Local, Regional, Canadian News
Take a tour of P.E.I.’s largest cheese factory
More than 300K of Island milk moves through ADL’s Summerside facility daily MORE
Marijuana legalization brings opportunity for P.E.I. producer
The Island’s only licensed producer of cannabis is hoping the federal government’s move to regulate the sale of marijuana starting July 1, 2018 will present new opportunities for business. MORE
Celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador’s dairy history
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is proud to present the book Dairy Farmers, Deeply Rooted for a Strong Future, which features, representing Newfoundland and Labrador, the Walsh family of Glenview Farms in Kilbride, NL. MORE
FCC AgriSpirit Fund marks Canada’s 150th anniversary with additional funds
Farm Credit Canada is now accepting applications from registered charities and non-profit organizations in rural Canada for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund. The fund will award $1.5 million in funding this year to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. MORE
The other ag college: ACC’s growing agribusiness program
ACC’s agribusiness program is so successful that 26 years later there’s a waiting list to get in MORE
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies lauds new code for egg-laying hens
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies says a new code of practice for egg farmers will help reduce the extreme stress suffered by egg-laying hens and give consumers some assurance about the term “cage-free.” 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/
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Class D
Seed Piece Treatment Training Course
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $75.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Seed Piece Certificate is $75. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance)
Individuals who are directly involved with seed piece treatment of agricultural crops, including potatoes and cereals require a Class D Seed Piece Treatment Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Seed Piece Class D Certificate.
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Class D Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED. Must be 18 years of age for certificate.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 902-368-4880
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Loader / Mixer Training
Loader/Mixer Training
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $50.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Loader/Mixer Certificate is $50. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance.)
Individuals who do not apply pesticides, but are directly involved with the mixing of a non-domestic pesticide for the application of agricultural crops, must have a Pesticide Loader/Mixer Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Loader/Mixer Certificate. Must be 18 years of age for certification .
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Loader/Mixer Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling 902-368-4880.
Livestock
Cattlemen Call on USDA to Withdraw Damaging GIPSA Rules
Last week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called on USDA to withdraw the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act interim final and proposed rules, collectively labeled with the misleading title, Farmer Fair Practices Rules. MORE
Cattle Marketed up 3.6% During February
Last week cattle futures prices were pulled much higher week-over-week, the driver was two consecutive weeks of strong cash markets, report Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
IFA Reiterates Case in Brussels for Ban on Brazilian Meat
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods has met with Irish MEPs, senior officials in the EU Commission in DG Sante, DG Agriculture, Commissioner Hogan’s cabinet and COPA, to reiterate the IFA call for a ban on Brazilian meat imports. MORE
Livestock Grazing Effects on Sage-grouse
Effects of livestock grazing on greater sage-grouse populations can be positive or negative depending on the amount of grazing and when grazing occurs. MORE
Irish Cattle Prices on the Up as Numbers Tighten
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said cattle prices are on the up this week and factories are finding it very hard to get numbers with tighter supplies. MORE
Public Interest in Issues Related to Livestock Transportation Builds
The General Manager of the National Farm Animal Care Council says the general public is becoming more aware of and interested in issues related to the transport of livestock, Bruce Cochrane writes. MORE
More Responsive Research Programme Expected Under Next Ag Policy Framework
The Chair of Swine Innovation Porc anticipates a more responsive swine research programme under Canada’s next Agricultural Policy Framework, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
CME lean hog futures extend losses
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures’ selloff last Friday carried over into Monday, led by fund liquidation and weaker cash prices, traders said. MORE
Pig Prices Strengthen After Weak Start to the Year
Farmgate pig prices have strengthened following a period of downwards seasonal pressure in the early weeks of 2017, according to analysis by Quality Meat Scotland’s Economics Services team. MORE
World Banks Reports on Viet Nam’s Substandard Pork Abattoirs
Abuse of antibiotics and pesticides in agricultural production and livestock breeding was thought to cause an increased risk of antibiotic and pesticide residues in food, a survey said. MORE
COFCO Meat’s Profit Surges
The annual net profit of Hong Kong-listed COFCO Meat Holdings Ltd jumped by 530.8 per cent year-on-year to 950 million yuan ($138.18 million) in 2016, thanks to the decline in China’s population of sows and the rising price of hogs, the company announced on Monday. MORE
Top U.S. chicken-producing state sees first case of bird flu
Georgia has confirmed its first-ever case of bird flu in commercial poultry, its agriculture department said on Monday, widening an outbreak of the disease into the United States’ biggest chicken meat-producing state. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – March 23 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Monday, March 27 HERE
Potatoes
Herbicide Buyers’ Guide
As every grower knows, weeds can be harsh, nasty and unforgiving, in spite of warm, cuddly-sounding names like morning glory, marestail and lambsquarter. MORE
The Smorgasbord: Mountain Gem Russet
Let’s take a closer look at Mountain Gem Russet—a long, medium to late maturity, fresh market or early process russet developed by the Tri-State Breeding and Research Program. Mountain Gem was released and PVP-issued in 2015. MORE
United Potato Growers Settles Lawsuit
Kansas City, Kan.-based Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) and potato industry defendants have resolved a lawsuit alleging price fixing by the United Potato Growers of America. MORE
Interseed becomes new shareholder of Breeders Trust
The seed potato breeding company Interseed Potatoes GmbH located at Wittmund Germany, recently became the newest shareholder of Breeders Trust. MORE
Befresh Europe: “Potato season lasts until late-June”
Befresh Europe has recently announced that they are expecting a slight delay to their potato season this year. Oron Ziv from Befresh Europe stated that the season would start a week later than usual but expects a good harvest. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American grain and oilseed review: Canola closes stronger
ICE Futures Canada canola closed stronger on Monday, underpinned by losses in the Canadian dollar and fund buying. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Monday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
How effective is tillage at controlling glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane?
It’s a saying commonly used by advocates who would like to see more tillage used for weed control: “No herbicide resistance can evolve to cold hard steel.” MORE
Yorkton, Sask. oat plant moves on major expansion
U.S. processing firm Grain Millers Inc. is pressing ahead on the second phase of a previously announced expansion at its Yorkton, Sask. oat processing plant. MORE
Wheat, corn, soy fall to fresh 2017 lows
U.S. wheat, corn and soybean futures fell to their lowest this year on Monday, pressured by abundant global grain and oilseed supplies and outlooks for crop-friendly rain in the southern Plains wheat belt, traders said. MORE
Grain market update: Focus on wheat
Grain markets surged early last week amid speculation on potential changes to the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, but late-week profit-taking trimmed gains. This very fluid situation will likely keep market volatility high as rumours will continue until there’s an official announcement. MORE
EU nations vote against GM crops, but not enough to block them
A majority of EU countries voted on Monday against allowing two new genetically modified crops to be grown in Europe, batting the contentious decision on GM cultivation in Europe back to the EU executive. MORE
AM markets: wheat market gives verdict on weekend’s US rains HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Food prices are… falling?
I stopped in my tracks recently when I heard food prices actually dropped last year. It was nonsensical… how could an essential such as food be going down in price, with the cost of living marching forward? MORE
The paint does matter
It isn’t much of a surprise when Versatile shows up for the annual Manitoba Ag Days. The show, after all, is just two hours from the Versatile factory, so the company’s regular attendance is pretty much a given. MORE
Asset sale plan secures EU backing for Dow, DuPont merger
Dow Chemical and DuPont won the blessing of the European Union for their US$130 billion merger on Monday by agreeing to sell substantial assets including key research and development activities. MORE
JBS weighs suspending U.S. IPO
Brazil’s JBS SA, the world’s biggest meatpacking company, will decide in coming days whether to suspend listing its overseas operations after a corruption scandal, newspaper Folha de S. Paulo said Monday. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Report – March 24 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – March 22 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, March 23 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
PEI COPC Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
7:00 PM at the Farm Centre MORE
PEI Apple Growers
The P.E.I. Apple Growers Association will be hosting Andrew Lovell, Chairman of Apple Growers of New Brunswick.
He will be sharing The Strategic plan for New Brunswick 2016-2026.
Please join us to understand the exciting opportunities we share and the financial rewards that can be achieved.
If you operate a farm at the present time and are interested in generating more profit per acre, I strongly encourage you to attend this event.
Its FREE for all interested simply call Geoff Boyle at 902-628-7434 to confirm your attendance.
It will be held Mar 31st at Rodd Royalty Charlottetown, Crowbush room.
Meet and greet from 6 -6:30pm, presentation to follow.
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.
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Class D
Seed Piece Treatment Training Course
Thursday, April 5, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $75.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Seed Piece Certificate is $75. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance)
Individuals who are directly involved with seed piece treatment of agricultural crops, including potatoes and cereals require a Class D Seed Piece Treatment Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Seed Piece Class D Certificate.
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Class D Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED. Must be 18 years of age for certificate.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 902-368-4880
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Loader / Mixer Training
Loader/Mixer Training
Wednesday, April 11, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $50.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Loader/Mixer Certificate is $50. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance.)
Individuals who do not apply pesticides, but are directly involved with the mixing of a non-domestic pesticide for the application of agricultural crops, must have a Pesticide Loader/Mixer Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Loader/Mixer Certificate. Must be 18 years of age for certification .
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Loader/Mixer Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling 902-368-4880.
Atlantic Green Expo
The first ever in Atlantic Canada!
Presented by Charlottetown company e365,
Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23 at the UPEI, School of Sustainable Design Engineering.
Atlantic Green Expo will showcase green solutions from eco-friendly exhibitors covering topics
such as clean and energy saving technologies, organic farming, eco-friendly products, transportation, watersheds and more. Educational sessions will be held throughout the Expo for
people interested in making more environmentally sound decisions when choosing products and
services.
Atlantic Green Expo will also feature Keynote speakers and activities for children. Visit Atlantic
Green Expo website for further information at http://atlanticgreenexpo.com/
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
