWLER CRANE 50-ft. boom, CAT D318 motor, long under carriage c/w all rig-ging including 3-yd Sauerman bucket for dredging gravel machine, ready to go to work, $20,000 OBO.Phone:(204)669-9626.

AUTO & TRANSPORT Auto & Truck Parts STEEL SERVICE TOOLBOX FOR 1/2, 3/4 or 1-ton truck, 6-compartment, 79-in wide, 8-ft long, front of box to middle of axle 58-59-in, good shape, $1000 OBO. Phone:(204)669-9626.

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Air Drills

FARM MACHINERY Parts & Accessories

FOR SALE: 2004 JD 1790 CCS planter, 24 row, 20-in spacing, will sell with or without options. Call for more details:(204)325-6237.

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Tillage

solutions

for troublesome gauge wheels

FARM MACHINERY Grain Handling

AGRI-VACS

Tired of shovelling out your bins, unhealthy dust and awkward augers?

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

New 30.5L-32 16 ply, $2,195; 20.8-38 12 ply $866; 18.4-38 12 ply; $783; 24.5-32 14 ply, $1,749; 14.9-24 12 ply, $356; 16.9-28 12 ply $558. Factory direct. More sizes available new and used.

1-800-667-4515. www.combineworld.com

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

FYFE PARTS

FARM MACHINERY Haying & Harvesting – Various 2009 NH 7090 ROUND baler, wide PU & endless belts, big tires, auto wrap, less than 7,000 bales, shedded. Phone (204)388-4975

www.fyfeparts.com

Combines FARM MACHINERY Combine – Case/IH FOR SALE: 2005 CASE IH 8010 combine, AWD, 45-32 front tires, means 45-in wide, 28Lx26 rear tires, approx 1950-separator hrs w/spreader & chopper, 30-ft draper header, $150,000; 2008 Case IH 8010, AWD, 45-32 front tires, 28Lx26 rear tires, spreader & chopper, approx 800-separator hrs, w/30-ft flex draper header, $250,000.

Phone:(204)871-0925.

FARM MACHINERY Combine – John Deere 1997 JD 9600, COMPLETE w/Trelleborg tires, always shedded, field ready, $65,000 OBO. Phone:(204)745-8333.

“For All Your Farm Parts”

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.

WATROUS SALVAGE WaTRoUs, sK. Fax: 306-946-2444

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

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.

STEINBACH, MB. Ph. 326-2443

FARM MACHINERY Fertilizer Equipment

Toll-Free 1-800-881-7727 Fax (204) 326-5878 Web site: farmparts.ca E-mail: roy@farmparts.ca

FERTILIZER SPREADERS, 4-9 TONNE, Large Selection, $2,000 up; 10T Tender, $2,500; Vicon 3-pt Spreader, $350; Valmar 240 Applicator, $1,000; B-Line Trail Type 50-ft., $2,000.

Phone (204)857-8403.

BUILDINGS

FARM MACHINERY Salvage GOODS USED TRACTOR PARTS: (204)564-2528 or 1-877-564-8734, Roblin, MB. Looking for a hand around the farm? Place a help wanted ad in the classifieds. Call 1-800-782-0794.

STRONGEST POSTS INDUSTRY-WIDE Toll Free:1-877-239-0730 www.mcdiarmid.com/farm

Patent #2719667

WISCONSIN MOTOR PARTS FOR VG4D: crank shaft, heads, fly wheel, starter, manifold and carb, $1000 OBO. Phone:(204)669-9626.

1-800-667-9871 • Regina 1-800-667-3095 • Saskatoon 1-800-387-2768 • Winnipeg 1-800-222-6594 • Edmonton

Sale Conducted by: PENNER AUCTION SALES LTD. 218 Brandt St, Steinbach, MB Toll Free 1-866-512-8992 www.pennerauctions.com

AUTO & TRANSPORT

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

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.

FARM MACHINERY

BUILDINGS

Tillage & Seeding

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Seeding

FARM MACHINERY Grain Dryers

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

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

TRACTORS FOR PARTS: IHC 1486, 1086, 886, 1066, 966, 1256, 656, 844, 806, 706, 660, 650, 560, 460, 624, 606, 504, 434, 340, 275, 240-4, W9, WD6, W6, W4, H, 340, B-414; CASE 4890, 4690, 2096, 2394, 2390, 2290, 2090, 2470, 1370, 1270, 1175, 1070, 970, 870, 1030, 930, 830, 730, 900, 800, 700, 600, 400, DC4, SC; MF 2745, 1805, 1155, 1135, 1105, 1100, 2675, 1500, 1085, 1080, 65, Super 90, 88, 202, 44, 30; JD 8640, 3140, 6400, 5020, 4020, 3020, 4010, 3010, 710; Cockshutt 1900, 1855, 1850, 1800, 1655, 1650, 560, 80, 40, 30; Oliver 66; White 4-150, 2-105; AC 7060, 7045, 7040, 190XT, 190, 170, WF; Deutz DX130, DX85, 100-06, 90-06, 80-05, 70-06; Volvo 800, 650; Universal 651, 640; Ford 7600, 6000, 5000, Super Major, Major; Belarus 5170, 952, 825, 425, MM 602, U, M5; Vers 700, 555, 145, 118; Steiger 210 Wildcat; Hesston 780. Also have parts for combines, swathers, square & round balers, tillage, press drills, & other misc machinery. MURPHY SALVAGE (204)858-2727 or toll free 1-877-858-2728 .

36-FT & 44-FT JD 730 5 w/787 carts, $18,000 $19,000; 787 carts $12,000 - $14,000. Can deliver.

Brian (204)856-6119 or (204)685-2896, MacGregor, MB.

PRICE TO CLEAR!!

75 truckloads 29 gauge full hard 100,000PSI high tensile roofing & siding. 16 colours to choose from.

FARM MACHINERY Salvage

Dugald MB 204-866-3558

E: ridgemetal@hotmail.com W: RidgelandManufacturing.ca

FARM MACHINERY Tillage & Seeding – Various FOR SALE: 33-FT FLEXI-COIL 5000 air drill, w/1720 TBH air tank, heavy trips, 3/4-in Atom Jet Carbide hoe-tips on 7.2-in spacing, steel press wheels & liquid fert. kit, good cond., side-slide markers also avail.

Call (204)867-2087 (204)867-7117, Horner Cattle Co., Minnedosa.

JD TANDEM DISC AW model, 20-in. blades, 9-in. spacing, 13-ft. wide, good shape, $2,000 OBO. Phone:(204)669-9626.

TracTors FARM MACHINERY Tractors – White FOR SALE: 2-105 WHITE tractor, complete new engine & frame 10-hrs ago, rear tires approx 80%, LPTO, the high-low shift, nice tractor, $9500.

Phone:(204)871-0925.

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – John Deere 1993 JD MODEL 6300 MFWD, open station, c/w 640 self levelling JD loader, good rubber, excellent condition, $25,000 OBO. Phone (204)967-2157, Kelwood.

2003 JD 7420 (135 Eng HP 115 PTO HP) CAH, MFWD, 16-SPD Trans w/LH reverser, 3-PTH w/quick hitch, 540/1000 PTO, Frt Fenders, 18.4x38, 16.9x26, rear WTS, 6,342-hrs., JD 741 Loader, 7ft. bucket, joystick. (SN10748) $69,500. Call Gary Reimer (204)326-7000, Reimer Farm Equipment located #12 Hwy N, Steinbach, MB www.reimerfarmequipment.com FOR SALE: 7320 MFWD, PQ, LHR, 3-pt, 3 hyd, 1,800-hrs, w/wo loader; 6420 MFWD, auto quad, LHR, 3-pt, 3 hyd, w/640 loader, 4,500-hrs; 2, 4650 MFWD, 15-SPD, 3-pt, factory duals; 2, 4455 MFWD, 3-pt, 15-SPD, w/280 FEL; 2, 4450 MFWD, 15-SPD, 3-pt; 4055 MFWD, 15-SPD, 3-pt; 2955 MFWD, 3-pt, w/wo loader; 2950 MFWD, 3-pt, w/260 FEL; 4430 Quad, 3-pt, painted; 4240 8-SPD powershift, 3-pt, 2 hyd. All tractors can be sold w/new or used loaders. MITCH’S TRACTOR SALES LTD Box 418 St. Claude, MB R0G 1Z0 Phone: (204)750-2459 JD 4040 DSL TRACTOR, c/w 146 loader, good tires, quad shift, 2-hyd in VGC, always shedded, Phone: 1-877-564-8734, Roblin MB.

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – 2 Wheel Drive 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.

Manitoba Co-operator classifieds, 1-800-782-0794.

28

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

save!

Renew early and

FARM MACHINERY Tractors – Various

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

Big Tractor Parts, Inc.

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

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.

www.penta.ca

IRON & STEEL 2 1/8, 2 3/8, 2 7/8, 3 1/2-in oilfield pipe; 3/4, 7/8, 1in sucker rod; 4.5, 5.5, 7-in., 8 5/8, 9 5/8s casing pipe. (204)252-3413, (204)871-0956.

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.

1-800-982-1769 www.bigtractorparts.com

FOR SALE: DRILL STEM 2 & 3-inch. Contact Jack at (204)841-4045.

Call, email or mail us today!

1·800·782·0794

Email: subscription@fbcpublishing.com M S E R : 12345 2010/12 PUB John Smith C o m p a n y Name 123 E x a m ple St. T o w n , P r o vince, POSTAL CODE

Your expiry date is located on your publication's mailing label.

Canadian Subscribers

U.S. Subscribers

❑ 1 Year: $55.44* ❑ 2 Years $96.00*

❑ 1 Year: $150.00 (US Funds)

❑ Money Order

❑ Visa

LIVESTOCK

KILLARNEY AUCTION MART LTD UPCOMING SALES Regular cattle sales every Monday

80 Mar calving Char/Gelbvieh X cows

BRED COW SALE February 14, at 11:00 AM Dymond Farms,Manitou

REGULAR SALE Every Friday 9AM

NEXT SHEEP & GOAT SALE

Wednesday, February 6 @ 1:00 pm

SPECIAL ANGUS SALE Friday, February 8 Gates Open Mon.-Wed. 8AM-4PM Thurs. 8AM-10PM Friday 8AM-6PM Sat. 8AM-4PM

David 204-242-4146

105 Mar calving Black Angus X

Bill & Dave Challner, Boissevain Bill 204-534-6663 34 Mar calving Black Angus

WANTED: 927 JOHN DEERE flex header w/PU reel (with air?) Fibre glass dividers; Wanted: Harrow packer bar w/P30 packers, approx 60-80-ft.

Phone (204)385-2857.

LIVESTOCK Cattle Auctions

BRED COW SALE February 7, at 11:00 AM Ken Welsh, Killarney 204-523-4774

SAKUNDIAK GRAIN AUGER 7 X 43 w/18-HP Brigg, $900; JD 800 Swather 18-ft head, $900; NH round baler 851, $900; JD #444 corn header, 4 x 36-in row, will fit M.F. combines, $3000; 18-ft M.F. sunflower head, $900; Melroe harrow #403, 60-ft w/cyl, $900; Coil packers 3 x 7-ft, $600; Hay rack, $250. Phone (204)828-3396, Graysville.

Lakeside Dairy, Killarney Wendell Moffat 204-523-8840

45 Apr calving Xbred cows bred Black Angus For more information or to consign to upcoming sales call 204-523-8477 Or visit the website at killarneyauctionmart.com DEALER LICENCE #1361

WANTED: DEGELMAN 3000, any condition; Sunflower HD tandem disc. Phone (204)768-0324.

GPS GREENSTAR 3 AUTOTRAC SYSTEMS for sale, including 2630 touch displays, SF1 & SF2 Autotrac software available c/w Starfire 3000 SF1, SF2 or RTK GPS receivers. Around 1 yr old, like new condition plug & play into Autotrac Ready JD tractors.

Call Curtis (204)626-3283.

REMEMBER, IT’S A SHORT HAUL TO THE KILLARNEY AUCTION MART, WHERE BUYER SUPPORT IS EXCELLENT, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS #1!!!

We Will Buy Cattle Direct On Farm

For more information call: 204-694-8328 or Jim Christie 204-771-0753

www.winnipeglivestocksales.com Licence #1122

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

Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Manitoba Co-operator classified section. It’s a sure thing.

1-800-782-0794.

Payment Enclosed ❑ Cheque

GRAVITY WAGONS NEW 400B, $7,100; 600B, $12,000; Used 350B, $2,500 up; Parker 650B, $10,500; Parker 750B, $14,900; Large Selection Grain Carts Brent 620, $10,000; JM 750, $12,500; JM 875, $20,000; Ficklin 700B Hyd Dr., $13,500; Grain Screeners Hutch #1500, $2,200; Hutch #3000, $5,000; HiCap 5-48, $2,500; DMC 54, $5,000; Kwik Kleen 5-7 Tube, $3,500 up; Valmar Applicator, $850; New Hyd Post Auger for Skidsteer, $2,250; Grapple Bucket, $1,600; Pallet Fork, $850. Phone (204)857-8403.

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted

ATTACH YOUR MAILING LABEL HERE

*Taxes included

LIVESTOCK Cattle Auctions

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

Renew your subscription to the Manitoba Co-operator for 2 years BEFORE we mail your renewal notice, and we'll extend your subscription by 2 additional months.

That's 26 months for the price of 24. OR - Renew for one year and receive 13 months for the price of 12!

1-800-587-4711

Classifieds

TAKE FIVE

❑ Mastercard

Visa/MC #: Expiry:

Phone:_____________________________

Email:____________________________________________________

Sudoku

Make cheque or money order payable to Manitoba Co-operator and mail to:

3

Box 9800, Stn. Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7

1 2 7 5

Help us make the Manitoba Co-operator an even better read!

Please fill in the spaces below that apply to you. Thank you!

If you're not the owner/operator of a farm are you: q In agri-business (bank, elevator, ag supplies etc.) q Other total farm size (including rented land)_______________ Year of birth________ q I’m farming or ranching q I own a farm or ranch but i'm not involved in it's operations or management

My Main crops are: No. of acres 1. Wheat ____________ 2. Barley ____________ 3. Oats ____________ 4. Canola ____________ 5. Flax ____________ 6. Durum ____________ 7. Rye ____________ 8. Peas ____________ 9. Chick Peas ____________ Livestock Enterpise No. of head 1. Registered Beef ____________ 2. Commercial Cow ____________ 3. Fed Cattle (sold yearly) ____________ 4. Hog Weaners (sold yearly) __________

Last week's answer

My Main crops are: No. of acres 10. Lentils ___________ 11. Dry Beans ___________ 12. Hay ___________ 13. Pasture ___________ 14. Summerfallow ___________ 15. Alfalfa ___________ 16. Forage Seed ___________ 17. Mustard ___________ 18. Other (specify) ___________ Livestock Enterpise No. of head 5. Hog farrow-to-finish (# sows) ______ 6. Finished Pigs (sold yearly) _________ 7. Dairy Cows ___________ 8. Other Livestock (specify) __________

✁

Occasionally Farm Business Communications makes its list of subscribers available to other reputable firms whose products and services may be of interest to you. If you PReFeR NOt tO ReCeIve such farm-related offers please check the box below. q I PReFeR MY NAMe AND ADDReSS NOt Be MADe AvAILABLe tO OtHeRS

1 9

7 8 9 4 3

8

1

8 6 2 9 1 5 4 7 3

9 1 7 3 6 4 8 5 2

7 2 5 6 4 8 1 3 9

6 3 9 2 7 1 5 8 4

4 8 1 5 9 3 2 6 7

1 9 6 8 2 7 3 4 5

2 5 8 4 3 9 7 1 6

3 7 4 1 5 6 9 2 8

Puzzle by websudoku.com

5 2 2 3 5

5 4 3 7 8 2 6 9 1

3 6 6

6 9 2

5 Puzzle by websudoku.com

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

29

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

LIVESTOCK Cattle Auctions

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Black Angus

GRUNTHAL LIVESTOCK AUCTION MART. LTD.

BLACK CROSS-BRED HERD DISPERSAL 180 Black Angus X Maine-Anjou bred cows, 30 bred heifers. Closed herd, full health program. Calving starts April 1. Ph: Marcel (204)981-6953.

GRUNTHAL, MB.

AGENT FOR T.E.A.M. MARKETING

REGULAR CATTLE SALES EVERY TUESDAY AT 9 AM Tuesday, January 29th Regular Cattle Sale with Holstein Calves at 9:00 a.m.

Monday, January 28th Sheep & Goat Sale with Small Animals at 10:00 a.m.

Sales Agent for

HIQUAL INDUSTRIES

OSSAWA ANGUS AT MARQUETTE, MB has 2-yr old & yearling bulls for sale. For more information Phone:(204)375-6658.

STEWART CATTLE CO. & GUESTS BULL SALE 50 Black Angus bulls & 10 Simm Angus bulls, 12 PB Angus Heifers, February 28th, 2013 at 1:30pm Neepawa Ag-plex, Neepawa, MB. Contact Brent Stewart (204)773-2356 home, (204)773-6392 cell.

View catalogue online at www.stewartcattle.com stewartcows@wificountry.ca

HERD DISPERSAL: 33 BLACK Angus cow calf pairs for sale 16 which were 1st calvers. Cows just finishing calving. Also 8, 2 yr old open heifers & 6, 1 yr old open heifers. If interested please call Jeff (204)612-1734

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Red Angus DB MICHIELS RED ANGUS purebred 2-yr old bulls for sale. Yearling bulls & heifers available.

Contact David (204)870-7070 or (204)526-0942, Holland, MB. Email dmichiels10@gmail.com

128 1 IRON BLACK ANGUS BRED HEIFIERS. Sourced from reputation herd in SW Sask. extremely uniform group of commercial heifers, bred to easy calving, easy fleshing, forage based Black Angus bulls. Exposed to bulls for 70 days, to start calving April 10th. Full herd health program including 1st Scourguard shot. Avg weight 1100-lbs. For more info, pictures, video, pricing options, (freight available) call Richard (204)424-5895 or (204)392-3764 email richlanefarms.mb@gmail.com Le Broquerie MB. 18TH ANNUAL CATTLEMAN’S CONNECTION BULL SALE Fri., Mar. 1st, 2013 1:00pm. Heartland Livestock, Brandon, MB. Selling 75 yearling Black Angus Bulls. For catalogue or more info call Brookmore Angus Jack Hart (204)476-2607 or (204)476-6696 e-mail brookmoreangus@mts.net Sales Management Doug Henderson (403)350-8541 or (403)782-3888.

90 BRED HEIFERS ANGUS, Angus Hereford cross from our own range, calving herd begin calving Feb 20th. Bred to calving ease Black Angus bulls, preg checked, vaccinated, $1250. Phone mornings or evenings (204)873-2525, Clearwater.

15-20 PAIRS JULY OCT calves, Red cows, Black calves. Jim Donald (204)546-2220, Grandview.

February 11

200 BRED HEIFERS, REDS, Blacks, Tans, full herd health program, bred to Black & Red Angus bulls, to start calving April 1st, 2013. All heifers were sourced out of reputation herds.

Phone:(204)325-2416.

Ste. Rose Auction Mart Ste. Rose, MB

Selling 91 Simmental Bulls

250 BRED HEIFERS. Blacks, Tans, Reds bred to Red Angus heifer bulls. Herd health program, plus pelvic measure & preg checked, start calving March 20. Your choice $1300. Volume Discount. Jim Abbott (204)745-3884 or cell (204)750-1157 Carman, MB. 25 BRED COWS Angus/ Simm/ Char. Bred to Red Angus & Red Angus/ Simm X Bulls. Bulls out June 25th. Full herd health program, asking $1,250.

Phone evenings (204)539-2428, Benito, MB. 25 ONE IRON RED Angus cross Simmental heifers, bred Red Angus, all vaccinations, begin calving Feb; Also 3 Red Angus bulls. Inglis, MB (204)564-2699.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Holstein ONE SERVICE AGE POLL Holstein bull. Sired by Forest Lawn P latte P-Red & Hickorymea Overtime P; One 1037 New Holland pull-type bale wagon.

Phone (204)836-2030 or (204)526-7531.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Limousin

FORSYTH F BAR RANCH have for sale 35 yearlings & 10 2-yr old registered Red Angus bulls, bulls will be semen tested & delivered. For info contact Roy (204)448-2245, Eddystone, MB.

TRIPLE R LIMOUSIN, HAS 2013 herdsires for sale. Red & Black yearling & 2 yr olds. 40+ Look for open house in early Apr. Pick from the largest herd of PB Black Limousin in MB. Bred for calving ease or Performance. 2 yrs guaranteed option on bulls.

Your source for quality Limousin genetics. Call Art (204)685-2628 or (204)856-3440.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Charolais

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Maine-Anjou

FOR SALE: PUREBRED CHAROLAIS bulls, 1-1/2 yr olds & yearlings, polled, some red factor, some good for heifers, semen tested in spring, guaranteed & delivered, R & G McDonald Livestock, Sidney MB. Phone:(204)466-2883, cell (204)724-2811.

MB MAINE-ANJOU ASSOCIATION AGM will be held Jan., 30th, 6:00pm at the Aaltos Garden Cafe CanadInn in Brandon.

For more info (204)373-2631.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Black Angus

14 BRED CHAROLAIS SIMM X heifers, bred Red Angus, start calving Apr 1, 2013.

A Nickel (204)734-3543.

Monday, 1:00 p.m.

FOR SALE: 170 BRED Black heifers, bred EI Black Angus, bull clean up, start calving Apr 1st, $1,650, approx 1,150-lbs. Willing to feed til end of Feb 2013 at cost price. Call (204)325-5463.

MB. Livestock Dealer #1111

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Angus

Rendezvous Farms

10 QUALITY ANGUS HEIFERS, calving Feb-Mar, bred to easy calving Red Angus bull, $1350 firm.

Phone:(204)728-7308.

Bull & Female Sale

CRANBERRY CREEK ANGUS BULLS for sale on the farm. Bulls are registered, will be semen tested.

Choose now, we will deliver at the end of April.

Hand fed for longevity, not pushed, these bulls have a great disposition. A.I. sired by Pioneer, Final Answer, Coalition, Mohnen Dynamite, Game Day, natural sires are S Square Tiger & Cranberry Creek Networth. All EPD’s & weights available. For more info please call David & Jeanette Neufeld (204)534-2380, Boissevain.

FOR SALE: POLLED BLACK Angus & Hereford bulls. Good selection of yearlings & 2-yr olds, semen tested & delivery available. Call Don: (204)873-2430.

WWW.GRUNTHALLIVESTOCK.COM

LIVESTOCK Cattle Various

9th Annual

BOTANY ANGUS FARM & Leaning Spruce Stock Farm have for sale yearling & 2 yr old Black Angus bulls. Come early, a deposit will hold your purchase until Spring. For more info & prices contact Ryan Shearer (204)824-2151 or (204)761-5232.

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

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Simmental

BRED COWS FOR SALE $1,075 & up. Phone (204)425-3016.

Selling 56 Reds, 30 Fullbloods and 5 Blacks Also selling 23 open heifers

View catalog at www.transconlivestock.com

Rendezvous Farms Ste. Rose, MB Call or Text Anytime David Maguet Cell: 204-447-7573 Gerald Maguet Cell: 204-447-5037

BRED HEIFERS, 55 BLACK Angus & Baldies, top genetics bred to Black easy calving Simmental Maple Lake Bull. You pick $1500, take all- discount.

(204)782-8312, Stonewall.

COMPLETE HERD DISPERSAL 225 Char X Simm cows. 25 Reds & Blacks, exposed to Char bulls June 25th, young herd. Discount prices on larger lots. Phone (204)732-2481, evenings.

FOR SALE: 45 COWS calving Feb 21, 2013; 10 heifers calving Mar 15, 2013; 3 bulls. Phone (204)352-4440 Glenella, MB. FOR SALE: 49 SIMMENTAL - Red Angus cross heifers, bred Black & Red Angus, start calving Mar 20. Phone (204)855-2847 or (204)748-7442, Oak Lake.

FOR SALE: 4 CHAROLAIS cross cows, w/month old calves, $1400; 2 bred cows.

Phone:(204)825-8354 or (204)825-2784.

FOR SALE: 60 HOME-RAISED Angus cross heifers, bred to Black Angus bulls, to calve late March.

Total health program current, performance guarantee. Call (204)867-2087 or (204)867-7117, Horner Cattle Co., Minnedosa.

HERD DISPERSAL 38 BLACK heifers, 70 Black cows, 70 Red cows, all bred to Black Angus bulls, start calving March 10th, 2013. Tim (204)768-0671.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Gelbvieh

HERD DISPERSAL OF 40 young cows, Charolais Angus cross & hereford cross bred Charolais, bulls exposed May 18, vac program, & Ivomec, includes 6 bred heifers & 13 second calvers, herd avg. under 5-yrs old. (204)638-8502 or (204)648-5186, Dauphin.

40 BRED COWS, bred Gelbveih, calving Mar Apr, 25-30 1st to 2nd time calvers, can feed till March.

Your choice, $1,600. Phone (204)388-4975.

LIVESTOCK Cattle – Hereford

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

FOR SALE: POLLED HEREFORD & Black Angus bulls. Good selection of yearlings & 2-yr olds, semen tested & delivery available. Call Don: (204)873-2430.

We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you want to sell it fast place your ad in the Manitoba Cooperator classifieds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free number today. We have friendly staff ready to help.

1-800-782-0794.

Classifieds

HIGH QUALITY BLACK ANGUS & polled Hereford 2-yr old bulls for sale. Bar H Land & Cattle Co. Phone:(306)743-2840. Langenburg SK. WILKINRIDGE STOCK FARM Annual Bull Sale will be held Apr 13th 1:00pm Grunthal Auction Mart, sale features Maine-Anjou & Red Angus yearling bulls. (204)373-2631.

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

Looking for a great deal on used ag equipment?

Start here.

OVER 43,000 PIECES OF AG EQUIPMENT!

Find it fast at

30

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

NOTRE DAME USED OIL SEEKING MYDEPOT ROMEO & FILTER • Buy Used Oil •❤ Buy ❤ Batteries

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

For a ❤ Forever Southern and Western Manitoba Tel: 204-248-2110 Valentines Day ❤

• Collect Used Filters •❤ Collect Oil Containers

9th Annual Bull & Female Sale ON THE FARM - AMARANTH, MB

February 18, 2013 - 1:00PM

PEDIGREED SEED

B E E F

Offering Approx. 110 Bulls

B U L L S

Offering Approx. 45 Heifers

Semen tested & guaranteed Remember, bull shopping doesn’t have to be a gamble.

Kopp Farms produces bulls that are beneficial to the beef industry.

View Catalogue & Sale Videos Online www.koppfarms.com

Slim, bubbly, outgoing very caring easy to get along with this naturally pretty 47 year old country girl is a true delight.

A great cook, sweet with a great infectious laugh totally natural slim 5’5”, 123 lbs and bubbly, sweet, with a great inefectious laugh totally natural, not too hung up on life don’t sweat the small stuff. I am healthy a non-smoker who loves a glass of wine with a meal, wants to travel. I have just purchased my first sports car but cannot do without my old chevy pickup prefer to meet a man 50 plus.

Matchmakers Select 1-888-916-2824 www.selectintroductions.com Customized Service, Guaranteed Membership, Thorough Screening Process Est. 13 Years, Rural, Agriculture, Remote

Edmunds Cell: 204-856-3064 Steven’s Cell: 204-843-0090

REG AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES For Sale, vet checked, dewormed, 1st vaccination, ready to go Jan 28th, $450. (204)367-8945.

LIVESTOCK Cattle Wanted

REG MAREMMA FEMALE PUPPY For Sale vet checked, dewormed, 1st vaccination, micro chipped, ready to go Dec 27th, $750.

(204)367-8945

MJ MILLAR RANCH Lundar, MB. 1,200 ewe sheep operation is seeking Full & Part Time employees.

Immediate start date. See website for more details www.mjmillarranch.com Contact Mitch Millar (204)280-0822 mitch@mjmillarranch.com

Swine LIVESTOCK Swine For Sale FOR SALE: BERKSHIRE BOARS & gilds, also Tamworth. Delivery available at cost. Call Troy Collingridge (204)750-1493, (204)379-2004, (204)750-2759 or (204)828-3317.

LIVESTOCK Swine Wanted

WANTED: BUTCHER HOGS SOWS AND BOARS FOR EXPORT

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

Specialty LIVESTOCK Livestock Equipment ALTERNATIVE POWER BY SUNDOG SOLAR, portable/remote solar water pumping for winter/summer. Call for pricing on solar systems, wind generators, aeration. Carl Driedger, (204)556-2346 or (204)851-0145, Virden.

FOR SALE: DRILL STEM 2 & 3-inch. Contact Jack at (204)841-4045.

HEAVY BUILT CATTLE FEEDERS/TROUGHS 3/8-in. steel, 500 or 750-gal capacity, 4-ft.x18-ft. size, good for any type of feed or water, lifetime quality, $495 & up. Phone (204)362-0780, Morden.

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.

PERSONAL LIFE IS MEANT TO be shared! Look forward to someone special in 2013. CANDLELIGHT MATCHMAKERS can help. Confidential, Photos & Profiles to selected matches, affordable, local. Serving MB, SK, NW Ontario. Call/Write for info: Box 212, Roland, MB, R0G 1T0, (204)343-2475.

Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds.

Place your ad in the Manitoba Co-operator classifed section. 1-800-782-0794.

DURAND SEEDS: CERT AC Carberry, Harvest wheat; Souris Oats; Conlon Barley; CDC Bethune & Sorrel flax; Mancan & Koma Buckwheat; Canola & Forage seed. (204)248-2268,(204)745-7577, NotreDame, MB. PUGH SEEDS: CERT AC Barrie, Carberry, Kane, Somerset, HRS Wheat. Souris Oats, Conlon Barley, Sorrel Flax. Phone (204)274-2179 or (204)871-1467, Portage.

PEDIGREED SEED Specialty – Potatoes QUALITY RED NORLAND POTATOES for sale 50-lb bag, $13; 25-lb bag, $7; Big Round Wheat Straw Bales. Call (204)728-8453, Brandon.

PEDIGREED SEED Specialty – Various

PETS & SUPPLIES

For Information or Catalogue Inquiries call 204-843-2769

LIVESTOCK Sheep For Sale

DE DELL DELIVERS! CANADA’S Only “Non-GMO Only” Family Owned & Operated Seed Corn Company! Great Non-GMO Hybrids. Certified Organic Seed Corn. Silage Hybrids. Bruce Bauman (807)483-1423.

PETS

BORDER COLLIE PUPS REGISTERED, from champion working lines, black & white, born Dec 5th, 2012. Pictures, info.. www.wall2wallsheep.com Phone:(204)664-2027 wall2wallsheep@yahoo.ca

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.

PEDIGREED SEED Cereal – Various

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Houses & Lots AGASSIZ HOMES custom builds quality RTM homes! Call us about our 1,408-sq.ft. 2013 spec home. Manitoba New Home Warranty on all our homes. agassizhomes@gmail.com or (204)371-8985

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Manitoba FARM FOR SALE - 150AC grainland, woodside area. Phone William G Browning Realty Gladstone:(204)385-2630.

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

REAL ESTATE Farms & Ranches – Wanted BUYING OR SELLING Hazel Free in MB. You need an Experienced Realtor. Buyers preapproved before showing. Ranches, Grain Land, Pastureland, Hunting, Recreation Land, Dairies, Homes, Farms, Cottages, Suburban & Rural Property. www.manitobafarms.ca Call Harold Delta Real Estate at (204)253-7373.

GOOD QUALITY GRAIN & Cattle Farms wanted for Canadian & Overseas Clients. For a confidential meeting to discuss the possible sale of your farm or to talk about what is involved, telephone Gordon Gentles (204)761-0511 www.homelifepro.com or Jim McLachlan (204)724-7753, www.homelifepro.com Home Professional Realty Inc. WANTED: GRAIN & LIVESTOCK farms for both foreign & domestic buyers. Receiving calls weekly from buyers looking to farm & invest. Considering selling? Now is the time to discuss all options. Professional service & confidentiality guaranteed. Contact Rick Taylor:(204)867-7551, Homelife Home Professional Realty. www.homelifepro.com

REAL ESTATE Land For Sale LARGE, APX. 2,000-AC, HIGH-PRODUCING Newdale clay loam soil farm, North of Brandon.

Phone:(204)856-3140 or Office:(204)885-5500.

Royal LaPage Alliance. Buying or Selling? Farm Specialist Henry Kuhl.

MOSTLY PASTURE W/SOME OF it can be grain farm land, NW8-13-5, SW8-13-5, NW7-13-5, SE24-13-6 located North of High Bluff, MB. For additional info call (204)857-8108.

Farmland For Sale By Tender Tenders Close Jan 31st, 2013 at 5:00pm Property: SW 15-4-4W RM of Roland 151.46-acs SE 15-4-4W RM of Roland 160.00-acs For more info and/or a Tender Application: Contact: Chris Sutton Cell: (204)745-7493 Home: (204)343-2160 Office: (204)745-3300 Email: csutton@pmcnet.ca RE/MAX ADVANTAGE

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Campers & Trailers FOR SALE: 1997 26-FT Fifth Wheel, Triple E Topaz. No slides, rear kitchen, A.C. Excellent cond., always shedded, $10,900.

Call Denis (204)228-8031.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Snowmobiles BLOWOUT COMPLETE WALL-TO-WALL. New & used for all: Snow, MC, ATV, scooters, mopeds, etc.

981 Main St. Winnipeg.

Canadian (204)582-4130. Start saving today.

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

Bioriginal Food & Science Corp., based in Saskatoon, are looking to contract Borage acres for the upcoming 2013 growing season.

�

� �

Great profit potential based on high yields, high prices and low input costs.

Attractive oil premiums and free on-farm pick-up.

Flexible contracting options available as well.

For more information, please contact Shane at:

306-229-9976 (cell) 306-975-9271 (office) sfalk@bioriginal.com

SEED / FEED / GRAIN SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Feed Grain

MALT BARLEY BARLEY MALT

We feed feed wheat, Webuy buy feedbarley, barley, feed wheat, MALT BARLEY MALT BARLEY oats, corn oats,soybeans, soybeans, corn & canola canola *6-Row* *6-Row* Celebration&&Tradition Tradition Celebration COME SEE IN COME SEEUS US AT AT AG AG DAYS DAYS IN WeTHE buyfeed feedbarley, barley, feed feed wheat, CONVENTION HALL We buy wheat, THE CONVENTION HALL oats,soybeans, soybeans, corn & & canola canola oats, BOOTH corn 1309

BOOTH 1309

COMESEE SEEUS USAT ATAG AG DAYS DAYS IN IN COME THECONVENTION CONVENTION HALL HALL THE BOOTH1309 1309 BOOTH

2013 Malt Contracts Available 2013 Malt Contracts Available Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Phone 204-737-2000 Phone 204-737-2000 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 2013Toll-Free Malt Contracts Available 1-800-258-7434 2013 Malt Available Agent: M &Contracts J Weber-Arcola, SK. Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Agent: M & J Weber-Arcola, SK. Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Phone 306-455-2509 Phone 306-455-2509 204-737-2000 Phone Phone 204-737-2000 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 We areM buyers of farm grains.

Agent: & J Weber-Arcola, SK. Agent: M & J Weber-Arcola, SK. Phone 306-455-2509 Phone 306-455-2509

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 Section

Docket Media FEED WHEAT SCREENINGS, dry, 7.5 metric tons, excellent for poultry etc. Can Deliver. Jim 1301-081 Manitoba (204)436-2011 farm or (204)745-8007 cell, ElmCo-operator Creek.

1-204-724-6741 CLASSIFIED DISPLAY /EMPLOYMENT

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Hay & Straw

250 36X36X8-FT BALES OF reed canary hay, approx 850-lb per bale, dry & green $120/metric tonne or $46 per bale, OBO. Bales near Winnipeg & delivery available. Gerald Friesen (204)822-3633 (204)362-0678.

NEW WOBBLE BOXES for Macdon JD, NH, IH, headers. Made in Europe, factory quality.

Get it direct from Western Canada’s sole distributor starting at $995. 1-800-667-4515. www.combineworld.com

TRAILERS Livestock Trailers EXISS ALUMINUM LIVESTOCK TRAILERS. Rebates offered on all 2013 models. Only 3 left: one 16-ft, two 24-ft. Available at Sokal Industries Ltd. Phone:(204)334-6596 or Email skalind@mymts.net

TRAVEL

Rural & Cultural Tours

Pacific Coastal Cruise ~ May 2013 Ukraine/Romania ~ May 2013 Austria/Switzerland ~ June 2013 Ireland ~ June 2013 Western Canada ~ June 2013 Alaska Land/Cruise ~ August 2013 Available Soon: Australia/New Zealand & South America 2014

• 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.”

AD PROOF & ESTIMATE

1ST & 2ND CUT alfalfa & alfalfa grass hay in 3x3 med. square bales, delivery available. Willow Bee Ventures, Gimli MB, (204)642-3259 or (204)642-3043.

TIRES

WE BUY OATS Call us today for pricing Box 424, Emerson, MB R0A 0L0 204-373-2328 *6-Row* *6-Row* Celebration Celebration&& Tradition Tradition

MALT BARLEY

Kopp Farms Simmentals

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Grain Wanted

*6-Row* Celebration & Tradition We buy feed barley, feed wheat, oats, soybeans, corn & canola

RECYCLING

COME SEE US AT AG DAYS IN THE CONVENTION HALL BOOTH 1309

PERSONAL

2013 Malt Contracts Available Box 238 Letellier, MB. R0G 1C0 Phone 204-737-2000 Toll-Free 1-800-258-7434 Agent: M & J Weber-Arcola, SK. Phone 306-455-2509

LIVESTOCK Cattle Various

*Tours may be tax Deductible

Select Holidays 1-800-661-4326 www.selectholidays.com

CAREERS CAREERS Farm / Ranch F/T EMPLOYMENT ON GRAINFARM near Star-buck, MB. Duties to assist in all aspects of grain-farming including mechanical, welding& trucking. Class 1 license is required or willing to obtain. For more info call PAGE FARMS at (204)735-2373 or (204)981-4234.

F/T EMPLOYMENT ON POTATO/GRAIN farm in south central MB. Field & shop work. Willing to train. Class 1 an asset. Weekend overtime pay. Call (204)526-0778.

MJ MILLAR RANCH Lundar, MB. 1,200 ewe sheep operation is seeking Full & Part Time employees. Immediate start date. See website for more details www. mjmillarranch.com Contact Mitch Millar (204)280-0822 mitch@mjmillarranch.com UNIQUE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFERED Prepared by the to qualified individuals/families. We are a growing, vertiADWORKS cally integrated, certified organic, workingHR cattle ranch Service supplying clean food to high-end retail stores.

We areTeam leaders in animal welfare standards & in sustainable agriculture at a significant scale. Western Ranching w/ progressive edge. Seeking steady, dependable, multitask, energetic employees in the following categories: ranch managers, cowboy/cowgirl/range riders, general ranch hands, fencing, machinery, haying, irrigation, etc. carpenter, handyman, mechanic. Individuals or working couples w/children welcome. Self-motivat-ed, reliable, honest, hardworking are non-negotiable traits. British Columbia, Canada, semi-remote locations. Interested Insertion Date w/CV Ad Size We ofparties reply in confidence & references. fer excellent compensation & benefit packages along w/ 2013 colGoose x 5.5925 longJan term,24, stable employment. The2Blue Cattle Company Ltd. #123-1305 Welch St. North Vancouver, BC V7P 1B3 (604)980-9106 info@bluegoosecattle.com

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

SEASONAL FULL-TIME WORKERS NEEDED to plant, hoe, harvest & pack vegetables. April to October. Manual labour, heavy lifting, minimum wage.Dufferin Market Gardens, Box 1051 Carman, MB. Fax (204)745-6193.

CAREERS Professional

CAREERS Professional

TOTAL PRICE

4X4 SQUARE WHEAT STRAW bales, about 600 for sale, asking $20 per bale. Phone:(204)248-2407 or (204)723-5002, Notre Dame.

DAIRY, BEEF & HORSE hay for sale, large squares.

Phone: (204)526-7139 (day) or (204)827-2629 (evenings).

LARGE QUANTITY OF WHEAT straw bales, 4x4x8. Can deliver. Phone Phil:(204)771-9700.

La Salle, MB. LARGE ROUND BALES THRESHED Timothy hay.

Baled right behind rotary combine.

Phone:(204)886-3212, Teulon MB. ROUND ALFALFA GRASS BALES, 1st & 2nd cut, feed analysis avail. (204)734-3543 WHEAT & OAT STRAW bales for sale, 3 x 3 x 8.

Phone (204)343-2144 or cell (204)745-0085.

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Grain Wanted

BUYING:

HEATED & GREEN CANOLA • Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed “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!

®

MAPLE LEAF AGRI-FARMS A Division of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

Join one of Canada’s industry-leading Agribusinesses providing long-term value, quality, research-based products, services and information in an environmentally responsible manner.

Barn Manager

Interlake Weanlings, Silver, MB

Maple Leaf Agri-Farms, a member of Maple Leaf Foods Inc., is seeking an individual interested in pursuing a swine production career with an Agriculture Industry leader. We are accepting résumés for a Barn Manager for one of our hog facilities in Interlake Manitoba.

The successful applicant will be responsible for managing Occupational Health & Safety and will implement various programs set out by Maple Leaf Agri-Farms in order to achieve specific production goals. He/She will manage quality control, animal health and welfare, vaccinations, bio-security training and development of staff and maintenance of the interior and exterior of the facility.

The successful applicant will possess proven leadership skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and post-secondary education in the field of animal husbandry will be considered an asset (or combined education and experience). This position will require weekend and holiday hours.

Maple Leaf Agri-Farms offers opportunities for growth and advancement in an engaged environment while providing an enhanced compensation and benefits package. As a member of Maple Leaf Foods Inc., we offer excellent opportunities for career minded individuals. Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from qualified women, men, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities.

We welcome applications from all interested individuals; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit your cover letter and résumé by February 1, 2013 to: Riley Keam, HR Advisor P.O. Box 460, Niverville, MB R0A 1E0 E-mail: rkeam@puratone.com (Now Maple Leaf Agri-Farms; a Division of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.) Fax: (204) 388-0030

REP.

DESIG

PROO

ESTIM SENT

All pric

Price

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.0

31

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

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 G R A S S D O G ROW I N J A N UA R Y, I T W I L L G ROW F OR T H E R E S T OF T H E Y E A R B A R E LY.

First big cold snap in two years Issued: Monday, January 21, 2013 · Covering: January 23 – January 30, 2013 Daniel Bezte Co-operator contributor

L

ast week’s forecast played out pretty much as expected. The only problem was that the two storm systems ended up being a little stronger than expected.

It definitely feels like winter, as we are experiencing the first significant cold snap in almost two years. A fairly strong ridge of high pressure remains in place over the West Coast, which means we’ll be in a strong northwesterly flow for much of this forecast period.

Under this northwesterly flow we’ll see arctic high pressure slide southward during the first half of this week, bringing sunny skies and very cold temperatures.

By Thursday, a weak system is expected to ride over the western ridge and dive southeastward. It currently looks as if this system will be a little farther west and south compared to last week’s systems. This means western and extreme southern regions will see the best chances for some light, measurable snow. Temperatures will warm up a little as the system approaches on Thursday, but will quickly cool down again on Friday.

Over the weekend the western ridge is forecast to weaken, allowing another system to push eastward. Confidence in this is not that high at this point, but if the ridge does weaken then the low will be able to take a more northerly track through the northcentral Prairies. This will result in the light snow staying well to our north, and milder air will work into our region. High temperatures over the weekend look like they’ll be in the -10 C range.

The weather models then show a Colorado low developing on Monday. This system will likely bring clouds and some light snow or flurries late on Monday or Tuesday as it pushes to the northeast. So far all models are keeping this system well to our south. Behind this system it looks like arctic high pressure will push southward, once again bringing a return to cold temperatures for the middle of next week.

Usual temperature range for this period: Highs, -21 to -6 C; lows, -33 to -16 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) December 19, 2012 to January 17, 2013

1 - 6 mm 6 - 10 mm 10 - 15 mm 15 - 20 mm 20 - 24 mm 24 - 29 mm 29 - 34 mm 34 - 38 mm 38 - 43 mm 43 - 47 mm 47 - 52 mm 52 - 57 mm 57 - 61 mm 61 - 66 mm 66 - 71 mm 71 - 75 mm 75 - 80 mm 80 - 85 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 © 2013 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: 01/18/13 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

This issue’s map shows the total amount of precipitation that has fallen across the Prairies over the 30-day period ending Jan. 17.

Precipitation over southwestern Manitoba and north-central Saskatchewan has been fairly light with large areas only reporting one to six millimetres of equivalent water. Southern Saskatchewan and much of western Alberta have been wet, with amounts of 25-30 mm in some areas.

Weather around the globe in 2012 — PART THREE

Sandy’s U.S. landfall caused billions in damage, while Bopha cost thousands of lives

By Daniel Bezte CO-OPERATOR CONTRIBUTOR

I

left off last week in our look back at 2012 weather worldwide by discussing the record-low Arctic sea ice extent last September. Moving on to October, far and away the biggest weather story of that month was Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy, which ended up causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage along the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Tropical depression 18 formed on Oct. 22 over the Caribbean Sea. Conditions were favourable for the development of this tropical depression and by Oct. 23 the storm was upgraded to Tropical Storm Sandy. By Oct. 24 the storm had intensified further and was now a hurricane.

As the hurricane moved northward over Jamaica, forecasters were already talking about the possible impacts it might have on the eastern seaboard in about a week’s time.

On Oct. 25 Sandy crossed over Cuba, losing some of her strength before intensifying back into a Category 2 hurricane. By Oct. 26 Sandy was feeling the effects of strong

wind shear, which was trying to pull the storm apart. While the wind shear did weaken the storm it also helped to stretch out its wind field, resulting in a much larger storm. Forecasters were no longer wondering if the storm would hit the U.S. East Coast, but were now trying to figure out where it would hit. By Oct. 28 Sandy had grown to record size, with 12-foot-high

ple of millibars of their records.

Overnight, from Oct. 29 to 30, Superstorm Sandy came ashore in New Jersey, bringing a devastating storm surge resulting in tens of billions of dollars’ worth of damage.

It seems as though after all the weather that happened during October, the Earth’s atmosphere took a bit of a break during November. Looking

Forecasts show the central and southwestern U.S. drought continuing at least through to the end of April.

seas covering an area of over 1,600 kilometres in diameter. By the 29th that area had grown to over 2,500 km in diameter. High wind warnings directly tied to Sandy were issued as far north as northern Michigan and as far south as Lake Okeechobee in Florida. By late in the day, all-time record-low air pressure readings were recorded at seven different locations, with five more cities coming within a cou-

through dozens of weather articles I was not able to find any significant weather events during that month.

December was a little more active, as Super Typhoon Bopha (equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane) hit the Philippine island of Mindanao on Dec. 4. This was the strongest typhoon to ever hit the island, as it rarely sees strong storms since it’s close to the equator. Official death tolls

are still not in, but over 1,000 deaths are now being blamed on Bopha. This makes Typhoon Bopha the most deadly weather event of 2012.

Also in December, Tropical Cyclone Evan made landfall on the north shore of Samoa near the capital of Apia. On Dec. 13, Evan was classified as a Category 1 cyclone with 145-km/h winds, and intensified into a Category 3 storm with 185km/h winds after the eye wandered back offshore. The storm ended up killing four and left over 4,000 people homeless.

Evan then continued on to Fiji, making landfall on Dec. 16 as a Category 4 storm. Luckily there was no loss of life, but damage was heavy. Evan ended up being the strongest tropical storm to ever hit Fiji’s main island, with records going back to 1941.

So now the question is, will we continue to see record-setting weather events around the world in 2013, or was 2012 just one of those unusual years? If the first part of January is any indication, it looks as though the records will continue. The central and southwestern U.S. drought continues and as a result, record-setting low water

levels are now or will soon be occurring on the Mississippi River, and on both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Current forecasts show the drought continuing at least through to the end of April.

South Africa came close to setting an all-time temperature record for the Southern Hemisphere part of Africa, when on Jan. 16, the temperature topped out at 48.4 C in Vioolsdrif, just inside the country’s northwestern border with Namibia. This was the third-hottest temperature ever recorded for this region, just missing the record by 0.4 C. The heat has also been turned up in Australia this month.

Moomba airport in South Australia recorded a high temperature of 49.6 C on Jan. 12, which was 1° shy of the all-time record high. Australia has also recorded seven days in a row in which the national average temperature was warmer than 39 C, which is the first time this has ever happened, according to records going back to 1910. The previous longest streak was four days in a row back in 1973.

Next issue we’ll take a look at the top 2012 weather stories that occurred right here in Canada.

32

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

MODULAR RTM HOMES

READY IN 60-90 DAYS

SAVE 2

$ 50

DYNAMIC HOMES STARTING AT $95/SQ FT

For a limited time, SAVE $2.50/SQ FT on every Dynamic Home! Act now, offer ends February 28,2013! Call for more information.

SQ FT

EAGLEVIEW

WENTWORTH

2 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,344

PINNACLE

3 Bed / 2 ½ Bath / Sq Ft 1,456

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,512

STRONGEST POSTS INDUSTRY-WIDE

Rendering not as shown. Porch optional.

SAVE 3

Rendering not as shown. Porch optional.

$ 00

Rendering not as shown. Garage optional.

HOLLY PARK MODULAR HOMES:

Allows for year-round construction. Available as crawl space ready, basement ready & also above ground applications. Mechanical & Appliances included.

SQ FT

Our knowledgeable Sales Representatives have solid, proven construction backgrounds to ensure your needs are understood and met.

• Engineered quality • Energy efficient • Local service • Customized design • Experienced crews Leasing available through National Leasing MATERIAL ONLY SUPPLY PACKAGES.

MODEL 8

MODEL 20

MODEL 1

Artist rendering shown with optional simple eyebrow gable.

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,206

McDiarmid offers material only supply packages. Please consult your sales representative for full details and options.

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,456

36' x 54' x 12'

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,912

$14,782 plus tax

Optional Basement Stairwell Entry w/ 4th Bedroom

Rendering not as shown.

Rendering not as shown.

Rendering not as shown.

Optional Basement Entry

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A MODULAR RTM HOME? FEATURES

MODULAR RTM

SITE BUILT OR RTM

Planning Construction Quality Timeline Assembly Styles Specifications Move In Timeline Build Season Delivery

Custom Built indoors System built construction by Work Station 60-90 Days Set Crews Cape Cods/Chalets/2-Storeys/Bungalows/Multi-Units Enhanced 7-10 Days average Year round To site

Custom Built Outdoors Conventional Framing 150+ Days RTM Mover Primarily Bungalows (moving related) Basic 30 Days May-November Avg. $10,000-15,000 (Additional)

NEW HOMES! GLENDALE

• • • • • • • • • •

4 ply 2" x 6" laminated post (6' on center) 2" x 6" treated skirt boards (1 row) 2" x 6" wall girts and roof purlins Coloured 29 gauge high tensile steel siding Coloured 29 gauge high tensile steel roofing One 18' x 12' split sliders with cannonball track One 3' flush entry door Three 4' x 3' sliding windows Other door options: Overhead, bi-fold FOB WINNIPEG

40' x 80' x 16'

$23,199 plus tax

INTRODUCTORY OFFER STARTING AT $7999/SQ FT

Introducing our new Heckaman Custom Value Series!

(Delivered, set) Craning owners responsibility

HUNTINGTON

ANDERSON

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,456 - 1,680 - 1,792

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,456 - 1,680 - 1,792

3 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,456 - 1,680 - 1,792

Rendering not as shown. Porch & garage optional.

Rendering not as shown. Porch & garage optional.

Rendering not as shown. Porch & garage optional.

NEW HOMES!

• • • • • • • • •

60' x 100' x 18'

$41,211 plus tax

CAPE COD HOMES STARTING AT $105/SQ FT

Introducing our Custom Series Cape Cod Homes that offer great features and contemporary design.

Rendering not as shown.

Rendering not as shown.

Rendering not as shown.

BAYSHORE

LAKESIDE

STAMFORD 65

2 Bed / 1 Bath / Sq Ft 960

2 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,400

2 Bed / 2 Bath / Sq Ft 1,568

2nd floor not shown. Deck and Porch optional.

2nd floor not shown. Deck is available as an option.

Porch and Garage is available as an option.

4 ply 2" x 6" laminated post (6' on center) 2" x 6" treated skirt boards (1 row) 2" x 6" wall girts and roof purlins Coloured 29 gauge high tensile steel siding Coloured 29 gauge high tensile steel roofing One 20' x 16' split sliders with cannonball track One 3' flush entry door Other door options: Overhead, bi-fold FOB WINNIPEG

• • • • • • • • • •

4 ply 2" x 8" laminated post (5' on center) 2" x 6" treated skirt boards (1 row) 2" x 6" wall girts and roof purlins Coloured 29 gauge high tensile steel siding Coloured 29 gauge high tensile steel roofing 30' x 18' split sliders with cannonball track Two 3' flush entry doors Eight 36" x 36" sliding windows Other door options: Overhead, bi-fold FOB WINNIPEG

Call Us Toll Free!

Headingley, MB Dauphin, MB Saskatoon, SK Yorkton, SK White City, SK Keewatin, ON Sioux Lookout, ON 5221 Portage Ave. W. 635 Whitmore Ave. E. 113-60th Street W. Hwy 10 E. Hwy 1, North Access 1666 Highway 17 W. 12 Fifth Ave. S. 1-866-255-0206 1-877-313-9663 1-866-384-5706 1-800-667-1580 1-866-788-4471 1-877-547-3366 1-866-383-7662

7 locations to serve you! Let us help you get started!

View our homes online at www.mcdiarmidhomes.com

1-877-239-0730

Web: www.mcdiarmid.com/farm • Email: farm@mcdiarmid.com

33

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

LIVESTOCK

Android-able.

The Manitoba Co-operator mobile app is available for Android mobile phones.

Download the free app at agreader.ca/mbc

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

Cranking out calves beats backgrounding

photo: laura rance

Production adviser says operations geared towards low-cost, high-volume calf production are better positioned for profits in 2013 than backgrounders

By Daniel Winters co-operator staff/ste. rose du lac

R

ecord-high finishing costs and tight calf supplies mean 2013 will be the “year of the big decision” for ranchers, says production adviser Ray Bittner.

“Are you a calf producer or are you a feedlot?” the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives official asked attendees at the recent Beef and Forage days.

Operations that have depended on low-cost gains from backgrounding may find themselves behind the 8-ball this year, while those able to crank out calves cheaply might see the best returns ever.

Rain in the U.S. Corn Belt could be a game changer in 2014, but drought — ironically — may have a limited dampening effect on prices this fall.

“If the corn starts well and the pasture grows well in 2013, those grass calves next year will be on fire,” said Bittner. “But keep in mind you’re buying your way into an industry at the high point.”

To illustrate the impact of high feed costs, Bittner showed some projections derived from a spreadsheet he has developed over the years that balances Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures prices and production costs.

For example, a 600-pound calf today is worth $915. If backgrounded up to 850 pounds until the end of March, it would be worth $1,121.

“That’s $206 margin,” said Bittner.

“In the past, that probably was OK money.”

No longer. With alfalfa at five cents a pound delivered and barley at 10.5 cents per pound, the cost of gain averaged out at 80 cents per pound just for feed.

“You’re making $206, but it’s costing you $200. How’s that sound? You still have health and market risk and death loss — anything can happen.”

For grassing calves through the summer, Bittner’s “projection machine” spreadsheet predicted a 975-pound calf would be worth $1,327 if sold in September of 2013.

Again, that may sound good. But arriving at that figure involves a lot of “ifs” based on current CME futures prices, such as corn at $6.80 per bushel and live cattle at $1.36.

“It’s pretty optimistic, but it could happen. That’s the way the numbers are starting to lay out,” said Bittner.

On the other hand, a 550-pound calf currently worth $824, if fed $200 worth of feed to get it to grass and pastured all summer at a cost of $77, should bring $1,164 based on what the futures markets are saying today.

Using his spreadsheet-based crystal ball and December and January futures prices, Bittner figures 600-pound calves next fall will fetch $1,096 for steers, and heifers $1,016.

To get a handle on the cost side of that equation, he used a 2012 cow-calf budget

from the MAFRI website that accounts for everything from labour and investment to fixed costs. Using those numbers, he arrived at an all-in production cost of $935 to raise a calf, against his calculator’s projected returns of $1,100.

“So if the market lays out the way it is now, cow-calf is the place to be,” said Bittner, adding that 2011 and 2012 were the only years out of the past 14 in which the provincial cow-calf budget has shown a profit when squared off against actual market prices.

“It’s nice to see that we’re finally above our cost of production.”

With feed costs so high, many ranchers might be tempted to “stretch” their feed supplies and keep “old grannies” in the hope of getting another $1,100 calf out of her. But Bittner advised against that.

“If you underfeed her, she’ll get you back. She’ll give you a dead, weak, or no calf next year,” he said. “There’s no lying to a cow that eats everything you give her.”

Using a total digestible nutrient (TDN) and protein calculator, he compared the costs of various feedstuffs such as barley, corn, alfalfa-grass, second-cut alfalfa, tame and native hay, and dried distillers grains.

The cheapest in terms of energy is a wild hay bale at a cost of $30 each. The next best was alfalfa-grass hay at five cents a pound, followed by second-cut alfalfa at six cents a pound. For protein, barley, oats and corn are the most expen-

“If the corn starts well and the pasture grows well in 2013, those grass calves next year will be on fire. But keep in mind you’re buying your way into an industry at the high point.”

Ray Bittner

sive, and wild hay is more expensive than tame hay.

“Second-cut alfalfa at six cents per pound is the cheapest protein I could find by a fair stretch,” said Bittner, adding that DDGs rate second due to their high concentrations of protein.

Straw is still the cheapest source of feed energy, but its usefulness is limited by digestibility, and overall cost depends on the supplemental feed source chosen.

Cows have a beef — hay quality is lousy this winter Use caution when feeding just hay this year.

Nutrition test results show a lot of the hay going into cows’ mouths this winter is of unusually poor quality, said MAFRI farm production adviser Pam Iwanchysko.

A delayed harvest and summer drought resulted in the TDN (total digestible nutrient) content of many samples from across Western Canada testing well below average, although protein content is on par with past years.

“Hay in general — all hays — have come back really poor quality,” said Iwanchysko. “The energy is way down this year.”

Using the feed test data to formulate suitable rations

has been a struggle, but the warm weather to date helped reduce nutritional requirements for wintering cows.

“If it does get cold, guys are going to have to supplement — there’s no doubt about it,” she said.

For next year, harvesting a portion of the crop closer to June than late July or August — even if volumes are less — and then blending it off with poorer-quality hay baled later in the season might pay off in terms of TDN values, she added. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com file photo

34

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

column

Second-litter syndrome indicator of sow fertility Poor performance in the second litter tends to continue for the rest of the sow’s lifetime Bernie Peet Peet on Pigs

T

he occurrence of “secondlitter syndrome” in sows is an important measure of reproductive function in pig herds and a good indicator of likely lifetime performance, says Dr. Nicoline Soede from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Speaking at the recent Banff Pork Seminar, she said that the syndrome is characterized by an increased weaning-to-estrus interval, a reduced farrowing rate and lower litter size compared to first-parity sows. This is primarily related to sow body weight loss during first lactation.

Traditionally, the “second-litter dip,” as it is sometimes also called, was almost always associated with an extended weaning-to-estrus period after first weaning. But, notes Dr. Soede, today’s sows have been selected for a short wean-to-estrus interval and often only show reduced farrowing rate and litter size.

“Recent research in France found that 38 per cent of the 842 farms studied had a sec-

ond-litter size of at least 0.2 piglets below that of the first-parity sows,” she said. “If sows with a wean-to-estrus interval of more than seven days and those with a farrowing rate of less than 85 per cent were included, then 79 per cent of the farms were defined as having a second-parity problem.”

The reduced reproductive efficiency of second-parity sows might also lead to early culling, Soede said. “Researchers in the Netherlands studied the relationships between failure to farrow and litter size at second parity and reproductive performance in later parities. In these data, from 45,000 sows, a total of 15.7 per cent of the second-parity sows inseminated became repeat breeders. While being a repeat breeder in second parity did not affect litter size in subsequent parities, it was associated with decreased farrowing rate in parities three and four.” Also, second-parity repeat breeder sows were, on average, culled two parities earlier (parity five versus seven, respectively) compared with non-repeat breeders, Soede said.

The study also showed that sows with a low second-parity litter size also had a smaller litter size in parity three and

above, compared with sows with a moderate or large litter size at second parity.

“These data show that a large proportion of sows with poor reproductive per for mance in second parity are at risk of having a poor reproductive performance in subsequent parities, resulting in earlier culling,” Soede said.

Lactation weight loss

This decrease in performance is related to sow weight loss during lactation, Soede said.

“One research study showed that sows with a high lactation weight loss had a similar ovulation rate, but fewer viable embryos (14.9 versus 16.8) at Day 35 of pregnancy,” she said.

They also had fewer implantation sites (17.2 versus 19.5) than sows with a low lactation weight loss, which indicates increased embr yo mortality before implantation at approximately Day 15 of pregnancy as a problem.”

This confirms that lactation weight loss affects embryo quality, resulting from reduced follicle and oocyte quality, she said.

“Since lactation weight loss is a crucial factor influencing reproductive performance in second-parity sows, any management solution that leads to

PUBLIC MEETING

Share Your Views

Help make Manitoba’s agriculture and food sector more innovative, competitive and profitable.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Growing Forward 2, the new five-year agreement between Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments, will invest $176 million in strategic innovation programs for Manitoba’s agriculture and food sector over the next five years.

Make Yourself Heard If you are a producer, processor or a member of the public who is interested in helping shape Manitoba’s agricultural industry, you are invited to make yourself heard at any of these meetings being held as part of the Growing Forward 2 consultation process.

Your input will help identify the priorities, opportunities and challenges that you feel must be addressed by Growing Forward 2.

Dauphin

Monday, January 28, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

St. Viator’s Church, 307 Whitmore Avenue East

Steinbach

Tuesday, January 29, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Steinbach Legion, 294 Lumber Street

Brandon

Wednesday, January 30, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Ag Centre, 1129 Queens Avenue

Carman

Wednesday, January 30, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Royal Canadian Legion, 28 First Street N.W.

Arborg

Thursday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Arborg Bifrost Community Centre, 409 Recreation Centre

Please Register Please RSVP by Friday, January 25 to confirm your attendance by emailing Judy.Kamaraus@gov.mb.ca or calling the MAFRI Beausejour GO Centre at 204-268-6094. Please remember to leave your name and contact information, and indicate which consultation meeting you are planning to attend.

If you are unable to attend these meetings, you can submit your comments online using the feedback form.

Visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/growingforward and follow the links.

Manitoba Cooperator Ad size: 3 cols (6 1/16”) x 125 Insertion date: Thurs. Jan. 24, 2013 Position: WFN

Skipping breeding at first estrus can improve pregnancy rates by 15 per cent and subsequent litter sizes by 1.3 to 2.5 piglets, but increases the number of non-productive days by 21.”

Dr. Nicoline Soede

higher lactation feed intake or reduced milk production will benefit the reproductive performance of second-parity sows,” Soede said.

She suggests a number of solutions including adequate gilt development to ensure a high feed intake capacity and a range of measures to increase lactation feed intake, such as improving water availability, optimizing room temperature to stimulate appetite and manipulation of piglet numbers and weaning age for gilt litters.

“Another approach is to allow sows time to recover from the loss of weight during lactation before they are inseminated,” Soede said. “The normal weanto-estrus interval in contemporary sows is too short to allow for this recovery. Skipping breeding at first estrus can improve pregnancy rates by 15 per cent and subsequent litter sizes by 1.3 to 2.5 piglets, but increases the number of nonproductive days by 21.”

Soede suggests that providing a shorter recovery period than a full cycle length, by administering a progesterone analogue (Altrenogest, Matrix, Merck Animal Health) post-weaning, which delays the onset of heat hormonally, might be a more economic option. Treatment until 14 days after weaning has been shown to result in consistent and substantial improvements in performance, Soede said.

In modern hybrid first-litter sows with high lactation weight losses and short weaning-toestrus intervals, extending the period from weaning to first ovulation seems a promising route to improve reproductive performance,” she said.

Another option for reducing the impact of second-litter syndrome may be to stimulate body weight recovery during the subsequent pregnancy, Soede believes.

“During the first two-thirds of gestation, the energetic demands for litter growth are low and young sows can use this period to recover from lactation weight loss,” she said. “Recent research in the Netherlands investigated whether a 30 per cent increase in feed intake during the first month of second pregnancy increases litter size. In the first of two studies, the increased feed intake increased litter size by two piglets. However, in a second study aimed at investigating the physiological background of this increase, embryo survival was not affected.”

Based on these and other data, Soede said an increased feed intake during the first month of second pregnancy is certainly beneficial for body weight recovery and may also increase reproductive performance.

The quality of management provided to gilts and young sows has become critical due to the drastically improved re p r o d u c t i v e p o t e n t i a l o f modern genotypes. While the impact of the second-litter syndrome may be insidious when overall performance is high, nevertheless its effect on lifetime performance and longevity makes it worthy of some renewed focus in many herds.

Bernie Peet is president of pork Chain Consulting of Lacombe, Alberta, and editor of Western Hog Journal.

news

Washington to offer micro loans to small farmers washington / reuters The U.S. Department of Agriculture will help small farming operations, including those run by minority or socially disadvantaged farmers, improve their access to credit.

The program will offer loans of up to $35,000 for terms of up to seven years to help recipients deal with farming’s often prohibitive startup costs.

“History tells us micro loans in combination with technical assistance often results in a successful operation,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The program will require less paperwork than traditional USDA loans to farmers

and ranchers — a mere eight forms to fill out instead of 17 and the provision of one year of records instead of three years.

“We hope this will be the next step up for those young people” who might be interested in agriculture, but have struggled with funding, Vilsack said.

Producers can apply for loans to pay for startup expenses such as essential tools, irrigation, and delivery vehicles, as well as recurring expenses such as seed, fertilizer, rent and distribution expenses.

The National Farmers Union applauded the program.

“Access to credit is one of the greatest challenges that beginning farmers and ranchers face,” said NFU president Roger Johnson.

35

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Horse herd in limbo after controversial seizure in the RM of Lakeview An RM of Lakeview councillor complains protocols were breached after provincial officials seized a band of semi-feral horses near Langruth

By Daniel Winters co-operator staff

T

h e f a t e o f a h e rd o f horses rounded up in the RM of Lakeview remains in limbo while allegations fly they were improperly seized from their elderly owners.

Richard Callander, a local municipal councillor filed an appeal Jan. 21 on behalf of the owners for the return of 10 Morgan-Appaloosa-cross stallions, mares and their offspring, which were rounded up in early January. “ The horses are safe for now,” said Callander in an interview early this week.

He described the roundup a “fiasco” and accused animal welfare officers of breaching their own protocols in carrying out a seizure using means that he believes were unecessary and potentially cruel and abusive.

were reported missing Jan. 11 but said the investigation was dropped after the Office of the Chief Veterinarian confirmed that the horses were in their custody.

Ernie Vandersteen, manager of AESB Alonsa pasture, said in an interview he was hired by animal welfare officials to round up the horses on Jan. 7 and had been keeping them in a corral there ever since.

“Nobody did anything with these horses for 12 years.

They were not fed, watered or cared for. They didn’t even maintain the fence to keep them off the RM roads,” said Vandersteen.

Va n d e r s t e e n a d d e d t h a t he was told the owners had verbally agreed to give up

the horses to animal welfare officer Steinar Wamnes. “ W h e n a n i m a l s a re b e i n g starved it doesn’t matter who owns them, they can go and get them anytime and anywhere and they don’t need a right of entry or a cop present.

“They can talk all they want, those bleeding hearts. Do the math. If there was four brood mares and a stud 10 years ago, how many horses should there be out there right now? How many were dying, but they were away from the road so nobody could bitch about it?” said Vandersteen.

Ca l l a n d e r s a i d t h a t t h e local RM council had decided late last year to round up the horses after they repeatedly escaped poorly maintained

officers were present when the herd was rounded up.

“I told them, ‘We need animal care and control. I don’t want abuse of animals, but it’s really important that you do things by the book,’” said C a l l a n d e r. “It t u r n e d o u t funny. All of a sudden there’s two dead horses and only 10 left.”

A provincial government spokesperson said that the owners of the herd had until midnight Jan. 21 to file an appeal.

“I was not told they were rounded up on ( Jan. 7). The information I have it was the 1 4 t h ,” s a i d t h e p rov i n c i a l spokesperson. daniel.winters@fbcpublishing.com

Sharing Ideas and Information for Efficient Pork Production

“I told them, ‘We need animal care and control. I don’t want abuse of animals, but it’s really important that you do things by the book.’”

Manitoba Swine Seminar 2013

Richard Callander

A news release from the Office of the Chief Veterinarian last week reported that “approximately” 10 horses were seized under the province’s Animal Care Act on Jan. 14 and had been placed in a location where they could be adequately cared for pending a seven-day appeal process.

But local residents said the herd had been rounded up with snowmobiles on Jan. 7 from a half-section pasture of rented land alongside the Big Grass Marsh near Langruth where they had lived under semi-feral conditions for roughly a decade.

Their disappearance, combined with rumours they were being sold for meat, sparked an email and Facebook campaign to spare them.

The owner of the property where the horses were pastured said the herd had access to ample bush shelter, leftover grass pasture under snow, and about 50 bales of hay, but could not pinpoint exactly how many animals were there.

There was no notification to the landowner that animal welfare planned to intervene.

“We thought the horses were fine, but it seems the animal welfare people decided to pick them up,” the property owner said.

T h e h e rd’s ow n e r s, w h o have since moved to a nursing home, also owned a number of dogs that were seized by animal welfare officers earlier in the fall. But no action was taken then to round up the horses.

Amaranth RCMP Cpl. Jody Verspeek confirmed horses

fences and got onto local roads. He said the herd was photographed in late 2012 and there was no evidence they were at risk of starvation. “The RM of Lakeview along with neighbours were rehoming the horses,” he said.

But before they could get written permission from the owners and enlist a group of riders to do the job, the herd went missing.

Ca l l a n d e r a l s o s u s p e c t s that some of the horses have “gone missing,” possibly due to excessively harsh handling during the roundup.

“I did a quick count of the horses at the end of December, and I believe there were 17 head there,” said Callander, who added no animal welfare

January 30 & 31 VIctorIa Inn HotEl & conVEntIon cEntrE, Winnipeg, MB You are invited to join local, national & international speakers as they discuss: • • • • • • • • • •

State of the industry Future of Canadian agriculture Swine nutritional strategies to minimize environmental impact Maximizing finishing returns Consumer perceptions of today’s food and agriculture Swine immune systems and vaccination Batch farrowing Sow lameness Optimizing wean-to-finish performance to maximize profit Moving toward lower phosphorus levels in Manitoba swine diets

...and much more

Registration $ 170

-

Day rate also available

-

Special rate for students (with ID)

-

Costs include lunch and one copy of the proceedings

-

Free parking

For more information:

www.ManitobaSwineSeminar.ca Dallas Ballance (204) 475-8585 Dallas@goodwinballance.ca

MSS_ad2013_after_R.indd 1

04/01/13 1:25 PM

36

The Manitoba Co-operator | January 24, 2013

Still-potent U.S. drought robs cattle ranchers of wheat pasture Shortage of feed forces ranchers to sell to feed yards earlier than normal

By Theopolis Waters REUTERS

O

klahoma rancher Kent Donica has given up.

The drought that has ravaged pastures on his ranch and throughout the region has won.

Since last September, Donica has sold nearly all of his 800 cattle because there is no pasture to feed them and he now works as a ranch hand nearby to make ends meet until it rains again.

Last autumn he had hoped his winter wheat crop would feed his cattle and keep his ranching business going. The wheat also would reduce the need to buy high-priced feed like corn, which would wipe out earnings from the cattle he fattens and sells.

But the worst dry spell in half a century stopped the wheat

crop from sprouting properly, depriving Donica’s herd of the green shoots that would have sustained it through winter.

Donica is not alone. Across the southern Plains, the worst-ever starts to the winter wheat crop have put in jeopardy ranches that depend on wheat pasture for cheap feed, raising the prospect of higher beef prices this summer.

U.S. farmers, squeezed by high prices for corn and other fodder on one hand, and drought that has parched pasture land on the other, are cutting back their herds in a bid to survive.

The U.S. cattle herd has shrunk to 91 million animals, the smallest in 60 years.

More pain seems to be on the horizon for ranchers after the USDA on Jan. 11 reduced its estimates for corn stocks, send-

“If we don’t get some rain pretty quick, it will be the end of the world in Oklahoma as far as the cattle business is concerned.”

KENT DONICA rancher

ing Chicago Board of Trade corn futures sharply higher.

“The drought has absolutely put me in a survival mode and I finally decided there was no way to fight this,” said Donica, who now tends a nearby rancher’s cattle to pay expenses.

“If we don’t get some rain

Winter wheat that would usually be grazed over the winter did not germinate for many farmers last fall. PHOTO: TEXAS A&M

pretty quick, it will be the end of the world in Oklahoma as far as the cattle business is concerned,” said Donica, 47, whose ranch is near Ardmore, Okla.

Found new equipment –

online.

Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, which have all been hurt by drought, are important pieces in U.S. cattle production accounting for about 25 per cent of the nation’s herd, including dairy.

The share is even larger for beef cattle, with the three states currently fattening 46 per cent of the supply.

Already the shrinking herd is driving up cattle and beef prices, which could further accelerate the decline of beef consumption in the United States, which has fallen more than 16 per cent per capita in the last decade.

Farm lender Rabobank forecasts U.S. cattle prices will soar to a record high $140 to $145 per cwt this spring as numbers decline.

The shrinking herd will reduce beef production, with USDA forecasting a 4.3 per cent drop this year from 2012.

The smaller U.S. cattle herd and the resulting drop in beef production has lifted retail beef prices to an all-time of $5.15 per lb. in November, surpassing the previous peak of $5.09 in January 2012.

Poor wheat crop

Your business depends on the internet.

You can depend on Xplornet.

These days, a fast, reliable Internet connection is a must for most every business. Xplornet offers wireless business Internet connectivity across Canada, including many places where wireline service is unavailable. And we offer peace of mind, through our reliable network, which leverages the latest technologies, like 4G. With Xplornet’s Business Internet Solutions, your business is connected. Ready for high-speed? Call Xplornet today at 1-866-615-9269 to get started!

• choose from a range of business-grade packages, with speeds up to 5 mbps.2 or choose a residential plan, starting from just $54.99/month.

• 30-day money back guarantee.

3

FREE

Basic installation and no EquipmEnt to buy!1 4G Business plans starting from $84.99/month.1

HigH-Speed internet

For All oF Canada

xplornet.com 1.866.615.9269

Limited time offer. Subject to change without notice; where 4G Satellite service is available. If installation requirements go beyond the scope of a basic installation, additional fees may apply. Term contract required.

Activation fees apply. Early termination fees apply. Subject to site check. Site check fee may apply. Taxes will apply. See dealer for details. 2Actual speed online may vary with your technical configuration, Internet traffic, server and other factors. Traffic management applies to all packages. 3For complete details of Xplornet’s traffic management policies and 30-day money-back guarantee, visit xplornet.com. Xplornet® is a trade-mark of Xplornet Communications Inc. © Xplornet Communications Inc., 2013.

1

FBC SAT MCO EQUIP ADMAT 01/2013

• 24/7/365 toll-free canadian customer service, and priority technical support if you ever need help at your location.

Winter wheat is a key link in the economic chain of the U.S. cattle industry. Animals that graze on the tender shoots in the fall and early winter before snow covers the ground tend to put on more muscle than they would eating grain like corn.

Only a third of the U.S. winter wheat crop at the end of November was rated “good to excellent” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the crop has deteriorated since then.

“We essentially have no wheat pasture. There are very few cattle on wheat in Oklahoma at this time and many of them will probably not make it through the winter,” said Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University extension livestock marketing specialist.

Peel expected ranchers to continue selling off their herds to avoid buying high-priced feed.

This year, stocker cattle in the Ohio Valley are going to go to auction barns or feed yards a lot sooner, said Sam Roberts of United Producers Inc., a farmerowned and -operated livestockmarketing co-operative based in Columbus, Ohio.

“Many of those cattle will wind up being moved to feed yards in the Midwest at a lighter weight than they would normally,” said Roberts.

37

The Manitoba Co-Operator | January 24, 2013

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

Financial guru says happiness doesn’t come from a credit card David Chilton says too many Canadians have “lost their minds” and are piling on debt in a never-ending shopping spree that will end in tears

Farmers and their families packed the audience at Ag Days last week to hear a “down-to-earn” message about less spending and more saving by Canadian author of The Wealthy Barber David Chilton.

PHOTOS: SANDY BLACK

By Lorraine Stevenson CO-OPERATOR STAFF / BRANDON

I

t may have been the bestattended scolding in Brandon’s history.

A n d t h e s t a n d i n g - ro o m only audience at the Keystone Centre appeared to love every minute of financial guru David Chilton’s impassioned call for a return of everyday financial sanity. “ We have way too many people, beyond any commons e n s e m e a s u re, w h o h a ve way too much debt,” said the author of the runaway bestseller The Wealthy Barber. “ T h e r e’s w a y t o o m a n y Canadians living beyond their means.”

C h i l t o n e m p l oy e d s o m e oft-cited numbers — such as household debt levels that recently hit an all-time high of 164.4 per cent when debt is measured against disposable income. “ T h e re’s n o h a p py e n d ing coming to this,” said the affable author, noting many

will hit a financial wall when record-low interest rates inevitably begin to climb again.

But he also put financial matters into human terms for his Ag Days audience, which filled both Theatres 1 and 2 and spilled over into a curtained-off area at one end of the hockey arena.

Canadians have gotten themselves into this mess largely because they’ve “fallen in love with consumption,” said Chilton. “ We love stuff,” he said simply.

Too many people are trying to keep with “the Jones,” even though the Jones are in terrible financial shape themselves, he said.

Ever yone seems to think they should have the best of the best. It’s incredible what sort of stuff people now consider themselves “losers” if they don’t have, he said.

“I call it the granite-countertop phenomena,” he said.

The home renovation craze is a prime example of

“We have way too many people, beyond any common-sense measure, who have way too much debt.”

DAVID CHILTON

ov e r s p e n d i n g t o b u y i n t o a lifestyle with the best of everything.

“Pe o p l e t r u l y l o s e t h e i r minds,” he said, adding that “while we’re at it” can be the four most expensive words you’ll ever utter.

Mo re ov e r, w e g i v e i n t o temptation because we can, t h a n k s t o e a s i l y a va i l a b l e credit. The term “save up” seems to have disappeared from most people’s vocabulary and they borrow without even giving thought to how they will pay off their debt.

“And you don’t get to pay

i n t e re s t f o re ve r,” h e s a i d .

“You’ve got to pay the principal back.”

C h i l t o n w a s n’t q u i t e 3 0 when he self-published his 1989’s The Wealthy Barber, which was based on his own experience with saving in order to grow rich slowly, w h i l e e n j oy i n g a l ow - k e y lifestyle.

The book sold more than two million copies and made h i m e xc e e d i n g l y w e l l o f f .

Yet, at 50 and now a member of the CBC hit “Dragon’s Den,” he still walks his talk, living a modest lifestyle in a 1,300-square-foot house in Ontario.

Consider the benefits that come from living without debt, he urged audience members.

“Pe o p l e w h o l i ve w i t h i n their means are happier,” he said. “Savers are not stressed and caught up in consumption.”

Chilton peppered his talk with financial advice, includi n g f a v o u r i n g R R S Ps ov e r

T F S A s ( Ta x F r e e S a v i n g s Accounts) because it’s harder to get money out of the former.

He saved his most compelling thoughts for last.

The root of our problem is that we’ve completely lost perspective on what we have, and what it really means to be comfortable and successful.

“Our national pastime in Canada isn’t hockey, it’s complaining,” he said, urging everyone to “cheer up.”

“Our biggest problem in this country is lack of perspective.

A minor inconvenience is not a major problem.”

What we should be doing is reminding ourselves how truly well off we actually are, with lifestyles that were unheard of even a generation ago and beyond the reach of much of the rest of the world. “ We’re t h e l u c k y o n e s ,” he said. “ We live in ways kings and queens once only dreamed of.” lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

38

The Manitoba Co-Operator | January 24, 2013

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

Hearty eating for wintry chills Hearty Split Pea Soup Lorraine Stevenson Crossroads Recipe Swap

H

ere’s a word you often see associated with a recipe; hearty. I tend to think this is what and how we should be eating when the weather’s turned nasty and the days are dark, long and busy.

Hearty isn’t merely wholesome food we eat because it’s good for us. Hearty means food that’s really pleasurable.

We eat hearty food with gusto, without reservation. It’s food offered in a spirit of hospitality; you eat hearty in the cheerful company of other people. You anticipate and are rewarded with food richly satisfying and wholly nourishing when you eat hearty.

It can be difficult to eat well through winter, when we need food to help boost our immunity, and even mood.

It’s tempting just to quaff down a lot of fat- and calorie-laden foods while we sit counting the days ’til spring. Better to eat with an appetite worked up from enjoying winter, through healthy exercise — let’s get outside more! — and from work that engages the body as well as mind. Eat hearty.

Here’s a few hearty recipes for a hot breakfast, a great all-Canadian soup, and a couple of delicious meals for good eating over a Manitoba winter.

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew 2 tbsp. butter 3-1/2 lbs. chicken pieces 3 c. water 1 c. finely chopped onion 2 tbsp. chicken broth mix 2 tsp. poultry seasoning 8 small carrots, cut in 1-inch pieces 6 small potatoes, quartered 3 stalks celery, cut in 1-inch pieces 1-1/2 c. frozen peas 1- 3/4 c. milk 1/4 c. all-purpose flour Salt and pepper, to taste

In large saucepan, melt butter. Sauté chicken until golden brown on both sides; drain. Stir in water, onion, chicken broth mix and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add carrots, potatoes and celery. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes longer or until chicken and vegetables are cooked. Add peas and cook three to five minutes longer. Gradually stir milk into flour until smoothly combined. Add to pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: It’s important to cook chicken thoroughly.

To test pieces with bones, insert a fork into the chicken. If the meat is tender and juices run clear, the chicken is done. For boneless chicken, check that the meat is no longer pink in the centre.

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 45 minutes. Serves 6.

Source: Recipe from Cooking Made Easy, ©1996, Brimar Publishing Inc.

I’m not sure how this variation compares with the wonderful, and definitely hearty soup served at St. Jean Ag Days every January. Years from now, the thing anyone who goes there will remember is that delicious, aromatic soup served at the farm show in the Soup Pea Capital.

2 c. dried yellow split peas* 2 c. chopped cooked ham 3/4 c. chopped onion 2 c. milk Salt and pepper, to taste

6 c. water 1 c. shredded carrot 1/4 c. butter 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

In large saucepan, combine peas and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil 2 minutes.

Remove from heat, cover and let stand one hour.

(Do not change water.) Add ham, carrot, onion and butter to peas. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 35 minutes or until peas are tender. Stir in milk and cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reheat and serve.

Tip: *Dried green split peas or lentils also work well in this recipe. You can freeze any leftover soup for up to two months.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.

Cooking time: 40 minutes. Serves 8.

Source: Recipe from Cooking Made Easy, ©1996, Brimar Publishing Inc.

Lazy Lasagna In A Bowl Hearty classic flavours of a lasagna dish fill this soup to create a delicious comfort food recipe. Thick and chunky, once this hot soup is poured over top of the cheese, each spoonful will remind you of the gooey texture and flavour of your mom’s lasagna.

1 lb. mild or hot Italian sausages or bulk sausage meat 1 tbsp. butter 1 pkg. (8 oz./250 g) button mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 zucchini (about 12 oz.), chopped 1 tsp. dried Italian herb seasoning 1 can (28 oz./796 ml) diced tomatoes 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 c. 10 per cent half-and-half cream 2 c. water 3/4 c. baby shell pasta Salt (optional) 3/4 c shredded Canadian mozzarella or provolone cheese

Remove sausage meat from casings and crumble into large deep pot. Place pot over medium-high heat and cook breaking up meat with a spoon for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink. With a slotted spoon, transfer meat into a bowl; discarding any fat left in the pot. Return pot to medium-high heat and add butter, mushrooms, zucchini and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring for about eight minutes or until no liquid remains from mushroom mixture. Return meat with any accumulated juices to pot and add tomatoes. Whisk flour into cream and add to pot along with the water and pasta.

Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until pasta is tender but firm. Season to taste with salt (if using). Divide cheese among soup bowls and ladle soup over top to melt cheese.

Tip: Stirring the soup occasionally while cooking helps create a creamy texture to the soup. To add a smoky flavour, look for Canadian-smoked mozzarella or provolone cheese.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.

Cooking time: 25 minutes. Serves 6 to 8 Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada

Hearty Split Pea Soup. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Pudding This is my go-to breakfast in winter.

2 c. water 1/4 tsp. salt 4 eggs 1/4 c. 2 per cent milk 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1-1/4 c. quick-cooking oats (not instant) 1-1/3 c. 2 per cent milk 1/4 c. dried cranberries or raisins (optional) 4 tsp. granulated sugar

Bring water and salt to a boil in medium saucepan over high heat. Whisk together eggs, 1/4 c. milk, cinnamon and vanilla in medium bowl; stir into boiling water. Reduce heat to medium low. Stir in oats. Simmer until desired consistency, about five to six minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon into bowls, top each serving with milk, cranberries and sugar.

Tip: Eating a high-protein breakfast can help you lose weight and keep it off. Research shows that protein keeps you feeling full longer and provides the energy you need to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Recipe source: Manitoba Egg Producers

Recipe Swap If you have a recipe or a column suggestion please write to: Manitoba Co-operator Recipe Swap Box 1794 Carman, Man. R0G 0J0 or email Lorraine Stevenson at: lorraine@fbcpublishing.com

39

The Manitoba Co-Operator | January 24, 2013

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

Skating oval brings back memories Hamiota feature great addition to community

By Darrell Nesbitt FREELANCE CONTRIBUTOR

S

katers are gliding their way on a fun, family-friendly feature of Hamiota for the sixth winter season.

Bringing back memories of skating on a snow-covered frozen slough, the skating oval that has brought about family togetherness and recreational pleasure since 2008 continues to gain popularity with it becoming a tradition for some families on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Drawing on an idea from the neighbouring community of Rivers, Midwest recreation director, Bonnie Michaudville, thought it would be a great idea for Hamiota to have one.

Over the years, that thought has brought forth excitement of school students and older adults alike.

Michaudville said the oval, located within the Hamiota campground west of the town’s arena, is very popular during school holidays along with weekends with evenings seeing the most use. She added that the oval is used also when tournaments are on at the nearby rink.

“Students find it a grand place for a Valentine’s party, as people can bring hot chocolate, share a fire in the fire pit, and cook hotdogs if that’s their desire,” said Michaudville.

“There are no set rules for the skating oval, no charge to use it, and people skate at their own risk.”

Preparation

It all depends on the weather to when the oval officially opens, with the 2012-13 season kick-

Paula Clark, a native of Scotland and newcomer to Hamiota, laces up her four-year-old daughter Maria’s skates at the community’s skating oval carved into the campground. PHOTO: DARRELL NESBITT

ing off at the beginning of December.

“Putting up the lights each year, people really now look forward to the day that my presence is seen on the oval situated along Maple Avenue East,” said Michaudville.

“The skating oval is great for recreational skating at any time of the day. Users don’t have to worry about getting into the rink or going just at public skating time.”

It takes many hands at work to bring the oval to life. Initially,

after the first major snowfall, Gary Slimmon prepares the surface by making ridges up the side and packing. Volunteers spend many hours flooding, using approximately 20 loads of water.

Although Leonard Allan and Sylvain Michaudville are the usual icemakers, this season the task fell in the hands of Michaudville and Gary Victor.

As the icemaker, Michaudville, likes to colour the oval ice with a little bit of paint from the Sports Complex, and this sea-

son the community attraction has a nice “pink” colour to it.

After the outdoor ice is ready, Robin Davison, the facility foreman and his staff will go over it with the Zamboni to smooth it out.

The Sports Complex staff and Slimmon oversee the skating oval for the rest of the season.

Year-round activities

Skaters of all ages can also lace up or take a rest in a metalclad shelter that sits on the western edge of the oval which

is used year round, paid for by the Hamiota Municipal Park and erected by the Hamiota Lions Club. The shelter gets moved into the Lions playground for the summer months.

By designing the oval, the campground offers another great family activity in addition to camping, serving up recreational activities for all ages.

Darrell Nesbitt writes from Shoal Lake, Manitoba

Got the winter blahs?

Brighten up your home with a miniature orchid

By Albert Parsons FREELANCE CONTRIBUTOR

D

uring the long winter I often purchase an inexpensive plant to place on the dining room table to be enjoyed during this rather dreary part of the year. Recently, friends visited and brought my wife and I a most beautiful plant, which has graced our table ever since — a miniature orchid. Over the last few years, these have become very affordable.

The most popular orchids grown for the potted plant market are phalaenopsis or moth orchids, and the miniature that I received, and those that I have seen in shops (not all shops or garden centres carry miniatures), are miniature phalaenopsis orchids. Relatively new to the marketplace, they range in height from 15 to 30 cm and they have exquisite, small blooms. Miniatures are usually planted in quite small containers; the one we received is in a ceramic container that is only seven cm in diameter.

I like the miniatures because they are

much more versatile in terms of where they can be displayed. Although a fullsize phalaenopsis would look odd and out of scale on our dining table, our little miniature serves as a perfect table centre. They require the same care as the larger types except for watering requirements. Since they are in smaller pots, they may need to be watered more often.

Generally, orchids are happy being watered once a week to keep the planting medium evenly moist without keeping the roots sodden. I hold mine under the tap and let water flow through the medium, allow excess moisture to drain out of the pot’s drainage hole, and put it back on the table.

Once a month I add a high-nitrogen soluble fertilizer to the water at half-strength. Orchids are usually potted in wood bark chips of some kind and they provide excellent drainage.

Luckily, orchids like temperatures similar to those of our homes in winter, so no adjustment of the thermostat will be necessary. The only time temperature will be an issue is if you are encouraging

new bud development. Then the temperature should be kept warm day and night.

Bright, indirect light is perfect for any phalaenopsis and generally, the humidity in our homes during the winter will satisfy the plant, but if you suspect the humidity in your home is low, place the orchid on a pebble tray.

Blooms of a phalaenopsis orchid, including those of a miniature, will last about three months. Because they are not expensive, many people do not try to get them to rebloom. If you want to get your plant to rebloom, cut off half of the flower stalk after the blooms have expired, keep the plant warm, and continue to look after it as you did when it was in bloom. In a month or so you may very well see new buds developing and in a couple of months after that, new blooms will begin to appear and you can enjoy another round of bloom from your beautiful miniature orchid.

Albert Parsons writes from Minnedosa, Manitoba

A miniature orchid has small, exquisite blooms that will last for about three months.

PHOTO: ALBERT PARSONS

40

The Manitoba Co-Operator | January 24, 2013

COUNTRY CROSSROADS

MacGregor teacher promotes winter activities Now adults are joining in after school

By Donna Gamache Freelance contributor

I

n the ’50s, when I attended classes at a one-room school, noon hours meant tobogganing, snowshoeing and skiing on the hills behind our school. I remember with pleasure learning to ski on the smallest hill and then advancing to the longer, steeper slopes on the bigger hill. But nowadays, with most rural schools located in towns, such activities are no longer so easily available.

Pam May was enthusiastic about making winter activities part of the phys-ed classes.

This winter, in the town of MacGregor, although we don’t have hills we do have outdoor activities for both children and adults. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are gaining popularity, due mostly to the efforts of one enterprising MacGregorite — elementary teacher, Pam May. It’s not unusual to see a whole g ro u p o f s t u d e n t s o u t o n the MacGregor Golf Course and the nearby sports fields, learning to ski and snowshoe for their physical education classes. Dur ing off-school hours, adults can join in, too.

May first began getting students interested in outdoor winter sports a couple of years ago. She started with an afterschool ski club for kids in the older grades. Rounding up a few pairs of skis, she taught them the basics and let them practise on the soccer fields.

Then, after enlisting a few other adults to help, she took the students on a couple of field trips to the Bittersweet Ski Trails south of Rossendale where the trails are longer.

May wanted to make crosscountry skiing part of the regular phys-ed curriculum and realized that more equipment would be needed, as well as an established trail system close to the school. By the win-

A storeroom was set up close to the trails. photos: DONNA GAMACHE

ter of 2011-12 she had found someone with a trail-packing machine, and arranged for trails to be tracked on the MacGregor Golf Course, but the small amount of snow and mild temperatures last winter put an end to the plans for a while.

Undeterred, May continued on, deciding a ski room was needed to store the equipment near to where the trails would be. She convinced the Normac Centre (the MacGregor Rink) to let her use some space in the northeast corner of the rink. Then she enlisted several teachers and other adults to help in setting up and equipping a ski room there.

To d o t h i s , f u n d s w e re needed. Donations from the No r t h No r f o l k - Ma c G re g o r Foundation helped renovate the room, and money from Manitoba in Motion helped buy more skis. The school bought about 20 pairs of

Quilting for the bathroom

snowshoes with funds from the phys-ed teachers’ group, the local parent council and pizza sales at lunchtime.

She continued collecting more ski equipment for various sizes of children and adults, and now has over 80 pairs of skis, poles and boots, a s w e l l a s s n ow s h o e s f o r weights up to 180 pounds. “I can pretty well equip anyone from kindergarten to adults,” she said. On the first Sunday of January, about 30 skiers — both adults and children — had used the trails.

During school time if the weather is warm enough, students will use the equipment during phys-ed classes, and many adults — including my husband and myself — are making good use of the trails, too. Since we live close to the golf course and have our own skis, we can start from our house. For those who don’t

have their own, May plans to have the equipment available free to the public a couple of times a week — Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 and Thursday after noons after school. So far, three different people have been recruited to help with the trail grooming.

Tracked trails leave right from the equipment room.

Beginners can start with a short trail and then progress to the longer trail, about four kilometres, all around the golf course. There aren’t any hills but with flat, mostly straight trails, skiers can get a really good rhythm going, making it an excellent exercise.

The success of this program proves that energy and enthusiasm for a new activity can make a difference to a whole community.

Donna Gamache write from MacGregor, Manitoba

Reader’s Photo

By Myrlene Currie Freelance contributor

I

had a black mat set for the bathroom and didn’t like the toilet seat cover so that got me thinking. I could use the black and also bring up the colour of the walls and towels.

I used a paper-piecing pattern for the feature pattern (any could be used such as flowers, boats etc.), and made three pieces.

I made a pattern of the size and shape of the seat (1-1/2 inches larger) and the tank top (1/4 inch larger). Then I worked around them with a mottled black cotton and brought up the other colours used in the main pattern. I made a backing and very light padding piece and put it all together, serging around the edge of the seat cover and putting a 1/2-inch elastic around it, tight enough to hold it firm.

I did binding around the tank top piece.

Myrlene Currie writes from Carman, Man.

The bathroom colours were all brought together in the quilt pieces. photos: MYRLENE CURRIE

Guarding the bales! PHOTO: VANESSA LEBEAU

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:

A paper-piecing pattern was used.

Country Crossroads, 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, 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