Local, Regional, Canadian News
PEIFA 76th Annual General Meeting
Are you planning to attend? Please call or email Jennifer at jmurphy@peifa.ca or 902-368-7289 to pre-register and help us plan.
Friday, January 27, 2017 – Confederation Centre of the Arts Agenda
Meeting Costs: Members free – Non-Members $25.00
Excellence in Agriculture Banquet: Members $40.00 – Non-Members $45.00
Fire destroys barn in Elmsdale, P.E.I.
Poorly discarded embers believed to be cause of blaze MORE
How should P.E.I. carbon tax be spent? Government wants your input
Islanders are encouraged to share their thoughts on the carbon tax at public pre-budget consultative sessions that begin next week. MORE
Exporters, fearing border tax, scramble to shift production
Canadian exporters are scrambling to find ways to avoid a potential 10 per cent import tax promised by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, including the possible shifting of production or supply lines south of the border. MORE
Farmers watch nervously as moisture piles up
The possible threat of major flooding in Manitoba this spring has Keystone Agricultural Producers worried rookie governments in Winnipeg and Ottawa may not be prepared for it. MORE
Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety course
The PEI Woodlot Owners Association – in co-operation with the Department of Forestry is looking to hold a Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety Course. For further information please contact Matt Hughes at 902-368-7289 or mhughes@peifa.ca
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
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:
January 24,2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
January 31,2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside
February 21, 2017 Lane’s Riverhouse Inn, Montague
March 14, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH Charlottetown
Day B:
January 26,2017 Rodd Royalty, THC, Charlottetown
February 2,2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside
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:
January 25, 2017 Rodd Mill River Resort, Mill River
February 1, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
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.
Livestock
Cash prices push CME live cattle higher
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures moved higher for a fourth straight session on Thursday, driven by this week’s cash price surge, traders said. MORE
Administration Pushes Forward with Organic Marketing Rule
The USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service (ARS) has released its final rule on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices. MORE
Ireland reports BSE case, says no risk to health
Ireland said Wednesday that a dead cow had been confirmed as having bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), but said it had not entered the food chain and there was no risk to human health or beef’s trade status. MORE
Angus Breed Set to Harness Greater Benefit from Genomics
Genomics, the term given to describe a range of DNA based technologies concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes, is a science receiving much interest around the world among breeders of all livestock species. MORE
Research Suggests Healthy Gut Bacteria Can Be Transferred From Pig to Pig
A scientist with the University of Alberta says research suggests microorganisms in the guts of pigs that help ward off disease can be transferred to other pigs to improve their health, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Minimum Space Rules Set to Ensure US Organic Livestock Welfare
New rules have been announced in Washington that clarify production requirements for organic meat and poultry, which lawmakers hope will align the rules more closely with what customers already expect from organic production. MORE
EU Pig Prices: Still Feeling Like a Roller Coaster Ride
Two weeks of increasing prices have passed since the beginning of this year. MORE
Italian Pork Exports Still Down on Last Year
At 722,900 tonnes, the volume of fresh/frozen pork imported into Italy during the first nine months of 2016 was 5 per cent behind year earlier levels, according to the latest figures released by Istat. MORE
Solid Demand Results in Pig Price Rise
The Chairman of the Irish Farmers Association Pigs Committee, Tom Hogan, has said that the solid demand from processors has resulted in a 2c/kg increase in prices being paid for pigs this week. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – January 19 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Thursday, January 19 HERE
Potatoes
Cool Farming Tool Proves Sustainability of Potato Culture
Since last autumn, the farmers and the professionals involved in potato growing and potato trade have a new instrument to measure the impact of management options of all cultures, including potato, and to demonstrate improvements and transparency in terms of agricultural sustainability. MORE
NIFA Announces $1.85 million for Potato Breeding Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of $1.85 million in funding for regional potato breeding research to support the development of superior-performing varieties that can be brought to market as soon as possible. MORE
Wisconsin Positioned Well for Winter, Spring Shipping
Amid their winter potato shipping season, Wisconsin potato growers are enjoying a very positive season, according to Tamas Houlihan, executive director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. MORE
“Chip industry’s advance a threat to table potato market”
Chips factories have experienced an unprecedented growth in recent months. “Everyone expected that the price for chips potatoes would decrease in the new year, but that appears not to be the case. MORE
Bangladesh officials worry GM potatoes may result in export ban
After a recent initiatives to grow more resilient GM potatoes, the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetable and Allied Products Exporters’ Association worry that exports from Bangladesh may face a huge setback if the government goes along with the plan. MORE
Canadian potato production, 2016 HERE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grains/Oilseed Review: Canola advances with help of C$
THE ICE Futures Canada canola market settled higher on Thursday, taking strength from action in the Canadian currency. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Thursday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
Invasive agricultural pest found in Kelowna
An invasive agricultural pest that can cause extensive damage to crops has been discovered in Kelowna, the second confirmed sighting in the Okanagan. MORE
Manitoba crops, livestock branches now under one umbrella
Manitoba Agriculture has amalgamated its livestock and crops branches as it looks for cost savings in the department. MORE
Pest Patrol: Garlic mustard control
Garlic mustard is an early flowering weed that’s highly visible at the edge of farm woodlots and around buildings and grain bins in the spring. MORE
Wheat down on profit-taking, export fears
U.S. wheat futures fell nearly two per cent on Thursday on profit-taking and expectations of slowing export demand in the wake of this week’s rally to multi-month highs, analysts said. MORE
AM markets: soybeans retreat, despite Argentine crop cuts HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
P+H to expand Alberta ag retail reach
Grain company Parrish and Heimbecker plans to expand its crop input retail space into east-central Alberta by buying four store sites in a federally-mandated sale. MORE
Agricultural Leaders of Michigan urge robust trade promotion in letter to Trump-Pence transition
In a letter to the incoming Trump administration, the Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM) today emphasized the value of agricultural trade for Michigan’s economy – noting that Michigan producers and agribusinesses export more than $3 billion worth of products globally, every year. MORE
Trump Taps Perdue as Ag Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to lead the Department of Agriculture. MORE
Tesco Leads Way with Food Surplus Donations from Stores
Tesco has revealed its food surplus redistribution initiative, Community Food Connection, has so far helped serve five million meals to more than 3,300 community groups and charities since its launch less than a year ago. MORE
Regular Updates
Rayglen Market Comments – January 18 HERE
CFA in Action – January 18 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, January 19 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
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
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:
January 24,2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
January 31,2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside
February 21, 2017 Lane’s Riverhouse Inn, Montague
March 14, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH Charlottetown
Day B:
January 26,2017 Rodd Royalty, THC, Charlottetown
February 2,2017 Loyalist Inn, Summerside
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:
January 25, 2017 Rodd Mill River Resort, Mill River
February 1, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH, Charlottetown
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.
