Gary Stanford a New Season in an Agricultural Life

Gary STanford A new season in an agricultural life

By Victoria Russell Communications Specialist

f you’re on Twitter, you might know Ihim as “Senator Stanford.” And while he isn’t actually a senator, Gary Stanford has certainly done a lot for farmers. For the last several years, Stanford has successfully balanced his responsibilities as president of the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) with his role as a board member for the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC), while managing his farm and family life in Magrath, AB. Stanford recently stepped down from his role with the Grain Growers. Following his three- Gary Stanford prepares for an interview on the Trans-Pacific Partnership for Business News Network. year term as president, and three years as vice-president before that, it’s clear to the shift from the single desk to AWC spoke with Stanford to learn that he has established himself as a the open market, Stanford was busy more about some of his most memo- key player responsible for shaping meeting with the federal government rable experiences as president of the the Canadian agriculture industry by and the Canadian Wheat Board, GGC. advocating for farmers on Parliament advocating for change. Stanford has Hill and around the world. travelled all over the world—includ- AWC: What is it about politics that The GGC plays a key role in federal ing stops in Switzerland, Singapore motivates you to get involved, espe- grain advocacy efforts, with a mandate and other parts of Asia—to work with cially knowing that your advocacy to influence federal policy on behalf of his peers to build new markets for work through the GGC will keep you independent grain farmers and their Canadian grain. He was involved in away from the farm? associations, including AWC. Located advocating for legislation to strength- Stanford: I have a specific apprecia- in Ottawa, its leadership regularly en plant-breeding programming tion for ag politics. Meeting with all meets with parliamentarians in an while protecting plant breeders’ the ministers and MPs on the Hill, it’s effort to represent the farmer voice rights, which eventually made its an opportunity to represent farmers and provide direction for national way through the House and Senate. and help set the future direction for policy that supports a competitive and He’s done hundreds of interviews, agriculture. I helped set up the five sustainable Canadian grain industry. including several on Business News committees of the GGC that still make Throughout his tenure with the Network, making him one of the most up its structure today. Those com- GGC, Stanford was involved with recognizable faces in Canadian agri- mittees—transportation, safety nets, some of the most influential policy culture, while helping to shed light on marketing and trade, sound science files that have shaped the modern the challenges and opportunities our and sustainability, and research—they era for the grain industry. Leading up industry faces. represent the major policy issues

albertawheat.com today in ag, and I’ve been totally immersed in each one.

AWC: Is there a particularly memora- ble time when you had to go the extra mile for farmers? Stanford: When I was in Singapore presenting to the Asian buyers at the Global Grain conference, the Aus- tralians spoke before me. This was just after the difficult winter we had in December 2013 with the transpor- tation backlog that cost farmers so much. They were slamming Canada, calling us unreliable since our grain wasn’t getting to our customers on From left: Tom Steve (AWC’s general manager), Erin Gowriluk (AWC’s policy and government relations time. I was the last to speak and it manager) and Gary Stanford before meeting with the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of was too late to change my slides. agriculture and agri-food. But I’m a proud Canadian farmer and I couldn’t believe everyone was my wife, Diane, sometimes joins me what’s happening before it comes talking about us that way. I spent when I travel so we’re not apart all the out on the news. extra time talking about how we were time. She’s really supportive of all the going to work with our government things I’m doing. AWC: You have more time on your to fix this. After all, we grow the best hands now that you’ve moved on grain in the world. After I spoke, the AWC: You’re very active on Twitter, from your role with the GGC. I know representative from Global Grain where most people know you as your responsibilities on AWC’s board came up to me and said they’d never @senatrstanford. Tell me about how keep you busy, but are there any new seen someone silence a room like that started, and what motivates you projects you’re working on? that before, and they asked me to to be so engaged online. Stanford: It’s nice to be home a bit come present in Geneva to help Stanford: About three years ago, more often. I’ve been really involved build the Canadian wheat markets at FarmTech, a few people from the lately in helping with a pilot project there. younger generation were asking going on in the Magrath/Cardston what exactly I do. They asked me area. They’re working on building an AWC: How did you balance farm to communicate with them better agriculture-focused high school pro- life with your commitment as GGC about my work, and suggested I use gram where the curriculum would pre- president? Twitter. I said, “What’s Twitter?” They pare young people for a career in ag, Stanford: All the travelling I do helped me set up my @senatrstanford whether it’s as a farmer, an agronomist sometimes makes me wonder if I’m account—it was just a joke at the or an agribusiness person. Whatever letting the farm fall down and if I’ll be time. But one time in Ottawa I was the path, this program would prepare able to keep it profitable. But at the meeting with some actual senators. I them for it. The intent is to encourage same time, it gives my two sons the told them my Twitter handle was just similar programming in other Cana- opportunity to do more day-to-day tongue-in-cheek, and asked if they dian jurisdictions to inspire students’ operations so they can eventually were offended. They told me that interest in working in agriculture, even take it over. Also, getting to know the not only do they follow me, but that if they weren’t raised on a farm. CEOs of grain companies and crop they respect what I say, and that the On behalf of Alberta’s wheat farmers, science companies, it’s a real benefit whole “Senator Stanford” thing was AWC would like to thank Gary Stanford for to see what the future holds and what kind of funny. I tweet all the time; in all of the work he’s done to help strengthen new products are coming into the an agricultural world, it’s a way to the Canadian agriculture industry. We’re market. Even though I’m away a lot, connect with other farmers, but also fortunate to have him on our board for a these relationships actually benefit researchers, crop science companies while longer, as he’s truly an asset to our my farm management. And of course, and politicians. Sometimes I know industry and a pleasure to work with.

albertawheat.com The mindset of safety Farm safety organizations in other jurisdictions were consulted for advice Start small, keep it simple and let it grow on approaches and programs that proved successful on their farms and ranches. Insights gained from the gap analysis, needs assessment and By Donna Trottier, P. Ag consultations were used to develop a Farm and ranch safety extension co-ordinator at AgSafe Alberta work plan and farm safety strategy for the AgSafe Alberta program. In Alberta, because of the introduc- safety education and awareness tools, tion of the Enhanced Protection for resources and services. The aim is Farm and Ranch Workers Act, there to provide industry-led guidance to are many farmers who are aware of farmers and ranchers who are seeking safety legislation, but there is still a lot to enhance safety practices on their of uncertainty surrounding the rights farms and ranches. AgSafe Alberta will and responsibilities of farmers. Recent provide farm safety programming that discussions with farm owners and will enable, empower and encourage operators, commodity group directors, Alberta farmers and ranchers to estab- leaders and other Canadian provin- lish sound on-farm safety programs cial farm safety associations revealed and practices that will enhance the an array of barriers to implementing protection of people on the farm structured safety programs on the while supporting farm productivity. farm. When implementing the farm What do the statistics tell us? safety strategy, AgSafe Alberta will offer Between 1990 and 2013 there was adaptable programming and design an average of 18 agriculture-related approaches to help farmers and ranch- arm and ranch safety has always deaths per year in Alberta. Even one ers overcome these barriers. Fbeen a top priority for the agricul- is too many, so what steps are need- Preventing agriculture-related ture community in Alberta. Farmers ed to create a culture of farm safety in injuries is complex because there are a and ranchers take the safety of their Alberta? variety of factors that contribute to the farms, their families and their employ- In the fall of 2016, I was hired as risk of getting injured. Does farm safety ees very seriously. All farms have some farm and ranch safety extension co- legislation improve safety practices? degree of safety measures in place; ordinator by AgSafe Alberta to man- Legislating “common sense” has prov- however, farm owners and manag- age the farm safety extension project. en beneficial in the context of safety, ers also recognize that there may I started by conducting a gap analysis with examples including mandatory be room for improvement. Farmers to inventory the farm safety resources bicycle helmet use, child car-seat use have communicated that farm and and services currently available to and seatbelt legislation. The American, ranch safety should be industry-led, Alberta farmers and ranchers. AgSafe Australian and Irish experiences sug- and they are motivated to direct the Alberta aims to meet the farm safety gest farm safety legislation, when ac- process of enhancing safety practices needs of the agriculture sector while tively enforced by the government, can on their farms and ranches. recognizing the demographic, size lower injury rates. However, legislation AgSafe Alberta, formerly the Alber- and commodity differences of the alone is not a well-accepted approach. ta Farm and Ranch Safety Extension farming and ranching operations. Reducing agriculture-related injuries Grant Working Group, came together An informal needs assessment and deaths requires a comprehen- as a result of receiving funding from was conducted to gather input from sive approach, including education, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry farmers and ranchers to get a sense of legislation and using multiple levels through Growing Forward 2 (GF2). their stance on farm safety. I collected of influence. This means farm and With representation from the Alberta their input regarding the safety tools, ranch owners working in partnership crop and livestock sectors, AgSafe education, training and resources that with other members of the agriculture Alberta plans to use the GF2 funding they find useful for enhancing their industry, community and health organi- to develop and deliver practical farm on-farm health and safety practices. zations, and government.

albertawheat.com Photo: iStock Photo Photo: A farm safety program doesn’t have to be complicated—implementing a few simple preventive measures can make a big difference.

The objectives of the AgSafe Alber- long and we realized we would not be A safer farm means improved produc- ta Farm Safety Strategy are: able to complete the entire list during tivity, improved morale, less damage the course of the GF2 grant timelines. to machinery and buildings, lower 1. Develop and distribute practical However, we hope this AgSafe Alber- insurance premiums, and less chance farm safety and health resources ta farm safety strategy will provide a of enforcement action and associated customizable for farm size and roadmap and form the foundation for costs to comply. Safety management sub-sector. effective and stable industry-led farm systems support due diligence and 2. Establish and implement appropri- safety programming for Alberta farms demonstrate the farm management ate, practical safety and health pro- and ranches, now and into the future. commitment to safety. grams for farmers, farm families and The prioritized actions that we will What’s the next step for farm and agriculture workers in Alberta, and focus on over the next year include ranch safety on your farm? We know ensure training is readily available. quick-start farm safety planning, farm how to grow things in agriculture: 3. Establish and deliver a set of farm safety awareness, hazard identification start small, keep it simple and let it safety services customized to the ag- training, risk management training grow. Your safety program doesn’t riculture industry for enhanced farm and on-farm safety adviser services. have to be complicated. A few simple safety knowledge and capacity. Training and resources will be made preventive measures go a long way 4. Elevate awareness of the impor- available through multiple platforms toward establishing a safe working en- tance of farm safety and regulatory and will be practical and adaptable to vironment. Take the lead by building compliance requirements in Alber- all sectors of the agriculture industry. your program your way, appropriate ta’s agriculture industry. Why have a farm safety program? for the activities and hazards specific 5. Influence farmers to manage high- The first and obvious benefit to imple- to your farm. Talk about the hazards of risk activities and improve stan- menting a safety program on the farm your operation with everyone on the dards in the use and maintenance is the prevention of injuries, illnesses farm—family, children, employees and of tractors, machinery and farm and fatalities. A successful farm safety visitors. Make people aware of your vehicles. system helps incorporate a safety phi- safety concerns and then do what is losophy into the operation, reduces practical to control the hazards and After establishing the objectives, we risk-taking activities and helps prevent reduce the risks. then listed recommended actions that incidents. Keeping yourself, your Stay on the lookout for AgSafe Al- would help achieve the objectives. family and your workers safe on the berta’s farm and ranch safety resource The list of actions was overwhelmingly farm is also good for your business. developments in the coming months.

albertawheat.com Chair’s Message

Jason Lenz honoured to lead commission

his is my first message as chair of I’ve got some big shoes to fill fol- direct investments in our industry and T Alberta Barley, and I am certainly lowing Mike Ammeter’s run as chair, our farms. I am especially looking excited and honoured to take on this but over the years I’ve seen how im- forward to expanding our research new responsibility on behalf of Alber- portant our organization is in ensuring investments further to benefit farmers. ta’s barley farmers. a bright future for the barley industry. As chair, I am committed to working My name is Jason Lenz and I farm During my time with Alberta Barley, for you. I plan to continue my work near Bentley, in west-central Alberta. I have seen my fellow farmers deal within the research and policy com- I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with harsh weather, transportation mittees, while becoming even more working with Alberta Barley since issues and the introduction of new involved with the day-to-day work 2009, including my time as vice-chair legislation affecting our day-to-day Alberta Barley does on our behalf. for the past two years. I also serve on lives. Alberta Barley has been there Farmers drive change. With an the GrainsWest magazine editorial ad- every step of the way, amplifying our organization like Alberta Barley visory board and am a former Alberta voices on policy matters. representing Alberta’s barley farmers, Barley representative for the Barley From the steady feed industry to I am confident the next year—and be- Council of Canada. In addition to the booming malt sector, barley is a yond—holds great things for you and barley, I grow wheat, canola and faba big part of agriculture here in Alberta. our industry. We—myself, along with beans, and have a small cow/calf herd. Barley is an important crop—not only our dedicated board and talented Alberta Barley has worked hard for our province, but also for Canada staff—are here for you. for producers for 25 years, and I as a whole. As a supplier of more than Sincerely, am thrilled to continue that legacy. 50 per cent of the country’s barley, Improving profitability, increasing Alberta’s barley industry is integral and competitiveness, and connecting con- representation for farmers is critical. sumers and producers are important Research has always been a priority factors in growing our industry. for me. Investments in research are

albertabarley.com Old grain, new tricks

Poster session winner looks to future uses of barley

By Ellen Cottee

lberta Barley’s AGM is always a Agreat networking opportunity. But the event also gives attendees the chance to learn about current research affecting their livelihoods, through a poster session featuring student researchers—judged by barley farmers—before the evening Raquel Huerta discusses her research project, Subcritical fluid extraction of carbohydrates and phenolics banquet. from barley straw, with an AGM attendee. In the past, student research- ers have won for their projects on back. However, some producers Huerta was quick to add that this enhancing barley’s value as feed for put straw back in the soil for nutrient research has real-life, practical appli- livestock. This year, however, the first- benefits. cations. “We are not just scientists place winner focused on using barley “I recognized this,” Huerta said. “I thinking up something. It’s a concern in an entirely different application. knew what is in this straw is basically for industries—change from the chem- Raquel Huerta, a student at the sugar compounds.” icals to the green technology, add University of Alberta, is completing The first round of the project had more value, try to reduce the waste.” her PhD in bioengineering process- Huerta using green technology—no Communicating these applications ing. Her project, titled Subcritical chemicals, only water and pressure— to producers is important to Huerta. fluid extraction of carbohydrates and in the university lab to extract and Through investments in research, phenolics from barley straw, looked separate the sugars contained within scholarships and donation of resourc- at practical uses for extractions from the straw. “My results were really es, the barley industry supports her re- barley straw, including biofuels and nice, I extracted carbohydrates,” search and that of her fellow students. food sweeteners. Huerta explained. “These carbohy- This was only the first part of Huer- “When I was searching for my drates, which are sugars, are being ta’s PhD research involving barley project I said, ‘well, okay, in Alberta, applied for biofuel. straw. For her second year, Huerta what is happening here?’ because I “The first step was to get the sugars will be working with residues from would like to use the resources I have and the phenolics, and now we are the sugars, which she said could be where I am,” Huerta said. “I thought working more with the cellulose. So used for biomedical applications by it was nice to try and help the Alberta we have more coming for farmers.” her fourth year. local industry with some new science Biofuel has become a hot topic “This is our target, trying to com- and new technology.” in recent years. As concerns mount bine a lot of different knowledge,” She settled on barley and canola over the large number of gas-guz- she said. “We believe this is the straw, products that have very little zling vehicles on the roads, scientists future, it’s not just about agriculture. value for farmers. Shipping these in North America and Europe are We are sure that we will be mixing products often costs more money looking for alternatives to traditional science, agriculture and engineering than a producer could possibly make fossil fuels. … trying to see new solutions.”

albertabarley.com Maltsters and growers discuss the benefits of malting barley contracts at FarmTech 2017. From left to right: Kevin Sich with Rahr Malting, Wade McAllister of Antler Valley Farm, Robert Chappell with Canada Malting, and Chinook Arch barley grower Scott Keller.

For malt barley, however, the times On contract, however, that market- Cashing in on are changing. The introduction and ing happens before seeds are even growth of malt barley contracts in planted. contracts Alberta has changed how farmers Generally, maltsters approach market their malt. farmers to discuss the possibility of For Wade McAllister of Antler Valley growing on contract. If a farmer can Farm north of Innisfail, contracting show consistent yields and quality in Malt contracts are malt acres has taken much of the their malt acres, they have a better worry off his mind. “Our biggest thing chance of being picked up for a changing how farmers is having that barley locked in for a set contract. market their barley price for the next three years,” he said. It’s not just farmers who benefit “That just takes care of our marketing from contracts. They are a win-win for for our malt.” farmers and maltsters alike. By Ellen Cottee Robert Chappell, director of grain “It gives us acreage and barley with Canada Malting in Calgary, security,” said Kevin Sich, grain de- rowing any crop carries risk. agreed. “If you’re going to be grow- partment manager with Rahr Malting GFrom the time seeds are ing malting barley, you better have a in Alix. “We cannot run these plants planted until harvest season, any marketing plan,” he said. “That’s what without knowing there’s barley being number of things can happen that a production contract does.” seeded.” could reduce the value farmers will For farmers without a contract, On the other side of the malt get for their production. Add to that marketing often happens near the end barley chain are customers, such as the uncertainty of markets following of harvest. Once the malt quality has breweries, looking for quality malt harvest, and producers have a lot to been assessed, they work to find a with sets of specifications unique to worry about. maltster in need of product. their product.

albertabarley.com “Contracts allow us to contract to select the original group of six MEET THE the right varieties that our customers producers, which has expanded to need, and I think that’s a benefit for include 15 farmers today, in order to STAFF us,” said Chappell. meet Lagunitas’ demands for quality Of course, it’s not all easy. While malt barley. contract growing, compared to “It’s fascinating … it’s fun to get traditional marketing techniques, is some face time with brewers,” Keller virtually risk-free, there are some pre- said. “These guys are passionate cautions both farmers and maltsters about what they’re doing and it’s just have to take. fun to interact with these guys. “We have to watch where we posi- “They’re basically making some of tion our acres,” Sich said. “We have the best beers in the world, and the to risk-manage our acres and where fact that we grow one of their main we put them.” ingredients, there’s a sense of pride Maltsters, including Rahr and there.” Canada Malting, also make an effort Breweries require large amounts to mitigate risks on the side of the of malt to make beer, and for those Trevor Bacque farmer. One of the biggest risk man- adhering to craft brewing standards, Communications Manager and agement tools available to farmers is the amount of malt needed is approx- GrainsWest Managing Editor an “act of God” clause, which offers imately four times higher than it is for protection in situations where crops popular macrobreweries. revor Bacque joined Alberta Barley suffer weather damage. McAllister also grows malt barley T as communications co-ordinator in The benefits of contracts are not re- for a major brewery in the United 2012 before launching GrainsWest in stricted to marketing either. Contract States, a relationship co-ordinated 2014 alongside sales and design lead growing through a maltster helps through Rahr. Alberta and parts of Tommy Wilson. The award-winning farmers develop relationships with the U.S. have experienced a “craft quarterly magazine is a joint initiative of end users they normally do not have beer boom” over the past several Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat the opportunity to connect with. years, leading to increased demand Commission. In 2016, he assumed the Scott Keller, who farms in New for quality malt. role of communications manager at Norway, is an original member of “Ever since the boom happened, Alberta Barley. Trevor also serves as the the Chinook Arch Growers, a group all these contracts have started current vice-president of the Canadian of farmers contracted by Lagunitas happening,” McAllister said. “They Farm Writers’ Federation. Brewing Company in Petaluma, Cali- can get that supply. No matter what, Trevor studied journalism and fornia. The brewery worked with Rahr the brewery we grow for gets 1,000 communications in Calgary. Before tonnes of malt from us a year.” joining Alberta Barley, he spent two Sich said he believes the growing years working as a rural reporter in “drink local” mentality has also driven Rocky View County. One of the first this desire for traceable malt. “The agricultural stories he wrote was smaller craft guys are more regional- about former Alberta Barley chair Matt “If you’re going to be growing ized, so they have a lot more interest Sawyer and his wife Tara being named malting barley, you better have in getting to know where their supply Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers comes from, with the farmer,” he in 2011. a marketing plan. That’s what a said. “I think that comes from the Despite not coming from a rural production contract does.” local consumer.” background, Trevor quickly grew –Robert Chappell When it comes to the future of malt to enjoy the agriculture industry, contracts, Sich said he thinks the especially the people working hard to future is now. “Growers take on so produce crops across the country year much risk when growing malt,” he after year. said. “Why would you want to take When he’s away from pens and on more by not even trying to figure paper, Trevor enjoys playing squash out a home for it?” and travelling with his wife.

albertabarley.com