new canola crushing plants page 8

anthrax and vaccination page 10

century family farm awards page 12

septemBer 2010 volume 6

05

Saskatchewan 2010 Outstanding Young Farmers Ryan and Lauren Maurer

page 7

Minister’s Message

This spring and summer have brought unprecedented amounts of rain, creating serious challenges for Saskatchewan farmers. I, along with federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, recently announced the Canada-Saskatchewan Excess Moisture Program (EMP) to help Saskatchewan farmers manage flooded

crop land.

Under the EMP, Saskatchewan producers will receive $30 per eligible acre for land they were unable to seed by June 20 and seeded crop land that was flooded out on or before July 31.

Total payments are expected to be approximately $360 million, which is cost-shared 60 per cent – 40 per cent by federal and provincial governments under the AgriRecovery program. The provincial share represents the largest one-time provincial agricultural disaster response in Saskatchewan’s history. Having toured many of the flooded areas, I have seen the impact of the extremely wet conditions first-hand. This year has brought truly exceptional circumstances and I hope this program will help farmers manage their unseeded and flooded crop land.

This funding, which is now flowing to producers, is in addition to an estimated $300 million in Crop Insurance payments to producers from the Unseeded Acreage and Establishment Benefit programs.

For more information or to apply for the EMP program, producers can contact Crop Insurance toll-free at 1-888-935-0000; online at www.saskcropinsurance.com; via e-mail at customer.service@scic.gov.sk.ca; or by contacting any one of the 21 Crop Insurance Customer Service Offices across the province. Applications are also available at RM offices.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2010.

Sincerely,

Bob Bjornerud

Saskatchewan’s past, present and future agricultural leaders were presented with national and provincial awards for their work on

behalf of the industry, province and country.

On June 23, the inaugural Governor General’s Awards in Celebration of the Nation’s Table were presented in Ottawa by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean in recognition of outstanding efforts in improving the quality, variety and sustainability of all elements and ingredients of the nation’s food system.

Dr. Alfred Slinkard, professor emeritus with the University of Saskatchewan, received a Creativity and Innovation award for his work since 1972 to promote and develop pulse crops. He developed the Laird and Eston lentil varieties, which led to Canada becoming a major exporter of pulses to the world.

Ricky Sze Ho Lam, a master’s student at the University of Saskatchewan, received a Youth award in recognition of the groundbreaking work he is doing on the physical properties of edible oils and fats and their food applications with the Canadian Light Source.

Meanwhile, on July 31, five new people were inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. Brian Rossnagel, professor of Plant Science with the University of Saskatchewan; Ed Seidle, pedigreed seed grower; Jim Halford, zero-till pioneer; the late Bob Brack, 4-H leader and agricultural extension pioneer; and the late Dexter Beech, agricultural engineer and leading Canadian expert on oilseed crushing, were honoured for their respective contributions to Saskatchewan agriculture.

Saskatchewan is fortunate to have – and have had – these leaders working on behalf of agriculture.

saskatchewan’s agricultural leaders honoured nationally and provincially

Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees, from left: Mrs. Bob Brack; Jim Halford; Brian Rossnagel; Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud; Ed Seidle and Mrs. Dexter Beech. Photo: Western Development Museum.

Ricky Sze Ho Lam (left) and Dr. Al Slinkard (right) receive their awards from Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on June 23. Photo: Sgt. Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall © 2010 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada.

story snapshots

5

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.

Minimizing canola shattering

Infilling in Southwest Saskatchewan

taBle of contents

8

14

15

Saskatraz

NEW CANOLA CRUSHING PLANTS PAGE 6

ANTHRAX AND VACCINATION PAGE 10

CENTURY FAMILY FARM AWARDS PAGE 13

SEPTEMBER 2010 VOLUME 6

05

Saskatchewan 2010 Outstanding Young Farmers Ryan and Lauren Maurer

page 7

Farm safety around electrical lines

Livestock9

Cover: Ryan and Lauren Maurer, this year’s

Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers, with

their children at the family farm near Grenfell, SK.

Turn to page 7 for details.

croPs4

12reGioNAL services

irriGAtioN8

SEPTEMBER 2010 3

ProGrAms ANd services15

eveNts cALeNdAr16

14reseArch

16FArm sAFety

4 SEPTEMBER 2010

crops

Fall weed control: pre-harvest weed control tips

diligence: an important factor in managing perennial weeds in organic crops

Given the right conditions, fall is a great time to control perennials and fall germinating winter annuals, as it generally results in better

control than spring herbicide applications.

It is also important to manage perennial weeds one or two years prior to seeding crops such as pulses, which are not very competitive, or forage stands with legumes due to limited control options in these crops.

Glyphosate can be used prior to harvest of selected crops or forages. However, because it’s not quick-acting like a desiccant, weed control should be the primary objective in the decision to use glyphosate. If the condition of the weeds is poor, or they have completed their life-cycle, pre-harvest glyphosate may result in reduced weed control (for example foxtail barley or perennial sow thistle).

Use glyphosate prior to harvest on registered crops only. Grain buyers are increasingly checking for residues of unregistered pesticides in grain they purchase. In some cases, even buyers of registered crops, particularly malt barley and milling oats, have additional restrictions. It’s a good idea to check with your grain buyer prior to spraying.

If you used a herbicide earlier in the season that suppresses Canada thistle, make sure the weeds have recovered and produced enough new growth to ensure adequate glyphosate uptake and movement within the plant. Pre-harvest applications completed earlier than August, which

may occur with short season crops in southern parts of the province, could result in less weed control. This is because thistles may still be moving sugars out of, rather than into, the roots.

Quack grass typically has lots of leaf surface to absorb glyphosate. Additionally, it’s actively growing new rhizomes at the pre-harvest timing, thereby allowing for good translocation to the roots.

Dandelions may be covered by a thick canopy of crop, making it tough for spray to reach them, which may reduce control. Post-harvest application may be better-suited to control dandelions in this case.

Watch for an article on post-harvest weed control in next month’s Agriview.

for more information• Refer to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture 2010 Guide to Crop

Protection and the Spring Update at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and click on Production|Crops Overview; or

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

• Contact a Regional Crop Specialist in your area.

by Brent Flaten, PAg, CCAIntegrated Pest Management SpecialistRegional Services

and

by Clark Brenzil, PAgProvincial Specialist, Weed ControlCrops Branch

Perennial weeds, such as Canada thistle, quackgrass and bindweed can be troublesome in

any cropping system. These aggressive weeds spread through seed dispersal and vegetative buds on their roots and rhizomes, making them difficult to control in established patches.

Organic producers rely on mechanical weed control and crop rotations to keep perennial weeds in check. Therefore, it is important to eradicate seedlings and new patches early.

Canada thistle reproduces through seeds and roots. A root piece only one-half inch long can produce a vigorous new thistle plant. Seed dormancy typically lasts five to six years; deep burial can increase survival up to 21 years.

Thistle management is a balance between minimizing tillage while depleting the plant’s reserves. In the vegetative stage, the plant is sending energy up into the leaves; once the plant flowers it begins sending energy back into the root to prepare for winter. Delay tillage until the plant reaches the bud stage, and then till each time the plant is

approximately three inches in height until fall freeze-up. This will deplete the root and weaken the Canada thistle, thereby reducing the competitiveness of the patch the following year.

Field bindweed and quackgrass are managed in organics using competitive crops and timely tillage. Similar to Canada thistle, field bindweed should be tilled at flowering and each time the plant reaches six inches in height until freeze-up. Quackgrass is managed by repeatedly dragging the rhizomes to the soil surface where they desiccate under hot, dry conditions, or by using tillage to deplete the rhizomes each time the plants reach the three-to-four leaf stage. Root depletion works better in wet years. Timely tillage is important as new rhizomes can quickly develop.

Clean equipment thoroughly after tilling Canada thistle, field bindweed and quackgrass patches to prevent spreading. Also, remember to work the patches independently from the rest of the field.

for more information• Visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

and click on Crops | Seeding | Crop Production News | Controlling Perennial Weeds in Fallow; or

• Contact Chantal Jacobs at (306) 798-0945 or at Chantal.Jacobs@gov.sk.ca.

by Chantal Jacobs, MSc, PAgProvincial Specialist, Organic CropsCrops Branch

Sprayer tracks are evident in this wheat field as a result of a preharvest glyphosate application.

Canada thistle at optimum stage for the first tillage operation.

crops

Minimizing shattering in canola harvests

Traditionally, canola is swathed to minimize shattering losses.

camelina: an appealing option for saskatchewan

The weather has thrown many curveballs at farmers and their fields

Everything from exceptional canola stands, to crop that is short and poor can be found in the same field. There are also some fields where the plants have started branching out close to the ground, so that when the crop is swathed there will be little stubble left to anchor the swath. With so many concerns, some producers may be considering straight combining their canola.

Straight combining Argentine canola will always leave the crop at risk to damage from high winds. However, there are things that can be done to minimize mechanical causes of shattering. A good crop that is well-knit together will shatter less.

Combining a ripe crop at higher seed moisture levels will help to reduce combine shattering losses. It is important to then dry the crop for safe storage. Harvesting in the cooler part of the day or at night when the pods are damp with dew can also help.

A combine flex header has a cutter bar that extends out with a reel to pull the crop into the combine. If the reel is set right, the shattering will happen over the table and the rest of the crop material will help pull the shattered seed into the combine. This is different than a bat reel, which bats the crop against the cutter bar and increases shattering losses.

There is little advantage to using desiccants and pod sealants.

Jim Bessel, with the Canola Council of Canada says, “There has been no cost benefit shown from using a desiccant unless it is a dirty crop that benefits from the dry down of weeds.”

Pre-harvest herbicide applications for weed control may bring the crop in more evenly. But the producer must be ready and able to combine as soon as the crop is ready, otherwise the crop is exposed to shattering risk. Recent studies conducted by the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation with pod sealants did not show an advantage to using these products.

for more information• Contact Jim Bessel, Senior Agronomy Specialist, Canola Council of

Canada at (306) 373-6771 or besselj@canolacouncil.org; or

• Contact Elaine Moats, Regional Crop Specialist, Weyburn at (306) 848-2856 or elaine.moats@gov.sk.ca.

by Elaine Moats, PAgRegional Crops Specialist, WeyburnRegional Services Branch

Interest in camelina has grown in the last couple of years due to new markets for its oil and meal. Producers are realizing the advantages of

camelina and researchers are working hard to develop more information on how to grow the crop successfully in Saskatchewan.

The benefits of camelina include drought tolerance, early maturity and non-shattering pods that allow direct harvesting. Camelina is also resistant to pests like blackleg, alternaria pod spot and flea beetles. One disadvantage to camelina is that Assure II herbicide is the only herbicide currently registered for the crop. There are no registered broadleaf herbicides.

Seeding camelina needs more attention compared to other crops due to its small seed size. Camelina seeds can germinate at temperatures as low as 1 C and young plants show resistance to frost up to -10 C. This cold tolerance facilitates fall seeding and early spring seeding.

In 2009, Agricultural Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) projects were intitiated at Indian Head, Scott, Swift Current and Prince Albert research centres to demonstrate the effects of seeding camelina at different dates in the fall and spring. Early results indicate that both fall and early spring seeding gives the crop a head start for improved competition with weeds. Early growth also means earlier maturity. Having a crop that matures early helps spread the harvest workload.

These research projects fit with the purpose of the ADOPT program, which is to accelerate the transfer of knowledge to Saskatchewan producers and ranchers. ADOPT is jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan through Growing Forward.

The ADOPT project will continue in 2011, pending funding approval, and will be expanded to producers’ fields.

by Venkata Vakulabharanam, MSc., PAgProvincial Specialist, Oilseed Crops Crops Branch

and

by Sherrilyn Phelps, M.Sc., PAg, CCARegional Crops Specialist, North Battleford Regional Services Branch

Camelina at different developmental stages as influenced by seeding date. Picture taken on July 15, 2010. From left to right: Camelina crop seeded October 20, 2009; April 21, 2010; May 12, 2010; and June 3, 2010.

for more information• If you are interested in growing camelina

and would like to try fall or early spring seeding compared to normal spring seeding, please contact your Regional Crop Specialist; or

• To inquire about the ADOPT program, e-mail evaluation.coordinator@gov.sk.ca.

this year.

SEPTEMBER 2010 5

6 SEPTEMBER 2010

crops

Winter wheat popularity in 2010

canadian wheat Board elections scheduled for novemBer

by Blaine Recksiedler, MSc. PAgProvincial Specialist, Cereal CropsCrops Branch

Winter wheat is seeing increased popularity this fall because of the unseeded acre situation on the Prairies.

Time and pest management, higher yield, marketing flexibility and economics have been some of the key drivers behind the interest in winter wheat.

One of the key considerations for winter wheat production is the availability of standing stubble to ensure sufficient snow cover to protect the crop. If seeding is done into chemfallow because of unseeded acres, it is important to recognize that the stubble is more brittle than that found in a recently harvested crop.

Ducks Unlimited Canada has teamed up with Bayer Crop Science to provide incentives for winter wheat production. Due to increased interest in winter wheat, these programs have already been filled for the 2010-11 crop year. However, interested producers are encouraged to add their name to the waiting list by contacting Ducks Unlimited.

for more information• Contact the Saskatchewan Agriculture Knowledge Centre at

1-866-457-2377;

• Visit the Ministry website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca (search for “Winter Wheat FAQs”); or

• Visit the Ducks Unlimited website at www.ducks.ca, or call 1-800-665-DUCK (3825) for the nearest office.

Every two years, director elections are held in five of the 10 Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) districts. In 2008, directors were

elected from even-numbered districts. This year, elections will cover the odd-numbered districts.

Once elected, directors serve a four-year term. The director nomination process typically begins in September. Candidates then have until mid-October to file nomination papers. Once the nomination process closes, producers have until mid-November to register to vote, if necessary, and until the end of November to mail in their vote. Election results are announced in December.

Earlier this year, the federal government proposed changes to the Canadian Wheat Board Act to include a 40 tonne production requirement for voters to be eligible to participate in CWB director elections. Under the proposed rules, producers who have delivered 40 tonnes of grain to the CWB, either this year or last year, are automatically on the voters’ list. Farmers who produced more than 40 tonnes of grain, but have not delivered grain to the CWB in the past two years, can establish voting eligibility. They do so by completing an Application to Vote form with a statutory declaration, as per previous CWB elections.

If this federal legislation is not passed, voter eligibility will revert to the previous CWB election rules. Under these rules, all CWB permit book holders are eligible to vote regardless of production levels. Producers without permit books can apply to be included on the voter’s list.

A preferential ballot system is used to elect directors. This process eventually results in one candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast.

The upcoming CWB director elections have the potential to significantly impact the future direction taken by the organization concerning its marketing monopoly. Of the 15 directors on the board, 10 are farmer-elected and five are appointed by the federal government.

There is the possibility that the balance of power will shift so that after the elections, a majority of directors will support the end to the CWB monopoly. If this occurs, the federal government will be in a stronger position to proceed on this issue legislatively and provide farmers in Saskatchewan, as well as the rest of Western Canada, with marketing choice.

Elections are an important feature of a democratic system. Don’t forget to exercise your right to vote in the upcoming CWB elections.

for more information• Visit the Canadian Wheat Board website at www.cwb.ca.

by Lyndon LisitzaCrop AnalystPolicy Branch

Winter wheat variety Peregrine at the University of Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy of SeCan.

crops

Ryan and Lauren Maurer named Saskatchewan’s 2010 Outstanding Young Farmers

SEPTEMBER 2010 7

Every year, Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program recognizes progressive, young farmers for their

achievements. On June 18, 2010, Lauren and Ryan Maurer were selected from three exemplary finalists as Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

Situated on an 11,280 acre farm near Grenfell, SK, Lauren and Ryan, with their four children Cassandra (13), Danyka (11), Levi (8) and Mariah (6), operate Land and Sky Grains Inc. Since taking over the farm founded by Lauren’s grandfather, they have diversified production to include grains, pulses, oilseeds and spice crops.

“We are building our business around consumer preferences,” said Lauren. “Diversifying both the crops and marketing strategies to mitigate risk allows us to capture opportunities as they arise.”

The Maurers meet consumer demand by selling to Identity Preserved (IP) food markets and have risen to the challenge of the increased record-keeping that the market demands. Because one of their customers is Canada Malting Company, it is possible that you have enjoyed a taste of the Maurers’ hard work when you have cooled off on a patio with a cold beverage.

It is easy to see the Maurers’ passion when they talk about their operation. They enjoy the entire process from observing new crops growing and developing, to marketing the final product.

Innovation in cropping has led them to produce IP wheat, barley, canola, mustard and forages such as alfalfa and clover. Through sales to IP food markets, Lauren and Ryan’s products are marketed as far away as the United Kingdom and Japan.

The success of the operation can be attributed to Lauren and Ryan’s flexible management techniques and zest for innovation and attaining knowledge. In addition to adopting best management practices, Lauren and Ryan employ knowledgeable, specialized team members. As the operation has evolved, so have their roles so that each concentrates on a certain part of the

business while still enjoying the jobs that they take pleasure in, such as seeding and harvesting.

Provincial programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan, Farm Business Development Initiative, Crop Insurance and AgriStability have helped complement the Maurers’ outstanding management and production skills.

Both Lauren and Ryan feel that it is an honour and a privilege to have been chosen as Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers and they look forward to representing the province at the national competition in Victoria, B.C. in November 2010.

With their belief that there is a positive future

in agriculture and their initiative to build a dynamic farm business that will survive the test of time, they will represent our province well.

Congratulations to Lauren and Ryan Maurer and best of luck in Victoria.

for more information• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca;

• Visit www.saskoyf.ca.

by Michelle McConwellCo-ordinator, Marketing and Youth Programs Regional Services Branch

Alanna Koch, Deputy Minister of Saskatchewan Agriculture, congratulates Lauren and Ryan on their award.

Gordon and Sonia DeckerEast Mount FarmsStrasbourg, Saskatchewan.

Chad and Carissa HaalandHanley, Saskatchewan.

Congratulations also to other finalists:

crops

infilling the south saskatchewan river irrigation district no.1

irrigation

This funding will help develop an overall plan for irrigation development and increase water-use efficiency.

The South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District No. 1 Inc. (SSRID) will complete a district infrastructure plan using a grant from the

Ministry of Agriculture. This $200,000 grant, requested by the district, is required to provide an overall plan for the expansion of irrigation acres and will increase the efficiency of irrigation water delivery within the district.

SSRID is unique: it was built in the 1960s for flood irrigation but has most of its acres irrigated with water-efficient, low-pressure centre pivots. Only 3,000 acres out of a total of 34,000 acres remain in flood irrigation today. A study completed in 2006 identified an additional 28,000 acres that could be added, or infilled, within the district.

The infrastructure plan would see the replacement of flood irrigation ditches with clusters of centre pivots served by pressurized mainlines. A Community Adjustment Fund infill project, using this technology, is currently underway in SSRID with 90 per cent federal and 10 per cent provincial funding.

As infill demand is increasing and as the Ministry rehabilitates the East Side Pump Station and M1 Canal, an overall infrastructure plan will be critical to planning irrigation development in the SSRID.

Today’s 100,000 acres of irrigation around Lake Diefenbaker adds some $60 million to agricultural output every year and six times the number of rural jobs over the equivalent acres of dryland farming. Recent studies identified 500,000 acres of irrigation expansion that could be developed out of Lake Diefenbaker. This expansion would consume less than 20 per cent of the average annual inflow into the Lake.

for more information• Contact John Babcock at (306) 787-8711.

by John Babcock, PAgDirectorIrrigation Branch

The weather-related issues in Saskatchewan aren’t the only factor to make 2010 a year for the record books.

Early summer saw the opening of two world-class canola crushing plants in Yorkton. Richardson International and Louis Dreyfus Mitsui Foods officially opened their canola crushing plant in June and July. The Richardson plant has a capacity of 2,400 tonnes of seed daily (840,000 tonnes annually), and the Louis Dreyfus Mitsui Foods plant is similar in size at 2,500 tonnes daily (850,000 tonnes annually).

Approximately 70 people are employed at each plant which operates around the clock with a scheduled yearly 15-day maintenance shutdown.

At capacity, the combined output from the plants will fill and ship 56 railcars of canola oil and canola meal each day. Approximately 140 trucks will deliver seed to the plants on a daily basis.

In 2009, Saskatchewan produced roughly 5.74 million tonnes of canola, while the 10 year (1999–2009) average production is 3.5 million tonnes. The current crush capacity will utilize close to 70 per cent of the canola produced in Saskatchewan, which is great news for farmers.

According to Statistics Canada the value-added benefit of a crushing enterprise is equal to about $50 per tonne. Based on the 2010 crush capacity, the economy of Saskatchewan stands to benefit by $190 million.

Increases in world population and world wealth make up part of the increasing demand for canola oil, but food processors and food service industries value canola oil at a premium for its health and cooking attributes.

for more information• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca; or

• Visit www.ldmfoods.com; or

• Visit www.jri.ca.

Saskatchewan’s new canola crushing capital

by Brian Sim, PAgProvincial Agribusiness SpecialistRegional Services Branch

Premier Brad Wall addresses attendees at the grand opening of Louis Dreyfus Mitsui Foods (top) and attending Richardson International’s grand opening (bottom).

8 SEPTEMBER 2010

by Paul Marciniak, PAgLegislative ServicesLivestock Branch

livestock

All cattle are required to be tagged with a CCIA approved tag prior to leaving the farm of origin. (Yellow with black centre)

SEPTEMBER 2010 9

The Cattleman’s Appreciation Night event promises to be an evening cattle producers won’t want to miss. The keynote speaker is well-known beef market analyst, owner and author of BEEFLINK

and columnist in the Canadian Cattleman Magazine, Brenda Schoepp. Ms. Schoepp will share her perspective on the Cattle Market Outlook.

To complement Ms. Schoepp’s presentation, Saskatchewan Agriculture’s farm business management specialists will highlight the benefits of the Growing Forward programs. Local caterers will also provide a roast beef supper with all the trimmings. The evening will finish off with some humour and entertainment from cowboy poet Ken Mitchell of Burning Sun Productions.

When and Where:

Outlook Watrous TisdaleOctober 19, 2010 October 20, 2010 October 21, 2010Civic Centre Manitou Springs Hotel Tisdale RecPlex Auditorium

Cost:$25 for one ticket or two tickets for $40. Tickets must be purchased by October 12.

For more information or to register, call:

• Outlook: (306) 867-5575; or

• Tisdale: (306) 878-8842; or

• Watrous: (306) 946-3220.

cattleman’s appreciation night

saskatchewan voluntary livestock traceaBility reBate

Funding is available to SK livestock producers for the purchase of RFID technologies and facility modifications directly related to the use of RFID technologies.

Applications forms and more information can be found on the website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, by calling the toll-free line at 1-877-874-5365, or by contacting your Ministry Regional Services office.

CCIA can help with tag retention issues

Retention of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in cattle has

been a concern with producers since the time the first tag was applied.

In some cases, the tag has been torn out of the ear because twine has been wrapped around the tag. Feed bunks, barbed wire and tree limbs, as well as many other such hazards, can also be the cause of tags being torn out of an animal’s ear.

In other cases when the tag itself becomes brittle and has obviously deteriorated, it is the result of weathering, including cold and sun. In these cases, it is the fault of the tag itself. By determining the cause of the failure it may be possible to discover a solution.

Paul Laronde works for the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). Paul is responsible for investigating complaints regarding tag retention and says that if producers fill out the tag complaint form

that is available online or from CCIA personnel directly, the cause of the failure can often be determined.

CCIA also conducts annual audits of tags approved for use. Before a tag can be approved for use it must pass a test and achieve a 99 per cent retention rate in 1,500 animals for at least 90 days. Audits are

conducted to determine if tags are working as well now as they did at the time they were approved. Tags are purchased at retail outlets and subjected to several tests. If a tag fails the audit, the manufacturer of the tag will have to remedy the deficiency or the tag will no longer be approved for use.

As a result of these and other investigations there are ongoing efforts to design better tags. Tags with a lower profile are less likely to get snagged on twine or other objects, and will be tested to determine if tag retention is improved.

for more information• Contact Paul Laronde at plaronde@canadaid.ca; or

• Fill out the tag complaint form available online at www.canadaid.com (click on About Us, and then choose Tag Related Complaint Form)

livestock

10 SEPTEMBER 2010

Anthrax is a fatal disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis that can infect all mammals.

Animals typically acquire the disease from environments previously contaminated with anthrax. The bacteria can grow rapidly under wet soil conditions and then form spores when the soil dries. The spores are extremely resistant and can survive in the soil under extreme temperature and moisture conditions.

The excess moisture and flooding that Saskatchewan experienced this spring/summer may increase the incidence of anthrax for the rest of the year, especially if the temperature remains hot. Repeated flooding and drying can lead to a build-up of spores on pastures.

Symptoms of anthrax vary, when seen, and can include staggering, shortness of breath, trembling, collapse and a short period of convulsions. In most cases, animals are simply found dead with bloody discharge coming from body openings. Dead animals should not be moved or opened, as this will allow the bacteria to form spores that can be spread to previously unaffected areas.

Anthrax is a federally reportable disease and anyone who suspects anthrax must contact their local veterinarian or regional Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office.

Prevention is the best course of action and vaccination is the best method to protect against anthrax. The Sterne vaccine is the only licensed anthrax vaccine in Canada, and only for use in cattle, sheep, horses, goats and pigs. The vaccine will produce immunity but requires seven to 10 days for immunity to develop.

If anthrax is suspected, early diagnosis and treatment is important because of the rapid action of the disease. Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics which will kill the bacteria but this does not offer long-term protection against infection. Antibiotics and the vaccine cannot be used at the same time because antibiotics will prevent the vaccine from working. If antibiotics are used, vaccination must be postponed until the effect of the antibiotic has worn off.

Your local veterinarian and CFIA are the best sources of information on treatment and prevention methods for anthrax.

for more information• Visit the anthrax information page on the CFIA’s website:

www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/anthchar/anthchare.shtml; or

• Contact Dr. Greg Douglas, Chief Veterinary Officer, Livestock Branch at (306) 787-5547 or greg.douglas@gov.sk.ca.

by Kathryn Ross, BSA, MScAnimal Health Program Officer Livestock Branch

by Jessica Podhordeski, AAgLivestock Development SpecialistLivestock Branch

Take steps now to prevent anthrax

The Equine Information Document is the first step towards the development of a comprehensive food safety and traceability

program for the Canadian equine industry.

The Equine Information Document was made mandatory for all horses being slaughtered for human consumption at federally inspected facilities throughout Canada on July 31, 2010. This change is in response to a request from the European Union for interim traceability enhancements and lifetime traceability for equine animals slaughtered for food within three years, as well as Canadian initiatives to enhance traceability within the food production system.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires complete records for all domestic and imported equine presented for slaughter. The record must include unique identification for the equine animal, a record of illness, and a record of medical treatments administered to the animal for six months prior to slaughter.

Equine owners must complete a template of the Equine Information Document providing the required information. The document can be found on the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/meavia/man/ch17/annexee.shtml. The document includes a visual and written description of the animal and a record of the equine’s medical treatment for the past six months.

A photograph of the animal should be provided for visual identification. If a photograph is not available, a silhouette drawing can be filled out preferably by a veterinarian or authorized personnel.

Authorized personnel include those authorized by the Animal Pedigree Act, recognized pedigree registry, or recognized by Equine Canada to issue identification passports, or provincial brand inspectors.

The completed Equine Information Document must accompany the horse at the time of ownership transfer to the buyer. The document requires a signed declaration by the owner attesting to the accuracy of the information recorded.

Lists of drugs safe for use in horses intended for slaughter, including withdrawal periods prior to slaughter, and a list of drugs not permitted to be used in food producing animals are available on the CFIA website.

for more information • Contact Richard K. Arsenault - Director, Meat Program Division,

Canadian Food Inspection Agency at (613) 773-6156; or

• E-mail Richard.Arsenault@inspection.gc.ca.

new equine information document a step in the right direction

Anthrax can remain viable in soil for decades.

An Equine Information Document is the first step in the development of a comprehensive equine food-safety program.

Demand for bison meat continues to outpace supply

livestock

With demand for bison meat increasing, producers are encouraged to consider bison for their operation.

pst exemption for custom corral cleaners

by Sherri Dobbs, PAgProvincial Livestock Development SpecialistLivestock Branch

SEPTEMBER 2010 11

Saskatchewan is home to the second-largest bison herd in Canada.

Although the herd grew at an average annual rate of seven per cent from 2001 to 2008, industry sources indicate that consolidation and strong demand have resulted in some herd reduction. Slaughter and live exports have increased by 17 per cent per year during the same time period.

“The biggest challenges facing the bison industry now is growing the herd to keep up with the increasing demand for bison meat, and in the short term, managing tight supplies with the ever expanding markets,” according to Les Kroeger, president of the Saskatchewan Bison Association (SBA). The SBA is encouraging existing producers to expand their herds and other producers to diversify into bison.

According to the Canadian Bison Association’s July 2010 market report, the federal slaughter is down 14.4 per cent in Canada for the first 26 weeks of this year (9,231 head in 2010 compared to 10,556 for the same period in 2009) but is offset by exports of live animals to the United States which rose by 15 per cent when compared to the same period in 2009 (11,847 from January to May 2010 compared to 10,269 in 2009).

The average price for Grade A bulls at $2.55 - $2.85/lb hot hanging carcass weight (HHW) in July 2010 is slightly higher than the prices reported in July 2009 and $0.50/lb higher than July 2008. Today’s retail prices of nearly $10/kg for fresh bison trim is much higher than the price of $7.85/kg in July 2009 and $6.28/kg in July 2008. Prices are expected to remain high while supplies remain tight.

Bison calf prices also continue to strengthen. Since 2005-2006, bull calf prices have increased by approximately 60 per cent, and the price for heifer calves has more than doubled. In early 2010, the prices for 2009 bull calves ranged from $1.40/lb - $1.65/lb.

for more information• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca; or

• Call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; or

• Contact the Saskatchewan Bison Association at (306) 585-6304; or e-mail saskbison@sasktel.net.

• For ongoing bison market prices, visit the Canadian Bison Association website at www.canadianbison.ca/producer/index.htm.

The Ministry of Finance has issued a ruling that the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) does not apply to certain pieces of equipment used by

custom corral cleaners when this service is provided to farmers. This reduces cleaners’ operating costs, representing a saving that may be passed on to producers.

These are changes the cattle industry has asked for.

The provisions are outlined in the March 2010 PST Bulletin 16, published by the Ministry of Finance.

The provisions read as follows: “A non-farmer engaged in primary farming activity may purchase exempt from tax those farm implements, farm machinery, farm tools and commodities including repairs which are tax exempt when purchased by a farmer without the completion of a Farm Exemption Certificate or equivalent . . . ” and “Non-farmers in this category include custom harvesters, brush clearing contractors, crop sprayers, custom corral cleaners and irrigation contractors”.

It is important to note that a non-farmer must pay the tax when purchasing the item and then apply to the Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance for a refund.

To be eligible for the PST exemption, the operator or company’s primary business must be corral cleaning. A business that only occasionally cleans corrals, such as a construction company or a landscaper, is not exempt from paying the PST.

for more information• Phone the Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance, toll free at

1-800-667-6102, or, in Regina, (306) 787-6645; or

• Visit the website of the Ministry of Finance at and type the words PST Bulletins into

the search engine.

by Lorne Tangjerd, M.C.P., Senior Policy Analyst, Industry Analysis Unit, Policy Branch

regional services

by Karen WilliamsonManager, Financial ServicesFinancial Programs Branch

12 SEPTEMBER 2010

Regional Livestock Specialists:On the farm and in the pasture with you

Each of the 10 regional offices of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has a regional livestock specialist who focuses on the needs and

opportunities of the livestock industry.

Regional livestock specialists work with producers and the livestock industry to address production issues such as nutrition, reproduction, and herd health. They also assist producers with marketing decisions by developing and accessing tools such as breakeven calculators and market reports to assist producers in evaluating options.

Livestock specialists work closely with the research community to identify research results that can be adapted and adopted onto farms and ranches. Through their close association with farmers and ranchers, livestock specialists identify new research topics targeted at improving efficiencies in the livestock industry.

Each livestock specialist provides a weekly market update that includes last week’s prices, a few timely production tips and highlights from current livestock topics in the news. Producers and industry who would like to receive the Stay Connected newsletter are encouraged to contact their regional livestock specialist.

by Jim ArmstrongManager, Northern RegionRegional Services Branch

for more information• Contact a Regional Livestock Specialist near you; or

• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

Jenifer Heyden

North Battleford

(306) 446-7961

Tracy Evans

Tisdale

(306) 878-8847

Jim Graham

Swift Current

(306) 778-8289

Christy Winquist

Moose Jaw

(306) 694-3468

Bob Klemmer

Weyburn

(306) 848-2380

Naomi Paley

Yorkton

(306) 786-1686

Travis Peardon

Outlook (306) 867-5504

Dwayne Summach Kindersley

(306) 463-5445

Jessica Podhordeski Prince Albert

(306) 953-2772

Watrous - Contact Naomi Paley or Bob Klemmer.

Farm families who have owned and operated the same farm for 100 years or more received the Century Family Farm

Award from Information Services Corporation (ISC) at four events held across the province in June.

A total of 635 farm families were recognized in Regina, June 16; Swift Current, June 22; Saskatoon, June 24; and Yorkton, June 29. Almost 4,000 farm families have been recognized since the program began in 1981.

The deadline for applications each year is March 15. Applications can be submitted through the mail or through ISC’s website at www.isc.ca/cffa. It is no longer necessary for farm families to conduct their own research of the homestead papers before submitting their application. ISC conducts the historical record searches in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Archives Board.

Farm and ranch families have played a significant role throughout Saskatchewan’s history. “These Century

Farm Family Award recipients continue to build on the traditions of their ancestors, bring new ideas and innovation to agriculture, and will be an essential part of Saskatchewan’s future,” Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said.

A complete list of the 2010 award recipients can be found on ISC’s website.

for more information• Visit the ISC website at www.isc.ca/cffa; or

• Phone ISC, toll-free, at 1-888-275-4721; or

• Email ISC at cffa@isc.ca.

isc issues 635 century family farm awards in 2010

regional services

The mandate of the South East Research Farm (SERF) is to deliver producer-driven research. This year, after an evaluation of past

accomplishments, present obstacles and future goals, SERF’s board of directors renewed its commitment to providing crucial information to today’s agricultural producers through research and demonstration.

SERF is located a few miles southeast of Redvers and it is one of eight Agriculture Applied Research Management (Agri-ARM) sites in the province.

After re-evaluating their goal and renewing their commitment to research and demonstration, the directors worked on developing a staffing model that would be accepted by the research community and producers and satisfy the budget limitations that SERF faces.

SERF is now pleased to announce that Lana Shaw, PAg, M.Sc., has joined the SERF staff as the research manager. The other members of the SERF team include Darcy Boon, field technician; Laird Lampertz, summer student; and Joan Raimbault, bookkeeper. Colin Beaulieu, PAg, was contracted to do one of the off-site projects.

Over the summer, Darcy and Laird did an excellent job of following the research protocols of the various projects. As a result, SERF was able to conduct research and demonstration projects at Redvers,

Moosomin, Fairlight and Carnduff. Some of these projects include, Fertilization of Alfalfa; Wheat Variety Trial; Crop Tolerance to Herbicides; Management of Group 2 Resistant Kochia with Agronomics and with Herbicides in Crop; the Fairlight Forage Project; and Chemical Control of Leafy Spurge.

SERF directors are asking producers to support the research farm by purchasing memberships, attending the field days and winter seminars, providing feedback on current projects, and offering ideas for future projects.

for more information• Contact Elaine Moats, Regional Crop Specialist, Weyburn at

(306) 848-2856 or elaine.moats@gov.sk.ca; or

• Contact SERF staff, Redvers at (306) 452-3161 or serf@sasktel.net.

SEPTEMBER 2010 13

The South East Research Farm: a growing concernby Elaine Moats, PAgRegional Crops Specialist, WeyburnRegional Services Branch

SERF staff are “re-booting” and are ready to assist with your research project.

Saskatchewan producers who own land that was administered under the Dominion Lands Act, 1872 are able to obtain copies of

the homestead papers and the land grant certificates.Copies of the homestead papers are available from Saskatchewan Archives in Regina and Saskatoon, and copies of the land grant certificates are available from Information Services Corporation (ISC) in Regina. There are fees for the copying services.

Homestead papers cover land grants to the public; land grants to soldiers who served in the South African War and the First World War; and land grants issued through the North West Métis Scrip Commissions. The papers contain information about the applicant, such as age, country of birth, marital status, and the extent of farming operations during the first three years of operation.

To assist researchers, the Saskatchewan homestead papers were indexed by the Saskatchewan Archives and the Saskatchewan

Genealogical Society and a searchable database is available on the Internet.

for more information• Visit the Saskatchewan

Homestead Index at www.saskhomesteads.com;

• Visit the Saskatchewan Archives Board website at saskarchives.com or phone the Saskatchewan Archives in Regina, 306-787-4068, or in Saskatoon at 306-933-5832; or

• Visit the ISC website at www.isc/cffa or phone ISC, toll-free, at 1-888-275-4721.

homestead papers and land grant certificates availaBle

research

14 SEPTEMBER 2010

Saskatraz: building a better beeSaskatchewan beekeepers are working to build a better bee, one that is

gentle, productive and, crucially, resistant to mites and brood diseases.

Honeybees pollinate one-third of the world’s food crops, including a yield increase for canola, but they are under threat from the Asian Varroa destructor mite, which appeared on North American honeybees in 1987. North American bees had no resistance to the mites, and died in huge numbers. The mites quickly become resistant to chemical treatments, and the treatments prevented the bees from developing a natural tolerance to the mites.

Since 2004, the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association, with help from the Manitoba and Ontario beekeeper associations and funding from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), has been assembling a large honeybee gene pool at a remote apiary nicknamed Saskatraz in the hope of breeding bees that are naturally tolerant of mites and diseases, as well as being adapted to the Saskatchewan environment.

Queen bee breeders in Saskatchewan and Manitoba provided lead researcher Albert Robertson of Meadow Ridge Enterprises with their best breeding lines to develop Saskatraz. The Saskatchewan and Ontario beekeepers’ associations imported mite-tolerant Russian and German bee stock. No chemical miticides were applied, and natural selection was used to identify the most productive, gentle and mite-tolerant strains.

In 2006, Saskatraz started releasing bee families to queen breeders for multiplication, but a mite infestation in 2007 wiped out all of the

original Saskatraz colonies. The 2006 lines were out-crossed to enrich the gene pool, and reselected colonies were returned to Saskatraz to continue the search for a better bee.

Despite the setback in 2007, the Saskatraz approach to improving the gene pool has proven successful. Since 2006, Saskatraz has released 14

families (4,220 queen cells and 67 breeder queens) for multiplication. These families have improved honey production, good resistance to tracheal mites and chalk brood and some tolerance to varroa mites. With the help of a new ADF grant, work is continuing to find a varroa-resistant line.

The Agriculture Development Fund provides funding to help institutions, companies and industry organizations carry out research, development and value-added activities in the agriculture

and agri-food sector. The results produce new knowledge, information and choices in technologies, techniques and varieties for farmers, ranchers, processors and input suppliers, to improve the competitiveness of Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.

In 2010, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture provided $5.7 million for 44 ADF research projects.

for more information on these projects• Visit the Saskatchewan Agriculture research reports website at

www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF/Search and enter the report number (20050718) into the search function.

• Contact Albert Robertson, Meadow Ridge Enterprises, 306-373-9140 or e-mail a.j.robertson@sasktel.net.

Petrofka Bridge Orchard is a central Saskatchewan family-run business, started by Mike and Anne Noel in 2002. With funding

from the Saskatchewan Agri-Value Initiative (SAVI), Petrofka Bridge Orchard developed a pasteurized process for preparing apple cider using Saskatchewan-grown apples.

This cider is unique because the Saskatchewan-grown apples it contains are pesticide and herbicide free. The cider is currently sold in health food stores and at farmers’ markets. The orchard plans to eventually supply apple cider to juice-lovers all over Canada.

The large, hardy prairie apples used in this project were developed at the University of Saskatchewan. They are grown at a number of orchards across Saskatchewan. The handpicked apples are cleaned and pressed by Petrofka Orchard in preparation for processing.

A major challenge for the project was to extend the one-week shelf life of unpasteurized homestyle apple cider. With assistance from the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, Petrofka Bridge Orchard was able to overcome this challenge. They focused on developing a process that could sufficiently extend the shelf life of the cider to ensure easy local and inter-provincial shipping. The researchers were able to improve the shelf life of apple cider by at least five times longer than the unprocessed cider.

SAVI was crucial in helping the orchard accomplish its goals. SAVI helps small-to medium-sized agribusinesses or producer/processor organizations that are involved in value-added processing of primary agricultural products in the development and expansion of their small-to medium-sized enterprises.

for more information• Contact a Regional Farm Business Management Specialist near you;

or

• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

processing procedures for saskatchewan-made apple cider

Funding from SAVI halped Petrofka Bridge Orchard with their pasteurization process.

Saskatraz yard site in 2006.

Growing Forward

The deadline is approaching for producers to complete and submit their 2009 AgriStability program forms.

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) wants to remind producers that Sept. 30, 2010, is the last date for participants to submit AgriStability program forms, without penalty. These forms allow SCIC to calculate benefits for the 2009 program year.

For sole proprietorships, including individuals in a partnership, the AgriStability and AgriInvest Harmonized Form for Individuals needs to be completed. As part of SCIC’s effort to provide improved customer service, spreadsheets of this form are available at www.saskcropinsurance.com. This allows participants to electronically complete and print the forms.

Once completed, the Harmonized AgriStability and AgriInvest program form has to be sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in Winnipeg. The CRA will then share the information with SCIC for calculation of AgriStability benefits.

For corporations or co-operatives, the Corporations/Co-operatives/Other Entities form is to be completed and sent to SCIC. As a new requirement, SCIC is requesting a copy of the corporation’s T2 SCH1 that is filed with its income tax return. This information is required for SCIC to verify a participant has filed his or her tax return and meets the eligibility requirements.

Program forms can be submitted after the Sept. 30 deadline, however, a penalty will be applied. Participants will have until Dec. 31, 2010, to file the appropriate documents but a penalty of $500 per month will be deducted from any AgriStability benefit. If there is no benefit when the program information is calculated, then no penalty will be incurred by the producer.

Access to all forms and the guides for completing the forms, can be found at www.saskcropinsurance.com.

Help is also close at hand. Any questions or further information about AgriStability, filling out the forms or the program deadline can be accessed by:

• calling toll-free 1-866-270-8450; or

• e-mailing agristability@scic.gov.sk.ca; or

• visiting a local Customer Service Office.

productionprograms and services

SEPTEMBER 2010 15

AgriStability form submission deadline

reporting forage production

Completing the Forage Declaration form helps the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) process your claim quickly

and efficiently.

Even without a claim, it is important to provide this information to SCIC so your individual yield can be updated. Should this information not be provided, a zero will be used effectively reducing future coverage by 10 per cent.

Producers have been mailed a Forage Declaration form, but a blank form can be found at www.saskcropinsurance.com.

The deadline to submit the Forage Declaration and register all forage claims is Sept. 30, 2010. Return this information to SCIC by telephone, fax, mail or a customer service office visit.

dealing with excess moisture

The Ministry of Agriculture has developed a collection of resources on our website to help producers who are dealing with

excess moisture.

Click on the illustrated button on the Ministry homepage. You will find links to provincial and federal programs and services, information sources for crops, feed and hay, water, pests and disease, and contact information.

for more information• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

on the weB

EVENTS CALENDAR

DATE EVENT LOCATION PHONE INTERNET

Sept. 12 - 15Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC)

Saskatoon 306-668-2659 www.abic.ca/abic2010

Sept. 15Request to Present deadline for the upcoming Agri-Investment Symposium

Saskatoon 306-787-6154 www.agr.gc.ca/agri-symposium

Sept. 28 - 29Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) Trade Conference "Taking Saskatchewan’s Best to the World"

Saskatoon 306-787-9210 www.sasktrade.com

Sept. 30SCIC deadline to submit applications for the Canada-Saskatchewan Excess Moisture Program (EMP)

1-888-935-0000 www.saskcropinsurance.com

Sept. 30Crop Insurance deadline to file Forage Declarations

1-888-935-0000 www.saskcropinsurance.com

Sept. 30SCIC deadline to submit the AgriStability and AgriInvest Harmonized form

1-866-270-8450 www.saskcropinsurance.com

UNSURE ABOUT YOUR SIZE OR WEIGHT? CALL BEFORE HEADING OUT

Hauling grain or moving machinery this harvest, but don’t know if your truck is too heavy, your equipment is too big or if your cargo is secured properly for Saskatchewan roads? Call first to be sure.

For more information • Contact the Transport Compliance Branch Inquiry Line at

1-866-933-5290 in Saskatchewan; or• (306) 933-5290 outside of Saskatchewan; or• by e-mail to tcbinquiryline@gov.sk.ca.

With harvest season upon us, SaskPower reminds farmers to stay safe, especially when working near overhead power lines.

Though everyone knows working around electricity can be dangerous, it’s easy to forget power lines are there. Unfortunately, it only takes a moment of inattention for something to go wrong. Any person or object that gets too close to or touches a power line can create an instant and possibly fatal flow of electricity to the ground.

To help you stay safe this harvest season, keep these electrical safety tips in mind:

Plan your route in advance to avoid overhead power lines.

Always look up for power lines, especially when moving bins or operating large equipment.

Call SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937 for help planning a safe route if moving large buildings or machinery.

Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines and call SaskPower at 310-2220. Surrounding farm equipment, structures and soil could be energized.

Never clear storm-damaged trees, limbs or other debris touching power lines.

Never try to raise, lift, or move a power line. Overhead power lines have no protective insulation and any contact can be fatal.

You’ve got a lot on the line, so always remember to think safety first on the farm. For more information, visit www.saskpower.com.

SASKPOWER URGES FARMERS TO KEEP HARVEST SAFE

FARM SAFETY

by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure

Flooding, tornadoes, plow winds and severe weather. If you have experienced damage caused by any of the

above, you may be eligible for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.

The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program may be available to agricultural clients to provide financial assistance for essential, uninsurable property damaged by a natural disaster.

For more information on the PDAP application process, click the link on the Corrections, Public Safety and Policing web page at www.cpsp.gov.sk.ca, call the PDAP office toll-free at 1-866-632-4033, or contact your RM office.

AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES CAN QUALIFY UNDER THE PROVINCIAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PDAP)

16 SEPTEMBER 2010