The Back Forty, June, 2020, Issue No. 92

The

Back Forty

June, 2020 ISSUE No. 92

SARDA Ag Research during COVID-19

SARDA Ag Research has not been immune.

They’re Back!!!

Pest monitoring in Footprints, SARDA 2020 Summer Staff the Peace Region, Ag Research Self 2020 Guided Tours We have assembled

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Contact Us

a team of dedicated individuals; some familiar and some new.

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780-837-2900

SARDA Ag Research will monitor 3 insects

The trial sites will be open for viewing at your convenience.

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or

www.sarda.ca

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June, 2020

Table of Contents

SARDA Ag Research during COVID-19

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They’re Back!!! 2020 Summer Staff

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Pest monitoring in the Peace Region, 2020

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SARDA Ag Research has not been immune.

We have assembled a team of dedicated individuals; some familiar and some new.

SARDA Ag Research will closely monitor 3 insect pests; Bertha Armyworms (Berthas), wheat midge, and diamondback moths (diamondbacks).

Footprints, SARDA Ag Research Self Guided Tours

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AgriStability deadline extended to July 3

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Chemical Safety and Storage

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Meet the new AFSC Board Chair

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Restore this Sucker

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The trial sites will be open for viewing at your convenience.

The extension offers farmers additional time to sign up and benefit from the program.

It’s so important that farmers thoroughly understand the safety protocols around chemical use and storage.

It only takes a few minutes of conversation to realize that new AFSC Board Chair Mabel Hamilton is passionate about agriculture and cares deeply about the industry and its future.

Restoration is a fascinating undertaking,

Vegetation Management

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Roadside mowing is part of the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP) and alternates annually.

Testing for Fusarium graminaerum

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Fusarium graminaerum is a serious fungus pathogen that attacks cereal grains

ON THE COVER While for many seeding is just finishing, producers are getting ready for in crop herbicide applications. Crops will advance fast as we head into our long summerdays which will likely mean a compressed spraying seasepn

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SARDA Ag Research during COVID-19

C

OVID has brought a lot of uncertainty into the workplace and SARDA Ag Research has not been immune. When the pandemic was declared and the new mandates were brought into play, staff were unsure if they would have a job during the summer of 2020. Even when Agriculture was declared an essential service, it was still unclear if research was included. Over time, staff was assured that research was included under the essential service umbrella. However, being assured that research in agriculture was included in the essential services list did not mean that operations did not have to change and adapt. Staff worked from home as much as possible, necessary meetings were held online, limiting staffs’ chances of contracting COVID. When staff needed to go to the office or the shop, they were still required to

observe social distancing and expected to observe sanitation protocols. Office access was restricted to staff only.

With the imposed restrictions, the number of projects and the types of projects were reviewed and assessed. Staff evaluated the workload of each project as well as the ability of staff to observe social distancing and follow protocol duties. As a result, all trials are now local, our trial site near DeBolt let go for now. In order to maintain SARDA Ag Research’s renowned quality research, other projects needed to be cancelled or rejected due to the pandemic. The hiring of summer staff was also limited due to the restrictions.

While dealing with the changes brought on by the pandemic, SARDA Ag Research was dealing with another huge change: the reduction in staff working for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. These staff were important sources of information and regular contributors to the SARDA Ag Research extension program through articles and presentations.

The SARDA Ag Research extension program is currently identifying new revered unbiased sources.

Another positive outcome has been the addition of Calvin Yoder, P.Ag., to staff, SARDA will fill the niche for producers needing reliable information on forage seed production.

Behind the scenes, the extension program was already slated for a major overhaul, but the changes in the industry and the changes brought about by COVID have expedited this. Summer field tour events and crop walk events have been cancelled.

We are working on the creation of videos and short clips to extend information in place of these events. The trial sites will still be open and if you would like a private tour of the plots, contact us

Page 4 June, 2020 SARDA Ag Research News to make arrangements. SARDA Ag Research staff are also looking at revamping the website and newsletter. Communication options have greatly increased over the last ten years and while SARDA has attempted to keep abreast of these changes, and maintain the programs required to do these things, we have determined that it may be more efficient to hire experts who are experienced with the programs and the formatting required. As we identify the people with the expertise we desire, we are working on a communications plan and branding document which will guide our new endeavors. These changes in the extension program will also free up some time for Shelleen Gerbig, P.Ag., to spend more time on agronomy and responding to producers’ questions.

Don’t expect to see huge changes in the extension program in the near future, but behind the scenes SARDA Ag Research staff will be looking at designs and formats, planning how to best show content and determining how to best achieve our goals.

After staff have vetted the changes, these will have to go to the Board for approval. However, you will notice more online content over the summer.

As changes are made, SARDA Ag Research staff would like to have your feedback, good or bad, by

contacting us through the website, talking to staff, or phoning the office.

COVID-19 has definitely brought some changes into how SARDA Ag Research staff conduct business. I suspect that staff will avail themselves of the option to work from home more often, especially if the weather is inclement. I expect that more meetings will be held online reducing the amount of work related travel. When face to face meetings are required, we will no longer shake hands, instead I expect that we will bump elbows and nod heads instead.

Some things will not change. SARDA Ag Research will maintain its reputation for doing quality research that will explore new products, varieties and procedures supporting agriculture in the Peace Region. SARDA Ag Research will endeavor to extend timely and relevant information and be a locally available source of information on programs, agronomy and grants available to producers and the agricultural industry.

By Shelleen Gerbig, P. Ag., Extension Coordinator

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They’re Back!!! 2020 Summer Staff

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ARDA Ag Research welcomes its latest team members to the summer staff contingent.

We have assembled a team of dedicated individuals; some familiar and some new. The summer staff have prepared brief autobiographies, describing who they are, their education goals and why they enjoy working at SARDA Ag Research.

Please enjoy their contributions.

Hello, my name is Joseph Sylvain. I am the eldest son of Jean and Valerie Sylvain, this is my fourth year working at SARDA, and my third year working with my brother Josh. I am currently entering my fifth year of school at Trinity Western University. I will be completing my bachelors of business administration with a specialization in finance. I am excited for another summer of working outside. My favourite thing about working at SARDA is seeing all the different crops grow in tidy straight rows, and making all the plots look nice! In my spare time I enjoy gardening, golfing, fishing, and basically anything outside. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work this summer, and always enjoy working with the staff here.

Hi, my name is Nuoy Gauthier and this will be my fourth summer working at SARDA. I am the daughter of Victor and Ying Gauthier and I grew up on a farm just south of Donnelly.

This fall I will enter my fourth year in a Bachelor of Education in Grande Prairie through the University of Alberta. It is a collaborative program with GPRC, called the Teachers Education North. In my spare time I like to hang out with friends and family and spend time outdoors doing various activities.

Other favorite pastimes include napping, Netflix, petting puppies and lots of snacking. I like working at SARDA because I get to work outdoors and am always learning something new, whether that be about agriculture or how some machinery works.

Shout out to my previous coworker, Dave Cloutier, for playing matchmaker and setting me up with his brother, Ken Cloutier; I appreciate it bud.

Hi, my name is Josh Sylvain and this will be my third summer working for SARDA. My parents are Jean and Valerie Sylvain.

I grew up on a grain farm just west of Girouxville. I will be heading back to the Vancouver area for my third year of school at Trinity Western University in the fall. I’m planning to continue to stay in the school of business and eventually plan to get my CPA in accounting.

When I’m not studying I’m playing hockey for the university Trinity Western Spartans. I also love to go fishing, hiking, playing different sports and spending time outdoors. I like working at SARDA because it allows me to be outside and to learn more about farming, the different kinds of trials and unique crops to the area. I’m excited to see what new trials we will seed this year at SARDA.

Page 6 June, 2020 SARDA Ag Research News Hi, my name is Nadia Sylvain and this will be my first summer working at SARDA. My parents are Gilles and Simerjeet Sylvain and our family lives on a farm near Girouxville. In the fall, I will be going back to Edmonton to start my second year in the Bachelor of Sciences program at the University of Alberta’s Campus St-Jean. I am excited to be working at SARDA because I will be able to learn many new things relating to my Biology degree. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, and doing fun things outdoors. I am looking forward to a great summer with a great group of people!

Hi, I am Shayna Yaremko and this will be my first summer working at SARDA. My parents are Kevin and Tanya Yaremko and I grew up on a farm outside of Tangent.

I will be going to school this fall to start my second year in the Bachelor of Commerce program at MacEwan University. What excites me most about working for SARDA is learning new things and how everything works. I like spending time outdoors camping, visiting with friends and family, and watching movies. I am looking forward to this summer.

June, 2020

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SARDA Ag Research News

Pest monitoring in the Peace Region, 2020

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ARDA Ag Research will closely monitor 3 insect pests; Bertha Armyworms (Berthas), wheat midge, and diamondback moths (diamondbacks). Diamondbacks, Berthas and Wheat midge have been monitored closely for the past three years according to the protocols provided to us by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

Berthas, are important pests of canola in the Prairie Provinces. They belong to a group of insects known as the climbing cutworm and are native to the Peace Region. Berthas begin as small green worms but darken as they grow until they become velvety black. They are only a concern when they feed, in the larval stage. SARDA will once again set up traps in the municipalities of Big

Bertha Army Worm Trap

Lakes, Greenview, Northern Sunrise and Smoky River to monitor the likelihood of infestations.

These traps will be checked weekly; moths counted for Berthas as the risk of infestation is high in 2020. Despite only causing damage during the larval stage, we monitor Berthas at the moth stage in order to predict the risk of infestation. The counts determine the risk levels. For example, it takes a count of about 900 – 1200 for a moderate risk level, and 1200 – 1500 for a high risk level.

Even traps with low counts, anywhere from 0-300, have been reported to have damage if the larvae tend to cluster in one field. Bertha traps are green barrel shaped traps with pheromones which lure the moths in. A pesticide strip inside the trap kills the moths once they enter allowing them to easily be counted. Overall, the degree of damage that can occur from Berthas varies substantially yearly.

There are elements that impact their numbers, such as cold weather as well as the levels of parasites and diseases. Last year, the conditions were ideal and many farmers had to spray in order to keep these pests under control. The trend in 2019 demonstrated a continued increase in numbers in many locations across Alberta. In particular, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry highlighted the Peace Region as an area of strong outbreak in Alberta. As a result, numbers in 2020 are being carefully monitored.

The second type of pest monitoring that SARDA Ag Research is doing this year is for the Wheat Midge. Over the last 3 years, SARDA has set up pheromone sticky traps in three different locations across the MD of Smoky River, which are checked 2-3 times a week. These traps are used to indicate the time Wheat Midge males begin flying, which are always 3-4 days ahead of the female “egg laying” midge. Pheromone traps only catch male Midge and therefore, the traps only give us a rough

June, 2020

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SARDA Ag Research News

Wheat Midge Trap or Diamond Back Moth Trap estimate of when an outbreak could occur. The larvae damage the crop by feeding directly on the seeds of growing wheat kernels. Last year male counts were only 30 or less per week, whereas in the past there have been counts up to 700 in years of extreme infestation. Counts of about 70 midge have caused small losses in the past. Wheat Midge also lay eggs in the soil, which can remain dormant for a number of years, until the ideal weather conditions occur and hatch the eggs.

This is why continuous monitoring is important and is also why SARDA Ag Research does fall soil sampling in addition to trap monitoring.

SARDA soil samples 12 fields per year across the Peace Region. The samples collected are sent to Lacombe, where the eggs are washed from the soil and counted. Counts are used to help predict where higher populations of Wheat Midge may occur. Population estimates can be viewed on the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Pest Monitoring website (https://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/ app68/listings/midge/midge_map.jsp).

The third kind of pest monitoring that SARDA Ag Research conducts is for Diamondback Moths.

Diamondback Moth and Wheat Midge Traps only differ in the type of pheromone lure used and where they are placed. Diamondbacks were introduced into the Peace Region about 150 years ago from Europe and now occur throughout North American wherever its host plants are grown. Diamondbacks feeds on all types of plants in the mustard family which includes Canola.

They can cause millions of dollars in damage and may devour entire plants if larvae are large enough and the population is substantial. Despite the possible dangers associated with Diamondbacks, infestations are relatively rare. Diamondbacks usually die during the harsh winters in Alberta.

At SARDA Ag Research, we begin setting out pheromone traps at the beginning of May and check them until mid-June to anticipate if any moths are being blown up from the United States.

If high counts appear then crop scouting will be required. The tallies for 2019 showed relatively low numbers of Diamondbacks. This live map can be viewed at https://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/ app68/ listings/diamondback/diamondback_map. jsp.

Recently, attention has been drawn towards monitoring Wireworms. Wireworms are predicted to become a bigger problem heading forward.

Due to new regulations on seed treatments, which eliminate specific active ingredients, seed may become more susceptible to both Wireworms and Cutworms damage. Despite the general notion of the imminent threat of Wireworms in the Prairies, there is currently no hard evidence to support this.

Studies are being done regarding the effects of crop rotation on Wireworm populations. SARDA Ag Research is following the development of this research and participated by collecting samples in 2018. No new samples have since been collected.

Another insect that has made its way to the Peace Region is the Pea Leaf Weevil. The Pea Leaf Weevil

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SARDA Ag Research News

Wireworms

feeds on the roots of plants in its larval stage, and the leaves of plants in its adult stage. Pea Leaf Weevil typically feeds on legume crops, but can also feed on canola plants as well. A notched or scalloped appearance in pea and faba bean leaf is an indication that the pest is present. This weevil is relatively new to Alberta as it was first identified in Lethbridge in 2000, and has migrated into the Peace Region over the past few years. Last year Alberta Agriculture carried out a survey during May and June that had spanned 262 fields, and 59 municipalities throughout Alberta. This survey rated the damage caused by examining the leaves of 50 plants near the field margin, and counting the number of notches per plant. Although, damage is actually caused by damage to the roots of these plants, counting the notches in the leaves is an indication of the population of the weevils.

The Peace Region only saw an average notching between 0-1 on plants whereas West of Edmonton saw an average notching to be between 3 and 9 notches a leaf. Nine notches per leaf has been proven to signal that damage to plants is likely. The Pea Leaf Weevil was positively identified in the MD of Smoky River in 2018, although levels were below economic thresholds. Through this survey they were able to determine that the Pea Leaf Weevils are at a level that could cause concern in 2020. Nevertheless, the Peace Region only saw low numbers from the survey for the 2019 year.

Cutworms (typical “C” shape)

SARDA Ag Research would like to encourage farmers to help with the reporting of pests this year which can be easily done through the use of Alberta Agriculture’s reporting tool. The tool is set up for cutworms and the cabbage seed pod weevil although the most relevant pest is the cutworm in the Peace Region. The cutworm reporting tool can be found at the

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SARDA Ag Research News

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry website (https:// www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/pestmon.nsf/ CutwormWebSubmission).

The Peace Region is notorious for being contrary to the norm when predicting pest and disease outbreaks. The willingness of producers to report the unusual and allow inspections by local experts, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry staff, and Ag Canada staff have allowed us to identify these trends and notify others to encourage a strong agriculture industry locally. An important example of this is the identification of the local grasshopper pest known as the Bruner. This species of grasshopper, which is common in the Northern portion of Alberta, follows a lifecycle very different from the traditional grasshopper pests

Bruner Grasshopper

such as the clearwing and migratory grasshoppers and can be easily mistaken for these pests. As a result of the misidentification, the grasshopper forecast was always wrong for the Peace Region.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is now testing its new hypothesis for forecasting grasshopper populations in the Peace Region and we should soon see accurate predictions.

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry Pest Monitoring Page: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-insect-pestmonitoring-network.aspx Information taken from https://www.alberta.ca/ agriculture-and-forestry.

By Joe Sylvain, Summer Crop Technician, SARDA Ag Research

Clear-wnged Grasshopper

Migratory Grasshopper

June, 2020

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SARDA Ag Research News

Footprints

SARDA Ag Research Self Guided Tours

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ne thing that has not changed through this pandemic, is the Footprints, Self Guided Tours. The trial sites will be open for viewing at your convenience. You may visit when you like and as often as you like. If you would like to have SARDA Ag Research staff guide you through the trials, please call myself at 780-8372900 ext. 3 to make arrangements. Or if you prefer to tour yourself, infomation on the trials is located at each site in the green mailbox. All participants

are asked to observe the biosecurity measures and wear the disposable booties that are provided in the green mailbox at the entrance to each site. Below is a map of the locations of the trials followed by a table showing the trials and where they are located.

In addition, each site will have signs identifying the trials and their objective.

by Shelleen Gerbig, P.Ag., Extension Coordinator

Page 12 June, 2020 SARDA Ag Research News Location

Crop

Canola

Hemp

Main Pulse and Canola Site SW 8-77-20 W5th

Flax Canola Wheat Peas Oilseed/Pulse Cereal/Pulse Peas

Fababean

Multi Year Trial NE 6-77-20 W5th

Multi Year Trial NW 9-77-20 W5th

Canola Wheat Peas Wheat Barley Canola Field Peas Hemp Qinoa Flax Fababean

Project Name Canola Performance Trials (CPT) Swathed Canola Performance Trials (CPT) Straight Cut Canola seed size and depth Canola Flee Beetle Trial Seeding Date and Rate Harvest timing Trial Fertility Vatiety RVT

Varieties or No. of Plots Treatments 16

64

14

56

12 18 18 6 20 8 5

48 54 72 18 80 32 20

Biostimulant Trial

18

72

Intercropping Canola Block Intercropping Wheat Block SARVT Yellow Peas RVT Green Peas RVT8 Herbicide Residual Trial Wheat in 2019 RVT Fungicide

12

48

12

48

8 13 6

24 52 24

24

96

7 16

28 64

Deep Banding

27

108

Novelty Crop Sequence Year 2

64

256

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June, 2020

Location

SARDA Ag Research News Crop

Oats Barley

29 6 32 11 10 30 6 6 7 11 5 21 11 29 6 10 5 11

87 18 96 33 40 90 24 24 21 44 15 63 33 87 18 40 15 33

Peas

SARVT

8

24

Main Cereal Site NW 22-77-21 W5th Oats Barley

NW 20-77-20 W5th

Secondary Pulse Site NW 24-76-20 W5th

Varieties or No. of Plots Treatments

SARVT - Wheat SARVT - CWHWS RVT - CWRS RVT - CWSP & CPSR Protein Cooperative Wheat ( U of A) Ultra Early Seeding (May 8) Normal Seeding (May 26) RVT GRO SARVT RVT SARVT SARVT- Wheat SARVT - CWHWS Protein SARVT SARVT

Wheat

Secondary Cereal Site

Project Name

Wheat

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June, 2020

AgriStability deadline extended to July 3

T

he AgriStability enrolment deadline for the 2020 program year has been extended, without penalty, from April 30 to July 3, 2020.

The extension offers farmers additional time to sign up and benefit from the program.

This exceptional step to extend the deadline was agreed to by federal, provincial and territorial governments, and will help more farmers manage the impact of current market disruptions, increased expenses and production challenges facing many farm operations. Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support.

The Info Bulletin announcing the extension can be found at http://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-

food/news/2020/04/info-bulletin---agristability2020-enrollment-deadline-extended.html

New - Treatment of private insurance indemnity payments Private insurance payments will be treated as nonallowable income in the calculation of the program year margin starting with the 2020 program year.

This means that payments you receive from private insurance will no longer reduce the support you receive from AgriStability.

This change applies to private insurance payments from programs where the premiums are fully producer-funded and compensate for losses related to price, revenue, productions or margins. Private insurance payments will remain allowable in your

Page 15 June, 2020 reference years to ensure your support level does not decrease.

Report your private insurance payments using the line codes that have been assigned for private insurance programs on your 2020 form. Do not include private insurance payments with any AgriInsurance payments you receive.

AgriStability Eligibility AgriStability is a risk management tool that provides protection against large margin declines caused by market fluctuations or increased expenses that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage. AgriStability offers margin protection for the whole farm – consequently, a price reduction in a single commodity may not result in a program payment.

You are eligible for AgriStability if you earn income from the primary production of agricultural commodities. More information on eligibility can be found on the AgriStability eligibility criteria page on the Government of Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food website.

The following individuals or groups can participate in AgriStability: • Communal organizations • Co-operatives • Corporations • Estates • Individual farmers • Landlords in crop or livestock share joint venture • Limited partnerships • Partners in a partnership • Status Indians and Band farms farming on a reserve • Trusts

How to Apply Step 1: Enrol Each year you must enrol in the program by the enrolment deadline. For the 2020 program year only, the enrolment deadline has been extended from April 30 to July 3, 2020.

Step 2: Pay Your Fee Pay your fee and administrative cost share by the deadline.

Producers have until July 3, or 30 days after receiving their enrolment notice, to pay their fee without penalty.

If the fee deadline is missed, a 20 per cent penalty is applied and have until December 31 to pay their fee with applied penalty.

Should you miss the initial fee deadline, you have until the final fee deadline to pay your fee with a penalty equal to 20 per cent of your fee.

Step 3: Complete and Send Your Form Send your completed AgriStability form by the deadline.

September 30, 2021: Initial filing deadline for the 2020 program year December 31, 2021: Filing deadline with penalty for the 2020 program year If you send your form after the initial deadline, your payment (if you receive one) will be reduced by $500 for each month or part of a month past the initial deadline up to the final deadline.

For more information on AgriStability or assistance with the application process, please contact your AFSC branch office or call the AFSC Client Service Centre at 1.877.899.2372

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June, 2020

Chemical Safety and Storage

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s a farmer, you deal with a lot of chemicals throughout a growing season – fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, sanitizers, cleaners, crop preservatives, fuel, solvents, motor oil, and more.

These are all toxic substances. Mishandling them can cause reactions ranging from minor irritations to lifelong chronic conditions and even fatalities.

Which is why it’s so important that farmers thoroughly understand the safety protocols around chemical use and storage.

At such a busy time of year, devoting time and resources to safety may seem like a waste of time.

But it’s critical to be mindful of the basics of safe chemical use now and always. Here’s a brief

refresher, as per the Government of Alberta farm safety guidelines.

Know the Job •

• • • •

Make sure everyone dealing with chemicals is properly trained in advance for handling the products. Limit the exposure of your staff as much as possible.

Never expose anyone unnecessarily to harmful chemicals.

Ensure appropriate safety procedures and personal protection equipment are provided for anyone dealing with harmful chemicals.

Before handling any chemicals, read the label!

It contains all the information you need about safe usage and safety concerns.

Ensure you know and understand all the safety symbols and warnings

Page 17 June, 2020 Know the Potential Hazards Ensure you know potential hazards and protocols related to working with chemicals.

• Transportation: Never leave pesticides unattended in a parked vehicle, unless it is locked or parked where public access is denied.

Post a warning sign on the vehicle if you leave it unattended or if you are transporting more than 500 litres of pesticides.

• Storage: Pesticides must be stored in their original labelled containers in a screened, ventilated area designated for this purpose, and far enough away from storage for other commodities that cross-contamination is prevented.

• Spills: In the case of a chemical spill, only trained personnel wearing adequate protective equipment should be involved in the cleanup.

Call the Alberta Environment Response Centre at 1-800-222-6514.

• Handling: always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment before handling any chemicals, including chemical-resistant coveralls, gloves, boots, respirator and goggles.

• Exposure: Ensure you know the symptoms of chemical exposure and if you or anyone has these symptoms, know what to do about it.

• Disposal: Do not reuse empty chemical containers. Take them to an approved recycling facility. Discard measuring utensils properly.

Call your local municipal office to find the nearest site.

Know the Drill Safety around chemicals is YOUR responsibility.

Make sure you always know proper etiquette for chemical handling and storage and if you don’t know, ask the right people and find the right answers.

Visit AgSafe Alberta (www.agsafeab.ca)

Meet the new AFSC Board Chair It only takes a few minutes of conversation to realize that new AFSC Board Chair Mabel Hamilton is passionate about agriculture and cares deeply about the industry and its future.

Hamilton, who operates a family-owned central Alberta livestock business with her husband Gavin, son Colton, daughter Quinn and son-inlaw Brendyn, has immersed herself in the industry both as a producer and as an advocate. She has been involved in the purebred cattle industry for over 40 years and has more than 30 years of experience on numerous provincial and national agriculture boards and commissions.

“I didn’t need to be drawn to agriculture,” explained Hamilton. “I was raised on a purebred operation and was involved in the family farm. When my husband and I got married, we continued on with the tradition of being involved in a purebred operation.

Page 18 June, 2020 “I guess the cliché is that it’s a way of life, but it’s also a passion for us. I really appreciate the kind of lifestyle we’ve been able to have. I have an appreciation for what we do with the land and how the land is really a gift to us, so we have to leave it as we found it, or better.”

Hamilton said she is frustrated when people, often from urban settings, think they know what is best for the land. She points to the current situation where some people argue that we shouldn’t eat beef because it is bad for the environment, without understanding that much of the land used for cattle production wouldn’t make good crop land and has been grazed by bison for centuries.

“Part of our passion and what drives us forward is to make sure consumers understand what we do (as producers.)” That desire to share knowledge and the need for a challenge is what got Hamilton started as a volunteer and agriculture advocate. Hamilton, a teacher, decided not to return to teaching after the birth of her second child.

“I was looking for something that would give me an additional challenge.”

Hamilton began working with the Alberta Cattle Commission, a forerunner of the Alberta Beef Producers, as part of a group that was developing a classroom agriculture program for Grade 4 students. From there, Hamilton served on the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), the Beef Information Centre, the Canadian Angus Association, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the Canadian Cattle Identification Association (CCIA). “(The Canadian Cattle Identification Association) was the one where we started with the identifiers in cattle,” said Hamilton, who was chair of association during that time. “It was extremely challenging because we were starting a program that would identify where Canadian cattle were born, where

they were raised, where they were fed and where they were harvested.

“And there was push back, to put it mildly.

“As it turned out, it was the best thing we could do (in light) of some of the things that have happened in the industry.”

Hamilton’s efforts in the agriculture industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2012, Hamilton was inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedication, hard work and leadership.

“My mother used to say, ‘If you belong to something, you don’t sit as a bump on the log, you participate and become involved.’ “So that’s what I’ve done.”

AFSC Board of Directors In mid-April, the government announced new appointments to the AFSC board of directors, including Hamilton as board chair. As a hands-on producer, Hamilton thinks she brings a different perspective to board.

“I don’t think AFSC has had a hands-on producer as a board chair for a while,” commented Hamilton.

“We have crops as well as our cattle, so I think I will bring a different perspective to the board. It’s always good to have somebody who is at the ground level give their opinions or direction.”

Over the course of her term as board chair, Hamilton hopes to help elevate AFSC and make people more aware of AFSC and what it offers.

“I think that AFSC has done a lot of marvelous things, but I do think there is a bit of a misconception in the country about what it does and doesn’t do,” said Hamilton. “I think we need to enhance the brand and make people aware of what’s available for them.

“AFSC is there for them.”

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Restore this Sucker

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estoration is a fascinating undertaking, whereby we try to return a site or system to a previous state – sounds a bit like theoretical physics. In the watershed world, this often happens in wetlands, streams or the riparian zone – the transition zone between water and uplands.

Wetlands, streams and riparian zones are important parts of the landscape for the roles they play in processes such as distributing water or providing habitat for biodiversity. These functions can only be fulfilled if the form of these landscape features is intact.

The primary means by which these forms, and the associated functions, are lost is human activity such as landscaping, road building, agriculture, Oil & Gas activity or forestry.

The predicament we find ourselves in when function is lost from the landscape depends on what exactly is lost. Let us consider the case of flood mitigation, a function provided by functioning streams, wetlands and riparian zones. Flood mitigation lessens or dampens the impact of floods by reducing the overall height of flood waters, reducing the erosive power of flood waters and maintaining water in water channels. The removal of vegetation from the landscape and particularly in the riparian zone speeds up the flow of water and subsequently increase the erosive power of this flowing water.

Vegetation directs water into the soil along its roots and provides resistance to water that is flowing past so that the water slows down. The loss of this vegetation results in faster flowing water, increased

erosion and a loss or reduction of the flood mitigation function.

Currently, Agroforestry Woodlot Extension Society, Alberta Conservation Association, County of Grande Prairie, Cows and Fish and Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance are working on restoration project. The intent of the project is to restore the flood mitigation function, among others, of a stream that had been degraded. This spring as we were doing our site assessment, we were excited to find spawning suckers. Yup, we believe them to be Long-Nosed Suckers (Castotomus castotomus). The work done to restore stream function with a focus on flood mitigation also restored fish habitat; this stream is once again in a state where it can function as a habitat.

Check out the video clip on our website https:// www.mightypeacewatershedalliance.org/projects/ streambank-stabilization-and-extension/, Twitter or Facebook.

June, 2020

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Vegetation Management Roadside mowing is part of the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP) and alternates annually. The vegetation management incorporates multiple facets that include mechanical, herbicidal, biological, and cultural control methods that are used usually in conjunction with each other. As part of the cultural method of vegetation control, by rotation, a different 1/3 of the County gets done twice annually. In 2020, Harmon Valley and Reno is the one third of the County scheduled for two passes. This aesthetically pleasing practice assists the municipality to manage vegetation along the rightsof-way (ROW) for safety and drainage purposes as well as fire, brush and legislated weed control.

Maintaining good healthy vegetation along the full width of the ROW when possible, will minimize the need for costly repairs to infrastructure due to erosion or unwanted activities.

Pests: not a question of IF, it’s a question of WHEN

Early detection of harmful crop pests allows producers an opportunity to utilize available control measures or plan rotations to manage outbreaks.

Most disease pests may be prevented or limited by lengthening crop rotations as shortened rotations dramatically increase the risk of infection. The Agricultural Pest Act requires a local authority of a municipality shall take active measures to prevent the establishment of, or to control or destroy pests in the municipality. Therefore, the County has reviewed and developed a new municipal Pest Management Plan (PMP) to help producers having to deal with some diseases found through inspections, with options.

Some examples of crop pests causing the greatest local concern are: • Blackleg of Canola – may result in substantial yield loss and grade reductions.

• Clubroot of Canola – may decimate up to 80% of yield and reduce marketing options.

• Grasshoppers of various species – may cause serious damage and yield loss to both forages and annual crops and should be closely monitored.

• Fusarium Graminearum of cereal crops and corn – may reduce yields and can seriously limit marketing options, due to the toxins present in infected seed.

For more information on the PMP, the pest inspection program, testing reimbursement programs, interpretation of test results and how we can assist with the control or destruction of a pest, contact the Agricultural Services Department by email agservices@northernsunrise.net or by telephone 780-322-3831

Page 21 June, 2020

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June, 2020

Visit Alberta Wheat to Register

2021 Agricultural Trade Show March 18, 19 & 20 Regional Recreation Complex Falher Alberta

Calvin Yoder, P.Ag., Forage Seed Specialist

Available to answer your forage seed questions calvinyoder123@gmail.com 780 864 7663

June, 2020

Shelleen Gerbig, P.Ag. Environmental Plan Technician Available to assist with Environmental Farm Plans 780-837-2900 ext. 3

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Thank you to our program sponsors

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April, 2020

2020 Board of Directors

Simon Lavoie -Chair

St. Isidore

Leonard Desharnais - Vice Chair

Falher

Neil Maisonneuve

Valleyview

Mathieu Bergeron

St. Isidore

Kenny Stewart

High Prairie

Lionel Gauthier

McLennan

Alain Anctil

Girouxville

Jesse Meyer

Grande Prairie

Whitney Boisvert

Giroxville

Dale Smith

MD of Greenview

Audrey Gall - Secretary

Northern Sunrise County

Donald Bissell

Big Lakes County

Peter Harris

County of Grande Prairie

Luc Levesque

MD of Smoky River

Staff

Vance Yaremko

Executive Director

manager@sarda.ca

Shelleen Gerbig, P.Ag.

Extension Coordinator

extension@sarda.ca

Calvin Yoder, P.Ag.

Forage Seed Specialist

calvinyoder123@gmail.com

Megan Snell

Research Agrologist

research2@sarda.ca

Victor Gauthier

Field Technician

field@sarda.ca

Amber Fennell-Drouin

Administrative Assistant

admin@sarda.ca

Contact Us

780-837-2900

or

www.sarda.ca

Sign up for our emails at www.sarda.ca We send 2-3 emails per week on agronomy, politics, research, events, and agricultural interest articles geared towards the Peace Region agricultural producers.