Better Farming Prairies

The Alberta government is providing farmers flexibility when it comes to truck licensing. As of April 1, and after the successful completion of a Class 1 test and other necessary components, eligible farmers and family members can apply for a farm-restricted Class 1 license and skip mandatory entry-level training (MELT). Drivers who wish to obtain air brake and other endorsements must complete those courses. Under this farm-restricted license, farmers and family members can operate a Class 1 vehicle with a “P” condition code, meaning they must comply with farm restrictions. Eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, aunts, uncles and nieces. Drivers can operate Class 1 vehicles, include tractor trailers, within the province of Alberta and for farming purposes. These purposes include deliveries of farm products, grains or farm produce to a farmer’s farm, or to a market. Materials and equipment intended for farm use can be transported as well. Alberta has more than 149,000 licensed Class 1 drivers, but only about 31 per cent drive trucks, government data says.

The Keep it Clean Product Advisory Webinar will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The webinar will provide an overview of why crop protection products registered in Canada may cause marketing concerns for export markets, and how the Canadian grain industry is working together to mitigate these risks. The webinar will also provide an overview of the 2024 Keep it Clean Product Advisory, covering the product and crop combinations that may cause market risks for cereals and pulses. The presentation will wrap up with a discussion covering the importance of best practices for pesticide application throughout the growing season. The following experts will be on hand to share more about the 2024 Product Advisory: Krista Zuzak, Director of Crop Protection and Production, Cereals Canada; Greg Bartley, Director of Crop Protection & Crop Quality, Pulse Canada;  Ian Epp, Agronomy Specialist, Canola Council of Canada.  Keep it Cleanrecommends to growers that you alwaysconsult with your grain buyers before applying any products on the Product Advisory to keep yourcrops market-ready and export-friendly throughout the growing season. Click here to learn more or to register for the event.

An Alberta attraction dedicated to farm equipment and rural life celebrates a milestone this year. The Canadian Tractor Museum in Westlock, Alta., turns 20 in 2024. “June 1 will be 20 years to the day the doors opened,” Steven Miller, a retired farmer and president of the museum’s board, told Farms.com. “It’s a testament to everyone in the community who saw a need for this all those years ago and have continued to support it since.” The doors to the 20,000-square-foot facility opened in 2004, but members of the community started laying the foundation for the museum in 1999. Local farmers and members of the Vintage Tractor Club attended a farm sale and didn’t like what they saw. “My neighbour was appalled that tractors were being shipped to the U.S. and elsewhere,” Brent Sterling, a retired farmer and original director on the museum’s board, told Farms.com. “He approached me about getting something going to have somewhere where we could display our equipment.” With the idea manifested, the work began to secure a site and get the necessary approvals and support to make it a reality. &

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has revoked the license of a Manitoba grain company. “As of March 25, 2024, Zeghers Seed Inc. o/a Zeghers Canada is no longer licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission,” a statement from the commission says. “The company’s grain dealer licence and primary elevator licence located at Holland, Manitoba, have been revoked.” Zeghers is now on the CGC’s website among the list of 25 companies that no longer have licenses in effect. Of that list, the majority are in Western Canada. Any farmers who did business with Zeghers before March 25 may be eligible for payment security under the CGC’s Safeguards for Grain Farmers Program and are encouraged to contact the CGC immediately. Under this program, licensed grain companies are required to provide payment security to the CGC to cover money owed to producers for grain deliveries. That security can come in the form of a bond, an irrevocable standby letter of credit or guarantee, or a payables insurance policy. Sections 95, 116 and 118 of the Canada Grain Act allow the CGC to revok

The Alberta SPCA will answer calls to Alberta Farm Animal Care’s (AFAC) ALERT Line. The phone number, 1-800-506-2273, is available for people who have questions or concerns about livestock and animal welfare. This change took effect on March 21 and is in response to AFAC’s closure. AFAC announced the closure on March 1 citing a lack of resources. AFAC reps are happy the ALERT Line will still be available to Albertans. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to sustain the ALERT Line though the support of the Alberta SPCA to ensure continuity for livestock and the people who care for them in the province,” AFAC Board Chair Merna Gisler said in a statement. And the SPCA is ready to offer support to those who contact them through the ALERT Line. “This is another great opportunity for the Alberta SPCA to connect with rural Albertans when they need us,” Doug Sawyer, chair of the Alberta SPCA board, said in a statement.

Canadian agriculture has received a significant boost from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with the recent announcement to increase the interest-free portion of the Advanced Payments Program (APP) to $250,000 says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). The initiative is designed to support farmers by providing loans that help manage cash-flow challenges and cover increased production costs effectively. Historically, in response to the pandemic's economic impact, the government had elevated the interest-free loan amount to $250,000 in 2022, and then to $350,000 in 2023, aiming to assist farmers with the soaring expenses for essential inputs like fertilizer and fuel. There were plans to revert the interest-free portion back to $100,000 in 2024, which had raised concerns among the farming community. The CFA has been at the forefront, vocally advocating for the retention of the increased interest-free portion, citing the severe inflationary pressures that have burdened producers since the original $100,000 cap was instituted. CFA President, Keith Currie, expressed relief and approval of the announcement, highlighting the crucial timing and financial relief it provides to farmers, who must often invest in the next season's production without having received payment for the previous season. This move has been seen as a direct response to the advocacy and needs of the farming community, reflecting an understanding of the financial pressures faced in modern agriculture. The decision to maintain the interest-free loan amount at $250,000 is viewed as a step towards establishing a new baseline for future interest-free advances, with hopes that the program will continue to adapt to the evolving economic landscape faced by Canadian farmers. The enhancement of the APP reflects a commitment by the Canadian government to support the agriculture sector's sustainability and profitability. It acknowledges the essential role farmers play in the economy and the unique financial challenges they face, especially in an era of increasing costs and economic uncertainty. The farming community has welcomed this development, viewing it as a vital support mechanism for ensuring the continuity and success of Canadian agriculture. See related story: Grain Farmers of Ontario acknowledge the federal increase to the Advance Payments Program

Image by krystianwin from Pixabay The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) have thanked Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay for increasing the interest-free limit of the for this year. The gives producers access to cash advances of up to $1 million based on the expected value of their crop or other agricultural product. Farmers receive the first $100,000 interest-free, and the AAFC can raise that limit if the season warrants it. This year, the limit of the interest-free portion has been raised to $250,000. Under the , cash advances are calculated based on up to 50 percent of the anticipated market value of eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage. Advances are available on over 500 crop and livestock products across Canada. “Farmers face a lot of uncertainties and unpredictability. When the weather is bad or prices are low, Ontario’s family farms can be quickly impacted. We appreciate the government’s decision to increase this limit and the access to interest-free loans this will provide farmers,” said Jeff Harrison, Chair of the GFO. He continued: “Grain Farmers of Ontario has been advocating to increase the limit for some time, and it is good to see that hard work pay off. We look forward to working with the government on continued improvements to this and other risk programs and to any adjustments that might need to be made in the future.” In 2022, due to exceptional circumstances, the Government of Canada increased the interest-free portion of the from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years. As pressures compounded in 2023, the limit was further increased from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year. The GFO is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. For more information on the GFO, visit www.gfo.ca.

Just as only you know when you're thirsty, so too are plants the only ones that know when they require water. If only there was a way to communicate with a plant to find out when exactly that is. But wait! Say hello to , a precision agriculture technology—an easy-to-install water sensor—that provides accurate, real-time feedback on plant thirst, allowing farmers to make fast decisions to better benefit their crops. Developing a way to acquire data directly from plants, FloraPulse is now able to provide ag professionals such as woody crop owners and managers, nut and dry fruit growers, fresh fruit growers, commercial orchard/vineyard operators, government and university researchers, certified crop consultants, scientists, and more with accurate, automated measurements on plant water status. It said its technology works best—right now—for orchards and vineyards, with the company saying it is ideal for such crops as almonds, hazelnuts, wine grapes, apples, peaches, and berries. The system is comprised of patented hardware, software, and technical support for each user to directly manage water stress, reducing water and labor costs and risks while increasing yields, crop quality, and environmental health. FloraPulse provides growers and researchers with accurate and trusted automated measurements of water stress directly from trees and vines. The patented technology—used worldwide—provides science-based advice to optimize irrigation, increase profits, and valuable research data. The was developed via the research and collaboration of Cornell University’s emeritus professor of horticulture, Alan Lakso, Director of the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Abraham Strook, and mechanical engineering Ph.D. and technology developer, Michael Santiago. “FloraPulse is a game-changer for the entire agricultural industry,” said Lakso. “After years of research and development, our team created the first simple-to-use device that provides farmers and researchers with real-time data that helps growers and researchers achieve efficient water use in the face of variable climate conditions.” The company’s revolutionary real-time water sensing technology allows for more resilient plant health systems that enhance our agricultural system and farmers’ bottom lines. The team offers premium technical support and assistance. For more information, visit www.florapulse.com.

By Ryan Ridley Managing Editor, Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest The first issue of 2024 is upon us for the Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest. The Spring 2024 issue will be released within a couple of weeks, and it is packed with new innovations from some of the biggest names in the industry. This year has not disappointed so far, and after speaking with dozens of companies at the 2024 National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS), I am convinced the best is yet to come. As previously reported by our very own Diego Flammini, Farms.com yielded more than 70 videos from the NFMS and will be releasing special edition Machinery Newsletters in the coming weeks—stay tuned for that. Precision agriculture and ag technology ran wild at the NFMS this year, so much so that the 2024 Spring Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest will have a special PAG Tech Clips section featuring our top 10 tech videos from the event. Our main articles will cover a few newly released products, including Case IH’s new AF11 combine and Precision Planting’s new CornerStone planting system. Cannot forget about Kinze’s brand-new 5670 pivot fold planter as well as real-time spot spraying tech from Trimble-owned Bilberry. Oh, and Massey Ferguson has retrofit baler tech, SimplEbale, that brings large-square bale technology to small-square balers. We are sure you have heard of John Deere partnering with SpaceX, but we provide a unique angle on that as well. Our team cannot wait for you to get your hands on...get your keyboards/mouses on…the Spring 2024 Precision Ag Digital Digest. Refer to this link in a week or so and the new issue will be there! In the meantime, flip through our Winter 2023/2024 issue, it has lots of good stuff.

By: Farms.com In 2023, Canada's lentil landscape underwent significant changes, impacting both domestic and international markets. As a key source of plant-based protein, lentils are an essential part of diets worldwide, especially in vegetarian and vegan diets. Last year, Canadian farmers harvested nearly 1.7 million tonnes of lentils, a decrease from the previous year's 2.3 million tonnes. This downturn was part of a trend since the peak production year of 2016, which saw a record 3.2 million tonnes. Factors such as Western Canada's dry conditions contributed to the reduced yield. Despite the drop in production, Canadian lentil exports experienced growth. In 2023, nearly 2.0 million tonnes of lentils were shipped abroad, generating close to $2.3 billion in revenue, an increase from 2022. India remained the largest market for Canadian lentils, absorbing over a third of the exports. The financial aspect of lentil farming also saw a positive shift. Cash receipts from lentil sales reached nearly $1.7 billion in 2023, with farm gate prices peaking at $989.29 per tonne in December. This financial uptick reflects the growing value of lentils in the global market. Looking forward, Canada's lentil farmers are gearing up for an increase in production. With an anticipated 3.7 million acres set to be planted in 2024, the industry is poised for a rebound. Saskatchewan, the heartland of Canada's lentil production, is expected to see a 2.6% increase in seeded area, reinforcing its role as a major player in meeting both national and global demand for lentils. As we await further updates from Statistics Canada, the lentil industry remains a key component of Canada's agricultural sector, reflecting the challenges and opportunities within the global food system.

Gary These remembers seeing the flames from the 2023 wildfire season from his ranch near Peace River. “You could look across our yard and see them,” he told Farms.com. “Luckily the fires didn’t jump the river in our area, but it was too close for comfort.” These’s herd was in the middle of calving when the fires got close. He had plans in place to move his cattle to a hundred-acre plot of land where they would’ve been safe if evacuations were necessary. But he admits it would’ve been a difficult undertaking. “There would’ve been almost no way to evacuate the cattle and I don’t think there would’ve been enough trucks in the area to do that anyway,” he said. “And it’s not like you could chase them there. Our oldest calf at the time was three weeks old.” Oct. 31, 2023, marked the end of that year’s wildfire season in Alberta. A total of 1,092 wildfires burned about 2.2 million hectares (5.43 million acres), data from the provincial government said. For context, Wales and Belize are about 4 million acres each in size.

Two regional winners in Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program are confirmed. The winners from Manitoba are Marcus and Paige Dueck from Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld. The program recognizes the accomplishments of farmers between the ages of 18 and 39. “It was a little nerve wracking leading up to the names being called,” Paige told Farms.com. “We’re obviously very excited that we were chosen.” The Duecks milk 49 registered Brown Swiss cows three times per day using the only tie stall robot in Western Canada – a Robomax unit they had installed in 2020. In addition, they operate 785 acres where they raise crops, participate in agronomic yield trials and raise hay for customers in local and U.S. markets. Once Marcus and Paige knew of their nomination, they needed to make a presentation highlighting their farm’s successes. This reflection provided them with the realization that innovation is an integral part of their farm.

Corteva Agriscience has launched a new herbicide for wheat and barley growers in the black and grey soil zones from Manitoba to British Columbia. Extinguish XL, which is available for the 2024 season, combines two systemic auxin-type herbicides (Group 4) and an ALS enzyme inhibitor-type herbicide (Group 2) in a pre-mix formulation. “This is a high performing, broad spectrum broadleaf herbicide,” Jason Smith, portfolio marketing manager for cereal herbicides with Corteva Agriscience, told Farms.com. “It’s a nice marriage between high performance and ease of use that farmers are looking for when making decisions around herbicide.” Extinguish XL provides control of weeds like flixweed (up to 8 leaf & 8 cm in height), Canada fleabane (up to 15 cm in height) and velvetleaf (up to the 5-leaf stage). It can also suppress weeds like white cockle and perennial sow-thistle. The herbicide can be tank mixed with products like Axial, Everest 3.0 and Tandem. The recommended application rate is 337ml/ac. One jug will cover about 20 acres and one case will provide coverage on about 40 acres. And its wide application window provides farmers with flexibility when using this post-emerge product. “We’d be looking at the two-leaf stage just before the fl

By Farms.com Alberta's journey towards renewable energy has been under scrutiny over the past few months. The Alberta Utilities Commission recently released a report highlighting the minimal impact of renewable energy development on agriculture and the environment. The findings come at a crucial time, shortly after the government lifted a moratorium on new renewable energy projects, signaling a brighter future for the province's green energy sector. The report, requested by the United Conservative government, addresses public concerns about the agricultural land loss and environmental repercussions tied to the rise of solar and wind energy projects. It reassuringly estimates that even if renewable projects were to occupy some of Alberta's prime land, the loss would constitute less than one per cent by 2041. Further easing worries, the commission points out that renewable projects present "well-understood and relatively contained reclamation risks" compared to other industrial developments. These projects are unlikely to significantly affect groundwater or cause off-site contamination, positioning renewables as a safer alternative for Alberta's landscapes. The analysis extends beyond environmental concerns, touching on the effect of renewables on "pristine viewscapes" and the financial implications of reclamation. It suggests that the current regulatory framework is equipped to manage these challenges, although recommendations for clearer reclamation timing and financial assurances were made. Critics of the government's restrictive stance on renewable development find vindication in the report's conclusions. It dismantles previously voiced concerns, advocating for a nuanced, case-by-case approach to managing renewable energy projects. This perspective encourages leveraging Alberta's natural resources—wind and sunlight—especially in regions where these elements are most abundant, without blanket restrictions that could stifle innovation and investment. As Alberta moves forward, the report underscores the importance of balancing renewable energy growth with agricultural preservation and environmental stewardship. It represents a step towards reconciling economic development with ecological responsibility, ensuring that Alberta remains at the forefront of sustainable energy practices in Canada.

By: Farms.com Canada is currently facing an alarming drought situation, sparking widespread concern across various sectors. After a notably warm winter with insufficient moisture, experts from the University of Alberta are stepping up to decode the potential impacts of these dry conditions on the nation's future. Wildfires, agriculture, the economy, and daily lives could be reshaped in the face of dwindling water supplies. The conversation around water law is crucial as it underpins many of the challenges and strategies related to drought management. The drought's influence on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of sustainable food choices, is explored by agricultural economist Ellen Goddard. She notes the growing consumer emphasis on sustainability and the potential for drought-induced price increases to shift purchasing habits significantly. Boyd Mori raises an alarm about the potential for grasshopper infestations to ravage prairie agriculture, a consequence of the mild winter failing to curb their populations. As Canada navigates these turbulent waters, the insights from these experts underscore the urgency of adopting innovative solutions to address the wrath of mother nature. The collective wisdom gathered here paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of ecological health, legal frameworks, economic stability, and community resilience in the face of agriculture adversity.

An ag event that’s gained popularity in other parts of the country is coming to Saskatchewan. This August 10 and 11, farmers in the province will host members of their local community in Saskatchewan’s inaugural Open Farm Days. Organized by Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, this event sees participating farmers engage with people from urban neighbourhoods about agriculture, how farms work and how food ends up on grocery store shelves. “I think it’s going to be very inspiring for people to see agriculture in our province because it is so ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability practices, (and) when we come to ethical farming,” Ashley Stone, Open Farm Days coordinator, told the Prince Albert Herald. “There are some really positive things and stories that will come out of this.” In addition, Open Farm Days provides an opportunity for on-farm sales. In Alberta, for example, more than 100 farms participated in 2023. In total, on-farm sales during the event in 2023 reached $299,000. That’s up from $224,000 in 2022. Since it started in 2012, Alberta Open Farm Days has generated more than $1.4 m

If Paige Dueck, a dairy and grain farmer from Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld, Man., could go back in time to give her 12-year-old self some advice, the elder Dueck would tell the younger one to keep exploring. “Try different jobs, work at different places and see what speaks to you,” Dueck told Farms.com. “That way, when you do choose a path, you know what you like. Mess around with this stuff when you’re young so you can succeed in your career sooner.” This piece of advice comes from Dueck’s lived experience. Dueck didn’t grow up on a farm but as a young girl her parents moved to rural Manitoba to nurture her love of horses and animals. No matter how big or small, if a creature was around, Dueck wanted to see it. “I always had a horse addiction. I could sniff them out at any fair, petting zoo or parade,” she said. “I loved finding little frogs in the backyard. And I spent lots of time in my youth working at chicken barns or pig barns or dairy barns. I’ve always been fascinated with living things.” This interest in living creatures prompted Dueck to attend the University of Manitoba where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in animal systems. And it was at university where she met her now husband Marcus.

An Alberta organization dedicated to ensuring livestock in the province were properly looked after has halted operations. Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), which local livestock producers founded in 1993 to promote responsible and humane animal care, announced its immediate closure on March 1 citing a lack of resources. “AFAC has been hit hard in recent months, including a lack of government funding,” Merna Gisler, chair of AFAC, said in a statement. “This is by no means the conclusion we wished to see happen, but the Board feels this is the responsible action to follow.” AFAC’s expenses have been in the red in recent years. In its 2022 annual report, for example, the organization ran a deficit of $56,478. The losses were “partially due to lack of government funding,” AFAC’s report says. The organization’s work is funded primarily through membership dollars. Throughout its 30-year history, AFAC has been involved with multiple initiatives to support the ag sector.

The collaboration between researchers at the University of Manitoba and the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands has yielded crucial insights into the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). PRRSV is a pathogen that causes severe illness in pigs, resulting in substantial economic losses for pork producers globally. “This disease in pigs is important worldwide and is economically fairly significant,” says Marjolein Kikkert, Associate Professor of Virology at Leiden University Medical Centre. “The aim of the project was to improve vaccines for this disease, and it turned out that it was very difficult.” It is estimated that PRRS costs the Canadian pork industry $130M annually. Kikkert and collaborator Brian Mark, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, investigated the targeting of a type of protein known as a protease. PRRSV uses these proteins to suppress a host’s immune system, causing severe illness. By modifying the structure, researchers can design altered viruses upon which to base new vaccines. With the support of the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Mark and Kikkert were able to visualize the unique structure of the PRRSV protease. The insights gained from their study are valuable for developing new vaccines against PRRSV and also contribute to the development of vaccines against emerging human viruses. The team has conducted similar research on coronaviruses — which also utilize proteases to suppress human and animal immune systems — and has successfully designed new vaccines. “The trick and hypothesis we had for improving the PRRSV vaccine didn't quite work,” says Kikkert. “However, we did learn a lot about how these viruses work. And it may certainly be a basis for further work into possibilities for improving vaccines against these viruses and coronaviruses.” The team’s findings also open new avenues for understanding how viruses like PRRSV use proteins to replicate, making this a significant academic discovery. “The Canadian Light Source provided the technology we needed to determine the structures of these proteases, and this knowledge has provided tremendous insight into the biochemistry of these viruses, which is the cornerstone of modern vaccine development,” says Mark.

Saskatchewan organizations want the provincial government to bring back a program to help address nursing shortages in rural communities. The provincial government needs to reinstate the 2014 Rural and Remote Nurse Practitioner Recruitment Strategy, which provided wages, benefits and other incentives to encourage nurse practitioners to work in communities with populations of 10,000 or less, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) says. “Instead of recruiting, we must grow our own, right here at home,” Ray Orb president of SARM, said in a statement. “The government needs to consider incentives for Nurse Practitioners in the form of contributions towards relocation expenses and potential bonuses for hard-to-fill positions.” SARM and the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP) are making these calls following a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The report indicates 1,760 nurses worked in rural and remote areas in 2022 and that number has declined each year since 2018 when Scott Moe became premier. That year, Saskatchewan had 2,234 nurses in rural and remote communities. The province is short more than two dozen nurses, who could provide care to those in need, industry experts say. “30 (nurse pracritioners) could immediately provide care to approximately 36,000 patients. That is equal to the population of communities such as Moose Jaw, Lloydminster, or Prince Albert,” Johanne Rust, president of SANP, said in a statement.&