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VOLUME 9, NUMBER 24 NOVEMBER 19, 2012

Complaints Nine grizzlies in one day about delivering scare Beaver Mines family CWB grain TOO MANY BEARS  A rancher in the southwest corner of the province GROWING PAINS  is applying to carry a handgun for his own protection CWB vice-president says the system can be made to work

BY ALLAN DAWSON STAFF

ome grain handlers are refusing to accept CWB Sgrain deliveries and promis- ing better grades to farmers who bypass the new voluntary board, farmers said during a recent con- ference call with CWB officials Oct. 17. During the conference-call meeting with more than 3,200 farmers, an Alberta producer (who identified himself only as John) said elevator employees in Medicine Hat, Stettler and Oyen told him they would not be accepting CWB grain. “I’d like to deliver my grain through the Canadian Wheat Board but if I can’t deliver it, I don’t have any choice,” said John. “They’re all saying the same thing: ‘We’ve got lots of sales for our own grain so why would we take wheat board grain in when we don’t have rail cars for it right now?’” Dual-market skeptics predicted these kinds of issues would sur- face when the new company relies on competitors to handle its grain. A Saskatchewan farmer named Carl said be went to a Viterra and A grizzly bear pops its head out of a granary, seemingly unconcerned by the trap. PHOTO: COURTESY MCCLELLAND FAMILY Pioneer elevator and was told they couldn’t accept CWB grain because the CWB hadn’t set a has a long history in the hills of Beaver that the first bear was a large male. But basis. Gord Flaten, the CWB’s BY SHERI MONK Mines, the grizzly bear chapter is a rela- that wasn’t all — he found another eight vice-president of grain procure- AF STAFF / PINCHER CREEK tively new one. of the beasts exploring his property, one ment, responded that grain com- “Until maybe five or eight years ago, a of which had already broken into the panies, not the CWB, set eleva- yan McClelland likes bears, but grizzly bear was a strange thing to see,” family’s business, McClelland’s Meat tion and freight charges. he doesn’t want to end up in the McClelland said. He rarely sees black Processors, a small meat-packing shop. In a later interview, Flaten said Rbelly of one. bears any longer, whereas they used to The big boar breached the door to the he had previously heard similar “I don’t leave the house anymore be seen regularly. meat shop to snack on a quarter of beef. complaints, and acknowledged without packing a gun with me,” he In the early-morning hours of Oct. Meanwhile, a sow with three cubs had that, in some cases, companies said. He lives near Beaver Mines, a small 21, McClelland was awoken by his dog broken into a granary, and a second sow are favouring their own grain. hamlet southwest of Pincher Creek, barking and what he found astounded with two cubs had destroyed her way “We recognize there’s an issue with his wife Jessica and their three chil- him. into a second granary. “Everybody is out there at a number of eleva- dren. McClelland is the fourth genera- “There was a grizzly at the garage, tors, but I also don’t want to blow tion on the ranch, and while the family right outside the house,” he said, adding SEE GRIZZLIES  page 6 it out of proportion either,” he

SEE CWB GRAIN  page 6

HEMP: EVALUATING THE VARIETIES AND THE MARKETS  PAGE 26-28 2 news » inside this week NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

inside » livestock crops  columNists Realizing hemp’s ABP meeting Heat-damaged Roy Lewis potential wants inquiry canola crop Common errors in handling vaccines 16 Promoters want to develop a value chain 26 brenda schoepp In Peru, farming is hard British bread and precarious 18 dilemma U.K. bakers looking Daniel Bezte for high protein Beef industry couldn’t Yields are down, and Don’t like the forecast? 13 tell its story on XL 14 so is the oil content 25 Make your own 22

U.S. Thanksgiving turkey dinner to be easy on the wallet Irish bull takes world record, Hedged } Many retailers locked in turkey costs but not for before drought drove up feed prices performance THANKSGIVING DINNER COST some producers to secure bank Guinness World Records By P.J. Huffstutter loans. has recognized Archie, a chicago / reuters John Burkel, a turkey grower 29-month-old Dexter from and processor in Minnesota, said County Antrim, Northern mericans will be able to the rising grain prices can make it Ireland, as the shortest bull enjoy relatively cheap difficult to obtain bank financing. in the world. AThanksgiving turkeys this “I used to feed a turkey for 22 He measures just 76.2 cm year, thanks to many retailers cents a lb., now it costs 45-50 (30 in.) from the hoof to the locking in their costs before a cents,” Burkel said. “When you go withers, 15 inches shorter drought this year drove up U.S. to the bank and say, ‘I need a line than other bulls of his breed. feed prices. of credit that’s twice what I typi- Guinness says that And retailers are determined cally have,’ they look at you and 15-year-old student and to keep prices for the traditional say, ‘Are you out of your mind? farmer Ryan Lavery bought Thanksgiving main course as low How are you getting that back?’” Archie at five months old as possible, even though sky-high In 2011, the United States pro- and says that if it wasn’t for corn prices have nearly doubled duced 5.79 billion lbs. of turkey his small size, the bull’s fate the cost of producing a pound of — a 7.4 per cent drop from the would have been very dif- turkey meat this year. 6.25 billion lbs. produced in 2008, ferent. “When we bought Offering attractive prices for according to USDA data. Archie, he was destined for turkey can help retailers such as The nation consumed about Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Super- beef. However, by Christ- Every year the American Farm Bureau Federation releases an 5.02 billion lbs. of turkey in 2011 mastime, he still hadn’t valu Inc. lure customers into their informal price survey of classic items found on the American — 6.6 per cent less than the 5.37 grown and because we had stores for other Thanksgiving Thanksgiving dinner table. It says the cost of this year’s meal for billion lbs. in 2008. become so fond of him we staples such as turkey stuffing, 10 is $49.48, a 28-cent price increase from last year’s average Industrywide, farmers and pro- decided to keep him. His size cranberries and sweet potatoes, of $49.20. The shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, cessors say they have scaled back saved his life and now he’s industry sources said. sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish their flocks, and further produc- going to live out the rest of “Like the rest of the industry, tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and tion cuts are expected as grain his life as a pet.” we’re seeing an increase in the beverages of coffee and milk. AFBF prices remain high. September’s Ryan says Archie may be prices on turkeys,” said Mike Sie- egg set placements fell six per cent small, but that hasn’t dimin- mienas, spokesman for Supervalu from a year earlier, according to ished his “bullish” tempera- Inc, the third-largest U.S. grocery producers’ contractual prices supermarkets that did not lock in USDA data. ment. store operator. “We continue to with retailers were set this spring pre-drought prices. Jim Hertel, managing partner “Archie doesn’t realize work with suppliers to ensure when feed was far cheaper as A manager at Paulina Market of Illinois-based food retail con- that he’s so short. He thinks we’re getting the best price pos- U.S. farmers began planting what in Chicago said the meat market sultancy Willard Bishop, cau- he’s the biggest in the herd sible for our customers.” looked like would be a record corn recently increased the price of tioned that even if turkey whole- and he’ll grunt and roar at Retail prices for frozen turkeys crop. their fresh turkeys by about 50 sale prices continue to rise savvy the rest of them. He’s gener- have barely moved in recent The expectations for a bumper cents a lb. to $3.75 a lb. retailers will eat as much of the ally OK around the other weeks. Whole frozen turkeys were autumn harvest evaporated as At Casey’s Market in a Chicago difference as possible. farm animals like horses and selling for $1.62 a lb. in Septem- the worst drought in half a cen- suburb, owner David Casey said “Smart retailers will be looking goats, but if something agi- ber, up from $1.57 a lb. at the same tury devastated crops and sent his wholesale suppliers are quot- to absorb the costs they can, and tates him, he’ll go for them, time two years ago, according to corn and soybean prices to record ing prices that are “up a couple spread any of the price increases and even though he’s little, the U.S. Department of Agricul- highs this summer. ticks, about five per cent.” across other categories that at 155 kg it can hurt.” ture’s Economic Research Service. The impact of higher feed costs The surge in grain prices was haven’t been as hard hit,” Hertel Photos and a video at www. One reason for that is many are beginning to show up at some also making it more difficult for said. Salford_SFM10_01-10.25x3PSO_AFE.qxdguinnessworldrecords.com 9/29/12 2:35 PM Page 1 SFM09_28-10.25x3PSO Client: Farm Salford Machinery Alberta Expres/ Famer Manitoba Cooperator Size: 10.25” x 3” Ad#: Call your Salford dealer today, or visit www.salfordmachine.com Salford, Ontario • 1-866-442-1293

Ad#: SFM09_28-10.25x3PSO ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 3 Grain commission fees poised to jump 44 per cent User pay } Despite shaving $20 million in costs, the CGC proposes big increase in fees so Ottawa no longer has to pay the bill

Fee Name Unit (per) Current Fee Proposed Fee for 2013-14 with proposed A load of grain being shipped out before amendments to the snowfall. If the Canadian Grain Commission Canada Grain Act gets its way, cost of moving grain through Inward Inspection the system will rise by $1.38 per tonne Inward Official Inspection - Inspection $20.10 - $27.10 Not Applicable railcars/ trucks/containers next fall. Photo: Jeannette Greaves Outward Inspection

Outward Official Inspection – Tonne $0.51 $1.60 ships

Outward Official Inspection – Inspection $29.00 $143.99 railcars/ trucks/containers

Reinspection

Reinspection of grain Re-inspection $7.50 -$25.00 $70.48

Inward weighing

Inward Official Weighing - Railcar or truck $5.90 Not Applicable railcars/ trucks/containers or container

Outward Weighing

(Monitoring) Outward Official Tonne $0.27 $0.15 Weighing – ships

(Monitoring) Outward Official Railcar or truck $18.00 $13.87 Weighing – railcars/ or container trucks/containers

Inspection and weighing authorization

Authorized service provider Application Not Applicable $140.97 application

Supplementary fees for official inspection or official weighing

Travel and Accommodation Trip Actual Actual

Time and One-half Overtime Hour/ $14.20 $64.50 employee

Double Time Overtime Hour/ $21.00 $86.00 employee

Time and One-half Overtime – Employee $107.20 $193.50 cancellation reporting

Double Time Overtime – Employee $107.20 $258.00 cancellation reporting

Standby Employee $23.20 $43.00

Registration and Cancellation of Receipts

Elevator Receipt Registration / Tonne $0.08 Not Applicable Warehousing of inspection and weighing data (Inward)

get and the federal government the Elevator Receipt Cancellation / Tonne $0.08 Not Applicable By Allan Dawson remaining nine per cent. Right now Warehousing of inspection and weighing data (Outward) staff it’s split 50-50 between the govern- “We found that our ment and the industry. Licensing n its government-ordered drive The fee increase could have been proposed fees appear to be Full-term Licence Licence/ month $5 or $100 $276 to cost recovery, the Canadian worse, according to the CGC. Amend- low relative to maximum Short-term Licence Licence Not Applicable $353 Grain Commission (CGC) wants ments to the Canada Grain Act con- I Producer cars the grain industry to pay an extra tained in the government’s omnibus elevator tariffs. $16.7 million a year in user fees effec- Bill C-45, will cut CGC operating costs Producer car application Car $20.00 $26.50 tive Aug. 2013. by $20 million. Initially the grain sector Grading of submitted samples That’s a 44 per cent increase faced a doubling of CGC fees. Making Canadian Grain Grading of submitted sample Sample $15.10 - $24.47 $46.99 Commission amounting to an extra $1.38 a tonne CGC inward grain inspection at termi- Samples on total CGC-inspected Canadian nals and transfer elevators optional, grain exports. and other changes, will reduce costs. Provision on samples Sample $31.00 $70.48 Some fees will skyrocket. For exam- The CGC says its new fees will Analytical testing ple, the CGC would charge $149.99 for amount to about $1.82 a tonne or just of third parties to provide inspection Analytical tests Analysis $5.00 - $395.00 $35.24 - $1,609.87

outward inspection per rail car, truck 1.9 and 2.2 per cent of the total cost of services. Documentation or container — a whopping fivefold handling and transporting grain from “For the remainder of CGC func- Documentation issued Document $2.50 - $24.00 $77.50 jump from the current charge of $29. the middle of the Prairies to Vancou- tions competitive alternatives must be issued

The CGC’s outward inspection fee ver or St. Lawrence ports, respectively. allowed,” the WGEA says in a position Total Revenue Estimates from User Fees $37.6M $54.3M for ships will rise 58 per cent to $1.60 Without changes CGC services would paper. a tonne from the current 51 cents. have cost around $3.07 a tonne. The WGEA also questions whether The CGC will charge $46.99 to grade “We found that our proposed fees the CGC has the legal authority to a grain sample versus the $15.10 to appear to be low relative to maximum charge fees for many of its services, $24.47 it charges now. elevator tariffs,” the CGC states in its Sobkowich said. The User Fee Act How to make views Producer car application fees will consultation document. “Because our only allows fees to be charged where increase 33 per cent to $26.50 com- fees are low relative to these elevator the service “results in a direct benefit known on proposed pared to the $20 farmers pay now. tariffs, the impact of our fees should or advantage to the person paying the Citizens have until Nov. 30 to submit have a lower impact than the fees for fee.” new CGC user fee written responses to the CGC about elevator services.” The CGC document says its pro- the new fees, which are outlined in the posed user fees are consistent with Citizens have until Nov. 30 to submit, in writing, their CGC’s 54-page User Fees Consultation Grain quality leader those charged for similar services in views on the Canadian Grain Commission’s proposed and Pre-proposal Notification. The CGC says the services it will the United States and Australia. How- new user fees. continue to charge for are critical to ever, the paper also says in 2011 the The CGC’s User Fees Consultation and Pre-propos- More cost reductions needed maintaining “Canada’s reputation as U.S. government covered 37 per cent al Notification document is available on the website The CGC should make more services a leader in grain quality.” of inspection fees with user fees cov- at www.grainscanada.gc.ca (See page 39, Annex 2, optional to reduce operating costs, The WGEA says the following CGC ering the rest. If the CGC’s new fees Table 6, for a list of the CGC’s current fees and pro- said Wade Sobkowich, executive services are for the public good and are implemented the Canadian grain posed new fees, shown above). director of the Western Grain Eleva- the government should cover the industry will cover 91 per cent of the Email submissions to: consultations@grainscanada. tor Association (WGEA). The associa- costs: Grain Research Laboratory, the bill. That puts Canada’s grain industry gc.ca. tion also says the federal government grain quality assurance system, main- at a competitive disadvantage, Sobko- Mail submissions to: User Fees Comments, Cana- should cover the cost of CGC services, taining grain quality standards, food wich said. dian Grain Commission, 600-303 Main Street, Winni- which benefit the nation. safety activities, policy development, The WGEA is also disappointed the peg, Man. R3C 3G8. Include a return address. Currently Ottawa contributes $5.45 traceability and monitoring, producer House of Commons agriculture com- Those dissatisfied with the CGC’s response to sub- million to CGC services identified as security and other overhead costs. mittee has rejected the association’s missions can take their case before an independent for the public good. The plan is to keep The WGEA says industry users request to appear to state its position. advisory panel. The CGC and the complainant each it the same. should only pay for producer car “I would think the largest user of select a panellist. Those two panellists then select a If the CGC’s proposed user fees are administration, subject to grade and CGC services should have a voice at third independent panellist. implemented, the grain sector will dockage adjudication, elevator licens- the table, even if it’s only for a few The deadline for requesting a panel is Dec. 30, 2012. cover 91 per cent of the CGC’s bud- ing and accreditation and certification minutes,” he said. 4 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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

Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton (780) 668-3121 [email protected] Sheri Monk, Pincher Creek (403) 627-9108 [email protected] Feds change much PRODUCTION director Shawna Gibson Email: [email protected] abused legislation Director of Sales & Circulation Regulations } Lynda Tityk Bureaucratic mischief caused Email: [email protected] considerable costs to municipalities CIRCULATION manager Heather Anderson meant. Luckily for Alberta the original act (by road culverts, drainage of almost any sig- Email: [email protected] By will verboven accident or design) did not interfere with the nificance, diversions for irrigation, and even national ADVERTISING SALES Alberta Farmer | Editor development of the irrigation industry that cottage boat docks amongst other activities. James Shaw began around the same time. Previous to the FOC bureaucratic invasion, Phone: 416-231-1812 Fax: 416-233-4858 ometimes a government decision However over the ensuing years, particu- municipalities and provincial government Email: [email protected] comes completely out of the blue, and larly the past 40 years, all of that changed. regulators had quietly and competently classified ADVERTISING SALES Smuch to the surprise of many, actually That’s when the Department of Fisheries and handled those matters themselves. Legend- Maureen Heon turns out to be a wise decision. I refer to Oceans, now known as Fisheries and Oceans ary farm writer, the late John Schmidt, used Phone: 1-888-413-3325 Fax: 403-341-0615 the recent federal government decision to Canada (FOC) began its quiet expansion into to regale readers of his columns with tales of Email: [email protected] change the Navigable Waters Act to the Navi- landlocked and seemingly non-navigable outrageous FOC bureaucratic bungling and gation Act. In the process the new act will Alberta and Saskatchewan. Over time it stonewalling of even the simplest of county ADVERTISING Co-ordinator only cover waters that actually have genu- quietly built up local offices and filled them repair work. Arlene Bomback Phone: 204-944-5765 Fax: 204-944-5562 ine navigation by vessels of a minimum size. with bureaucrats looking for something to It’s been stated that if the now-defunct Email: [email protected] The old act was so misinterpreted over time do. One of the pieces of legislation the FOC regulations had been enforced 100 years that it covered virtually every watercourse used to expand its empire was the iconic ago by FOC, there would be no irrigation PUBLISHER in the country including some ditches and 1880s Navigable Waters Act. To justify their industry in southern Alberta. Most folks Bob Willcox sloughs. That interpretation was a surefire activities clever senior officials attached new don’t realize that the main reason the Email: [email protected] playground for federal government busy- environment-related regulations to the act. infamous “road of death” to Fort McMur- Associate PUBLISHER/editorial bodies. One could surmise that it didn’t take much ray has not already been twinned is the director To most folks the announcement was prodding to get the Liberal governments of mindless interference by FOC demanding John Morriss probably the first time they had even heard the day to inflict some political mischief on endless environmental assessments every Email: [email protected] of such legislation. But if opposition party some of those defiant Alberta voters who had inch of the way. To date literally millions naysayers were to be believed, even the the audacity of always voting against them. of dollars have been spent to satisfy those Printed by Gazette Press, St. Albert, AB thought of changing the act was sure to bring never-ending demands. Those federal down upon Canada an environmental arma- assessments were in addition to the ones The Alberta Farmer Express is published 26 times a year by Farm Business Communications. geddon. Which might cause the innocent that were already required to be carried out We acknowledge the financial support of the citizen to ponder what has navigable water It’s been stated that if the now by the provincial government. It was all a Government of Canada through the Canada to do with saving the environment? gold mine for an ever-increasing army of Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Municipalities, provincial government defunct regulations had been environmental consultants. Heritage for our publishing activities. agencies and anyone owning property that enforced 100 years ago by FOC, Well it seems the glory days of the FOC Publications mail agreement number 40069240 bordered on water would sooner or later may well be over if the original enabling leg- have been made aware of the much abused Canadian Postmaster: there would be no irrigation islation is changed. The biggest losers will Send address changes and piece of federal legislation. Those who had industry in southern Alberta. be the buses full of private environmental undeliverable addresses (covers only) to to deal with the federal bureaucratic watch- consulting companies that were hired to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, dogs of the regulations attached to the act create the endless environmental assess- Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7 would surely have some pointed perspec- ments. One might ponder whether envi- ISSN 1481-3157 tives on their experiences with government ronmental impacts will be ignored. Not busybody enforcement madness. The additional regulations reinterpreted likely; provinces have been mixed up with But first a bit of history. The original legis- the act to define navigable waters as any- assessments of their own for years. All this Call lation dates to the 1880s, and its intent was thing that could float a canoe. Somehow does is eliminate a layer of duplication, but to protect navigation on lakes and rivers no affected party at the time figured out it will save millions. But don’t count the FOC 1-800-665-0502 in Canada. It was designed to have federal what impact that new interpretation would outposts on the Prairies out yet — federal or U.S. subscribers call government oversight on provincial gov- ultimately have in the countryside. The bureaucrats are remarkably adaptable and ernment schemes to dam rivers that might new rules required the FOC to approve any ingenious at circumventing actions they 1-204-944-5568 impede navigation or affect river flows action that might affect navigation includ- don’t like. They may lie low for a while, but For more information on The Alberta downstream in other provinces. It was never ing adverse environmental impacts. That I expect they will institute a medium-term Farmer Express and subscriptions to other designed to deal with the environment, since became a free ride to get the FOC involved survival plan to wait out the time until a Farm Business Communications products, or visit our web site at: back then no one even knew what the word in anything that affected water including more friendly federal government is elected. www.albertafarmexpress.ca or email: [email protected]

At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment to protecting your privacy New ag education support group is most welcome and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper provincial government gets involved sporadi- of significant support and participation by functioning of our business. As part of our by will verboven cally, but it’s usually never enough. agribusiness and related organizations in commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other The underlying issue in trying to educate the ag education process. Many of the early strategic business partners. For more information f there is one universal annoyance that the consumer about agriculture is that there efforts relied on support from producer regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, virtually everyone in the agriculture is no real payoff for the investment of time groups with limited funding or the fickle write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm industry shares, it’s the blissful ignorance and money by the ag industry or the govern- interest of government. Agribusiness was Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., I of the urban public about where food really ment. The entire effort seems to be more of conspicuous by its absence in many of those Wpg., MB R3H 0H1 Occasionally we make our list of subscribers comes from and agriculture in general. Many a feel-good exercise for producers, because early efforts. However the new group seems available to other reputable firms whose products city folks either believe food appears magi- in the end even a consumer who is well to have been initiated and financed by some and services might be of interest to you. If you cally at grocery stores, or they just don’t care informed about agriculture isn’t likely to buy of the big dogs in the agriculture business would prefer not to receive such offers, please as long as it’s cheap and always available. any more food than before. amongst them Agrium, ATB, UFA, RME. Even contact us at the address in the preceding The conventional wisdom is that if con- paragraph, or call 1-800-665-0502. Having said all that, another industry pro- the energy industry has joined in the effort sumers were made more aware, then agri- motion organization has sprung up and taken with the likes of PennWest, TransCanada and The editors and journalists who write, contribute culture would be much more appreciated. up the torch to educate the public about agri- ATCO. The owner of this publication, Glacier and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt to I expect better awareness applies to a lot of culture. The new organization called Agri- Media, is also a significant supporter. When provide accurate and useful opinions, information issues, but it’s hard to educate people about culture for Life strives to support agriculture big players like this get involved it tends to and analysis. However, the editors, journalists food production when there is an overabun- education and farm safety programs. To date create a rolling snowball effect as others want and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business dance available everywhere. it has put its money where its month is and to get involved. This all bodes very well for Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained In lieu of starvation to focus consumers’ invested $1.2 million into such well-known agriculture education and farm safety pro- in this publication and the editors as well as attention, governments and producer groups programs as Classroom Agriculture Program, gramming everywhere. Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business have tried education as an avenue to better Little Green Thumbs and a number of other One ponders when and why all this agri- Communications assume no responsibility for inform the urban public. It’s a process that initiatives across the province. The idea is to business enthusiasm suddenly started con- any actions or decisions taken by any reader has gone on under various efforts for at least expose many more Alberta youth to agricul- sidering the long history of ag programs for this publication based on any and all information provided. 40 years in Alberta. The problem these pro- ture and its role in our society. To say the least operating from hand to mouth. But it is most grams have is that they are chronically under- the support and leadership of this new group welcome indeed. Next time a few comments funded and in many cases rely on volunteers is very much appreciated. on what other areas some of this new-found or just goodwill to carry out the message. The A big concern in the past has been the lack support could be directed to. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 5

After beef’s biggest recall: Is the cattle industry “headed south?” Turmoil } The reopening of the XL beef plant at Brooks is not the end of troubles for the Canadian beef industry

ment has in the past been pre- By Fred Hays pared to assist food production policy analyst, alberta beef as a way to sustain the country’s The pivotal part of producers / calgary food supply. It is less concerned these days about food security, Canada’s beef sector is he past two months have evident with the changes to now controlled by head seen considerable turmoil Growing Forward 2. Tin Alberta’s beef sector • Rreduced Canadian and Alberta offices in Minnesota because of the XL beef recall. beef cow numbers. The beef Although there has been some cow herd has decreased in 2012 and Brazil. relief with the JBS takeover there by 24 per cent since the high of could still be a long way to go. two million head in 2005. This Canada’s beef sector has been number equals the cow inven- influenced by a number of factors: tory in 1993. per cent of Canada’s processing; • Ggrass. Western Canada’s cow- • U.S. drought. Corn production is two plants process 70 per cent of calf sector grew because of an projected to be about 13 per cent Canada’s beef. Recently because abundance of prairie grass and less than it was for 2011 with the of low cattle numbers these plants water. The feedlot and packing lowest production since 2006. have been running at 70 per cent sectors developed close to the Pasture acres have been affected capacity. There are problems with cattle. dramatically. plant staffing, with packers rely- • Overabundance of feed grains. • Barley acreage and prices. In ing on foreign workers. This is not The Crow rate subsidized 2012 barley acres in Alberta exactly optimistic. movement of grains to Eastern decreased by over 20 per cent Canada until it was eliminated compared with five years ago. Foreign control in 1995. The feeding industry in Feed barley prices in Lethbridge Purdue University economist southern Alberta flourished with have gone from $165 to $270 per Michael Boehlje has assessed this policy change. tonne, an increase of over 60 per how North American agricul- Kansas feedlots such as this one could soon contain • The dollar. There is a strong cor- cent. This reduces the price for ture trends are affecting West- more Canadian feeders. ©ISTOCK relation between the exchange feeder cattle. ern Canada. He cautioned that rate and cattle prices. In Janu- • Rresurgence of risk. The most “unanticipated surprises” could To some, involvement of JBS Canadian packing, feeding and ary, 2002 the loonie dropped to relevant risk is margin risk, not dramatically alter the industry. is a godsend ensuring fed cattle cow-calf sectors? 62 cents U.S. compared to parity price risk. At the same time, Some of this would be the effects can be sold on a local market and As in the past, significant ver- today. Historically, for every one conventional tools to manage of consolidation and concentra- feeder prices will be partway rea- tical supply chain functions will per cent change in the exchange operation risk are becoming less tion along the entire value chain. sonable. However, the long-term return to more open-market rate, cattle prices move by a little effective. The pivotal part of Canada’s positioning of Canadian produc- arrangements with tight strategic over one per cent in the opposite • Ggrowth, consolidation and beef sector is now controlled ers needs to be discussed now, not alliances between buyers and sell- direction. structural change. During the by head offices in Minnesota six months from now. ers. More Canadian feeder cattle • BSE was devastating to the sec- past 20 years Lakeside Farm and Brazil. They are controlling What will happen next year could be shipped south to Ameri- tor, with losses calculated at $7 Industries has been through the future of the Canadian beef when the four big packers, includ- can feedlots and more fed cattle billion. The industry still feels several ownership changes. business: Canada has become a ing JBS, 30 per cent of which is could be shipped south to Ameri- the effects. Mitsubishi, Iowa Beef Produc- branch office. They run multina- owned by Brazil’s government, can packers to buoy their lines. • Rrethinking of Canadian gov- ers, Tyson and Nilsson brothers tional businesses that compete and Cargill in the U.S. begin down- And there could be fewer Cana- ernment agriculture policy and were all involved before JBS. with Canadian product and dis- sizing, as projected, because of the dian feedlots and packers able to support. The Canadian govern- Two beef packers now own 80 tribution. drought? How will this affect the compete in this market arena. Hog processors need to help Canadian producers stay in business Broken } There’s no obvious solution of how to repair the value chain in the pork business

George Matheson, a pork pro- months things don’t look very farm today producing 10,000 country, he’s got to sit down in this country is dying a slow ducer who sells directly to con- good at all. hogs times 10 is $100,000 you’re with reps from the producers death. They are halfway fin- sumers from his farm in Stone- Long term I’m disappointed behind your U.S. counterpart in and they’ve got to come up with ished. If we cannot be competi- wall, Man., gave his view of to say... there’s no plan whatso- one year. The exchange rate has a way this $10 can be paid to the tive with the U.S. we’re finished, the state of the hog sector at a ever for the industry long term. been behind quite awhile. So if producer so they can continue other than vertical integrators Keystone Agricultural Produc- I’m going to give you my view this sort of thing goes on for five to exist. I don’t know if that can — the HyLifes, the Maple Leafs, ers meeting last month. on what I think needs to be done years as a producer you’re down be done at all or not. because nobody (independent) long term. a half-million (dollars) and really There’s 25 per cent of Cana- is going to see pigs produced in he futures say that it’s And (to another producer) you are out of the game. You’re dian consumption coming in this country. Olymel is inter- going to be deep into I appreciate your comments not going to compete with your from the U.S. If we could put ested in Big Sky. They’re going T 2013 that we’re going to earlier today about this industry American competitor at all. a levy against that pork, slow it to ensure their production. remain in the red. Short term and how broken it is. It is abso- As far as the exchange rates down perhaps, that would give People want to know how I’m there is very little relief for us. lutely broken, and to me the big- there doesn’t look to be any the processors an opportunity staying in. In a way I’m a vertical Very few producers are inter- gest problem is the value chain relief in the near future. The to pay the producer more. integrator — a flea on the back ested in any type of advance is not working. It hasn’t worked buck is going to stay about even. I’ll tell you to be quite honest of a dog really, the dog being payment. They’ve got enough for quite a while. If it was in the ’90s that would I think the processor can dig a HyLife or Maple Leaf. That’s debt. They’re probably going to We are at a definite disad- probably make up the differ- little deeper into his pockets and how I am continuing to be a leave rather than take on some- vantage to the U.S. producer. I ence because we are paid in pay the producer and hopefully pork producer in this country. thing like that. The government would say we’re at a $10-a-hog American bucks. between different things we can As an independent producer, has told us that there will be deficit to the U.S. producer. That What I feel needs to happen make up that $10 difference. things do not look very good absolutely no ad hoc payments doesn’t sound like very much. is the processor, if he wants an Otherwise, to be quite frank, I until there are changes to that whatsoever. So for the next 12 But if you take even a modest independent producer in this think the independent producer value chain. 6 OFF THE FRONT NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

GRIZZLIES  from page 1 getting in, but nine bears in one night just raised so many flags,” he said, adding that folks in the area have to be well armed these days just to go and fix fence. “We’ve got wooden gra- naries that are 60 years old that in the last five years have been attacked, and they never were before that.” The family’s story has received press coverage across the province, but many reader comments indicate blame is being placed on McClelland for attracting the bears by having grain on the property, and the meat shop. However, he says his meat-processing business is clean, and that he reduces any odours or attractants as much as possible. “I get rid of my scraps either that day, or the first thing the next morning so that they never hang around and create any odour,” he said, adding that the second boar was clearly attracted by his house as well.

Costly repairs McClelland said the family has been upgrading the property The McClelland ranch seems to be a popular hangout for area grizzly bears. PHOTO: COURTESY MCCLELLAND FAMILY and infrastructure in an effort to make it more bear-proof compensation available for the The southwest corner of the the one believed to have broken since the grizzlies have become escalating damages. province comprises just three into the meat shop, was elderly a problem, but each project costs “In the last five years, it’s been per cent of Alberta’s land area, and in poor condition and was “The bears aren’t scared money and it’s not financially horrible. We’re allowed to protect but accounts for 37 per cent of subsequently euthanized. The feasible to be able to complete it ourselves, but we’re not allowed livestock predation claims, most other boar was relocated. anymore. I can drive all at once. The ongoing grizzly to protect our possessions or our of which result from wolf preda- McClelland is so concerned down below through our problem creates other bills that livestock or our farm.” tion. for his family’s safety, he’s must be paid. He’s replaced the McClelland’s experience isn’t McClelland and others in the applying for authorization to granaries and they’re door to the meat shop with a new an isolated one. Throughout area are concerned that these openly carry a handgun for steel one, replaced a customer’s this area, producers and rural encounters will eventually end protection. The application is walking away from me, lost quarter of beef, and other residents are seeing an increased up in tragedy as the frequent permitted under Canadian law, or just standing up and repairs have been undertaken grizzly population and what encounters appear to be habit- but permission is usually only as needed. “They’ve eaten grain, appears to be displacement of the uating some animals to human granted to people living in very looking at me.” and they waste more than they black bear population as a result. activity. “The bears aren’t scared remote areas with large preda- eat. I’ve lost hundreds of bush- The Crowsnest Pass to the west anymore. I can drive down below tors, few people, and where it els of barley and oats they’ve is a key wildlife corridor, and the through our granaries and they’re isn’t practical to constantly spread on the ground. They’ve south end of the area is bordered walking away from me, or just carry a long gun for protec- torn doors open on metal bins, by Waterton National Park and standing up and looking at me,” tion. Nonetheless, McClelland they’ve torn wooden granaries Glacier National Park on the U.S. he said. Area conservation offi- is optimistic his request will be RYAN apart, and they wreck corrals. side of the border. These factors cers were called immediately and granted and says the Pincher MCCLELLAND It’s cost thousands and thou- create a funnel effect that serves McClelland says they have done Creek RCMP have offered their sands of dollars as the years go to increase potential human and everything they can to help with recommendation for approval by,” he said, adding there is no wildlife conflicts. the situation. One of the boars, based on his circumstances.

www.cyff.ca Ph: 888-416-2965 CWB GRAIN  from page 1 tonnes,” he said. “It can still work well.” said. “There are lots of farmers Nevertheless, the CWB is think- getting their contracts signed ing about buying some of its own 2013 YOUNG FARMERS AGM & CONFERENCE and they’re making their deliv- handling facilities. “But it’s not eries, and things are going to likely something we’ll do this INSPIRING INNOVATION work well.” winter,” Flaten said. Better offers Pulse crops TOpiCS iNClUDE: succession, innovative In another example, a farmer Later this crop year the CWB will from Wawanesa, Man., said an explore marketing pulse crops, producer presentations, BMp workshops, elevator manager told him he’d president and CEO Ian White get a better grade and price if said. social media and board governance training and more he sold to him instead of the The CWB already has a canola CWB. Flaten noted farmers can pool, and 45 elevators across the still get an official grade from West have agreed to take delivery the Canadian Grain Commis- of canola for the company. But MARCH 1–5, 2013 sion. He also stressed that farm- more would be welcome, Flaten At the Westin Ottawa - 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario ers can shop their CWB pooled added. grain around to different com- “I think Year 1 is a bit of a test Register online: www.cyff.ca or by email: [email protected] panies to get the best deal on to see what level of interest is out grades, freight and elevation. there,” he said. “The other thing » « The basis between different with canola, the yields are lower REGiSTRATiON DEADliNE: February 1st, 2013 elevators handling CWB grain than what farmers expected. So (Early Bird Registration discount – Prior to December 15th, 2012) has varied by as much as $8 a they may have pre-sold a greater tonne, but farmers can get help portion of their crop than they with this issue by contacting the realized.” new CWB, said Flaten. The CWB has no immediate EMPOWER “In fact we really want farmers plans to sell itself to another grain to phone us so we can share that company, White said. information,” he said. “That’s “Our plan is to find ways of hav- ENERGIZE one of the helpful roles we can ing farmers as shareholders and play — being a good source of maybe some other companies as information on things like that, shareholders as well and looking EDUCATE that’s going to help farmers get for sources of capital,” he said. a better deal.” “We aren’t out there necessar- Sometimes grain companies ily just to make profits from mar- won’t want to handle CWB keting grain, we’re out there to grain, but another company will make sure farmers have the best because it makes them money, contracting options they possibly Flaten said. can and provide some additional YOUNG FARMERS: AGRICULTURE’S FUTURE. “It worked well for decades competition in this marketplace, (under the monopoly) for han- which has been changed now and dling companies to handle CWB will be forever.” Albertafarmexpress.ca • November 19, 2012 7 CN CEO says legislation to improve service could backfire Complaints } Legislation stems from a rail service review conducted for the government by an independent panel

Claude Mongeau, the CEO of damaged rail cars and unpredict- pute resolution process that could By Nicole Mordant/Reuters Canadian National Railway Co., able pickups. be used commercially. Vancouver said the imposition of service obli- Railroads have defended their Mongeau said that if the govern- gations on rail companies might service track record saying it is fairly ment is bent on introducing legis- ooming legislation aimed give relief to one unhappy shipper good overall and that additional lation it should be “balanced” and at improving rail service for but that may come at the cost of legislation is not the answer, espe- “targeted.” That could be achieved Lshippers in Canada could upsetting service for others down cially in a free-market economy. by requiring mediation as a first backfire and end up making the the line as railroads are large, inter- step to resolve disputes, rather country’s sprawling rail networks connected networks. Mutual trust than imposed arbitration, he said. less efficient, the chief executive of “It doesn’t take many to create Mongeau said legislation could If cases did end up in arbitration, Canada’s biggest railroad warned a ripple effect... I say beware of poison relationships built up it should take place under the aegis Nov. 7. what you ask for as you may just between customers and railroads of the Canadian Transport Agency, Canada’s Conservative govern- derail the efficiency that we have over many years, and stop them a government regulator that has ment plans to introduce legisla- been able to gain,” Mongeau told from sharing information and data a duty to ensure transportation tion this fall giving all shippers Reuters in an interview after speak- for fear it could be used against efficiency in Canada, instead of more clout in ensuring consistent ing to a business audience in Van- them in a dispute. “It is difficult a roster of arbitrators who don’t rail service, and improve ways to couver. to have mutual trust with a gun to have rail industry experience, resolve disputes. The planned legislation stems your head,” he said. Mongeau said. Arbitration should The rail companies are con- from a rail service review con- Representatives of shippers and also only be available to rail cus- cerned that the legislation could ducted for the government by an railroads spent four months in a tomers whose access is limited to end up dictating or imposing lev- independent panel following years government-sponsored commit- a single railroad, not to those who els of service that don’t take into of complaints from shippers, such tee this year trying, but ultimately can switch service providers if they Claude Mongeau wants mediation consideration existing commercial as farmers and forestry companies, failing, to develop both a template are unhappy with their service, he rather than imposed arbitration as arrangements with customers. about poor rail service, including for service agreements and a dis- said. a first step to resolve disputes.

Baytril use expanded to hogs and dairy heifers Label addition } The antimicrobial already used against BRD in beef feedlots

staff

n antimicrobial weapon against respiratory illness Ain feedlot cattle can now also be used against pneumonias in hogs and non-lactating dairy cattle. Bayer HealthCare’s Canadian animal health division announced Oct. 24 it has approvals to sell its injectable enrofloxacin solution, Baytril 100, to treat swine respi- ratory disease (SRD) in hogs, and to treat bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in non-lactating dairy cat- tle under 20 months of age. “Left untreated, respiratory dis- LOCK OUT BLACKLEG ease in pigs causes lung damage and increases mortality, impact- ing the bottom line,” Dr. Bruce Introducing 74-44 BL with enhanced Kilmer, director of technical ser- vices and regulatory affairs for blackleg resistance and high yield potential. Bayer HealthCare’s animal health arm, said in a release. The product has been avail- 74-44 BL YIELD* GREEN SEED COUNTS** ® able to veterinarians since 2004 DEKALB 74-44 BL canola provides multi-genic GREEN SEED RELATIVE TO 73-45 RR % to treat recurring respiratory dis- resistance to protect against a range of blackleg races 73-45 RR RR 1.0% ease in “high-risk” feedlot cattle, 104 % 104 100% 100% 104 % 104 the company said. common in Western Canada (Pathogenic Groups 2, 3, 4, 45H29 1.2% In hogs, Bayer said, Baytril’s and T). In addition to blackleg resistance, 74-44 BL has a bactericidal effects work against L150 0.7% Actinobacillus pleuropneu- very low green seed count compared to industry leading moniae, Pasteurella multocida checks. Visit www.DEKALB.ca for more information. 74-44 BL 0.4% 45H29 and Haemophilus parasuis, the BL 74-44 L150 BL 74-44 “major culprits” in swine SRD. 58 = N 40 = N In young cattle, Bayer added, Baytril 100 kills Pasteurella mul- tocida and Mannheimia haemo- lytica, the chief causes of BRD. The product is “concentration dependent, not time depen- dent,” and can deliver thera- peutic drug concentrations to lung tissues within two hours of *Source: 2011-2012 Monsanto Field Scale Trials as of October 3, 2012. **Source: 2010-2011 Monsanto Field Scale Trails. Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an a subcutaneous (sub-Q) dose in indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. 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. DEKALB® and Design and DEKALB® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. young cattle as well as hogs, the Monsanto Canada Inc. licensee. ©2012 Monsanto Company. company said. 8 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA The long, brutal haul from farm to port in Brazil

Infrastructure deficit } If you think you have a long haul to the elevator, how about seven days?

and doubles as an instructor for twice the sea freight fees to China, That’s where America Latina beside him were his wife, three- By peter murphy aspiring drivers. and that ratio is about to climb Logistica SA, a rail operator, runs year-old daughter, and a month- reuters | brazil “May God protect us,” he said, sharply as wages rise and the the one link from the Farm Belt old son. Taking them along, Teno- above a hiss of the air brakes. Our laws on rest periods for drivers directly to Santos, the country’s rio said, is “the only option” for hen Marcondes Mendon- 1,600-km (995-mile) stretch of his take effect. biggest port. family time. ça hauls corn from Bra- 2,100-km (1,300-mile) journey The rising costs are forcing The company’s 80-rail-car trains Truckers also complain of the W zil’s Farm Belt to port in took us over broken asphalt, past commodities traders to bid haul as much corn as 230 two- dangers — occasional muggings the distant south, the young trucker points of deadly smashes, and on higher for Brazilian soy just to trailer rigs like Mendonça’s, but and bad, congested roads. Driv- prays for protection from gaping a nightly search for a rest stop with make sure growers keep planting. burn the diesel of just 40 of them. ing across Mato Grosso do Sul, potholes and dangerous drivers, space for a last truck. If prices approach costs, “it will High demand after the harvest, the next state down, Mendonça and dreads the squalid toilets on The trip, from the western farm seriously disincentivize Brazilian though, means the trains run full pointed to a spot where a drunk the seven-day journey ahead. state of Mato Grosso, across Brazil’s production,” said Kona Haque, and at prices producers say don’t driver slammed into his cabin, He also braces for other hassles: central savannah and southeast to an analyst at Macquarie Bank. save much money. killing the car driver’s girlfriend. “I traffic bottlenecks, backlogs at the Atlantic port of Santos, high- Besides, the train takes just as can’t blame myself for something port and stifling bureaucracy. lighted rigours of the road familiar Off the rails long, with extended loading times that wasn’t my fault,” he says. Overwhelmed infrastructure is to truckers anywhere — long hours, The cabin of Mendonça’s Scania at several terminals along the track Often, it’s fellow truckers that one of the biggest challenges fac- loneliness and bad meals. truck affords ample views of the and a steep decline near Santos he worries about. In a rush to ing Brazil. Transporters estimate chasm between Brazil’s first-world port that has to be taken at crawl- get to port — many are paid by road haulage rates will rise about Inefficiency ambitions and the much humbler ing speed. the load — drivers make reckless 30 per cent once the grains crop But it also made clear how Brazil’s reality on the ground. Brazil’s rail network, spanning efforts to pass. Many also take is harvested, with a shortage of ambition of supplying more of the Reuters joined his journey on a 29,000 km, is now smaller than it cocaine and an amphetamine drivers and new legislation that world’s food is being hampered by Monday afternoon in Rondonop- was 90 years ago. The government derivative known as “rebite” to will keep trucks off the road for inefficiency. olis, a dusty logistics hub in south- is spending 22.4 billion reais ($11 stay awake. longer by requiring minimum rest “Logistics are jammed up,” says ern Mato Grosso. By then, he had billion) to build two major new rail “When you’re sleepy, it sorts periods for drivers. Glauber Silveira, head of Mato already driven three days north lines that should help the Farm you out, but you can end up caus- To see the problems up Grosso’s association of soy grow- and back to load his two tarp- Belt. One stretches north-south, ing a huge mess,” says Ademir close, a Reuters reporter and ers, who lose a quarter of their covered trailers now brimming the other runs east-west. Pereira, a 36-year-old driver photographer hitched a ride with revenue to transport. “The buyer with corn. Commodities firms say the who admits to once popping the Mendonça on a recent journey. A is losing out and the producer is From there, we headed south. investments can’t come soon rebite pill. 27-year-old father of two and fan of losing out.” Three hours in, we reached Alto enough, but most new rail projects Mendonça says he never takes BrazilianSEC-MERE12-T-REV_AFE.qxd country music, he hauls 11/7/12 The 4:18jaunt PM from Page farm 1 to port in Araguaia, a town where Men- are still five years away, or more. drugs to stay awake. freight for a truckers’ collective Brazil already costs more than donça’s journey could easily end. So Mendonça drove on. Before midnight, we pulled into a rest Time at the wheel stop. Mendonça slept on a mat- More than 1,200 truckers died IP Contract tress at the rear of the cabin. on Brazil’s federal highways last Recommended The reporter and photographer year, according to police data. made do with a bench and a To dissuade drug use and reduce hammock. the death toll, the government On Tuesday, we headed for recently mandated rest periods Mato Grosso’s southern border, for truckers for the first time. a swooping toucan and cluster Employed truckers who drive of ostrich-like rheas breaking the most of the truck miles covered in monotony of the flat terrain of Brazil are now restricted to eight brown, harvested fields. hours at the wheel per day, but self-employed truck owners can Life on the road press on for 13. The work is steady but trucking On Tuesday night, we slept at companies are struggling to find another rest stop. drivers. With unemployment near At midday on Wednesday, Men- record lows, workers in Brazil have donça pulled into a restaurant in More under your cap plenty of other, less demanding the north of Sao Paulo, the last opportunities. state on the journey. “There are no decent toilets or There, a worker said she sees rest areas and so much dust every- benefits from the new law. where,” complained Aguinaldo “Before, you would see truck REV CDC Meredith da Silva Tenorio, a 28-year-old drivers coming in with their eyes trucker along the route. In the cab almost closed,” says Nilda Pereira TWO-ROW MALTING BARLEY Alves Pinto, who works the restau- rant’s CB radio, touting its rice and Trait Stewardship beans over the airwaves. “They aren’t in such a rush anymore.” SEC-MERE-12-T- Responsibilities On Wednesday evening, we Notice to Farmers bypassed Sao Paulo, South Amer- Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence ica’s biggest city, and the traffic Through StewardshipSM (ETS). Monsanto products are thickened as trucks from across commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Brazil funnel onto the two high- Ad Number: Publication: Alberta Farmer Express 3Col x 133 (6” x 9.5”) Non Bleed Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology- ways to Santos, 80 km away. Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export The lack of rest areas was pain- markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop fully clear. Mendonça paid a 150- or material produced from this product can only be reais toll for one highway but exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It had to circle back and repay after is a violation of national and international law to move leaving the road, only to find all material containing biotech traits across boundaries rest stops were full. He’d gone into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to beyond his legal driving time but confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence had nowhere to stop. Through StewardshipSM is a service mark of Excellence At 2 a.m., as we descended Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops through Atlantic rainforest, a contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the wreck halted traffic. An hour later, active ingredient in Roundup® agricultural herbicides. Roundup® agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are we reached a rest stop. not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron® seed treatment “It’s looking ugly,” a gate atten- technology for corn is a combination of four separate dant said, waving Mendonça in to individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, try his luck for a parking spot to ipconazole, and clothianidin. Acceleron®, Acceleron and end a 20-hour day. Design®, DEKALB®, DEKALB and Design®, Genuity®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Roundup®, On Thursday morning, Men- Roundup Ready®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and donça waited for clearance to pro- Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, RIB Complete and ceed to the Santos terminals. The Design™, RIB Complete™, SmartStax®, SmartStax and Design®, VT Double PRO™, VT Triple PRO™ and YieldGard port is infamous for red tape and is * VT Triple® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, strained by rising cargo volumes. ✔ 13% higher yield Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. LibertyLink® and the Not until 4 p.m. was the terminal Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used ✔ 1% lower grain protein* under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark ready for Mendonça. of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. Respect It wasn’t until Friday morning, ✔ Top yields with malt quality the Refuge and Design is a registered trademark of the nearly seven days after he first left Canadian Seed Trade Association. Used under license. (3701-MON-E-12) Rondonopolis, that Mendonça ® was finally able to pull up to a Genes that fit your farm. platform and off-load, just yards from the docked bulk carrier ships 866-665-7333 filling with grain bound for other Produced by: SeCan Product/Campaign Name: SeCan CDC Meredith Date Produced: November 2012 *Compared to AC Metcalfe in Coop Registration Trials continents. Developed by Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan www.secan.com Genes that fit your farm® is a registered trademark of SeCan. The corn’s value: $10,200. The cost of the haul: $3,800. Ad Number: SEC-MERE-12-T-REV Alberta Farmer 1 x 84 li B/W ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 9

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REPORT DELAY UNNERVES TRADERS TRADERS FEAR EMBARGO A U.S. Department of Agriculture official forgot to flip the “on” switch to release the Nov. Grain traders expect the Ukrainian government to introduce curbs on wheat 9 monthly crop report, creating 28 seconds of anxiety for traders. News agencies prepare exports early in December but fear that instead of an official ban it might opt the report for publication in a secure room under the watch of armed guards and have no for informal restrictions, the grain lobby said Nov. 9. Agriculture Minister Mykola communication before the release time. Alarm rose in the lockup room, and at the Chicago Prysyazhnyuk said last month the government would halt wheat exports from Board of Trade, when USDA’s new data failed to appear at 8:30 a.m. EST on the nose. “You have Nov. 15 due to a fall in the harvest. Subsequently the ministry softened its talk to wait for the numbers, (so) the algos (algorithmic traders) are not going to jump out ahead. of an outright ban but said it would apply “necessary measures” to limit sales if The 30-second delay just means we’ll react 30 seconds later,” said Jeff Thompson, broker at a critical shortage of food grain appeared. — Reuters ANXIETY

 ABM Amro in Chicago. — Reuters

Canola futures see downward price action

WILD CARD  There’s lots of potential for markets to move either up or down based on what happens with weather, currency and seeded acres

Deferred canola futures meanwhile reported in the Nov. 9 supply-demand has been bought by Japan for movement BY DWAYNE KLASSEN found some support from sentiment that balance tables from the USDA, behind during the January to March period. Japan COMMODITY NEWS SERVICE CANADA values will need to climb significantly the price decline. reportedly also purchased U.S. barley for from current levels in order to buy acreage Soybean values easily dropped to new the first time in over two years. The USDA next spring. There was speculation in the four-month lows on the USDA report, report, meanwhile, pegged U.S. corn end- anola futures on the ICE Canada market that acres to canola will drop sig- which pegged U.S. 2012-13 soybean out- ing stocks at 647 million bushels, which platform experienced some weak- nificantly as Prairie farmers look to finally put at 2.971 billion bushels. The projection was up from the October projection of 619 Cness during the week ended Nov. 9 move canola out of crop rotation and into easily came in at the high end of pre-report million. The estimate was also at the high with the bearishly construed USDA sup- more financially attractive choices. expectations that ranged from 2.720 bil- end of pre-report guesses. The numbers ply-demand balance tables for soybeans There was some arbitrage pricing evi- lion to 2.959 billion bushels. U.S. soybean were considered by the trade to be nothing encouraging some of the downward price dent in the ICE Canada milling wheat production in October had been forecast special and were unlikely to significantly action. A larger-than-anticipated U.S. future during the week, but nothing in the by the USDA at 2.860 billion bushels while break corn out of its consolidation phase soyoil ending stocks estimate from the way of actual volume. Durum and barley output a year ago totalled 3.094 billion. of price movement. USDA added to the bearish sentiment in activity was also non-existent. ICE Canada U.S. soybean ending stocks were raised canola. officials, however, remain optimistic that by 10 million bu. to 140 million, and while Wheat concerns The unloading of positions by a variety of trade in these contracts will pick up as that may not be all that shocking, it does The price trend in wheat futures on the market participants during the reporting grain companies learn to work with the ease the fear of the U.S. running out of CBOT, MGEX and KCBT was up with period also helped to undermine canola new non-monopoly wheat markets in soybeans this year. the extremely dry conditions in the U.S. futures. Some of that selling was based off Western Canada. From a global perspective, world soy- Winter Wheat Belt providing the price of the charts turning negative as well as Market participants, however, doubt bean carry-out was raised to 60 million advances. Lingering worries about poor ahead of the three-day weekend closure of the sincerity of the commercials to use the tonnes from the 57.6 million projected growing conditions for wheat in other the ICE Futures Canada platform (Novem- risk management tools of the ICE Canada in October. This estimate based on com- major producing regions of the world also ber 12). The weakness in canola also was platform given that these firms are more ments from market participants, suggests added to the support in the market. facilitated by reports of improved weather than comfortable using the exchanges in that there is plenty of supply worldwide. The release of the USDA report, how- for the planting and development of the the U.S. to hedge wheat, durum and barley Add to that the record area that is currently ever, changed the bullish tone that had soybean crops in Brazil and Argentina. positions. being planted to soybeans in South Amer- existed in U.S. wheat. While there had Underlying support in canola continued ica, and the big picture does not seem to been hopes the USDA would raise its U.S. to come from the need of commercials Soy under pressure be as rosy as it once did. wheat export prospects, the government to cover export commitments and from Soybean futures at the CBOT suffered agency actually lowered the forecast. domestic processors to secure enough some steep losses during the reporting Corn firmer Sluggish wheat exports and expectations canola in order to meet sales on the books. period with a drop-off in export demand Corn futures on the CBOT managed to hold that world competition will remain strong The reluctance of farmers to deliver canola and the expectation of larger-than-antic- fractional advances during the reporting encouraged the USDA to increase its U.S. also restricted the losses. ipated U.S. soybean production being period. Some support came from reports wheat inventory forecast to 704 million bu. that delays in shipping corn out of Brazil This represent a 7.6 per cent jump in sup- have forced Japanese buyers to turn to the ply from the October projection. U.S. to cover some nearby commitments. World wheat carry-over in 2012-13 For three-times-daily market reports from Resource News The talk in the trade is that Japan had pur- was pegged by the USDA at 174.2 million chased roughly 900,000 tonnes of corn tonnes, which was up from the 173.0 mil- International, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” from Brazil for shipment from July through lion projected in October. September. However, heavy port conges- at www.albertafarmexpress.ca. tion has prevented that corn from moving. Dwayne Klassen writes for Commodity As a result, export sources were indicating News Service Canada, a grain and livestock that at least 500,000 tonnes of U.S. corn reporting service in Winnipeg.

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Alberta Canola variety selection tool now live Comparison } The tool includes an economic calculator, interactive maps, ag industry and the ability to refine searches by five traits promoter CPT governance committee and Canola Council release grower director with SaskCanola. “The committee worked very well inducted he online Canola Variety together, with good co-operation Selection tool is now live with among representatives from the T data from the 2012 Canola seed industry and the provincial into hall Performance Trials (CPT), giving grower groups.” canola growers another tool to com- The three Prairie canola grower pare variety performance. groups —the Alberta Canola Pro- of fame The CPT provides science-based, ducers Commission, the Saskatch- unbiased performance data that ewan Canola Development Com- reflects actual production practices. mission (SaskCanola) and the lberta’s Kim McCo- The selection tool provides compar- Manitoba Canola Growers Associa- nnell was one of ative data on leading varieties and tion — fund the CPT program. Seed Athree Canadians newly introduced varieties. The trade companies that participated inducted into the Cana- tool includes an economic calcula- paid entry fees. The B.C. Grain Pro- dian Agricultural Hall of tor, interactive maps, and the ability ducers Association conducted tri- Fame at an awards ban- to refine searches by season zone, als in the Peace as their means of The production trials have results from 23 small plots and 81 field-scale quet in Toronto Nov. 4. herbicide tolerance (HT) type, yield, participation. plots across the Prairies. O t h e r i n d u c t e e s days to maturity, lodging and height. The CPT 2012 booklet has results included Bertrand Bois- This year producers will benefit from 23 small plots and 81 field- participated in audited field-scale can be downloaded at canolaperfor- clair, a prominent Hol- from being able to compare data scale plots. Line companies, inde- trials. mancetrials.ca. stein breeder from Saint- from the 2011 trials as well. pendent retailers and seed com- Results are organized by short-, Haplotech (led by Dr. Rale Gjuric) Samuel-de-Horton, Que- “With all the weather challenges panies, including Viterra, Bayer medium- and long-season zones. co-ordinated the trials under the bec, and Barry Wilson, a in 2012 we did lose some sites, but CropScience, Monsanto, Cargill, In addition, a booklet containing guidance of a governance commit- long-time national cor- overall the year went well and we Canterra Seeds, BrettYoung Seeds, the results is being mailed with tee that oversaw approval of variet- respondent in Ottawa for collected a lot of data to help grow- FP Genetics and SeCan, participated the November 1 edition of Canola ies, protocol design, data collection, the Western Producer. ers make their seed decisions,” says in small-plot trials. Monsanto, Bayer Digest to Canada’s about 43,000 analysis and reporting, and financial McConnell is the co- Franck Groeneweg, chair of the CropScience and Canterra Seeds canola growers. A pdf of the booklet management. f o u n d e r a n d f o r m e r chief executive officer of AdFarm, one of the larg- est and most respected agricultural marketing firms in North America Bred in Canada to feed the world. JOB ID: with its head office in 5003-H Calgary. Cereal seed from Syngenta helps growers harvest opportunities wherever they are. McConnell was one of We’ve been breeding wheat in Canada for four decades, setting unprecedented standards DATE: SEPT 2012 the first to recognize that for yield, quality and sustainability. The world depends on Canadian grain, and Canadian agricultural marketing growers count on Syngenta. CLIENT: and communications is SYNGENTA CANADA

a specialized business PROJECT: that must evolve to meet SEED CEREALS AD – TOKYO industry and consumer challenges and oppor- PUBLICATION: ALBERTA FARMER EXPRESS tunities. He says a key passion is to be a cata- DESIGNER: lyst for agriculture and PL

to enhance the percep- ( ) MECHANICAL ( X ) PDF/X tion of agriculture with stakeholders, media and FINAL SIZE: 8.125" X 10" the general public, in par- UCR: 240% ticular, urban consumers. McConnell launched CLIENT SERVICE the Growing Alberta Pro- gram and provided the PROOFREADING initial support for the ART DIRECTION Alberta Farm Animal Care program. He has served PRODUCTION as a board member or chair for a wide range of organizations including: Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, Canada 4-H Foundation, Centre for Health and Safety for Agriculture, YMCA and Crime Stoppers.

Kim McConnell with his portrait to be displayed at the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Supplied photo For more information contact your retailer, call 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682) or visit SyngentaFarm.ca

Always read and follow label directions. The Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2012 Syngenta Canada Inc.

5003-H SYNGENTA Cereal Seed_Tokyo.indd 1 12-10-01 4:30 PM 12 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

AARD releases fruit and vegetable study CORRECTION

FULL REPORT  Available on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website Two errors occurred in a story about a meeting on GM alfalfa in the Nov. 5 issue. AGRI-NEWS Stephen Denys is the president of the nterest regarding the com- Canadian Seed Trade mercial production of fruits Association, not the I and vegetables in the province seed association of Alberta is on the rise. Although as reported. And traditional cereal crops, canola and Monsanto oversaw pulses generally come to mind when the destruction of an speaking about Alberta crop pro- unlicensed field of duction, there are many producers Roundup Ready alfalfa that are growing a diverse number in Saskatchewan in of vegetable and fruit crops across 2011, not the Canadian the province. Food Inspection “As consumers continue to look Agency. As Roundup to fill their grocery carts with locally Ready alfalfa is grown produce, there has been an approved for use in upswing in interest of Alberta pro- Canada, Monsanto ducers to fill this demand. This has was not required to led to greater opportunities for our inform CFIA about the commercial fruit and vegetable field, but did so as a producers,” notes Rob Spencer, courtesy. commercial horticulture specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. A study assessing the profitabil- ity of Alberta’s commercial fresh vegetable, table potato and fruit T:17.4” industries was recently completed. Interest in local food could boost demand for Alberta-grown vegetables. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK.COM The focus of the study was directed towards commercial growers to assess the profitability and com- petitiveness of the crops that are currently produced in the province. Each of these segments was found to have unique challenges and oppor- tunities. A total of eight competitive issues are impacting the profitability within the sector and the industry’s ability to compete. These include: import competition, food trends, climate, labour, storage capacity, innovation support, industry orga- nizational structure and branding. “Many of the issues facing com- mercial vegetable and fruit produc- ers are similar to those of Alberta’s agriculture commodity sectors,” says Spencer. “If anything, some of the issues are even greater due to the intensive nature of the commercial vegetable and fruit industry.” The report provides an industry profile for three of the industry sub- sectors. Cost of production budgets (including detailed breakdowns of fixed and variable costs) were estab- lished for sweet corn, cucumber, fresh table potato, dryland carrot and irrigated carrot. Alberta’s rela- tive competitiveness in other fruit and vegetable crops are also exam- ined in the report. The complete report can be down- T:10” loaded from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website. Bushels of smiles. FARMING To see how InVigor® hybrids are performing in IS ENOUGH OF your area visit: InVigorResults.ca A GAMBLE...

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BayerCropScience.ca/InVigor or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. InVigor® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. O-66-11/12-BCS12258-E 1-888-413-3325

SBC12176.InVigor.Wes.8.indd SBC12176.InVigor.Wes.8 11-7-2012 3:08 PM Alberta Farmer CALMCL-DMX8127 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Insertion Date: November 19, 2012 Marsha Walters Bayer Crop Science 100% None SPEC ORIGINALLY GENERATED: Marianne PAGE: 1 BCS12258 17.4” x 10” SAFETY: None TRIM: 17.4” x 10” Bleed: None Helvetica Neue LT Std (75 Bold, 55 Roman; OpenType)

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 Albertafarmexpress.ca • november 19, 2012 13 Poor quality and yields send British wheat imports soaring Shortage } Britain is on the hunt for high-quality bread wheat after domestic production and quality come up short

double the normal level, and that quality that has been produced in By Nigel Hunt is because the quality of what is the U.K. which is causing a lot of london / reuters available in the UK is much lower problems for a lot of people,” one than normal,” said Alex Waugh, trader said. ritain will be a net importer director general of the National Britain’s Farm Ministry ear- of wheat for the first time Association of British and Irish lier this month estimated that B in a decade this year, turn- Millers. U.K. wheat yields have fallen to ing customer to its traditional Britain normally imports about a 23-year low, citing high levels export rivals after a disease-rav- one million tonnes of high-qual- of disease and a lack of sunshine aged harvest, much of which fails ity wheat for the milling sector in the key grainfill period. to meet the quality required for while exporting up to 2.5 million The U.K. crop was estimated bread. tonnes of lower-grade supplies, at 13.31 million tonnes, down 13 Traders and analysts said dis- much of which is used in animal per cent from the prior season eases fuelled by the wettest June feed rations. and well below the record 17.23 since records began more than a This season, imports look set million harvested in 2008. century ago have left Britain, the to soar while there appears to be The low level of yields has been European Union’s third-biggest little interest from overseas buy- compounded by poor quality with producer, with a lot of wheat ers in Britain’s often substandard specific weights, a measure of the which fails to meet minimum supplies. density of wheat, particularly low. quality standards required by Trader estimates for U.K. wheat “There is simply not the same industries such as flour milling. imports this season range from amount of flour in the U.K. wheat Bread is displayed for sale at a bakery in central London. High-quality “The expectation is we will about 1.8 million to 2.5 million as there would be in a normal T:17.4” bread wheat is expected to be in short supply this year. import quite a lot more wheat in tonnes. year. So that is part of the rea- photo: REUTERS/Toby Melville the current year, probably about “We’ve got an incredibly bizarre son for having to look overseas,” Waugh said. Strategie Grains estimates that only about 10 per cent of this year’s British wheat crop is of milling standard against 27 per cent in 2011.

Looking far afield Germany, France, the United States and Canada are the U.K.’s traditional suppliers but this year the net has been cast wider to include Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, traders said. “Initially there has been a bit of a hunt around to find what works best but the main sources are going to be Germany, France, Canada and the U.S.,” Waugh said, noting they had all supplied the U.K. market for years, though not in the quantities that will be needed this season. Traders in Germany said British buyers have been in their mar- ket seeking both standard and higher-protein grades. “We have seen some purchases in the last month or so of several shiploads of between 1,500 to 3,000 tonnes from German Bal- tic Sea ports,” one German trader said. “These are relatively small volumes but are probably being usedT:10” as test blendings to see how the flour turns out. Talk is they were successful and I think we will see more substantial busi- Bushels of smiles. ness in coming months,” the trader added. The final level of imports will ® To see how InVigor hybrids are performing in depend on the extent to which domestic consumers make use your area visit: InVigorResults.ca of the poor-quality U.K. wheat. Some British traders noted biofuels producer Ensus has been willing to buy wheat, and bioethanol producers outside Britain may also take a look if the price was right.

Buy and Sell anything you need through the

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 14 news » livestock NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

50,000 Brands in Alberta JBS to buy Brazil poultry producer Livestock Identification Services Ltd. (LIS) is offering a free brand and a free copy of the Brazil’s JBS, the world’s largest beef producer, has signed a deal to buy local poultry processor Agro- 2013 Brand Book to the individual, partnership or company who registers the 50,000th veneto for 128 million reais ($63 million) just months after its first move into the Brazilian poultry brand in the province of Alberta. This is a special celebration of the province’s brand his- sector. Agroveneto can process 140,000 birds a day, whose meat is sold in Brazil and export markets. tory along with the history of LIS and Alberta Agriculture. All applications will be processed It would merge with JBS poultry unit JBS Aves and add about 10 per cent to the unit’s daily processing by date in the order that they are received with money and all supporting documents in capacity of 1.34 million birds. Brazil is one of the world’s top producers and exporters of chicken meat. place. The winner will be announced on Jan. 4, 2013.

“This requires the prime minister’s office…”

Alberta Beef Producers meeting calls for inquiry into CFIA handling of XL Foods recall MEDIA INATTENTION } While the media couldn’t get enough of the safety aspect of the recall story, ABP’s chairman says the cattle industry wasn’t given a proper chance to tell its side of the story

by sheri monk af staff / fort macLeod

here should be an inde- pendent inquest into the TCanadian Food Inspec- tion Agency’s handling of the E. coli contamination and meat recall at XL Foods, say mem- bers of Alberta Beef Producers Zone 2. “I appreciate that the Beef Value Chain Round Table is going to review this, but that’s not good enough,” said Bill Newton, the Porcupine Hills rancher who made the motion for the inquest, which passed unanimously. “This requires the prime minister’s office. The CFIA has been basically out of control for quite some time.” Newton, who is also a veteri- narian and former president of the Western Stock Grow- ers Association, said there has been too much grandstanding on the issue, with opposition politicians making partisan attacks and the food inspec- tors’ union lobbying for more funding and higher staffing levels. Most of the meeting was spent discussing the recall, Bill Newton, addresses the crowd at an ABP zone meeting asking for a resolution to investigate the CFIA’s handling of the XL Foods beef recall. the ramifications of recalling Looking on is John Kolk, prominent ag industry activist and producer from Picture Butte. Photo: Sheri Monk primal cuts, and whether the cattle industry was effectively be a review of whether the However, Sawyer cautioned represented in the media dur- Canadian Food Inspection that once JBS started managing ing the crisis. Alberta Beef Pro- Agency used appropriate and the plant, industry had to sup- “This is the first time ducers chairman Doug Sawyer science-based measures. port its efforts to get the plant said his organization and oth- “Certainly the answers we’re reopened fully before begin- we’ve ever had a muscle ers tried to paint the industry looking for are between the ning any inquiry. meat recall in Canada in a positive light, but were CFIA and the XL company,” “The answers we’re all look- unsuccessful in getting media said Sawyer. ing for will have to come out and quite frankly, I think attention. “This is the first time we’ve over time,” he said. “Right now it caught everybody, “You’re right, you didn’t hear ever had a muscle meat recall what we’re working on desper- from us, (but) it wasn’t because in Canada and quite frankly, I ately is to see if we can make certainly me, with my we weren’t trying,” said Sawyer. think it caught everybody, cer- a way to get that plant open “I know Rich Smith (the associ- tainly me, with my pants down. again, and that’s no small task.” pants down.” ation’s executive director) said I had never even thought about Although the Zone 2 meet- he did more interviews in the that. And I don’t know that ing was the only one to pro- last month than he did in the CFIA had, but I can’t speak duce a resolution calling for Doug Sawyer previous seven years. We just for them. We’ll find that out an inquiry, Smith said the ABP chair couldn’t get out in front of it.” when we start doing the proper organization is keen to find out Sawyer agreed there should review process.” exactly what happened. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 15 Diet could be the culprit in increased incidence of bone fractures PEET ON PIGS  This relatively new problem has been increasing at some plants, and doesn’t appear to occur until physical trauma takes place

BY BERNIE PEET

he incidence of hog carcass contamination and trim- Tming related to spine frac- tures is increasing at Olymel’s Red Deer processing plant and possibly at other plants, accord- ing to Eduardo Beltranena, monogastrics research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. While the incidence is not wide- spread, for some farms this prob- lem is up to six times more com- mon than for the plant average. The culprit could be a reduction in calcium and phosphorus in hog diets associated with the use of the enzyme phytase, leading to bone weakness, says Beltranena. Broken ribs that have healed suggest that bone mineralization has been compromised since pigs were young, Along with Matt Schoonderwo- says Dr. Eduardo Beltranena. erd, Olymel’s director of veteri- nary affairs, he has been investi- Suboptimal mineral nutrition mon sources of rock-derived He notes gilts and sows likely gating spine fractures and other on the farm is the most likely phosphorus and calcium, he won’t be affected due to greater associated bone fractures. predisposing factor for this con- adds. phosphorus and calcium inclu- “The fractures we are seeing dition, says Beltranena. “It might be that in affected sion margins in breeder diets. involve one or more adjacent “We see broken ribs that have farms the reduction of rock- Producers should monitor vertebrae or the spine breaking healed perfectly by the time of derived phosphorus and/or cal- their condemnations and trim above the pelvis,” says Beltran- slaughter,” he observes. “Broken cium in feeds including a phytase levels carefully for any indication ena. ribs that have healed suggest that enzyme might have gone past the of a problem with spine fractures, “Yellowish or bloody bone fluid bone mineralization has been threshold level, resulting in a advises Beltranena. If the level is leaks out of the fracture(s) run- compromised since pigs were mild but prolonged phosphorus increasing, they should be more ning down the carcass and caus- young.” deficiency,” says Beltranena. “It gentle when moving pigs and ing contamination.” While the cause is speculative does not mean that the phytase avoid the use of electric prods. He notes this seems to happen at this time, a common denomi- enzyme is at fault or ineffective, “Any pen crowding should close to the time of slaughter or nator to farms where hogs are just that in farms with increas- be alleviated and feeder access carcass dressing as there are no affected is the inclusion of phy- ing incidence of spine fractures, improved if it is limiting feed signs of prior swelling, hemor- tase enzyme in hog diets. mineral phosphorus and calcium intake,” he suggests. “Also ask rhage, necrosis or nervous tissue “It is unlikely that the cause is inclusion in feed needs further your nutritionist to review damage. the feed enzyme that increases consideration and adjustment.” dietary phosphate and limestone As this appears to be a rela- phosphorus availability from The incidence of spine frac- inclusions.” tively new problem, processor cereal grains and protein meals,” tures at slaughter may also be Finally, he recommends dis- reports on carcass contamina- comments Dr. Beltranena. “Pos- compounded by pen crowding cussing any problem with the tion and trimming do not pro- sibly the cause is the parallel on the farm. farm’s veterinarian because vide enough information for pro- reduction of phosphorus and “Nutritionists formulate cal- there may be other causes com- ducers to identify that something calcium inclusion from mineral cium and phosphorus feed pounding the occurrence of is wrong. Therefore, unless they sources in feed, on the assump- content to expected hog feed spine fractures. DOES are contacted by the processor, tion that the phytase enzyme intakes,” says Beltranena. “Pen YOUR YIELD they are largely unaware of this makes more phosphorus avail- crowding may limit feeder access Bernie Peet is president of type of mild mineral deficiency, able from feedstuffs.” and reduce feed intake resulting Pork Chain Consulting MEASURE UP? although the packer may report Mono-dicalcium phosphate in compromised bone phospho- of Lacombe, Alberta, and editor an increase in the number of and limestone are the most com- rus uptake from feed.” of Western Hog Journal. “downer” hogs. “Spine fractures may also occur when moving pigs for ship- ping at the farm, during trucking, or at lairage at the plant,” notes We can help bring Beltranena. “Affected hogs may still be able to walk, appear nor- mal, and may not be identified to life. SEE FOR YOURSELF by CFIA inspectors during ante- your story mortem inspection. Most likely, abrupt leg extension and muscle tensing as a result of stunning, 101% of 5440 followed by scalding and dehair- 106% of L150* ing are the main triggers, he says. The spine fractures don’t seem to occur until physical trauma takes place, says Beltranena. Thus producers may never see hogs walking abnormally if trauma happens after hogs left the farm or after stunning. “If spine trauma occurs when moving pigs, during weighing, Dylan & TK Biggs or when loading onto the truck, TK Ranch, Hanna, AB the stockman might see the odd From pasture to plate, TK Ranch AFSC is Alberta’s Farm and Business hog walking abnormally from has pioneered a sustainable and profitable Lender. the hind limbs, even showing leg alternative to the conventional livestock industry. tremors, distinct from lameness We have the financial solutions to help you reach TK Ranch produces and directly markets their or lower leg injury symptoms,” your goals. he says. own brand of all-natural, grass-fed beef and lamb, “Seriously affected hogs ‘dog- heritage breed pasture raised pork, and free-range sit,’ squeal when disturbed, and chicken. should not be shipped. Such With hard work, dedication, and the support of hogs may be coded as downers if AFSC - the Biggs three-generation family ranch is they arrived like that at the plant or the spine fractured fighting in thriving and shows great promise for the future of lairage.” the family farm. 1-877-899-AFSC (2372) www.AFSC.ca *2011 YieldWorks and Demonstration 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. 16 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Common errors in handling vaccines beff 911 } Vaccines are expensive, so make sure you store and administer them for maximum effectiveness

By Roy Lewis

n order to achieve the maximum benefit out of I vaccines or antibiotics this fall they must be handled properly right up to the time they are administered. You as producers pay good money for these products and the phar- maceutical companies want to ensure you get the maximum benefit. Vaccine failures are not desirable in anyone’s eyes. The most common way products are damaged is with poor temperature control. In the heat of the moment (this could be considered a pun) with handling cattle you must put someone in charge of handling the products to be administered. Their job is to ensure safe, efficient admin- istration of a quality prod- uct. We often are processing in inclement weather, either freezing in winter or under very hot conditions with lots of sunlight in summer. It is far more harmful to freeze prod- uct than have it get a bit warm. Keep in mind as soon as the product is administered it is in an environment of 39 C (body temp). If you freeze vaccines It is not uncommon for automatic guns to get bumped and the setting accidentally changed. they are toast and should be discarded. I have most producers use cooked a lot of vaccine over other so these mistakes don’t them apart. Try and consistently errors right at the time of vacci- an insulated container. You the years, I am sure. happen. give products in the same place nating and need to be avoided. can put in warm water bottles Double and triple check the therefore if you have any types Avoiding or recognizing these in winter or ice packs in sum- Rehydrate as needed volume to be given. It is not of local reactions at least you common errors will help you mer to keep the product at the Only rehydrate the amount of uncommon for automatic guns know what product is giving the convey maximum immunity right temp. If the weather is vaccine you will use directly to get bumped and the setting problem. benefit to your herd. The prod- really bad the full syringe can (within the next hour). This is accidentally changed. Overdos- Last but not least, follow label ucts have been engineered to even be placed in the con- especially true of the modified ing wastes valuable product and directions as to dosage and type work and it is up to all of us to be tainer between uses. This also live vaccines, which are in com- underdosing will not give you of administration (subcutaneous diligent with their handling and protects the product from UV mon use these days. Once rehy- the desired effect. Make sure if or intramuscular). Try and use administration. If we administer light, which can also be detri- drated their absolute maximum using automatic guns they are the neck area when administer- them properly and handle them mental to some products. Heat shelf life is a few hours. It is bet- dispensing properly. The newer ing either way. Have the cattle carefully our cattle should derive lamps or in-car heaters are also ter to rehydrate and use them models are very accurate and properly restrained to avoid bro- maximum protection. Lastly used to keep product warm. right away (within one to two don’t allow air to get into the ken needles or vaccine being dis- select the proper needle size and Be ever cognizant of main- hours). The modified vaccines syringe. I always make a mental charged into the air. Use the one- length (subcutaneous vaccines taining the ideal temperature are also very fragile so do not note that vaccine is running out handed subcutaneous technique can be given with a three-quar- — 5 C to 15 C is what you want disinfect the needle with things when they should be. A 50-dose to avoid injury to the applicator. ter-inch needle), change needles to aim for. Getting product too like alcohol between uses. This bottle of vaccine should run out If you believe a product was not frequently and don’t vaccinate close to these heat-producing will render the vaccine inactive after 50 head. If it doesn’t run out given properly, repeat the vac- through manure or dirt. devices can fry product and and destroy its effectiveness. or runs out too early, take a min- cination. This will not harm the If you follow all the above rec- that is a no-no as well. This Always label the syringe as ute to check things out. Often the animal and it is far better than ommendations you and your is likewise very true when to what product it contains. As setting may have been improp- way underdosing. This occurs livestock will derive the maxi- picking product up from the an example, formalin is pres- erly set. Companies usually have in situations where vaccine is mum benefit from the vaccines veterinary clinic. I encourage ent in the blackleg vaccine and just a little bit extra product as a injected intradermally (between you used good money to pur- producers to bring the insu- if you accidentally pull up a full buffer (one or two per cent). the skin layers), discharged into chase. There are many causes lated containers with them or syringe of modified live vaccine When administering mul- the hair, the automatic gun is not as you can see for “supposed” we send them home with ice in the same syringe, the small tiple products, make sure they discharged fully or the needle is vaccine failure. packs in the summer. Don’t amount of formalin left will are at least 10 cm (hand width) pushed through the skin and Roy Lewis is a large-animal make the mistake of throw- destroy all the vaccine in the apart as contact may inactivate out again so the vaccine is dis- veterinarian practising at the ing vaccine up on the dash; syringe. Label the syringe to them. Either give the product charged into the air. Westlock, Alberta Veterinary Centre. the strong heaters in vehicles avoid this mistake and place on opposite sides of the neck or Check the vaccine’s expiry His main interests are bovine or the warmth of the sun has the vaccines apart from each make a conscious effort to place date. These are all very common reproduction and herd health.

CANTERRA 1970 1 Excellent DOES YOUR 2 Very Good STANDABILITY 3 MEASURE UP? Good

SEE FOR YOURSELF

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. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 17

NEWS

Novozymes and application is expected to be Syngenta team up on expanded to a wider portfolio product registration of crops such as wheat, soy and corn. Biological manufacturer The two companies will Novozymes and chemical/ work together to bring Taegro seed giant Syngenta, have to market. Syngenta will be announced a global marketing responsible for sales, market- and distribution agreement ing and distribution, while for Novozymes’s microbial- Novozymes will be respon- based biofungicide Taegro, sible for production and regis- a microbial-based fungicide tration. based on the naturally occur- In a release, Novozymes said ring Bacillus subtilis bacte- trials are planned to secure rium. data to continue to build on Novozymes says Taegro the current U.S. registration in targets fungal diseases such as other regions, following which rhizoctonia and fusarium on the two companies aim for a The average cost of a collision with an elk is estimated at $17,845, says a new study. ©THINKSTOCK fruit and vegetables, and its global rollout. Collision reductions a win- do YoUR VARIETIES win for motorists and wildlife mEASURE Up? GOOD INVESTMENT  Underpasses and other measures to avoid wildlife collisions pay off, says a U of C study

The researchers figured the Other measures BY HELEN MCMENAMIN average cost of wildlife collisions The traditional static signs such as AF CONTRIBUTOR / LETHBRIDGE before the underpass and fencing “elk crossing” cut collisions by 26 were installed was $128,300 a year. per cent, and moving wildlife out f you drive a lot of country After installation there were 80 per of an area by 50 per cent. Locat- roads or big highways, sooner cent fewer collisions, reducing the ing salt licks away from the high- I or later you’ll hear the thud of cost to about $17,500 a year. way or de-icing the highway with your vehicle hitting a bird or an The average number of deer non-salt products may help cut animal and feel the guilt of killing killed dropped from 30 to eight a collisions with ungulates. or injuring an innocent creature. If year, moose from five to zero and Electronic animal detection you hit a big animal, like an elk or elk from 22 to three. Coyote, wolf systems linked to changing signs a moose, you or your passengers and cougar collisions dropped that warn motorists of the pres- could be killed or injured. to zero from five, two and one ence of animals on the road cut Aside from that, there’s vehicle respectively. However two black collisions with wildlife by 85 per repair and other costs associated bears and two beaver a year were cent. Clevenger is hopeful that with wildlife accidents. killed where few had been killed electromats will be more effec- They’re substantial, according before. tive than cattle guards in keeping “AC” is an official mark used under license from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. to a study by the Mistakis Insti- Clevenger suggests installing animals off highways. The team tute at the University of Calgary. an underpass pays off for any is also looking at strategies to cut It estimates the immediate per- stretch of highway where wild- wildlife vehicle collisions in Foot- accident costs of human injuries life collision costs average more hills and Crowsnest sections of SEE FoR YoURSELF and fatalities, vehicle repairs, tow- than $18,000 — 3.2 deer-vehicle Highway 3. They have volunteer ing costs, emergency attendance collisions — a year. But he says an motorists reporting where on the at scene, accident investigation, underpass alone isn’t enough and highway they see wildlife. carcass removal and the hunting it isn’t always the best way to keep value of the animal at $6,617 for wildlife off the road. deer, $17,485 for elk and $30,760 for moose (in 2007 dollars). Identify hot spots Cow-Calfenomics 2012: Transitions, Tools and Technologies That makes underpasses and The first step is to find the hot other measures to keep wildlife spots where animals most often off the highway a good investment, cause wrecks. Clevenger says this says Tony Clevenger, a lead scien- is not easy, as there’s no organized tist on the study. He’s a specialist data. He suggests Alberta Trans- in road ecology with the Western portation should collect system- Transportation Institute at Mon- atic information on both roadkills tana State College of Engineering, and injury, as injured animals can which focuses on rural transporta- leave the highway and be out of tion issues. sight of cleanup crews. “This is the first time a study Clevenger maps roadkill hot in North America has shown the spots and overlays the map with savings realized by building wild- maps of the geography and wild- life crossing structures on a major life activity and habitat areas. TOPICS COVERED: roadway,” Clevenger said. He prioritizes potential sites for • Transitioning the Business: A Next Generation Perspective The study looked at the number underpasses or overpasses by • Strategic Risk Management for Cattle Producers and cost of wildlife-vehicle col- the importance of connecting lisions on a 38-km stretch of the habitat areas, which are particu- • Cattle Price Insurance Program – Managing your Risk Trans-Canada Highway between larly important for carnivores • Economic Value of Genomics – Current and Future Canmore and Highway 40 to that need big territories. He also • BIXS/TRACEBACK – Tools to Improve Herd Profitability Kananaskis Country, but focused considers development and land on a three-kilometre stretch where ownership, to avoid investing in • Profitable Strategies for Full Time Ranching (Producer Panel) an underpass with three km of deer an area where development is fence was installed in 2004. likely to drive wildlife away. Date Town Location Time Clevenger says underpasses November 20, 2012 Fairview Dunvegan Motor Inn 9:30 am - 3:30 pm and fences are not the only col- lision-prevention strategy. Land November 21, 2012 Barrhead Barrhead Agrena Rec Centre 9:30 am - 3:30 pm “This is the first time a management, fencing design, November 22, 2012 Rimbey Best Western Rimstone Ridge 9:30 am - 3:30 pm study in North America and adaptation of existing high- way structures can help wildlife December 11, 2012 Lloydminster Lloydminster Exhibition Association 9:30 am - 3:30 pm has shown the savings passage. At one hot spot in the December 12, 2012 Brooks Heritage Inn and Conference Centre 9:30 am - 3:30 pm stretch of highway east of Banff realized by building Park, animals can cross under the December 13, 2012 Nanton Nanton Community Centre 9:30 am - 3:30 pm wildlife crossing highway beside a bridge. Adding fill and vegetation for cover along HOW TO REGISTER: structures on a major with fencing to funnel animals in To register call the Ag Info Centre at 1-800-387-6030. Registration fee is $25.00 (includes lunch) and roadway.” that direction would push them payment can be made by cheque or credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Please make cheques payable to the to avoid the highway. In another Government of Alberta. Cheques can be mailed to Ag-Info Centre, Bag 600, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0. spot a drainage culvert could be TONY CLEVENGER retrofitted to the size Clevenger MONTANA STATE COLLEGE OF says is the minimum for an under- ENGINEERING pass — four metres high and seven wide. 18 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA In Peru, a farmer’s hat means more than sun protection NEW PERSPECTIVE  Compared to Canada, farming in the Andes is a hard and precarious existence

BY BRENDA SCHOEPP together entire families, often of tilled the red soil, their backs for a sale so they would eat that several generations. By 4:30 a.m., bent in labour and the ever- night and many boarded the train the people of the soil emerged. I All married women present hat bobbing in the thin in hopes of a better market at the Regular columnist Brenda Scho- counted a dozen from one hut air. Perhaps they were planting next town. That blue train carried epp was awarded a Nuffield and eight from another. And so farmers wear a hat one of the more than 4,000 vari- an assortment of humanity, sacks Scholarship this year, and is vis- it went, the slow, sure dawning that reflects their tribe eties of potatoes grown at levels of fruit and vegetables, chickens, iting several countries to learn of men and women to work the of up to 12,000 feet or an ancient lambs and baby calves — each more about the role of women fields for yet another day, their and status. grain such as quinoa in the little farmer on board with their ani- in agriculture. feet in sandals made of car tires. red square tucked into the stark, mals or produce and identified Like so many cultures outside grey landscape. by their hat. very bus and taxi is named of the western world, the women As we arrived in the Sacred All married women farmers in Peru and our bus, the farm solo or with the men. In was spit on for being a vaquera Valley to our destination of Olly- wear a hat that reflects their EPatron Saint of Terror, Peru, the hat you wear is a reflec- (cowgirl) and was forced to buy tamtambo, the farms became tribe and status. I think of them steamed into the outskirts of the tion of your marital and financial a different hat]. little holdings that housed don- now in the comfort of my home, city of Arequipa at dawn. Much- status as well as your tribe and keys or beef cattle behind circu- with markets for my product relieved tourists scrambled for job. All married women wear Market day lar fences made of boulders. The and shoes on my feet. I trea- solid ground after 12 hours of hats, but the shape, colour and On market day the same hat main activity was cattle of the sure their soft greeting of “little tossing and rocking on the nar- fabric of the hat reveals where could be seen in town at the lively thin, brown mixed breed variety mother” (interpreted) and the row ledges of the Andes Moun- you are from and how well off stalls where I would walk in the (I could never get an answer on quiet understanding we shared tains. The locals did not move you are. morning to buy fruit to distribute the breed). The women worked as women of the land. And each from their slumber nor were they The farm workers, both men to the poor who lined the streets especially hard and without run- time I put on my farm cap or cow- distressed at the complete lack and women, in this region wore begging. Behind the vendor stalls, ning water, health care or child boy hat I do so with pride know- of facilities, food or drink. They an oversized white cowboy little children could be found support. ing that a world away another simply grinned from under their shape made of straw. The wide playing and to these wee ones I I often spoke to the women woman farmer does the same varied hats at the complete lack brim protected them from the gave small books. It was a way of farmers, peddlers and café before she greets the pink dawn of hardiness in the front seats. sun from dawn to dark. The high connecting to families of farmers workers. Young mothers who of the Andes. From the window, I could crown allowed the hat to breathe many miles from home. looked 40 were often in their see the pink morning starting and the white straw was a symbol It was getting hard to breathe 20s, fatigued and weathered by Brenda Schoepp is a market analyst to come to life. The ground is of status. [I went to Peru with a as we reached 4,800 metres the sun and thin air. They care- and the owner and author of Beeflink, a sandy brown and dotted with pack on my back and a smaller above sea level with the highest fully tended little plots between national beef cattle market newsletter. A professional speaker and industry tiny tin huts that gave reflection version of a cowboy-shape hat destination of 6,300 metres, but the mountain rocks and patiently market and research consultant, she to the heat of the day. The little on my head. Interestingly, that I had to stop to watch the land sat by the street waiting for a ranches near Rimbey, Alberta. Contact houses, just four walls and a roof hat created problems for me in being worked. Farmers (men buyer, children quietly playing [email protected] or at best were 12x12 feet and kept the fishing region of Pisco and I and women) behind their oxen behind them. All were hoping www.brendaschoepp.com.

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Part of the network ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 19 Report says supply management hasn’t prevented productivity gains SHRUNK  Report says number of dairy farms has fallen by 90 per cent since the late 1960s and the cow herd has fallen from 3.5 million to one million today

but because Canadian dairy farm- paints a more balanced picture in Canada; today there are just BY ALEX BINKLEY ers don’t require government of the dairy industry. under one million.” AF CONTRIBUTOR / OTTAWA subsidies, there hasn’t been the “Industry adjustment has Technology has made the sector same fiscal pressure to change occurred in Canada, but with- much more efficient, the report anada’s dairy herd, as well the system as was the case in New out the market growth seen states. as the number of farms and Zealand or other countries. elsewhere,” it states. “Overall, ”Since the early 1970s, overall Cprocessors, has contracted The report was commissioned the evolution of Canadian dairy milk production has been stable, at about the same pace as its by the Conference Board of Can- policy is consistent with that of while the cow herd declined by counterparts in the U.S., Austra- ada, a vociferous critic of supply its peers.” about one-half, implying major lia, and Europe, says a new report management. It shows supply Often overlooked by critics, the productivity improvements at the from the George Morris Centre. management “has contributed to report states, is how much more producer level.” The main difference is that stagnating production, reduced efficient dairy farms have become The number of dairy process- Canada hasn’t increased milk Canada’s ability to negotiate for under the system. ing plants has followed a similar production as much as other freer trade for all Canadian goods “In the late 1960s, there were trend, falling by half since the mid countries have, and due mainly and services, and created incen- over 135,000 dairy farms in Can- 1970s and by 90 per cent since the Canada’s dairy herd has declined to regulated pricing, hasn’t seen tives for individuals to allegedly ada, more than half of which early 1960s. at about the same rate as that in the volatile swings in consumer smuggle cheese from the United were in Ontario and Quebec. In Still, supply management is the U.S. prices for milk and other dairy States and resell at a massive 2010, there were just under 14,000 expected to come under pressure products, says the Guelph-based profit in Canada,” said Danielle dairy farms, with the dominant during trade negotiations with with chronic surplus production agriculture think tank. Goldfarb, an associate director proportion remaining in Ontario Europe and in Trans-Pacific Part- that pushed prices down for farm- Raw milk prices are consider- of the conference board. and Quebec… In 1940, there were nership. The system was intro- ers and prompted government to ably higher here than in the U.S., But the George Morris report just over 3.5 million dairy cows duced in the late 1960s to deal create costly support programs.

Winter will be dry, says AccuWeather ROCKIES  Near-normal snow predicted from Alberta Clippers

AccuWeather.com fore- casts that following the third-warmest winter on record in Canada last year, snow and cold will make a comeback across much of the nation this winter. In a forecast issued Oct. 17, the U.S.-based firm said slightly colder-than- normal weather with near- normal snow is predicted for most of the Prairie region, which was the warmest spot last winter. “While a large area of high pressure dominates Alaska and at times West- ern Canada, drier-than- normal conditions may be in store for much of Alber- ta and British Columbia this winter,” the forecast said. It said near-normal snowfall is predicted for the Canadian Rockies, while Alberta Clipper sys- tems graze the area. “With We greW up With AlbertA Agriculture. cold air, the snow that falls will stick around through much of the winter and For more than 100 years, ATCO has provided critically important services to more than into spring,” the forecast 300 rural communities. said. It said southern Ontario From humble beginnings, we’ve seen agriculture become the foundation for a growing province. Today, agriculture and Quebec should have a return of winter with is a vibrant industry in our province – a backbone for the hundreds of communities served by ATCO. ATCO and near-normal temperatures its people are committed to investing and volunteering in the communities we serve to help make them vibrant and snow, especially dur- places to work and live. ing January and February. Atlantic Canada and the ATCO is a founding partner of Ag for Life, a program that delivers educational programming Maritime provinces will be one exception to colder to improve rural and farm safety. Ag for Life also builds a genuine understanding and weather, but long-range appreciation of the impact agriculture has on the lives of all Albertans. forecasters expect major To learn more about Ag for Life, go to agricultureforlife.ca. winter storms to have an impact on the region. Visit ATCO Group at www.atco.com.

08/12-19295_04 20 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FCC seeks Somaliland hopes oil will applications from o cial replace goat dependence language SOUNDS FAMILIAR  Government looks to make exploration attractive to oil companies minority

now,” said Energy Minister Hus- “We control our borders, we have communities BY ED STODDARD sein Abdi Dualeh. a police force and military. We have CAPE TOWN / REUTERS Ophir Energy Plc, Australia- had four governments come and “We need to find a way DIVERSITY  based Jacka Resources and Genel go with democratic elections.” to earn hard currency Communities and anted: investors for small Energy, which is headed by former The territory has not exactly been non-profit groups African nation with good BP chief executive Tony Hayward, an oasis of peace, however. Fight- besides selling goats, W oil and mineral potential are all about to start exploration in ing erupted there in January after can apply for funds — no seat at the United Nations Somaliland. the leaders of the northern regions sheep and camels to for local projects but history of independence in Dualeh said the investments of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn decided Arabs.” rough neighbourhood. would be worth tens of millions of to band together into a new state The break-away nation of dollars, small change in the global called Khaatumo. Somaliland’s Somaliland is a tough sell but the oil industry but a windfall to a gov- troops have since clashed with HUSSEIN ABDI FCC RELEASE recent announcement that serious ernment that only has a budget of militia fighters loyal to Khaatumo, DUALEH hydrocarbon exploration is about $120 million. with reports of dozens of casual- ENERGY MINISTER For the sixth year in a row, to kick off there shows that oil talks, Gas discoveries off Mozam- ties. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) regardless of political status. bique and Tanzania and oil finds will award $50,000 from the For Somaliland, an internation- in Uganda and Kenya have sparked And what about pirates? FCC Expression Fund to ally unrecognized state of 3.5 mil- a hydrocarbon scramble into pre- “The pirate problem is not off our low. Dualeh said livestock sales encourage the use of Can- lion people that declared inde- viously unexplored parts of Africa. coast, it starts in the Indian Ocean across the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia ada’s official languages in pendence from Somalia in 1991, “Oil companies are concerned with Somalia. We have a nimble followed a seasonal pattern with communities across Cana- it promises to be a game changer. about geology, not politics,” said coast guard that does its job with sales peaking during the annual da. The fund supports proj- “We need to find a way to earn Dualeh, before adding his country limited resources,” Dualeh said. haj pilgrimage. ects that contribute to the hard currency besides selling goats, offers investors something sorely If oil is discovered, Somaliland “We need to get stuff out of the vitality of official language sheep and camels to Arabs. This is lacking in anarchic Somalia: sta- would also welcome the steady ground. Selling livestock during the minority communities the only way we earn hard currency bility. stream of revenue that would fol- haj is not sustainable,” he said. and help residents express the cultural and linguistic diversity of the area. Successful projects will receive between $2,000 and $10,000 to fund initiatives, including com- munity centres, day care centres and artistic proj- ects, such as theatrical pro- ductions. “As a self-sustaining federal Crown corpora- tion serving the agriculture and agri-business sectors across Canada, FCC values the ability to offer service in both official languages,” says Kellie Garrett, FCC senior vice-president, strategy, knowledge and reputation. “As a bilingual employee, I’m proud that Figured out FCC serves our customers in the official language of their choice. Our bilingual how to maximize heritage is so unique and FCC is pleased to support it my yield - online. by offering funding to wor- thy projects that promote both official languages.” Last year, the FCC Expression Fund donat- ed $50,000 to nine linguistic minority community proj- ects in Canada. Commu- nity and volunteer groups located in English and French linguistic minority Your business depends on the internet. communities are encour- aged to view the eligibility You can depend on Xplornet. criteria and apply online at www.fccexpressionfund. These days, a fast, reliable Internet connection is a must for most every business. Xplornet offers wireless business Internet ca. Applications for the FCC connectivity across Canada, including many places where wireline service is unavailable. And we offer peace of mind, Expression Fund will be through our reliable network, which leverages the latest technologies, like 4G. With Xplornet’s Business Internet Solutions, accepted until Dec. 14. FCC will announce the selected your business is connected. projects in spring 2013. For a project to be consid- ered for funding, the orga- • Choose from a range of business-grade paCkages, with speeds up to 5mbps.1 nization must be a regis- tered charity or a registered • 24/7/365 toll-free Canadian Customer serviCe, and priority teChniCal support non-profit organization. if you ever need help at your loCation. • 30-day money baCk guarantee.2 • 4g business plans starting from just $74.99 / month.3

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1Actual speed online may vary with your technical configuration, Internet traffic, server and other factors. All packages are subject to traffic management. For complete details visit xplornet.com. 2For complete details of Xplornet’s 30-day money-back guarantee, visit xplornet.com. 3Xplornet’s network uses 3G technology in some areas and 4G technology in other areas. Plans and pricing vary by region. Call or visit xplornet.com for details. 1-888-413-3325 ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 21 Britain may be Ag for Life announces $1.2 million in project funds a net importer EXPANSION  Currently successful projects will be taken province-wide

of wheat STAFF

REVERSAL  The U.K. griculture for Life is investing $1.2 mil- has been a net exporter lion over the next three years towards A the long-term funding of four school- since 2001-02 and community-based programs to enhance rural and farm safety and agriculture education. • The Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) LONDON/REUTERS has operated for more than 25 years and currently reaches more than 15,000 Grade 4 ritain looks set to become students Alberta CAP has been operating in a net importer of wheat in Alberta for over 25 years. With the support of B 2012-13 for the first time Ag for Life, the goal for the next three years in more than a decade following a is to expand program distribution to reach poor harvest this summer, accord- 30,000 Alberta students annually. ing to figures issued by the Home- • Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) Grown Cereals Authority Oct. 15. is the largest rural and farm safety education The HGCA, issuing its first sup- program for children in North America. Ag for ply and demand estimates for the Life will fund the establishment of additional current season, saw imports rising safety days in the province, with a goal to triple to 1.7 million tonnes, up 87 per the number delivered in Alberta from 16 to 48. Funding will help increase the number of farm safety days from 16 to 48. cent from last season. • The Sustainable Foods Edmonton — Little There is also expected to be a Green Thumbs program helps young people • The Multicultural Heritage Centre City Ag for Life is made possible through the surplus of just 750,000 tonnes that understand where food comes from and the Slickers program introduces Grades 4 and 5 funding of companies that employ almost could be exported or held as free impact fresh food has on their health, the envi- students to the many facets of agriculture and 20,000 people in more than 350 Alberta stock. ronment and their community through active to develop firsthand an understanding and communities. Members include Agrium, “This is an historically low surplus participation in classroom gardening. During appreciation for food and how it is produced. ATB, ATCO, Penn West Exploration, RME, and suggests very limited export the next three years, the goal is to expand the The program brings together farmers, produc- TransCanada Corporation, UFA, AdFarm, availability,” the HGCA said, noting program to reach 65 Edmonton schools while ers and consumers. The goal is to expand from Alberta Agriculture, Glacier Media Group that last season the U.K. exported working to expand the program province-wide. Stony Plain to communities all across Alberta. and Mosaic Studios. 2.55 million tonnes of wheat. Earlier on, Britain’s farm minis- try estimated this year’s U.K. wheat crop at 13.31 million tonnes, down 12.8 per cent from the prior season, with yields falling to a 23-year low. “Yields have been affected by the poor weather this year which led to high levels of disease dur- ing spring and summer along with Multiply your operation. low sunlight levels during the grainfill period,” the ministry said. Britain has been a net exporter of wheat each season since 2001-02. HGCA noted that the decline in U.K. wheat production was exac- erbated by “historically low open- ing stocks” of 1.50 million tonnes resulting in “poor domestic sup- plies.” The Netherlands and Spain have in recent years been the two most important customers for U.K. wheat. Britain was a net importer of wheat in July, the first month of the crop marketing year, with exports of 33,673 tonnes and imports of 135,917 tonnes. Traders in recent weeks have cited an increase in the volume of Baltic, German and French wheat coming into the U.K. to meet the harvest shortfall and ensure flour millers get the quality of wheat they need.

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Yields fell to a 23-year low in the U.K. this summer. THINKSTOCK

FarmlandFinancing_Ad8.125x10.indd 1 12-09-25 9:37 AM 22 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Cold snap may harm U.S. wheat More rain in Argentina The drought-plagued U.S. hard red winter wheat crop is facing a cold snap and more dry A cold front dumped about 50 millimetres of rain on Argentina’s already soggy weather as it enters dormancy, agricultural weather experts said Nov. 12. “Over a third Grains Belt over the weekend of Nov. 10-11, bringing corn and soy planting to a halt. of the Plains wheat likely will enter winter poorly established, and late-emergence issues “Big areas of prime Argentine farmland are flooded and will have to be written off persist for the very dry areas in South Dakota and parts of northwest Kansas, northeastern for this season,” said Anthony Deane, head of consultancy Weather Wise Argentina. Colorado and Nebraska,” said Commodity Weather Group meteorologist Joel Widenor. He “Better weather is expected later this month, allowing farmers to seed 80 per cent said cold air over the weekend with temperatures falling into the teens and single digits (F) of the corn they had originally hoped to plant.” Deane said the rains may prompt a D o r m a n c y in the foothills of the Rockies might have caused some minor damage to wheat. — Reuters switch to soybeans, which tolerate more moisture. — Reuters }

How to find a weather forecaster whom you can’t criticize DIY } Don’t think forecasts are accurate enough? Create your own using this website

tions in the U.S. and over 13,000 across by daniel bezte the rest of the world) that provides the site’s users with the most localized t’s been a while since I’ve discussed weather conditions available. In 2008, weather-related websites, and I they launched WunderMap, the web’s I figured it was about time to share most interactive weather map, that one of my favourites — The Weather allows users to choose from a number Underground (www.wunderground. of different weather layers that are plot- com). ted on top of a dynamic map interface. The Weather Underground is literally Finally in July 2012, Weather Under- the first-ever Internet weather website, ground became part of The Weather and I think it’s the best weather web- Channel Companies.” site out there. I figured the best way to introduce you to this site was to pro- WunderMap vide you with a bit of background on it, One of my favourite parts of this web- so the following two paragraphs have site is WunderMap. In particular, I been taken directly from their “About really like to use the weather model Us” page. layers. With a little background knowl- “In 1991, while working under the edge on how to interpret these maps, direction of Perry Samson at the Uni- almost anyone can start to develop versity of Michigan, PhD candidate their own weather forecasts. Jeff Masters wrote a menu-based tel- To find WunderMaps from the main net interface which displayed real-time Weather Underground web page you weather information around the world. need to click on the Maps and Radar By 1992, the two servers his system tab near the top of the page. From used were rattling off their desks as the drop-down list you then select ‘um-weather’ became the most pop- WunderMaps. Those of you who have ular service on the Internet. In 1993, used Google Maps or Google Earth will Perry and Jeff recruited Jeff Ferguson recognize how to navigate around the and Alan Steremberg to help build a map. Along with automatically load- system to bring Internet weather into ing the map of your region it will bring K-12 classrooms. Chris Schwerzler up two layers of information, current joined Alan in his work on the Mac radar imagery and weather station gopher client, ‘Blue Skies,’ which won data. The layers that are visible are numerous awards for its interactive controlled by the menus on the right- imagery and text information. In the hand side of the screen. To turn on interest of expanding ‘Blue Skies’ to and off a layer you simply click on the other platforms, Dave Brooks, author checkmark located just to the left of of the Windows ‘WS Gopher’ client, the layer’s name. developed ‘Blue Skies for Windows’ To learn how to view and under- in 1994. The growing Internet weather stand the weather model layers, the program was given the name Weather first thing you need to do is turn off the Underground, a reference to the 1960’s radar and weather station layers. You radical group that also originated at then need to click on the Model Data the University of Michigan, which had layer to turn it on. When you do this taken its name from the lyrics to Bob nothing on the map will change, but a Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues, new menu will open up under the layer ‘You don’t need a weather man to know name. Before you start to play around This map shows the total precipitation across Alberta during the 30-day period ending which way the wind blows.’ you will probably want to zoom out on Nov. 4 relative to the long-term average. The green areas have received near-average “In late spring of 1995, Weather the map so that you can see at least all amounts while the light-blue areas are slightly above average. Areas that are dark blue Underground, Inc. evolved as a sepa- of Alberta. The first option you have is and pink have seen well-above-average amounts. rate commercial entity from the univer- to pick the weather model you want to sity. By fall, the official website, www. look at. The GFS model is the weather wunderground.com, was released with model created by NOAA in the United The next option to choose from is • Wind — This map shows expected daily forecasts and hourly conditions. States and the ECMWF is the weather which weather model information wind speeds measured in knots Weather Underground has developed model created by the United Kingdom. you want displayed on the Map Type. (quick conversion is to double it the world’s largest network of personal These models are both considered to While there are lots of different maps for km). It also shows wind direc- weather stations (almost 23,000 sta- be very good. to choose from, here is a short list of tion. the more useful maps. • MSL — This map shows the sur- While there are many more maps face pressure patterns along with to choose from, these three maps will where precipitation is forecasted allow you to create a fairly accurate Those of you who have used Google Maps or Google Earth will to fall and how much precipitation forecast. I’ll continue this discussion is expected over a 12-hour period. in an upcoming issue. In the mean- recognize how to navigate around the map. • 2mAG — This map shows the time, your homework is to check out ground level forecasted air and this website and see if you can start to dew point temperatures. become a weather forecaster! ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 23

BriefS DuPont opens new seed production facility Behlen and Sakundiak now Meridian

Meridian Manufacturing and Winnipeg-based par- ent company WGI have announced that effec- tive Jan. 1, all agricultural products manufactured by Behlen Industries, Sakun- diak Equipment and Merid- ian Manufacturing will be branded Meridian. “Our new product line will now include a full offering of SmoothWall hopper bins, bulk seed tenders, augers and conveyors, commer- cial and oilfield tanks, fuel tanks, aeration, galvanized hopper bottom bins, gal- vanized flat-bottom bins, grain rings, ArchWall and on-farm buildings,” Merid- ian marketing manager Sid Lockhart said in a release. “This merger will expand DuPont Pioneer celebrated the startup of its new $15-million parent seed production facility near Wingham, Ontario on Nov. 8. It is primarily our resources and experi- focused on the production of parent canola seed, but it can also handle the conditioning and treating of parent soybeans. Product from the ence, and will present Wingham Parent Seed Plant is shipped to Pioneer locations across Canada and around the world. Supplied photo all parties involved with greater team knowledge,” said Glenn Friesen, senior vice-president of Meridian Manufacturing.

Barley genome breakthrough may lead to better beer

london / reuters / An international consor- tium of scientists has pub- FarmTech lished a high resolution draft of the barley genome Global Perspectives... in a move that could not only improve yields and Local Knowledge 2013 disease resistance, but may also hold the key to better beer. “This research will streamline efforts to improve barley produc- tion through breeding Join us... Jan. 29-31 for improved varieties,” said Prof. Robbie Waugh, Edmonton EXPO CENTRE of Scotland’s James Hut- ton Institute, who led the at Northlands research. “This could be varieties better able to withstand pests and disease, deal with adverse environmental conditions, or even provide FarmTech 2013 Speakers Canada’s premier crop grain better suited for beer and brewing.” Stuart Barden production and farm Barley is the world’s International Farmer from Kenya fourth most important cere- management conference. al crop, trailing only maize, rice and wheat. Its genome FarmTech 2013 features an outstanding line-up of is almost twice the size of David Chilton that of humans. Author of The Wealthy Barber Series speakers delivering more than 60 concurrent “It will accelerate research and co-star on CBC’s Dragons’ Den sessions covering the latest in technology, in barley, and its close rela- tive, wheat,” Waugh said. Todd Hirsh environment, agronomy and farm business “Armed with this informa- Senior Economist, ATB Financial tion, breeders and scientists management. will be much better placed to deal with the challenge The Agricultural Showcase is home to the most of effectively addressing the Dr. John Izzo food security agenda under Author, Business advisor innovative companies displaying their products the constraints of a rapidly and services along with special events and changing environment.” networking opportunities. Ron MacLean Host of Hockey Night in Canada FarmTech 2013 Banquet www.farmtechconference.com For complete details and the latest updates Toll Free 1-866-FARMTEC REGISTER BEFORE JAN. 11th, 2013 for Early Bird Discounts!

Barley is the world’s fourth FarmTech 20132012 most important cereal crop. is Proudly Hosted By: 24 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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AGCanadaTV is sponsored by ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 25

CANOLA DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS COMPLETED Sitting Alberta Canola Producer Commission directors Ray Blanchette (Falher, Region 3), Lee Markert (Vulcan, Region 9), and Marlene Caskey (Oyen, Region 12) were elected to a second term on the board by acclamation Oct. 31. Renn Breitkreuz of Onoway was elected by acclamation as the new director for Region 6 as director Jody Klassen of Mayerthorpe has reached the ACPC two-term limit. He will begin to serve as director for Region 6 immediately following the ACPC Annual General ELECTIONS Meeting January 29, 2013. 

Heat-damaged canola crop is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. Company. Monsanto from license under used trademark registered a is creates supply shortages ®

DOUBLE WHAMMY  In addition to lower yields, this year’s crop contains less oil PHL.2012 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 Potentially, crushers could slow BY ROD NICKEL processing if margins are weak WINNIPEG / REUTERS enough, Lussier said. So far in 2012- 13, however, they have crushed 16 upply worries about Canada’s per cent more volume than during disappointingly small canola the comparable period in record- Sharvest this year are com- setting 2011-12. pounded by the oilseed’s reduced Last year, crushers produced oil content, crimping profits for 3.1 million tonnes of oil and four crushers and leaving food compa- million tonnes of meal, which is nies to scramble for other vegetable used mainly as a protein source oils. for animals. The United States and Expectations were high early in China were the biggest importers the crop year that a record-large of Canadian canola oil in 2011-12, canola crop in Canada would com- with the U.S. also the biggest meal pensate for some of the damage the importer. drought did to U.S. soybeans. How- ever, midsummer heat in Western Looking to alternatives Canada during canola’s vulnerable With less canola oil available, food flowering period reduced yields. companies are looking to alterna- The crop came in smaller than tives. expected at an estimated 13.4 mil- Global importers are likely to lion tonnes and contains a lower Top-grade canola has a mean oil content of 43.5 per cent, down from last turn to relatively cheap palm oil percentage of oil than usual, gov- year’s 45.2 per cent and slightly off the 10-year average of 43.8 per cent. — the most abundantly produced ernment data shows, hitting crush- vegetable oil — as an alterna- ers’ profit margins by an estimated 1970s, due to relentless demand seed they ship, Lussier said. Crush tive to more expensive products, $8 per tonne for every percentage growth, especially in China, Rabo- margins are already one-fifth lower Hamburg-based oilseeds analysts point lower than last year. bank said in a report this month. than a year ago at around C$72 per Oil World said this week. At least “It poses a problem for exporters About three-quarters of the tonne for the ICE January canola in the short term, palm oil is inex- and crushers,” said Tracy Lussier, world’s vegetable oil production is futures contract. pensive and available, thanks to manager of canola trading for Louis used for food purposes like cooking Along with Dreyfus, major Cana- record-high stocks in Malaysia as Dreyfus Canada, which acts in both oils, margarine and spreads, with dian canola crushers and export- of September. roles. “If you lose a per cent of oil, biodiesel also a major use. ers include Cargill Ltd., Richardson Ontario-based Saporito Foods, you lose a significant amount of International Ltd., Archer Daniels which buys canola oil from crush- money.” Oil yield lower Midland Co. and Bunge Ltd. ers and bottles it to sell to res- Shorter supplies of canola oil Top-grade canola has a mean oil The oil content may improve as taurants and on store shelves in come as projected stocks of U.S. content of 43.5 per cent, down from farmers sell later-harvested canola Eastern Canada, has seen prices soyoil, a competitor in the global last year’s 45.2 per cent and slightly to crushers, said one oilseed indus- “drastically increase” compared vegetable oil market, for the just- off the 10-year average of 43.8 per try source, who spoke on condition to soyoil. started 2012-13 crop year look to cent, according to a sampling pro- of anonymity. Typically, higher oil “We’re trying to push our cus- be the smallest in nine years at 576 gram by the Canadian Grain Com- content is found in northern and tomers to soya, but some need million tonnes. mission, the industry’s regulator. western parts of Western Canada. canola for sure in their recipes,” The world’s stocks-to-use ratio Lower oil content hits crush mar- “We’re still in the early stages of said Saporito’s president, Bill Tser- for vegetable oils, a measure of sup- gins and also hurts exporters who trying to figure out what the real pes. ply to demand, will reach its tight- may have guaranteed a percent- oil content is, and it is all over the “If our customers want canola, est level in 2012-13 since the mid- age of oil content in the canola place,” he said. they’ll have to pay extra for it.”

Built-in sclerotinia protection

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PR342 CPS 45S52.indd 1 16/10/12 11:23 AM 26 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Hemp promoters see possibility for a value chain CHICKEN AND EGG  Can’t produce without market, can’t market without supply

try looks to canola as a role model BY ALEXIS KIENLEN and hopes the industry can follow AF STAFF / EDMONTON a similar path. “Because it’s so small, “This is a case of what comes uss Crawford likes to com- first. Do you grow hemp and then it’s hard to get people’s pare hemp with canola 40 hope that someone will build a attention and it’s hard to R years ago — small acreage, plant that will process your prod- and uncertain markets. “Hemp uct, whether it’s food or fibre? Or get people talking about provides a unique opportunity do you look to someone to invest because it has been a margin- and build that facility and roll hemp.” alized and an unrealized crop. the dice that farmers are going to There’s tremendous potential grow the crop and you’ll be able RUSS CRAWFORD to capture,” said Russ Crawford, to sustain that industry and that CANADIAN HEMP vice-president of the Canadian business?” he said. The industry TRADE ALLIANCE Hemp Trade Alliance. will need to work collaboratively “Because it’s so small, it’s hard to grow for everyone’s benefit. to get people’s attention and it’s Crawford said there is opportu- hard to get people talking about nity to create a hemp value chain Trevor Kloek, program lead at hemp,” said Crawford. “Because by bringing together growers, the Alberta Biomaterials Develop- you’re small, you might have a processors and consumers, and ment Centre, said Alberta cannot very small voice. But nonetheless, attracting investment will move satisfy demand alone and there’s the opportunities are significant.” the industry forward. Investors a large potential latent demand Matching production to demand is a challenge for the new industry. He notes that the hemp market need a consistent supply and need for the crop. in Canada has developed errati- to know that there will be available “Some of the markets we’re ince can do, it’s something West- lacks critical mass. “I think we cally. Farmers get signals to grow, crop. The government also needs addressing right now who are ern Canada has to do,” he said. need to produce what the cus- then they grow too much and cut to create a favourable investment seriously interested will require Kloek said there is latent capac- tomer wants and not what we back, resulting in an erratic pattern climate, and people need to have a about 300 tons of straw to meet ity in growing, as well as latent, have. That’s a fundamental law of production and consumption. positive attitude and a strong voice one company’s requirement. untested demand. He said the of how we’re going to succeed Crawford said the hemp indus- in support of the industry. That’s not something one prov- crop has great potential but here,” he said.

Rail bill still coming, Reduce sclerotinia losses minister in canola with Pioneer Protector® hybrids insists DM SHUFFLE  Shippers fear change of deputy ministers will mean more delay

® Non-resistant Resistant Pioneer brand BY ALEX BINKLEY 55% infection 13% infection Non-resistant 45S54 AF CONTRIBUTOR / OTTAWA

Sclerotinia disease infection on canola stems in a 2012 Proving Ground™ trial in Simpson, Saskatchewan shows Transport Minister Denis non-resistant hybrid (left) versus Pioneer® brand 45S52 (RR) Pioneer® brand 45S54 (RR) with the Pioneer Protector Sclerotinia Lebel says long-promised with the Pioneer Protector Sclerotinia Resistance trait (right). Resistance trait producing healthier stands of canola under legislation to balance the 2012; Nanton, Alberta. significant sclerotinia pressure. market power of the rail- ways and their customers Sclerotinia can be a costly “As far as incidence and severity, 2012 has been the worst I will be introduced this fall. disease for canola growers. Shippers have expressed Lost revenues exceeded have seen for sclerotinia since 2007. I saw ranges of incidence concern that a deputy an estimated $600 million from less than 5% to as high as 60% in fields. Some of the minister shuffle will delay in 2010, in a year when fields were sprayed and still had levels in the 30% range.” the legislation until next conditions were favourable Doug Moisey, DuPont Pioneer agronomist for central year, when it could be for development of the disease. While the numbers are not all and northern Alberta sidelined by a rail costing tallied yet, for many areas of the Prairies incidence of sclerotinia review already scheduled in 2012 was higher than we have seen in quite a few years. for 2013. They’re pushing Sclerotinia resistant hybrids for legislation based on the Management approach DuPont Pioneer, a leader in canola genetics, provides the first findings of a rail service 1. Crop rotation and only canola hybrids with built-in sclerotinia resistance on freight review launched in ® 2. Final plant population of 6–10 plants per square foot the market. The Pioneer Protector Sclerotinia Resistance trait 2008 that advocated service 3. Sclerotinia resistant hybrids is built right into the seed so the risk of sclerotinia infection is guarantees, a dispute- 4. Foliar fungicide greatly reduced. settlement mechanism, The Pioneer Protector® Sclerotinia Resistance trait and financial penalties if “In 2012 sclerotinia incidence was worse than 2010 and provides these benefits to growers: the railways failed to meet performance standards. far worse than 2011. Southeast Saskatchewan experienced Reduction in incidence The railways that would be much higher incidence than the south-central parts of the Greater than 50% reduction in sclerotinia an unnecessary regulatory province. Seeding date also had a huge effect on levels incidence.* burden. of incidence.” Last month, shipper orga- Dave Vanthuyne, DuPont Pioneer agronomist for central Peace of mind nizations representing the Increased flexibility and insurance when 50% and southern Saskatchewan REDUCTION major resource sectors such timing fungicide applications. of sclerotinia in as forestry, fertilizers, min- your canola crop ® ® ing and agriculture called Pioneer brand hybrids with the Pioneer Protector Convenience Sclerotinia Resistance trait Sclerotinia protection is planted with the seed. again on the government “to address inefficient and inad- NEW Season-long control equate rail freight service.” 45S54 45S52 46S53 An in-plant trait that provides coverage regardless of weather They met ministers and Exclusively available from our Pioneer Hi-Bred sales representative patterns throughout the entire growing season. MPs, but came away no wiser about the govern- ment’s plans. Western farm groups have www.pioneer.com been among the most vocal * Field results show that Pioneer Protector® Sclerotinia resistance can reduce the incidence of sclerotinia supporters of rail freight in a canola crop by over 50%. Individual results may vary. Depending on environmental and agronomic conditions, growers planting Pioneer Protector Sclerotinia resistant hybrids may still require a fungicide service legislation. application to manage sclerotinia in their crop. Meanwhile, CN and CP Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. have both reported sub- The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. stantially higher net income ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks licensed to Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. © 2012, PHL PR383_TechTorial_AFE_FE for the first nine months of 2012.

PR383_PR_TechTorial_AFE_FE_v4.indd 1 12-10-10 1:41 PM ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 27 Evaluating hemp performance is a work in progress: Specialist Trials } Hemp was tested in several locations last year, but more site years are needed for recommendations

increase plant establishment and by alexis kienlen coverage in some of the locations, af staff / edmonton but not others. However plant population was anitoba has been con- not directly related to yield. ducting hemp agron- “We can have a pretty thin stand M omy trials at research of hemp, but we end up with huge stations across the province for heads and can end up with the several years, and thanks to a same grain yield,” Watson said. grant of $70,000 from the Cana- Researchers also tested fibre dian Hemp Trade Alliance, this yields. Each variety and location year trials were expanded to other included in the trials has to be provinces. THC tested, which represented “If you get enough site years, a significant cost to researchers, then the data starts to mean said Watson. something,” said Keith Watson, Recommendations for fibre a diversification specialist with agronomy and characteristics Manitoba Agriculture. are difficult to determine as Watson told a recent meeting there is no commercial proces- of the Canadian Hemp Trade sor for hemp fibre in Canada and Alliance conference that data these specs are defined by the needs to be used with caution market. Any current fibre being and more research is needed used is a byproduct after a grain before recommendations can harvest, said Watson. Manitoba Agriculture diversification specialist Keith Watson at hemp trials in Manitoba. Photo: Laura Rance be made. This year, Manitoba research stations included Arborg, Gilbert Plains, Carberry and Melita. Tri- als were also done at Vegreville, CONGRATULATIONS TO WOLF TRAX FOUNDERS: Alberta, Kemptville, Ontario and 2012 MANNING INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS. Melfort, Saskatchewan. Watson said seeding rates for hemp need to be high enough to allow producers to get good fibre and grain yields. Research- ers had a target population of 250 seeds per square metre. They measured the seedlings when the plants were two to four inches out of the ground and found only 25 per cent had emerged. This loss represents a huge cost to producers, who will need to bump their seeding rates. “There’s a lot of research we need to do to figure out why we get the plant population we do. It is normal in all crops to have a mortality rate, but hemp’s is particularly high,” said Watson. Researchers began at rates 25 seeds per square metre and increased to 350. Results showed about 150 seeds per square metre gave the best yields for dual-purpose fibre and grain varieties. There still isn’t enough research on the varieties to prove which varieties are outstanding, Watson said. Researchers also measured seed size, which is important to know because it has an impact on seeding rates. “In order to get the right population, you have to adjust accordingly,” said Watson. Researchers tested seed treat- ments Gemini and Raxil to try to reduce mortality rates. They did

“There’s a lot of research we need to do to figure out why we get the plant PROTINUS® seed-applied fertilizer delivers a nutrient boost that gives you population we do. It LIGHT faster emergence, larger seedlings and bigger roots. And a stronger start is normal in all crops YEARS means you can look forward to stronger results at harvest. Use the technology to have a mortality AHEAD that’s light years ahead. Ask your retailer for PROTINUS or visit PROTINUS.org. rate, but hemp’s is particularly high.”

Keith Watson ©2012 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. 19430 AFE 28 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Right agronomics are key to hemp growing VARIETIES  Growing season and whether to straight combine or swath are considerations

He said growers often run into BY ALEXIS KIENLEN problems if they grow hemp on AF STAFF / EDMONTON spec. “Work with the company, “Work with the company, produce under contract and get now your varieties, talk your licensing in place,” he said. produce under contract and with other growers, do your “Make sure you have the right get your licensing in place.” Kresearch and use your best agronomic information.” land. Those are hemp agronomy tips from Kevin Friesen, seed pro- Varieties sensitive to area duction manager with Hemp Oil Hemp varieties react differently KEVIN FRIESEN Canada and a partner with Hemp in various locations. “Finola, for Genetics International. example, will grow nine feet tall in Friesen, who spoke at the Cana- the Peace River area but will grow dian Hemp Trade Alliance confer- only 2-1/2 feet tall in Ontario. Not ence has been in the industry since every variety is the right match for produce more biomass, are longer “Fertility is really the key to Shorter-season varieties are taken 2001 as a pedigreed seed grower, every grower in every location,” season and are large seeded and growing this crop and it’s also your off at lower moisture. working primarily with grain and Friesen said. high yielding. herbicide,” said Friesen. Most producers straight com- non-fibre varieties of industrial Finola is the main variety grown “You have to realize that not Finding the optimal plant den- bine. Hemp needs to be cut cleanly hemp. in Alberta. It’s attractive because every variety fits everyone and you sity and seeding date can help in order to prevent it from bunch- Most hemp grown in Western it has a short growing season have to be careful to choose what producers cope with weed pres- ing up and creating havoc inside Canada is grown for grain produc- and a short stature. The variety works for your area,” said Friesen. sure. Friesen said the industry the combine. tion, although there is dual-pur- is small seeded, easy to harvest He recommends growers get has to work to get minor use her- Strong wind can shatter heads pose production as well. Canada and matures in 100 days. It is professional advice and find bicides registered for hemp, and on a mature crop, so to manage grew 52,560 acres of hemp in 2012, well suited to irrigation, can be out what other growers in their some herbicides do work well on this risk, many producers in of which 24,700 were in Saskatch- swathed and does well in north- region are doing. It’s important the crop. southern Alberta grow short- ewan, 12,958 in Manitoba and ern climates. to grow hemp on the best land Friesen said hemp does not have season varieties and swath. 12,602 acres in Alberta. Those pre- Friesen said the second most available. many disease problems, but can “The advantage is that you have cise figures are possible because popular variety is CFX-2. This develop sclerotinia under humid dry seed. The disadvantage is that anyone who wants to grow hemp variety and its similar counterpart, Organic option conditions. It’s not known if club- you do put more fibre through the in Canada has to apply for a licence CFX-1, have moderate height, Friesen said hemp can be grown root is a risk. Pests are not a large combine,” Friesen said. from Health Canada. Depending moderate growing season and a successfully using organic or con- issue, but bertha army worms have He recommends grain dryers or on the variety, many producers large seed size. “As hemp varieties ventional methods. been known to defoliate the plant. the use of an inline heater between will have to have their crop tested get taller, harvest tends to get Producers who go organic the fan and the bin, as hemp has a to be low enough in THC, the com- a little bit more difficult,” said should choose high-fertility, Harvest strong tendency to spoil if it is not pound which produces the “high” Friesen. medium-textured soils with good Harvesting hemp is the most chal- dried efficiently. from marijuana varieties. The third most popular variety, drainage. Row cropping works lenging part of the growing pro- Growers who are not selling their Friesen said the hemp industry CRS-1, is grown primarily in Mani- well in organic dryland situations. cess. “It’s really important to take fibre will have to figure out how has grown by about 35 per cent toba, takes 110 days to mature and Conventional farmers should plan it off at the right time, which can to manage it. Some bale it, some each year for the last few years. “I has a large seed and high yield. “I to add as much fertility as they be different from year to year,” said incorporate it and others rake it think that reflects the markets for kind of call that the full-season do when growing canola. Add- Friesen. with heavy harrows. hemp. The retail side is maturing grain variety,” Friesen said. ing extra fertilizer helps growers Generally, the crop is harvested “At the end of the day, it’s either a because companies are contract- Dual-purpose varieties include deal with weed pressure from wild when it is green, which minimizes bale or a match that takes care of it ing in a responsible manner.” Delores and Alyssa. These varieties oats. fibre wrapping in the combine. and gets it off the field,” Friesen said.

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rEquirEd. rEfErEncEd. rEsPEctEd. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 29 Organic farmers ponder the future of food BRIDGING GAP  Organic conference looks at the transition between current farming methods and those of the future

to share; mapping 150 apple trees BY DANIEL WINTERS in Calgary that can be harvested STAFF | REGINA on a one-third basis for the owner, the picker and the local food bank; hey weren’t shying away and a community edible refores- from the big issues at the tation program. T recent Organic Connec- Urban farming can play a tions conference here. major role in food production, Renowned sustainable farm- he said. ing expert Fred Kirschenmann “They say we can’t feed the declared the days of “cheap” world. I call that B.S.,” he said. energy to be coming to an end. One of his next targets is the “It’s not a question of exactly urban lawn. There are 40 mil- when we run out of oil, natural Fred Kirschenmann is a farmer and distinguished Rob Avis of Verge Permaculture in Calgary specializes in a lion acres of lawn in the U.S. gas, or coal — it’s when it’s no fellow at Leopold Center for Sustainable systems-design approach to creating “sustainable human alone, something he describes longer going to be affordable,” Agriculture. PHOTOS: DANIEL WINTERS habitat.” as the greatest misallocation of said Kirschenmann, who has a resources on the planet. 2,600-acre organic farm in North Citing the need for radical they would end up in a desert, they Avis said he hopes the days of “It turns out that we can feed Dakota, and is also the distin- change, he points to the ruined would have laughed at you.” peak oil are far off. every person in the country a guished fellow at Leopold Center landscape left behind by humans Like Kirschenmann, he mar- “I have a two-year-old son — I 2,000-calories-per-day diet for for Sustainable Agriculture and a in the Middle East. The cradle velled at how cheap energy hope it’s 50 years,” he said. “It will two years off of one crop,” he professor of religion and philoso- of civilization, and formerly one has been, noting a single 160- take that long for us to transition said, adding that two crops could phy at Iowa State University. of the most abundant places on litre barrel of oil represents the our culture to one that can use be sown in many areas. He framed the issue in a much Earth, it is now largely a desert. equivalent of 10,000 hours of renewable energy.” “There’s more than enough land wider context spanning virtually “There’s a pattern of human manual labour. In the meantime, Avis is pro- to feed the world. We just have to all of human history. settlement that we don’t want “When in history has one person moting the merits of sustainable get out of this disempowerment Back in the hunter-gatherer to follow,” Avis told conference had 150 horses at their disposal at habitats. Among his projects is a concept, and start moving forward days, humans garnered an excel- attendees. “If they had been told the turn of a key?” he asked. mobile tool “library” for gardeners with our lives.” lent return on the energy they “invested” in feeding themselves, said Kirschenmann. He estimates people expended only 1,000 calo- ries for every 20,000 calories of energy they gathered or hunted. That efficiency ratio fell by half DeSTiNeD FoR about 10,000 years ago, when mankind adopted animal-pow- ered agriculture and herding, but GReATNeSS the real sea change was when it began tapping into “old calories” in the form of fossil fuels, mined mineral amendments such as rock phosphate, and water pooled in underground aquifers. 6060 RR Today, it takes 10,000 calories to produce a single calorie of food, he said. Kirschenmann, who adopted organic production methods on Realize youR yield potential with 6060 RR his farm more than 35 years ago, CANOLA PERFORMANCE TRIALS 2011 In just two seasons, 6060 RR has reached the top with impressive yields said he was disturbed by the real- MEDIUM & LONG SEASON ZONES ization of how dependent he is on that stand out across all canola production systems. In the inaugural Canola fossil fuels. From the transport of Performance Trials (CPT’s) in 2011, 6060 RR out-yielded the trial average by 4%, organic inputs such as manure to and these trials included the top performers in all herbicide systems. 6060 RR 104% the shipping of his production to Check1 100% market, “everything is based on 6060 RR produces a heavily podded, impressive crop with excellent standability fossil fuels,” he said. and oil content. With an early seeding date and top tier fertility management, 1012 RR 94% 6060 RR shows how great your canola yields are destined to be. Aquifer in danger 0 30 60 90 120 In the end, it all comes down to performance and BrettYoung brings a new But the bad news doesn’t end Yield standard of excellence to the field. 1 there. Agriculture in his area also 2011 CPT trial average yield medium and long season zones. Yield responses on 6060 RR and 1012 RR only from sites where faces a critical shortage of water, both varieties were present. mainly because the Ogalalla aqui- fer that feeds irrigation across brettyoung.ca • 800-665-5015 much of the central U.S. has been drawn down by half since 1960. “We are still drawing it down by six to eight feet a year, and in 20 years from now, it won’t have any water left for irrigation,” said Kirschenmann. “What happens then? Finally, it turns into a kind of buffalo commons.” It’s time humans confronted the biggest question of all, he said. “What is the next era of food pro- duction for us as a species?” Rob Avis offered a partial answer to that question. The former mechanical engi- neer in Alberta’s oil and gas indus- try has become an advocate of permaculture, and trumpets the idea that urban farms could pro- duce significant amounts of food Jon MontgoMery in the decades ahead. 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist – Skeleton Avis and his wife, also an engi- 2008 World Championship Silver Medalist neer, formed Verge Permaculture, a Calgary-based company that specializes in a systems-design Join Jon’s teaM! approach to creating “sustainable Brettyoung.ca/JoinJonsteam human habitat” via interconnected elements such as low-energy build- ings, water management, waste BrettYoung is a trademark of BrettYoung Seeds Limited. reuse, and renewable energy and Genuity® and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks and used under license from Monsanto Company. Always follow grain marketing and all other food production. (Information stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these requirements can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers on their projects and seminars is printed in this publication. 12025 10.12 posted on their website and blog at www.vergepermaculture.ca.) 30 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA All Alberta potatoes aren’t grown around Taber MEAT AND POTATOES } Alberta’s potato industry is worth $1 billion annually

By sheri monk af staff | taber

elmet Leili has had a lot to learn in a short period of H time as the new executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA). “There’s been a lot to learn, but it’s very interesting,” he said. Headquartered in Taber, the PGA represents 135 potato growers in the province. In 2012, a total of 55,700 acres of potatoes were planted and the total value of the industry, including crop and value added, amounts to $1 bil- lion annually. “It’s a big industry in Alberta,” said Leili. While the Lethbridge, Taber, Vauxhall and the Bassano-Brooks Lane Lievaart Farms Ltd. of Coaldale, Alberta was the recipient of the area is the most known for potato McCain Environmental Award at the Annual McCain Growers’ Banquet in Nov. production, Leili says there’s This award recognizes the grower who has an outstanding environmental another integral region. “Up near Potatoes are stored by the producer for a year after they performance over the course of a year. Ross May (l), agronomist, presents a Edmonton and Lacombe we grow are harvested. PHOTo: pga special plaque and $1,000 cheque to Lane Lievaart. PHOTo: mcain foods a lot of seed potatoes and a lot of people don’t know that.” He says potatoes anyway because after explained. Potato producers store that goes down to the ground on are three distinct sectors of the potato producers had a very good they are harvested, they aren’t their harvest in large buildings either end? That’s what they look Alberta potato industry. The fresh year. “During harvest, there was sent for processing right away. with carefully controlled tempera- like,” said Leili. market supplies table potatoes to only one day of rain, so that was “The potatoes are stored for a ture and humidity. Within the southern Potato Belt, the end consumer through direct very SEC_CAR11_T_MC.qxd good.” 8/26/11 4:23year beforePM Page they’re 1 sold, and that’s “You know those small town there are a number of potato-pro- purchase and through retail- There isn’t a hurry for these where things can get tricky,” Leili arenas with the dome-type roof cessing plants. Alberta’s potato- ers. That segment accounts for growing regions are among the five per cent of production. The best in the world, and there are processing sector accounts for 197 varieties grown in the region. 81 per cent of production in the In many instances, producers are province. The seed potato market contracted by an area processing accounts for the remaining 14 per company to grow a specific vari- cent of production in the province ety for a specified price. Leili said to supply other growers domesti- potato producers may not achieve cally and internationally. fame and fortune contract grow- ing, but it’s sustainable and it works out well. “They can make a good life that “The potatoes are stored way, and continue to do what they love,” he said, adding that the for a year before they’re province’s growers take pride in sold, and that’s where having a very small footprint, and ® in using very few chemical inter- things can get tricky.” AC Carberry ventions. “That information needs CWRS Wheat to get out there.” While Alberta may be known for Helmet Leili, PGA its beef, Leili said the PGA is going to be reaching out to consumers more effectively in the future to really share the province’s Setting the pace. meat and potatoes story. There The irrigation available in the southern region, the number of hours of sunshine and well- SEC_CAR11_T drained soil is key to Alberta’s Start strong. Finish fast. Trait Stewardship potato success, and several pro- Responsibilities cessing plants have set up shop in ✔ Very short, strong straw the province to take advantage of Ad Number: Publication: Manitoba Cooperator - 3col Trim x 133lines 6” x 9.5” Notice to Farmers the reliable supply. In the south- ✔ ern area there is a Lamb Weston Fast, efficient harvest plant at Taber and a McCain ✔ MR to fusarium Monsanto Company is a member of plant at Coaldale. Both of these Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). plants are producing french ✔ Monsanto products are commercialized fries for the fast-service restau- Great fit for intensive management in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in rant industry. As well, there are compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for potato chip plants including an Commercialization of Biotechnology- Old Dutch facility at Calgary and Derived Plant Products in Commodity a Frito Lay plant at Taber. Crops. This product has been approved Ross May, an agronomist with for import into key export markets with McCain Foods, says production has functioning regulatory systems. Any been very good recently, although crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, there have been some issues with processed or sold in countries where late blight in the last couple of years. all necessary regulatory approvals Overall, he says, Alberta is perfectly have been granted. It is a violation of suited for the industry. national and international law to move “The cold winters that we have material containing biotech traits here in Alberta are ideal for a lot across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should of our disease prevention. Not a talk to their grain handler or product lot of diseases can survive our cold purchaser to confirm their buying position winters whereas in the Columbia for this product. Excellence Through Basin or the Magic Valley of Idaho, Stewardship® is a registered trademark it’s a lot milder and diseases and of Excellence Through Stewardship. insects vectoring those diseases have a better chance of surviving,” ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. said May. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes McCain held its annual Growers’ ® that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the Banquet recently in Lethbridge Genes that fit your farm. active ingredient in Roundup® brand and more than 120 guests helped agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand celebrate producer achievements. agricultural herbicides will kill crops that Claassen Farms Ltd. of Vauxhall Produced by: SeCan Product/Campaign Name: SeCan AC Carberry Date Produced: August 2011 800-665-7333 are not tolerant to glyphosate. Genuity was named the 2011-12 McCain and Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, www.secan.com Roundup Ready®, and Roundup® are Champion Potato Grower and Developed by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current. trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Lane Lievaart Farms Ltd., of Coal- ‘AC’ is an official mark used under license from Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. dale, Alberta was the recipient of ® Used under license. Genes that fit your farm is a registered trademark of SeCan. the McCain Environmental Award. SEC_CAR11_T ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 31 U.S. drought boosts demand and prices for Prairie hay EAST TO WEST  Demand is expected to move more to Alberta when Manitoba and Saskatchewan supplies diminish

the big squares (bales), they are and humidity resulted in good sec- BY PHIL FRANZ-WARKENTIN buying the big rounds — because ond growth, and even third growth COMMODITY NEWS SERVICE CANADA they just have to,” said Klein. in some parts of the south. By spring, there will be little car- The Peace River area, the extreme ncreased demand from Ameri- ryover of hay in Saskatchewan — north, and the southwest were can livestock feeders for Cana- especially in the south, he said. But drier, and production was hin- I dian forages should keep Klein said U.S. demand could be dered as a result. However, cattle domestic prices firm, according to short-lived as high feed costs may numbers are not as large in those provincial forage specialists. lead to herd reductions or force areas and large greenfeed crops While most of Western Canada some feeders out of business. were making up for any shortages. has relatively good forage stocks, While Saskatchewan’s yields There is good carryover inventory some areas are short on supply were average to above average, from the previous year in eastern and will face high prices because of there are some areas where forage Alberta. U.S. demand fuelled by this year’s is in short supply. American forage buying in drought. Alberta also had “for the most Alberta has so far been less than Forage prices are generally up part, some pretty good crops,” said expected, but is forecast to increase by 30 to 40 per cent from year-ago provincial forage specialist Grant once Manitoba and Saskatchewan levels, said Glenn Friesen, a provin- Lastiwka. supplies are drawn down. Inter- cial forage specialist with Manitoba He said quality was better than in national demand for forage is also Agriculture, Food and Rural Initia- the past two years, as moisture con- expected to increase in the coming Forage prices are generally up by 30 to 40 per cent from year-ago levels, tives. ditions were good, while the heat years, he said. says a Manitoba forage specialist. U.S. buyers are focused on areas near the border, but will start pur- chasing hay from northern areas as well if they get desperate, said Friesen. Volumes heading south will be relatively small — likely a “couple hundred thousand tonnes” — but that will be enough to keep prices high, he said. In Manitoba, forage yields were average to below average, he said. Supplies are particularly short in the southeast corner, while more minor shortages were seen in the south-central Manitoba into the Interlake and on some of the sand- ier soil areas of the southwest. Around Lake Manitoba, where fields were flooded out a year ago, producers had smaller reserves and are now needing to bring some hay D3153 in from elsewhere, said Friesen. NEW Some producers who are short on feed are reducing the size of their herd, he said. However, many are hoping for a mild winter so they don’t have to buy high-priced feed. “They feed more expensively when it gets cold,” Friesen noted. Forage is also moving out of Sas-

katchewan, which is a relatively D3152 new thing for that province, said provincial forage specialist Lorne Klein.

The U.S. drought has boosted D3154S demand, but another factor is that truckers bringing supplies to the province’s oil patch are looking for freight to haul back south, he said. American buyers are primarily looking for alfalfa in big square bales, said Klein. He said he’s heard that hay is fetching as much as $140 a tonne, a sharp increase from the $90 being offered last year. Even with those higher prices, he expected to see more hay move to the U.S. in 2012 than the previous year. “Even though the majority of buy- ers in the U.S. would prefer to have ReDefining Canola Performance Pioneer® brand D-Series canola hybrids are bred to deliver outstanding performance. D3153 delivers high yield with “Even though the exceptional standability and harvestability. D3152 adds the Pioneer Protector® Clubroot trait for protection from this majority of buyers in the devastating disease. And new D3154S has the Pioneer Protector® Sclerotinia trait for built-in protection. U.S. would prefer to have D-Series canola hybrids are available exclusively from select independent and Co-op retailers and are backed with the big square (bales), service from DuPont Canada. they are buying the big Purchases of D-Series canola hybrids will qualify you for the 2013 DuPont™ FarmCare® Connect Grower Program. rounds — because they Terms and Conditions apply. just have to.” Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark used under license from Monsanto Company. The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont and FarmCare® are registered trademarks or trademarks of LORNE KLEIN E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. SASKATCHEWAN Pioneer®, the Trapezoid symbol, and Pioneer Protector are registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. www.dseriescanola.ca AGRICULTURE © Copyright 2012 DuPont Canada. All rights reserved.

DP86 D-Series Canola_MC_FE_240.indd 1 27/08/12 3:43 PM 32 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

THEY ARE ALL WINNERS, AND SO IS AGRICULTURE

Dasha Metropolitansky of Oakville, Ont. was first-place winner of the junior competition in the 28th annual Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition held Nov. 3 at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Junior participants were (l-r) Raveena Raveendran, Tania Abraham, second runner-up Zackery Walker, Priethu Raveendran, Claire Doris, Karen Lemon, first runner-up Maxwell Archer and first-place winner Dasha Metropolitansky. PHOTO: MARTIN SCHWALBE Even when GMO patents expire, the regulatory burden lives on NOTICE  Companies would advise of expiry three years in advance PERFORMANCE

BY CAREY GILLAM REUTERS HIGHCEREALS WEST hat happens when pat- ents for genetically modi- W fied seeds expire? Monsanto has made billions off Part of your Roundup Ready soybeans, corn, canola, and other crops since launching a glyphosate-tolerant RIGHT ACROSS THEwell-balanced farm business. soybean in 1996. But the upcoming expiry of its patent for the herbicide- High yield potential and reliable disease packages make Viterra’s High resistant trait in 2014 raises an array Performance Cereals the trusted choice for western Canadian growers. With of concerns, including who bears the costs and responsibilities of popular varieties such as Xena, AC Navigator, and 5700PR, growers continue to maintaining regulatory approvals. have a trusted source for proven success in the field. Contact your local Viterra Ag That involves submitting data to foreign countries to maintain retail or visit seed.viterra.ca to learn more about our complete High Performance approval for seed sales in those Cereals line-up. Book your 2013 cereals today. countries. The American Seed Trade Asso- ciation and the Biotechnology Industry Organization say they have completed the first phase of an industry accord that addresses these issues. The announcement marks progress in an ongoing, sometimes contentious, effort by major seed industry players like Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, and smaller seed companies to agree on obligations and opportunities as biotech seed patents expire. Monsanto has said it will main- tain Roundup regulatory approv- als globally through 2021. But the industry has been seeking a broad mechanism to protect interna- tional regulatory approvals and address product stewardship to keep international trade from being disrupted. Under the accord announced late last month, those companies that sign on will be required to provide notice of patent expiration three years before the last patent on the biotechnology event expires, and GROWING provide access to the genetic event REGIONS at patent expiration. The company then must maintain the regulatory data for at least four years or transi- CDC Stanley and CDC Abound were bred at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan. tion that with other users. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 33

SPEAKING UP FOR AGRICULTURE

Lydia Harrison of Durham, Ontario was first-place winner of the senior competition in the 28th annual Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition held Nov. 3 at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Senior finalists were (l-r) first runner-up Elizabeth Schouten of Kanata, Ont.; first-place winner Lydia Harrison; Christopher MacFarlane of Peterborough, Ont., second runner-up Victoria Blakely of of Riverview, N.B.; Mackenna Roth of Delaware, Ont. and Morgan McNeil of Hantsport, N.S. At right is competition president John MacDonald PHOTO: MARTIN SCHWALBE

NEWS

BHP in no rush to build $14-billion Saskatchewan potash mine LONDON / REUTERS / PERFORMANCE BHP Billiton says it won’t decide soon on whether to build the world’s big- gest potash mine in West- CEREALS ern Canada, a project HIGH WEST some say would exacer- bate a global glut of the fertilizer. In late August, BHP pushed back to at least Part of your June 2013 a decision on building an eight-million- tonne mine at Jansen, RIGHT ACROSS THEwell-balanced farm business. Sask., but emphasized it would still proceed with High yield potential and reliable disease packages make Viterra’s High construction and was Performance Cereals the trusted choice for western Canadian growers. With planning to double the first phase of production. popular varieties such as Xena, AC Navigator, and 5700PR, growers continue to The Anglo-Australian have a trusted source for proven success in the field. Contact your local Viterra Ag mining giant has been retail or visit to learn more about our complete aiming to start produc- seed.viterra.ca High Performance tion in 2015. Cereals line-up. Book your 2013 cereals today. But now chief execu- tive Marius Kloppers has suggested there’s little urgency to proceed. “The guys still have their lease agreements to complete, they have a substantial amount of engineering to complete,” he said. “We do have quite some time ahead of us before we need to con- sider additional approv- als.” BHP continues to dig two shafts and build sur- face facilities at the mine site. Analysts estimate the mine could cost up to $14 billion to complete, and some analysts say buy- ing U.S. potash producer Mosaic makes more sense. The world’s potash capacity surplus looks to climb as high as 19.3 million tonnes by 2020 from 11.3 million tonnes GROWING in 2012 due to expansions REGIONS and potential new mines, including Jansen.

CDC Stanley and CDC Abound were bred at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan. 34 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA Fear of consumer backlash keeps irradiated beef off the shelf Still waiting } Canadian cattle producers applied 10 years ago asking for ground beef to be irradiated

concerns about food, Bruce Cran, president cause minor chemical modifications, simi- By Lorraine Stevenson of the Consumers Association of Canada, lar to cooking, in food. staff says it’s time to pay attention to what peo- ple are really worried about — getting sick Minor modifications he Canadian Cattlemen’s Associa- from foodborne illness — and to take more International bodies, such as the World tion once thought it would be just a measures to stop it. Health Organization (WHO) and the Food Tmatter of time before Canadian food and Agriculture Organization of the United companies would get the green light to start Too wary Nations (FAO) have long recognized irradia- irradiating ground beef. The government is still paying too much tion as a safe and scientifically valid means That was a decade go, when the CCA sub- attention to groups wary about irradiation, of reducing levels of organisms that cause mitted a petition to Health Canada seeking and not enough to those who don’t oppose foodborne illness and it is used in many regulatory approval for use of irradiation as its use. other countries including the U.S., says another tool to reduce pathogens in meat. “Canadians believe this should be an University of Manitoba food scientist Rick At year’s end in 2000 things looked prom- available option,” he said. “We would like Holley. ising. Health Canada had given the proposal the government to do whatever it has to It’s time Canada looked at this again, a favourable recommendation and public do.” he said. consultations were ahead. A CAC survey released earlier this year “I am firmly convinced that we’ve got No one dreamed then that 10 years would shows Canadians, while divided, are willing something here that we just haven’t taken pass and with no approval at the end of it. to have irradiated meat become available advantage of in terms of what it can do to “I’m not entirely sure to this day why we as a clearly labelled product choice. protect us from the organisms that just don’t have the ability to use this,” said Mark Conducted by Angus Reid Public Opin- naturally occur in the agricultural environ- Klassen, director of technical services with ion, it found that while Canadians don’t ment,” he said. the CCA. really understand the process of food irra- He’s also convinced that the public is “The best I understand is there were con- diation, they are most certainly concerned ready for the technology. cerns whether the public would accept this.” about food contaminants. Two in five (45 He’s now completing a two-year research U.S. grocery chain Wegmans Fear of a consumer backlash — as per per cent) said they were “very concerned” project, funded by the Beef Cattle Research offers irradiated beef products. comments logged during consultations about the presence of food-borne illness Council, investigating the effectiveness of throughout 2003 — did, in fact, spook gov- causing bacteria in both chicken, ham- low-dose gamma and electron beam irra- “Most folks who are aware of what irra- ernment. burger and deli meat. Eleven per cent also diation on ground beef. diation does, both the positive and negative Health Canada completed its scientific said they were “very likely” and 43 per cent Holley said he thinks the government aspects of it, realize that it is beneficial. And review of CCA’s submission that year — as “somewhat likely” to consider irradiated won’t move forward with regulation on for the other folks, let’s just talk to them and well as those asking for permission to irradi- meat as a choice for their household. use of irradiation until industry starts ask- tell it like it really is.” ate poultry, shrimp, prawns, and mangoes. Had the time that has elapsed been used ing for it again. A regulatory proposal was published in the to raise awareness about irradiation and “I think they’re just sitting there waiting Petition status Canada Gazette on Nov. 23, 2002 and a rec- how it works, more would probably sup- for industry to come forward and industry Despite all the time that’s elapsed, the CCA ommended Canadian code of practice for port it, said Cran. is reluctant to do it because they’re worried hasn’t given up, still stands behind its original food irradiation developed. “They’ve missed an opportunity to edu- that there may be an unexpected backlash,” petition, and continues to believe Canadians Then, nothing happened. cate the public,” he said. he said. should have the choice of buying irradiated A prepared statement released by Health Health Canada does post on its own web- “But I also think we’ve reached the point ground beef, Klassen said. Canada said it was “because of significant site information about irradiation, includ- now where, in terms of the public’s under- He has recently inquired about the status public concerns related to irradiation” that ing that irradiation does not diminish the standing of what the technology does to of their original petition, he said, adding that the government did not move forward with nutritional value of food, leaves no radio- food and the potential of what it can do they’re wondering if the whole process must regulations at the time. There are no plans to active energy in it nor changes the food in in terms of reducing contamination, that start over to get this moving again. do so in the foreseeable future either, it said. any way to have adverse effects on health. we’re ready for the technology to be intro- “We’ve been trying to find that out,” But when it becomes significant public It also acknowledges that irradiation does duced to the country. he said.

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Volume 8, number 9 april 25, 2011 Dominoes Canadian Cattlemen or Grainews - Cattlemen’s Corner KeepinG WatCh from above falling as beef industry ‘rightsizes’ END OF THE LINE? } XL Foods processing now consolidated at Brooks, after Moose Jaw and Calgary plants shut down

By madeleine Baerg af CONtRIButOR | cAlgAry

he recently announced shutdown of XL foods’ beef kill plant and fabrication facility in Cal- T gary is no surprise to those in the know. “No, it’s not a shock,” said Herb Lock, owner of farm$ense Marketing in Edmonton. “the packing industry in North america is right- sizing itself. as soon as you have excess capacity, everybody is losing money. It’s not just a Calgary thing, it’s not just an alberta thing, it’s not just a Canadian thing. this is happening on both sides of the border.” that view was echoed by Charlie Gracey, a cattle industry consultant and current board member with the alberta Livestock and Meat agency. at strangmuir farms south of strathmore, Kerri ross (left) and Becky tees spend their days riding through pens checking “We’ve known for quite a long time that the herd on the health of the cattle. Kevin LinK was being sold down,” said Gracey. “It’s always regrettable to see a decline in what might be seen as competition. But there isn’t enough cattle herd to service the plant.” Lock estimates the packing industry is currently about 25 to 30 per cent overbuilt across the Pacific Northwest. Most of the processing facilities were built several decades ago, in a time when herd num- Testing for bSe worthwhile bers were significantly higher, he said. Given that processing is a margin business, the only way for processors to make money is to FaIrLy LOw } Cost would be about $40 per head, but actual operate at near full capacity. With today’s herd numbers at a 50-year low and the three- to five- financial benefits are uncertain year outlook not indicating much improvement, Lock sees the XL closure as a “nimble” preemp- “I think it does give the impetus for tive move. By ron friesen people to take a serious look at it and Competition for live cattle sales shouldn’t dimin- staff say, ‘hey, this is something we could “We think this has got ished, said Bryan Walton, CEO of the alberta Cattle take advantage of.’” feeders association. new industry study concludes the study funded by PrioNet Can- potential.” “I don’t think the closures are going to have a mate- a voluntary BsE testing pro- ada, the alberta Prion Research Insti- rial effect,” said Walton, noting XL foods still oper- A gram for cattle could help tute and the alberta Livestock and ates the Lakeside plant in Brooks. boost Canada’s beef exports to asia. Meat agency weighed the costs and aL MussELL Essentially, the Calgary and Brooks plants were But it cautions that BsE-tested beef benefits of voluntarily testing cattle GeorGe Morris Centre competing for the same animals. selling the Calgary would only be a niche market and the for BsE. Deborah Wilson Tiffiny Taylor facilities, which are fairly old and sit on valuable real demand for it might be limited. It found the cost fairly low — just over estate, makes good business sense, he said. testing alone may not fully restore Can- $40 a head, or about five cents a pound ada’s beef markets lost to BsE in Japan carcass weight. that wouldn’t burden of testing outweigh the cost is hard to BSE boost and other asian countries, says the study processors with huge added expenses say. While BsE has been devastating to all parts of the by the George Morris Centre in Guelph, and “drag down the operation of a beef a 2005 analysis by Rancher’s Beef, an beef industry, Lock believes it may have had a posi- Ontario. plant,” Mussell said. alberta processor no longer in business, tive — albeit short-term — influence on XL’s Calgary But it’s still worth considering, said He said Japanese importers have peri- concluded BsE testing would increase facilities. al Mussell, the study’s lead author. odically asked for BsE-tested beef over the value of beef sold to Japan by $75.71 “the plants’ lives may have been extended by a “We think this has got potential. I think it the past five years, so the demand for it per head. needs to be explored further,” Mussell said should be there. shutdown } page 6 following the study’s release March 31. But whether the economic benefits see Bse testing } page 26 National Advertising Sales Sales & Special Projects AFAC ConFerenCe Consumers must lead Changes in animal welfare } Page 33 JBs oPerations, gloBal aQuisitions [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (403) 325-1695 Phone: (204) 228-0842

© 2012/13 Farm Business Communications ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 35 Satellite monitoring shows smaller harvest than reported Official pressure } Farmers complain they are told to exaggerate yields

Umiryayev told a news conference. By Raushan Nurshayeva The ministry will verify the data astana / reuters “These distortions within a month. Large-scale distortions of grain azakhstan’s Agriculture are not by 0.1 or 0.2 crop data in one of the world’s Ministry said it suspected tonnes per hectare, but 10 biggest wheat-exporting coun- K regional grain-belt govern- tries, if confirmed, would smack ments of exaggerating the size of twofold.” of a Soviet-era corruption scan- their crops to win political favour, dal, when the leaders of neigh- raising the possibility that exports bouring Uzbekistan reported could be lower than forecast. Kazakh farmer implausibly high cotton harvests, According to figures supplied by which were later disproved by local governments, the drought- satellite photos. ravaged grain crop fell to 12.3 A farmer from Kostanai region million tonnes by clean weight wrote to the minister, Asylzhan this year from a post-Soviet high — reported a combined grain Mamytbekov, on Nov. 2. He iden- of 27 million tonnes last year, the crop of 11.2 million tonnes, tified himself as “Citizen” and said A combine harvests wheat in a field near the town of Akkol, some 110 ministry said. while satellite monitoring data he had been compelled by district km (68 miles) north of the Kazakhstan capital Astana. Farmers say local Deputy Agriculture Minister showed a crop of just 9.8 million authorities to report higher yields governments have pressured them to inflate yield reports. Muslim Umiryayev said Nov. 13, tonnes. than were true. Photo: REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov however, that the three biggest “What causes the Agriculture “These distortions are not by grain regions — Akmola, Kosta- Ministry concern is that we have a 0.1 or 0.2 tonnes per hectare, but ing to do so are intimidated with state bodies. How long will this nai and Northern Kazakhstan discrepancy of 1.4 million tonnes,” twofold,” he wrote. “Those refus- non-stop inspections by various lawlessness last?”

U.S. weather forecaster drops El Niño watch Warm ocean } resembling a weak event FOR Reuters The U.S. national weather fore- caster has called off its El Niño watch five months after raising the alert as it is now less likely that the much-feared phenomenon that can wreak havoc on global weather will emerge. Since June, the weather fore- caster had predicted that El Niño conditions, essentially a warming of waters in the equatorial Pacific REFUGE Ocean that can cause a major drought in Asia, would develop gradually during the Northern Hemisphere winter. For the United States, El Niño MADE EASY, can bring higher-than-average winter precipitation to the South- west, less wintry weather across the North as well as stronger winter storms in California and increased storminess across the southern states. “The previous El Niño watch has been discontinued as the chance of PULL HERE. El Niño has decreased,” the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) said Nov. 8 in its monthly report. While the chances of El Niño INTRODUCING ABOVE GROUND PROTECTION are low, the CPC said the tropical ocean and atmosphere may still resemble a weak El Niño at times, IN A SINGLE-BAG REFUGE SOLUTION. with sea surface temperatures above average. “While the development of El No more separate, structured refuge. Niño, or even La Niña, cannot be ruled out during the next few months... neutral is now favoured Simple and convenient. Fence row to fence row planting, through the Northern Hemi- thanks to single-bag solution. sphere winter 2012-13,” it said. La Niña is El Niño’s less infamous 95/5 blend - plant the most insect protected acres. counterpart and cools the waters in the equatorial Pacific, mainly causing crop-killing droughts in Roundup Ready Corn 2 Technology for broad-spectrum the Americas. weed control. VISIT YOUR SEED REP OR GENUITYTRAITS.CA The phenomenon was blamed for last year’s crippling drought — the worst drought in a century — in Texas, the biggest cotton growing- EVERY KERNEL MATTERS TO US, BECAUSE EVERY BUSHEL MATTERS TO YOU. state in the United States and only disappeared at the end of April. ALWAYS FOLLOW 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 El Niño leads to a heating of publication. Genuity and Design®, RIB CompleteTM, RIB Complete and designTM, VT Double PROTM are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada Inc. licensee. ©2012 Monsanto Company Pacific waters, triggering drought in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Alberta Farmer AF-GEN-F’13 Jr. Page 4/C Junior page ...... 8.125” x 10” 36 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA New Mexico coyote-hunting contest prompts outcry Squaring off } Cattle ranchers and environmentalists are on opposite sides over the controversial hunt

carnivore protection for the con- By Zelie Pollon servation group WildEarth Guard- santa fe, new mexico/ reuters ians, said the threat to livestock from coyotes is overblown by the planned statewide coyote- ranching industry. hunting contest has caused Citing U.S. Department of Agri- A an uproar in New Mexico, culture figures, she said predators pitting environmentalists against such as coyotes and feral dogs ranchers, as heated words flooded accounted for less than a quarter social media networks and thou- per cent of all cattle losses nation- sands signed a petition opposing wide in 2010, the most recent year the hunt as cruel. for which data was available. The furor prompted the Albu- The overwhelming majority of querque gun store owner who origi- livestock deaths due to disease, nally sponsored the contest to can- bad weather and birthing difficul- cel, but a second gun dealer in the ties, she said. southern New Mexico town of Los Lunas, Gunhawk Firearms, stepped Hardy species in to take over the event scheduled Although the coyote’s natural for the weekend of Nov. 17-18. range has expanded threefold “Coyotes are a direct threat to the in recent years, Keefover called cattle industry,” Gunhawk owner A coyote hunts in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park. While these predators are protected from the premise of a hunting contest Mark Chavez said Nov. 2, accusing human hunters, their cousins to the south in New Mexico will soon be the prey. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart a “myth,” insisting that killing environmentalists of trying to stir coyotes would fail to reduce their up sentiment against the contest According to New Mexico Cattle- tor of the association, said coyotes “A calf today is worth $1,000,” population in the long run. to further their “hidden agenda.” growers Association, wild preda- pose a greater threat to sheep she said. “In today’s market, how “Coyotes make up for their “They’re trying to get rid of the tors killed 5,500 sheep and 3,700 than larger livestock, such as full- many times can you stand to have losses by changing behaviours, hunting industry and the gun lambs in the state in 2009 alone. grown cows, though calves also $1,000 taken from your wallet?” such as more females breeding industry,” he told Reuters. Caren Cowen, executive direc- are vulnerable. But Wendy Keefover, director of and with larger litters or increas- ing migration,” she said. In addition, coyotes play an important role as natural predators in a healthy ecosystem, helping to maintain rabbit and other rodent populations at balanced levels. Neither side in the debate had any figures on the current size of the coyote population in New Mexico. Many other states have held similar annual contests, said Mary Ray, wildlife chair for the Rio Grande chapter of the Sierra Club. But heightened publicity in New Mexico, amplified by Facebook and other social media, has gen- By erated a greater level of attention Get the products and services you need than usual, she said. at the lowest prices in agriculture! “A calf today is worth $1,000… in today’s market, how many times can you stand to have Buy Deal Coupons at least $1,000 taken from Their your wallet?” Face Caren Cowen, New Mexico 50% OFF Value! Cattlegrowers Nearly 15,000 people responded to an online petition opposing the event as of Nov. 2. Hundreds more Subscribe today and AG-Deals will How can I get in on the Deal? wrote on Gunhawk’s Facebook page in support, Chavez said. send Deals directly to your email inbox. 1. Go to www.AG-Deals.com Chavez said 25 two-person 2. Sign Up for FREE hunting teams have signed up for When you subscribe to AG-Deals, you the contest so far, and he expects have our commitment that... 3. Check out the AG-Deals being offered about 100 teams will be registered 4. When you see one you need - BUY IT! by the start date. The team that bags the most coyotes will win an  We will not forward your contact information 5. Forward the Deal to other producers that may automatic rifle, he said. to anyone without your permission need the Deal to ensure the minimum number “We’ve hunted for many years. It’s my heritage and my right  We will do our best to send only AG-Deals of Deal coupons are purchased to hunt and to teach my kids to that are relevant to your farm 6. Once the minimum number of Deal coupons are hunt,” Chavez said. Contestants must register with purchased, we charge your credit card  We will not pollute your email inbox with junk the Los Lunas gun shop and attend or PayPal account an orientation before the contest,  You can return your Deal coupon within but coyote hunting in general is 7. You receive your Deal coupon in your unregulated in New Mexico and 15 days of purchase if unused email inbox - it’s time to get saving! requires no licence. Keefover said a separate coyote- hunting contest in Montana was cancelled on Friday after an article about the event was featured in the Sacramento Bee newspaper. Colo- Join ag-deals.com today rado banned contest hunting in 1997, the only state to do so, she said. “Harvest the Savings” By and Harvest the Savings! “Contest hunting is not ethical hunting. The point of hunting is not to pile up a bunch of bodies,” Keefover said. ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • NOVEMBER 19, 2012 37

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Clamp on duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38 pu reel, nice shape ...... $7,500 FARM MACHINERY Get it direct from Western Canada’s sole 158 & 148, 265, 740, 280, JD loaders 16’ NH 2300 hay header & conditioner distributor starting at $995. 1-800-667-4515. from NH 2450 swather, nice cond...... $5,000 www.combineworld.com FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME 21’ 4600 Prairie Star PT swather, UII pu reel, FARM MACHINERY 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB nice shape ...... $5000 Wheat, Haying & Harvesting – Baling 1372 MF 13’ swing arm discbine 4yrs, like new$20,000 Tillage & Seeding MATR 10 wheel V-Hayrake, hyd. fold, as new .... $5,250 Barley, Oats, WANTED: JD 7810 c/w fel & 3pth; sp or pto bale New Hawes fuel tank & Hyd. motor wagon; JD or IHC end wheel drills. Small square Peas, etc. FARM MACHINERY Big Tractor Parts, w/ring drives for P auger mover ...... Call baler. (877)330-4477 Green or Heated Canola/Flax Tillage & Seeding – Tillage New Sakundiak 10x1200 (39.97’) 36HP Kohler eng., FARM MACHINERY Geared For E-Kay mover, Power steering, electric belt tightener, 1-877-641-2798 41-35FT FLEXICOIL 700 chisel plow, W/harrows, work lights, slimfi t, 12 gal. fuel tank ...... $18,000 Haying & Harvesting – Swathers 43ft Leon chisel plow w/harrows; 40ft crowfoot Inc. The Future New Sakundiak 7x1200 (39.97’) , 22HP Robin-Subaru packer bar; IHC 12 bottom plow; (780)623-1008 MACDON 972 30FT SWATHER header, 2002, split pu eng.,w/Winter Kit, battery & fuel tank ...... $7,500 BUYING: reel, triple delivery, excellent condition (403)886-4285 New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps ...... Call HEATED & GREEN TracTors 8x1600(52.5’) Sakundiak auger Combines STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST c/w newer 30hp Koehler engine, gear box clutch, CANOLA FARM MACHINERY RED OR GREEN Hawes mover, spout, nice shape ...... $10,000 FARM MACHINERY Tractors – John Deere Flexicoil 10”x 50’ Grain auger ...... $2,500 • Competitive Prices 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement 2002 7000HD Highline bale Processor, Combine – Various JD 2007 7520 C/W 741 loader, bucket & grapple, c/w twine cutter, always shedded exc. cond ...... $7,000 • Prompt Movement smooth bucket, pallet fork, 3hyd outlets, elect. joy- parts for your Steiger drive train. 18.4”x30” tractor grip tires on rims ...... Call • Spring Thrashed stick, 60% tire tread, 4790/hrs, good shape, New Outback Max GPS Guidance $87,000 (403)337-2162, Carstairs 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions Monitor Available ...... Call “ON FARM PICK UP” FARM MACHINERY and dropboxes with ONE YEAR New Outback S3, STS, E drive, TC’s ...... In Stock 1-877-250-5252 New Outback E drive X c/w free E turns ...... Call Tractors – Kubota WARRANTY. New Outback S-Lite ...... $900 ...... CANOLA WANTED USED KUBOTA Utility Tractors (780)967-3800, Used Outback 360 mapping $750 (780)289-1075 www.goodusedtractors.com 3. 50% savings on used parts. Used Outback S guidance ...... $750 Heated, Green, Damaged Used Outback S2 guidance ...... $1,000 Buying all levels of FARM MACHINERY Used Outback E drive Hyd. Kits. (JD,Case, Cat & NH)$500 Tractors – Various damaged canola. **Flexi-Coil, Westward MacDon Swathers, NuVision, Excellent Market Prices. NEW TRACTOR PARTS and engine rebuild kits, 1-800-982-1769 Sakundiak & Farm King Augers, Outback GPS Systems, specializing in hard to find parts for older tractors, EK Auger, Movers, Sweeps, & Crop Dividers, Degelman, www.bigtractorparts.com Headsight Harvesting Solutions** Bonded, Insured. COMBINE WORLD located 20 min. E of tractor seats, service and owners manuals, decals Saskatoon, SK on Hwy. #16. 1 year warranty on CALL 1-866-388-6284 and much more, our 38th year! 1 800-481-1353, Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds. SALES REP FOR GEORGE’S all new, used, and rebuilt parts. Canada’s largest www.diamondfarmtractorparts.com inventory of late model combines & swathers. Place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifed FARM CENTRE www.milliganbiotech.com section. 1-888-413-3325. 1-800-667-4515 www.combineworld.com FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE... FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY INC. Tractors – Various Tractors – Various

Stretch your ANTIQUES ADVERTISING DOLLAR! Advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express Double LL Industries Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing! ANTIQUES 1-888-413-3325 780.905.8565 Nisku, Alberta Antique Equipment 1-888-413-3325 1974 Agripac 9100 2001 Kubota 2005 Toyota NEW TRACTOR PARTS and engine rebuild kits, John Deere 1020 Round Bale Tuber M9580 25 Forklift specializing in hard to find parts for older tractors, FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY tractor seats, service and owners manuals, decals Combine – Accessories Combine – Accessories and much more, our 38th year! 1 800-481-1353, www.diamondfarmtractorparts.com AUTO & TRANSPORT

AUTO & TRANSPORT 40 HP Gas, P/S, With Honda Eng, Very good FWA Tractor, 95 HP Diesel,4767 5000 lb Lift 3 point Hitch, Hours, 3PTH Trucks Condition $ $ $ $ 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel Crew Cab, Allison 5,500 5,000 28,500 5,800 Auto, 4WD. One owner, no accidents, never towed, well maintained. Safetied. Excellent condition. www.doublellindustries.com $22,995 OBO (204)248-2208 or (204)723-0057 BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting Earn JD 9400, 9420, 9520, 8970 JD 4710, 4720, 4730, 4830, 4920, JD 7810 & 7210, FWA 4930 SP sprayers FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS JD 9860, 9760, 9750, 9650, 9600 JD 9770 & 9870 w/CM & duals JD 9430, 9530, 9630 We also specialize in: Crop Insurance appeals; CIH 3185, 3230, 3330, 4430, 4420 sprayers Chemical drift; Residual herbicide; Custom operator Ask your CPS retailer about CIH 8010 w/RWD, lateral tilt, duals 900 hrs. 9580 Kubota, FWA, FEL, low hours issues; Equipment malfunction; Yield comparisons, Case STX 375, 425, 430, 450, 480, 3545 MF w/FWA FEL Plus Private Investigations of any nature. With our the PrePay program and 500, 530 assistance the majority of our clients have received CIH 8010-2388, 2188 combine GOOD SELECTION OF JD & CASE compensation previously denied. Back-Track HEADERS: 635F, 636D AND MANY CIH 435Q, 535Q, 450Q, 550Q, 600Q Investigations investigates, documents your loss and earn 5% toward your crop MORE CASE & JD assists in settling your claim. pto avail. Licensed Agrologist on Staff. input purchases. NH TJ 450, New Triples, Big Pump For more information 8100 Wilmar Sprayer Please call 1-866-882-4779 “LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” ENGINES •Phone: (403)526-9644 •Cell: (403)504-4929 10/12-19585_2A •Greg Dorsett (403)952-6622 •Email: [email protected] ASSORTED DEUTZ AND OTHER diesel engines. KMK Sales, (800)565-0500, Humboldt, SK.

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FARM MACHINERY CAREERS CAREERS PEDIGREED SEED TIRES Machinery Wanted Oil Field Oil Field PEDIGREED SEED WANTED: INTERNATIONAL 5000 SWATHER, needed hydrostatic pump. (403)638-2232 Specialty – Various WANTED: NH BALE WAGONS & retrievers, any condition. Farm Equipment Finding Service, P.O. Box 1363, Polson, MT 59860. (406)883-2118 WANTED: Small square balers and end Wheel Seed Drills, Rock Pickers, Rock Rakes, Tub grind- Bioriginal Food & Science Corp., based ers, also JD 1610 cultivators (403)308-1238 in Saskatoon, are looking to contract Borage acres for the upcoming 2013 HEALTH CARE growing season. Great profit potential based on high VISIT: WWW.TOYOURHEALTHPRODUCTS.CA � yields, high prices and low input costs. For All your health care needs and read the testi- New 30.5L-32 16 ply, $2,195; 20.8-38 12 ply monials that has helped other people by using the Attractive oil premiums and free $866; 18.4-38 12 ply; $783; 24.5-32 14 ply, $1,749; products. Call us (403)345-7788 collect � on-farm pick-up. 14.9-24 12 ply, $356; 16.9-28 12 ply $558. Factory direct. More sizes available new and used. Flexible contracting options 1-800-667-4515. www.combineworld.com HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING � available as well. For more information, TRAVEL please contact Shane at: The Icynene Insulation 306-229-9976 (cell) System® 306-975-9271 (office) Rural & Cultural Tours • Sprayed foam insulation [email protected] Pacific Coastal Cruise ~ May 2013 • Ideal for shops, barns or homes Ukraine/Romania ~ May 2013 • Healthier, Quieter, More Austria/Switzerland ~ June 2013 Energy Efficient® SEED / FEED / GRAIN Ireland ~ June 2013 Western Canada ~ June 2013 SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS Alaska Land/Cruise ~ August 2013 Feed Grain Available Soon: BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have Australia/New Zealand & South America 2014 market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the *Tours may be tax Deductible www.penta.ca 1-800-587-4711 farm. Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, (403)350-8777 Lacombe. Select Holidays 1-800-661-4326 www.selectholidays.com FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, IRON & STEEL tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” West- can Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 CAREERS CAREERS CAREERS PIPE FOR SALE 3-1/2IN., 2-7/8in., 2-3/8in., Employment Wanted Henderson Manufacturing Sales. (780)672-8585 SEED/FEED MISCELLANEOUS CAREERS CAREERS in the livestock or Hay & Straw EARN $75,000/yr PART TIME FARM MACHINERY Help Wanted Help Wanted equipment appraisal business. Agricultural back- ground required. Classroom or home study courses Irrigation Equipment 500 ROUND BALES MIXED Alfalfa hay, $120/per available. 1-800-488-7570 ton, (403)638-2232, Cremona area 27 PAIRS OF 7IN hook and latch mainline, We know that farming is enough of a gamble so if you $150/per pair OBO; 40 doses Alltrace cattle bolus’s, HAY FOR SALE, 2012, excellent quality, no rain, want to sell it fast place your ad in the Alberta Farmer (estimated worth $1200.) open to offers. 1600/lbs, 60% alfalfa, 40% grass, (403)854-2240, Express classifieds. It’s a Sure Thing. Call our toll-free (403)725-0002, Hayes, AB. 403-854-0420, Hanna, Ab. number today. We have friendly staff ready to help. 1-888-413-3325. Specialty HAY FOR SALE: large round 208 first cut Alfal- fa/Timothy, 400 orchard/grass mix, $.04/per/pound, If you want to sell it fast, call 1-888-413-3325. 300/bales second cut (both types) at $.05/per/pound, LIVESTOCK little or no rain, (780)696-2491, Breton, Ab. Livestock Equipment FARMING ROUND AND SQUARE HAY bales, excellent 5’X10’ PORTABLE CORRAL PANELS, 6 bar. New quality alfalfa timothy brome mix, shedded, good for IS ENOUGH OF improved design. Storage Containers, 20’ & 40’ horses & Cattle (780)967-2593, Calahoo, Ab. CPS Prepay 1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722 SMALL SQUARE BALES HORSE hay, Crossfield, A GAMBLE... HAYBUSTER 1000 TUB GRINDER; BP 25/bale Ab. 50/lb bales $3.00/per bale, green, no rain processor, w/bunk conveyor and recutter; Sun- (587)329-1796, (403)613-4570 dance tub grinder; Oswald 400 feed wagon; 150/bu creep feeder; (780)623-1008 Program SEWING MACHINES WANTED: HESSTON 4870 BIG square bale shredder, or similar machine. (780)374-3574, INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE FOR leather and 780-781-0046 upholstery (403)749-3871, Delburne, Ab. Ask your CPS retailer how to REAL ESTATE TIRES earn 5% toward your crop Advertise in the REAL ESTATE FEDERATION TIRE: 1100X12, 2000X20, used air- Alberta Farmer Land For Sale craft. Toll free 1-888-452-3850 input purchases. Express Classifieds, Round up the cash! Advertise your unwanted equip- LAND FOR SALE AT ELKTON Alberta, 20/ac, ment in the Alberta Farmer Express classifieds. it’s a Sure Thing! zoned agriculture, 1 hour NW of Calgary. $285,000 OBO (403)638-2232

Hit our readers where it counts… in the classifieds. Place your ad in the Alberta Farmer Express classifed Stretch your section. 1-888-413-3325. ADVERTISING DOLLAR! 10/12-19585_3A Go public with an ad in the Alberta Farmer Express 1-888-413-3325 1-888-413-3325 classifieds. Phone 1-888-413-3325.

19585-3A CPSClassified_4x4_BW.indd 1 10/11/12 12:20 PM 40 NOVEMBER 19, 2012 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Vibrant roots fuel better performance.

Crops thrive with Cruiser Maxx® Vibrance™ . When the Vigor Trigger ® effect meets Rooting Power™ , you get enhanced crop establishment from stronger, faster-growing plants, above and below the ground. It also protects your wheat and barley crops against a broad range of insects and diseases and delivers best-in-class Rhizoctonia control.

JOB ID: 4977-1BB

DATE: NOV. 19, 2012

CLIENT: SYNGENTA CANADA

PROJECT: CRUISER MAXX VIBRANCE WHEAT ROCKET

PUBLICATION: ALBERTA FARMER EXPRESS

DESIGNER: JEFF ANTON

( ) MECHANICAL ( ) PDF/X

FINAL SIZE: 10.25" X 15.5"

UCR: 240%

CLIENT SERVICE

PROOFREADING

ART DIRECTION

PRODUCTION

Visit SyngentaFarm.ca or contact our Customer Resource Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682).

Always read and follow label directions. Cruiser Maxx® VibranceTM Cereals, Rooting PowerTM, Vigor Trigger®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2012 Syngenta Canada Inc.

4977-1BB SYNGENTA VIBRANCE_Wheat Rocket.indd 1 12-10-01 12:25 PM