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Volume 10, number 23 n o V E m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 3 Farmer brews up big business in rural The co-founders of Ribstone Creek Brewery have brought a value-added business back to the village where they grew up

The recently completed Ribstone Creek Brewery still has plenty of room to expand brewing capacity. Photo: Jennifer Blair

Vice-president Chris Fraser had “They basically said to him, ‘You to expand once to meet growing By Jennifer Blair seen some craft breweries along really don’t know what you’re demand for its lager. af staff / edgerton his travels, and as soon as he sug- doing, do you?’ And we had to “It was a nice problem to have, “Nothing quite gets gested it, the four co-founders — admit that we didn’t,” Paré said. when your demand outweighs on Paré’s plan to build Paré, Fraser, CEO Cal Hawkes, and The supplier put the group your production,” said Paré. “But people’s attention like a brewery in the heart of CFO Alvin Gordon — knew they in touch with brewmaster and unfortunately, it does hurt you, when you say the word D rural Alberta came about had hit upon the right idea. former owner of Bear Brewing because people complain they can the way many grand ideas do: “Nothing quite gets people’s David Beardsell, who jumped at never get a hold of your product ‘brewery.’” Over a few drinks with old friends. attention like when you say the the opportunity. and it makes your sales a little “One of the fellows had acquired word ‘brewery,’” said Paré. “So we started the brewery from more difficult down the road.” a building in Edgerton, and while Fraser began to research the the five guys,” said Paré. “One Anticipating demand is an we were having a rum one eve- logistics of building a brewery in guy who really knew a lot about ongoing challenge. ning, we decided, ‘What could Edgerton (90 kilometres south- beer and making it, and four guys “The learning curve has been we do there to rejuvenate things west of ), and during who just wanted to get a business very steep on how to predict the and bring a little value-added to the course of a conversation with a going.” future and know what you’re D on Paré the community?’” said Paré, a supplier of brewery equipment in Almost one year after Ribstone going to need.” Chauvin-area farmer and presi- the states, the group’s lack of expe- Creek brewed its first batch of dent of Ribstone Creek Brewery. rience soon became apparent. beer, the brewery has already had see BREWERY } page 7

FOOTAGE: Egg farm video said to be ‘not representative’ } PagE 3 2 news » inside this week NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

inside » livestock crops  columNists

C anadian Angus Genomics is proving C ultivating better Daniel Bezte youth win world its worth mycorrhizae O ctober weather wasn’t really so bad 16 Two Albertans in New Zealand competition 32 C arol Shwetz Ru o ndworm in horses The paint was can be tricky to treat 38 shot, but… Stolen tractor starts brenda schoepp after a year in manure Cattle ready up to Fungi act as extensions Theu beef ind stry can 27 45 days sooner 36 to the roots 17 learn from A&W 39

Breeding a bigger and better dandelion U of A researchers build a better battery out of eggshells Quick-charging batteries made from eggshell membranes could also solve a Pho i to: th nkstock growing problem in ’s egg industry old on before you fill the sprayer tank dozen eggs broken in Canada, next spring — Ger- By Jennifer Blair and from that byproduct, they H af staff / red deer man scientists say they have can make about seven million found a new source of rub- batteries.” ber to make tires — dande- our morning omelette Every year, supercapaci- lions. may hold the solution to tor production in the world The German research Yyour quick-dying smart- nearly doubles to meet the organization Fraunhofer- phone battery. growing demand for better Gesellschaft and tire man- University of A l b e r t a power sources. But this is the ufacturer Continental say researchers David Mitlin and first supercapacitor built using they’ve officially started a post-doctoral fellow Zhi Li eggshell membranes, said Li. five-year joint project to have developed a fast-charg- “There is a market for commercialize the manu- ing supercapacitor using egg- supercapacitors, and there facture of tires from dande- shell membranes — a plentiful are supercapacitors avail- lion rubber. The first proto- egg industry byproduct. able,” said Li. “But there is type test tires are scheduled “We sell the liquid egg whites no commercial capacitor to be tested on public roads and the yoke to food proces- available utilizing this kind over the next few years. sors, and we have no use for of functionality.” The researchers have been the eggshells,” said Li. “But we PO i H To: th nkstock While Mitlin and Li have growing several hectares of have the technology to sepa- not yet commercialized their a high-biomass dandelion rate the eggshell membranes And like a battery, these “The market for shell eggs findings, they said they hope variety particularly rich from the physical hard shell.” egg-powered supercapaci- has been declining over the to scale up production as in rubber, which they say The membranes have a tors can be used in electron- years,” she said. “There’s been funding becomes available. matches the quality of the unique structure that allows ics, vehicles, and yes, even a trend toward more processed Until then, Li will continue conventional product from them to hold three times the smartphones. and liquid egg products.” exploring the energy potential rubber trees. electrical charge of a battery, “If you have an iPhone, your While there are some low- of other agricultural products “We have amassed tre- making them ideal for use as battery is dying in one year or value markets for eggshells, and byproducts. mendous expertise in dan- a supercapacitor. two years, but if you have a many processors simply send “There’s tons of biomass delion harvesting over the “It’s similar to a battery supercapacitor, it will prob- them to the landfill. But mak- grown by farms or farmers, last few years. With the aid of because it stores energy, but ably last you more than 10 ing batteries could use a fair and each of them has a special DNA markers, we now know it’s different from a battery years,” he said. “That’s amaz- number of them. structure,” he said. “Eggshells which gene is responsible because it can charge very ing for some applications.” “If you do some back-of-the- are just an example. There’s for which molecular fea- quickly,” said Li. “You can If it all works out, it’ll be envelope numbers, you can lots of things we’re interested ture. This makes it possible charge it in 30 seconds or, great news for egg farmers, see the practicality of what in that are grown by farms or to cultivate especially high- in some cases, even five sec- too, said Jenna Griffin, indus- they’re doing,” said Griffin. farmers.” yield plants much more onds. That’s impossible for a try development officer for the “There’s somewhere between efficiently,” researcher Dirk battery.” Egg Farmers of Alberta. 150 million to 200 million [email protected] Salford_SFM13-10_02-10.25x3-AFE.qxdPrüfer said in a release. 9/26/13 1:02 PM Page 1

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SFM13-10_02-10.25x3-AFE ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 3 Shocking video ‘not very representative’ of egg farms Producer said to be ‘dismayed’ by incidents in his barns that were secretly filmed by an animal rights activist and broadcast on CTV

and so compliant. He has made all of producers in the province who BY JENNIFER BLAIR the changes necessary.” already have alternate housing AF STAFF / RED DEER Ed Pajor, professor of animal styles other than the conventional welfare at the University of Cal- cage,” said Schafers, adding no nhumane treatment isn’t the gary, agreed the practices seen on conventional systems have been norm on egg farms in Alberta, the video are not normal. installed since 2012. “We do recog- Isays a Stony Plain-area egg “For the most part, I think what nize that conventional cages have farmer in the wake of an undercover we saw was examples of some of some limitations.” video scandal that has shocked the worst-case scenarios rather It’s a good move, said Pajor. consumers and producers alike. than what might be considered “There is lots of evidence that the “(The video) was disturbing and typical,” he said. enriched cages are better for the certainly not very representative of “There are challenges involved welfare of the birds,” he said. what happens on egg farms here with working with biological sys- The egg industry’s new codes of in Alberta or even across Canada,” tems, and although producers practice should also reduce some said Susan Schafers, who is also do their best to address some of welfare concerns. a director on the Egg Farmers of those, when you have hundreds “The new codes of practice that Alberta board. of thousands of animals, you’re are being developed, which will The CTV program “W5” aired a going to have problems that have specific recommendations documentary last month show- arise.” and requirements in them, will ing secretly filmed footage of two Proper management practices really be aimed at addressing some Alberta egg farms taken by animal play an important role in prevent- of the major issues,” he said. welfare group Mercy for Animals ing those problems, said Schafers. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK Even so, enforcing the voluntary Canada. The video shows crowded “It doesn’t matter what kind of codes will be difficult without fur- conditions, rough handling of housing system you have, if you Generally, those same pro- Alberta has a voluntary animal ther work by the egg industry. chicks, and severe damage to don’t have good management on cesses are followed on the aver- care program, with yearly audits, “We’re looking at developing an plumage. Following the release of the farm, you could always run age Alberta egg farm, but as with that has 100 per cent producer par- animal care assessment frame- the video, Egg Farmers of Alberta into problems.” any routine, complacency can ticipation. But new measures are work, a way of assessing animal formed an investigative team to On Schafers’ farm, the barns are become a risk, said Schafers. being considered, including a shift welfare on the farm,” said Pajor. address the issues at KuKu Farms checked three to four times a day “There’s so many different toward enriched egg-laying cages. “It’s that next step that’s going to and Creekside Grove Farms, both for air and water quality, tempera- things that you have to do on a Earlier this year, the organization be necessary in order to demon- located near . ture levels, and cleanliness. Every daily basis,” she said. “It does approved a resolution to begin the strate that producers are actually “The producer that was affected cage is inspected to ensure that all become routine, and often, you transition away from conventional following the practices that are out was very dismayed by what actually the birds are alive and well, and if a need a bit of a refresher on how cages. So far, producers seem to be there.” happened on his farm,” Schafers bird is sick or injured, it’s separated you have to do that.” embracing the change. said. “He has been so co-operative from the flock to recuperate safely. Right now, Egg Farmers of “We have close to 20 per cent [email protected]

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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Monsanto and vine design and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. ©2013 Monsanto Canada Inc. 4 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

EDITOR Will Verboven Phone: 403-697-4703 Email: [email protected]

R epoRTERs Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton (780) 668-3121 [email protected] Jennifer Blair, Red Deer (403) 396-2643 [email protected] Trade deal could have been P RODUCTION director Shawna Gibson Email: [email protected] worse for the dairy industry D iRECTOR of Sales & Circulation Lynda Tityk Americans and New Zealanders will soon want more Email: [email protected] Canadian quotas to join their trade club CIRCUA L TION manager Heather Anderson Email: [email protected] ficially, probably agrees with that per- What the dairy industry needs to be con- n atIONal ADVERTISING SALES By will verboven spective. I suspect the EU understood the cerned with in the bigger picture is how this James Shaw Alberta Farmer | Editor Phone: 416-231-1812 Fax: 416-233-4858 political quagmire Canadian officials were agreement will set a precedent for trade Email: [email protected] in with SM and cut them some slack, but relations with other countries. It’s almost lone amongst the cheerleading for you can expect they will be back for more guaranteed that the U.S., New Zealand, c lassifiED ADVERTISING SALES the new Canada/EU trade agree- quota in the future. Australia, Argentina and a stampede of Sharon Komoski Phone: 1-888-413-3325 Fax: 204-944-5562 A ment was an angry broadside from The reality is that cheese is about the other countries will all be clamouring for Email: [email protected] the Canadian dairy industry. It feels sold by only (maybe some yogurt) high-value dairy free trade agreements with the EU. When the doubling of quota for tariff-free EU fine product that the EU can export to Canada. that happens much of the export benefits A NDVERTISI G Co-ordinator cheese imports. The dairy producers feel it It’s not really feasible to ship fluid milk from of the Canada/EU agreement will in time Arlene Bomback will drive small Canadian artisanal cheese the EU to Canada. Such lack of feasibility be cancelled out. The precedent may well Phone: 204-944-5765 Fax: 204-944-5562 Email: [email protected] producers out of business under a flood of is probably why the poultry industry was get worse for the Canadian dairy industry. additional EU fine cheese imports. cut out of the agreement, along with lack of As Canada continues to increase quota PB U LISHER It could impact such cheese producers in interest by the EU poultry industry. and decrease tariffs on EU cheese imports, Lynda Tityk Alberta, but most artisanal production is in The overall long-term impact of increased one can expect that the U.S. and New Zea- Email: [email protected] Ontario and Quebec. To dodge the politi- quota may well be less than some of the land will sooner or later want equal and As es oCIat PUBLISHER/ cal repercussions from producers in those inflammatory predictions. Those purchas- better access to the Canadian market. editorial director provinces and particularly from the Quebec ing imported fine cheeses will probably buy Those two dairy exporters are a much big- John Morriss government, the federal government will more if there is a significant reduction in the ger threat to Canadian producers than the Email: [email protected] be offering compensation to those affected. retail price. But most Canadians consume EU. Both countries are major producers pe r siDENT That could set a precedent, especially if the commercial-grade cheddar, mozzarella and processors of the same commercial Bob Willcox compensation involves producers and not and processed cheeses, and that’s unlikely cheeses that are produced in Canada and Glacier FarmMedia just processors. More on that later. to change even though the EU commercial they can produce them a lot cheaper. That [email protected] On the one hand it must have been dis- cheese quota was also increased. Commer- threat may come soon as Canada wants to 204-944-5751 appointing for the dairy industry, which cial cheese in Canada is produced by a few become part of the Trans-Pacific Partner- has spent millions over the years lobby- giant processors and they are not going to ship. Both countries are members of that ing provincial and federal governments to give up any market to EU interlopers with- trade group and they will be extracting The Alberta Farmer Express is published 26 remain steadfast in their support for sup- out a fight. Besides the EU has high produc- (more dairy access?) a price out of Canada times a year by Farm Business Communications. We acknowledge the financial support of the ply management (SM), including stiff tariffs tion costs at both the producer and pro- to join. Government of Canada through the Canada on imported dairy products. The industry’s cessor level so even tariff-free commercial Lastly, the Canadian government has Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian lobbying power is legendary, with not a product will have a hard time competing. said it will be providing compensation to Heritage for our publishing activities. single government or opposition party any- The concern for cheese producers is the dairy industry for any losses they incur Publications mail agreement number 40069240 where in the country stepping out of line. whether subsidies will give Europeans from increased EU cheese imports. That At the trade discussion level it has gone toe a critical advantage over the Canadian may seem fair on the surface, but it sets a Canadian Postmaster: to toe with groups like the Canadian Agri- industry. Very little is said in the Canada/ precedent that may come back to haunt the Send address changes and undeliverable addresses (covers only) to Food Trade Alliance, which sees SM as a EU trade agreement as to how such subsi- industry in the future. Such a compensation Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, hurdle to more open markets. Both groups dization is going to be dealt with between program, if successful, may become the Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7 have competed furiously to get the atten- the two parties. The EU is notorious for forerunner of a future program that will see ISSN 1481-3157 tion of Canadian trade officials to influence its hidden farm and processor subsidies the government begin to buy out dairy and trade issues their way. that lower their cost of production. The poultry quotas in order to dismantle supply I would suggest that even though the existence of myriad EU ag subsidies is no management in Canada. Scoff as one may Call dairy industry protests the agreement, it longer in question. Their own documents at such a prediction, but Australia carried actually came out a winner — at least for show such subsidies consume over 40 per out a buyout program to end a somewhat 1-800-665-0502 the time being. cent of the multibillion-dollar EU budget. similar dairy supply management system. or U.S. subscribers call The agreement could have been a lot The problem is that in its eagerness to get The poultry and dairy industries may 1-204-944-5568 worse for the Canadian dairy industry. For the EU to ratify the deal, Canada may not want to shift their lobbying locomotives instance, quotas and tariffs could have been want to robustly deal with EU subsidies. No into high gear. The EU deal was just the For more information on The Alberta Farmer Express and subscriptions to other eliminated completely on dairy products. EU member will give up its farm subsidies first curve on the road, and the SM drama Farm Business Communications I expect the dairy industry, at least unof- just to sign a trade deal with Canada. may have just begun. products, or visit our web site at: www.albertafarmexpress.ca or email: [email protected]

At Farm Business Communications we have a Ritz is probably relieved to lose CFIA firm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal overnment ministers usually like as much as the agriculture minister. The the Ag Department. During the BSE crisis, information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our the power of their office and any minister of health will now have to face the clearly the minister of the day had difficulty commitment to enhance customer service, we G loss of responsibility can seem like a inevitable barrage of criticism from oppo- defending many of the agency’s actions to may share this personal information with other demotion of sorts. But I suspect the recent sition parties and public service unions the livestock industry. Some questionable strategic business partners. For more information transfer of the Canadian Food Inspection about the latest threat to food safety. CFIA decisions had serious impacts on beef regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Agency (CFIA) from Agriculture Canada to Demands will now be made that the health exports, because they seemed more politi- Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., Health Canada probably came as a relief to minister must resign whenever a food cal than technical. Wpg., MB R3H 0H1 federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. inspection failure occurs. One of the problems agriculture minis- Occasionally we make our list of subscribers The transfer was done quietly and I understand the concept of ministerial ters faced with the CFIA was that it tended available to other reputable firms whose products involves mainly its food safety inspection responsibility, but it always baffles me as to to operate as if it was beyond the minister’s and services might be of interest to you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please services. Other responsibilities such as why a minister’s resignation will somehow control. It didn’t help that from past expe- contact us at the address in the preceding economic and trade issues, animal health resolve whatever problem has happened riences government politicians wanted paragraph, or call 1-800-665-0502. and plant protection services were left with under their watch. But I digress. to stay far away from food safety issues, The editors and journalists who write, contribute agriculture. The transfer of CFIA to Health When that political pressure happens since they usually had bad political con- and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express Canada seems appropriate and is a bet- Minister Ritz will feel some sympathy for a sequences. When that happened the CFIA and Farm Business Communications attempt to ter fit, since Health Canada was already besieged health minister, but he would sure seemed to operate with impunity. provide accurate and useful opinions, information involved with food safety policy. The Public not miss the uncomfortable spotlight. Now the health minister will have the and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Health Agency will also fall under Health The advantage of having a health minister honour of riding herd on this prickly Communications, cannot and do not guarantee Canada. in charge is that there would no longer be a agency and Minister Ritz can now go back the accuracy of the information contained in this It seems logical to have all human food perceived conflict of interest. Ag ministers to protecting the interests of the Canadian publication and the editors as well as Alberta safety-related responsibilities under one always had to tread a fine line as to whose agriculture industry and helping develop Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications minister. However, when the next food interests they were protecting — grow- new markets for Canadian food products. assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication safety calamity happens, the minister of ers, processors, retailers or consumers. All That alone makes the CFIA transfer worth- based on any and all information provided. health may not appreciate the transfer were both beholden to and represented by while. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 5

Biotechnology — whose voice should be heard? Biotech pioneers won this year’s World Food Prize, but the ‘Frankenfood’ debate still rages on in North America

run organic food-manufacturing tours and World Food Prize events laureates tried to stake out the cal of the biotech industry for By Laura Rance company.” in Des Moines, Iowa, all expenses moral high ground with state- failing to recognize that ulti- edr ito , manitoba co-operator The filmmaker, who is making paid. (We participated in the ments that biotech crops have mately, it is food buyers — not a film called “GMO OMG,” dis- tour, but paid our own travel and been proven unequivocally farmers — who are its custom- t was hard not to smile when cusses the “systematic corporate accommodation.) safe. Yet a coalition of 90 scien- ers. That failure has resulted in one of our African colleagues takeover of and the potential loss The tour was well organized tists, physicians and academ- the backlash, the ongoing push Ion a CropLife International of humanity’s most precious and and informative, although it goes ics — including a former World for labelling and the extraordi- tour at the World Food Prize ancient inheritance: seeds.” The without saying we heard a lot Food Prize winner — countered nary proposition that people event in Des Moines, Iowa asked registered dietitian worries that about how biotechnology will with a statement saying no such living in the world’s hungriest a presenter to address rumours there is no long-term health data help double production to feed consensus exists. Both propo- places aren’t at all sure that that clothes made from geneti- and promotes a GM-free diet, for nine billion people by 2050 and nents and opponents accuse they help in this way. cally modified (GM) crops will which labelling would be neces- the important role journalists each other of incomplete or We’ll say this again. The cus- make a man bald and impotent. sary. play in countering misinforma- outright “bad” science. tomer is always right, even After all, after nearly 20 years of The mother/food industry tion spread by “activists.” In other So much for “science-based though not always rational. The growing GM crops, the “Franken- analyst said labels would make it words, giving a voice to those who decision-making.” only way of determining value in food” angle on the debate in our easier to trace whether allergies oppose GM crops is tantamount From this desk, we’ve seen no a market-driven economy is by part of the world is long over. Or are related to conventional soy- to condemning the world to per- compelling evidence that the what people can be convinced is it? beans or the GM varieties. And petual hunger and environmental traits on the market today have to buy. Thus, food marketing is The latest Prevention maga- the founder of Nature’s Path, the degradation. resulted in harm to humans more about perception than it is zine, a mainstream publication corporate sponsor of the adverto- But the outrage over this year’s or livestock. We’ve seen the about science. If it were purely targeting aging baby boomers, rial, opines that everyone has the choice of World Food Prize recipi- amazing capacity of biotech- based on science and nutrition, contains a four-page advertorial right to know what’s in their food. ents isn’t limited to the ragtag clus- nology tools to accelerate crop there would be only one brand sponsored by a company selling Who do you think the average ter who demonstrated at the event. improvement, with or without of yogurt, one type of bread and organic products. It coincides consumer is going to believe — It includes scientists, authors and GMOs. no need for big-box stores. with campaigns for mandatory corporate scientists (some of food-security advocates, many of On the environmental front, World Food Prize winner Robb labelling in several U.S. states whom happen to be bald) who whom challenge the focus on a we’ve seen this technology Fraley, Monsanto’s chief bio- and makes pretty convincing say there is no proof GMOs do single technology to solve a prob- compound the existing prob- technology officer, had some pitch through an “all-star panel any harm, or dietitians, mothers lem as multi-faceted and complex lem of resistant weeds, because insightful comments. He sug- of GMO experts — a passionate and filmmakers who say there is as world food security. it further consolidates weed gested that maybe the industry filmmaker and father, a con- no proof that they don’t? control around herbicide solu- finally gets it. But it has a lot of cerned mother and food activ- All this explains why CropLife My science versus your tions. It further consolidates catching up to do. ist, a registered dietitian, and International invited 40 journal- science the food system period. the founder of an independently ists from 23 countries to attend T he latest World Food Prize But mostly, we’ve been criti- [email protected]

Canada needs more basic science, says new institute head An interview with Roger Beachy, executive director and chief executive officer of the Global Institute of Food Security

ently produced here in Western so how do we make sure that drought tolerance… or how do think the smartest thing we By Lisa Guenther Canada I think will need to be we maintain the wheat market they pick up minerals and ele- can do is engage the broad staff fitted for specific markets that in China in the face of wheat ments in the soil. That could be community in these discus- may or may not be specifically imports or wheat challenge translated then into the use of sions very early on. The University of Saskatchewan in the health markets. from Ukraine and Russia? better applications of fertilizer. recently established the Global In the Prairies, I think (we It’s a fine line between dis- When it comes to meeting Institute of Food Security, and should focus) as much as pos- And do you think we’re covery and translation. And global food security appointed Roger Beachy as sible on the grains that we grow starting to do that? often — too often — the public challenges in Canada, executive director and chief that are nutrient rich. Pulses, I think so, at least I sense that thinks that the companies are what are our strengths? executive officer. Over the last for example, like chickpeas and there is a greater emphasis on doing all this research, so why I think what we have is good 40 years, Beachy has held sev- lentils and so forth. They have that side. Our trade missions should we fund plant sciences fundamental sciences. I don’t eral positions with the U.S. high dietary value and really that go from Canada are lis- or agriculture sciences in uni- think there’s enough science Department of Agriculture carry a lot of good things in tening and trying to make sure versities? Because companies in Canada. I think we need to and other research organiza- them. that those (markets) stay open don’t fund that fundamental have more investment in the tions. He also helped develop Now, the question I guess and that we know what we’re stuff. They don’t do the fun- space. the first genetically modified is what does that mean for looking for. damental stuff. They’re not But I think the co-operation food crop, a tomato resistant exports? And maybe we need geared for it. So that’s a very between the growers and the to viral disease. I recently inter- to be as informed as possible What are the roles of important (role) university sci- checkoff funds and the uni- viewed Beachy on his reaction about what our customers the public and private ences play. versities is as good here as any to the United Nations Sustain- want. In other words, not just sector in improving food place in the world I’ve seen it. able Development Solutions push out into the market what security? What does the rest of the And if you have that in combi- Network report on sustainable we can make. Private-sector (companies) are agriculture industry need nation with the support of pro- agriculture and food systems, It’s sort of a given that over not well suited for discovery to do to adapt? vincial government, you have a released Sept. 18. the years we produce what science. They’re well suited for We need to know what science real capability of maintaining we’ve produced best, whether the translation of fundamen- can bring to the table. We need active, vibrant research and it’s wheat or barley or canola, tal science, basic science, into to know what the consumer an involved producer sector What do you see as the and just push it out. What I’m knowledge that then makes a wants and is willing to accept that helps in deciding what’s biggest risk to Canada saying is that getting the infor- product or a seed variety, what- of the new variety. Because it done and is informed enough if we don’t adapt our mation back from not just the ever it is. has drought tolerance it might to look forward to markets and agricultural systems? person who buys it, not just Sometimes discovery for dis- have a flavour or a different sees what the big longer-term I expect that there will be an the grain handler, but what covery’s sake, sort of blue-sky look or it might have some plan is. increased shift in the rich coun- does he sell into? And what science, is good and we must characteristics that then take And with that, we ought to tries like Canada to a greater markets does he receive into? have some of that. some adaption by the baking be collaborating across the focus on nutrition and well- Go beyond. But another proportion of industry. So we need to know provinces to see what’s best being. And paying attention to university-funded research all the pieces between gene for the region. Not be competi- those things will give us a little Who are our competitors would go to the basic sciences discovery and trait discovery tive but look at what each can better handle on what markets in other international that would, say, discover how and utilization. do. And you’re a small enough we should grow for. And then markets? plants use water, so sometime And we have to know what community, you can make this the commodities that are pres- Wheat will come from Ukraine we’ll have a good handle on the consumer will buy. And I happen. 6 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Analysis: Canada/EU agreement not a done deal yet Canadian farm group’s enthusiasm for big export gains may be premature

market is already well served BY WILL VERBOVEN by domestic suppliers and big AF EDITOR foreign marketers like the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Bra- hile agricultural indus- zil. None of those countries are try organizations have going to concede market share W been sending out press to Canada through a free trade releases extolling the benefits of agreement. They will be demand- the Canada/EU free trade agree- ing their own agreements with ment, the agreement is far from the EU. When that occurs the ag a done deal. It’s only a memoran- export trade business to the EU dum of understanding. A formal may well be back to Square 1 for agreement needs to be ratified everyone. within two years. That’s plenty The biggest challenge to the of time for inserting more details Canada/EU agreement is the into a final version. History tells impending free trade discussions us that this trade deal in the end between the EU and the U.S. This may well just reassert the status imports from North America equalize environmental stan- any further unfettered access by agreement could well undo any quo, and not significantly expand and will surely challenge this dards and handling practices foreign suppliers before any of of the benefits of the Canada/EU trade with the EU in agricultural deal. Argentina, Australia, New for imports. The EU will want to them sign on. agreement, since the EU would products. Zealand and the U.S. all sup- pass judgment on feed additives see more value in increased trade ply beef to the EU. It would be (i.e. ractopamine) that are used Additional production costs with the U.S. than with Canada. Reality check doubtful that Canada would get to produce Canadian pork. EU Canada has agreed to longer drug The problem is that Canada, The reality is that Canada needs preferential beef access over pork production is also shifting patent protection to the EU phar- unlike the U.S., has no big stick this trade deal more than the EU. those traditional suppliers. An eastward to lower-cost EU coun- maceutical industry. That would in these discussions which would This may come as a surprise to increase of 60,000 tonnes of tries. Those countries will want to see many brand-name drugs see our officials agreeing to con- many, but the EU is already well beef access seems significant, see some pork import restrictions remaining expensive longer. That cessions to get an agreement supplied with virtually every agri- but won’t be much when the EU before they ratify any new trade extension could include animal soon. cultural and food product. There gives their other foreign suppliers agreement. health drug products. That would Also, will this agreement deal is no market in the EU that is a proportionally equal increase in impact the livestock and poul- with EU farm subsidies? waiting to be filled by Canadian beef quota. Regulatory restrictions try sector. Will increased meat Lastly, lest we forget that free products. All a trade agreement Cereals, oilseeds and pulses exports to the EU offset increased trade agreements are not always will mean is that Canada will be Pork access may see some increased exports costs from more expensive EU- what they seem. The North Amer- competing more with other sup- New Canadian pork access of mainly with flours, oils, fibres and sourced animal health products? ican Free Trade Agreement has pliers, both domestic and for- 90,000 tonnes seems significant, proteins. But trade issues, such as The EU hormone-added beef ban not stopped the U.S. from uni- eign, in the EU market. but the EU market is essentially GM, remain. They may ban food already reduces Canadian beef laterally imposing (direct or indi- The first hurdle is that the self-sufficient in pork. Tariff-free products that contain any residue competitiveness in the EU mar- rectly) restrictions, barriers and agreement has to be ratified by Canadian pork could compete of pesticides or herbicides that ket by 15 per cent. tariffs on Canadian beef, pork, all 28 EU members. They may with EU pork as hog producers are banned in the EU. As with wheat, potatoes, apples and a still want concessions on any over there face high production meat exports, the EU will have to Other suppliers host of other products. Almost all more Canadian imports before costs with imported feedstuffs, grant any increase in Canadian will want deals those actions were due to politi- they sign on. onerous environmental regu- access on an equal basis to their Trade opportunities for increased cal pressures from various groups More beef access will be the lations and expensive humane other foreign suppliers. Most EU ag exports to the EU will exist if and sectors in the U.S. economy real test. France and Ireland have handling practices. You can members grow some cereals, oil- regulations are truly fair. How- after the deal was signed. It sets spent the last 50 years success- expect EU pork producers to seeds or pulses; there would be ever, increases may be modest a bad precedent for any final fully thwarting increased beef demand regulations that will pressure from many to restrict and hard fought for, as the EU Canada/EU agreement.

Meet our first Monsanto recognized $ as one of Canada’s 50,000 top 100 employers Recognized for employee benefits and Winner! encouraging community activities Among the reasons cited for Will your community STAFF the award were: Congratulations (l-r) Peter Sanden, Kathy Dundas, Wendy Kaiser • Maternity and parental leave be next? or the sixth time in seven top-up payments to new years, Monsanto Canada mothers or adoptive parents Fhas been selected as one of and a generous subsidy for Canada’s top 100 employers in fertility drugs, up to $15,000; Mediacorp Canada Inc.’s annual survey of Canadian businesses. • A variety of flexible work The Hussar & District Hall Maintenance Society has The listing ranks employers arrangements including been awarded the first of five $50,000 prizes in the UFA Get based on a nationwide survey, shortened and compressed work week options, telecom- ‘n’ Give Contest. They will now choose the next $50,000 an extensive application process and analysis of compensation muting and reduced summer recipient from these five semi-finalists: levels, work/life balance, training hours; · Foremost Minor Hockey, Seniors and Legacy Bridge opportunities, workplace facili- • Encouraging employees to be active in their local commu- Committee – Foremost, AB ties and company benefits. This year 3,250 employers applied for nity by providing paid time off · Hand Hills Lake Community Club – Hand Hills, AB the process. to volunteer; In a release, Monsanto presi- • Location at the University of · Liberty Hall Society – Springdale, AB dent and general manager Mike Manitoba’s SmartPark along- McGuire said agriculture is an side other research and tech- · Neighbourhood Revitalization Group – Clive, AB 11/13-21198-05 exciting industry to be a part of, nology companies; · Sullivan Lake West Agriculture Society – , AB but it is not always top of mind • Tuition subsidies of up to when people think about jobs or $10,000; The next winner will be announced November 13, 2013. their careers. • Retirement planning assis- Details at UFA.com/GetnGive. “We want to change that per- ception and encourage people tance and a defined contribu- looking for a rewarding field of tion pension plan; employment to consider agri- • Initial three weeks of paid culture as a career choice. This vacation, as well as paid time recognition certainly helps in off during an office shutdown #UFAGetnGive #50kfromUFA UFA.com ©2013 UFA Co-operative Ltd. All rights reserved. reserved. rights All Ltd. Co-operative UFA ©2013 that regard.” at the end of December.

21198_05 GetNGiveWinner_6x6.625_AFE.indd 1 11/1/13 12:56 PM Albert afarmexpress.ca • November 11, 2013 Off the front 7

BREWERY } from page 1 vacated myself, and we had to rely on other people to do it.” Their lager takes six weeks to Though Paré has some experi- ferment. ence with growing malt barley, “It’s like looking into the future Ribstone Creek sources its malt and saying, ‘How much beer from . should we have on hand on this “Saskatchewan and Alberta are date?’” Paré said. probably the premier places in Right now, the brewery can the world for growing malt bar- produce 7,000 litres of beer ley, so we use Canadian product. weekly, but their small canning Where the malt exactly comes line, run once a week by volun- from depends on the kind of malt teers, produces only around 5,400 you want for your beer.” (355-millilitre) cans a week. Paré As a farmer, Paré said he felt it said he hopes to double produc- was important to bring a value- tion eventually, and release sea- added business that uses barley sonal beers, once the brewery has grown and processed in Alberta more full-time staff. to the small community where he “Very often, a brewery is started grew up. by one brewmaster who has a “The goal was to start this busi- dream of building a brewery, ness in a small community and and we have four guys who are try to ensure that it’s going to working on it, and we’re all doing stay here and bring something stuff all the time,” he said. “I don’t to the community,” he said. “It’s know how one person could ever a great attention-getter for the vil- manage it.” lage. We have people coming for Finding the time to build a suc- tours that are just so fascinated cessful business has been a chal- this little brewery is sitting right lenge for Paré and his partners, in town. who each have busy day jobs. “That awareness — that you’re “I basically told the guys I can- way out in the middle of nowhere not come in to help during the and you can make beer and it’s month of harvest,” said Paré, good beer — is just a very fasci- who grows wheat, canola, and nating thing to see.” barley on his 1,500-acre farm in Ribstone Creek Brewery president Don Paré (centre) guides visitors through the recently completed Edgerton east-. “I kind of [email protected] brewing facility. P nhoto: Jen ifer Blair

Washington state sues lobbyists over campaign against GM Other fungicides help labelling protect yield potential. Opponents of labelling GM foods have spent more than This increases it. $13 million

B y CarEY Gillam reuters

lobbying group for major U.S. food manufacturers A has violated campaign finance laws in its attempt to block a measure that would require labelling of genetically modified foods in Washington state, according to a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general. Attorney General Bob Fer- guson alleges that the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) illegally collected and spent more than $7 million while shielding the identity of its contributors. Overall, oppo- nents of ballot initiative 522, set for a public vote on Nov. 5, have spent more than $13 million to convince voters that labelling foods made with genetically engineered crop ingredients is a bad idea. GMA, which has more than 300 companies as members, There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to getting the most out said in a statement that it was of your crop. But there’s only one fungicide that goes above and beyond surprised by the lawsuit because controlling disease in canola by helping increase yield potential. We’re it has taken “great care to under- talking, of course, about Headline® fungicide. Not only does it help control stand and comply with all state election and campaign finance yield-robbing diseases like blackleg, it also delivers the unique, proven laws.” bene ts* that we call AgCelence®. The evidence? Greener, larger leaves and The Yes on 522 campaign, stronger stems that ultimately result in higher yield potential**. To  nd out how which has spent $5.4 million Headline can take your canola to new heights, visit agsolutions.ca/headline backing a labelling law, said it ® was heartened by the lawsuit. or contact AgSolutions Customer Care at 1-877-371-BASF (2273). “They don’t want to tell us who is funding the No on 522 campaign — just like they don’t *AgCelence bene ts refer to products that contain the active ingredient pyraclostrobin. **All comparisons are to untreated, unless otherwise stated. want Washington consumers to Always read and follow label directions. know what is in their food,” said Elizabeth Larter, spokeswoman AgSolutions, and HEADLINE are registered trade-marks of BASF Corporation; AgCelence is a registered trade-mark of BASF SE, all used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. HEADLINE should be used in a preventative disease control program. © 2013 BASF Canada Inc. for the Yes campaign. 110200809_HDLN_BIN_AFE_JrPg_v1.indd 1 NEWSPRINT - 240 ink density 2013-10-29 12:09 PM

Client:BASFCAN Publication: Alberta Farmer Express . . . Jeannette File Name: HDLN_BIN_AFE_JrPg_v1 Page Position: JrPg4C Project Name: Headline BIN ads Live Area: N/A CMYK PMS ART DIR CREATIVE CLIENT MAC ARTIST V1 Docket Number: 110200809 Trim size: 8.125” x 10” . . . . 10/29/13 STUDIO AD#: kenna_JrPg4C_AFE_110200809_Headline Bleed: N/A PMS PMS COPYWRITER ACCT MGR SPELLCHECK STUDIO MGR PROOF # 8 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Year-round virtual farmers’ market allows Alberta producers to peddle their wares online The Green Pantry works with nearly 40 Alberta producers to offer fresh vegetables, frozen meats, dairy products, grains and cereals, and more

offers products that are hard to grown potentially down the road said Crump. “We thought we ties and farming background, BY JENNIFER BLAIR find in the grocery store; includ- and how it was grown.” could take on a bit of that burden opening The Green Pantry has AF STAFF / RED DEER ing bison, elk, and hormone- and Local is also a big draw. and do some of the marketing for been “a real eye-opener,” said antibiotic-free beef. “A lot of people are interested them. It can take a huge amount Crump. onsumers looking for a “Most of our meats are hor- in supporting that local concept of your time.” “When we first started this busi- closer connection to central mone free and antibiotic free, and as well, whether it’s farmers in Crump and her partners are no ness, I certainly knew some of the CAlberta producers can now quite a bit of it is pasture raised as your area or shops in your town. strangers to farming. Crump was products that were grown around do so with a few clicks of a but- well,” she said. “That’s certainly I think people like the idea that an agrologist with Agriculture this area, but my eyes have really ton, thanks to a Lacombe-based an attraction for some of our cus- that keeps the money in the com- Financial Services Corporation been opened at how much and online marketplace. tomers.” munity.” and now does project administra- what variety of food is grown in The Green Pantry is “like a vir- Her customers want a more For farmers, the service offers a tion for the Alberta Crop Industry central Alberta,” she said. “It’s just tual farmers’ market,” said co- direct connection with farmers, new market without the market- Development Fund, while Rae is a testament to the fact that we can founder Susan Crump. she added. ing legwork. the executive director of the live pretty much off the food that “It’s a place for you to get your “They want to have that rela- “Farmers have a hard enough Alberta Federation of Agriculture. is grown around this area.” local food,” said Crump. “But tionship because they feel more job just doing all the things they Woods is a registered nurse. instead of only being able to get it comfortable knowing that it was have to do to produce their food,” But even with her strong rural [email protected] once a week at a farmers’ market, you can go online and order your product any time you want to.” The Green Pantry (www. thegreenpantry.ca) offers fresh vegetables and fruits, frozen meats, dairy products, grains and cereals, and pulses. Crump and partners Sheryl Rae and Col- leen Woods work with nearly 40 producers, primarily from central Alberta. “Most of it would be from within 50 miles of Lacombe, but we have gone a little bit farther afield to get a specific product that isn’t grown or produced around this area,” she said. An example would be dried beans grown in southern Alberta.

“Farmers have a hard enough job just doing all The months of toil and tending. the things they have to The weeks of watching – and waiting. do to produce their food.” The checking, the spraying. The praying. And it all comes down SUSAN CRUMP to a few short weeks of long days CO-FOUNDER OF THE GREEN PANTRY – and longer nights – to wrest from this land a bounty that is not only the envy of the world, but will help Green Pantry has close to 400 customers registered on the site, feed much of it. To the over 60,000 and fills between 40 and 60 orders Alberta Land Warriors – the growers every week, delivering them to Lacombe, Red Deer, Stettler, Syl- and producers – many of whom van Lake, and Rocky Mountain we’re lucky enough to call ‘customers’, House. “It varies a little week to week,” and even more lucky to call ‘friends’, Crump said. “Some people order we have just this to say on the heels every week pretty consistently, of another incredible harvest. and other people will come on Some call it a bumper crop. once every two or three weeks or maybe even just once a month.” Thank you. Again. As an on-demand service, pro- ducers pick or package only what We call it a whole lotta love. Long Love This Land. is ordered every week, resulting in less than one per cent food wastage. atb.com “Most of our stuff is picked Wednesday night or Thursday morning, and it gets to the cus- tomer by Thursday night. You just facebook/atbfinancial can’t get any fresher than that,” said Crump. Alberta Vegetable growers produce more than 15,000 tonnes of vegetables annually. While the biggest demand is for Harvesting Russet potatoes near Coaldale, Alberta with the Perry’s @ATBAgriculture field-grown and greenhouse veg- etables, The Green Pantry also

CASHFLOW І FINANCING І CLOSE TO HOME І AG KNOW-HOW SEARCH Network ™ Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches. Search news. Read stories. Find insight. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 9 Latest AgriProfi t$ newsletter WHAT’S UP Send agriculture-related meeting and event announcements to: will. for Alberta Cattlemen [email protected] November 12/14: Introduction Articles on cattle market outlook, and a rundown on this fall’s ‘Cow/Calf-enomic’ workshops to Risk Management, iHotel, Red Deer. Call: Heather 780- 781-2840 “I’ve dug into the AgriProfit$ November 13: ABC & AWC Region AGRI-NEWS data base to pull out some long- 2 Meeting, Community Centre term financial performance 9:00 am, Acme. Call: Cole 403- he latest AgriProfit$ news- trends relating to Alberta beef 219-6253 letter for Alberta Cattle- operations,” explains Kaliel. men is now available. “I’ve presented 17 years of November 13: Building Food T Safety, Ag Centre 9:00 am, “The feature story in this issue profitability levels for cow herds is Chris Panter’s annual mar- and supporting enterprises. Airdrie. Call: Krista 800-661- 2642 ket fundamentals and outlook The article focuses on how article,” says Dale Kaliel, senior to calculate and use return November 14: Alberta Wheat production economist, Alberta on investment as a guide for Commission, Community Hall, Agriculture and Rural Develop- making profit-driven business Rycroft. Call: Kristina 780-718- ment, Edmonton. “Chris reviews choices.” 5023 some of the short- and interme- Producers enrolled in the November 14: Building your diate-term signals we’re seeing in AgriProfit$ program are auto- CSA, Red Deer County Office the marketplace and how these PHOTO: THINKSTOCK matically on the AgriProfit$ 9:00 am, Red Deer. Call: Ordella might play out in terms of pro- Newsletter mail list and will 780-643-6693 duction and profit opportuni- “There’s a rundown on this there’s also a plug for produc- receive a copy of the newslet- November 14/15: Green ties. With this in hand Chris then fall’s ‘Cow/Calf-enomic’ work- ers to sign up to the AgriProfit$ ter in the mail. Contact Kaliel at Industry Show & Conference, bridges over to some potential shops. I’ve added a link to the business analysis program.” 780-427-5390 or at dale.kaliel@ Northlands Expo, Edmonton. marketing strategies for produc- ARECA website for producers to The issue closes out with gov.ab.ca to be added to the Call: Valery 780-489-1991 ers to consider.” check on events being offered Kaliel’s regular “So What” col- mail list. The newsletter is also November 15: ABC & AWC Kaliel says the issue also con- by their local forage and applied umn, this time on beef returns posted on Alberta Agriculture’s Region 5 Meeting, Community tains some shorter articles as well. research associations, and on investment. website. Hall 9:00 am, Westlock. Call: Kristina 780-718-5023 November 19: Canola Growers Fall Meeting, Pomeroy Inn 9:00 am, Grimshaw. Call: Rick 780- 678-6167 November 19: ABC & AWC Region 3 Meeting, 9:00 am, Memorial Centre, Lacombe. Call: Kristina 780-718-5023 November 19/20: Advanced Agronomy Conference, Executive Royal Inn, Leduc. Call: Jacqueline 780-416-6046 November 20: Canola Growers Fall Meeting, Recreation Complex 9:00 am, Falher. Call: Rick 780-678-6167 November 20: Peace Country Beef & Forage Meeting, GPRC Campus 10:30 am, Fairview. Call: Monika 780-523-4033 November 21: ABC & AWC Region 4 Meeting, Centennial Library 10:00 am, Vegreville. Call: Cole The months of toil and tending. 403-219-6253 The weeks of watching – and waiting. November 21: Canola Growers Fall Meeting, Norseman Inn The checking, the spraying. The 9:00 am, Camrose. Call: Rick praying. And it all comes down 780-678-6167 to a few short weeks of long days November 21: Alberta Wheat Commission Region 2 Meeting, – and longer nights – to wrest from Civic Centre, Strathmore. Call: this land a bounty that is not only Kristina 780-718-5023 the envy of the world, but will help November 21: Canola Growers Fall Meeting, Stonebridge feed much of it. To the over 60,000 Hotel 9:00 am, . Alberta Land Warriors – the growers Call: Rick 780-678-6167 November 26: Alberta Wheat and producers – many of whom Commission, Holiday Inn, we’re lucky enough to call ‘customers’, . Call: Kristina 780- 718-5023 and even more lucky to call ‘friends’, November 26/27: CANFAX we have just this to say on the heels Cattle Market Forum, Deerfoot of another incredible harvest. Inn, Calgary. Call: Canfax 403- Some call it a bumper crop. 236-7529 Thank you. Again. December 9/11: Canadian Forage & Grasslands Assoc. AGM, Olds College, Olds. Call: We call it a whole lotta love. Long Love This Land. Corie 204-254-4192 atb.com

Alberta Vegetable growers produce more than 15,000 tonnes of vegetables annually. facebook/atbfinancial Harvesting Russet potatoes near Coaldale, Alberta with the Perry’s @ATBAgriculture

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™ Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches. 1-888-413-3325 10 NEWS » Markets NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

More Brazil soy for biodiesel L arge Ukraine export program Brazil may raise the biodiesel blend required in diesel fuel as early as January, a change Ukraine hopes to export a record monthly volume of 3.5 million tonnes of grain in November and that could result in up to 10 per cent more of an expected record soybean crop getting maize will dominate, Agriculture Minister Mykola Prysyazhnyuk said Nov. 5. Ukraine exported crushed into meal and oil, industry sources say. Raising the blend from the current five per a total of 10.02 million tonnes of grain as of Nov. 4. Prysyazhnyuk said that the ministry would cent to seven per cent, a move long advocated by soy crushers, would relieve pressure encourage exports and saw no grounds to limit further sales. on state-run oil company Petróleo Brasileiro SA, which has been forced to import diesel “Our winter crops are in very good condition thanks to perfect weather. The harvest (of winter fuel to make up for a domestic refining shortfall and sell it at a loss on the local market. — wheat in 2014) could exceed the previously expected 15 million tonnes,” he added. Reuters

U.S. markets rangebound pending new USDA estimates Canola futures also remain aimless in the meantime

PHOTO:h t inkstock

remained below the US96-cent mark Traders in the U.S. are also wait- the Chicago corn futures continued By Terryn Shiells during the week, was supportive, as was ing for the upcoming WASDE report their downtrend slide during the week. spillover support from the gains seen in before making any big moves, so Chi- USDA’s current estimate calls for a anola futures on the ICE Futures outside vegetable oil markets. cago corn and soybeans and all three 13.843-billion-bushel corn crop. Canada trading platform moved But overall, canola futures were lack- wheat futures should also continue in All three U.S. wheat futures moved Clower during the week ended Nov. ing direction during the week amid a a rangebound pattern overall until it lower during the week, as traders 1, though the market bounced around on lack of fresh news. Though there are is released. didn’t see any reason to keep prices both sides of unchanged throughout the still fundamentals at play, most of Chicago soybean futures moved up at recent highs amid a lack of fresh week. them have already been priced in, or sharply lower during the week, with news. Oversold price sentiment and Spillover pressure from the losses in are close to being priced in. much of the selling linked to the speculative selling were also bearish Chicago soybeans, the advancing U.S. Canola futures should continue in advancing U.S. soybean harvest and for wheat futures. soybean harvest and expectations of a choppy, directionless pattern until expectations of a record-large South The upcoming USDA report will also a record-large South American oilseed some fresh news is released — namely American soybean crop. be important for U.S. wheat futures, as crop were bearish. the Nov. 8 world agricultural supply- There is still a little bit of uncertainty it will help shine some light on how big The large Canadian canola sup- and-demand estimates (WASDE) surrounding how big the U.S. crop will the global wheat crop will be. ply situation also continues to over- report from the U.S. Department of be, due to the missing USDA October There have been reports of problems hang the market, as many traders still Agriculture. Until then, any gains will report, but yields and production esti- for wheat crops in the Black Sea region, believe that the crop is larger than Sta- be seen as good selling opportunities mates should be confirmed in the Nov. Argentina and Australia recently. The tistics Canada’s record-large estimate — and losses as good buying chances. 8 report. Pre-report expectations are report should show how much of an of 15.963 million tonnes. How big the The Nov. 8 report will be USDA’s first calling for a 3.298-billion-bushel soy- impact those recent problems will 2013-14 Canadian canola crop turns in two months, as there was no October bean crop, which is up from USDA’s have on global wheat production. out to be won’t be confirmed until Dec. data released due to the U.S. govern- previous estimate of 3.149 billion 4, when StatsCan releases its next pro- ment shutdown. Because the market bushels. Terryn Shiells writes for Commodity News duction report. was missing the October information, Some traders expect that the U.S. Service Canada, a Winnipeg company However, general weakness in the even more importance will be placed corn crop will be larger than 14 bil- specializing in grain and commodity value of the Canadian dollar, as it on the Nov. 8 data. lion bushels this year, which is why market reporting. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 11 Alberta cereal commissions open joint office The two commissions will share office space as well as seven administrative staff

while ensuring that we are an af staff / calgary effective voice for the farmers we represent.” This is the first time ong time producer orga- that two Alberta marketing com- nization the Alberta Bar- missions have entered into such a L ley Commission (ABC) has joint administrative partnership. joined forces with the brand-new It has already been extended into producer group the Alberta Wheat other areas — some of this year’s Commission (AWC) in opening a regional meetings will be com- joint office in Calgary. bined ABC/AWC events to make “It seemed like a natural fit to it more convenient for producers come together in a collaborative to attend. partnership and share resources The joint office will also house to be more cost effective for our the office of the Barley Council producers,” says Doug Cornell, of Canada, which is the national general manager for the AWC. organization representing barley “We are two organizations that growers. The council’s affairs are are working for the same purpose being managed by the ABC. A and the same members.” national wheat industry group is The two organizations will have being organized but its head office some of their own dedicated staff has not yet been determined. — the ABC has seven full-time The new joint office is located employees and the AWC has six. in the Deerfoot Atrium in NE Cal- Both organizations will share gary. Those adjacent buildings seven administrative employees. are already a hub of producer “Our organizations have very and industry agency and organi- similar goals and priorities,” says zation offices, including Alberta Official opening of the joint Alberta wheat and barley commission offices Oct. 25, (l-r) Brian Otto, Barley Council ABC general manager Lisa Skierka. Beef Producers, Canadian Cattle- of Canada chair; Kent Erickson, Alberta Wheat Commission chair; Jason Kenney, minister of employment and “Working out of the same office men’s Association and Canada social development and minister for multiculturalism; Gary Stanford, AWC director; Kevin Sorenson, minister of allows us to co-ordinate resources Beef Inc. state; Matt Sawyer, Alberta Barley Growers chair. Phto pl o : sup ied Prairie wheat bids continue downward trend

By Terryn Shiells commodity news service canada

ash bids for western Cana- dian spring wheat contin- C ued to move lower during the week ended Nov. 4. Average spot bids for CWRS 13.5 per cent protein across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta came in at around $219 per tonne ($5.95 per bushel) based on pricing avail- able from a cross-section of deliv- ery points — which compares to $226 per tonne ($6.14/bu.) the week prior. Basis levels were unchanged at an average discount of $45 relative to the futures. Average Canada Prairie spring red (CPSR) values were at $195 per tonne ($5.32/bu.), down from $205 per tonne ($5.59/bu.) a week earlier. Average basis lev- els widened to a discount of $73 compared to futures, from $71 the week prior. U.S. wheat futures continued to move lower during the week. Good conditions for the U.S. winter wheat crop and weakness in CBOT corn futures were also bearish. The December spring wheat contract in Minneapolis, off of which most CWRS contracts in Canada are based, was quoted Nov. 4 at US$7.1925 per bushel, A LEADER IN BREEDING. Results matter. That’s why we individually analyze 13 million down 17.25 cents from the previ- ous week. corn seeds annually, to isolate the one with the perfect DNA signature to perform in your fi elds. Kansas City hard red winter wheat futures, which are now That’s business as usual for us, because every kernel matters to you. Fly with a Leader. traded in Chicago, are more closely linked to CPSR in Canada. December Kansas City wheat lost 21.5 cents over the week, settling Monday at US$7.2875 Talk to your DEKALB dealer today, or visit DEKALB.ca per bushel. Durum prices were up slightly, as the market was recovering ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the from recent sharp losses. Aver- Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2013 Monsanto Canada, Inc. age spot bids increased by $1 per tonne, to $201 ($5.47/bu.).

DEKALB AD# 40262 “Strong Roots” Client: DEKALB Insertion Order # LCA00447 905.403.0055 > [email protected] Pub: Alberta Farmer Dimensions: Trim: Jr. Tab 4/C = 8.125” x 10” 12 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Corn prices continue to trend lower — posting a three-year low A record U.S. corn crop and tripling of carry-out stocks is putting pressure on prices

when the ending stocks were CBOT corn monthly nearby By david drozd 1.7 billion bushels. During that period, the nearby futures con- orn on the nearby weekly tract traded between $4.20 and futures contract has lost $3.20 per bushel. Chart as of October 30, 2013 C50 per cent of its value Some are surprised prices since rallying to a record high have declined to current levels, of $8.43-3/4 in August 2012. especially farmers who may be Cash prices are closer to $3.50 growing corn for the first time. per bushel — a price not seen Last year’s record-high prices since July 2010. resulted in corn being one of the Pressuring the market is the crops having the highest return. United States Department This inspired first-time growers of Agriculture’s estimate of a to try their hand at producing a record 13.84-billion-bushel U.S. crop of corn this year. corn crop and a 1.86-billion- Others may not have been sur- bushel carry-out for the 2013-14 prised by the downturn given crop year. This certainly allevi- the reversal pattern that mate- ates the tight ending stocks sit- rialized on the monthly nearby uation experienced during the futures candlestick chart, at the 2012-13 crop year when supplies market’s high, 15 months ago. were drawn down to 661 million bushels. Introduction to The last time the U.S. had a candlestick charting corn SEC_CAR11_T_MC.qxd carry-out similar 8/26/11to this 4:23Candlestick PM Page charting 1 provides year’s forecast was in 2009-10, an insight into market activ-

ity that is not readily apparent Spinning tops are lines with with the conventional bar-type small real bodies. The small charts. When you see a black body represents a tight range candle you know the sentiment between the open and close. is bearish. When the candle is Spinning tops are regarded white, it is bullish. as neutral in most situations. The Japanese are regarded However, when combined with as the true pioneers of market other patterns they can be very technical analysis. They began significant, such was the case trading forward rice contracts when the harami developed at (Futures) in 1654 and by the the top of the corn market. year 1750 had developed quite a refined system for analyzing Harami lines the markets. The harami line is similar to These same techniques have an inside day used in bar chart evolved over 2-1/2 centuries analysis. However, this inter- AC® Carberry into an amazingly powerful pretation suggests a waning modern-day charting method in momentum and a possible CWRS Wheat called candlestick. The Japanese trend change. As illustrated in method of charting is called the accompanying chart, the candlestick because the indi- short black body of the harami vidual lines resemble candles. must be contained by a long real white body preceding it. Basic construction A reversal pattern of any kind Setting the pace. is more significant when it not of a candlestick line The daily line shows the open, only occurs at a market high, SEC_CAR11_T high, low and close. The thick but when it appears on a long- Start strong. Finish fast. part or candle is called the real term chart such as a monthly or body. It highlights the range weekly chart. between the open and close. If Having a basic understand- ✔ Very short, strong straw the close is above the open, then ing of candlestick charting is an Ad Number: Publication: Manitoba Cooperator - 3col Trim x 133lines 6” x 9.5” ✔ the body will be white. When the invaluable tool for being alerted Fast, efficient harvest real body is black this simply to the major turns in the market. ✔ MR to fusarium means the close was below the Send your questions or com- open. ments about this article and ✔ Great fit for intensive management The lines above and below the chart to [email protected]. real body represent the high and low ranges for the period and are called shadows. David Drozd is president and senior market analyst for A long black body illustrates Winnipeg-based Ag-Chieve a bearish period in the market Corporation. The opinions with an opening near the day’s expressed are those of the high and close near the day’s writer and are solely intended low. to assist readers with a better A long white body is the oppo- understanding of technical site of a long black body and analysis. Visit Ag-Chieve online at www.ag-chieve.ca shows technical strength with for information about grain- an opening near the low and a marketing advisory services, close near the high in a wide or call us toll free at 1-888-274- range period. 3138 for a free consultation.

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SEC_CAR11_T ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 13 Fighting fi res when the water source is frozen DuPont program has provided a range of equipment to rural fire and rescue departments

The FIRE program is a new ini- vehicles, one group asked for help BY HELEN MCMENAMIN tiative for DuPont Pioneer, started buying a trailer to help them get AF CONTRIBUTOR / TABER in July this year, aimed at helping their rescue sled and toboggan out rural volunteer fire depart- to hard-to-reach places, another grant from DuPont’s FIRE ments. The company has had a needed gas-detection equipment. program is helping the community investment program We provided the High River hospi- A Taber Fire Department buy for some time, and occasionally tal with new wheelchairs after all equipment to help them fight fires supported emergency services of theirs were lost in the floods.” in situations where access to water through that, now FIRE is dedi- Chief Bos and his volunteers feel is difficult. cated to the emergency services the fire eductor will really help The volunteer firefighters han- sector. “Many of our customers their community. “We’ve been dle fires and other emergencies and our sales people are volunteer pretty fortunate lately,” he says. over a mainly rural area, as well as firefighters,” says Melani Rich of “We’ve had some field fires, but the town of Taber. In rural areas, DuPont Pioneer. “Emergencies the Hutterites have really been on farms may have a dugout or pond where volunteer firefighters are the ball and other farmers seem to and during the irrigation season, called out impact the lives of farm- be getting the message too, to be the canals offer an accessible ers, who are our customers.” prepared. If they see things get- water source, but only from early Rich says the program has pro- ting dry, have the disker set up and May to the beginning of October. vided a range of equipment, as it ready to go and have water ready “That’s the worst time of the isn’t just firefighting equipment and available if possible. “Aware- year for fires, especially grass that’s needed. ness and being prepared make a fires,” says Taber fire chief Mike “Some groups asked for ‘jaws of real difference. The first five min- Winter can be the most difficult time of year to fight grass fires. Bos. “We’ve had fires in mid-win- life’ to extricate people trapped in utes of a fire are critical,” he said. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK ter and early spring. Everything is dry, there’s ice on ponds and dug- outs. There’s always limitations, but with no water, sometimes there’s not a lot we can do. If we have to stand there and watch a house or a barn burn, that’s very demoralizing.” Each of the department’s three fire trucks hauls 1,000 gallons of water, but that doesn’t go far when JOINT 2013 REGIONAL MEETINGS the crew is facing a grass fire or a blazing building. The crews need to be able to bring a truck close to TAKE PART IN REGIONAL MEETINGS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION a water source to pump enough ABOUT CROPS AND THE COMMISSIONS THAT WORK FOR YOU. water. Generally they need to put a truck within 10 or 20 feet of the water, but debris, rocks, ice even NOVEMBER 2013 long grass can delay them. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Alberta Barley – Region 2 Alberta Wheat – Region 5A Alberta Barley – Region 5 “If we have to stand Alberta Pulse – Zone 2 Rycroft Community Hall Alberta Wheat – Region 5B Acme Community Centre Westlock Community Hall there and watch a house 11 12 13 14 15 or a barn burn, that’s Alberta Barley – Region 3, Alberta Canola – Region 3 Alberta Wheat – Region 2 very demoralizing.” Alberta Wheat – Region 3 Falher Recreation Centre Strathmore Family Centre Lacombe Memorial Centre Alberta Barley – Region 4 Alberta Canola – Region 1 Vegreville Centennial Library MIKE BOS Pomeroy Inn, Grimshaw Alberta Canola – Region 2 TABER FIRE CHIEF Stonebridge Hotel, Grande Prairie Alberta Canola – Region 11 Norseman Inn, Camrose Soon, thanks to funding from 18 19 20 21 22 DuPont’s Funding Initiative for Alberta Pulse – Zone 3 Alberta Barley – Region 1 Alberta Pulse – Zone 5 Alberta Barley – Region 6 Rural Emergencies (FIRE), the Westlock Community Hall Alberta Wheat – Region 1 Norseman Inn, Camrose Alberta Pulse – Zone 4 Taber Fire Department will be Holiday Inn, Lethbridge Sexsmith Community Centre able to move water from consid- Alberta Canola – Region 6 erable distances with greater lifts. Alberta Canola – Region 5 Best Western Inn, Stony Plain Alberta Canola – Region 4 The department is purchasing a Westlock Community Hall Alberta Canola – Region 8 Royal Canadian Legion, water jet eductor from a U.S. com- Alberta Canola – Region 7 Rosebud Centre Vegreville pany. The machine, which weighs Lacombe Memorial Centre Alberta Canola – Region 12 about 45 lbs. without its hoses, has Seniors Recreation no moving parts and works on Centre, Oyen the kinetic energy of water via the 25 26 27 28 29 venturi effect and does not need to be primed. Water is pumped DECEMBER 2013 through a 2.5-inch hose into the eductor and through a nozzle. This Alberta Canola – Region 9 Lethbridge Lodge creates suction around the nozzle, 02 03 04 05 06 pulling in water that is discharged with considerable force. Accord- Alberta Pulse – Zone 1 Alberta Canola – Region 10 Alberta Wheat – Region 4 ing to the company’s website, the Taber Legion Hall Marwayne Hall Vegreville Social Centre five-inch discharge hose can be as 09 10 11 12 13 much as 250 feet long. Chief Bos and his crew don’t have their machine yet, but they’re looking forward to training with it to find what it will do and how best FREE ALL CROPS BREAKFAST ON THURS., NOV. 7 IN RED DEER. to use it. “It can put out up to 670 SEATING IS LIMITED. REGISTER ON YOUR COMMISSION WEBSITE. gallons a minute,” he says. “The big question is how much flow *Visit your commission’s website for more detailed info. | albertabarley.com | canola.ab.ca | pulse.ab.ca | albertawheat.com does it lose over a height and dis- tance. We’ll be doing a lot of train- ing on a new way of doing things with the TurboDraft eductor. We’ll still carry some water to any fire, but we’ll probably dedicate one truck to getting water.”

[email protected] 14 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Argentine farmers plan new protests NEWS Viterra announces two elevator against a weakened Fernandez projects in Alberta Viterra says it will invest Soybean exports are taxed 35 per cent to ensure domestic supplies more than $34 million into two elevator projects in Alberta. blood that had pooled on the cent tax that the government American country and U.S.- The first is the construc- By Nicolás Misculin surface of her brain after fall- puts on soybean exports while based company Mosaic, one of tion of a new grain terminal buenos aires / reuters ing and knocking her head. The inflation, clocked by private the world’s top fertilizer man- near Grimshaw. The con- mid-term defeat could increase analysts at 25 per cent, jacks up ufacturers, is selling its local crete facility will have a 104 rgentine farm groups Fernandez’s vulnerability to a operating costs. manufacturing site. rail car loading capability are threatening an agri- potential farm strike. Buzzi’s federation, which rep- The pullout by Mosaic follows and approximately 30,000 Acultural sector strike if The grains sector has long resents small-scale growers, years of complaints by farmers tonnes of grain storage. the government does not show objected to Fernandez’s inter- played a key role in the mas- about falling profits, which lim- Preliminary site work is signs of modifying policies that ventionist policies, including sive 2008 farm strike that shook its their ability to buy fertilizers planned to start this fall. soybean, wheat and corn grow- export curbs on corn and wheat, the government of Fernandez, and other inputs. The second project is the ers say are killing their profits. meant to ensure ample domes- then in her first term. Prompted “If the government contin- expansion of Viterra’s ter- Argentine President Cristina tic food supplies, and foreign by a farm tax increase decreed ues to ignore our complaints, minal in Grassy Lake. Stor- Fernandez’s allies took a beat- exchange controls that have by the fledgling president, the a strike is sure to follow,” said age capacity will increase ing in mid-term elections Oct. put U.S. dollars out of reach for 2008 protest brought Argentine Ruben Ferrero, head of the pow- by 14,000 tonnes to 36,500 27, shrinking her majority in most businesses and savers who grains production to a halt. erful Argentine Rural Federa- tonnes, along with opera- Congress, ending chances of a shun the weakening local peso. The country is the world’s tion, or CRA. tional improvements to constitutional change to allow “There is no time to wait. We No. 1 exporter of soymeal ani- The U.S. Department of Agri- increase logistical flexibility her a third term and kicking off need to deepen our actions and mal feed and soyoil, used in culture forecasts Argentina’s and efficiency. the contest to succeed her in if conditions are right call a farm the booming biofuels sector. 2013-14 soy crop at 53.5 million This is the latest in a series 2015. strike,” Eduardo Buzzi, head of Argentina is also the third-big- tonnes, with the South Ameri- of infrastructure improve- Adding to the political uncer- the Argentine Agrarian Federa- gest global supplier of soybeans can country’s wheat harvest ments by Viterra. In May, tainty in Latin America’s No. tion, or FAA, told Reuters. and corn. seen by the USDA at 12 million the company announced 3 economy, Fernandez had Growers also say their profits Big farming companies are tonnes and corn at 26 million that it is investing more surgery last month to remove are being killed by the 35 per renting less land in the South tonnes. than $20 million to upgrade four of its Saskatchewan grain terminals at White Star, Humboldt, Waldron and Ituna. It has also recently completed similar expansions at Gull Lake, Sask. and Fairlight, Sask.

Kellogg to cut workforce and trim production reuters Kellogg Co., the world’s largest maker of breakfast cereals, said it would cut about seven per cent of its workforce by 2017 and also trim production capacity, after reporting another quarterly decline in sales in its cereals business. The company’s cereals business, which includes Special K, Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies, has been bat- tling stiff competition from General Mills and private- label cereal brands. Increas- ing popularity of yogurt, frozen egg sandwiches and other breakfast items has also hit the business. Sales at Kellogg’s U.S. morning foods business, which includes cereals, fell 2.2 per cent in the third quarter ended Sept. 28. The job cuts are a part of a four-year cost-cutting pro- gram, called Project K, that the company launched Nov. 4. The program includes consolidating factories and product lines, moving them closer to its regional hubs. Kellogg had about 31,000 employees globally at the end of 2012. The company also said it would invest in building its PROTINUS® seed-applied fertilizer delivers a nutrient boost that gives you cereal brands and develop- LIGHT ing its business in emerging faster emergence, larger seedlings and bigger roots. And a stronger start markets. YEARS means you can look forward to stronger results at harvest. Use the technology Project K follows a three- year initiative, K-Lean, that AHEAD that’s light years ahead. Ask your retailer for PROTINUS or visit PROTINUS.org. Kellogg had launched in 2009 to save $1 billion in annual costs. However, the company’s quality control weakened due to too many job cuts, leading to product recalls. ® Between 2009 and 2011, INNOVATIVE NUTRIENTS Kellogg recalled packages of cereals, cookies and protein bars. ©2013 Wolf Trax®, Growing Forward® and PROTINUS® are registered trademarks of Wolf Trax, Inc. Not all products are registered in all areas. Contact [email protected] for more information or call 1-855-237-9653. 20199 AFE ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 15 Lentil prices remain Ej ection Seat competitive for Prairie growers Current prices are remaining steady as harvest pressure has subsided

By Brandon Logan commodity news service canada

large crop and competitive prices for lentils has many A Prairie growers optimis- tic as they begin to market their crop over the next 10 months, said Bobby Leavins, operations man- ager for Rayglen Commodities in Saskatoon, Sask. Austin Quiring of According to Statistics Canada, Strathmore, Alberta Western Canada’s lentil produc- takes a dramatic tion is pegged at 1.709 million dismount from his bull tonnes, which would make the while riding at the 2013-14 crop the second biggest Rockyford (Alberta) in the past decade. 56th annual rodeo. “I think growers are pretty PHOTO:v ke in link happy,” he said. “Everyone’s got a different situation, but I think for the most part, growers are fairly happy with the crop they pro- duced and now it’s just another 10 months ahead of us of marketing this crop.” Saskatchewan Agriculture’s final crop progress report for 2013 said yields averaged 1,730 pounds per Growing today acre, which is significantly higher than the 10-year average of 1,237 pounds per acre. for tomorrow. “I think yields were above aver- age this year,” Leavins said, noting that harvest is basically complete across the province. “The differ- Farming, the ence this year is so many areas had a pretty decent crop across the board. No, I don’t think we’re biggest job going to be swimming in the stuff, but there’s definitely going to be enough to meet demand.” on earth. When speaking of global demand for the Canadian prod- uct, India is always a big player, as it is the main importer of Cana- dian pulses. However, with the weak value of their rupee and expectations of a large Rabi crop, India’s demand for Canadian lentils could be much lower this season. “They (India) haven’t really been that aggressive (in buying) so far,” Leavins said. “I think they’re pretty confident in what they’re going to produce.” Leavins said current lentil prices are remaining steady as harvest pressure has subsided. “Reds have strengthened and greens have remained flat,” he said. “Large greens remain flat, but small greens have fallen off a little bit more since harvest.” As of Oct. 31, Prairie Ag Hotwire had f.o.b. farm No. 1 Crimson lentils topping out at 20 cents per pound, No. 1 Laird lentils pegged as high as 20 cents per pound, and No. 1 Eston lentils worth as much as 18 cents per pound.

The population is increasing, but farmland isn’t. So the pressure is on for farmers to maximize yields and produce high-quality crops to meet the needs of a growing planet. This is why BASF is working with farmers to create chemistry that will increase the yield and quality of crops. With help from BASF, it’s in the farmers’ hands.

To learn more about BASF’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, check out our videos at agsolutions.ca/sustainability.

Saskatchewan yields are reported well above the 10-year ©2013 BASF Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. average. PHOT oc o: iSt k 110201429_GS_SOY_AFE_v1.indd 1 NEWSPRINT - 240 ink density 2013-10-29 1:16 PM

Client: BASFCAN Publication: Alberta Farmer Express . . . Jeannette File Name: GS_SOY_AFE_v1 Page Position: JrPg Project Name: Global Sustainability Ads Live Area: n/a CMYK PMS ART DIR CREATIVE CLIENT MAC ARTIST V1 Docket Number: 110201429 Trim size: 8.125 x 10” . . . . 10/29/13 STUDIO AD#: kenna_JRPG4C_AFE_110201429_GS_Soybean Bleed: n/a PMS PMS COPYWRITER ACCT MGR SPELLCHECK STUDIO MGR PROOF # 16 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Rains jumpstart Argentine corn planting WeatherFarm adds features

Strong rains in the Pampas Grains Belt at the beginning of November boosted Argentine corn planting, setting WeatherFarm.com, which is now operated by a partnership between Weather the stage for upcoming soy seedings as well. A dry spell was snapped by Oct. 31-Nov. 1 storms that dropped 250 INnovations and Glacier FarmMedia, has added new features to its website, which has millimetres of rain in areas including Cordoba and southern Santa Fe provinces. “The situation changed significantly, real-time temperature, wind direction and speed, humidity and dew point for more than especially for corn. The showers reactivated planting,” said Leonardo De Benedictis, meteorologist at the Clima 600 stations across Western Canada. The “Analyze weather” feature provides that Campo consultancy. “Soy planting has not yet begun in the central Farm Belt, but the moisture brought by the information, plus heat units and growing degree days, for the past five days. There’s also recent rains will help a lot when seeding starts,” he said. — Reuters a local forecast for your area, and you can generate daily maps showing temperature and precipitation for the three Prairie provinces.

October weather wasn’t really that bad If you look at numbers for the month, they were pretty close to average

mean monthly temperature of by daniel bezte around 4.2 C, which is pretty much bang on with the long-term n September, most regions average. Farther south in the Cal- across Alberta saw tempera- gary region it was understand- Itures that were a good 2 C to 4 ably a little milder, with a mean C above the long-term average. monthly temperature of 5.7 C — Central and northern regions also nearly right on the long-term were fairly dry as well, making it average. So, overall, October, even a very nice September for those with the cold end to the month, areas. Over southern regions saw near-average to even slightly temperatures were probably the above-average temperatures in warmest, but along with warmer pretty much all regions. temperatures came a little more October’s pattern of precipita- precipitation, with the Calgary tion saw above-average amounts area seeing nearly 45 mm of in the northern regions along rain during the month. Overall with the west-central and south- though, September was pretty ern regions. Calgary was in this darned nice! wetter-than-average region and Then came October… it must recorded around 25 mm of pre- have had terrible weather, right? cipitation, which is nearly double the amount usually expected in October. The zone stretching from the Peace River region southeast- I am calling for ward into the southeast corner temperatures to be of Alberta saw below-average amounts. Edmonton recorded above average in only around 12 mm of precipita- tion, which is about 50 per cent southern and eastern of October’s long-term average regions of Alberta, for this area. Elsewhere, amounts with western regions were right around average. seeing below-average November forecasts Now let’s see what the different temperatures and November forecasts are calling northern regions for. According to Environment Canada, November 2013 will seeing near-average see below-average temperatures along with near-average precipi- temperatures. tation for all regions, except the northeastern region which will see above-average amounts. The best chances for below-average temperatures will be in the west- ern regions. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for above-average tem- In reality, it probably wasn’t as peratures and near-average bad as you thought. Only the last precipitation. Over at the Cana- few days of the month were kind dian Farmers Almanac, it is less of terrible, but overall, it really optimistic. It is calling for well- This issue’s map shows the precipitation across Alberta during the 30-day period ending on Oct. 29, wasn’t that bad. October saw a bit below-average temperatures compared to the long-term normal. A good portion of agricultural Alberta saw average to slightly of a see-saw in temperatures, with with the mention of cold condi- above-average precipitation during October. The extreme northern region along with western highs climbing into the mid-teens tions several times, along with parts of the central and southern regions were wetter, with some areas seeing well-above-average for a few days and then dropping above-average amounts of snow. amounts. The Peace River region extending southeastwards through Edmonton was drier with some off into the single digits for a day or Finally, here at Alberta Farmer, areas seeing low to very low precipitation. two before swinging back up into I am calling for temperatures to the mid-teens. This pattern con- be above average in southern tinued right through to the last few and eastern regions of Alberta, the last week or so is towards currently looks as if November weather which could bring sig- days when a strong storm system with western regions seeing milder conditions, with the will see below-average precipita- nificant amounts of precipita- brought the first real taste of win- below-average temperatures exception of the far west. tion as the pattern does not look tion, but that’s a lot of “ifs” so ter to most regions, either in the and northern regions seeing Precipitation is always the to be that active over the next I will just stick with my original way of snow and cold tempera- near-average temperatures. toughest thing to predict for any couple of weeks. If we do see a forecast. tures or just cold temperatures. There are some hints at colder month and November is prob- transition to cold weather for the Next issue we’ll take a longer When all of the numbers were weather moving into all regions ably one of the hardest months second half of the month, these look ahead and see what the dif- added up it turns out that the during the second half of the as we transition from fall into transitions are usually accompa- ferent forecasters are calling for Edmonton region recorded a month, but the overall trend over winter. With that in mind, it nied by a day or two of stormy the rest of the winter. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 17

ACPC DIRECTOR NOMINATION RESULTS Four directors have been elected by acclamation for the Alberta Canola Producers Commission (ACPC). The nomination deadline was November 1, 2013. Three directors will now serve their second three-year term. Directors are eligible to serve two consecutive terms. Kelly McIntyre of Fairview was elected in Region 1, Daryl Tuck of Vegreville in Region 4 and Terry Young of Lacombe in Region 7. Joining the board for his first term will be Stuart Holmen of Dewberry. He replaces Todd Hames, who is currently serving the last year of his second term. PHL. 3 3

Researcher examining the role is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. Company. Monsanto from license under used trademark registered a is of microbe in helping crops grow ® Fungi has symbiotic relationship with plants, obtaining sugars from them and transporting nutrients and water from the soil to them in return 201 Limited.© Hi-Bred Pioneer to licensed marks service and Trademarks Roundup Ready Roundup TM,SM ®, All purchases are subject to the terms of labelling and purchase documents. purchase and labelling of terms the to subject are purchases All DuPont. of trademark registered a is Logo Oval DuPont The

ecology of mycorrhizae in on quickly when the plant is BY HELEN MCMENAMIN Prairie soils. Mycorrhizae attacked by disease or some AF CONTRIBUTOR / LETHBRIDGE have been found in soil other stressor. The old idea around most crops, other that tillage destroys the here are billions of than crucifers such as canola mycorrhizae is not entirely bacteria in every and mustard. They act as true, says Hamel. Tteaspoon of soil, but extensions of the plant’s “In Western Canada, till- for the most part all those roots, pipelines to deliver age is no more than eight microbes are a black box moisture and nutrients from centimetres. That has very that’s responsible for all the a greater volume of soils than little impact on mycorrhizae. biological activity in soil. the roots. But, she says, the In other areas, where farmers Now, an Agriculture community of mycorrhizae till deeper, with more aggres- Canada scientist has been seems to depend more on sive implements, mycorrhi- researching one soil fungus the soil than the crop. zae are suppressed.” phylum — the Glomero- The diversity of mycorrhi- A photo of AM fungi as it grows inside a root of wheat. mycota — and found an Organic boost zae species is greater under It enters a cell and branches profusely (dark cells are amazing variety of species Hamel has found higher native grass than under colonized) to create a large plant-fungus interface through each with a different habi- mycorrhizae populations annual crops. The most which mineral nutrients are exchanged for sugar. AM tat and activity in the soil. under organic systems and abundant and diverse pop- fungi are soil fungi that connect to plant roots after seed She compares them to the says the lower nutrient levels ulations Hamel has found germination. PHOTO: SUPPLIED weed populations that coex- in organic soils boost popu- are in ditches — it seems ist with particular crops and lations of the fungi. they have an environment advantage of mycorrhizae,” Potassium makes photo- farming systems. “A hungry plant loses more that supports cropland spe- says Hamel. “We sometimes synthesis more efficient They were called VAM sugars into the soil around its cies and native grassland see a drop in growth when by boosting transport of fungi, now the official term roots than a plant with good communities. Also, some it’s associated with the fun- nutrients and carbohy- is arbuscular mycorrhizae supply of nutrients,” says species are more abundant gus. Perhaps wheat’s exten- drates produced in leaves. because some lack vesicles, Hamel. “As well as enhanc- in spring, then others take sive network of fine roots As soil fungi go, mycor- but all have tree-like (arbus- ing mycorrhizal activity, the over later in the year. delivers nutrients so effi- rhizae are very big — each cular) branches and form sugars stimulate decompo- ciently any extra delivered individual can be 200 to mycorrhizae in plants. They sition and mineralization to Not all beneficial by the fungus doesn’t jus- 800 microns, big enough to have a symbiotic relation- make nutrients more avail- Not all species of mycor- tify the cost in sugars lost to see on a glass — and they ship with plants, obtaining able to the plant. Nitrogen rhizae are equally effective the mycorrhizae. Peas are grow fast, but they are very sugars and possibly other use efficiency is higher in at helping plants. Most are the other extreme — they difficult to identify. They substances from them and organic fields.” beneficial, but a few reduce have relatively few roots don’t grow in culture and transporting nutrients and Sugars secreted by plant plant growth. Hamel’s team and support more vigorous researchers haven’t found water from the soil to the roots stimulate mycorrhizal found one species was abun- mycorrhizal populations.” the sexual stage that scien- plant. The fungus is made hyphae to intrude into roots dant in every cultivated field Hamel and her team have tists use to identify fungal up of very fine branches or to set up the symbiotic rela- they looked at in Saskatch- found differences among species. hyphae, some of which pen- tionship between plant and ewan. She thinks it’s prob- crop genotypes. Some “We have so much to etrate the much larger root fungus. Along with deliver- ably an invasive species, like genetic lines of wheat rich learn about soil fungi,” says hairs of a plant while other ing water and nutrients, the a weed species. in nitrogen and potassium Hamel. “Plant pathologists hyphae spread through the fungus provides some stress The type of crop also do better with mycorrhi- are so busy with leaves soil and absorb nutrients resistance to the plant, act- affects the value of the fun- zae, with higher levels of and the fungi on them, but and moisture. ing almost like a vaccina- gus to the plant. potassium and nitrogen in we know very little about Chantal Hamel is trying tion and helping the plant’s “Wheat seems to have leaves when the plants are what’s happening under to understand the complex defence mechanisms turn evolved without taking grown with mycorrhizae. the ground.”

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PR341 CPS 45H31_v3.indd 1 27/11/12 11:50 AM 18 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Recommended malting barley varietal list released There are several up-and-coming varieties that could become dominant players in the future

selections next year and could the Public Malt Barley Breeders, requirements of the domestic STAFF become dominant varieties in SeCan, Syngenta Canada and and international maltsters and the future, it says. Viterra. brewers.” he Canadian Malting Bar- Recommended six-row vari- “I would once again like to The recommendations are ley Technical Centre has eties are Legacy, Tradition and thank all of our members as based on feedback CMBTC Treleased the list of recom- Celebration. well as the industry for helping members received through con- mended malting barley varieties The list is published on behalf us put together this list as it is tacts with domestic and interna- for the upcoming crop year. of the members of the CMBTC, important information for the tional maltsters and brewers as The recommendations are and other companies that have producer, aiding them in mak- well as test malting and brewing based on the varieties expected to provided their input. CMBTC ing their seeding decisions for results from the centre’s pilot- be selected by grain and malting members are Alberta Agricul- the coming year,” said CMBTC scale malthouse and brewery. companies for both domestic and ture, Alberta Barley Commis- managing director Rob McCaig “The list clearly indicates the export markets for the 2014 har- sion, Alfred C. Toepfer Canada, in a release. increasing acceptance of our vest, the centre says in a release. the CWB, Canadian Grain Com- “With the changes made to new Canadian barley varieties Four two-row varieties, AC mission, CANTERRA SEEDS, Car- marketing of Canadian malting by the international and domes- Metcalfe, CDC Copeland, CDC gill AgHorizons, Fedoruk Seeds, barley the generation of this list tic barley users,” McCaig said. Meredith, and CDC PolarStar, are Manitoba Agriculture, Food and was a challenging collaborative The CMBTC, which started in expected to represent 80 to 85 per Rural Development, Manitoba effort between all parts of the August 2000, is an independent, cent of the anticipated selections. Liquor Control Commission, malt barley value chain,” he non-profit organization funded There are five up-and-comers, Molson Coors, Parrish & Heim- said. “With these changes the by members of the malting bar- Newdale, Major, Bentley, Merit becker, Richardson Interna- list becomes even more impor- ley and malt industry. For more 57 and CDC Kindersley, that will tional, SABMiller, Saskatchewan tant in providing the farmer information on this year’s list go represent 15 to 20 per cent of the Agriculture, Prairie Malt Limited, with a clear indication of the to: www.cmbtc.com. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK Eat your PROVEN® salmon VR 9562 GC and flax, but watch the pills Researchers say omega-3 supplements may be too much of a good thing

hen it comes to omega-3 fatty acid, the dose may W make the poison, say researchers at Oregon State Uni- versity. Top “Overall, we support the dietary recommendations from the Amer- ican Heart Association to eat fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, lake trout or sardines, at least two times a week, and for those at risk of coronary artery dis- ease to talk to their doctor about supplements,” OSU associate professor, Norman Hord said in YIELDS a release. Flaxseed, either consumed directly or as a feed supplement Unlock your field’s potential. for meat and eggs, is also a source of omega-3s Western Canadian farmers are choosing Proven VR 9562 GC as part of their Studies have shown that omega- 3s are associated with lower risk long term plan for managing clubroot disease. With exceptionally high yield of cardiovascular disease. How- potential and excellent standability, this new canola hybrid will maximize ever, the OSU researchers say that your field’s potential. excess consumption of omega-3 supplements on top of dietary Contact your local CPS retail location and get the power to grow with sources can lead to inflamma- tion such as colitis and reduced Proven VR 9562 GC and the entire Proven Seed portfolio. immune response. They say an increasing amount of products, such as eggs, bread, butters, oils and orange juice, are being “fortified” with omega-

TM 3s. Hord said this fortified food, coupled with fish oil supplement use, increases the potential for consuming these high levels. Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with “We’re not against using fish Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international oil supplements appropriately, law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this but there is a potential for risk,” product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes Hord said. “As is all true with any that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Genuity and Design®, Genuity®, Roundup Ready® and Roundup® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. ©2013 Monsanto Canada Inc. Pioneer® and the Trapezoid symbol are nutrient, taking too much can registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Proven® Seed is a registered trademark of Crop Production Services (Canada) Inc. CPS CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES and Design is a registered trademark of Crop have negative effects. We need Production Services, Inc. to establish clear biomarkers through clinical trials.” ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 19 Prairie mustard outlook — high yields and stable price prospects Exports should remain fairly steady, which should in turn keep spot prices steady for the near term

report for 2013, yields average very stable, so around 120,000 BY BRANDON LOGAN 1,300 pounds per acre, which to 125,000 tonnes of mustard COMMODITY NEWS SERVICE CANADA is substantially higher than the exports are expected,” he said. “I 10-year provincial average of 777 think for the near term, it seems igh yields and good pric- pounds per acre. like 38 cents will buy the mustard es are making for a good Dyck added that there are some that’s needed for the short term. Hseason for Prairie mustard crops in southeastern Saskatch- “For the long term, we’ll have to growers. ewan that still need to be har- wait and see what happens with “Prices in the spot market have vested, but for the most part, the other commodities as we get into stayed in the 38- (Canadian) cent majority is combined and good in 2014. I don’t see too much hap- area for yellow and brown mus- quality. pening with prices unless we have tard, so I think that indicates that “The little bit of harvesting that some significant moves in other by no means have we got a lot of still needed to take place was commodities.” extra mustard out there,” said happening out here the last few Looking ahead to the 2014-15 Saskatchewan Agriculture says mustard yields average 1,300 pounds Walter Dyck, mustard buyer with weeks,” he said. “Some of it is crop, Dyck said competitive prices per acre, substantially higher than the 10-year provincial average Wisconsin-based Olds Products. being taken off a little bit on the will be needed for growers if they of 777 pounds. “Considering their yields, and the wet side, but it’s that time of the want to increase acreage. Farm- fact that a lot of them did contract year to just bring in the last little Link Marketing Solutions released “Regardless of the high yields As of Oct. 25, Prairie Ag Hotwire a portion of their production bit.” its 2014-15 acreage estimates last this year, acres weren’t that had f.o.b. yellow mustard valued at higher prices than 38 cents, I Dyck said Canadian exports week and next season’s crop is high,” Dyck said. “In fact, they at 38 and 39 cents per pound, think it was an excellent year for should remain fairly steady, pegged at 330,000 acres, down were just slightly up from the brown at 36 to 37 cents per pound, growers.” which should in turn keep spot from 340,000 acres in 2013-14, previous year, so we have to have and the oriental variety at 27 to 29 According to Saskatchewan prices steady for the near term. and far below the five-year aver- a very serious contract price out cents per pound, with all prices Agriculture’s final crop progress “Canada’s export market is age of 426,000 acres. there (for 2014-15). being steady for the past month.

BRIEFS

New chair for Canadian Agricultural Safety Association

Denis Bilodeau, second vice-president of l’Union NITROGEN LOSS des producteurs agricole, is the new chair of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association. Bilodeau has been involved with the Win- nipeg-based organiza- STINKS tion for 15 years and has served as the board’s vice- president for four terms. “I hold farm safety close to my heart. It is deeply With untreated urea and UAN, you can lose rooted for me both per- valuable nitrogen as ammonia gas. That’s sonally and profession- ally,” said Bilodeau, who why you need SUPERU™ fertilizer. It’s replaces outgoing chair Dean Anderson, of Ontar- ready-to-use stabilized nitrogen fertilizer io’s Workplace Safety and that works above and below ground for Prevention Services. Other board members proven protection against volatilization, are Tara Huestis, (farm denitrification and leaching. safety specialist, Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I.), Lauranne Sand- erson (department head, Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus), Billy Woods (farmer, Torbay, Nfld.), Charan Gill (CEO, Progressive Intercultural Community Services, B.C.), and Niels Koehncke (acting direc- tor, Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agri- culture, Sask.).

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SUPERU™ and the SUPERU logo are trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. The Koch logo is a trademark of Koch Industries, Inc. © 2013 Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. 1-888-413-3325

Publication Manitoba Cooperator Advertiser / Client Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. / SUPERU™ stabilizer Adv. Agency Contact Jennifer Regan (316) 828-7942 Production Contact Stephen Floyd (316) 828-5751 Return Address 4111 E 37th Street N., Wichita, KS 67220 20 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Maple Leaf New hope in the search Foods posts for Ug99 stem rust resistance loss from continuing Canadian scientists have discovered a trio of genes that resist devastating disease

ceptible because they only con- The discovery of the genes operations AAFC RELEASE tained one gene with resistance marks a huge step in control- that was overcome by Ug99. ling Ug99 and is a significant Earnings well below t’s estimated that 90 per cent “The goal is to use genes in com- return on investment. The analysts’ expectations of global wheat varieties are bination to create a multi-gene Government of Canada com- Iat risk of contracting a devas- stack of resistance,” he said. mitted $13 million in 2009 to tating stem rust disease, Ug99. In the past year, AAFC has reduce the vulnerability of Discovered in Uganda in 1999, it sent seed of the resistant Cana- Canadian farmers to stem rust BY ROD NICKEL, REUTERS has already affected crops from dian varieties to wheat breed- diseases of wheat. Africa to Western Asia – and it’s ers in the United States and the Since then, AAFC scientists anadian food processor spreading. International Maize and Wheat have identified resistance in Maple Leaf Foods on Oct. 30 While the disease hasn’t Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Canadian wheat lines, but also Creported lower-than-expect- reached North America yet, a to develop improved local vari- ensured new varieties have at ed results for the third quarter, hurt team of Agriculture and Agri- eties in affected areas and in least two effective resistance mainly by weakness in its meat Food Canada (AAFC) scientists developing countries that are genes, and collaborated with business. have made a breakthrough most at risk. an international effort on all Excluding special items, the com- discovery in the international This research goes beyond aspects of wheat rust research pany, which is undergoing a major effort to control the disease by enhancing the security and pro- – from pathology to variety restructuring, posted a loss of one identifying and isolating three tection of Canada’s food supply; development and distribu- cent per share, compared with a new genes with high levels of international collaboration like tion. AAFC’s Tom Fetch said many year-earlier profit of 13 cents. resistance not previously used this will help meet the global AAFC is one of 23 promi- wheat varieties across the globe Analysts on average had expected in wheat breeding. challenge of doubling food pro- nent research organizations became susceptible because they earnings of eight cents a share, Tom Fetch, who leads the AAFC duction over the next 40 years to around the world participat- only contained one gene with according to Thomson Reuters. team, said many wheat varieties meet the demands of a growing ing in the Durable Rust Resis- resistance that was overcome by The Toronto-based company, across the globe became sus- population. tance in Wheat project. Ug99. one of Canada’s biggest pork pro- cessors and bakers, said revenue slipped 2.5 per cent to $1.15 billion. Analysts had forecast $1.2 billion. Shares of Maple Leaf fell 1.5 per cent to $15.07 in early trading. Maple Leaf’s results missed A CONSISTENT expectations mainly because of poor performance in the meat divi- Excellent Harvestability sion, said analyst Robert Gibson of Octagon Capital. TOP PERFORMER “This is a very challenging period of transition for the Maple Leaf organization, as the short-term impact of volatile protein market conditions, combined with the CL significant cost of change, has been 5525 material,” chief executive officer Michael McCain said in a state- ment. Maple Leaf is carrying out a multi-year program to upgrade yield, PROFiTABiliTy And mARkeTing FlexiBiliTy its meat operations by modern- izing some plants and shutting 5525 CL has been a proven performer across the Prairies in the many down others as it seeks to boost different environmental conditions experienced over the past few years. profits and better compete with U.S. rivals. Able to compete with the best in any system, 5525 CL is among the Third-quarter net income from ® Clearfield leaders in the field and, as always, offers complete marketing continuing operations fell to flexibility. One more benefit of growing 5525 CL: the new Ares™ Clearfield $14,000, or a loss of two cents a herbicide—another proven winner. share to common stockholders. If you are planning to grow canola next year, take a look at 5525 CL. The company posted earnings of $11.4 million, or six cents a share, In the end, it all comes down to performance and BrettYoung brings a new a year earlier on that basis. standard of excellence to the field. Maple Leaf has begun an auc- tion for its 90 per cent stake in Canada Bread Co. Ltd. It targeted brettyoung.ca • 800-665-5015 Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, one of the world’s largest bread makers, and private equity firms, as potential buyers, according to several peo- ple familiar with the matter. In August, Maple Leaf struck a deal to sell its Rothsay rendering business to Darling International Inc. for $645 million. Canada Bread also said earlier that it would sell its fresh pasta business Olivieri to Spain’s Ebro Foods SA for $120 million.

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BrettYoung is a trademark of BrettYoung Seeds Limited. its meat operations by modernizing Ares is a trademark and Clearfield and the unique Clearfield symbol are registered trademarks of BASF Agrochemical Products B.V. some plants and shutting down All used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. All others are trademarks of their respective companies. 13023 09.13 others as it seeks to boost profits and better compete with U.S. rivals. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 21 CME defends end-of-day India to cut wheat settlement price to boost exports rules Government stocks more than triple the target Open-outcry traders say the new rules make ndia may soon cut the floor price for exports has prompted the government to consider cut- the pits irrelevant of wheat from government warehouses by 13 ting the price. Iper cent, government sources said on Oct. “We could soon lower the price as we do not 15, which could boost shipments and put down- want to be seen as too rigid, but at the same ward pressure on benchmark prices in Chicago. time let me tell you that there is a good deal of By Tom Polansek The move could come after state-run trad- demand for Indian wheat,” a government offi- chicago / reuters ing firms in the world’s second-biggest wheat cial involved in the decision-making process producer after China earlier this month received said. M E Group Inc. chief execu- bids lower than the minimum rate for overseas The government could lower the price to $260 tive Phupinder Gill on Nov. sales, the sources said. a tonne, said another government source. C1 denied that the exchange Government warehouses are awash with Traders do not find the price of $300 a tonne operator changed its settlement wheat, with stocks at 36.1 million tonnes as of viable. rules to give electronic grain trad- Oct. 1, substantially higher than a target of 11 “It is the need of the hour to reduce the price ers an advantage over veterans million tonnes. The government also has an of $300 a tonne, because it is neither workable of the Chicago trading floor, who extra three million tonnes of wheat as strategic nor competitive,” said Tejinder Narang, an have sued the company, saying its reserves. adviser at trading company Emmsons Inter- new rules are killing their business. The cabinet in August allowed three govern- national. Gill testified as the trial opened ment-backed trading companies to export two India primarily exports wheat with 11 per cent in a lawsuit filed by traders who million tonnes of wheat at a floor price of $300 protein content. For buyers in the Middle East, work in the open-outcry pits on per tonne plus taxes. But in the first round of Indian wheat costs $325 a tonne c. & f., while the the Chicago Board of Trade’s export tenders, two exporters received bids same variety from the Black Sea region is avail- 140-year-old agricultural trading lower than $300 a tonne. That poor response able at $275-$280 a tonne c. & f., traders said. floor. They sued CME in June 2012 to halt new end-of-day settlement rules that factored in transactions executed electronically, where most of the volume takes place. Prior to the change, CME had a century-old tradition of settling futures prices for crops like corn and soybeans based on transac- tions executed in the pits. CME, the largest U.S. futures market operator, owns the CBOT. With Fuse fungicide, it doesn’t stand a chance. The settlement methods were changed “to reflect where the activity took place,” in electronic markets, Gill said in response to a question by the plaintiffs’ attorney on the first day of a trial over the rules in Chicago. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which over- sees CME and the CBOT, expressed concerns about the practice of bas- ing end-of-day settlement prices solely on open-outcry activity, he told Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney. Open-outcry traders have argued CME should not have implemented the new methods without a vote of approval by a majority of certain holders of CBOT memberships. The lawsuit represents the last stand for traders on the floor, who traditionally did much of their business at the close of trading and say the new procedures are mak- ing the pits irrelevant. Anthony McKerr, a plaintiff in the case and a trader in CBOT’s corn futures pit, testified that his income had dropped more than 80 per cent because of the revised rules. Before the change, floor traders had already seen business dwin- dle during the past seven years as a vast majority of trading has migrated to electronic platforms. Lawyers for CME said it did not And let’s face it, Fusarium head blight (FHB) is nothing to take chances on. If you grow spring, winter need members to vote on the settlement rules. And the new or durum wheat you know that protection during head emergence – before the disease takes hold – methods did not encourage cus- is crucial. Don’t let FHB affect your yield, grade, quality or rotations. Light the Fuse® before it starts. tomers to trade in electronic mar- kets as opposed to the pits, said Al Hogan, a lawyer representing the exchange operator.

Visit SyngentaFarm.ca or contact our Customer Resource Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682). One trader testified that his Always read and follow label directions. income had dropped more than 80 Fuse®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2013 Syngenta. per cent because of the revised rules. PHOo t : REUTERS

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JOB ID: CLIENT: PUBLICATION: CLIENT SERVICE: ______6245-1B SYNGENTA CANADA ALBERTA FARMER EXPRESS PROOFREADING: ______DATE: PROJECT: DESIGNER: NOV. 11, 2013 / DEC. 9, 2013 FUSE BRAND AD 2013 RAWBIE THRING ART DIRECTION: ______

MECHANICAL______PDFX______FINAL SIZE: 8.125" X 10" UCR: 240% PRODUCTION: ______22 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Alberta’s greenhouse industry prepares for retailers’ tougher environmental standards Alberta’s greenhouse growers A new three-year project will not only help greenhouse operators reduce are being challenged to become their carbon footprint but give them a new marketing tool greener to keep the doors open to retail customers. PHOTO: SUPPLIED BY AGGA

“But as time goes on, there will The project will also allow opera- growers association are survey- “We want to provide hands-on, BY TONY KRYZANOWSKI be more pressure from large retail- tors here to compare energy, water, ing the entire Alberta greenhouse practical information through AF CONTRIBUTOR / CALGARY ers to see their records on water, and materials consumption, as crops industry. The association various sessions and tours,” said material, wastes and energy use. well as labour costs and waste will survey produce, bedding Bozic. lberta’s greenhouse industry Our industry may face challenges management practices to those plant, and tree seedling sectors Once the benchmarks are is upping its environmental to meet their requirements.” of foreign greenhouse operators for its benchmarking study. established, greenhouse opera- Agame in anticipation that In addition to satisfying retail- — and then consider adopting The greenhouse industry is tors will be encouraged to invest large retailers such as Wal-Mart ers’ demands, it’s hoped the superior methods and technol- diverse, and some sectors already in more efficient heating, lighting are going to demand higher green three-year study will also identify ogy. As a starting point, Alberta using advanced energy, water, and waste management systems. standards from its suppliers. ways for greenhouse operators to Agriculture and the greenhouse and waste management systems They will also be asked to evalu- A recent study by Alberta Agri- boost productivity and profitabil- that reduce their carbon footprint, ate the reliability and efficiency of culture’s horticultural branch ity, he said. Mirza said. their equipment to see if changes identified the measurement of a But it’s a complex area. In addition to meeting the and further investment makes greenhouse’s carbon footprint as “I think many times growers demands of retailers, the project financial sense. Finally, they a priority. don’t understand what ‘green’ “As time goes on, there may help the industry develop will be asked to review whether In response, and with support means,” said Mohyuddin will be more pressure what may be considered ‘green’ adopting more environmentally from the Growing Forward 2 pro- Mirza, education director with products that could open more friendly technology could lower gram, industry has partnered with the Alberta Greenhouse Grow- from large retailers retail doors because of this value- their labour costs. Alberta Agriculture on a program to ers Association. “So I think it is to see their records added proposition, Bozic said. The Alberta Agriculture team measure and establish benchmarks important to give them a defini- The project team will also con- will also point individual green- for water, energy, materials usage, tion of what it means to be more on water, material, tact large retailers and ask what houses toward various govern- and waste. With those benchmarks green and more sustainable, and wastes and energy use. they require regarding the envi- ment grants that could provide in hand, individual greenhouse how this matches up with the ronmental footprint of their sup- financial assistance to help them owners will be able to make com- green and sustainability ratings Our industry may face pliers. At present, it appears there reduce their environmental foot- parisons and identify where there of retailers.” are no fixed standards and it is left print. One possible program is the is room for improvement. By documenting and reducing challenges to meet their to individual companies to set On-Farm Energy Management “For most of Alberta’s green- their carbon footprint, local veg- requirements.” their own standards and goals, Program of the Growing Forward house industry, in the short term, etable growers in particular will said Bozic. The team will also 2 initiative. Alberta Agriculture is this will not impact on any of their be able to compare themselves help industry to develop a Best holding two greenhouse industry sales or production management with foreign competitors such Management Practices guide, as workshops (in Edmonton on Dec. TOSO BOZIC systems,” said Toso Bozic, Alberta as Mexico and give consumers an well as benchmarking tools for 3 and in on Dec. 5) Agriculture agroforester and bioen- additional reason to buy Alberta improving water, material, waste, to introduce the project and share ergy specialist. produce, he said. and energy efficiency. some of the initial survey results.

™ Congratulations Congratulations Gilles & Claire anCtil MiChael & Joanne skinner Girouxville, AB Provost, AB

™

©2013 UFA Co-operative Ltd. All rights reserved. 10/13-22447 Winners of the 2013 UFA Fuel Up for a Pick-Up Contest! UFA.com

22447 UFA_FuelUp_Winners_21_6x7_75-AFE.indd 1 11/5/13 11:58 AM ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 23 Jerusalem artichoke has feed and biofuel potential for Alberta One study rates the crop as comparable to corn silage in feed value

Three of the cultivars are early BY ALEXIS KIENLEN maturing which produce excel- AF STAFF / EDMONTON lent tubers, while the other three are late-maturing forage cultivars t’s not from Jerusalem, it’s that produce fewer tubers. How- not an artichoke and up till ever, the forage cultivars produce Inow many have considered it between 25 and 30 tonnes of dry a weed. But Jerusalem artichoke matter biomass per hectare. “In could now offer new opportuni- good years, we are getting 50 ties for Alberta producers, says tonnes of dry matter biomass per Jan Slaski, senior researcher at hectare in 90 days every year in Alberta Innovates Technology perennial cultivation,” Slaski said. Futures in Vegreville. “This crop can be a truly multi- Tuber propagation Jerusalem artichoke tubers from purpose crop because you can Jerusalem artichoke is a cousin different cultivars worldwide. extract value from every single of the common sunflower. The part of the plant,” Slaski told difference between the two is the Opportunities in Agriculture that Jerusalem artichoke devel- World War, but was abandoned Symposium at the University of ops small flowers that do not set afterward. Slaski thinks it fell Alberta. viable seeds. Jan Slaski, researcher at Alberta Innovates Technology Futures research out of favour due to poor post- Jerusalem artichoke is native to “Many cultivars in Alberta do station in Vegreville, stands with a crop of Jerusalem artichoke. harvest storability. Tubers have the Great Plains and can be found not set off flowers at all, because PHOTOS: SUPPLIED a thin skin, which resulted in crop as far south as Georgia and as far they cannot complete the life losses during storage. west as the Saskatchewan border. cycle,” Slaski said. the production of fuel ethanol,” accessed by shallow-rooting crops Jerusalem artichoke can be used The crop was domesticated in Unlike sunflowers, Jerusa- said Slaski. like cereals. to feed cattle, pigs, horses and Europe after its introduction in lem artichokes develop tubers, He has collaborated with a team It can also be used for phytoreme- sheep. Slaski said one study rated the 17th century. Ten years ago, which are sometimes used as a from Olds College to extract puri- diation or land reclamation. Tubers the crop as comparable to corn Slaski brought European culti- vegetable. Tubers can easily sur- fied inulin from different artichoke of some cultivars of Jerusalem arti- silage in feed value. His team con- vars to the Vegreville research vive Alberta’s cold winter tem- tubers and stems. A company called choke are set on long underground ducted studies that determined the station. He said they have good peratures, allowing for perennial Novagreen has commercialized the stems which form a net-like struc- plant has excellent non-digestible agronomic properties, but retain cultivation. They contain inulin technology and will be creating a ture that can stabilize soil. fibre, digestible nutrients, a good some advantageous natural rather than starch. Inulin, which plant in the Killam area to extract “It’s also a great plant form for calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and properties such as frost resis- is also stored in the stems, is a inulin from Jerusalem artichoke. molecular farming because it protein balance. tance. dietary fibre that can be used for transforms fairly easily, has been “The amount of digestible energy Slaski collected 42 genotypes industrial use, in medicine and High yields used several times and there is lots for cattle is four times higher than from cultivars developed in in processed foods. It also has Jerusalem artichoke is a high-yield- of interest. It generates huge vol- typically used material in Alberta,” Europe, Asia and Africa, found six potential for use as biofuels and ing plant that in Alberta can grow ume of biomass where genes were he said. “We’re talking about bar- that were ideal for Alberta grow- biopolymers. about four metres tall in less than 90 inserted or farmed in this crop,” ley silage and barley greenfeed, for ing conditions, and obtained “When I first learned about days. The plant develops roots that Slaski said. example.” the rights for these cultivars in Jerusalem artichoke, it was stretch deep into the earth, reach- The crop was commonly used both North and South America. known as the best feedstock for ing water in layers not normally in Europe before the Second [email protected]

™ Congratulations Congratulations Gilles & Claire anCtil MiChael & Joanne skinner Girouxville, AB Provost, AB

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©2013 UFA Co-operative Ltd. All rights reserved. 10/13-22447 Winners of the 2013 UFA Fuel Up for a Pick-Up Contest! UFA.com

22447 UFA_FuelUp_Winners_21_6x7_75-AFE.indd 1 11/5/13 11:58 AM 24 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA China and others quietly binged on U.S. grain during government shutdown Corn and soy net exports were sharply above trade estimates during the 16-day blackout

export sales information during high even on a pro rata weekly But that system went on hold China, the world’s largest buyer CHICAGO / REUTERS the shutdown, showed purchases basis. A slump in prices that took during the shutdown. Only on Oct. of soybeans, bought nearly half in the three weeks to Oct. 24 had far benchmark U.S. corn prices to 31 was the USDA able to release of the soy (2,112,300 tonnes), and hina and other big grain outstripped analysts’ expectations, their lowest in three years prob- tabulated sales made during the there was a large sale of 550,800 importers embarked on a despite weeks of market chatter ably also spurred buying. three weeks up to Oct. 24, publish- tonnes to an unknown destina- Ccorn and soybean buying about unusually large purchases. All sales to export U.S. grain ing the data in a single batch rather tion. Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, spree during the U.S. government’s “It does play out the notion that must be reported to the USDA on than as three separate weeks. Taiwan and Japan also bought 16-day shutdown last month, tak- when nobody is watching, the Chi- a weekly basis, and larger one-off large volumes. ing advantage of a lapse in manda- nese will be in to buy,” said Citi- deals must be reported daily. This Topping 4.5 million Corn sales likewise were huge tory reporting of their deals, data group futures specialist Sterling system was instituted following Net export sales of soybeans for at 4,555,500 tonnes for the cur- showed Oct. 31. Smith. the 1972 “great grain robbery” in the current marketing year (2013- rent marketing year, nearly Figures from the U.S. Department Sales of corn and soybeans for which the Soviet Union quietly 14) totalled 4,742,000 tonnes, well twice as large as the high end of of Agriculture, which had halted the three-week period both topped arranged a series of big export above the high end of a range of 2.5 million in the range of trade collection of required weekly grain 4.5 million tonnes, exceptionally deals that drove up U.S. prices. estimates at three million tonnes. estimates.

It’s all tied up. When it comes to yield supremacy, it’s six of one, half dozen of the other. It’s been talked about, debated, and argued amongst growers across the prairies. When it’s all said and done, according to yield trials, Genuity® Roundup Ready® hybrids yield on par with the competition.* Like all contests this close, the debate rages on... for now.

*Source: 2012 Field-Scale Canola Performance Trials Always follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2013 Monsanto Canada, Inc. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 25 Feed supply looks good heading into winter Alfalfa yields of 1.5 tonnes, or more, per acre were reported across the Prairies

far above the 10-year average of In the Interlake, yields for alfalfa years there would be districts that tainly going to be an alternative BY BRANDON LOGAN 1.2 tonnes per acre, she said. were 1.75 tonnes per acre for the have timely rains and good yields, for livestock producers to top up COMMODITY NEWS SERVICE CANADA The big crop was desperately first cut, 0.66 tonnes per acre for while another district a few hours as need arises.” needed. the second cut, and 0.25 tonnes away would have missed the rains good year has allowed “A lot of producers, by the time for the third and final cut. Alfalfa/ and their yields would be less than Prairie producers to it came to putting cattle on pas- grass and tame hay yielded 1.5 what would be considered accept- A replenish forage supplies. tures this past spring, had quite tonnes per acre on the first cut able. We didn’t experience that “For the most part, yields were decreased stocks, and in some and 0.66 tonnes per acre on the here this year.” average to above average,” said cases, depleted stocks,” said Cruise. second cut. Native hay was one Most producers in Alberta saw Daphne Cruise, regional crops “I think going into the winter, it tonne per acre for the only cut two or three cuts, leading to strong specialist for Saskatchewan sounds like everybody has enough and greenfeed was two tonnes supplies for producers heading Agriculture. “It looks like we’re hay, but I don’t think there’s a lot of per acre for its only cut. into winter, he said. still fairly average in terms of surplus out there.” It’s the same story in Alberta, “This would certainly take care quality.” Manitoba is also reporting ade- said Ken Ziegler, forage special- of any carry-over deficiencies,” he Alfalfa and alfalfa/brome hay, quate to above-average feed ist with Alberta Agriculture. said. “I think we’re in a good posi- which make up the majority of supplies, according to Manitoba “Overall, we’ve had good yields tion. Another factor playing in is Many cow-calf producers across forage crops in Saskatchewan, Agriculture, Food and Rural Ini- and no hungry pockets through- the cost of grain. Grain is plentiful the Prairies are in good shape for averaged 1.7 tonnes per acre — tiatives. out the province,” he said. “Many and cheap this year, so that’s cer- winter feed.

It’s all tied up. When it comes to yield supremacy, it’s six of one, half dozen of the other. It’s been talked about, debated, and argued amongst growers across the prairies. When it’s all said and done, according to yield trials, Genuity® Roundup Ready® hybrids yield on par with the competition.* Like all contests this close, the debate rages on... for now.

*Source: 2012 Field-Scale Canola Performance Trials Always follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2013 Monsanto Canada, Inc. 26 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

does U.S. farm kids have your yield mixed views on Zilmax measure Some youth prefer to win without the extra help beta-agonists supply up?

101% of 5440

102% of 45H29*

Young Hereford steers are shown at the prospects competition at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, Texas October 2, 2013. PHOTOS: REUTERS/MIKE STONE

Ractopamine has not been tied BY LISA BAERTLEIN AND to the animal welfare issues seen in P.J. HUFFSTUTTER cattle this year. DALLAS / REUTERS “If it’s legal, you use all of your options,” said Justana Tate, 17, a or more than a century, Texas state fair competitor, her ranchers and their kids have championship belt buckle gleam- Fparaded cattle around the ing as she stroked her snorting steer dusty show ring at the State Fair of to calm him. Texas in Dallas, in a rite of passage Tate is a Zilmax fan. “I think it’s a that is part farm economics, part fabulous product,” she said. rural theatre. Today, with U.S. auction prices Muscle-building staple for champion cattle topping Many of the fresh-faced kids who $300,000 a head and hefty scholar- compete at cattle shows have seen ship cheques for winners at stake, beta-agonists on their family farms the competitive pressures are or feedlots. Full-strength Zilmax, intense. It’s no wonder animals when added to feed weeks before Kaley Kelley of College Station, with names like Beast or Chappie slaughter, can add about 30 pounds Texas shows her Charolais steer in get the farm version of luxury spa of muscle to the average 1,300- the prospects competition at the pampering — shelter from summer pound steer. State Fair of Texas in Dallas, Texas heat, baths with pricey shampoos When those children begin com- October 2, 2013. and careful coiffing with electric peting, some reach for medicated razors. show feeds, which are readily avail- of the Texas state fair’s agriculture Many also get muscle-building able at rural feed stores and via the and livestock department, shrugs livestock drugs added into animal Internet, say competitors and show off concerns. The FDA allows Zil- feed. While performance-boosting organizers. max in beef cattle heading to gro- drugs are banned today in most In some cases, manufacturers cery stores, he reasoned, so con- human sports competitions, Zil- distribute free samples of medi- testants should learn to use it, too. max and other drugs of a type cated feed to youth development Real said most contestants called beta-agonists are federally groups 4-H or Future Farmers of use Zilmax responsibly: Even in approved and generally allowed America, said Richard Sellers, the Texas, judges don’t want steers on the livestock-show circuit. American Feed Industry Associa- to be too big. For many contestants the secret tion’s vice-president for nutrition “I liken it to the way I like weapon of choice is Zilmax, a con- and feed regulation. The practice whipped cream on a dessert,” Real troversial feed additive sold by is legal — and pragmatic. said. “A little bit goes a long way. Merck & Co. Zilmax-based feeds “You want them to buy feed You can have too much whipped can give show kids an edge in the when they grow up,” Sellers said. cream and ruin the dish.” headline competition for market- Some young competitors say ready steers and heifers, say show Winners’ circles and they’d rather win without Zilmax. sponsors and competitors. They drug tests Ten-year-old Saige Martin of add thicker meat where judges like At the Texas state fair, champion Hereford, Texas, raised her steer it most, between the 12th and 13th steers routinely fetch six-figure Corndog free of beta-agonists, ribs, where rib-eye steaks come prices at auctions held just after said her father, show cattle from. winners’ belt buckles are handed breeder Brian Martin. Merck temporarily suspended out. The same goes for the recent Corndog’s closest competitor Zilmax sales in the United States American Royal livestock show was a 1,318-pound cross-breed and Canada in August, soon after in Kansas City, Missouri, or the steer named Rojo, and 16-year- the largest U.S. meat processor, National Western Stock Show in old Caitlen Doskocil of Holland, Tyson Foods Inc., stopped accept- Denver, Colorado, in January. Texas, used a ractopamine feed ing Zilmax-fed cattle for slaughter Slaughterhouses and agribusi- “to stout him up,” said Caitlen’s over animal welfare concerns. After ness firms often buy the winning father, Doyle Doskocil. The fam- Merck last week said it was prepar- steers and market heifers to bur- ily’s supply of a Zilmax-based feed ing to return Zilmax to the market, nish their brands and encourage had run out, he said. food giant Cargill Inc. declared it youngsters’ farming careers. After Inside the Texas state fair show would bar Zilmax-fed animals from that, the animals are slaughtered. ring, Corndog — named after the its supply chain until it was “100 The zeal at livestock shows can popular American snack because only available at per cent confident” those issues run so hot that there have been of his colouring — towered over selected retailers. are resolved. drug abuse allegations in the Saige, whose cool smile masked But in cattle shows at state and past, though Zilmax has not been her jitters. A judge slowly circled county fairs across the Farm Belt, implicated. the steer and ran his hands over Zilmax remains popular. Existing Some parents and cattle ranch- the back, feeling for a thick pad- stockpiles of Zilmax-based show ers want beta-agonist use banned ding of muscle. feeds circulated at fairs this fall. at shows. Arizona rancher Harvey Corndog was named Grand *2012 YieldWorks and Demonstration Trials Always follow grain marketing and all other So, too, did products made with Dietrich, co-founder of advocacy Champion steer. At auction, he stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Optaflexx, a rival drug by Eli Lilly & group Beef Additive Alert, said sold for $110,000, a fair record. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers Co.’s Elanco Animal Health group the shows are fuelling a culture Saige got a $30,000 cheque for printed in this publication. that is based on ractopamine, also of shortcuts. her college fund — after Corndog a beta-agonist. But Daryl Real, vice-president passed his drug test. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 27 Tractor starts after year-long burial in manure pile Farm operator pled guilty in December last year to a charge of possession of property obtained by crime

of possession of property (value BY DAVE BEDARD over $5,000) obtained by crime. AGCANADA.COM Friedrichs’ former common- law wife, Christin Peter, 23, was or a few days in the summer also charged in 2012 with posses- of 2012 it may have been sion of the stolen property and Fthe most famous tractor in was not convicted, according to Western Canada, though it would RCMP. never pull an implement again. Provincial Court Judge Cynthia But a southern Manitoba equip- Devine gave Friedrichs a condi- ment dealer who bought the 2009 tional discharge with 12 months’ Case IH Steiger 485 says the unit, probation and 25 hours of com- long since dismantled for parts, munity service, based on a joint could possibly have been put recommendation from Crown back in use — even after it lan- and defence lawyers, and also guished for months completely ordered him to attend counsel- buried in manure. ling. When it was reported missing Crown attorney Kathleen on Dec. 21, 2010 from Leo’s Sales Tokaruk told the court Friedrichs and Service in the RM of Rosser, admitted knowing the tractor was just northwest of Winnipeg, the on his property and that it was Steiger Quadtrac was valued at stolen, but he has denied steal- about $300,000. ing it. Needless to say, the tractor Defence lawyer Greg Gudelot had depreciated by the time said Friedrichs — who emigrated it was found in early June last from Germany to Canada years year. RCMP from Fisher Branch earlier, bought the rural prop- — about 150 km north of Rosser erty and had tried since then to — followed a Crime Stoppers tip farm — “reluctantly” agreed to a to a farm in the RM of Fisher, request to keep the tractor there. southwest of the town. Lawyers at the December court RCMP said they took out a hearing did not name anyone as search warrant, hired an exca- having made such a request. vator and, over the next couple “I don’t know if he’s necessar- of days, found the tractor “bur- Needless to say, the tractor had depreciated by the time it was found in early June last year. ily aware of why it was put there” ied underneath a 12- to 15-foot in the manure, Gudelot told the manure pile on the property.” The tractor’s insurer had Steiger from the insurance com- “Even the interior of the cab judge, adding the tractor was RCMP photos of the dig were already settled with Leo’s for the pany for parts. wasn’t that bad,” Chabot said. never used on the farm and was widely circulated. The tale of the unit after it had disappeared, he Service staff at the dealer- “We put the seat in a payloader buried “continuously” from when tractor’s discovery made nation- said, thus the insurance company ship hooked up a battery to the we have here.” it arrived there. wide news and was the second- owned the recovered tractor. It unit and were able to restart it, “It doesn’t appear... that you’ve most viewed story on AGCanada. was put up for salvage tender, Chabot said. Two offers came in Probation benefited in any way from having com in 2012. thus wouldn’t be put back into to buy the tractor whole, he said, Don’t expect answers to the lin- the tractor on your land,” whether The photos show a tractor in service, he added. but in any case it turned out to be gering questions, though: How through farm use or resale, Devine which the cab’s glass broke under worth more as parts. The engine, did the tractor end up in Fisher? told Friedrichs during sentencing. the weight of the burial. “The pile Still started transmission and rear end and And why was it then buried in She noted he had “faced some of manure was like a sponge to However, the 534-horsepower other major components were manure? financial disaster” on the farm water,” and water had collected tractor could conceivably have all salvaged and sold. Julian Friedrichs, 25, who and was in the process of “try- in the unit’s major cavities, Ger- run again, according to Bernie “We thought (the damage) operated the farm where the ing to pick up (his) socks.” The ald Grandmont of Leo’s later Chabot of Chabot Implements would be worse than that,” he tractor was buried, pled guilty in lawyers noted Friedrichs had no recalled. of Elie, Man., which bought the said, noting a bit of rusting. December last year to a charge prior arrests or criminal record.

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Always follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. 28 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Consumer acceptance remains elusive for biotechnology sector World Food Prize laureates say better methods are needed for communicating science to the general public

BY LAURA RANCE CO-OPERATOR EDITOR / DES MOINES, IOWA

he greatest challenge feed- ing the world’s growing Tpopulation is not about the science needed to boost produc- tion, it is convincing the public to accept it, scientists receiving the 2013 World Food Prize said here last week. The three scientists honoured as pioneers of genetically modi- fied crops spent much of their time defending the two-decades- old technology against concerns they say should have been laid to rest long ago. “Looking back at the begin- ning of this science, I don’t think I could ever imagine it would have had the impact and adap- tation that it has had today,” said Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s execu- tive vice-president and chief bio- Robb Fraley (l to r), Mary-Dell Chilton and Marc Van Montagu discuss public perceptions of biotechnology at a World Food Prize forum. PHOTOS: LAURA RANCE technology officer. “And I never thought in the early stages that for scientists to select for specific to the industry’s credibility. But we would still be talking about traits, he said. the decision was condemned by acceptance and the consumer “I am optimistic that the tools organizations that continue to challenges we are talking about that we have in biotechnology challenge the safety of geneti- today.” are incredible. From the science cally modified crops and worry He noted genetically modified perspective we’re seeing just the about corporate control of the crops developed by his company tip of the iceberg by way of new food chain. The Occupy the World and others have an “impeccable” opportunities,” he said. Food Prize movement, which safety track record and been But at the same time as the is critical of biotechnology, was embraced by farmers in more world is called upon to double its among the 30 or so organizations than 30 countries all over the food supply, producing more in holding side events concurrent world. the next few decades than it has with the three-day-long Borlaug “The beauty of the science is in its entire history to feed an esti- Dialogues. taking all of this advancement in mated 9.6 billion people by 2050, Van Montagu said he accepts biology and genetic engineering the backlash continues against that there is a segment of the and putting it in a seed. Every one of the technologies that can population that based on per- farmer in the world knows what help make that happen. sonal beliefs, will never accept to do with a seed. The barriers to the technology. “There are peo- adoption are very, very low and Three receive award ple who believe in horoscopes; the ability to reap benefit is high,” Fraley joined Marc Van Montagu, there are people who believe that Protesters outside the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, he said. the founder of the Institute for spaceships come here; that is not Iowa. However, it continues to face Plant Biotechnology Outreach in problematic,” he said. opposition from consumers, Belgium, and Mary-Dell Chilton, “But it becomes problematic an option that already exists for views us as the first step in the activist groups and politicians. founder of Syngenta Biotechnol- if it becomes a power structure organic and non-GM growers, food chain,” Fraley said. “We need to make people under- ogy Inc. in accepting the annual that really destroys our society the push to require labelling of He said the key will be reach- stand the technology has been award recognizing individuals — because that is what is really foods containing GMOs would be ing out to consumers in ways that tested and the safety has never who have contributed to global going on,” Van Montagu said. “If counterproductive. Like calories haven’t been tried before. been compromised.” food security. you cannot use science in society and nutritional content, label- “We are going to have to engage What’s more, the technology Biotech proponents celebrated anymore because of these crazy ling implies there is something and act differently,” Fraley said. has transformed plant breeding, the World Food Prize Founda- beliefs, then there is a problem; different about the product that “We don’t have the conversation taking it to the molecular level, as tion’s decision to honour three of I would even say there is a war pertains to people’s health or through press releases, it’s going gene mapping makes it possible its own as a much-needed boost going on that is much more nutrition. to have to be more personal and serious than we were thinking “I think it would be the death we’re going to have to be much before.” of the technology in a real sense more effective in how we out- He said the anti-GM campaign if we have obligatory labelling,” reach using social media and in Europe has effectively made it Chilton said. really where we put our energy. impossible for researchers to even Fraley said that as scientists, And that’s going to be a really big do your costs study GM crops. “It is a very clever they failed to realize how emo- part of the change that we need way that everything has been par- tional the debate would become. to make as a company and as an measure up? alyzed.” “Looking back, I would say that industry.” Yet the sector has not found an as a company and as an industry effective way to communicate the we are science based and I think Bigger picture only available at science to the general public in a we believed that the science Several of the conference’s main selected retailers. manner it accepts. “If we cannot would be adequate to address speakers emphasized that while solve the communication prob- the safety and some of the public production-enhancing tech- lem, it will all be lost,” he said. concerns that we see today,” he nologies, including biotechnol- The backlash against science said. “It hasn’t been. ogy, are important, part of the is not limited to biotechnology. “We have always viewed our- backlash is related to the focus on John Ruff, former president of selves as a company that pro- them as the sole solution to world the Institute of Food Technolo- duces and improves seeds that hunger. Hybrid gists, said despite all the progress help farmers. Farmers have been “It is important to emphasize $60/acre made in safely preserving food, our complete focus as a company that the is enough food to feed there is a growing movement in as our key customers,” he said, everybody, but availability does society against science altering noting it is working now to bet- not ensure access,” said Jomo CANTERRA food, even if it is making it safer. ter understand the roots of con- Kwame Sundaram, a senior official sumer concerns. with the United Nations Food and 1918 “There is a growing cry that any- thing that is processed is bad for “Over the last year we’ve spent Agriculture Organization (FAO). $45/acre you,” he told a seminar on post- a lot of time engaging in conver- Yemi AkinBamijo, the executive harvest losses. “We don’t want sations and really listening ses- director for the Forum for Agricul- science in our food, we want sions with hundreds of groups, tural Research in Africa, said up to something freshly grown.” NGOs (non-government orga- 60 per cent of what is already pro- “I would argue that that is the nizations), people in the food duced in Africa doesn’t reach the biggest single threat to the sur- industry, housewives and moms marketplace. Dealing with post- vival of mankind.” to talk about how to do it differ- harvest losses alone would dra- ently,” he said. “The key thing matically boost food availability, Labelling counterproductive that struck me is that while we he said. Chilton said while voluntary considered ourselves to be a seed Always follow grain marketing and all other stewardship practicespesticide and label directions. Details of these requirements can beTrait found Stewardship in the Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. labelling of non-GM crops is provider, the rest of the world [email protected] ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 29 It’s a highly nutritious and long-season forage, but can kale handle winter? A kale-ryegrass combination offers grazers extended grazing opportunities in the fall and a summertime forage option, too

Brassica crops were used in a had he seeded in May, he might BY JENNIFER BLAIR number of feeding trials in the have been able to get two or AF STAFF / RED DEER 1980s, said Grant Lastiwka, an three grazings out of it over the Alberta Agriculture livestock/ summer, according to Lastiwka. razers growing kale for forage business specialist. At the “Grazing earlier in the year forage will soon see how time, they weren’t able to com- could have been a good oppor- Gthe crop handles an Alber- pete with the higher-yielding tunity to have a high-quality for- ta winter. cereals that were available, but age in the middle of the summer “It’s supposed to handle the cold the results may be different this and then have it regrow so that really well and still stand. We got time around, he said. we can get more grazing days out -10 here the other day and heavy “We’re looking at it again with of it in the late fall, when its qual- frost, and she’s still going,” said some new cultivars and a little ity truly is a resource that other Crossfield-area grazer Graeme bit of a fresh face to see where forages don’t have as much of,” Finn at the recent Foothills Forage it fits into our industry,” said said Lastiwka. and Grazing Association crop tour. Lastiwka. Overwintering in the plants Finn has grown brassicas in One of the benefits of a bras- could be “problematic,” said PGG his native Australia, and he’s sica grown with a ryegrass is the Seeds agronomist John Snider, keen to know if kale, a member extended grazing opportunity, as Kale is an increasingly popular vegetable for humans, but some varieties who is conducting trials of some of that plant family, grown with both maintain their quality and have animal feed potential as well. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK brassica genetics in Alberta. a ryegrass for forage will work in continue to grow late into the fall. “These are temperate plants, Alberta’s climate. The mix has 16 per cent crude some excellent fall performance And because kale will regrow, but I wouldn’t have brought “It hasn’t got a lot of bulk, but protein and high energy levels. when they’re off their mothers it offers grazers a summertime them up here if I didn’t think it’s got huge feed value,” he said. “What we’re seeing there in and to help keep the costs down forage option as well. In his trial, they had a chance.” “This would work really well for that combination is truly a nice as we graze them later into the Finn seeded in mid-June to see rotational grazing.” fit for calves to really give them fall,” Lastiwka said. how the kale will overwinter, but [email protected]

Mosaic third- Get the N that delivers quarter all seasoN loNG. profit plunges A delayed U.S. crop harvest has pushed back autumn fertilizer use

BY ROD NICKEL REUTERS

osaic Co. reported sharp- ly lower third-quarter Mearnings Nov. 5 as prices of its potash and phosphate fell with buyers taking a cautious stance, and the U.S. fertilizer company said prices may remain weak into 2014. Mosaic in September cut its third-quarter sales and price out- look for potash and phosphate because crop nutrient markets softened after the July 30 breakup of Belarusian Potash Co. (BPC), which triggered a price slide. A delayed U.S. crop harvest also pushed back autumn fertilizer use, said Mosaic chief executive Jim Prokopanko. He said North American demand looked strong for the rest of 2013, but pricing might be chal- lenging in 2014. With potash prices weak, Mosaic might curtail production at its high-cost Carlsbad, New Mexico, mine, depending on where prices move, but is also potentially inter- ested in buying other North Amer- ican potash assets, Prokopanko ESN® SMART NITROGEN® is the best choice for your farm said in an interview. “We’re always interested in because timely nitrogen feeding enhances yield and crop expanding top-line growth. At quality. With a single application, ESN nourishes crops the right valuations, those kind throughout the growing season, so you get everything you of combinations might prove of interest,” he said when asked ©2013 Agrium Advanced Technologies. ESN; ESN SMART NITROGEN; can out of your nitrogen investment. Get the facts from SMARTER WAYS TO GROW A SMARTER SOURCE OF NITROGEN. about Mosaic’s potential interest A SMARTER WAY TO GROW and AGRIUM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES your retailer, or visit SmartNitrogen.com. in U.S. producer Intrepid Potash and Designs are all trademarks owned by Agrium Inc. 08/13-21782-01 Inc. or a Canadian potash mine under construction by Germany’s K+S AG.

21782_01 ESN N Buffet-GN.indd 1 8/21/13 9:38 AM 30 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Developing a new agriculture product — and making a profit Alberta Agriculture offers a business coaching service for those developing new farm products

information that might impact munication. Keep the spirit of con- Agri-News your sales. Search for supportive stantly asking. groups such as Alberta Farm Fresh The management team should n Alberta Agriculture spe- producers Association, Farmers be a reflection of the skills you are cialist says that, when Market Associations and organi- weak in. Organization team mem- A developing a new farm zations related to where you want bers should be a well-rounded product, there is a process that is to sell. team of marketing, production, important to follow to ensure the Review the costs of production bookkeeping etc. When key part- investment makes money. and delivery options and related ners are connected to the resources “No matter what business idea costs to make sure there is profit and supplies you are more likely to you decide to pursue, thinking in this idea. Review the marketing succeed at your chosen activity. through the development pro- plan and the steps necessary to cess makes business growth a comply with the regulations. Product technology smoother process,” says Jan War- or operations ren, new venture coach, Alberta Build a strong Consider facility structure; plan Agriculture, Lethbridge. “And by management team to include support for produc- finding out what regulations affect Most valuable key in any organi- tion and deliveries, IT systems developing a new ag product, zation is good open, honest com- and financials. and the proper safe and market Plan your production lay- requirements, you can develop a out to allow for future growth future for your family.” and development of revenue Warren says there are four steps streams. that should be followed when “No matter what starting a new venture. business idea you decide Develop your strategy Will you require a carefully devel- There are several steps in developing a new product, says an AARD new Design a distinctive to pursue, thinking oped image designed to reach venture coach. PHOo h t : t inkstock business idea through the development out, communicate and promote What value or unique features do your product or service? in the early stages,” says Warren. “Strengthen your opportunity’s you bring to your customer, and process makes business Develop your strategy for the “You can access the publication success by contacting a new how will you sell to your customer growth a smoother sales and marketing team to get Starting and Growing a Busi- venture coach for links to regu- needs? and maintain the customer base ness – Business Considerations lations, resources, and a network Who will buy, and what munici- process.” you will need. Build in the costs on Alberta Agriculture’s website connecting you to others with a pal, food safety, and marketplace of marketing to help you grow for more links to the rules and similar interest.” and labelling regulations might business. regulations you need to know. For more information on start- arise in the places you intend to “Developing a new value- “As well, Alberta Agriculture ing new agriculture-related busi- sell? added agriculture product provides a business coaching ness opportunity, call 403-310- Consider your competition, and depends on yourB:10.25” ability to seek service for those developing new 3276 toll free and ask to speak work with any commodity group out all the informationT:10.25” you need farm products,” adds Warren. to a new venture coach. S:10.25”

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InVigor® needs Liberty® the same way. Because powerful Liberty herbicide is the backbone of the LibertyLink® system and together, they’re partners.

Evelyn Winkler, LANGDON, AB

BayerCropScience.ca/Liberty or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. InVigor®, Liberty® and LibertyLink® are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. C-61-08/13-BCS13105-E

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 31 CCA seeks producers keeping an eye on the flock to test drive BIXS Version 2 System provides carcass data back to producers

CCAe releas

IXS, the voluntary Internet- based database designed to B capture and exchange data linked to an individual animal’s unique electronic ID tag number, is looking for test drivers for its lat- est version. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association is offering early access to a limited number of producers Paul Rishaug works his young border collie Nell on a flock of sheep at his farm in , Alta. Just a young dog, Nell is still in training. to test drive the software before its Phto n o : We dy Dudley official release. BIXS 2 reflects the experience gained off building, delivering and operating the first version of the Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS). The CCA contracted Arcurve, a Canadian-based software firm, last summer to develop the next version of the BIXS. Working with the BIXS management team Arcurve’s progress has been steady and it’s now time to pre- test the new BIXS 2 software with beef producers. The new version is significantly easier to use and a completely different platform with a great new look and feel. BIXS 2 houses superior functionality with quick and flexible import/export tools including a Beef Record Universal Translator (BRUT) to enable dif- ferent herd and feedlot manage- ment software to ‘speak BIXS.’ There’s also the Sourcer Utility, which enables cross-segment sourcing based on individual ani- mal or carcass data or health and management protocols. Volunteers are needed to help the BIXS team test and refine the application leading up to the first SIMPLICITY AND of a series of releases this quar- ter. Specifically, the BIXS team requires users who: • Have used herd management software for some time, and who CONVENIENCE ARE IN THE BAG. are willing to use BRUT to export ® ® test data for BIXS. Testing a vari- Tear into Genuity RIB Complete corn for greater convenience, insect protection, and yield potential. ety of herd management programs ensures BIXS will be ready to receive data from many different sources. ® ® • Are existing BIXS-registered pro- GENUITY VT DOUBLE PRO ducers, who would be willing to RIB COMPLETE® GIVES YOU: log into BIXS 2 alpha to examine their BIXS 1 data to ensure every- thing has migrated to the new ver- • 5% refuge right in the bag. sion of BIXS. Just pour and plant. • Are new or existing BIXS pro- ducers willing to add new 2013 calf data to BIXS 2 to test system • Two modes of action against corn functions and to gauge how easy Above Ground Protection the process is. earworm and European corn borer, above ground. Be sure to scout for them. Producers who are interested in Refuge 5% IN THE BAG taking part in these tests are asked to contact [email protected]. • Higher yield potential thanks Herbicide Tolerance ROUNDUP READY® 2 TECHNOLOGY to effective insect control and reduced refuge.

GENUITY® BECAUSE EVERY KERNEL MATTERS. VISIT YOUR SEED REP OR GENUITYTRAITS.CA

ALWAYS FOLLOW IRM, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2013 Monsanto Company

Genuity AD# 40033 “Simplicity and Convenience” Client: Monsanto Insertion Order # LCA00398 905.403.0055 > [email protected] Pub: Alberta Farmer Dimensions: Trim: Jr. Tab 4/C = 8.125” x 10” 32 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Canadian Angus youth win world championship Three national teams competed in New Zealand, including two Albertans

The reserve champion world Staff title was also awarded to a Cana- dian team, Team B- squarED, outh teams representing consisting of captain Erika Easton, Canada at the 2013 PGG Wawota, Saskatchewan; Ty Diet- Y Wrightson World Angus rich, Forestburg, Alta.; Kaitlynn Forum in New Zealand have Bolduc, Stavely, Alta.; and Mat- returned home with both cham- thew Bates, Cameron, Ont.. Bates pion and reserve champion titles. was also announced the high indi- The Canucks with team mem- vidual for the entire contest, scor- bers Jared Hunter, Didsbury, ing highest in the most challenges Alta. (captain); Patrick Holland, as an individual. Montague, Prince Edward Island; The third team of outstanding Melissa McRae, Brandon, Man.; youth representing Canada was and Michael Hargrave, Max- The Eh Team and included Sean well, Ont., brought home the Enright, Renfrew, Ont., as cap- world champion title along with tain; Stacey Domolewski, Taber, NZ$10,000 prize money. Alta.; Chad Lorenz, , “I am so honoured to have been Alta.; and Breanna Anderson, selected to represent Canada on Swan River, Man. The Eh Team this prestigious trip and winning it brought home honours for is truly unbelievable,” said Melissa champion Team Presentation. McRae, winning team member in a Team members travelled to release. “I want to thank all the spon- Rotorua, North Island, New The Canucks champs: (l to r) Michael Hargrave, Ont., Patrick Holland, Maritimes, Melissa McRae, Brandon, Man. sors, organizers and volunteers for Zealand, Oct. 9 for a five-sec- and Jared Hunter, Didsbury, Alta. making this my best trip ever! Also to tion contest including general congratulate all the other competi- knowledge, parading (presenta- stock judging, animal prepara- challenge involving day-to-day by the Canadian Angus Foun- tors for welcoming us Canadians tion, showmanship and sports- tion (clip an animal for show) tasks). dation and the Canadian Angus and for all their hard work!” manship with an Angus animal), and agri-sports (hands-on team The teams’ travel was sponsored Association.

Monsanto to offer weather data analysis The company has acquired California- based Climate Corp.

By Carey Gillam reuters

o n s a n t o C o . , t h e world’s largest seed M company, reported a deeper quarterly loss Oct. 2 as seed sales slipped, and its 2014 profit forecast fell short of Wall Street estimates. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was unchanged at 42 per cent, but expenses rose to 35 per cent of net sales from 34 per cent a year earlier. Monsanto also said it was acquiring a climate data sci- JOB ID: ence company 6297_1G as part of a long- term growth plan. The acqui- sition of San Francisco-basedDATE: Climate Corp.OCT. for 30, $930 2013 million will diluteCLIENT: fiscal 2014 earnings by aboutSYNGENTA 14 cents CANADA a share, the company said. PROJECT: The ASTOUNDacquisition AD of Climate Corp., expected to close in the first quarter,PUBLICATION: will complement Monsanto’sALBERTA FARMER FieldScripts EXPRESS pre- cisionDESIGNER: planting platform for farmers.CHRISTINE Monsanto and rival DuPont Pioneer have been [ ] MECHANICAL [ ] PDF/X racing to roll out data-driven Shuts out disease. Locks in yield. productsFINAL to SIZE: help 8.125" farmers. X 10" In combination with Climate Corp.,UCR: the 240% FieldScripts product will tieCLIENT in weather SERVICE data analysis with field conditions informa- tion toPROOFREADING help farmers make bet- ter plantingART DIRECTION and harvest deci- sions, Monsanto said. The PRODUCTIONsystem also can recom- mend pest management based on disease and weather pat- terns. Monsanto said that in 2014 it Practically impenetrable yield protection. With two modes of action, Astound® will launch FieldScripts across stops Sclerotinia spores from germinating and fungal threads from growing. That frees your four states on hundreds of canola to do what it should: yield more. For more information, please contact our Customer thousands of acres at a price of about $10 per acre. - - ( - - - ) Resource Centre at 1 87 SYNGENTA 1 877 964 3682 or visit SyngentaFarm.ca It said its farm trials in 2012 Always read and follow label directions. Astound®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks showed a production boost of of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2013 Syngenta. five to 10 bushels per acre when FieldScripts was used.

6297_1G_Astound_Ad_Update_2014_AlbertaFarmerExpress.indd 1 10/17/13 12:21 PM ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 33

Alberta Barley launches U .S. ethanol plants reopen new website U.S. ethanol plants that have been shut for as many as five years are now coming back online as a record U.S. harvest has pushed down corn prices and improved profit margins Alberta Barley has launched its new albertabarley.com website, featuring up-to-date for makers of the biofuel. Cargill on Nov. 4 said it restarted a plant in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and information and resources for barley farmers. “Our new website is a one-stop shop for our Noble Group Ltd. said it will soon restart an Indiana ethanol plant that was shut for a year. members,” says Alberta Barley chairman Matt Sawyer. “The latest updates on our research Another facility that was idled for five years in Ohio came back online last month. Ethanol projects and market development initiatives are just a click away.” The new website will margins are the highest since late 2009 . — Reuters also be the new home for Barley Country, which has now moved to an online format.

New animal care codes Food-service industry feeling the heat, too, says may only intensify Tim Hortons official scrutiny of livestock sector Open housing for pigs and roomier cages for chickens aren’t cheap, nor are they likely to be the end of production changes

foot the bill for changes aimed cess will be closely watched, By Alex Binkley at reducing public concerns she predicted. af contributor / ottawa about animal welfare. “It’s likely the rest of the Manitoba Egg Farmers have food chain will be push- ithin days of the banned the installation of ing for an assessment of the wrap-up of this year’s conventional cages after Dec. effectiveness of the care pro- W National Farm Ani- 31, 2014. While enhanced grams,” said Ramsay. mal Care Council conference, housing provides birds with news reports surfaced about more space, perches, scratch- Intense scrutiny a disturbing case of abusive ing surfaces and private nest- Scrutiny of the livestock treatment of layer chickens at ing boxes, they cost 20 to 25 industry is not only intensi- two Alberta farms. per cent more. Hog produc- fying, but taking the sector on The controversy over the ers face even higher costs — to new ground. secretly filmed scenes shown an extra $820 to $1,155 per The livestock industry is on CTV’s “W5” was a reminder sow — for group housing under a lot of pressure from of the “strong emotions sur- and reduced use of gesta- “the rest of the world” to get rounding animal abuse,” said tion crates. Add in additional better at measuring animal Jackie Wepruk, the council’s labour and training costs, and pain, said University of Cal- general manager. it’s estimated the change gary professor, Ed Pajor, an It also drove home the could cost the Canadian pork expert in animal welfare and importance of completing the industry $500 million. behaviour. codes, she said, noting work on There are procedures for the layer industry code won’t Who pays? animals such as dehorning Restaurants such as Tim Hortons need to prove to their customers be finished before funding Should those costs fall and castration to reduce suf- that they are buying ethically raised products. expires at the end of the year. entirely on producers? fering, but researchers are “So then we will be waiting “How much of it is a pub- trying to accurately measure in line to see if we can get the lic good and how much pain in livestock and looking But his advice was to get funding,” said Wepruk. “We should commodity groups be at how it can be reduced fur- By Alex Binkley used to it. have no idea when it might expected to pay for?” Wepruk ther, if not eliminated, he said. af contributor / ottawa “This is about a journey — come through.” asked. “Have we done everything not a destination,” he said. “It The “W5” program showed The new codes, along with possible to make the process he food-service industry has to be a journey of continu- hens, including dead ones, an Animal Care Assessment animal welfare friendly?” is under pressure from ous improvement.” crowded in cages and chicks Framework are “tremendous Pajor asked conference Tshareholders, consum- He praised the Canadian being killed by being hit against achievements,” said Dan attendees. ers, and activists to get behind livestock sector for develop- hard surfaces. The Egg Farmers Weary, an animal biology Among the alternatives improved animal welfare prac- ing new animal care codes, of Canada called the practices professor at the University under study is gene editing, tices, says Tim Faveri, director saying the animal welfare shown in the video an “aberra- of B.C. which could produce animals of sustainability and responsi- debate between farmers and tion,” CBC reported. But they also raise the requiring fewer stress-creat- bility for Tim Hortons. consumers is not highly polar- bar, Weary told conference ing procedures. Pajor noted “Every quick-service chain ized here compared to the U.S. Reaction attendees. the EU wants to end castra- like ours is hit with animal He also said the food indus- B ut experts at the conference “Canada is a world leader tion of male pigs using cur- welfare resolutions at annual try has to be careful not to let had warned that reacting to in the development of ani- rent techniques by 2018. meetings and in the social all the certification costs fall such incidents after the fact mal care codes and with that “Pain mitigation in live- media,” Faveri said at the on producers. isn’t enough. They said the comes both rising expectations stock production will be recent National Farm Animal But passing on those costs industry has to be proactive and new opportunities around more important in the com- Care Conference. will be a challenge, said Susie and step up efforts to talk to farm animal care,” he said. ing years,” he said. “That will T o r e s p o n d t o t h o s e Miller, director general of Canadians about what it is That’s why the codes need include less stress for animals demands, his sector needs the Sector Development and doing to promote humane to be considered “a work in at weaning. We need more proof that animal care codes Analysis Directorate at Agri- treatment. progress,” added Caroline research on this and that will are making a difference down culture Canada. “We need to engage Cana- Ramsay, the co-ordinator for take time.” on the farm. “Consumers are willing to dians in an open, positive and the assessment framework, In the meantime, farmers “Farm animal care today only pay so much more for honest conversation, like we’re a tool for objectively deter- must look for ways to reduce is part of a growing focus on their food,” she said. sitting across from one another mining whether the codes are animal stress, he added. “It corporate social responsibility Nevertheless, the livestock over coffee,” said Crystal benefiting animals. would be a dangerous strategy and sustainability in the food- industry has to “keep moving” Mackay, executive director of “With them in place, we for the industry to do nothing service sector,” he said. “One on developing the codes and Farm & Food Care Ontario. have to start asking where until more research can be of the most important aspects showing that they are work- “Farming and food are not we go next,” she said. “Farm conducted,” said Pajor. of this is being clear and trans- ing, Miller said. typically among the top-of- groups will have to think “Agriculture is already parent with the customer. We “They have to be transpar- mind issues keeping con- about the future now that regarded as being slow to interface with the customers ent and keep up with the sci- sumers up at night. But their this framework is in place and change. Agriculture has to and we have to be able to tell ence being developed around attitudes and perceptions anticipate where the pressure change to avoid animal wel- the story about where our animal welfare,” she said. related to agriculture do have for change will come from.” fare activists. Producers will products come from.” “And you have to keep work- an increasing impact on what The assessment framework be heavily scrutinized.” Faveri acknowledged farm- ing at the credibility of the they buy.” is expected to be ready next ers and food suppliers are codes. Nothing worth doing is But many producers are year, and livestock groups will — with files from Shannon already suffering from audit ever easy. Change takes time, concerned about who will be required to use it. The pro- VanRaes fatigue on welfare and envi- costs money, and requires ronment issues. commitment.” 34 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA NEWS Provinces urged to follow CFGA hires new executive director

R on Pidskalny of Edmon- Alberta and Ontario in setting ton has been appointed as the new executive director of the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association (CFGA), succeeding the up farmer-run helplines retiring Wayne Digby. Pidskalny has more than has representatives from all live- Ontario started its Farm Ani- “They don’t heal the animals 25 years of business expe- By Alex Binkley stock groups plus vets and pro- mal Care Helpline through Farm but help educate the farmer,” rience, and has been an af contributor / ottawa vincial agriculture officials. & Food Care, said Kristen Kelder- he said. adviser to the Canadian Its ALERT line allows people man, the organization’s animal The Alberta group is also government on the Interna- lberta and Ontario have to confidentially report situa- care co-ordinator. working on a euthanasia tional Plant Genetics Treaty. established farmer-run tions when they fear livestock It offers a similar service, call- project that is an alternative He has served on the board Ahelplines for struggling aren’t being properly cared for, ing in the Ontario Society for the to an inspector or police officer of governors of the Agricul- livestock producers and their instead of calling the Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shooting a distressed animal tural Institute of Canada accomplishments indicate sim- for the Prevention of Cruelty to only as a last resort, she said. But with a revolver. and is past western director ilar services are needed across Animals. it can’t deal with every incident, It has purchased 25 special of the Canadian Society of the country, says the man who “When a report is received, we she added. euthanasia devices with Grow- Agronomy. Recent assign- runs the Alberta operation. get volunteer producers in the “The helpline does not have the ing Forward 2 money while the ments include working as “Every province should have area to pay the producer a visit,” mandate or resources to respond province has acquired 25 for senior project manager one of these,” Darrell Dalton, said Dalton. to the estimated 1,400 farm ani- the use of “vets accredited for for the Canadian National interim registrar of the Alberta “They find everything from mal calls answered by the OSPCA emergency slaughter.” Transplant Research Pro- Veterinary Medical Association, farmers in financial distress to every year,” she notes. These kinds of services should gram. told the National Farm Animal having mental problems. A lot Dalton said his organization be seen as a public good and be The CFGA office, which Care Conference. of times we can help the pro- tries to intervene before farms eligible for government fund- was previously in Brandon, Alberta Farm Animal Care was ducer, but if there are dying or “become wrecks,” and has vets ing, Dalton said. Man. will now be located in launched in 1993 by 17 livestock distressed animals, we have to who are willing to work with “ T h e biggest barrier to Edmonton. www.canadian groups and the vet college at the turn the situation over to the struggling producers who aren’t expanding this program is T:17.4” fga.ca University of Calgary. Its board SPCA.” clients. funding,” he said.

Bayer and Kansas State University team up on hybrid wheat

s taff Bayer Crop Science and Kansas State Univer- sity (K-State) have signed a wheat germplasm and technology licence agree- ment to promote the further improvement and develop- ment of hybrid wheat. “Hybrid wheat is a difficult technical challenge, but the payoff will be in a substantial potential for increased yields for growers,” Ernie Minton, associate director of research for K-State Research and Extension said in a release. K-State’s Wheat Genetic Resource Center (WGRC) will help identify traits that are potentially useful for hybrid wheat produc- tion and that are naturally available in their extensive collection of grass species which are closely related to cultivated wheat. Bayer will work with K-State research- T:10” ers and scientists to develop a trait-discovery pipeline for efficient hybrid wheat crop production using K-State’s More smiles per acre. genetic stocks. InVigor® has raised the bar again with the launch of four new The agreement allows Bayer CropScience to license innovative hybrids to continue their proud history of excellence. K-State’s germplasm and These include two high performing, mid maturing hybrids, InVigor related intellectual property rights. L252 and InVigor L261, sclerotinia-tolerant InVigor L160S and the “Wheat is an ancient crop very first pod shatter reduction hybrid, InVigor L140P. that has gone through much change and continues to undergo change. With this See the entire high performing lineup for yourself agreement, our expertise in at InVigorResults.ca. wheat genetics and genom- ics, combined with Bayer’s global expertise and wheat leadership, will help one of the world’s most important crops to advance,” John Flo- ros, dean of the College of Agriculture said in the release. As part of the collabora- tion, K-State also will estab- lish an endowed chair for wheat genetics research James Main, and breeding. The endowed Three hills, AB chair will be named for Bikram Gill, university dis- BayerCropScience.ca/InVigor or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. tinguished professor of plant Always read and follow label directions. InVigor® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. O-66-09/13-BCS12149-E pathology and director of the Wheat Genetic Resource Center.

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 Albert afarmexpress.ca • november 11, 2013 35 U of A develops ‘game-changing’ precision feeding system for broiler breeders A prototype precision feeding system could increase broiler breeder chick production by up to 10 per cent

at the right time. That’s pre- feed and improve flock unifor- By Jennifer Blair cision agriculture, and that’s mity, which is measured by the af staff / red deer the approach I’m taking with percentage of birds within 10 broiler breeders now.” per cent of the mean. Typically, recision agriculture may Developed in 2011 by a team having 80 to 85 per cent of birds hold the answer to a grow- of electrical, mechanical, and within 10 per cent of the mean Ping problem in Canada’s agriculture engineers, Zuidhof’s body weight is a sign of good broiler hatching industry. prototype precision feeding flock uniformity — but Zuidhof “Every year, the broiler gets system evaluates each bird in wants to top that. faster and heavier, and every real time to determine whether “The hatching producers year, the competition for feed it’s too heavy or too light, and chuckled into their sleeves, I increases,” said Martin Zuidhof, then makes a feeding decision think, when they heard me say associate professor of poultry accordingly. that I’d like to achieve 100 per systems at the University of “We’re collecting data at a cent flock uniformity,” he said. Alberta. resolution that we just dreamed “I have a very small pilot flock, “What we’re seeing in the about before,” he said. “We can but I’m at 100 per cent (of birds industry now is a huge chal- then decide who gets fed and that are) within five per cent of lenge to distribute feed equally record how much every bird is the mean.” to the birds within a flock.” eating. It’s a tremendous data But achieving flock uniformity Drawing on the principles of set from a research perspec- isn’t the main goal. precision agriculture, Zuidhof tive.” “We’re not actually target- has developed a prototype feed- Combined with an automated ing uniformity for its own sake, T:17.4” A U of A researcher aims to provide precise feed requirements for each ing system that gives “the right feeding system, the data will we’re after chick production,” bird. PT HO o: thinkstock bird the right amount of food help reduce competition for Zuidhof said. “We’ve come up with a hypothesis that a very stable metabolism will yield great dividends in terms of egg produc- tion and chick production from breeders.” Evidence of this can already be seen in countries where labour is cheap and flocks are managed more closely — some get 30 to 40 more chicks per hen than here. “We’re talking at least a 10 per cent increase in chick produc- tion, which is huge. This is a game-changing technology, if we can get it to work commercially.”

Not commercial yet Commercial application of the technology is a ways off. In Jan- uary, Zuidhof’s team will begin a 60-week trial comparing his precision-fed broilers to con- ventionally fed birds, followed by on-farm research trials. Once the smaller-scale studies are complete, the technology will be tweaked for a commercial trial. “I wouldn’t be surprised if, in two years, we have a trial going on a commercial farm,” said Zuidhof, adding that scaling the technology for a commer- cial operation will present chal- lenges. “There are a hundred ways that weT:10” could do it. We could replace the entire feeding system in a barn, but I don’t think that’s the way we’re going to go initially. I More smiles per acre. can’t see anybody wanting to do InVigor® has raised the bar again with the launch of four new that without some major subsidy for the equipment.” innovative hybrids to continue their proud history of excellence. A partial implementation, tar- These include two high performing, mid maturing hybrids, InVigor geting either the males or the smallest birds in the flock, will L252 and InVigor L261, sclerotinia-tolerant InVigor L160S and the work best, he said. very first pod shatter reduction hybrid, InVigor L140P. “I think that’s a very reasonable way to implement this system initially. We’re looking at differ- See the entire high performing lineup for yourself ent ways where we can make a at InVigorResults.ca. substantial difference without the risk of 250 units all going down at the same time.” So far, Zuidhof’s team has encountered few problems with the prototype, which is intended to run entirely on its own for the whole 60-week period the birds are in the barn. Zuidhof hopes that, once perfected, the sim- plicity of the system will reso- nate with producers. James Main, “It just makes so much sense,” Three hills, AB he said. “When you get informa- tion in real time and can act on BayerCropScience.ca/InVigor or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. it, that’s really the principle of Always read and follow label directions. InVigor® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. O-66-09/13-BCS12149-E precision agriculture, and that’s what we can do beautifully with this system.”

[email protected]

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 36 news » lives tock NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

U.S. beef plant controversy J udge blocks horse slaughter suit U.S. federal investigators are scrutinizing the finances and a federal immigration A U.S. federal judge on Nov. 1 tossed out a Humane Society of the United States lawsuit seek- program behind funding for Northern Beef Packers, an idled plant in Aberdeen, ing to block inspections of horses destined for slaughter, potentially clearing the way for the South Dakota. According to an Associated Press report, the probe is linked to resumption of equine killing for human consumption. The suit alleged that the Department of possible financial misconduct by the state’s economic development office. Richard Agriculture failed to carry out environmental reviews before it gave approval to three com- Benda, a top official at the agency and Northern Beef’s former loan monitor, was panies involved in horse slaughter. Congress effectively banned horse slaughter in 2006 by found dead from a gunshot wound on Oct. 22. The plant has filed for Chapter 11 saying the USDA could not spend any money to inspect the plants. Without USDA inspectors, bankruptcy protection. slaughterhouses cannot operate.

“They don’t seem to kick out at you, say when you’re milking them, unless they’re severely provoked…” Genomics is proving its worth, says Cattleland Feedyards researcher Strathmore company is bringing cattle to market up to 45 days sooner by using genomics to find feed-efficient cows

The potential to gain is all hidden under the skin, says a feedlot researcher.

and Torres has managed about 38 how much each one eats and On the genomics side, Cattle- got paid a little bit more and By Alexis Kienlen contract research projects involv- how often they come to feed. land works closely with Saska- then passed that back on to our af staff / edmonton ing about 65,000 head since join- Although Cattleland has toon’s Quantum Genetics to producers, who were bringing ing the company in 2008. eight pens with 40 nodes, each track leptin production in cattle. us these animals.” espite all the talk about Much of that research involves test takes about 100 days and The hormone, present in fat tis- The leptin trait affects wean- genomics, many in the genomics and residual feed intake, producers must book a year in sue, acts on the brain to regulate ing weight, milk production, Dcattle industry are con- also known as net feed efficiency. advance to get a cow into the food intake and body weight. accumulation of back fat, yield fused by what it all means. “It is defined as the difference facility. In cattle, there are three leptin grade, quality grade, and feed But the bottom line is pretty between an animal’s actual feed variants: CC, CT and TT. Cows intake. TT animals have more simple, says William Torres, intake and what is expected for with the CC version are lean ani- back fat at the end of spring and researcher at Cattleland Feed- feed requirements — you know, mals that have low body weight, prior to weaning, which relates yards in Strathmore. what you think it’s going to eat TTs are the ones that put on fat back to a good body score con- “Cattle all gain different — you and what it actually ate,” he said. “So less management, and are more desirable, and dition and fertility. don’t know what is underneath Since feed efficiency is a heri- less manure, and those with CT are in between. “We use what is called a the skin,” Torres told attendees table trait, genomics can be used The difference is huge — Cat- Q-sort system designed for at the recent Livestock Gentec to select better animals. less headaches tleland has found TT animals feedlots,” Torres said. conference. “If you point out to producers because I can get will reach the same end point Cattleland staff also measure “All you’re doing is guessing the difference in amount of feed about 45 days sooner than CC back fat while using the system, where they are going to be 150 consumed and then you start them to market faster.” animals. and also consider the age and or 200 days from now. If you use translating that to dollars, that’s “That’s 45 days less feed and sex of the cattle as well as the genomics, you’re taking the guess- when you start getting people’s 45 days less on earth,” said Tor- hide colour. The system sorts ing game out of the equation. attention,” he said. res. “So less management, less the animals into four different You’re going to more accurately manure, and less headaches groups. Animals in each group manage and predict how the cattle Tracking consumption because I can get them to mar- are given different feeding are going to perform.” A t Cattleland, researchers use ket faster. regimes and marketing dates. Torres is bull evaluator, cattle the Alberta-developed Grow Safe “The other thing is that we “This increases the carcass manager, and researcher with System, which uses a second know what the yield is going to value and we know how to feed Cattleland Feedyards, operated electronic identification tag to William Torres be and we can predict what the the cattle more efficiently,” said by the Gregory family. Its for-profit record feeding data. Since only grade is going to be. So we were Torres. research facility is home to North one animal can eat from a bunk able to work out better prices America’s largest bull test centre at a time, the system tracks both with the packing plant and we [email protected] ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 37 It pays to optimize feed e ciency in the grow-fi nish herd PEET ON PIGS } Attention to detail can make a big difference

will lead to a better feed-to-gain reasonable estimate of the lysine a 13-high sieve set without a flow produced from the facility. With- BY BERNIE PEET ratio. However, the improvement requirement of finishing pigs,” agent for grain fed in meal form. drawing feed prior to market also is not directly linked to a better Dritz said. “Thus, once a growth Smaller particle sizes can be used can result in feed savings.” ecause feed cost represents economic outcome.” curve and feed-intake curve are in finishing pigs providing flow- Dritz emphasized the impor- the largest proportion of the He also noted feed efficiency obtained from pigs within a pro- ability is maintained or when diets tance of feeder design in minimiz- Boverall cost of production, is dependent on weight range duction system, the lysine require- are fed in pellet form.” ing feed wastage, which can be a efficient use is key to profitability. because feed-to-gain ratio wors- ment curve can be estimated with In addition, he said, when drain on feed efficiency. Feed efficiency is influenced ens as pigs get heavier. This means reasonable accuracy. using pelleted diets, smaller par- “On a yearly basis, feeders in by many factors — including that when comparing farm data, “The next step is to ensure that ticle sizes will improve pellet mill the grow-finish barn are each dis- diet formulation, availability of the start and finish weights should other essential amino acids are at throughput. Another consider- pensing $12,000 or more of feed,” amino acids, the feed manufactur- be adjusted to be the same, using a minimum ratio relative to lysine. ation is to ensure adequate mix- he said. “When selecting feeders ing process, pig health, and barn a formula, in order to make a Although the order can vary with ing of diets, especially with low for finishing pigs, we follow four management, Steve Dritz, from fair comparison. “Another area different dietary ingredient mix- inclusion products such as syn- principles: The adjustment mech- Kansas State University, said at to understand when measuring tures, typically the first five limit- thetic amino acids and phytase. anism should be easy to use and the recent Red Deer Swine Tech- feed efficiency is the influence ing amino acids for most practi- Frequent monitoring of mixers to durable, the width of a single feed- nology Workshop. of dietary energy density,” said cal diets are lysine, threonine, evaluate coefficient of variation is ing space should be a minimum of “Decisions to optimize feed effi- Dritz. “Dietary energy will influ- sulphur amino acids, tryptophan, essential, Dritz said. 35 centimetres, the depth should ciency range from global decisions ence growth rate and feed intake and valine. Due to increasing eco- be at least 25 centimetres, and such as choosing the optimum and consequently feed per unit of nomical availability of crystalline Barn management there should be trough dividers to sire line to management at the gain. Therefore, many production lysine, threonine, and methionine, influences efficiency give some degree of protection to barn level that includes environ- systems are calculating feed effi- tryptophan is commonly the lim- The stockperson can have a major the pig while feeding.” mental and feeder management ciency as calories per unit of gain.” iting amino acid in practical diet influence on feed efficiency, he The dividers force the pig to among others,” he said. Also, since different ingredients formulation.” noted. stand at right angles to the feeder Feed efficiency or feed-to-gain influencing dietary energy den- Work at Kansas State suggests “After pigs enter the barn, daily to eat, resulting in decreased root- ratio is simply the amount of sity will also affect carcass yield, a that a minimum ratio for trypto- chores that influence overall feed ing and pig-to-pig interaction. feed used to produce one unit of further refinement is to calculate phan to lysine of 18.5 per cent is efficiency include individual pig “Ultimately, optimizing feed weight gain, but it is important to caloric efficiency per unit of car- required for finishing pigs. Qual- treatment and timely euthanasia, efficiency is a multi-faceted pro- ensure comparisons with indus- cass gain, he added. ity feed manufacturing starts with ensuring water and feed avail- cess that requires commitment try data are made on the same optimizing grain particle size, Dritz ability, feeding the appropriate from all levels of production basis, said Dritz. “The accepted Proper diet formulation stressed. “A general rule of thumb diet, managing the air quality and continuous re-evaluation to way to calculate close-out feed Various aspects of diet formulation is that feed efficiency improves and environmental temperature, ensure that best practices are in efficiency in a production system will impact feed efficiency, but one 1.2 per cent for each 100-micron properly adjusting feeders and place,” Dritz concluded. is total feed delivered divided by important factor is ensuring an decrease in particle size, worth handling pigs in a positive man- the start weight minus the sale adequate supply of amino acids. approximately 75 cents to $1 per ner,” he said. “Removing a portion Bernie Peet is president of Pork weight,” he said. “However, this “The use of 20 grams of standard- pig,” he said. “From a practical of the pigs from all pens during Chain Consulting of Lacombe, doesn’t include dead pig weight. ized ileal digestible (SID) lysine per standpoint, we recommend 500 initial marketing can result in feed Alberta and a director of U.K.-based Accounting for dead pig weight kilogram of gain appears to be a to 600 microns as measured with savings while maximizing weight Pig Production Training Ltd.

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www.canadiancattlemen.ca 38 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA The relevant roundworm is one of the pasture’s mainstays HORSE HEALTH } Heavy or resistant infestations are particularly hazardous to foals but can be tricky to treat

tage of inexperienced immune sticky coating which enables it BY CAROL SHWETZ, DVM systems. Adult horses develop a to travel on a horse’s hair coat good immunity and thus rarely and remain on buildings, fences easures taken to lessen have a problem. However, they and feeders. the burden of equine do retain enough worms to con- It is likely that foals become MAscarids, also known tinually shed eggs onto the pas- exposed very early in life as they as roundworms, are wrought tures. nuzzle their dam during nurs- with pitfalls due to the tenacious Due to the particularly hardy ing or snuff around in their new- nature of the roundworm, its nature of the roundworm egg, found environment. increasing resistance to chemi- pastures can accumulate an The adult roundworm is large cal dewormers, and the naive unusually high number of Par- and easily visible to the naked population of horses it targets. ascaris eggs over the years. Eggs eye. It can be 20 to 30 cm in Roundworms are typically a can remain infectious in the length and resembles a large problem in young horses, espe- environment for several years earthworm. Ascarids live in the cially foals, weanlings and year- even under the harshest of con- small intestine where the female lings, where it can take advan- ditions. The egg also possesses a is a prolific egg layer, laying up to 200,000 microscopic round eggs a day. The eggs are passed out in the feces and remain in the environment until ingested. When ingested, the eggs hatch into the larval form and continue with their life cycle migrating through the lining of the intesti- The roundworm is often referred to as the “spaghetti” worm. nal wall into the internal organs. Once the larvae reach the lungs, in young stock is accomplished Extra care is taken when young HUMANE – BLOODLESS – DRUG FREE they are coughed up and swal- by raising foals on different pas- stock becomes heavily infested. lowed back into the digestive tures from year to year. It is also Decision-making can become tract where they mature into the advisable to segregate yearling increasingly complicated as lev- EARLY CASTRATION adult roundworm. Considerable and two-year-olds from mares els of infestations rise, a foal’s damage can occur in the liver or with foals. Deworming expect- health declines, and resistance lungs as a result of larval migra- ant mares 30 days before foaling is discovered. Deworming heav- tion. Heavy burdens of adult further reduces the new foal’s ily infected foals with a potent roundworms in the gut have exposure to parasites. dewormer may cause shock or the ability to block the intestinal In addition to pasture hygiene, obstruction to the bowels. tract and trigger life-threatening a strategic deworming program As a result veterinarians gen- colic. This colic can also be trig- involving all horses out at pas- erally recommend a double Proudly gered by a deworming treatment ture is often necessary. Parasite course of fenbendazole. The MADE when the paralyzed worms fall resistance to chemical deworm- first dose at half-strength has INUSA away from the intestinal lining ers is becoming an extremely been shown to kill a proportion and create an impaction. important problem. Levels of of the worms, partially reduc- Young horses harbouring the resistance have been docu- ing the worm burden. A fol- DELAYED CASTRATION migratory phase of the parasite mented to ivermectin, moxidec- lowup higher dose is then given often exhibit signs of respiratory tin and more recently pyrantel. a week or two later to remove distress, including fever, cough- Resistance has not yet been the remainder. ing and nasal discharge. In addi- confirmed in benzimidazole Veterinarians are usually tion to respiratory illness and drugs. The label on this class of asked to intervene when resis- varying degrees of colic, com- drugs will show the active ingre- tance to chemical dewormers CALL FOR A mon symptoms of roundworm dient to be either fenbendazole, becomes apparent and/or when DISTRIBUTOR infestation are poor body condi- oxfenbendazole, or oxibenda- young stock becomes heavily NEAR YOU. 800-858-5974 tion, depression, loss of appe- zole. Currently it appears to be infested. Decision-making takes www.CallicrateBanders.com tite, anemia, failure to thrive the best choice for Parascaris into account farm history, age and gain weight, a rough hair treatment on many premises. and health of animals infested, coat, pot-belly, and diarrhea. Deworming is generally deworming schedules, and fecal Roundworm infestations started when foals are seven to egg count analysis. become common when foals are eight weeks old, and treatment raised on the same pastures year is performed at regular intervals Carol Shwetz is a veterinarian STRYKER CATTLE after year. Therefore the sound- until the foal is about one year specializing in equine practice at COMPANY est course to reduce infestation old. Westlock, Alberta. Complete Purebred Black Angus Female Dispersal 1:00 pm Monday How are you growing? November 25, 2013 Medicine Hat Feeding Company • Medicine Hat, Alberta On Offer: 200 Bred Cows • 50 Bred Yearlings • 80 Heifer Calves 4 Herd Sires

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BY BRENDA SCHOEPP fied Pasturefed” cattle that will tled to its way, but if the trade from their position, which they go into the same system as the to Europe really materializes, could not. Currently we have a grass-fed cattle from Alberta what will it ship if not grass-fed serious discussion going on in he beef industry has been and the U.S. to produce burg- or hormone-free beef? It is not the egg industry after the release in shock at the decision ers for A&W and other vendors. up to us to challenge the buyer. of undercover videos in Alberta. Tby the Canadian-based Teys, an Australian company, The other camp may lay The burden of proof is on the egg A&W hamburger chain to owns fully integrated beef sys- claims that hormone use is industry to turn the tide of public source, via Cargill, grass-fed tems and distributes product related to cancer and such but opinion back to supporting their beef through three main outfits through Cargill. The goal is to that evidence is weak at best industry. This is a difficult task in in the world. Terribly insulted, supply grass-fed beef to North and the hypothesis unproven. the face of live footage. the message from the industry America, which Teys has been In this case there is little for In the transparent world that has been to assure consumers able to achieve. Although there folks like A&W to defend them- we live in, and with the technol- that all beef is good and safe is an abundance of cattle in selves with. But these national ogy and communication capa- to eat. That is fine, but A&W Australia they have not been dif- and international decisions are bilities that we have, the beef would have been responding ferentiated in the marketplace not made lightly, or without Stu Sharmann stands beside industry has no justification in to consumers’ interest in the until now, the Pasturefed pro- specific evidence to support the grass-finished cattle that being out of step. We cannot move to access grass-fed beef. gram allows for differentiation change. There may not be sci- are sold under the Certified nor will not all produce grass- Perhaps the discussion and certification. So as Australia entific evidence to support the Pasturefed program in Australia. fed beef nor is anyone asking us should have focused on the moves ahead and sells beef to switch, but there may be over- PHOTO: BRENDA SCHOEPP to. But the move by A&W with shock of how out of step the our burger chain, we continue whelming consumer research all the certification, processing beef industry is with the con- to debate the action based on that does. That type of research are in the business of doing and distribution in place prior sumer. Or how important it is the burden of proof. would be proprietary. good business.” to the announcement clearly to be in continuous conver- As an independent I have Leading the debate on con- demonstrates that we did not sation with all our vendors to Preaching to the choir long asked and begged the beef sumer preference and consumer respect the changes happening ensure we are promptly meet- The burden of proof or the evi- industry to consider that there trends in workshop settings, I with consumers and in that we ing their needs. dence to shift the conclusion is room for all players and all have challenged my audience were caught totally unprepared. They will come back if they away from the decision has producers and that their indi- to really think hard about how Case closed. fail to source the beef they been embraced by the indus- vidual initiatives should be sup- a consumer processes informa- need. But as I toured the vine- try. I fear that the beef industry ported in principle. It was those tion. Look at the discussion on Brenda Schoepp is a Nuffield yards in South Australia and may be preaching to the choir that dared to be “different” that “pink slime” — a term devel- Scholar who travels extensively Victoria, I also stopped to see a — those who don’t worry about now have the contracts that the oped by a USDA meat inspector exploring agriculture and meeting fellow farmer’s cattle herd. Sue the source of the beef. The mar- rest of the industry could only which in short order and through the people who feed, clothe and & Stu Sharmann are in the Pas- ketplace is so huge and diverse hope for. And the message in a few minutes on YouTube cra- educate our world. A motivating speaker and mentor she works turefed Cattle Assurance System that standing on one soapbox consumer preference and in tered the entire U.S. ground beef with young entrepreneurs across launched by Cargill and Teys to and hanging on to one story is trade is clear — “We are not market for quite some time. The Canada and is the founder of brand grass-fed cattle in Aus- highly outdated. The Canadian interested in your (beef indus- burden of proof was on manu- Women in Search of Excellence. tralia. Sue manages the “Certi- industry may think it is enti- try’s) defensive response — we facturing to switch the consumer www.brendaschoepp.com.

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™ The OK Tire mark is a trademark of O.K. Tire Stores Inc. ®Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aimia Canada Inc. ® Firestone is a registered trademark of Bridgestone Licensing Services Inc., used under license. 40 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Panel raps lack of action to curb drug use in U.S. livestock Panel members include ranchers, public health experts, the former dean of a veterinary school and former U.S. agriculture secretary Dan Glickman

therapeutic use of antibiotics BY CHARLES ABBOTT by livestock producers, as well REUTERS as an end to practices such as tiny cages for laying hens. .S. regulators and live- Congressional hearings fol- stock producers have lowed the release of that report, Ufailed to curb the use of and the livestock industry went antibiotics in livestock despite into damage-control mode. concerns that excessive use in Antibiotics are routinely meat production will reduce the sprinkled into U.S. cattle, hog drugs’ effectiveness in humans, and poultry feed, not only to said a panel of experts. prevent and treat illness but to “Meaningful change is promote growth. Agriculture unlikely in the future,” con- accounts for 80 per cent of anti- cluded the 14-member panel, biotic sales, according to the assembled by Johns Hopkins limited records available. University, in a report released The Johns Hopkins’ report on Tuesday. said “additional scientific evi- The release marked the fifth dence has strengthened the anniversary of a landmark 2008 case that these (non-therapeu- Antibiotics are routinely added to poultry feed, not only to prevent and treat illness but to promote Pew Charitable Trust report that tic) uses pose unnecessary and growth. PHOTO: ISTOCK called for an end to the sub- unreasonable public health risks” of allowing bacteria to develop resistance to antibiot- ics. “There has been an appalling lack of progress,” said director Robert Lawrence of the Johns 2014 EDITIONS Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, which produced the report. He said lack of action by Congress and federal regu- lators and the “intransigence of animal agriculture industry” had made the problems worse. The panel that wrote the Johns Hopkins report included ranchers, public health experts, the former dean of a veterinary school and former U.S. agricul- WESTERN CANADA’S COMPREHENSIVE BULL SALE SOURCE ture secretary Dan Glickman. Its chairman was former Kansas governor John Carlin. While the U.S. Food and Drug Give your bull sale the exposure it Administration has altered needs and its best chance of reaching its guidelines to say antibiot- ics should be used only under the 70,000 Beef Cattle Producers in “Where the serious the guidance of a veterinar- Canada, using the Western Canadian ian for prevention, control or bull buyers are treatment of disease, the Johns Comprehensive Bull Buyers Guide. Hopkins report said there was a loophole. Drugs can be looking” approved for disease prevention on the proviso that they are not ADVANTAGES being used as part of livestock • Massive distribution (103,000) total penetration production. “This means that while of the western Canadian marketplace for cattle antimicrobial approvals may breeders, in the leading ag publications. change... antimicrobial use may • Full color with limited prea not,” said the report. An FDA spokesman was not • 8 week shelf life, possibly longer for commercial immediately available for com- breeders to reference later on. ment. A livestock group, the Animal • Unbeatable value - about 2 cents per Agriculture Alliance, said in its contact for a full page ad. own report — released to coin- cide with the Johns Hopkins study — that the FDA guidelines PUBLICATION SCHEDULE will assure medically important antibiotics are used by farmers BBG#1 · JANUARY 2014 EDITIONS BBG#2 · MARCH 2014 EDITIONS and ranchers only to combat January 16 - Manitoba Co-operator March 6 - Manitoba Co-operator disease. January 20 - Alberta Farmer Express March 3 - Alberta Farmer Express Richard Raymond, a former agriculture undersecretary for January 20 - Sask Wheel & Deal March 3 - Sask Wheel & Deal food safety, said in the alliance Space and material deadline: January 4th Space and material deadline: February 15th report that antibiotics are part of an array of biological tools for livestock producers. Raymond listed them along with beta-agonists, a type of Book an ad in the 2014 Edition of the Bull Buyers Guide and feed additive that helps ani- receive a 20% DISCOUNT OFF any ad booked in Canadian mals gain weight faster, and man-made bovine hormones BONUS Cattlemen or Grainews - Cattlemen’s Corner which are used to boost dairy production. U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co. suspended U.S. and Canadian Deborah Wilson Crystal McPeak Tiffiny Taylor sales of Zilmax, the leading National Advertising Sales Account Executive Sales & Special Projects beta-agonist, on Aug. 16 follow- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ing concerns about cattle who Phone: (403) 325-1695 Phone: (403) 646-6211 Phone: (204) 228-0842 appeared to be sore footed or were having difficulty walking after being fed the additive. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 41

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adveRtising Rates & infoRmation RegulaR Classified display Classified • Minimum charge — $15.00 per week for first 25 • Advertising copy deviating in any way from the words or less and an additional 60 cents per word for regular classified style will be considered display AD ORDER FORM every word over 25. Additional bolding 75 cents per and charged at the display rate of $34.30 per MAiL TO: Alberta Farmer Express, Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 FAx TO: 403-341-0615 PhOnE in: Toll-Free in Canada 1-888-413-3325 OR (403) 341-0442 in Alberta word. GST is extra. $2.50 billing charge is added column inch ($2.45 per agate line). to billed ads only. • Minimum charge $34.30 per week. • Terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice. • Illustrations and logos are allowed with full • 10% discount for prepaid ads. If phoning in your border. 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Wednesday noon • Your complete name & address must be submitted to (2 weeks prior) ______our office before publication. (This information will be kept confidential & will not appear in the ad unless ______requested.) Published by Farm Business Communications, CAUTION ______1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 The Alberta Farmer Express, while assuming no responsibility for advertisements appearing in its ______WINNIPEG OFFICE columns, exercises the greatest care in an endeavor to Alberta Farmer Express restrict advertising to wholly reliable firms or individuals. 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 However, please do not send money to a Manitoba ______Toll-Free in Canada 1-888-413-3325 Co-operator box number. Buyers are advised to request Phone 403-341-0442 in Winnipeg shipment C.O.D. when ordering from an unknown FAX 403-341-0615 advertiser, thus minimizing the chance of fraud and ______Mailing Address: eliminating the necessity of a refund where the goods Box 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7 have already been sold. ______At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment AGREEMENT to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm • The publisher reserves the right to refuse any or all Business Communications will only collect personal information if advertising for any reason stated or unstated. it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of CLASSIFICATION ______❏ I would like to take advantage of the Prepayment Bonus of 2 FREE weeks when I prepay for 3 weeks. • Advertisers requesting publication of either display our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this or classified advertisements agree that should the personal information with other strategic business partners. For advertisement be omitted from the issue ordered more information regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, No. of words ______x $0.60 x No. of weeks ______= ______for whatever reason, the Alberta Farmer Express write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, shall not be held liable. It is also agreed that in 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1. the event of an error appearing in the published Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other Minimum charge $15.00 per week advertisement, the Alberta Farmer Express accepts reputable firms whose products and services might be of interest to you. no liability beyond the amount paid for that If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the portion of the advertisement in which the error address in the preceding paragraph, or call (204)-954-1456. appears or affects. Claims for adjustment are limited The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions ❏ VISA ❏ MASTERCARD Add $2.50 if being billed / Minus 10% if prepaying ______to errors appearing in the first insertion only. to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt • While every endeavor will be made to forward box to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Add 5% GST ______number replies as soon as possible, we accept no Card No. __/__/__/__/ __/__/__/__/ __/__/__/__/ __/__/__/__/ Expiry Date __/__/ __/__/ liability in respect to loss or damage alleged to a rise Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy through either failure or delay in forwarding such of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well replies, however caused, whether by negligence or as Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communication assume no Signature ______otherwise. responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this TOTAL ______publication based on any and all information provided. 42 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES Viking, AB (780) 997-0212 Advertise in the (780) 336-3180 Award Winning Management Programs www.dseriescanola.ca Alberta Farmer Express Classifieds, www.dseriescanola.ca Specifically for Farmers & Ranchers AUTO & TRANSPORT it’s a Sure Thing! FARM MACHINERY Develop a comprehensive & AUTO & TRANSPORT Parts & Accessories detailed strategic & operating Trucks

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Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Alber- FARM, RANCH, REAL ESTATE ta Farmer Express classified section. It’s a sure thing. Please call 780-781-2840 & COMMERCIAL 1-888-413-3325. [email protected] Stretch your advertising dollars! Place an ad in the classifieds. Our friendly staff is waiting for your call. www.agrifoodtraining.com 1-888-413-3325.

Email: [email protected] • Phone: 403-464-0202 Looking for a hand around the farm? Place a help Next program begins December 9-13 wanted ad in the classifieds. Call 1-888-413-3325 ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 43

FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY ORGANIC PEDIGREED SEED HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING ORGANIC PEDIGREED SEED Tractors – Various Machinery Miscellaneous Organic – Grains Cereal – Various

ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: CULTIVATORS, DISCS, Plows, Blades, Post pounders, Haying Equipment, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, Ab. The Icynene Insulation Big Tractor Parts, System® • Sprayed foam insulation Bioriginal Food & Science Corp., based Geared For in Saskatoon, is actively buying Inc. The Future • Ideal for shops, barns or homes Organic Flax from the 2013 crop year. • Healthier, Quieter, More ® If interested, please send an 8lb sample* to Energy Efficient the following address: Attn: Sandy Jolicoeur STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. RED OR GREEN 102 Melville Street Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement S7J 0R1 parts for your Steiger drive train. www.penta.ca 1-800-587-4711 *Please state the Variety & Quantity for Sale Available at: For more information, 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions please contact Sandy at: Thorhild Coop Available at: and dropboxes with ONE YEAR LIVESTOCK 306-975-9251 Association WARRANTY. Andrukow Group 306-975-1166 LIVESTOCK [email protected] Thorhild, AB 3. 50% savings on used parts. Solutions Inc. Cattle – Black Angus Provost, AB (780) 398-3975 14th Annual Cudlobe Bull Sale REAL ESTATE Mobile Homes 1-800-982-1769 (780) 753-3150 December 4, 2013 www.dseriescanola.ca www.bigtractorparts.com VJV Foothills Livestock Auction CANADA SINGLE FAMILY HOME NEW 16 wide & Stretch your advertising dollars! Place an ad in the 130+ Bulls All Bulls will be HD 50K tested 20 wide MODULAR HOMES at GREAT prices. classifieds. Our friendly staff is waiting for your call. www.dseriescanola.ca (218)751-7720 frontierhomesonline.com FARM MACHINERY 1-888-413-3325. Machinery Miscellaneous Our success is measured by our customers success FARM MACHINERY 1999 CAT 460 1,400 sep. hrs, rake up $81,000; Machinery Wanted David & Margaret Dyce & Adrianna 1998 AGCO 9755, 530/int electronic, 18spd p/s, Bolduc 403-549-3833 Bolduc 403-549-2228 3096/hrs, 4 remotes, 540 front weights, duals, $44,500; 2005 MacDon 922, 16-ft DK, $14,500; WANTED: NH 8500 ROUND bale wagon. Phone 2000 MacDon 972, 25-ft DK, DS, pick-up reel, (406)883-2118 LIVESTOCK $16,500; Bergen swath mover, $3200. Cattle – Simmental (403)665-2341, Craigmyle, AB. Remember that story you wanted to Stretch your read again from a few months back? 40 FULL BLOOD & PB Simmental cow herd, all 2009 EZEE-ON 7750 SERIES 2 Airdrill, 10-in spac- papered, horned & polled. 40-yrs of selection for ADVERTISING DOLLAR! ing, double schute, stealth openers, 5-in rubber productivity & temperament. Call Chalk Hill Sim- packers, 36 1/2-ft, cw/tow behind 3315 cart, mentals, Norman & Lila Weiss:(403)638-4269. $125,000 OBO; 2008 JD 4895 self-propelled swath- SEARCH er, w/30-ft of honeybee header, $97,500 OBO; JD Network 1-888-413-3325 Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds. 1509 9-ft tandem disc, $7,000 OBO; 1997 JD 9400 Search news. Read stories. Find insight. Place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifed 4-whl drive tractor, 12-spd w/hi&low, $128,000; section. 1-888-413-3325. Conserva-pak 56-ft air drill, w/4400 tank, $150,000 OBO. Phone:(780)386-2220 or Cell(780)888-1278.

Questions about the weather?

Barb Wire & Electric High Tensile Wire Spooler Adapter available to unroll new barb wire off of wooden spool - Hydraulic Drive (roll or unroll wire) - Mounts to tractor draw bar, skidsteer or bobcat, front end loader, post driver, 3pt. hitch or deck truck (with receiver hitch & rear hydraulics) - Spool splits in half to remove full roll All the weather - Shut off/ Flow control valve determines speed tools you’ll need - Works great for pulling out old wire (approx. 3--5 minutes to roll  OVER 1,100 up 80 rod or 1/4 mile) REPORTING STATIONS The Level-Wind Wire Roller rolls wire Ask An extensive, live-updating evenly across the full width of the spool network that gives you automatically as the wire is pulled in current and 7 day Ken Lendvay (403) 550-3313 More stations, more data, forecasted weather Red Deer, AB data for your farm or email: [email protected] more forecast tools for farmers Web: www.levelwind.com surrounding area

 ANALYZE WEATHER Weatherfarm gives you the tools to stay constantly informed about FEATURE the weather on your farm – and in your region. Analyze weather feature allows you to compare RON SAUER WeatherFarm is supplied by a growing dedicated network of more than 1,100 temperature, wind speed, MACHINERY LTD. professionally maintained monitoring stations, most owned by farmers, with precipitation, humidity, (403) 540-7691 pressure and dew point [email protected] current conditions updated throughout the day. from nearby stations or 8570 JD 4WD Tractor 18.4 x 38 duals, 3 hyd., across a region 3200 hours, premium unit, steer ready, shedded ....$75,000 WeatherFarm gives you a full set of accurate weather-monitoring tools that 895 Versatile 4WD Tractor - 30.5 x 32 M & 24.5 x 32 duals, 6,000 hrs., clean unit, runs great ...... $29,500 show you detailed forecasts, current conditions and historical comparisons.  RADAR & SATELLITE B 275 IHC Diesel Tractor, 3 pth, pto, runs good ...... $4,250 31’ Flexicoil B Chisel Plow Extensions Included, extends View current radar to 41’, 3 bar harrows, excellent condition ...... $12,500 Detailed local weather maps can show accumulated rain, maximum Flexicoil 6 Run Seed Treater ...... $2,000 & satellite images Wanted Flexicoil 39’ 5000 Air Drill, 9 or 10” spacing, temperature and minimum temperature for a specific day, week or month. 4” or 5.5” rubber packers ...... Call showing precipitation, rain 134’ Flexicoil S68XL Sprayer, 2007, suspended boom, accumulation and more auto rate, joystick, rinse tank, triple quick jets, auto boom WeatherFarm’s exclusive Analyze Weather function allows you to height, electric end nozzle & foam marker ...... $39,500 100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete with windguards, elec. end nozzles dual tips, markers ...... $5,500 view a growing set of data points over a wider area to see where  HISTORICAL DATA 30’ 8230 CIH PT Swather, PU reel, nice shape, .$10,000 25’ 8225 CIH PT Swather, PU reel, nice shape .... $9,500 the most rain fell, where it’s the hottest and more. Available to the public for 25’ 1200 Hesston PT Swather, bat reel, five days, and for weather nice shape ...... $5,500 30’ 4600 Prairie Star PT Swather, bat reel, WeatherFarm is dedicated to the Canadian farming community. Our focus is station owners, up to nice shape...... $5,500 30’ 1900 Premier PT Swather, bat reel, one year nice shape...... $5,500 on growing and improving our weather services based on the feedback we get 1069 New Holland ST Bale Wagon...... Call 10 Wheel MATR (Italy) Trailer Type V-Hayrake, from our network of farmers who own stations... and from you.  MAPS hyd. fold, as new ...... $5,000 14 Wheel Enorossi V-Hayrake extra contour wheels, Available by province as new ...... $11,500 8 x 1200 Sakundiak Auger, 25 HP Koehler, Hawes mover, across Western Canada, clutch, E-Kay bin sweep ...... $13,500 7 x 1200 Sakundiak Auger, 18 HP Koehler engine, showing recent and looks and runs good...... $3,500 historical data on 8 x 1400 Sakundiak Auger, 25HP Robin, Hawes mover, For more information on WeatherFarm or clutch, Wheatheart bin sweep ...... $13,500 maximum temperature, New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps ...... Call purchasing a weather station please call: 1 Used E-Kay 9” Bin Sweep, with hyd., pump, minimum temperature and motor & tank ...... $1,250 Jiffy Feed Wagon, like new, hardly used, shedded .....$9,250 rainfall 40’ Morris Packer Harrow Bar, P30 packers, 4 bar Alison Sass: 1-855-999-8858 harrows, hyd. fold up, good condition ...... $5,500 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, as new ...... $1,500 The fArMer’S foreCAST Toolbox [email protected]  PHOTO COMMUNITY New Outback MAX & STX guidance & mapping ...In Stock New Outback E-Drive, TC’s ...... In Stock Submit your weather New Outback E-Drive X, c/w free E turns ...... In Stock New Outback S-Lite guidance ...... In Stock $900 photos to be included in New Outback VSI Swather Steering Kit ...... In Stock our Photo of the Week New Outback E-Drive Hyd. kit, JD 40 series ...... $1,000 Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. kit ...... $500 feature. Visit our website **NuVision, Sakundiak & Farm King Augers, Outback GPS Systems, for details. EK Auger Movers, Belt Tighteners, Bin Sweeps, & Crop Dividers, Kohler weatherfarm.com & Robin Subaru engines, Degelman, Headsight Harvesting Solutions, Greentronics Sprayer Boom Auto Height, Kello-Bilt Discs** 44 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

PEDIGREED SEED SPORTING GOODS TIRES Specialty – Various

PIAPOT LION’S CLUB 17TH Annual Gunshow w/antique tables upstairs, Sat., Nov 23rd 10:00-5:00. Sun., Nov 24th 10:00-3:00 at the Maple Prairie-Wide Display Classifi eds Creek Armories, Maple Creek SK. Info (306)558-4802. Bioriginal Food & Science Corp., based in Saskatoon, are looking to contract MORE OPTIONS TO Borage acres for the upcoming 2014 SAVE YOU MONEY growing season. Buy one province, buy two Great profit potential based on � yield, prices and low input costs. provinces or buy all three. Great rates whatever � Attractive oil premiums and free New 30.5L-32 16 ply, $2,195; 20.8-38 12 ply seed delivery and on-farm pick-up. $795; 18.4-38 12 ply; $789; 24.5-32 14 ply, you choose Flexible contracting options $1,749; 14.9-24 12 ply, $486; 16.9-28 12 ply � available as well. $558, 18.4-26 10 ply, $890. Factory direct. More sizes available new and used. 1-800-667-4515. For more information, www.combineworld.com please contact Carl Lynn P.Ag. Contact Sharon of Bioriginal at: Email: [email protected] 306-229-9976 (cell) TRAVEL 306-975-9295 (office) Available at: ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN [email protected] Dunvegan Ag Solutions Inc. AGRICULTURAL TOURS Rycroft, AB Kenya/Tanzania ~ Jan 2014 India ~ Feb 2014 Agriculatural Tours (780) 765-2865 Chile/Argentina/Brazil ~ Feb 2014 International Plowing Match/Canadian Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand ~ Mar 2014 Rockies ~ July 2013 Upper Mississippi Cruise ~ Oct 2013 China ~ March 2014 www.dseriescanola.ca Midwest USA ~ Oct 2013 Ireland & Scotland ~ June 2014 Australia/New Zealand ~ Jan 2014 Stretch your Ukraine ~ June 2014 Kenya/Tanzania ~ Jan 2014 ADVERTISING DOLLAR! FARMING IS ENOUGH OF Australia/New Zealand ~ 2015 India ~ Feb 2014 South America ~ Feb 2014 A GAMBLE... *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible Far East ~ Mar 2014 Select Holidays China ~ March 2014 Available at: Ireland & Scotland ~ June 2014 1-888-413-3325 W. Buis Holdings 1-800-661-4326 Ukraine Agriculture Tour ~ June 2014 www.selectholidays.com NWT/Yukon/Alaska ~ July 2014 Advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express Russian River Cruise ~ Sept 2014 Ask About our Prairie Limited Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing! *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible Farming is enough of a gamble, advertise in the Alber- Foremost, AB ta Farmer Express classified section. It’s a sure thing. Select Holidays 1-800-661-4326 Wide Classifieds 1-888-413-3325 1-888-413-3325. www.selectholidays.com (403) 867-2436 www.dseriescanola.ca

SEED / FEED / GRAIN Why would you buy a used John Deere?

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Feed Grain For the same reasons you’d buy new.

BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the farm. Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, (403)350-8777 Lacombe.

FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” West- can Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

Available at: Medicine Hat Coop Ltd. Medicine Hat, AB (403) 528-6609 www.dseriescanola.ca

TIRES

FEDERATION TIRE: 1100X12, 2000X20, used air- craft. Toll free 1-888-452-3850

SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Feed Grain

NOW ALL GRADES BUYING Competitive Rates OATS! Prompt Payment There are many reasons to buy a pre-owned John Deere tractor or combine, and they all come down to one thing. Value.

Technology. Consider–a 3-year old John Deere 8R. When it came off the line it was AutoTrac™ Ready and JDLink™ enabled*. With one phone call to your dealer, you can begin using precision technology to help reduce inputs, improve yields, and get more done in less time. PAUL MOWER DAVE KOEHN 403-304-1496 403-546-0060 Uptime. You can’t make money standing still. Pre-owned John Deere equipment, like a LINDEN, ALBERTA CANADA 9770 Combine, comes fully supported by your John Deere dealer. The pay-off: reliable, consistent performance, backed by an unrivaled dealer network.

Resale value. John Deere tractors and combines are among the best in the industry at holding their value. So when the time comes and you’re ready to trade up to another used or new John Deere tractor or combine, your investment delivers yet again.

Now is a great time to buy. Visit MachineƟnder.com to search our impressive selection Buy and Sell of used John Deere equipment, then schedule some time with your John Deere dealer anything you and ask about special pre-owned deals and incentives. Special Ɵnancing also available need through the through John Deere Financial. New or new-to-you, Nothing Runs Like a Deere.™ *Activation/subscription required. Some additional accessories and/or components may be required. See dealer for details. MachineFinder.com

1-888-413-3325

57240-3AE_8.125x10.indd 1 10/29/13 7:37 AM ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 45

FEDS FUND ROYAL WINTER FAIR BASF APPEALS CHEMICAL BAN Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz on Nov. 5 German chemicals group BASF has launched a legal challenge against the European Com- announced a Government of Canada grant of up to $405,000 for the Royal Agricultural Winter mission’s ban of BASF’s insecticide fipronil, imposed in July on concern its use as seed Fair. A government release said the funds from the AgriMarketing Program will enable the fair to treatment is linked to declining bee populations. BASF has filed legal action with the Gen- attract more international buyers through the promotion of the event and its showcase of high- eral Court of the European Union because “valid scientific studies and evidence were not quality Canadian agriculture and agri-food products. They will also enhance the International properly taken into account,” BASF said in a statement. The ban follows similar EU curbs Business Centre, a top destination for the agriculture and livestock genetics industry. imposed in April on neonicotinoids, and reflects growing concern in Europe over a recent plunge in the population of honeybees. — Reuters

Flaxseed may reduce blood pressure, early fi ndings show The Winnipeg-based trial found significant reductions but researchers say more studies are needed

“These decreases in (blood pressure) BY SHEREEN JEGTVIG are amongst the most potent dietary NEW YORK / REUTERS interventions observed and comparable to current medications,” Pierce said. ating a bit of flaxseed each day There was no flaxseed-related ben- might help lower high blood pres- efit for people with normal blood pres- E sure, a new study suggests. sure, however. Researchers said it’s too early to swap Flaxseed costs about 25 to 50 cents out blood pressure medication for the per ounce. fibre-filled seeds just yet. But if future The new study was partially funded studies confirm the new results, flax by the Flax Council of Canada. It might be a cheap way to treat high blood wasn’t originally designed to study pressure, they added. blood pressure, which means the Flaxseed is well known as a plant source results have to be interpreted with of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and lignans, more caution. a type of antioxidants. “The study results are indeed sur- But so far, its effect on high blood pres- prising — it is actually hard to imagine sure, or hypertension, has been better such huge reductions in blood pressure studied among animals than humans. with flaxseed mixed in foodstuffs,” Dr. “This is the first demonstration of the William B. White told Reuters Health cardiovascular effects of dietary flaxseed in an email. in a hypertensive population,” Grant White, from the University of Con- Pierce told Reuters Health in an email. necticut School of Medicine in Farm- Pierce is the senior author on the study Linseed oil and flaxseeds. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK ington, is also the president of the and executive director of research at St. American Society of Hypertension. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Mani- He was not involved in the new study. toba, Canada. The trial included 110 people who had increase their dose of flaxseed gradually He also expressed some concern that One in three American adults has high been diagnosed with peripheral artery dis- so they could become accustomed to the measuring blood pressure changes blood pressure, considered 140/90 mil- ease, in which plaque builds up in arteries fibre load. was not the initial reason for doing limetres of mercury (mm Hg) and over, in the leg. Patients with the condition often Still, one in five participants dropped out the study. And he said the way blood according to the National Institutes of have high blood pressure. of each group during the trial. Some of that pressure was measured — during a Health. The participants were randomly could have been due to stomach pain from single office visit — isn’t as accurate as Having high blood pressure increases a assigned to either a flaxseed or com- the extra fibre, Pierce said. checking it at multiple points through- person’s risk of heart disease and stroke. parison group. People who had an initial systolic blood out the day. The condition costs the U.S. billions of People in the flaxseed group ate a pressure — the top number in a blood “The results are preliminary — there dollars each year, Pierce said. variety of foods like bagels, muffins and pressure reading — of at least 140 mm Hg is not enough information to justify “It is the No. 1 reason for a person to pasta that contained 30 grams — about saw that figure drop by 15 mm Hg, on aver- people taking flaxseed for the control visit a physician in the U.S. today,” he one ounce — of milled flaxseed every age, after six months of taking flaxseed. of hypertension. A larger, more con- said. “Understanding how to reduce day for six months. Their diastolic blood pressure — the trolled trial with out-of-office blood blood pressure has become, therefore, a Those in the comparison group were bottom number — also fell by seven mm pressure would be needed,” White critical challenge.” given foods that tasted similar, but didn’t Hg. Blood pressure did not change among said. His team’s results were published in the contain any flaxseed. people with hypertension in the compari- According to Pierce, a new study is journal Hypertension. The researchers had participants son group. underway.

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ALWAYS FOLLOW GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication ©2013 Monsanto Canada, Inc. 46 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Feed barley prices could see further lows Some lower-grade wheat could also be competition in the local feed market

now,” said Beusekom. “That’s what By Brandon Logan feedlots are paying. Farmers can C ommodity News Service Canada defer their sales to January, Febru- ary, or March and pick up $3 or $4 a ethbridge barley saw a slight tonne. They can also defer into the bump in prices the last few spring time and pick up $7, $8, or $9 L weeks, but Jim Beusekom, a tonne if they go out quite a ways. grain broker at Marketplace Com- There’s a little bit of incentive for modities in Lethbridge, said that them to store it.” prices could see further lows However, the wild card in terms depending on the price movement of near-term pricing is the U.S. of other feed markets. corn futures on the Chicago Board “Through the second half of of Trade. Beusekom said if the Nov. October, we’ve seen the market 8 USDA report is bearish for corn, it rally just slightly in Lethbridge,” he could cause Lethbridge feed barley said Nov. 5. “Prices moved upwards to decline as well. about $5 a tonne. That’s our grand “If the Nov. 8 USDA report comes rally, or about as close as we can get in bearish for corn, and we see corn to a rally this year.” prices continue to drop, it may actu- ally warrant a drop in feed barley,” he said. “We might actually see corn competitive in Lethbridge against “We might actually feed barley, and if that happens, in order for barley to keep finding- see corn competitive in homes, it’s probably got to drop.” Lethbridge against feed Canadian wheat could also chal- lenge Lethbridge barley for a spot barley...” in the feed market. “The other thing that is notewor- thy is that the wheat market is also Jim Beusekom under pressure, as it has broken Marketplace Commodities some of its support levels, and has started to come back down quite a bit,” Beusekom said, noting cash prices are down as much as 40 to 60 Beusekom said the boost was due cents a bushel. “Some of the lower to growers holding back on selling grade wheat should start to compete after they finished harvest activities. against feed barley and that could “Following harvest, it’s pretty nor- start happening really any time.” mal that farmers like to hold back,” Looking ahead, Beusekom said he he said. “Actually, I wouldn’t even can’t predict how low prices could say they’re holding their grain back. possibly go, but said any movement After you’re done harvest, probably will likely be volatile. the last thing a farmer does the day “The only thing we can predict is after he parks his combine is start that the markets will be volatile,” he to load trucks.” said. “The highs will be higher than According to the Alberta Canola what people think and the lows will Producers Commission, Lethbridge be lower than what people think barley during the week of Oct. 28 they’d be.” was priced at $185 per tonne. “Don’t be surprised if we still “Lethbridge is trading in the haven’t seen a low in these mar- $180- to $185-per-tonne range right kets.” It may be worthwhile to keep barley in the bin for a few months. PHOT h o: t inkstock Churchill sets monthly record during a busy shipping year Final tally for grain shipments expected to exceed 600,000 tonnes, with Richardson International surpassing CWB as top customer

dian Wheat Board’s single desk in By Phil Franz-Warkentin 2012, Ottawa set up the $25-million, commodity news service canada five-year Churchill Port Utilization Program to encourage shipments. hurchill is nearing the end Five companies used the port this of a busy grain-shipping year, and while the CWB is still a C season, with the tonnage major customer, Richardson Inter- moving through the northern port national was the biggest shipper this expected to come in well above the year, said Brede. previous year. “The logistics are a little more “We’ll be wrapping up in the intense because there are more next 10 to 12 days,” Darcy Brede, customers,” said Brede. “But president and chief operating offi- when it comes to operations, we cer of OmniTRAX, said late last love problems like that.” month. Aside from grain movement, More than 500,000 tonnes of grain the shipping season also included and oilseeds had moved through the three vessels loaded with resupply port as of the end of October, and shipments for the northern terri- the final tally should exceed 600,000 tory of Nunavut, said Brede. tonnes, said Brede. That compares Potential exports of crude oil are to 460,000 tonnes last year and the still being investigated, he said, and five-year average of about 550,000. many potential customers have October’s shipments of 270,000 expressed interest as the port has tonnes would likely set a monthly good access to the European mar- record, he added. ket, said Brede. Stakeholder meet- Wheat accounted for most of ings are currently taking place, and a the grain loaded during the sea- test shipment will likely take place in son, with some durum and canola 2014. A test run originally set for this also moving, said Brede. fall was postponed in order to allow Following the demise of the Cana- for further consultations. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 47 Veteran Ontario producer shares tips that can help you save time on your sheep operation Anita O’Brien says saving a few minutes here and there during the day really adds up over the course of a year

Detailed records allow her to and lambs out over shorter, BY ALEXIS KIENLEN identify poor performers, such tighter time periods. AF STAFF / LEDUC as ones that have parasite prob- “One of our big expenses in our lems and need to be dewormed breeding system is what we’re good handling facility for several times a year. O’Brien paying for rams,” she said. “I sheep is well worth the uses pregnancy scans and culls strongly believe one of the easi- A investment, says veteran every ewe that does not get preg- est ways of managing lambing sheep producer Anita O’Brien. nant or raise a lamb. Ewes are time labour is to pull the rams “Handling facilities don’t also culled for age, broken teeth, out. Set it out for what works for have to be fancy, just effec- inadequate udders, or the inabil- you, and then be committed to tive,” O’Brien said at the recent ity to maintain body condition. pulling the rams out of the ewes Alberta Sheep Breeders Associa- Ear notches are used to mark cull so you don’t have stragglers for tion conference. sheep. weeks and weeks after lambing The producer, who runs 425 “Once that’s done, I don’t should be over.” ewes on her pasture-based check the records to know if Rams on her operation are operation in Ontario, estimates she was a good ewe in the past,” usually left with ewes for two her facility saves her 45 minutes said O’Brien. “She’s a cull today. cycles or approximately 34 days. a day — or nearly 40 hours over This makes it easier and allows This translates to a lambing the course of a year. you to not get involved in the period of 40 days, making man- For example, having a digital emotions. This sounds heart- agement throughout the rest of scale allowed her to increase the less and ruthless, but it works the year easier as lambs can be number of lambs she can weigh for our system.” in much tighter groups, she said. to 170 per hour from 80, said The reasons for culling are To save time and labour, O’Brien, a former sheep and goat recorded to highlight poten- O’Brien tries to restrict the use specialist with the Ontario Min- tial problems in the flock. Ewes of feeding pails in her opera- istry of Agriculture who has been that need extra help at lambing tion, and she recommends Anita O’Brien, sheep producer and former sheep and goat specialist with working with sheep for 25 years. time are bred to terminal sires, raised feeding floors or feeders the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. PHOTO: ALEXIS KIENLEN Having a visible permanent mark so their genetics are not kept in that are easily accessible from a on sheep also saves time when the flock. barn alley. Communal hay feed- is a good investment and saves mals stay on pasture for as long handling them, she said. “All those lambs off of her are ing that covers four lambing jugs labour, particularly at lambing as possible. Lastly, she said she A good facility goes hand going to the market,” she said. or small areas are also efficient. time. O’Brien matches forage is a big believer in using herding in hand with an effective cull Ewes are broken into ideal An automated watering sys- storage to the flock size and dogs to save labour. strategy in creating an efficient group sizes for lambing, and tem, preferably one that pro- picks bale sizes that best suit operation, she said. O’Brien synchronizes her ewes vides ewes with constant access, the needs of the flock. Her ani- [email protected]

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ALWAYS FOLLOW IRM, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2013 Monsanto Canada Inc. 48 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA U.S. feedlot cattle placements rise as feed costs declined The supply has been declining and is now at the lowest level for the month in 15 years

on average, expected a 1.2 per “There was not much differ- BY THEOPOLIS WATERS AND cent increase. ence between the estimates. It MEREDITH DAVIS Although up from last year, is pretty neutral for the market,” CHICAGO / REUTERS September placements were the said Ron Plain, University of Mis- second lowest for the month since souri livestock economist. he number of cattle placed USDA began the current data The September marketings in U.S. feedlots in Septem- series in 1996. USDA reported the were encouraging, which were T ber increased one per cent feedlot cattle supply as of Oct. 1 slightly higher than trade expec- from a year earlier, a government at 10.144 million head, down eight tations, he said. report showed Oct. 31. per cent from a year earlier. Ana- The increase in cash prices Analysts attributed the rise to lysts, on average, expected a 7.3 during the last two weeks in lower-priced corn, which reduced per cent drop. September and improved feed- the cost of fattening cattle in The supply has been declining lot profitability as corn became feedlots. Also, higher prices for and is now at the lowest level for more affordable attracted cattle slaughter-ready cattle improved the month in 15 years. The num- into feedyards, said Allendale margins and drew more animals ber of cattle marketed to packers in chief strategist Rich Nelson. into feedlots. September was up six per cent from The placement data suggests The U.S. Department of Agri- a year earlier at 1.695 million head. the trend of low placements culture showed September Analysts viewed the report as will continue into the first half of placements at 2.025 million neutral to mildly bullish for Chi- 2014, which should help support head, up one per cent from 2.004 cago Mercantile Exchange live deferred CME live cattle futures, The placement data suggests the trend of low placements will continue million a year earlier. Analysts, cattle futures. he said. into the first half of 2014. French feed producers eye new subsidy

BY SYBILLE DE LA HAMAIDE PARIS / REUTERS

reform meant to promote animal feed production A in the European Union could cut France’s reliance on costly and mostly genetically modified soybean imports by a third, depending on who receives the aid, growers said. When EU leaders agreed on reforms to the 50-billion-euro- (C$70-billion-) a-year Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) in June, these included the prospect that member states could use up to two per cent of output-related subsidies for farmers to boost output of vegetable proteins. It remains unclear whether and how the bloc’s other 27 members will apply this measure but President Francois Hollande said France would use it as part of a wider plan to help livestock farmers who are struggling with rising feed costs. At Meridian, we want to help our customers get their work done faster, safer and more efficiently. Our products Feed producers argue part of are designed with the features that seed sites need and constructed using high-quality parts and industry-leading the subsidies should go mainly manufacturing techniques, meaning that our augers and conveyors keep performing, season after season. to them as their group funds research on improving yields. “A realistic protein plan, SMOOthWAll • GAlvAnized • AuGerS • COnveyOrS • Seed tenderS • ArChWAll • Fuel tAnkS which would lead to a French area of protein-rich crops of 800,000 hectares, would boost domestic output by 1.2 million tonnes of soymeal equivalent, or 30 per cent of the current deficit,” said Gerard Tubery, head of French oilseed and protein growers group FOP.

Remember that story you wanted to read again from a few months back?

SEARCH Network © 2013 Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Registered Trademarks Used Under License. www.MeridianMFG.com Search news. Read stories. Find insight. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 49 Food and agriculture groups join call for faster regulatory harmonization The Canadian Manufacturing Coalition says a 2011 initiative has made ‘little or no progress’ on harmonizing U.S. and Canadian regulations

a product to be designed, manu- to change while others are not BY ALEX BINKLEY factured, approved, and sold in interested.” AF CONTRIBUTOR / OTTAWA both countries through a single Business leaders from both process,” the letter states. countries have pointed to the espite the backing of Presi- Among the 27 national indus- regulatory streamlining that dent Barack Obama and try associations that signed the Australia and New Zealand have DPrime Minister Stephen letter are the Canadian Meat accomplished as a model for the Harper, a cross-border initia- Council, BIOTECanada, the North American neighbours to tive to harmonize Canadian and Canadian Animal Health Insti- emulate, he said. American regulations has made tute, Food and Consumer Prod- When the council was created, it paltry progress, says the Cana- ucts of Canada, the George Mor- was given 29 priority areas to work dian Manufacturing Coalition. ris Centre, the Canadian Renew- on, and it should commit to wrap- Announced with consider- able Fuels Association and the ping those up during the next year, able fanfare by the two leaders Association of Farm Equipment the letter says. It also calls for the in 2011, the Regulatory Coopera- Manufacturers. federal cabinet to press for speedier tion Council has made “little or The concerns have previously progress on an issue that has been no progress,” the coalition says been delivered privately to the an irritant to business since the Can- in a letter to Robert Carberry, council, said Mathew Wilson, ada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement was assistant secretary of the coun- vice-president of national policy signed a quarter of a century ago. cil’s secretariat. for Canadian Manufacturers and “Despite the FTA, and deeply “Out of the thousands of reg- Exporters. integrated industries and supply ulations that affect companies “The conversation is ongo- chains, regulators did not align to Despite good intentions from the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, manufacturing and selling prod- ing,” he noted. “The regulators meet modern business realities in the two countries are still going in their own directions on ucts in each country, only a hand- in both countries control the the vast majority of instances,” the regulations. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK ful have been aligned to allow for agenda and some are more open letter states. Gene may raise cancer risk from meat Another gene said to increase benefits from fruits and vegetables

STAFF

common genetic vari- ant that affects one in A three people significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer from the consumption of red meat and processed meat, according to a study presented Oct. 24 at the annual American Society of Human Genetics 2013 meeting. According to a release from the University of Southern California, the study also reveals another spe- cific genetic variation that appears to modify whether eating more vegetables, fruits and fibre actu- ally lowers colorectal cancer risk. “Diet is a modifiable risk fac- tor for colorectal cancer. Our study is the first to understand whether some individuals are at higher or lower risk based on their genomic profile,” lead author Jane Figueiredo of USC said in the At Meridian, we want to help our customers get their work done faster, safer and more efficiently. Our products release. are designed with the features that seed sites need and constructed using high-quality parts and industry-leading “But we are not saying that if manufacturing techniques, meaning that our augers and conveyors keep performing, season after season. you don’t have the genetic vari- ant that you should eat all the red meat you’d like,” Figueiredo SMOOthWAll • GAlvAnized • AuGerS • COnveyOrS • Seed tenderS • ArChWAll • Fuel tAnkS added. “People with the genetic variant allele have an even higher increased risk of colorectal cancer if they consume high levels of pro- cessed meat, but the baseline risk associated with meat is already pretty bad.” The researchers speculate that the digestion of processed meat may promote an immunological or inflammatory response that may trigger tumour development. The researchers said that for those with another genetic vari- ant, eating fruits and vegetables may provide even higher-than- © 2013 Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Registered Trademarks Used Under License. www.MeridianMFG.com normal protection against colorectal cancer. 50 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Expert Expert says save yourself says sheep producers grief by getting to know can’t a ord to be without a biosecurity what makes sheep tick plan Gord Schroeder says sheep are intelligent animals and their behaviour becomes a lot less frustrating when you understand what triggers their actions BY ALEXIS KIENLEN AF STAFF / LEDUC

BY ALEXIS KIENLEN nadequate biosecurity hits AF STAFF / EDMONTON you in the pocketbook. I “Infectious diseases heep aren’t stupid — just limit the profitability and misunderstood. productivity of sheep,” Chris S The woolly animals are as Clark, assistant professor of intelligent as pigs and cows, and large-animal medicine at if you understand how they relate the University of Saskatch- to stimuli, they’re much easier to ewan, said at the recent manage, Gord Schroeder said at Alberta Sheep Breeders the recent Alberta Sheep Breeders Association conference. Association conference. “If you’re working “It’s one of the biggest “If you’re working with sheep limiters to the number of and you want them to do some- with sheep and you lambs you can market at the thing, change the environment,” want them to do end of the year.” said Schroeder, executive director Sheep diseases have far- of the Saskatchewan Sheep Devel- something, change the reaching impacts over an opment Board and a 28-year vet- extended period of time, eran of the sheep industry. environment.” resulting in a need for inten- An effective handling system can save labour and stress. PHOTO: ©THINKSTOCK “When they are doing some- GORD sive management strategies. thing, they are responding to SCHROEDER Many sheep diseases are not something. You need to figure EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF only highly contagious and out what the response is and what that is facing the outside lit area,” time something changes in your THE SASKATCHEWAN SHEEP can reduce the lifespan of DEVELOPMENT BOARD they want.” said Schroeder. “They will work chute system, they will stop and ewes, but impact flocks for a Sheep are highly social, so ones much better that way.” examine it before they continue long time and require inten- that isolate themselves from the Sheep respect solid barriers, to move.” sive management strategies flock may have health issues. and will not jump plywood or When grazing sheep on grass, make them balk as they’re not sure to overcome, he said. Knowing their flight zone and panels. They bunch up to protect Schroeder uses an electric fence how deep it is. “You have to remember understanding their instinct to themselves, so it’s best not to have about 18 inches high, decorating it If a newborn lamb needs to be that ewes are at their most move towards other sheep makes corners in chute systems or alley- with ribbons to pique the sheep’s warmed in a bath, then Schroeder fertile and productive from herding less stressful for both ani- ways, and they don’t like it when curiosity. One touch is usually suf- always places the animal in a plas- about ages four to six,” mal and shepherd. Chutes should the flooring texture changes, so it ficient as they have good memo- tic bag so its mother will recognize Clark said. “If you’re losing be designed so they only see oth- should be consistent, said Schro- ries, he said. its scent. A mother can be tricked a bunch of ewes earlier in ers moving forward in front of eder, who said he finds gravel or Other factors to consider is that into adopting an orphan by their lifespan, you’re losing them, and sheep will avoid areas straw bedding is superior to con- sheep have excellent hearing and smearing a stool from one of her them before they hit the that are in shadow or poorly lit. crete flooring. are therefore very sensitive to loud lambs on the orphan’s rear end, most productive portion of “The easiest way to move sheep “If it changes, they will stop noises, and they have lousy depth and then preventing the ewe from their life.” is to put your chute in a direction moving or balk,” he said. “Every perception, so even a puddle can smelling the tail of her own lamb Sheep diseases fall into for a couple of days. After two days two types — those that live in an extension pen, she will usu- only in sheep and those that ally accept the orphan because of persist in the environment. the similar scent. Environmental ones are harder to control, but can be [email protected] limited by taking care of the flock, good management, nutrition and using other products, like vaccinations, Trait Stewardship when necessary, he said. Responsibilities “Biosecurity is really about 2013 COnfeRenCe working out what diseases December 3RD & 4Th, 2013 Notice to Farmers are in your flock and putting Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through efforts into making sure the Location: Lethbridge Lodge, 320 Scenic Dr. S. Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in diseases that you don’t have, accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of never come through your Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This door,” Clark said. “We can’t product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced avoid parasites completely, from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or but we can certainly keep sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law them under control.” to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries Biosecurity is not univer- into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying sal and producers will need position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a to tailor their plan to their Keynote presenters include: registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. operation, he added. Dr. Martin Parry Rothamsted Research – Harpenden, UK ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to [email protected] Drew Lerner World Weather Inc – Kansas City, MO glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill Other highlights include: crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn is a combination of four separate Dr. Ross McKenzie individually-registered products, which together contain the Orville Yanke Award Recipient – Lethbridge, AB active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, and clothianidin. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola is Comedian – Prince Albert, SK a combination of two separate individually-registered products, Kelly Taylor which together contain the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil, thiamethoxam, and Plus many more including: bacillus subtilis. Acceleron and Design®, Acceleron®, DEKALB and Dr. Don Huber Merle Good, Dr. Shelley Hoover, Design®, DEKALB®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Dr. Jan Slaski, Dr. Chantal Hamel, Ken Coles, Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Transorb®, Roundup WeatherMAX®, Roundup®, Nevin Rosaasen, Scott Meers, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax®, Transorb®, VT Double PRO®, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2®, YieldGard Corn Borer and Design Dr. Surya Acharya & MORE and YieldGard VT Triple® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Used under license. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. Respect the Refuge and Design is a registered trademark of the Canadian Seed Trade Association. Used under license. ©2013 Monsanto Canada Inc. Chris Clark, assistant professor of large-animal medicine at the University of For further information visit: www.farmingsmarter.com Saskatchewan. Contact: Jamie at 403-381-5118 PHOTO: ALEXIS KIENLEN

10801A-Gen Legal Trait Stewardship-AF.indd 1 7/26/13 2:33 PM ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 11, 2013 51 Alberta feedlots snapping up high-tech rapid-feed analysis equipment Though there are still a few bugs to work out, the speed of NIRS technology and its potential for cost saving has made it a hit with feedlots

of Alberta Crop Industry Devel- protein content, and moisture tise to develop these calibration BY JENNIFER BLAIR opment Fund, which is adminis- content,” she said. “Beef feed- equations,” said Swift. “You have AF STAFF / RED DEER tering grants. lots have been a big uptake of “It’s better to know what to have somebody — and that “And it’s not all spent. Even this technology.” somebody right now is me — who rants for rapid-feed analy- though there’s 28 machines out The technology is very useful you’re dealing with.” can collect samples and put them sis machines are still avail- there, there’s still 10 machines in determining uniformity feed all together and develop calibra- Gable for Alberta livestock that we have funds for.” rations. Oil content in distiller tion equations. And then you producers and feeders, but they’ll The same technology is used in grains and energy content in have to maintain them.” MARYLOU SWIFT have to apply soon. grain terminals to detect mois- barley grains can vary by as much Right now, making and main- Thanks to $750,000 in fund- ture and protein, but was too as 20 per cent, making it hard to taining calibrations is the “big- ing from the Alberta Livestock pricey for most livestock opera- know exactly what’s going into gest headache” involved with and Meat Agency producers can tions in the past. But with costs the feed. using NIRS technology, says buy Near Infrared Reflectance coming down, this type of feed- “It’s better to know what you’re you can tell how much oil, starch, Swift. Spectrometry (NIRS) equipment analysis technology is in reach dealing with,” said Swift. “We protein, and moisture is in that “Using them on farm is no for their farms at a reduced cost. of those who couldn’t afford went to look at one company, sample,” she said. “And you challenge at all. It’s just main- So far, 28 applications have been it before, said Marylou Swift, and they brought in truckloads of can use this to reformulate your taining these calibrations and approved, which leaves enough research scientist with Alberta wheat that varied anywhere from rations or make purchasing deci- getting them to where they’re funding for eight to 10 more Agriculture. 11 to 16 per cent. That has a huge sions on suppliers.” stable. We’ve been at that for a machines. “We now have industries that impact on animal performance.” Compared to wet chemistry, while now, so I think we’re get- “The NIRS equipment grant have purchased the equipment, The real benefit, however, is its NIRS is “instant technology,” but ting pretty close to that situa- provides some cash dollars up and they can get an energy speed. its speed comes at a price. tion.” to 50 per cent for people to buy digestibility on their grain, as well “You take a sample, you run it “You have to actually calibrate NIRS equipment,” said Rob Hand as starch content, fibre content, through, and 30 seconds later, it, and it requires some exper- [email protected]

Horsemeat found in canned beef at two U.K. retailers The product was canned in Romania earlier this year

LONDON / REUTERS

batch of canned sliced beef containing horse- A meat has been removed from the shelves of retailers Home Bargains and Quality Save, Britain’s Food Standards Agency said Oct. 31. Routine tests by local govern- ment trading standards officers in Lincolnshire, eastern Eng- land, found the product, which was manufactured in Romania in January this year, contained horse DNA at a level of between one and five per cent. Farm&Family “Horsemeat is not identi- fied in the ingredients list and get succession planning that works for both. therefore it should not have been present in the product,” Passing your family business to the next generation can seem like a daunting task. as easy as the agency said in a statement. it is to put off, it’s vital to the future welfare for you and your family. The beef tested negative for the drug phenylbutazone, or With more than 65 years of business succession experience, MnP can assist you with ‘bute,’ the anti-inflammatory every aspect of the succession process including tax and estate planning, wealth and asset painkiller for sporting horses which is banned for animals management and valuations. a well-structured plan can also result in significant tax savings intended for eventual human and increased value of your operation. consumption as it is potentially harmful, the agency said. taking stock of your own situation is the first important step. We’re here to help you develop A scandal broke around and complete a plan that gives you peace of mind and allows you to successfully transition Europe in January when traces of horse were found in frozen on your terms. burgers sold in Irish and British For more information on our TransitionSMART™ program, supermarkets, including those run by market leader Tesco. contact Jonathan Small at 403.356.1281 or e-mail [email protected].

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

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21628_MNP Transition_8.125x10_AFE.indd 1 10/28/13 6:28 AM 52 NOVEMBER 11, 2013 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Supply management o cials wary of trade deal with Europe Only dairy producers are affected, but other supply-managed commodities say it sets a bad precedent

rent amount. Most of that is “fine Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) was export cheese into the EU, but mentioned for impacted sectors a BY ALEXIS KIENLEN cheese,” but that’s not defined, he becoming more involved in the Kootstra says this has more of an few times, but have no idea what AF STAFF / LEDUC said. Including supply manage- discussions and the decision was impact on processors rather than this means or what is required,” ment in the deal marks a sharp made to agree to the EU’s request producers. said Kootstra. armers in supply manage- turn from earlier agreements, such for greater dairy access, he said. The Dairy Farmers of Canada The proposed trade would also ment should be concerned as the North American Free Trade “It appears that the PMO’s office estimates the deal could result in a see changes to the importation Fabout the Comprehensive Agreement, said David Hyink, facilitated the compromise to get loss of the equivalent of 275 Cana- for milk protein isolates, with Economic and Trade Agreement, vice-chair of Alberta Chicken Pro- the CETA deal,” he said, adding dian farms and 21,000 cows, and over-quota tariffs on milk protein industry leaders say. ducers. “This is the first time the he’s still waiting to see more spe- is asking the federal government isolates from the EU eliminated. Alberta Milk chairman Tom government has taken a piece of cific details of the agreement. how it intends to respond. There is also a compromise on Kootstra said he has met with Pre- supply management and used it as Canada does have access to “We have heard compensation so-called “geographic indicators” mier Alison Redford and Agricul- a negotiating tool,” he said. of cheese names. Processors that ture Minister Verlyn Olson to brief “If this is the way that they are are currently making Feta, Asiago, them about just what the proposed going to operate in future trade Fontina, Gorgonzola, and Muen- trade deal with Europe involves. deals, as an industry, we got to “We have heard compensation mentioned for impacted ster can keep using the names of “I can assure you that they too respond to that. We have to find a sectors a few times, but have no idea what this means or these cheeses as long as they are do not understand all the details or way to speak clearly with govern- already in business when the deal the implication it has specifically ment and know their intentions what is required.” is ratified. In the future, however, on dairy to date,” Kootstra said at a on this.” no other processors will be able to regional producers’ meeting. The components of the deal use these cheese names without The deal would allow 30,000 involving pork and beef were com- TOM KOOTSTRA adding modifiers such as “style,” tonnes of European cheese to be pleted weeks ago, so the deal was CHAIR OF ALBERTA MILK “type,” or “kind.” able to enter the Canadian mar- not dependent on cheese for trade- ket — more than double the cur- off, argued Kootstra. However, the [email protected]

New Odessa terminal sign of ‘growth’ “We know this in Ukraine farm like no grain exports

one else.” GENEVA / REUTERS

ouis Dreyfus Commodi- Joel Dykstra – FCC Customer ties has entered into a L joint venture agreement with Brooklyn Kiev LLC to develop and manage a multi- commodity terminal in Odes- sa as it expands in one of the world’s top grain exporters. More of Canada’s farm experts While Louis Dreyfus is already choose to do business with FCC active in shipping grains from the Black Sea — a region which accounts for about a quarter Together, we’ll create the financing plan that works of global wheat volumes — the for you. We get to know you, your farm and how terminal will help it to compete you want to grow. If you’re ready to get down to with rivals such as Bunge, which already has an export facility business, talk to one of our farm business experts. there. Glencore has also sought to increase its presence in the Black Sea region and last year fcc.ca bought a 50 per cent stake in a Russian export terminal along- 1-800-387-3232 side Ukrainian agricultural pro- ducer Kernel. Louis Dreyfus said that once completed in around August 2014, the terminal will have total grain storage capacity of about 240,000 tonnes. “The substantial growth in Ukrainian grain production and exports, which is expected to con- tinue in the coming years, driven by higher yields, increasing corn crops and more efficient farm- ing operations, requires efficient export channels,” said Jean-Marc Foucher, chief executive of Louis Dreyfus Commodities for Europe and the Black Sea.

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