Summer 2011 Volume 5 Issue 2

2015 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOILS

Winter 2015 Volume 9, Issue 1

NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

The 68th United Nations General Assembly declared 2015 the International Year of Soils and nominated the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of

soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions. FAO Director, General José Graziano da Silva, stated the following: “We speak a lot of the importance of sustainable food systems for healthy lives. Well, it starts with soils. Soils constitute the foundation of vegetation and agriculture. Forests need it to grow. We need it for food, feed, fiber, fuel and much more. Soils also host at least one quarter of the world’s biodiversity. They are key in the carbon cycle. They help us to mitigate and adapt to climate change. They play a role in water management and in improving resilience to floods and droughts.”

NPARA got the ball rolling on Soil Health in the fall of 2013 with a visit from Gabe Brown, a producer from North Dakota. Brown developed a farming system that actually improved the quality of his soils by combining conservation tillage, multi species cover cropping and livestock impact. This sparked a lot of interest so Gabe was brought back last fall. Renowned Soil Ecologist, Christine Jones from Australia also visited the Peace. Dr. Jones stated: “photosynthesis and the ‘liquid carbon pathway’ are the most important drivers for soil building”. She explains that “plants build themselves from light and carbon dioxide and in this carbon-fixing process, a portion of the carbon is translocated to the soil microbes in liquid form - hence the driver of soil health. The formation of topsoil is dependent on photosyn-thesis and the transport of dissolved carbon, via a microbial bridge, from plants to soil. “ In July, Dr. Christine Jones will be returning to conduct field days across Alberta including a day at the NPARA research farm .

In June we will be hosting a Soils Workshop with Peter Donovan of the Soil Carbon Coalition. Peter has travelled the world sampling soils for The Soil Carbon Challenge, an international competition to see how fast land managers can turn atmospheric carbon into soil organic matter. NPARA and some local producers have grown cocktail cover crops and we will be participating in this challenge. Both of these days will give us a better understanding of the carbon cycle, how top soil is formed and how to improve the health of our soils.

Mark Dec 8 -10 on your calendars, in collaboration with our sister organizations, we are facilitating the first Western Canada Conference on Soil Health to be held in Edmonton with both researchers and producers presenting. In March, Josh Dukart from North Dakota will be teaching a Holistic Management Course and then addressing our AGM where he will be discussing strategies to improve soil health: “Tapping into Biological Horsepower”.

In Christine Jones’ words: “Not only is rebuilding carbon-rich topsoil a practical and beneficial option for removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but when soils gain in carbon, they also improve in structure, water holding capacity and nutrient availability”. When one thinks of crop growth limitations - lack of moisture is at the forefront. If we can increase the water holding capacity of our soils . . . .

Be sure to join us at these events as we learn more about improving the health of our soils & building topsoil!! Check out these websites: http://brownsranch.us/ http://www.amazingcarbon.com/ http://soilcarboncoalition.org

Cocktail Cover Crop

Page 2 NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

2014 NPARA RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

NORTH PEACE APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATION

hosts

6th ANNUAL FARMER APPRECIATION EVENING

Friday, April 10 @ 5:30 PM

Battle River Ag Hall

Banquet followed by Guest Speaker: CHRIS KOCH: “I Can”

By advance ticket only: NPARA members FREE

Non-members $20/person

Call NPARA @ 780-836-3354 or email nora@npara.ca

The total of 67 mm of precipitation received from June 1 to September 1 at the NPARA farm challenged us even more than usual. Yields were dismal, but we still learn even under stress. Consider these examples:

Two Kabuli chickpea varieties from CDCS Brooks were seeded in a replicated trial, and the seed was segregated by size resulting in 4 treatments. This crop really handled drought well, and stood up straight through harvest. Seed size was predictably small but yields were from 865 to 1045 lb/ac: I think ours might make the 9 mm grade for the $0.25/lb delivered price in the chart for Feb. 6. Isn’t that interesting?

Our 18 soybean varieties failed to break 10 bu/ac so we aren’t crowing about that. This crop vegetatively tolerated the heat, but aborted flowers and failed to make much seed.

Visitors to the farm would have noticed we seeded the entire east side to cocktail cover crops, which painfully struggled all summer. When rain finally came in September the hairy vetch, tillage radish, turnips, and even lentils, sunflowers and soybeans began

to grow. There were mature oats with green tillers that set seed into the middle of October. One of the aims of improved soil health is to have live roots as long as possible and that was achieved.

On a personal note, I have been with NPARA for 3 seasons already. Those of you who know me also know how

much I enjoy it here. Thank you all for your help and hospitality. - Tom

No 2 Grade Kabuli Chickpeas 10mm 27.00 9mm 25.07 8mm 16.58 7mm 13.57 No 1 Kabuli Max 10% 7mm No 2 Kabuli Max 10% 7mm www.statpub.com/stat/

Summer 2011 Volume 5 Issue 2

Page 3 Winter 2015 Volume 9, Issue 1

WINTER FEEDING SITE SELECTION Choosing A Sustainable Wintering Site That Works For You

The ideal wintering site(s) should be feasible for you, healthy and comfortable for the livestock, and safe for the environment. Your land contours, your water resources, your herd size and requirements, and your existing arrangements will all be important factors in determining the site(s) you choose. You’ll also want to consider existing infrastructure and new options such as wind fences, portable fencing for paddocks and feeding, and alternate water stations. There are Stewardship programs under Growing Forward 2 to help with the costs of these options, see page 5-6. Ultimately, there are two goals. One is to move animals away from, or restrict use of, sensitive areas such as slopes, sandy soils, non-vegetated areas, riparian zones, woodlots, and land already nutrient rich from manure additions. The other is to take advantage of a greater portion of your land base and in-field feed sources over a greater portion of the year.

Guidelines for Locating a Sustainable Wintering Site Avoid areas that are over-utilized. Over-dependence on key areas can result in nutrient build-up, vegetation loss, and a decline in production plus movement of nutrients, bacteria and sediment off the site. Locate watering stations away from water sources to avoid runoff contamination. A deeply-buried water pipeline to a central location on pasture works well to bring water to the animals, and solar and wind-powered pumps can ensure a clean and reliable water supply even at remote locations. Select a site that has good ground cover which will help catch and filter nutrients, bacteria, and sediment from surface runoff. Try and choose a site with less than 2% slope to minimize runoff. If a sloped area is your only option, locate bedding and feeding sites as far as possible from any waterways. Consider soil type - clay soils are best at reducing leaching, while sandy soil, gravel, shale or sandstone outcrops are prone to leaching. Avoid areas with high water tables or spring flooding history. This will help minimize the potential of nutrients and bacteria leaching into groundwater, or washing into surface water.

Strategies for Maintaining a Sustainable Wintering Site Try and utilize more of your farm. By increasing the size of the wintering area and providing more land to utilize the manure, there is less likelihood of accumulation while increasing the benefits to growing crops. Remember that animal density, available land base, and length of pressure on a particular area go hand in hand. Good, healthy vegetation cover growing over the entire wintering area the following summer is a good indicator that manure distribution was adequate. If this does not happen, your animal density is too high. Keep animals moving to cover as many acres as possible. Every few days is ideal, but once or twice a winter is better than no movement at all. Use wind fences and portable fencing to allow you to set up temporary sites which can be moved often. If you can’t move the site, move bedding and feeding areas as often as possible. Spreading the manure out over more acres will result in increased organic matter and improved fertility for the following crop. Consider a different approach to winter feeding that takes the animals to the feed, and not the feed to the animals. This may involve stockpiled forage early in the winter, followed by swath grazing, corn grazing, and then bale grazing.

The Nutrient Loading Calculator Depending on the Winter Feeding System used, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in collaboration with prairie provincial agricultural departments developed The Nutrient Loading Calculator (NLC), a Windows-based (Excel) program. The NLC estimates additions of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur on the landscape, from in-field or extensive livestock winter feeding systems. It is designed to help land managers plan detailed feed and cow management strategies to achieve an acceptable or target animal unit density per acre based on appropriate nutrient additions in the field. The calculator estimates the amount of nutrients that are added to a field, when importing feed from offsite. It assumes that all nutrients in the feed are deposited on the landscape in the form of manure, urine, and waste feed, with the exception of nutrients removed as livestock weight gain. The calculator considers only nutrients added to the feeding area itself, and doesn't address nutrients deposited in shelter/bedding areas, watering sites, and other land outside the feeding area. The calculator uses separate worksheets to assess three different feeding systems: whole bales, windrows on the ground, and feeding in a movable trough. To download the nutrient calculator go to:

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/softdown.nsf/main?openform&type=NLC&page=information

HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT COURSE Invest in a socially, financially and environmentally sound future for your farm and family by attending “Managing Land, Wealth and People for Success: A Holistic Management Introductory Course”. Taught by certified instructor

Joshua Dukart from North Dakota, who spoke at the 2014 Western Canadian Grazing Conference held in Edmonton. Josh is a mentor and teacher, assisting

farm families to achieve a sustainable balance of land stewardship, economic viability and quality of life. Josh’s enthusiasm and deep thinking will challenge

your paradigms and help you develop confidence in holistic decision-making. His philosophy is that the key to creating a successful farming operation is threefold.

You must:

be skilled and knowledgeable about producing a healthy-high quality product be able to develop a financial plan that is profitable be able to create & maintain a healthy landscape

This hands-on seminar will introduce you to a planning process called Holistic Management to be used to make everyday decisions and will help you look outside the box for opportunities that will:

Improve profitability Improve the health of your land Improve your quality of life

REGISTER NOW!! DATES: March 23 – 25

TIMES: 9 am to 5 pm

LOCATION: Manning Fire Hall (Upstairs)

COST: $750/farm unit (includes textbook & workbook & all lunches)

CONTACT: Nora Paulovich with North Peace Applied Research Association

Email: nora@npara.ca or Phone: 780-836-3354

Josh Dukart returns to Alberta

NPARA 2015 AGMDATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

LOCATION: BATTLE RIVER AG HALL

REGISTRATION @ 5:30 PM; SUPPER @ 6:00PM

Renew/purchase your

NPARA membership:

$20/person OR $40/farm

GUEST SPEAKER JOSHUA DUKART, North Dakota will speak on Soil Health, Sustainability & Conservation:

“TAPPING INTO BIOLOGICAL HORSEPOWER”

Page 4 NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

Summer 2011 Volume 5 Issue 2

Page 5

NEWS from North Peace Applied Research

Growing Forward 2 provides programs & services to achieve a profitable, sustainable, competitive and innova-tive agriculture industry that is market-responsive, and that anticipates and adapts to changing circumstances. This is a five year program (2013 - 2018). Some of the programs have been closed but they anticipate that they will re-open for applications in April 2015. Programs that producers are eligible for:

Agri Processing Automation and Efficiency - to help producers who are adding economic value to their products beyond the primary production of crops and livestock. Reimbursement of eligible capital expenses (20%): engineering design, acquisition and installation (including modifications) of automated machinery & equipment. Reimbursement of 50% of non-capital expenses including third party costs for consultation and coaching fees related top process improvement and related travel. Training costs may also be eligible.

Agri-Processing Product & Market Development - Crop & Livestock - for producers who are adding value beyond the primary production of crops and livestock. Successful applicants are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of costs related to product and market development, labeling, market re-search, business and marketing plans and consulting or coaching fees for these activities.

Agricultural Watershed Enhancement - this program encourages the implementation and adoption of BMP’s related to surface water quality and producers have to apply through a non-profit group like NPARA or a municipal government. Eligible activities for reimbursement up to 70% may include fencing for riparian pasture management, alternative watering systems, winter watering systems, wind breaks and portable shelters, wintering site or manure storage facility relocation, buffer and grassed waterway establishment, wetland and riparian restoration, run-on and run-off controls and cultural weed control systems in riparian areas.

Animal Health Biosecurity Producer - This program helps producers assess, determine & reduce biosecurity risks for disease in their operations through the implementation of robust biosecurity practices.

Business Management Skills Development Program - the purpose of this program is to help produc-ers improve their business management skills. Established agriculture producers, new producers, agri-processing industry staff and producer groups will be reimbursed for 75% of tuition fees or the cost to hire an instructor for a group skill training course.

Business Opportunity Program - eligible for reimbursement of 50-75% of certain non-capital costs related to researching and planning a new business venture

Food Safety Systems Producer - the purpose is to help producers invest in equipment and tracking systems to improve On-Farm Food Safety practices. Successful applicants will be reimbursed 70% of eligible activities /items which could include cattle squeeze with neck extender, a scale head (indicator), loadbars, scale platform, milk guards, computer software for tracking animal health rec-ords. Maximum payment under the program is $5,000 and you must complete your activities within the government fiscal year in which you apply (between April 1 and March 31 of the following year).

Livestock Welfare Producer - to provide financial support for producers to adopt best management practices that improve livestock welfare, thereby enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. One of the objectives is the elimination of injury and distress through the adoption of low stress livestock handling systems. Eligible capital expenses include the cost of infrastructure changes and building modifications required to accommodate the project and the cost of purchase and installation of approved livestock equipment. All applications must include an approved Livestock Welfare Risk

Winter 2015 Volume 9, Issue 1

Page 6 NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

Assessment, applicants must have a Premise ID and be participating in existing industry animal welfare programs (i.e. Verified Beef Production Program)

On-Farm Energy Management - shares the cost at 50% of investments that improve energy efficiency on Alberta farms, ultimately reducing the environmental footprint. Eligible projects include construction projects that install high-efficiency equipment, retrofit projects that improve the operation’s energy usage/unit of production, installation of submeters to monitor on-farm electricity and/or natural gas usage

On-Farm Stewardship - producers will be reimbursed 30-70% depending on the project:

Grazing Management - includes riparian area fencing and management, summer and year-round watering systems, portable shelters or windbreaks and wetland restoration and shelterbelts

Manure & Livestock Facilities Management - includes improvements to manure storage facilities, livestock facilities runoff control and livestock facilities relocation

Improved Pesticide Management - includes new purchases of low-drift nozzles and air induction tips, sprayer cones and shrouds, chemical handling systems with jug rinse, sectional control opera-tions system, sprayer boom height control and weather monitoring equipment.

Fuel & Agricultural Waste Management - includes purchase of new double-walled fuel tanks or double-walled storage tanks for used oil and plastic rollers for used grain bags..

On-Farm Water Management - this program provides assistance to producers to complete a Long-Term Water Management Plan and share the cost of related enhancements of their on-farm water supply man-agement. Standard Incentive projects include construction of water sources such as wells, dugouts, spring developments, dams and pipelines. These projects are eligible for reimbursement of up to one-third of expenses, to a maximum of $5,000 per applicant. Special Incentive projects include well decommissioning, well pit conversions, water meters, water well depth measurement equipment, and connections to multi-user water supply pipelines. These projects are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of expenses, to a specified maximum per applicant or project.

Traceability Technology Adoption - designed to encourage producers to implement traceability technolo-gies in their livestock operations. Eligible producers will be reimbursed for 70% of approved costs for equip-ment and software that capture animal data for animal management & traceability purposes.

Some of the programs require completion of an Environmental Farm Plan. Contact us if you have any questions or visit the website: www.GrowingForward.Alberta.ca

ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN (EFP)

This program is now administered by our umbrella organization ARECA (Agricultural Research & Extension Council of Alberta). Please contact us if you wish to complete an EFP.

What is an EFP: EFP is a whole farm risk management tool for farmers that enhances the understanding of the agricultural and environmental relationship. It is a self assess-ment process that identifies areas for improvements. Please contact us if you wish to com-plete an EFP. We have all of the resource materials and will be able to assist you. There is also the option of com-pleting one on-line. Why an EFP is still important: Environmentally sustainable production of crops and livestock , managing risks, protecting water resources and air quality, preserving soil and biodiversity, providing a healthy landscape for the next generation and maintaining market access. These are just a few of the reasons for creating an EFP. If you have one, you are ready for whenever the opportunity or need arises. The EFP process helps you identify and address environ-mental risks and opportunities in your operation. Maintaining a healthy environment is essential to the success of Al-berta’s agricultural producers. Also, an EFP is required for application to any of the Stewardship Programs available under Growing Forward.

Summer 2011 Volume 5 Issue 2

EVENT DATE TIME LOCATION CONTACT COST

Mobile Technology in Farming March 12 1:00 PM Evergreen Park,

Grande Prairie Neil LeClerc

780-831-1676

Canola Disease Info Session March 18 7 PM Manning Legion

Hall NPARA

780-836-3354

Holistic Management March 23- 9:00 am - 5 Manning Fire NPARA

NPARA AGM March 25 5:30 PM Ag Hall, NPARA

Northland Farm & Show March 26-28 Northlands 1.888.800.7275

Farmer Appreciation Evening April 10 5:30 PM Ag Hall,

Manning NPARA

780-836-3354

Manning Regional Trade Show April 17-18 Manning Arena

Soils Workshop with Peter Donovan Mid-June 10 - 4 PM NPARA Farm NPARA

780-836-3354

Soils School with Christine Jones Late July 10 - 4 PM NPARA Farm NPARA

780-836-3354

2015 Western Canada Conference on Soil

Health Dec 8 - 10 Radisson Hotel,

Edmonton NPARA

780-836-3354

Page 7 Winter 2015 Volume 9, Issue 1

Virulent Blackleg of Canola - it’s still here

New strain of Clubroot discovered in 2013

Find out more about these pests, protect your farm & maintain

productivity

Manning Legion Hall

March 18 @ 7:00 pm

For more information contact:

NPARA: 780-836-3354

COUNTY OFFICE: 780-836-3348

BLACKLEG & CLUBROOT INFO SESSIONS WITH:

Murray Hartman, Oilseed Specialist

& Ralph Lange, Plant Pathologist

Peace Agriculture

Service Boards

Box 750 Manning, Alberta

T0H 2M0 Phone: 780-836-3354

Fax: 780-836-2670

We are on the web: www.areca.ab.ca/npara

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

North Peace Applied Research Association

STAFF

NORA PAULOVICH Manager

Email: nora@npara.ca Cell: 780-836-5230

TOM FROMME Research Coordinator Email: tom@npara.ca Cell: 780-836-0651

Janet Vandemark Accounting

President Bill Gaugler Vice President Trevor Paulovich Secretary/Treasurer Mark Kamieniecki

Directors

Peter Bigler

Judy Bowcott

Al Dumas

Odell Raymond

Trevor Enders

Representatives

County of Northern Lights Arie Loogman Agribusiness

Albert Michaud

HAWK HILLS AG SOCIETY

Winter 2015 Volume 9, Issue 1

Watch for our new website!!!!