guide to crop protection update page 7 · ground squirrel – or gopher – a pest under the pest...
TRANSCRIPT
herbicide resistance testing page 7
new custom and rental rate guide page 9
farm family photo contest page 16
may 2010 Volume 6
02
Guide to Crop Protection update page 7
Minister’s Message
The 2010-11 Provincial Budget was tabled by the Honourable Rod Gantefoer, Minister of Finance, on March 24.
The budget is balanced, forward-looking and responsible. Overall spending is decreasing 1.2 per cent and we will become more efficient by reducing the size of the public service by 15 per cent over four years.
We continue to invest in infrastructure. In 2010-11 we will invest approximately $632 million, which includes $177 million for municipal projects and over $300 million for roads and highways. In three years, our government has invested nearly $3 billion in infrastructure in Saskatchewan.
The budget provides $4.2 billion to improve the health of Saskatchewan people. This includes funding to address surgical wait times, recruit and train doctors, improve cancer treatment and enhance autism services.
Saskatchewan farming and ranching families remain a key priority for the provincial government, with a commitment of $385.8 million to our Agriculture budget this year. More importantly, no programs or services for producers will be cut.
Our Agriculture budget includes $283.4 million to fully fund AgriStability, AgriInvest and Crop Insurance. We are committing to fully fund these programs up front, at budget time, so farmers and ranchers know they can head into the upcoming growing season confident that their government will stand behind them.
We will also continue to invest in making our programs run more efficiently. We will complete the transfer of the AgriStability administration to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) in Melville this year. The efficiencies gained from this transition will reduce administration costs and improve service for producers.
The Crop Insurance Program has been enhanced this year to include coverage for camelina, navy beans, soybeans and honey. In addition, the contract price option has been expanded to include flax, lentils and alfalfa seed. Yield cushioning is now a permanent feature, after being a pilot program in 2009. This feature limits the impact of consecutive poor growing seasons, such as a prolonged drought, on a producer’s level of coverage.
The 2010-11 Agriculture budget also includes funding for an improved Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, which is administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, to help producers deal with wildlife damage and livestock predation. The program now includes 100 per cent producer compensation for livestock killed by predators and up to 80 per cent of the market value for injured livestock requiring veterinary services.
In addition, SCIC will now administer programs to help producers deal with livestock predation and wildlife damage prevention measures, such as fencing around feed stacks and intercept feeding stations.
Other Agriculture budget highlights include continued funding for research, comprehensive pest control (rats, gophers, wild boar, black flies), the Agricultural Crown Land Sale Program, the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program, Environmental Farm Programming, the Farm Business Development Initiative, the Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate and Food Safety Programming. In addition, producers will benefit from the continued education tax reduction introduced in 2009.
In closing, I want to stress agriculture will continue to be a priority for our government as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Bob Bjornerud
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 [email protected]. to view this publication online, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/programs-services.
Ascochyta management
Advances in solar greenhouses
table of contents
6
8
11
Grain bag recycling
HERBICIDE RESISTANCE TESTING PAGE 7
NEW CUSTOM AND RENTAL RATE GUIDE PAGE 9
FARM FAMILY PHOTO CONTEST PAGE 16
MAY 2010 VOLUME 6
02
Guide to Crop Protection update page 7
Inter-provincial grazing fee rebate
Livestock10
Cover: Dale and Bobby Paulow on their farm
near Hafford, SK., preparing their equipment for
seeding (picture supplied in a previous Agriview
photo contest by Linda Paulow). Check out page
16 for information on our Agriview Family Photo
Contest.
croPs4
12reGioNAL services
MAY 2010 3
ProGrAms ANd services13
eveNts cALeNdAr16
15reseArch
9mANAGemeNt
mArkets ANd trAde14
4 MAY 2010
crops
Insect monitoring programs important
potential exists for high grasshopper populations in 2010
by Scott Hartley, PAgProvincial Specialist, Insect and Vertebrate PestsCrops Branch
by Scott Hartley, PAgProvincial Specialist, Insect and Vertebrate PestsCrops Branch
Due to the risk to cruciferous crops from bertha armyworm and diamondback moth, monitoring
programs are in place to provide information for Saskatchewan producers. Both pests are monitored and updates provided during the growing season.
Bertha armyworm pupae over-winter in Saskatchewan soils. The adult moths emerge from their pupal cases starting in June. Thanks to co-operators across the province, the monitoring program utilizes about 200 pheromone traps that attract male moths and provide an estimate of the current bertha armyworm population. Traps are set up in June with data compiled weekly until the end of July. This information is used to produce maps
depicting the number of moths emerging and provides a warning of risk prior to the destructive larval stage that will appear later in July and August. Maps are updated weekly on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture website.
Diamondback moths over-winter in southern regions of North America. Depending on incoming wind currents, population levels in Saskatchewan can vary in location and from year to year. Wind currents, favourable to bringing the moths onto the Prairies, are monitored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada using Environment Canada data.
On-the-ground surveillance for diamondback moth adults utilizes pheromone traps to identify locations where adult moths may have been deposited.
for more information• On bertha armyworm and diamondback moths, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and click on Crops | Insects.
The 2010 Saskatchewan grasshopper forecast map indicates the potential for high grasshopper populations, particularly in western
regions. However, the actual severity of a grasshopper infestation will primarily depend on spring weather conditions.
Grasshopper populations tend to be higher in the warmer zones, where moisture is limited. Warm, dry conditions in the spring and early summer increases the survival rate of the hatchlings and the potential for subsequent damage to crops.
Producers should monitor for grasshopper populations once the spring hatch has begun and crops emerge from the ground. Certain areas are more prone to grasshopper egg-laying. Female grasshoppers tend to lay eggs in areas with green growth and a potential food source for the hatchlings, which cannot move great distances. Watch areas with early green plant growth, such as field margins, fence lines, roadsides and crops grown on stubble when hatching begins in the spring.
A number of factors should be considered when determining an economic threshold for grasshoppers in a crop. Crop type, growth stage, commodity value, growing conditions, insect stage and cost of insecticide application will affect control decisions.
Although grasshoppers tend to exhibit feeding preferences for certain crops, under high feeding pressure, all crops are at risk.
The current recommended economic thresholds for grasshoppers are as follows:
Cereals - Ranges from eight to 12 grasshoppers per square metre depending on the specific crop.
Flax and lentils - Grasshoppers do not prefer to feed on flax and lentil foliage. However, two grasshoppers per square metre is the recommended economic threshold when feeding on flax at the green boll stage and during flower and pod development in lentils.
Canola - Canola is not a preferred crop for grasshoppers and often weed hosts may be more preferred. Results of grasshopper feeding studies on canola suggest that the economic threshold for this crop is greater than 13 grasshoppers per square metre.
for more informationOn insecticides registered for grasshopper control, refer to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s 2010 Guide to Crop Protection online at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and click on Production | Crops – Overview | Guide to Crop Protection.
Bertha Armyworm pheromone trap.
The Government of Saskatchewan has declared the Richardson’s ground squirrel – or gopher – a pest under The Pest Control Act.
The pest designation gives municipalities the authority to require landowners and occupants to control gophers on their property, and gives municipal pest control officers the authority to enter property, perform inspections and issue control orders in order to destroy gophers.
The most common methods of destroying gophers are toxic baits, fumigants, trapping and shooting. Bait stations are commonly used to deliver the toxic baits, but care needs to be taken to ensure the stations are used effectively and safely.
Bait stations work best in the spring when the animals are foraging for food, and become ineffective by the end of June when grass and young crops are in abundant supply. The rodents also begin a hibernation stage at that point, and adults have limited activity above ground. Therefore, all bait stations should be removed from the field by the end of June.
Bait stations containing grain continue to pose a threat to birds, deer, antelope and livestock. Therefore, they must be tamper-proof and well-secured. Access holes in the bait station should not exceed 3.5 inches in diameter.
Only rodenticides registered for use in bait stations can be used. Two per cent liquid strychnine concentrate cannot be used in bait stations and can only be used in burrows.
for more information• Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; or
• Your nearest Regional Office; or
• Visit the Ministry of Agriculture website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.
richardson’s ground squirrel declared a pest
crops
Know Your Enemy: a new tool for ascochyta management on chickpeas
by Connie Achtymichuk, PAgProvincial Specialist, VegetablesCrops Branch
potato power – Keeping sasKatchewan’s industry strong
by Faye Dokken-Bouchard, MSc., AAgProvincial Specialist, Plant Disease Crops Branch
Regulations affecting potatoes under The Pest Control Act have been amended to reflect the current practice of renting land to grow
potatoes.
The Bacterial Ring Rot Control Regulations and The Late Blight Control Regulations came into effect in 1994 and 2002 respectively. At the time they were written, the potato industry in Saskatchewan was very small, and very few producers planted potatoes on rented land. Since that time the industry has grown considerably and the regulations were updated to reflect the changing industry.
A four-year crop rotation for potatoes is encouraged, so producers often opt to rent land for their potato crop to fulfill this good agricultural practice.
Previously the potato grower was responsible for management and control of late blight and bacterial ring rot, but the amendments bestow some responsibility to any person involved in packing or processing potatoes, as well as to landowners providing land to potato growers. Furthermore, the amended regulations give provincial officials authority to access and enforce the regulations on property not owned by the potato producer. The regulation for bacterial ring rot also requires growers to record the location of cull potatoes so that they may be monitored.
Both bacterial ring rot and late blight are devastating diseases to the potato crop. With bacterial ring rot, the vascular ring of the potato begins to rot. As the decay develops, the bacteria spreads and infects the healthy potatoes in storage. Seed potato producers test their crops for the disease. If even one potato tests positive for the disease, the farm
is decertified and cannot sell any seed potatoes until a thorough cleaning and disinfection is done.
Late blight, a fungal disease, was responsible for the Irish Potato famine in the 1840s. Because the spores spread by wind and water, the disease can spread very rapidly, destroying an entire field within days.
These regulation amendments were made at the request of the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association in order to maintain Saskatchewan’s reputation as the cleanest source of seed potatoes in North America.
For a copy of the amended regulations, go to www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/legislation.
for more information• Refer to the Late Blight in Potatoes and Tomatoes and Potato Cull Pile
Management webpage at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.
The Gopher Control Rebate Program has been extended for 2010.
This is the second extension of the popular program, which was initiated in 2008. It provides producers and RMs with a 50-per-cent rebate on the cost of gopher control products.
More information on the program, as well as forms and a list of eligible products, can be obtained by calling 1-866-947-9113 or by visiting the Saskatchewan Agriculture webpage www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/gopher-rebate.
GOPHER CONTROL REBATE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Farmers have a new tool when it comes to managing ascochyta blight on chickpeas.
We know that an early spray benefits the crop and prevents early infection, and that it is important to protect chickpea flowers in order to conserve the yield. But when is the best time to apply that critical first spray to protect the crop from the initial release of Ascochyta rabiei spores? As a result of the Chickpea Ascochyta Sentinel Project, we are now armed with the knowledge that A. rabiei spores are released from chickpea residue as early as May.
This means that by the time the plants are big enough to spray (seven to 10 node stage – see photo above) spores are most likely already present and able to infect the plants. Chickpea crops should be sprayed at this stage as long as there is enough moisture in the environment to facilitate the disease process. If the weather is dry, the application may be delayed until there is rain in the forecast. Crops should also be scouted for early signs of disease, and again after spraying to gauge the effectiveness of fungicide applications.
The Ascochyta Sentinel Project Team was surprised to discover just how early the spores were released. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers placed pre-grown susceptible chickpea plants near inoculum sources in chickpea residue to “trap” the disease spores, and then promoted symptom development in the greenhouse.
In this way, researchers could detect when spores were present without having to wait for the first sign of disease in commercial fields. Sentinel sites were set up in southwest Saskatchewan for three years. Volunteer agronomists and growers from around the province participated in the project as co-operators, and received weekly disease risk updates from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in the spring months.
Now that the project has ended, the extension information will be compiled into an ascochyta blight scouting and management booklet, which will be available shortly.
The Chickpea Ascochyta Sentinel Project was funded by AAFC’s Pesticide Risk Reduction Program.
for more information • Or to obtain a copy of the new ascochyta blight booklet, contact the
Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
Chickpea plants can be sprayed when they reach the 7-10 node stage.
MAY 2010 5
6 MAY 2010
crops
Springtime organic weed management requires good planning
prairie greenhouse growers tour chinese facilities
Integrated weed management is crucial in organic systems. The objective of organic growers is not to eradicate weeds, but to
maintain populations at an acceptable level that allows the crop a competitive advantage. This requires good planning and effective use of a number of techniques including crop rotation, variety selection, seeding rates and tillage.
Choose a competitive crop variety with good resistance to insects and disease. This is more important in some crops than others. For example, leafed peas are more competitive than semi-leafless peas, whereas research has shown less distinction between varieties of more competitive crops like oats. Organic wheat breeding trials are currently underway across the Prairies to determine whether wheat varieties selected under organic conditions perform better in organic systems than conventionally bred varieties.
Organic seeding rates are typically between one and 1.5 times greater than the conventional seeding rate. This helps establish an early crop canopy, which is important for non-competitive crops such as flax and lentils. In cereals, if post-emergent harrowing is planned, increasing the seeding rate will also help alleviate some of the crop damage that may occur.
Tillage is one of the most effective weed management tools in an organic grower’s arsenal. Pre-seeding tillage works well when two
tillage operations are spaced one to two weeks apart to allow the second flush of weeds to emerge, which is tilled just prior to seeding. A rod-weeder, rotary hoe or tine harrow may be used for in-crop tillage, which is most successful on shallow-rooted annual weeds. Post-emergence tillage is a balancing act between crop damage and weed control, and is not recommended for small-seeded crops such as
mustard and flax. Keep in mind that weeds that share a growth habit with the crop will be difficult to control, and that tillage is more effective when done under hot, dry conditions.
At the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Steve Shirtliffe is currently working on a project
evaluating a number of integrated weed management practices for their individual and combined effectiveness in organic systems. Information on this and other organic research projects is available on the university’s website.
for more information• Contact Chantal Jacobs, Provincial Specialist, Organic Crops, Crops
Branch, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture at (306) 798-0945 or [email protected]; or
• Visit www.organic.usask.ca and click on “Organic Research Update”.
Post-emergence harrowing. Photo: Eric Johnson, AAFC.
Delegates touring a crop of orchids at a solar greenhouse in Beijing.
A small delegation of Prairie greenhouse operators spent the last part of January in Beijing studying the latest Chinese advances in solar
greenhouses.
The tour was organized through the Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers Association by a greenhouse operator whose family still lives in the Beijing area. The delegation was comprised of nine Saskatchewan greenhouse operators, one member of the Alberta Solar Society and Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Provincial Greenhouse and Nursery Specialist.
A solar greenhouse differs from a regular greenhouse in that it is specifically designed to catch and retain the maximum amount of solar energy, thus reducing the energy required to heat the greenhouse.
Here in Saskatchewan, where we get more sunlight and fewer cloudy days than anywhere in North America, the potential economic benefits of a solar greenhouse could be substantial. The basic solar greenhouse technology is not new, either here or in China, but the Chinese are operating commercial-scale solar greenhouses, which would be new to Saskatchewan.
Beijing was enduring below-average temperatures and a record-breaking snowfall just as the delegation arrived, so they had the opportunity to see Chinese solar greenhouses operating under true Saskatchewan conditions. The delegates toured greenhouses producing vegetables, strawberries, dragon fruit, mushrooms, garlic, orchids and
other flowers. About a third of the greenhouses had no heating system whatsoever and produced cold-tolerant vegetables such as cabbage. This cropping system could benefit Saskatchewan bedding plant producers by allowing them to produce vegetables during their off-season.
The delegation was impressed by the new methodology and technology, but it was the sheer size of the greenhouses and the volume of research being generated that they found remarkable.
Solar greenhouse production is quite different from the two types of greenhouses currently used in Saskatchewan (heated systems and high tunnel systems). Each system has its own advantages; it is up to greenhouse producers to determine what works best for their operations.
for more information• Contact Glen Sweetman, Provincial Greenhouse and Nursery
Specialist at (306) 787-6606 or [email protected].
by Glen Sweetman, PAgProvincial Specialist, Nursery and Greenhouse CropsCrops Branch
by Chantal Jacobs, MSc, PAgProvincial Specialist, Organic CropsCrops Branch
crops
Crop Protection Laboratory tests for herbicide resistance
spring update to the 2010 guide to crop protection aVailable
by Dr. Philip Northover, Ph.D., AAgSupervisor, Crop Protection LabCrops Branch
The Spring Update to the 2010 Guide to Crop Protection will be available May 1 on the Saskatchewan Agriculture website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, from Saskatchewan
Agriculture’s Regional Offices or from the Agriculture Knowledge Centre.
Producers who print the Spring Update and keep it with their copy of the 2010 Guide to Crop Protection will have the most current information on pest control products for the 2010 growing season.
Crop protection products include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seed treatments. There have been several new product registrations, as well as expanded uses of old products, since mid-November 2009 when the 2010 Guide to Crop Protection was finalized. The new information is included in the Spring Update.
Producers can either download the electronic version of the Spring Update to the 2010 Guide to Crop Protection or obtain printed copies from Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Offices. Retailers of crop protection products may also choose to have printed copies of the Spring Update on hand.
for more information • Phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
The demand for testing herbicide-resistant weeds at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Crop Protection Laboratory in Regina has consistently
increased in recent years.
In the last year, April 2009 to March 2010, wild oat, cleavers, wild mustard, green foxtail and Persian darnel were submitted to the Crop Protection Lab for testing. The marked increase in submissions of Group One resistant wild oats has been notable.
Herbicide resistance testing is an important component in weed management decisions. It can be challenging to determine the occurrence of resistant weeds based on field observation and field history because there are many variables that influence herbicide performance. Herbicide efficacy can be influenced by various factors:
• incorrect timing and/or product rate during application;
• precipitation, temperature, wind;
• soil parameters such as moisture levels or composition; and
• the weed population itself – the growth stage, density and level of infestation.
All of these factors can confuse anyone examining a field for resistance concerns.
There are, however, limitations to the testing. Any test result is only as good as the sample submitted. It is important to provide viable seed: seed collected at maturity is preferable. When seeds have a low-
germination percentage, it is not possible to discern whether the herbicide or the low-quality seed is influencing growth.
Submitting quality seed is important, but the sample must also be of sufficient quantity to enable a complete and meaningful test. A number of seeds are required to determine germination prior to the commencement of the actual herbicide testing. When submitting a sample to the Crop Protection Laboratory, a minimum of 1,000 seeds for each test is required. This volume of seed is comparable to about 500 millilitres - about a medium-sized coffee cup.
Testing of the 2009-2010 submissions will conclude in June.
for more information
by Clark Brenzil, PAgProvincial Specialist, Weed ControlCrops Branch
2010 GUIDE TO
CROP PROTECTION
2010 GU
IDE TO
CR
OP PR
OTEC
TION
This publication is only a guide. Always refer to the product label for application details and precautions.
weeds, plant diseases, insects
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SASKATCHEWAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
3085 Albert Street Regina, Saskatchewan CANADA S4S 0B1www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca Printed January 2010 40M ISBN 088656-59953 0164
HERBICIDE ROTATION - 2010
Resistance to a pesticide group will reduce the effectiveness of pesticides in that group over time. Rotation of herbicides and
other pesticides is an important measure to delay the onset of resistance to any one pesticide group or mode-of-action.
By rotating herbicides, the risk of developing widespread resistance over a fi eld drops. The illustration below gives a relative
ranking of risk of resistance developing from repeated use. The top of the triangle indicates groups that may develop resist-
ance quickly. Those at the bottom of the triangle have demonstrated a low risk of resistance developing over long-term use. Be
aware that low risk does not mean no risk, since weeds have developed resistance to herbicides in these groups as well.
Herbicide Resistance Development Risk Based on Number of Applications
* Some products contain more than one active ingredient and therefore may appear in more than one group.
Rotation of Herbicides
OTHER GROUPS Liberty (10), Amitrole (11), Authority (14), Blazer (14),
Chateau (14)*, Refl ex (14), Dual II Magnum (15),
Frontier (15), Kerb (15), Primextra Magnum* (15),
Casoron (20), Gramoxone (22), Reglone (22),
Infi nity (27), Velocity M3 (27)*
GROUP 1 (Grass Control)Axial, Broadband*, Clethodim, Clodinafop, Equinox, Fenoxaprop, Fusion, Poast Ultra, Quizalofop, Signal D*, Tralkoxydim, Venture
GROUP 2 (Grass & Broadleaf control)
Accent, Adrenalin*, Altitude FX*, Assert,
Broadband*, Everest, Express Pro, Frontline*,
Imazethapyr, Metsulfuron, Muster, Odyssey,
Option, Pinnacle, Prism, PrePass*, Simplicity,
Solo, Spectrum*, Stellar*, Thifensulfuron /
tribenuron, Tribenuron, Triton C and K, Unity*,
Velocity M3*
GROUP 9 (Grass & Broadleaf control)CleanStart*, Eclipse*, Glyphosate, PrePass*, Rustler*
GROUP 8 (Grass & Broadleaf control)Avadex, Avenge, Eptam, Fortress*GROUP 7 (Grass & Broadleaf control)Linuron
GROUP 6 (Broadleaf Control)Basagran, bromoxynil, bromoxynil / 2.4-D ester*, bromoxynil / MCPA ester*, Infi nity*, Laddok*, Unity*, Velocity M3 (27)*
GROUP 5 (Grass & Broadleaf control)Atrazine, Laddok*, Primextra Magnum*, Sencor, Shotgun*, Simazine, Velpar
GROUP 3 (Grass & Broadleaf control)Edge, Fortress*, Trifl uralin
GROUP 4 (Broadleaf Control)2,4-D, 2,4-DB, Adrenalin*, Altitude FX*,
Attain, bromoxynil / 2.4-D ester*, bromoxynil
/ MCPA ester*, Curtail M, dicamba, dicamba /
mecoprop / MCPA, dichlorprop / 2,4D, Dyvel,
Dyvel DSp, Eclipse*, Express Pack*, Frontline*,
Lontrel, MCPA, MCPB / MCPA, mecoprop,
Prestige, Pulsar, Rustler*, Shotgun*, Spectrum*,
Stellar*, Triton C and K, Trophy, and mixes
containing these active ingredients
AGRICULTURECROPS
• Visit the Ministry of Agriculture website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and enter the words Crop Protection Laboratory into the Quick Search function;
• Contact a Regional Crops Specialist at your local Regional Services Office; or
• Phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
The chart above demonstrates the results of Group One herbicide resistance testing at the Crop Protection Laboratory to mid-March 2010. Of the wild oat samples in which testing could be done, 81 per cent (the red columns) demonstrated resistance to at least one Group One herbicide. When a wild oat sample tests positive for resistance to a Group One herbicide, further use of that group of herbicides is not recommended in that field.
MAY 2010 7
MAY 2010
crops
8
Monitoring high moisture canola storage: results are in
grain bags and bale twine recycledby Daphne Cruise, PAgRegional Crop Specialist, Moose JawRegional Services Branch
Last winter, Saskatchewan Agriculture, together with the Saskatchewan
Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola), the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, Bunge Canada and the Canola Council of Canada conducted an information gathering project on storage of high moisture canola. Although this project aimed to look at bin and bag storage, organizers found very few producer bins with high moisture canola; consequently, most of the information reflected bag storage. There are some preliminary results worth reporting even though the project is ongoing.
When harvest resumed towards the beginning of November, staff from Saskatchewan Agriculture and the Canola Council of Canada began monitoring 19 bags of canola ranging from nine to 14 per cent moisture content. Monitoring consisted of measuring internal bag temperatures at multiple locations for indications of heating or spoiling grain.
Of the 19 bags monitored, two bags were emptied within 28 days after filling due to a lack of cooling or a temperature spike at some point during the monitoring process. Moisture content of these two bags
was between 13 and 14 per cent. Storage in all other bags was only interrupted for drying and/or marketing. While some bags still contained high moisture canola in March, the current condition of the grain is unknown and will be determined when the bags are emptied.
Although little information on bin storage of high moisture canola was available, producers indicated that most bin storage was relatively short and the grain was removed for drying within a couple of weeks. Without concise bin storage data, it’s difficult to determine how much, if any, advantage exists for bag storage over bins. However, with two of the bags in the project being emptied due to potential spoilage, it remains important to carefully monitor stored canola regardless of the storage system.
More detailed research will be carried out over the next two to three years, and will look at how the newer, higher oil content canola seed will behave under various moisture and temperature
conditions in both bins and bags. The institutions doing the research include the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, the University of Manitoba and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Research funding is provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and other government and industry stakeholders.
for more information• Contact Kim Stonehouse, Regional Crop Specialist, Tisdale, at
(306) 878-8807; or
• Tom Boyle, Regional Crop Specialist, Prince Albert, at (306) 953-2362.
An Agriculture Plastics Round-Up for grain bags and bale twine to be recycled was held on March 11 and 12, 2010. These
agriculture plastics were dropped off by producers in the RM of Caledonia (#99) near Milestone.
More than 200 grain bags were collected from 25 producers, ranging in size from 200 to 500 feet long. Approximately 15 large bags of bale twine were collected. Most of the producers who participated were from the immediate area around Milestone; however, some travelled more than an hour to drop of their agriculture plastics. Both the grain bags and the bale twine arrived in very clean condition. The grain bags and bale twine were loaded up and transported out to an Alberta recycling facility. Grain bags and bale twine are manufactured from high grade polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, respectively. Because of their high quality, these products are more likely to be sought after for recycling.
The Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards and the Upper Qu’Appelle River and Wascana Creek Watershed received funding through Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Fund and the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority for an agriculture plastic recycling pilot project.
On demonstration was a grain bag roller, manufactured by a local farm family. Grain bags that arrived on site unrolled were wrapped
up by the hydraulic run grain bag roller and tied off into a tight bale.
The watershed groups decided to run the pilot project to try to find solutions for producers for the disposal of grain bags and bale twine. Discussions are ongoing on how to proceed and build on the pilot project.
for more information• Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377;
or call Tammy Myers, Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards, at (306) 691-3399.
by Kim Stonehouse, M.Sc., AAgRegional Crop Specialist, TisdaleRegional Services Branch
It remains important to carefully monitor stored canola, regardless of the storage system.
During the plastic roundup, more than 50,000 pounds of plastic was collected.
crops
Winter Wheat Variety Selector compares varieties online
rate guide updated for may distribution
management
Farmers value variety performance information, especially when it is compiled by third-party sources.
A common weakness in many post-registration variety trials is that not all varieties in a variety comparison table are grown in head-to-head comparisons. In many cases, farmers can compare the variety in question with only the check variety.
Dr. Brian Fowler, winter wheat breeder at the University of Saskatchewan, and Ken Greer with Western Ag Innovations Ltd. have developed an interactive variety selector that is found online.
A unique feature of this site is that the selector will make the calculation only if varieties have been grown in at least 12 trials with head-to-head comparisons. The minimum data requirement improves the level of confidence in the comparisons. The data are also shown along a low- to high-moisture gradient.
A major determinant in successful cereal production in the eastern Prairies is wheat leaf and stem rust. The variety selector differentiates the data based on rust hazard. Data for the high-risk category, for instance, will include only varieties that have resistance.
The selector takes the data from all trials where varieties appeared head-to-head, and calculates an expected grain yield, which is expressed as +/- bushel per acre from the variety you selected in the drop-down menu.
Comparisons are valid with only the variety you selected and not between varieties within the table. If you are interested in different comparisons, select another variety from the drop-down menu.
If you click on the data output for any variety in the table, the variety selector gives you a graph of the regression line and the scatter of the data points.
Data are included from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montana and North Dakota, so the selector is useful for the entire area. Obvious outliers have been removed and data are being refined to improve the value of the variety selector.
Dr. Fowler is also working to improve the user-friendliness of the site. If you have suggestions for improvement, please send them by e-mail to [email protected].
for more information • Visit www.usask.ca/agriculture/plantsci/winter_cereals/select.php.
by Blaine Recksiedler, MSc., PAgProvincial Specialist, Cereal CropsCrops Branch
by Mike Scott, PAgFarm Management AgrologistRegional Services Branch
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s 2010-2011 Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide is in the process of being
updated and will be available for distribution in May.
The publication provides detailed information about owning and operating costs of farm machinery plus guidelines on custom and rental rates.
The calculated custom rates are based on the costs of investment, depreciation, insurance and housing, fuel, oil, repairs and labour. A 15 per cent margin is added to cover risk, management and profit. There are three main factors that affect the calculated custom rates: interest rate; price of fuel; and the cost of the equipment.
Included in the Custom and Rental Rate Guide is a classification of air drills, air seeders and independent opener drills to assist users in selecting the appropriate seeding equipment.
Any farmer who is arranging for custom work should negotiate a rate before any work is started. That way there will be no surprises when the bill is presented. It is wise to have a written contract with the custom operator outlining the arrangement in detail.
The publication uses the cost approach in calculating custom rates. The cost approach may differ from the custom rate normally charged by custom operators for some operations. This information is provided as a guideline and should be interpreted and adjusted for individual situations. In reality, the forces of demand and supply will determine the custom rates charged by custom operators.
Copies of the Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide 2010-2011 can be obtained through your Regional Services Office or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre.
for more information• Call your local
Regional Office or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; or
• Phone Mike Pylypchuk, Provincial Co-ordinator, Farm Business Management Services, Regional Services Branch, (306) 787-5963.
2010-11 Farm MachineryCustom and Rental Rate Guide
SASKATCHEWAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE 3085 Albert Street Regina, Saskatchewan CANADA S4S 0B1
Phone 1-866-457-2377www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca
Printed April 2010 5M ISBN 088656-690-8 0167
AGRICULTUREFARM MANAGEMENT
Bla
ck S
oil Z
one
Ass
umpt
ions
– 2
010
1. S
eed
incl
udin
g cl
eani
ng:
Sprin
g w
heat
1.5
bu.
/ac.
at $
7.81
/bu.
• CPS
whe
at 1
.5 b
u./a
c. a
t $6.
82/b
u.
• Barle
y 1.
65 b
u./a
c. a
t $5.
14/b
u.
• Oat
s 3.
0 bu
./ac.
at $
3.85
/bu.
• Can
ola
5 lb
./ac.
at $
7.25
/lb. t
reat
ed (h
erbi
cide
tole
rant
• cano
la o
r HTC
).Fl
ax 3
5 lb
./ac.
at $
15.9
0/bu
. ($.
28/lb
.)
• Peas
180
lb./a
c. a
t $6.
50/b
u. ($
.11/
lb.)
• Larg
e G
reen
Len
tils
90 lb
./ac.
at $
0.40
/lb.
• Can
ary
seed
35
lb./a
c. a
t $0.
30/lb
.
• Seedpricesareanaverageofcertifiedseedpricesand
• com
mer
cial
see
d pr
ices
sin
ce fa
rmer
s co
mm
only
cle
an
thei
r ow
n gr
ain
for s
eed
(exc
ept f
or c
anol
a).
2. F
ertil
izer
:
Nitr
ogen
bas
ed o
n 46
-0-0
at $
419/
tonn
e ($
.41/
lb.)
Nitr
ogen
on
fallo
w c
rops
30
lb. N
/ac.
• Nitr
ogen
on
stub
ble
crop
s 60
lb. N
/ac.
exc
ept f
or C
anar
y
• whe
re 3
5 lb
./ac.
is re
com
men
ded.
N
itrog
en o
n fa
llow
and
stu
bble
lent
ils a
nd p
eas
6 lb
. N/a
c.
• base
d on
50
lb. o
f 12-
51-0
.
Phos
phor
us b
ased
on
12-5
1-0
at $
469/
tonn
e ($
.32/
lb.)
The
follo
win
g lis
ts th
e re
com
men
ded
rate
s of
see
d
• plac
ed p
hosp
hate
: Cer
eals
30
lb./a
c., C
anol
a 20
lb./a
c.,
Flax
15
lb./a
c., L
entil
s 20
lb./a
c., P
ea 1
5 lb
./ac.
Sou
rce:
Sask
atch
ewan
Min
istry
of A
gric
ultu
re.
Su
lphu
r bas
ed o
n 20
-0-0
-24
at $
347/
tonn
e ($
.30/
lb.)
Sulp
hur o
n ca
nola
at 2
0 lb
. S/a
c. (a
pplic
atio
n co
st is
• incl
uded
with
mac
hine
ry c
osts
).3.
Pes
ticid
es:
H
erbi
cide
s:C
erea
ls: 5
0% o
f acr
es s
pray
ed fo
r wild
oat
s (e
xcep
t oat
s)
• and
100%
of a
cres
for b
road
leaf
wee
ds.
Flax
, len
tils,
pea
s, c
anol
a: 1
00%
of a
cres
trea
ted
for
• gras
sy w
eeds
and
bro
adle
af.
Can
ary
seed
: wild
oat
s 50
% o
f acr
es, 1
00%
of b
road
leaf
• acre
s.D
irect
see
ded
stub
ble:
pre
pla
nt b
urn-
off 1
00%
of a
cres
• (gly
phos
ate)
. Cereals,flax,canaryseed:pre/postharvest25%
ofall
• acre
s w
ith g
lyph
osat
e.
Inse
ctic
ides
and
Oth
ers:
All c
rops
: see
d tre
atm
ent o
r ino
cula
tion
100%
of a
cres
• exce
pt fo
r can
ary
whe
re n
o se
ed tr
eatm
ents
are
use
d.
Can
ary:
inse
ct c
ontro
l 20%
of a
cres
.
• Can
ola:
inse
ct c
ontro
l 25%
of a
cres
/yea
r (25
% o
f $5/
ac.
• appl
icat
ion
cost
incl
uded
in c
usto
m w
ork)
.Sp
ring
whe
at, C
PS w
heat
: mid
ge c
ontro
l 40%
of a
cres
/yea
r
• (40%
of $
5/ac
. app
licat
ion
cost
incl
uded
in c
usto
m w
ork)
.
Lent
ils: i
nocu
latio
n 10
0% o
f acr
es, d
esic
catio
n 75
% o
f
• acre
s, fu
ngic
ide
20%
of a
cres
, ins
ectic
ide
20%
of a
cres
for g
rass
hopp
ers.
Pe
as: i
nocu
latio
n 10
0% o
f acr
es, d
esic
catio
n 10
% o
f
• acre
s, in
sect
icid
e 10
% o
f acr
es fo
r pea
aph
ids.
Tilla
ge fa
llow
: 100
% o
f acr
es s
pray
ed fo
r win
ter a
nnua
ls.
• Che
m fa
llow
: one
app
licat
ion
for w
inte
r ann
uals,
two
• appl
icatio
ns fo
r bro
ad s
pect
rum
, one
app
licat
ion
for b
road
leaf
.
4. F
uel c
osts
are
bas
ed o
n es
timat
ed fu
el c
onsu
mpt
ions
for
the
vario
us fa
rmin
g op
erat
ions
with
die
sel f
uel p
riced
at 7
2
cent
s/lit
re.
5. M
achi
nery
repa
ir ra
tes
are
4% o
f mac
hine
ry in
vest
men
t
peryearforpeas,lentilsandflaxand3%forallothercrops.
6. S
aska
tche
wan
Cro
p In
sura
nce
Cor
pora
tion
(SC
IC)
prem
ium
s ar
e ba
sed
on 7
0% o
f the
risk
are
a(s)
cov
erag
e
plus
20%
.7.
Bui
ldin
g re
pair
rate
s ar
e 5%
of b
uild
ing
inve
stm
ent p
er a
cre.
8. O
pera
ting
inte
rest
is c
alcu
late
d on
all
cash
ope
ratin
g co
sts
at 3
.1%
for 6
mon
ths
on a
ll cr
ops,
18
mon
ths
for f
allo
w.9.
Mac
hine
ry d
epre
ciat
ion
is c
alcu
late
d at
10%
of m
achi
nery
inve
stm
ent p
er y
ear o
n a
stra
ight
-line
bas
is.
10. B
uild
ing
depr
ecia
tion
is b
ased
on
a bu
ildin
g in
vest
men
t
of $
32 p
er c
ultiv
ated
acr
e ca
lcul
ated
at 5
% p
er y
ear o
n a
stra
ight
line
bas
is.
11. A
vera
ge m
achi
nery
inve
stm
ent i
s $2
06 p
er c
ultiv
ated
acre
, $86
per
tilla
ge fa
llow
acr
e an
d $6
5 pe
r che
m fa
llow
acre
. An
addi
tiona
l mac
hine
ry in
vest
men
t of $
45 p
er a
cre
is
assu
med
for l
entil
s an
d pe
as.
12. In
vest
men
t cos
t on
build
ings
and
mac
hine
ry in
vest
men
t is
calc
ulat
ed a
t a ra
te o
f 3.1
% o
n th
e in
vest
men
t per
acr
e.13
. Lan
d in
vest
men
t cos
t of $
21.2
0/ac
. is
calc
ulat
ed a
t 4.5
%
retu
rn o
n in
vest
men
t of $
471
per c
ultiv
ated
acr
e.
14. C
rop
pric
es fo
r 201
0 pr
oduc
tion
are
farm
gat
e pr
ice
estim
ates
for 2
010
crop
pro
duct
ion,
pro
vide
d by
Sask
atch
ewan
Min
istry
of A
gric
ultu
re in
Dec
embe
r 200
9.
15. C
rop
yiel
ds a
re 1
20%
of l
ong
term
ave
rage
s fo
r SC
IC ri
sk
area
s 14
, 17
and
22 s
oil c
lass
G b
ased
on
data
com
pile
d
by S
CIC
. Cro
p yi
elds
for t
he a
vera
ge s
oil c
lass
in th
e ris
k
areahavebeenincreasedby20%
toreflecttheincreased
prod
uctiv
ity fo
r 201
0 ov
er th
e lo
ng te
rm a
vera
ges
and
the
high
er th
an a
vera
ge in
put l
evel
s us
ed in
thes
e bu
dget
s.
16. C
rops
that
app
ear i
n bo
th th
e C
rop
Plan
ning
Gui
des
and
the
Spec
ialty
Cro
ps G
uide
that
sha
re th
e sa
me
soil
zone
and
are
cont
inuo
us c
ropp
ed h
ave
thei
r yie
lds
aver
aged
betw
een
Sask
atch
ewan
Min
istry
of A
gric
ultu
re’s
10
year
aver
ages
and
SC
IC y
ield
s pl
us 2
0%.
17. L
abou
r and
man
agem
ent –
The
se b
udge
ts d
o no
t inc
lude
an e
stim
ate
for o
wne
r/ope
rato
r lab
our a
nd m
anag
emen
t.
This
val
ue v
arie
s gr
eatly
, and
farm
man
ager
s ne
ed to
dete
rmin
e th
eir o
wn
actu
al la
bour
and
man
agem
ent c
ost. AGRICULTURE
C R O P S
CROP PLANNING GUIDE 2010BLACK SOIL ZONE
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
For more information, contact your nearest Regional Office or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre
Toll-Free: 1-866-457-2377
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca
Printed January 20102M ISSN 08840-9447 0210
Kindersley (306) 463-5513
Moose Jaw 1-866-457-2377North Battleford (306) 446-7964
Outlook (306) 867-5575
Prince Albert (306) 953-2363
Swift Current (306) 778-8218
Tisdale (306) 878-8842
Watrous (306) 946-3220
Weyburn (306) 848-2857
Yorkton (306) 786-1531
Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Offices
Please contact your nearest Regional Office Specialist for the latest information on topics including
crops and livestock, nutrient management, and the economic implications of management decisions.
Soil
Zone
s of
Sas
katc
hew
an
MAY 2010 9
liVestocK
10 MAY 2010
Producers encouraged to participate: blue green algae and liVestocK deaths monitoring project
Hands-on pasture assessments are an important part of the Saskatchewan Pasture School.
The seventh annual Saskatchewan Pasture School is scheduled for June 16-17, 2010, in Saskatoon. The school is popular with grazing
managers seeking to gain practical knowledge and to expand their management skills.
The two-day school offers presentations, speakers, hands-on exercises and field tours of both seeded and native pastures. During the tours, participants will learn how to identify plant species and how to assess and rate pasture condition.
Other agenda highlights include sessions about grass growth, grazing management principles, stocking rate calculations, tame pasture rejuvenation, profitability calculators, and business perspectives on grazing. In addition, producers will describe grazing management on their operations.
Attendance is limited to 50 people, so producers are encouraged to register early. The cost of one registration is $183.75, and additional registrations from the same operation are $157.50. Both prices include GST.
Participating organizations include the Agri-Environmental Services Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Saskatchewan Forage Council, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, the Western Beef Development Centre and Saskatchewan Agriculture.
The registration form and full agenda are available on the websites of the Saskatchewan Forage Council and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
for more information• Contact the Saskatchewan Forage Council at (306) 966-2148 or
• Contact Lorne Klein, Regional Forage Specialist, Weyburn at (306) 848-2382 or [email protected].
A project is underway to examine livestock deaths related to blue
green algae (properly referred to as cyanobacteria) in water bodies.
Blue green algae have become a serious problem across Canada. The algae can produce poisons that affect the brains and livers of animals that drink from affected water bodies.
Due to the severity of the issue and lack of information on blue green algae and livestock deaths, the Agri-Environment Services Branch (AESB) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), launched the Livestock Deaths Monitoring Project on blue green algae and related livestock deaths in the prairie provinces.
AAFC is working in cooperation with producers, rural veterinarians, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the Universities of Saskatchewan and Calgary and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
The main objective of this project is to create a database of livestock
deaths resulting from blue green algae poisonings in the prairie provinces. Knowledge gained during the project will be used to determine how livestock production is affected by blue green algae toxins in terms of the extent and frequency of cattle deaths.
This project will also provide an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the formation of toxins and how to identify and mitigate the risks associated with blue green algae.
In order to encourage participation of livestock owners, funding will be provided for post mortem examinations and sample collection to enable diagnosis of potential blue green algae poisonings. The project will cover the costs of the following procedures: gross post mortem examination and sample collection; liver sample analysis; rumen sample analysis and water sample analysis. Travel costs for veterinarians will not be covered.
In the event of livestock deaths possibly linked to blue green algae, producers are asked to immediately contact their local veterinarian; Erin Zoski, AAFC at (306)
780-7248; or Steve Murrell, AAFC at (306) 780-8187.
for more information• Phone Erin Zoski, Water Quality Engineer, Agriculture
Environmental Services Branch, AAFC at (306) 780-7248.
Example of cyanobacteria bloom.
by Erin Zoski, P.Eng., Water Quality EngineerAgri-Environment Services BranchAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada
by Lorne Klein, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, WeyburnRegional Services Branch
pasture school runs june 16 to 17 in sasKatoon
liVestocK
MAY 2010 11
Inter-provincial grazing fee rebate announced
by Greg B. Douglas, DVMChief Veterinary OfficerLivestock Branch
tests help determine cause of abortions in beef cattle
Veterinarians can assist in determining abortion risks in your beef herd.
Saskatchewan ranchers have raised concerns that the fees charged to inspect cattle that leave this province for summer grazing are
unnecessary and burdensome. When the Saskatchewan fee is combined with the inspection fee charged by Alberta Livestock Inspection Services when cattle leave that province, Saskatchewan producers are paying $2.65 per head for livestock inspection.
Beginning in 2010, Saskatchewan ranchers that send cattle out-of-province for summer grazing will be reimbursed the provincial $1.65 per head inspection fee. The inspection is required by law when cattle leave this province. The new policy will provide a refund of the provincial fee when those same cattle return to Saskatchewan at the conclusion of summer grazing.
Saskatchewan is home to some of the best grazing land in this country and some of the most economical grazing rates. In reality, very few Saskatchewan ranchers find a less expensive grazing alternative in Alberta, but for those that do, they will be eligible for a rebate on the Saskatchewan inspection fees when the cattle return.
Application forms will be required to process the refund, and these will be available on the Ministry website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca or through local livestock inspectors.
for more information• Contact Cam Wilk, Provincial Manager, Livestock Inspection
Services at [email protected] or by phone at (306) 787-2195.
by Cam Wilk, PAgProvincial Manager, Livestock Inspection ServicesLivestock Branch
In 2008, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Prairie Diagnostic Services developed plans to investigate fetal losses in
beef cattle. As part of the plan, the Ministry of Agriculture offset producers’ laboratory fees last winter, enabling them to submit aborted fetuses to the Prairie Diagnostic Services laboratory without incurring any costs.
Total submissions included 192 fetuses from 145 different herds throughout the cattle producing areas of Saskatchewan. Eighty per cent of beef producers had at least one previous abortion among their herd prior to contacting their veterinarian.
Heifers and second calf cows accounted for 41 per cent of losses, with 51 per cent from mature animals. A small number came from cows over 10 years. The majority of fetuses were near term, with 71 per cent over eight months of development. Co-existing reproductive problems weren’t common, but retained placentas were reported in 13 per cent of herds, with placenta submitted in only 32 per cent of the cases. The placenta is typically the most important tissue to help achieve a diagnosis.
The cause of abortion could not be determined in 28 per cent of the submissions, even with complete diagnostic testing. In an additional 19 per cent, the calf was stillborn at full-term with no underlying cause of death established. There were 14 cases with developmental anomalies. The most common confirmed infectious cause of abortion was infectious bovine rhinotracheitis in 13 submissions. The remainder of infectious cases were evenly split between fungal and bacterial causes.
Antibody detection tests were done on fetal fluids to investigate whether bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus was detectable in fetuses. Ear samples were also tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BVD virus. Three of these tests were positive for BVD and were associated with growth retardation, osteopetrosis or inflammation in the heart – changes that have been seen in BVD infection of the fetus. There were only 11 tests detecting antibody from 146 samples tested, so there were not indications of BVD exposure in calves without specific lesions.
for more information• Contact the Ministry of Agriculture’s Livestock Branch at
(306) 787-4678.
As baby boomers across Canada begin to look at their retirement calendars, many organizations are determining if they have adequate and appropriate staff who are able to
step in and do the job. The Ministry of Agriculture is tackling this challenge head on. Since 2005, Saskatchewan Agriculture has operated an Intern program as part of the Ministry’s succession management plan and ongoing commitment to youth in agriculture.
The program, housed in Regional Services branch, provides interns an opportunity to work within the Ministry for a two-year term. Intern positions are in a variety of specializations such as crops, forage, livestock and farm business management. The program anticipates upcoming vacancies, then uses the intern positions as training opportunities to strategically fill these vacancies. To date, 12 interns have participated in the program.
Once interns are hired, they are matched with a mentor in their related field. Mentors are chosen for their knowledge and specialization as well as their ability to communicate, teach, coach and train. Interns learn a variety of skills in their related field which helps broaden their knowledge base. Currently the Ministry has two interns working in various roles: Ian Schemenauer, Agrologist Intern, Crops; and Colby Elford, Agrologist Intern, Livestock.
Starting this spring, the Ministry welcomes Colleen Redlick as Agrologist Intern, Crops. She will be located in North Battleford and the Regina region.
Ag Interns: Growing our Future by Lee GirouxDirectorRegional Services Branch
“It is an excellent program in which an intern can learn a lot; an opportunity to get as much out as you are willing to put in. There are almost endless opportunities to write articles that can be published and organize a meeting on any topic of importance to farmers and ranchers.”
Ian Schemenauer,
Agrologist Intern, Crops
Outlook, SK. “The intern position allowed me to work within the reaches of my post secondary education, while still expanding my knowledge and experience in other aspects of agriculture.”
Ag Intern2007-2008
Daphne Cruise,
Regional Crops Specialist,
Moose Jaw, SK.
“The intern position has been perfect for me…this position allows me to take responsibility and build on the experiences and education I already have. This position has provided me with invaluable education and contacts that I will carry forward no matter what career in agriculture I choose.”
Colby Elford,
Agrologist Intern, Livestock
Moose Jaw, SK.
“The value of the intern program in launching my career within Agriculture has been incalculable. The intern program gave me an unique opportunity on a number of different projects, which grew my network exponentially.”
Ag Intern2005-2006
Chantal Jacobs, MSc, PAg
Provincial Specialist,
Organic Crops
Colleen Redlick,
Agrologist Intern, Crops
North Battleford and Regina, SK.
regional serVices
12 MAY 2010
contact a regional office near you
Kindersley (306) 463-5513
Moose Jaw 1-866-457-2377
North Battleford (306) 446-7962
Outlook (306) 867-5575
Prince Albert (306) 953-2363
Swift Current (306) 778-8285
Tisdale (306) 878-8842
Watrous (306) 946-3220
Weyburn (306) 848-2857
Yorkton (306) 786-1531
productionprograms and serVices
MAY 2010 13
AgriStability – Closer than ever to Saskatchewan producersOne of the key reasons why the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
Corporation (SCIC) was chosen to administer the AgriStability program was its strong connection to Saskatchewan producers. The goal is to provide more timely, reliable and direct support and a set of AgriStability Advisors are in place to achieve just that.
Eight Advisors are strategically located throughout the province. Based out of the SCIC Customer Service Offices, they are available to meet and discuss any AgriStability issues or concerns. Backed with strong agriculture and program knowledge, these individuals can consult with participants ensuring effective use of this business risk management program.
SCIC hopes, by providing this closer connection, participants can get their technical issues worked through or questions answered. Feedback can also be given to the advisors about any program concerns.
The AgriStability Advisors will also be a great resource for form preparers, such as accountants, to use. Their technical knowledge and direct connection to the administration will help resolve some issues before forms are officially filed. This will help to cut down on the processing time for AgriStability participants - making the program more effective for everyone.
Producer-focused organizations also now have a way to direct their specific questions and comments about AgriStability. Issues specifically related to a certain commodity group or sector can now be addressed. The hope is the advisors can provide answers and solutions as well as accept feedback and suggestions. This two-way street will ultimately strengthen AgriStability for all of the province’s agriculture sectors.
The AgriStability Advisors are close at hand, providing direct, local expertise.
For more information on your area’s program advisor contact SCIC:
• Toll-free 1-866-270-8450;
• Via e-mail [email protected];
• Online at www.saskcropinsurance.com;
• Visit a local customer service office.
Farm Business Development Initiative
The Farm Business Development Initiative can help your farm. Funding is available for training and professional services that work toward increasing profits for your operation.
Contact your Regional Farm Business Management Specialist
for more information.
LOCATION PHONE NUMBER North Battleford (306) 446-7964 Prince Albert (306) 953-2363 Tisdale (306) 878-8842 Kindersley (306) 463-5513 Outlook (306) 867-5575 Watrous (306) 946-3220 Yorkton (306) 786-1531 Swift Current (306) 778-8218Weyburn (306) 848-2857 Moose Jaw 1-866-457-2377
FBDIadqtrpage.indd 1 2/17/2010 2:26:14 PM
Farm Business Development Initiative
Are you Business SAVI?
The Farm Business Development Initiative can help your farm. Funding is available for training and professional services that work toward increasing profits for your operation.
Contact your Regional Farm Business Management Specialist
for more information.
North Battleford (306) 446-7964 Prince Albert (306) 953-2363 Tisdale (306) 878-8842 Kindersley (306) 463-5513 Outlook (306) 867-5575
Watrous (306) 946-3220 Yorkton (306) 786-1531 Swift Current (306) 778-8218Weyburn (306) 848-2857 Moose Jaw 1-866-457-2377
The Saskatchewan Agri-Value Initiative (SAVI) can provide funding up to $50,000 for business development and business assessment tools.
Growing Forward
productionprograms and serVices
14 MAY 2010
Business Structure
by Shankar Das, MBA, AAgRegional Farm Business Management Specialist, KindersleyRegional Services Branch
China had more than $825 million in Saskatchewan agri-food imports in 2009.
The Farm Business Development Initiative (FBDI), part of the Growing Forward federal/provincial bi-lateral agreement, includes
nine progressive farm business management practices. This article continues a nine part series and focuses on Business Structure.
Why should you be concerned?
The structure of a business is important for many reasons. While taxation is often a prime reason for business owners, it should not be the only reason to consider a particular legal structure. Other important considerations may include succession planning goals.
What is a legal business structure?
The legal structure refers to the legal business entity under which the business operates. The three most common business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation. Joint venture is a less common entity, but is useful in certain circumstances.
The type of structure that a business owner chooses will decide how decisions are made, who will report the income of the business, who will pay the taxes or who is legally responsible for the business. The legal structure also influences the control of the business and the method of transferring the business.
What is meant by ownership structure?
The ownership structure of a farm business refers to how the assets are owned. While ownership may appear to be obvious, it is not always the case in a farm business, especially if a second generation is working in the business. It is not uncommon to encounter farm businesses where some assets are owned by the individual and used by a corporation that operates the business. Understanding the ownership of assets is critical for tax planning, financing, succession planning and exiting or changing the business structure (such as when a business partner wishes to leave the business).
for more information • Contact a Regional Office near you; or
• The Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; or
• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.
Last year was a record year for Saskatchewan agri-food exports to China. Sales totaled $825.1 million, compared to $466 million in
2008, an increase of 77 per cent. Agri-food exports accounted for 73 per cent of the total value of Saskatchewan exports to China in 2009. China is now Saskatchewan’s second largest agri-food export market, following the United States.
China imported at least one million dollars worth of nine different products in 2009, including:
• 1,232,003 tonnes of canola seed worth $553.4 million;
• 331,948 tonnes of peas worth $105.9 million;
• 143,389 tonnes of flax seed worth $69.4 million;
• 214,480 tonnes of barley worth $56.9 million; and
• 46,740 tonnes of non-durum wheat worth $12.9 million.
In 2009, Saskatchewan was China’s largest supplier of canola seed, flaxseed and dry peas. However, competition in the Chinese market is strong. The country imported over $62 billion worth of agri-food products from different countries last year. While Canada’s market share improved from three per cent in 2008 to five per cent in
2009, Canada placed seventh as an over-all supplier of agri-food products to China.
Due to concerns about blackleg certification, 2010 may be a challenging year for Saskatchewan exports of canola seed to China. Saskatchewan Agriculture is working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Market Access Secretariat to press Chinese officials to restore full market access. To date, Chinese officials have indicated that Canadian canola from the 2009 crop could still enter China through
ports located in its non-canola growing regions. The impact of this trade barrier has been immediate as Saskatchewan only exported 91,088 tonnes of canola to China in the first two months of 2010, a drop of over 40 per cent compared to the same period in 2009.
It’s expected demand for Saskatchewan agri-food products will continue to grow in the years ahead, due to China’s huge population of approximately 1.3 billion people and their growing economy. Additionally,
large-scale urbanization is continuing in China, which traditionally produces changes in food consumption patterns. Consequently, we should see an increased demand for more protein and higher-value food products. This will, in turn, create opportunities for Saskatchewan producers and exporters.
for more information • Contact Darryl McCallum, International Business and Investment
Analyst, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture at (306) 787-6154, or e-mail [email protected].
How can you achieve the ideal legal structure for your farm business?
china – a huge marKet for sasKatchewan agri-food exportsby Darryl McCallum, BA AdvancedInternational Business and Investment AnalystPolicy Branch
marKets and trade
research
MAY 2010 15
Can you till a zero-till field?
Occasional tilling can benefit zero-till soil.
Zero and minimum-till farming systems have been widely adopted on the Prairies due to the benefits of reduced soil erosion and
improved soil quality. But, some tillage may be necessary to address some specific production and management issues.
While the cultivator offers a potential solution to some management issues, such as levelling a rough field or controlling problem weeds and diseases, producers and scientists did not know the answer when faced with the question: Will occasional tillage undo all of the benefits of long-term zero- or minimum-till farming?
The answer, according to two University of Saskatchewan researchers, Drs. Mike Grevers and Diane Knight, is essentially “no, but be careful”. Grevers and Knight recently concluded a pair of research projects funded by the Ministry’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). They found that an occasional tillage operation had little long-term effect, either negative or positive, on soil quality and biology, but they still recommended caution when considering tillage.
Treatments with varying degrees of tillage intensity were evaluated on land that had been managed with zero-till for 10 or more years. The tillage was performed prior to the first growing season, and monitored for three successive growing seasons.
Soil biology and soil quality were not affected by tillage in the long-term. Although there were no differences between treatments in the long-term, in the short-term the researchers found that each site in the Brown, Black and Gray soil zones behaved differently.
Carbon sequestration – storing carbon in the soil rather than releasing it into the air where it acts as a greenhouse gas – is another benefit of zero-till farming. Both studies found that tillage generally increased the amount of CO2 emitted from the soil compared to zero-till, but the response was different at each site, both in how tillage intensities affected CO2 emissions and in total emissions over the growing season. However, there were no measurable changes in soil carbon.
Soil nitrogen responded differently between soil zones, which was mainly due to the amount of accumulated crop residues on the surface. In the Brown soil zone, there was a small amount of surface residue, and tillage increased available N in the soil. In the Gray soil zone, there was a considerably greater amount of surface residues. Soil microbes immobilized nitrogen in order to digest these soil-incorporated residues, thereby reducing available N levels.
There was a crop yield response to tillage, but it varied between soil zones. There was no change in yield in the Brown soil zone. Tillage
led to increased yield in the Black soil zone, but decreased yield in the Gray soil zone. The latter decrease may be due to immobilization of soil N, reducing the amount available to the crop. The yield increase occurred only in the first year.
Tillage also raised the springtime soil surface temperature by approximately 1ºC over untilled soil.
Overall, a single cycle of planned tillage does not appear to have any long-term effect on zero-till land. There are some short-term impacts that vary between sites. It is unclear whether these variations are specific to each site or soil zone that they
represent. Whether or not tillage resulted in any long-term decrease in weed or disease incidence was not determined. Although zero-till remains a recommended practice, producers who feel they require a single tillage operation will likely be able to till without losing all benefits of long-term zero-till. But, both researchers highlight trends in the data that indicate caution should be used when considering more frequent tillage. The cost of the tillage operation is a factor that must be considered as well.
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 (20030440 and 20040496) into the search function.
The ADOPT program accelerates the transfer of knowledge to Saskatchewan producers and ranchers. The program, funded
under the Science and Innovation section of the federal-provincial Growing Forward Agreement, provides funding to help producer groups evaluate and demonstrate new agricultural practices and technologies at the local level. The results of successful trials can then be adopted by farming operations in the region.
for more information• Contact your local Regional Office near you; or
• To receive an evaluation application form, e-mail [email protected].
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• Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF.
agricultural demonstration ofpractices and technology program
adf fund improVes agriculture in sasKatchewan
eVents calendar
DATE EVENT LOCATION PHONE INTERNET
May 14, 2010Livestock Marketers of Saskatchewan Semi-Annual Meeting
Regina 306-933-4404 www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Calendar
May 29, 2010 Day of the Honeybee in Saskatchewan www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca
Agriview farm family photo contest starts NOW!Do you have some great photos of your family working
together on your farm that you would like to share with the world?
Agriview is once again calling on all shutterbugs to send in your prized agricultural photos for its Farm Family Photo Contest.
Photos should be current and show your family working together on your farm on your farming operation. We are looking for great looking pictures of your family at work on your farm. This means action shots! Get your whole family involved!
The Farm Family Photo Contest is accepting submissions via e-mail and Canada Post. Entries sent by regular mail must be postmarked on or before May 28, 2010 and all submissions must be in by June 4, 2010.
Contest submission guidelines:
You can send your photos by regular mail as colour or black and white prints (minimum print size 4 x 6, maximum 11 x 14 inches.) You can also email your entries. We cannot accept entries that are printed at home so please take your digital pictures to a photo lab for processing.
If submitting images by e-mail, submit one image per e-mail (if five images are submitted, then five separate e-mails must be sent) to [email protected].
Type “Agriview Farm Family Photo Contest” in the “Subject” line. In the message, clearly indicate your name, address, telephone number, and the title of the image.
Digital files must not exceed 3MB.
If submitting by regular mail, send all entries (accompanied by a self-addressed return envelope with sufficient postage to cover all return fees, if you want your image(s) returned) to:
Agriview Photo Contest
101-3085 Albert Street
Regina, SK, S4S 0B1
Besides being in focus and having the right exposure, a good photo tells a story with emotion, lighting and composition. By following a few simple rules your photo can tell your story. Check out some of the ABCs of photography:
Action: a good photo has people or things involved in some interesting activity.
Background: a good photo avoids having distracting backgrounds, like a telephone pole sticking out behind a person’s head.
Close: a good photo will frame or crop the key action or subject closely.
Prize winners will receive a collection of Saskatchewan-made items valued at $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. All winning entries will be featured in the July/August issue of Agriview, including the first prize photo featured on the cover. Agriview is distributed 10 times a year to approximately 50,000 farm households as well as farm and food organizations across the province.
All entries become the property of Saskatchewan Agriculture.
photo contest
16 MAY 2010