Modern Agriculture Volume 2 Issue 3 by Modern Agriculture

MAY 2015 MAY 2015

VOL. 2 ISSUE 3

Bio Control

Probiotics for Healthier Animals and Crops

Adaptable Agriculture Cropping under Climatic Change

Rapid Detection of Bird Flu on the Horizon?

Tom Baumann Leads the Way

Mentoring Young Agriculturists MODERN AGRICULTURE | AA

To be selected,

MAY 2015

IMPRESSUM

The

PUBLISHER’S

LETTER Dear Readers,

Spring is here and we at Modern Agriculture look forward to the warmer weather and the growing season ahead. We had a great time meeting so many of you at the Pacific Agricultural Show this past January. The feedback and positivity we heard all around makes us want to keep working harder to produce the best publication possible. We were delighted and honoured to share those conversations with you and hear about the differences being made in communities across BC. The passion and love for agriculture was on full display there and we are just glad we were a part of it.

B:11.125”

S:10”

T:10.875”

In this issue, we interviewed Tom Baumann, who is one of the most respected and knowledgeable members of the agriculture community. Our photographer Karin Nelson did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the “Big German”. His views on mentoring young agriculturalists is very encouraging and a great read. Our featured contributors brought their A game, and wrote about some great topics on what is happening in the industry. We had some esteemed guest contributors: Dr Suresh Neethirajan from the University of Guelph, wrote about a detection tool for the bird flu; Anvar Buranov shares a new plant that may have some success in the Fraser Valley; and Jonathan Lloyd examines how climate change may affect how we farm in BC. Farmers Markets are going to be opening up very soon and we encourage our readers to support our local growers. Earth day is on April 22, 2015; it is a good day to reflect on some of our everyday habits and see if we can in anyway improve them to have less of a negative impact on this beautiful planet of ours. Don’t forget to subscribe to MODERN AGRICULTURE on our website so you can continue to receive the magazine for FREE. Don’t miss out!

they need to be protected.

It’s good weather for gardening! Check out our website for some gardening content and tips for all the home gardeners out there. Sincerely,

Use DuPont™ Exirel™ insecticide, powered by Cyazypyr™, early in the season to give your pome fruit, stone fruit and blueberries the head-start they need during the most critical stages of development. Exirel™ has fast acting, translaminar and xylem systemic movement so you’ll be protecting new growth from difcult chewing and sucking pests, including aphids, plum curculio, apple maggots, codling moth, Oriental fruit moths, leafrollers, weevils and spotted wing drosophila. ™

™

Exirel , powered by Cyazypyr , an important part of an integrated pest management program. Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit exirel.dupont.ca As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Exirel™ and Cyazypyr™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I.|duMODERN Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. AB AGRICULTURE © Copyright 2015 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

FIND US ONLINE: WWW.MODERNAGRICULTURE.CA Instagram: @modernagriculture Twitter: @modernagmag Facebook: /modernagmag LinkedIn: /modern-agriculture-magazine Google Plus: +Modern Agriculture

PUBLISHER Modern Media Group Ltd. EDITOR Cate Pedersen CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karin Nelson MANAGING EDITOR Harwind Bassi DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Nav Sekhon SALES MANAGER(S): Gurtaj Sandhu Taj Sekhon MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 13003 Highstreet PO Abbotsford, BC V2T 0C4 Canada ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES advertising@modernagriculture.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@modernagriculture.ca

MODERN AGRICULTURE is published quarterly by Modern Media Group Limited. No part of this publication may be used without written permission from the publisher. © 2014. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us. MODERN AGRICULTURE receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. MODERN AGRICULTURE and its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials and/ or pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 1

MAY 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE: 6

Rapid Detection Tool for Bird Flu on the Horizon?

Media Management: How NOT to Become the Next Media Sensation

The Weed to Beat All Weeds: Yellow Nutsedge

The Burning Question: Can Used Bedding Make Money?

Water Act Revitalized

Asparagus, the Forgotten Crop?

Adventures in Agriculture: Traversing Through Switzerland

Bio Control: Probiotics for Healthier Animals and Crops

Blueberry Gall Midge Pest Profile

Adaptable Agriculture: Cropping under Climatic Change

High Hopes for Rubber Plant: Cultivation of Taraxacum kok-saghyz in British Columbia

Brewing Up Business: Olds College Brewmaster Program

What the Haksap?

Our Future is Traceable

Prospects for the Canadian Dairy Sector

En Gourd!

Fly Management on the Farm: Know Your Enemy!

Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Global Impact on Agricultural Trade

2 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Tom Bauman Leads the Way: Mentoring Young Agriculturists

NASA Soil Moisture Mapping Mission

Fresh From the Garden

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 3

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

MAY 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

CONTRIBUTORS: CHRIS BILLION

MIRANDA ELSBY

DR. SURESH NEETHIRAJAN Dr. Suresh Neethirajan is an assistant professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph. He received his BSc from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India (2002), and PhD from the University of Manitoba (2009). Dr. Neethirajan’s research interests are in bio-instrumentation, bioimaging and bionanotechnology. His research involves the study of biological systems using nano-scale imaging techniques, and microfluidics for energy, health and agricultural applications.

Chris Billion, a transplant from the Kootenays, grew to love the Fraser Valley and the warm community, eventually settling here with his wife, Rebecca. Chris taught himself about growing and learned about the land from people he worked with along the way. He now looks forward to teaching his young son about living off the land and creating a sustainable life. As owner of One Love Farm, Chris uses his skills to advise others and enjoys “helping the world grow organic vegetables, one garden at a time.” You can visit him at the Abbotsford Farm Market or online: www.onelovefarm.wordpress.com ANVAR BURANOV Anvar Buranov holds MSc, PhD, and Postdoc. Published 15 peer-reviewed research papers, two patents and numerous conference presentations. More than 10 years of his experience has been devoted to rubber-bearing plants. Dr. Buranov served as a postdoctoral research fellow at Pacific AgriFood Research Center in Summerland, BC from 2006-2009. He received Schildroth Agri-Innovation Award from business competition “New Ventures British Columbia” sponsored by British Columbia Innovation Council, Canada in 2011.

Having grown up on a family dairy farm in the agriculture corridor of the Fraser Valley in BC, Miranda has strong ties and motivations to contribute to the local and global agriculture and horticulture communities. She holds a Production Horticulture Diploma (Honours) from Olds College, as well as course work in conservation sciences at UBC, and is currently completing the final academic term of her BASc in Horticulture. She also has experience working with government, not-for-profit, and private organizations, both in Canadian and international settings, all with the common goal of improving ecological management and crop production practices. She has a special interest in pest and crop management research and hopes to contribute to this innovative field throughout her career. AXEL AND DORIS HVIDBERG

Tahn Towns has been involved in the holistic approach to health for humans and animals for many years. She has her own business HealthyHorses.ca., and consults for Source Probiotics. 4 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

A writer since she first held a pen, Ronda Payne is passionate about words. Years ago, she kissed ‘9 to 5 jobs’ goodbye and began her true career as a copywriter, freelance writer and creative writer – much of that writing is about agriculture. She has a passion for farming and spends a good deal of her research time in gum boots. JEREMY P. WHITTINGSTALL Jeremy holds a BA, MA, ABC and is a public relations and issue management advisor with Orchestra Communications, based out of Langley, BC. He has a focus on agricultural issues and has worked with organizations throughout BC preparing them for public-facing crises. Some career highlights are: Development of climate change adaptation communication strategy for the BC Climate Action Initiative and Delta Farmers’ Institute (2015 implementation) and Communication/PR management for major crisis in the BC dairy industry. ALSO PUBLISHED IN THIS ISSUE:

JOHN EDWARDS AND TAHN TOWNS John completed his BSc (Specialization in Zoology) then worked for an international pharmaceutical company as well as other sales positions before introducing the Chrisal brand to Canada in 2010. He is an advocate for reducing the use of toxic chemicals on farms.

RONDA PAYNE

Doris and Axel moved to Salmon Arm in 2006 from Bragg Creek, Alberta. Axel has owned and operated Glass Protect for 38 years. Doris spent 10 years as a commercial pilot. There was always an interest in growing things and in 2010 they decided to buy 13 acres in Salmon Arm and named it High Mountain Farm. In addition to their two retail greenhouses, they decided their hay field needed a different crop and planted haskaps in 2011.

• • • • • • •

Cody Cruise Kaitlyn Gisler Geoff Lewis Jonathan Lloyd Brian Milne Cate Pedersen Greg Welfing

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 5

POULTRY

MAY 2015

RAPID DETECTION TOOL FOR BIRD FLU ON THE HORIZON?

A third common detection tool is nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA). It can identify the disease through its antigens’ RNA using cost-effective ELISA plate readers. Used heavily in China and Japan to monitor H5N1 avian influenza in poultry, NASBA can also be standardized across different laboratories easily. While scientists have thought of developing point-of-test devices based on this technique, its limitations have made them re-assess their decision. First off, as in the case of most RNA amplification procedures like RT-PCR, the integrity of RNA is a cause of concern. In addition, farmers themselves will not be able to carry out this diagnosis since the target sequence should be between 120 and 250 nucleotides or else they will be amplified less efficiently. To sum everything up, most of the commonly used techniques for detecting avian influenza are inaccurate, expensive and unavailable for those directly in contact with the infected animals. This explains why chances of re-infection are high while the opportunities to recover financial losses afterwards are quite low. However, based on the findings in a paper by Longyan Chen and Suresh Neethirajan from the BioNano Laboratory in University of Guelph’s School of Engineering, a quicker detection tool may be on the way. Proposed new method

By Dr. Suresh Neethirajan

rom China to the United States, the avian influenza continues to endanger both poultry and man. Also known as bird flu, this viral disease has rendered 3 to 5 million people severely ill while 250,000 to 500,000 have lost their lives. Type A, especially strains A (H5N1) and A (H7N9), has proven to be deadlier, putting governments and farmers alike under pressure to ensure the health of birds and ultimately the people who consume them. According to health experts, the lack of information on this disease is what causes fear among farmers and consumers. Moreover, while the FDA had approved a H5N1 vaccine in 2013, it was limited to the National Stockpile and left unavailable for commercial use. Besides, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the vaccine was ineffective as it required multiple dosages. Now, new vaccines are underway, but none of them has been approved so far. This is why preventing the spread of the infection is the best way to 6 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

keep the disease under control. And prevention in this case starts with effective surveillance.

“ . . . most of the commonly used techniques for detecting avian influenza are inaccurate, expensive and unavailable for those directly in contact with the infected animals.”

Current methods for detecting avian flu The first and most popular method for detecting avian influenza A (H7N9) is reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Developed by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Beijing, the protocol is designed to detect infectious agents such as the avian flu virus. What made RT-PCR stand out was the fact that it took only four hours to diagnose birds, which is a much shorter time

than the 21 days traditionally used by the Paris- based World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). As a result, it is less expensive than its counterparts. Unfortunately, since the method is not designed for commercial use, it requires expensive equipment which may not be available for the people who actually need it. Another popular method is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which determines the concentration of analyte (e.g. antibodies or antigens) in solution. By analyzing the colored end product, the amount of analyte can be determined and ultimately how far the disease has progressed. Now, ELISA is one of the most sensitive immunoassays available. However, it still lacks the sensitivity and specificity required for quickly curbing an avian flu epidemic. Even though effective commercialized immune assay kits are available to help farmers, these do not provide an accurate number indicating analyte concentration. As a result, they have no other option than to destroy the whole coop at times.

POULTRY

MAY 2015 mogenous fluorescence-quenching assay. Uniform in structure and composition, this assay consists of glycan conjugated quantum dots (Gly-QDs) and an antibody-modified gold nanoparticles (Ab-Au NPs) pair. The first is a fluorescent agent, which means that it emits light, while the second is a fluorescence quencher, i.e. agent that reduces the substance’s ability to emit light. On their own, Gly-QDs and Ab-Au NPs do not react. However, in the presence of antigens such as avian flu, Ab-Au NPs robs QDs of their fluorescence. Testing the reaction of both components, the scientists uncovered that high sensitivity is possible for both H1N1-HA and H5N1-HA, and thereby can differentiate whether the flu strain of human patient is due to avian influenza or not. Regardless, considering the fact that this is the first type of experiment that used non-nucleic acid conjugated nanoparticles in a FRET analysis, further research is bound to follow. Moreover, Chen and Neethirajan may get to see the biosensors they proposed for quickly detecting the disease and taking preventative measures. How effective is the method—really? The 2015 hypothesis that Gly-QDs and Ab-Au-NPs can enhance the functionality of FRET analysis can be supported by a 2012 theory proposed by Cheng-Chung Chou and Yi-Han Huang from the National

Research Council of China (Taiwan). When integrated with a homemade optical sensor made from a UV LED, mini CCD spectrophotometer and an ITO glass slide, the assay system could be used for nucleic acid analysis and on-site surveillance. Practically speaking, the proposed GlyQDs and Ab-Au-NPs assay is quite convenient. Since it does not require additional washing steps, it can save sensing time. This feature alone can ensure that farmers automate the detection procedure, providing farmers and the commercial industry with a device they can use conveniently on their own without resorting to the services of professional labs early on. Considering the threat which avian influenza poses to human health and the growth of the agricultural sector, investing in disease control strategies is vital. Therefore, theories should be thoroughly tested out to equip farmers with tools that can efficiently detect the virus before it wreaks havoc on their main produce. Luckily, governments are funding studies ranging from cell culture of the viruses to vaccines and all the way to changing wild bird migration patterns to keep them at bay. Through their efforts so far, H5N1 is relatively contained and its speed and mutation are limited. However, until a proper monitoring solution is implemented, it will be a while before the death toll can be minimized and the next flu pandemic avoided. ●

In their paper “A Homogenous Fluorescence Quenching Based Assay for Specific and Sensitive Detection of Influenza virus A Hemagglutinin Antigen”, Chen and Neethirajan propose the use of the powerful and sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) tool along with a homogenous fluorescence-quenching assay for optimum results. FRET is a powerful technique and one of the few tools which can measure the smallest changes in the interaction of molecules or atoms. Studying it, different groups noticed its ability to detect and separate the nucleic acid sequences of the virus. However, the assays (tests to determine the components of a certain subject) traditionally used for FRET required more processing with the help of additional reverse transcription PCR. Another issue is that antibody-based assays were never investigated before due to the large size of antibodies, which block the interaction between molecules and reduce the efficiency of the diagnosis. However, Chen and Neethirajan propose improving the results of FRET through a hoMODERN AGRICULTURE | 7

POULTRY

MAY 2015

POULTRY

MAY 2015

THE BURNING QUESTION: Can Used Bedding Make Money?

“Many studies have been done in the States,” explains James, “but none of them relate to B.C. and our particular situation. We’ll keep pressing on as long as the industry has this situation to deal with.” For B.C., a new study is planned for 2015 to convert poultry litter into heat and electricity. This project could potentially have positive impacts on both the environment and animal waste management, and be one solution to how we can turn trash into treasure. We will have to wait for the results to come in, and look forward to future projects which will help answer the burning question. The broilers were weighed individually once weekly and the weights recorded. All feed was also weighed weekly and any feed remaining in the feeders was weighed back and replaced. Unfortunately, the hoped-for outcomes of the study did not come to pass. The broilers did not show any perceptible improvements in feed conversion or increases in final weight.

nyone who works in B.C.’s poultry industry is aware that a creative, cost-effective disposal solution is required for the excess volumes of used poultry bedding accumulating from the over 100 million chickens and turkeys produced annually. Finding a way of turning this abundance of bedding into a valuable resource is even harder. But that was the goal of the BC Agriculture Research and Development Corporation (ARDCorp), BC Sustainable Poultry Farming Group (SPFG), Ritchie-Smith Feeds and Diacarbon Energy, who optimistically embarked on a trial to turn this material back into fodder. Used poultry bedding has been used for centuries as a soil fertilizer. But only so much of the bedding can be used on the land before the nutrients start leaching into the environment, becoming a risk rather than an asset. Transporting the bedding to other geographical locations is often uneconomical, so the bedding remains close to source. For the Lower 8 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Mainland which raises close to ninety per cent of B.C.’s poultry, the current nutrient surplus is a concern. The poultry sector’s quest for a viable alternative to the land application of bedding was the reason for this recent feed study. In other parts of the world, some success has been achieved with turning used broiler bedding into biochar and adding it to broiler feed, thereby improving the broiler’s feed conversion and increasing final weight. Fueled by the success of others, ARDCorp, the SPFG and the Ministry of Agriculture hoped that through conducting their own experiment, they could create demand for roughly ten per cent of the used broiler bedding in the Lower Mainland; and, at the same time, improve production. Biochar is made by burning biomass material at extreme heats of over 500°C in an oxygen-free environment. This process, called pyrolysis (thermochemical decom-

position), is a very effective disinfection technique, ensuring that the biochar is free of any possible pathogens. Once the biochar is made, this highly porous charcoal-like substance can be added to livestock feed to improve absorption of nutrients and aid in digestion. For this study, used broiler bedding was taken from a commercial broiler barn in the Fraser Valley and dried before being delivered to Diacarbon’s pyrolysis unit in Agassiz. Once processed, the resulting biochar was transported to Ritchie-Smith Feeds in Abbotsford where it was incorporated into commercial starter, grower and finisher broiler feed. The feed was delivered to S.J. Ritchie Research Farms Ltd in Abbotsford for a floor pen study. The study involved 288 broiler chicks arbitrarily placed into twenty-four specially constructed pens. The chicks in each pen were given feed supplemented with biochar or feed without biochar for 35 days.

The biochar feed study might have ruled out one opportunity, but it has opened doors for others. The main objective, after all, is to find sustainable ways of managing used broiler bedding. And if supplementing broiler feed with broiler bedding biochar did not work as expected, then the question should be: where can the industry look next?

ation. Other applications of biochar have proved successful, but perhaps not economically feasible for the Lower Mainland. Biochar has been used as a soil conditioner to improve water retention and nutrient density to aid in the growth of plants and increase yield. Biochar is also considered a superior growing medium in hydroponics, which is a rapidly growing technology. All of these areas could be expanded upon, creating financial opportunities for the poultry industry.

Any inquiries about this study and requests for details should be directed ARDCorp’s Senior Program Manager Jaclyn Laic (604) 854-4483. ● Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincialterritorial initiative. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

Meet our Agriculture Services Team We know that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of life. We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communities by providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the business of farming.

Allen James, Chair of ARDCorp, and a member of the SPFG hopes researchers can find a positive way to convert the poultry bedding into energy. “As long as there’s an excess of bedding, we’ll be looking for a solution.” He is hopeful we will find a local solution to our local situ-

Contact one of our Agriculture Specialists. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

Karen W. Taylor, PhD, MBA, P.Ag. Relationship Manager Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2229 karen.w.taylor@td.com

Scott Shields Account Manager Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2222 scott.shields@td.com

Dave Gill Agriculture Associate Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2224 baldev.gill@td.com

Jeremy Siddall Account Manager BC Interior 250-763-4241, ext. 305 jeremy.siddall@td.com

The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

M00354 - MOD (0315)

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 9

INDUSTRY UPDATE

MAY 2015

WATER ACT REVITALIZED Gaining Ground One of the main differences in the new act which will affect farmers and ranchers in BC regards the licensing and fees for ground water use. BC is one of the only jurisdictions in North America that does not regulate groundwater use. Many farms and ranches in BC irrigate their land and water their livestock with water obtained from an underground source and this has, so far, not been licensed or had a cost associated with its use. Ground water is, after all, connected to surface water and an important part of the whole water cycle. It’s about time groundwater receives the same consideration as the rest of water supply.

MAY 2015

#1 SELLING TRACTOR IN THE WORLD! S ra 3016 d n i h a M er; 25 load el; L M h it s w ishi Die b u s it M 3-Cyl 4x4 28 HP; t ader lif lo lb 0 110 00 e $17,9 ic r P h s Ca

Agricultural operators currently using ground water will be asked to register to receive a water use license and start monitoring their usage (if they are not doing so already) to be ready for the new regulations that are coming.

By Cate Pedersen

round us and below us runs the life force that we as a province need to protect at all costs. We depend on it daily, and we are all responsible for the planning and management of it. Water: the precious resource that requires responsible stewardship and governance. We cannot afford to be cavalier about our water systems, and the new and improved Water Sustainability Act is leading us in the right direction. Over a hundred years ago, the original Water Act was created with a focus on advancing agriculture and industry. It was put in place to protect the rights of the proprietor, without much consideration to environmental impact or conservation. At the time, the sustainability of the province’s water was hardly a concern as there was such an abundance of water in comparison to the population of users. The act has been updated regularly since its inception, but never completely rewritten until about six years ago when the BC government saw the need for a complete revision. The pre10 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

vious water act did not sufficiently address sustainability questions arising around our water and that is about to change. Lorne Hunter, a director for the BC Agriculture Council, and for the BC Dairy Association, describes the creation of the BCAC Water Committee: “We came together four years ago with the sole purpose of dealing with the Water Sustainability Act. Bill 18 was passed by the BC Legislature in spring 2014, but the committee is continuing to work behind the scenes with the Ministry of Environment to develop regulations to support the new act.” This is a major step towards sustainable management of our water systems. The changes in the new act will help increase the efficiency of water planning and distribution, allowing for a greater awareness of how and where water is used. Hunter points out, “The new act recognizes the environmental component, and makes sure there is enough water to maintain the ecology.”

2 HST a eMax 2 X4; Mahindr ;4 sel; 22HP 3-Cyl Die ader lift 1320 lb lo 4,900 e $1 Cash Pric r and loader)

A fee similar to that which is currently applied to surface water usage will soon be introduced. “Yes, it will cost you,” explains Hunter, “but you will have a right to the water you are using. Depending on other licensed users, you will have an allocation and a FIT FIR ranking to that water, and there is an expense attached to that privilege.” Hunter believes that the cost of using ground and surface water will be more reasonable than having potable city water delivered directly to your operation. New water fees and rentals are also under review. Rates will be based on projected water use. There will be a gradual introduction of new policies beginning in 2016, allowing government and agricultural operations to work together to implement them as seamlessly as possible. Our water management laws must protect our aquifers, support the ecosystem and protect the resource for future generations and with the new act, the BC government aims to support those admirable goals. ●

udes trac

(price incl

Mahindra 4035 3-Cyl Die sel; 40 HP ; 4X4 2400 lb lo ader lift Cash Pric e $29,400

Handlers Equipment Toll Free: 888-302-3612 39451 No. 3 Road, Abbotsford handlersequipment.com

Call Joel with any questions or for more information! 604-850-3601 Ext. 225

Information on BC’s Water Sustainability Act can be found on the government website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/watersustainabilityact/ MODERN AGRICULTURE | 11

HORTICULTURE

MAY 2015

ASPARAGUS, THE FORGOTTEN CROP?

MAY 2015

HORTICULTURE

It’s a crop that needs new consideration Schreiber said. With new varieties on the market and new planting techniques there are few challenges with growing asparagus except for the nasty behavior of the European Asparagus aphid. He describes this virulent bug as the single limiting factor in growing the crop and being successful with it.

expense,” he said. “We’ve tried everything.” From flame control to herbicides, the weeds seem to win and will continue to be an issue for Schreiber.

Battling the bug

To date, fusarium hasn’t been an issue on his farm. To help prevent disease issues, Schreiber recommends planting wider

The European asparagus aphid injects a toxin into the plant, while it is feeding on it, that can kill, or severely stunt the asparagus growth and development very quickly, Schreiber explained.

“We will eventually have fusarium,” he said of the soil-borne fungi that will attack asparagus crowns given the opportunity.

rows for air flow and proper varietal selection is key to achieving success. “If I could pick one crop for you to plant and make some money, it would be asparagus,” he concluded. ●

“If you find one in your field, you have to treat [for the pest],” he said. While he has significant experience in testing, researching and applying treatments suitable for organic crops, he was on the hunt for one that would do the specific aphid in effectively without the concerns of being poisonous. “Asparagus is hard to kill, but this bug…,” he trailed off. “We’ve been testing everything.” A tank mix of Aza-Direct (azadirachtin) and Pyganic (pyrethrins) at what Schreiber described as “unseemly pressure” worked (both products are certified for organic use in Schreiber’s region).

A Washington grower touts the benefits of growing a vegetable in demand

had record high prices. Not one Washington grower has enough supply to meet the demand of that state—this is the eighth year running for the shortage. He estimates the situation is similar in BC.

By Ronda Payne

orth Americans apparently aren’t getting all the asparagus they want. This insight into a vegetable in short supply came courtesy of Alan Schreiber of Schreiber & Sons Farm in Eltopia, Washington when he presented at the 2015 Pacific Agriculture Show.

“No one’s planting asparagus,” he noted. “If you can get labour (for cutting)… there’s a lot of money to be made in asparagus.” Schreiber has seen an almost 100 per cent premium in pricing in growing organic asparagus over growing conventional. On his farm, there is an expectation of getting 10 to 15 thousand pounds of organic asparagus per acre of land under production.

A researcher and diverse organic vegetable farmer, Schreiber grows for the wholesale market as well as for CSAs and farmers’ markets. Despite his background and education, he noted he learns the same way every other farmer does. “There’s not one mistake we haven’t made or at least things we haven’t dealt with,” he said. The executive director of the Washington Asparagus Commission noted that asparagus production is at a record low, but has 12 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Alan Schreiber of Schreiber & Sons Farm in Eltopia, Washington

Asparagus is a perennial that produces edible stems each spring off of crowns. Once seedlings are transplanted to beds, the plants can produce quality asparagus stems for more than a decade, with some plants surviving for up to 20 years. It is the harvesting by hand that takes up the lion’s share of effort in growing this crop as the stems are harvested daily.

“When I saw this [the effectiveness of the mixture], I started planting organic asparagus,” he noted. While the spray did the job on the European asparagus aphid, it isn’t a complete solution. Basic crop management practices for pests must still be observed. “You gotta scout and you gotta scout early,” he said. “The minute you get the first aphid [you have to begin treatment].”

More and more firms just calculate numbers. We help calculate your next move. MNP Understands Agriculture. In fact, it is both a specialty and a passion. Our business consultants, financial advisors and professional agrologists are intimately familiar with all aspects of the agriculture industry. Which means not only can we help you make sense of the now, but we can also help show you what’s next. Denise Parker, CPA, CGA Regional Agriculture Leader, Fraser Valley T: 604.792.1915 E: denise.parker@mnp.ca Leslie McConnell, CPA, CGA Agriculture Advisory Services, Fraser Valley T: 604.870.7420 E: leslie.mcconnell@mnp.ca We specialize, you capitalize. Visit MNP.ca to learn more.

Schreiber advised spraying every seven days at high rates as soon as the first aphid is seen. “You don’t stop until they’re gone,” he added. Weed whacking Another issue faced on Schreiber’s farm is the proliferation of weeds. Although he has not yet had a disease problem in his asparagus, he is aware that the weeds do contribute to potential disease pressures. “Weeds aren’t a problem for us, they are an MODERN AGRICULTURE | 13

INDUSTRY UPDATE

MAY 2015

ADAPTABLE AGRICULTURE: Cropping Under Climatic Change

INDUSTRY UPDATE

MAY 2015 Council’s Climate Action Initiative (CAI) looked at the implications of climate change for BC agriculture, and the risks and opportunities associated with it. In BC climate change is leading to an upward shift in the coolest winter temperatures—it is getting less cold in winter, rather than getting hotter in summer. The average number of frost-free days is predicted to increase by an average of 20 days by 2050 compared to a baseline period of 1961-1990. The CAI report notes that warming in BC is likely to be faster in the north of the province than in the south. It is also likely that because of the influence of the Pacific Ocean, warming will be greater inland rather than on the coast. One middle range scenario for BC is that temperatures will become on average one degree warmer during the growing season from 2010-2039, compared to a baseline of temperatures during 1971-2000. This will lead to a longer growing season, with the area of the province having a growing season of over 170 days, almost doubling from 7.6% to 16.2%. Averages give an important illustration of trends; however, it is the weather extremes which pose the greatest threat to agricultural producers. Current trends show the climate becoming more unpredictable, with more extreme weather events such as drought or flooding causing disruption to agricultural production and markets. Cropping systems can be more sensitive to the extremes than to the average, which could offset any advantages conferred by a warmer average temperature on crop growth.

Jonathan Lloyd, Agricultural Consultant, Farmlytics

armers are all too aware of extreme weather, having to cope with drought, flooding, or heavy snow, and the impact on business and livelihoods. Even today with highly globalized agricultural markets, poor weather, and poor crop-producing conditions in Brazil, the US or another major crop producing country can have significant impacts elsewhere. Drought in the US Corn Belt during 2013-2014 has had significant global impact on commodity prices, whilst drought in California during 2014 led to a tightening of supplies of fruit and vegetables on the North American market. The climate has always varied through time. In warmer periods in the past, the Romans grew grapes and produced wine in the north of Britain, in places you would 14 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

not dream of growing vines today. However by the thirteenth century the climate was changing; cooler, wetter summers, and colder winters led to the onset of the Little Ice Age. Climatic change in this period began a movement in England from crop production to more pastoral farming—which also had dramatic social implications as people were forced off the land to make way for sheep.

climate does change, and is changing at this present time. The global average temperature has risen significantly since 1900 (although this rise may have stalled during the last decade). Climate change has the potential to negatively impact food production at a time when population growth, economic growth and urbanization are placing greater and greater demands on global food producing systems.

“In BC climate change is leading to an upward shift in the coolest winter temperatures—it is getting less cold in winter, rather than getting hotter in summer.”

Warming, however, is not an even process; some areas of the globe will warm faster than others, whilst paradoxically some regions may actually cool in the short term. Thus the term “global warming” is appropriate at a global level, but “climate change” is more appropriate at a regional level.

The climate is not the same as the weather—the climate is the long term trends and patterns within the weather, and long-term recording and monitoring tells us that the

How is climate change affecting BC agriculture? In 2012, a report for the BC Agriculture

These weather events are difficult to anticipate and to plan a course of action to minimize the losses to production. A late frost in the spring—disrupting the pollination of fruit crops or waterlogging fields at critical periods—may be impossible to plan for. Drought affected BC in 2007, whilst in 2010/2011 extreme rainfall before harvest led to significant losses for vegetable producers in the Fraser Valley. There is an emerging trend of heavy rainfall events in spring, followed by extreme wet or drought events in the summer. Wet weather events combined with increased glacial melt will disrupt agricultural production and other activities through flooding.

A warmer climate could potentially lead to more pest and disease problems, as well as the invasive spread of pests and disease from warmer regions. Adaptation to climate change is a strategy to reduce the adverse effects of climate change itself, and to moderate the risks, whilst at the same time capturing potential opportunities and benefits. This is distinct from mitigation, which aims to influence the climate itself through a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions or other measures. The CAI report of 2012 identifies six principles for adapting agricultural systems to climate change (see Table 1.). Adapting to climate change

“Management measures would include growing different crops or a different rotation to suit the warmer climate, in other words changing the farming system.”

Climatic change does mean opportunities for some. Warmer temperatures could lead to higher yields and potential economic benefits such as increased exports and trade. Warmer temperatures could reduce energy costs for heating greenhouses. Under some scenarios increased global temperatures will lead to the increased release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (to add to manmade carbon emissions), but higher uptake of carbon dioxide by plants may boost crop yields.

Farming systems must have the “adaptive capacity” to cope. This is the presence of sufficient resources to cope with an event, along with the ability to mobilize these resources. This can be at the farm level or beyond, with government agencies and business bodies all playing a role within a collaborative and transparent approach. At a practical level this may be the capacity to store water for the event of a drought or indeed the necessary financial resources within a farm business to be able to survive the loss of a crop, or an unexpected rise in input prices. One consequence for farm management would be an increased emphasis on using risk management tools such as crop insurance; futures markets and strategies for diversification.

Table 1. Principles of Adaptation Principle

Application

Integrated

Interrelated aspects of the whole system are taken into account. Processes and different actors are coordinated. Climate change information and adaptation considerations are a standard part of decision-making.

Flexible

Policy and regulations enable decision-making and action that is responsive and adequately flexible to deal with unexpected and changing conditions.

Collaborative

Collaborative approaches to knowledge generation, planning and decision-making contribute to building capacity to deal with uncertainty and complexity. Decision-making and actions are enabled across levels of governance and stakeholders. Local and regional scales play a primary role.

Transparent

With a flexible system, the need for transparency, communication and trust increase. Transparency also facilitates shared decision-making and responsibility.

Proactive & future oriented

Decision-making and actions are enacted in advance of pending challenges, rather than waiting for the worst-case-scenario. The best knowledge available is applied, taking into account that uncertainty is an inherent part of climate change. Climate change requires a longer term view than most political and financial systems apply.

Resilient

Overall, policies and regulations enhance the capacity of the system to cope with change, variability and shocks; and to learn and adapt to new information and experience. Continual re-evaluation and adjustments are made.

From BC Agriculture Climate Change Adaption Risk + Opportunity Assessment Series: Provincial Report (2012), p 44. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 15

INDUSTRY UPDATE The physical resources available will determine the options available for farmers and other decision makers in adaptation. What is apparent is that some of the biggest impacts of the continuation of current climate trends will be on less developed and emerging nations which may not be as resilient to a changing climate as more developed nations. At a global level we may see shifts in agricultural trading patterns, as production moves away from less favourable climatic zones. This of course places an even bigger responsibility on more developed nations to maintain their food production capacity. What does all this mean at the farm level? An EU report of 2007, “Adaptation to Climate Change in the Agriculture Sector”, identifies three categories of agricultural adaptation: management measures, technical/equipment measures, and infrastructure measures. Management measures would include growing different crops or a different rotation to suit the warmer climate, in other words changing the farming system. Stanford University has conducted research on the impact of climate change on European crop farming, and has found that corn has a greater potential to adapt to rising temperatures and extremes, compared with wheat and barley. Building resilience or the resources to cope with extreme events is critical. Water is a key, and perhaps the most important resource in building better resilience to crop farming systems. A 2006 report, “Technologies for Adaption to Climate Change” by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, cites five strategies for adaption in agriculture: 1.

Grow different crops and research new varieties

2. Change land topography to improve water uptake and reduce wind erosion 3. Improve water use and availability and control erosion 4. Change farming practices to soil moisture and nutrients, reduce run off and control soil erosion 5. Change the timing of farm operations The application of new technology can be used to speed up adaptation. For example, precision agricultural technology can be applied to make the best use of scarce resources. New and improved irrigation 16 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

MAY 2015

Oxbo 7420 Harvester

Forage

Turf

When quality counts, choose the brand that has been serving British Columbia’s professional growers for over 35 years.

Reclamation

Richardson Seed TM

For information about which seed blends and species will work for you, call 1-800-661-4559 or email richardsonseed@tlhort.com. technology may be needed to make the best use of water resources. Improved drainage systems will be needed to mitigate the impact of flooding events. Research into crop protection can be applied to keep up to date on more rapidly emerging crop disease and pest threats. Increased use of thermal screens and temperature controls within greenhouses may be required, in order to protect crops from heat stress. Other technical measures would include breeding new varieties more resistant to drought, and other emerging disease threats. Recent work by plant breeders in the UK has looked at the development of wheat varieties more resistant to flooding. There is an on-going and fierce debate about the role of genetically modified crops in adaption, with many proponents arguing that the technique is a means to more quickly develop crops suitable to new and changing climatic conditions. However, GM is still distrusted by consumers in many countries, and there is strong opposition from a number of NGOs. Regardless of the technology used, there is clear need for new varieties to cope with the extremes of drought, wet periods, extremes of temperature and salinity expected as a result of climate change. Drought tolerant GM maize is

now being grown in the US, and is undergoing field trials in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. On the other hand, conventional plant breeders have been developing and testing varieties of wheat resistant to flooding in the UK. Infrastructure measures would include better water storage capacity, not just at the farm level; but on a regional or national level. Better modelling of supply and demand for water can improve the efficiency of distribution. Better communication systems to inform farmers about emerging crop protection threats will be important. The timely dissemination of information will be critical, and made possible by the application of new technology.

www.FarmersEquip.com

Parts • Service • Sales • Rentals

Lynden, WA 888-855-4981

Oxbo - a harvester for every field and grower

9120 Raspberry Harvester

8000 Blueberry Harvester

9000 Raspberry Harvester

7420 Multi-crop Harvester

• IQF Machine • Orbirotor Heads • Kubota 48hp Engine • Short wheel base for tight turns • Phenomenal for young blueberry plants

• Single drop harvester • 3 head options • Picks into lugs or totes • High-floatation option for soft field conditions • New total control joystick

• Industry leader for over 25 yrs • Orbirotor Heads • 3 sorting stations • Auto-steer & Auto-level • 55” wide picking tunnel • 3.3L Cummins Engine

• High density catcher plates • 60” wide picking tunnel • 3,500 lbs of fruit storage • 3 head options • High-floatation option for soft field conditions • 3.3L turbo Cummins Engine

Climate change is an uncertain process that will make agricultural planning and management more complex; however, as the BC report points out, adaptation to climate change is about taking action with the best information available at the time. Information and monitoring will be critical, with producers learning from new experiences and putting flexible production systems into practice. ●

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 17

FEATURE

MAY 2015

BREWING UP BUSINESS: Olds College Brewmaster Program

the needs of busy breweries with little time to train the inexperienced”. Cooke also explains that all of his classmates already have job prospects lined up for post-graduation, proving to students they are indeed being taught the best brewing practices in order to springboard them into this vibrant industry. “Microbreweries offer incredible potential to tap into the wide array of local products coming from Western Canada’s diverse agriculture industry.”

By Miranda Elsby

ith over 100 successful microbreweries in BC and Alberta, it is no secret that Canadians love a refreshing and delicious local beer. This undying love for the nation’s favourite beverage has prompted innovations in the brewing industry, much like the formation of the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations program at Olds College. Olds College has been providing quality, hands-on education in the many facets of the agriculture industry for over a century. Located in the small town of Olds in central Alberta, the college began as a demonstration farm and opened its doors as a school of agriculture only two years later in 1913. It has since been home to students from all over Canada and across the world, and has advanced dramatically in facilities and curriculum, ensuring each 18 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

for Innovation laboratories, which means endless opportunities for recipe testing and potential collaboration and valueadded services between breweries and agriculture producers. With the potential to diversify and strengthen Western Canada’s brewing and agriculture industries, Olds College is poised to make a great contribution to local businesses, as well as polish the global reputation of Canada’s craft breweries. ●

Students are given hands-on opportunities to work with the college’s brewing equipment, including six 1000-litre commercial fermenters, eight 100-litre pilot brewing systems for testing and research, as well as classroom instruction on topics such as brewing principles, microbiology, marketing, and brewery entrepreneurship. Students are given the background knowledge and expertise to work with the four basic ingredients in beer brewing (water, barley, hops, and yeast), as well as manipulate this classic recipe to give it a signature twist that represents the personality of each individual brewmaster. The college has put its own unique stamp on four signature beers, which range from a citrus India Pale Ale to a rich and nutty English Brown, affectionately coined “Aggie Ale ‘Toils of Study’”, “Hay City”, “Prairie Gold”, and “Old Skhool”. Students’ brewing efforts have also been awarded, claiming the 2014 Rookie of the Year title for their Pecan Brown Ale produced for last year’s Edmonton and Calgary Beerfest celebration. And while the recipes are constantly being tweaked and improved, the spirit of sourcing delicious, interesting, and locally produced ingredients remains the same.

graduate walks out the door with the best education in modern agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices. It is this innovative spirit that inspired Olds College to create Western Canada’s first ever teaching brewery and brewmaster program, which opened its doors to students on the college’s centennial year in 2013. This project was inspired by the recent growth in the Canadian brewing industry, with a rapid increase in small-scale craft breweries popping up, and a high consumer demand for great-tasting beer with local flavours. The college looked to the Ontariobased brewery program at Niagara College for guidance and partnership in its vision to provide Western Canada with a similar educational resource, and built a state-ofthe-art 2000 square foot teaching brewery geared towards small-scale commercial production.

FEATURE

MAY 2015

A wide range of students and craft beer enthusiasts are being drawn to this unique program, including Graham Cooke, a second-year brewmaster student, who explains his choice of Olds College as an exciting opportunity to enter this “booming industry”, while taking advantage of the college’s “reputation for hands-on learning”. Cooke says it is vital to “come into the game with some experience already under your belt in order to satisfy

Microbreweries offer incredible potential to tap into the wide array of local products coming from Western Canada’s diverse agriculture industry, with partnerships between small-scale breweries and local producers already underway, as evidenced by the increased appearance of fruit and nut-flavoured alcoholic beverages on store shelves. An even greater potential to forge ties with other Alberta producers exists, as well as markets in British Columbia like the soft fruit cache in the Okanagan Valley or the booming berry production corridor of the Fraser Valley. The college also offers research facilities to the brewing industry through the Olds College Centre MODERN AGRICULTURE | 19

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

MAY 2015

CHINA’S GLOBAL IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL TRADE

By Jonathan Lloyd, Agricultural Consultant, Farmlytics

conomic growth in China is expected to slow to 7% in 2015, compared with 7.4% in 2014, and an average of over 10% for the last decade. Trade performance is also slowing down; China’s exports for January 2015 were 3.3% down from January 2014, whilst imports were 19.9% down. China’s demographic changes and ageing population means fewer people will be entering the workforce; thus economic growth is unlikely to return to the spectacular levels of the last decade.

“China accounts for nearly half of the world’s pigs and pig meat production.” An important question for agricultural exporters is, will slower economic growth in China slow demand for agricultural products on world markets? In addition, to 20 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

what extent will domestic production be able to keep up with domestic demand? China’s role in agriculture trade Chinese agricultural policies are changing rapidly. Since the 1970s central planning and taxation of agriculture has been replaced by promoting a more open economy, along with support for agriculture. China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, committing to trade liberalization, and since then agricultural imports have grown significantly—driven by economic growth, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. In 2013, according to WTO figures, agricultural products represented 8.5% of total imports, and 3.2% of total exports. Significant agricultural imports are soybeans, cereals and cereal flour, and fresh or dried fruit and nuts. China is a major exporter of aquatic products and rice. According to the USDA, total Chinese agricultural imports were worth USD

205.6 billion in 2012, up 9% from 2011. The largest import partner was the US which accounted for 19.6%, followed by Brazil (9.4%), and Japan (6.7%). Canada was the number seven importer, accounting for 4.1% of agricultural imports by value. Tariffs on agricultural imports remain high—in 2013 tariffs on agricultural goods were 15.6% compared with 9.0% for nonagricultural goods. Many trade and phytosanitary barriers remain; for example, the import of meat from animals treated with the beta-angonist growth promoter ractopamine is banned. The regulations do not preclude meat imports from countries such as Canada which allow the use of the drug, however suppliers approved for export to China must not use meat from ractopamine treated animals. Shipments are regularly tested, and positive tests in meat sourced from the US led China to block pig meat imports from a number of US processors during 2014. There is little sign that these regulations will change despite pressure from the US.

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

MAY 2015 Growth in livestock sector

Demand for animal feed affects market

An important trend, as incomes have grown, has been a higher demand for animal protein products; the Chinese livestock sector has expanded accordingly. Pork is a staple of the Chinese diet, and China is the world’s largest pork producer and consumer. Pig meat consumption per capita is rising, although its total share of the market is declining as Chinese consumers opt for more beef and poultry meat. The Chinese pig population grew from 393 million head in 1994 to 474 million head in 2014. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) figures, China accounts for nearly half of the world’s pigs and pig meat production. Pig meat production has risen from 32.05 million MT in 1994 to 57.4 million MT in 2014. The government buys and sells reserves of frozen pork in order to limit price volatility for households and pig meat producers. Productivity is low by international standards, and imports of pig meat have risen from nothing in 1994 to 800,000 MT in 2014; and is expected to rise again in 2015 to a record 1 million MT. The majority is coming from Brazil and the US; however, there are also imports from the EU and from Canada.

Only 13.5% of China’s land mass is cultivated, and this is mostly in the east and central regions, with the west of the country dominated by grassland and desert. Lack of arable land and soil degradation are important constraints on crop production. China is not self-sufficient in animal feed, and rapid livestock expansion could not have been possible without feed imports. The fast growth of larger scale,

The total cattle inventory has declined, as animals have become more and more productive. Domestic beef production has risen from 3.37 million MT in 1994 to 6.53 million MT in 2014. Growth in the Chinese dairy sector has been particularly rapid, with the number of dairy cows growing from 3.2 million head in 1994 to 15 million head in 2014. “Chinese consumers have become an engine for growth in demand for agricultural products.”

According to the Irish Food Board, Bord Bia, 90% of Chinese milk consumption takes place in cities. Urbanization is expected to continue, with 77% of the population living in cities by 2050, compared with 52% today. All the evidence suggests that, despite high profile food safety scandals such as melamine contamination of infant formula and slower economic growth, Chinese dairy consumption will continue to grow. There has been significant foreign investment in the dairy sector—with global players such as New Zealand producer group Fonterra partnering with domestic companies in order to build commercial dairy operations in China.

modern animal production operations is driving increased demand for industrially produced animal feed. Soybean imports to China rose from just 155,000 MT in 1994 to 74 million MT in 2014. Domestic feed use of soybean meal has risen from just 5.7 million MT in 1994 to 56.4 million MT in 2014. The Chinese animal feed sector is set up to process imports—with 78% of soybean crushing plants being located in the coastal regions to facilitate the crushing of imports. Much of this has come from Brazil, and a

SAWDUST For Blueberries

All White Wood Premium Sawdust

ium Prem wdust ity Sa itive l a u Q pet m o C at s Rate

• Bark Mulch • Black Mulch • Poultry Sawdust • Soil Mix • Playground Chips

TRIPLE FIVE

QUALITY WOOD INC. 604-831-8337 604-328-6355 604-290-2879

www.triplefivequalitywood.com Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 21

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

MAY 2015

Food safety and weather factors Poor animal health status continues to hold back domestic production and also the potential for exports. Foot and mouth disease is endemic within the country. There have been recurring outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza and swine influenza. In 2013 the AH1N1 flu strain which is believed to have originated within pigs lead to a number of human deaths. Consumer confidence in poultry in 2014 was damaged by concerns over avian influenza. The USDA predicts that consumption of poultry meat will remain flat in 2015, with poultry meat demand also negatively impacted by cheaper pork prices. As a consequence imports are expected to decline by 2% compared with 2014. High profile food safety scandals have not only lead to a tightening of food safety regulations, but also shifts in perceptions about the provenance of food amongst Chinese consumers. The melamine large scale poultry farms will rise from 66% to above 92%.

WE DESIGN, BUILD AND INSTALL FIELD ERECTED TANKS, MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEMS AND MORE. Mainland Machiner y has been fabricating equipment f o r I n d u s t r i a l A g r i c u l t u r e i n B C s i n c e 1 97 1 . visit our website to learn more: mainlandmachinery.com ABBOTSFORD, BC P: 604-743-3114 E: jeremy@mainlandmachinery.com

22 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

markets, and more eating out in restaurants is driving increased poultry consumption.

developing trade relationship with the Latin American region. Agricultural trade between China and Latin America and the Caribbean has jumped by more than six times in the past decade. High demand for soybeans on world markets has led to farmers in Argentina switching from beef production to cropping, impacting on Argentine domestic beef prices and supplies. Thus, the Chinese demand for animal protein has been having significant global impacts within the world trading system, and Chinese consumers have become an engine for growth in demand for agricultural products. Despite proportionally large numbers, much of Chinese livestock production is still on a small scale or subsistence basis. This is changing rapidly due to foreign investment, and partnering of foreign investors with domestic firms. The Chinese government is investing heavily in agricultural research and extension in order to boost domestic food production. The Chinese Academy of Sciences report that in 2005 11% of Chinese dairy farms were considered “scale” production or to be large scale, whilst by 2015 this figure is expected to rise to 38%. The number of large scale swine farms is expected to rise from 16% in 2005 to 50% in 2015, whilst

MAY 2015 contamination scandal in 2008 saw Chinese parents look to imported infant formula from New Zealand, Australia and Europe. In recent years an increased frequency of drought, and other extreme weather events, have increased the uncertainty of domestic Chinese food supplies. Expanding domestic production China’s approach to genetically modified (GM) crops means that domestic production is currently forbidden, however some GM varieties are approved for import, but the approvals process is slow. It is also worth noting that the Chinese government itself has invested heavily in GM crop research, and biotechnology is designated a strategic emerging industry. Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently confirmed continued support for GM research—but called for a cautious approach to allowing commercial production, and that foreign companies should not be allowed to dominate the market. These remarks have caused some to claim that China’s policy is based on protectionism rather than science.

Foreign investment has also been a factor in boosting domestic production. Chinese companies have made significant investments in farmland in a new “scramble for Africa”, and as this production comes on stream, will this displace other exporters? China has also been exporting technical assistance to other countries; for example, since 2012 Chinese agriculturalists have been working in Uganda providing technical assistance in crop production, aquaculture, horticulture, livestock and agribusiness. China is effectively outsourcing food production to regions where land, labour and other resources are more readily available. It is clear that despite a less dynamic economy, and some inevitable readjustment, growth will continue. Chinese consumers will continue to shift towards more meat and dairy consumption, along with better quality foods. This will drive not just demand for meat and dairy imports, but also significant quantities of animal feed, and also other inputs in order to boost domestic production. ●

Diet and lifestyle influences Chinese consumers are adopting a more western diet. Dairy consumption is traditionally very low—there is a high level of lactose intolerance within the population, and many Chinese consumers are put off at the thought of drinking whole milk (often preferring powdered milk). According to the FAO’s latest data, in 2011 the average Chinese consumer drank 31.1 kg of milk per annum, compared to a figure of 80.4 kg for India, and 218.4 kg for Canada. Tastes and accessibility are changing quickly, and Chinese per capita milk consumption has tripled since 2001. The USDA reports that Chinese imports of “dry, whole milk powder” rose from 41,000 MT in 2001 to 680,000 MT in 2014. The current forecast for 2015 is for imports to reach 600,000 MT; the bulk of this is expected to come from New Zealand and the United States. A major factor affecting the reliance on food imports is urbanization. As workers shift from the countryside into new and expanded cities on China’s eastern seaboard, it creates a potential labour shortage within the Chinese agricultural sector. This may slow as a consequence of lower economic growth, but is a process which is highly unlikely to reverse. More meat is being sold through supermarkets rather than the traditional Chinese “wet”

PORTABLE SHEDS PUMP HOUSES PESTICIDE STORAGE MINI BARNS WORKSHOPS

CUSTOM SIZES UP TO 14’ x 28’

604.845.7434

timbur6@telus.net MODERN AGRICULTURE | 23

FEATURE

MAY 2015

MEDIA MANAGEMENT: How NOT to Become the Next Media Sensation By Jeremy Whittingstall ike any business, we all want to be top of mind, with recognition for our superior product and expertise. What we don’t want to be known for are moments of poor judgement, or employees who act without care for their conduct. Unfortunately for the agriculture industry, 2014 was marked heavily by the latter, with wellknown producers being dragged into the media for actions or statements made by staff—often brought to light by undercover animal-rights activist groups like Mercy For Animals.

employees and farms that are now facing legal action. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO PREPARE Document your risks How well trained are your employees in animal care? Do you hire workers from areas that have different standards? What processes do you have that could be viewed negatively by the public? Do you have employee confidentiality and whistleblower policies in place? Every operation will have areas of risk that are higher for one farm than another. Take a hard look at everything you do and where you might face trouble. Adjust where necessary Once you have a well-documented list, start taking actions to eliminate or lessen the likelihood that those risks could become a reality. This might include longer periods of employee training, revision of current practices or research into what is being done elsewhere to improve your facility. Installation of a camera monitoring system is also a good step to ensure employees do not act inappropriately when management is away.

So what happened in 2014 that was so different? How can you ensure your operations are safe? And how should you prepare in the event you ever become a target of the media?

FEATURE

MAY 2015

Don’t be afraid to ask for help If you don’t feel confident preparing your farm for a potential crisis, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A professional advisor can help you identify your risks, plan how to address them, and even give you training for how to deal with the media. If the media do show up at your door, an advisor can be your best friend, helping you navigate the sudden frenzy of public attention, and keeping you focused on making things right. With the success that animal-rights groups have had using undercover video over the past year, it would be unwise to assume it

won’t happen again, and prudent to eliminate your farm from the crosshairs. By following the steps outlined above you will be that much better prepared to weather a potential media crisis while lessening the likelihood of it happening in the first place. ● Jeremy is a public relations and issue management advisor with Orchestra Communications, based out of Langley, BC. He has a focus on agricultural issues and has worked with organizations throughout BC preparing them for public-facing crises. @jwhittingstall @OrchestraComms

HOW IT HAPPENED A year of bad press In the spring of 2014 a campaign was launched by animal-rights groups to expose incidents of animal cruelty while advocating industry change and adoption of a vegan lifestyle. Undercover agents sought employment by randomly chosen farms and processors, videotaping operations and seeking instances where they believed animals were either harmed or mistreated. The results, as you can imagine, shocked the public and forced many producers in front of the news camera—the last place they ever expected to be. What you need to know Like it or not, you are a target Unless you grow crops, you are going to be the target of animal-rights groups—and right now they have the eyes and ears of the public. Recognizing this is your first step to preparing your operation and ensuring there is no reason to be targeted in the first place. Incidents happen when you’re not looking Even the best-trained employees can cut corners, act out of turn, or do things that would be considered inappropriate when the boss is away. Never assume that your 24 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Add Field Manager PRO to your tool kit Organizing your field and crop data is easier with the right tools. Use FM PRO Mobile to enter information on the go, sync it with Field Manager PRO or 360 on your desktop, and make decisions based on the most profitable scenarios. Ask us how. fccsoftware.ca/FieldManager | 1-877-926-0064

operation is immune, and train your staff to watch out for (and report) inappropriate behavior. Perception is everything If the public thinks you were wrong—you were wrong. This may be tough to swallow, but with the growth of social media

public opinion has become a significant force with the ability to sway those with real power over your operation. While many of the scenes repeated by the media were of government accepted practices, the public did not see it that way and demanded action. Last summer this resulted in pulled contracts, destroyed product, and some MODERN AGRICULTURE | 25

DAIRY

MAY 2015

DAIRY

ADVENTURES IN AGRICULTURE: Traversing Through Switzerland

Cheese, chocolate and pocketknives are abundant in Switzerland and on the dairy farms I toured—and in town—I saw all three (and indulged generously in two). Cheese making is another example of old traditions meet new technology. Many farms still participate in Inalpe or the ascent into the Alps in the late spring and early summer with their cows. Today, village cooperatives own these alpine pastures and one dairyman or herdsman and his helper look after cows from several local farms. As the season progresses, the cows climb up to higher pastures, and once at the top work their way back down to the lower, regrown fields. A 14 hour day, for four months is intensive especially when you add cheese making into the mix. The cows are milked twice a day and the milk is turned into cheese to be stored. Ten litres of milk can make one kilogram of cheese and the weight of an average sized cheese wheel is 30 kilograms. By late September herds begin their descent, and tourists crowd the small town streets as the cows are herded through, wearing decorative cowbells that clang jubilantly announcing the end of a— hopefully—successful season.

By Kaitlyn Gisler

his past fall I booked my plane ticket, shouldered my backpack and jetted off to Europe. My first stop was Switzerland, “a small but very beautiful country,” a Swiss local told me as we landed in Zurich. It truly is. This postcard-perfect region has unmistakeable European flair: from the houses, to the food, to the rolling hills and snow-peaked Alps. The Swiss I met were driven, proud and loved their country. This national pride also means that young and old are knowledgeable about Switzerland— and eager to share information with tourists. We have friends and relatives in Switzerland so I got the locals’ tour during my stay including visits to a couple of dairy farms which, as a farm girl, I thoroughly enjoyed. According to the federal Swiss government there are over 2,000,000 acres being used for farming (not just for dairy but all commodities) with an average of 52 acres per farm. This is an increase of 28 acres 26 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

per farm from 1990. However, the number of farms has decreased since 1990. This trend—also seen here in Canada—has resulted in fewer, larger sized farms. Farming is still considered a valuable part of Swiss culture, and continues to conserve the countryside and populate rural areas.

Most farms in Switzerland are family owned and operated (another Canadian parallel). Family farms assure the need for a school in a rural area, possibly a church and stores for food and supplies, as well as link to the regional train network. Slowly and surely a community is built.

Three quarters of Switzerland’s pastoral farmland is dedicated to meadows and pastures. Their climate means cattle can graze in the spring, summer and early fall. The most common dairy cattle that saunter along these sunny slopes are the Brown Swiss and beige Simmentaler breeds. Canada’s common black and white Holsteins are also in Switzerland but in the French region.

milked sixty Brown Swiss near Lucerne and owned flat and steep property. On their level fields this family (mother, father and four teenagers) used their John Deere tractors and regular sized equipment to mow, rake, bale and plant their fields. On their mountain slopes they used walkbehind mowers and hand raked windrows together to be loaded, by hand, onto a hay wagon.

On the country’s website, Swissworld. org, a 2010 study tallied the Swiss cattle population (dairy cows, heifers, calves, bulls and oxen) at 1,600,000. Dairy cows are 700,315 of the total and—fast fact—the pig population is nearly equal to these dairy numbers.

Within their older style dairy barn they had installed a DeLaval robot and a DeLaval feeding system. This automated system collects ingredients from pre-filled bins, mixes the load and then moves along a hanging track parallel to the feed alley. This technology feeds the cows smaller amounts, more frequently, keeping the feed as fresh as possible. Both DeLaval systems are an appreciated counterbalance to their long, manual work done on the mountains.

A distinctive aspect of Swiss farming is the blend of past and present. A farm I visited demonstrated this perfectly. They

The final Alp event is Chästeilet or dividing of the cheese. Whatever cheese was produced is split among the farmers who sent their cows to the mountains. How many wheels a family gets depends on how many litres their cows milked. This tradition of taking cows into the mountains—although happening for hundreds of years—is in-tune with an MODERN AGRICULTURE | 27

DAIRY

MAY 2015

increasing interest in organics. Swissworld. org states that of all the European countries, Switzerland and Austria have the most useable land given to organic farming.

MID VALLEY

The Swiss consumers’ concern for organics also means more regulations, an area where the Swiss are leaders. Any addition of antibiotics to animal feed has been banned since 1998 and, as with Canadian dairy farms, the use of hormones is also forbidden.

Insurance Agencies Ltd. We represent over 16 insurance companies. Residential Commercial Government statistics claim that more than two-thirds of farms receive supplemental income to cover daily expenses and onefifth of all farms take more than half their income from non-agricultural sources. Direct farming subsidies amount to over $2.8 billion a year in Switzerland and similar financial aid is seen across all of Europe.

Nonetheless, farming in Switzerland is not all idyllic green pastures and cowbells. The strict regulations put on farmers today has only added pressure when it comes to producing food at prices that consumers are willing to pay. It’s not easy for Swiss farmers to make a living.

This does not need to be the status quo: Canadian dairy farmers (and other Canadian supply-managed sectors) are self-sufficient and not dependent on subsidies from the government. The supply management system we have in Canada—in the simplest form—guarantees farmers a set demand (and price) for their product and, in turn, guarantees processors (and consumers) a steady supply. Farmers have a reliable cash flow to invest in their industry and family business while giving the next generation the opportunity to continue farming.

The absence of supply management in Switzerland is causing a worrisome shift: young people are not choosing to farm. The Swiss Federal Statistics Office noted that between 2000 and 2013 less people were employed by farms (not to mention the trend of fewer farms all around). A study done by the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich concluded that, with cuts in agriculture subsidies, farmers would be more profitable to milk fewer cows and instead raise cattle for meat. The study claims this would be a less labour intensive option with a higher return. The landscape of Swiss farming—dairy included—is definitely changing, but the Swiss local I met on the plane is right, this physically small country is still very beautiful and, now I can add, it’s also a sight to see.●

PERSONAL INSURANCE

Acreage • Condominiums • Course of Construction Automobiles • Homeowners • Tenants • Travel

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

Agricultural • Business & Industrial • Farms Contractors • Bonds • Pro-Rate • Fleet • Cargo Tel: 604-853-1600 Fax: 604-853-9877 Toll free: 1-866-288-1600 # 1 - 32422 George Ferguson Way Abbotsford, BC V2T 4Y4 Mon - Fri: 9 AM to 7 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

28 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 29

MAY 2015

Our Future is Traceable

Building Canada’s Best Greenhouses

Specializing in Extreme & Custom Greenhouses Designed to comply with Certified Organic Growing Standards BW

BW Greenhouse®

Technology & Design for Serious Growing™

Built by BW GLOBAL Structures Inc. 29020 Fraser Highway Abbotsford, BC V4X 1G8 1-877-856-1303 or 1-604-856-1303 bw-global.com bwgreenhouse.com

Canada’s Premier Shelter Manufacturer

Traceability benefits everyone: producer, processor, distributor, retailer and consumer. Our food network in British Columbia grows stronger every time a business invests in improved traceability infrastructure and adopts new recognized food safety practices. Are You Ready for the New Safe Food for Canadians Act? If you grow, raise, process or distribute agri-food products in B.C. you may be affected by the new Safe Food for Canadians Act. The new act is expected to arrive later this year by way of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The ability to trace products up and down the food chain is required to ensure the health and safety of animals and consumers. CFIA is stepping up regulations to ensure Canada continues to be recognized as a leader in producing safe and high quality agri-food products. How far forward and back are you able to trace the agri-food products that your business buys and/or sells? Is your information readily available and meeting government requirements? How in control are you? Are you prepared for a recall? Help is Available

Engineered for High Wind & Snow Loads Certified Structures based on the National Building Code

GUARDIAN Shelters®

Simplicity & Strength for Serious Protection™ 30 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Built by BW GLOBAL Structures Inc. 29020 Fraser Highway Abbotsford, BC V4X 1G8 1-877-856-1303 or 1-604-856-1303 bw-global.com guardianshelters.com [New websites coming soon]

your competitive advantage and build consumer confidence. TAP’s online traceability questionnaire allows farmers, food processors and agri-food businesses to gather data for self-analysis. After completing it, you might find it necessary to upgrade your traceability systems. You can then ap-

The Growing Forward 2, Traceability Adoption Program (TAP) offers financial support, education and self-assessment tools to help B.C. agri-food producers and processors adopt new or improve existing traceability systems. Perhaps you have considered improving traceability but think your business is too small or you feel you just don’t have the time. You wonder if it will really improve

GRADE YOURSELF

☑☑☑☑ ☑☑☑☑ ☑☑☑☑ ☑☑☑☑ ☑☑☑☑

Is your current system based on paper or computer files? Can you trace back all inputs and source data? Can you trace quantity, lot #, recipients of animal products using a group of animals as a reference? Do you record harvest date,quantity, employee, equipment, pallet and lot numbers? Do you perform mock recalls?

ply for available assistance relating to the purchase and installation of traceability infrastructure and software, or to help pay for staff training. Up to $15,000 in funding is available to TAP adopters. The program is designed to help you succeed.

TRACEABILITY IS NOT A TREND Originally, a goal to grow safe-to-eat organic foods in compliance with industry standards inspired Evergreen Herbs Inc. to invest in traceability and adopt HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) guidelines. The entire organization’s commitment to food safety and traceability is obvious from the moment you step foot on

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 31

MAY 2015 When Chef Simon Manvell from Gordon Food Service drops by Evergreen Herbs Inc. for a visit, he can easily trace the fresh herbs through invoice books and codes back to the lot and greenhouse in which they were grown, and even the date they were picked and the name of the worker who picked them. And if Chef Simon were to ever report a contaminated delivery, Evergreen would expect proof that the product was destroyed and not used or donated. It comes down to consumer safety.

Evergreen Herbs and Gordon Food Service team up for traceability the farm. While food safety is a source of pride for Evergreen, it’s also one of the reasons they enjoy strong sales relationships with large distributors like Gordon Food Service. Ron Brar, owner of Evergreen, explains, “When we were first starting out, there were a few nearby farmers who had some food safety issues and the CFIA investigated them. We wondered what they were doing wrong. Food safety became a priority for our operation, so we started investigating on our own and investing in our food safety program even before there was government funding available. We focused on hazard analysis and we started developing the program from there. Our team now has SQF (Safe Quality Food) meetings each week and representatives from all areas of the company are present and in check with what is happening. When we provide product to companies like Gordon Food Service, we know that the customer is protected because the product we pack meets all industry standards for safety.” Adri De Wet, the company’s General Manager, explains, “HACCP is industry standard, but SQF is becoming the standard to reach. There are a few organizations which are demanding a higher level of food safety and traceability. GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) already incorporates HACCP principles, but SQF is a huge step up and Evergreen is committed to reaching those higher standards.” “Traceability is not a trend, and it’s not just a department in a company. It has to become the company culture.” Adri De Wet, General Manager, Evergreen Herbs Inc. The acres of fields and over 100 greenhouses at Evergreen are monitored carefully, and the water, soil and equipment are tested regularly. Harman Boparai, Evergreen’s HACCP Coordinator, says, “Mock recalls are performed at least once a year and the traceability team is always looking for ways to improve the system. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you wish.” A guided tour through Evergreen’s pristine facility allows one to see the commitment to food safety. Separate zones are clearly labelled and equipment is designated for use in each area. High-tech hand wash stations and cameras secure every entrance and each cooler is kept at the perfect temperature. Product is packed in protective containers and shipped to customers as far away as Winnipeg in 24 hours, thereby ensuring the taste and freshness of the product. 32 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Jeff Howard, Quality Assurance Operations Supervisor for Gordon Food Service, states the importance of an effective traceability system. “Traceability is a minimum regulatory requirement and expectation of suppliers, distributors, retailers, customers and consumers. Too often we experience a supplier who hasn’t done their due diligence to make sure they are able to provide the information that we need. Our suppliers must be able to promptly identify the affected products and extract, compile and communicate the traceability details so that recalls can be initiated immediately, efficiently and effectively.” The system Gordon Food Service has in place is second to none. “When a shipment arrives at one of our distribution centers, we capture the purchase order number in our warehouse management system and assign a unique identifier code to each pallet received under that purchase order,” explains Howard. “Additionally we can capture a case lot number and assign it to each pallet. We are then able to track the pallets from the point of receipt How quickly through storage, selection, and customer delivery using these can you react to pallet identifier codes and lot numbers. When the need arises, a food safety we use this data to track specifemergency? ic product and notify potentially affected customers of the recall event.”

MAY 2015 product back to source within 10 minutes,” Driediger says, proudly. “The Traceability Adoption Program allowed us to put in a much broader system faster than if we didn’t have the funding.” Time is Money Driediger assures other growers, “It is worth your time to investigate the parameters of the TAP funding, design the system you need, and submit the application. Once you have a good working system you will wonder how you got along without it. The cost of recall, when you can’t identify your products, is enormous and can put companies out of business.”

TRACEABILITY WINS

A Case for Certification Driediger maintains a robust field crop of her own, but she also buys product from other farms to feed her customers’ growing demand for B.C. berries. “We work with over 80 other farms and in the very near future we will be choosing partners who are following stricter traceability standards.” Driediger is working with a CanadaGAP certified auditor to help her suppliers improve the systems they have in place. The company will even help fund the up-front costs which Driediger will deduct from future shipments, as long as the audit is successfully passed this growing season. Currently industry is actively engaged in certifying all B.C. berry producers. If a company ever faces a product recall, the repercussions can be disastrous if traceability systems are not structured to respond within hours of an emergency. Entire agricultural sectors can be devastated by one contamination or health crisis. Raising the Bar

RAISING STANDARDS Driediger Farms Ltd. is a wholesale and retail producer and distributor of fresh and frozen berries located in Langley, B.C. Rhonda Driediger, owner and operator, is the past chair of the B.C. Agriculture Council (BCAC) and she is now a director on the ARDCorp and BCAC boards. She learned about the TAP program through these connections. Driediger is proud of the multi-generational family business that she has helped grow into the current 160-acre operation. The company now ships product throughout North America as well as into Asia and the quality of the product is of utmost importance. “Traceability is one of the pillars of food safety, which has been a priority of the Federal and Provincial governments the past few years,” says Driediger. When asked how she found the TAP application process, she answers, “The application was pretty simple. We worked with the company that would be providing the traceability equipment and training for the details and work plan. Our original traceability was solely for recall purposes. We have expanded to include far more details, real-time location of products, and traceability from our shipping to the customers’ warehouses. We code each individual container, so even if you have something of ours in your freezer at home, the code will be located on the side of the container. A customer recently called me with a question about one of our products and I asked for the code on the side of the berry container. We used this to create a mock recall situation. We were able to trace the

safety and traceability and she’s also a micro-biology expert. Prior to landing at Driediger Farms, Suavita had been assisting operations achieve and maintain SQF certification. “I want the customers to know the food is completely safe,” says Suavita. “I believe in the scientific approach.” Suavita swabs surfaces regularly inside Driediger Farm’s packing and processing facility and sends them to an accredited lab to test for potential problems. She says, “Even washing hands is critical. Traceability is about tracking bacteria—you have to be able to trace it all the way back to the source.”

Each box from Meadow Valley Meats is coded and traceable. Meadow Valley Meats (MVM), with its head office in Chilliwack, B.C., is a wholesale supplier of meat products and is committed to customer safety. MVM, previously Fraser Valley Meats, has grown rapidly in its 45 years, and access to new technology has inspired further investments in traceability. Controller Allan Les is also the company captain of the organization’s food safety and traceability team. He shares how they recently expanded and improved their system. “We installed Minotaur management software in 2012, which was funded by a grant and we added two more scale and label printers this year using TAP funding. Now we’ve got everyone using the same database which can be updated from our head office.” Worth the Investment “The software was a significant investment and the funding covered some of that expense,” Les explains further, “but I maintain the system has already more than paid for itself. The number of errors we caught from our suppliers simply because we were scanning every box that came through here saved us so much money. It is rare that the weight we are billed for is the actual weight we receive. This proves to me that some places are not using effective traceability systems.” Ready for Recall

Constanza Suavita, Quality Control Coordinator at Driediger Farms. Driediger recently brought on board a Quality Control Coordinator to assist the organizations Quality Assurance Manager and food safety team to implement additional food safety programs. Constanza Suavita is a seasoned professional when it comes to food

The meat supply chain is very complex and accountability is of utmost importance. Les describes how a past product recall from a supplier tested MVM’s new system. “I went into our system and printed out receipts from those days and within two hours I emailed out lists of affected product to our customers. We were told no other company was able to react as quickly as we did.”

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 33

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

THIS BOX CAN’T HIDE

MAY 2015

This box contains 100% premium B.C. beef and features all of the *essential data elements needed to support Meadow Valley Meats’ strong commitment to product traceability and food safety. This box also offers peace of mind. That’s because its contents are backed by a fully implemented traceability system that enables Allan and his team to quickly and accurately capture the movement of every product they purchase, process, package and sell with little more than a click of a button. Cost-shared funding provided by the Growing Forward 2 Traceability Adoption Program (TAP) helped fund components of this system. Of course, behind every winning box stands a human champion. Allan, on behalf of backyard BBQ lovers everywhere, thank you for your commitment to local agriculture, food safety and traceability. You are a #TraceabilityChampion.

* Essential data elements vary according to business type & product sold. Self-assess the traceability of your operation for free at ARDCorp.ca

Allan Les #TraceabilityChampion Meadow Valley Meats

u o Y k n a Th

MAY 2015

wo u l d l ik e to o f f er a hu ge

ade the m o h w es ALA G attende & Y s R r o T s S e spon I N D U nce again! D O to all th O F GRI ccess o A u s C a B 015

D I AAG MO ND GALA Meadow Valley Meats labels all their products with comprehensive information including serial, purchase order and truck numbers, supplier information, date, weight, employee, machinery, lot number and GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). “There is always a threat of recall,” says Allan Les, Controller at MVM, “and our labelling system and scanners, partly funded by TAP, are our lifelines in traceability. Thanks to the innovative Minotaur management software we use, our system is now streamlined and effective..”

AN OCEAN OF OPPORTUNITY In 2014 eligibility for TAP expanded to include British Columbia’s seafood sector. Not knowing what to expect, ARDCorp reached out and caught the program’s most innovative application to date.

DNA VERIFICATION

Dane Chauvel of Organic Ocean Inc.

Dane Chauvel of Organic Ocean Inc. is a member of a group of West Coast fishermen passionate about selling quality seafood and explains, “Doing good things generates good business.” Local chefs who purchase seafood from Organic Ocean recognize that making the right decisions about sustainable, traceable food sources means that they are also

getting the best ingredients. Word spreads quickly and now Organic Ocean is selling product across Canada and into the US. “There is also the environmental aspect,” explains Chauvel, “where illegal captures can be laundered into the global market. The ability to trace seafood protects everyone along the supply chain and allows us to more sustainably manage seafood.” Organic Ocean took one step further and partnered with Dr. Robert Hanner of Tru-ID, a leading edge DNA authentication lab based in Guelph. Both researcher and fisherman were concerned about the authenticity of tagged, labelled fish and wanted to find a way to guarantee the traceability systems they had in place were accurate. Samples of fish were taken from Organic Ocean’s freezers and tested to verify that they were 100% accurate. And when it comes to exporting seafood and agricultural products into meticulously regulated markets, the accuracy of B.C.’s traceability will be scrutinized. Completing the TAP questionnaire at ARDCorp.ca is a valuable starting point for learning about what you are doing well and how your traceability networks might be improved.

TAP INTO GLOBAL MARKETS Kevin Murphy, Team Lead, Premises Identification & Traceability for the Ministry of Agriculture, agrees that sustainable and safe practices in the food industry ensures the health of the consumer and protects the profitability of the food production industry. “Exporters will face increasing demands for traceability when exporting into the US and other overseas markets. When the new Safe Food for Canadians Act comes into place, there will be traceability requirements for interprovincial trade.” The new act, expected to be implemented this year by the CFIA will require all food producers to track their products and provide the necessary documentation if asked. The B.C. livestock sector in particular should be prepared for upcoming changes to the federal livestock traceability regulations.

Funding for the Traceability Adoption Program (TAP) is provided by Growing Forward 2, a federeral-provincial-territorial initiative.

34 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Farm Credit Canada Harvest Power Inc. Scotiabank

PATRON

Bank of Montreal HUB International Insurance Brokers Investment Agriculture Foundation

BENEFACTOR

BC Dairy Association Country Life in BC Edible Vancouver & Wine Country O’Connor Chrysler Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre Royal Bank of Canada United Flower Growers West Coast Reduction

PARTNER

ACC Farmer Financial BC Chicken Marketing Board BC Egg Marketing Board BC Milk Marketing Board Clearbrook Grain & Milling Deloitte Kinder Morgan Modern Agriculture Orchard and Vine Prins Greenhouses Spectra Energy The Sumas Regional Consortium for High Tech UBC Faculty of Land Systems University of the Fraser Valley

2015 Ag Day at the Legislature November 3, 2015 in Victoria

✗ 2015

Federal Election Reach out to your organization with questions & issues. Members’ contact information can be found on the BCAC website.

Be informed.

BC Blueberry Council BC Broiler Hatching Egg Producers’ Association BC Cattlemen’s Association BC Cherry Association BC Chicken Growers’ Association BC Dairy Association BC Egg Producers’ Association BC Fruit Growers’ Association BC Grain Producers’ Association BC Grapegrowers’ Association BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association BC Landscape & Nursery Association BC Pork Producers’ Association BC Potato & Vegetable Growers’ Association

BC Poultry Association BC Strawberry Growers’ Association BC Turkey Grower’s Association BC Wine Grape Council Certified Organic Associations of BC F.A.R.M. Community Council Fraser Valley Cole Crop Growers’ Association Fraser Valley Peas, Bush Beans & Corn Growers’ Association Horse Council of BC Peace Region Forage Seed Association Raspberry Industry Development Council United Flower Growers’ CO-OP

www.bcac.bc.ca/member-associations MODERN AGRICULTURE | 35

DAIRY

MAY 2015

PROSPECTS FOR CANADIAN DAIRY SECTOR

DAIRY

MAY 2015 and according to the OECD/FAO was 11.6 kg per capita in 2013, compared with 11.1 kg per capita in 2004. This will peak, and remain at around the 11.5 kg per capita mark. Innovation and product development drives growth in the dairy market, and growth in yogurt and cream is expected. US economic growth will have a positive impact on Canadian dairy farmers over the next two years. However, the Canadian economy faces a number of challenges. Lower oil prices will have a negative effect given the size of the energy sector in relation to the rest of the economy. On the other hand, lower energy costs will lead consumers to have more disposable income, and recent interest rate cuts will drive investment in the non-oil sectors of the economy.

USDA expects Russia to lift trade restrictions on dairy imports from Canada and other countries by August. This will be positive for exports; however as a political decision this is by no means certain. Drought in New Zealand has held back milk production, and this is likely to help lift international milk prices from their current levels. The CETA agreement will eventually see increased access for EU cheese onto the Canadian market; however implementation is still some way off. Despite recent price volatility, the market fundamentals for Canadian milk production in 2015 are good—with growing domestic demand, modest feed costs, and increased opportunities for exports. ●

Feed prices fell during 2014, due to a successful US soybean harvest and they are expected to remain modest during 2015, and remain a positive factor. A weaker Canadian dollar will help offset the impact of Russia’s ban on dairy exports. The

Jonathan Lloyd, Agricultural Consultant, Farmlytics

anada is renowned for the quality of its dairy products, and the sector remains an important part of Canadian agriculture, accounting for a third of production by value. High quality dairy genetics mean that there are also significant exports of dairy embryos and semen. High international milk prices and moderating feed costs drove growth in 2014. Canadian milk production in December 2014 was 2.6% up on December 2013, with cash receipts from milk sales 3.1% up. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dairy price index started 2014 at a historic high; however, prices fell from March onwards, as milk producing countries increased production. 36 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Milk prices are notoriously volatile—the reason why Canada and European Union have milk supply management policies in order to maintain stability. With international dairy prices coming under pressure, what is the outlook for the Canadian dairy sector for the rest of 2015, and into 2016? “With international dairy prices coming under pressure, what is the outlook for the Canadian dairy sector for the rest of 2015, and into 2016?” The USDA forecast Canadian milk production to grow by 1.5% during 2015, with the dairy herd staying stable at 955,000 head. Factory milk consumption

is expected to grow by 2.7%. Butter production is forecast to grow by 5.8%, cheese up slightly by 0.25% and skimmed milk powder up by 3.9%. The OECD/FAO forecast the Canadian dairy cow inventory to rise slightly in 2016 and 2017. This is because higher prices in 2014 has led to more dairy heifers being retained, however it will take time before they enter production as dairy cows. The long term forecast is for a steady decline in cow numbers. Whilst production remains stable, consumption does not. Canadian fluid milk consumption has fallen over the last twenty years, driven by an ageing population (kids tend to drink more milk). Butter and cream consumption is expected to remain solid during 2015, and economic factors will drive dairy product demand. Cheese consumption has been growing steadily, MODERN AGRICULTURE | 37

MAY 2015

YO U R F I E L D, O U R T E C H N O L O G Y agricultural science to cultivate profits right from the start.

ActiveAgri Products is a global

leader in plant nutrient and bioacand

ActiveAgri BLUEBERRY NUTRIENT PROGRAM that enhances

plant vigor, root growth, plant

tive

compound

technology. We

research specialize

liquid fertilizer technology to

HOME & GARDEN

EN GOURD!

Apply the latest developments in Enhancing performance from seed to seed

MAY 2015

structure and berry yield.

provide world class solutions to cater your crop fertility needs.

W E

D I G

W H A T

Y O U ’ R E

If you need demolition done we demo agricultural buildings which consist of concrete slabs, stave silos, concrete silos and any type of wood structure big or small. Dr. Andrew Riseman (Professor, UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems)

Dr. Ranil Waliwitiya

www.activeagriproductsinc.com

Call us today to arrange a field visit and to discuss the opportunities: 1.855.400.0154, 604.864.0154 or 778.999.3376

We can do selective logging, land clearing and burning of stumps. We can also dig new ditches with a v bucket or just clean out your existing ditches!

604.835.0340

tribex@live.ca

S A Y I N G

We do site preparations for: • • • • •

Dairy and chicken barns Lagoons Irrigation ponds Land leveling Rock wall placing

www.triple-bexcavating.com

Sign up online for a FREE subscription to MODERN AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE - delivered straight to your door! It's easy... just visit our website at www.modernagriculture.ca/subscribe and fill out the form for a year's FREE subscription. And if you sign up between April 27th and May 31st, you will be entered into a draw* to win swanky new MODERN AGRICULTURE apparel. Don’t miss out on British Columbia’s premier agricultural magazine! Sign up online for your free copies!

By Geoff Lewis

Are yo subsc u ribed?

Don’t miss o ut Colum bia’s p on British remier magaz ag in free co e! Sign up o ricultural nline f pies! or you r

*New subscribers only.

38 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

nce they get warmed up, drinking gourd vines grow fast. So fast, it’s easy to imagine that they are only motionless when being watched. But that’s later in the story. The story really starts over ten thousand years ago. Drinking gourds have been entangled with civilization since it started. The earliest farmers domesticated drinking gourds while domesticating each other and whatever animals, seeds, fruits, roots and leaves were willing and available. Gourds could provide re-usable containers, almost no preparation required. Drinking gourds are related to pumpkins and other squashes, but have differences in leaf, fruit and seed, and they are mostly grown in the dry subtropics for the porous, balsa wood-like shells which hold their seeds. The story jumps ahead a few years. I was reading about drinking gourds online, knowing almost nothing about them. I read about their history as ancient water canteens, as painted ornaments, as Sherlock

Holmes’ old calabash pipe, as ceremonial cups, floats, maracas, codpieces and sitars. Gourds have been grown into molds of intricate boxes and detailed statuary. Or they have been converted into low-rent bird houses, all rounded and Hobbit-like. Astounding! But I had never seen the seedlings, seeds or even the dried shells of drinking gourds offered for sale anywhere locally. Hunting and gathering some gourd seeds: I ordered seeds online, part of another mixed order of assorted seed-grown species; another crew of hard-luck misfits and adventurers, thrown together into an online seed order. What Lagenaria gourd seeds I could find—and all I could find—was a seed strain called Caveman’s Club gourd. Well, it was a start. The seeds arrived, the gourd seeds big and grey-brown. They got soaked for a day, then into damp paper towels. They started germinating after about a week. As soon as each seed started to hatch it went into a 10cm pot. In late May, the seedlings were planted outside, under wire supports, into a

North Surrey garden, not too close to anything but a lot of sunflower seedlings. Fertilizer and slug-bait were provided. Once the soil and nights warmed up, those big stems and leaves started to grow like crazy. Then green gourds formed, filled and lurked in the leaf canopy. I put them on or in plastic nursery pots, to protect the gourds from breaking their own necks. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 39

HOME & GARDEN Join the club: Most of the Caveman’s Club gourds ended up looking just like the ads: that cartoon bludgeon and every caveman’s only accessory. Remember the Flintstones? Remember Bamm-Bamm? That kid carried the classic club. Maybe it was a gourd he was carrying around since his club was huge and often green. Caveman’s Club gourds are green, before they’re skinned. Dried club gourds are really light-weight and brittle. A kid could swing a dried Caveman’s Club gourd around one-handed with ease, at least until it shattered against something. Maybe the Caveman’s Club gourd is such an old and recurring form that it is integral to one of the earliest prop comedy bits, coming down through the millennia, early farmers waving club gourds around like clubs, aping and mocking those undomesticated hunter-gatherers. “Uncivilized loafers!”

MAY 2015 on a cordless drill. Drill a big hole in the side of the gourd, small holes at the top to hang it from a branch and some small holes in the bottom, for drainage. Dislodge and shake the dried seeds and membranes out the entry hole. And paint. Two bird houses have lasted three years, hanging in a cottonwood. A third gourd fell and shattered. Greetings from the Orient: The story proceeds. I manage to grow and pick quite a few Caveman’s Club gourds,

full of, presumably, Caveman’s Club seed. Then, strolling through Chinatown, minding my own business, a wasp-waisted bottle gourd catches my eye. It was painted, polished and tasseled; an ornament in a store purveying such dainties. I bought it; its painted shell was unbreached. It still had all of its seeds inside all that finery, those tassels, that narrow waist. I hoped some seeds might germinate, however long they’d been trapped inside their mom. Feeling a bit guilty, I drilled out the bottom of the

Our Mission...

is to make purchasing benefits as painless as possible. Whether you are looking for healthcare, dental care, life insurance, or disability we can tailor an employee benefit plan to fit your unique situation. Our team focuses on developing customized employee benefit programs and group retirement plans in the agriculture sector. Leveraging our relationships with the top health care insurance providers, Steve Nowak is able to offer very competitive pricing combined with outstanding service. No one cares more about whether you reach your financial goals and no one will work harder to help you achieve them.

little bottle gourd, using the hole-saw. I pulled out the dry seeds, soaked them, and placed them into damp paper swaddling. They were kept warm, and checked on every day or two. After over two weeks, after I had concluded that they were all just turning slimy and malodourous, one of the seeds germinated. And then another! …and that was it, two seedlings. The bottle gourd seedlings grew under fluorescent lights in pots, then went out to play in the yard with the Caveman’s Club’s offspring. At the end of a long tangled summer of gourd love, only one kettle gourd developed. All the other gourds were variations on Caveman’s Club.

Executive Financial Consultant, BA, CFP® Investors Group Financial Services Inc. 5811 Cooney Rd., Ste.100, Richmond Office: (604) 270-7700 Steve.Nowak@investorsgroup.com www.SteveNowak.ca

Own your very own home! Rent it out to a nice couple: The notion that pre-Columbian farmers purposely made and distributed gourd birdhouses, to invite insect-eating birds to nest and feed, is charming. Pest management! Making bird-houses out of dried gourds is not only easy, but afterwards you can say, “Yeah, I own a coupla houses.” For the birdhouse entryway, I used a 1¾ inch hole-saw 40 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Steve grew up in the farming community of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of Saskatchewan. He enjoyed a successful 20 year career in the public sector as a consultant and manager. In 1997, Steve made an easy transition into financial services industry and is now working with over 350 families. Steve has been providing sound financial planning, including investments, risk management and taxes, for more than 15 years. Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company.

gourds that failed to dry in the unheated shed went onto the compost. After a few winter weeks, the broken shells resembled fractured skulls. I diced the pieces up with a spade, so nobody became alarmed, or notified the authorities. A new generation: The seeds of Lageneria drinking gourds look like moths, like blunt-ended, elongated grey-brown triangles. Drinking

gourd seeds look different from the oval cream-yellow seeds seen during pumpkin lobotomies at Halloween. This gourd story concludes in the present. I can compare both kinds of seeds now, side by side, since both are either out of the refrigerator, or recently extracted from the trepanned skull of a dried drinking gourd, the seeds ready for another whirl in the sun, since another spring is finally here. Happy Gourdening! ●

HERE’S WHY GROWERS TRUST HARNOIS FOR BETTER FOOD PRODUCTION PROJECTS SMART DESIGN.

Combining oval tubing with clever engineering, Harnois’ structures are stronger and brighter.

Trusted Insurance and Employee Benefit Solutions

Steve Nowak

HOME & GARDEN

MAY 2015

Drying and skinning: Hunter/gatherers skinned the animals they hunted, and dried their meat. With gourds, skinning is slightly less messy, the quarry only slightly less slippery. And drying them was no picnic either. In warmer, drier countries, gourds are dried in the field or in unheated barns. Here, they have to be dried somewhere heated to at least 20°C. Even then, it took up to five months for the biggest gourds to dry out. I tried drying a flock of them in an unheated shed over winter, once. They almost all went soft and fluffy with mold by December. Some gourds grew fuzzy mold while drying in heated storage too, but that mold didn’t affect their shells. It just added some ominous rings to the shell under the skin. Once the shells were dry, almost weightless and still intact, I soaked their skins, wet towels over top. Dried gourds float well, and resist submerging. The green skins soften but the shells underneath don’t. I scraped and scrubbed the thin green skins off of the shells. The shells dry out again in a day and…ta-da! Shards of skulls in the compost: The wheelbarrow-load of fuzzy, slimy

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE.

Brighter by design, Harnois’ greenhouses maximize available light and positively impact my yields and my profitability.

RELIABLE PEOPLE.

With 50 years of horticultural experience, Harnois makes my job easier and is my source for all things greenhouse related.

BARRY MCINTOSH Sales Western Canada 1.888.601.1783 b.mcintosh@harnois.com | harnois.com

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 41

Nav Sekhon Himmat Taj Sekhon Himmat SekhonSekhon Taj Sekhon BC FARM & RANCHNav Sekhon BC FARM & RANCH 604-782-0988 604-725-2418604-725-8403 604-725-8403 604-782-0988 604-725-2418 REALTY REALTY CORP.CORP. MAY 2015

BC’sinLeader in Agricultural Real Estate BC’s Leader Agricultural Real Estate

MAY 2015

nav@farmsinbc.com nav@farmsinbc.com

himmat@farmsinbc.com himmat@farmsinbc.com

taj@farmsinbc.com taj@farmsinbc.com

Farm Team SellingInTeam In TheValley Fraser Valley #1 Farm#1 Selling The Fraser

BLUEBERRY FARM HOUSE & ACREAGE HOUSE & ACREAGE BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRY FARM HOUSE & ACREAGE HOUSE & ACREAGE BLUEBERRY FARM LAND ONLY LAND ONLY LAND ONLY LAND ONLY ACRES $3,498,000 46.33 ACRES 46.33 $3,498,000

176 Street (Highway #15) and Harvie Two road frontage onTwo 176 road Streetfrontage (Highwayon#15) and Harvie Road. Easy accessHighway to Fraser Highway, Highway #10 & Road. Easy access to Fraser Highway, #10 & Highway #1 (Trans-Canada Highway) with amazing Highway #1 (Trans-Canada Highway) with amazing frontage & exposure on theThe popular truck route. The frontage & exposure on the popular truck route. propertyWillowbrook, is close to Guildford, Willowbrook, Northwest property is close to Guildford, Northwest Langley Walnut Grove. Itforhastwo been preloaded for two Langley & Walnut Grove. It has&been preloaded 3.7 ACRES $849,000 4.032 ACRES 8.64 $1,090,000 8.64 ACRES $1,175,000 4.32 ACRES $1,200,000 27.6 ACRES $1,242,000 3.7 ACRES $849,000 4.032 ACRES $1,090,000 ACRES $1,175,000 4.32 ACRES $1,200,000 27.6 ACRES $1,242,000 homes which readyhouse; to buildwith your homes which are ready to build youraredream thedream house; with the 2,046 SQFT 35,000 bedroom2,138 houseSQFT & a35,000 2,138 SQFT 3abedroom house withinaFleetwood, Prime location in Fleetwood, Tynehead. Two road frontage located on two 2,046 SQFT 3 bedroom house & a bedroom house with Prime location Tynehead. Two road frontage located on two SQFT house SQFT house 4 bedrooms & with 4 bedrooms & ability square to buildfeet up toin 40,000 square buildings. There with1,280 ability to build up to 40,000 buildings. Therefeet in1,280 building with a 3two bedroom suite. Great two monthly road frontage.The Great monthly The property readyroutes. to popular truck routes. Build your dream SQFT rancher. building with a 3SQFT bedroom suite. road frontage. property is preloaded & ready isto preloaded popular&truck Build your dream an 850 square feet 2 bedroom an 850 square feet 2 bedroom rancher. acre open paved lot which is ideal is also approximatelyis1 also acre approximately open paved lot1which is ideal The field is planted inincome. two varieties ofin Duke income. Planted in build Duke your & Bluecrop. build yourhome. dream estate style home. It house. Close to Trans-Canada Highway, The field is planted in two varieties of Planted & Bluecrop. dream estate style It house. Close to Trans-Canada Highway, barnofwhich offers a total of barninwhich offersSQFT a total for aorfruit/produce nursery.inThe field isSQFT planted 3 30x80 for a fruit/produce stand nursery. The stand field isorplanted 3 30x80 Dukeaway & Bluecrop. Multiple barns which isareideal 24x40, 26x20 is idealbusiness for any agri-related business Duke riding & Bluecrop. Minutes from Minutes Multipleaway barnsfrom which are 24x40, 26x20 for any agri-related Downtown Langley & Downtown Aldergrove.Langley & Aldergrove. 10 horse stalls with a 150x90 10 horse stalls with a 150x90 riding varieties blueberries (Duke, Elliot & Bluecrop). Machinery varieties of blueberries (Duke, of Elliot & Bluecrop). Machinery Panorama, Morgan Creek & Downtown & 16x28.mountain Amazing panoramic such as a nursery or produce/fruit Suitable for aorwide variety of crop or Panorama, Morgan Creek & Downtown & 16x28. Amazing panoramic such asmountain a nursery or produce/fruit Suitable for a wide variety of crop ring. Highway. Located along Fraser Highway. is also included! ring. Located along Fraser is also included! Cloverdaleviews. Build your dream views. Build your dream house. stand. stand. any Agri-Related business. any Agri-Related business. Cloverdale house.

HOUSE & ACREAGE HOUSE & ACREAGE HOUSE & ACREAGE BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRY FARM HOUSE & ACREAGE BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRY FARM HOUSE & ACREAGE HOUSE & ACREAGE HOUSE & ACREAGE BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRY FARM HOUSE & ACREAGE BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRY FARM

7.052 ACRES 7.907 $1,275,000 7.907 ACRES 8.757 $1,349,000 8.757 ACRES 10.296 $1,350,000 ACRES $1,550,000 20.24 ACRES $1,875,000 39 ACRES $2,150,000 19.59 ACRES $2,350,000 20 ACRES $2,550,000 7.052 ACRES $1,275,000 ACRES $1,349,000 ACRES $1,350,000 ACRES 10.296 $1,550,000 20.24 ACRES $1,875,000 39 ACRES $2,150,000 19.59 ACRES $2,350,000 20 ACRES $2,550,000 bedroomFully house with the1,900Fully rancher3 bedroom Well maintained 10on acre Farm SQFT on the3 bedroom1,500 3 bedroom house which was Fully renovated rancher & aestateBuild dream estate style houses 2,900 SQFT 4 bedroom2,900 houseSQFT with4the renovated SQFTrenovated rancher 1,900 WellSQFT maintained house with3 bedroom Only 10house acre with BlueberryOnly Farm theBlueberry1,500 houseSQFT which was Fully renovated 4 bedroom rancher & 4a bedroom Build two dream styletwohouses 2,378 SQFT 4 bedroom2,378 houseSQFT with4abedroom house with a in 2009 with3 bedroom a 1,500 SQFT 3 bedroom home. Several mountain with exceptional views. The 2,000 SQFT 6,000 warehouse. Spacious 6,000 option to build an additional estatedoublewith a detached garage. 2 a 3,000 workshop. Idealinfor any withmarket in Surrey ability toin 2009 withrenovated option to build an additional estate with a detached garage. Plus 2double a 3,000 SQFTPlus workshop. IdealSQFT for any market Surrey the ability to with therenovated a 1,500 SQFT mobile home. Severalmobilewith exceptional views. The mountain 2,000 SQFT warehouse. Spacious & 22x19 The field is a 8,000 buildings 8,000 SQFT barn, field is& has planted Dukebuilding & has a which full has SQFT styleSQFT house 2,000 SQFTbuildings barn with additional 8 horse stalls. or to farming operation or to build your estatebuild dream estate style homes. style house plus a 2,000 barnplus aadditional 8 horsebuildings stalls. with farming operation build your build two dream styletwohomes. building & 22x19 shed.building The field is shed. buildings including SQFTincluding barn, afield is planted in all Duke a fullin allSQFT a 5building bedroomwhich has a 5 bedroom planted in Duke, & Elliot. 2-1,900 plus lots irrigation plus city water. suite. Planted in 4 varieties of Good monthly rentalItincome of $2,300. It has&aistwo road frontage is across offersis lots of allThe field is planted Bluecrop.inItDuke, is Bluecrop Good monthly rental income of $2,300. has a two road frontage across dream&estate home. Itdream offersestate lots ofhome. TheIt field planted in Bluecrop. It is all in planted & Elliot. TwoBluecrop 2-1,900 SQFTTwo greenhouses plusSQFT lotsgreenhouses drip irrigation plus citydrip water. Centrally suite. Centrally Planted in 4 varieties of producing 11GPM 10 acres plantedlocated in blueberries. locatedaccess. with easy Highway access. Property is zoned CD292. location from residentialexposure acreage. with a 2 roadexposure roadtofrontage. closeSubdivision. to the Morgan Creek Subdivision. Prime location close toPrime Morgan Creek.close to Morgan from Creek. residential acreage. frontage.with a 2close the Morgan Creek wells producing 11GPMwells & 140GPM. more.&10140GPM. acres plantedmore. in blueberries. with easy Highway blueberries. Property blueberries. is zoned CD292.

BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRYCRANBERRY/CARROT FARM CRANBERRY/CARROT LAND ONLY LAND ONLY BLUEBERRY FARM BLUEBERRY FARM GREENHOUSESGREENHOUSES

AWARD WINNING ESTATE WINERY & FARM AWARD WINNING ESTATE WINERY & FARM

ACRES 29.14 $2,850,000 29.14 ACRES 45.7 $3,350,000 45.7 ACRES 63.43 $4,600,000 63.43 ACRES $5,100,000 30.47 ACRES $6,000,000 49.568 ACRES 49.568 $2,850,000 ACRES $3,350,000 ACRES $4,600,000 ACRES $5,100,000 30.47 ACRES $6,000,000 new 5 bedroom Fully renovated rancher & with3abedroom house with a 5,000 32 Cranberries acres of Ocean Spray Cranberries Lots toSQFT offer!ofOver 110,000 SQFT of 4,196 Leased for vegetables.Leased Brandfor newvegetables. Fully Brand renovated rancher & 5 bedroom 3 bedroom house 5,000 SQFT 32 acres of SQFT Ocean Spray Lots to offer! Over 110,000 WellSQFT maintained 4,196 SQFT barn,shop 1,100 SQFT retail shop & 1,000 Well maintained house, 80x100 barn,house, 1,10080x100 SQFT retail & 1,000 SQFT winery. Close SQFT to 20winery. Close to 20 glass & 4,000 plastic greenhouses, 4,000 drilled well with1,500 8” diameter SQFT building. It has been building that equipped with& 30 (Class of Carrots. 200FT drilled well with200FT 8” diameter SQFT building. It1,500 has been building that is fully equipped withis fully (Class A Shares) acres ofA Shares) Carrots.& 30 acresglass & plastic greenhouses, acres crops planted in as various crops suchTayberries, as Strawberries, Tayberries, Blueberries, Currants acres planted in various such Strawberries, Blueberries, Currants (Black, White & Red),(Black, White & Red), SQFT househome, with a pool, mobile home, producing 150 GPM. Located outside preloaded an additional 5,000 &SQFT docks & lots ofVarious parking.outMature out &buildings forSQFT storage producing 150 GPM. Located outside of preloaded for anofadditional 5,000forSQFT loading docks lots ofloading parking. Mature buildings Various for storage house& with a pool, mobile Gooseberries, Mascaps, Blackberries grapes. Award Rhubarb, Mascaps, Raspberries, Marion,Raspberries, BlackberriesMarion, and grapes. Award and winning wines at thewinning wines at the shop & office GreatGooseberries, rental Rhubarb, the flood plain. Buildhouse. two luxurious house.inThe field is planted in Duke, city water,Full fullline ofprocessing. 3 buildings. the flood plain. Build two luxurious The field is planted Duke, blueberry plants withblueberry city water,plants full withprocessing. equipment.Full 3 line of equipment. shop & office Great rentalbuildings. All Canadian Wine Championship and Northwest Wine Summit! 32.63 ACRES $3,500,000 All Canadian Wine Championship and Northwest Wine Summit! 32.63 ACRES $3,500,000 income over $23,500 monthly!!! estate & Bluecrop. Great location. bedroom 2,800 SQFT familyincome house.over $23,500 monthly!!! estate style homes with low style taxes.homes with Elliotlow& taxes. Bluecrop. GreatElliot location. irrigation & drainage.irrigation & drainage. bedroom 2,800 SQFT family house.

Call Market For A Free Market Update Call For A Free Update

23898 40 AVENUE, LANGLEY 18999 48 AVENUE, 17027 SURREY40 AVENUE, DELTA TRIM ROAD, DELTA 176 STREET, SURREY 25368 60 AVENUE, LANGLEY 17027 40 AVENUE,5100 LANGLEY 40 AVENUE, SURREY 23898 40 AVENUE, LANGLEY 18999 48 AVENUE, SURREY 88 STREET, 5100 DELTA88 STREET, 3995 TRIM ROAD,3995 DELTA 8558 176 STREET,8558 SURREY 25368 60 AVENUE, LANGLEY LANGLEY 16975 40 AVENUE,16975 SURREY

www.FarmsInBC.com www.FarmsInBC.com

42 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

www.BCFarmandRanch.com www.BCFarmandRanch.com

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 43

CATEGORY MAY 2015

DAIRY

FLY MANAGEMENT ON THE FARM: Know Your Enemy!

MAY 2015

DAIRY

However, high animal density in poultry, dairy, feedlot and farming operations produce large amounts of animal waste in short periods on relatively small areas. Fly populations can be correspondingly great. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement natural populations of predators and parasites with commercially produced fly parasites to increase the number of flies that are killed.

In summary, an adult female fly can lay up to 900 eggs within a week; an adult female fly parasite can lay up to 100 eggs in 2-3 weeks. This is why it is important to start your fly control program early, before the fly population explodes, otherwise you’re continually behind the eight ball and playing catch-up, which rarely works. ●

Enter—Fly Parasites

The most important natural enemy of flies are fly parasites called parasitic wasps. These tiny insects are completely safe to humans and animals. Frequent releases of fly parasites will reduce (and sometimes almost eliminate) fly populations. The adult fly parasite searches fly breeding areas for fly pupae. Once found, the fly parasite drills a hole through the armoured puparia and lays an egg on the protected fly pupa. The parasite egg hatches and the immature wasp eats and kills the developing pupa. After feeding on the dead fly, a new adult fly parasite emerges from the fly puparia in about 2-3 weeks. The new parasites then search out and kill more fly pupae. Each female fly parasite will kill about 100 fly pupae in its lifetime. By Cody Cruise

n order to effectively manage and control fly pests, it is important to understand the breeding habits and life cycles of the key fly pest species. With this knowledge, you can create a specific “pest fly management” strategy. Adults are attracted to practically all types of organic matter, especially animal feed and manure, broken eggs, dead animals, etc. An adult fly may live 30 days and a female can lay up to 900 eggs, usually laid in clusters. The larvae (maggots) use the moist, organic matter as food. After completing their development, they crawl to a drier area to 44 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

pupate. The pupal stage is a resting and development stage in which each larva develops into an adult fly. The entire life cycle—from adult fly, to eggs, to larvae, to adult flies, to more eggs—takes only 7-10 days in hot weather. Know their enemies! Anywhere manure accumulates and stays reasonably dry, there will be an abundance of mites and beetles that prey on all fly stages and use them for their own reproduction. Dry manure means a more active and effective population of natural predators and parasites. Any cultural method undertaken to manage manure and biological methods implemented to kill flies are therefore complementary. Cultural controls used to reduce their ability to breed can include:

•

Stopping water leaks promptly: check the water supply daily for leaks, cracks, clogged lines, etc.

•

Managing feed storage areas: keep feed cleaned up around silos and feed bins

•

Maintaining adequate ventilation: air flow through areas where manure collects is critical to maintaining dry manure. Flies don’t like dry manure, therefore dry manure means less fly breeding.

Letting nature take its course would be acceptable under most natural conditions.

Little Britches Rodeo June 19, 20, 21 2015 Come Celebrate With Us! • BCLBRA Rodeo • Jackpot Events

• LRS – LBR Rodeo • Homecoming Banquet & Dance

Watch For Details At: www.LangleyRiders.com P.O. Box 61569, Brookswood RPO, Langley, B.C. V3A 8C8 MODERN AGRICULTURE | 45

HOME & GARDEN

MAY 2015

FRESH FROM THE GARDEN

HOME & GARDEN

MAY 2015 been tending for months—seeding, weeding, thinning, watering, and more weeding—wiped most of the soil off with the lower corner of your t-shirt and taken a big bite of its crisp, earthy sweetness, there’s no turning back. This deep connection with your food has embraced you. For those who have limited experience with plants, planning and planting a garden can be a daunting task. Go to the internet for help and you will be faced with enough information from countless schools of gardening thought to make you feel dizzy. Google “growing potatoes”, for instance; in a blink, you are learning that there are early, mid-early, and late potatoes. What happens if you plant the late potatoes early and the early potatoes late? One guy says, “They should be grown in cages.” Another source states, “Growing in trenches work best. Never water potatoes!” And yet another, “When watering potatoes, be sure not to get the leaves wet.” Then, as a result, you decide to skip growing potatoes— they’re cheap at the store anyway you think to yourself. But, don’t give up! It does not have to be that complicated. All you really have to do

is find out the basic needs of the plant you wish to grow and make an honest effort to provide them. The plant will tell you if it likes the way you are treating it or not.

enjoying gourmet simplicity all year round. Speaking of which, I’ve got some tender folds of butterhead to prepare! Oh, but first I must weed the carrots... ●

I encourage new gardeners to find a sunny spot in their yard, dig a little plot, and start off small. Pick one or two of your favourite vegetables to plant. Take care of them and observe them. Play around with plant spacing. You may find that you prefer the tender blanched stems from a tight planting of mustard greens to the stockier, stir-fry worthy leaves of the well-spaced. In addition, leave a plant or two in the ground past maturity to learn and connect with its entire life cycle. One arugula plant gone to seed can supply your salads with the most delicately beautiful, subtly sweet, arugula-tasting flowers for the entire season. I only know that because, due to lack of time in the day, I left a full bed unharvested, past what I had once thought was their prime. Now, I leave them purposely. By connecting with the plants, they will give more than you ever imagined possible. Once you feel comfortable with a couple types of vegetables, add more to your planting list. Before you know it, you’ll be

Flowering arugula plant. Photo credit: Chris Billion

Butterhead lettuce -- almost ready to harvest. Photo credit Chris Billion

Chris Billion, One Love Organic Farm

s it truly sinks in that today is the day, that now is the time, my mind begins racing, concocting beautiful dishes to pay honour to this perfect head of lettuce. Seventy-two days can seem like an eternity when you live in anticipation of one moment. The season’s first butterhead lettuce, planted from seed, has matured to perfection. This one is slightly ahead of the rest of them, so it’s only right that I harvest and sample it with my family… you know, to make sure it is good enough to offer to you, my community. First, those outer leaves: they are strong, supple and just the right size (huge) to make salad rolls. Peel away the crunchy, soft middle leaves to be used on sandwiches throughout the week, and finally, the heart—this is a sacred meal. Never will you taste such delicate salad as the blanched heart of butterhead, sliced in half, drizzled with a lemon/hemp oil dressing and sprinkled with arugula blossoms. This is what culinary dreams are made of. Most of my meals are born of inspiration from the plants I grow. This is the finest perk of my job as a market farmer. 46 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

I love growing food for my community and take pride in the fact that I am providing the freshest, quality produce available. Actually, I’ll let you in on a little secret. For the sake of my job security, please keep it to yourself, though: my produce is only second to best, with the first being vegetables you have grown yourself in your own gar-

den. You can harvest groceries from your yard and have them on your table within moments, and in the case of such tiny treasures as cherry tomatoes, into your mouth in milliseconds—no wonder there has been a tremendous shift towards backyard sustenance growing. Once you have pulled a carrot from the patch of ground you have

We produce and supply all types of SAWDUST and SHAVINGS that help folks in the agricultural industry do what they do best. These applications include: Cattle, horses, greenhouses, blueberries and more. We have wood chips for landscaping and pathways. We also carry a wide range of fencing supplies, as well as poles and ties for blueberries.

For all your Sawdust/Shaving needs contact Sunny or Rav Binning at 604-850-9355 or at 604-807-0296 (mobile)

Lettuce wraps stuffed with walnut pate, garnished with chive blossoms. Photo credit: Chrissy Courtney MODERN AGRICULTURE | 47

HORTICULTURE

MAY 2015

THE WEED TO BEAT ALL WEEDS: Yellow Nutsedge

HORTICULTURE Another beneficial strategy is to continue with crop rotation using small grains. “Anything that can compete with it,” Miller advised. Miller noted that like most weeds and pests, prevention is the key to success. Nutsedge generally moves around a farm via equipment and cultivation tools. “Take the time [to clean equipment well] if you’re moving from infested field to non-infested field,” he added.

Nutsedge grows in random clumps so bio-controls are relatively ineffective as there aren’t large full fields of the weed. By scouting and learning what nutsedge looks like when it’s young, farmers can prevent big issues. “If I had just a small amount of it, I would hand dig that thing every single day,” commented Miller. ●

biotypes can handle cool climates,” Miller noted. Unlike grass, the nutsedge can reproduce via basal bulbs and rhizome tubers. The tubers will start to grow about four to six weeks after the shoots emerge which happens in early growing seasons (June) as it is stimulated by high levels of nitrogen and longer days. Tilling the soil will also stimulate germination, but it is a beneficial strategy as once the sprouts begin, they can be tilled again or sprayed. Miller recommends a regular schedule of attack. “Every three weeks till. Infrequent tilling is not good,” he said. “Or spray, then wait one week, then till.”

By Ronda Payne

t’s ranked among the worst weeds in the world. In fact it has been categorized as the worst weed in the world—nutsedge. It comes in purple and yellow and the only thing that makes having nutsedge less of a problem in the Pacific Northwest is the fact that it’s too cold for the purple variety to grow, thrive and infest fields here. That leaves plenty of opportunity for yellow nutsedge. Time Miller of Washington State University in Mount Vernon came to the 2015 Pacific Agriculture Show to tell farmers to be on the lookout for this incredibly invasive weed. “If you don’t have it, don’t get it,” Miller said at the start of his presentation. “It’s a game changer.” 48 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Nutsedge is a world-wide problem. It is so far flung that the only place it doesn’t grow is Antarctica and it is impossible to identify the original origins of the plant. “We don’t know where this thing is native because it’s everywhere,” Miller noted. One of the biggest hurdles of nutsedge is its early appearance. As it sprouts it looks like grass and can be easily overlooked as such. However, this is a plant of a completely different family and one that is far more prolific than the grass it can disguise itself as. To identify nutsedge, look for a triangular or V-shaped stem and pointed V-shaped

leaves in pale green. Break the stem open to see a pith-filled core. Perhaps part of the aggressive nature of nutsedge comes from the fact that it’s edible. It may have been planted as a source of food. However, it may be a chicken and egg issue where the nutsedge may have been explored as a food item in African, Asia and Europe because it was found everywhere. In these regions the weed is roasted, eaten raw and even made into a processed and packaged drink. The ingenuity of making use of the weed doesn’t make it valuable and it is far from a good crop choice. It’s the exact opposite according to Miller. “We expect it in tropical and subtropical climates, but certain

Consistent cultivating and cutting down of the weed will gradually diminish the finite plant energy and while you will continue to see new shoots, eventually the tubers will expire. The constant battle to deplete the energy will also prevent the production of its massive amounts of tubers. On the flip side to longer days which stimulate sprouting, tubers are stimulated by shorter days and the weed can create up to 7,000 tubers in just one year from a single plant. “Tubers can survive three or more years, but if you can knock it down in year one, you will be way ahead,” said Miller. This is essential to battling the weed as the tubers can sprout many times before their energy is depleted enough to prevent further growth. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 49

INDUSTRY UPDATE

MAY 2015

BIO CONTROL: Probiotics for Healthier Animals and Crops

What is Bio-Control?

icroorganisms have developed many mechanisms to ensure their survival in the ongoing competition for food and space that occurs between the helpful (probiotic) microorganisms and disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganisms. Bio-control technology harnesses the beneficial, naturally occurring mechanisms that allow producers to improve and maintain livestock and crop health, while minimizing the use of harmful chemical agents. The naturally occurring mechanisms listed below work synergistically to create a highly effective method of managing pathogenic microorganisms in a variety of environments. 1.

Competitive exclusion (Gause’s Law) occurs when millions of microorganisms of one species or type dominate an environment. By consuming most of the food and occupying much of

50 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

the physical space, they leave few resources for other microorganisms to access. This results in the less competitive organisms being unable to multiply or exist. 2. Quorum sensing is an elegant form of chemical communication between microorganisms of the same species, allowing the dominant group to “tell” other groups that the available space is already occupied, causing the less dominant microbes to become dormant or expire. 3. Breakdown of biofilms results in the removal of a tough covering created by many microorganisms to protect their colony from harm (Figure 1.) Probiotic bacteria break down this biofilm structure, making the pathogens more susceptible to competitive exclusion and quorum sensing. By using the above principles, harmful microorganisms are not directly “killed” and resistance similar to that caused by chem-

icals and drugs is not triggered. With the regular addition of probiotic microorganisms into an environment, these principles can be maintained over a periods of years without the development of resistance by other microorganisms.

MAY 2015 The rapid evolution of multi-drug resistant pathogens that is showing up on farms today indicates that there is a need for sustainable and effective alternatives to the chemicals and drugs that are currently being used. Bio-control is a way of using the well-recognized principles of competitive exclusion, quorum sensing, and biofilm reduction to give farmers an effective way to reduce the use of chemicals and drugs. Bio-control is not new technology—European livestock producers have been embracing these methods for decades. A severe outbreak of salmonella on Finnish broiler farms in 1971 resulted in two Finnish researchers, Nurmi and Rantala, discovering that by giving newly hatched chicks a dose of healthy gut microbes they could effectively reduce Salmonella levels. Since then digestive probiotics for animals has been researched and shown to have multiple benefits not only for disease management, but for improved immune function, healthier appearance, and improved digestive function and feed conversion. Other countries have made significant contributions in pioneering probiotic products for agricultural applications for a variety of uses; controlling pathogenic fungi on plants in greenhouses, and reducing pathogenic bacteria found in water lines, dugouts, fish tanks and even poultry and hog barns. In 2003 Eric van den Heuvel, a large swine producer in Holland, had a problem. Most of his hogs tested positive for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as did his family. As this infection is highly resistant and unresponsive to antibiotic

Probiotic means “pro-life” in Greek

In many agricultural situations, healthy levels of beneficial microbes are unable to become established and flourish, due to the repeated applications of herbicides, pesticides, chemicals, disinfectants and drugs. This directly compromises the beneficial microbe populations not only in the soil, water and barns, but also depletes the health of micro environments that exist on the animal’s skin (sores, infections or animal irritability) and in their digestive tract (diarrhea, poor feed conversion, low immune function).

Figure 1

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Figure 2

“As a society we have been trained to kill anything we perceive as harmful and many products proclaim to kill ‘99.9%’of all bugs.”

treatment, he started a trial with a special bio-control cleaning product called Chrisal which contains probiotic bacteria. Testing conducted one year later showed that the MRSA had been eradicated from the hogs,

and that his family members were also free of the infection. In addition, he had reduced the use of antibiotics in his hog operation by 95%. A graph of the decline in antibiotic use is presented as Fig. 2. Chrisal has a wide range of agricultural applications for equine, poultry, swine, and dairy facilities. Originally developed in Belgium a decade ago for human healthcare, Chrisal products were rapidly embraced by the agricultural livestock sector across Europe. Chrisal products are a prime example of bio-control technology, having a simple and effective approach: 1) they are highly effective cleaners; 2) they leave behind a high numbers of beneficial bacteria which naturally suppress the harmful microorganisms; 3) they are non-toxic and do not compromise the animals’ natural immune function. Chrisal products have now been used by Canadian broiler producers since July 2010 with a demonstrated reduction in antibiotic use, improved feed conversions and lowered mortality and condemn rates. Another example of European bio-control influence into Canada is David Craig. In the 1980s David Craig, of Craigcrest Holsteins in Ontario, found himself frustrated by the lack of alternatives to drugs for maintaining herd health. After learning that European farms had begun using digestive probiotics (direct fed microbials) and had decreased their drug usage, he went to Europe to see for himself. “On my initial trip to Europe I learned that the Europeans were way ahead of us in terms of problem solving with bio-control. They had already encountered many of the MODERN AGRICULTURE | 51

INDUSTRY UPDATE

MAY 2015

INDUSTRY UPDATE

BLUEBERRY GALL MIDGE

challenges we were just starting to recognize as serious and already had bio-control solutions underway. That is still true today,” Craig explained. Impressed by what he saw, he began working with European specialists to create a probiotic blend for his own herd. Never intending his probiotics to become a business on its own, the outstanding results he obtained with his own herd were mirrored by other producers, and demand for his product eventually caused him to make the shift from full-time dairy farming to full-time production of species specific animal probiotics.

MAY 2015

Accounting Personal Tax Corporate Tax

leaves, stunted growth and even necrotic black tips. These larvae are extremely difficult to see with the naked eye, although not impossible. When scouting, a hand lens is recommended. When these tips die, the plant will compensate by starting to sprout and grow from the next node down the branch or stem. This causes excessive branching which can be especially problematic in younger plantings. Economic damage (yield loss) has not been directly measured, but it does cause loss by reducing plant vigour. There is some evidence that the larvae will also feed on and damage young flower buds, but this is hard to notice as the damage to these buds looks like winter damage.

AgriStability AgriInvest Tax Planning

Suite 302-32555 Simon Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4Y2

604.835.5888 www.dhandaco.ca September 9 & 10, 2015 | Tradex, Abbotsford

Management

By Greg Welfing Periodically, Modern Agriculture will pick an agricultural pest to feature so we can learn more about its biology and control methods.

T As a society we have been trained to kill anything we perceive as harmful and many products proclaim to kill “99.9%” of all bugs.” In our eagerness to eradicate the harmful bugs, we forgot to ask what happens when we also eradicate the “good bugs”. Now we are learning that the “good” microbes are what naturally suppress the harmful ones. Bio-control simply enhances the presence of “good” organisms and give the farmer effective options for reducing the amount of drugs and chemicals that are routinely used in agriculture. For further information contact Source Probiotics Ltd. www.sourceprobiotics.com 250-216-2478 ●

ED EXPAND W O H S NEW N LOCATIO

WESTERN CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURE TRADE SHOW

New! Outdoor Demo Zone for Small & Large Equipment New! Greenhouse Zone Featuring the Latest Products and Technology Industry Focused Clinics RESERVE YOUR BOOTH SPACE NOW! CONTACT SUVAN BREEN AT SBREEN@BCLNA.COM OR 604.575.3516

New Product Showcase Local Nursery Tours Food Trucks, Tailgate Party and Networking!

WWW.CANWESTHORTSHOW.COM 52 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Horticulture Expo

he blueberry gall midge [(Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson)] is a relatively misunderstood pest of highbush blueberries. The pest is not new to the Fraser Valley, but its prevalence has increased in the past few years, likely due in part to the rapid expansion of planted acreage. In the past, many thought that the blueberry gall midge and the cranberry tipworm were the same pest species. Recent work by AAFC, SFU, and CFIA researchers has shown that although the two pests look identical, they are in fact genetically separate species that do not interbreed. They were, at one time, one species, but have since diverged within the separate crops of cranberries and blueberries.

stars (life stages). Once mature they pupate inside a silken cocoon. Adults emerge from the pupal case within 5-10 days. The total development time from egg to adult takes 2-3 weeks depending on the temperature. This quick life cycle leads to overlapping generations during the summer. The final generation of the year will overwinter as pupae in the soil or leaf litter/mulch. Damage

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/fruit/blueberry_gall_midge.htm http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in458 http://www.perennia.ca/Fact%20Sheets/Horticulture/Fruit/Blueberry/Blueberry%20Gall%20 Midge.pdf http://www.farmwest.com/node/1301 http://www.bioone.org/doi/ pdf/10.1653/024.095.0222 http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ipm/blue/gall_midge. html

Biology The blueberry gall midge adult is a tiny fly about 3mm in length. Adult females emerge in the spring and lay their eggs in young growing tips. A single growing tip can have numerous eggs. Eggs can take only a few days to hatch. Larvae are usually clear or white in appearance. The larvae will feed on the growing tips and go through 3 in-

Control thresholds have never been established for mature plantings, but growers should keep track of the amount of damage on a yearly basis and watch for increases or decreases. Control is most important on younger plants as excessive branching at this stage leads to hard-to-manage plants later on. Control may be necessary in severe cases. Currently, there are two insecticides registered for control of blueberry midge in highbush blueberries.●

After hatching, and while still inside the young growing tip, the larvae (maggots) will feed on plant juices. This leads to curled MODERN AGRICULTURE | 53

HORTICULTURE

MAY 2015

HIGH HOPES FOR RUBBER PLANT: Cultivation of Taraxacum kok-saghyz in British Columbia

HORTICULTURE age to TKS plants during seed harvesting in summer due to the “bud drop” of straws. TKS could be the next commercial plant for British Columbia due to the milder summer temperatures allowing higher rubber accumulations in TKS roots. The adaptive selection and breeding of TKS plants in the climate of Lower Mainland is underway. ● Project funding provided by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry

of Agriculture through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Contacts: Dr. Anvar Buranov, NovaBioRubber Green Technologies Inc., 27266 -15350 Fraser Hwy, Surrey, BC V3R 3P5, Canada. Tel: 1-778-554-945 E-mail: info@ novabiorubber.com and Canada Natural Products Group, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC, Canada

www.prairiecoastequipment.com

5E Series Tractors Call Today for Pricing! •2WD or MFWD •55-75 HP •3 Models to choose •PowerTech turbo-charged diesel engine •Power Reverser Transmission Options •New Climate Controlled Cabs Available!

By Anvar Buranov, Laila Benkrima, and Jason Rite

araxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is an important industrial rubber-producing plant that can be grown annually in Canada. TKS has already been proven to be the promising commercial source of natural rubber and inulin. After the rubber supply was cut off from Southeast Asia during World War II, TKS was grown in the former Soviet Union, USA and Canada to replenish supplies. 54 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

In order to achieve the highest yields possible, it is necessary to study the growth progress of TKS in various climate zones of Canada. This preliminary study focused on the cultivation activities of TKS in the climate zone of the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. The Lower Mainland has a unique climate, flora and fauna and land use due to the proximity to the Pacific Ocean which provides milder winters, along with much greater rainfall than inland areas of the country. Daily average temperature for

spring is 10-15°C. The average daily high temperature in August is 23.8°C, but highs over 30°C are not uncommon. This climate zone can be ideal for growing TKS since it is identical with the natural habitat of TKS in Central Asia. Our agricultural activities included germination, cultivation and seed production. These activities were carried out in both greenhouse and on raised beds. The accumulation of rubber in TKS roots was the main indicator of success. The breeding and selection activities are currently under

development and will be described in a future publication. Germination activities started in April 2014, and the plants were harvested in October. TKS seeds were soaked in water containing “germination boosters” for 24 hours and seeded on plug trays. The germination rate of 90% was observed in all trials. All seedlings were transplanted onto the raised beds containing standard commercial soil. Plants were irrigated every two days using microspray technology. The plants were cultivated for five months without any fertilizers. Our results indicate that the climate of Lower Mainland is well suited to grow TKS with a high rubber accumulation. The rubber content in certain plants reached ~14±0.8% in 4-5 months of cultivation. The use of fertilizers might increase the rubber yields significantly. The main issues included slugs during early development. Slugs love to eat the leaves of young TKS plants and this can delay the plant progress compared to other plants. Rain is beneficial for overall plant progress during early development in spring but it caused slight dam-

0% financing Available! •Abbotsford 604.864.9844 •Kamloops 250.573.4412 •Kelowna 250.765.9765 Items may not be exactly as shown, accessories & attachments cost extra. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Prices are based on the US exchange are subject to change. A documentation fee of up to $250 will be applied on all finance offerings. Additional fees may apply. Programs and prices subject to change without notice, at any time, see dealer for full details. *Offer valid from April 1 2015 until June -30, 2015. Financing on approved John Deere Financial credit only. Discounts or other incentives may be available for cash purchases. By selecting the purchase financing offer, consumers may be foregoing such discounts and incentives which may result in a higher effective interest rate. 0% purchase financing for 60 months on new John Deere 5E (4 Cylinder) Utility Tractor. Eligibility for $0 down payment offer is limited to highly qualified customers and scheduled monthly payments will be required. Representative Amount Financed: $50,000, at 0% APR, monthly payment is $833.33 for 60 months, total obligation is $50,000, cost of borrowing is $0. Monthly payments/ cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed/ down payment. MSRP cash price based on highest priced product in series: $55,506 (with selection of cash rebate offer, $54,006) (includes $50 documentation fee). Cost of borrowing based on Representative Amount Financed not MSRP cash price. Minimum finance amount may be required; representative amount does not guarantee offer applies. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum.

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 55

FRUIT

MAY 2015

WHAT THE HAKSAP?

FRUIT

MAY 2015 mended until year five and then only lightly. They do not sucker. There are few predators to the plant; deer prefer other plants and bugs are barely out at that time, therefore reducing the need for sprays or pesticide control. The greatest pests are the cedar waxwing, and even robins. The birds can do significant damage to crop yields and around year four netting or bird control is recommended. Haskap is an exciting new crop that has the potential to open up markets here in Canada and abroad. Its uses can be anything from liquors and wines to jams and sauces to fresh fruit. The health benefits are extremely good and in comparison to other fruits has shown itself to be a major player. They are high in ORAC values, anthocyanin, polyphenols and bioflavonoids—great antioxidant! To date, global farming of haskap is relatively small. Only about 800 acres are planted and producing in Canada at various stages of maturity. The potential to grow and expand this particular fruit is extremely great and as Dr. Bob Bors says, “It’s not every day that you have a new fruit.” ●

By Axel and Doris Hvidberg

ave you ever heard of Haskap?” That was the question posed to Axel and I five years ago while we were researching thornless blackberries as a crop that we could potentially grow on our farm in Salmon Arm, BC. Our response was the same one we now get from people when we ask them that question . . . “What’s Haskap?” Haskap is a Japanese name for lonicera caerulea or what is otherwise known as edible blue honeysuckle, honey berry and blue honeysuckle. Related more closely to the tomato family, haskap produces a dark blue elongated berry that ripens a week or two before strawberries. Its flavour profile has been likened to a mix of blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. In other words, the flavour is entirely unique.

56 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Aknowledgments: Dr. Bob Bors University of Saskatchewan, Haskap Canada

ASSAIL INSECTICIDE

So why Haskap? In an attempt to develop a fruit crop that will withstand cold temperatures, the University of Saskatchewan began to breed plants from Russia and Japan. Because the plant can withstand temperatures of -47°C and is bloom tolerant to -7°C, it is incredibly cold tolerant. Its suitability as a northern crop makes the plant extremely beneficial to areas that normally couldn’t plant fruit. The soil PH requirements are a wide range from 7.9 (clay) to 5.4 (wild species). Russian researchers recommend PH levels from 5 to 7. Because it is an early bloomer, bees have the added benefit of early food. Bumblebees are a primary pollinator; however, the early benefits to bee keepers would be worth looking into. Haskap are low maintenance and require only to be grass and weed free until they become established. Pruning isn’t recom-

TRUSTED PROVEN CONTROL

Assail is a PMRA and EPA designated, reduced-risk, broad spectrum insecticide that doesn’t breakdown in sunlight, making it an excellent choice for foliar applications. Assail is locally systemic and translaminar, giving it the ability to move readily within the plant to protect all sides of the feeding surface.

ENGAGE AGRO Assail is a registered trademark of Nippon Soda Co. Ltd.

1030 Gordon Street Guelph, ON. N1G 4X5 tel. 866.613.3336 info@engageagro.com www.engageagro.com Always read & follow label directions MODERN AGRICULTURE | 57

FEATURE

MAY 2015

TOM BAUMANN LEADS THE WAY: Mentoring Young Agriculturists

geography teachers in high school who inspired me to put all I’d learned together, and then I went on to university into something called applied biology. This included geography, biology and other sciences and of course we learned about food and agriculture.”

By Cate Pedersen

“When I did my advanced degree at UBC, I was taught by Dr. Eaton who inspired in me a love of agriculture and a love for food. Dr. Eaton shared; my great aunt shared; my teachers shared their knowledge and I am just following in their footsteps.”

om Baumann, Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), would rather speak about the students he has mentored and their contributions to agriculture than reveal anything about his own accomplishments, but that is a common trait in many effective teachers. Baumann received a bachelor of science and first master’s degree from a German university, and then completed a second master of science at the University of BC. Baumann has worked with UFV since 1990, and his focus has always been on inspiring the next generation.

Baumann specialized rather early in berries, and has been employed by Fraser Valley Strawberry Growers Association (now called BC Strawberry Growers Association) and later by BC Raspberry Growers Association, now called Raspberry Industry Development Council. Baumann has felt incredibly lucky in his career. “I fell into a job that I like—many jobs in fact—and I go to work with a smile on my face, not dragging my feet. Sometimes I go home exhausted, but I know I’ve done a good job and I’ve passed on information to someone else who can turn that into a profit and feed the world.”

“It’s not just important to encourage young people to pursue a career in agriculture, it’s crucial. Right now we’ve got a grey-hair generation of farmers over the age of sixty who are all going to hand over the farm, and quite frequently it is not to their children or a relative but another party who purchases the farm. Therefore, I find it crucial that we educate and instill excitement so there is a longing for a better future for these up and coming young farmers. These will not be farmers who push a broom and wield a pitchfork; they will be farmers with GPS guided tractors, with modern liquid feed fertilizers and more sustainable farming.” Baumann makes it a practice to hire from the pool of students he teaches at UFV for positions in his own company and doesn’t necessarily choose those with perfect grades. “I look for students I can work with and I know can excel. My students have succeeded despite my mentoring, I think,” Baumann joked. His company, Expert Agriculture Team Ltd. (EAT) was founded as a limited company in October of 2006. It is primarily a consulting business which works with fruit, vegetable, greenhouse and nursery growers in the Fraser Valley. “We do not provide day-to-day farm advice, only for special events such as when the Maan Farm retail store burned and they needed help getting business back up as soon as possible,” Baumann explained. A few of his lucky students help with the research and development at EAT. The EAT team also includes many collaborators in industry (growers, field advisors, 58 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Baumann commented that there are many areas of interest in the agriculture sectors for new students. “Cannabis growing is a multi-billion dollar business and the problem is most of it is illegal, but changes have made it a legitimate horticulture business. Commercial growing is becoming popular and I get asked many questions, but it is difficult to do the research in a public institution,” he added with a laugh. “When we talk about regular food production, we have very high return crops, and low return crops, but there’s work to be found in both. I refer people to the greenhouse industry which has a good return and produces safe food.” Baumann also described how a variety of sectors require Integrated Pest Management (IPM) experts to create sustainable growing. From Left to Right: Zach Fleming, Alicia Vandenbrink, Joey Levitzky and Rylie Evjen. private companies such as BW Global), Science and Kinesiology professors at UFV, KPU, UBC, SFU, VIU, experts at BC Ministry of Agriculture, and researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Wherever Baumann goes, he bumps into ex-students whom he is delighted to see again. “Some of them are chairs or presidents of grower organizations; some of them serve on BC and Canada wide

committees; some of them are part of the Young Farmers Association, and when they shake my hand, it is better than any pay I’ve received from the university.” When asked where he found his own passion for agriculture, Baumann shared how his great aunt Lisa would teach him about plants when he was a toddler. “Sometimes it was ornamentals, but mostly it had to do with food. I also had fantastic biology and

FEATURE

MAY 2015

“I also hope that organic growers will come to the conclusion that they can grow commercially on a large scale and the two streams—conventional and organic—will come closer to work together for the betterment of Mother Nature.” Baumann enjoys the animated discussions with his students about organic and sustainable farming, and GMOs. “In the end, they all learn different approaches, but will still have to make their own mind up [about those topics].” He spoke proudly about certain recent students: Alicia Vandenbrink, in

her third year with the company, specializing in field inspections, pests and diseases, and a science student at UFV with a Diploma in Agriculture. Zach Fleming, who is just finishing his second year as a Diploma student at UFV; he graduates this year and is going on to an Agriculture Degree from UFV. He specializes in plant breeder’s rights, field inspections, and HR management at EAT. Joey Levitzky has been with the company six months, and works in IT, field research, equipment and nursery work as his specialties; he’s in his second year of the Diploma Program at UFV. Rylie Evjen, in his first year of the Diploma program at UFV, has been with the company for three months. He specializes in managing research fields, nursery and equipment. Baumann’s past students have moved on to occupy prominent positions: Jason Klaasen is now with the Business Risk Management Branch at BC Agriculture; Camila Diaz is now at Farm Credit Canada in Kelowna; Neal VanderHelm, is a farm manager on tree fruit orchard in the Okanagan; and Garion Loehndorf is an agricultural supervisor at Lucerne Foods. Many of Baumann’s students find careers in the Canada Food Inspection Agency. They often take summer jobs with the CFIA and continue on afterwards as the jobs are secure and have attractive benefits. Baumann encourages his students to start from the bottom and work their way up. “They should learn integrated pest management, how to correctly apply fertilizer, do the heavy lifting and know how to do it all themselves so they have the experience to guide others. Sometimes the new generation thinks they can walk into a greenhouse in a white lab coat with their hands in their pockets, but my students are not that

way. We believe in the hands-on, get your fingers dirty approach.” “There is also a demand for people with specific skills. The nursery industry is always looking for people knowledgeable about grafting, budding, propagation and aquaponics. They need growers who can lead teams and grow specialty crops. We need out-of-season growers, so we rely less on imports.” “Sometimes I go home exhausted, but I know I’ve done a good job and I’ve passed on information to someone else who can turn that into a profit and feed the world.”

Baumann envisions a future where the youth take agriculture to the next level. “I am a dreamer and a collaborator. With a little technology and a lot of knowledge we can grow more successfully. We are running out of arable land, and I see a chance for these young farmers to grow upwards, using greenhouses and technology to grow on less land.” The next step for Baumann is to travel with his Expert Agriculture Team coworkers to tropical climates to see how other cultures grow. “I travel to learn and that’s how my students will continue to learn. The Team is only a stepping stone for them. I want to encourage them to pursue their own dreams. I want them to excel and be outstanding in their field. In the end, it is about our agriculture industry being on the leading edge with high quality, safe food for the people of Canada and beyond.” ● MODERN AGRICULTURE | 59

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

MAY 2015

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

NASA SOIL MOISTURE MAPPING MISSION AGRI-FOOD VENTURE

ACCELERATION PROGRAM

•

Quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes.

•

Enhance weather and climate forecast capability.

•

Develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capability.

While the global data will allow scientists to better track drought patterns as well as the links between soil moisture and weather, the data isn’t expected to be detailed enough to provide insight into individual irrigation blocks or zones. So it’s doubtful SMAP will have a major effect on the day-to-day operations of farmers in the short-term.

hen you think of NASA, images of Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong’s space boots touching down on the moon usually come to mind. But as of 6:20 a.m. PST on Jan. 31, 2015, NASA’s focus now includes the soil beneath a different pair of boots—right here on Earth.

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite will track moisture in the Earth’s top 5 centimeters of soil and help scientists track and forecast extreme weather events such as the movement of droughts. According to NASA administrator Charles Bolden, improving the tracking of water resources for agricultural purposes was a key component of this mission. “The launch of SMAP completes an ambitious 11-month period for NASA that has seen the launch of five new Earth-observing space missions to help us better understand our changing planet,” he said. “Scientists and policymakers will use SMAP data to track water movement around our planet and make more informed decisions in critical areas like agriculture and water resources.”

NASA’s first mission of the new year was deemed a success by officials, launching a Delta II rocket equipped with a soil moisture mapping satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California.

The SMAP satellite separated from the spacecraft within the first hour of launch en route to an operational orbit of 685.6 kilometers (426 miles), where it will orbit the earth every 2-3 days and provide the high-

By Brian Milne

60 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

est-resolution maps of soil moisture ever obtained from space. Shortly after the launch, NASA officials confirmed that data from the mission will be made public via NASA’s SMAP website in coming weeks. The $916 million mission, which was delayed twice because of high winds earlier in the week, is expected to run for at least three years. According to NASA, measurements from SMAP will provide high-resolution global mapping of soil moisture and freeze/thaw state that will enable science and applications users to: •

Understand processes that link the terrestrial water, energy and carbon cycles.

•

Estimate global water and energy fluxes at the land surface.

SMAP uses a pair of microwave instruments to monitor down to the top 5 centimeters (2 inches) of soil. But the soil moisture only estimates down to 9 kilometers (6 miles), and covers the globe every 2-3 days, which Rosalie Murphy, of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, points out “cannot show how soil moisture might vary within a single field, (but) it will give the most detailed maps yet made” from space. To ensure accuracy, NASA officials said their scientists will go through an extensive process to calibrate the radiometer measurements to actual soil moisture measurements at pre-selected sites across the globe to assure the data is accurate across various soil types and landscapes. Once calibrated, the SMAP measurements could help growers long-term by identifying the early signs of agricultural drought, which NASA notes: “will come into play because researchers forecast a threefold increase in drought frequency in many re-

gions of the world by the end of the twenty-first century. History shows that a sustained drought can result in crop failure, deaths of livestock, and ultimately deaths of people. There is an economic impact as well. It is estimated that the 2012 drought in the Midwest led to harvest failures costing an estimated $30 billion.”

NASA officials added SMAP data could help improve crop productivity by measuring soil moisture and helping project production across multiple regions. That information could be used not only for agricultural purposes, but for targeting humanitarian food assistance programs. More accurate, long-term weather forecasts could also benefit growers who are uncertain about when to plant, water, fertilize and harvest their crops in the face of changing climates. “If farmers of rain-fed crops know soil moisture, they can schedule their planting to maximize crop yield,” said Narendra Das, a water and carbon cycle scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. “SMAP can assist in predicting how dramatic drought will be, and then its data can help farmers plan their recovery from drought.” ●

Bridging Agriculture and Technology

DO YOU HAVE THE NEXT BIG IDEA IN AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY? If yes, we have the resources: Venture Acceleration Training Concept to Capital Mentoring Local Workshops & Seminars Resource Database

www.SRCTec.org (877) 523-5542 ext 2 7337 WELTON STREET MISSION, BC info@SRCTec.org BUILDING COMPANIES. CREATING JOBS. INVESTING IN FUTURES. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 61

MAY 2015

Quality and Service … it’s Our Pledge.

select foods For over four decades, Thunderbird Plastics Ltd. has provided the highest quality injection-molded handling solutions to the agricultural industry. Berry flats, blueberry lugs, fruit/ vegetable boxes and agricultural containers made with the finest materials and available at very affordable pricing.

Fraser Valley Packers Inc. specializes in the processing, freezing, marketing and distribution of cultivated blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

At Thunderbird Plastics Ltd. we stand by our pledge of quality, service and on-time delivery.

Canada: Toll free: 888-77T-BIRD • United States: 503-744-9112 www.thunderbirdplastics.com

Fraser Valley Packers Inc. is a FDA approved facility, HACCP certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, GFSI Certified (Global Food Safety Initiative) SQF Level 2 and GFSI certified farms by Canada GAP.

SER VALLE Y RA

CK E R S I N C

Proud Sponsor of: 4H • Crystal Gala • Mathews House • Historic Downtown Abbotsford Car Show Pleased to be preferred supplier to Pacific Dairy

QUALITY

ADVANTAGE

VARIETY

We accept fruit from quality growers who practice farm food safety and are Canada Gap certified.

We have a state-of-thesart HACCP approved facility that is safe and is continuing to grow every year. We also do custom IQF freezing for fruits and vegetables.

We offer a variety of packed berries and sell fresh and frozen fruit. from clam shell to boxes to bulk, we do it all!

VALLEY SELECT FOODS

Main Plant & Head Office 260 Short Rd Abbotsford, BC Tel.: 604-852-3525 Fax: 604-852-3569 info@fraservalleypackers.com

Tel.: 604-897-2094 | Fax: 604-823-2351 41212 No. 3 Road, Abbotsford BC Paul Sahota

paul.sahota@valleyselectfoods.com

Valley Select Foods Ad.indd 1

ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

7/3/2014 12:24:56 PM

SALES-SERVICE-RENTALS-REPAIRS ALL MAKES AND SIZES OF ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL SCALES ISO, HCCP & QUALITY SYSTEM TRACEABLE DOCUMENTATION PROUD DISTRIBUTOR OF FAIRBANKS, CARDINAL & OHAUS SCALES

MEASUREMENT CANADA WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACCREDITED

Protecting the investment of our farmers.

• Processing Plants • Animal • Crop

Call 604.853.5951 B.C. Scale Co. Ltd. 5920-200A St. Langley, B.C. Canada V3A 5X8 Phone (604) 534-8633 Fax (604) 534-7633 Web www.bcscale.com

info@saxbee.com | www.Saxbee.com 201 - 32641 South Fraser Way Abbotsford, BC V2T 1X9

604.316.3557 or 604.997.3867

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • AUTO • LIFE 62 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 63

MAY 2015

PRODUCTION SALES AND SERVICE

SALES PARTS AND SERVICE

855 Rogue Ave.

6881 E 5TH PLACE

Stayton, OR 97383

LYNDEN, WA 98264

503.769.5953

360.398.9845

1.866.262.2495

“FOR ALL YOUR HARVESTING NEEDS”

www.littauharvester.com

• GPS Row Forming (hilling) blueberry, raspberry, strawberry • Sawdust Spreading • Field Tillage • Subsoiling • Chisel Plowing • Plowing • Discing • Spraying • Fertilizing • Irrigation • Post Pounding • Full Field Setup • Turnkey Blueberry Planting • Field Management • Project Consulting

We are proudly serving the agricultural community of the Lower Mainland. Please contact us for an estimate.

2015 OR—OVER ROW

2015 SR SIDE—ROW

2015 SPREADERS

PLP CUSTOM WORK LTD. Prit Gill, Abbotsford BC Tel.: 604-835-5000 Email: prit@plpltd.com

604-835-5000

64 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

SINCE 1962

2015 ORXL OVER—ROW

SERVICES:

www.littauharvester.com

2015 SFM—10 SPRAYER “BUILDING HARVESTER SOLUTIONS FOR THE WORLD”

2015 PE-200 CLEANER

SINCE 1962

MODERN AGRICULTURE | A

MAY 2015

B | MODERN AGRICULTURE