Local, Regional, Canadian News
PEIFA 76th Annual General Meeting
Are you planning to attend? Please call or email Jennifer at jmurphy@peifa.ca or 902-368-7289 to pre-register and help us plan.
Friday, January 27, 2017 – Confederation Centre of the Arts Agenda
Meeting Costs: Members free – Non-Members $25.00
Excellence in Agriculture Banquet: Members $40.00 – Non-Members $45.00
Lawrence MacAulay promotes farming in Germany
Federal Agriculture Minister and MP for Cardigan, Lawrence MacAulay, has just wrapped up a mission to Berlin, Germany, where he met with ministers of agriculture from around the world. MORE
Government Invests in New Greenhouse Technology for Organic Microgreens
Member of Parliament Filomena Tassi, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, today announced up to $640,585 in funding to Greenbelt Microgreens to modernize a new 3.5 acre greenhouse facility with state-of-the-art technology, enabling producers to increase production for Canadian certified organic microgreens. MORE
Sask. Green Party leader Shawn Setyo advocates for carbon tax alternative
Setyo was in Regina for an informal meet and greet with Green Party members and supporters on Sunday MORE
Canada not seen as U.S. target in NAFTA talks
Canada has a “very special status” and is unlikely to be hit hard by changes the U.S. wants to make to the NAFTA trade accord, the head of a business advisory council to U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday. MORE
Heads up for farmers, businesses about commercial imports from the U.S.
Roland farmers Bob and Shelley Bartley want to get the word out to fellow farmers and other business owners about paperwork changes when commercially importing from the United States. MORE
Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety course
The PEI Woodlot Owners Association – in co-operation with the Department of Forestry is looking to hold a Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety Course. For further information please contact Matt Hughes at 902-368-7289 or mhughes@peifa.ca
Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Training
Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship training courses help you understand the economic, social, and environmental advantages of 4R practices and how these can be implemented on Canadian farms.
-Free Training
-Participants will receive certification after course completion
-Lunch Provided
**Note: Only the first 30 participants to RSVP will be accepted
-Please send your RSVP to: nfrost@fertilizercanada.ca or call (613)-786-3032
February 22, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Westmorland Room, Crowne Plaza 1005 Main St, Moncton, NB
Atlantic Farm Women Conference
April 28 & 29 at the Delta Halifax, N.S.
Register before March 31 registration fee is $90 plus you will be entered to win your conference registration free. After March 31, registration will be $115.
To register: http://atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com/-registration.html
Agenda on line: http://atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com/agenda.html
Livestock
Cow tests positive for rabies in Perth County
The Perth District Health Unit says a calf located in Wallace Ward has tested positive for rabies. MORE
New humane rules for U.S. organic farmers
The Obama administration enacted new humane-handling rules for organic livestock and poultry producers on its last day in office, Jan 19. MORE
Food Companies Step Up Farm Animal Welfare Measures
Food companies are paying more and more attention to animal welfare within their supply chains, according to the latest Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) report, published on Monday. MORE
British Cattle Vets Recommend Voluntary Clampdown on Antibiotic Use
Recommendations to clamp down on use of critically important antibiotics (CIAs) when treating cattle and avoid preventative use where possible have been issued by the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA). MORE
Cattle Breeding Center to be Developed on Prison Island
The government plans to develop a cattle breeding center on the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap regency, Central Java, with the inmates to be employed in the husbandry business. MORE
Modifying Ramps to Load Pigs Reduces Stress During Transport
A Meat Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says, decreasing the slope of the ramps used to load pigs onto trailers will decrease their risk of fatigue and possible death during transport, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Research Examines Survivability of Pig Viruses in Feed Ingredients
Research underway at South Dakota State University shows imported feed ingredients are capable harboring the pathogens that cause disease in swine, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Significant Year-Over-Year Difference for US Hog Marketing Chain
Today we will begin by highlighting some profitability and margin dimensions in the hog/pork complex. MORE
Technical selloff sends CME hogs lower
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures closed weaker on Monday, partly pressured by sell stops and fund liquidation, said traders. MORE
UK 2016 Pig Meat Production Increased Slightly
The volume of pig meat produced in the UK during 2016 was the highest since 2000, according to the latest data from Defra MORE
Pig Pro to Make Recording Staff Skills Simple and Robust
The AHDB is planning to launch a new training and development web-based tool for the pig industry later this year – providing farmers with a more simple and flexible way of recording staff skills. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – January 19 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Tuesday, January 24 HERE
Potatoes
King Rustic – a MountainKing Russet Potato – returns to Walmart
A new variety of russet potato is back in Walmart stores where its melt-in-your-mouth taste is certain to give a whole new meaning to any wintertime potato dish favorite. MORE
U.S. RESEARCHERS PROGRAM DRONE TO HUNT PVY IN POTATOES
U.S. researchers say they’ve pinpointed individual spud plants infected with potato virus Y with 90 per cent accuracy, using hyperspectral cameras mounted on drones. MORE
Carbon monoxide poisoning hospitalizes 17 potato workers in Idaho
A leak of toxic carbon monoxide in an Idaho potato cellar in Jefferson County has led to 17 workers being hospitalized. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Ball Brothers Produce in Lewisville, which is located approximately 22 miles north of Idaho Falls. MORE
NIFA Announces Potato Breeding Research Funding
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced last week the availability of $1.85 million in funding for regional potato breeding research to support the development of superior-performing varieties that can be brought to market as soon as possible. MORE
Treating Soil as Living Organism Boosts Yields
When Eric Giberson was growing up on a potato farm in central Aroostook County, Maine, in the 1970s, “you grew potatoes in the ground,” he said. MORE
BASF Expands Stewardship Program
The advent of new and advanced herbicide technologies demands increased stewardship education to ensure proper application and to reduce weed resistance. BASF is responding to this need by expanding its On Target Application Academy (OTAA) stewardship program with an online training module. MORE
Headway made in getting US potatoes access to Mexico
According to Potatoes USA officials, an “important and very positive step” has been taken, after 15 years of trying, to gain access to the market in Mexico – U.S. potatoes may soon be crossing the border. MORE
Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips launches Uglies – potato chips from waste potatoes
The Pennsylvanian snack manufacturer Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips Inc. exhibited for the third time 3rd time at the Pennsylvania Farm show. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American grain/oilseed review: Canola weaker after earlier strength, closes mixed
ICE Futures Canada canola closed mixed, but mostly unchanged, on Monday. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Monday: Canola futures prices mostly lower, barley unchanged HERE
Crop management decisions balance agronomics, economics
What’s it cost to grow a bushel of wheat, canola, soybeans or corn on your operation? MORE
A soybean isn’t a soybean anymore
With more varieties to choose and new technologies to use, growers must ask more questions about what to grow — and what their neighbours are putting in MORE
Soybeans fall as Argentina crop worries ease
U.S. soybean futures fell on Monday for a third straight session on profit-taking after last week’s six-month highs and improving weather outlook for Argentina, analysts said. MORE
AM markets: corn futures try to make it third time lucky HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Wholesale Food Prices Drop Sharply
Wholesale prices are down sharply across a number of categories but so far the response from grocery retailers and foodservice operators has been vastly different. MORE
Brexit Presents Opportunities for British Agri-Science, Says MP
Western markets are going through profound political change and Brexit offers an ideal opportunity for the UK to once again become a powerhouse of global technical innovation, according to George Freeman MP. MORE
Minister Confirms Farmers’ Land Still in Defence Firing Line
The Defence Minister has today confirmed dozens of farming families could still lose their land so Singaporean soldiers can train more often in Australia, but has committed to fast-tracking a final decision so landholders know their fate within four weeks. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Report – January 20 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – January 18 HERE
CFA in Action – January 18 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, January 19 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Training
Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship training courses help you understand the economic, social, and environmental advantages of 4R practices and how these can be implemented on Canadian farms.
-Free Training
-Participants will receive certification after course completion
-Lunch Provided
**Note: Only the first 30 participants to RSVP will be accepted
-Please send your RSVP to: nfrost@fertilizercanada.ca or call (613)-786-3032
February 22, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Westmorland Room, Crowne Plaza 1005 Main St, Moncton, NB
Atlantic Farm Women Conference
April 28 & 29 at the Delta Halifax, N.S.
Register before March 31 registration fee is $90 plus you will be entered to win your conference registration free. After March 31, registration will be $115.
To register: http://atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com/-registration.html
Agenda on line: http://atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com/agenda.html
Attention: Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate Holders
To renew your pesticide applicator certificate there are three options available for you:
First Option: Renewal of your certificate by receiving Continuing Education Credits.
Second Option: Take a one day training course & write the two hour exam.
Third Option: Make an appointment to come in and write the two hour exam.
First Option:
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will be offering two different training days
Day A and Day B. You are required to attend one Day A and one Day B over the five year re-certification period. Only one day per calendar year can be credited.
Day A – Topics covered: General Information, Regulations, Environmental Safety, and Application Technology.
Day B – Topics covered: Emergency Response, Labeling, Professionalism, Traceability, Integrated Pest Management, and Human Health and Safety.
Your current Pesticide Applicator Certificate will remain valid until the expiry date printed on your certificate. New Class A certificates will now all have an expiry date of March 31. The fee payable for a new 5-year certificate is $75.
When you have met the requirements to renew your license, you will be mailed an application form for renewal of your Pesticide Applicator Certificate. Should you fail to attend both of these training sessions prior to the expiry date on your current Certificate, you will need to successfully complete the written examination to obtain a new certificate.
The 2017 training schedule is as follows:
Day A:
January 24,2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
January 31,2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside
February 21, 2017 Lane’s Riverhouse Inn, Montague
March 14, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH Charlottetown
Day B:
January 26,2017 Rodd Royalty, THC, Charlottetown
February 2,2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside
February 22,2017 Lanes Riverhouse Inn, Montague
March 16, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. All information sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be completed by 4:00 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and there is a
$ 25. fee to offset this cost.
To register for one of these training days please call (902) 368-4154.
Should you have questions or require additional detail, please do not hesitate to contact Shelley Ployer at (902) 368-4154 or via e-mail at seployer@gov.pe.ca
Second Option:
You can also renew your license by attending a one day training course and writing the exam at the end of the day (there is no cost to attend this course). This training course is designed to refresh your memory and prepare you for writing the exam. It DOES NOT provide you with any certification days. There is no cost to write the exam. The cost for a 5 year Pesticide Applicator Certificate is $75.
The 2017 training schedule for the one day course followed by writing the exam is as follows:
January 25, 2017 Rodd Mill River Resort, Mill River
February 1, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
February 22, 2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside March 15, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. Training sessions begin at 8:45 a.m. and are completed by 3:30 p.m. The exam will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To register for one of these training days please call (902) 368-4154.
Third Option:
You can make an appointment to write the two hour exam by calling Debbie MacRae at
(902) 368-5024 or Thane Clarke at (902) 368-5599 at the Department of Communities, Land and Environment in Charlottetown. The cost is the same, $75.
