Local, Regional, Canadian News
February Member Profile – Joel and Amy Van Gurp – HERE
Membership Survey
The recent 76th Annual General Meeting was a great success on a number of fronts, but as always we would like to improve for next year. Please take a moment to complete this SURVEY to give us feedback, even if you did not attend, we’d like to know why and what might bring you out to the AGM in the future. Thanks! SURVEY
Richard Brown addresses P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture
Richard Brown delivered the luncheon address at the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture’s annual general meeting last Friday. MORE
My Gaelic Grandmother tells story of century of rural P.E.I. life
When Bertha Campbell sat down to chronicle her family’s history, she quickly decided she needed a sharper focus for the unwieldy topic. MORE
Minister MacAulay Announces Appointment of Anthony Douglas (Doug) Chorney to the
Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced today the appointment of Anthony Douglas (Doug) Chorney as Assistant Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). The appointment is for a five-year term effective February 13, 2017. Biographical notes are attached. MORE
Minister MacAulay Announces Appointment of Lonny McKague to the Canadian Grain Commission
Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced today the appointment of Lonny McKague as Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). The appointment is for a four-year term effective February 13, 2017. Biographical notes are attached. MORE
Bringing the field into the classroom: How farmers are working with N.L. schools
A group educating kids about the facts of farming is blossoming across Newfoundland and Labrador, with students learning the ABCs — apples, basil and carrots, for instance. MORE
2017 Prince Edward Island Potato Day
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Credit Union Place – Summerside, PEI
Please pre-register by February 10, 2017 by contacting 1-866-734-3276
Registration Fee: $20
Buffet Lunch will be held at Credit Union Place – Summerside, PEI MORE
PEI ALUS Program Reviewing Payment Rates
The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program is undertaking a review of payment rates paid to Island farmers/landowners. Surveys have been mailed to all ALUS program clients for feedback. In addition, a digital version of the survey has been created. If you are a client of the ALUS program and haven’t completed your survey yet, you can do so by following the link below. The survey will be available online until February 23.
The link can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALUSclientsurvey3
Livestock
Veterinary association sets framework for medicine oversight
Canadian veterinarians now have a framework for using antibiotics that will assist federal and provincial regulators concerned about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). MORE
Fed cattle uncertainty restricts upside in feeders
Western Canadian feeder cattle were actively trading $3-$5 higher compared to week-ago levels. Order buyers felt like they were groping in the dark but realized there was a fair amount of buying interest by the week’s end. MORE
Legislation to Address BLM Planning Rule Gains Support
The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applaud the introduction of concurrent resolutions in both the Senate and House disapproving the Bureau of Land Management’s Planning 2.0 rule finalised last December. MORE
Study Shows Angus Genetics Works in All Markets
While the cattle market fell from record highs in 2014 in a steep dive to last fall’s low, the relative demand for quality and premium bids for Angus calves fared better. MORE
USMEF Highlights Importance of Red Meat Exports at Ag Expo
Last week, USMEF participated in the Minnesota Ag Expo, held 25-26 January at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. The event is hosted annually by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Corn Growers Association. MORE
Study on Defence Plan’s Impact on Beef Supply Chain Underway
Work is now underway on a study assessing the impacts of proposed military training area expansions on the beef supply chain, agribusinesses and local communities in Central and North Queensland, AgForce said today. MORE
Chinese University Develops ‘TB-resistant’ Cattle
Scientists in China say they have produced cloned cattle with increased resistance to bovine tuberculosis. MORE
Move to Sow Pens will Require the Right People and Greater Training
The Director of the Swine Teaching and Research Center with University of Pennsylvania says the move from stall housing of gestating sows to pen housing will require superior stockmanship and a greater level of training to maximize success, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
Hogs jump on pork gains
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures surged three per cent to a seven-month high on Tuesday as rising pork and cash hog prices triggered investment fund and chart-based futures buying, traders and analysts said. MORE
Work Starts on Huge Pig Farm in Northern Ireland
Work has commenced on a new state of the art pig farm in Northern Ireland which is set to become one of the largest in the UK, writes Chris McCullough. MORE
EU Creates New Platform for Animal Welfare
The European Commission has adopted the creation of an expert group on animal welfare to be called the Platform on Animal Welfare. MORE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – January 26 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Tuesday, January 31 HERE
Potatoes
McCain Foods Scarborough plans to outsource cold and dry storage needs
McCain Foods (GB) has informed its employees it plans to outsource its cold and dry storage needs, putting 74 jobs at risk as a result of closing the current on-site storage. MORE
US potato exporters worried about impact of withdrawing from TPP
US farmers are wondering how local growers and farmers who export their products to Asia will be affected by the decision of the new president Donald Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. MORE
McDonalds greenlights new potato variety for Pacific Northwest growers
McDonalds has recently given Pacific Northwest (PNW) process growers the green light to grow Clearwater Russet. The variety is expected to grow in popularity and production as they will be used by the fast food franchise to make french fries. MORE
On Target Application Academy Goes Digital
Today’s agricultural world is a complex environment. On any given operation around the country, growers in modern agriculture must effectively manage resistant weeds, comprehend advanced equipment technologies, and steward state-of-the-art herbicide chemistries. MORE
Always Sunny
Diversity. It’s become a major buzzword in the American lexicon over the last several years. Everybody wants to achieve it: diversity in the workplace, diversity in the government, diversity in the classroom, diversity in Hollywood. As society continues to grow more integrated and interwoven, a growing number of consumers have come to expect the same of their dinner plates. MORE
UK Supermarket Chain Morrisons buys FarmCare Carnoustie potato packing plant
Morrisons has acquired a potato packing firm in Angus in a deal which will strengthen the supply of Scottish tubers to the supermarket chain. MORE
Unions in India say potato boycott had limited effect on prices
The campaign to boycott potatoes in India due to rising prices had a “minimal” impact on the agriculture sector, sector leaders and activists said on Monday. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American Grain/Oilseed Review: Canola Falls To Two-Week Lows
ICE Futures Canada canola contracts were down with follow-through speculative selling on Tuesday, hitting their lowest levels in two weeks despite a relatively firmer tone in the Chicago Board of Trade soy complex. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Tuesday: Canola futures prices lower, barley unchanged
Consider selling new-crop canola soon — more than usual
Canadian canola growers should consider selling new-crop canola soon and perhaps more than they would normally this early, says Thomas Mielke, executive director of Oil World, a German-based publication covering world vegetable oil and meal markets since 1958. MORE
Richardson buys eastern Saskatchewan input shop
Prairie grain firm Richardson Pioneer has added to its share of the eastern Saskatchewan crop input retail market with a deal for Crop First Agro. MORE
Corn, wheat firm on bargain buying, U.S. dollar
U.S. corn and wheat futures closed higher on Tuesday on bargain-buying a day after both markets fell to two-week lows, and on a weaker dollar, which tends to make U.S. grains more competitive globally, traders said. MORE
Dry spell in Argentina may spoil buzz for soybean bulls: Braun
Soybean bulls have been excited over the excessive rains across Argentina’s Soybean Belt in recent weeks, but an expected flip to dry weather might wither their enthusiasm. MORE
AM markets: grain futures start important month on sour note HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Is the unusual weather becoming usual?
This warm spell’s intensity and duration are record breaking, even if daytime highs aren’t MORE
Getting started at variable rate
A new computer system may help farmers find their optimum path into precision farming MORE
How much money is enough?
It’s happening on more farms. Is your working capital reserve dangerously low? MORE
Textron to buy Arctic Cat
A U.S. firm with multiple brands in the utility vehicle market is set to add Minneapolis-based ATV and snowmobile maker Arctic Cat to its roster. MORE
Syngenta Launches AI Challenge
Syngenta and the AI for Good Foundation have partnered to launch the Syngenta AI Challenge, an international competition focused on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools for use in seed breeding. The competition is accepting submissions from applicants who are ready to put their programming skills to the test for the chance to win $7,500. MORE
Massey Ferguson Grows Dealer Network
Massey Ferguson, a global brand of AGCO Corporation, welcomed 20 dealerships to the Massey Ferguson compact and utility equipment (CUE) distribution network in 2016. The businesses will service and sell the full line of Massey Ferguson compact and utility tractors and attachments as well as conventional hay products. MORE
Project Aims to Bring ‘Internet of Things’ to Agriculture
The Internet of Food & Farm 2020 (IoF2020) project started on 1 January, and will investigate a large-scale implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) in the European farming and food sector. MORE
Regular Updates
FCC Express – January 27 HERE
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Reports – January 27 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Tuesday, January 31 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
In-Person Consumer Consultations on Food Labelling Modernization
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada want to hear from everyday consumers like you.
We are holding in-person discussions to get your perspective on proposals to modernize food labelling in Canada and would like to talk about:
- Labelling information that is important to you
- Proposed improvements to food label information and legibility, and;
- Enhancements to the ways consumers get information on label claims or statements
There is no cost to register. Participants are expected to cover their own travel costs to attend. Prior knowledge of food labelling is not required.
In-person consumer sessions will be held in the following cities:
Atlantic Provinces
- Charlottetown, PEI February 1, 2017 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (English)
- St-John’s, NL February 3, 2017 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (English)
2ND ANNUAL ATLANTIC YOUNG FARMER TRAINING EVENT
Those who register for both events will receive a 15% discount.
Bridging the Gap: Succession & Transition Planning Workshop for Farm Families!
February 9th and 10th
Glengarry Hotel – Truro, Nova Scotia
Register HERE
Innovate for Value Chain Management
February 10th and 11th
Dalhousie Agricultural Campus – Bible Hill, Nova Scotia
Register HERE
Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Training
Fertilizer Canada’s Nutrient Stewardship training courses help you understand the economic, social, and environmental advantages of 4R practices and how these can be implemented on Canadian farms.
-Free Training
-Participants will receive certification after course completion
-Lunch Provided
**Note: Only the first 30 participants to RSVP will be accepted
-Please send your RSVP to: nfrost@fertilizercanada.ca or call (613)-786-3032
February 22, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Westmorland Room, Crowne Plaza 1005 Main St, Moncton, NB
Atlantic Farm Women Conference
April 28 & 29 at the Delta Halifax, N.S.
Register before March 31 registration fee is $90 plus you will be entered to win your conference registration free. After March 31, registration will be $115.
To register: http://atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com/-registration.html
Agenda on line: http://atlanticfarmwomen.weebly.com/agenda.html
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:
February 21, 2017 Lane’s Riverhouse Inn, Montague
March 14, 2017 Rodd Royalty, TCH Charlottetown
Day B:
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:
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.
