Local, Regional, Canadian News
Augustine Cove, P.E.I., farmer Mary Robinson receives Women in Agriculture Award
Augustine Cove farmer Mary Robinson received the 2017 Women in Agriculture Award from the P.E.I. Women’s Institute. MORE
P.E.I.’s top 7 garden trends for 2017
“Red and white is going to be a huge trend in all different markets for this year’s celebrations!” shared Jennifer Vriends at John’s Greenhouses of the enthusiasm for planting red and white flowers in celebration of Canada’s 150 year birthday. MORE
Canada funds program to teach kids where their food comes from
The government of Canada has announced more than half a million dollars for the development new agriculture and education resources for the country’s primary and secondary schools. MORE
Could soil be the next carbon sink? UBC Okanagan to lead study
The University of British Columbia Okanagan is getting $1.4 million in federal funding to research irrigation and its effect on greenhouse gas emissions. MORE
Fort McMurray reviews not held back for political reasons, minister says
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier denied Thursday the Alberta government delayed the release of a critical report into the Fort McMurray firefighting effort to avoid opposition criticism while the legislature was in session. MORE
Quebec Pork Sector Receives Government Support to Improve Its Performance in Two Areas of Activity
Pork is Quebec’s top agricultural export commodity, with the province leading the country in pork exports. Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, today announced close to $1.4 million in financial assistance for Quebec’s pork sector. MORE
A better way to learn
What’s the best way to choose a great mentor? Three young farmers share their thoughts on how their mentors helped them get a solid career start, and how other young farmers could benefit from a more flexible approach to on-farm learning MORE
How the biotech conversation continues to evolve
The debate over biotechnology is evolving as new voices enter the debate, technology changes and much of the innovation in the field is coming from outside of North America. MORE
New England’s largest commercial greenhouse changing hands
A Canadian produce company has purchased tomato grower Backyard Farms, the largest commercial grower of year-round tomatoes in New England. MORE
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
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/
Livestock
Ontario Corn Fed Beef wins award
Ontario Corn Fed Beef has received a three-star “Superior Taste Award” from the International Taste & Quality Institute (iTQi). MORE
CME live cattle end weaker
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle contracts were weakened Friday by profit-taking and investor caution as they await the bulk of this week’s cash cattle sales, said traders. MORE
Thousands of pigs killed in blaze at large Manitoba hog operation
An estimated 4,000 pigs have been killed in a massive fire in southeastern Manitoba. MORE
Ag Groups Seek Common Sense Application of Emissions Reporting Requirements
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) are seeking a rehearing following a recent ruling issued by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. MORE
World Pork Expo: Genesus’ Jim Long Expects Strong ’17 Pig Prices in US, China & EU
Jim Long, President and CEO of Genesus Genetics, shares expectations for 2017 pig prices in the US, Canada, Russia, China and the EU, as well as global drivers of the swine industry. MORE
Taiwan to Continue Communication with US on Pork Issue
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Friday that Taiwan will continue to communicate with the United States on the controversial issue of US pork imports and to explain factors such as food preferences and concerns in the local population. MORE
Pork Tapeworm Linked to Epilepsy
Consumption of contaminated pork has been linked to the rising cases of epilepsy in Uganda. MORE
Salmonella found in backyard flocks
The Centers for Disease Control, the United States Department of Agriclture and state health departments are investigating eight multi-state outbreaks of Salmonella bacteria infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – June 8 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Friday, June 9 HERE
Potatoes
New Brunswick potato farmer produces its first batch of Blue Roof vodka
A family of potato farmers in New Brunswick, Canada are getting into the liquor business by making vodka from potatoes. MORE
CSU to Study Spread of Potato Pathogens
Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner this week announced that Colorado State Universitywill receive $264,600 in funding from the USDA to study the spread of pathogens in U.S potato crops. This grant is part of a $4.8 million investment from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to study important challenges in U.S agriculture. MORE
McCain Foods Australia invests AU$57 million in Ballarat potato processing plant
McCain Foods Australia has announced a AU$57 million investment to revitalise its potato processing plant in Ballarat, which is expected to create 100 construction jobs and increase production by 25 per cent. MORE
Potato growers Jalandhar threaten action if Indian government doesn’t step in
With their product rotting, potato growers in Indian East Punjab are suffering huge losses and Jalandhar Potato Growers Association (JPGA) has demanded urgent export of potatoes to Pakistan and availability of express rail rakes for transporting their produce to southern states. MORE
Canadian Potato Storage Report – HERE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American grain/oilseed review: Canola mixed ahead of the weekend
ICE Futures Canada canola closed mixed on Friday. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Friday: Canola futures prices mostly lower, barley unchanged HERE
Initial wheat payments announced
Grain Farmers of Ontario has unveiled its initial payments and pool return outlook (PRO) for its six wheat pools.
It says these advance payments are estimated to be about 65 per cent of total value. MORE
Corn, soybeans end higher ahead of hot spell
U.S. corn and soybean futures firmed on Friday as forecasts for scorching temperatures in the Midwest crop belt through early next week prompted funds to cover short positions, analysts said. MORE
Spring wheat futures climb to two-year highs
Spring wheat futures in Minneapolis climbed to their highest levels in nearly two years during the week ended Friday, as weather concerns in major U.S. wheat-growing states provided support. MORE
Canola under pressure as U.S. soybeans trend lower
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts fell hard over the course of the week ended June 2, as fund selling and losses in Chicago soybeans weighed on values. MORE
AM markets: does US cool mean spring wheat rally is ‘over’? HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Coop federee to exit machinery parts distribution
Citing “a period of pronounced decline” in its farm machinery business, Quebec farm co-operative La Coop federee plans to get out of parts distribution by next fall. MORE
Brazil federal police raid JBS on insider trade probe
Brazil’s federal police on Friday raided the offices of JBS SA to investigate the alleged use of insider information in financial market dealings, pushing shares in the embattled meatpacker to a two-week low. MORE
Regular Updates
CFA in Action – June 7 HERE
FCC Express – June 6 HERE
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Reports – June 9 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – June 7 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, June 8 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
Let’s Celebrate Fries with the Works!
As Islanders, we know that Fries with the Works is a legendary local dish featuring PEI French Fries. However, when you talk to Islanders about Fries With The Works, or when you see them listed on a local menu, there can be many variations in ingredients! As a result, the PEI Potato Board is launching a survey to ask Islanders “just what IS Fries With The Works” to you?
“There’s no tastier way to enjoy PEI Fries when on the Island than eating them with the “works,” but we want to know exactly what ‘the works’ is” says Rodney Dingwell, PEI potato farmer and chairman of the PEI Potato Board.
Have your say! Tell us what how you eat your Fries with the Works by going online and filling out a survey, with a chance to win a $100 grocery gift card.
“If a tourist came to PEI and asked what Fries With The Works is, Islanders have a clear answer as to what ‘works’ go on our world famous fries, as well as knowing if there’s a ‘classic’ version, says Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board.
Visit the website http://www.frieswiththeworks.ca. Survey closes June 20, 2017.
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
