February 2019.Indd

February 2019

table of Chairman’s Message We also know that life will go on as will the contents Source: Tom Kootstra, Chairman work of the Board and the farm. In the case of the vacancy on the Board, it will be fi lled from Board Report 2 It was with a heavy heart and great shock the other eligible delegates and his position as 2019: The Year of when on January 3, 2019 we heard of the a delegate will be fi lled during delegate Elections 3 sudden passing of one of our fellow Board elections next fall. Sponsorships members – Pieter Ijff. This is the fi rst time that and Winter we have lost a fellow producer that was also Promotions 4 The work also goes on as the industry adjusts serving as an elected member of Alberta Milk. to the Canada-United States-Mexico Canadian Dairy Pieter has been a delegate in the Central Reduces Carbon Agreement, or the CUSMA. The CDC initiated Footprint 5 Region since November 2012 and a director- working group TEC-7 is addressing the need to Sampling Technique at-large since 2016. He was a strong advocate eliminate Class 7. The Agriculture and for Bulk Milk Tank for supply management and for educating the Agrifoods Canada led working group on Samples 6-7 consumer. Piet er and his family often opened CUSMA mitigation has also been active and New Food Guide their farm to let visitors see what happens on a will complete their work on assessing, Released 7 modern dairy and learn about our industry. As presenting and discussing the impacts of the Spring Producer chair of the Market Development Advisory CUSMA and the CPTPP. The efforts of the Meetings 7 Committee, he also helped at events and working group will be used by the federal AFAC Awards 8 donated his time to serve. He also opened his government to determine the level of Livestock Care farm to the research community and served on compensation and ways to mitigate the Conference 8 the Research Committee in an effort to help negative impacts on producers and processors proAction® - advance the industry. Pieter was a dedicated as a result of these trade agreements. The 2019: The Year of dairyman, a valuable member of our Board of longer-term vision for the future working Change 9 Directors and industry leader. On behalf of the group has not yet started but will soon and will Statistics 10-11 Alberta Milk Board, the organization, and all complete their mandate by the end of May. The Western Canadian staff, we express our deepest sympathies to outcomes of these working groups will greatly Dairy Seminar 12 Pieter’s family. We trust that the fond help the industry determine the best way Production memories of your time with Pieter will help at forward. I look forward to the decisions that Update 12 this time of sorrow. result.

I know that others reading this message will also be suffering or remembering your own loss of a loved one that spent their life dedicated to the dairy industry. Our thoughts our mission Alberta Milk are with you as well. The dairy community has Alberta Milk partners with industry stakeholders 1303 - 91 St SW always come to the support of those that face to support an effective supply management Edmonton, AB T6X 1H1 such loss. We are blessed by the compassion system in a growing, sustainable and market- 1-877-361-1231 focused industry. and care we experience in our industry. Board Report three days per month. Fall incentive days are Source: Mike Southwood, General Manager issued to help stimulate fall production when the demand for milk is high. The introduction Quota Management and of ﬂ exible incentive days has been created to Processor Expansion ensure equitable access to incentive days for The Board, in cooperation with the other all producers, regardless of their pickup members of the Western Milk Pool (WMP), board of schedule. directors have been actively monitoring the milk supply requirements and milk production. Two key Iodine Testing Tom Kootstra factors are affecting production requirements. A few years ago, all farms in Canada were Chairman 780-783-8789 In October, the Canadian Milk Supply tested and monitored for the level of iodine in North Region Management Committee adopted a new raw milk. Some provincial boards continue to Canadian Requirements methodology. The screen for iodine on an annul basis. The Stuart Boeve change to how Canadian Requirements are Vice Chairman processing sector would like a screening 403-223-4916 calculated has been under review for over a program in place across the Western Milk South Region year. Effective October 1, 2018, total Pool. The Board considered a few options and requirements and total quota will be calculated Gert Schrijver supported the adoption of an iodine screening 2nd Vice Chairman on a monthly basis. Given that the monthly program for all producers once a year. The 403-742-1528 total quota issued to the pool matches the parameters for testing will be developed. Director at Large monthly total requirements, there is no need

Albert Kamps for a growth allowance. The permanent two DFC Lobby Day and Policy 403-318-3031 per cent growth allowance is therefore Conference Central Region eliminated. There is now no lower or upper The annual DFC Policy Conference that limit at the pool level and limits are measured Gezinus Martens includes a federal government lobby day is 780-985-2147 for the P10. The upper limit is set at 1.25 per scheduled for February 5-7, 2019. In support North Region cent and the lower limit is -2 per cent. Pool of lobby day, eight Alberta Milk Board accountability will apply if the P10 exceeds Miranda Verhoef members, six DFC delegates and two 403-848-4519 either the upper or lower limits. observers, will take part. It is critical for us to Central Region reach as many MPs as we can during this The other factor that the WMP must monitor is dedicated lobby effort. The key topics that will Heini Hehli 403-704-5716 processing capacity. A balance to ensure no be discussed with MP are: the new Canadian Director at Large markets are missed while not exceeding the Food Guide and the impacts of the recently processing capacity is essential. The WMP is signed trade agreements. The visits are an ideal Martin Van Diemen also having ongoing discussions with 403-738-4375 opportunity to build our relationships with the South Region processors related to expansion. With the elected MPs from Alberta and to present the details of the CUSMA now being known, we producer position related to these two topics Conrad are encouraged that expansion will happen. Van Hierden including mitigation against the impacts and 403-553-2117 the vision for the industry into the future. Director at Large The Board has issued 10 ﬂ exible incentive days for the period of August 2019 to Greg Debbink 780-913-9173 December 2019, with a utilization limit of Director at Large

ﬁ nd us on

February 2019 2 2019: The Year of Once we conclude the provincial election, we’ll just be ramping up again for the federal Elections one to take place this fall. Will all of our Source: Karlee Conway, Communications Specialist experience in the local election, you’ll be a pro This year, Albertans will be very busy at the at ensuring politicians hear dairy farmers from polls. There will be a provincial spring election coast to coast. and a national election this fall. We are deadlines expecting the election to be called in mid Nationally, it has been a tough year for dairy quota transfers March, or the writ to be dropped in Alberta. farmers. From the impact of the new NAFTA Feb. 14, 2019, at This expression, dropping this writ, simply (CUSMA) and the potential changes to a 4:30 p.m. means that Premier Notley has sent a signal to plant-based diet coming from the federal government and we’ll be in full election mode. government, it’s important that we take hold of credit transfers our industry and don’t let politicians make Feb. 21, 2019, at So what does this mean for decisions that aren’t in your best interest. 4:30 p.m. you? Well, a lot. This is your opportunity to ensure I know, I know. You’re a farmer, not a that candidates in your riding know you and professional lobbyist. You’re not a fancy public hear your concerns. Don’t forget, their entire relations person. You want to milk your cows, job is to represent you and if they don’t even spend time with your family and enjoy the know who you are, they can’t be completely at peace of the county. fault for not keeping your concerns at the heart of their policy making. But we may continue to see negative effects on the industry if you don’t spend a few minutes Polls are projecting that the United to ensure that dairy’s voice is heard by those Conservative Party (UCP) are the front runners that are elected in your area. at this time, but polls can be wrong and we’ve seen it time and time again where the underdog We’ve created a step-by-step toolkit to help takes the win. This was clear in the last you navigate this process and help you. It provincial election when the NDP won or includes things like: could even be seen in the last American Ø Understanding pollical jargon or phrases election when President Trump was elected. Ø How to effectively engage with candidates Your takeaway there should be that you should Ø Key messages aim to connect with all the parties running in your constituency. It can be hard for candidates Please continue to watch the Members’ Only to make it to every address, especially farms, page for election updates and analysis, recent so it’s vital that you take some simple steps to polls, the tool kit, and a list of events. engage with who may be representing you in 2019 and beyond. We also have staff support to help with any questions you may have. You can contact These could be things like: myself, Karlee Conway, at 780-577-3305 or Ø Going to candidate forums [email protected] with any questions Ø Calling, emailing or meeting with or concerns. We do have a list of all the candidates candidates running in your region we can Ø Following them on social media and provide you with. asking questions Ø Reading up on their platforms that affect you. What’s their position on supply management? Do they support a carbon tax? What about farm safety regulations?

3 February 2019 Winter Sponsorships Below are the other events we will be at this winter. and Promotions Jasper in January, Jasper – January 26 - 27 Source: Charmaine Blatz, Sponosrship and Event Coordinator Silver Skate Festival, Edmonton– February 16 - 17 In our promotional activities, Alberta Milk March Break at Marmot Ski Hill - Jasper for works with Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) to sale align our marketing and messaging. It’s If you’re in the area be sure to stop by and Top quality, registered Holstein bulls from very important to have a consistent brand and check us out! high-producing dams and approach to promoting dairy products. We the most popular sires. wanted to create experiences that elevate the Phone 403-227-2142. perception of quality Canadian milk. Breeding age Holstein bulls. VG + EX dams, Our goals for these events and sponsorships some over 300 BCA. Semen tested and are: guaranteed. Phone Heini 1. Raise awareness that Alberta Milk is a at 403-704-5716 or trusted source of quality milk. Markus at 403-783-0442. 2. Encourage current and future Milking Registered consumption of Canadian milk. Heifers and Breeding Age 3. Create experiences that leave consumers Registered Bulls for sale all the time. Only top sires with a positive perception of the brand and used. Phone 780-387- Canadian dairy. 5398 or 780-387-8128. 4. Enhance our social media and initiatives Holstein heifers, fresh or and build consumer engagement on our springing. social media platforms. Phone 403-330-9558. Breeding age Jersey bulls. Promotions Dams many generations. Our promotions team was onsite at the Deep VG, EX + high LPI. Make Holstein heifers easy to Freeze Festival, January 12 – 13 in Edmonton. freshen. Rochester, AB. Consumers were invited to warm up with hot Phone 780-698-2267. chocolate milk and engage with our new Breeding age bulls exhibit, which includes a a life-size milk available from top carton puzzle, X and O’s game, and milk crate sires with high LPI and production. Tested for snow fort building. Consumers were also semen, Leukosis and encouraged to engage with our social media BVD. Also, milking heifers using the hashtags #cdnqualitymilk and and embryo’s available #AlbertaMilk. If they participated in our social Phone 403-315-4536. media, they received a cow spotted neck Fresh, springing & open warmer. heifers for sale. Phone 403-556-0842. Breeding age Holstein bulls from dams scored VG/EX/ME and sired by high ranking sires. Semen tested and delivery avail. Phone 780-689-9576. Milking heifers, springing aAa® Animal Analysis will help you: heifers and milking cows. Phone 403-507-9030.

Holstein heifer, open, springing and fresh, also A Achieve higher Lifetime Production Jersey springing. =- Phone 403-330-9558. 1-403-399-6409 | [email protected] | www.aAaWeeks.com

February 2019 4 Canadian Dairy Sector an increase in the quantity of milk produced Reduces Carbon per cow by 13% from 2011 to 2016. Footprint Key Findings of the Study Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada • Milk produced in Canada has a lower footprint than average A litre produced in A study reveals that in 2018, the Canadian dairy Canada emits 0.94 kg CO2 eq, which is for sale sector had one of the lowest global carbon about 1/3 the greenhouse gas (GHG) cont’d footprints. The fi rm responsible for the study, emissions compared to the global average. 2x6 Euro Parabone Groupe AGECO, examined the environmental • Carbon footprint, water consumption, milking parlour. 12 milk performance of Canadian milk production in and land use associated with milk meters/take-off units 2016 and compared it to the 2011 data. By with samplers. 12 fold production have decreased by 7%, 6%, and down CIP wash units. 12 taking into account common environmental 11%, respectively, in the past 5 years. reconditioned metatrons. concerns like the carbon footprint, water • As a result of improvements in animal Phone 780-662-3643. consumption, and land use, the fi rm concluded nutrition, genetics, and housing, milk 2x8 Boumatic parallel that crop rotation, improvements in feed, production per cow increased by 13% since milking parlour with auto- reduced tillage, and precision agriculture take-offs and rapid exit. 2011 Phone Rolf at techniques were some of the environmentally- 403-896-1313 or email friendly practiced applied by dairy farmers, For a thorough review of the study, please VanBenthemdairy@ which improved their environmental footprint. refer to accompanying infographic or visit our outlook.com. Additionally, improved effi ciency contributed to website to read the complete details: www. 2X8 Delaval parallel milk dairyfarmers.ca. parlour, all included, gates, I.D, SCR activity tags, lines, meters, vacuum pump etc. All in current working SUSTAINED PROGRESS: condition. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY OF Phone 403-877-0635. CANADIAN MILK PRODUCTION 24 x Delaval Harmony

A LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) OF THE SECTOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE Plus II, Air Wash System Preserving the environment is a central This study includes all life-cycle stages that contribute to the environmental footprint of dairy (not complete) value for Canadian dairy farmers. To farming, from inputs up to and including transportation of milk from the farm to the processor. 24 x Delaval MM15 milk build on this longstanding commitment, CANADIAN DAIRY FARMERS CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE PRODUCTION PRACTICES meters (not complete) DFC conducted two life cycle $1000 obo assessments (LCA) to measure their Dairy farms are efficient. Since 2011, environmental impact and identify areas the average annual milk production per cow has 13% Phone: 403-357-6710. for improvement. increased by 13% as a result of improvements in animal nutrition, genetics and housing. 7 ft proline skid steer, INFORMED BY SCIENCE, FARMERS CONTINUE TO ADOPT PRACTICES THAT BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT, SUCH AS: manure scrapper, 6 ft ACTIONIMPACT ACTION IMPACT ACTION IMPACT easy rake skid steer silage defacer,Stainless milk bucket lid with wash

FARMERS EMPTY GHG EMISSIONS MORE FARMS ADOPT LAND USED & WATER INCREASED USE OF YIELD INCREASES nipple. MANURE STORAGE (nitrous oxide, methane) CROP ROTATIONS CONSUMPTION PRECISION AGRICULTURE MORE FREQUENTLY TECHNOLOGIES bulk tank milk cooler Phone 780-674-7828. IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

AMONG THE LOWEST CARBON Consumers can enjoy their daily dairy products In 2016, Canadian milk production was Complete herd and FOOTPRINTS FOR DAIRY IN THE WORLD knowing that the footprint of milk produced in responsible for generating or using: heifers, along with Quota. Canada has decreased over time. In the past Producing one litre of milk in Canada emits only years: Looking to sell as a 1/3 the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as compared to the global average1. package. 1.3% 7% LOWER OF CANADA’S TOTAL Phone 403-783-0857 or CARBON FOOTPRINT GHG EMISSIONS3 email: oneday9000@ GOBAL GOBAL

AVERAGE 2.79 outlook.com 0.02% 6% LOWER OF SOUTHERN CANADA’S WATER CONSUMPTION FRESHWATER SUPPLY4 Dairy quality alfalfa, IN 2011

2 1.03 alfalfa grass mix, and low 2.9% CANADA 11% LOWER OF CANADA’S TOTAL potassium grass hay for LAND USE AGRICULTURAL LAND USE5

IN 2016 kg CO eq/L milk sale. All hay is tested and 0.94 2 delivery is available. A STUDY CONDUCTED IN 2018 BY REFERENCES 1 FAO (2013). Greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant supply chain – a global life cycle assessment. Available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3461e/i3461e.pdf • AGECO (2012). Environmental and Socioeconomic Life Cycle Assessment of Phone 403-795-8593. Canadian Milk. (Report prepared for Dairy Farmers of Canada). 2 The 2012 report covered milk production in 2011 while the 2018 report covered milk production in 2016. https://www.dairyresearch.ca/pdf/LCA-DFCFinalReport_e.pdf 3 Environment and Climate Change Canada (2016). National Inventory Report 1990-2016: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada. Available at: https://unfccc.int/process/transparency-and-reporting/reporting-and-review-under- • Canadian Dairy Information Centre (2017). Dairy Facts and Figures. Available at: the-convention/greenhouse-gas-inventories-annex-i-parties/national-inventory-submissions-2018 http://www.dairyinfo.gc.ca/index_e.php?s1=dff-fcil 4 Water Canada (2017). Statistics Canada Reports on Canada’s Renewable Freshwater and Water Use. Available at: • FAO (2013). Greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant supply chains—A global https://www.watercanada.net/statistics-canada-reports-on-canadas-renewable-freshwater-and-water-use/ life cycle assessment. Available at: http://www.fao.org/gleam/results/en/ 5 Statistics Canada (2018). Land Use-Table 32-10-0406-01 (formerly CANSIM 004-0203). Available at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3210040601

DAIRYFARMERS.CA

5 February 2019 Sampling Technique 4. Ensure the milk is cool before sampling especially when testing for bacteria counts. for Bulk Milk Tank a. Milk in the tank as well as the Samples samples itself must stay between 0 – 4 Kelly Mauthe, Producer Services Specialist degrees Celsius. b. When you are transporting the Proper sampling of a producer’s bulk milk samples to the lab, you must use a cooler tank is a critical task to ensure accuracy of data and ice or ice packs. received back by the producer. This task is c. Ensure the samples do not fl oat in done at every pickup and is the responsibility water and that the samples don’t freeze of a licenced Bulk Milk Grader (BMG), who is in transit. the truck driver. These responsibilities include: • taking a representative sample, 5. Confi rm the bulk milk tank is well agitated • measuring the volume, and before sampling. • grading the raw milk. a. A minimum of fi ve minutes for tank sizes up to 5,678 litres and ten minutes The BMG is required to perform these for tanks larger than 5,678 litres. techniques correctly at every milk pick-up. These techniques have a direct impact on the 6. Collect the sample from the bulk tank producer’s milk payment, quality analysis manhole by using a sanitized dipper rinsed in (used to determine bonuses, awards and the milk. penalties), and eventually the quality and a. Rinse the sanitized dipper at least shelf-life of the fi nished products. three times in the milk to remove the sanitizer. Occasionally, a dairy producer may need to b. Transfer 35 millilitres of milk into the collect a sample from their own bulk milk vial (fi ll the vial to the sample line). tank. If so, it is important to have a c. Do not hold and fi ll the sample vial representative sample from your tank. Should overtop of the bulk tank opening as any you ever have to collect a sample from your spillage could contaminate the milk own tank, here are the proper sampling below. techniques:

7. Open the sample vial by pushing upward on 1. Ensuring your hands are clean hands before the squared side of the vial lid without sampling. touching the inside. 2. Use a sterile sample vial – ideally the same a. Hold the vial between the thumb and ones the BMG’s use. index fi nger, fi ll the dipper with milk and pour a. Ask your driver to leave a few on the an amount into the sample vial to the fi ll line. farm for your own sampling when b. Close the sample lid and make sure it required. snaps closed. b. These vials are sealed and sterile and can be secured with the locking pigtail. 8. It’s recommended that you take two samples 3. Make sure that milking is complete and even if you only need one sample tested. there is no new milk being added to the tank a. Two samples ensure that if one leaks during the sampling process. in transit then the it’s likely the other will a. In the case of automatic milking still be viable for testing. system producers lock out the robots so no new milk is added to the tank.

February 2019 6 9. Clearly identify the samples. Canada’s New Food a. Include your producer number, date, who took the sample and any other Guide Released Source: Karlee Conway, Communications Specialist important information. For example, if you have taken a sample from the ﬁ rst The revised version of Canada’s Food Guide milking and then a second sample from was released on January 22. The new version the second milking make sure you lumps dairy into the protein category and spring identify them as such. eliminates the Milk and Alternatives category. producer b. If you are sending the samples to the There is also a shift to increased consumption meetings lab using a courier or another indirect of plants, less of meat, and moves away from It’s that time of year method, then include a clear description suggested servings of food. again, Spring Producer of the test(s) you are looking to have Meetings. This a great opportunity for you to conducted on the samples. It also makes suggestions about how hear about changes Canadians should think not just about what happening in the 10. Keep a record of the samples you took and they eat, but how they eat. For example, it industry, any policy the test results. changes, election and advises people should take the time to eat and most importantly, another notice when they are hungry and when they opportunity for you to Following these procedures will help to ensure are full. They also recommend that Canadians provide feedback on the the best possible representative sample for direction of Alberta Milk. cook more often, teach children how to cook Please save the date of testing. If you have any questions, feel free to rather than eat highly processed foods. They the meeting closest to contact Producer Services at Alberta Milk. also focus on eating with others and sharing you. food traditions across generations and cultures. Registration begins at References: Alberta Agriculture Bulk Milk 9:30 am and the meeting Grader Manual and Study Guide – Revised Interestingly, the food industry, including the will begin at 10 am and January 2018 dairy industry, was not welcome to participate conclude around 3 pm. in any consults on this new guide. We have Dates and been very clear about our position that science Locations says (ironically also Health Canada) that dairy April 9 - Lethbridge – is good for you and people aren’t getting Coast Lethbridge Hotel & enough. We have been advocating for dairy’s Conference Center 526 Mayor Magrath rightful place in the Guide for about a year Drive South, Lethbridge through continuous meeting with Health Canada, press releases, and rallying consumers April 10 - Red Deer – through keepcanadianshealthy.ca. Black Knight Inn 2929- 50 Avenue, Red Deer

These changes are part of a larger plan, April 11 - Westlock – Healthy Eating Strategy, executed by the Hazel Bluff Community Hall AB-18, Westlock federal government. The next phase addresses County front-of-pack labelling whereas the government is proposing to put stop signs on April 12 - Leduc – Executive Royal Inn food that they classify as unhealthy by looking 8450 Sparrow Drive, at the levels of sugar, sodium and saturated fat. Leduc

Please watch your mailbox for further details.

7 February 2019 AFAC Awards of Livestock Care Distinction Conference Source: Alberta Farm Animal Care Source: Alberta Farm Animal Care

The Alberta Farm Animal Care Awards of Join us at the 26th annual Livestock Care Distinction were initiated in 2001 to recognize Conference on March 20 - 21, to be part of the individuals or groups who have made experience as we highlight the practical, hands exceptional contributions in the ﬁ eld of livestock on, side of agriculture. welfare. These individuals or organizations work hard to advance the mandate of AFAC and the Keynote speaker, Dr. Rebecca Gimenez will set welfare of livestock in Alberta. They apply new, the stage with a condensed Technical Large innovative ideas and management practices to Animal Emergency Rescue Workshop on March improve and ensure high standards of animal 20. That evening, we will be hosting a reception wellbeing. They understand the public's need for that will feature a prime rib dinner, beer tasting assurance that farm animals are raised humanely. and trivia night! They can be held up as examples of those who are making a difference. March 21 will focus on our conference theme, “Partners in Progress: Tools for Success”, which Award Categories accurately describes the agenda line up that we The Award of Distinction for Communication have. Following Dr. Rebecca Gimenez’s This award honours those that take an active role presentation, Bettina Bobsien will do a in effectively telling the story about livestock presentation on Equine RRSP- Retirement, issues, and informing the public and agri-food Rescue, Slaughter and Public Attitudes. This will industry about farm animal care in a factual and be followed by two panels. One entitled honest way that is credible and builds trust. “Growing Pains” in regards to the changes of Antimicrobial Usage, and will focus on the The Award of Distinction for Industry challenges and successes since the regulations Leadership came into place as of December 1, 2019. This This award honours those who integrate animal will be followed by a “Regulatory Panel” that welfare into their core business strategy, striving will highlight how the different organizations in to achieve more than expected regarding animal Alberta help to make sure animal welfare is welfare and setting a higher standard. always a top priority.

The Award of Distinction for Innovation Becky Taylor and Sage Pullen McIntosh will This award honours those who have developed a help to guide attendees in the very tough, always new process, product, or source of knowledge relevant topic, of having tough conversations that has made a signifi cant impact on improving with people in the industry, public and with the welfare of livestock and the industry. colleagues. The afternoon will fi nish off with a talk from Karen Schwean-Lardner that will Nominees must demonstrate a strong highlight some of her most recent research on commitment to others through contributions to broilers, turkeys and laying hens. Lastly, but their community or society, and be recognized by defi nitely not least, we will hear from Joyce Van peers as having reached a high level of Donkersgoed, who does a very candid accomplishment and expertise in their fi eld. presentation on the Feedlot Assessment Tool that exists here in Alberta! Nomination deadline is February 15, 2019. Please go to afac.ab.ca for more information. Find the agenda and to register, go to afac.ab.ca.

Please submit nominations to Kristen Hall at [email protected]

February 2019 8 proAction® - 2019: Biosecurity Module The Year of Change Biosecurity will become part of the validation process as of September 2019. With this Source: Morgan Hobin, proAction® Coordinator module, each farmer across Canada will work The new year brings several improvements in collaboration with their veterinarian to and changes to proAction®. Two are listed reduce risks of introducing diseases to the below: particular farm, or to control diseases if need wanted be. Alberta Prime Beef Animal Care Module buying all classes of In review, this module includes seven Holstein steers and cows. Holstein Canada (HC) has nearly completed Willing to trade Holstein the fi rst round of cattle assessments in Alberta requirements: heifers for your steers. and will begin the second round shortly. 1. Farm signage; Trucking available. 2. Completion of a risk assessment with Picture Butte, AB. Phone Andy Houweling Considering the proAction theme of your herd veterinarian; 403-308-8700 “continuous improvement”, Dairy Farmers of 3. Recording of disease events for cows and Brett Houweling Canada (DFC) is working through its Animal calves, and: 403-382-7827 Offi ce 403-732-5644 Care Technical Committee and proAction 4. Four Standard Operating Procedures Fax 403-732-4387 Committee to develop a revised version of the (SOP) peer report. The peer report illustrates a farm’s a) SOP #11: Vaccinating Against Calf-Tel indoor pens. Specifi c Diseases of Concern Please phone or text results in the green, yellow or red zones. The 403-634-8773. revised design has not been fi nalized yet, due b) SOP #12: Introduction of New to the extensive consultation and farmer Cattle to the Herd feedba ck needed. The peer report is an c) SOP #13: Returning Cattle to the integral part of the cattle assessment report. Herd d) SOP #14: Visitors and Service Based on feedback from provincial farmer Personnel representatives on the proAction Committee and provincial coordinators (Morgan Hobin for A package with details of initial Biosecurity Alberta), DFC has asked HC to delay issuing module activities was just mailed to farmers. the current peer reports for second cattle The package included these resources: assessments until the revised design is ready • Biosecurity Reference Manual and for implementation. This will ensure that all Workbook; farmers receive a peer report based on the • Biosecurity Fact Sheet same criteria for the second round. • Module Requirement Quick Tips and SOP templates. We expect to have the revised peer report design ready by June 2019 and will Most of the province’s dairy herd veterinarians communicate the changes to you. At that time, were trained in their role October 2018 and are HC will generate peer reports for all of the now prepared to assist you in meeting the second-round cattle assessments completed to Biosecurity module requirements. Biosecurity date and send them to those farmers. For cattle training workshops for farmers will be assessments completed after June 2019, the delivered across the province in March and new peer reports will be provided along with April. the cattle assessment reports. If you have any questions about the changes in Your herd’s peer report is scheduled to be the cattle assessment peer report and/or the distributed in advance of your validation so Biosecurity module requirements, please that you will have time to review the results contact Morgan Hobin at 780-577-3318 or and develop corrective action plans, as needed. [email protected].

9 February 2019 Dairy Production Statistics

Producer Pool Average Milk Prices Additions/Deductions December 2018 Month TPQ $/hL Additions Deductions Dec 2018 84.36 ($) ($) Nov 82.56 Audit Adjustment 0.00 575.00 Oct 83.26 Bulk Tank Callibration 0.00 975.00 Sep 79.77 Discarded 0.00 26,857.48 Aug 77.55 PLR 100,531.24 160,239.59 July 77.44 Interest 22,891.07 104.29 June 75.34 Metering 63,239.66 0.00 May 76.58 April 77.54 Trucking 0.00 0.00 Mar 77.05 Violations 135,621.59 0.00 Feb 75.03 Average Deductions Jan 77.29 per Kg Total Solids ($0.0145)

2018-19 Quota Exchange and Credit Deadlines Quota Transfer Credit Transfer Listed below are the Class 5 prices calculated by the Deadline Date Deadline Date Effective Date Canadian Dairy Commission. Mar. 18, 2019 Mar. 25, 2019 Apr. 1, 2019 Class 5 Prices ($kg) Apr. 16, 2019 Apr. 23, 2019 May 1, 2019 February 2019 May 17, 2019 May 24, 2019 June 1, 2019 Milk Class Butterfat Protein Other Solids Jun. 17, 2019 Jun. 24, 2019 July 1, 2019 Class 5a 7.4267 3.808 0.8217 Jul. 17, 2019 Jul. 24, 2019 Aug. 1, 2019 Class 5b 7.4267 2.1525 2.1525 Aug. 16, 2019 Aug. 23, 2019 Sep. 1, 2019 Sep. 16, 2019 Sep. 23, 2019 Oct. 1, 2019 Class 5c 6.8702 1.7228 1.7228 Oct. 17, 2019 Oct. 24, 2019 Nov. 1, 2019 Class 5d contract by contract price Nov. 18, 2019 Nov. 25, 2019 Dec. 1, 2019 Class 4m contract by contract price

Provincial Average Components December 2018 Provincial Milk Quality Averages Butterfat 4.2064 kg/hl Month Bacteria Somatic Cell Protein 3.2064 kg/hl Average (IBC) Count (SCC)

Other Solids 5.8885 kg/hl Dec. 2018 23,880 192,774

February 2019 10 Dairy Production Statistics

Quota Exchange Underproduction Credit Transfers Daily Production Quota Price$/ Month Kg Total Transferred Clearing Price/kg eligible kg Feb 2019 146.90 $40,040.00 Jan 2019 102,870.69 $9.89 Jan 175.74 $39,900 Dec 87,105.40 $8.46 Dec 85.75 $39,105 Nov 85,793.48 $7.17 Nov 121.93 $38,865 Oct 81,249.68 $6.70 Oct 121.00 $39,100 Sep 81,436.34 $7.71 Sep 69.30 $39,500 Aug 75,061.35 $8.56 Aug 56.20 $40,980 July 76,061.27 $8.79 July 77.50 $41,020 June 80,013.40 $9.39 June 60.64 $41,000 May 101,045.67 $10.26 May 88.63 $40,375 April 85,421.27 $9.45 Apr 193.08 $39,675 Mar 102,184.00 $6.90 Mar 51.09 $38,130 Feb 99,197.91 $4.82 Feb 119.02 $36,500 Jan 106,192.39 $3.96

Quota and Milk Production Summary (BF kg)

Month November December January February March Status Ofﬁ cial Pre-Pooling Projected Projected Projected Alberta Butterfat Production (kg/day) 92,650 92,744 93,014 92,587 89,942 Provincial Quota (kg/day) 102,764 104,828 80,935 87,131 87,303 Producer Quota (kg/day) 89,945 89,942 89,942 89,942 89,942 Producer Quota + Incentive 95,942 92,843 89,942 89,942 89,942 Credits (kg/day) Cumulative Position (%) -2.10% -3.21% -2.08% -1.61% -1.37% Producer Position (Days) -3.76 -3.37 -2.38 -1.62 -1.69 Provincial Position (Days) -6.76 -10.20 -8.58 -6.22 -5.27 Penalty (kg) 0000 0

Western Milk Pool Butterfat Production (kg/day) 266,867 268,983 271,624 271,694 268,801 Pool Quota (kg/day) 291,986 297,851 229,962 247,568 248,056 Cumulative Position (%)* -2.78% -3.71% -2.34% -1.61% -0.95% Penalty (kg) 0000 0 *The Western Milk Pool’s (WMP’s) limits on production are +0.50% and -1.50% of the WMP’s rolling 12-month quota.

11 February 2019 2019 Western Alberta Production and Canadian Dairy Quota Update Seminar Source: Jonathan Ntoni, Policy Analyst Source: Western Canadian Dairy Seminar Production When: March 5 – 8, 2019 Average daily production in December was 2.20 services Where: Sheraton Hotel, Red Deer, AB million litres, an increase of 21,132 litres (+0.97 cont’d Register at: wcds.ca/registration per cent), when compared to 2.18 million in Countryside Dairy Sales November. Butterfat production also rose by 94 Dairy cattle & quota Your 2019 WCDS speakers will be sharing their kilograms per day (+0.10 per cent) in December sales. Bred & springing kno wledge on a wide range of topics, including relative to November. heifers available. Andrew farm management, nutrition, genetics and 403-348-9358 or Harry Comparing on a year-over-year basis, there has 403-783-1274. reproduction, health and welfare, as well as broad issues facing today’s industry. been a +6.21 per cent growth in volume in the Amber Enviroservices 12-month period ending December 2018 over the provides soil and groundwater monitoring Your 2019 Speakers include: 12-month period ending December 2017; and of liquid manure storage Andria Jones-Bitton (University of Guelph) +8.08 per cent growth in butterfat production for lagoons to fulfi ll NRCB will review mental health statistics from a same period. requirements for leakage national survey of Canadian farmers and discuss detection. Daily Total Production Quota Phone 403-999-2623 on-going and new efforts to support farmer The WMP’s rolling 12-month quota increased by or email alfredo@ mental health in Canada. 0.96 per cent in November over October. amberenviro.com; Al Mussell (Agri-Food Economics Systems) www.amberenviro.com. Alberta’s daily quota issuance at the producer will discuss milk supply management after level slightly decreased under the new system Alberta Holstein Association USMCA (Session I) and examine the challenges www.albertaholstein.ca for from 100.12 per cent in October to 99.16 per cent facing milk supply management based on industry news, upcoming in November 2018. events, movies, show internal factors and established trends (Session results and more! II). Incentive Days Bricon Safety Grooving Ronaldo Cerri (University of British Columbia) The one incentive day in December had 55.77 Ltd. Concrete grooving, will present data on how activity monitors can per cent fi ll rate. There are no incentive days planning, scarifying. generate useful information that is directly Providing traction for a issued for January to July 2019. Ten fl exible safer more productive associated with fertility, but not currently used in incentive days have been issued for the period of environment. commercial systems. August to December 2019 with a utilization limit Phone 1-800-590-4403 or of three days per month. 204-981-5057. The 75 booth industry trade show is a great Find out about the Jersey place to network and reconnect with friends and Alberta and Pools’ Quota Breed on JerseyWest’s colleagues as well as showcasing the latest Utilization website at jerseycanada. dairy-related research in our research poster com/jerseywest. Cumulative Quota Positions (CQP) for display area. November 2018 under the new quota system Western Canadian Classic were as follows: AB = -2.10, WMP = -2.78, -Team Alberta. This youth Whether you are a producer, nutritionist, show rotates amongst P5 = -1.41 and P10 = -1.79 per cent. the 4 western provinces. veterinarian or services provider you will fi nd Phone Lexi Wright at topics of interest at the 2019 WCDS. Register The WMP under-produced its monthly CDC 403-862-5600 or Sue today! quota allotment by 753,555 kilograms of Crest at 780-675-4643. butterfat in November 2018. Business, succession, new entrant assitance plans, refi nancing proposals and lender negotiations. Art Lange PAg CAFA, 14 years experience, [email protected]. ajlconsulting.ca Phone 780-467-6040.

February 2019 12