PEIFA Today
Wednesday – August 23, 2017
Local, Regional, Canadian News
Agriculture Canada adds certified organic fields in Charlottetown
Agriculture Canada has tripled the number of certified organic acres it is growing on P.E.I., including fields in the heart of Charlottetown. MORE
Weekend rain eases drought somewhat
There was some welcome rain on P.E.I. last week, but farmers say it will need to keep coming for a good potato crop. MORE
Cape Breton Farmers Exhibition celebrates 101 years of operation
Farm animals of all shapes and sizes are getting all of the attention they can handle this week at the 101st-annual Cape Breton Farmers Exhibition. MORE
Recommended Management Practices for Agricultural Irrigation Ponds
Agriculture is the largest contributor of any resource sector to the economy of Prince Edward Island. Rainfall patterns have changed in recent years and in some cases, some farmers are interested in irrigating crops to ensure yield and quality. MORE
Scouts Canada to plant trees in Fort McMurray park devastated by wildfire
Scouts Canada is planning to plant 750 trees on Saturday in a Fort McMurray park devastated by last year’s wildfire. MORE
Securing Pesticides
Recently, we’ve been getting some questions from growers about how to properly secure pesticides in vehicles and on the farm. This is a great question. Properly securing pesticides will ensure that only you and other properly trained employees are able to access and use these products. This will minimize the potential for human harm and prevent environmental damage. It can also prevent vandalism and theft.
Here is what you need to know about securing pesticides.
On the farm, pesticides must be kept in a location that can be secured or locked when the grower or their employees are not around. The best way to meet this requirement is to keep pesticides in a building, room, or cabinet that can be locked. You can also meet this requirement by simply ensuring that pesticides are kept behind closed doors or in a closed cabinet, out of reach of children, pets, and livestock.
In or on a vehicle, pesticides must be secured to the vehicle to prevent spills or leaks during transport. This means that pesticide containers cannot roll over, fall, or break open, even when the road is uneven or bumpy. The best way to keep pesticides secure during transport is to place the containers in a separate cargo box that can be locked. If your vehicle does not have a separate box, you can fasten pesticide containers to the vehicle with hauling straps (bungee cords are not an appropriate alternative to hauling straps).
If you need to leave the vehicle unattended while transporting pesticides, they must be locked in a compartment so they are not accessible to the public. If you do not have a lockable box on your vehicle, you cannot leave it unattended. Drive straight from your vendor to your pesticide storage facility.
In addition to these requirements, here are a few best practices that you should consider:
- transport pesticides by themselves
- always keep pesticides away from sharp items that could puncture or split a container during transport
- ask if your vendor can deliver your products to you
- make sure there are no broken bags or open cartons and no leaking containers
- never accept any damaged containers from your vendor
- make sure that each container has a label
- keep a list of the pesticides, with their full name and PCPA registration number, in case pesticides leak or spill from your vehicle during an accident.
Island Organic Picnic Sunday, September 24, 2017 4-7PM
Come join your PEI organic farmers & friends to celebrate another growing season, another harvest, and all of the important, hard work that goes into the good food we are so fortunate to eat. Lots to catch up on!
This year’s fundraising event will take the form of a gourmet picnic, as always featuring the variety and outstanding quality of organic food grown locally by our members across the Island, and prepared by the wonderful Chef Emily Wells of the Mill in New Glasgow. Festivities will also include garden games, face painting, an organic-inspired raffle, cash bar, music and more, all taking place in Canada’s largest community garden – the Legacy Garden in downtown Charlottetown.
Tickets are $35/$15 for children under 10 (children under 2 are free)/$20 for PEI COPC members.
The picnic will include:
– Your choice of a drink (kombucha, beer, wine)
– A variety of main dishes, soup and salads
– A dessert
In the event of rain/inclement weather, the fun will be moved indoors, to the Farm Centre.
Thought leaders to come together to learn more about public trust in food and farming
Interest in public trust in the food system and the challenge to earn it with consumers continues to grow – from the farm and ranch right through to Canada’s largest food service companies. A unique mix of thought leaders of all ages from throughout the country, across supply chains, governments, industries and academia will come together in Calgary next month.
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) Public Trust Summit “Tackling Transparency – the Truth about Trust” will be held September 18-20th. MORE
Maritime Feedlot School September 15 & 16
The Feedlot School will be held at the Nappan Research Facility in Nappan, NS.
The event takes place on September 15 and 16th, 2017
Registration cost is $100.00 per person plus HST for a total of $115.00 this covers lunch and materials. Please register by Monday, September 11, 2017.
For more information please call 902-969-1632
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
New president for Beef Grading Agency
Marty Carpenter is the new president of the Canadian Beef Grading Agency, taking over from Dennis Laycraft who has been acting president since January. MORE
CME live cattle break four-session losing skid
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures on Tuesday settled higher for the first time in five sessions, spurred by short-covering and bargain buying, said traders. MORE
Seasonal Tendencies Suggest Stabilization in Boxed Beef, Slaughter Cattle Markets
Feeder cattle price trends outperformed normal seasonal price patterns during July, showing some resilience in the midst of plummeting slaughter cattle prices that began in June, according to Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Mechanism Impairing Production of Bovine Embryos Revealed
A longstanding obstacle to the market for bovine embryos is about to be removed. Researchers have described a hitherto unknown mechanism of lipid accumulation in oocytes that limits the success of in vitro production of bovine embryos. MORE
Pimelea Cattle Poisoning Researchers Collecting Samples
Queensland cattle producers are being encouraged to collect Pimelea plant samples and assist scientists who are researching ways to stop cattle being poisoned by the toxic plant. MORE
Successful NAFTA Renegotiation Could Enhance North American Global Competitiveness
The Canadian Meat Council suggests a successful NAFTA renegotiation could enhance the competitiveness of Canada, the United States and Mexico in international markets for meat MORE
Another Slow Month for EU Pork Exports
The slowdown in EU pork exports continued in June, with volumes down 25 per cent year-on-year at 158,300 tonnes, reports Bethan Wilkins, AHDB Pork analyst. MORE
Danish Crown Signs MoU with Alibaba Group’s Tmall
Yesterday, the world’s largest pork exporter Danish Crown signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tmall, one of Alibaba Group’s business-to consumer e-marketplaces in China, at a ceremony in Copenhagen. MORE
Poultry boards not letting their guard down as NAFTA preparations begin
The U.S. has a healthy trade surplus with Canada for eggs and poultry MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – August 17 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Tuesday, August 22 HERE
Potatoes
POTATO VARIETY DEMONSTRATION, CDC SOUTH, ALBERTA
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Crop Diversification Centre South (CDCS) in Brooks is holding a Potato Field Day on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, starting at 1 p.m. MORE
Solynta develops a blight resistant potato variety (non-GMO)
The Dutch company Solynta has developed a potato variety that is resistant to late blight (Phytophthora Infestans). As a result, it could greatly reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture, the Financieele Dagblad (FD) reported on Monday. MORE
Tolsma-Grisnich Is Nominated for PotatoEurope 2017 Innovation Award
Tolsma-Grisnich Storage Technology, which developed a unique sensor to measure the temperature at different locations and heights within a bulk potato storage facility, has been nominated for a PotatoEurope 2017 Innovation Award. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola corrects higher
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were stronger on Tuesday, taking back all of Monday’s losses. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Tuesday: Canola prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
The making of a green manure mix
Grain-only operation one of several tours organized by the Manitoba Organic Alliance MORE
Check moisture before applying pre-harvest glyphosate
The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission is reminding wheat producers to know the moisture content of their crop before applying pre-harvest herbicides and to always apply according to the label information. MORE
Two simple spray tips can make or break Canadian crops
Farmers have a lot on their plates as they head into the spraying season. The Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada and Pulse Canada are reminding growers of best practices that can have a major impact on marketing grain. Proper pesticide use is a critical factor in growing export-quality grain. MORE
New record set for Prairie grain throughput in 2016-17
Western Canada’s grain industry moved a record volume of grain in the 2016-17 crop year that ended July 31 and is gearing up to ship this year’s crop, expected to be the smallest in four years. MORE
Prairie wheat commissions to collaborate on research funding
The Prairie provinces’ three wheat commissions are set to take a team approach to research funding through a new not-for-profit body. MORE
Get scouting, soybean aphids showing up in fields
When populations hit 250 and are still rising consider applying an insecticide, but don’t forget to take beneficial insects into account. There’s an app for that MORE
Syngenta Celebrates 150 Years in Vegetable Seeds
Sluis and Groot, a legacy company of Syngenta, was founded in 1867 in the Netherlands as exporters of cabbage seeds. Today, Syngenta is one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies with 30 crop species and 2,500 varieties. MORE
Wheat extends drop to fresh contract lows
U.S. wheat futures sank to contract lows on Tuesday, weighed down by abundant global supplies and technical selling as prices extended a fall that started in early July. MORE
AM markets: palm oil hits 5-month top. What of tests ahead? HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Should you buy a combine, or stay with custom?
The decision depends on how much you lose to spoilage, so you need to think like a grocery store produce manager MORE
BHP Billiton puts off decision on Prairie potash mine
With its Saskatchewan potash mine project about 70 per cent dug, major Australian mining firm BHP Billiton now says it won’t be seeking board approval to bring the mine into production in 2018. MORE
EU starts in-depth probe of Bayer-Monsanto deal
The European Commission has started an in-depth investigation of Bayer’s planned US$66 billion takeover of U.S. seeds group Monsanto, saying it was worried about competition in various pesticide and seeds markets. MORE
CSS Farms Acquires Agri-Pack
CSS Farms’ recent acquisition of Agri-Pack LLC in Pasco, Wash., and its Northwest farming operations extends the South Dakota-headquartered potato and onion grower-packer-distributor’s presence to 13 U.S. states. MORE
UK Food Exports to China Climb Up 35%
British food and drink exports saw record growth in the first half of this year, rising by 8.5 per cent on the same period last year, buoyed in part by a 35 per cent increase in exports to China. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Reports – August 18 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – August 16 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Tuesday, August 22 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead Bunch Sunday, August 27th, 11:30 am,
Dr. Ryan O’Connor will present, “The 1971 National Farmers Union Highway Demonstration” at the Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead in Orwell.
On August 12, 1971, hundreds of PEI farmers boarded their tractors and proceeded to bring traffic to a halt on the province’s major roadways. Held during the peak of the tourism season, the demonstration continued for ten days. This talk examines the highway demonstration’s inspiration, context, and consequences. The farmers were protesting the way the provincial government had neglected issues around family farms and the Government’s lack of promotion of economic rationalization and modernization which had been set out in the government’s 1969 Comprehensive Development Plan. Dr. O’Conner has a Ph.D. in Canadian history, with expertise in the history of environmental activism, the Sixties, oral history, the history of recycling, and Canadian politics.
The event will start with a nutritious and delicious brunch at 11:30. After brunch, the talk will commence. The meal will be served in the room that once hosted Earl Grey, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and John McCrea at the same time, as guests of Sir Andrew MacPhail.
The cost is $25.00 ($20 for members).
Please call the MacPhail Homestead at 902-651-2789 to make your reservation.
5th Palmer Conference (2017)
August 29 to 31, 2017 at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown, PEI.
This year’s Conference focuses on Canadian-American Relations, and includes panels on Trade and Commerce, the Environment, and Defense and Security (including food security as well). MORE
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
Maritime Feedlot School September 15 & 16
The Feedlot School will be held at the Nappan Research Facility in Nappan, NS.
The event takes place on September 15 and 16th, 2017
Registration cost is $100.00 per person plus HST for a total of $115.00 this covers lunch and materials. Please register by Monday, September 11, 2017.
For more information please call 902-969-1632
SAVE THE DATE
PEI Open Farm Day 2017 – Sunday, September 17th
Thought leaders to come together to learn more about public trust in food and farming
Interest in public trust in the food system and the challenge to earn it with consumers continues to grow – from the farm and ranch right through to Canada’s largest food service companies. A unique mix of thought leaders of all ages from throughout the country, across supply chains, governments, industries and academia will come together in Calgary next month.
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) Public Trust Summit “Tackling Transparency – the Truth about Trust” will be held September 18-20th. MORE
Island Organic Picnic Sunday, September 24, 2017 4-7PM
Come join your PEI organic farmers & friends to celebrate another growing season, another harvest, and all of the important, hard work that goes into the good food we are so fortunate to eat. Lots to catch up on!
This year’s fundraising event will take the form of a gourmet picnic, as always featuring the variety and outstanding quality of organic food grown locally by our members across the Island, and prepared by the wonderful Chef Emily Wells of the Mill in New Glasgow. Festivities will also include garden games, face painting, an organic-inspired raffle, cash bar, music and more, all taking place in Canada’s largest community garden – the Legacy Garden in downtown Charlottetown.
Tickets are $35/$15 for children under 10 (children under 2 are free)/$20 for PEI COPC members.
The picnic will include:
– Your choice of a drink (kombucha, beer, wine)
– A variety of main dishes, soup and salads
– A dessert
In the event of rain/inclement weather, the fun will be moved indoors, to the Farm Centre.
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
Obsolete pesticide & animal health medication collections – November 6 – 17, 2017
Prince Edward Island from November 6 – 17, 2017.
Collection site locations and dates are available HERE.
