Local, Regional, Canadian News
Government of Canada Helps Expand Markets for small-to-medium size Canadian Food Businesses
Small- and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. They provide important goods and services, create jobs and strengthen communities across the country. Our government is committed to ensuring they can grow and thrive. MORE
The right mentor
More young farmers could get a career-expanding lift from a great mentor. Could that be you? MORE
KAP Calls for Carbon Tax Exemption for Farmers
The President of Keystone Agricultural Producers is calling for farmers to be exempt from any carbon on the inputs they use to produce food, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
PEI Woodlot Owners Association Annual Meeting and Workshop
The Annual Meeting and Workshop of the PEI Woodlot Owners Association will be held on Saturday April 1, 2017 at the Farm Center, University Ave., Charlottetown.
Registration will begin at 8:30 am with the meeting to begin at 9:00 am.
Agenda topics include:
- Developing a sustainable woodlot
- Invasive species of trees and shrubs in our woodlots
- Forest Enhancement Program of PEI
- Role of Trapping in Animal Conservation
- Canadian Forum of Woodlot Owners
- Annual Business Meeting for all members of PEIWOA
Anyone with a woodlot on PEI is welcome to attend and participate.
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/
Trade Team PEI Business Mission to South Korea
When: May 15, 2017 – May 19, 2017
Where: Seoul, South Korea
Innovation PEI, in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) are seeking interest from PEI-based enterprises and organizations to participate in a multi-sector Business Mission to South Korea during the week of May 15-19, 2017. MORE
This mission will serve to enhance existing export relationships, provide opportunities for market expansion while at the same time providing an exceptional opportunity to introduce companies to this strong market. Korea is the 13th largest economy in the world and is one of the largest importing countries on the planet. P.E.I.’s exports to Korea in 2016 were almost $15 million and Canadian products/suppliers are much sought after for our high quality and reputation to deliver. This mission will be of particular interest to companies in the professional services, ICT, clean tech, education, manufacturing and food sectors. The customization of each delegate’s business development program to advance their mission-week and market objectives will be a core feature of this initiative.
During this week the Seoul Food and Hotel Show will be taking place offering mission participants a chance to see first-hand the breadth of product offering and to gather key market intelligence. While there is a Canada pavilion at this event, P.E.I. will not have a booth at the show for this year. Participants will be able to walk the show. However we will also be exploring this opportunity for future years. For details on the Seoul Hotel and Food Show visit http://www.seoulfoodnhotel.co.kr/
For more information on this mission and to express your interest in participating, please contact either of these mission leads by email or by phone:
Scott Ferris – Innovation PEI scferris@gov.pe.ca or (902) 368-5952 or Jeff Burry – ACOA Jeff.Burry@canada.ca or (902) 314-2197
Livestock
Some cattle sales called on account of snowstorm
The upcoming week could be an extremely busy one for Manitoba stockyards as a fierce blizzard cancelled or curtailed several auctions during the week ended March 10. MORE
Live cattle hit seven-week high on packer margins
U.S. live cattle futures rose to a seven-week high on Thursday, boosted by recent gains in beef prices that increased profit margins for meat packers, traders and analysts said. MORE
Boxed Beef Prices Show Packer Margins Back in Black
The rally in boxed beef prices has once again pushed implied packer margins back in the black although the extent of beef packer profits is always a point of debate and varies depending on the assumptions you make on operating costs, etc, according to Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Securing Future of Cattle Production in Africa
A ‘world-first’ study of the genomes of indigenous cattle in Africa has revealed vital clues that will help secure the future of cattle production on the continent. MORE
Cattle Prices Drive on as Supplies Tighten
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods has reported cattle prices are rising this week with most plants increasing the base prices by 5c/kg to get numbers. He said the base price for steers has moved on to €3.85 for steers and €3.95/kg for heifers. MORE
Bord Bia Launches Major Irish Beef Campaign in Germany
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has announced that a major new campaign to support Irish beef exports to Germany was launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed in Stuttgart this week. MORE
Incorporating Health, Safety in Decision-making Process
Canadian pork production has made a tremendous transition from smaller family farms into large-scale high-production barns. MORE
Cash Hog Prices Trading Sideways for Past Week
Cash hog prices have been trading sideways for the past week or so following the sharp runup in price during February, according to Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – March 16 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Thursday, March 16 HERE
Potatoes
EXPANDING MARKETS FOR CANADIAN POTATOES
The federal government is providing more than $274,000 to help expand markets for Canadian potatoes. MORE
Fertilizer Prices Rising
If you haven’t bought fertilizer this year, anticipate higher prices for all major nutrients. MORE
Professor Advocates for GMO Crops
On a list of the most controversial topics in science, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) would easily be close to the top. Concerns about their safety and effect on naturally bred species continue to dominate scientific and policy discussions. MORE
“Increasing Belgian potato production sustainably”
On Tuesday 14 March, the introduction of web platform WatchITGrow took place. This is a cooperation between BELSPO, VITO, CRA-W and ULG and Belgapom. WatchITGrow is a new geo-information platform developed for the potato sector with, as its goal, better estimating the Belgian potato production, and sustainably increasing it. MORE
Indian government to buy 28,000tn of potatoes from troubled farmers
With potato farmers finding it difficult to sell their bumper crop this year, the West Bengal government has decided to purchase potatoes directly from them, in addition to providing subsidies to help them sell the produce. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola falls with spec selling
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were down sharply on Thursday, falling below major chart support as speculators liquidated long positions. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Thursday: Canola futures prices lower, barley unchanged HERE
World soybean supplies are bearish on canola, for now
As Western Canada sits blanketed in snow, canola prices are being driven by oilseed markets elsewhere — a short-term bearish factor. MORE
Wheat recommending committee reforms paying efficiency dividends
Ordinarily voting over whether to recommend new wheat, rye or triticale varieties for registration can stretch on well into the afternoon. MORE
Wild oat chemical control options
Your wild oat chemical control options in 1974 included Avadex, Treflan, Avenge (barley only), Endaven (wheat), Asulox (flax) and Carbyne, a post-emergent product from Gulf. MORE
Cool, dry canola keeps best when left alone
For farmers who plan to keep canola in bins through the hottest months of the year, a new Prairie study suggests that to manage bin temperature, less handling is better. MORE
Corn climbs on export demand, technical rebound
U.S. corn futures on Thursday climbed on better-than-expected weekly export sales data and bargain buying after the May contract hit a two-month low this week, analysts said. MORE
Ameropa to shut malting barley trading firm Interbrau
Swiss-based grain trading group Ameropa AG said Thursday it will end its involvement in malting barley trading and close its Hamburg-based malting barley trading house Interbrau GmbH at the end of 2017. MORE
AM markets: grain price revival stalls, even in spring wheat HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Federal rules tightened for recreational drone use
Citing recent “reckless use of drones that is putting the safety of Canadians at risk,” the federal government has set up new temporary rules limiting where and when drones can be flown for the heck of it. MORE
Agriculture nominee Perdue will get hearing next week
The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing next week to consider Sonny Perdue’s nomination to be agriculture secretary. MORE
US Farmers, Ranchers Urge Strengthening of Safety Net
The American Farm Bureau Federation and 11 other farm and ranch groups have asked congressional budget and appropriations committees to increase funding for farm programs in the 2018 farm bill. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Report – March 10 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – March 15 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, March 16 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
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
PEI Woodlot Owners Association Annual General Meeting
The Annual Meeting and Workshop of the PEI Woodlot Owners Association will be held on Saturday April 1, 2017 at the Farm Center, University Ave., Charlottetown.
Registration will begin at 8:30 am with the meeting to begin at 9:00 am.
Agenda topics include:
- Developing a sustainable woodlot
- Invasive species of trees and shrubs in our woodlots
- Forest Enhancement Program of PEI
- Role of Trapping in Animal Conservation
- Canadian Forum of Woodlot Owners
- Annual Business Meeting for all members of PEIWOA
Anyone with a woodlot on PEI is welcome to attend and participate.
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
Trade Team PEI Business Mission to South Korea
When: May 15, 2017 – May 19, 2017
Where: Seoul, South Korea
Innovation PEI, in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) are seeking interest from PEI-based enterprises and organizations to participate in a multi-sector Business Mission to South Korea during the week of May 15-19, 2017. MORE
This mission will serve to enhance existing export relationships, provide opportunities for market expansion while at the same time providing an exceptional opportunity to introduce companies to this strong market. Korea is the 13th largest economy in the world and is one of the largest importing countries on the planet. P.E.I.’s exports to Korea in 2016 were almost $15 million and Canadian products/suppliers are much sought after for our high quality and reputation to deliver. This mission will be of particular interest to companies in the professional services, ICT, clean tech, education, manufacturing and food sectors. The customization of each delegate’s business development program to advance their mission-week and market objectives will be a core feature of this initiative.
During this week the Seoul Food and Hotel Show will be taking place offering mission participants a chance to see first-hand the breadth of product offering and to gather key market intelligence. While there is a Canada pavilion at this event, P.E.I. will not have a booth at the show for this year. Participants will be able to walk the show. However we will also be exploring this opportunity for future years. For details on the Seoul Hotel and Food Show visit http://www.seoulfoodnhotel.co.kr/
For more information on this mission and to express your interest in participating, please contact either of these mission leads by email or by phone:
Scott Ferris – Innovation PEI scferris@gov.pe.ca or (902) 368-5952 or Jeff Burry – ACOA Jeff.Burry@canada.ca or (902) 314-2197
