Controlling Weeds in Dry Conditions Most of the Prairies Saw Little Rain Last Fall and Had Very Little Snow Cover

Volume 38, Number 9 | April 2, 2012 $4.25

PRACTICAL PRODUCTION TIPS FOR THE PRAIRIE FARMER www.grainews.ca Controlling weeds in dry conditions Most of the Prairies saw little rain last fall and had very little snow cover. Get ready for the challenge of managing weeds in dry weather BY ANGELA LOVELL that we’ve had, we’re going to manage them as a part of an ongo- need more than one dry year ing program, they won’t tend to be here are very different before we see a major change in as big an issue as they could escape considerations for man- weed species,” says Eric Johnson, to be,” he says. aging weeds under dryer weed biologist with Agriculture Zero- or minimum-till systems conditions. Some herbi- and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) may also help with drier conditions Tcides may be less effective and at the Scott Research Facility in by retaining moisture in the soil. crops are generally less competitive. Saskatchewan. “In fact, if you “Under conservation tillage we With winter precipitation levels look at data from our longer-term tend to have a pretty good start to already well below normal, if the studies, we tend to have high the season,” says Juras. “So I expect dry conditions of last summer and weed populations in the spring that the usual customers will come fall persist into this spring, farmers when we have above average rain- up, but it will be what happens may have some decisions to make fall in August. That wasn’t the after that which will determine when it comes to their weed man- case last year, so I don’t expect weed management strategies.” agement programs this year. that the weeds will be as preva- It’s likely that annual weeds in “Under dry conditions your agro- lent during burn-down unless we the C4 class, which originate from nomics under planting become get a lot of snow and rain in arid areas and are better adapted even more important because the spring. So perhaps not as to drought, will be more preva- you’re not going to get the crop many winter annual-type weeds lent during dry weather condi- competition under drier condi- are a possibility, and we may see a tions. This includes plants such tions that you would under good delay in their emergence.” as kochia, Russian thistle, lambs growing conditions. That’s going Perennial weeds on the other quarters, redroot pigweed, green to put more of a premium on your hand, unless they’ve been managed foxtail and barnyard grass. weed management program,” says Len Juras, crop protection research and development scientist with Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc.

PHOTO : KEITH TOPINKA , U. OF ALTA . WEEDS IN DRY WEATHER Systemic herbicides will generally be Typical drought symptoms in canola, with the bluish wax building on the newer canola leaves as the plant tries to retain more moisture under Weeds are more challenging to less effective under hot, dry conditions, drought. In volunteer canola, herbicide droplets may roll off the waxy control in dry conditions than in leaves, or not penetrate the leaves as well. Some weeds also develop wet. Just as crops need moisture which reduce a plant’s metabolic waxy leaves under drought stress. to grow, so do weeds. But when moisture is limited, weeds use and transport processes internal survival mechanisms to help them retain as much mois- in the fall, might have an advantage “C4 plants have an adaptive sys- ture as possible. if there is little spring moisture. tem that allows them to photo- “If we get dry conditions, what “There’s likely still going to be synthesize down to very low car- happens in a general sense is lots of subsoil reserve moisture bon dioxide levels,” says Brenzil. weeds tend to harden off,” says even if there are surface short- “The way that a plant gets carbon Juras. “So they grow more slowly. ages, so you are may see perennials dioxide into its leaves in order to Their cuticles (the waxy protec- doing quite well because they are photosynthesize is it allows it in tive covering of the leaves) and already rooted and tapped into that through the stomata (pores) in its their tissues get thicker and less soil moisture that is down below,” leaves, which also allow moisture responsive. It’s tougher for a her- says Clark Brenzil, Saskatchewan to escape. A C4 plant can close its bicide to get into the plant. And Ministry of Agriculture weed wpe- stomata to reduce moisture loss once it gets into the plant, its cialist. “They’re going to have the while still continuing to photo- metabolism changes so it’s harder jump right away, if we happen to synthesize. This allows it to draw for the herbicide to get to the have a dryer than normal spring.” down the carbon dioxide inside active sites it needs to target.” Perennial weeds need to be con- the sealed leaf to much lower levels trolled in the fall when they’re lay- even while the stomata is closed, WHICH WEEDS? ing down their growth for the fol- giving it an advantage over a plant lowing year, adds Brenzil, although without the same C4 system.” During dry conditions, how likely most farmers do tend to manage In dry conditions, weed germi- is it that farmers will see different them on an ongoing basis as part nation can be hampered by lack of PHOTO : KEITH TOPINKA , U. OF ALTA . weed species emerging than they of their overall weed management moisture, just as with crops, which Water-deprived plants are shown on the left, versus properly watered had under wetter conditions? strategy. “If you don’t wait until plants on the right. Growth is slowed when canola plants are deprived of “With the extremely wet years they’re out of hand, and try to » CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 water, and the crop offers less competition to weeds.

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40069240 In This Issue Wheat & Chaff ...... 2 Features ...... 5 Crop Advisor’s Casebook 8 Columns ...... 22 Machinery & Shop ...... 36 Cattleman’s Corner ...... 40 Mix it up to avoid Weed control in FarmLife ...... 49 herbicide resistance flooded acres LEE HART PAGE 6 DANELL VAN STAVEREN PAGE 10 2 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Wheat & Chaff

by Danell van Staveren, one of my But I have to admit, I’m not neighbours whose farm was also amazing anyone in the social media LEEANN affected by flooding last year. Danell department. MINOGUE has interviewed local agronomist As “@grainewsgal,” Lyndsey has Greg Gerry, who suggested several hundreds of Twitter followers and things to think about in a year fol- enjoys tweeting regularly and keep- lowing a wet year like 2011. (For the ing up with others’ tweets. To date, Farmers across the Prairies are interested — our farm is four miles I’ve sent exactly two tweets from my looking out at snow-free fields, wor- south of the Schurko farm pictured “handle” (“@grainmuse”). I haven’t rying about drought and generally on page 10). yet figured out how to tweet from preparing for a dry growing year Another problem that will make my phone, and my original plan to in 2012. Since this issue focuses on weed control more challenging for update daily using Hootsuite is still weed management, Grainews asked some farmers is the confirmed emer- just a distant dream. Angela Lovell to write an article for gence of herbicide-tolerant kochia There are all kinds of farmers and the cover about the challenges we in Alberta. Some farmers are directly ag organizations using Twitter. I’m might face when we’re trying to impacted. But even farmers who not quite one of them — I’m still control weeds in a dry year. don’t have an immediate problem lurking on the edges, reading the This seems completely ridiculous. with kochia resistance are paying discussion. These farmers are shar- Last year, snow was piled up to more attention to potential resist- ing news, trading opinions, and the top of our trees for most of the ance situations. Grainews field editor asking each other technical ques- winter. In the spring, it rained and Lee Hart has written an article about tions about crop production and it rained and it rained. It was way this — it’s featured on page 6. machinery. too wet for us to get into the field. What these articles have in com- Just because I can’t get the hang (With the exception of 4.8 acres mon is that they all provide sug- of this doesn’t mean that Grainews Brad managed to seed before he got gestions for dealing with weeds in isn’t providing you with high- stuck — on top of a hill.) We were conditions that are different from quality Twitter content. You can canoeing in the back of the yard. I “normal.” But really, after the last follow “@AGCanadadotcom”. This have photos. few years, it’s very difficult to be comes straight from Farm Business CONTACT US And yet, it’s dry. At a family wed- sure what “normal” is. So, I sup- Communications — the pub- ding last weekend, a whole crowd of pose that means that 2012 will be lisher of Grainews, Country Guide, Write, Email or Fax farmers who’d driven to Saskatoon a very normal year. Farmers will Canadian Cattlemen, le Bulletin in from west-central Saskatchewan deal with quickly changing weather Quebec, Manitoba Co-operator and SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: gathered at the back of the banquet conditions, and keep the recent past Alberta Farmer. @AGCanada.com is Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) 1-800-665-0502 room, shaking their heads and look- mind as they make decisions about quick on the draw when it comes to ing worried about soil moisture. what to do this year. Being wary of posting news about Viterra’s future, U.S. subscribers call 1-204-944-5568 Even here in the soggy southeast herbicide tolerance and taking time or the Saskatchewan agriculture or email: [email protected] there’s been very little snow all to learn more about how different minister’s decision to step down winter. What little spring run-off products work together will become from the cabinet in the next shuf- If you have story ideas, call us. You can write the article and we’d there’ll be seems to have already one more thing that farmers do fle. It’s a good place to get news on pay you, or we can write it. ran. With the warm weather, the automatically. the go. water level in our dugout has fallen There are all kinds of ways that In case, like me, you’re not hooked Phone Leeann Minogue at 306-861-2678 as some has soaked into the soil adjusting to constant change has on Twitter (yet), I’d like to point out Fax to 204-944-5416 already. On windy afternoons we’re become the new normal. One day that a couple of Twitter regulars have already seeing great clouds of dust herbicide tolerant weeds are mak- recently posted comments about Email [email protected] when oilfield trucks drive by our ing the news, the next day the the Grainews app. Taylor Synder, a Write to Grainews, 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, Man. R3H 0H1 farm on the gravel road. headlines are about Viterra. We con- farmer from Glendon, Alta., who If it doesn’t rain, at least here stantly invest in new machinery, tweets as “@FarmerBoy9870” tweet- HEARTS in southeast Saskatchewan we still and new technology to install in ed that he’d just downloaded the have a good deal of soil mois- the machinery. Canadian Wheat Grainews app. “Finally starting to Ask for hearts ture to start things out. Something Board changes are shifting the way get some decent ag apps,” he tweet- good has to come from last year’s we sell wheat. Would your great- ed (using, as required, less than 140 When you renew your subscription to fiasco. But that won’t be the case grandparents even recognize the job characters.) Grainews, be sure to ask for six Please for everyone. you’re doing today? Another regular Saskatchewan Be Careful, We Love You hearts. Then tweeter who calls himself “dirt stick them onto equipment that you, A NORMAL YEAR FUN WITH SOCIAL MEDIA farmer” and goes by “@michwoll” your loved ones and your employees says, “Just received an update from operate. That important message could As Angela Lovell has written, As the fill-in for Lyndsey Smith the rather excellent Grainews app save an arm, a leg or a life. weed management becomes more (regular Grainews editor, currently reminding me that the markets challenging in a dry year. Many out on a maternity leave), I’m try- reached $600/t.” TAX CREDITS weed control products are designed ing to do the things Lyndsey would So don’t worry — you don’t to work while the weed is growing. do if she were here. I’m making necessarily need Twitter to keep If it’s too dry for the weed to grow, arrangements with freelance writ- on top of the news. If you have a Tax credits rise on Prairie the herbicide can’t do its job. Crop ers, trying to make sure we have rel- smartphone, you can always try competition also plays a big part evant content for upcoming issues. getting yours from the free Grainews in weed management. If the crop I’m dealing with the production app. I’ve just downloaded it onto wheat, barley checkoffs can’t find enough moisture to grow, staff in Winnipeg to be sure the text my Android phone. I suppose I’m heat and barley WGRF checkoff pay in at rates of it’s not going to be a very strong and photos get onto the right pages biased, but I think we’re providing growers whose 50 cents per tonne for barley and competitor. on time. I’m writing a few articles a great service. money stayed 30 cents per tonne for wheat. For those of us who dealt with of my own and attending industry As for tweeting — my other work in the Western The SR+ED tax credit is floods last year, whether it’s wet or events to keep up-to-date. All of is going to slow down to a more WGrains Research Foundation’s earned at a rate of 20 per cent dry in 2012, last years’ water may this is a challenge. So far, about reasonable pace over the next few checkoff fund during 2011 can for individuals and 35 per cent have left behind some special weed- four months in, it’s great fun. And weeks. I’m sure you’ve noticed expect a relatively larger tax credit for Canadian-controlled private control challenges. On page 10, we your paper is still showing up in the that during the winter months for their buck. corporations. have an article about this, written mailbox. Grainews appears in your mailbox Prairie farmers — other than So for example, if an individual more frequently than it does in the Alberta barley growers, who pay Prairie farmer put $300 into the summer. That’s because we suspect into a different checkoff fund WGRF’s wheat checkoff in 2011 Like us on Facebook! you have more time to read dur- — will see their WGRF checkoff and did not opt out, he or she ing those long winter nights. As money eligible for federal Scientific would get a federal tax credit of Grainews has a you start to head back into the Research and Experimental $50.40 ($300 x 0.84 x 0.20), the field, we’ll gear down and send Development (SR+ED) tax credits WGRF explained in a release. Facebook page. you a bit less reading material. As at rates of 84 per cent for wheat If filing his or her 2011 taxes Find, read and comment on blog posts compared to four issues in March and 83 per cent for barley. as a corporation, the same farmer easily and with a thumbs up! and two in April, you’ll see one That’s up from 74 per cent for would get a tax credit of $88.20 for single issue in May, one in June, wheat and 69 per cent for barley his or her WGRF wheat checkoff. and then one July/August sum- on WGRF checkoff contributions WGRF checkoffs — for 2011, Find us on Twitter: mer issue before we pick up speed made during 2010. at least — are deducted from the again with monthly issues in early Lyndsey Smith is @grainewsgal The WGRF calculates the avail- Canadian Wheat Board’s final fall. Perhaps I can use some of my Lee Hart is @hartattacks able tax credit based on the portion payments to eligible Prairie pro- extra time before Lyndsey comes of the total checkoff money going ducers. † Scott Garvey is @machineryeditor back in August to finally figure out directly to support eligible research. Leeann Minogue is @grainmuse what and how to tweet. Farmers who don’t opt out of the AgCanada.com Leeann APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 3 Wheat & Chaff Farm safety Winter wheat Dress for the job. Safely Ont. winter wheat nless you’re trying face or the back of your neck. So moving on down — no breaking to impress the cows, Better yet — invest in a hat matter the colour scheme, you probably didn’t with flaps. Do you really care keep clothing tight to your think twice about if somebody laughs? For sure, body. Loose-fitting clothes dormancy early Uwhat you put on this morning. you’ll have the last one. are a definite no-no. If you After all, it was early and you And don’t forget sunglasses plan to stay in the sun most armer-than-nor- than ideal conditions in the fall, weren’t expecting company. As and safety glasses. Sunglasses of the day, wear long-sleeved mal tempera- he said, and in turn there were long as the clothes were clean are important because they cotton clothing. Natural fibres tures in Ontario areas in which the stands were and comfortable, what does it lessen eye fatigue. Safety glasses allow the skin to breath and are reported to questionable. matter what you wear to farm? can save your sight. Wear them offer protection from the sun’s haveW helped the winter wheat “Planting of Ontario’s winter Well actually — it matters a lot when you know you should. harmful rays. crop in the province break dor- wheat was done under extremely to your safety. And even though you may Just don’t wear a hoodie or mancy earlier than usual. wet conditions in October, with Start at the top. Your head. have heard a lark this morning, sweats with long draw strings “There is certainly some wheat some areas too wet,” Johnson said, After all, that’s where plan- your truck/tractor/ATV shat- that hang from the neck or green-up with growth dependent pointing out that winter wheat is ning farm safety should start tered the silence and started waist. Those strings are made on the region of the province,” a dryland crop. “Anytime that so make sure it’s well protect- raising the noise level for the of extremely strong nylon or says Peter Johnson, a cereals spe- you have the soils water logged or ed. Head injuries are common day. As a general rule, when- other artificial fibres that don’t cialist for the Ontario Ministry saturated, wheat is not happy.” on the farm and tend to be ever the noise level reaches 85 rip or tear easily. If they catch of Agriculture. Johnson said the crop as a serious. Duh. Just how much decibels, you need ear protec- in an unprotected augers or However, while the crop has whole has certainly spent more protection from hard knocks tion. If you need to raise your PTO … come out of dormancy earlier of the winter under less than can a ball cap really provide? voice to be heard an arm’s And throw away those ath- than anticipated, the real con- perfect conditions than growers Okay — the cap’s perfect. length away, the noise is prob- letic shoes unless you’re slated cern is if there is a sudden stretch would have liked. The colour’s right. The brand’s ably loud enough to damage for a track meet somewhere on of cold weather. Wet conditions have done more yours. The brim is finally your hearing. the farm. Steel-toed boots are “Once winter wheat breaks to hurt the crop than the lack of shaped to your liking. But if For instance, inside your de rigeur on the job. dormancy it is less cold-tolerant snow cover during the winter, he there’s any possibility some- tractor cab, no worries. But And one more non-fashion than when it is in its dormant added. thing could fall on your head if your tractor doesn’t have a statement — leave neck chains state,” Johnson said. “There is no reason to expect or vice versa, hang up your cap cab, use ear plugs or muffs. If and rings in the house. Rings Winter wheat is still reasonably that we will not have a good win- and put on a hard hat. your tractor is idling inside hang up on bolts and sharp cold tolerant and if temperatures ter wheat harvest in Ontario due Leave your cap on the hook the shop, protect your ears. corners — just about anything only decline into the -4 C region to the absence of snowfall dur- when you’re spraying chemi- Squealing pigs, a table saw, a found around a farmstead. one night or even -8 C one night, ing the dormancy period over the cals too. It’s safest to wear hand drill, a chain saw or a Don’t risk losing a finger. Your damage will be minimal. winter,” Johnson says. a wide-brimmed hat that’s grain dryer can easily exceed spouse will understand! “But if we start getting into a However, the saturated soil impervious to liquids. And 85 decibels. Check out http:// Dress for the job and you’ll string of temperatures hitting lows conditions are a totally differ- make sure the brim is wide www.casa-acsa.ca/print for keep it. Plan. Farm. Safety. † of -12 or -13 C, that would be bad ent story, with some winterkill enough to keep chemical spray ear plug and ear muff fitting From the Canadian Agricultural Safety for the crop,” Johnson said. expected, he said. † from drifting down on your instructions. Association — www.planfarmsafety.ca. The crop was seeded in less AgCanada.com

Grain transportation Crop protection Lower prices Prairie shortline railways look to new reality for Astound he looming end of Of that total, about 97 per specific areas along our line,” rather than the general pool. the Canadian Wheat cent of the cars were filled said Johnson, noting producer That means farmers will need yngenta Canada Inc. has Board’s single desk with CWB grain. cars are able to provide trace- to show more discipline in decreased the price of its for marketing wheat, Producer cars are rail hopper cars ability for customers looking for loading what they want. canola fungicide, Astound, Tdurum, and barley in Western that farmers can order to load identity-preserved grain. With CWB wheat and durum by $2.00 per acre. The new suggestedS retail price is $22.16 per Canada on Aug. 1 may lead to themselves at a rail siding or a Most of the interest is in moving accounting for most of the grain changes to the shortline rail- loading facility located closer to wheat and durum, but Johnson moving on the shortlines, it acre. In addition, Astound also qual- ways in the region. home than the nearest grain ter- said pulses and other special remains to be seen whether farm- ifies for a further savings through The shortlines predominantly minal. Most producer car loading crops were also moving along the ers will want to continue dealing the Syngenta Partner Program. move CWB grains, but indus- facilities and connecting shortline line in dealer cars, rather than with the new voluntary CWB, said Astound is the only canola fun- try participants expressed con- railroads are owned by farmers in the traditional producer cars. Matt Enright, grains manager with gicide with two modes of action fidence in their viability and co-operatives or joint ventures. “There will be some shortlines Alberta-based Battle River Railway. (Group 9 and Group 12), provid- the continued use of producer “There will be some bumps in that don’t survive in the new “If they are, we’ll continue to ing a better resistance manage- rail cars along those lines. the road, but we’re excited,” said environment, but they likely move quite a bit of Wheat Board ment package while also deliver- Many of the 14 shortline rail- Conrad Johnson, chairman of wouldn’t survive no matter what grain,” said Enright. His railway ing contact and systemic control ways found across Manitoba, Great Western Railway and presi- the environment,” said Johnson is also working on partnering of sclerotinia stem rot. Saskatchewan, and Alberta pri- dent of the Saskatchewan Shortline adding that “it will be different, up with other grain companies Sclerotinia stem rot is the most marily deal with moving pro- Association. “It will take a little but it will be all right.” to move non-board grains, and economically significant disease of ducer cars, which are loaded work, but we see our movement For people who like the old have moved small amounts of canola in Western Canada. Yield by farmers marketing grain increasing — not decreasing. system of selling producer cars canola in the past. “It could loss due to sclerotinia is rough- through the CWB. “We’re seeing an extreme amount through the board, that sys- boil down to whether or not the ly one-half of the percentage of In 2010-11 farmers loaded of interest from smaller compa- tem will still be there, said farmers want to deal with the infected plants in the field. The 12,784 producer cars, just short nies, some we’ve never heard Johnson, and the only differ- (new voluntary) CWB.” † average sclerotinia infection in of the record set two years ear- of, who would like to source ence will be that now each car canola is 12 per cent of the field, lier, according to CWB data. specific qualities of grain from will be going to a specific sale, AgCanada.com equating to a six bushel per acre yield loss. † Syngenta Canada News, www.syngenta.com. photo contest GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT

This photo came to us from Tara Body. Tara and her husband Brad operate Howling Hills Quarter Horses near Luseland, Saskatchewan, where they raise Hancock and Driftwood horses. This photo was taken last year. When Tara sent this in on March 20, there was a foot of new snow on the ground at their farm. Thanks for the photo, Tara! A cheque for $25 is on its way to you.

Send your best shot to [email protected]. Please send only one or two photos at a time and include your name and address, the names of anyone in the photo, where the photo was taken and a bit about what was going on that day. A little write-up about your farm is welcome, too. Please ensure that images are of high resolution (1 MB is preferred), and if the image includes a person, we need to be able to see their face clearly. — Leeann 4 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Cover Stories

Weed Management

» CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 result the weeds are going to be harder to kill,” says Brenzil. Trying to decide which herbi- 1666 Dublin Avenue, controlling weeds Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 cide product to use will start with in dry conditions www.grainews.ca careful and early scouting to determine which weeds are emerging PUBLISHER also means that crops will be less and likely to become problematic. Bob Willcox competitive than usual against “You really have to know your Associate Publisher/ Editorial director weeds. Exceptions are Russian weeds during drier conditions John Morriss thistle and kochia, which, because because mistakes can cost you a of their different physiology, can little bit more,” says Juras. Editor geminate at lower moisture lev- Once weeds are identified, it’s Lyndsey Smith (on leave) els than crop plants. Kochia has down to choosing a product that acting Editor evolved to be able to draw water offers good control. Leeann Minogue out of saline and dry conditions “On the product label I look and Russian thistle, when it ger- at weed control versus weed sup- Cattleman’s Corner Editor Lee Hart minates, has a miniature plant pressed, height and leaf stage,” says already well developed inside the Juras. “If a product can control wild Farmlife Editor Sue Armstrong seed, which means it can emerge buckwheat at the one- to two-leaf within just a few days even when stage then I maybe tend to stay Machinery EDITOR conditions are dry. away from it, but if I have some- Scott Garvey Green foxtail is another weed thing that says it can control up to Production Director Shawna Gibson that may become more prevalent five- or six-leaf stage then I have a with reduced moisture. Because it little more comfort that that prod- Designer Steven Cote doesn’t compete well with cereals uct is going to perform under more p h o t o : saskatchewan agriculture under wet, cool conditions, many challenging conditions, because it MARKETING/CIRCULATION This kochia plant grew in Saskatchewan in 2002, a hot, dry year. The barley Director farmers have opted to skip spray- has an innate ability to control that in the field is short, and not very competitive. It’s allowed the kochia to Lynda Tityk ing their green foxtail in recent weed more easily.” gain a foothold in a spot where there was a gap in the seeding. Circulation manager years and allowed the crop to sup- Systemic herbicides will gener- Heather Anderson press the weed. During drought ally be less effective under hot, enough to prevent weeds from typically don’t get a second flush,” conditions, thinner, stressed crops dry conditions, which reduce a out-competing the crop, but not says Juras. “Farmers will probably Head Office may not be able to out-compete plant’s metabolic and transport too early, when weeds could be help themselves quite a bit by mak- 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3H 0H1 green foxtail. processes, making it difficult for too small for the herbicide to ing sure they have a good burn off Phone: (204) 944-5567 the herbicide to penetrate and be effective. As a general rule of under drought conditions because Fax: (204) 944-5562 move through the plant. thumb spraying at the earlier end they want to save any available Control Options Advertising Sales Contact herbicides (such as of the recommended leaf stage soil nutrients and moisture for the Cory Bourdeaud’hui Under dry conditions weeds can those in Groups 5, 6, 7, 10 and 14) range for a particular product is crop.” If winter annual or early- Phone: (204) 954-1414 be harder to control for a number which are applied to foliage, only recommended wherever possible. germinating weeds are allowed Fax: (204) 944-5562 of reasons. kill plant tissue in the immediate In most cases a spring burn-off to grow they will use up these E-mail: [email protected] Almost all herbicides carry a vicinity of where the spray droplet will get producers of to a good resources and they will not be Advertising Services warning stating that they are lands. They can be more effective start, especially if winter annuals there for the crops. University of Co-ordinator Arlene Bomback more effective when weeds are than systemic herbicides in dry or early annual weeds are starting Saskatchewan research has shown Phone: (204) 944-5765 actively growing. Under drought conditions, but this can also lead to emerge. “Typically what hap- that an early spring burn-off yield- Fax: (204) 944-5562 conditions weeds are not actively to crop injury, especially during pens under drought conditions is ed higher than later burn-off, even E-mail: [email protected] growing, so sometimes herbicides the first few hours after spraying. that your early germinators tend if the crop was not seeded imme- simply won’t work as well. “If Timing herbicide applications to get established and as it gets diately after. Printed in Canada by you’ve got drier conditions, then can be trickier under dry con- progressively dryer they have the In areas that have little residual Transcontinental LGM-Coronet Winnipeg, Man. the likely case is that both crops ditions. Farmers must find the advantage because they have ger- continued on next page and weeds are under stress. As a balance between applying early minated and established, so you » Gr a i n e w s is published by Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 0H1. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069240.

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Weed Management parameters in terms of water vol- Credit, Factor, Glyfos, Maverick, in the evening will lessen the risk » CONTINUED FROM Previous PAGE Other considerations umes,” says Johnson. Renegade, Touchdown, Vantage). of crop injury and allow more or surface moisture early on, it may 2. Water volumes: Spray cov- It is important to use only clear, time for uptake and diffusion of “If there is a risk that we’re be a case of wait and see. “If it’s erage becomes much more of an clean water for mixing these prod- the herbicide in the target weeds looking at reduced soil moisture, dry, farmers will have to evaluate if issue in dry conditions when using ucts. It should be noted that the before they are activated by sun- farmers need to make sure they they need that early application,” contact herbicides. Using the high- same kind of inactivation can light the following morning. build a healthy root system on says Neil Harker, research scientist, est recommended water volumes occur when these products are the crop plant,” says Brenzil. weed ecology and crop manage- and maintaining larger droplets will applied to plant surfaces that are Herbicide residue “That means don’t skimp on the ment at AAFC’s Lacombe Research help ensure better coverage and covered with a layer of dust. Dust starter fertilizer. And phosphorus Centre. “They might want to delay efficacy. Even systemic herbicides kicked up during the spray opera- Herbicides break down in in particular will get it off to a their herbicide application if it’s under drier conditions will perform tion may also result in reduced warm, moist soils through micro- quick start.” very dry and the crop is up but better at higher water volumes. control, especially directly behind bial and chemical processes. In a dry year some crops may there are no weeds yet and wait 3. Water quality: Water qual- the sprayer,” says the website. When the soil is dry, these proc- be so stressed that they will end for some timely rains to get those ity deteriorates in drought condi- 4. Adjuvant application: The esses slow down or sometimes up as livestock feed. Herbicide weeds going. Most herbicides have tions, so using sloughs as a water plants’ defences to moisture loss, stop. Herbicides that have resid- applications during the growing very little residual activity so if you source may affect some herbi- like a thicker wax layer or more ual characteristics in the soil can season, however, may restrict spray and there’s not much weed cides. Saskatchewan Agriculture’s hairs on leaves, also act as barriers have higher-than-normal carryo- options for grazing or forage material there it’s of little value.” website gives information about for the herbicide to reach and pen- ver following application in dry uses. Feeding restrictions on how herbicide effectiveness can etrate the leaf surface, so it’s equal- years. Even if fall moisture is many herbicide labels have not Application be reduced by some water sourc- ly important to apply adjuvants at received, after residual herbicide been developed. If there is a considerations es. Water quality factors of main the maximum recommended rate has been applied during dry sum- chance that the crop will end concern are cleanliness and min- to help the spray stick to the leaf mer conditions, there is a risk that up as forage, farmers should 1. Application rates: The number eral ion content. “Water that is and not run off. herbicide carryover could affect check the product label or check one thing to remember is to not not clean and contains suspend- 5. Temperature: In-crop appli- the following crop. So it may be with the manufacturer or a local cut application rates. “When the ed silt and organic matter can cations with contact herbicides advisable to choose herbicides agronomist. † crop’s not growing as well and the reduce the activity of the follow- should be avoided during the hot- without residual characteristics weeds are under stress, you had ing herbicides: diquat (Reglone, test part of the day to prevent if soils are dry and a dry weather Angela Lovell is a freelance writer, editor and communications specialist living and better keep your application rates Reward), paraquat (Gramoxone) crop injury, which can occur at pattern is already well established working in Manitoba. Find her online at high and follow the application and glyphosate (Roundup, Rustler, temperatures above 27 C. Spraying at the time of spraying. www.angelalovell.ca.

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110200497_TWNLN_Specialist_GN_v2.indd 1 12-03-16 4:01 PM

Client: BASFCAN Publication: Grainews . . . Jeannette File Name: TWNLN_Specialist_GN_v2 Page Position: FP Project Name: Twinline Ads Live Area: 10.25” x 10” CMYK PMS ART DIR CREATIVE CLIENT MAC ARTIST V2 Docket Number: 110200497 . . . . 03/08/12 STUDIO AD#: kenna_5x140_GN_110200497_SP_E PMS PMS COPYWRITER ACCT MGR SPELLCHECK STUDIO MGR PROOF # 6 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features WEED MANAGEMENT Mix it up to reduce herbicide tolerance It’s doing the same thing with the same products year after year that increases the risk of herbicide resistant weeds BY LEE HART says management strategies will differ depending on whether farm- he discovery of glypho- ers are already dealing with cases sate-tolerant kochia in of herbicide resistance, or whether southern Alberta is a they are trying to prevent it. wake up call for Western “If a producer already has TCanadian farmers to pay particular some herbicide resistant weeds What are the odds? attention to proper herbicide rota- in their fields the consequence BY ANGELA LOVELL ing up as a proportion of the temptation to become too com- tion, and also to get back to the of that is a need for some sig- population. Once it gets to the placent about weeds that have basics of good agronomic practices, nificant management,” says lyphosate-resistant point where the farmer notices already developed some resist- say weed and herbicide specialists. Wintonyk. “And if you don’t kochia is currently iso- it, it has probably already been ance elsewhere. “A big key to While this is only one case of have any resistance problems, lated to a small area through the combine a number beating resistance is to resist the glyphosate-tolerant kochia, more then what do you have to do so in southern Alberta, of times and spread through- impulse to break away from your are likely to follow. Glyphosate you don’t get it?” butG farmers should be conscious out the field. “Producers need herbicide rotation in order to has been a very cost effective tool of the fact that it could spread. to manage for minimalization, save a couple of bucks one year,” for producers, particularly over the DOUBLE WHAMMY “Resistance is a numbers game,” because as long as your resistant says Brenzil. “Once you do it one past 25 years in the move toward says Clark Brenzil, Saskatchewan weed population is a very, very year and don’t see any resistance direct seeding and zero-till crop- Using two herbicides is one Ministry of Agriculture weed spe- small proportion of the total showing up, it’s tempting to get ping systems. It is an option farm- approach all specialists recom- cialist. “When a resistant biotype population it’s not a production trapped in that cycle of repeating ers do not want to lose. mend. At the pre-seeding burn- either gets brought in from some- concern, but you want to keep that over and over again, and “The discovery of a glyphosate- off stage, producers are urged to where else or evolves on the parcel it at a level where you can’t see eventually you get to the point resistant kochia is a bit alarming,” tank mix glyphosate with some of land that it’s on, what happens it. If resistance evolves to the where kochia is at right now with says Neil Harker, a weed research other herbicide. It could be as is you have got one plant in per- point where a producer can see Group 2 resistance. Group 2s scientist with Agriculture and Agri- basic as tank mixing with 2,4-D, haps a billion, but it always starts it in his field, the game is pretty were a great herbicide on kochia Food Canada (AAFC) at Lacombe, however producers need to know with one very, very rare plant.” much over for that particular but they aren’t any more. So we Alta. “It is the first case of glypho- their weed spectrum and use A herbicide resistant biotype herbicide group. He’s got two have now lost that tool and there sate resistance on the prairies, and whichever “second” herbicide is can percolate along, unnoticed years left before it’s field wide.” are a finite number of tools in the it is found in a major weed species most effective. for several years, gradually build- Farmers should also resist the toolbox.” † that already has common resist- “Some general figures in the ance to Group 2 herbicides, so it is industry suggest of all producers a concern. And I think it behooves using a pre-seeding herbicide, about becoming resistant to glypho- bicides. But the point is to look Blackshaw urges farmers to us to pay more attention to proper 20 per cent use glyphosate tank sate, he recommends a tank mix at your weed spectrum and look consider using a relatively new herbicide rotations and to increase mixed with a second herbicide and with another herbicide group. In at effective options that can be group — Group 14 herbicides — crop diversity.” about 80 per cent just use straight the case of kochia, in particular, used for weeds that are there and such as Heat and Cleanstart in The news of a glyphosate-resist- glyphosate,” says Bob Blackshaw, a using something like 2,4-D, a are compatible with the crop to combination with glyphosate to ant weed doesn’t mean farm- weed research scientist with AAFC Group 2 product, may not be be planted. reduce risk of developing herbi- ers should stop using glypho- at Lethbridge, Alta. the best option since kochia can With kochia expanding its cide tolerance. sate pre-seeding or in-crop, but it To reduce the risk of weeds become resistant to Group 2 her- range across Western Canada, Blackshaw also says post- does mean farmers need to look at all the tools in the proverbial herbicide and management toolbox to reduce the risk or spreading resistance. “It is a wake-up call for producers,” says Hugh Beckie, a research scientist specializing in the weed resistance with AAFC at Saskatoon. “Glyphosate resistance is fairly common south of the border, so we knew it was coming. It is no great surprise. But it is a wake up call to how growers use glyphosate in their cropping systems so we can preserve the effectiveness of the herbicide as long as we can.”

MIXING IT UP Mix things up — that sums up the general management strategy in dealing with herbicide resist- a It’s . ance. Use different herbicide Hybrid GUSHEr groups and different combinations of herbicides, grow a wider diversity of crops, and apply herbicides at different times of the year to avoid repetition and trends that weeds adapt to. Brian Wintonyk, agronomist with Dow AgroSciences at Calgary

BY DAN PIRARO Bizarro

HealtHIer yIelds by tHe busHel. Our hybrids are backed by healthier agronomic performance, higher even more profIt by tHe bottle. profits from healthier oil premiums and contracts, and the Healthiest now the profit is really flowing, Profit Challenge. More acres are needed right now to meet the growing with nexeratm canola roundup ready® demand for heart-healthy Omega-9 Oils. Talk to your Nexera canola and Clearfield® Hybrids. crusher or retailer. Call 1.800.667.3852 or visit healthierprofits.ca.

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16906-2A Nexera_GusherAd 17.4X7.5_GN.indd 1 1/30/12 12:51 PM APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 7 Features

These innocent-looking kochia plants are just emerging. The photos have been supplied by Keith Topinka, research associate, biosafety of transgenic crops, at the University of Alberta.

harvest weed control is another been made in past years, and will than using different herbicides at Wintonyk also urges farmers GOOD AGRONOMICS opportunity to apply a glyphosate need to look ahead three or four different times. to learn more about growth and tank mix to deal with the weed years to use the right combina- One objective of combining two reproduction patterns of weeds on Harker along with others also spectrum. It takes the pressure tion of products, in the proper products such as Simplicity and their land. With kochia, for exam- emphasizes the value of following off glyphosate to do all the weed rotation with crops.” Attain, Simplicity/Frontline/2,4-D, ple, one plant can produce as many good agronomic practices which control work. or Simplicity and a new version as 14,000 seeds and the majority helps control weeds and risk of “As we deal with the risk of IN-CROP TREATMENTS of Attain being called OcTTain will germinate a year after seed pro- herbicide tolerance. Greater crop herbicide resistance, weed control XL, and Tandem/2,4-D ester, is to duction. Also, kochia seeds don’t diversity and maintaining opti- will become more expensive as dif- Wintonyk says producers cover a wider weed spectrum and germinate as well if the seed is one mum plant stands are important ferent chemistries are used in dif- also need to pay attention to give producers more options. But, or more inches deep in the soil. practices he says. ferent combinations to lower the in-crop herbicide treatments in perhaps even more importantly is He’s not suggesting farmers He understands farming eco- risk,” he says. “It also means pro- cereal crops as well. Research to combine two products with dif- revert to tillage for weed control, nomics, but says back-to-back ducers will need more advanced has shown using two compatible ferent chemistry effective on the but he says in some circum- cropping or even two-year rota- planning. They will need good herbicides in one application to same weed, to reduce the risk of stances, in some areas it may tions of crops such as canola can records of treatments that have tackle weeds is more effective developing herbicide tolerance. have a fit. increase the risk of developing herbicide tolerance. “We are better off than some areas of the United States where their rotations can be Roundup Ready corn, followed by Roundup Ready cotton and then Roundup Ready soybeans,” says Harker. “Using glyphosate after glyphosate after glyhphosate year after year puts a huge selection pressure on weeds for glyphosate resistance.” A cereal/canola rotation isn’t as bad, but he encourages farmers to use all three herbicide-resistant canola systems which helps reduce the selection pressure of glyphosate. Along with cereals and oilseeds, he also encourages the use of pulse crops in rotation, and where possible the use of winter cereals such as winter wheat, fall rye and fall and winter It’s a It’s . triticale to extend rotations and Hybrid GUSHEr change the seasonal timing of herbicide applications. “Farmers need to have a look at all the practices of an integrated weed management system,” he says. “Maintaining higher seed rates is also important to improve weed control. Higher seeding rates and healthy plant stands help to suppress weeds and also promotes more even crop maturity and reduced green seed.” While many canola growers are looking to reduce seeding rates to reduce the cost of seed, “I think we need to resist that temptation,” says Harker. In an ideal situation HealtHIer yIelds by tHe busHel. Our hybrids are backed by healthier agronomic performance, higher thinner stands can be productive, even more profIt by tHe bottle. profits from healthier oil premiums and contracts, and the Healthiest but if stressed by frost, excessive Profit Challenge. More acres are needed right now to meet the growing moisture or drought those thin- now the profit is really flowing, ner stands aren’t as competitive with nexeratm canola roundup ready® demand for heart-healthy Omega-9 Oils. Talk to your Nexera canola with weeds, and if weeds flourish it may mean farmers are apply- ® crusher or retailer. Call 1.800.667.3852 or visit healthierprofits.ca. and Clearfield Hybrids. ing two or three treatments of glyphosate to control weeds — more glyphosate increases the risk of herbicide-resistance. † ™Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC ®All other products are trademarks of their respective companies. Lee Hart is a field editor for Grainews in ® Registered trademark of the Canadian Football League Proud partner of the 01/12-16906-2A Calgary, Contact him at 403-592-1964 or by email at [email protected].

16906-2A Nexera_GusherAd 17.4X7.5_GN.indd 1 1/30/12 12:51 PM 8 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features CROP PRODUCTION CROP ADVISOR’S CASEBOOK CRUSHED HOPES FOR BUMPER CANOLA CROP?

BY JORDAN LEE often on knolls and hilltops than lower-lying areas. ill, a farmer who grows Chemical drift could not be 3,000 acres of wheat, responsible for the damage, I told barley, oats and canola Bill, because of the widespread south of Melfort, Sask., nature of the symptoms through- Bhad acquired another quarter in out the field. Although certain the spring of 2011. The new quar- herbicides can cause symptoms ter had a history of canola-cereal in canola plants that are similar rotations with canola yields in to those we were observing in excess of 40 bushels per acre. Bill Bill’s field, records indicated that had high hopes for a great return herbicide injury due to residu- on his new investment when he als in the soil was also unlikely. seeded the quarter with canola However, I thought examining that spring. the field’s history might turn up Bill began to suspect some- some clues to explain the plants’ thing was wrong at the begin- leaf cupping and purpling. ning of June when he noticed the The soil was sandy loam, and leaves of the two-leaf-stage plants Bill had applied a 90-25-0-10 Jordan Lee were cupping and the leaf mar- blend fertilizer on the field — gins were turning purple. As the fairly standard for the area. It had lem in many other fields across crop progressed to the four-leaf been a wet spring, so at this point Saskatchewan and Alberta. stage, the symptoms appeared we couldn’t rule out a problem “You’ve got to act,” I said. to be worsening. “My crop looks due to saturated soil. However, “This problem is only going to The leaves of the two-leaf-stage canola plants were cupping and the sick,” Bill told me during a phone because the symptoms were more get worse if you don’t do some- leaf margins were turning purple. As the crop progressed, symptoms call in mid-June. He asked me to severe on the hilltops, this sce- thing about it.” were worsening. visit his farm to confirm what he nario was also unlikely. Will Bill’s hopes for a bump- thought was a chemical injury to The key to solving this case- er crop be crushed? What’s [email protected]; tion to the magazine. The his crop. “Could be a drift prob- book, I thought, was in these causing the plants’ leaves to or fax 204-944-5416 c/o Crop answer, along with the reason- lem,” he said. details — a historically high- cup and the leaves’ margins Advisor’s Casebook. Best sug- ing which solved the mystery, Bill’s crop looked sick. Although yielding field with sandy loam to turn purple in Bill’s canola gestions will be pooled and will appear in the next Crop the whole field was affected to soil and a canola-cereal rotation. field? Send your diagnosis to one winner will be drawn for Advisor’s Solution File. † some degree, the symptoms were What Bill was experiencing in Grainews, Box 9800, Winnipeg, a chance to win a Grainews Jordan Lee is an area marketing representative more severe and occurred more his field was also a growing prob- MB, R3C 3K7; email leeann. cap and a one-year subscrip- for Richardson Pioneer Ltd. in Melfort, Sask.

CROP ADVISOR’S SOLUTION KEEPING INSECT THRESHOLDS AT BAY

BY DANIELLE HUEBNER with seeding and spraying, I soil surface indicated an insect one of the most damaging cut- I also recommended that Joe didn’t have the time to scout,” infestation. “This stem has been worm species to crops. The larvae scout his fields after germina- hree important clues he said. As a result, he couldn’t chewed off,” I said to Joe, as I feed on the leaves, making small tion, during emergence and pinpointed an insect be sure whether poor seedling pointed out a stem stub. holes, and the adults feed on the during early growth to monitor pest problem in one emergence or another cause I dug with my trowel gently stems, often severing them and for the appearance of cutworms farmer’s field in the altogether was to blame for the along the row. Hidden in the killing the plants, or weakening and population levels, watch- TManitoba Sunflower Belt last missing plants. I assured him dirt, a half-inch below the sur- the stems, causing the plants to ing for that threshold value. June. This Melita farmer also immediately that poor germina- face and right beside a freshly wilt. Fortunately for Joe, when I Joe should also pay close atten- found out that the species of tion was not the cause of the chewed plant stem, I found examined his field I didn’t think tion to crop rotations — certain pest affects if, and how much, damage because of the patch- what I was looking for — a red- the damage caused by the cut- crops can host cutworms. I also damage will occur in a crop. like appearance of the affected backed cutworm! worms was severe or widespread. warned him to watch out for Joe is one of a number of areas, as well as the fact that his Cutworms only feed at night, Joe sprayed the field late that emerging cutworm populations southern Manitoba farmers other fields of sunflower plants hiding beneath the soil surface night with chlorpyrifos, an orga- in reduced-tillage fields. Trash who grow sunflowers in rota- were developing normally. during the day. This is why nophosphate insecticide. Later carryover from previous crops tion. Producers in the sunflower Three important clues led me they are so difficult to see — in the season, at harvest, his can serve as a host environment belt grow over 90 per cent of to believe Joe had an insect you have to go hunting for yield was not seriously affected. for cutworms. Canada’s sunflower crop. Joe, problem in this sunflower field. them. They prefer hilltops and He’d caught the problem early Finally, Joe, and all growers who also farms wheat, canola First, most of the patches were slopes of hills because these enough. in the sunflower belt, should and rye, asked me to visit his located on the hilltops and areas warm up quickly in the The insect threshold for the be prepared to spray an insec- 2,200-acre operation one morn- south-facing slopes in the field. spring — which explained the crop also determines whether ticide if they are located in ing in early June after he discov- The small holes and notches heavier damage in these areas there will be economic damage an area with repeated cutworm ered patches that were almost in the leaves also fit the proof Joe’s field. to that crop — in sunflowers, problems. These management completely devoid of sunflower file of insect damage — they There are many different spe- that threshold is approximate- practices will help growers keep plants in one of his fields. were actually insect bite marks. cies of cutworm and not all ly one redbacked cutworm per populations of damaging cut- The size of his operation keeps Finally, the presence of plant of them are harmful to crops. square foot. This threshold var- worms at bay. † Joe hopping. He explained he carcasses just inches away from Redbacked cutworms, named for ies among crops. Danielle Huebner is an area marketing hadn’t checked this field since the damaged rows, and the stubs the two dull red stripes that run Since an ounce of preven- representative for Richardson Pioneer Ltd. he planted it. “I’ve been so busy of stems sticking out above the along the larvae’s backs, can be tion is worth a pound of cure, in Antler, Sask.

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Production Contact Numbers: 403 261 7161 403 261 7152 10 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features WEED MANAGEMENT Weed control after a flood Many farmers saw flooded acres in 2011. Special care will be needed to control weeds and manage these fields this year

BY DANELL VAN STAVEREN

t may only occur every 300 years, but farmers in southeast Saskatchewan and southwest Manitoba spent 2011I dealing with the worst flood since the West was settled. An esti- mated six million acres in the two provinces went unseeded due to the flooding. Even though waterlogged fields could not be planted, they were anything but barren, and now pose several management issues for the spring of 2012. “We had a lot of weeds,” says Greg Gerry an agrologist, owner of The Schurko family’s flooded farm near Griffin, Sask., in the spring of 2011. Flooded fields in southeast Saskatchewan, near Griffin Sask., in 2011. Precision Agricultural Services, and a farmer near Griffin, Saskatchewan, weeds have been allowed to grow flushes. Burn-off will be essential,” right product to eliminate their ever, Gerry cautions farmers in the an area severely affected by the and mature unchecked due to the says Gerry. specific weed problem. Gerry says, affected regions to also be aware of flood. He goes on to say, “We bur- wet conditions. The “tools” to control weeds “Perhaps because we had so many several other potential problems ied a lot of weeds, we are going to The quantity of weed seeds is referred to by Gerry, are, of weeds, it created more awareness they may be facing this spring. have a lot of weeds to kill, but we concerning. The greater the quan- course, farm chemicals, such as of what is out there. We are seeing One of those potential problems don’t have new weeds.” tity, the more flushes of weeds that glyphosate. Gerry recommends harder to kill weeds such as cleav- is crusting. Crusting occurs when will be able to grow come spring. farmers look at using glyphosate ers and catchfly.” the structure of waterlogged soil WEED CONTROL TOOLS Field work last fall, such as culti- with an add-on such as Express breaks down and forms a compact vating, and putting weeds through Pre-Pass, or glyphosate and Heat OTHER POST-FLOOD layer on the surface. Crusting not Although it is possible that flood the combine to reduce the straw for spring burn off. For in-crop PROBLEMS only impairs the movement of air waters could have washed in weed residual, may have contributed control of weeds, such as wild and water in the soil, but can also seeds currently not found in the to the problem. “The seed bank oats, Gerry recommends spraying Being aware of the potential impair the emergence of seed- affected fields, Gerry sees this as is buried, so the problem is going with Everest. weed problems caused by the lings. Seeding into crusted soil an unlikely possibility. The greater to be ongoing. There are a lot of He’s cautioning farmers to be flood of 2011 is going to be an may be an issue, although this problem by far is the bank of weed tools to control the weeds. With a aware of what weeds they have important part of field manage- seeds that has been created when warm spring there will be a lot of in their fields, so they can use the ment for the spring of 2012, how- » CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE New programs for a new era

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Prairie strong, worldwide www.cwb.ca m.cwb.ca APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 11 Features Diversification New sea buckthorn variety

By Lisa Guenther “It’s like a cob of corn. Trying be better for the entire industry. to get each piece off individually “There still is that problem of ea buckthorn berries are is very difficult,” explains Betty the existing crops. I guess my brimming with vitamins, Forbes of Northern Vigour Berries. goal is to definitely help all the along with high levels of Growers must cut the branches people who have already planted. beta carotene, omega-3 and freeze them to remove the Of course, we have to look to the oils,S and flavonoids. The fruit can berries, a labour-intensive process future and putting in new varie- be found in a range of food and that drives up costs. ties, but I think we have to work skin care products in health food Agriculture and Agri-Food with both.” stores. The plant is drought hardy Canada researchers recently Kathie Fedora, spokesperson and resistant to diseases and pests, announced that they will be for the Manitoba Seabuckthorn making it a tempting option for releasing a new variety of sea Growers Association, hasn’t had a fruit growers or other crop pro- buckthorn this year that can be chance to evaluate the new vari- ducers looking to diversify their hand-picked or mechanically ety, but she is cautiously optimis- farm income. harvested. AC-Autumn Gold is tic. “If this new variety still retains However, sea buckthorn nearly thornless, and the ber- the resilience of the old variety, berries cluster tightly against ries are on long stalks, making but adds in a far more favourable the stem, making them them easier to harvest. The ber- harvest condition, we would have extremely difficult to hand- ries are also twice as large as a winner.” † pick and impossible to harvest other varieties. Lisa Guenther is a communications specialist mechanically. Numerous thorns Forbes is glad to see new varie- in LIvelong, Sask. Find her online at www. Sea buckthorn is an option for fruit growers or farmers looking to also complicate the process. ties and thinks automation will brickhouse.ca. diversify.

» CONTINUED FROM Previous PAGE can usually be solved by harrowing prior to seeding. Another potential concern for ™ seeding this spring is residual Make your first Move Pre-Pare products in the soil. Farmers must ™ remember what they sprayed on Adding PRE-PARE to your glyphosate gives you a longer lasting burndown of their fields last summer and fall grassy weeds like wild oats and green foxtail. It also takes care of aggressive to control weeds. If a crop that is weeds like Roundup Ready® volunteer canola* and foxtail barley.** PRE-PARE sensitive to a certain residual is planted on a field with that resid- gets the weeds that can rob valuable nutrients and moisture from young ual, the results may be disastrous. wheat. So your wheat gets the head start it needs. And you get the For example, if metsulfurson, a yields you deserve. For the whole story, visit preparefortheseason.ca. residual broad leaf herbicide, was applied in the summer of 2011, lentils could not be planted on this field, as it would destroy the crop’s root system. Deficiencies in nitrogen and For a longer lasting burndown sulphur can occur in waterlogged that includes grassy weeds soil. “Don’t assume you will have nitrogen because the field stayed fallow last year,” Gerry warns. He says that under wet conditions nitrogen becomes mobile, and will find its way to the surface where it will gas off into the atmos- phere. Also, certain microorgan- isms have the ability to obtain oxygen from nitrites and nitrates in waterlogged soils, therefore further reducing the quantity of nitrogen. Sulphur may suffer a similar fate in wet soils, as excess moisture allows the sulphur to leach from the soil. Gerry recommends that farmers soil test last year’s flooded fields to learn the amount of fertilizer in the soil, and determine what requirements each field has for the pending growing season. Farmers in the flooded areas may encounter some insect problems they would likely not typically encounter. One example is the flea beetle. Flea beetles are heat sensitive. An increase in the number of black summer fallow acres means an increase in temperature in those fields, which could translate into an increase in flea beetle numbers. “We may see higher flea beetle numbers then we’ve seen in years,” says Gerry, “Guys aren’t ready for that because we aren’t used to summer fallow.” Whether the issue is weed control, crusting, residuals, nutrient deficiencies, or insect pests, farmers in Southeast Saskatchewan and *Contact control only Southwest Manitoba will still be **Contact control with 900 gae/ha of glyphosate only. feeling the effects of the 300-year Always read and follow label directions. PRE-PARE and the PRE-PARE logo are trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. Arysta LifeScience and the Arysta LifeScience logo are registered trademarks 2011 flood as they prepare for the of Arysta LifeScience Corporation. All other products mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies. 2012 growing season. † ©2012 Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. PREC-099 Danell van Staveren writes from a farm near Griffin, Sask.

0000-1140_PREPARE_Gameboard_CANv3 8.125x10.indd 1 2/17/12 5:27 PM 12 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features WEED MANAGEMENT Scouting soybeans takes planning, time and effort Rob Park of Carman, Man., says farmers shouldn’t take soybean management lightly

BY HARRY SIEMENS year and how short the supply is “Ultimately I’m responsible for tells us that we will press to that one all the decisions and I need to see it oybean acres keep climb- million acres, this year possibly,” he with my own eyes too,” says Park.

ing in Manitoba because says. “That will be a new record.” While it’s impossible to do so PHOTO : HARRY SIEMENS they’re doing better than Another reason for Park’s opti- every time, or even every year, ulti- Rob Park of RJP Seeds Ltd. of Carman, Man., says farmers must make edible beans, especially in mism when it comes to soybean mately a farmer needs to look at the sure they take growing soybeans just as seriously as any other crop. theS last three wet years, and they acre expansion is that more and entire field. ark crisscrosses while Scouting fields is vital to manage weed, disease and fungus control. cost less per acre to grow. more farmers are talking about 25 roguing, zigzagging in the shape of Rob Park, a farmer, seed grower per cent or a third of their acres a “W,” and making some random Park suspects soybeans are 99 per now, but once we start to see a pres- and consultant near Carman, going into soybeans. walks to see what’s there. He spends cent Roundup Ready in the southern ence of soybeans in Manitoba for Man., says farmers shouldn’t treat How high those acreage num- a great deal of time and makes many Manitoba market. The glyphosate a long time, we must be watching soybeans as idiot proof. bers become depends on whether miles on his four-wheeler looking at products work well. Other products for the next test that’s coming,” he the industry gets earlier maturing conditions during different parts of like Pursuit take care of volunteer says. “Everything has its test once SOYBEAN EXPANSION and higher yielding varieties. the growing season. canola and grassy control products it’s been around for awhile.” “The maturity is the Achilles’ heel “I’m always looking for some- take care of some volunteer corn. There are diseases that soybean Park left a job as an oilseed special- to where things can expand into thing. A weed, insect or disease, farmers will need to watch for that ist and in management, left MAFRI western Manitoba and the north,” but for all three at the same BE CAUTIOUS have not been seen here before, to tend to his farm full time three says Park. “We have people going time,” says Park. “I’m looking for, such as soybean rust. Another years ago. Then, he looked for a way with retail outlets into Russell, generally, where is the competi- “Just on the cost side, with ferti- potential problem that already to replace his off-farm income. Roblin, Souris west, and north of tion? What is the limiting factor lizer prices about to shoot back up effects soybean growers in the U.S. “I expanded the seed produc- Brandon making for a huge area, to the plant? And what is compet- again, it makes very good sense to and Ontario is soybean cyst nema- tion in a different kind of way but we need to be strong yielding ing against it for nutrients, sun- grow soybeans,” Park says. “Some toad, a roundworm that infects that from what we used to do,” he says. and we need to be early.” light and for space. Sometimes will look at a crop like soybeans root of the soybean and can have a “With soybeans taking off in the that’s weeds, sometimes insects, versus canola, but canola has seen devastating impact on yield. last while, we focused on soybean SCOUTING and leaf diseases.” strong prices too.” “It may never be a problem here, seed production — doing select When he sees a problem, Park Going forward, Park says farm- but if we grow millions of acres of seed foundation, registered and While still staying on top of implements a solution, putting in ers must be cautious and not treat soybeans in Manitoba, it will find certified seed production.” what is going on in his fields, Park a scheduled herbicide application, soybeans lightly when it comes to its way here,” Park says. † Park says there’s the potential employs a professional agronomist timing an insecticide application crop management. for soybeans to set another new to look after the day-to-day detail to take out soybean aphids, or pos- “Some say it’s idiot proof —spray Harry Siemens is a farm journalist, freelance writer, speaker, and broadcaster living in acreage record this year. because of the other seed work he sibly doing a fungicide application Roundup an few times, its done,” Winkler, Man. Find him at www.siemenssays. “How quickly the seed sold this does on and off the farm. to maintain goodT:10.25” plant health. Park says. “That maybe okay for com, [email protected] or 204-325-5215.

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 13 Features Weed management Go early for best weed control in spring wheat and durum Many farmers focus on pulse and canola acres, leaving spring wheat and durum until later in the season. This could be compromising returns

By Robert Klewchuk particularly when it comes to wild leaf herbicide that addresses the one, two and three years out and Fortunately for cereal grow- oats, which remain the No. 1 specific weed spectrum in the field save the best weed control option ers, there is a wide array of hen the weather challenge for cereal growers and can be added into the sprayer. for the crop that will need it. herbicide options available, co-operates, later are pervasive yield-robbers. Any 4. Plan ahead. Managing her- 5. Start thinking about disease. and companies are launching seeding of cereals weed that isn’t completely dead bicide resistance should always Early herbicide application in cere- new products every year. By can be fine. But after an application is still steal- be a consideration, so plan crop als gives farmers an opportunity applying the same weed control coolW and wet spring conditions ing fertilizer, moisture, space and rotations ahead and keep certain to also get ahead of leaf disease. thinking and practices typically such as those experienced in the light from the cereal crop, so be active ingredients for those crops Scout the crop before application reserved for pulses and canola last few years, can delay weed sure to select a herbicide that that require them. and if early signs of disease exist, — that is, go in hard and early emergence. A pre-seed burn-off delivers a fast, thorough perform- For example, most growers use include a lower rate of fungicide — to spring wheat and durum, to clean a field before seeding is ance to remove that competition a Group 2 product on their pulses, in the tank mix. Disease manage- farmers stand a better chance of not effective at eliminating weeds immediately. so if a pulse crop is going to follow ment should always be part of the ending the season with a highly that haven’t emerged yet. By the 3. Tank mixing. Choose a grass a wheat crop, select an herbicide weed control decision tree, but is marketable crop † time farmers seed their cereal herbicide that offers a high level of with a different mode of action for particularly important if you’re Robert Klewchuk is Syngenta Canada Inc.’s crop, they are going into fields tank-mix flexibility so that a broad- weed control in the wheat. Look pushing rotations. technical lead for Western Canada. with only part of the early weed population addressed. As well, late herbicide application has always been the trend in wheat and durum. The rationale is that weeds must be managed first in pulses such as lentils (which are typically less competitive) and canola (often a higher value crop), before turning to cereals. Late seeding and late weed control can compromise cereal crops’ yield and quality.

Five considerations What holds true for other crops also holds true for cereals: early- season weed removal is key to yield. If the crop is under any stress, if it is being challenged for nutrients, moisture or light, it will dial itself back and not produce as well as it could. Farmers should consider the following: 1. Agronomic practices. Start the spring wheat and durum crop off right with good quality seed. Plant at the right depth and rate, and into optimal soil conditions. Use a seed treatment to help get consistent and strong emergence. “...and lower the A cereal plant that is healthy from the get-go, when it’s young and boom on weeds!” yield potential is set, should have a higher yield and quality at harvest. 2. Herbicide choice. Take the pressure off cereal crops by using a pre-seed burn-off with a non- selective product. Time the burn- off according to weather conditions to ensure it is as effective as possible, then seed the wheat as soon as feasible to give it a chance to germinate before other weeds emerge. When it comes to in-crop weed Raise the bar on your control, early weed control is key,

By Dan Piraro broadleaf weed control. DuPont™ Barricade® herbicide delivers consistently powerful performance against your Bizarro toughest broadleaf weeds in cereals. Count on Barricade® for outstanding weed control. Controls a wide range of the toughest weeds of the West Consistent and powerful control of cleavers and kochia Excellent tool for resistance management This year, raise the bar higher with Barricade®. Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit www.weedwreckingcrew.com As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Barricade® and Solumax® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2012 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

2177BAR_GN_FE.indd 1 1/19/12 5:47 PM 14 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features WEED CONTROL Managing herbicide-resistant weeds in pulses Research continues into new ways to manage herbicide-resistant weeds in pulses

BY ERIC JOHNSON on soils with less than five per Flumioxazin is another Group cent organic matter. Results on 14 soil-applied herbicide that we or the past two years, soils with higher organic mat- have tested periodically over the the Pulse Science Cluster ter have been variable and more last decade. Recently, Syngenta (funded by Agriculture work is required to determine has been evaluating the product and Agri-Food Canada a rate structure for these soils. in field pea, with plans to register Fand pulse industry organizations) Cleavers is not on the Authority it within the next year, and we has provided funds for a group of label, but it is hoped that enough also evaluated fall application in scientists to develop new strategies data will be generated for sub- lentil this past year. Preliminary for managing herbicide-resistant mission in the next year or two. results indicate that lentils were weeds. In addition, Saskatchewan Higher rates of Heat applied pre- tolerant to fall application and it Pulse Growers (SPG) has provided emergence in field pea are also provided suppression to control five years of strategic funding to develop weed control strategies for pulses. With this funding, the Pulse PRECIPITATION AT SCOTT Science Cluster is focusing on May June managing Group 2-resistant wild Authority is quite effective in controlling mustard, kochia, and cleavers, cleavers at label rates on soils with less ------mm------but some work is also being done 2010 121 146 on chickweed and spiny annual than five per cent organic matter 2011 32 81 sow-thistle. We are also using this funding to evaluate herbi- being investigated, although not of kochia, wild mustard, lambs Long-term avg. 36 60

cides with alternative modes of enough data has been generated quarters and redroot pigweed. SOURCE : ERIC JOHNSON , AAFC action for controlling wild oats. to draw conclusions. Fluthiacet-methyl is another Figure 3: Wild oat control with pyroxasulfone at Scott in 2010-11. Although there are a number of Authority is registered for use PPO inhibitor but unlike Authority herbicides available to do this, in field pea, chickpea, flax, and or Heat, it is a post-emergence ing as there was no appreci- there are really only four modes sunflower and is very effective herbicide. Studies have investi- GROUP 15 HERBICIDE able rainfall for about five weeks of action, with heavy reliance on kochia, so it would be ben- gated lentil and field pea toler- The final product we are after application, which limited on Group 1s. eficial to use in lentil, which ance to the product, and while screening is a Group 15 herbi- its activity. Future research will is generally sensitive to it. Bert in both crops we see some initial cide called pyroxasulfone. It is investigate timing of application GROUP 14 HERBICIDES Vandenberg, lentil breeder at the burning, it typically disappears also a soil-active product, and to determine if fall application Crop Development Center (CDC), within weeks. Further testing is its activity is dependent on soil causes more consistent results. The two groups of herbi- feels that there should be a toler- required to determine if this inju- moisture and rainfall. Although As of now we have a few prod- cides that we are focusing on ance gene somewhere in the lentil ry results in a yield penalty (see the product has activity on both ucts that may potentially lead to are Group 14 (PPO inhibitors) germplasm, as there is tolerance Figure 2). In a limited number broadleaf and grass weeds, we future registrations. This type of and Group 15 (inhibitors of cell in other grain legumes. Screening of preliminary trials, fluthiacet- are focusing on wild oat con- research requires long-term time growth and division). Group 14 of lentil germplasm for toler- methyl provided acceptable control, which has been variable investment, but we hope to have herbicides that are currently reg- ance to sulfentrazone (and other trol of kochia and suppression and dependent on rainfall (see some of these technologies in istered in Western Canada are Group 14 herbicides) in the past to control of wild mustard. It is Figure 3). In 2010, wild oat con- farmers’ hands within the next carfentrazone (Aim, CleanStart), three years has found that there not likely a standalone product trol was excellent at all rates two to five years. † sulfentrazone (Authority) and is considerable variation in toler- but could be a potential tank- when precipitation levels were saflufenacil (Heat). ance within the germplasm tested mix partner for Solo or Viper for above normal. In 2011, the con- Eric Johnson is a weed biologist for Agriculture Our studies have found that (see Figure 1). Breeding efforts are controlling resistant weeds, or as trol was not as good with nor- and Agri-Food Canada. He can be reached at eric. [email protected]. This article was originally Authority is quite effective in underway to develop lines with a mix with Sencor to broaden its mal levels of precipitation, but published in the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ controlling cleavers at label rates high levels of tolerance. weed spectrum. these results are a bit mislead- “PulsePoint”. It is reprinted with permission.

PHOTOS : KEN SAPSFORD , U. OF SASK . PHOTO : ERIC JOHNSON , AAFC Figure 1: Variable tolerance to sulfentrazone. Figure 2: Leaf burn on lentil from fluthiacet-methyl application.

Leaders in off-patent solutions. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 15 Features Crop production Organic Practices for conventional producers Even farmers who have no intention of going organic can learn something from successful organic practices

By Kiel Moorehead reduction in fertilizer and fuel has Crop scouting allows farmers to saved us so much without jeopard- address problems early. Harrowing rganic farming has izing our yield production.” reduces weed growth to give crops become mainstream Green manure plow down also a better chance. and is an ever-grow- provides carbon from the plant The Pollocks believe every- ing market. What can material that is needed in the one, organic or not, should Oconventional farming learn from soil structure to hold nutrients. follow these practices. They’ve organic farming? Plant material being worked into learned from trials and tribula- Larry and Pat Pollock are certi- the soil from the previous year’s tions. It took time for them to fied organic farmers, farming 600 crop also provides organic mat- find out which practices work acres just east of Brandon, Man. ter. Implementing a green manure for them, but they would never “We take great pride in the grains plow down into a crop rota- go back. that we produce each year,” said tion provides great competition “If I knew what I know today Larry Pollock. “Organic farming towards any weeds and diseases. 10 years ago, I would have gone does have its challenges, but the organic years sooner,” said Larry. rewards are there.” Other tips As trends come and go, all farmers The Pollocks grow different types should take a step back and “think of cereal grains like barley, rye, oats Other organic-style tips include organic” more often. † and spelt (an ancient wheat grain). seeding early and heavy, crop Kiel Moorehead is a second year Agribusiness p h o t o : b u z z communications They also produce forage seed and scouting often, and harrowing to Larry and Pat Pollock scout one of their spelt fields on their farm just east student at Assiniboine Community College inT:8.125” alfalfa. Larry has been farming reduce weeds. Brandon, Man. of Brandon, Man. for 46 years, and has been growing organic crops since 1998. The Pollocks also sell organic vegetables to local farmers markets.

Diverse crop rotation The Pollocks believe the most important practice conventional producers should try is a diverse crop rotation. “You want to make sure that no insects, diseases, or weeds become adapted to the area,” said Larry. “A good crop rotation will always keep pathogens and pests under control. You want to be careful when selecting Slams Wireworms. your rotations in making diverse decisions for any particular field.” Joanne Thiessen Martens, an assistant agronomist at the University of Manitoba, agrees that a diverse crop rotation can help conventional producers manage their problems. “All producers should create a four to six year crop rotation that should include You know Raxil® seed treatment as the most cereals, oilseeds, legumes and per- effective opponent of smut in wheat, barley ennials like alfalfa,” she says. “You want to plant crops that have dif- and oats. You trust it to have your back against ferent habits in growing in order seed- and soil-borne fusarium. And there is no to upset any problems the field doubt that it is the undisputed champion when may have. This can include cool it comes to return on investment. to warm temperature crops, and even fall seeded crops like fall rye So what’s this about Raxil WW? It’s all the T:10” and winter wheat.” The Pollocks have definitely above and more. It’s the sworn enemy of noticed the difference that comes the dreaded wireworm. It takes it down and from using a diverse crop rotation teaches it a lesson it will never get a chance on their organic farm. “When you to remember. Ring the bell for Raxil WW. look across the field, the difference is astounding. The amount of For more information visit: weed pressure has decreased and BayerCropScience.ca/Raxil we have been able to take care of any problems when they are little,” says Larry.

Green manure plow down Joanne Pollock recommends that conventional farmers practice a “green manure plow down.” This involves seeding an annual legume every third year in a crop rotation. The legumes grow until the flowering stage, then the plant material is worked into the soil. “The legumes fix the nitrogen in the soil, which is so important in having good growth,” says Joanne. Green manure plow down offers nitrogen to the soil without the farmer having to add it in the liquid or granular forms. The Pollocks have noticed a huge change in their input costs since BayerCropScience.ca/Raxil or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. they added a green manure plow Always read and follow label directions. Raxil® is a registered trademark of Bayer. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. C-55-03/12-BCS12047-E down practice. “Our costs have dropped dramatically since going organic,” explained Larry. “The

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Production Contact Numbers: 403 261 7161 403 261 7152 16 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features SEEDING New opener means faster seeding, no hairpinning This farmer is impressed with a disc system that works through all crop residue and adds 25 per cent more acres seeded per hour

BY LEE HART of placing seed and fertilizer, easily works through crop residue and etrofitting one wider allows him to travel faster. seeding tool bar with “With other systems maybe you newer, simpler disc open- can seed at four to five miles per ers has made it possible hour, but this works well at up to Rfor Jody Klassen to eliminate a sec- 6.5 miles per hour,” he says. “And ond air seeding system and cover with the extra width I can seed 20 to more ground in a day on his north 25 per cent more acres per hour and central Alberta farm. still get accurate seed placement.” This spring will be the second Klassen had been using two older year that Klassen, who crops about Concord drills one equipped with 5,400 acres of grains and oilseeds Dutch openers and the other with near Mayerthorpe, northwest of low draft Atom Jet openers. Both Edmonton, Alta., has gone to the were paired row seeding systems. field with a unique Flexicoil 7500 tool bar equipped with Pillar Disc SIMPLIFY SEEDING Hoe Drill openers. Klassen says the simpler, low To simplify the seeding operation, PHOTOS : PILLAR LASERS maintenance design of the double Klassen bought a 70-foot Flexicoil Klassen’s Flexicoil tool bar seeding system, equipped with Pillar disc hoe openers, seeding the 2011 crop. shoot opener does an excellent job 7500, and replaced all shanks with the Pillar Disc Hoe Drill openers. “It is a not a fully independent link system, but is about two-thirds of the way there. It is one of the few, if not the only one like it in Western Canada. It does a nice job of seed- ® ing and really improves my seeding efficiency.” Authority 480 He has set up the system with two air tanks, one forward and Pre-emergent herbicide one behind, with a total of six compartments. Along with the seed, the two tank system can blend fertilizer in the field. The Pillar Disc Hoe Drill opener was designed by Dick Friesen, president and founder of Pillar Lasers, a welding and fabrication company based in Warman, Sask. (Find more information at www. pillarlasers.com.) Friesen who worked for another seeding system manufacturer in the past, began working on design of the Pillar Disc Hoe Drill opener about seven or eight years ago and has been manufacturing them for about six years. “It is loosely based on the Barton disc opener, but is much simpler in design and for maintenance,” says Friesen. “It is a very accurate seed placement system, it can operate at higher speeds which is what farmers like about disc systems, APPROVED but we have eliminated the issue of hairpinning in crop residue. “We’ve kept it simple — there are only three moving wheels. It has very good wearing ability, but if you need to service it, you can dismantle any component in one to two minutes, whereas with the Hey, kochia… time to move on. original Barton system it could have been a one to two hour job.”

® Authority is now registered for sunflowers, field peas, flax and UNIQUE DESIGN chickpeas in all Prairie Provinces. Friesen says the Pillar system is the only double shoot disc system, Sunflowers, field peas, flax and chickpeas will no longer bow passively to tough broadleaf weeds. certainly within the price range. Not even Glyphosate or Group 2 resistant kochia can withstand this new technology. Fertilizer is applied through the disc as it cuts through the soil and is Authority is an advanced new Group 14 (sulfentrazone) chemistry that now offers a safe, placed about 1.5 inches below and effective solution for these high-value crops. to the side of the seed row. The seed comes down through a wing beside • Controls kochia, wild buckwheat, lamb’s-quarters and more. the disc. Seed exits through the • Canada’s first sulfentrazone herbicide. Fully serviced. back of the wing directly onto the seed bed. Just above the wing is a • Convenient Spray and Go® technology. heavy duty plastic or polymer plate referred to as the seed ski that holds 1-800-868-5444 www.nufarm.ca soil in place over the seed until all

Spray & Go® is a registered trademark of Nufarm Agriculture Inc. is firmed up by the packer wheel. Authority® is a registered trademark of FMC Corporation. An easily accessible gauge allows producers to set and lock in depth control using the packer wheel. “The system has very accurate seed placement and is packed on row, and leaves a very nice finish to the field,” says Friesen. “It looks APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 17 Features

good, but also makes it much easier at harvest to have a nice level field.” It is the design of the double shoot system that eliminates the hairpinning problem with crop residue, he says. The system can work through any height of stubble, even tall stubble left behind from a stripper header, without hairpinning. While the opener can be adapted for certain makes of tool bars, Friesen has begun manufacturing his own system. He is already making a 40-foot seeding system and will be field-testing a 58-foot wide seeding system this spring. “Farmers like wider systems to cover more ground,” he says. “While we are not as wide as some This closeup view of the Pillar disc hoe opener shows the disc that places manufacturers the fact that a pro- fertilizer, the wing to side of the disc that places seed. The white plate ducer can seed at higher speed above the wing is the seed ski, followed by a packer wheel at the rear. does increase seeding efficiency.” The opener works equally well ducing VRT to about 10 per cent “You might say we are bit old with all seed sizes ranging from of his farm in 2012. Working with school in that we’re not using grass seed to the large pulse crop long-time crop consultant, Geoff all the reference mapping that seed. And the disc system also Doell of Growth Agronomics of some VRT prescriptions use,” says works very well for seeding into Westlock, he’ll be using variable Klassen. “But we feel this will give sod, says Friesen. rate fertilizer application with can- us a good handle on productiv- ola seeded on wheat stubble. ity of different sites where we are OTHER CHANGES “It is somewhat expensive to get using VRT. Initially we are going to started with VRT, so we are starting focus on nitrogen, since it is a key Along with the new seeding sys- with just a portion of the farm,” nutrient and then look at other tem, Klassen is simplifying seeding says Klassen. The fields selected nutrients as we go.” plans for 2012 and dropping peas have had repeat soil testing over Klassen, who farms northwest of out of the rotation this year. He’ll the years — site specific testing Edmonton, says timing of seeding is divide his farm between wheat and that is geo-referenced, so they have critical in his area — the earlier the canola. Generally, since he’s had tested the same areas for several better. In an ideal year he’d hope good success with peas, he plans to years. Along with yield data, they to be seeding by April 25 although include them in rotation in 2013. are also looking at the history of tis- often it is first week of May. † With the new seeding system sue testing of crops on these fields Lee Hart is a field editor for Grainews in designed for variable rate technol- to help in developing the fertilizer Calgary, Contact him at 403-592-1964 or by The double shoot opener does an excellent job of placing seed and ogy (VRT), he also will be intro- prescription. email at [email protected]. and fertilizer..

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Roundup TRansoRb® HC HeRbiCide. THe poweR of unsuRpassed weed ConTRol and indusTRy leading guaRanTees pRovide a woRRy-fRee pRe-seed buRndown. Visit www.roundup.ca for details. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Transorb®, and Roundup® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. ©2012 Monsanto Canada, Inc. Photo courtesy of John Deere. 18 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features CROP POLLINATION Alfalfa Leafcutter Bees Leafcutter bees are vital to alfalfa production. Learn how these bees do their jobs

BY ANDREW LINDSAY-HAWKINS in cocoons, and take 18 to 24 hut, depending on hut size, bee days to change into adult bees. numbers per acre, and whether lfalfa leafcutter bees The cells are placed into incu- the land is irrigated. (Megachile Rotundata) bation trays and placed in to an The female bees cut small sec- were first imported to incubation chamber for hatch- tions of leaf or petals from crops Canada (into Southern ing. This room is kept at 30 or weeds to build bee cells in the AAlberta) by G.A. Hobbs in 1962. C; steps are taken to eliminate nesting material supplied. When From a small beginning they have a parasitic wasp that hatches the bee has formed the base and expanded into a much larger area sides of the cell, she collects pol- covering approximately 36,000 len and nectar to provision the acres in Saskatchewan, 13,500 cell, and then lays an egg on top acres in central and southern of the nectar. She uses additional Manitoba and 24,000 acres in the leaves to seal the cell. Peace River, Brooks and Lethbridge The huts are The male bees pollinate the areas of Alberta in 2011. At one placed with a flowers as they’re feeding them- point these bees covered more selves. Their only other task is PHOTO : ANDREW LINDSAY -HAWKINS than 200,000 acres in Western range of two to breeding females — not build- A leafcutter bee hut with nesting blocks in late summer. Canada ing cells. Most of the leafcutter bees are five acres per hut Once a cell is complete, the bee and processed for use on the farm pollination and reasonable produced on alfalfa in the three starts building the next cell. This next season or packaged for sale reproduction for the bees. provinces; the acres involved are during the incubation period. continues throughout its life. off the farm. The value of seed and bees pro- small compared to other crops. At approximately 15 to 18 days At the end of the season, or Leafcutter bees usually reproduce duced are significant for the farms Alfalfa flowers won’t set seed the males start to emerge from when the cells are over 80 per cent 1.5 to two times the number of involved and contribute greatly unless they’re cross-pollinated and the cocoons. At about 19 to 21 full, the nest blocks are removed bees released into a field. The extra to Western Canadian agriculture tripped. Leafcutter bees are used in days, the first females emerge. from the huts in the field. bees harvested during the winter with their value to pollinating alfalfa as they tend not to move far Then, the trays are taken to the Meanwhile, the eggs inside each are usually sold off the farm. other crops, especially hybrid from where they’re released unless field where they are opened cell have hatched. These larvae eat canola in Southern Alberta. In they’re short of food. up and placed in the huts. The the nectar and pollen, grow and BEE ECONOMICS 2011 the market value of alfalfa later females hatch in the heat spin cocoons. The cells are placed seed and bees at the farm gate LEAFCUTTER BEE LIVES of early summer. in a temperature controlled room Over the last ten years, cocoon was approximately $20 million The release of bees into the at 15 C long enough to ensure the prices have ranged from $5 to in Saskatchewan alone. † The life of a leafcutter bee is field is timed for when the larvae are fully developed before $110 per gallon (10,000 healthy short. Males live two to four weeks; alfalfa reaches ten per cent the temperature is reduced. Once cocoons). Usually, two to five Andrew Lindsay-Hawkins is a member of the Sask Leafcutters Association board of females live six to 12 weeks. bloom. The huts are placed with the cocoons are fully dried, they gallons per acre are used in directors and the owner/operator of Aotearoa The bees are stored as larvae a range of two to five acres per are removedT:10.25” from (10’ the 3”) nest block alfalfa fields. This allows good Holdings Ltd.

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SBC12000.RAXIL.35.indd SBC12000.RAXIL.35 3-15-2012 5:05 PM Grainews CALMCL-DMX7993 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Insertion Date: April 02, 2012 Sandra Menge Bayer Crop Science 8.33% None SPEC ORIGINALLY GENERATED: Dal PAGE: 1 ACD12017 10’ 3” x 7’ 9” SAFETY: None TRIM: 10.25” x 7.75” Bleed: None Helvetica Neue LT Std (55 Roman, 75 Bold, 97 Black Condensed; OpenType)

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4287-F SYNGENTA Axial Ad R1.indd 1 12-01-19 6:05 PM 20 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Features Soil management Cattle on crop acres Whether you have cattle or not, Kevin Elmy says there are many benefits to grazing cattle on your land

By Kevin Elmy agronomic problems like hard pan. piece of ground where nitrates are Having animals graze off the growth not going to be a concern. here has been a lot of accelerates microbial activity in the talk about soil health. soil. Concerns about weed resist- Corn, hay and pasture Lots of people don’t ance, soils not responding well to know what is meant by fertilizer, compaction, low organic People who know me will be Tthis, but are still trying to make matter, high fertilizer prices, or low rolling their eyes to see I’m the soil healthy. There are soil commodity prices could all lead still talking about corn grazing, additives and techniques being farmers in this direction. but it has done wonders for discussed, but one of the quick- There’s an opportunity to our soils. A corn crop produc- est and most efficient ways to “trade” acres with a livestock ing 15 to 20 tonnes per acre improve soil health is to get neighbour — they graze on your being returned to the soil by animals grazing it. The Prairies crop ground, you get the accu- livestock grazing has immensely were once a natural nutrient mulation of nutrients. This way, improved my soils, without a cycle of plant growth and ani- nutrients on the grazed ground are big fertilizer bill. Corn roots are B:17.4” mal grazing that sustained itself utilized and not leached away, and deep rooted which helps cycle p h o t o : k e v i n e l m y T:17.4” for thousands of years. Maybe the livestock producer can graze a deeper nutrients in the soil, it Your neighbours may be looking for ways to extend their grazing season. it’s time to revisit getting ani- S:17.4” mals walking on our land.

“I don’t want cows” “But I’m a grain farmer. I don’t want to have cows.” A neighbour may have cows and be looking at extending their grazing season. Land does not have to be taken out of production to produce grazing opportunities — stubble and residue grazing works well, along with grazing of cover crops or chem-fallow, if you watch which chemicals are used. Check with the chemical companies for registration on grazing restrictions. Or produce a corn crop for grazing purposes, or produce hay with the intention of getting the hay put up custom or on shares. On crops that produce a lot of straw, look at fall grazing. The animals will nose through the trash, looking for grain, green growth, and straw. The more that goes through the animal, the quicker the straw breaks down and decomposes, releasing its nutrients. The animals will go into grass sloughs and clean them up. If supplemented with hay, Serious growers take weed control personally. it will be importing nutrients into With three modes of action in a single solution, the field which will reduce your GO Velocity m3 herbicide provides enough raw power to B:10” S:10” fertilizer bill the next year. T:10” take down your toughest broadleaf and grassy weeds. Cover cropping Take control of your Group 1-resistant wild oats and Cover cropping is another way Group 2-resistant broadleafs. to produce biomass for livestock grazing. The use of cover crops is a relatively new concept, based For more information visit: on mixing up a bunch of different BayerCropScience.ca/Velocitym3 crops, allowing them to grow, then AHEAD, either letting them rot in the field, or harvesting them with livestock. Let’s DO this! Cover crops allow farmers to cover the ground, break up weeds, insects and diseases, and solve other

By Dan Piraro Bizarro MAKE MY DAY BayerCropScience.ca/Velocitym3 or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. C-60-02/12-BCS12055-E

SBC12007.Velocity.11.indd SBC12007.Velocity.11 2-15-2012 11:49 AM Grainews CALMCL-DMX8127 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Insertion Date: March 5 & April 2, 2012 Marsha Walters Bayer Crop Science 100% None SPEC ORIGINALLY GENERATED: Marianne PAGE: 1 BCS11080 17.4” x 10” SAFETY: None TRIM: 17.4” x 10” Bleed: None Helvetica Neue LT Std (96 Black Italic, 55 Roman, 75 Bold, 66 Medium Italic; OpenType)

Production Contact Numbers: 403 261 7161 403 261 7152 APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 21 Features

B:17.4” T:17.4” Land doesn’t need to be taken out of production to produce grazing opportunities. Corn grazing has done wonders for our soils. S:17.4” grows late into the year which keeps microbes alive longer, and the cows do well on it. This is at the other extreme of residue grazing for intensity. Corn will take a lot more grazing days per acre for the animals to eat than residue grazing. Hay and pasture is the more traditional way of creating forage for livestock. A legume crop will fix nitrogen for the next few crops in rotation when taking the forage crop out, create some internal drainage, build some organic matter, and will help with insect and weed problems. A high grass stand will build organic matter faster, but has the baggage of not fixing nitrogen. Adding some legume to a grass stand will help the nitrogen situation and help improve the feed quality. Harvesting a pasture is more straightforward than hay. Turn cattle into the pasture and let them do their thing. For hay, the question arises — do you purchase equipment or get Serious growers take weed control personally. everything contracted out? The With three modes of action in a single solution, answer depends on acres, other GO uses for equipment, long term Velocity m3 herbicide provides enough raw power to B:10” S:10” goals T:10” and other factors. Getting take down your toughest broadleaf and grassy weeds. the work done by the potential hay buyer may cost more in the Take control of your Group 1-resistant wild oats and short run, but the work will be Group 2-resistant broadleafs. done the way the customer wants it done. The goal is to find someone For more information visit: you can work with. Whether BayerCropScience.ca/Velocitym3 you agree on a ten-year hay AHEAD, price that averages out highs and lows, or just agree to set Let’s DO this! the price year to year, both par- ties have to be happy for the arrangement to work. Some of the problems you may encounter are compaction, forage over-production, lack of livestock in the area, farm retire- ments or livestock liquidation, partnerships gone bad, or rising profitability of grain farming. Each has its own set of head- MAKE aches. All has its own resolu- tions, pitfalls, and opportunities, like any other crop we grow. Managing our soils, creating “new” opportunities like custom grazing and reducing risk on both sides of the fence will help foster local growth and better utilize our land base. † Kevin Elmy operates Friendly Acres Seed Farm, along with his wife, Christina, and MY DAY parents, Robert and Verene, near Saltcoats, BayerCropScience.ca/Velocitym3 or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Sask. Contact him at 306-744-2779 or visit Always read and follow label directions. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada. C-60-02/12-BCS12055-E www.friendlyacres.sk.ca.

Production Contact Numbers: 403 261 7161 403 261 7152 22 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Columns Guarding wealth Judge a stock’s worth by its risk Volatile stocks tend to bring higher returns. But not everyone has the stomach to hold an unstable portfolio

By Andrew Allentuck which they invest, like to evaluate risk as measured by volatil- here are good reasons to ity. The more a stock jumps up be cynical about invest- and down, the more volatile ing in stocks or mutu- and therefore the more risky al funds, or exchange it is. The less it jumps, the less Ttraded funds that hold stocks. risky it is. All this is sensible. If Investing is about buying low a stock followed a smooth path, and selling high. But just what investing would be almost risk is low and what, precisely, free apart from worries about is high is usually clouded in inflation and taxes. uncertainty. Let’s take some examples. To a cynic, the idea of judging Research in Motion (RIM) was companies’ values by their bal- a $10 stock ten years ago, a ance sheets, income statements, $140 stock in 2008, and is down price to earnings ratios, price to to $15 — with no dividends sales ratios and the other bits to cushion the pain. Worse is of arithmetic that are supposed Yellow Media Inc. (YLO), pub- to guide the investor between lisher of the Yellow Pages. It the pillars of greed and fear is was $10 at its initial public Pages, it must be a great one at Nokia (NOK), the Finnish cell Google would cause to Yellow foolish. Some companies trade offering in 2003, hit $16 in $50 or $3, respectively. phone company? Its shares Media — isn’t easy. But each for huge multiples of earnings, 2006 and is now down to about How about companies with were US$40 in 2008 and trade stock had a volatile past and, as some for low ones, some at a dime — one per cent of its upward mobility? A good exam- for US$5 today. the old saying goes, the faster high prices in spite of crummy price when it went public — as ple is Apple Inc. (AAPL), which Celebrities come and go, but they rise, the harder they fall. balance sheets, and some at low its business model has been was virtually a penny stock in volatility is forever. Volatility is the tale. prices though they have good crushed by web search engines 2002 and, as I write this story, Each of these stocks has or balance sheets. such as Google. It would take a is trading at about US$500, had celebrity status and each, Plodding stocks miracle for either company to up about US$80 since early save for Apple, today’s wonder Look at volatility return to its former highs. Each January. Apple is now a colos- child of the market, fell because Let’s take some plodding is a victim of downward price sus with the sum of the value investors saw its prospects dim. stocks. Pipelines are plod- There is another way. Analysts mobility. And a source of pain of its shares greater than that Sharp analysts may have seen ders. Save for missteps (such who crunch numbers and, often, for those who bought it on the of Exxon Mobil, formerly the the trouble coming, but predict- as TransCanada Corporation’s have no particular interest or theory that, if it was a good buy biggest stock B:10.25”on Wall Street. But ing the future — whether it’s (TRP) disastrous halving of its even knowledge of a business in at $100 for RIM or $5 for Yellow how long willT:10.25” it last? Remember cell phone sales or the wreckage dividend in 1999 that caused S:10.25”

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SBC12035.Folicur.6.indd SBC12035.Folicur.6 3-14-2012 1:41 PM Grainews CALMCL-DMX7991 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Insertion Date: Apr 2, 2012 Marsha Walters Bayer Crop Science 100% None SPEC ORIGINALLY GENERATED: DLO PAGE: 1 BCS12051 10.25” x 7.75” SAFETY: None TRIM: 10.25” x 7.75” Bleed: None Helvetica Neue LT Std (55 Roman, 75 Bold; OpenType)

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its share price to drop by two- overtones as well as all the good return. For example, global But along the way, small caps than one, it fluctuates more thirds), most pipelines have a other problems that go with small- to mid-cap equity mutual rocketed and swooned far more than its benchmark. steady business unaffected by mining, is never going to be as funds lost 12 per cent in the 12 than large caps. An average The PEG ratio (price/earnings the price of the oil they carry. steady as the steady business of months ended Jan. 31, 2012. investor watching his or her over growth of earnings) is also Enbridge Inc. (ENB), for exam- moving oil. They made 13.8 per cent per asset soar and plummet might worth considering. If a stock ple, has gone from $20 in the year compounded annually for have been tempted to sell either has a price to earnings ratio of fall of 2009 to $40 today with CHOOSE YOUR RISK LEVEL the three years ended Jan. 31, type of fund, but the tempta- 10 and is growing its earnings few wobbles along the way. lost 3.9 per cent per year for the tion would surely have been at 20 per cent per year, its PEG TransCanada Corp. has risen We come now to the essence five years ended Jan. 31 com- greater for the more acrobatic ratio will be 10/20 or 0.5. When from $30 in early 2009 to $40 or of the problem: How much risk pounded annually, and made 4.2 small cap funds. the ratio is below 1.0, the stock so today with relatively minor do you want in your portfolio? per cent per year compounded looks like a good deal and often wiggles, though more than MEASURING VOLATILITY is, though the reason needs to Enbridge’s wobbles. be explored. Some companies Some of these price moves The astute investor can save with undependable earnings can be explained by how much a lot of grief by checking a cou- have low PEG ratios because companies owe on the balance ple of vital measures of stock investors just don’t feel that sheets and their equity-to-debt The old saying is that risk and return volatility. First, look at “beta,” their rates of growth of earnings leverage, and others by public which is the amount by which are dependable. reaction to oil spills. In the case go together. Take on more risk and you the price of a stock or a mutual Put beta together with the PEG of uranium producer Cameco fund or other asset fluctuates ratio and you should be able to Inc. (CCO-TSX), $50 in 2007 should have a higher return compared to its benchmark. tell which stocks will keep you and $23 today, problems with Many websites such as globe- awake at night. Volatility is risk a leaky mine in Saskatchewan The old saying is that risk annually for the 10 years ended fund.com show beta for each and the premium or discount and the Japanese disaster last and return go together. Take on Jan. 31, 2012. In the end, they mutual fund. A fund with a you pay to buy into risk is a year explain much of the loss. more risk and you should have beat global equity funds — the beta of one fluctuates as much measure of what you can win or But Cameco has a solid asset a higher return. That theory has large capitalization companies as the market, for example, the lose. † the world needs and its price no clock on it. You could buy — which made a humble 0.4 per Toronto Stock Exchange, but no Andrew Allentuck’s latest book, “When Can I will recover. Yet the uranium a portfolio of jumpy small caps cent per year for the 10 years more. If beta is less than one, it Retire? Planning Your Financial Life After Work,” business, which has political and have to wait decades to see a ended Jan. 31, 2012. fluctuates less. If beta is more was published in 2011 by Penguin Canada.

SEASONAL PLANTS Easter Lily Now Registered in BY TED MESEYTON

he Easter lily has long been Flax, Field Peas, Chickpeas and Sunﬂ owers viewed as a floral symbol of purity. Easter symbol- izes life, joy and holiness. TEaster is the mighty hymn of the ocean and the orchestra of the grain fields and forests whose notes are written on every leaf and inscribed in the grass and each flower. †

BY DAN PIRARO Bizarro

Excellent solution for Kochia and other tough weeds

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Always read and follow label directions. FMC and Authority are registered trademarks and Investing in farming’s future is a service mark of FMC Corporation. ©2012 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. F100-23773 1/12

F100-23773-2_Grainnews.indd 1 2/7/12 3:19 PM

F100-23773-02-Grainews Color: 4/color Size: T - 8.125 x 10” SIZE A Grainews 24 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION — 1912-2012 MARKING A CENTURY OF SERVICE

n April 1, 2012, the Canadian The Canada Grain Act, which guides grain, demonstrating how valuable a right Grain Commission cel- us in delivering our mandate, was this is to them. Finally, producers are still ebrates its 100th anniver- passed by the Canadian government offered payment protection for deliveries sary. The employees of the to meet the needs of grain producers. to licensed primary elevators. OCanadian Grain Commission join with Through the Act, we work to establish While we celebrate our past, we also me in thanking the hardworking staff at and maintain standards of quality for look to the future. We are a vibrant Grainews for producing this publication Canada’s grain, regulate grain handling organization, ready to take on new to commemorate a century of service. in Canada, and to ensure that Canada’s challenges. We draw strength from a To survive a century is quite an grain is a dependable commodity for proud past while we evolve to meet achievement. But our longevity is not domestic and export markets. changing demands. what is noteworthy, as you will see as Grain producers still have rights that Along with the dedicated employees you read about our past. No, our true were initially granted to them under the of the Canadian Grain Commission, achievement is our role in the growth Act in 1912. Producers can dispute the I look forward to another century of of the Canadian grain industry. For grade and dockage received at a licensed collaboration with our stakeholders 100 years, we have collaborated with primary elevator and ask our inspectors to assure to the continued success of Canadian grain producers and other to provide a binding decision. Producers Canada’s grain industry. members of an industry that has are also guaranteed the right to ship shaped Canada’s society, economy their grain using producer cars. In 2011, Elwin Hermanson and landscape. producers loaded over 12,700 cars with Chief Commissioner CGC guarantees Canadian grain quality worldwide Quality assurance makes Canadian grain superior

BY RON FRIESEN would not exist if there were no ity for each load is a remark- Grain Commission,” says Elwin able achievement, considering the he owner of Singapore’s Hermanson, chief commissioner of grain is grown over a vast area largest bakery chain the Canadian Grain Commission. under varying conditions that can sits in a high-rise office “You have a disciplined system range from flooding in one part of tower gazing out over the for putting grain into the market the Prairies to drought in another Tworld’s busiest ocean port. Any and you don’t have to deal as often and delivered to over 300 coun- day now, a ship carrying wheat with bad outcomes.” try elevators owned by competing from Canada is scheduled to arrive Implicitly, that means end-use grain companies. and unload its cargo for milling. customers are treated fairly, too. That’s because the system works The baker is already planning A regulated, co-ordinated system co-operatively to produce the his production and quality-control involving farmers, the CGC, grain right product. Any grain exported A prize-winning Board of Grain Commissioners display in Italy in 1932. program for months ahead, based handlers and marketers ensures it. through a terminal elevator in on grain from halfway around the Farmers produce the grain, grain Canada must be inspected by the grading, certifying and providing world he has never laid eyes on, handlers market the grain and CGC as it goes into the terminal COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED customer support — holds true much less inspected. establish the price; the CGC certi- and as it’s loaded on to the vessel. If, for example, a customer for any of the 21 official grains But he isn’t worried. He knows fies grades and quality and pro- To ensure the grain going into feels the protein strength of the listed by the Canada Grain Act, he will almost certainly get exactly vides technical expertise and sup- the cargo hold is what the customer wheat in his shipment is not whether cereals, oilseeds, pulses, the right kind of wheat with the port to overseas customers. requested, samples are taken con- as expected, he lodges what’s mixed grains or other crops. precise specifications he requested. “A customer in the U.K., for tinuously during loading. A qual- called a cargo complaint. The He also knows that, if there’s a example, can have confidence ity check occurs for every 2,000 CGC retains a sample from each FARMER INPUT problem with the bread when it that when he buys No. 1 Canadian tonnes, so a load to fill a 20,000- shipment for six months. It will emerges from the oven, Canadian Western Red Spring wheat with tonne vessel would be tested 10 take part of the sample in ques- It’s important to note that farm- officials will step in to provide 13 per cent protein, when it is times as the grain goes in. tion and test it in the CGC’s ers, who grow those crops in the technical assistance. Canada is one shipped, that the Canadian Grain What if, for example, nine sam- Grain Research Laboratory in first place, are directly involved in of the only countries in the world Commission will certify that ples are of the right stuff but one is Winnipeg to determine if the helping to shape Canada’s grain able to provide wheat sight unseen everything loaded on this boat not? The certificate final will say so. grading was correct. The com- grading system. to an overseas buyer with the constitutes No. 1 CWRS 13.0,” “We cannot order the vessel mission can also mill and bake Every spring and fall, the assurance that it’s what he paid for explains Hermanson. unloaded,” says Daryl Beswitherick, that sample in its lab to see if Western Standards Committee, a and will perform the way he wants. Satisfying customers at the end the CGC’s program manager for there really is a protein problem, 26-member industry committee, That fact is due in large part to of the supply chain may not have quality assurance standards. “But as the customer alleges. which includes 12 grain produc- the Canadian Grain Commission, been uppermost in the minds of what we will tell the grain com- If the sample performs as expected ers as well as processors and a federal agency responsible for the Board of Grain Commissioners pany is that 2,000 tonnes that went in the lab, the problem may be at exporters, meets to discuss grad- regulating the country’s grain when they first set about their on did not meet specifications. If the customer’s end. Perhaps there’s ing issues and make recommen- handling system. work a century ago. Protecting they remove it, and continue to something wrong with his flour dations to the Commission about How the CGC provides cus- farmers from unfair treatment by load grain that meets the quality mill or the baking process. grain grades and standards. tomers with what the industry railways, grain dealers and mill- that was sold, we will certify the But if a cargo complaint turns out According to a recent CGC state- calls “the best wheat in the ing companies by enforcing regula- whole lot as making spec. If they to be justified, the system works to ment, the committee works to world” is a story spanning 100 tions was the main emphasis (see choose not to remove it, we will try and correct it. “make sure changes to the grad- years this month. related story). certify that 2,000 tonnes did not It may be that the grade and con- ing system reflect the interests But as Canada’s grain exports meet specification. tent of the shipment are right but, and concerns of all stakeholders PURPOSE REMAINS expanded, especially after World “The vessel would be able to for some reason, the protein isn’t in Canada’s grain sector, including War II, customers began to demand sail. But what the customer would performing as it should. Perhaps producers.” The world was a very different that, if they were buying wheat know when they receive their cer- the reason is an agronomic one, The committee “constantly place in 1912 when the Board of from so far away, it had better be tificate final is that there are two because soil and weather condi- review(s) Canada’s grading sys- Grain Commissioners, the CGC’s what they ordered. different qualities within the hold tions under which wheat is grown tem so that it continues to be forerunner, was formed with a Of course, European millers buy- of that vessel. can affect protein functionality. relevant to the grain sector and mandate to administer the new ing wheat from Western Canada “If you’re loading wheat or barley In that case, the CGC may go over to buyers of Canada’s grain,” says Canada Grain Act and enforce reg- could (and did) come over to or peas, the procedure is the same.” and help the customer work with the statement. ulations for grain inspection. observe the harvest. But they still How often is a vessel loaded with the grain to produce the desired The committee employs sub- But then, as now, the pur- needed to know for certain that the wrong grain? “It’s fairly rare quality in the final product. committees to collect information pose was the same. The Board of what was in those vessels leaving that instances like this occur,” says As a result, if an Indonesian about grading issues for specific Commissioners would see that Montreal was what they had pur- Beswitherick. buyer blends No. 2 CWRS 13.0 crops. There are four subcommit- farmers would be guaranteed fair chased. If it does happen, it’s up to the with Australian soft white wheat tees for wheat, barley and other treatment for the grain they deliv- shipper and the customer to come and Turkish flour to produce cereals, oilseeds and pulses. ered. They would receive the cor- QUALITY GUARANTEE to an agreement prior to the vessel steamed buns or noodles, he can Chuck Fossay, who farms at rect grade with the correct bushel leaving the port. Sending it back rely on the wheat from Canada Starbuck, Manitoba, sits on the weight. If there was any disagree- Thus was born the “certificate isn’t practical because the cost for even though he’s using other wheat subcommittee. He says the ment, the CGC could investigate final” — a document signed by the offloading the vessel would be products in the mix. group looks at all grading factors and, if warranted, uphold the farm- CGC’s chief grain inspector certify- prohibitive. The cost of having an “So that buyer in Indonesia can to distinguish one class of wheat er’s complaint. ing that the vessel was loaded with unsold cargo afloat is not practical say. ‘When I buy this, I know I’m from another. Those can include “ T h e C a n a d i a n G r a i n grain equal to the customer’s order. either. The customer is not left high going to be able to use it in such bushel weight, protein levels, Commission is an unbiased third It is, in effect, a guarantee by the and dry. The checks and balances of a manner in my plant to upgrade allowable levels for fusarium head party that ensures that all play- Government of Canada that what the Canadian grain system extend the other ingredients I’m buying’,” blight, or dockage. ers who have a stake in the grain you buy is what you get. all the way from the Prairie grain Hermanson says. are treated fairly. That balance Guaranteeing a specific qual- fields to the end user’s bakery. The above process — inspecting, » CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 Congratulations Canadian years of quality Grain Commission on 100 assurance 26 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION — 1912-2012 Fair treatment for Western farmers began 100 years ago Federal agency brought peace to the Prairie grain war

BY RON FRIESEN sector, can little appreciate what ment to demands by Western weights and the ability of produc- the weights allowed or used by their ancestors experienced in farmers for fair treatment. ers to ship their own rail cars. the owners of elevators.” Finally, t was more than a century ago the early days of settlement. The There were actually three prices: it said elevator companies enjoyed but bitter conflict between grain trade, if not exactly Wild “MAGNA CARTA” the “street price” (offered by the ele- an unfair monopoly “by refusing farmers and the early west- West, wasn’t far removed. Buying, vator on delivery), the “track price” to permit the erection of flat ware- ern Canadian grain indus- grading and inspecting grain were That response culminated exactly (received after loading a rail car and houses where standard elevators are tryI still resonates in the child- largely unregulated, farmers felt 100 years ago with the passage on then selling it), and the “spot price” situated” and thus being able “to hood memories of old-timers like exploited and emotions often ran April 1, 1912 of the Canada Grain (the one at the terminal where grain keep the price of grain below its true Harvey English. at a boiling point. Act — sometimes called the Magna was sold on the world market). market value to their own benefit.” “It was highway robbery. That’s The mood among Western Carta of the Western grain grower What angered farmers most, The only solution was legis- what it was in those days,” says grain farmers at the close of the — and the creation of what is now according to former University of lation to regulate the industry, English, 94. “They were just steal- 19th Century was one of “out- the Canadian Grain Commission, a Manitoba history professor Gerald “there being no rules laid down ing everything off the farmer that rage, indignation and frustra- federal agency, to administer it. Friesen in his book The Canadian for the regulations of the grain they could possibly steal.” tion,” according to Jim Blanchard, It was a watershed in the history Prairies: A History, was the spread trade other than those made by English, whose uncle home- a University of Manitoba librarian of agriculture in Western Canada. in prices between street and track the railway companies and the ele- steaded the family farm near and local historian. In the words of former CGC chief prices, probably three to four vator owners,” the commission’s Rivers, Manitoba, remembers his “There was no doubt in their commissioner G.G. Leith: “Then, as cents a bushel. Farmers were usu- report concluded. father once talking about a pro- minds that the CPR, the grain deal- now, the Commission’s purpose was ally forced to accept street prices The result was a federal stat- ducer who delivered a load of ers and the milling companies were to protect farmers’ interests and, because, as Friesen says, “they ute in 1900 titled the Manitoba wheat to the local elevator and formed into a monopoly designed through the Canada Grain Act, to could not fill a boxcar within Grain Act. received 88 cents a bushel. A week to cheat them,” wrote Blanchard provide a legislative framework for a a particular variety and grade of The act was well intentioned later, English’s dad took wheat to in his 1987 book The History of the fast-growing grain industry.” grain within the limited time per- and pushed all the right buttons. the same elevator and learned the Canadian Grain Commission. Of course, grievances between mitted by the rail companies.” It created the post of Warehouse price was now 44 cents a bushel. “There can be no doubt that Prairie farmers and the grain Commissioner to administer Like other grain growers, he felt at there were abuses in Western industry are as old as agriculture in EXCESSIVE DOCKAGE the statute. It established rules the mercy of grain companies and Canada — this was inevitable in the West. But it’s hard to overstate for handling grain. It set stand- their take-it-or-leave it attitude. a situation where the railroad and the anger producers felt in those There were other legitimate ards for weights and measures. It “Nobody seemed to have any the grain trade held all the cards days at what they saw as unequal grievances, as a Royal Commission required grain-handing facilities backbone to get out and do some- and the farmer held none.” treatment by grain companies and appointed in 1899 to investigate to be licensed. And it enshrined in thing for the farmers at that particu- The tumultuous days of the early the railways. It was, as Blanchard the industry discovered. law a grain producer’s right to load lar time,” says English, who farmed 20th century gave rise to the farm puts it, “a state of undeclared war The Commission found that “a and ship his own rail car. until 90 and was still out on the movement and the formation of between the two factions involved vendor of grain is at present sub- The problem, as farmers learned, combine last fall. “It was terrible.” producer organizations with polit- in the grain industry.” jected to an unfair and excessive was in getting the cars they were Western Canadian farmers, who ical clout. But what really made Complaints were many but dockage for his grain at the time legally entitled to. It soon became either applaud or chafe at govern- the difference was the eventual they generally centred around of sale.” It also determined that ment regulations in today’s grain response by the federal govern- four main ones: prices, dockage, “doubts exist as to the fairness of » CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

» CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 weight for No. 1 CWRS is 60 mium.” And the CGC will back pounds per bushel. A buyer look- up the farmer. ing for a heavier weight might “So you’re not dealing with four LEVEL PLAYING FIELD demand 65 pounds per bushel. different buyers who have four dif- By setting such standards, the In that case, the producer could ferent standards for the grain you’re CGC creates a level playing field for say, “sorry, the CGC says the showing them,” says Fossay. “You farmers when marketing their grain minimum weight for that grade may be dealing with four different to different buyers, Fossay says. is 60 pounds and if you want buyers but there’s one standard set Say, for example, the minimum more, you’ll have to pay a pre- by a third party.” Grading and inspection are only one part of the puzzle for ensuring grain quality. Another important piece is the variety-registration system, in which the CGC plays a central role. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency administers the variety Congratulations Canadian registration system, and the CGC Grain Commission on is responsible for evaluating new varieties from a quality perspec- Grain Commission reinspection staff provide independent, third-party tive coming forward out of co-op analysis of grain grades and quality. years of quality trials for registration. Once a year, in Saskatoon, Banff or Winnipeg, “So a customer who buys reg- have serious doubts because the assurance the Prairie Grain Development istered varieties in a CWRS class CWB and the Commission are Committee (PGDC) meets to receive knows that, if there are new varie- closely linked. data from the Grain Commission ties in there, they’re supposed to In the meantime, the CGC itself on those varieties and assess be at least equal to what he’s used is under the microscope. Suggested 100 whether they are good enough to to getting, or better than he used changes to the Canada Grain be registered, based on quality fac- to get.” Act would eliminate mandatory VANDERVEEN COMMODITY tors. Other committee members Although the registration proc- requirements for inward inspection will study other factors such as ess is the same for all crops, quality and weighing at licensed termi- SERVICE LTD. disease and insect resistance and parameters can vary. Beswetherick nals and transfer elevators. Grain agronomics. (The committee also notes that criteria for canola, for handlers themselves would report CARMAN, MB. R0G 0J0 meets in Eastern Canada, with the example, are not as stringent as for inward grain grades and weights. CGC playing the same role.) some of the wheat classes. Some worry the changes, if imple- Phone 1-800-251-1532 With spring wheat, for exam- mented, would limit the CGC’s ple, the quality of a variety has CHANGE CONTINUES role as an independent arbiter and Licensed & Bonded Grain Buyers to meet a certain end-use speci- compromise assurance of fair pay- fication. Therefore, as producers Right now, all this is happening ment to farmers — the very reason make their seeding choices, they against the backdrop of one of the the Commission was formed in the • Heated • Flax know that each variety has cer- most significant developments in first place. tain attributes from a quality, dis- the recent history of the Canadian “Regardless of changes proposed, Canola • Oats ease and insect resistance, and grain industry: the impending we remain committed to the Canada • Sunflowers • Corn agronomic perspective. For their removal of the Canadian Wheat Grain Act,” explains Hermanson. part, buyers can expect that a new Board’s single sales desk for wheat “That means that, through grain • Feed Barley • Soybeans variety within that class will per- and barley. quality and quantity assurance as form in a certain manner. How a post-monopoly envi- well as grain safety assurance, we Beswitherick says the system has ronment will affect the Canadian will continue to ensure a depend- very rigid requirements. If a variety Grain Commission is uncertain. able commodity both domestically Andy, Brett & is to be registered, it has to be equal Some believe business will con- and internationally, for the benefit Jesse Vanderveen to or better than a certain standard tinue more or less as usual, only of producers and the grain industry set by the PGDC. without a CWB monopoly. Others as a whole.” APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 27 CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION — 1912-2012

» CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE evident the railways’ practice was to allocate cars to grain companies before granting them to individual farmers.

LANDMARK CASE It wasn’t until 1902 that a landmark court case upheld the right of farmers to access producer cars. Brought by the newly formed Territorial Grain Growers, it accused the station agent at Sintaluta, Saskatchewan of not complying with the law by giving cars out of turn to elevators. The court ruled in favour of the farmers. The railways may have had to supply producer cars but they didn’t have to like it. Glen Franklin, who farms at Deloraine, Manitoba, says his grandfather once shipped a producer car around 1911 which mysteriously disappeared from the system. Tracked down after more than a year, the car was finally unloaded, Franklin’s grandfather An early scene at Wolseley, Saskatchewan. Farmers in the early days of grain production believed they were at the mercy of elevator agents for got paid, but he never did receive grade and price. an explanation. Did the car vanish on purpose? the Manitoba Grain Act, only Another change occurred when But in a strange sort of way, a probe into a boxcar or truck and “It was certainly a possibility, I with teeth. the government began building it was a double-edged sword extracted samples at five points — suppose,” Franklin says. Zastre says the pre-1912 approach inland grain terminals. Facilities at also benefiting grain companies one in the middle and four from Part of the problem with con- to solving problems was piece- Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Calgary because it helped ease the cut- each of the corners, two feet in. tinuing inequities lay with the meal — single-issue approaches for were constructed soon after 1912. throat environment which pre- That was an advantage to both Manitoba Grain Act itself. For resolving multi-faceted grievances. Suddenly, there was less shipping vailed before, says Langrell. the farmer and the company, says one thing, it applied only to “the Different authorities had different pressure after the harvest season “Companies were not always Zastre. The farmer knew his grain Inspection District of Manitoba,” responsibilities. There was no sin- because more grain could be stored in fair competition for farmers’ would be sampled consistently since Saskatchewan and Alberta gle message to give to producers on the Prairies. There was less grain,” he says. “While they cer- in a certain way. It was also an were not yet part of Confederation. who felt they were being wronged. urgency for farmers to sell their tainly wanted to get the grain advantage to companies because it By the time those jurisdictions The Canada Grain Act changed grain immediately for fear prices for the best price from farmers so meant there was one less thing to achieved full provincial status in that. All matters regarding grain would be lower if they waited. they could pass it on for the best argue about and they could get on 1905, they were producing more industry regulation were com- How did grain companies and margin or profit, they couldn’t with the business of buying and wheat than all of Manitoba, though bined under one umbrella. other major players accept all this risk significantly undercutting the selling grain. technically not under the statute. Now you had a package deal regulation? competition.” “It helped pour oil on the But a greater problem was that simultaneously looking after a lot Zastre says the industry struggled Having standardized procedures waters,” Zastre says. “There was the railways and grain companies, of things related to the industry. against some provisions, especially also helped. Sampling was a good less disruption. Producers could be the Sintaluta case notwithstand- You also had a federal government those in the Manitoba Grain Act. example. In the old days, a compa- sure they were getting a fair deal. ing, paid little attention to the telling farmers they had a right to But the 1912 legislation brought a ny could take a pail of grain from If they felt they weren’t, they had Act, says James Zastre, a Canadian fair treatment under the law. And kind of peace to the sector. It was the back of a farmer’s wagon and some avenues for appeal. And the Grain Commission community if you felt you still weren’t being no longer an unregulated market that was the sample, like it or not. grain companies knew the other relations officer. treated fairly, an independent tri- in which anything went. That was Now the commission set a proce- guy had to do the same as they “There were these rights that bunal served as an arbiter. a blessing for farmers. dure for sampling grain. You took were doing.” were given to producers under In short, the Canada Grain Act the Manitoba Grain Act but served two purposes, Zastre says. most felt that the grain compa- It provided solutions to problems. nies and railways ignored them. And it let people know, through Many producers felt they had no their farm organizations or other- voice, they had no organization wise, that they had rights backed at the time and most of them by the law of the land. probably didn’t even know they “It was an avenue of communi- were being denied any rights,” cation,” says Zastre. “I don’t say Zastre says. the Commission was out there It was a critical period in the his- spreading the word. But there was tory of Western Canada. Although somebody that people knew they the Liberal government of Wilfred could talk to.” Laurier had a strong interest in Adds Doug Langrell, CGC cor- settling the West, large chunks of porate development advisor: “The it were still virgin territory. Many commission, as a federal organiza- We are proud to announce the development of our new immigrants, lured by the promise tion founded by an act of Parliament, of cheap land, came from politically gave a kind of sanction to the rights processing facility in Moose Jaw, SK.. Agrocorp believe oppressed countries and harboured of farmers in a way that UGG or any a deep suspicion of elevator com- of the Pools could not.” strongly in the products we trade, their nutritional beneﬁ ts panies telling them the grade of Indirectly, this helped immigra- their grain. How could you encour- tion because it drew on the role and their role in making the world a healthier place. age people to come to Canada and of government that appealed to homestead in a remote corner of people coming to Canada in the Long term partnerships are at the core of Agrocorp Saskatchewan if you couldn’t guar- first place, says Zastre. It enabled antee them fair treatment for the government to say, here are rights International’s mission and we pride ourselves in crops they grew? you didn’t have back home. Grain companies had less leeway in mak- conducting business with honesty and integrity. THE CANADA GRAIN ACT ing decisions because now there was oversight. Worse still, there appeared to be no avenue for complaint. You took PRODUCER CAR PROTECTION Vancouver Ofﬁ ce: Moose Jaw site location: a wagonload of grain to an elevator and immediately felt at the Producer cars were one example. 201-209 Carrall Street 1402 East Caribou Street agent’s mercy. If you didn’t like his Episodes such as the railway losing Vancouver, BC Moose Jaw, SK decision, you could take the grain Franklin’s grandfather’s producer back home. You didn’t know what car were not uncommon. But the V6B 2J2 S6H 4P8 your rights were because nobody Board of Commissioners, as the had told you. Communication CGC was originally called, put a Phone# (604)681-8675 Phone# (306)693-8887 was sometimes difficult because of stop to that, says Zastre. cultural differences and a language The Commission ensured that barrier. The very sociology of the cars were properly numbered and Prairies in those days cried out for recorded by an independent body. a solution. If producer cars were not distrib- Email: [email protected] That solution came in the uted the way they were supposed form of the Canada Grain Act of to be, someone was watching and 1912. It built on its predecessor, something would happen. 28 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION — 1912-2012 Quality assurance through world-class research stands the test of time The Canadian Grain Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory has been assessing and improving the quality of Canadian crops for more than nine decades BY VAL OMINSKI building upon past efforts in order determined individual who began It was, however, able to study these priorities still continue to to provide quality assurance for by setting acceptable levels for the effects of long-term storage define the Grain Research Lab. he bright blue paint on the Canada’s evolving grain industry. moisture in grain, thus helping on grain sitting in terminals and Another major contribution of Allis Chalmers roll stands producers get more reasonable bins due to a lack of customers. Anderson’s was his yearly overseas looks conspicuously out of THE GRL’S EARLY DAYS prices for damp grain. An entomologist was added to the travel with the Canadian Wheat place among the gleam- He also expressed concerns about team, insecticides were used, and Board to promote Canadian grains Ting modern metal in the pilot-scale When the Board of Grain the grading system, and questioned for the first time, the GRL began and oilseeds, both to existing cus- flour mill on the 16th floor of the Commissioners (now the CGC) whether grade prices actually testing for chemical residues. tomers and to potential ones such CGC Grain Research Lab. was formally established in 1912, reflected the value of the grain. In 1942, the GRL acquired as China. Miller Dave Turnock thinks they a beefed-up inspection and grad- This was good news for farmers — the Malting Barley Lab from the G. N. Irvine, who would even- are about 80 years old and have ing system was introduced. The but not so for the rest of the indus- National Research Council. tually succeed Anderson, worked also seen duty at the lab’s former board-wanted a research lab to try. Birchard’s research was caught After the war, with J. A. Anderson with the CWB to train the grain location in the Grain Exchange oversee moisture testing, to test up in ongoing disputes between the at the helm, staffing was brought technical officers in the Canadian Building. They may even have wheat quality through milling and grain trade and producers, with the back to its full contingent and Wheat Board’s newly created tech- been housed in the very first Grain bread baking activities, and to test result that the federal government research flourished once again. nical services and marketing depart- Research Lab, located in a postal flax for oil content. shut the GRL down in 1923. Work was done on dough quali- ment. When he became director in station on Main Street and Magnus By June 1914, the Grain Research A stubborn Birchard continued ties, reactions that cause durum 1963, he increased the amount of Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End. Lab was up and running with a to work in the empty lab, until colour to fade during processing, time he — and other staff members The CGC Grain Research Lab staff of five. — as a result of lobbying from and compounds that increase the — spent overseas providing techni- is that kind of place — where F.J. Birchard, the first director farmer groups and members of viscosity of barley. cal support to the CWB. new research and technologies are (chief chemist), was a crusty and Parliament — the GRL reopened. Work continued also on grain- As well, to further bolster mar- It coincided closely with the move drying research, and in 1951, ket development, Irvine estab- to the Grain Exchange Building in when the harvest was wet and lished a technical services section May of 1927, where the lab joined large numbers of farmers dried within the GRL to study problems the CGC’s Winnipeg offices. their grain for the first time, the or potential problems in milling Once back in business, Birchard GRL tested all farm-dried grain and baking of Canadian wheat in undertook a number of programs for milling and baking qualities. It foreign countries. that would help establish the qual- also provided a free sample-testing As the 60s moved toward the ity of Canadian wheat and define service that helped farmers adjust 70s, the GRL’s work in the testing the GRL: their grain dryers. of new varieties, an essential step • extensive protein testing of In 1954, Anderson spelled out prior to licensing, gained interna- red spring wheat, beginning the five priorities for the lab as it tional respect — so much so that in 1927; moved into the second half of the it collaborated with the U.S. Crop • quality testing of samples 20th Century: Quality Council to test the quality from all grains and oilseeds • assessing the quality of each of American varieties. moving to market; new crop and informing • monitoring of moisture tests domestic/foreign customers; A NEW ERA done by inspectors • recording the quality of all • limited quality testing of grades of grain at port provid- A move in 1973, along with new varieties; ing lab services to the inspec- the rest of the GCG head office, • participation in grain-drying tion branch; into a modern building near the research with three Prairie • collaborating with plant famed corner of Portage and Main universities. breeders in the development heralded a new era of research, Birchard also began sending the and testing of new grain vari- technology, achievements, and results of the GRL’s quality testing eties; expansions for the GRL. A.E. Birchard, the Board of Grain Commissioners first chief chemist, program to Canadian and foreign • serving as the main centre for Keith Tipples, who became direc- pushed for a scientific method of evaluating grain quality. millers, and pushed for enhanced research into the quality of tor in 1979, was a vital part of these use of these publications in a variety cereal grains. exciting times. His work included a of languages. This marketing tool is He noted that research was most pioneering study of wheat protein still a cornerstone of the CGC qual- important, because ”the improve- strength, which enabled the lab to Congratulations Canadian ity assurance program today. ment of all other services depends do more meaningful evaluations of Birchard’s final contribution upon progress in research.” was a trip in 1932 to Italy, in order Today, almost 60 years later, » CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Grain Commission on to demonstrate the lab’s quality assurance work, promote the use of Canadian wheat, and gather market intelligence. As the 1930s unfolded, the GRL continued to gain promi- nence under the leadership of its new director, W. E. Geddes. It acquired the Durum Research 100 Lab and its durum milling and pasta-testing equipment from years of quality assurance the University of Manitoba — including a spectrophotometer for studying pasta colour. It began work, in conjunction TRADITION • STELLAR • CELEBRATION with the Associate Committee on Grain Research, to test promising new varieties of wheat and barley. It also began working with other national and international organizations to research rust resistance and test new Canadian rust-resistance varieties, among other projects. Malt contracts available for 2012/2013 The GRL played an important role in helping to establish the new wheat variety Thatcher in the marketplace. P.O. Box 238 THE WAR YEARS AND BEYOND Letellier, MB R0G 1C0 During World War ll, the lab continued its protein survey, mois- Phone 204-737-2000 ture measurement and quality testing functions, although due to lim- Fax 204-737-2102 ited resources and staff, little new Allis Chalmers roll stands in the CGC lab have been in use for at research could be undertaken. least 80 years. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 29 CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION — 1912-2012

» CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE it developed a rapid procedure are doing extensive work in DNA for estimating erucic acid. This identification, and have become a bread-baking qualities and poten- allowed for segregation of new, world leader in this area.” tial new varieties. low erucic acid varieties. In 2009, the GRL used its DNA Tipples also showed how the Shortly after, Jim Daun, who expertise to mitigate a crisis in level of alpha-amylase enzyme worked in rapeseed and canola the Canadian flax industry. The found in wheat can affect quality research at the GRL for 31 years, terminated GMO variety Triffid — depending on the end products established specifications for glu- had somehow made its way into and specific baking methods used. cosinolates and erucic acid — there- European shipments and the com- Some markets such as Japan require by helping to create the official modity was quickly shut out of the sound top-grade wheat with a very definition of canola. He also devel- EU marketplace. low enzyme activity, whereas for oped a method of glucosinolate “We worked with industry to other markets such as China, the measurement; he was recently rec- develop a protocol for DNA test- moderate enzyme activity of No. ognized by the Canola Council of ing in a matter of weeks,” said 3 CWRS wheat may be perfectly Canada for his work. Burnett. “The border re-opened to satisfactory for their end uses. In a recent interview, Tipples said that this and other research meant a different approach to During the Second World War, the lab looking at quality in wheat. continued its protein survey, moisture “We developed new areas of expertise, which allowed us to develop measurement and quality testing functions, more sophisticated techniques of although due to limited resources and staff, measuring quality,” he said. With the overhaul of the grad- little new research could be undertaken. ing system in the early 70s, the lab worked with inspectors to relate The development of near-infrared Canadian flax, and we can assure the physical appearance of wheat technology for reliable rapid pro- that all flax going to Europe is to the quality required for its end tein analysis in wheat was another GMO free.” use. If a particular type of damage world first, said Tipples. Protein seg- Another industry-response did not negatively affect end use, regation had been introduced along development at the GRL is a new there could be more tolerance to with the new grading system, and pulse section, created as a result of this damage. this technology revolutionized the the recent increase in pulse acre- “In this way, we maximized process. (See related article.) age, Burnett noted. One aspect of the amount going into the top When Tipples retired in 1998, its research, the measurement and Carlot inspections taking place at the CGC’s original inspection room at grade, while protecting top qual- Bill Scowcroft led the GRL into the comparison of the cooking qual- the Winnipeg Grain Exchange building. ity,” he said. 21st Century. ity of peas from different samples, Another important highlight dur- has led to the invention of the that would have had early GRL This in turn predicts how quickly ing this time were the achievements THE GRL TODAY Mattson cooker, which can cook researchers scratching their heads it must be used after harvest and of the residue analysis section. individual kernels. in puzzlement. how long it can be stored. “This was a new, state-of-the-art Blue Allis-Chalmers stands aside, This invention is now being Another recent GRL achieve- These wide-ranging research lab that could provide detailed if Birchard and some of his imme- used by research labs around ment, said Burnett, has been its activities all contribute to the GRL’s reports of toxic residues in parts per diate successors were to visit the the world. work with breeders to develop low mandate, as set out in 1954, of sur- billion,” Tipples said. “It assured Grain Research Lab today, most of it Also in pulse research, image cadmium-accumulating varieties of veying the annual harvest for qual- buyers and users that Canadian would be unrecognizable to them. analysis is being investigated as durum wheat in order to meet inter- ity, monitoring export shipments, grain was free from unacceptable For example, wheat and barley a way to provide accurate pho- national food safety standards. and assisting in variety evaluation. levels of heavy metals, pesticides variety identification is no longer tographs as reference for lentil Differentiating protein in wheat While so much has changed and mycotoxins.” done on a visual basis. Both DNA grading. It is anticipated that this is now routine work, as a result of in the way this is done, the basic During this era, new identification and polyacrylamide technology will address the prob- the 20 near infrared machines in premise of providing quality momentum and equipment were gel electrophoresis, a technology lem of colour fading that occurs use at the GRL. In addition, this assurance has remained the same. added to the GRL’s flour mill, that uses electric currents to create over time in actual samples. technology is now being used to Like the blue roll stands, the so that it could replicate, on a protein profiles for comparison Image analysis is also being used differentiate chlorophyll in canola Grain Research Lab has served pilot scale, milling techniques purposes, are being used to moni- to count the undesirable colour to protect oil quality. the CGC and the Canadian grain of customer countries. This tor varieties as they move through specks in noodles and pasta. In the area of barley research, industry solidly and consistently enabled the evaluation of the system, said Peter Burnett, cur- Grain-safety testing and moni- Marta Izydorczyk and her team over the years, helping to Canadian wheat in foreign pasta, rent GRL director. toring at the GRL is more impor- are using a rapid visco analyzer to enhance and maintain Canada’s noodle and bread making. At port, it means variety segre- tant that ever as a result of chang- predict how long malting barley reputation in the international Also during the 70s, a new gation can take place, and cargoes ing world standards, but now in will retain its ability to germinate. grain marketplace. oilseeds section — which had been can be certified for classes of wheat addition to pesticide, mycotoxin created in response to the growth and varieties of barley. and heavy metal testing, the GRL in rapeseed production — had “We developed the technology regularly tests for fallout from almost immediate success when to do this,” Burnett said. “We nuclear accidents — something Congratulations Canadian Grain Commission on Nancy Edwards: keen for the 100 challenges of wheat research years of quality assurance Her career path has focused on better understanding processing qualities in wheat and durum

BY VAL OMINSKI men; Edwards became one of The end result could be new the first female scientists at markets for Canada’s durum hen Nancy Edw- the GRL — and she did it while wheat crop. ards, a biological holding down her job. “I work on puzzles all the technology grad In 2005, she was promoted to time,” Edwards said. “For exam- from Red River her current position, where she ple, the bread-baking qualities CommunityW College, joined the is responsible for quality evalu- of durum were not what I Grain Research Lab as a techni- ation of wheat, as part of the expected — and I needed to cian in 1976, little did she know GRL’s annual harvest survey. In ask ‘why.’” that one day she would be the addition, she monitors CWRS Edwards also assesses new bread scientist responsible for the lab’s cargoes leaving from the East, wheat lines for quality character- bread wheat research group. West or Churchill terminals and istics, as a member of the wheat, Edwards went on to achieve produces class profiles for mar- triticale and rye quality evaluation her PhD in Food Science in keting support. team that is part of the Prairie 2002, thanks to the support and Edwards has done ground- Grain Development Committee. CALL US TODAY FOR WINTER PRICES ON YOUR encouragement of now-retired breaking work identifying bak- She has recently created a new GRL scientist Jim Dexter and ing and dough-mixing charac- method for presenting data that FERTILIZER AND GRAIN NEEDS. other lab colleagues. teristics of durum wheat — not makes her team’s job easier. She built upon a decades- for traditional pasta making, but Her next big project might not old tradition that started after for bread making. She looked at be yet known, but it could involve the Second World War, when durum lines from 14 different absolutely anything that affects staff with potential and inter- countries, in order to identify the processing quality of wheat. est were encouraged to fur- which proteins could make a “There’s always a new chal- ther their education. The dif- variety suitable for bread-bak- lenge around the corner, waiting ference is that they were all ing quality. to be solved,” she says. 30 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Canadian Grain Commission — 1912-2012 Breaking into grain inspection was tough, but the rewards were worth it Women have risen through the ranks in grain-inspection field

BY VAL OMINSKI “I was a rarity in what some might consider a man’s world ebbie Pankewich has — I was in the last part of an come a long way since era,” Campbell said. “It was tough she walked the decks walking into an elevator, but once of ships at Thunder they learned I was a farmer myself, DBay and sampled outgoing grain it was much easier.” cargoes by hand. Initially hired in 1986, by 1998 Hired in 1979 by the Canadian Campbell had become manager Grain Commission to work in the of Inspection Services for the prai- weighing program, by 1982 she was rie region, and in 2009, when one of a small group of female “pio- the region was amalgamated into neers” working in the inspection what is currently the central and program. Traditionally, both disci- western regions, she moved into plines had been a man’s domain her present position as manager of — and Pankewich knew she was on the national monitoring program. ground-breaking territory. She is adamant about the impor- “The microscope was on you tance of inspection and grading, and you had to prove yourself to and the way they are done. other staff and to management,” “You either have an aptitude for she said. “For me, it was a moti- it or you don’t,” she said. “But you vating factor.” also have to develop a very unique Over the next 30 years, that skill set that needs to be constantly motivation took her up the cor- honed, to be sure you stay sharp. porate ladder, first in Thunder “You look at a kernel of wheat Bay, then on to Winnipeg where and you have be able to distinguish she eventually established the between degree of damage and the national monitoring program direct correlation to qualities for that reviews the work of grain milling and baking. Because of inspectors across the country. Canada’s reputation for producing When Pankewich moved on to top quality, we can export grain to Montreal, and then to Vancouver customers based on a simple docu- as manager of inspection serv- ment attesting to this quality — ices for the eastern and western something that a lot of countries regions respectively, it was fit- currently can’t do.” Laurie Campbell, the CGC’s first female inspector on the Prairies, was hired in 1986. ting that her replacement was The inspection process starts also a woman whose early days when automatic grain-sampling moisture and protein. Then a and all information is stored tain current grain standards and included hand-sampling in the systems take representative sam- grain inspector visually assesses electronically. guides have been met. inspection program before work- ples from each rail car going and assigns the sample a grade Gone are the days of inland This process helps ensure that ing her way up. Laurie Campbell into a given port. Samples are which forms the basis of pay- (primary) elevator inspection grain is consistently graded the was the first female grain inspec- first cleaned to assess dockage, ment to the producer. Grain is on grain destined to port — same way, regardless of where tor on the Prairies. and preliminarily inspected for exported using a similar process, and in the very early days, of across Canada it is being done, breaking the seal on rail cars, and also helps identify any train- climbing in overtop the grain, ing needs that may be required by and thrusting a probe down inspectors, Campbell said. to acquire samples. Gone, too, “The process is not to point fin- are the days of hand-sampling gers, but to ensure our inspectors aboard ships. have the training and skill they According to Pankewich, not need in order to provide consistent just the physical work of the job, grading and analysis,” she said. DELMAR COMMODITIES LTD. but also the health and safety To maintain consistency in 6.000X2.00 regulations have evolved. Back in the lab, equipment is precision- 000025345r1 her day, she said, “only the fittest checked each day before use — 4CCGC SPECIAL SECTIONS would survive.” Many moved on. including the machine that exact- She stayed, and today she man- ingly divides down all compo- ages an inspection program with nents of samples, the screens used to separate dockage, the protein testers and the moisture meters. Precision scales are calibrate every Congratulations to the Canadian Grain “The microscope was day, and even the grading lights on you and you had have an expiry date because they Commission 100th Year Anniversary affect how the grain will be seen. to prove yourself to Despite her obvious passion for her job, there is a downside, from Delmar Commodities other staff and said Campbell — and it’s that to management. she no longer deals directly with producers. The future is in the seed and the future has arrived. For me, it was a “I really miss having that face- ® motivating factor.” to-face contact and assisting them Legend Seeds Roundup Ready soybean varieties in understanding the grading sys- — Debbie Pankewich tem,” she said. have already gained a proven record of success Campbell is still farming herself on farms across Manitoba. over 175 employees who grade all near Teulon, Manitoba, and said grain moving in and out of west she is grateful to the CGC for cost port facilities, and at service allowing her to work her vacation centres in Calgary and Saskatoon schedule around her farm work. where farmers can bring or send Pankewich, too, is appreciative samples for personalized grading of the opportunities afforded her at a nominal cost. by the CGC. During her vari- Campbell, meanwhile, runs ous capacities, she has travelled the lab that checks the work of domestically and internationally these and all other CGC grain to promote the quality assurance inspectors from across Canada. programs that make Canadian She and her staff select graded grains so reputable worldwide. samples from approximately “The CGC has allowed for three per cent of all railcars growth, development and move- that go into ports, and a larger ment,” she said. “I’ve loved the percentage from export cargoes, opportunities and the challenges reviewing the grading that has — and I’ve taken them and ran been done in order to make cer- with them.” APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 31 Columns ANYONE CAN START FARMING Six things to consider when shopping for a bull Last year, the Chikousky family did some last-minute bull shopping

careful of, but we did manage to grain to our beef animals, and watching for genetics that can 12 cows was 10, so we were very find one that the owner handled we’ve learned that when we have improve our herd, just in case happy with that. DEBBIE CHIKOUSKY without much worry. purchased breeding stock that had — whether it is a good deal on As luck would have it last 3: Think about age. We needed been raised on a grain ration they semen or an unrelated cow that spring, though, our new bull was a bull that could come home and do not perform well here. could add to our herd. It is a home for about two weeks and hit the ground running. We need- When we found a bull grown on good idea to keep watching. hurt his leg due to mud. This ed approximately 50 cows bred only forage we bought him. 7: Artificial breeding is an option. was very frustrating for all of us. hen I was growing in six weeks, so a yearling wasn’t 5: Look at the budget. This prob- While we were bull shopping, my We are now in the beginning of up, what attracted a good idea. We bought a long ably should be number one, but husband started artificially breed- calves from him so at least we me to the farm life two-year-old and he walked off most people have a bit of wiggle ing cows as we saw them in heat. know he bred more than the one was the way you the trailer and bred a cow. Which room on price limits. Be realistic. I am mentioning this because I my husband saw him breeding wokeW up every morning not know- made my husband ecstatic. A decent straw of semen costs believe it is an underused tool in before he got hurt. ing what was going to happen. As The rule of thumb is 30 cows about $25 and we expect to get beef herds. We actually had our Our breeding plan for this year an adult, there are times that this for a two-year-old bull. Our plan a minimum of two years service first set of twins from artificial is a little more relaxed. We’ll use aspect of farming is not my favorite. was to leave the new bull with the from a bull. So 50 cows at $25 breeding this year. the new bull for the majority of Last spring’s bull-buying extrava- cows for about two weeks then each, times two is $2,500. Then A lot of breed organizations run the cows with the now fully func- ganza would be a good example. move them to pasture, splitting there is $1,200 salvage value of the classes to teach farmers how to tional young bull we raised for We had known that last breed- them between the new bull and bull (1,500 pounds times $0.80/ breed cows on the farm and it clean up. We also have a tank with ing season would be our last for our yearling bull. pound). Even a small herd could has been a very useful tool for lots of semen to choose from if our herd sire. He was getting older, 4: Match management systems. support a $3,000 bull. us. It allowed us to start breeding any problems should arise. † we had retained many daughters, We couldn’t find an Angus bull 6: Don’t wait for an emer- without a bull, and enables us to Debbie Chikousky farms with her family at and we had managed to breed a within our price range that wasn’t gency. We learned from this dis- use genetics we couldn’t otherwise Narcisse, Man. Visitors are always welcome. replacement. being fed grain. We don’t feed aster that we should always be afford. Our conception rate on Contact Debbie at [email protected]. Our son’s first 4-H cow was an Angus cow unrelated to the rest of our herd. She showed good conformation and longevity so we had artificially inseminated her with Gridmaker semen. My husband got his wish and she gave us a bull calf. He would have been happy with a heifer too, but this calf enabled us to grow our own replacement bull. The rest of the plan was to participate in a semen buy that Nerbas Brothers were organiz- ing on some very exciting grass genetics being imported from New Zealand. We thought we had this covered. Our old bull would last one more year until the bull calf was ready to service “It comes through the herd and the new semen would fill in the blanks. for me every time.” Then we discovered our bull couldn’t breed anymore. Sometime during the summer pasture season he must have injured himself. Unfortunately we didn’t know, so we not only had to go bull shopping, which meant having to pass on the semen deal, we also had a lot of open cows that we had bought hay for. At first we thought his penis had just been frost bitten, which the vet said would heal. But after a long rest we started to try and use him on some cows, and he could no longer perform. It was a sad day when we had to ship this bull to auction. We honestly thought we would never find another one so calm and easy to handle, that fit our management system. Ever since we first had cows we have bought our bulls from the same breeder. As luck would have it, last spring he was sold out when we finally admitted to ourselves that our bull was finished. We had to shop. Here are a few There’s one herbicide things we learned. 1: The future matters. Decide exactly what the future of his you can always count on. calves will be. For example, are you planning on keeping replace- No matter what weeds throw at you, DuPont™ Refine® herbicides have got your back. They deliver powerful ment heifers? If so, buy one that can improve on the maternal convenience and flexibility for broad-spectrum broadleaf weed control you can trust year after year. characteristics of your cows. If not, Want high-impact weed control that always comes through? Hammer them with DuPont™ Refine® herbicides. explosive weight gains from birth to weaning weight could be a good selling feature. Questions? 2: Personality counts. On our farm personality is a huge decid- Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit www.weedwreckingcrew.com ing factor. If an animal is aggres- As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. sive or hard to handle it usually The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Refine® and Solumax® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. lands in our freezer, so spending © Copyright 2012 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved. thousands of dollars for a grumpy bull wasn’t going to happen. A bull is always an animal to be

2181 REF GN FE.indd 1 2/1/12 9:17 AM 32 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Columns SOILS AND CROPS Variable rate fertilizer In the third in a series of three articles on precision agriculture, Les Henry gets down to the nitty gritty details of variable rate fertilizer

Farmyard, feedlot or liquid shoot, about 50 per cent chance of crankcase in the past and it has and well supplied soils. The proba- manures also have very long mem- a response. worked not too bad. With the bility of response in the mid ranges LES ories. In data from Rothamsted, That is why I have always said, great increase in N fertilizer use in is less well defined than for P. HENRY England (established 1843), “P fertilizer is an investment in the the past 20 years, there are now Many of our soils are still well manured plots were still producing land, and in the long run it will times when Tank 2 is supplying a supplied. The areas of seriously double the yield of barley com- pay off in spades.” lot of N (that is, mineralization of K-deficient soils in northern sandy pared to un-manured plots 30 years But in Weyburn loam and similar N from the soil organic matter). Grey and Peaty soils were defined ariable rate fertilizer after manure applications ceased. lands, soil test P could be very use- That is a result of continuous crop- many years ago. Almassippi soils (VRF) is probably the The residuals from manures ful. First, sample the knolls and con- ping, higher N application rates in Manitoba and Carrot River input that is talked and fertilizers is the reason I firm very low P, then put on a little and zero tillage that helps to retain soils in Saskatchewan are the two about the most. never conducted a fertilizer extra P every year (or put on a big any N excess to current need. most K-deficient soils in Western V experiment on a university batch once when price of P is right). Most folks that have been con- Canada — or were. K fertilizers MANAGEMENT ZONES or Agriculture and Agri-Food Then, pick out the very high-testing tinuous cropping with zero till for applied in the past 30 years will Canada research station. arable sloughs and leave P out alto- decades find they can grow better have changed some of that. The starting point to VRF is estab- Long term experiments are just gether. In the middle grounds, put crops with much less N fertilizer. Individual agrologists are identify- lishing management zones within a now starting to pay off by showing on the usual old middle rate every But, at the moment we have no ing soils marginal in K where crops field. That can take many forms. the true long term residuals. I will year whether it is needed or not. In good way of estimating the quan- are benefiting from application. We Pretty pictures of past crop per- expand on that in a future article. the long run it will pay. tity and timing of flow of gas from did find interactions of K with dis- formance is one way to divide your The P soil test is valuable for docu- Tank 2. So, I see limited gains from eases of wheat, and more of that is field into zones. But, maybe the SOIL TESTING menting historical manure applica- VFR for nitrogen fertilizer until likely being identified. I see no big areas that grew really good crops tions. At very high soil test P values, some of those issues are solved. I advantage to VRF for K on a broad last year are already very fertile Soil testing will be important in no more P fertilizer should be used am sure there are already profes- scale; some serious research would and need less nitrogen rather than any VRF plan. It is important that until the test comes down. When sional agrologists out there who be required to prove any value. more. When it comes to setting we realize that soil test levels of variable rates, nitrogen is the input nutrients provide an index of the SULPHUR most often varied, because it costs availability of that nutrient. Soil the most and is used the most. testing is not like a dipstick in a The sulphur (S) soil test in gar- Another way to establish zones is crankcase. It is not as simple as crop den patch agriculture (small plots) to spend thousands of dollars doing need – soil test = fertilizer to apply. At very high soil test P values, works great. But, in the field it soil tests from dozens of individual We must also remember that soil is less useful. S does vary consid- sites established in a pre-determined testing is only validated by soil test no more P fertilizer should be erably within fields of very flat grid. Then, you can return to the correlation work. To prove that land. But the routine test may not grid each year using GPS. I have a soil test works requires dozens used until the test comes down always sort it out. never been a fan of grids. I think a of field experiments over several The problem is the natural soil much better way is to know the plan years, on soils testing from very the Saskatchewan Soil Testing Lab have made headway on the mois- gypsum that is in the subsoil in Mother Nature had in establishing low to very high for the nutrient opened in 1966 there were few high ture-N interaction front. Measuring many soils. One core sample in with the individual soils within a land in question. soil test P values, and in almost the available soil water as of freeze- a load of gypsum in a collection of type and to use that to establish Much soil sampling is now done every case the high P level could be up is easy — and that information 30 samples will make the composite individual soil boundaries based on with set GPS-located sites that are related to past manure applications. can be used all winter in planning. soil test read lots of S — when much soil properties. Then, you can test returned to each year. That will I remember a field next to a dairy Water in the soil is like money in of the area does not have enough S. each zone to get information about remove a lot of the variation — farm that was off the scale on every the bank. Of course the huge water If the soil test says S is needed, then current available nutrient status. as long as you’re sure the right nutrient, but especially P. excesses of recent years in south- it is needed. If the soil test says S is Grids may have merit in a very locations are used. And care is east Saskatchewan and elsewhere not needed, it still may be needed in uniform land type, where the objec- required to ensure that the work of NITROGEN makes that statement nonsense — parts of the field. tive is to determine where old procuring the sample in the same but it usually does apply in much I expect with some more detailed manure dumps from adjacent farm- location each time does not make N is a little more complex. In of Saskatchewan and Alberta. soil testing it may be possible to yards are located. A much simpler changes to that site. much of Western Canada rainfall With low organic matter eroded vary S fertilizer over a field — some way to locate old farmyards would If GPS sampling is done within variations from year to year are knolls, an extra dose of N could folks may already be doing it. be old air photos. In Saskatchewan, management zones, enough sites still an important determinant of still be needed, depending on the When I do any soil testing on my old Municipal Assessment sheets must be sampled to get a true how hard the trucker works in the history of N fertilizer. VRF could farm I always take 30 cores to make could be used but they are not now average of that zone. I never have fall. And, the soil water at seeding easily supply that extra N where up a composite and can duplicate accessible. I hope to change that. much faith in one soil sample. plus growing season rain (or the needed. And, in soils with great N, P and K easily but not S. Across the Prairies, probably the probability of it) has been used accumulations of topsoil from past best source of old farmyard loca- PHOSPHORUS very effectively to refine N ferti- erosion, reducing N rates in those INNOVATION NEEDED tions is the collection of 1:50,000 lizer recommendations. areas could pay well. topographic maps — most of which Let us deal with it one nutrient And, the plot thickens. Think of I think we have reached the In summary, variable rate fertili- are interpreted from air photos old at a time, starting with phospho- N as the fuel in your half ton that stage on many soils where residual zation is not as simple as it might enough to still locate old farm- rus (P). has two tanks. In Tank 1 is the real N from past fertilization is coming first seem and it will take an steads. These topographic are easily P soil test correlation has been stuff — gas that has an immedi- out as mineralized N to meet more innovative approach and knowl- available at the click of a mouse. going on for 50 years in Western ate bang every time you press the of the needs of current crops. A edge of individual land types to (See http://geogratis.cgdi.gc.ca.) Canada. Using the most common pedal. Tank 2 is bigger than Tank soil test that will measure N that succeed. † current P soil test it works like this: 1, but the gas supply from Tank will be mineralized in the early J.L.(Les) Henry is a former professor and FERTILIZER RESIDUE • Soil Test P < 10 pounds of P/ 2 is metered out at an unknown part of the growing season would extension specialist at the University of acre or less: 75 per cent chance of rate with unknown timing. Better be a big boost to VRT for N. Saskatchewan. He farms at Dundurn, Sask. He recently finished a second printing of The first thing we must realize response make sure Tank 1 doesn’t run too “Henry’s Handbook of Soil and Water”, a book with fertilizers is that they are like • Soil Test P > 60 pounds of P/ low to avoid walking. POTASSIUM that mixes the basics and practical aspects of elephants — they have a long mem- acre or more: 25 per cent chance The amount of Nitrate-N to two soil, fertilizer and farming. Les will cover the ory when applied at high enough of response feet in a soil is like the gas in Tank Potassium (K) is a special nutri- shipping and GST for Grainews readers. Send a cheque for $50 to Henry Perspectives, 143 rates. At many of our current rates, • Soil Test P in the middle range: 1 of our pickup. We’ve used the ent. Routine K soil tests work well Tucker Cres, Saskatoon, SK, S7H 3H7, and he there will be residual effects. response in any given year is crap nitrate test like a dipstick in a to establish seriously K-deficient will dispatch a signed book.

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This soil applied residual several US states, including Nebraska, Kansas product is activated with moisture, and forms a barrier in the soil to keep and Colorado. kochia out. “Kochia is a highly competitive weed that The secret is sulfentrazone: a, Group 14 chemistry that prevents aggressive spreads extremely quickly,” explains Nufarm weeds from emerging. Kochia, wild buckwheat, lamb’s quarters and pigweed Commercial Manager, Grant Deveson. are among the weeds Authority will control.. Grant Deveson says the The agriculture industry is taking this news “Authority is incredibly safe… but don’t let that fool you,” Deveson says. practice of rotating herbicides “It does a number on some pretty hard to kill weeds. That’s what makes it has been largely forgotten very seriously. There is a real concern that this when it comes to glyphosate. new strain of resistant kochia will be hard to such a welcome option for those growing these sensitive specialty crops.” contain for several reasons. And that’s not all. Kochia is a highly prolific seed producer. In addition to spreading seeds through the wind, kochia is a tumbleweed. It can travel quickly and cover Deveson notes there are a number of other Nufarm products growers can great distances – dispersing seeds along the way. Once pollen from use to provide early season kochia control. Nufarm 2,4-D Ester and glyphosate resistant kochia crossbreeds with Amitrol 240 can both be tank mixed with glyphosate, and will take out other plants, the genetics responsible for the resistant kochia. Meanwhile, Valtera™ is a Group 14 residual soybean resistance can be passed on. herbicide that does an exceptional job. Farmers and seed producers throughout Do your part to fight resistance. Western Canada are being urged to Herbicide rotation is an essential part of any weed management strategy. reevaluate their burndown practices – and As we’re starting to realize, this applies to glyphosate as well. Ask your retailer target kochia with products that offer a or crop advisor about these and other options for early season kochia control. different mode of action. “Agronomists and scientists have preached the importance of rotating herbicides. But for Fighting resistant kochia in-crop. whatever reason, this practice has largely been forgotten when it comes to glyphosate. If you miss it at burndown Deveson says Nufarm has two Taking the proper steps now will help slow exceptional products for taking down kochia (including the spread,” Deveson says. glyphosate resistant plants) in cereal crops. Nufarm, a Calgary-based herbicide manufacturer, has recently introduced Estaprop® is one of the best products available for two new products that are proven to eliminate kochia in a spring burndown application: CleanStart® and Authority®. As Group 14 products, both provide controlling kochia in-crop. It is a very well established an effective means of controlling glyphosate tolerant kochia plants. Group 4 chemistry known to clean up even heavily infested fields. Lately, there has been much talk surrounding Nufarm’s ® CleanStart : Kochia control ahead of all launch of Enforcer™, which contains two proven modes of key crops. action to battle all types of kochia. ® CleanStart has become recognized as an advanced burndown solution “Moving forward, Enforcer may emerge as the best in-crop for safe control of kochia and a broad spectrum of weeds ahead of pulse and broadleaf product for fighting the spread of glyphosate canola crops. resistant kochia,” Deveson concludes. But what is not as widely known is that CleanStart is also registered for wheat, barley, flax, soybeans, potatoes, corn and oats… which makes it ideally suited for addressing glyphosate resistant kochia in most key crops grown on the prairies. “Because it is registered for so many crops, is easy to tank mix and is quite reasonably priced, CleanStart is being touted as the new line of defence for controlling glyphosate resistant kochia,” Deveson reveals. CleanStart is formulated with carfentrazone and glyphosate. It is the carfentrazone component that provides control of actively growing kochia plants on contact. 1-800-868-5444 This product provides dependable control of kochia plants 4” tall or less. In addition, CleanStart will control Roundup Ready® volunteer canola from the the 1 - 3 leaf stage, spring germinating dandelions and all weeds that are CleanStart® and Estaprop® are registered trademarks of Nufarm Agriculture Inc. Enforcer ™ is a trademark of Nufarm Agriculture Inc. Authority® is a trademark of FMC Corporation. Valtera™ is a trademark of Valent USA controlled with glyphosate. Corporation. All other products are trademarks of their respective owners. AGReader Mobile Apps Available For iPhone and BlackBerry · Download yours free at agreader.ca today!

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Part of the network APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 35 Columns Hart attacks Who ever thought “pink slime” was a good idea? Scientists are making great progress in finding new ways to make protein in the lab. But Grainews field editor Lee Hart won’t be having it for lunch anytime soon

By Lee Hart is that messing around with these the critics and the fear-mongerers sense on paper, but nobody has to but it applies widely to agricul- odd-ball products can easily rattle the ammunition — the science and explain to Canadian beef produc- ture. “If agriculture is doing some- ere are two “meat” public confidence and perception of technology of the agriculture and ers the horrific impact of one case thing now that makes you squirm items I can’t wait to sink the agriculture and food industries. food industry. of BSE or mad cow disease. Maybe at the thought of showing it to my teeth into — petri Frankenfood walks again! I remember 10 or 15 years ago we shouldn’t do that anymore. your wedding guests, then maybe dish burger fortified the British Columbia dairy indus- Certainly science and technol- you shouldn’t be doing it,” said withH pink slime. Boy, if that combo try got nailed with a consumer ogy has a vital role in agriculture Grandin. What a great litmus test. Consumer interest doesn’t whet the old meat lover backlash when it was revealed and food production, but there has My daughter’s wedding is coming appetite I don’t know what will. Generally, I believe, most con- some producers were using bovine to be some common sense applied up this spring, and who isn’t inter- Sometimes I think science and sumers are complacent. They just somatotropin (BST), or a bovine as well. Just because we can do it, ested in saving a few dollars. But technology is out to sink the want good quality, healthy, reason- growth hormone, to enhance milk doesn’t mean we should. somehow I think any reception din- meat industry once and for all. ably (or cheaply) priced food. But production. That news lit up the ner that features dishes with pink On one hand we have a Dutch when you get agriculture critics and switchboards of dairy processors Feeding guests slime or in vitro meat just wouldn’t researcher who has come up the media peeing their pants over as fearful consumers called in, and fly. To heck with the budget, we’re with a process to marry stem these so-called hazardous materi- some mothers claimed their kids There is a line that Temple sticking with good old fashion, cell material from a bovine with als, the good old complacent con- were sick from drinking milk with Grandin, the noted U.S. live- tried, true and trusted gourmet, all- serum from a horse fetus and he sumer doesn’t know what to think. enhanced BST. That ended the use stock behaviour specialist, used natural hot dogs — it’s the way gets that mixture to grow in a They hear something about it on of BST in B.C. in a recent talk in Lethbridge, nature intended us to eat. † petri dish (in vitro) and become the news, or their favorite TV talk And it was science and tech- Alta., that I will probably repeat Lee Hart is a field editor for Grainews in muscle tissue or meat. show so it must be true. Obviously nology that figured feeding ani- often. She was talking about ani- Calgary, Contact him at 403-592-1964 or by it is everywhere. And who handed mal protein back to animals made mal handling and welfare issues email at [email protected]. Pink slime And then in the good old U.S.A., ADvERTISEMENT the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved or renewed approval for the use of semi-waste New seed-applied nutrient technology beef products, fondly referred to as “pink slime” in school lunch ® programs. This “pink slime” stuff Awaken ST enters Rancona Bare Seed Awaken ST apparently has been around for Canadian market 20-plus years. It is boneless lean & Rancona beef trimmings, exposed to ammo- The Canadian Food Inspection nium hydroxide to kill pathogens, Agency (CFIA) has approved and then used as filler in burgers and other products. One concern a new liquid nutrient seed about pink slime is that it might treatment for use on wheat, not always be 100 per cent meat. oats, barley and corn. Think about it. Awaken ST is manufactured Some meat packers and restau- by Loveland Products and rant chains say they no longer available from UAP Canada produce or use pink slime, but Inc. as part of its Nutritionals do you know who or which portfolio of products. ones? I don’t. And obviously Awaken ST is a patented, someone is still cranking it out seed-applied nutrient that if the USDA is planning to use includes 6-0-1 and 5% zinc seven million pounds of it in plus boron, copper, iron, school lunch programs. manganese and molybdenum. I am not a particularly squeam- ish eater, and I dare say likely nei- “Awaken ST puts nutrients ther of these products is harmful. where a germinating plant Probably if I was eating a burger needs them – on the seed,” made with either I’d never know says Eric Gregory, Western 30 Days after Emergence the difference. You get enough Product Manager with UAP ketchup and onions on a burger Canada Inc. “It’s a unique, Awaken ST pushes root hair development and increases plant biomass. and they’re all great. But is the nutrient-based product that increase in plant emergence Research at the University of applied with traditional industry really at a point where helps develop a larger, more and an 8 percent yield Wales showed that the zinc seed treating equipment, we need either of these products extensive root system, quicker increase when compared complex found in Awaken ST and is a seed safe, low in development or used in com- emergence and greater to untreated seed. stimulates 44 percent more dust-off formulation. mercial food trade? plant biomass for improved auxin production in the plant plant health and vigour. All Gregory explains that the than other forms of zinc. Zinc “We know there aren’t any Protein shortage? of this supports the goals of patented zinc ammonium and the other micronutrients in mixing issues with Rancona® acetate compound found in Apex, and the other popular Have we really run out of the progressive growers in Awaken ST are also essential Awaken ST is the key driver seed treatments all look very capacity to grow a healthy beef pursuit of maximum yield in the photosynthetic process behind both the plant and good, too,” says Gregory. animal, finish it on grass or grain, and return on their crop of the plant to help maximize soil effects of the product. In knock it on the head, and then inputs investment.” growth and yield. Proposed mixtures should be cut good recognizable cuts of meat the plant, zinc boosts auxin evaluated in a jar test before off the carcass. With the “slime” In independent research production, which promotes Ammonium acetate acts as a full scale use. product do we really need to be and CFIA registration trials, cell division and increased soil extraction agent releasing Awaken ST is packaged sweeping the floor and emptying Awaken ST increased stand lateral root growth. “Improved nutrients that are tied up in the garbage can to get every last establishment, biomass and lateral root growth means more the soil. Together, the zinc in 2 x 9.46 litre jugs per ounce of protein or anything else yield. Research conducted in root hairs. In terms of nutrient ammonium acetate complex case with one case treating picked up by the broom? Products 2009 at North Dakota State and water uptake we know provides increased plant approximately 180 bushels that by most standards might sim- University on hard red spring that root hairs do all the heavy growth and improved nutrient of wheat seed. ply be better used as cat food? wheat showed a significant lifting,” says Gregory. uptake from the soil, ultimately And is there such a protein providing improved plant shortage that society needs to be Awaken ST on HRS Wheat Awaken ST on HRS Wheat health and vigour. funding research to grow petri- 65 75 dish meat? Maybe the day will Easy to use 70 come when these materials will 60 Awaken ST is available in a be critical to sustaining life, but I 65 convenient, easy flowing, don’t think we are there yet. (In all 55 60 clear liquid. It may be applied fairness the report on producing 50 55 on its own, blended or applied Bushel/acre Plants/2 ft row in vitro protein said it would cost 50 sequentially with traditional 45 about $31,000 to make enough 45 fungicide and/or insecticide meat for one burger, so I don’t 40 40 seed treatments. It can be expect to see it on fast food restau- Awaken ST Check Awaken ST Check rant menus any time soon.) Source: Dr. Joel Ranson NDSU 2009 Source: Dr. Joel Ranson NDSU 2009 www.uap.ca As I said earlier, these products are Awaken ST is a registered trademark of Loveland Products Inc. and Rancona is a trademark of Chemtura Canada Co/Cie. UAP Canada is a member of CropLife Canada. 02.12 12009 probably safe, but the bigger issue 36 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Columns Management minute

Warkentoohard’s balance sheet Current Assets Current Liabilities Where do I go from here, Part 2 Crop inventory $350,000 Operating line $50,000 Pre-paid expenses $130,000 In the installment, Andrew DeRuyck and Mark Agri-Invest $40,000 Sloane look at a retiring couple’s options Term Assets Term Liabilities Machinery $450,000 Mortgage debt $200,000 ANDREW DERUYCK MARK SLOANE the option to simply quit would Iben and Shirley did not real- RRSPs $200,000 be very expensive. ize that once their taxable net ben and Shirley Warken- Iben and Shirley up to this point income reaches $67,000 it starts Buildings $250,000 toohard got a bit of a shock have filed their income tax on a to reduce their Old Age Security Land $1,500,000 last time we met with them partnership basis. For the last five benefits on a prorated basis. This Total Assets $2,920,000 Total debt: $250,000 they found out that if they years they have kept their taxable prompted Iben to consider wind- bothI died tomorrow that the income at the top of the bottom ing down the farm over the next Net worth $2,670,000 equity they planned to pass on to bracket. When Iben and Shirley two years to avoid losing his Old their children would be $500,000 turn 65 they will begin receiving Age Security. Warkentoohard’s potential tax liability less than they anticipated. their Canada Pension Plan and The reality of the income stream Sale of crop inventory, prepaids $480,000 It quickly became apparent that Old Age Security, which will add that would be generated by the Iben’s plan to farm until he grew to their taxable income. This will current assets alone over the next Disposal of RRSPs, AgriInvest 240,000 tired of it and then quit was going mean that in the future they will two years is $250,000 per year to greatly compound the existing be able to take even less from the ($125,000 each). There may be Recaptured depreciation on 450,000 problem. His strategy throughout farm without paying significant some minor deductions along machinery and buildings his farming career was to defer tax tax. Taking out the RRSPs in addi- the way such as hydro and fuel, Total taxable income $1,170,000 and keep that capital in his busi- tion to claiming the farm income insurance and building repair. One ness to support the very growth while paying a reasonable amount thing is for sure. It will generate a Potential tax liability $510,280 used to defer the tax. Iben and of tax would be challenging. This is significant net income. This calculation assumes that all assets are transferred Shirley are now 91 per cent equity without consideration given to sell- After the two years IBen and or disposed of in one year. with no growth anticipated and ing any term assets off the farm. Shirley would be sitting on significant investment. The interest on this will be taxable, further compounding the problem of taking RRSP’s out. Iben and Shirley can delay taking out RRSP’s but at age 71 these RRSP’s must be con- verted to a RRIF and they will start to come out as the investment is drawn down. So what are Iben and Shirley’s options?

Three options The first and perhaps the sim- plest is to purchase a $ 500,000 life insurance policy that would pay- out upon their deaths. The proceeds would pay the tax bill. This way Iben and Shirley could sleep at night knowing that the full value of their estate would be passed on to their 18 children. Although the equity is preserved in the estate, the insurance cost is significant, given their age, and still represents a cash drain out of the farm. In the short run this makes sense to manage risk. However, as a long term solution it is an inefficient means of managing the tax. The second option is to slowly wind down the farm over 10 years. They would reduce their acres by about 10 per cent each year and, over time, reduce the deferred tax liability in their current assets. They would be exposed to the risk of unexpected death which would derail their plan. They would also be exposed to potential income volatility. Land rent from the acres not IT’S THE STATE OF MIND farmed would also contribute to THAT COMES WITH GETTING AN income, but would be taxed. The last option is be to incorpo- EXTRA 3 TO 4 BUSHELS rate, either by rolling in a partner- OF CANOLA AN ACRE. ship interest including all farm assets or by a section 85 rollover in which assets including inventory, prepaids and equipment are rolled Want to turn agony to ecstasy? This should do into the company. The advantage to this structure would be ® the trick: HEADLINE fungicide is now registered that in the event of an untimely for canola. Not only is it unrivalled in blackleg control, it gives death the assets would not all be taxed in one year. In addition, the plants inner strength through ™ – greener leaves, AgCelence desired income could be drawn stronger stems and as a result, higher yields.* And since it out as required in a much more controlled manner with much less can be applied with your herbicide, it saves you volatility. The disadvantage is the work too. In short, it’s pure fungicidal rapture. increased cost of accounting and Visit agsolutions.ca/headline for more. level of complexity. Now Iben and Shirley now have some thinking to do. †

*All comparisons are to untreated, unless otherwise stated. Andrew DeRuyck and Mark Sloane manage two farming operations in southern Manitoba Always read and follow label directions. and are partners in Right Choice Management Consulting. They can be reached at andrewd@ AgSolutions and HEADLINE are registered trade-marks of BASF Corporation; AgCelence is a trade-mark of BASF SE; all used with permission goinet.ca and [email protected] or by BASF Canada Inc. HEADLINE should be used in a preventative disease control program. © 2012 BASF Canada Inc. 204-825-7392 and 204-825-8443.

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403 261 7161 403 261 7152 38 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Columns OFF-FARM INVESTING How to build weath Andy Sirski explains how you can build wealth with lots of money and no knowledge, or a little money and lots of knowledge

We were also fortunate from I had to find the knowledge, money, and maybe it doesn’t mat- If you pull the boards apart another angle. My wife and I usu- save some money and have the ter all that much. But I do wonder you’ll create a crack between the ANDY SIRSKI ally lived within our means. We courage to risk my cash. Over about your children. Will they boards and the wind can blow lived in an old home in a nice time, we built some wealth and have lots of money and no knowl- through there. old neighborhood, within eight our own private retirement plan. edge, or will you try to help them But watch what happens if you minutes of downtown, 14 minutes Many people have little knowl- have knowledge so they can build push the boards together so they from the airport and 20 minutes edge on how to build wealth and wealth with however much money climb the angle. The joint where ong time Grainews readers to the University of Manitoba. We seem to have no inclination to get comes along? the boards meet gets thicker and know I left home with drove and still drive old cars, but the knowledge I can only hope thicker, up to a point where you almost no money and no our kids all have a good education they will have lots of money to PUSH THE BOARDS TOGETHER have a spot where the boards are knowledge about how to and no student loans. work with. two boards high. I equate this to Lmake money work for me. I had Are all of our kids going to retire The question is: how do we Imagine two four-by-four boards the magic of compound interest to learn this as I went through rich in 30 to 35 years? I don’t know. build wealth? Is it with some cut at a 45 degree angle. Place the rates or compound growth. life, worked at a busy job, helped Some hope to do that sooner. They money and lots of knowledge or angled cut so the cuts are aligned, Now, let’s call one board knowl- raise five children and planned could because they certainly have do we skip the knowledge and with the thin tip of one board edge and one board money. for retirement with no guaranteed the information about how to hope to have lots of money come touching the thick end of the Sitting flat there is no growth — pension. We’re comfortable, so I build wealth close by — me. I our way? cut on the other board. If you do you have what you have. It’s like think we did most things reason- did not have anyone with much I don’t know where you are nothing, the two boards are just as investing money these days at ably well. knowledge to work with. on that scale of knowledge and thick as they were before. two per cent interest per year. Then start to bang the end of one board or the other and you get a thicker and thicker joint. Bang on the money board and PRIMERS / STARTERS / FOLIARS it grows. Bang on the knowledge board and you get growth. Bang on both and you get faster growth. I hope this makes sense. We can be quite sure most farm kids will have money. Farm kids have a work ethic, and most will get a decent skill and or education. But will they have the board Stronger start. called knowledge? Will they have the skill to make their money grow at a respectable rate of return so they can have a nice life and a nice retire- Faster finish. ment without too much personal sacrifice? Will they have the discipline to live within The nutrition available to your crop in the First 30 their means and build knowl- ® edge and wealth? Days has a significant impact on seed germination, They can, but it might help them early root development, emergence and crop vigour. along if you as parents or grandparents can help them learn. The First 30 Days® nutrient management plan from Omex focuses on addressing the nutritional WHAT WE DID NOT HAVE requirements of early-stage growth – getting As I was growing older, I did your crop off to a stronger start and not have the knowledge I have to the finish line faster. today about making money grow. And I didn’t have a whole lot of money either. Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) at that time allowed only small contributions, not the large ones allowed now. We didn’t have a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) where money earned interest tax free. But we had high rates of interest, so the magic of compound interest helped money grow. How is that? If you divide the number 72 by the rate of interest earned, you’ll get the number of years it takes for your money to double. Or close, at least. For example, divide 72 by a typical rate of interest back then — say nine per cent. Money would double in eight years. Over an investment career of 30 years, your first slug of money could be expected to double almost four times. So $1,000 could grow to $2,000, then to $4,000 and then to $8,000 in 32 years. Even if it took eight years for the first batch of money to grow to $10,000, that lump would still ® have almost three more times to Make the most of the First 30 Days . double. If a person had $10,000 by age 30, the money could grow Speak to an Omex Plant Health Professional to $20,000 then $40,000 and finally to $80,000. at 1-866-860-9660 or visit omexcanada.com. Back in my day, and maybe yours, it was very hard to have

adOmex_GrainNews_Mar2012.indd 1 23/02/2012 8:14:57 AM APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 39 Columns

$10,000 contributed to an RRSP Education Savings Plan (RESP). expect our money to grow faster decent investor needs a starting This strategy can be used in a by age 30 partly because we While that money is not tax and faster. point. And the education might trading account, in an RRSP, or didn’t have the money and part- deductible going in, the govern- But don’t expect to become an never end. in a TFSA, but it will take some ly because the contribution room ment tops up the contribution by expert investor in a week or so Odds are you and your chil- new knowledge. I’m not saying was so small. 20 per cent, which kick starts the just because you suddenly had a dren might have to flush some you have to learn this from me plan. Because most students will bright idea. Recall Janita Van De old investment ideas and replace but if you’re not happy with past TODAY’S SAVINGS TOOLS be in a zero or low tax bracket Velde’s article in the February 13 them with new ones. But if you returns, or if your children want when they take that money out issue of Grainews. She was writ- are not happy with your past to start developing investment These days, most people have for post secondary school, it can ing about The Velveteen Rabbit investments, doing the same knowledge, someone will have to several tools that can help them old thing and expecting better do some study work. Many par- build wealth. First, they can results is not likely the way to ents or grandparents even help contribute a lot of money to improve returns. their busy children with their an RRSP and deduct that from You and your children might investments to get the accounts their income tax and get a big have to read new stuff. Books going, in hopes that the kids will refund. Second, wages are higher like The Wealthy Barber by Dave start to learn sooner or later. — even if life costs more, disci- One of the best things parents and Chilton, Think and Grow Rich by One of the best things par- plined spenders can usually save Napoleon Hill, and Get Rich with ents and grandparents can leave good money. grandparents can leave their Options: Four Winning Strategies their descendents is knowledge. Next, investors with RRSPs can descendents is knowledge Straight from the Exchange Floor by Unfortunately knowledge is hard borrow some or all of that money Lee Lowell can open minds and for a lawyer to write into a will. It and use it to buy their first house. help shorten learning curves. I’ve will have to come from you while Then, they pay themselves back all come out of the RESP at zero and the beat up old toy horse, also found a book by Larry Winget you are still able to read, talk and year by year. I’m not totally con- or low tax. This reduces the odds and what it takes to become a called You’re Broke Because You think. So it might be a good idea vinced that this is a good long- of your kids graduating from uni- loved toy. Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By to get started now. † term idea but if the money is versity with big fat student loans. I translated that idea into the and Start Getting Ahead. Andy Sirski is mostly retired. He writes, plays there, why not? The money in While interest paid on student question: what does it take to We use a very specific strat- with grandchildren, keeps his Datsun running, an RRSP that was deducted from loans is a tax deductible expense, become a good investor? It will egy to merge stocks with creat- gardens and manages his investments. Andy income tax and had sheltered student loan payments of $300 a take some time, some experience, ing cash flow by selling covered publishes a newsletter called StocksTalk where he explains what he does with his gains can come out tax free and month will boosts the demands likely some money, perhaps some calls. Some of our stocks are like investments. Read it for free for a month by be used to help buy a home that on a young graduate’s cash flow. bad experiences. But it will not milk cows and others are like typing “StocksTalk.net” at www.google.com, will likely go up in value to cre- happen by accident. Becoming a growing steers. or email andy at [email protected]. ate tax free capital gain. Not a WHERE IS THE KNOWLEDGE? bad deal. Since 2009, most Canadians While there are many invest- can set up a TFSA and put up to ment vehicles to use to save $5,000 a year into the plan (you money for college, a house Tundra could have put away $20,000 up and or retirement, the rate of to 2012). All of the money gained return might be very low for the or earned within the TFSA earned unskilled investor (or for what will be tax free while in the plan I call dumb money). If money and when it comes out. earns two to four per cent annu- The TFSA contribution limit is ally for the next ten years, it will $75,000 lifetime per person, but not grow very quickly. if you compound $5,000 a year at At the beginning of this arti- eight per cent, contribute $5,000 cle I asked the question: build a year and compound the entire wealth with lots of money and cumulative value for 15 years, no knowledge or build wealth then consider another 15 years with little money and lots of with no additional contributions, knowledge? Of course there are you will have a pile of money. readers with lots of money and All tax free gains. The $75,000 knowledge. There are also read- will not be deductible like RRSP ers who have no money and contributions, but when it comes no knowledge. Life is not going out it will not push up income so to be easy for them. And there old age pension is clawed back. are people who are getting the While we had the benefit of knowledge and I’m pretty sure relatively high rates of earned will eventually find the money. interest on our money, these new What is the sweet spot in life? investment programs can help I think it is some knowledge people build wealth a lot faster and some money. There is what than we could. I call the magic of compound Parents or grandparents can knowledge. Learning gets easier also put money into a Registered as we learn more. Then we can

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Professional Wealth Management Since 1901 43,000 PIECES OF AG Find it fast at EQUIPMENT! RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2011 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved. 40 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Cattleman’s Corner Management BIXS is about better marketing

BY LEE HART relationships in the beef industry. Tools such as improved livestock ore information on genetics, EPDs and DNA markers production practices can be used to produce desired and carcass quality in traits in cattle. At the same time the hands of cow-calf improved grading technology producers,M cattle feeders, and pack- used by packing plants can better ers is going to change standards in identify carcass quality. the Canadian beef industry, says a He points to the new digital- southern Alberta feedlot operator. imaging system, known as the e+v Knowing a ranch’s production camera, which has been tested in practices, being able to track calves major Canadian beef-processing through the feedlot and ultimately plants. The unit is designed for use to carcass quality at the packing with a moving rail, allowing it to plant will change how beef is pro- photograph and analyze the rib duced in this country. So says John eye area of the carcass between the Schooten, who along with family 12th and 13th ribs as it passes by. members operates Schooten and The camera measures grade fat, and Sons Custom Feedyard at Diamond rib eye width and depth, and calcu- City, Alta., north of Lethbridge. lates a lean yield percentage, lean “As this system develops we will yield grade and marbling score. see the industry producing less And now with BIXS that informa- commercial beef,” says Schooten, tion can be relayed back to feeders who has been feeding cattle for and producers. more than 35 years. “As producers “A cow-calf producer partici- we will know what we have to sell. pating in the BIXS program, for And with the genetic information example, can enter information p h o t o : j a n e t k a n t e r s John Schooten, centre, with two of his four sons (Justin, left, and Shane), says that as more of the industry available, such as EPDs and DNA on the system about his breeding begins using the BIXS program, there will be an increase of direct relationships between producers and markers in our seedstock, we will program, the age of calves, the cattle feeders. be able to adjust breeding programs health status of those calves and as needed. vaccination protocol for the cow efits the marketing of those cat- “We’re competing with the rest herd,” says Schooten. “Eventually Common goal Produce for markets tle,” says Thomas. “More infor- of the world in beef and with as those calves come into my feed- “The industry has downsized “Certified Angus Beef is a good mation gives the cattle feeder other meat sectors as well, so we lot, which is on the BIXS program, considerably in recent years,” example of a program that has a better sense of the type and have to become as efficient as pos- I can see how they perform and he says. “And for a long time it a demand for a specific type of quality of cattle he or she is buy- sible, and produce not only high- see what kind of average daily was everyone doing their own beef animal,” he says. “Through ing, and the more information quality, but high-yielding beef.” gains they have. When they go to thing. But now we are start- BIXS, the industry will be able to also aids in a ‘search’ of the BIXS One valuable tool in achieving the packer then I can receive infor- ing to see all sectors in the identify those types of marketing database if a feeder is looking for that, he says, is a program recently mation back on yield and carcass beef-production chain working opportunities. Not everyone will specific type of cattle or produc- launched by the Canadian quality of those cattle. toward the same goal. We all produce the exact same cattle tion practice.” Cattleman’s Association (CCA) “So if I have a nice group of have to be working to produce that will have the same carcass It is a confidential system, — the Beef InfoXchange System, healthy calves that feed well and the most efficient, high-quality, quality and yield, but it will be so the feeder can’t identify a better known as BIXS. produce a high-yielding, high- high-yielding beef that we can. able to identify cattle that best fit producer, but a search on the quality carcass then I will want to And at the end of the day, we all different market opportunities. system can alert a producer that Connect the dots continue to buy calves from that have to be producing what the “While we will always have a feeder is looking for cattle producer,” he says. “Knowing how consumer wants. commercial beef production, we that match the description of As BIXS becomes fully opera- well those cattle grade is key infor- “What does the packer need, will now have tools available to his calves, and then he has the tional, it will connect the dots mation. Those cattle that fit mar- what does the retailer need and know what we are producing and option of whether to contact through the whole beef-produc- ket needs are going to be worth what does the consumer want? be able to produce for specific that feeder. tion chain, says Schooten. It will more to the packer and that trans- As an industry we have to be markets as well,” adds Schooten. The process is being designed allow him as a cattle feeder to lates into a premium being paid focused on that,” says Schooten. “As the system develops, those so cow-calf herds registered on have a much better idea of the back to the producer. As more of “We have to use the genetic tools producers registering their cattle the BIXS program can sell calves type of cattle he is buying and the industry begins using the BIXS available to us, and measure on BIXS will have an opportunity into a feedlot that also par- who is producing those cattle. And program, I see more of these direct those results with carcass grad- for premiums, while those produc- ticipates in the BIXS program. being able to track these cattle relationships between producers ing. And with BIXS we will get ers who aren’t on the system may Finished cattle are processed at through to slaughter will let the and cattle feeders.” information back through the be producing commercial beef and packing plants that also par- other end of the production chain Schooten says there hasn’t been system of what we are produc- will not receive grade and per- ticipate in the BIXS program. send information back to feeders a widely available tool in the beef ing and what the market wants, formance data.” Carcass data on individual ani- and producers on carcass grade, industry that could provide a two- and hopefully we can adjust our BIXS, which is a web-based mals from those plants can then yield and overall quality. way flow of information through production to supply what the program found at www.bixs.cat- be relayed back to feeders and Schooten says the combination the beef production chain until market is telling us.” tle.ca, was launched in mid-2011 producers. of science, technology and infor- BIXS. And it is a tool that is veri- The two-way information flow after two years of development While the major beef packing mation will create a new era of fied and can be trusted. will benefit all sectors of the indus- and industry testing. plants in Western Canada are on try, he says. The cattle feeder will Cow-calf producers across board with BIXS, software that be able to learn more about the Canada are being urged to register allows for the seamless transfer type and quality of cattle he is buy- their cattle on the free and com- of information of BIXS data into ing from cow-calf producers, and pletely confidential BIXS program. commonly used feedlot com- the packer will provide a report Minimum information require- puter systems is just now being back to cattle feeders and produc- ment includes the Canadian Cattle finalized. Beef producers can ers on how those cattle performed. Identification Agency (CCIA) ear enroll their herds on BIXS now, BIXS can also provide packers or tag number and date of birth of and feedlots will be joining the “the market” with an opportunity each animal, which can be the program as the software link in to send a message back to feeders starting date of the calving season the process becomes available in and producers about specific mar- or the actual birthday of each early 2012. kets for cattle with specific carcass calf. Producers are also asked to Thomas says the initial carcass quality and traits to see if those indicate if they have a Verified data available to feeders and cattle can be supplied. Beef Production (VBP) operation. producers will include slaughter “I don’t see the packers ‘telling’ And they are also encouraged to date, hot carcass weight, carcass ranchers what they have to pro- provide their Premise ID. sex, grade of fat depth, carcass duce, but at the same time there Aside from the basic informa- yield, carcass marbling and car- will be some producers who see a tion, producers also have the cass grading. market opportunity and will use option to provide a wide range “As beef herds are registered BIXS to produce cattle for that of other information, says Larry on BIXS, we begin to develop a market, whether it be a specialty Thomas, BIXS program admin- pool of cattle in BIXS, but it is meat market, or requirements of istrator. That can include breed/ a first-walk/then-run process,” the EU market or other foreign cross, colour, castration date, he says. “As more cattle join market,” says Schooten. brand/location, dehorn date, the system we expect to see a While he feeds a wide range details on the vaccination pro- wide range of marketing oppor- of crossbred cattle in his 15,000- gram, parasite control and more. tunities develop as information head feedlot, Schooten points to flows up and down the whole † a high-quality beef opportunity Information is key beef-production chain.” p h o t o : b i l l s h e r w o o d featured at the recent Canadian Lee Hart is editor of Cattleman’s Corner based BIXS program administrator Larry Thomas says the more information a Feedlot Conference he attended in “The more information a pro- in Calgary. Contact him at 403-592-1964 or by producer provides, the more it benefits the marketing of cattle. Lethbridge. ducer provides, the more it ben- email at [email protected]. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 41 Cattleman’s Corner BETTER BUNKS AND PASTURES The pros and cons of late-spring calving

With these significant savings, remember turning cows PETER out to calve on pasture is only VITTI part of the overall feeding program. Consequently, the following practical suggestions should be implemented in a late-spring growing trend has calving cow herd: developed among beef • Maintain good cow body con- producers who raise cat- dition score for breeding. Cows tle in the snow belt. achieving a BCS of 2.5 to 3.0 had AMany cow-calf ranchers have fewer days to first estrus, greater adjusted the calving season until signs of estrus and higher rates much of the snow has melted and of conception, while calves born the first green blades of grass have to these optimal cows had lower shot up. For many late-spring pre-weaned mortality rates, and advocates, there just seems to be achieved higher weaning weights something natural about allowing of 50 to 60 lbs. at the end of beef cows to give birth on pasture the pasture season. In contrast, instead of in a drylot pens. The thin cows (BCS < 2.0) have been practice also supports a substan- known to have delayed first serv- tial cost savings by calving the ice conception and their newborn cow herd on pasture. calves tend to be less thrifty. Consider the potential savings • Achieve optimum trace for a 250-beef cow operation by mineral status — copper, zinc, replacing all the drylot forages manganese and selenium are and half of the supplemented particularly important for good barley grain in a drylot lactation beef cow immunity/health, fer- ration with one month of grazed tility and basic body functions. May pasture. The grass pastures Too often, they are either low late-spring first-calf heifers on that could lead to high calf mor- a high rate of early embryonic in late spring contain enough or marginally deficient in soils/ a high plane of nutrition allows tality. Fortunately, most spring deaths. Similarly, these “dog days” forage volume (dry-matter basis) cattle forages or are bound up by them to grow and might allow calves can remain healthy if their of summer can literary sterilize to support the cow herd’s general antagonistic elements. The best thin animals to put on some mothers are able to escape poor otherwise fertile bulls for the next feed intake and contain early nutritional remedy is to feed a critical body condition. Assuring spring weather by going into couple of months. vegetative growth of substantial well-balanced commercial beef they are in proper body condi- shelter such as a pole barn with Luckily, most episodes of energy and protein value (note: mineral in order to keep cows tion helps them achieve better lots of clean, dry bedding. heat stress amongst the beef some barley might be fed on healthy and help them return to rebreeding success. Another adverse consequence herds in Western Canada last pasture to meet all energy needs). good re-breeding performance. of late-spring calving is that 80 for only a few weeks during a • Implement a creep feeding CHALLENGES days later your breeding sea- typical Prairie summer and can BIG SAVINGS program. On average, weaned son tends to fall upon the hot- be largely regional in scope. calves from a spring calving oper- Aside from the potential win- test days of July and August. No matter how the weather turns The calculations for potential ation weigh about 100 lbs. less ter-feed savings and not having Heat stress of both cows and out in the late spring or summer for savings of a late-spring calving than winter-born counterparts at to calve the herd during very bulls is a major reason behind spring calving and the subsequent season for a 250-head herd are any comparable time. Therefore, cold weather, a late-spring calv- an extended breeding season, breeding seasons, or even how as follows: it makes sense to provide a nutri- ing season is not without its which the following year leads much actual winter-feed costs are • Total feed intake of 15 kg tious calf creep feed on pasture natural challenges. to an extended calving season saved, the real success story of a late- = 600 kg x 2.5 per cent of body through the summer. It allows For one thing; unexpected beyond 70 days. spring calving season is based upon weight, 15 kg = 14 kg of mixed late-spring calves to play some spring snowstorms and cold rains University and extension the total income generated from hay @ $60/mt + 1 kg of barley @ “catch-up” with earlier calves and can chill newborn calves, which research has clearly proven heat- the amount of saleable pounds of $200/mt. supplies nutrients when milk pro- are particularly vulnerable to stressed cows are more likely to weaned calves sold. † • One month winter feed cost = duction from cows slows down. pneumonia. Similarly, frequent remain open, because they are $ 0.84 + $0.20 or $ 1.04 x 30 days. • Provide TLC to first-calf beef muddy conditions and thawed less likely to ovulate, have irregu- Peter Vitti is an independent livestock nutritionist and consultant based in Winnipeg. • Total monthly feed cost sav- heifers. Without the interference manure piles provide a catalyst lar estrus cycles, may have poor To reach him call 204-254-7497 or by email at ings (250 cows) = $ 7,800. of very cold weather, putting for contagious intestinal scours conception rates, and suffer from [email protected].

THE MARKETS Bloom fades on rosy cattle market limited consumer spending on analysts to increase beef produc- lower demand for replacement The market is rationing demand food products and more specifi- tion forecasts and this has also cattle from major feedlots during at the current levels. U.S. feed- JERRY cally higher-priced beef. tempered the upside for fed cattle March because these operations lots have not experienced positive KLASSEN Feeder cattle prices have been and beef prices. are carrying larger numbers from margins since April 2011. Western MARKET slipping lower throughout March The USDA increased second- last fall. Canadian operations experienced UPDATE due to negative feeding mar- quarter beef production estimates positive margins last fall but peri- gins in Canada and the U.S. on the latest report. Given the MORE EXPENSIVE BURGER ods of negative margins through- Higher feed grain price forecasts larger on-feed numbers and higher out the winter. .S. wholesale beef prices for summer have also put feeder carcass weights, there is potential Ground beef prices are run- Looking forward, Alberta fed cat- made 8 1/2-year highs cattle buyers on the defensive. for further upward revisions for ning 20 per cent higher than last tle prices need to exceed $121/cwt during the first week Total U.S. cattle-on-feed numbers the April through June timeframe. year while the average consumer to breakeven in June given cur- of March and whole- have been running above year- Larger-than-expected supplies will disposable income is only up rent feeder cattle values. U.S. corn Usale choice beef traded just over ago levels by two to five per cent continue to weigh on the fed cat- four per cent from 2011. The stocks will drop to bin-bottom $198/cwt, while select reached throughout the fall and winter tle prices. USDA reported that “at home” levels and the 2011-12 Canadian over $195/cwt. Higher beef pric- period. However, total steers In Western Canada, the number food spending was up 4.6 per barley carryout will also be histori- es caused the fed cattle market and heifers only as of January of steers one year and older on cent over last year and “away cally tight. Rising feed grain values to trade $130/cwt in the U.S. 1 totalled 14.021 million head, January 1, 2012, totalled 467,000 from home” food spending was will add pressure to the feeding Southern Plains. Alberta fed cattle which is only up 0.73 per cent in head on feeding operations, up 8.9 per cent. It is difficult margin structure. prices topped out at $117/cwt as comparison to last year. down 1.5 per cent from January for consumers to spend more In mid-March, a small group of the stronger Canadian dollar tem- 2011; heifers for slaughter were on beef products given the cur- medium flesh exotic steers weight- pered additional strength. SUPPLIES HOLD DOWN PRICE 325,000, up 3.5 per cent from rent income constraint. While ing 573 pounds sold for $179/cwt However, wholesale beef prices last year. It is important to note North American beef supplies in central Alberta. Charolais-cross came under pressure during the Cows continue to make up 19.5 the number of calves on feeding will decline in 2012, pork and steers averaging 686 pounds were last half of March as demand per cent of the slaughter mix but operations under one year old poultry supplies will increase, $167/cwt landed in a southern failed to sustain the market at the industry comments suggest that which were 376,000 head — up a causing consumers to switch to Alberta feedlot. These are still very higher levels. Packers continue to few U.S. cows are moving into whopping 19 per cent or 61,000 lower-cost protein. Restaurants high prices but I believe the feeder cut back on the weekly slaugh- feedlots. Longer term, this will head over January of 2011. This are also starting to serve lower- cattle market will grind lower in ter pace but this behaviour has result in lower ground-beef pro- is going to pressure the fed-cattle valued cuts of meat and smaller the second quarter of 2012. † done little to increase beef prices. duction and higher average carcass basis in Western Canada from beef portions. Retailers are featuring pork and weights. Carcass weights were run- May through August. The choice select spread has nar- Gerald Klassen analyzes cattle and hog markets chicken in an effort to attract the ning at 788 pounds in mid March, Tighter yearling supplies last rowed from $15/cwt in January to in Winnipeg and also maintains an interest in the family feedlot in Southern Alberta. For consumer. Higher gas prices and up from 771 pounds last year. The fall cause feedlots to buy more $4/cwt in March reflecting greater comments or speaking engagements, he can be other income constraints have higher carcass weights are causing calves. This is also resulting in demand for lower valued products. reached at [email protected] or 204 287 8268. 42 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Cattleman’s Corner REPORT FROM BIG MUDDY Recalling good and bad winters at 92

ment and the railroads assisted with my readers will agree that I have grow despite drought and very low woolen blankets. Fritz slept with me BOYD the cost. The winters were hardly seen a lots of seasons come and prices for his products, which were and we were warm at night. I had ANDERSON ever the same and all the cattlemen go. I was the fourth child and my mostly cattle and horses. a radio and listened to the news did their best to get feed stocked up birth took place in a homesteader’s and hockey games. I was located ahead for a hard winter. tar-paper shack 15 miles south of SHEEP TO THE RESCUE five miles from Dad’s home place. As I said, has been an open win- Lafleche. My Dad and mother were I stayed there until February 20. At ter. The cattlemen who have grass ranchers on the south side of Wood Dad’s ranch was right on the that time, there was a good thaw FEBRUARY 27, 2012. for winter grazing have fed very Mountain area. They had an adobe Montana border. Dad took note in February and I herded the sheep little. Over at the Big Muddy ranch, house and there they raised 12 chil- of how Montana ranchers were home on February 20. The sheep his has been an “open my grandson has not fed any range dren. The first was born in 1913. coping with the drought and did well that winter and helped Dad winter.” That saying refers cattle at all. He does feed range pel- The day I was born was a cold, poor markets for horses and cat- meet the expense of running the back to the time of the lets. Lloyd, at home here, feeds a windy March blizzard. The nurse, tle. Dad noticed that many ranch- ranch. The cost to Dad for keeping early settlement of the little on the stormy days and most Mrs. Meeker, was there alone with ers in Montana had sheep along the sheep on this abandoned farm TWest when the open range areas of the cattlemen are having an easy my mother. My Dad was at home with their farming and cattle. was food for me and the dog, and of western United States and also time wintering their cattle. five miles away caring for my three Dad went to the feeder show sale wood for the fire to keep us warm. Western Canada were being settled older brothers. Mrs. Meeker had in Moose Jaw and in 1931, he Two tons of loose feed for the sheep by homesteaders and ranchers. If GOOD YEAR FOR CATTLEMEN let the fire go out because she only came home with one ram and 20 — a mixture of wheat and thistles, the winter had very little snow and had a stove pipe through the wall. female sheep. I was 11 at this time and of course batteries for the radio, mild weather, the winter would be This past year has been a good However, Mama told me later that and he made me the sheep man was all I needed. referred to as an open winter. During one for us cattlemen. We had a everything went well and five days of the family. Dad continued to In two and a half months, I was an open winter, the livestock (sheep, good summer. There was lots of after my birth, Dad took Mama buy more sheep every fall and by home twice. That winter showed cattle and horses) could graze on rain, an abundance of good grass and I home to our adobe house on the winter of 1933-34, his herd Dad and I how sheep could stand the open range (grass) and no feed and hay. Prices were good for both Rock Creek. was up to 500 head. the cold. They needed someone like or very little was needed to winter cattle and grain. We received over My three older brothers did not That year in the fall of 1933, he me to guide them and protect them the animals. $1,200 per head for our yearling like the attention I got from my rented a set of buildings (a two- from a bad blizzard or to keep them I can remember when as a young steers at 18 months of age. All other mother. Gene, aged four, said “Put room shack and a small barn) and safe from the coyotes. boy, I listened to our neighbours, classes of cattle were all a record- that baby in a sack and take him here he planned on keeping the Dad had very good sheep. They my Dad and grandpa talking about breaking price and now we are hav- back to Meeker.” (the nurse). sheep over winter. I left school in were Rambouillet and were very an open winter or a hard winter. At ing a nice winter. The years went by; some good early November and went to the hardy and had lots of wool to keep that time, it was hard to gather feed Never have I seen so many bales years and some not so good ones. place to live with the sheep. This them warm. I kept sheep for over 25 for the winter. My Dad sometimes stocked up around the countryside. My Dad’s plan was to break horses deserted farmyard was surrounded years and I have the greatest admi- seeded a crop of oats or rye and he I had coffee with a bale trucker and sell them to the farmers for by a half section of Russian thistles ration for them. could sometimes get threshed straw who has made many trips this them to use in farming their land. and beyond the field of thistles was I will be 92 years of age in three from some of our farmer neigh- winter trucking hay to Texas. This The horse business was good for a a very abundant growth of grass days. I believe that I have lived bours. Other times, we trailed cattle is most unusual for our area to while and then the usage of trac- (prairie wool). through a very interesting time. to the farming areas north of us, be hauling hay away down there. tors became common. The next The sheep bedded down around Now, I am starting to move my like Assiniboia, Limerick or Lafleche Over the years, it has been good thing to happen was the 1929 the barn. I, along with my dog, land and livestock down to future where crops were better. Some cat- for both countries to sell a product world market crash followed by Fritz, lived in one room of the generations. † tlemen even put the cattle on rail both ways. an extreme drought. These put house. We had a coal and wood Boyd Anderson is a mostly retired rancher cars and sent them to Manitoba. In a few days, March 1, I will have together gave my Dad lots of stove, a table and a good thick mat- from Glentworth, Sask. and has been a During the dry ’30s, the govern- a birthday and I will be 92. I believe problems. His family continued to tress on the floor with lots of good columnist for Grainews for many years. RANCHER’S DIARY Upside down treatment appears to work

HEATHER SMITH THOMAS bit different than my old one) and ness in his left leg for several years even in a blizzard. We ran out Saturday our friends Pete and catching up on article deadlines. due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. of diesel (using the backhoe and Bev Wiebe from British Columbia The good thing about the com- Steve has had sciatic problems for dump truck so much this winter) came to visit, on their way home FEBRUARY 24 puter problem is that when Lynn 30 years, but using the inverter and had our barrel filled again; the from a series of trips — to Africa, fter more computer took my old one into town the table (hanging upside down for cost of diesel is horrendous! and then several weeks spent in problems, our friend second time for Steve to work on, 20 minutes a day) has helped, to the southern part of the U.S. help- Steve Dahl decided my Steve talked him into trying his where he only needs to stretch his MARCH 6 ing build houses for people who old computer was hope- inverter table, to see if it would back about once a month, and his lost their homes in hurricanes. lessA and he refurbished a newer help his bad back and pinched sci- sciatic pain is gone. We had more snow last week They enjoy helping other people computer for me. I’m still getting atic nerve. Lynn has had back pain Steve loaned Lynn his inverter and finally started feeding our and have made this a major part used to it (because it does things a for a long time, and pain/numb- table for a week, and Lynn was cows. They’ve done very well this of their lives. We always enjoy amazed at how much it helps. winter with supplemental pro- visiting with them when they After the second day, he no tein, grazing the big hill behind stop here for a few days on their longer had any pain in his leg, for Andrea’s house. But that grass is way to or from these journeys. the first time in about five years. about gone now, and with snow This trip they were delighted to He stopped taking pain pills, covering the rest, it was time to see Andrea’s new house, and we and cancelled his appointment start feeding hay. celebrated Pete’s birthday Sunday with the doctor who wanted Rick, Andrea and Lynn hung night with dinner and a cake that to give him another cortisone the rest of the gates in the new Emily baked. injection into his back. We second-day pens by the calving Monday Lynn and Michael Black Angus Bulls ordered our own inverter table, barn, and Dani helped. She used a set railroad ties for gate posts, and Lynn uses it for 20 minutes big wrench to turn the nuts onto and hung new gates across the every morning, hanging not the bolts for the hinges. Afterward, 160 road. Tuesday it was horri- quite upside down — and reads she helped me do chores so she bly windy (and blew one of our a book while he’s hanging. This could see the heifers again. neighbour’s sheds apart). Michael stretches his spine (like traction, Yesterday was our wedding had planned to put a new fan belt only a lot easier!) and takes anniversary, so Lynn and I finally on the backhoe but it was much pressure off the compressed/ used the gift certificate (for a local too windy (blowing dirt around) damaged disks in his back that restaurant) that was given to us by so he waited until the next day were hurting the sciatic nerve. elk hunters last fall who camped to fix it. Yesterday he and Lynn Last Saturday it was snowing here at our place. changed the oil in the dump truck Turihaua Crumble hard all morning and too slip- and had to make a quick trip to -reference sire pery to get up the new road MARCH 16 town because we had the wrong - his sons sell / spring 2012 by private treaty with the dump truck, even with oil filter. We’ve only got a few chains on, so Michael brought Last week Michael had to work more loads of rock to haul for the www.nerbasbrosangus.com & the backhoe down here and spent on the dump-truck brakes, and road project until we get a chance that day smoothing out the rocks found that it had been running to put some finer material on for www.nerbasbrosangus. he’d hauled, working on the new all this time with just one. After the top surface. But now we need road, and started widening it, to he got the brakes fixed, it’s like to finish up a couple ditch projects blogspot.com make it safer. a new truck! He also went up to before high water. We’ll also be Andrea and Rick helped us Leadore two mornings, to IV a calf bringing the cows in soon to the Shellmouth, MB CANADA • 204-564-2540 round up the cows, and we gave for one of his rancher friends. The calving pasture. They will all be the pregnant heifers their pre- calf had scours and got chilled in a calving in April, and some udders calving booster shot. These last snowstorm, and was too weak and are starting to fill. † few days have been stormy, but dehydrated to benefit from oral Heather Smith Thomas ranches with her Michael was able to keep working fluids. But the IV fluids helped, husband Lynn near Salmon, Idaho. Contact on the road with the backhoe, and the calf recovered. her at 208-756-2841. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 43 Cattleman’s Corner Animal health

Talk to your veterinarian if there is anything he/she would recommend testing for before bringing a dairy Tricks to grafting a calf animal onto your premise. If purchasing a calf for grafting, BY ROY LEWIS especially if many animals are Often producers will keep a few producing nurse cows available for the same precautions apply. Make calving in a small area. It is easy cows to serve as calf donors. They just this purpose. The nurse cows sure the management of the opera- ince the beginning of time for young heifers to get confused are really culls but were pregnant usually need some dairy blood tion is similar to yours. Beef calves a common procedure in about which calf is theirs. when examined. Especially if these in them and they can often raise will provide a higher return the spring calving is cross-graft- cows were bred early, the opportu- three or four calves quite easily. next fall. But be absolutely sure ing calves onto surrogate Older calves nity may present itself to steal their These cows will usually let any- to isolate the pair for at least two mothers.S It used to be if a beef calf and graft it on to a younger thing suck so grafting multiple weeks. The last thing you want is for cow had lost her calf, a new calf If older calves die and grafting more productive cow which has lost calves onto the same cow is not a calf purchase to introduce scours was bought from a dairy, but that is desired, the situation becomes her calf. When deading with twin a problem. If possible it is nice to your herd. Be absolutely sure the brought with it the risk of expos- more difficult. It is best to skin the calves, steal the calf the mother to have them calving early with calf got a good suck of colostrum ing the beef herd to new infectious dead calf and tie the hide over the is not accepting as well, or if this their own calf so they are heavily when first born. If at all possible organisms such as scours. back of the new calf. This extra appears equal select the freemar- producing when you need them. try not to purchase calves off farm. With a lot of the exotic breeds, effort in skinning usually makes tin heifer in the case of mixed-sex Some producers will purchase Others may keep a potential sur- instances of twinning can reach the grafting procedure go smoothly. twins. three teaters or slow milkers from rogate cow milking in the hopes an the five to 10 per cent range with Take the largest piece of hide over a dairy for this purchase. extra twin will come along. many cows twinning year after the midsection of the calf. It is not Too many twins These strategies allow producers year. This creates an ideal oppor- necessary to skin out the legs and Be careful to make good productive use of tunity to steal one twin (provided neck. After a few days the smell will If you’re ending up with more twins and orphans and can make both were born alive) and get it become great, the hide will fall off, twins than you can handle, there A big caution here though is make productive cows out of ones des- sucking on a foster mom. The and generally the grafting will be are several options available. absolutely sure the management of tined to be culled. † cow is thus productive and most successful. Older calves can even be Bottle feed one calf until the the dairy fits closely to what you beef cows only have enough milk hog-tied for awhile. Their struggling opportunity to graft arises; you are doing. Isolate the cow and her Roy Lewis is a practicing large animal veterinarian at the Westlock Veterinary Centre, for one calf. and bawling will attract the cow can sell or lease the calf to a neigh- calves for two to three weeks to north of Edmonton. His main interests are and may initiate bonding. bour; and you can also have high- minimize the spread of any disease. bovine reproduction and herd health. Graft early With the surrogate mother, the ideal time to graft a new calf with her is right at birth, if the cow has not had time to lick her dead calf. Most producers will have the twins close at hand so they can immediately be thrown in with their new mother. It’s easiest to rub the afterbirth or fetal fluid of the cow all over the graft calf to change the scent. Leave a large amount of the tissue and liquid draped over the calf. This will usually fool even the wisest of cows. Heifers are generally easier to fool than the wise mul- tiparous cow, but placing the cow- calf pair together in a small pen is helpful. Watch for telltale signs of bunting or kicking indicating the match is not going well. Often mothers do not accept one twin as well as the other, so if you need to keep them together, keep them in a small area. Once turned out into a larger pen or field, if the calf hasn’t been fully accepted, it is likely to be abandoned. Fortunately twins do get very inventive at stealing from other cows. They usually suck from behind while the cow’s own calf is nursing. In cows that are hyper or with What’s best young heifers, mothering can even be a problem with their own calf. This is where a few handfuls of grain placed over the for your cattle calf’s back or the use of a commercial product “Calf Claim” can help with the bonding process. Some producers apply a perfume- like product over the calf and around the cow’s nose to trick their scent. You want your cattle to enjoy the highest quality hay. So, we made sure the One of the most common causes of death of young calves John Deere 568 Round Baler could give you just that. It’s the reliable all- on large ranches is abandonment, condition baler cattlemen trust to produce high-nutrient feed for their herd. Whether you’re baling Bermuda grass to feed growing young stock or oat stubble for brood cows, the 568 has all-crop versatility. But that’s not all. By Dan Piraro Consider no other baler offers features like our Bizarro diamond-tread belts for gentle crop-handling, a low- profile pickup to reduce leaf and nutrient loss, and tight-sealing net wrap for preserving hay quality.

You care about your cattle. And for 175 years, we’ve cared about making great equipment, such as the 568, to help customers like you get more out of your life, land, and livestock. Because we want what’s best for your cattle as much as you do.

JohnDeere.com/Hay

51805_3_Beef Cattle 568 baler.indd 1 2/15/12 6:32 PM 44 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 MachineryMachinery && ShopShop Shop equipment Need a lift? Rotary Lift’s heavy-duty hoist is up to almost any lifting job

By Scott Garvey Because the columns are on wheels, they can be moved into a he sight of a Peterbilt corner of the shop and out of the highway tractor rest- way when not in use, so only a ing four feet above the minimum of floor space is taken ground made Rotary up when the hoist isn’t needed. TLift’s display one of the most eye- “It’s great for people with in-floor catching at this year’s Manitoba heating,” adds Jason Thiessen of Ag Days event in Brandon. Keller Equipment Supply, a Rotary The heavy-duty Mach4 hoist that Lift retailer in Winnipeg. “You don’t kept the truck elevated at Rotary have to put bolts down (into the Lift’s booth uses moveable, inde- concrete floor).” That could risk pendent lift columns that can be puncturing a heating line. connected wirelessly to each other. Each lifting column uses its own A set of eight can raise a machine deep-cycle marine battery for power weighing up to a wopping 144,000 so there are no electrical lines to pounds (65,000 kg). Each column trip over or get damaged. “On a full has a lift capacity of 18,000 pounds charge they’ll last 20 to 25 complete (8,182 kg). The Mach4 hoist col- cycles,” he adds. “They’re also com- umns can raise a heavy truck or trac- pletely waterproof, so you can use tor up to 69 inches (1.75 metres). them in a wash bay.” “For any jobs with clutches or The Rotary Lift columns aren’t drivelines, it takes half the time restricted to use on the large diame- (to make repairs),” says Kevin ter wheels common on heavy trucks LaFlamme, heavy-duty products or tractors; the adjustable lifting manager for Rotary Lift. arms can accomodate even small Because the columns function tires. “You can go down to a nine- independently, there are none of inch rim,” says LaFlamme. the steel cables typically required To make the Mach4 more versa- to mechanically link all the lift- tile, an optional frame lift attach- ing points on permanently-installed ment is available, which allows lifts. The electronic controller on just two columns to lift a light- each Mach4 column will automati- duty pickup truck. And a drive- cally work with the others to keep on deck rated for 60,000 pound lift points within one inch of each (27,000 kg) loads is also available other, preventing the load from for use with four lift columns. becoming unstable or falling off. The system requires very lit- They are also capable of compensat- tle maintenance. “Just check the ing for uneven floors. hydraulic oil level and change it Although inputs on one control every two years,” says Thiessen. panel will control all the other col- Adding a Mach4 hoist to your umns at the same time, the system shop will cost about $40,000 for a Rotary lift offers a heavy-duty vehicle hoist designed to lift up to 144,000 pounds (65,000 kg). That should be allows for independent operation of set of four columns. Theissen adds enough to lift any farm machine. just one or any pair from any point that factory lead time to have a set around the vehicle. That allows The delivered is about 25 to 30 working Mach4 to adapt to unique lifting days, but Keller Equipment nor- requirements. “They’ll stay within mally keeps at least one system in one inch of each other, or you can stock for immediate delivery. isolate one,” says LaFlamme. The For more info visit www.rotarylift. Mach4 also has a position memory com or www.keller.ca. † feature for quick operation of repeti- Scott Garvey is machinery editor for Grainews. tive lift cycles. CANADA Contact him at [email protected]. Two post or four? he two main styles of there’s another $1,325. Some vehicle lifts on the mar- brands can be over three grand.” ket today are two- and That adds additional cost to the four-post lifts. Which lift style that is already the most Tone do you need? expensive. “There is no perfect lift,” says How much lift capacity do you Bruce Buckborough, co-owner need in a farm shop? “A 14,000 of Babco (wwww.babco.ca), a pound lift will get a one-ton dual- Canadian vehicle lift distribu- ly on it,” he explains. A four-post tor. “There’s not one lift that lift with that rating will run in will work better than another.” the range of $4,600 to $6,000. In Picking one style over the other contrast, a two-post version will means assessing your needs and start at about $3,200. considering what you want to do Buckborough adds his compa- to vehicles you’ll be lifting. ny has sold several heavy, four- “The advantage of a two-post post lits to farmers with 27,000 is price,” says Buckborough. “The pound lift strength. Hoists with space it takes up and access to the this rating are capable of lift- undercarriage of a vehicle (is bet- ing a grain truck. Expect to pay ter).” But he adds that some peo- $14,000 to $25,000 for some- Safest Burrowing Pest Control Device ple don’t feel comfortable trying thing this size. to properly position the lift arms At the small end of the capac- Comes complete with cart & remote control. used on a two-post hoist, which ity scale are the hobbyist lifts On The Market. needs to balance a vehicle. offered by several companies. But The four-post design is easier Buckborough advises against buy- to operate. “A four post is easy ing one for a farm shop, they just to drive onto,” he adds. Anyone won’t have enough lift capacity can do it. But once you lift it (a for most farm vehicles. † Call Ernie Luchsinger • C: 306-232-7686 H: 306-232-4212 • Email: [email protected] vehicle) up on a four-post, how Scott Garvey is machinery editor for do you get the wheels and tires Grainews. Contact him at scott.garvey@ www.varmitgetter.com off? So you need a rolling jack, fbcpublishing.com. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 45 MachineryMachinery && ShopShop SHOP EQUIPMENT How to safely operate a vehicle lift Having a hoist in your shop can be a real advantage, but be sure you understand how to use it properly. Here are some safety tips to consider

BY SCOTT GARVEY ing under the front and back will help stabilize a raised vehi- s with every tool in cle and keep it from tumbling the farm workshop, down. They will also help keep there are risks to those a vehicle stable if you are doing who don’t know how something that might cause it to toA use them properly. Probably rock or shake. nowhere is that more true than 5. To be sure the lift arms are with a vehicle lift. That means correctly placed under a vehicle if you decide to buy one — or before raising it, use a reference already own one — your first guide to determine where to cor- consideration should be learn- rectly place them on the particu- ing how to make sure a vehicle lar vehicle you’re working on. stays put on the lift for as long The Automotive Lift Institute as you need it to. publishes one for all light-duty vehicles produced in the last TOP TEN TIPS 20 years entitled “Vehicle Lift Points For Frame Engaging To help you do that, we’ve Lifts”. It’s available online at looked at information from a vari- www.autolift.org. ety of automotive industry sources and picked our top-ten list of tips on how to safety use a lift. Here they are: 1. Always wear safety glasses when doing overhead work of any Do not use the kind. Dirt and debris will almost lift as a jack certainly fall in your face as you work on a raised vehicle. So protect your eyes, and that doesn’t 6. Do not use a hoist to lower mean just wearing your ordinary a vehicle onto jack stands. The eyeglasses. They won’t provide stands could push the vehicle off enough protection. Use proper the lift supports before it is prop- safety glasses. erly settled. 2. Keep children and others 7. Do not use the lift as a who don’t understand the dan- jack. That could create an unbal- gers away from work areas near a anced load that a vehicle lift isn’t vehicle lift. designed for. 3. Always check to make sure 8. If you’re using a platform a vehicle won’t exceed the hoist’s hoist, ensure the wheels of a maximum weight rating before lifted vehicle are blocked to PHOTO : SCOTT GARVEY lifting it. keep it from from rolling. And Working on a truck or tractor raised on a hoist means standing under hundreds of kilograms of dead weight. 4. When using a frame-engaging use approved wheel chocks, not Making sure the machine is held safely in place should be your first consideration. hoist, take care to ensure a vehicle blocks of wood you might have is balanced on the supports before lying around. They may not lifting it. Remember that heavy generate enough friction on the TW 4 inch - 6 x 6.625 -_AGI 12-02-16 3:31 PM Page 1 items in the bed of a pickup could platform to keep the vehicle in affect its centre of gravity, creating place. And never place blocks an unbalanced condition when the between lift arms and the vehicle truck is raised. Remove any load on frame-engaging hoists. that could cause a problem. To test 9. Take the time to properly for balance, raise a vehicle a few learn how to use your hoist inches off the ground and gently safely, and use common sense. try to rock it. If it’s stable, continue Think about what you’re doing the lift. It not, lower it and reposi- and analyse the potential risks tion the supports. ahead of time. Remember, too, that removing 10. Don’t try to repair or mod- a major component or install- ify a hoist. Home repairs could ing one could alter a vehicle’s invalidate a warranty or create an balance when it’s on the lift. unexpected failure. † Placing high-reach supports Scott Garvey is machinery editor for Grainews. with an adequate strength rat- Contact him at [email protected]. Lift safety course on DVD

epending on what nation to keep on file, proving province you farm in, workers have been trained. you may be obligated Bob O’Gorman, president of by provincial work- ALI, says the DVD course is rec- Dplace health and safety regu- ognized by U.S. health and safety lations to provide training to regulators as acceptable training any employee using specialized for shop workers, so it’s likely to equipment in your farm shop. be considered sufficient training Aside from increasing the like- in Canada, too. It can be ordered lihood of an accident by not directly from ALI’s website www. doing so, you may be prosecuted autolift.org for U.S.$78 plus ship- if a worker gets injured. ping costs. The Automotive Lift Institute Even if you don’t have employ- (ALI) offers a training DVD ees but have a lift in your own Twister’s new series of 4" wide corrugated grain bins range in size up to 75' in that farmers can use to educate shop, the DVD is a great learn- diameter. Our bins now offer more flat bottom farm storage and are manufactured employees on safe operation of ing opportunity. Given the short using state-of-the-art technology. Contact your local dealer today to find out why a vehicle hoist. The DVD, host- time required to watch it and the Twister bins are bigger and better. ed by NASCAR drivers Kyle and potential benefits it provides, it’s Richard Petty, covers the basics bound to be money well spent. www.twister.ca 1-800-565-2840 of use. It also includes forms that Scott Garvey is machinery editor for can be printed out and used to Grainews. Contact him at scott.garvey@ give employees a written exami- fbcpublishing.com. 46 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 MachineryMachinery && ShopShop SHOP EQUIPMENT Tips on how to shop for a vehicle lift There are several models available from a variety of companies, here are some things to consider when evaluating them

BY SCOTT GARVEY miliar and product support may “If you (as a manufacturer) want ing from this factory in China ALI has also kept track of some not be real or user friendly after to produce a reputable product today, and that factory in China manufacturers’ claims of being f you’ve had enough of lying the sale.” that bears our (certification) mark, tomorrow. The parts won’t swap certified by fictitious associations, on the floor underneath farm Bruce Buckborough, a co-owner our program requires you have to out.” That isn’t a concern with which seem solely intended to cre- trucks and equipment when of Babco, the Canadian distribu- be legally responsible for it,” says products from established name- ate consumer confidence. A list making repairs or performing tor for BendPak-brand lifts, agrees. O’Gorman. “Certainly you can brand manufacturers. of the phoney organizations that oilI changes, a vehicle lift might be “There are a lot of cheap lifts on have it made overseas, but it has If the real manufacturer has have been identified so far can also in your future. But before you go the market,” he says. “The only no permanent presence in North be found on the ALI website. to the nearest retailer and pay good way to get a cheaper lift is to take America and doesn’t have a web- “Our website is more like a money for one, you really need metal out. 90 to 92 per cent of a site detailing specific information library,” says O’Groman. And con- to do your homework. Finding a lift’s cost is metal.” So low-cost may about the company, its products or sumers as well as others frequently good-quality lift that will work reli- also mean less capable. If you decide to after-sales support policy, you may use it as a reference. “It sees 60,000 ably and safely should be your “There are some guys out there want to give it a pass. visits per month,” he adds. main objective. that are simply bringing in contain- buy a vehicle It seems most manufacturers If you decide to buy a vehicle lift, ers,” says O’Gorman. “They have lift, O’Gorman understand the marketing value of O’Gorman recommends you let an ALI STANDARDS no perceived liability or responsi- having an ALI certification decal expert install it. “ALI recommends bility for the product. Pretty much recommends you on their equipment, and a few if you’re a farmer or mechanic do “The first thing to do is become everyone in the automotive indus- have even gone so far as to fraudu- what you’re good at and let the educated,” says Bob O’Gorman, try is inundated by (advertisements let an expert lently use it. O’Groman says ALI experts do the lift installation,” president of the Automotive Lift from) manufacturers primarily keeps track of those incidents, and he says. “The reason comes down Institute (ALI), the association from Asia who are simply trying to install it it works to protect consumers by to proper operation of the prod- that establishes standards and cer- move containers (full of product).” publishing a list of firms proven to uct, making sure it’s set up cor- tifies hoists sold into the North “But it’s not simply off-shore to be made to controlled draw- have falsely displayed or claimed to rectly and doing a final inspection American market. “Sadly, today’s issues,” he adds. “There are com- ings, stress calculations and quality have certification on its website. before accepting it for use by your automotive lift market in both panies here in the U.S. that make measures that a North American “I find some guys are selling employees.” Canada and the U.S. remains very product and fail either by not entity is responsible for.” (no-name brands) and saying any- “They’re not that hard to install,” much a buyer beware environ- knowing or by making a business thing to get someone to buy,” says says Buckborough. But he quickly ment.” So far, compliance with decision not to have their prod- PARTS AND SERVICE Buckborough. adds if you have employees using ALI standards is only voluntary, uct evaluated and demonstrate If you are seriously considering a the lift, you may be required by which means there are some lifts compliance with current national If there is a stable North particular make and model of lift, provincial health and safety regula- out there that haven’t proven their standards.” American company and dealer you can use the ALI website to con- tions to have it installed by a certi- design and aren’t certified. So judging the quality of a lift network backing the lift, getting firm it has received certification. fied technician. † “With global market boundaries based on the country it was made parts and on-going service is much It’s possible to query certification being removed in recent years and in isn’t any kind of assurance it easier. But with some brands on records by both manufacturer and Scott Garvey is machinery editor for Grainews. the proliferation of internet mar- meets current industry standards. the market, that isn’t the case. model number. Contact him at [email protected]. keting and sales, today’s automo- Instead of looking on a sticker for Some importers or retailers sim- tive lift consumer is literally flood- the country of origin, looking for ply add their own brand name ed with a variety of manufacturers ALI’s certification is a better idea. to lifts and sell them that way, and distributors selling automo- “The number one (considera- which doesn’t give you any useful tive lifts throughout Canada and tion when buying) would be get- background details on the actual the United States,” he continues. ting an ALI approved lift,” says manufacturer or its practices. “Often those distributors and the Buckborough. “You know what “If I had a Babco private-label brandsWF MK or- 6 modelsx 6.625 -_AGIof lifts 12-02-22 are unfa- 5:13 you’rePM Page getting 1 that way.” lift, says Buckborough, “I’d be buy- BIGGER Stronger faster

PHOTO : SCOTT GARVEY Two-post vehicle lifts offer excellent access to a vehicle’s undercarriage and wheels, but using one safely requires knowing where to place the lift arms for proper balance.

The MK130Plus Auger The heavy-duty MK130Plus is built tough to take on the biggest of jobs. Constructed with heavier gauge tube and flighting than our other models, the MK130Plus offers more years of dependable, high-capacity performance. Call your local Westfield dealer today!

1-866-467-7207 www.grainaugers.com A four-post lift is easiest to use. Anyone can drive a vehicle onto the platform and safely raise it. But wheels cannot be removed without further jacking up the vehicle while it’s on the platform. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 47 MachineryMachinery && ShopShop NATIONAL FARM MACHINERY SHOW New JCB Fastrac JCB has expanded its line of agricultural tractors with the “new generation” 8000 Series model

BY SCOTT GARVEY to the tractor’s computer system include a “one-touch” headland .K.-based JCB was management system and in-field among the pioneers cruise control, both of which are in developing capa- controlled by a new touch screen ble field tractors that with quick-link keys. Ucould also manage some serious For more information on JCB speed on roads. Although these products, see www.jcbamericas. yellow tractors have remained com. † PHOTO : RAY BIANCHI , CLASSIC FARM PHOTOS relatively thin on the ground Scott Garvey is machinery editor for Grainews. JCB, which is based in England, used the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, as the venue in Western Canada, they have Contact him at [email protected]. for the North American debut of its new 306 horsepower, model 8310 tractor. found favour with many custom operators, such as those offering ensiling services. The Fastracs have the power to pull dump wagons across a field and the speed to get them back to the farmyard quickly. This year JCB used the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, to debut ® updates to its relatively new 8000 Outback Series tractor line. Unlike the original Fastrac models that looked a little like a truck, the 8000 Series has the more familiar appearance of a standard, rigid-frame MFWD tractor. And the company has added a new flagship model to that line with the introduction of the 306 horsepower 8310. The 8310 and smaller, 279 horsepower 8280 both use Interim Tier IV-compliant, 8.4- litre SISU engines, which are built RTK Unleashed by AGCO. “SISU engines are ideal

The industry’s first complete RTK system. They have found For an RTK System to be complete, it must have an autoturn favour with many solution. The Outback eDriveX with eTurns is the industry’s only aftermarket RTK system with a proven autoturn solution. custom operators for the full-load duty cycles which Outback eDriveX with eTurns the Fastrac 8000 Series endures,” Drive says Ray Bingley, agricultural gen- Outback S3 + AC110 GPS with · Exclusive eTurns – the industry’s first aftermarket eral manager for North America, Auto and Section Rate Control autoturn solution (optional) “allowing the machines to oper- · Now features 10 section automated · Centimeter level autosteer system ate to their full potential while rate control with slow speed control (0.25 mph) reverse operation delivering fuel savings of up to 10 · Single product, liquid, constant rate control · Season-after-season repeatability for nutrient placement per cent.” · Offers straight, contour, circle pivot, The new generation of 8000 · Over 310 vehicle kits now available A+ direction guidance modes Series JCB tractors have been given a variety of improvements · 8.4” high-resolution color touch screen Outback A320/321 Dual Frequency GPS/GLONASS RTK that make them more productive · Features Eclipse II GPS/GLONASS technology and comfortable to operate. Most · High-precision positioning in RTK, OmniSTAR HP/XP notable among those changes is a and SBAS/DGPS modes quieter cab, which has seen a five OUTbACK OWNeRS · Full long-range RTK functionality up to 15 miles dBA reduction in noise levels to a The time to upgrade to eDriveX pretty respectable 68.7. from base station The tractors also come with a with eTurns has never been better. ® mechanical steering linkage that For a limited time, loyal Outback Owners can is GPS auto steer ready. They upgrade their Outback S, Outback S2 or ® Without eTurns, your RTK System have full suspension, with revised eDriveTC to the very latest Outback Precision isn’t complete. Watch eTurns video geometry, along with a braking Products and capture dramatic savings. system that allows them to safely now by visiting www.edrivex.com hit 70 kilometres per hour on and register to win. the road. That gives them one of highest road speeds of any field tractor currently available in Canada. And they come with a standard on-road cruise control, which can be set to maintain road Hemisphere GPS speeds between 20 and 70 km/h. Outback Guidance Products · 326 Saulteaux Crescent · Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3T2 The new 8000s also get an updated CVT transmission and www.outbackguidance.com Phone (204) 888-4472 · FAX (204) 888-0991 · Toll Free (866) 888-4472 · www.outbackguidance.com improvements to its “Drive mode” software. Other changes

OB-196B.indd 1 10/24/11 2:40 PM 48 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 MachineryMachinery && ShopShop CLASS PROJECT

about $25 plus tax. About 15 cans APPLYING THE PAINT were used on the project. So the Project F-250, part seven The Dupli-Color paint is a price this time is roughly $400. three-step process. First, spray Even at that, it’s only a small frac- The pickup project moves into the final stage on the premixed primer as a tion of the cost of a professional base for the new paint. The re-spray at a body shop. and we start spraying new paint paint and primer comes in one- Having a professional shop quart containers. The F-250 was do all this work would have BY SCOTT GARVEY an automotive paint with good had a desiccant filter installed to given one coat of primer, which amounted to a bill of several durability but no toxic risk when remove moisture. If the set up in took about two and one half thousand dollars, likely well t’s been prepped, washed, applying it. your shop doesn’t, you’ll need to cans. more than the truck was worth. sanded, wiped, degreased, We think we found that with add it. Water from condensation Then it was time to spay on the Doing the job ourselves added masked and cleaned again, Dupli-Color’s Paint Shop Finish in the air flow would contaminate color; in this case we’re going with more value to the truck than now it’s time to put color System (www.duplicolor.com). It’s the paint and cause problems. a base coat of yellow. But part of the cost of the materials. It did, onI the truck. But it’s in an ordi- a lacquer-based automotive paint But overall, there are no high-end the hood will get a black accent. however, take a lot of man hours. nary farm workshop with no spe- that comes pre-reduced and ready tools for this project. The truck was given three coats That explains why a body shop cial facilities, such as a dedicated to spray. All you have to do is If you’ve never used your of yellow. Once it dried, after a bill would be so high. paint booth, and commercial pour it in the gun, just exactly spray gun before, do a little couple of hours, the truck was re- There are a few minor imper- automotive paint isn’t for the do- what we need. practicing with it first to ensure masked and the black was sprayed fections in the new paint, but you it-yourselfer. The main protective gear you have the spray pattern set on the hood. have to look hard to find them. required when spraying it is a correctly. The gun’s instruction The final step was to spray two That’s about what we expect- GETTING READY good mask with the proper filters. sheet should tell you how to do coats of clear, which will give the ed. So, job done. What do you Cover as much of your body as that. Use a 50 per cent overlap base colours a permanent gloss. think; was that money and effort The urethane automotive paint, you can; wearing painter’s cov- when spraying the paint on to well spent? Have you recently re- which is widely used in the auto- eralls is a good idea along with get even coverage. BACK ON THE ROAD sprayed a truck, tractor or other body business, uses a two-part safety glasses to keep wet paint off We cleaned the floor around the machine and want to compare formula that contains isocyanates your skin. truck to remove all the sanding After removing the masking and your results to ours? If so, email (cyanide); applying it requires And while professional automo- debris and dirt so we don’t stir reinstalling all the parts we took me with a thumbs up or thumbs a fresh-air, protective breathing tive spray guns can cost hundreds up dust while spraying the paint. off of it, the truck is ready for the down on the final look, and let mask and a proper ventilation sys- of dollars, we picked up a $50 ver- Fortunately, lacquer-based paints road again. us know what you’ve been up to tem to pull air down and out of sion at Princess Auto and used the dry very quickly, so there isn’t This last phase of the project in your shop. † the booth. We don’t have that in shop’s existing air system to power a lot of time for floating dust to was by far the most costly. Each Scott Garvey is machinery editor for Grainews. a farm shop, so we had to find it, however, the piping already stick to it. can of Dupli-Color product was Contact him at [email protected].

Here’s how our costs stack up: Installing a new radio: $130 Adding new $140 paint-in bed liner: Painting the $20 wheels and hubs: Fixing rust: $30 Adding textured liner $25 to the lower body: Prepping the $35 truck for paint: Final paint job: $400 Total cost for $780 Look at the difference. This is the F-250 after it rolled out of the shop compared to how it looked before it went in. The only thing left to do now is reattach Project F-250: the chrome “F-250” trim pieces.

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Aaron Fahselt Patrick Schultz Keith Anderson Southern Sask. DSM Eastern Sask. DSM Southern Alberta DSM 306.297.7595 306.327.8173 403.399.8099 Blake Weatherald Chris Cox David Tysdal Western Sask. DSM Manitoba & Central Alberta DSM 306.441.5779 Southeastern Sask. DSM 780.239.2295 204.851.5403 Chad Wonchulanko Leo Lutz Central Sask. DSM Northern Alberta DSM 306.570.9317 403.393.0312 The truck is ready to have black base coat for the hood applied. It had to be re-masked to prevent any overspray on the new yellow paint. APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 49 Home Quarter Farm Life SEEDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Your deepest needs We all want to be loved, forgiven, whole and alive

• Everlasting life, others about His love for them. you are truly curious about who wholeness. My pamphlet from • Complete forgiveness, Could you offer to pray for those Jesus is, I encourage you to read “The Passion” talks about the ELAINE FROESE • Ultimate wholeness. distressed folks whose phone a recent translation of the Bible, followers of Jesus being devoted “Our greatest felt needs are to calls you receive? As a farm fam- and start with the book of John. to Him because He took the be loved, forgiven, whole and ily coach I often ask permission I like the “Message” translation broken pieces of their lives and alive,” writes Brian Mavis. A from the family circle to pray as it uses today’s language. I also gave them the peace of His life. relationship with Jesus will meet for them to ask for wisdom and encourage you to find a small Jesus said, “Peace, I leave with once asked my Sunday your deepest needs. blessing as they work hard to group to study your questions you; my peace I give you. I do school class, a faithful Readers tell me that they not give to you as the world group of farmers and rural appreciate the times I use scrip- gives. Do not let your hearts be folks, “How do you find ture, and share the good news troubled and do not be afraid.” outI what someone really needs?” of the Gospel. I have written — John 14:27 (NIV) They shared their thoughts on many things this winter about When I was 15, (40 years ago!) listening deeply, spending time the struggles farm families are I received a phone call from a Jesus met my deepest needs and with people to build relation- facing, yet what sustains those I committed my life to a rela- ships, and relying on God to who have faith? I believe that frustrated farmer who wonders tionship with Him. May you give wisdom. We’ve learned how the resurrected life of Jesus gives find your deepest needs met this we are all shaped differently us “a reason to hope and not just if he will ever be happy Easter, as you accept the gift of by our experiences in life, and cope.” My friends who are cop- eternal life from a loving God yet every person can show love ing with a serious illness were transfer the farm business to the about Christ, and be connected who conquered death, and gives by connecting to someone and encouraged when their doctor next generation. Rarely do peo- to Christian people who also us hope. He is risen indeed! pointing the way to a relation- said, “You will make it, you are ple decline prayer. struggle, yet know God’s good- Celebrate well this year with ship with God. people of faith.” Billy Graham told his read- ness in their lives. Call the pas- your family. Show your love At Easter time I am excited I received a phone call from a ers: “Jesus Christ can come into tor of your local church, and and appreciation for each other. to share in the celebration of frustrated farmer who wonders your heart and forgive your sins, find out how to get connected. Love God. Love people. Serve the resurrection of Jesus Christ, if he will ever be happy. His cleanse you and change you. Go to an Alpha course (www. the world. † the Son of God. Years ago I needs are to be loved, forgiven, Christ stands ready to give hope alphacanada.org). attended the film “The Passion.” and feel whole and alive. As to everyone. Christ’s truth can I’ve done a lot of speaking Elaine Froese plants barley seed on Palm The small brown pamphlet a Christian I have the great- make you free.” John 8:31-32 over the years about living an Sunday, to have green shoots of “Easter Grass” for Sunday’s Easter eggs. Plant it in (www.thepassionofchrist.com) I est treasure, the knowledge that says, “If you hold on to my intentional life, or finding bal- a 9x13-inch glass dish in good soil, water found at the back of the theatre God loves me unconditionally, teaching, you are really my dis- ance in a complex world. Some well, and cover with plastic wrap until is something that none of the and that when I die, I will have ciples. Then you will know the people think “balance” should sprouts appear. Then delight the kids with film’s critics will discuss. It offers eternal life in heaven. My sins truth, and the truth will set you be replaced by the word “inte- how fast the barley grows in seven days! Use as an altar decoration on Easter Sunday. answers to your deepest needs: are forgiven, and my purpose free.” gration.” Whatever you call it, Reach Elaine at 1-866-848-8311 or www. • Pure love, in life is to serve God and tell If this is the first Easter that people need to have a sense of elainefroese.com. Understanding growing zones As you get ready for another growing season keep this info in mind

NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAU Hardiness zones or ratings are even snow cover. These condi- and light can be used to place in a protected location, grow listed in gardening magazines, tions create variations between plants where they have the best plants in a warm south-facing ardeners can be con- reference books, plant catalogues and within zones. chance of growing. Trees and garden and make sure plants servative or adventur- and on seed packets. Each zone While it’s unlikely that a plant buildings provide shade and are covered with mulch or snow ous, traditional or dar- is determined by a 12.2 C (10 F) listed as hardy in Zone 7 would protection from strong winds, during the winter. Another ing. The conservative difference in the average mini- survive in Zone 4, you may while south-facing fences and option is to move plants into orG traditional gardener chooses mum temperature. Zone 1 is an unheated garage or another plants they know will grow well the coldest and Zone 11 has the protected location that doesn’t in their garden. They depend on warmest winter temperatures. get as cold as the outdoor tem- these plants for a successful gar- A plant listed as hardy in Zone perature. Some gardeners may den year after year. The adventur- 4 indicates it should survive win- also move tender plants indoors ous or daring gardener wants to ter temperatures as low as -34.4 Your garden may have a microclimate during the winter months. push the limits and grow plants C (-30 F). A Zone 9 plant is hardy Your local garden centre will that are not commonly found only to -6.6 C (20 F). Some refer- that’s not typical of the actual zone be able to help you identify your in their area. For these gardeners ences provide a range of zones where you live zone information. success (and failure) is part of in which the plant will grow. A No matter what type of gar- the fun of gardening. Both types plant listed as hardy in Zones 4 dener you are, your choice in of gardeners can benefit from to 9 means it will grow in all of be able to grow plants recom- walls absorb heat to create a plants may seem almost endless. understanding zone maps and those zones. However, there are mended for warmer zones. Your warmer microclimate. Knowing about hardiness zones hardiness ratings when choosing many factors that affect a plant’s garden may have a microclimate You may be able give plants can help you make the right perennials that fulfil their garden ability to grow in a particular that’s not typical of the actual special attention to help them selections for your garden. † aspirations and annuals that add climate including exposure, alti- zone where you live. Variations survive out of their recommend- Founded in 1920, the National Garden Bureau seasonal colour. tude, moisture, soil type and in temperature, moisture, soil ed zone. The garden could be is a non-profit organization.

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Leaders in off-patent solutions. 50 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Home Quarter Farm Life POSTCARDS FROM THE PRAIRIES Feeling bored? Comfortably numb? Why not try something you can’t do here in the Prairies May I suggest getting up close and personal with a great white shark. Part One

think they were trying to keep us that a bored, somewhat docile shark bait was being thrown overboard. injury should their meal decide distracted so we wouldn’t think would be scary enough. There was Some were circling lazily through to fight back. When going in for JANITA too hard about what we were really no need to work one up into the air, while others were floating the kill, they close their eyes and VAN DE VELDE about to do. By this point, anyone an oil-slicked frenzy. on the water, getting their fill of they don’t stop advancing until with half of a brain who had been And then, we waited. And wait- the recently tossed buffet. We were their snout hits the target. That’s paying attention would have been ed. And waited some more. In told to watch the birds because their signal that it’s time to eat. asking for their money back. between throwing pails of fresh they would sense the sharks long Row upon row of razor-sharp teeth he following is a true After about 30 minutes, the chum into the water every few before we did. If they started to ripped into the fish head, and story. There’s no need to instructor cut the motor and we minutes, the instructor explained make a mad scramble and take then as fast as it appeared, it van- judge; I’m fully aware I were left floating out in the mid- to us that we might not see a shark flight, then chances were good ished into the depths of the sea. should seek psychiatric dle of nowhere. We all started to for a while, if at all. Sometimes that a shark was not far behind. The instructors then got the metal Thelp. Once upon a time, in a land giggle nervously, and made banal viewing cage ready. They briefly far, far away, there was this girl. comments as we got our cameras inspected all of the doors, hinges She was a small-town Prairie girl, ready, anxiously scanning the water and cables, and then dropped it into who found herself in the most around the boat, as if a shark might the water from the back of the boat. horrifying of situations. (OK, in break the surface at any moment. Sharks close their eyes right before There were flotation devices at the case you’re not following, the girl The instructors started to dump rot- top of the cage, so the opening was was me.) I found myself on a boat, ten fish remains into the water, they attack their prey as a defence above the water. Once in the cage, just off the southern tip of Africa, along with pails of blood and other you would be about 10 feet below where the mighty Atlantic and unmentionable gore. They wedged mechanism to avoid eye injury should the surface. This was just deep Indian oceans collide. There were a huge tuna head onto a hook and enough to take impressive photos, 12 of us, plus two instructors. As threw that overboard as well. And their meal decide to fight back while close enough to the surface the boat cruised out into open for the final touch, bags of liver for someone to have a fairly suc- waters, the instructors reviewed were attached to the sides of the they appeared right away, and After approximately two hours, cessful shot at retrieving your body the basic safety procedures for how boat. When beaten with a stick, other times it could take hours 43 yawns and 17 photos of dirty, parts. The instructors were ordering to behave on a boat. I don’t think these tasty little appetizers drip oil before you saw a fin slice through nasty seagulls, the birds screamed us to line up in pairs. They wanted any of us were paying much atten- into the water. Apparently the scent the water. All told, I was getting in horror and took flight. Then the first two people to put on the tion. We were too busy trying to of the oil attracts the sharks and gets a little bored, so I started to take someone shouted the anticipated wetsuits and be ready to jump into read and fill out the waiver forms them really worked up. Although pictures of the seagulls. They had word: “SHARK!” the cage as soon as they saw the that were being passed around. I it’s a clever trick, one would assume appeared out of nowhere when the I jumped up, grabbed my cam- next shark. Personally, I would have era and starting running around preferred to get into the cage when the boat, trying to position myself there wasn’t a shark circling the Tundra for a good shot. The boat wasn’t boat, but there was only so much air big enough for 14 people to be in the oxygen tanks, so they didn’t scampering around, and minimal want us down there until they knew adherence was being paid to the there was something to look at. I safety rules we had recently cov- didn’t dare ask what would happen ered. People were running into if the shark bumped into the boat each other, taking hits to the head as someone was leaning over to step from elbows and camera appara- into the cage. I think I knew the tus, as everyone jockeyed for posi- answer to that one. And it involved tion. Had someone been sailing by a missing torso. at that exact moment, they might Within minutes, the next shark have thought we were engaged lunged up at the tuna head, and in one of those crazy country then dove down and slammed line-dance sequences. Just as I into the empty cage, sending was bending over to retrieve my it flying on its cables like a lens cover, I saw the grey shad- feather in the breeze. Seeing this ow stream by in the water. What vicious attack on the very thing Available Bachelorettes a magnificent creature! A shiver that was supposed to protect In her 40’s, this lady is went through my entire body as them, the couple who had been calm, relaxed, fi nancially I momentarily weighed in on my first in line muttered a string of Recycle your empty secure, slim, attractive, in insignificance as a creature on this obscenities, shook their heads, great shape, really takes planet. The instructor noticed that removed the wetsuits and gra- care of herself, hair, nails, pesticide containers skin, teeth. I believe in the shark was advancing towards ciously handed them over to the hygiene. I’m often told the tuna head, so he yanked on people behind them. Everyone how good I smell & I like the line to pull the bait closer to was starting to look ill, as we that. I’m an excellent the boat. The shark followed his silently weighed the pros and IT’S FREE AND EASY! cook. I’m looking for a romantic man that enjoys meal, lunging out of the water to cons of jumping into the cage: travel, the outdoors, quadding or canoeing get it. Sharks close their eyes right PROS: Get really cool photos in the summer but also enjoys the fi ner before they attack their prey as a before you die. things in life. I do prefer a man who is ready defence mechanism to avoid eye CONS: Probable anal leakage to settle down 40-60, age is not a concern RINSE episode, painful limb removal, Triple or pressure RINSE if he has vitality + death, a grieving family and the At 30, this girl is sweet, country BY DAN PIRARO sheer embarrassment of explain- fresh, has a great career, wonderful smile, beautiful ing your colossal stupidity to on the inside & out. I’m an Bizarro Saint Peter upon arrival at the REMOVE adventurous person, I will gates of heaven. try anything once. I love the Caps and booklet, outdoors as I grew up on a farm To be continued… † + so I am used to fi shing, hunting leave the label on & hard work. I am picky, I like Janita Van de Velde grew up on a farm near tall as I am 5’8, 131lbs. He Mariapolis, Man. She holds a bachelor of has to have a stable income, science degree in agricultural economics from maybe he could farm & own the University of Manitoba, and has worked a business, my parents are farmers, but business for a financial institution since graduating. RETURN owners too. I enjoy fl ying, love horses, dogs & To your local collection site animals love me. I’m a happy person but I want She lives in Regina, Sask., with her husband to be married with children in the next 5 years. I’m Roddy and their children Jack, Isla and James. open to share my life with a man who has children Her first novel, Postcards Never Written, was from another marriage if he is the right person the recipient of the Saskatchewan Reader’s Choice Award and also listed by CBC as one of the top funny books in 2009. She donates a ™ Matchmakers Select portion of proceeds from the sale of her book to World Vision. For more information, or to order 1-888-916-2824 her book, visit her website at www.janita.ca. www.selectintroductions.com Visit www.cleanfarms.ca to find the collection site nearest you. Rural, remote, small towns, isolated communities and villages, Face to Follow her blog at www.postcardsneverwritten. Face matchmaking Photos profi les, Guaranteed service, thorough screen- blogspot.com. It’s her yet-to-be-rated material. ing process, customized programs, 11 years established Canada/US Consider yourself warned.

Client: CleanFARMS™ Inc Agency: !nk tank - www.theinktank.com Publication: Grain News Size: 1/8p (4x5) -black + 1c (pms 375) Issues: March 2011 APRIL 2, 2012 grainews.ca / 51 Home Quarter Farm Life The Garlic Garden BY EDNA MANNING amazing to see how many people manure. “All have worked well, and from all across Canada want to all have their advantages and dis- f anyone had told Anna and come and help, just for the experi- advantages,” said Darrel. “In the Darrel Schaab 10 years ago ence of working on a garlic farm.” future we will be making more use that they would become gar- “Our preference is to use as few of green manure crops for our nutri- lic farmers, they would likely pesticides as possible. Many of ent requirements, eliminating the haveI had a good chuckle. Although our customers are concerned with need for synthetic fertilizers.” Darrel grew up on a farm, both he what they eat, as are we. The deci- The Schaabs harvest their garlic and Anna were working at jobs in sion to not use herbicides on our in early August when the leaves Yorkton when they launched their garlic crop is an easy one since begin to turn brown. They built a new venture. they are very limited anyway,” machine that lifts the plants from In the spring of 2005 the couple said Darrel. the soil, but excess soil tied to the purchased a small farm north of The same can be said for pesti- roots has to be removed by hand Yorkton and they tossed around cides to control insects and disease so as not to damage the garlic head. various ideas on how to generate that affect garlic. The Schaabs have The garlic is then cured in a drying revenue from the land. It had to learned that the best way to reduce shed for about a week before it’s be something that didn’t require the pressures of disease and insects ready to go to market. p h o t o : c o u r t e s y o f d a r r e l a n d a n n a s c h a a b many acres or a large investment in is to follow good cropping practices The majority of the crop is sold The Schaabs have a successful garlic business on their small acreage. machinery. It was during this time and ensure that the quality of the as fresh garlic. It is marketed all that Anna happened to purchase seed is optimal. across the country although most is processing, and they process all of For more information, visit some garlic from a local producer Over the years the Schaabs have sold at farmers’ markets in Yorkton, their garlic products themselves. the Schaabs’ website at www. (Bob) and the idea came to be. “We experimented with different types Saskatoon and Regina, as well as a The dehydrated products include yorktongarlic.com, or email didn’t know anything about grow- of fertilizers including dehydrated number of retail locations through- flakes, granules and powder which thegarlicgarden@imagewireless. ing garlic and Bob was willing to alfalfa pellets, manure, synthetic out Saskatchewan and Alberta. are all 100 per cent garlic with no ca. † assist. It turned out that we live in fertilizer and cover crops for green A small portion is held back for preservatives added. Edna Manning writes from Saskatoon, Sask. a great location for growing garlic,” said Anna. Garlic is grown throughout the world in various climates. “The most obvious difference between TD Canada Trust growing garlic in a warm climate versus a cool climate is the type that is grown. Garlic can be divided into two main cultivars, hardneck and softneck. The hardneck varie- With the right advice, the Martins ties are better suited to cooler climates while softneck varieties (like were able to raise more than cattle. those found in the supermarket) are generally better suited to warmer climates. Since we live in a cool climate, we grow hardneck varieties,” said Darrel. Matthew Martin “In addition to the ideal climatic Dairy Farmer conditions that allow us to grow some of the most flavourful garlic anywhere, we also liked the fact Dalton Potter that garlic has a longer shelf life TD Canada Trust than many other crops like fruit Agriculture Specialist and vegetables,” said Anna. When properly cured, garlic will last for several months. Most of their garlic is planted in the fall, although spring planting is an option. They’ve found that it is necessary, however, to plant before the end of April if planting in spring, to give the plants time to mature before fall. Planting is labour intensive but, “Even though each clove is planted by hand, we have designed an implement that people can sit on which makes a furrow to place the garlic clove into and then also covers the furrow,” said Darrel. Winterkill is a concern with fall- planted garlic. This region usually receives sufficient snow cover for protection. Also, when it snows in the fall, it will usually remain until spring. This means they do not require a layer of mulch for protection. For added insurance, however, the Schaabs provide a snow trap to ensure good snow cover for protection. “The cool weather we have in TD is committed to helping farmers build for the future. early spring causes the plants to be stressed and this results in an When the Martin family wanted to raise the productivity of their dairy business, they turned to Dalton Potter for even stronger-flavoured garlic than it otherwise would be. In fact, the guidance. Dalton is a seasoned TD Canada Trust Agriculture Specialist and a farmer himself, and with his help, the same variety of garlic when planted Martins were able to buy a new farm in a prime location. Our understanding of agriculture and nancing, combined in two different locations with dif- with a personalized approach, is how we’re helping families like the Martins get exactly what they’re looking for. ferent climates can taste differently. Garlic has a way of acclimatizing For more information, visit a branch or go to www.tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture and adapting to a certain extent to the environmental conditions in which it is growing,” said Anna. Summer months are spent caring for the crop, whether it be controlling weeds, ensuring Banking can be this comfortable adequate moisture or eliminating unhealthy plants. “We do require extra help at seed- ® / The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries. ing and harvesting,” said Anna. “It’s

N0137_GN_ST.indd 1 8/26/11 11:52 AM

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Division: TORONTO Client: TD CANADA TRUST Trim: Contact: VINCE B Publication: GRAIN NEWS Bleed: Studio #: AD #: N0137 GN Live: 8” X 10” Docket #: N0137 Description: Agriculture SMO VO: 01 Designer: tl File Name: N0137_GN Colour: CMYK Scale: 100% MOD DATE: /11 APPROVAL SIGNATURE APPROVAL SIGNATURE APPROVAL SIGNATURE START Designer Copywriter Account Service DATE: Aug 23, 2011 Proofreader Art Director Client PRINTED AT 100% Production Creative Director 52 / grainews.ca APRIL 2, 2012 Home Quarter Farm Life SINGING GARDENER For the love of tomatoes Find out which variety is the earliest, which is the best keeper, and some growing tips ny way of fine tuning his harvest prunes. It revived memories of an by selecting seeds only from those email I received back then. TED MESEYTON Latah tomatoes that ripen first. Dear Ted: Latah is a low, bushy variety I grew Latah and Mystery Keeper that pumps out slightly flattened, tomatoes you wrote about and good-textured fruits that are two ordered seed for both and started to three inches (5.0 to 7.5 cm) my own plants. I would certainly hat’s the world’s in diameter (larger than a cherry grow the Latah again. They were earliest tomato? It’s tomato but smaller than a medi- smaller in size than I first real- Latah! Name a good um tomato). Transplants set out- ized when I bought the seed but storage tomato? Try side during mid- to late June are they were full of tomato flavour, MysteryW Keeper! Greg Wingate of capable of putting out harvest- very juicy, and early. I had the Mapple Farm in Weldon, New ready fruits by the end of July. No earliest tomatoes I ever have had. Brunswick has both. Latah is a pruning is required. In three words Now it may have been that I had distinctive tomato that has one Latah is “an exceptional find.” grown the plants myself and they great edge. It grows and produc- I, Ted, also grow Latah toma- were more mature when I planted PHOTO : TED MESEYTON es ripe fruit in short-season areas toes even though my home turf them. I don’t know. I had tomatoes Latah tomato seeds were first developed for cool-weather climates in where other so-called early toma- area around Portage la Prairie is ripening by the end of July and Atlantic Canada, but now are also grown in many short-season regions toes failed. Mystery Keeper is an not a short-season region. Yes — the plants produced right through of our provinces and territories throughout North America. Latah even outstanding storage tomato. For I grow them to satisfy the urge early Sept. I think they were worn withstands the heat of longer and more southerly degree days exceeding the love of tomatoes, read on and for that very first taste of early out by then. I had a steady supply 38 C (100 F). find out why so many gardeners vine-ripened tomatoes, while later of Latah all summer. I ate loads of are eager to grow them. varieties are still maturing. To all tomato sandwiches and used more with a small, clean, artist brush see the difference. Look for prod- gardeners out there who are chal- of them to make juice. will do the same thing. This will ucts such as Organican dry or liq- IN A BUSY WORLD lenged with late-spring and early- When I picked my Mystery encourage a large return of fruit at uid seaweed concentrate, Garden autumn frosts let me say it can be Keeper tomatoes, I had more than harvest time. Keep doing this until Pro Organic Kelp Meal, Gaia Kelp … it’s an inspiring sight to walk done — grow some Latah tomato two boxes. Several are on the pink tomato seedlings are ready to be Meal 1-0-2, Kelpman Liquid Kelp, by a garden filled with tomato plants and bring in a harvest. side but most have just started transplanted. Liquid “B” Seaweed Organic Pure plants. Oh, but someone says, “I to turn colour. I haven’t sliced Liquified B.C. kelp and other sea- live in the high North where frost MYSTERY KEEPER any open yet. I have too many of TRACE MINERALS weed products at your local garden comes early.” Not to worry wheth- other kinds to eat up right now, MAKE A DIFFERENCE centre or inquire at West Coast er it be Old Crow in the Yukon, … is an outstanding long-keeper- and I don’t think they have rip- Seeds, Delta, B.C., phone 1-888- Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, type storage tomato and seeds are ened enough. I thought I’d wait Experiment and prove it yourself. 804-8820 or Early’s Garden Centre, the northern reaches of Manitoba also available from Mapple Farm. to try them in a couple of weeks. Most plants and especially toma- Saskatoon, 1-800-667-1159. at Thompson and other great cities Because it’s a storage tomato, Greg It will be interesting to see what toes require over four dozen differ- such as Yellowknife, Prince Albert, tells me Mystery Keeper “isn’t they taste like and how long they ent mineral substances for optimal CULTIVATE PROSPERITY Grande Prairie, Prince George and meant to be eaten in season, so last. I enjoy your writings. Bye for performance. One of the best ways beyond. Latah produces fruits of there’s no pressure on the gardener now. J.S. to provide micronutrient supple- … with a garden. Gardening the vine ensuring a tomato crop to get them started and set out in mentation is via seaweed and kelp energizes, improves optimism, throughout Canada’s short-season the garden extra early.” The object TED TOMATO TIPS fertilizers applied as frequent foliar adds zest for life and sustains districts, even when seeds are sown is to pick these fruits just after their sprays according to label direc- physical and mental well-being. as late as May. colour begins to lighten up a bit Indoor-started seedlings can tions. Such sea products also con- Don’t believe me? Then dig in Selling Latah tomato seeds is from the greenest stage. Obviously, quickly become leggy and weak tain hormones, amino acids, chlo- and discover it for yourself. Learn Greg Wingate’s claim to fame harvest would need to be complet- when there’s not enough light, rophyll and proteins. These work how a home garden helps prune and he can be reached by mail ed before a killing frost hits. soil is kept too moist, or room together to reduce plant stress dur- away the high cost of imported at Mapple Farm at 129 Beech Like other storage tomatoes, temperature is too warm. Here’s ing drought and coolish weather store-bought produce. Fresh local- Hill Road, in Weldon, N.B. E4H Mystery Keeper ripens from the just one of many simple secrets in times and provide some resistance grown food can be the purest 4N5, or send an email to greg@ inside out. That in itself takes a my arsenal for strong and bounti- against marginal frosts. form possible because you’re in mapplefarm.com. bit of getting used to. The exterior ful tomato plants. control of what goes into the soil skin may still be olive, orange or Once seedlings are no more WHEN TO SPRAY and on the plants. Homegrown HERE’S WHAT GREG pink but once cut open, you’ll than an inch high and show their nurtures and sustains health and HAS TO SAY find ripe, red tomato flesh inside first true leaves, do this simple Wait until young tomato trans- provides exercise while fostering that’s a touch more acid tasting exercise. Brush your hands very plants have enough leaf growth to joy and happy thoughts. There’s Over the years, he’s tried hun- than other varieties ripened on lightly for a few seconds back absorb nutrients via foliage. Plants nothing more precious in life than dreds of different varieties, search- the vine. and forth over tomato seedlings, set out in the garden absorb foliar health and wellness of mind, body ing for a good early tomato. His touching just enough to sway the nutrients best in the morning on and spirit. Gardening unleashes conclusion — “Latah is in a class MILLIE’S MATRIMONIAL CAKE leaves. Repeat this process twice cloudy days, but don’t apply if rain a mighty tool that helps keep it by itself.” It’s given thousands of each day. Research confirms that is imminent. You can experiment that way. Canadians who live in the upper In 2008, I introduced Grainews such stimulation produces strong- with foliar feeding your tomatoes northern sections of the nation an readers to a recipe called Millie’s er and healthier plants. Even a and other vining crops such as mel- WE CAN’T CONTROL opportunity to grow and harvest Matrimonial Cake made with green slight breeze blown from a small ons and squash at different stages, THE WEATHER ripe tomatoes. Greg has an uncan- tomato filling instead of dates or fan or your breath; or brushing but the following is a good guide- line. First application can begin … but at least I can sing about during flowering, then at fruit set it while strumming on my git and every 10 days or so afterward, box. Here are some lyrics from my right up ’til harvest begins. You’ll “Weather Song.” In spring new life begins again, The scenery is a delight, Wherever we go across this land, SUE There are happy people left ARMSTRONG and right. In summer we’re the land of the midnight sun, And the temperature climbs to 35, LOVE HEARING From north to south the mosquitoes come, FROM YOU Watch out for them Do you have a story about or be eaten alive. a farm or home-based busi- After all this is Canada, ness? How about some house- Where the winter’s cold, hold management tips? Does and the summer’s hot, someone in the family have Like it or lump it, a special-diet need? Share we’re gonna have weather, some of your meal ideas. Whether or not. † Send them to FarmLife, 1666 This is Ted Meseyton the Singing Gardener Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, Mani- and Grow-It Poet from Portage la Prairie, Man. Spring season always seems to start, PHOTO : COURTESY THE ORGANIC FARM , PORTUGAL COVE , N.L. toba R3H 0H1. Phone 1-800- 665-0502 or email susan@ when I hear music in my heart, and April’s Here’s what M.R. of Portugal Cove-St. Philips, N.L. says about Latah tomato: “I’ve been trying to grow tomatoes tune is sure to say, nice weather is finally on the Avalon Peninsula since 1977. I rarely ever saw a ripe tomato. Before we bought Latah seeds, we had fbcpublishing.com. Please here to stay. The meadowlarks and robins given up trying to grow tomatoes outdoors. It was late September before we got tomatoes from any other remember we can no longer sing, their melodies are odes to spring, sweet variety claimed to be short season and fruits were always green. We can certainly vouch from our own experi- return photos or material. trills at last once more repeat, blue sky above, ence that growing Latah demonstrates very exciting tomato-growing prospects in Newfoundland. Fruits tasted green grass beneath. My email address is — Sue [email protected]. good and were over 80 per cent crack free.” B:11.5”

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