Local, Regional, Canadian News
P.E.I. potato farmer heads national agriculture council
Prince Edward Island potato farmer Alvin Keenan is leading a national lobbying group that represents more than 120 agricultural commodities in Canada. MORE
Personal stories help bring Ag Safety Week to life
Accidents always happen to somebody else……MORE
Statement by Government of Canada on Securing Market Access for Pulses from Canada to India
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade today issued the following statement on securing continued access for Canadian pulses to India 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/
Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers Annual Meeting
The Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers cordially invites you to attend its 10th Annual Meeting.
This meeting is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 pm at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
Please RSVP by calling Rinnie at (902)368-2229, or by emailing cattlemen@eastlink.ca
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
Climbing cattle futures support Manitoba markets
Cattle auctions in Manitoba saw some good strength during the week ended March 24, as rising U.S. futures provided underlying support. MORE
Drought-related livestock tax deferral zones expand
More ranchers in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia will be able to defer some of their taxable income from livestock sales in 2016 due to drought. MORE
Predicting Midge Seasonality Key to Reducing Livestock Diseases
Ecologists at the UK-based Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) have led a study which informs optimal strategies for control of devastating midge-borne diseases like bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus that affect cattle and sheep in the UK and beyond. MORE
In lab simulating harsh Mars climate, a nascent potato grows
In a lab in the Peruvian capital of Lima, a simulator mimicking the harsh conditions found on Mars now contains a hint of life: a nascent potato plant. MORE
Hog prices rally on bargain buying before USDA report
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hogs finished higher on Thursday, with strength from bargain buying prior to what turned out to be a neutral U.S. government hog report after futures closed, said traders. MORE
Dairy statistics, January 2017 HERE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – March 30 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Thursday, March HERE
Potatoes
TRADE AGREEMENTS AND POTATO MARKETS
How a revised Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement would impact Canadian potato growers. MORE
Michigan Participates In National Soil Health Discussion for Potatoes
This week the National Potato Council, in cooperation with the Noble Foundation and the Soil Health Institute, brought together a group of researchers, growers and others from the industry to develop a national strategy for ensuring soil health in potato production systems. MORE
Getting the Most
Potato growers are constantly looking for new and effective ways to maximize production and increase crop set, quality and yield. MORE
Treatment Method Turns Sewage into Safe Fertilizer
Biological waste from livestock has long been used to help make farm soil more fertile. However, while human waste has similar potential benefits, its use presents more challenges. MORE
Dealers Comment on Valley’s Smart Panels
Valley Irrigation center pivot dealers across the country are busy helping growers get their operations ready for the upcoming growing season. MORE
Online Herbicide Injury Database Available
Agriculture professionals and homeowners now have an online reference if they suspect their plants have sustained injury from herbicides. MORE
Open Wounds
Great care is taken to minimize wounding, bruising, and abrasions at harvest, in order to limit entry of the pathogens that cause Fusarium dry rot and other diseases. MORE
tna introduces performance 5.0, doubling packaging speeds to 300+ bags/minute
tna has launched performance 5.0, a revolutionary new approach to high-speed production line performance ahead of this year’s Interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany. MORE
Cros Agro Allied invests $65m into Nigeria’s potato sector
Cros Agro Allied Ltd, a Nigerian agribusiness company, has announced plans to invest $65 million in Nigeria’s potato sector. In the long term, this should help create over 30,000 jobs in the potato value chain, generate up to $300 million in foreign exchange and create outgrower opportunities for 5,000 farmers. MORE
Farm Frites proposes 70K ton capacity potato processing factory in Argentina
Earlier this month, Farm Frites proposed a plan to establish a potato processing facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina with an annual capacity of 70.000 tonnes of finished product. MORE
Fiji potato revitalisation program giving growers hope
In Fiji the Agriculture Ministry’s potato revitalisation program is giving hope to a group of potato farmers in the Sigatoka Valley. MORE
Potatoes no longer a secondary crop in Murcia
A few years ago, the storms that hit the Andalusian province of Seville during the potato harvest for two consecutive seasons took a toll on the results of the local sector. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American grain/oilseed review: Canola ends weaker
ICE Futures Canada canola closed weaker on Thursday, dragged down by the US oilseed complex. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Thursday: Canola futures prices lower, barley unchanged HERE
Western Canadian wheat bids seen softening
Spring wheat bids in Western Canada were lower during the week ended March 24, as favourable weather in the U.S. Plains and large world supplies weighed on the market. MORE
Canola sinks below $500 under technical pressure
ICE Futures Canada canola futures continued to lose ground on the charts with the front-month May contract dropping from $503.70 per tonne on March 17 to $482.50 by the close on March 24. MORE
Soft white spring wheat spreads east
Until relatively recently, there were few producers outside the irrigation belt of southern Alberta who had ever heard of, much less planted, soft white spring wheat (SWSW). However, backed by 50 years of research, the wheat class is suddenly showing a new potential to be grown on more acres and in more areas, and for more end-uses. MORE
Changing the discussion on genetic engineering
The evolution of genetic engineering will continue, with more diverse options, giving scientists more flexibility to breed crops better for farmers and human nutrition. MORE
Soybeans slip to five-month low ahead of USDA data
U.S. soybean futures fell to a five-month low on Thursday while corn and wheat weakened as traders adjusted positions ahead of U.S. Department of Agriculture data that was expected to show abundant supplies of each crop. 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
Vacations: Why do you need them?
Levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout have never been so high across all industries, but we see it particularly in the farming business. MORE
Manitoba announces new appointments to its disaster assistance appeal board
The Manitoba government has appointed two new members to the Disaster Assistance Appeal Board (DAAB). MORE
Manitoba’s southwest expecting ‘well above normal’ runoff
Manitoba is expecting normal to above-normal spring runoff except in the Souris River basin, which is looking at “above normal to well-above normal runoff potential.” MORE
St. Norbert market gets out of the rain
The third and final phase of an ambitious site renovation at Manitoba’s largest farmers’ market is now nearly complete, with new canopies expected to be on the site in time for opening day, says executive director Marilyn Firth. MORE
Farming Unions Say Govt Should Delay Complex Digital Tax Plans
The UK’s four farming unions are calling on Government to delay the new Making Tax Digital scheme for farm businesses, many of whom will find it almost impossible to access. MORE
Govt Must Put Farming, Food at Centre of Brexit Battleground
IFA President Joe Healy has said farming and food will have to be centre stage in the Irish Government’s position as the formal negotiations on Brexit begin. MORE
Regular Updates
Rayglen Market Comments – March 29 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, March 30 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
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 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
Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers Annual Meeting
The Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers cordially invites you to attend its 10th Annual Meeting.
This meeting is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 pm at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
Please RSVP by calling Rinnie at (902)368-2229, or by emailing cattlemen@eastlink.ca
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.
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
