On the AGRICULTURAL SUPPLEMENT February 2022
FARM
Photo by Kandace Reich
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO WEYBURN THIS WEEK, THE ESTEVAN MERCURY, THE CARLYLE OBSERVER AND THE ASSINIBOIA TIMES
PAGE 2 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Federal, provincial governments fund ag research projects Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced a total of $9.1 million in funding today for new crop-related research projects in 2022. This year’s funding will support 55 crop-related projects in Saskatchewan through the province’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). “Canada’s crop sector has navigated a challenging year marked by extreme climate events with resilience and determination,” said Bibeau. “Together with the Government of Saskatchewan, our federal Government is committed to investing in science and innovation through critical initiatives like the Agriculture Development Fund. Investing in science is essential to give our farmers the tools they need to realize our vision of a sustainable agriculture sector in Canada.” “Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector is uniquely well-equipped to accommodate the kind of growth we’re anticipating in the decade ahead, not simply by increasing capacity, but also through innovation driven by academic research with strong support from industry partners,” Marit said. “Investments are only the first step; the real work is being done by researchers on a range of topics that will deliver long-term benefits for producers.” Examples of research projects include: study of the effect of intercropping on disease levels in various pulse crops; researching innovative ways to mitigate root rot in peas; and strategies for removing undesirable characteristics of protein ingredients from canola, hemp and flaxseed. Support for these and other ADF projects is awarded each year on a competitive basis to researchers focusing on areas of importance to Saskatchewan agriculture producers and indus-
Ready to ride
Photo 9985 — Brittany Stepp
Ryder Stepp is aboard his steed, Red, as they go for an evening ride at their Weyburn area farm.
try partners, which creates future growth opportunities and enhances the competitiveness of the provincial agriculture sector. In addition to commitments from the federal and provincial governments, approximately $4.1 million was contributed by the following industry partners in support of these projects: • Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) • Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission • Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission • Prairie Oat Growers Association • Saskatchewan Pulse Growers • Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission • Alberta Wheat Commission • Manitoba Crop Alliance • Mustard 21 • Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) “It is evident from the substantial investment by WGRF, and all industry partners, that producers are committed to investing in agricultural research,” WGRF Chair Dr. Keith Degenhardt said. “We know the knowledge and tools research provides are vital for our continued success. The ADF continues to provide a great forum for producer groups to collaborate and co-fund agricultural research that improves production and sustainability for western Canadian producers.” The ADF is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. This includes a $388-million investment in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture.
COVER PHOTO: ‘This is my kitty, momma’
Photo — Kandace Reich
Kalypsa Reich cuddled a little kitten at her family’s farm, and said to her mom Kandace, “This is my kitten, momma.”
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 3
Sask Wheat announces tax credit for producers
The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) is announcing that for the crop year ending July 31, 2021, wheat producers may claim 67.93 per cent of their levy contributions to Sask Wheat as a qualifying Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) expenditure on their federal tax return. In addition, farm corporations may also claim 48.97 per cent of their levy contributions as a qualifying expenditure towards
the Saskatchewan Research and Development Tax Credit program. The SR&ED Program is a federal government program that encourages research and development by providing taxbased incentives. The program gives registered wheat producers access to investment tax credits (by means of cash refunds and/or reduction to taxes payable) for their levy contributions that are spent on qualifying research. By using levy contributions to finance research and development work
that benefits Saskatchewan wheat producers, Sask Wheat is able to participate in this program and distribute these tax-based incentives to producers. In the 2020-2021 crop year, Sask Wheat committed nearly $10.2 million to 50 projects. For more information on the SR&ED Program and the Saskatchewan Research and Development Tax Credit Program, including links to federal and provincial tax forms for each program, please go to saskwheat.ca.
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Hanging with a fuzzy friend
Photo — Stacey Gustafson
Finn Gustafson cuddled his fuzzy buddy, a bunny named Stewie Newman, at the Gustafson family farm.
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PAGE 4 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Massey tractor collection a passion for Redvers resident
By Gord Paulley Raymond Lamotte and his wife of 53 years, Madeleine, are lifelong residents of the Redvers area. For years they farmed just southeast of Redvers, raising hogs and operating a cowcalf operation in addition to grain farming. Lamotte farmed at first with his father Harry and brother Blaine. Raymond and Madeleine then farmed with their two sons, Darren and Corey, until they moved onto their own careers. They retired in 2010 and in 2011 built a new residence in Redvers. The Lamottes have three children and four grandchildren. Raymond’s great grandparents immigrated from Belgium to GrandeClairière, Man., in 1890 and went on to homestead south of Redvers in 1894. Lamotte’s daughter, Leanne Poirier, farms south of Antler and her son Craig is therefore a sixth generation Canadian farmer. Massey-Harris farm machinery runs deep in the Lamotte family. In 1891, the Massey Manufacturing Company purchased A Harris & Son and became
Massey-Harris. In 1953, they amalgamated with the Ferguson Company of the United Kingdom and became Massey Ferguson, a modern agricultural machinery manufacturer. In 1995, AGCO Corporation purchased the Massey Ferguson name and tractor lineup. In 1951, Lamotte’s parents, Harry and Evelyn, purchased the Redvers Massey-Harris implement dealership from Alcide Boutin and shortly thereafter constructed a larger building to operate the new business from. They operated the business until 1960 when it was sold to Ross Boutin. This building is located on the property presently known as Redvers Agricultural Supply. Raymond has been purchasing toy tractors for over 30 years and attends many auctions all over North America. While his collection predominantly consists of tractors, he also owns combines, trucks, and cars. He estimates that he has nearly 600 toy tractors, built in scale ranging from 1/64 to 1/16. Their attractive and very large basement contains rows of beauti-
Collector of Massey toy tractors
Photo — Gord Paulley
Redvers-area resident Raymond Lamotte is shown with his large collection of MasseyHarris and Massey Ferguson toy tractors and other implements in the basement of his home. He also has Massey-Harris signs, paintings, clocks, thermometers and rain gauges, all in perfect condition. ful wood cabinets that house nothing but red Massey-Harris and Massey Ferguson tractors, and other implements. There is also a smaller collection of Versatile equipment.
Around a dozen or so pedal tractors have also been restored. Additionally, there is Massey-Harris signage, paintings, clocks, thermometers and rain gauges. Everything is in immaculate condition and it is like walking back in time. “The Massey-Harris brand runs deep in my blood. In 2015 and 2016, my brotherin-law and I attended two toy tractor shows, one in Iowa and one in South Dakota. We also attended the Massey Exposition of North America in Paisley, Ontario, back in 2018. This year’s Canadian Massey Exposition is
being held in Milton, Ontario, and we plan on attending,” said Raymond. Lamotte also collects Massey-Harris literature and has a wide selection of catalogues, sales sheets and magazines. He proudly showed several beautifully bound books of history compiled by the ultimate Massey collector, self-taught artist and painter Johnny Filipchuk of Oakville, Ont. Naturally, these oversized books are bound in bright red. Again, everything is immaculate. Raymond also advised that he owns a dozen Massey-Harris
real tractors dated from the 1930s to the 1960s, and are all in perfect running condition. He also owns three antique cars, a 1959 Galaxy convertible, and a 1968 and 1969 Thunderbird. And he has a 1951 Chevy Massey-Harris service truck that is fully restored. He takes them to various car shows during the summer months. Now in his 70s, tractor collecting has become a passion for Lamotte and he finds it to be a very satisfying hobby. He and his wife have made a lot of friends along the way and don’t plan on retiring any time soon.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 5
Alta. border crossing closed; cattle sector pleads for an end
By Alex McCuaig As the second week of the Coutts blockade ends, the road to Alberta’s beef export gateway is in a hard lockdown with no traffic getting through. The heads of the beef industry’s leading producer groups are calling for the opening of the border before the blockade’s damaging effects run through the entire supply chain in the heart of the nation’s meat producing region. “They’ve made their point,” Bob Lowe, president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said about the protesters at the border. “The point has been made, but it’s hindering trade and we need trade and in particular in agriculture and in particular in the beef industry.” Lowe said Alberta’s three major packers produce enough beef to feed 43 million people. And in a province with a population of a little more than four million, cutting the province’s trade artery to its main beef recipient in the United States could result in a serious wound to cattle producers that will only get deeper the longer the blockade continues and
across the supply chain as packers reduce production. Melanie Wowk, chair of Alberta Beef Producers, said the blockade has the potential to cripple one of the province’s leading economic engines. “We don’t always agree on everything, but one thing we do agree on is that we have to keep things moving,” she said yesterday. “It’s essential for the feedlots, it’s essential for the boxed beef, it’s essential for feed. And that is our message at the end of the day.” Commercial traffic through the Coutts port has been disrupted since the blockade began Jan. 29. Demonstrators responded to Premier Jason Kenney’s announcement on Feb. 8 lifting vaccine passport requirements by doubling down and closing the highway outside the village of Coutts. Protesters are seeking a complete, immediate and permanent removal of all public health restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Janice Tranberg, president of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, said it’s still
unclear how badly production is being affected at two of the nation’s largest meat processing facilities — Cargill in High River and JBS in Brooks.
Transportation of live cattle to the U.S. is moving at a “snail’s pace” while returning cattle liners coming back to Canada are also being slowed, said Tranberg.
Full-circle sundog
“Our industry is very integrated. In the beef sector we all certainly rely upon each other, and every piece of the value chain needs to work collectively
together,” she said. “People have long memories, and I think there is a reminder that we all need to work together and we can’t be hurting our own.”
Photo — Debbie LaRose
Strong winds the day after a major blizzard hit the Weyburn area created this full-circle sundog at a farm just west of Weyburn on Feb. 1.
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PAGE 6 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 7
Flocking to harvested fields
Photo — Crystal Weal
A large flock of seagulls followed a combine with interest near Assiniboia last summer. With the proliferation of grasshoppers in the area, the birds were eager to feast on the insects as the combine stirred them up while harvesting this field.
FCC ag outlook suggests prices will remain strong in 2022
Canadian producers are encouraged to lean into their strategic planning skills this year to meet what’s ahead. According to the FCC economic outlooks, challenges impacting the food supply chain will continue but the demand for commodities and food means there is opportunity for growth, indicating a need for farms, agribusinesses and food processors to innovate and manage risk. The latest FCC outlook for the grains, oilseeds and pulses sector suggests prices will remain strong into 2022, due in part to the low national and global supply of these commodities amplified last year by the drought in western Canada. “There is plenty of optimism for this sector looking at the year ahead; however, two of the biggest economic trends that could im-
pact profitability are rising crop input costs and the impact of global political tensions on trade,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist. “I can’t emphasize enough the value of farm management and strategic thinking. Producers need to continue to plan for disruptions like we’ve seen in the past year.” These elevated prices mean seeded acres of soybeans and canola are projected to climb in 2022, while corn acres are likely to come down because of the high cost of fertilizer. The price of fertilizer skyrocketed last year and is anticipated to stop increasing at a fast pace, but nonetheless remain elevated. The cattle market is also signaling strong prices for 2022. The number of fed cattle in 2022 is forecast to decline and because of high feed costs, fed
cattle will likely be marketed at lower weights, causing volume by weight to decline. However, given higher prices, cattle receipts should grow. The drought seriously impacted access to feed, resulting in some cattle producers downsizing their operations. The pandemic has impacted buying decisions in the grocery aisles. Canadian beef consumption slowed in 2021, but the positive five-year trend in consumption pre-pandemic is expected to resume while export demand remains robust,” Gervais explained. Consumer appetite for dairy products grew in 2021 but not to the expected level. With the increasing costs for feed and energy, the Canadian Dairy Commission is increasing the support price for butter. While the dairy farm price is expected
to experience an increase, milk output at the farm level could see only limited growth. After strong growth in hog receipts in 2021, there is limited growth potential for 2022. Hog prices are projected to decline slightly and with marginal growth in production. High feed prices will challenge profitability and may hinder production growth. Gervais offers the following tips for producers to build resilience and capitalize on opportunities to advance their operations: • Strategy – keep an
eye on long-term objectives, including growth. Think about the integration of operational, marketing and financial plans. • Innovation – consider the technological changes, efficiencies and sustainable practices that would provide an edge to your operation. • Risk Management – develop scenarios to determine exposure to unfavourable market trends, interest rate increases, higher input prices, trade impacts or weather events. • Execution – Surround yourself with
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Newborn piglets suckle on their mother’s teats in the barn on the Berner farm, located south of Stoughton. These are Tamworth and Duroc/Berkshire cross, and are farm-raised butcher pigs at the Berner farm.
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PAGE 8 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Northern lights over a farm
Photo — Ellen Johnston
The Aurora Borealis lit up the northern horizon late one night at Willow River Farms near Weyburn, as they arrived home from working in the fields.
Record agricultural exports for Saskatchewan in 2021
Saskatchewan’s agricultural exports were worth $17.5 billion in 2021 - setting another new record for the province. The 2021 total was an increase of almost seven per cent over the record of $16.4 billion set in 2020, which itself surpassed the previous year by 27 per cent. Leading agri-food export commodities in 2021 continue to be
canola seed, canola oil, non-durum wheat, lentils, durum and dry peas, with top international market destinations including the United States, China, Japan and Mexico. “These record export numbers show Saskatchewan is in a strong position to continue producing and supplying the world-class agricultural products a growing world wants
and needs,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our growing export base is creating economic opportunity, good jobs and generating investment for communities across the province.” Agri-food exports represented nearly half of Saskatchewan exports in 2021, valued at $37.1 billion. Saskatchewan overcame
challenges including infrastructure disruptions due to adverse weather events in British Columbia to remain one of Canada’s leading agri-food exporters, with a global reputation as a consistent supplier of safe, high quality, sustainability-produced agri-food products. Saskatchewan exported more than $2.6 billion in each of its key crop product sectors cereal grains, oilseeds, pulses and edible oils - in 2021. Compared to 2020, canola oil saw an increase of over 50 per cent, with exports to the United States increasing 72 per cent
from $1.1 billion to $1.9 billion. Canola oil to South Korea also experienced a dramatic increase of 106 per cent from $71 million to $146 million. “Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry is, and has always been, a significant part of our economy - with an impact that extends far beyond our provincial borders,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “Our producers have fed the world for generations, and we continue to enable the innovation necessary to keep feeding the world’s growing population, expected to be
10 billion people by 2050. These export figures prove once again that we’re up to that challenge and well on the way to meeting the future goals we’ve set.” Saskatchewan has grown its agricultural exports by more than 56 per cent since 2012. The province’s ongoing international market expansion plans are progressing with the establishment of new trade and investment offices in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Vietnam in addition to existing offices in Japan, India, China and Singapore.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 9
Nearly two-thirds of Canadian farm family income is from ‘off-farm’ By Kelvin Heppner For every dollar in income taken home by Canadian farm families in 2019, over 64 cents was earned “off the farm,” according to a new report from Statistics Canada. StatsCan published its farm family income data for 2019 — prepandemic economy, of course — on January 28. Based on tax records, the agency said the average total income of a Canadian family operating a single farm was $163,098 in 2019, down 1.3 per cent from 2018. Average off-farm income increased 1.1 per cent to $105,032 from 2018 to 2019 — thanks to a 5.7 per cent increase in pension income, as well as increases in investment and other income — while average farm net operating income declined 5.4 per cent to $58,067. That means off-farm income accounted for 64.4 per cent of total farm family income in 2019, up from 62.9 per cent in 2018, says StatsCan — a reminder that Canadian farm financial viability is often tied closely to income and cash flow from other sources. But it’s also not that straightforward, as StatsCan acknowledges salaries paid by a farm could potentially be categorized as em-
ployment income, which would fall under off-farm income. When looking at farm type, StatsCan said the average total income of farm families operating dairy farms grew 8.4 per cent in 2019, followed by hog farming families at 8.3 per cent. Conversely, families specializing in the following sectors saw declines in total income in 2019: greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production (-8.2 per cent); oilseed and grain farming (-4.3 per cent); poultry and egg production (-3.6 per cent); and other animal production (-2.3 per cent). Families operating potato (66.8 per cent), dairy cattle (60.9 per cent), and poultry and egg (50.7 per cent) farms derived the highest percentage of their income from their farm, while families specializing in other crops (19.9 per cent), fruit and tree nuts (17.4 per cent), beef cattle (16 per cent), and other animals (8.5 per cent) drew less than one-quarter of their total income from farming, said StatsCan. As for the definition of a “farm family,” StatsCan said it covers families involved in a unincorporated farm with total operating revenues of $10,000 or more, and incorporated farms with total operating revenues of at least $25,000.
Weyburn Livestock Exchange
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February 28 Presorted All Breeds Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. March 2 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m. Followed by Bred Cows & Hfrs 11 a.m. March 14 Presorted All Breeds Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. March 16 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m. March 28 Presorted All Breed Calf & Yearling Sale March 30 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m. April 11 Presorted All Breeds Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. April 13 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m. Followed by Bred Cows & Hfrs 11 a.m. April 25 Presorted All Breeds Calf & Yearling Sale 11 a.m. April 27 Regular Cull Cows & Bulls Sale 9 a.m.
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Loving her chicken
Photo — Kandace Reich
Elektra Reich held her chicken close for a kiss at her family’s farm.
It is common knowledge that most of the pre-sorted sales in Weyburn are usually full. We generally have a waiting list! Why are we full and others always have room? Could it be we are getting more money for the cattle? Could it be we sort more evenly and accurately than anyone else? Could it be the fact that we are well organized and both buyer and seller benefit? Could it be that our regular following of major order buyers are here at every sale? Could it be that our management team has more experience than anyone else? (4 million head and counting!!) Could it be that we feed and water the cattle in big spacious pens immediately after weighing? (They arrive at their destinations in far better health.)
To book your cattle at the Weyburn Livestock Exchange call well in advance, we recommend 2 weeks in advance! Phone 306-842-4574 Website www.weyburnlivestock.com
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PAGE 10 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
13 ATV safety tips for farmworkers
Agricultural workers across Canada use allterrain vehicles (ATVs) to complete daily tasks like herding livestock, inspecting fences, hauling supplies, plowing snow, mowing grass and more. In recognition of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, which takes place every year in March, here are some tips for safely using an ATV. 1. Complete an ATV training course to learn proper operating and inspection techniques. 2. Inspect the ATV before every ride to ensure it’s in good working order. 3. Always wear protective equipment, including a helmet certified for use with ATVs,
goggles (if your helmet doesn’t have a visor), earplugs or earmuffs and suitable clothing. 4. Use lights, reflectors and flags to increase the ATV’s visibility. 5. Keep your hands and feet away from the ATV’s moving parts. 6. Don’t allow children under 12 to operate an ATV. 7. Never carry anyone else on an ATV unless there’s a passenger seat. 8. Avoid driving an ATV on public roads and paved surfaces. 9. Never drive an ATV at night un l ess it has headlights and a lighted instrument panel. 10. Always be aware of your surroundings
while on an ATV, and avoid using electronic devices that divert your attention. 11. Avoid overloading the ATV or carrying un-
balanced loads. 12. Don’t drive an ATV if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 13. If you leave an
ATV unattended, make sure you set the brake, put the transmission into park and use wheel chocks if there’s a chance of it rolling.
Driving an ATV often involves working in remote areas. Pack a first aid kit and carry a cellphone or two-way radio to use in an emergency.
Canadian Agricultural Safety Week
Enjoying the great outdoors
Photo — Nicole Adair
Lacie enjoyed winter festivities at the Patricia and Ross Verhelst farm southeast of Radville.
• Financial Statement and Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping and Payroll • Tax Planning and Consulting • CRA Assistance • Estate and Trust • Agri Invest • Agri Stability 604 Government Rd. S., Weyburn, SK 306-842-5344 2010 11th Ave., 7th Floor Regina, SK 306-842-5344 Fax: 306-842-5345 McMahon@McMahonCPA.ca
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 11
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Taking off the harvest
Photo 8804 — Bill Allen
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A pair of combines worked together to take the crops off this field near Weyburn last fall.
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Plains Bison herd successfully re-established
By Jacob Miller, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A new plains bison herd has been established in The Key First Nation through partnerships between Parks Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. On Feb. 1 the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Jennifer McKillop, Saskatchewan Regional Vice-President for Nature Conservancy of Canada, announced that 40 plains bison were successfully translocated to establish a new herd with The Key First Nation in Treaty 4. This marks a historic moment for The Key First Nation; a nation that has worked closely with Parks Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to return these culturally significant animals to their traditional lands. “Our Government has made it a key commitment to support wildlife conservation efforts and the recovery of threatened species, like bison,” said Guilbeault. “Plains bison are an iconic keystone species
of the Great Plains and their importance to the cultural, economic and spiritual heritage for The Key First Nation and other Indigenous groups of the Prairies cannot be overstated. It is truly an honour to help this majestic animal survive and thrive once again, and restore this vital cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples of the Northern Great Plains.” Bison are an iconic symbol of the grasslands and, once numbered in the tens of millions, were relied upon as a staple part of the lives of Indigenous peoples. The near extinction of bison - culminating in the 1880s due to overhunting - resulted in economic, spiritual and cultural devastation for Indigenous peoples on the Prairies. A total of 20 plains bison from Grasslands National Park and 20 from Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area in Saskatchewan have been successfully translocated to The Key First Nation’s lands. “Repatriation of bison is the true cultural revitalization piece for our Anishinaabe people immediately creating unity
and togetherness within the community chi-miigwech,” said Christopher Gareau, Councillor for The Key First Nations. The Key First Nation homeland is part of the territory covered by the terms of Treaty 4 (1874), located in Norquay; part of the Fort Pelly district in eastern Saskatchewan. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has been working with The Key First Nation since early 2019. At that time, The Key First Nation was in the planning process for establishing a plains bison herd at The Key First Nation, and NCC was in the beginning stages of the development of a longterm management plan for the Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area bison herd. “Partnerships with Indigenous communities are a vital part of NCC’s work as a land conservation organization,” said McKillop. “We strive to ensure that collaborating with Indigenous peoples becomes a routine part of our conservation work. We are honoured to help establish a plains bison herd for The Key First Nation.”
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PAGE 12 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Visiting a farm
Photo 1344 — Jody Ramsay
Natalie Ramsay was all smiles as she held a chicken while visiting a farm of a friend of her mother, Jody, last summer.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 13
Torquay couple shares life-long story of friendship and love
By Ana Bykhovskaia Ron and Gail Fonstad, who reside at a farm south of Torquay, will celebrate their 44th anniversary on April 4. But their family history goes back way further than that, as the two of them, who are each 71 years old now, have known each other since their first days. Their parents were friends and lived close by, so the kids, born a few months apart, were almost meant to be together, except that they weren’t. In their interview with the Mercury for St. Valentine’s Day, the couple said that nobody ever tried to bring them together but life, which gently and gradually pushed them into a later-day marriage that lasted ever since. “Our parents visited back and forth,” Ron said. “Our dads were friends from that time they were this big,” Gail added lifting her hand two feet from the ground. “They went to the same country school,” Ron said. “And they were neighbours when they were little,” Gail continued. Ron’s lived all his life at the same farm, first with his parents, then on his own for some time, and then with Gail and their family. It never was a plan to get the little boy and girl together. It just happened. A lot of things were similar for them throughout their lives. They were growing side by side in the country, living farm lives, surrounded by the Prairies and a small, but way bigger than it is today rural community. They were friends when little. They rode the same bus to school, but there Ron, who is five months younger than Gail and was in a different grade,
sat with the boys, and she would hang out with other girls. They didn’t have much to do with each other in school but their families were friends outside of it. The two also attended the same Salem Lutheran Church when they were kids, and never lost sight of each other, even though they didn’t always live close. After graduation, Gail moved to Regina. She went to school for a year and then worked for SaskPower for 9 1/2 years there. But she always came to visit her family in Torquay and would see Ron as they remained friends throughout the years. Soon he started going to the Queen City to visit her as well. His parents retired from farming and moved to Estevan, leaving him on his own. And it wasn’t long after when Ron had his mind set. Unlike most of their friends, they got married when they were around 27 years old, and Gail assumed that probably getting married a bit later made their decision more mature. But Ron disagreed. “I don’t think that made a difference. I was baching, so I was getting sick of being alone. My parents moved to Estevan, and I was in the house there all by myself, so I thought maybe I should get married,” Ron recalled. They were together for about three years, and then they got married. Gail said when he proposed, she thought “it was alright,” as it was just natural. A big wedding was celebrated in Torquay with their families and friends. Gail said big-city living wasn’t for her, and she was happy to move back, get into the farm lifestyle and
build a new family. “We built a new house. We have four kids. They’re all grown up now. Now we got grandkids. There are always changes,” Ron said. They farmed the land, an operation that was started by Ron’s great grand uncle, continued by his father and then his family, and also were raising lots of pigs for 40 years. Everyone was working hard together in the fields and in the barns. Ron and Gail rented the land out about 15 years ago and retired from the pig operation in 2010. And whatever it was that kept them busy, they’ve been happy together throughout their entire life.
“They said the first year of marriage was the worst. And I thought if that was the worst, it was going to be good,” Gail said. “We never had any disagreements, big arguments. We had disagreements, but we didn’t fight about them. They say don’t go to bed mad at your partner. Somebody once said, if you have a disagreement, go in the closet and sit there until you work it out and then go to bed,” Gail said, sharing their key to a happy marriage. Ron added that knowing each other for their entire lives also probably helped with understanding and overcoming the challenges as a team.
Torquay couple lifelong friends
Photo 1458
Ron and Gail Fonstad are shown in their farm home south of Torquay. The couple have been friends for as long as they can remember, and will be celebrating their 44th anniversary on April 4.
PAGE 14 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Changes forecasted for beef industry
By Kristy Foster Seachrist, Beef magazine Beef demand is high and expected to stay that way for several years—however, there are changes ahead for the industry. That’s what a new report out from Rabobank has to say. Let’s face it: No industry is the same or will be the same as it was before COVID-19 in the post COVID-19 world. Beef demand is high and expected to stay that way for several years—however, there are changes ahead for the industry. That’s what a new report out from Rabobank has to say. Let’s face it: No industry is the same or will be the same as it was before COVID-19 in the post COVID-19 world. The pandemic has led to some positives in the beef world, one of which has been increased demand. The pandemic altered people’s lives in a major way—less eating out and more in-home meals. And due to government stimulus and changes in many
workplaces individuals and families had more disposable income and time to cook at home. However, COVID-19 also showed problems in the supply chain when it comes to beef. While there might be enough beef being raised, getting to the public proved to be problematic and costly. The Rabobank report says, “Transitioning from a just-in-time delivery system to a justin-case delivery system sounds great. But how can that resilience be built into the system without the escalating costs becoming prohibitive?” It is not realistic or economical feasible to think producers can build and hold an increased inventory of cattle with the elasticity available when market conditions call for contraction or increased supplies of cattle to the market, the report notes. “A more durable and flexible supply chain will largely depend on changes and adaptations postharvest.” Cattle producers have little or no control over what happens in the beef supply
Happy to be on the farm
chain once the animal is harvested. However, producers are going to have to be aware of changes in the supply chain.
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The Mack family were out feeding their beef cattle on their farm near Estevan on Highway 6. From left are Joey Mack, seven; Wyatt Mack, nine; mom Amanda Leonard-Mack with Ollie Mack, two, and in front is Mavy Mack, four. Wyatt and Joey are 4-H members, and are excited to be working with their heifer calves this year. Their great-grandparents are Raymond and Frances Mack of Estevan.
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For example, since COVID began, beef plant entry wages have increased by 33%. Boxes and shipping materials have increased by 25%. Costs increases are constant throughout the production chain and will mean a direct impact on retail meat prices to consumers. The question for consumers now is whether they will be able to purchase beef at levels seen over the past two years as the economy slows and inflation takes a toll on pocketbooks. There are four major issues driving system changes in the beef supply chain in the United States. They include labor vs. automation; changing packing requirements; sustainability and transportation. Wages for labor have increased by 33% and those that haven’t increased are on the way to the same level as labor contracts are being negotiated along with retention bonuses. Plus, due to the pandemic, there has been a high rate of absenteeism which is also contributing to labor and processing costs. Costs have crossed a tipping point, bringing high-tech technology and robotics into processing plants at an accelerated pace. The introduction of automation at beef plants will likely focus on traceability, boxed been transfer, labeling and beef storage, order
filling and driverless forklifts. Software advancements for product tracking, traceability and order filling will add a great deal of efficiency. Automation will also be applied in plant efficiency and plant monitoring for energy and water use. Plants will be using maintenance staff to check early warning indicators for system breaks. Sensors and cameras will be used for monitoring to create data to help micromanage product flows and operations. The transition to automation will requirement different skills sets or extensive retraining and further education for the existing employees. The days of cellophane covered meat with a foam tray are coming to an end. It was designed to keep meat looking good for a few hours and not for a longshelf life. The problem is that longer shelf-lives are becoming necessary, especially given the different ways of purchasing meat. This includes meal services, delivery services and when consumers make a beef purchase—once a week or a few times a week. With the changes in the way consumers get their groceries mean, price increases to keep meat safe and healthy. Sustainability is going to become more important as time moves on. Companies are being asked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to capture carbon and reduce emissions.
Companies in the beef industry are being pressured to provide documentation of production practices and more third-party audits and verifications. All the documentation costs add up to higher production costs. Rabobank says there are three critical issues in the beef industry in a post-COVID world. The biggest one is that each of the challenges mean increased costs. The second issue is that the system must stay operational. If there is no food in the grocery store, there is no profits being made. The third challenge is that escalating costs within the beef supply chain narrow the price spread between beef and the alternative products, increasing the risk of competition from alternative proteins. “As costs escalate through the supply chain, they will change the historical ratios of live cattle to cutout, as well as live cattle to retail beef prices. As costs throughout the supply chain increase, retail meat prices are likely going to stay high from a historical perspective. For cattle feeders, it likely means that live cattle to cutout and live cattle to retail prices will not get back to their historical ratios. This does not mean lower cattle prices. It does mean there will be more factors that cattlemen will need to be monitor and be aware of,” states the Rabobank report.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 15
Thank You Farmers for everything!
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Photo — Kandace Reich
Akeyva Reich took a moment to say hello to “Halo”, one of the Reich family’s Highland cows.
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PAGE 16 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Biggest farm auction sets new benchmark for land prices for SE Sask.
By Ana Bykhovskaia The Hanson Farm family’s unreserved land and equipment online sale at Torquay on Jan. 25-26 became the biggest farm auction in Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers history, selling over C$33 million of farmland, real estate and equipment. The two-day online auction featured 59 parcels totaling over 9,600 acres of farmland, including a home quarter with a 500,000-bushel capacity grain storage system that sold for C$1.33 million. “The results were much higher than we anticipated,” said Kirby Hanson, who coowns Hanson Farms with his wife (Laura), father (Lorne), and mother (Charlene). “We didn’t think the land prices would hit that high, but interest from farmers the week of the sale was unreal. We were pretty stressed the night before the auction, but everything went high. Ritchie Bros. runs a top-notch operation – from the day we signed, to setting up, to sale day, they are the best auction company we have ever dealt with.” “We knew it was great land, and it came from a great family
Hanson family in their last harvest
Photo — Christine Hanson-Daae
Three generations of now-retired Hansons paused during harvest on their farm near Torquay. From left, Lorne, Kirby and Connor Hanson. The family sold their farm in an unreserved land and equipment sale on Jan. 25-26, and it was the biggest farm auction in the history of the auctioneers, Ritchie Bros. and there was a lot of interest. But definitely when the dust settled, there was some pretty remarkable results and it set a new watermark for farmland in the area for sure,” said Brandon Basler, the agriculture territory manager for southeast Saskatchewan for Ritchie Bros. “This was the largest agricultural auction in our history, with record prices for both farmland and equipment,” said Jordan Clarke, sales director, Ritchie Bros. “Farmland prices averaged
$416,000 per quarter, which is a new high water mark for values in the area, while many of the equipment items sold for more than what the consignor acquired them for.” Kirby Hanson added that his father, Lorne, who dedicated most of his life to farming, was watching the auction from Arizona with his friends, and was happy with the results as well. While the auction marked the retirement of the three generations of Hansons from farming, it also surprisingly
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resulted in high activity and consequently growth for other local farmers. The auction attracted bidders from 30 countries, but more than 97 per cent of the assets were sold to Canadians, including 89 per cent to buyers from Saskatchewan. “I feel that we had literally hundreds of phone calls from you name it, all across Canada and investors. There was a tonne of interest. There was interest from people from all over, from larger
operations from outside of the southeast or outside of Saskatchewan,” Basler shared. Kirby also noted that in the weeks ahead of the auction he probably “talked to every farmer in Canada.” Interest was coming from Manitoba, Alberta, B.C., all over the U.S. as well as other parts of Saskatchewan, but the neighbours ended up buying most of the land. “The neighbours wanted it more, and it turned out good,” Kirby
said. “I’m glad they got it.” The equipment sale also went great, and that was somewhat expected. “The equipment sold excellent as well. I think anybody that’s involved in agriculture would know there’s a bit of a supply and demand issue and good quality used equipment is hard to come by right now, from the new stuff to newer used equipment … and there’s a huge demand for it. So with Hansons having a lot of late-model equipment, it brought a premium for sure,” Basler noted. While online timed auctions are something widely used by auctioneers these days, this particular sale highlighted some of the new tendencies. “One thing with our timed the auction format, it was open five days early. So there was some early bidding activity on a lot of parcels. But what we’ve come to learn from our customers and the people that use our website and the timed doctrine is a lot of people wait till the last minute to get their bids in. Things started closing at 10 a.m. And Continued on page 17
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Torquay farm auctioned off
Photo — Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
The Hanson farm’s home quarter is shown here, with two houses near Highway 18 not far from Torquay. The farm was purchased by another local farmer, and with the sale of the land and equipment, it was the biggest auction sale ever for the auctioneers, Ritchie Bros.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 17
Biggest farm auction sets new benchmark for land prices for SE Sask.
Continued from page 16
every time somebody bid, it extended the time. And it extended with people still bidding for over three hours,” Basler pointed out. “Everything was sold
with our Timed Auction software, which continues to drive unprecedented demand and strong returns for our agricultural customers. Customers
can bid from the comfort of their home or office, and we can sell farmland and agricultural assets during the middle of winter in Saskatchewan, giving
buyers a head start on seeding season,” said Clarke. Some of the equipment highlights from the Hanson auction were: •2018 Seedmaster 80-ft air drill C$440,000; • 2016 John Deere 9260RX track tractor C$425,000; • 2016 John Deere 9570RX track tractor CA$400,000; • 2018 John Deere S790 combine C$325,000; and • 2015 John Deere R4045 120-ft high clearance sprayer -
C$260,000. Basler thanked the family for having the Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers conduct the sale. “On behalf of Ritchie Brothers, we just thank the Hanson family, Kirby, Lorne and Charlene for putting their trust in us to conduct this auction. It was certainly uncharted territories for us and across the board, as it was the largest farm auction ever conducted by Ritchie Brothers anywhere in the world. We appreciate them trusting us to help them with their
retirement and couldn’t be happier with how things went,” Basler said. Kirby noted that they as well had a positive experience with the auction. “It was very professionally run. There wasn’t one hiccup along the way. They know how to do it and everything just fell into place. Very, very good auctioneer company. We had bids from all over the world and everyone was watching, it seemed like,” Kirby said.
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A girl and her horse
Photo 6956 — Kristy Webber
Kriselly Webber spent a quiet moment with her horse Josie while out riding on her family’s farm near Midale. Kriselly is a member of the Lomond 4-H Light Horse Club.
Southland Pulse is a farmer owned specialty crop processing plant. With the ability to load bulk hoppers or cans, and bag product into boxcars, intermodals, or containers, we are the gateway to the world markets for growers in our sourcing area.
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PAGE 18 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Auctioneering is a big part of Mohrbutters’ lives
By Gord Paulley Donna and Dellan Mohrbutter are wellknown residents of southeast Saskatchewan and own and operate Key M Auction Services. The Mohrbutters, who reside on a farm 30 kilometres southeast of Carlyle, have been married for 52 years and have three children and eight grandchildren. For 40 years, they raised purebred Charolais cattle and had a herd of 175. In the fall of 1999, they attended Agribition in Regina and Mohrbutter picked up a pamphlet about how to become an auctioneer. He decided to give it a go and naturally he aced the two-week course. A few months later, they were up and running. Their first auction was conducted in April 2000 at their home farm. It was a consignment sale that had over 400 people in attendance. There were 60 guest consignors and the sale ended at 8 p.m. The Alida 4-H Beef Club served the lunch that Saturday. The Mohrbutters specialize in smaller farm auctions as well as household, antique and estate sales. Wife Donna is the bookkeeper, and they would like to recognize many of their staff that have helped them over the years, including Murray Rossow, Eleanor Harrison, Marge Garnier, John Thomas,
Denis Seymour, Stan and Connie Thiessen, John Birch, Maurice Quenelle, Linda Akins and others. Local organizations are asked to serve the food and drink and they in turn receive 100 per cent of the proceeds. Mohrbutter is now 76 years old and still prefers live auctions. Key M has never conducted an online auction and have no desire to do so. They do offer proxy and phone bids for those who aren’t able to attend, and conduct an average of 25 auctions per year. They have donated their time and talent to many local organizations over the past two decades, including churches, wildlife auctions, curling calcuttas, and other charities. Dellan said, “With our farm being smack-dab in the middle of Carlyle, Wauchope, Alida, Redvers and Manor, we know a lot of people and do a lot of the household auctions. They are very few of us left that do them.” “It was never our intention to get rich when we started the auction business and this has proved to be true. However, we have helped many folks out when they’ve had to move and have made lots of friends along the way. We look forward to seeing them at sales,” said Donna. The Mohrbutters have shared a lot of laughs over the years and have a lot of fond memories. Every year,
they compress their pictures and sale bills into an annual photograph scrapbook. They are also very active participants on Facebook. And they have strong memories of their auctioneering careers. “I have a good friend, let’s call him D, that just loved going to auctions. Unfortunately for he and his wife, we’ll call her Mrs. D, he always felt obliged
to buy something,” said Dellan. “Although D & D already owned two pianos, he brought one home and stored it covered in his garage. The next day, Mrs D. asked him, did you buy anything at the auction yesterday? He said no, not really. Later that day, she caught him playing in the garage and the fur was flying.” Donna added, “Back in the early days, Del-
suspenders!” Although they are now entering their twilight years, the Mohrbutters don’t plan on retiring for a while. Concluded Dellan, “It’s been difficult to hold live auction sales the past two years because of COVID issues. When the restrictions lift, hopefully Key M Auctions will see an increase in people wanting live auction sales.”
Carlyle area couple loves auctioneering life
Photo — Gord Paulley
Dellan and Donna Mohrbutter, shown in their rural residence southeast of Carlyle, are well-known in the region as they own and operate Key M Auction Services.
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lan used to stand halfway in front of a long table consisting of boxes of household wares. At one of his sales, a regular female bidder kept tugging at his pants whenever she wanted to bid instead of raising her bidding card. She was an aggressive bidder and each time gave him a rather terse tug. At the next auction, I noticed my husband proudly sporting new
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 19
Canola Council’s five agronomy priorities for canola
By Clint Jurke The Canola Council of Canada’s five agronomy priorities, when implemented fully in every field, will improve canola yield and profitability, and will help to ensure success with the crop. 1. Use 4R nutrient management practices All farms will benefit from applying the right fertilizer products at the right rate, right time and right place to improve yield, reduce nutrient losses and increase profits. These are the 4Rs of nutrient management. One-pass seeding into standing stubble, a fairly common practice, is an excellent foundation for 4R. Canola Council of Canada
(CCC) agronomy specialists also encourage farmers to use soil tests and set fertilizer rates based on soil-test recommendations. Canada’s canola industry has a goal to see 4R practices utilized on 90 per cent of canola acres by 2025. Go to canolacouncil.org/4R for more details on the goal and on 4R practices. 2. Choose the best seed traits for each field Try new cultivars all the time. Yield lost to incorrect cultivar choice may be a greater risk than yield gained by choosing the highest-yielding cultivar. The best seed traits can include disease resistance specific to risks for each field, maturity to match crop
establishment and harvest timing goals, and pod-shatter resistance to harvest more of the crop. Use the tool at canolaperformancetrials.ca to compare cultivars. 3. Achieve a uniform five to eight plants per square foot Hybrid canola studies in Western Canada show that a stand with five to eight plants per square foot is best to maintain the yield potential of canola. Uniformity is also key. To simplify pest management and harvest timing, try to achieve the target population across the field and have all plants at the same growth stage. To set seeding rates that will achieve
the target stand, use the calculators at canolacalculator.ca. For more agronomy tips, read the Plant Establishment chapter at canolaencyclopedia.ca. 4. Identify and manage the top yield robbers Canola growers can find all kinds of pests and problems in their fields. The key is to focus time and inputs on the most important yield loss factors. Scout regularly to see what pests, environmental factors or mechanical issues (seed placement, sprayer settings, etc.)
cause the greatest loss for each field. Find scouting and management tips for flea beetles, sclerotinia stem rot and all other major pests in the Diseases, Weeds and Insects chapters at canolaencyclopedia.ca. 5. Every seed is sacred: Deliver them all We want canola growers to deliver every seed at No.1 grade, and leave none behind. To do this, growers have three steps: One, give all seeds time to mature. Two, harvest with minimal losses. And three,
store canola without spoilage. Grower survey results suggest that canola growers, in general, may achieve yield improvement through later swathing. The survey also showed that straight combining is associated with higher yields in the southwest Prairies. The Harvest and Storage chapters at canolaencyclopedia. ca have tips for all three steps. (Clint Jurke is director of agronomy for the Canola Council of Canada. Email jurkec@canolacouncil.org.)
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PAGE 20 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
PIC’s Atlas barn now open SE of Carlyle
New hog barn operation opens
Photo — Gord Paulley
This is the gestation barn for the Pig Improvement Company, at their new farm facility recently opened southeast of Carlyle. The farm includes a genetic nucleus station and they will raise five different lines of pigs, some for breeding and some for meat.
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Farrowing barn for new hog facility This is the farrowing barn for the Pig Improvement Company (PIC) Atlas operation, located southeast of Carlyle. The PIC’s Atlas is a genetic nucleus station that will raise five different lines of pigs, some for breeding purposes and some for meat, to be sold around the world. Photo — Gord Paulley
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By Gord Paulley The Pig Improvement Company invited various community members last week to their newly constructed hog barn facilities, located southeast of Carlyle. Invitees included staff and elected officials from the local municipalities, the Town of Carlyle, other local dignitaries and local farmers. Tour guides for the day were Marney and Joe Jobin from Mound City, S.D. The Jobins were transferred to that PIC facility in the United States 10 years ago but were both born and raised in Saskatchewan. The tour began by entering the main premises. Based on sound biosecurity principals, upon arrival, employees must undress, shower and redress into full work gear. They enter a kitchen area where cell phones are not permitted. Lunches brought in are exposed to an ultraviolet machine for contamination. Interestingly, no pork or pork products are allowed on the premises. The first room viewed was the farrowing barn. This barn houses pregnant sows and when the piglets are born, they reside there for three weeks. Each room houses 48 sows and there are nine of them. Incidentally, the entire farm will be heated during the cold months and cooled through evaporative cooling systems that are installed at the ends of each barn. The youngsters are then moved to the nursery where they consume substantial feed and gain weight for another 40-42 days. They are then transferred to the finishing barn for up to 12 weeks. After the full 150-day cycle, they are retained for future generations, shipped out as either high quality breeding stock or sent to market. That ratio is about half and half. Those on the tour were also privileged to view the gestation barn. Sows are placed in individual stalls and artificially inseminated with fresh semen drawn from high-qual-
ity bred boars from their PIC Whitewood location. PIC’s Atlas is a genetic nucleus station and five different lines of pigs will be raised at the Carlyle facility, some for their breeding, and some for their meat. Offspring will be marketed to all parts of the world including China, Russia, the U.S. and Europe, usually by air. Prior to being relocated, they will be housed for 28 days in a quarantine barn located just five kilometers northwest of Carlyle. Pigs that are to be slaughtered are trucked to meat packing facilities in Manitoba. The semi-trailers used are “primary” washed at those facilities. The vehicles then return to Carlyle where they receive their “secondary” wash at the Eight Street West building being constructed. The 50 or so invitees on this day were honoured as once stock is onsite, there will be no visitors permitted. The first shipment of bred sows is expected to arrive the second week of February and are presently being housed at their PIC Kipling location. The estimated time to reach this 2,000-head capacity to full production is the spring of 2023. All feed is processed and purchased locally. When peak production is achieved, there will be a minimum of 12 loads on tri-axle tandems carrying 27 tonnes of feed every week. Stoughton Feed Processors is their supplier. This is an innovative hog producing facility. The animals are moved from barn to barn without leaving the premises as all are interconnected. All manure is stored entirely inside those facilities and will be spread as fertilizer on adjacent farmer fields in both the spring and fall. All federal and provincial regulations will be strictly adhered to. Peak production will require 30 full-time employees and some parttime workers. Hiring is already taking place with training being conducted at their PIC facilities in Kipling and Whitewood.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 21
Beef supply chain facing major disruption
Playing on the bales
Photo 3436 — Ticia Forseth
Savi and Lily Forseth enjoyed some play time on the round bales, on a warm winter’s day on the family farm.
By Kelvin Heppner With an eye to the future, cattle prices and cut-out values will eventually have to reflect significant shifts in labour and robotics, packaging, transport, and sustainability demands on the sector. Over the last 23 months, there’s been a lot of talk about supply chains moving from just-in-time delivery to a more of a just-in-case type approach, including in the meat industry. What does that mean at the producer level? If you’re a cattle producer or feedlot owner, what does the beef supply chain look like as we move past the pandemic? That’s the topic of a new report published by Rabo AgriFinance, and Kelvin Heppner spoke with Don Close, senior analyst for animal proteins with Rabo. The report explores labour and labour challenges for the beef sector, but also looked at how robotics may fit into the beef processing sector. While full automation isn’t a near-term reality, more
robotics and electronic monitoring is, and that will shift the demand for the kind of labour force processing facilities need. There are several other drivers of change explored in the report: sustainability labelling and carbon counting among them. “I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing,” Close said. “I think as I talk with producers, you know, the whole sustainability front. It’s just going to be a factor of the world we live in. And you know, that license to operate. We will have more third party audits, we’ll have more certification, more verification, know that consumers are demanding it. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I just think it’s a change for the way the industry has traditionally done business.” The outcome of all these shifts is likely that the traditional formulas or price spreads that we’re used to seeing will change, and there could potentially be increased costs at the packer level in the supply chain.
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PAGE 22 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Cattle producers struggle, caught between feed shortages and low prices
By Anastasiia Bykhovskaia The 2021 drought, alongside the lack of moisture experienced in the southeast corner of the province over the previous years, has seriously cut into the winter cattle feed supplies. While some ranchers foresaw it, many hoped for a better season and are now caught between agrarian Scylla and Charybdis – the lack of feed on the one side and lower prices at the livestock at the end of 2021 and early 2022 on the other. Chad Ross, the fourth-generation farmer of the L-7 Land & Cattle ranch that was started in 1905 and is located 15 minutes south of Estevan, dropped their herd to about 500 cows in December 2020 ahead of the drought season. They are currently down to about a third of the cattle they’d normally have, but that is helping them to get through this winter without being pressured to sell cheap. “Our anticipation was we’d been through a couple of years where it was pretty dry. And we knew that if we had another year of drought that we’d be in big trouble. So we liquidated half of our herd,” Ross said in the interview. “The 2021 growing season wasn’t the great-
est, but we did get sporadic rains in the Estevan area, which did give us a crop.” Beth and Ryan Vanderhurk of 20/20 Ranching Ltd., a family-ran calf/cow and feedlot operation currently looking after about 5,000 Angus head south of Midale, found themselves in a different situation this year. “Some decisions that were made in the last year have yet to be determined whether they are good or bad. We bred a large number of replacement heifers in 2021 with intentions of selling them into a strong and optimistic market, however, with the widespread drought conditions, lack of water and feed shortages that market fell apart,” the Vanderhurks said in an email. “So we are getting set to start calving in March which is two months earlier than we would typically start. And only time will tell whether holding on was a good idea or not. As is the norm in agriculture, we again find ourselves at the mercy of the weather.” The lack of moisture resulted in a reduction in feed. And while they should have enough to get through the winter, there are a lot of factors that affect the situation on a day-to-day basis.
“We are seeing feed prices climbing still. We have enough feed inventory now to get us through until summer, but finished cattle that were supposed to go to Alberta processors weeks ago have yet to be picked up, therefore having a tremendous impact on the feed supply,” the Vanderhurks said. “For the most part, other local producers are in a similar situation but should be good to get through till spring with the feed resources they have. This is still dependent on the weather. Extreme cold snaps are very hard on feed supplies and with calving starting or well underway for a lot of people, the mother cows’ demands increase dramatically.” After downsizing, Ross said he also still has to monitor the feed situation very close, especially with changing weather. “We’re day by day. The weather was pretty good up till December, which we’re thankful for. And then she got cold and then got pretty tough and boy, cows sure eat a lot of feed,” Ross said. Feed producers in the area were affected by the drought just as everyone else, so the supply is very tight. Both Ross and the
Venaderhurk family said that “creativity” becomes key to the survival of their business now. “We’ve had to manage and adapt. It’s been a challenge, to say the least,” Ross said. “We have some options, but it’s stressful. Producers have to be creative. We have neighbours that are feeding a lot of straw products combined with other feeds to get the animals through,” Ross said. “When resources become scarce or extremely costly we need to get creative. It’s one of the main ways that cattle can really shine,” the Vanderhurks said. “Opportunity feeds have always been something that we have tried to make use of. There is a lot of cereal and legume straw that was baled this year and is being used as a high percentage of the diets for a lot of cattle this year, along with products like oat hulls, screenings, pellets, canola and soybean meal in order to make low quality forages as straws work in cattle diets.” The situation is worsened by the fact that many regions were affected by the drought, which leaves ranchers with limited and pretty expensive options. “Because the drought was very widespread across Western Can-
Cattle producers have challenge finding feed
ada, feed grains are very tight supplies for the feedlot industry,” Ross said. “There’s a lot of corn coming up from the eastern U.S. on trains and then put on trucks and then to the feedlots, and these feedlots use a grain combined with roughage in their rations. They just can’t find it in Western Canada. Normally, we use barley in Western Canada, but we’re having to bring in feed grains and it’s been a logistical challenge.” The supply chain wasn’t working smoothly for a long time now due to numerous factors, but now border blockades worsened the situation. “There have been times I’ve heard where feedlots have one or two days of feed on hand for their animals, which is tragic,” Ross said. With many ranchers finding themselves in the same boat, the cattle prices have been at a low level for a while, and the situation at border crossings is just adding on to it with the local producers mainly paying the price so far. “With the border closures, I’m hearing about backup of meats and meat products that are being sent and exported, and due to that our packers have backed off or used that as an excuse to lower the bid prices for
cattlemen in Western Canada. So we’re sitting at a negative basis as compared to the U.S. on our live cattle. So it’s not only affecting us on the feed supply, it’s affecting us on the price we’re getting for our finished product,” Ross said. Despite all the challenges, the ranchers braced up and hope for the situation to start improving soon. “We are optimistic that feeder prices will go up to help offset the substantial feed costs to get through the winter, however there is a definite concern with the political and economic turmoil we are in. We’ve had to truck in the feed from long distances because of the widespread drought. We have feed coming in from out of province and country. We were able to import a large amount of U.S. corn in the last month which is a definite advantage to being situated where we are,” the Vanderhurks said. “It is a challenging business and our farmers and ranchers, we can persevere and we’ve been through a lot of tough times. It’s a business that is a labour of love. But it sure would be nice to start making some money again,” Ross said. He added that the government support in Continued on page 23
Photo — Estevan Mercury file photo
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
ON THE FARM - PAGE 23
Cattle producers struggle Continued from page 22
A new calf in the barn This newborn calf is with its mom after being born on the Weal farm near Assiniboia. Photo — Crystal Weal
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the form of AgriRecovery and other initiatives was helpful and appreciated. Ross applauded David Marit, Saskatchewan’s minister of agriculture, and minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation SCIC. While the prices on the producers’ side remain low, Ross noted that the demand for beef remains high, which should eventually tilt the scale. “It’s a changing dynamic right now. The demand for beef is high. And I want to thank our consumers of beef for that. It’s probably at the highest price point in history. I really appreciate both domestic and import demand for our product, it is huge. And so that’s been excellent … It hasn’t trickled down to the ranchers as it should, profits are being made in other places in the supply chain, which I think will change as our supply of cattle tightens up, which they’re expecting that to do this year. And maybe some of those profits will trickle down to us again,” Ross said. He went on to explain that tendencies in place now should result in a change in that dynamics and allow for a better situation for cattlemen as the beef supplies get
tighter. There are several factors affecting that. First, grain producers are making pretty good money, which is driving up land prices, making it harder for ranchers to compete. Besides, a lot of cattle producers are getting up in age, and not being replaced by a new generation, so cow numbers in Canada are constantly decreasing. On top of that, it’s getting tougher and tougher for young producers to get into the business just because the margins are so tight. “Hopefully, that’ll change in the future because it is a great way to be in business and raise a family on the land and being close to nature,” Ross said. The Vanderhurks also said they hope for the best outcomes, and first of all for a better season in sense of weather conditions. “Going forward eternal optimism is always present in the beef industry. We need some good wet snow and some warm rains coming into spring to help improve the damage that was done by the drought last year and to replenish pasture water supplies. Grasshoppers and gophers are real challenges coming forward into the next growing season and only time will tell how it will all turn out,” the Vanderhurks said.
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PAGE 24 - ON THE FARM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Farming and back pain
Cuddling a furry friend
Photo — Sheila Berner
Pierson Berner held his furry bunny friend close while showing him a sunflower on his family’s farm, located south of Stoughton. The Berner family raises butcher pigs on their farm, with Tamworth and Berkshire breeds.
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Canadian Agricultural Safety Week takes place every year in March as farmers across Canada get ready for the growing season. It’s a public camp aign reminding farmers and their families to stay safe while working on farms. Back pain, especially lower back pain, is all too common among agricultural workers. Farming is physical work that demands heavy lifting, strenuous pulling and hours of riding tractors over bumpy fields. Fortunately, there are ways you can avert back problems. Preventing back injuries When farm injuries occur, getting medical help can be a challenge. Clinics are often far away, and the trip may delay the completion of time-sensitive tasks. That’s why prevention is critical. Here are some ways to avoid serious back injuries when working on a farm: • Try to alternate between physically demanding and less strenuous farming duties. • Use an orthopedic seat cushion or lumbar support pillow on your tractor seat. • Take a few minutes
before you begin work to stretch your spine and back muscles. • When lifting heavy objects such as hay bales or seed bags, bend at the knees rather than at the waist. This will take the pressure off your spinal discs. • Don’t self-medicate or work through pain. See a doctor at the first sign of back problems. Early treatment can
prevent a minor issue from becoming a crippling injury. • Eat healthy meals to ward off inflammation which can irritate bone spurs and compress your spine. If you work on a farm, it can be difficult to call in sick. Take care of yourself, and stay safe and healthy so that your farm can continue to operate efficiently.
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