Agriview October 2015

New tools to help with crop rotation | PAGE 7

Feeding straw to ruminants | PAGE 10

National Biotechnology Week | PAGE 13

Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan: Focusing on sustainabilityPAGE 8

OCTOBER 2015 | VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 6

45893 GSK_Agriview_October_2015_a5.indd 1 9/17/15 11:26 AM

Welcome to the October issue of Agriview.

This past spring, our Government asked the people of Saskatchewan for their views on farmland

ownership. Over the course of the summer, we received feedback from more than 3,200 people. The

results of the consultations will be available shortly. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill

out the survey and provide their comments.

October is Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan, and to help the public

better understand how dedicated producers are to the environment,

Saskatchewan Agriculture has made “Stewards in Sustainability” this

year’s theme. Over the course of the month, producers and industry groups

will share how they have worked to make environmental sustainability a

regular part of what they do. We encourage all members of the industry to

share their stories of sustainability either formally at an Ag Month event,

or informally in conversation with friends and acquaintances.

Sustainability is important to Saskatchewan producers. Farmers and ranchers have often been called

the original environmentalists, caring for our land, air, water and livestock. They are constantly

looking for new practices and innovative technologies—such as no-till farming and feeding balanced

livestock diets—that help them produce more, using less. Producers can be very proud of the fact

that, thanks to their care, our environment will remain healthy for future generations.

The theme of stewardship is one that persists in Saskatchewan agriculture, not only during Ag Month

in October, but every day, all year long. Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of the land. They

care for it in a way that ensures their children and grandchildren will be able to grow crops and raise

livestock that feed their families and the world.

Have a wonderful Ag Month.

Minister’s Message

Lyle Stewart

Sustainability is important to Saskatchewan producers.


New tools to help with crop rotation | PAGE 7

Feeding straw to ruminants | PAGE 10

National Biotechnology Week | PAGE 13

Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan: Focusing on sustainabilityPAGE 8

OCTOBER 2015 | VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 6

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: Katelyn Smith, Watershed Technician with the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association. For more information about Katelyn’s career choice, check out our ThinkAG profile on page 9.

Table of Contents

CROPSFood Nutrition and Soils – The Link – the International Year of Soils series 4

New drainage regulations streamline the approval process 4

Post-harvest irrigation management 5

Be on the lookout for ergot in some cereal crops 5

Fall banding of nitrogen fertilizer is an excellent management practice 6

Start soil testing now 6

Finding new uses for flax 7

New tools to help with crop rotation decisions 7

AGRICULTURE MONTH Agriculture Month celebrates stewardship 8

A proud agricultural advocate 8

Agriculture Month career profile 9

LIVESTOCKTips for feeding straw to ruminants 10

Influenza vaccinations important for swine barn staff 10

Feed Value Calculator – Is that hay worth the money? 11

Rejuvenating a forage stand 11

RESEARCHInvestigation of “P3” necrosis in feedlot cattle 12

PROGRAMS & SERVICESSaskatchewan celebrates innovation during National Biotechnology Week 13

Enhance your farm management skills 13

Livestock price insurance options for the fall 14

Assessed land values vs. land market values – it pays to know the difference 15

October 4 to 10 is Animal Health Week 15

EVENTS CALENDARCalendar 16

PROGRAMS & SERVICESForage testing ends the guessing game – Take the Hay Harvest Challenge 16

144 8

Saskatchewan.ca


Food Nutrition and Soils – The Link – the International Year of Soils series

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that 95 per cent of our food is directly or indirectly produced on our global soil resource. Healthy soils produce healthy crops that, in turn, provide the nutrition needed by people and animals. This is the link between quality soils and quality food that we often take for granted.

The world population continues to grow and is expected to exceed nine billion by 2050. There is a strong alliance worldwide among researchers, governments, industry and farmers towards developing, promoting and adopting sustainable farming practices that improve the productivity and health of the soil, allowing agriculture to produce large volumes of high-quality food. Management practices that increase soil organic matter and nitrogen supply not only improve yield, they also increase the nutritional (e.g. protein content) value of those crops. Through soil testing, producers can ensure they are balancing soil nutrients and building soil organic matter, allowing them to increase production and improve nutritional value, while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Crops require 17 essential nutrients to grow and produce high yields and quality. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are taken from the air, while the rest of the macronutrients and micronutrients come from the soil. Nitrogen and sulfur contribute to protein. Micronutrients like zinc are important in human nutrition, and the presence of these elements in grain can be linked to their supply in the soil. Plant breeding and fertilization are used to increase the nutritional value of grains, fruits and vegetables, but soil management and ensuring the proper balance of soil nutrients are the basis of all efforts to produce the nutritious food demanded by consumers. Soils, therefore, are a key factor influencing human nutrition throughout the world.

Quality soils equate to quality food.

CROPS

Ken Panchuk, PAgProvincial Specialist, SoilsCrops and Irrigation Branch

Dr. Jeff Schoenau, PAgProfessor, University of Saskatchewan Soil Science and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Chair

2015 is the International Year of Soils. Each month in Agriview an article focuses on the essential role of soils.

The new drainage regulations were created after extensive online and industry stakeholder consultations. More than 500 members of the public and 15 industry and environmental groups provided input into this new approach to drainage in Saskatchewan.

Over the next 10 years, all drainage projects in the province will be brought into compliance with the regulations as the new strategy is phased in.

The next phase of the agricultural water management strategy will involve developing and refining policies and improving program delivery. These improvements will be tested in a series of pilot projects and then expanded to the rest of the province. The pilot projects are based in the Souris River Basin near Stoughton and the Assiniboine River Basin near Canora. Local producers, watershed authorities and representatives in those areas have committed to working with the WSA to implement the new agricultural water management strategy and to help bring existing drainage projects into compliance.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) has announced new drainage regulations as part of the first phase of an agricultural water management strategy.

Drainage is an important water management tool, and these new regulations help streamline the approval process in order for producers to become compliant while mitigating impacts downstream. These new regulations are part of the development of a risk-based agricultural water management strategy that will improve the overall process, including applications and investigations, and help prevent future issues.

The key changes in the new regulations will:

• ensure that impacts related to flooding, water quality and habitat loss are addressed as part of the drainage works approval process;

• allow landowner agreements to serve as evidence of land control;

• simplify and streamline the application approval process;

• apply the approval process to works constructed before 1981 which had previously been exempt; and

• enable the use of qualified persons in the design of higher risk drainage works.

New drainage regulations streamline the approval process

Contact Doug Johnson, Water Security Agency, Director of Special Projects, at 306-694-3959 or [email protected].

FOR MORE INFO

Visit the Canada’s Food Guide webpage at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php or Visit the Global Institute for Food Security website at gifs.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

A healthy Brown soil, rich in organic matter, and crop roots from a harvested yellow pea crop.

4 AGRIVIEW | OCTOBER 2015


The crop has been harvested and grain is in the bin. The period before winter arrives is the perfect opportunity to use irrigation to set up for a successful crop next year.

Post-harvest irrigation encourages weeds and lost seeds to germinate, allowing for fall herbicide applications and/or frost to control weeds and volunteer seedlings. Often with an open fall there is an opportunity to apply fertilizer and fall irrigation will help incorporate the nutrients to ensure they are available the following spring. This is also a good opportunity to get moisture into the soil as a reserve for next year’s crop. The addition of fall moisture will also increase mineralization of the past crop’s residue before freeze up.

Prior to applying water in the fall, a thorough inspection of irrigation components should be completed to ensure everything is functioning properly. Applying water at temperatures below freezing is not

Post-harvest irrigation management

CROPS

recommended. Ice can form on components of the irrigation equipment and potentially damage or destroy them. Daytime irrigation might be the only option to avoid freezing.

Once the irrigation season is complete, there are a few steps that need to be taken to properly winterize irrigation equipment. It is important to drain all pumps, lines and equipment to avoid damage from freezing. Wheel ruts should be disked in to reduce wear and tear on drive components and to make field operations across wheel tracks smoother the following year. The irrigation equipment should be parked to avoid wind damage and positioned away from any potential hazards. Avoid shelter belts that can retain large snow banks and sloughs or low-lying areas that can hold large amounts of spring runoff. The main power supply should be shut off at the end of season. The end of the season is also a good time to do annual pivot maintenance to ensure full machinery life and have the equipment ready for the next season.

Jeff Ewen, PAgIrrigation Agrologist, OutlookCrops and Irrigation Branch

After a challenging growing season, producers need to be on the lookout for anything that could cause downgrading in their crops.

Some downgrading factors can be weather-related, whereas others are fungal in origin. The fungal plant disease ergot, which produces mycotoxins that are poisonous to humans and livestock, has the potential to cause significant quality downgrading in cereal crops. In addition to downgrading in the current year, grain contaminated with ergot bodies (dark purplish fungal structures) can also perpetuate the disease in the field. The Canadian Grain Commission has set the threshold for downgrading No. 1 wheat or barley as one ergot body per kilogram of seed.

Ergot bodies produce spores that can infect cereals and grasses during flowering. Ergot is a particularly troublesome disease of rye, an open-pollinated cereal crop, but it is also an issue for the number one cereal crop in Saskatchewan, wheat. The disease is generally favoured by cool, wet weather and staggered flowering between cereal crops and/or grasses growing in the ditches. The first signs of the disease are hard to spot, but sometimes you can feel it on your hands as you walk through an infected field touching the heads—a sticky honey dew exudate of spores on the

spikes (image 1). These spores can be spread to other nearby flowering cereals and grasses via rain or insects. As the disease develops, the fungus grows in place of what would otherwise have been a developing seed. Eventually, one or several dark purplish ergot bodies protrude from the infected spike (image 2).

There are no chemical controls for ergot. Avoid planting contaminated seed to prevent introducing ergot bodies into the field. Mowing ditches before the grasses flower may decrease potential sources of the honey dew spores. Other cultural control measures include higher seeding rates and good crop nutrition to encourage uniform flowering of the cereal crop.

If ergot is noticed in a specific part of a field (such as headland) before harvest, the affected area(s) should be harvested and binned separately. Ergot bodies can often be removed through commercial cleaning.

Image 1: A sticky honey dew on cereal spikes is often the first sign of an ergot infection. Image 2: Ergot bodies protruding from an infected spike.

Be on the lookout for ergot in some cereal crops

Refer to the factsheet Ergot of Cereals and Grasses on the Saskatchewan Agriculture website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

Faye Dokken-Bouchard, MSc, PAgProvincial Specialist, Plant DiseaseCrops and Irrigation Branch

Danielle Stephens, MSc, PAgIntegrated Pest Management AgrologistCrops and Irrigation Branch

Contact Jeff Ewen, Irrigation Agrologist, at 306-867-6738 or [email protected]; orVisit http://irrigationsaskatchewan.com/icdc/publications for annual pivot maintenance publication.

FOR MORE INFO

5AGRIVIEW | OCTOBER 2015


A soil test is used to determine the appropriate rate of nutrients to apply to the soil. If producers are unable to have a soil test done in the fall, they should apply approximately three-quarters of the total nitrogen they expect to use and then apply the balance—as determined by a soil test—in the spring. Determine subsoil moisture in late fall and again in early spring, if needed, to help you determine a realistic target yield. Use this information as the basis for making final adjustments to nitrogen and other nutrient requirements prior to seeding.

Fall banding of nitrogen fits the 4R nutrient stewardship concept advocated by industry agrologists. This concept emphasizes applying fertilizer using the Right source, at the Right rate, at the Right time and in the Right place.

The soil starts cooling down in early October and soil temperatures are generally below 10C by the end of the first week. This is the best time for producers to start soil sampling and get a quick turnaround on the tests so they can begin fall banding of urea and anhydrous ammonia. The soil testing labs have geared up for the fall run of soil sampling and have introduced rapid turnaround times, if requested, including email and online services.

Saskatchewan producers have a choice of soil testing methods. Conventional soil testing involves taking at least 15 to 20 cores to achieve a representative sample for the field. With conventional soil testing, the customer has the option to select multiple depths and, after a growing season like 2015, producers would benefit from at least two depths—0 to 6 and 6 to 24 inch or 0 to 12 and 12 to 24 inch—to see if any of the nitrogen has moved lower in the rooting depth. In a year like 2015, when the crop

Fall banding of nitrogen fertilizer is an excellent management practice

Start soil testing now

Banding urea (46-0-0) and anhydrous ammonia (82-0-0) in late fall is an excellent fertilizer management practice. Banding nitrogen fertilizer can begin once the soil temperature has cooled to below 10 C. In the soil, both urea and anhydrous ammonia convert to ammonium, which is held on soil and organic matter by adsorption until the soil warms up in spring.

Banding into the soil minimizes volatilization losses and significantly slows down the nitrification process by creating a special environment within the band that minimizes the conversion of ammonium to nitrate.

Banding in the fall means producers have one less chore to do in the spring, relieving some of the time pressure and reducing concerns about seed-placed nitrogen for single-shoot opener seeding systems.

CROPS

may not have used all the nitrogen, it is worth checking how much nitrogen remains, and where in the rooting zone it is.

The other soil testing system involves root simulator probe technology. This soil sampling system comes full service from an agrologist who will collect a benchmark sample or samples. The soil testing lab determines a supply rate for each nutrient and then the agrologist sits down with the producer to review the cropping practices and recommendation options.

Both soil testing techniques rely on knowing the subsoil moisture recharge to assist in determining a realistic target yield for the next crop. The target yield is then used along with the soil analysis to recommend the level and balance of nutrients needed.

Both techniques provide valuable information for operating within the 4R nutrient stewardship guidelines set out by industry: the Right source, at the Right rate, at the Right time and in the Right place.

Patrick Mooleki, PhD, PAgSoil/Nutrient Management SpecialistAgriculture Knowledge Centre

Ken Panchuk, PAgProvincial Specialist SoilsCrops and Irrigation Branch

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

FOR MORE INFO

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

Dr. Jeff Schoenau of the University of Saskatchewan soil-sampling with a punch truck at one of his many field research sites.



in flax processing, has recently moved into commercial production. Numerous companies are working on other uses for shive and fibre. In some cases, they are being used for landscaping mulch, and in others as a replacement for plastic. The growing interest in green and recyclable materials is supporting this opportunity.

Saskatchewan’s continued investment in flax research ensures this province will continue to lead the world in flax production and application.

Zafer Bashi, PhD, MBAProvincial Agribusiness SpecialistRegional Services Branch, Saskatoon

Finding new uses for flax

CROPS

Around the world, flax is grown for industrial purposes (linen, oil), but flax has also played a role in many cultures’ traditional medicine. There is growing consumer interest in the health aspects of flax, and this interest is supporting higher flax prices in niche markets.

Canada is the world’s largest producer of flax, and, on average, Saskatchewan is responsible for 82 per cent of Canadian production. As such, Saskatchewan has a great interest in the future of flax and invests significant funds in a world-leading flax breeding program. In addition to higher yield, improved cold tolerance and disease resistance, researchers are also working on new uses for the crop in both the industrial and health sectors. Many of the uses of flax in traditional medicine are being tested and established in a scientific manner at the University of Saskatchewan.

Recently, the Flax Council of Canada and SaskFlax have been authorized by Health Canada to state that flax lowers blood cholesterol. Clinical trials conducted by the Richardson Centre in Manitoba have shown that five tablespoons of ground flax taken three times a day is as good as—and in some cases better than—prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, and does not show any side effects.

A number of other projects are ongoing at the University of Saskatchewan, including extraction, fractionation and purification of different flax seed components. The resulting ingredients are being tested for applications in cosmetics, anti-inflammatory medications, digestive aids and other areas. Target markets include human food as well as animal feed.

Flax shive and fibre, the traditional products derived from flax straw, remain an area where substantial value can still be discovered. The long investment in developing applications and processing technology is starting to show positive results. After years of research and development, Biolin Inc., a Saskatchewan-based company and leader

Contact Zafer Bashi, Provincial Agribusiness Specialist, at 306-933-5344 or [email protected]; orVisit the Canadian flax industry’s website at www.Healthyflax.org.

FOR MORE INFO

The Pela iPhone case is made from Flaxstic, a mixture of flax fibre, shive and biopolymers. Photo courtesty of Sevenstar Studio.

As the 2015 harvest season comes to a close, plans for next year’s crop are on the horizon. Some valuable research studies on crop rotations have been done in the past few years to assist you in making decisions on which crops to plant and on what fields.

A 10-year study of crop rotation by the University of Manitoba has yielded a farmer-friendly chart entitled “Yield Potential for Crop Planted on Stubble.” Producers can find the crop they would like to plant and then follow it down the chart to the potential yield possible on various crop stubbles. For instance, corn planted into oat stubble has the potential for a yield of 101 per cent, whereas corn planted into canola stubble has at an average yield potential of 95 per cent. Canola planted into corn stubble has a yield potential of 106 per cent yield, but only an 83 per cent yield potential if planted back into canola stubble.

New tools to help with crop rotation decisions

Additional crop rotation data have been published from work done at the University of Saskatchewan by Dr. Diane Knight and her colleagues. It shows the benefits of using peas in crop rotations and how to get the maximum biological nitrogen fixation benefits, nitrogen uptake and pea yield. Her work has shown that rotation affected many of the nitrogen uptake and production parameters. Varying the frequency of field peas in rotation with wheat and canola affected both the amount of nitrogen and the origin of the nitrogen in the above-ground biomass of the pea phase of the rotation. Her paper, “Frequency of field pea in rotations impacts biological nitrogen fixation,” was published in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 2012, Volume 92.

A producer’s crop rotation depends on a variety of factors, including available moisture and nutrients, disease and weed levels, herbicide history, equipment availability, commodity prices and the individual’s risk adversity, so it is always useful to have as much information as possible with which to make crop selections in the 2016 cropping year.

Visit www.mmpp.com/mmpp.nsf/mmpp_crop_rotation_2012.html.FOR MORE INFO

Sherri Roberts, AAgRegional Crops Specialist, WeyburnRegional Service Branch



Other events include presentations at secondary and post-secondary schools by specialists discussing how innovation allows agriculture to use fewer inputs, lessen its environmental impact and feed more people. Students will learn more about the role science and technology play in sustainability.

As well, Saskatchewan Agriculture is increasing its career promotion initiatives during Agriculture Month. There are new profiles on Saskatchewan.ca/thinkAG highlighting the stewardship and sustainability aspects of careers in watershed management, engineering, apiculture, agricultural technology and soil science. A new program is being launched on Saskatchewan post-secondary campuses to support AGvocacy and agricultural education efforts. The intent of the Agriculture Ambassador Pilot Program is to have four young individuals “AGvocate” for the industry by promoting agricultural careers, fostering agricultural learning and helping to identify and engage young industry leaders at the post-secondary level.

In addition, Saskatchewan Agriculture regional offices across the province will be involved in local events and initiatives that celebrate the stewardship story. Agriculture, as a sector, has come a long way and achieved many milestones that deserve acknowledgement and celebration.

Anyone wanting to get involved in Agriculture Month can join the conversation about sustainability on social media at #AGmonth.

As the 2015 Saskatchewanderer, I’ve had a variety of opportunities to explore the province and experience our diverse agricultural industry. From learning about dairy farming, to spending time in the field, to flying a drone with an agronomist, I’ve witnessed the hard work and effort of Saskatchewan’s agricultural community in ensuring theirs is a sustainable business in our province.

After spending a day with Roboflight contractor Greg Adelman near Govan, I learned how drones can be used to help farmers make better-informed decisions about their fields. Not only can it help farmers save money, but drone information can also aid farmers in making more precise and targeted decisions on specific agricultural practices.

Because farming in Saskatchewan is a multi-million dollar business, it’s important for producers to ensure they are as efficient as possible. It is through the continued development and adoption of new technology that this occurs. Innovations such as precision agronomy and drones are just a few examples.

Autumn is my favourite time of year because I spend it in the field with my family harvesting on our grain farm near Leslie. GPS technology makes it more efficient to guide the combine, cutting with the full width of the header, while less demanding for those long nights in the field.

As my year as the Saskatchewanderer comes to a close, I will tour one of the many egg farms in Saskatchewan at the Bone Creek Colony near Gull Lake in November. I get to learn about the production and food safety regulations that go into delivering fresh, safe, and nutritious eggs to consumers.

Agriculture Month celebrates stewardship

A proud agricultural advocate

Each October, Agriculture Month provides an opportunity for Saskatchewan residents to celebrate, understand and appreciate the agricultural industry’s many successes. This year’s theme is Stewards in Sustainability, which creates an opportunity to share stories about the industry’s never-ending work to improve practices and adopt technology to grow more food with fewer inputs.

“Stewards” refers directly to the work done at the producer level to responsibly manage natural resources, while “Sustainability” addresses the industry’s commitment to meet present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

Each week in October will focus on a unique subtheme, Husbandry and Habitat, Soil, Water and Air, with industry and government initiatives telling the stewardship stories in those areas. One of the key messages is that farmers and ranchers were the original environmentalists, and are still committed to sustainability. Saskatchewan Agriculture has produced an animated, digital timeline showing how the agronomic and technological innovations that producers have adopted over the past century has led to the industry’s sustainability.

AGRICULTURE MONTH

Learning about agriculture over the past year has been a great opportunity. And knowing that the industry is so dedicated to becoming more sustainable makes me proud to be an agricultural advocate.

If you have a story idea you’d like to share, or want to follow my adventures, contact me on Facebook (facebook.com/Skwanderer), Twitter (@SkWanderer) or Instagram (@Saskatchewanderer). To keep up with the latest blogs, follow me on YouTube (Sask Wanderer) or visit Saskatchewanderer.ca.

Shelley JonesManager, Agriculture AwarenessRegional Services Branch

Ashlyn George2015 Saskatchewanderer

Visit the Agriculture Month webpage on Saskatchewan.ca/ag-month.FOR MORE INFO

Harvest is Ashlyn’s favourite time of year because she gets to spend it in the field with her family.

As Sasktchewanderer, Ashlyn has been all over the province and explored the diversity of Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry.



Agriculture Month career profile

AGRICULTURE MONTH

Sharing first-hand, personal experiences of people working in the industry is one of the ways Saskatchewan Agriculture hopes to share agriculture’s sustainability story. During Agriculture Month, speaking events will be held across the province. The events will expose the public to examples of agricultural sustainability practices. They will also allow them to hear first-hand experiences and ask questions of professionals working in the sector.

The first place many people will likely look for information about the environment is online or through social media. The Ministry wants to make sure the agriculture information they are receiving is representative of the industry. Through the thinkAG web presence on Saskatchewan.ca, the Ministry will be sharing the stories of careers in sustainable agriculture.

Observing water along a healthy riparian area.

Over the past couple of years, many of the BMPs that Katelyn has assisted producers with have been related to the high amount of water that the area has seen. Erosion control applications, while not common most years, have been of particular interest to producers. This BMP involves repairing creeks or waterways that have been damaged by high water levels or crop farming practices.

More often, Katelyn will work with producers who want to minimize livestock manure buildup by creating remote winter sites. These sites allow for less manure build-up and run-off in corrals, and more even nutrient build-up and fertilization throughout a field. The sites are also healthier for animals, resulting in fewer injuries or diseases associated with wet ground, such as hoof rot.

Katelyn feels it is important for all farmers to be stewards of the land. She enjoys helping producers deal with some of the financial challenges to sustainability. If source water is abused, there can be serious repercussions down the line,

which is why Katelyn is motivated to preserve these waters and keep them productive for as long as possible.

For Katelyn Smith, being a steward of the land is a family tradition. She grew up on a mixed farm near Ituna and her family made it a priority to practice sustainability. This helped guide Katelyn on her current career path.

For more than two years, Katelyn has been employed by the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association (AWSA) as a Watershed Technician. A few years after she graduated high school, Katelyn’s parents were working with a Ducks Unlimited summer student on a wetland restoration project on their land. Katelyn discovered the student was attending Lethbridge College. Katelyn followed suit and earned a two-year Renewable Resource Management Diploma. The very practical and hands-on program piqued her interest in wildlife research. She worked a couple of wildlife research jobs upon graduation before joining AWSA.

AWSA is an independent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting and enhancing source water in the Assiniboine River watershed. Katelyn primarily helps producers in the watershed access and apply for government funding to implement beneficial management practices (BMPs) to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of land-related resources used for agricultural production. The mandate of all watershed associations in the province is source water protection, and Katelyn also assists with any activities to protect the Assiniboine watershed source waters.

Visit www.Saskatchewan.ca/thinkAG or www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca.

FOR MORE INFO

“I’ve been in agriculture all of my life and am extremely happy to be where I am in my career so far.”



Tips for feeding straw to ruminants

Influenza vaccinations important for swine barn staff

LIVESTOCK

Diets that contain more than one and a quarter per cent of body weight in straw have the potential to cause impaction in the cow, especially if protein and energy are not provided in adequate amounts. It is also important to note that, as a cow enters late gestation, her rumen gets physically displaced by the growing calf, further limiting the amount of bulky feed she can consume and increasing energy needs by 10 to 15 per cent. Continuing to provide a balanced diet means that the low-quality feed—in this case straw—needs to be replaced with a good-quality hay in addition to concentrated sources of energy and possibly protein.

Mineral composition of straw-based diets usually requires additional calcium, magnesium and vitamins to ensure that everything works properly at calving. Use of feed testing and ration balancing software is extremely beneficial when determining the most effective way to provide a balanced ration when using straw or other low-quality feedstuffs.

This includes:

• producers and their families

• farm workers

• animal science students

• veterinarians

• farm service personnel, including feed truck drivers and vaccination and insemination crews

• other people visiting livestock operations.

Vaccination is required annually. Receiving the influenza shot every year is important because the vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most current influenza virus strains.

Anyone who has influenza-like symptoms—such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue—should always avoid contact with livestock. Producers can also protect their animals by following sound biosecurity practices: controlling the movements of people, animals, equipment and vehicles on their property; observing animals daily for signs of disease; and calling a veterinarian if animals appear to be sick.

With hay in short supply this winter, it is important that livestock producers make the most of their available feed supplies. Straw can be a useful feed ingredient when used as a portion of a well-balanced diet; however, there are a number of factors which limit the amount of straw that can be used. The biggest limitation is straw’s high fibre composition, which means it takes a long time to digest. A guideline for the maximum amount of straw to be used in a dry cow’s diet is one and a quarter per cent of her body weight.

The limited protein content of straw means that additional protein will be required in the diet in order for the cow’s stomach to digest it. The energy content of straw is also relatively low, so another source of energy must also be provided in order to balance a ration. Canola meal or dried distillers’ grains are excellent sources of protein and energy. Protein may also be provided by a commercially prepared supplement, which may or may not contain urea. Once the protein requirement has been met, then additional energy can be provided by feed grains such as barley, oats or wheat.

Getting the flu shot each fall helps to protect ourselves and our families, but that same shot also helps protect animal health as well.

Some influenza viruses can be transmitted between people and animals, and between different species of animals. In most cases, the influenza viruses that circulate in pigs are different from the influenza viruses circulating in people; however, pigs are uniquely susceptible to infection with influenza viruses of human, swine and avian origin. If pig is infected with two or more influenza viruses at the same time, those viruses may exchange genetic material (reassortment) with each other, creating new strains that can potentially be more dangerous than the originals. Sometimes these viruses can pass back and forth between pigs and people, as happened with the pandemic H1N1 virus in 2009 and over the last few years with the H3N2v strain.

The best way to protect pigs from human influenza—and vice versa—is to make sure everyone working in pig barns receives their annual influenza vaccine.

Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhDDisease Surveillance VeterinarianLivestock Branch

Dwayne Summach, MSc, PAg Regional Livestock Specialist, KindersleyRegional Services Branch

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

Visit the Saskatchewan Health website at either www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-flu or www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-vaccine-fact-sheet.

FOR MORE INFO



Feed Value Calculator – Is that hay worth the money?

A cost factor is then calculated for each nutrient. The cost factors are used to calculate the relative values of a number of other feeds based on their specific nutrient content. Detailed user instructions are provided in the calculator.

A feed price comparison feature is also included. The local market price, nutrient and moisture content of the desired feed can be entered. Next, the information for the feed offered for sale is entered. The calculator determines the value of the feed offered for sale relative to the desired feed. Example: a producer is looking to buy good quality baled alfalfa/grass hay containing specific nutrient and moisture levels for $180 per ton. A neighbour has baled barley greenfeed for sale. Based on the nutrient and moisture content of the greenfeed, the comparison feature calculates the value of greenfeed relative to the alfalfa/grass hay to be $165 per ton.

The Feed Value Calculator is available at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Feed_Value_Calculator.

Over the past few years, good-quality baled alfalfa/grass hay sold for $80 to $85 per ton, but during the 2015 growing season, the price of hay increased substantially. In some parts of the province, asking prices have risen to $200 to $250 per ton, or higher. At what price does hay become over-valued relative to other feed options based on the nutrients it supplies to livestock?

Determining the quality and value of hay can be a daunting task. A visual inspection could indicate the hay may have been exposed to rain in the swath prior to baling. The presence of mould and heating can also be determined by a visual inspection. It cannot, however, give any indication of the nutrient content of the feed. A feed analysis is the only true and accurate measure.

The results of a feed analysis can be used to establish the value of the hay using Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Feed Value Calculator. It calculates the relative value of crude protein, total digestible nutrients, calcium and phosphorus based on the current market price and nutrient content of four reference feeds, either barley grain, canola meal, wheat distillers dried grains with solubles or feed peas. Limestone and 1:1 mineral are also included.

LIVESTOCK

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

FOR MORE INFO

Rejuvenating a forage stand

To rejuvenate or not to rejuvenate is a question often posed when perennial forage stands lose productivity. Identifying the reason for the lost productivity is a critical first step to take before deciding whether or not to rejuvenate a forage stand. If left unaddressed, the original cause of the lost productivity will undermine any rejuvenation investments. Common causes of reduced forage production are management, nutrient export, soil limitations and unfavourable weather conditions.

Once the underlying cause of the lost productivity has been addressed, producers can use the following chart to help them decide whether or not—and how—to rejuvenate a forage stand.

Each rejuvenation strategy has benefits as well as drawbacks involving economic considerations and weather conditions. Producers considering forage rejuvenation can attend one of the pasture and forage management workshops that will be held this winter in the Lanigan, Lumsden, Davidson, and Strasbourg areas. The workshops will offer details on each rejuvenation strategy, discussions on perennial forage management options and opportunities to network with other producers. More details of the workshops will be provided in upcoming issues of Agriview.

Nadia Mori, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, WatrousRegional Services Branch

Contact Nadia Mori, Regional Forage Specialist at 306-946-3219 or [email protected]; orCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

FOR MORE INFO

Bryan Doig, PAgProvincial Feeds/Regional Forage Specialist, North BattlefordRegional Services Branch

Lorne Klein, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, WeyburnRegional Services Branch

Evaluate Existing

Vegetation

Provide Rest

Change Harvest Timing

Change Species of Livestock

Fertilization

Herbicide Treatment

Burning

Sod-Seeding

Over-Seeding

Conventional Seeding

Sod-Seeding

Manage Manipulate Enhance Replace

Desirable Vegetation Dominates

Undesirable Vegetation Dominates



Veterinarians across Western Canada routinely report groups of calves arriving in feedlots and developing lameness in their hind feet, but without any signs of swelling. Upon examination, veterinarians often note a separation of the sole and hoof – along what is called the white line. Veterinarians have given this disease many names including: P3 necrosis, apical pedal bone necrosis and toe necrosis. This study arose from veterinarians’ concerns that there appeared to be an increase in the incidents of P3 necrosis in feedlot cattle.

Called Toe Tip Necrosis Syndrome (TTNS) in this study, the disease develops within one to four weeks of cattle entry into the feedlot. It begins with a separation of the sole from the hoof at the point of the claws. This separation creates the opportunity for bacteria to gain entry into the foot. Once in the foot, bacteria infect the underlying coffin bone (also known as the P3 bone or distal phalanx) and soft tissues that are nearby. Once the P3 bone is infected, standard antibiotic treatment alone will not cure the disease. Failure to diagnose and properly treat the disease will result in the infection spreading to other bones.

If this happens, medical treatment is rendered extremely ineffective. The only way of saving the animal from severe lameness is to amputate the affected claws. Sadly, in advanced stages of the disease, it is common for more than one claw to be affected and treatment becomes difficult. Infected livestock suffering from untreated TTNS will develop severe lameness and most animals infected with TTNS are euthanized.

It is hoped that learning about the disease will lead to better prevention.

In the pursuit of learning about the disease these researchers wanted to:

1) develop a better definition for the disease and a name,

2) describe the epidemiology of the disease (causes, patterns, and preventative measures),

3) evaluate potential risk factors for TTNS, and

4) describe and understand its pathogenesis (pattern of development).

The researchers called the disease Toe Tip Necrosis Syndrome (TTNS). This is because the project showed that the disease involves not only the P3 bone as was previously thought, but that in some cases the bacteria that causes the disease can actually enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the disease can spread to the lungs where a fatal condition called embolic pneumonia can occur. The new definition to go with the new name is apical white line separation with tissue necrosis and clinical lameness.

In terms of epidemiology (causes, patterns, and preventative measures), the project focused on 702 confirmed cases of TTNS that originated in western Canadian feedlots. There was not compelling evidence to suggest

Investigation of “P3” necrosis in feedlot cattle

RESEARCH

that TTNS was more common in any specific age group (calves or yearlings), gender (heifers or steers), or that it was related to weather.

Likely risk factors for the disease include Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). Rotation of the P3 bone was ruled out as a possible cause. The researchers observed that cattle with abraded or thin soles near the area of the foot where the separation of sole and hoof occurs were more likely to have TTNS.

When it comes to understanding pattern of development – there are essentially three theories that have been advanced by scientists.

The first and most widely accepted theory is that trauma on the tip of the claw leads to separation of the sole from the hoof. The second theory is that toe tip lesions could start from disruption in the blood supply of the pedal bone (P3). The third is that the animals have developed laminitis, which is a degeneration of the laminae of the claw resulting in pedal bone rotation. This third theory was eliminated by this project’s discovery that rotation of the P3 bone could not be the cause of the disease.

Ultimately, the researchers concluded that the first theory is most likely the correct theory. It appears that cattle damage the tips of their hind claws and breach the white line in the hoof. From this open sore in the hoof, the bacterium that causes TTNS enters the animal.

Researchers recommend that feedlot personnel be educated on how to spot and diagnose TTNS in animals. They also suggest that the amount of time cattle spend on trailers and hard surfaces be minimized and that the flooring where cattle are held be examined for areas that would be particularly rough on cattle soles. They also advise against using rebar placed in a grid pattern or the use of metal mesh as flooring, both of which are commonly used at the front of head gates. Ensuring that these preventative measures are in place will help to reduce the number of cattle that develop TTNS.

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.

Visit the Saskatchewan Agriculture research reports page at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/ADF/Search and enter the report number 20110114 into the search function.

FOR MORE INFO



PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The 11th National Biotechnology Week runs from October 30 to November 6 with public lectures, workshops and meetings being planned across Canada. Events target a wide range of audiences, from those involved directly in biotechnology, to the general public. Ag-West Bio coordinates events in Saskatchewan. The following activities are scheduled for the week:

• Café Scientifique is a public event at Winston’s Pub in Saskatoon, featuring a local researcher;

• Biotech and Beer is a reception for companies and researchers at Boffins Public House, Innovation Place, Saskatoon. The theme for the fifth annual event is Biotechnology and the Environment;

• A public lecture by Rob Saik, CEO and founder of Agri-Trend will focus on the making of “Know GMO,” a movie project that Saik is spearheading.

• The Amazing Biotech Race is a scavenger hunt at Innovation Place in Saskatoon that gives students an opportunity to learn more about the numerous bioscience companies housed at Innovation Place;

• A biotechnology trivia night is being planned at one of the local pubs (details to come);

• A Walking Dead Dance will teach middle-years students about the value of vaccines;

• The Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina is hosting a weekend of family-friendly workshops.

The first step in using the website is to create an online account by providing user identification—usually an email address—and a password. With an account established, farmers may complete the “Taking Stock” online self-assessment questionnaire. Once the self-assessment is completed, producers are encouraged to contact a Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Farm Business Management Specialist to complete an in-person “Farm Development Plan,” and discuss possible training opportunities and/or the hiring of a consultant. Producers will have the opportunity to apply for funding while in the office or later online. Applicants may verify the status of their funding requests online by logging into their secured accounts.

The new online system also provides farmer-clients with a list of registered consultants and registered learning events.

Saskatchewan celebrates innovation during National Biotechnology Week

Enhance your farm management skills

In grocery stores and garden shops, around dinner tables and lunch rooms, people use terms like ‘gluten free,’ ‘natural,’ ‘sustainable’ and ‘GMO.’ There seems to be a lot of confusion around food. For example, only a tiny percentage of people (those with celiac disease) truly need to avoid gluten, a protein in wheat and other grains that provides the elasticity needed in bread-making. Yet lately, it has become trendy to ‘go gluten-free.’ Misinformation surrounding food and agriculture is plentiful on the Internet, and seems to be seeping into the public vernacular.

Biotechnology is an important tool in our food production system. However, it is not well understood by the general public. National Biotechnology Week was created by Canada’s biotech industry association, BIOTECanada, as a way to celebrate the innovations that give us more sustainable farming practices, better disease prevention and cleaner industrial products and processes. Cheese, insulin, Golden Rice and Canada’s $19 billion canola industry are all products of biotechnology.

The Farm Business Development Initiative (FBDI) has launched an online system that allows producers to enroll in the program, submit their information and apply for funding in a few steps.

Through FBDI, eligible applicants are reimbursed part of the cost of tuition for learning activities and/or engaging an advisor or consultant to develop business plans. Farmers can use FBDI to determine the best structure for their farm businesses, plan for transferring their operations to the next generation, develop a strategy to recruit and retain skilled employees, better manage costs of production, develop marketing plans, enhance their marketing skills, further develop their financial knowledge and identify options to strengthen their operations’ financial situation.

Program clients may be reimbursed 75 per cent (to a maximum of $10,000) of the cost of tuition and books, and 50 per cent (to a maximum of $5,000) of the cost of hiring a consultant. An overall maximum of $10,000 for all training and consulting also applies. Multiple participants in the same farm entity may each be eligible for reimbursement.

Visit the Ag-West Bio website at www.agwest.sk.ca.FOR MORE INFO

Visit the new FBDI website at fbdi.gov.sk.ca; Call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; orVisit a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office.

FOR MORE INFO

October 30 - November 6, 2015imagenenation.ca

National Biotechnology Week was created to celebrate the many benefits and innovations created by Canada’s biotechnology sector.

Jackie RobinCommunications DirectorAg-West Bio Inc.

Steeves Tremblay Provincial Farm Business Management Specialist Regional Services Branch



Livestock price insurance options for the fall


Settling a claimUsing market data from Western Canada, a weekly price, called the settlement index, is determined for each class of livestock. This value is used to determine if the producer is in a claim position. The claim window is the last four weeks of the policy. If the producer sees a settlement index that is below the insured price of the policy, the producer can choose to make a claim for all or some of the insured weight on that policy. If, for any reason, all the insured weight is not specifically claimed by the producer, the policy will automatically expire at the end of the last week of the policy and the settlement index relevant to that week will be used. Indemnities are paid if the settlement index is less than the coverage purchased.

Example:

On October 15, a producer wants to purchase price insurance for 40 feeder cattle. The producer plans to market the feeder cattle in late January, meaning the policy length is 16 weeks. To determine the insured hundredweight, the producer multiplies the 40 feeder cattle by 850 (the weight the feeder insurance price is based on) and divides the result by 100:

(40 x 850) / 100 = 340 cwt

The producer reviews the premium table and selects coverage of $200/cwt or $2 per pound. The cost (premium) is $1.90 per cwt or $0.19 per pound. To determine the premium cost, the producer multiplies the insured weight by the premium amount:

340 cwt x $1.90/cwt = $646.00

The producer pays the premium of $646.00 and now has a ‘floor’ price of $2.00 per pound on the 40 feeder cattle with the knowledge that, if the market average price falls below the ‘floor” price during any of the last four weeks of the policy, a claim can be submitted and the price insurance will provide a benefit.

Other optionsWLPIP also allows producers to purchase price insurance for their fed cattle and hogs year-round. In February, cow-calf producers will be able to purchase calf-price insurance and that option will available until the end of May.

SCIC here to helpProducers with questions about the program and how it works, or who want to get their online accounts established can visit any of the 21 SCIC offices across the province. More information can also be found at wlpip.ca or at saskcropinsurance.com.

With the summer grazing season coming to an end and calves transitioning into feeding programs, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) wants to remind producers that price protection can be purchased for their feeder cattle. The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) has options for year-round price protection on feeder cattle, finished cattle and hog and is a way for hog and cattle producers to protect themselves against declines in the market place.

What is feeder price insurance?It is a western-designed approach to help producers manage the price risks of backgrounding cattle. This market-driven program provides a “floor” price based on the forecasted price for an 850-pound steer on which producers can purchase coverage over a 12- to 36-week period. Producers pay a premium for their coverage and if, during the last four weeks of policy period (normally when the feeder cattle would be marketed), the market price is below the “floor” price, a benefit will be provided.

How do you determine coverage?There are a number of factors used to develop the coverage price offered to producers. The feeder cattle futures market, the Canadian dollar and basis are all a part of calculation for the forecasted price for an 850-pound steer. The feeder price insurance coverage is available year-round and is calculated Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. Coverage levels are available up to 95 per cent of the expected forward price for each policy length.

Purchasing a policyTo purchase a policy, a producer needs to set up an online account. This signup process can be completed by contacting SCIC. Once an online account is established, the producer can monitor and purchase the feeder price insurance coverage. The producer has the option to use the Alberta coverage table—which reflects the feeder market in Alberta—or the Saskatchewan/Manitoba coverage table—which reflects the feeder market conditions in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Upon selecting the coverage value, the producer then determines the length of the policy, which can range from 12 to 36 weeks. The other factor the producer has to consider is the amount of coverage being purchased. Policies are purchased on the total weight of the livestock being insured. The producer determines the amount of cattle to be insured and converts that into a hundredweight (cwt) amount. That volume is used for determining premium and coverage.

The premiumWhen the producer selects the coverage level, there is a premium which corresponds with the value of the price insurance and the length of the policy. The higher the coverage level and the longer the length of the policy, the higher the premium will be as the risk of carrying the insurance is greater. The premium also reflects volatility in the market and can move based on conditions influencing prices.




Market value is the estimated price that a piece of land might be sold for and is influenced by comparable land sales in a particular area. Factors that are used to determine a market price include physical attributes and any improvements that may have been made. Economic factors like commodity prices, overall farm income and availability of land will affect what a producer is willing to pay for land and overall market prices. A quick method to determine a general market price would be to use the multipliers of assessment method which takes comparable land sales and makes a ratio of selling price divided by the final assessment. Take the assessment of the interested land and multiply it by the ratio to get an estimated market price.

It is important to understand the difference between a market value and an assessed value. Knowing what a parcel of land is assessed for, and what the current market price is, can help producers make smart business decisions that can help their overall farming operation.

Saskatchewan Agriculture will be holding two land values workshops this winter on this topic, the first in Kindersley on December 2 and the second in Humboldt on December 3.

Veterinary medicine is a self-regulated profession in Saskatchewan. All veterinarians are members of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, which sets standards for practice and maintains a list of all practices and veterinarians in the province.

Animal Health Week serves as an annual reminder of the importance of the producer-veterinarian partnership in animal health.

Assessed land values vs land market values – it pays to know the difference

October 4 to 10 is Animal Health Week

There is a lot of confusion between assessed value and market value which can cause producers problems when they are considering purchasing new land or evaluating their current land base.

A market value is a reflection of the current market conditions in a given area, whereas assessed value is developed strictly for taxation purposes and is not a reflection of the current market value. In many instances, a parcel of land’s market value will rise and fall, but the assessed value will remain unchanged unless certain conditions occur or a revaluation or reinspection takes place.

Property assessments are a tax base as per provincial legislation, and are prepared by the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA). SAMA assessors consider many factors when looking at assessed value and use a productivity model based on soil characteristics to estimate a final rating. The final rating is then applied against a provincial factor developed for arable and non-arable lands. With the assessed value of land not at a current market value, the goal is to achieve equity between individual parcels.

For the past 30 years, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has dedicated a week in October to promote the importance of veterinary health care. Many Saskatchewan clinics will have activities and promotions to support this year’s theme: “The Perfect Pair: Partners in preventive veterinary care.” This is a great opportunity for producers to think about preventative health care for their animals. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly applies to veterinary care.

Vaccination programs, biosecurity plans, balanced nutrition and facilities that promote animal well-being all add to animal health and can prevent disease. Veterinarians are partners in animal health and can provide advice on many of these issues. Having an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) contributes to herd health. Access to many antimicrobial products now requires veterinary oversight, and hinges on the VCPR and the veterinarian’s knowledge of the animals and facilities in order to best advise on treatments.

The Beef Biosecurity program, administered by Saskatchewan Verified Beef, helps producers access veterinary advice for biosecurity programming, including herd health plans such as vaccination protocols and herd treatment plans. Producers are urged to take advantage of this programming to help establish or enhance their partnership with a veterinarian.

Saskatchewan Agriculture works with veterinarians in the rabies and anthrax response programs, both of which are aimed at early detection and prevention of these diseases. Veterinarians are also partners in reporting any provincially notifiable animal diseases to ensure appropriate responses, and in assisting Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan in responding to concerns of animal neglect.

Contact a Regional Farm Business Management Specialist at a nearby Saskatchewan Agriculture Regional Office.

FOR MORE INFO

Visit the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association website at www.svma.sk.ca;Visit the Beef Biosecurity Program webpage at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/GF2-LivestockBiosecurity;Visit the Anthrax Response Plan webpage at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/anthraxresponse;Visit the Rabies Response Plan webpage at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Rabies-Response-Program;Visit the notifiable diseases list webpage at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Notifiable-Animal-Disease.

FOR MORE INFO

Karen Smith, PAgRegional Farm Business Management Specialist, TisdaleRegional Services Branch

Dr. Betty Althouse, D.V.M.Chief Veterinary OfficerLivestock Branch

Veterinarians are the producer’s partner in preventive health care.



The 2015 hay crop is in. The lack of moisture early in the growing season has stunted hay yields across the province. With less hay, knowing the nutritional value packed up in the bales becomes that much more important. Livestock rations built on estimated feed values can lead to costly mistakes. Knowing the feed quality of the hay supply can be the difference between poor animal performance and a successful winter feeding season.

Saskatchewan Agriculture specialists want to raise awareness of the importance of feed testing. The nutrient content of forage is highly variable, particularly in a year when producers will be relying on unfamiliar sources of feed.

The Saskatchewan Hay Harvest Challenge provides producers with a pocket-sized field book to record hay field conditions and harvest operations across their forage acres. The Hay Harvest Challenge encourages producers to

Events calendar

Forage testing ends the guessing game – Take the Hay Harvest Challenge

submit forage samples for feed testing. The field record book provides an entry form to fill in after the feed test analysis is returned. Not only is the field book for record keeping, it is also full of forage production and harvest management information—great for a quick reference on frequently asked forage questions.

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation recognizes these field record books as a method of updating forage yield history when establishing individual coverage under its forage insurance programs.

EVENTS | PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Date Event Location Phone Internet

October 2015 Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan

October 2015 Stewardship Poster Contest Kindersley Regional Office 1-866-457-2377 www.saskatchewan.ca/ag-month

October 4–10, 2015 Animal Health Week in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan www.canadianveterinarians.net

October 5–9, 2015 Obsolete Pesticide/Livestock Medication Collection Program Various towns in northern Saskatchewan

1-877-622-4460 ext. 2223

www.cleanfarms.ca/programs_obsolete_pesticide_collection

October 6–8, 2015 AG-Experience for Students Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK

306-931-7149 www.saskatoonex.com

October 7, 2015 Agriculture Month Speaker Series with Dr. Patrick Moore—co-founder of GreenPeace Canada, now speaking on responsible environmentalism

University of Regina, Regina, SK

www.saskatchewan.ca/ag-month

October 15–29, 2015 Real Dirt on Farming Speakers Training Various locations in Saskatchewan

306-477-3663 www.farmfoodcaresk.org

October 30– November 6, 2015

National Ag Biotech Week Saskatchewan 306-668-2656 www.agwest.sk.ca

October 31, 2015 Deadline to pay 2015 crop insurance premiums without interest being charged

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

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

FOR MORE INFO

TAKE THE CHALLENGE!Submit your forage samples for feed testing. Fill in the entry form in the official contest field record book, provide a copy of the forage analysis and submit the package to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre (45 Thatcher Drive East, Moose Jaw, SK, Canada, S6J 1L8) by January 15, 2016.

All entries are eligible to win. Prizes include a $1,000 voucher for in-store purchase from a Saskatchewan Peavey Mart location or one of four $250 vouchers from Central Testing Laboratories. Copies of the official field record book can be obtained from a Regional Forage Specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre.

Sarah Sommerfeld, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, OutlookRegional Services Branch

Nadia Mori, PAgRegional Forage Specialist, WatrousRegional Services Branch



Agriview October 2015

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