Contact Information:

Christine Curtis

(403) 343-6397   

LINK FOR DAILY HOG PRICES: 

LINK FOR DAILY CATTLE PRICES: 

LINK FOR DAILY GRAIN PRICES: 

 

OUR DAILY GRAIN MARKET SNAPSHOT IS PROVIDED BY KEITH FERLEY OF RBC COMMODITIES. IF YOU WANT TO REACH HIM DIRECTLY, CALL 1-866-820-9297. 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 23 2013

 

NOT COOL (MAY 23) - THE US APPEARS TO BE IGNORING A RULING BY THE WTO TO BRING ITS COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING INTO COMPLIANCE WITH WORLD TRADE RULES.  CANADA SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED COOL AT THE WTO, SAYING THE PROGRAM LED MANY US MEATPACKING PLANTS TO STOP BUYING ANIMALS BORN IN CANADA.  BUT THE US IS STANDING BY A PROPOSAL IT MADE EARLIER THIS YEAR, THAT COULD ACTUALLY CREATE EVEN MORE RESTRICTIONS FOR OUR CATTLE AND HOGS HEADING SOUTH.  FEDERAL AG MINISTER GERRY RITZ SPOKE WITH REPORTERS EARLIER TODAY AND SAYS CANADA WILL RETALIATE. COOL HAS COST CANADA'S BEEF AND HOG INDUSTRIES, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN LOST SALES, OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS.

HELP WANTED (MAY 23) - GOOD HELP IS HARDER TO FIND. THAT'S THE MESSAGE FROM FARM CREDIT CANADA ABOUT THE SHORTAGE OF AGRICULTURE WORKERS. THE F-C-C IS URGING THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR TO COME UP WITH A STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM THAT FOCUSES ON RECRUITING AND RETAINING WORKERS. THE AGENCY SAYS THE LABOUR SHORTAGE IS MORE ACUTE WHEN TRENDS SUCH AS CANADA'S AGING POPULATION AND RURAL DEPOPULATION ARE FACTORED IN. THE F-C-C SAYS THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR STILL STRUGGLES TO COMPETE WITH RESOURCE-BASED INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS OIL, GAS AND MINING, WHICH OFTEN PAY HIGHER WAGES.

 

BSE 10 YEARS LATER (MAY 23) - THE BEEF INDUSTRY SAYS IT IS MOVING ON FROM THE FALLOUT FROM THE MAD COW DISEASE SCARE.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION SAYS MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD CLOSED THEIR BORDERS TO CANADIAN CATTLE AND BEEF 10 YEARS AGO AFTER B-S-E WAS DISCOVERED IN AN ALBERTA COW. MARTIN UNRAU SAYS THERE ARE NOW BETTER RULES FOR TRACKING BEEF AND CATTLE AS WELL AS STRICTER FEED AND SLAUGHTER REGULATIONS. MOST OF THE EXPORT MARKETS THAT WERE CLOSED IN 2003 HAVE SINCE BEEN RE-OPENED. THE NUMBER OF BEEF PRODUCERS IN CANADA IS NOW ABOUT 68,500, DOWN FROM MORE THAN 90,000 TEN YEARS AGO.

CORN UPDATE (MAY 23) - U-S CORN GROWERS HAD A BIG WEEK.

THEY WENT FROM HAVING 28 PER CENT OF THE CROP PLANTED TO HAVING 71 PER CENT OF IT IN THE GROUND. AND THAT 71 PER CENT IS ONLY EIGHT POINTS OFF THE FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE OF 79 PER CENT.

THE U-S-D-A'S LATEST CROP PROGRESS REPORT SAYS 19 PER CENT OF THAT CROP HAS EMERGED SO FAR, COMPARED TO THE 46 PER CENT FIVE YEAR AVERAGE. SOYBEAN PLANTING ALSO GOT UNDERWAY IN EARNEST LAST WEEK, GOING FROM SIX PER CENT TO 24 PER CENT PLANTED.

STILL WELL BEHIND THE 42 PER CENT FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE. AND 67 PER CENT OF THE U-S SPRING WHEAT CROP HAS NOW BEEN PLANTED, ABOUT NINE POINTS OFF THE FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE FOR THAT CROP.

PROGRESS (MAY 23) - MANITOBA AGRICULTURE IS REPORTING GOOD SEEDING PROGRESS IN ALL REGIONS OF THE PROVINCE. THE RANGE RUNS FROM A HIGH OF 65 PER CENT IN THE EASTERN REGION TO A LOW OF 30 PER CENT IN THE INTERLAKE. GREATEST PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE WITH SPRING WHEAT, OATS, GRAIN CORN AND FIELD PEAS.

THAT IS FOLLOWED BY BARLEY, SOYBEANS, CANOLA, FLAX AND SUNFLOWERS. HEAVY RAIN OVER THE WEEKEND IS SLOWING SEEDING OPERATIONS IN SOME AREAS ALONG THE U-S BORDER. 
 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 22 2013

 

BOMBS AWAY (MAY 22) - A FARMER CULTIVATING HIS FIELDS IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA CAME UPON AN EXPLOSIVE DISCOVERY -- SOME OLD BOMBS. MEMBERS OF THE CANADIAN FORCES BASE SUFFIELD WERE CALLED TO THE BLOOD RESERVE YESTERDAY AFTER THE FARMER FOUND EIGHT METAL OBJECTS. THE MILITARY BOMB SQUAD IDENTIFIED THE OBJECTS THROUGH PHOTOS -- AIRCRAFT PRACTICE BOMBS USED DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR ON A BOMBING RANGE ON THE RESERVE. OFFICIALS SAY THE BOMBS COULD HAVE CONTAINED EXPLOSIVE SPOTTING CHARGES, SO THEY WERE GOING TO DISPOSE OF THEM SAFELY.

APPOINTMENT (MAY 22) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS REAPPOINTED RANDY WILLIAMSON AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CANADIAN DAIRY COMMISSION. AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ SAYS UNDER WILLIAMSON'S LEADERSHIP THE COMMISSION WILL CONTINUE WORKING TO MAKE THE DAIRY INDUSTRY STRONGER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE. THE COMMISSION IS A CROWN CORPORATION THAT HELPS GUIDE MILK PRODUCTION AND REVENUES. WILLIAMSON'S REAPPOINTMENT IS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1ST FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS.
CATTLE ON FEED (MAY 22) - THE NUMBER OF CATTLE ON FEED IN THE U-S WAS DOWN THREE PER CENT IN MAY FROM A YEAR AGO.

THE 10.7 MILLION-HEAD HERD WAS DOWN TWO PER CENT FROM THE APRIL 1ST INVENTORY. THE U-S-D-A SAYS FARMERS PLACED 1.75 MILLION CATTLE IN FEEDLOTS IN APRIL -- THAT'S 15 PER CENT MORE THAN WERE PLACED IN U-S FEEDLOTS IN 2012. MARKETINGS OF FED CATTLE IN APRIL TOTALLED 1.86 MILLION TWO PER CENT MORE THAN LAST YEAR. THAT ALSO MEANS U-S CATTLE PRODUCERS SOLD ABOUT 100 THOUSAND MORE CATTLE IN APRIL THAN THEY PUT ON FEED THAT MONTH.

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 21 2013

 

CLEAR SKIES (MAY 21) - METEOROLOGISTS AT ACCUWEATHER.COM SAY THE MAJORITY OF CANADIANS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A MORE TYPICAL SUMMER THIS YEAR, WHEN HOT SPELLS WILL BE INTERSPERSED WITH COOLER PERIODS. THE COMPANY'S LEAD FORECASTER FOR CANADA SAYS THIS SUMMER WON'T BE LIKE LAST -- WHICH WAS THE WARMEST ON RECORD FOR THE COUNTRY. BRETT ANDERSON SAYS WHILE THERE WILL BE SPELLS OF HOT OR DRY WEATHER, THEY WON'T LOCK IN FOR WEEKS ON END. THE SOGGIEST SPOTS THIS SUMMER ARE LIKELY TO BE THE NORTHERN PRAIRIES AND AREAS OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO PARTICULARLY AROUND LAKE SUPERIOR, INCLUDING THUNDER BAY AND SAULT STE MARIE.

FOOD SAFTEY (MAY 21) - AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ SAYS THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY WILL STRENGTHEN E. COLI TESTING IN FEDERALLY INSPECTED ESTABLISHMENTS THAT USE RAW BEEF. TESTING WILL INCREASE BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER -- CONSIDERED BARBECUE SEASON. MEAT PACKERS WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION ON DEMAND AND IN A STANDARDIZED FORMAT. PLANTS THAT PRODUCE MECHANICALLY TENDERIZED BEEF CUTS WILL ALSO HAVE TO LABEL THEM AS SUCH.

HAIRY CANOLA (MAY 21) - SCIENTISTS AT THE SASKATOON RESEARCH CENTRE SAY THEY HAVE DEVELOPED THE FIRST CRUCIFER FLEA BEETLE-RESISTANT STRAND OF CANOLA. COMMONLY KNOWN AS HAIRY CANOLA, THE GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANT HAS HAIR-LIKE FIBERS THAT NATURALLY WARD OFF FLEA BEETLES THAT TRY TO FEED ON IT. MARGRET GRUBER WITH AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA SAYS THE HAIRY CANOLA RANKS AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN THE NON-HAIRY CANOLA THAT'S PROTECTED BY PESTICIDES. GRUBER SAYS THE HAIRS CONFUSE THE FLEA BEETLES, AND MAY ALSO INSULATE THE CANOLA TO PROTECT IT FROM WIND AND COLD.

CLUBROOT WORKSHOP (MAY 21) - CLUBROOT IS A DISEASE MANY ALBERTA PRODUCERS, PRIMARILY CANOLA PRODUCERS ARE HAVING TO DEAL WITH. NEXT MONTH, RESEARCHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WILL BE IN EDMONTON FOR THE 2013 INTERNATIONAL CLUBROOT WORKSHOP. IT WILL BE HELD IN EDMONTON JUNE 19TH - 22ND. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WWW. CLUBROOT.CA

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 17 2013

 

FARMER'S MARKET OPEN (MAY 17) - THE 43RD ANNUAL MARKET AT RED DEER OPENS TOMORROW FOR THE SEASON AT 8 AM. MARKET OPERATOR DENNIS MOFFAT IS EXCITED. 

 

 

CPI UP (MAY 17) - HIGHER FOOD PRICES HELPED PUSH UP THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN APRIL COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO. THE OVERALL INDEX WAS UP 0 POINT 4 PER CENT IN THAT 12 MONTH PERIOD. THE PRICE OF FOOD WAS UP 1 POINT 5 PER CENT FROM APRIL OF 2012 TO APRIL OF THIS YEAR. STATISTICS CANADA SAYS CONSUMERS PAID MORE FOR FOOD PURCHASED FROM STORES. MEAT PRICES WERE UP 3 POINT 2 PER CENT OVER THAT 12 MONTH PERIOD WHILE PRICES FOR SUGAR AND CONFECTIONARY DROPPED 2 POINT 8 PER CENT. CONSUMERS ALSO PAID MORE FOR FOOD PURCHASED FROM RESTAURANTS – 1 POINT 2 PER CENT MORE. HOWEVER, STATISTICS CANADA SAYS THE PRICE OF FOOD ACTUALLY FELL FROM MARCH TO APRIL. THAT DROP WAS 0 POINT 2 PER CENT.  (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

WHEAT ALLIANCE (MAY 17) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, ALONG WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN AND THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN YESTERDAY ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF A NEW CANADIAN WHEAT ALLIANCE. THE ALLIANCE WILL INVEST $97 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS IN WHEAT RESEARCH TO IMPROVE WHEAT YIELDS AND ENSURE THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS OF CANADIAN FARMERS. OTTAWA WILL BE INVESTING NEARLY $85 MILLION IN FUNDING AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS, WHILE THE SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED AN ADDITIONAL $10 MILLION TO SUPPORT WHEAT RESEARCH OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. THE INITIAL SIX PROJECTS ARE FOCUSED ON REDUCING LOSSES DUE TO DROUGHT, HEAT, COLD STRESS, AND DISEASE, AND REDUCING NITROGEN FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS. (CHSM)
 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 16 2013

 

HOG ISSUES (MAY 16) - COST OF PRODUCTION AND THE PERCEPTION OF ANIMAL WELFARE ARE ISSUES CONTINUING TO FACE THE HOG SECTOR.  ALBERTA PORK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DARCY FITZGERALD SAYS PRODUCERS ARE NOT MAKING MONEY. HE SAYS AS A MATTER OF FACT, THEY ARE MAKING LESS THAN ZERO.

THE NEW CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE HOG INDUSTRY WILL OPEN WITH A COMMENT PERIOD ON JUNE 1ST.  FITZGERALD URGES PRODUCERS TO PROVIDE INPUT.

AND....FITZGERALD IS REMINDING EVERYONE OF THE REGION 2 ALBERTA PORK REGIONAL MEETING ON MAY 28TH.  IT'S BEING HELD AT WESTERNER PARK.  IT BEGINS WITH REGISTRATION, FOLLOWED BY AN INFORMATION SESSION FROM 3:30 - 5-30 PM.  AFTER A PORK DINNER, THERE WILL BE UPDATES ON ALBERTA PORK'S ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT PRODUCERS AND A LOOK AT THE CURRENT INDUSTRY SITUATION. YOU'RE ASKED TO RSVP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 15 2013

 

SEEDS ACT (MAY 15) - NFU PRESIDENT TERRY BOEHM SAYS PROPOSED SEEDS ACT REGULATION CHANGES SHOULD CONCERN ALL FARMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THE PROPOSED CHANGES WOULD ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT FOR INDEPENDENT FIELD-TESTING AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF SOYBEANS AND FORAGES. THE NFU SAYS THE CHANGES WOULD ALSO ALLOW SEED COMPANIES TO UNILATERALLY DE-REGISTER VARIETIES, REGARDLESS OF THEIR VALUE TO FARMERS. BOEHM ARGUES THAT MEANS THE COMPANIES COULD DE-REGISTER OLD VARIETIES SO THE ONLY VARIETIES AVAILABLE TO FARMERS WOULD BE EXPENSIVE NEW ONES SUBJECT TO PATENT RESTRICTIONS OR ROYALTY CHARGES. THE NFU ALSO WORRIES THAT WITHOUT INDEPENDENT FIELD-TESTING AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FARMERS WILL BECOME THE FIELD-TESTERS FOR NEW SEED VARIETIES. THE BOTTOM LINE FOR THE NFU IS THE ARGUMENT THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE BASED MORE ON BENEFITS TO THE SEED COMPANIES THAN THE INTERESTS OF FARMERS AND THE PEOPLE THEIR PRODUCTS FEED. BOEHM IS ENCOURAGING FARMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO MAKE THEIR CONCERNS KNOWN THROUGH THE CANADA GAZETTE ON-LINE PROCESS.
THOSE COMMENTS CAN BE MADE UNTIL MAY 23RD.  (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

MONSANTO (MAY 15) - A DOZEN YEARS AFTER A CUSTOMER REVOLT FORCED MONSANTO TO DITCH ITS GENETICALLY ENGINEERED POTATO, AN IDAHO COMPANY AIMS TO RESURRECT HIGH-TECH SPUDS.

THIS MONTH, TUBER PROCESSING GIANT J-R SIMPLOT CO. ASKED THE U-S GOVERNMENT TO APPROVE FIVE VARIETIES OF BIOTECH POTATOES.

THEY'RE ENGINEERED NOT TO DEVELOP UGLY BLACK BRUISES -- MCDONALD'S, WHICH GETS MANY OF ITS FRIES FROM SIMPLOT, REJECTS THOSE. THEY'RE ALSO DESIGNED TO HAVE LESS OF A NATURAL BUT POTENTIALLY CANCER-CAUSING NEUROTOXIN, ACRYLAMIDE.

UNLIKE TRANSGENIC VARIETIES MONSANTO COMMERCIALIZED IN THE 1990S USING GENES FROM SYNTHETIC BACTERIA TO KILL INSECT PESTS, SIMPLOT'S NEW ``INNATE''-BRAND POTATOES USE ONLY POTATO GENES.

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 14 2013

 

MONSANTO (MAY 14) - THE SUPREME COURT HAS RULED THAT AN INDIANA FARMER VIOLATED MONSANTO CO.'S PATENTS ON SOYBEAN SEEDS THAT ARE RESISTANT TO ITS WEED-KILLER BY GROWING ADDITIONAL CROPS WITHOUT BUYING NEW BEANS.

THE JUSTICES UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED THE FARMER'S ARGUMENT THAT CHEAP SOYBEANS HE BOUGHT FROM A GRAIN ELEVATOR ARE NOT COVERED BY THE MONSANTO PATENTS, EVEN THOUGH MOST OF THEM ALSO WERE GENETICALLY MODIFIED TO RESIST THE COMPANY'S ROUNDUP HERBICIDE. WHILE MONSANTO WON THIS CASE, THE COURT REFUSED TO MAKE A SWEEPING DECISION THAT WOULD COVER OTHER SELF-REPLICATING TECHNOLOGIES LIKE DNA MOLECULES AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES. MONSANTO OFFICIALS SAID THEY WERE PLEASED WITH THE COURT'S RULING. (CP)

 

INDEX DOWN (MAY 14) - SCOTIABANK’S AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INDEX WAS DOWN 1 POINT 6 PER CENT IN APRIL FROM MARCH. THE BANK SAYS SMALL DECLINES IN WHEAT, HOGS, CATTLE AND ATLANTIC COAST LOBSTER MORE THAN OFFSET FIRMER CANOLA AND BARLEY PRICES. THE BANK’S MONTHLY COMMODITY PRICE INDEX ALSO TOOK AT LOOK AT THE USDA’S WORLD AGRICULTURE SUPPLY AND DEMAND ESTIMATES REPORT. THAT REPORT PREDICTS RECORD-LARGE U-S AND GLOBAL COARSE GRAIN AND OILSEED CROPS. SCOTIABANK ECONOMISTS SAY THAT’S BAD NEWS FOR CORN, SOYBEAN AND CANOLA PRICES.
BUT THEY SAY IT’S GOOD NEWS FOR FERTILIZER COMPANIES.  (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

FARMER'S MARKETS (MAY 14) - AS THE VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND GETS CLOSER, MORE AND MORE FARMER'S MARKETS ARE GEARING UP FOR THE SEASON. THE RED DEER PUBLIC MARKET STARTS UP AGAIN ON SATURAY IN FRONT OF THE PIDHERNEY CENTRE AND ARENA FROM 8 AM - 12:30.    DENNIS MOFFAT AND NOW JOINED BY HIS SON PATRICK WILL CELEBRATE THE 43RD YEAR OF THE MARKET IN DOWNTOWN RED DEER.

 

ALLIANCE (MAY 14) - ALLIANCE GRAIN TRADERS INC. SAYS IT HAS BENEFITED FROM AN IMPROVEMENT IN MARKET CONDITIONS THAT BEGAN IN LATE 2012 AND CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. THE REGINA-BASED COMPANY, WHICH SELLS LENTILS, PEAS, CHICKPEAS AND OTHER SPECIALTY FOODS, REPORTED ON MONDAY A LOSS OF 380-THOUSAND DOLLARS, OR TWO CENTS PER SHARE, FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31 ON 276-POINT-FOUR MILLION DOLLARS OF REVENUE. THE COMPANY SAYS IT HAD AN AVERAGE OF 68 DAYS OF INVENTORY THROUGHOUT THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2013, COMPARED WITH ABOUT 86 DAYS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 2012.

A-G-T OPERATES A PULSES AND GRAINS PROCESSING BUSINESS AS WELL AS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS.(CP)

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 13 2013

 

USDA REPORT (MAY 13) - THE USDA IS REDUCING ITS ESTIMATED YIELD FOR THIS YEAR’S AMERICAN CORN CROP. THE DEPARTMENT’S LATEST WORLD SUPPLY AND DEMAND ESTIMATES REPORT SAYS AMERICAN FARMERS WILL BRING IN AN AVERAGE OF 158 BUSHELS AN ACRE THIS YEAR. THAT’S DOWN BY 5 POINT 6 BUSHELS FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S ESTIMATE IN FEBRUARY. USDA ANALYSTS ARE BLAMING THE SLOW START TO THIS YEAR’S PLANTING FOR THE CUT.
HOWEVER, EVEN WITH THE REDUCTION THE USDA IS STILL PROJECTING RECORD CORN SUPPLIES OF 14 POINT 9 BILLION BUSHELS AT THE END OF THIS CROP YEAR. THAT’S UP 3 BILLION FROM LAST YEAR.
THE WASDE REPORT PUTS SOYBEAN SUPPLIES AT 3 POINT 53 BILLION BUSHELS THE END OF THIS YEAR. THAT’S UP 10 PER CENT FROM LAST YEAR. THE DEPARTMENT IS EXPECTING A RECORD 3 POINT 39 BILLION BUSHELS OF SOYBEANS FROM U-S FARMERS THIS YEAR. THAT’S BASED ON YIELDS OF 44 POINT 5 BUSHELS AN ACRE – UP 4 POINT 9 BUSHELS FROM LAST YEAR. AND U-S ENDING WHEAT STOCKS ARE PROJECTED TO BE 670 MILLION BUSHELS. THAT’S DOWN 61 MILLION BUSHELS FROM LAST YEAR’S PROJECTION. IT’S ALSO THE FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR THE U-S ENDING WHEAT STOCKS WILL HAVE FALLEN.
(BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)
 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 10 2013

 

BE PREPARED (MAY 10) - FIRE RISK AROUND THE PROVINCE IS VERY HIGH TO EXTREME. FARMERS AND ACREAGE OWNERS CAN TAKE A FEW STEPS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK AND ALSO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE. EMERGENCY PROGRAM OFFICER WITH ALBERTA AGRICULTURE DOUG FORGE SAYS THE FIRST STEP IS TO KNOW THE RISKS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR AREA.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO THE ALBERTA SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE.

COOL DEBATE (MAY 10) - A NUMBER OF U-S MEAT, POULTRY AND RETAIL ASSOCIATIONS WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO HOLD OFF IMPLEMENTING IT  S PROPOSED NEW COOL RULES. INSTEAD, THE GROUPS ARE ASKING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAVE THE WTO LOOK AT THAT PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION TO MAKE SURE IT BRINGS THE U-S INTO COMPLIANCE WITH IT  S TRADE OBLIGATIONS BEFORE IT  S IMPLEMENTED. THE GROUPS INVOLVED DON'T THINK THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE RULE DO BRING THE U-S INTO COMPLIANCE.
THAT'S THE SAME ARGUMENT CANADIAN AND MEXICAN OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN MAKING. THE AMERICAN GROUPS SUGGEST THAT THE U-S COULD WORK OUT A SO-CALLED SEQUENCING AGREEMENT  WITH CANADA AND MEXICO WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE WTO TIME TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED RULE WITHOUT TRIGGERING RETALIATORY ACTION.
THE AMERICAN MEAT INSTITUTE, THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN  S BEEF ASSOCIATION AND THE NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL ARE AMONG THOSE GROUPS ASKING FOR THE DELAY. THE U-S NATIONAL PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL AND THE NORTH AMERICAN MEAT ASSOCIATION ARE ALSO ON THAT LIST. THEY ALL ARGUE THEY WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECTED IF THE RULE CHANGES PROPOSED BY THE U-S ARE IMPLEMENTED. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 9 2013

 

EURO TRADE (MAY 9) - A HIGH-RANKING EUROPEAN OFFICIAL SAYS ONLY AGRICULTURAL ISSUES STAND IN THE WAY OF A CANADA-EUROPEAN UNION TRADE DEAL. MATTHIAS BRINKMANN, EU'S AMBASSADOR TO CANADA, SAYS MOST OTHER ISSUES ARE READY OR CLOSE TO READY FOR SIGNING, BUT THE TWO SIDES ARE STILL APART ON AGRICULTURE. HE SAYS THE EU IS READY TO AGREE TO ALLOW 40,000 TONNES AND MORE OF BEEF IMPORTS, THE MINIMUM CANADIAN PRODUCERS SAID WOULD BE REQUIRED. BUT HE SAYS CANADA IS INSISTING ON MORE, WITHOUT GIVING A SPECIFIC FIGURE.

IN RETURN, BRINKMANN SAYS EUROPE MUST BE ALLOWED TO SHIP MORE DAIRY PRODUCTS PARTICULARLY CHEESE TO CANADA.

HE SAYS EUROPE IS NOT INTERESTED IN CHANGING CANADA'S SUPPLY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AS LONG AS IT INCREASES THE QUOTA.

 

CROP REPORTING (MAY 9) - ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IS AGAIN DELIVERING CROP REPORTING TO CLIENTS.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE CROP REPORT IS TO CAPTURE TIMELY INFORMATION RELATING TO CROP PRODUCTION IN ALBERTA DURING THE CURRENT CROP SEASON. THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH THE USE OF SURVEYS WHICH COLLECT DATA ON MOISTURE AND CROP CONDITIONS, PROGRESS OF SEEDING AND HARVESTING, INSECT AND DISEASE SITUATION, YIELD POTENTIAL AND CROP QUALITY, ETC. DATA COLLECTED THROUGH THE SURVEYS, ALONG WITH INFORMATION FROM OTHER SOURCES WILL BE USED TO COMPILE THE BI-WEEKLY 2013 CROP REPORT, WHICH PRESENTS PROVINCIAL AND REGIONAL SUMMARIES.

FAVA BEANS (MAY 9) - THERE'S AN INCREASING INTEREST IN GROWING FAVA BEANS. ALBERTA AGRICULTURE'S MARK OLSEN EXPLAINS WHY.
 
OLSEN SAYS AS WITH ALL CROPS, JUST BECAUSE WE CAN GROW IT, DOESN'T MEAN IT WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. HE SAYS MARKETING IS KEY, AND FARMERS NEED TO HAVE A MARKET FOR FAVA BEANS BEFORE SEEDING.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FAVA BEANS YOU CAN CALL THE AG INFO CENTRE AT 310-3276.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 8 2013

 

INSURANCE LOSSES (MAY 8) - IT SEEMS MOTHER NATURE HAS A THING FOR ALBERTA WHEN IT COMES TO SEVERE WEATHER. THE INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA SAYS 62 PER CENT OF ALL INSURANCE LOSSES FROM NATURAL CATASTROPHES IN THE COUNTRY LAST YEAR WERE IN THE PROVINCE. CLAIMS TOTALLED MORE THAN $730 MILLION FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY HEAVY RAINS, HAIL AND WIND, INCLUDING FROM MAJOR STORMS THAT HIT CALGARY, EDMONTON AND SOUTHERN ALBERTA. SUCH STORMS HAVE PROMPTED SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES TO DOUBLE THE DEDUCTIBLE FOR WEATHER-RELATED CLAIMS THIS YEAR. THERE WAS ALSO RECORD HAIL DAMAGE TO CROPS LAST YEAR.

ALBERTA CROWN CORPORATIONS PAID OUT MORE THAN $451 MILLION IN HAIL INSURANCE TO FARMERS.

FLOODING COMPENSATION (MAY 8) - THE MANITOBA GOVERNMENT SAYS IT IS WORKING ON MORE FLOOD COMPENSATION, BUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS TO PUT UP MONEY AS WELL. INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION MINISTER STEVE ASHTON WAS RESPONDING TO A PROTEST BY SOME 100 PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATURE YESTERDAY. THE PROTESTERS -- MANY WHO FARM ALONG LAKE MANITOBA -- SAY THEY HAVEN'T BEEN COMPENSATED ENOUGH FOR THE 2011 FLOOD, WHICH CONTINUES TO AFFECT FARMLAND.

ASHTON SAYS THE PROVINCE IS WILLING TO CONSIDER EXPANDING AID PROGRAMS, SO THAT PRODUCERS CAN BE COMPENSATED FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR IN THE EVENT OF A BIG DISASTER.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 7 2013

 

AVIAN FLU (MAY 7) - THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY DOESN'T THINK THERE'S MUCH RISK OF THAT NEW AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS MAKING IT'S WAY FROM CHINA TO ANIMALS HERE IN CANADA. AT LEAST, NOT YET. THE CFIA RECENTLY DID A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK TO CANADIAN ANIMALS OF THAT VIRUS. IT WAS BASED ON CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DATA. HOWEVER, CFIA DOES POINT OUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THIS VIRUS IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL POPULATIONS IS LIMITED, SO THEY  LL BE UPDATING THE ASSESSMENT AS MORE INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE. BOTTOM LINE, THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY'S PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF THE RISK TO CANADIAN ANIMALS FROM THE NOVEL H7N9 FLU VIRUS IN CHINA IS CONSIDERED TO RANGE FROM NEGLIGIBLE TO VERY LOW. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

CORN PROGRESS (MAY 7) - U-S CORN FARMERS MADE A LITTLE MORE PROGRESS ON THEIR SPRING PLANTING IN THE PAST WEEK. THE USDA SAYS THEY'RE NOW UP TO 12 PER CENT PLANTED, COMPARED WITH LAST WEEK'S 5 PER CENT. STILL WAY OFF LAST YEAR'S 47 PER CENT BY THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. AND, THEY'VE STARTED TO PUT SOYBEANS INTO THE GROUND. THE USDA SAYS 2 PER CENT OF THAT CROP HAS BEEN PLANTED   AGAIN, WELL OFF LAST YEAR'S 12 PER CENT.
23 PER CENT OF THE U-S SPRING WHEAT CROP IS IN THE GROUND   LESS THAN HALF WHAT WAS PLANTED BY THIS TIME LAST YEAR.
MEANWHILE THE CONDITION OF THE U-S WINTER WHEAT CROP CONTINUES TO HOVER IN THE LOW 30′S FOR GOOD TO EXCELLENT.
THIS WEEK IT'S 32 PER CENT GOOD TO EXCELLENT. LAST WEEK IT WAS 33 PER CENT. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

SUMMER JOBS (MAY 7) - THE SUMMER FARM EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM IS ONCE AGAIN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. ACTING PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR MARY ANNE NELSON HAS MORE DETAILS.
 
EMPLOYEES MUST BE RESIDENTS OF ALBERTA, BETWEEN 15 AND 24 YEARS OLD AND THEY CANNOT BE A DIRECT RELATIVE OF THE EMPLOYER. THE EMPLOYEES CANNOT BE WORKING ANYWHERE ELSE OR ATTENDING SCHOOL, WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SUMMER FARM EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM, CALL THE AG INFO CENTRE AT 310-3276.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 6 2013

 

VISITORS AT OLDS COLLEGE (MAY 6) - A NIGERIAN DELEGATION WILL BE AT OLDS COLLEGE TODAY. DR. ABIMBOLA ABIOLA SAYS THEY WILL BE GATHERING INFORMATION ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS.
 

THE DELEGATION WILL BE AT OLDS COLLEGE TODAY AND MOVE ON TO CALGARY TOMORROW.

CANVAS AUCTION (MAY 6) - THE FINAL CHUCKWAGON CANVAS AUCTION FOR 2013 TOOK PLACE FOR ONE OF CHUCKWAGON RACING'S PREMIER EVENTS - THE PONOKA STAMPEDE - THIS PAST FRIDAY... AT THE STAGECOACH SALOON ON THE PONOKA STAMPEDE GROUNDS IN PONOKA, ALBERTA. PRIME ADVERTISING SPACE ON THE WAGONS OF THE BEST 36 CHUCKWAGON DRIVERS IN THE WORLD TODAY ON CHUCKWAGON RACING PREDOMINANT RACING CIRCUIT SOLD FOR A VERY RESPECTABLE $427,500.00. ALTHOUGH THE SALE WAS DOWN SLIGHTLY FROM 2012 TOTAL OF $497,500.00, FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THE PONOKA STAMPEDE SALE WAS THE HIGHEST OF ALL OF THE SHOWS THAT WILL COMPRISE THE 2013 WPCA PRO TOUR.
DEFENDING WORLD AND FORMER PONOKA STAMPEDE CHAMPION JASON GLASS WAS THE HIGH BID AT $24,000.00. THE AVERAGE BID WAS $11,875.00, WITH THE MEDIAN BID AT AN EVEN $10,000.00.

CORN STOCKS UP (MAY 6) - CORN IS THE ONLY PRINCIPAL CANADIAN GRAIN WHOSE TOTAL STOCKS WERE UP IN MARCH FROM A YEAR AGO.
STATISTICS CANADA SAYS TOTAL CORN STOCKS WERE UP 16 POINT 2 PER CENT. THE AGENCY CREDITS LAST YEAR  S 15 PER CENT INCREASE IN CORN PRODUCTION FOR AT LEAST PART OF THAT INCREASE.
THE OTHER MAJOR CROPS HAD STOCK DECLINES. CANOLA STOCKS WERE DOWN ALMOST 25 PER CENT AFTER A LOWER HARVEST LAST FALL.
HOWEVER, STATSCAN SAYS TOTAL WHEAT AND SOYBEAN STOCKS WERE DOWN DESPITE AN INCREASE IN PRODUCTION LAST YEAR. WHEAT STOCKS WERE DOWN 8 POINT 1 PER CENT AGAINST A 7 POINT PER CENT INCREASE IN 2012 PRODUCTION. AND SOYBEAN STOCKS WERE DOWN 25 AND A HALF PER CENT DESPITE A 14 POINT 7 PER CENT INCREASE IN PRODUCTION LAST YEAR. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 3 2013

 

CLEAN UP (MAY 3) - HIGHWAYS ACROSS ALBERTA WILL BE GETTING A MAJOR CLEANUP TOMORROW THANKS TO 4H, AND MANY OTHER SERVICE ORGANISATIONS. IT'S A FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY FOR THE CLUBS THAT HELPS PAY FOR SOME OF THEIR ACTIVITIES. SPOKESPERSON CAMERON HORNER SAYS THE DAY INVOLVES A LOT OF WORK AND PLANNING.
 

 

OATS (MAY 3) - WINNIPEG-BASED RICHARDSON INTERNATIONAL NOW HAS A MUCH LARGER PRESENCE IN WESTERN CANADA. RICHARDSON TOOK OVER 19 FORMER VITERRA ELEVATORS, 13 ADJACENT CROP INPUT RETAIL SITES, AND VITERRA'S OAT MILLING BUSINESS ON WEDNESDAY.

THE 800 MILLION DOLLAR-PLUS DEAL WITH GLENCORE WAS FIRST MADE PUBLIC IN MARCH 2012,WHEN GLENCORE ANNOUNCED IT WAS PURCHASING VITERRA. THE DEAL TURNS RICHARDSON INTO A MAJOR OAT PROCESSOR OVERNIGHT -- IT INCLUDES FORMER VITERRA OAT PROCESSING PLANTS IN PORTAGE, MANITOBA, MARTENSVILLE, SASKATCHEWAN AND BARRHEAD, ALBERTA, AS WELL AS AN OAT PROCESSING PLANT IN SOUTH SIOUX CITY, NEBRASKA AND A WHEAT MILL IN DAWN, TEXAS.

FRESH EGGS (MAY 3) - A SURVEY DONE FOR EGG FARMERS OF CANADA SUGGESTS DISTANCE FROM THE FARM TO THE GROCERY STORE IS A KEY TO FRESHNESS FOR MOST CANADIAN CONSUMERS. NINETY PER CENT OF THOSE SURVEYED SAY FARMS WITHIN THEIR PROVINCE DELIVER THE FRESHNESS THEY DEMAND. EIGHTY PER CENT OF THE CONSUMERS IN THE SURVEY SAID THEY WERE CONFIDENT THAT PRODUCTS FROM WITHIN CANADA ARE AT PEAK QUALITY WHEN PROCESSED, AND 53 PER CENT BELIEVE IMPORTED FOODS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED FRESH.

BONNIE COHEN OF EGG FARMERS OF CANADA SAYS CANADA'S SUPPLY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HELPS ENSURE THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE GETTING WHEN THEY BUY THOSE COMMODITIES.

HONEYBEE REPORT (MAY 3) - A U-S REPORT SAYS THERE ARE MULTIPLE FACTORS PLAYING A ROLE IN HONEYBEE COLONY DECLINES.
THE REPORT SAYS THOSE FACTORS INCLUDE PARASITES AND DISEASE, GENETICS, POOR NUTRITION AND PESTICIDE EXPOSURE. THE REPORT WAS DONE FOR THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE U-S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. ITS KEY FINDINGS INCLUDED THE NEED FOR MORE GENETIC DIVERSITY IN U-S HONEYBEE COLONIES.
THE REPORT ALSO SUGGESTS MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE RISKS PRESENTED BY PESTICIDES. THE U-S COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER STEERING COMMITTEE WILL NOW REVIEW THAT REPORT'S FINDINGS. THAT COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN RESPONSE TO A SUDDEN AND WIDESPREAD DISAPPEARANCE OF ADULT HONEY BEES FROM BEEHIVES IN THE U-S. THOSE DISAPPEARANCES STARTED AROUND 2006. SIMILAR DISAPPEARANCES HAVE ALSO BEEN REPORTED IN PARTS OF CANADA AND EUROPE. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 2 2013

 

ROUGHSTOCK (MAY 2) - THE PROFESSIONAL ROUGHTSTOCK CORPORATION IS HAVING ITS FIRST FINALS TOMORROW AND SATURDAY AT THE DELBURNE ARENA. KYLE DAINES IS ORGANISING THE WEEKEND.
 

THIS IS A CHANGING ROLE FOR DAINES.
 

PERFORMANCE TIME BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY IS 7 PM. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE INNISFAIL AUCTION MARKET.

 

CRATE REACTION (MAY 2) - THE VICE-CHAIR OF THE CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL THINKS THERE WAS SOMETHING MISSING IN THE WAY THE RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA MADE IT'S SOW GESTATION STALLS DECISION. THE R-C-C'S GROCERY DIVISION ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK IT WANTS ITS PORK SUPPLIERS TO PHASE OUT THOSE STALLS BY 2022.

THE CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL'S RICK BERGMAN SAYS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF THE RETAILERS HAD TAKEN THE TIME TO INVOLVE PORK PRODUCERS IN THAT DISCUSSION. HE SAYS THAT WOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE RETAILERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE HOG INDUSTRY WORKS AND THE LOGIC BEHIND THE USE OF THOSE STALLS.

BERGMAN SAYS HE'S AWARE TIMES ARE CHANGING AND PRODUCERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF OPPORTUNITIES TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY, BUT HE ALSO SAYS THEY NEED TO ENSURE THE CHANGES ACTUALLY IMPROVES THINGS.

 

CHEESE CLASS (MAY 2) - THE CANADIAN DAIRY COMMISSION HAS ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF A MILK CLASS FOR MOZZARELLA CHEESE TO BE USED ON FRESH PIZZAS. THE NEW 3(D) CLASS WAS APPROVED BY THE CANADIAN MILK SUPPLY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND WILL TAKE EFFECT JUNE 1ST. THE COMMISSION SAYS THE NEW CLASS WILL LOWER COSTS FOR RESTAURANTS THAT PREPARE AND COOK PIZZAS ON SITE AND HELP GROW THE MARKET SEGMENT FOR MOZZARELLA CHEESE IN CANADA.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MAY 1 2013

 

STORES MOVE TO ELIMINATE CRATES (MAY 1) - A GROUP REPRESENTING CANADIAN RETAILERS SAYS EIGHT OF CANADA'S LARGEST SUPERMARKET CHAINS HAVE SIGNED ON WITH A PUSH TO ELIMINATE FACTORY-FARMING PENS THAT RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF PREGNANT PIGS. THE RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA SAYS WALMART, COSTCO, METRO, LOBLAW, SAFETY, FEDERATED CO-OPERATIVES, SOBEY'S AND CO-OP ATLANTIC HAVE ALL COMMITTED TO SOURCING THEIR PORK FROM FARMERS WHO DON'T USE SO-CALLED GESTATIONAL CRATES. ANIMAL-WELFARE GROUPS HAVE BEEN PUSHING FOR THE CHANGE, BUT IT WON'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. THE RETAIL COUNCIL SAYS PARTICIPATING CHAINS WILL MAKE THE TRANSITION OVER NINE YEARS.

MALT BARLEY (MAY 1) - THE FIRST MALT BARLEY BRED BY ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IS NOW TO BE COMMERCIALLY CONTRACTED FOR MALT. CANTERRA SEEDS AND CANADA MALTING MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT ALBERTA-BRED BENTLEY BARLEY WILL BE CONTRACTED FOR MALT PURPOSES. BENTLEY IS A TWO-ROW BARLEY THAT IS AGRONOMICALLY WELL-SUITED TO THE PROVINCES OF ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN. ALBERTA AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STAFF BASED IN LACOMBE, WORKED FOR MANY YEARS ON THE VARIETY, AND IT WAS REGISTERED IN 2008.
 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 30 2013

 

CORN PRICES (APR 30) - THE PRICE OF CORN IS SURGING ON CONCERN THAT WET, COLD WEATHER IN THE PLAINS REGION WILL DELAY PLANTING AND REDUCE HARVESTS. JULY CORN ROSE 40 CENTS, OR 6.5 PER CENT, TO $6.5975 A BUSHEL -- THE BIGGEST ONE-DAY GAIN SINCE JUNE 25TH, WHEN LAST YEAR'S DROUGHT WAS PUSHING UP PRICES. THE PRICE OF CORN PLUNGED AT THE END OF MARCH AFTER THE GOVERNMENT SAID THAT IT EXPECTED FARMERS TO PLANT THE BIGGEST CROP IN ALMOST 80 YEARS. CORN ALSO ROSE AFTER THE GOVERNMENT SAID THAT INVENTORIES WERE HIGHER THAN ANALYSTS HAD EXPECTED. WHEAT AND SOYBEAN FUTURES ALSO ROSE.

 

TPP (APR 30) - ALISTAIR POLSON, NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL AGRICULTURAL TRADE ENVOY WAS RECENTLY IN ALBERTA. WHILE HERE, HE SPOKE ON A NUMBER OF TOPICS, INCLUDING THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP OR T-P-P.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 29 2013

 

IRRADIATION (APR 29) - CANADA'S BEEF INDUSTRY IS ABOUT TO ASK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO APPROVE IRRADIATION IN MEAT-PROCESSING PLANTS TO KILL DANGEROUS E. COLI BACTERIA IN A FULL RANGE OF MEAT PRODUCTS. THE CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION SAYS IT IS UPDATING AN APPLICATION THAT WAS FIRST MADE TO HEALTH CANADA IN 1998 FOR GROUND BEEF, BUT WAS TURNED DOWN BECAUSE OF PUBLIC CONCERNS. IRRADIATION INVOLVES BOMBARDING MEAT WITH RADIANT ENERGY SIMILAR TO X-RAYS. THE CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION SAYS ITS PROPOSAL CALLS FOR IRRADIATED BEEF TO BE CLEARLY LABELLED TO GIVE CONSUMERS THE CHOICE IF THEY WANT TO BUY SUCH PRODUCTS.

 

BEES (APR 29) - BEEKEEPERS ARE ANXIOUSLY OPENING THEIR HIVES TO SEE HOW THEIR COLONIES HAVE FARED OVER THE LONGER-THAN-NORMAL WINTER. COREY BACON IN SASKATCHEWAN HAS 60 SITES WITH BEES AND HE'S HEARD OF SOME KEEPERS LOSING 80 TO 90 PER CENT OF THEIR BEES. BACON SAYS HE'S LOST ABOUT FIVE PER CENT OF HIS BEES AND THAT NUMBER USUALLY DOUBLES THOUGH THE SPRING.

BACON SAYS HE'S USING A POLLEN SUPPLEMENT SO THE BEES SURVIVE UNTIL PUSSY WILLOWS AND DANDELIONS AND AVAILABLE.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 26 2013

 

ROCK REQUEST (APR 26) - ROCK BAND MOTLEY CRUE'S DRUMMER TOMMY LEE HAS WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE ALBERTA PREMIER URGING HER TO CANCEL THE CHUCKWAGON RACES AT THIS YEAR'S CALGARY STAMPEDE. LEE SAYS IN THE LETTER TO ALISON REDFORD THAT HORSES ARE INJURED OR KILLED IN THE RACES EVERY YEAR. LEE SAYS WESTERN TRADITION CAN BE ENJOYED WITHOUT WHAT HE CALLS ``THIS BLOODY SPECTACLE.'' THE LETTER WAS WRITTEN ON THE BEHALF OF PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS. CHUCKWAGON RACES ARE ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS AT THE STAMPEDE. CANADIAN-BORN CELEBRITY PAMELA ANDERSON, WHO WAS ONCE MARRIED TO LEE, CAME OUT AGAINST THE CHUCKWAGON RACES LAST YEAR, ALSO ON BEHALF OF PETA.

SOIL CONSERVATION (APR 26) - THIS IS SOIL CONSERVATION WEEK.
TREVOR WALLIS IS A NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST WITH ALBERTA AGRICULTURE. HE SAYS IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THIS WEEK FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS, STARTING WITH BASIC AWARENESS.

THAT'S ALBERTA AGRICULTURE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST TREVOR WALLIS.

AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES (APR 26) - FARM CREDIT CANADA'S CHIEF ECONOMIST SAYS EUROPEAN UNION LEADERS SEEM DETERMINED TO REDUCE AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES.J-P GERVAIS SAYS THE E-U'S SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURE UNDER ITS COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY HAS LONG BEEN THE LARGEST BUDGET EXPENDITURE OF THE UNION.

THAT POLICY IS UNDERGOING A REVIEW WHICH IS EXPECTED TO SEE THE SHARE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE E-U'S TOTAL BUDGET DROP FROM MORE THAN 40 PER CENT TO ABOUT 33 PER CENT. GERVAIS SAYS IT APPEARS THEY'RE GOING TO DO THAT BY MOVING AWAY FROM SUPPORT TIED TO PRODUCTION LEVELS, AND HE SAYS CANADIAN FARMERS SHOULD WELCOME THAT.

BARLEY COUNCIL (APR 26) - OFFICIALS WITH THE BARLEY COUNCIL OF CANADA ARE CALLING IT THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN CANADA.

THE COUNCIL WAS RECENTLY FORMALLY INCORPORATED, AND CHAIRMAN BRIAN OTTO SAYS IT'S THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THE ENTIRE VALUE CHAIN HAS BEEN BROUGHT TOGETHER FROM COAST TO COAST ON A BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IT WILL SPEAK ON BEHALF OF BARLEY INDUSTRY MEMBERS AND FARMERS. THE BOARD IS EVENLY SPLIT BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND FARMERS. ITS MANDATE IS INNOVATION AND RESEARCH, PROMOTING BEST CROP PRODUCTION PRACTICES, SUPPORTING MARKET DEVELOPMENT, INCREASING MARKET ACCESS AND IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE BARLEY VALUE CHAIN.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 25 3013

 

PLANTING INTENTIONS (APR 25) - STATISTICS CANADA HAS RELEASED ITS FIRST PLANTING INTENTIONS REPORT OF THE SPRING.

IT SHOWS THERE MAY BE AN INCREASE IN SPRING WHEAT AND DURUM WHEAT AND A DECLINE IN CANOLA THIS YEAR. CORN FOR GRAIN AND SOYBEAN AREAS COULD ALSO SURPASS NATIONAL RECORD NUMBERS.

SOME FARMERS REPORTED THAT THEY WERE STILL UNDECIDED ABOUT THEIR CROPS BECAUSE THERE WAS STILL SNOW IN THEIR FIELDS.

 

CATTLE PENNING (APR 25) - A CENTRAL ALBERTA TOWN HAS BEEN SELECTED TO HOST A POPULAR CATTLE PENNING COMPETITION.

THE ALBERTA TEAM CATTLE PENNING SOCIETY'S 20TH ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE HELD IN PONOKA IN OCTOBER.

THE EVENT HAS TAKEN PLACE AT FARMFAIR IN EDMONTON FOR THE PAST 19 YEARS. EVENT CHAIR GRANT STERLING SAYS THE CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS MORE THAN 200 COMPETITORS FROM ACROSS CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES.

 

WILDLIFE CENTRE SPRUCE UP (APR 25) - CONSTRUCTION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN ON A NEW WILDLIFE CENTRE IN CENTRAL ALBERTA.

THE ORIGINAL MEDICINE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTRE NEAR SPRUCE VIEW WAS ERECTED NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO. PLANS ARE TO REBUILD THE FACILITY USING GREEN MATERIALS AND ADD A STATE-OF-THE-ART ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND EDUCATION CENTRE. THE 2-POINT-4 MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.

MANE EVENT (APR 25) - THE MANE EVENT'S 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS BEGIN THIS WEEKEND AT WESTERNER PARK IN RED DEER WITH EVENT MORE SPECIAL ACTIVITIES TO MARK THIS LANDMARK YEAR. MANE EVENT ORGANIZER GAIL BARKER SAYS AS ALWAYS, THEY HAVE AN INCREDIBLE LINEUP.

THE MANE EVENT OPENS AT 9:00AM TOMORROW AND RUNS THROUGH TO 5:30PM ON SUNDAY, APRIL 28. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.MANEEVENTEXPO.COM

SALE (APR 25) - AN INVITATIONAL SALE OF WORKING RANCH HORSES IS TAKING PLACE THIS SATURDAY AT SPRUCE VIEW. THEY'VE GOT 20 HEAD OF BROKE, READY TO GO TO WORK RANCH HORSES AND 10 PROSPECTS. THE PROSPECTS ALL HAVE 30-60 DAYS AND SOME ROPE AND CATTLE-HANDLING EXPERIENCE. ALL HORSES WILL BE PREVIEWED , STARTING AT 10 O'CLOCK, SATURDAY MORNING. THE SALE STARTS AT 4 O'CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON. RANCHHORSEROUNDUP.COM HAS A FULL ONLINE CATALOGUE, AND DIRECTIONS AS WELL. OR YOU CAN CALL CORY GLENN AT 403-598-2499. THEY'VE GOT THE CANADIAN COLLEGE CHAMPION HEADIN' HORSE, AND TWO UP AND COMING SADDLE MAKERS BOOTHS.

RECYCLING PROGRAM (APR 25) - FARMERS ARE GETTING A CHANCE TO BE A LITTLE MORE GREEN. THE CLEANFARMS RECYCLING PROGRAM IS EXPANDING TO COLLECT MORE TYPES OF PLASTIC PESTICIDE CONTAINERS. THE NON-PROFIT GROUP SAYS IT IS NOW ACCEPTING FERTILIZER PAILS AND JUGS UNDER 23 LITRES. CLEANFARMS COLLECTS EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINERS IN SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA AND ONTARIO AND PLANS TO MOVE NEXT YEAR INTO B-C, QUEBEC AND P-E-I. IT RECYCLES ABOUT 4-AND-A HALF MILLION CONTAINERS EACH YEAR.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 24 2013

 

COME ON OUT! (APR 24) - COWS CREEKS AND COMMUNITIES IS ALL SET TO GO TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN CAROLINE.  SPOKESPERSON GARY LEWIS SAYS IT'S A WAY FOR CLEARWATER LAND CARE, THE GREY WOODED FORAGE ASSOCIATION AND THE CAROLINE AG SOCIETY TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY A CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT HOW TO BETTER CARE FOR THEIR OWN LANDSCAPE.

THE TRADE SHOW RUNS TOMORROW FROM 2:30 TILL 5:30, THE LIVESTOCK HANDLING DEMONSTRATION GOES AT 3 PM, THE STOCK DOG DEMONSTRATION IS SET FOR 4:15 AND AN EVENING SUPPER PROGRAM STARTS AT 5:30 WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS DR. MASAKI HAYASHI AND RICK FRIEDL. COWS CREEKS AND COMMUNITIES TAKES PLACE AT THE KURT BROWNING ARENA.

CONSERVATION PARTNERS (APR 24) - RED DEER COUNTY LAUNCHED THEIR NEW CONSERVATION PARTNERS PROGRAM DURING YESTERDAY'S COUNCIL MEETING.COUNTY MAYOR JIM WOOD IS EXCITED ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND HE EXPLAINS HOW IT WORKS.

YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION TO THE PROGRAM BY CALLING THE RED DEER COUNTY OFFICE OR BY VISITING RD COUNTY DOT CA. ALSO AS OF YESTERDAY, RED DEER COUNTY STARTED ITS ALTERNATIVE LAND USE SERVICES INITIATIVES, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DELTA WATERFOWL. WITH THIS PROGRAM, ELIGIBLE LANDOWNERS CAN APPLY TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS FOR THE ECOLOGICAL GOODS AND SERVICES THEY PROVIDE TO THE PUBLIC. FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN CALL KEN LEWIS AT THE COUNTY OR GO ONLINE TO ALUS.CA

PLANTING INTENTIONS (APR 24) - STATISTICS CANADA WILL RELEASE ITS FIRST PLANTING INTENTIONS REPORT OF THE SPRING LATER TODAY. THE REPORT IS BASED ON A SURVEY CONDUCTED BETWEEN MARCH 25TH AND APRIL 3RD ASKING NEARLY 14-THOUSAND FARMERS WHAT THEY PLANNED TO SEED THIS SPRING.

THE DELAYED SEEDING HAS ADDED SOME UNCERTAINTY TO THE NUMBERS, AS PRODUCERS MAY BE FORCED TO SWITCH TO SHORTER SEASON CROPS. THE NUMBER OF UNSEEDED ACRES IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE; ANALYSTS ARE ANTICIPATING SOME ACRES WILL SHIFT FROM WHEAT TO FLAX, BARLEY AND OATS. CANOLA ACREAGE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO DECLINE COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 23 2013

 

PORK DISCUSSIONS (APR 23) - GROUPS REPRESENTING HOG PRODUCERS IN CANADA, THE U-S AND MEXICO MET RECENTLY IN NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO. CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL CHAIR JEAN-GUY VINCENT SAYS THEY DISCUSSED SEVERAL AREAS OF COMMON INTEREST AND CONCERN. VINCENT SAYS IT WAS CLEAR TO HIM THAT PORK PRODUCERS FROM ALL THREE COUNTRIES WILL CONTINUE TO ADAPT TO CONSUMER DEMANDS. BUT HE SAYS IT'S ALSO CLEAR THAT HAS TO HAPPEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ENTIRE VALUE CHAIN AND GOVERNMENT. HE ARGUES RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM A WIDE ARRAY OF COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE NORTH AMERICAN PORK SUPPLY CHAIN ARE A CONCERN. THOSE ANNOUNCEMENTS OUTLINED NEW PURCHASING AND SOURCING REQUIREMENTS   SPECIFICALLY CALLING FOR THE PHASING OUT OF SOW GESTATION CRATES. VINCENT SAYS THOSE DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE WITHOUT ADEQUATE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE IMPACT THAT  S GOING TO HAVE AT THE FARM LEVEL. VINCENT SAYS THE NORTH AMERICAN PORK REPRESENTATIVES ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR A TRANS PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP, NEGOTIATIONS TO OPEN UP ADDITIONAL EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN PORK INDUSTRY AND A DESIRE FOR THE U-S TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH WTO RULINGS ON COOL. THE NEXT MEETING OF THESE THREE GROUPS WILL BE THIS FALL AND WILL BE HOSTED BY THE U-S NATIONAL PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

MANITOBA HOG INDUSTRY (APR 23) - THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MANITOBA PORK COUNCIL SAYS HE'S NEVER SEEN THE LEVEL OF CONCERN OVER THE VIABILITY OF THE HOG INDUSTRY SO LOW IN THE 35 YEARS HE'S BEEN IN IT. KARL KYNOCK SAYS HE SPOKE WITH MANY HOG PRODUCERS DURING THE COUNCIL'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING A FEW WEEKS AGO. HE SAYS IF MANITOBA'S HOG INDUSTRY IS GOING TO COMPETE IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET AND SURVIVE LONG TERM, IT'S IMPERATIVE THAT THEY RECEIVE EQUAL PRICING. A RESOLUTION WAS PRESENTED AT THE AGM ASKING COUNCIL TO ORGANIZE AN EMERGENCY MEETING WITH ALL CANADIAN INDUSTRY PLAYERS -- PRODUCERS, PROCESSORS, RETAIL AND GOVERNMENT -- TO FIND A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE CRISIS.

PHOSPHORUS (APR 23) - AS FARMERS GEAR UP TO HEAD TO THE FIELDS FOR THEIR FERTILITY PROGRAM, ALBERTA AGRICULTURE HAS SOME UPDATED FACT SHEETS WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION. ROSS MCKENZIE, AGRONOMY RESEARCH SCIENTIST WITH ALBERTA AGRICULTURE CALLS PHOSPHORUS THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT NUTRIENT ACROSS THE PROVINCE. MACKENZIE SAYS THE UPDATED FACT SHEET INCLUDES INFORMATION SUCH AS THE AMOUNT OF PHOSPHORUS PLANTS ACUTALLY REQUIRE... SO FARMERS KNOW HOW MUCH PHOSPHORUS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER THE CROP IS TAKEN OFF. AS WELL, MACKENZIE ADDS GENERALLY ALBERTA SOILS ARE NOT WELL SUPPLIED WITH PHOSPHORUS, SO SOIL TESTS ARE IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH IS REQUIRED IN FIELDS.

 

USDA REPORT (APR 23) - WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES WHEN IT COMES TO U-S CORN PLANTING. THE USDA SAYS 4 PER CENT OF THE AMERICAN CROP WAS PLANTED AS OF APRIL 21ST. LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME, WITH THE EARLY SPRING WE GOT, U-S FARMERS HAD 26 PER CENT OF THE CROP IN THE GROUND. AND THE USDA SAYS THIS YEAR'S 4 PER CENT IS STILL WELL BELOW THE 16 PER CENT FIVE YEAR AVERAGE FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. THIS WEEK  S CROP PROGRESS REPORT SUGGESTS THE CONDITION OF THE WINTER WHEAT CROP HAS SLIPPED A BIT. 35 PER CENT OF THAT CROP NOW RATED GOOD TO EXCELLENT   COMPARED WITH 36 PER CENT A YEAR AGO   AND 63 PER CENT LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME. THE REPORT SAYS AMERICAN FARMERS HAVE 7 PER CENT OF THEIR SPRING WHEAT PLANTED. THAT'S WAY BEHIND LAST YEAR  S 52 PER CENT AND IT  S 17 POINTS BEHIND THE FIVE YEAR AVERAGE. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 22 2013

 

RECOGNIZED (APR 22) - UFA AND 4-H ALBERTA ARE RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF A RED DEER MAN TODAY. RICHARD STARK, AN OUTSTANDING 4-H ALUMNUS IS BEING RECOGNIZED FOR HIS LEADERSHIP THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM.  STARK HAS MADE NOTEWORTHY CONRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BY GETTING INVOLVED IN 4-H AND OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE UFA FARM AND RANCH SUPPLY STORE THIS AFTERNOON, AND STARK WILL ALSO RECEIVE A TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR UFA GIFT CERTIFICATE IN RECOGNITION OF HIS CONTRIBUTION.

#FARMVOICES (APR 22) - IT'S EARTH DAY AND FARM-ON WEBSITES ARE BUZZING WITH THE NEW #FARMVOICES MOVEMENT.
BEN WILSON OF THE FARM-ON FOUNDATION SAYS THEY'RE STREAMING LIVE TODAY ON A NEW PAGE OF THE FARM-ON.COM WEBSITE, TELLING FARMER'S STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
WILSON SAYS THE MOVEMENT IS AN EFFORT BY YOUNG FARMERS TO BE NOTICED.

 

FARMERS CAN TELL THEIR STORIES TO THE WORLD BY USING THE HASHTAG "FARM VOICES" ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM, ON THEIR FACEBOOK SITE, OR THEY CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MOVEMENT AT FARMON.COM

 

GRANT AVAILABLE (APR 22) - GREAT IDEAS FOR PRARIES COMMUNITY INNOVATION COULD BE REWARDED WITH A GRANT OF UP TO 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS THANKS TO THE PEAVEY MART COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE GRANT. PRESIDENT DOUG ANDERSON SAYS THEY'RE LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY INOVATION, THAT COULD BE FOCUSED ON LOCAL AGRICULTURE OR FOOD SUPPLY, OR INNOVATION IN THE WIDER AREA OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THE GRANT WILL FUND LOCAL PROJECTS LIKE INNOVATIVE URBAN ARGICULTURE PROJECTS IN RURAL AREAS, TOWNS, OR CITIES. APPLICANTS AND THEIR PROJECTS HAVE TO BE LOCATED WITHIN 200 KILOMETRES OF A PEAVEY MART STORE, AND APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY JUNE 30TH.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT PEAVEYMART.COM

BMO REPORT (APR 22) - AGRICULTURAL DEMAND IS DOWN IN THE U-S, BUT IT'S BEING OFFSET BY A SURGE IN ECONOMIC EXPANSION IN EMERGING MARKETS. THAT'S THE FINDING OF A BANK OF MONTREAL REPORT THAT'S JUST BEEN RELEASED. THE REPORT ALSO SAYS CANADA ENJOYS A LARGE AND GROWING SURPLUS IN AGRICULTURE TRADE, THANKS LARGELY TO CONTINUING IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCTIVITY.

BANK ECONOMIST AARON GOERTZEN, HOWEVER, WARNS AGRICULTURAL PRICES COULD DROP AS DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN THE U-S SUBSIDE.

MANITOBA FLOODING (APR 22) - PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS IN MANITOBA SAY THEY'RE GETTING READY TO HELP FARMERS PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE FLOODING IN THE COMING WEEKS. THE PROVINCE SAYS IT'S WORKING WITH PRODUCERS, RAILWAYS AND GRAIN HANDLERS TO ENSURE CROPS AND EQUIPMENT ARE MOVED OUT OF FLOOD-PRONE AREAS. IT SAYS IT MAY ALSO MODIFY SPRING ROAD RESTRICTIONS SO PRODUCERS CAN MOVE GRAIN OUT OF HARM'S WAY. THE MANITOBA GOVERNMENT SAID LAST WEEK IT IS PLANNING FOR FLOODING TO BE ONE FOOT HIGHER THAN IT WAS DURING THE LAST MAJOR FLOOD ALONG THE RED RIVER IN 2009.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 19 2013

 

CATTLE SALE RESULTS (APR 19) - FANTASTIC RESULTS FROM THE 12TH ANNUAL BEEF AND DAIRY FUNDRAISING SALE FOR THE CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK TO END WORLD HUNGER. THE SALE WAS HELD AT VOLD, JONES AND VOLD IN PONOKA. SPOKESPERSON LARRY HENDERSON SAYS IT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
 
HENDERSON SAYS THEY'LL BE SEEDING CANOLA JUST SOUTH OF PONOKA FOR THEIR SUMMER PROJECT THIS YEAR.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN GO ONLINE TO FOODGRAINSBANK.CA

CHEESE CHAMPIONS! (APR 19) - THE 2013 CANADIAN CHEESE GRAND PRIX TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY IN MONTREAL, AND A LOCAL CHEESEMAKER WAS A BIG WINNER. SYLVAN STAR CHEESE WON IN THE GOUDA CATEGORY, AND THE FARMHOUSE CHEESE CATEGORY, BOTH FOR THEIR GRIZZLY GOUDA. THE GOUDA CATEGORY IS NEW AND WAS INTRODUCED THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF CHEESES ENTERED. THE CHEESES ARE JUDGED BY A JURY OF EXPERTS FROM ACROSS CANADA WHO ARE RECOGNIZED IN EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DOMAIN IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY.

FIRE DESTROYS ELEVATOR (APR 19) - EMERGENCY CREWS ARE AT THE SCENE OF A FIRE THAT DESTROYED A GRAIN ELEVATOR ALONG HIGHWAY 43 IN THE TOWN OF BEAVERLODGE. RCMP WERE CONTACTED AROUND 6:30 A.M. THIS MORNING, AS WERE FIRE CREWS FROM BOTH BEAVERLODGE AND HYTHE.  THE ELEVATOR IS ADJACENT TO HIGHWAY 43 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOWN, ABOUT 40 KILOMETRES WEST OF GRANDE PRAIRIE. ALTHOUGH POLICE TEMPORARILY SET UP DETOURS, TRAFFIC IS NOW MOVING ALONG NORMALLY.  THE ELEVATOR DID NOT CONTAIN ANY GRAIN, BUT DID HAVE SOME EQUIPMENT, POLICE SAY. THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF INJURIES AND THE CAUSE IS NOT YET KNOWN. A FIRE INVESTIGATOR HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.  (ED JOURNAL)

MARCH STATS (APR 19) - HIGHER FOOD PRICES CONTRIBUTED TO A 1 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN MARCH, COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO. THE FOOD PRICE PART OF THE INDEX WAS UP 1 POINT 8 PER CENT. THAT'S A LITTLE LESS THAN FEBRUARY  S 1 POINT 9 PER CENT INCREASE. STATISTICS CANADA SAYS CONSUMERS PAID MORE FOR FOOD PURCHASED FROM STORES AND FROM RESTAURANTS. THE BIG HIKES WERE IN FRESH FRUIT PRICES, UP 8 POINT 7 PER CENT, AND FRESH VEGETABLES, UP 7 POINT 2 PER CENT.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LEDGER WAS A 3 POINT 6 PER CENT DROP IN PRICES FOR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.  (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 18 2013

 

FARM ON! (APR 18) - EARTH DAY IS HAPPENING THIS MONDAY APRIL 22ND. BEN WILSON OF THE "FARM ON" FOUNDATION SAYS THEY'VE BEEN PREPARING FOR THIS FOR MONTHS.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE FARMON.COM WEBSITE.

 

GOING TO THE STAMPEDE (APR 18) - THE CALGARY STAMPEDE HAS RELEASED ITS LIST OF CONTESTANTS INVITED TO ITS 2013 RODEO. AGAIN THIS YEAR, SOME OF THE GREATEST RODEO NAMES IN THE WORLD ARE BACK, INCLUDING LOCAL TALENT LIKE JIM BERRY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE AND LUKE BUTTERFIELD OF PONOKA IN THE SADDLE BRONC RIDING. JAKE VOLD OF PONOKA IS BACK IN BAREBACK RIDING, RILEY WARREN OF STETTLER WILL TAKE PART IN THE TIE DOWN ROPING, AND J.D. HAYS OF ROCKY WILL BE A STEER WRESTLING CONTENDER.  SIX DEFENDING CHAMPIONS FROM 2012 HAVE ACCEPTED THEIR INVITATIONS TO RETURN TO THE 2013 STAMPEDE RODEO.
LADIES BARREL RACING THIS YEAR WILL BE SANCTIONED BY THE WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL RODEO ASSOCIATION, MEANING THE MONEY WON AT THE STAMPEDE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RACER'S YEARLY STANDINGS. SOME OF THE BEST BARREL RACERS IN THE WORLD ARE NOW SEEING NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE THEIR POSITION IN THE STANDINGS BY MAKING THE TREK NORTH TO THE STAMPEDE.

 

FATAL ACCIDENT (APR 18) - THERE WAS A FARMING FATALITY NEAR CLYDE THIS WEEK.  WESTLOCK RCMP SAY THEY WERE CALLED TO AN ACREAGE JUST BEFORE 8:30 MONDAY NIGHT.  67 YEAR OLD GORDON FRASER DIED AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT WHILE WORKING WITH FARM EQUIPMENT.  NO OTHER DETAILS HAVE BEEN RELEASED. 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR APRIL 17 2013

 

CANOLA TO CHINA (APR 17) - CANADIAN CANOLA PRODUCERS AND EXPORTERS NOW HAVE EXPANDED ACCESS TO THE CHINESE MARKET. BUT,  IT'S ONLY ON A TRIAL BASIS. EXPORTS OF CANADIAN CANOLA SEED TO CHINA HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY IMPORT RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO BLACKLEG SINCE 2009. CHINA HAS NOW AGREED TO GRANT CANADIAN CANOLA PRODUCERS AND EXPORTERS ADDITIONAL ACCESS TO AN OILSEED CRUSHING FACILITY IN A PROVINCE WE HAD BEEN LOCKED-OUT OF SINCE 2009. A STATEMENT FROM AGRICULTURE AND AGRIFOOD CANADA ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CALLS IT A TRIAL BASIS WHILE GOVERNMENTS AND INDUSTRY CONTINUE WORK TOWARD FINDING LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS TO THOSE BLACKLEG CONCERNS.
CANADIAN EXPORTS OF CANOLA AND CANOLA PRODUCTS TO CHINA WAS VALUED AT OVER 3 BILLION DOLLARS IN 2012, DESPITE THE EXISTING RESTRICTIONS. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

DALLAS ON TOUR (APR 17) - AS PART OF IT'S ECONOMIC GOAL TO ENHANCE GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS, THE PROVINCE IS HOLDING THE MARKET ACCESS TOUR. IT'S A SERIES OF SEMINARS TO HELP BUSINESSES EXPORT THEIR PRODUCTS. TWO SEMINARS WERE HELD EARLIER THIS WEEK. CAL DALLAS, MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS TALKS ABOUT THOSE SEMINARS, AND THE TOUR IN GENERAL.

THE NEXT SEMINAR IS APRIL 29TH IN BOTH LAC LA BICHE AND BONNYVILLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN GO TO WWW.INTERNATIONAL.ALBERTA.CA

 

FOOD SUMMIT (APR 17) - CANADA NEEDS SCALE AND INNOVATION AS PART OF NATIONAL FOOD STRATEGY ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY LEADERS. PANELISTS AT THE RECENT 2ND FOOD SUMMIT SAY CANADA HAS THE LAND, WATER AND TECHNOLOGY TO MEET THE DEMAND OF EMERGING WORLD MARKETS. BUT WILLY KRUH OF KPMG SAYS WE ARE   TOO CANADIAN  TO STEP UP TO INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
THE PANELISTS SAY CANADA IS WELL-POSITIONED TO PROVIDE THE PRODUCTS AND KNOW-HOW THAT WILL HELP MEET FOOD DEMAND FROM MARKETS LIKE CHINA AND INDIA   AND MEET THAT DEMAND IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY.

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 16 2013

 

TRADE GAIN FOR CANOLA (APR 16) - SEEMS IT'S A CASE OF ONE STEP FORWARD... ONE STEP BACK IN THE AGRICULTURAL TRADE GAME THIS WEEK. FEDERAL TRADE MINISTER ED FAST AND AG MINISTER GERRY RITZ WERE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE EXPANDED ACCESS AGAIN TO THE CHINESE MARKET FOR CANADIAN CANOLA. CHINA HAS APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL OILSEED CRUSHING FACILITY TO BEGIN ACCEPTING EXPORTS OF CANADIAN CANOLA SEED. RITZ NOTES THIS NEW EXPANSION WILL INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SALES IN A MARKET THAT BOUGHT OVER $1.9 BILLION OF CANOLA SEED IN 2012.
EXPORTS OF CANADIAN CANOLA SEED TO CHINA HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY IMPORT RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO BLACKLEG. CANADA AND THE CANADIAN CANOLA INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH CHINA ON NEW RISK MITIGATION MEASURES.

AS A RESULT OF THIS COOPERATION, CHINA HAS AGREED TO GRANT CANADIAN CANOLA PRODUCERS AND EXPORTERS ADDITIONAL ACCESS TO AN OILSEED CRUSHING FACILITY IN NANTONG, IN THE JIANGSU PROVINCE. ACCESS HAS BEEN GRANTED TO THIS 600,000 METRIC TONNES PER YEAR FACILITY ON A TRIAL-BASIS WHILE GOVERNMENTS AND INDUSTRY CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARD FINDING LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS. ITS THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2009 CANADIAN CANOLA EXPORTERS AND PRODUCERS CAN SELL TO JIANGSU PROVINCE.

 

TRADE RESTRICTIONS BY RUSSIA (APR 16) - THE ONE STEP BACK ON TRADE COMES FROM RUSSIA, WHICH HAS PUBLISHED A REVISED LIST OF CANADIAN PLANTS FROM WHICH IT WILL ACCEPT PORK AND BEEF EXPORTS. AS OF WEDNESDAY, IT WILL ONLY TAKE MEAT FROM 18 OF THE 60 PLANTS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED. RUSSIA ALSO IS SENDING INSPECTORS TO PROCESSING FACILITIES NEXT MONTH. THE CHANGES ARE THE LATEST RUSSIAN RESTRICTIONS BLAMED ON THE USE OF THE FEED ADDITIVE RACTOPAMINE. RUSSIA IS A 500 MILLION DOLLAR A YEAR MARKET FOR CANADIAN PORK. BILL MULLEN OF THE WESTERN HOG EXCHANGE SAYS THE NEW TRADE BARRIERS WILL BE COSTLY FOR THE WHOLE INDUSTRY...
 MULLEN SAYS THEIR LATEST FIGURES SHOW ALBERTA PRODUCERS ARE LOSING MONEY PRODUCING HOGS AGAIN BECAUSE OF HIGH FEED COSTS, SO THIS IS ANOTHER BIG BLOW.
MULLEN POINTS OUT THE RACTOPAMINE DEBATE HAS NEVER BEEN A FOOD SAFETY ISSUE... BUT JUST A TRADE ONE, AS RUSSIA TRIES TO DEVELOP ITS DOMESTIC PORK INDUSTRY.

 

HIGH PRICE OF LAND (APR 16) - FARMLAND VALUES ARE SKYROCKETING ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN AND OTHER PARTS OF CANADA. F-C-C VALUATION MANAGER CATHY GALE SAYS AVERAGE FARMLAND VALUES ROSE 9.7 PER CENT DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 2012. COMBINE THAT WITH A 9.1 PERCENT RISE DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR, AND IT'S AN 18.8 PERCENT JUMP IN PROVINCIAL FARMLAND VALUES DURING THE 2012 CALENDAR YEAR.

SASKATCHEWAN'S RATE OF GROWTH IS SLIGHTLY BEHIND THE NATIONAL RATE, PARTLY DUE TO THE JUMP IN QUEBEC FARMLAND OF 19.4 PER CENT IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THE AVERAGE VALUE OF FARMLAND IN ALBERTA ROSE 7.2 PER CENT DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 2012. (CKRM) 

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 15 2013

 

AG AWARENESS COMMITMENT (APR 15) - SASKATCHEWAN'S AGRICULTURE MINISTER SAYS PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES ARE HURTING FARMERS. LYLE STEWART WAS IN SASKATOON ON SATURDAY AS HE AND FEDERAL AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ ANNOUNCED A FOUR-MILLION-DOLLAR FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL AWARENESS PROGRAM TO PROMOTE THE BENEFITS OF AGRICULTURE. THE GROWING FORWARD 2 INITIATIVE WILL PROVIDE GRANTS FOR SUMMITS, WORKSHOPS AND CAMPAIGNS THAT PROMOTE AGRICULTURE. RITZ SAYS IT'S IMPORTANT TO BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN CONSUMERS AND PRODUCERS, MAKING SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THE BIOTECHNOLOGY THAT'S NEEDED AND THE LIGHTER ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT THAT PRODUCERS ARE ALREADY MAKING.

BE PROUD TO FARM! (APR 15) - A PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSOR SAYS IT S TOUGH FOR FARMERS TO GET THEIR MESSAGES OUT WHEN CONSUMERS ARE ISOLATED FROM FOOD PRODUCTION AND ARE BOMBARDED WITH INFORMATION FROM MANY SOURCES. DR. WES JAMISON OF PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SAYS FARMERS NEED TO FIND NEWSWORTHY WAYS TO CUT THROUGH THE CLUTTER. HE SAYS THAT  S THE BEST WAY TO GAIN ATTENTION AND EXPLAIN THEIR MESSAGE ABOUT FARMING PRACTICES. JAMISON SAYS FARMERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, NEED TO SHOW THEY ARE PROUD OF WHAT THEY DO. JAMISON WAS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE RECENT ANNUAL MEETING OF FARM AND FOOD CARE ONTARIO IN GUELPH. (CKNX)

 

AGRIBITION FINANCES IMPROVE (APR 15) - THE CANADIAN WESTERN AGRIBITION IS REPORTING A PROFIT OF ALMOST 600-THOUSAND DOLLARS. THAT'S ALMOST DOUBLE THE FIGURE OF A YEAR AGO. C-E-O MARTY SEYMOUR ATTRIBUTES THE RISING PROFIT TO INCREASED ENTRIES, STRONG CATTLE SALES AND GROWING INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN THE SHOW. THE ANNUAL EVENT IS KNOWN AS CANADA'S PREMIERE LIVESTOCK SHOW, BUT LAST NOVEMBER'S EVENT IN REGINA ALSO FEATURED AN INCREASED EMPHASIS ON CROP PRODUCTION AND GRAIN HANDLING. (CKRM)

 

BLUE BOOK RELEASED (APR 15) - ITS CALLED THE BLUE BOOK, AND IT'S ALWAYS A BEST SELLER FOR ALBERTA AGRICULTURE.
THE ANNUAL CROP PROTECTION BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE.
IT'S UPDATED ANNUALLY, TO PROVIDE THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION ON REGISTERED PESTICIDE PRODUCTS. COPIES OF THE CROP PROTECTION BOOK CAN BE ORDERED THROUGH ALBERTA AGRICULTURE  S PUBLICATION OFFICE OR YOU CAN YOU CAN ALSO CALL THE AG INFO CENTRE AT 310-FARM.

 

FOODGRAINS SALE COMING UP (APR 15) - ITS SALE DAY WEDNESDAY AT VJV AUCTION IN PONOKA. THAT'S NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY... BUT THIS WEDNESDAY IS AN EXTRAORDINARY SALE. SPOKESMAN LARRY HENDERSON REMINDS US IT'S THE 12TH ANNUAL BEEF AND DAIRY SALE FOR A SPECIAL GLOBAL CAUSE. PROCEEDS FROM THE CHARITY AUCTION GO TO THE CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK, WHICH ARE THEN MATCHED BY CIDA. SO HENDERSON SAYS DONATIONS GO A LONG WAY TO HELPING FIGHT WORLD HUNGER. LAST YEAR'S SALE RAISED 55 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE FOODGRAINS BANK, AND HENDERSON SAYS THEY'D LOVE TO MATCH THAT AGAIN THIS YEAR. SALE TIME WEDNESDAY IN PONOKA IS ONE O'CLOCK.

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 12 2013

 

RITZ LOBBY EFFORTS ON U.S. COOL LAWS (APR 12) - CANADIAN CATTLE AND HOG PRODUCERS HAVE BEEN CLOSELY WATCHING THE TRADE TRAVELS OF FEDERAL AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ THIS WEEK. HE ANNOUNCED AFTER TALKS IN WASHINGTON CANADA IS READY TO PLAY HARDBALL IF THE AMERICANS DON'T MAKE THEIR NEW COOL LABELLING REGULATIONS MATCH THE WTO RULING REQUIREMENTS. WHILE RITZ CALLED THE TALKS WITH AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK FRANK AND USEFUL, HE'S NOT BETTING ON ANY ACTION...
 
THE CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION POINTS OUT THE PROPOSED RULE WOULD ONLY ESCALATE THE LEVEL OF DISCRIMINATION AND COST TO LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS IN CANADA AND MEXICO. IN CANADA, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE NEW COOL REGULATIONS WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE DAMAGES BEYOND THE CURRENT IMPACT OF $25 TO $40 PER HEAD. RITZ IS THREATENING UP TO A BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CANADIAN TRADE RETALIATORY MEASURES IF THERE'S NO

U-S MOVEMENT BEFORE THE MAY 23RD DEADLINE. THE MINISTER ALSO MET WITH HIS MEXICAN ALLIES ON THE COOL ISSUE IN GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY, AND SAYS THEY DISCUSSED A JOINT STRATEGY FOR MOVING FORWARD. AS WELL, RITZ PUSHED THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT TO REMOVE IT'S OWN RESTRICTIONS ON BEEF IMPORTS FROM CANADIAN CATTLE OVER THIRTY MONTHS...
 
THAT'S AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ SPEAKING IN MEXICO CITY.

 

HOG INDUSTRY ADJUSTMENTS (APR 12) - TIM HORTONS SAYS IT WILL SOURCE ITS PORK FROM SUPPLIERS THAT HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION TO OPEN HOUSING FOR ANIMALS. THE SWITCH WON'T BE HAPPENING UNTIL 2022, BUT IN THE MEANTIME, THE COMPANY SAYS IT WILL CONTINUE TO CALL FOR THE PORK INDUSTRY TO ELIMINATE THE PRACTICE OF USING GESTATION STALLS. THE NEWS WAS CONTAINED IN TIM HORTONS' SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY REPORT.

PORK PROCESSOR GIANT OLYMEL HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED IT WILL PHASE OUT THE USE OF GESTATION CRATES FOR PREGNANT SOWS IN BREEDING FACILITIES BY 2022.  ALTHOUGH TIME IS GIVEN, THE FOOD INDUSTRY SHIFT WILL BE COSTLY FOR INDIVIDUAL PRODUCERS.
CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CATHERINE SCOVIL TALKED ABOUT THAT AT THE RECENT LIVESTOCK CARE CONFERENCE IN CALGARY...
 
THE CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL ARGUES ANY DECISION TO SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGE PRODUCTION PRACTICES, PARTICULARLY THOSE REQUIRING CONSIDERABLE INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES AND INVESTMENT, NEED FULL VALUE-CHAIN SUPPORT.

 

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 11 2013

 

RITZ VISITS MEXICO TO TALK TRADE (APR 11)- MEXICO HAS BEEN THE LATEST STOP ON THE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE MINISTER'S CONTINENTAL TRADE TOUR. HE SPOKE FROM MEXICO CITY JUST AFTER CONCLUDING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE NEW AGRICULTURE SECRETARY AND THE SECRETARY OF THE ECONOMY. RITZ SAYS CANADA IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH MEXICO TO ENSURE BOTH ARE TREATED FAIRLY IN GLOBAL MARKETS. SO NATURALLY THE THORNY U-S COOL LABELLING LAWS WERE A MAJOR TOPIC...
 EARLIER THIS WEEK RITZ THREATENED TRADE RETALIATION AGAINST THE AMERICANS IF THEY DON'T COMPLY WITH THE WTO RULING ON COOL. BUT RITZ ALSO BROUGHT UP A LINGERING TRADE CONCERN WITH MEXICO...
RITZ ALSO REASSURED THE MEXICAN GRAINS INDUSTRY OF CANADA  A STEADY SUPPLY OF WORLD-CLASS WHEAT AND BARLEY FOLLOWING THE CHANGES TO THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD.
MEXICO IS CANADA  S FOURTH-LARGEST EXPORT CUSTOMER FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.

 

NATIONAL FOOD TALKS (APR 11) - THE DRAFT CANADIAN FOOD STRATEGY LAUNCH IS TAKING THE FORM OF A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE THIS WEEK IN TORONTO. THE CONFERENCE IS AIMED AT GETTING PRODUCERS, PROCESSORS AND RETAILERS TO WORK WITH GOVERNMENT AND CONSUMERS TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF CANADA'S FOOD SECTOR. RON BONNETT OF THE CANADIAN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE TOLD ONE OF THE SESSIONS THAT A REQUIREMENT OF SUCH A STRATEGY IS TO KEEP AGRICULTURE STRONG.
HE SAYS THAT MEANS WORKING WITH SUCCESSFUL SECTORS, SUCCESSION PLANNING AND LAND SECURITY. HE ADDS THE FINAL PIECE IS HAVING THE RIGHT RISK MANAGEMENT AND MARKET SIGNAL TOOLS TO PROVIDE CONFIDENCE FOR PRODUCERS ENTERING THE FIELD. BONNETT SAYS A SAFE, HEALTHY FOOD SUPPLY REQUIRES COOPERATION AMONG GOVERNMENT POLICY, CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS AND RETAILER WILLINGNESS TO STOCK NEW PRODUCTS. (CKNX)

 

FOOGRAINS BANK LIVESTOCK FUNDRAISER (APR 11) - NEXT WEEK MARKS THE 12TH ANNUAL BEEF AND DAIRY FUNDRAISING SALE AT VOLD JONES AND VOLD IN PONOKA. IT'S DESIGNED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK, WHICH WORKS TO END HUNGER AROUND THE WORLD. SALE SPOKESMAN LARRY HENDERSON SAYS AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE, CENTRAL ALBERTANS MAKE PLANS AND ARE STILL VERY GENEROUS TO THE SALE...
 
SINCE THE SALE BEGAN IT'S RAISED OVER 825 THOUSAND FOR THE CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK. BEEF AND DAIRY CATTLE ARE BEING DONATED FOR THE SAME FROM AS FAR AWAY AS EDMONTON AND OLDS, AND HENDERSON SAYS SOME TOP BRED DAIRY HEIFERS ARE COMING IN THIS YEAR. AND HE NOTES GOATS HAVE BEEN POPULAR AS WELL. THE SALE STARTS AT ONE WEDNESDAY. IF YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE GIVE TERENCE BARG A CALL AT 780-621-6767.

 

  

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 10 2013

 

TOUGH TALK ON COOL (APR 10) - THE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE MINISTER SPOKE IN WASHINGTON ABOUT HIS TRADE MISSION TO THE U-S WHERE HE WAS PUSHING FOR ACTION ON MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING. GERRY RITZ SAYS CHANGES ALREADY PROPOSED BY THE U-S WILL NOT BRING IT INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE WTO RULING...
 
RITZ MET WITH HIS U-S COUNTERPART TO EXPRESS CANADA`S STRONG DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN PROPOSED---AND BOTH SIDES HAVE NOW INSTRUCTED THEIR PEOPLE TO WORK ON WAYS TO FURTHER ENHANCE COLLABORATION IN A NUMBER OF AREAS.
IF THAT DOESN'T WORK, RITZ SAYS HE'S READY TO PLAY HARDBALL...
 THE CCA SAYS THE ONLY WAY THE U...S. CAN BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE WTO IS TO AMEND THE COOL LEGISLATION TO ALLOW EITHER A SINGLE MANDATORY LABEL FOR ALL MEAT PROCESSED IN THE U.S. OR TO ALLOW FOR VOLUNTARY LABELLING.

 

GM ALFALFA PROTESTS (APR 10) - THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION AND THE CANADIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY ACTION NETWORK HELD RALLIES ACROSS CANADA TUESDAY AGAINST THE POSSIBLE INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ALFALFA IN CANADA. THERE WERE FIVE RALLIES IN ALBERTA, AND RED DEER'S ATTRACTED 80 PROTESTORS... WHO MARCHED FROM CITY HALL TO MP EARL DREESHAN'S OFFICE. THE PROTESTORS FEAR GM ALFALFA WILL HURT ORGANIC FARMERS.

GM ALFALFA WAS APPROVED FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASE IN 2005, BUT ANY VARIETY MUST BE REGISTERED BEFORE IT CAN BE COMMERCIALLY RELEASED. TO DATE, NO GM ALFALFA VARIETIES ARE REGISTERED WITH THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY.

N-F-U DIRECTOR IAN ROBSON, WHO FARMS IN MANITOBA, CONTENDS G-M ALFALFA WILL BECOME ANOTHER WEED AND FARMERS NEED TO VOICE THEIR OPPOSITION.

 

AGRI-TREND HONOR (APR 10) - A RED DEER BASED AGRI BUSINESS THAT WORKS AROUND THE WORLD RECENTLY RECEIVED AN HONOR IN EASTERN CANADA. AGRI-TREND ONTARIO RECEIVED CORPORATE EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM THE ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF AGROLOGY!

 

BIRD FLU FEARS (APR 10) - SOUTH AFRICAN OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE DETECTED BIRD FLU ON AN OSTRICH FARM BUT THAT IT IS UNRELATED TO THE STRAIN THAT HAS KILLED EIGHT PEOPLE IN CHINA.

STILL, THE DISCOVERY IS ANOTHER BLOW FOR AN INDUSTRY THAT HAS LOST 40 PER CENT OF ITS 50,000 FARMERS SINCE THE EUROPEAN UNION IMPOSED A BAN ON IMPORTS OF SOUTH AFRICAN OSTRICH MEAT AFTER A 2011 OUTBREAK. THEN, OFFICIALS KILLED 50,000 BIRDS INFECTED WITH THE H5N2 STRAIN. WESTERN CAPE AGRICULTURE CHIEF GERRIT VAN RENSBURG SAID THAT OFFICIALS DETECTED THE H7N1 STRAIN NEAR THE SOUTHWESTERN TOWN OF OUDTSHOORN. HE SAID THEY HAD QUARANTINED FARMS IN A THREE-KILOMETRE RADIUS FOR AN INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION. VAN RENSBURG SAYS THE IMPACT OF THE NEW OUTBREAK WOULD BE CLEARER ONCE TEST RESULTS COME IN.

 

HOG TRANSPORT ACCIDENT (APR 10) - SIX HOGS HAD TO BE EUTHANIZED AFTER THE SEMI THEY WERE BEING TRANSPORTED IN ROLLED IN SOUTHERN MANITOBA. MOUNTIES SAY THE SEMI TRAILER HAULING HOGS ROLLED ON HIGHWAY 16 AT THE JUNCTION OF THE TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY TUESDAY. POLICE SAY THE 20-YEAR-OLD SEMI DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL WITH NON LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES. HE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH IMPRUDENT DRIVING.

 

JANA SILENCED (APR 10) - AGRIUM CLAIMED VICTORY OVER ACTIVIST INVESTOR JANA PARTNERS AS THE ENTIRE MANAGEMENT SLATE OF NOMINEES WERE ELECTED TO THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

ALL 12 OF THE COMPANY'S NOMINEES WERE ELECTED TO THE BOARD, SHUTTING OUT THE FIVE THAT HAD BEEN NOMINATED BY JANA.

HOWEVER JANA CALLED THE VOTE ``TAINTED'' AND CALLED FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE VOTE. JANA, WHICH IS AGRIUM'S LARGEST SHAREHOLDER, HAD THOUGHT IT HAD ENOUGH VOTES TO HAVE TWO OF ITS NOMINEES SIT ON THE BOARD. HOWEVER, IT SAID THAT VOTES WERE REVOKED TO PREVENT THEM FROM THE WINNING SEATS.

 

  

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 9 2013

 

RURAL TOURISM PLANNING (APR 9) - DELEGATES FROM ACROSS THE PROVINCE HAVE GATHERED IN CAMROSE THIS WEEK---TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE TOURISM TO CREATE NEW SOURCES OF REVENUE AND EMPLOYMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.TOURISM MINISTER RICHARD STARKE SAYS ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IN THIS FIELD IS TO COMMUNICATE THE UNIQUE AND INTERESTING EXPERIENCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN RURAL ALBERTA. HE ADDED ALBERTA TOURISM'S CURRENT CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON ALBERTA STORIES AND MANY OF THOSE COME FROM RURAL ALBERTA. THOSE WHO ATTENDED LAST YEAR'S "GROWING RURAL TOURISM" CONFERENCE SAY IT WAS A POWERFUL TOOL IN THEIR PLANNING.

 

FUNDING BOOST FOR PONOKA CENTRE (APR 9) - ALBERTA CULTURE MINISTER HEATHER KLIMCHUK VISITED THE CALNASH TRUCKING AG EVENT CENTRE IN PONOKA MONDAY TO MEET WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AG CENTRE. WHILE THERE SHE PRESENTED SOCIETY PRESIDENT TERRY JONES WITH A FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR CHEQUE FROM THE COMMUNITY FACILITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. JONES SAYS WITH THE RECENT COMPLETION OF PERMANENT SEATING IN THE FACILITY, MORE PEOPLE ARE ATTENDING EVENTS AT THE CENTRE. THEY PLAN TO ADD TO THE NUMBER OF STALLS AND ENHANCE THE CATTLE HANDLING FACILITIES AT THE PONOKA CENTRE WITH THE FUNDS.

 

CLUBROOT SPREADS EAST (AUG 9) -- CANOLA FARMERS IN SASKATCHEWAN ARE BEING ASKED TO BE CAREFUL WITH EQUIPMENT FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION THAT A FIELD IN THE PROVINCE'S WEST-CENTRAL REGION TESTED POSITIVE FOR CLUBROOT. THE DISEASE IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH SPORES THAT GROW IN THE SOIL. FRANCK GROENEWEG, VICE-CHAIR OF SASKCANOLA, EXPLAINED THAT THE INFECTED FIELD WAS DISCOVERED DURING AN ANNUAL PROVINCIAL SURVEY. HE SAYS FARMERS SHOULD KEEP TRACK OF WHERE THEIR EQUIPMENT IS COMING FROM AND WHO IS GOING IN AND OUT OF THEIR FIELDS. (CKOM)

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APRIL 8 2013

 

SNOW DELAYS TO SEEDING (APR 8) - THIS COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO CENTRAL ALBERTA FARMERS LOOKING OUT AT WHITE FIELDS AROUND THEIR FARMS... BUT IT'S BECOMING QUITE LIKELY THAT SEEDING WILL START LATER THAN NORMAL ACROSS MUCH OF WESTERN CANADA. THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD'S BRUCE BURNETT ESTIMATES SEEDING WILL BE PUSHED BACK ABOUT A WEEK PAST WHEN FARMERS NORMALLY START. HE ADDS IN A LOT OF AREAS, IT WOULD BE OPTIMISTIC TO LOOK AT STARTING IN THE FIRST WEEKS OF MAY. NOT ONLY IS THERE STILL SNOW, BUT TEMPERATURES IN THE NEAR TERM ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN BELOW NORMAL. BURNETT POINTS OUT THAT WILL SLOW THINGS DOWN, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS THAT HAVE HAD RECORD PRECIPITATION THIS WINTER. HE SAYS IT WILL TAKE A LOT OF TIME FOR SOILS IN THOSE AREAS TO LOSE ALL THE SNOWCOVER, PLUS GET DRY ENOUGH TO ALLOW FARMERS OUT ON THE FIELDS.
BURNETT EXPECTS SOUTHERN ALBERTA AND SOUTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN WILL LIKELY SEE THE EARLIEST START. (CFAM)

 

JBS DEAL FINALIZED (APR 8) - JBS SOUTHERN ALBERTA HAS ANNOUNCED THE DEAL TO ACQUIRE XL FOODS BEEF PROCESSING PLANT AT BROOKS HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THE BROOKS PLANT HAS A CAPACITY OF 4,000 HEAD OF CATTLE A DAY. THE DEAL ALSO INCLUDES THE CALGARY XL PLANT, A FEEDLOT AT BROOKS AND SURROUNDING LAND TO SUPPORT THE FEEDLOT OEPRATION. JBS, ORIGINALLY FROM BRAZIL, OWNS BEEF PLANTS IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA AND NAMPA IDAHO AND RANKS TIED WITH CARGILL FOR THE NUMBER TWO MARKET SHARE POSITION IN THE U-S PACKING INDUSTRY SLIGHTLY BEHIND TYSON FOODS WHO OWNED THE BROOKS PLANT BEFORE SELLING TO XL FOODS.

 

AGRIUM SHAREHOLDERS BATTLE CONTINUES (APR 8) - JANA PARTNERS SAYS IT BELIEVES IT HAS ENOUGH VOTES TO GET TWO OF ITS FIVE NOMINEES ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF AGRIUM AT TOMORROW'S ANNUAL MEETING. THE NEW YORK HEDGE FUND, WHICH HAS BEEN IN A BITTER PROXY FIGHT WITH AGRIUM MANAGEMENT, SAYS IT BELIEVES BOTH MANAGING PARTNER BARRY ROSENSTEIN AND ANOTHER OF ITS NOMINEES, DAVID BULLOCK, HAD ENOUGH VOTES AS OF FRIDAY'S DEADLINE. HOWEVER, JANA SAYS THAT SOME SHAREHOLDERS WHO SUPPORTED ITS NOMINEES TELL OF HAVING BEEN CONTACTED AFTER THE DEADLINE AND BEING ASKED SWITCH THEIR VOTE. IT SAYS AGRIUM'S MEETING RULES PERMIT IT TO EXTEND THE VOTING DEADLINE WITHOUT PUBLIC NOTICE IF DOING SO WOULD HELP THE CURRENT BOARD WIN RE-ELECTION.

 

4-H PUBLIC SPEAKERS (APR 8) - IT WAS A DAY TO BE INSPIRED ABOUT THE COMMUNICATION ABILITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURE. ALBERTA 4-H HELD ITS PROVINCIAL PUBLIC SPEAKING FINALS IN OLDS ON THE WEEKEND. AS WELL, A SPECIAL FARM CREDIT CANADA OLDS COLLEGE CENTENNIAL COMPETITION ATTRACTED SPEAKERS ON AN AGRICULTURAL TOPIC. IN ALL THERE WERE 80 SPEAKERS AND 400 GUESTS AT THE CLOSING BANQUET SATURDAY NIGHT. THAT INCLUDED AGRICULTURE MINISTER VERLYN OLSON WHO ENCOURAGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE THE MESSAGE OF WHERE FOOD COMES FROM TO THEIR URBAN COUNTERPARTS. FROM THE 4-H PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION, PLACING FIRST WAS MJ WOWK OF MYRNAM. HE'LL HEAD TO TORONTO THIS NOVEMBER FOR THE NATIONAL YOUNG SPEAKERS OF AGRICULTURE CONTEST. IN THE PRESENTATIONS, THE TRIO OF GENEVIEVE ANNAND, JOCELYN BIRO AND MEGAN JACKSON OF THE THUNDERIN' HOOVES 4-H CLUB FINISHED FIRST WITH THEIR PRESENTATION ON ALBERTA'S LAND USE FRAMEWORK. AND IN THE CENTENNIAL CONTEST, SARAH NIXDORFF OF AIRDRIE TOPPED THE SENIOR AGE DIVISION, KYLA RUSHTON TOOK THE INTERMEDIATES, AND JUNIORS WERE SPLIT BETWEEN KARMEN WHITE AND KRISTINA KATOWICH. ALL OF THOSE WINNERS RECEIVED 500 FROM FCC.

 

HOME RENO BOOST WINNERS (APR 8) - CONGRATULATIONS TO INNISFAIL'S DEREK MATHON AND FAMILY... FOR WINNING A FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR HOME IMPROVEMENT GIFT CARD. MATHONS WERE THE EARLY BIRD PRIZE WINNERS IN THE FCC MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE NATIONAL CONTEST. THE ANNUAL CONTEST IS OPEN TO EVERYONE WHO PURCHASES OR RENEWS AN FCC MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PRODUCT. MORE PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER THIS SPRING.

 

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APRIL 5 2013

 

MILK MEETING (APR 5) - THERE WAS A FULL HOUSE OF DAIRY PRODUCERS AT THE RED DEER SESSION OF ALBERTA MILK'S SPRING PRODUCER MEETINGS. ALBERTA MILK VICE-CHAIR TOM KOOTSTRA ON PONOKA DELIVERED OPENING REMARKS, WHILE GENERAL MANAGER MIKE SOUTHWOOD GAVE AN INDUSTRY UPDATE.

BUT THERE WAS ANOTHER KEY SESSION ON DAIRY FARMER ADVOCACY, WITH THEIR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST KARLEE CONWAY. KOOSTRA OUTLINES WHY THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC FOR DAIRY PRODUCERS TO HEAR ABOUT THIS YEAR...
 

CONWAY URGED FARMERS TO SPEND ONE HOUR A WEEK AG-VOCATING FOR THEIR INDUSTRY.. WHETHER THAT'S BY HOSTING A FARM TOUR, CONNECTING WITH POLITICIANS OR USING SOCIAL MEDIA. RED DEER'S WAS THE LAST OF THE SERIES OF SESSIONS AROUND THE PROVINCE.

 

INTERNATIONAL FEEDGRAIN PITCH (APR 5) - A DELEGATION FROM WESTERN CANADA HAS RETURNED FROM A TWO WEEK TRIP PROMOTING CANADIAN FEED BARLEY AND WHEAT TO CUSTOMERS IN JAPAN AND KOREA. THE GROUP INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ALBERTA BARLEY COMMISSION, THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL GRAINS INSTITUTE, ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE CANADA.
BOTH JAPAN AND KOREA IMPORT THE MAJORITY OF THE GRAIN THEY USE FOR FEED, EXPLAINS CIGI'S REX NEWKIRK. MUCH OF THAT FEEDGRAIN DEMAND IS MET BY US CORN AND SOYBEANS. BUT NEWKIRK SAYS SAYS WITH A DROUGHT SOUTH OF THE BORDER THE TWO COUNTRIES ARE LOOKING ELSEWHERE. THE CANADIANS WERE ABLE TO SHOW HOW GREATER AMOUNTS OF BARLEY AND FEED WHEAT COULD BE USED IN THE ASIAN FEED FORMLATIONS... AND THAT CANADA CAN BE A GOOD SUPPLIER OF THAT MATERIAL. (CHSM)

HOG MARKET FORECAST (APR 5) - HOG PRODUCERS COULD SEE A RETURN TO PROFITABILITY LATER THIS SPRING IF CORN PRICES CONTINUE TO SLIDE. CORN VALUES DROPPED SHARPLY AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE U-S-D-A'S LATEST STOCKS REPORT, WITH THE LARGEST TWO DAY DECLINE IN MORE THAN FOUR YEARS. TYLER FULTON, WITH HAMS MARKETING SERVICES, SAYS FEED PRICES REMAIN THE MAIN FACTOR DETERMINING THE BOTTOM LINE FOR HOG PRODUCERS.

MEANWHILE, THE U-S-D-A SAYS THERE HAS BEEN NO BIG CHANGES IN THE U-S HOG INVENTORY. THE U-S-D-A SAYS THE TOTAL INVENTORY ON MARCH 1ST WAS 65.9 MILLION HEAD, UP ONE PER CENT FROM A YEAR AGO. (CHSM, CKNX)

 

FARM AND RODEO ACTIVITIES (APR 5) - IT'S A BUSY WEEKEND ON THE FARM FRONT. IT'S THE CENTENNIAL EDITION OF OPEN HOUSE AT THE OLDS COLLEGE SATURDAY. IT RUNS FROM TEN TO THREE PM.
ALONG WITH REGULAR FEATURES LIKE TOURS, WAGON RIDES, PLANT AND MEAT SALES AND DEMONSTRATIONS, THERE WILL ALSO BE CENTENNIAL INFORMATION AND GIVEAWAYS. THERE WILL ALSO BE THE LAST FASHION SHOW EVER, BECAUSE THE FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM IS MOVING TO CALGARY. AS WELL, AT THE COLLEGE, ALBERTA 4-H IS HAVING IT'S PROVINCIAL 4-H PUBLIC SPEAKING FINALS.
THE 9TH ANNUALSTETTLER ROUGHSTOCK RODEO GOES SATURDAY NIIGHT AT 7:00 PM AT STETTLER AGRIPLEX. THE COMPETITION FEATURES TEN BAREBACK RIDERS, TEN BRONC RIDERS AND TEN BULL RIDERS. A DANCE WILL FOLLOW THE RODEO.
AND THE NORTHLANDS FARM AND RANCH SHOW CONTINUES. IT'S OPEN UNTIL SIX TONIGHT, AND THEN SATURDAY IS THE FINAL DAY. THE COLLEGE FINALS RODEO GOES BOTH NIGHTS AS WELL.

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APRIL 4 2013

 

FIELD FERTILITY PREPARATIONS (APR 4) - THERE ARE TWITTER RUMORS OF SOME TRACTORS ALREADY ROLLING IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA, WHICH SHOWS HOW ANXIOUS FARMERS ARE FOR SPRING TO ARRIVE.
GIN CENTRAL ALBERTA, MANY FIELDS ARE SNOW COVERED YET. BUT WHILE MACHINERY HASN'T BEEN MOVING, FARMERS AND THEIR SUPPLIERS ARE ALREADY PICKING UP THE PACE. PRECISION AGRONOMIST JAY BRUGGENCATE OF FARMERS EDGE IN LACOMBE TALKS ABOUT WHAT THEY'VE BEEN BUSY WITH...
 BRUGGENCATE ACKNOWLEDGES THE EARLY ARRIVAL OF SNOW LAST FALL MEANS SOME FARMERS WILL BE PLAYING CATCH UP WITH THEIR FERTILITY WORK THIS SPRING...
 SOIL TESTS FARMERS EDGE STAFF HAVE BEEN STUDYING SHOW A SIGNIFICANT DRAWDOWN OF NUTRIENTS FROM LAST YEAR'S CROP. BRUGGENCATE SAYS MORE FARMERS ARE USING THE SMART TECHNOLOGY ON THEIR EQUIPMENT TO DO MORE PRECISE FERTILITY APPLICATION.

 

BACTERIA SMUGGLING SCIENTISTS (APR 4) - AN AWARD-WINNING FORMER RESEARCHER WITH THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH TRYING TO SMUGGLE AN INFECTIOUS BACTERIA OUT OF THE COUNTRY. POLICE AREN'T SAYING WHO WAS PLANNING ON BUYING THE 17 VIALS OF LIVE BRUCELLA BACTERIA.

KLAUS NIELSEN WAS ARRESTED WITH THE VIALS ON HIS WAY TO THE OTTAWA AIRPORT LAST YEAR. BRUCELLA PRIMARILY ATTACKS LIVESTOCK, BUT CAN ALSO INFECT HUMANS, CAUSING SEVERE SWEATING AND MUSCLE PAIN. A CANADA-WIDE WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR A SECOND C-F-I-A SCIENTIST. WEI LING YU IS STILL AT LARGE AND SHE'S BELIEVED TO BE IN CHINA.

 

ACTOR MAKES DAIRY DECLARATION (APR 4) - HE'S NOT MILKING HIS FAME, BUT RYAN GOSLING IS LENDING HIS NAME TO THE CAUSE OF COWS. THE 32-YEAR-OLD CANADIAN ACTOR HAS SENT A LETTER TO THE NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION, URGING THE GROUP TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST REMOVING CALVES' HORNS. INSTEAD, HE SAYS FARMERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO BREED NATURALLY HORNLESS CATTLE. A SPOKESMAN FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS SAYS COWS' HORNS ARE DANGEROUS AND DE-HORNING REDUCES INJURIES TO BOTH ANIMALS AND PEOPLE.

 

SASK. HORSE SEIZURE (APR 4) - ANIMAL WELFARE WORKERS IN SASKATCHEWAN SAY THEY HAVE SEIZED 25 HORSES ALLEGEDLY NEGLECTED BY THEIR OWNER. KALEY PUGH, MANAGER OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, SAYS THE HORSES WEREN'T FED PROPERLY AND HAD PARASITES. THE HORSES WERE SEIZED IN LATE MARCH, BUT THE LOCATION HASN'T BEEN DISCLOSED.

THE S-P-C-A IS TRYING TO FIND HOMES FOR THE ANIMALS. (CKRM, CKOM)

 

FARM AND RANCH SHOW BEGINS (APR 4) - THIS IS DAY NUMBER ONE OF THE NORTHLANDS FARM AND RANCH SHOW AT THE EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE. THERE'S AN ALPACA SHOW AND SHEARING DISPLAY THIS AFTERNOON. THE FARMING SMART EDUCATION PROGRAM LOOKS AT IMPROVING SPRAYER PERFORMANCE AND MORE AND THERE'S AN EQUINE SESSION ON BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE OUTFITTING. THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE COLLEGE FINALS RODEO GOES AT SIX.

 

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APR 3 2013

 

PORK CODE OF PRACTICE PROCESS (APR 3) - THE CANADIAN HOG INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE LIVESTOCK SECTORS IN THE MIDDLE OF UPDATING ITS CODE OF PRACTICE. THE PROCESS OF REFRESHING THE BLUEPRINT FOR THE CARE AND HANDLING OF PIGS HAS BEEN COORDINATED BY THE NATIONAL FARM ANIMAL CARE COUNCIL.
THE PRELIMINARY TALKS ARE NEARLY DONE, AND A DRAFT CODE WILL GO OUT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT IN EARLY JUNE. CATHERINE SCOVIL OF THE CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL HOPES THERE WILL BE GOOD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSAL WHEN IT'S RELEASED...
 ...INPUT."
SCOVILL POINTS OUT THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN DIFFERENT PARTICIPANTS IN THE INDUSTRY IS IMPORTANT, BECAUSE OFTEN THERE ARE DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF WELFARE. SHE ADDS ITS IMPORTANT TO GET EVERYTHING ON THE TABLE SO A COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF WELFARE AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT CAN BE REACHED.

 

AGGIE DAYS EXPERIENCE (APR 3) - HOW DO CHILDREN TODAY LEARN ABOUT LIFE ON THE FARM? ONE VALUABLE PLACE FOR SUCH EXPERIENCE IS AGGIE DAYS AT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE.IN FACT THIS MONTH'S EDITION WILL MARK 27 YEARS FOR THE AG EDUCATION PROGRAM. AGGIE DAYS HAS WELCOMED STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND FAMILIES TO VISIT WITH COWS, SHEEP, HORSES AND GOATS... AS WELL AS FARMERS, RANCHERS AND EVEN BEEKEEPERS. COORDINATOR LORI WHEELER TALKS ABOUT WHAT'S MADE AGGIE DAYS SO SUCCESSFUL FOR SO LONG...
 ... TO ENJOY."
WHEELER ADDS THIS YEAR THERE ARE SOME BRAND NEW EXHIBITORS... AND REGULARS ARE BRINGING DIFFERENT, EXCITING ADDITIONS TO THEIR DISPLAYS. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO AGGIE DAYS AT THE BMO CENTRE ON STAMPEDE PARK APRIL 13TH AND 14TH.

 

 

 

 

RAIL CAR DELAYS (APR 3) - THE WESTERN GRAIN ELEVATOR ASSOCIATION IS UNHAPPY WITH THE QUALITY OF RAIL SERVICE IN WESTERN CANADA. WITH THE SPRING MELT UNDERWAY AND SEEDING AROUND THE CORNER, THE ASSOCIATION SAYS FARMER DELIVERIES OF GRAIN HAVE BEEN DELAYED BY POOR RAIL SERVICE AT ELEVATORS.

THE ASSOCIATION SAYS C-N AND C-P RAIL ARE MEETING LESS THAN HALF OF RAIL CAR ORDERS ON TIME. THE GROUP SAYS C-N BLAMES ITS PROBLEMS ON POOR WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS, WHILE C-P SAYS SERVICE ISSUES ARE RELATED TO THE COMPANY MOVING UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. THE DELAYS ARE RESULTING IN DEMURRAGE CHARGES AND CONTRACT PENALTIES FOR THE GRAIN COMPANIES. (CHSM)

 

 

AGRI NEWS FOR APRIL 2 2013

 

NORTHLANDS SPRING KICKOFF (APR 2)- TAKING IN A FARMING SHOW THESE DAYS IS MUCH MORE THAN KICKING TRACTOR TIRES.
AT THIS WEEK'S NORTHLANDS FARM AND RANCH SHOW IN EDMONTON, THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT PUTTING THE LATEST HIGH TECH DEVICES TO WORK EFFECTIVELY ON THE FARM. SHOW MANAGER DAVID FIDDLER IS EXCITED ABOUT THE EDUCATION PROGRAM LINEUP 

 

THERE'S ALSO AN EXTENSIVE EQUINE PROGRAM, WHICH INCLUDES A WORKSHOP ON PREPARING FOR HORSE PACKING ADVENTURES INTO THE BACK COUNTRY. AS WELL INNISFAIL'S LANE MOORE WILL BE GIVING A PRESENTATION ON BAREFOOT HOOF TRIMMING.
ON THE CATTLE END OF THINGS, BRAUNVIEH IS THE FEATURED BREED, AND THERE'S ALSO A SPECKLE PARK SALE. THE FARM AND RANCH SHOW BEGINS THURSDAY, ALONG WITH THE CANADIAN NATIONAL COLLEGE FINALS RODEO. BOTH WRAP UP SATURDAY AT EDMONTON'S EXPO CENTRE.

 

AGRIUM DIRECTORS BATTLE (APR 2) - AGRIUM SAYS IT WILL PAY A FEE TO BROKERS AND INVESTMENT ADVISERS WHOSE CLIENTS SIDE WITH THE FERTILIZER GIANT IN A NASTY PROXY BATTLE.

IT APPEARS LIKELY THE BATTLE WILL BE RESOLVED IN A SHAREHOLDER VOTE NEXT TUESDAY.

JANA PARTNERS, THE NEW YORK ACTIVIST HEDGE FUND LOOKING TO INSTALL FIVE DIRECTORS TO AGRIUM'S BOARD, IS CALLING AGRIUM'S MOVE AN ATTEMPT AT ``VOTE BUYING.''

 

AMERICAN CROP UPDATE (APR 2) - THE LATEST WORD FROM THE    U-S-D-A IS THAT CORN AND SOYBEAN STOCKS ARE DOWN. BUT WHEAT STOCKS ARE UP FROM ONE YEAR AGO. THE DEPARTMENT SAYS U-S FARMERS PLAN TO BOOST THEIR CORN AND WHEAT ACREAGE THIS YEAR, BUT CUT THEIR SOYBEAN ACRES SLIGHTLY. CORN STOCKS TOTALLED 5.4 BILLION BUSHELS, DOWN 10 PER CENT FROM A YEAR AGO. SOYBEAN STOCKS WERE 999 MILLION BUSHELS, DOWN 27 PER CENT. THE U-S-D-A SAYS ALL U-S WHEAT STOCKS TOTALLED 1.23 BILLION BUSHELS ON MARCH 1ST, UP THREE PER CENT FROM A YEAR AGO. (CKNX)

 

ANTI GMO CAMPAIGN ON ALFALFA (APR 2) - THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION IS CALLING FOR PEOPLE TO RALLY OUTSIDE M-P OFFICES NEXT WEEK AGAINST GENETICALLY-MODIFIED ALFALFA. THEY'RE CALLING NEXT TUESDAY A ``DAY OF ACTION TO STOP G-M ALFALFA''.

THE GROUP SAYS CANADA APPROVED GENETICALLY-MODIFIED ALFALFA FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASE IN 2005 BUT THAT IT MUST STILL RECEIVE VARIETY REGISTRATION FROM THE C-F-I-A.

THE N-F-U CLAIMS SINCE ALFALFA IS A PERENNIAL PLANT THAT IS INSECT-POLLINATED, G-M ALFALFA WILL CONTAMINATE NON-GM AND ORGANIC ALFALFA.

 

HORSE PROCESSING ALLOWED (APR 2) - A 50-YEAR BAN ON HORSE SLAUGHTERING HAS BEEN LIFTED IN OKLAHOMA. THE STATE'S GOVERNOR HAS SIGNED A NEW LAW THAT WILL ALLOW FACILITIES TO PROCESS AND EXPORT HORSE MEAT. GOVERNOR MARY FALLIN NOTED THAT HORSES ARE ALREADY BEING SHIPPED OUT OF THE COUNTRY, INCLUDING TO FACILITIES IN MEXICO, WHERE THEY ARE PROCESSED IN POTENTIALLY INHUMANE CONDITIONS. OPPONENTS FOUGHT THE LAW ON ANIMAL WELFARE GROUNDS, AND SAY AMERICAN HORSES ARE OFTEN TREATED WITH DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS THAT ARE NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN ANIMALS INTENDED FOR FOOD.

 

   

AGRI NEWS FOR APRIL 1 2013

 

E-COLI CATCH (APR 1) - THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY AND CARGILL BOTH SAY THAT NO E-COLI-CONTAMINATED PRODUCT GOT OUT OF ITS HIGH RIVER PLANT. THE BACTERIA WAS DISCOVERED IN A PORTION OF BEEF TRIM AT THE FACILITY LAST WEEK AND WAS FLAGGED DURING ROUTINE SAFETY TESTING. THE C-F-I-A HAS OFFICIALS ON SITE AND ARE WORKING WITH CARGILL STAFF TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE BACTERIA. CARGILL SPOKESMAN MIKE MARTIN SAYS IT PROVES NEW SAFETY MEASURES PUT IN PLACE AFTER A MASSIVE BEEF RECALL AT THE X-L FOODS PLANT IN BROOKS ARE WORKING.

 

HAYEAST EXTENDED (APR 1) - HAYEAST ORGANIZERS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED CN AND CP RAIL FOR THEIR DONATIONS TO THE 'FEED MOVING' CAMPAIGN. THE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS WERE DONE IN TIME TO QUALIFY FOR MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL AND ONTARIO GOVERNMENTS.  WILD ROSE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS PRESIDENT LYNN JACOBSEN SAYS BOTH RAIL COMPANIES HAVE WORKED WITH HAYEAST FROM DAY ONE TO HELP COORDINATE LOGISTICS.
THE LATEST CASH INJECTIONS WILL ENSURE HAYEAST 2012 CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER HAY FROM THE PRAIRIES TO DROUGHT STRICKEN REGIONS OF ONTARIO UNTIL PASTURES OPEN IN THE SPRING.
THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS OF SASKATCHEWAN AND WILD ROSE WILL STILL WORK WITH PRAIRIE FARMERS WILLING TO DONATE HAY TO THEIR EASTERN COUNTERPARTS. CASH DONATIONS CAN STILL BE MADE AS WELL AT ANY SCOTIABANK BRANCH, OR BY VISITING THE WEBSITE 

HAYEAST2012 IS A PARTNERSHIP INVOLVING FARM ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS CANADA. THE PROGRAM IS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE HAYWEST PROGRAM THAT SAW THOUSANDS OF EASTERN CANADIAN FARMERS SEND FORAGES TO WESTERN CANADA IN 2002 TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS OF THAT REGION S DROUGHT. THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE SAYS HAYEAST WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TO JUNE FIRST.

SHEEP AND GOAT BIOSECURITY (APR 1) - A NEW NATIONAL BIOSECURITY STANDARD HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR CANADIAN GOAT PRODUCERS... AND SHEEP FARMERS. AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ SAYS THE TOOLS WERE DEVELOPED WITH INDUSTRY, TO IMPROVE ANIMAL HEALTH ON-FARM. CANADAIN NATIONAL GOAT FEDERATION PRESIDENT MYRNA COOMBS SAYS ON-FARM BIOSECURITY IS A CORNERSTONE TO MANAGING THE RISK OF ANIMAL DISEASE IN CANADIAN GOAT HERDS. CANADIAN SHEEP FEDERATION CHAIR ANDREW GORDANIER ADDED A VOTE OF THANKS TO ALL PRODUCERS WHO VOLUNTEERED TIME TO HELP DEVELOP THE MEASURES. THE STANDARD IS A VOLUNTARY EDUCATION TOOL PROVIDING A SERIES OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO HELP PRODUCERS MINIMIZE AND CONTROL THE RISK OF DISEASE ENTERING THEIR FARMS, OR SPREADING.
IT FOCUSES ON AREAS LIKE MOVEMENT, FACILITY MANAGEMENT, RECORD KEEPING AND TRAINING. GROWING FORWARD FUNDING HELPED THE PROJECT.

 

CCA SMALLER (APR 1) - THE CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION SAYS IT ISN'T AS LARGE AS IT USED TO BE. THE ASSOCIATION SAYS IT NOW REPRESENTS 63,500 BEEF FARMS AND FEEDLOTS, DOWN FROM MORE THAN 83,000 MEMBERS. THE C-C-A SAYS THE NEW NUMBER REFLECTS CHANGES IN THE WAY THE 2011 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE RECORDED MIXED FARMS. MIXED FARMS ARE CATEGORIZED AS EITHER BEEF OR GRAIN, BASED ON WHICH EVER BRINGS IN MORE THAN HALF OF A FARM'S INCOME. THE ASSOCIATION SAYS THE 63,500 FARMS ACTUALLY REPRESENT MANY MORE PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON THE BEEF INDUSTRY FOR THEIR INCOME.
 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 28 2013

 

LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY TRAILERS PUT TO WORK (MAR 28) -

HARD TO BELIEVE WITH TODAY'S SUNSHINE... BUT JUST ONE WEEK AGO, HIGHWAY TWO WAS SHUT DOWN WITH A MULTI-VEHICLE PILEUP FROM SNOWSTORM CONDITIONS, JUST SOUTH OF MILLET. IN THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE CARNAGE WERE TWO CATTLE LINERS, AND ONE OF THEM WAS FULL. THAT PROVIDED A PERFECT CHANCE TO USE THE RECENTLY INSTALLED LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY TRAILER STATION IN PONOKA. PONOKA RCMP CONSTABLE CHRIS NOBLE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS AND DESCRIBES HOW THE UNIT WORKED...

NOBLE SAYS WHEN THE LINER WAS EMPTIED, THERE WAS ONE ANIMAL WITH A BROKEN LEG THAT HAD TO BE PUT DOWN BUT 73 OF THE 74 HEAD ON BOARD WERE SAFELY MOVED TO ANOTHER LINER AND TAKEN SAFELY AWAY. RCMP LIVESTOCK CONSTABLE DAVE HEASLIP COORDINATED THE TRAILERS USE, AND POINTS OUT THE PROVINCE IS NOW WELL EQUIPPED WITH THESE SPECIALIZED EMERGENCY TRAILERS...

 

HEASLIP ALSO CREDITS THE LINER DRIVER FOR DOING A GOOD JOB IN KEEPING THE UNIT UPRIGHT IN LAST WEEK'S ICY PILEUP, PREVENTING MORE SEVERE LOSSES. AS WELL, HE ADDS THE COUNTY OF PONOKA ASKED WHAT ELSE THE TRAILER NEEDED, AND HAS ALREADY AGREED TO FUND THE ADDITION OF A MOBILE CHUTE AND SOME EXTRA PANELS.

 

CANADIAN AGRICULTURE OVERVIEW (MAR 28) - IF YOU NEED SOME FACTS AND FIGURES TO SUPPORT DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AG'S IMPORTANCE IN CANADA'S ECONOMY... THE LATEST AGRICULTURE CANADA OVERVIEW REPORT HAS THEM. LIKE...ONE IN EIGHT CANADIAN JOBS COMES FROM AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD, EMPLOYING 2.1 MILLION PEOPLE. THE INDUSTRIES ACCOUNT FOR EIGHT PER CENT OF THE NATION'S TOTAL GDP, GENERATING OVER 101 BILLION DOLLARS.

ALSO... CANADIANS STILL ENJOY SOME OF THE LOWEST FOOD COSTS IN THE WORLD, WITH SPENDING ON FOOD ACCOUNTING FOR JUST UNDER TEN PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES... WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE U-S, BUT LOWER THAN FRANCE. THE REPORT ALSO SHOWS THE MIX OF CROPS AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN CANADA IS EVOLVING.. REFLECTING CHANGES IN THE TYPES OF PRODUCTS CONSUMERS WANT... AND CHANGING MARKET PRICES AND CONDITIONS. FOR INSTANCE, WHEAT HAS NOW BEEN OVERTAKEN BY CANOLA.

AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ SAYS FARM PERFORMANCE OVERALL CONTINUES TO REMAIN STRONG IN CANADA.

 

PORK INDUSTRY AWARDS (MAR 28) - ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS IS AN ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS IN THE HOG INDUSTRY. AT THE AWARDS BANQUET, GEORGE FOXCROFT WAS PRESENTED WITH THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. HE'S WITH THE SWINE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA. DAVE PRICE OF ACME WAS GIVEN THE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD, WHILE HEARTLAND COLONY TOOK THE FARM TEAM HONORS.

IN OLYMEL'S REACH FOR THE TOP COMPETITION, SUNCREST COLONY WAS THE GRAND CHAMPION WINNER, AS WELL AS TOPS IN HIGH HEALTH. SOUTH BEND COLONY TOOK THE FOOD SAFETY CATEGORY, WHILE CORE LEAN WENT TO BRITESTONE COLONY. THE ALIX COLONY WON THE CORE WEIGHT DIVISION. AND THE SECOND ANNUAL BRUCE WINKLER MEMORIAL SILENT AUCTION RAISED 7100 DOLLARS FOR THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS  FOR MARCH 27 2013 

 

OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMER WINNER (MAR 27) - A GIBBONS AREA GRAIN PRODUCER HAS BEEN NAMED ALBERTA'S OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS FOR 2013. MICHAEL KALISVAART WAS SELECTED AT LAST WEEK'S REGIONAL EVENT. KALISVAART AND HIS FAMILY RUN ABOUT EIGHT THOUSAND ACRES, GROWING A VARIETY OF GRAINS AND OILSEEDS. HE'S LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING OTHER PROGRESSIVE YOUNG FARMERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY THROUGH OYF...
 KALISVAART IS ALSO A RECENT GRADUATE OF THE C-TEAM AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FROM THE GEORGE MORRIS CENTRE. HE AND HIS WIFE WILL HEAD TO THE NATIONAL OYF PROGRAM AT THIS NOVEMBER'S AGRIBITION IN REGINA.

 

FABABEANS IN CENTRAL ALBERTA (MAR 27) - IT'S AN OLD CROP... BUT GAINING NEW INTEREST IN CENTRAL ALBERTA. BENTLEY AREA FARMER HARVEY BRINK GOT TIRED OF HARVESTING ISSUES WITH PEA CROPS, SO DECIDED TO TRY GROWING FABA BEANS. HE'S BEEN PLEASED WITH THE LAST TWO SEASONS OF PRODUCTION OF THE CROP ON HIS FARM, AND IS HOLDING AN INFORMATION MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT IN LACOMBE FOR OTHER GROWERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN GIVING THE BEANS A TRY...
 THE MEETING WILL FEATURE BRINK SHARING HIS FABABEANS EXPERIENCE... AS WELL AS CHRIS CHIVILO OF PARKLAND ALBERTA COMMODITIES, WHO WILL DISCUSS MARKET POTENTIAL FOR THE CROP. THE MEETING STARTS AT SEVEN AT THE LACOMBE MEMORIAL CENTRE.

 

LATER SPRING? (MAR 27) -AN AGRI-METEOROLOGIST SAYS SEEDING IN PARTS OF THE PRAIRIES THIS SPRING WILL GET OFF TO A LATE START. DREW LERNER WITH WORLD WEATHER SAYS HE EXPECTS COOLER TEMPERATURE TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT TEN DAYS.

HE SAYS TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO BE UP AND DOWN IN APRIL, WHICH SHOULD LEAD TO A GRADUAL SNOW MELT.

LERNER SAYS IT COULD BE LATE APRIL BEFORE PEOPLE IN SOME AREAS EVEN SEE THEIR TOPSOIL. OVERALL, HE SAYS IT WILL BE A COOLER THAN NORMAL GROWING SEASON. (CHSM)

AGRIUM BOARD DEBATE (MAR 27) - TWO MAJOR PROXY ADVISORY FIRMS HAVE REACHED DIFFERENT CONCLUSIONS ABOUT RIVAL NOMINEES FOR AGRIUM'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE CALGARY-BASED FERTILIZER GIANT SAYS ONE COMPANY HAS RECOMMENDED ITS CLIENTS VOTE FOR ALL 12 OF THE BOARD'S NOMINEES. NEW YORK-BASED JANA PARTNERS, WHICH WANTS AGRIUM TO CHANGE ITS STRATEGIC DIRECTION, SAYS ANOTHER FIRMHAS COME OUT IN FAVOUR OF TWO OF ITS ALTERNATIVE NOMINEES JANA MANAGING PARTNER BARRY ROSENSTEIN AND DAVID BULLOCK, A FORMER CFO OF GRAHAM PACKAGING.

HORSE PROGRAM (MAR 27) - THE HEALING HOOVES OF HORSES ARE BEING TAPPED INTO FOR MILITARY ASSISTANCE. HORSES ARE HELPING ALBERTA VETERANS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER .

THE PROGRAM NEAR ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE INVOLVES HAVING VETS AND THEIR SPOUSES GET COUNSELLING AND WALK HORSES IN A HEATED INDOOR ARENA TO WORK THROUGH COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS. PSYCHOLOGIST JIM MARLAND SAYS HORSES ARE SENSITIVE TO HUMAN BODY LANGUAGE, SO THEY CAN HELP PEOPLE LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES AND HOW THEY COME ACROSS TO OTHERS.

THE PROGRAM GOT A TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR BOOST THIS WEEK FROM WOUNDED WARRIORS, AN ONTARIO-BASED FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION.

 

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 26 2013

 

GROWING FORWARD ALBERTA (MAR 26) -ALBERTA HAS SIGNED ONTO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S GROWING FORWARD 2 PLAN.
AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ WAS IN LEDUC TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE NEW DEAL WITH ALBERTA'S MINISTER, VERLYN OLSON. RITZ SAYS THE NEW AGREEMENT WILL SEE THE TWO GOVERNMENTS SPEND 406 MILLION DOLLARS ON ALBERTA FARMERS THROUGH MORE THAN 30 DIFFERENT PROGRAMS....
 

THE MONEY IS PART OF A FIVE-YEAR NATIONAL PLAN WORTH THREE BILLION DOLLARS. ITS' DESIGNED TO SUPPORT INNOVATION, COMPETITIVENESS AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA'S AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

 

COST COMPETITIVE STUDY (MAR 26)-NO ONE REALLY KNOWS HOW COST-COMPETITIVE CANADIAN GRAIN PRODUCERS ARE INTERNATIONALLY. SO FARMERS OF NORTH AMERICA, FARM CREDIT CANADA AND AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA ARE PARTNERING TO TRY TO FIGURE IT OUT. FNA'S STRATEGIC AGRICULTURE INSTITUTE IS LEADING THE WORK.PART OF THE PROJECT WILL BE TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES CANADIAN GRAIN FARMERS HAVE OR FACE ON THEIR FARMS COMPARED TO THEIR MAJOR COMPETITORS. FNA'S BOB FRIESEN SAYS THEY HOPE TO BE ABLE TO HELP THIS COUNTRY'S PRIMARY GRAIN PRODUCERS IDENTIFY AREAS OF STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS THAT CAN BE EXPLOITED OR ADDRESSED. FRIESEN SAYS THEY EXPECT TO HAVE THE STUDY COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. (CKNX)

LIVESTOCK SNOW EMERGENCY (MAR 26)- IT'S BEEN A BAD WINTER FOR SNOW IN MUCH OF THE PRAIRIES, BUT NOT QUITE THIS BAD.
SNOW HAS SO THOROUGHLY CARPETED NORTHERN IRELAND'S FARMLAND THAT THE U.K. MILITARY IS SENDING A TRANSPORT HELICOPTER TO FLY FEED TO THE PROVINCE'S LIVESTOCK MAINLY CATTLE, PIGS, AND SHEEP. A SPOKESMAN FOR BRITAIN'S MILITARY SAID THAT A ROYAL AIR FORCE CHINOOK WAS ON ITS WAY TO THE ALDERGROVE AIR BASE ABOUT 15 MILES (25 KILOMETRES) FROM BELFAST TO SEE WHAT HELP IT COULD PROVIDE TO FARMS STRANDED BY THE SNOW. LIKE OTHERS ACROSS THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, BRITONS HAVE BEEN LEFT SHIVERING BY UNSEASONABLY COLD WEATHER. SNOWDRIFTS UP TO 20 FEET (6 METRES) HIGH HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN SOME AREAS, AND BBC TELEVISION FOOTAGE SHOWED SOME FARMERS DIGGING UNFORTUNATE SHEEP OUT.

 

MANITOBA FLOODS? (MAR 26)- MANITOBA COMMUNITIES ARE BUSY SHORING UP THEIR PROPERTIES, PREPARING AGAINST POTENTIAL FLOODING ALONG THE RED RIVER... AFTER THIS MONTH'S HEAVY SNOWFALL. IN ITS LATEST FLOOD FORECAST, THE MANITOBA GOVERNMENT IS WARNING MAJOR FLOODING IS POSSIBLE THIS SPRING, BUT IT'S NOT EXPECTING THE SITUATION TO BE AS BAD AS 2011... THANKS TO LOWER SOIL MOISTURE LEVELS HEADING INTO THE SEASON. EMERGENCY MEASURES MINISTER STEVE ASHTON SAYS MANITOBA IS PLANNING FOR CONDITIONS MORE SIMILAR TO 2009. SOME RURAL MUNICIPALITIES ARE ALREADY WORKING ON THEIR DIKES AND STOCKPILING SANDBAGS, WATER PUMPS AND GENERATORS.
U-S FORECASTERS ARE CALLING FOR A HIGH CHANCE OF FLOODING IN PARTS OF NORTH DAKOTA.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 25 2013

 

DAIRY WINNERS (MAR 25) - A CENTRAL ALBERTA HOLSTEIN WALTZED TO TOP HONORS AT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE DAIRY CLASSIC ON SATURDAY. WENDON HOLSTEINS OF INNISFAIL CLAIMED THE GRAND CHAMPION TITLE WITH CRF LHEROS RUDOLPH PETE JOEL... A 12 YEAR OLD COW. OWNER DON CHALACK SAYS HE SPOTTED THE COW AT COLPITTS RANCHES AND PURCHASED HER WHEN THAT FARM WAS DISPERSING. HE ADMITS SHE WASN'T AN EARLY SUPERSTAR...

HAVING PRODUCTIVE COWS STICK AROUND LONGER IN A DAIRY OPERATION IS SOMETHING DAIRY PRODUCERS HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON LATELY...

 

TAKING RESERVE HONORS WAS A FIVE YEAR OLD COW FROM LAMPADA HOLSTEINS OF CARLYLE SASKATCHEWAN, CO-OWNED BY ROBELLA HOLSTEINS. MEANTIME JUDGE CARL PHOENIX OF ONTARIO CHOSE CONTINENTAL BRAX MACY FROM CONTINENTAL, AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOLSTEINS, AS WELL AS RON CHURCHILL AS HIS JUNIOR CHAMPION. RESERVE WENT TO A SENIOR HEIFER CALF FROM SKYCREST HOLSTEINS. THE ATHABASCA FARM ALSO CLAIMED BOTH THE PREMIER BREEDER AND EXHIBITOR AWARDS. REITVELD DAIRES OF FORT SASKATCHEWAN HAD THE TOP PLACING RED AND WHITE HOSTEIN. ALSO AT THE SHOW, LONGTIME JERSEY BREEDER AND DAIRY ENTHUSIAST LEN WYLIE WAS PRESENTED WITH THE CURTIS CLARK MEMORIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.

EGG FARMERS (MAR 25) - THE EGG FARMERS OF CANADA RE-ELECTED THEIR CHAIRPERSON AT EFC'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN OTTAWA LAST WEEK. PETER CLARKE OF NOVA SCOTIA WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD THE NATIONAL EGG PRODUCER ASSOCIATION. HE HAS REPRESENTED HIS PROVINCE ON THE EFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS SINCE 1995.
THE EFC BOARD HAS 16 MEMBERS, CONSISTING OF EGG FARMERS FROM EACH PROVINCE AND THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CONSUMERS' ASSOCIATION OF CANADA AND THREE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CANADIAN POULTRY AND EGG PROCESSORS COUNCIL. (CHSM)

PURATONE (MAR 25) - THERE'S NEW HOPE FOR FARMERS LOOKING TO GET PAID FOR GRAIN THEY DELIVERED TO A MANITOBA HOG PRODUCER THAT FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY LAST YEAR. MOST OF PURATONE'S ASSETS WERE DISPERSED AMONG THE COMPANY'S SECURED CREDITORS LAST WEEK, BUT A JUDGE HAS DECIDED TO SET ASIDE 5 MILLION DOLLARS IN A TRUST FOR FUTURE CLAIMS. A GROUP OF 17 FARMERS CALLING THEMSELVES ``DISGRUNTLED FARMERS SEEKING JUSTICE'' HAVE NOW SUBMITTED A CLAIM AGAINST THE TRUST, SAYING THEY ARE OWED 910 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR GRAIN. THE FARMERS WILL BE BACK IN COURT TO SUPPORT THEIR CLAIM ON APRIL 11TH.

PRAIRIE FRUIT (MAR 25) - THE PRAIRIES ARE TYPICALLY KNOWN FOR GRAINS AND CATTLE -- NOT FRESH FRUIT. THE CANADIAN PRAIRIE FRUIT FEDERATION IS HOPING THAT WILL CHANGE WITH A BRAND THAT WAS CREATED TO PROMOTE PRAIRIE FRUIT PRODUCTS. THE PRAIRIE FRUIT BRAND RECENTLY RECEIVED AN AWARD FROM THE CANADIAN AGRI-MARKETING ASSOCIATION. THE BRAND CONTAINS ELEMENTS THAT STRESS THE FRUIT IS LOCAL, TASTY, AND HAS THE WORDS ``PRAIRIE FRUIT'' ON A STRAWBERRY EMBLEM.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 22 2013

 

OLYMEL TO END GESTATION CRATE USE (MAR 22) - PORK PROCESSOR GIANT OLYMEL SAYS IT WILL PHASE OUT THE USE OF GESTATION CRATES FOR PREGNANT SOWS IN BREEDING FACILITIES BY 2022. SPOKESPERSON RICHARD VIGNEAULT SAYS THE DECISION WAS MADE AFTER INTERNAL DISCUSSION AND CLIENT REQUESTS.

THE DECISION IS BEING HAILED BY THE HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL/CANADA. SPOKESPERSON SAYARA THURSTON SAYS GESTATION CRATES ARE BRUTAL.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY IS HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF OLYMEL'S DECISION IN VIEW OF THE ONGOING REVIEW OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE CARE AND HANDLING OF PIGS IN CANADA.
THE CAGES HAVE ALSO BEEN CONDEMNED BY FOOD RETAILERS, INCLUDING TIM HORTONS, MCDONALD'S AND BURGER KING, AS WELL AS BY OTHER PORK PRODUCERS SUCH AS MAPLE LEAF AND SMITHFIELD FOODS.

CANVAS AUCTION (MAR 22) - BIDDERS LAID DOWN A WHOPPING 3.6 MILLION DOLLARS AT THE 35TH ANNUAL GMC RANGELAND DERBY CANVAS AUCTION. IT'S THE THIRD HIGHEST TOTAL EVER. KELLY SUTHERLAND PROVED THE FAVOURITE CHOICE AMONGST THE 36 DRIVERS, GARNERING A BID OF 200 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM TERVITA CORPORATION, THE SAME CORPORATION THAT BACKED SUTHERLAND LAST YEAR. SECOND PLACE WENT TO COLT COSGRAVE AT 170 THOUSAND, AND TERVITA PICKED UP A SECOND DRIVER, DEVIN MITSUING FOR 95 THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE AVERAGE BID THIS YEAR WAS JUST OVER 100 THOUSAND. LAST YEAR, THE AUCTION RAISED JUST OVER FOUR MILLION DOLLARS.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 21 2013

 

WINTRY WEATHER (MAR 21) - THE WEEDS WORKSHOP THAT WAS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY AT THE RED DEER COUNTY OFFICE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S RESCHEDULED.

COOL RETALIATION (MAR 21) - US GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN SERVED NOTICE THAT CANADA IS PREPARED TO TAKE RETALIATORY TRADE ACTION IF THE AMERICANS DON'T MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS WITH THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING (COOL) LAW BY MAY 23RD. THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION HAS SET THE DATE AS A DEADLINE BY WHEN THE US MUST BRING COOL INTO COMPLIANCE WITH A WTO RULING THAT SAID THE LAW DISCRIMINATES AGAINST CANADIAN AND MEXICAN LIVESTOCK. THE US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HAS PROPOSED A SET OF REGULATORY CHANGES THAT IT ARGUES WILL BRING THE RULE INTO COMPLIANCE, HOWEVER FEDERAL AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ SAYS THE PROPOSED CHANGES WILL HAVE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT. RITZ SAID HE HAS GIVEN US LEADERS THE HEADS-UP THAT CANADA IS READY TO IMPLEMENT RETALIATORY TARIFFS. WHEN ASKED IF HIS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY PREPARING THE CASE FOR TRADE ACTION, RITZ REPLIED "ABSOLUTELY."
RITZ WILL BE TRAVELING TO WASHINGTON, POSSIBLY WITH SOME OF HIS PROVINCIAL COUNTERPARTS, TO DISCUSS COOL IN THE COMING DAYS. (CHSM)

 

GREAT GALA (MAR 21) - THE OLDS COLLEGE CENTENNIAL "GROWING THE LEGACY GALA" IS A HUGE SUCCESS, BEFORE THE FACT. THE EVENT IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT.  VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT JORDAN CLELAND......

IT'S THE LARGEST GALA IN THE COLLEGE'S HISTORY.
 

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 20 2013

 

RDRWA EVENT (MAR 20) - THE RED DEER RIVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE SOCIETY IS HOLDING A SPRING FORUM, GENERAL MEETING, AND SPECIAL MEETING THIS FRIDAY IN ROSEBUD. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GERARD ALDRIDGE IS INVITING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO COME.

IT TAKES PLACE AT THE ROSEBUD COMMUNITY HALL.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO GO, THE ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IN ADVANCE. CALL THE RDRWA OFFICE AT 403-340-7379.

FORMAL RECOGNITION (MAR 20) - A BIT OF A FOOD SAFETY COUP FOR CANADA'S CHICKEN FARMERS. CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA IS THE FIRST NATIONAL ORGANISATION TO GET FORMAL RECOGNITION UNDER THE ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY RECOGNITION PROGRAM.
TO GET THAT RECOGNITION NATIONAL INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS HAVE TO ASSESS THEIR FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES AGAINST THE HACCP PRINCIPALS. THEN THEY HAVE TO SUBMIT THEIR FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM TO THE CFIA FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW. ONCE THE PROGRAM IS IMPLEMENTED, AUDITED AND ASSESSED, THE CFIA GRANTS RECOGNITION. THE CFIA ALSO DOES ONGOING MAINTENANCE REVIEWS TO MAKE SURE THE PROGRAM CONTINUES TO MEET THE ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY RECOGNITION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA GOT THEIR FORMAL LETTER OF RECOGNITION FROM FEDERAL AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ AT THEIR ANNUAL MEETING IN OTTAWA THIS WEEK. CFC CHAIR DAVE JANZEN SAYS IT DEMONSTRATES THE COMMITTMENT OF THIS COUNTRY'S CHICKEN FARMERS TO MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS OF CONSUMERS FOR SAFE, QUALITY CANADIAN CHICKEN. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 19 2013 

 

WEED WORKSHOP (MAR 19) - THERE'S A SPECIAL EVENT COMING UP THIS WEEK FOR FARMERS IN RED DEER COUNTY. TYLER HARKE HAS THE DETAILS.
 

SNOW BLANKET (MAR 19) - A THICK LAYER OF SNOW ACROSS MOST OF WESTERN CANADA MEANS SEEDING WILL NOT GET OFF TO AN EARLY START. BRUCE BURNETT, WEATHER AND CROP SPECIALIST WITH THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD, SAYS THERE IS A FAIRLY MAJOR SNOWPACK IN NEARLY ALL AREAS OF THE PRAIRIES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN AND PARTS OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA.

HE SAYS THE AMOUNT OF SNOW ON THE EASTERN HALF OF THE PRAIRIE REGION IS BECOMING A CONCERN. BURNETT SAYS IT'S GOING TO TAKE A FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THAT SNOW TO MELT.

WHILE FLOODING COULD BE A CONCERN IN SOME AREAS, HE SAYS TOPSOIL MOISTURE LEVELS SHOULD AT LEAST BE ADEQUATE FOR SEEDING.

RISK MANAGEMENT (MAR 19) - THE DEVELOPMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR FARMERS IS GETTING A BIG BOOST.

A NEW PROFESSORSHIP IN AGRICULTURE RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE HAS BEEN SET UP AT THE ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SAY THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THE NEW PROFESSORSHIP WILL HELP FARMERS MAKE INSURANCE THEIR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE WHEN IT COMES TO MANAGING THEIR RISK.

 

CWB HISTORY (MAR 19) - AN ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD FEARS THE BOARD'S HISTORY IS BEING LOST.

THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD ALLIANCE SAYS A SUBSTANTIAL PORTIONS OF THE C-W-B'S LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES HAVE BEEN PICKED OVER OR TOSSED IN THE TRASH. THE CALL COMES AFTER FEDERAL LEGISLATION STRIPPED THE BOARD OF ITS WESTERN WHEAT AND BARLEY MARKETING MONOPOLY. THE ALLIANCE IS CALLING ON LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA TO USE ITS LEGAL AUTHORITY TO CATALOGUE AND ARCHIVE THE HOLDINGS AT THE BOARD'S OFFICES IN WINNIPEG, REGINA, VANCOUVER AND OVERSEAS.

 

HORTICULTURE MONEY (MAR 19) - CANADIAN SOYBEANS AND HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS ARE GETTING SOME FEDERAL HELP TO DEVELOP AND GROW EXPORT MARKETS. 90 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE FEDERAL AGRIMARKETING PROGRAM GOES TO THE CANADIAN SOYBEAN COUNCIL. THE COUNCIL WILL USE THE MONEY FOR MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN TARGETED MARKETS SUCH AS JAPAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIA. EARL GEDDES OF THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL GRAINS INSTITUTE SAYS THOSE ACTIVITIES WILL HELP PROMOTE CANADA'S HIGH-QUALITY CROPS INTERNATIONALLY. THE CANADIAN NURSERY LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION IS GETTING 53 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE SAME FEDERAL PROGRAM. IT WILL BE USED TO FURTHER EXPLORE POTENTIAL GROWTH MARKETS SUCH AS GERMANY, RUSSIA AND CHINA. HORTICULTURE ACCOUNTS FOR 15 PER CENT OF CANADA'S TOTAL ANNUAL FARM CASH RECEIPTS. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 18 2013

 

ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS (MAR 18) - WESTERNER PARK IN RED DEER IS GOING TO BE ALL ABOUT PORK THIS WEEK WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS. VICE PRESIDENT DOUG RICHARDS SAYS IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT EVENT. 

THE ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS RUNS WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY AT WESTERNER PARK. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO THE ALBERTA PORK CONGRESS WEBSITE.

USDA REPORT (MAR 18) - THE USDA SAYS THERE WAS SOME SUPPORT FOR LIGHTER FEEDER CATTLE IN JANUARY - BUT NOT FOR THE HEAVIER ANIMALS.   THE REASON - SNOW IN THE PLAINS STATES RESULTED IN INCREASED DEMAND FOR THE LIGHTER ANIMALS FOR SUMMER GRAZING.
MEANWHILE, NEGATIVE NEAR-TERM CATTLE FEEDING LOSSES CUT INTO THE DEMAND FOR THE HEAVIER ANIMALS. THE USDA'S LATEST LIVESTOCK OUTLOOK SAYS PORK EXPORTS IN JANUARY WERE LOWER, YEAR OVER YEAR. JAPAN IS THE LARGEST FOREIGN BUYER OF U-S PORK PRODUCTS. BUT THE USDA SAYS THE WEAKER JAPANESE YEN IS CREATING A REAL PROBLEM FOR HOG EXPORTS TO THAT MARKET. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 15 2013

 

GENETICS MONEY (MAR 15) - A ONE MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT INTO THE CANADIAN LIVESTOCK GENETICS ASSOCIATION WAS ANNOUNCED THIS MORNING IN PONOKA. MP BLAINE CALKINS MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON BEHALF OF AGRICULTURE MINISTER GERRY RITZ AT MORSAN FARMS. MORSAN FARMS IS A WORLD-CLASS DAIRY OPERATION THAT SPECIALIZED IN BREEDING AND EXPORTING GENETICS.
THE MONEY WILL HELP THE CLGA IMPLEMENT ITS LONG-TERM INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR DAIRY AND SMALL RUMINANT GENETICS. IT'S ALSO EXPECTED TO HELP THE CLGA EXPAND AND REGAIN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS FOR LIVE CATTLE, SEMEN, AND EMBRYOS, AND MARTED ITS STRONG DAIRY CATTLE IMPROMENT AND GENETIC EVALUATION PROGRAMS. CANADIAN DAIRY GENETICS WERE EXPORTED TO OVER 100 COUNTRIES LAST YEAR, WITH A VALUE OF 110 MILLION DOLLARS. THE MONEY IN TODAY'S ANNOUNCEMENT IS PART OF THE AGRIMARKETING PROGRAM UNDER GROWING FORWARD.

LACOMBE GRANT (MAR 15) - LACOMBE REGIONAL TOURISM WAS THE RECIPIENT OF 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS THIS MORNING FROM THE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT'S AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES PROGRAM. A CHEQUE WAS PRESENTED BY RED DEER NORTH MLA MARY ANNE JABLONSKI. THE GRANT WILL SUPPORT IN THE CONTIUED DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE RURAL TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE LACOMBE REGION AND SUPPORT THE 2013 LACOMBE CULTURE AND HARVEST FESTIVAL.

 

TRIPLETS!  (MAR 15) - IT'S CIGARS AND SALTLICKS ALL AROUND AFTER THE RARE BIRTH OF TRIPLET CALVES IN SASKATCHEWAN.

THE 14-YEAR-OLD ANGUS-CROSS MOTHER DELIVERED THE HEALTHY CALVES EARLIER THIS WEEK ON A MELFORT-AREA FARM BELONGING TO WALLY AND KERRY LACLARE. WALLY LACLARE SAYS HE BELIEVES TWO OF THE CALVES ARE FROM ONE BULL ON THE FARM AND THE THIRD IS FROM ANOTHER, BASED UPON THEIR DIFFERENT MARKINGS AND COLOURS. VETERINARIANS SAY IT'S VERY POSSIBLE THAT TWO EGGS WERE FERTILIZED AND ONE OF THEM DIVIDED TO CREATE TWO CALVES.

THE VETERINARY COLLEGE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN SAYS THE ODDS OF HAVING TRIPLETS IN BEEF CATTLE ARE ABOUT ONE IN 105-THOUSAND.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 14 2013

 

TARP AUCTION (MAR 14) - AT THE 15TH ANNUAL WESTERNER PONY CHUCKWAGON TARP AUCTION LAST NIGHT AT BELLINI'S AT THE SHERATON HOTEL, BIDDING WAS ACTIVE AND INTEREST WAS HIGH IN THIS YEAR'S RACES AT WESTERNER DAYS. THE 56 TARPS AVERAGED $2890, UP $400 OVER LAST YEAR'S AVERAGE PRICE. THE SALE TOTAL WAS $161,825. THIS YEAR'S HIGH SELLING TARP WAS GARRY THIEL OF SHERWOOD PARK, THE 2012 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION FROM WESTERNER DAYS. HE WENT FOR $6000 TO PUMPS 'N PRESSURE. THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE WAS PAID FOR A DRIVER WHO WILL MAKE HIS DEBUT AT THE WESTERNER THIS SUMMER. LEN CAMPBELL OF SYLVAN LAKE WENT FOR $5600 TO CLEARVIEW GLASS. CAMPBELL STARTED OUT AS A PONY CHUCK SPONSOR, THEN DECIDED TO TRY RACING FOR HIMSELF IN 2010. THE WESTERNER DAYS PONY CHUCKWAGON RACES GO FROM JULY 17-21.

 

MENTORSHIP WINNER (MAR 14) - A DIDSBURY-AREA WOMAN IS ONE OF 16 YOUNG PEOPLE CHOSEN FOR THE CANADIAN CATTLEMAN'S YOUNG LEADERS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. BECKY PAGE WILL BE PAIRED WITH A MENTOR FOR EIGHT MONTHS. PAGE SAYS THEY RECENTLY WENT TO THE OTTAWA FOR THE CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING, WHERE 22 SEMI-FINALISTS VIED FOR A SPOT IN THE NATIONAL YOUTH INITIATIVE OF THE CCA.

PAGE AND HER HUSBAND MET IN THE OLDS COLLEGE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION PROGRAM. THEY NOW HAVE A POLLED HEREFORD AND RED ANGUS OPERATION JUST EAST OF DIDSBURY.

DAIRY REPORT (MAR 14) - A NEW REPORT SAYS IT IS TIME TO REFORM CANADA'S SUPPLY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MILK.

THE STUDY BY THE GEORGE MORRIS CENTRE SAYS CHANGES ARE NEEDED TO HELP THE INDUSTRY GROW. IT RECOMMENDS REDUCING COSTS, STREAMLINING GOVERNANCE AND MOVING TO A TRULY NATIONAL MARKET FOR DAIRY PRODUCTS. THE REPORT ALSO SUGGESTS THE INDUSTRY SHOULD LOOK AT DECREASING MILK PRICES. THE REPORT WAS SPONSORED BY THE CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 13 2013

 

CWB WHEAT POOLS (MAR 13) - THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD HAS TWO NEW POOLS FOR THE 2012-13 CROP YEAR. THE SPRING POOL AND THE FUTURES CHOICE SPRING POOL ARE NOW OPEN TO FARMERS ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. THE BOARD SAYS THE NEW SPRING POOLS ARE AIMED AT FARMERS WHO MAY STILL BE ON THE FENCE OR HAVEN'T COMMITTED ALL THEIR GRAIN. THE SPRING POOL IS OPEN TO MILLING GRADES OF CANADA WESTERN RED SPRING, CANADIAN PRAIRIE SPRING RED, CANADA WESTERN RED WINTER, CANADA WESTERN AMBER DURUM AND CANOLA. THE FUTURES CHOICE SPRING POOL IS OPEN TO MILLING GRADES OF CANADA WESTERN RED SPRING, CANADIAN PRAIRIE SPRING RED AND CANADA WESTERN RED WINTER.

PORK ADVICE (MAR 13) - MANITOBA PORK IS REMINDING HOG PRODUCERS TO BE CAREFUL WHEN INJECTING MEDICATION INTO THEIR ANIMALS. THE GROUP SAYS PORK CARCASS DEFECTS ARE RARE BUT THEY ARE ONE OF THE DRAWBACKS OF PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL TREATMENTS TO PIGS. IT SAYS IT IS ESTIMATED THAT INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS DAMAGE AS MANY AS 11.3 PER CENT OF CARCASSES.

MANITOBA PORK RECOMMENDS USING NEEDLE-FREE DEVICES TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS.

NEW CANOLA VARIETY (MAR 13) - VITERRA HAS UNVEILED A NEW HYBRID CANOLA VARIETY FOR THE BROWN AND DARK BROWN SOIL ZONE. THE HYBRID IS CALLED XCEEDR, WITH THE CLEARFIELD TOLERANCE TRAIT. THE CORPORATION SAYS LAST SEASON PERFORMANCE SUGGESTED A 20 PER-CENT HIGHER YIELD THAN PAST OPEN POLLINATED XCEEDR VARIETIES. VITERRA SAYS THE HYBRID COMES AFTER YEARS OF WORK BY ITS RESEARCH TEAM IN SASKATOON.

SAFETY FIRST (MAR 13) - FARM SAFETY WEEK CONTINUES ACROSS CANADA... KENDA LUBECK, FARM SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR WITH ALBERTA AGRICULTURE SAYS THE FOCUS IN OUR PROVINCE IS THE "I HAVE A ROLE CAMPAIGN". 

THE CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL SAFETY ASSOCIATION SAYS THIS YEAR IT IS ENCOURAGING FARMERS TO DEVELOP WRITTEN HEALTH AND SAFETY PLANS. ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY, THE VAST MAJORITY OF CANADIAN PRODUCERS BELIEVE SAFETY IS A PRIORITY, BUT LESS THAN ONE IN TEN HAVE A WRITTEN SAFETY PLAN ON THEIR FARM OR RANCH. THE ASSOCIATION SAYS WRITTEN SAFETY PLANS ENABLE FARMERS TO IDENTIFY HAZARDS ON THE FARM AND CONTROL THEM USING STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 12 2013

 

NEW WHEAT POOLS (MAR 12) - THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD HAS ANNOUNCED THE ADDITION OF TWO NEW POOLS TO ITS 2012-13 LINE-UP. THE SPRING POOL AND THE FUTURES CHOICE SPRING POOL ARE NOW OPEN TO FARMERS ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS.  BOTH POOLS GIVE FARMERS ACCESS TO CWB'S WORLD-CLASS SALES TEAM AND EXPERT RISK MANAGEMENT, HELPING TO STABILIZE GRAIN PRICE FLUCTUATIONS AND GENERATE RETURNS FROM ACROSS MARKETS.  THE SPRING POOL IS OPEN TO MILLING GRADES OF CANADA WESTERN RED SPRING (CWRS), CANADIAN PRAIRIE SPRING RED (CPSR), CANADA WESTERN RED WINTER (CWRW), CANADA WESTERN AMBER DURUM (CWAD) AND CANOLA. FARMERS HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO MARKET THROUGH ANY PARTICIPATING GRAIN-HANDLING COMPANY WITH GUARANTEED DELIVERY BY JULY 31, 2013. THE POOL ALSO OFFERS GRADE FLEXIBILITY, AND GRADE AND PROTEIN SPREADS THAT REPRESENT THE MARKET FOR THE POOLING PERIOD.  THE FUTURES CHOICE SPRING POOL IS OPEN TO MILLING GRADES OF CWRS, CPSR AND CWRW AND COMBINES THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SPRING POOL WITH THE AUTONOMY OF CASH PRICING. CWB WILL POOL THE BASIS TO MINIMIZE RISK AND ENSURE A FAIR GRADE SPREAD, WHILE FARMERS ARE FREE TO LOCK IN A JULY 2013 FUTURES PRICE ANY TIME BEFORE JUNE 21, 2013. TARGET PRICING IS ALSO AVAILABLE.

 

MAKE A PLAN (MAR 12) - THIS IS FARM SAFETY WEEK. KENDA LUBECK, FARM SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR WITH ALBERTA AGRICULTURE TALKS ABOUT WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A FARM SAFETY PLAN.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO THE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE FARM SAFETY WEBSITE.

 

PIGS DUMPED (MAR 12) - THE NUMBER OF DEAD PIGS FOUND FLOATING IN A RIVER FLOWING INTO SHANGHAI HAS REACHED NEARLY 6,000. THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT SAID ON AN ONLINE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT 5,916 SWINE CARCASSES HAD BEEN RETRIEVED FROM HUANGPU RIVER BY 3 P.M. TUESDAY, BUT ADDED THAT MUNICIPAL WATER REMAINS SAFE. THE SURGE IN THE DUMPING OF DEAD PIGS MOST LIKELY FROM PIG FARMS IN THE UPSTREAM JIAXING AREA IN THE NEIGHBOURING ZHEJIANG PROVINCE HAS FOLLOWED POLICE CAMPAIGNS TO CURB THE ILLICIT TRADE OF PORK PRODUCTS HARVESTED FROM DISEASED PIGS. THE AUTHORITIES SAY THE CITY HAS TAKEN PROPER MEASURES TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF THE PIG CARCASSES AND THAT THE CITY'S WATER PLANTS ARE STEPPING UP EFFORTS TO DISINFECT PUBLIC WATER AND TESTING FOR SIX COMMON SWINE VIRUSES.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 11 2013

 

NOT COOL (MAR 11) - FEDERAL AG MINISTER GERRY RITZ CALLS IT EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING. HE IS REACTING TO WORD FROM WASHINGTON LATE LAST WEEK, THAT THEY ARE PROPOSING A MORE RESTRICTIVE TRADE RULE WHEN IT COMES TO CANADIAN BEEF AND PORK ENTERING THE US. LAST YEAR, THE WTO RULED IN CANADA'S FAVOR, AFTER WE CHALLENGED COOL, OR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING. THE WORLD BODY SAID COOL DISCRIMINATED AGAINST CANADIAN MEAT ENTERING THE STATES. RITZ SAYS THIS LATEST ANNOUNCEMENT IS A STEP BACKWARD IS HELPING IMPROVE TRADE.

 
THE CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION AND THE CANADIAN PORK COUNCIL HAVE BOTH ISSUED STATEMENTS CONDEMNING THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S PACKAGING PROPOSAL. THE U-S-D-A SAYS ITS COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN RULE IS DESIGNED TO HELP CONSUMERS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THE FOOD PRODUCTS THEY BUY. BUT THE PORK COUNCIL SAYS IN A NEWS RELEASE THAT THE PROPOSED RULE EXACERBATES THE DISCRIMINATION FOUND BY THE W-T-O. THE COUNCIL ESTIMATES THE U-S GOVERNMENT'S CURRENT MEAT LABELLING RULE HAS ALREADY COST CANADA ABOUT ONE BILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR IN REDUCED BEEF AND CATTLE EXPORTS.

 

FEDERAL MONEY (MAR 11) - WETASKIWIN MP BLAINE CALKINS HAS ANNOUNCED OVER 36 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE ALBERTA 4-H CENTRE IN WESTERROSE. THE MONEY IS BEING SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF STATE FOR WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND WILL BE USED TO REPLACE EXTERIOR DOORS AND WINDOWS IN THE LODGE AND DORMITORY. ABOUT 700 MEMBERS AND 200 LEADERS ATTEND CAMPS AND WORKSHOPS EVERY YEAR AT THE CENTRE.
THE UPGRADES ARE EXPECTED TO MAKE THE CENTRE MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT AND COMFORTABLE FOR USERS.  IN OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS BY BLAINE CALKINS....100 THOUSAND DOLLARS IS ON ITS WAY TO THE BUCK LAKE STAMPEDE GROUNDS AND 50 THOUSAND FOR THE WINFIELD AGRI-PLEX...TO REPLACE BLEACHERS AT BOTH FACILITIES.

 

OLSON ON BUDGET (MAR 11) - ALBERTA AGRICULTURE MINISTER VERLYN OLSON TOOK SOME TIME ON FRIDAY TO TALK MORE ABOUT HOW THE 2013 BUDGET AFFECTED HIS MINISTRY.OLSON SAYS THE BUDGET MEANT A RE-EXAMINATION OF PRIORITIES.

EMPLOYEES IN THE DEPARTMENT WERE CHOPPED BY 30, THE ALBERTA FARM FUEL DISTRIBUTION ALLOWANCE WAS ELIMINATED AND 8 MLLION DOLLARS WAS CHOPPED FROM THE ALBERTA LIVESTOCK AND MEAT AGENCY.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 8 2013

AB BUDGET (MAR 8) - ALBERTA AGRICULTURE WAS NOT ABLE TO AVOID THE BUDGET AXE. 100 MILLION DOLLARS WAS SLASHED FROM THE BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET. AGRICULTURE MINISTER VERYLN OLSON SAYS THE ALBERTA FARM FUEL DISTRIBUTION ALLOWANCE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED...IT PROVIDED A 6 CENT PER LITRE REBATE. AS WELL, 8 MILLION DOLLARS WAS CHOPPED FROM THE ALBERTA LIVESTOCK AND MEAT AGENCY...RESULTING IN FIVE LAYOFFS. THE ENTIRE AG DEPARTMENT IS EXPECTED TO LOSE 30 JOBS.

 

FARM CREDIT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE (MAR 8) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED CANADA'S FINANCIAL REGULATOR TO DO A RISK ASSESSMENT OF FARM CREDIT CANADA. THE CROWN CORPORATION HAS LOANS TO FARMERS AND AGRIBUSINESSES WORTH MORE THAN 25 BILLION DOLLARS AND ITS LOAN PORTFOLIO HAS GROWN FOR 20 CONSECUTIVE YEARS. THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ISN'T RELEASING DETAILS OF THE REVIEW, BUT SAYS IT WILL REPORT ITS FINDINGS TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF FINANCE AND AGRICULTURE. THE CORPORATION SAYS IT FOLLOWS SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES, IS FINANCIALLY SELF-SUSTAINING AND PAYS DIVIDENDS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

 

HAY EAST FALLS SHORT (MAY 8) - A PROGRAM TO DELIVER HAY FROM THE PRAIRIES TO DROUGHT-STRICKEN PARTS OF ONTARIO HAS RUN OUT OF FEDERAL MONEY BUT OFFICIALS HOPE TO CONTINUE WITH PRIVATE DONATIONS. THE FINAL FIGURES ARE NOT IN YET, BUT HAYEAST ESTIMATES THE FEDERAL AND ONTARIO GOVERNMENTS TOGETHER CONTRIBUTED ABOUT $1 MILLION TO HELP COVER THE COST OF TRANSPORTING HAY TO LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS. FARMERS IN ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN WERE HOPING TO SUPPLY UP TO 50,000 BALES OF HAY TO CENTRAL CANADA. A DROUGHT LAST SUMMER DEVASTATED CROPS AND PASTURES IN PARTS OF ONTARIO. MARK WALES, PRESIDENT OF THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE, SAYS THEY ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE HELP. SOME CORPORATIONS AND PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY ALSO DONATED CASH TO HELP SUPPORT THE VOLUNTEER-RUN PROGRAM.

 

BUMPER WHEAT CROP (MAR 8) - A U-N FOOD AGENCY SAYS THE WORLD IS HEADED TO THE SECOND LARGEST WHEAT CROP ON RECORD BECAUSE OF INCREASED PLANTINGS IN EUROPE AND A RECOVERY FROM DROUGHT IN THE U.S. PRODUCTION IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 690 MILLION TONS, UP 4.3 PER CENT FROM 2012, THE ROME-BASED FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION REPORTED THURSDAY. THE PRODUCTION HIKE IS EXPECTED MOSTLY IN EUROPE BECAUSE OF INCREASED PLANTINGS IN RESPONSE TO HIGH PRICES AND A RECOVERY IN YIELDS IN RUSSIA AND ELSEWHERE. THE AGENCY ALSO SAYS THE RECENTLY LOWER PRICE OF WHEAT KEPT THE FAO'S INDEX OF GLOBAL FOOD PRICES UNCHANGED FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH IN FEBRUARY.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 7 2013

 

BISON CONVENTION (MAR 7) - THE THIRD ANNUAL WILDROSE BISON CONVENTION IS FAST APPROACHING. IT'S BEING HELD MARCH 15TH AND 16TH IN PONOKA. ORGANISER LINDA SAUTNER SAYS THEY'VE GOT A GREAT COUPLE OF DAYS LINED UP. 

SAUTNER SAYS THERE ARE STILL SOME SPACES AVAILABLE AND ANYONE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT HER AT LINDA@BISONCENTRE.COM OR CHECK OUT THE BISON CENTRE WEBSITE.

 

PRICES GOING UP (MAR 7) - LOOKS LIKE OVERALL FARM PRODUCT PRICES IN CANADA ARE BOUNCING BACK. STATISTICS CANADA SAYS ITS FARM PRODUCT PRICE INDEX WAS UP ALMOST TWO PER CENT IN DECEMBER, COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER. THAT'S THE INDEX'S SECOND CONSECUTIVE INCREASE AFTER IT POSTED DECLINES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER. THE FEDERAL AGENCY SAYS AN INCREASE IN THE CROPS INDEX -- UP FOUR-POINT-FOUR PER CENT -- MORE THAN OFFSET A DROP OF ALMOST ONE PER CENT IN THE OVERALL LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS INDEX. THE CANADIAN HOG PRICE INDEX WAS DOWN ALMOST 10-AND-A-HALF PER CENT, WHILE THE CATTLE AND CALVES INDEX WAS DOWN ONLY ABOUT HALF A PER CENT.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 6 2013

 

BARLEY COUNCIL CREATED (MAR 6) - A NEW ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING THE ENTIRE CANADIAN BARLEY INDUSTRY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. THE BARLEY COUNCIL OF CANADA IS UP AND RUNNING, WITH ITS FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOW IN PLACE.
THE ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH A SIMILAR STRUCTURE AS THE CANOLA COUNCIL OF CANADA AND PULSE CANADA, BUT WITH ONE NOTABLE DIFFERENCE. THE BUSINESS PLAN WAS MODELED AFTER THE CANOLA AND PULSE MODELS,THEY WANTED MORE PRODUCER REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IT HAS SEVEN PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS AND SEVEN INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD." THE SEVEN PRODUCER DIRECTORS WILL REPRESENT BARLEY GROWER ORGANIZATIONS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY, WHILE THE INDUSTRY MEMBERS REPRESENT THE MALTING, BREWING, FEED, PROCESSING, EXPORT, RESEARCH AND SEED/LIFE SCIENCE PARTS OF THE INDUSTRY. (CHSM)

PRICE INDEX UP (MAR 6) - LOOKS LIKE OVERALL FARM PRODUCT PRICES IN CANADA ARE BOUNCING BACK. STATISTICS CANADA SAYS IT'S FARM PRODUCT PRICE INDEX WAS UP ALMOST 2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER. THAT'S THE INDEX'S SECOND CONSECUTIVE INCREASE AFTER IT POSTED DECLINES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER. STATSCAN SAYS AN INCREASE IN THE CROPS INDEX MORE THAN OFFSET A DROP IN THE OVERALL LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS INDEX. THE CROPS INDEX WAS UP 4 POINT 4 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. THE BIG PUSH THERE WAS AN ALMOST 14 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE OILSEED INDEX. THE LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS INDEX WAS DOWN ALMOST 1 PER CENT IN DECEMBER.
THAT INDEX HAS NOW DROPPED FOR FIVE STRAIGHT MONTHS.
THE CANADIAN HOG PRICE INDEX WAS DOWN ALMOST 10 AND A HALF PERCENT WHILE THE CATTLE AND CALVES INDEX WAS DOWN ONLY ABOUT HALF A PERCENT. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

 

EGG MONEY (MAR 6) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS GIVING NOVA SCOTIA EGG PRODUCERS MORE THAN 265-THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR PROFITABILITY BY REDUCING THEIR FEED COSTS.

THE GROUP WILL USE THE MONEY TO LEAD TWO PROJECTS.

ONE WILL MONITOR ACIDITY LEVELS AND SPECIFIC IONS IN THE WATER SUPPLY TO DETERMINE THE BALANCE THAT IS MOST BENEFICIAL FOR EGG PRODUCTION AND EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF WATER QUALITY ON THE PERFORMANCE AND METABOLISM OF LAYING HENS. THE OTHER WILL BE A STUDY OF HOW PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS IN ANIMAL FEED COULD IMPROVE THE OVERALL PROFITABILITY OF THE INDUSTRY BY HELPING EGG FARMERS REDUCE THEIR FEED COSTS WHILE INCREASING THE PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF THEIR FLOCK OF HENS.

U.S. MEAT INSPECTORS (MAR 6) - U.S. AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WILL BE ``SEVERAL MONTHS'' BEFORE MEAT INSPECTORS ARE FURLOUGHED AS PART OF ACROSS-THE-BOARD SPENDING CUTS THAT TOOK EFFECT MARCH 1ST.

VILSACK SAYS EACH MEAT INSPECTOR WILL LIKELY BE FURLOUGHED 11 OR 12 DAYS, INSTEAD OF 15 DAYS AS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION EARLIER CLAIMED. THE WHITE HOUSE HAS USED THE MEAT INSPECTOR FURLOUGHS AS ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW THE CUTS WILL AFFECT THE ECONOMY. MEAT-PACKING PLANTS CANNOT OPERATE WITHOUT INSPECTORS, SO THE FURLOUGHS WILL CAUSE PLANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO SHUT DOWN INTERMITTENTLY.

LOCUSTS (MAR 6) - A SWARM OF LOCUSTS CROSSED INTO ISRAEL FROM NEIGHBOURING EGYPT ON MONDAY, RAISING FEARS THAT ISRAEL COULD BE HIT WITH A BIBLICAL PLAGUE AHEAD OF THE PASSOVER HOLIDAY. ISRAEL SENT OUT PLANES TO SPRAY PESTICIDES OVER AGRICULTURAL FIELDS TO PREVENT DAMAGE BY THE SMALL SWARM, WHICH NUMBERS ABOUT TWO THOUSAND LOCUSTS, SAID DAFNA YURISTA, A SPOKESWOMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE MINISTRY.

THE MINISTRY ALSO SET UP AN EMERGENCY HOTLINE AND ASKED ISRAELIS TO BE VIGILANT IN REPORTING LOCUST SIGHTINGS.

IKEA WOES (MAR 6) - CHINESE AUTHORITIES SAY THEY HAVE DESTROYED NEARLY TWO TONNES OF CHOCOLATE CAKE IMPORTED BY SWEDEN'S IKEA FOR VIOLATING FOOD QUALITY STANDARDS.

OFFICIALS SAY ALMOST 19 HUNDRED KILOS OF CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE IMPORTED BY IKEA HAD EXCESSIVE LEVELS OF COLIFORM BACTERIA. KRAFT CREAM CHEESE AND 2.7 TONNES OF NESTLE CHOCOLATE BARS WERE ALSO AMONG DOZENS OF IMPORTED PRODUCTS DESTROYED. CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE STEPPED UP FOOD INSPECTIONS IN RECENT YEARS AFTER A SERIES OF SCANDALS OVER FAKE OR SHODDY GOODS.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 5 2013

 

BASHAW MEATS (MAR 5) - GREAT NEWS FOR CUSTOMERS OF BASHAW MEATS. THE COMPANY IS SET TO RE-OPEN SOMETIME BEFORE JULY 1ST.
OWNERS CARRIE AND DARREN PEARSON HAD TO CLOSE IN DECEMBER 2011 AFTER A HEALTH INSPECTOR CITED SOME PROBLEMS, MOSTLY RELATING TO THE AGE OF THEIR BUILDING. ACCORDING TO THE RED DEER ADVOCATE, THECOMMUNITY HAS RALLIED AND BASHAW CONCRETE IS BUILDING A NEW FACILITY FOR BASHAW MEATS IN THE DOWNTOWN. THE PEARSONS WILL LEASE THE BUILDING. ONCE FINISHED, THE NEW BASHAW MEATS WILL BE DOUBLE THE SIZE OF THE FORMER BUSINESS, FEATURING FOUR THOUSAND SQUARE FEET.
CARRIE PEARSON SAYS IT'S GUARANTEED THAT CUSTOMERS WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIR OLD FAVOURITES.

 

LOCAL FOOD LABELS (MAR 5) - STARTING TODAY, CO-OP STORES IN RED DEER, LACOMBE, AND INNISFAIL WILL HAVE SOME NEW LABELING IN PLACE TO MAKE LOCAL PRODUCTS EASIER TO IDENTIFY.
THE COMPANY IS WORKING WITH EDMONTON-BASED "LOCALIZE YOUR FOOD" TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY OF LOCAL FOOD ITEMS. CO-OP GM LARRY PARKS SAYS IT WILL BE GOOD FOR CONSUMERS.

THE LABELS WILL ALSO FEATURE A QUICK-RESPONSE OR Q.R. CODE THAT ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCT WITH THEIR SMART PHONES. 223 PRODUCTS AND 40 SUPPLIERS THAT MEET LOCAL AND REGIONAL CRITERIA WILL BE REPRESENTED ACROSS THE FOUR CENTRAL ALBERTA CO-OP STORES.

SCHOLARSHIP (MAR 5) - THE MONSANTO FUND OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS.
IT IS FOR ANY GRADE 12 STUDENTS FROM A FAMILY FARM THAT IS ABOUT TO ENTER POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AGRICULTURE AND SOMETHING AGRICULTURE RELATED. IT IS NO SMALL CHANGE EITHER - WITH 60 SCHOLARSHIPS UP FOR GRABS - EACH WORTH 1500 DOLLARS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT MONSANTO.CA.
STUDENTS HAVE UNTIL MAY 24TH TO APPLY. (BLACKBURN AGRIMEDIA)

ANAPLASMOSIS (MAR 5) - THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY HAS TAKEN ANAPLASMOSIS OFF ITS LIST OF REPORTABLE DISEASES.

IT IS NOW ON THE LIST OF IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIABLE ONES.

THE AGENCY SAYS THE DISEASE IS ALREADY ESTABLISHED IN THE U-S AND CAN EASILY CROSS THE BORDER. TICKS AND BITING FLIES CARRY THE DISEASE AND INFECT CATTLE BUT IT DOES NOT POSE A RISK TO HUMANS. THE AGENCY EXPECTS THE CHANGE WILL NOT IMPACT MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES. LEBANON AND KOREA ARE THE ONLY COUNTRIES THAT REQUIRE ANAPLASMOSIS BE LISTED ON EXPORT CERTIFICATES.

FLAX RESEARCH (MAR 5) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS HELPING TO FUND NEW RESEARCH INTO FLAX. 200-THOUSAND DOLLARS IS GOING TO PRAIRIE TIDE CHEMICALS IN SASKATOON TO FIND NEW WAYS TO USE WASTE FROM THE FLAX-SWEETENING PROCESS. LEFTOVER FLAX PEPTIDES MAY BE USED TO REPLACE MORE EXPENSIVE SYNTHETIC PEPTIDES USED IN HEALTH FOODS, PHARMACEUTICALS AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS. SASKATCHEWAN FARMERS GROW 70 PER CENT OF THE COUNTRY'S FLAX. THE PROJECT IS FUNDED UNDER OTTAWA'S AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 4 2013

 

ANAPLASMOSIS (MAR 4) - EFFECTIVE APRIL 1ST, 2014 ANAPLASMOSIS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST OF FEDERALLY REPORTABLE DISEASES, AND PLACED ON THE LIST OF IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIABLE DISEASES. THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK AFTER CONDUCTING A SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT WHICH TOOK INTO ACCOUNT A NUMBER OF FACTORS; NAMELY THE DISEASE IS ALREADY ESTABLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES, AND THERE IS A STRONG PROBABILITY IT WILL ENTER OUR COUNTRY MAKING CONTINUED ATTEMPTS TO ERADICATE IT NOT FEASIBLE.
NATIONAL MANAGER OF FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE PROGRAMS JAG DHANDA SAYS, IN ADDITION TO THAT, TICKS AND BITING FLIES WHICH CARRY THE DISEASE CROSS BORDERS AND CAN INFECT CANADIAN CATTLE. ANAPLASMOSIS DOES NOT POSE HUMAN HEALTH OR FOOD SAFETY RISKS, AND IT'S EXPECTED THE MOVE WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN PRODUCERS. LEBANON AND KOREA ARE THE ONLY COUNTRIES THAT REQUIRE ANAPLASMOSIS TO BE LISTED ON EXPORT CERTIFICATES. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO RESPOND TO ANAPLASMOSIS CASES UNTIL MARCH 31ST, 2014. HOWEVER, AN INTERIM APPROACH CONSISTING OF SCALED BACK DISEASE RESPONSE ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE IN PREPARATION FOR THE PROGRAM ENDING.

CANOLA FOR BIODIESEL (MAR 4) - A SASKATCHEWAN COMPANY IS LOOKING TO BUY DAMAGED CANOLA. MILLIGAN BIOFUELS SAYS IT'S LOOKING TO PURCHASE GREEN, DAMAGED OR HEATED CANOLA FOR ITS PROCESSING FACILITY IN FOAM LAKE. THE COMPANY TURNS THE DAMAGED CANOLA INTO BIODIESEL. IT SAYS IT PRODUCES OVER 20-MILLION LITRES OF FUEL A YEAR AND EMPLOYS 46 PEOPLE AT ITS FOAM LAKE PLANT.

AFFORDABLE O.J. (MAR 4) - ORANGE JUICE PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN STABLE THIS YEAR DESPITE HUGE LOSSES IN FLORIDA'S CITRUS CROP. MOST OF FLORIDA'S BIGGEST CROP, VALENCIA ORANGES, IS USED FOR JUICE, AND BECAUSE OF A SURPLUS FROM LAST YEAR, CONSUMER PRICES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO INCREASE THIS YEAR.

BUT THE U-S-D-A HAS REDUCED THIS YEAR'S CROP ESTIMATE THREE TIMES IN ONE SEASON, AND FLORIDA'S AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER SAYS THAT'S EXTRAORDINARY FOR A NON-FREEZE, NON-HURRICANE YEAR. SOME SAY MUCH OF THIS YEAR'S CROP HAS FALLEN VICTIM TO GREENING -- WHICH IS CAUSED BY A FAST-SPREADING BACTERIA. (AP)

 

ANIMAL CRUELTY COMPLAINTS (MAR 4) - THE NOVA SCOTIA GOVERNMENT IS GIVING THE S-P-C-A ANOTHER 100-THOUSAND DOLLARS AFTER THE AGENCY SAID IT WOULD STOP INVESTIGATING ANIMAL CRUELTY COMPLAINTS. THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TOOK OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR FARM ANIMALS FROM THE S-P-C-A IN 2008 AND CONTINUES TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING FARM ANIMALS. BUT EARLIER THIS MONTH THE S-P-C-A SAID IT WAS GETTING ONLY THREE-THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR FROM THE DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS, AND A 100-THOUSAND-DOLLAR REQUEST TO THE PROVINCE TO CONTINUE CRUELTY INVESTIGATIONS WAS TURNED DOWN. PREMIER DARRELL DEXTER SAYS THE EXTRA FUNDING MEANS THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATING CRUELTY COMPLAINTS INVOLVING DOMESTIC ANIMALS. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 1 2013

 

NOMINATED! (MAR 1) - SYLVAN STAR CHEESE IS UP FOR SIX AWARDS AT THIS YEAR'S CANADIAN GRAND PRIX OF CHEESE.THE COMPANY'S GRIZZLY GOUDA IS UP FOR TWO AWARDS, AND THE AGED GOUDA, NATURAL SMOKED GOUDA, ITALIAN HERBS SPICED GOUDA AND CAYENNE AND GREEN PEPPERCORN SPICED GOUDA ARE ALSO NOMINATED. CHEESEMAKER JAN SCHALKWIJK IS PLEASED TO BE NOMINATED.
 

AND, SCHALKWIJK ISN'T AFRAID TO SHARE HIS TRADE SECRET.
 

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANIZED EVERY TWO YEARS BY THE DAIRY FARMERS OF CANADA. THIS YEAR THERE WERE 225 ENTRIES IN 19 CATEGORIES, WITH 58 FINALISTS CHOSEN. THE WINNERS ARE TO BE ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 18TH IN MONTREAL.

 

STAMPEDE (MAR 1) - TWO HORSES ARE DEAD AND A THIRD MAY HAVE TO BE PUT DOWN FOLLOWING A WILD STAMPEDE LATE THURSDAY IN MILTON, ONT. POLICE SAY EIGHT HORSES ESCAPED FROM THEIR ENCLOSURE AT A FARM JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT AND BEGAN RUNNING ALONG A ROAD WEST OF THE COMMUNITY (TREMAINE RD).

AN APPROACHING MOTORIST PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE AS THE STAMPEDE NEARED, BUT TWO HORSES DIED WHEN THEY CRASHED INTO THE WOMAN'S VEHICLE. POLICE ARRIVED AND BLOCKED THE ROAD TO PREVENT MORE COLLISIONS, BUT THE HORSES CONTINUED TO RUN AROUND FRIGHTENED DUE TO NEARBY TRAIN NOISE AND VEHICLE LIGHTS. HALTON REGION POLICE SAY TWO HORSES JUMPED OVER POLICE CRUISERS, WITH ONE OF THE ANIMALS CRASHING INTO THE BACK WINDOW AND TRUNK AREA. NO PEOPLE WERE INJURED.

POLICE SAY THE FIVE REMAINING HORSES WERE ROUNDED UP AFTER A ''CONSIDERABLE EFFORT'' AND TAKEN BACK TO THEIR FARM BY THEIR OWNERS.

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR FEBRUARY 28 2013

 

OPTIMISTIC FORCAST (FEB 28) - AGRICULTURE CANADA IS PAINTING A ROSY PICTURE FOR FARMING THIS YEAR. ALTHOUGH GRAIN PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO MODERATE, THE DEPARTMENT SAYS LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN VERY STRONG IN THE WAKE OF THE DROUGHT IN THE U-S. GRAIN PRICES ARE FORECAST TO REMAIN WELL ABOVE PRE-2006 LEVELS. GLOBAL DEMAND FOR CEREAL GRAIN AS WELL AS OILSEEDS IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN STRONG. AGRICULTURE CANADA ALSO SAYS DEMAND FOR FARM COMMODITIES WILL BE STRONGLY INFLUENCED BY EMERGING ECONOMIES IN RUSSIA, INDIA, CHINA AND MEXICO. BIOFUEL DEMAND IS FORECAST TO REMAIN STRONG AND GROW IN COMING YEARS. CANADIAN FARMERS WILL HAVE A FEW EXTRA BUCKS TO SPEND THIS YEAR. THE LATEST FARM INCOME FORECAST SHOWS HIGH GRAIN AND OILSEED PRICES MEAN THE 2012 AVERAGE NET OPERATING INCOME FOR CANADIAN FARMS MAY BE JUST OVER 74-THOUSAND DOLLARS. THAT'S 17-PER-CENT GREATER THAN THE LEVEL FOR 2011, AND 50 PER CENT ABOVE THE 2007-TO-2011 AVERAGE.

THE REPORT ALSO PREDICTS FARM INCOME WILL REMAIN STRONG THIS YEAR.

FARM VOICERS (FEB 28) - FARM ON HAS LAUNCHED A NEW FARMER'S MOVEMENT. SPOKESPERSON SARAH WRAY SAYS IT'S AN INITIATIVE THAT STARTED LAST FALL.
 

AGAIN, THAT HAPPENS ON EARTH DAY, APRIL 22ND.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FARM VOICES MOVEMENT AND HOW YOU CAN BECOME INVOLVED, VISIT WWW.FARMON.COM/FARMVOICES OR CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE CALLED #FARM VOICES - IT'S OUR TURN.

E COLI (FEB 28) - HEALTH OFFICIALS IN SASKATCHEWAN SAY A CASE OF E-COLI INFECTION IN THE PROVINCE HAS BEEN LINKED TO FROZEN BEEF BURGERS UNDER A NATIONAL RECALL. THE PROVINCE SAYS SOMEONE GOT SICK IN THE REGINA QU'APPELLE HEALTH REGION, BUT IS RECOVERING. THE CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY RECALLED THE BURGERS DISTRIBUTED IN ONTARIO, MANITOBA, ALBERTA, B-C, SASKATCHEWAN AND THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES ON FEBRUARY 19TH. PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS SAY THE SASKATCHEWAN CASE WAS PROBABLY CONTRACTED BEFORE THE RECALL. THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA SAYS SEVEN PEOPLE BECAME ILL AFTER EATING BEEF LINKED TO THE BURGERS, BUT THAT NUMBER DOES NOT APPEAR TO INCLUDE THE CASE BEING REPORTED IN SASKATCHEWAN.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR FEBRUARY 27 2013

 

WATER STUDY (FEB 27) - A STUDY BY SOME OF CANADA'S TOP SCIENTISTS WARNS THAT THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO START LOOKING ALOT MORE CLOSELY AT HOW IT USES ITS FRESH WATER. THE COUNCIL OF CANADIAN ACADEMIES REPORT SAYS CLIMATE CHANGE, SHIFTING AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND GROWING URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL USE ARE ALL PUTTING MORE PRESSURE ON THE WATER SUPPLY. IT SAYS BETTER MONITORING IS NEEDED AS CLIMATE CHANGE MAKES RAINFALL AND SURFACE WATER LEVELS HARDER TO PREDICT. AS WELL, IT SAYS GOVERNMENTS NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT WATER ISSUES WHEN THEY MAKE LONG-TERM LAND USE PLANS. IT SAYS SOME AREAS IN THE PRAIRIES AND SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA ARE ALREADY PUSHING THE LIMIT OF WATER USAGE.

 

CANOLA STRATEGY (FEB 27) - A NEW STRATEGY AIMED AT MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING CANADIAN CANOLA EXPORTS HAS BEENRELEASED. THE CANOLA COUNCIL OF CANADA DOCUMENT FOCUSES ON HOW INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT CAN WORK TOGETHER.

CANOLA IS CANADA'S LARGEST CASH CROP, AND MORE THAN 85 PER CENT OF PRODUCTION EXPORTED AS SEED, OIL OR MEAL.

THE REPORT SAYS A MAIN GOAL IS ELIMINATING TARIFFS THAT TAX CANADA'S CANOLA EXPORTS, AND MAKE THEM MORE EXPENSIVE FOR IMPORTERS. THE INDUSTRY ESTIMATES CANOLA PRODUCTION PUMPS MORE THAN 15 BILLION DOLLARS INTO THE CANADIAN ECONOMY EACH YEAR.

MOOSE CWD (FEB 27) - ALBERTA OFFICIALS SAY THE DISCOVERY OF ONE MOOSE WITH CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE DOESN'T MEAN THEINFECTION COULD SPREAD THROUGH THE PROVINCE'S ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE ANIMALS. MOOSE CAN CATCH THE DISEASE, WHICH IS SIMILAR TO MAD COW DISEASE, BUT AREN'T LIKELY TO PASS IT TO OTHER MOOSE. EARLIER THIS WEEK, WILDLIFE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THAT AN ADULT BULL MOOSE THAT HAD BEEN KILLED IN A COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE LAST NOVEMBER HAD BEEN AUTOPSIED AND DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE. THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT SAYS IT'S THE FIRST DISCOVERY OF C-W-D IN A CANADIAN MOOSE.

 

MASTITIS TRACKING (FEB 27) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS INVESTING IN SOFTWARE THAT WILL HELP THE CANADIAN DAIRY NETWORK TRACK MASTITIS IN DAIRY CATTLE. OTTAWA WILL PROVIDE UP TO 54,000 DOLLARS FROM THE AGRICULTURE INITIATIVE PROGRAM TO DEVELOP THE SOFTWARE. THE SOFTWARE WILL TRACK WHEN FARMERS REPORT INCIDENTS OF MASTITIS AND WILL ENABLE THE DAIRY NETWORK TO DETERMINE DISEASE-RESISTANT TRAITS.

LIVESTOCK CRUELTY (FEB 27) - ANIMAL WELFARE EXPERTS IN SASKATCHEWAN SAY THEY ARE ALARMED AT THE RISE IN THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF LIVESTOCK CRUELTY CASES THIS WINTER.

THE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS SAYS SO FAR THERE HAVE BEEN 11 HIGH PRIORITY CASES THIS WINTER, COMPARED TO ONLY TWO LAST YEAR: HIGH PRIORITY CASES INVOLVE DEAD OR DYING HORSES AND CATTLE. THIS WINTER, THE S-P-C-A SAYS IT HAS INVESTIGATED 92 CASES OF CATTLE AND HORSE CRUELTY, COMPARED TO 51 LAST YEAR.

 

CASH FOR WINE INDUSTRY (FEB 27) - THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS POURING SOME CASH INTO CANADA'S WINE INDUSTRY. OTTAWA IS SPENDING 333,000 DOLLARS TO HELP ENSURE WINERIES ARE USING THE LATEST FOOD SAFETY SYSTEMS. THE CANADIAN VINTNERS ASSOCIATION SAYS CONSUMERS WANT QUALITY WINE AND TO KNOW THAT WHAT THEY ARE DRINKING IS SAFE. SOME ECONOMISTS SAY THE CANADIAN WINE INDUSTRY IS POISED FOR SOLID GROWTH OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, WITH MANY PEOPLE WILLING TO PAY MORE FOR PREMIUM PRODUCTS. SALES OF CANADIAN WINES IN 2010 TOTALLED MORE THAN 1.85 BILLION DOLLARS.

 

 

AGRI BUSINESS FOR MARCH 27 2013