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
Charlottetown Duck Day will highlight urban wetland habitat
Hawk and dog demonstrations, nature walks, and wood carving will all be a part of Charlottetown’s first Duck Day, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. MORE
P.E.I. behind country in farm equity growth
P.E.I.’s agricultural sector saw the biggest growth in equity in the region over the last five years, but that still wasn’t enough for it to keep pace with the Canadian average, according to a report this week from Statistics Canada. MORE
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
Farmers keen early adopters, StatsCan report shows
Canadian farmers in most sectors are strong proponents of data-driven technology, according to a report Wednesday from Statistics Canada. MORE
Tim Hortons parent updates antibiotic policy for chicken
The parent company for the Tim Hortons and Burger King chains has tightened up its pledge to curb the use of antibiotics by its chicken suppliers. MORE
Canadian, Mexican, American Ag Leaders Discuss Trade
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture says he and his US and Mexican counterparts share a commitment to maintaining open and transparent markets so trade can continue to grow MORE
KAP Calls for Reinvestment of Carbon Taxes into Agricultural Programming
Keystone Agricultural Producers say, by investing proceeds collected through a provincial carbon tax into agriculture, the Manitoba government will be able to maximise farmers’ ability to contribute to greenhouse gas reductions. MORE
Advance Payments Program through the PEI Federation of Agriculture
Eligible producers will are now able to apply for the 2017 Advance Payments Program through the PEI Federation of Agriculture.
Federation Members will continue to receive a preferred rate on Administrative Fees. This is available for farmers who have paid their dues in 2017 or those that were members as of December 31, 2016.
For more information on the program, please contact Andrew Wood or Tim Seeber at 902-368-7289.
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
Beneficial rains a boost for local cattle buyer optimism
Moving into the summer, Manitoba’s ranchers are watching cash markets and the weather, with both delivering good news. MORE
Take these steps to optimize implant results: 7 steps to help you make the most from an implant program.
While it’s a challenging time in the cattle industry, as a progressive cattle producer you still have opportunities to add value to your final product. MORE
U.S. bans fresh Brazil beef imports over safety concerns
The United States halted imports of fresh Brazilian beef on Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said, after a high percentage of shipments failed to pass safety checks. MORE
CME live cattle sag with cash, beef prices
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures fell for a second straight day on Thursday, pressured by fallen cash and wholesale beef values, said traders. MORE
USTR Urges Japan to Make ‘Unilateral Concessions’ on Beef Imports
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urged Japan on Wednesday to make “unilateral concessions” on beef imports to help reduce its trade surplus with the United States. MORE
Lifting of Ban Beefs Up China-US Two-way Trade
Chinese authorities announced that the nation has lifted a 13-year import ban on some US boneless beef and beef on the bone, and industry insiders see it as a win-win result that is expected to drive the economic growth of both countries. MORE
Sindh HC Orders Status Quo on Cattle Colony Fee Collection Auction
The Sindh High Court has ordered status quo on auction of three contracts for collection of fees from cattle points in the city’s Cattle Colony and Aansoo Goth areas. MORE
LDF Protest Against Ban on Sale of Cattle for Slaughter
Ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) led the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, staging protest marches across the state against the Centre’s notification banning sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter in animal markets. MORE
NZ Cattle Blood Given Green Light for China Market
China has approved formal access for New Zealand bovine blood products into the Chinese market, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced. MORE
Japan May Set Tariff-free Quota for EU Beef Under EPA
Japan is considering setting a tariff-free import quota for beef from European Union member states, as requested by the EU in the two sides’ negotiations on an economic partnership agreement for free trade, informed sources told Jiji Press on Wednesday. MORE
Pork sector calls for washing station changes
Manitoba Pork argues a return to domestic wash stations will allow greater control over variables that might contribute to the spread of PEDv MORE
Pigs 2022 Providing Food for Thought
The recent Pigs 2022 conference provided a wealth of information, opinion and insight over the two-day event, reports Vikki Campbell, AHDB Acting Data and Analysis Manager. MORE
US Pork’s Advantages Highlighted at SIAL China
Highlighting the attributes of US pork and bringing together exporters and buyers from China’s retail, foodservice and processing sectors, USMEF set up an impressive display at SIAL China, one of the world’s largest food shows. MORE
Various Factors Continue to Support Hog Prices
A number of factors continue to support hog prices in the near term, helping propel cash hog values to the highest price for the year, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Tyson raising the bar for chicken welfare
Tyson Foods has announced a huge initiative to improve welfare in its chicken processing plants, raising the bar for competitors across North America. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – June 22 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Thursday, June 22 HERE
Potatoes
Engineer builds self-powered driving potato
Engineer Marek Baczynski took what is a common science class experiment, lighting a lightbulb with a potato to the next level and built, what could be, the world’s first autonomous potato. MORE
Tong launches new Fieldloader options for easier transport
Tong Engineering is pleased to announce new design options on its popular Fieldloader, including unique automatic transport-mode features, allowing users to make the machine even more compact for road transport. MORE
Commercial farmer urges Zambian gov to protect potato growers
A local commercial farmer in Zambia has called on the government to protect potato growers from cheap imports from South Africa. MORE
The harvesting of Aglio Rosso di Sulmona
A day to promote red garlic from Sulmona. On 20th June 2017, Aglio D’Alessandro opened its doors during the first day of harvesting. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola lower, testing support
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were weaker on Thursday, settling just above major support in the new crop November contract. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Thursday: Canola futures prices lower, barley unchanged HERE
Trade sees Canadian farmers trimming wheat, canola acres
Soggy spring conditions in key crop-growing areas of the Canadian Prairies left farmers unable to plant as much as they intended, but canola seedings still look record-large, according to a Reuters survey of 16 traders and analysts ahead of a government report next week. MORE
Manitoba forages fight past winterkill, pest issues
The first hay cut is well underway in several parts of Manitoba as favourable weather conditions set the stage for what could be a decent forage season. MORE
Mohawk seed keeper Terrylynn Brant aims to help next generation grow traditional foods
“Everything in our being is about agriculture,” Brant said, standing in one of her six gardens in Ohsweken, Ont., where she is growing plants to collect their seeds. MORE
A giant leap for soil kind
Soil-health advocates like Jocelyn Velestuk look forward to new technology to help make better decisions to improve both soil health and whole-farm profitability MORE
Newdale sign tells the story of Manitoba’s official soil
A committee in the village worked alongside soil scientists and others to see signs developed and placed in and around the southwestern Manitoba village. MORE
Fusarium head blight risk maps
Fusarium head blight risk maps are posted daily courtesy of Manitoba Agriculture. During the winter wheat flowering period up to the end of the flowering period for spring wheat, these risk maps will also be provided for you here. MORE
Soy hits 17-month low, corn two-month low
U.S. soybean futures touched a 17-month low and corn fell to a roughly two-month low on Thursday, pressured by forecasts for cooler weather conditions that could reduce stress on developing crops, traders and analysts said. MORE
Egypt court ruling revives row over ergot in wheat
A court that ordered the suspension of Egypt’s food inspection system based its ruling in part on the quarantine service’s right to ban grain imports with any trace of the ergot fungus, raising the possibility the contested rule could be restored. MORE
Milled wheat and wheat flour produced – April 2017 HERE
AM markets: corn, soy, cotton revive from multi-month lows HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Food Production in Sri Lanka Hit by Extreme Drought Followed by Floods
A severe drought followed by heavy rainfalls in Sri Lanka has hit large swaths of cropping areas, threatening the food security of some 900,000 people, according to a report published yesterday (22 June) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). MORE
Regular Updates
FCC Express – June 23 HERE
CFA in Action – June 21 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – June 21 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Wednesday, June 21 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
PEI Barn Quilt Trail – Applications Now Available
The PEI Agriculture Awareness Committee is pleased to announce a new initiative in celebrating rural PEI and discovering the agriculture industry.
As part of the C150 celebrations, we will be launching the PEI Barn Quilt Trail across PEI in the fall of 2017.
This project has been funded by the Government of Canada.
The committee is currently accepting applicants for host farms for the initial 25 barn quilts until June 23, 2017.
More information can be found at www.peibarnquilttrail.com including the registration form.
We appreciate you helping us spread the word of the application process and look forward to sharing more information in the coming months including a major launch in September!
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.
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
