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
Farmer Alex Docherty intends to fight pesticide charges
A former chair of the P.E.I. Potato Board has been charged with four pesticide infractions — something he says he intends to fight in court. MORE
Supporting Local Food and Beverage Businesses
The provincial and federal governments are supporting Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector by helping local businesses expand production, meet consumer demand and create good jobs. MORE
Keeping ahead of the competition – Canada and B.C. fund agri-food research programs
In the first half of 2016, the governments of Canada and Victoria, British Columbia (B.C.) invested approximately $6.9 million to support business development, innovation, food safety, sustainability, and future agriculture leaders in B.C.’s agri-food sector. MORE
A year of farm policy decisions ahead for Ontario
Ontario’s agriculture minister stands by his decision to halt a process that was expected to open up how processing tomatoes are priced in the province. MORE
Innovative new virtual reality website goes live FarmFood360° now online
Canadians looking for the real story about their food can get it directly from the source online with virtual visits to farms and processing plants. Farm & Food Care is proud to present its latest national outreach initiative – FarmFood360°. MORE
PEI Wild Blueberry Growers Association Marketing and Production Workshop
Open to all members, no registration fee, no pre-registration necessary
Wednesday, January 18th, 2017, 9:00am-12:00pm
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino, Charlottetown
Guest Speakers include Dr. David Yarborough (Wild Blueberry Specialist, University of Maine), Neri Vautour (Executive Director, WBANA Canada), Mike Nicholas (Nicholas and Knight Ltd., UK), Jamie Blanchard (Trade Development Officer, Innovation PEI) and Bryan Inglis (CEO,Food Island Partnership)
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
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
More bovine TB quarantines still expected
Tracking an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis through southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan is still expected to lead to more quarantines of more Prairie cattle ranches, though no new controls have been imposed since before Christmas. MORE
Creating a better process for assessing pasture
Stakeholders from across the industry are currently working together to develop a Manitoba-focused rangeland and pasture health assessment MORE
Livestock industry must prepare for just about anything
While the livestock industry and governments have improved their ability to respond to disease outbreaks, they need to broaden their preparations. MORE
BQA Producer Forum Open to All Cattle Producers
Attention all dairymen, cattle farmers and ranchers: The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Producer Forum will be held Thursday, 2 February 2017 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee, during the Annual Cattle Industry Convention. MORE
Live cattle rally on fund buying, cash optimism
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures gained about one per cent on Friday, rallying from losses in the previous session on the back of investment fund buying and optimism for higher prices in U.S. Plains cash cattle markets, traders said. MORE
U.S. lifts French beef import embargo, France says
U.S. authorities have lifted an embargo on French beef imports after 19 years, the French agriculture ministry said Friday. MORE
Cattle Breeders’ Club Conference Brings Industry Together
The British Cattle Breeders’ Club Conference, which is being held once again at the Telford Hotel and Golf Resort in Shropshire, will see experts around the globe giving delegates an insight into a variety of topics, including the latest technology for improving profitability and the implications for cattle breeders post-Brexit. MORE
Beef Trade Finally Balanced as Farmers Demand Price Increase
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said the beef trade is finely balanced. MORE
Prion diseases like BSE have a telltale sign
Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have found fatal prion diseases, like BSE, have a hidden signature. MORE
New US Packing Capacity Expected to Improve Producer Profitability
The Vice-President Pork Analysis with EMI Analytics is confident new US processing capacity will result in improved profitability for North American pork producers by mid-2017, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Researchers Find Virus Responsible for ‘Shaking Piglets’
Researchers at the University Clinic for Swine, the Institute of Virology, and the Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine at Vetmeduni Vienna in Austria have made a breakthrough in understanding the cause of ‘shaking’ in newborn piglets. MORE
French Government Orders CCTV to be Installed in All Slaughterhouses
Following issues with animal welfare in French slaughterhouses, the French government has passed a bill ordering for CCTV cameras to be installed in all slaughterhouses in the country from 2018. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – January 12 – Regular and Feeder Sale HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report –Monday, January 16 HERE
Potatoes
SPUD-BASED RESEARCH TAKING ROOT AT UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Potatoes inspire millions of dollars of investment in research and infrastructure in southern Alberta. MORE
Carabobo receives 20,000 bags of potato seeds from Canada
Aldemaro Ortega, the president of Asopapa Carabobo and director of Venezuela’s Federation of Potatoes and Vegetables (Fenaphort) said that 20,000 bags of seeds of potatoes for industrial use had arrived in the country on Sunday. MORE
Mexico won’t import fresh potatoes from the United States
CONPAPA hasn’t allowed the market opening sought by potato producers from the US because they haven’t met some of the plant health requirements stipulated by the law regarding potato imports. According to federal authorities in Mexico, 43 diseases of quarantine importance, have been detected in the US. MORE
DK Potatoes Purple Potato Chips get rave reviews
Potato Farmer Peter Scott from the Otways region in Victoria, Australia could soon become the region’s most famous person since another Otways potato farmer, Cliff Young, won the Sydney to Melbourne ultramarathon in 1983. MORE
Agreement on Genome-Analysis Technology
Monsanto Company and NRGene announced that they have reached a non-exclusive, multi-year, global licensing agreement on NRGene’s genome-analysis technology. MORE
French Association of Potato Producers Prepares for 2017 Congress
“An ecologically competitive potato, but at what price?” is the theme of the next Congress of Union Nationale des Producteurs de Pommes de Terre – UNPT (French Association of Potato Producers), held January, 24. MORE
Belgapom: Long Term Vision Helps Potato Processors in 2017
The potato crop in Belgium was not as expected, due to weather conditions during the growing season, but processors opted for along term vision, with a solid contract basis, available storage and scheduled purchases on the market, says Romain Cools, Secretary General Belgapom, for PotatoBusiness.com. MORE
Growing salt-tolerant potatoes in Pakistan
The Netherlands is exploring the possibility of starting a programme to grow salt-tolerant potatoes in Pakistan. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola Climbs With Soybeans
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were stronger on Thursday, as a rally in Chicago Board of Trade soybeans provided spillover support. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Monday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
New in spring cereals
Production of spring wheat, oats and barley follows some rather rigid realities from one year to the next. It’s true that spring cereals are a tougher sell across most of Eastern Canada; there are more acres of soybeans or corn than there are of spring cereals combined. MORE
Retention not needed for tile installation
Tile drainage installation is on the upswing in Manitoba, but producers need to take a hard look at their operations and evaluate beneficial management practices before making the plunge. MORE
Soybeans extend rally
U.S. soybean futures rose on Friday on follow-through buying on the U.S. Agriculture Department’s surprise cut to its domestic production estimate and ending stocks on Thursday, traders said. MORE
U.S. grain handler Andersons to exit retail business
Loss-making U.S. grain handler Andersons Inc. said Sunday it plans to exit the retail business, affecting over 1,000 employees, at a time when the U.S. farm sector is facing a downturn due to a sharp decline in grain prices. MORE
Hard numbers and hard politics
The calendar may have changed but the numbers all U.S. farmers will work with this new year are little different from the numbers everyone worked with last year. MORE
Midwest Fights Invasive Weed
Linda Huff’s Dodge minivan is filled with garbage bags stuffed with Palmer amaranth she dug up this fall from 20 acres planted with prairie grasses and flowers near Jefferson, Iowa. MORE
AM markets: ‘bombshell’ lifts soy. But hard wheat stalls HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Xplornet buying YourLink
Rural broadband provider picks up Saskatchewan firm MORE
U.S. farmers ask Trump to stay the course on Cuba
Dozens of U.S. farm and agribusiness groups on Thursday urged President-elect Donald Trump to build upon progress made by the Obama administration in relations with Cuba, calling trade with the former Cold War foe particularly important at a time of a severe downturn in farm incomes. MORE
Yanmar Introduces YT2 Series
“Small yet mighty” just got a brand new coat of red paint. The model YT235 compact tractors now in stock at Yanmar dealers deliver powerful and efficient tractor technology to make quick work of tough jobs. MORE
Kuhn Offers Disc Mower Giveaway
Kuhn, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its pioneering disc mower, announces the start of its promotional Kuhn Model GMD 280 Golden Giveaway, otherwise known simply as the “Golden Giveaway.” The company will be awarding two contest winners each a new Kuhn GMD 280, its most popular disc mower model, or $10,000 toward a higher-priced GMD disc mower or FC mower conditioner. MORE
Prices Beat Brexit to Top of Problem List for Irish Farmers
Farmers have identified product price as the key issue that will impact on their farm enterprise in 2017, according to the IFA barometer of farmer sentiment which is part of the Farm Income Review. MORE
EU ‘Could Do Better’ at Tackling Food Waste
Although a number of EU policies have the potential to combat food waste, their potential is not being exploited, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors. MORE
Defence Land Grab Last Straw for Frustrated Farmers
A Department of Defence plan to take land from Queensland farming families so Singaporean soldiers can train more often in Australia is yet another example of Governments disregarding the importance of maintaining agricultural country for food production, AgForce said last week. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Report – January 13 HERE
FCC Express – January 13 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – January 5 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Monday, January 16 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
PEI Wild Blueberry Growers Association Marketing and Production Workshop
Open to all members, no registration fee, no pre-registration necessary
Wednesday, January 18th, 2017, 9:00am-12:00pm
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino, Charlottetown
Guest Speakers include Dr. David Yarborough (Wild Blueberry Specialist, University of Maine), Neri Vautour (Executive Director, WBANA Canada), Mike Nicholas (Nicholas and Knight Ltd., UK), Jamie Blanchard (Trade Development Officer, Innovation PEI) and Bryan Inglis (CEO,Food Island Partnership)
SSDE Industry Engagement Day – January 20, 2017
Our first semester is behind us and it was a tremendous success. During last semester we hosted our first Industry Engagement day and had the great privilege of welcoming well over 100 people to our School of Sustainable Design Engineering. Building on that success, we wish to start the New Year off with good momentum and hold our next Industry Engagement day on the 20th of January 2017. This day will have a specific focus on Bio-Resources and Precision Agriculture.
Goal – Is to gather Industry, Government, and Academia and look for collaboration to advance Bio-Resources and Precision Agriculture. We will also to take the opportunity to introduce the Class of 2017.
Date and time – 20 January 2017 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Location – UPEI Campus. 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE.
Agenda
10:00 – Welcome to the Province of Prince Edward Island and to the University
10:10 – Keynote Address from the Province
10:30 – Introduction of the first keynote speaker Dr. John K. Schueller from the University of Florida by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque
10:35 – Key Note address: Precision Agriculture Technologies for Economically and Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture
11:05 – Introduction of the second keynote speaker Dr. Animesh Dutta from the University of Guelph by Dr. Bishnu Acharya
11:30 – Meet the Graduating Class of 2017 – Introduction by Dr. Wayne Peters, the Director of Student Experience
11:35 – Guided tour by the Industry Partnerships Group
12:00 – Lunch (provided – no turkey)/Networking – 60 mins
1:00 – Panel discussion led by the School of Sustainable Design Engineering with keynote speakers and Government/Industry representatives
2:00 – wrap up and thank you by Dr. Nick Krouglicof, Associate Dean of Engineering and Allan Dale, Industry Partnerships Group
Please RSVP to Lisa Sanderson at lmsanderson@upei.ca
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.
