(in Northeastern ) Spring 2013 A Publication of the North Soil & Crop Improvement Association (NEOSCIA)

N.E.O.S.C.I.A. - Executive Growing The North in of Cochrane President: by Graham Gambles, Regional Communication Coordinator, NEOSCIA Darren Gray ...... (705) 647-9465 Secretary/Treasurer: Neil Tarlton ...... (705) 692-7276

Ontario Soil & Crop Association Regional Director Algoma, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Muskoka, Cochrane, Temiskaming: Mack Emiry ...... (705) 865-2249

District Soil & Crop Assoc. Contacts Algoma: Harold Stewart ...... (705) 842-0392 Cochrane: Dan Cook...... (705) 272-3964 Manitoulin: Marca Williamson ...... (705) 859-2528 [email protected] Muskoka: Ken Pearcey ...... (705) 385-2844 Nipissing West/Sudbury East: Steven Roberge...... (705) 594-9370 Parry Sound/Nipissing East: Klaus Wand ...... (705) 724-2314 Civic Centre hosts 186 delegates at first annual Agricultural Symposium Sudbury West: James Found ...... (705) 969-4597 The Northeast Community Network (NeCN) put the focus on the agricultural re- Temiskaming: development and expansion of the "northern claybelt region" at Kapuskasing on Dennis Jibb ...... (705) 563-8405 March 15/16, 2013. Primarily located in the District of Cochrane (within Ontario) and in the Abitibi region of , the area encompasses more than 29 million Ministry of Agriculture, acres. With only 2% of the land mass in any form of development, this is the largest Food and Rural Affairs untapped reserve of agricultural soils on the continent. Regional Office Ontario Ministry of With 16 million acres of this claybelt in Ontario, it dwarfs the 10 million acres cur- Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs rently farmed (and at risk of urban development) in . With low P.O. Box 521, Hwy. 64 land prices and increasingly favorable climate, Black River-Matheson Mayor, Mike Caldwell Township Building, Verner, ON P0H 2M0 TOLL FREE / General Inquiry ...... 800-461-6132 Millinkovich, stated: "We are the future bread basket of North America and we FAX ...... (705) 594-9675 are going to make it happen!" Recently, demand for land has been increasing [email protected] with Mennonite families from southern Ontario moving in and large family farms Regional Manager, Northern Ontario expanding their holdings in the area with an eye to the future. Mary Ellen Norry Car The potential of the area was discovered in 1881 with the original railway placement Regional Administrative Coordinator Diane Unger surveys undertaken throughout the region. Land clearing for traditional pioneer Client Service Representative agriculture soon followed, and the Kapuskasing Experimental Farm was developed Monique Roberge in 1914. However, the technology available at that time was limiting and the cli- Agriculture Development Advisor (North Region) matic patterns were not helpful! Dr. David Pearson, Professor of Earth Sciences at Julie Poirier Mensinga Laurentian University, pointed out that a progressively cooler climate spanned the Agriculture Development Advisor (Nipissing, Parry Sound & Sudbury East) area during the 1939 to 1980 period. However, since 1981, this pattern has reversed Pierrette Desochers and the region find itself in the middle of an historic warming trend. This climatic THESSALON change is directly related to the warming of the frigid waters of Hudson Bay. Pearson 1 Collver Rd., RR #1, Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0 likens the past effect of this nearby massive water body on the claybelt region as Agriculture Development Advisor (Algoma) ...... Dave Trivers living next to a "freezer with the door left open"! Continued on page 6 GORE BAY Box 328, 35 Meredith St., Gore Bay, ON P0P 1H0 Agriculture Development Advisor This newsletter is published Material in this newsletter Send articles to: (Manitoulin and West Sudbury) ...... Brian Bell 4 times per year. Articles is based upon factual Graham Gambles NEW LISKEARD can be submitted in either information believed to be Box 586, Temiskaming Box 6008, 280 Armstrong St., New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0 English or French and accurate. Action taken as a Shores, ON P0J 1K0 Agriculture Development Advisor should be submitted to the result of this information Tel: (705) 672-3105 (Temiskaming and Cochrane) ...... Daniel Tassé Agriculture Development Advisor Communication Coordinator is solely the responsibility Fax: (705) 672-5959 (North Region) ...... Barry Potter (see below). Please supply of the user. We reserve the E-Mail: Beef Cattle Production Systems translation, if available. right to edit articles. [email protected] Program Lead ...... Tom Hamilton Go to GeoVisage, http://geovisage.nipissingu.ca for Current and Historical Weather Data Do you know anyone thinking Vous connaissez quelqu’un qui about selling the farm? pense à la vente de la ferme? The Northeast Community Network (NeCN), an incorporated, Le Réseau Communautaire du Nord-Est (RCNE) est une organ- regional not-for-profit organization that promotes collabora- isation régionale, sans but lucratif et constituée en société qui tive economic development, is ramping up its efforts to attract favorise le développement économique en collaboration. Le investment into Cochrane District’s agricultural sector. The intent Réseau intensifie ses efforts pour susciter des investissements is to attract new suppliers, services, and producers into the region dans le secteur agricole du district de Cochrane dans le but to bolster the local agricultural sector. Crucial to this, is the cre- d’attirer de nouveaux fournisseurs, services et producteurs dans ation of a directory of available (for sale/lease) lands that have la région pour renforcer le secteur agricole local. La création d’un agricultural potential (as well as operating farms) which will be répertoire de terrains disponibles (à vendre/location de terrain) promoted to potential purchasers. This is an opportunity to list ayant un potentiel agricole (ainsi les fermes opérationnelles), an agricultural property “publicly” or “privately” at no cost and et leur promotion à des acheteurs potentiels est essentielle au with no obligation. This service will not replace – but will aug- SUCCÒSDUPROJET6OICIDONCUNEOCCASIONPOURINSCRIREVOTRE ment the services of local realtors. propriété agricole de façon « publique » ou « privée », et ce, Please feel free to pass along this information to anyone you gratuitement et sans obligations. Ce service ne remplacera pas, know who is thinking of listing their farm and help us bring more mais augmentera les services d’agents immobiliers locaux. investment into the district. POUR OBTENIR DE PLUS AMPLES RENSEIGNEMENTS au sujet de FOR MORE INFORMATION on this initiative, please contact Jordan ce projet, s’il vous plait communiquer en toute confidentialité Duff or Eric McSweeney (McSweeney & Associates has been con- avec Jordan Duff ou Eric McSweeney (McSweeney & Associates, tracted by NeCN) in complete confidence at 1-855-300-8548, or contractant du RCNE) au 1-855-300-8548, ou par courriel jordan@ email [email protected] or [email protected]. mcsweeney.ca ou [email protected]. OPEN HOUSE

On Thursday, April 4th, Haasen Farms Limited in is hosting an Open House to allow those interested to see their new 2 Robot dairy barn built this past summer. The barn is 131’ X 188’ with attached 30 X 34 office/milk house/utility room. It was built by Earlton Country Store in partnership with Roch Laframboise Construction. The barn features: s,ELY!!STRONAUTMILKING2OBOTS s"3-&REESTALLS s*AMESWAY$URA#HAIN!LLEY3CRAPERS s3TUBBESBELOWGRADE 3CRAPER4UBES s&AROMOR.ATURAL6ENTILATION s-ACRO!IRE(IGH6OLUME,OW3PEEDFT FANS s0ENNINGBY*AKES-OBILE7ELDING s"OU-ATIC'LACIER LITREMILKCOOLER s!GRILIGHT The Open House will run from 11 AM to 3 PM and will offer a complimentary BBQ lunch. Please call or email so that we can have enough food ready for everyone. Sponsors include Lely Canada, Earlton Country Store, Farm Credit Canada, Farquhar Dairy, Robert Rubino/Temiskaming Livestock Exchange, Miller Concrete Frank, Ivy & Eddy ~ Haasen Farms Limited 1620 Government Rd N Timmins Ontario Canada, P4N 7C3 Phone: 705-268-5256 ~ 705-266-3188 (Frank cell) ~ 705-363-7328 (Eddy cell) ~ Email: [email protected]

2 Breaking Ground (in )

Notes from the NEOSCIA Saguenay Bus Tour Workshop Nutrableu: The Future of Wild Blueberry Sales on “New By Graham Gambles, RCC (NEOSCIA) Horticulture The processing plant for quality fresh blueberries Crop & Production Techniques for the North” Sharon Lane, Regional Correspondent to Breaking Ground

Errol Caldwell welcomed more than 60 Traditionally, the fresh fruit sales of wild mechanical harvesters that look much like producers and consumers to a workshop blueberries originate from hand-picked a large riding mower. In order to improve entitled “New Horticulture Crop and product coming out of the forests of the the efficiency of these machines, much Production Techniques for the North” North, and sold at independent roadside effort is made to make the fields as flat March 5 at the Johnson Twp. Community stands (and farmers markets) across the as possible and to remove all obstructions Centre. RuralAgri-Innovation Network 0ROVINCE6ERYLITTLEOFTHEWILDFRESHPROD- such as stumps and stones. (RAIN) sponsored the workshop with funding from FedNor and Trillium. uct makes it into the mainline grocery The harvested fruit is placed in plastic market. Even the major wild blueber- shipping containers in the field. It is im- David Thompson, RAIN co-ordinator, an- ry farming areas of the Maritimes and mediately sent to the plant to provide nounced a community meeting at Sowerby, Quebec have been unable to economi- cooling, dropping the temperature of the April 24 to discuss research opportunities. cally serve this market, concentrating on product to 6 degrees C within 2 hours. “industrial” sales of blueberries as their This allows the fruit to remain healthy for Strawberry Production main source of income. In Saguenay, it is at least 20 days, without the use of other Becky Hughes, Head New Liskeard said that only 5% of the fruit picked goes gasses to prolong shelf life. Agricultural Research Station, presented as fresh fruit sales, while 95% is frozen for The debris among the fruit is ejected her research on strawberry production in national and international markets. with air jets. The cleaning equipment the traditional June bearing plants and A newly formed company in the Saguenay also screens out the smallest size berries the new day neutral plants. Becky ex- area is about to change that. Armed with (under 5mm) and this 5% of the product plained the two types of production. The a new, high tech cooling and sorting plant goes to the freezer trade. The rest of the June production is the traditional system that was designed specifically for the gro- berries roll through the sorting process of using matted rows of plants that bear cery trade, Nutrableu claims that 95% of on a flexible decline. Clumps of berries fruit in June and early July. Runners are their product will go to fresh fruit sales in move onto another track for separation. A produced after harvest, and the flowers grocery stores in Quebec City, Montreal dozen employees work the table for hand are set in the fall. Day neutral production and the USA. This endeavour was devel- removal of substandard fruit. is done on raised beds with the plants set oped by 3 partners, starting 8 years ago. The plant operates for 5 weeks in August into polyethylene mulch that will last two Their goal is to provide 60 million pounds and early September, packaging 2500 years. These plants will flower daily if the of fresh blueberries annually from the Lac pounds of fruit per hour to either US or temperature is between 5 and 25 degrees St. Jean area. Canadian standard sizes. They package Celsius; thus, there is fruit into October. The producing fields are owned by a local by volume and do a regular check to be The research at New Liskeard has found Co-Op, and are managed in traditional sure that volume matches the weight. The that in Northern Ontario the day neu- ways, including mechanical mowing, standard one pound plastic containers tral plants need to be planted early in the fertilization, and herbicide application. (30x4x2 cm.)are shallow to avoid crushing spring so the beds should be prepared the Mexican labor is now brought in for har- of the fruit. The company hopes to sell fall before. Larger plants are best in the vest. Most of the berries are picked with into Ontario in the near future. Continued on page 4

3 Breaking Ground (in Northeastern Ontario) Garlic Pest Found Across Ontario Workshop on Becky Hughes, New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station, University “New Horticulture of Stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus 79 growers in 33 counties/ were Crop & Production dipsaci) is a relatively new pest to garlic submitted. The main variety of garlic was growers in Ontario. This pest can be very ‘Music’ (59%), but there were 38 other Techniques for destructive and potentially has a large varieties/types tested. host range. Bulb and stem nematodes live in garlic bulbs and can survive in the soil Stem and bulb nematodes were found in the North” for a number of years. They are spread garlic from across the province with 73% from grower to grower in infested garlic of the samples testing positive. Eighty Continued from page 3 cloves sold or traded and used for seed, two percent of the samples of the vari- colder climate, and the black polyethylene is and locally spread from field to field on ety ‘Music’ had stem and bulb nematode, the best colour. Pick flowers for four weeks. equipment, in soil or by water movement. while 54% of the other varieties were in- If the soil is sandy, a wide bed can be used, A slight nematode infestation in garlic fested. but if clay soil, the bed needs to be narrow. cloves often goes unnoticed and, if these Stem and bulb nematodes were not Straw can be used between the rows. Many are planted, they can result in significant growers in Ontario grow the Albion. yield and quality losses. found in 5 of the counties/districts sampled namely Algoma and Nipissing Depending on the weather, symptoms High Tunnel Research of this disease often do not appear un- districts in northeastern Ontario, and The Research Station also had trials of til mid-summer. Severely infested plants Hastings, Lennox and Addington, and planting under the High Tunnels. These are die prematurely while other infested Northumberland counties in eastern temporary structures about 30 feet wide plants may appear stunted and distorted. Ontario. However, relatively few samples and 20 feet high with a layer of polyeth- Infested bulbs tend to be discolored and were collected from these 5 areas. ylene over lightweight aluminium poles. shriveled, and may rot due to secondary We now know that bulb and stem nema- bacterial or fungal infection. However, tode can be found across the province. symptomless bulbs and plants can be in- The problems with the We assume that growers have been trad- fested with stem and bulb nematodes. High Tunnels are ing and using symptomless contaminated A project was initiated in 2011 with fund- s4HEYAREEXPENSIVETOSET UPANDREQUIRE bulbs for seed resulting in the spread of ing from the Garlic Growers Association of high maintenance this pest. Other provinces and states in Ontario (GGAO) and the Growing Forward s4HEWIND eastern and central North America have ‘Agricultural Biosecurity Program’ to sManagement – take plastic off during winter determine the extent of stem and bulb also seen the spread of this pest in recent s4HESOILnITBECOMESSALTYWITHTHEDRIP infestation in Ontario. The project was a years. irrigation that is necessary collaborative effort between the GGAO, researchers from the University of Guelph s7ATERRUN OFF and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada sHeat stress – excessive temperatures in August (AAFC) and extension staff from the s)NSECTS0ESTSnSPIDERMITES POWDERY Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food mildew, bees, rodents and the spotted and Ministry of Rural Affairs (formerly wing fruit fly (Drosophila) OMAFRA). The advantages of using High Tunnels are s0ROTECTSTHEPLANTSANDFRUITFROMTHE rain and frost s)NCREASESTHETEMPERATUREOFTHESOIL Stem and bulb nematode is controlled by s Low cost when compared to greenhouses planting clean seed in soils free of this s(IGHERYIELD APPROXIMATELYTIMES nematode. Preventative practices includ- ing crop rotation, having your seed tested s%XTENDSTHESEASON for bulb and stem nematode, testing s"ETTERQUALITYOFFRUIT your soil prior to planting and nematode Becky’s Recommendations Garlic samples were collected from across suppressing cover crops. For more infor- the province including 12 from northeast- mation on the stem and bulb nematode Becky’s recommendation for strawber- ern Ontario and sent to the University of in garlic and how to control it contact ry production is to plant June bearing Guelph Pest Diagnostic Clinic for nema- [email protected] or michael.celet- strawberries outside and the day neutral tode testing. In total 123 samples from [email protected]. Continued on page 17 4 Le Centre Laitier du Nord

Dairy Centre of the North invites Everyone to the Farm Show & Conference April 8 & 9, 2011 at the Earlton Arena

“To me old age is always fifteen “It is better to deserve honours “Stopping at third base adds no more years older than I am.” and not have them than to have to the score than striking out.” them and not deserve them.” – Bernard Baruch – Mark Twain – E. Joseph Cossman Committed to Sustainable Agriculture

DARREN GRAY New Liskeard, Ontario 705-676-6710

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5 Breaking Ground (in Northeastern Ontario) New Corporation Focuses on Agricultural Innovation & Alliances in Northern Ontario It is said that the only true constant in life tion that could bring all of the commodities ration include Norm Koch, Yves Gauthier, is change and it is change that has created together and move forward as a team. It Darlene Bowen, Carman Kidd, Adrian Struyk, a new corporation focused on agricultural was an ambitious goal for Northern Ontario. Jim Johnston, Dennis Jibb & Matt Bowman. innovation in Northern Ontario. That is the basis for the creation of Northern As budgets tighten and rumours circulate Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance, NOFIA NOFIA’s Mission Statement that provincially funded research dollars for short. This is a concept being brought We will develop strategies and part- could be reduced, there’s serious con- into reality by a group of farm leaders nerships to ensure the advancement of cerns being raised that funding cuts to from across Northern Ontario. Eight board agricultural research and innovation in the University of Guelph would eventu- members who represent a wide scope of Northern Ontario. ally cause the loss of relevant research agriculture in the North have joined forces This will be accomplished by: opportunities and alliances in the North, to represent the commodities and farm op- including the possible demise of the New erations in this new venture. Ensuring New Liskeard Agricultural Liskeard Agricultural Research Station Focused on agricultural research, innova- Research Station remains a viable research (NLARS); a institution that has been part tion and alliance opportunities, the new facility and Innovation Centre. of the northern landscape since 1922. board is working with funding agencies Becomes the base for a partnership net- As the NLARS research station manager, and industry partners to: work that serves the agricultural industry John Rowsell prepared for retirement; lo- s0ROMOTERESEARCHANDDEVELOPMENTIN of Northern Ontario. cal farm leaders met with the University of the field of agricultural products. Key Principles Guelph to assess the situation. In a frank s$EVELOPANDFACILITATEBASICRESEARCH Ensure communication and collaboration and honest conversation, the leaders were through to commercialization. with farmers, Agri-business, Educational told that research in the North would be s!DVANCETHEINTERESTSOFAGRICULTUREIN diminishing and that the research station Institutions and Government Agencies. Northern Ontario. could be downsized or moved entirely. All research will be results based with a s'ENERATEECONOMICDEVELOPMENTINTHE At the same time research funding for goal to commercialize successful products. agricultural sector in Northern Ontario. Northern Ontario was being reviewed, those Be sure to stop by the Temiskaming Federation same farm leaders were looking to encour- s&ACILITATE FARM INNOVATION ACROSS of Agriculture’s booth at the Earlton Farm age agricultural growth and innovation by Northern Ontario. Show on April 5 & 6, 2013 where you can learn creating a strong and sustainable organiza- Founding Board members for the corpo- more about the NOFIA Corporation.

Growing The North in District of Cochrane Continued from page 1 However, global warming has seen rapid increases in the water District of Temiskaming achieve 130-145 bu/ac corn and 50-60 bu/ temperature of the Bay, resulting in a later freeze over, earlier ac soybean. Barley averaged 2600 #/ac at one location in 2012. spring ice break-up, and thinner ice cover. The growing season It is the logical area to develop for livestock forage as well, due has increased significantly from the historic 90 days. Pearson does to the nature of the climate and soil, combined with lower land caution that there is still a tendency toward wide annual climatic prices. The United Nations identifies northern Ontario as a prime shifts that could cause significant wide spread frost damage in potential wheat growing area in 2050 that could help feed the any given year. However, new technology in "remote sensing" of 2 billion additional people on the planet at that time. We were ice thickness on the Bay, in combination with improving weather reminded that Canada is one of only 6 countries that are net predictions, might be able to reduce the element of surprise on exporters of agricultural products to the rest of the world. seasonal weather variations in the near future. In any event, Technology advancements will be the primary driver in the future. Pearson notes that the placement of the "Polar Front" continues Efficient laying of drainage tile can now be achieved in order to to recede northward since 1980, and Kapuskasing has experi- make use of the longer growing season. Plastic mulches, high tun- enced a 5 degree C. average increase in winter temperatures. nels, and modern greenhouses can improve horticultural yields. (Summer temperatures have only increased by a degree or two.) Larger equipment can more effectively manage the massive acre- Pearson says that rainfall patterns are much harder to predict, and age of flat lying claybelt farmland than at anytime in the past. it is expected that rain/snow accumulations will continue to be But above all, do not forget the power of the sun. The 49th similar as in the past. The area certainly will not see the drought parallel, dividing most of Canada from the USA in the West, issues that have become prevalent in central and western North runs through the center of the claybelt. The summer days are America. In this scenario, it is possible that the Claybelt area might much longer in Northern Ontario, (than in the southern part replace lost acreage in the West as a source of small grains and oils. of the Province), similar to the extensive sunshine experienced Even now, there are substantial improvements in yield. According on western farms. Consistent sunshine, combined with freedom to Tom Hamilton of OMAFRA, local canola is yielding up to 1.45 from drought and control of frost bodes well for the agricultural T/ac.,(average is 1.1 to 1.2 T/ac) while yields in the neighboring future of the northern claybelt! 6 Breaking Ground (in Northeastern Ontario) ASCIA 2012 Annual Meeting on Jan. 16 Workshop on Sharon Lane, Regional Correspondent to Breaking Ground Harold Stewart welcomed approximately his wife Judy bought a farm near his fa- “New Horticulture 80 farmers January 16 for the 2012 AGM ther’s on Pumpkin Point Road. Farming of the Algoma Soil and Crop Improvement was a family affair for the Thomlinson’s Association at the Bruce Station Hall. as their three children also helped. Dairy Crop & Production Errol Caldwell, Rural Agricultural cattle was their primary emphasis, but a Innovation Network (RAIN), explained small herd of beef cattle and sheep were Techniques for projects at the Community Pastures. Trials added. on the best crops for rotation with canola Ken enjoyed being part of agricultur- are one project. al organizations, such as the Algoma the North” Guest speakers this year were Terry Philips, Milk Committee, Algoma Co-operative Continued from page 4 Certified Crop Advisor, from Temiskaming Transport, Holstein Club, the Laird Fair, Agri-Centre, and Daniel Tasse, an and as a voting delegate to Gencor. He or everbearing strawberries in the High Agricultural Rep with Temiskaming has been an active member of the Algoma Tunnels. Producers should start with the OMAFRA office. The theme of this year’s Federation of Agriculture for 24 years. In June bearing strawberries first because a meeting was to look at infrastructure and 1999, he became the Regional Director day neutral operation is more costly. June try to think “outside the box”. Crop bud- at the provincial level for the Ontario bearing berries have a higher yield in a geting was emphasized. Farmers need to Federation of Agriculture (OFA). He was shorter time whereas day neutral have a take a look at their farming techniques to on the restructuring committee of the lower yield but a longer bearing season. maximize their profit. OFA and served as the Northern Ontario One of the new techniques mentioned director for three years. This commit- High Tunnels are also good for other crops was growing corn under a biodegradable ment meant that he was often away from such as fall bearing raspberries because plastic. The trials conducted in Earlton home, and Judy and the children took on the plastic keeps the rain off the fruit. showed corn planted on May 5 on plastic the responsibility of farming. They also extend the season for vegetable to be 170cm by July 1 whereas corn plant- Ken loved to meet new people and en- crops such lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, ed in the ground was only 130cm. The courage them in their endeavours. He also peppers and melons. plastic heats the soil and allows a more encouraged the youth of the Laird area intensive growing season. by assisting with 4-H. As an example of SPUD Unit at New Liskeard New directors elected to the ASCIA for Ken’s wanting to improve his crop yields, In the afternoon, Becky explained the work at 2013 were Matt Seabrook, Tim Harrison he planted test plots of barley, oats and the SPUD Unit at the New Liskeard Agricultural and Alf Robertson. experimented with fer- tilizers. He entered the Research Station. Since viruses can be trans- forage and seed show in ferred from any part of a plant or soil, all New Liskeard in 1993. In potatoes, strawberries, raspberries and garlic 1997-98, the Thomlinson are started in a sterile test tube at the research farm was awarded for lab from plant tissue culture. The advantage the highest production of micropropagation is rapid multiplying. One in Breed Class Average, plant can produce 250 000 microtubers per year. and over the years many It eradicates viruses and diseases. In vitro allows other awards in milk long-term storage and easy maintenance. quality. Judy and Ken were very proud when Rigorous testing is done to check for viruses, the first cow to clas- diseases and insects. Nuclear seed potatoes sify as “very good” in are grown in a field for seven years before their herd was actually they are certified and grown for human born and raised on their consumption. This testing is done for the Lairdcroft Farm. Ontario Seed Potato Growers Association. In awarding Judy and Errol Caldwell asked those present to be Ken Thomlinson Receives Merit Award from Algoma Soil & Crop Ken the Award of Merit, aware of cutbacks to and the closing of the ASCIA showed the At its 2012 AGM, the ASCIA honoured Ken research centres in Northern Ontario and Thomlinson with its “Award of Merit” for respect the Thomlinson have of their to get involved to keep what we have his contributions to the agricultural com- neighbours and the agricultural commu- now. As illustrated by Becky’s work, we munity in Algoma. nity. Cathy Bonnett presented Judy with a bouquet of flowers, and Les Hillstrom need more research in the North to keep Ken learned farming from his father be- gave Ken the Award of Merit plaque. abreast of the innovated techniques in fore they purchased the family’s first cows and milk quota in 1963. In 1971, Ken and (Report written from information sup- farming and to see if they will work on plied by ASCIA) our soil and in our climate. 17 (in Northeastern Ontario) 75th Anniversary for OSCIA - 2014 “Soil Health and its benefits along the Breaking Ground Special Recognition Awards value chain” - Dr. Ralph Martin In 2014, OSCIA will be 75 years old! To Farmland provides the 4 Fs for society (Food, Feed, Milestones commemorate this special year, the OSCIA Board of Fibre, and Fuel). Feed items may be included with Directors will provide several opportunities for their some food items now, however in the future feed members to participate in the celebrations: crops may not be food crops. Fibre used to refer only to wool and wood; there are more options now. 1. Soil & Crop Lifetime Achievement Award Eleven Regional Winners to be Recognized By unhealthy eating, there is an increase in chronic a. Must be an OSCIA Member in good standing and diseases. We need 2,300 ca/day but eat 1.2 times more seen as a good ambassador for OSCIA; and still waste 40%. By 2050, the population will be b. Each region is to determine their own deadlines to 30-40% larger and we need 70 to 100% more food. meet the provincial deadline; We spend $40 per person per week and throw out $28 c. Each county/district may nominate one member to worth at home. their region; d. Each region will send their selection with a photo & Forages are the biological future for agriculture, used biography to the Guelph office; for feed, biomass, and cover crops. Red clover is the e. There will be up to eleven Regional winners invited #1 cover crop used but we need to find how to to the OSCIA annual meeting banquet on improve uniformity of stands. Farmers treat the field Front (L to R): Candy Keith, Tom Beach (Kemptville), Dennis Peddie, Don Leggett, Leo Giesen, Sandra Seed, John Rowsell, Wednesday, February 5, 2014; as a whole and cannot patch where the red clover did Becky Hughes f. Deadline for submission is November 30, 2013. not establish. Soil can renew but it is a slow process, Mid Row: Henry Jackson, Sharon Slaght, John Kobler, Carol Duke, Claude Naud (Kemptville), James Pede (Kemptville) 2. Photo/Multi-Media Contest taken through 2013 taking 200 to 1,000 years because of erosion Back Row (partly hidden); Harrison Porter, Hal Brown. problems. The longer a farm stays in the family the a. Must be an OSCIA member in good standing; Missing: Bill Garner, Kim Jo Bliss (Emo Agricultural Research Station) Immediate family members are also eligible; better the owners care for the land. b. Photo/Multi-Media to closely describe OSCIA’s The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) can validate New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station (NLARS) staff celebrate the recent retirement of John Rowsell, "Head of ‘Mission Statement’; Northern Stations", (Kemptville Campus/University of Guelph). John has long been a supporter of agriculture in the north, c. High resolution and emailed full size unaltered with sustainable farm practice to retailers. The Nutrient no photo editing; Management Plan (NMP) can show the Carbon first as an educator with the New Liskeard College of Agricultural Technology, and more recently as a researcher at NLARS. d. Multi-media can be video or Powerpoint slide show, balance – is the Soil Organic Matter (SOM) going up Helping to commemorate his achievements are fellow employees at NLARS, as well as staff members from Kemptville. not more than 3 minutes in length; or down? Use the SOM test every 5 years. Possibly a e. A drop box will be established for the photo/multi- dollar Payment or penalty based on SOM trend. media to be downloaded; Four New Directors for 2013 Elected to NOAFEM’s Board at AGM f. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive prizes of 8R’s for the Future: $300, $200, $100 respectively and will be 1. Retain Productive Capacity Sharon Lane, Regional Correspondent to Breaking Ground recognized provincially at OSCIA’s annual meeting 2. Restore SOM Due to the unforeseen absence of go from here? facilitated by Mary Ellen assist members with nutrition labels. banquet on Wednesday February 5, 2014; 3. Reduce Energy, Green House Gas, and Waste Chairman Neil Tarlton, Pat Marcotte Norry Car. Pat Marcotte refreshed mem- Mary Ellen then had the members look th g. OSCIA retains the rights to use all submissions, but 4. Recycle Nutrients opened the 12 annual meeting of ber’s memories with a preview of pictures at the mission statement and identify its Northern Ontario Agri-Food Education of events and functions the organization the artist will be credited; 5. Retail Healthy Food key focus. These were producers, consum- h. Deadline for submission is November 30, 2013; and Marketing Inc. March 2 at the has been involved in for the past 10 years. 6. Redundancy – Just in Case instead of Just in Time ers, processors and retailers. From there, Anderson Farm Museum. The Financial 7. Relationships – with the public, etc Some highlights were: they looked at the activities and projects Please also note: Statement for 2012 showed a balance 1. Further details will be provided in the near future but 8. Resilience of $4,830.13 to start the year as well as Northern Maple & trailer – Community and where they fit. The emphasis seems events, fairs & the Royal, Oprah at to have been on consumer education we would like the counties/districts/regions to discuss Sustainable Food Vision: approximately $8000 rebate from HST. these opportunities and start to lay out plans with Science North, 15 Exhibits & Displays - and producer assistance. It was sug- A food system based on healthy soil, clean air and Pat acknowledged and thanked Nicole regard to meeting dates and deadlines; Harel, Massey Agricultural Fair, for her from “What has eyes but cannot see?” to gested that the mission statement could 2. Additional provincial promotion will be provided water, minimal waste, able to regenerate energy to time spent retrieving HST information “Become a Farmer – Can you Afford it?”, be changed to “educate consumers and through newsletters and our website; support profitable and resilient farming and fishing and documentation from the financial Pumpkin Fest &Giant Pumpkin Contest, retailers on the agri-food industries in 3. Award certificates and roadside signs have been communities, and healthy food supply for all. records and her assistance in training on Culinary Competition at the Royal, Boreal Northern Ontario and assist producers available provincially and the Region may wish to Quickbooks program. Harvest booth at the Royal (sold 6 bu. of and processors with marketing initia- garlic in 2012), 5 Billboards on highways recognize all county/district winners; Neil Moore, Quinte & East Central Regional Membership fees for 2014 were tabled for tives.” They then looked at the greatest leading into Northern Ontario, Living 4. A special certificate and additional recognition will Communication Coordinator the directors’ decision. need and listed projects for the next in the Country Expo in New Liskeard in be provided to the eleven regional recipients by the few years. These included billboard re- provincial association; All positions were declared open and Mary 2011, Seeds & booklets in partnership with Ellen Norry Car, OMAFRA, conducted the newal and possible extension, a website, 5. Compensation for travel will be provided to winners Agricultural Societies for school children, election of directors. The board of directors Corn Table, Producer Training at “Growing workshops on exploring value-added op- attending the OSCIA Banquet on Wednesday, VISIT OUR WEBSITES: for 2013 will be Neil Tarlton, Debbie Kirby, portunities and on “So you want to be February 5, 2014; Your Opportunities” Conference, Pat Marcotte, Sharon Lane, Ken Lane and Sponsored delegates to the Circa-Polar a Farmer?” and funding for the “Farm www.ontariosoilcrop.org new members, Leslee Salo, Nancy McMurdy, Directory” and “Boreal Harvest” publica- & Conference in 2007, Live displays – Chicks, For more information please contact your Provincial Don Manchur, and Gwen Doyle. The date Goats & Composting Worms, School tions. The group also want to explore Director. https://oscia.wildapricot.org for the 2014 AGM was set for Feb. 22, 2014. Activities i.e. Finding a Needle in a Straw partnership development and sponsorship The afternoon was spent in Strategic Stack, Publications – Art and Farm Tours strategies. The members and directors OSCIA NEWS - March 2013 3 Planning- After 10 years – where do we & Farm Directory, Developed Program to are looking forward to a busy few years.

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22

BULLETIN GRANDES CULTURES

12ième vol. 4iére édition MAAARO - des spécialistes en grandes cultures novembre 2012

LesTable articles des matières n’étaient pas disponiblesC enica françaisdelle de aula p momentomme d ede te larr epublication. dans la 1. Cicadelle de la pomme de terre dans la luzerne: Perspectives pour 2013 luzerne: Perspectives pour 2013 2. Pour en savoir un peu plus sur le soufre Par Gilles Quesnel, spécialiste de la LIEG sur les grandes contenu dans le fumier cultures et Joel Bagg, spécialiste en culture fourragère, Thunder3. Risques associés Bay aux rotations Agricultural courtes dans le MAAA ROResearch Station News canola By Dr. Tarlok Singh Sahota 4. Tournée ontarienne sur la biomasse—L’avez- L’été dernier, la cicadelle de la pomme de terre (CPT) a Sulphur (S)vous is essential manquée? for plant(s) growth symptoms (lowercertainement leaves first étébecoming fidèle à sa ammoniumréputation d’êtresulphate. l’un Winter des ravageurs wheat grain and 5.development. Gadgets et Due idées to pourdrastic le reducgrain - pale green and thenles plus yellow). redoutables For cereals de la luzerneyield was en Ontario.highest Danswhen bon25 % nombre of N was tion 6.in S Faut-il emissions ajouter and du its sulfate importance d’ammonium and au forage grasses,de régions yellowing de la of province, newly lessupplied dommages through causés ammonium par les sulphate. in plant glyphosate?functions such as in sugar pro- emerging leavesdéprédations is a strong indicator de la CPT of ont Thisentraîné is in descomparison réductions to allde N applied as duction,7. Adapterespecially les inméthodes sweet corn, d’échantillonnage CO2 S deficiency. du sol In canola,rendement S deficiency de plus leadsd’une tonneurea à that l’acre contains dans la no luzerne, S. ce qui assimilation, N fixation and protein for- to cupping and purpling of leaves. Sandy selon les conditions de l’épandage en bandes représente environ une perteTherefore, de 200 $/acre. for sustainable Bien que croples yields, S mation, it is becoming one of the most soils, low organic matter, no recent his- dommages causés par la CPTapplication aient été should beaucoup form plus an integral part important nutrients. Ontario soils were tory of manure application make an ideal importants que la normale, ilsof n’ontthe fertilizer pas été program.détectés comme said to be receiving enough sulphur set up for S deficiency.tels, car Sulphur on a imputé deficiency le ralentissement de la croissance et le (S) through acid precipitation, but not will be most likely on knolls and other well Sulphur could be applied at recommend- rabougrissement des plants au temps sec et chaud (figure 1). Il anymore. More and more soils are now drained areas of the field. Cool soil tem- ed rates until bolting in canola and at Préparé par: est vrai que le manque d’eau a nui à la culture, mais ce sont les becoming short of this nutrient due to (i) peratures can restrict root development seeding for other crops. Recommendation Bonnie Ball, spécialiste de la fertilité du sol anti pollution regulations, such as Clean and reduce S availability.déprédations Conservation de la cicadelle till- is entre to apply juin et1 lbla Smi-août for every qui 10-15 sont lb of N. Scott Banks, spécialiste des cultures émergentes responsables de la majorité des dommages. Air ActTracey 1970, Baute, which entomologiste,have reduced sulphur chargée de age programme- can keep the soils cool and S may be Important S fertilizers are ammonium sul- dioxidegrandes emission cultures from industry and (ii) needed to stimulate early growth in this phate (24 % S), ammonium phosphate increasedHorst useBohner, of high chef analysis de programme, P fertilizers soya stressful period. Sulphur is known to help sulphate (14-15 % S), calcium sulphate containingChristine only Brown, 1.5-2 chargée% S. de programme, break gestion down des of crop residues and enhance (18 % S), potassium sulphate (18 % S), s3ULPHURDEPOSITIONTO/NTARIOSOILSDEéléments nutritifs des grandes cultures- availability of other nutrients. potassium magnesium sulphate (17-18 creasedMike Cowbrough,from 25 kg/ha chargée to 8-13 de programme, kg/ha/ lutteWithout contre adequate les S, crops can’t reach % S), ammonium thiosulphate solution yearmauvaises from 1998 herbes, to 2006. grandes In New cultures York, it their full potential in terms of yield, qual- (26 % S) and elemental S (90-99 % S). wasBrian only Hall, 6.7 kg/haspécialiste in 2008. des récoltes de remplacementity or protein content; nor can they make Sulphate sources should be preferred to Adam Hayes, spécialiste de la gestion des sols-grandesefficient use of applied N. A report from elemental S that takes 12-18 months to s4HEMANURE WITHSOLIDS CONTAINScultures Washington indicates that a hay crop get converted in to the sulphate form. onlyPeter 3 lb Johnson,S/1000 gallons. spécialiste des céréales failed to respond to 150 lbs N. But when Sulphur from ammonium sulphate accel- s.OWONDER3CONTENTINALFALFA GRASSESJack Kyle, spécialiste des animaux de pâturage the same crop was fertilized with 33 lbs S, andIan corn McDonald, silage declined coordonnateur by 13, de 13 la and recherche appliquée erates emergence and improves resistance the crop yield nearly tripled. This was true 29 %,Gilles respectively Quesnel, spécialisteduring 1992-2003 de la LIEG and sur les grandes to white mould in dry beans; it makes P for wheat, corn and canola. Research find- Ontario’scultures winter wheat in 2011 showed and micronutrients more available in early ings from the Thunder Bay Agricultural S deficiencyHelmut Speiser, symptoms. ingénieur planted cold soils. Beneficial effect of S Greg Stewart, spécialiste du maïs Research Station (TBARS), Thunder Bay, from ammonium sulphate was also re- Reported S removal is 40 lb/acre at 8 ton Albert Tenuta, pathologiste, chargé de programme-indicate that magnitude of response to S ported in snap beans, cabbage, potatoes yield of alfalfa, 20 lb S/acre in barley (100 grandes cultures is increasing over time, and also more and and peas for processing. bu/acre) and corn (120 bu/ acre), 10 lb S/ more crops have started responding to S. acre Éditeur:in wheat Joel (40 Bagg, bu/acre), spécialiste 8 lb S/acreen culture fourragèreThere was no improvement in canola yield Since S is the protein forming nutrient (90 in soybeanCompilation (25 bu/acre),: Julie Gamache 30 lb S/acre in with application of N fertilizers alone @ % of S is found in amino acids the building Bermuda grass (6 ton/acre) and 24 lb S/ 50-150 kg N/ha. With application of S @ blocks for protein), protein yield/acre could acre in Fescue (6 ton/acre). Canola has high 15-30 kg/ha, along with N at optimum be significant with S application. Sulphur S requirements; a healthy crop at early rate, canola yield improved by ~1.5 t/ha. is also part of the anti fungal proteins and flowering will have > 0.25 % S. Its uptake In the sixth harvest year, alfalfa, supplied could therefore help in suppressing fungal in canola continues till full pod formation. with only NPK/or PK (at rates recommend- diseases. Investment in fertilizer S could In S deficient plants, the entire shoot, es- ed by OMAFRA) produced only 56 % of bring 6 () or 8-10 fold (Thunder pecially the top half, looks pale green, the yield obtained with application of sul- Bay) returns. In corn silage, S @ 46 lb/acre though S deficiency can occur without phur and boron in addition to NPK. Dry improved the NDF-d by 6.7 % and conse- expression of any visual symptoms. These matter forage yield of timothy was high- quently increased the milk yield (lb/ton) by symptomsBULLE TareIN GdifferentRANDES from CUL TNU deficiencyRES no vemestbr ewhen 201 220 % of N was supplied through 5.9 % and milk/acre by 1833 lbs. 23 Earlton Farm Show 2013 Earlton Arena Friday, April 5th 10 am to 9 pm Saturday, April 6th 7 am to 4 PM Free Admission (please bring a donation for local food banks) Join us on Friday from 11:30 to 1:30 pm for a KICK OFF LUNCH including a buffet of salads, sand- wiches, soup, desserts, tea and coffee Only $5.00 ! Lunch sponsored in part by Pioneer and Bayer Crop Sciences 6IEWTHEANNUAL&ORAGEAND3EED3HOWUPSTAIRSn students art show and over 60 exhibits downstairs! Two live auctions each day – come bid on farm equipment and supplies contributed by exhibitors. Friday at 3 pm and 8 pm Saturday at 11 am and 3 pm

This month’s artwork comes from Justin Burre of Englehart. Interactive grain display for children and small View more of his work at http://justin-burry.tripod.com animal displays

Serving the Agricultural Rod Inglis Community with Quality Memorial Breakfast Lime and Limestone Products Sat, April 6th 7:30 am to 9 am $3.00 Be an early bird and join us in memory of Rod’s great contribution to our agricultural community. ZONE 15 Breakfast sponsored by Temiskaming Crop Coalition & GFO Annual Meetings Come and listen to Agriculture Experts Miller Minerals The GFO Provincial Board of Directors will speak on a variety of topics A Division of Miller Paving Limited meet in Temiskaming for a farm tour on the Show Sponsored in part by P.O. Box 24 8 first week of July. New Liskeard, Ontario P0J 1P0 For information, contact Kevin Runnalls Tel: (705) 672-2282 (TCC Booth) at the Earlton Farm Show, th th Fax: (705) 672-2746 April 5 & 6 , 2013. and TCC 24