08

VOLUME 5

intErprEting crOp rEsULts pagE 4

aLtErnatiVE fEEd grains pagE 6

nOVEMBEr 2008

sUccEssiOn pLanning wOrkshOps pagE 16

Canadian Western Agribitionpage 2

Saskatchewan is a leader in agriculture, both in Canada and on the world stage.

A prime example of this is the annual Canadian Western Agribition, one of the world’s premiere agriculture shows. With over 56 countries represented last year, Agribition provides tremendous opportunities for our Saskatchewan businesses and producers to showcase their products. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the event. It has become a pillar of Saskatchewan and the agriculture industry, growing in popularity each year. Last year, more than 137,000 people attended Agribtion, visiting more than 450 exhibits, 4,000 head of livestock, and 125 events.

Agribition has a major impact on our provincial economy, contributing approximately $16.3 million to provincial GDP and supporting more than 1,000 jobs.

In 2007, public auctions throughout the show generated $2.2 million in sales. Many additional private sales occurred after the show as a result of the friendly business atmosphere and networking opportunities available at Agribition.

Agribition also provides excellent education opportunities for our youth and urban citizens to become more familiar with our industry. From the Agri-Ed program to the Career Expo and various seminars, the event helps secure public interest in agriculture.

The provincial government is proud to support Agribition. We are committed to working with Agribition staff and organizers to ensure the show remains a world class event.

As we work to grow our agriculture industry, events such as Agribition are pivotal to our success.

November marks one year since the Saskatchewan Party formed government. The first event I attended as Minister of Agriculture was Agribition and I look forward to attending this year’s event again.

Sincerely,

Bob Bjornerud

Minister of Agriculture

Minister’s Message

Traditional burning of the brand at Agribition.The 38th annual Canadian Western Agribitionbegins November 24th at Ipsco Place in Regina.

stOrY snapshOts

4

AGRIVIEW is published by the Communications Branch of Saskatchewan Agriculture for Saskatchewan farmers and farm and food organizations. for more information, call 306-787-5160 or e-mail agriview@gov.sk.ca. to view this publication online, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/programs-services.

Crop Production Show 2009

Gopher control rebate announced

taBLE Of cOntEnts

12

14

15

Value Chains

08

VOLUME 5

INTERPRETING CROP RESULTS PAGE 4

ALTERNATIVE FEED GRAINS PAGE 6

NOVEMBER 2008

SUCCESSION PLANNING WORKSHOPS PAGE 16

Canadian Western Agribitionpage 2

Straw rations

Livestock DeveLoPMeNt6

agriBUsiNess DeveLoPMeNt13

Cover: Matador community pasture

croP DeveLoPMeNt4

8MaNageMeNt

agricULtUre kNowLeDge ceNtre11

NOVEMBER 2008 3

PrograMs aND services14

eveNts caLeNDar16

4 NOVEMBER 2008

crOp dEVELOpMEnt

Crop Production Week and the Crop Production Show

by Brian SimBusiness SpecialistCrop Development Branch

and

Dale RisulaProvincial Specialist, Special CropsCrop Development Branch

intErprEting pLOt rEsULts…arE diffErEncEs rEaL?

Mark your calendar and plan to attend both the 2009 Crop

Production Week and Western Canadian Crop Production Show. These events, the mainstay of the Saskatchewan agricultural industry, will take place in Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park from January 10 to 17. These large annual events have become a major gathering place for producers as they finalize the coming year’s cropping plans.

Many of the member organizations that make up Crop Production Week are Saskatchewan grower based associations that handle their own specific meeting arrangements. The intent of Crop Production Week is to provide a convenient forum for producers from across the province to come together, receive information, and discuss current issues. The week-long event offers producers everything in one place and at one time.

The 26th Western Canadian Crop Production Show is produced by Saskatoon Prairieland Park, with the assistance of a volunteer committee. The show continues to attract an audience from a wide

geographic base. The four-day event has become widely respected throughout Western Canada as the place for grain producers to gather the most up-to-date information as they make important crop planning and crop input purchasing decisions.

While attendance at the individual meetings varies considerably, overall the Crop Production Week usually attracts in excess of 15,000 people. The event is geared to attract producers, but agri-business, government and international visitors are also in attendance. The agri-business industry makes up the

largest portion of the trade show. International visitors attend to find out what is happening not only in Saskatchewan but also across Western Canada.

One of the biggest changes for 2009 involves the Special Session on the night of Wednesday, January 14th at Prairieland Park. It will feature a presentation on fertilizer supply, demand and prices.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnVisit• www.cropweek.com for information on both events and all of the week’s activities, including agendas and registration details for the individual organization meetings, and direct links to some of their websites.

Crop Production Show has some new changes for 2009.

At this time of year, results from various plot trials start to roll out in magazines, winter presentations or other media. Interpreting those

results correctly can sometimes be difficult.

Let’s consider a plot that compares three different treatments on the same crop. At the far edge of the plot the first treatment was repeated. So, going from left to right there were treatments A, B, C and A. Looking at the yields of the first three treatments, treatment C was better than treatment A and B. But when examining the results of treatment A on the right side, results changed. That result was 10 bushels per acre (bu./ac.) higher than the first A treatment. All the other treatment results (B and C) were within that range. So, it appears that variation within the field, rather than treatment effects, could have made the differences in yield. Treatment C is not necessarily better.

It is important to keep track of plot results. A single experiment, however well conducted, provides information for only that site and that year. Multiple site years can be helpful in providing more results over different locations and yearly fluctuations in conditions.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnContact Brent Flaten, Integrated Pest Management Specialist, •Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or via e-mail at brent.flaten@gov.sk.ca.

by Brent Flaten Integrated Pest Management SpecialistAgriculture Knowledge Centre

Large-scale canola plot trials.

crOp dEVELOpMEnt

International Year of the Potato . . .

Celebrating the humble potato

This year – 2008 – was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of the Potato to recognize its role in food security

in regions of political turmoil.

The humble potato, whose importance is often underestimated, is packed with nutrition, and, as a result, is the fourth largest food crop in the world, and the largest non-grain food crop.

Potatoes contain carbohydrates, which create energy; protein; iron; calcium; almost half the daily-recommended intake of vitamin C; vitamins B 1, 2, 3, and 6; about one-fifth of the recommended daily value of potassium; and other important minerals. Potatoes are also an important source of dietary fibre.

Potatoes are an important food in many impoverished nations of the world because the potato contains such extraordinary nutrition and its cultivation is also a source of employment. The potato, however, is usually traded on a local scale, and is not subject to global pricing. As a result, potatoes can provide food security in regions where political unrest disrupts the food supply.

Rapid population growth in developing countries puts pressure on land and water resources. Potatoes, which can be grown in fairly harsh climates, are a good crop option in the developing world because the potato is a good provider: 85 per cent of the plant is edible, compared to 50 per cent of cereal plants.

Saskatchewan produces about 10,000 acres of potatoes annually. About half of this production is sold as table potatoes. These include various types, such as red-skinned, yellow-fleshed, baker and small potatoes. Saskatchewan is noted for a superior colour on its red-skinned table potatoes.

Seed potatoes make up the other half of Saskatchewan’s potato production. Almost all seed potatoes produced here are sold to process and table growers in other provinces and countries. Prince Edward Island, Idaho and Mexico are major importers of Saskatchewan-grown seed potatoes.

Saskatchewan is noted for its production of high-quality seed potatoes. The superior traits of Saskatchewan’s potatoes have been trademarked by the Saskatchewan Potato Growers Association under the term Northern Vigor™.

The Northern Vigor™ trademark refers to the fact that the production of Saskatchewan potatoes exceeds the production of seed potatoes from more southern locations. This high-yield production trait is related to Saskatchewan’s climate and environment: long, warm summer days and cool nights. Potato crops grown from northern seed produce more vigorous plants, which have larger tubers with less variation between hills. This results in even crop development, higher yield, and superior grades.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnVisit the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization official •website for the International Year of the Potato at www.potato2008.org;

Visit Saskatchewan Agriculture’s website at •www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and type the words “potatoes” into the search engine;

Visit the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website at •www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/ and type the words “northern+vigor” into the search engine to see the Northern Vigor™ pages; or

Phone Connie Achtymichuk, Vegetable Crops Specialist, •Saskatchewan Agriculture, at 306-787-2755.

by Connie Achtymichuk, PAg Vegetable Crops SpecialistCrop Development Branch

by Andre Bonneau, BSA, PAgForage Conversion Specialist Agriculture Knowledge Centre

Over time, forage production drops on pasture. Fertility levels decrease to a point where the pastures

don’t produce adequately. In the past, purchasing some fertilizer and broadcasting it was enough to get pasture yields back up to optimal levels. However with fertilizer prices near record levels, this often doesn’t make economic sense. Livestock tend to recycle much of the nutrients on pasture. Much of the nitrogen, phosphorus and other major nutrients are cycled through the grazing animal. It’s very important to distribute animals throughout the pasture to ensure nutrients are distributed evenly and are returned to the soil.

Proper levels of forage utilization and even livestock distribution can help increase productivity throughout the pasture. This is why winter-feeding, bale grazing or creep feeding on pasture is so effective at rejuvenating pastures. Any feed or nutrient brought into the pasture from another location adds to the soil nutrient levels overall.

By feeding on pasture, we can also influence the amount of organic matter on the soil. Organic matter from feed waste is a good source on nutrients but also provides an insulation layer to stabilize soil temperatures and decrease moisture loss. Organic matter can increase production in drier and more marginal areas as well. It should be noted that leaving a large amount of trash on the surface can negatively effect

alfalfa growth. Perennial legumes should be included in pasture seed mixtures. Forages such as alfalfa and cicer milk vetch, which fix nitrogen in the soil, add nitrogen to the nutrient cycle at no cost.

Applying fertilizer may be the simplest way to rejuvenate pasture but it’s also the most expensive. A long-term plan to maintain pasture productivity through animal distribution, forage utilization, selection of suitable forage species and nutrient cycling is often more cost-effective.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnContact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; or•

Visit the Saskatchewan Agriculture website at •www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

rEjUVEnating taME pastUrEs

Proper use of forage can increase productivity.

NOVEMBER 2008 5

6 NOVEMBER 2008

LiVEstOck dEVELOpMEnt

Utilizing snow as a water source

aLtErnatiVE fEEd grains

Water is one of the most important nutrients livestock require. It can be a challenge, however, to supply good quality water to cattle

throughout the winter, especially if they are being fed out in the field rather than in a pen. Researchers in Western Canada examined the use of snow as a water source and discovered it can be used quite successfully.

While utilizing snow gives managers additional options and flexibility when grazing land that does not have a water source, some precautions

should be followed. First, snow needs to be loose and clean, not packed or ice covered. Snow that is crusted and packed isn’t accessible to livestock and an alternative water source should be provided.

Second, it’s important to note where the animals are with respect to their development stage. Snow is not recommended for animals that are lactating or are in poor body condition. The ideal animal is a dry cow in good body condition score. It’s important that the animals are receiving adequate nutrition as well as shelter.

While it takes time for animals to adjust to using snow, research from the University of Alberta found that animals adjusted quite readily with no signs of discomfort. Usually within two to three days, the animals will start to use snow rather than search for water. As cows do not instinctively know to use snow as their water source, they will return to where they were previously watered. Therefore, ensure dugout access is closed off to prevent accidental drowning.

Monitor your cattle to ensure they are utilizing the snow, that there is enough snow and that the snow quality is good. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up plan in the event snow conditions aren’t favourable. Finally, try to have your animals accustomed to utilizing snow before they are faced with the additional stress of adapting to severe winter weather.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnContact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; or•

Visit • www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and click on About Agriculture/ Production/Livestock - Feeds/Nutrition/Snow as a Water Source

by Christy Winquist, PAgBeef-Forage SpecialistAgriculture Knowledge Centre

thinking OUtsidE thE

cOrraL: wintEr fEEding

stratEgiEsby Christy Winquist, PAgAgriculture Knowledge Centre

Today’s marketplace leaves cow-calf producers wondering what they can do to reduce their

costs.

Producers looking for options to reduce winter feeding costs, may find a winter meeting called Thinking Outside the Corral to be of value.

This one-day meeting will be held in four locations: Kerrobert, Feb. 3; Turtleford, Feb. 4; Melfort, Feb. 10; and Estevan,

Feb. 12.

Thinking Outside the Corral explores different feeding options and shows how they can be accomplished successfully in local areas.

Some of the topics to be discussed include: bale grazing; straw/chaff grazing; and swath grazing, using different warm- or cool-season crops.

There will also be presentations about managing cows to best utilize available feed.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnPhone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre •at 1-866-457-2377.

Winter feed rations for ruminants are formulated to provide as high an

amount of forage as possible. However, depending on an animal’s stage of production (maintenance, late gestation, lactation), forages may not provide enough energy. While barley, wheat and oats are the most common feed grains Saskatchewan producers utilize, there are other ingredients available as alternatives.

For example, pulse crops, such as peas and lentils, can be used in rations. These pulses often provide dry matter energy contents ranging from 87 per cent total digestible nutrients (TDN) for peas and 81 per cent TDN for lentils. They also contain 24 to 26 per cent protein. Peas and lentils are commonly formulated to replace 30 per cent of oats or barley in feed rations – the restriction based on the higher protein content of the pea or lentil. Diets with peas or lentils as the only grain source also provide good performance results. Additionally, pulse screenings can be incorporated into the diets, keeping in mind that the quality will be similar to oats.

Grain screening products are also another common source of energy in ruminant diets. If purchased from a commercial feed supplier, these products are already ground, processed, and pelleted. They can be formulated to contain a variety of protein and energy levels,

as well as blended with minerals, vitamins and ionophore medications.

While raw screenings can be used, caution must be applied. Raw screenings may contain weed seeds, and according to research up to 25 per cent of consumed weed seeds will transfer through the digestive tract into the manure and germinate. In addition, contaminants such as moulds, toxins and ergot may also be present, creating some challenges and risks to the animals.

Other alternative products include gluten feeds, dried distiller grains, malt sprouts and hull byproducts. With prudent management, these alternatives to traditional grains can be utilized successfully in winter feeding rations.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at •1-866-457-2377, or

Visit the Saskatchewan Agriculture website •at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and click on About Agriculture/Livestock/Beef - Cow and Calf/Production/Feeds and Nutrition

by Murray FeistRuminant NutritionistAgriculture Knowledge Centre

Pulses can provide good results in winter feed rations.

LiVEstOck dEVELOpMEnt

The benefits of pregnancy checking cows

Land rEntaL Basics

Fall is the time when a lot of land rental contracts are written or re-negotiated.

With prices for both inputs and outputs being very volatile, establishing a fair rent will be a challenge for the coming year.

The most common arrangement is the cash lease. With this type of rental arrangement, the administration is simple and the landlord has very little risk. The crop belongs to the renter, so it doesn’t have to be binned separately from the rest of the renter’s crop. Cash rent can range from $20 to $70 per acre, depending on the competition for the land and its quality, climate, rainfall, frost-free days and proximity to market.

There has been some shift back to crop-share arrangements, as landlords try to capture some returns from higher crop prices. Under this arrangement, the landlord shares some of the production and price risk. Crop share is commonly in the 80:20 or 75:25 range. There are some 66:33 arrangements where the landlord may contribute to some of the inputs.

A third rental arrangement is the flexible cash lease. In this method, a level of production is allocated to the landlord and the price for the crop is set based on the market price at a specified time. The landlord shares the price risk but not the production risk. For example, you could allocate six bushels per acre of No. 2 Canadian Western Red Spring

(CWRS) wheat to the landlord. The rent would be determined by multiplying six bushels by the price of wheat on a given market. If No. 2 wheat was selling for $7, the rent would be $42 per acre. If the price was to drop back to $5, the rent would be $30 per acre. Crop failure with this system can put the tenant at risk when prices are high.

It is very important to have a written agreement that spells out the details agreed upon. Assumptions by one party or the other can lead to

disputes. Try to anticipate questions. Who provides grain storage? Is the landlord responsible for trucking his grain to market? Is straw the property of the tenant? What is the length of the agreement?

Remember, the goal is to have a mutually beneficial rental agreement that rewards both members according to their contributions. An agreement that is not equitable likely won’t last.

The Ministry of Agriculture has the following publications available by mail or Internet that will

help with the process of drawing up an agreement:

- Cash Lease Agreements

- Crop Share Lease Agreements

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnVisit the Saskatchewan Agriculture website at •www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca; or

Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.•

by Richard Wharton, PAg,Production Economics SpecialistAgri-Business Development Branch

Like many good farm management practices, pregnancy checking all cows and heifers in the breeding herd is an important and valuable

decision making tool.

There is no doubt that pregnancy checking quickly pays for itself. The cost of pregnancy exams vary but generally range from $3.50 to $4 per cow. Price discounts usually apply to larger numbers of cows and the availability of good handling facilities that allow for higher throughput.

Using current feed and bedding prices, it will cost $250 to $300 to winter one cow. A non-pregnant or “open” cow is free-loading for the entire winter feeding period and will give nothing in return at calving. Open cows should be culled.

Pregnancy checking also identifies cows that will calve later in the calving season. These cows can also be culled or fed as a separate group. Pregnancy checking also determines the effectiveness of the bulls in the breeding program. After a 63-day breeding season, 95 per cent of the cows exposed to a bull should be pregnant.

Pregnancy testing by rectal palpation has been a reliable and efficient way for veterinarians to identify open and late cows for many years. Ultrasound can be used to reliably detect pregnancy at 30 days of gestation, and is another tool to help producers capture more returns.

Veterinarians use many types of ultrasound equipment. All involve inserting the ultrasound probe into the rectum and scanning the uterus, which lies below the rectum, for the presence of a fetus. Ultrasound equipment is generally very expensive and probes are susceptible to damage. Handling facilities and equipment need to be in good condition to attempt pregnancy testing via ultrasound.

Early identification of non-pregnant and/or late calving heifers allows producers to sell open heifers into a yearling market which tends to be stronger earlier in the fall. This can allow greater returns for animals that will be culled anyway and conserves grazing resources by removing the non-productive animals.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnContact Bryan Doig, PAg, Livestock Development Specialist, North •Battleford (306) 446-7477; or

Dr. Tom Schmidt, DVM, Lakeland Veterinary Services Ltd., North •Battleford (306) 445-3757.

by Bryan Doig, PAgLivestock Development SpecialistLivestock Development Branch

and

Dr. Tom Schmidt, DVMLakeland Veterinary Services. Ltd.

NOVEMBER 2008 7

NOVEMBER 2008

ManagEMEnt

8

PUBLIC OPENING OF TENDER BIDS ON LANDS WILL BE HELD AT 1:30 P.M., NOVEMBER 14TH, 2008, AT THE ABOVE LOCATIONS.

R.M. Land Desc Acres Codes Est Mkt

1 NW-21-01-30-1 160 C $51,220

42 SW-33-05-27-2 160 C $39,750

R.M. Land Desc Acres Codes Est Mkt

WALLY HOEHN(306) 363-6200

155 NE-4-16-08-2 159 C $52,150

184 NE-11-21-04-2 143 A,G $22,200

184 NW-6-21-06-2 160 C $39,900

RMs 18, 103, 135 and 168:

MAIL OR DELIVER TENDERS TO:

LANDS BRANCHSWIFT CURRENT REGIONALOFFICEBOX 5000350 CHEADLE STREET WESTSWIFT CURRENT SK S9H 4G3

RMs 1 and 42

MAIL OR DELIVER TENDERS TO:

LANDS BRANCHWEYBURN REGIONAL OFFICEBOX 2003, 110 SOURIS AVENUECITY CENTRE MALLWEYBURN SK S4H 2Z9

FOR LAND IN

RMs 155, 184, 214, 216, 220, 221, 223,241, 245, 247, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277,280,301, 304, 305, 331, 334, 335, 337, 340, 366394, 395, 397, 426, 428 and 488:

MAIL OR DELIVER TENDERS TO:

LANDS BRANCHTISDALE REGIONAL OFFICE1105 - 99TH STREETTISDALE SK S0E 1T0

RMs 261, 284, 285, 292, 315, 346,380, 434, 435 and 470:

MAIL OR DELIVER TENDERS TO:

LANDS BRANCHNORTH BATTLEFORDREGIONAL OFFICE1192 - 102ND STREETNORTH BATTLEFORD SK S9A 1E9

Land for Sale by TenderCOMPLETED TENDERS AND FIVE PER CENT DEPOSIT MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE MINISTRY

REGIONAL OFFICE, AS LISTED BELOW, BY 12:00 NOON NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Additional tender forms may be obtained from Ministry ofAgriculture Regional offices, Rural Municipality offices oronline at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

Conditions of Tender

1. Tenders must clearly indicate the land that is being bid on andthe amount being bid. Tender forms are available for this purpose.Tenders must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and mailed ordelivered to the appropriate Regional office as shown below. Theenvelope should be clearly marked “Land Tender.”

2. Tender bidders are responsible for meeting any requirements ofPart VI of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act.

3. A certified cheque, money order or bank draft, payable to theMinistry of Agriculture for five per cent of the total tender, mustaccompany the tender. Tenders submitted without certified fundswill not be considered.

4. In addition to the highest bid for any individual parcel, theMinistry of Agriculture will consider bids that provide the highestaggregate price for any combination of parcels.

5. The Ministry of Agriculture reserves the right to reject any bid.Where the highest bid is rejected, the bidder may be providedwith an opportunity to meet the upset price.

6. An agreement for sale and transfer will be prepared in thename of the successful bidder. The spouse of the successfulbidder can be added to the agreement for sale at time ofpreparation upon receipt of a written request.

7. The successful bidder has 30 days from the effective date ofthe agreement for sale to provide the balance in cash and tocomplete the purchase. The deposit will be forfeited if thesuccessful bidder does not finalize the agreement for sale.

8. All fees to register title with the Infomation ServicesCorporation are the responsibility of the purchaser and are inaddition to the bid price.

9. All lands, together with any fixtures and improvements, aresold “as is.” The bidder is solely responsible to determine thevalue and condition of land being sold, value and condition ofimprovements, land quality, land use, environmental conditionand any other information pertaining to tendered land.

10. The Ministry of Agriculture may withhold or withdraw any landfrom sale at any time prior to the delivery of a signed agreement

for sale.

11. Where land is not sold, land may be listed on the Ministry’sCatalogue Sale until the land is readvertised in subsequenttender sales or lease postings. Sale of land from the catalogue ison a “first-come, first-served” basis at the minimum valueannounced at the tender opening.

VAL TOWNSEND-FRASER(306) 848-2378

ManagEMEnt

R.M. Land Desc Acres Codes Est Mkt R.M. Land Desc Acres Codes Est Mktt

CODES: A - Access Limitation, B - Buildings, C - Cultivation,F - Fencing, G - Grazing, GS - Grain Storage, H - Hay, I - Irrigation, LA - Living Accomodation,

LF - Livestock Facilities, LZ - Local Zoning, P - Power, S - CP/Survey Correction,T - Timber Included In Valuation, W - Water, Y - Yardsite. [ ] Denotes - “to be sold as a unit”

214 SW-9-22-05-2 159 C $22,500

214 [NW-1-22-05-2 313 C $87,000 SW-1-22-05-2]

214 [NE-9-22-05-2 161 C $40,100 NW-9-22-05-2]

216 SW-21-24-12-2 79 C,H $19,100

220 NE-26-23-22-2 140 C $39,000

220 SE-35-23-22-2 156 C $41,100

221 SW-5-23-24-2 159 C,G $28,200

223 [SE-29-22-02-3 315 C $75,000 SW-29-22-02-3]

241 SW-23-26-33-1 136 C,G $10,400

245 SW-27-26-08-2 160 H $31,300

247 SW-4-27-13-2 160 C,P,Y $29,900

247 SW-9-27-13-2 160 C $27,200

276 NE-33-28-10-2 156 C,G $25,500

276 SE-33-28-10-2 159 C $41,000

276 SW-23-28-11-2 157 C $39,900

277 NW-28-29-13-2 160 C,G $33,000

277 NE-21-30-14-2 160 C,G $32,600

280 [NE-16-29-22-2 320 C $65,500 SW-16-29-22-2]

337 SE-29-36-13-2 149 C $46,500

340 SE-2-34-24-2 158 C,G,H $30,000

BRENT MCINNIS(306) 778-8295

18 SW-23-02-18-3 159 C,F $41,500

103 SW-1-11-02-3 123 C $9,500

135 [NE-29-13-08-3 320 C $110,500 NW-29-13-08-3]

PATTY ROBERTSHAW(306) 778-8293

168 SE-26-19-18-3 160 C,H,G $60,000

DEAN CORTUS(306) 878-8880

273 SW-1-28-02-2 156 C $32,300

274 SW-7-30-04-2 160 C $47,700

275 SE-24-30-07-2 160 G,H,F,W $30,600

301 NW-19-33-31-1 79 C $31,100

301 SE-28-33-31-1 145 C $44,800

304 SW-18-33-06-2 158 C $47,800

304 SW-21-33-06-2 80 C $22,400

305 NW-29-33-07-2 158 C $39,800

305 NE-6-33-09-2 160 C $51,600

331 NE-19-34-31-1 160 G, F,W $46,300

331 NW-17-35-31-1 159 C,H $60,000

331 SE-20-36-32-1 160 H $54,900

334 SW-25-35-06-2 152 C $53,900

335 SE-5-34-08-2 158 H $36,900

335 SE-8-34-08-2 160 H $32,700

335 NW-24-34-08-2 159 H $25,000

366 SW-36-37-10-2 160 C,H $31,200

394 SE-22-45-02-2 160 C,T $36,900

394 NW-24-45-02-2 160 C $53,700

394 SE-9-43-04-2 158 C $42,000

395 SW-3-42-08-2 158 C $57,000

397 SE-14-40-13-2 156 C,H $52,200

426 SW-12-45-10-2 148 C,H $36,900

NOVEMBER 2008 9

ManagEMEnt

10 NOVEMBER 2008

R.M. Land Desc Acres Codes Est Mk R.M. Land Desc Acres Codes Est Mk

CODES: A - Access Limitation, B - Buildings, C - Cultivation,F - Fencing, G - Grazing, GS - Grain Storage, H - Hay, I - Irrigation, LA - Living Accomodation,

LF - Livestock Facilities, LZ - Local Zoning, P - Power, S - CP/Survey Correction,T - Timber Included In Valuation, W - Water, Y - Yardsite. [ ] Denotes - “to be sold as a unit”

TIM FEIST(306) 862-1789

428 SW-5-43-16-2 159 C $67,860

488 NE-29-51-18-2 160 G $37,030

488 SE-29-51-18-2 160 G $48,840

GALEN LOY(306) 446-7473

284 [NE-8-30-07-3 299 G,F $85,200 NW-8-30-07-3]

285 [SE-11-30-09-3 319 G,F $52,800 SW-11-30-09-3]

292 SW-29-30-28-3 159 C,H $51,700

292 NW-29-30-28-3 122 C $59,200

292 SE-29-30-28-3 156 C $56,000

292 [NE-31-30-28-3 118 C,S $38,800 SE-31-30-28-3]

315 SE-5-31-09-3 76 H,S $24,600

346 NE-16-34-12-3 97 C,H $33,700

346 SE-27-34-12-3 159 C,F,G $24,100

380 SE-5-38-22-3 80 C,A $4,000

435 SE-23-43-08-3 81 H,A,S $17,000

TIM SCHULTZ(306) 446-7466

261 NW-29-27-27-3 158 C $35,900

261 SW-29-27-27-3 160 C $37,600

TRACEY CHARABIN(306) 446-7685

434 [NW-29-44-06-3 113 G $10,972 NE-30-44-06-3 SE-30-44-06-3]

470 SW-16-47-22-3 160 G,W,F, $23,895 LF

ManagEMEnt

agricULtUrE knOwLEdgE cEntrE

NOVEMBER 2008 11

TENDER TO PURCHASE PROVINCIAL LAND

Name in full (no initials)__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________(Complete mailing address including postal code) (Phone)

Tender

I hereby submit a tender on the following land:

RM # Tender Quarter Section or Advertised Unit Tender

_____ _____________________________________ $ ___________

_____ _____________________________________ $ ___________

_____ _____________________________________ $ ___________

_____ _____________________________________ $ ___________

Deposit $ ___________

Enclosed is a certified cheque, money order or bank draft for $_____________________ representing adeposit of five per cent (5%) of my total tender.

My G.S.T. Registration Number is __________________________________

(Individuals who do not have a G.S.T. Registration Number will be required to pay G.S.T. on the purchase)

I hereby submit the above tender to purchase provincial land, subject to the conditions listed in the tender ad, which I have read and understand.

_________________________________ _________________________________________(Date) (Signature)

Andre Bonneau, Val Zimmer, Agriculture Knowledge Centre

Are you aware that you can advertise your farm products and services on the Saskatchewan Agriculture website?

There is a new “Forage, Feed and Custom Services Listing” in operation replacing the previous “Feed Grain and Forage Listing Service”. This web based tool is easier to use and better reflects the needs of farmers. It provides an opportunity for people looking for forage and feed supplies or for custom services to connect with others offering these products and services.

Some of the features of this updated service includes new feed and forage categories including a listing specifically for organic feed and forage products. In the custom service section, people can list custom

services related to hay and silage, crop production and livestock operations. There is no charge to use this service.

The updated service is still accessible to existing Feed Grain and Forage Listing Service clients. Existing usernames and passwords are still valid. New users must register before using the service and users need to register only once.

All postings can be done online at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to have a resource agent submit the information for you.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnContact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377. •

fOragE, fEEd and cUstOM sErVicEs Listing

ManagEMEnt

12 NOVEMBER 2008

by Connie Achtymichuk, PAg Provincial Specialist, Vegetable Crops

The Saskatchewan Vegetable Growers Association (SVGA) is

hosting a Food Safety Workshop for producers of horticulture crops on November 12 to 13, 2008. The workshop will take place at the Saskatoon Inn in Saskatoon.

The Canadian Horticulture Council’s (CHC) On-Farm Food Safety Program Certification Program (OFFS) is designed to help producers and packers of horticulture crops implement effective food safety practices on their farms.

Eight commodity specific manuals have been developed by the producer organization. To date, three manuals, Potatoes, Greenhouse Vegetables and Tree and Vine Fruit have passed a technical review conducted by the

Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Five additional manuals, Bulb and Root Vegetables, Asparagus, Sweet Corn and Legumes, Fruiting

Vegetables, Leafy Greens and Small Fruit are at various stages in the technical review process. Major retailers require their suppliers to be certified under the CHC OFFS program, but market gardeners could benefit from the workshop as well.

The workshop is not commodity specific. It provides an overview of the CHC OFFS program and familiarizes producers with good management practices in order to tailor the information to suit the needs of their operations. The cost for the workshop is $100.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOn

fOOd safEtY wOrkshOp

Or to register, contact Connie Achtymichuk, Provincial •Specialist, Vegetable Crops, Crop Development Branch at (306) 787-2755.

On October 16, the Ministry announced the Gopher Control Rebate. This is a one-time initiative for 2008. Producers who

purchased eligible gopher control products will qualify for a retroactive rebate of 50 per cent of total purchase price.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is addressing a very serious Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (gopher) problem which continues to impact 171 rural municipalities across the province.

Thousands of acres of hay and crop land in the province have been destroyed. Crop damage in the areas impacted ranges from 30 to 90 per cent. Losses to agricultural production and infrastructure in the province are significant. To date, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation has paid out $1.7 million in compensation.

To limit damages, many producers across Saskatchewan purchased significant quantities of gopher control products. Strychnine was made available to producers in municipalities that met the criteria set by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), and producers in 171 eligible RMs spent significant resources on this product alone. Other products such as phostoxin, Groundforce and Rozol were also available to producers in many areas.

Producers are required to apply for the rebate and submit their purchase receipts. RMs that subsidized the cost of gopher control products will also be eligible for a rebate.

Producers and RMs have until January 30, 2009 to apply for the rebate. The rebate applies to products purchased and used between August 1, 2007 and October 1, 2008.

This support is in addition to a commitment of $379,800 in research funding from the Ministry’s Agriculture Development Fund. Other partners include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Pest Management Centre, which contributed $346,000; and 164 RMs that committed $82,000 into this three-year project.

The research will assess the effectiveness of ready-to-use baits, assessment of trapping devices, and assessment of gopher predators, and will be valuable to the farming community.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOn

Province announces Gopher Control Rebate

Visit Saskatchewan Agriculture’s website •at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca; or

Call the Ministry’s Financial Programs •Branch at 1-877-874-5365.

Crop damage in some areas has been as high as 90 per cent.

agriBUsinEss dEVELOpMEnt

NOVEMBER 2008 13

The Value of Strategic Planning continues the series of articles by the Agri-Business Development Branch which explore information and

resources available to ag-entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan.

What exactly is strategic planning, and why should businesses do it? Strategic planning sounds intimidating and is often cause for confusion, as many are unfamiliar with the process or do not believe there is value in it.

Simply put, strategic planning is a management tool designed to help businesses do a better job. It provides direction in an ever-changing business climate and ensures that both staff and management are working towards the same goals and direction. In layman’s terms, a strategic plan is used to shape and guide the business, define what it does and why, and provide a focus for future growth and development.

A strategic plan alone cannot predict the future. Rather, it should be used to chart a course of action with the understanding that it may require revisions throughout its lifespan in order to adjust to the changing business climate.

Now that you have a better understanding of what strategic planning is, it is important to recognize the basic components of a strategic plan:

Mission statement• – Defines the purpose of the business, who the customer is and the desired level of performance for the business.

Vision statement• – Outlines what the business will look like in the future - a source of inspiration!

S.W.O.T. analysis• – An exercise where the business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are identified.

Goals and objectives• – An outline of your business’s short and long- term goals and objectives.

Targets and road map• – A framework for how you will meet the goals and objectives that were set out.

The process is strategic because it involves preparing for the best way to respond to the circumstances of the businesses environment, regardless of whether or not those circumstances are known in advance. The planning portion involves setting goals and objectives to follow, as well as a plan on how to achieve them.

Strategic planning can be simple or complex depending on the type of business; however, it is always defined by the basic ideas outlined above.

For more information on strategic planning or for assistance in creating a strategic plan for your business, please contact an Agri-Business Development Specialist in your region.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnContact Dylan Clarke, Agri-Business Development Specialist in •Weyburn, at (306) 848-2309, or via e-mail at Dylan.Clarke@gov.sk.ca.

The Value of Strategic Planningby Dylan Clarke Agri-Business Development SpecialistAgri-Business Development Branch

The 2008 Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) director election is underway. Elections are held in five of the 10 CWB electoral districts

every two years, to ensure continuity on the board of directors. This year, producers are in the process of electing a director from each of the CWB Districts 2,4,6,8 and 10 to a four-year term expiring December 2012. The preferential ballot will be used again, as in prior CWB elections.

Producers in Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 who produced any of the seven major grains (wheat, oats, barley, rye, flax, canola and rapeseed) in 2007-08 or 2008-09 are eligible to vote, along with those individuals entitled to a share of that grain. Producers who delivered to the CWB this year are automatically on the voters’ list and have been sent a voter confirmation package.

If a producer in a voting electoral district has not received a confirmation package and is eligible to vote, he or she can establish their eligibility to vote by completing and submitting an “Application to Vote” form along with the statutory declaration. There is a new option this year to validate eligibility in place of a statutory declaration. Submitting the form along with a crop insurance contract or contract number, grain delivery receipt, or grain cash ticket is also acceptable to establish eligibility.

Producers can inquire as to whether they are included on the preliminary voters’ list by calling the toll-free election number at 1-877-500-0795. Signed “Application to Vote” forms must be mailed or

faxed to the Election Coordinator at the address below along with supporting documentation for receipt no later than 5 p.m. Central Time on November 14, 2008.

CWB Election Coordinator

Meyers Norris Penny LLP

500-1661 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3J 3T7

FAX: 204.783.8329

The Government of Saskatchewan would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage all eligible voters to take the time required to vote. Please ensure your ballots are submitted and postmarked no later than November 28, 2008.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnCall or e-mail Ian Craven, election coordinator, at 1-877-500-0795 •or ian.craven@mnp.ca.

Visit the CWB election website at • www.cwbelection.com.

2008 canadian whEat BOard dirEctOr ELEctiOn

14 NOVEMBER 2008

prOdUctiOnprOgraMs and sErVicEs

Resources for beginning farmers

sEMinars cOMing tO saskatOOn

The decision to start out in farming can be exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Many are led to a farm-based business as

the result of a lifestyle preference, the desire to carry on family traditions, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, or a multitude of other reasons. Whatever the motivation for wanting to farm, it is crucial that a beginning farmer has measurable goals, a solid business plan and business management tools in order to make their venture a success. There are a number of challenges that a beginning farmer will face in today’s agricultural climate. The ability to attain financing, inter-generational farm concerns, changing technologies and high operating costs present obstacles that farmers should be prepared to deal with. In order to handle these challenges, a beginning farmer requires an extensive skill-set with abilities in management, production, marketing, communication and planning. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture can provide beginning farmers with advice and information that will guide them along the way. The Agri-Business Development Branch offers practical information that can assist beginning farmers with the development of a business plan. The plan provides a crucial foundation when starting or expanding a farm enterprise. Programs such as Targets for Success and Power of Change can help farmers develop a vision for their operation and determine the most profitable options. Linking enthusiasm with the best skills and information will help set the stage for a prosperous future.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnVisit the Ministry of Agriculture’s website at •www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca to discover tools that can help new farmers plan out their best strategy.

Contact Business Planning Specialists located in our Regional •offices. They have additional resources and information that can assist beginning farmers in achieving their goals.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan (ACS) will co-sponsor three value chain/

value-added seminars at Prairieland Exhibition Park in Saskatoon in November.

The first one-day seminar, called “Collaborating to Develop Value-Added Products for the Canadian Food Service Industry”, will be held on November 13. The seminar will help growers and food processors to better understand product trends in food service and to identify the food service sector that best fits their products. Bill Dover, President of Dover Hospitality Consulting Inc., will be the main presenter for the day. Mr. Dover has more than 30 years experience working with hotels and restaurants and will be an excellent resource for workshop participants.

The second value chain seminar, called “Market Intelligence: Gathering and Planning for New Product Introductions”, will be held on November 17. The seminar will help growers and food processors understand and build market intelligence in order to position their product and potential new products in the marketplace. Richard Broadwith, with BCI Marketing out of Guelph, Ontario, will be the main presenter for the day. Mr. Broadwith has many years of experience working with growers and food processors.

On November 18, the third value chain seminar, called “Partnering and Collaboration: How to Approach Retailers”, will be held. The workshop will help growers and food processors to identify appropriate retailers for their products as well as methods to successfully approach retailers. Richard Broadwith and Terry Ackerman, also with BCI Marketing in Guelph, will be the main presenters for the day. Mr. Ackerman is a dynamic speaker and will provide many insights for participants to work with food retail companies.

fOr MOrE infOrMatiOnPhone Gary Coghill, •Value Chain Development Specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, (306) 787-8537; or

Phone Bryan •Kosteroski, Value Chain Specialist, ACS, (306) 975-6851; or

To register phone •Leslie Dirkson, Value Chain Assistant, ACS, (306) 975-6847

by Gary CoghillValue Chain Development SpecialistMarket Development and Food Branch

by Shannon UrbaniakBusiness Planning Specialist Agri-Business Development Branch

NOVEMBER 2008 15

prOdUctiOnprOgraMs and sErVicEs

by Trilby HendersonCommunications SpecialistSaskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation

November 15 is the final date to file your Production Declaration and register any yield-loss claims you may have.

By now, you should have received a Production Declaration form in the mail. Your declaration serves two important functions for your Crop Insurance contract. First, your production information is used to calculate your annual yield. If you do not complete a Production Declaration, your annual yield will be set at zero, reducing your future coverage by 10 per cent.

Second, your production information must be provided before you can register any post-harvest yield-loss claims. Crop Insurance encourages you to file your declaration as soon as you complete harvest, as this makes the claim process more efficient and allows us to better allocate our adjusting resources, improving the customer service you receive. Claims registered between November 16 and December 31 will have indemnities reduced by 25 per cent; claims will not be accepted after December 31. Also, please keep in mind that claims may be denied if they are submitted more than 15 days after harvest is generally completed in your area.

As a Crop Insurance customer, you have the option of deferring your claim payment up to one year from the date of your inspection. However, if you choose to have your claim deferred, you must tell your adjuster before the cheque is issued.

You can phone, mail, fax or drop off your production information at any Crop Insurance customer service office. CropConnect customers also have the option of completing their personalized declarations online. If you have misplaced your form or require additional space, blank forms are available at www.saskcropinsurance.com, under Forms. Detailed instructions on how to complete your declaration are available in Your Complete Guide to Understanding Crop Insurance.

If you feel you will not be able to complete harvest by November 15, the date yield-loss coverage ends, you must contact Crop Insurance to request an extension of insurance. Coverage may be extended in areas where harvesting

is generally not complete. If you are granted an extension, you will remain insured for yield and quality losses that occur after the deadline, and a final adjustment will occur after you have completed harvest, but no later than June 10, 2009.

As always, Crop Insurance staff are available to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have. Call us toll-free at 1-888-935-0000 or send your questions/concerns to customer.service@scic.gov.sk.ca.

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance - Final Deadline for 2008

hOt Off thE prEss

Saskatchewan Agriculture is constantly updating the wealth of information it makes available to Saskatchewan residents. You can download the most current version of any document posted on our website. You can also call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to request a hard copy of many items. Below is a list of the latest documents posted, as well as the most frequently visited pages, on Saskatchewan Agriculture’s website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

Forage, Feed and Custom Service Listing - This service provides a listing of products for sale, product availability maps and product summary reports. Visit: Programs and Services.

Fall Crown Land Sale - Land for sale by tender in various Saskatchewan Rural Municipalities. Visit: Programs and Services | Crown Lands.

Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) - New information and application form regarding this program are now available. Visit: Programs and Services.

Gopher Control Rebate Program - Are you looking for more information on this program or the application form? Visit: Programs and Services.

FAQ - Grain Storage Considerations - How does weather affect my stored grain? Visit: Common Questions | Fall.

Straw Rations - Wintering Cows - Many beef producers have successfully utilized straw in their winter feeding program. Visit: Production | Livestock-Feeds/Nutrition.

File your declaration as soon as you complete harvest.

EVEnts caLEndar

DATE EVENT LOCATION PHONE INTERNET

Nov. 3 Power of Change Workshop Humboldt, SK 1-866-457-2377 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 4 - 5 Growing the Rural Experience Conference Prince Albert, SK 306-953-2361 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 12 - 13 On Farm Food Safety Training Workshop Saskatoon, SK 306-787-2755 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 13Collaborating to Develop Value-Added Products for the Canadian Food Service Industry

Saskatoon, SK 306-787-8537 www.agcouncil.ca

Nov. 14 - 16 Saskatchewan InDemand Tradeshow Saskatoon, SK 306-931-7149 www.saskatoonex.com

Nov. 16 - 18 3rd Biennial Organic Connections Conference Saskatoon, SK 306-956-3110 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 17Market Intelligence: Gathering and Planning for New Product Introductions

Saskatoon, SK 306-787-8537 www.agcouncil.ca

Nov. 18Partnering and Collaboration: How to Approach Retailers

Saskatoon, SK 306-787-8537 www.agcouncil.ca

Nov. 19 Succession Planning Workshop Swift Current, SK 306-778-5461 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 19 Power of Change Workshop Prince Albert, SK 306-862-9833 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 20 Succession Planning Workshop Gravelbourg, SK 306-648-3244 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Nov. 24 - 29 Canadian Western Agribition Regina, SK 306-565-0565 www.agribition.com

Dec. 1 Power of Change Workshop Southey, SK 1-866-457-2377 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Dec. 1 Succession Planning Workshop Kindersley, SK 306-463-1350 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Dec. 2 Succession Planning Workshop Outlook, SK 306-867-8857 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

Farm management workshops, led by Business Planning Specialists from the Agri-Business Development Branch of the Saskatchewan

Ministry of Agriculture, will be held from December 2008 to March 2009 at various locations around the province.

The workshops will help farm families achieve their goals and increase business capacity through improved farm business management practices.

The Ministry of Agriculture is partnering with various organizations, such as financial institutions, marketing clubs, and agricultural societies, to host these workshops. If your organization is interested in participating as a partner to deliver one of these workshops in your community, please phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

UpcOMing farM ManagEMEnt wOrkshOpsby Gerry HollandRegional Business Planning SpecialistAgri-Business Development Branch

Succession Planning Workshops: A workshop to assist farm families with the step-by-step process in developing a farm succession plan.

RC*: Regional CollegeDate Community Partner Contact Registration #Nov. 19 Swift Current Golden Plains RC* Lyla Cooper 778-5461

Nov. 20 Gravelbourg Golden Plains RC Margaret Schafer 648-3244

Dec. 1 Kindersley Golden Plains RC Danita Olafson 463-1350

Dec. 2 Outlook Golden Plains RC Brenda Joyes 867-8857

Dec. 10 Maple Creek Golden Plains RC Karen Newby 662-3829

Power of Change: A workshop to help farmers and spouses learn how to think about change in order to capture opportunities, determine a future pathway and successfully set and reach goals.

Date Community Partner Contact Registration #Nov. 3 North Battleford Northwest RC 937-5100

Nov. 3 Humboldt Carlton RC 682-2623

Dec. 1 Southey Carlton RC 726-5885

Nov. 19 Prince Albert Cumberland RC 862-9833

Jan. 20 Tisdale Cumberland RC 873-2525

Targets for Success Workshops: This workshop will help producers complete an enterprise analysis and calculate their cost of production for all commodities on their farms. Dates have not yet been scheduled for these workshops, but they are expected to begin in December. Please check Saskatchewan Agriculture’s website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca for dates, or phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

16 NOVEMBER 2008