Rejuvenation Options for Seeded Pastures and Haylands

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

What producers should do when yields from seeded pastures or haylands naturally decline after the first few years need not be as dramatic as one might expect, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Forage Development Specialist Al Foster.

"In older stands, the reduction in yield is often a result of a loss of the seeded species. The resulting low forage production may be related to pasture management.

"Overgrazing, too frequent cutting, and grazing too early can all result in weakened pasture and hay stands," Foster says. "There are solutions to counter the effects of this phenomenon and options to improve production."

Tame forage stands that still have a good proportion of seeded species can be improved immediately by fertilization, explains Foster. "Grass pastures will respond well to nitrogen, whereas alfalfa haylands can be improved with phosphorus and sulphur. Other nutrients may also be limiting yield, so a balancing fertilizer application guided by a soil test is recommended."

Fertilizing can be done late this fall or early next spring. The profitability of fertilization is very dependant on soil moisture, the price of fertilizer and the value of the cattle or hay.

Other rejuvenation options, such as aeration, sod seeding and overseeding of legumes into grass stands, have also been tried with varying levels of success.

"Aeration has been tried in a number of demonstration projects in the Parkland region of the province, but has not resulted in significant yield increases," explains Foster. "On the other hand, sod seeding has worked where the existing vegetation has been killed with glyphosate prior to seeding, and in instances where suitable sod seeding equipment was used."

Foster points out that overseeding with a legume, such as alfalfa or sweet clover, onto existing pastures has resulted in some legume establishment in projects in the northeast during years when spring moisture has been plentiful. However, this approach was unsuccessful during dry years.

The final option that most producers should consider is to break and reseed the stand.

"This option is suitable for seeded pastures that have become weedy and have lost most of the desirable seeded species from the stand. On the down side, this is an expensive solution, but it is the surest way to re-establish tame forage.

"Once new pasture has been established, it is important to manage the stand properly to maintain its productivity as long as possible."

These are all viable options for tame forage stands. Keep in mind that, to improve native pasture, rest is usually what is needed most. "Lengthening the time between grazing and delaying turnout in the spring will increase the vigour and condition of native pastures," concludes Foster.

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

For more information, contact:

Al Foster
Forage Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 878-8890

Saskatoon's Berry Barn: As Close to Perfect as Agritourism Gets

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

On a busy day-at the height of the season-as many as 800 people per day show up at The Berry Barn.

Within three seconds of a visitor walking in, someone will greet him or her. That is the pledge Grant Erlandson and his wife Nathalie make to themselves. It is just the way they do business.

"We have this incredible location just south of Saskatoon that overlooks the South Saskatchewan River," says Grant. "We have a magnificent 27-acre orchard of saskatoon berry bushes right by the water. During picking season, which starts in late June or early July, we offer fresh berries for purchase-already picked and sorted. We also have a U-Pick area, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during picking season.

"We harvest between 22,000 and 28,000 pounds of saskatoons each year-all hand picked and graded by up to 80 pickers during the busiest times. At the Barn itself, we employ around 50 people during peak season and about 25 during slower times."

The big red wooden barn houses a 100-seat restaurant. When they use all their facilities, they can accommodate up to 400 guests at a time for weddings and corporate events.

"The Berry Barn Eatery serves Mennonite cuisine, including dishes like perogies, cabbage rolls, as well as a mushroom and cheddar chowder. Of course, there is also saskatoon pie with ice cream on the menu."

The family acquired the Berry Barn in 1997 with the idea to build on what was there before, explains Grant.

"We have tried to introduce new ways for our customers to enjoy the Barn and its surroundings, while maintaining the original vision of The Berry Barn as a place to get away from it all in a unique country setting."

Well, it seems to be working for them. Flowers at The Berry Barn have become a tradition. The Berry Barn's family-run greenhouse is open from May to July, when it is filled with hangers and planters.

"We carry all varieties of bedding plants, herbs, perennials, proven winner plants, geraniums, Martha Washingtons, non-stop begonias and many other plant varieties," says Grant. "New to The Berry Barn are fresh Saskatchewan grown vegetables, available from July to December. We offer gifts and souvenirs, including a full line of saskatoon preserves and fudge made in the Barn's kitchens, as well as exclusive saskatoon items such as candles, scented soaps, lotions, chocolates and teas."

Did we mention that the family excels at marketing?

"Our gift baskets, filled with saskatoon preserves and chocolates, feature our special little mascot, Tomi, and are perfect for any occasion. We hope you will find just the right item to remember your visit with us."

That is your invitation: the Berry Barn awaits you.

For more information, contact:

Grant Erlandson
The Berry Barn
(306) 978-9797
http://www.theberrybarn.com

Neudorf Woman Passionate about Rural Saskatchewan

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Lisa Ross acquired a two-storey 1915 residence some time ago. She knocked down a few walls inside and opened up Cooper's General Store. This was her way to declare allegiance to her hometown of Neudorf.

"Out here in rural Saskatchewan, we always hear about the struggles to keep our towns going in the face of rural depopulation, and about the rural economy going by the wayside. Well, you know, we are making it! That is a story worth telling too, isn't it?"

Neudorf may be a bit off the beaten track as far as the main tourism trails go, but there is plenty that keeps it going regardless, according to Ross.

"We are right on Highway 22 and we get many visitors stopping by. When tourists travel to Motherwell Homestead National Historic site, which is just 20 minutes away, often I notice in these travelers the urge to just keep exploring. This brings them to us. They are surprised to see that there is a town here with 320 residents who earn an honest living and who have access to quite a few resources.

"We run a full line of groceries with the meat counter and the frozen foods sections; we have a community hall; a curling and a skating rink; and a school with kindergarten to grade six."

Ross is so convinced of the sustainability of her town that she converted a one-car garage on the side of the store and opened up a restaurant that serves home-cooked meals to anyone who happens to come by. It's called the Chicken Coop Café.

"Maybe it takes a little bit of traveling to make one realize how good a life we have out here. I'm from Neudorf, but I left for six years to travel and I went to Europe-Amsterdam and Germany among other places-and I came back. My dad was still here. This is a great place to raise kids. There is a freedom out here that is simply priceless."

Ross believes that all it takes to succeed is just a little determination, hard work and good staff, which are readily available in Neudorf. You don't necessarily need a lot of money, she says.

"I have met people from all over the world in Neudorf. They stop because the place looks different. We painted the store light sky blue with bright red trim. There is an East Coast feeling to it. We built a patio in the cattle-corral style to give our guests a bit of privacy, and we keep decent hours: from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m."

Ross wants to share her belief that many towns across Saskatchewan have a lot more to offer than some would have us believe.

For more information, contact:

Lisa Ross
Cooper's General Store
Chicken Coop Cafe
Neudorf
(306) 748-2323

Brand Registry An Open Book into History of Cattle Industry

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The brand registry, made up of more than 19,000 active livestock brands, that Rusty Hawryluk looks after is of great significance to more than a few ranchers.

"Many of these brands almost have a personality of their own. They tell a story, much like an Egyptian hieroglyph might-through symbols. They tend to mean something. They can be associated with a family or ranch name, or a geographical location or landmark."

Hawryluk is Registrar of Brands and Licensing at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

"Brands are not only part of the identity of the operations to which they belong, they are also the equivalent of an animal's 'return address.' Sometimes, an animal will make its way into another herd for a number of reasons. A brand ensures the animal is returned to its rightful owner."

Brands are useful in more ways than one. When animals are sold at the market, each brand has to be accounted for.

Because animals tend to be more mobile in this day and age, due to modern means of transportation and the need for producers to sometimes graze their animals on pastures farther away, there may be even more of a need for brands today than in the past.

"We are raising more animals than before, and this requires that we market them in larger numbers. Brands provide a way to easily identify these cattle," Hawryluk says.

While electronic means of animal identification have been on the rise during the last few years, it seems brands are here to stay.

Registering a brand costs $25 for a four-year registration or $200 for a lifetime registration. For more information about branding, contact Hawryluk at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food at (306) 787-4682.

For more information, contact:

Rusty Hawryluk
Registrar, Brands and Licensing
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-4682

Upcoming Natural Ingredients, Packaging and Processes Seminar

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The Saskatchewan Food Centre has been getting all kinds of queries on how to replace food additives with natural ingredients. It opted to organize a seminar to bring everyone up-to-date with latest developments.

On September 20th, representatives from food and organic companies, health food retailers, producer groups, natural products companies, industry associations, academia and government are all invited to the Natural Ingredients, Packaging and Processes Seminar in Saskatoon.

Shika Agblor is a Senior Food Specialist at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

"The Food Centre is putting on the seminar to provide answers to commonly-asked questions, such as what to put on the label when working with natural ingredients," Agblor says.

"Health and wellness are a key trend in the global food industry. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of diet in overall well-being, and are demanding new healthy food choices. We have invited some of Canada's leading players in the food industry to come and share their secrets with us."

Among them is Dr. Colin Barrow, Vice President of Research and Development for Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC). He is responsible for a research team of more than 50 scientists working on the discovery and development of new nutraceutical and functional food products and technologies.

"Before joining ONC, Dr. Barrow was Professor of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne in Australia for several years, where his research focused on biological chemistry, including the biochemistry of amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion diseases," explains Agblor.

Prior to joining the University of Melbourne, Dr. Barrow spent a decade in the Japanese and American biotech and pharmaceutical industries in the area of natural products drug discovery.

Another noteworthy presenter is Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi of Memorial University in Newfoundland.

"He will talk about natural alternatives to food additives, especially in terms of alternatives and applications," Agblor says. "Dr. Shahidi is recognized around the world for his research on lipids, particularly muscle food lipids, including marine lipids and their oxidation and stabilization."

Participants will also have the chance to meet Rob Noble, a labeling consultant who will focus on labeling natural foods, especially in terms of what retailers are looking for.

"Rob Noble started his own consulting company in 2003," says Agblor, "providing assistance to overseas food exporting companies and Canadian enterprises-helping them bring their labeling and packaging into compliance with Canadian regulations and retail requirements. Prior to starting his own company, Rob traveled internationally as a professionally qualified and European-trained chef."

Bill Stewart of Canadian Ingredients Sales Inc. will make a presentation on the topic of smoke vapour and the new opportunities it represents for food processors.

"Bill Stewart is the Director of Business Development for Canadian Ingredients Sales Inc., a brokerage and distribution organization responsible for the technical support and supply of natural and organic flavour systems, as well as natural and organic processed vegetable and fruit products," Agblor says.
He was educated at Ryerson and York Universities in Toronto, and has held a number of senior management positions within the Canadian food industry over the past 27 years.

"Through his involvement in manufacturing, product development and in marketing and sales, Bill has been instrumental in the successful launch of numerous products relating to the health and wellness market," Agblor points out.

The Natural Ingredients, Packaging and Processes seminar will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Saskatoon's Travelodge Hotel (Delta Room). You can download a PDF version of the brochure at: http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/events/20050920naturalingredients.pdf

For more information, contact:

Shika Agblor
Senior Food Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 933-5769

Midlakes Coalition Strategist Believes in Rural Sustainability

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Don Leitch’s journey through life has been a learning experience.

The distinguished United Church Minister enjoyed a rewarding career in business communications and market development at the Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada, the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and other areas of business and government.

When, upon retirement, he went to Craik and followed his wife and partner Louise Robson, also a Minister, in all things of life and spirit, he couldn’t help but direct his skills in the service of his new community.

“When I heard agricultural economist Jack Stabler predict the disappearance of many of our small towns between Saskatoon and Regina, I said to myself there has to be a way to turn this around. A group of us decided to do something. Under the leadership of three visionaries from Davidson, the MidLakes Community Coalition was formed.

“The initial idea was to invite all the communities between Lake Diefenbaker and Long Lake and along Highway 11 to work together to turn the tide. We thought we’d be better off hanging together than hanging separately—if that was to be the only outcome.”

Pretty soon, Leitch became Co-Chair of the Coalition; he lived in Craik for seven years. Now the town is a leader in community sustainability efforts.

“We moved away from the old hockey rivalries and started celebrating each other’s successes. We contacted communities from Dundurn to Lumsden. We generated a tremendous amount of interest with this new outlook.”

Leitch does come across as a determined individual. Affected by post polio syndrome later in life, he has had to adjust to new physical challenges. The man knows how to motivate people to shape their own economic future.

“I grew up in this province. I have a lot of respect for Aboriginal people who were not dealt the best hand in today’s world. I also recognize the challenges that farmers and ranchers face today. We all have to keep believing that we can influence our destiny to accomplish our goals. Saskatchewan is a gold mine of opportunities.”

For Leitch and his partners of the Mid-Lakes Coalition, an opportunity manifested itself when the group engaged in a campaign to have their section of Highway 11 named Louis Riel Trail a few years ago.

“It worked. We succeeded. Now our friends in Craik are undertaking new challenges.

Leitch has since moved to Unity, where he and Louise are both serving as Ministers. Don just wants to carry on the mission he feels in his blood, of creating more positive outlooks for dreams yet to be realized.

For more information, contact:

Don Leitch
(306) 228-2107

Awards of Distinction for Equine Welfare: The Time is Ripe

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

It is a sign of the times. The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan (FACS) and the Saskatchewan Horse Federation have launched the first edition of their Awards of Distinction for Equine Welfare.

This is a program designed to recognize excellence in equine animal care and the first such partnership of its kind in Saskatchewan, according to Saskatchewan Horse Federation Executive Director Mae Smith.

“Horse owners today are extremely demanding in terms of the standards of welfare horse breeders and industry members in general adopt,” Smith says. “How they conduct themselves in their day-to-day activities matters. Therefore, it is important to recognize the contributions of people who do good work.

“The Saskatchewan Horse Federation is a founding member of the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan, and it made sense for us to partner with them in offering awards in four distinct categories of animal care,” adds Smith.

The first of these categories is the Equine Welfare Innovation Award of Distinction, which recognizes a person or company who has developed a new process, product or source of knowledge that has had a significant impact on the improvement of the welfare of horses in Saskatchewan. The recipient will also be saluted for efforts to work collectively with the horse industry to share the innovation.

The Equine Welfare Leadership Award of Distinction recognizes a person or syndicate, or another equine business owner, who integrates animal welfare into their core business strategy and has set their own bar higher for expectations regarding animal welfare. The recipient will have demonstrated leadership and commitment in dealing with issues relevant to animal care. The award will go to an active horse owner.

The Equine Welfare Communication Award of Distinction recognizes a person, organization or company who has taken an active role in effectively raising awareness of equine welfare issues among the general public and within the agri-food industry. It is generally acknowledged that factual and honest information leads to trust for the industry.

Lastly, the Equine Welfare Steward of the Future Award of Distinction will be handed out to a young person between the ages of 13 and 25 who has shown, through practices as a horse owner or collaboration with others, the importance of commitment to responsible equine care.

Adele Buettner is Executive Director of the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan.

“We are putting special emphasis on youth in the awards because they have the potential to lead the way in helping us establish best practices for the industry. All our members recognize that the society in which we live today has certain expectations that we need to take into consideration when we raise any kind of livestock. This is just one of the ways in which we can make a difference collectively as industry stakeholders.”

For more information, contact:

Mae Smith, Executive Director
Saskatchewan Horse Federation
(306) 780-9244
http://www.saskhorse.ca

Adele Buettner, Executive Director
Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
(306) 249-3227
http://www.facs.sk.ca

"Building Our Communities" Conference to Explore Best Practices

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

How do we ensure communities designed 100 years ago for the needs of the Wheat Boom make a successful transition to a new era characterized by infrastructure challenges, regionalization issues and depopulation?

This tall order is at the heart of Communities of Tomorrow’s (CT) mandate. CT is a Saskatchewan-based centre of excellence in research and development around new technologies, planning and management tools that communities can access, according to Executive Director Anne Parker.

“There is a recognition, increasingly, that what we are all after is sustainability. Let’s face it, how long will our communities last if we just keep applying band-aid solutions and prescribing the same old remedies regardless of long-term consequences? Communities of Tomorrow is there to help identify and support innovations that show promise—to help steer communities, towns and mid-sized cities away from what otherwise might be a crash course.”

This being Saskatchewan’s Centennial year, Parker felt there would be no better time to engage decision-makers in the province and across Canada than by hosting a national conference on community sustainability.

“We carefully explored and sought out best practices in areas like the role of culture in sustaining our communities; immigration; infrastructure renewal; regionalization; access to affordable housing; urban naturalization; community engagement; placemaking; design; planning; and the creation of energy efficient recreational facilities.

“We then invited known international, national, regional and local leaders and innovators to come share their secrets with conference participants this fall in Regina. On October 23 to 25, all these folks will be brought together as part of a groundbreaking, one-of-kind gathering of doers, with a view to sharing solutions for sustainability.”

What can we do now to use our resources more efficiently? How can we attract new residents to our communities and then support them so they want to stay? How should our infrastructure solutions be adapting to new fiscal and environment realities? These questions and others are begging for answers.

“The Building Our Communities conference is viewed as a necessary first step to creating a network of well-equipped community members who are committed to seeking out the common threads in the processes that lead to better, wiser utilization of community assets; in engaging the disenfranchised members of our communities; and in creating a vibrant economic, social and cultural environment that is more conducive not only to survival, but also to prosperity”

The conference is being organized in partnership with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as a Centennial initiative.

To find out more about the conference, visit: www.ctinfo.ca/conference or call Communities of Tomorrow at (306) 522-6691.

For more information, contact:

Anne Parker
Executive Director
Communities of Tomorrow Inc.
(306) 522-6698
www.ctinfo.ca

Native Prairie Nursary Plays Key Role in Restoration Efforts

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The Regina Plain is a vast area along a northwest to southeast axis between Regina, Moose Jaw and Weyburn. Less than 0.1 per cent of the 1.1 million acre Regina Plain landscape area remains as native prairie.

A few years ago, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority thought it would be wise to start collecting some of the seeds and genetic materials of remaining native plants, and preserve them for restoration efforts.

Thus, the Regina Plain Native Prairie Nursery was born, according to Jennifer Lohmeyer, Coordinator of Landowner Relations at the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA).

“The Regina Plain Landscape is a level to very gently undulating glacial lake plain, associated for the most part with dark brown clay soils,” says Lohmeyer. “For this reason, it is ideal for annual crop production, and nearly all the area is cultivated.

“Seeds were hand-collected from the wild. In the nursery, seeds are collected for the most part using a handheld seed harvester. The seeds were then planted in the nursery, which is located within the Riverside Memorial Park at815 Assiniboine Avenue E. in Regina, just beside the cemetery.”

Because differences in topography, soils, and geographic location may lead to differences in species composition and genetic characteristics, restoring native prairie on the Regina Plain using seed from plants found within the landscape is important.

“The nursery allows the multiplication of the small amount of wild seed that is available. It also increases the ease of harvesting and protects remnant sites from being harmed by repeated removal of seeds.

The nursery presently contains 48 species of forbs, 22 species of grass, three sedges and four woody species, for a total of 77 species.

“Valuable species for agricultural producers include Canada wild rye, which is very robust and has a lot of leaf matter; and Western wheatgrass which is rhizomatous—meaning that it spreads through its roots horizontally through the soil—an attractive element in a forage mix destined for soils susceptible to erosion.”

To increase awareness of the importance of native grassland environments over the Regina Plain territory, SWA has approached local schools and community groups about planting patches of native prairie in schoolyards. Groups interested in participating must develop a management plan and implement it.

“They have to prepare the site using herbicide, tilling up the ground or even using a solarization process which involves covering the ground with plastic sheeting and using heat from the sun to kill the vegetation. An initiative like this gives people a chance to see what native prairie should look like. People become the architects of a restoration project in a way.

“Teachers work this into their curriculum. These initiatives are particularly important in Regina Plain communities, because the students in schools today are the decision-makers of tomorrow.”

To find out more about the Regina Plain Native Prairie Nursery, click here.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Lohmeyer
Landowner Relations Coordinator
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
(306) 787-8707

Manitou Springs Bison Ranch Pemmican Product Proves Popular

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

A lot of research, some key alliances and a little of bit of vision … that is what it took Drake’s Curtis and Audrey Eby to get their bison pemmican product to market. They are now just starting to reap the rewards.

“We got into bison ranching in 1991 after quite a few years milking cows,” explains Curtis Eby. “We had a 75 year-old milking operation with 24 cows. We realized that the cost to make the transition to a modern setup was prohibitive.

“At the time, the bison industry was expanding until markets crashed in 2000, and the BSE crisis came in 2003. We stuck with the bison and looked for ways to add value to our bison product. I guess the bison had captured our imagination.”

Today, the Eby family runs 250 bison head over 12 quarters. They came up with the pemmican product in 2001.

“We liked the idea of using products native to Saskatchewan. We explored the idea of incorporating saskatoon berries. We mix in 20 per cent saskatoons with 80 per cent bison meat.

“Our product is similar to chopped-and-formed beef jerky in terms of the production process. We understand that traditional pemmican is about 50 per cent fat. First Nations people would smash and grind the dried bison meat and berries to a powder and add the fat rendered by heating. Our version has two grams of fat per 45 gram package.”

The Manitou Springs Bison Ranch asked the Saskatchewan Food Development Centre in Saskatoon for help.

“We would never be where we are now without them,” admits Curtis Eby. “It’s a whole new area for a guy who has farmed all his life. My wife Audrey designed the label. We had to start thinking in terms of meat storage, boxes, packages, and getting label approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.”

Eby explains that marketing became the biggest challenge: matching production with the actual demand.

“We have an arrangement with Kitsaki Meats in La Ronge, which makes the product to our specifications. We now sell approximately 2,000 packages per month, primarily through Mountain Equipment Co-op and Riverbend Plantation out of Saskatoon. Riverbend Plantation also supplies us with saskatoon berries and storage space.”

For the last 12 months, these two marketing channels have sold over 90 per cent of the Eby’s entire production. What is the next step for them?

“We want to stick with the value chain we have established and work on developing our market volumes over the next year or two, primarily in Canada. At the moment, we will concentrate on the relatively small 45 gram vacuum-packed portions—keep in mind that this is a concentrated food product. It is more filling than it seems when you just look at the package.”

Curtis and Audrey Eby know they are on to something. They will take it all in stride, ensuring that they keep delivering a quality product that showcases Saskatchewan agriculture in the best possible light.

For more information, contact:

Curtis Eby
Manitou Springs Bison Ranch
Drake, Saskatchewan
(306) 363-4923

Frontier Spirit Alive and Well at Battleford's Northwest Territorial Days

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

When the years add on to an event like Battleford’s Northwest Territorial Days, to the point where it is actually celebrating its 118^th edition, one can truly affirm that traditions run deep.

Since 1887, this gathering—just a stone’s throw away from the former territorial seat of government—has entertained visitors and confirmed agriculture’s impact on the surrounding land and the people who inhabit it.

Once more, from August 16th to 19^th, the Battlefords Agricultural Society has an opportunity to host a population inclined to make history and community perpetuate themselves.

Jocelyn Ritchie is one of the event organizers.

“We just want to provide a week of entertainment. So much of what we do and what we are is rooted in agriculture that it just cannot be ignored. We have draft horse shows, and team driving competitions. This is not a skill that one just picks up. The drivers have to work with those hitches for quite some time to be able to handle these animals with such precision.”

There are obstacle courses for them to go through; hitches from two to eight horses; and many fans to encourage their local champions.

“Our four days of celebration are heralded with a parade through town the day before on the 15^th. The parade runs in the evening, which makes it easier for local businesses that are open during the day. There is something for everybody at the Territorial Days,” Ritchie says.

What better way to get a taste of the essence of Saskatchewan than to come out and experience the livestock shows with sheep and light and heavy horses, and to see the exhibits around horticulture, arts and crafts, and needlework.

Even photography is featured, as well as beer and wine-making competitions. The Territorial Days have changed with the times in the hope of attracting as many as possible.

“Our grandstand entertainment has been trying to focus more on local talents in recent years – especially this year because it is Saskatchewan’s Centennial,” says Ritchie. “Leading up to the event, six juniors and six seniors have been selected for the talent final during our fair.”

The Northwest Territorial Days’ theme this year is “100 Years of Progress – 100 Years of Pride.” There is much to be proud of, and no doubt that the 20,000 or so visitors who are expected to attend will concur.

For more information, contact:

Jocelyn Ritchie
Battlefords Agricultural Society
(306) 445-2024
http://agsociety.com/

New Forage Seed Commission to Benefit Industry

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Saskatchewan forage seed producers can look forward to accessing new technologies and products from a new producer-directed Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission, according to Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council Assistant Secretary Ryan Boughen.

“Producers felt there was a need to improve agronomic practices in growing forage seed crops. They felt that increased support for research is necessary to lead to improved quality and higher yields,” Boughen says.

“The Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) came forward with a proposal for a check-off in order to fund research and development on forage seed crops. This proposal has since been approved by the Saskatchewan government.”

The SFC consulted forage seed producers in the province and found that there was support for the check-off. It is hoped that future research and development will increase profitability for producers and for the industry as a whole.

“It was seen as having the potential to lead to the introduction of new varieties and market opportunities,” adds Boughen.

The commission will be financed through a refundable check-off following the success of models established for alfalfa seed, flax, canola and mustard.

The check-off is initially set at 0.75 per cent of gross value at the first point of sale. A check-off is a mandatory deduction from the price received at the point of sale, but producers may request a refund twice per year.

“We are pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan has approved our request for a producer-operated research and development commission,” Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission Board of Directors Interim Chair Kirk Riglin said.

“I would like to thank the Saskatchewan Forage Council and the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development in Saskatchewan (CARDS) Committee for the support they provided in the establishment of the commission,” said Riglin.

“We have followed similar leads for forage seed production in Manitoba and the Peace River region, and hope to achieve similar successes as those enjoyed by the alfalfa and canola industries here in Saskatchewan.”

The Saskatchewan forage seed industry consists of approximately 600 growers with an estimated acreage of 80,000 to 140,000 acres per year.

The check-off will be applied to all forage seed sales, excluding alfalfa, and is expected to generate estimated revenue of $35,000 to $47,000 per year for research and extension.

The commission began collecting the check-off on July 1, 2005. Producers and buyers can expect to receive information from the commission in the near future.

For more information, contact:

Michel Tremblay
Provincial Specialist, Forage Crops
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-7712

Ryan Boughen
Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council
(306) 787-0611

Windthorst: The Horticultural Show with a Famous Scots Pine

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

When the 51^st Annual Windthorst Horticultural Show gets rolling on August 18^th, there will likely be a few former village residents who will make a pilgrimage of sorts to the most venerable tree in town: a glorious Scots pine everyone around seems to be proud of, according to show organizer Carol Miller.

“If you are not from Windthorst, this may sound slightly unusual, but there is something special about that tree,” Miller says. “When the highway upgrade came through town about 20 years ago, everyone thought the tree would be uprooted. It was planted when the railway section house was built long ago. For the longest time, there were the elevators, the train station, the section house and the pine and spruce along the railway track. Now all are gone, but our lone pine tree is still there, growing straight and tall.

“Town Council had meetings with the Department of Highways to ask them to save the tree. There are even license plates and a village sign commemorating the tree. No other Scots pine can compete with ours in its splendour,” says Miller. “There are plans for it to become a roadside park and a Christmas tree.”

That is the kind of spirit that animates the colourful Windthorst Horticultural Show.

“Our horticultural society has actually grown in size over the years, with 30 adult members and 20 juniors—not bad for a town of 250. If our younger members grow a garden, we take the time to go visit and judge it. Their efforts deserve reward.”

Freedom of horticultural expression is a fundamental principle in Windthorst.

“Some junior members create garden dioramas with vegetable animals. The senior lady members derive particular enjoyment from this artistic treat,” quips Miller. “This may not be the largest community in the province, but it still has a lot going for it. Our Society is already planning special events for Windthorst’s 100^th birthday in 2006.”

Windthorst has a large farm machinery dealerships, a grocery store, a bar, a café, service stations and a bank, as well as an elementary school. Thanks to its golf course and curling and skating rinks, the community has always been active in sports.

“My daughters have learned how to synchronize skate in Windthorst. Our village and the population are committed to community beautification. The yards are well looked after and there are plenty of mature trees around. This place is alive and well.”

… And ready to welcome young and old, former or would-be residents at the Windthorst Horticultural Show. Don’t forget to take in the splendour of the Scots pine while you are there.

For more information, contact:

Carol Miller
Windthorst Horticultural Society
(306) 224-4444

Wolseley's Natural Valley Farms Beef Plant is a Welcome Development

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

When Wolseley-area cattlemen Cam Taylor and Ken Piller started working on a hormone-free beef marketing program, they soon realized the potential for a natural beef product. Among other things, they needed access to a processing facility.

“We had this dream of building our own natural beef plant,” explains Taylor. “Partway through our research, the BSE crisis started and the border closed. At that point, we found another motivation to go in that direction.”

The Natural Valley Farms beef processing plant opened on June 15 this year. It gained federal accreditation on July 11, and it is now allowed to sell beef anywhere in Canada.

“Our plant is capable of running 1,000 head a week. The 20,000 square foot facility currently employs 30 people and it is fully equipped in terms of cutting, packaging and refrigeration capabilities. We can take a side of beef, cut it into marketable parts, box them and sell to retail stores and restaurants all over.”

For Taylor, Piller and their fellow shareholders, the last couple of years have been quite a ride.

“We raised $8 million among beef producers across prairie provinces—provincial boundaries don’t matter to them. We are supplied by producers from Manitoba and Saskatchewan who otherwise would have to ship their cattle to High River, Alberta.”

There certainly is pride for many producers who can now boast they own a piece of a processing plant. At the same time, prices for boxed beef have remained relatively stable in light of recent fluctuations.

“For our suppliers, it creates a bit of stability in their farm income. For our local community, there is a certain joy in knowing that people managed to take the bull by the horns and do something to ensure the sustainability of our beef industry. Just having less of a reliance on moving cattle to U.S. plants makes a big difference.”

Natural Valley currently relies on two other Western Canadian packing plants to kill producers’ cattle and supply sides of beef to the Wolseley plant. This will continue until late 2005, when Natural Valley will complete the construction of its own beef slaughter facility at Neudorf, 20 miles from the Wolseley processing facility. An additional 40 jobs will be created at this second facility when it comes on stream.

“We are also involved with two other groups trying to create additional slaughter capacity. One project is in Neepawa, Manitoba, and another one in Saskatchewan on the Yellowhead Highway between Foam Lake and Saskatoon. This means even more producers can get their animals ready for processing at Natural Valley Farms.

“These developments have really caught people’s imagination around here. Now everybody is looking at new options to market their cattle. It’s great.”

Good news for the cattle industry can just keep coming as far as everyone is concerned in and around Wolseley. The time is right.

For more information, contact:

Ken Piller, Cam Taylor or Kathy Martin
Natural Valley Farms
(306) 698-2100
www.naturalvalley.ca

Foragebeef.ca: The All-In-One Information Depot

source: Farm and Food Report

There’s always a need for a common sense approach to accessing industry information.

That is precisely what has led to the development of the Foragebeef.ca website, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Forage Development Specialist Al Foster.

“Forage and beef specialists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and at provincial agriculture departments in Alberta and Manitoba, have identified a need for a central information resource on the Web, where forage beef producers could access all kinds of technical information on topics that are relevant to them. Thus, Foragebeef.ca was born.”

The website provides a wide range of information on agriculture issues and sound practices, and presents it in convenient fashion.

Level 1 provides the straightforward, cut-to-the-core type of information that you may want on a particular topic.

“Here we concentrate on knowledge nuggets,” says Foster. “For these, we gathered about 10 of the most important pieces of information that address a particular topic. They are brief, concise nuggets and they summarize the issues around a topic very efficiently.”

Level 2 is for the reader who wants more information about a specific topic.

“For that, many journal articles and fact sheets from other websites were found that will inform you about your topic of interest. From literally hundreds of fact sheets, the best were selected and the rest were culled. The goal was to select the most comprehensive and applicable fact sheets to western Canadian agriculture,” explains Foster.

”Level 3 is for the analyzer who wants to know how the information was derived. In this level, we have a collection of scientific review papers, research abstracts and links to research communities throughout Canada and the world. Level 3 is the depot for the research community.”

After reviewing the information, you may reach a stage where you'll want to talk with someone, Foster points out.

“Our recommendation is that you contact a local agrologist who is knowledgeable about the subject you are interested in. Because climatic conditions affect management practices, it is important that you contact someone who is credible in the topic area. People from government or from private industry will be able to help you best.

”Should you have comments about this website and its function, please feel free to contact us by phone at (306) 878-8890, or by e-mail at afoster@agr.gov.sk.ca.”

Foster and other forage and beef specialists hope producers will make good use of this new resource, as it will always provide fresh insight into their world—insight they can use.

You can visit the site at www.foragebeef.ca

For more information, contact:

Al Foster
Forage Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 878-8890

Algae Blooms

Algae blooms are often found on Saskatchewan's lakes
during a period of warm, calm weather

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 algae bloom.

People are advised to avoid swimming in, or drinking water, where blue-green algae blooms are occurring. Pet owners and livestock producers are also advised to keep their animals away from such water.

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 Environment's 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. In addition, caution should be taken when considering the consumption of fish or shellfish caught in areas of a water body where a bloom exists; in particular the internalorgans of the fish should not be eaten."

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 Saskatchewan Environment office or the local Medical Health Officer.

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

Forecasts From Space: The Crop Condition Assessment Program

source: Farm and Food Report

In a dry year, it could help ranchers identify where they are more likely to find adequate pastures or supply of hay; it could help fertilizer companies determine where demand is likely to be stronger because of high growth conditions.

The Crop Condition Assessment Program (CCAP) is a groundbreaking on-line resource developed and maintained by Statistics Canada in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada that has recently been made available free of charge to the public-at-large.

Ted O’Brien is an Agroclimate Specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Regina.

“The CCAP is a web-based application, providing weekly cropland and pasture monitoring for the regions of western Canada and the United States northern great plains throughout the growing season. It uses a combination of satellite imagery and geographical information system (GIS) resources to create relatively detailed maps which give an idea of the vegetative vigour in units of one-square kilometer—each translated on the computer screen as a pixel.”

Users can zoom in or out on-line to cover the desired range, thanks to an Internet map server (IMS), and find out what the sensors have evaluated over a one-kilometer grid for any determined region.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) series of satellites carrying Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometers (AVHRR) records images of the entire earth's surface twice daily to generate the maps.

“Although designed for atmospheric observations and weather forecasting, there are two AVHRR spectral bands (red and infrared) that have proven to be extremely useful to the CCAP for vegetation monitoring,” explains O’Brien.

“Through this, we can compare the vegetative vigour in a specific location over time. The images are converted into an average for that week. The system notes the highest reading during that period.”

This index emphasizes differences between stressed and unstressed vegetation, providing an indication of plant health—something that can be affected by frost, lack of fertilizer, or late seeding. The higher the index value, the healthier the vegetation is. The normal value vas actually created using the period from 1993 to 2004.

Demands by private industry, grain marketing agencies, agri-business, and governments to produce accurate, timely production forecasts well in advance of statistical survey estimates, have encouraged CCAP to develop this yield forecast tool and make it available to the public.

According to O’Brien, “this resource allows industry players to become more strategic in the way they do business or carry out their activities.

“When we look the system right now, we can tell in real time that Alberta and Saskatchewan are generally having a great crop year, except perhaps for a portion of the Saskatchewan southwest. We can see how the vegetative vigour values are dramatically lower in Manitoba south of Winnipeg because of Red River flooding. This is a tool that people can use in conjunction with other information to achieve certain goals and objectives.”

For instance, highway traffic planners might be able to predict higher road maintenance costs in areas where higher vegetative values might generate more intensive grain transportation activities.

Just a word of caution however, lack of access to high bandwidth Internet service may make it more difficult for individuals relying on dial-up Internet to make use of the service, but the resource is there for anyone to use.

Getting the big picture from space has never this easy.

You can start the application by following this link:

http://www25.statcan.ca:8081/ccap/overview.jsp

Saltcoats Annual Fair Almost Legendary

source: Farm and Food Report

How often do we encounter events that have their roots in the 1880s in Saskatchewan?

There are a few around, and usually, they will have a distinctive quality in the activities that take place there or in the originality of the site itself.

The Saltcoats Annual Fair, which takes place on August 13th, evokes a unique sense of place due to the fact that the Town of Saltcoats is wedged between Yellowhead Highway and Anderson Lake.

Phyllis McCallum is one of the organizers.

“The Saltcoats Fair has been taking place since 1888. The Saltcoats Agriculture Society looks after it. People tell us all the time how beautiful a town we have and the fair just seems to bring the best out of all of us.”

During the late-19^th Century, Canada was expanding westward, and in 1881 the Dominion surveyed a township of 36 sections which became the Stirling Township.

The first recorded settlers arrived in 1882 and homesteaded on the south end of a crescent-shaped lake—a fine choice.

The town’s name was changed from Stirling to Saltcoats. The name was chosen because of the Allen Steam-ship Line which brought immigrants from the British Isles. Its homeport was Saltcoats, Scotland.

Among the key historical milestones Saltcoats can boast about is a dairy industry first. In 1895 the first cooperative butter creamery in the province opened in Saltcoats.

Today, this town of 600 holds every year a wonderful gathering of family and friends who reminisce, meet and exchange through the day at the Fair, explains McCallum.

“We start out with the usual pancake breakfast; then the exhibits open in the school with baking, children’s activities and needlecraft; there is grandstand entertainment throughout the day; floral art demonstrations; and miniature horses for kid to ride.”

The organizers expect between 300 and 500 visitors that day and everybody in town contributes to making this a success.

“Our annual Fair is a big deal for Saltcoats. Between you and I, this is the most beautiful town you can ever imagine. We have flowers everywhere. We are located right by this lovely lake. We have people in town who have traveled all over the world who tell us they wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

Long may you live Saltcoats!

Phyllis McCallum
Saltcoats Agriculture Society
(306) 266-4209

Hay Preservatives for the Rainy Days

source: Farm and Food Report

Given the unpredictable nature of the 2005 spring and summer so far, producers may find solace in knowing their hay need not stand in the swath at the mercy of precipitation while it dries, thanks to the clever action hay preservatives.

Christy Winquist is a Beef Forage Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

“Hay preservatives are products that allow hay to be baled at higher moisture levels, thereby reducing drying times. There are three types of preservative: organic acids, bacterial inoculants and anhydrous ammonia.”

Organic acids produce an acidic environment (low pH) that is not conducive to mould or bacterial growth. Generally, low pH does not affect hay intake, according to Winquist.

“The two main types of acids that are used as preservatives are propionic and acetic acids. Propionic acid is more effective at controlling mould and bacterial growth and is more commonly used than acetic acid. Combining the two acids has proven to be quite effective.”

However these acids can be corrosive to the haying equipment, if used in their pure form.

Buffered acids are less corrosive and still perform the same function, but buffered acids tend to be less effective than the concentrated acids.

“Another type of preservative is anhydrous ammonia, which is more commonly used to improve the feeding value of straw and chaff. It can also be applied to high quality forages to prevent heating and spoilage, when baled at high moisture content.”

Anhydrous ammonia binds to moisture, reducing vulnerability to mould and bacteria. It also reduces the number of mould forming bacteria through sterilization.

However, anhydrous ammonia can create a toxic compound, if applied to high quality forage such as alfalfa.

“Bales that have been treated with anhydrous ammonia should not be stored for long periods,” warns Winquist. “It is recommended that the hay be used within one to two months.”

Bacterial inoculants are similar to silage inoculants in that most of them contain lactic acid forming bacteria that compete with mould forming organisms and help maintain forage quality.

“It should be noted that some inoculants contain combinations of both bacteria and enzymes. The role of the enzyme is to break down plant cells, making more cellulose and starch available to the lactic acid forming bacteria.”

Keep in mind that forage preservatives are there to reduce losses due to moulds and heating. As a rule, preservatives will not increase forage quality.

“Once forage has begun to deteriorate, adding a preservative will not enhance the quality.

Non-protein nitrogen, such as anhydrous ammonia, can slightly increase the crude protein levels in the hay. Some of the ammonia will bind with plant material and increase the overall protein content of the feed.”

When using preservatives, there should be less leaf shatter and potentially better quality forage, when baling at higher moisture content. However, it is still imperative that proper hay making procedures be followed, when harvesting and baling, Winquist points out.

“Preservatives are most effective, when the moisture content of the hay is between 20 and 30 percent. Preservatives are not effective, if the hay moisture content is greater than 30 percent. The amount of preservative needed will depend on the moisture content of the forage, when it is in the swath.”

Producers must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using preservatives because they are expensive and they require specialized equipment. Yet they can be invaluable allies because rained on hay loses its quality rapidly.

Christy Winquist
Beef Forage Specialist
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
1-866-457-2377

Wood Mountain Horticulture Show Brings Vibrancy to Town

source: Farm and Food Report

An immeasurable sense of community is likely what has allowed Wood Mountain to boast it will hold its 27^th Annual Horticulture Show this year.

The members of Wood Mountain Horticulture Society, of which Lillian Yorga is the Secretary-treasurer, put on the event.

“We have 15 dedicated members and many volunteers who make this regional event possible. We get visitors from surrounding areas like Rockglen, Glentworth, Lafleche and Assiniboia. We have the only horticultural society south of Moose Jaw. One has to go west as far as Swift Current to find a group like ours.”

Yorga is obviously proud of the efforts her and fellow community members like her devote to making their town the place to visit on August 10^th.

“Of course, we show our fruits, vegetables, flowers and house plants. We have a section for canning, another one for baked goods; handicrafts are featured, as well as sewing and knitting. There is also a section for photography and children’s work.

“All these sections are judged. For horticulture, we bring in a judge who is an horticulture professional from the University of Saskatchewan. All judging starts at Noon, and at 3:00 PM the public is allowed to look at the entries.”

When asked about the significance of an event like this one for the community, Lillian Yorga has this to say:

“To me, it is a way of keeping the community alive, of keeping things going, which is something we need to do desperately. And it seems to work. There is a bit of an art to it. We keep the guests entertained with a band while the judging takes place—and we get 350 and 400 entries for the show itself, which translates into about 100 participants.”

People visit and compete in their abilities to grow, for example, a particular type of vegetable in a dry year.

“The jam and jellies competition always seems to attract some serious entries—likely because we have good sponsorships there. Our Horticulture Society may not be the largest in the province, but there is a lot of heart among our members.”

Yorga likes to point out that every year her group plants the flowerbeds at Wood Mountain Regional Park, site of the Wood Mountain Stampede—the oldest continuously running rodeo in Canada.

Wood Mountain is a community where traditions run deep.

Lillian Yorga
Secretary-Treasurer
Wood Mountain Horticulture Society
(306) 266-4209

Grasslands Sheep Show Features a Growing Industry

source: Farm and Food Report

Things are looking up for purebred and commercial sheep breeders after a few rough years because of the BSE crisis, according to Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders' Association (SSBA) Vice President Dallas Turner.

"The industry started to rebound in October of 2004. Our prices are up 40 percent. Our entries are up by 30 percent. We expect this to continue at the Grasslands Sheep Show and Sale which will take place on August 6 and 7 in Drake."

The Association is 96 year-old this year. It represents about 35 commercial and purebred breeders, many of which are long-term members. It holds two events each year: the Grasslands Exhibition, which is in Drake this year; and another show in November at Regina's Agribition.

"Our event in Drake will feature more than 150 animals with 25 to 30 exhibitors from all three prairie provinces. The breeds featured will include Suffolk, HampshireNorth Country Cheviot; Dorsett; Columbia, Dorper and Southdown; including purebreds and combinations of these breeds and others originally from England, Scotland and New Zealand."

Turner believes there is a distinctive culture among those who raise sheep. For the average member of the Association, sheep are another profit centre. He himself has been raising sheep for eight years near Kronau. However, he likes to point out that:

"There are about 1,000 farm operators around the province that have sheep on their land. There are as many as 65,000 breeding ewes on these farms. And annually, Saskatchewan markets 100,000 + lambs outside the province-most of which go to Alberta and Ontario.

There is no doubt that Turner would like to see more sheep in Saskatchewan.

"Sheep are easy keepers. In terms of resources consumption, a producer could have seven sheep for every cow and have enough feed for his or her animals. Keep also in mind that one cow produces one calf that you have to keep for eight months before you can sell it for maybe 800 dollars. Meanwhile, you could keep seven sheep that would produce 12 lambs that would together sell for 1,200 dollars in 4 months. There is definitely an advantage in raising sheep," he says.

Turner admits the traditional animosity between promoters of the two ruminants may still be somewhat alive, although it makes less and less sense:

"Many of the 1,000 farms that raise sheep, also raise cattle. There are probably a lot of divided loyalties out there and, really, whether you raise sheep or cattle, we were all affected by BSE. Let us hope we can put this episode behind us soon."

The Grasslands Sheep Show and Sale is a good place to start looking to the future.

- 30 -

Dallas Turner
Vice President
Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders' Association
(306) 789-9106