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