Please Note – Due to a Holiday break, there will be no PEIFA Today morning email until Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.
PEIFA Job Posting
The PEI Federation of Agriculture is seeking a full-time Farm and Food Care Coordinator. View the job posting HERE
PEIFA Golf Tournament
Thursday, August 10th – Countryview Golf Course. 9:00a.m. shotgun start. Includes 9 Holes of golf, cart and bbq steak dinner – $60.00 per person.
Contact Jennifer at 902-368-7289 or jmurphy@peifa.ca to register.
MUST PRE-REGISTER by August 4th.
Local, Regional, Canadian News
Strawberry season 1 week early on P.E.I.
It’s an early start to the season for strawberries on P.E.I., and that could lead to some complications for growers. MORE
‘You’ve got to live with the down price’: Beef future worries farmer
Beef prices are projected to go up this summer, but a P.E.I. cattle farmer says he is hearing different news about what he can expect at the farm gate. MORE
New P.E.I. directory puts fresh local products on the map
A new map and online directory points Islanders in the direction of fresh fish or produce. MORE
Tweet spurs conversation about farmer suicide, mental health supports
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan says concerns about suicide rates among farmers and mental health supports are starting to get some attention. MORE
150 years of Canadian agriculture
The 2016 Census of Agriculture marks the 22nd census since Confederation in 1867. Just as Canada as a country has evolved over the past 150 years, so too has the agriculture sector. Agriculture has used innovation to push the bounds of production, transforming farming from the small scale to a highly mechanized and advanced industry. MORE
Schools get an eye for agriculture with Ag in the Classroom
Over 500 Grade 4/5 students had an Amazing Agriculture Adventure June 6-7 as Ag in the Classroom took over Brandon’s Keystone Centre. MORE
Hutterite colonies leading the masses with biomass heating
Manitoba’s Hutterite colonies are leading a made-in-Manitoba farm heating movement. MORE
Renewable energy gaining traction in Manitoba
While it may be a subtle advancement in the eyes of many, Wayne Digby sees a definite sea change underway on Manitoba’s agricultural lands when it comes to renewable energy. MORE
Green Internship with the PEI Potato Board
An exciting opportunity is available for a recent agriculture/environmental sciences graduate to gain experience in the field. A term position supported through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative is being offered by the PEI Potato Board for a six month period from September 5, 2017 to March 31, 2018 (30 weeks).
Eligible applicants must be 30 years or younger, have graduated from a university, college or CEGEP program, have not participated in any other federal Youth Employment Strategy programs such as Career Focus, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The intern will work out of the PEI Potato Board office in Charlottetown.
Duties:
- Prepare articles, press releases and other communications materials on the programs to promote efforts growers are making to utilize environmentally sustainable farming practices.
- Assist with harvest and sample collection from on-farm trials looking at environmentally beneficial field practices.
- Conduct the second phase of the Prince Edward Island 4R Survey.
- Help to coordinate a tree planting program sponsored by the Potato Board/Watershed groups and the Department of Education.
- Gather data to complete plans as part of the Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) program.
- Prepare communication materials to increase the awareness of the benefit of grass waterways as a means of reducing soil run off from fields and also of programs available to help growers install and maintain grass waterways.
Applicant must be adaptable to both office and field work and have strong verbal and written communication skills. Access to a personal vehicle is also required.
Please apply with cover letter and resume by June 29, 2017 to: Prince Edward Island Potato Board, 90 Hillstrom Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C0A 1N0 or potato@peipotato.org. We thank all applicants, but only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.
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/
Selection Process for Farm Products Council of Canada
On February 25, 2016, the Prime Minister announced a new process for Governor in Council appointments. This new process supports an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process focused on identifying high-quality candidates who demonstrate Canada’s diversity.
This process will be used to select new members for the Farm Products Council of Canada. I am writing to you to seek your assistance in promoting this selection process.
The candidates we are looking for must have experience as a primary producer, in agribusiness, in the agri-food industry, or in food distribution or retail. Candidates should also have experience in decision making with respect to sensitive and complex issues, experience in maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders and balancing their interests and divergent views, and an understanding of the Canadian supply management system for poultry and eggs.
I encourage you to inform your members of this opportunity and invite interested candidates to apply for a member position at the following website: HERE
Livestock
Low volumes characterize feeder cattle market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, low volumes and various-quality cattle characterized the market. MORE
‘Farmscaping’ for profitability, sustainability
“Farmscaping” might be a new term for many western Canadian producers, but it’s shorthand for a familiar set of ideas: building features like shelterbelts and perennial strips into the farm landscape to best utilize their ecological goods and services. MORE
August Cattle on Feed Inventory Expected to Rise; Decline in Spring Pasture, Range Conditions
As of 1 June, the total inventory of cattle on feed in feedlots with +1000 head capacity was estimated at 11.096 million head, almost 300,000 head (+2.7 per cent) larger than a year ago, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Farmers, Livestock Producers Applaud Withdrawal of WOTUS Rule
The US Environmental Protection Agency yesterday made an announcement that it will propose a rule to rescind a controversial Clean Water Act regulation that gave the government broad jurisdiction over land and water. MORE
Live cattle futures erase Monday’s rally
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures on Tuesday bowed to fund liquidation that wiped out Monday’s sharp gains, including the August contract’s settlement up its three-cent per pound daily price limit, traders said. MORE
Beef Price Cuts Costing Irish Farmers €1m/Week
Farmers have been counting the costs of the beef price cuts with the move costing them more than €1m this week. MORE
Exports Rise to 3-Year High in May as Dairy Prices Increase
New Zealand’s merchandise exports rose to their highest monthly level in more than three years in May as the country benefited from rising prices for dairy exports to China. MORE
Latest Comments Related to NAFTA Cause for Optimism
The Chair of the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board says recent comments related to the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement are cause for renewed optimism MORE
Pork Industry Delegation Receives Encouraging Response
According to Bruce Cochrane, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork says members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food appear supportive of industry efforts to contain the spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea. MORE
EU Pig Meat Exports to China Under Pressure
Based on the latest figures from Eurostat, total exports, including offal, to all third countries fell 4 per cent year-on-year during the first four months of 2017, according to Dorian Harris, AHDB analyst. MORE
EU Pig Prices: Quotations Range from Unchanged to Moderate Increase
This week, the European slaughter pig market shows unchanged to slightly positive price developments throughout the EU member countries. MORE
ASF Outbreak Confirmed in Wild Boar in Czech Republic
Dr Zbyněk Semerád, Director General at the State Veterinary Administration in Prague has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that an outbreak of African Swine Fever has been found in a wild boar in the Zlín Region. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – June 22 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Tuesday, June 27 HERE
Potatoes
Heavy rains cause losses in Ontario potato fields
After a month of good growing conditions and positive reports amid sporadic news on disease potential, word from one of Ontario’s potato-growing regions is that roughly 1,000 acres of potatoes have been lost due to flooding. MORE
Michigan potato company obtains $250k expansion loan
The City of Scottsbluff approved a $250,000 economic development loan to a Michigan-based potato company at its June 19 meeting. MORE
New Russet varieties – Castle Russet and Echo Russet will help US potato industry meet more stringent regulation
Officials representing the Idaho, Oregon and Washington potato breeding programs say they’re releasing a pair of new russet varieties that should help position the industry to cope with more stringent regulations on soil fumigants. MORE
To protect crops, farmers could promote potato beetle cannibalism
Colorado potato beetles can decimate spud crops by devouring the plants’ foliage. MORE
AHDB Potatoes: Brexit Could Provide Challenges to Crisp and Seed Exports
Talking about “Brexit Challenges and opportunities for potatoes”, David Swales, head of Strategic Insights at AHDB Potatoes, says that the trade with the EU is important, but potatoes are less dependent on the EU market for exports than other sectors. MORE
Heat and Control will return to Foodpro in 2017
Leading suppliers of processing and packaging machinery to the global food industry – Heat and Control – are returning to Foodpro in 2017 to showcase their latest and most innovative products available on the Australian market. MORE
Bad year for French potato production
Potato production in France has decreased for the second year in a row to 6.8 million tons, 4% below the volume recorded last year and 5% below the five year average. MORE
Potato planted area in Great Britain estimated to increase by 4%
AHDB Potatoes Market Intelligence Analysts estimate the total area planted with potatoes in Great Britain this season is 121,000 hectares. The figure was announced today (Monday 26 June) during a public webinar. MORE
A potato processing plant is planned to be built inTatarstan, Russia
According to Russian media, a modern processing potato plant is planned to be built in the Arskii district of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan. MORE
Potato prices fall due to oversupply
Potato prices have hit rock-bottom in Spain and Europe due to an oversupply in all early potato producing countries, amongst other factors, explained Ángel Muñoz, director of Intersur, a Spanish potato producer. MORE
Punjab gets new potato centre
Punjab will soon set up a potato centre at Dhogri (Jalandhar) with the idea to promote seed potato production. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola climbs with soyoil
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were stronger on Tuesday, as gains in Chicago Board of Trade soyoil and speculative short-covering provided support. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Tuesday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
Dow, DuPont to shed Canadian assets for merger approval
Competition for the Prairie farmer’s crop protection dollar will survive following the planned merger of chemical giants Dow and DuPont, by way of a handful of asset sales, Canada’s Competition Bureau has ruled. MORE
New technology and techniques on 4R nutrient management tour June 28
News ways to measure nitrogen in soils and use nitrogen fertilizer more efficiently will be highlighted during a 4R nutrient management tour June 28 in the Miami and Carman areas. MORE
Spring wheat near three-year high on dry weather
U.S. spring wheat futures hit their highest level in nearly three years on Tuesday on forecasts for stressful weather in the northern Plains, analysts said. MORE
AM markets: spring wheat nears $7, as US crop estimates drop HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
U.S. clears Couche-Tard to buy CST, with conditions
Alimentation Couche-Tard has won U.S. antitrust approval to buy rival CST Brands on condition that it sell up to 71 stores in eight states, the Federal Trade Commission said on Monday. MORE
Syngenta eyes Bayer assets to bolster seed operations
Switzerland’s Syngenta, the crop protection company acquired by ChemChina, has vowed to bulk up its seeds business and join the chase for assets rival Bayer must sell to gain regulatory approval for its takeover of Monsanto. MORE
Mexico gives conditional approval to Dow, DuPont merger
Mexico’s antitrust watchdog said Tuesday it has given approval to DuPont and Dow Chemical to merge on the condition that they sell certain crop protection products and other assets. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Reports – June 23 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – June 21 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Monday, June 26 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
PEI COPC Organic Farm Tour
PEI COPC will be hosting a one day organic farm tour on Wednesday, July 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m..
Local media, social media guests, COPC staff, PEIDAF Minister and Deputy will be attending the tour of five COPC member farms, including: Dexter Cattle Company, Square One Organics, Red Soil Organics, Heartbeet Organics, and Schurman Family Farm.
Transportation and lunch are provided.
Seats are limited and tickets will be on sale beginning next week ($25 each or $20 for COPC members).
Contact Karen at email@organicpei.com or 902-894-9999 for more information.
Photo contest celebrates agriculture and fisheries
Islanders can showcase the natural beauty inspired by our agriculture and fisheries industries through government’s annual photo contest. MORE
3A Airbrakes Test Facilitation
***UPDATE–WE ARE NOW TAKING NAMES FOR OTHER DATES THAT MAYBE OFFERED FOR 3A TRAINING IF INTERESTED PLEASE GET YOUR NAME ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE NEXT TRAINING SESSIONS!! WE MAYBE OFFERING SESSIONS IN JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER***
From field to road…do you have employees that drive your trucks, but don’t have their licenses?
We are looking for experienced drivers that would like to obtain their Airbrakes and Class 3A license.
The PEI Agriculture Sector Council will be facilitating these two courses through JVI and Access.
This project will be processed through the Canada Job Grant and Skills PEI.
Draft Schedule:
Day 1- Airbrake theory
Day 2- Review of Airbrakes and Airbrake test (written on site), Preform a pre-use inspection
Day 3- Driving and Testing for Class 3A (time scheduled test on site)
Day 4- Driving and Testing for Class 3A (time scheduled test on site)
Requirements- must have valid truck driving experience, but not licensed & Medical completed and returned
Lunch will be provided
For more details on registration requirements, contact Laurie at 892-1091.
Registration is now open, limited seating available. To sign up, contact the PEI Agriculture Sector Council at 892-1091 or e-mail info@peiagsc.ca
Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative
The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative has been approved for a 2 year period. Applications will be accepted starting April 26, 2017.
The program is designed to hire youth aged 15 to 30 for internships of up to 12 months. It will be of interest to producers and organizations working in the agriculture industry and interested in implementing agriculture projects that are environmentally beneficial.
Producers operating a farm or ranch can hire a young person to implement an environmentally beneficial project in their operation.
Agricultural organizations, such as watershed groups and companies providing environmentally beneficial services can access the program to support an environmentally beneficial project their organization is implementing. Research organizations can receive funding to support their agricultural research that benefits the environment.
For an application form and more details on the program, please visit: Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative
