Scouting for herbicide Resistance a Worthwhile Undertaking

source: Farm and Food Report

As producers wrap up their spraying activities and scout for early signs of plant disease in their crop, they might want to keep an eye out for herbicide application failure and especially herbicide resistant weeds, according to Provincial Weed Control Specialist Clark Brenzil.

“Performing both tasks at the same time makes a lot of sense. If producers find a patch of weeds that looks as though it hasn’t been controlled, they should look for certain characteristic patterns.”

If the patch’s border between the controlled and uncontrolled sections is fairly sharp, has square edges or is rather geometric in shape, this is likely a sign of a missed portion or an equipment failure. They tend to occur on headlands or at the corners of fields, and if you have missed one weed species, you have missed them all.

“These kinds of occurrences are less and less frequent because of the increasing use of GPS technology by producers. Sometimes, the patches are left intentionally as a means of gauging the effectiveness of control, telling producers how well the herbicide is performing.”

But if the patch is of a single species where other weeds have been controlled, and the patch is of an irregular shape with less defined edges, then it is more likely that the missed weed is resistant to the herbicide that was applied.

“For example, if the herbicide was a Group 1 (or ACCase inhibitor) type, which may normally control annual grass weeds such as wild oat, green foxtail, barnyard grass, Persian darnel or volunteer cereals, and after application all but one of these weeds was controlled, the odds are high that the missed weed is resistant to the herbicide. If there is still time, the patch could be managed using a herbicide from a different herbicide group. Producers should do everything in their power to prevent the patch from spreading.

“If they find a patch, they should mark its location. GPS technology works very well for this,” explains Brenzil. “If the patch can’t be controlled with another herbicide, it should be prevented from producing seeds, or treated with another herbicide group. Resistance can be confirmed by sending a sample to the Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Crop Protection Lab, with a lab submission form, to be analyzed.”

Lab forms and instructions on how to submit a sample can be found here.

The costs of this service are listed on the diagnostic form.

A good way to take a sample is to gather up several seed heads from the patch into a finer mesh bag so the seed can mature on the plant, yet can’t drop out. Nylon stockings will work well for this. Immature samples that are sent in green are often mouldy by the time they arrive and can’t be used for testing. Samples received by the lab will be stored to allow dormancy to break, and will later be tested for resistance. Results would normally not be known until the following spring.

Brenzil points out that several weeds are known to be resistant to one group of herbicides. Some are resistant to multiple groups. There are other weeds around the world producers should be aware of because of their potential to take root here.

“The most common weeds in western Canada that exhibit resistance are wild oats. They tend to become resistant to Herbicide Groups 1, 2 and 8 or to a combination of those three. Green foxtail often is resistant to Herbicide Groups 1 and 3, or both. In Manitoba, there are reports that green foxtail is resistant to Herbicide Group 2 as well.”

Herbicide Group 2-resistant Kochia is quite common in Saskatchewan. Russian thistle plants may be resistant to Group 2 herbicides, as well.

“A population of Group 2-resistant wild mustard and a Group 1-resistant Persian darnel population have recently been discovered in Saskatchewan,” Brenzil notes.

For a complete list of resistant weeds on the prairies, check the Weed Resistance to Herbicides chapter in the Guide to Crop Protection at:
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/Docs/crops/cropguide00.asp.

For a worldwide tally of resistant biotypes, check: www.weedscience.com.

Another resistant type producers should beware of is glyphosate resistant (Group 9) Canada fleabane, which has occurred in several U.S. states but has not yet been confirmed here in Canada. Producers should be on the lookout for this weed, as its seeds spread by wind and can move rapidly over great distances.

To find out more about herbicide resistance and how to address the issue, producers may consult the tri-provincial fact sheet that was co-produced by SAF and is available online here.

Producers may also contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

For more information, contact:

Clark Brenzil
Provincial Weed Control Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4673

New Lloydminster Ethanol Plant to Bring Tons of Opportunities

source: Farm and Food Report

Just listening to Husky Energy’s Dennis Floate list benefits for the community in terms of jobs, new markets for Saskatchewan grain, and benefits for the environment is enough to bring you on-side.

“This will be the largest ethanol plant in Western Canada, located beside Husky’s heavy oil upgrader at Lloydminsster. During construction, more than 200 person-years of work will be created. It will provide full-time employment for 20 to 25 people once it becomes operational in the second quarter of 2006.”

This is not Husky’s first venture in the production and marketing of ethanol-blended fuels.

“We built our first plant in Minnedosa, Manitoba back in 1981 to produce ethanol for fuel and industrial use. Husky and Mohawk ethanol-blended gasolines are familiar to motorists under the name Mother Nature’s Fuel.”

When the Saskatchewan government opted to legislate the use of ethanol-blended gasoline within the province, Husky Energy embarked on a 130 million litre a year plant project close to its upgrader. There, it will capture excess steam and waste heat from the upgrader for use in ethanol production, while also making use of handling and transportation infrastructure already on site.

Ethanol is a high-octane, alcohol-based fuel additive produced from milled grain, such as wheat, that is mixed with water and fermented. Enzymes are added to the mixture to convert starch to sugar, and yeast is incorporated to trigger the fermentation process. The resulting fermented mash is distilled to harvest the ethanol it contains.

There are substantial benefits for grain producers, according to Bryan Doig, a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

“The feedstock for the facility will come primarily from grain producers in the Lloydminster area. Husky will purchase about 350,000 tonnes of grain - or almost 13 million bushels of grain - annually from local producers, primarily CPS wheat and other types of grains.”

This will also provide a new opportunity to the grain trucking industry, as the plant will be unloading approximately 45 “Super Bs” of grain each working day of the year.

The fuel-grade ethanol produced will be sold to Saskatchewan, Canadian and export markets.

In addition, 134,000 tons of DDGS—a source of non-animal based high-grade protein and energy—will be produced and made available to livestock producers and the feed industry as a feed supplement.

“For agriculture and the environment, what a great opportunity,” says Doig.

Ethanol-blended gasolines can reduce vehicle emissions by up to 30 per cent.

To find out more about Husky’s Lloydminster Ethanol Plant project, visit:
http://www.huskyenergy.ca/products/default_ethanol.asp

For more information, contact:

Dennis C. Floate
Senior Communications Advisor
Husky Energy Inc.
(403) 298-6587

Bryan Doig
Livestock Development Specialist
(306) 446-7477

Food Safety Program Funding To Benefit Manufacturers

source: Farm and Food Report

The Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan (ACAAFS) Committee of the Saskatchewan Council for Community Development (SCCD) is providing $151,450 towards a new program designed specifically for the needs of food manufacturers.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)-based technician certificate program is being developed and delivered by the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.

The funding is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) Program, a five-year, $240 million program designed to allow Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector to capture new opportunities. Saskatchewan’s ACAAF share of $16.1 million is delivered by the ACAAFS Committee of the Saskatchewan Council for Community Development Inc.

“This is an innovative solution for Saskatchewan companies that are pursuing HACCP implementation in their facilities,” Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. “The Food Centre continues to be a leader in developing programming to assist provincial food processing companies in accessing export markets.”

Food safety, traceability and product origin are top of mind for industry, government and consumers. Market-driven retailers will require processors to retain in-house programs for food safety based on recognized and regulated programs, such as HACCP. Currently in Canada, no other program offers training for HACCP technicians at this level and combines both practical and technical training components in one program.

The HACCP Diploma Program consists of five phases: Needs Assessment Program; Development of a HACCP Diploma Program; Program Development Assistance for Manufacturers; Food Centre HACCP Recognition Program; and In-House Training and Technical Assistance On-Site for HACCP System Maintenance.

“In Saskatchewan, it has been difficult for small to medium-sized entrepreneurs to retain qualified personnel to develop and implement HACCP programs,” said the President of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, Dan Prefontaine. “Technically trained HACCP individuals will now be available to rural based processing facilities specifically for the purpose of maintaining HACCP based programming. In the long term, this could be the key to market access and business expansion into export markets.”

“The ACAAFS Committee is pleased to be providing funding towards this project,” ACAAFS Chairman Louis Hradecki said. “This project complements the Food Safety and Quality pillar of the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), and is an excellent example of a Saskatchewan-based organization taking the lead to fill a current gap in the food processing industry.”

The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1998 as a joint partnership between the University of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre's mission is to assist in the development and continued growth of a dynamic food-processing sector by providing an extensive understanding of markets and support mechanisms for technology and human resource development.

For more information, contact:

Scott Brown
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
787-4031

Dan Prefontaine, President
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
933-7555

Laurie Dmytryshyn, ACAAFS Manager
Saskatchewan Council for Community Development
975-6849

Taking an In-Depth Look at Hay Equipment Costs Worth It

source: Farm and Food Report

The current BSE crisis has forced many to take another look at all the expenses incurred by hay producers this spring.

We know that sprays, fertilizer and seed costs all add up, but one should keep in mind that machinery costs are equally real and should not be ignored, according to Glenn Barclay, a forage industry development specialist at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

“There are major expenses in this area. Some of the findings may surprise you. Machinery costs can be categorized as either fixed or variable operating costs. Even if you never use a piece of machinery, it still generates fixed costs such as depreciation, interest charges, insurance and housing.”

The costs are described below in greater detail:

Depreciation is the loss of value over time. This could be expressed as an annual cost.

“On the matter of interest costs, they should be calculated even if you paid cash for the machine,” says Barclay. “If you had invested that money, it would have been generating interest. This type of cost can be defined as an opportunity cost. You had other options or opportunities for your money.”

Insurance, housing and other fixed costs are more difficult to calculate. These costs represent a minor proportion of total costs. Some authorities use one to one‑half per cent of new cost as a guideline.

Your operation may have additional items to include, such as lease costs and custom costs. Add these in and then total all fixed costs for a year’s estimation of machinery costs.

“The other costs involved with machinery can be categorized as variable costs,” adds Barclay. “Fuel and lubrication costs can be based on historical practices and current fuel costs, or estimated based on acres covered per hour by various machines. A guideline to use for lubrication is 15 per cent of fuel costs.”

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) produces a useful custom rate guide in which operators will find repair tables that give an annual repair rate as a percentage of the original cost.

“For instance, a large round baler will use 1.5 per cent of the original cash cost, a four-wheel drive tractor would use 2.6 per cent.”

Labour is another variable cost which should be included in your machinery cost estimate.

“Use the figure you are paying someone to operate your machine. Don't forget or discount the value of your own labour. Your managerial skills or time could easily be worth more than hired labour,” Barclay points out.

At this point, you should now be ready to add your variable or operating costs to your fixed costs for a total for the year.

“You can analyze these costs on a per acre, per pound of feed, per animal or per hour basis. If you have a mixed enterprise, don’t forget to allocate the proper costs of each machine to your livestock costs.

“You can use this figure to determine if custom work for some operations may make more sense than you owning and operating the machine. It can also help you figure out what field operation costs you the most each year and help you analyze your time management. I’m sure if you spend some time figuring out your costs, you will find your results quite intriguing.”

For more information, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

The Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide produced by SAF is available online at:

For more information, contact:

Glenn Barclay
Forage Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 446–7650

Technology is Changing Fishing

by Art Jones

So you've launched the boat, you've got the life jackets, paddles, gas for the motor, rods and tackle boxes, the fish finder and the underwater video camera. Hold on a second here, the fish finder and underwater video camera?

Yes that's right, more and more anglers are going high tech to help them get a leg or a fin up on the fish they are going after.

It used to be that anglers used very little equipment. Usually a rod, some line, a hook and some bait was all that was needed to catch dinner.

Today technology and miniaturization have led to gadgets and gizmos becoming as much a part of fishing as spinners, plugs, spoons, jigs, worms and leeches.

Fish finders are basically sonar devices that show the angler what is underneath the boat, including bottom contours and fish. They became commercially available about 20 years ago using sonar technology similar to what submarines used during the Second World War. Now the technology is comparable to what can be found on the space shuttle.

Many fish finders come with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems, which allow anglers to know where the boat is in any weather. Some units are capable of accepting a software download that lets anglers create detailed fishing maps of most of Canada's lakes and rivers. Some models even have a GPS safety feature, an alarm that goes off if the boat drifts out of a designated area. Handy if you happen to doze off!

The latest "toy" many anglers are buying is an underwater video camera. It can be dropped off the side of a boat or through a hole in the ice. The camera cable, which is usually between 20 and 70 metres long, is then hooked up to a small monitor.

Underwater cameras have given anglers a view of a whole new world and have made the sport more entertaining.

"We sell quite a few of these units every year," says Greg Prokopetz, of Pokey's Tackle Shop in Regina. " I use one myself and not only does it let me see what kinds of fish that are under the boat, it gives me a better idea of how they behave. It also lets me see how my lure or bait rig is behaving. You may think you have the best tackle set up in the world but if it doesn't work properly underwater you're wasting your time."

Being able to see what fish are in the water and how they behave also leads to a better understanding of how fish live and the kind of habitat each species prefers.

Saskatchewan Environment's Murray Everett says the camera can also be a tool for conservation.

"The angler may get into a particular habitat that supports a species of fish that has a reduced or limited quota due to low populations," says Everett. "The angler can quickly move the hook if an unwanted fish, such as a very small perch or walleye, attempts to bite the lure. It could also reduce the impact of catching some fish. For example, if the angler finds that there is a lot of small perch in deep water he or she may not want to catch them. If the small perch were caught in deep water, by the time they were pulled to the surface their air bladder would be enlarged and chances of survival, if returned to the water, would be slim."

Both Pokey's Prokoptez and Environment's Everett say even if you have all the technology available you still can't make fish bite, that often depends on several factors, including whether the fish are feeding, if they are being aggressive, the time of day and even the weather.

For more information contact:

Murray Everett
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-1144
Greg Prokopetz
Pokey's Tackle Shop
(306) 359-1910

Or

Art Jones
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-5796
(306) 536-8452 (cell)
ajones@serm.gov.sk.ca

Saskatchewan radios help fight poaching in Africa

Saskatchewan radios help protect African wildlife

by Art Jones

For nearly 30 years the Motorola PT-300 radio was one of the main tools Saskatchewan Environment conservation officers used to help protect the province's wildlife. The 228 radios enabled conservation officers to talk to each other or to stay in contact with a main base. They used to the radios during activities that ranged from coordinating night patrols for poachers to fighting forest fires.

Each radio weighs about two kilograms, takes 11 "D" cell batteries and has a range of about 15 kilometres without using a repeater and 50 kilometres using a repeater. The replacement value of each unit, based on a new model that does the same job, is about $1500.

In 2000, when these radios were replaced, one of the questions became what to do with them. The answer was found in Africa.

Members of the non-profit Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers thought it would be a good idea to donate the radios to several African countries to help in their wildlife conservation efforts. Even though the Motorola PT-300 radios were retired from use in Saskatchewan they were still better than many of the systems in use by conservation officers
in Africa.

Setting the donation up took a lot more than simply packaging the radios and sending them to the countries. The Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers bought the radios from the province and donated them through the Ranger Relief program. This international program aids developing countries by gathering used or retired law enforcement equipment and distributing it to game wardens in these countries.

"More often than not, this is the only equipment these officers have to combat poaching," says Dean Grisdale, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers.

The Association's members also coordinated the transfer of the radios from the province to the federal government. The radio project also took a partnership between the provincial and federal governments, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and non-government organizations. Saskatchewan Environment tested and repaired the radios and got them ready for shipping.

The Canadian Wildlife Service coordinated the delivery of the equipment to Ottawa, the International Fund for Animal Welfare contributed 110 antennas and enough batteries for six months and the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade delivered the radios in diplomatic pouches.

But like many projects, the radio donation got its start with one person.

"One of our members remembered seeing the request to assist African agencies when he heard that these old radios were going to be sold," says Grisdale.

"He approached the association's executive and everyone agreed this was definitely a worthwhile cause. I think that it simply proves, once again, that no matter where you are, protecting our natural resources is more than just a career choice. It is a strong personal commitment, be it here or in Africa and we are just glad we could help out. It is great to see the
cooperation between so many agencies. It validates what we do."

Saskatchewan Environment's Director of Enforcement, Dave Harvey, says the people involved in conserving and protecting wildlife are facing similar challenges, especially from poachers. In Africa, poachers are still going after many endangered or threatened animals. They also take elephants for their ivory and rhinoceroses for their horns.

"We in North America take much of what we do and have for granted," says Environment's Harvey. "It is our hope that these radios will help our counterparts in African countries protect their valuable wildlife resources from poaching. Basically, anything we can do to help, we will."

The radios were sent to Chad, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Uganda and Zambia.

For more information contact:

Dean Grisdale
President
Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers
(306) 752-6214
Dave Harvey
Director of Enforcement
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 953-2993
dharvey@serm.gov.sk.ca

Or

Art Jones
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-5796
(306) 536-8452 (cell)
ajones@serm.gov.sk.ca

A snowmobile that was used to chase down coyotes

Dead coyotes seized by a conservation officer

Out of Control Coyote Hunt An Act Of Cruelty

by Art Jones

For many people a snowmobile ride is one of the joys of winter. The sound of the machine, the beauty of the snow-covered land, lakes and rivers and the crisp cold air all add to the thrill of the ride. Sometimes there is even the extra bonus of seeing some wildlife.

But what some do when they see that wildlife is against the law. They like to use their snowmobiles to chase and even kill the animals, especially coyotes.

"People should take a minute to think about what they're doing before they run down an animal," says Environment's Lucyshyn.

"In Saskatchewan, animals in the wild spend most of their time simply trying to survive the winter. So when someone goes after them with a snowmobile they don't have a chance. Not only do they get terribly frightened, the snow is usually too deep for them to run very far without becoming exhausted, while a snowmobile never gets tired. Conservation officers have even found deer that have been chased for so long they simply died of exhaustion. Chasing
and killing any animal like this is not a sport, it is an act of the most extreme cruelty."

Someone convicted of pursuing animals with snowmobiles or any vehicle can face significant fines. The maximum penalty under the Wildlife Act is $100,000. A court case from this past autumn saw a trio of men from British Columbia lose both their hunting and driving privileges after they were convicted of using their vehicle to chase deer. People also need permission to snowmobile on private land.

Many producers have crops such as alfalfa or winter wheat that can be easily damaged by snowmobiles. People who do not get permission to go on someone's land are technically trespassing and can be asked to leave.

All animals, even coyotes, have a role to play in the environment. Although coyotes occasionally bother stock their main food is small animals such as mice and rabbits. Autopsies on animals run over by snowmobiles have shown nothing more in their stomachs than the remains of small animals.

"Like most wild animals coyotes are opportunists," says Saskatchewan Environment conservation officer, Doug Lucyshyn.

"Sometimes a free meal is easiest for them so they'll wander into farmyards, particularly at calving time. They will sometimes take a newborn calf or feed on a dead one. If there are any dead animals farmers should haul them far enough away from the calving area or bury them so the coyotes won't be drawn in."

There are many ways to prevent the loss of livestock to predators and producers should contact their local conservation officer if they are having problems.

In recent years predator numbers have increased and it's legal for Saskatchewan residents to hunt and trap coyotes and foxes outside of the Fur Conservation Blocks, year round, without a license. However, anyone wishing to sell the pelts has to buy a fur license. People must remember that they still need permission from the landowner or occupant to hunt or trap on
their property.

"Chasing animals is simply not worth the effort and it is also dangerous," says Lucyshyn.

"People have been badly hurt while using snowmobiles to chase wildlife. When you are going at a high rate of speed it is easy to hit a rock, fence or other obstruction. Your life isn't worth the pelt of a coyote or fox."

"There are a lot of wide open spaces in Saskatchewan," says Environment's Lucyshyn. "However, there are many people in the country that may see this type of activity and we are asking people who see someone being cruel like this to call the local conservation officer. He or she will act as quickly as possible."

People can also call the toll-free "Turn-In-Poachers" line at
1-800-667-7561.

For more information contact:

Doug Lucyshyn
Saskatchewan Environment
Conservation Officer
(306) 948-3588
dlucyshyn@serm.gov.sk.ca

Or

Art Jones
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-5796
(306) 536-8452 (cell)
ajones@serm.gov.sk.ca

Selling deer, elk or moose antlers? What you need to know

by Art Jones

For many hunters there is not much that's more rewarding than taking a white-tailed or mule deer buck or a bull elk or moose. Not only do they get "bragging rights" and good nutritious meat, they also often get a nice set of antlers or horns as a trophy.

But over the years some hunters have found they have collected too many sets of antlers and want to get rid of some. The solution is often to throw them away, give them away, move them to the shed or sell them.

Those who choose to sell their legally taken antlers should be aware that some conditions apply to the sale. Someone planning to sell antlers that are attached to the skull plate needs a sale of wildlife permit even if they have the licence used to take the animal. A sale of wildlife permit is not needed if the antlers have been separated from the skull plate and the seller still has the licence used to take the animal. If they don't have the licence then they need to get a sale of wildlife permit.

Sale of wildlife permits are free and available at any Saskatchewan Environment office.

"The sale of wildlife permits are an important tool," says Dave Harvey of Saskatchewan Environment. "The close monitoring of the movement of big game antlers is necessary to protect the world quality big game resource in this province and guard against the illegal traffic in wildlife. Without this kind of tracking and cross-checking, it would become easier for someone to abuse the resource and that would put it at risk for now and for thefuture."

Beginning this fall Saskatchewan Environment is changing the procedures for hunters who wish to sell legally taken deer antlers.

"This fall the white-tailed and mule deer hunting licences will be changed to include a head seal that must be attached to the antlers or head of any legally taken deer," says Environment's Harvey.

"By having this new head seal, we should see a reduction in the number of cases where a hunter wants to sell antlers separated from the skull, but can no longer find the hunting licence used to take the animal so is forced to get a sale of wildlife permit."

To address a backlog of antlers that hunters may have collected over the years a change of procedure is now in place that allows them to sell antlers that have been separated from the skull without having to get a sale of wildlife permit. The change is in effect until September 1, 2004.

"The procedural change gives hunters the opportunity to sell some of those old sets of antlers without having to get a sale of wildlife permit, provided that the antlers are separated from the skull plate," says Environment's Harvey.

"It is important to note that this change does not apply to antlers that remain attached to the skull plate. They are considered trophies and still fall under the sale of wildlife requirements. Hunters wishing to sell these antlers will still be required to get a sale of wildlife permit from a Saskatchewan Environment office."

After September 1, 2004 current regulations will once again apply. They allow people to sell naturally shed antlers without producing a hunting licence or a sale of wildlife permit. Someone who has legally taken an animal and wishes to sell antlers that are still attached to the skull needs a permit. Antlers that are not attached to the skull may be sold without a permit provided the seller can produce the hunting licence used to take the animal. If the licence is not available then the seller needs to get a sale of wildlife permit. Antlers taken from road killed animals or under Treaty Rights may not be sold.

People who use antlers for artwork may also sell them without a permit, provided they were obtained legally, have been separated from the skull and have been processed into a form of artwork.

For more information contact;

Dave Harvey
Director of Enforcement
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 953-2993
dharvey@serm.gov.sk.ca

Or

Art Jones
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-5796
(306) 536-8452 (cell)
ajones@serm.gov.sk.ca

A typical algae bloom found in Saskatchewan

Algae Blooms

by Art Jones

Every year during the warm summer months many Saskatchewan lakes may suddenly take on a soupy appearance. The water surface becomes blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in color. The organisms responsible for these changes are microscopic plants called algae or phytoplankton. When algae grows so thick it makes the water look like pea soup, it's called an algal bloom.

Algal blooms commonly occur during calm, hot weather in areas of lakes and reservoirs where the water is slow moving and rich in nutrients.

An algal bloom can last as long as two or three weeks and may actually be pushed around the lake or reservoir by the wind.

Murray Hilderman of Saskatchewan Environment says dying and decomposing alga occasionally reduce the oxygen level in shallow water bodies so much that it sometimes kills fish.

"Because these factors vary from year to year and from one lake to another, it is difficult to predict when an algal bloom will occur, except to say that they are more prevalent from June to mid September," says Environment's Hilderman.

"Unfortunately, this coincides with our most active season for outdoor recreation, and because floating or shoreline algal masses aren't nice to look at, people often complain about the appearance and color of the water during summer months."

Environment's Hilderman also says although many types of harmless algae can create blooms, blue-green algae are of greater concern because they can be toxic.

"Blue-green algae contains toxins which can be released into the water when the cells are stressed, rupture or die," explains Hilderman.

"When ingested in large quantities these toxins are powerful enough to kill livestock and pets. Humans may also be affected by swimming in blue-green algae. Possible symptoms in humans include skin reactions, sore throat, nausea, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea."

Environment's Hilderman says without a microscope it's hard to tell whether the algae is blue-green or a harmless type, so people should avoid areas of a lake that have an algae bloom. Children should be supervised to make sure they don't drink the water and alternative water sources should be provided for livestock and pets.

If someone is looking for more information about algae or algae blooms they can contact any office of Saskatchewan Environment.

For more information contact;

Murray Hilderman
Environmental Sciences Section
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-6181
mhilderman@serm.gov.sk.ca

or

Art Jones
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-5796
(306) 536-8452 (cell)
ajones@serm.gov.sk.ca

Using Plants To Help Keep The Environment Clean

by Art Jones

It has got a big name and an intriguing potential.

It's called phytoremediation and it basically means using green and growing things, such as plants and trees, to help clean up the environment.

Research shows that plants can be used to clean up many kinds of pollution including metals, pesticides, explosives and oil.

Phytoremediation works by using the natural ability trees and plants have to draw water and nutrients out of the soil. When the roots of a plant or tree draw in water or nutrients from polluted soil, streams or ground water they also draw in the pollution. Once inside the plant or tree the pollutant is either stored in the roots, stems or leaves; changed into less harmful chemicals or changed into gases that are released into the atmosphere as the plant breathes.

Phytoremediation can also take place even if the pollutants are not taken in through the roots. For example, pollutants may stick or "sorb" to plant roots. Or they can be changed into less harmful substances by bugs or microbes that live near the roots through a process called bioremediation.

Plants can also be used to help stop wind, rain and groundwater from carrying pollution into other areas.

"This is an intriguing area of scientific research," says Dr. Rory McIntosh of Saskatchewan Environment. "We already know that some plants growing in Saskatchewan, such as red fescue and poplar trees, can remove pollutants from the soil and water. But there are still questions that need to be answered. For example, insects and animals may eat the plants used for phytoremediation. It needs to be determined if they will be harmed or whether they will harm larger animals that may eat them. In general, there is no known threat to humans as long as they don't eat the plants."

Phytoremediation is being tested in several areas in North America and research is being carried out at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

"One of things being looked at is the time it takes to clean up a site using phytoremediation," says Environment's McIntosh.

"Because cleanup time is related to the type and number of plants used, the types of pollutants, size and depth of the polluted area and soil conditions, phytoremediation can take years. Plants that have reached maturity are harvested and destroyed or recycled, if the pollutant stored in the plant can be re-used. Usually trees are left to grow and are not harvested."

Environment's McIntosh says the beauty of phytoremediation is that it takes advantage of natural processes, which requires less labour, less equipment and reduces the chances of workers coming in contact with a pollutant. And to top it off, says Environment's McIntosh, the plants and trees look a lot nicer than an area that has been processed using heavy
equipment.

For more information contact:

Rory McIntosh
Forest Entomologist
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 953-3617
rmcintosh@serm.gov.sk.ca

Or

Art Jones
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Environment
(306) 787-5796
(306) 536-8452 (cell)
ajones@serm.gov.sk.ca

Extending Grazing Season Through PC Rye in South West not Conclusive

source: Farm and Food Report

In agronomy, as in anything else, often you just don’t know until you try.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Dr. Alan Iwaasa and his colleagues wanted to evaluate the feasibility of using perennial cereal (PC) rye and spring planted spring and winter triticale intercrop as a way to improve pasture yields, distribution and animal performance, and to extend the grazing season compared to Russian wildrye.

They also wanted to evaluate the influence that agronomic practices, such as grazing and haying, have on forage production, persistence and economic returns.

“In the South West, we struggle with issues of winter hardiness and stand persistence,” Dr. Iwaasa says. “Perennial cereal rye has been developed as a forage crop, with the hope that it could be grazed for three to four years before it had to be reseeded and become the variety that would allow cattle producers to get that much more growth out of their pastures.”

The real question was: how would it hold up to local growing conditions? Dr. Iwassa’s study was conducted on six pastures at the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre (SPARC) near Swift Current.

“The study took place between 2001 and 2004. It turned out to be quite a challenge. We had a drought in 2001. We also had a wet year. In the end, results showed that PC rye’s ability to establish itself on dryland conditions and survive over winter in southwest Saskatchewan is very dependent upon seeding date. We just don’t get that great a snow cover in this part of the province.”

Planting PC rye in mid-August or early September may ensure maximum winter hardiness, while planting in mid-July may significantly lower winter hardiness.

The fact remains that agronomic and economic results do not support the use of PC rye as an alternative pasture source in place of annual cereal or perennial grass production systems in southwestern Saskatchewan.

“Now we know. The unfortunate thing is that we did not have that information before. We had to go through the research process. We now move to other aspects. With the inability of PC rye to consistently provide three to four years of production and the uncertainty with its ability to handle grazing stresses, there is the need for further evaluation and research before this forage crop can be recommended for use in southwest Saskatchewan in place of other forage sources.”

For more information, contact:

Dr. Alan Iwaasa
Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre (SPARC)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(306) 778-7251

Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre (CSIDC) Annual Field Day to Look at Past, Present and Future of Irrigation

source: Farm and Food Report

Embracing the “Wealth from Water — Past, Present and Future” theme, the Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre (CSIDC) Annual Field Day and Trade Show promises quite an experience this year on July 14 in Outlook.

John Linsley is Manager of Irrigation Development at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

“We will focus on the past to celebrate the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration’s (PFRA) 70th anniversary year. The CSIDC, Gardiner Dam, Lake Diefenbaker and 26 reservoirs in the South West are all part of those 70 years of creating wealth from water.”

In exploring the present, the CSIDC Field Day will also show how high value irrigated cropping practices continue to create wealth from water. Guests will be able to take in the trade show “under the tent,” where agri-businesses, industry and public sector support organizations will have displays.

On the tour, irrigation technology projects will include various irrigation systems and a solar powered centre-pivot, as well as trickle irrigation demonstrations.

“New improved potato varieties will be viewed, including agronomic refinements for seed, processing, and table potato production. High-value vegetables are also part of the program, including tips for season extension to grow warm season veggies. There will be stops at the native fruit orchard, and strawberry crown production will also be looked at.”

The visit will include a study of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as agronomic refinements for commercial production.

“On other fronts, corn production for grain and silage; pulse crops like dry bean, field pea, soybean; forages featuring timothy improvement and management; and best management practices for forage production, mixed forages and annual cereal forages like barley, oat and Triticale will also be looked at.”

Oilseeds such as canola, flax, sunflower; and cereals, which will include various market classes of wheat, will also be featured.

Looking to the future, the Field Day will take a look at Saskatchewan Agrivision Corporation’s 50-Year Water Plan for Saskatchewan, according to Linsley.

“The Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) recommended that Saskatchewan adopt an aggressive policy towards irrigation development, that both expands utilization of the current irrigation system and looks at further development in order to open new areas for diversified agricultural growth.

“In the same vein, the Canada Saskatchewan Water Supply Expansion Program is funding irrigation infill and expansion feasibility studies. As water becomes more precious, future water needs are becoming more pressing. This is where the CSIDC comes in.”

The CSIDC is a partnership between the provincial and federal governments and irrigation industry farmers seeking crop diversification, new production efficiencies and avenues for the betterment of agricultural irrigation practices in Saskatchewan.

For more information, contact:

John Linsley
Manager of Irrigation Development
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 867-5527

Biodiesel Likely to Fuel More Vehicles in the Future

source: Farm and Food Report

It may be a small step, but it is a significant one.

Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert’s “Dialogue with Saskatchewan” bus will operate on a biodiesel blend during the annual tour of Saskatchewan, thanks to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, Milligan Biotech, and Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan.

Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan is an offspring of Fleet Challenge Canada, a national program that encourages continuous improvement in energy efficiency and emissions reduction, through partnerships with organizations committed to reducing greenhouse gases from on-road transportation fleets.

Dave Kutcher is Manager of Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan.

“The program receives core funding from Natural Resources Canada, and encourages fleets – such as the Crown fleets of SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, Saskatchewan Transportation Company, the cities of Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon and, provincial government departments such as Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation, Environment and, Highways and Transportation to make changes and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Biodiesel is an easy means to reduce GHG emissions, with additional benefits such as better lubricity, high cetane and virtually no sulphur.”

Initiatives are also being targeted at the school bus fleets and forestry hauling operations in the Province.

John Buchan is Bio Products Co-ordinator at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

“The recently created Biodiesel Development Task Force is mandated to develop and provide recommendations to the Government of Saskatchewan for the development of the biodiesel industry, and to determine the current status of the biodiesel industry and its potential for the province.

“The Task Force wants to engage in initiatives that would further the industry, and one way we identified to do that is to demonstrate the use of biodiesel fuel within the province. So, SAF provided a grant to Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan to demonstrate biodiesel in the Premier’s bus.”

Biodiesel can be made from canola oil, although it could also be made from mustard oil or any vegetable oil, or even animal fat. Milligan Biotech of Foam Lake and Saskatoon Diesel Services are two Saskatchewan companies currently looking to develop biodiesel production, according to Buchan.

Research funded by Western Economic Diversification, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association at the University of Saskatchewan measured fuel economy, engine wear and performance with biodiesel, and provided encouraging results.

Tests conducted with City of Saskatoon transit vehicles have shown a definite improvement in fuel efficiency, largely because biodiesel increases lubricity, resulting in lower friction within the engine. We can expect to see more biodiesel in the future, thanks to this initiative.

Fleet Challenge Canada, primarily funded by Natural Resources Canada, is a two-and-a-half year program spearheaded by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance – Transport, with five participating provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.

Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan is delivered by the Saskatchewan Office of Energy Conservation.

For more information, contact:

Dave Kutcher
Fleet Challenge Saskatchewan
(306) 545-1434

John Buchan
Bio Products Co-ordinator
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-5687

East Central Pasture Week Brings Sound Ideas

source: Farm and Food Report

Nothing beats seeing for yourself how other producer groups do it.

With this in mind, three of East Central Saskatchewan’s most forward thinking pasture initiatives will be on display for interested producers from July 18 to 20 in the region.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) Livestock Agrologist Naomi Paley is one of the organizers of East Central Pasture Week.

“In essence, this will be our second annual pasture week, which will consist of three consecutive days of half-day pasture field days held throughout the East Central region. The days are a combined effort between SAF, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Ducks Unlimited and the Technical Assistance Component of the Greencover Program.”

These events are also made possible with the co-operation of local producer groups at each of the field day sites. Rotational grazing systems will be on display, and all topics pertinent to pasture management will be covered at each of the sites.

“The main focus of the pasture week is to promote better awareness among local producers regarding some best management practices when dealing with livestock in a pasture situation,” says Paley.

On July 18, participants will be able to take in the District 13 ADD Board Pasture, located five miles east of Esterhazy on Highway 22, then south on Hazel Cliff road for four miles, and east for a mile.

On July 19, activities will take place at the Beaverdale Beef Club Pasture, 23 miles west of Yorkton on Highway 52 and six miles south on the Fenwood grid road.

On July 20, the Sunrise Cattle Corporation Pasture will be featured, 24 miles east of Yorkton on Highway 10 to Wroxten and 6.5 miles south on Highway 80.

“This is a community cow-calf herd, which is fairly unique,” explains Paley. “A group of producers have purchased a uniform type of cattle and are working towards eventually finishing their own calves and marketing directly to a slaughtering plant. So, they are working together strategically.”

In addition, the three days are being used as an invitation to producers from out province—namely Alberta—to come to the region and check out what Saskatchewan has to offer to the livestock industry.

“The Last Cattle Frontier group has been working to attract ranchers to the East Central region for four years now. They have sent out over 200 invitations to the Pasture Week to contacts they have made in Alberta over the past several years. This effort is really about following up with some of the people who showed interest in moving to the East Central region and offering them a chance to come out to see what the land, the people and the communities are all about.”

For more information on the Last Cattle Frontier, visit: www.lastcattlefrontier.

To find out more about the East Central Saskatchewan Pasture Week, call (306) 786-1509.

For more information, contact :

Naomi D. Paley, BSA, Pag
Livestock Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 786-1509

Zero Till Crop Field Day Promises Range of Demonstrations

source: Farm and Food Report

The Indian Head Agriculture Research Foundation (IHARF) is getting ready to put on one of its most diversified offerings yet on July 19, to celebrate zero till practices once again through a number of research plot tours.

Judy McKell is a spokesperson for the group.

“We will have tours at the Indian Head experimental farm and at other sites off the farm, as well, where participants will have a chance to compare the impact of zero till crop management practices on long-term plots, as well as on shorter term sites, so they can look at the differences in factors like soil quality.”

On-site tours will include briefings by Dr. Guy Lafond on winter wheat agronomy, post-emergent nitrogen studies and the effect of legumes in rotation on nitrous oxide emissions. Bill May of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will share findings on oilseeds adaptations and minor use trials, while Dr. Grant McLeod, also of AAFC, will provide an update on rye varieties and the ecological variety development of native grasses.

Off-site tours will include interpretations by the University of Saskatchewan’s Dr. Jeff Schoenau on the benefits of long-term zero tillage on soil quality. AAFC’s Eric Johnson will discuss approaches to long-term management of Canada thistle and dandelion, and IHARF’s Hilary Hunter will comment on the effects of zero tillage on nitrous oxide emissions.

“Keep in mind that this field day is accredited for continuing education credits toward the Certified Crop Advisor program,” McKell points out.

This year’s Field Day is actually a joint event held in collaboration with the Canaryseed Association of Canada.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Ray McVicar speaks for the organization.

“We will use the event to update growers about the proposed canaryseed check-off at a meeting in the afternoon, and we will visit some of the plots and get the latest information on canaryseed research prior to that, with Bill May among others. We certainly welcome this field day opportunity at Indian Head.”

The field day starts with registration form 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., and the cost is $25. Please pre-register by July 15.

For more information about IHARF or to register for the Zero Till Crop Management Field Day, call IHARF at (306) 695-4200 or visit: www.iharf.ca.

For more information, contact:

Judy McKell
Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation
(306) 695-4200

Ray McVicar
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4665

Borden's Delloy Pasta Makes Old-Fashioned Mennonite Noodles

source: Farm and Food Report

Charmaine and Bill Golding had been busy farming half a mile north of Borden, until Charmaine’s aunt and uncle introduced them to the pasta business in 2000.

“They had been making and selling pasta for five years,” explains Bill, “and they wanted to sell us the business. Charmaine’s family had a Mennonite background. This was a homemade-type pasta—as close to the original Mennonite taste as can be, according to a local expert on the matter.”

Bill and Charmaine thus acquired Prairie Pasta, and turned the company into Delloy Pasta, a home-based, family-operated business that makes great tasting, old-fashioned egg noodles.

If you enjoyed the homemade noodles that your grandmother used to make, you'll love this pasta. They make six different products.

“Our most popular is a fine noodle, great for chicken noodle soup from scratch, or for spaghetti dishes. We also make a broad noodle, used for casseroles, and also for soups. Kielke, a special German noodle, is a favourite for some. We make two kinds of pre-packaged, family-size soups. These come with seasoning, and no MSG is added.”

The original owners perfected the recipes, according to Bill.

“They mentored us through the process. We buy all our durum flour from stores, and we operate out of a portable classroom at the farm. Our products are sold in approximately 60 stores, nursing homes and restaurants, or they can be purchased directly from us. They are available for fundraisers, as well.”

Business is booming, and things are about to change significantly for Bill and Charmaine.

“The town wanted us to set up a shop in Borden,” explains Bill. “We acquired a lot in town right on the Yellowhead Highway - we’ll have great visibility. They made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. The foundations have already been poured and the building should be framed by July 15. In theory, by the end of August, we should be all set up and ready to go as a Saskatchewan Made store, plus a pasta plant.”

This is a big move for them and their product. Prior to this, they made the pasta, dried it on the drying rack, and packaged it on another table in 454-gram bags in the portable classroom at the farm.

“Now we will also sell other products made by members of the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association. We are also developing a microwaveable pasta dish with Alfredo sauce. We learned to make it by trial and error when we prepared samples for the trade shows we attended. Our customers told us we should also sell the sauce. We listened,” admits Bill.

Delloy Pasta is on a roll. He loves it.

“We make the deliveries to our retailers ourselves. We have developed a route in and around Saskatoon. We also ship throughout the province by bus. Hockey, soccer and skating clubs love the product for fundraising. We even have a yacht club in British Columbia among our clients.

“You see, I used to work in a bank during the 1970s. I missed the contact with the people. We have met some great storeowners since we started in this business. We start work very early in the morning—around 5:00 a.m. - and we work six to seven days a week, but now we wouldn’t do anything else. The best thing is that this is something we can do together, Charmaine and I.”

For more information, contact:

Bill Golding
Delloy Pasta
(306) 997-2227

Seager Wheeler's Canola Day to Have Biodiesel Theme

source: Farm and Food Report

The 2005 edition of Canola Day at Seager Wheeler National Historic Farm on July 7^th promises to bring all guests up to speed not only in terms of canola production, but also in terms of its potential as biodiesel fuel, according to Farm Manager Brian Weightman.

“Biodiesel is attracting a lot of attention because of its potential as a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic renewable resources. It contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition or diesel engines with little or no modifications.”

Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. It is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources, and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar.

Canola Day will feature a presentation on the topic, as well as a field tour of some of the plots used for research on oil and oil content.

The topics will also include: timing of canola swathing, economic thresholds of diseases in canola, economic threshold of insects in canola, and seeding trends with seeding comparatives of 13 of the latest direct seeding tools.

“We will have industry people on hand to elaborate on these subjects and issues. They will talk about new developments and different maturity requirements of canola varieties, as timing is so crucial to maximizing financial returns on investment, given the current price paid for canola on the world market.”

The host site for Canola Day is a farm that is being restored to its condition of 1919. At this farm, Seager Wheeler grew the grain that won him five different World Wheat Championships between 1911 and 1918. During Canola Day, attendees can visit the restored Seed Cleaning Plant and see the equipment - some of it built by Mr. Wheeler - restored to operating condition, as well as learn about cropping innovation in modern agriculture, including direct seeding.

For more information on Canola Day, call (306) 232-5959.

For more information, contact:

Brian Weightman
Farm Manager
Seager Wheeler Farm National Historic Site
(306) 232-5959

Insecticide Applications Warrant Special Health Precautions

source: Farm and Food Report

As the crop season progresses, the number of pest control products or pesticides applied by those farmers who choose to use them increases, according to Saskatchewan Provincial Pest Control Specialist Cameron Wilk.

“Intensified growth means more crop management concerns. Pesticides are an umbrella category that can be further broken down according to the end use for which they are developed. Herbicides are the most common pesticide in Saskatchewan —helping crop producers manage weed populations.”

Foliar fungicides target fungal pathogens. Seed treatments are another type where the seed itself is treated to prevent plant diseases. Rodenticides manage rodent populations, while insecticides target insect infestations. Pesticide users should bear in mind that variety in the range of pesticide applications is accompanied by a corresponding range of safety concerns, Wilk points out.

“In general terms, herbicides are a relatively safe, low risk type of pesticide, while certain rodenticides and insecticides are higher risk pesticides. Compounding these risks, the amount of insecticides applied in any one season is highly variable, depending on a number of conditions that influence insect outbreaks.”

For instance, orange wheat blossom midge, bertha armyworm, diamondback moth, grasshoppers and aphids all have the potential to become a concern every year. Correspondingly, Lorsban, Pyrinex, Monitor and Eco Bran are common trade names of insecticides that may then be applied to eliminate these insects. These are organophosphorus and/or carbamate insecticides. Exposure to these chemical substances can cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) or hematopoietic (blood) systems.

Decis and Ripcord are common pyrethroid insecticides with their own unique safety concerns. Exposure to these chemical substances can affect the endocrine system, which is comprised of the organs and glands that secrete hormones.

“Each of these insecticides may be rapidly absorbed through the skin, lungs and gut,” explains Wilk. “Their acute toxic affects may be noticed within minutes or hours, depending on the exposure. Farmers or commercial pesticide applicators who are exposed to a number of small doses over the course of a growing season may quickly develop toxic symptoms due to the cumulative effect of each exposure.”

The organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides will influence the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Signs and symptoms from overexposure are similar and may vary in severity for products in the same chemical family.

“Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticide symptoms may resemble influenza, while pyrethroid insecticide symptoms may cause asthmatic reactions, eye or respiratory tract irritation, along with skin sensitization.

“It is very important to be informed before undertaking the application of insecticides or entering into areas treated with insecticides for monitoring purposes. There are easy ways to learn about the safe use of any insecticide or other agricultural chemical,” adds Wilk.

Users should read the product or container label, as it shows the name of the product and the company that manufactured it, along with a mention that a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available. It will also include hazard symbols; brief risk information; precautionary and first aid measures.

Chemical suppliers are required by law to provide the MSDS information sheet upon request for any product they sell. An MSDS gives detailed information about the chemical and its ingredients, health hazards, first aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage instructions, and recommended personal protective equipment.

The use of personal protective equipment plays a significant role in mitigating the risks associated with insecticide application. Local farm supply dealers stock some personal protective equipment. Suppliers are always listed under “Industrial Equipment and Supplies” or “Safety” in the yellow pages of your telephone directory. To search on-line, enter “Canadian suppliers of personal protective equipment ” into your search engine’s subject box.

“Applicators who are buying a chemical cartridge respirator should shop around to be sure they get a good facial fit and the right cartridge for the job,” Wilk recommends. “The use of gauntlet-style PVC gloves; goggles; chemical-resistant hard hats and PVC aprons; disposable Tyvek coveralls and tractor cab-filter may also be advisable.”

The best safety tool when working with pesticides is water. Keep a tank of clean water available in the field or on your equipment when applying pesticides. Use it for handwashing or for washing yourself in the case of a spill or a splash. If chemicals get on your skin or in your eyes, flush immediately with water.

Proper protection against chemicals is worth the time and expense, as it helps avoid the short-term and more serious long-term health problems that any pesticide may cause. For more information, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

For more information, contact:

Cameron Wilk
Provincial Pest Control Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-2195

New Findings on Grazing Annual Spring Cereals

source: Farm and Food Report

It was a question for which there was no definite answer.

Should livestock producers grow annual cereals for feed and graze their cattle throughout the season, or should they just grow the cereals to the milk or soft dough stage, cut them and swath graze or bale them?

Now, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food has the answer. “There is more dry matter yield per acre in waiting to the soft dough stage before cutting. For years, we didn’t know the answer. We assumed it amounted to more or less the same yield,” Rangeland and Forage Agrologist Lorne Klein says.

In the summer of 2003, simulated grazing forage yields were collected from the Cool Season and Warm Season Annuals Forage Trial plots at Redvers and Indian Head. Annual spring cereals, which are seeded in spring, are one of the forage options available to livestock producers.

“Generally, there are two methods of harvesting a spring seeded spring cereal,” explains Klein. “Either the crop can be grazed in the vegetative stage two to four times during the summer, or the crop can be allowed to develop to the milk/soft dough stage and cut once. After cutting, the windrow can be baled, chopped for silage, or left in the field for swath grazing.”

Producers have questioned whether the cumulative dry matter yield of multiple grazing is similar to the single cut dry matter yield at the milk/soft dough stage. Saskatchewan research comparing dry matter yields of the two harvest options was not available. Research from Alberta from 1981-1983 had shown that simulated grazing yields are significantly less than single cut yields.

Research conducted in Saskatchewan in 2003 showed that simulated grazing yield of the cool season crops (oats, barley) averaged 59 per cent of the single cut greenfeed yield. Further to that, the simulated grazing yield of the warm season crops (Golden German, Siberian Red, Strain R German, White Wonder) averaged 51 per cent of the single cut greenfeed yield.

Tests were conducted again in 2004. Results indicated that simulated grazing of cool season crops yielded 50 per cent of the single cut at the milk/soft dough stage, while simulated grazing of warm season crops yielded 45 per cent of the single cut.

“We found that there was considerably less dry matter yield in the simulated multiple grazing plots, whereas on the plots where we waited an extra 35 days before harvesting the cereals, the yield far outweighed that.”

Klein believes producers are going to think twice about seeding annuals to graze their cattle in the future.

Given the magnitude of the differences, producers wishing to graze annuals should consider allowing the crop to reach the greenfeed stage, and then windrow and swath graze.

Of course, harvesting costs and feed quality of simulated grazing and greenfeed need to be factored against the expected yield differences.

For more information, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

For more information, contact:

Lorne Klein
Rangeland and Forage Agrologist
(306) 848-2382

Better Farming Through Environmental Farm Planning

source: Farm and Food Report

Identifying management practices that help reduce environmental risks in agricultural operations is made more accessible with the recently unveiled Environmental Farm Plan Program, according to Shelanne Wiles Longley, Coordinator for Saskatchewan at the Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversification Boards (PCAB).

“Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are voluntary, confidential, self-assessment tools used by agriculture producers to raise awareness about and identify environmental risks and opportunities on their operation. As part of their EFP, producers will develop their own action plans with technical advice and assistance offered under the provisions of the national Agricultural Policy Framework.”

Every province has its own EFP initiative. In Saskatchewan, the Provincial Council of ADD Boards will deliver the EFP program.

“The creation of EFPs involves two workshops and a peer review,” explains Wiles Longley. “We contracted 11 facilitators, all people who are directly related to agriculture. Participants are provided with a workbook to carry out a self-assessment for their operation’s strengths and weaknesses. The producers then develop a management action plan to identify management practices that help minimize environmental risks.”

The self-assessment is completed at home. Once completed, producers attend the second workshop, where the action plan is finalized before going to peer review for endorsement.

“Once their EFP has been endorsed, agricultural producers become eligible for funding to implement actions identified in their plan through the Canada Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program that is administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Another benefit is that it gives the producer a renewed awareness of environmental issues, while promoting environmental stewardship.”

Wiles Longley even sees advantages in terms of marketing of agriculture products, as consumers increasingly are concerned about how the food they eat is grown or raised.

“It adds to the prosperity and security which is crucial to agriculture’s success as an industry.”

Under the EFP program in Saskatchewan, about 600 producers have had plans endorsed and have therefore become eligible for funding, says Wiles Longley.

“We feel producers are responding well so far. The majority of producers genuinely feel that this is a good program — they truly are concerned about environmental practices in their operations. Overall, the attitude is very positive.”

Wiles Longley stresses that the process is a voluntary one, carried out in confidence. Every producer is assigned a unique ID number. Therefore, the only people who know the identity of participants are the facilitator and the producer himself or herself.

“Producers tend to engage in this process with a positive outlook, knowing that becoming more aware of the environmental issues will benefit their farms for the long term. That is sometimes the best selling feature,” concludes Wiles Longley.

For more information on the EFP Program, call (306) 955-5477 or visit the PCAB website at: http://www.saskpcab.com/efp.html

For more information, contact:

Shelanne Wiles Longley, A.Ag.
EFP Program Coordinator
Provincial Council of ADD Boards
(306) 955-5477

Trust and Spirit of Partnership Key to Hay Shares that Work

source: Farm and Food Report

In today’s agricultural practices, a spirit of collaboration is sometimes what most increases efficiencies and contributes to mutual prosperity.

Established hay shares and the process that leads to them perhaps best illustrates this overarching principle.

Farmers often purchase standing hay from landowners because they need hay and have the equipment to cut it, while a landowner may have the standing hay but not the resources to bring it in.

The settlement may be made to the landowner as rent per acre or per ton, or the landlord may receive a share of the hay harvested. The settlement should relate to the quality of the hay, size of fields, yield per acre and condition of the field. Local market conditions are a primary factor in determining values.

The contributions approach, the cost approach and the income approach are procedures that can be used as guidelines to determine shares or a value for standing hay.

“The contributions approach recognizes the value that each participant provides,” says Richard Wharton, Production Economics Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. “The land owner covers investment cost and taxes, and usually the reseeding and maybe the fertilizer. The operator provides the machinery, fuel, labour, repairs, etc. The hay produced is then divided in the same proportion as the contribution.

“In the case of the purchaser, this might mean things like the fuel costs, the use and maintenance of the machinery,” says Wharton. “From that list, a total percentage of respective contributions is established and used in determining shares or a value for standing hay.”

For instance, with a calculated contributions ratio of 35:65, the hay purchaser could supply 35 per cent of the hay to the landlord.

“These arrangements are fairly common and can range from 1/3 to1/2 going to the landlord.” explains Wharton, “and they should already be in place as the time for the first cut nears.”

Hay share partners are encouraged to put their agreement on paper in detail and to specify things like dates by which hay should be taken off the field in order to avoid interpretive differences on both sides.

“If the landowner wishes to be paid out for his share of the deal, the date of payment should also be specified in this document,” adds Wharton.

“If it is later in the season and the price of hay becomes known, cost can also be used to set up hay shares,” adds André Bonneau, Forage Conversion Specialist with SAF. “For example, if hay is valued at $60.00 per ton, the landlord would receive $21.00 per ton, which represents 35 per cent of $60.00. The two parties should also work in some kind of risk adjustment, and factor in perhaps five per cent to compensate in case it rains considerably on the swath.”

A sense of fairness and partnership should govern any hay shares arrangement. According to Richard Wharton, that is not always the case.

“If a landlord should get a share of the hay, both parties should ensure that quality of the hay is taken into account in order to avoid the landlord getting the hay that has been laying under rain after the operator has picked up and stacked his share. In principle, this might mean that every third bale goes out to the landowner. In practice, it might translate into a gentleman’s agreement to allocate hay fairly, which might also be stipulated in the agreement on paper.”

There are always lessons to learn when crafting agreements and entering into partnerships like the establishment of hay shares. Laying out clearly the respective contributions of both parties and the terms of the agreement is the best way to ensure their longevity.

For more information about hay shares, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

For more information, contact:

Richard Wharton
Production Economics Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 694-3482

André Bonneau
Forage Conversion Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 694-3721

Forage Field Day Showcases Sustanability

source: Farm and Food Report

Prince Albert’s Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) has made a habit of featuring new developments on farm-scale soil and water conservation technology since 1993.

The CLC Forage Field Day on June 28 promises to be just as revealing, according to Manager Laurie Hayes.

“This is a research and demonstration facility used for the evaluation and applicability of new research and technology. The CLC is located on 800 acres of land (457 owned; 343 rented) 18 km south of Prince Albert in the Parkland Region of Saskatchewan. In addition to 600 acres of cultivated, annually cropped land, the CLC has areas dedicated to forage production, dense nesting cover, shelterbelts, a shelterbelt garden, a woodlot, riparian areas, herbs and a nature trail,” says Hayes.

“Every year, we have between 30 and 50 projects — some are long-term and some are annual. This year, we highlight new varieties that include new legumes and grasses, as well as turnips and corn for grazing.”

The new forage varieties featured include PC perennial rye, New Hy RS wheatgrass and switchgrass, for which the CLC is engaged in a collaborative ethanol straw fermentation project.

The CLC features rolling topography, wetlands and remnant native upland areas rather than the very uniform landscapes characteristic of most research facilities. Because of the variable topography and emphasis on field scale activities, many scientists from federal, provincial, university and private research institutions undertake work at the Centre.

As well, the CLC has continued strong support from 25 to 30 agencies and corporations that participate in demonstration and research activities on the farm.

“Our annual crop ‘projects’ are field scale, with the forage demonstrations smaller, usually less than 10 acres in size. We use the same type and size of agricultural equipment to do this as producers themselves. We direct seed all our forages into standing stubble, whereas other operations might prepare the land the old-fashioned way.”

The CLC hosts between three and nine tours annually for local, regional, provincial, national and international producers, researchers and industry representatives, as well as extension personnel.

“Our Forage Field Days targets mixed farmers and livestock producers. We will tour sites on and near the CLC farm, and the representatives of each initiative and crop variety can interpret their own findings to participants. We will also be having discussions on fertility and weed control in forages.”

The CLC has a plan to attract new attendees – consumers – to future field days, says Hayes. “For our Canola Field Day, a nutritionist will talk about the value of canola and flax products to our health – with samples on hand to taste as part of the exercise. Because our approach is very hands on, we find this is an excellent way to communicate with our audiences.”

The Conservation Learning Centre is part of the Agri-ARM (Applied Research Management) network supported by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. To find out more about the CLC and its activities, visit: http://www.conservationlearningcentre.com/index.html

For more information, contact:

Laurie Hayes
Manager, Saskatchewan Conservation Learning Centre
(306) 953-2796