Local, Regional, Canadian News
‘Chocolate milk doesn’t come from brown cows’: P.E.I. students learn about agriculture
About 50 Grade 3 students at Queen Elizabeth Elementary in Kensington, P.E.I., were treated to a breakfast Tuesday that was produced entirely on the Island, including bacon, sausages, eggs, apples and milk. MORE
Minister MacAulay Wraps-Up Agricultural Trade Mission to Vietnam and India
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, wrapped up a two-country Asian trade mission, strengthening agricultural bilateral ties and exploring market access opportunities for Canadian food and agri-food businesses. MORE
Your next employee
The solution to your labour shortage may be just waiting for you to give her a chance MORE
Grain safety program to provide training, increase awareness to reduce deaths
The federal government is offering up to $375,000 for a new program to reduce deaths and injuries related to grain-handling. MORE
‘It’s a strong and vibrant industry right now’: $368M farm subsidies unnecessary, says professor
Farmers could be willing to help the provincial government balance its books, but do politicians have the guts to ask? MORE
Creating a safety culture at one Manitoba dairy
Time is the enemy, particularly when it comes to injury risk, according to Henry Holtmann, of Rosser Holsteins outside of Winnipeg. MORE
Environmental Farm Plan Renewals
The Enhanced Environmental Farm Plan Program sent out renewal letters in early 2017 to notify producers that their environmental farms plans would be expiring at the end of the year. If you are a producer who has not yet contacted the office to have your plan updated please call Matt or JoAnn at 902-368-7289.
EFP’s are valid for 5 years and we encourage all farmers to participate in the program. Participation in the program also allows you to apply for funding through the Growing Forward 2 Agriculture Stewardship Program, Farmland Finance Program and the Future Farmer Program. For your convenience the EFP can be completed at your farm or at the PEI Federation of Agricultural office and takes approximately 1.5 hrs to complete. EFP’s are no cost to the producer.
If you feel your EFP may be expired and you have not yet been contacted please call the office and we will check the status of your last plan. Further information on the Enhanced Environmental Farm Plan Program can be found on the PEI Federation of Agriculture webpage www.peifa.ca/efp/
Humane Handling Workshop
Open to all registered PEICP producers
Registration is required, but there is no cost
Requirement for all PEI CIB Producers unless you have attended previous Humane Handling Workshops
6:30 PM March 22, 2017
Farm Centre, Charlottetown
For more info call 368-2229
2017 Wireworm Research & Extension Seminar
Tuesday, March 28th, 2017
Red Shores Racetrack, Charlottetown
Will feature presentations by researchers conducting wireworm/click beetle research both locally and nationally.
Registration: $20, includes buffet lunch at Top of the Park Restaurant
To register: Contact Ryan Barrett at (902) 892-6551 or ryan@peipotato.org by March 22nd. 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.
Livestock
Feeder cattle jump on healthy margin structure
Western Canadian feeder cattle jumped $3-$5 on average last week, with 800-plus-lb. yearlings trading as much as $8 higher. Historically high finishing margins finally resonated with feedlot operators and a precarious attitude from recent weeks was thrown by the wayside. MORE
Value of Red Meat Exports Shared at Commodity Classic
To show its appreciation for support received from soybean and corn producers and to share information about how red meat exports contribute to their profitability, USMEF participated in Commodity Classic in San Antonio. MORE
Cattle decline on profit-taking
U.S. cattle futures declined on Tuesday, with live cattle easing one per cent as traders locked in profits following recent steep gains and amid uncertainty over how cash markets would develop this week, traders and analysts said. MORE
Impressive Rally in Value of Beef Cutout
Below are items that we found interesting as we looked through the numbers, report the Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
JBS sees margins up in 2017 as feed, cattle costs fall
Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS SA expects profit margins to improve over the course of this year, CEO Wesley Batista said on Tuesday, as lower cattle and feed costs and healthier markets ease the pressures that hurt 2016 results. MORE
Commodity Classic Highlights Value of Red Meat Exports
To show its appreciation for support received from soybean and corn producers and to share information about how red meat exports contribute to their profitability, USMEF participated in Commodity Classic in San Antonio. MORE
Trump, Brexit Signal Changing Fortunes for Aussie Beef Exports
Since Australia’s beef export value peaked in 2015/16, at $8.5 billion, it has slipped and will continue to slip this year. MORE
Israel to Buy Belarusian Kosher Beef
The Belarusian meatpacking company Koshelevo will sell kosher beef to Israel, according to the press service of the Gomel Oblast administration. MORE
Cattle Supplies Tighter; Prices Stronger This Week
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods has said cattle supplies are tighter this week and prices are stronger with agents reporting it much harder to get stock, and having to pay 5c/kg more. In addition, he said with the change in the weather along with the calving and lambing season, farmers are extremely busy. MORE
PED pops back up in southern Ontario
Porcine epidemic diarrhea has appeared on two hog operations in southern Ontario, after nearly eight months with no new cases in the province. MORE
Feeding Trials of Straw Based Feed Supplement for Gestating Sows Now Undeway
Feeding trials of a newly developed straw based feed supplement for gestating sows, designed to increase satiety and reduce fighting over feed in group housing are now underway, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Improved Surveillance Among Information Center’s 2017 Priorities
The Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center says developing more responsive surveillance will be a key focus during 2017, according to Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Hog Slaughter During W10 of 2017 3.4% Higher Than a Year Ago
Below are items that we found interesting as we looked through the numbers, report the Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
EU Pig Prices: Brisk Demand for Pigs
The market mood appears friendly on the one hand while also somewhat irked on the other in the European slaughter pig market this week. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – March 9 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Tuesday, March 14 HERE
Potatoes
Researchers look to soil for scab solutions
Controlling common scab is a challenge, but work continues to unravel the puzzle. MORE
FIELD AND STORAGE MAPPING ON THE VANDER ZAAG FARM
Ontario potato farmers Kate and Peter Vander Zaag were among the first to adopt potato yield monitoring and, more recently, field-to-storage load tracking and mapping. Tech-savvy producers who prioritize quality, the Vander Zaags believe capturing quality information is key to growing better potatoes. I sat down with Kate to hear her perspective. MORE
McCain Foods announces an investment of £100m in its Scarborough Potato Processing Plant (United Kingdom)
McCain Foods announces an investment of £100m (USD 120m) in its Scarborough Potato Processing Plant (United Kingdom). MORE
The Rise of Spuddy Buddy
In 1983, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) needed to find a way to turn its dirt-encrusted, starchy tuber back into a highly marketable crop. That year, a cartoon-style potato character, complete with resplendent cowboy hat and red Idaho neckerchief, was born. MORE
U.S. Potato Exports Reach Record Levels in 2016
For calendar year 2016, total U.S. potato exports were up 4% to USD1,726,920,330 – the highest ever value, according to a statistical summary of Potatoes USA. MORE
Jamaican farmers in St Elizabeth quadruple cultivation of Irish potatoes
According to a statement from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries’, minister without portfolio, JC Hutchinson, the cultivation of Irish potatoes has quadrupled, with some 60 hectares planted in the December 2016 to January 2017 period. MORE
Pocsi, Arequipa, produces potatoes that weigh more than 1kg each
Thanks to a proper land treatment, the district of Pocsi in Arequipa has achieved an amazing crop of potatoes that are 50 to 60 centimeter long and weigh more than one kilogram. MORE
January potato stocks reach parity with 2016 levels
GB potato stock levels at the end of January were at a similar level to the same point in 2016, despite a four-year low yield, according an AHDB survey of grower stocks. MORE
Hawaii Pesticide Disclosure Bill Nixed
House rejects law requiring advance notice for spraying in certain areas MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola down with follow-through selling
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were weaker on Tuesday, seeing some follow-through fund selling after Monday’s declines. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Tuesday: Canola futures prices lower, barley unchanged HERE
Durum lacks momentum ahead of competing harvests
Canadian durum prices are at a standstill as the market looks to upcoming production, while domestic crops act as a “wild card,” one Winnipeg-based analyst says. MORE
Feed market awaits influx of spring-threshed grains
As spring slowly approaches, western Canadian feed dealers are warily eyeing the amount of grain that may be left over on Prairie fields. MORE
Soybeans poised to beat out wheat, barley
It’ll take quite a lot to convince Manitoba farmers to hold off on expanding soybean acres in favour of growing more wheat and barley for milling and malt channels. MORE
How do I get better control of lamb’s quarters?
Lamb’s quarters has consistently been identified as the most abundant and most problematic weed affecting field crop production in Ontario. Yet the Pest Management Regulatory Agency database contains hundreds of herbicides that list lamb’s quarters as either suppressed or controlled. MORE
Tough news on fleabane
The world of science can often provide insight into some rather grim realities. But sometimes, fortunately, it can provide more than just insight. It can provide strategic help too. MORE
U.S. wheat market watching weather closely
U.S. wheat futures posted sharp losses over the past few weeks, but values found support on Tuesday as weather forecasts provide nearby direction, according to an analyst. MORE
Soy drops below $10 on rising supplies
Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures declined on Tuesday for a seventh straight session, dropping below US$10 a bushel as hefty South American harvests threatened U.S. soy export prospects, traders said. MORE
Crop production could take hit in 2017
Dry and cold weather in Europe and flooding in Latin America are setting the stage for trouble MORE
Planned mutations can increase crop options
There are more than 300,000 plant species in existence, but just three — rice, wheat and corn — account for almost all of the plant matter consumed by humans. MORE
AM markets: China import boost spreads to cotton from corn HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
The brother and sister advantage: Jake and Sarah Leguee of Leguee Farms
Off-farm work and a five-year plan helped this brother and sister team prepare for the non-stop challenges of farming MORE
What Makes Farmers Try New Practices?
Change is never easy. But when it comes to adopting new agricultural practices, some farmers are easier to convince than others. MORE
Guide Life: Distracted driving
Farmers know safety is important. So why do so many of us overlook one of the leading causes of injury and death? Distracted driving is a contributing factor in 80 per cent of vehicle collisions, leading to four million car crashes in North America each year. MORE
Trump’s trade nominee pledges tough enforcement
U.S. President Donald Trump’s choice for the top trade negotiator on Tuesday pledged an “America First” strategy to aggressively enforce U.S. laws and trade deals to stop unfair imports and push China to scrap excess factory capacity. MORE
Monsanto ghostwrote Roundup studies, plaintiffs in U.S. suit say
Employees of Monsanto ghostwrote scientific reports that U.S. regulators relied on to determine that a chemical in its Roundup herbicide does not cause cancer, farmers and others suing the company claimed in court filings. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Report – March 10 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – March 8 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Tuesday, March 14 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
THE SOIL SESSIONS
Join the PEI COPC in the morning to examine and interpret a number of Cornell Soil Health Test results from local farms and hear from our own local farmers and experts how their management practices may impact soil health and performance. In the afternoon, we’ll be joined (via video conference) by Dr.s Kristine Nichols and Andrew Smith from the Rodale Institute. They’ll provide field crop and vegetable systems expertise and share their knowledge of soil health.
Wednesday, March 15 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Holland College Centre for Applied Science & Technology
Cost is $50 for PEI COPC members and $60 for non-members and includes lunch.
Parking will be available free at the Holland College parking lot on Grafton Street (just across from the CAST)
Contact Karen at (902)894-9999 or research@organicpei.com directly if you have any questions or would like to reserve a spot. REGISTER HERE
2017 Maritime Beef Council Annual Conference
Date: March 17-18, 2017
Location: Best Western Glengarry Motel, Truro, Nova Scotia
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
Humane Handling Workshop
Open to all registered PEICP producers
Registration is required, but there is no cost
Requirement for all PEI CIB Producers unless you have attended previous Humane Handling Workshops
6:30 PM March 22, 2017
Farm Centre, Charlottetown
For more info call 368-2229
2017 Wireworm Research & Extension Seminar
Tuesday, March 28th, 2017
Red Shores Racetrack, Charlottetown
Will feature presentations by researchers conducting wireworm/click beetle research both locally and nationally.
Registration: $20, includes buffet lunch at Top of the Park Restaurant
To register: Contact Ryan Barrett at (902) 892-6551 or ryan@peipotato.org by March 22nd. MORE
Women in Agriculture Recognition Award
The provincial board of PEI Women’s Institute is now accepting nominations for the Women in Agriculture Recognition Award. This award, in the form of a plaque and framed photo posted at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, is presented bi-annually to recognize an Island woman making a major contribution to the PEI agriculture industry within the last five years. Members of the community or fellow farmers are encouraged to contact their local branches to nominate women in the agriculture industry for this award. March 31 marks the deadline for this and other scholarships and awards. A complete list of PEIWI awards and scholarships are available at www.peiwi.ca or by contacting the WI Office at 902-368-4860 or wi@gov.pe.ca. MORE
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
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:
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
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.
