Membership Survey
The recent 76th Annual General Meeting was a great success on a number of fronts, but as always we would like to improve for next year. Please take a moment to complete this SURVEY to give us feedback, even if you did not attend, we’d like to know why and what might bring you out to the AGM in the future. Thanks! SURVEY
Local, Regional, Canadian News
Snow-covered crops valuable, but can be destroyed by off-road vehicles
To address this issue the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture teamed up with the P.E.I. ATV Federation, the P.E.I. Snowmobile Association, and the province to create a guidebook highlighting the importance of laws relating to off-road vehicles. MORE
To take advantage of coming agriculture ‘revolution’ Canada needs investment, says expert
A leading Canadian agri-food expert says Canada has an opportunity to significantly boost its gross domestic product and be a key player in the coming agriculture-industrial revolution. But the sector needs investment from the federal government to take advantage of the opportunity. MORE
Former environmental official defends biofuels
Former Ontario environment commissioner Gord Miller is taking on some financial heavyweights in his ongoing defence of government support for biofuels. MORE
Newfoundland shifts Lands Branch to new department
The government branch overseeing Crown land in Newfoundland and Labrador will join the provincial ministry handling the agrifoods file, as the province moves to cut public sector costs. MORE
Cash-rich Maple Leaf sees abundant U.S. opportunities
Canadian meat packing company Maple Leaf Foods is hunting for acquisitions in the U.S., after years spent upgrading old factories and shedding business lines, its CEO said on Wednesday. MORE
Federation of Agriculture ‘Path of Profit’ Learning & Development Series
The Federation of Agriculture is excited to announce an exclusive offer to our members.
The ‘Path of Profit’ Series is a Learning Program of various Professional Development courses available to employees of any of our members. The courses are designed to improve overall business competitiveness and profitability while also upgrading staff skills. The courses are classroom based for 1-3 days depending on the course and will be delivered at our boardroom
In March /April. Dates will be confirmed ASAP.
- Succession Planning
- Tax & Financial Planning
- Professional Leadership for Managers / Supervisors / Lead Hands
- Computer Skills Upgrade – Office / Word / Excel
- Stress Management / Time Management
Seats will be on a first come first serve basis.
For further information and to sign up, please contact the office at 902-368-7289 or email Jennifer Murphy at jmurphy@peifa.ca or Robert Godfrey at rgodfrey@peifa.ca.
The Vernor River Watershed Group and PEIFA to host upcoming Watershed farmers meeting
Date/Time: Monday March 6 at 7 pm
Location: St.Joachim,s parish hall, Vernon River
Speaker – John Phillips will discuss land stabilization , organic matter etc, with a round table discussion!
Speaker two to be announced all welcome!
Institute of Canada (AIC) is hosting a national conference titled “Agriculture Innovation in a changing environment”
Addressing the topic of climate change and agriculture.
April 24-26, 2017 in Winnipeg, MB MORE
Livestock
Health Canada clears ground beef irradiation
Fresh and frozen ground beef treated with irradiation can now be sold in Canada, the federal health department announced Wednesday. MORE
Beef 911: Vaccinating young calves
There has been lots of trial work over the years regarding vaccinations of calves and when is the most ideal time. MORE
Pre-report Estimates Show Cattle Marketed During January Up 10.2%
On Friday, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will publish their monthly ‘Cattle on Feed’ report, which is based on a survey of all feedlots with an animal capacity of 1,000 head or more, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Indonesia Increases Weight Limit for Imported Aussie Cattle
The Indonesian Government has signed off on changes to the maximum average weight of feeder cattle imported from Australia. MORE
Saputo poised to gain full control of Australia’s Warrnambool dairy
Canadian dairy giant Saputo Inc. is poised to gain full ownership of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Co. after Lion Dairy and Drinks accepted a sweetened offer to sell its minority stake in the Australian cheese and dairy producer. MORE
Hogs tumble on pork price declines
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures fell 3.8 per cent for their biggest daily loss in about a month on Wednesday, pulled down by investment fund selling tied to lower cash hog and wholesale pork prices, traders said. MORE
EU and Spanish Pork Markets
In the Spanish market, 2017 seems to have started positively. We are now at prices above 2015 and 2016, and almost at the levels of 2014. The Mercolleida market price for last week closed at 1.182 € / kg live. In 2014, we were at 1.20 € / kg live, writes Mercedes Vega, General Director for Spain, Italy & Portugal. MORE
Antibiotic Resistance Remains High, Says EU Report
Bacteria found in humans, animals and food continue to show resistance to widely used antimicrobials, says the latest report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). MORE
More ASF Reported in Ukraine
A new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in Bobrovytsya, Chernigov. MORE
Right Funds and Regulation are Vital for Farming’s Future, says Report
A new report from the NFU urges Government and research providers to invest in agricultural R&D and to enable British farmers to use the latest technologies. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – February 16 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Wednesday, February 22 HERE
Potatoes
New products available for potato growers in 2017 MORE
WPVGA Works on Watershed Improvement
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) is currently working in conjunction with the village of Plover, Wis., and other stakeholders to develop and implement a Little Plover River Flow and Watershed Enhancement Plan. The plan will identify and implement solutions to improve Little Plover River stream flows and increase water retention within the Little Plover River watershed. MORE
Syngenta Minecto Pro Insecticide
Syngenta announces that the EPA has registered and approved Minecto Pro insecticide for use in specialty and vegetable crops to control lepidopteran pests as well as sucking/rasping/chewing pests like mites, whiteflies, psyllids, thrips and Colorado potato beetles. MORE
WPVGA Donates Salad Bar to School
More than 400 students are getting a great taste of healthy vegetables, including potatoes, at Lincoln Middle School in La Crosse, Wis., after the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) provided the school with a potato-friendly salad bar. MORE
Growers Gearing up for Processing Tour
Potato growers from across Michigan are getting ready to be a part of a tour of potato processors in the eastern United States to gain a deeper appreciation for how the potatoes that they produce are utilized to make products. MORE
Rimon Insecticide from Arysta
Rimon insecticide helps attack potato pests before they are fully grown. This powerful insecticide takes a new approach to an age-old insect control. MORE
Eastern States ban imports from Western Australia after pest found
After the discovery of a destructive pest known as the tomato potato miner at a Perth farm, Eastern States banned the import of produce from Western Australia in order to quarantine the problem. MORE
Good weather eases potato prices in Australia
After heavy flooding hurt production six months ago Victorian potato growers are reporting high yields and quality. MORE
Potato growers urge government to waive loans
After claiming to have suffered huge losses after the governments demonetisation move, the Jalandhar potato growers’ association (JPGA) on Monday threatened to throw their crops in front of banks if the government does not waive their loans taken against the crops. MORE
Thousands of pounds of potatoes rotting in Belize
Belizean potato farmers are in crisis mode because their product is rotting in the fields. It’s due to Mexican imported potatoes which were still on the market when the Belize crop became ready for harvest. Now, this is the balancing act that the Ministry of Agriculture has to do every year with key vegetable crops which are grown locally, but not in sufficient quantities for year round supply. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Tightening supplies underpin canola
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were stronger on Wednesday, as concerns over tightening supplies provided support. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Wednesday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
Canola sturdy, but watching beans
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts drifted lower during the week ended Wednesday, but are still holding up rather well compared to the U.S. soy complex. MORE
December corn seen as bellwether
As traders wait for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to put out fresh acreage estimates for corn and soybeans this week some eyes have already shifted to the behaviour of certain deferred contracts in the market. MORE
Soy at three-week low on South America crops
U.S. soybean futures fell to a three-week low on Wednesday and posted a fourth straight daily decline on strong South American harvest prospects and a lack of supportive news, analysts said. MORE
Genetic study may make ancient Inca’s quinoa a grain of the future
Quinoa, the sacred “mother grain” of the ancient Inca civilization suppressed by Spanish conquistadors, could become an increasingly important food source in the future thanks to genetic secrets revealed in a new study. MORE
U.S. ethanol expected to be competitive in 2017
Weaker commodity prices and less international competition are expected to lend demand and profitability to the U.S. ethanol market in 2017, one analyst says. MORE
AM markets: ags brace for ‘top tradable input for a while’ HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Canadian Wildlife Federation wants Ottawa to protect prairie grasslands
The Canadian Wildlife Federation wants Ottawa to stop turning over community pastures to the Prairie provinces because of concerns it has about species at risk. MORE
Watching for bears
Change Makers: Saskatchewan’s Franck Groeneweg defends his farm against factors that prevent him changing as fast as he needs to MORE
Viterra results offset Glencore’s improved year-end
Commodity giant Glencore’s efforts to ratchet down its debts paid off in fiscal 2016 — though “challenges” weighed on the ledger for its Viterra grain handling arm. MORE
Right Funds, Regulation Vital for Farming’s Future, Says Report
A new report from the NFU urges Government and research providers to invest in agricultural R&D and to enable British farmers to use the latest technologies. MORE
European Commission Launches Public Consultation on CAP
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). MORE
Regular Updates
Rayglen Market Comments – February 22 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Wednesday, February 22 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
Holistic Farm Life Planning
A two-day intensive for small business owners who are ready to create a vision of the future they want for their life and business.
Rodd Royalty in Charlottetown, PEI, on February 23rd and 24th MORE
PEI ALUS Program Reviewing Payment Rates
The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program is undertaking a review of payment rates paid to Island farmers/landowners. Surveys have been mailed to all ALUS program clients for feedback. In addition, a digital version of the survey has been created. If you are a client of the ALUS program and haven’t completed your survey yet, you can do so by following the link below. The survey will be available online until February 23.
The link can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALUSclientsurvey3
Cereals & Oilseeds 2017 / PEI Soil & Crop Conference
The PEI Department of Agriculture & Fisheries and PEI Soil & Crop will one again be hosting their annual conference on March 1st and 2nd at the Rodd Royalty, Charlottetown. MORE
The Vernor River Watershed Group and PEIFA to host upcoming Watershed farmers meeting
Date/Time: Monday March 6 at 7 pm
Location: St.Joachim,s parish hall, Vernon River
Speaker – John Phillips will discuss land stabilization , organic matter etc, with a round table discussion!
Speaker two to be announced all welcome!
See Canada’s top speakers
FCC Forum is your chance to re-energize, get inspired and network with business owners and operators like you. Bring family, friends, business partners – it’s free for anyone in agriculture. Over 7,000 people attended last year, so get your seat early and register today!
Saturday, March 11 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Moncton , New Brunswick (lunch included) MORE
The Prince Edward Island Institute of Agrologists offer two awards annually to individuals whose achievements and service to Agriculture in Prince Edward Island have been outstanding.
To nominate an individual for the Recognition Award or Outstanding Agrologist Award please click HERE
Nominations to be submitted to lmurphy@pei.sympatico.ca by March 20, 2017
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:
March 14, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH Charlottetown
Day B:
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.
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.
