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Remembering my school The business of Ontario agriculture As a child, I attended Innerkip Central School, www.betterfarming.com which was about a 20-minute drive from my family PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Nolan 888-248-4893, ext 202

Cover photos: Jim Algie photo, photo, Jim Algie photos: Cover farm. The school was small and had modest enrolment levels. [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR In my years there, the school typically had only Andrea M. Gal, PhD 888-248-4893, ext 201 one class per grade level. (There were a few years [email protected] when a given grade level could have a class and a half CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Ziviani/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images photo – with a grade five class, for example, alongside a Franklin Carter STAFF WRITER grade five/six split.) I knew everyone in my grade, as Jennifer Jackson 888-248-4893, ext 214 well as many of the other students. [email protected] The school’s close proximity to my home meant that my parents could pick CONTRIBUTORS Jim Algie, Campbell Cork, Dale Cowan, Rachel me up after basketball games or musical theatre practices. Mom could serve on Gingell, Mark Juhasz, Patrick Lynch, Kyle Rodriguez, the parent council. My school friends were only a short drive away, since the Van Waffle, Ralph Winfield school drew students from a relatively small geographic area. DESIGN & PRODUCTION I honestly believe I can thank a number of elementary school teachers for help- Tanya Myers, Shaun Clark, Greg Marlow RESEARCH & DATA COORDINATOR ing me to become the person I am today. Jan Kertesz Mrs. Stock, my first-grade teacher, assigned us daily reading homework – and SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE my mother swore Mrs. Stock’s class fostered my love of reading. (There’s always a Glenn Ruegg 888-248-4893, ext 916 novel or two on my nightstand at home.) [email protected] Mrs. McKenzie, my third-grade teacher, helped me to develop self-confidence DIRECTORY, SPECIAL SECTIONS Jeff McKee 888-248-4893, ext 917 as a shy young girl. [email protected] Mr. Hall, my sixth-grade teacher, inspired my passion for writing and history. ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR He hammered home the importance of spelling and grammar. (I think his Jennifer Stewart 888-248-4893, ext 256 teachings might be the reason I shuddered over the poorly-written essays I [email protected] OFFICE ADDRESS marked as a university teaching assistant.) Better Farming | Farms.com Mr. Hall also had a remarkable level of enthusiasm for Canadian history that 52 Royal Rd., Guelph, Ontario N1H 1G3 he shared with his students. His lessons about the War of 1812 came alive with (519) 763-9660 or 1-888-248-4893 the rearranged desks and the wooden muskets. (Although I’m uncertain if such theatrics would still be permitted in schools today!) Small rural schools – like the one I attended – are currently in the spotlight SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION because of the provincial government’s proposals to close and consolidate schools. Mailed within Canada In this month’s main feature, writer Jim Algie explores these potential closures, $41 for 11 issues over one year (including $4.72 HST) the impact on rural communities and families, and the protest efforts. Hopefully, $74 for 22 issues over two years (including $8.51 HST) Back issues $8 (including $0.92 HST) plus shipping rural students will still be able to learn from passionate teachers, participate in a Back issues are also available at office address. range of extracurricular activities, and develop a strong sense of community and Subscribe to Better Farming citizenship as the nature of Ontario’s schools continues to evolve. BF (or update an address) Call: 1-888-248-4893 ext 281 ANDREA M. GAL Email: [email protected] Mail to: 52 Royal Road, Unit A, Guelph, ON N1H 1G3 SPECIALIST TEACHERS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Mailed to USA Source: People for Education’s 2016 Annual Report on Ontario’s Publicly Funded Schools $72 for 11 issues over one year Mailed international 70% $121 for 11 issues over one year 61% 60% 60% GST Registration #868959347RT0001 52% POSTMASTER: 50% Send address changes to AgMedia Inc. 44% 52 Royal Rd., Guelph, Ontario N1H 1G3 40% Publications Mail Registration No. 1156 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40037298 30% 30% 30% Copyright © 2017 by AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without 20% written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher can assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. 10% Better Farming is published 11 times a year by AgMedia Inc. (on the first of every month, with a blended issue in June/July). 0% Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the Health & physical Music teachers Teacher-librarians advertiser, its products or services, nor does AgMedia make any education teachers claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of advertisers’ claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the unintentional omission of any scheduled advertising. urban/suburban rural/small town Printed in Canada. Printed with Soy Ink.

4 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com Better Farming February 2017 PROTECTS AGAINST THE WEEDS YOU HAVE AND THE WEEDS YOU DON’T HAVE YET.

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2017 Canopy PRO 2017 ad_BetterFarm.indd 1 1/6/17 11:59 AM BEYONDTHEBARN Radar to help track poultry disease To better understand risks of avian flu transmission, the poultry industry is turning to the same type of radar technology that provides daily weather updates. Researchers at the University of California are now able to track wild bird movement with existing weather radar stations across the United States. Much like how radar can track rain patterns, the emitted signals bounce off of the birds, relaying their whereabouts, according to a universi- zar2002/iStock/Getty Images photo Plus ty release. In terms of the situation north of the border, “monitoring and tracking wild birds is something that we (in Canada) are very interested in because they are the major vector for avian influenza” transmission, says Steve Leech, national program manager of food safety, animal care and research for Chicken Farmers of Canada. TheCanadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, along with the CFIA, runs a wild bird surveillance program, testing both live birds and those found dead. “This (program) gives us an idea of what’s circulating and where it is,” says Leech. BF mirceax/iStock/Getty Plus photo Images Global commodities Changes to wildlife compensations supercycle trends Losing livestock to wildlife preda- “A big change (for the program) Navigating commodity markets can tors is like “living in a high crime is implementing more consistency be a difficult process. John Baffes, neighbourhood,” according to Jim and transparency in the (compensa- senior economist at the World Bank Magee, retired livestock farmer and tion) details,” he said. “Municipal Development Prospects Group, a current wildlife damage investiga- partners had the difficult responsi- recently highlighted factors shaping tor for OMAFRA. bility of determining a value for the the markets. “In the short-term, TheOntario Wildlife Damage (farmer’s) losses. Assigned compen- legislative and policy decisions can Compensation Program reimburs- sation values have varied greatly for play a huge role (in determining es farmers for livestock losses due to similar animals – OMAFRA is now prices) … but in the long-term, it’s predators where sufficient evidence taking on these responsibilities and more so market conditions and is documented. The program standardizing them using industry technology,” Baffes said at the Cana- changed Jan. 1 market values.” dian Food and Drink Summit. to reflect stake- “We want to make sure produc- Risk considerations for the com- holder recom- ers are treated fairly and that they modity exchange include evolving mendations have clear expectations of energy sources and changing weather and improve the program,” said patterns. In addition, economic program integ- Meyer. “We’ve also policies in parts of the south have rity, according greatly improved recently supported the farm gate to Adam information resourc- (protectionist national measures to Meyer, program es for farmers and restrict imported agricultural com- administrator for our municipal modities), rather than consumer OMAFRA. partners.” BF prices. BF

6 Story Idea? Email [email protected] Better Farming February 2017 Natural gas now

RURAL ONTARIO NEEDS AFFORDABLE ENERGY TO DRIVE GROWTH

The need for natural gas across rural Ontario continues to be a top priority for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) in 2017. The cold winter weather is another reminder of the importance of rural Ontario having access to affordable natural gas energy.

We need the government to commit to a real investment in natural gas infrastructure across rural Ontario to provide a competitive edge for farms and rural businesses. Ontario farmers, business owners and rural residents could save more than $1 billion in annual energy costs if natural gas was accessible across the province. That’s money that can be invested to create jobs and support a growing and vibrant rural economy.

What can you do? 3 Visit ontarioruralgrowth.ca for more information 3 Talk to your MPP about the need for natural gas in rural Ontario 3 Add your voice to the natural gas issue at actnow.ofa.on.ca

Rural Ontario can grow with natural gas.

#ontRURALgrowth

OFA: Advocating for the needs of Ontario agriculture.

ofa.on.ca | @OntarioFarms @OFABenefits | OntarioFarms | OntarioFarms | ontariofarms

53845_OFA_2017_NaturalGas_8-125x10-875BF_a2.indd 1 2017-01-05 22:42 BEYONDTHEBARN

A 'sweet' market Plussimazoran/iStock/Getty photo Images opportunity A new commodity may be on the horizon for those producers looking for another crop to add to their operation. The recently-formed Ontario Innovative Sugarbeet Processors Cooperative (OISPC) may soon be looking for farmers to grow more sugar beets for biochemi- cal purposes. Ontario producers currently grow 10,000 acres of these beets. The harvested crop is shipped to the Michigan Sugar Company, according to Mark Lumley, president of the OISPC. Lumley is also chairman of the Ontario Sugar Beet Growers’ As- sociation (OSGA) and a farmer. Producers in Lambton and Kent counties harvest some of North America’s highest sugar beet yields, a November OSGA release said. These beets also have some of the highest sugar content in the industry. An economic study by the OSGA, the Bio-Industrial Process Research Centre and Western Sarnia- Lambton Research Park found it feasible to re-establish a southern Are extra leaves robbing your yield? Ontario supply chain and process the crop here, too. Your soybeans may be overachiev- reducing yield,” he said. “We’re now onto the next stage – a ers to a fault, according to a new Soybeans used to be a wide row more comprehensive, detailed study study by researchers at the crop. Now, they are grown in looking into engineering a sugar University of Illinois. narrow rows and the lower plant plant, the sugar process and the cost,” Scientists found that soybean tissue often sits in shade from the said Lumley. “We are hypothesizing varieties typically produce more thick canopy. “Seventy per cent of we will need 30,000 acres.” leaves than necessary – at the cost the light falling on a soybean Why should producers grow sugar of yield. canopy is intercepted by just the top beets, according to Lumley? Researchers removed one-third 30 centimetres of the crop,” leaving “It’s a higher value crop – more of emerging leaves on the plants less light for the leaves below, profitable than corn, soybeans and and found yields were boosted by 8 Morrison said. wheat,” he said. “There’s over 100 per cent, according to a release. “The perfect solution would be farmers growing They predicted the yield rise to program the bottom leaves to die them.” BF stemmed from increased sunlight to off as the light level dropped and lower leaves, reduced water demand the canopy closed.” and more efficient use of plant Morrison has experimented with resources. different row widths, as well as leaf Malcolm Morrison, crop shapes, to increase light penetra- physiologist and research scientist tion. At this stage, however, he has for Agriculture and Agri-Food not yet made a direct and signifi- Canada, has also studied this topic cant correlation with yield increases by removing lower leaves on in soybeans. soybean plants. The study was published in the “We could remove two-thirds of journal Global Change Biology in the leaf tissue without significantly November. BF luiscarlosjimenez/iStock/Getty Images photo Plus

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10695401_Stratego PRO_8.125x10.875-4C-043.indd BAYER-043-4C-2017 None Manny.Augusto 8.125” x 10.875” -- 1 8.125” x 10.875” -- CMYK 7” x 10” Rebecca.Egan 100% 8.375” x 11.25” 2 Alanna.Turney Bayer Mission Script, Blanch, Helvetica Neue LT Std 10695401 Better Farming 1-9-2017 11:20 AM -- 1-9-2017 11:20 AM -- Ferreira, Jamy (TOR-MWG) -- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black -- -- BEYONDTHEBARN baibaz/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Images baibaz/iStock/Getty A new livestock feed product When you think of algae, a link with agriculture may not be the first thought that comes to mind. Algae-based feed products are, however, changing the way livestock farmers can market their products. The CFIA has registered the first algae nutritional product of its kind, created by Alltech. “This is the first (algae product) with the purpose of enriching the plusphoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Imagesplusphoto/iStock/Getty photo Plus content of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in foods of animal origin,” the CFIA said in an email. Livestock fed this product produce nutritionally-enhanced meat, milk and eggs that can be marketed as premium products. “This is the first heterotrophically-grown (meaning it Greenbelt survives on organic matter from other organisms) algae product in Canada,” says Stuart McGregor, general manag- discourages farm er for Alltech Canada. The product “provides a sustainable alternative for DHA omega fatty acids.” investment If a “producer (already) has an omega-3 Ontario’s Greenbelt, which prevents branding-type program, this would be a rezoning of prime agricultural land fantastic opportunity to rebrand or around the Golden Horseshoe, may ultimately increase have failed in its objective to protect the value of their farmlands. The region’s farmers are program by (mar- less likely to sell their land but are also keting) a sustain- investing less in their farms, accord- able source of ing to a recent study. DHA,” Alltech's Dr. Richard Vyn, a professor at the McGregor says. BF University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus and an author of the study, Dave_Groth/iStock/Getty Plus photo Images says that the lower farm exit rate is misleading. Since land values have 'What is the legacy' of your family farm? fallen in the Greenbelt, some farmers Only 27 per cent of operations have are “sitting on (their land) waiting for a formal succession plan and farms the policy to change.” without a plan have a significantly The study drew findings from the greater chance of failure, according Ontario Farm Income Database. After to a recent national survey by Farm 2005, Greenbelt farmers were 2.1 per Management Canada (FMC) and cent less likely to go out of business the Agri-food Management than those elsewhere in southern Institute. Ontario. On average, farmers in Leading farm practices include: protected countryside claimed $1,067 continual learning, making deci- less capital cost allowance per year, sions from accurate data, seeking which the study used as a measure of advisory help, following a business investment in the property. plan, engaging in risk assessments Vyn explains that timing of such and monitoring farm budgets, policies is crucial: “Likely agriculture Heather Watson, executive director was already starting to decline prior of FMC, said at the Canadian Food to the implementation of the Green- and Drink Summit. Margaret Hudson, CEO of belt.” Agricultural land awaiting In terms of ensuring a successful Burnbrae Farms, said at the development is typically not farmed farm business, some industry Summit. to its full potential. Meanwhile representatives suggest the impor- Successful intergenerational industry supports, such as supply tance of intergenerational creativity. farming can be thought of as a companies, may have left as develop- “Over 90 per cent of businesses family culture, says Watson. ment encroached. don’t make it from generation two “Ask what is the legacy this farm The study was published in the to generation three, so I would say has created and how do we want to journal Applied Economic Perspectives talk to other family businesses. continue into the next generation,” and Policy in July 2016. BF There is no one-size-fits-all,” she says. BF

10 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017 “We provide safe, quality food to the consumer. We can be honest and transparent because there’s nothing to hide.”

Ravi Bathe, Agvocate Poultry and Berry Producer

Be somebody who does something. Be an agvocate.

Learn more at AgMoreThanEver.ca.

Better Farming February 2017 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON 11

38970 E AMTE Ravi Be Somebody_8.125x10.875.indd 1 2017-01-09 9:12 AM

Majesta McClure and Wayne Elder and their children, James, Ewan and Leah, pose in front of the Chesley District Community School.

14 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming February 2017 RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES

ington Collegiate and Voca- photo Ana Sajfert tional Institute, the high school that educated Sir John A.K Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, CBC hockey commentator Don Cherry and members of the rock band Tragically Hip, plans to close. Another historic collegiate – Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute, most famous for the school- ing of Billy Bishop, the First World War flying ace, and Agnes Macphail, the first woman elected to parliament – closed last fall. More school closures will follow. The schools are casualties in a new round of accommodation reviews and multi-million dollar school system adjustments mandated by Ontario’s Education Ministry in the name of improved course selection and declining enrolments. MPP Bill Walker with Eric and Sarah Grant, students at Paisley Central Community activists have begun School, participated in the Nov. 21 protest at Queen’s Park over rural wondering, however, why the process school closings. This school has been identified, in the accommodation targets so many rural schools. These review plan by the Bluewater District School Board, as likely to close. activists have begun to question the accuracy of the demographic projec- rapidly growing since September, rural neighbours. tions used to calculate school board produced a protest on Nov. 21 at Federation director Pat Jilesen and strategies. Queen’s Park. Activists from as far his wife, Beth, raise sheep on a In some rural areas, proposed north as Sudbury, as far southwest as 200-acre farm about five minutes’ school closings ignore likely areas of Sarnia on the Michigan border and as drive from the central Bruce County imminent growth. In Bruce County, far east as the Quebec border attend- village of Paisley, which has a popula- for example, a pending $8 billion ed the event. As many as 200 protes- tion of 1,003. Jilesen – along with refurbishment of the world’s largest tors gathered on the legislature steps other parents, local municipal nuclear generating station is expected outside as opposition members inside representatives and business repre- to yield at least 3,000 direct new jobs peppered Education Minister Mitzie sentatives – has joined a pitched and increase the community’s Hunter with questions and petitions. battle to save the community’s only population. Hunter and Premier Kathleen remaining school. For rural students, school closures Wynne defended current policy and Because of school boundary rules mean longer bus rides and barriers to government plans for new school that still puzzle Jilesen, his elder son, after-school activity and parental spending. But protest momentum Noah, began formal education at the involvement. For rural communities, continued to build through Decem- ripe old age of three and rode a bus the consolidations pose a social and ber. For rural Progressive Conserva- for more than an hour to Port Elgin economic threat that pits neighbours tives such as Bill Walker, MPP for instead of Paisley, five minutes from against one another. Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, it seems at home. Seven years later, Noah, 10, The closures also leave school times like a political gift. and Elsa, seven, still ride the bus to boards at the mercy of ministry MPPs Walker, Steve Clark Port Elgin. funding formulas that some say (Leeds-Grenville), Monte McNaugh- “I can’t think of a better, renewable favour costly new capital construction ton (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex) as economic development commitment over less costly options. That’s well as Jim McDonell (Stor- from the government than to keep the particularly true where rural schools mont-Dundas-South Glengarry) have schools open,” Jilesen said in an provide a singular, community focus. hammered the rural schools theme interview over coffee at Back Eddie’s The newly-formed Ontario hard in the legislature. restaurant in Paisley. He cited fre- Alliance Against School Closures Ontario Federation of Agriculture quent Wynne government commit- (OAASC) estimates that 500 rural board members are likewise taking ments to agriculture and to rural schools face major change, including leadership in their communities on development which profess “the closure. an issue that concerns not only importance of keeping rural commu- The alliance, which has been farmers but also their non-farming, nities vibrant.”

Better Farming February 2017 The Business of Ontario Agriculture 15 RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES

But the issue isn’t only about in 1973, has joined the debate over first proposed closing Sarnia Colle- agriculture. A growing segment of school closings with an offer of giate Institute & Technical School people from high-cost urban areas of corporate financial aid to preserve a (SCITS) where her son is a graduate. Ontario has lately begun to identify school in Markdale for current and Built in 1922, SCITS is to close after lower-cost housing and emerging future employees’ children. the completion of $16 million in work opportunities in rural areas, Bruce County council has ap- renovations at St. Clair Secondary Jilesen said. proved a $20,000 study to examine School, which will accommodate The farmer-owned Gay Lea Foods the ins and outs of demographic SCITS students in the city’s south Co-operative, for example, an- projections used by the Bluewater end. As a result, the board is turning nounced in November a $60 million District School Board as part of its its back on a building that features a doubling of existing 80-employee continuing accommodation review. 750-seat auditorium and swimming facilities at the Teeswater plant in In late November, a joint meeting of pool, MacKenzie said. southern Bruce, part of the company’s Grey and Bruce County councils A long-time school council $140 million investment in new milk resolved to seek from provincial member, MacKenzie has weathered processing. Feihe International Inc., officials improved consideration of four pupil accommodation reviews. the China-based infant formula the community impact of local school After she heard about the board’s producer, announced the opening in closings. decision to close SCITS, she said in early December of a 200-job process- One municipal councillor in the an interview, “Just looking at the ing plant in Kingston to make southern Bruce community of building ... you know that it’s the goat-milk infant formula. Brockton researched birthrates and wrong decision. In the central Grey County village found an increase in local childbirths “The building is in great shape. I of Markdale (pop. 1,325), Chapman’s by as much as 46 per cent and 27 per started looking through the reports Ice Cream, Canada’s largest indepen- cent at two area hospitals beyond the and got into the facility condition dent ice cream manufacturer, predicts census data used in school board index information; to me it’s scandal- imminent expansion of its existing analysis. ous,” MacKenzie said. The index 600-person workforce. Vice-president Susan MacKenzie, the OAASC’s measures needed improvements. But Ashley Chapman, whose parents founder, became involved when related funding for new construction, David and Penny established the firm Lambton-Kent school board officials MacKenzie maintains, skews the

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RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES McRae photo

Shawn McRae farms near Bainsville and is a parent representative on a school accommodation review underway in the Upper Canada District School Board. Here, Shawn poses with his family. On steps: Shawn and Tara’s sons Duncan and Malcolm. Left to right: Shawn and son Alastair, Tara, Ron (Shawn’s father) and Carolyn (Shawn’s mother). process against future uses for existing buildings. “I think the motivation is: (the provincial government is) halfway through (its) mandate, there’s an election in two years and ... they want to say they put all this spending into education and ‘Look at all the new schools we’ve built.’” Shawn McRae and his wife, Tara, cash crop about 500 acres near the hamlet of Bainsville, 40 kilometres from Cornwall. He represents parents in the accommodation review begun by the Upper Canada District School Board. They are considering a proposal to close S.J. McLeod Elementary School where McRae’s two youngest children are students. The school was built in the 1960s on land donated by his great-uncle; McRae’s mother once taught at the school, and he and his sisters attended elementary school there. His two eldest boys now attend Char-Lan High School in Williamstown. The school takes its name from former municipalities of Charlottenburg and Lancaster townships. Under the current review, both schools could close, McRae said. He remains cynical about current consultations. “I think what frustrates a lot of people (is) ... we used to ... make more local decisions,” McRae said. “Both at the local government level as well as the school system, the dollars stayed in the community and things were arguably run efficiently because of that local nature.” People for Education, a Toronto-based charity that conducts and commis- sions education research, expects to complete a detailed study of the current round of accommodation reviews this spring, executive director Annie Kidder said in an interview. The organization’s 2016 annual report in May documented that students living in small towns and rural and northern communities are “less likely to have music or health and physical education teachers,” among other services. (For futher information, see the infographic on page 4.) Kidder acknowledged a recent “surge in school closing notices.” Provincial policy changes within the past four years curtail funding that once allowed regional boards to maintain schools below design capacity, she said. “There was funding for declining enrolment to help boards ... deal with their declining enrolment,” Kidder said. “That funding is slowly being cut because the province had wanted boards to – the polite word is – ‘consolidate’ schools to deal with the fact” of declining enrolment. “There are schools that will close and probably should close,” she said. “What we’re concerned about is we seem not to be able to take account of the exacerbation of the policy as it’s working right now in terms of the impact on small towns, rural Ontario and northern Ontario.” BF

18 Story Idea? Email [email protected] Better Farming February 2017 Better Farming February 2017 Story Idea? Email [email protected] 19 RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES Chesley family faces possible loss of local school and agriculture curriculum

The Specialist High Skills Major Agri-Business program is based at the Chesley Community School. Here, students can learn about agriculture.

ajesta McClure and Wayne juggled local facilities to include where their forebears have thrived for Elder met at Chesley children from kindergarten through generations. District High School in to grade 12. The McClures ran a historic, local Mcentral Bruce County. This fall, the school became the feed mill. Wayne is a 2002 graduate in Now settled with three children focus of study again. The school agriculture from the University of and 65 beef cows on the farm where board is considering a proposal for Guelph. He farms with his father, Wayne grew up, the couple had the Chesley/Paisley area that could Keith, whose early education oc- assumed their children would follow close the only elementary school in curred in a one-room school about them to CDHS. This fall, for the Paisley by 2018 and move all Chesley two miles away. Elders have farmed second time in five years, the Elders secondary school students elsewhere. here since 1861. have had to fight for that idea. The issue is more than simple Wayne rode buses to school when Their old high school is known nostalgia for the Elders. They identify he was a kid, as do his two school- now as Chesley District Community the school with the qualities of aged children now. They attend School. The school got its new name community and family life they hope Sullivan Community School, a small when the Bluewater District School to maintain, such as growing cattle elementary school just north of the Board’s last accommodation review and crops in an area of the province Grey County village of Desboro.

20 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017 RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES

Bluewater school board officials have promised to preserve the agriculture major program even if general high school programs shift away from Chesley. School trustee Marilyn McComb is among the few Bluewater officials to speak publicly during the review about the need to preserve the program. In an e-mailed response to a Better Farming inquiry, McComb cited the region’s agricultural importance. A livestock barn, a greenhouse and maple syrup processing facilities are all part of the existing program which relies on community financial support from the Kinsmen club and area farmers. Participants also benefit from work placements on area farms and in agri-businesses and from the use of area farmland for cropping. “It is crucial that the students have access to a barn, preferably in Chesley, and that students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture have access and transpor- tation to this program from wherever they live,” McComb said. The local community has mobilized in an effort to “It gets complicated; there are questions,” Wayne Elder save the Paisley Central School. said of a continued agriculture program in the absence of a high school in Chesley. “The fact that we have this Although not currently earmarked to close, the Desboro agriculture program which has been ... recognized by school does have board-identified capital deficiencies that the University of Guelph, has won all these awards and work against its future. runs every year. (But) we just don’t feel that it has the “We recognize that ... our kids will be sitting on a bus same viability either on its own or in another location, for some amount of time, but we think one-and-a-half to and I’m worried that in the transition it will get lost in the two hours is too long,” Majesta said during a Saturday shuffle.” BF afternoon interview in the kitchen of their brick farmhouse. She is an elementary school teacher currently on parental leave. The longer the bus ride, the greater the risk of highway accidents in dangerous winter weather for which the region is known. Time spent with relatively little adult supervision also potentially exposes children to undesir- able acts, such as bullying. Transport time interferes with extracurricular activities and part-time jobs. Long dis- tances between home and school also hinder parental participation in events such as breakfast clubs or Christ- mas concerts. “The longer the kids are on the bus, the less ready they are to learn when they get off, if they’re hungry and tired and maybe kind of grouchy,” said Majesta. The possible loss of Chesley’s high school program also complicates the future of the Bluewater board’s highly touted Specialist High Skills Major Agri-Business program at a time when it’s increasingly important to encour- age candidates to learn about promising new developments in agriculture, Wayne said. Chesley’s agriculture curriculum provides participants with workplace training in first aid, livestock medicines and hazardous substances. The program received a 2007 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence and allows graduates advance standing in first-year agriculture programs at the University of Guelph. In 2016, agriculture teacher Dennis Watson received the prestigious Tommy Cooper Award, presented annually by the Grey and Bruce County federa- tions of agriculture, for contributions to agriculture.

Better Farming February 2017 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON 21 RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES Visit your local STIHL Dealer for more information! Parents debate the future Alliston • New Tec Recreation • 705-435-5206 Ancaster • Brother’s Equipment Rentals • 905-648-4489 Barrie • Richview Lawn Equipment • 705-722-8400 of three local schools Belleville • Deerhaven Farm & Garden Ltd. • 613-962-5021 Belmont • Dale Equipment Centre • 519-644-0670 Brampton • Green Tractors • 905-846-2511 Brantford • Brant Tractor Co. • 519-449-2500 Brantford • Northgate Rent All • 519-759-8910

Chapman's photo Chapman's Brockville • 1000 Islands Sales & Rentals Ltd. • 613-345-2753 Campbellford • Wm. J. Thompson Farm Sup. Ltd • 705-653-3540 Chatham • Chatham Outdoor Power • 519-354-3990 Dundalk • Highland Supply • 1-800-265-9154 Dundas - Marsh Brothers Tractors - 905-627-9281 Dundas • Windmill Power Equipment • 905-628-3055 Dunnville • Peter’s Engine & Rental Centre • 905-774-7615 Earlton • Green Tractors • 705-563-2134 Elmira • Martin’s Small Engines Ltd. • 519-669-2884 Erin • Ed Stewart’s Equipment Ltd. • 519-833-9616 MS 171 Exeter • Becker Power & Leisure • 519-235-2757 Gas Chain Saw MS 261 C-M Fergus • Universal Rental Services • 519-843-4570 $ 95 Gas Chain Saw Fonthill • Pic’s Motor Clinic • 905-892-3041 MSRP $299.95 with 16" bar $ 95 Ashley Chapman, vice-president of Chapman’s Ice Cream, has joined Fordwich • Boyd’s Farm Supply • 519-335-3539 $ MSRP $759.95 50 249 $ 130 VE SA VE with 16" bar the debate over school closings with an offer of corporate financial Formosa • Lloyd Kuntz Sales & Service • 519-367-2913 SA 629 aid to preserve a school in Markdale. Glencoe • Fulline Farm & Garden Equip. Ltd. • 519-287-2840 Godfrey • L.D. PowerSports • 613-374-5604 Halton • Green Tractors • 905-878-2121 t a packed meeting in early Built in 1950 and featuring three Hanover • Bruce Service Sales & Rentals - 519-364-6345 30.1 cc / 1.3 kW / 4.3 kg (9.5 lb)* December in the gymnasium subsequent additions, Beavercrest has Ingersoll • Ingersoll Rent-All • 519-485-4231 at Beavercrest Community projected five-year capital renewal Kemptville • Kemptville Building Centre • 613-258-6000 50.2 cc / 3.0 kW / 4.95 kg (10.9 lb)*

ASchool in Markdale in Grey County, costs of $2.6 million, judging by a Kitchener • Connect Equipment Corporation • 519-696-2568 MS 211 STIHL Arctic™ version also available for $729.95 parent representatives in an accom- board report. Enrolment is about 119 Kingston • Green Tractors • 613-541-3912 Gas Chain Saw Langton • Sinnaeve Equipment Centre • 519-875-4439 $ 95 modation review committee squared students short of the school’s 314 MSRP $399.95 $ 50 Leamington • Economy Rental Centre • 519-322-2319 VE with 16" bar off. pupil capacity. SA 349 MS 441 C-M London • Hyde Park Equipment Ltd. • 519-471-1400 The parents were there to study the Holland-Chatsworth school is Gas Chain Saw Bluewater District School Board’s located near a tiny crossroads settle- Madoc • Madoc Farm Supply • 613-473-4227 Medina • Turf Care Products Canada • 519-349-2400 $ 95 MSRP $1,159.95 plans for the future of three elementa- ment that does not have much other $ 160 Metcalfe • Allan Johnston Repair & Sales • 613-821-4263 VE with 16" bar ry schools along a 28-kilometre nearby infrastructure. It is about 18 SA 999 Milverton • Albrecht’s Chainsaw Service • 519-595-2579 35.2 cc / 1.7 kW / 4.3 kg (9.5 lb)* stretch of Highway 10 in central Grey kilometres north of Markdale (pop. Mitchell • Wighty’s Repairs Inc. • 519-348-0404 County. They contended like trial 1,350). For their part, Holland-Chats- Mount Forest • Robert’s Farm Equipment • 519-323-2755 MS 251 lawyers over their community’s worth parents provided reassuring Neustadt • The Windmill • 519-799-5342 Gas Chain Saw existing schools. safety reports on well water inspec- Nobleton • Green Tractors • 905-859-0581 $ 95 MSRP $489.95 North Bay • Arnstein Lawn & Garden - 705-472-8500 $ 40 70.7 cc / 4.2 kW / 6.6 kg (14.6 lb)* Board officials, who declined an tions. They expressed enthusiasm VE with 16" bar SA interview request, had slated Beaver- about their 50-year-old school and Omemee • Green Tractors • 705-799-2427 449 Wrap-Handle version also available for $1,029.95 crest for closing at the end of the the prospect of raising student Orangeville • Henry’s Lawn & Garden Equip. • 519-941-0980 STIHL Arctic™ version also available for $1,099.95 current school year. Beavercrest’s enrolment to fill 340 pupil spaces. Oshawa • Durham Kubota • 905-655-3291 defenders highlighted the school’s Meanwhile parents representatives Petrolia • Podolinsky Equipment Ltd. • 519-844-2360 central location and proximity to the appointed to the review process for Plantagenet • Dan R. • 613-673-5129 45.6 cc / 2.2 kW / 4.9 kg (10.8 lb)* Port Perry • Green Tractors • 905-985-9701 hospital and other village services, Macphail Memorial Elementary Prescott • Beach Home Hardware • 613-925-4286 including municipal water. They also School in Flesherton (pop. 543), 10 Stevensville • Lapp Cycle & Parts Ltd. • 905-382-2425 noted that the region’s major employ- kilometres south of Markdale, Strathroy • Tadgell’s • 519-245-1103 er, Chapman’s Ice Cream, has 600 questioned the board and Ontario SW Ontario • Premier Equipment • premierequipment.ca employees and is growing. Education Ministry analysis that Tillsonburg • Chesterman Farm Equipment • 519-842-5977 ® Beavercrest parents also ques- shows the Flesherton school can Tupperville - Lambton-Kent Farm - 519-627-3434 tioned well water quality at nearby handle as many as 80 additional Wallenstein • E&F Sauder Sales • 519-669-2192 STIHL MOTOMIX Holland-Chatsworth Central School. students in the coming shake up. Waterdown • Weeks Hardware • 905-689-6618 THE ULTIMATE Board reports recommend that this Macphail dates from 2004. This STIHLCanada school receive improvements and an school has minimal capital renewal PREMIXED FUEL! influx of new students when Beaver- needs, hosts the area’s French immer- www.stihl.ca GET YOURS HERE TODAY! crest closes. sion program and serves 507 students Feature prices are in effect until February 3, 2017 for all power tools at participating STIHL Dealers, while supplies last. www.stihl.ca * Powerhead only.

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Beavercrest Community School in Grey County is slated for closing at the end of the current school year – but local protests rage.

– 92 students short of capacity. poultry farmer, market gardener and pending housing proposals and other The meeting became a mother of two children (the elder expected growth. polite-but-pointed tag-team competi- attends kindergarten at The Grey Highlands’s offer buys tion: senior board officials answered Holland-Chatsworth), Borowski said time to sort out the details of Chap- parents’ leading questions as a panel she appreciated the Beavercrest man’s involvement in school redevel- of trustees watched. Final decisions parents’ gesture but added, “We’re just opment, deputy mayor Stewart are expected in March. trying to do what we think is best for Halliday said in a joint interview with Audience members, who weren’t our kids and our community. mayor Paul McQueen. allowed to ask questions, grumbled “It’s a terrible, terrible feeling and a “With our resolution, we knew amongst themselves terrible thing for the there had to be some skin in the game about the need for board to put us up to catch their attention, and it certain- changes in provincial against,” she said. ly has,” McQueen said. policy about how Grey Highlands Ashley Chapman hopes for a these decisions are municipality council, project with diverse funding and made. which manages a other components that may respond During a break, sprawling population to provincial policies favouring Beavercrest advocates of 9,500 covering schools as part of community hubs. approached those much of southern The concept could include new from Holland- Grey County, has also recreational facilities such as a pool Chatsworth to shake become involved. The and/or library, Chapman said in an hands and promise no council offered interview. hard feelings. But Bea- $100,000 to cover two “The municipality would put up a vercrest had an ace up Mayor Paul McQueen years’ rent for unused its sleeve, and every- space at Beavercrest. one knew it. Grey Highlands’ administration Two weeks earlier, Ashley Chap- operates from leased office space in man, the vice-president of Chapman’s an annex to a county-owned seniors’ Ice Cream based in Markdale, had home and is deeply engaged in efforts attracted Toronto Star news coverage to expand and revitalize Markdale. when he promised to help fund a That’s partly because of the new, or renovated, Markdale school continuing expansion of Chapman’s as part of a new community centre. Ice Cream, now Canada’s largest – by Board officials, although non-com- volume – independent ice cream mittal, were clearly interested. manufacturer. “It’s not supposed to be an against- But municipality officials also talk each-other process,” Kara Borowski, a about a growing nearby settlement of Holland-Chatsworth parent, said in a Mennonites (who do send their subsequent interview. A small-scale children to public schools). They cite

24 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming February 2017 RURALSCHOOLCLOSURES

chunk of money and we would have expansion that Chapman figures will projections were based on a 2013 to work through one of the not-for- add 100 employees within a year and consultant’s report that Chapman profit organizations in the community another 300 within five years. argues is out of date. to donate our money,” Chapman said. A village school is “one of the basic “Here we are three years later and In early December, the family-owned things to get people into the area,” he this community has changed; it’s firm announced a 100,000 square-foot said. Bluewater board enrolment growing,” he said. BF

School board co-operation and recent funding increases benefit rural education, says ministry spokesperson Since 2003, annual funding for rural school boards has English-speaking boards share a secondary gym, library increased by $1.12 billion, said Heather Irwin, an and cafeteria facilities. Ontario Education Ministry spokesperson, in response “This is about recognizing the need for Boards to to a Better Farming inquiry. work with each other and their communities to find the Irwin issued the statement after Better Farming right solution to ensure students have the best learning requested an interview with Education Minister Mitzie environments possible,” the statement said. Hunter, MPP for the Toronto-area riding of Scarbor- “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring ough-Guildwood. Irwin’s statement emphasized the that students in rural Ontario have an equal opportuni- importance of co-operation among neighbouring ty for an excellent education,” Irwin said. school boards in current accommodations planning. Part of rural education funding includes Grants for “By coming together, and utilizing shared spaces, Student Needs to offset higher-cost materials and some schools may be able to offer better program resources and declining enrolment. These grants have options that would not be offered in a smaller class- increased since 2012-13 by more than $199 million. room environment,” Irwin’s statement said. She cited Since 2003, per pupil funding has increased by examples in Sturgeon Falls where French- and $4,508 (63 per cent), the ministry statement said. BF

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A short history of Ontario schools consolidation 1941 – Ontario population: 3,700,000. 1985-90 – Separate school enrolments rose from 63,000 to 171,000 as public school enrolments 1948 – Ontario had 6,800 elementary schools, including declined. 4,400 with one classroom and single teacher. There were 239 high schools, 114 continuation 1986 – Full French-language education rights schools and 60 vocational schools. established. 1950 – 40 per cent of schools lacked inside toilet 1995 – Premier Mike Harris’s Common Sense Revolution facilities; a third of rural public schools and half proposed a $400 million school funding cut. of separate schools lacked hydro. 1997 – Education Act revisions introduced provincial 1961 – Ontario fertility rate of four children per woman control of all education revenue, including almost doubled from the 1936 rate of 2.2. provincial grants and local property tax levies, while cutting total number of school boards in 1964 – Ontario Education Minister William Davis half. eliminated historic, single school boards, declaring townships the administrative unit for 1999 – High school program reduced from five to four public schools in rural areas. years. 1968 – Limited French-language education rights 2002 – Ontario Ministry of Education actual budgets, established. 2002-03 school year: operating, $14.399 billion; capital, $670.8 million. Average daily enrol- 1969 – During county board consolidation, counties ment, 1.997 million students. Student transpor- became the basic school administration unit tation grant, $629.267 million. Average utiliza- despite widespread protests. Education costs tion of facilities, 85.7 per cent. became an explosive political issue. 2016 – Ontario Ministry of Education projections for the 1969 – Education Act amendments allowed the 2016-17 school year: operating, $22.864 billion; province to impose school board spending capital, $1.493 billion. 3,980 elementary and limits. 927 secondary schools; average daily enrol- 1970 – Ontario Federation of Agriculture proposed ment, 1.952 million students. Student transpor- farm tax strike over education issues. tation grant, $896.6 million. Average utilization of facilities, 78.6 per cent. 1971 – Ontario population: 7,600,000. 2016 – Ontario population 13.983 million, 14.9 per 1985 – Full public funding for Catholic separate school cent in rural areas and 85.1 per cent in urban system. areas. BF

Sources: R.D. Gidney, From Hope to Harris: The Reshaping of Ontario’s Schools Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1999; Ontario Ministry of Education website; and Ontario Ministry of Finance website.

26 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming February 2017 FIELDTRIP Working to keep up with demand This Cambridge poultry farm is helping to satisfy the high demand for chicken. A focus on safety and innovation enables the family to keep production flowing. by KYLE RODRIGUEZ

Mark Hermann, owner of Whistlebare Poultry Farm, left, and his son Jonathan walk across fresh December snow toward one of the five poultry barns housed on their two properties in Cambridge. Mark’s father Harry, who emigrated from Germany in 1957, built and sold two houses in the area to fund a down payment on the first farm in 1967. Harry passed the business along to Mark in the mid-1990s. In addition to raising poultry, the family also grows soybeans, corn and winter wheat.

A softly-peeping mass of approximately 34,000 10-day-old Cobb breed broiler chicks roam a single story of a Whistlebare Poultry Farm barn. When they arrive, the mixed-sex chicks have only been out of an incubator for 12 hours.

anadians love their poultry. According to Mark Hermann, owner of Whistlebare Poultry Farm in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadians Cambridge, is one of over one thousand chicken produc- consumed 31.86 kilograms of chicken per person ers in the province. Taking over from his father Harry, a Cin 2015 – more than any other meat. Meeting this growing European immigrant who built the business, Mark now consumer demand is big business. Canadian poultry and works alongside his son, Jonathan. egg production generated $4.04 billion in revenue, or 6.8 Together, Mark and Jonathan raise over 150,000 birds per cent of cash receipts of the country’s farming opera- every eight-week quota period. Mark and his family are tions. No province has more poultry producers than incorporating innovative technologies to maximize Ontario, with 39 per cent of the nation’s production production, while maintaining the safety and ethical capacity. standards of the industry. BF

Better Farming February 2017 The Business of Ontario Agriculture 27 Mark points out the ventilation holes in the black SolarWall siding on his barn. The dark-coloured paint heats pockets of air trapped in corrugated paths beneath the surface, which can then be automatically vented into the building. This renewable energy system helps reduce input costs for the farm during winter and can be bypassed during the hot summer months.

Jonathan and Mark remove their outside footwear in the barn’s entry room and put on boots reserved for working in that building. The small bench is placed as a marker beyond which outside footwear must not pass. Workers also sanitize hands when entering and leaving buildings to help prevent the spread of disease between units.

As Mark unlocks the door to a chicken barn, a bright yellow sign reminds all entrants of biosecurity measures intended to limit the spread of pathogens between flocks. With the potential threats of avian influenza, salmonella and other outbreaks, all workers and visitors must follow strict protocols to stop the transmission of diseases and viruses.

28 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com Better Farming February 2017 Mark checks the status of the automated control system in the anteroom to the barn. The LCD display shows the projected growth curve of chicks over their 32-day stay leading up to market. The same readout is available on his smartphone and computers. The system sends alerts to farmers if there is a disruption to food supplies or water pressure, or if the barn’s temperature or humidity reach critical levels.

Jonathan checks the automated feeder system in a freshly set-up barn. In addition to dispensing measured amounts of food, the line is attached to a winch system that automatically lifts feeders to match the height of birds as they grow. The assembly can also be raised to the ceiling so that it is out of the way when cleaning the barn floor.

20-year-old Jonathan Hermann, left, and his father, Mark, stand between A 16,000 square foot, double-story barn stands vacant two poultry barns on their second property in Cambridge. Jonathan has just and ready to accept 21,000 newly-hatched chicks in two completed an associate diploma in agriculture at the Ridgetown campus of weeks. The break in occupancy is meant to allow any the University of Guelph and will work on the family farm full-time. He also pathogens left by the old flock to die off before they can plans to study for his Class AZ driving licence which will allow him to take on be transferred to the next batch of chicks. an even greater role in the family business.

Better Farming February 2017 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com 29 SATELLITEIMAGERY Satellite images: Multi-use, multi-purpose Increasingly reliable technologies provide clearer resolutions. Is it time to use satellite imagery to help you manage your crops? by JENNIFER JACKSON o some, monitoring the growth stover into cellulosic sugar. the amount of residue available to be of 30,000 acres of corn may Lalonde and his team needed to removed from the fields was in fact seem like a logistical night- predict the biomass yields of corn sufficient for the needs of the sugar Tmare. To others, that would be available plant. this task may be a for the project. The acres “The satellite imagery offered a challenge that spanned southwestern very quick and accurate snapshot, requires the use of Ontario. A drone just based on not only what we know some innovative wouldn’t cut it for this from research, but also when verified technology. task, he says. from a field level,” says Lalonde. Just ask Charles “With satellite images, On a project as large as Lalonde’s, Lalonde, biomass we can work with farmers satellites could be a game-changer in project coordinator to identify which fields terms of efficiency. at the Ontario are the highest-yielding But the imagery can also prove Federation of fields,” says Lalonde. “We handy locally, says Karon Trac- Agriculture. When can determine this ey-Cowan, founder of AgTech GIS, a Lalonde was given (information) in late July precision ag company that acts as a this task, he looked Charles Lalonde and therefore map out conduit between satellite imagery up – way up – to the logistics of the providers and clients. space. harvest. Without (this information), Satellite imagery has “expanded Lalonde, along with other re- we would have to wait until the hugely,” she says. “Agri-businesses are searchers, began using satellites to aid farmers disclose grain yields.” bringing in more industry services, in the crucial first year of a biomass The images provided Lalonde and such as satellites and drones.” project which plans to turn corn his team with a good indication that It is an exciting time for satellite Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Space photo Agency

With increasing numbers of satellites orbiting earth, satellite imagery providers hope to soon acquire new images daily, depending on cloud cover.

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643A-1611 AGROTAIN DRI-MAXX Shallow Band Ad 8.125x10.875.indd 1 12/21/16 11:19 AM SATELLITEIMAGERY Charles Lalonde,Charles OFA photo

Satellite imagery has helped Lalonde’s team predict corn biomass well before harvest. imagery, Tracey-Cowan says. “Those who use it are by numerous ailments, such as pest damage or disease learning something (new) every time” they work with this pressure, says Wainscott. imagery. “Our eyes contain receptors that are sensitive to red, “It can serve to point out areas of green and blue light. The relative amounts concern not readily observed from the of light in these wavelengths received by ground or it can corroborate information the eye are then interpreted by the brain as from other sources, such as yield perfor- color. Healthy vegetation appears green to mance regions.” our eyes because it reflects sunlight more highly in the green wavelengths than it Determining crop health does in the blue and the red,” explains Satellite imagery can play an important role Andrew Davidson, manager of earth in monitoring fields and using it may be observation operations for Agriculture the first step in evaluating crop health. and Agri-Food Canada. Satellite images can be used many ways, “Remote sensors work the same way, says Richard Marsh, product manager at except these ‘eyes in the sky’ (satellite Farmers Edge. Karon Tracey-Cowan sensors that scan the earth’s surface) can “The sensors (from the satellites that also sense in wavelengths not seen by the are) used to measure the electromagnetic eye. Near-IR, shortwave-IR, and radiation (that is reflected off vegetation) are sensitive to thermal-IR are examples. wavelengths that our eyes simply cannot see,” he says. So “Observations collected in all of these wavelengths can in this sense “a healthy crop doesn’t ‘look’ like anything to be combined digitally in creative ways to monitor crop us. For this (data) to be useful to others, areas with poorer type, condition and biomass,” he says. vegetation are (traditionally) assigned red colours, and This scaling enables farmers to get a close yield predic- areas of high vegetation are assigned tion, Wainscott says. Digitally with the green.” NIR image, “we can break the field up into This data collection is well known by a number of zones (red, green, etc.) and Nathan Wainscott, an agriculture technolo- pull ears directly from those zones.” The gy specialist at WinField United, a compa- tool can determine exactly how much area ny that provides training and information each zone covers and, after the ear yield to retailers on its R7® satellite tool. data is entered, can give a more custom- The R7® tool can specifically capture the ized yield prediction. normalized difference vegetation index “There will always be a scale of colour (NDVI) of crop fields to assess general on an image. Red (with the R7® tool, for health. example) does not necessarily mean the The NDVI is based off of the reflection area is bad; you have to look at how of infrared light (wavelengths) that shines large the scale is from the red to green,” down and the amount of light that shines Nathan Wainscott he says. “(Satellite imagery) will never back,” says Wainscott. replace boots on the ground (for scout- The tool assesses the NDVI of a crop field and associ- ing. The images) direct the farmer to go to specific ates the density and health of the crop with a colour. spots (of concern) in the field.” The farmer doesn’t need Plants lacking in biomass development could be affected to “walk the typical W scouting pattern.”

32 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017 SATELLITEIMAGERY

Satellite imagery used in NDVI Crop type, condition and biomass, for the service, satellite imagery can analysis for a growing as well as surface soil maximize efficiency. It could cut your crop can also be moisture conditions, time scouting crops in half.” applied to bare soil are all mapped and In fact, improving scouting analysis, according to analyzed using data efficiency is one of the most common Tracey-Cowan, who from a variety of uses for satellites in agriculture, says commonly supplies satellite sensors using Ryan Schacht, an agriculture repre- clients with bare soil sophisticated soft- sentative at Planet Labs Inc., a imagery classification. ware, according to satellite image provider. The other “We can classify the Davidson. most common uses for satellites in light-reflection value Steve Redmond, a crop health include creating manage- (of the soil). This precision ag special- ment zones and identifying nutrient (classification) helps ist for Hensall deficiencies. create a zone style Andrew Davidson District Co-operative map (and shows us (HDC), has also Logistics where) to go out and found a fit for There are many types of satellites soil sample. This data can (be satellite crop monitoring with clients. available for use. The intended use of added) to other soil information Interns at HDC use satellite the images determines the satellite (farmers) have, such as yield maps. imagery to monitor fields and have type. “We use the colour to understand been testing the technology by “To map crop type at the field patterns: (the satellite images) don’t scouting problem areas indicated in level, we use Landsat 8 and RADAR- tell (farmers) everything but the images, Redmond says. SAT-2; for soil moisture, we use (provide) a different perspective.” “If the image can help you go SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive); Davidson and his team at Agricul- directly to the problem spot, it can and for crop condition, we use ture and Agri-Food Canada use these help scouting,” he says. “When you MODIS (Moderate Resolution technologies for monitoring the state scout, you sometimes only really see a Imaging Spectroradiometer),” says of, and change over, Canada’s agricul- small percentage of the field. Wheth- Davidson. “These sensors differ in tural landscape. er you are scouting yourself or paying terms of their spatial resolutions

When buying or leasing a new farm property, or expanding your current operations, check local source protection plan requirements first. If the property is in a wellhead protection area or intake protection zone, you may require a plan to mitigate risks to drinking water sources and some activities Buying a farm may be prohibited. Your municipality will apply local or expanding policies when a building permit is required in limited your operations mapped areas.

With support provided by Find the Source Water Protection Map at ontario.ca/ page/source-protection

Better Farming February 2017 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON 33 SATELLITEIMAGERY

imagery in terms of geography, (while) providing a resolution that is relevant for operations at a field management level.” Wainscott similarly stresses the consistency of the satellites. “The satellites are 100 per cent reliable that they will fly, but when

Nathan Wainscott, Winfield United Wainscott, Nathan photo the satellite does fly over (it will either be) cloudy or clear,” he says. “You are at the mercy of Mother Nature.” Because of the uncertainty of weather, it’s important to have many satellites in orbit to ensure access to many images. “Our goal is to get an image every 10 to 14 days,” he says. Providers like HDC, Farmers Edge and WinField United can make images available to a farmer’s or agronomist’s device – whether it’s a Using a colour scale and the normalized difference vegetation smartphone or tractor computer – index (NDVI) of a crop field, tools such as the R7® tool can display fairly quickly and effortlessly. zones of differing biomass, density and health of the crop. Schacht, for example, says he is able to provide retailers or clients (pixel size), temporal resolutions larger than a box of shoes,” he says. with their images in 24 hours or less. (repeat frequency) and spectral “With hundreds of those shoeboxes “In the context of precision ag, resolutions (number of wavebands orbiting earth, individual groups are timely information is important,” he that are imaged). Some sensors will expecting to (capture) the earth every says. “You (typically) need 24 hours be more suitable than others for single day. That frequency of data will or less to make a certain applications.” make satellite imagery decision.” Agriculture and Agri-Food (more) actionable Another important Canada has a geospatial viewer where because it will be logistical component the public can access these data much more reliable.” of satellite imagery is products. The viewer “allows you to Schacht similarly the scale. view and analyze image products stresses the impor- For example, – the final output of our integration tance of frequency. “RapidEye (the of imagery to create customizable and “When you look at satellite) can image 6 usable information.” crop health, it’s crucial million square The advantage of using the geospa- to look at your crop at kilometres per day. tial viewer is that the actual output the right time,” he says. The resolution for data files on their own – which are “It’s being able to have RapidEye is measured also available through the Govern- the image available at a Ryan Schacht in five metres; for per- ment of Canada’s open data portal – reliable cadence and spective, a drone may 13 21 are of limited use without specialized having it available have a resolution of Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington software and the associated expertise opportunistically at the farmer’s around five centimetres,” says Marsh. needed to interpret them, he says. interest.” Featuring: But this fine resolution is not “Farmers can see and use the data Planet Labs currently has 60 “Is Gwyneth Paltrow wrong about everything? When celebrity necessary for satellite use in ag at this culture and science clash” if they want, but the real power is in satellites in orbit now and is planning Keynote address by Dr. Timothy Caulﬁ eld, Professor, Faculty of stage, says Tracey-Cowan. the information provided to agencies to launch another 116 in the coming Law and the School of Public Health, University of Alberta “On some of our agriculture land, that support the farmers,” says months. “The politics of food” two-centimetre data is too detailed Davidson. “We have been able to offer Dr. Evan Fraser, Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Global Food for what we are achieving” with Security, Department of Geography, University of Guelph The frequency with which the service-level agreements to 85 per satellite imagery, she says. “If we are satellites take images is also import- cent of the earth every two weeks, “Ask the millennials” using satellite imagery to assess zones A consumer panel discussion on issues related to food and farming ant, says Marsh. factoring in clouds. If there were no as seen through the perspective of university student leaders in the field which can benefit from “Numerous (satellite) groups clouds, we could provide a re-visit being treated or managed differently And much more... around the world are racing to build rate of every week,” he says. “Satellites (with the variable rates of inputs), constellations of microsatellites no also need to be able to source reliable Registration fee: Ontario farmers - $100; Industry/Government/Academia - $150 then the resolution only needs to (before March 15). Registration fee increases by $50 after March 15. 34 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017

MythFood-AGM ad final.indd 1 17-01-10 2:23 PM SATELLITEIMAGERY Planet Labs Inc photoPlanet Labs Inc Richard Marsh, Farmers Edge photo photo Edge Richard Marsh, Farmers

With applications such as this health map, data With near-infrared images, dense green vegetation from the NDVI of a field is digitally translated into reflects the infrared light, shown on the image as simple colour zones for easier interpretation. red. This image shows Lethbridge, Alberta in 2015.

meet the limitations of the equip- Schacht also notes the uses of this of satellite imagery for Ontario`s farm- ment. There is a place for both imagery. “Agricultural (commodity ers continue to evolve. BF high-resolution imagery for under- analysts) have been interested in the standing very detailed responses in imagery. They use the data to assess the field, and less-detailed imagery global yields and crop supplies.” looking for trends in the field for Crop insurers have also been zone management purposes.” considering the benefits of the data. “They are looking into automating Conclusions claims. They could pick (weather Satellite imagery is finding a place in damage) on the imagery such as many areas of the agricultural industry. where the damage happened and how Government groups, provincial much,” says Schacht. “It’s a big time groups, academia, agricultural and cost saver.” insurance companies and industry Schacht even has a customer who is organizations and participants use now looking into using the imagery to satellite imagery for data collection, automate an irrigation system. says Davidson. It seems the possibilities for the use

13 21 Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington

Featuring:

“Is Gwyneth Paltrow wrong about everything? When celebrity culture and science clash” Keynote address by Dr. Timothy Caulﬁ eld, Professor, Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health, University of Alberta “The politics of food” Dr. Evan Fraser, Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Global Food Security, Department of Geography, University of Guelph “Ask the millennials” A consumer panel discussion on issues related to food and farming as seen through the perspective of university student leaders And much more... Registration fee: Ontario farmers - $100; Industry/Government/Academia - $150 (before March 15). Registration fee increases by $50 after March 15.

MythFood-AGM ad final.indd 1 17-01-10 2:23 PM FRONTIERSINAG The next wave of farming intelligence arrives in North America Robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics promise to change agriculture yet again. by MARK JUHASZ

Panelists at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management event on October 27: (left to right) Diane Wu, CEO of Trace Genomics; Lee Redden, co-founder of Blue River Technology; Katya Kudashkina, CEO of UDIO AgTech; Max Bruner, CEO of Mavrx; and moderator, Ravi Mattu from the Financial Times.

he impact of 21st-century event titled Machine Learning and (the deployment of) resources in information technologies on the Market for Intelligence. They farming today that we believe this is agriculture will be profound. included representatives from Trace where data science and ML can play a TThe interaction between applied Genomics, UDIO AgTech, Blue River big role.” technologies and agriculture is Technology and Mavrx. Mavrx, a California-based preci- growing. We are at a unique moment sion ag company, works with farm cli- where data, produced in many forms, AI, ML and the production of food ents to provide a range of field data. is now matched with the models and “We take a data-driven approach, Imaging and crop management algorithms to make better sense of it. using software and ML which does applications track nutrient, irrigation, How will robotics, artificial not require upfront capital costs of hydrology and fertility specifics. intelligence (AI), machine learning installing sensors, (that) is very easy Trace Genomics, co-founded by (ML) and predictive analytics affect to use and takes five minutes per field Diane Wu and based in California, the production of food? What ethical to set up,” says Katya Kudashkina of provides predictive data analysis of questions should the decision makers Toronto-based agricultural software soil microbiome health and ML who support these technologies ask? company UDIO AgTech. “It is sequencing techniques to predict Panelists recently discussed these predictive and oriented to create a yields. issues at the University of Toronto’s balance between costs and yields. “We see soil as the womb of Rotman School of Management at an (There are) so many inefficiencies in agriculture, and its health is essential. 36 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming February 2017 FRONTIERSINAG GROUP PRE-EMERGENT 14 If you have soil issues, they might be apparent only at the end of the season. We offer genetic fingerprints of soil,” Wu says. “We are not telling farmers how to farm. We are figuring out what machine learning will do better, scaling it and providing insights to farmers (who) get the value back from all their hard work.” Blue River Technology, another California company, also emphasizes precision farming. Its “plant-by-plant” diagnosis monitors for optimal growing conditions. How are established farming companies responding to the next generation of AI start-ups and entrepreneurs? Case IH and New Holland, for example, unveiled proto- types of autonomous field tractors in the fall. Farmers may one day operate these tractors equipped with a range of technologies such as LiDAR (laser-sensing) guidance. Some of these “high-tech” applications in farming, such as global positioning systems (GPS) or drone imagery, are not shockingly new. So what brings AI to the forefront now? In 2015, nearly 500 ag-tech companies drew USD$4.6 billion in investment, double the amount from the previous year, reports AgFunder, a U.S.-based equity crowdfunding site that connects individual and institu- tional investors with high-growth ag-tech and food companies. Amid the enthusiasm for these new information and technology investments, farmers should keep in perspective that applications have different uses with particular commodity types, locations and production models, and need to integrate often disparate but growing ways of information gathering. Farm management will require thinking across database applications toward a unified Get the safest broadleaf control for soybeans. platform of the farm operation; mobile devices will provide the user with access to ideally coherent, complete With a unique Group 14 mode of action, Authority is tough data. on weeds and gentle on your crop for higher yields and We can increasingly see data integration and informa- cleaner fields. That’s why Authority’s active ingredient, tion sharing improve the benefits of AI. Farm Hack, which sulfentrazone, is the number one pre-emergent residual is based in the United States, provides users with an open broadleaf weed control in US soybean crops.* source, online data platform to share “appropriate technology” innovations. Members manage and discuss SOYBEANS | FMCcrop.ca everything from water conservation and soil health to greenhouses. Farm Hack worked with the United States Environ- mental Protection Agency to gather data across farming systems to validate information that helps inform both government policy and farmer decision-making. In 2009, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that by mid-century agricultural production will need to rise significantly to meet demand. The situation is further complicated because some in- tensely farmed regions where crops such as rice and wheat are produced have “yield plateaued.” *Source 2014 Doane Data. For complete information on Authority and all FMC products please contact Bringing AI to agricultural innovation and addressing your local FMC sales representative or visit FMCcrop.ca. FMC and Authority are trademarks of FMC Corporation. © 2017 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. the data gaps These developments are on the radar of Ontario-based farm organizations. At the interface of agriculture, crop

Better Farming February 2017 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. 37

Better Farming 1/2 page vertical 4"Wx10.875"H Feb 1 & Apr 1, 2017 FRONTIERSINAG

Depending on the type of agricultural commodity, data analytics bring attention to various missing links. Max Bruner from Mavrx, for example, noted the “missing granular data related to hydrological models, especially in field drainage. We need better topography and sloping data to manage nutrients.” There are different perspectives on data use. Tyler Whale, president of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, says “decision support tools can analyze data and contribute to

NolanBerg11/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo NolanBerg11/iStock/Getty Images photo Plus effective management when stored in a system that allows the owner to manipulate and understand the algorithms used, skimming data to amplify for impact, accuracy and depth.” Karen Hand of OPAF values the “integration of all possible disparate data sources, enabling intercommunica- tion of devices. Think of this as a digital highway, con- Depending on the type of agricultural necting data communities to develop robust informative commodity, data analytics bring attention decision support systems that our farmers need.” to various missing links. Dan Tukendorf, program manager for the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association, considers “the production and information management, partnerships need for information about changing demographics and between provincial institutions are combining efforts for demand. Our producers want to grow what consumers greater impact. want and the different fruits and vegetables that are Karen Hand, leader of the Ontario Precision Agri-Food needed. The development of some varieties, such as those (OPAF) project and founder of Precision Strategic Solu- from orchards and vineyards, have longer timelines, so we tions, encourages the adoption of technologies that allow want the info on where demand is going and the right for real-time linkage between platforms and applications amount of that product.” to align data with agronomic models and analytic tools. New data analytics applications and services need to

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38 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming February 2017 FRONTIERSINAG

have a clear financial benefit for the applications. “Until we have broad- mentions “mitigating the risk of farmer. Ryan Koeslag, executive band optics, we don’t have the adoption where the new technologies director of Ontario Bean Growers, capability,” says Don McCabe, past need to work in harmony with the art asks: If an application makes “you do president of the Ontario Federation of farming in how well the applica- x, y and z, does it result in bot- of Agriculture. tion understands the many intricacies tom-line increases? ... Does it have “We need to speed up the process of agriculture with so many variables calculations that translate to advan- to do the job of broadband for these and management styles.” tage? With a million things on the go, new technologies to come along to “Information and knowledge from it can’t be another marginal input.” start seeing how they can immediate- data can only be realized when the ly add value and allow Ontario context of the data is truly under- Policy to promote the benefits of AI farmers to remain competitive.” stood,” adds Hand. and data analytics How will we ensure that the “We need to use these powerful Farm organizations see their support benefit of these applications is clear in new analytic tools with our eyes wide of a vibrant agri-food sector often return-on-investment value, is open.” driven by unique local public and evidence-backed and maintains “We require clear issues of owner- private policy considerations. public trust? ship of data and who has what when,” Trace Genomics takes data serious- We are now able to imagine says McCabe. “We want to move into ly. “We generate a lot of genetic data,” information and computerized this arena and represent farmers’ says Diane Wu, CEO of the company. possibilities that did not exist before: interests.” “This could be taken by third parties, assessing soil modifications, checking Adapting to the evolution of data so we put a lot of thought and legal plant response rates, analyzing heat capacity and its analytics is a tall work into protecting our client’s data and weather image patterns, manag- order. Further application in on-farm in a way that has not been done before. ing plant and herd robotics, and experience and collaboration across We need to address this in terms of linking health and genetic diagnoses. the research and transfer spectrum education to alleviate some of the fear Managers and users who collect are required. that farmers might have.” farm data will continue to face But these new technologies, as Ontario must also remove barriers important discussions about security, long as they are used responsibly, that get in the way of adopting these ownership and confidentiality. Whale promise great possibilities. BF

Better Farming February 2017 The Business of Ontario Agriculture 39 UPCLOSE PAULPATENAUDE Hands-on ag learning through travel Paul Patenaude, an eastern Ontario dairy producer, believes family support and diverse agricultural experiences were central in shaping his role in his family’s 600-head operation. by JENNIFER JACKSON s long as Paul Patenaude can remember, farming has been the only thing he’s wanted to Ado. Being a fifth generation dairy farmer in a tight-knit family operation, agriculture has always been one of his passions. Patenaude, 24, is the youngest of seven owners – all family members – running La Ferme Gillette Inc. in Embrun, in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. (Patenaude was proud to explain that all four of his grandfather’s sons are co-owners of the farm, along with Paul, his cousin and his sister.) The operation includes three separate facilities, one of which Paul manages. The family milks 600 cows in total. Raised on the farm, Patenaude enjoys owning a part of the family business. “If I need them (my family), they are only a phone call or short drive away,” he says. “It’s not always easy (working with family), but I feel we are pretty good at it.” Both of Patenaude’s parents worked on the farm when he was growing up – and Patenaude became involved at a young age, too. “I was homeschooled for seven years with my two sisters,” Pat- enaude says. “As long as our daily bookwork was completed, we were allowed to go work in the barns. We also had classes dedicated to farm management and farm safety. “Homeschooling gave me flexibil- ity. I have been fortunate enough to tag along with my dad on business trips to Japan, Germany, Holland, Scotland, and the northeastern United States to visit dairy farms and shows.” After graduating Kemptville Paul Patenaude College with a diploma in agriculture, Patenaude also managed to

40 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com Better Farming February 2017 Choose OFA on your FBR

Ontario farm businesses receive an annual renewal notice from Agricorp for Farm Business Registration (FBR). An important component of FBR renewal is the opportunity to choose the general farm organization to represent your interests.

3 OFA is the largest and longest serving farm organization in Canada — advocating for 36,000 farm family members 3 OFA staff, Directors and volunteers work on your behalf to secure sound agricultural policy for Ontario 3 OFA members receive exclusive access to special discounts and promotions through our Benefit program 3 Our key priorities this year include energy, infrastructure, climate change, land use and regulations

Look for the Agricorp mailing and choose OFA as your farm organization.

OFA: Farms and Food Forever.

ofa.on.ca | @OntarioFarms @OFABenefits | OntarioFarms | OntarioFarms | ontariofarms

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Paul Patenaude travel and to work on dairy farms in Hours you work per week? Any favourite apps? both Alberta and Australia. In the summer it can get up there but DHI (Dairy Herd Improvement), it’s Patenaude made the decision to on average it’s around 75 hours per pretty handy to have in my phone. If I move back home following the death week. want to see how close a cow is to of his grandfather, to whom Paul calving, I can look it up. And I don’t attributes much of the farm’s suc- How many emails do you receive per day? have a computer on my farm, but I cess.“I credit my father and grandfa- If you include junk and spam it is don’t necessarily need one anymore. ther for the majority of knowledge I about nine but, other than that, three. The Weather Network is a must for use day-to-day on the farm,” he says. I don’t rely on emails very often – me, whether it’s the temperature, Patenaude remembered his mostly texting or calls. wind or rain, I’m checking it at least grandpa when opportunities arose twice a day. I also use the NHL and to expand the farm. “I was willing to How many texts? social media apps quite a bit. move and expand the farm. See it I’ll throw 50 texts out per day. Is that grow. That’s the way my grandpa a lot? It depends. 35 to 50. Does anyone else in your community use would want it.” social media? Hours a day on a cell phone? Social media, like Facebook and even Describe your role on your farm operation. Maximum an hour, probably under Snapchat, is a way I keep in touch This is my new role (managing my an hour a day. with other farmers my age. own facility part of the family farm). Before, I enjoyed working with What about your smartphone? Hours a day on the Internet? genetics and in the show barn, but I Every day I use my smartphone, I rely For work it would be under an hour. wanted to manage my own opera- on it quite a bit. Any person my age I In total, one to two hours a day. tion. I also contribute to the (pro- imagine does. duction of) crops and help out on Whether it’s for the herd itself or to How often do you travel? the main farm when they need help. use Internet, it’s always by my side. The last big trip I took for vacation was Australia for three weeks and How many people does your farm employ? Email or text? New Zealand for three weeks. We have 15 full-time and three Text is the way to reach me. If you part-time workers – two of which email me, I might not get back to you Number of hours in the office each day? work in my barn. for three days. Not very many. It’s not my depart-

42 Story Idea? Email [email protected] Better Farming February 2017 UPCLOSE ment; I’m more hands-on. The year, I was the leader. This year, I took What are three items on top of your desk? bookwork is minimal in my facility. a step back but still help out, judge It’s not a typical office, it’s more my 4-H dairy Holsteins and hold meet- own space built into the barn. But it What do you like best about farming? ings. always has my CQM (Canadian Qual- I like producing quality Canadian For the 11 years I was (eligible), I ity Milk) binder, an employee hour milk with quality care from my was in a dairy 4-H (club). I also was in log book and yesterday’s coffee mug. animals. I like how dairy farmers are cropping 4-H, farm safety 4-H, and part of a community and are always horse 4-H – one year of horse 4-H was What was the last piece of equipment you willing to help everyone out. And I enough for me. bought for your shop? like being able to walk to work. Other I am also a Royal Canadian Legion It was a piece of machinery – a than that, I love the lifestyle. member at the Russell Branch. When 22-tonne silage wagon we bought last things slow down a bit, I have some spring. What do you like least? plans. We ordered another one, we like it There are a few things, like when so much. It’s another way to make our something breaks, like my manure What are your hobbies? operation more efficient. pump yesterday. It gets frustrating I play softball and basketball. I when my day doesn’t go as planned snowboard. Any sports in general I What’s the best time of day? because of (a breakdown). enjoy watching and playing, but those Just after morning chores, breakfast are my big ones. I’m wearing a Jays – a.k.a. coffee time and SportsCentre. What is the single most important advice shirt right now, actually. you’ve received or lesson you’ve learned? What’s your most memorable This is a tough one for me. When I What was the last book you read? crop/production year? was working in Alberta, the hospital I’m not a huge reader. I read a lot of For us, it would have been 2015. It (herd) manager sat me down and said dairy magazines – a favourite of mine was a great growing year for eastern “Paul, if you take away one thing from is Holstein International. Ontario. this farm, it’s to work smart, not hard.” We had record yields in our corn He’s a really good guy and I learned What does your family think of farming? silage and our haylage. BF a lot from him. If he didn’t have to I’m the fifth generation, (so) it’s a break his back over something, he passion that runs deep in my family. I didn’t. Farmers work hard enough. also live with my girlfriend on my farm. Even today I thought of (this advice) She loves agriculture and works in the when using a leaf blower instead of a industry. broom. Get the job done, but save Dianna isn’t a farm employee but your body pain. she’s in the barn everyday helping out. It’s nice to have her support. She may What’s your management philosophy or argue a bit when I don’t get the week- guiding management principle? end off that I planned to have off. But if Treat employees with respect and she didn’t, then I would probably be you’ll receive it in return. working every weekend. Want to share your

What’s your top tip about farm succession? What’s your most important goal? views on an article or Having a succession plan is key to My most important goal is to run a another hot-button organizing farm assets for a smooth successful dairy operation and to farming issue? Send transition from one generation to the produce quality Canadian food in an next. Also, hold regular meetings. evolving industry. letters to the editor to Whether (they’re) over coffee or Andrea at: breakfast. How do you define success? In my case, and probably a lot of Waking up every day and enjoying people’s cases, we’re family, so we get what I do. Feeling proud to call myself [email protected] together and discuss (plans). No one a dairy farmer, and to build a life and is left in the dark, and everyone’s on to live off the farm. the same page. For us, we meet normally over breakfast. Is your vehicle messy or neat? I’d say it’s neat. I don’t have a desig- Are you involved in any committees, boards, nated farm vehicle myself yet but I associations, or volunteer efforts? like to keep my car neat. It’s in the I volunteer with a 4-H dairy club. Last process of happening.

Better Farming February 2017 Story Idea? Email [email protected] 43 BETTERBUSINESS Basis contracts: what they are and when to use them Just as the grain markets change, so should the techniques farmers use to navigate the markets, according to some commodity experts. by JENNIFER JACKSON DarcyMaulsby/iStock /GettyDarcyMaulsby/iStock Images photo Plus

“Basis is all of the market valuation factors which exist between the point of the grain transaction and the commodity futures market,” said Stephen Kell.

hen it comes to contracting “Trying to use the wrong sort of or benefit to the producer depending grain, it can be easy to get contracting tool based on the way on market conditions. lost in the various termi- the market has set up does not work Wnology – especially when deciding any better than trying to use a What is basis? between contract types, such as basis five-eighths wrench on a three- To understand basis contracts, one and flat price contracts. quarter nut,” says Kell. must first develop a good under- Stephen Kell, a grain merchandis- More specifically, a basis contract standing of basis. er with Parrish & Heimbecker, – as opposed to a flat price contract “Basis is all of the market valua- knows the importance – is an example of a tion factors which exist between the of properly using the tool that can be very point of the grain transaction and different contracts useful under the the commodity futures market,” said according to the proper circumstanc- Kell. “The Chicago Mercantile market environment. es and risky when Exchange (CME) corn futures “Farmers should not. contract is what corn is worth look at their selection This month, Kell, delivered to Chicago. The factors of grain contracting Frank Backx (com- (that) differentiate the value of the tools (different con- modity analyst and commodity in our marketplace from tract types) the same trader for Hensall the Chicago delivery point, such as way they’d look at a set District Co-opera- freight, handling, local supply and of wrenches when they tive) and Jenny demand differences, are all rolled up are working on a piece Stephen Kell Moyse (grain into the basis portion of the price.” of machinery,” he said. originator for When contracting grain at an Market situations Cargill’s Melbourne elevator, for example, basis is a vary and require different types of location) delve into the topic of basis component of the flat price you contracts – much like how wrenches contracts. These experts explain how receive when signing the contract, fit on different sizes of nuts. basis contracts can bring either risk according to Moyse.

44 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017 BETTERBUSINESS “Basis is derived from the net TOUGH WINTER AHEAD? price (or cash price) plus or minus the commodity futures,” said Moyse. WE WOULDN’T HAVE IT Backx further explained the factors that influence basis. ANY OTHER WAY. “The further you are from Chica- go (for corn sales) will result in a (less attractive) basis at your location – freight rates are a major component,” said Backx. The basis is normally decreased in value at harvest time, when there is ample supply available, according to Backx. Likewise, basis typically increases in value through the storage season, as farmers are not necessarily supplying end users with what they demand. “Sometimes an end user (like a grain elevator/terminal) may need to get coverage for a short-term order, such as filling the last of a boat for export,” he said. “This can cause a short-term spike in basis” to attract sellers. To Kell, another key component Exceptional comfort and an easy to maintain Kubota Tier IV Diesel engine combine for an to keep in mind with regard to basis impressive piece of equipment in Kubota’s SSV is the exchange rate. Series. New side lights expand the operator’s “Because the futures portion of visibility on the job site, and the roll up door the price is in U.S. dollars, and the and wide operator area make for a more alert and productive work environment during those On the SSV Series. cash transaction with a Canadian *See your dealer long cold jobs. All of a sudden, winter doesn’t for complete details. farmer is typically in Canadian seem so bad. dollars, the basis portion of the price kubota.ca | also includes the currency exchange component of the price,” said Kell. “Most of the changes in basis Advantage Farm Equipment Durham Kubota Hyde Park Equipment Ltd. which Canadian farmers see in the Wyoming, 519-845-3346 Oshawa, 905-655-3291 London, 519-471-1400 marketplace are due to changes in Anderson Equipment Sales Earth Power Norfolk Tractor Co. Ltd. the exchange rate.” This is because Belleville, 613-969-6246 Tractor & Equipment Simcoe, 519-426-1090 the other components of basis do not Picton, 613-476-6597 Meaford, 519-538-1660 Roberts Farm & Recreation typically change from day to day, or Ben Berg Farm & Industrial Owen Sound, 519-376-5880 Chesley, 519-363-3192 even week to week, said Kell. Equipment Stayner, 705-428-3132 Lucknow, 519-529-7995 Backx said the exchange rate is the Wainfleet, 905-899-3405 Hartington Equipment Mount Forest, 519-323-2755 most volatile part of basis for Brant Tractor Hartington, 613-372-2744 Ross Doble Inc. Ontario producers. Brantford, 519-449-2500 Perth, 613-264-0485 Sunderland, 705-357-3123 “To correctly predict basis in Callaghan Farm Supply Hyde Brothers Farm Equipment Stewart’s Farm Equipment Ontario, you need to (largely) Lindsay, 705-324-8686 Hensall, 519-263-2605 Erin, 519-833-9616 predict the CAD (Canadian dollar) Church’s Farm Supplies Topline Trailers & Equipment direction – this is nearly impossible,” Barrie, 705-458-0870 Winchester, 613-774-0994 he said. D & S Downham Tracks & Wheels Basis contracts Stratford, 519-273-1740 North Bay, 705-840-5438 A basis contract differs greatly from DeBoer’s Equipment Sudbury, 705-566-5438 a flat price contract and should be Elora, 519-846-5388 Timmins, 705-268-5438 managed accordingly, these industry representatives say. With a basis contract, farmers can lock in a basis while hopefully

Better Farming February 2017 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON 45 BETTERBUSINESS DarcyMaulsby/iStock /Getty Images Plus photo Images DarcyMaulsby/iStock /Getty waiting for a short-term gain in An inverse market means that the futures price. The futures price is nearby futures values are higher than locked in at a future date at the the deferred futures months. This farmer’s discretion. Farmers can situation often happens when grain enter into such a contract to secure a supplies are tight. “In these situa- desirable exchange rate – which, tions, rolling the basis contract will according to Kell, is a good use of a result in an increase in the basis level basis contract. of the contract. However, inverses Waiting to lock in a futures price only occur when the commodity is does provide other benefits, accord- scarce. No inverse futures markets ing to Moyse. Some benefits include exist in our ag commodities (cur- the “upside opportu- rently) due to the nity (that can be substantial supplies of found in rising) corn, wheat, and futures, some storage soybeans,” said Kell. fees can be avoided When there is a and a desired delivery carry in the futures, period (can be) prices are lowest for locked in.” the closest delivery In addition to contract as there is a these benefits, basis good supply of the The basis is normally decreased contracts do come commodity in in value at harvest time. with risk. On top of question. “In these the risk that futures situations, the futures Flat price contracts, or deferred Jenny Moyse could decline, grow- spreads are essentially delivery contracts, “are easy to ers also have to paying people to understand, provide the farmer with monitor the futures and decide when carry (or store) their grain to the the locked-in net price, have no to lock them in, according to Moyse. further away delivery periods,” said downside risk from basis or futures There is also no chance to take Kell. When you roll a basis contract moving, have no fees (as there is no advantage of any narrowing basis, as in this type of market, however, the rolling), and the contract is final,” the basis would already be locked in. contract holder will be paying more said Moyse. For Backx, the farmers’ risk in than they would be to simply store The main negative aspect of these basis contracts may be too great; he the grain; the seller will need to pay contracts? “There are no upside price normally does not recommend them the carry in the futures to cover the opportunities,” she said. to clients. merchant’s cost to roll the hedge. If a farmer does not want to lock “For example, if a person rolled a Final tips in futures, “the basis December wheat “I recommend producers only do flat contracts have to be basis contract at the price contracts, and sell incremental- rolled forward before end of November ly by breaking their crop into five the delivery month when the December equal parts,” said Backx. “Forward the basis is on,” said futures were $3.90 selling one to two increments before Backx. “If you are on and the March futures planting is advised if prices are in the March futures, (for were $4.12, the profitable zone.” example, the con- resulting roll (would Moyse, in contrast, saw benefits in tract) has to be cost) $0.22 per basis contracts if the conditions are moved forward before bushel. (This cost is) favorable. For her these benefits the end of February. more than simply include the opportunity to play the (Because) there is paying storage; rolls futures when it is speculated they usually carry in the Frank Backx can be costly,” accord- will increase in strength and being futures, (farmers) end ing to Kell. able to lock in a suitable basis when up with a lower basis it is speculated the basis will weaken. – plus grain dealers charge three to Flat price contracts Kell similarly believed there are five cents per bushel to do the roll.” In flat price contracts, by compari- times when the market will pay for “Rolling a basis contract works son, farmers lock in both the futures farmers to create basis contracts and well in a market where the futures and the basis at the same time. have them rolled forward. This are inversed and very poorly when Consequently, these contracts are situation occurs when grain supplies the futures are in a carry position,” unaffected by any falls or rallies in are tight and there is no carry in the said Kell. the market. market, he said. BF

46 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017 CROPS: YIELDMATTER$ Managing soil organic matter content When planning crop rotations, it is important to consider the specific crop’s impact on soil organic matter (SOM). Other tools, such as cover crops, manure and compost also impact SOM. by DALE COWAN oil organic matter content and areas. The graphic below developed Understanding soil organic matter soil health are closely linked by the OMAFRA Soil Health Work- Determining SOM content in any of when it comes to defining group puts it all in perspective. The your fields requires a soil test. Shealthy soil. Many farmers and three components overlap each Submitting a representative soil industry representatives struggle with other. In the centre, where all three sample to an accredited lab and defining soil health in a single word components intersect, we see the role requesting a SOM test will provide or sound bite to convey its impor- of soil organic matter (SOM) in you with a result expressed as a tance for sustainable crop production. connecting all components together percentage. What we all agree upon is that soil into one system. This system conveys A typical loamy soil in a corn-soy- has three basic components that the various aspects of soil health and bean-wheat rotation may have a work together: physical, chemical how they work together to support SOM level of 3.0 to 5.0 per cent. and biological. Soil organic matter the sustainability of soil, our most Most lab analysis methods actually has a positive impact on all three important asset. measure organic carbon and convert © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2016. Reproduced with permission.

This system conveys the various aspects of soil health and how they work together to support the sustainability of soil.

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Submitting a representative soil sample to an accredited lab and requesting a SOM test will provide you with a result expressed as a percentage. that to SOM by multiplying by a factor of 1.8. To look at it another way, the 3.0 to 5.0 per cent SOM is 1.7 to 2.7 per cent organic carbon. Soil organic matter is derived from plants growing in the soil itself. SOM content is not static; it is constantly changing over time. We often refer to three components of SOM as (1) the active or living, which is all of the micro-organisms; (2) the dead, which is recently-added crop residue or biosolids, manures and composts; and (3) the very dead or humus, which is the long-term stable component of SOM. Other references suggest SOM has only two components: (1) the active, which includes both the living and the dead that change forms easily by action of soil microbes; and (2) the passive or humus that resists changes and contains a higher lignin content. SOM and the resulting soil health effects offer many benefits and societal services which are worth noting – just from the biological component alone: • Nutrient cycling, • Disease and pest management, • Decomposition residues, • Soil structure, • Detoxification – degrading of chemistry, • Growth promotion, • Carbon sequestration, and • Nitrous oxide consumption.

48 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming February 2017 Better Farming February 2017 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. 49 CROPS: YIELDMATTER$

60 per cent more below ground. The third piece to understand is retention factors: after the microbes have had their fill, only 10 to 20 per cent of the residue is retained as permanent SOM. We will use a middle factor of 15 per cent retention for our example below. Putting it all together, we’re working with a typical corn-soybean-wheat rotation with 2,000 lbs of straw sold

fotokostic/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Images photo Plus fotokostic/iStock/Getty off and 3 per cent organic matter soil. Crop Yield Total Retention Annual Gains bu/ residue of SOM (losses) ac produced residues loss at SOM lbs/ac at 15% 2% lbs/ac lbs/ac lbs/ac Corn 190 21,280 3,192 1,200 1,992 Soybeans 48 6,336 950 1,200 (250) Wheat 100 13,600* 2,040 1,200 840 Total 41,216 6,182 3,600 2,582 * 2,000 lbs of straw sold. As illustrated, a corn-soybean-wheat rotation produces a lot of residue – over 41,000 lbs. After respiration by A corn-soybean-wheat rotation soil micro-organisms, only 2,582 pounds are left to produces a lot of residue. contribute to SOM. In this case, the remaining amount would change the soil test value theoretically by 0.13 per (Source: Mario Tenuta, Department of Soil Science, cent (2,582/2,000,000 lbs x 100). University of Manitoba, Soil Health Research Forum, When corn yields approach 250 bushels per acre, the Guelph, Nov. 28.) net contribution to SOM jumps to 3,000 lbs/ac from 1,992 lbs/ac. Higher-yielding corn supports removal of Crop residue impacts on SOM some stover to support the emerging bio economy The question becomes: how do the various crop residues without negatively impacting SOM. in a rotation impact the SOM content? To cover the annual loss of SOM in this example There are three things to understand when determin- requires a breakeven addition of 8,000 lbs of crop ing how crop residues impact SOM (or any other organic residue/acre/per year. additions). Let’s look at two years of soybeans and one year of First, there is an annual loss of SOM due to normal wheat with the same amount of straw sold (2,000 lbs): microbial respiration of CO2. That annual loss ranges from 0.5 to 5.0 per cent. To determine the total amount Crop Yield Total Retention Annual Gains of SOM in an acre we assume soil weighs 2,000,000 lbs at bu/ residue of SOM (losses) a depth of 6 inches (15 cm). Therefore a soil with 3 per ac produced residues loss at SOM cent organic matter contains 2,000,000 x 3 per cent = lbs/ac at 15% 2% lbs/ac 60,000 lbs/ac. Applying the loss factor produces a range lbs/ac lbs/ac of 300 lbs to 3,000 lbs. For illustration we will use a value of 2 per cent which indicates an annual loss of 1,200 lbs/ Soybeans 48 6,336 950 1,200 (250) ac of SOM. Soybeans 42 5,544 831 1,200 (369) Second, we need a way to calculate crop residue additions, so we use harvest indexes. A harvest index is Wheat 80 10,480* 1,572 1,200 372 the grain yield divided by the sum of grain yield and Total 22,360 3,353 3,600 (247) above ground stover yield. For corn, soybean and wheat that ratio is approximately 0.5. This ratio indicates for ev- * 2,000 lbs of straw sold. ery pound of grain produced there is a pound of stover. As the above table shows, a rotation of two years of In addition to above ground biomass we need to include soybeans and a year of wheat, accompanied by the sale of the root mass. For corn there is equal biomass both 2,000 lbs of straw, does not help to build SOM. As a below and above ground. For soybeans, there is 20 per matter of fact, this rotation would theoretically result in a cent more biomass below ground and for wheat there is drop in SOM by 0.01 per cent.

50 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming February 2017 CROPS: YIELDMATTER$

What do cover crops contribute? crop production. Most likely, that simply the amount of residues from Let’s consider red clover under- nutrient would be phosphorus. (Even the various rotations. The length of seeding in wheat, working with the though it may be in an organic form, time that soil has living roots in it assumption that by fall the red clover where it will be subject to the phos- also builds better soil biology and soil reaches a height of 18 inches. phorus cycle, it will breakdown into structure. One of the benefits of From my forage testing days at the inorganic ortho-phosphate ions winter wheat in a crop rotation is the lab we assumed as a thumb rule 200 indistinguishable from ortho- fact it grows for nearly 11 months of lbs of dry matter per inch of plant phosphate found in commercial the year. height. That assumption would sources. Excess phosphorus is Dr. Bill Deen, an associate profes- equate to 3,600 lbs of above ground excessive phosphorus regardless of sor at the University of Guelph, and growth. the original source.) Dr. David Hooker, a field crop agrono- A 15 per cent retention of residues There is more to soil health than mist and assistant professor at Ridge- adds 540 lbs of biomass. This more than covers the SOM volume lost by selling one short ton of straw (300 lbs). Red clover makes both rotations (corn-soybeans-wheat and soybeans-soybeans-wheat) better just from the SOM contribution – without consideration of the nitrogen contribution to a subsequent corn crop.

What does manure contribute? Manure and compost or any other organic source is subject to the same processes as crop residues. With manure and other non-agricultural source materials (NASMs), you need to be aware of moisture content and calculate additions based on dry matter. As an example, 40,000 lbs of solid dairy manure with 25 per cent dry matter adds only 10,000 lbs of dry matter. At 15 per cent retention, this manure is adding 1,500 lbs of organic residue to cover the annual loss (due to normal microbial respiration of CO2) in our example of 1,200 lbs, resulting in a net contribution of 300 lbs of SOM. Liquid sow manure at 5,000 gallons per acre and 2 per cent dry matter is adding 1,000 lbs of dry matter. With a 15 per cent retention, the manure is only adding 150 lbs to go toward covering the annual loss of 1,200 lbs of SOM. A word of caution when considering NASMs for building SOM: you must always consider the nutrient content. Otherwise, as you apply large amounts of NASMs to obtain organic matter, you may over apply nutrients which may not be needed for optimum

Better Farming February 2017 The Business of Ontario Agriculture 51 CROPS: YIELDMATTER$ Matt_Gibson/iStock/Getty Images photo Plus

“If selling the straw makes it economical to keep wheat in the rotation, then grow wheat and sell the straw,” says Dr. Deen.

town Campus, have aptly demonstrat- At a recent Soil Health Research rotation than just the current price of ed that wheat in the rotation enhances Forum in Guelph, Dr. Deen shared wheat. A $142.27 contribution per the yield of the successive crops of the below economic assessment of acre and 100 bushels of wheat per corn and soybeans. As a matter of fact taking the long view on complex acre lowers the breakeven selling Dr. Deen has said, “If selling the straw rotations that include wheat and its price of wheat by $1.42 per bushel. makes it economical to keep wheat in impacts on the rotational crops. This approach requires a leap in faith the rotation, then grow wheat and sell This analysis demonstrates a and is not something you can cash at the straw!” greater benefit to the wheat in the the bank – at least not right away.

$/ac Conclusion 4% increase in corn: $31.50 Soil health is top of mind with 7 bu @$4.50/bu farmers, agri-businesses and government policy makers. 12% yield increase in $68.75 Soil health is key to building soybeans: 5.5 bu @ $12.50/bu resiliency in agriculture to lessen the Increased drought tolerance yield stability ?? impact of climate change, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, sequester Reduced N requirement: $14.52 carbon, and as a solution to reducing 26.4 lbs @ $0.55/lb nutrient losses and phosphorus Cover crop red clover $27.50 loading into surface waters. There are many opinions on how 50 lbs N @ $0.55/lb to improve soil health. The good Reduced tillage ?? news is it is in our DNA as good stewards of the land to continue the Ability to sustainably ?? improvement process, starting with sell crop residue understanding soil organic matter BF Herbicide resistance ?? contributions. management Dale Cowan, CCA-ON, 4R NMS, is a senior Total contribution from wheat $142.27/ac agronomist with AGRIS Co-operative Ltd. and Wanstead Farmers Co-operative Ltd.

52 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com Better Farming February 2017 CROPS: THELYNCHFILE The problem with no-till? While some producers are firm believers in no-till farming, this production practice can also raise challenges – some of which are outlined below. by PATRICK LYNCH

Tillage kills weeds. Typically weed control costs are higher in no-till operations.

y wife Sandra and I do a lot the ‘70s we told farmers that the soil Whether it is a cart in front of the of driving. We have driven must have good drainage. pH issues planter/drill or very aggressive across Ontario, gone had to be addressed and soil fertility coulters, many people who say they Mthrough the northern United States levels had to be good. are no-tilling really are not no- and into the Maritimes. During these “With our current yield levels we tilling. If you use aggressive tillage road trips we talk. One day she asked, cannot get enough fertilizer on with like using a coulter cart or aggressive “What’s wrong with no-till? Why starter fertilizer. We must broadcast don’t all farmers plant no-till?” some. And this broadcasted fertilizer I said “Good question.” And as I must be worked in or it can increase thought about it I came up with a phosphorous (P) runoff. And the number of reasons and explanations. same problem occurs with lime. We I told her, “The first (reason) is must work in lime. that no-till has been oversold. The “Leaving residue on top of the no-till advocates talk about all of the ground helps spread diseases. Ten or benefits of no-till without explaining fifteen years ago the pathologists like some of the pitfalls.” Albert Tenuta with OMAFRA were “Like what?” she asked. telling us that leaving all the corn “Well, first, tillage kills weeds. stalks on the ground increased the And there is a transition of weed amount of Fusarium inoculum. types. There are more perennial Some hard core no-till proponents weeds. Perennial weeds that can be disagreed with these realities. somewhat controlled with tillage. “Then there is the definition of Typically weed control costs are what no-till is. Real no-till means no higher in no-till operations,” I tillage at all – slot planting. Some of the first research and on-farm trials explained. Real no-till means no tillage in Ontario were with slot planting. “Then there are the soil fertility at all – slot planting. issues. When we started no-tilling in But now we do tillage as we plant.

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“He said, ‘Most of those fields have manure applied the previous summer.’ “‘Eric, you claim to be no-tilling but you work all your corn ground the summer before to work the manure in,’ I said. “‘Well in my defense I really am a modified no-tiller. I don’t work the ground because I want to but because I have to,’ Eric said. “And then there are the special circumstances where no-till doesn’t work. Dairy farmers will plant alfalfa and leave it down for three years. All this time the land is not tilled. Then for numerous reasons, including reducing compaction, incorporating nutrients and con- Now we do tillage as we plant. trolling weeds, these farmers will mouldboard plow. coulters before your no-till planter, Eric Kaiser from central Ontario “These acres are adding more to this practice would typically be about no-till. Eric is a firm believer the general soil health and organic defined as no-till. But if you use in no-till. He once told me that he matter levels than fields that are conservation tillage the previous no-tills all his crops. I called him on no-till soybeans three out of four or year, this practice would be consid- it once. I said, ‘Eric, how much of five years. But because these ered differently. your corn ground do you apply near-continuous soybeans are “For years I have debated with manure to?’ ‘no-tilled,’ many people in our

Meet Your Farm’s Own Crop Advisory Team Better Farming’s service to production agriculture is an every-day commitment. We’ve brought YIELD BOOSTING advice and insight to Ontario’s farmers since 1999, and our content team is now stronger than ever.

Patrick Lynch is an independent CCA-ON. He has won a number of awards for his service in the industry, including the Certiﬁ ed Crop Advisers (ON) Award of Excellence in 2013 and the OAC Outstanding Service Award in 1999. Patrick has written for Better Farming since its inception.

Dale Cowan, CCA-ON, 4R NMS, won the International Certiﬁ ed Crop Adviser’s Adviser of the Year Award in 2016. He has advised growers on cash and horticultural crops for over 35 years. His areas of specialization include sustainable agronomy and precision agriculture.

Andrea Gal is active in her family cash crop operation. She has worked with ﬁ eld crop research trials, focusing on responsible nutrient management. Andrea combines this hands-on knowledge of crops with a passion for writing, developed through the completion of her PhD in ag history.

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54 Story Idea? Email [email protected] Better Farming February 2017 CROPS: THELYNCHFILE

with no-till is the attitude of some no-till promoters. I get a sense from these folks that if you are not no-tilling you are inferior. Either you are not good enough a farmer to no-till or you just don’t care. “This attitude upsets me. Farmers farm land the way they feel is best for them and their land. If their opinion differs from others, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? “I guess the worst-case scenario is if these no-till promoters are vocal enough to persuade the government to enact some type of guidelines that No-till soybeans. prevents farmers from working their land the way they believe it should industry see them as okay. “Then there are the growers who be worked. And I just don’t like to “And then there are the organic no-till and refuse to agree with have farmers criticized for how they farmers. I work with organic farm- research findings. Just last night I farm.” ers. Tillage is an integral part of had a discussion with a no-tiller. I To all this, Sandra said, “Oh and their crop production practices. told him that we have to do some now I know. At least that is your These farmers use cover crops, tillage to break the channels that go opinion.” BF rotation and tillage. Are they down into the tiles to reduce P treating the soil worse than the runoff. He said, ‘I disagree with that Consulting agronomist Patrick Lynch, conventional farmers? Or are they research.’ CCA-ON, formerly worked with OMA- just treating it differently? “But I believe the biggest problem FRA and Cargill.

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Precision Farming February 2017 Promotional Supplement 59

60 Promotional Supplement Precision Farming February 2017 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

Your farm's information where you need it, when you need it – with JD Connect and John Deere Operations Center. Now, with John Deere Operations Center, it's simpler You can route the right people to the right place to than ever to plan your jobs — from start to finish. do the right job, and ensure they have the tools and Through JD Connect, wirelessly and automatically fuel they need. You can even view your machine’s send data from your machines to Operations Center. displays remotely. From one place, with just a few You can see agronomic data from your machine in clicks, you can send job information, prescriptions or near real-time, including average yield, total yield, updated setup files directly to the machine. average moisture, seeding variety and rates, and “Making decisions based on your data, is key in more. the economic and environmental success of farming The Field Analyzer tool lets you compare these operations in today’s market. Being able to learn layers side by side. Sharing data with your custo- from what you’ve done and adjust for future poten- mers, advisors or partners is easily accomplished tial is the only way to improve,” says Kaye McLagan, and you can specify who has access to what informa- Data Coordinator for Premier Equipment. “In order to tion, keeping your data secure. make the most of your data, you need a hub where The MyOperations app for your smart phone puts you can store, send, receive and review your informa- all this information right in your hand giving you on- tion - easily. Operations Center does that.” the-go access. Several easy-to-use tabs give you all Manage equipment information, production data, that real-time location, machine side alerts, and a and farm operations from a single online platform report of what fields have been completed today and through the John Deere Operations Center. You can yesterday so you can see the agronomic data roll collect, access, analyze, and share data on your - with up-to-the-minute accuracy. computer, tablet, or phone ... from your office, truck, With John Deere Operations Centre, one look or even the local arena. To learn more, contact tells you where all your equipment and people are. Premier Equipment – 519-669-5453.

Precision Farming February 2017 Promotional Supplement 61 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING GPS ONTARIO - CLOSING THE COMPATIBILITY GAP IN PRECISION AG

GPS Ontario has been an established precision must. Our staff is well trained in precision ag pro- ag business supplying the agricultural commu- ducts and will be pleased to assist you with sales, nity with a comprehensive full line of Advance installation, repair, setup, technical support (both Precision Ag Products since 2000. GPS Ontario is on-site or over the phone) and data management the only Exclusive Precision Agriculture Product of your operations data. Supplier (EPAPS) dealer in eastern Canada. Trim- Processing is done in-house and a final report ble products are our solution lineup, but we also is presented in booklet form, giving you, the provide 17 additional products that complement owner, an on-farm, in-office record reference. the Trimble agriculture solution lineup. With the one set of standardized data, your farm GPS Ontario is pleased to offer our customers management team can reference for purchasing a one-stop shop option for your precision ag and processing decisions. Your input suppliers farming operation. GPS Ontario’s staff offer the will be pleased that they can provide you with a knowledge and expertise to provide pre-purc- simple and compatible solution that makes get- hase farm planning, to get it right the first time ting your data to you easier. We also offer in-hou- by providing a pre-purchase architectural design se production and hardware supplies, pre-packa- draft or a system design draft. This will show and ged equipment platform kits, hydraulic packages explain exactly how it will work on your farming and wiring harnesses for most of your farming operation, and can be reviewed at a later date applications. for future purchases. Most of our customers find Let our staff steer you straight on all your Preci- this very helpful when planning for the future. sion Ag needs. We have what you need today. We Pre-purchase farm planning and compatibility is a truly are your “local guidance counsellor.”

The ONLY Complete Advanced Precision Agriculture Solution GPSOntario.ca

62 Promotional Supplement Precision Farming February 2017 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

Precision Farming February 2017 Promotional Supplement 63 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

64 Promotional Supplement Precision Farming February 2017 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

RITEHEIGHT® ON SPRAYERS FOR A BETTER, SAFER JOB WITH LESS STRESS! Sprayers keep getting bigger and faster with wider booms. Maintai- At spray time set the optimal target height. Choose the operating ning correct boom height while protecting the boom from striking the mode: Bare Ground, Partial Canopy, or Full Canopy. Use Partial Canopy ground or getting tangled in crop can be a real challenge. Greentronics when you can see the ground from the driver’s seat and you want the offers a great solution with their RiteHeight® automatic boom height system to follow the ground and ignore echoes from the canopy. control system. RiteHeight® uses ultrasonic sensors to measure and Greentronics offers optional ISOBUS compatible systems that allow control the distance from the sprayer boom to the target. It is reasonably operating the entire RiteHeight® system from a Universal Terminal scre- priced, easy to operate and straightforward to install. In fact, more than en on compatible displays from John Deere, Outback, Trimble, Ag Leader, 75% of end-users install their own RiteHeight® systems. and others. Advantages are: the RiteHeight® menu system is easier to The RiteHeight® is extremely adaptable and works on any type of new view and use on large touch screen displays; cab clutter is reduced. or used 3-point hitch, trailed, or self-propelled sprayer with some type Some users install the RiteHeight® sensors on their Y-Drop systems of electric-over-hydraulic solenoid control valves to move the booms. where correct boom height is necessary to optimize placement of liquid RiteHeight® works with all common hydraulic designs. fertilizer in row crops. Installation is simple because there are just four main items: Contro- RiteHeight® allows operators to make on-the-go adjustments to ller with display and keypad, Interface (or Junction) Box, Sensors (up to target height. A Center Boom sensor can be installed for auto height five), and cables. control of the center boom, or to function as a reference for the outer Once installed, a TEST menu shows whether all the connections are sensors. For wide booms or for working in severe terrain and crop correct. You have to spend a few minutes in the MACHINE SET-UP menu conditions, a 4-sensor system can be installed to improve performance. to enter, for example, the number of sensors and the type of hydraulic The RiteHeight® system is easy to over-ride and constantly monitors system (Open or Closed). Then you move the sprayer to a safe spot for operator input. When a manual input (for example, the right hand outside, unfold the booms, and run the auto SELF CALIBRATION step. boom) is detected, auto height control for that boom will be suspended. This allows the computer to learn your sprayer’s behavior. The other boom(s) will continue in auto mode. To re-engage auto mode, Time for a test run! Set the target height in the CONFIGURATION the operator touches Down on his switch and RiteHeight® takes over menu. Watch the boom as you drive through the test area. Quite often again. the defaults for parameters such as DELAY FOR UP, DELAY FOR DOWN, The RiteHeight® system has been available since 2007. Customer QUICK RAISE HEIGTH, etc. work well. However, you may find room for im- input has driven many improvements over the years and operators with provement. The CONFIGURATION menu allows you to adjust parameters older RiteHeight® systems are advised to contact Greentronics about as needed. upgrade options.

Precision Farming February 2017 Promotional Supplement 65 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

66 StoryPromotional Idea? Email Supplement [email protected] Precision Better Farming February 2017 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING SOLVING THE PRECISION AGRICULTURE PUZZLE FOR PROFIT For Joe Dales, this year’s conference theme was an obvious plighter Inn in London. More than 30 Ag Technology bu- decision. sinesses will be showcasing their industry-leading innovati- “During the summer and fall of 2016, as I spoke with ons at the trade show component this year and more than ag technology businesses and precision farmers, I kept 300 precision ag enthusiasts, farmers, agronomists and agri getting the sense that it’s now all about fitting the pieces business professionals are expected to attend. together, to complete the precision puzzle. The conference speaker agenda is world-class with “There are so many exciting new tools available, now excellent international experts, ag business specialists, the task at hand is for all of us in production agriculture to agronomists, and some top precision farmers coming to work together and integrate them share their insight and experiences. together, so that it benefits the farmer “I’m really excited about the confe- by saving time, money and increasing rence this year,” says Dales. “We’re at the yields. The machinery, software, data point where we are seeing such conclu- and agronomy pieces need to fit to- sive data on how precision technology gether well to help us realize the full is helping increase yields, profits, and potential of these innovations. benefit overall farm management. “It will take time and effort but I am “New this year, we are working with impressed with how the companies Better Farming to select a number of and farmers are working together new products and services from around to overcome the gaps and provide the world for an Ag Innovation Showca- practical solutions.” se which we will be presenting on the Dales is vice-president and a website afterwards.” founder at Farms.com and he’s been There is still time for farmers to sign organizing the Farms.com Precision up to attend the conference, by checking Agriculture Conference since 2014. the website at www.Farms.com/Precisi- The event runs Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 onAgriculture or emailing precisionag@ this year at the Best Western Lam- farms.com.

Precision Farming February 2017 Promotional Supplement 67 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

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68 Promotional Supplement Precision Farming February 2017 REPORT ON PRECISION FARMING

Jan 31st - Feb 1st, 2017 Best Western Lamplighter Inn London, Ontario

SOLVING THE PRECISION AGRICULTURE PUZZLE FOR PROFIT

The 2017 conference will bring together more than 300 precision ag enthusiasts - international speakers, precision agricultural businesses, agronomists and leading precision farmers who will share how to harvest the value of technologies on the farm.

The Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Technology Showcase tradeshow features more than 20 of Precision Agriculture’s leading businesses. The tradeshow provides attendees with opportunities to network and see new technologies first hand.

The Popular Precision Farmer Panel will return. Precision Ag farmers will share their practical experiences with new technologies & data on their farms.

HEAR FROM EXPERT INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS

Wade Barnes, a leader in Precision Agriculture and founder of Lisa Prassack, President of Prassack Advisors, Agri Food Farmers Edge. Wade leads a team of 250+ dedicated precision Innovation Expert & Data Strategy Consultant. Lisa Prassack has agronomists, technology innovators, and sustainability experts. over 20 years of experience working with big data analytics. She specializes in working in tandem with innovative agri-technology Denise Hockaday, Climate Commercial Lead - Canada, Climate companies & farmers by providing critical market understanding Corporation. Denise is responsible for the Canadian launch and with data-intensive solutions. growth for The Climate Corporation, a subsidiary of Monsanto, which aims to help farmers increase yields and reduce risk through Climate FieldView™ insights and decision tools.

2017 EXHIBITORS

Precision Farming February 2017 Promotional Supplement 69 Making the most of your OFA membership Better Farming is your trusted source for insight, analysis, and investigative reporting on Ontario agriculture.

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One-year Your OFA member subscription for subscription non-OFA members cost per year $41 $0 FARM FINANCE 2017

Planning for the future? Here’s why you should gift your farm

A significant amount of wealth can be tied up in farm beneficial interest, you are allowed to live there for a businesses—including partnerships and corporations. lifetime. You can also reorganize your business as a Our financial experts at Collins Barrow consider farm corporation and still maintain control, passing the succession planning an ideal opportunity to distribute growth on to a child without any tax consequences. that wealth on a tax-free or tax-deferred basis. Much of this wealth is eligible for capital gains exemptions, Common mistakes allowing it to be passed on to future generations who As beneficial as gifting can be, there are a number continue to farm, without a heavy debt burden. of common mistakes that can be made when working So as you plan for the future of your farm business, through the succession process (especially if you consider the tax benefits of gifting your farm assets. don’t have the benefit of expert advice, like what our Collins Barrow professionals provide). For one, Who can receive a gift? attempting to transfer an asset that you’re not allowed Generally, a farming gift—which can apply to almost to. If you transfer inventory during your lifetime, it’s any kind of farm asset except inventory—can be given got to be at fair market value, not cost base. Another to a child or a grandchild. However, the definition of common mistake is attempting to transfer property “a child” can include a broad range of people, from in order to gain a benefit through the Income Tax Act. a stepchild to the spouse of a child. For example, if you’re transferring farmland in an attempt to multiply your capital gains exemption. Say Transferring tax-free you have land that is worth $4 million and you only have $1 million of gain exemption and you’re trying If you meet the definition of a qualified farm property, to get three or four family members involved, so you including farm partnership or a qualified farm corporation don’t pay any tax. Unfortunately, this is not allowed, share, you can transfer wealth to another generation and the entire capital gain can be attributed back to without a tax impact. In a sense, you’re passing that the transferor if the property is sold or an agreement tax on to the next generation, but if the current tax laws to sell occurs within three years. remain in effect, they can employ the same strategies when succession planning for their heirs. To navigate the pitfalls that can occur if you (a) transfer the wrong asset, (b) contemplate a sale or (c) fail to Essentially, these gifting options are set up to allow hold on to an asset for long enough, be sure to contact successful farm businesses to be passed on generation an expert. Your Collins Barrow advisor will keep you to generation. out of trouble—and ensure you maximize all the tax Maintaining ownership benefits available. Our industry experts at Collins Barrow help farmers John Bujold, B.Sc., CPA, CA, is a partner at choose which plan (there are many options) is best Collins Barrow SGB LLP. He provides accounting, for them to transfer property, while still maintaining auditing and tax services to a wide variety of clients, ownership in some way. For instance, if you transfer including not-for-profit, commercial, individual, your farmland to a family member, but maintain professional service and farm clients. Watch your bottom line grow With the right advisors planted next to you

Turn to Collins Barrow for objective, actionable Look to Collins Barrow, Chartered Professional advice to help you maximize opportunities in Accountants, to help your agri-business grow and virtually every area of your business. prosper. Call the experts.

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Farmrdvertoriiidd Finance February 2017 Promotional Supplement 71 FARM FINANCE 2017

72 Promotional Supplement Farm Finance February 2017 FARM FINANCE 2017

Farm Finance February 2017 Promotional Supplement 73 FARM FINANCE 2017

Agriculture is our way of life too Meet Jacques In 16 years at FCC, Jacques has helped hundreds of Canadian producers build their dreams. Like everyone on your FCC team, Jacques knows your industry and he’ll get to know you. 1-800-387-3232 fcc.ca

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74 Promotional Supplement Farm Finance February 2017 FARM FINANCE 2017

It’s no surprise that Farmland accounts for the biggest manageable as the outlook for interest rates and net cash proportion of a farm’s assets. Experts say that in 1981, income are supportive of the balance sheet. “ FCC contin- land made up 54% of the value of total farm assets, but ues by saying it “remains prudent for agricultural opera- that by 2015, the value of land assets had increased to tions to be flexible enough to amend business plans if the 67% of total assets. Where is real estate going in 2017 in outlook for borrowing costs and/or profitability moves in Ontario? a different direction.”

In September, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) released its Ag The FCC report says that land was less affordable in 2015 Economics Outlook for Farm Assets and Debt 2016-17. than in previous years, “not just because value went up The report notes three important takeaways that are across the country, but also because appreciation in land relevant to farmers that are thinking of buying or selling values has outpaced increases in total farm revenue.” In farmland in 2017. Ontario, the affordability of land was identified as being “meaningfully different” than its historical average. First, FCC believes “Canadian agriculture remains in a strong financial position.” The report notes that the Farmers looking to buy or sell farm property should look industry is healthy, but acknowledges that it “could face for real estate agents who specialize in farm and rural some challenges as farm income flattens and land appre- properties in Ontario. Visit Farms.com/RealEstate to find ciation slows.“ a real estate agent in your area that specializes in farm properties. The Farms.com/RealEstate site also allows Second, FCC is predicting that increases in farmland farmers to search for farms for sale by farm type – there values will slow down. are plenty of farms for sale to choose from. The site welcomes 7,500 visitors to the site each month -- 7,500 Third, total farm asset values are in line with recent trends farmers who are considering farm property. in farm cash income, according to FCC. This means that “Farmland values have appreciated faster than crop receipts in the last five years. Yet, financial risks remain

Farm Finance February 2017 Promotional Supplement 75 HOWITWORKS Specialized hydraulic filters can protect precise mechanical components To ensure the optimal performance of piston pumps, the hydraulic fluid needs to be kept free from contamination. Consider the who, when and how of maintaining these systems. by RALPH WINFIELD

any years ago, it was common practice to examine hydraulic fluids for Munusual colour changes. We rubbed these fluids between our fingers to check for that lubricity feel and then checked the magnet on the drain plug to see if metal particles had collected there. Those were the days when we used gear pumps that had high- clearance values. These pumps only provided fluid power for lift rams or three-point hitches. Those days are long gone. We now have piston-type pumps with variable output that must provide clean hydraulic fluid continuously to hold loads or provide variable flow rates to drive hydraulic motors. The clearances between the pistons and cylinder bodies are measured in microns (µm) not the thousands of an inch that some of us used many years ago. Let us put those figures in perspective. Here is an example. Have you checked the thickness of a page of the Better Farming magazine? Not likely, so I did it for you. My mi- crometer shows that the page thickness is 0.0025 inches. A mil is one thousandth of an inch. When 0.0025 inches is multiplied by 1,000 that gives me the thickness These are the inner workings of a typical, continuously variable in mils which becomes 2.5 mils for output hydraulic pump. Leakage/lubrication is dependent the page. Each mil is 25.4 µm. So, the entirely on piston clearance. page is 63.5 µm thick. You might argue that you can see the edge, but avoid contamination damage, or panying photo. Note there are no trust me if that edge was in particles jamming, the fluid must be kept free rings or seals on these pistons. A you cannot see particles that are of particles as small as 10 µm, with small amount of clean hydraulic fluid smaller than 100 microns in diame- 30 µm particles being the upper will bypass these pistons to lubricate ter. limit. Please keep in mind these and cool them. A central orifice in Many newer piston-type hydraulic small particles are all well into the each piston allows fluid to pass down pumps are now designed with the non-visible range. and lubricate the foot pads that run tolerances most of us associated with against a variable angle foot plate that diesel-injection pumps. The pistons Piston pumps is tilted or angled to vary the pump- must be selectively hand-fitted in a A typical variable displacement ing rate. constant temperature fluid bath. To piston pump is shown in the accom- Variable rate pumps are required

76 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming February 2017 HOWITWORKS

The filter head will be marked with a flow direction arrow or inlet and outlet will appear at each port. for many applications where constant “inlet” and “outlet” will appear at or intermittent fluid flow is required each port. to control functions. Some of these The ß-ratio is a simple term that functions are continuously variable provides the filtration efficiency of a transmissions (CVTs) or hydraulic given filter in removing particles of a grapples used to hold tree stems being stated micron size range. The pulled behind log skidders. filtration efficiency is the ratio of the number of particles within the Hydraulic filter ratings stated micron size range which enter In recent years, a considerable the filter, compared to the same size amount of research has been direct- range of particles which pass As farmers, you’re ed to a “multi-pass” test to rate through without being trapped by on the front lines of hydraulic filters. The “beta-ratio” the filter. This filtration efficiency is developments in our (ß-ratio) derived from the multi- reported as a percentage value. As pass test has become one accepted would be expected, the efficiency is industry. If you want method of determining filtration higher for the larger particles. coverage of an ag issue efficiency as a percentage collection This ß-ratio permits a filtration of particles in a specified micron efficiency to be calculated for a or trend, email: particle size range, e.g. 10 to 30 µm. specific filter element. Many filter New filter media, usually ar- manufacturers are now stating those ranged in a pleated format to enlarge two ratings (ß-ratio and filtration [email protected] available surface area, has been efficiency) on their filter cartridges. developed to increase the “dirt For a graphic display of these retention capacity.” Note that the parameters please do a Google fluid must always flow from the search of “hydraulic filter beta outside of the filter to the inner core, ratings and the multi-pass test.” If which is smaller in diameter. The you open one of the top search filter head will be marked with a results, figure one provides an flow direction arrow or the words excellent illustration of typical filter

Better Farming February 2017 The Business of Ontario Agriculture 77 HOWITWORKS

A pressure gauge will indicate fluid bypass and/or filter condition. A prewired red light from a pressure transducer is even better. performance. Figure two illustrates Virtually every filter head has a and planet gear sets (often located the dirt-loading characteristic that 25-pound per square inch (psi) relief directly at drive wheels), do not have follows, as well as the resulting valve to permit fluid bypass. A filtered lubricant available. It is pressure drop that occurs across the pressure gauge can be placed at the critical that the small quantity of filter. filter location or preferably moved up lubricant be changed regularly. to the operator dash. A light, usually Gear sets located at the center of Dirt loading of filter elements red, can also be used to alert the virtually every mechanical front Performance rating is very important operator when a filter bypass is wheel drive (MFWD) tractor are but it also raises the question of how occurring. prime examples of these small gear much dirt a filter can hold before the If the light stays on after the fluid is sets needing regular lubricant pressure drop across the filter be- warmed, the filter should be changed changes. If a MFWD tractor is used comes excessive. immediately. The question of chang- regularly – especially in the winter The rapid rise in pressure drop ing the fluid is up for debate. If you – that gear case should be drained across the filter occurs after a relative- have access to fluid testing by an and flushed at least once a year. You ly long time, even though the dirt equipment dealer or an outside party, will probably see some small metal addition was continuous. What this it is probably well worth the cost. flakes in the fluid which will give it a means is that every hydraulic fluid A fluid test indicating a high level yellow or golden colour. filter should have a pressure- of contamination might indicate that Planetary gear sets cost much monitoring device in place so the there is or has been a mechanical more than the cost of materials and operator can observe pressure drop component failure. See the photo on the labour required to flush those – but especially any sudden pressure page 79 of a failed bearing compo- units once a year. rise. A sudden rise often effectively nent. When a mechanical component Many other final drive gear cases indicates a component failure in the failure has occurred, a total hydraulic on combines, etc. should have the hydraulic system. system cleanup is essential. gear oil changed on a regular sched- On “cold start up” of a closed- ule – probably once a year. Check centre hydraulic system, the fluid can Unfiltered lubrication with the operator/service manual or and will temporarily bypass the filter. Many small gear sets, such as sun your dealer.

78 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com Better Farming February 2017 HOWITWORKS

The how: This involves your shop facilities and staff. Do you have trained help and the tools and equipment necessary to undertake the task safely?

Summary Having an understanding of the hydraulic and mechanical systems you own or operate is very important so that you can make astute observations and decisions. Missing an important clue can be very expensive for farmers – especially if it takes a key piece of your equipment out of service at a critical time. Paying the dealership to test fluid This type of carrier bearing failure causes significant fluid contamination. and run other tests/observations can be money well spent. The decision Who/when/how testing or find an independent on who carries out the filter/fluid As an owner of combines or self- laboratory that can do the fluid changes or does other preventative propelled field sprayers or even larger testing for you. maintenance is highly dependent on tractors, you have decisions to make. The when: This is usually once a your skills, help and physical (shop) The who: Do you have the in- year – well before the time of need facilities. BF house capability to test and evaluate for the unit. If repairs are necessary, fluids and filters? If not, you should they can be completed in the off- Ralph Winfield is a retired professional get your dealer to send samples for season to eliminate costly down time. engineer, farmer and technical writer. Your Trusted Source

Information is plentiful in today’s modern world. But as a farmer, ber 201 00 your valuable time is more limited than ever.

As much as you might need new information, Better Farming also gives you insight and understanding. We put the information into context, give it theoretical framing and suggest ways to act on it.

GLYPHOSATE ALTERNATIES A trusted source. To help you farm better. uropean GENERATIONAL periences 2 TRANSITION Possiilities & Challenges Better Farming is the discerning farmer’s trusted source for insight, 10 FIELD TRIP analysis and investigative reporting about Ontario agriculture. Teals Meats SOIL 17 TESTING amining the Test We believe we need to earn your trust every month, with every 4 ara magazine. It’s our solemn vow to Ontario’s farm community and

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40037298 ag industry. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40037298 No. Agreement Mail Publications

FERTILIER PRICES PRE-HAREST INSPECTION RADIAL TIRES

Better Farming February 2017 Dig Deeper: BetterFarming.com 79 FARAFIELD The benefits of dung beetles for pastures Farmers can add dung of Bristol in the United Kingdom. because now we have seen that they beetles to their list of Researchers found dung can contribute to reducing economi- beneficial insects. beetle activity dried out cally deleterious livestock parasites on These beetles manure, killing parasites farms,” Bryony Sands, a study help to kill and that rely on the manure researcher, said in the university halt the moisture. release. development “The conservation of “These beetles may be important of trouble- dung beetles on in cow welfare, as cows are severely o

o some parasites h affected by parasites found in their in- p farmland today is

s u l found in cattle P extremely important for testines.” s e g manure, accord- a their role in dung The study was published in the Im ty et ing to researchers k/G degradation, nutrient Journal of Applied Ecology in Novem- toc Alex f/iS from the University ander Hasenkamp cycling, pasture fertility and ber 2016. BF Studying gluten-free wheat possibilities Farmers are one step closer to the cul- a variety of wheat with no She hopes the study tivation of wheat varieties for the toxicity while maintain- will aid in providing gluten-free market. ing the viscoelastic individuals who Researchers from the Technical properties of gluten,” suffer from celiac University of Madrid analyzed Marta Rodrí- disease with multiple wheat varieties, including guez-Quijano, products that will both modern and old varieties, to co-author of the improve their

o t study and scale the different proteins study, said to the o quality of life. h p in gluten. Information and s The study was lu P s “Learning about the different Scientific News e published in the ag Im varieties (can) enable production Service, a Spanish ma ty December edition of rea Get techniques to be developed to (breed) public news agency. ndmare/iStock/ Food Chemistry. BF Does grocery store lighting impact milk sales? Ensuring good-tasting, farm- milk, while also reducing its College of Agriculture and Life fresh milk may be as simple nutritional content. Sciences, said in a university release. as changing the light- Poor lighting may be “Milk is delicious and nutritious and bulbs in the grocery one of the reasons we want to find ways to protect both of store, according to milk consumption those characteristics to help the

researchers at Virgin- has been declining industry and provide an even better o

ia Tech University. t over the past several product to consumers,” she said.

p Researchers found decades, Susan The study was pub- c s i that exposing milk to d Duncan, lished in the Journal o t o h fluorescent light – as /P professor at of Dairy Science ay cV M Virginia opposed to LED lighting n in November Ch ya ad d/R – alters the taste profile of Baker/Jason Ree Tech’s 2016. BF Million-dollar U.S. farms on the rise o t o h Ninety per cent of farms in the classified as small, large p production, as s lu United States are classified as small farms are producing more P opposed to es ag farms, with a gross cash farm income than ever. jul Im one-third of ied etty (GCFI) of less than USD$350,000 “Since 1991, agricultural eshaies/iStock/G production in 1991. annually, according to the United production has shifted to The report found that States Department of Agriculture’s million-dollar farms, with GCFI of 38 per cent of larger million-dollar America’s Diverse Family Farms. This one million dollars or more, includ- farms ($5,000,000 GCFI) specialize in group of farms, however, accounts for ing both family and non-family specialty crops, and 25 per cent in only 24.2 per cent of total U.S. farms,” the report said. dairy production. production values. Million-dollar farms now account The annual report was published Although the majority of farms are for half of the total American farm in December 2016. BF

80 Story Idea? Email [email protected] Better Farming February 2017 CALL YOUR REP TODAY TO CONNECT WITH CLASS-A FARMS!

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Strong construction and light weight. Exclusive design, Various lengths durable and ease available. of operation Canadian based manufacturer of; Dairy & Cattle Stabling, Self-Lock Head Gates, Pro Free Stall, Slant Stalls & Gates, Calf Pens, Tie-Stalls, Tip-Tanks, Hog Stabling, Horse Stabling, Goat and Sheep Stabling.

Michael’s Stabling Developments Inc. The Leaders in Non-GMO Technology Contact: Michael Pyfferoen, Cell: 519-373-9494 2479 Main Street • PO Box 129 Lambeth Station Tel. & Fax: 519-794-3933, [email protected] London, Ontario • N6P 1P9 Sideroad 5 #702904 Williamsford, ON N0H 2V0 P: 519-203-CORN (2676) • F: 519-203-6626 www.sgate.ca De Dell Seeds www.dedellseeds.com

82 Better Farming February 2017 THIS LOW? I HELP FARMERS GET FARM LOANS Mortgage Monthly Bi-weekly My name’s Andre Ouimet. My grandpa was Amount Payment Payments an apple farmer. One season he had a bad harvest. The bank he was loyal to for years $200,000 $922.95 $425.98 turned its back on him. He lost the farm and $250,000 $1,153.69 $532.48 moved our family to the city. To this day, my dad still chokes up as he tells the story of $300,000 $1,384.43 $638.97 how the bank seized our ancestral home. $350,000 $1,615.16 $745.47 I know how hard farmers work. I know $400,000 $1,845.90 $851.96 how hard my grandpa worked. It was NOT his fault. He needed a temporary helping $500,000 $2,307.38 $1,064.95 hand and no one was there to help him. $600,000 $2,768.85 $1,277.94 Because of my family history, I wanted to do something to help farmers, so I became $700,000 $3,230.33 $1,490.93 a licensed Mortgage Agent with EXPERT $800,000 $3,691.80 $1,703.92 Rates as MORTGAGE. Now I can help farmers of February, ACROSS ONTARIO better than the banks $1,000,000 $4,614.75 $2,129.90 2017, OAC can because I don’t follow BANK RULES. I specialize in agricultural lending. With over 200 private lenders to back me up, I SET Most banks underwrite loans using standard commercial lending THE RULES! guidelines that don’t make any sense for farms. Coming from a farm family, I understand the farming community. Even if you have BAD CREDIT & NO PROOF OF INCOME, I can still help you Talk to me if you’d like to... FARMOWNERS! Call NOW for FAST, EASY CASH! • Buy more land or new equipment • Up to 80% of FULL farm value • Repair or construct new buildings • Up to 30 year amortization • Operating lines of credit I REPRESENT OVER 200 LENDERS • Buy quota Many provide 1st, 2nd and 3rd mortgages even with: • Horrible Credit • Property Tax Arrears CALL ME EVEN IF EVERYONE ELSE HAS SAID NO! • Bankruptcy • Power of Sale With over 200 lenders at my disposal I can get you a mortgage even with... • Unemployed • Self-Employed • Bad credit • Mortgage Arrears • Pension & Disability • Power of sale • Mortgage arrears • Tax arrears Call me 7 DAYS A WEEK for

CALL ANDRE NOW to put your mind Toll Free Across Ontario Send me a question online at www.iHelpFarmers.ca or at ease 1-888-982-7954 email me at [email protected] Andre Ouimet - Mortgage Agent Licence # 12079

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New 48' Vertical Tillage - Turbo-Max® 50' Heavy-Duty Min-Till Drill

TILL IT and DRILL IT • Hydraulically-Adjustable Gang Angle from 0-6 On-the-Go – Sizes and cov- • Active Hydraulic Down Pressure – Keeps openers in uniform contact with soil ers residue in the fall at 3 to 6 and prepares the ultimate spring seedbed at 0. in uneven conditions and varying soil types. Maximizes opener ground-hugging • Exclusive Maintenance-Free Bearings – Reduce maintenance time and extend capabilities by independently applying down pressure at both ends of the subframe. life of bearings. • Extra-Large Main Seed Box – Minimizes fill time to keep you in the field longer. • Hydraulic Weight Transfer is Standard – Creates an even and constant down- Waterproof lids maximize seed protection. force across the entire width of the implement, assuring uniform penetration. • Offset Opener Blades with Leading Edge – Much more aggressive and similar • Rolling Spike and Reel Rear Attachment – Tines split the Turbo Coulters to en- to a single-blade style. Heavy weight ensures clean cutting and easy penetration. sure thorough mixing of soil and residue and provide a smooth, uniform seedbed • Full-Length Seed Tubes with Trailing Flap – Guide seed through the opener, for optimum planter performance. placing it in the bottom of the trench to ensure consistent depth.

See your local Great Plains dealer for more info or visit: www.GreatPlainsAg.com/AgSolutions DeBoer’s Farm Equipment Minto Ag Oneida New Holland Weagant Farm Elora 519-846-5388 Harriston 519-338-5751 Caledonia 905-765-5011 Winchester 613-774-2887 www.deboersequipment.com www.mintoag.ca www.oneidanewholland.com www.weagantfarm.com

84 Better Farming February 2017 OVER 250 TRUCKS AVAILABLE

Better Farming February 2017 85 Seed | Salt | Fertilizer REAR BLADE SPREADERS NEW NB Series Blade Garber Broadcasters

There is a BISON Rear Blade for every job and price range... • 80 and 120 HP Models • Full Hydraulic Angle, O set and Tilt options with standard 8” cylinders • Vibrating gate ensures constant (full adjustment without moving ow to the 12-volt spinner cylinder) • Handy o /on switch can be • Precision formed moldboard located within easy reach that cuts and rolls soil rather than • One or three bushel capacity dragging • Welded steel construction, • Rotate moldboard 360˚ with tough powder-coat paint forward and reverse positions • Electric or PTO versions with choice • End plates and skid shoes of mounts for ATV, 3pt. hitch or available for all models adjustable bracket

Over 150 dealers in Ontario 519-753-3164 [email protected] www.mohawkequipment.ca

86 Better Farming February 2017 OFA Members visit ofa.on.ca or call 519-824-0210 for great GM offers.

CALL YOUR ONTARIO SALFORD NO INTEREST, DEALER TODAY FOR 6 MONTHS BUILT FOR ANDERSON EQUIP. SALES J & H SALES NO PAYMENT Belleville, 613-969-6246 & SERVICE FOR UP TO 1 Picton, 613-476-6597 Chesley, 519-363-3510 SOIL PRODUCTIVITY YEAR* andersonequipment.ca jhsales.com *Terms and conditions apply. See dealer for details C.L. BENNINGER KUCERA FARM EQUIPMENT LTD. SUPPLY Chatham, 519-352-8070 Alvinston, 519-898-2961 clbenninger.com kuceras.com

E.S.M FARM MCGAVIN FARM EQUIPMENT LTD. EQUIPMENT LTD Wallenstein, 519-669-5176 Walton, 519-887-6365 esmfarmequipment.com mcgavinequip.com

O’NEIL’S FARM G.J.’S FARM EQUIPMENT Burgessville, 519-424-9374 EQUIPMENT LTD Binbrook, 905-572-6714 gjsequipment.com oneils.ca

REIS EQUIPMENT CENTER S-TINE & C-SHANK CULTIVATORS ADD SALFORD’S VALMAR APPLICATORS TO YOUR HALNOR EQUIPMENT Carp, 613-836-3033 EXISTING EQUIPMENT FOR Waterford, 519-443-8622 St. Isidore, 613-527-1501 COVER CROP SEEDING halnor.com Winchester, 613-774-2273 Renfrew, 613-432-4133

SALFORD GROUP TILLAGE SEEDING APPLICATION STRATFORD FARM HUB INTERNATIONAL LTD. EQUIPMENT Lindsay, 705-324-6136 London, 519-659-0429 MODELS FOR EVERY FARM - 12 ft to 62 ft sizes for any operation Port Perry, 905-982-1500 Woodstock, 519-423-6264 hubinter.com sfe-sales.com MANAGE HEAVY RESIDUE - Deep six bar frame design for higher clearance HYDE BROTHERS FARM YURKE SALES EQUIPMENT & SERVICE LTD OPTIMIZED SPACING - Multiple spacings available to suit most crops Hensall, 519-263-2605 Comber, 519-687-2209 hydebrothers.com yurkesales.com Call your Salford Dealer today, or visit salfordgroup.com Ontario & Manitoba, Canada 1-866-442-1293

BetterSalford Farming Group February Inc 2017 Publication: Better Farming EQUIPMENT - now known as 87 Dave Ens MARKETPLACE [email protected] ad size is: 519-485-3977 ext 247 Headline: Built for Soil... 7” wide x 4.875” tall andles all crops with power and efficiency

ERILIZER CROP RANPOR AER • Sturdy removable plastic hopper ﬁ ts under standard hopper wagons • Hydraulic top drive • 3-stage telescopic down spout — adds to your ﬁ lling convenience • Easy to tow

6 Models CTA 6” x 21’ CTA 8” x 21’ CTA 6” x 26’ CTA 8” x 26’ CTA 6” x 31’ CTA 8” x 31’

ILIY AER Available in 1 3 /2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 diameters 866-638-2104

Weberway_AN_May13.indd 1 13-04-08 1:54 PM

88 Better Farming February 2017 $39,900 $46,900 $44,900 2015 RAM 1500 Laramie 4x4 2014 RAM 3500 SLT 4x4 2015 RAM 2500 SLT 4x4 Leather, loaded, Eco Diesel, 93,570 km, Cummins, single wheel, long box, 32,098 km, Regular Cab, Cummins, 66,655 km, #85191 #85199 #85231

$45,900 $25,900 $62,900 2015 RAM Rebel Crew 4x4 Hemi 2014 RAM 1500 ST 4x4 2014 RAM 3500 Laramie 4x4 ONLY 14,144 km Regular Cab, Eco Diesel, 84,709 km, Dually Leather, loaded, Cummins, 58,114 km, #85232 #470080B #470133A

Better Farming February 2017 89 60 Promotional Supplement 60 Promotional MWI_BWInch_SK_Mar15.indd 1 oubeidd HuronFeed_Class_CC_JuJ15.indd 1 owerliftoors_C__1.indd 1 EasyLift2.indd 1 The Best Price, The Best Readership, The Best Value! Better Farming! • Email your $1 per word ad to [email protected] Kuepfer_YY_Mar'14 1/31/144:19PMPage1 www.ontarioflagandpole.com. needs includingcustom flags. 1-888-596-0040 izing in “Titan” telescopic flagpoles &all your flag FLAGPOLES & FLAGS - Ontario Flag &Pole special [email protected] pean quality. Design bluesteel. Ken514-694-7883 CHAINS –SKIDDER/TRACTOR - All sizes. Euro 90 [email protected] WSIB. 1-800-291-BARNor1-519-800-3681. cash to remove your Fully old barn. insured. S&J BARN DEMOLITION 0523. Ltd.Ontario since Jong&Sons 1968.De 519-348- dations &pads. All are 100%Engineered. Serving WE POUR: 4760 [email protected] www.asbinc.ca Ontario. Free Estimates. 519-424-3348. Cell 519-532- SouthwesternExperienced. &Southcentral Serving renovations, dairy, equine, poultry. Dependable. ASB INC.AG BUILDER www.diamondfarmtractorparts.com ity. Savings! 43rd Our year. Call 1-800-481-1353 Unlimitedsion kits. applications. Top qual tems, wired &wireless, accessories &expan CAMERAS CAM CAB POWERLIFT POWERLIFT DOORSOFONTARIO Shore Moisture Meters Moisture Shore We workwithyoueverystepoftheway NOW 3 MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM CHOOSE TO MODELS 3 NOW * Maps * Surveys * 2013Bron End GreasingFrustration The Midwest Farm Systems •519-656-2352 Inc. Since 1968 Plow to build,deliverandinstallyournew [email protected] •www.mwisilo.com WWW.POWERLIFTDOORS.COM EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

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crews Personal Service A DIVSONFWY Drains levelledforyour convenience! Schmidt’s FarmDrainage VENTILA [email protected] We provide: & backhoework TION SYEMB Ofﬁ ce: 519-343-3233Home:519-338-2373 Peter Neill ER MANUFCTIGLD. 613 623 8802 Tel: 519-338-3484•Cell:519-323-6335 - Toll 1-800-534-0393 Free: - Double & homo polled, thick, well &homopolled,- Double mus thick, ready to lay, newandusedequipment, - Englishwalnuts, sweet chestnuts, Ha MANURE STORAGE - Profitable hazelnuts, grafted heart 1990 Ltd.Harrision Steve Cronsberry (Owner) Steve Cronsberry - Top hay andalsohay quality with HAY &STRAW & installeddrainage systems Arnprior, Ontario ● Freeestimates GPS GradeControl NURSERIES ● HEATING GPSmapping&guidance ● Drainage knowledge &expertise e havebeeninbusinessforover20years - Control for indoorarenas. tocompletethemostcomplicatedoftasks,CNC ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

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yereptidd - 80 Maybridge2_YY_mar'14.indd 1 Weigel_YY_Mar'16.indd 1 ------

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Specializing inFarm Drainage &ErosionControlSystems Schmidt’s Farm Drainage Specializing inFarm Drainage &ErosionControlSystems 519-808-6115 ● A.G. HAYTER CONTRACTING LTD WEIGEL DRAINAGE LTD. ● Drain yourFarmBeforeitDrainsYou WEIGEL DRAINAGE LTD. ST Brent: 519-367-2000(ofﬁ ce) 519-502-8216(cell)Mildmay Glenn Hayter ● Increase your yieldsforthesameinputs FRED BORK, Specializing inFarm Drainage, Backhoeing Increase your yieldsforthesameinputs Estimates [email protected] DRAINAGE PROFESSIONALS SINCE1967

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Specializing inonFarm Pest olt SinglePhase,7.5HP 5 ft.width Grant Hayter Email: [email protected] www.sgspestmanagement.ca Golden Horseshoe, GTA - Specializinginengine rebuild

olt 3Phase,7.5HP

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Specializing inAgriculturalDrainage Water ManagementSystemsInc. Your GPSequippedFarm DrainageContractor. [email protected] Steve Frey 7055632071 Steve Frey Peter Neill 613 6238802 or cell7056502365 Serving theTemiskaming Region Serving Arnprior, Ontario Promotional Supplement61 Promotional 5/2/14 12:47:54AM 5/2/14 12:47:54 AM Promotional Supplement 61 Arnprior, Ontario Arnprior, Serving Region the Temiskaming or cell 705 650 2365 613 623 8802 Peter Neill Steve Frey 705 563 2071 [email protected] Your GPS equipped Farm Drainage Contractor. GPS equipped Farm Your Water Management Systems Inc. Water Specializing in Agricultural Drainage

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Call 519-848-1112 to place your $1 per word ad! word per $1 your place to 519-848-1112 Call • Farming! Better Value! Best The Readership, Best The Price, Best The RURALROOTS Enjoying tropical fruits in the early 20th century by ANDREA M. GAL In February 1913, Mabel Brown, who farmed 100 acres in Carleton County, “had oranges for tea” when company visited. And Brown was not the only one serving this type of treat. While many of us may think Ontario farm families relied on home-grown fruits in the early 20th century, diaries and account books show that household production was only part of the story. Rather, farm families also ate some imported fruits – including coconuts, pineapples, oranges, lemons and bananas. Usually, families bought only small Rachel Gingell and her family’s 1952 Ford 8N. amounts of tropical fruits. Jemina Hannah Leeder of Bruce County, for example, often bought between six In the Shop with Rachel: and 12 lemons, oranges or bananas at The Ford 8N is a classic for a reason a time in the 1910s and 1920s. by RACHEL GINGELL Families ate these fruits fresh or sometimes used them in baking. Built from 1948 to 1952, the Ford The 8N is easy to work on. It’s Mary Ann King of Welland County, 8N is one of North America’s most an excellent first tractor for a for example, made coconut layer loved tractors. More than 500,000 budding mechanic, with a straight- cakes in 1902. Florence Allen of were manufactured and many are forward design and easy-to-find Lennox and Addington County still in use today. (Many of the 8N’s parts. enjoyed a piece of lemon pie when close cousins, including the Ford The laws of supply and demand visiting friends in January 1930 and 9N and the 2N, are also in use.) really work for you with an 8N Velma Beaton of Wellington County The Ford 8N is a lower horse- tractor. With so many of these baked banana cake in May 1938. power tractor. There’s no power machines still in use, the price and Even in the early 20th century, steering. The hydraulics and PTO availability of parts can’t be beat. farm families were connected to are not live. You can have a lot of fun with a continental and global markets. BF It’s a simple, basic tractor Ford 8N, too! My dad and I Natikka/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Images Natikka/iStock/Getty without many of the modern worked together one year to put a conveniences you’d get in a new flathead V8 in a Ford 8N. We tractor today. What you do get in liberated the perfect 4.3 Chevy the 8N is rugged reliability. engine from an old Astro van that There are plenty of small chores we found at my uncle’s salvage around the farm for which the Ford yard. While an Astro isn’t exactly 8N is perfect. The three-point hitch the most impressive of vehicles, the makes it a versatile tool. engine got a whole new lease on I use one frequently for blading life inside that tractor! the driveway, brush hogging, and If you are looking for an pulling a wagon to and from the inexpensive, rugged, reliable woodpile. tractor for basic chores, the Ford The Ford 8N is the standard of 8N can’t be beat. BF reliability, built to last for generations. While these tractors require Rachel Gingell works alongside occasional maintenance, there are her father, repairing and re-selling no significant design flaws. tractors.

Better Farming February 2017 Story Idea? Email [email protected] 93 RURALROOTS The odd coupleMaking of farm thepolitics most of In the early 20th century, J.J. Morrison and E.C. Drury were leaders in the Ontario farm community. The agricultural organization they helped yourto create even OFAformed a coalition membership provincial government in 1919. by CAMPBELL CORK Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame photo Better Farming is your trusted source for insight, analysis, and investigative reporting on Ontario agriculture. Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame photo Hall of Fame Agricultural Canadian

J.J. Morrison E.C. Drury

f ever there was an odd couple it was The UFO chose J.J. Morrison to be premier, and then turning around and J.J. Morrison and E.C. Drury. premier. But Morrison, for whatever criticizing the man who did his best Both were farmers dedicated to reason, declined the honour, instead to fulfill the position. When Drury Ifurthering the cause of farmers. Mor- nominating his old pal. E.C. Drury attempted to embrace city folks, some rison from Wellington County was 17 became the eighth premier of Ontario farmers said he had lost his way as a years older than Drury, who was from – and the first non-Liberal or Conserva- farm advocate. Simcoe County. tive premier of the province. By 1923, the popular tide was turning Both men worked their hearts out for But the relationship between Morri- against the UFO. Urbanites and other agriculture, helping to form the United son and Drury quickly became strained, segments of society wanted the farm- Farmers of Ontario (UFO), a farm orga- despite their long history together. Many ers out of power and back on the land nization, in 1914. attributed the sparks to personality “where they belonged.” These were the days when the farm conflicts between the two hard-headed Drury was soundly defeated in the community was a voice to be reckoned men, rather than differences in policy. election of 1923. with in the political scene. Farmers Drury was a man with one foot on It was the last time farmers would accounted for 40 per cent of the vote. the farm and one foot in the city – a exert such control over the Ontario In the election of 1919, Ontario natural politician. He wanted to expand political scene. The number of farmers producers had an axe to grind. During the UFO base to include other interests, in the fields and at the polls began to the First World War conscription crisis, not just those of the farmer. As a young steadily decline. farmers were incensed that their sons farmer heRATES applied AT the A GLANCEknowledge gained J.J. Morrison died in 1936 at the age were not excluded from conscription, at college, building the first cement silo of 75. In 1962, he was inducted into the as initially promised. Conscription in SimcoeOne-year County. Your OFA member Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame and meant farm families would lose essential subscriptionMorrison, foron the othersubscription hand, was a in the same year a plaque was unveiled labour. farmer’snon-OFA farmer members who believedcost perthe yearUFO near his home farm outside of Arthur. Although not originally organized lived and breathed to serve the interests E.C. Drury, known as the “Farmer for political purposes, the UFO decided of farmers and only farmers. Morrison’s Premier,” died in 1968 at the age of 90. to field candidates in the 1919 provin- achievements$41 included his $0role in orga- He was inducted into the Canadian cial election. The party dreamt it might nizing the UFO and the United Farmers’ Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1971. A become the official opposition. It wound Co-Operative Company Limited. He memorial plaque was erected at his up forming a coalition government with served as the first secretary-treasurer of birthplace near Crown Hill, north of the Independent Labour Party. The vic- both organizations. Barrie. BF tory came so unexpectedly that the UFO While in power, the UFO was split did not even have a party leader to step like its leaders. Many farmers were crit- Campbell Cork lives and writes in Mount in as premier. ical of Morrison for refusing to become Forest.

94 Follow us on Twitter @BetterFarmingON Better Farming February 2017 Here’s to the farmer who’s willing and able, Who’s at every meal, but not at the table.

Here’s to the farmer who cares for the earth, Who loves every creature and knows their true worth.

Who wears many hats with honour and pride, With love for their business that shines from inside.

Who respects what they do and how to get through it, Constantly learning the best ways to do it.

Who’s open and honest and willing to share, With nothing to hide, anytime, anywhere.

Here’s to the farmer, who’s in every bite, Feeding the world and doing it right.

Canada’s Agriculture Day is February 16th and FCC is proud to celebrate our wonderful industry. Here’s to the farmer. Here’s to Canadian ag. Here’s to you. THERE ARE 6,272,640 SQUARE INCHES IN EVERY ACRE.

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