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Agrilink
FEDS COMMIT $2.63 MILLION TO BIO-DIGESTER AT RIDGETOWN
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
AgriLinkThe days of unpleasant odors from the spreading swine manure on the fields at Ridgetown Campus are numbered. With an estimated completion date of March 2011, the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus will start using swine manure as feedstock for a $3.4 million anaerobic digester to create electricity, water and nutrients. A major chunk of the costs of the digester will be funded by the federal government's Economic Development Agency (FedDEv Ontario).
The announcement about the $2.63 million federal contribution to the Ridgetown pilot plant digester was made Friday, April 9, 2010 at Ridgetown by Chatham-Kent Essex MP, Dave VanKesteren. "The Ridgetown Campus has always been a leader in agricultural research and with this investment, we are assuring they will continue to lead in the growing renewable energy sector," said VanKesteren.
Dr. Art Schaafsma, Director at Ridgetown, also heads up the Centre for Agricultural Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CARES) at the campus, welcomed the federal contribution to the pilot plant project. In explaining the concept to an audience of local bio-energy supporters, Schaafsma described this project at a 'green energy sandbox' where scientists such as himself and others can conduct tests and demonstrate new ideas to others wishing to learn and build their own digesters.
The feedstock will be mostly swine manure from the nearby hog barns on campus plus food wastes from area canning factories and the waste glycerin, a by-product of the campus' bio-diesel plant next door. Schaafsma estimated the power output will be 250 kw plus. Also coming off the process will be water and so-called digestate which will be spread on the farm land to feed crops.
The $3.4 million pilot plant is set to be completed by March,
ECONOMIST: HIGHER CORN, SOYBEAN ACREAGE MEANS LOWER PRICES
04/06/10
From Farms.com
American agriculture's brief wheat revival appears to be over. Farmers in 2010 are expected to practice the old-fashioned religion of corn and soybeans, said a Purdue University agricultural economist.
Chris Hurt said Wednesday's (March 31) U.S. Department of Agriculture Prospective Plantings Report portends larger stocks of corn and soybeans. He expects prices for the two commodities to fall, leaving farmers with tighter profit margins.
"There really is nothing in this report that would make us more bullish in terms of corn and soybeans," Hurt said. "This has a tone that would suggest weaker prices until we can perhaps see lower prices begin to stimulate usage in the United States and around the world.
"That stimulation of usage would take some time. We'd have to rebuild livestock numbers. Most of the livestock industry is just beginning to get back to making some money, and it is going to be very hesitant to expand."
How low could corn and soybean prices go?
"Corn could well be in the lower $3 per bushel range," Hurt said. "Soybeans certainly could drop back below the $9 per bushel mark, as we think about new crop beans especially. This begins to squeeze - given relatively high production costs - the margins for producers.
"We're reverting now a little bit back to the norm in U.S. agriculture. And the norm in U.S. agriculture has been we have more ability to produce than we have the ability to consume."
The USDA report, issued annually and based on farmer surveys, projected a 3 percent increase in corn acreage and a slight increase in soybean planted acreage from 2009 across the United States this spring.
Farmers told the USDA they expect to plant 88.8 million acres of corn. National soybean acreage is projected at just over 78 million acres, a less than 1 percent increase from this past year, but an all-time U.S. high. In comparison, U.S. farmers intend to produce 5.3 million fewer acres of wheat.
Indiana farmers say they intend to plant 5.7 million acres of corn and 5.5 million acres of soybeans this spring, up 100,000 acres and 50,000 acres, respectively. Farmers in Illinois expect to plant 12.6 million acres of corn (up 600,000 acres) and 9.5 million acres of soybeans (up 100,000 acres), while Ohio growers intend to plant 3.7 million acres of corn (up 350,000 acres) and 4.6 million acres of soybeans (up 50,000 acres).
Those additional corn and soybean acres are coming mostly from wheat, Hurt said.
"The big decline in wheat acreage is really coming from the fall-seeded crops," he said. "Two things are going on there. One was very low returns and poor prices for wheat prospects and, secondly, extremely wet weather for the harvest season in 2009. We just didn't get the wheat in the ground.
"In Indiana we saw wheat acreage at the lowest level in recorded history - just 300,000 acres. That gave rise, then, to the ability to plant more corn and soybeans. We see a very similar pattern in neighboring states."
Just two years ago, wheat acreage was on the rise. Indiana farmers that year planted around 600,000 acres.
If the USDA report is accurate, farmers should return to average income levels, Hurt said.
"If we go back and look at the last five years, we really see two good crop years in terms of income - 2007 and 2008. The 2009 crop ended up being a very high-cost crop, and most producers didn't really have strong recovery in terms of their costs. And now 2010 shapes up kind of the same way. We are going to see, maybe not a struggle, but tight margins. This is what most producers in agriculture in Indiana and around the country face most years."
LEAMINGTON INNOVATORS GET PREMIER'S AWARD
04/12/10
From a Release
Ontario tomatoes are getting pumped over this innovation. The Leamington Area Drip Irrigation is a group of 13 farmers who wanted to improve water efficiency for their operations. They spent years consulting with agencies and specialists across Canada, using that expertise to design and construct a new communal irrigation system that increases the reliability of supply and quality of water to local producers. The 36 kilometre pipeline, pump house and filter system can precisely monitor the amount of water being delivered from Lake Erie to 2,500 acres of tomatoes in the Leamington area. Participating growers have seen a reduction in energy and input costs and an increase in the quality and yield of their crops. The fixed structure eliminates the need for much of the annual set-up associated with traditional drip irrigation and has reduced water costs in the growing season by 66 per cent.
For this innovative project, the group has just received the agri-food innovation award presented today in Toronto. The Leamington Area Drip Irrigation group received the Premier’s Award of $100,000
“Our Open Ontario plan is about seizing new opportunities and driving innovation. Today's awards celebrate the spirit of our plan by recognizing and promoting the success stories generated by Ontario’s agri-food industry. By continuing to evolve and innovate, this sector is helping to grow our economy and open up new opportunities for Ontario," says Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The other winner was Tigchelaar Berry Farms of Vineland for their work in adopting a new production technique to expand its day neutral strawberry.
EXPORTERS PREPARED FOR IMPACT OF STRONGER DOLLAR
04/08/10
From Farms.com
The Canadian dollar hit par against its American counterpart for the second time in less than two years in what observers say has mixed blessings for consumers and the local economy.
The loonie briefly topped the greenback before settling at 99.88 cents Tuesday, up from 99.72 cents the day before. But analysts expect parity will be achieved and maintained for an extended period this time around.
"We would need to see a serious deterioration in Canadian economic performance, or a renewed fear of a global meltdown, to undermine this move," Peter Hann, ATB Financial's director of foreign exchange trading, said in a morning commentary.
While prices for a U.S. vacation and some imported items become cheaper, domestic products become more expensive for the biggest buyer of Canadian exports.
But unlike November 2007 when the loonie's rise to $1.10 US caught people off-guard, manufacturers have been bracing for an eventual return to parity, said Brian McCready, who heads the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the country's largest trade association.
SUSTAIN OUR FARMS TOWN HALL TARGETS THREATS TO ONTARIO FOOD
04/07/10
From a Release
STRATFORD, April 6 – Hundreds of concerned local farmers flocked to today’s Sustain our Farms town hall meeting at Stratford’s Rotary Complex, calling for specific reforms to provincial and federal agriculture policies. The town hall was organized by Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC), which supports producers of livestock, fruit and vegetables, grains and oilseeds.
“Ontario’s local food supply is in jeopardy, along with thousands of families, farms and processing jobs,” said Bette Jean Crews, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “Urgent government action is needed to help Ontario’s farmers manage their business risks and access credit.”
Farmers are calling for two key changes that would better protect local food production and support the sustainability of Ontario’s farms:
• The federal government’s AgriStability program needs to be bankable and predictable, to promote investment and better address cash flow challenges for farm businesses.
• A comprehensive Business Risk Management Program, jointly funded by farmers and government, is needed to improve predictability, business planning and sustainability.
The strength of Ontario’s food supply has huge implications for rural and urban communities. Agriculture is the largest economic contributor in Ontario and the province’s third largest employer. There are 43,700 full-time-equivalent farm workers in Ontario, working on about 57,000 farms. Related agri-food industries, such as processing plants and grocery stores, employ about 718,000 people, pumping $28 billion into Ontario’s economy.
“Agriculture is a pillar of South-western Ontario’s economy,” said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson. “When farmers suffer, whole communities suffer. We all have a direct interest in making sure Ontario agriculture is strong and sustainable.”
The OASC’s members include the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Ontario Grains & Oilseeds, Ontario Pork, the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and Ontario Veal, together with the Christian Farmers’ Federation of Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
LOBLAWS AND GUELPH TEAM UP OVER FOOD PRODUCTION RESEARCH
04/08/10
From Farms.com
BRAMPTON and GUELPH, ON - Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and the University of Guelph, (U of G) today announced the creation of The Loblaw Companies Limited Chair in Sustainable Food Production. The chair was made possible by a $3-million gift from Loblaw and will be the centre of U of G's research focus on creating robust food production systems. It will help lead change in food production systems through education, research, practice and outreach within the context of the essential elements of sustainability: the environment, communities and the economy.
"Issues related to food production and supply are among the greatest societal challenges of our time," said U of G president Alastair Summerlee. "Accelerating the pace of change requires new ways of thinking, new approaches to teaching and sharing knowledge, and new definitions of innovation. This new chair is a critical first step in helping to develop long-term solutions for a healthy future."
U of G and Loblaw are uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution to sustainable food production. U of G's Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is the largest and oldest in Canada, having been established in 1874. U of G has excelled in research. Loblaw, Canada's largest food distributor, is committed to corporate social responsibility, respect for the environment, and food quality and value.
"Working together, we can address the very issues that are at the root of today's global pressures around food sustainability," said Galen G. Weston, executive chairman of Loblaw Companies Limited. "Through this initiative, we believe we can help to increase Canada's capacity to produce food sustainably, train tomorrow's industry leaders, contribute to policy development, meet consumers' needs and nurture our environment. It represents the defining strategy for Loblaw over the next two decades."
FARMERS EXPECT TO PLANT EARLY
04/08/10
From Farms.com
It's risky to start planting corn this early, but with farmers' fields at near ideal conditions for moisture and warmth expect to see a lot of planting happening by the middle of the month.
Barring a dramatic change in the weather pattern, that's the prognosis from St. Marys-area farmer Bill Denham, chair of the Perth County committee of the Grain Farmers of Ontario.
"It's ideal (for wheat and barley). From what I hear it's working up well and should be planting well," he said.
"In my opinion it's still too early for corn. I don't know how early is too early because you never know until later on in the year what's right and wrong. But going with our normal times of late frost I would think that this is just a little too early for corn."
But Mr. Denham said by the middle of the month, if there's not much change in the weather, farmers should be good to go.
Farmers normally are ready to plant by the start of May, he said, but sometimes you can get a bit of corn in by the middle of April.
"I don't think I can remember too many years where April 1 you could be going if you wanted to."
Mr. Denham cautioned there's some risk in early planting but he said he wouldn't be surprised if some farmers go early and take their chances.
"It's like planting your garden or getting your spring flowers out. You might get away with it. But a garden at least you could cover with a blanket if you had a few nights of bad weather."
COME JOIN US AT THE CHATHAM-KENT FARMERS' MARKET
04/12/10
From a Release
The farmer's market is coming back to downtown Chatham next month and its co-ordinator is pputting the word out to vendors. Teresa Fysh says the Chatham-Kent Farmers? Market is looking for local artisans, farmers or vendors who sell prepared goods. She says the market will be located in front of the Civic Centre, downtown Chatham at 315 King Street, West. They will be featuring locally grown produce, handcrafted wares and artwork and much more.
The Chatham-Kent Farmers wil be open every Saturday from 8 to 2 starting May 22nd to September 4th.
She says vendors still have there is still time to join!
Fysh recommends if vendors have questions or require further information to call her at 519.355.7200 or e-mail at ckfarmmarket@hotmail.com.
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink..._scoops.cfm
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TekTalk
DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON STORED CORN
04/12/10
by Don Kabbes of Great Lakes Grains
Here it is… Another reminder about farm-stored grain. As the pace of fieldwork picks up, it will be easy to neglect regular inspection of grain in bins. However, the change to warm weather means that the cold grain (particularly corn) may now be condensing moisture and the rate of spoilage could be increasing as the grain warms up. Insects will also be increasing in activity and moving into bins.
* Where possible, move the grain off the farm and let the commercial elevators worry about it.
* Schedule fan use to gradually warm the grain to within 10 degrees of the average monthly temperature.
* Make sure that the temperature front is allowed to pass completely through the grain mass.
* When they’re not in use, make sure fans and other openings are still sealed so that changing temperatures don’t create convection airflow within the bin.
* Keep up with the once-a-week inspections.
* Use a thermometer on a rod or probe to detect developing hotspots.
* Be alert for musty odors, crusting, mold, and insects.
* Consider applying barrier insect treatments to prevent insect entry at the top of the bin.
Remember that the 2009 crop is at greater risk because of growing and harvest conditions, ear molds, and less-than-desired overall quality. Don’t let problems get started in the bin.
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink_...tektalk.cfm
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AgriLink Upcoming Events
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Event - Beyond the City Lights Rural Tourism Conference Date - April 13,2010 to April 14, 2010 Place - Parks Blueberries, Bothwell, Smith & Wilson Winery, Cedar Springs Contact Name - Chatham-Kent Tourism at
1-800-542-5994 or 519-351-7700 ext. 2043
Email - shelleyb@chatham-kent.ca
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Event - Poultry Industry Conference and Exhibition Date - April 14,2010 to April 15, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Western Fair Grounds, London Website - http://www.westernfair.com/shows/poultry.html
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Event - Cool Tools Gadget Night-Bring your ideas! Date - April 15, 2010 Time - 6:30 PM Place - Dean Craven's shop, 10103 Eberts Line Chatham, Twp. (at Eberts) Contact Name - Pat for more info: 519-683-2371
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Event - The Bean Blast Date - April 15, 2010 Time - 11:30 AM Place - St. Anne’s Centre, 20 Morrison Drive, St. Thomas
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Event - Information Meeting on HST Date - April 15, 2010 Time - 7:30 PM Place - Wyoming Legion Contact Name - Brenda Miner, Federation Secretary 519-828-5028 or 519-828-3516 Email - lambtonfederation@hotmail.com
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Event - Lambton PORK PRODUCERS DINNER-DANCE Date - April 16, 2010 Time - 6:00 PM Place - Centennial Hall, Watford Contact Name - Anna-Lee Straatman at 519-849-5611 Email - ajstraatman@brktel.on.ca
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Event - OIA Conference and Annual General Meeting Date - April 16,2010 to April 17, 2010 Place - Hilton Garden Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Event - NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent Pig Roast and Pie Auction Date - April 24, 2010 Time - 4:30 PM Place - St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Park Ave. W., Chatham Contact Name - Myrna Panjer at 519 397-3677 Alt Contact Name - NeighbourLink office at 519 352-5646
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Event - RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC Date - April 24, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Alvinston Public Works Garage Corner of Lorne and Elgin streets Contact Name - 519 383-8331, toll free 1-800-667-1839 Website - http://www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/
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Event - An Introduction to Large Animal Rescue For Horse Owners and Emergency Responders Date - May 1, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - REACH Huron in Clinton Website - http://www.reachhuron.ca/reachcourses.cfm#LAR
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Event - RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC Date - May 15, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Oil Springs Fire Hall 4589 Oil Springs Line Contact Name - 519 383-8331, toll free 1-800-667-1839 Website - www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
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Event - RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC Date - May 29, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Enniskillen Township Public Works Garage 4465 Rokeby Line Contact Name - 519 383-8331, toll free 1-800-667-1839 Website - www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
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Event - CAFA’s 6th Annual Ontario Conference Date - June 1,2010 to June 2, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Stratford Website - www.cafanet.com
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Event - Annual Ontario Pork Congress Date - June 23,2010 to June 24, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Stratford Website - www.porkcongress.on.ca
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Event - Soil & Water Management Workshop Date - June 29, 2010 Place - London-St. Thomas area Contact Name - Woodstock OMAFRA Resource Centre, 519-537-6621 Alt Contact Name - Agricultural Information Contact Centre, 1-877-424-1300
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Event - Progressive Agriculture / Chatham-Kent Farm Safety Day Date - July 21, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - Sue Kelner 519-674-1584 Email - skelner@ridgetwonc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - Outdoor Farm Show Date - September 14,2010 to March 16, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Woodstock Canada's Outdoor Park Website - http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/
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Event - International Plowing Match & Farm Machinery Show Date - September 21,2010 to September 25, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Elgin – St. Thomas Website - http://www.ipm2010.com/
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To view these listings online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink..._events.cfm
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John Jordan
Editor, AgriLink and Farm Market News
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Tel. 519-674-1577
Fax. 519-674-1530
E-mail: jjordan@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
AgriLink website : www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink
