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.
Celebrate Duck Day at P.E.I. Farm Centre this weekend
Go on guided nature walks, do wetland-themed crafts and get up close and personal with some critters this weekend. 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
Volunteers plant thousands of trees along N.S. provincial border
Volunteers braved the rain as they spent Saturday morning planting thousands of trees along the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia border on Saturday. MORE
No charges against Quebec’s ex-ag minister
Quebec’s director of prosecutions has decided not to pursue criminal charges against the province’s fired agriculture minister over allegations of “acts of a sexual character.” MORE
Sask. gov’t outlines plan to transfer management of community pastures
The Saskatchewan government has outlined a three-year plan to transfer the management of community pastures to local producer groups. MORE
Report sees Canadian meat prices rising at faster pace
Canadians will be paying more for meat than earlier thought in 2017, according to a new report from Dalhousie University. MORE
Council highlights Growing Forward 2 successes at summer meeting
The diverse range of projects the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) funds was the focus of the organization’s summer reception and dinner held June 14 in Mississauga. MORE
Jack and Dianne Froese 2017 Red River Ex Farm Family
Jack and Dianne Froese are the 2017 Red River Exhibition Farm Family of the Year. MORE
Range of Tasks Makes Farming an Especially Risky Occupation
The Director of the Manitoba Farm Safety Programme says the wide variety of tasks to be done on the farm, makes farming one of the more risky occupations 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/
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
DDG can help forage digestibility
One of the challenges for cattle producers around the world is getting the most out of late-season forage. MORE
Cattle ranchers sue to return country-of-origin labeling
Ranchers on Monday sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to force meat to again be labeled if it’s produced in other countries and imported to the United States. MORE
Sharp Drop in Cash Fed Cattle Prices During W24
Cash fed cattle prices declined sharply last week, daily data reported by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Market News Division showed prices declined by $6.00 to $8.00 per cwt. between sales that occurred on Tuesday and trade on Thursday, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
There are No Cattle Markets in Goa, Says Chief Minister
– Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said that the ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter rule does not apply to Goa as “there are no cattle markets in the state.” MORE
Seven Reasons Why Farmers Should Resist Factory Pressure on Cattle Prices
IFA President Joe Healy said there is no market basis for pressure on cattle prices at this time. He said the move by the factories to pull quotes and talk down the trade is an attempt to force out very tight supplies of prime cattle. MORE
Competition Commission Raids Beef Suppliers for ‘Price Fixing’
The Competition Commission raided 13 premises belonging to seven meat suppliers in three provinces on Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fixing of prices and trading conditions. MORE
Imported Cattle: No Sale Without Medical Checkup
The authorities concerned at a meeting took a decision not to sell imported cattle in any local market across the country before conducting medical checkups of the cattle. MORE
Belarus Looking to Export Broiler, Beef and Dairy to China
Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Zayats said that broiler farms in Belarus plan to pass certification to supply products to the Chinese market. MORE
Agropur recalls B.C. milk
Agropur Cooperative is recalling Island Farms, Lucerne and Natrel brand milk products from the marketplace due to the potential presence of harmful extraneous material. MORE
UK’s AB Agri Teams Up with China to Develop Better Animal Feeds
AB Agri, a UK-based animal nutrition and feeds producer, is enhancing technological cooperation with Chinese clients by co-developing safer and more nutritious feeds. MORE
Canadian Hog Industry Focusing on Recovery for PED Situation
Canada’s pork sector wants to work with federal and provincial government to address the issue of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Virus in Canada. This was the message Western Canadian hog producers took to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food last week. MORE
Implementing FDA’s Guidance 213 Benefits Livestock Producers
The Chief Veterinarian with the National Pork Producers Council says changes to regulations governing the use of antibiotics in livestock production in the US have had a positive effect MORE
Hogs surge to one-year high
U.S. hog futures surged as much as four per cent on Monday, lifted by investment fund buying and higher pork prices that boosted meatpackers’ profit margins, traders and analysts said. MORE
Small Changes in Lean Hog Futures Contracts During W24
Cash fed cattle prices declined sharply last week, daily data reported by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Market News Division showed prices declined by $6.00 to $8.00 per cwt. between sales that occurred on Tuesday and trade on Thursday, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
New Jobs in Danish Crown
The increase in the supply of pigs to Danish Crown’s abattoirs can be ascribed to the combined effects of Danish Crown’s own growth package, the subsidy scheme for new housing units and the Danish government’s agriculture package. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – June 15 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Monday, June 19 HERE
Potatoes
Potato: The Original Superfood
Plain old spuds are the original superfood. We should all be eating more of them. MORE
Potato Cyst Nematodes threaten crop in Kenya
Infestation of potatoes by the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN), a pest ravaging potato plants that was discovered in Kenya two years ago, has reached alarming levels. MORE
IPM approach seed potato growers Kangaroo Island hops to mainland Australia
Seed potato growers on Kangaroo Island – an island off the mainland of South Australia – are successfully adopting a new strategy to manage the aphids and thrips pestering their crops, taking on expert advice from agronomists and entomologists to adopt integrated pest management for these insect pests. MORE
Taiwan to Control Imports of GMO Potatoes
Agriculture authorities in Taiwan say they are prepared to implement controls to prevent the possible import of U.S. genetically modified (GMO) potatoes from affecting domestic growers. MORE
Dutch Government Supports New Potato Center in Tanzania
A new potato center will be co-financed by the Dutch ministry of Economic affairs (USD4m) and a group of nine companies that are active in the potato industry to help the Tanzanian farmers to improve their yields. MORE
Chinese Scientists to Attempt Lunar-Grown Potatoes
Chinese scientists will attempt to grow potatoes on the moon as part of a forthcoming lunar mission. MORE
Good News for Potato Chip Lovers in Japan
Calbee, Inc. the largest potato chip manufacturer in Japan, had some good news for Potato Chip Lovers in the country. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola up, but beans down
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were stronger on Monday, as supportive chart signals and persistent weather concerns provided support. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Monday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
Decision time on sclerotinia control in canola not far off
In Manitoba the potential for major canola yield losses due to sclerotinia exists every year with weather being the main driver. MORE
Mixing ‘crop enhancer’ with glyphosate for weed control
I recently received this query. “I have a client who wants to mix a ‘crop enhancer’ with glyphosate to control weeds in glyphosate-tolerant soybeans. MORE
Is the corn market ready to rally on U.S. weather worries?
Corn futures prices have remained stubbornly low for the past three months despite heavy rain and cold weather complicating planting and early crop development. MORE
Corn sags on U.S. weather
U.S. corn futures fell more than two per cent on Monday on forecasts for mostly benign weather in the Midwest as the crop heads into its pollination phase next month, analysts said. MORE
Exports of grains by final destination, April 2017 HERE
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
Whole Foods CEO hints at another brand under Amazon
After Amazon.com completes its takeover of high-end grocer Whole Foods Market, it might launch another brand with different standards, the grocery chain’s chief executive said in remarks reported in a securities filing on Monday. MORE
Better Supply Chain Communications to Play Vital Role in Post-Brexit Era
While there will be tough and challenging times ahead there will also be opportunities in the post-Brexit era, according to Stuart Ashworth, Head of Economics Services with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). MORE
NCBA Applauds Nomination of Doud to USTR Post
Last Friday, US President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate personnel to key administrative posts, among which Gregory Doud of Kansas has been nominated to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, with the Rank of Ambassador to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). MORE
Regular Updates
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 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
