01

VOLUME 3

GOAT BREEDERS TO GROW SECTOR PAGE 12

MANAGING WHEAT STEM SAWFLY PAGE 4

FARM LAND FOR SALE PAGE 8

FEBRUARY 2007

Crop Production Showin SaskatoonPAGE 2

Minister’s MessageAs the debate over the future of the Canadian Wheat Board continues, I urge Saskatchewan producers to carefully consider some very important questions, including this: how would farmers fare without the Canadian Wheat Board in a market dominated by a few large companies?

The domestic grain handling system is growing more concentrated. If grain companies in Western Canada choose to merge, the handling system will be even more concentrated.

Terminal elevators at port position are presently controlled by only a few companies.

Transportation of grain to tidewater and to U.S. markets is essentially controlled by two railways.

World grain markets are dominated by a few large grain companies.

Thanks to its single desk powers, the Canadian Wheat Board is able to act as a countervailing power to the other large players in the industry. This countervailing power gives farmers, through the Wheat Board, more leverage in dealing with the large grain companies and the railways. Without the Wheat Board’s single desk, would individual farmers have the same leverage with the large grain companies and railways?

Through the Board’s single desk, farmers are given market power in the marketplace. This market power allows the Wheat Board to obtain higher prices for western Canadian wheat and barley than would be obtained under a multiple seller environment. The ability of the Wheat Board to obtain higher prices has been verified through various independent studies by respected academics.

Since the Canadian Wheat Board operates on behalf of farmers, the higher selling prices achieved by the Board’s single desk are passed back to farmers - not to company shareholders.

Since it is producers who will be most affected by the loss of the single desk, it should be producers, and not the federal government, who have the final say in determining the Canadian Wheat Board’s future.

Any say on the Board must be based on a fair question, voted on by the appropriate farmers. We will continue to monitor federal actions in this area to ensure a fair and open vote.

I strongly urge Saskatchewan producers to participate in the debate over the future of the single desk, and to seriously consider how the loss of the Canadian Wheat Board would affect individual producers and the Saskatchewan agriculture industry as a whole.

Mark Wartman Minister of Agriculture and Food

The Western Canadian Crop Production Show has become the country’s premier grain industry showcase by presenting information to producers on the latest technology, services, and products, including:

Crop production practices and products Equipment manufacturers Crop inputs and application Commodity marketing Seed bed preparation Seed and soil information Straw and chaff management Grain handling, processing, storage and transportation Harvest technology

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food has attended the show with its display and publications for many years. The department ships many boxes of the latest Crop Planning Guides and the Crop Protection Guide for distribution at the show. These popular publications provide important information and opportunities to help grain producers plan the coming year’s crop. They are described on page five of Agriview.

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WESTERN CANADIAN CROP PRODUCTION SHOW 2007

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Agriview February 2007-1.indd 1 1/12/2007 3:10:42 PM

STORY SNAPSHOTS

6

AGRIVIEW is published by the Communications Branch of Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food for Saskatchewan farmers and farm and food organizations. For more information, call 306-787-5160 or e-mail agriview@agr.gov.sk.ca. To view this publication online, visit www.agr.gov.sk.ca and click on Programs and Services/Agriview.

Cold weather adjustments for winter feeding of cattle

Conducting your business with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance

Saskatchewan goat breeders working to grow sector

Saskatoon’s Western Canadian Crop Production Show is held each year in early January.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE4

EVENTS CALENDAR16

CROP DEVELOPMENT11

9

11

12

Ethanol Development: A boon to Saskatchewan fed cattle industry

15RESEARCH

7MANAGEMENT

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES13

AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT10

AGRIVIEW FEBRUARY 2007 3

AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

by Patrick Mooleki Crop Development Specialist Agriculture Knowledge Centre, SAF

While seed quality is a very important factor in crop production, it is not easy to

determine by looking at the seed lot. Seed testing for purity, germination, seedling vigour and disease is a sure way of determining seed quality.

Purity tests determine what percentage of the seed, by weight, is actual crop seed, and how much is weed and other crop seed, and inert material. The higher the percentage of other material, the more the producer loses by paying for undesirable contents in the seed lot.

Germination tests determine the percentage of the seed lot that is alive and capable of producing normal seedlings. Lower germination percentages require higher seeding rates, which increases costs.

Seed vigour tests determine the ability of the seed to germinate and grow rapidly to establish a normal vigorous seedling. High-vigour seedlings grow more rapidly, compete better with weeds, and survive and establish better under unfavourable field conditions like cool soil temperatures.

Disease tests determine the percentage of the seed contaminated by seed-borne diseases. Planting infected seed may result in a wide distribution of disease within a crop. For example, a chickpea seed lot with 0.1% ascochyta (i.e. one infected seed in 1,000) can translate into 175 infected seedlings per acre, a substantial level of early infection for such an aggressive disease. It is important to check disease test results and ensure that seed is disease free or that its infection rate is below allowed levels for that crop type and for the disease pathogens detected.

Other seed quality characteristics to consider are seed size, which is important in

determining seeding rate, and cracks or damage in seeds. Damaged seeds are often less vigorous and more prone to soil-borne disease infection. Hot, dry conditions during harvest may result in low seed moisture content, which makes the seed more prone to damage during threshing.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONCall Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; orVisit SAF’s website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, click on Production, and then click on Seeding / Seed testing laboratories in the Prairies.

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Know the quality of seed that you are planting

Seed testing:

by Scott Hartley Provincial Specialist - Insect/Pest Management, SAF

Wheat stem sawfly populations remain at significant levels in many areas of

the province and will likely be one of the major insect pests for Saskatchewan wheat producers in 2007.

Since management options are solely through agronomic methods, infestations of this insect pest are difficult to control. There are no registered insecticides for wheat stem sawfly control, and research has shown that no chemicals are effective in reducing damage.

Utilizing solid stemmed wheat varieties is the most effective strategy. Lillian, AC Abbey, and AC Eatonia are solid stemmed varieties currently registered in the CWRS hard red spring wheat class. No solid stemmed durum wheat varieties are available. Other sustainable cropping management practices include rotating out of wheat for one or, preferably, two years, and growing resistant or immune crops in the rotation.

Recent research has shown that re-cropping infested wheat stubble combined with pre-seed heavy harrowing significantly reduced emergence of adult sawflies compared to

leaving the stubble in chemical fallow. The most effective method was using a heavy tine harrow with the setting at minus five degrees. In winter wheat systems, however, pre-seed harrowing resulted in a yield loss and is therefore not recommended.

Trap strips can also be used as a protective measure where migration of sawfly would be expected from neighbouring fields. Seeding a

resistant or immune crop in a strip around the perimeter of a hollow-stemmed wheat crop has shown favourable results. If this management method is used, it is recommended that a minimum trap strip of 40 metres is grown. This method does not reduce the actual emergence of the sawfly, however, and is therefore

only recommended if low sawfly pressure is expected or if wheat is to be grown and the supply of solid stemmed wheat cultivars is limited.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit http://www.agronomycanada.com/abst2006.pdf ; or Visit SAF’s website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, and click on Production, then click on Insects, then on Insects / Wheat Stem Sawfly; orCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377; orE-mail beresb@agr.gc.ca at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research Centre.

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MANAGING WHEAT STEM SAWFLY

by Michel TremblayProvincial Specialist, Forage CropsSaskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The Saskatchewan Forage Council, with support from the Agriculture and Agri-

Food Canada Greencover Program, has created an interactive CD to assist land managers in selecting the right forage species for their land. Information can be accessed under a variety of criteria, including soil zone, salinity, flooding duration, soil texture, desired use and timing of use, desired stand longevity and soil pH. Forty-five species are listed in the CD, each with photos and a detailed description of the species, including yields, recommended stocking rates and other management information. The CD also includes a seeding rate calculator to calculate appropriate seeding rates of single species and mixtures, taking into consideration seed germination and purity.

This innovative new forage management tool developed by the Saskatchewan Forage Council organizes species adaptation and agronomic information in a user-friendly form, making a primary management decision—what species to grow—much easier for land managers to determine.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Janice Bruynooghe, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Forage Council, at 306-867-8126.

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NEW FORAGE SPECIES SELECTION CD MAKES CROPPING CHOICES

CLEARER

4 AGRIVIEW February 2007

AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food is constantly updating the wealth of

information it makes available to Saskatchewan residents. You can download the most current version of any document posted on our website. You can also call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to request a hard copy of many items. Below is a list of the latest documents posted, as well as the most frequently visited pages, on SAF’s website at: www.agr.gov.sk.ca.

Grazing Forested Rangeland - Management of this rangeland is important because it has a direct impact on other land uses and values. Visit: Environment | Stewardship

Agricultural Statistics Fact Sheet – Provides general agricultural statistics about Saskatchewan, including the value of Saskatchewan exports. Visit: Statistics | Farms

Crown Land Catalogue Sales - Listing of Crown land available for sale. Visit: About Us | Branches/Units | Lands

Insects and Mould in Stored Grain - Provides information regarding the control of various insects and mould in stored grain. Visit: Production | Crops | Storage

Crop Planning Guides - Provides information that can help estimate the income and cost of production for different crops on summer fallow and stubble in the various soil zones in the province. Visit: Management | Financial Planning

Forage Crop Production Guide - Provides information for selecting forage crops, such as seeding rates, weed control and grazing management. Visit: Production | Overview | Forage Crop Guide

Guide to Crop Protection - Provides information on the use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides for control of weeds, plant diseases and insects. Visit: Production | Overview | Crop Protection

Specialty Crop Report – Provides statistics on a number of planning and decision factors, including the area planted, yield, production, price, moisture and insects. Specialty crops examined include mustard, sunfl owers, lentils, peas, canary seed and chickpeas. Visit: Statistics | Crops

Crop Planning Guide 2007S P E C I A L T Y C R O P S

pulses, oilseeds, spices and other crops

Agricultural Statistics Fact Sheet

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2006 Specialty Crop Report

Reduce your leafy spurge problem – with sheep and goats!

by Tara JaboeufLivestock Development SpecialistSaskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Leafy spurge represents a serious threat to all ecological systems in Canada. It devastates

wildlife and riparian habitat by reducing the diversity of the plant community. It reduces the land’s market value and degrades grazing capacity, reducing profi tability and

productivity of cattle and horse operations. It is a vigorous competitor for space, water and nutrients, and can spread seeds up to 15 feet.

Once leafy spurge has become well-established it is virtually impossible to eradicate. As resource managers, our focus is on

control, containment and reduction of the established infestation areas.

One method of reducing the impact of leafy spurge is grazing sheep and goats.

Leafy spurge is unpalatable and toxic to horses and cattle. The animals will not graze the plants or around the plants, decreasing the carrying capacity of the land and increasing the producer’s feed and weed control costs.

To sheep and goats, however, leafy spurge is nutritious, with a feed value comparable to alfalfa. Sheep and goats will actually preferentially graze leafy spurge, reducing the density of the stems on the spurge plants and reducing or eliminating the spread of seeds. Also, goats and sheep can control spurge under almost all situations, whether around waterways, in rocky or inaccessible locations, or where other controls such as chemicals cannot be used.

There are a number of management plans available using goats and sheep to reduce your leafy spurge problem. You don’t even have to own sheep or goats, as lease arrangements may be made with sheep/goat producers to graze their animals on your spurge patch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board at (306) 933-5200; Call Tara Jaboeuf, SAF Livestock Development Specialist, at (306) 933-5099; Call Glenn Barclay, SAF Forage Development Specialist, at (306)446-7650; Call Clark Brenzil, SAF Weed Control Specialist, at (306) 787-4673; or Call Dale Weisbrot, SAF Forage Development Specialist, at (306) 787-9476.

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AGRIVIEW February 2007 5

AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

by Christy Winquist, Beef Forage Specialist, Agriculture Knowledge Centre, SAF

Weather conditions can have major impacts on an animal’s nutrient

requirements. What was previously a balanced ration can become inadequate when colder temperatures occur. Besides the cold weather, take into consideration the animal’s body condition, stage of gestation, and other environment factors when making adjustments for cold weather.

The body condition of animals will have a big impact on how well they handle the temperature drop. Thin animals have less fat, and consequently, less ability to withstand colder temperatures. The cold will impact them more severely than well-conditioned animals, and will require the biggest adjustment in added nutrients to meet their energy needs.

Animals attempt to increase their energy intake in cold weather by increasing the amount of feed they eat. Because the rate of passage of food through the

digestive system increases, the time available to digest the food decreases, so more readily digestible feed, such as barley, is required. Generally, for every 10 degree drop in temperature below -20º C (at midday), beef cows will require an extra three to four pounds of barley. Adding more straw or low quality forage will not meet their higher energy needs. Impaction will occur if animals consume large amounts of low protein roughage during cold conditions.

The stage of gestation will also affect how the animal deals with cold weather. Lactating animals will have a 40 to 60 per cent higher

energy requirement than dry animals. The amount of energy fed to animals will greatly impact their ability to maintain condition and continue milking.

Other environmental factors are important, as they affect an animal’s nutrient requirements. Animals that have wet coats are less able to withstand colder temperatures. When the coat becomes wet, it loses its ability to insulate the animal, and the animal will lose body heat, requiring more energy to keep warm. Wind can quickly chill an animal, causing the animal to require more energy for heat rather than for production. Providing animals with windbreaks, such as snow fences or bush, and bedding can help animals cope with extreme temperatures.

A good management practice during extreme weather is to feed the animals late in the afternoon. Digestion produces heat, known as the heat increment of feeding. Think of it as “free heat.” This heat increment peaks four to six hours after feeding. By feeding the animals in the late afternoon, this heat will be available when temperatures drop, rather than during the warmer part of the day.

In summary, there are many factors affecting how animals respond to cold weather. Managing these factors can help the animals get through the winter in good condition, and set them up for a successful breeding season.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre 1-866-457-2377.

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Cold weather adjustments for winter feeding beef cows

by Murray Feist, Ruminant Nutritionist, Agriculture Knowledge Centre, SAF

Barley is an important cattle feed in western Canada. It is

high in starch and low in fibre, and is used primarily as an energy source in cattle rations. Western Canadian barley weighing 48 pounds per bushel has an average nutrient content of 12 per cent protein and 83 per cent total digestible nutrients (TDN) on a dry matter basis.

Barley bushel weight changes are often due to changes in the starch content of the grain. Lightweight barley is frequently a result of shrunken or frozen kernels. In addition to having smaller kernels, it contains less starch and proportionally more protein and fibre. Consequently, the energy content as measured by TDN will range from 76 to 83 per cent (dry matter basis) for 37 to 48 lb./bu. barley. Significant increases in barley energy content will

be seen from 37 to 45 lb./bu. (76 per cent TDN to 82 per cent TDN). Once barley reaches a bushel weight of 45.7 lb./bu., any increase in the energy content will start to plateau. Cattle feeding on

lightweight barley will show poorer feed efficiency than cattle fed medium to heavier weight barley.

To derive a market value for lighter weight barley, a base adjustment factor of 1.00 for 48 lb./bu. barley must be set. A price adjustment factor of 0.02 is then administered for every one pound

change in bushel weight. For example, if the market value for 48 lb./bu. barley is $2.00 per bushel, it is assigned an adjustment factor of 1.00. For a 47 lb./bu. barley sample, adjust the $2.00 price by multiplying it by 0.98 (there is a one-pound difference in bushel weight (lighter) so 0.02 is subtracted from 1.0, thereby equalling 0.98). The resulting value would be $1.96 per bushel. For every increase in bushel weight, the adjustment factor would be plus 0.02. This adjustment factor does not include changes to energy or nutrient content. Consider it before assigning a final market value.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONFor further assistance in pricing feed barley or using feed barley in ruminant rations, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

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FEEDING AND PRICING LIGHTWEIGHT BARLEY

6 AGRIVIEW February 2007

MANAGEMENT

Crunching the Numbers:

Service reduces cost on a Saskatchewan farm You have to spend money to make money.

Every businessperson knows that simple principle, but as with so many other simple principles, following it can be complicated. To make it work, especially when the money you’re spending comes from a lender, you need to make sure you have a plan.

That’s exactly what Bill and Heather Detwiller did. Their farm sprawls across 2,400 acres near Imperial, Saskatchewan, and they grow a range of crops including barley, lentils, canola, flax and millet. A couple of years ago, they applied to Farm Credit Canada for a loan, and when the loans officer mentioned a government service they might find useful, they decided to look into it.

What they found was the Farm Business Assessment (FBA) Service, operated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. For a nominal $100 fee, the FBA will pay for up to five days of professional consulting to review a farm’s business situation, examine its objectives and profitability, and, if necessary, set up an action plan for achieving its business goals. “At first,” says Bill, “we were a bit skeptical. But after the consultant, Kim Lonsdale, came out to the farm and described what the FBA could do for us, we got interested. So we went ahead with it, and it turned out to be very informative.”

Heather agrees. “Like a lot of farmers,” she says, “we’d been doing things the same way for years and years, and we hadn’t seen how some changes might help us do better. Kim looked at the numbers for us, and helped us focus on the areas where we could be more efficient.”

One of those areas was fuel costs, and the FBA results showed clearly that the Detwillers’ bill was higher than it needed to be. “The answer,” says Bill, “was to replace our two small gasoline trucks with a diesel semi-truck and a trailer. We put together a loan application with Kim’s help, found a lender and bought the equipment. With this new truck, we need only one driver instead of two, and so far we’ve saved about $8,000 on fuel. In fact, the fuel and labour savings are more than enough to make the truck payments.”

But the FBA didn’t stop there, adds Heather; it also provided several other tools to help make the farm more profitable. “We ended up with income and expense projections, a balance sheet, proper accounting forms and several scenarios that showed us where we’d be in one year, three years and five years. Now, if we’re going into a bank, we know how to research a plan, put it on paper and then present it with facts, figures and projections.” The whole FBA process took about two months, and the Detwillers say it’s been

extremely valuable for showing up the inefficiencies in their operation—in fact, they’re now considering the purchase of a high-clearance sprayer that will cut their labour and fuel costs even more. In short, says Bill, “The FBA has been a great help to us, and I’d fully recommend it to others.”

Is the FBA Service for you? You may be eligible for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Farm Business Assessment Service, if you have an established farm operation with at least $10,000 in annual gross sales, or if you’re a beginning farmer with an expected $10,000 in annual gross sales.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Renewal website at www.agr.gc.ca/renewal or call 1-866-452-5558.

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CROP ECONOMICS 2007by Joe Novak, Provincial Crop Economics Specialist and Mike Scott, Farm Management Agrologist, SAF The 2007 versions of Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s Crop Planning Guides are now available. This year marks the 20th anniversary edition of the guides.

Each year, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food puts together the Crop Planning Guides to help you estimate your costs of producing various crops. These estimates do not represent provincial average cost of production figures, but rather are meant to be used as a guide. You should use your own costs, since each farm’s costs and yields differ due to the type and amount of equipment, the amount of chemicals and fertilizer used, as well as other agronomic practices used. Blank worksheets are provided to help you work through your numbers.

With the recent increase in crop commodity prices, it looks like many crops show an opportunity for profit. Along with the reasonable subsoil moisture for most of the province (except for parts of the southern portion of the province), it all adds up to a promising 2007.

In crop-to-crop comparisons, you might have the tendency to focus only on the return over all expenses (or your profit). However, it is very useful to look at break-even prices, and breakeven yields. The break-even yields show the level of yields you would need to achieve to cover costs, based on the estimated market price. The break-even prices for crops show the prices needed to cover costs, if the estimated average yields are obtained. Farm managers are advised to consider these figures very carefully, and evaluate new information as it becomes available.

So what is new for 2007? From the revenue perspective, just about all crop revenue forecasts are higher than last year. From the cost side, fertilizer and fuel prices are down slightly, while financing costs are up slightly. We have decreased our estimates of equipment repair costs, not because the actual cost has decreased, but rather data is showing that we were overestimating the cost in previous years.

We are now using an estimate of three per cent of the equipment’s value as the annual cost of repairs. This figure is down from four per cent last year. It is recommended, if you have actual figures for repair costs from previous years, that this might be a better estimate of annual repair costs.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONCall the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377. The Guides are also available on-line at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, along with a downloadable spreadsheet.

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AGRIVIEW February 2007 7

MANAGEMENT

FARM LAND FOR SALE

RM Legal Description Acres CultivatedAcres

Assessment

069076216223285285349349349349349349349349349349349349349349349461488488488488

SW 30-09-20 W2 SW 35-09-12 W3 NE 28-24-10 W2 SE 34-23-02 W3 NE 27-27-09 W3 SE 28-27-09 W3 Ptn NW 16-35-19 W3 SE 14-36-20 W3 SW 08-35-19 W3 Ptn SW -09-35-19 W3 Ptn NE 05-35-19 W3 Ptn NW 04-35-19 W3 SE 05-35-19 W3 NW 05-35-19 W3 NE 06-35-19 W3 SE 06-35-19 W3 SE 08-35-19 W3 SW 15-35-19 W3 NW 14-34-18 W3 SW 24-34-18 W3 SE 24-34-18 W3 NE 22-47-25 W2 NE 29-52-17 W2 NW 29-52-17 W2 SE 29-52-17 W2 NW 14-53-17 W2

159160160160160157111160161140140 80 162161161160153156158160160160160159149160

135145119130138134 60 158146121128 78 159143160159138116 0 0 0 88 154159144108

$27,200$49,000$42,000$28,300$40,000$31,400$27,200$59,700$56,300$33,400$36,300$24,900$43,400$55,100$60,600$50,400$43,800$37,100$20,500$23,500$23,500$30,500$57,100$52,800$46,800$33,800

CONDITIONS:

1. Offers must exclude GST, or any other levies which may be payable by the purchaser.

2. A certified cheque for 10 per cent of the offer must accompany the Offer to Purchase (cheques will be returned to those whose offers were unsuccessful).

3. An accepted offer to purchase is subject to the previous owner's Right of First Refusal, as provided by law.

4. The Corporation is responsible for property taxes to December 31, 2006.

5. The highest, or any, offer to purchase may not necessarily be accepted.

6. Offers to purchase must be submitted by February 15, 2007, in a sealed envelope.

7. Purchasers must rely on their own research and inspection of the property, when preparing an offer.

8. ACS is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this advertisement.

9. Offers to purchase parts of the advertised properties will be considered.

10. Offers to lease the property will be considered. Details on this option can be obtained from the contact below. However, offers to purchase will be given preference to offers to lease.

11. Offers should clearly state land description and total offer.

Direct Inquiries and Offers To: Monique Stinson, Security/Loan Administration Officer Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan (ACS)

Box 820, 350 Cheadle Street West Swift Current, Saskatchewan S9H 4Y7

Phone: (306) 778-8485 Fax: (306) 778-8550

CHANGES TO CANADA-SASK FARM STEWARDSHIP

PROGRAMby Wayne Gosselin, P.AgEnvironmental Policy Analyst, SAF

On November 1, 2006, the federal and provincial governments announced several changes intended to enhance the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program. The program cost-shares the incorporation of beneficial management practices (BMPs) by farmers who have completed an Environmental Farm Plan or who are members of a watershed-based agri-environmental group plan.

The most significant change is the increase in the overall funding cap to $50,000 per producer. Internal caps still apply for some BMP categories. As well, the labour rate for in-kind contributions by producers to their approved projects has been increased to $15 per hour.

Several new BMPs have been added or revised following consultations with producers and other stakeholders. The changes of greatest interest to Saskatchewan producers are:

Product or Waste Management (BMP #8). Costs for removal of underground fuel storage tanks are eligible as part of a new petroleum storage project.Land Management for Soils at Risk (BMP #13). The 40-acre limit has been removed for forage establishment on saline or erodible land. Producers are eligible for 50 per cent of costs to a maximum of $5,000.Improved Cropping Systems (BMP #14). Gang mounted and shank mounted on-row packers are an eligible item when installed as part of a conversion to low-disturbance direct seeding systems. Coil and wheel packers are not eligible.First Nations Traditional Land Use Practices (BMPs #21, 26 and 28). Some costs are included for protection of biodiversity, mapping and consultant costs related to traditional land use practices.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONCall the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Client Service Centre at 1-800-667-8567, orVisit the Agricultural Policy Framework webpage on the Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food website under Programs and Services.

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ENVIRONMENT

8 AGRIVIEW February 2007

MANAGEMENT

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Sustainable Futures

Conducting your business with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance

Crop Insurance program information will be sent to all customers throughout the

crop year, in your annual endorsement package as well as at Seeded Acreage Report and production declaration times. Enclosed with each of these are brochures and guides to assist you with your coverage decisions.

They also include Saskatchewan Crop Insurance contact information. When it’s time to conduct your business with Crop Insurance, you can choose from a number of service avenues.

Crop Insurance program delivery is tailored to you. Use any number of contact methods to conduct your Crop Insurance business: phone, fax, mail, offi ce visit, or online through CropConnect.

All administrative deadlines, such as endorsement selections and reporting seeded acres and production, can be met through CropConnect. CropConnect allows customers secure access to their contract information

online, including demographic, land, yield and claim information plus personal coverage “what-if” calculations. All that’s required to enrol is an e-mail address and a valid contract of insurance. CropConnect customers will be notifi ed as each of these applications become available throughout the crop year.

For producers who prefer to conduct their business over the phone, Crop Insurance has adopted a single toll-free number to improve the customer service you receive. When

dialing 1-888-935-0000, your call will be directed to the nearest customer service offi ce. During peak times, when phone lines are busy, your call may be forwarded to the nearest available offi ce in your area. However, all Crop Insurance staff can assist you with your contract information, no matter which offi ce you get in touch with.

Whether you wish to conduct your Crop Insurance business by CropConnect, telephone, fax, mail, or offi ce visit, staff are available to assist you and answer any coverage questions you may have. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance strives to ensure customers have the best coverage information available, enabling you to make related farm management decisions.

Customers can expect to receive their 2007 endorsement package in the mail in March. At that time, contact your customer service offi ce and make an appointment to discuss your coverage needs and how an insurance package can be tailored to your operation.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Crop Insurance today at 1-888-935-0000 or visit www.saskcropinsurance.com.

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Since January 2005, more than 8,700 Saskatchewan farmers have prepared plans

that address real and potential environmental issues on their farms, and hundreds more are lining up to do the same.

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is a national initiative under the Environment Chapter of the Agricultural Policy Framework. In Saskatchewan, the program is being delivered by the Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversifi cation Boards (PCAB), with in-kind support from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF).

“While we have been doing environment related programming for years, the concept of an individual EFP program is relatively new on the Prairies, and we weren’t sure producers would be interested,” SAF Environmental Programs Manager Bill Henley said. “The interest that we are receiving is good news for agriculture in Saskatchewan, and for the environment.”

The process begins with an introductory workshop where participants use a workbook to conduct an environmental risk assessment of their farms. At a second workshop, they are guided through the preparation of an action

plan to address any environmental issues identifi ed. Once complete, the action plan is reviewed and endorsed by a local peer-review committee. Producers with completed EFPs are eligible for fi nancial assistance to implement benefi cial management practices on their farms.

“We’ve held nearly 1,100 workshops across the province. The response from Saskatchewan farmers has been

excellent, with more than 8,700 attending,” PCAB EFP Program Co-

ordinator Penny Eaton said. “Developing an EFP for their farm

shows that producers care about the environment and want to be good

stewards of the resources they are managing.

“Producers are also proud to show others what they have accomplished,” Eaton said.

“In November, we made a sign available that can be mounted at the farm gate to show others that an EFP has been completed for that farm. The interest in signage has been phenomenal, and these signs are now starting to appear across Saskatchewan.”

FOR MORE INFORMATIONCall PCAB EFP Program Co-ordinator Penny Eaton at 1-866-298-7222, ext. 203; orVisit SAF’s website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca, click on Environment, and then click on Environmental Farm Plan Program (EFP).

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SASKATCHEWAN FARMERS SHOWING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

ENVIRONMENT

AGRIVIEW February 2007 9

AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Saskatchewan Economic Developers’ Association will co-

host two events showcasing Saskatchewan to local, national and international delegates in 2007.

Meet us in the Heart of Canada - the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) National Conference will be held September 15 to 18 in Saskatoon.

EDAC 2007 conference streams:

Cultural Diversity;Dynamic Regional Economies; andInnovation, Industry, Technology.

Growing From Within – “Thinking Regionally – Succeeding Globally” – the Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) Conference will be held June 4 to 8 in Regina.

BREI 2007 conference streams:

Building on competitive advantages;Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation;Engaging leadership and effective governance.

Hear from leaders in innovative partnerships and collaborations; listen to discussion on how international competition is driving innovative new products, services and greater productivity; and learn how communities and regions are taking innovative steps to build their future.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONCall EDAC 2007 Conference Co-Chair Ryan Bater at (306) 446 – 7506; orE-mail rbater@redaalliance.ca; orCall BREI 2007 Conference Co-Chair Doug Howorko at (306) 787 – 2201; orE-mail: doug.howorko@gov.sk.ca

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SHOWCASING SASKATCHEWAN TO THE WORLD

by Ron MonetteAgri-Business Development Specialist,Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food’s newly released Business Development Guide

briefl y outlines the business development process and highlights the many resources available to the aspiring agri-business person.

The guide is divided into four main areas:

Phase 1 - Exploring the IdeaHow do you explore the merits of an idea and determine if operating a business is something you really want to do? This stage lays the foundation of the development process that will follow. Developing a business around an idea takes considerable resources and time. Are you prepared for the journey ahead? This section will assist in deciding if the idea truly has potential and what could be required to make it successful. Completing a pre-feasibility assessment can help determine if the business should proceed.

Phase 2 – Evaluating the Idea - FeasibilityBuilding on the pre-feasibility assessment completed in phase 1, this phase involves gathering, analyzing and evaluating information to answer the question: “Should I go into this business?” The study will analyze assumptions on how the business would operate. It identifi es critical resources and key issues required to proceed. It can save considerable time and money in the long run prior to investing in a complete business plan.

Phase 3 – Developing the Business PlanA detailed business plan is used to communicate objectives to internal and external stakeholders. It is used to seek fi nancing, measure performance and sell the business idea to the world. It is judged on how complete, organized and well-written it is. The business should seek the services of a consultant who understands the industry and

who has proven expertise in developing business plans. Verifying the credentials and abilities of consultants is critical. A good consultant will keep you involved to ensure the plan meets your needs and is fully understood.

Phase 4 – Business Management - Critical Steps to Business SuccessManagement is a complex job. Strategic planning, marketing, operations, fi nance, human resources, business expansion and exit strategies are included. Management information systems are critical. Reporting systems provide managers, owners and investors with key information on company performance, both fi nancially and operationally. They include all areas of business, including fi nance, production, monitoring, record-keeping, human resources and quality assurance. Information systems will help make informed decisions. Material contained here will assist in understanding some critical success factors.

The Business Development Guide is not intended to be a complete list of all available resources. It simply outlines a process and highlights some key resources that may be helpful. You may not necessarily use all resources in this model, depending upon the phase you are currently in. Key resources, particular to your business development project, can be identifi ed and used according to your specifi c business idea.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Ronald Monette, Agri-Business Development Specialist, Saskatoon Regional Offi ce at (306) 933-6128; orVisit http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/development/BusDevGuide.pdf

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The Business Development Guide

An agri-business development tool

10 AGRIVIEW February 2007

CROP DEVELOPMENT

Ethanol development: A boon to Saskatchewan fed cattle industry by Bryan Doig, PAgLivestock Development Specialist, SAF

The expanding ethanol industry has the potential to have a significant impact on

many of the agricultural sectors in Saskatchewan. These include crop and livestock production, as well as increased opportunities for the trucking industry and the development of new types of processed feeds.

Conventional grain based ethanol plants produce four raw products that include ethanol, wet distillers’ grains, thin stillage and carbon dioxide. The wet distillers’ grains and thin stillage offer tremendous opportunities for the livestock feeding industry in Saskatchewan and western Canada. These co-products can be dried to produce dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS), or fed directly to cattle as a wet feed.

Wheat DDGS have the same energy value as barley, and a higher crude protein content than canola meal in ruminant diets. Significant feed cost savings are possible in both backgrounding and feedlot finishing rations if wheat DDGS are priced lower than feed barley.

According to preliminary research at the University of Saskatchewan, wheat DDGS is an excellent feed for growing and finishing cattle. While conventional use of DDGS has been at an inclusion rate of 10 per cent, no adverse effects were seen on overall performance, health or carcass quality when DDGS were included at

levels up to 32 per cent and 23 per cent of diet dry matter in growing and finishing rations respectively. DDGS have little or no residual starch. They consist mainly of protein, fat and fibre (lignin, cellulose and hemi-cellulose). This has a significant impact in reducing or eliminating the incidence of acidosis when fed to cattle.

Three ethanol plants currently operating in Saskatchewan produce a combined total of 167 million litres of ethanol annually. A number of other projects are in various stages of planning.

If Saskatchewan attracted a one billion-litre ethanol industry, approximately 2.8 million tonnes of wheat and other suitable grains would be required for ethanol production. The total provincial cereal crop production in 2005 was 20.9 million tonnes. This would amount to 13.4 per cent of the total cereal production being utilized for ethanol production, and would produce approximately one million tonnes of DDGS each year using conventional grain based ethanol fermentation technology.

At a 10 per cent inclusion rate in feedlot rations, there would be enough DDGS to supplement rations for over five million feeder cattle in Canada. Considering Canada produces less than four million feeder cattle each year, there will be opportunities for increased inclusion rates, use in diets of cows, as well as in replacements and other livestock.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Bryan Doig, PAg, Livestock Development Specialist, SAF, North Battleford, 1-306-446-7477

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BIODIESEL – MADE IN SASKATCHEWAN

by Skip MunshawCrop Development Branch, SAF

Biodiesel has become a buzzword across the prairies. Worldwide, production has been

increasing to curb greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on petro-diesel, and support agricultural producers. The federal government is planning to mandate a two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil by 2012. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel chemically processed from oilseeds, rendered animal fats, or waste cooking greases. Approved quality

biodiesel can then be used in diesel engines at a blend of five per cent or less with petro-diesel fuel, according to the Engine Manufacturers Association. Milligan Bio-Tech of Foam Lake is currently Saskatchewan’s only commercial biodiesel producer, and is expanding to a 35 million litre per year integrated crushing and biodiesel processing facility.

Canola oil has unique properties making it suitable as a feedstock for

biodiesel production in western Canada. These include lower cloud point temperatures, which are more suited to colder climates, better fuel lubricating properties, and local availability. Professor Barry Hertz at the University of Saskatchewan has completed over a decade of research using canola biodiesel in diesel vehicles, such as a Volkswagen New Beetle, and with Saskatoon Transit buses. These studies indicated that canola-based biodiesel blends can improve fuel economy, extend engine life and provide a cost benefit to fleets. A new two-

year research project, scheduled to start early this year, will scrutinize biodiesel effects in hybrid, diesel-electric buses and conventional buses.

Dr. Martin Reaney, SAF Research Chair in Lipid Quality and Utilization at the University of Saskatchewan is active in biofuel research. His collaborative efforts with Saskatchewan based companies on the utilization of oils for bioproducts and industrial applications has led to new advancements in the biodiesel industry.

The Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) will be offering a three-day, hands-on course in February and March focusing on individuals and groups interested in small-scale biodiesel production. To learn more about the biodiesel course, please contact Rex Newkirk at 204-983-2031 for dates and locations.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Skip Munshaw, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, 306-933-6020, smunshaw@agr.gov.sk.ca; orVisit the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission website at www.saskcanola.com

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The Husky Energy Ethanol Plant, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, October 2006.

AGRIVIEW February 2007 11

CROP DEVELOPMENT

Beekeepers urge consumers to “Bee Canadian”

The Saskatchewan Beekeepers’ Development Commission is stepping up its efforts to

urge honey consumers to buy Canadian by urging them to read the fine print.

Commission President Tim Wendell says often it is not as simple as a quick glance at the label.

“We’re concerned that consumers are opting to buy imported honey without realizing it,” said Wendell. “We’re urging consumers to stop and read the entire label before they make their purchase. Just because it says ‘Canada Grade No. 1’ on the front of the label, doesn’t

mean you’re buying Canadian honey.”

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the federal regulatory agency that sets the standards.

“If a honey producer in another country meets that standard, the producer is allowed to say it is Canada Grade No. 1,” explained Wendell. “However, if you look at the fine print on the back or the side, it indicates the country of

origin, such as Australia or Argentina.”

Pierre the Bear, a mascot developed by the Canadian Honey Council for a promotional campaign, made an appearance at Canadian Western Agribition in November on the beekeepers’ behalf to promote the “Buy Canadian” campaign.

There are 130 commercial beekeepers in Saskatchewan with more than 100 colonies each. Saskatchewan is a leading producer of honey, accounting for almost 24 per cent of

Canadian production in 2005. Figures are not yet available for this harvest, but anecdotal evidence suggests it was a good year.

“Our honey is produced from canola, alfalfa, sweet clovers and borage. Our honey is produced in a clean, pristine environment, free of heavy industry. Our climate and agricultural conditions, combined with beekeepers’ management skills, result in Saskatchewan having the largest per capita honey production in Canada, and perhaps one of the highest in the world,” explains Wendell.

Wendell is also appealing to all other commodity organizations to support the beekeepers.

“We ask Saskatchewan farmers who grow grain or specialty crops or who raise livestock to support our efforts because we’re part of the same agriculture industry,” he said. “Remember: Bee Canadian, Eat Our Honey!”

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Tim Wendell, President, Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, at (306) 742-4363; orContact John Gruszka, Provincial Specialist, Apiculture, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food at (306) 953-2790.

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SASKATCHEWAN GOAT BREEDERS WORKING TO GROW SECTORAs producers seek new and innovative ways

to diversify, the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association invites them to “think goat.”

“Saskatchewan is the perfect place to raise goats in terms of land base and cost of production,” says Guenette Bautz, president of the association, who raises both dairy and meat goats on her farm near Middle Lake. “Goats are a good option for diversification.”

The goat industry has three main sectors—dairy, meat and mohair—which can add diversification to any agricultural operation.

Bautz and husband Ryan started their goat herd six years ago. Now, she has approximately 130 breeding stock for meat production, and a further 50 animals that produce milk. In fact, the Bautzes operate the only health-district-approved goat dairy in Saskatchewan.

“There is a need for a processing plant to further develop the milk industry in our province. We are, therefore, currently investigating expanding our operation into a processing plant that would enable us to transform goats’ milk into other dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, butter and ice cream,” Bautz says.

Consumers are attracted by the health benefits of goats’ milk, which is produced without any additives, hormones or stimulants. It has much lower lactose content than cows’ milk or human mothers’ milk, and is well-tolerated by the lactose intolerant and infants whose

digestive systems have not yet fully matured. Live animals are currently shipped out of province for finishing and processing, with meat distributed at the farm gate or through local stores.

Bautz says approximately 40 animals are required to start as a milk producer, with the herd growing to about 50 milking does if the producer wishes to make a living solely on the dairy side. The largest single meat herd in the province numbers some 400 goats. There are currently 63 members in the Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association, and they are very willing to share what they have learned with producers who may be interested in getting into the sector.

Bautz describes the stock as “easy to manage and safe with kids,” making them a perfect alternative for any family farm. They are browsers of widely available natural pastures, feeding on grasses, leaves, brush and even bark. They also graze well alongside cattle.

According to the latest available Statistics Canada data, there are approximately 16,000 goats in the Saskatchewan herd. Goat breeding offers a great opportunity for new producers to enter the business, with markets still being established in Canada and a shortage of supply to meet demand. Saskatchewan breeders are also members of the Canadian National Goat Breeders Association, which is building education resources for its members across the country, and implementing important initiatives such as on-farm food safety and a national traceability program.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Guenette Bautz at (306) 367-2404; orContact Tara Jaboeuf, Livestock Development Specialist, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food at (306) 933-5099.

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LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT

Photo credit: Guenette Bautz

12 AGRIVIEW February 2007

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

New Realities, New Opportunities:

Gearing up for the next generation of agriculture and agri-food policyThe Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry

is an integral part of the Canadian economy and an important contributor to the social fabric of Canada. The sector faces a variety of opportunities and pressures in a rapidly evolving world. Together with government, the agriculture and agri-food sector will be seeking out new directions for future success.

In 2003, the federal, provincial and territorial governments implemented the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) to position Canada as the world leader in food safety and quality, innovation and environmentally responsible agriculture production. Many elements of the APF expire in 2008. Meanwhile, a number of new economic opportunities are emerging, such as economic growth in markets like China, Brazil and India, the growing bio-based fuels industry and the increase in health awareness among Canadians and global consumers.

The time to build the next generation of agriculture and agri-food policy is now.

Consulting Canadians All Canadians will have the opportunity to participate in national consultation sessions in January and February 2007. The purpose is to spark public debate on the future of the

agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada.

Beginning January, Canadians can participate in the consultations:

1) Via AAFC Online: www.agr.gc.ca/nextgen. 2) By mailing responses to AAFC. 3) By attending a consultation event.

A full suite of materials including a discussion paper, guiding principles

and economic backgrounders have been developed to help stimulate discussion and debate with industry and Canadians during the cross-country consultations. More details about the public consultations will be made available in the near future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact your provincial or territorial agriculture office, call 1 800 O-CANADA (1 800 622-6232), TTY 1 800 926-9105, orVisit www.agr.gc.ca/nextgen.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA ADVISORYCANADA-SASKATCHEWAN WATER SUPPLY EXPANSION PROGRAM

FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR

TIER ONE PROJECTS

Applications for Tier One projects under the Canada-Saskatchewan Water Supply

Expansion Program (CSWSEP) will be accepted until March 1, 2007. Apply now!

Tier One – On-farm Water Supply projects include wells, dugouts, off-stream and water

storage systems, and pasture pipelines.

Through the CSWSEP, producers and agricultural groups can apply for technical and financial

assistance for agricultural water supply projects. Eligible applicants for Tier One include

individual and/or incorporated farms and ranches, agricultural and conservation groups,

agri-businesses and rural enterprises.

Applications can be submitted to:

Canada-Saskatchewan Water Supply Expansion Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration

408 - 1800 Hamilton Street

Regina, SK S4P 4L2

PLEASE NOTE: This is the FINAL CALL for applications for Tier One projects, as the

program ends on March 31, 2008.

For more information on the CSWSEP, please: call 1-800-667-8567;

contact the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration

(PFRA) office, the regional offices of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority or

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food;

or visit the website at: www.agr.gc.ca/h2o/

The Institute of Agricultural Rural Environmental Health (IAREH)

celebrated its 20th anniversary in Saskatoon in early December, and announced its new name and expanded national role as the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA).

The CCHSA, which will continue to conduct agriculture-related health and safety research but on a national level, is headquartered at the University of Saskatchewan. The centre will receive $2 million in operating and equipment funding over the next six years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

The CCHSA will address health and safety issues of farm families and rural workers, issues such as inhalation exposures, food and water contamination, and adverse working conditions, said Dr. James Dosman, former IAREH director, now head of the new research centre.

Dosman said the CCHSA will operate as a “virtual” centre with 57 researchers in 26 institutions across Canada. The CCHSA will provide researchers with support to promote collaborative research relationships between agricultural producers and health professionals.

The Saskatchewan rural health extension program called the Agricultural Health and Safety Network, organized by IAREH and rural municipalities across the province, will also continue. This network has a membership of almost 27,000 farm families.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) is pleased to have participated in the growth and development of the Agricultural Health and Safety Network and the CCHSA during the last two decades, said Ken Imhoff, Manager of SAF’s Farm Stress Line.

“Saskatchewan wants strong and resourceful rural people, families and communities,” Imhoff said. “The whole notion of agricultural health and safety is people oriented. A strong agricultural sector requires healthy people. Attention to safety is also important because safety is also about productivity. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. It makes good business sense to promote the health and safety needs of the people who make agriculture happen.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact the CCHSA, U of S, Saskatoon at (306) 966-8286, or e-mail ruggi@sask.usask.ca;Visit the CCHSA website at http://iareh.usask.ca/index.php; or Contact your local rural municipal office.

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NATIONAL AG HEALTH AND SAFETY CENTRE

IN SASKATOON

AGRIVIEW February 2007 13

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Support for Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food offers a number of programs and services to the province’s agriculture and agri-food sectors, communicating technical information to farmers, providing development assistance to individuals and groups looking at new opportunities, and administering 7.3 million acres of Crown agricultural land.

SAF also provides financial support for research and innovation and funds the provincial share (40 per cent) of crop insurance and the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program. Saskatchewan also exempts most agricultural inputs from the Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

The following graph outlines the key agriculture programming areas funded by the Province (based on 2006/07 data):

This is a substantial commitment by the taxpayers of Saskatchewan, representing about $560 per person or $2,240 for a family of four.

Saskatchewan’s commitment to agricultural programs and services can also be viewed by comparing Saskatchewan’s expenditures to that of the other provinces and the federal government, as shown in the following graphs (based on 2005/06 data from Statistics Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada). It is interesting to note that, regardless of the measure, Saskatchewan contributes more than five times the average provincial amount and over three times the federal government’s contribution.

The expenditures made by Saskatchewan, along with those of the federal government, have resulted in direct program payments averaging over $1.2 billion per year for each of the past three years (2004 to 2006). This translates into program payments averaging $27,000 per year for each of the estimated 45,000 farmers in Saskatchewan.

This support represents the Province’s commitment to an important industry in Saskatchewan. The agriculture and agri-food industry provides significant employment and economic opportunities for Saskatchewan residents, especially in rural areas of the province. Programming that will lead to the further development of the industry, address business risk management, and contribute to sustainability is important to the profitability of the sector – and the Saskatchewan economy – in the long run.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) hosts the Feed Grain and Forage Listing Service. This free service acts as an online bulletin board, providing a link between potential forage and feed buyers and sellers throughout the province, as well as neighbouring provinces and states. A summary price for baled forages and feed grains informs potential buyers of the weighted average asking price. Other services, such as custom grazing and feeding

operations, as well as custom farm work, may also be listed on the site.

To search for available feed or for custom services, or to post a listing, visit SAF’s Feed Grain and Forage Listing Service at www.agr.gov.sk.ca under Programs & Services | Feed Grain and Forage Listing Service. Producers who do not have Internet access may contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 for additional information and assistance.

FEED GRAIN AND FORAGE LISTING SERVICE

14 AGRIVIEW February 2007

RESEARCH

New oat variety could open markets A new oat variety holds the promise of

opening up markets and opportunities for Saskatchewan producers.

The oat variety, called CDC SO-I (Crop Development Centre Super Oat #1), has a nutritional profile similar to barley.

Brian Rossnagel, an oat and barley breeder at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre, led the effort by the CDC Oat Research and Development team, and said its properties open up a wide range of new opportunities.

“The uniqueness of this particular oat variety is that it combines a more digestible hull with a higher fat content than regular varieties. What that gives us is a whole oat grain that has a feeding value for ruminants (like cattle) that is essentially equal to barley,” said Rossnagel.

That provides a number of advantages to both grain producers and the feeding industry, as oats are relatively less expensive to produce in Western Canada than barley.

However, Rossnagel said this variety also has potential to open up feed markets far from home.

“The other market that we are very hopeful for is the overseas market. Parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Japan, Korea and Taiwan, would place a high value on the digestible fibre in the oat hulls. Most of the fibre that is available to them locally is of very poor quality. Ruminant animals need a good source of digestible fibre in addition to high energy for the production of milk and meat. We hope that this material provides both fibre and energy in one package that can be fed without a lot of processing,” explained Rossnagel.

CDC SO-I has now been registered as a variety with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Pedigree seed growers began seed production in 2006, and commercial production should begin in 2009. When commercial production does begin, it will have been almost 10 years since the project began in 1999. However, that

is still a much shorter process than normal: the research cycle was fast-tracked.

Rather than developing field-ready varieties for animal testing, CDC plant breeders produced prototype breeding lines that had the desired nutritional traits. That allowed the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Animal and Poultry Science to do early testing with livestock to see if the researchers were on the right track.

The project also involved a unique partnership. Super Oats Canada, a producer-researcher consortium, provided $210,000 in funding for the project, and the Saskatchewan government provided $207,000 through the Agriculture Development Fund.

“Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and the Crop Development Centre have a long history of working together. The success of this project highlights the benefits of drawing on additional resources and direction from industry and other university departments,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Prof. Brian Rossnagel, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan at (306) 791-4976.

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The University of Saskatchewan Department of Soil Sciences research chair for Soil

Biological Processes, funded by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF), differs from most other SAF research chairs: it is occupied by two people.

Doctors Richard Farrell and Diane Knight are both soil biology specialists by training and experience. They are “job sharing” the research chair position. Their collaboration doesn’t end there, though. It extends to home and family, as they are also husband and wife. They met at the U of S when Farrell, a native of Rhode Island, came to the university for post-doctoral studies.

The mandate assigned to their SAF chair is to research the soil-plant relationship, focusing on biological processes and inputs that will enhance environmental and economic sustainability of the soil. One of their projects involves “phyto-remediation” of old gas flare pits on oil and gas drilling sites in Saskatchewan.

“It’s an effort to understand the agronomy of getting plants to grow in contaminated land, to actually reduce the contamination and restore the soil to an agriculturally useful endpoint,” Dr. Farrell said. Prior to environmental regulation, flare pits not only burned off excess gas at ground level, but were also used as oil and chemical dumping grounds.

“The producer in whose field the flare pit sits said he never thought he’d see anything green grow in it again,” Farrell said. “Today, that site is covered in healthy grasses, and the oil company is using it as a demonstration for staff.”

Environment Canada estimates there may be 100,000 such sites in Saskatchewan and Alberta, comprising between 200,000 and 400,000 total acres.

Doctors Farrell and Knight have also reported on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of nitrogen fertilizer. Some percentage of the fertilizer returns to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide, one of the greenhouse gases, but their research found that the gas released from Saskatchewan fields is only about half

the amount commonly found in the American studies, which established the industry benchmark. This new information will affect any future federal standards developed for these emissions.

Looking ahead, the Soil Biological Processes program will be continuing its work on organic farming systems, use of inoculants to increase nutrient cycling in alfalfa, and the impact of changing no-till land to intermittent till.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Dr. Richard Farrell or Dr. Diane Knight, SAF Research Co-chairs, Soil Biological Processes University of Saskatchewan at (306) 966-2772/966-2703.

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SOIL BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES RESEARCH TRULY A TEAM EFFORT

Dr. Richard Farrell Dr. Diane Knight

AGRIVIEW February 2007 15

EVENTS

DATE EVENT LOCATION PHONE EMAIL

Feb. 2-4 YES! To Agriculture Conference Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon 306-931-7149 cstumborg@agr.gov.sk.ca

Feb. 4-7Sask. Urban Municipalities Association Annual Convention

TCU Place, 35 - 22nd Street East, Saskatoon 306-933-7555 www.suma.org

Feb. 5 Itracks Call Centre Grand Opening Kenaston306-665-5026 ext 207

Feb. 7-8 Beef Symposium Travelodge Hotel, Circle Drive, Saskatoon306-682-5080

306-966-4137www.wbcd.sk.ca

Feb. 10Monitor Farms and Farm Discussion Groups in New Zealand

Bella Vista Inn 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. 306-933-5200 colleensheepdb@sasktel.net

Feb. 11Monitor Farms and Farm Discussion Groups in New Zealand

Temple Gardens 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. 306-933-5200 colleensheepdb@sasktel.net

Mar. 2007 Women in Agriculture Month Saskatchewan

Mar. 31SCIC - Deadline to make payment arrangements for 2006 outstanding balances to be insured for 2007

SCIC 1-888-935-0000

Mar. 31SCIC - Deadline to apply, reinstate, cancel or make changes to your 2007 Crop Insurance Contract

SCIC 1-888-935-0000

EVENTS CALENDAR

WEED CONTROL MEETINGS IN SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN

Land managers and producers in seven southwestern Saskatchewan rural

municipalities are invited to attend meetings in February about the control of leafy spurge and other invasive weeds.

The R.M.s of Val Marie, Old Post, Waverley, Mankota, Glen McPherson, Wood River and Pinto Creek are involved with a weed prevention, detection and control program called the Frenchman River/Wood River Invasive Weed Management Area (WMA).

This WMA recently received funding from Environment Canada’s Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program. Additional funding for the WMA’s studies will come from Grasslands National Park and the local municipalities.

Invasive weeds are species introduced either deliberately or unintentionally outside of their natural habitats. In this new environment, free from their natural enemies, non-native plants have an

advantage that allows them to out-compete native plants and agricultural crops for space, moisture and nutrients. As native plants are replaced by invasives, biodiversity declines and habitats change. These impacts can affect wildlife, ecosystem functions, natural resources, recreation and industry.

Established in 2005, the Frenchman River/Wood River Invasive WMA focuses on preventing the spread of invasive noxious weeds within that specific area.

The WMA replaces jurisdictional boundaries, which are often considered barriers to weed management, with the more natural watershed boundaries that facilitate weed management and control.

The WMA is operated under the umbrella of the Wood River District #3 Agriculture, Development and Diversification (ADD) Board, which includes the seven RMs and the Grasslands National Park.

The RMs and the park have similar habitats and share weed-invasion pathways. These shared characteristics make the area susceptible to serious ecological and economic harm by particularly aggressive species such as leafy spurge.

The Frenchman River/Wood River WMA borders the state of Montana. Plans are underway to partner with Montana’s established weed management areas to prevent the spread of invasive species across the Canada/U.S. border.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Mike Sherven, Project Manager and Administrator, R.M. of Mankota at 306-478-2323; orContact Julie MacKenzie, Frenchman River/Wood River WMA Co-ordinator, Mankota at 306-478-2246.

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Photo credit: Adrian Sturch: Spurge hunters hard at work -- one activity organized in the Frenchman River Weed Management Area to help against the invasive Leafy Spurge.