Agriview December 2015

Provincial Pesticide regulations amended | PAGE 5

Beef Industry conference | PAGE 11

Increasing soil phosphorus fertility | PAGE 12

The story of Meakin Ag: Farm Management – Starting from ScratchPAGE 15

DECEMBER 2015 | VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 8

47116 GSK_Agriview_December_2015_a3.indd 1 2015-11-12 9:59 AM

Welcome to the December issue of Agriview.

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. And while 2015 may not have been one for the record books, it was still a good year for our industry and we have much to be proud of.

Despite what can best be described as a difficult growing season, with dry conditions in the spring and rain during harvest, producers once again persevered, harvesting approximately 29 million tonnes. While down from the previous two years, it is still well above the 10-year average. Cattle prices also remain strong and, thankfully most producers were able to secure the necessary feed to get them through the winter.

While years like this one can be challenging, our government’s commitment to agriculture is unwavering; we have delivered seven of the largest agriculture budgets in history and we offer a comprehensive suite of Business Risk Management programs, including eight of the largest Crop Insurance budgets since 2008.

Over this past year, we continued to make strategic investments to help grow our industry through our Growing Forward 2 (GF2) programming, including $9 million towards a new Food Centre in Saskatoon and $22 million for the construction of a new 150,000 square foot facility at Evraz Place in Regina, the International Trade Centre. This multi-use facility will enhance the stature of agricultural events such as Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show. We also committed $10 million through GF2 for a new Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan that will serve as a unique research, teaching and training hub that unites researchers, producers, industry and government.

As we look forward to 2016, we know that it will be a year marked with some change for our industry, including a new federal Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

I want to reassure you that our government remains committed to representing Saskatchewan’s needs at the federal level. We will continue to press for the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership. These trade agreements are important for the growth of our industry and we will work in collaboration with our federal colleagues to ensure they are finalized as quickly as possible.

We will also remain assertive in pushing the United States for a full repeal of COOL for beef and pork. We need to ensure our trade partners follow their commitments and we will continue to push the U.S. to comply with the WTO ruling.

Finally, I want to wish all Saskatchewan producers and everyone involved in the agricultural industry a safe and joyous holiday season.

Merry Christmas to you and your families, and Happy New Year.

Minister’s Message

Lyle Stewart

I want to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.


Provincial Pesticide regulations amended | PAGE 5

Beef Industry conference | PAGE 11

Increasing soil phosphorus fertility | PAGE 12

The story of Meakin Ag: Farm Management – Starting from ScratchPAGE 15

DECEMBER 2015 | VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 8

AGRIVIEW is published by the Communications Branch of Saskatchewan Agriculture for Saskatchewan farmers, ranchers and farm and food organizations. For more information, call 306-787-5160 or email [email protected]. To view this publication online, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/programs-services.

Cover: Creating a successful farm operation from the ground up requires a proper farm management plan. For the story of Meakin Ag and how they built their business, turn to page 15.

Table of Contents

CROPSInternational Year of Pulses is a chance to raise awareness and demand in Canada 4

Midge-tolerant wheat gaining popularity on the Prairies 4

Soil salinity management 5

Provincial pesticide regulations amended 5

Time to evaluate your current crop rotation? 6

Are you ready for Crop Production Week? 6

Corn – another cereal worth considering 7

Pea leaf weevils primarily in southwestern Saskatchewan 7

Certified seed is a good investment 8

LIVESTOCKTake the Saskatchewan 21-Day Calving Challenge – Again! 9

Feeding purchased hay: minimize the potential for bringing weeds onto your property 9

New beef animal welfare requirements take effect January 1, 2016 10

Celebrating Rural Ranching Women 10

Selecting forages for saline areas 11

Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference: Saskatchewan’s premier beef event 11

RESEARCHDoes growing forage legumes in a rotation increase soil phosphorus fertility? 12

PROGRAMS & SERVICESSaskatchewan celebrates its agricultural heritage through the Century Family Farm Awards 13

Western Canada Feedlot Management School 2016, The Keys to Backgrounding Success! 13

New Year’s Eve also the deadline for participating in the 2015 AgriStability Program 14

The story of Meakin Ag: Farm management – starting from scratch 15

EVENTS CALENDARCalendar 16

PROGRAMS & SERVICESResolve to build social licence in 2016 16

106 9

Saskatchewan.ca


International Year of Pulses is a chance to raise awareness and demand in Canada

In recognition of pulses’ contribution to global health and nutrition and their role in improving sustainable farming around the world, the United Nations has declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses (IYP). IYP is a tremendous opportunity to increase pulse consumption and create demand for foods containing pulse ingredients. Many pulse-producing nations

have come together to plan events and activities that will draw attention to pulses in 2016 and beyond.

A Global Pulse BrandThe global pulse industry’s efforts to raise awareness of pulses include the launch of a global pulse brand. Similar to the whole grains and Canadian milk logos seen on food products containing those ingredients, the pulse brand will be seen on products containing pulses. It aims to revitalize and increase global recognition of pulses as healthy, nutritious and sustainable.

A global website for consumers was launched in November to complement the pulse brand. The website Pulses.org will show consumers how to incorporate pulses into their daily diets and promote the positive impact

pulses have on consumer health and the environment. A North American consumer campaign will promote these same messages.

Canada: A Global LeaderAs a global leader in pulse production and exports, the Canadian pulse industry is harnessing this global momentum to increase awareness and demand within Canada. An educational program in Canadian schools, a two-part workshop on pulse ingredient processing and a competition for post-secondary food science and culinary students are just a few of the initiatives being planned in Canada for 2016.

Prepare to LaunchThe United Nations officially launched IYP on November 10, 2015, in Rome. Several industry-led events have already occurred in New York City—including a conference at the New York Academy of Sciences that examined how pulses can improve global health and nutrition. The Canadian pulse industry was heavily involved in the planning of this ground breaking event.

The celebration of IYP will begin with Pulse Feast, an event that will be held in cities around the world on January 6, 2016. Canada’s Pulse Feast will be held in Toronto, and organizers hope to catch the attention of those who will influence increased pulse consumption—media, bloggers and chefs.

CROPS

Dale Risula, PAgProvincial Specialist, Special CropsCrops and Irrigation Branch

Madeleine GoodwinIYP CoordinatorPulse Canada

2016 is the United Nations’ International Year of Pulses. Each issue of Agriview will feature an article on the production, consumption or promotion of pulses.

Visit the International Year of Pulses Canadian website at www.iypcanada.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

Saskatchewan producers have had access to wheat-midge-tolerant wheat varieties since 2010. Offered as varietal blends (VB), midge-tolerant wheat comprised approximately one-third of spring wheat seeded acres across the Prairies in 2014.

Although it is possible for damage to occur to the conventional wheat in the VB under high midge pressure, it is not considered to be economical to apply an insecticide to midge-tolerant wheat.

The resistance in all midge-tolerant wheat varieties is due to the presence of an Sm1 gene originally introduced into wheat by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada plant breeders. This gene prevents larvae from establishing on developing wheat kernels by activating the natural release of certain acids that deter feeding and kill the wheat midge larvae. By the time the wheat has matured, the levels of these acids have returned to normal, so seed quality is not affected.

Insect resistance or tolerance based on a single gene has historically been relatively short-lived due to genetic mutations in the insects. The purpose of the varietal blends is to provide a refuge of conventional wheat in an effort to extend the life and usefulness of the Sm1 gene. Varietal blends are 90 per cent resistant wheat with 10 per cent of a similar registered susceptible wheat cultivar. The two cultivars are mixed to provide a refuge where sufficient numbers of susceptible midge will survive to mate with resistant midge. In addition, the reduction in insecticide use helps maintain populations of a parasitic wasp that preys on the wheat midge.

For 2016, midge-tolerant wheat varieties are available in CWRS, CWES and CPSR classes. Also, at least one CWAD (durum) VB is expected to be widely available with another durum VB under limited release. Producers now have access to some VB options that have tolerance to both wheat midge and fusarium head blight (FHB), including one CPSR variety with midge tolerance and very good resistance to FHB.

Scott Hartley, PAgProvincial Specialist, Insect and Vertebrate PestsCrops and Irrigation Branch

Midge-tolerant wheat gaining popularity on the Prairies

Refer to the 2016 Varieties of Grain Crops or the Saskatchewan Seed Guide by searching Saskatchewan.ca; orVisit the Midge-Tolerant Wheat Stewardship Team website at midgetolerantwheat.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

4 AGRIVIEW | DECEMBER 2015


In some areas of the province, there has been a noticeable increase in soil salinity over the last few years, due in part to high rainfall. This has been further compounded in fields that were not cropped because of the excessive moisture.

Salinity is easily noticed in early spring when conditions are dry. On highly saline sites, there is often a white layer of salt on the soil surface. Severe salinity commonly develops along road allowances and the margins of wetlands and water courses.

Fall is a good time to evaluate the extent and severity of salinity. Salinity tends to be worst in areas dominated by foxtail barley, kochia or bare soil. Continued attempts at annual cropping will have little chance of success and will likely make the situation worse.

When severe salinity occurs along the margins of fields, uncultivated wetlands and water courses, the best option is to seed saline-tolerant perennial forages and swing wide with your annual cropping equipment. These forages act like biological water pumps and help to prevent salinity from spreading further outwards.

When you have smaller saline pockets spread throughout the field, it might not be feasible to seed these areas to a forage. It may be worthwhile to consider precision management options such as decreasing fertilizer rates and increasing seeding rates in these areas.

Be patient after seeding severely affected sites to perennial forage. It may take a decade or more for preferred plant species to establish and dominate. In some cases, beneficial native plant species with extreme saline tolerance will slowly move in and eventually dominate the site.

Saskatchewan Agriculture has recently introduced several amendments to The Pest Control Products regulations in order to reflect current industry practices, enhance the protection of the environment and harmonize Saskatchewan regulations with those of other provinces and the federal government. These changes were made following extensive consultations with stakeholders. The amendments recognize what are, for the most part, already accepted industry practice.

A number of changes were made to the regulations. The amount of insurance that aerial applicators are required to carry has increased to a minimum of $100,000. This change reflects the current industry practice and protects producers by recognizing the increased value of their crops.

Employees who mix and load pesticides for aerial application are now required to be trained and certified. This training and certification can be done in-house by companies offering aerial application of pesticides, if they meet the standards/criteria set by Saskatchewan Agriculture in conjunction with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

For companies offering pesticide application services, GPS records, when GPS is used, along with the other records kept by the applicator must be produced within two weeks of a request by Ministry officials.

Soil salinity management

Provincial pesticide regulations amended

The regulations now require that employees of pesticide application companies who are not licensed applicators must be directly supervised by a licensed applicator “within visual and auditory hailing distance” when applying pesticides.

Five-year or one-year pesticide applicator licence options are now available.

The Ministry now recognizes Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s voluntary training program for producers as consistent with the National Agricultural Standard. This means the training meets the pesticide label requirement for training.

What do these regulatory changes mean to the average farmer or rancher?

The licencing exemption for producers is still included in the regulations. Some pesticide manufacturers have started to specify user training requirements on their product labels. This amendment recognizes the voluntary training and certification program offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic. This ensures producers who have taken this course will have continued access to those crop protection products requiring training and certification.

CROPS

Mowing or cutting the stand each year tends to slow the establishment of the beneficial species.

Some land managers spread manure on saline areas, but saline soils are often already rich in nutrients due to the lack of crop production. Relatively small amounts of manure (one inch thick) applied prior to seeding may help with perennial forage establishment.

Commit to seeding severely saline areas to perennial forage. You will reduce the spread of salinity, and be more profitable by cropping fewer acres.

Contact Richard Wilkins, Provincial Specialist, Pesticide Regulatory, at 306-787-5207 or [email protected]; orVisit the Saskatchewan Polytechnic website at saskpolytech.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

Lorne Klein, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, Weyburn Regional Services Branch

Kelly Farden, MSC, PAgManager, Irrigation Unit, OutlookCrops and Irrigation Branch

“Bathtub” ring salt deposits in Southeastern Saskatchewan.

Contact a Regional Forage Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office.

FOR MORE INFO

Richard Wilkins, BSc, MBAProvincial Specialist, Pesticide RegulatoryCrops and Irrigation Branch

5AGRIVIEW | DECEMBER 2015


Pulses fix nitrogen (N), so pairing pulses with fields lower in N makes sense. Canola and cereal crops have large, deep roots, allowing them greater access to nutrients that may have leached deep into the soil profile. Canola and cereals are high users of water compared to pulse crops and therefore may be more suited to higher moisture fields. Blackleg and sclerotinia are serious canola diseases; however, sclerotinia can also affect crops such as lentils and peas, so it is good practice to avoid growing pulses on canola stubble and vise versa. Flax and lentils are considered uncompetitive crops, so growing them on clean, weed-free fields is best. Rotating cereals with broadleaf crops allows for good control of volunteers and provides the opportunity to rotate herbicide groups.

This being said, there are some tools to help to minimize the risks associated with shortened rotations. Variety choice becomes very important. Choosing varieties with good disease resistance and possibly insect resistance may also be important. Rotating herbicide systems is advisable to ensure control of volunteers and prevention of herbicide resistance in the weed population. Finally, producers may want to plan for a fungicide application.

December is now upon us and that means there is just over a month left until the much-anticipated 2016 Crop Production Week, which runs January 9-16 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan Agriculture’s regional and provincial specialists in crops, farm business management and forage will attend the Western Canadian Crop Production Show and will be available to talk to producers about agronomic issues. There will be a full lineup of publications including the 2016 Guide to Crop Protection, 2016 Saskatchewan Seed Guide, 2016 Crop Planning Guide and newly updated insect and disease maps. Be sure to come by the booth between January 11 and 14 to pick up the latest publications, meet the specialists or just ask a question.

Not only will specialists be available at the booth, but many will be attending the various events during the week. Some of the places you may be able to find Ministry specialists include:

• CropSphere at TCU Place, January 12-13, hosted by SaskPulse, SaskCanola, SaskFlax, SaskOats, SaskWheat and SaskBarley, which will include market outlooks, agronomy and research sessions. Registration can be done online or at the door.

• The Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association’s 28th Annual Conference, Transitioning to Sustainability, on January 11 at Prairieland Park.

• The precision agriculture seminar on January 13 at Prairieland Park. This year’s focus is on data, with presenters including Aaron Ault with the Open Ag Technology Group at Purdue University.

Time to evaluate your current crop rotation?

Are you ready for Crop Production Week?

The desire for short-term economic gain often leads to growing specific crops more frequently than the recommended once in three or four years. While this can be tempting, there are potential long-term consequences and risks associated with doing so. It is well known that short rotations can lead to increased insect and disease pressure, degradation of land and an overall reduction in productivity.

Technology has led to significant changes in agriculture over the last decade. A substantial part of this has been advances in plant breeding and genetics. Breeding programs for crops such as faba bean, soybean, sunflowers and grain corn have resulted in new varieties and expanded cropping opportunities for Saskatchewan producers. All crops should be considered when planning future crop rotations. Crops such as soybeans are being successfully grown in regions for which historically they have not been suited.

When developing a crop rotation, producers should consider everything, including nutrient levels and availability (soil test), disease and insect history, weed issues and control options, herbicide residues, moisture conditions, existing crop residue, plant rooting depths and soil biology.

CROPS

• The Agri-ARM Update on January 14 at Prairieland Park.

• Bayer CropScience Information Theatre, January 11-14 at Prairieland Park, which will be free to anyone attending the Crop Production Show.

In addition, specialists will be at the various commodity association annual general meetings being held at the Saskatoon Inn, TCU Place and Prairieland Park.

Information regarding registrations, times and speakers can be found online.

Lyndon Hicks, PAgRegional Crops Specialist, YorktonRegional Services Branch

Kaeley Kindrachuk, ATRegional Crops Specialist, OutlookRegional Services Branch

Contact a Regional Crop Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office; orCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

FOR MORE INFO

Visit www.cropweek.ca.FOR MORE INFO

Come by our booth and talk with our Regional Services Specialists at Crop Production Show.



Corn also has very few disease issues. Goss’ wilt and smut are the main concerns, and neither has presented much of a problem in Saskatchewan.

Corn can be used very effectively to partially replace hay. One kilogram of corn can displace two kilograms of hay as long as it does not comprise more than one-third of the ration. Corn contains the highest level of starch and energy of any of the cereals and has the lowest percentage of ruminal starch digestion, making it an ideal feed for finishing cattle.

Corn can make economic sense, at least in the southern part of the province. Farmers in the southeast are getting $4 to $4.50 per bushel with yields of 90 to 100 bushels per acre, along with three to four months of stubble grazing.

Anyone interested in learning more about growing corn in Saskatchewan is invited to attend a Corn and Soybean Summit being put on by Saskatchewan Agriculture on December 4 at the Western Star Inn in Estevan. Interested producers can register by calling the Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office in Weyburn at 306-848-2857.

Sherri Roberts, AAgRegional Crops Specialist, WeyburnRegional Services Branch

Corn – another cereal worth considering

CROPS

Corn is a relatively new crop in Saskatchewan and, while it presents some challenges, producers are realizing that it can also provide many benefits.

Corn has the ability to send its roots deep. It can use those nutrients that are outside the root zone of shallow-rooted crops, allowing producers to recover fertilizer dollars that otherwise might be lost. Studies have shown that corn grown following soybean yielded 10 to 15 per cent higher than corn grown following corn, and soybean also yielded 10 to 15 per cent higher when grown following corn rather than following soybean.

Adding corn to the rotation provides an opportunity to rotate herbicide choices as well. Rotating herbicides decreases the chances of having herbicide-resistant weeds develop in those fields.

Corn has very few insect problems, unlike other members of the grass family or canola. The European corn borer has so far been the only issue in Saskatchewan and, unlike American corn producers, Western Canadian corn producers only have to scout for one generation of insects.

Contact a Regional Crops Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office; orCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

FOR MORE INFO

The pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) remains a problem for pea producers in southwestern Saskatchewan, with the highest infestations occurring north of Maple Creek. Saskatchewan Agriculture conducts an annual survey in the spring based on weevil damage to pea leaf tissue. The 2015 map is based on 91 pea sites in southwestern Saskatchewan.

The larvae of the pea leaf weevil live underground and feed on nitrogen-fixing nodules on plant roots. A significant infestation of larvae can cause yield losses; however, research has shown that higher soil nitrogen levels at planting can compensate for larval feeding.

Adult pea leaf weevils feed at night on plant foliage, leaving characteristic notches in the leaves. Finding the adult weevils themselves is quite challenging, so looking for leaf notches in the spring is the best way to scout for pea leaf weevils. Pea plants can outgrow foliar damage by the six-node stage.

If the adult weevil population has reached an economic threshold (30 per cent of the seedlings showing fresh damage to the newest leaf) before the six-node stage, a foliar insecticide can be applied. Foliar insecticides are not always effective because it is difficult to time the application to control the adult weevil before egg laying occurs. If the pea leaf weevils are already established in the area, using a seed treatment with an insecticide can be more effective in managing the pest.

Pea leaf weevils primarily in southwestern Saskatchewan

Contact a Regional Crops Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office; orCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

FOR MORE INFO

Danielle Stephens, PAg, M.Sc.Integrated Pest Management AgrologistCrops and Irrigation Branch

!.!.

!.

!P

!P !.

!P

!P

!P

!P!P

!P

!P

!P

!P

!P

!P

!P

394

588

51

488

17

111

561

486

49

520

555

496

622

433419

45

9 678 5

494

395

2

344

290

44

501

110

261

228

279

1

71

499

347

42

257259

40

73

498

426

464

230

276

438

335 334

456

333

493

226

165168

11

331

409

497

231

166

79

9396 94

171

9597

637677

9899

6678 65

169

6475 68 676974 70

33

18

37 343546 363839

10

92

229

61

154

463

12

461

91

466 459

138 137 127

411

260

435

32

72

183

254

440

472

219

194

126

471

158

211

285

366

336

502

142

308

190

377

271

403

282

224 221

442

487

218

128

309

247

283

255

157

185

345

312

400

315

184

164

222

101

250

215

429

352

430431

314

31

376

248

213

189

273

243244

214

274275

245

277

341

367

167

246

284

437

141

337

109

318320

338

139

351

381

129

319

108 104106107

428

346

123

317

131

105

193

124

436

130

223

125

100

136 133135

316

427

103

253

457458

343

161160

401410

256

159163

287

467

280288 281

368

340 339

398

371 370

468

216

397

310

369

405

491

241

191

382

217

434

251

186

134

399

439

406

155156

404

151

232

286

303 301305307 304

379

349

252

153

372373

187

292

181

152

350

220

380

470469

490

460

102

132

322

402

378

162

342

121122

321313

225

521

Regina

Yorkton

Weyburn

Estevan

TisdaleMelfort

WatrousOutlook

Melville

HumboldtSaskatoon

Moose Jaw

Kindersley

Meadow Lake

Lloydminster

Swift Current

Prince Albert

North Battleford

Geomatic Services, Ministry of Agriculture October 8, 2015

Data Source: Survey data - Agriculture Knowledge Centre and Crops Branch IDW interpolation (power 2.5, fixed radius 300 km)

© 2015 Government of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Pea Leaf Weevil Survey - 2015

Projection: UTM Zone 13 Datum: NAD83 ±0 50 100 150 20025

Kilometers

NOTE: Since techniques used to smooth the transition between zones can affect the values in localized areas,this map should be used for regional analysis only.

Average Notches Per Plant 0 - 1

> 1 - 3

> 3 - 10

>10

Not Surveyed

The red and beige areas on the map indicate areas of higher weevil infestation, but do not directly correspond to an economic threshold.



Certified seed is a good investment

CROPS

Certified seed has limitsAlthough certified seed is free from impurities, small amounts of off-types or foreign species may occur. These amounts are extremely low in certified seed, but not likely to be so low in farm-saved seed, as observed in the Utah drill box survey. Certified seed is not an indication that the seed is weed-free. Seed growers have a certificate of analysis for each seed lot that outlines the species and number of weed seeds present. Tolerance levels for weed seeds vary by crop type. Large-seeded crops generally have lower tolerances than small-seeded crops. Weeds listed as “prohibited noxious” under the Canadian Food Inspections Agency’s Weed Seeds Order are not tolerated. This is a national listing of noxious weeds, so some species of importance provincially or regionally may not be on the list.

There are many potential seed-borne diseases that are not regulated by the Seeds Act. Certified seed is not required to be tested for the presence of seed-borne diseases, although barley must be free of true loose smut and all crops must be free of ergot or sclerotial bodies. Producers should ask for a copy of a seed disease analysis that was conducted by a qualified commercial seed testing laboratory. The seed retailer can provide a copy of that report.

A certified seed buyer can have specific expectations of the seed being purchased. The buyer can request a seed analysis or indicate that the seed must be free of a certain weed species or disease.

In summary, when purchasing certified seed, the buyer is getting:

• New genetics that may provide a yield advantage or enhanced yield preservation through increased resistance or other agronomic traits;

• Varietal purity that is true to type;

• Pedigreed documentation;

• Seed that is relatively free from impurities;

• Germination analysis; and

• The blue tag.

A buyer of certified seed should ask for:

• A certificate of analysis to review weed seeds that may not be present on the buyer’s farm (mechanical purity); and

• A seed disease analysis.

Winter is a great time to start sourcing seed for the upcoming growing season in any year, and, especially this year, in light of changes to wheat classes. The selection of varieties is best early on, and there is more time to find seed that meets specific needs. Variety information is available annually in The Varieties of Grain Crops in The SaskSeed Guide has contact information for seed growers, as well as a list that indicates which seed growers sell each variety.

A recent survey found that the varietal purity of farm-saved seed compared to certified seed was very good, but the survey also found that germination was lower and the amount of weed seeds was considerably higher in farm-saved seed.

This survey was conducted in Utah, so the results cannot be directly applied to Saskatchewan. They do, however, encourage taking a closer look at the seed going in the ground, and give producers an idea of what they should expect from their seed.

Deciding whether to seed bin-run, farm-saved seed or to plant certified seed is challenging. Any comparison of certified and farm-saved seed should include a cost analysis. Farm-saved seed has value as commercial grain, and it also has direct and indirect costs, such as storage, trucking (to and from a seed cleaner) and labour, cleaning, shrinkage and seed-testing to determine germination, thousand kernel weight and the level of disease infection.

With the exception of canola, the use of certified seed in Western Canada tends to be low—around 20 per cent for most other major crops. This could be interpreted as indicating that producers, on average, renew their seed every five years. Whether purchasing certified seed every year or every fifth year, it is important to know what certified seed is and what it is not.

Certified seed is qualityCertified seed is a level of pedigreed seed, which is regulated by the Canadian Seed Growers Association under authority derived from the Seeds Act.

Pedigreed seed production is about varietal purity, germination and freedom from impurities. Varietal purity means that the seed is not contaminated with other varieties or types of the same species. Other impurities are other crop kinds or weed seeds. Seed purity means it is not contaminated with other crop or weed seeds. Seed purity is maintained throughout the pedigreed seed production cycle to meet standards.

In order for a seed lot to be sold as pedigreed, the seed grower must successfully maintain purity during crop production, crop inspection, seed storage, conditioning, grading and inspection. Once all of these steps have been passed, the seed grower is then issued a crop certificate and the seed is labeled with a blue tag. The blue tag is the official assurance the seed is certified. A varietal purity of 99 per cent must be maintained to be classified as pedigreed seed. While certified seed must meet minimum standards, many pedigreed seed growers aim to exceed those standards.

Because the varietal purity is high, pedigreed seed will perform true to type. Yield, resistance to disease or insects and other agronomic traits will all be as expected.

Canada has one of the world’s most rigorous seed crop inspection regimes and plays a role in the quality assurance for Canadian grain. Certified seed inspection includes a field visit prior to harvest by a licensed third-party inspector who inspects for minimum isolation distance (to prevent outcrossing or direct contamination) and cropping history, as well as ensuring that the crop was grown from higher generation seed. The inspector must count 60,000 plants to ensure the seed meets purity standards.

Certified seed delivers new toolsPedigreed seed delivers the latest in plant breeding advancements to producers. These new genetics contribute noticeably to yield increases, directly and indirectly through resistance to insects or disease. A recent study of wheat in Western Canada indicated that yields are, on average, increasing 0.67 per cent per year due to improvements in genetics.

Mitchell Japp, MSc, PAgProvincial Specialist, Cereal CropsCrops and Irrigation Branch

Visit the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association website at www.saskseed.ca;Visit the Canadian Seed Growers Association website at www.seedgrowers.ca; On wheat class changes, visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/cpn1508-CWRS-CPSR-wheat-classes; orContact Mitchell Japp, Provincial Specialist, Cereal Crops, at 306-787-4664 or [email protected].

FOR MORE INFO



Take the Saskatchewan 21-Day Calving Challenge – Again!

Calving books are a simple record-keeping system that show more than just which calf belongs to which cow. The Saskatchewan 21-Day Calving Challenge invites producers to record, measure and evaluate their calving season to see how their herds stack up on reproduction and profitability. In signing up for the 21-Day Calving Challenge, producers will get an official calving book to record the upcoming calving season and guide them in calculating their calving distribution percentages. In addition to providing a place for record-keeping, the calving book is full of great production, nutrition and reproduction information.

Producers taking the 21-Day Calving Challenge are eligible to enter a draw for one of four $1,000 vouchers for beef mineral supplement provided by New Life Mills, Saltec-Ceres Industries, Cargill and Co-op Feeds. To participate in the contest, producers need to fill out the tear-away entry form at the back of the official calving book and mail it to:

Agriculture Knowledge Centre 45 Thatcher Drive East

Moose Jaw, SK, Canada S6J 1L8.

Producers can also go online to enter the contest at Saskatchewan.ca. Entries must be received by June 1, 2016. Contest rules can be found in the calving book and online.

Calving books can be obtained from any Regional Livestock Specialist or by calling the Agriculture Knowledge Centre.

After the resounding success of the 21-Day Calving Challenge in 2015, Saskatchewan Agriculture, New Life Mills, Saltec-Ceres Industries, Cargill and Co-op Feeds are once again hosting the contest—to raise awareness surrounding cow herd reproduction and tracking reproductive success.

Cow herd reproduction is the most important factor affecting the profitability of Saskatchewan beef producers. It is five times more important than growth rate and 10 times more important than carcass quality when it comes to contributing income to the ranch. One of the simplest ways to track the reproductive success of a cow-calf herd is to plot on a graph how many calves are born in each 21-day period of the calving season. The goal is to have at least 60 per cent of the herd calving in the first 21 days of the calving season.

LIVESTOCK

Contact a Regional Livestock Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office; orCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

FOR MORE INFO

Feeding purchased hay: minimize the potential for bringing weeds onto your property

When feeding purchased hay, it is important to choose a site that will be easy to monitor for any new weeds that might have come in the feed. This might mean feeding on some annual cropland stubble where weed sprays can effectively eliminate any problem weeds in succeeding years, or it might mean feeding on tame pasture that is close to the yard so any weed problems can be monitored over the next few years.

It is also important to remember that, once a weed seed is ingested by an animal, the weed can still potentially be spread in its manure. In some situations, it might even be best to feed weedy hay in a pen, and then rely on composting to get rid of any nasty weed seeds in the manure. Feeding on native rangeland, or in other remote areas, is not recommended because it is harder to monitor and control any new weed problems that might develop. If a new weed problem develops, it is important to mark the exact locations either with a GPS or some other marking tool so that follow-up can occur at that location. The sooner a new weed patch can be dealt with, the better the chance of successfully eradicating if from your property.

The dry spring in Saskatchewan has resulted in some producers needing to purchase additional winter feed. With the movement of hay comes the potential for the movement of weed seeds.

Feed is often purchased without any thought being given to what weeds might be hidden within the bales. Some weeds, such as foxtail barley, can cause problems when eaten by an animal. A much bigger problem occurs when the new weeds actually establish themselves on the property and then the landowner has to spend many years trying to get rid of them. Weeds that pose a particularly noxious long-term problem once established on property are: downy brome, Japanese brome, common burdock, absinth, Canada thistle, knapweed, field bindweed, common tansy, yellow toadflax, scentless chamomile and leafy spurge.

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds very true in preventing invasive weeds from taking hold on pasture and hay land.

Trevor Lennox, MAg, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, Swift CurrentRegional Services Branch

Alicia Sopatyk, BSA, AAgRegional Livestock Specialist, TisdaleRegional Services Branch

Contact a Regional Forage Agrologist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office.

FOR MORE INFO



Dwayne Summach, MSc, PAgRegional Livestock Specialist, KindersleyRegional Services Branch

New beef animal welfare requirements take effect January 1, 2016

Celebrating Rural Ranching Women

LIVESTOCK

consultation with a veterinarian, when castrating bulls older than nine months. The age threshold for pain control will be further reduced to six months effective January 1, 2018. Producers should consult with their veterinarians about pain mitigation strategies for castration.

Making sure that painful procedures are conducted appropriately is part of a producer’s responsibility to maintain the social licence to continue to operate. Being prepared to answer questions regarding why these painful procedures are necessary also helps maintain social licence.

Reasons for dehorning and castration include:

• Producing meat with a quality acceptable to consumers (i.e. higher grade, better marbling);

• Preventing mating of genetically inferior livestock; and

• Improving safety for both handlers and animals

A copy of The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle can be obtained at www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/beef-cattle or by contacting a Regional Livestock Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office.

Network. Because it is winter time, the golden nutrition rules to ensure successful livestock re-breeding will be on the agenda. There will also be a weed ID blitz to keep participants’ plant identification skills sharp until spring time.

Cost to attend this event is $40 and includes a hot lunch. Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre to register.

Effective January 1, 2016, cattle producers will be required by the Beef Cattle Code of Practice to take steps to control the pain associated with dehorning and castrating calves.

When dehorning cattle, producers will be required to use pain control any time after horn bud attachment has occurred, typically around two months of age. The method of pain control should be determined in consultation with a veterinarian.

The best way of disbudding or dehorning cattle is to make sure calves are born without horns by using homozygous polled bulls. In the event that horn buds are present on calves, they should be removed as soon as clinically possible. Disbudding is accomplished with a caustic paste or a hot iron that cauterizes the horn-producing cells in young animals. Once the bud is attached, however, horn removal becomes a more invasive and painful process, requiring a longer recovery and increasing the potential for complications.

Calves should be castrated as young as practically possible. Effective January 1, 2016, producers will be required to use pain control, in

In their many and varied roles, women continue to make significant contributions to the prosperity of rural and agricultural communities. Nearly one-quarter of Saskatchewan farm operators are women, and this number will grow as more and more women become entrepreneurs and business owners. Each year, women’s groups from across the province take time to highlight and celebrate the contributions rural women make to the economic development of Saskatchewan.

Rural Women’s Month is celebrated each March in Saskatchewan, and this year the celebrations will kick off with “Celebrating Rural Ranching Women” on February 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cobble Creek Lodge in Maple Creek. The event will give rural women an opportunity to discuss entrepreneurship, management and marketing choices associated with farming and ranching. Three women producers will share their farming successes and challenges on the Our Farm; Our Experience producer panel.

Kathy Larson, beef economist with the Western Beef Development Centre, will interpret results from the Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey and discuss the importance of knowing an operation’s cost of production. Marketing analyst Anne Wasko with Gateway Livestock will share her tips and strategies on livestock marketing, while a Saskatchewan Agriculture farm business management specialist will be available to answer questions on cash-flow management.

Health and wellness also form part of a well-rounded business plan. Ensuring the safety of all family members and employees of the farming operation will be addressed by the Agricultural Health and Safety

Nadia Mori, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, WatrousRegional Services Branch

Visit the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website at www.beefresearch.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.FOR MORE INFO

Leanne Thompson, one of the finalists for the 2014 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmer award, will be on the Our Farm; Our Experience producer panel.



Selecting forages for saline areas

variability of these soils. Unfortunately, there is no single “magic” saline forage seed mixture. Choosing what to seed depends mainly on:

1. the degree of salinity (gauged by the occurrence of visible surface salts on a scale of almost always, frequently, infrequently or rarely);

2. the degree of flooding (up to two weeks, or two to five weeks); and

3. how the forage will be used (pasture or hay).

Commercially available saline mixtures contain anywhere from four to seven species. All of the commercial mixtures include alfalfa (in some cases both a creeping-rooted and a tap-rooted variety), tall wheat grass and tall fescue. Additional species may include sweet clover, smooth bromegrass, green wheatgrass, slender wheat grass, pubescent wheatgrass, Russian wild ryegrass and dahurian wild ryegrass. Although crested wheatgrass is not included in any of the commercial mixtures, it may be a useful addition to saline mixtures in drier areas of the province.

Converting saline areas to forage can be one of the most challenging agronomic tasks on the farm. In many cases, seeding salt-tolerant perennial forage species may be the only effective way to deal with excess moisture and weed infestations in saline areas.

Saline sites typically have high water tables, making them difficult to seed in spring. Salinity levels can vary greatly within a small area and the land is often infested with salt-tolerant weeds like foxtail barley and kochia. Because the areas are generally in low-lying parts of a field, they are also prone to periodic flooding. Establishing forage in these spots can be particularly challenging when salinity levels have increased to the point where even salt-tolerant annuals like barley will no longer grow.

In all cases, mixtures of several salt-tolerant species are recommended for these areas. Having multiple species with varying tolerances and growth characteristics increases the chances of adaptation to the extreme

LIVESTOCK

Terry Kowalchuk, MSc, PAgProvincial Specialist, Forage CropsCrops and Irrigation Branch

Shannon McArtonMcArton & Associates ConsultingSaskatchewan Beef Industry Conference organizer

Visit www.Saskatchewan.ca and search for the online Saskatchewan Forage Crop Production Guide; orContact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

FOR MORE INFO

Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference: Saskatchewan’s premier beef event

Mr. Arnot will explore issues of sustainability and social licence in a fresh and innovative way.

The conference features an extensive industry trade show and, as well, a number of key association and industry meetings will be held in conjunction with the conference, including the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association annual general meeting on Thursday afternoon. Thursday evening’s popular awards banquet will honour excellence in the industry with presentations to a number of deserving recipients.

Plan to attend Saskatchewan’s premier beef event, the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference (SBIC). This year’s conference will take place from January 20 to 22 at the Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre. This annual event, which also features an extensive industry trade show, combines education and information-sharing, product promotion and valuable business connections in a one-stop venue for producers, decision-makers and stakeholders from all aspects of the beef business.

A key component of the SBIC is the Saskatchewan Beef and Forage Symposium. Supported by Saskatchewan Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Saskatchewan, the Western Beef Development Centre and the Saskatchewan Forage Council, the symposium provides the latest in research and technology, rounded out with other timely topics. This is technology transfer at its best: recommendations by leading experts, supported by the stories of the farmers and ranchers who are successfully implementing those innovations in their own businesses.

In addition to research and technology, the conference will offer presentations on marketing, industry advocacy, consumer trends and industry partnerships. The Beef Pit session will feature a panel of representatives from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canada Beef, the Beef Cattle Research Council, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the National Cattle Feeders Association discussing and answering questions on the national beef strategy. The strategy was developed by the industry as a way to make Canadian beef the most trusted, most competitive, most sustainable and highest quality beef in the world.

The keynote speaker, Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Centre for Food Integrity, will close the speaker program on Thursday morning. The Centre for Food Integrity is dedicated to building consumer trust in today’s food system.

Visit www.saskbeefconference.com.FOR MORE INFO



Saskatchewan producers frequently grow forages such as alfalfa and red clover in rotation with annual crops. Forage legumes in short-term rotation with annual crops may provide benefits for soil health and fertility. The effect of this on phosphorus (P) fertility has yet to be studied, however. To fill this gap, the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) financed a four-year field experiment in Saskatchewan’s four soil zones to collect data on this question.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of including a two-year period of forage legumes—alfalfa and red clover—followed by wheat and canola, in comparison to annual crops barley-pea and barley-flax followed by wheat and canola. The study examined soil phosphorus forms and amounts as affected by the rotation, as well as the uptake of phosphorus by the crops. In particular, the researchers wanted to determine the fertilizer phosphorus value when a forage legume is in rotation.

Four sites were selected that were representative of the soil zones in Saskatchewan: the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Farm in Saskatoon, the Western Beef Development Centre’s Termuende Research Ranch in Lanigan, the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre in Swift Current and the Melfort Research Farm.

The plots varied in size from site to site, ranging from 36 m2 in Lanigan to 51 m2 in Melfort. The seeding rate for the alfalfa and red clover was 9 kg per ha.

When the experiment began in 2010 (year one), alfalfa, red clover and barley were seeded in the first week of June with a Fabro plot drill. This took place at every site except Lanigan. In Lanigan, crops were seeded with the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) plot drill.

Alfalfa, red clover and two separate plots of barley were included in the crop rotation in 2010. In the second year, 2011, the rotation included the pre-established alfalfa and red clover. Peas and oilseed flax were added in the rotation on the barley stubble in 2011.

During the first two years of the crop rotation period, alfalfa and red clover developed and removed greater amounts of soil phosphorus relative to barley-pea and barley-flax. However, after the two years, similar concentrations of available phosphorus and phosphorus supply rates in the soil were measured in all four rotations, indicating that in the short-term, the forage legumes appeared to be mobilizing some additional available phosphorus in the soil.

Does growing forage legumes in a rotation increase soil phosphorus fertility?

RESEARCH

Yields increased for wheat and canola crops grown following the two-year alfalfa and red clover rotations at three of the four sites. At the Swift Current site, wheat yield decreased due to the depletion of soil moisture caused by two years of alfalfa rotations. Phosphorus uptake by wheat was significantly improved after two years of red clover. Despite greater crop P uptake and removal from soil in the rotations containing the forage legume over the four years, soil available P was not significantly different among treatments at the end of the study.

In conclusion, these results suggest that forage legumes are able to maintain soil phosphorus fertility in the face of increased phosphorus removal by the crops in rotation, at least in the short term. However, four years of continuous cropping with minimal addition of phosphorus fertilizer did significantly reduce the phosphorus fertility in soil over time as revealed in the calculated soil phosphorus balance. As such, it may be anticipated that several cycles of rotations with forage legumes and without added phosphorus fertilizer would more rapidly deplete soil phosphorus reserves due to greater crop removal of P.

With that said, producers looking to implement the methods from this experiment must be aware that cropping with a very low addition of phosphorus fertilizer depleted the phosphorus in the top soil in all rotations. This shows the importance of adding fertilizer phosphorus or manure to sustain the phosphorus soil fertility to ensure high crop yields are maintained over time.

The Agriculture Development Fund provides funding to institutions, companies and industry organizations to help them 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 2015, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada committed $10.7 million in new funding for 72 ADF research projects through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Visit www.Saskatchewan.ca and search for ADF. Then enter the report number 20110032 into the ADF search function.

FOR MORE INFO



PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Board. The date of homestead entry and date land was officially granted to family ancestors is determined during this process at no charge to applicants. The earliest date will determine when the family is eligible. ISC contacts applicants to let them know when they qualify for the award.

A celebratory luncheon is hosted by ISC where awardees and their families receive their family farm awards and to recognize the

contributions of other farm families in the region. Recipients of the award receive a replica of the original land grant associated with their family’s property, ISC Century Family Farm Award Certificates and either an indoor wall plaque or a cedar gate sign.

ISC is proud to help recognize the legacy of Saskatchewan and its residents by identifying the long-standing contributions of farm families. As the exclusive provider of the land titles, surveys, personal property and corporate registries for Saskatchewan, ISC is proud to award producers for their achievements and contributions to the rich history and development of our province.

Specialists will be on site to help answer or direct questions to presenters in Saskatoon. Anyone interested in attending the school in person, online or via a satellite school is asked to register in advance.

This is a must-attend event for anyone new to the cattle-feeding sector or for producers looking to sharpen their cattle-feeding skills. Don’t pass up this exceptional opportunity to interact with industry representatives and learn from successful producers.

WCFMS is presented by the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association, the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Animal and Poultry Science and Saskatchewan Agriculture.

Saskatchewan celebrates its agricultural heritage through the Century Family Farm Awards

Western Canada Feedlot Management School 2016, The Keys to Backgrounding Success!

To preserve and promote Saskatchewan’s rich history, Information Services Corporation (ISC) is proud to offer the annual Century Family Farm Awards. The awards celebrate the contribution and heritage of Saskatchewan families who have helped shape the province by farming or ranching the same land for 100 years or more. Since 2007, the ISC Century Family Farm Awards have honoured more than 3,800 Saskatchewan farm families.

As this year comes to a close, ISC looks forward to the next season of awards. Members of a family who have farmed or ranched the same land for the last 100 years or more are encouraged to apply for the 2016 award year by March 15, 2016. The applicant must live in Saskatchewan and own the farm or ranch, and the applicant and/or quarter section must not have been previously recognized with a Century Family Farm Award.

ISC conducts research and provides historical documentation on each applicant’s behalf through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Archives

Get ready for the 18th Western Canada Feedlot Management School (WCFMS), The Keys to Backgrounding Success!, which will be held in Saskatoon at the Travelodge Hotel from February 2 to 4. Attendees will be provided with valuable information on nutrition, animal health, economics, labour issues and risk management. This year, a new section on social licence will highlight the importance of understanding public perception of the livestock industry and will provide insight on how to share a positive message.

In addition to the classroom presentations, there will be a tour and hands-on demonstrations so that attendees can see the topics they discussed put into practice. Be sure to register early and take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and experienced producers.

There will also be an interactive webcast option, allowing producers to watch the school remotely via the Internet either at home or at one of the Saskatchewan Agriculture satellite schools located in Tisdale, Meadow Lake, Weyburn and Swift Current. In these locations, Regional Livestock

Visit www.isc.ca/About/CenturyFamilyFarmAwards/; orEmail [email protected].

FOR MORE INFO

Contact the Western Canada Feedlot Management School organizers at 306-969-2666 or [email protected]; orVisit www.saskcattle.com.

FOR MORE INFO

Paula KohlManager, Corporate CommunicationsInformation Services Corporation

Kim McLean, PhD, PAgProvincial Cattle SpecialistLivestock Branch

Leanne ThompsonGeneral ManagerSaskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association



December 31 marks an important date for many reasons. Yes, it is New Year’s Eve, but for farmers and ranchers enrolled in the AgriStability Program, it is also the deadline to file program forms and pay fees that will secure participation.

Producers are required to pay their program fees by December 31, 2015, in order to be eligible for benefits for the 2015 AgriStability program year. Enrolment/Fee Notices with details about the fee and deadline for payment were issued earlier this year. April 30, 2015, (or 30 days from the date on the enrolment notice, whichever is later) was the initial deadline for paying program fees. A 20-per-cent penalty will be applied to the fee if producers missed the initial deadline.

All forms for the 2014 program year also need to be submitted by December 31, 2015. September 30, 2015, was the initial deadline for submitting program information. Forms received after September 30 and before December 31 will have a $500-per-month penalty applied; however, if no benefit is generated, there will be no penalty.

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) accepts all program forms from individuals (sole proprietors), corporations, co-operatives and other entities. As part of the application, the supplemental information form (inventories, payables, receivables, deferrals and purchased inputs) is very important and producers are reminded to submit this information. Individuals are reminded the T1163 form, which details their income and expense information, must also be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency.

SCIC provides producers with a number of options for submitting program forms. They can be sent to SCIC through the mail, by fax or by dropping them off at any of the 21 Crop Insurance offices across the province.

AgConnect, SCIC’s secure online tool, is a fast and reliable way to meet the December 31 deadline. In order to begin using AgConnect, producers must have their accounts activated. If that has not been done, contact the AgriStability Call Centre and a representative will be able help with account activation.

SCIC offers several options to help producers get their forms completed and submitted by the deadline.

• Call the AgriStability call centre at 1-866-270-8450 and speak with a knowledgeable customer service representative;

New Year’s Eve also the deadline for participating in the 2015 AgriStability Program


• Program advisors are available to help. Producers can be put in touch with an advisor by calling their local customer service office;

• For help with completing the form, a guide can be found at www.saskcropinsurance.com.

2015 Supplemental informationAs the year winds down, it is a good time to get caught up on gathering the information that will be needed for the 2015 AgriStability Program. For example, livestock numbers, bales on hand and grain inventory can be recorded at this time. Gathering all of the information needed to complete the supplemental information requirements for the AgriStability Program at the end of the year makes it much easier when it comes time to completing the program forms.

Once supplemental information is entered in AgConnect, it is saved and can be used when completing 2015 program information. Producers also have the opportunity to check, review and update their information through AgConnect so long as the 2015 program forms have not been submitted to SCIC.

Review your Calculation Of BenefitsSCIC issues all participants a Calculation of Benefits (COB) statement once all information is gathered and processed. This COB is one to two pages long and summarizes the calculation of a producer’s AgriStability benefits for the program year. AgConnect will display the entire COB (10 to 12 pages) and the figures used to determine benefits. On AgConnect, producers can:

• Ensure the information used in the calculation of their benefit is what they expected it to be. If some of the data used in the calculations are not what they think it should be, an amendment can be made. Participants have 18 months from the date of their original COB to provide adjustments to the information used in the calculation of their program benefits. Program advisors are available to help review the COB and how the calculations were completed. To access an advisor, contact a local Crop Insurance office.

The entire COB can also be provided to producers. Producers who would like a paper copy of the entire COB can contact their local Crop Insurance office or call the AgriStability call centre at 1-866-270-8450.

VARIETIES OF GRAIN CROPS, 2016

The varieties of each crop are compared to a standard check variety so fair comparisons can be made. Check varieties are generally a commonly grown variety with cross-regional adaptation.

The Varieties of Grain Crops, 2016 will be available in January on Saskatchewan.ca and as an insert to the SaskSeed Guide. Hard copies can be picked up at any Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office.

The Varieties of Grain Crops, 2016 provides producers with independent, comparative information on varieties grown under different agro-climatic conditions. It includes information on yield and agronomics, as well as market-related traits valuable to producers.

Regional variety trials are conducted annually in Saskatchewan under consistent management practices. Regional testing is done at both public and private research institutions around Saskatchewan. All of the data are reviewed by a panel of experts.

Contact Mitchell Japp, Provincial Specialist, Cereal Crops, at 306-787-4664 or [email protected]; or Visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Varieties_Grain_Crops.

FOR MORE INFO




dedicated, ‘get-it-done’ attitude when others need your help.” Diversification can help build a modern family farm by creating a well-rounded risk-management plan.

So how do you go from zero to 3,000 acres and stay in the game managing multiple businesses?

Daved says, “One of the most valuable experiences I ever had was to sit down with other young farmers and compare strategies and numbers. As a farmer, getting better numbers than last year is a competition with yourself, or within your own business, but if you don’t take the time to compare yourself with your peers, you really don’t understand if you are performing above or below average.”

Daved and Nicole embrace a life-long learning philosophy. Continuous learning is essential to success, especially in a business as complex as farming. Daved became a Canadian Total Excellence in Agricultural Management (CTEAM) graduate in 2013 with help from Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Farm Business Development Initiative (FBDI). CTEAM is an extensive two-year farm management course offered in four one-week sessions. Daved has also taken additional training in marketing and financial management to help him better manage a growing, diversified farm business.

The Meakins attend as many meetings and conferences as time allows because agriculture is always changing and they need to understand what is working well in the business and what might need improvement. Nicole’s accounting expertise, business knowledge and attention to detail add an essential external perspective to the decision-making process that helps guide their business direction.

Proper planning, preparation and diversification to manage risk keep the farm business viable, profitable and sustainable. Successful farm families put in the effort required to learn the critical skills necessary to manage their complex farm businesses.

Continuous change is a common feature in successful farm businesses today. The Meakins are continuing to use Saskatchewan Agriculture’s FBDI and Environmental Farm Planning programs to help them with their training and development needs. A review of business structures and succession planning, in addition to specific land use issues—tile drainage, improved water quality and more efficient use of their water resources—are all under consideration.

Management plan details for the farm are evaluated every year. The Meakins recognize the complexities and risks involved in farming today. They know they don’t know everything about farming and understand the value of engaging outside expertise. This will help them greatly as they turn their farm business dreams into reality.

The story of Meakin Ag: Farm management – starting from scratch

For Daved and Nicole Meakin, an average day at the office starts with a favourite cup of coffee, the latest news and weather, a quick glance at the markets and then a review of the “to-do” list. They manage a 3,000-acre grain farm near Langham. That would be enough in itself, but, like many other young farm families, they are ambitious. Daved, a professional engineer, also operates Meakin Industrial Ag Corp, a company providing agricultural contract services to both farm and commercial clients. Nicole, a chartered accountant, works full-time in Saskatoon. Together, they are figuring out how to build a modern farm from scratch.

Daved’s family has farmed for four generations in this area. He was born with a passion for farming and agriculture. He says, “When I was born, daycare meant you spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa. My grandparents were ambitious farmers too, and I spent a lot of my early childhood learning to work and help out. Inevitably, it was this influence that sparked my interest in farming and ultimately led to a lifelong passion for agriculture.”

Daved’s grandfather encouraged him not to farm, insisting there were easier ways to make a living. He would not allow Daved any operational involvement or ownership until Daved first went to university and worked away from the farm. He could then decide if he really wanted to try farming on his own. “My great-grandparents farmed, my grandparents farmed, my uncles farmed, my father farmed and they had seen how tough and cruel the business of farming can be. Why wish that on the next generation? Well, I guess I can be stubborn too, and I realized I was personally committed to keeping the farm alive.”

Daved followed his grandfather’s wishes and earned a degree in engineering in 1998. He moved to Regina to work for a farm implement manufacturer, where he learned about product support, sales and customer service.

But farming has a way of drawing people in and, in 2004, Daved returned to Langham and the farm.

Farming from scratch means you buy everything. You pay for every acre, every piece of machinery and you borrow money for every input cost along the way. Leverage is high and the risk is higher. Daved’s original strategy was to keep expanding and generating as much revenue as possible to allow for more expansion. He started to use his engineering skills and the equipment he owned to provide services to other farmers. He went off-farm, carved his own niche and offset the farm’s risk and seasonal cash flow issues with a separate company providing custom services.

Over the past 10 years, Meakin Ag trucks have been delivering goods and services to farms and companies across Saskatchewan. “It’s really not anything high-tech or ground breaking,” he says. “It’s just a

Visit the Farm Business Management webpage at www.Saskatchewan.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

Ron Monette, CPA, CGA, B.Comm.Provincial Business Management Specialist Regional Services Branch



We all have a role to play in building social licence for the agriculture industry. Sometimes, however, we struggle with what we can do to make a difference. This list of 16 potential New Year’s resolutions for 2016 may provide some ‘not-so-hard-to-keep’ habits.

1. ASK people outside of agriculture what they think about some of the issues being discussed today. LISTEN to what they have to say, and GIVE them honest answers.

2. SUPPORT agriculture education: donate to Agriculture in the Classroom, connect local teachers to them, and volunteer to do a classroom presentation or host a school group.

3. DEFINE what sustainability means on your farm. Complete or renew an Environmental Farm Plan, now available online at efp.Saskatchewan.ca.

4. SIGN UP to be an Agriculture More Than Ever partner, an AGvocate or both!

5. ENGAGE on social media and give audiences a realistic preview of agriculture. (#Farm365, #loveSASKFood)

6. GET INVOLVED with an industry organization or take a leadership role in one you’re currently a member of.

7. IMPROVE your skills as a spokesperson by signing up for The Real Dirt on Farming speaker’s training with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan.

8. When your training is complete, FIND an opportunity to put those new skills and resources into practice!

Events calendar

Resolve to build social licence in 2016

9. HELP young people thinkAG. Tell them about your career in agriculture. Point them towards Saskatchewan.ca/thinkag and like Saskatchewan Agriculture on Facebook.

10. PRACTISE transparency. BE PREPARED to have the public see what you do on your operation.

11. DO THE RIGHT THING. Talk about why it is the right thing.

12. COMMIT to constant improvement and make farm stewardship a priority. Funding incentives to protect or improve the quality of soil, water, air and biodiversity are available through the Farm Stewardship Program.

13. KEEP LEARNING. Take advantage of technical and farm business management workshops, conferences and webinars with support through the Farm Business Development Initiative.

14. BE PROUD! You are not ‘just a farmer!’ You are part of a modern, market-oriented, technologically advanced, sophisticated industry that embraces innovation to grow more with less.

15. LINK consumers with food and farming. Become a member of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan.

16. SPEAK UP. Talk about shared values. We all want the same things; sometimes we just don’t speak the same language.

EVENTS | PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Visit Saskatchewan.ca/agawareness.FOR MORE INFO

Shelley JonesManager, Agriculture Awareness UnitRegional Services Branch

Date Event Location Phone Internet

Dec. 1-4, 2015 Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association (SBA), Canadian Honey Council (CHC), Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) Convention and Annual Meeting

Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon, SK

1-306-665-3322 www.saskbeekeepers.com

Dec. 4, 2015 Southeastern Saskatchewan Corn and Soybean Summit Western Star Inn, Estevan, SK

306-848-2857

Dec. 8-9, 2015 20th Annual Irrigation Conference Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, SK

306-796-4727 www.irrigationsaskatchewan.com

Dec. 9, 2015 How Much Can you Afford to Pay for Land? St. Mary's Cultural Centre, Yorkton, SK

204-868-5658 www.backwath.com

Dec. 9-10 Farms at the Table Conference Saskatoon Inn and Confernece Centre

farmfoodcaresk.org

Dec. 31, 2015 Deadline to submit your AgriStability Program forms with penalty

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

Jan. 7-8, 2016 Inspiring Ag Innovation Annual Conference and AGM Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK

306-541-3626 www.saskyoungag.ca

Jan. 11-14, 2016 Crop Production Show Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK

1-888-931-9333 www.cropproductiononline.com

Jan. 12-13, 2016 CropSphere 2016 TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK

306-683-3663 www.cropsphere.com

Jan. 20-22, 2016 Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre

www.saskbeefconference.com

Feb. 2-4, 2016 Western Canada Feedlot Management School Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon

306-969-2666 www.saskcattle.com

Feb. 9-11, 2016 Western Barley Growers 39th Annual Convention Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Calgary, AB

www.wbga.org

Feb. 26, 2016 Celebrating Rural Ranching Women Cobble Creek Lodge, Maple Creek

1-866-457-2377

March 15, 2016 Deadline to apply for ISC Century Family Farm Award www/isc.ca/about/centuryfamilyfarmawards



Agriview December 2015

Documents