source: Farm and Food Report
Market Prospects marks its 20th anniversary this winter with a 16-week run on CTV’s weekly Farmgate show.
The series continues its tradition of inviting experts from Saskatchewan and further afield to provide leading edge analysis on the market situation and outlook for major prairie crops and livestock. It also examines a variety of related agricultural production and trade issues.
Market Prospects kicked off in December 2004 with two livestock shows. Farmgate host Bob Simpson interviewed Michel Tremblay, SAFRR Provincial Forage Crop Specialist, on the feed situation and Brad Wildeman of Pound-Maker Agventures in Lanigan on current issues in the prairie beef sector. As with most Market Prospects shows, the audio and video of these interviews and the text version of the questions can be accessed following the original broadcast at http://marketprospects.usask.ca/.
The series resumed in January with SAFFR's own grain research economist, Glenn Payne, speaking on world grain and oilseed supplies and market conditions. In the next show, Dr. Andrew Schmitz of the University of Florida examined the nature of U.S. trade actions (and the resulting countervail duties). Dr. Schmitz is an internationally recognized agricultural economist who still farms in his home province of Saskatchewan.
The annual appearance of Dr. Keith Collins, Chief Economist of the United States Department of Agriculture, is considered a highlight of the Market Prospects series. Dr. Collins, who is known to give candid interviews, provides the U.S. perspective on agricultural trade and markets in two interviews. On February 5, he offers the U.S. view on the wheat and oilseed outlook.
On February 12, Dave Walker of Tisdale's Walker Seeds addresses the market situation and outlook for peas, lentils and chickpeas. Steve Gadient of Winnipeg's Humboldt Seeds continues the emphasis on specialty crops on February 19, speaking on mustard, canary seed and spices. Further topic and speaker information can be found on the web site.
One might think that, after 20 years of production, the annual series might be growing old and a bit tired. However, the show has re-invented itself several times over the years to remain relevant and accessible. It has gone from a one-day satellite show with live audiences in a small number of Saskatchewan centres, to a stand-alone special series on network television, to its current placement as a 10-minute segment on Farmgate.
More than 75,000 viewers watch the show each week in the province, and it is also available across Canada on satellite television. The adoption of technology such as the internet site and the production of DVDs has further expanded the availability of the information.
Central to the Market Prospects programming over the years has been the objective of informing farmers about changing production and market conditions that will influence production levels and prices of the major Saskatchewan crops in the coming year. The goal has been to deliver timely commodity market and outlook information prior to spring planting.
Richard Wharton is SAFRR's Production Economics Specialist. "This kind of information is very critical," he says. "With margins being very thin, producers need to focus on what the market demands. Traditionally, agricultural producers have put more emphasis on production than marketing, which tends to be left to specialized organizations. Yet, it is central to what producers do. They need to be aware of market fluctuation, especially now, as they prepare for a new season of activities. They must familiarize themselves with developments on issues of price, cash flow and profitability. The Market Prospect interviews allow them to do just that."
In recent years, an expanded educational mandate has been adopted for the series. A number of shows each year look at a wider range of production, market and trade issues that affect prairie farmers. This year, the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development in Saskatchewan (CARDS) Program (funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) has provided financial support for a series of eight interviews within the Market Prospects 2005 programming focussing on agricultural trade. The series, which explores BSE, Canada/U.S. trade, product traceability and the WTO, is titled Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities for Prairie Agriculture.
Market Prospects 2005 is co-ordinated by the Department of Agricultural Economics of the University of Saskatchewan, in co-operation with SAFRR and CTV. A broad base of financial support comes from CARDS, the Agriculture Institute of Management in Saskatchewan (AIMS), the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and the Cyril Capling Trust Fund of the College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan.
Market Prospects continues on Farmgate on Saturdays until April 16. There is something for all prairie farmers and anyone else interested in agriculture in these 16 themed interviews.
For more information, contact:
Richard Wharton
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
1-866-457-2377
Friday, February 11, 2005
Winter Cereals Canada Looks at Favourable Future
source: Farm and Food Report
When winter cereal producers meet in Saskatoon on February 14, there will certainly be talk of the drop in Saskatchewan acres of winter wheat, from close to 230,000 acres in 2003 to little more than 147,000 acres last year because of the weather.
But that does not give an accurate picture of how the industry is doing, according to Executive Manager of Winter Cereals Canada, Bob Linnell.
“Winter wheat production has been around 700,000 acres, spread across three prairie provinces; and, on the whole over the last six years or so, there has been a steady increase of 10 to 18 per cent in acreage. We see that as a positive sign. We consistently get between 60 and 100 growers at the meeting. That may not seem like a lot, but they are the ones looking for new avenues to further develop their farm.”
According to Linnell, winter wheat producers tend to have higher acreages these days, so they tend to look at spreading out their workload. Winter wheat allows them to do that.
“They are able to seed in the fall, roughly at the time they are starting to harvest their spring seeded crops. The next year, the winter wheat is harvested actually about a month ahead of any spring-seeded crop. They have a chance to do two things. They can get a crop off and spend more time adequately harvesting their fall-seeded crops that year. It also has an effect on bin storage. If you get winter wheat in a bin a month ahead of your spring seeded harvested crop, you can often empty it out and re-use that bin. In other words, you are doing two turns on that individual bin. It beats the market, as well.”
This year, Winter Cereals Canada has invited speakers who can help growers achieve higher returns on their investment and decrease input costs.
“Because the fertilizer is applied sometime later in the springtime — after the cereal is already growing the fall before — there have always been questions about how to properly apply the fertilizer that is going into the ground,” Linnell says. “Dr. Byron Irvine of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Brandon will talk about fertilizing winter wheat for maximum production — and Manitoba has been somewhat more successful in producing higher yields than we have, so he’ll share some of his secrets.”
As far as markets go, there may be a number of options for winter wheat with hog and cattle feeders once current supplies diminish, says Linnell.
“We see growth in the area of feeding hogs and livestock — hogs particularly, because it is a high energy crop and they can adjust the energy on other things. Hog feeders and hog feeding mills really like the product. Cattle feeders buy in bulk because of the quantity they need: so many tons, what is your best price per ton? And often hog feeders will contract winter wheat producers because they want a continuous feed stock supply.”
Linnell also has his eyes on ethanol production.
“Winter wheat is the preferred feed stock for ethanol production because of the productive capacity of it. The key right now is to produce bushels, and if you can do that at a lower cost of inputs, that’s the name of the game. We see that as a difficult thing to adjust to sometimes.”
At the end of the presentations, Winter Cereals Canada promises a productive Annual Meeting later in the afternoon, followed by a bear pit session and a trade show held jointly with the Direct Seeding Conference of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association.
The Winter Cereals Canada Annual Meeting is open to media and the public. To register, contact Bob Linnell at (306) 848-1252.
For more information, contact:
Bob Linnell
Winter Cereals Canada
(306) 848-1252
When winter cereal producers meet in Saskatoon on February 14, there will certainly be talk of the drop in Saskatchewan acres of winter wheat, from close to 230,000 acres in 2003 to little more than 147,000 acres last year because of the weather.
But that does not give an accurate picture of how the industry is doing, according to Executive Manager of Winter Cereals Canada, Bob Linnell.
“Winter wheat production has been around 700,000 acres, spread across three prairie provinces; and, on the whole over the last six years or so, there has been a steady increase of 10 to 18 per cent in acreage. We see that as a positive sign. We consistently get between 60 and 100 growers at the meeting. That may not seem like a lot, but they are the ones looking for new avenues to further develop their farm.”
According to Linnell, winter wheat producers tend to have higher acreages these days, so they tend to look at spreading out their workload. Winter wheat allows them to do that.
“They are able to seed in the fall, roughly at the time they are starting to harvest their spring seeded crops. The next year, the winter wheat is harvested actually about a month ahead of any spring-seeded crop. They have a chance to do two things. They can get a crop off and spend more time adequately harvesting their fall-seeded crops that year. It also has an effect on bin storage. If you get winter wheat in a bin a month ahead of your spring seeded harvested crop, you can often empty it out and re-use that bin. In other words, you are doing two turns on that individual bin. It beats the market, as well.”
This year, Winter Cereals Canada has invited speakers who can help growers achieve higher returns on their investment and decrease input costs.
“Because the fertilizer is applied sometime later in the springtime — after the cereal is already growing the fall before — there have always been questions about how to properly apply the fertilizer that is going into the ground,” Linnell says. “Dr. Byron Irvine of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Brandon will talk about fertilizing winter wheat for maximum production — and Manitoba has been somewhat more successful in producing higher yields than we have, so he’ll share some of his secrets.”
As far as markets go, there may be a number of options for winter wheat with hog and cattle feeders once current supplies diminish, says Linnell.
“We see growth in the area of feeding hogs and livestock — hogs particularly, because it is a high energy crop and they can adjust the energy on other things. Hog feeders and hog feeding mills really like the product. Cattle feeders buy in bulk because of the quantity they need: so many tons, what is your best price per ton? And often hog feeders will contract winter wheat producers because they want a continuous feed stock supply.”
Linnell also has his eyes on ethanol production.
“Winter wheat is the preferred feed stock for ethanol production because of the productive capacity of it. The key right now is to produce bushels, and if you can do that at a lower cost of inputs, that’s the name of the game. We see that as a difficult thing to adjust to sometimes.”
At the end of the presentations, Winter Cereals Canada promises a productive Annual Meeting later in the afternoon, followed by a bear pit session and a trade show held jointly with the Direct Seeding Conference of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association.
The Winter Cereals Canada Annual Meeting is open to media and the public. To register, contact Bob Linnell at (306) 848-1252.
For more information, contact:
Bob Linnell
Winter Cereals Canada
(306) 848-1252
New Canaryseed Association Considers Check-Off
source: Farm and Food Report
The new Canaryseed Association of Canada is pondering the need to implement a levy, and is looking for input from growers.
Ray McVicar is helping the new organization develop, a task he willingly took on and part of his responsibilities as the Provincial Specialist for special crops at Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization.
“Currently, canaryseed is used only as birdfeed, either for wild birds or caged birds, so it is a very finite market,” McVicar says. “The demand is very stable. With Saskatchewan being the largest producer and exporter of this crop in the world, if we have a drought or low production, the price goes up, but if we have good production and oversupply, the price goes down. We don’t just want to grow more canaryseed: we would like to expand markets and do some research on plant breeding and agronomy.”
Canaryseed is almost an undomesticated crop. There are only five varieties registered, two of which were registered last year. There has not been a lot of research carried out on canaryseed: in fact, it has been almost ignored. The only plant-breeding program is in Saskatoon. It has always been funded on a small scale because the plant breeder was forward-thinking enough to add canaryseed into his workplan and applied for funding to run the project.
There are an estimated 1,200 canaryseed farmers in Saskatchewan— and around 70 members in the producers’ association. Obviously, running a research program on membership fees alone is not possible. By putting aside a small amount of money when farmers sell the product, the levy would, in effect, generate interest in the crop — “it would give more power to the grower,” according to McVicar.
Rumour has it there are three box cars of canaryseed used in New York City each day, shipped out of Saskatchewan. It is sent to the large urban centres of the world. Big buyers are New York City, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and Western Europe— locations with big urban centres where caged birds are popular pets.
Canaryseed is about a $45-75 million a year crop in terms of exports for Saskatchewan. It tends to be concentrated in two main areas of the province — the West-Central area, encompassing about 40 per cent of the production, and the Regina Plain.
The Annual General Meeting takes place in Eston on the afternoon of February 10. There will be a speaker to talk about marketing, markets and prices, and a speaker on canaryseed agronomy test plots in the area last year. The plant breeder from Saskatoon will come as well to elaborate on the type of research that is needed and the level of funding that will be needed to carry it out.
This check-off issue will figure prominently on the AGM agenda. The Board will look for guidance, and surely it will manifest itself, for “Eston is the heart of canaryseed country, and that’s why the AGM will be held there,” quips McVicar.
For more information, contact:
Ray McVicar
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-4665
The new Canaryseed Association of Canada is pondering the need to implement a levy, and is looking for input from growers.
Ray McVicar is helping the new organization develop, a task he willingly took on and part of his responsibilities as the Provincial Specialist for special crops at Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization.
“Currently, canaryseed is used only as birdfeed, either for wild birds or caged birds, so it is a very finite market,” McVicar says. “The demand is very stable. With Saskatchewan being the largest producer and exporter of this crop in the world, if we have a drought or low production, the price goes up, but if we have good production and oversupply, the price goes down. We don’t just want to grow more canaryseed: we would like to expand markets and do some research on plant breeding and agronomy.”
Canaryseed is almost an undomesticated crop. There are only five varieties registered, two of which were registered last year. There has not been a lot of research carried out on canaryseed: in fact, it has been almost ignored. The only plant-breeding program is in Saskatoon. It has always been funded on a small scale because the plant breeder was forward-thinking enough to add canaryseed into his workplan and applied for funding to run the project.
There are an estimated 1,200 canaryseed farmers in Saskatchewan— and around 70 members in the producers’ association. Obviously, running a research program on membership fees alone is not possible. By putting aside a small amount of money when farmers sell the product, the levy would, in effect, generate interest in the crop — “it would give more power to the grower,” according to McVicar.
Rumour has it there are three box cars of canaryseed used in New York City each day, shipped out of Saskatchewan. It is sent to the large urban centres of the world. Big buyers are New York City, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and Western Europe— locations with big urban centres where caged birds are popular pets.
Canaryseed is about a $45-75 million a year crop in terms of exports for Saskatchewan. It tends to be concentrated in two main areas of the province — the West-Central area, encompassing about 40 per cent of the production, and the Regina Plain.
The Annual General Meeting takes place in Eston on the afternoon of February 10. There will be a speaker to talk about marketing, markets and prices, and a speaker on canaryseed agronomy test plots in the area last year. The plant breeder from Saskatoon will come as well to elaborate on the type of research that is needed and the level of funding that will be needed to carry it out.
This check-off issue will figure prominently on the AGM agenda. The Board will look for guidance, and surely it will manifest itself, for “Eston is the heart of canaryseed country, and that’s why the AGM will be held there,” quips McVicar.
For more information, contact:
Ray McVicar
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-4665
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Look at the Big Picture
source: Farm and Food Report
The Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association will focus on understanding the factors that affect their industry at this year’s conference in Saskatoon on January 27-29, according to General Manager Jamie Blacklock.
“We want all our players to gain insight into the big picture,” Blacklock said. “We want them to see how international politics and those other market influencers affect the cattle feeder industry, so that they can acquire perspectives that will allow them to make better decisions about their operation and the choices they face.”
Some of the speakers are operators themselves. Take Rick Pascal of the Picture Butte/Iron Springs area in Alberta. Active in the Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade initiative, Pascal will look at made-in-Canada solutions to the BSE crisis and talk about exercising the feeders’ right to claim damages incurred to their operations under NAFTA Chapter 11.
To get a sense of how issues are playing out, the organizers have invited well-known Canadian pollster Allan Gregg of The Strategic Council. In his presentation titled Looking Beyond the Polls, Gregg will review the effects of the recent U.S. presidential election, public opinion trends over the last 20 years, and how the Canadian mindset has evolved and changed over that period of time.
Market influences will be explored in depth with financial services industry expert Michael L. Levy of Custom House Global Foreign Exchange. By interpreting economic analysis in plain English, Levy will engage participants in discussions on finance, foreign exchange markets, and the market environment, in a way that will help them understand all influential factors, allowing them to better prepare for the situations they may face.
SCFA’s Jamie Blacklock believes this is all very timely. “Cattle feeders need to be aware of the industry developments more than ever at this time to make smart business decisions, especially in light of BSE. But you know, cattle feeders are also very much a different breed of people — they are very resilient in the face of hardship.”
They also take pride in celebrating their unique business culture, as they will demonstrate at the Cattleman’s Feast and Festivities event on Friday night. Blacklock promises a SCFA celebration that is next to none.
The Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association will focus on understanding the factors that affect their industry at this year’s conference in Saskatoon on January 27-29, according to General Manager Jamie Blacklock.
“We want all our players to gain insight into the big picture,” Blacklock said. “We want them to see how international politics and those other market influencers affect the cattle feeder industry, so that they can acquire perspectives that will allow them to make better decisions about their operation and the choices they face.”
Some of the speakers are operators themselves. Take Rick Pascal of the Picture Butte/Iron Springs area in Alberta. Active in the Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade initiative, Pascal will look at made-in-Canada solutions to the BSE crisis and talk about exercising the feeders’ right to claim damages incurred to their operations under NAFTA Chapter 11.
To get a sense of how issues are playing out, the organizers have invited well-known Canadian pollster Allan Gregg of The Strategic Council. In his presentation titled Looking Beyond the Polls, Gregg will review the effects of the recent U.S. presidential election, public opinion trends over the last 20 years, and how the Canadian mindset has evolved and changed over that period of time.
Market influences will be explored in depth with financial services industry expert Michael L. Levy of Custom House Global Foreign Exchange. By interpreting economic analysis in plain English, Levy will engage participants in discussions on finance, foreign exchange markets, and the market environment, in a way that will help them understand all influential factors, allowing them to better prepare for the situations they may face.
SCFA’s Jamie Blacklock believes this is all very timely. “Cattle feeders need to be aware of the industry developments more than ever at this time to make smart business decisions, especially in light of BSE. But you know, cattle feeders are also very much a different breed of people — they are very resilient in the face of hardship.”
They also take pride in celebrating their unique business culture, as they will demonstrate at the Cattleman’s Feast and Festivities event on Friday night. Blacklock promises a SCFA celebration that is next to none.
Short Rail Line Brings Southwest Communities Together
source: Farm and Food Report
It takes determination to raise enough capital to acquire over 300 miles of short rail line, engines and maintenance equipment, and to cover operational costs that includes the salary of 14 employees in southwestern Saskatchewan. Yet, that is precisely what a group of agricultural producers and investors have managed to do in Ponteix, Gravelbourg, Bracken, Admiral, Kincaid, Shaunavon, Eastend, Climax, Frontier, Neville, Vanguard and Lafleche when they acquired Great Western Railway Ltd. recently.
Leo Legault is a farmer and, now, a Director of the company. “In three weeks, our group of 15 raised $3.8 million. We had to deal with complex legal issues and we had much to learn. We wanted to keep all the staff because they have so much knowledge about how to run this operation. We made a formal offer to Westcan a year ago and, on November 2, 2004, it became a done deal.”
Ponteix’s Legault and his partners knew that the stakes were high. In recent years, over $18 million was invested in various grain handling infrastructures along the line. Around 40 jobs depended on this deal coming through. Had the bid been unsuccessful, the future of these new facilities would have been jeopardized.
“We were well aware that the only way to ensure that producers get a greater share of revenues from our agricultural activities would be for us to own the transportation network that links all our towns and villages in the Southwest,” Legault said.
Legault believes that everyone wins as a result of this deal — from those who hold jobs along the line, to taxpayers, governments, producers and municipalities — in savings alone.
“Our studies indicate that our rail transportation system saves $5.4 million in road maintenance costs annually. Our roads simply are not designed to sustain the kind of heavy traffic they are subjected to because of agricultural transportation needs.”
And this traffic is likely to keep on putting additional pressure on highways, as Shaunavon looks at building a $90 million ethanol plant that would require around 10 to 15 million bushels of wheat to produce 150 million litres of ethanol a year.
Conrad Johnson owns a mixed farm in Bracken. He is also the new Chair of the Board of Great Western Railway Ltd. “Look at any country in the world today — look at how closely economic development and diversification are associated with the availability of a rail transportation service. It is phenomenal and particularly relevant to the geography of the Southwest. We want our children to have a future here. We want to ensure the economic prosperity of our region for our grandchildren, and we are taking the means to do just that.”
Putting his beliefs into practice, Johnson and three partners recently acquired an old Wheat Pool elevator along the line and converted it into a state-of-the art field pea cleaning plant. His Whitewater Coulee Cleaners has processed 120 rail car loads of peas in the last two years, plus 300 cars of cereal grains. Johnson is the first to admit that his success and that of the Great Western Railway and other projects along the line now hinges on communities working more closely together than ever before.
“It is funny how, when you look back 20 to 30 years, we had these rivalries between towns in this part of the province about hockey teams, schools and all those divisive issues,” Johnson said. “Things have changed quite a bit since then. I believe we now realize that we must work together for the good of the entire area. We are all proud of what we have accomplished so far and we look forward to the future.”
As far as Leo Legault is concerned, every new day that comes breaks new ground and breeds hope for the economic outlook of the whole region.
“You know, this is the longest short line in Canada,” Legault beams with pride. “Fifty-two per cent of all the grain moved on short lines in Saskatchewan is moved on our railway. When you think of it, there is no end to what we can accomplish — just keep watching us.”
It takes determination to raise enough capital to acquire over 300 miles of short rail line, engines and maintenance equipment, and to cover operational costs that includes the salary of 14 employees in southwestern Saskatchewan. Yet, that is precisely what a group of agricultural producers and investors have managed to do in Ponteix, Gravelbourg, Bracken, Admiral, Kincaid, Shaunavon, Eastend, Climax, Frontier, Neville, Vanguard and Lafleche when they acquired Great Western Railway Ltd. recently.
Leo Legault is a farmer and, now, a Director of the company. “In three weeks, our group of 15 raised $3.8 million. We had to deal with complex legal issues and we had much to learn. We wanted to keep all the staff because they have so much knowledge about how to run this operation. We made a formal offer to Westcan a year ago and, on November 2, 2004, it became a done deal.”
Ponteix’s Legault and his partners knew that the stakes were high. In recent years, over $18 million was invested in various grain handling infrastructures along the line. Around 40 jobs depended on this deal coming through. Had the bid been unsuccessful, the future of these new facilities would have been jeopardized.
“We were well aware that the only way to ensure that producers get a greater share of revenues from our agricultural activities would be for us to own the transportation network that links all our towns and villages in the Southwest,” Legault said.
Legault believes that everyone wins as a result of this deal — from those who hold jobs along the line, to taxpayers, governments, producers and municipalities — in savings alone.
“Our studies indicate that our rail transportation system saves $5.4 million in road maintenance costs annually. Our roads simply are not designed to sustain the kind of heavy traffic they are subjected to because of agricultural transportation needs.”
And this traffic is likely to keep on putting additional pressure on highways, as Shaunavon looks at building a $90 million ethanol plant that would require around 10 to 15 million bushels of wheat to produce 150 million litres of ethanol a year.
Conrad Johnson owns a mixed farm in Bracken. He is also the new Chair of the Board of Great Western Railway Ltd. “Look at any country in the world today — look at how closely economic development and diversification are associated with the availability of a rail transportation service. It is phenomenal and particularly relevant to the geography of the Southwest. We want our children to have a future here. We want to ensure the economic prosperity of our region for our grandchildren, and we are taking the means to do just that.”
Putting his beliefs into practice, Johnson and three partners recently acquired an old Wheat Pool elevator along the line and converted it into a state-of-the art field pea cleaning plant. His Whitewater Coulee Cleaners has processed 120 rail car loads of peas in the last two years, plus 300 cars of cereal grains. Johnson is the first to admit that his success and that of the Great Western Railway and other projects along the line now hinges on communities working more closely together than ever before.
“It is funny how, when you look back 20 to 30 years, we had these rivalries between towns in this part of the province about hockey teams, schools and all those divisive issues,” Johnson said. “Things have changed quite a bit since then. I believe we now realize that we must work together for the good of the entire area. We are all proud of what we have accomplished so far and we look forward to the future.”
As far as Leo Legault is concerned, every new day that comes breaks new ground and breeds hope for the economic outlook of the whole region.
“You know, this is the longest short line in Canada,” Legault beams with pride. “Fifty-two per cent of all the grain moved on short lines in Saskatchewan is moved on our railway. When you think of it, there is no end to what we can accomplish — just keep watching us.”
FarmTech 2005: Best to Know Your Competitors
source: Farm and Food Report
Alberta’s premier crop production and farm management conference will put global perspectives at the forefront again this year as it focuses on two major international competitors to Canada’s agriculture industry: China and Australia.
Rick Taillieu is Chair of the FarmTech 2005 Conference that takes place in Edmonton on January 26-28, 2005.
“Every year, we ask our delegates what topics they would like addressed at the following year’s conference. Last year, they expressed strong interest in what was happening in those two countries. We take delegates’ requests very seriously, and I think we’ve come through with this year’s selection of 40 speakers.”
Agricultural producer Peter Treloar will talk about Australia and Canada, and their affinities in agriculture. Treloar farms 7,000 acres in a family partnership in South Australia, growing wheat, barley, canola and pulse crops. He will be sharing his experiences as a recipient of a 2002 Nuffield Farming Scholarship. The scholarship allowed him to travel for four months throughout countries of South East Asia, the U.K. and France, along with the United States and Canada.
Another highly anticipated presentation will feature challenges and prospects around Chinese agriculture, with Agriteam Canada Vice President Alex Schumacher. With 30 years of experience in agricultural development, Schumacher has worked in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and North America with a wide range of crops, cropping systems, cultures and languages. He regularly consults for the World Bank on project preparation, and has conducted workshops for the Bank on project design and management.
Chinese agriculture has grown at an annual rate of about six per cent, providing steadily improving nutrition and health to approximately 1.2 billion people, as well as employing about 70 per cent of that population. It now faces multiple challenges, including rapid loss of farmland to urbanization, depletion of major aquifers, rising fertilizer costs, external competition under WTO, and a growing urban-rural income divide. How will China respond? What are the prospects for Canada? This will be addressed at the Conference.
According to Rick Taillieu, about 1,200 delegates came last year from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Idaho and the State of Washington to attend FarmTech.
“I think our success can be attributed to how we mix research developments, knowledge, extension resources and farmers’ experiences to enrich the conference program,” Tallieu said. “For instance we will address soils issues around the world. The presentation on the role of oil and water resources in the rise and demise of civilizations with Daniel Hillel, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts currently residing in Israel, is bound to be very popular.” The connection between humans and the world’s soil and water resources; the way early civilizations grew in intimate association with their environments; and, the vital role of soil and water resource availability and their sustainable use all played a pivotal role in allowing societies to thrive over extended periods.
Even in planning the future, lessons can be learned from the past. And planning the future of agriculture is what FarmTech 2005 is all about.
Alberta’s premier crop production and farm management conference will put global perspectives at the forefront again this year as it focuses on two major international competitors to Canada’s agriculture industry: China and Australia.
Rick Taillieu is Chair of the FarmTech 2005 Conference that takes place in Edmonton on January 26-28, 2005.
“Every year, we ask our delegates what topics they would like addressed at the following year’s conference. Last year, they expressed strong interest in what was happening in those two countries. We take delegates’ requests very seriously, and I think we’ve come through with this year’s selection of 40 speakers.”
Agricultural producer Peter Treloar will talk about Australia and Canada, and their affinities in agriculture. Treloar farms 7,000 acres in a family partnership in South Australia, growing wheat, barley, canola and pulse crops. He will be sharing his experiences as a recipient of a 2002 Nuffield Farming Scholarship. The scholarship allowed him to travel for four months throughout countries of South East Asia, the U.K. and France, along with the United States and Canada.
Another highly anticipated presentation will feature challenges and prospects around Chinese agriculture, with Agriteam Canada Vice President Alex Schumacher. With 30 years of experience in agricultural development, Schumacher has worked in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and North America with a wide range of crops, cropping systems, cultures and languages. He regularly consults for the World Bank on project preparation, and has conducted workshops for the Bank on project design and management.
Chinese agriculture has grown at an annual rate of about six per cent, providing steadily improving nutrition and health to approximately 1.2 billion people, as well as employing about 70 per cent of that population. It now faces multiple challenges, including rapid loss of farmland to urbanization, depletion of major aquifers, rising fertilizer costs, external competition under WTO, and a growing urban-rural income divide. How will China respond? What are the prospects for Canada? This will be addressed at the Conference.
According to Rick Taillieu, about 1,200 delegates came last year from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Idaho and the State of Washington to attend FarmTech.
“I think our success can be attributed to how we mix research developments, knowledge, extension resources and farmers’ experiences to enrich the conference program,” Tallieu said. “For instance we will address soils issues around the world. The presentation on the role of oil and water resources in the rise and demise of civilizations with Daniel Hillel, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts currently residing in Israel, is bound to be very popular.” The connection between humans and the world’s soil and water resources; the way early civilizations grew in intimate association with their environments; and, the vital role of soil and water resource availability and their sustainable use all played a pivotal role in allowing societies to thrive over extended periods.
Even in planning the future, lessons can be learned from the past. And planning the future of agriculture is what FarmTech 2005 is all about.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Plant Breeders Keep Diseases at Bay
source: Farm and Food Report
Dr. Geoff Hughes has spent much quality time in a greenhouse injecting Fusarium Head Blight spores in water solution straight into the head of wheat plants at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre.
“Because Fusarium is not as well established in central Saskatchewan as it is in areas like the Red River Valley in Manitoba, we don’t actually conduct field screening experiments here, so we don’t create a problem for the industry where there isn’t one,” Hughes said.
Dr. Hughes is one of many plant breeders in Western Canada whose fundamental purpose it is to seek new sources of genetic resistance to diseases in plants that are grown as commercial crops in the province.
“There will always be mutations in disease strains that will stunt plant growth eventually. There is always that potential for change — pathogens mutate regularly. But change will occur less frequently with some diseases than with others. In some instances, the resistance to disease factors has lasted for up to 30 years for some crops in Canada. In Australia, the lifespan of disease resistance, on average, has a longevity of less than five years.”
In the case of Leaf and Stem Rust, these are diseases that have the potential to virtually wipe out crops where they occur. Yet in Saskatchewan, we haven’t seen a major outbreak of the Rust in 50 years. Most young farmers have never had to deal with an outbreak of Stem Rust.
Rick Holm is the director of the University’s Crop Development Centre. As such, he is well aware of plant breeders’ contribution to our industry.
“Staying ahead of diseases through screening and breeding research programs still remains the cheapest method of protection against diseases. The only other alternative available right now to producers is the use of commercial fungicides, which must often be applied more than once per season. It can become very costly.”
Holm emphasizes that the work being done on breeding and diseases in the province make sense because of the unique microclimates that exist in the Saskatchewan environment. “Factors such as genetics, weather, landscapes, soils and host plants all combine to play a role in creating the need for made-in-Saskatchewan solutions.”
Not only is plant breeders’ work invaluable, the way they go about finding the new sources of resistance they seek could be described as collaborative research at its best, according to Holm.
“Plants breeders are constantly exchanging genetic material and sources of resistance from colleagues around the world who work on wheat, barley and other grains. It is like a quest for the missing link or for a genetic Holy Grail in a way.”
Researchers will frequently seek these sources of resistance in wild relatives of plants developed for crop production. However, they are often confronted with the reality that the farther the distance between wild and domesticated species, such as between wheat grasses and wheat, the more difficult it will be to find precious sources of resistance.
That doesn’t stop Dr. Hughes and his colleagues from investing countless hours and energy in the task.
“It is sometimes difficult to get a sense of the kind of success our work is achieving. But when you think of it, perhaps the real measure can be drawn from the fact that outbreaks of crop diseases don’t happen that often. I would say our record speaks for itself. We have been pretty good at keeping diseases under control because of our plan breeding efforts over the years, wouldn’t you say?”
Dr. Geoff Hughes has spent much quality time in a greenhouse injecting Fusarium Head Blight spores in water solution straight into the head of wheat plants at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre.
“Because Fusarium is not as well established in central Saskatchewan as it is in areas like the Red River Valley in Manitoba, we don’t actually conduct field screening experiments here, so we don’t create a problem for the industry where there isn’t one,” Hughes said.
Dr. Hughes is one of many plant breeders in Western Canada whose fundamental purpose it is to seek new sources of genetic resistance to diseases in plants that are grown as commercial crops in the province.
“There will always be mutations in disease strains that will stunt plant growth eventually. There is always that potential for change — pathogens mutate regularly. But change will occur less frequently with some diseases than with others. In some instances, the resistance to disease factors has lasted for up to 30 years for some crops in Canada. In Australia, the lifespan of disease resistance, on average, has a longevity of less than five years.”
In the case of Leaf and Stem Rust, these are diseases that have the potential to virtually wipe out crops where they occur. Yet in Saskatchewan, we haven’t seen a major outbreak of the Rust in 50 years. Most young farmers have never had to deal with an outbreak of Stem Rust.
Rick Holm is the director of the University’s Crop Development Centre. As such, he is well aware of plant breeders’ contribution to our industry.
“Staying ahead of diseases through screening and breeding research programs still remains the cheapest method of protection against diseases. The only other alternative available right now to producers is the use of commercial fungicides, which must often be applied more than once per season. It can become very costly.”
Holm emphasizes that the work being done on breeding and diseases in the province make sense because of the unique microclimates that exist in the Saskatchewan environment. “Factors such as genetics, weather, landscapes, soils and host plants all combine to play a role in creating the need for made-in-Saskatchewan solutions.”
Not only is plant breeders’ work invaluable, the way they go about finding the new sources of resistance they seek could be described as collaborative research at its best, according to Holm.
“Plants breeders are constantly exchanging genetic material and sources of resistance from colleagues around the world who work on wheat, barley and other grains. It is like a quest for the missing link or for a genetic Holy Grail in a way.”
Researchers will frequently seek these sources of resistance in wild relatives of plants developed for crop production. However, they are often confronted with the reality that the farther the distance between wild and domesticated species, such as between wheat grasses and wheat, the more difficult it will be to find precious sources of resistance.
That doesn’t stop Dr. Hughes and his colleagues from investing countless hours and energy in the task.
“It is sometimes difficult to get a sense of the kind of success our work is achieving. But when you think of it, perhaps the real measure can be drawn from the fact that outbreaks of crop diseases don’t happen that often. I would say our record speaks for itself. We have been pretty good at keeping diseases under control because of our plan breeding efforts over the years, wouldn’t you say?”
Friday, January 21, 2005
The Cutting Edge in Precision Farming Technology
source: Farm and Food Report
The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation will be sharing new developments in precision farming with producers on January 19, 2005, as it holds its Winter Seminar and Annual Meeting at Indian Head Memorial Hall.
"Since 1994, The Foundation has sought to bring producers research findings that would not otherwise make their way to them," according to IHARF Executive Manager Judy McKell, "and we are particularly looking forward to this year's program."
McKell adds that, among other topics, local Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist Guy Lafond will provide an agronomy research update on winter wheat, as well as on new mapping and fertilizer technologies.
"Optical sensor-based systems that can be mounted on sprayers, such as Greenseeker™, allow the measurement of crop biomass through the amount of light reflected from the crop. We are still developing the technology necessary to provide accurate snapshots of the plants' nitrogen needs, but the systems provide a diagnostic tool that might not otherwise be available, and give producers the opportunity to add nitrogen when the plant needs it."
In addition, Ron Palmer of Regina-based Accutrak Systems Ltd. will bring participants an update on equipment guidance systems for agriculture.
"GPS-based guidance systems are playing an increasingly important role in improving efficiencies in agricultural production. They can have a real impact on fuel costs; seed input and herbicide costs; and labour. Plus, the units available now can easily be moved from one piece of equipment to another," explains McKell.
Other presenters include: researcher Bill May, who will discuss the issues surrounding oilseed, oat and canaryseed agronomy; SAFRR's livestock development specialist Lorne Klein will compare and recommend crops for swath grazing; and finally, market analyst Larry Weber will provide an information session on issues to consider before signing a contract to sell your crop.
The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation will be sharing new developments in precision farming with producers on January 19, 2005, as it holds its Winter Seminar and Annual Meeting at Indian Head Memorial Hall.
"Since 1994, The Foundation has sought to bring producers research findings that would not otherwise make their way to them," according to IHARF Executive Manager Judy McKell, "and we are particularly looking forward to this year's program."
McKell adds that, among other topics, local Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist Guy Lafond will provide an agronomy research update on winter wheat, as well as on new mapping and fertilizer technologies.
"Optical sensor-based systems that can be mounted on sprayers, such as Greenseeker™, allow the measurement of crop biomass through the amount of light reflected from the crop. We are still developing the technology necessary to provide accurate snapshots of the plants' nitrogen needs, but the systems provide a diagnostic tool that might not otherwise be available, and give producers the opportunity to add nitrogen when the plant needs it."
In addition, Ron Palmer of Regina-based Accutrak Systems Ltd. will bring participants an update on equipment guidance systems for agriculture.
"GPS-based guidance systems are playing an increasingly important role in improving efficiencies in agricultural production. They can have a real impact on fuel costs; seed input and herbicide costs; and labour. Plus, the units available now can easily be moved from one piece of equipment to another," explains McKell.
Other presenters include: researcher Bill May, who will discuss the issues surrounding oilseed, oat and canaryseed agronomy; SAFRR's livestock development specialist Lorne Klein will compare and recommend crops for swath grazing; and finally, market analyst Larry Weber will provide an information session on issues to consider before signing a contract to sell your crop.
Feeding Frost-Damaged and Sprouted Grain to Livestock
source: Farm and Food Report
Frost damaged and sprouted grain can be a valuable resource as livestock feed. Bryan Doig is a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization:
"Because of the cold wet weather in July, the early frost in August and the late harvest in the fall, there were many thousands of acres of affected crops across the province in 2004 that represent a real opportunity as a livestock food source now."
To encourage producers to take advantage of this opportunity, SAFRR has just produced an information sheet that gives clear directives and helps evaluate the relative feed values of damaged cereal grains.
"Frozen or sprouted grain, for instance, will often comparatively higher protein levels than normal, unaffected grain, but contains less carbohydrates or energy. Producers might want to take advantage of this inexpensive feed for backgrounding rations and wintering cows. The trick is to measure feed by the pound rather than by the bushel, or by weight rather than volume."
According to Doig, livestock fed frost-damaged and sprouted grain perform similarly to livestock fed undamaged grain. It just requires a 5 to 10% increase in the amount fed to compensate for the slightly lower energy content.
In the case of canola, frost damage generates a lower feed value than undamaged canola, but it can still be incorporated into many livestock rations.
When unsure about the feed value of damaged grain, the best and most accurate method to find out is to have the feed analyzed at a feed testing laboratory.
Doig points out that other limitations may apply to the use of frost-damaged or sprouted grain:
"The difference in kernel size, shape and hardness should be taken into account and adjustments to milling equipment might be necessary. It might also be advisable to test mouldy grain for mould type and toxins.
For more information, you can access the Feeding Frost-Damaged and Sprouted Grain to Livestock online document.
Frost damaged and sprouted grain can be a valuable resource as livestock feed. Bryan Doig is a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization:
"Because of the cold wet weather in July, the early frost in August and the late harvest in the fall, there were many thousands of acres of affected crops across the province in 2004 that represent a real opportunity as a livestock food source now."
To encourage producers to take advantage of this opportunity, SAFRR has just produced an information sheet that gives clear directives and helps evaluate the relative feed values of damaged cereal grains.
"Frozen or sprouted grain, for instance, will often comparatively higher protein levels than normal, unaffected grain, but contains less carbohydrates or energy. Producers might want to take advantage of this inexpensive feed for backgrounding rations and wintering cows. The trick is to measure feed by the pound rather than by the bushel, or by weight rather than volume."
According to Doig, livestock fed frost-damaged and sprouted grain perform similarly to livestock fed undamaged grain. It just requires a 5 to 10% increase in the amount fed to compensate for the slightly lower energy content.
In the case of canola, frost damage generates a lower feed value than undamaged canola, but it can still be incorporated into many livestock rations.
When unsure about the feed value of damaged grain, the best and most accurate method to find out is to have the feed analyzed at a feed testing laboratory.
Doig points out that other limitations may apply to the use of frost-damaged or sprouted grain:
"The difference in kernel size, shape and hardness should be taken into account and adjustments to milling equipment might be necessary. It might also be advisable to test mouldy grain for mould type and toxins.
For more information, you can access the Feeding Frost-Damaged and Sprouted Grain to Livestock online document.
Re-Establishing Alfalfa Can Be Dfficult
source: Farm and Food Report
Producers concerned with old alfalfa stands dying out after several years of production should avoid reseeding directly back to alfalfa. Mature alfalfa plants produce toxins that result in a form of autoxicity in the soil, which prevents the establishment of new seedlings.
Trevor Lennox is a Forage Industry Development Specialist with SAFRR. "The specific toxin produced is called medicarpin. It is present mostly in the leaves and stems, rather than in the root system itself. The toxin leaches into the ground surrounding old alfalfa plants up to a radius of 16 inches."
Lennox points out that this autoxicity will affect seed germination and decrease plant density over time. "As forage resource-people, we are often asked if reseeding directly into an old alfalfa stand is an option. It is not a recommended practice."
According to Trevor Lennox, "the most effective way to deal with autotoxicity is to rotate to another crop for a year or two. It is recommended that producers seed an annual cereal crop for a minimum of 1 year to give the soil a chance to cleanse itself and to take advantage of the nitrogen-rich soil nutrients the broad-leafed legume has synthesized over the years."
While there is no real consensus on how long it takes for the toxicity to disappear, there are variables that can affect the return of conditions more conducive to seedling vigour.
"The toxin is water soluble, which means that heavier soils with reduced drainage ability will exhibit the problem longer than lighter soils which are more permeable. Tillage can help reduce the autoxicity effect. In fact, producers are advised to remove top growth before tillage to help reduce leaching risks," says Lennox.
Producers should also be aware that higher temperatures are known to break down the toxic compound more rapidly and that heavier rains can move them away from the root zone faster.
An important point to note is that toxins are not produced in the first year of new seedlings. Therefore, seeding failures or new seedlings that were winterkilled can be reseeded without any autotoxicity affect.
Producers concerned with old alfalfa stands dying out after several years of production should avoid reseeding directly back to alfalfa. Mature alfalfa plants produce toxins that result in a form of autoxicity in the soil, which prevents the establishment of new seedlings.
Trevor Lennox is a Forage Industry Development Specialist with SAFRR. "The specific toxin produced is called medicarpin. It is present mostly in the leaves and stems, rather than in the root system itself. The toxin leaches into the ground surrounding old alfalfa plants up to a radius of 16 inches."
Lennox points out that this autoxicity will affect seed germination and decrease plant density over time. "As forage resource-people, we are often asked if reseeding directly into an old alfalfa stand is an option. It is not a recommended practice."
According to Trevor Lennox, "the most effective way to deal with autotoxicity is to rotate to another crop for a year or two. It is recommended that producers seed an annual cereal crop for a minimum of 1 year to give the soil a chance to cleanse itself and to take advantage of the nitrogen-rich soil nutrients the broad-leafed legume has synthesized over the years."
While there is no real consensus on how long it takes for the toxicity to disappear, there are variables that can affect the return of conditions more conducive to seedling vigour.
"The toxin is water soluble, which means that heavier soils with reduced drainage ability will exhibit the problem longer than lighter soils which are more permeable. Tillage can help reduce the autoxicity effect. In fact, producers are advised to remove top growth before tillage to help reduce leaching risks," says Lennox.
Producers should also be aware that higher temperatures are known to break down the toxic compound more rapidly and that heavier rains can move them away from the root zone faster.
An important point to note is that toxins are not produced in the first year of new seedlings. Therefore, seeding failures or new seedlings that were winterkilled can be reseeded without any autotoxicity affect.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Private Water Supplies: A Little Testing Goes A Long Way
source: Farm and Food Report
We are cautious about drinking tap water while visiting developing countries. Yet at home with our private water supplies, we can sometimes be a little lax about applying the same care and consideration. Just because the water tastes okay does not necessarily mean it’s safe to drink.
Nolan Shaheen is Director of Groundwater Management for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. “Anyone with a private water supply that is being used as a drinking water source should have the water tested for health-related parameters such as nitrates, fecal coliforms, heavy metals such as arsenic, uranium and selenium, and major ions like sulphates, potassium, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, sodium and chlorides. Water should also be tested for hardness, especially if it is used for agricultural purposes. For instance, if you use herbicides like glyphosates, the hardness of the water can affect performance.”
“Many heavy metals occur naturally, and toxicity will vary according to concentrations and quantity consumed,” Shaheen explains. “We encourage you to consult health professionals to find out more about how these levels relate to the Provincial Drinking Water Guidelines, which are set to protect human health. As you can imagine, high concentrations could have some health-related effects. Consumers who draw water from wells that yield higher concentrations might want to consider drinking bottled water and using their well water for purposes other than drinking.”
Nitrates are another parameter that requires care and attention. Although they can occur naturally in the environment, the presence of nitrates is often associated with improper management of sewage or over-application of fertilizers.
Bacteriological testing should be carried out, as well as testing for iron and manganese, two metals that are commonly found in higher concentrations in Saskatchewan water supplies.
“Some parameters will only affect taste and colour, as in the case of iron which will stain laundry and impart a metallic taste to the water, but it will not harm you. That is what we refer to as more of an aesthetic consideration. In the case of other parameters, consequences can be much more serious,” says Shaheen.
Private water supplies’ stewards have a few options for testing. They can access one of a number of private labs in the province. There is a provincial health laboratory in Regina. The Saskatchewan Research Council has its own lab in Saskatoon. Any of Saskatchewan’s Health Districts will be able to provide a hand-sized water sample container.
“If you collect your own sample, due care and attention should be given to preventing sample contamination,” says Shaheen. “For instance, touching the inside of the container with your fingers could ruin the bacteriological component of the test.”
And remember, most water can be treated, and there are always a number of options to address unsafe water challenges. The first step, of course, is to be aware of the water’s quality.
For more information, contact:
Nolan Shaheen
Director, Groundwater Management
SaskatchewanWatershed Authority
(306) 694-3963
Dr. Joanne Sketchell
Manager, Water Quality Unit
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
(306) 933-7434
We are cautious about drinking tap water while visiting developing countries. Yet at home with our private water supplies, we can sometimes be a little lax about applying the same care and consideration. Just because the water tastes okay does not necessarily mean it’s safe to drink.
Nolan Shaheen is Director of Groundwater Management for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. “Anyone with a private water supply that is being used as a drinking water source should have the water tested for health-related parameters such as nitrates, fecal coliforms, heavy metals such as arsenic, uranium and selenium, and major ions like sulphates, potassium, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium, sodium and chlorides. Water should also be tested for hardness, especially if it is used for agricultural purposes. For instance, if you use herbicides like glyphosates, the hardness of the water can affect performance.”
“Many heavy metals occur naturally, and toxicity will vary according to concentrations and quantity consumed,” Shaheen explains. “We encourage you to consult health professionals to find out more about how these levels relate to the Provincial Drinking Water Guidelines, which are set to protect human health. As you can imagine, high concentrations could have some health-related effects. Consumers who draw water from wells that yield higher concentrations might want to consider drinking bottled water and using their well water for purposes other than drinking.”
Nitrates are another parameter that requires care and attention. Although they can occur naturally in the environment, the presence of nitrates is often associated with improper management of sewage or over-application of fertilizers.
Bacteriological testing should be carried out, as well as testing for iron and manganese, two metals that are commonly found in higher concentrations in Saskatchewan water supplies.
“Some parameters will only affect taste and colour, as in the case of iron which will stain laundry and impart a metallic taste to the water, but it will not harm you. That is what we refer to as more of an aesthetic consideration. In the case of other parameters, consequences can be much more serious,” says Shaheen.
Private water supplies’ stewards have a few options for testing. They can access one of a number of private labs in the province. There is a provincial health laboratory in Regina. The Saskatchewan Research Council has its own lab in Saskatoon. Any of Saskatchewan’s Health Districts will be able to provide a hand-sized water sample container.
“If you collect your own sample, due care and attention should be given to preventing sample contamination,” says Shaheen. “For instance, touching the inside of the container with your fingers could ruin the bacteriological component of the test.”
And remember, most water can be treated, and there are always a number of options to address unsafe water challenges. The first step, of course, is to be aware of the water’s quality.
For more information, contact:
Nolan Shaheen
Director, Groundwater Management
SaskatchewanWatershed Authority
(306) 694-3963
Dr. Joanne Sketchell
Manager, Water Quality Unit
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
(306) 933-7434
Tired Of Wading Out Into Your Sloughs To Pound Pickets Into The Mud?
source: Farm and Food Report
It is one of these small challenges Punnichy’s Schlosser family had been wrestling with for years: how to lay fence across sloughs without getting wet and covered in mud?
According to Kevin Schlosser, “this is something everyone dreads in the spring — venturing out there in boots or hip waders to fix fence and realizing that they are not quite high enough to keep you dry. If you have a slough you must lay fence across, posts rot, wires rust out. It is a problem that just doesn’t go away. What if we could actually come up with posts that float?”
Kevin, his brother Dan, their father and mother went to work on this eight months ago, after many years of accumulated frustration. Easier said than done. Coming up with fencing structures that are buoyant, yet stable enough to prevent tipping in high winds, requires all the patience in the world.
“There was a lot of experimentation involved,” explains Kevin Schlosser. “We figured that the base would have to be made with urethane foam, but designing the shape the moulds should have was very much a trial and error process. We came up with several widths into which a fibreglass rod would be inserted, to which different types of fencing tapes and wires would be attached, using regular fencing clips. Then we took our prototypes to the sloughs to test them.”
Eventually, they found the right configuration. They launched a company: Jaddak Creations Inc. They prepared a business plan with the help of Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization. The Schlosser family came up with a name for their product: they call them Slough Sticks. They even went through the patent process, successfully.
“I can’t believe no one had thought about it before,” Schlosser says. “The idea is to actually lay the fence and posts in the winter when the sloughs are frozen. It is much easier. We recommend a maximum distance of six meters between posts for increased stability. When the ice melts in the spring, the floating fence posts just float in their position on the water, and they’ll freeze in the same spot the following winter. It really is a low maintenance solution to a perennial headache.”
The company recently acquired the old Punnichy community theatre and town hall to manufacture their product, which should hit the market at any time.
“Right now, we are working with the local Co-op store. We went around to show our product. The posts will be made available on pallets for shipping and sales purposes. Other potential distributors across Canada have also expressed interest. This is all pretty exciting for us,” Schlosser says.
Apparently, the local population is just as interested in what the Schlossers are working on.
“There isn’t a day that goes by when we don’t to go to the local hardware store to pick up one thing or another. People are always asking us what we are up to. I was born and raised in Punnichy,” says Kevin Schlosser, “and there used to be five restaurants in town. Like many, I had to move away for a few years, but I’m really glad to be back now. Just looking at people’s expressions, you get a sense they are thinking that perhaps there is a future for Punnichy.”
If fencing through water can be made easier, it may be that anything is possible, after all, in a small town where creativity is allowed free expression.
For more information, contact:
Kevin Schlosser
Jaddak Creations Inc.
(403) 852-1510
It is one of these small challenges Punnichy’s Schlosser family had been wrestling with for years: how to lay fence across sloughs without getting wet and covered in mud?
According to Kevin Schlosser, “this is something everyone dreads in the spring — venturing out there in boots or hip waders to fix fence and realizing that they are not quite high enough to keep you dry. If you have a slough you must lay fence across, posts rot, wires rust out. It is a problem that just doesn’t go away. What if we could actually come up with posts that float?”
Kevin, his brother Dan, their father and mother went to work on this eight months ago, after many years of accumulated frustration. Easier said than done. Coming up with fencing structures that are buoyant, yet stable enough to prevent tipping in high winds, requires all the patience in the world.
“There was a lot of experimentation involved,” explains Kevin Schlosser. “We figured that the base would have to be made with urethane foam, but designing the shape the moulds should have was very much a trial and error process. We came up with several widths into which a fibreglass rod would be inserted, to which different types of fencing tapes and wires would be attached, using regular fencing clips. Then we took our prototypes to the sloughs to test them.”
Eventually, they found the right configuration. They launched a company: Jaddak Creations Inc. They prepared a business plan with the help of Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization. The Schlosser family came up with a name for their product: they call them Slough Sticks. They even went through the patent process, successfully.
“I can’t believe no one had thought about it before,” Schlosser says. “The idea is to actually lay the fence and posts in the winter when the sloughs are frozen. It is much easier. We recommend a maximum distance of six meters between posts for increased stability. When the ice melts in the spring, the floating fence posts just float in their position on the water, and they’ll freeze in the same spot the following winter. It really is a low maintenance solution to a perennial headache.”
The company recently acquired the old Punnichy community theatre and town hall to manufacture their product, which should hit the market at any time.
“Right now, we are working with the local Co-op store. We went around to show our product. The posts will be made available on pallets for shipping and sales purposes. Other potential distributors across Canada have also expressed interest. This is all pretty exciting for us,” Schlosser says.
Apparently, the local population is just as interested in what the Schlossers are working on.
“There isn’t a day that goes by when we don’t to go to the local hardware store to pick up one thing or another. People are always asking us what we are up to. I was born and raised in Punnichy,” says Kevin Schlosser, “and there used to be five restaurants in town. Like many, I had to move away for a few years, but I’m really glad to be back now. Just looking at people’s expressions, you get a sense they are thinking that perhaps there is a future for Punnichy.”
If fencing through water can be made easier, it may be that anything is possible, after all, in a small town where creativity is allowed free expression.
For more information, contact:
Kevin Schlosser
Jaddak Creations Inc.
(403) 852-1510
Crop Production Week Is An Opportunity For Renewal
source: Farm and Food Report
The next edition of Crop Production Week, January 10 to 15 in Saskatoon, could take on some therapeutic virtues for many in the industry who will want to forget about last year’s crop performances.
Ray McVicar is Special Crops Provincial Specialist for SAFRR. “It is an opportunity to start fresh. Crop Production Week and the Western Canadian Crop Production Show are big events for grain producers because, for many, it will set the wheels in motion for the new crop year. What they experience during the week will influence their seeding plans for the coming production cycle.”
Central to this are all the production associations that hold Annual General Meetings during Crop Production Week: the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission; Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ Pulse Days, which can draw over 1,000 participants; the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association; the Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission; Canola Days; the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association; the Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Association; and the Canaryseed Association of Canada, a newcomer this year.
“What is remarkable about Crop Production Week,” according to SAFRR Business Development Specialist Brian Sim, “is the simple fact that the Production Week and Show, that take place simultaneously at the Saskatoon Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Prairieland Park, are solely dedicated to grain production. This event is geared toward producers who can access in one spot all the latest news and developments in crops and technology that is available and useable on the farm now. The quality and depth of knowledge there is absolutely fantastic.”
One of the highlights of this edition of Crop Production Week will surely be the Wednesday night Special Session titled What Do Consumers Really Want? with Andrew Benson of the International Food Information Council in Washington, D.C..
Rick Holm is President of Crop Production Saskatchewan Inc. “We invited Andrew Benson to come share with us some of his latest consumer research findings.” Holm says. “Consumers are more concerned than ever about food safety issues, production practices on the farm, and the impact they have on the environment. They need to be comfortable not only with the food but also with the entire production process that has allowed it to be made available on the market. Andrew has conducted surveys around the world to find out what consumer expectations are in markets that Saskatchewan producers seek to access.”
In a world where agricultural production seems increasingly guided by consumer expectations, it pays to know what assurances they require. Crop Production Week just seems like a good place to start.
For more information, contact:
Kevin Hursh
Crop Production Week
(306) 933-0138
kevin@hursh.ca
or visit:
http://www.cropweek.com/
The next edition of Crop Production Week, January 10 to 15 in Saskatoon, could take on some therapeutic virtues for many in the industry who will want to forget about last year’s crop performances.
Ray McVicar is Special Crops Provincial Specialist for SAFRR. “It is an opportunity to start fresh. Crop Production Week and the Western Canadian Crop Production Show are big events for grain producers because, for many, it will set the wheels in motion for the new crop year. What they experience during the week will influence their seeding plans for the coming production cycle.”
Central to this are all the production associations that hold Annual General Meetings during Crop Production Week: the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission; Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ Pulse Days, which can draw over 1,000 participants; the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association; the Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission; Canola Days; the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association; the Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Association; and the Canaryseed Association of Canada, a newcomer this year.
“What is remarkable about Crop Production Week,” according to SAFRR Business Development Specialist Brian Sim, “is the simple fact that the Production Week and Show, that take place simultaneously at the Saskatoon Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Prairieland Park, are solely dedicated to grain production. This event is geared toward producers who can access in one spot all the latest news and developments in crops and technology that is available and useable on the farm now. The quality and depth of knowledge there is absolutely fantastic.”
One of the highlights of this edition of Crop Production Week will surely be the Wednesday night Special Session titled What Do Consumers Really Want? with Andrew Benson of the International Food Information Council in Washington, D.C..
Rick Holm is President of Crop Production Saskatchewan Inc. “We invited Andrew Benson to come share with us some of his latest consumer research findings.” Holm says. “Consumers are more concerned than ever about food safety issues, production practices on the farm, and the impact they have on the environment. They need to be comfortable not only with the food but also with the entire production process that has allowed it to be made available on the market. Andrew has conducted surveys around the world to find out what consumer expectations are in markets that Saskatchewan producers seek to access.”
In a world where agricultural production seems increasingly guided by consumer expectations, it pays to know what assurances they require. Crop Production Week just seems like a good place to start.
For more information, contact:
Kevin Hursh
Crop Production Week
(306) 933-0138
kevin@hursh.ca
or visit:
http://www.cropweek.com/
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