A NEW VENTURE Like B.C.’S Grant Stevely, More Farms Get the Spirit

EASTERN EDITION country-guide.ca June 2014 $3.50 Wring out more efficiency RegisteR Now at wCCA6.org

A NEW VENTURE Like B.C.’s Grant Stevely, more farms get the spirit

+PLUS CAN YOU BE SUED IF GMO POLLEN DRIFTS OFF FARM? CHEAPER LAND, BUT TOUGHER FARMING IN EAST ONTARIO HERE’S THE PROOF. OUR GRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE IS THIRD WORLD

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40069240 Experience matters in farming. And when it comes to Efficient Power, no one has more experience than Case IH. Our industry-leading SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)-only technology has powered over 35,000 pieces of equipment and has over 17 million operating hours in North America alone. It was the right solution from the start, and it’s proving itself right again as a new generation of Tier 4 B/Final tractors take to the field. That’s because the SCR-only emissions system reduces exhaust emissions without power-robbing add-ons that throttle back performance. In fact, they provide even more power, plus increased fuel efficiency. To find out how Case IH SCR-only technology can help you be more efficient and productive, visitcaseih.com/efficientpower .

BE READY.

ORDER NOW FOR THE BEST OFFERS ON 2015 MODELS.

©2014 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.caseih.com CONTENTS JUNE 2014

BUSINESS

8 THAT’S THE SPIRIT Farm smarts are the engine for these two enterprising ventures in B.C.’s Okanagan. And oh yes, stir in some passion too.

16 THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Who says you can’t do niche marketing from a remote location? Apparently no one told the Wilkinsons.

20 GREAT EXPECTATIONS Ag businesses are facing a succession crisis of their own, which is why DuPont Pioneer has brought Andrew Lauver to Saskatoon.

24 GRAIN DRAIN Winnipeg used to be the clear capital of agriculture in the West. But can it keep the crown?

26 HERITAGE ON THE MOVE Can you keep farm and family together when you move after 170 years on the same ground?

32 SO CLOSE, SO FAR It takes a different kind of farmer to thrive amid the challenges of eastern Ontario.

36 RETURN OF THE CZARS Will the Putin effect hurt the outlook for global farm machinery manufacturing and sales?

38 THE CANADIAN-MADE BOTTLENECK The West’s grain paralysis is nothing new. Our Third World grain infrastructure is inadequate now, and it’s getting worse. ACROSS THIS COUNTRY 42 SIX QUESTIONS FOR THE AG ENTREPRENEURS With midsummer fast approaching, we crossed Canada So you’ve got a great idea for a new product or service. Should you actually invest in developing it? to talk to farmers and agribusinesses about how they’re preparing for the future. Their answers will inspire you. 54 GUIDE LEGAL — AS THE WIND BLOWS They should inspire the whole country. Can you be sued if GMO pollen from your ﬁ eld drifts onto a neighbour’s property, or onto an organic farm miles away?

56 GUIDE LIFE — NEW LIFE FOR OLD CHURCHES These rural churches are ﬁ nding life and a renewed sense of mission by reconnecting with their local communities. PRODUCTION

62 THE OTHER VIEW 44 ON THE REBOUND Alberta grain grower Michael Kalisvaart writes that today’s young Higher premiums and strong global demand are driving farmers are being unwisely held back by older farmers. a new wave of interest in IP soybeans.

48 FINE TUNING FOR WEEDS Weed control is getting so precise, it’s essential to be sure EVERY ISSUE that you are using the right words the right way.

6 MACHINERY GUIDE 50 TUFTED VETCH TAKES OFF Everything in agriculture is getting bigger. That means tires too. Tufted vetch isn’t a new weed, but it sure is a different weed challenge. 58 GUIDE HEALTH Take care of your digestive tract, and it will take care of you. 52 PEST PATROL 60 HANSON ACRES Are you sure you know the most effective and most practical It wasn’t anybody’s fault, except the fella with the grin. way to clean your sprayer?

Our commitment to your privacy At Farm Business Communications we have a fi rm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other strategic business partners. For more information regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Offi cer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1. Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other reputable fi rms whose products and services might be of interest to you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the address in the preceding paragraph, or call 1-800-665-1362.

JUNE 2014 country-guide.ca 3 d e s k

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Tom Button 12827 Klondyke Line, Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0 (519) 674-1449 Fax (519) 674-5229 Email: [email protected] Associate Editors: Maggie Van Camp (905) 986-5342 Fax (905) 986-9991 Email: [email protected] Gord Gilmour (204) 453-7624 Cell: (204) 294-9195 Fax (204) 942-8463 Email: [email protected] Production Editor: Ralph Pearce (226) 448-4351 Email: [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES Lillie Ann Morris (905) 838-2826 Email: [email protected] Dan Kuchma (204) 944-5560 Cell (204) 290-5419 Email: [email protected] Head Office: 1666 Dublin Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1 (204) 944-5765 Fax (204) 944-5562 Tom Button is editor of Country Guide magazine Advertising Services Co-ordinator: Sharon Komoski (204) 944-5758 Fax (204) 944-5562 Email: [email protected] Designer: Jenelle Jensen Publisher: Lynda Tityk A hot time in the city Email: [email protected] Associate Publisher/Editorial Director: John Morriss Email: [email protected] There’s nothing wrong with a fishing The fact is, however, that Canada has Production Director: Shawna Gibson lodge, of course. Nor for that matter is three cities that are on a different plane Email: [email protected] Circulation Manager: Heather Anderson there any reason to miss out on going to — Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver — Email: [email protected] a golf course or cottage. I hope to spend and it’s as short-sighted to say you can President: Bob Willcox some time there myself. understand this country without visiting Glacier FarmMedia But a summer without some serious these great cities as it is to feel that you can Email: [email protected] time in at least one of Canada’s great cities understand Canada if you don’t appreciate Contents of this publication are copyrighted and may be reproduced only with the permission of the editor. Country can hardly qualify as a productive season. at least to a minimal degree its phenemonal, Guide, incorporating the Nor’West Farmer and Farm & Home, is I have written about this before, and I am world-class ability to produce food. published by Farm Business Communications. Head office: Winnipeg, Manitoba. Printed by Transcontinental LGMC. thinking about it again because for our June If you bemoan the agricultural igno- Country Guide is published 13 issue every year, we make a point of criss- rance of the average Canadian, I hope you’ll times per year by Farm Busi- ness Communications. Subscrip- crossing the country and reporting on some devote time to learning this summer about tion rates in Canada — Farmer $39 of the major farm trends that we’re seeing. Canada’s amazing urbanites. They’re as for one year, $58 for 2 years, $83 for 3 years. (Prices include GST) U.S. subscription rate — $35 (U.S. funds). Subscription Agriculture is so vibrant, there’s never much a part of our country as we are, and rate outside Canada and U.S. — $50 per year. Single copies: enough room to include even the most we should be equally proud of them. $3.50. whittled-down list of stories that we prom- So take a week this summer and visit Publications Mail Agreement Number 40069240. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of ise ourselves during planning, and more one of our great cities. Choose one that Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund gets left out than ever gets included. you’ve never spent time in before, or the of the Department of Canadian Heritage. But there’s Gerald Pilger’s piece on Can- one you know least well. Take the family Canadian Postmaster: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to: Circulation Dept., PO Box 9800, ada’s grain infrastructure, and Michael too, especially if they’re unsure. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7. Kalisvaart’s column at the very back of the It’s unconscionable today to raise kids U.S. Postmaster: Send address changes and undeliverable addresses (covers only) to: Circulation Dept., PO Box magazine. They are essential for grounding who haven’t spent enough time in these 9800, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3K7. the entire issue in the world of the real. cities to at least understand why other Subscription inquiries: When you read them, you’ll know what I kids are so energized by them. Call toll-free 1-800-665-1362 mean, but I hope you’ll pause over the Talk to your spouse and set a date or email: [email protected] issue’s other stories too. Every year, I’m today. In the first place, you’ll have a great U.S. subscribers call 1-204-944-5766 more and more convinced that agriculture vacation, which is a good thing. You’ve Country Guide is printed with linseed oil-based inks PRINTED IN CANADA is a people story. earned it. In the second place, if you’re like Vol. 133 No. 8 But I also always feel it’s a mistake to most people in rural Canada, you’ll find Internet address: www.agcanada.com pretend that we’re covering agriculture in that most of our preconceptions about big ISSN 1915-8491

Canada without seriously engaging with cities are actually misconceptions. The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to anyone in what are, from every possible What a great feeling it is to rise above Country Guide and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the view, this country’s world-class cities. them. editors, journalists, Country Guide and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained In an earlier editorial, I wrote that Swift Then let me know what you think. As in this publication and the editors as well as Country Guide and Farm Current is a fine place. So are Brandon and always, I want to hear from you. I’m at Business Communications assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all Guelph, and Medicine Hat and Regina. [email protected]. Enjoy! information provided.

4 country-guide.ca j u n e 2 0 1 4 CHRISTIAN FARMERS FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 7660 Mill Rd. RR4, Guelph ON N1H 6J1 Voice: (519) 837-1620 Fax: (519) 824-1835 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.christianfarmers.org

CFFO Strategic Business Thinking

PHOTO COURTESY RAVEN INDUSTRIES he Christian Farmers farmers need support when it Federation of Ontario comes to adopting new technology. Tbelieves that there is a place Whether you are a large farmer “Don’t give up, look up” for all farmers within the rural who would benefi t from reduced The Christian Farmers Federation landscape. We are working hard on unit costs for exporting, or a of Ontario is one of two accredited behalf of all farmers – not just our small farmer who’s working hard General Farm Organizations in members – to ensure that Ontario to meet standards to support Ontario. The organization is is a place where farm businesses local food production, the CFFO focused on the long-term issues can succeed, no matter the size. is working to support you in facing the sector, and is supported The CFFO believes that aligning your endeavours in building by 4000 farmers in the province. the rules that govern water use to a prosperous, sustainable Learn more about us at support sustainable agriculture agriculture sector. www.christianfarmers.org in this province is essential to When you succeed, Ontario moving the industry forward. The succeeds! CFFO recognizes that ‘regulatory burden’ is an issue facing all farmers, and that it needs to be A general farm • 22 District Associations Across Ontario streamlined in order to make organization that is • Supporting our members since 1954 it easier and more profi table rooted in faith and • A Professional Organization of to conduct business without guided by values Entrepreneurial Farming Families sacrifi cing commitments to quality or safety. At the same time, the CFFO recognizes that www.christianfarmers.org

A professional organization of entrepreneurial farming families Machinery By Ralph Pearce, CG Production Editor In agriculture today, everything is getting bigger. The yields, the farms, and certainly the equipment have all grown larger in the past five years, and now the tire manufacturers have joined the trend. Late in 2013, more manufacturers began breaking the seven-foot barrier, crossing over from Group 48 into Group 49s and 50s, with diameters of 7.2 and 7.6 feet, respectively. Some are even pushing their new series into the Group 51 level. Yet that is only part of the story with the newer tire designs. Some manufacturers are exploring the “extreme flotation” concept to reduce soil compaction, tighten turns, and provide a smoother ride. For all that technology is doing for equipment and precision agriculture, however, it really does come down to taking better care of the soil. Here’s a glimpse at what’s new.

ALLIANCE AGRIFLEX 363 

Bigger machinery inevitably means more road time between fields. It affects our machinery choices, for instance, driving the spike in self-propelled sprayers. It is also affecting tire choice, with farmers looking for new designs that can excel both on pavement and across a range of soil conditions. The Agriflex 363 series is new from Alliance and is an example of the company’s Improved Flexion (IF) design. The configuration of the tire means it can work with higher tire deflec- tion, translating into 20 per cent higher load capacities at the same inflation pressures. At the same time, it can also perform just as well at lower air pressures and a standard load, increasing the footprint of the tire and reducing ground pressure. Added blocks in the tread also provide superior traction on softer surfaces. www.atgtire.com

TRELLEBORG 

Sustainable farming has become an important theme with Trel- Lead by leborg’s new tires, and they used several exhibitions earlier this year to show off all they have to offer. First on the list is their IF900/65R46 Example TM1000 High Power line, with what the company calls “incompa- rable flotation performance.” Incorporating Trelleborg’s BlueTire tread design, it’s been engineered to make the most of both tread width and its larger footprint, said by the company to be the widest on the market. Trelleborg also launched its ProgressiveTraction design, featuring Apply the Right Rate a double lug which is engineered to improve efficiency in the field. In addition to boosting traction more than 10 per cent, the Progressive Traction design also generates extra pull, reducing working time while at the Right Time increasing efficiency. www.trelleborg.com For optimal weed control, use label rates and make herbicide applications when weeds are at the correct stage for control.

Visit www.rrwms.ca Download the WEED ID APP Follow us @weedmgmt Go to iTunes today or visit weedidapp.ca

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Monsanto and Vine Design® and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Canada, Inc. licensee. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Monsanto Canada Inc.

6 country-guide.ca J U N E 2 0 1 4 GOODYEAR-TITAN FARM TIRES 

Goodyear is stepping up its interest in the farm tire sector. Not only has the company made the jump into the Group 49 and 50 catego- ries, they’re into Group 51 as well, and it is investing in Extreme Flota- tion technology as well. In all, Goodyear is pushing three new series and 11 different sizes, with three Super Traction radials in Group 50 and 51, seven sizes in the Optitrac tires, four Group 49s and three Group 50s. And for what Goodyear says is the ultimate — or extreme — in flotation, there’s the Goodyear DT930 featuring the low sidewall (LSW) technology, with smaller sidewalls and a larger rim diameter, meaning less road lope and power hop. www.titan-intl.com

MICHELIN AGRIBIB 480 95 R50

When something works, people tend to stick with it. For Michelin, 2014 marks a revisiting of the AgriBib technology that the company launched in 2012. The new AgriBib 480 95 R50 is taller, and designed more for larger, front-wheel assist tractors. The key to its performance is the capacity to handle larger loads and an improved quality of ride. The company also promises longer-lasting tread and improved traction. This particular design is expected to be released in North America during the latter months of 2014, and it’s expected to garner plenty of attention when it does arrive; John Deere and Case New Holland are partnering with Michelin for the launch. www.michelin.com

ExampleLead by Apply the Right Rate at the Right Time For optimal weed control, use label rates and make herbicide applications when weeds are at the correct stage for control.

Visit www.rrwms.ca Download the WEED ID APP Follow us @weedmgmt Go to iTunes today or visit weedidapp.ca

Farm smarts, an incredible dose of dedication, and intense passion for their products are driving these two ventures into consumerism

By Madeleine Baerg

aybe these two startup agribusinesses are riding the coattails of B.C.’s wine industry. Or, maybe they’re on to something unique and innovative. Either way, they’re succeed- ing in farm-based ventures based on the pas- sions of their customers, and they are thriving on the essential passion of their owners. With the summer tourist season barely six weeks away, and with out-of-town traffic already picking up, Grant Stevely is under some serious pressure when I arrive. After five years of researching, planning, designing, investing, and jumping through bureaucratic hoops and hacking through red tape, his dream is in the final stages of becoming reality. His production facility, tasting area and landscaping are all on track. Calls are already coming in from retailers and restaurants keen to feature his output. “And that’s before I’ve actually produced a single product,” Stevely says. Unfortunately, he’s got one fairly major problem. The delivery of the production equipment, which had originally been scheduled to be installed and operational in April, has been delayed by two very crucial months. The holdup means Stevely won’t open his doors to the public until Canada Day… at best. Given the seasonality of the tourist business, he’ll have to hit the ground running from day one, and he is crossing every finger and toe that there are no additional delays. Still, for a guy with an ever-building mountain of startup costs on the one hand, and little in incoming cash on the other, he’s surprisingly cool under pressure. His calm comes from a total con- fidence in the business plan, he tells me. But it also comes from his respect for his craft, and from his eagerness to begin showing what he can do, and educating consumers on his product. Of course, the whiff of whisky at 9 a.m. just might help a

little too. l

Don’t be alarmed though. Any early-morning sipping is all in the rude T

name of research. Stevely is a passionate connoisseur of all things l whisky, a keen advocate for the expansion of B.C.’s craft alcohol hy: Lione hy:

industry, and the owner and soon-to-be distiller behind Canada’s p newest craft distillery, Dubh Glas Distillery in Oliver, B.C. Photogra Continued on page 12

8 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

“This is my passion,” says Stevely, who devoted years to planning how to make whisky into a prospering business

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 9 WHAT MATTERS MOST? Syngenta listens. My diversiﬁ ed operation uses a lot of product. When I told my Rep empty jugs were a hassle, he passed that information on. This year, my product is available in bulk. Syngenta makes my efﬁ ciency a priority, and I appreciate that.

Jesse Kloepfer, 3rd generation farm owner and custom operator, Lola May Farms, Harley, ON

JOB ID: 6583 1E

DATE: JUNE 3, 2014

CLIENT: SYNGENTA CANADA

PROJECT: ROI EAST – JK

PUBLICATION: COUNTRY GUIDE E

DESIGNER: JEFF ANTON

( ) MECHANICAL ( ) PDF/X

FINAL SIZE: 16.25" X 10.75" Visit SyngentaFarm.ca or contact our Customer Resource Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682). UCR: 240% CLIENT SERVICE Always read and follow label directions. The Syngenta logo is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2014 Syngenta. PROOFREADING

ART DIRECTION

PRODUCTION

6583-1E_SYT_East_ROI_Ad_JK_CntryGdE.indd All Pages 2014-04-08 11:56 AM WHAT MATTERS MOST? Syngenta listens. My diversiﬁ ed operation uses a lot of product. When I told my Rep empty jugs were a hassle, he passed that information on. This year, my product is available in bulk. Syngenta makes my efﬁ ciency a priority, and I appreciate that.

Jesse Kloepfer, 3rd generation farm owner and custom operator, Lola May Farms, Harley, ON

JOB ID: 6583 1E

DATE: JUNE 3, 2014

CLIENT: SYNGENTA CANADA

PROJECT: ROI EAST – JK

PUBLICATION: COUNTRY GUIDE E

DESIGNER: JEFF ANTON

( ) MECHANICAL ( ) PDF/X

ART DIRECTION

PRODUCTION

6583-1E_SYT_East_ROI_Ad_JK_CntryGdE.indd All Pages 2014-04-08 11:56 AM b u s i n e s s

Continued from page 8

Meanwhile, a valley away, Jyl Cheg- win and Roger Hol are also well aware of the clock ticking down to tourist season, and when I join them, the hammer- ing in the background — today it’s a deck under construction — and Hol’s rapid-fire directions to staff punctuate Chegwin’s description of their business vision, and prove the to-do list still has a ways to go. “When you really like something, you put more effort into it. And we really, really love what we’re doing here. But yes, we’re running flat out,” Chegwin admits with both a sigh and a laugh. “We want to cater to the high-end market, but it takes a lot to get things really polished.” Hol and Chegwin’s just-about-to-open agribusiness is ambitious to say the least: a vineyard, winery, three-unit (hopefully growing soon to 10-unit) tourist accommodation, event location for up to 350 people, and hands-on agri-tourism experience which together make up VineGlass Winery in Cawston, B.C. “What are we? We are farmers first. But, we are hosts too. We like to say what we offer is experiential tourism. We encourage our guests to walk through the vineyard; learn about the vineyard; see what stage the grapes are at; partici- pate in whatever vineyard tasks we are working on that day. Basically, to step into the farming life,” says Hol. “Our primary guests are city people who love wine and nature but have never had the opportunity to learn about a vineyard, who want to see how things are grown and get their hands dirty,” continues Chegwin. “There has been a growing movement toward knowing more about your food and finding your rural roots. People in the city want to connect with the country so they can get to know where their food — and their wine — comes from.” Only 20 years ago, B.C.’s Okanagan and Similkameen valleys were character- ized by countless acres of apples, peaches, cherries and plums. But the consistently hot days of summer, the cool evenings, and the long fall that produce excellent tree fruits also suit a somewhat easier to grow and (usually) more lucrative crop: wine grapes. Today, the majority of fruit- growing ground in the valley bottoms, as well as much of the desert hillside above, has been repurposed as vineyard. It’s a change that has created its own economics. Cactus- and sagebrush-

12 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

covered hillside that, until recently, was enough high-end accommodations. Since relatively worthless is now priced at then, there’s been a proliferation of win- $120,000 per acre and more. eries and it’s turned into an industry. But The growth of the wine industry in the there’s still so much room for growth and Okanagan and Similkameen is nothing creativity. And in our area, there is no short of phenomenal. Where in 1990 there high-end accommodation at all, no one were just 14 wineries in these neighbouring offering a hands-on experience.” valleys combined, today the Similkameen Dubh Glas (since everyone asks) is has 15 and the Okanagan boasts a whop- pronounced “Douglas,” as in Stevely’s ping 123 large-scale and boutique wineries. middle name. It’s fitting that his business The Okanagan was recently selected name is a twist on his own name since as the top wine tourism destination in this business has consumed Stevely from the world by the Huffington Post, an vision through execution. honour that will help increase the $140 The original concept was born in 2009. million in economic impact wine tourism To bring it to fruition, Stevely took a giant generated last year for the valley. And, leap of faith: he went back to school to 20 minutes to the west, the Similkameen develop a business plan, sold virtually Valley now happily sports the title of everything he had, quit his job, and trav- “one of the world’s five best wine regions elled to Arizona to educate himself on the you’ve never heard of,” as dubbed by science and magic of distillation. Finally, EnRoute Magazine. after much research into where the most The wine industry trajectory appears wine industry traffic might be and where to be pointed firmly upwards. Wine tour- the liquor laws would be most receptive to ism continues to grow on a year-over- craft distilling, he uprooted from Alberta year basis. More and more wineries are and moved to the “Wine Capital of Can- popping up each year in the Okanagan ada”: small-town Oliver, B.C. and Similkameen, and higher and higher “When people sample a product, they “We are farmers first,” hillsides are turning from desert yellow to feel an attachment to it and to its story, vineyard green. so the key for me is getting people in say Hol and Chegwin Both Dubh Glas Distillery and Vine- the door,” Stevely says. “Twenty-two Glass Winery intend to benefit from per cent of winery visitors are drive-by; wine tourists’ enthusiasm for the region. 37 per cent are referrals. I knew I had They both believe that what they plan to to have a location with a high profile offer ties in nicely with the existing wine so I could capitalize on drive-bys, and industry, yet is unique enough to set them I needed to be in a community with a apart in the competition for tourist atten- strong referral market. I began to realize tion and dollars. the Okanagan was the place I had to be.” “Craft distilling is a great comple- He’s hopeful the craft distilling indus- Hillsides that a few years ago were almost mentary industry for wine tourism,” says try will grow into a destination industry worthless now sell for $120,000 an acre Stevely. “We can make a whisky that is of its own. uniquely Canadian, uniquely Okanagan. “The craft distilling industry in the I want to mature our whisky in Canadian United States has blossomed; there’s been wine barrels to create a lighter, fruitier absolutely huge growth. Usually we’re whisky. And I can make fruit liqueurs reflective of what happens there. And, — eau de vies and schnapps — from the last year’s changes to B.C. liquor reg- area’s peaches and cherries; fruit that is ulations really improved things for us. perfect but might not be the right size or Under a craft distilling licence, if you the right shape to sell on a grocery shelf. make your product with 100 per cent I love making something out of fruit that B.C. product, you can sell directly to would otherwise be landfill.” licensees now, which is a really big deal “When we first started thinking about for us,” says Stevely. opening VineGlass, the Napa Valley (Cal- B.C.’s proposal to allow craft distillers ifornia) had over 2,000 wineries, more to sell their products at farmers’ markets, than 600 restaurants, and something like likely as soon as this summer, make the 30,000 tourist beds in an area the same province even more conducive to small- size as the Okanagan and Similkameen,” scale distillers. says Chegwin. “People want variety. A For its part, VineGlass is the product study done a decade ago said we need of a shared vision a decade old. hundreds of wineries in this area; there’s “Back 10 years ago, we had 75 acres so much potential. It said there’s not nearly enough restaurants, not nearly Continued on page 14

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 13 b u s i n e s s

Continued from page 13 Institute (BCWI). Both were directly cancer, Chegwin also sees a connection involved in putting together a study on to wellness. “This is the most incredibly of grapes but there wasn’t much beyond behalf of these two organizations about peaceful place to be. Even after being a living from it; we were just barely the agri-tourism industry. here for eight years we still don’t take squeaking by with many years in the red. In addition to farming and agri-tour- it for granted,” she says. “It is the ideal I explored added-value avenues for the ism experience, Chegwin brings another place to get away from outside pressures vineyard, but the winery we were grow- perhaps more rare skill to their busi- and focus without outside interference.” ing for would not let us make our own ness. She boasts several years’ expe- Stevely is confident in his product. He wine. After 30 years of farming, we real- rience building corn mazes in B.C.’s has enlisted the consulting help of one of ized there was no way for us to make a Fraser Valley, which gave her the know- the greats in the business: Mike Nicol- living as a traditional farmer doing what how to help design and build Vine- son, a master distiller for 36 years at six we were doing. So, we sold the farm Glass’s most memorable attribute: the of Scotland’s top distilleries, who also eight years ago to the winery and moved image of a giant wineglass etched into assisted in the startup of Shelter Point down river,” explains Hol. “Our inten- the vineyard itself. Distillery in Comox. And, when the pro- tion from the beginning when we bought Hol and Chegwin hope to grow their duction equipment finally arrives, it will this property was to combine a winery facility to accommodate more overnight be new and high tech, which means Ste- with accommodation and agri-tourism. guests and develop their event-hosting vely will be able to produce a very high- We have always felt that that would be reputation. VineGlass’s quiet location, quality product in a short amount of the most successful model.” on-site catering facilities, three acres of time. (“It no longer needs to be old to The most successful, and the most gardens and gracious pool area, com- be good. Especially if you age it in small personally satisfying for these two agri- bined with an authentic and accessible barrels, it can be three or four years and tourism advocates. Both Hol and Cheg- farm experience, lend themselves well superb,” he explains.) win have been actively involved with the to corporate training and team-building Stevely has big plans for what he’d B.C. Agri-tourism Alliance (BCATA), and workshops. like to accomplish in the short-term Hol sat on the board of the B.C. Wine With recent personal experience with future: a minimum of 2,500 litres of “I want to look back and say I did it,” says Stevely. “I don’t want to say I could have, but didn’t have the guts.”

whisky in pre-sale casks, and as much gin and fruit liqueur (both of which are produced relatively quickly) as the market will bear. He is currently pre-selling half-casks (44 bottles) of whisky for $2,000 and has had impressive demand despite not yet even having publicly announced the offering. “This is my passion — I absolutely love whisky, so I don’t want to be too big. I want to be an integral part of the business over the long haul,” Stevely says. “There have been tough days when I’ve thought it was easier collecting a pay- cheque. But it will be worth it in the end.” Chegwin and Hol are similarly positive. “We’ve been very intentional about where we are, what we’re building, and how we’ve gone about doing it,” says Hol. “It has been a daunting startup but it’s always difficult to start something brand new. Like any new business, it takes three to five years to get it going. But we’re sure that we can make this work.” CG

14 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 ATLANTIC FARM WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Thank you for participating!

Agriculture in Canada is becoming increasingly hectic; farmers are adapting to changes in Presentations included: practices, changes in market demand — and especially changes in technology. LEONA DARGIS Life is What you Make it But for women involved in agriculture, change is just as much a part of their daily lives, ANGELA VAN DE REIT Balancing Work/Life/Family/Farm as well. They have to adapt, not only to changes on the farm, but in time management, ALLISON JORGENS in finding the right balance and the attitude needed to succeed. It’s with that goal in AUTHOR OF "READ IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT" mind that seventy-two women from across Atlantic Canada gathered for the Atlantic Food Labeling in Canada Farm Women’s Conference, held in Moncton, April 25-26. Attendees enjoyed a wide RUTH ANN SWANSBURG A.K.A., THE MONCTON COUPON LADY variety of speakers featuring a range of topics, from making the most of life, developing Saving Time & Money in the Kitchen and understanding ‘true grit’, saving time and money in the kitchen, financial DR. CELINA SPENCE vocabulary, and negotiation skills. In addition to the opportunity to learn, it was a True Grit; The Power Within great networking opportunities and many new friendships were made! RONDA BELLEFONTAINE Money Matters; Build your finance vocabulary The overall take away message from the conference was to take care of yourself — mentally and physically; enjoy every moment, appreciate what you have, support SUSAN BARTHOS Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills others and be an advocate for the industry!

THIS EVENT COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT the generosity of our sponsors

Ad Farm • Atlantic Cow Comfort • CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick • Council for Bio Technology Country Guide • Countryfied Clothing • Credit Unions of PEI • Crop Life • Dairy Farmers of PEI • Monsanto PEI Federation of Agriculture • PEI Women in Agriculture • Perennia • Royal Bank of Canada

ADL, Chicken Farmers of Newfoundland, CO-OP Atlantic, Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick, Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland, Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia, Dairy Farmers of PEI, Eggs New Brunswick, Equi Health Canada, Future Inns Moncton, Green Diamond Equipment, McCain Foods, New Brunswick Holsteins, Northumberland Dairy, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, PEI Provincial Exhibition, Prince Edward Island Holsteins, Prince Edward Island Potatoes, Quality Seed, Sun Life Financial, Vanco Farms, Veseys Seeds, Yankee Publishing

FOLLOW US ON facebook (Atlantic Farm Women‘s Conference) or at www.atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com or e-mail [email protected] to join our mailing list. PLANS ARE UNDERWAY FOR NOVEMBER 2015, we hope you can join us! b u s i n e s s

In fact, Kevin and Judy Wilkinson say, value-add marketing can actually cut a lot of the volatility out of farming

16 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

The road less travelled Here’s proof that niche markets can thrive far away from the city lights

By Lisa Guenther, CG Field Editor

evin and Judy Wilkinson have never been afraid to take the road less travelled, as I learn while navigating their winding driveway on a late-spring weekend. Four-wheel drive is a must to get through the thick mud here, and the laneway snakes through the boreal forest for about two miles before stopping at their ranch, Trail’s End Bison. On the south side of the driveway is a sliver of Thunderchild Reserve, which butts up against northwestern Saskatch- board of directors for the Canadian Buf- was so lean the Wilkinsons sold yearlings ewan’s Turtle Lake. On the north, bison falo Association. At that time, Canada for around $400. stare from behind pasture fence. One bull had roughly 175 bison producers, and 54 “You couldn’t make a living on it,” slowly rises to his feet, vigilant. became members. says Kevin. The laneway opens into a clearing. A Marketing bison was easier said than Though Kevin and Judy had made ranch house with wood siding and a large done when Judy and Kevin started out. money during the boom, they’d also kept deck are the first things you see. An Esso “You never really knew who was going back a lot of heifer calves, expanding sign in mint condition hangs from an out- to buy these bulls that were ready to go,” their herd. They knew they had to do building fashioned like an old gas station. says Judy. something to boost their revenue. And The Wilkinsons have been run- At the Canadian Buffalo Association’s that is how, as they recovered from the ning bison from this ranch since 1977, first sale in 1982, yearling heifers aver- crashing market, they mapped out a new shortly after Kevin’s interest in bison was aged $875 and yearling bulls $775. path to add value to their bison. sparked during his first job, at Al Oem- In the early ’90s, the exotic market In 2004, the Wilkinsons started mar- ing’s game farm near Ardrossan, Alta. started taking off, and bison heifers were keting Trail’s End Buffalo Stix. “I worked up there for one winter, suddenly valuable breeding animals. A “Most people, when they think of and the buffalo — both the Wood and young couple bought the Wilkinsons’ best jerky, they think of the old full-muscle Plains — were on my feed route,” Kevin heifer calves for $1,500 apiece. “And we product, hard to chew and spicy,” says recalls. were just dancing because we thought, Kevin. “They don’t realize that ours is Kevin settled into ranching and ‘We’ve got it made,’” says Kevin. totally different because it’s a ground started raising cattle. But he still had But that was just the start of the sky- jerky, it’s very moist, it’s easy to chew.” bison on the brain, so he and his brother- rocketing breeding market. The Wilkin- Judy worked with Saskatoon’s Food in-law, Rick Hartley, bought two bison sons sold heifer calves for $5,000 to Centre in Innovation Place to develop the cows with calves, plus a bull, from a pro- $6,000 in 1996. Cows went for $9,000. recipe. Another bison producer was add- ducer near Maidstone, Sask. “It’s absolutely unreal when you think ing saskatoon berries to jerky, so to avoid “That was our start. And pretty soon of it now, how people were so desperate competing directly with that product, we got rid of the cattle, and just got into to get a buffalo,” says Kevin. they first tried blueberries, but the final hy: Mark Seabrook hy: p the buffalo more,” says Kevin. The good times didn’t last forever, product proved too moist. Judy soon got involved too, and in though. A sharp market correction was

Photogra March 1982 was elected to the first followed by drought and BSE. Business Continued on page 18

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 17 b u s i n e s s

Continued from page 17 Getting their bison jerky chosen for the International Space Station sparked more sales.

But cranberries added flavour without During our conversation at their “We got customers out of that,” says too much moisture. They christened the kitchen table, neither of the Wilkinsons Kevin. “That was a real boost.” winning recipe Cranberry Craze. utter the word “branding.” But it’s clear Nor was the customer who submitted Today Kevin and Judy have two lines they’ve attracted a loyal following. the nomination an anomaly. The Wilkin- of Cranberry Craze Buffalo Stix. The The Wilkinsons aren’t looking to sons have repeat customers who drop by provincially inspected line is processed develop a big market because their pro- while they’re on the show circuit. at Drake Meats, located in Drake, Sask. duction capacity is limited. But they tried Judy says it’s easy to sell a stick of The Drake Meats line includes bison out many different marketing strategies jerky because it’s an impulse buy. “But from Kevin and Judy’s own herd. before hitting on what works. it’s the people who buy from you all the Any food products sold outside the These days they focus on consumer- time that build your business. And I’m province have to be sourced through a direct sales, such as trade and craft always really grateful to them because federally inspected system, however, so shows, plus mail orders. Spring and fall that’s what makes your business.” the Wilkinsons also process a line at the are busy times for them as they hit shows These days Kevin and Judy use Food Centre. Federal regulations require from Fort McMurray and Calgary to Apple’s Square Reader to accept pay- the animals to be slaughtered in a feder- Regina and everywhere in between. Last ments at trade and craft shows. Before ally inspected plant, and Kevin and Judy year they sold their products at 26 shows. Square, they only accepted cash or are a long way from the closest facility, Knowing how to engage people so cheque so they could avoid the bite of so they buy prime cuts with less fat. they try a sample is important, Kevin transaction fees. But many customers The Wilkinsons have talked about says. Judy agrees, adding, “I call it the carried neither, and they tended to lose adding other flavours, but that would five-second rule. It takes five seconds for sales when people went to the ATM, necessitate another production run, sepa- the sample to hit their mouth before their and never came back. rate labels, more packaging, and more face goes, ‘Oh my God.’” So they allowed people to take samples, says Kevin. In 2011 a customer nominated their product home and mail a cheque later. “And I don’t necessarily think it Buffalo Stix for the Canadian Space “I figured I’d rather feed people than would up your sales. I think it would just Agency’s Snacks for Space, and Canadian Visa,” says Judy. They’ve left shows change your sales. More work for less,” astronaut Chris Hadfield voted to ensure with various customers owing them says Judy. “Plus we can’t get enough pro- they made the trip to the International $800 in total, but they’ve rarely been duction time for what we want now.” Space Station. burned.

18 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

And people not only repay Kevin Plenty of challenges cryovac machine, Judy had to open each and Judy’s goodwill by buying prod- bag, fill it with product, stuff it into the uct, but by offering them ideas too. For “In the food industry, everything machine, and seal it. example, a customer wanted a family- costs a lot of money,” says Judy. Prod- “I did 35,000 (packages) that year size pack, so the Wilkinsons created it. ucts that don’t fit in stock boxes require and got tennis elbow really bad,” says “We’re always listening to people,” a special die, which can cost thousands, Judy. “So I came home and said to says Judy. she adds. “But we’ve been really, really Kevin, we’ve got to change this. We’ve Judy had what she calls a profound lucky in that everything we produce fits got to do something different.” moment last year at a show in Red in stock boxes. Little things like that The tennis elbow spurred the switch Deer. A woman dropped by her booth have just flowed.” to Drake Meats, which has a larger, and told her, “You’re first on my list. Kevin and Judy have also managed mechanized cryovac machine. You’re the reason I came to the show.” to keep the business risk at a manage- Flexibility and patience are also Judy and Kevin still keep an eye out able level. important when it comes to deal- for new markets, however. “Because we started so small and ing with the supply chain, says Judy. An Ontario group called the Carni- just did the little steps all along, we “When you don’t do it yourself, you’re vore Club is featuring their Buffalo Stix didn’t get into a bind where we had a totally at the mercy of everyone else.” in June. The club sends a package of huge investment,” Kevin says. “I think Last year they had a batch of prod- gourmet meat products to its members that’s the trouble with a lot of busi- uct that lost its seal. “So you’re already each month. nesses. They start too big.” selling product that’s unacceptable. And “So that’s a pretty cool thing because Making and packaging jerky is you get feedback. And of course we that’s going to be a group of people labour intensive. A different butcher were more than willing to reimburse who have never, ever heard of us used to process their provincial line, (customers),” says Kevin. before,” says Judy. and because the business had an old But the bigger worry is the customers who didn’t contact them, Judy adds, especially as they may have been first- time buyers. Lately the U.S. has been draining Canada’s bison herd, and more bison producers are retiring while prices are good. This makes it harder for Judy and Kevin to source meat for their federal line, especially as dwindling supply means higher prices for those prime cuts. “You don’t want to run out of meat because you’ve got shows booked,” says Kevin. And because the Food Centre has so many clients, it’s hard to book in with them, he adds. “So there are only so many spaces in the whole year that you can actually get your product made.” But Judy managed to buy most of the meat she’ll need for the upcoming year before prices jumped. Somehow, it all comes together. For instance, tracking inventory is an important task for traceability and to see which products are making money. Judy picked up those skills at a previous off-farm job, although she says when she finished the job, she thought, “What am I ever going to do with that? “Things that you think are nowhere in life end up being really beneficial,” she says. After 10 years, Kevin and Judy say they wouldn’t do anything differently. “It’s like every single little thing has added to what we do now,” says Judy. Perhaps that’s proof enough. As the poet wrote, taking the road less travelled can make all the difference. CG

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 19 b u s i n e s s Great expectations Faced with their own succession crises, ag businesses are drafting tomorrow’s star players, like Pioneer’s Andrew Lauver

By Tom Button, Editor

cross the country, agriculture has an emerging leader in international business for the evolved at blinding speed. Today’s giant ag multinational. farms operate on a scale and at a pace Only 23, there’s already a kind of mythology sur- that no one could have imagined 20 rounding Lauver, and inside that mythology is a kind years ago, not to mention the sophis- of composite picture of the management character- tication of their financial and business management, istics that DuPont Pioneer thinks will prove winners or the sheer value of the assets they must command. for its next generation of senior execs. It’s why all eyes are on the newest generation of First to come to mind is Lauver’s Chuck Grassley farmers, fresh from college and university and full story. Grassley is widely known both in the U.S. and of passion and determination to succeed. We know Canada as the U.S. senator for Iowa since 1981. He they’re going to farm differently from their parents, had farmed part time in the 1950s, but then excelled but there’s incredible excitement and impatience to in academics and became a genuine power broker in see how they’re actually going to do it. Washington, where he has chaired the Senate Finance It turns out the same thing is happening in agri- Committee and is the ranking Republican on the business, where the challenges and opportunities Senate Judiciary Committee. surrounding succession are every bit as real and high It all means that Grassley is the kind of over- stakes as they are on the farm. scheduled, overmeetinged politican who loves to get In fact, there may be no place better in Canada on an airplane because the flight gives him at least for seeing the drama unfold than at the DuPont the hope of an hour or two of anonymity and peace. Pioneer regional office in Saskatoon, where a young Except on this day in July 2012, Lauver was on American named Andrew Lauver has been named the same two-hour flight to Reagan National in D.C. hy: Dave Stobbe Dave hy: p Photogra

20 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 BUSINESS

Lauver, who admits to loving to talk ag policy, Lauver was on this flight because the corn asso- was on the plane as part of an Iowa Corn Grow- ciation wanted to take young voices with them to ers Association delegation. Shortly before, he had Washington to see decision makers including Grass- formed the first chapter of the association at Iowa ley and talk about the aspirations and challenges of State University, where he was studying agriculture farm youth. on his way to a B.Sc. with distinction in 2012. Lauver knows those challenges at first hand. He While at Iowa State he had been president of the was born and raised on a corn and soybean farm Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, growing its member- near Rockwell City, a couple hours northwest of Des ship by another 25 per cent while also being named Moines. The farm, run by his grandfather Don Lau- to the ag college’s Dean’s Strategic Planning and Bud- ver and his father Kevin is 500 acres, and as with so geting Committee, among other honours. many other mid-size farms, it would need to double in size for the next generation to take it over on a full-time basis. Yet the amount of capital that would be needed for such growth is beyond staggering. So Lauver climbed into seat 12C, mentally rehearsing the kinds of messages he would try to spread in Washington, probably mainly talking to staffers and lower-level politicians while the big names in the corn association tackled the big names from Washington. Except, the passenger in 12D was Grassley himself. Nothing daunted, when Grassley nodded hello and said words to the effect of, “Where are you on your way to, son?” Lauver plowed straight ahead, engaging Grass- ley for the entire flight and taking full advantage of what seemed a too-good-to-miss lobbying opportunity. It was the kind of chutzpah that needed to be played right. If too brassy, Lauver risked being obnox- ious. If too quiet, he’d risk equally fatal tiresomeness. So how did Lauver do? Well, as they landed, Grassley leaned toward Lauver and said, in words to this effect, “Say, son, why don’t you contact my office about coming on board as an intern.”

Continued on page 22

Hand picked for the Ross internship, Lauver sees these western fields as the upcoming base for one of the world’s great revolutions

J U N E 2 0 1 4 country-guide.ca 21 BUSINESS

Continued from page 21

That’s just where the following January found him, in Washington on Grassley’s staff. “I’d never seen decision- making that operated at such a pace,” Lauver recalls. It was an education in bringing together all the components of an issue — each with its supporters and “ Farmers have a detractors — and weaving them into a progressive mentality,” process that everyone could respect, even Lauver says. “They are if they didn’t always love the final decision. trying to build something Perhaps equally valuable for corpo- that will last forever.” rate life, it taught him that in large organizations, change takes commitment. That same winter, Lauver also applied to DuPont Pioneer for its Frank Ross International Business Emerging Leader program, named for the company’s former vice-president of global commerical business. After three rounds of interviews, Lau- ver was named its North American winner. To a degree, it was an unexpected turn in his career. While the family farm in Iowa is based on corn and beans, Lau- ver had always leaned toward animal science, focusing on beef and livestock clubs during his many years with 4-H. Early at Iowa State, however, he checked out a career fair on campus, where he was won over by the seed sector and how it was plunging into molecular science and new traits, and how it was building for new global markets. Lauver knows Pioneer wasn’t his only smart, instead of the older self-reliance, posted to Brazil some day, he says, but choice, so while winning the Ross internship running lean or simply working hard. that as a millennial entering business, he means that he has the personal qualities that “We have to supply value that knows he needs to not only adapt to, but DuPont Pioneer is looking for to build its advances their farms,” Lauver says of thrive in a world where enjoying other own future, the vice versa is true too. the seed sector. cultures is a big part of life. Lauver remains convinced he chose Still, it’s one thing to say that a seed He is also intrigued by communica- right — a view that is only reinforced company needs to deliver value, not only tions and electronic technologies, and by his posting to Saskatoon — and like in its genetics but in the entire relation- one of his jobs in Saskatoon is to help young farmers who talk of farming these ship it has with a farmer. It’s something devise the company’s first five-year days as being at the beginning of a brand else to figure out what that value is, and North American e-plan, not just to keep new era of better returns, new markets, how your company can use it to differ- farmers in touch, but to enhance and and extraordinary opportunities, Lauver entiate itself in the grower’s mind. sharpen farm decision-making. Such talks of seed as at a thrilling point for For Lauver, who is also enrolled in needs, it’s clear, call for world-class solu- starting a new career. a master’s of agribusiness program at tions, not just solutions that are good In fact, it’s of farmers that Lauver Kansas State University, it’s a case study enough for the farm. talks first. During the first leg of his Ross come to life in the most real of ways. Still, such factors don’t totally explain internship, he worked from the com- Lauver also sees the seed sector as the excitement of Saskatoon in 2014. pany’s Johnston, Iowa headquarters, home to cutting-edge business think- That, says Lauver, is corn and soy- assigned to conduct one-on-one inter- ing about collaborations, as well as to beans. “We’re going to see these high- views with some of the biggest American research programs that can go far beyond yield crops become part of the western farms as part of the company’s decision what previous breeders could do, and rotation,” he says. If you look at it in to expand its “strategic account man- that can be expected to soon sail past the terms of how the world feeds and fuels ager” approach to these customers. limits faced by current programs. itself, he continues, “this is a big deal.” Large or small, today’s farmers are Related to this, Lauver is using his None of it will be easy, but for a different, Ross now believes. They see spare time to learn conversational Portu- young agbiz student at the beginning of management as their core competency, guese at the University of Saskatchewan. his career, it’s about as close to breath- and their mantras are all about working It isn’t necessarily that he expects to be taking as things get. CG

22 country-guide.ca J U N E 2 0 1 4 FARM DRAINAGE DEMONSTRATION DAY PRESENTED BY: LAND IMPROVEMENT SHOWCASING THE BENEFITS OF CONTRACTORS OF ONTARIO HIRING A LICENSED CONTRACTOR www.drainage.org

TUESDAY, JULY 22ND, 2014 • 9:00 .. RAIN DATE JULY 23RD 13566 Eight Mile Rd, Middlesex Centre A little N.W. of Arva, Ontario

SPONSORS ADS Canada • Armtec • BRON • Ideal Pipe • Link Mfg. Tait Manufacturing Inc. • Wolfe Heavy Equipment Ltd. Country Guide

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please call Jessica at 1-800-263-1060 b u s i n e s s Grain drain Winnipeg has long reigned over Western Canada’s grain trade — but can it keep the crown?

By Gord Gilmour, CG Associate Editor

o one noticed,” author and historian more logical hub, given its more central location. Allan Levine says. “We’re talking The direction of trade has also reoriented over the about arguably the most important decades, with the emergence of major Asian custom- business institution in the city’s his- ers causing much of the grain to flow west through tory, and it barely ranked notice in distant ports like Vancouver and Prince Rupert, the city media.” instead of through Thunder Bay to the east. For Levine, author of The exchange: 100 Years of Trading Grain in Winnipeg, it was the moment Still beating he realized the grain trade in Winnipeg just wasn’t Winnipeg is still the heart of the grain trade, what it used to be. however, and some insist it’s a heart that is still beat- This particular moment was in 2007, when the ing strongly. On the face of it, there are a number Winnipeg Commodity Exchange morphed from a of things that keep the trade off life support, Levine stand-alone open-outcry trading pit to just another insists. Not least of these is that the remaining grain part of the ICE online trading platform, a U.S.-based companies are almost entirely family-owned enter- amalgam of various smaller exchanges. prises — outfits like Paterson, Parrish & Heim- The city barely cared, Levine says. “It was unbe- becker and the Richardson family, arguably the lievable.” city’s first family of the grain trade. Agriculture had been at the core of Winnipeg, almost “We’re talking about companies and families from the day the settlement began as a modest fur-trad- that have touched every part of the city’s social and ing outpost populated by French and Métis traders and cultural fabric,” Levine says. “They’ve made Win- Scottish refugees from the highland clearances. nipeg much more important in many ways than its Through almost all of its existence, grain trading size might suggest it should be.” was what this city did. That commitment has taken many forms, Levine The downtown core of the city bustled with says. For example there’s the city’s outsized cul- traders for decades. The sidewalks and later the tural footprint as represented by institutions like the all-weather walkway systems were full of runners Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the symphony orchestra and carrying cash tickets between the offices of the grain the well-supported local theatre scene. There’s also companies that dotted the downtown and the Cana- the city’s role as a financial centre — something that dian Wheat Board. grew along with, and because of, its role as a grain- Traders from the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange trading centre. were regulars in the taverns, and at lunch time it was With these roots running so deep in the city, all but impossible to sit anywhere without hearing Levine says it’s unlikely most of the remaining com- grain prices talked about at the next table. panies will pull up stakes and leave. That’s not exactly gone, but it’s a lot more muted Another source of Winnipeg’s incumbency in the these days. The grain companies have amalgamated industry is the role of various government-run or -funded over the years, and Viterra, one of the biggest, is now institutions. For example, the Canadian Grain Commis- headquartered in neighbouring Saskatchewan. sion is headquartered just a few steps from Portage and Yes, the Canadian Wheat Board is still around. Main. In the same building — at least for now — is Stripped of its single-desk powers, however, it’s a also the Canadian International Grain Institute (Cigi). shadow of its former self. Ditto for the Winnipeg For many years, Cigi was jointly funded by the fed- Commodity Exchange — that august institution de- eral government and farmers, through the Canadian mutualized and joined the much larger ICE Futures Wheat Board. It’s had to find a new path forward that online platform a few years ago, ending more than involves more industry work following the death of the 100 years of open-outcry pit trading. CWB’s single-desk powers, and in that process Cigi has In just a few short years, the grain trade has faded bumped into limitations at its current location, where from in your face to tough to spot. And with every pass- it’s been doing business since its inception in 1972, ing year, the whispered question gets just a bit louder. says Cigi executive director Earl Geddes. Is Winnipeg still heart of the grain trade? “We were trying to build new industry relation- Geographically, it’s on the edge of the Prairie ships and we were finding we had to turn down region, so Saskatoon in many ways is seen as a business because we simply didn’t have the space

24 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s and resources to take it on,” Geddes says. “That just Twin tracks didn’t sit right with me.” That reality led to talk of finding new facilities, It’s impossible to crystal ball the future, but based which placed Cigi at the centre of this emerging new on recent trends Geddes hazards a guess that Saska- dynamic. Almost immediately, representatives from toon’s prominence in the lifescience and agricultural the city of Saskatoon appeared, touting that city’s research sectors will continue to grow. benefits and emerging status as a significant agricul- Evidence of that can be seen in the coming closure ture research hub. That’s hardly surprising — what of Winnipeg’s Cereal Research Centre by Agricul- was surprising is that a similar effort didn’t material- ture and Agri-Food Canada and the relocation of ize from the Manitoba and city governments. key research programs to the Saskatoon area. At Ultimately, however, Winnipeg still makes more the same time, Geddes expects to see the grain trade sense, Geddes says, and he says it’s a view that’s itself and organizations like Cigi continue to call been underscored by comments from Cigi’s interna- Winnipeg home for the foreseeable future. tional customers when they come to the city. “What they’re telling us is this is something that’s entirely unique in the world,” Geddes says. “There simply isn’t another location where they can come and visit all of their major customers in one place.” And while it may have taken time, the city did rise to the challenge, and Geddes says the local downtown business improvement zone and the may- or’s office have been spending a lot of time making The minute Cigi began sure Cigi’s next home is inside the city. “I think they’ve really gotten it lately,” Geddes says. to ponder new headquarters, That power of incumbency also drew in another major new player recently, as the industry organiza- Saskatoon was at its tion Cereals Canada named Winnipeg as the location of its new head office. Cereals Canada, freshly door with a pitch, says organized in the wake of cereal market deregulation, joins other major groups like the Canola Council Earl Geddes, Cigi of Canada and Pulse Canada in calling Winnipeg’s downtown core home. executive director Cam Dahl, president of Cereals Canada, says the board members of the organization chose Winnipeg for good reasons, mainly relating to the concentra- tion of the industry, something he views as continu- ing even today. “Traditionally Winnipeg has been the centre of the industry, and it does still have a major concen- tration,” Dahl says. “It makes so much sense for things like organizing meetings. The majority of the industry is still here.” That’s not to say the city and provincial governments can rest on their laurels though. Dahl explains that what he’s talking about is a question of critical “We’ve been working closely with the city and mass — and what is uncertain is what the threshold with the SHED (Sports, Hospitality and Entertain- is, and the effect of falling below it. ment District) and I would say the lights have really “Right now it’s obviously less than it was 30 come on in the corridors of power,” Geddes says. years ago, but it’s still there,” Dahl says. “I would “They’re working to keep the industry here, and they suggest that’s something local policy-makers would haven’t had to before.” want to pay attention to.” If they can keep the critical mass in Winnipeg, it Author Allan Levine also says there’s another becomes a self-fulfilling cycle, as more players are reality that colours this debate, because in some attracted to the centre of the business. And while ways what’s happened is that the city has contin- it may seem to an outsider that the business has ued to evolve and grow past its origins as a single- become more muted, Cam Dahl says there’s still industry town. Today it has everything from a plenty of informal cross-fertilization that happens pharmaceutical and biomedical research sector to due to random run-ins over the lunch hour. a major international currency printer. “I just went for lunch the other day and found “As the city’s business community has grown it took me nearly 25 minutes to walk back, and it and evolved, it’s only natural the grain industry really shouldn’t have,” Dahl says. “I kept running would appear less prominent,” Levine says. into people.” CG

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 25 b u s i n e s s Heritage on the move How to keep farm and family together when you uproot after 170 years on the same ground

By Helen Lammers-Helps

arm succession is never easy, but for the lanes of roaring traffic. And where other farmers can Johnston family, bringing the next gen- look across to their farming neighbours, the closest eration into the dairy business has meant yard the Johnstons saw from their doorstep was a rail extra challenges. You might even say it yard and distribution centre. Vital to the move’s has meant miles and miles of challenges. But those weren’t the only kinds of population success was the After their family had farmed near Brampton pressure the family was facing. transition to the next for 170 years, Frances and James Johnston figured Son Graham, daughter Mary Ann and her hus- generation, with the time had come. Toronto was looming over their band, Joe Doré, all wanted to be involved full time Mary Ann, Nadine and fencerows, coming close enough so that while other in the dairy operation, not to mention that Graham’s Joe Doré, and Amanda Canadian farmers pull onto quiet country roads to go wife, Amanda, a medical imaging technologist at St. and Graham Johnston. to town, the Johnstons had to dart into five choked Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and a third sibling,

Photography: David Charlesworth

26 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

With the family spread apart, making barn decisions demanded patience and sensitivity.

Claire, who works for a John Deere deal- ership in Nobleton, currently help out on weekends and wanted to maintain their connection to the farm too. And on top of that there was the barn, “As the seventh which had last been upgraded in the early 1990s and would soon need more work. generation,” said With the evidence mounting, the family all agreed. It would make more sense Mary Ann, “I felt to relocate and build new. The question is, how do you go from so much pressure a decision like that to actually carrying it out? What are the skills that will get you to get this right.” through it? What are the parts that are harder than you think? For the Johnstons, the questions have some fairly simple answers, although that doesn’t mean that the solutions were always easy. What was the most important skill? Hands down, it was — and continues to be — communication. What was harder than they expected? Again, the asnwer is straightforward. In a nutshell, the whole process takes longer than you think — you can probably think in terms of five years to make a full change. But there were victories too, such as agreeing on a name that they would all take as a sign that they had made the transition a success, keeping both the farm and the family intact, all wrapped up in a few simple words. In fact, coming up with the name for

Continued on page 28

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 27 b u s i n e s s

Carefully planned work schedules and job assignments keep the family working together, but not tripping over each other.

Continued from page 27 Wellesley. Both gained valuable experi- ners during this time. “It was like Mom, ence they could put to use planning the Dad and Graham were already in the boat the new farm was the hardest part of new barn. They also did their research but Joe and I were swimming in the water the whole process, says Graham with a and visited many other barns too. beside the boat. When we tried to get in it chuckle. “We were looking for something Communication flow was crucial. was a little rocky.” Now that everyone has that represented our family’s long history With Frances, James, Graham and Claire adjusted, it’s smooth sailing again, she says. of farming in Canada, but also something back on the home farm and Mary Ann One of the secrets to getting along is that would tie it to the new farm.” and Joe living in Stratford, decisions to realize that everyone is different and The eventual name — Heritage Hill for the new barn were made via email. that your own way of doing things is not Farm — scored on all those levels, with “This way we could all have input and the only way, says Joe. a view from the back of the barn that there was a paper trail for discussions,” It also helps to keep in mind that stretches for miles. explains Mary Ann. everyone wants the same outcome, he If the selection of that name capped Eventually they found a farm near says. For all of them, the farm comes first. the process, what it all began with was New Dundee that met their criteria. Barn Joe, who grew up in the suburbs of a family meeting with everyone sitting construction began in August 2010 and Montreal, spent a summer working for down together to develop a checklist of was completed in March 2011, with Joe one of the Brampton farm neighbours to what they would want in a future prop- and Mary Ann quitting their jobs so they see if he would like dairy farming. “I fell erty. Mary Ann says that while they rec- could help during construction. in love with it,” he says. ognized they could go anywhere in the When it comes to making decisions, When it comes to getting along, it’s world, they decided they wanted to stay James has the final say but he carefully also important to understand that every- in Ontario to be near family. considers everyone’s input, says Mary one has different communication styles, Then, while the family looked for Ann. For example, while James preferred says Mary Ann who recommends family property and made plans for a new building a tie-stall barn, he agreed to a members go through counselling to learn barn, Mary Ann worked for three years free-stall design because that is what the good communication skills. For example, as a herdsperson in a free-stall dairy others wanted. it’s a bad idea to start a sentence with barn near Tavistock — an hour and a All of the cows adjusted well to the new “You never…” and it’s important to say half west of Brampton in the heart of barn but there was tension between the “thank you,” she says. Ontario’s biggest dairy county — and Joe partners during the transition period. Mary Mary Ann says she has come to real- worked in service for Advanced Dairy Ann uses a boat analogy to try to explain Systems, a half-hour north of her at what was happening amongst the five part- Continued on page 30

28 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 www.ifao.com IFAO 1 Pass and Plant Corn Project by Ken Nixon, IFAO Past President

One of the unintended consequences of $7+/bu corn is that farmers have responded to market signals and been willing to spend ~$15/ac in an attempt to garner the last couple of bushels of yield. If they even 'thought' that an additional tillage pass would increase corn yield, they were often willing to do it. Our business has price cycles, and when we benefit from very robust grain and oilseed values, we need to be mentally planning for the inevitable downturn. We also need to be retaining more residue on the surface of our soil to reduce overland water movement during winter and spring, and into the growing season until a vigorous and fully canopied crop will absorb the impact of rainfall. Many of us have adopted no-till in our cropping systems and are willing to keep a high residue cover on the soil until it comes to growing corn. Often it is reasoned that we 'need' to perform tillage in a corn production system to incorporate a broadcast nitrogen fertilizer and/or high rates of liquid manure to minimize N volatilization. It has been suggested that corn 'responds' to tillage. Over the years however, many practitioners have discovered that the multitude of stresses in no-till corn can be managed alternatively, yet historically intensive primary and secondary tillage operations During this exercise, we intend to define: mitigated most of these stresses, substituting steel a) How much N + K can be blended into the and fuel for management. spring installed zone? The Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario b) Can all the N be put down in the zone in the sees the need to improve soil health through less spring? and tillage and greater residue cover. We also see the need to reduce the cost of producing corn as an c) If so, what proportion can be 'unprotected' N? equally important goal. Depending on the answer to the last question, which determines the cost of the nitrogen The IFAO, along with Ontario's Corn Extension portion of the fertility bill, this system has the Lead, Greg Stewart, will be conducting a project potential to render a side-dress pass over the next two years using one pass spring strip unnecessary. -tillage. The plan is to install strips into untouched residue from the previous fall, with strips running The IFAO are grateful for the partners in this 90° to the slope of the field (where practical), and project, the Agricultural Adaptation Council, OMAF, with most, if not all the fertility (N,P,K,S etc.) to Grain Farmers of Ontario and DAWN Equipment. grow the corn crop applied at the time of strip- tilling. This strip-tillage pass will also utilize active Can Ontario's growers produce corn more implement steering to demonstrate that the strip- economically, increase year-around residue cover, tillage device does not have to be equal in size to AND improve soil health by refraining from full today's increasingly larger planters. width tillage? Stay tuned. b u s i n e s s

Continued from page 28

ize that she is more verbal while the guys tend to process things first before they’ll talk about it. “I just have to accept that we’re different,” she says. “Making assumptions is one of the worst things you can do,” continues Mary Ann. “We’re all getting better at talking about the things that are bothering us.” As an only child, in the early days Joe found it alarming to watch Graham and Mary Ann interact at times. “One minute they’d be arguing and the next they’d be getting along great,” he recalls. Not having any siblings, he’d never seen this kind of dynamic before, he explains. Now that they’ve been in the new barn for three years, they’ve developed systems that work for them, especially with multiple people working in the barns. On weekdays Graham, Joe and Mary Ann are all in the barn for chores. They’ve each carved out com- plementary roles. While Mary Ann milks, Joe runs the skid steer and Graham feeds the calves. Graham makes breeding decisions with input from James. Joe looks after maintenance and Mary Ann does the bookkeeping. Cropping decisions are made by James, Graham and Joe with the help of neighbouring farmers — the Sherks, the McNabbs and Dan Shantz. Since moving to the new farm, Joe and Mary Ann welcomed a new addition to the family. Two-year- old Nadine likes to help around the barn with the cleanup, says Mary Ann. Being able to take some time off from chores is one of the advantages of farming together. One weekend Joe and Mary Ann do the milking, the next Gra- ham will do the chores with the help of either Claire Not on its own or Amanda. When not in the barn, they are all able to relax. “Working by ourselves on the weekend makes Good farm communications don’t just happen. They must be planned for, us appreciate having the help the rest of the time,” says Ontario farm business management coach Richard Cressman, who special- says Mary Ann. izes in helping families sort through the complex relationship issues of multi- When planning the barn they intentionally generation farms. included a kitchen so they could have breakfast Communication is crucial to farm success, says Cressman. Farm families meetings after morning chores. “This was something who do it right spend time talking with each other either in family meetings or they had at the farm where I worked,” explains in informal discussions or both, and they find out what each person is dream- Mary Ann. They each take turns stocking the fridge. ing about for their individual future. Strategically placed whiteboards throughout “It’s imperative to put in place a system,” Cressman says. the barn help them to keep track of what needs to Face-to-face meetings, whiteboard notes, text messages, or phone calls all be done. In the office there is a whiteboard with work. But, says Cressman, “Asking someone to convey a message to another daily and monthly to-do lists. In the parlour there’s family member DOES NOT work.” another whiteboard for milking communications Formalize as much as possible the frequency and the type of information such as information on fresh or sick cows. that needs to be talked about, he adds. “Nothing trumps a sit-down around the In the vet room is another whiteboard with infor- table face-to-face meeting with as many family members as is necessary.” mation on breeding and foot health. A smaller white- Transparency is also essential, says Cressman. “Perception is everything. If board has information on sick cow treatments, a assumptions are allowed to fester they become very destructive.” list of vet supplies needed and a barn maintenance Once everyone understands where each family member is at, putting schedule. The final whiteboard shows feeding infor- together a plan to make it all happen is much easier. mation for the calves in the corresponding hutches, Most families who run into problems do so because of inaction, says numbered using ear tags. Cressman. They are either too afraid to ask for help, or they fear making the The Johnstons are very pleased with the loca- wrong decisions. tion of the new farm where there is a strong farming community. The farm equipment stayed back in

30 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 BUSINESS

Brampton where the family still owns land so they are expanding as they are able to purchase more have contracted with neighbouring dairy farmers for quota but with the cap in place it’s a slow process, custom work. They are also centrally located to get explains Mary Ann. quick service from their milking equipment suppliers. In fact, the whole barn project was a stressful At age 65, James is content to let the younger time, but it was also deeply satisfying, recalls Mary generation take over the milking. He is also turning Ann. over more of the decision-making to the younger Cow comfort was a high priority for the new generation to prepare them to take over. barn. The family is very proud of their purebred Hol- With this in mind, the five partners have started steins with two-thirds of the herd classified as Very succession discussions to map out the transfer of Good or Excellent under the Jameston Holsteins ownership. While it can be hard to talk about the prefix. The Johnstons also placed a great emphasis tough stuff, by building on the communication skills on energy and water conservation in the new barn. they’ve developed while planning, building and mov- In June of 2013 the family got a chance to wel- ing the herd to a new barn an hour’s drive from the come the public to the new farm and they took it, original farm, this family is well positioned to meet hosting the first-ever Ontario Breakfast on the Farm this challenge. sponsored by Farm and Food Care Ontario. Some Communications also facilitated using the move 2,000 people enjoyed a free breakfast and toured the to improve the farm’s productivity. Although there is barn. room for 94 cows in the new barn they are currently Growing up so close to the city meant that many only milking 60 cows due to quota restrictions. of the Johnstons’ friends were not from farms. “We Equipped with a BouMatic Double-8 Herringbone are used to talking to all of our city friends and fam- milking parlour, they are set up to handle the extra ily about farming and understand the concerns of cows. They chose the parlour over a robotic milking the consumers; we wanted to make sure our new system because they like to milk cows and feel this farm addressed those concerns,” explains Mary Ann. allows them to keep a closer eye on the cows. They “We’re very proud of our new facility.” CG

www.farm-king.com

CONTROL YOUR NITROGEN. CONTROL YOUR YIELD.

Each Farm King fertilizer applicator is perfectly tuned to deliver top-notch performance and dependability. The heavy-duty 5 x 7 double frame features adjustable hydraulic down pressure and four (4) gauge wheels to provide an unsurpassed, ground contour following, liquid fertilizer application. Available in four models up to 60'. Visit www.farm-king.com to learn more.

Visit www.farm-king.com to find a dealer near you.

J U N E 2 0 1 4 country-guide.ca 31 b u s i n e s s

So close, so far Farming in eastern Ontario takes a special breed

By Amy Petherick

he area isn’t for everyone, Charles Forman tells me. Squeezed between three of Canada’s most densely populated urban centres — Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto — farming here is almost eerily anonymous. Even other farmers across the province or all across the country easily overlook the farming that goes on in eastern Ontario. Not that the farmers here complain about it. Much of the time, in fact, they’re happy enough to be a kind of island, hidden away on their own. But it does involve some special tal- ents, and some special pride. The rolling land and frequent out- crops of bedrock make the area extremely beautiful, with the region’s lakes making this one of the world’s top vacation havens. But eastern Ontario is home to only 15 per cent of all the farms in Ontario, and a mere 10 per cent of the farms that generate over $1 million in gross farm receipts. Farmland sells here for less than $10,000 per acre — a potential bar- gain by Ontario standards. Some land, according to reports, even sells for as little as $2,000 per acre farther from sprawling urban centres. But it is also extremely challenging to farm, and when visitors try to plot their way to Charles Forman’s farm at Seeley’s Bay, a half-hour northeast of Kingston, they “I have friends from the London area often call en route to ask if they can possibly still be heading in the right direction. and when they visit,” laughs Forman, “Coming down our road off of High- way 15, you would think you were head- “they think we’re noble for farming, but ing right into the middle of the Canadian Shield,” Forman explains. they don’t understand why we bother.” Indeed, when he travels outside the region and tries to describe his operation to hotos by arlene other farmers, Forman meets disbelief. p hy: hy: The more you learn, however, the p more you become a believer too. Photogra 32 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

Forman Farms started as a modest 200-acre dairy farm in 1973. Now it includes 2,400 acres of cash crops, nearly 40 acres of field vegetables, a half-acre of greenhouses, a biomass pelletizing operation, land improvement services, custom farmwork for clients spread over as many as 12,000 acres, and a trucking business. It’s taken the collective efforts of Charles’ wife Christine and two sons, together with a collection of full- and part-time staff to run it all. “We’re spread a little thin here sometimes,” Charles says. “We try to make sure everybody has a job 12 months of the year.” That ability to successfully man- Charles Forman’s farm was age such a diverse operation anywhere a typical 200 acres when he would suggest above-average skills, began in 1973. Now the farm but in eastern Ontario, it’s downright is 2,400 acres, with grains, inspiring. vegetables, greenhouse Southwestern Ontario may think crops, a biomass pelletizing it would be easy, based on the less operation and more. intense competition for land. But it isn’t all cake. In the east, a lack of critical mass causes logistical nightmares. “Where we are, we can’t just drive up the road to grab on to a five-tonne buggy of fertilizer when we want it,” Charles says, “so we figured out how to spread fertilizer on frozen ground.” All his lime goes on before spring thaw. He spent a small fortune and did it himself, but every piece of ground he owns or rents is tiled so that he can put anhydrous into the ground before planting with his RTS unit. “We have that job all done before everybody else is using anhydrous,” Forman says. Sometimes it means he has to pick up supplies at 2 a.m. but maintaining a 15- to 20-year relationship with the same supplier for all his seed, fertilizer, and chemicals will get him that. “You have to figure out where the loopholes are and how to take advantage of them,” Charles says. Besides, Forman knows that other farmers can have it even harder. The importance of logistics planning applies exponentially to farmers on the Frontenac Islands, for instance, such as Jason Pyke of Wolfe Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence, closer to New York state than to Kingston.

Continued on page 34

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 33 b u s i n e s s

Plastic mulch gets high-value crops off to a fast start in a highly diversified, highly productive agriculture.

Continued from page 33 two hours or more waiting for the ferry,” But farmers have avoided investing in Pyke says. “It’s a half-day event for us more than retail services. Brown says he “It’s harder to farm… period… on an just to go and get parts.” almost had to beg a company to come out island because all of your inputs in the Pyke says one of the definite draw- and take a sizable chunk of money to grid spring need to come to the island via ferry, backs of farming in eastern Ontario is sample his farm, and still they wouldn’t and all your commodities in the fall have to that there are fewer farm machinery come until six other farmers got in the leave the island via ferry,” Pyke says. In his dealerships. Last year that one factor line too, just so the company had enough case, supplies which classify as dangerous almost forced Graeme and Alex Brown total acres to justify the trip. goods like propane and gasoline are only to make a very costly decision on their Charles Forman says sometimes, you able to come to the island two days a week. farm at Belleville, an hour west of Kings- just can’t get any service at all. “When Pyke says competing with mainland ton, where they work 1,600 acres and do we bought the greenhouse, we didn’t farmers for services during peak seasons custom on another 2,000. know a thing about it so my wife got is also that much more difficult. “We put a bunch of precision-planting on the phone to OMAFRA (the Ontario “If the feed or seed store can make equipment on our planter last year, and Agriculture Ministry), who told her they two or three deliveries on the mainland we went through last season really getting were definitely not coming down this in the time it takes to do one on Wolfe nothing out of it,” Graeme says. This past way to ever talk to us.” Island, sometimes they’d rather keep two winter, while at a conference on the other Forman says it didn’t matter how or three customers happy,” Pyke admits. side of Toronto, he made a casual remark many eastern-based greenhouse opera- “We’re fortunate they do their best, but to a dealer about having wasted his money. tions they named, the province’s advisers it does add another element to farming.” The dealer wasn’t long in diagnosing that continued to insist there were no green- Until commodity prices improved in a critical component hadn’t been installed, houses in the area and offered zero help. recent years, Pyke says cash cropping and offered to come have a look. So now, “We ended up talking to our fertil- alone wasn’t an option to make a decent one year after purchasing it, the Browns izer salesman who knew somebody, living on their 600 acres, so they diversi- finally have their equipment set up right. who knew somebody, who could get us fied into bison. But it was spreading the “I’m positive that precision ag is going to hooked up with a crop consultant that family too thin getting to farmers’ mar- pay back,” Graeme tells me, “but if we we could pay to come down here,” For- kets, even though demand was strong, hadn’t found that dealer, we would’ve just man says, adding that in this part of the and there were also safety concerns with taken it all off.” agriculture world, you need to figure such essentially wild animals. To a degree, Graeme is sympathetic. The things out for yourself. The Pykes now farm 1,000 acres and saying, “good help is hard to find,” also “There’s a lot of things working also rely more on solar and wind energy, seems to go double here, he says. “If we against us unfortunately, but at the same and he is grateful to be able to work on don’t get the weather and we don’t have time, that also works for us because if the island full time thanks to 300 to 400 everything come into play, we don’t have you are aggressive and business savvy, it acres of custom work for nearby farmers. the same yield potential. That leads to a leaves all sorts of doors wide open,” For- “Those who have to work off the lack of willingness to put money into things man says. Necessity has bred some pretty island have to be to the ferry an hour that might not pay back, forcing retailers innovative farmers in the area he says, before it leaves just to get a space in into paying low wages and not necessarily and it has produced a culture of strong line, and on a Friday afternoon, when having the right support for guys who do farmers. Here, he says, you either sink, or there’re cottagers coming, you could be want to be on the cutting edge of things.” you swim really hard. CG

34 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 Wring out more efficiency

To feed a hungry world, you need to grow more each year while caring for and protecting your land. And to sustain your farming operation, you need to grow these crops more efficiently. But where do you go to find out the latest information on sustainable practices that increase yields?

The 6th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture in Winnipeg, Manitoba will present new ideas on how you can grow more, more efficiently. Innovative growers, cutting edge researchers, and technology leaders will share their success stories and tips. Be there June 22-25, 2014 for practical solutions to the challenges facing today’s agriculture.

June 22-25, 2014 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Winnipeg Convention Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • register today at WCCa6.org m a c h i n e r y Return of the czars Will the Putin effect hurt global ag equipment manufacturing?

By Scott Garvey, CG Machinery Editor

amuel Allen was blunt. “Today’s world is The VDMA report also tallied the size of farm filled with uncertainty — fiscal, economic, machinery exports to Russia from other countries. and political uncertainty — that breeds In that same year, it says, Italy delivered 82 million extreme caution, disrupts thoughtful plan- euros’ worth of iron, France 69 million, Poland 58 ning, and is generally bad for business,” the million, and the Netherlands 92 million. John Deere chairman and CEO wrote in the com- North American companies were cashing in too, pany’s 2013 annual report. with U.S. firms sending over 215 million euros’ Those words from December of last year now worth, and Canadian companies shipping farm seem profoundly prophetic, given recent events in machinery to Russia in 2012 worth 116 million Ukraine and their potential impact on global trade. euros (C$176 million). The question for ag equipment manufacturers such Despite those numbers, foreign-based manufac- as John Deere that have made substantial invest- turers have faced problems in fully capitalizing on ments in Russia is how they proceed from here on. the potential in Russia as well as in Eastern Europe Until Putin went rogue on Crimea, Russia was and the CIS states. Deere’s experience is a good seen by ag equipment manufacturers as a land of example. In 2008 as the global farm commodity opportunity. Russia was the “R” in the BRIC group price boom kicked off, the brand realized net sales of countries that also includes Brazil, India and of US$1.9 billion in the region. Since then, however, China, and it was expected that its economic growth sales have fallen off significantly, struggling to get would be on a massive scale. back to just $1.6 billion in fiscal 2013. According to John Deere’s latest market analysis, The trouble in Russia, in part, is that despite its average GDP growth in the CIS states including Rus- recent admission into the WTO, its leaders haven’t sia in 2012 was 3.4 per cent. It dropped in 2013, really been playing nicely when it comes to trade. Gov- sinking to 2.1 per cent, but had been forecast to ernment subsidies along with punishing import tariffs jump again this year. and quotas designed to promote domestic manufac- While not anywhere near the 8.2 per cent in Brazil turing have taken their toll on ag equipment imports, or the 6.0 per cent that China chalked up in 2013, even though they are still reported to account for more growth in the former Soviet states still outpaced the than two-thirds of all equipment sales there. 1.9 per cent the U.S. experienced. So the whole region Despite protests from foreign governments and remained a market with above-average potential. industry about unfair trading practices, Russian offi- Plus, from an agricultural perspective, there are cials haven’t given much ground. other bullish statistics. Here’s a big one. Of the 1.96 To escape those excessive tariffs and take advan- billion hectares of arable land in the CIS, only 560 tage of the built-in-Russia label that makes machin- million are currently being utilized. ery eligible for a 15 per cent government purchase Here’s another. “Western-style” farm equipment subsidy, many brands have invested in manufactur- is currently being used on less than 25 per cent of ing facilities, announcing either sole or joint manu- CIS farms. facturing ventures with indigenous companies in It’s easy to see why farm equipment manufactur- Russia over the past several years. ers are champing at the bit to get into these markets. Of the seven new factories John Deere opened Germany’s ag manufacturing sector has so far in 2013, one is in Orenburg, Russia. It now churns taken best advantage of the opportunities, becom- out seeding and tillage equipment, adding its output ing the largest exporter of farm equipment to Rus- to another Deere plant in Domodedovo that builds sia. But recent events in Crimea have left German tractors and combines. Back as far as 2009, Deere manufacturers on edge. A headline in the German ag announced its intention to invest US$500 million in engineering magazine Der Eilbote in March seemed facilities inside Russia. to sum up the thoughts of industry executives inter- In an investor relations document, Deere describes viewed in the article: “This is poison for business,” is that investment as part of an effort “to capture antici- the English translation. pated tailwinds by attracting more customers to the According to a 2012 report published by VDMA, John Deere experience across our six key geogra- the German Engineering Federation, that country phies.” Russia is one of those “key geographies.” sent 694 million euros worth of equipment to Russia, In 2010 CNH, parent company of Case IH and which meant a real boost for Germany’s economy. New Holland, jumped into the Russian market with

36 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 m a c h i n e r y

an investment in a joint facility with the Russian heavy taxes there. According to a Reuters report in March, truck manufacturer KAMAZ. That effort, which he told corporate leaders, “this is also in your inter- created the CNH-KAMAZ company, represented a ests” (although the Moscow Times translation differs US$70 million investment designed to produce selected slightly). Putin called it “deoffshorization” during a Case IH and New Holland tractors and combines. state-of-the-nation address in the State Duma, appar- In what might be the worst possible timing, ently preparing the country’s economy for a hunker- AGCO proudly announced in late February it had ing down in the face of western economic retaliation. embarked on a joint venture with Russian Machines One of the long-running factors that had been lim- (RM), an established farm equipment manufacturer, iting farm machinery sales growth inside Russia was to introduce the Massey Ferguson brand to that the relatively tight availability of capital. With the Rus- country. The joint venture will see assembly of MF sian stock market’s main MICEX index down 13 per tractors start at an RM facility near Moscow. cent the day after Crimean annexation, there is now “We expect to continue… devoting significant even less capital available to finance purchases. And resources to enhance our presence in the CIS region, with the ruble hitting an all-time low, plus a sudden China and Africa,” said AGCO’s CEO Martin 1.5 per cent interest rate hike by Russia’s Central Bank Richenhagen in the company’s fourth-quarter report to bolster it, financial conditions alone are likely to for 2013, written well before the Crimean crisis. hurt farm equipment sale. With economic sanctions and counter-sanctions With all this, there is also now a growing anxiety imposed, and others likely in future, the risk associ- among some of the country’s elite. A few editorials ated with Russian investment is growing. But in a in Russian newspapers are expressing disapproval, strange twist, one equipment brand may face a poten- despite a notoriously strangled free press. tial risk if it does not move more assets there. Writing in the Moscow Times, Vladimir Ryzhkov, That is Winnipeg-based Versatile, whose majority a State Duma deputy from 1993 to 2007, and now a owner is the Russian combine manufacturer Rostsel- political analyst, criticized Putin’s behaviour. “From mash Ltd. Versatile (Buhler Industries) has remained now on, Russia’s entire policy can be summed up in incorporated in Canada with its stock trading on the a single word: unpredictable,” he wrote. TSX. Deere’s Allen agrees, saying in February, “… it’s According to a Moscow Times article, Putin has clear we live in an age of uncertainty.” demanded Russian-owned foreign corporations re- When it comes to Russia in 2014, that’s true in register their operations in the Motherland and pay spades. CG

Russian farm equipment brands on display at Agritechnica in Germany in November. Photo: Scott Garvey

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 37 b u s i n e s s

The Canadian-made bottleneck

The West’s grain paralysis was predictable. Canada has a Third World grain infrastructure, and it’s getting worse

By Gerald Pilger

rom the headlines, it can feel like Cana- of the studies only examine a sector of the system da’s grain transportation woes have sud- rather than the entire supply chain. The focus has denly got worse. In fact, they’ve been mostly been on rail instead of the entire grain han- looming for decades, or even longer. dling system. Short-sighted, ideological changes are Nor have its inadequacies come as any introduced with little to no regard for the impact surprise to people in the know. For instance, in their that those changes will have further up or down the paper “Grain Transportation in Canada — Deregu- supply chain. There is simply no long-term vision for lation,” transportation experts Joseph Monteiro and the future of the grain industry in Canada. Gerald Robertson with Industry Canada, write: “The We must look outside the box for a long-term problem began before the turn of the 19th century solution. The problem is that very few farmers, and and it has continued even into the first part of the likely even fewer politicians know what the box is. 21st century.” There is a general lack of understanding of the grain In their 1999 study of the Canadian grain-han- industry outside the farm gates and how our system dling system for the Organization for Western Eco- compares with our competitors. nomic Cooperation, noted agricultural economists Graham Parsons and William Wilson said the sys- How we compare tem is “widely recognized as inefficient, with many In any industry, it is important for participants bottlenecks and system constraints including multiple to understand the entire value chain and to identify origins and destinations, car allocation, limited use any bottlenecks. Equally important is to know how of most efficient elevators and unit trains, grade mix- your business compares to competitors within the ups, excess tough and damp storage, impurities in industry. grain, high demurrage.” In the Canadian grain system, we cannot do this. There are no recent studies which compare the Cana- dian grain-handling system to the systems of our Successive governments have lurched major competitors. Instead, what I found after weeks of interviews from one crisis to the next, hoping and research into grain production, transportation and handling in major exporting nations around the minor regulatory changes would fix world is that Canada is an important, but relatively minor competitor in the global grains industry today. a system that is actually broken Our reputation is struggling. In part, our importance is ebbing due to the expansion of commercial agriculture in developing and Third World countries But despite a trail of such reports, there have been where climate and lower cost production favour pri- no fixes. In a presentation addressing “The Trans- mary food production. In part too it’s because govern- portation Mess,” Paul Earl, ag economist at the Uni- ment and industry support of the agricultural sector versity of Manitoba stated: “History is littered with has declined more in Canada than most other nations. dead studies of grain logistics (seven major studies Most troubling, however, is the hit that Canada’s between 1950 and 1994; we are now on No. 10). reputation is taking because of our aging and limited Something is not working.” capacity infrastructure combined with unreliable service. Successive governments have lurched from one If we want to maintain our market share of global crisis to the next in the grain industry, hoping minor grain trade, we must fix the system. To do that, how- regulatory adjustments would fix a system that most ever, we need to understand the constraints in our observers feel is actually broken. system and know how our system compares to our One reason why attempts to improve grain han- global competitors. We have to find a way to over- dling and transportation have failed is that most come the bottlenecks.

38 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 b u s i n e s s

So here is a quick comparison of our system with Canadian grain exports are found either in the Far that of the U.S., Brazil, and Australia. East or Middle East. We need an efficient sales and Between 2008 and 2012, Canadian farmers pro- logistics system to compete with other grain-export- duced an average of just over 50 million tonnes ing nations in these markets. a year of wheat, coarse grains, and oilseeds. This compares to a 31-mmt average annual production From farm gate to port of these same crops in Australia, 128 mmt in Brazil, All four of these exporting nations rely primarily and 464 mmt in the U.S. on bulk ocean shipping to move grain from port to Because of our relatively small population, how- the importing country. However, there are real differ- ever, we export a large percentage of that produc- ences in how the grain reaches the port. tion. In an average year, Canadian farmers export 70 Canadian farmers move nearly all of harvested per cent of their wheat, 55 per cent of their oilseeds, grain by truck to on-farm storage, and then by and 30 per cent of their coarse grains. truck to inland commercial storage, from which it is Other big producers are big exporters too, moved by rail to port terminals. although not at those levels. For comparison, Aus- In the U.S., only about 50 per cent of the harvest tralia exports 66 per cent of its wheat crop and 50 goes into on-farm storage. The other 50 per cent per cent of coarse grains, Brazil exports 46 per cent moves directly from field to commercial storage by of the oilseeds it grows and 15 per cent of the coarse truck. Grain then is moved by rail, river barge, and grains, and the U.S. exports 50 per cent of its wheat truck to terminal ports. crop, 44 per cent of the oilseeds, and 15 per cent of Australian farmers are now increasing farm stor- the coarse grains grown. age, but nearly all of their grain still moves by truck This brings to light two very important points. First either directly to port at harvest or by truck to a is that Canada, the U.S., Australia, and Brazil (along local collection facility which then either trucks or with many other countries) are competing to sell simi- rails the grain to port. lar commodities to the same importing countries. Brazil relies primarily on trucking to move the Second is that, while many farmers believe mar- entire harvest destined for export to port position keting our grains to the U.S. is the answer, the U.S. with next to no on-farm storage. It is important is a much larger producer of grains than Canada to note Brazil is investing heavily in both rail and is and, in tonnage terms, it is also a much larger increased storage capacity. exporter than Canada. Unfortunately, the primary end-use consumers for Continued on page 40

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 39 b u s i n e s s

Continued from page 39 is much more efficient and cost effective than the Canadian system. Commercial storage Brazil also must move grain over long distances, but freight costs are minimized by the competition Closer analysis of the four systems highlights a between truckers. This is not to say there are not major pressure point in the Canadian system. The problems. Harvest-time truck lineups at port facili- combined commercial elevator capacity in Canada ties have occasionally been reported up to 80 kms (including port and inland) can store barely 20 per long. Still, Brazil manages to move almost three cent of our average annual production. times as much by truck in eight months compared The U.S., by contrast, can store over 50 per cent to what Canadian rail moves in a year. of the crop in commercial storage, Brazil has 114 Australia, with a much shorter haul than any of per cent storage capacity, and Australia has storage the other three nations, is in the best position, with for 175 per cent of an average crop. both truck and rail capacity for moving grain from Instead of a system where most of the grain is in farm to port as well as having storage capacity for port and available for export at all times, as it is in almost two years of harvests. Australia or Brazil, or even in the U.S. where half of the harvest is in commercial storage, Canada relies Investment on just-in-time delivery from farm to port to meet One of the most troubling comparisons may export demand. be the lack of investment going into the Canadian This system works only if buyers and sellers grain system. We are not seeing the investment in know exactly what is in on-farm bins, and if there Canada that is happening in other grain-exporting is a co-ordinated effort to move the exact grain and countries. grade from farm to port only when needed. Unfor- For example, while CN and CP have invested tunately, this pull system is exactly opposite of the roughly $2 billion a year in track upgrades, expan- push system that many farmers desire. sion, and maintenance, U.S. railroads companies Canadian farmers want a system where they are invest $7 billion a year, and in Brazil, the govern- able to deliver their grain whenever they want, yet in ment has pledged $30 billion over the next six fact the commercial Canadian grain storage system years for building more storage capacity to handle can handle only a little more than 10 per cent of an the ever-increasing production in this country. average crop at any given time. This quick comparison identifies a host of bot- In other words, it is physically impossible in tlenecks in the Canadian grain system other than Canada for all farmers to move all their grain at simply a rail problem. An apt analogy of the exist- harvest or in the fall period even if there was the ing Canadian system and the government’s attempt customer demand for the multitude of grains and to address the problem might be a farmer who grades grown in any given year. runs a class 10 combine but only has one three- ton truck hauling the grain a long distance on Transportation system washed-out dirt roads to a six-inch auger filling a Even if Canadian farmers decided to deliver only 1,350-bushel bin, and then blaming the lack of har- to match sales, we would still be left to face the vest efficiency entirely on having one truck. restrictions of our transportation system. Legislating more rail cars will move more grain Prairie farmers cannot deliver to port other than but only until other bottlenecks in our constricted by rail. Our limited port facilities are not designed grain-handling system override this quick fix. for receiving grain by truck. So we rely on a duopoly As farmers, we need to ask why our system has of two private, non-competing rail lines to move all so many constraints compared to our competitors. of the grain destined for export. We need to look at the Canadian grain export sys- There really are no viable alternatives, which tem in its entirety and address all the bottlenecks if means in turn that there are no competitive forces we are to successfully compete in the world grain to control freight costs. As a result, a revenue cap game. We need to ask not only what the govern- was imposed to protect farmers from excessive rail ment can do, but what we as farmers need to do freight rates. and what we expect industry to do. It has to be a The U.S. by contrast has four major rail lines, so collaborative effort between all players. there is more competitive pricing for rail movement Fortunately, Canada monitors our grain system of grain. More importantly, there are three major better than most countries through Quorum Cor- river systems bisecting the major grain-growing poration. While Quorum’s mandate is to monitor regions in the U.S., and the publicly supported river the transportation of grain, its reports do provide system also controls freight costs. Furthermore, U.S. a look at the entire system. I believe that every port terminals are able to handle truck traffic. farmer should review Quorum’s annual report to As a result, even though the distances from farm get a better understanding of our system. These to salt water are roughly similar, the U.S. system reports can be found at www.quorumcorp.net/. CG

40 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 Spotlight on Crop AdvAnCeS Crop Advances is an annual report that summarizes applied research projects involving the OMAFRA Field Crop team, in partnership with commodity groups, industry and the OSCIA. www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/resources/cropadvances.htm Seeking conSiStent cover crop reSuLtS – after winter wheat and into standing corn

By Lilian Schaer At another site two cover crops (annual ryegrass “We had a lot of biomass cover. The good thing The many benefits of cover crops are attracting and red clover) were seeded during corn tasseling. about the oats and radish is that they die over the farmer interest – but there are still a lot of winter so you don’t have to spray,” he says, adding unknowns when it comes to getting consistent What has the project found? that all three mixes showed similar results on his results. A multi-year research project underway “We found that it is important to leave cover fields. “We also added nitrogen to half the plots, in southwestern Ontario is hoping to find some crops on as long as possible to get the most and with the oats and radish you could really tell answers by evaluating various cover crops amount of biomass, top growth and root growth,” where the extra nitrogen was, especially a couple to achieve the best results. Planting a cover says project lead Adam Hayes, Soil Management of years ago when it was so dry.” crop after winter wheat is the easiest way to Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Additional plot trials will be planted in 2014, start including them in most typical field crop and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF and including on Sherman’s farm and work will rotations. Options include oats, which provide MRA). “If you leave them over the winter, it helps continue on evaluating the 2013 crop in terms of a fibrous root to improve soil structure, take up provide further protection for the soil.” worm count, infiltration, soil cover and crimson nitrogen and return biomass to the soil; radish, Cover crops planted in the second half of August clover survival rates. which has a deep tap root to open up the soil can produce a significant amount of biomass by and take up nitrogen; and crimson clover, which Earlier planting times and using mixes without the middle to end of November. The average also has a tap root, fibrous roots and produces radish to avoid the possibility of it getting into tile biomass at October harvest was 1800 kilograms some nitrogen. drains may be added this year. per hectare for the oats/radish mixture, 1850 Some growers are also looking for ways to kg for the oats/radish/crimson clover mixture Where can I get more information? plant cover crops in other parts of their and 2000 kg for the six-way mixture. As in the More information on this project can be found in rotation. previous year, biomass increased significantly by the Crop Advances section of the OSCIA website November’s sampling, with the oats/radish and However, establishing cover crops after grain at http://bit.ly/QzzhtD. the oats/radish/crimson clover mixtures averaging corn is difficult in Ontario as there is little or 3600 kg per hectare and the six-way mixture no growing season remaining, so part of this How was the research funded? averaging 3900. research is also looking at the feasibility of Funding for this project was provided by the seeding cover crops into standing corn. Planting the cover crop at the correct depth is OSCIA regional partner grant and the Southwest important to ensure the cover crop germinates Agricultural Conference grant. OSCIA assisted How was the research conducted? rapidly. When the mixtures in a plot were planted with communication of research results. Post-winter wheat harvest: Two cover crop too deep the crimson clover did not emerge and mixtures were seeded in the second half of the radish was delayed so the oats grew to begin August (to mitigate concerns about radish providing cover and helped fill in where the other cover crop highlights: potential infiltrating tile drains): radish variety species growth was poor or missing. Tillage and locally sourced oats at 30 pounds • Cover crops planted in the second half of “We also found that if there is no or very little per acre, and radish variety Tillage, crimson August can produce a significant amount nitrogen in the soil, some cover crops that need of biomass by November. The longer the clover and oats at 35 pounds per acre. nitrogen like oats and radish will not provide a crop is left, the more biomass, top growth A third treatment consisting of six different lot of growth,” says Hayes, adding that it can be and root growth will result. cover crops - radish variety Tillage, oats, hard to see all the changes brought about by cover • No special seeding equipment is needed crimson clover, Austrian winter peas, sorghum crops, especially in soil structure, in a short time as anything from drills without a small sudan and sunflowers – was added to a number span. seed box to 30’ air seeders were able to of plots at a rate of 40 pounds per acre. successfully plant cover crops. Dave Sherman has a cash crop operation near Into standing grain corn: Three cover crops Thamesville and has hosted cover crop plots both • Cover crops will grow when seeded into grain corn. Annual ryegrass and clovers (annual ryegrass, red clover and an annual after winter wheat and into corn on his farm for seem to tolerate shade well and seeding ryegrass/crimson clover mix) were seeded at the past two years. There’s been little success with these at the six leaf stage of corn shows the six leaf stage of corn at one site and then the corn plots to date, but the post-winter wheat promise. again just following tasseling. trials have shown good results, he says.

ontArio SoiL AnD crop iMproveMent ASSociAtion Mission: Facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices www.ontariosoilcrop.org/default.htm b u s i n e s s

Six questions for the ag entrepreneurs So you’ve got an idea that might make a great new product or service. Should you invest in it?

By Warren Libby, Savvy Farmer

oday’s agriculture isn’t your grand- if a business concept looks interesting and passes mother’s agriculture. While we still the initial evaluation phase, prospects are invited work the soil and practise animal hus- to expose their idea to an Entrepreneur’s Reality bandry, today we do so in wonder- Check, a sort of friendly “Dragons’ Den.” Here, ful ways that past generations could a group of senior industry experts will apply their never imagine. From lasers and GPS to genomics skills and experience to give entrepreneurs a deeper and drones, agriculture has become a hotbed of evaluation based on the specific dynamics of the innovation. industry they plan to enter. Nor is ag innovation the exclusive domain of the In this way, the Reality Check gives entrepreneurs major multinational companies. Farmers and non- direct access to industry-specific professionals that farmers alike are dipping their toes into the ag-inno- they would otherwise have little chance of meeting. vation pool with an endless array of novel ideas. If the idea passes the Reality Check, the entre- Even so, however, it can be a daunting experi- preneur can continue working with Bioenterprise ence to try to convert an idea into an actual prod- staff to receive help with writing patents, building uct or service, and then get that product or service a business plan, assembling financial forecasts, into the marketplace. conducting market research, and of course, finding sources of seed money. The best part is that there is only a nominal Innovators are notorious cost for all these services, in the range of $300 per month. You’d do well to get two hours of a consul- for overestimating their tant’s time for that kind of money. But how do you know if your business idea is even markets, and underestimating worth giving Bioenterprise a call? Too often we fall in love with our own ideas, especially if well-meaning their costs friends and family provide encouragement. Although their intentions may be genuine, rarely are these the Fortunately, budding entrepreneurs don’t have best sources to ask for an evaluation of whether you to take that journey alone. There are a number of should devote the next few years of your life and ag organizations available to help aspiring entre- much of your savings to your innovation. preneurs turn ideas into commercially success- However, after working with dozens of ag entre- ful products. Or, if necessary, these organizations preneurs over the past 10 years, I have found six can offer a bit of tough love. One that I have simple questions which, if answered honestly, can worked closely with for almost 10 years is Bioen- provide entrepreneurs with a good initial self- terprise Corporation (www.bioenterprise.ca) located evaluation of whether their innovation is ready for in Guelph, Ont. the big stage. Bioenterprise is a not-for-profit centre whose sole purpose is to foster innovation in the agribusi- Does my invention work? ness sector across Canada. Its team of agribusiness More importantly, can I prove that it works professionals provides entrepreneurs with early- using industry-recognized standards? The more stage feedback on the validity of its business idea. It third-party data you can generate to prove your also provides insight into areas that may need con- product delivers on its claims, the better. If you tinued work, and it helps to fill in the gaps. can’t prove to the satisfaction of industry profes- Here’s how it typically works. At Bioenterprise, sionals that your product works, there is no need

42 country-guide.ca j u n e 2 0 1 4 BUSINESS

most difficult steps for entrepreneurs. The best distributors tend to be tied up with the best suppliers, and they may be unwilling to carry your product if it could put that larger relationship at risk. Plus, if your product is destined for the mass retail market, such as with a novel food, gaining shelf space with one of the major food companies can be a daunting task. WILL I MAKE A PROFIT? After investing all my time, energy and money into this venture, will the returns be worthwhile? Entrepreneurs often overestimate the market share they can obtain and underes- timate the total cost to bring an invention to market. Unless you have previous experience, you may be surprised by the cost of patent protection, regulatory compliance, third-party research, and marketing. Building an early relationship with your accountant can help avoid nasty surprises along the way. It isn’t necessary to have full answers to all six questions right away, but eventually each must be addressed. In my opinion the first question, “Does my invention work?” is the most important. If you can honestly say that you have to even consider the next five questions. As the saying goes, invented something new and useful and can prove it works, it “Without data, you’re just another guy with an opinion.” may be time to engage the professional help available at orga- Can my invention be protected? nizations like Bioenterprise and become one of Canada’s next That is, can my invention be patented, or is there some successful ag entrepreneurs. CG other form of intellectual property protection that can be used to keep competitors at bay. If it cannot be protected, it will be copied. As well, without protection, you can forget about > Empty Pesticide Container Recycling Program enticing a major company to ever make you an offer. Along the same line, an often neglected question is whether you have freedom to operate. In other words, are you sure you are not There are many infringing on someone else’s patent? Many entrepreneurs forget to check this, only to have the rug pulled from under their reasons to rinse. feet after they have invested a large chunk of their savings. CAN I REGISTER MY INVENTION? #1 Only rinsed containers can be recycled Although not necessary with all products, many areas of agriculture are highly regulated. Do you know how your invention will be regulated, what government agencies will be #2 Helps keep collection sites clean involved, and whether you will be able to satisfy their questions? Some products, such as pesticides, food additives, or nutraceuticals can be very difficult to register and can cost sev- #3 Use all the chemicals you purchase eral hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some technologies may not be registerable at all. CAN I MANUFACTURE MY INVENTION? #4 Keeps collection sites safe for workers Making a prototype in your workshop is very different from scaling up into mass production. Do you have the exper- #5 Maintain your farm’s good reputation tise and capital resources to construct a modern manufacturing facility? Are the raw materials readily available, and will the raw material suppliers sell to you? It is not uncommon for competitors to have exclusive contracts with suppliers of spe- No excuse not to! cialized raw materials to keep others out of the industry. { For more information or to find a collection WILL I HAVE CUSTOMERS? site near you visit cleanfarms.ca What makes me believe that customers will switch from what they have been using for years and adopt my product? And how Now, take your empty fertilizer will I reach those customers? Distribution tends to be one of the containers along for the ride!

J U N E 2 0 1 4 country-guide.ca 43

10901A-CFM-5Reasons-QRTPage-CountryGuide.indd 1 4/8/14 4:47 PM P r o d u c t i o n

On the rebound Higher premiums and strong global demand are rekindling interest in IP soybeans

By Ralph Pearce, CG Production Editor

sk anyone involved in identity-pre- heim, Ont. “The increase in acres has been tempered served (IP) or non-GMO soybean by the lack of seed in some varieties, but overall, trade, and there’s plenty to say in grower premiums are slightly higher for 2014 than favour of Canada’s reputation abroad for 2013, which has certainly attracted growers.” and its leadership in quality. Unfortu- Plus, adds Robert, the spectre of Roundup resis- nately, they’ll also tell you that it’s been a tough go in tance is contributing to some second thoughts by the past two or three years. many growers about the wisdom of going completely Since 2010, as total soybean production in Can- with GMO crush beans. ada has increased, the IP sector’s share of that acre- “Many growers are saying that if they have to age has slipped, and slipped some more. tank mix in order to combat glyphosate-tolerant The reasons aren’t hard to understand. Round- weeds, they might as well get paid for it,” Robert up Ready varieties have become so convenient and says. “They’ve shifted back to conventional soy- abundant, many growers have abandoned the IP beans, although we have to see if the shift lasts.” route, deciding to forgo sizable premiums in favour The other part of the anti-GM sentiment is com- of an easier growing season. ing specifically from the European Union and, to a lesser degree from increasing consumer demand for labelling and traceability. “Grower premiums are slightly “Labelling and traceability will become manda- tory in the future, and all consumers want to know higher for 2014 than for 2013, where their food comes from, and that it was grown in a safe and sustainable manner,” says Robert, add- which has certainly attracted ing it doesn’t mean they want organic or labelling of everything. “But they want assurances that if growers growers.” are using chemicals — whether it’s to combat an insect pest or weeds — the pesticide or herbicide is used — Sue Robert, Thompsons Ltd. responsibly, and that any residues are below Health Canada’s established minimum residue levels (MRL).” Besides, a $1 or $2 premium for IP production Robert says the sophistication of Ontario growers looks more impressive on $8-per-bushel soybeans and the network of elevators geared to IP handling than it does with beans at $14. should put the province’s IP soybeans at the forefront That’s the hill that the IP sector has faced, and for traceability. at the 2013 London Farm Show, one seed company representative tested premiums as high as $6.50 — at Contracts booked, the time making a bushel of IP soybeans worth more looking to 2015 than $20 per bushel — yet found no takers. But that was March 2013. Today, in 2014, condi- Premiums need to be attractive enough to bring tions in Ontario and abroad look markedly differ- growers back, but there’s a delicate balance that has ent, and interest in IP soybeans is showing signs of to be struck. Global IP demand will absorb higher rebounding. premiums, but only to a point. Even if these conditions last only for a year or “There are parts of the world that definitely want two, the industry hopes it will be enough to build non-GMO, and they won’t take anything else,” says some long-term stability. Bob Hart, president of Sevita International. “And “Based on what we have contracted this year, and there are a lot of parts of the world that would prefer what we’re hearing from some of the competitors, I non-GMO but if it gets too expensive, they’ll use would say IP acres are up,” says Sue Robert, soybean GM. So we need to be careful not to price ourselves and dry bean trader for Thompsons Ltd., in Blen- out of the market.”

44 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 p r o d u c t i o n

Scott Sheppard, who farms near Selkirk, southeast of Simcoe, did a head-to-head comparison of 50 acres of IP soybeans and corn last season.

Japan and the European Union have been desti- says total production jumped to nearly 5.0 million nations of choice for Canadian IP soybeans. How- tonnes, with just 875,000 tonnes of non-GMOs. ever, Hart notes that in Japan, food retailers now That’s right around 18 per cent. have greater influence on pricing. Tofu-based foods “We’ve had a shift upwards in soybean production, are increasingly being used as loss leaders to entice but a major decline in non-GMOs,” says Vanderloo. customers, he points out. So tofu processors, along “But I think that here in Ontario, we’ll be back to 25 with soy milk processors, are getting squeezed, which per cent of total soybean production going to non- explains Hart’s concern about pricing ourselves out of GMO varieties, and it could be a little higher than that.” the market. The biggest change from Vanderloo’s perspec- In the European Union, meanwhile, the U.S. is tive — aside from South American production or emerging as an aggressive price competitor. “What a delayed start to the U.S. planting season — is the we’re hearing is that the Americans are trying to economic hangover caused by higher commodity come in cheaper than we are. And in certain areas, prices in the last few years. their quality is good. Our protein tends to be a little “The last few years, farmers would say to us, bit higher but Americans can produce good quality.” ‘I’m not going to bother growing non-GMO or IP varieties — it’s just more work, it’s more of a hassle, Low numbers point it’s a bit of a risk, and I’m making so much money to opportunity growing soybeans, I don’t want to mess with what I’m doing now,’” says Vanderloo. “Then last fall, Martin Vanderloo, president of Huron Com- one of our growers came storming in the door after modities in Clinton, Ont., is the first to concede there he finished taking his corn off, and he asked if we have been challenges with establishing a stronger, have any programs in 2014 for IP soybeans. When more consistent presence for the Canadian IP sec- we said, ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘Well, I’m growing all soy- tor. In 2010, Canadian soybean production was 4.3 beans, I’m not growing any corn, I can’t afford to million tonnes, with 1.5 million tonnes grown as grow corn!’” non-GMOs, or 34.9 per cent of total production. At the same time, Vanderloo maintains that many In 2012, overall production jumped to 4.9 million of the larger growers refuse to get caught up in the tonnes, yet non-GMO soybeans accounted for 1.0 volatility of the commodity market. Year after year, million tonnes, or only 20.4 per cent. Then, based on last year’s estimates, Vanderloo Continued on page 46

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 45 P r o d u c t i o n

Continued from page 45 Sheppard farms with a different eye on the IP sector. He’s certainly interested in the economics of they stick to corn-soybeans-wheat, and rationalize growing IP soybeans, but not from the same perspec- it through the spreading of workload that the three tive on global supply and demand or trying to estab- require, or that there’s a consistency in yield with the lish greater consistency in Canadian IP production. three that they can’t afford to put at risk. Those matters fall more to Vanderloo, Hart or even the Grain Farmers of Ontario or the Canadian Soy- Closer to home bean Export Association (CSEA). Scott Sheppard is one of these growers who has For Sheppard and his father and brother, the con- measured Roundup Ready soybeans against IP vari- cerns always land a little closer to home. eties. Sheppard works with his father and brother “It’s one of those things where you look back Trevor on the family’s Sheppland Farms operation every year and it works. We seem to struggle with near Selkirk, southeast of Simcoe, Ont. The Shep- weed control some years, based on what we get for pards work about 3,200 acres and have a three-year, weather, but we’re always in that 2,000- to 2,500- two-crop rotation with 2,200 acres of IP soybeans acre area for IPs,” says Sheppard. Back in April, he for two years, and the other 1,000 planted to wheat. was concerned with winterkill in his wheat, so there Depending on the economics and the year, they can are challenges and decisions to be made from year also finish 7,000 and 7,500 pigs every 16 weeks. to year. “But it comes back to the same thing, where we need so many acres for our nutrient management plan and there are other factors that come into play, and yet every year, there seem to be that same 2,000 The Sleeping Giant is awake to 2,500 acres of IPs.” As for attracting and maintaining higher produc- The economic heft of China’s 1.5 billion people is undeniable, and maybe tion numbers for IP soybeans, Sheppard points to the unfathomable. costs and convenience, as well as combining. When Some six years ago, Martin Vanderloo, president of Huron Commodities in the price in Chicago is unusually high — on the plus Clinton, Ont., recalls going on a trade mission to China and speaking with a side of $13 or $14 per bushel — and seed compa- farm manager who was in charge of about 14,000 acres of farmland. Aside nies are offering discounts for early payments with from learning that his 1,250 employees did everything by hand — seeding, lower-cost chemicals, the advantage often goes to the weeding and harvesting — Vanderloo also learned their pay was roughly $50 to grower with Roundup Ready soybeans. $60 per worker per month. Sheppard works with a computer spreadsheet Vanderloo was also told — rather brusquely — that those wages were con- that can compare the costs and revenues of GM siderably higher than elsewhere in the country. And the money the employees soybean varieties versus IP production. The deciding were making on the farm was allowing them to eat better, purchase more home factor is often wrapped up in the harvest. electronics and other luxuries, and generally live better. “With IPs you want to combine your beans, and Now, however, those same workers in rural areas are making between the guys with Roundup Ready are combining at $1,000 and $1,200 a month (in the cities, it’s closer to $2,000). 8:30 or 9 a.m.; there’s a little bit of dew but they “When you consider that, and the buying power that’s created just in six can go, because mud-tagging or staining isn’t an years — from a rural point of view — that’s incredible,” says Vanderloo. “And issue to them nor is the moisture,” says Sheppard. eating more meat is their No. 1 priority, and from what I understand, China is “But for us, it’s usually 11 a.m. before we can start concentrating on corn production, but they still need a source of protein. And combining, because we have to let everything dry that’s where a lot of these soybean imports are coming from.” up. So it’s not just growing them and your input It’s why Chinese demand for soybeans in the past couple of years has been costs, now you’re going to be shipping them and very brisk. they have to make grade.” But another indicator of just how massive the Chinese economy is came in The first question Sheppard acknowledges when a news report from Reuters last February. The Chinese government announced considering growing IP soybeans is, “How much is it planned to spend $330 billion (two trillion yuan) to solve its water pollution the premium?” That’s always first, and it’s almost issues. Although the country holds 20 per cent of the world’s population, it has always followed by, “Is the premium worth the just seven per cent of its water resources. The situation in the north, stated the effort?” report, was particularly worrisome, with less water per capita in some regions For the Sheppards, the important answer is to the than in the Middle East. second question, and the answer is “yes.” No specific details on timing or where the money was coming from were “You hope at the end of the year that there’s available in the February report. But the money pledged to solve the country’s more to your bottom line, but it seems that in the ag water woes was (in addition to) the $277 billion (1.7 trillion yuan) set aside by business, you get good corn prices, good bean prices Beijing to battle its widely publicized problem with air pollution. or good wheat prices, fertilizer goes up $100 per ton, But that’s still $607 billion budgeted for pollution — and that’s the power of and chemicals go up or seed costs go up,” says Shep- China. pard. “And it seems at the end of the year you’re working with the same percentage or ratio that you had a year before.” CG

46 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4

PRESENTED BY FREE FOR 6 MONTHS!

Managing your farm made easy

Spray Field SW2 Due March 6, 2014

✔ Spray Field SW2 100% Complete Assigned to John Done March 3, 2014 Used 2,000 L Insecticide Used Sprayer for 2 hrs Spray Field SW2 50% Complete Assigned to John Due March 6, 2014

Plan Assign Track Easily schedule jobs Let your team know Manage your farm in and activities, share what, where and when detail, from your desk- across your operation. jobs are scheduled. top or smartphone.

FarmDock is an easy to use mobile app that allows you to plan, assign and track activities on your farm. It's simple to set up, simple to use and can be quickly customized to fit your operation.

Built with input from real farmers, FarmDock tracks and reports key information across one farm operation or several. Smartphone and desktop versions allow sharing of information with everyone, on the go. Spray Field SW2 0% Complete, > Reports and reviews of activity are available in real time. Assigned to Joe It's your farm at a glance, or a task in detail. FarmDock keeps Due Sept 26 , 2014 information organized, accessible and ready for reporting. Transfer Barley to Bin 2 0% Complete > You're in charge, customize it to fit your way of doing things. Assigned to John Due Sept 26 , 2014 Ready for more? Start tracking your farm operation in ✔ Fertilize Field SE3 one minute with our FREE 6 MONTH FARMDOCK TRIAL! 100% Complete, > Assigned to Frank Visit farmdock.com for more details, Done Sept 26 , 2014 or scan the code to download the app. ✔ Service Sprayer 3432 100% Complete, > Assigned to David Done Sept 25, 2014

Ag tools from Available for iPhone and Android Mobile Phones. P r o d u c t i o n Fine tuning for weeds With more resistance, it’s time to be sure we’re using the right words the right way

By Ralph Pearce, CG Production Editor

n Ontario alone, farmers are now facing three Group 2s still useful different weeds with resistance to glyphosate, and a considerably longer list of those that are For Steve Johns, the issue is partly terminol- resistant to Group 2 chemistries. ogy, including whether a herbicide is truly systemic. No one is blaming farmers, or saying “That gets into marketing and I think it’s been a bit today’s farmers aren’t as sharp as their parents. After misleading.” all, today’s farmers have had to learn about new Some products like glyphosates and phenoxy pests, new diseases, new electronics, new marketing herbicides can get inside and move around in a weed. tools… the list is endless. Others may be called systemic, but they may actu- But it’s undeniable that with the rapid uptake of ally only be trans-laminar, meaning they may only Roundup Ready and Group 2 use in the past 17 years, penetrate into the leaf, says Johns, agronomic sales some of our weed-control knowledge has ebbed away, manager with Syngenta Canada. including some knowledge that we may need. The difference for growers is in whether they can rely on large droplets to disperse within the plant, or whether they need finer droplets for more complete Sometimes ragweed may show resistance to some coverage. Group 2 products but be taken out by others. Nor is that the only concern for Johns who also farms just outside of Seaforth, Ont. where he has employed a diverse rotation of chemistries, depending on whether he’s growing corn or soybeans. Group 2 resistance, he says, isn’t as simple as the phrase might suggest. “Particularly in Group 2 resistance and IP soybeans, I can take you to fields where ragweed is resistant to two of three families of Group 2s yet still seems to be taken out by the third family,” says Johns. “So we have weeds that are resistant to imidazolinones (imis) and sulfonyl- ureas (SUs), but triazolopyrimidine chemistry, like Broadstrike, still seems to work.” Johns adds that University of Guelph weed scientist François Tardif has published a lot of work on nightshade populations which are highly resistant to imis, and one SU that can’t be used on soybeans. But the nightshade is still sensitive to primisulfuron and pyrimadine chemistries such as Broadstrike. “In fact, my advice to a lot of retailers and growers is that with Group 2 resistance, we’re not doing the subject justice,” Johns says. “A weed could be clearly resistant to imis such as Pursuit, or sulfonyl- ureas like Classic, and you still may have a viable tool with something like Broadstrike or FirstRate. And there’s value in rotating within those chemistries, of the three families of Group 2s. “One of the primary things I talk about with guys, is always at fall harvest, when you combine your crop, what do you see for weeds?” Johns says. “That tells you where you need to start adjusting your program. Guys who weren’t using that much residual, they’re saying, ‘I have nightshade and lots of it!’”

48 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 PRODUCTION

Three issues for glyphosate “It’s the responsibility of the whole industry to provide the proper education and proper awareness on the With glyphosate, it’s been easy to feel that farm- best management practices,” Miller says. “And I think ers are becoming too reliant on the chemistry, yet farmers are starting to adapt to that, they’re starting Johns says this is really only part of a much more to listen and pay attention. They’re looking at it more complex issue. There are now three shortcomings from the business side, and if they want to have good with glyphosate: weeds that germinate outside of yields, then they need to have good weed control.” their window (seedling dandelion, Eastern black nightshade), weeds that are not affected by glypho- Simple is best sate (tufted vetch, nutsedge) and weeds that glypho- Dave Kloppenburg is witnessing the same trends sate should work on but which are now resistant and the refamiliarizing with technologies and chem- (Canada fleabane, giant ragweed, common ragweed). istries that Miller and Johns are seeing. But he still Johns has also been intrigued by the latest wants to keep things simple. research by University of Guelph’s Clarence Swan- “For practical purposes, a knowledge of her- ton, to redefine the critical weed-free period. That bicide groups is a good place to start,” says Klop- work shows that your weeds need to be dead the penburg, row crop segment manager for DuPont day your corn plant emerges from the ground. That Pioneer. “People need a good knowledge of herbi- means dead, not just sprayed, and it means there cide groups, that you have multiple groups in the should be no sign of green tissue on the weed. program, and that those groups are based primarily Swanton’s work indicates that emerging crop on mode of action. The site of action is interesting, leaves can sense that surrounding weeds are not of and it does have real impacts in the field, where you their species. It is, says Johns, an important discovery. might have a pigweed population that is resistant to one type of Group 2 but still susceptible to another Education is a good thing type, where the imis bind in one place and SUs bind Rob Miller, technical development manager with in another place on the enzyme but they both have BASF Canada, cites another example with Group 14 the same mode of action.” PPO (Protoporphyrinogen oxidase) inhibitors, where With terms such as “contact” and “systemic,” a product such as Eragon (pyrimidine) is a pre-plant Kloppenburg wonders if the industry couldn’t do product whereas Reflex (fomesafen, a diphenyl- a better of job of standardizing the terminology. ether), is the same class of chemistry, yet it can be Some would call glyphosate a contact product, yet used as a post-emerge in soybeans. it’s actually a systemic. Then there are products with “In general, there always needs to be some educa- contact activity which are also non-systemic. tion around the different modes of action and the “It’s almost like a subset, and then there are different groups of chemistries,” says Miller, based in products that have contact activity that may or may London, Ont. “Even within the same group of chem- not be systemic, but then combined with soil activ- istry, the products are different.” ity, that becomes important as you look at resistance On a positive note, Miller believes there’s some- management,” says Kloppenburg. thing to be learned through the increasing challenges Kloppenburg says there’s a need to start simple of Roundup Ready systems. Now, with the risk of and build from there, but that there’s also a sense resistance, farmers are seeing they need to focus of urgency. more on the different modes of action and the dif- “The lesson is that we have to continue worrying ferent types of herbicide chemistry, making sure they about resistance and the most important thing is to rotate their chemistry both within each crop and have diversity,” Kloppenburg says. “That’s going to across all of the other crops in the rotation as well. be the reality going forward.” CG

Canada’s #1 Pesticide... INFORMATION

• Every registered treatment for every crop Learn more by visiting • Labels plus Canada’s best label search tool www.savvyfarmer.com • Over 2,000 weed, insect & disease photos • Quick search for generics brand • Tools to manage resistance, PHI, residuals • Information updated weekly “small investment...big savings”

J U N E 2 0 1 4 country-guide.ca 49 P r o d u c t i o n

Tufted vetch takes off Tufted vetch not a new weed, just a different weed challenge

By Ralph Pearce, CG Production Editor

he battle with weeds just never seems per cent, neither rate is registered for use in Roundup to end, and now, as if resistant weeds, Ready soybeans. dandelions or Eastern black nightshade “Vetch as a weed has been around for decades,” don’t provide enough challenges, there’s says Darren Robinson, associate professor and some concern that tufted vetch will be a horticultural weed specialist with the University of growing issue for an increasing number of farmers. Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus. He recalls learning To be fair, Canada fleabane, giant ragweed and about tufted vetch while a student in Clarence Swan- common ragweed are still the “Big Three” when it ton’s classes. comes to problem weeds in Ontario, mostly by virtue “I do think growers are finding it more and more of their resistance to glyphosate. But tufted vetch in fields, associated with no till and having winter (as opposed to the hairy vetch varieties grown as a cereals in the rotation,” Robinson says. “It’s build- forage) has captured the attention of farmers and ing up, but I don’t think glyphosate resistance is the researchers. problem, I think it’s more that it’s a perennial weed Anecdotal reports out of Lambton County refer that produces seeds that can remain viable for years, to the binding action the weed can exert on harvest- and it has that horizontal root system. It can become ing equipment, and research by François Tardif at really persistent, especially in no-till situations.” the University of Guelph indicates glyphosate is no longer effective in controlling vetch. What makes it difficult? At 1.0 and 2.0 l/ac. (the typical rates for Roundup Known as a “creeping” perennial, vetch can Ready soybeans) glyphosate only provided 57 and 72 reproduce not only from seeds but from the hori- per cent control, respectively. Although 3.0 l/ac. pro- zontal root buds. It’s also tolerant to a variety of vided 85 per cent control and 4.0 l/ac. provided 98 herbicides or unaffected by others including thifen-

“Although vetch can be an issue in wheat fields, particularly at harvest, it’s also a challenge in soybean fields.” Photo courtesy of Mike Cowbrough, OMAF

50 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 p r o d u c t i o n

sulfuron methyl/tribenuron methyl (Refine Extra) wheat, it has to be at the three-tiller stage. And we’re and bromoxynil/MCPA (Buctril M). The weed also talking about 90 per cent control.” emerges late, usually after the window for effective In soybeans, Robinson has seen research that herbicide applications. indicates S-metoloachlor (and R-enantiomer) and As Robinson notes, vetch can often be found metribuzin (Boundary) would be the best pre-emerge in soybeans or corn, but it seems to have found its for IP soybeans. But that would also require a fol- niche in winter wheat. lowup with fomesafen (Reflex) and thifensulfuron “Part of it has to do with the timing of when you methyl (Pinnacle). In corn, he says, dicamba, and can apply certain herbicides in winter wheat,” says mesiotrone (Callisto) are good options. Robinson Robinson, adding that using a fall-applied herbicide adds that he hasn’t heard of the same issues with is a logical idea. The problem is finding the right vetch in corn as in winter wheat, and he believes herbicide; there aren’t active ingredients that can that may have something to do with tillage practices be safely applied in the fall that give commercially employed in corn. acceptable control of vetch. With that in mind, Rob- As for yield losses, again, the research isn’t exten- inson says he has seen better control from fluroxypyr sive. Robinson has seen figures that cite yield reduc- plus MCPA (Trophy). tions of 60 to 70 per cent, but those are in mixed “I know Peter Sikkema has looked at it, and weed populations with vetch as one of the species. optimally, you want to time your applications for He says he wouldn’t be surprised to see yield losses plants that are at the two- to four-leaf stage,” says of between 30 and 40 per cent. Robinson. “I don’t think it’s possible in all situations “But it’s not just yield losses,” says Robinson. with vetch because of when you can actually apply “I know it can really cause problems with running Trophy. But definitely it’s very good, and it will give equipment through the field. It’s not bindweed but it you commercially acceptable control. So with winter can really bind around equipment.” CG Table 1. Tufted vetch control in winter wheat Product* (ranked from 1 to 12) Product rate/acre Average control (%) Range in # of (active ingredient) (a.i. rate/ha) (6 to 8 weeks after application) control (%) Trials TROPHY1 (TROPHY A plus TROPHY B) 0.24 l/ac + 0.45 l/ac 99 99 1 (fluroxypyr plus MCPA) (108 g/ha + 560 g/ha) BANVEL II or ORACLE 0.12 l/ac. 87 81-96 3 (dicamba) (0.139 kg/ha) 2,4-D amine (660 g/l) 0.52 l/ac. 85 75-94 2 (2,4-D) (850 g/ha) DYVEL 0.5 l/ac. 84 59-98 3 (dicamba/MCPA) (0.525 kg/ha) TARGET or TRACKER or SWORD 0.6 l/ac. 84 64-99 3 (dicamba/MCPA/mecoprop) (0.6 kg/ha) 2,4-D ester (660 g/l) 0.52 l/ac. 81 58-100 3 (2,4-D) (850 g/ha) ESTAPROP or DICHLOROPROP D or TURBOPROP 0.7 l/ac. 78 40-100 3 (dichloroprop/2,4-D) (1.017 kg/ha) MCPA ester (600 g/l) 0.56 l/ac. 77 74-82 3 (MCPA) (850 g/ha) LONTREL 360 0.22 l/ac. 76 76 1 (clopyralid) (0.2 kg/ha) MCPA amine (600 g/l) 0.56 l/ac. 72 54-89 2 (MCPA) (850 g/ha) REFINE SG plus non-ionic surfactant 12 g/ac + 0.2% v/v 54 34-80 3 (thifensulfuron-methyl/tribenuron methyl) (15 g/ha) BUCTRIL M + REFINE SG 0.4 l/ac + 4 g/ac. 52 52 1 (bromoxynil/MCPA + thifensulfuron-methyl/tribenuron methyl) (560 g/ha + 5 g/ha) BUCTRIL M or BADGE, LOGIC M, MEXTROL 0.4 l/ac. or 0.5 l/ac. 51 40-63 3 (bromoxynil/MCPA) (0.56 kg/ha)

* Last revised April 2011. • 1 Indicates product sold as a co-pack containing the herbicides listed in parenthesis. SOURCE: Dr. P. H. Sikkema, department of plant agriculture, University of Guelph (Ridgetown College)

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 51 PRODUCTION

# PestPatrol with Mike Cowbrough, OMAF and MRA

Have a question you want answered? Hashtag #PestPatrol on twitter.com to @cowbrough or email Mike at [email protected].

What is the best way to clean your sprayer?

leaning the sprayer is a critical part of pets or livestock. The easiest way to do this is to every spray day. Pesticide residues clog have rinse water available in the field (e.g. on the and corrode equipment and can injure sprayer or a support vehicle) so the rinsate can be crops. So what is the best process for applied back onto crop. Alternately, the sprayer can sprayer cleanout? be cleaned at the loading area, but there should be a Operators should clean out their sprayers every pad impervious to water with a sump to catch wash time they switch pesticides, but respondents of a sur- water and rinsate. vey conducted by Colorado State University in 2013 A review of several recommended protocols for said they only did it 60 per cent of the time. Opera- tank cleaning reveals four key steps: tors should also clean out the sprayer when changing 1. Avoid having excess spray mix left over (except sites (e.g. moving from corn into soybeans) but only for the unavoidable volume in the ballast); 31 per cent did so. 2. Perform a low-volume rinse of the tank; Finally, operators should clean out the sprayer at 3. Use some form of tank cleaner (as indicated on the the end of the day, even if they intend to spray the pesticide label) in a second low-volume rinse, and; same product the next day. Again, however, only 18 4. Finish with a third low-volume rinse. per cent did so. According to the results of this survey, the size of These relatively low figures might partially the tank being cleaned was not a factor. Perhaps sur- account for the fact that 16 per cent of operators prisingly, the impact of cleaning agents was unclear. admitted to seeing off-target damage in recent years. What was obvious was that the more rinses, the So, why aren’t producers cleaning their sprayers more effective the cleanout. Further, as long as the more frequently? volume used to rinse cleared any baffles in the tank, Respondents indicated that the biggest constraints and was sufficient to rinse all surfaces, volumes as aren’t time or cost, but the lack of a suitable place low as 10 per cent of the overall tank volume were to clean the sprayer, the limited availability of clean able to clean the tank by 99 per cent when triple water and limited places to put the rinsates. rinsing. CG Ideally, the sprayer should be cleaned at the site This is an edited version; the full report as shared where product was applied. The location should with COUNTRY GUIDE can be found at: http://spray- not contaminate water supplies or nearby sensitive ers101.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Sprayer-Cleanout- sites and should not be readily accessible to people, TPSA-presentation-2014-Walker.pdf).

52 country-guide.ca J U N E 2 0 1 4 B:8.625” T:8.125” S:7” B:11.25” T:10.75” S:10”

A record harvest is a good problem to have. Proline pays off by maximizing your corn yield, thanks to its broad-spectrum disease control. It’s the only fungicide registered to suppress fusarium and gibberella ear rot and lower DON levels. And because it’s also the only corn fungicide to suppress stalk rot, your combine won’t be slowed down by stand problems. With Proline, you really do get the most out of your corn.

Learn more at BayerCropScience.ca/Proline

BayerCropScience.ca or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. Proline® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

10206573-Proline_8.125x10.75_089.indd BAYER-089-4C-2014 Bigger Combine Manny.Augusto 8.125” x 10.75” None 1 8.125” x 10.75” None CMYK 7” x 10” -- 100% 8.625” x 11.25” 1 Alanna.Turney Production:Volumes:Product...3-Proline_8.125x10.75_089.indd Bayer CropScience 10206573 Helvetica Neue LT Std Country Guide East 5-5-2014 3:14 PM -- 5-5-2014 3:14 PM -- Rodrigues, Pedro (TOR-MCL) -- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black -- -- L e g a l As the wind blows The legal implications of particle drift

By Naomi Loewith, lawyer at Lenczner Slaght

n recent years, Canadian producers have significantly Holding a farmer liable for any drift, even if all precautions increased their use of genetically modified crops. At the were taken, would contradict the law’s long-standing support same time, a growing number of farms are obtaining for coexistence of different practices where possible. organic certification. The concurrent expansion of these two practices will almost inevitably lead to GM and Best practices organic fields being adjacent. What are the legal implications We do not yet know if a court would consider any of these when GM products drift onto a neighbour’s field? policy reasons in deciding whether liability for escaping cattle Particle drift can have serious repercussions. Organic farm- might be extended to liability for escaping GM particles. The ers may lose their certification, which can take years to obtain legislature may also step in and codify responsibilities. Until again. Non-organic farmers can also be affected, since certain then, there are some ways that both GM and organic producers importers have strict rules about GM content and may close can protect their interests. their borders if GM particulates are detected in any shipments. First, if you use GM seed, follow the licensing agreement of Many countries in Europe and South America have set out the crop developer. For example, Monsanto’s Technology Stew- legal regimes apportioning liability when GM particles travel. ardship Agreement requires a five-metre buffer zone around any A test case went to trial in Australia in February; the judge is GM field. Compliance with these terms will not be a full defence, expected to release his decision shortly. How would a Cana- but failing to follow them will almost certainly be negligent. dian court tackle this issue? Second, where there are options for planting GM crops, One possibility is that a court would compare escaping choose the one that best protects your neighbour. If only some particles to escaping cattle. Courts have long held that you fields will have GM seeds, choose fields away from a sensitive must pay your neighbour for losses suffered at the “hooves neighbour where possible. When harvesting, swathing can result and teeth” of escaping cattle. The underlying principle is that in more drift than direct heading, so it may be necessary to when you keep animals — which have a propensity to escape direct head to protect a neighbour. and cause harm — for your own benefit, you must bear the Organic farmers should also take precautions. First, know risk of the damage they could cause, and compensate others if the governing regulations for your organic organization. Some that risk actualizes. organic classifications disallow produce from a field where pro- A court could expand this principle to cases where a farmer hibited products were “applied,” but accept crops if prohibited plants GM crops, as seeds or particles may drift and can cause products arrived by “environmental contamination.” Ensure harm to non-GM growers. Under this analogy, producers who you understand your vulnerability and risk. grow GM crops for their own profit could be liable for dam- Second, if you suspect contamination, keep records. Docu- age caused to neighbours’ fields, including the losses suffered ment what was discovered, where, when, the prevailing winds, if they lose access to organic or other markets. and what you have observed of your neighbour’s practices. Take photographs where possible (this advice applies to any type of Policy considerations legal dispute: the person with best records almost always has Before making the jump to a new liability regime, a judge the upper hand). will consider whether there are policy reasons not to expand The last two pieces of advice apply to both sides of the dis- the law to the new situation. pute. If you seek the advice of an agronomist or other expert There are some policy reasons that might prevent such an before planting, disclose all relevant information to your adviser expansion. First, courts are reluctant to put someone in a posi- — including knowledge of your neighbour’s practices — and tion where they could be liable for an “indeterminate amount follow the advice received or document why you acted against for an indeterminate time to an indeterminate class.” Since GM it. Failure to share all the facts or ignoring your advisers could particles can travel long distances, and could have serious finan- be used as evidence of unreasonable practices. cial and international trade implications, imposing liability on Finally, talk to each other. Explain what you are doing, what GM producers might create too much risk and uncertainty. concerns you have, how your neighbour’s actions might affect Second, courts are cautious not to make someone liable for you, and suggestions for accommodating each other. In many following ordinary business practices. As common farming cases, the conversation could prevent the problem. In every case, practice evolves to include the use of GM crops, the law may it will demonstrate that you tried to be reasonable, and judges well evolve to embrace that practice. always try to find in favour of “the reasonable person.” CG Third, there may be nothing that a farmer can do to prevent the escape of GM particles. Unlike cattle, which can be Naomi Loewith is a business litigator at Lenczner Slaght in contained with fencing commensurate with animals’ abilities, Toronto. Naomi represents clients across a range of sectors in civil GM particles may escape regardless of the protections used. litigation, administrative disputes and regulatory proceedings.

54 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 w e a t h e r

NEAR NORMAL MILDER THAN NORMAL

Cool WARM Showery WITH NEAR- June NORMAL WARM RAINFALL WITH NEAR- COOL WITH WET SPELLS JUNE NORMAL WARM WITH T/STORMS JULY/AUGUST RAINFALL Cool Showery Warm June Showery Hot Hot spells T/storms Scattered Hot July/Aug. T/storms T/storms July/ Aug.

ONTARIO June 15-21:June Sunny and 15mostly seasonablethrough humid triggering July heavy thunderstormto August and generally sunny9, but2014 showers occur on but showers or heavy thunderstorms on a activity on two or three occasions. a couple of occasions. couple of days. Cool, showery northwest. July 13-19: Sunshine and hot temper- Aug. 3-9: Changeable temperatures and June 22-28: Warm and mostly sunny but atures dominate but look for scattered blustery. Sunny skies most days but a few hotter, muggy days set off some locally thunderstorms possibly heavy in a few showers at a few localities. severe thunderstorms in the south. localities. June 29-July 5: Warm, sunny and hazy July 20-26: Seasonable temperatures with most days with scattered heavier thunder- isolated showers but warmer, muggy on a June 15 through July to storms on a couple of hotter, humid days. couple of days resulting in thunderstorms. July 6-12: Generally sunny and often hot, July 27-Aug. 2: Pleasant temperatures August 9, 2014 humid. Expect scattered heavy thunder- under considerable sunshine. Shower or storm activity at times. thundershower activity in a few areas. NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS July 13-19: Passing thunderstorms occur Aug. 3-9: Sunny, warm overall but cooler, Cool and often wet conditions are expected on a couple of occasions, otherwise sunny, blustery on a couple of days bringing some in June over most of Central Canada from humid. Warm to hot temperatures. rain or showers. the Prairies eastward to Ontario and Que- July 20-26: A chance of a few heavier bec. In July, however, a warmer and drier thunderstorms in places this week, other- regime should return. Look for normal wise mostly sunny with seasonal tempera- ATLANTIC PROVINCES shower activity in all of these areas through- tures. June 15-21: Seasonal to occasionally out the summer although we expect to see July 27-Aug. 2: Sunny with comfortable cool. Blustery. Scattered showers, thun- occasional thunderstorms with local hail, temp. Scattered shower or thunderstorm derstorms west with occasional rain, fog strong winds and heavier downpours. On activity on a couple of days. Blustery. east. the opposite sides of the country, in Brit- Aug. 3-9: Changeable temperatures and June 22-28: Pleasant, warm days are ish Columbia and the Atlantic provinces, blustery. Sunshine alternates with some interspersed with cooler, rainy days east look for pleasant summer weather under an rain. Cooler northwest. and thundershowers west. upper-level high-pressure area. This should June 29-July 5: Mostly sunny with coastal result in warmer-than-normal temperatures fog. Scattered showers and seasonal east, and near-normal rainfall in these areas. QUEBEC a few thunderstorms and warm west. June 15-21: Generally sunny aside from July 6-12: Warm to occasionally hot under showers or heavy thunderstorms on a cou- considerable sunshine. Scattered shower ple of occasions. Seasonal to milder. or heavier thunderstorm activity. June 22-28: Sunny and warm on many July 13-19: Pleasant with seasonal tem- days but expect showers or heavier thun- peratures. A couple of humid, hot days set derstorms on hotter, humid days. off showers east and thunderstorms west. Prepared by meteorologist Larry Romaniuk June 29-July 5: Humid and quite warm in July 20-26: Warm temperatures on most of Weatherite Services. Forecasts should the south with scattered, heavy thunder- days with sunny skies and coastal fog. Iso- be 80 per cent accurate for your area; storm activity. Showery, warm north. lated showers or thunderstorms. expect variations by a day or two due to July 6-12: Mainly sunny and often hot, July 27-Aug. 2: Seasonable temperatures changeable speed of weather systems.

J U N E 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 55 l i f e

New life for rural churches These rural churches are finding strength and a new sense of mission in their rural communities

By Helen Lammers-Helps

n the early days of European settlement, Mainline Protestant churches also tend to have churches played a pivotal role in rural Canada. older congregations than the Roman Catholic and In fact, says Rev. Dr. Cam Harder, an ordained evangelical Christian churches. Lutheran minister and theology professor at the Church attendance is determined by three factors: University of Saskatchewan, churches were natural increase (births minus deaths), migration (to the key to the cultural life of a community. and from other groups) and finally performance (how The same was true in the East, where traditionally well the church meets the needs of its members). the church was more than a place of worship, agrees Before 1950, people would attend church out of Dr. John Young, a United Church minister and pro- obligation, explains Bibby, but today many will only fessor at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. The attend if they feel they get value for their time spent. church was often the only meeting place in town and Churches which work to identify and address the was used not only for church functions but also as a specific needs of their members are the most success- meeting place for non-church groups. ful, says Young. “You have to meet people where But now, those churches are under increasing they’re at,” he emphasizes. threat. For example, many evangelical churches have It isn’t new. Rural depopulation has meant that seen their attendance increase because they have many churches, once the hub of the local community, hired youth pastors and offer youth programming, have closed, with the outlook made worse by the says Young. They have been innovative and they fact that between 1960 and 1975, church attendance have reached out to the community, he says. dropped from 60 per cent to 30 per cent, according to While there has been a hollowing out of rural University of Lethbridge sociology professor, Dr. Regi- institutions with the closing of post offices, schools nald Bibby in his e-book, A New Day — The Resil- and local stores, in general rural churches have ience and Restructuring of Religion in Canada. shown more resilience than their suburban or urban The mainline Protestant churches — United, counterparts. Lutheran, Presbyterian and Anglican — were the Those moving into rural areas tend to have a hardest hit, Bibby writes. strong sense of community, explains Young. And Yet Bibby’s research shows some other interesting those with deep family roots tend to value tradi- trends. While the proportion of Canadians identify- tion, which means they are more likely to attend the ing as Roman Catholic has remained stable at 40 per church of their ancestors. cent for the past 70 years, the percentage of Canadi- Despite the downward trend in church atten- ans who are evangelical Christian (such as Baptist, dance, religion is definitely not dead in Canada, Pentecostal, Mennonite, Nazarene and Alliance) has say Bibby. “What transpires in Canada as far as the increased from eight to 11 per cent (with most of “religion/no religion” balance will depend largely the increase taking place in the last 15 years) and on the collective performance of its religious the percentage of those of non-Christian faith (e.g. groups,” he writes. Muslim, Sikh, Hindu) has increased from three to Bibby encourages people to work together, to eight per cent. seek out like-minded individuals and to build bridges The biggest change, though, has been in the per- within the same denomination or other denomina- centage of Canadians claiming “no religion,” which tions with shared values. has jumped from one to 25 per cent. Many churches in rural Canada are doing just that.

56 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 l i f e

n Plaster Rock, a village of about 1,100 in the declining population, it was no longer sustainable I woods of New Brunswick, the Anglican and United to keep all of these churches open, explains Rev. Church congregations are taking turns holding Sunday Michael Caines, the current rector of the Anglican services. Each church has a half-time minister, says Church of the Resurrection in Grand Bay-Westfield. the United Church pastor, Amanda Longmoore. A decade ago the seven small congregations were “It’s going really well,” says Longmoore. “People combined into one parish. The churches were decon- are attending each week. There’s a new energy and secrated and the proceeds from the sale of the church it’s better for community outreach.” If things con- properties were used to build a new modern church, tinue to go well, they will look at closing one of the which was completed three years ago. “They took two church buildings. “That will be hard,” admits their time, collected pictures and made archives of Longmoore. “People are really attached to their the old churches,” explains Caines. Every stained buildings. People have to be ready, but if they are glass window from the old churches was saved and ready, you can do a lot.” hung in the centre of the new church to preserve the When the Loyalists settled the southern St. John history. “There were hurt feelings and feelings of River Valley in New Brunswick following the Amer- loss. It was rocky at times, as expected,” says Caines. ican Revolution, they built an Anglican Church But, he emphasizes, everyone was consulted and had every few miles along the river. With an aging and a chance to say their opinions.

n the tiny hamlet of Kinkora in southwestern the money needed, they also pitched in to do much of I Ontario the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Roman the work. For example, to remedy a mould problem Catholic Church rallied to raise $2 million to restore caused by the damp crawl space beneath the church, their 1882 church and build a new parish hall. The a crew of 30 volunteers with wheelbarrows filled the money was raised through fundraisers such as galas, crawl space with stone and poured a concrete floor. auctions, recycling drives, bake sales and garage In 2007 the Architectural Conservancy Association sales, says Francis Ryan, the church caretaker. of Ontario, a non-profit organization, recognized the Not only did the congregation of 200 families raise quality of the St. Patrick’s restoration with an award.

ocated in the tip of southwestern Ontario, three Today, with the aid of an associate pastor, a dea- L Roman Catholic churches, two in Wallaceburg con and several lay staff including two youth ministry and one in nearby Port Lambton, were successfully co-ordinators and a pastoral minister, each church is clustered 10 years ago due to a shortage of clergy. a vibrant community with many active youth. Many Where there were four priests there are now two, but of the children who grew up in the faith are return- each church has remained open and “does its own ing with their own children. With fewer priests to thing,” explains Father Greg Bonin, the pastor of the say Mass, the Mass schedule had to change, says Fr. Holy Redeemer cluster. Bonin. “People don’t like change, but we persevered.”

n the southwestern corner of Manitoba, not process. “We’ve made efforts to build relationships I far from the Saskatchewan and North Dakota with the community,” he says. borders, lies the little community of Goodlands, In particular, Whetter has set his sights on reinvent- population 25. Here the evangelical Fellowship ing what he calls kitchen table ministry. He laments Community Church is thriving. Originally a United that even in rural Manitoba nobody seems to take the Church, 22 years ago the church switched alle- time to visit with their neighbours anymore. While giance to the Congregational Christian Church people may be connecting through Facebook, he says in order to have more independence. Pastor Glen they are missing the face-to-face contact. Research has Whetter says the church has worked hard at being shown that despite technology, people in Canada are a church that’s relevant to young families. They lonelier than ever, he says. His congregation is mak- offer a play group for parents with young children ing a concerted effort to help people figure out how to and have involved young families in their planning make casual visiting a part of their lives again.

o better prepare ministers and priests of all events, and have skills in caregiving and reconcilia- T denominations for rural ministry, Rev. Harder tion, he continues. has established the Centre for Rural Community Churches which meet the needs of their con- Leadership and Ministry (CiRCLe M) at the Uni- gregations and look for innovative ways to build versity of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. The centre bridges within their communities, will continue to hosts an annual conference and provides training, flourish in changing times. mentoring and resources to help rural clergy better Although cars and technology mean that people serve their rural congregations and contribute to the aren’t as tied to their local community today as they development of healthy communities. once were, churches can still provide important services In addition to their focus on meeting the congre- to the community, Harder asserts. “They have buildings, gation’s spiritual needs, church leaders are trained to committed volunteers, leaders, fundraising structures assist in times of crisis, provide rituals to process life and a focus on building hope and human capacity.” CG

J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 57 h e a l t h Digestion 101

By Marie Berry

igestion occurs automatically, so you atic, for example fatty foods, chocolate, or spicy probably don’t even think about it foods. Keeping a food diary may help pinpoint the unless you are bothered by a com- offending foods which then can be avoided. Some plaint like indigestion. Coping with drugs such as alcohol, caffeine, iron, some antibiot- digestive complaints, however, is a ics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such multimillion-dollar business, and the products avail- as ibuprofen and naproxen can cause stomach irrita- able are numerous. tion, which adds to the problem. Your digestive tract begins at your mouth and Smoking increases stomach acid, relaxes the ends at the other end with your rectum. It is respon- sphincter, and reduces saliva production which also sible for the absorption of water, nutrients and min- can contribute to indigestion. erals. Food is chewed and swallowed in the mouth, Pregnancy, being overweight, psychological con- and then it is digested by enzymes in your stomach. ditions (such as stage fright), diabetes, and gall blad- Further breakdown and absorption occur in the der disease are other contributors to indigestion and small intestine, which is from 18 to 23 feet long GERD. With diabetes, the problem may also be a in adults. The “leftovers” pass to the shorter large slowing of peristalsis (i.e. the intestinal contractions intestine (about five feet long), where more absorp- that move food through the system). Drugs such as tion occurs, mainly of water. metoclopramide or domperidone may improve the Finally, anything remaining is excreted. The movement of food. whole process takes four to six hours with varia- Antacids neutralize acid in the stomach. Although tions depending upon the type of food you eat and they are fast-acting, however, they are also short- your health. acting and can absorb medications that then pass Poor nutrition can be related to your diet, but it through you. Acid blockers such as ranitidine and can also be the result of factors that reduce nutrient famotidine block the release of stomach acid, thereby absorption. Such factors can include inflammatory relieving symptoms. Many are available without bowel problems (such as Crohn’s disease), low levels prescriptions, but if you find yourself using them of digestive enzymes, low stomach acid, gluten intol- on a regular basis, you should have your symptoms erance (i.e. celiac disease), and lactose intolerance. checked to make sure there is nothing more serious Canada’s Food Guide is a great place to begin for happening. good nutrition, but check for any of these other prob- Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs such as omepra- lems if your nutrition is poor regardless of your diet. zole and rabeprazole stop cells in your stomach from Indigestion may be merely bothersome if it only “pumping-out” acid. They are longer acting, and occurs occasionally. If it becomes chronic, however, generally they are more potent acid reducers, but it can affect your overall health. Gastrointestinal they may interfere with calcium absorption as well as esophageal reflux or GERD is the term used when the heart medication clopidogrel. indigestion, along with burping and heartburn, seem Gas can be an embarrassing problem. Burping to occur daily. About a quarter of Canadians are or belching is known as eructation, and if the gas bothered. is expelled rectally, flatulence. You normally have Between the various sections of the gastrointesti- gas about six to 20 times each day. It is the result of nal tract, sphincters prevent food material from mov- swallowed air, for example when chewing gum, eating backwards. With GERD, the sphincter between ing too fast, or drinking carbonated beverages. If you the stomach and esophagus has lost its “elasticity” think you have more gas than normal, keep a record meaning it doesn’t close properly. and note your diet and foods. You may be able to If you have indigestion, check first to see if you pinpoint the problem. can identify any foods that are especially problem- Good digestion is the starting point for good nutrition, but you need to eat a balanced diet, avoid- ing foods that may be problematic. Also, don’t rush The newest anticoagulants seem to be advertised your eating. Chew your food about 20 times for heavily in American media, and with the aging firmer foods and five to 10 times for softer ones. It of the population more people are using them, turns out your mother was right, so do as she said. especially for atrial fibrillation. Next issue, we’ll Sit down, eat more slowly, and chew! have a look at the older anticoagulant warfarin and compare it to the newer ones. Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist intersted in health and education.

58 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 NOW AVAILABLE

“I’m getting old but I’m not old yet I’m already worried that I might forget How to laugh, how to love How to live, how to learn INTRODUCING I want to die with a smile when it comes my turn.” David Myles, a folksinger from Nova Scotia, wrote “When It Comes My Turn.” He says he wrote it during his “quarter life crisis.” It is not so much a song about growing old, he says, as it is about staying young. Myles wrote the final verse after watching his aunts, uncles and parents “doing all the things they do to keep themselves MOBILE happy as they grow older.” “Maybe I’ll start bowling, maybe I’ll play bridge Maybe I’ll join a band with my own grandkids I don’t care if it kills me I’m gonna do what it takes To keep some warmth in my heart and a smile on my face.” Myles reserves bowling and bridge for the second and third OVER 30,000 stages of life. I suspect many young people feel the same. Join- ing organizations and participating in group activities seems the domain of those more advanced in life. FULLY American political scientist Robert Putnam in his book Bowling SEARCHABLE Alone — The Collapse and Revival of American Community AG EQUIPMENT observed that the highest level of participation in clubs, churches LISTINGS IN and community events was in the early 1950s. Only 10 per cent of homes had television. By the late 1950s most homes had television THE PALM OF sets and membership in organizations had dropped 90 per cent. YOUR HAND!! Putnam chose bowling to illustrate. While the number of people Now you can find the ag who bowled increased by 10 per cent, the number of bowling equipment you’re looking leagues decreased by 40 per cent. More bowling — fewer leagues. for quickly and immediately Putnam sees shared activities, joint projects and volunteering as on your iPhone or Android sources of strength for communities. He defines these assets as Device. (BlackBerry coming soon) “social capital.” Connections function as “social glue,” and help people co-operate with one another for the benefit of all. Andrew Heywood, a British writer, describes social capital as the level of trust and the sense of social connectedness that help promote stability, cohesion and prosperity, “what turn the ‘I’ into ‘we.’” Putnam’s research indicated that one in four Americans vol- 1SEARCH 2 BROWSE unteered in groups and organizations in 1974. Yet 25 years later Define your search criteria by Scroll through your search only one in five were joiners. Putnam says “… we have been your choice of parameters. results instantly. pulled apart from one another and from our communities… ” I suspect the trend to individuality is similar in Canada. My Uncle FIND CONTACT LaVerne bowled in the same league for 50 years. Josh, a Gen-Y 3 4 flight instructor, says, “Occasionally a few friends get together to Get more details and photos of Email or phone the seller go bowling, but people in my age group don’t join leagues.” your found equipment directly – save search results! Peter Ashton, another British writer, argues that “the growth in individualism in an increasingly materialistic society means that most WHY WAIT AND MISS A DEAL!? people are only concerned with themselves, their family and to a cer- Start your search now! Scan the code below to download the app tain extent their friends, rather than with society and other people.” Conference organizers plan coffee breaks to allow time to chat and develop networks. Is that what happens? Coffee breaks provide an opportunity for checking email and communicating Or visit agdealermobile.com for download details. with people not at the meeting. Do social media such as Face- book and Twitter lead society to become averse to human inter- action? Singer David Myles is determined to keep warmth in his heart and a smile on his face as the aging process advances. A life con- nected to other people, while building a better society, promises huge rewards… rewards for individuals and rewards for society. Suggested Scripture: Proverbs 22, Colossians 2:1-6 Rod Andrews is a retired Anglican bishop. He lives in Saskatoon. ©2013 Farm Business Communications J u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 59 ACRES

Leeann Minogue is the editor of GRAINEWS, a playwright and part of a family grain farm in southeastern Saskatchewan Just one more ﬁ eld to go

It wasn’t anybody’s fault, except maybe the fella with the grin

hen Elaine showed him the “We’ll have to take it in and get a new wind- cracked windshield on Monday shield,” Jeff said. “We can’t drive it like that.” afternoon, Jeff didn’t know it On Tuesday it was the sprayer. Jeff answered his was only the first straw. father, Dale’s call for help and rushed out to the field, “I was over as far as I could where he found Dale looking like a duck that had get without sliding into the ditch,” Elaine said when crawled out of the Gulf of Mexico. Dale was covered she came home with their son from playschool grad- in oil from cap to boot, and the hydraulic hoses were uation and Jeff inspected the shiny new crack that still spraying oil two feet in every direction. zagged from one side of the glass to the other, right This could have happened to anyone. But Jeff at the driver’s eye level. “What could I do?” couldn’t help but notice that it hadn’t happened to Jeff bit his tongue and left for the field quickly, him. Jeff made his father take off his jeans and shirt before he asked her exactly how fast she’d been before he got into the truck to go home for tools. driving when she met that semi on the gravel road, On Wednesday it was the lawn mower. Elaine and before he could also ask why on earth she was half-finished with the front lawn when it quit needed to drive a foreign SUV when everybody running. Jeff had been meaning to change the oil, knew the replacement windshields were $800 a pop. but when Dale mentioned he might do it, Jeff had Jeff suspected it wouldn’t have happened if he’d forgotten all about it. Jeff didn’t think he deserved been driving, but he could hardly bring that up, see- all the blame for this, but he wasn’t completely ing that he’d skipped playschool graduation to get in the clear. “First the $800 windshield. Then the the last of the wheat seeded. sprayer. Now this,” Jeff muttered.

60 country-guide.ca J U N E 2 0 1 4 a c r e s

Thursday was the most expensive day. It should “Good thing Grandpa didn’t see this,” Jeff said, have been the last day of seeding, and when Jeff’s mentally adding up how much all of this would cost. grandfather, Ed, came out from town to take his last “Time for a break,” Elaine said when she came turn at the wheel for the year, he brought his new out late in the morning and dragged Jeff into the girlfriend, Helen, along with him. “Get on in!” he’d house. “Have a shower, then we’ll go to town. We’ll told her, holding her cane while she eased her bad have some lunch and pick up Conner.” hip up the ladder and into the tractor cab. “Let me Jeff agreed. They needed to look at lawn mowers show you how it’s done!” before the yard was completely overgrown anyway. After a few minutes things seemed to be going Elaine was right. It was a nice break. After they well, so Jeff had gone back to the yard for more wrote a cheque for a new mower, Jeff and Elaine seed. Dale was in the yard too, and Ed and Helen ate pizza while the baby snored and drooled in her were enjoying the summer scenery from the trac- car seat on a third chair. Between interruptions from tor cab, so there were no witnesses when the wheel neighbours stopping by to take a look under the rolled right off the air cart. pink blanket, Elaine had a chance to tell Jeff about “Get out here!” Ed said over the phone. “We’ll a conference call she’d been on earlier in the week. need your truck to drive around and find the Jeff told Elaine how Helen had packed Ed a picnic damn wheel. Good thing I made it to the corner to take to the field. “In one of those wicker baskets! on the dual.” Like in those old Yogi Bear cartoons! Grandpa talks Jeff sighed. like he’s worried she might change her mind, but “Bring some tools. And maybe the loader tractor. she’s not going anywhere.” That auger’s really dragging on the ground.” Jeff thought Dale had changed out those wheel bolts for some stronger ones. Dale thought Jeff had done it. Ed wasn’t taking any responsibility, which he made pretty clear when he said, “I don’t know what kind of show you guys are running. You’re just “What’s that boy doing?” lucky Helen wasn’t hurt. I don’t know what she’s thinking about us. We’ll be lucky if she decides to Ed asked Helen as they stick around. Especially if you both keep cursing around her.” approached the yard. Jeff spent half the day on the phone, trying to track down a replacement tire rim and some new “Looks like some sort of bolts. He finally found what he needed, but someone had to go all the way to the factory to pick it up dance,” said Helen, puzzled — a good five-hour drive from the farm. “I’ll take Helen up to see the sights,” Ed said. “She’d probably like to see more of Saskatchewan. But you guys will have to put us up in a nice hotel for the night.” After lunch, they picked Conner up from his last On Friday morning Jeff’s mother, Donna had day of preschool. The little boy was thrilled to see Jeff. been at the wheel of the old grain truck, bringing it “This is my daddy!” he told the playschool teacher, the home from the field — since seeding was out of the receptionist, nine other kids and the janitor. question for a few days — when the truck brakes They stopped at the glass shop. The windshield went. Luckily Donna realized what had happened on the SUV was already replaced, so Jeff went in to before it was too late. She managed to roll to a stop pay the bill while Elaine drove the kids home. on the road right in front of the Hansons’ yard. Jeff was already slowing down to turn into his “Good thing I didn’t meet someone at the cor- yard when he met the semi. He pulled over as far as he ner,” she said. “I was going a pretty good clip.” could. The semi driver waved and grinned as they met. Jeff and his dad moved the truck into the shop, Then his trailer sent a stream of rocks up into the air. and got to work on the brakes. They spent more “What’s that boy doing?” Ed asked Helen as time under the truck than they had in a while. One they approached the yard, home with the new tire thing led to another until they had a list of seven or rim and bolts. eight things that needed fixing before they could feel “Looks like some sort of dance,” Helen said, good about taking the truck out on the road again. puzzled. But why is he jumping up and down in the “I didn’t know this thing was in such bad middle of the road? Is he shouting something?” shape,” Dale said. “And how have we been running Ed snorted. “Kid gets stranger every day. He’s it without replacing those signal lights? yelling about ‘800.’” CG

j u n e 2 0 1 4 c o untry-guide.ca 61 o p i n i o n The other view Alberta grain grower Michael Kalisvaart says it’s time to trust our young farmers

By Michael Kalisvaart

really enjoyed reading in Country ment and created an oligopoly of indus- Guide all the articles about opti- try giants that benefited greatly from the mistic young farmers excelling in guaranteed income that the CWB gave their operations. Tracy Court, Gary them year after year. Our big farmer- Lenderbeck, and Tyler Devloo have owned co-ops became stagnant and passion for agriculture and are great exam- uncompetitive under this system, forcing ples of the opportunity available in our them to replace their facilities in a very industry for young people. quick period of time when transportation Then I read Gerald Pilger’s “A farmer’s reforms were introduced in the 1990s. rant,” and I found it to be full of pessimism Undercapitalized and under mounting remain in commercial large-scale com- and negativity. It bothered me for days. debt, they were forced into the mergers modity agriculture as well. I agree with Gerald. There definitely and privatization that happened over the Perhaps a different model — one that is anger building out in the country cof- last 20 years. Independent companies are is more capitalized and more sophisti- fee shops as each contract month goes by also being sold off because the CWB pre- cated in planning for problems like the and grain hauling gets further and fur- vented them from competing in an open one we are currently in — will become ther behind. We are victims of our own and free environment. the new normal. success, harvesting the largest crop in Building new facilities and additional I also wanted to address a very ram- history across the whole of the Prairies, storage is not going to solve the problem pant culture of cynicism that still seems and everyone — including myself — was either. We can easily turn the facilities we to be alive and well in some older circles. hoping for that “holy grail” event of high have many more times if we can drive New and innovative ways of doing things yields and high prices. some more efficiency and accountability are too often met either with an unwill- I am not going to get into a discussion into the system. ingness to explore them or with negative about why the grain movement is so bad. I also object to the suggestion that our comments in the coffee shop predicting It is obvious from what has been said so current industry associations have been failure. I visit with Americans from time far about railroad capacity, oil shipping, ineffective in advocating for farmers. to time and I believe we can learn some- weather, and grain companies, but I would There has been a tremendous amount of thing from their entrepreneurial spirit. like to think that we all have experienced effort put into lobbying this past winter Too often we are unwilling to take poor shipping before and what has hap- and the government has listened to them. risks or chances to invest in ideas. We pened shouldn’t really be such a surprise. Great young and old farmers have been need people to not only innovate but The biggest crop in history, you stepping up and having their voices heard to attract capital and to promote new might expect, would have the worst with a lot more legitimacy than a very efforts to enhance our commodity pipe- shipping in history. political CWB had. lines, taking pressure off the rail system At another time I would love to dis- I believe our industry groups have a and creating jobs here rather than in cuss whether maybe the rail system should great future and with open markets, a lot China. be operated in the greater interest of the of optimism abounds among those who This requires not only leadership, public good rather than the share price of choose to get involved. which I think we have in abundance, but CP or CN, but that is a whole other dis- Canadian agriculture is entering a also some more support from our com- cussion. The main point is that we should period of great generational change, and munity of farmers to make things happen have seen it coming and protected our with it are coming new ideas and tremen- and not just pessimistically dismiss them cash flow in some way. Even though its dous innovation. because ideas were tried and failed 25 response is maybe symbolic, I commend The old ways of doing things are being years ago. the government for coming down on rail- questioned, and farming is definitely Maybe Gerald was having a bad day ways and passing some legislation. changing its structure as rationalization when he wrote his article, but I believe I also take offence at the notion that continues as well. One of the sad facts we are the greatest country to farm in we are unable to compete in a free and is that there will be fewer and fewer of and will remain so for many years to open commodity market. As far as I can us as time continues, but a new batch of come. A new group of business-savvy tell, canola, peas, lentils etc. have been innovative people are taking over and it professionals are moving in, a group that free for a long time. will be exciting to see how they respond certainly cares every bit as much for their I would argue that the Canadian to these challenges. Some will transition communities and neighbours. Wheat Board prevented a lot of new into niche markets and direct markets but Gerald, let me buy you a drink some- entrants from thriving in our environ- there is definitely a future for those who time, one that is half full. CG

62 country-guide.ca J u n e 2 0 1 4 WHERE FARMERS MEETTM

CORN SILAGE HARVESTING DEMOS GROBER YOUNG ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE COVER CROP TILLAGE DEMOS ALLTECH DECK SILAGE BAGGING/BALING DEMOS HORTICULTURE PAVILION UN’S INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FAMILY FARMING CANADIAN ENERGY EXPO • Presented by Faromor Energy Solutions SKID STEER RIDE’N’DRIVE BIOMASS EQUIPMENT DEMOS NEW FUELS / NEW TRUCKS EXPO CORN STALK BALING DEMOS BRITESPAN DAIRY INNOVATION CENTRE • Featuring Lely & DeLaval TEMPO PLANTER DEMOS

www.OutdoorFarmShow.com [email protected] 1-800-563-5441 @outdoorfarmshow Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show http://cofs.quickmobile.mobi/

IO-4142_Country_Guide_June_2014.indd 1 14-05-07 2:21 PM Front-folding Performance to the

The Unverferth® X-TREME™ grain cart delivers unmatched grain- movement performance with more outward, upward and forward reach than any other front-folding single-auger grain cart!

All X-TREME models feature a patent-pending auger design that allows the upper portion to store diagonally along the front of the cart for extreme auger reach. There’s also the Dyna-Torque auger drive with a 22” sump-mounted auger with leaned double flighting that feeds into the 20” unloading auger for optimum Unloading speed of 620 bushels per minute unloading efficiency – 620 bushels per minute.

• Capacities of 1,300, 1,100 and 1,000+ bushels • Vortex downspout with 60° rotation for precisely controlling grain ﬂ ow • Undercarriage choices of high-ﬂ otation singles, walking- tandem duals, or tracks, depending on model

Move your harvest efficiency to the extreme. See your Unverferth dealer today for complete details about the X-TREME grain cart, check our website at umequip.com or call 1-800-322-6301.

P.O. Box 357 • Kalida, Ohio 45853 • (419) 532.3121 • 1.800.322.6301

UNV17012-3_7.875x10.5-2.indd 1 4/18/13 3:03 PM