Agriculture Month

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

P O S T M E D I A S A S K AT C H E WA N S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

OCTOBER IS

AGRICULTURE MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan has declared October Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan – a chance to celebrate an industry which exported a record $11 billion dollars to international markets last year. SP file photo

Charmed growing season results in overflowing bins

by Paul Sinkewicz for SP Creative Features

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llan Johnston, of Johnston’s Grain in Welwyn, is the owner of the oldest grain brokerage firms in Western Canada.

He says the yields farmers are seeing around Saskatchewan this year are unbelievable.

“There’s just all kinds of grain,” he says. “There’s more grain than the producers can manage because they just don’t have the storage. They thought they were going to have a ‘bumper’ crop, but it’s more like a ‘bumper-bumper’ crop.”

Johnston thinks this may be the biggest crop ever harvested in the province.

“Older people have never seen anything like this. I just talked to a guy who’s 85 years old and has farmed all his life and he’s never seen anything like this.”

Johnston’s company also sells grain storage bags and bins, and he says all the grain bags in Western Canada have been used up and he’s busy selling steel storage quick bins and tarps to cover the grain farmers are piling up in their yards.

If they can’t get enough tarps or even bales, Johnston says some farmers will have to resort to leaving their grain out in the open until they can free up some bin space.

“The price is down quite a bit, but the volume is just astronomical on all the grains – wheat, barley, lentils – everything,” says Johnston. “The one people are talking about the most is the wheat because it’s just phenomenal. We’re hearing about yields of 80 to 100 bushels an acre on some wheat, and that’s more than double the norm.”

The grades are good too, because producers are getting the crops off in good weather.

While improved farming equipment and techniques have contributed to the success of Saskatchewan farmers, Johnston says the main factor in making a living off the land is still the whims of

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s part of their commitment to keep agriculture a priority, the Government of Saskatchewan has declared October to be Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan.

It’s an opportunity to once again acknowledge the ongoing importance of agriculture in the province traditionally known as the bread basket of the world.

“Agriculture Month is an opportunity to recognize the wide-ranging importance of agriculture not only to the province but also well beyond our borders,” comments Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart. “The agriculture and agri-food industry is a vital contributor to the Saskatchewan economy, employing more than 50,000 people and accounting for 7.5 per cent of the provincial GDP. Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry is also helping to meet the growing global demand for food.”

International agricultural exports reached a record $11 billion dollars last year. Eighteen different countries accounted for over $100 million each.

As many in Saskatchewan can attest, agriculture is not just big business, but a way of life. With 98 per cent of Canadian farms family-owned and operated*, ensuring a healthy agricultural sector affects the lives of families across Canada, but especially here in Saskatchewan.

According to CropLife Canada world food demand is expected to grow 70 per cent by 2050. This represents an unprecedented opportunity for agriculture in Saskatchewan as traditional markets expand and new markets come on board.

Agriculture has a bright future and many opportunities in Saskatchewan. The jobs created across the province in farming, ranching, research, processing, finance and other areas demand well-trained graduates and entrepreneurs who share a passion for agriculture.

“Throughout Agriculture Month our

Government wants to highlight the many opportunities in agriculture for young people considering their career options.

Whether interests lie with business, engineering or the trades, working in agriculture comes with the promise of a bright future and the opportunity to help feed the world,” adds Stewart.

To follow developments in this dynamic sector throughout October, you can stay connected on Twitter @SKGovAG. *The Real Dirt on Farming II, Food & Farm Care Ontario, 2010.

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The Saskatoon StarPhoe

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

OCTOB

AGRICULTU

IN SASKAT

BUMPER CROP

Saskatchewan sets agricultural export record

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Mother Nature.

“Nature has doled out something incredible this year. We don’t know why. It was hot at the right time, there was enough moisture at the right time and it was cool at the right time. It was cool in July when it’s usually hot and burning up crops and this year it wasn’t and everything went forward and it just turned out to be a phenomenal year.”

There will be both short- and long-term effects for producers to navigate due to the banner harvest, says Johnston.

The short-term effect is already happening. Markets are being flooded by grain and in accordance with the laws of supply and demand prices are dropping.

This glut will hit prices all this winter for sure, says Johnston.

He says some of the prices are still pretty good, but farmers have become used to the higher prices they’ve seen in recent years, so there is an adjustment to make.

“But I think a lot of farmers are financially set enough that they can sit back and ride this out a little bit. Of course, some can’t, but those that can hold onto their grain a little longer will gain into the winter or next spring, or even fall.”

Having a little extra grain left in the bin from 2013 may help if next year is a bust, says Johnston.

“Next year could see a drought, you never know.”

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith of SP Creative Features

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Help tell the real story of Canadian agriculture

Be an AGvocate

pulses such as lentils, peas and chick peas. Increasingly, though, exports include new and innovative products being developed by creative people right at home.

“Seeing the innovation and creativity that can come out of small and medium sized companies is quite astounding and that bodes well for the agricultural industry here. It’s not just about shipping product out that’s in its raw form. There’s lot of opportunity here as well to add value and keep some of that value here,” Evancio says.

The province has several advantages over other markets. Over 45 per cent of the arable land in Canada is located in Saskatchewan, meaning there is lots of space to meet the world demand for cereal crops, other food products and livestock.

As well, there is a lot of research and development being done at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. Saskatoon is also home to the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. The Centre provides food processing, skills development and ongoing research and development into food concepts, extrusion and food safety training.

“You are seeing innovation in the agriculture industry. Obviously, we’re really fortunate to have a hub where there’s research and development being done, there’s innovation taking place here,” she explains.

Evancio cites the buy local movement has helped to buoy interest in developing local food products.

Retail markets, such as SaskMade Market Place allow people to tune into what’s available right at home.

“People are much more engaged in what it is that we’re consuming. And that only bodes well for food processors that are looking to build up and diversify that consumer base,” says Evancio. “The things that we take for granted here do end up feeding into a lot of the consumer trends that you’re seeing.”

Further a Canadian label on a product carries a lot of weight in many parts of the world, because of stringent food safety regulations and the perception of Canada as an environmental idyll.

One of the perennial challenges Saskatchewan companies face is getting their products to market. Being 1500 kilometres from Vancouver port, for instance, means high transport costs for companies looking at markets overseas. It may not be desirable to ship perishable food items in bulk if the market isn’t strong. These are all obstacles a new company will have find creative ways to turn these issues into opportunities.

For generations in Saskatchewan there has always been one variable no one can predict – Mother Nature.

Harsh winters, drought, pests and flooding can all impact the quality or quantity of any given crop. This year’s 1-800-529-9958 bumper crop isn’t the norm. However, Saskatchewan producers and farmers www.kramerauction.com will always rise to whatever challenge Mother Nature throws at them.

“I’m from the generation where you grew up thinking of Saskatchewan as the bread basket. I don’t think that’s changed. If anything that basket, as offers the 55-Alive Mature opposed to just being bread, certainly Driver course as well as has a lot more than that now, which is Defensive Driving courses. certainly exciting for this province,” says Evancio. “As long as markets Update your don’t shut down in terms of throwing safe driving techniques and up trade barriers, there’s certainly no rules of the road in a safe reason why (Saskatchewan producers) classroom environment. can’t continue to grow their businesses and continue experiencing success.”

ou may not have heard, but Saskatchewan set a record last year. The province’s agricultural exports topped $11 billion internationally. That impressive figure doesn’t include business conducted between Saskatchewan and other provinces in Canada.

“Sometimes we’re really good at doing things and maybe not tooting our own horn enough,” notes Jennifer Evancio, senior director trade development and agri-value with the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP).

Every day Evancio sees Saskatchewan companies and products gaining attention of markets in far flung markets like China, India, Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Sometimes the markets are a little closer to home, like last spring when Evancio found Keeler, Saskatchewan company Prairie Berries at a food technologist’s conference in Chicago.

Prairie Berries markets Saskatoon berries as a superfruit high in healthy antioxidants. The company seeks to get their products into cereal bars, juices or other products. And U.S. companies are taking notice.

It’s just one of many success stories Evancio sees in her travels.

She points to Avena Foods, the company behind Only Oats - a producer of certified gluten-free, wheat-free oat products. With the market for celiac-safe products

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Serving Prairie Farmers Since 1949

Our industry needs more agvocates To reach its full potential, agriculture needs everyone in the industry to speak up and speak positively.

Agriculture More Than Ever is an industry-driven cause to improve perceptions and create positive dialogue about Canadian ag. Together we can share the facts and stories about this vibrant and modern industry, and tell the world why we love what we do.

It’s up to all of us to be agvocates and it’s easier than

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you think – visit AgMoreThanEver.ca and find out how

The Saskatoon and District Safety Council

you can get involved.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is a proud champion of this cause

CALL 306-260-6557 to learn more.

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expanding by the day, their company is poised to see success, not only in marketing their oats directly to customers, but also in providing oats or oat products

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enix • thestarphoenix.com

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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BER IS

URE MONTH

TCHEWAN

The Agricultural Health and Safety Network celebrates 25 years

by Ashleigh Mattern for SP Creative Features

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mproving health and safety on farms isn’t just about the obvious, scary issues like exposure to chemicals and safely handling dangerous machinery: it’s also about checking hearing loss due to noise, having proper sun protection, and maintaining good sleep habits.

The Agricultural Health and Safety Network recognizes the importance of addressing all aspects of farm health and safety, and for 25 years, they’ve been offering a wide variety of resources to that end.

The AHSN was established in 1988 as a joint venture between six Saskatchewan rural municipalities, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, and the Centre for Agricultural Medicine (now the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture).

They now have more than 200 RMs on board, and they offer occupational health and safety information and programs to over 29,000 Saskatchewan farm families -- more than half of all the farm families in Saskatchewan.

Their mission is “to improve health and safety on the farm through education, service, and evaluation research,” and they have a wide variety of health and safety resources, including articles and information available on their website, health clinics, and workshops.

Dr. Niels Koehncke, acting director of the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, says the AHSN has grown to the point where they’re looking at ways to expand their ability to provide services for the RMs in their network.

“We’re always looking at ways of expanding our awareness about the network and the centre,” he says. “And health and safety is so crucial. Keeping our farmers and their families safe is important.”

During their 25th anniversary year, they’re focusing on

respiratory hazards on the farm. They’ll be celebrating their anniversary at every clinic and workshop they do throughout the year, and they’re publishing a booklet about the history of the network.

They’re also moving offices this year: from their current location at the Royal University Hospital into the new Academic Health Sciences E Wing on campus. As part of the move, they’ll be having an open house and anniversary celebration in the fall, though they expect to start settling in this May. “The whole centre is excited about that,” says Koehncke. “We’re in the middle of all the logistical planning around the move, but it’s a very exciting time and it’s really going to give us the space and resources and the facility to provide what we envision we want to provide to farmers.”

Koehncke has been with the centre for 13 years, although only recently became acting director, and he says the AHSN is a unique program.

“It’s certainly unique in Canada, and there doesn’t seem to be anything similar even in North America.”

He suspects the program may even be unique internationally because they get a lot of attention from health and safety partners outside of Canada interested in how it works.

The participation of the RMs is the key to the network’s uniqueness.

Workshops are tailored to the needs and interests of each particular RM,

and because of the participation of SARM and the network’s close ties to the Ministry of Agriculture, the AHSN has a finger on the pulse of the farmers in the province.

“We’re getting strong support locally,” says Koehncke.

“People feel there is a very good value in the educational materials being provided. In health services, in terms of the clinics, we’re certainly getting strong indications that’s considered worthwhile.”

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P O S T M E D I A S A S K A T C H E WA N S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Saskatoon StarPhoenix • thestarphoenix.com

OCTOBER IS

AGRICULTURE MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

CANOLA

-so healthy and so Saskatchewan!

Saskatchewan’s signature patchwork of canola fields produces 45 to 50 per cent of Canada’s canola crop each year. Canola oil is a versatile vegetable oil with healthful properties and light flavour. SP file photo

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by Wendy Livingstone for SP Creative Features

ou can pour it on your salad, use it for sautéing and stir-frying or blend it into a smoothie. The next time you’re at a football game, you might even be eating it as a topping on your popcorn and, because it’s low in saturated fat, canola oil ‘a light-tasting, madein-Saskatchewan product ’ is the number one heart healthy oil.

This extremely versatile vegetable oil is one of the healthiest culinary cooking oils in the world. It is free of trans fat and cholesterol, contains the lowest amount of saturated fat of all common cooking oils, is a source of omega 6 fat and is high in monounsaturated and omega 3 fats.

“It has a very good profile and studies are showing that, physiologically, it is helping people with heart disease and diabetes,” says Catherine Folkersen, executive director of SaskCanola.

By leveraging federal government funding, the Canola Council of Canada facilitates investment from canola producers of the three Prairie Provinces, along with processors and other members of the supply chain to support clinical research that evaluates the nutritional aspects of canola oil.

One surprising study result is that people who have replaced calories from carbohydrates and other fats with canola oil have reduced belly fat. “We are following up on this finding because it is significant when you are talking about issues of metabolic syndrome,” says Folkersen.

Canola oil has become popular because, in addition to its health-enhancing properties, it is extremely versatile. Its mild taste allows it to be used in many applications without overpowering the taste of the food, such as when it is flavoured for use as a popcorn topping. “It’s very versatile because of its light and neutral flavour,” says Folkersen. When using in baking or as a salad dressing, canola oil’s light flavor is favourable when compared to other oils.

The canola plant is part of the brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, mustard, canola, bok choy and the wrinkly cabbages. Unlike most of these plants, though, canola is grown for its seeds rather than its leaves. The little, black seeds are crushed to produce oil and the by-product is used for animal feed.

Folkersen explains, “When the seeds are crushed, everything that is not oil is processed into canola meal, which is a high-quality ingredient for dairy cattle feed.” Studies have

shown that dairy cattle that are fed canola meal as part of their diet will increase their milk production by one liter per cow per day.

Contrary to popular belief, canola is not the same as rapeseed, but rather a descendent.

Rapeseed is a high-oil-content seed that has properties that make it unsuitable for human or animal consumption. Folkersen says that rapeseed’s fatty acid profile has a fatty acid called erucic acid. “[It’s] not very good for your heart, so that was bred out of it using traditional breeding techniques. The scientists would breed one plant with another that was low, get it lower and they just kept making that lower.” For animals, it was the flavour of the meal that inhibited its use. “There was a compound in the meal called glucosinolates which made it a poor choice for animal feed because it tasted bitter and animals didn’t like it. Through very traditional breeding techniques, these were reduced.”

The resulting, healthy-for-humans and tasty-to-animals seed was called canola, from “can,” for Canada, and “ola,” for oil low acid.

In Europe it is called double zero rapeseed, which indicates its low erucic acid and low glucosinolates.

Approximately 95 per cent of the canola now produced in Saskatchewan is grown from genetically modified (GM) seed. “The genetic modification was to make canola herbicidetolerant,” says Folkersen. “Now, around the globe, a lot less pesticide is used, which means it’s better for our rivers, streams, for birds, for wildlife.” Soil erosion is also reduced when GM crops are grown because farmers no longer need to till the soil for weed control.

Teaching kids how to be safe on a farm

by Miranda Burski for SP Creative Feature

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

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ith everything there is to find on a farm, it’s not surprising that there’s a risk that children could be injured. What is surprising is that, according to the Saskatchewan Comprehensive Injury Surveillance Report, 1995-2005, 298 children (zero to 19 years of age) were hospitalized and 58 died as a result of injuries sustained on farms from 1995 to 2005.

Both of those numbers are significantly higher than anybody wants them to be, which is why the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions (SAASE) has begun to coordinate Farm Safety Day Camps.

A Farm Safety Day Camp is a collection of safety-related stations set up and presented by one of SAASE’s agricultural societies. The agricultural society partners with the group hosting the camp — usually either a school or someone in the community — to take children through each of the stations.

Glen Duck, executive director of SAASE, said the stations at the camps range in general subject matter. For example, depending on the area where the camp is being held, stations could focus on such things as tractor safety, properly riding a quad, how to stay safe around livestock and what to look for to be safe around chemicals.

“It all depends which area [you’re in].

There are so many different farm safety stations that you could run or have,” says Duck.

SAASE ran two of the day camps last year, one in Kelvington and one in Lloydminster. Nine are scheduled for this year, and more are expected to take place next year. Part of the growing success of the camps, Duck says, is the involvement of SAASE’s agricultural societies.

“The one good thing about agricultural societies doing it is they’re so involved with the communities that it’s very easy for them to get kids out to something like this,” he explained. “We have all of the facilities, we already work with a lot of schools as far as agriculture education programs anyway, so it’s a nice fit. It really works well.”

With the global population expected to top 9 billion by 2050, the opportunities in Saskatchewan agriculture have never been greater.

Viterra is investing in the future of a vibrant and prosperous agriculture industry for our farm customers, our employees and the communities we serve.

We are proud to join the Government of Saskatchewan in celebrating Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan. www.viterra.ca

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Farm Safety Day Camps provide a collection of safety-related stations presented by one of SAASE’s agricultural societies. Stations are geared toward tractor safety, properly riding a quad or how to stay safe around livestock, for instance. Supplied photo

In addition to the involvement of the agricultural societies, Duck touts SAASE’s partnership with each the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Progressive Agriculture and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) as key pieces of the Farm Safety Day Camps’ success.

The relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture came about early last year.

“Some of our agricultural societies had already run Farm Safety Day Camps, and so we started talking about them with the ministry,” says Duck. “From that, it just ended up snowballing into a three-year agreement with them where we’ll be doing … farm safety camps across the province.”

The partnerships with Progressive Agriculture and CASA came later in 2012, but have been just as essential for the camps. Duck explained both Progressive Agriculture and CASA have some of the most up-to-date resource materials and teaching aids when it comes to farm safety.

In order to use Progressive Agriculture’s materials, however, the day camp must include at least one coordinator who has gone through their training course.

“We thought that would be an ideal way for us to get a whole bunch of our agriculture society people trained,” adds Duck. “That way it could almost selfperpetuate itself down the road. Get all these people trained across the province and it’s going to be a whole lot easier to make these farm safety days a big success.”

For more information about Farm Safety Day Camps or to see if there is one planned in your area, contact the agricultural society nearest you. A full list of SAASE’s 62 members can be found at www.saase.ca.