source: Farm and Food Report
When the Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association (SEBA) meets on March 18 and 19 in Saskatoon for their 9th Annual Convention and General Meeting, hot on the agenda will be Norelko, the new North American health product co-operative tasked with processing elk products locally.
Maria Bartok is SEBA’s Office Manager.
“This new generation co-op, which was incorporated just recently, will allow buying velvet antler from the producers, processing it, and creating the finished product in the form of pet food at provincially located plants,” Bartok says. “Pet owners increasingly give the same care and attention to the health of their animals as humans give themselves. Velvet antler has a positive influence on the crippling effects of arthritis on humans, and it can do the same for aging dogs.”
Apparently, ground velvet antler works best in its purest form, which is why it is sealed in capsules prior to being used. The contents are mixed in with individual pet rations — an emerging and attractive market opportunity for Saskatchewan producers.
“It is a classic renewable resource,” according to Bartok. “Bulls produce velvet every year. An average two-year-old will grow approximately nine lb. of velvet antler, and yields increase with maturity. Mature bulls (seven to eight year-olds) may produce from 30 to 40 lb. of velvet antler annually, which in the past 15 years has fetched from $35 to $110 per pound. And North America presently produces only a very small part of what the Oriental market demands.”
In fact, just in terms of breeding stock, North America will be in a stock-up phase for at least another 10 years.
“Elk are a single offspring species with a rare occurrence of twins. They constitute an attractive investment if you have land, can put up the fence, and have animal experience. We recommend that you try to keep the true capital cost of the fence to 10 per cent of your total investment in your elk venture. Before you begin, contact SAFRR for regulations (Domestic Game Farm Regulations) that may affect your elk ranch. You will also find in local elk breeders additional information on costs of animals, fencing and feed.”
Elk are predominantly grazers. They will eat most upland grasses and legumes, but they will also consume grains like corn and oats. They can consume up to 20 per cent of their diet in browse. The meat itself has long been considered the premier venison - and there is much room to grow, according to Bartok.
“Since North America imports 150 tons of venison annually, elk meat enjoys a ready market. It fits the needs of the modern consumer because it is lean, low in fat and cholesterol, and delicious. Plus, it is raised using no growth hormones or chemicals.”
But certain precautions are necessary. Elk, like any animal, must be taught respect for the handler. The walls of the handling facility should be a minimum of eight feet high. The availability of solid wall under a roof is also recommended, as is the use of gates and alleyways to move the animals. Elk can easily be moved in enclosed livestock trailers, but they need room and cannot be crowded during transport.
Of course, one of the greatest obstacles faced by the industry in recent years has been the closing of the Korean border because of Chronic Wasting Disease. To address the issue at this year’s conference, SEBA has invited President and CEO John Treleaven of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) to brief members on strategic efforts to re-open the border.
“Mr. Treleaven will elaborate on how winning that battle hinges, in essence, on talking to the right people who can make inroads on the industry’s behalf. Reassuring Koreans about the safety of our product is something only trust and strong relationships can influence. All this takes time, but it is an effort that will pay off in the end,” says Bartok.
The Convention and General Meeting will culminate on Saturday with SEBA’s 2005 Award of Merit, a distinction recognizing a Saskatchewan producer who has been actively involved in the industry for many years.
The SEBA event takes place at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. For more information and to register, contact the Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association office by email: seba@sasktel.net or call (306) 782-6500.
For more information, contact:
Maria Bartok
Saskatchewan Elk Breeders Association
(306) 782-6500
http://www.elkbreeders.sk.ca
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Improving Safety of Older Farm Equipment Heart of Study
source: Farm and Food Report
Will it surprise anyone who has ever spent quality time with a grain auger to find out that once the guard is taken off, it tends to stay off?
For James Wassermann and his colleagues at the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), the real question was: is there a way to remove the need for the guard to be taken off at all?
This is only one of the issues addressed in a recent report funded by SAFRR’s Agriculture Development Fund, titled “Improving the Safety of Older and Unfamiliar Machinery to be Used for Intensive and Value-Added Agriculture.”
James Wassermann is PAMI’s V.P. of Operations in Saskatchewan.
“There has been some really good research conducted on statistics related to injuries caused by agricultural accidents and the ways to prevent them. Most people in the industry are familiar with the work of the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program (CAISP). From this, we know that farm machinery is the leading cause of injuries on the farm. As a result, considerable effort has been devoted to developing safer machines. But we found that there wasn’t the same level of energy invested in making older farm equipment safer.”
There were a number of projects funded by organizations like the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) with resources allocated to safety education and training. But Wassermann felt there was a particular need that wasn’t being addressed.
“When you look at the hierarchy of injury prevention techniques, engineering is really the most important aspect because it can have a direct impact on preventing, eliminating or guarding against the hazards of working in an agricultural environment. A significant portion of farm injuries occur on older equipment. We felt there was a need to apply engineering principles to improving the safety of this older equipment.”
Wassermann and his team decided to embark on a couple of pilot projects. First, they worked on designing an improved guard for auger intakes with two key features: it had to allow improved product flow through it, which would mean there would be less incentive for producers to take the guard off.
“Secondly, it had to be designed in a way that allowed the guard to be temporarily removed without being physically detached from the auger. We came up with an adjustable collar that permitted the entire guard to be slipped up and back down the auger in a matter of about 15 seconds.”
In addition, PAMI also developed a simplified guide on how to build one’s own machinery guarding.
“Before we wrote this guide, we found the only resources available were complicated engineering standards that were not really accessible to agricultural producers who, perhaps, might prefer to build their own solution and might not have been able to decipher this technical information. What we did is we extracted the important elements of current engineering standards and we made them more user-friendly in a distinct publication.”
As part of the study, PAMI also identified other areas where safety improvements were needed. For instance, the need to come up with rollover protective structures that could be added on to older tractors was addressed.
One of the ways PAMI contributes to disseminating its research findings is through the production of actual prototypes.
“We built 40 prototypes of our auger guards, which are currently circulating across the country. There are four in each province being demonstrated on Canadian farms. This is phase two of our project, where we circulate our findings to the public. Our guards have been installed on augers and are used on farms with the help the agricultural safety organizations in each province.”
As people visit these farms, they can see how well the adjustable auger guard works. Soon enough, PAMI will find out how easily the fruits of their labour will be adopted as a safety solution for older equipment.
Copies of the Final Report are available by ordering publication number 20030418 at http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/apps/adf/
The PAMI guide on guard design is titled On Guard and can be downloaded by clicking here.
For more information, contact:
James Wassermann, P. Eng.
Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
(306) 682-2555
http://www.pami.ca
Will it surprise anyone who has ever spent quality time with a grain auger to find out that once the guard is taken off, it tends to stay off?
For James Wassermann and his colleagues at the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), the real question was: is there a way to remove the need for the guard to be taken off at all?
This is only one of the issues addressed in a recent report funded by SAFRR’s Agriculture Development Fund, titled “Improving the Safety of Older and Unfamiliar Machinery to be Used for Intensive and Value-Added Agriculture.”
James Wassermann is PAMI’s V.P. of Operations in Saskatchewan.
“There has been some really good research conducted on statistics related to injuries caused by agricultural accidents and the ways to prevent them. Most people in the industry are familiar with the work of the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program (CAISP). From this, we know that farm machinery is the leading cause of injuries on the farm. As a result, considerable effort has been devoted to developing safer machines. But we found that there wasn’t the same level of energy invested in making older farm equipment safer.”
There were a number of projects funded by organizations like the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) with resources allocated to safety education and training. But Wassermann felt there was a particular need that wasn’t being addressed.
“When you look at the hierarchy of injury prevention techniques, engineering is really the most important aspect because it can have a direct impact on preventing, eliminating or guarding against the hazards of working in an agricultural environment. A significant portion of farm injuries occur on older equipment. We felt there was a need to apply engineering principles to improving the safety of this older equipment.”
Wassermann and his team decided to embark on a couple of pilot projects. First, they worked on designing an improved guard for auger intakes with two key features: it had to allow improved product flow through it, which would mean there would be less incentive for producers to take the guard off.
“Secondly, it had to be designed in a way that allowed the guard to be temporarily removed without being physically detached from the auger. We came up with an adjustable collar that permitted the entire guard to be slipped up and back down the auger in a matter of about 15 seconds.”
In addition, PAMI also developed a simplified guide on how to build one’s own machinery guarding.
“Before we wrote this guide, we found the only resources available were complicated engineering standards that were not really accessible to agricultural producers who, perhaps, might prefer to build their own solution and might not have been able to decipher this technical information. What we did is we extracted the important elements of current engineering standards and we made them more user-friendly in a distinct publication.”
As part of the study, PAMI also identified other areas where safety improvements were needed. For instance, the need to come up with rollover protective structures that could be added on to older tractors was addressed.
One of the ways PAMI contributes to disseminating its research findings is through the production of actual prototypes.
“We built 40 prototypes of our auger guards, which are currently circulating across the country. There are four in each province being demonstrated on Canadian farms. This is phase two of our project, where we circulate our findings to the public. Our guards have been installed on augers and are used on farms with the help the agricultural safety organizations in each province.”
As people visit these farms, they can see how well the adjustable auger guard works. Soon enough, PAMI will find out how easily the fruits of their labour will be adopted as a safety solution for older equipment.
Copies of the Final Report are available by ordering publication number 20030418 at http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/apps/adf/
The PAMI guide on guard design is titled On Guard and can be downloaded by clicking here.
For more information, contact:
James Wassermann, P. Eng.
Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute
(306) 682-2555
http://www.pami.ca
Saskatchewan Made Marketplace: Truly Homegrown
source: Farm and Food Report
One quick look around Saskatoon’s 8th Street East store and it all starts to register.
There are a lot more Saskatchewan products available than one might think: saskatoon berry jams, jellies and pies; baked goods, snack foods; health-related products like flax, gluten-free flour products and baking mixes; meats — everything from bison to ostrich and organic chicken.
Let’s not forget wild rice and maple – and even birch – syrup.
Saskatchewan Made Marketplace is a retailoutlet that showcases the broad range of food products processed by members of the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association (SFPA).
There are two outlets in Saskatoon — the second one is in the Confederation Mall. There is one outlet on Park Street in Regina, as well as smaller stores in Moose Jaw, Nipawin and Watrous, where existing stores are establishing Saskatchewan Made sections.
The network develops under the guidance of Chief Operating Officer Darrell Schneider.
“Saskatchewan consumers have long lamented the fact that there were no places to shop for the vast array of quality products that are being produced and processed in Saskatchewan,” Schneider says. “All this changed on October 9, 2004 when the first freestanding Saskatchewan Made store opened in Saskatoon.”
Schneider, who is himself a member of the industry through his company Schneider’s Gourmet World — specializing in snack foods — has been with the project since the beginning.
“Our own company started out selling through a kiosk in a mall during Christmas time,” he says. “We did very well, as did Grace Whittington from Riverbend Plantation and a few others. We talked about having a Saskatchewan Made retail outlet that would operate year- round, but we were told it wouldn’t work”
Funding was eventually secured from the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development program in Saskatchewan (CARDS) with the financial assistance of industry partners.
The need to create a Saskatchewan Made brand for the products themselves was identified.
“Branding is a necessary step,” Schneider explains. “We needed a Saskatchewan Made logo and stickers to stimulate brand recognition and introduce Saskatchewan Made products to local consumers. Our logo symbolizes the high level of quality of the products we offer and acts as an influencer on consumers — encouraging them to choose our products over others.”
Schneider feels that “all things being equal in terms of quality, price and packaging, there is no reason not to consider a Saskatchewan product. We hope to instill in consumers a habit of looking for the Saskatchewan Made logo when they shop.”
Saskatchewan Made products eventually found themselves in a variety of stores and outlets operated by SFPA members, who sold their own products plus those of other producers in the association.
The products also became available through grocery chains that carried their own product line and stocked Saskatchewan Made products in Saskatchewan Made sections or regular sections within their stores.
Key to the concept is the notion of bringing everything Saskatchewan in one physical area, according to Schneider — the freestanding structure being the ultimate solution.
“The Saskatchewan Made Marketplace offers an exciting new option for producers and consumers alike. We see it as a place where Saskatchewan artists, publishers, musicians, crafters and First Nations people can also showcase their products and their talents. We are calling it an event place — a destination store.”
If anything, the Marketplace concept has certainly kicked off a whole new approach to Saskatchewan food product distribution and marketing.
“The SFPA has established a consolidated shipping process in its Marketplace distribution centre,” Schneider explains. “This means that if any store wants to order any of the shelf-stable products currently available in Saskatchewan Made stores, it can now just prepare one order and pay for it in one shot through one invoice. This is expected to make quite a difference in increasing efficiencies.”
The SFPA stores are now working on another initiative around fundraising for non-profit groups.
“Why should we have to use out of province or even foreign product to raise funds for scouts, curling rinks and other sports activities? We have a Saskatchewan Made solution in the works that will appeal to consumers and producers. Please stay tuned. I think we are on a roll here.”
For more information, contact:
Darrell Schneider
Saskatchewan Made Marketplace
(306) 683-2410
One quick look around Saskatoon’s 8th Street East store and it all starts to register.
There are a lot more Saskatchewan products available than one might think: saskatoon berry jams, jellies and pies; baked goods, snack foods; health-related products like flax, gluten-free flour products and baking mixes; meats — everything from bison to ostrich and organic chicken.
Let’s not forget wild rice and maple – and even birch – syrup.
Saskatchewan Made Marketplace is a retailoutlet that showcases the broad range of food products processed by members of the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association (SFPA).
There are two outlets in Saskatoon — the second one is in the Confederation Mall. There is one outlet on Park Street in Regina, as well as smaller stores in Moose Jaw, Nipawin and Watrous, where existing stores are establishing Saskatchewan Made sections.
The network develops under the guidance of Chief Operating Officer Darrell Schneider.
“Saskatchewan consumers have long lamented the fact that there were no places to shop for the vast array of quality products that are being produced and processed in Saskatchewan,” Schneider says. “All this changed on October 9, 2004 when the first freestanding Saskatchewan Made store opened in Saskatoon.”
Schneider, who is himself a member of the industry through his company Schneider’s Gourmet World — specializing in snack foods — has been with the project since the beginning.
“Our own company started out selling through a kiosk in a mall during Christmas time,” he says. “We did very well, as did Grace Whittington from Riverbend Plantation and a few others. We talked about having a Saskatchewan Made retail outlet that would operate year- round, but we were told it wouldn’t work”
Funding was eventually secured from the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development program in Saskatchewan (CARDS) with the financial assistance of industry partners.
The need to create a Saskatchewan Made brand for the products themselves was identified.
“Branding is a necessary step,” Schneider explains. “We needed a Saskatchewan Made logo and stickers to stimulate brand recognition and introduce Saskatchewan Made products to local consumers. Our logo symbolizes the high level of quality of the products we offer and acts as an influencer on consumers — encouraging them to choose our products over others.”
Schneider feels that “all things being equal in terms of quality, price and packaging, there is no reason not to consider a Saskatchewan product. We hope to instill in consumers a habit of looking for the Saskatchewan Made logo when they shop.”
Saskatchewan Made products eventually found themselves in a variety of stores and outlets operated by SFPA members, who sold their own products plus those of other producers in the association.
The products also became available through grocery chains that carried their own product line and stocked Saskatchewan Made products in Saskatchewan Made sections or regular sections within their stores.
Key to the concept is the notion of bringing everything Saskatchewan in one physical area, according to Schneider — the freestanding structure being the ultimate solution.
“The Saskatchewan Made Marketplace offers an exciting new option for producers and consumers alike. We see it as a place where Saskatchewan artists, publishers, musicians, crafters and First Nations people can also showcase their products and their talents. We are calling it an event place — a destination store.”
If anything, the Marketplace concept has certainly kicked off a whole new approach to Saskatchewan food product distribution and marketing.
“The SFPA has established a consolidated shipping process in its Marketplace distribution centre,” Schneider explains. “This means that if any store wants to order any of the shelf-stable products currently available in Saskatchewan Made stores, it can now just prepare one order and pay for it in one shot through one invoice. This is expected to make quite a difference in increasing efficiencies.”
The SFPA stores are now working on another initiative around fundraising for non-profit groups.
“Why should we have to use out of province or even foreign product to raise funds for scouts, curling rinks and other sports activities? We have a Saskatchewan Made solution in the works that will appeal to consumers and producers. Please stay tuned. I think we are on a roll here.”
For more information, contact:
Darrell Schneider
Saskatchewan Made Marketplace
(306) 683-2410
Friday, March 11, 2005
Buffalo Stix: A Pemmican Product With A Cranberry Twist
source: Farm and Food Report
Having raised bison in the Livelong area since 1978, Judy and Kevin Wilkinson have always had in the back of their minds to one day start making a pemmican product.
With the drought of recent years and the drop in price for buffalo meat, the need to move forward with this project came earlier than planned.
“We approached a meat product development specialist at the University of Saskatchewan and developed recipes for ground buffalo meat that can be made into a jerky-type paste and mixed with cranberries,”Judy/Kevin Wilkinson said. “Along the way, our value chain started to come together.”
The Wilkinsons took their recipe to Robert Lundquist of Diamond 7 Meats in Lloydminster, a reputed custom processor specializing in game meats. Lundquist seized the opportunity.
“This was right up our alley. We tweaked the recipe, which initially called for the use of blueberries. The main problem with blueberries was that it turned our stainless steel equipment black and it just wasn’t feasible for us to carry on that way. Cranberries, however, were just right.”
The Wilkinsons started to take their animals to Diamond 7 Meats, along with good quality cranberries they buy from Dawn Food Products in Saskatoon, and Lundquist’s team took care of the rest.
“We helped them develop the process. We’ve been with them since the beginning. There is a huge opportunity there for the livestock industry. We need more people like the Wilkinsons.”
Of course, there was also the matter of packaging this product. Judy Wilkinson and her husband soon had it figured out.
“We use CryoVac packages of 23, 45 and 90 grams to sell our Cranberry Craze product under the label Trail’s End Buffalo Stix at service stations and local hockey rinks, where they have proven popular. We also have 250 gram packs that we sell at trade shows and craft fairs, as well as right out of our ranch.”
True to form, Judy Wilkinson speaks eloquently of the work performed by another Saskatchewan-grown solution: Custom Labels out of Saskatoon.
“They have taken our son’s original design and come up with a peel-off label that conveniently wraps around the package and really enhances the product’s look and overall appeal for consumers. People tell us that our Buffalo Stix are more accessible than conventional jerky. The cranberries make it easier to chew. Even consumers who usually stay away from jerkies tell us they like the taste and texture. There is no feeling like the contact with our customers — the instant gratification you get from satisfied clients.”
The Buffalo Stix are about one eighth of an inch thick by an inch wide. It takes about 90 pounds of meat to make 45 pounds of jerky — much of the weight loss is due to moisture evaporated during processing. Ground bison is mixed with the cranberries and spices, then the mixture is smoked.
But the proud parents of the Buffalo Stix are at a bit of a crossroads right now, as the appeal of working with a distributor is being weighed. The Saskatchewan Made stores operated by the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association are making the Buffalo Stix available in Saskatoon. Plans for the chain to expand could mean a larger market for the Wilkinsons and the realization of a long time dream.
“I don’t think it is unrealistic to hope one day to be able to see our bison through life, from birth to the final product, and to have a say in everything about how these beautiful animals we raise are treated.”
May the Buffalo Stix Cranberry Craze prove as satisfying a venture for Judy and Kevin Wilkinson, as the chew itself is.
For more information, contact:
Judy Wilkinson
Trail’s End Buffalo Stix
(306) 845-3056
Having raised bison in the Livelong area since 1978, Judy and Kevin Wilkinson have always had in the back of their minds to one day start making a pemmican product.
With the drought of recent years and the drop in price for buffalo meat, the need to move forward with this project came earlier than planned.
“We approached a meat product development specialist at the University of Saskatchewan and developed recipes for ground buffalo meat that can be made into a jerky-type paste and mixed with cranberries,”Judy/Kevin Wilkinson said. “Along the way, our value chain started to come together.”
The Wilkinsons took their recipe to Robert Lundquist of Diamond 7 Meats in Lloydminster, a reputed custom processor specializing in game meats. Lundquist seized the opportunity.
“This was right up our alley. We tweaked the recipe, which initially called for the use of blueberries. The main problem with blueberries was that it turned our stainless steel equipment black and it just wasn’t feasible for us to carry on that way. Cranberries, however, were just right.”
The Wilkinsons started to take their animals to Diamond 7 Meats, along with good quality cranberries they buy from Dawn Food Products in Saskatoon, and Lundquist’s team took care of the rest.
“We helped them develop the process. We’ve been with them since the beginning. There is a huge opportunity there for the livestock industry. We need more people like the Wilkinsons.”
Of course, there was also the matter of packaging this product. Judy Wilkinson and her husband soon had it figured out.
“We use CryoVac packages of 23, 45 and 90 grams to sell our Cranberry Craze product under the label Trail’s End Buffalo Stix at service stations and local hockey rinks, where they have proven popular. We also have 250 gram packs that we sell at trade shows and craft fairs, as well as right out of our ranch.”
True to form, Judy Wilkinson speaks eloquently of the work performed by another Saskatchewan-grown solution: Custom Labels out of Saskatoon.
“They have taken our son’s original design and come up with a peel-off label that conveniently wraps around the package and really enhances the product’s look and overall appeal for consumers. People tell us that our Buffalo Stix are more accessible than conventional jerky. The cranberries make it easier to chew. Even consumers who usually stay away from jerkies tell us they like the taste and texture. There is no feeling like the contact with our customers — the instant gratification you get from satisfied clients.”
The Buffalo Stix are about one eighth of an inch thick by an inch wide. It takes about 90 pounds of meat to make 45 pounds of jerky — much of the weight loss is due to moisture evaporated during processing. Ground bison is mixed with the cranberries and spices, then the mixture is smoked.
But the proud parents of the Buffalo Stix are at a bit of a crossroads right now, as the appeal of working with a distributor is being weighed. The Saskatchewan Made stores operated by the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association are making the Buffalo Stix available in Saskatoon. Plans for the chain to expand could mean a larger market for the Wilkinsons and the realization of a long time dream.
“I don’t think it is unrealistic to hope one day to be able to see our bison through life, from birth to the final product, and to have a say in everything about how these beautiful animals we raise are treated.”
May the Buffalo Stix Cranberry Craze prove as satisfying a venture for Judy and Kevin Wilkinson, as the chew itself is.
For more information, contact:
Judy Wilkinson
Trail’s End Buffalo Stix
(306) 845-3056
Seminar Looks at Marketing and Regulatory Environment
source: Farm and Food Report
In light of recent changes in the North American regulatory environment, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) are organizing an all-day U.S.A./Canada Food Product Seminar in Saskatoon on March 8.
This event targets food and beverage processors who are new to marketing outside the province, or who have limited experience of U.S. markets, and are interested in pursuing U.S. and domestic market opportunities.
STEP’s Brad Michnik is Director of Trade Development for North America.
“The seminar will be of interest to anyone who is looking at exporting as a way to tap into new markets. We are bringing in customs brokers and distributors with substantial knowledge of how to address the requirements imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the recent Bio-Terrorism Act. This can be a priceless educational opportunity.”
One of the organizations scheduled to make a presentation is Tree of Life, the United States’ leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, ethnic, and gourmet food products. Tree of Life has helped thousands of retailers — from the largest supermarket chains to the smallest independent stores — meet the constantly growing demand for organic products.
Tree of Life recently opened for business in Canada. During their 30 years of operation, the organization has acquired invaluable experience and knowledge, which it will share with participants at the seminar.
“Topics will include insight on critical aspects like labelling and nutritional information requirements, which vary significantly between Canada and the United States,” according to SAFRR International Business Development Specialist Renata Bereziuk. “Errors on the nutrition facts panels of a product destined for the U.S. market can be extremely costly for processors. The more they know about market requirements, the more effectively they will be able to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”
And there should soon be more of those, as Canada significantly beefed up its market presence in the United States since September 2003, with the U.S. Enhanced Representation Initiative (ERI). ERI is a partnership of federal departments and agencies, aiming to strategically advance Canada-U.S. relations in order to better promote and defend Canadian political and trade interests in our largest trade market. The result is a strengthened presence, particularly in new centres of growing geographic, political and economic importance in the United States.
On a different note, the day’s program also includes keynote speaker Kevin Coupe, a writer specializing in creating unique portraits of "Main Street"-type businesses in the U.S. and around the world, focusing on the unique dynamic that exists between retailers, manufacturers and consumers.
Working in print, video and online, Coupe captures the special relationship between shopkeeper and shopper, especially in a technological society in which the rules and roles are constantly changing. And, as a speaker on the subject, Kevin has enlightened and entertained audiences around the globe.
Currently, he is the founder and "Content Guy" of MorningNewsBeat.com, a daily news and information site for retailers and manufacturers that features "Retail News with a Point of View," reaching thousands of people and businesses each day.
Coupe is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges that include Michigan State University, St. Joseph's University, Cornell University, and Portland State University.
The U.S.A./Canada Food Product Seminar takes place on March 8 in the Atrium Building at Innovation Place in Saskatoon from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information or to register, contact Brad Michnik at (306) 933-6551.
For more information, contact:
Brad Michnik
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
(306) 933-6551
Michele Kuxhaus
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(306) 975-4094
Renata Bereziuk
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-8541
In light of recent changes in the North American regulatory environment, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) are organizing an all-day U.S.A./Canada Food Product Seminar in Saskatoon on March 8.
This event targets food and beverage processors who are new to marketing outside the province, or who have limited experience of U.S. markets, and are interested in pursuing U.S. and domestic market opportunities.
STEP’s Brad Michnik is Director of Trade Development for North America.
“The seminar will be of interest to anyone who is looking at exporting as a way to tap into new markets. We are bringing in customs brokers and distributors with substantial knowledge of how to address the requirements imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the recent Bio-Terrorism Act. This can be a priceless educational opportunity.”
One of the organizations scheduled to make a presentation is Tree of Life, the United States’ leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, ethnic, and gourmet food products. Tree of Life has helped thousands of retailers — from the largest supermarket chains to the smallest independent stores — meet the constantly growing demand for organic products.
Tree of Life recently opened for business in Canada. During their 30 years of operation, the organization has acquired invaluable experience and knowledge, which it will share with participants at the seminar.
“Topics will include insight on critical aspects like labelling and nutritional information requirements, which vary significantly between Canada and the United States,” according to SAFRR International Business Development Specialist Renata Bereziuk. “Errors on the nutrition facts panels of a product destined for the U.S. market can be extremely costly for processors. The more they know about market requirements, the more effectively they will be able to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”
And there should soon be more of those, as Canada significantly beefed up its market presence in the United States since September 2003, with the U.S. Enhanced Representation Initiative (ERI). ERI is a partnership of federal departments and agencies, aiming to strategically advance Canada-U.S. relations in order to better promote and defend Canadian political and trade interests in our largest trade market. The result is a strengthened presence, particularly in new centres of growing geographic, political and economic importance in the United States.
On a different note, the day’s program also includes keynote speaker Kevin Coupe, a writer specializing in creating unique portraits of "Main Street"-type businesses in the U.S. and around the world, focusing on the unique dynamic that exists between retailers, manufacturers and consumers.
Working in print, video and online, Coupe captures the special relationship between shopkeeper and shopper, especially in a technological society in which the rules and roles are constantly changing. And, as a speaker on the subject, Kevin has enlightened and entertained audiences around the globe.
Currently, he is the founder and "Content Guy" of MorningNewsBeat.com, a daily news and information site for retailers and manufacturers that features "Retail News with a Point of View," reaching thousands of people and businesses each day.
Coupe is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges that include Michigan State University, St. Joseph's University, Cornell University, and Portland State University.
The U.S.A./Canada Food Product Seminar takes place on March 8 in the Atrium Building at Innovation Place in Saskatoon from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information or to register, contact Brad Michnik at (306) 933-6551.
For more information, contact:
Brad Michnik
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
(306) 933-6551
Michele Kuxhaus
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(306) 975-4094
Renata Bereziuk
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-8541
Flax Update A Step Toward Meeting Increased Demand
source: Farm and Food Report
It is no secret that flax has been enjoying a kind of renaissance in recent years, which bodes well for the crop and will require a significant increase in production in order to meet the forecasted demand.
One of the first steps in this process is to ensure that agronomists and producers have the information they need to grow successful flax crops.
The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the Flax Council of Canada, in conjunction with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, are sponsoring two agronomy updates in Saskatchewan this month.
Bill Greuel is the Oilseeds and Transgenic Crops Provincial Specialist with SAFRR.
“Numerous research reports outline the benefits of flax in human and animal health, while flax and flax fibre seem destined to play significant roles in the new bioeconomy,” Greuel says. “These Update events will bring together researchers and extension specialists to share their knowledge with the industry on topics that cover everything from stand establishment and fertility to pest control and straw management.”
This is a timely initiative, since the flax industry has embarked on a plan to increase flax production throughout Western Canada with a view to the future. A consortium of industry partners recently launched Flax Canada 2015 and invested $1.25 million into projects that include the development of a strategic plan to increase the value of flax at the farmgate over the next 10 years.
“If the increased demand manifests itself and new markets for Western Canadian flax open up, we need to be ready,” says Greuel. “For instance, if we look at flax straw, the current practice is simply to throw a match to it, because the straw that comes out of the combine is basically destroyed. What if we developed ways to improve the quality of the straw by managing it and the crop differently?”
Current straw production averages 0.5 ton per acre. Theoretically, it could be possible to increase the seeding rate in order to increase the yield to one ton per acre, and then the flax straw might become a resource, according to Greuel.
“The program is designed to give agronomists and interested producers the basics of flax production from seeding to harvest. If the experience this year is conclusive, we will offer this on an annual basis by choosing one or two topics and exploring them in depth. For instance, stand establishment is a major issue for flax producers. It affects all aspect of production, from weed control to the timing of the harvest — the challenge being getting an even stand.”
New developments could have a significant impact on the range of potential markets. Non-food uses of flax include linseed oil, which makes up 35 per cent of linoleum flooring. But crushed flax also provides the base for many sealants and coatings, like exterior house paints, alkyd enamels, stains and urethanes. It can also be purchased as "raw" or "boiled" to be used on wood, metal and concrete surfaces. Caulking compounds like window putty may also contain the oil.
Flax is becoming a popular ingredient in personal care and stress relief products like soaps and gels that provide effective hairstyling. There are also shampoo formulations created with flax to make one’s hair feel and look soft and luxuriant.
As the virtues of this valuable crop become better known among consumers and the public in general, what the future has in store may just be a little more flax in our lives and, of course, a decent living for producers and processors.
The Flax Update sessions take place in Saskatoon on March 8 and in Regina on March 10. For more information or to register, please contact Bill Greuel at (306) 787-2756 or wgreuel@agr.gov.sk.ca
For more information on flax and its uses, visit the website of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission at: http://www.saskflax.com
For more information, contact:
Bill Greuel
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-2756
It is no secret that flax has been enjoying a kind of renaissance in recent years, which bodes well for the crop and will require a significant increase in production in order to meet the forecasted demand.
One of the first steps in this process is to ensure that agronomists and producers have the information they need to grow successful flax crops.
The Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission and the Flax Council of Canada, in conjunction with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, are sponsoring two agronomy updates in Saskatchewan this month.
Bill Greuel is the Oilseeds and Transgenic Crops Provincial Specialist with SAFRR.
“Numerous research reports outline the benefits of flax in human and animal health, while flax and flax fibre seem destined to play significant roles in the new bioeconomy,” Greuel says. “These Update events will bring together researchers and extension specialists to share their knowledge with the industry on topics that cover everything from stand establishment and fertility to pest control and straw management.”
This is a timely initiative, since the flax industry has embarked on a plan to increase flax production throughout Western Canada with a view to the future. A consortium of industry partners recently launched Flax Canada 2015 and invested $1.25 million into projects that include the development of a strategic plan to increase the value of flax at the farmgate over the next 10 years.
“If the increased demand manifests itself and new markets for Western Canadian flax open up, we need to be ready,” says Greuel. “For instance, if we look at flax straw, the current practice is simply to throw a match to it, because the straw that comes out of the combine is basically destroyed. What if we developed ways to improve the quality of the straw by managing it and the crop differently?”
Current straw production averages 0.5 ton per acre. Theoretically, it could be possible to increase the seeding rate in order to increase the yield to one ton per acre, and then the flax straw might become a resource, according to Greuel.
“The program is designed to give agronomists and interested producers the basics of flax production from seeding to harvest. If the experience this year is conclusive, we will offer this on an annual basis by choosing one or two topics and exploring them in depth. For instance, stand establishment is a major issue for flax producers. It affects all aspect of production, from weed control to the timing of the harvest — the challenge being getting an even stand.”
New developments could have a significant impact on the range of potential markets. Non-food uses of flax include linseed oil, which makes up 35 per cent of linoleum flooring. But crushed flax also provides the base for many sealants and coatings, like exterior house paints, alkyd enamels, stains and urethanes. It can also be purchased as "raw" or "boiled" to be used on wood, metal and concrete surfaces. Caulking compounds like window putty may also contain the oil.
Flax is becoming a popular ingredient in personal care and stress relief products like soaps and gels that provide effective hairstyling. There are also shampoo formulations created with flax to make one’s hair feel and look soft and luxuriant.
As the virtues of this valuable crop become better known among consumers and the public in general, what the future has in store may just be a little more flax in our lives and, of course, a decent living for producers and processors.
The Flax Update sessions take place in Saskatoon on March 8 and in Regina on March 10. For more information or to register, please contact Bill Greuel at (306) 787-2756 or wgreuel@agr.gov.sk.ca
For more information on flax and its uses, visit the website of the Saskatchewan Flax Development Commission at: http://www.saskflax.com
For more information, contact:
Bill Greuel
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-2756
Farm Accident Survivor Urges Caution When In Isolation
source: Farm and Food Report
Bruce Osiowy has been a man on a mission since he lost his hand on June 5, 2003 near Abernathy when his fingers got caught in a rock picker. He finally freed himself, after 66 hours without food or water, by cutting off his fingers with a pocket knife.
Since then, he spends his time raising awareness about the dangers of working in isolation.
Reached by phone at his farm, as he was still figuring out how to prevent his artificial hand from accidentally cutting off the line, it became obvious how important a role farm safety issues now play in his life — especially this time of the year, as Ag Safety Week (March 9-15) draws near.
“I came back to the farm in 1988, and there have been many times — I realize now — I was risking serious injury when I lay under the cultivator. If the hydraulic rams had started to leak and by some freak accident a shank had come down on my knee, I might not have been hurt that badly, but I could have been stuck under there for quite some time.”
Sixty per cent of Canadian farmers work alone. According to a study by the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program, tractors and other machinery cause three-quarters of farm-related injuries. On average, 115 people are killed and another 1,500 are seriously injured by farm-related accidents in Canada each year.
It is a reality Osiowy knows all too well. “You get used to sometimes not seeing another human being for two or three days at a time, especially if you farm alone. You don’t realize how dangerous your situation actually is when you work with heavy, powerful equipment.
“I will admit that, in the last 10 years, significant progress has been made in terms of posting safety warning labels and incorporating safety shields on equipment.”
But Osiowy feels that it is not enough. This is why he came up with his own personal rescue system: the LifeSaver.
“It basically consists of a small portable satellite dish 10 inches wide, that can be mounted on the agricultural equipment to be used with a three-way electrical plug. It contains one wire being your ground; one wire hooked-up to your 12-volt power source; and another wire going to your horn. The system includes a pendant carried by the operator, which is somewhat like a remote car starter one carries in a pocket. The system functions as a GPS transceiver which sends a signal to a satellite, which in turn communicates via modem with a commercial call centre in Calgary.”
Each pendant has its own identification number with the ability to bring up the user’s profile instantly on a computer screen, with the phone numbers to call in case of an emergency and a sequence of numbers to keep dialing until the call is answered.
“When someone answers, this person is informed that you are in a serious situation. It takes about two minutes before the call centre receives your emergency signal, after the user hits the appropriate button on the remote. But when the signal comes in at the call centre, so does an exact longitudinal and latitudinal fix of your location within four inches: just the type of information rescuers would need to find you.”
The system also comes with a mechanism that automatically honks the horn every two hours and requires the user to hit another button on the pendant to make it stop. In the event the user is unable to stop the horn, a signal is sent out which communicates to the call centre that the user has become unconscious.
“In Australia, the mandatory use of a device like this one is legislated,” says Osiowy. “It is just a matter of time before the same applies here. In the meantime, we need to change attitudes. Agriculture is putting incredible pressures on farmers to maximize profitability by seeding as early as possible and getting the job done in as little time as possible. I am not aware of any other work environment that inflicts so many pressures on people.”
Osiowy advises agricultural producers to take frequent breaks while at work, even if it means just getting out from behind the wheel and walking around the tractor every now and again. Most accidents are preventable, “and taking the time to familiarize yourself before using your equipment every spring is time well spent.”
For more information on Bruce Osiowy’s LifeSaver personal rescue system, visit: http://www.lifesavergps.com
For more information, contact:
Bruce Osiowy
LifeSaver GPS Systems Inc.
1-877-806-8482
http://www.lifesavergps.com
Bruce Osiowy has been a man on a mission since he lost his hand on June 5, 2003 near Abernathy when his fingers got caught in a rock picker. He finally freed himself, after 66 hours without food or water, by cutting off his fingers with a pocket knife.
Since then, he spends his time raising awareness about the dangers of working in isolation.
Reached by phone at his farm, as he was still figuring out how to prevent his artificial hand from accidentally cutting off the line, it became obvious how important a role farm safety issues now play in his life — especially this time of the year, as Ag Safety Week (March 9-15) draws near.
“I came back to the farm in 1988, and there have been many times — I realize now — I was risking serious injury when I lay under the cultivator. If the hydraulic rams had started to leak and by some freak accident a shank had come down on my knee, I might not have been hurt that badly, but I could have been stuck under there for quite some time.”
Sixty per cent of Canadian farmers work alone. According to a study by the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program, tractors and other machinery cause three-quarters of farm-related injuries. On average, 115 people are killed and another 1,500 are seriously injured by farm-related accidents in Canada each year.
It is a reality Osiowy knows all too well. “You get used to sometimes not seeing another human being for two or three days at a time, especially if you farm alone. You don’t realize how dangerous your situation actually is when you work with heavy, powerful equipment.
“I will admit that, in the last 10 years, significant progress has been made in terms of posting safety warning labels and incorporating safety shields on equipment.”
But Osiowy feels that it is not enough. This is why he came up with his own personal rescue system: the LifeSaver.
“It basically consists of a small portable satellite dish 10 inches wide, that can be mounted on the agricultural equipment to be used with a three-way electrical plug. It contains one wire being your ground; one wire hooked-up to your 12-volt power source; and another wire going to your horn. The system includes a pendant carried by the operator, which is somewhat like a remote car starter one carries in a pocket. The system functions as a GPS transceiver which sends a signal to a satellite, which in turn communicates via modem with a commercial call centre in Calgary.”
Each pendant has its own identification number with the ability to bring up the user’s profile instantly on a computer screen, with the phone numbers to call in case of an emergency and a sequence of numbers to keep dialing until the call is answered.
“When someone answers, this person is informed that you are in a serious situation. It takes about two minutes before the call centre receives your emergency signal, after the user hits the appropriate button on the remote. But when the signal comes in at the call centre, so does an exact longitudinal and latitudinal fix of your location within four inches: just the type of information rescuers would need to find you.”
The system also comes with a mechanism that automatically honks the horn every two hours and requires the user to hit another button on the pendant to make it stop. In the event the user is unable to stop the horn, a signal is sent out which communicates to the call centre that the user has become unconscious.
“In Australia, the mandatory use of a device like this one is legislated,” says Osiowy. “It is just a matter of time before the same applies here. In the meantime, we need to change attitudes. Agriculture is putting incredible pressures on farmers to maximize profitability by seeding as early as possible and getting the job done in as little time as possible. I am not aware of any other work environment that inflicts so many pressures on people.”
Osiowy advises agricultural producers to take frequent breaks while at work, even if it means just getting out from behind the wheel and walking around the tractor every now and again. Most accidents are preventable, “and taking the time to familiarize yourself before using your equipment every spring is time well spent.”
For more information on Bruce Osiowy’s LifeSaver personal rescue system, visit: http://www.lifesavergps.com
For more information, contact:
Bruce Osiowy
LifeSaver GPS Systems Inc.
1-877-806-8482
http://www.lifesavergps.com
An Agriculture Forum Where You Will Receive and Give
source: Farm and Food Report
It sounds like the kind of event that is all too rare these days — a simple forum aiming to identify some of the solutions that could make all the difference in the way agricultural producers operate on the farm.
The Partnerships in Agriculture Workshop on March 12 in Regina certainly seems like a very enticing proposal.
Doug Wagner is an electrical engineer and Senior Engineer-in-Residence at the University of Regina.
“We are inviting Saskatchewan producers — whether they are dryland farmers, livestock producers, feedlot operators or anybody involved in the industry — to come spend the day with us to help us gather information on some of the major challenges that need to be addressed in their workplace.”
Exploring these issues with a view to the future, especially in light of emerging factors like climate change, transportation needs and input management, will be front and centre, according to Wagner.
“In essence, we will ask these folks what problem they see on their farm today that could be solved through any kind of a device or mechanism. It could have something to do with the preservation of water resources, or even be something that automatically informs ranchers that one of their cows is going into labour.”
The idea is to compile an inventory of ideas that could be suitable as university research projects students could engage in.
“Fuel efficiency in farm machinery is an increasing concern. Producers can buy new tractors that are more fuel efficient, but what if we could come up with a way to make old tractors more fuel efficient?”
Wagner explains how educational institutions like universities have a real responsibility to work on concrete issues. “Nobody is in a better position to guide us in doing this than the main beneficiaries of the research we conduct.”
The workshop will split participants into small groups. By listening to and understanding the issues — current and projected — that are faced by the agricultural community, the Faculty of Engineering hopes to identify key areas where it can assist agribusiness activities in the province.
“By donating time to the workshop, agricultural producers have the opportunity to guide future initiatives in graduate, undergraduate and faculty work. We are hoping to work collaboratively with other institutions. At the University of Regina, we specialize in systems engineering around electronics, environmental, industrial, software and petroleum systems. We hope to draw into all our partners’ areas of interest through this exercise.”
The proceedings of the workshop are public. Participation is free. To register, contact the U. of R. Faculty of Engineering at (306) 585-4666 or send an email to: agshop@uregina.ca
For more information, contact:
Doug Wagner
University of Regina
(306) 585-4666
It sounds like the kind of event that is all too rare these days — a simple forum aiming to identify some of the solutions that could make all the difference in the way agricultural producers operate on the farm.
The Partnerships in Agriculture Workshop on March 12 in Regina certainly seems like a very enticing proposal.
Doug Wagner is an electrical engineer and Senior Engineer-in-Residence at the University of Regina.
“We are inviting Saskatchewan producers — whether they are dryland farmers, livestock producers, feedlot operators or anybody involved in the industry — to come spend the day with us to help us gather information on some of the major challenges that need to be addressed in their workplace.”
Exploring these issues with a view to the future, especially in light of emerging factors like climate change, transportation needs and input management, will be front and centre, according to Wagner.
“In essence, we will ask these folks what problem they see on their farm today that could be solved through any kind of a device or mechanism. It could have something to do with the preservation of water resources, or even be something that automatically informs ranchers that one of their cows is going into labour.”
The idea is to compile an inventory of ideas that could be suitable as university research projects students could engage in.
“Fuel efficiency in farm machinery is an increasing concern. Producers can buy new tractors that are more fuel efficient, but what if we could come up with a way to make old tractors more fuel efficient?”
Wagner explains how educational institutions like universities have a real responsibility to work on concrete issues. “Nobody is in a better position to guide us in doing this than the main beneficiaries of the research we conduct.”
The workshop will split participants into small groups. By listening to and understanding the issues — current and projected — that are faced by the agricultural community, the Faculty of Engineering hopes to identify key areas where it can assist agribusiness activities in the province.
“By donating time to the workshop, agricultural producers have the opportunity to guide future initiatives in graduate, undergraduate and faculty work. We are hoping to work collaboratively with other institutions. At the University of Regina, we specialize in systems engineering around electronics, environmental, industrial, software and petroleum systems. We hope to draw into all our partners’ areas of interest through this exercise.”
The proceedings of the workshop are public. Participation is free. To register, contact the U. of R. Faculty of Engineering at (306) 585-4666 or send an email to: agshop@uregina.ca
For more information, contact:
Doug Wagner
University of Regina
(306) 585-4666
Quarter Horse Association Targets More Youth Involvement
source: Farm and Food Report
As a special tribute to Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday, the Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association (SQHA) is devoting extra resources to encouraging youth who are 19 and younger to get involved in showing horses this year.
The SQHA’s one-of-a-kind Grass Roots program encourages these youth, who own a horse of any breed and who have not yet earned points at a breed show, to participate in either the April or May SQHA shows in Moose Jaw.
“The Grass Roots program has been in operation since 2000,” says SQHA volunteer Adele Buettner, “but we wanted to give it extra scope this year in honour of the Centennial. We managed to access funding from the North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC). Getting support from a prestigious organization in the equine industry like that is quite the recognition for us.”
Lori Cates speaks for the Grass Roots Showcase. “In recent years, the SQHA could only offer a few classes to participating youth. This year, thanks to the additional resources, we are bringing in a professional horseman who will help kids hone their skills through clinics. This is usually something that costs between $300 and $400 per participant, but we’ll be able to offer this for free as a result of the additional funds.”
The three show circuits where this will be offered are the Easter Classic (April 1-3); the Band City Quarter Horse Show (May 21-23); and the Harvest Gold Show and Futurity (September 3-5), all being held at the Golden Mile Arena in Moose Jaw. As an added benefit, the SQHA will offer a free clinic on Saturday evening, May 21st for all Grass Roots participants and youth competitors. This clinic will focus on trail and showmanship, which are two of the most popular Grass Roots classes.
“We want young riders to feel they have as many opportunities as possible to experience our events. We are actually developing a mentor program where new kids who want to experience the sport will be paired with other kids who are already enrolled in the program. They’ll be able to help with grooming and preparation. They will get an insider’s look — they will see for themselves what the world of show riding is like.”
Brenda Clemens is a certified riding instructor and coach in Lumsden.
“Sometimes young riders may feel that all that is involved in being a show rider is quite daunting. But there is actually a pretty good structure in place to make it easy to access the knowledge and training. Young riders start at the 4-H level; then they participate in local fairs; they move on to the Grass Roots program, which is a real stepping stone to serious competition. Many of our Grass Roots participants have earned international distinctions at our equine world equivalent of the Olympics, as far away as Australia.”
Riding skills have played an integral part in the evolution of transportation industries in the province. Although equestrian arts are no longer a necessity, they still represent a significant part of Saskatchewan’s heritage.
As Lori Cates puts it, “the Saskatchewan Centennial Grass Roots Showcase is our opportunity to keep a very dear tradition alive, by ensuring younger generations are more aware of the rich heritage we have here. Our relationship with horses in Saskatchewan contributes to our identity as a province of communities, in which horse transportation has played more than a fleeting role. Our collective identity has been shaped in no small measure by our association with these beautiful animals.”
For more information, contact:
Lori Cates
Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association
http://www.sqha.org
(306) 657-2901
Brenda Clemens
Beaver Creek Ranch and Horse Centre
(306) 731-2943
http://www.beavercreekranch.ca
Adele M. Buettner
(306) 249-4641
As a special tribute to Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday, the Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association (SQHA) is devoting extra resources to encouraging youth who are 19 and younger to get involved in showing horses this year.
The SQHA’s one-of-a-kind Grass Roots program encourages these youth, who own a horse of any breed and who have not yet earned points at a breed show, to participate in either the April or May SQHA shows in Moose Jaw.
“The Grass Roots program has been in operation since 2000,” says SQHA volunteer Adele Buettner, “but we wanted to give it extra scope this year in honour of the Centennial. We managed to access funding from the North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC). Getting support from a prestigious organization in the equine industry like that is quite the recognition for us.”
Lori Cates speaks for the Grass Roots Showcase. “In recent years, the SQHA could only offer a few classes to participating youth. This year, thanks to the additional resources, we are bringing in a professional horseman who will help kids hone their skills through clinics. This is usually something that costs between $300 and $400 per participant, but we’ll be able to offer this for free as a result of the additional funds.”
The three show circuits where this will be offered are the Easter Classic (April 1-3); the Band City Quarter Horse Show (May 21-23); and the Harvest Gold Show and Futurity (September 3-5), all being held at the Golden Mile Arena in Moose Jaw. As an added benefit, the SQHA will offer a free clinic on Saturday evening, May 21st for all Grass Roots participants and youth competitors. This clinic will focus on trail and showmanship, which are two of the most popular Grass Roots classes.
“We want young riders to feel they have as many opportunities as possible to experience our events. We are actually developing a mentor program where new kids who want to experience the sport will be paired with other kids who are already enrolled in the program. They’ll be able to help with grooming and preparation. They will get an insider’s look — they will see for themselves what the world of show riding is like.”
Brenda Clemens is a certified riding instructor and coach in Lumsden.
“Sometimes young riders may feel that all that is involved in being a show rider is quite daunting. But there is actually a pretty good structure in place to make it easy to access the knowledge and training. Young riders start at the 4-H level; then they participate in local fairs; they move on to the Grass Roots program, which is a real stepping stone to serious competition. Many of our Grass Roots participants have earned international distinctions at our equine world equivalent of the Olympics, as far away as Australia.”
Riding skills have played an integral part in the evolution of transportation industries in the province. Although equestrian arts are no longer a necessity, they still represent a significant part of Saskatchewan’s heritage.
As Lori Cates puts it, “the Saskatchewan Centennial Grass Roots Showcase is our opportunity to keep a very dear tradition alive, by ensuring younger generations are more aware of the rich heritage we have here. Our relationship with horses in Saskatchewan contributes to our identity as a province of communities, in which horse transportation has played more than a fleeting role. Our collective identity has been shaped in no small measure by our association with these beautiful animals.”
For more information, contact:
Lori Cates
Saskatchewan Quarter Horse Association
http://www.sqha.org
(306) 657-2901
Brenda Clemens
Beaver Creek Ranch and Horse Centre
(306) 731-2943
http://www.beavercreekranch.ca
Adele M. Buettner
(306) 249-4641
New Markets Focus of Upcoming Lentil Industry Meeting
source: Farm and Food Report
Billed as a day to learn what it would take to make Saskatchewan the world’s leading exporter of red lentils, the March 2 Red Lentil Industry Development Meeting in Regina is all about making the most of our production potential.
Elaine Moats is a Crop Development Specialist with SAFRR.
“We have the ability to grow red lentils for export and domestic markets as both whole and split lentils, but much of the world red lentil market exists as splits,” says Moats. “If we produce and sell split lentils, there’s quite a range of possibilities - not only food for human consumption, but the by-products, including chipped lentils, pieces and skins, can all be used for livestock. And the more processing we can do before the product is exported, the more jobs and increased value we retain right here.”
Moats says there is a very large market worldwide for split lentils. In the Mediterranean and south Asian regions, people buy split lentils in bags for cooking. Wherever there are large population densities in the world that traditionally consume red lentils, this product can find buyers — and we can process the red lentils right here.
“At the moment, we sell mostly whole red lentils. We need to evolve toward plumper lentils, more suitable for splitting, which we can achieve through variety selection, disease and fertility management strategies,” says Moats.
“The meeting will address that through a range of presenters, including Dr. Bert Vandenberg of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan, who will discuss advancements in red lentil plant breeding.”
Participants will hear Murad Al-Katib of Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc. share red lentil’s potential from his perspective. Scott Cunningham, also of Saskcan Pulse Trading, will talk about what the market needs.
SAFRR’s Ray McVicar, Provincial Specialist for Special Crops, will present some of the latest agronomy research results on red lentil development. He will also address fertilility, inoculants and harvesting techniques.
Barry Rapp of Heartland Agro Services Ltd. will give a summary of producers’ red lentil experience so far, while Dr. Sabine Banniza of the CDC will discuss potential plant disease considerations. Allison Krahn of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers will discuss their Variety Release Program.
One of the highlights of the day — besides the delightful lentil lunch — will surely be the Saskatchewan Pulse Trading red lentil splitting factory tour, according to Moats.
“We are fortunate to have the splitting plant just outside of Regina, where we have been invited to tour. What better way to share with participants the full range of opportunities that are available than to investigate the red lentil industry from research to secondary processing to markets?”
The Red Lentil Industry Development Meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Queensbury Centre, Regina Exhibition Park. For more information or to pre-register, contact Valerie Leier or Elke Halbgewachs at SAFRR’s Regina Agriculture Business Centre at (306) 787-9773.
For more information, contact:
Elaine Moats
Crop Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 848-2856
Billed as a day to learn what it would take to make Saskatchewan the world’s leading exporter of red lentils, the March 2 Red Lentil Industry Development Meeting in Regina is all about making the most of our production potential.
Elaine Moats is a Crop Development Specialist with SAFRR.
“We have the ability to grow red lentils for export and domestic markets as both whole and split lentils, but much of the world red lentil market exists as splits,” says Moats. “If we produce and sell split lentils, there’s quite a range of possibilities - not only food for human consumption, but the by-products, including chipped lentils, pieces and skins, can all be used for livestock. And the more processing we can do before the product is exported, the more jobs and increased value we retain right here.”
Moats says there is a very large market worldwide for split lentils. In the Mediterranean and south Asian regions, people buy split lentils in bags for cooking. Wherever there are large population densities in the world that traditionally consume red lentils, this product can find buyers — and we can process the red lentils right here.
“At the moment, we sell mostly whole red lentils. We need to evolve toward plumper lentils, more suitable for splitting, which we can achieve through variety selection, disease and fertility management strategies,” says Moats.
“The meeting will address that through a range of presenters, including Dr. Bert Vandenberg of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan, who will discuss advancements in red lentil plant breeding.”
Participants will hear Murad Al-Katib of Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc. share red lentil’s potential from his perspective. Scott Cunningham, also of Saskcan Pulse Trading, will talk about what the market needs.
SAFRR’s Ray McVicar, Provincial Specialist for Special Crops, will present some of the latest agronomy research results on red lentil development. He will also address fertilility, inoculants and harvesting techniques.
Barry Rapp of Heartland Agro Services Ltd. will give a summary of producers’ red lentil experience so far, while Dr. Sabine Banniza of the CDC will discuss potential plant disease considerations. Allison Krahn of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers will discuss their Variety Release Program.
One of the highlights of the day — besides the delightful lentil lunch — will surely be the Saskatchewan Pulse Trading red lentil splitting factory tour, according to Moats.
“We are fortunate to have the splitting plant just outside of Regina, where we have been invited to tour. What better way to share with participants the full range of opportunities that are available than to investigate the red lentil industry from research to secondary processing to markets?”
The Red Lentil Industry Development Meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Queensbury Centre, Regina Exhibition Park. For more information or to pre-register, contact Valerie Leier or Elke Halbgewachs at SAFRR’s Regina Agriculture Business Centre at (306) 787-9773.
For more information, contact:
Elaine Moats
Crop Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 848-2856
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Yellowfeed a Harvesting Alternative to Greenfeed
source: Farm and Food Report
Yellowfeed is the name given for a new alternative method of harvesting an annual cereal crop for hay that is showing some promise, according to Lorne Klein, a Forage Development Specialist with SAFRR.
“The traditional method of harvesting annual cereals for hay or greenfeed is to cut and crimp the crop at the milk-soft dough stage, and allow the material to dry in the windrow before baling. With yellowfeed, glyphosate is applied at the milk-soft dough stage and the crop is then allowed to stand until dry. Once dry, the crop can be cut and baled immediately.”
There are a number of advantages to yellowfeed over greenfeed. For instance, there is no weathering loss should it rain while the crop is drying in the windrow, and no need to turn the windrow after a rain.
In addition, producers can schedule their harvest, much like they do with silage. Plus, it offers perennial weed control, and the crop can be cut with a swather rather than a haybine.
There are a couple of significant disadvantages, however, with the yellowfeed method. Producers require access to a high clearance sprayer and they need to factor in the cost of the glyphosate and the lack of re-growth for fall grazing.
Klein explains what methodology was used during yellowfeed trials:
“During the period between 2001 and 2003, forage samples of oats and barley were collected to determine the effect of glyphosate on yield and quality. These were monitored from the time of spraying until seven to 10 days past the point of being dry enough to cut and bale. The rate of glyphosate was one litre/acre.”
Findings indicate that yellowfeed appears to be a viable option for drying annual cereals prior to baling; that application of glyphosate does not significantly reduce forage yield or quality — in fact, forage yield increases initially after spraying, likely due to the crop continuing to grow for a period of time after spraying.
“There is an initial decline in the percentage of protein after spraying,” says Klein, “possibly due to dilution from increased yield or the normal decrease in protein level from later maturity, but the overall total digestible nutrients (TDN), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) remained constant.”
Glyphosate products currently registered for pre-harvest use on livestock forage are Credit, Maverick, Vantage, Vantage Plus, Renegade and Roundup.
“After glyphosate is applied, barley dries about four to seven days sooner than oats. Barley stands well after spraying, but the heads tend to curl over close to the soil surface after it has dried. Oats tend to lay over horizontally at a height of about 12 to 18 inches. This does not interfere with cutting because the swather's cutter bar can be set below this height. The leaves and kernels of both crops remain attached, even after the crop is left standing seven to 10 days after drying.”
Palatability of yellowfeed is reported as good. Most producers believe the palatability of yellowfeed is equal to or greater than regular greenfeed.
The trials suggest that economics of yellowfeed should be studied further in terms of expected changes in forage yield and quality from spraying to harvest; cost of herbicide and application; cost of swathing compared to crimping; and also in terms of the potential benefit of perennial weed control.
Lorne Klein is of the opinion that “a comparison of the value of yellowfeed and greenfeed could change from year to year, based on weather conditions after spraying and cutting.” But, he adds that “greenfeed harvest and forage quality losses can be relatively high in years when there is significant rainfall after cutting … something that appears to be avoided with yellowfeed,” he concludes.
For more information, contact:
Lorne Klein
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 848-2382
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
1-866-457-2377
Yellowfeed is the name given for a new alternative method of harvesting an annual cereal crop for hay that is showing some promise, according to Lorne Klein, a Forage Development Specialist with SAFRR.
“The traditional method of harvesting annual cereals for hay or greenfeed is to cut and crimp the crop at the milk-soft dough stage, and allow the material to dry in the windrow before baling. With yellowfeed, glyphosate is applied at the milk-soft dough stage and the crop is then allowed to stand until dry. Once dry, the crop can be cut and baled immediately.”
There are a number of advantages to yellowfeed over greenfeed. For instance, there is no weathering loss should it rain while the crop is drying in the windrow, and no need to turn the windrow after a rain.
In addition, producers can schedule their harvest, much like they do with silage. Plus, it offers perennial weed control, and the crop can be cut with a swather rather than a haybine.
There are a couple of significant disadvantages, however, with the yellowfeed method. Producers require access to a high clearance sprayer and they need to factor in the cost of the glyphosate and the lack of re-growth for fall grazing.
Klein explains what methodology was used during yellowfeed trials:
“During the period between 2001 and 2003, forage samples of oats and barley were collected to determine the effect of glyphosate on yield and quality. These were monitored from the time of spraying until seven to 10 days past the point of being dry enough to cut and bale. The rate of glyphosate was one litre/acre.”
Findings indicate that yellowfeed appears to be a viable option for drying annual cereals prior to baling; that application of glyphosate does not significantly reduce forage yield or quality — in fact, forage yield increases initially after spraying, likely due to the crop continuing to grow for a period of time after spraying.
“There is an initial decline in the percentage of protein after spraying,” says Klein, “possibly due to dilution from increased yield or the normal decrease in protein level from later maturity, but the overall total digestible nutrients (TDN), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) remained constant.”
Glyphosate products currently registered for pre-harvest use on livestock forage are Credit, Maverick, Vantage, Vantage Plus, Renegade and Roundup.
“After glyphosate is applied, barley dries about four to seven days sooner than oats. Barley stands well after spraying, but the heads tend to curl over close to the soil surface after it has dried. Oats tend to lay over horizontally at a height of about 12 to 18 inches. This does not interfere with cutting because the swather's cutter bar can be set below this height. The leaves and kernels of both crops remain attached, even after the crop is left standing seven to 10 days after drying.”
Palatability of yellowfeed is reported as good. Most producers believe the palatability of yellowfeed is equal to or greater than regular greenfeed.
The trials suggest that economics of yellowfeed should be studied further in terms of expected changes in forage yield and quality from spraying to harvest; cost of herbicide and application; cost of swathing compared to crimping; and also in terms of the potential benefit of perennial weed control.
Lorne Klein is of the opinion that “a comparison of the value of yellowfeed and greenfeed could change from year to year, based on weather conditions after spraying and cutting.” But, he adds that “greenfeed harvest and forage quality losses can be relatively high in years when there is significant rainfall after cutting … something that appears to be avoided with yellowfeed,” he concludes.
For more information, contact:
Lorne Klein
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 848-2382
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
1-866-457-2377
Conference to Provide Insight into Agricultural Opportunities
source: Farm and Food Report
All eyes in the Southwest will soon focus on Eastend, as a fine line-up of leaders and facilitators will share their knowledge at the Managing Through Change Agricultural Development Conference at Eastend’s Memorial Hall on March 2, 2005.
SAFRR’s Trevor Lennox is a Forage Development Specialist and one of the conference organizers.
“This event is geared towards primary producers and agri-entrepreneurs,” Lennox says. “They will find in our presenters and the business experiences they will share some wisdom, as well as useful tools that will help them identify opportunities and means to integrate a value-added dimension to their agricultural endeavours.”
The conference will include a report from the Agri-ARM (Applied Research Management) project on cropping opportunities for southwest Saskatchewan, through applications of new technologies for the grain industry, with Jody McConnell from SAFRR.
Later, Con Johnson, the Chair of Great Western Railway Ltd., will share some of the challenges he and his partners faced when they raised capital for their short line rail project.
Jody Fennell and Don Declercq of Pine Cree Cattle Company will speak about developments on their proposed feedlot initiative over the last year, after which Jack Salmon of Cypress Agri-Energy will bring participants up to date on the ethanol plant they propose to start building in the area.
John Parker of the Southwest Community Futures Development Corporation will make a presentation titled Financing for Value-Added Operations: how to access the latest information on government programs and services, with a view to getting projects off the ground
Lindsay Routledge of Canfax, an organization that keeps statistics on cattle markets and inventories, will follow with an update and outlook. Routledge will comment on potential BSE strategies and opportunities for producers, as we anticipate the border re-opening to live cattle on March 7, 2005.
As change, planning, evaluating and management skills are becoming increasingly important in agricultural activities, Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote — the Outstanding Young Farmer of Canada in 2001 — will give “farm-style” tips on making good decisions and processes to help make farms and businesses successful.
Last but not least, the legendary Red Williams of Saskatchewan Agri-Vision Inc. will share his perspective on the outlook and future opportunities in the beef sector.
“Mr. Williams is quite looking forward to his visit,” explains Lennox. “This whole day is a chance to look ahead for agricultural operations and associated businesses, at a time when challenges abound. But there are also some successes and inspiring stories as well. We are simply providing a forum where these stories can be told, along with providing useful information.”
The co-sponsors for this event include the South West Community Futures Corporation, Cypress Hills REDA, AIMS, Western Economic Diversification, AAFC Renewal Programs, and SAFRR.
Registration deadline is February 28; it costs $10 and includes lunch. For more information and to register, call (306) 778-8285 or 662-4299.
For more information, contact:
Trevor Lennox
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-4051
All eyes in the Southwest will soon focus on Eastend, as a fine line-up of leaders and facilitators will share their knowledge at the Managing Through Change Agricultural Development Conference at Eastend’s Memorial Hall on March 2, 2005.
SAFRR’s Trevor Lennox is a Forage Development Specialist and one of the conference organizers.
“This event is geared towards primary producers and agri-entrepreneurs,” Lennox says. “They will find in our presenters and the business experiences they will share some wisdom, as well as useful tools that will help them identify opportunities and means to integrate a value-added dimension to their agricultural endeavours.”
The conference will include a report from the Agri-ARM (Applied Research Management) project on cropping opportunities for southwest Saskatchewan, through applications of new technologies for the grain industry, with Jody McConnell from SAFRR.
Later, Con Johnson, the Chair of Great Western Railway Ltd., will share some of the challenges he and his partners faced when they raised capital for their short line rail project.
Jody Fennell and Don Declercq of Pine Cree Cattle Company will speak about developments on their proposed feedlot initiative over the last year, after which Jack Salmon of Cypress Agri-Energy will bring participants up to date on the ethanol plant they propose to start building in the area.
John Parker of the Southwest Community Futures Development Corporation will make a presentation titled Financing for Value-Added Operations: how to access the latest information on government programs and services, with a view to getting projects off the ground
Lindsay Routledge of Canfax, an organization that keeps statistics on cattle markets and inventories, will follow with an update and outlook. Routledge will comment on potential BSE strategies and opportunities for producers, as we anticipate the border re-opening to live cattle on March 7, 2005.
As change, planning, evaluating and management skills are becoming increasingly important in agricultural activities, Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote — the Outstanding Young Farmer of Canada in 2001 — will give “farm-style” tips on making good decisions and processes to help make farms and businesses successful.
Last but not least, the legendary Red Williams of Saskatchewan Agri-Vision Inc. will share his perspective on the outlook and future opportunities in the beef sector.
“Mr. Williams is quite looking forward to his visit,” explains Lennox. “This whole day is a chance to look ahead for agricultural operations and associated businesses, at a time when challenges abound. But there are also some successes and inspiring stories as well. We are simply providing a forum where these stories can be told, along with providing useful information.”
The co-sponsors for this event include the South West Community Futures Corporation, Cypress Hills REDA, AIMS, Western Economic Diversification, AAFC Renewal Programs, and SAFRR.
Registration deadline is February 28; it costs $10 and includes lunch. For more information and to register, call (306) 778-8285 or 662-4299.
For more information, contact:
Trevor Lennox
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 787-4051
Organic Producers' Network Grows with each Update
source: Farm and Food Report
The future looks as promising as it ever has for organic producers, which could partly account for the success of the first two editions of the Organic Update. But this year’s offering, scheduled to take place at the Prairie Ursuline Centre in Bruno on February 22 and 23, has something special cooking in the oven — so to speak.
Don Perrault is an Agri-Business Development Specialist with SAFRR in Prince Albert:
“We have gradually been building a network of growers and organic agri-entrepreneurs with obviously common interests over the years. And this year, we are testing the waters to find out if there is enough interest among them to use the Prairie Ursuline Centre as a long-term use organic education centre.”
Building capacity and making more training available within the industry seems increasingly to gain favour as a priority among industry stakeholders. Judging by the 100 or so Organic Update participants who braved a blizzard last year to attend the event in Melfort, the interest appears to be there.
The Organic Update combines a first day of general and technical information on topics like organic standards, soil ecology, how to prepare for crop inspections, Agricultural Policy Framework renewal programs, and a basic orientation on marketing for new growers or marketers. A trade show, organized in tandem with the meetings, adds a further dimension to the event.
“This year, for the first time, we are also planning to have a fully organic supper at the end of day one,” adds Perrault. “For this meal, we seek out local ingredients as much as possible. It gets everyone in a fine mood for the following bear pit session. But the second day is seriously geared toward marketing, with more in-depth sessions. Let’s face it: making it as an organic producer often hinges on how expert you are at marketing your products.”
As more and more conventional producers look for alternatives, organics look very attractive. With markets that grow on average 15 to 20 per cent a year, organic producers are doing reasonably well when compared to others.
“This is a fairly young industry,”explains Perrault, “with lots of opportunities in terms of retail sales, and the cost of entering new markets is not as high as in other more established markets. This is why the industry is attractive, and why there is a need for more education and marketing skills training.”
Something the Organic Update addresses with program topics like the Theory of Marketing presentation by University of Saskatchewan Agricultural Economics Professor Tom Porter.
Lawyer Craig Zawada will tell producers what they need to know about production contracts in another session.
Later, Melanie Boldt of Pineview Farms in Osler — a 2004 Outstanding Young Farmer — will talk about marketing one’s farm in today’s economy.
Ian Cushon, an organic producer from Oxbow, will make a presentation on developing a market plan for grain commodities, and Glen Millard, a specialist on international finance and logistics with the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, will talk about risk management and export marketing.
Getting paid for your crop is very important, but learning how to open new markets and tapping into them is just as crucial to being successful. That is what Organic Update 2005 is all about.
For more information, contact:
Don Perrault
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 953-2361
Leroy Bader
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 878-8841
The future looks as promising as it ever has for organic producers, which could partly account for the success of the first two editions of the Organic Update. But this year’s offering, scheduled to take place at the Prairie Ursuline Centre in Bruno on February 22 and 23, has something special cooking in the oven — so to speak.
Don Perrault is an Agri-Business Development Specialist with SAFRR in Prince Albert:
“We have gradually been building a network of growers and organic agri-entrepreneurs with obviously common interests over the years. And this year, we are testing the waters to find out if there is enough interest among them to use the Prairie Ursuline Centre as a long-term use organic education centre.”
Building capacity and making more training available within the industry seems increasingly to gain favour as a priority among industry stakeholders. Judging by the 100 or so Organic Update participants who braved a blizzard last year to attend the event in Melfort, the interest appears to be there.
The Organic Update combines a first day of general and technical information on topics like organic standards, soil ecology, how to prepare for crop inspections, Agricultural Policy Framework renewal programs, and a basic orientation on marketing for new growers or marketers. A trade show, organized in tandem with the meetings, adds a further dimension to the event.
“This year, for the first time, we are also planning to have a fully organic supper at the end of day one,” adds Perrault. “For this meal, we seek out local ingredients as much as possible. It gets everyone in a fine mood for the following bear pit session. But the second day is seriously geared toward marketing, with more in-depth sessions. Let’s face it: making it as an organic producer often hinges on how expert you are at marketing your products.”
As more and more conventional producers look for alternatives, organics look very attractive. With markets that grow on average 15 to 20 per cent a year, organic producers are doing reasonably well when compared to others.
“This is a fairly young industry,”explains Perrault, “with lots of opportunities in terms of retail sales, and the cost of entering new markets is not as high as in other more established markets. This is why the industry is attractive, and why there is a need for more education and marketing skills training.”
Something the Organic Update addresses with program topics like the Theory of Marketing presentation by University of Saskatchewan Agricultural Economics Professor Tom Porter.
Lawyer Craig Zawada will tell producers what they need to know about production contracts in another session.
Later, Melanie Boldt of Pineview Farms in Osler — a 2004 Outstanding Young Farmer — will talk about marketing one’s farm in today’s economy.
Ian Cushon, an organic producer from Oxbow, will make a presentation on developing a market plan for grain commodities, and Glen Millard, a specialist on international finance and logistics with the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, will talk about risk management and export marketing.
Getting paid for your crop is very important, but learning how to open new markets and tapping into them is just as crucial to being successful. That is what Organic Update 2005 is all about.
For more information, contact:
Don Perrault
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 953-2361
Leroy Bader
Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
(306) 878-8841
Provincial Herb and Spice Association Aims for New Markets
source: Farm and Food Report
Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association members may be the most diverse group of producers and agricultural manufacturers in the province, but that’s nothing compared to the range of commercial applications they seek for their crops and products.
Connie Kehler is Executive Director of the Association.
“Herbs and spices are a bit of a misnomer because we also cover non-timber crops that end up as ornamental products. This is an industry association that encompasses culinary herbs and spices, as well as functional foods, right from the field all the way up to the shelf.”
Functional foods are foods eaten for specified health purposes, because of their presumed rich content of one or more nutrients or non-nutrient substances that might confer health benefits. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) defines them “as foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.”
Kelher explains: “We have all heard of how cranberry juice is good for your urinary tract and how it lowers cholesterol. Well, there are many herbs we grow whose potential health applications haven’t been explored yet. For instance, there is a form of mould in northern Saskatchewan that is harvested from birch trees and sold in some countries as a raw material used in the preparation of cancer medicines. In other instances, we may even import the material for local processing.”
The Association is interested, not only in exporting the raw materials, but also in local transformation — something that requires a more intimate grasp of value chain components. This need was recently addressed at the 2005 Annual Conference in Saskatoon, when a representative of Calgary-based CV Technologies Inc. was invited to share some of their accomplishments with participants.
“This is a firm that has taken ginseng out of its traditional paradigm,” explains Kehler. “The company used some very good science to back up the traditional evidence in terms of using it for colds and flus, in conjunction with some traditional medical work, and is doing a phenomenal job of marketing that product — $11 million in sales during the last quarter doesn’t hurt.”
The biotechnology company launched in 1992 accessed industrial research funds from the National Research Council and aims to become a global leader in the development and commercialization of safe and effective, evidence-based natural therapeutics for disease prevention and health maintenance.
“In order to achieve that kind of success, you have to be a very special person or group of individuals. You must understand how to study the market — CV Technologies has recruited hockey personality Don Cherry to promote its Cold-FX product — in order to hit the right market. For success to occur while developing new markets and applications, producers must maintain all kinds of linkages in the value chain. They have to target areas where small niches exist and understand who their marketers are. Planning is critical.”
Connie Kehler puts her finger right on it when she says: “When growers put a crop in the ground, they should have a pretty good idea of where the product will end up. If someone calls us three years later and asks: ‘what do I do with this now?,’ it’s a little late in the game.”
For more information, contact:
Connie Kehler
Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association
(306) 694-4622
http://www.saskherbspice.org
Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association members may be the most diverse group of producers and agricultural manufacturers in the province, but that’s nothing compared to the range of commercial applications they seek for their crops and products.
Connie Kehler is Executive Director of the Association.
“Herbs and spices are a bit of a misnomer because we also cover non-timber crops that end up as ornamental products. This is an industry association that encompasses culinary herbs and spices, as well as functional foods, right from the field all the way up to the shelf.”
Functional foods are foods eaten for specified health purposes, because of their presumed rich content of one or more nutrients or non-nutrient substances that might confer health benefits. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) defines them “as foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.”
Kelher explains: “We have all heard of how cranberry juice is good for your urinary tract and how it lowers cholesterol. Well, there are many herbs we grow whose potential health applications haven’t been explored yet. For instance, there is a form of mould in northern Saskatchewan that is harvested from birch trees and sold in some countries as a raw material used in the preparation of cancer medicines. In other instances, we may even import the material for local processing.”
The Association is interested, not only in exporting the raw materials, but also in local transformation — something that requires a more intimate grasp of value chain components. This need was recently addressed at the 2005 Annual Conference in Saskatoon, when a representative of Calgary-based CV Technologies Inc. was invited to share some of their accomplishments with participants.
“This is a firm that has taken ginseng out of its traditional paradigm,” explains Kehler. “The company used some very good science to back up the traditional evidence in terms of using it for colds and flus, in conjunction with some traditional medical work, and is doing a phenomenal job of marketing that product — $11 million in sales during the last quarter doesn’t hurt.”
The biotechnology company launched in 1992 accessed industrial research funds from the National Research Council and aims to become a global leader in the development and commercialization of safe and effective, evidence-based natural therapeutics for disease prevention and health maintenance.
“In order to achieve that kind of success, you have to be a very special person or group of individuals. You must understand how to study the market — CV Technologies has recruited hockey personality Don Cherry to promote its Cold-FX product — in order to hit the right market. For success to occur while developing new markets and applications, producers must maintain all kinds of linkages in the value chain. They have to target areas where small niches exist and understand who their marketers are. Planning is critical.”
Connie Kehler puts her finger right on it when she says: “When growers put a crop in the ground, they should have a pretty good idea of where the product will end up. If someone calls us three years later and asks: ‘what do I do with this now?,’ it’s a little late in the game.”
For more information, contact:
Connie Kehler
Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association
(306) 694-4622
http://www.saskherbspice.org
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