Modern Agriculture Volume 2 Issue 1 by Modern Agriculture

FALL 2014

VOL. 2 ISSUE 1

MODERN AGRICULTURE

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S A G R I C U LT U R E M A G A Z I N E

Profiting from Sustainability Feature Story

Needlepoint Science

Bovine Acupuncture

Going Mediterranean in Abbotsford Organic-grown Kiwis Come From Vine Know-How

Canadian Poultry Something to Crow About

Jeff and Don Hooge of Fairway Poultry Ltd., participants in the EFP program (pages 22-23)

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FALL 2014

IMPRESSUM

The

PUBLISHER’S

LETTER Dear Readers,

As fall eases into winter, we at Modern Agriculture Magazine wish all our readers a productive and successful year end. We have enjoyed every minute of the beautiful weather we experienced in BC this year, and after speaking with local farmers we know they have too. The extended summer through September and into October has helped farmers across the province with their harvests, allowing for a successful season. Blueberry farmers are wrapping up their season and we have some tips on post-harvest care of highbush blueberries. Also, the latest and greatest technologies within the dairy industry are described in the articles Bovine Acupuncture and Milking It. Our cover story discusses the complimentary and confidential Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and how farmers and the environment can benefit from sustainable farming practices. It is a very important topic that requires closer examination. We had a major anniversary happen for an organization in BC; as well, we look into global farming practices and technologies which we can learn from. Our committed team of designers, writers and publishers continually strive to create content that is engaging, educational and entertaining. We encourage you to visit our new website, which will allow us to share content about local events, news and much, much more in between issues. This is the last issue of 2014. The new year is going to be extremely busy with the Pacific Ag Gala, and the Pacific Ag Tradeshow in Abbotsford in late January. We hope to see many familiar friends and meet some new people at the tradeshow which will coincide with the release of our first issue of 2015. If there are any subjects you would like to read about within our pages, we invite your ideas. Contact us via traditional mail, email or on one of our social media outlets. Let us know what you think and let’s move BC Agriculture forward together.

Sincerely,

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

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

2 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

FALL 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE: 06

100 Years and Still Going Strong By Kathleen Fryer

Needlepoint Science: Bovine Acupunture by Kaitlyn Gisler

Curbing Caterpillars in Cole Crops by Ronda Payne

Valuation: Estate Planning by Alex Wong

Farming around the World by Reuben Mann

34 36 37

Phosphorus in Soil and Plants: A Primer by Dieter Geesing

Calves Love Company - Individual Housing of Dairy Calves Leads to Learning Deficits by UBC Dairy Research Center

Hazelnut Resurgence An Old New Crop by Thom Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell

Going Mediterranean in Abbotsford: Organic Grown Kiwis From Vine Know-How by Ronda Payne

Dining al fresco: The Tradition of Long-Table Dinners comes to BC by Ronda Payne

Profiting from Sustainability by Cate Pedersen

BC Leading the Way For Greener Pest Management By Investment Ag Foundation BC Ag Goes Global by Investment Ag Foundation

Resistance is Inevitable! Biological vs Chemical Pest Control by Cody Cruise

Well, That Gets My Goat! by Reuben Mann and Cate Pedersen

Premise Identification Preparedness by Cate Pedersen

Good News for Dairy Cows... And Farmers by Investment Ag Foundation

Pesticide Storage: Are You Protected? by Cate Pedersen

Canadian Poultry: Something to Crow About By Jillian Robbins

Milking it: Taking the Guesswork out of Dairy Production by Genome BC

Post-Harvest Care of Highbush Blueberries by Greg Welfing Putting Technologies to the Test by Tom Baumann

View the magazine online at www.modernagriculture.ca! MODERN AGRICULTURE | 3

2015 4 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

FALL 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

CONTRIBUTORS: CATE PEDERSEN

Cate Pedersen is a contributing writer and editor for Modern Agriculture Magazine, and copywriter for social media sites, blogs and ads. Cate’s creativity and interest in a variety of topics combine to help her hone in on any subject. She is proud to call the Fraser Valley her home, and be part of a local publication. RONDA PAYNE 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.

KAITLYN GISLER Kaitlyn was born, raised and works on her parents’ dairy farm in the beautiful Fraser Valley. Her grandparents started dairy farming in 1965 and although they have been at the same location for 49 years, modern farming has done everything but stand still. Five years ago they brought two voluntary robotic milking systems into their herd—a welcome relief for their cows—and them! Kaitlyn attended post-secondary in Vancouver—where she got her first taste of freelancing—and completing a journalism course through UBC has helped her recognize the parallels between farming and freelancing: it is always more work than meets the eye. The finished product is never what you started with, but the end result is always one-hundred per cent worth it. You can connect with her on Twitter @ KGisler.

Greg has an intense passion for biology and agricultural systems. Plant and insect dynamics have always been in passionate focus. Armed with a BSc degree and years of experience in agricultural research, monitoring, and technical sales, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge to our writing team.

DIETER GEESING

ALEX WONG

Dieter is a senior soil scientist and ecologist at Madrone Environmental Services. He is also a seasonal instructor for Soil Science at UFV. Dr. Geesing holds a BSc. in Forestry from the University of Göttingen, Germany, a MSc. in Plant and Soil Science from the Texas A & M University Kingsville, USA and a PhD in Natural Sciences from the Technical University of Munich, Germany.

Alex Wong has been with Smythe Ratcliffe since 2004 and achieved his CBV designation in 2014. Alex won the 2013 George Ovens Award for the highest mark in Canada on the final exam for the CBV designation. Alex is focused on being a trusted business advisor to his owner-managed clients. KATHLEEN FRYER

TOM BAUMANN CODY CRUISE

Tom Baumann is an accomplished professor and department co-ordinator at the University of the Fraser Valley and also acts as a Research Director at Pacific Berry Resource Centre. Tom mostly teaches production courses, such as fruit and vegetable production at UFV. Further, he is also an industry consultant with his company Expert Agriculture Team Ltd.

GREG WELFING

Kathleen is completing her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science and a minor in history at the University of the Fraser Valley. She has just returned from a semester abroad at Sciences Po Lille in France and will be applying for graduate studies in International Relations. In October, she will be the youth representative on the 4-H Canada delegation to the Global 4-H Network Summit in Seoul, South Korea.

After graduating from UFV with an Agriculture Diploma - Pest Management in 1999, his career focused on pest management in commercial vegetable and floriculture greenhouses. Cody came to TerraLink in 2008 working at the sales desk. Six months later he accepted the role of Regulatory Affairs.

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 5

LIVESTOCK

FALL 2014

100 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG

n 2014 we celebrate the 100th 4-H (head, heart, hands and health) has changed and grown since its inception one hundred years ago, the skills it teaches and the confidence it instills remain as important and relevant today as in 1914.

This was the goal of the 4-H movement when it was founded in 1914 with a potato project, though a poultry project was quickly added the same year. In the past century, 4-H has grown in BC to encompass over 30 different projects from horse to honeybee, from dairy to dog, and from clothing to outdoor living. 4-H has a project for everyone.

The 4-H program was adopted with the goal, “to train the heads and hands of the boys and girls; to give them broad and big hearts; to improve their health by giving them an interest in outdoor life; and to encourage, on the part of all British Columbia citizens, a stronger and more intelligent interest in agriculture.”

In its centennial year, the BC program has 2240 members, in 142 clubs run by 638 volunteer leaders. Above all else, 4-H is a youth development program that focuses on instilling leadership, citizenship, knowledge, and personal development in its members who range from 6-year-old Cloverbuds to 21-year-old 4-H Ambassadors.

By Kathleen Fryer

6 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

But the 4-H program is so much more than projects and clubs; it gives youth confidence to speak in front of people. 4-H is more than learning how to run a business meeting; it is developing leadership skills which allow its members to go on and succeed in university and the professional world. Through Provincial Club Week, Food for Thought, Youth Action and many other provincial and regional programs and events, 4-H members gain friendships that last a lifetime. ●

FALL 2014

POULTRY

CANADIAN POULTRY: Something to Crow About

By Jillian Robbins

n its latest television ad campaign A&W is raising its image by promoting its hormone-free hamburgers. The sample audience is surprised and one taster even comments about never having connected such a quality product with a fast food restaurant. This simple, easy-to-remember message delivered to a target audience is just what Canada’s poultry industry needs. Canadian chicken has been hormone free since 1963, but the lack of understanding of this fact, even by the most food-conscious consumers, means that past marketing and promotion efforts have not been particularly effective.

When Canadian poultry farmers sell their pasture-raised chickens at the Vancouver’s Farmers Markets, I am often surprised at the lack of knowledge consumers have about Canadian raised poultry. Even the “foodies” at the markets ask if our birds are hormone or steroid free. We display pictures of birds at Farmers Markets in green pastures that clearly show our birds are raised cage free, but all meat birds in Canada are raised free run, and are hormone free and steroid free. The poultry industry in Canada is already highly regulated. Producers are audited annually to ensure they are following the On Farm Food Safety Program and biosecurity and animal welfare protocols. Failure to comply with these standards can result in

the loss of the right to produce. Nationally, the poultry industry is considering adopting a requirement that antibiotics only be used under prescription from a veterinarian. When this is adopted, most poultry in Canada will be raised without medication. Consumers may remember stories from South American countries where hormones in chicken feed resulted in children maturing at young ages. The poultry industry in BC, and in Canada, has a good story to tell, but it needs to revisit how it communicates that story to customers. ● Jillian Roberts is board member of BC Young Farmers.

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 7

INDUSTRY UPDATE

FALL 2014

HAZELNUT RESURGENCE An Old New Crop By Thom O’Dell (Contributors: Peter Andres and Tom Baumann).

have always been somewhat of a nutcase—just ask my colleagues and friends. And, I was raised on Nutella, a most delicious combination of hazelnuts, milk and chocolate. That may also be the reason I grew to be six foot six. Now I am told that local hazelnuts may be hard to come by for a few years. The reason: Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB), a devastating fungal disease that has spread to the western US and, quite recently, crossed the border illegally (no passport!) via wind-borne spores. I was there at the first meeting with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) at BC Ministry of Agriculture (BCMA) with all the growers as we discussed the prevention of further spread. There was one fellow there who asked out loud what most everyone was wondering: “How can we prevent this spread if the disease spreads by wind and water and we have winds blowing at 100 km/h in an easterly direction most every fall, winter and spring?” Yes, you guessed it, that fellow was me. Despite the concerns, together with important partners like the BC Landscape and Nursery Association, the CFIA, the BCMA’s Mark Sweeney, local MLAs, and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF), the growers managed to stall the

disease for quite some years. But, now we may be looking at the death of (or at the very least a serious reduction in) hazelnut production, which is centred mostly in the eastern Fraser Valley.

and partnered with IAF and Nature Tech Nursery, imported six new EFB-resistant varieties of hazelnuts out of the Oregon State University breeding program and began local trials.

In 2010, the BC Hazelnut Association (BCHA) under Peter Andres’ leadership,

Hazelnut trees can cross the border only in sterile culture vessels, but Nature Tech continues to propagate them in tissue culture and will have supplied enough trees by the end of the year for about 60 acres of new hazelnut plantings. (See Image 2: Varieties in propagation). Nevertheless, older orchards are declining and replanting is lagging so our supply of local nuts is still in jeopardy. For this nut addict, this is a serious problem. I want to buy local food, I want to support our industry and I want to keep eating the Linzer Torte my dear mother bakes so well in which hazelnuts are a major ingredient. Almonds, another option for nuts, are not grown locally and taste quite different to me. So I got involved. The hazelnut industry has partnered with UFV to do the following:

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FALL 2014

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Image 4: First new plantings progress. Photo credit: Peter Andres

Image 2: New Varieties in propagation •

Explore new avenues of research of benefit to local growers with input from stakeholders and building on the results of the current trial.

•

Preserve a genetic bank of EFB-resistant varieties in our screened greenhouses at UFV.

•

Encourage and support current nursery production until demand for production can be self-sustaining.

•

Help the BCHA obtain funding for strategic planning and promotion of the crop.

•

Create excitement to attract new growers, as local and global demand for nuts outstrips supply and prices paid to producers rise.

•

Perform trials on growing the crop, modern growing and fertility systems, placing of pollinator varieties and compare varieties.

questions. Farmers are looking at hazelnuts as a good option for diversifying production by investing in an environmentally sustainable, long-term and permanent crop. Since hazelnuts require less labour and fewer inputs than many crops, they are especially well-suited to landowners who want to secure or maintain agricultural tax status on their smaller properties, and those who have limited time and resources but want to contribute to sustainable food production. From challenge has arisen opportunity! So, this nut addict is happy, my

future is secure food-wise, and this industry will not only survive, but grow and expand. For further information please contact the BC Hazelnut Association at: 1611 Tranmer Road R.R. #2 Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 Phone: 604-796-2550 ●

Five years from now, this will be a completely different industry. It will be modern, producing highest quality fruit, and be an even bigger player in agriculture than it was before. The leadership is there, the support is there, the growers are willing to change to make this all work well. I saw many new faces at the meeting and I saw younger, interested growers asking

Image 3: The excitement is growing and so are trial plantings of the promising new varieties. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 9

INNOVATION

FALL 2014

GOING MEDITERRANEAN IN ABBOTSFORD: Organic-Grown Kiwis Come From Vine Know-How of Macedonia (formerly Yugoslavia) after years of schooling in the same subject. He recognizes that someone without a similar background would likely struggle with the same crop. “They grow like crazy,” Petkov said of the male vines. “I have to do lots of canopy management and pruning is very important.” Plus, there was definitely a financial investment in getting the land set up. “The first few years we were putting money, money, money [into the production],” he said. But now, the biggest cost is his time.

By Ronda Payne

rowing organic kiwis in a wet climate is hard enough, but when buyers doubt it can be done, getting the product to market is almost as challenging as the fruit’s cultivation. George Petkov of Petkov Kiwi Production in Abbotsford plunged headlong into this challenge when he started growing kiwis on eight leased acres in 2008. Petkov’s operation was at about 75 per cent of capacity with last year’s crop which weighed in at about 48 metric tonnes. As the kiwi production has climbed, so has Petkov’s ability to find buyers. “The first year [of harvesting] was a little hard to find buyers,” he said. “They didn’t believe kiwi could be grown here.”

With the expected increase in harvest just around the corner, Petkov is working towards Food Safe certification to allow him to expand his business through other buyers. Certainly buyers can’t be blamed for having doubts about organic kiwis growing locally. After all, kiwi growers on Vancouver Island have had their struggles. According to Petkov, one of the growers in that region deemed the fruit not commercially viable and ripped up 10 acres of kiwi vines around 2008. The Kiwifruit Growers Association of BC still exists on the southern tip of the island, the only place believed capable of growing the fruit in BC, until Petkov came along.

“When you work for [your] self, I am more flexible,” Petkov noted. “Sometimes, I can stay 12 hours [on the land], sometimes I don’t come.” Because of the specialized nature of the crop and the work, Petkov knows it will be nearly impossible to find labour to fit his needs. Instead of looking to expand the kiwi plantings to grow the business, he intends to add other Mediterranean fruits to his operation. “If I expand more, I will have to find someone who knows about [kiwis], so if I expand I will do something else, other Mediterranean fruits, it’s [kiwis are] too much work,” he said. The gently sloped fields of Petkov’s leased farm are ideal, especially with the clean well water for irrigation.

It hasn’t been easy, mind you, and Petkov would be the first to say it isn’t the right fruit

“The soil is very good and the drainage is very good,” he noted.

Approximately 75 per cent of the farm’s harvest in 2013 went to “the Healthy Schools program,” he noted, with the remaining quarter being sold wholesale to restaurants and IGA.

for most growers. While Petkov has no concerns about pests—due to the fact that kiwis are a non-native plant—the real issue is time and knowledge.

One of the restaurants he sells to is Big Feast Bistro, a restaurant focused on fresh, urban flavours in Maple Ridge.

Not everyone has the advanced education Petkov has. He earned a masters in viticulture in his homeland of the Republic

So what’s next for Petkov? Persimmon, figs, pomegranate, olives and more than 25 different kinds of fruit are all being tested on the land. There may yet be a Mediterranean paradise in the Fraser Valley. ●

10 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

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PEST MANAGEMENT

FALL 2014

RESISTANCE IS INEVITABLE! Biological vs Chemical Pest Control

By Cody Cruise

here are some considerations to take into account when choosing which pest control method(s) to use. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) has been in practice for many years and uses an integrated approach to pest control. Growers use a variety of methods to reduce pest populations to or below a predetermined economic threshold level. IPM includes using environmental, cultural, mechanical, biological and, as a last resort, chemical control. Monitoring or scouting and recording must also be done; not only to estimate pest populations, species and locations, but also to evaluate pest control measures used to determine their efficacy. In a greenhouse environment where temperature, light, air movement and humidity are usually controlled by a computer system, biological controls, when applied early and at proper rates, function much better than in a field environment. Often, greenhouses mandate the use of pesticides to prevent residues being left behind, and bio controls are employed. Greenhouse vegetables are typically picked every 2–3 days, so growers have a limited number of pesticides to use that have a Pre-harvest Interval (PHI) to match the picking frequency. 12 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Out in the field, biological control is not as effective as chemical controls under most situations. The main reason is the wide open spaces. Also, some of the pests invading the outside crops are never an issue in a controlled environment, so the biological suppliers don’t waste their money trying to rear something that isn’t going to be in high demand. Insects such as Lygus and cutworm may have natural enemies, but no evidence has been found that they are produced commercially. “By neglecting to alternate pesticides of different groups, the risk of pesticide resistance is likely within two or three applications.” Because there are not many overlapping generations of insects out in the field (with the exception of spider mites, aphids and perhaps a few others), chemical sprays are usually the most effective method of dealing with a pest problem. Chemical sprays can be applied at the most susceptible stage of the pest’s life-cycle; so, generally, one or two sprays are all that are required for control. Almost all of the pesticides that are applied to food crops will have a PHI

so the application timing coincides with the target life-stage of the pest. The big drawback to using chemicals outside is the effect they have on the native populations of natural enemies that may have moved in for a feast. And now, with (mainly) the neonicotinoids becoming a concern for honeybees, it is never recommended to spray any type of insecticide on a crop while bees are foraging. By neglecting to alternate pesticides of different groups, the risk of pesticide resistance is likely within two or three applications. There is no resistance to biological controls. Chemical residues and/or vapours also repel most biological controls. Even non-food crops are affected by residues left by some pesticides. If it is a foliage crop (such as ornamentals) the residues are an unwanted distraction. As well, pest damage is neither acceptable nor tolerated. Both biological and chemical controls have their place; it is up to the grower to decide which is most suitable, feasible, responsible and economical to use in any given situation. ●

FALL 2014

LIVESTOCK

WELL, THAT GETS MY GOAT! produce white, black, silver, red, and brownish fibers. These goats also require high nutritional maintenance due to their rapid hair growth, as the quality of their fibers can be negatively impacted.

By Reuben Mann and Cate Pedersen

ou’d be surprised at how many different types of goats are out there; a quick Wikipedia search showed over 60 different breeds, each with their own purpose in agriculture. Therefore, Modern Agriculture has decided to bring you ‘The Goat Series.’ Here are just a few of the different varieties: 1.

Our first goat? The Alpine. This breed is famous for its rich dairy production and originates in the French Alps. Alpine milk contains the lowest fat content of all milks, including that of humans and cows, and has a slightly lower protein/ml ratio (2.3g/250mL) than cow’s milk (3.4g/250mL).

2. The American LaMancha, a native of Oregon, is referred to as one of the most distinctive breeds due to their recognizable short ear pinnae (the visible part of the ear that resides outside of the head). American LaManchas are also known for extremely high milk production with high butterfat content, and is the only breed developed in the United States. Oh, and they’re extremely intelligent with crafty personalities. They are quiet, docile, and affectionate, but will be the first ones to figure out whether or not you left the gate unlocked! 3. The Anglo-Nubian breed was developed in Great Britain. Its distinguishing characteristics include large, pendulous ears and a “Roman” nose. Due to their Middle-Eastern heritage, they can live in very hot climates and have longer breeding seasons than other dairy goats. Their milk has high butterfat content and they typically produce less milk than other dairy breeds, and are also used for their fur. 4. The Angora is a neat looking goat, bred for its fleece, called mohair. A single angora goat produces 4 to 5 kilos of mohair per year; and they are shorn twice a year, unlike sheep, which are typically shorn only once. Although they look very similar, they have no relation to sheep, and are known to

5. A majestic specimen known as the Dutch Landrace is found in the Netherlands. A landrace is a local variety of domesticated animal which has developed over time by

Many farmers raise goats as pets or as a hobby, but there are also farms where goats are raised for production purposes (i.e. milk, meat, fiber or breeding stock) as well. They have even been seen moonlighting as groundskeepers and security guards. And if you’ve checked YouTube lately, you’ll know they also like to play a starring role in hilarious videos. ●

adapting to the natural environment in which it lives. Other landrace goats include the Danish, Finnish, and Swedish Landrace breeds, and are primarily used for their dairy production. 6. The Toggenburg is a breed of goat named after the region in Switzerland where the breed originated. It is also the oldest registered breed. Toggenburgs are medium in size, moderate in production, and have relatively low butterfat content (2-4%) in their milk. Toggenburgs are generally a friendly, quiet and gentle breed, and are good as pets, although they are classed as dairy goats. They are often extremely curious and inquisitive animals. 7.

Goat Farming in BC has risen over the past few years.

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 13

DAIRY

FALL 2014

NEEDLEPOINT SCIENCE: Bovine Acupuncture

By Kaitlyn Gisler

r. Steph Rhebergen is a large animal veterinarian with Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic and practicing animal acupuncturist. She has treated small and large animals, and taken additional, acupuncture specific courses to earn her CVA (Certified Veterinarian Acupuncturist). “The Chi Institute in Reddick [Florida] is where I did my training,” says Dr. Rhebergen, en route to a nearby dairy farm—one of her four regular AP clients. She studied under a master at the Chi Institute who treated snakes, lizards, elephants and other exotic animals; but what piqued Dr. Rhebergen’s interest was bovine AP. Using acupuncture on animals isn’t new science, just to “us Westerners,” quips Dr. Rhebergen. In reality, this science has been evolving for the last 3,000 years, originating in China. People are more aware of using acupuncture on horses, especially performance horses, rather than cows. However, today’s client became aware of bovine AP via successful treatments Dr. Rhebergen administered to their two show horses. Arriving on the farm, Dr. Rhebergen admits that the client base for bovine AP is not 14 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

huge, but it is slowly and steadily growing, especially among organic dairies. This natural treatment never requires milk withdrawal and has been shown to even boost milk production after a session. “I had an acupuncture trial going on with an organic farm and it was helping with cysts,” explains Dr. Rhebergen. Organic dairies have greater restrictions when it comes to using on-farm medications. The outcome was promising for both her and the farmer. “We had three out of five [cows] that responded to the acupuncture and they are now pregnant, so that was a good result,” the farmer explained. Dr. Rhebergen has also used AP on down cows to treat lameness, stimulate appetite and decrease swelling and pain from acute injuries. “If you can get on those [acute injuries] right away with acupuncture they heal a lot quicker than just giving them a shot of medicine. After a couple of days of acupuncture they don’t need medication because the results are quite powerful.”

Dr. Rhebergen’s first client of the day—a large Holstein cow—fidgets as the first thin four-inch needle is pressed down along her spine. The depth of each needle depends on the condition of the cow, and location is based on the diagnosis. The cow won’t be sedated since sedation reduces AP effectiveness by 25 per cent. As the session continues, the cow becomes increasingly calmer. Her discomfort seems to be no worse than if she was contending with flies in the summertime. Dr. Rhebergen also carries an AP arsenal with her. Snapping open the hard case, she reveals that acupuncture methods have evolved beyond needles. Her array of tools include a moxa stick—which smolders (when lit), resembling a thick, white cigar— as well as an electro-acupuncture box. This box has a tangle of mini cables twisting away from it with clips at the ends which Dr. Rhebergen fastens to the needles. The setup appears similar to jumper cables and, when switched on, emits electric shocks. “The lower frequency,” explains Dr. Rhebergen, “is 20 hertz and it stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Eighty to 120 hertz stimulates serotonin release which helps internal organs to heal.”

FALL 2014

DAIRY

The moxa stick—which is packed with herbs—is purposefully designed to burn at a high temperature, resulting in moxibustion. When the stick is held over individual needles, it heats the needle, consequently stimulating that acupoint. These two methods—the moxa stick and electro-box—are not done at the same time but, if the case requires it, one after the other.

Bovine AP does not mark the end of onfarm medications. Dr. Rhebergen cites AP as a “complementary medicine” to current on-farm practices. However, there have been cases that she treated solely with Chinese herbs, ginger, cayenne pepper and probiotics. Dr. Rhebergen used the herbals and AP to get a cow’s stomach moving and settle diarrhea without using antibiotics.

The session for one cow lasts approximately half an hour. For this case, Dr. Rhebergen did not need to use her low-level light therapy laser or inject vitamin B12 into the points, which creates a longer lasting effect. The laser can be rented by farmers which allows them to treat a condition twice daily, on weekends or when at a cattle show. This gives the farmer flexibility for treatments, helps minimize healing time and saves money with fewer farm calls.

“Acupuncture is a dynamic process. There is no right or wrong answer but usually after the second or third treatment, if there is no improvement, it is usually something structural. It depends on the case. If they’ve had the issue for a long time it will take longer to clear out.”

The price for a single bovine AP treatment can vary from $85-$145 with additional cost for the call fee. This price range is the result of numerous variables like the diagnosis and session length. Most cows only require two or three sessions while some down cows may need four or five.

The American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AATCVM) provides a brief explanation on their website on animal AP. AATCVM explains that the placing of needles at specified acupoints stimulates local nerve reflexes, positively affecting local structures and internal organs near these points. AP can even be used to stimulate the brain and initialize changes in hormones and chemicals throughout the body. This allows the

animal’s healing and regeneration processes to function at their best. Also, some AP treatments can even eliminate the need for surgery, avoiding additional cost and risk. There have been more AP studies done on small animals and horses, with fewer bovine cases. The studies that have been done—predominately in China—need to be translated into English, which is a hurdle in itself without considering all the scientific jargon. There are some studies on bovine AP and its effect on somatic cell count and displaced abomasum but not enough. Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic is also embarking on their own AP review, since they are currently the only clinic in British Columbia offering bovine AP treatments. “It’s a good practice builder,” states Dr. Rhebergen who was already performing animal AP before she joined the clinic. “It has promising results so they were more than happy to go with it!” ●

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HORTICULTURE

FALL 2014

PHOSPHORUS IN SOIL AND PLANTS: A Primer

By Dieter Geesing

ver 80 per cent of the world’s production of phosphorus (P) is devoted to plant fertilization. Within the next 50 to 100 years, global phosphate resources are predicted to be depleted. Paradoxically, although phosphorus fertilizer is expensive, and although there is only a finite limit to available phosphate rock worldwide, much of the P arriving at wastewater treatment plants comes from arable land. Furthermore, phosphorus entering open water sources has become a source of environmental concern. Phosphorus plays several roles in a plant’s life. It is prominent in the structure of nucleic acids—the components of DNA, the carriers of genetic information; and is important in the process that harnesses energy derived from photosynthesis and released by respiration. Phosphorus is especially needed to grow cells and seeds. 16 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Phosphorus also enhances the symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation process in legume crops. P-deficient plants show a reduction in leaf expansion and number of leaves because cell production and division rates are reduced. Leaves and stems may sometimes turn dark green or purple. P-deficient plants often have smaller fruit and limited harvestable biomass. Shoot growth is more suppressed than root growth, which decreases the shoot/root ratio, and leaves can accumulate starch and sugars due to the lack of ATP which helps transport phloem.

riods of rapid growth, phosphorus in the soil solution may be replaced ten times or more per day from solid-phase phosphorus forms. Unlike nitrates, phosphates are only slightly mobile in the soil, which reduces plant root exposure to the phosphorus. Also, cool soil temperatures frequently induce P-deficiency because of limited root growth and development. A fungus called Mycorrhizae can form a symbiotic relationship with a plant, greatly increasing the surface area of the roots and assist with phosphorus uptake.

Soils contain both organic and inorganic phosphorus compounds. Plants typically absorb the inorganic forms but under certain conditions, plants may also absorb soluble organic phosphates. Warm temperatures and a near-neutral pH are favourable for organisms which release inorganic phosphorus from organic phosphates.

Generally, annual crops require a pre-plant application of phosphorus fertilizer; or, in the case of perennial crops, before the fruiting cycle begins. Because of the low mobility of phosphorus in the soil, it is generally recommended that the fertilizer be placed near the plant roots. Band application or plant whole application rather than broadcasting are typically preferred methods of P-fertilizer application.

On average only 1–2% of organic P is mineralized to inorganic P; but during pe-

There are various P-containing fertilizers on the market. Research has demonstrated an

FALL 2014

HORTICULTURE

increased uptake of phosphorus by plants when the ammonium form of nitrogen is applied with phosphate fertilizer. Very little practical difference exists in agronomic effectiveness among fertilizer sources in most cases. However, there are a few considerations: (1) the more acidic fertilizers, like TSP and MAP, may have slightly more effectiveness under conditions where soil pH levels are basic, soil test phosphorus levels are low, and fertilizer rates are high; and (2) the ammonium in DAP can convert to free ammonia. DAP should therefore be avoided on soils with high pH or with free lime. Phosphorus not taken up by plants may be transferred to the soil inorganic pool and immobilized. Inorganic phosphorus entering soil solution is rapidly converted to less available forms related to the presence of iron and aluminum (hydrous) oxides at low pH values, and calcium carbonate at high pH values. Hence, there is an optimal availability of phosphorus in the pH range of 6.5 to 7. The complex relationship with other soil and biological components and the many

transformations of phosphorus make an analysis of plant-available phosphorus quite difficult. Crop response is weakly correlated to the total amount of phosphorus in the soil. A meaningful soil test requires an extractant that relates test results with the amount of fertilizer required for optimal productionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ideally in a wide variety of soil types and conditions. Numerous extraction methods have been developed, all with advantages and limitations depending upon the soil type for which they have been targeted. Generally, water-based extraction correlates well with shallow-rooted, fast-growing vegetable crops; while methods with complexing solutions, acids, or alkaline buffer solutions are better suited for field and orchard crops. In British Columbia Bray-I, Mehlich-III, Olsen, Kelowna-I and Kelowna-III are frequently used methods.

dicting crop response on neutral to acidic soils but it is less effective on basic soils. The Olsen test generally correlates well with crop response on calcareous soils. Mehlich-III has been shown to be reliable across a wide range of soil-crop production circumstances. The Kelowna extraction methods are the last provincial standards publicly developed for soil phosphorus (and potassium) testing for agronomic purposes. Fortunately, the amount of P extracted by each method is often strongly correlated. Phosphorus has no substitute in sustaining life and food production on our planet. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, the wasteful application and wrongful management of phosphorus have resulted in an environmental epidemic of eutrophication. It is clear that modern agriculture is required to resolve this dilemma and ensure humanity can continue to feed itself while protecting environmental and human health. â&#x2014;?

The suitability of the different methods relies on long-term correlation studies that have established relationships between the extraction method, the soil, and crop response. Bray-I has proved reliable in pre-

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DAIRY

FALL 2014

CALVES LOVE COMPANY Individual Housing of Dairy Calves Leads to Learning Deficits show in adapting to new technology like automated feeders. This new work used innovative methods to train calves and to test their ability to learn new rules. Eight calves were housed individually and eight were housed in pairs starting at 4 days old. Learning abilities were tested in two ways, beginning with ‘reversal learning’. The calves were trained to perform a simple task: they entered a test pen in which they could go in one of two directions. If they approached a side with a black bottle, they received milk. If they went to a side with a white bottle they did not receive a reward, and instead were ‘punished’ with a brief time out period during which they were not allowed to return to either bottle. Calves from both housing conditions quickly learned to approach only the black bottle. Unfortunately, in real life, rules rarely remain the same. For example, a cow may become used to entering the parlour from the left side of the barn, but one day she is regrouped, meaning that she now must enter from the right side. Successful cows (and calves) must be able to adapt to changes in their environment.

By UBC Dairy Research Center ant smarter cows? Try raising calves with social companions.

Previous work from the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre demonstrated that calves raised in individual pens had more difficulty adapting to a group pen with five other calves after weaning than calves raised in pairs did. The more barren environment of the individual pen seemed to result in calves that were more fearful of anything new, including new environments and other calves. Perhaps because of this 18 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

increased fearfulness, these calves took nearly 2 days to begin eating grain from automated feeders in their new pens, while their pair-reared peers began eating normally within hours (see Research Report Vol. 13, No. 1, 2013). These results made us wonder if socially-reared calves were ‘smarter’ than calves raised in individual pens. A new study completed at the UBC Dairy Centre has shown that individual housing of calves during the milk-feeding period results in learning difficulties. These cognitive deficits help explain the delay these calves

FALL 2014

DAIRY

To test how the housing treatments affected the calves’ ability to adjust to new rules, we simply reversed the contingencies for the learning task. Now when calves approached the white bottle, they were rewarded with milk, and when they approached the black bottle they were ‘punished’ with a time out. As illustrated in Figure 1, at first all the calves made mistakes, continuing to visit the now unrewarded black bottle, but after a few sessions, the pair housed calves began approaching the correct bottle. The individually-housed calves were more persistent in making the previously learned (and now incorrect) choice. These results are very similar to what has previously been found for laboratory rodents raised in social isolation: all animals can learn an initial task, but the socially reared animals do much better in coping with changes in a learning task when these occur. A very simple type of learning is called habituation. This is the natural tendency of animals to become used to things after prolonged or repeated exposure; they typically show less interest in a stimulus over time. To assess this, we tested how quickly the same calves as above were able to ha-

bituate to an object they have never seen before.

Figure 1. The per cent of choices made correctly by individually-and pair-housed calves in “reversal learning” tests. Figure is redrawn from Gaillard et al. 2014. Each calf was tested eight times over a two-day period by placing a red bin in the centre of their pen for 5 minutes each time. The first time calves from both housing conditions encountered the bin, they initially appeared to be fearful but eventually

approached the object and began sniffing and touching it. During subsequent tests, the pair-housed calves did exactly as expected. They showed less and less interest in the bin over the multiple exposures. In other words, these calves showed a classic habituation response. In contrast, the individually-housed calves seemed to treat each new exposure to the bin as if it was their first encounter; they showed no decline in the amount of time spent sniffing and investigating the bin over the multiple exposures. In other words, the individually-housed calves failed to habituate to what to us seemed like a fairly innocuous addition to their pen. Why should these learning deficits matter to dairy farmers? Learning difficulties that result in trouble adjusting to changes in routine and environment are likely to cause problems for both farmers and the animals. As calves mature, they are housed in groups, and must learn to adjust to new pens, group mates, and new types of feed. Researchers at the UBC Dairy Centre are continuing to investigate these effects, looking at different levels and durations of social housing. However, these results indicate calves benefit from social contact. ●

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MODERN AGRICULTURE | 19

COMMUNITY

FALL 2014

DINING AL FRESCO: The Tradition of Long-Table Dinners comes to BC

By Ronda Payne

he ancient concept of bringing ingredients to the table directly from the farm is taking on a new life in BC with long table dinners. Chefs make use of farmfresh ingredients in an attempt to reconnect diners with the origins of their meal as well as to fundraise for important farm and food causes. Different from the standard long table dinner, which can be held anywhere that will accommodate an unusually long table set up, these meals are being held in farm fields from Victoria to Whistler, Aldergrove to the UBC Farm and points further east. The concept is simple: invite 50 or more guests to the farm for a gourmet dinner, arrange a chef (or chefs) to cook and utilize ingredients from the farm in the meal. Generally there is a fundraising aspect to the event. One held in Maple Ridge in 2013 in the field of Golden Ears Cheesecrafters saw profits go to the Friends in Need Food Bank. The second annual whole hog feast at Fraser Common Farm in Aldergrove raised money to pay for the cooperative farm’s newly installed shipping container 20 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

turned outdoor kitchen dubbed “CanTina” by the farm’s residents. What makes long table events so attractive to guests is the dichotomy between fine-dining and rural atmosphere. Rebecca Awram, a co-organizer of the Cheesecrafters event, noted it was elegant, yet pastoral at the same time. “It just seemed so natural to dress up and sip expensive local wines while lighting our tent by candle and lantern as it got dark and gazing out over the fields,” Awram said. The gourmet, chef-prepared aspect of a farm-hosted long table dinner is key to the experience as guests expect a delicious meal made from the ingredients they see around them. Fraser Common Farm, home of Glorious Organics—the name the farm’s produce is sold under—had the ideal relationship in place before the idea to host a dinner came about. Mark Cormier, who has lived on the farm for about five years, noted that Chris Whittaker, chef of Vancouver’s Forage restaurant, received a good amount of produce through Glorious Organics and had come to work

on the farm numerous times. The idea of the whole hog feast came from Whittaker who prepared dishes made from all parts of the hog as well as produce on the farm.

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“I guess one of the big things we want [as a result of the whole hog feast and other events] is for people to get to know our farm and see what we do,” Cormier said. “We want them to see what we do and how we do it. We get to see people eating our food [at events like this]. We don’t see that with [our food in] restaurants.” Whittaker even gave guests shopping lists to pick certain items from the gardens at the farm while touring the operation. Upon returning, Whittaker used all of the produce as part of the dinner. How’s that for a true farm to table experience? Inviting guests to the farm is nothing new, but bringing them to a fine-dining, alfresco experience is growing in popularity while building awareness, loyalty and understanding. Preparation for a long table dinner: • It’s boring, but essential—get the proper insurance. • To maximize funds raised, work with local vintners and brewers to donate beverages. • Partner with a chef who already buys from the farm. • Publicize the event to foodies and urbanites who care about food sustainability. • Plan to deliver a high-end luxury experience complete with linen table cloths. ●

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MODERN AGRICULTURE | 21

FEATURE STORY

FALL 2014

PROFITING FROM SUSTAINABILITY

Stan Vander Waal, owner of Rainbow Greenhouses in Chilliwack By Cate Pedersen farmer’s legacy is an honourable one; that is to raise healthy food sources for the community, and leave the land in a better state for future generations. From the soil in which crops are sown, to the pesticides used to protect them; from the grain that feeds the animals, to the water that nourishes all, every step in the agriculture process can affect the environment in some way. The initiatives delivered by ARDCorp provide opportunities to every grower so they can follow the tradition of sustainability.

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, funded by Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, is a process which identifies on-farm environmental risks and sustainable practices. The objective is to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. ARDCorp is a subsidiary of the BC Agriculture Council, working with the farmers to 22 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

guide them through the EFP process. They make it as easy as possible, offering to schedule a complimentary and confidential visit from a planning advisor during down time on the farm. The visit usually takes a morning, and includes a questionnaire to determine whether the farm is in compliance with regulations or suggest improvements to current practices.

“This is a chance to get a confidential assessment of what may or may not be right on our farm, and take advantage of the opportunities.” Stan Vander Waal The EFP workbook, once completed, is for the farmer to keep and use as a guide, outlining best practices and highlighting what the farm is already doing right. If the farmer wishes to do so, he/she may follow through

with any suggested changes and request a farm sign upon completion. Sometimes, no changes are necessary at all and the farm will qualify immediately for an EFP sign. If there are any tweaks in operations to be made, they usually have far-reaching benefits, both to the environment, and the farm. The long term cost- and labour-saving measures and improved crop and animal quality can far outweigh any initial investment of time and money. Stan Vander Waal, owner of Rainbow Greenhouses in Chilliwack, is enthusiastic about his state-of-the-art irrigation system, which reduces water usage by 90 per cent, and saves over 90 per cent of fertilizer usually lost to run-off. This cost-effective system, partly funded by Beneficial Management Practices (BMP), can help farmers address any action items in their work plan. The BMP funding is available for all farmers to apply for once they have completed their EFP.

FALL 2014

FEATURE STORY

“So, what I would suggest,” says, Vander Waal, “is if you’re a new farmer, but haven’t done the Environmental Farm Plan, this is a [chance] to get a confidential assessment of what may or may not be right on your farm, and take advantage of the opportunities.” Vander Waal’s operation is one of over 4,000 farms and ranches in BC which have already participated in the EFP program. Others, like Fairway Poultry, Mardalen Holsteins, Summerhill Winery and the Christmas Ranch are proud to be a part of the growing group of sustainable and profitable enterprises. Even organic farms, already meeting certain environmental standards, can go through the process and earn the EFP signage to display and take advantage of the available funding to make further improvements. “The objective is to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment.”

Farms who participate in the Environmental Farm Plan program can benefit financially and will gain peace of mind knowing that their farm is having less of an impact on the health of the water, air and soil. Stability meets sustainability.

Len Bouwman, of Mardalen Holsteins, chats with EFP Advisor Dave Melnychuk Council’s website states, “Many EFP participants enjoy increased profitability as a result of reduced water use, decreased waste, increased productivity and new consumer confidence.” The site also contains detailed information about the EFP process and lists the numerous categories included for which the BMP funding is available.

The culture of farming includes management of the land, incorporation of agricultural advancements and following best practices with the goal to have the most profitable farm possible. The EFP plan can help farmers achieve this goal, and feel good about the choices they make affecting the environment. ●

Vander Waal encourages others to take the step towards obtaining an EFP, and adds, “Since farmers generally have an overwhelming desire to be sustainable and to do what’s right for the environment, this gives them a choice to improve their process.” Also making choices are consumers who are keenly aware of the foods they are feeding their families. Every day, more and more actively seek out produce, meat and grains grown with care and consideration for the environment. It makes sense for farmers to adopt best practices, choosing to make positive changes and shine a light on any environment-friendly decisions they are making in their operations. The BC Agriculture

The Collis Family’s Christmas Ranch Tree Farm is a popular place in Lumby come winter. Pete Spencer (left) is their Environmental Farm Plan advisor.

Want to know more about the Environmental Farm Program? Call 1-866-522-3447, or visit www.bcefp.ca Funding for the above program is provided by Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 23

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5 ACRES $1,099,000 13.977 ACRES $1,399,000 Planted in mostly Bluecrop & some Duke production. 3 bedroom Buildwith up togood a 10,000 SQFT house with house and is already preloaded to build the option to build a second house. yourPrepped dream to house. to Highway buildClose a 10,000 SQFT #10, Highway #15 & King George building. Fertile land minutes from Boulevard. Panorama Ridge with scenic views

8.757 ACRES $1,325,000 20.08 ACRES $1,300,000 Well maintained 3 bedroom house with 3,000 SQFTblueberry workshop.farm Lotsplanted of exposure Mature in with a 2 road frontage and easyvolume access Bluecrop, Duke & Elliot. High 15.drip Greatirrigation for any farming to Highway drilled well # with in place. operation or to build your dreamTranshouse Close to Lougheed Highway, with low property taxes. Canada Highway & Agassiz.

34.69 ACRES $2,650,000 Used for growing & is great 49.568 ACRESvegetables $3,000,000 forLeased any farming operation. Agreement for vegetables. Brand new with Belldrilled Mobilitywell & Globalive Wireless 200FT with 8” diameter collecting $2,000 monthly. Has greatof producing 150 GPM. Located outside highway exposure & access. the flood plain. Build two luxurious estateGREENHOUSES style homes with low taxes.

46.33 ACRES $3,498,000 Preloaded for two homes fronting on 29.14 ACRES $3,350,000 176 Street & Harvie Road. Build up toand a Fully renovated 5 bedroom rancher 40,000 acrebeen open 1,500SQFT SQFTbuilding building.with Plus1has paved lot.forPlanted in Duke,5,000 ElliotSQFT & preloaded an additional Bluecrop. Easy highway access & more.. house. The field is planted in Duke, Elliot and Bluecrop. Ideal location! LAND ONLY

29.813 ACRES $3,500,000 35.35 ACRES $3,550,000 Lots to offer! 3 bedroom 1,640 SQFT Planted Duke & Bluecrop with drip 46.33 ACRES $3,498,000 35.35 inACRES $3,550,000 house, 13,200 SQFT barn used as dairy irrigation. Set up for machine or hand Preloaded for two homes fronting on Planted in Duke & Bluecrop with drip loafing, SQFT Road. building used Foundation SQFTorhouse 176 Street3,400 & Harvie Build up for to a pick. irrigation. Set upfor for9,000 machine hand equipment, SQFTwith barn, 900 open SQFT ispick. poured. Existingfor blueprints arehouse ready 40,000 SQFT3,500 building 1 acre Foundation 9,000 SQFT garage, 1,600 SQFT workshop & more... & available to use or customize. paved lot. Planted in Duke, Elliot & is poured. Existing blueprints are ready Bluecrop. Easy highway access & more.. to use&orFARM customize. AWARD WINNING ESTATE& available WINERY

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FALL 2014

SMALL FRUIT

POST HARVEST CARE OF HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES

By Greg Welfing

s that last Elliot berry is picked and placed in a flat, there is a palpable aura of relief around the farmer. Another blueberry season is finished— or is it? Yes, reaching the end of harvest is a major milestone, and you can give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, but next year’s season starts now. Proper post-harvest plant care can set you up for a great return next year and vice versa is equally true. Abandoning the field now is not the way to proceed. “That’s all well and good,” says the farmer, “but, what’s next?” Here are a few topics and tips that will help you going forward into winter. They will include things up to, but not including, pruning. For information on that, see Vol. 1 Issue 2. TESTING Immediately post harvest is the best time to do tissue testing. Tissue testing at this time allows you to make corrections to your fall or spring fertilizer program. Soil tests can be done in spring or fall, but fall is the preferred time to do it because it gives you enough time to spread amendments if they are needed. One test or the other or both should be performed every year to make sure that you are using your fertilizers efficiently, and to check for any problems like nutrient deficiencies or errant soil pH. Typical fall soil amendments include sulphur, lime, and magnesium and calcium fertilizers if needed.

BUD SET

BACTERIAL BLIGHT

Immediately following harvest is when the plants start to set the buds for next year’s growth. This is one of the most important times in the plants growth cycle in terms of determining your production. The plant is starting to store nutrients and sugars for next year’s early season growth. Applications of specific nutrients like zinc and boron are very helpful at this time. The plant can use them this fall and/or store them in the tissues and use them in early spring to help break dormancy.

Bacterial blight is a very common disease in the Fraser Valley’s fields. It is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae which is present in nearly every field. The bacteria live on the outside of the stems and enter the plant through wounds from frost damage, pruning, and leaf scars. Once inside the plant it can girdle the respective stem, killing it, turning it reddish brown to black. These stems should be pruned out annually.

INSECTS & RODENTS A few insect pests need to be closely monitored during the fall season. If the warm summer temperatures continue into September, aphid populations can build to damaging levels. Make sure to monitor them throughout the fall season and control if necessary. Rodents such as voles (field mice) continue to be active throughout the fall. Voles like to have habitat such as long grass to live and move around in. The key to managing voles is to manage the vegetation surrounding the field and within the rows. If you have planted a cover crop or a perennial cover between the rows, make sure to keep it mowed short if you suspect a rodent problem. Rodenticides placed in bait stations in key areas help too of course.

Traditionally, growers apply copper sprays starting in October as the leaves start to fall, to reduce the incidence of this disease. Copper is effective against most strains of this disease; however, some resistant strains have been found on a few farms. Other chemistries are being explored as alternatives to copper. Some promising results have been seen with Serenade Max (Bacillus subtilis), which warrants further study. ● Sources: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ipm/blue/bacterial_blight. html http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs220 http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ipm/blue/voles.html http://productionguide.agrifoodbc.ca/guides/14/section/16 http://berrygrape.org/blueberry-pruning/ www.berriesnw.com/SFU/2013/SFU01-03-13_SE.pdf http://berrygrape.org/blueberry-nutrition-fertilization/

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 27

TECHNOLOGY

FALL 2014

PUTTING TECHNOLOGIES TO THE TEST

By Tom Baumann

griculture is a global business, and no sector is excluded from the rush of new technologies, techniques and supplies. As competitors on the global stage, Canadian farmers need to make sure they are at the forefront of the latest advancements. Whether you are a small certified organic grower or a large operation growing conventional product, you can no longer avoid the global scrutiny of your practices. There are companies with thousands of acres of organic food that can sustainably and reliably supply the local supermarkets—so yes, you need to care! Each and every area of industry is being improved upon and developed at a dizzying pace: irrigation, machinery, agro-chemicals of all sorts, seed sources, greenhouse coverings, renewable energy solutions, solar panels, composters, software, apps, aquaponics, multi-cropping systems, medicinal-quality crop production, water harvesting systems, local farm weather networks, 28 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

new crops and animals, green fertilizers, reusable and recyclable plastics, multi-layered growing, soil-less growing, algae culture and green walls—to name just a few. How does anyone keep up with all the new-fangled technologies? All you need to do is attend a trade show or receive visitors to the farm who are selling these novelties to see the vast possibilities. But are they all as marvelous as they are claimed to be? About once a week, I receive yet another request from someone wanting me to prove the concept of whatever machine or product they are flogging. I see it as my duty to separate the good from the bad, but it is not easy. The promised effects are usually somewhat out of this world; but then again, that is exactly what we are all hoping for. Soil amendments and fertilizers usually lead the charge in number of hits. I receive free product if I do a small trial and present the results. After a meeting with the proponents, a trial gets set up—if the product shows any promise at all. At this point, I have already discarded the idea of test-

ing about three quarters of the products brought to my attention. The ones that are discarded right away are usually the ones that promise 300 per cent yield improvements. A quick, preliminary, low-cost trial shows whether the product is useful and I may recommend grower-based trials, or I tell the proponents that it’s just not worth it. In the latter case I usually get told that I don’t know what I’m talking about because their product is so wonderful and I am passing up a great opportunity. If you’ve ever watched Dragon’s Den, you know what I mean. Only in the next stage of testing (in growers’ fields/facilities) can I comfortably make any kind of recommendations. That something works in a lab or in a controlled experiment is one thing; that it works under the unpredictable conditions on a real farm is an entirely different ball game. I believe every grower follows the same kind of strategy of separating the good from the bad. I take many risks and so do the growers; but, for all of us, the risks need to be relatively minor. Some people will plant 40 acres of a new variety, although I’ve asked

FALL 2014 them to try just one acre. I am less risk-tolerant than the 40 acre grower for sure; however, I weigh the risk against the gains. For example, if I can be the first one with the latest technology in greenhouse lighting, the latest variety of blueberries, or a soil amendment that keeps root rot at bay, imagine the benefits! Recently, I had to make about 200 decisions regarding technology in our new agriculture research and demonstration facilities. I was worried for about six months until we had pulled together a final product that was incorporating all sorts of novel items with proven technology. The competition for my attention from those wanting to sell me new items was incredible. I have to thank them all for making me uncomfortably aware just how little I know. The products were from Israel, Germany, France, Britain, China, India, Holland and a few dozen other countries, making up about half of our materials. The rest were from Canada and even local suppliers. I had to have many of the materials explained to me, as I was completely igno-

TECHNOLOGY rant that they even existed. For example, a ninety-five per cent light-diffusing polycarbonate; energy-efficient fans with owl wing design that don’t rattle; a water recapturing system that fulfills watering needs for the year; a multi-tiered carousel growing system, multiplying the output from the growing area tenfold; irrigation emitters and distribution systems that clean themselves and supply equal amounts to every plant; a sophisticated environmental control system in a closed greenhouse; a composter for all the campus organic waste that delivers beautiful substrate for growing plants; research-type feeding and watering systems for chickens. Yes, all that and so much more. We’d love to show you what we find, and most of our research is on farming operations. We are at the annual grower conventions in Canada and the US, and we publish in magazines such as Modern Agriculture and in industry newsletters. We participate in field days and demonstration trial tours, and we establish working relationships with the growers who are usually first to try out something new. With the help of funding

from innovation and technology transfer funds, the risk to growers is minimized and growers see the results firsthand. Those early adopters then tell everyone else, and thus the industry keeps changing and adapting to meet the challenges we face. Lastly, I can’t stress enough the importance of global travel to seek out the new inventions. Whether you do that in person or on the Internet, you will learn about new exciting developments in your sector. As I am writing this, I am dreaming about having my own GPS-guided drone that cruises over the fields, taking all the pictures for me, so I don’t have to slog through mud and rain anymore. I’ve been thinking about this ever since my friend, Ian Sparkes, had me sit in a GPS-guided tractor cab and watched my puzzled face when he let go of the steering wheel. More and more, precision agriculture will drive me to have the most accurate measurements and the most relevant pictures for the work that I do for the industry. I am constantly adapting and moving forward—and, so should you! ●

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 29

REGULATIONS

FALL 2014

PESTICIDE STORAGE: Are You Protected?

By Cate Pedersen

ithout proper storage solutions and protective protocols in place, the agricultural chemicals you are using could be harmful to you and your operations. There are regulations on how and where you can store chemicals such as pesticides, and they should be adhered to if you wish to avoid heavy penalties and disruptions to your business. Pesticide use is regulated through provincial and territorial legislation; but so is pesticide storage and many farms are not following the guidelines. Not only could you and your employees be at risk, but the contaminants could leach into the soil and ground water poisoning people, livestock and crops if not properly housed. Chemical management and correct handling is necessary to ensure the safety of all. Clear labelling, trained personnel, and a properly designed and constructed pesticide storage facility will reduce risks. 30 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Employees should be trained and expected to follow instructions on container labels regarding application, storage and disposal, and be aware of emergency protocols. It is the farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to ensure all handlers of chemicals are up to date on the procedures necessary to keep everyone safe. Investing in your farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety and security will give everyone peace of mind. There are simple steps to ensure your farm is following provincial regulations. First, review your on-farm chemical storage and handling practices and make sure handlers are trained. Second, read the information provided on government websites and contact your local agency with any questions. For BC it is the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. Lastly, a professional storage construction company can make sure your facility meets all requirements. Here are just a few of the things to consider when building a separate containment structure:

Distance from wells, ground water and other buildings.

2. Foundation, drainage, building materials. 3. Shelving, containers and signage. 4. Temperature and lighting. 5. Proximity to mixing and loading area. 6. Security and access. 7.

Worker health and safety.

There are various websites outlining safety precautions for storing and using pesticides, and summarizing legislation for farmers. The government of BC, Ministry of Agriculture, Workers Compensation Board and CanadaGAP program sites include frequently asked questions, tables and guides to help clarify the laws. An organized pest management system benefits all and guarantees a successful harvest without the problems created when chemical storage and protocols are neglected. â&#x2014;?

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PEST MANAGEMENT

FALL 2014

CURBING CATERPILLARS IN COLE CROPS volume of each will vary from field to field,” Pasad noted. “There can be all three [types] mixed in a field or none.” One caterpillar shouldn’t sound the alarm, but Prasad was able to offer standard levels where a pest management program needs to come into play. “In California, their thresholds are at 10 per cent [of the plants infested] when plants are very young or are at maturity,” Prasad noted. “When plants are at the middle of their life, they recommend a 50 per cent threshold [of the plants infested to trigger action].” DiPel started the trial with an overall low effectiveness but hit beneficial levels by the fourth spraying. ZenTaris, regardless of high, medium, or low concentrations, had results similar to that of DiPel, though slightly better.

By Kaitlyn Gisler

ne of the benefits of farming in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley is easy access to the Pacific Agriculture Show in January. Held at the Abbotsford Tradex building, the show offers an abundance of learning. One of the popular sessions for crop farmers at the 2014 show looked at a recent study of caterpillars in cole crops. Caterpillars are particularly annoying due to their voracious appetite leading to the destruction of young plants and their ability to damage plants near harvest while leaving their unpleasant feces behind. Renee Prasad of E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. spoke about management practices of three varieties of caterpillars: the cabbage looper, diamond back moth and the imported cabbage worm. These nasty pests love to make the lives of field vegetable farmers difficult. With few effective tools to control them, a study was long overdue as no one wants to buy produce with caterpillar droppings. 32 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Pest control methods explored in Prasad’s study included DiPel® Btk and the biological pesticide XenTari® at high, medium and low concentrations of application. These were compared to baseline test plots which had no control methods applied. “These nasty pests love to make the lives of field vegetable farmers difficult.” The product Entrust® was considered for the study due to its current availability, but because of the harm the product can cause to natural predators of caterpillars, like adult parasitoid wasps, it was discounted. The study ran for a four-week period at a Chilliwack farm with five kale plants per plot over a total of 60 plots. All three caterpillar species were found in the test plots, but the imported cabbage worm was at the highest levels with the diamond back next and the cabbage looper at the lowest quantity. “All three [types of caterpillars] do feeding damage and frass damage, though the

“At a very high infestation rate, the XenTari at a high rate provides approximately 60 per cent control [of caterpillars],” Prasad said. “That’s important to know, farmers need to be aware of what to expect.” The diamond back moth showed resistance to DiPel, but it is unknown as to whether this resistance applies to all varieties of the diamond back. “Some of our local population of cabbage looper is resistant [to DiPel],” Prasad added. Unfortunately, XenTari is not yet registered for use in Canada, and despite being in the process of review and in current use in organic production in the U.S. in rotation, caterpillars in cole crops are not part of that review. Prasad’s study of efficacy of the product is to get added to the label as an extension; but, at the time of writing, Caroline Bedard, B.C. Minor Use Coordinator with the Ministry of Agriculture, said there have been no new additions to the registration since January. Next steps for Prasad will be to repeat the trial at higher levels of infestation. ●

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MODERN AGRICULTURE | 33

FINANCIAL

FALL 2014

RETIREMENT AND ESTATE PLANNING: The benefits of a Formal Business Valuation By Alex Wong

fter spending years building a successful business, there are often two questions that business owners ask themselves when they first consider retirement: • •

Do I have enough for retirement? What do I do with my business after I retire?

Generally, business owners have two options to fund their retirement with their business: • •

Sell the business and use the proceeds to create a retirement fund; or Remain as a shareholder and fund retirement through cash draws from the business (e.g., dividends).

For many business owners, their business is their largest asset, so understanding its value is essential to developing a proper retirement plan. Selling your business If the goal is to sell the business at some point in the future, a formal business valuation will help the business owner determine a reasonable price and whether the eventual sale proceeds will be sufficient to fund the retirement plans. During the valuation process, the valuator can help the owner gain an understanding of how a potential purchaser would view the business, allowing the owner to identify specific areas of the business that should be improved to increase the selling price. Remaining as a shareholder If the plan is to remain as a shareholder into retirement, then estate planning also must be considered. There is an additional question that needs to be answered: What will happen to the business after I am gone? In most circumstances where the business owner remains as a shareholder, the intention is for the children to inherit the 34 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

business. When the business is transferred to the children, either before or upon death, there is a potential to trigger significant income taxes unless there is a proper estate tax plan in place.

we can assist you in understanding the value of your business and give you the peace of mind knowing that you have the most accurate information available to you to develop a plan to meet your goal.

A key component of most estate tax plans is the ability to complete a corporate reorganization on a tax-deferred basis. One of the steps in this type of reorganization is determining the fair market value of the business’ shares. The Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) has the ability to overturn the value if they disagree, resulting in potentially significant adverse tax consequences. To mitigate this risk, tax plans also incorporate price adjustment clauses which allow the parties to adjust the price if the CRA overturns the original value. However, in order for the price adjustment clause to be valid, the original valuation must be considered a bona fide attempt to determine the fair market value (discussed in CRA publications IT169 and IC89-3). By obtaining a formal, independent business valuation, the business owner is assured that the price adjustment clause will be valid; and it reduces the risk that the CRA will question the valuation in the first place.

For more information about how our advisory team can help you, contact one our trusted advisors at www.smytheratcliffe. com or 604 687 1231. ●

To complicate matters, if there are multiple children and the business is not split evenly amongst them, it becomes even more important to ensure the value attributed to the business is fair; otherwise the actual inheritance may be significantly different from what was originally intended. In some situations, this could lead to disputes and litigation between children. Although a formal business valuation may not be exact, by obtaining one during the estate planning phase, the family can have comfort knowing that the business has been reviewed by an independent expert and everything has been done to ensure that the parents’ intentions were met. For business owners, understanding the value of their business can be the most important part of developing a plan for retirement and beyond. At Smythe Ratcliffe,

Your focus is growth. Our focus is your growth.

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Meet our Agriculture Services Team TD Canada Trust knows 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. Contact one of our Agriculture Services specialists. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. Trevor Way Manager Agriculture Services (604) 870-2225 trevor.way@td.com

Karen Taylor Relationship Manager (604) 870-2229 Cell (604) 897-2214 karen.w.taylor@td.com

Scott Shields Account Manager (604) 870-2222 Cell (604) 751-4591 scott.shields@td.com

Jeremy Siddall Account Manager (250) 763-4241, ext. 222 Cell (250) 503-4501 jeremy.siddall@td.com

Nathan Janzen Account Manager (604) 795-9166, ext. 305 Cell (604) 316-3491 nathan.j.janzen@td.com

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The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. MODERN AGRICULTURE | 35

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

FALL 2014

FARMING AROUND THE WORLD the sector.” Insecure land ownership and an inefficient registration system have also held back Ukraine’s farming sector, but it has improved in recent years. Mexico Commercial agricultural products mostly come from three areas of the country: the tropics of the Gulf of Mexico and Chiapas Highlands, the irrigated lands of the north and northwest, and the Bajío region in central Mexico. At the beginning of the 21st century, Mexico’s main agricultural products include beef, fruits, vegetables, corn, milk, poultry, pork and eggs, which make up about 80 per cent of agricultural production. The most profitable tropical crops are coffee and sugarcane, where coffee is largely exported and sugarcane is mostly for domestic consumption.

By Reuben Mann

he state of agriculture fluctuates around the globe depending on the region. While China and India seem to be flourishing, other regions, such as the Mediterranean and conflict-ridden Ukraine, have seen better days. Here is a summary of current conditions in various countries: Columbia Historically, coffee has been a major factor in the Colombian economy. Since the middle of the twentieth century, however, its relative importance has been decreasing, largely as a natural outcome of the country’s development process. The increase in the share of the services sector, as the nation has developed, corresponded to the reduction of coffee in both GDP and exports. Whereas in 1985 coffee exports represented 51 per cent of total exports in value terms, they represented less than 6 per cent in 2006. However, the relative decline in coffee’s share of both GDP and exports should not imply that coffee has ceased to be a determining factor both in economic 36 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

and social terms. The livelihoods of an estimated 566,000 families, some 2.3 million Colombians, depend entirely on coffee. South Korea Less than one-fourth of the republic’s area is cultivated. Along with the decrease in farm population, the proportion of national income derived from agriculture has decreased to a fraction of what it was in the early 1950s. Rice is the most important crop; and, although it constitutes only a small portion of Korea’s agricultural production, the country’s ginseng is valued for its superior quality and is exported. Ukraine Ukraine’s economy used to ride on the strength of the country’s agriculture exports, mostly grain. But the country’s status as the breadbasket of Europe is crumbling. Today, agriculture makes up less than 10 per cent of GDP. According to the World Bank, “Ukraine has tremendous agricultural potential” but “this potential has not been fully exploited due to depressed farm incomes and a lack of modernization within

Italy Italy’s plains constitute only one-fourth of the land under cultivation, indicating widespread cultivation of hilly environments where agriculture has been possible only as a result of modifying the natural landscape and resources through terracing, irrigation, and soil management. The most fertile area is the Po valley, where precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. In general, agricultural land use is divided into four types: field crops, tree crops, pasture, and forestry. Since World War II, Italy has maintained a negative trade balance in agricultural products, many of which are consumed domestically because of the country’s high population density. China Agriculture is a vital industry in China, employing over 300 million farmers. China ranks first in worldwide farm output, primarily producing rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton, oilseed, pork, and fish. Although accounting for only 10 per cent of arable land worldwide, it produces food for 20 per cent of the world’s population. India Did you know India ranks second in worldwide farm output? In 2009, agriculture and allied sectors such as forestry and fisheries accounted for 16.6 per cent of the GDP. Agriculture is demographically the broadest economic sector and plays a significant role in the overall socio-economic fabric of India. ●

FALL 2014

PEST MANAGEMENT

BC LEADING THE WAY FOR GREENER PEST MANAGEMENT

By Investment AG Foundation

n BC, our agriculture and research communities are national leaders when it comes to pest management, addressing societal pressures to reduce chemical pesticides while proactively planning for future pests. Consumers, food marketers and local governments are placing greater demands on producers to reduce residue levels or eliminate the use of certain conventional pesticides altogether. Microbial biopesticides, made up of living organisms, can be used alone or alternated with chemical products to reduce overall chemical load. But the number of registrations of these biological-based agents is relatively lower in Canada than in other countries. Fortunately for BC, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) was purpose-built as a centre for researching and incubating microbial biocontrol products. With funding from the

Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, the ISH is developing production technologies to bring some native BC biocontrol products to market and testing samples of native fungi for their potential. “We are piloting the production of blends of native beneficial fungi as biopesticides for use against a number of common BC pests in field vegetables, ornamentals and berries - for example, tuber flea beetle in potatoes and foliar pests in berry and ornamental crops,” states Dr. Deborah Henderson, Director of the ISH. “We are also finding that some other BC soil fungi have good efficacy against common plant pathogens.” With funding from the former Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program, BC farmers are also using ISH’s expertise to stay one step ahead by registering biopesticides before they are needed. Spodoptera exigua, the Beet Army worm, attacks horticultural crops including peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. While it is not yet an annual pest

in BC, its range is expanding. By reviewing literature, consulting international experts and requesting a pre-registration consultation, the ISH is now preparing a pre-registration package for a natural Spodoptera baculovirus, proven effective against Beet Army worm, for submission to the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency. “Our growers are committed to using integrated pest management programs that use few, if any chemical insecticides,” states Peter Cummings, Chair of the BC Greenhouse Growers Association. “The increased availability of biopesticide products in BC will allow us to better manage the pest infestations while minimizing the impact on the environment.” Funding for these projects has been provided by former federal adaptation funding and through the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, under Growing Forward I & II, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. ● MODERN AGRICULTURE | 37

GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

FALL 2014

BC AG GOES GLOBAL!

By Investment AG Foundation

rom the US to the UK, throughout Asia and the Middle East, BC agrifoods have been circling the globe in pursuit of new markets, thanks to the BC Agrifoods Export Program. In less than three months from its November 2013 launch, the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC fully committed Year One funds of over $600,000 into projects to help BC’s agriculture, food and seafood sectors showcase their products around the world. Companies like vitamin manufacturer Herbaland Naturals, and Nutraex Food, a developer of natural sweeteners for mass produced foods, used Export funding to travel to Southern California and attend Natural Products Expo West, one of the world’s largest natural health product and supplement tradeshows. Meyer Family Vineyards also headed south for the World of Pinot Noir Symposium in Santa Barbara, where they presented their Okanagan-produced wines to California consumers. The Meyers were also 38 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

able to travel to London to promote their award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay at trade and media tastings. For president John Meyer, the project was a pivotal step in facilitating international market access. “We previously secured a distributor and importer in California, but attending this event allowed us to launch into the California market,” explains Meyer. “We saw some direct sales from the show itself, plus we were able to develop some promising leads that will likely increase export sales within upcoming months.” BC Gourmet Foods pursued target export markets in Dubai and the Middle East for their new premium seafood and wild mushroom product. As a result of project funding, the company is currently in the process of formalizing a food service partner agreement in the UAE. Consolidated Fruit Packers (CFP) presented a bounty of BC blueberries and tree fruits to potential buyers in Germany and

Japan, through a series of meetings and events. CFP president Brian Messent is particularly optimistic about the contacts they were able to establish in Japan, and is confident about their export plans for this new base. For Messent, export funding is not only beneficial to his company, it is a key resource for enhancing the competitiveness of the entire industry. “We are getting serious about export opportunities that can potentially boost profits for many BC fruit growers,” says Messent. “Our premium quality crops are already enjoyed within the domestic marketplace, but its important to have funding support available to help us expand our customer base and put BC products on the map.” Funding for these projects has been provided through the BC Agrifoods Export Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. This program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. ●

estled in the berry capital of the world is Lally Group. Lally Group has been in the berry business since 1978. The company grows, packs, and ships fresh and frozen blueberries. It takes pride in satisfying the rigorous demands of customers as well as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Global GAP, and AIB International. Lally Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s processing capabilities and innovative marketing techniques have earned it an international reputation for superior quality berries and unrivalled client service. At Lally Group, we are ready to do what it takes to ensure that our retailing partners gain nothing but value from our relationship. Our berries will sit comfortably on any shelf, in any corner of the globe.

LALLY GROUP Tel.: 604-859-6820 Fax: 604-859-6666 Email: info@lallygroup.com 5327 Gladwin Road Abbotsford, BC V2X 1X8 Canada

Good News

for Farmers and Winery Owners! Now you can bring FARM WORKERS from India and other countries besides Mexico. You can now bring Punjabi/Hindi speaking farm workers for your farm or winery. English is NOT required.

No advance fees for farmers and winery owner in this program! If you have 3 full time employees on the farm or winery, you can even apply to bring one or more families from

India or other countries to work on your farm and winery under the BCPNP Program. You can even hire anyone who is in Canada on a Visitor Visa, Super Visa etc. to work on your farm or winery. We provide all kinds of Immigration Services: Visitor Sponsorship, Family Immigration, BCPNP, Work Permit, Skilled Immigration, Appeals, etc. Please contact us for more information.

SERVICES INC. Office: #204-12830 80th Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 3A8 Phone: 604-868-7777 or 604-908-6666 or 604-572-7786 Toll Free: 1-888-572-0077 MODERN AGRICULTURE | 39

LIVESTOCK

FALL 2014

PREMISE IDENTIFICATION PREPAREDENESS fire released potentially dangerous toxins into the air, putting local livestock at risk for contamination. With premises identification, the tracking and testing of animals in the food chain can be swift and effective during a crisis. At the moment, tracking an animal’s history and movement is possible through regulated tagging or tattooing, but information about the land on which the animal resides, or from where it originated is not mandated. Animal owners are encouraged to voluntarily register their premises, but soon it may be a necessary step for all farmers and producers.

By Cate Pedersen

ith further federal legislation of livestock and poultry traceability imminent, farmers and producers should make premises identification a priority. A premises is a parcel of land where animals, plants or food are grown, housed or disposed of and includes such places as farms, abattoirs, auctions, fairgrounds, hatcheries and pastures. Once registered, owners of livestock and poultry will receive a unique premises identification number that is unique to their parcel of land. Premises Identification: •

with the Ministry of Agriculture as soon as possible as mandatory livestock movement reporting is now required for pig owners and we expect new federal regulations next year will require movement reporting for cattle, sheep, goats, bison and cervids.” The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) continues to work towards a national mandatory national traceability system for livestock and poultry which will include premises identification as a critical tool for managing animal health issues, and emergency situations. “Registering livestock premises costs nothing but gives us all a much better chance of managing our next animal disease or natural disaster emergency by knowing where livestock are located and who to contact about the emergency.”

allows for rapid notification of livestock and poultry stakeholders helps prepare for animal health, natural disaster and food safety emergencies (e.g. livestock disease) facilitates rapid evacuation of animals in a natural disaster emergency (e.g. flood, fire) helps track animals in an emergency reduces the impact of an emergency helps maintain or provide for greater market access

When the federal legislation is in place, everyone with animals on their property will be required to apply for an identification number. The best plan would be to prepare now.

Kevin Murphy, Manager, Traceability and Premises Identification for the BC Ministry of Agriculture, states, “We encourage all livestock owners to register their premises

The critical importance of such measures became apparent during the 2009 avian flu outbreak in the Fraser Valley and the transformer fire in Chilliwack in 2012. The

• • • • •

40 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

Murphy reminds us that, “As of July 1, 2014 mandatory movement reporting for pigs going to slaughter has meant that the producer and processor need to have their premises registered to provide the location information needed for the national livestock traceability system to function properly.” Some producers were not prepared for this decision, and it created some confusion and disruption. “Registering livestock premises costs nothing but gives us all a much better chance of managing our next animal disease or natural disaster emergency by knowing where livestock are located and who to contact about the emergency,” Murphy explains. He encourages all farmers to prepare for any changes in legislation by submitting a simple form now before the inevitable rush. The process of premises identification involves filling out a two-page form and waiting a couple of days to receive a number. This will ensure the correct information is recorded and available for use during natural or health emergencies. The form can be found on the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s website, and the Ministry states, “Although the national traceability system encompasses all livestock and poultry species produced in Canada, the current priority for British Columbia is to register farms and ranches producing cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, bison or poultry in the BC premises database.” For more information please see the BC Ministry of Agriculture website: http://www. agf.gov.bc.ca/foodsafety/bc_pid.htm. ●

FALL 2014

DAIRY

GOOD NEWS FOR DAIRY COWS... and Farmers the industry, from veterinarians and trimmers to building contractors and feed nutritionists. In 2012, three one-day seminars were held across BC in the spring culminating in a three-day conference in the fall that covered topics including automated milking, dairy barn design and hoof health, and drew more than 200 participants. “The first two projects did a good job of training hoof trimmers on proper identification of ailments,” adds Janssens. “Producers are getting better information from their trimmers, plus we now have some hard numbers to show the extent of this issue.” But that isn’t the end of the story. The industry can now focus its efforts to combat digital dermatitis.

By Investment AG Foundation

ameness is one of the most costly health problems affecting dairy cattle today. Not only will a dairy cow with lame, sore, infected feet produce less milk, but she will be less fertile, have a shorter life expectancy and incur higher health-related costs. “It’s not just a production issue,” says David Janssens, a Surrey dairy producer who chairs the Dairy Industry Research and Education Committee. “It’s also about animal welfare.” It was important to accurately identify the types of hoof lesions in BC herds and the extent of the problem before devising solutions. Most dairy cows get their hooves trimmed at least once a year. Hoof trims are kind of like pedicures for cows. Regularly inspecting their feet puts trimmers in the perfect position to spot lesions. Under the guidance of the multi-stakeholder BC Dairy Hoof Health Group, AR-PE Hooftrimming of Abbotsford launched a hoof health project.

To kick things off, hoof trimmers were invited to a one-day workshop to learn how to properly identify various lesions and standardize data recording. “If trimmers are using a digital recorder but aren’t identifying hoof problems in the same way, it creates confusion and misinformation,” says project manager, Ron Barker. During the ensuing months, more than 32,000 trims were recorded, covering over 15,000 animals from 85 herds throughout BC. Related projects were being conducted concurrently in Alberta and Ontario. In total, there are now records on more than 80,000 cows from 578 herds.

The BC Dairy Association has taken the lead to develop and test an on-farm tool that will help herd managers work with their trimmers, veterinarians and nutritionists to assess hoof health risk and identify recommendations for changes. This team approach is expected to identify hoof problems sooner, thereby decreasing the prevalence of lameness. “Well over half the cows have problems caused by an infectious bacteria found in cow manure,” adds Barker. “Good manure management in combination with clean, comfortable stalls and effective foot baths are important to reduce cases of infectious foot problems.” What’s good for the cows is also good for the dairy industry.

With this solid database to analyze, some interesting findings began to appear, including regional differences in the types of lesions found. Overall, 60 per cent of the cows had at least one lesion. In BC, 47 per cent of the lesions were associated with digital dermatitis.

“Hoof health can and does have a huge impact on a farm’s bottom line,” says Tom Droppo, dairy industry specialist with BC’s Ministry of Agriculture, who coordinated the outreach activities. “The new practices some dairies have adopted are starting to get other people’s attention.”

Lesions can appear for a variety of reasons and a holistic team approach is important to address the issue. The next step was sharing this information with dairy farmers, herd managers and the suppliers of services to

These projects were funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture through programs delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. ● MODERN AGRICULTURE | 41

DAIRY

FALL 2014

MILKING IT: Taking the Guesswork out of Dairy Production

By Genome BC

new research program, funded in part by Genome British Columbia, aims to help BC’s dairy farmers by taking the guesswork out of determining which young heifers will develop to be the best milk producers. Through a simple hair sample, a genomic-based test will demonstrate the genetic markers of desirable traits like volume, fat content and protein. This data will allow farmers to make informed breeding and selection management decisions that will result in a more productive herd and improved dairy profitability.

ity of genetic ranking of the young heifer stock through use of genomics; to perform an economic analysis of the financial benefit to dairy farm operators who use genomics; and to increase the acceptance of genomic technology by dairy producers through their direct involvement with the research project. “If we can accurately rank the animals according to production then we can derive significant benefit from these genomic tools,” says Ronaldo Cerri, assistant professor in Animal Reproduction at the University of British Columbia.

This research is very important to BC’s 545 dairy farmers with approximately 72,000 dairy cows that produce over 650 million litres of milk per year. And British Columbians like their milk—our per capita consumption is over 77 litres per year. The dairy industry provides employment for over 11,000 people and contributes an estimated $1 billion per year to the provincial and federal economies.

“The collaboration between Dr. Cerri and the farmers participating in this project means that the power of genomics will be demonstrated and become an applicable science for all farms to then utilize,” says Dr. Martin Darrow, director of Embryo Transfer Services and Genomic Research, Greenbelt Veterinary Services. “We are going to work very hard to make sure that this information is made to be accessible for dairy farmers across BC.”

Other objectives of the research project are to demonstrate the increased reliabil-

“Genome BC is pleased to enable this research project that aims to provide BC milk

42 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

producers with a simple, validated and commercially available genomic tool which will improve the overall genetic merit of their cattle,” says Dr. Alan Winter, president and CEO of Genome BC. “By working hand in hand with the dairy farmers and veterinarians, genomics is leading the way to providing cost-effective solutions.”

The project, valued at over $70,000, was funded through Genome BC’s User Partnership Program (UPP). UPP is designed to form partnerships with users to find research solutions that address the needs of the key sectors of the BC economy and directly connect receptors in BC economic sectors to new products, services and practices that arise from genomics-related research. The UPP represents an initial investment of $9M for new research projects, with $3M from Genome BC. The remaining funds are to be provided by user partners and other co-funders. ●

MODERN AGRICULTURE

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ADVERTORIAL

FALL 2014

PACIFIC AGRICULTURE SHOW: Jan. 29-30-31, 2015 in Abbotsford With the PacAg show getting better each year (the 2014 show was completely sold out), space is already at a premium for the 17th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show next January created by a strong demand for space by previous show participants. Back again for another year in the large machinery show is Matsqui Ag Repair with its lineup of tractors and other farm equipment. Among the tractors on display the company features their McCormick tractors, including the GM55. They come in sizes and power ranges from 55 to 220hp. Matsqui Ag Repair also sell the popular Deutz-Fahr and Kioti line of tractors with machines designed for use by berry growers. You will also find equipment on display built by Kuhn and Club Cadet, as well as the popular McHale wrappers for use in storing silage crop. Providing a high level of information to agriculture producers, Dr. David Hughes will be a key note speaker at the 2015 PacAg show. An Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College in London, England, he travels the world talking to businesses, trade associations, governments and conferences on global developments in the food and drink industry and is a highly sought-after speaker wherever he goes. With an unparalleled knowledge of global food issues and opportunities, Dr. Hughes is a strong proponent of building vertical alliances between key chain members in the food industry. Matt Dixon with ARDCorp is busy these days putting together another interesting and informative program for those interested in alternative energy programs and practises. Pre-registration is required for both the Hort Short Course and BC Dairy Expo. More information on both these programs will be available shortly. The PacAg show is the place to come and get updated information whether you are a dairy farmer, growing vegetables or 44 | MODERN AGRICULTURE

greenhouse crops or hazelnuts, a berry producer interested in any of the Hort Course presentations, or growing small farm crops for personal consumption or commercial sale. The introduction of the small farm program at the 2014 show was exceedingly well accepted with a standing room only crowd.

Doors are open from 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. daily. Fountain Tire will again provide free parking to all participants and visitors. For more information on the 2015 Pacific Agriculture Show contact JGS Events at (604) 291-1553, www.agricultureshow.net.

General admission price is $12.00 at the door for adults, $10.00 for seniors and 4-H members. Under 14 are admitted Free.

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re invited to

Farm Fest 2014 Saturday, November 22, 2014 2:00 to 10:00 PM

Join fellow young farmers for an afternoon of educational sessions and tours of the new Agriculture Centre of Excellence at the University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack campus. We have a great selection of business and marketing presentations ranging from an economic overview of agriculture to income tax issues for inter-generational farm transfers. Hear how other young farmers started and grew their businesses. This is a great opportunity for a hands-on tour of the new Agriculture Centre of Excellence facility at UFV. We will tour state of the art greenhouses, classrooms, and dairy facilities. The education sessions are followed by a social and a buffet dinner; followed by more time to socialize after dinner. We know how important it is to connect with other young farmers. Location: University of the Fraser Valley, Canada Education Park (CEP), Chilliwack Campus Cost:

The event is free to young farmers between the ages of 18 and 40.

Check www.bcyf.ca for more detailed directions and a list of speakers. RSVP to: info@bcyf.ca

MODERN AGRICULTURE | 45

How FCC helps producers improve their farm management skills 46

Free seminars and workshops

ag industry outlook presentations

on business and finance

on managing people

on markets and sectors

motivational speaker events

11,000

More than

100 cities and towns

attendees

very good year FCC is again presenting inspiring, informative speakers, hands-on workshops and engaging seminars across the country. For anyone with an interest in Canadian agriculture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for free Find the events that benefit your operation, and register today. fcc.ca/events

46 | MODERN AGRICULTURE