It's Canada's Biggest Crop

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VOLUME 11, NUMBER 19 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Breeding for carcass quality has a payoff Using genomics to improve carcass quality can greatly improve profitability, study says

BY JENNIFER BLAIR AF STAFF

ourcing quality breeding stock has the greatest impact S on carcass quality — and having carcass data is “integral” to that process. But too many producers are flying blind, according to Tom Lynch-Staunton, director of industry relations for Livestock Gentec. PHOTO: SUBMITTED “Most people sell their calves in the fall at weaning and really SEE CARCASS  page 7 It’s Canada’s biggest crop But forage research remains a hard sell There has been a dramatic drop in forage research, but it’s not just because producers could make more money growing canola

the last 20 years,” said Doug Wray, board High prices for grains and oilseeds in BY MADELEINE BAERG chair of the Canadian Forage and Grass- recent years is a big factor, but so has AF CONTRIBUTOR land Association and a forage and cow-calf been the decline in forage research, said producer from Irricana. Ron Pidskalny, executive director of the ore than 52 million acres in Alberta “We’ve come down a long way and we Canadian Forage and Grassland Associa- are currently used to graze live- really can’t afford to go any further. If we tion. M stock or produce crops like alfalfa don’t stop the slide and start rebuilding, “Producers look at forages and say: ‘Not and timothy hay, but farmers who manage there are going to be some very big conse- only would I make less growing forages, grasslands and forage fields say their indus- quences to this province.” the production methods aren’t there, the try is declining so rapidly its future is at risk. Forage fields are increasingly being con- variety selection isn’t there and the field “The long-term graph of forage research signed to low-quality land, with more pro- testing hasn’t been done so I do not have shows a dramatic drop — probably 70 per ductive acres being seeded to canola and cent of our capacity has been let go in other crops. SEE FORAGE  page 6

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38745 UFA_FuelUp2014_Print_Ad_10-25x3_AB FarmExp.indd 1 2014-07-18 12:38 PM 2 news » inside this week SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

inside » livestock crops columNists

HAND-HELD HOW YA NO HILL OF laura rance POWER DOING? BEANS No grain gridlock this year 4 Turning your smartphone into an inventory manager 8 brenda schoepp How to avoid a hard landing EXOTIC 5 LIVESTOCK Roy Lewis Lloydminster show Infrared thermography Faba acreage exploding, Reducing respiratory risk offers up the unusual 28 measures animal stress 12 soybeans may be next 17 15

These E. coli are OK New program takes aim at high Can convert plant material directly to fuel early mortality rate of farmers Reuters/British and Finn- Stress, poor eating habits and other factors mean farmers have higher ish scientists have found a way of generating renewable rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues propane from E. coli that could one day be an alternative to fossil fuel reserves. higher incidence of diabetes, “Although we have only By Alexis Kienlen cardiovascular disease, and produced tiny amounts so af staff respiratory issues than urban- far, the fuel we have pro- ites, but previous health and duced is ready to be used ou can’t enjoy your farm safety programs in Alberta have in an engine straightaway,” if you’re dead — but not made a significant impact said Patrik Jones of Imperial Y many farmers take better in these areas, said Jensen. College London. care of their land, equipment, “Farmers have a higher risk While the work is at a very or animals than themselves. of early mortality, and it is early stage, commercial pro- “It’s true for my family and a preventable. It’s just a matter duction may be possible in lot of farmers I know,” said Jor- of changing how they look at five to 10 years, he said. dan Jensen, who grew up near themselves and how important The researchers used E. Raymond and is now project their role is on the farm.” coli to interrupt a biological manager of Sustainable Farm The Sustainable Farm Fami- process that turns fatty acids Families Canada. lies workshops, which are free, into cell membranes. So far, “Farmers tend to know more run over two consecutive days the level of propane is 1,000 about their cattle or their and focus on health issues that times less than what would machinery, or their land… way are common among farmers, be needed to turn it into a more than they know about including stress, nutrition, commercial product, so they themselves and their health. disease prevention, mental are now working on refining They’re more concerned about health, and physical activ- their process. taking care of their $500,000 ity. Each workshop is only “At the moment, we don’t tractor than they are about open to 20 participants, with have a full grasp of exactly themselves. an emphasis on discussion how the fuel molecules are “What good is having a and group learning activities, made, so we are now trying $500,000 tractor or 1,000 acres rather than lectures. While to find out exactly how this of land or cattle, if you’re not most farm programs target process unfolds,” said Jones. there to enjoy it or to make use children, Sustainable Farm of it?” Families is geared towards farm couples, and children or apprentices working on the farm. “The decision makers on the “Farmers tend to know farm are the ones getting the Tiling more about their cattle education so they can take it, share it, and lead by example,” requires or their machinery, or said Jensen. “That is one of the their land… way more aspects of the program that approval makes it so successful.” than they know about Participants decide what they want to implement and An article in the Aug. 18 themselves, and their there’s no finger pointing. The edition (Pricey tile worth health.” workshop leaders, who pro- the money, producers say) vide information and hand- incorrectly stated Alberta books, include farmer peers Environment doesn’t require Jordan and registered nurses. permits for tile drainage. Jensen “It’s friends and peers teach- In fact, tiles are considered ing each other,” said Jensen. “A as “works” under the Water lot of it is farmers sharing sto- Act as they are capable of ries, opening up to each other, altering the flow or level of and that’s where the magic water by drainage. Prior The Sustainable Farm Fami- really happens.” to wetland compensation lies program was developed a As part of the program, par- guidelines coming into effect decade ago in Australia and will ticipants take a tour of a gro- Jordan Jensen, project manager of Sustainable Farm Families, a new in 2005, no authorization be rolled out in this province cery store to learn how to read program designed to help farmers take control of their health. photo: supplied was required if consolidation at workshops in Lethbridge, labels, and spot misleading occurred on the parcel. How- Taber, and Grande Prairie in advertising. Participants also cators of health will be mea- “This was one of the highlights ever, there is no longer an November. Jensen said he make their own action plans sured and discussed in private. that people mentioned,” said exception for consolidation. hopes it generates the same and goals for wellness. If the first year of the pro- Jensen. Water Act approval forms feedback it did Down Under. At the beginning of the program is a success, this year’s For more information on the can be obtained at http:// “Every single one of those gram, they get a free health participants will be invited program or to sign up, go to esrd.alberta.ca/water/ participants said that they assessment from a registered to participate in second- and www.abfarmsafety.com or con- forms-applications/water- would recommend it to a fam- nurse. Blood pressures, blood third-year workshops. In tact Jensen at 403-752-4585 or act-forms.aspx. Applications ily, a neighbour or somebody glucose, cholesterol levels, Australia, participants moni- [email protected]. can be completed and sub- who they knew,” said Jensen. eyesight, hearing, family his- tored their health over the mitted online. Rural Canadians have a tory and many other key indi- three-year program. [email protected] ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 3 Permaculture advocate says work with nature, not against it Ferintosh producer Takota Coen says carefully designed mixed farms are the way of the future

BY JENNIFER BLAIR AF STAFF / FERINTOSH

he first thing you’ll notice as you drive by Grass Roots T Family Farm is the orchard — an unlikely sight in rural Alber- ta, but somehow it seems right at home beside the sprawling vegetable garden. In a paddock near the house, a sow nurses a handful of nearly newborn piglets, and just down the lane from there, free-range hens and roosters scratch for feed beside a little white chicken coop. Farther yet, a small herd of cattle graze pastures just below fields where fresh-swathed grain lines the hills. But what you can’t see from the road is that this little farm is almost completely self-sustaining, thanks to a little-known farming system called permaculture. “Permaculture is a design system that involves basically observing your surroundings and working with nature rather than against it,” said Takota Coen, who manages the farm near Ferintosh. For more than 25 years, parents Takota Coen has planted fruit and nut trees between his pasture land and a 1.5-kilometre swale that collects run-off from his annual crop field and feeds Michael and Laura Coen operated his farm’s drip irrigation system — creating a sustainable system that balances water management, perennial crops, and annual crops. PHOTO: JENNIFER BLAIR the farm using organic practices, producing certified organic cere- Livestock plays a major role in maintain fertility in their land mistic” that change will come, tastic things with the technology als for Sunny Boy Cereal and pork the system. with a lot less use of fossil fuels.” however slowly. we have,” he said. “We can figure for Sunworks Farm. And while the “Our philosophy is that, in order But in order to adopt these sys- “We have some of the most bril- this out. But we’re never going to family still holds true to those to have a sustainable farming systems throughout the farm, Coen liant minds that have ever existed get there if we don’t start.” ideals today, the younger Coen tem, animals need to be a part of had to change his definition of on the planet right now, and saw greater potential elsewhere the farming system to contribute profitability. we’re able to do absolutely fan- [email protected] when he came back to the farm to fertilizer,” said Coen. “If you’ve got two things two years ago. “We’re essentially making our together on the same area of “We hit the end of the rope own fertilizer on farm and selling land, you’re not going to get with what we thought we could to the factories.” 100-bushel-to-the-acre canola do with organics,” he said. The Coens produce almost all of and 100-bushel-to-the-acre After stumbling on permacul- their feed requirements on farm, wheat in the same crop,” he Like an old friend. ture while researching alternative growing hay for the cattle and said. “The yields aren’t bumper farming methods, Coen decided peas and wheat for the chickens crops, but together, they are far to put principle to practice and and pigs. And even those crops greater than what they would get create a self-sustaining farm. And help sustain each other. by themselves.” so far, he’s seen great success. “The wheat and peas were It’s also a “far more resilient “By looking at a system like this planted together,” said Coen. system,” he said. where it’s not just input in and “The wheat provides the struc- “If your one crop fails, it doesn’t then line out, it becomes truly ture for the peas to climb up on, matter. By managing your land economically viable and sustain- and the peas fix nitrogen for the like this, it’s increasingly going to able,” he said. wheat.” be a benefit to your bottom line.” “When you embrace nature’s Even though the crops have diversity and understand it, then been planted in the same space, Designed transition you can start designing ways for they “don’t really compete” for In recent years, conventional it to work for you.” resources, he said. producers have implemented “You get this complementary, permaculture principles on their symbiotic relationship where own farms almost inadvertently both the peas and the wheat — moving to no-till systems to benefit.” maintain the land and incorpo- “By looking at a system rating things like winter wheat or Pasture cropping perennial crops into their rota- like this where it’s not Right now, Coen’s main crop is tions. Avadex® and Fortress® just input in and then hay — small square bales of timo- Coen said he believes it’s only a thy alfalfa and brome — produced matter of time before more pro- pre-emergent herbicides have had line out, it becomes truly in a field established last year with ducers start adopting other per- a nurse crop of oats. maculture practices on a larger your back for over 5 decades with early season economically viable and “You seed your annual grain scale. weed control and alternative modes of action. sustainable.” crops — in this case, wheat and “There’s only so far we can peas — and underseed it to hay or get with our abundance of fossil The Results? Reduced resistance pressure on pasture mix, and the cereals act as fuel energy and the amount of Group 1 and 2 herbicides, and minimized early a nurse crop to outcompete any resources we have,” he said. TAKOTA COEN weeds while the slower-growing “It will get to a point where we season competition from wild oats. perennials establish,” he said. can’t keep buying three-quarter “It helps your pasture establish, of a million dollar combines and Dependable. Trustworthy. it gives you a yield in the mean- sprayers to make a profit. The time, and it reduces any weeds margins are getting slimmer and Self-regenerating that would be coming up.” slimmer all the time. Order your Avadex and Fortress today. Originally dubbed ‘permanent This year, he’s also experiment- “It really becomes a matter of agriculture,’ the concept dates ing with pasture cropping, where designed transition or forced col- Manitoba Eastern Saskatchewan Western Sask Southern Alberta back to the 1920s and is based on annuals are rotated into pasture lapse.” Cory Bourdeaud’hui Javan Davis Jim Vancha Valerie Wilton creating a system that can sustain land so the cattle can fertilize the But that transition can’t hap- 204-390-2340 306-590-8600 306-951-7008 403-892-3058 itself indefinitely with very little field. pen overnight, he said. human involvement — which is “If we could find a way to grow “If we just all of a sudden a big part of its appeal, said Coen. annual crops on perennial pas- decided that we weren’t going ® “With these perennial agri- tures without breaking up the to plant annual crops anymore, Fortress culture systems, you can design land, I think it would absolutely there would be a lot of problems

them in such a way that they are revolutionize organic farming,” that would quickly start showing Avadex® and Fortress® are registered trademarks of Gowan Company. self-regenerating and self-main- he said. “It would provide another their heads,” said Coen. Always read and follow label directions. 475-1 08.14 taining,” he said. option for organic farmers to Even so, he’s “hopelessly opti- 4 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

EDITOR Glenn Cheater Phone: 780-919-2320 Email: [email protected] twitter: @glenncheater Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton 780-668-3121 Email: [email protected] Jennifer Blair, Red Deer The ‘new’ wore off of 403-613-7573 Email: [email protected] PRODUCTION director Shawna Gibson ‘normal’ pretty quickly Email: [email protected] The grain industry may have gotten a little too optimistic Director of Sales & Circulation Lynda Tityk after last year’s whopper of a crop Email: [email protected] CIRCULATION manager proving relatively less efficient than it was ers, until you consider the domestic crushers Heather Anderson Email: [email protected] By Laura Rance back in the days when men used shovels to and seed exporters tend to be owned by the Editor, the Manitoba Co-operator fill boxcars. same companies — making bidding wars national ADVERTISING SALES The reasons for that were multi-faceted, unlikely. James Shaw Phone: 416-231-1812 Fax: 416-233-4858 t’s easy to get a little giddy when things go including the bitter winter weather and Western Canada still has a good crop. Email: [email protected] much better than expected. For example, unexpected surge in production. But it was Despite the drop, this year’s wheat crop is take last year’s bin buster of a crop. also clear the rail companies had perhaps the third largest in a decade and the canola ADVERTISING sales I By any measure, it was an astounding been a bit too aggressive in streamlining harvest could be the third largest ever. Crystal McPeak Phone: 403-646-6211 or 403-360-3210 production feat. Western Canadian farm- their locomotive power. Data provided by Agriculture and Agri- Email: [email protected] ers shattered all previous records on most A similar scenario is unfolding in the U.S. Food Canada analysts last winter shows major crops, growing a whopping 76 million this fall, which appears poised to harvest a classified ADVERTISING SALES western Canadian production has been tonnes, 50 per cent higher than the five-year bumper crop that far exceeds the available increasing, on average, by about three per Sharon Komoski Phone: 1-888-413-3325 Fax: 204-944-5562 average and 30 per cent above the previous handling and storage capacity. It all under- cent annually over the past three decades — Email: [email protected] year. scores the insanity of focusing solely on not the 50 per cent increase we saw in 2013 It was like a runaway freight train and the production increases without considering or the 23 to 32 per cent decrease in produc- ADVERTISING Co-ordinator grain trade executives and politicians were the necessary handling and marketing infra- tion we are seeing in 2014. Arlene Bomback Phone: 204-944-5765 Fax: 204-944-5562 quick to hop aboard. structure to accommodate it. As for carry-overs, it appears this year’s Email: [email protected] A senior industry official told the Canadian Nor do we suggest the marketing system carry-over won’t be anywhere near as high Global Crop Symposium last spring this is has a whole lot to do with what farmers as threefold increase predicted last winter. PUBLISHER “the new normal,” a phrase also embraced choose to grow. In the years previous, we We are left wondering whether farmers Lynda Tityk Email: [email protected] by federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. heard how changes to Western Canada’s who couldn’t seed much of their land due Some suggested 90 million tonnes of produc- grain-marketing system would result in a big to flooding last spring wouldn’t be happy to Associate PUBLISHER/ tion on the horizon. jump in wheat production. The data would have a bit left in the bin from last year to even editorial director The push was on for new and expanded suggest that surge was short lived. They are out their farm’s cash flow. John Morriss Email: [email protected] handling facilities, and perhaps more nota- driven by the economics, marketing oppor- So while last year’s harvest gave us a hint bly, more rail capacity for moving grain. The tunities and increasingly, crop rotations. of the potential that is out there, it is far from president trade scoffed at the notion put forward by Then the weather must co-operate. And, as being what the industry should expect year Bob Willcox railway company officials that it would be of late, it hasn’t. after year. It’s something farm lobbyists need Glacier FarmMedia [email protected] imprudent to make major investments into The latest data from Statistics Canada to keep in mind when considering — or 204-944-5751 expanded capacity just to handle infrequent points to an all-wheat crop that is 26 per cent demanding — investments in grain handling surges. lower than last year, and a 23 per cent drop and transportation infrastructure. After all, The Alberta Farmer Express is published 26 times We’re not here to defend the railways’ in canola production. One industry analyst the cost of building and maintaining those a year by Farm Business Communications. performance. By our calculations, until the suggests there might not be enough canola investments ultimately flows back to farmers. We acknowledge the financial support of the government brought in the threat of finan- to meet the current demand for crushing and Government of Canada through the Canada cial penalties, the system we have today was export, which would be great news for farm- [email protected] Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Publications mail agreement number 40069240 Canadian Postmaster: Send address changes and undeliverable addresses (covers only) to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7 The campaign to whitewash ISSN 1481-3157

Call 1-800-665-0502 farm and ranch vocabulary or U.S. subscribers call Cargill is apparently no longer in the business of ‘slaughtering’ cattle 1-204-944-5568 For more information on The Alberta Farmer Express and subscriptions to other stitutes; each carries a unique meaning. Most times, however, these shiny new Farm Business Communications by Alan Guebert In fact, according to the Oxford Univer- words and not-at-all-accurate phrases products, or visit our web site at: sal English Dictionary, slaughter (“Middle aren’t new cats that just show up on www.albertafarmexpress.ca armers and ranchers have a well- English, slahter, 1. The killing of cattle, the farm and ranch. They are born, poll or email: deserved reputation for straight talk. sheep, or other animals for food…”) and tested and dropped off in rural America [email protected] F Saying what you mean and meaning harvest (“Old English, haerfest, 1. The by ag hired hands — sorry, “team mem- what you say, after all, were essential ele- third season of the year, autumn 2. The bers” — who are paid to sanitize the At Farm Business Communications we have a ments in the handshake deals that were season for reaping and gathering in the sometimes muddy, sometimes bloody firm commitment to protecting your privacy the hallmark of rural business for genera- ripened grain 3. The reaping and gather- realities of today’s farms and ranches and security as our customer. Farm Business tions. ing in of ripened grain…”) are as different for an increasingly misinformed, hope- Communications will only collect personal They still are. as salt and pepper. Each may be a sea- fully naive consuming public. information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our Now, however, some folks outside soning but salt is not pepper and pepper In the cleansing process, however, we commitment to enhance customer service, we the nation’s fields and fences are work- is not salt. trade accuracy for vagueness, honesty may share this personal information with other ing overtime to wash — and, in many Other examples of either lazy usage or for deceit and truth for deception. strategic business partners. For more information instances, whitewash — the work-a-day intentional misuse of words in agricul- Truth be told, the vast majority of regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, farm and ranch vocabulary of its mean- ture abound. For centuries “crop protec- North American farming and ranch- write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., ing and culture. tion” meant fences to keep livestock out ing is about herbicides, slaughter and Wpg., MB R3H 0H1 For example, two ag publications I of grain fields. Today “crop protection” manure. Hiding these processes and Occasionally we make our list of subscribers receive, one from Canada and the other really means chemistry — herbicides, practices behind sunny, inaccurate or available to other reputable firms whose products from the U.S., recently carried stories fungicides, and insecticides — without misleading words only creates more and services might be of interest to you. If you about cattle slaughter. Neither, however, hoping to sound like it means chemistry. costly mistrust that, sooner or later, will would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the address in the preceding used the word “slaughter.” Today we often say “barn,” as in live- have to be cleaned up by farmers and paragraph, or call 1-800-665-0502. Instead, both stories substituted the stock barn, when we really mean shed, as ranchers, not the rebranding spinmeis- The editors and journalists who write, contribute completely bloodless, completely inac- in machinery shed; often hear equipment ters. and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express curate “harvest” — as in, “Cargill closes dealers talk about “farm power” instead “Harvest” cattle? What, PETA will and Farm Business Communications attempt to Milwaukee harvest facility,” and, “Dis- of “tractors”; and watch as veterinar- become more farmer friendly if we just provide accurate and useful opinions, information secting the makeup of the U.S. fed cattle ians use “animal health products” to say “harvest” instead of “slaughter?” and analysis. However, the editors, journalists harvest,” — for the more descriptive, treat (even pre-treat) ailing livestock, not That’s as absurd as calling cowboys and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee completely accurate “slaughter” in each “drugs.” chickens. the accuracy of the information contained in this headline and throughout each story. And “wastes” long ago replaced publication and the editors as well as Alberta We don’t kill cattle in North America “manure” for, well, you know what. Alan Guebert writes from Delavan, Illinois. Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications anymore; we “harvest” them now? Indeed, we’ve taken our gift for word con- His Farm and Food File is published weekly assume no responsibility for any actions or “Slaughter” and “harvest” are not sub- fusion to almost laugh-out-loud levels. through the U.S. and Canada, www. decisions taken by any reader for this publication farmandfoodfile.com. based on any and all information provided. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 5

Avoiding a hard landing in your business Planning ahead for your business is critical for when the day a crisis hits, or when you want to make big changes

feet need to be firmly planted per cent of all equally eligible for business (the takeoff) and ladies who wish to build their BY BRENDA SCHOEPP on the ground. loans applied for by women how do businesses access enterprises must have deeded Landing in business is not just were approved and at a higher additional funding for growth land in their name. succession planning, it is plan- interest rate than the same pro- or mitigate their financial risk For example, the Montreal do a lot of flying and still ning for when the bank says no, posal by men. (In the United (the landing)? Gazette recently ran a story of to this day find the takeoff when the business fails, when States, the rate is 20 per cent Asking the right questions two women with an 11-year-old I rather exciting. our health fails, or when the less approval rate than men ahead of time is important. company generating $4 million After 35 years of travel there world around us changes. It is and only four per cent of ven- What do I need to prepare? in home party clothing sales. has never been an incident with the mitigation of risk and the ture capital funding has been What are the asset requirements Because they did not own the takeoff — but the landings have knowing of when we are safe allocated to women.) The study needed to satisfy the lender? factory in which the clothing was been mixed. There were quite after the wheels hit the ground. found that the reason for credit What are the perceived risks? produced they were ineligible for a few times when we could not Young entrepreneurs, espe- refusal was that lenders do not How much weight is on past a meagre $500,000 line of credit land because of weather, and cially women, should look at wish to be associated with spe- history and credit score or on for the past three years and were times when the pilot realized this very carefully. cific types of borrowers such receivables and cash flow? And forced to use personal savings. he might overshoot the runway More than half of small and as women, racial minorities, the list goes on. In this scenario, the women and had to hit the brakes. This is medium-size businesses in classes and castes. In short, But the point is that the plane are obviously fighting an out- a jolt to the system and can be Canada are owned by women commercial banks and village cannot and will not take off dated system that is discrimi- unsettling especially if the fog is (a small or medium business is money men did not loan to without the appropriate prepa- natory but I also see it as pre- so bad that no one can see the defined as under $25 million) women because they presented ration and pilot check. paring for a landing. Like these runway anyway! while the food product from a bigger perceived risk, they did Compared to their male col- ladies, at any point in time in I often think of flying — the those make up over 80 per cent not loan to women because they leagues, women often face our business if we do not have pure miracle of it and the of our items for trade. As a con- were women. the additional challenge of collateral, capital assets, receiv- opportunity that the disruptive sumer, she buys and sells food, A true lack of access to credit not asking for enough money. ables and cash we can run out technology of the invention of clothes, houses and cars, appli- often hinders growth in what Many commercial banks look of runway. Paving the way for the plane has afforded us. In ances, vacations, tools, trucks, could be a thriving agricultural to larger long-term loans success includes takeoff, a flight terms of business, I see that we tractors, feed, seed, welders practice. Women in particular attached to a sound business plan, and a long runway. spend a lot of time planning the and combines. Yet accessing continue to be tied to their hus- plan that is clearly articulated takeoff and enjoying the ride, money for continued growth band’s financial performance, both in writing and orally. And and very little time preparing is often difficult. permission or signature, even repeatedly we see evidence that Brenda Schoepp is a farmer from Alberta who works as to land. The runway is only so Even though women and men when they are solely respon- cash flow is not king, men and an international mentor and long, it takes a flight plan to face the same challenges when sible for the production of food women need to own something motivational speaker. She can change, close or transfer busi- accessing finance, research in or for the business. What needs concrete — an office building, be contacted through her website ness and that cannot be done this area has found that even to be done for young men and factory, ship or any other asset. www.brendaschoepp.com. All rights from the air. At some time, our in developed countries only 58 women to access financing When it comes to farming, reserved. Brenda Schoepp 2014 Beneath your feet lies a marvel of nature It’s believed native grasslands contain plants a century old, their tillers advancing inch by inch to create a perpetual ecosystem

would be green again, but the soil we cess of passing on genes through vegeta- and atmospheric pathways that actively BY KRIS RINGWALL, stood on would need time — a long time tive growth determines the survivability of are transferring essential elements into BEEF SPECIALIST — to re-establish the working ecosystem the grasslands. our ecosystem. NDSU EXTENSION SERVICE developed through the centuries. This constantly developing ecosys- Ideally, the ecosystem is obtaining more We already had agreed to the process tem, which slowly evolves through the than is being used, so there is a positive he other day, the Dickinson and understand the many issues involved interaction of grazing animals and the contribution to a growing and healthy Research Extension Center between surface and subsurface property. need for plants to be grazed, is critical. world. The key to the system is not so T became home to an unstoppable But the land was about to be disturbed, Grazing stimulates vegetative tiller pro- much the above-ground grass, but the soil force that is going to drill a well. In this which is something even the glaciers duction, which assures the growth and micro-organisms that are supported by case, an oil well. could not do. development of native grasslands. This the below-ground grass roots and other The spot selected is in the middle of This land had become a seemingly per- earthly cover, the prairie grasslands, living things. a native grass pasture. Who knows the petual ecosystem of life. Grass is not sim- when present, is home to a much more Lee pointed out that, once disturbed, age of that native grass, but certainly the ply a plant that is potted and admired. No, powerful life-giving system, which is the these organisms die and only can be plants were there long before any of us. grass is the essence of life and the source prairie ecosystem. replenished from an existing living eco- This mixture of grass plants and interest- of the prairie ecosystem. I asked Lee, who If for no other reason, Lee and I stood system. The functional replenishment ing earth cover certainly would bemoan is the centre’s range scientist, just how there to acknowledge that point. What is and growth of the soil biosphere takes its upcoming fate. old the plants were. He said the source an ecosystem? Without one, it would be years because living communities only Not long after the fence was opened, of some of the plants could go back 100 like having a house with no electricity, expand outward at a rate of a few inches the Eucs arrived — massive machines years or more. Longevity of grass plants in heat, cooling, furniture, beds or even a a year. That is why we knew that what we extremely efficient at moving dirt. In prep- grassland ecosystems is dependent on the kitchen. Without an ecosystem, the world were standing on would not be back in aration for the next onslaught, colleague development of tillers through the vegeta- simply becomes a shell, a non-function- our lifetime. Lee Manske and I went to the ranch to tive production from axillary buds. ing, non-life-supporting empty place. The Earth does take care of itself. So we take one more look at the site. Although studies obviously do not go We might survive, but with the passing paid our respect to something we know Our feelings were mixed. Perhaps there back hundreds of years, we do know grass of time, that survival becomes doubtful is marvellous and said goodbye to a piece was a bit of dismay and a bit of disgust, plant longevity of major northern species because all inputs have to be obtained that soon no longer will exist. but we both knew there was no stopping managed with traditional grazing prac- from somewhere else. the process. We went to say goodbye to tices can approach 50 years. Grass plant Lee went on to explain this ecosystem Kris Ringwall is a North Dakota State University something we know will not be back in longevity would be expected to be long. As process and how, under our feet, living Extension Service livestock specialist and director our lifetime. The ground we stood on the plant community expands, this pro- systems are driving biological, chemical of the Dickinson Research Extension Center. 6 OFF THE FRONT SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FORAGE  from page 1 access to the information I need to produce a good crop.’” And it becomes a vicious circle, he said — as forage production drops, it’s even harder to get funding for forage research. But it’s a problem that should concern all Albertans: ranchers, farmers, and urbanites alike. Forages are the biggest crop by acreage in Canada — a full 55 per cent of this country’s agricultural land is grazed grassland or is seeded to forage. At least as important as the agricultural value (estimated at $1.5 billion in Alberta alone) are the environ- “If we don’t stop mental benefits. “There is significant public the slide and start good from forage land and native rebuilding, there are grassland,” said Wray. “When you talk about clean going to be some very air, clean water, biodiversity, big consequences to this ecosystems at work for wildlife in agriculture — that’s the graz- province.” ing lands of this country. That’s the side benefit they provide. “I don’t think it’s good enough DOUG WRAY to turn a blind eye and walk away.” Forages and grasslands are not just about cattle and hay, they also provide a major environmental benefit for all When people think of clean Canadians. PHOTO: CANADIAN FORAGE AND GRASSLAND ASSOCIATION water, they should also give thought to the watersheds it toba and southeastern Saskatch- ity of declining public funds for Beef producer groups and for- ago. The farmer we met there had passed through before reaching ewan have learned all too well agricultural research. age associations are attempting to measure up on a whole list of them, he said. that the loss for forage and grass- Private companies now do to fill the void and invest in the environmental benchmarks — “Fortunately for most Alber- lands has an impact, he noted. much of the R&D for some future of forages. Current indus- he had to leave a headland of tans, pretty much everything Recent floods are being blamed annual crops — but this is only try-led projects include working unmowed grass, not hay before upstream is in forages and for- in part on extensive drainage on possible because seed sales allow towards developing testing sites a certain date, leave the hedges est. Keeping it that way is pretty a massive scale to convert acres these companies to turn a profit for new varieties, and building a untrimmed — and if he did that, important to what kind of water best suited to forage to cropland. once their research and devel- bank of environmental research. he got a payment from the public ends up in the water system. If The loss of these acres and the opment successfully produces However, Wray and Pidskalny purse,” said Wray. you let the land get degraded and dramatic reduction of potholes a commercially attractive crop said they hope forage stake- “A value has been placed on more silt comes down the river; if and riparian areas has greatly variety. However, given that for- holders will step forward with eco-services in other places in you let the land run when it rains reduced the capacity to hold ages are perennials, more biolog- additional funds for new variety the world. That would certainly hard as opposed to being tied back water during spring and in ically complex, and the scientific development. help shift the dynamic here when down by the perennial roots of wet years. knowledge base is smaller, it’s a Alternatively, they sug- a producer is trying to decide hay land, there’s a consequence However, getting more dol- whole lot harder for a private gest Canada take a page from between growing wheat and down that road.” lars for forage research will be company to see potential profit Europe’s playbook. canola or pasture brome and Residents of southern Mani- a challenge, given today’s real- in forage research. “We were in England a few years alfalfa.”

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CARCASS } from page 1 small fraction of what’s needed to make it viable. have no idea how those animals However, Lynch-Staunton said perform further down the line,” he is cautiously optimistic that said Lynch-Staunton. cattle producers now have a bet- “It’s really important to get ter system for tracking their cows back to those producers whether from pasture to packing plant. their animals actually grade well “The second version seems very or yield well. If they don’t know, impressive,” he said. “But regard- they have no idea whether they less of whether it’s BIXS or another can make improvements or not.” system, there needs to be some But there is a major fly in the sort of information exchange ointment. system that’s easy for cow-calf “If you’re a cow-calf producer producers to use to be able to get and you’re selling your calves in information back on his or her car- the fall and you’re not getting paid cass quality. for any carcass quality, there’s “Some producers may not care, really no incentive for you to of course, but you can’t make any increase those traits,” said Lynch- improvement if you have no idea Staunton. what your cattle are doing.” In fact, traits for improved car- Ultimately, it’s the industry as a cass quality “can sometimes be whole that suffers when producers antagonistic to production traits don’t consider the quality of their on the ground,” he said. end product, he said. However, a recent study by Live- “If we can get people to focus stock Gentec found that breeding on carcass quality in the greater for carcass quality traits — over industry, that only makes our the long run — will put some product better for our customers,” serious money into the pockets said Lynch-Staunton. of cow-calf producers. The cost- “And if we can create a quality benefit analysis, conducted last product that people will continue year by the research organization, to buy — and be happy about measured genetic improvement in buying — that should continue to birth weight, weaning weight, and drive the economic sustainability post-wean gain. of the industry.” “We found that if you were There’s money to be made by breeding for traits that improve carcass quality, says Tom Lynch-Staunton of selecting for bulls with those [email protected] Livestock Gentec. Photo: Supplied three traits, you were able to make genetic improvement on your calf crop at about $4 per calf per year,” said Lynch-Staunton.

“Information transfer is really essential to doing any sort of genetic improvement, whether it’s carcass traits or production traits.”

Tom Lynch- Staunton Where there’s a worm,

That figure didn’t include items such as feed or labour, and it went there’s a way. up to $10 per calf per year when additional traits that improve carcass quality (such as yield grade, marbling, or back fat) were tar- geted in a breeding program. Best of all, as genetically superior heifers were retained, the sav- Above ground pest protection, refuge-in-the-bag simplicity, ings started to compound. “In 10 years, your cow herd and great yield potential. could be worth about $100 more (per animal) than it was at year zero,” said Lynch-Staunton. “If we can improve the good cattle, even the bad cattle will be a little bit better.” ® ® ‘Sore spot’ Genuity VT Double PRO RIB But there’s another issue to deal ® with — actually getting carcass Complete gives you: data. “Information transfer is really • 5% refuge right in the bag. essential to doing any sort of genetic improvement, whether it’s Just pour and plant. carcass traits or production traits,” ABOVE GROUND said Lynch-Staunton. • Two modes of action against corn “That can come through a sys- PROTECTION tem like BIXS, it can come through earworm and European corn borer, above other software systems, or it can REFUGE ground. Be sure to scout for them. come through one-on-one rela- 5% IN THE BAG tionships between a cow-calf pro- • Higher yield potential thanks to effective ducer and a feedlot.” HERBICIDE ROUNDUP READY® 2 BIXS (short for Beef Information insect control and reduced refuge. Xchange System) is “a bit of a sore TOLERANCE TECHNOLOGY spot” for the beef industry, he said. “It’s taken a long time to get up and running, and the first version didn’t work out very well.” The initial version was shut ® down in December following Genuity Because every kernel matters. Visit your seed rep or GENUITYTRAITS.CA complaints about its slow processing speeds and low uptake among producers. Version 2.0 ALWAYS FOLLOW IRM, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2014 Monsanto Canada Inc. was given a soft launch in March, but as reported by Alberta Farmer earlier this month, it has attracted fewer than 1,000 users — only a

Genuity AD# 4189 GENUITY VT2P Corn West Client: Monsanto / Genuity 905.403.0055 > [email protected] Alberta Farmer IO# LCA0094 Dimensions: JR Tab 8.125” x 10” 8 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

New Alberta Barley Big technology in a small package directors An iPhone-based program called BioLinks allows meat processors sought to track sales and manage inventory while having full traceability Development and a private soft- because it is affordable to them.” ite Colony, and Spragg Meat Shops Elections will be By Alexis Kienlen ware developer in the creation of The system costs about $1,500 to are some of the Alberta companies held at November af staff the program. BioLinks uses a basic set up, and that’s key, said provin- using BioLinks, which is being dis- regional meetings bar-code system to track every cut cial business development special- tributed by BIO, a company from f you’re a small meat proces- of meat from a carcass, which allows ist Vince McConnell. Guelph. Agri-News/Alberta sor, you can now manage your meat processors to simultaneously “A lot of the systems that the The team at Pine Haven worked Barley is calling for Ientire operation using your track sales and manage inventory big boys like Cargill have, they’re closely with McConnell and his nominations to fill three iPhone and a personal computer, while having full traceability. $250,000 systems,” he said. Alberta Agriculture and Rural open spots on its board thanks to an Alberta-created pro- There are similar systems out “Now we’ve made a system that Development colleague Bert Den- of directors. Nomina- gram called BioLinks. there, but they are larger, more can perform as well as their sys- ing and Drevertech, a programmer tions are currently being “I wouldn’t want to run our busi- expensive, and more difficult to tems, but a small-scale guy can use out of Camrose, to perfect the sys- accepted for the direc- ness without BioLinks,” said Tim run, said Hofer. it and get some information back.” tem. Government funds paid for tor positions available Hofer, manager of the Pine Haven “This program would meet the BioLinks became commercially years of program development. in regions one and two Colony Meat shop. needs of small or large processors,” available earlier this year and is now To run the system, an iPhone is to replace Greg Stamp The meat shop was a participant he said. “It’s not that large proces- being used by small processors in slipped into a sleeve called a “sled,” (Enchant) and chair- in the pilot project, and worked sors would run out of capacity. It’s several provinces. The meat shop T:17.4” man Matt Sawyer (Acme) with Alberta Agriculture and Rural more suited to small processors at Olds College, the Viking Hutter- STORY CONTINUES ON NEXT PG } respectively. Both Stamp and Sawyer are completing their second three- year term this December. “Representing Alberta’s barley farmers has been one of my best experiences in life,” said Saw- yer. “I’ve always believed that farmers need to have a voice in this industry, and it has been an honour to be that voice as your chairman.” In addition to the director positions, Alberta Barley is also accepting nominations for an open director-at-large position. Current director-at-large Glenn Logan’s (Lomond) term also concludes in December. The director-at-large position represents the entire province and nominees are currently accepted from every region where a director- at-large is not currently represented. For this election cycle that means nominees can come from regions one, two, four and six. “It is important that people get involved,” added Sawyer. “There is no better way to influence

agricultural policy and T:11.428” grow our industry.” The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31, 2014, and nomination forms are available on www.alberta barley.com. The elections for directors will take place at November’s regional meetings, and the director-at-large will be announced at the annual general meeting on Dec. 10, 2014.

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which contains a bar-code reader. ers to trace information right back It also connects the iPhone to a to an animal. web-based database for managing “A person who is eating that Get tested inventory and sales (the phone uses steak can actually take his iPhone, Bluetooth technology to connect to scan the package, and it brings — to ensure a printer to print receipts). him to the producer’s website,” “The fact that it is web based and said McConnell. “If he doesn’t like can be shared with a computer is a that meat, he can comment on it, your well very important feature,” said Hofer. and it automatically drops into the The technology allowed him database, where the animal and water is safe to hire an assistant who can take production information is stored.” phone orders, handle inquiries, Some processors are making to drink and generate data about inventory marketing decisions based on the all from her home. information they have gleaned AARD release/Urban- The program has cut down on a from the system, said McConnell. An iPhone and a personal computer are all that are needed to run BioLinks, ites seldom worry about lot of paper waste. VG Meats, a meat processor from a new data management program created in Alberta for small meat whether or not their water “We can fill orders online, fill Ontario, has been taking pictures of processors. PHOTO: SUPPLIED is safe to drink because orders with a scanner and email an rib-eyes and tracking meat tender- regulations require invoice to the customer requesting ness. The owner has created a price formed. And because we can collect take some time, but is worth the municipalities to treat payment,” said Hofer. “The cus- grid which reflects the true value of the actual invoices from the sales of effort, said McConnell. and test water quality on a tomer will then give us a call and the cuts. these animals, we get the true story. “The data collected gives us some regular basis. pay over the phone using a credit “He’s actually rewarding the pro- We get the true bottom line.” real good information for key pro- But it’s not so simple card.” ducers who have true tender steaks The technology has been designed duction indicators on the farm for for rural residents who Processors using the system are and also, he’s doing a discount for so it can one day be linked to the retail and for processing plants,” rely on wells, as they are finding unique ways to manage the extra fat,” said McConnell. Beef InfoXchange System. (BIXS). he said. responsible for manag- some of their data. For example, QR “We’re really getting some solid Transitioning from manual data ing and maintaining their T:17.4” codes on packaging allow custom- data on how the actual animals per- entry to a scanning technology does [email protected] wells, and ensuring their water supply is tested reg- ularly and is safe to drink. “Even though testing is free of charge for residen- tial users through Alberta Health Services, we’re finding that some people aren’t testing their water,” said Debra Mooney, an environmental health consultant with Alberta Health and an advocate for the Working Well program. “People need to know what’s in their water. Some well water has high nitrate levels which can be harmful to small infants when mixed in their formula. Other harmful substances can also make their way into wells and since water quality can change over the lifetime of a well, regular testing is the only way to be certain that well water is safe for human consumption.” Testing well water on a regular basis also provides a baseline of the water quality, which can be very important to a well owner if things go wrong. “Routine testing can pick up changes in water quality early on and help

T:11.428” a well owner realize that certain maintenance procedures need to be done to preserve water quality and increase the lifetime of a well,” said Jamie Wuite, executive director of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s irrigation and farm water division. “A baseline is also important information to have when you suspect your water quality has been negatively affected by another party. If you never tested your water quality, it’s hard to prove that it has been negatively affected.” As well, land use changes or structural degradation of an aging well can change or affect water quality over time. Online resources and free community-based workshops offered by the Working Well program provide well owners with the information and tools they need to properly care for their wells. For more information, including a fact sheet on taking water BayerCropScience.ca/InVigor or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. samples, visit the Work- Always read and follow label directions. InVigor® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. O-66-07/14-10238268-E ing Well website at www. workingwell.alberta.ca.

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Ukraine grain exports Record EU rapeseed rise 44 per cent production Ukraine’s grain exports rose by 44 per cent to 5.98 million tonnes in the period from July 1 to Sept. 8, Analyst Strategie Grains raised its estimate of the 2014 rapeseed crop in the European compared with the same period a year earlier, the Agriculture Ministry said Sept. 8. The volume included Union by 300,000 tonnes to 23.2 million tonnes, 10 per cent above last year’s harvest, 3.37 million tonnes of wheat, 2.15 million tonnes of barley and 387,000 tonnes of maize, the ministry said as the latter stages of the summer harvest confirmed good yields. “In the EU, feedback in a statement. Ukraine plans to harvest no less than 63 million tonnes of grain this year, the ministry has from the fields… indicates very good yields,” the analyst said in a monthly report. Like said. Analysts and traders expect that grain exports could reach 30 million tonnes this season. — Reuters other analysts, Strategie Grains expects EU rapeseed production to break a previous record of near 22 million tonnes, after good growing conditions this year. — Reuters

Pressure’s on new canola crop after StatsCan report Expectations of large world wheat crop continue to weigh on prices

cent of the crop is rated good to excel- By Terryn Shiells lent, well above seasonal averages. Losses, however, were limited by CE Futures Canada canola con- short-covering following recent sharp tracts hit fresh lows during the declines. I week ended Sept. 5, but managed Corn in Chicago was down sharply, as to bounce ahead of the weekend after conditions remain very favourable for Statistics Canada released its end- crop development in the U.S. Midwest. ing stocks figures for the 2013-14 Crop ratings improved during the week crop year. as well, which further undermined StatsCan pegged 2013-14 ending values. Traders say, however, that the stocks at 2.36 million tonnes, at the low market is starting to look oversold and end of trade expectations. The news could be due for a corrective bounce. caused a bounce in prices, though Traders will watch the weather and the support from the ending stocks figure progress of the harvest as it gets under- isn’t expected to last unless there are way soon in the U.S. Midwest, with the some significant production issues in next area of focus being on South Ameri- 2014-15. can plantings for both crops. The tightening stocks figure means U.S. wheat futures were down there will be more pressure on the sharply as traders liquidated positions 2014-15 crop to produce at least 14.5 in reaction to news that Ukraine and million tonnes, according to mem- Russia agreed on a ceasefire in eastern bers of the industry. The possibility of Ukraine. The news erased worries that canola supplies being very tight will political unrest in the region would increase if the production comes in slow wheat exports. below the 14.5-million-tonne target. Some support came from worries How large production will be this about possible quality problems and year is still unknown, especially with slow spring wheat harvest progress recent cool, wet weather causing prob- due to excess moisture in parts of the lems in parts of Manitoba, Saskatch- U.S. As of Aug. 31, only 38 per cent of ewan and Alberta. the U.S. spring wheat was combined, Statistics Canada pegged 2014-15 which compares with 27 per cent the canola output at 13.9 million tonnes, week prior and 61 per cent at the same and a number above that should be time in 2013. The five-year average is possible as the crop yields look gener- 65 per cent complete. ally good overall. Traders will continue to monitor the But quality could be a problem, situation in Ukraine, U.S. weather and due to recent excess moisture and harvest progress and export demand. problems with harvest. Possible frost Expectations that global supplies will in the second week of September in remain large this year should con- some Prairie regions could also cut tinue to overhang prices. Confirma- into yields. tion of big stocks was expected in last Predicting where the market moves week’s USDA monthly production and is kind of a wait-and-see situation, supply-and-demand report, which will though weakness in Chicago soybean help confirm the size of upcoming U.S. futures should continue to be the main crops. Supply and demand for the U.S. driver, even though there are problems and the world will also be important with Canada’s crop. for the trade. Soybean futures in Chicago continued to move lower during the week, as Terryn Shiells writes for Commodity News crop prospects continue to be record Service Canada, a Winnipeg company large and conditions improve. The U.S. specializing in grain and commodity Department of Agriculture said 72 per market reporting.

For three-times-daily market reports from Resource News International, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.albertafarmexpress.ca.

FILE PHOTO ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 11

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ALWAYS FOLLOW IRM, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication ©2014 Monsanto Canada, Inc. 12 news » livestock SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

PEDv vaccine looks promising Perdue hatcheries now Zoetis Inc. has received a conditional licence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for antibiotic free its vaccine against PEDv and will begin selling it this month in the United States, the company said Sept. 3. Results from preliminary studies on the product have been “promising,” Major U.S. poultry producer Perdue Foods said Sept. 3 it has stopped using antibiotics at its chicken hatcher- said Joelle Hayden, spokeswoman for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. ies, completing a five-year effort aimed at curbing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. “By no longer using “They’ve shown sufficient data that we think the vaccine will be effective,” she said. The any antibiotics in our hatcheries or any human antibiotics in feed, we’ve reached the point where 95 per cent fast-moving virus has killed an estimated eight million piglets since it was first identified in of our chickens never receive any human antibiotics,” said spokesman Bruce Stewart-Brown. Perdue said it the United States last year, pushing U.S. pork prices to record highs. — Reuters does not use antibiotics for growth promotion in its chicken production, and has not since 2007.

Stress tool could have a big impact Infrared thermography provides a quick and non-invasive way to measure stress, and that has big implications for livestock producers

By Dianne Finstad af contributor

new ‘eye’ on how animals respond to stressful situa- A tions is providing researchers with a valuable tool that could one day have a big impact on how livestock are treated. Infrared thermography — or IRT — can tell a lot of stories by measuring body heat in a specific area. Using a device that looks like a radar gun, it’s a non-invasive way to learn what animals are going through. And it’s giving scientists like Drs. Christy Goldhawk and Ed Pajor of the University of Calgary a window on what animals are experiencing. Goldhawk is conducting post- Technology such as infrared thermography brings hard data — instead Infrared thermography is non-invasive, which allows Christy Goldhawk doctoral research through a fel- of opinion — to the animal welfare debate, says Ed Pajor, a professor of to gather stress data on animals at the Calgary Stampede as rodeo lowship position partnership animal welfare at the University of Calgary. Photo: Jill Steele events are taking place. Photo: Emma McGeough between the university’s faculty of veterinary medicine and the experiencing prior to their per- The next phase of the project after the animal figures out the “Don’t go buy one today or Calgary Stampede. So she spends formance in the rodeo,” outlined will examine the effect of using handling system, or becomes tomorrow, but get thinking about half her time in and around the Pajor. “So the first couple of years some pain mitigation along with familiar with the new pasture, or, it,” said Goldhawk. “Because stampede facilities and events. we looked at the behaviour of the the procedures, and again IRT will in the case of rodeo, knows there are a lot of applications, In July, that meant using her IRT animals in the chutes just before be one of the measurement tools. what to expect when the chute and research is working on it. Like tool behind the chutes during the they started bucking: Were there It’s a key to developing a whole gate opens. with the wireless technology we stampede rodeo. fear behaviours being shown?” picture of what’s happening with Pajor agreed, calling it dan- have in our smartphones now, a “Specifically, what we have Their studies then expanded to the animal, he said. gerous to take a single-minded lot of it can come from ranchers’ been looking at, at the stampede include IRT, and also to look at the Both Pajor and Goldhawk said approach to animal behaviour. own ingenuity about how (best) is the idea behind, ‘Are the ani- behaviour of the animals in the being able to accurately and eas- “The more technology, the to apply it.” mals aroused and stressed?’” back pens and the loading area. ily measure stress could affect a more approaches we have to try Videos of Goldhawk’s work said Goldhawk. “We had to do it in a non-inva- wide range of animal manage- to understand what’s going on, at the Calgary Stampede can be sive manner because this is a real ment practices, from how to best with behaviour or physiologi- found at YouTube. Go to www. rodeo with real timelines, rather move show animals in and out of cal response, the better we can youtube.com and type her name than a controlled setting for an buildings to developing recom- understand whether this is good in the search box. “Don’t go buy one experiment,” he said. “But that’s mendations for animal care codes stress or bad stress.” the beauty of IRT as an indicator of practice. But if it’s the latter, the ‘it’s today or tomorrow, of physiological response.” Goldhawk has a cowgirl back- always been done that way’ but get thinking The reading is taken off the ground, and adheres to the teach- defence isn’t good enough, eyes, so it’s a lot easier to do than ings of legendary natural horse- said Pajor. Lying eyes about it.” other response indicators, such as man Ray Hunt, who said when “In agriculture there’s an awful blood tests or heart rate monitor- handling and working with ani- lot of tradition in terms of how What else is infrared ther- ing. Plus it doesn’t add any addi- mals you want to fly under their things have been done,” he said. mography being used for? Christy tional stress for the animals. radar, so they don’t react as much. “Often, there’s not a lot of evi- One of the initial users Goldhawk So what has the stampede But she is also quick to say that dence for that. Sometimes what of the technology was the study found? just because an animal’s response we’re doing with research is just U.S. military, which used The behavioural study found is heightened, it’s not always a finding evidence that demon- it to see if people were experienced animals were calm in negative thing. strates the ranchers are correct truthful, said Ed Pajor. “When they do react, it takes the chute setting, while the nov- “As a researcher I get sticky on in terms of why they were doing It turns out there are energy — both mental energy as ices had more of a response. The the term ‘stress’ because there’s things. But other times we find eye temperature differ- well as physical energy. So infra- IRT results found the same thing, good stress, especially when the evidence says maybe this is a ences between those who red measures that heat response.” which is evidence it is a credible you’re thinking about learning,” technique or a process that could are telling a lie and those Having a way to physically mea- method to measure stress. she said. “It’s stressful to learn be done better.” being honest. sure stress would bring measur- Pajor is now using IRT in something you don’t know, Infrared technology is also rap- IRT is a valuable tool in able evidence to what has been another study on castration in and it’s a challenge, but it’s good idly improving, said Goldhawk, an all kinds of animal pro- a matter of opinion — with crit- cattle to see whether the age of to learn. early adopter who has been using duction research and is ics claiming rodeo animals are the animal impacts the stress it “If we use infrared as a stand- it for five years. currently being used in mishandled, and those from the experiences. alone measurement, that’s not Used in everything from home projects in reproduction, rodeo world insisting they like to “IRT is one of a number of mea- a great idea, because you have inspection to military operations, growth and performance perform, said Pajor, an animal sures, but it allows us to look at the to put it in context of other parts the measuring tools are getting selection, illness and pain welfare expert. animal’s immediate response to of what the animal is doing, and less cumbersome, the images bet- detection, emotion and Their work initially focused on the procedure, whether it be sur- what’s being done to the animal.” ter, and the software and editing learning in performance rodeo animals in the chutes. gical or banding. It also allows us That includes factoring in functions easier to use. horses, and even zoo ani- “We started with wanting to to look at how things progress in long-term implications, such However, it’s not useful on the mal behaviour. describe what the animals are terms of the healing rate.” as whether stress diminishes ranch level just yet, she added. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 13 Better animal welfare is also better for your bottom line Consumers are beginning to demand higher animal welfare standards for livestock — but improving welfare isn’t ‘rocket science’

who have to go pull those animals By Jennifer Blair at a more frequent basis,” said af staff Schwartzkopf-Genswein. While the beef industry doesn’t nimal welfare and beef yet have hard numbers as to how cattle productivity are much welfare issues cost the A “inseparable,” says a fed- industry, producers will need to eral research scientist. continue placing a greater empha- “Sick animals are not produc- sis on animal welfare, or risk see- tive animals,” said Dr. Karen ing their market share drop among Schwartzkopf-Genswein. “Inci- consumers who demand it. dences of sickness and lost perfor- “People are more aware of wel- mance are really heavily linked to fare than they ever have been welfare.” before,” she said. Stressors like castration, trans- “The general public doesn’t portation, weaning, and han- view, for example, castration or dling have been linked to things dehorning without any pain con- like slower rate of gain, greater trol as acceptable.” chance of illness, and increased But determining the optimal risk of lameness. And when those combinations of drugs or tech- things are done with little thought niques for potentially painful pro- to animal welfare, the bottom line cedures has been a challenge, said suffers alongside the animals. Schwartzkopf-Genswein. “Animals become sick more “A lot of the work we’re doing often, they take longer to finish, now is trying to determine optimal and their growth is hindered, so drug combinations, like an anal- you’re spending more money on gesic with an anesthetic, and the drugs, and you have increased timing of administration.” costs because you have people She sees potential for a pain- killer called meloxicam, which is effective for several days, rather than a few hours. “Incidences of sickness “Producers are asking for that,” Safe transport is a key concern for consumers and the main reason for calls to the minister of agriculture. she said of the drug. “People are File Photo and lost performance are becoming more aware of what really heavily linked to some of the issues are.” cattle transported during extreme unloading process will reduce comes down to common sense in Safe transport of animals is environmental conditions. some of those concerns. most cases, said Schwartzkopf- welfare.” another key consumer concern “The industry is pretty good at “If you’re handling them Genswein. — one shared by the industry. knowing at what point the cattle roughly, they can become lame “None of it is rocket science. “The No. 1 call to the minister are negatively affected, but I think just by slipping,” she said. None of it is difficult to do. It’s just Karen Schwartzkopf- of agriculture currently is trans- we can always do better.” “Lameness is very painful, and saying, ‘This is how we manage the Genswein port. They view transport as a Loading only healthy animals those conditions need to be dealt animals on our farm.’” very stressful situation,” she said, for transport and handling them with sooner than later.” adding that consumers often see carefully during the loading and Ultimately, animal welfare [email protected]

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THOSE LAST DAYS OF LAZY SUMMER BRIEFS WTO rules against U.S. in meat label fight — again REUTERS / A World Trade Organization panel has ruled against the United States in a trade dispute over meat labels with Canada and Mexico, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The newspaper, citing anonymous sources familiar with the findings, said the U.S. lost its case before a panel set up to determine whether its revised labelling rules complied with an earlier WTO ruling. A spokesman for Agricul- ture Minister Gerry Ritz said he will only speak about it once it becomes public. All three governments received the compliance panel’s confidential decision earlier this summer, but have Peso, a small standard donkey, enjoys a back rub on a dirt mound, out in his pasture near Priddis, Alta. Lucy, the mule, not publicly commented on savours late-summer forage. PHOTO: WENDY DUDLEY its contents. The U.S. rule, which requires retailers such as grocery stores to list the country of origin on meat, has resulted in fewer Canadian pigs and cattle being exported to the U.S. since 2009, according to the Canadian government. Canadian Young Speakers The WTO ruled in June 2012 that the U.S. labelling program, known as COOL, unfairly discriminated for Agriculture Competition against Canada and Mexico because it gave less favourable treatment to beef and pork imported from those countries than to U.S. meat. The WTO said the U.S. must bring its labelling rules into compliance with the ruling by May 23, 2013. The U.S. government made changes, but Canadian officials said they only made the situation worse, and asked the WTO to form the compliance panel.

Ebola threatens food security ROME/DAKAR / REUTERS The world’s worst Ebola epidemic has endangered harvests and sent food prices soaring in West Africa, the UN Food and Agriculture Join the young Canadians who are speaking up for agriculture. Organization (FAO) said on Sept. 2, warning the problem Are you passionate about agriculture? Do you enjoy sharing your views with others? would intensify in coming months. Join the upcoming Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition. The FAO issued a special alert for Liberia, Sierra Leone As part of this unique competition, contestants prepare a five-to seven-minute and Guinea, the three countries most affected by the speech on one of five agriculture-related topics and present it in public. outbreak, which has killed Cash prizes are available for two age groups: Junior (11 to 15) and Senior (16 to 24). at least 1,550 people since the virus was detected in the remote jungles of southeast- The 30th annual Canadian ern Guinea in March. Canadian Young Speakers Restrictions on people’s Young Speakers for movements and the estab- Agriculture competition for Agriculture. lishment of quarantine zones to contain the spread of the takes place on Saturday, It’s your time to shine. hemorrhagic fever have led to panic buying, food short- November 8, 2014 at the Royal ages and price hikes in coun- Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. tries ill prepared to absorb the shock. “In the three countries For competition rules, a list of speaking topics severely affected by Ebola, and accommodation assistance please visit the agriculture and food security situation is really www.cysa-joca.ca. deteriorating,” said Vincent Martin, head of an FAO unit The application deadline is Sept. 30, 2014. in Dakar that is co-ordinat- ing the agency’s response. “People either cannot afford to buy food or it is not accessible anymore,” he said in an interview. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 15 Improvements in respiratory treatments with macrolide antibiotics This class of drugs can work as a preventive to help reduce mortality in feedlots

BY ROY LEWIS, DVM Draxxin and the newest macro- The risk category of the cattle time and allows cattle to settle and treatment rates for clinical lide Zuprevo, which just came being treated will be a major fac- in and get on feed before much respiratory disease are signifi- on the market two years ago. All tor in the decision. Most cattle observation is necessary. The cantly reduced. f we analyze the most recent of these antimicrobials are pre- in Canada, commingled, auction macrolides last a long time in Veterinarians and produc- success cattlemen have had scription products so must be market derived or transported the lungs. Effectiveness against ers should also strive to imple- I in reducing respiratory dis- purchased from a veterinarian long distances often are con- the bacteria varies but with ment management practices ease morbidity and mortality, and you need to have a working sidered high risk (this applies to some products effectiveness of which further reduce respiratory several things come to mind. relationship with the vet so they most cattle weaned and shipped almost a month has been dem- disease such as precondition- Vaccines have improved and can advise where and when to through the auction system onstrated. ing programs which could cover a broader range of respira- give them and help you develop in Canada). Even weaning in Micotil had some issues with actually decrease the necessity tory pathogens. Currently there treatment protocols. inclement weather may tip safety and self-injection ear- for antibiotics. are about seven main virus and Even though there can be cost the scales from low-risk to high- lier on but if you are practising In the meantime, vaccinations, bacteria vaccines that can help involved, bringing death loss in risk calves. good beef quality assurance dewormings, stress reduction protect cattle against respira- some of the medium-size feed- and ensure good restraint of and metaphylactic antibiotics tory disease. Reducing stress lots in Canada to right around the animal, you can avoid self- give us a pretty good insurance from soft- or two-stage wean- one per cent is a huge improve- injection. plan in today’s modern feedlots. ing, along with good nutrition ment. These macrolides in gen- Vaccines have improved There are many studies out Always speak with your veteri- and parasite control, can help eral have an affinity for respira- there comparing morbidity and narian as often they have their reduce the incidence even fur- tory tissue and with half-lives and cover a broader mortality and most veterinar- own preference of which macro- ther. Macrolide antibiotics are a that in some cases are very long ians take these into account lides give them the best results. key component to reducing sick- they stick around a long time in range of respiratory before choosing which macro- Again veterinarians may pre- ness and death from respiratory the lungs and lung excretions pathogens. Currently lide to prescribe. scribe different brands, based disease, especially in large feed- before being excreted. This Having these choices pro- primarily on the risk level of lots or when we gather, mingle can be as long as two to even there are about seven motes competition and is also contracting respiratory disease. and transport cattle. four weeks depending on the main virus and bacteria good if supply problems arise At today’s high prices one The macrolide family is often product used. or we see resistance develop- wants to save every calf pos- used in what we veterinarians vaccines that can help ing (this hasn’t been the case sible. Macrolides can in general call “metaphylactically.” This Risk categories protect cattle against with macrolides). Occasion- reduce the morbidity and mor- really means as a preventive Cattle are assessed at home or ally recalls happen because tality of respiratory disease. This when there is a good chance a on entry to the feedlot as low, respiratory disease. something has gone wrong in fall be sure and set up a vaccina- high percentage of cattle are moderate, high or ultra-high manufacturing which is why tion, deworming and if needed at risk of getting respiratory risk. Once risk assessment is you and your veterinarian need metaphylactic antibiotic regime disease or have already been done an appropriate antibiotic to develop a good protocol and with your herd veterinarian. The diagnosed with it. You are then is prescribed. Veterinarians will know in what situations for more we reduce morbidity or administering antibiotics when have their favourites based on respiratory disease specific mac- mortality from respiratory dis- you need them most. This fam- effectiveness, price and various rolides can be interchanged with ease we profit more, cattle are ily of antibiotics all has a similar softer features such as dosage, each other. in better shape from an animal chemical structure and longer route of administration, syringe- The companies in most cases Over the last several years welfare perspective and by not withdrawal times (as long as 49 ability (important in Canadian have manufactured a dos- macrolides have helped signifi- using treatment drugs as often days slaughter withdrawal) as winters) and even size of bottles. ing syringe where the specific cantly drive down the death loss we keep antimicrobial resis- they accumulate in the lungs All these softer features may not weight is dialed into the syringe. so that in most situations respi- tance under control. and other tissues, so it makes be critical if you have a small The setting can be changed on ratory deaths have become a Roy Lewis is a Westlock, Alberta- sense then that withdrawals are herd but if dosing 20,000 cattle the fly to adjust for differing rarer event. As we eliminate the based veterinarian specializing in long. could make a huge saving in weights of individual calves. primary respiratory causes with large-animal practice. He is also a The four primary ones I will labour. All the macrolide anti- The use of the macrolides better vaccinations and antibi- part-time technical services vet for talk about are Micotil, Zactran, biotics are quite syringeable. can allow you a window of otic metaphylaxis, death loss Merck Animal Health.

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U.S. forecaster lowers El Niño chances Drought cuts Brazil’s sugar output

A U.S. weather forecaster pegged the likelihood of the El Niño weather phenomenon occurring during the Northern Brazil’s 2014-15 main centre-south sugar output is seen at 32.8 million tonnes due to drought, down Hemisphere autumn and winter at 60-65 per cent in its monthly update on Sept. 4. The Climate Prediction Center from 34.29 million tonnes produced in the previous season, a Brazilian consulting agency said on (CPC), an agency of the National Weather Service, has begun dialing back its outlook for the phenomenon since Sept. 4. Datagro said large sugar stocks, especially in Asia, would continue to weigh on prices in the going on El Niño watch earlier this year for the first time since 2012. The agency had lowered its outlook to near term, despite the expected drop in output from Brazil, the world’s largest exporter. But world 65 per cent for an El Niño last month. “At this time, the consensus of forecasters expects El Niño to emerge sugar supply is still expected to shift from surplus to deficit for the first time in three years, with during September-October and to peak at weak strength during the late fall and early winter,” CPC said in the demand outstripping supply by 2.45 million tonnes. “We continue to have a shortage of rainfall in Sao report. — Reuters Paulo and when it doesn’t rain, you can’t plant cane,” Datagro said. — Reuters

Believe it or not, it was a pretty average summer When you average things out, it was slightly warmer in July and August, and rainfall was near or slightly below normal

The warmer-than-average by daniel bezte temperatures continued into August but, compared to aver- hile there are a num- age, they were a little cooler ber of ways to define than July. Edmonton recorded W summer, I think for a mean monthly temperature most of us summer is simply of 16 C while Calgary came in the months of July and August. around 16.6 C. Both of these Being perfectly honest, in our readings were about 1.0 C part of the world, more often above the long-term average than not, these are the only two for August. consistently warm months of Looking at rainfall for the the year. So, now that summer is month we find that July’s pat- over it’s time to look back at the tern was reversed, with Edmon- summer of 2014 and then look ton only reporting around 15 ahead to see what fall might mm of rain, which was way have in store for agricultural below the long-term average Alberta. of 70 mm. The Calgary region As I have done in the past, reported around 55 mm of rain the easiest way to look at sum- during the month, which was mer weather across Alberta is right around the long-term to break it down into a couple average of 60 mm. of areas that have good, clean, If we combine these numbers reliable weather data. In Alberta to come up with an average for this works out really nicely the two summer months it ends using Calgary and Edmonton, up that both of these regions so I typically use these two sta- had a warmer-than-average tions. Is this ideal? No, but typi- summer along with near- to cally when we look at weather slightly below-average amounts over the time period of a month, of precipitation. differences that occur over short Looking at the precipitation distances smooth out and I find map you can see that north- that two or three stations will ern regions saw below-aver- usually give us a good picture age amounts, while southern of what happened weather- regions, especially southwest- wise, at least when it comes to ern regions, saw above-average temperature. amounts. The next questions Precipitation tends to be a are, will this pattern continue little trickier, so I have included into fall, will it intensify, or, will a precipitation map for the a colder-than-average pattern summer. move in? Looking back at July, the Let’s look at the two alma- Edmonton region recorded a nac’s (Old Farmer’s and the mean monthly temperature Canadian) first. (the average temperature for The Old Farmer’s Almanac the whole month) of 17.3 C, is calling for near- to slightly which was around 1.5 C above above-average temperatures the long-term average. In the for September and October, This map shows the total amount of precipitation during the 60-day period ending on Sept. 2. Calgary region it was a little with well-above-average tem- It was a fairly dry summer across much of the Peace River and northern regions. Farther south it warmer, as would be expected, peratures in November. It is was much wetter, with parts of southeastern Alberta seeing double the average amount of rain. with a mean July monthly tem- also calling for near- to slightly perature of 18.6 C. This warm below-average precipitation. All reading was a good 2.5 C above in all, not a bad fall forecast! the long-term average. Over at the Canadian Farm- than-average September as it it is calling for fall to start off is simply my gut feeling), is Overall, it was a fairly warm ers’ Almanac it appears to be mentions showers and stormy with below-average tempera- calling for near-average tem- July across Alberta. calling for colder-than-average conditions. October looks like tures in September, followed perature to prevail for most of Looking at precipitation temperatures in September, as it might come in around aver- by a slow warming pattern that this fall, along with near-to for July things were not that it mentions chilly and colder age as it seems to be calling will see near- to above-average slightly below-average amounts even. The Calgary region several times. October looks for a mixed bag of dry and wet temperatures in October and of precipitation. recorded only around 25 mm like it will start off on the cold weather. It does call for dust November. Precipitation this of rain for the month, which side, with temperatures warm- storms late in the month, and fall is a little tricky as EC shows Daniel Bezte is a teacher by was less than half the average. ing towards the end of the to me, that could only hap- southern and western regions profession with a BA (Hon.) Farther north around Edmon- in geography, specializing in month. These warmer temper- pen if the weather has been of Alberta seeing above-average climatology, from the U of W. He ton it was wetter, with Edmon- atures then look to continue dry. Finally, November looks precipitation, with east-central operates a computerized weather ton recording around 90 mm into November. as if it will see near-average and northern regions seeing station near Birds Hill Park. for the month, which is right On the precipitation front, it amounts of precipitation. near-average amounts. Contact him with your questions around average. seems to be calling for a wetter- Over at Environment Canada, Finally, my forecast (which and comments at [email protected]. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 Trim: 10.25” 17

Grain corn potential for Alberta Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has released a report on the potential of grain corn in the province. The new report examines agronomics, areas of the province that have enough heat and water for corn and economics. In 2014, grain corn area in Alberta increased by 60 per cent from the previous year to 40,000 acres. ARD says further increases are expected in the next decade, with agricultural technology companies investing in new varieties which they feel will spur adoption of grain corn on the Prairies. The report is available on Alberta Agriculture’s Farm research Manager website. }

No hill of beans: faba bean

acreage soars, soybeans which purchase of conditions and terms the to subject provided are products brand ® Trademarks and service marks licensed to Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. © 2014, PHL. 2014, © Limited. Hi-Bred Pioneer to licensed marks service and Trademarks SM , TM , are part of the labeling and purchase documents. purchase and labeling the of part are DuPont. of trademark registered a is Logo Oval DuPont The Pioneer ®

may be next TM Faba bean acreage has increased tenfold in two years and could double again next year, with soybeans following suit

faba bean and the acreage exploded,” Alberta’s short growing season By Madeleine Baerg said Bowness. “Now farmers are is challenging for traditional faba af contributor gaining some confidence in them bean, but the newly released vari- and increasing their acreage.” eties gaining production traction very farmer knows a four- At just over 10,000 acres in now are tailor-made to suit the cool, year crop rotation is best for Alberta, soybean production is moist parts of this province. Top E good crops, healthy fields and currently very small. However, seed producers are seeing 60, 70, and as managing pests. grower Patrick Fabian says interest high as 100 bushels per acre with Trim: 15.5” However, the four-year ideal is ballooning, particularly as grow- prices this spring at $8 bushel, mak- often clashes with production real- ers here look eastward to Saskatch- ing for returns as good or higher ity: canola has been the big money- ewan, which saw soybean acreage than peas. maker, and while legumes are good double to 370,000 acres this year, Soybeans, on the other hand, for nitrogen fixing, they usually pay and Manitoba, where acreage was require daytime heat and temper- less and can present big challenges up 17.7 per cent to 1.2 million acres. atures of at least 10° at night, said with disease, standability and har- “There is the potential for a quar- Fabian. While Bowness cautions vestability compared to cereals. ter of a million acres over the next that soybean is a “risky” proposition But with cereal and canola prices number of years,” said Fabian. for Alberta producers, Fabian said down and fertilizer prices up, farmers “The thing we have as a challenge producers can have success so long are looking for other options. Enter in Alberta is low nighttime tempera- as they do their homework first. faba bean and soybean — albeit new tures, and that’s a huge obstacle to “What I tell clients is go on to and improved versions of each. overcome. Otherwise, they would www.farmzone.com and do a his- FILE PHOTO Alberta faba bean acreage shot up already have swept Alberta by storm toric check of overnight lows in your from 6,000 acres in 2012 to between the way they have Saskatchewan area for the last six to seven years,” too. Instead of using a cornstarch, 25,000 and 30,000 acres last year, and Manitoba. he said. it is absolutely possible for a food and then almost tripled again with “But some new varieties are prov- “If you have five or more nights manufacturer to use a faba bean about 80,000 acres this year. ing themselves in our interesting below 10° during the growing sea- starch.” “It’s still not a huge acreage in climate, and it is now possible for son, that would give me a flag. At 10 Soybeans have faced a “chicken total, but the interest is growing some Alberta growers to have really or more nights of 10° or less, don’t or egg scenario” — but that’s chang- very, very quickly — depending on good success.” waste your money.” ing, said Fabian. producer success rate and pricing, Both beans are cheap to grow There is growing potential for “People say they’ll grow them I’d say we could potentially see because they fix rather than require both faba bean and soybean mar- but they need a place to market acreage double again in 2015,” said nitrogen. And because they’re fairly kets. them; the soybean industry said GROUND. PROVING Robyne Bowness, pulse research new to the province, neither yet “Pulses in general are starting it can market them but it needs scientist with Alberta Agriculture faces significant disease or pest to gain some ground domestically a critical threshold amount,” he and Rural Development. pressure. Soybean is RoundUp because even if you’re gluten free said. “Now we’re seeing invest- Extremely low disease incidence Ready so offers easy weed manage- or vegetarian, you can eat pulses,” ment in the industry — a num- The and pest problems, easy harvest- ment. And both crops stand well said Bowness. “As well, fractioning, ber of soybean-processing plants ability, and good potential profit- and are easy to harvest: a major whereby a product is separated into are being built in the province to ability are all drivers. benefit for farmers frustrated by protein, fibre and starch compo- handle the anticipated increase “Last year, we saw a big hype in hard-to-manage pea crops. nents for food additives, is growing in acres.”

Better seed in so many weighs

Every year, DuPont Pioneer conducts over 1500 large-scale canola, corn and soybean trials – more than any other seed company in Western Canada. Ask your local Pioneer Hi-Bred sales rep for details.

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OGILVY PUB: Alberta Farmer Express AD #: REV-L-Better-SEED OPERATOR Print Production Contact: FORMAT: Newspaper FILE: 05-38837-REV-Better-SEED-NWS.pdf KB Chris Rozak TRIM: 10.25" x 15.5" CLIENT: Pioneer West PASS RedWorks Delivery/Technical Support: (416) 945-2388 JOB #: P.DUP.DUPBRW.14019.K.011 FINAL 18 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Alberta potato growers fearful of future So far, high quality along with a strong reputation for hardy and virus-free seed stock has kept potato acreage steady in Alberta

director of the Potato Growers of By Madeleine Baerg Alberta. “There has been declining af contributor demand for both fresh and frozen potato products for a decade. he humble potato is suffer- “Why? Misconceptions, diet ing a very bad rap of late — crazes, you could go on and on T and that has Alberta grow- about the issues that affect the ers worried. potato market. You can’t blame Although full of vitamins, nutri- anyone, no one is at fault. A fad ents and fibre, the longtime staple will come along and someone has become vilified in the last pays the price. We hope as an decade and grouped with sugar industry we can turn it around.” and white flour as an obesity- Production acreage in Alberta causing ‘white food.’ And chang- has been fairly steady — at ing demographics and tastes has around 53,000 acres — in recent more North Americans reaching years. But growers in Eastern for rice, quinoa, couscous, and Canada and parts of the U.S. have other starches instead of potatoes. seen their production contracts So far, Alberta growers are cut back in the face of declining holding their own, but are likely demand, and it’s feared the same to be feeling the pinch of declin- will happen here because the ing production contracts in the North American potato market near future. is so interconnected. Unlike other potato-growing areas, Alberta acreage has held steady. “We’re absolutely concerned,” But producers fear cuts to their contracts may be coming. Photo: Supplied said Terence Hochstein, executive Just how interconnected? Currently, only about five per cent of potatoes grown in Alberta are sold fresh to domestic markets. Approximately 18 per cent of potatoes are grown for seed, about half of which is sold into the U.S. because Canadian potatoes are known as both hardy and virus free. The remaining 77 per cent are processed into products like french fries and potato chips, the majority of which — a full 82 per cent of all Canadian french fry exports — is then sold into the U.S. While the U.S. is known for its own spud production, a large portion of American potato products are destined for offshore sales. The country’s biggest production area is the Columbia Basin, which has easy access to the Port of Seattle for export. In turn, the U.S. uses the Canadian french fry supply to backfill its domestic market. UFA is once again awarding $50,000 each As such, if demand declines any- What could your to ﬁ ve rural community improvement where within North America or in any country the U.S. exports projects. e best part? Each winner to, Albertan producers are likely community do with to be affected. picks the next deserving project, in the ultimate rural act of kindness. Enter at UFA.com/GetnGive “You can’t blame $50,000? anyone, no one is at fault. A fad will come along and someone pays the price.”

Terence Hochstein

“Our contract volumes (to potato processors) were the same this year as last year, which is good,” said Hochstein. “I think that is based on our excellent quality. We have very diligent growers who take a great deal of pride in the product they produce.” But, he added, even the very best-quality potatoes won’t have a market if consumers decide to snub potatoes. “We have to educate the public that potatoes are good for you; they are healthy,” he said. “Our responsibility as growers and processors is to take the myths out of the potato and show the science-based facts about why it is healthy.” Currently, potato production in Alberta is worth $175 million to UFA.com 130333© 2014 UFA Co-operative Ltd. All rights reserved. $185 million at the farm gate and about $1 billion after processing. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 19 Canadian Grain Commission looking for CPS Red or Red Winter wheat samples Program helps marketers, and farmers who participate receive a free grade and protein analysis

Some Albertans have already ing factor has caused it to be a By Alexis Kienlen submitted samples to the pro- lower grade, and we also give af staff gram, but more participation is moisture levels, protein levels, “These are minor classes of still desired, said McKendry. etc. for the crop they sent in.” f you’re growing Canada Prai- “We need people to go to our All of the samples from the Har- wheat that not all producers rie Spring Wheat or Canada website and sign up so we can vest Sample program are com- grow. We don’t have a lot of I Western Red Winter Wheat, still send them out the (sample) posited and used in processing then the Canadian Grain Com- packages,” she said. tests, which can include making people in our database who mission wants your samples. While these two classes are bread, noodles or pastas. Once “These are minor classes of highly sought after, the Canadian samples are turned into pro- grow CPS Red or Red Winter.” wheat that not all producers Grain Commission still wants to cessed goods, scientists deter- grow,” said Twylla McKendry, collect variety samples from as mine the quality of the current program manager for Analytical many producers as possible. Pro- year’s crop. Research scientists Services with the Canadian Grain ducers in the free program take take this information and use it Twylla McKendry Commission. “We don’t have a samples of wheat off their fields to promote Canadian wheat to Canadian Grain Commissions lot of people in our database who during the fall harvest. They then overseas customers. grow CPS Red or Red Winter.” seal these samples in provided Each year, the Harvest Sample These two classes have signifi- postage-paid envelopes, and program receives about 12,000 cant marketing potential with mail them to the Canadian Grain samples from all crops across some of Canada’s key overseas Commission in Winnipeg. Canada. Growers have up until Grain Commission’s toll-free trade and farmers can visit the wheat markets. McKendry sus- “When they do that, we let the end of harvest to submit their number, or get them from the booth and get a printout from the pects Alberta growers could be them know what their grade is,” samples. website. Also, CGC representa- database. growing more of these classes said McKendry. “If it’s not a top Growers who want to get their tives attend various farm shows, than their Prairie counterparts. grade, we tell them what degrad- results can call the CanadianT:8.125” including Farmfair and Agri- [email protected]

CWB raises PROs for wheat, durum, canola

by commodity news service canada

CWB has raised its Pool Return Outlooks (PROs) for canola, wheat and durum in the upcoming 2014-15 crop year, while leaving the outlook for field peas and malt barley unchanged from the July report. Projected wheat returns were up $19 to $22 per tonne from the previous month. CWB said concerns about lower-quality crops in North America were behind some of the gains. CWB’s crop tour at the end of July pegged average wheat yields at 43.1 bushels an acre, down from 53 bushels an acre last year. A weaker Canadian dollar, improved logistics and strengthening export basis have also had a positive T:10” impact on the pool returns. Projected durum PROs were raised by $49 to $56 per tonne from July. Yields are expected to be similar to last year, but rain and cold weather are raising concerns about the quality. The report noted that the damage is not fully known, but it is expected that much of the western Canadian durum crop will be downgraded to a No. 2 and No. 3 CWAD. Canola PROs were up $1 to $6 per tonne compared BETTER START. BETTER HARVEST. to the previous month. Sup- port came from worries that canola crops in Western Bright golden yellow as far as the eye can see. Now that’s the mark of a truly successful ™ ™ Canada will be vulnerable to canola crop. But when you plant with seeds treated with DuPont Lumiderm insecticide frost until mid-September, seed treatment, you’ll see the benefits of flea beetle and cutworm protection long before the though harvest has begun in first hints of yellow begin to grace your fields. That’s because Lumiderm™ helps get your some parts of Western Can- crop off to a better start. And a better start means a better harvest. ada. The returns were only raised slightly due to weaker ™ ICE Futures Canada futures Ask your seed retailer or local representative to include Lumiderm on your ™ prices compared to July. 2015 canola seed order and realize a better start. Visit lumiderm.dupont.ca. DuPont Malting barley and field Lumiderm™ pea price expectations were ™ ™ ™ ™ DuPont Lumiderm is a DuPont Lumigen seed sense product. insecticide seed treatment left unchanged. The harvest of field peas has begun on As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Lumiderm™ and Lumigen™ are registered trademarks or trademarks the Prairies, while the Euro- of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. pean malt barley harvest is © Copyright 2014 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved. nearing completion.

OGILVY DIVISIONOGILVY PUB: Alberta Farmer Express AD #: DUP-LUM-01014-JR-AFE OPERATOR Print Production Contact: FORMAT: Newspaper FILE: 01-39647-DUP-LUM-01014-JR-AFE-NWS.pdf EG Chris Rozak TRIM: 8.125" x 10" CLIENT: Pioneer West PASS RedWorks Delivery/Technical Support: (416) 945-2388 JOB #: P.DUP.DUPCSE.14016.K.011 F i n a l 20 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Island top marks end of lean hog rally market outlook } In the late stages of an aging bull market, opinion is weighted very heavily to the long side of the market

for signalling a halt to the prevail- (point B). When an island appears as CME Lean Hog October 2014 By david drozd ing major trend. part of a larger major reversal forma- As the name implies, there is a tion, then the probability is high for arlier this year, the PED virus brief period of trading which, on a major turn in the market. CME Lean Hog October 2014 Island Top was captured in the news a daily bar chart, will stand apart (Chart as of August 26, 2014) E and caused widespread from all the activity both preced- Market psychology A speculation on how tight pork ing and following it. The activity is In the late stages of an aging bull B inventory would be during the isolated on a chart by virtue of gaps. market, opinion is weighted very barbecue season. A gap is a price range within which heavily to the long side of the mar- At the peak of the rally, an island no trading takes place. ket. Weeks of beneficial price move- top developed in the October 2014 Normally, price activity during ment tempt the longs to expect still Uptrending Channel lean hog futures contract at the a single trading session will over- higher prices. Many who would Chicago Mercantile Exchange, lap part of the preceding session’s ordinarily consider taking profits which alerted hog producers to price range. When a gap is present, simply hang on. They fear miss- take action and lock in record-high this does not occur. Either today’s ing additional profits and are psy- prices. This bull market rally ran out low price is higher than yester- chologically conditioned to expect of steam in July 2014 and the nearby day’s high, which is an upside gap higher prices. futures have since plummeted $43 (point A) or today’s high price is The market tends to be in the per hundredweight. lower than yesterday’s low, which news and the publicity is bullish. Chart as of August 26, 2014 is a downside gap (point B). These At this juncture, emotion is driving Island top gaps are illustrated in the accom- the speculative buying, not any IslandVariety tops reclassification form at the end – [6”]of panying chart. preconceived formulated strategy. when the market enters the blow- cycle feeds on itself, thus ending the extensive price advances. The This island reversal coincided Some buyers will pay any price to off stage, which marks the begin- bull market. island top is not very common and with prices gapping below the lower be long the market. They help pro- ning of the end. Here the emotion- The news is extremely bullish therefore2014 it is a reliable formation boundary of an uptrending channel vide more buying fuel, particularly inspired buying will often produce at market tops, which leaves opti- upside price gaps (point A), indicat- mism for higher prices. Fortunately, ing the imbalance of buyers over technical analysis and charting can sellers. The gaps also warn that the cut through the bullish news, thus buying frenzy is about to run out allowing producers to take advan- IMPORTANT NOTICE of steam. tage of selling opportunities before In a bull market rally, the buy- the market nose-dives. ing is exhausted over a number of Send your questions or com- sessions at around the same price ments about this article and chart level. A downside gap (point B) sig- to [email protected]. nals the pattern’s completion. The imbalance of sellers over David Drozd is president and senior buyers produces the downside market analyst for Winnipeg-based gap, which will remain unfilled at Ag-Chieve Corporation. The opinions day’s end. expressed are those of the writer and Grain producers This session’s price retreat rep- are solely intended to assist readers resents a radical departure from with a better understanding of A reminder from the Canadian Grain Commission recent activity and generates ner- technical analysis. Visit Ag-Chieve vousness on the part of longs. online at www.ag-chieve.ca for Importantly, the market’s sudden information about our grain- DO YOU GROW THESE VARIETIES OF AMBER DURUM AND weakness cracks the armour of marketing advisory service and to see prevailing bullish psychology. Long our latest grain market analysis. You FLAXSEED? liquidation pushes prices lower, in can call us toll free at 1-888-274-3138 The variety registration for the following Canada Western Amber turn bringing in more selling. The for a free consultation. Durum wheat varieties will be cancelled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as follows:  Sceptre on October 24, 2014 Fertilizing winter wheat  Plenty on August 1, 2015 Both Plenty and Sceptre will be eligible for all grades of amber Research has shown that fertilizing at durum wheat until August 1, 2015. seeding can be very effective — and a big time saver come spring The variety registration for the following Canada Western AARD release / Once the application in the spring, or flaxseed varieties will be cancelled by the Canadian Food decision to grow winter wheat use a blend of regular urea with has been made, one question ESN fertilizer. Inspection Agency as follows: that frequently comes up is “This second option gives  CDC Valour on August 1, 2015 when to fertilize. some immediate nitrogen from “Traditionally, winter wheat the urea while having a portion  CDC Arras on August 1, 2017 has been seeded with very little protected in the ESN form,” fertilizer and then fertilized in he said.  Flanders on August 1, 2017 the spring,” said Doon Pauly, In many of the province’s  Somme on August 1, 2017 agronomy research scientist winter wheat-growing areas, the with Alberta Agriculture and risk of overwintering nitrogen As of these dates the flaxseed varieties listed above will be Rural Development in Leth- loss is quite low, he said. removed from the Canadian Grain Commission’s variety bridge. “In southern Alberta, where “Sometimes, however, pro- most of the winter wheat is designation list. ducers get caught with not grown, we don’t typically have enough time in the spring to fer- big snowmelt events in the tilize, or things get delayed and spring that give us saturated soil yield is sacrificed.” conditions that lead to denitri- 1-800-853-6705 or 204-983-2770 Research has shown that fer- fication. It’s not to say it won’t TTY : 1-866-317-4289 tilizing at seeding can be very ever happen, but it is more effective, said Pauly. unlikely to occur in the south www.grainscanada.gc.ca “If you’re banding your fertil- than it is in other parts of the Twitter: @grain_canada izer away from the seed, in a lot province.” of cases you can put down your Pauly said he recommends entire crop’s fertilizer require- putting down at least half of the ment at the time of seeding. nitrogen in the fall so the crop However, people can be a little gets off to a good start. reluctant to do that as it’s a big “That way, if you are delayed investment and there is the getting fertilizer on in the spring, potential that what isn’t taken you haven’t sacrificed yield. up in the fall can be lost over the In many cases, you can ben- winter.” efit by putting even more than To balance that potential loss, half down in the fall — it just producers can either put down depends on your comfort some of the fertilizer at seed- level with potentially having ing and top it up with a surface some loss. ”

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 21 Russian food embargo to cost Europe five billion euros a year The products affected account for nearly half of the annual trade

Big fruit and vegetable exporters such BY ROBIN EMMOTT as Poland and the Netherlands are BRUSSELS / REUTERS already feeling the impact of the embargo and the European Commission, the EU ussia’s ban on imports of food executive, is seeking ways to compensate from Europe, part of its response farmers or find new markets for the food. R to EU sanctions imposed over the Germany, which has led the EU’s deci- Ukraine crisis, could cost the European sion to impose sanctions on Russia, is Union five billion euros ($6.6 billion) a also suffering as one of the bloc’s main year, according to an internal EU docu- meat and dairy exporters. ment seen by Reuters. The commission document followed Russia, which is the EU’s second-big- a product-by-product analysis of the gest food market after the U.S., decreed impact of the embargo. While it may A worker picks pears during a harvest in an orchard in Hannut near Liege August 22, 2014. EU the one-year ban on Aug. 6. on European also hurt Russian consumers, it is also fruit and vegetable growers will get financial aid of up to 125 million euros ($167 million) to fruits and vegetables, dairy products and another setback for the euro zone’s stag- help them cope with Russia’s ban on most western food imports, which has created a glut of meat, accounting for almost half of the nant economy that is trying to avoid produce in peak harvest time. PHOTO: REUTERS/FRANCOIS LENOIR bloc’s food exports to Russia. another recession.

Dutch co-op buys more Parkland share Multiply your operation. International co-op has been a partner since 1997 STAFF / Dutch potato- breeding co-operative Agrico has stepped up its direct interest in the North American seed potato sec- tor by buying control of one of its major seed dealers. The co-op announced it has bought a 21 per cent stake in Parkland Seed Potatoes, raising its owner- ship to 60 per cent of the Edmonton company. Agrico has worked with Parkland since the Alberta company launched in 1997, then bought a 25 per cent share of the company in 2005. It boosted its interest to 49 per cent in 2008. “North America offers us promising opportunities for systematically generating more income for our co- operative,” Agrico general director Jan van Hoogen said in a release. Parkland contracts with growers in both Canada and the U.S. to produce Agrico’s seed varieties for sale in Canada, the U.S. and Mexi- co, providing seed stock for use by growers supplying ATB Farmland Financing grows your legacy—from close to home. the fresh, chipping and processing potato industries. The co-op has subsidiar- Your vision is huge—get more efficient and productive. With plans that big, it makes sense to share them ies and stakes in seed com- with folks whose boots have felt the soil. Our flexible farmland financing loans were designed by Albertans panies in France, Britain, with Alberta’s farmers in mind. Features like multiple loan segments, longer amortizations and 20%* down Poland, Italy and Sweden as well as Canada, plus sales maximize your cash flow today so you can build a bigger tomorrow without losing a minute of sleep. agents in “virtually all” seed potato-importing countries. You’re ready to take your operation to the next threshold. We’re ready to help you get there.

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FarmlandFinancing_Ad8.125x10.indd 1 12-09-25 9:37 AM 22 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

GOOD DAY TO HAY The bottom line on grain storage AARD release/Alberta Agriculture and Rural Devel- opment has a pair of new fact sheets on the pros and cons of various grain storage options. “With record crop yields and transport delays of 2013, came greater interest of on- farm storage options,” said Jennifer Stoby, provincial market analyst for agriculture inputs. “Choosing the right grain storage system can be difficult. But by looking at total costs, the farm’s future plans, existing systems, and labour availability, producers can narrow down the best option for their operation.” The two new fact sheets are Grain Storage: Cost Com- parisons and Grain Storage Considerations. Many hay producers in southern Alberta have been ahead of schedule, with hot and dry conditions making it possible to cut and bale hay They detail many different earlier than usual, and without risk of rain. Photo: Wendy Dudley storage options available, both temporary and perma- Trim: 8.125” nent. “The two most popular options are steel grain bins (either corrugated or smooth walled with or without hop- pers) and grain bags,” said Stoby. “Other options are

sheds, producer-owned grain elevators, grain rings, piles, brand brand

® and bunkers.” Grain baggers are useful in situations when: • land is either rented or leased and investment in permanent storage is not desired; • short-term storage is needed;

Trademarks and service marks licensed Trademarks • The operator plans to exit SM the business in a few years; ,™, ® • Llabour and trucking availability is limited during harvest; • Fields are located long dis-

competitor canola trials as of June 18, 2014. Product responses Product 2014. 18, June of as trials canola competitor tances apart; TM • storing low-quality crops such as feed wheat, barley and sample canola; • Grain doesn’t need to be dried or aerated; • There is plastic recycling in is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. Pioneer Company. Monsanto from license under used trademark registered a is ® Average yield the area; • There is a need to store large volumes of grain. “Having developed an Trim: 10” example cost comparison of bins and baggers, it was found that operations need to store more than 70,000 bushels of grain per year brand product. Roundup Ready Roundup product. brand ® to make the bagger more From competitive than bins,” said key competitor canola Stoby. “This was based on a set of assumptions that can trials performed over be viewed in the Grain Stor- the last 4 years.* age: Cost Comparisons fact sheet.” Baggers are not as easy as they seem, said Stoby. “Since they only provide temporary storage, grain should only be stored for six This hybrid has to eight months. There is also Our experts are grown locally potential for damage to the SUPERIOR STANDABILITY. plastic from wildlife, trees or human activities such as

trials across Western Canada from the last 4 years (2010-2013). Yield data averaged from DuPont Pioneer Proving Ground Proving Pioneer DuPont from averaged data Yield (2010-2013). years 4 last the from Canada Western across trials snowmobiling. Once the bag TM is exposed to the elements DuPont Pioneer performs over 1500 grain spoilage and pest and TM pioneer.com/yield Proving Ground trials across Western Canada. wildlife damage can occur. Recycling options are also limited and some municipalities may not take the waste plastic.” For more information on grain storage costs and considerations, go to www. agric.gov.ab.ca and type ‘grain storage cost comparison’ in the search box. Canola yield data summarized from Proving Ground Proving from summarized data yield Canola to Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. © 2014, PHL. to Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. © 2014, are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary. Multi-year and multi-location data is a better predictor of future performance. Refer to www.pioneer.com/yield or contact a contact or www.pioneer.com/yield to Refer performance. future of predictor better a is data multi-location and Multi-year vary. may results Individual pressures. pest and disease environmental, of number any to subject and variable are Pioneer each for scores and traits results, of listing complete and latest the for representative sales Hi-Bred Pioneer * products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. is a registered trademark of DuPont. Oval Logo The DuPont documents. of the labeling and purchase are part which subject to the terms and conditions of purchase products are provided

OGILVY PUB: Alberta Farmer Express AD #: PBRW-PROV45H31-JR-ABX OPERATOR Print Production Contact: FORMAT: Newspaper FILE: 01-39661-PBRW-PROV45H31-JR-ABX-NWS.pdf KB Chris Rozak TRIM: 8.125" x 10" CLIENT: Pioneer West PASS RedWorks Delivery/Technical Support: (416) 945-2388 JOB #: P.DUP.DUPBRW.14051.K.011 FINAL ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 23 BRIEFS Canada producing less wheat, canola than expected The all-wheat crop is still the third largest in 10 years and the third-largest canola crop ever

bit because we’re looking at a tightening sup- Similarly, global wheat supplies looked BY ROD NICKEL ply situation versus last year, and this turns to top 716 million tonnes, a record high, WINNIPEG / REUTERS the screw one more turn.” according to a U.S. Department of Agricul- Despite the production drop, the all-wheat ture report on Aug. 12. armers are on course to produce less crop is Canada’s third largest in the last 10 Canada might also have bigger-than-usual wheat and canola than expected, years and the canola harvest would be the leftover supplies from last year’s bumper har- F according to Statistics Canada. third biggest ever. StatsCan said yields look vest. StatsCan will estimate on Sept. 5 stocks The agency’s first farmer survey on this lower year over year at 43.6 bushels per acre as of July 31. Captain Mustard — year’s harvest pegged the 2014-15 all-wheat for spring wheat, 39 bushels for durum and “In Western Canada, we’re moving from a crop at 27.7 million tonnes, down 26 per cent 32 bushels for canola. huge glut of wheat to still a pretty big carry- the super spice from last year’s record harvest and below the The smaller-than-expected canola crop over, but by no means the kind of oversupply average trade expectation of 28.5 million raises questions about whether there is we had in the last year,” Duvenaud said. STAFF / The Saskatchewan tonnes. enough to supply domestic crushers and The harvest is off to a slow start in Western Mustard Development Canola production looked set to reach 13.9 export sales, said John Duvenaud, analyst Canada, with much of the crop developing Commission has come million tonnes, a drop of 23 per cent from last at Wild Oats Grain Market Advisory, on a more slowly than usual. up with a new superhero year and less than the average trade forecast conference call organized by Minneapolis Duvenaud said the quality of crops is still team to promote the condi- of 14.5 million tonnes. Grain Exchange. Tighter supplies could give unclear. Fusarium head blight, a fungal dis- ment for hotdogs and other “I think the trade is going to view this canola prices more upside later in the year ease, has downgraded some winter wheat foods. report as fairly friendly (to price),” said Dave than soybean oil, a competitor in the global and may damage spring wheat as well. Thanks to a federal-pro- Reimann, market analyst for Cargill Ltd.’s vegetable oil market said. Crops of oats, barley and durum also look vincial Growing Forward grain-marketing services division. “The Expectations for a big U.S. soybean crop sharply smaller year over year, and smaller grant, Captain Mustard canola number is going to jump out a little otherwise overhang canola prices. than expected. and his sidekick, Squirt have made their debut via an activity book called Team Mustard from Seed to Squirt! The activity book was distributed to children at the Great Saskatchewan Mustard Festival in August A SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH IN EVERY SEED as well as at various Agri- culture in the Classroom events. When it comes to trait technology, you’re looking for leadership and innovation. Hyland™ Seeds is Full of information and powered by Dow AgroSciences outstanding research and development. Balance that with exemplary activities to educate chil- customer service and you have a combination of performance and profitability that is pure genius. dren about the growing of mustard in Saskatchewan and the commodity’s many uses, the book was prepared with assistance from Saskatchewan educators. Activities directly relate to the Saskatchewan Grades 3 and 4 curriculums.

CWB completes purchase of Great Sandhills Terminal

BY COMMODITY NEWS SERVICE CANADA / CWB has completed its purchase of Great Sandhills Terminal Ltd. (GST) in Sask. following a shareholders’ meeting earlier this month. GST shareholders voted 100 per cent in favour of the trans- action. The deal will see CWB acquire a 23,000-tonne- capacity high-throughput grain-handling facility near Leader, Sask., as well as a majority stake in Great Sandhills railway — a short line railway operating 197 kilometres of track between Swift Current and Burstall, Sask. “All tonnes delivered to any of our facilities or through our grain-handling partners continue to be eligible for an equity interest in CWB under CWB’s Farmer Equity Plan,” said Ian White, president and CEO of CWB.

Farming Forward. hylandseeds.com

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®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow 07/14-37905-1 AFE Search news. Read stories. Find insight. 24 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Don’t spread the seeds of this nasty weed

more flowers and therefore, more AARD RELEASE seeds. Strimming or weed whack- ing will not accurately cut the stem roducers have reported below the first node as it is often ‘strange regrowth’ of Hima- very close to the ground. If you go P layan balsam following this route, it must be repeated on control measures to Alberta Agri- a regular basis — prior to the plant culture and Rural Development. setting seed — for two to three “There are some important years, she said. points to keep in mind when “Management must be before attempting to eradicate this inva- the plant sets seed, as disturb- sive weed,” said provincial weed ing the plant once it has seeds specialist Nicole Kimmel. will spread the seeds over a wider Himalayan balsam is shallow area,” says Kimmel “The cut rooted and easily pulled up by or uprooted plant, if left on the hand. That makes it labour inten- ground, may send out new roots at sive to deal with heavily infested every node point along its length, sites, but is the simplest and most producing more plants and more reliable management technique, seeds than without management. she said. The cut or uprooted plants should If cutting the plant, the stem be left off the ground, burned or must be cut below the lowest node, removed from the site or piled up otherwise it will send out more in a single location — depending stems from that point and produce on the number of plants.” Cutting Himalayan balsam can easily end up boosting seed production. PHOTO: NICOLE KIMMEL

www.farm-king.com Speak up for safe equipment

CASA RELEASE / The Cana- dian Agricultural Safety Asso- ciation (CASA) has developed a new online tool to give farmers an opportunity to express their concerns about Cut it, Ted it, Rake it, Move it. possible hazards with farm equipment. The Speak Up For Safer Equipment tool is intended to provide a way for farmers, manufacturers and standards organizations to talk about safety concerns with agricultural equipment manufactured within the past five years. “We decided to develop this online tool after routinely Sickle Bar Mower Disc Mower Tedder receiving calls from producers who were frustrated that their concerns weren’t being heard,” said Glen Blahey, agricultural health and safety specialist for CASA. The online form handles safety concerns where farm equipment is being used for primary agricultural pro- Easy Rake Easy Rake Superstar Bat Rake duction. It is not intended to handle cases where legal proceedings are taking place, where there are labour relations concerns, or issues related to financial transac- tions. Once a farmer has filled out the online form, CASA will review the safety concern and either will forward the issue Round Bale Carrier Model 1450 Round Bale Carrier Model 2450 Square Bale Carrier Model 4480 directly to the appropriate manufacturer or, if the concern is a universal issue, forward it to the Canadian Stan- dards Association (CSA). The forms will also provide data on potential safety-related trends affecting farmers. “The tool isn’t designed to hurt the reputation of any manufacturer or individual,” Blahey says. “Speak Up for Getting your hay from the field to the yard has never been easier. Visit www.farm-king.com Safer Equipment will foster to find a dealer near you. better communication and Farm King offers a full line of hay tools designed to increase education between farmers, productivity of your operation and maintain the nutrient value of manufacturers and standards your crops. From first cut to the last move, Farm King meets your organizations and will ultimately reduce the potential haying needs. for injuries.” The online form can be found at www.casa-acsa.ca. Concerns can also be report- ©2014 Buhler Trading Inc. | [email protected] | www.farm-king.com ed by phone at 877-452-2272. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 25 U.S. GMO labelling foes triple spending in first half of this year over 2013 Major companies want to prevent states from passing laws requiring foods containing GMO ingredients to be labelled

issued by the Environmental a host of issues unrelated to GMO considering mandatory labelling By Carey Gillam Working Group. labelling, he said. of GMO foods, including Colorado reuters All told, the opponents of GMO GMA said the dollars spent lob- and Oregon, which have the issue “The GMO issue is a labelling disclosed $15.2 million bying on GMO issues are far less on the ballot for the November pponents of mandatory in lobbying expenditures for the than what the EWG report indi- election. very important issue, labelling for foods made second quarter of 2014, bringing cates. Consumer groups and lawmak- without a doubt, but O with genetically modified the six-month total this year to “The GMO issue is a very impor- ers pushing for mandatory label- organisms spent more than $27 $27.5 million — triple the sum for tant issue, without a doubt, but so ling of GMOs say there is no sci- so is food safety, so is million in the first six months of all of last year, according to EWG, a is food safety, so is international entific consensus on their safety, international trade.” this year on GMO-related lob- Washington-based non-profit that trade,” said Gruber. and consumers have the right to bying, roughly three times their supports GMO labelling. The expenditures by food and know if GMOs are in the food they spending in all of 2013, according In contrast, labelling supporters biotechnology companies come eat. They say high pesticide use to an analysis released Sept. 3. disclosed $1.9 million in lobbying as the group pushes for passage of associated with GMOs and pesti- Mike Gruber The Grocery Manufactur- expenditures for the first half of a bill introduced in April by U.S. cide residues on food containing ers Association and major food 2014, up slightly from $1.6 million Representative Mike Pompeo that GMOs is a health concern. makers such as Coca-Cola and spent in 2013. would block state laws that require But the food and agriculture PepsiCo along with top bio- Mike Gruber, vice-president for GMO labelling on food packages. industries, including the mak- tech seed makers Monsanto Co. government affairs for the Grocery Vermont in May became the ers of genetically modified corn, mont law and say that labelling will and DuPont were among heavy Manufacturers Association, said first U.S. state to pass a mandatory soybeans, canola and other crops imply GMO products are unsafe, spenders on GMO labelling- that the EWG report is “grossly GMO labelling law that requires widely used in packaged foods, confuse consumers and increase related lobbying, among other misleading.” The lobbying work no other trigger to become effec- say their products are proven safe. costs for consumers as well as food issues, according to a report the dollars in the report includes tive. More than 20 other states are They have sued to block the Ver- farmers and food companies.

China stockpiles far more wheat this year Imports are forecast to fall by 57 per cent Growers keep going on about beijing /reuters

China Grain Reserves Corporation its fl ushing weed control (Sinograin), which manages state reserves, said it had stockpiled to everyone. And anyone. three times more wheat so far this year than last year, which will dent the need for imports by the world’s top producer. Sinograin said it had purchased 24.34 million tonnes of wheat from farmers this year. Last year, bad weather during the harvest period hurt the domestic crop and caused imports to surge to the highest in a decade. Chinese imports in 2014-15 were forecast to fall by 57 per cent to three million tonnes from 6.77 million tonnes the previous year due to a bumper domestic harvest, according to the China National Grain and Oils Information Centre (CNGOIC), an official think-tank. Last week, the International Grains Council raised its forecast for global wheat production in 2014-15 to reflect larger-than- expected crops in Russia, the Euro- pean Union and China. Beijing has promised to continue to stockpile grains at higher prices this year, aiming to boost rural incomes, although it has scrapped its scheme to stockpile cotton and soybean. In addition to the temporary reserves, the government also holds what it calls strategic reserves but it does not publish figures for these. It’s no wonder growers keep talking about Ares™ herbicide for Clearfi eld® canola. Sinograin said it would be able to Only Ares takes out the toughest ushing weeds and keeps them out. Including wild release 32 million tonnes of grain from state reserves by end-October buckwheat, lamb’s quarters, cleavers—even volunteer canola from other systems. to try to make room for the new har- With its different mode of action, Ares also makes rotating canola herbicides easy. vest next month. It’s so impressive, you’ll want to tell anyone who’s willing to listen. And perhaps a It is moving 10 million tonnes stored in major growing areas to few who aren’t so willing. For the latest buzz visit agsolutions.ca/clearfi eldcanola silos in consuming provinces to or contact AgSolutions® Customer Care at 1-877-371-BASF (2273). help with that. The government has been selling its temporary corn and soy stocks since May as well as rice and wheat Always read and follow label directions. reserves. It would finish the con- AgSolutions is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation; Clear eld and the unique Clear eld symbol are registered trade-marks, and ARES is a trade-mark of struction of storage facilities able to BASF Agrochemical Products B.V.; all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2014 BASF Canada. hold 2.25 million tonnes of grains before the harvest, it said.

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STUDIO AD#: kenna_JrPg4C_AFE_110200853_Mechanic_2014 Bleed: NA PMS PMS COPYWRITERACCT MGR SPELLCHECK PROD MGR PROOF # 26 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

taking a break

A calf beds down in long grass near a row of granary bins, west of High River, Alta. Photo: Wendy Dudley

High-priced calves drop GOT A LOT ON YOUR PLATE? U.S. July cattle placements The data is seen as mildly bearish for live cattle futures

chicago / reuters

he number of cattle placed in U.S. feedlots in July Tdropped seven per cent from a year ago, which was less than the forecasted average, as pricey calves deterred some feedlots from purchasing them for fattening. There are fewer cattle available for feedlots to draw from after several years of drought- damaged crops, which reduced the herd to its lowest level in 63 years. Additionally, healthy pastures allowed ranchers to feed cattle longer outside of feedyards. Many of the cattle that were Limited Time Opportunity. Let’s Talk! placed in feeding pens in July will come to market beginning in December. Despite more cattle placed in July than some had anticipated, Participate in a proposal for a NEW Farmer-Owned beef prices should remain high through 2015 given overall tight cattle supplies, said analysts. Grain Handling & Fertilizer Distribution Business The USDA report showed July placements at 1.560 million head, down 7.0 per cent from 1.684 million a year earlier. Ana- lysts, on average, had expected a Claim Your Piece of the Future. 9.1 per cent decrease. Nonetheless, July placements were the smallest for the month since USDA began the dataset in 1996. Sufficient grazing land, and feedlots struggling to fill pen space due to tight cattle numbers and expensive calves or feeder cattle, was partly behind Call toll free: 1-877-362-3276 Online at: fna.ca/grain last month’s placement drop, At this time, FNA is seeking non-binding expressions of interest only. Participation is limited to accredited investors or to those that are otherwise exempt. said University of Missouri econ- omist Ron Plain. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 27 Grain prices weighed down by corn glut The gap between MIST expenditures and Asian expenditures on corn has narrowed considerably in recent years normally make their way to those BY GAVIN MAGUIRE countries will likely keep domestic CHICAGO / REUTERS corn values under heavy pressure for the next several months. umper low-quality wheat But while Europe and China crops across parts of Europe accounted for around 16 per cent B and the Black Sea region are of U.S. corn exports in 2013 — they widely expected to eat into U.S. accounted for less than one per cent corn exports over the coming year, of sales from 2000 to 2010. So a drop- potentially exacerbating a corn sup- off could be viewed as a reversion to ply surplus for the 2014-15 market- historical norms. ing year. At the same time, there have But while U.S. corn shipments been steady increases in consumer to Europe may indeed decline as demand lately from markets such excess feed-grade wheat supplies as Mexico, the Middle East, and in that region displace imported South Korea, and they could well maize in feed rations, consumers record their strongest corn import in other regions are likely to dial up total since 2008. their corn purchases over the coming year now that global grain prices Big spenders are near multi-year lows. Another, more familiar group- U.S. corn exports to a variety ing of key U.S. export markets is of key markets so far in 2014 are the “MIST” countries, made up of actually running well ahead of last Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea and year’s pace, and could gather further Turkey. They rank first in terms of momentum as consumers in those total amount spent on agricultural nations see usage margins widen to product imports from the United their best levels in years thanks to States, spending $16.3 billion over depressed corn values. Even exports the first half of 2014 — more than to Asia — which have been hit by a Japan and the European Union shut-off in orders from China due combined last year. to a skirmish over GMO-tainted The MIST nations also outspent shipments — are on pace to reach most other countries on purchases their largest total since 2011, while of corn, spending more than $2 exports to Mexico look set to top 10 billion in 2013 and close to $1.8 million tonnes for the first time. billion over the first six months of And when you add in the fastest 2014 alone. Indeed, only the entire pace of corn shipments to the Mid- continent of Asia has spent more on dle East and North Africa since 2007, U.S. corn in recent years, and the U.S. crop shippers should actually gap between MIST expenditures find some solace in the outlook for and Asian expenditures has nar- corn exports even if China sticks to rowed considerably in recent years its non-GMO stance and Europe’s as China backed off from U.S. pur- excess of feed-grade wheat cuts off chases just as MIST buyers dialed up further U.S. corn exports to that their consumption of the grain. region. For U.S. corn exporters, these purchases from MIST countries China, Europe only part of and other regions should be a the puzzle cause for optimism, and could Corn market bears have made a well offset projected downturns in AgriInvest big deal in recent months about demand from Europe and China the bleak prospects for U.S. corn and ensure the U.S. corn market A Smart Investment exports into China and Europe for averts the massive build in domes- the foreseeable future, and how tic stockpiles currently projected by for Managing Farm Risk the back-up of supplies that would market bears. AgriInvest helps you manage income declines on your farm and supports investments that help mitigate risks. To benefit from France forced to import wheat AgriInvest for the 2013 program year, you must: • submit your 2013 AgriInvest form by September 30, 2014* as rain hits crop quality • open an AgriInvest account at a participating financial institution Exporters may struggle to meet and make your deposit by the deadline date shown on your international demand Deposit Notice. That was during the 2010-11 sea- * Note: Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2014, but will incur BY VALERIE PARENT son, which was also beset by quality a 5% per month reduction in the maximum matchable deposit. PARIS / REUTERS problems. France’s key markets in North rance’s rain-hit wheat crop Africa, particularly the world’s Learn more at agr.gc.ca/agriinvest or has delivered the first shock fourth-largest wheat importer Alge- call 1-866-367-8506. F of the 2014-15 season: the ria, are expected to look beyond EU’s top grower and exporter is their traditional supplier for future Get online with My AAFC Account! buying Lithuanian and British mill- purchases but in the meantime, My AAFC Account provides convenient and secure access ing wheat to mix with its unusually French exporters are meeting exist- to your AgriInvest account information online. poor-grade crop to meet contracts ing contracts by mixing in higher- signed before the harvest. quality foreign wheat. To sign up for My AAFC Account, go to agr.gc.ca/myaccount. French exports exceed those “I think that France will certainly of Britain and Lithuania on the have a problem with high-volume world market, but a wet summer sales to some of its traditional mar- has meant France is set to produce kets this year, especially Algeria and more wheat for animal feed and less Morocco,” a German trader said. higher-grade bread-making grain The main quality concern has this year. been weak Hagberg falling num- The imports are the latest sig- bers, a measure of the flour-making nal that France might struggle to quality of wheat and one that is hard retain its market share of milling to remedy even by blending low- 11503_AAFC_JSA_ENG.indd 1 2014-09-03 9:52 AM wheat exports this season because grade grain with superior wheat. a large part of its crop is failing to Varied results in France have live up to its traditional clients’ often been well below the 230-240 criteria. Hagberg minimum required by Search Canada’s top agriculture During the past 13 years for which top client Algeria, the 250 sought by SEARCH Reuters has records, France has only Moroccan importers or the 200 set publications…with just a click. Network once imported significant amounts by the state grain buyer in Egypt, the of Lithuanian wheat. world’s top wheat importer. 28 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Community news and events from across the province

Vermilion ranch honoured Pot-bellied pigs, Shetland McGrath family’s detailed approach to stewardship ponies and rabbits, oh my! also boosts the bottom line BY ALEXIS KIENLEN Ashly McKinnon was presented with the award at the AF STAFF has been CCA RELEASE CCA’s semi-annual meeting in Char- attending the lottetown last month. ssst… Do you want to buy a duck? Lloydminster ound Rock Ranching is the 2014 “To be totally honest with you I’m Or sell a goat? How about a donkey? Rare and Exotic recipient of The Environmental going to steal a whole bunch of ideas P Then the annual Lloydminster Rare Sale for years, R Stewardship Award (TESA). and take them home,” he said. and Exotic Fall Sale on Sept. 27 is for you. and now raises The fifth-generation family farm Round Rock Ranching was selected for, The sale, which has been running for 31 rabbits. near Vermilion is operated by Sean among other things, implementing inno- years, is popular with hobby farmers and and Tanya McGrath and their three vative techniques, such as offsite water- attracts about 800 people from Alberta and manager of the Lloydminster Exhibition children in partnership with Sean’s ing systems and boosting production on Saskatchewan each year. Grounds. parents, Fred and Anne McGrath. tame pasture stands with limited inputs. Ashly McKinnon is one of them. She’s “I would say that there’s a wide range The award, created by the Canadian The ranch also employs bale grazing, por- bought and sold various animals since she of people who attend. There are people Cattlemen’s Association, recognizes table wind fence, and numerous recycling purchased her first rabbit about seven or who want to get pets for their new acre- producers who go above and beyond efforts for twine, used oil containers, used eight years ago and now raises Dutch rab- ages and there are lots of older people standard industry conservation prac- oil, and old wire. bits and Holland mop rabbits. who are bringing in new animals too,” tices and set positive examples for other Located on the northern fringe of “I just really enjoy different types of said McKinnon. cattle producers and the general public. the Battle River Valley and adjacent animals,” said McKinnon. “I grew up on The event is hosted by the Lloydminster “The McGraths have demonstrated escarpment, Round Rock Ranch- a farm and my parents encouraged me Exhibition and is run by volunteers. a thoughtful and strategic approach to ing consists of 2,000 acres of owned, to learn. If I saw an animal there that I’d Entries are accepted at 8 a.m. Sales of stewardship that has resulted in sig- leased and rented ground. Eighty like, they made me do my research about small, “boxed” animals like guinea pigs, nificant benefits to the land as well as per cent of the home ranch is native it before we bought it.” rabbits, chickens and pheasants run from the operation’s bottom line,” said Bob rangeland, with the goal being to McKinnon’s hard work has paid off, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m and are followed by sales Lowe, vice-chair of the association’s graze year round. The ranch runs an she’s raised ducks, donkeys, goats, sheep, of larger animals including goats, pot-bel- environment committee. Angus-based cow herd with calving in cows and horses. lied pigs, Shetland ponies, and donkeys. Sean McGrath gave a tip of the hat May/June and is currently breeding “It’s a very popular event, both if you’re There’s also a spring exotic sale, held the to the other nominees when his family between 150 and 200 females. buying and selling, or if you’re just com- second weekend of April each year. ing down to show your family the different animals,” said Sam Hardstaff, agricultural [email protected]

A chance to see how beef is raised down south what’s The Grey Wooded Forage Association is planning its first trip to Argentina

people really like on all our tours is the tion have toured Brazil, New Zealand, up AF STAFF visits to the farms to meet the locals,” the Mississippi area of the United States said Rowley. and Argentina. Last year, they took Send agriculture-related embers of the Grey Wooded For- The tour, which runs from February about 64 people to Argentina and the meeting and event age Association are planning a trip 20 to March 3, 2015 will include Buenos same number, divided into two smaller announcements to: M to a new continent, and they’re Aires and the southern part of Argentina, groups, will be going to Scotland in June [email protected] looking for people to join them. The group with an optional Iguazu Falls add-on. and July 2015. will be hosting its inaugural tour abroad Many of the farms visited in Argentina Ian Murray, president of the Foothills to Argentina in February 2015. The tour is do business with Canada. Forage Association, sees value in the Sept. 16: Range Health focused on Argentina’s beef industry, and “The domestic demand for beef in tours because they allow people to see Assessment Training — Second participants will get to visit farms, research Argentina is the highest in the world, so farming in other parts of the world. The Course, Stavely. Contact centres, and co-operatives and have lots most of their beef is being shipped within tourists learn about different farming Donna Watt 403-563-8925. of opportunity to meet Argentine farmers. Argentina or South America,” Rowley technologies and management practices Sept. 24: Growing Points: “I think people are moving away from said. “They struggle to compete in the that they can use back home. Managing Your Soil, Water mainstream tours. They want to con- international market. If they did get that “Some of the producers who have gone and Fertility (in greenhouse nect with like-minded folks. If they’re in right, they would be very competitive, on these trips have had hugely positive operations), Arber Greenhouses, the farming industry, they want to meet just like Brazil.” feedback about what they have seen over Wetaskiwin. Contact: Ag-Info local farmers and ask questions about Other highlights will include a visit to there,” said Murray. how they farm, the different techniques a horse-breeding farm, and interactions For more information about the Centre 1-800-387-6030 that they employ, and about the market,” with Argentinian cowboys, known as Argentina tour with the Grey Wooded Sept. 24-25: Agriculture said Lawrence Rowley, whose Calgary- “gauchos.” Forage Association, visit www. and Food Council Summit Up!, based company, Leader Tours, designed This is the first tour for the Grey greywoodedforageassociation.com. Pomeroy Inn & Suites, Olds. the tour. Wooded Forage Association, but the Information about the Foothills For- Contact: Bryanna Kumpula Partners in Argentina lead the tour Foothills Forage and Grazing Associa- age and Grazing Association tours can be 780-469-3714 ext. 237 group and help Canadians get past the tion has been offering agricultural found at www.foothillsforage.com. language barrier. tours for several years. Members Sept. 27: Interested in “One of the highlights that of the Foothills Forage Associa- [email protected] Organics? (Peace River Organic Producers Association), Demmitt Community Centre, Hythe. Contact: Jerry Kitt 780-356-2239 Sept. 27: Fall Rare & Exotic Sale, Lloydminster, Sask. Contact: Corinne McGirr 306-825-5571 Oct. 2: Canadian Association of Farm Advisors — Current & Connected Conference, Lethbridge Lodge, Lethbridge. Contact: Liz Robertson 1-877-474-2871 Oct. 11: Andrew Garlic Festival, Andrew Community Centre, Andrew. Contact: Carri Hrehorets 780-896-3902 Oct. 15-16: Pembina Sheep Grazing Symposium 2014, Thorsby Community Hall, Thorsby. Contact: Tina 780-727-4447 ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 29

1-800-665-1362 • [email protected]

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adveRtising Rates & infoRmation RegulaR Classified display Classified • Minimum charge — $15.00 per week for first 25 • Advertising copy deviating in any way from the words or less and an additional 60 cents per word for regular classified style will be considered display AD ORDER FORM every word over 25. Additional bolding 75 cents per and charged at the display rate of $34.30 per MAiL TO: Alberta Farmer Express, Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 FAx TO: 403-341-0615 PhOnE in: Toll-Free in Canada 1-800-665-1362 OR (403) 341-0442 in Alberta word. GST is extra. $2.50 billing charge is added column inch ($2.45 per agate line). to billed ads only. • Minimum charge $34.30 per week. • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. • Illustrations and logos are allowed with full • 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your border. 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Buyers are advised to request Phone 403-341-0442 in Winnipeg shipment C.O.D. when ordering from an unknown FAX 403-341-0615 advertiser, thus minimizing the chance of fraud and ______Mailing Address: eliminating the necessity of a refund where the goods Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 have already been sold. ______At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment AGREEMENT to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm • The publisher reserves the right to refuse any or all Business Communications will only collect personal information if advertising for any reason stated or unstated. it is required for the proper functioning of our business. 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It is also agreed that in 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1. the event of an error appearing in the published Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other Minimum charge $15.00 per week advertisement, the Alberta Farmer Express accepts reputable firms whose products and services might be of interest to you. no liability beyond the amount paid for that If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the portion of the advertisement in which the error address in the preceding paragraph, or call (204)-954-1456. appears or affects. Claims for adjustment are limited The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions ❏ VISA ❏ MASTERCARD Add $2.50 if being billed / Minus 10% if prepaying ______to errors appearing in the first insertion only. to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt • While every endeavor will be made to forward box to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Add 5% GST ______number replies as soon as possible, we accept no Card_No.___/__/__/__/____/__/__/__/____/__/__/__/____/__/__/__/____ Expiry_Date___/__/_____/__/ liability in respect to loss or damage alleged to a rise Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy through either failure or delay in forwarding such of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well replies, however caused, whether by negligence or as Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communication assume no Signature______otherwise. responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this TOTAL ______publication based on any and all information provided. 30 SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

AUTO & TRANSPORT BUILDINGS BUILDINGS FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY

AUTO & TRANSPORT FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY Autos Machinery Miscellaneous Machinery Miscellaneous

EXCLUSIVE MERCEDES-BENZ DISCOUNTS for 1999 CAT 460 1,400 sep. hrs, rake up, $60,000; Alberta farmers & ranchers. www.mercedessales- Road King ground loadstock trailer, 8 x 42.5-ft, will man.com haul 25 cows, $5,000. Call:(403)665-2341, Craig- myle, AB.

ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: CULTIVATORS, DISCS, Plows, Blades, Post pounders, Haying Equipment, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, Ab.

40’ X 60’ X 16’ DOWNSIZING: 2001 JD 7410 FWA 740 loader RIGID FRAME 6,870-hrs; MF 860 6 cyl , PU, $5,000; 20-ft. straight cut PU reel; JD 2420 DSL 25-ft. UII reel; 21-ft. Hart STEEL Carter PU reel; New Quonset future steel 52x35x18 BUILDING in crate; GMC 1981 7000 series 17-ft. factory grain box & hoist, A1; 1980 Chev 6500 tandem gravel box & hoist, propane, $3,500; 18-ft. Vac tank & Available at: $28,418 pump, off Ford 750 truck, A1; MF 410 combine PU, runs good, $1,200; Power parachute Rotex SR7, as Available at: When you go with is $3,000; Steel mounted skid mount cummins Beaver Creek Co-op steel you get the w/trans $2,200; 1999 Cat loader IT28G, A1; 2003 Wild Rose Co-op right deals! Hitachi ZX200LC, A1. (306)236-8023 Association Ltd. IH 25-FT. SWATHER 1,200-HRS, PU reels, cab; Association Ltd. Sakundiak grain auger; Inland sprayer. Phone Lamont, AB Pioneer One Steel Buildings (780)919-9985 Call toll free 1 (877) 525-2004 or see us online at www.pioneeronesteel.com Sedgewick, AB RETIRING! Case 2090 ($14,500), Chev 6000 grain (780) 895-2241 truck ($6,500), Vers. 18-ft swather ($950), Alteen BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 14-ft double disc ($1,000), 4 twister, 5 ring 14-ft di- www.dseriescanola.ca (780) 384-3877 ameter bins, ($1,000/each). Phone:(403)932-2343 www.dseriescanola.ca or (403)519-7815. SOLD COWS. 2006 Haybuster bale processor, model 2650, good shape, stored inside, $13,000. AUTO & TRANSPORT Also calf sheds & round bale feeders. Also have a Trucks Westward 30-ft pull swather, $4000, has cut less than 8000-acs. (403)485-6530. WORLD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: We 1980 GMC 7000, STEEL box, hoist, roll-tarp; 1976 screen & place tenants, we will set up a main- Ford F600, steel box, hoist. Phone (403)321-0455. tenance program to meet your needs, so that Round up the cash! Advertise your unwanted equip- you create extra cash ow without effort & ment in the Alberta Farmer Express classi© eds. 2005 GMC 3500 DURAMAX dually 4x4 crew cab stress. Contact Jake or Joanna:(780)612-0998. long box, w/exhaust brake, 5th wheel rails, camper WE WILL MOVE YOU FORWARD. tie downs & full leather, in excellent condition, Available at: $23,000 +GST. (403)932-2343 (403)519-7815. BUSINESS SERVICES South Country RON SAUER Barb Wire & BUILDINGS Electric High Tensile BUSINESS SERVICES MACHINERY LTD. Wire Spooler & Co-op (403) 540-7691 Crop Consulting Water Hose Roller STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS, High River, AB [email protected] 20-ft & 40-ft. Wind, water & rodent proof. 846 Ford Versatile Designation 6, 4WD Tractor 1990, 1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722 FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS newer 18.4 x 38 dualled tires,12 speed manual, 4 hyds., 6036 hrs., looks & runs good ...... $27,500 [email protected] We also specialize in: Crop Insurance appeals; 555 JD Crawler Loader, 250 hrs. on rebuilt engine, Chemical drift; Residual herbicide; Custom operator (403) 652-4143 good condition ...... $17,500 issues; Equipment malfunction; Yield comparisons, 8070 AC Tractor, FWA, wheel base extended, www.dseriescanola.ca with duals ...... $22,500 LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT? Plus Private Investigations of any nature. With our 275 MF Tractor, diesel, multi power, 3 pth, new 18.4 x 30, assistance the majority of our clients have received front weights, loader available, looks and runs great ..$12,500 If you want to sell it fast, call 1-800-665-1362. 51’ Degelman Landroller, only done 3,000 acres, TRY compensation previously denied. Back-Track as new...... $40,000 Investigations investigates, documents your loss and Degelman Dozer Frame MF 4000 Series 4WD .$1,000 assists in settling your claim. FARM MACHINERY 41’ Flexicoil B Chisel Plow, 3 bar harrows, excellent condition ...... $12,500 Licensed Agrologist on Staff. Parts & Accessories Flexicoil 6 Run Seed Treater ...... $1,000 For more information 134’ Flexicoil S68XL Sprayer, 2007, suspended boom, SCAN TO DOWNLOAD THE APP »» auto rate, joystick, rinse tank, triple quick jets, auto boom - Wire Roller can now be converted to Please call 1-866-882-4779 height, electric end nozzle & foam marker ...... $32,500 100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete with roll up & unroll flat plastic water hose windguards,elec. end nozzles single tips, auto rate, excellent condition ...... $12,500 up to 6” diameter (11” flat) 30’ 8230 CIH PT Swather, PU reel, nice shape, .$10,000 25’ 8225 CIH PT Swather, PU reel, nice shape .... $9,500 - Hydraulic Drive (roll or unroll) 25’ 1200 Hesston PT Swather, bat reel, good .... $5,500 - Mounts to tractor draw bar, skidsteer 10 Wheel MATR (Italy) Trailer Type V-Hayrake, hyd. fold, as new ...... $5,000 front end loader, post driver, 14 Wheel Enorossi V-Hayrake extra contour wheels, Stretch your ADVERTISING DOLLAR! as new ...... $11,500 3pt. hitch or deck truck NEW 12-39 Sakundiak Grain Auger, 44 HP Generac (with receiver hitch & rear hydraulics) engine, E-Kay HD mover, power steering, belt tightener, slim fit, 1-800-665-1362 lights, scissor lift, remote throttle, new tires ...... $23,500 - Spool splits in half to remove full roll NEW WOBBLE BOXES for JD, IH, MacDon NEW TL 10-39 Sakundiak Grain Auger, 35HP Vanguard Motor, Hawes mover, clutch & lights, new tires ...... $14,500 - Shut off/ Flow control valve headers. Made in Europe, factory quality. Get 8 x 1000 Sakundiak Auger, new 30 HP Koehler determines speed Ask About our Prairie Wide Classifieds it direct from Western Canada’s sole distributor engine, Hawes mover, gear box clutch, spout ...... CNT $9,000 starting at $1,095. 1-800-667-4515. 8 x 1200 Sakundiak Auger, 25 HP Koehler engine, - Works great for pulling out old wire www.combineworld.com Hawes mover, clutch, runs good ...... $8,500 7 x 1200 Sakundiak Auger, 18 HP Koehler engine, (approx. 3--5 minutes to roll looks and runs good, ...... CNT $3,500 8 x 1400 Sakundiak Auger, 25 HP Robin engine, Hawes up 80 rod or 1/4 mile) mover, clutch, spout, excellent condition, ...... CNT $10,000 - Also works great for swath grazing New E-Kay 7” Bin Sweep ...... **In Stock** $1,785 New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps available...... Call or rotational grazing 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, hydraulic drive .. $1,500 18.4 x 30, tractor tire & tube ...... $350 The Level-Winder II Wire Roller rolls New Outback MAX & STX guidance & mapping ...In Stock New Outback E-Drive, TC’s ...... In Stock wire evenly across the full width of New Outback E-Drive X, c/w free E turns ...... In Stock the spool automatically as the wire New Outback S-Lite guidance ...... **In Stock** $900 New Outback VSI Swather Steering Kit ...... In Stock is pulled in New Outback E-Drive Hyd. kit, JD 40 series ...... $1,000 Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. kits...... $500 Ken Lendvay (403) 550-3313 Red Deer, AB **NuVision (Spray Air) & Meridian-Sakundiak Augers, Outback GPS Systems, EK Auger Movers, Belt Tighteners, Bin Sweeps & Crop Dividers, email: [email protected] Kohler, Robin Subaru & Generac Engines, Headsight Harvesting Solutions, Web: www.levelwind.com Greentronics Sprayer Auto Boom Height, Kello-Bilt Discs** Prairie-Wide Display Classifieds FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted

MORE OPTIONS TO WANTED: NH BALE WAGONS & retrievers, any condition. Farm Equipment Finding Service, P.O. Box 1363, Polson, MT 59860. (406)883-2118 SAVE YOU MONEY Buy and Sell Buy one province, buy two anything you HAYING & HARVESTING need through the provinces or buy all three. HAYING & HARVESTING Baling Equipment

Great rates whatever HESSTON 4655 INLINE SMALL square baler, quarter turn chute; New Holland 1033 square bale you choose 1-800-665-1362 pickup wagon; 1948 Farmall M tractor, live hydraulics; single bottom 30-in breaking plow; Maxant single frame ail honey uncapper. Call (780)841-2984

WANTED: JD 7810 c/w FEL & 3-PTH; sp or PTO bale wagon; JD or IHC end wheel drills. Small square baler. (403)394-4401 HAYING & HARVESTING Various

MF 8460 CONVENTIONAL 2418 E-hrs, Sunny- brook concave, new rub bars, Melroe PU, $27,500; Hesston 6450 18-ft, 1980 E-hrs, cab, air, P/U reel, $9,700. Both excellent (403)782-2545.

Available at: Hit our readers where it counts… in the classi© eds. Place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifed Contact Sharon Neerlandia Co-op section. 1-800-665-1362. Email: [email protected] Association Ltd. Combines COMBINES Neerlandia, AB Ford/New Holland

RETIRED FROM FARMING: 2012 NH CR 9080 (780) 674-2820 twin rotor combine, 240 eng hrs, 620 metric duals, fully loaded; 2012 94C 36-ft. straight cut honey bee www.dseriescanola.ca header, full width top auger, fore & aft; 2012 NH 16- ft. PU header. (403)318-0172. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 31

COMBINES TRACTORS TRACTORS SEED/FEED/GRAIN TRAVEL Combines - Various Various Various Grain Wanted

BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain AGRICULTURAL TOURS 1-877-250-5252 Big Tractor Parts, Australia/New Zealand ~ Jan 2015 BUYING SPRING THRASHED CANOLA & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain South America ~ Jan 2015 Geared For 1-877-250-5252 Kenya/Tanzania ~ Jan 2015 Inc. The Future Costa Rica ~ Feb 2015 BOW VALLEY TRADING LTD. South Africa/Zambia ~ Feb 2015 WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN India ~ Feb 2015 STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST Japan ~ May 2015 RED OR GREEN Ireland/Scotland ~ June 2015 COMBINE WORLD located 20 min. E of Scandinavia ~ June 2015 Saskatoon, SK on Hwy. #16. 1 year warranty on 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement Wheat, all new, used, and rebuilt parts. Canada’s largest Available at: parts for your Steiger drive train. *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible inventory of late model combines & swathers. Barley, Oats, Select Holidays 1-800-667-4515 www.combineworld.com Peas, etc. W. Buis Holdings 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions 1-800-661-4326 Green or Heated Canola/Flax COMBINES and dropboxes with ONE YEAR www.selectholidays.com Accessories Limited WARRANTY. 1-877-641-2798 RECONDITIONED COMBINE HEADERS. RIGID & Foremost, AB ex, most makes & sizes; also header transports. 3. 50% savings on used parts. Ed Lorenz, (306)344-4811 or Website: Search for www.straightcutheaders.com Paradise Hill, SK. (403) 867-2436 AG EQUIPMENT SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers www.dseriescanola.ca 1-800-982-1769 DEALS on your www.bigtractorparts.com PHONE HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

JD 9400, 9420, 9520, 8970 4955 JD low hrs, 3 pth, very clean The Icynene Insulation Available at: JD 9860, 9760, 9750, 9650, 9600 S680 JD Combine low hrs System® JD 9430, 9530, 9630 2011 4730 JD Sprayer, 100 ft. »» Case STX 375, 425, 430, 450, 480, Get the APP Medicine Hat 4050 JD, fwa loader with complete front end • Sprayed foam insulation 500, 530 • Ideal for shops, barns or homes CIH 8010-2388, 2188 combine NH T8050 with fwa Co-op Ltd. 4920 Macdon, 21 ft. D.S.A. • Healthier, Quieter, More BUYING: CIH 435Q, 535Q, 450Q, 550Q, 600Q ® pto avail. Energy Efficient GOOD SELECTION OF HEATED & GREEN Medicine Hat, AB JD 4710, 4720, 4730, 4830, 4920, JD & CASE SP SPRAYERS 4930 SP sprayers AND 4WD TRACTORS CANOLA JD 9770 & 9870 w/CM & duals • Competitive Prices (403) 528-6609 CIH 3185, 3230, 3330, 4430, 4420 sprayers • Prompt Movement www.dseriescanola.ca www.penta.ca 1-800-587-4711 • Spring Thrashed “LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” “ON FARM PICK UP” CAREERS • Phone: (403)526-9644 • Cell: (403)504-4929 LIVESTOCK 1-877-250-5252 • Email: [email protected] CAREERS LIVESTOCK Construction Cattle – Red Angus We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you Boldt Precision Const. Of Ponoka is looking for want to sell it fast place your ad in the Alberta Farmer AG mature reliable workers. We install metal trusses & Express classi¦ eds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free DEALS REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS Quiet, Easy Calving, Low to Moderate decking on roofs, so must be good with heights. number today. We have friendly staff ready to help. TO GO! CANOLA WANTED Some heavy lifting involved. Wage depends on 1-800-665-1362. Birth Weights, Good Growth, E.P.D’s available Guaranteed Breeders (Vet Checked & Semen Buying Tough, Heated, Green, ability. [email protected] Tested). Excellent Bulls for Heifers or Cows. TracTors Cleveley Cattle Company (780)689-2754. Canola, Freight Options, Prompt Payment TRACTORS SEED / FEED / GRAIN Case/IH Bonded and Insured SEED/FEED/GRAIN CALL 1-866-388-6284 CASE 2090 (1984) W/CAB, A/C, dual PTO, front Feed Grain weight & duals. Full engine rebuilt 7,000-hrs, in www.milliganbiofuels.com VGC, $14,000 +GST. (403)932-2343 or (403)519-7815 BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the farm. TRACTORS Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, Lacombe. TIRES Various FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” West- JD 2955 c/w ldr., 3 pth hitch Available at: can Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 Available at: JD 326D Skid Steer 2011 Model Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express classi¦ ed section. It’s a sure thing. Webb’s Crop JD 7800 complete with 740 ldr. CHS DynAgra 1-800-665-1362. JD 4020 c/w ldr. & new motor Carseland, AB Services Ltd. JD 7700, 740 ldr. Memory assistance. ST 250 Steiger, tires new 20.8 x 38 Vermilion, AB New 30.5L-32 16 ply, $1,995; 20.8-38 12 ply Clamp on Duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38 (403) 934-4644 $795; 24.5-32 14 ply, $1,495; 14.9-24 12 ply, 148, 265, 725, 740, 280, JD ldr. Network SEARCH $486; 16.9-28 12 ply $558; 23.1-30 12 ply, $1,495; (780) 853-6565 18.4-26 10 ply, $890; 11R22.5 16 ply, $299. FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME www.dseriescanola.ca Search news. Read stories. Find insight. Factory direct. More sizes available new and used. www.dseriescanola.ca 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB 1-800-667-4515. www.combineworld.com

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