Local, Regional, Canadian News
February Member Profile – Joel and Amy Van Gurp – HERE
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
Carbon pricing focus of KAP resolutions
Carbon pricing continues to generate debate as Canada moves closer to climate change deadline MORE
New Brunswick farmer vows to appeal in massive-pile-of-manure case
A bizarre feud over Lee Murray’s massive pile of manure has left the New Brunswick farmer steaming mad. MORE
Scotsburn ice cream business sale to Agropur cleared
Canada’s biggest dairy co-operative has been given the all-clear to close its deal for an Atlantic dairy co-op’s ice cream business. MORE
Quebec farmers to shut snowmobile trails in tax dispute
Members of Quebec’s general farm organization plan to revoke permission for snowmobilers to use their land starting Monday, in protest over the province’s planned reforms to its farmland property tax credit. MORE
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
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
Livestock
Chasing a cow with a drone? Utah bill would put you in jail
A Utah lawmaker wants to send people to jail for harassing farm animals with drones, all-terrain vehicles and even dogs under a proposal that is unique in the U.S. but has gained an unlikely opponent. MORE
Russia Issues Temporary Ban on Beef from New Zealand
The Russian agriculture safety watchdog has imposed a temporary ban on imports of beef and beef products from New Zealand, effective 6 February. MORE
Volatility in Dairy Presents Tax Opportunity
With the release of the 2017 National Standard Cost (NSC) values for livestock, advisory firm Crowe Horwath says ongoing volatility in the dairy cattle market presents both opportunity and risk in the tax structures for New Zealand’s farmers. MORE
Hog Markets Shift Attention from Hog Supply to Pork Demand
The Director of Risk Management with h@ms Marketing Services says, with expected higher than year ago slaughter hog numbers coming to market, attention is shifting to demand, especially export demand, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
New Government’s Approach to Agriculture Cause for Optimism
The General Manager of Manitoba Pork says the new provincial government’s approach to agriculture is cause for heightened optimism within Manitoba’s pork industry, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Hogs extend gains on packer demand
U.S. lean hog futures extended gains to a fresh seven-month high on Thursday, lifted by strong pork packer demand, while cattle futures also climbed in a short-covering rebound from Wednesday’s multiweek lows, traders and analysts said. MORE
Low supplies could lead to bacon shortage
An insatiable demand for bacon depleted frozen pork belly supplies in the U.S. to a record low level for December, but the pork industry is confident it can keep up with demand and avoid any serious shortages. MORE
Mexico Hog Market
Mexican pork prices have shown a slight negative trend over the last four weeks, decreasing about 2.50 MXN pesos/kg liveweight. MORE
UK Pig Meat Sales Still Rising, Unlike Pork
The volume of bacon and added value products, such as sausages, sold by UK retailers in the 12 weeks ending 1 January (including the Christmas period) increased on the year, according to latest data from Kantar World panel. MORE
Animal Disease Spread Shown Using Social Network Analysis
Researchers have shown that looking at movements of operators and vehicles between farms in the same way we look at contacts in social networks can help explain the spread of dangerous infectious diseases of livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza. MORE
EU Pig Prices: Quotations Are Pointing Upwards
The ups and downs of pig prices seem to be characteristic of the European pig slaughter market at the beginning of this year, 2017. This current week of slaughter shows upward prices again. Many quotations are increasing, even if at various levels. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – February 2 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Thursday, February 2 HERE
Potatoes
Dr. Bird & Simplot receive industry recognition
As a part of that on February 1, The Michigan Potato Industry Commission concluded the 2017 Winter Potato Conference by recognizing Dr. George Bird and the J.R. Simplot Company with their Distinguished Service Award and Outstanding Michigan Potato Partner Award, respectively. MORE
Irrigation Products Buyers’ Guide
No matter where you’re growing potatoes, you’ve got to get water to them. Literally, no matter what else you may do to get a crop to market, you simply can’t grow this wonderful, tuberous vegetable without first figuring out a way to get water to the field. MORE
Agrico shows growth in potato varieties at Fruit Logistica 2017
Agrico will be exhibiting at Fruit Logistica in Berlin from Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 February 2017. Agrico, together with its subsidiaries, will be demonstrating its strength in varieties at this leading, international trade fair. MORE
Australian potato shortage ends thanks to strong potato crops
Australia may be out of the woods as far as potato production goes. After a difficult year in 2016, filled with floods and storms that caused widespread potato shortages, the industry was in need of a break. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola Climbs Higher In Late Trade
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were stronger on Thursday, as speculative buying came forward shortly before the close to provide support. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Thursday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged
With demand, deregulation, ‘opportunities abound’ for hemp
Aggressive contracting in the hemp sector is expected to bump up Canadian acres — another benefit for growers who will experience less red tape this year. MORE
Wheat hits highest since August
U.S. wheat futures firmed on Thursday, with the most-active Chicago Board of Trade soft red winter wheat contract hitting its highest in more than five months on signs of better-than-expected export demand. MORE
Sivanto Prime Available for More Crops
Today’s specialty crop growers have unique needs. Bayer is trying to meet those needs with an expansion of Sivanto Prime insecticide for foliar use on stone fruit, caneberries and many additional crops. In addition to expanded crops, Sivanto Prime is also now available for soil use on leafy and brassica vegetables. MORE
BASF Dedicated to Research
Production agriculture today is more complex than ever, and there is an increased need for effective crop protection products that growers can rely on to help them succeed. BASF dedicates significant research and development efforts to providing innovative crop protection solutions for growers. MORE
AM markets: wheat, cotton ease from multi-month closing tops HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Vilsack Backs Perdue as Successor
On the same day Senate Democrats toughened their opposition to President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, former agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack said he supports Sonny Perdue as his successor at the USDA. With Vilsack, Perdue “is the only cabinet nominee to secure the support of his predecessor in the Obama administration,” said the Trump transition team. MORE
Giving our business to India
If we won’t grow our own organic food, these small farmers are more than ready to step in. In fact, they already are MORE
EU said set to approve ChemChina bid for Syngenta
ChemChina is set to secure conditional EU antitrust approval for its US$43 billion bid for Swiss pesticides and seeds group Syngenta, two people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. MORE
FA Outlines Case for National Reserve for Young Farmers in 2017
Following a meeting of the CAP Advisory Committee in the Department of Agriculture yesterday (Thursday, 2 February), IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy said IFA is very clear on the need for a National Reserve for young farmers in 2017. MORE
New Holland Acquires Kongskilde Agriculture
Following the announcement made in October, New Holland Agriculture is set to expand its wide offering with new implement product lines, as CNH Industrial completed the acquisition of the agricultural grass and soil business of Kongskilde Industries. MORE
Regular Updates
Rayglen Market Comments – February 1 HERE
FCC Express – January 27 HERE
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Reports – January 27 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, February 2 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
In-Person Consumer Consultations on Food Labelling Modernization
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada want to hear from everyday consumers like you.
We are holding in-person discussions to get your perspective on proposals to modernize food labelling in Canada and would like to talk about:
- Labelling information that is important to you
- Proposed improvements to food label information and legibility, and;
- Enhancements to the ways consumers get information on label claims or statements
There is no cost to register. Participants are expected to cover their own travel costs to attend. Prior knowledge of food labelling is not required.
In-person consumer sessions will be held in the following cities:
Atlantic Provinces
- St-John’s, NL February 3, 2017 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (English)
2ND ANNUAL ATLANTIC YOUNG FARMER TRAINING EVENT
Those who register for both events will receive a 15% discount.
Bridging the Gap: Succession & Transition Planning Workshop for Farm Families!
February 9th and 10th
Glengarry Hotel – Truro, Nova Scotia
Register HERE
Innovate for Value Chain Management
February 10th and 11th
Dalhousie Agricultural Campus – Bible Hill, Nova Scotia
Register HERE
Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Training
Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship training courses help you understand the economic, social, and environmental advantages of 4R practices and how these can be implemented on Canadian farms.
-Free Training
-Participants will receive certification after course completion
-Lunch Provided
**Note: Only the first 30 participants to RSVP will be accepted
-Please send your RSVP to: nfrost@fertilizercanada.ca or call (613)-786-3032
February 22, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Westmorland Room, Crowne Plaza 1005 Main St, Moncton, NB
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:
February 21, 2017 Lane’s Riverhouse Inn, Montague
March 14, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH Charlottetown
Day B:
February 22,2017 Lanes Riverhouse Inn, Montague
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.
The 2017 training schedule for the one day course followed by writing the exam is as follows:
February 22, 2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside March 15, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. Training sessions begin at 8:45 a.m. and are completed by 3:30 p.m. The exam will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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.
