Local, Regional, Canadian News
Notice – Potato Cull Piles
Regulations under the Plant Health Act provide that no person shall, except with a provincial permit, store, keep or by any means hold any bulk potato tubers or potato debris between June 15 and August 31 unless that material is contained inside a building, enclosed in a transport vehicle or under an impermeable cover.
To obtain a permit, contact Dwight Thompson, Agriculture Policy and Regulatory Division at (902) 620-3119.
Knol Farms looking to purchase Rhubarb from growers on PEI
If interested, Please contact Nathan Archibald at 902-786-0444 (cell) or 902-686-3839 (office)
Sick crops: P.E.I. plant disease lab now accepting samples to test
The Prince Edward Island Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is now accepting sample for this year’s season so you can find out. MORE
Amazon moves into real-world stores with Whole Foods deal
Amazon.com said Friday it would buy grocer Whole Foods Market for US$13.7 billion in a move that gives the online retailer a physical network of stores to distribute fresh food and other goods to millennials and wealthy consumers. MORE
Prairie residents tired of tent caterpillars
Residents in St. Lazare are back shovelling their steps, but it’s caterpillars, not snow, they’re clearing away in buckets. MORE
Studay Reveals Global Diet, Farming Methods ‘Must Change for Environment’s Sake’
Reducing meat consumption and using more efficient farming methods globally are essential to stave off irreversible damage to the environmental, a new study says. 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/
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!
The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is looking for a pair to be Tate the PEI Potato mascot for the 2017 summer.
A part-time job, which would be great supplemental summertime income for a student.
The schedule is flexible, and the candidate can make themselves as busy they would like to be. There are several festivals, events and parades throughout the summer that are committed, and the rest can be flexible to visit popular tourist sites, cruise ships, parks and kids days around PEI. A schedule of these mandatory events will be provided, as well as a suggested schedule of different festivals and events. Materials for giveaways and promotion will be provided.
The successful candidate should have the following requirements:
– Responsible and mature
– Outgoing, to interact with public
– Physically able to wear a costume for periods of time.
– Take pictures for social media use.
– Must be able to transport the large mascot, which requires an SUV or truck
Tate is best as a “team” effort, with someone else who may be able to help put the costume on, guide the mascot around, control any crowds. If you have someone who may be able to help, that would be ideal. Tate is an expensive mascot so would have to be housed in a clean, dry spot and properly cared for.
The remuneration is $15 /hr with a guaranteed minimum payment of $50 per person plus mileage
If you would like to be considered, please send an email to potato@peipotato.org with “Mascot Tate” in the subject line.
Summer Employment Opportunity with PEI COPC
Beginning July 04, 2017 and continuing for 8 weeks.
Summer Program Assistant
The summer program assistant will work directly with the PEI COPC Research Coordinator and under the
guidance of the organization’s board of directors. 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
Livestock
Cattle, hogs mostly higher on short-covering
U.S. livestock futures were mostly higher on Friday, with cattle prices stabilizing after Thursday’s multiweek lows and hogs consolidating in the middle of their recent trading ranges. MORE
Choice Beef Cutout Reaches Highest Value at Start of W24
Demand for Choice beef over the last four weeks has been impressive, possibly the best this decade for the weeks surrounding Memorial Day, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Select Sires Inc, Accelerated Genetics to Join Forces
The board of directors for Select Sires Inc., and Accelerated Genetics have reached a unanimous decision to unify the two cooperatives. MORE
US Beef Speeds to China by Air as Trade Deal Ends 14-year Ban
The first shipment of US beef to China under a new trade deal went airborne last Wednesday (14 June), a Nebraska meat company said, just two days after Washington finalised details to resume exports, ending a 14-year ban. MORE
Zimbabwe to Import Beef from Namibia
Livestock farming is now in dire straits, with Zimbabwe looking to import beef from Namibia as the country’s national herd has been severely depleted due to droughts and the foot and mouth disease. MORE
Focus on Feed Efficiency at Dorchester Event
The Beef Feed Efficiency Programme’s first commercial beef unit will be showcased at an event in Dorset on 6 July. The four-year Defra and AHDB-funded project aims to demonstrate how feed efficiency traits can be measured and selected for in beef cattle, illustrating how the most efficient cattle eat less than others but grow at the same rate. MORE
Iran Shows Appetite for Belarus’ Dairy, Meat Products
Iran is interested in importing Belarus’ dairy and meat products, as reported by Belarus Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Marinich. MORE
Flames destroy production facility at Blackwell Dairy in Kamloops, B.C.
Fire has heavily damaged a dairy operation in Kamloops, British Columbia, that processes milk from farmers across the North Thompson and Shuswap Okanagan. MORE
Dairy farm workers, activists march on Ben & Jerry’s factory
Scores of dairy farm workers and activists are marching to the Ben & Jerry’s factory in the Vermont town of Waterbury to protest what they say are slow negotiations to reach a deal on the so-called “Milk with Dignity” program. MORE
Consistent Pork Quality Assurance Across Regions Critical
The Chair of Manitoba Pork suggests, when marketing product to international buyers, it’s critical for production standards in one region be consistent with those in another region MORE
Colombian Foodservice Clients Partake in US Meat Training
At the request of a food distributor in South America, USMEF conducted US pork processed meat training sessions for foodservice managers in three major Colombian cities. The training, held in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, was funded by the Pork Checkoff. MORE
NPPC Applauds US President’s Stand on Environmental Regulations
The National Pork Producers Council is applauding the stand being taken by the Trump Administration on environmental rules that impact agriculture, reports Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Slightly Negative Note: Cull Sow Prices Ease by a Penny
Another positive day for sellers and prices firmer than the current Government is looking at present, with the SPP rising by 0.85p to stand at 161.70p compared with 119.43p twelve months ago, Peter Crichton reports in his “Traffic Lights” commentary for 16 June 2017. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – June 15 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Friday, June 16 HERE
Potatoes
Fresh red potato harvest in Missouri to start
Black Gold Farms will soon be harvesting fresh red potatoes in the boot heel of Missouri. With ideal planting and growing conditions and plenty of moisture, this year’s crop looks to be one of the best yet. MORE
“We hope to have higher margins in the new potato season”
“We hope to have higher margins in the new season than in the last one”, says Peter Verkerk of Verkerk Potato Trading in ‘s-Gravendeel. Even though the prices were high this season, the trader says it did not go well. MORE
Lamb Weston / Meijer completes acquisition potato division Oerlemans Foods
Lamb Weston / Meijer, the European joint venture of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., announced June 15th that it has completed its acquisition of the potato division of Oerlemans Foods. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grains/Oilseed Review – Canola posts gains with US soy
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts finished higher to end the week, following gains in the US soy complex. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Friday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
Dry conditions on Prairies support ICE canola futures
The canola market edged higher on the week as investors short-covered in the face of weather concerns in Western Canada. MORE
Strawberry season in London underway, deemed ‘best crop of the decade’
A long and wet spring has brightened the moods for strawberry farmers at Heeman’s berry farm. MORE
When should you roll soybeans?
Manitoba Co-operator reporter Allan Dawson heads into the field with Dennis Lange, provincial pulse crop specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, to get a quick refresher on the when, why and how of rolling soybeans. MORE
Hail and fungicide timing, alfalfa weevil levels seen high
Recent hail events in the province have left producers wondering whether or not they should be using a fungicide at the herbicide timing. MORE
CWRS wheat bids rise with temperatures
Hard red spring wheat bids in Western Canada climbed higher during the week ended June 9, as hot and dry conditions in some of the major spring wheat-growing regions of the U.S. and Canada led to a rally in the Minneapolis futures. MORE
Wheat rallies to highest since June 2016
Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures rallied 2.6 per cent on Friday to their highest in nearly a year, with concerns about shortfalls in the U.S. crop sparking a round of short-covering by investment funds, traders said. MORE
PROFEL Warns European Vegetable Crops Are Affected by Weather
European processors of canned, frozen and dehydrated vegetables in major producing countries are very concerned about the impact of warm and dry weather conditions over this year’s spring and summer crops, according to the European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors (PROFEL). MORE
Drop in Soybean Prices Disappoints Zambian Farmers
Farmers have cried foul on the drastic fall of the prices of soybeans by more than 100 per cent during this year’s maize marketing season. MORE
China Govt Approves New GMO Crops
China plans to import two new varieties of genetically modified crops from the United States, as it accelerates a review of biotech products as part of its broader efforts to promote economic and trade ties with the US. MORE
AM markets: how will wheat futures answer ‘key question’? HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Agrium buys polymer maker’s ag chem applications
Fertilizer and ag retail firm Agrium has closed a deal for an Australian polymer maker’s ag chemical business, aiming to put it to work in fertilizer and pesticide application. MORE
U.S. farmers slam Trump’s Cuba clampdown
U.S. farm groups criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to retreat from his predecessor’s opening toward Cuba, saying it could derail huge increases in farm exports that totaled US$221 million last year. MORE
Abu Dhabi fund not eyeing bid for JBS, source says
Shares of JBS SA erased gains on Friday after a source denied that Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Development Co. PJSC was arranging partners to make a bid for control of the world’s largest meatpacker. MORE
Regular Updates
FCC Express – June 16, 2017 HERE
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Reports – June 16 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – June 14 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, June 15 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
