Local, Regional, Canadian News
Agriculture Adventure Days brings the farm to students
Agriculture Adventure Days hit the Eastlink Centre Tuesday as students from local schools came to learn about the importance of farming. MORE
Farm incomes plummeting to alarming levels in Canada, on P.E.I.
Farm income in Canada has plummeted to alarming levels, says the president of the National Farmers Union. MORE
Jewell’s Country Market up for sale
A farm market and plant nursery north of Charlottetown, a destination for seedlings and ice cream for close to 20 years, is now on the market itself. MORE
P.E.I. woodlot owners holding annual meeting April 1
Woodlot owners love the woods, and that should be a frequent comment heard during the P.E.I. Woodlot Owners Association annual meeting this weekend. MORE
Quebec seeks to crack down on meat fraud
The Quebec government wants to crack down on fraudulent meat-packaging practices at supermarkets in the province, and is promising to immediately boost inspections of minced meat. MORE
New guidelines introduced: “A huge win for Canada’s hens”
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies says a new code of practice for egg farmers will help reduce the extreme stress suffered by egg-laying hens and give consumers some assurance about the term “cage-free.” MORE
Manitoba RCMP investigating $20,000 theft of canola seed from silo
Manitoba RCMP are investigating an unusual farm theft. MORE
Farming Becoming Riskier Under Climate Change
Scientists the world over are working to predict how climate change will affect our planet. It is an extremely complex puzzle with many moving parts, but a few patterns have been consistent, including the prediction that farming as we know it will become more difficult. MORE
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/
Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers Annual Meeting
The Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers cordially invites you to attend its 10th Annual Meeting.
This meeting is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 pm at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
Please RSVP by calling Rinnie at (902)368-2229, or by emailing cattlemen@eastlink.ca
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Class D
Seed Piece Treatment Training Course
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $75.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Seed Piece Certificate is $75. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance)
Individuals who are directly involved with seed piece treatment of agricultural crops, including potatoes and cereals require a Class D Seed Piece Treatment Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Seed Piece Class D Certificate.
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Class D Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED. Must be 18 years of age for certificate.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 902-368-4880
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Loader / Mixer Training
Loader/Mixer Training
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $50.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Loader/Mixer Certificate is $50. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance.)
Individuals who do not apply pesticides, but are directly involved with the mixing of a non-domestic pesticide for the application of agricultural crops, must have a Pesticide Loader/Mixer Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Loader/Mixer Certificate. Must be 18 years of age for certification .
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Loader/Mixer Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling 902-368-4880.
Livestock
Drought-related livestock tax deferral zones expand
More ranchers in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia will be able to defer some of their taxable income from livestock sales in 2016 due to drought. MORE
Feeder cattle continue upward trend
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3-$5 above week-ago levels with lighter weight categories selling $6 to $8 higher. MORE
Beef Production During Q1 Expected to Rise
Choice grade carcass beef values have taken off like a rocket during the last month, writes Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE
Beef Industry Urges President Trump to Help Get US Beef Back into China
On Monday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today sent a coalition letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the restoration of US beef access to China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. Leaders from the US Meat Export Federation and the North American Meat Institute also signed the letter. MORE
Swine Health Top of Mind Among Producers Across Canada
The Chair of Manitoba Pork says swine health and how we contain the threat posed by newly emerging as well existing disease threats has become a top of mind issue among pork producers, writes Bruce Cochrane. MORE
NAFTA Renegotiation Could Jeopardise US Food Processors Access to Canadian Products
The Research Lead with Agri-Food Economic Systems says US food processors need to be sensitive to the potential impact on them of reduced access to imported Canadian products under a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Bruce Cochrane writes. MORE
Fallen cash, pork prices sink CME hogs
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hogs on Tuesday slumped to their lowest level in two months, as cash and wholesale pork values dropped on abundant supplies, said traders. MORE
Pork Checkoff Tours No. 1 Customer for US Pork Exports
With Mexico’s hunger for US pork continuing to grow, members of the National Pork Board spent 13-18 March in Mexico City building trade relations. The delegation invested its time immersing itself in Mexico, which is one of America’s most important export markets. MORE
Ag Minister Wants Gambia to Get Into Livestock Exporting Game
The Minister of Agriculture has called on his staff of The Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) to redouble their efforts in promoting livestock production to satisfy local demand and enable the country export livestock products. MORE
Poultry and egg statistics, January 2017 HERE
Atlantic Stockyards Market Report – March 23 – HERE
*Scroll down to find current report
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Market Report – Tuesday, March 28 HERE
Potatoes
CANADIAN POTATO STORAGE HOLDINGS DOWN
February figures show a decline in storage holdings from the same time last year, leading to upward pressure on potato prices. MORE
Fast-tracking traits for improved potato varieties
Benoit Bizimungu is quick to identify top breeding priorities for implementing marker-assisted selection at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Fredericton Research and Development Centre. MORE
Dr. Oz gives Americans permission to eat potatoes again
Fresh Solutions Network applauded the March 23rd episode of Dr. Oz – giving American’s “Permission to eat potatoes again” noting that potatoes are “nutrient power houses” that surprisingly pack about “100 calories per spud” and have zero grams of fat. MORE
NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDES LOSING EFFICIENCY IN POTATO PSYLLID CONTROL
The Texas potato industry may be losing a mainstay in the battle against psyllids, according to a recent Texas A&M AgriLife Research study. MORE
Locally Grown
Matt Seger is every inch a farmer, from his sandy hair to his dusty boots. His wife Wendi…well, she’s not. She is ambitious and entrepreneurial (she holds master’s and doctorate degrees), but she did not grow up in agriculture has no illusions about her affinity for farming. MORE
Not Tickled Pink
Managing fungicide-resistant strains of the pink rot pathogen MORE
Top 5: Goings-on in D.C.
There’s a lot of noise coming out of Washington these days. Since Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, the new administration—not to mention Congress and the judiciary—have seemed intent on making changes that leave a dramatic and indelible impression on the American people and the rest of the world. With the help of our friends at the National Potato Council (NPC), we’ve put together a list of things going on in Washington for folks in the potato industry to keep an eye on in the coming months. MORE
Farm Frites plans potato processing facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina
Earlier this month, Farm Frites has proposed a plan to establish a potato processing facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina with an annual capacity of 70.000 tonnes of finished product. MORE
Avebe wins Polish top award for its modified potato starch Etenia
Avebe and distribution partner Hortimex won the Polish 2016 award for most promising ingredient for the dairy industry. MORE
Castile-Leon’s potato acreage could exceed 20,000 hectares
Potato planting is currently underway in Castile-Leon, although the activities have slowed down in recent days due to the low temperatures. The earliest plantings started at the beginning of the month and about 40% of the total acreage may now be already planted, especially in the areas of Salamanca and Valladolid. MORE
Armyworm outbreak spreads to Uganda
An outbreak of the fall armyworm caterpillar in several southern African nations has raised an alarm, with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warning they pose “a huge threat to food security”. Uganda was the most recent country where the pest was found. MORE
Malaga’s new potatoes hit the shelves
Ibérica de Patatas, leader in the marketing of potatoes for consumption in Spain, is again selling the new potatoes from Malaga, the first Spanish potato of the season. MORE
Victorian potato farmers urged to remain vigilant for potato psyllid
After the Tomato Potato Psyllid was found in Western Australia horticulturists in Victoria are being urged to implement best practice biosecurity measures in order to prevent the spread of the costly pest. MORE
AAFC / InfoHort Potato Reports HERE
USDA – Daily National Potato and Onion Report HERE
Crops
North American grain/oilseed review: Canola continues correcting
ICE Futures Canada canola closed higher on Tuesday, though activity in the July/November spread was a feature. MORE
ICE Futures Canada Tuesday: Canola futures prices higher, barley unchanged HERE
Pulse firm AGT sees resolution of India-Canada trade snag
Canada’s AGT Food and Ingredients, one of the world’s biggest exporters of peas and lentils, expects India to extend an exemption for Canada within days from a crop fumigation policy that threatened to jeopardize $1.1 billion in annual trade of the food staples, CEO Murad Al-Katib said Tuesday. MORE
So you’ve got clubroot. Now what?
Manitoba canola growers have heard all about the disastrous effects of clubroot on canola, how easy it is to spread and how difficult it is to manage. MORE
CanoLAB workshop makes Dauphin debut
The annual CanoLAB canola management workshop series continues to extend its Manitoba footprint with a first-time event in Dauphin March 15 and 16. MORE
Ontario tomato farmers to get less on higher yields
The agreement between Ontario growers and tomato processors for the 2017 growing season is expected to drop the price tomato farmers are paid as their yields increase. MORE
G3 to build two more Saskatchewan elevators
The grain company formerly known as CWB has picked sites and plans to start construction next month on two new grain elevators in Saskatchewan. MORE
Wheat rebounds after 2-1/2-month lows
U.S. wheat prices climbed on Tuesday in a light rebound from multi-month lows set on Monday, although forecasts for much-needed rains in the Plains wheat belt kept a lid on gains, analysts said. MORE
AM markets: wheat market gives verdict on weekend’s US rains HERE
PEI Grain Elevator Prices – HERE
Grain Farmers of Ontario – Daily Commodity Report HERE
More Futures Prices HERE and HERE
General Interest
Six lessons for diversification from the Glenn family
Succession spurred diversification and expansion for the Glenn family of Keene, Ont. And, oh yes, that beautiful new shop helped too MORE
Take this test before making your marketing decisions
John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States from 1961 to 1963, had some unique insights and understanding of farming finances and economics. MORE
U.S. agribusiness deal not a priority for Glencore
Glencore does not see further consolidation in agricultural commodities as straightforward and views a U.S. acquisition as less crucial than in the past, the group’s agriculture chief said Tuesday. MORE
U.N. picks former U.S. governor to run World Food Programme
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has appointed former South Carolina Governor David Beasley to run the Rome-based World Food Programme (WFP), at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed slashing funding for the world body and its agencies. MORE
European regulators clear Dow Chemical-DuPont merger
The European Union approved the proposed merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont on Monday, declaring itself satisfied with commitments the companies have made to divest businesses. MORE
Regular Updates
Weekly PEI Agriculture Market Report – March 24 HERE
Rayglen Market Comments – March 22 HERE
Ontario Farm Market Summary – Thursday, March 23 HERE
AgWeather Atlantic HERE
Today’s Local Weather – HERE
Meetings and Events
PEI COPC Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
7:00 PM at the Farm Centre MORE
PEI Apple Growers
The P.E.I. Apple Growers Association will be hosting Andrew Lovell, Chairman of Apple Growers of New Brunswick.
He will be sharing The Strategic plan for New Brunswick 2016-2026.
Please join us to understand the exciting opportunities we share and the financial rewards that can be achieved.
If you operate a farm at the present time and are interested in generating more profit per acre, I strongly encourage you to attend this event.
Its FREE for all interested simply call Geoff Boyle at 902-628-7434 to confirm your attendance.
It will be held Mar 31st at Rodd Royalty Charlottetown, Crowbush room.
Meet and greet from 6 -6:30pm, presentation to follow.
Women in Agriculture Recognition Award
The provincial board of PEI Women’s Institute is now accepting nominations for the Women in Agriculture Recognition Award. This award, in the form of a plaque and framed photo posted at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, is presented bi-annually to recognize an Island woman making a major contribution to the PEI agriculture industry within the last five years. Members of the community or fellow farmers are encouraged to contact their local branches to nominate women in the agriculture industry for this award. March 31 marks the deadline for this and other scholarships and awards. A complete list of PEIWI awards and scholarships are available at www.peiwi.ca or by contacting the WI Office at 902-368-4860 or wi@gov.pe.ca. MORE
PEI Woodlot Owners Association Annual General Meeting
The Annual Meeting and Workshop of the PEI Woodlot Owners Association will be held on Saturday April 1, 2017 at the Farm Center, University Ave., Charlottetown.
Registration will begin at 8:30 am with the meeting to begin at 9:00 am.
Agenda topics include:
- Developing a sustainable woodlot
- Invasive species of trees and shrubs in our woodlots
- Forest Enhancement Program of PEI
- Role of Trapping in Animal Conservation
- Canadian Forum of Woodlot Owners
- Annual Business Meeting for all members of PEIWOA
Anyone with a woodlot on PEI is welcome to attend and participate.
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Class D
Seed Piece Treatment Training Course
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $75.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Seed Piece Certificate is $75. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance)
Individuals who are directly involved with seed piece treatment of agricultural crops, including potatoes and cereals require a Class D Seed Piece Treatment Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Seed Piece Class D Certificate.
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Class D Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED. Must be 18 years of age for certificate.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 902-368-4880
Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers Annual Meeting
The Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers cordially invites you to attend its 10th Annual Meeting.
This meeting is set for Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 pm at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
Please RSVP by calling Rinnie at (902)368-2229, or by emailing cattlemen@eastlink.ca
Department of Agriculture & Fisheries – 2017 Agricultural Pesticide Loader / Mixer Training
Loader/Mixer Training
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Location: Rodd Royalty (next to the Peter Pan), Charlottetown
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Course starts at 9 a.m. till 12 noon
Cost $50.00 (The fee for a five (5) year Loader/Mixer Certificate is $50. Please bring this payment with you and make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance.)
Individuals who do not apply pesticides, but are directly involved with the mixing of a non-domestic pesticide for the application of agricultural crops, must have a Pesticide Loader/Mixer Certificate. No exam is required, but you must attend a half day training session to receive a Loader/Mixer Certificate. Must be 18 years of age for certification .
Please Note: If you hold a valid Class A Pesticide Applicator Certificate,
a Loader/Mixer Certificate is NO LONGER REQUIRED.
As space is limited, please pre-register by calling 902-368-4880.
Atlantic Green Expo
The first ever in Atlantic Canada!
Presented by Charlottetown company e365,
Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23 at the UPEI, School of Sustainable Design Engineering.
Atlantic Green Expo will showcase green solutions from eco-friendly exhibitors covering topics
such as clean and energy saving technologies, organic farming, eco-friendly products, transportation, watersheds and more. Educational sessions will be held throughout the Expo for
people interested in making more environmentally sound decisions when choosing products and
services.
Atlantic Green Expo will also feature Keynote speakers and activities for children. Visit Atlantic
Green Expo website for further information at http://atlanticgreenexpo.com/
Institute of Canada (AIC) is hosting a national conference titled “Agriculture Innovation in a changing environment”
Addressing the topic of climate change and agriculture.
April 24-26, 2017 in Winnipeg, MB MORE
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
Trade Team PEI Business Mission to South Korea
When: May 15, 2017 – May 19, 2017
Where: Seoul, South Korea
Innovation PEI, in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) are seeking interest from PEI-based enterprises and organizations to participate in a multi-sector Business Mission to South Korea during the week of May 15-19, 2017. MORE
This mission will serve to enhance existing export relationships, provide opportunities for market expansion while at the same time providing an exceptional opportunity to introduce companies to this strong market. Korea is the 13th largest economy in the world and is one of the largest importing countries on the planet. P.E.I.’s exports to Korea in 2016 were almost $15 million and Canadian products/suppliers are much sought after for our high quality and reputation to deliver. This mission will be of particular interest to companies in the professional services, ICT, clean tech, education, manufacturing and food sectors. The customization of each delegate’s business development program to advance their mission-week and market objectives will be a core feature of this initiative.
During this week the Seoul Food and Hotel Show will be taking place offering mission participants a chance to see first-hand the breadth of product offering and to gather key market intelligence. While there is a Canada pavilion at this event, P.E.I. will not have a booth at the show for this year. Participants will be able to walk the show. However we will also be exploring this opportunity for future years. For details on the Seoul Hotel and Food Show visit http://www.seoulfoodnhotel.co.kr/
For more information on this mission and to express your interest in participating, please contact either of these mission leads by email or by phone:
Scott Ferris – Innovation PEI scferris@gov.pe.ca or (902) 368-5952 or Jeff Burry – ACOA Jeff.Burry@canada.ca or (902) 314-2197
