Agassiz Observer, March 05, 2013

Volume 13 • Issue 1 March, 2013Free rural delivery from Langley to Agassiz

Inside your

• New restrictions on the use of controversial propane cannons in Abbotsford could be coming in the form of a municipal bylaw.

• Lindsay Babineau, Executive Director of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, was presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal .

• Dr. Jim Thompson, Professor and Director of the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre has been awarded the 2013 Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food.

• Meet John Urquhart is a well-known, and long time breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Chilliwack.

• Ground water and its importance to sustainability.

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agri-business lawAgricultural and Horticultural Employment Law • Farm and Agri-business Succession Planning • Estate Planning and Estate Litigation • Quota Boards and Transactions • Lending Transactions and Farm Acquisitions • Agricultural Foreclosures and Insolvency • Marketing Boards

Sara and Troy Harker, flanked by Canada's Outstanding Young Farmer Program president Derek Janzen and B.C. Lieutenant Governor Judy Guichon, have been named this year's Outstanding Young Farmers for B.C. See story, page 3.

Chicken StoryThe real story of how B.C. chicken is produced.

Page 6

I would like to thank MP Mark Strahl for selecting me to be among 30 recipients from

Chilliwack who were awarded one of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medals.

My family and I came to Chilliwack in 1972 when the Chilliwack radio station hired me as News & Sports Director. However, I very quickly found myself doing play by play cov-erage of the first Chilliwack Bruins hockey club. Terry Bodman was my color commentator and for eight years we worked together in the old coliseum. I was also involved with the 3 Field hockey team from CFB Chilliwack which played in a senior league.

Then there was the popu-lar Peewee Hockey Jamboree in the days when all the kids slept in Evergreen Hall and all the food was prepared by the cooks at CFB Chilliwack.

In 1974 I was elected President of the Chilliwack Senior Men’s softball league, a position I held for six years, at a time when Church League soft-ball teams abounded, and was instru-mental in getting a second ball dia-mond built for softball. I also became involved with Rec Men’s hockey and was President for two years.

Meanwhile, I also served as a director-at-large with the Fraser Valley Cubs and Scouts Association covering all groups from Chilliwack to Boston Bar for close to 20 years

Working at CHWK radio I covered numerous news events including fires and accidents, and countless other meetings. In 1976 my mandate

not only covered news & sports but the Farm shows as well.

Some say I virtually became “the voice” for just about anything and everything that happened in Chilliwack often reporting from my “Cherry Ford news cruiser”.

Officially retired in 1997, I was re-hired to cover local news only for another two years bringing my tenure at CHWK to 27 years.

In 2001 I accepted a job with The Chilliwack Progress) editing a farm publication called West Coast Farmer, which I still do today. During this time I have personally inter-viewed hundreds of farmers and others associated with agriculture, in addition to developing on-going stories about the industry.

It has been a pleasure to be part of the history of Chilliwack over the past 40 years and it was indeed an honor to receive recognition of my work.Whelan

Who can forget the big green Stetson hat that the late Eugene Whelan wore when he was the Federal Minister of Agriculture. He stood out wherever he went. He was probably best known for introducing Supply Management to the Dairy, Egg, and Poultry industries.

My personal recollection of Mr. Whelan occurred in the late seven-ties after I had taken over responsi-bility for the farm show on CHWK radio. It was just before Christmas and the phone rang in the news-room. I answered it, and heard the voice at the other end say, “Hello, This is Eugene Whelan calling. I

thought you might like to talk with me. Maybe you have some good questions to ask me.”

Not knowing he was going to call I told him I did not have any pre-pared questions, to which he replied, “Aren’t you the Farm Director.” I said yes and he said, “Good, let’s just talk.” And we did.

Gerry Ritz, our present day Federal Minister of Agriculture, called Whelan a “proud South-western Ontarian – and a strong voice for Canadian agriculture.”

“Whelan was planted firmly on the side of farmers. His more than twelve years as Agriculture Minister serve as a clear testament to the pas-sion and dedication he brought to the job every day.

I am privileged to continue Mr. Whelan’s efforts in putting farm-ers first, because as Eugene would agree, a strong farm gate is the back-bone of our economy.”Wise

John Wise, a dairy farmer from Ontario and another former Federal Agriculture Minister also passed away recently. He served in munici-pal politics, farm organizations and as the member in Parliament for Elgin County for 16 years.

During his tenure as Minister, Wise helped develop the North American Free Trade agreement. He also helped to lay the foundation for today’s world-class wine industry. Wise was recognized by his peers as a person who was a capable and realistic minister with knowledge of agriculture from the ground up.Blueberry Cannons

The efforts to reduce (or elimi-nate) the use of cannons by blueber-ry growers continues with efforts in both Abbotsford and Langley. The blueberry growers representation on the Abbotsford committee has withdrawn because they feel the committee is biased. It all comes down to which group should prevail, the growers or the residential land owners. The Farm Industry Review Board drafted new regulations aimed at reducing the effect of the cannons, but that hasn’t stopped efforts to ban them. It is a proven fact that cannons are the best bird scare device, but in the past they have proven to be a nuisance to many urban residents, people by the way who probably eat blueberries. Hopefully the issue can be resolved satisfactorily.Sandra Tretick

Sandra, a former senior commu-nications officer with the Investment Agriculture Foundation in BC, and her husband Chris are now living aboard their boat (named Moken) in the Philippines.

“It’s a trawler-style single diesel with sail assist 51 feet in overall length. It was manufactured by Seahorse Marine in mainland China but the design is called a Diesel Duck and the designer is from the San Juan Islands in Washington State. It doesn’t go fast but we do have very long range capability.”

They plan to spend at least a year exploring some of the 7,107 islands that make up this south-east Asian archipelago before venturing fur-ther afield. You can read about their adventures at www.moken.ca.

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7 John Urquhart

9 Master Breeders

10 Beyond the Barn

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WCF editor awarded Queen’s Medal

It has been a pleasure to be part of the history of Chilliwack over the past 40 years and it was indeed

an honour to receive recognition of my work

Grant Ullyot Grassroots

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Kevin MillsBlack Press

New restrictions on the use of controversial propane cannons in Abbotsford could be coming in the form of a municipal bylaw.

Considered a noisy nuisance by many residents who live near blue-berry fields, the civic legislation would impose new limitations on the timing and placement of audi-ble bird scare devices (ABSDs), currently regulated by the minis-try of agriculture.

The draft was created by the

farm bylaw committee, a group of Abbotsford city councillors, farm representatives and members of the public.

Coun. John Smith said the min-istry regulations are “impossible to enforce” and a bylaw would put management in city hands.

A full ban on ABSDs has been suggested, but Smith worries about the effect on berry farmers, who lose around 10 per cent of their crops to birds.

“I can see the need for cannons in a certain case.”

The draft bylaw seeks middle

ground, he said, adding that the problems exist between rural berry farmers and residential neighbours, but also with other farmers, including those who own animals that are spooked by the explosions.

Propane cannons emit loud blasts, which can be more than 100 decibels, and may fire more than 100 times per hour, with mul-tiple shots.

Smith said the noise is similar to a shotgun, and the repetition makes it sound like “a war zone.”

The ministry suggests local

governments adopt a farm bylaw increasing restrictions, instead of seeking a ban.

The committee’s draft would regulate the noise level, frequency of use, distance from homes and hours of operation for the devices.

The bylaw would stipulate that the devices do not exceed 60 deci-bels, face away from neighbour-ing homes, and prohibit use on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and statutory holidays.

The committee is seeking input on the draft bylaw until Feb. 8. Comments can be directed to the

manager of bylaw enforcement, Gordon Ferguson, at 604-864-5630 or [email protected], or on an online form at www.abbotsford.ca.

Though the bylaw would improve conditions for neighbours, Smith said the problem for farmers will continue, as ABSDs only scare birds to other crops.

He said something must be done about the starlings eating the berries.

“It’s a big issue. It isn’t going to get any better.”

Abbotsford takes aim at blueberry cannon bylaw

Pictured left to right: Lieutenant Governor’s Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, award recipient Lindsay Babineau, Honourable Norm Letnick, BC Minister of Agriculture, and Honourable Michael de Jong, BC Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West.

Diamond Jubilee medals awarded at BCAC GalaGrant UllyotWest Coast Farmer

Lindsay Babineau, Executive Director of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition for her years of service towards educat-ing students on the value of agriculture and healthy eating.

The Honourable Michael de Jong, BC Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West, nominat-ed Babineau for the award, and it was presented to her by Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon at the annu-al Agri-food Industry Gala in Abbotsford .

“Lindsay has been untiring in her efforts over many years to promote BC agriculture and to encourage healthy eating and living habits in children,” said Minister de Jong during the medal presentation ceremony. “She is a most deserving recipient and her work has helped reach and introduce BC agricultural products to over 500,000 BC students, and her success has had, and will have, an effect for generations to come.”

Babineau has led the Foundation in edu-cating schools across the province through various programs that promote agriculture and healthy eating. The Foundation’s larg-est program, the BC School Fruit and

Vegetable Nutritional Program, began in 2005 delivering fruits and vegetables to 10 schools. The program has now grown to over 1,400 BC public and First Nations schools, serving over 500,000 students across the province.

“It’s an honour to be recognized with this award,” said Babineau. “This award is not just for me, but for our staff, partners, growers and volunteers. It’s not one person alone, but all of us working together who

have made a difference for agriculture, education and health.”Other Recipients

Richard Bullock Chair of the Agricultural Land Commission was also presented with a Queen’s medal by Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon. Guichon presented the medal as well to the Executive Director of the BC Agriculture Council Reg Ens, and to Nico Human, Chief Executive Officer of the BC Food Processors Association. The awards were part of the program at this year’s BCAC Gala.

Troy and Stacey Hadwick from South Dakota were the

guest speakers at the Gala. They have become major proponents and world wide speakers for agriculture. They were thrust into the limelight by a story in the New York Times by reporter Michael Pollen which portrayed their farm and agriculture much to the dismay of the Hadwicks. So they embarked on a campaign to change people’s attitudes about agriculture. And they have been very successful in doing that

This award is not just for me, but for our staff, partners, growers and volunteers. It’s not one

person alone, but all of us working together who have made a difference for agriculture, education

and health~ Lindsay Babineau

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Cawston couple simply outstandingGrant UllyotWest Coast Farmer

A fifth generation farmer and his wife have been named BC’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2013.

Thirty-year-old Troy Harker and his wife, Sara, also 30, farm in the Cawston area consid-ered by many as the organic capital of Canada,

They received their award from BC Lieutenant Governor Judy Guichon and Canadian OYF president Derek Janzen in front of over 400 people at the annual BC Agriculture Gala in Abbotsford.

The Harkers run a family farm which also includes Troy’s parents and sister. Based on a diverse 30-acre organic vegetable farm and orchard founded by Troy’s great-great grand-father, William James Manery, in the 1880’s, the farm’s 48 full-time and seasonal workers also operate a fruit winery, on-farm retail store, restaurant program and wholesale dis-tribution service under the banners: Harker Organics, Rustic Roots Winery, Farm to Fork Delivery and Harvest Moon Growers.

When Troy and Sara joined the operation in 2006, then comprising only an organic farm, retail market and small organic packing and distribution service, they “saw the need for diversification.”

They responded by adding the restaurant delivery program, which now serves 25 res-taurants in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. Sara is also the winemaker for Rustic Roots, a new fruit winery which has given the Harkers and their fellow organic grow-ers a rewarding outlet for their cull fruit. They are slowly converting their orchard to high-density plantings and now have two acres of Honeycrisp apple trees in a two foot by 10 foot super-spindle production system. Their wholesale packing business has also expanded and now distributes organic fruit and vegetables from 25 organic growers with a total of 550 acres of production.

The 2013 B.C. Outstanding Young Farmer award is one of a long list of awards the Harkers have received in recent years. In 2011, the B.C. Institute of Agrologists named them the Farming Family of the Year and the Canadian Wine Awards honored them for the Best Fruit Wine in Canada. Harker Organics has also been named one of B.C’.s Top 5 Agrotourism Destinations and Eat Magazine’s Best Okanagan Farm.

The Harkers will represent B.C. at the national OYF competition in Saskatchewan in November.

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The Federal Government is helping dairy farmers improve their herd manage-ment. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced an investment for the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) to develop software that will evaluate disease-resistant traits in livestock.

“Our Government is proud to support innovative projects like this one that strengthen the dairy indus-try in Canada,” said Minister Ritz. “This investment will help farmers increase their competitiveness through better management of their herds and improved animal health on their farms.”

CDN provides genetic evaluation services to dairy farms across the country. Data is collected on cattle through a national genetic evaluation system, which provides information to farmers on over 60 traits, such as the quality of milk produced and occurrences of disease in their herds. This investment of up to

$54,000 will be used to devel-op a specialized software program to track mastitis in dairy cattle—a mammary gland infection that results in poor milk quality and is costly to the sector.

Farms across Canada will report each incidence of mastitis, enabling CDN to eventually determine dis-ease-resistant traits in cattle, allowing farmers to better select animals for breeding. This will result in better milk quality, reduced use of anti-biotics and improved animal welfare, ultimately helping to boost the bottom line of dairy farmers.

“This initiative will add to the comprehensive portfo-lio of genetic and genomic evaluation services offered by CDN to help Canadian producers have more profit-able dairy farms and places Canada amongst the first countries in the world with a national system to improve disease resistance,” added CDN General Manager, Brian Van Doormaal.

This project is supported through the Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP), a $50-million initia-tive announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2011. AIP is part of the Government’s commitment to help Canadian producers benefit from cutting-edge science and technology. AIP boosts the development and commercialization of innova-tive new products, technolo-gies and processes for the agricultural sector.

In September 2012, fed-eral, provincial and territo-rial Ministers of Agriculture reached agreement on the five-year Growing Forward 2 (GF2) policy framework. The new agreement will con-tinue to drive innovation and long-term economic growth in Canada. In addition to a generous suite of business risk management programs, governments have agreed to invest more than $3 billion over five years in innovation, competitiveness and market development.

Federal funding helps dairy herd management

Grant UllyotWest Coast Farmer

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) announced that butter and skim milk pow-der prices will increase on April 1, two months later than has been the norm. This year, the CDC delayed its decision on sup-port prices in order to further its consulta-tions with industry stakeholders and to take into account the many changes occurring in the industry.

The support price for butter will increase from $7.2810 to $7.3379 per kg, and the sup-port price for skim milk powder will increase from $6.3673 to $6.4170 per kg. Support prices are the prices at which the CDC buys and sells butter and skim milk powder to balance seasonal changes in demand on the

domestic market. They are also used as ref-erences by provincial marketing boards to price industrial milk used to make products such as yogurt, cheese, butter and skim milk powder.

“The change in support price reflects the increase in the cost of inputs, especially the cost of feed,” says Randy Williamson, Chairman of the CDC. “However, it remains considerably lower than the rate of inflation for food which currently stands at 2.4%.

For dairy producers, this increase in sup-port prices should translate into a revenue increase of 0.9% for industrial milk. Prices received by producers for fluid milk are determined by provincial authorities.

The CDC helps design, implement, and administer policies and programs to address dairy producer and processor needs.

Increase of the support prices for skim milk powder and butter

March, 2013 5

www.avenuemachinery.ca

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The Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. (IAF) presented Dr. Jim Thompson, Professor and Director of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Dairy Education and Research Centre with its 2013 Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food.

IAF Chair Peter Levelton said Dr. Thompson is cited for his contributions in facilitating innovation in his field. His pioneering efforts in developing UBC’s Dairy Education and Research Centre have produced sig-nificant advancements for the dairy sector in B.C. and beyond.”

Dr. Thompson has worked hand in hand with Nelson Dinn to create a world class dairy research institute at PARC (Pacific Agriculture Research Centre) in Agassiz.

A self-sustaining opera-tion that supports the devel-opment and adaptation of new technologies for the dairy industry, the Centre is unparalleled on an inter-national scale. The facilities

benefit producers in B.C. and around the world by supporting research and teaching in the areas of cat-tle reproduction, nutrition, housing, welfare, and nutri-ent and energy recovery from manure.

Recently Dr. Thompson confirmed that UBC has approved the construction of the long awaited new hous-ing for both students and other research personnel. It was the one missing piece in the overall development of the dairy education and research centre. And this project is another feather in

the cap of Dr. Thompson.“It is very gratifying to be

recognized for my efforts with the Centre,” says Dr. Thompson. “Taking the vision from concept to reality has been an incredible jour-ney, and the rewards of wit-nessing the improvements in dairy cattle practice in the province are ongoing.”

“We are very pleased Dr. Thompson’s accomplish-ments are being recognized with this industry award,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Dr. Thompson’s leadership has been invaluable to AAFC’s

successful research partner-ship with the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre, which benefits countless dairy produc-ers with its world-class research.”

“Dr. Thompson’s accom-plishments are a key rea-son British Columbia’s dairy sector continues to be respected as an inter-national leader in discov-ery and excellence, said BC Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick. “On behalf of all British Columbians, I extend my congratula-tions and appreciation to Dr

Thompson for his dedication and leadership. His success exemplifies the innovation the Investment Agriculture Foundation and the B.C. government work so hard to encourage and support.”

The IAF Award of Excellence for Innovation in Agriculture and Agri-Food celebrates the innovative thinkers in the B.C. agricul-ture and agri-food industry.

BCAC AwardThe BC Agriculture

Council’s Award for Excellence in Agriculture Leadership was awarded to Abbotsford greenhouse

grower Marcus Janzen. Marcus Janzen is a prov-

en, well rounded leader in all aspects of agriculture, from livestock to horticulture, from local to global.

Marcus’ involvement in agriculture includes the City of Abbotsford’s Agriculture Advisory com-mittee, BC Business Risk Management Committee and BC Agri-Food Trade Council’s WTO Advisory Group. Marcus is a Past President of the Canadian Horticulture Council and a founding director of the BC Agriculture Council (representing pork produc-ers from 1997-2002 and the greenhouse and berry sec-tor, 2002-2006).

His strengths in articu-late communication and con-sensus building are widely recognized by agriculture industry leaders from across Canada.

BCAC’s Award of Excellence in Agriculture Leadership is designed to honour leaders in the agri-culture industry who have exemplified personal values, performance, and achieve-ment in BC’s farm commu-nity.

UBC professor wins IAF Award of Excellence

IAF chair Peter Levelton, left, and Dr. Jim Thompson at the BC Agri-Food Industry Gala in Abbotsford, Jan. 23.

BCAC Chair Rhonda Driediger presents leadership award to Marcus Janzen.

6 March, 2013

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News

Grant UllyotWest Cost Farmer

Already the negotiations that were to bring about a free trade agreement with European countries are a year behind schedule, and while there are indications that the talks could wrap up soon, no one knows for sure when that will be.

Prime Minister Harper earlier said he expected the talks to wind up by the end of 2012.

A free trade agreement with Europe would become Canada’s most impor-tant international trade arrangement since the North American free trade agreement came into effect.

According to sources, a free trade deal with Europe would eliminate tar-iffs on a wide range of products and services and make some European consumer products cheaper to buy.

Once an agreement is reached it must then be ratified by both the House of Commons and the Senate and that process could take several weeks and/or months to complete.

Our chief negotiator is Steve Verheul considered by many as one of the world’s best.

Free trade talks with European union continue


An educational video, which will provide consumers with factual information on how chicken is produced in British Columbia, is receiving Buy Local program funding.

The BC Chicken Growers' Association will receive $15,500 to help with the cost of producing the short movie and the literature to support it. The video will showcase B.C. family run chicken farms and the responsibility and care they take in ensuring animal welfare, biosecurity, food safe-ty and the environment.

The video will debunk sev-eral myths, among them that BC chicken producers use hormones and steroids which is not true. The use of hor-mones and steroids in the pro-duction of chicken is illegal in Canada and has been since the 1960s.

Another myth claims broiler chickens are raised in cages. They are not. They are raised in free-run barns and have free access to both their feed and water.

The poultry industry is the second-largest agricultural industry in British Columbia with farmers generating just

under half a billion dollars in total combined revenues in 2011. The chicken produced in B.C. is popular both locally and internationally. Asia is a key market. The Philippines is the biggest importer receiving more than $10 million in B.C. chicken products.

Building the local market

for B.C. foods is a key com-mitment of government's Agrifoods Strategy. A compo-nent of the BC Jobs Plan, this strategy is designed to con-tinue to grow the agrifoods sector into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.

BC’s Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick says, “Our hard

working BC chicken farmers located throughout the prov-ince and their high-quality product is consistently in the top five commodities in terms of farms sales each year in B.C. I congratulate the B.C. Chicken Growers' Association on receiving this funding and look forward to seeing the video when it is finished, as they have a great story to tell."

BC Chicken Growers' Association president Ravi Bathe is quoted as saying “Growers are grateful for the support from the BC Government under the Buy Local program. This project will showcase our B.C. family-operated chicken farms and promote the fact we raise the highest-quality chicken in the world without the use of hor-mones or growth promotants. B.C. chicken is a healthy food choice and a very good protein source."

B.C. has more than 300 chicken growers. They pro-duce a variety of chickens from free run and free range to spe-cific breeds such as the Silkie or Taiwanese chicken. The BC Chicken Growers' Association was founded in 1957 as a non-profit organization to unite commercial chicken growers in B.C.

The real story of how B.C. chicken is produced

March, 2013 7

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Grant Ullyot West Coast Farmer

John Urquhart is a well-known, and long time breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Chilliwack. His 60-acre farm which he bought in 1969 can be reached from Evans road. The farmhouse that John helped build is located in a grove of trees and cannot be seen by the passerby. You have to travel over a long 2,000 foot driveway to reach the house and eventually arrive at the barn that houses the cattle.

John has been operating his cattle farm since 1973, the day he retired from service with the RCMP. John said the reason he retired from the RCMP was because his late wife Betty was very involved in the formation of Fraser Valley College at that time, in addition to being a co-coordinator of a Night School program at Chilliwack Senior Secondary. So while she worked tirelessly on the college project, John went back to raising cattle and helping look after his family.

He once had a herd of close to 60 cows, but today he has only 35.

“I basically farm by myself now, but I do have a part time helper,” he noted.

John considers Aberdeen

Angus cattle to be the supreme beef cattle. They were devel-oped in the early part of the 13th century from the polled and predominately black cattle of northeast Scotland. Angus cattle as they became known are naturally polled (no dehorning is required) and can be black or red. However black is by far the predominant color. It is the most popular breed of cattle in the United States. Angus cattle are adaptable to all weather condi-tions.

The breed has superior feed conversion and Angus cross are among the most efficient provid-ing higher net returns on invest-ment.

John says his cattle are too good to eat.

“I sell my cattle mainly to other ranchers in Alberta and a lot of bulls to ranchers in the interior. Every spring I take a group of animals up to the big Williams Lake sale.”

Prior to becoming a cattle breeder John was a member of the RCMP for 25 years. He joined the force right off the farm in Manitoba.

“It was the right thing for a farm boy to do,” stated John.

He first went through basic police training at the RCMP depot in Regina.

His first posting out of training was to Ottawa, where his love

of horses cultivated back on the family farm resulted in his being assigned to be part of world renowned RCMP Musical Ride. For a year he travelled with the ride which took him to major cit-ies along the U.S west coast

It was New Years Day 1953 when John was transferred from Ottawa to Kamloops detachment, the start of his career in BC. He spent three years in Kamloops, then three years in Vernon, followed by six more years in Kelowna.

Then came a major move to Nanaimo where he was put in charge of the highway patrol.

Finally he was transferred to Chilliwack to become the NCO

in charge of traffic enforcement, which at the time covered the area from Langley to Penticton, until his retirement in 1973.

In 1980 he accepted an appointment to become the Chilliwack Coroner, and soon after became District Coroner covering the area from Abbotsford-Mission to Boston Bar and up the Hope-Princeton highway to the summit. He held the position for the next 14 years.

Then in 1994 his wife Betty was diagnosed with cancer and died a year later. That’s when John stopped working off the farm and concentrated on being a rancher again.

In addition to being a long time member of the Aberdeen-Angus Breeders Association, John is also a charter member of the Chilliwack-Fraser Rotary Club.

He says he has always liked working and associating with people. He enjoys barbershop singing, and loves to travel. John was remarried in 1999 to his cur-rent wife Barbara.

“I have had a wonderful long life so far with a few health prob-lems that I’ve overcome and I am raring to go. I am enjoying my life; raising top quality cattle and looking forward to many more years.”

John Urquhart: A cattle breeder with a varied career

I am enjoying my life; raising top quality cattle and looking forward to many more years

~ John Urquhart

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8 March, 2013

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#1 SELLING TRACTOR IN THE WORLD Grant UllyotWest Coast Farmer

The 15th annual Pacific Agriculture Show held in the Tradex Centre at the Abbotsford airport was another outstanding suc-cess. New this year was the use of the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Twitter account. Tweets were sent to '#pacagshow' by attendees and by Twitter Champions stationed at many of the ses-sions. Twitter Champions tweeted from @agrifoodbc and @agriculture_bc, ongo-ing handles used to commu-nicate agricultural informa-tion from BCMA year-round.

This extended the reach of awareness about the PacAgShow to tens of thou-sands of people. Solid fig-ures for the enter picture on this are tricky, but as an example of the potential promotional power of this Twitter campaign, a quick analysis was done of the reach of just AgrifoodBC tweets under the hashtag #pacagshow. Based on the number of followers of everyone that either retweet-ed, tagged as a favourite, or identified as having followed AgrifoodBC's tweets about the event, those posts were fed to over 19,500 Twitter users.

Overall there were 860 Short Course Registrants and 81 presenters, along with 260 exhibitors and over 7,000 general attendees at the Pacific Agriculture Show.

The 55th annual Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association Short Course provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the recent progress in research and development, sustainability and innovation, marketing, agricultural programs and policies, and the ever-chang-ing face of the horticulture industry in BC. This event is organized by the LMHIA Board of Directors, which includes growers, agribusi-nesses, government and university personnel - all of whom deserve credit for its delivery. Short Course eval-uations this year indicated a very high rating for both the choice of speakers and the topics presented. Revenue generated by the Short Course enables the LMHIA to award research projects in support of agriculture in BC.Renewable Energy

Renewable agri-energy technologies present BC’s agricultural sector with an opportunity to convert waste, wind, water and sun into energy and valuable co-products. These tech-nologies therefore enable agricultural operations to dramatically reduce their dependence on utility-based energy subject to price increases and to develop additional, diversified, rev-enue streams that protect from fluctuations in agri-cultural commodity prices. Renewable agri-energy tech-

nologies have also proven to be powerful economic devel-opment engines that provide significant community and regional economic develop-ment benefits in the form of local investment and high-quality job opportunities.

The 2013 Agri-energy Forum provided an invalu-able opportunity to bring together individuals from across the agricultural sec-tor, government and private industry to learn about the benefits, feasibility, suit-ability, opportunities and outcomes of research into renewable agri-energy and co-product development technologies suitable for agricultural producers in BC. Presentations during the 2013 Agri-energy Forum included those on anaero-bic digestion policy develop-ment in Washington state, the feasibility of small-scale wind and micro-hydro in BC, recent pyrolysis, biochar and duckweed cultivation research, and the installa-tion of a biomass boiler car-bon recycling project at a BC greenhouse.

In total, over 120 individu-als attended the 2013 Agri-energy Forum a the annual Pacific Agriculture Show. Of these, it is estimated that at least 50% were agricultural producers from a variety of industries, including dairy, poultry, greenhouse, beef and tree fruits in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and Northern BC.

Show manager Jim Shepard

Twitter expands interest in PAC agriculture show

Spring is in the air

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Our next issue

tuesDAY

June 4th

March, 2013 9

Business

McCLARYS T O C K YA R D S LT D .

MACHINERYSALE

Saturday, April 13th

10:00 am Start!

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B.C.’s Best Cow Market For Over 40 Years

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Monday Sales1:00 p.m.Beef & Feeder Cattle

Wednesday Sales12:30 p.m.

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Choice Holstein Veal ....................................(600-700) ......................................................................... $80.00 -105.50Holstein Feeder Veal ....................................(175-300) ........................................................................ $90.00 - 120.00Good Beef Type Cows ..................................(Exportable) .................................................................... $62.00 - 71.00Medium Beef Type Cows.............................(Over 10 Years Old) ........................................................ $50.00 - 65.00Young Cows and Heiferettes.................................................................................................................. $70.00 - 81.00Best Holstein Cows ................................................................................................................................. $64.00 - 71.75Medium Holstein Cows ........................................................................................................................... $50.00 - 63.75Poor Holstein Cows .................................................................................................................................. under $49.75Holstein Heifers ........................................................................................................................................ $70.00 - 80.00Top Quality Slaughter Bulls .........................(1200-2400) ...................................................................... $72.00 - 85.00Good Slaughter Lambs .................................(80-100) ........................................................................ $135.00 - 145.00Good Slaughter Goats ..................................(54 - 164 LBS) ................................................................None On OfferGood Slaughter Horses ................................(800-1200) ........................................................................ $10.00 - 27.00

FEEDER CATTLEBred Cows ...............................................................................................................................................None On OfferCow Calf Pairs ........................................................................................................................................None On OfferBeef Type Calves ..........................................(200-399) ...................................................................... $135.00 - 160.00Beef Type Steers ...........................................(400-600) ...................................................................... $120.00 - 143.00Beef Type Steers ...........................................(600-800) ...................................................................... $105.00 - 120.00Beef Type Steers ...........................................(800-950) ...................................................................... $100.00 - 112.50Beef Type Steers ...........................................(1000-1250) .................................................................... $85.00 - 105.00Beef Type Heifers .........................................(400-600) ...................................................................... $120.00 - 133.00Beef Type Heifers .........................................(600-800) ...................................................................... $105.00 - 125.00Beef Type Heifers .........................................(800-950) ...................................................................... $100.00 - 116.00Beef Type Heifers .........................................(1000-1250) .................................................................... $80.00 - 100.00

BABY CALVES (By The $)Started Holstein Bulls (4 Weeks Old+) ............................................................................................. $100.00 - 180.00Good Holstein Bulls (100 lbs+) ............................................................................................................... $50.00 - 90.00Small Holstein Bulls ................................................................................................................................$ 10.00 - 40.00

DAIRY REPLACEMENT - Wednesday(ALL COWS CMT TESTED - HEIFERS VET CHECKED)Good Fresh & 2nd Calvers .............................................................................................................. $1400.00 - 1700.00Springing Holstein Heifers ............................................................................................................. $1300.00 - 1600.003rd & 4th Lactation Cows ................................................................................................................. $900.00 - 1300.00Good Open Heifers .......................................(630 - 800) .................................................................... $600.00 - 800.00Good Open Heifers .......................................(840 - 970) .................................................................. $800.00 - 1100.00

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Alpina Dairy Farm Ltd, Rudy and Trudy Russenberger’s farm on Sumas Prairie, in Abbotsford BC has been awarded Holstein Canada’s Master Breeders Award for a second time. Russenberger was among 21 Master Breeder recipients this year, seven of which were repeat winners. Russenberger was also named a Master Breeder in 1998.

Asked if winning for a second time was more rewarding than the first, Russenberger replied, “I think it is an affirmation of being able to do what we want to do and that is to breed the best cows pos-sible.

To qualify for a Master Breeder designation, Russenberger had to register his purebred herd with Holstein Canada which then tracked the results of his breeding program.

“It is a whole combination of things that go into the decision that leads to a Master Breeder Shield being awarded. You must prove your ability to create the complete package, a herd of cows that combines high production, superior conformation and longev-ity” says Russenberger. “Holstein Canada keeps track of everything and it certainly makes it a lot easier for us.”

It was January 12, 2013 when

Holstein Canada phoned to advise the Russenbergers that they had been selected to be a Master Breeder a second time.

Russenberger has a herd of about 150 cows, of which approxi-mately 120 are milked twice a day using a Westfalia-Surge double-ten parallel parlour. He said at the time he installed his new parlour (7 years ago) he considered the idea of installing robots. However, they were pretty new in BC at the time, so he decided to install the parallel parlour.

“It has served us well,” says

Russenberger. “We love it.”Russenberger’s herd in 1998

was smaller than the one he has today by about 30 cows.

Russenberger has been involved in dairy farming for over 50 years. Born in Vancouver General hos-pital in 1960 Rudy lived on the family farm in Greendale for about six years before the family moved to their current farm on Lamson Road in Abbotsford.

“So I basically grew up on this farm. In 1992 my wife Trudy and I bought my Mum and Dad out. So this is now a second generation

family farm. My Mum and Dad live on an acreage about a mile from our farm and we rent their land. My Dad helps out once in a while with field work. He turned 80 this year.”

Russenberger also has two full time employees that have been a big part of winning a second Master Breeder shield. The Russenbergers have 5 children, that have all help out in some way over the past years and continue to do so.

v v v Brooknook Farms in Chilliwack

has been around for close to 100 years and can now boast about being named a Master Breeder. Owner Mark Ricka said he was

hoping to be named a Master Breeder soon, but was surprised to learn that he had been selected this year.

“I was hoping to get one soon,” he says. “I have taken care of breeding on the farm for the past 12 years.”

The family has been on this farm since 1947.

“My grandfather came to Canada from India in 1896. He started farming in 1915 with a herd of Guernsey on a farm that was located on land now occu-pied by Agropur’s dairy plant in Chilliwack. We switched to Holsteins in the nineteen-seventies and have been milking and raising Holsteins ever since.

Being named a Master Breeder requires a lot of patience and per-severance,” says Ricka.

“You have to register your herd, breed cows that have very good milk production – lots of high components like fat in their milk and good protein and they have to score well in confirmation – they have to look good. It really is a combination of production and confirmation in order to get this award. You also have to be on the DHI (Dairy Herd Improvement) program which gives the Holstein Association the information it needs to determine eligibility for an award.”

Rudy and Trudy Russenberger, of Alpina Dairy Farm Ltd. in Abbotsford, have been awarded Holstein Canada’s Master Breeders Award.

Mark Ricka and his Brooknook Farms in Chilliwack have earned Master Breeder.

Local breeders earn top Holstein honours

Continued: MAsTeR/ p10

10 March, 2013

Opinion

Giving Hope TodayHelping Families

Proud AffiliateMember of

Banques alimentairesCanada

ProudMember of

Hunger is a complex issue with many root causes.In a country as prosperous as Canada, it’s shocking to see so many strugle to get enough food.

Close to 900,000 individuals turn to Food Banks for support each month in Canada, and of those, 30% are children and youth.

The problem of hunger is a persistent one. Food Banks have been providing food, and other assistance, for the better part of a decade.

Helping the needy in your communityis just one ‘click’ away!

DONATE ON-LINE AT www.salvationarmychilliwack.ca

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®

Giving Hope Today

Application Deadlines

`MARCH 31 Vegetables and Strawberry Crops

` APRIL 30 Grain, Silage Corn and Forage Spring Plantings

Protect your investment! Don’t miss out! Weather is unpredictable!

New vegetable crops eligible for coverage

Be sure to contact your local Production Insurance office for more details!

Abbotsford 1-888-221-7141 Kamloops 1-888-823-3355

Dawson Creek 1-877-772-2200 Kelowna 1-888-332-3352

Fort St. John 1-888-822-1345 Oliver 1-888-812-8811

It’s a sound business decision to manage your risk.

For more info visit: www.al.gov.bc.ca/production_insurance

When people think of a clean environment they think of air and water. But what lies beneath isn’t just soil for crops. The ground itself plays a vital role in generating a clean, healthy and productive environment optimized for agriculture.

Rainwater filters through the thin layers of soil and vegetation on top and trickles down through the geologic layers of sand, gravel and rocks to the underground network of aquifers, lakes, and streams. In the process, the water is cleansed and purified into safe, clean drinking water which is also a source for irrigation and water for livestock.

According to Henry Lin, professor of hydropedol-ogy and soil hydrology with Penn State University, understanding the com-ponents that make up the integral parts of the soil ecosystem and the layering of the bedrock beneath can lead to better groundwater management and smarter environmental and agricul-tural policy.

Soil health determines its ability to sustain plant and animal productivity and diversity, maintain water and air quality, and support human health. It is a liv-ing, dynamic and changing environment profiled by its own biological, chemical and physical properties. But soils health can easily be overlooked.

“We look at nature and we see all the beauty and all the prosperity around us," said Lin. “But most people don't know or tend to forget that the key to sustainability is right underground.”

Lin reported his research in February at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston. He said that Earth's outer layer from the top vegetation canopy to the strata of soils and layers of underground material

helps soak up and purify water by extracting excess nutrients, heavy metals and other impurities. The ground becomes a storage container for freshwater.

About 60 per cent of the world's annual precipitation ends up in this zone. "In fact, there is more water

under the ground than there is in the so-called blue waters such as lakes and rivers,” said Lin.

Rainwater that falls on rivers, lakes, and that seeps into the ground is

known as “blue water”. This is the water source used for domestic, industrial, and irrigation purposes and it constitutes 30-35 per cent of water in the hydrologi-cal cycle. “Green water” is the amount of rainfall that is absorbed by vegetation. When vegetation expires that moisture back into the atmosphere the evapotrans-piration process is known as “white water”. The green water process represents some 65 per cent of the absorption of rainwater and includes the water source for rainfed agricultural crops.

Besides using freshwater for drinking, people use large amounts of water to irrigate agricultural fields and as part of industrial operations. Lin said that just as a global green revolution raised awareness about food security, a blue revolution may lead to efforts around water security. In the face of global warming and pre-dicted changes in rainfall patterns, access to adequate

and safe water is going to become critical around the globe.

Rainwater is an ever increasing valuable com-modity. On the west coast, we are blessed with an abundance of it but else-where in the world it is increasingly scarce. Climate change could lead to rainfall patterns to the extent that conflicts over water could replace all other territorial disputes in the future.

“Without water there is no life," Lin said. “Without groundwater, there is no clean water.”

Lin said that the ground-water system in many regions of the world is currently under threat from poor land manage-ment practices that fail to consider how ground-water is affected by land uses such as new building projects, underground storage, and agricultural operations. Planners should consider, for example, how the ground and plants in an area can affect water run-off. In some cases, not taking the ground and underground features of an area into consideration can lead to flooding or to the addition of impurities into drinking water supplies.

Besides reaching out to managers and planners, Lin said that the general public also must become more aware of groundwater man-agement issues.

“In a lot of cases, for the general public and even people from government agencies and funding agen-cies, it's out of sight, out of mind," Lin said. “But, beneath the surface lies the foundation of our sustain-ability.”

The hidden side of sustainability

MargaretEvans

Brooknook Farms milks 125 cows. It has 290 cows in total, a lot of dry cows and heifers and a lot of work, notes Ricka.

His father John still works on the farm, and his mother Colleen helps with the calves. She also milks

the herd when Mark can-not. Ricka also has an older brother who is a veterinarian with Greenbelt Veterinary Services in Chilliwack. He is an integral part of the farm and looks after herd health issues.

“It’s nice to have your own vet,” stated Mark. “And my brother also helps out on the farm when its time to bring

in the crops.”They grow all their own

corn and grass silage on 80 acres of land on their main McGuire Road farm, and rent an additional 100 acres on which they grow their forages.

The next big step for Mark is getting married next October.

MastEr from page 9

Master breeders recognized

March, 2013 11

News

AgriStability 2012 Interim ApplicationAttention Producers:

AgriStability participants experiencing income declines may apply for an Interim Payment for the 2012 crop year. An Interim Payment provides program participants with an advance payment of up to 50 percent of their estimated final 2012 benefit.

Here are some important details:

• The 2012 Interim Application deadline is March 31, 2013.

• To apply for an Interim Payment, you must be enrolled in AgriStability for the 2012 program year, and your enrolment fee must be paid by the deadline date.

• Participants, who receive a 2012 Interim Payment, are required to submit a completed 2012 Harmonized Form by December, 31st, 2013, so that their final 2012 benefit can be calculated.

• Participants, who do not submit their 2012 harmonized form by the December deadline, will be considered to be in an overpayment position, and therefore, be required to repay the full amount of their 2012 Interim Payment. (Note, December 31th is the final deadline with penalty; late penalties are applied to Harmonized Forms submitted after September 30th.)

If you have any questions regarding Interim Benefits please contact AgriStability at 1-877-343-2767, and ask to speak to your regional Customer Service Representative.

Website: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/agristability

AgriStabilityBC Ministry of Agriculture

Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative

200 - 1500 Hardy StKelowna, BC

V1Y 8H2

1767 AngusCampbell Rd

Abbotsford, BCV3G 2M3

PO Box 857201 - 583 Fairview Rd

Oliver, BCV0H 1T0

10043 100th StFort St. John, BC

V1J 3Y5

AgriStability Regional Offices • Toll Free: 1-877-343-2767

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Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has unveiled three new feder-al programs under Canada’s new Growing Forward 2 agri-cultural policy framework that will streamline investments in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The new programs will focus on strategic initia-tives in inno-vation, com-p e t i t i v e n e s s and market development to further strengthen the sec-tor’s capacity to grow and prosper.

“These new Growing Forward 2 programs will build on the success of exist-ing programs to provide more streamlined support to the sector to help it remain a world leader in agricultural innovation and trade,” said Minister Ritz. “We are mak-ing sure farmers and the entire sector have the tools and resources they need to stay ahead of the ever-changing demands of con-sumers.”

Three new federal pro-grams will come into effect on April 1, 2013.

The AgriInnovation Program will focus on invest-ments to expand the sector’s capacity to develop and com-mercialize new products and technologies.

The AgriMarketing Program will help industry improve its capacity to adopt assurance systems, such as food safety and traceability, to meet consumer and mar-ket demands. It will also sup-port industry in maintaining and seizing new markets for their products through branding and promotional activities.

The AgriComp-etitiveness Program will target invest-ments to help strengthen the agriculture and agri-food industry’s capacity to adapt and be profitable in domes-tic and global markets.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is proactively provid-

ing information to farmers and the industry so that they are familiar with the kind of support that will be available and so they may plan their applications well in advance.

All three programs are now accepting applications.

G r o w i n g Forward 2 repre-sents a $3 billion investment over five years in stra-tegic initiatives for innovation, competitiveness and market devel-opment, in addi-tion to a full and compr ehens ive suite of business risk management programs that will continue to help

farmers withstand severe market volatility and disas-ters. Investments in the three priority areas are criti-cal to facilitating the sec-tor’s expansion and leverag-ing of provincial-territorial and industry investments to increase productivity, growth and jobs.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also improv-ing service delivery through better program design and streamlined administration, as promised in Economic Action Plan 2012. This will make it easier for applicants to access programs and report results from federal investments.

Growing Forward 2 programs ready for implementation

Kelly ThoresonSpecial to West Coast Farmer

It’s a known fact that a bacteria population that has been exposed to anti-biotics for long periods of time can evolve to protect itself by either modifying the antibiotic compound or expelling residues faster than they come in. A team of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists from London (ON), in col-laboration with colleagues from France, recently dis-covered a soil bacterium that found a new way of protect-ing itself – and the environ-ment, from a commonly used veterinary antibiotic, sulfamethazine (SMZ). The newly discovered bacterium breaks down SMZ and uses it as food, which helps limit the drug’s impact on the environment.

Motivated by concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, AAFC scientist

Dr. Ed Topp and his team started their experiments on AAFC research plots more than 14 years ago. The team repeatedly treated plots with a mixture of three common veterinary antibiotics used to promote livestock growth and health – SMZ, tylosin, and chlortetracycline – and monitored how long-term exposure affected soil bacte-ria populations.

Previous research indi-cating that pesticides often break down more quickly in soils with a long history of exposure prompted Dr. Topp’s team to compare anti-biotic persistence in untreat-ed soil and soil from their treated plots.

The team was surprised to discover that antibiotics were disappearing much faster from soil that was treated with antibiotics over long periods than from the untreated soil. In par-ticular, SMZ was removed from the soil as much as five times faster in the histori-cally treated soil. The culprit

was singled out as a new strain of Microbacterium, an actinomycete that has adjusted to long-term expo-sure by learning to break down SMZ and using it as a food source. Actinomycetes are extremely common in soils and known to degrade a wide range of organic com-pounds, but this is the first strain known to break down an antibiotic to feed itself.

Dr. Topp’s research could significantly change the cur-rent understanding of our environment and antibiotic resistance. These findings suggest that under condi-tions of long-term exposure to antibiotics, bacteria can evolve to break them down, use them as a food source, and help reduce the amount of time that the environ-ment is exposed to these drugs. Research is ongoing to determine if long-term exposure to antibiotics puts pressure on the soil bacteria to evolve and be resistant to these antibiotics.

Ground-breaking discovery of new kind of antibiotic resistance

We are making sure farmers and the entire sector have the tools and resources they need to stay ahead of the ever-changing demands of

consumers

~ Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

“

”

Seed potatoes get funding boostAs part of the British Columbia gov-

ernment’s Buy Local program, the B.C. Certified Seed Potato Growers Association is receiving $5,000 to develop promotional materials that will help raise awareness about the value of buying B.C. certified seed potatoes.

The project will connect seed purchas-ers and producers through a web-based, market-exchange tool and improve access for B.C. consumers to potatoes grown from B.C. certified potato seeds.

The Buy Local program offers suc-cessful applicants matching funds up to $100,000 to launch or expand local food marketing campaigns.

Building the local market for B.C. foods is a key commitment of govern-ment’s

Agrifoods Strategy, a component of the B.C. Jobs Plan, to lead the agrifoods sector growth into a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.

The provincial government’s Buy Local program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

B.C. grows approximately 1,100 acres of certified seed potatoes grown by approximately 20 growers, producing over 20 different varieties.

12 March, 2013

TD Canada Trust

TD Canada Trust knows that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of life. We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communitiesby providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the business of farming.

Contact one of our Agriculture Services specialists. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meettoday’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

Meet our Agriculture Services Team

® / The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

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tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture

Karen LandonDistrict Manager British Columbia (604) 870-2211Cell (604) 556-4560 [email protected]

Ryan HollingRelationship Manager (604) 870-2229 Cell (604) 897-2214 [email protected]

Nathan JanzenAccount Manager(604) 795-9166, ext. 305 Cell (604) [email protected]

Trevor WayManager Agriculture Credit (604) 870-2225 [email protected]

Scott ShieldsAccount Manager(604) 870-2222 Cell (604) [email protected]

Kuljit MannAnalyst (604) [email protected]

Jeremy SiddallAccount Manager (250) 763-4241, ext. 222 Cell (250) [email protected]

Bonnie DavisCustomer Service Officer(604) 870-2233Toll-Free [email protected]

News

Alina KonevskiBlack Press

A university researcher is recruiting every municipality from Vancouver to Hope to create a regional food system. The City of Chilliwack is not participating, because of a belief that most agricultural lands are well used here.

Southwestern B.C. has many hectares of unde-rutilized agricultural land that is a billion-dollar missed opportunity, according to Kent Mullinix, a director at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.

"I know that there is significant income to be generated for our local regional economy, and many many jobs to be created, and many many small- and medium-sized businesses that will emerge from developing a substantial regional-ized food system," says Mullinix.

A few years ago, his research team discov-ered that approximately 15 per cent of Surrey's agricultural land reserve is underutilized, and could be put into production. Were it farmed, it could create hundreds of jobs, and double Surrey's agricultural revenue.

Mullinix has now set out to design a "road map" for farmers, consumers, entrepreneurs, and governments to follow in the effort towards regional food self-reliance, a three-year project that has already raised $1.1 million of its $1.4 million goal. Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Vancouver, have all signed on, and the University of Fraser Valley is one of six institu-tions leading the research.

Mullinix pitched the concept to the City of Chilliwack in late 2012, and requested a city project liaison and a $12,000 contribution.

Although Mayor Sharon Gaetz says she was "very excited" about the initiative, she doesn't believe it would be a significant benefit to Chilliwack.

"For the city of Chilliwack, it's not a big deal. Our cupboards are full. We have a lot of food lands here," says Gaetz.

The problem, Gaetz says, is restricted to lands further west, where industrial develop-ment has taken over a large share of arable land.

"Now they're scrambling looking for food lands."

Two-thirds of Chilliwack's land lies in the agricultural land reserve. But people purchas-ing a piece are under no obligation to farm it. The result is that only 60% of the 16,982 hectares that make up Chilliwack's ALR land have farm class, according to BC Assessment. Another 2,000 or so hectares of agricultural land in the city are deemed "vacant."

ALR land that doesn't meet its agricultural potential is well suited to creating a labour-intensive, local regional complementary food system, that reduces the region's food imports and creates jobs, says Mullinix. The biggest obstacle he is having is people seeing the potential beyond a transnational commodity food market.

But another big, practical challenge is finding people willing to work the land.

Use spare farm land to grow food, says study Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry

Ritz says the review is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure that Canadians continue to have one of the safest food safety sys-tems in the world.

“We take the safety of Canada’s food supply very seriously, and we remain committed to the continuous improve-ment of Canada’s strong food safety systems that allow Canadian consum-ers to shop with confidence. I look forward to receiving the Panel’s report so that its recommendations can be reviewed and made public,” says Ritz.

Canada’s food safety system remains among the best in the world, but events such as the XL Foods Inc. beef recall that occurred in September and October of 2012 underscore the importance of ongoing review and continuous improvement.

As a result, the Government of Canada has appointed an Independent Expert Advisory Panel to conduct a review of events and circumstances related to the XL Foods Inc. E. coli O157:H7 investigation and recall.

The review team includes rec-ognized scientific, public health, and industry experts. The team consists of Dr. Ronald Lewis (Chair), Dr. Ronald Usborne, and Dr. André Corriveau.

The review will examine the events, circumstances, and factors that contributed to the E. coli outbreak

in XL Foods Inc. products, includ-ing the design, implementation, and oversight of food safety preventative control programs, inspection poli-cies and protocols, and information exchange between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and its food safety system partners, includ ing XL Foods Inc. and foreign regulators. It will also consider whether the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or XL Foods Inc. could rea sonably have detected the contamination prior to beef products entering into distribution and com-merce; and review the effectiveness of the response of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in light of the addi-tional resources provided to it since 2006 by the Government of Canada, in conjunction with the response of its food safety system partners, including XL Foods Inc. and foreign regulators, to the E. coli outbreak, including but not limited to the effectiveness of their prevention, detection, recall response, incident management, and investiga-tive activities, as well as their collabo-ration and communication with one another, the public, and stakeholders for the purpose of ensuring consumer safety.

Based on the findings and conclu-sions, the team will make recommen-dations, within the existing resourc-es of the Cana dian Food Inspection Agency, to strengthen prevention strategies and regulatory oversight.

Federal government orders independent review of XL Foods

March, 2013 13

News

west coast farmer 2013 adsize: 10.25 in x 6.875 indue: february 13, 2013February 27, 2013Marketing:MKTGMAC:back up drive:Agriculture:2013:Agriculture Ads:West Coast Farmer:March - Come Celebrate:PNE13-Celebrate-WCF-March

PNE 4-H FEstivalAugust 17–20

Over 30 project competitions as well as provincial programs for judging,

speak and show and educational displays.

Entry deadline: June 28, 2013

saFEway Farm CouNtryAugust 17–september 2

Come out and experience BC’s remarkably diverse agriculture industry. Featuring the

crowd-favourite Discovery Farm exhibit plus a whole barn full of exciting animal displays!

PaCiFiC sPirit HorsE sHowAugust 21–september 2

Competitions in: JuniorAmateur Jumping, Cattle Penning, Draft Team, Miniature Horses,

Indoor Eventing and the PNE summertime challenge, The Battle of the Breeds.

Entry deadline: July 19, 2013

604-251-7788 • [email protected] • www.pne.ca

Come Celebrate at bC’s largest agriCulture showCase

it’s the best Part of summer

Compiled by Peter Andres

BC Hazelnut Growers Association President Peter Andres from Agassiz says new things are happening in the indus-try - primarily with the Immune Trees project.

“We now have participation from Hornby Island, Chilliwack, and Agassiz. Those who plant-ed trees are: Charlotte Spencer from Hornby, Helmut Hooge, Walter Esau, Pentti Hanninen, Neal teBrink, and Peter Andres. It is good that other BC geo-graphic areas are included in the project. The BCHGA has also funded 5 trees to be grown in the Southern Interior at Rock Creek. The aim is to see if these trees will grow in colder interior climates. Although growth is not as prolific, it has been reported that these trees are growing. We need to see if they survive the past winter,” notes Andres.

Funding from the Investment Agriculture Foundation has again been received for 2012. Levies on the other hand are down a lot because of the drop in production – severe for some growers and

for others it was similar to the previous low crop.

The same levy charge as in previous years (half cent per lb) applies to the 2012 crop. We need every grower to continue to remit their half-cent per pound of pro-duction through a processor or by direct cheque to the BCHGA. We need to show that we use it for our share of funding for the Variety Trials Project.

For those who have not had their 2012 crop levy deducted (mostly those crops going to the USA), please remit your levy cheque at the AGM or send it to Peter Andres,1611 Tranmer Rd, Agassiz, BC, V0M 1A2.

Hopefully all growers will attend the AGM planned for Wednesday, April 9th to get the latest information on the severity of the eastern filbert blight infec-tion and what to do about it.

The Annual General Meeting of the BC Hazelnut Grower’s Association will be held on Tuesday April 9th , 2013 at the BC Ministry of Agriculture 1767 Angus Campbell Road (The Red Barn) in Abbotsford.

More growers take part in Immune Trees project

n Hazelnut Industry

Hazelnut farmers Helmut Hooge (left) of Chilliwack and Peter Andres of Agassiz have been fighting eastern filbert blight on trees in the Fraser Valley. JENNA HAUCK/ BlACK PrEss FilE

14 March, 2013

You could end up unearthing more than your soil.

Know what’s below. Call us first.When it’s time to turn your fields over, make sure you know what you’re digging into. Buried high-pressure natural gas pipelines may be close at hand. Before you dig or till, make the FREE call that keeps everyone safe.

Plus, it’s the law. That’s because if you rupture a natural gas pipeline, you could be injured, lose your life, or incur damage to your property or the environment.

Call first, before you do any of the following work along a Spectra Energy pipeline right-of way:

•Deeptillingorgrounddisturbanceover30cm(12in.),andwithin30m(98ft.) of the right-of-way edge

•Removingoraddingsoilcover

•Excessiverutting

•Crossingthepipelinewithheavyequipmentorloads

Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886, with three days notice of any digging activity. For emergency locates, call Larry Olson, Spectra Energy at 604-793-5166.

For safety’s sake, call first. Learn more at spectraenergy.com

Spectra_Westcoast Farmer_Ad.indd 1 12-09-11 1:12 PM

3/13wcf SE5

March, 2013 15The Chilliwack Progress Monday, March 4, 2013

TRAVEL

74 TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

76 VACATION SPOTS

$449 CABO SAN LUCAS, ALL IN-CLUSIVE SPECIAL! Stay 6 Days in a Luxury Beachfront Resort with Meals & Drinks! For $399! www.luxurycabohotel.com 888-481-9660

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

$294.00 DAILY MAILING POST-CARDS! Guaranteed Legit Work. Register Online! www.ThePostcardGuru.comZNZ Referral Agents Needed! $20-$95/Hr! www.FreeJobPosition.com Multiple $100 Payments To Your Bank!www.SuperCashDaily.comMore Amazing Opportunities @ www.LegitCashJobs.com

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

130 HELP WANTED

An employment service assisting employers and job seekers. Ph: (604)823-6222www.agri-labourpool.com

GUARANTEED Job Placement: General Laborers and Tradesmen For Oil & Gas Industry. Call 24hr Free Recorded Message For Infor-mation 1-800-972-0209

Looking To Hire? We can help you reach candidates locally or out of province. Simple, affordable pack-ages! [email protected]

PERSONAL SERVICES

173 MIND BODY SPIRIT

DECADENT RELAXINGFULL BODY SWEDISH MASSAGE

*PRIVATE *EUROPEAN From $65 & up. 604.230.4444

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

Need CA$H Today?

Own A Vehicle?Borrow Up To $25,000

No Credit Checks!Cash same day, local offi ce.www.PitStopLoans.com

604-777-5046

PERSONAL SERVICES

182 FINANCIAL SERVICES

Borrow AgainstYour Vehicle!

• MONEY TODAY! • Instant Approvals • No Credit Checks

• Privacy Assured

www.topdogloans.com604.503.BARK (2275)

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

203 ACCOUNTING/TAX/BOOKKEEPING

Paisley Tax Service(since 1988)

All aspects of Personal TaxMobile Service for shut-ins

NO HST/GST!Contact John Zillwood

Chilliwack - 604-792-7635www.paisleyservices.com

257 DRYWALLBOARDING, TAPING, spraying, drywall repairs. No job too small. Call Les, (604)866-4594/391-2296

283A HANDYPERSONS

SOUTH SWANSON HOME Servic-es, no job too small. Call (604)845-4389

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

300 LANDSCAPING

UPPER VALLEY BOBCAT Services. (604)316-6791

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

www.paintspecial.com 604.339.1989 Lower Mainland

604.996.8128 Fraser ValleyRunning this ad for 8yrs

PAINT SPECIAL3 rooms for $299,

2 coats any colour (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls

Cloverdale Premium quality paint.NO PAYMENT until Job is

completed. Ask us about ourLaminate Flooring &

Maid Services.

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS

Eastcan Roofi ng & Siding •New Roofs •Re-Roofs •Repairs

Liability Insurance/BBB/10% off with ad604.562.0957 or 604.961.0324

374 TREE SERVICES

TREE & STUMPremoval done RIGHT!

• Tree Trimming• Fully Insured • Best Rates604-787-5915/604-291-7778 www.treeworksonline.ca

10% OFF with this AD

PETS

477 PETS

ITALIAN MASTIFF(Cane Corso) P/B blues, ready to go, 1st shots,

tails/dew claws done. Ultimate family guardian $1000

(604)308-5665

PUG avail for stud service. He is a rare silver male, purebred but not registered, $700 or puppy back. Also Golden retriever (not reg.) avail for stud $600 (OFA hips and cert eyes) Mission 604-820-4827

Shepherd x, spayed female, all shots, 7 mos. asking $400. Call (604)847-0171

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

548 FURNITURE

MATTRESSES starting at $99• Twins • Fulls • Queens • Kings

100’s in stock! www.Direct Liquidation.ca (604)294-2331

REAL ESTATE

639 REAL ESTATE SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

648 CHILLIWACK/SARDIS

CHILLIWACK: 2 bdrm 2 bath end unit, 1 storey condo, Oak kitchen, new paint, gas f/p. Low strata fees, $224,900, 778-809-0757.

RENTALS

706 APARTMENT/CONDO

CHILLIWACK AREA, 1 , 2 & 3 bed-rooms, family building close to schools, shopping and bus. Park-ing, cable, laundry incl. small pet ok, avail now. Rob, 604-316-5404.

Chilliwack. Fully renovated incl. new kitchen, spacious & bright 1 bd, balcony, FREE heat h/w, park-ing, elevator, great Mary St loca-tion, from $675. 604-702-0722

Mountain Village Apts9482 Williams St.

Some of Chilliwack’s Largest apartments.

Bright, extra large 1 and 2 bedrooms

Heat & hot water, new carpet & li-no, balcony, parking, coin laun-dry, elevator, cls to amenities,

under new on-site mgmt. Ref’s req’d.

604-795-9492 to view

NEED TO advertise rental of an apartment? Look to the Chilliwack Progress classifi eds, 604-702-5552

709 COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL

CHILLIWACK, 28x40’ shop in Greendale area, $500/m. Call (604)823-6530

WE’RE ON THE WEBw w w.bcclassified.com

RENTALS

749 STORAGE

EAST CHILLIWACK Storage/Work Shop. hydro incl, secure. Call 604-819-7231. Mon-Sat.

750 SUITES, LOWER

SARDIS: Large 2 bdrm, bright ste,sep entry. $700/mo incl shrd W/D, util., sat tv. NS/NP, quiet Greendale area. Avail now. 604-823-6530.

TRANSPORTATION

845 SCRAP CAR REMOVALTOP CA$H PAID TODAY For SCRAP VEHICLES! 2 hr. Service www.a1casper.com (604)209-2026

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVALMinimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

851 TRUCKS & VANS

2007 FORD RANGER, ext cab, 2wd, auto, air, 6 cyl, matching canopy, 200 hwy km, well main-tained. $6500. 604-316-7285

2010 Tundra Ltd edition 4x4, 4 dr, leather heated seats, option, back-up camera, $33,500 (604)845-6242

Start something

with a donation of time or money at

bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

of the Fraser Valley

16 March, 2013

854 Silage Baler •14 Knife Pre-Cutter•Cover-Edge Net Wrap•Drop Floor to unplug•Dense great looking bales

•4WD •Mid Frame•37.1 HP Yanmar 3-cylinder, Diesel Engine •Twin Touch™ Hydro Trans. •Ind.(no clutch) PTO

•4WD •Mid Frame22.4 HP Powerful Diesel Engine •Twin Touch™ Hydro Trans. •Folding ROPS•Mid & Rear PTO

Retail $12,599 Retail $23,274Retail $23,274Retail $23,274Sale $11,799 Sale $21,200

328 Square Baler 830 Mower Conditioner•Side Drop Bale Chute •Bale Counter •Gauge Wheels •Side Hay Resistor •Stackable Bales!

•Impeller Conditioner •2PT Hitch, great maneuverability •High Floatation Tires

•Toughest Cutterbar , 3 Year Warranty

Retail $52,801Retail $52,801Retail $52,801Cash Price $44,500

Retail $23,361 Retail $36,471Retail $23,361Retail $23,361Retail $23,361Retail $23,361Cash Price $19,990

Retail $36,471Retail $36,471Cash Price $30,990

Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Sale $11,799Add a H120 Loader for $3899

•4WD •Mid Frame•4WD •Mid Frame3038E Tractor w/305 Loader

•4WD •Mid Frame1023E Tractor

Attachments not included unless stated otherwise

5055E Tractor 5083E Tractor w/ H260 Loader 5075E Tractor

0% Financing for 60 Months 0% Financing for 60 Months 0% Financing for 48 Months

0% Financing for 60 Months 0% Financing for 60 Months

•4WD •55 HP•8F/4R SyncShuttle Transmission•Dual Mid Valves•Independent 540 PTO

•4WD •75 HP•9F/3R transmission •Turbo charged engine•Independent 540

•4WD •83HP •H260 SL Loader•12F/12R PowrReverser Transmission•540/540E PTO•Open Station tractor

Superior Quality. Trusted Tradition

1-877-553-3373 www.prairiecoastequipment.com

Retail $28,373 Retail $32,875 Retail $52,188Sale $27,300 Sale $31,500 Sale $48,700

Prices are suggested retail prices only and are subject to change without notice at any time. Dealer may sell for less. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight and preparation charges not included. Attachments and implements sold separately. Equipment may not be exactly as shown. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 until April 30/13. Down payment may be required. A $50.00 documentation fee may apply. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment. Minimum finance amount may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. See participating dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. 0% purchase financing for 5 years on new 5E Utility Tractors 45-75HP with cab or PR Transmission. Ex) Model 5075E with cab or PR Transmission at $41,969, plus a $50 documentation fee, less a down payment of $8,403.80, at 1.71% APR, semi-annual payment is $3,361.52 for 5 years, total obligation is $33,615.20, cost of borrowing is $1,528.50 (includes foregone cash rebate of $1,500 in order to take advantage of offer). Down payment may be required. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 until April 30/13. Down payment may be required. A $50.00 documentation fee may apply. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment. Minimum finance amount may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. 0% purchase financing for 4 years on new 5E Utility Tractors 45-75HP with cab or PR Transmission. Ex) Model 5075E with cab or PR Transmission at $41,969, plus a $50 documentation fee, less a down payment of $8,403.80, at 2.1% APR, semi-annual payment is $4,201.90 for 4 years, total obligation is $33,615.20, cost of borrowing is $1,530.50 (includes foregone cash rebate of $1,500 in order to take advantage of offer). Down payment may be required. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 until April 30/13. Subject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. For purchases on your Multi-use Account for personal, agricultural and commercial use. For eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) minimum monthly payment required and 2) finance/credit charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 2.90% per annum. No down payment required. A statement of account will be provided monthly. For example, on a new John Deere RSX 850i Utility Vehicle, based on a cash selling price of $17,358 (selling price in example is based on MSRP as of 13 June 2012 and may change at any time without notice. Dealer may sell for less) less a down payment of $0, to be financed for a maximum of 60 months with 60 monthly payments of $312.44 totalling $18,746.64 based on 2.90% AIR with a cost of borrowing of $1,388.64. Offer valid from Feb 1/13 to April 30/13. Subject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. For purchases on your John Deere Financial Multi-use Account for personal use only. Offer is unconditionally interest free for the first 12 months. After the 12 month period, for eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) a minimum monthly payment of $76.98 is required; and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 17.9% per annum until paid in full.

Sale $27,300Sale $27,300Sale $27,300Sale $27,300Add a 553 Loader for $7200

Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Sale $31,500Add a 553 Loader for $7200

5055E Tractor only only

1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor only

Abbotsford604.864.9844

Langley604.530.4644

Duncan250.715.3711

Kamloops250.374.1932

Kelowna250.765.9765

No Payments or Interest for 12 Months

•4WD •Mid Frame1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor

•4WD •Mid Frame1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor 1023E Tractor X300

Retail $12,599

Add a H120 Loader for $3899Retail $12,599

Add a H120 Loader for $3899Sale $2999Retail $3499

2.9% Financing for 60 Months!

RSX Gator- Base Model

Sale $13,999Retail $14,599

•18HP •Hydro Trans.•V-Twin Kawasaki Eng•42-inch Mower Deck•Premium Series•4 YR/ 300HR WARRANTY

854 Silage Baler Cash prices do not qualify for financing.

O�ers expire March 31, 2013

Come check out the NEW 2013 AG and Turf Products! Enjoy a BBQ Lunch from 11am-2pm each day, open house specials, and info stations for RTK, Agri-Trend, FarmSight, Parts, Mower Maintenance and Tech Training Processes

April 5-6open house specials, and info stations for RTK, Agri-Trend, FarmSight, Parts, Mower Maintenance and Tech Training Processesopen house specials, and info stations for RTK, Agri-Trend, FarmSight, Parts, Mower Maintenance and Tech Training Processes

Abbotsford Only

•53 Mph top speed, 839-cc, V-Twin engine•Full-locking, true 4WD sys•1200-lb towing cap. •800-lb payload cap.•10.3-inch ground clearance

Documents

Agassiz Observer, March 05, 2013