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Agrilink
MORE SOYBEANS PLANTED
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
From StatsCanNationally, the total soybean seeded area reported by farmers has increased 8.0% from 2009 to 3.7 million acres.
In Quebec, the area seeded to soybeans increased to a new high of 659,800 acres. In Ontario, soybean acreage rose 1.7% to 2.4 million acres.
Farmers in Manitoba reported a record high 580,000 acres planted in soybeans this spring, a 39.8% increase. The province's soybean area has increased each year since 2007 when it was 230,000 acres.
Meantime, across Canada, corn acreage was pegged at 2.981 million, a marginal increase of 0.2%.
CAUTION CLOUDS PORK'S REBOUND
06/25/10
There may be a light at the end of the tunnel for Ontario pork producers still reeling from several years of low prices, higher costs and the fallout from last summer's H1N1 outbreak.
Then again, it could be an approaching train.
"Cautious optimism is how I'd describe it," Ontario Pork vice-chair Mary-Ann Hendrikx said Tuesday as the Ontario Pork Congress kicked off at the Rotary Complex in Stratford.
The 37th annual trade show comes at a time when pork prices are on a bit of an upswing, but that should not necessarily be taken as a sign that the industry has turned a corner, she said.
"A few weeks of good prices doesn't make up for four of five years of bad," said Hendrikx, noting that there's no guarantee that prices will remain where they are for the long term. "Everybody's still being fairly cautious."
And many producers are simply "numb" from the battering they've taken in recent years, she said, and especially after the H1N1 outbreak that many -- to the dismay of pork producers -- dubbed the swine flu.
"Last year was devastating," agreed Ontario Pork board director Teresa Van Raay. "And I think the mood now is definitely enhanced."
She, too, described that mood as one of "reserved hopefulness."
Still, the industry has had its casualties, she said, as many producers simply couldn't afford to continue losing money and left the business entirely.
"The ones that have left are not here," she said, gesturing to the trade show floor. "And the ones that are here are here to stay."
Paul Bootsma is one of those producers who made the tough decision to transition out of the industry, giving up his 222-sow farrow-to-finish operation near Brantford.
ORGANIC PESTICIDES NOT ALWAYS 'GREENER' CHOICE, STUDY FINDS
06/23/10
From the University of Guelph
Consumers shouldn't assume that, because a product is organic, it's also environmentally friendly.
A new University of Guelph study reveals some organic pesticides can have a higher environmental impact than conventional pesticides because the organic product may require larger doses.
Environmental sciences professor Rebecca Hallett and PhD candidate Christine Bahlai compared the effectiveness and environmental impact of organic pesticides to those of conventional and novel reduced-risk synthetic products on soybean crops.
"The consumer demand for organic products is increasing partly because of a concern for the environment," said Hallett. "But it's too simplistic to say that because it's organic it's better for the environment. Organic growers are permitted to use pesticides that are of natural origin and in some cases these organic pesticides can have higher environmental impacts than synthetic pesticides often because they have to be used in large doses."
The study, which is published today in the journal PloS One, involved testing six pesticides and comparing their environmental impact and effectiveness in killing soybean aphids – the main pest of soybean crops across North America.
The two scientists examined four synthetic pesticides: two conventional products commonly used by soybean farmers and two new, reduced-risk pesticides. They also examined a mineral oil-based organic pesticide that smothers aphids and another product containing a fungus that infects and kills insects.
The researchers used the environmental impact quotient, a database indicating impact of active ingredients based on such factors as leaching rate into soil, runoff, toxicity from skin exposure, consumer risk, toxicity to birds and fish, and duration of the chemical in the soil and on the plant.
They also conducted field tests on how well each pesticide targeted aphids while leaving their predators -- ladybugs and flower bugs -- unharmed.
"We found the mineral oil organic pesticide had the most impact on the environment because it works by smothering the aphids and therefore requires large amounts to be applied to the plants," said Hallett.
Compared to the synthetic pesticides, the mineral oil-based and fungal products were less effective, as they also killed ladybugs and flower bugs, which are important regulators of aphid population and growth.
These predator insects reduce environmental impact because they naturally protect the crop, reducing the amount of pesticides that are needed, she added.
"Ultimately, the organic products were much less effective than the novel and conventional pesticides at killing the aphids and they have a potentially higher environmental impact," she said. "In terms of making pest management decisions and trying to do what is best for the environment, it's important to look at every compound and make a selection based on the environmental impact quotient rather than if it's simply natural or synthetic. It's a simplification that just doesn't work when it comes to minimizing environmental impact."
GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO LANDED BASIS (INITIAL PAYMENT) PRICE CHART 2010 CROP YEAR
06/28/10
The Grain Farmers of Ontario have announced the initial payments for the 2010 pool program:
SWW (Pool A)
$93.00
Less Licence Fee
$1.00
Net Landed Basis Price
$92.00
HRW (Pool B)
grown from certified seed (proof required)
Gross Landed Basis
$97.00
Less Licence Fee
$1.00
Net Landed Basis Price
$96.00
HRS (Pool C)
grown from certified seed (proof required)
Gross Landed Basis
$95.00
Less Licence Fee
$1.00
Net Landed Basis Price
$94.00
SRW (Pool E)
Gross Landed Basis
$88.00
Less Licence Fee
$1.00
Net Landed Basis Price
$87.00
HR (Pool F)
Gross Landed Basis
$88.00
Less Licence Fee
$1.00
Net Landed Basis Price
$87.00
Feed (Pool G)
Gross Landed Basis
$69.00
Less Licence Fee
$1.00
Net Landed Basis Price
$68.00
Note:
• Landed Basis Levels are subject to change
• Classes HRW & HRS (Pools B & C) – plus protein payment
• Discounts will apply for lower grades
• Prices in metric tone
Please refer to the variety list on our website (http://www.gfo.ca/Marketing/WheatMarketing/Init...ialPayments) for the varieties accepted for Pool C (HRS). All varieties not accepted in Pool C (HRS) will be considered Pool F (HR). Please remember that Grain Farmers of Ontario requires a Form 7 producer declaration for all Pool B (HRW) and Pool C (HRS) wheat.
TWO NEW FACES TO BE ADDED TO CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME
06/25/10
Two Ontario men will be inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame this year.
Lyle Vanclief, was a federal Agriculture Minister for several years, and was also an Outstanding Young Farmer award winner back in the 80s.
Bert Stewart is the other man being recognized.
He is known in the dairy industry as one of the top fitters and showman of dairy animals -- around the world.
GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO PLANS FOR SUCCESS
06/28/10
From a Release - GUELPH, ON – The Grain Farmers of Ontario strategic plan is complete, pending final Board review, and the accompanying budget has been approved by the Board for fiscal 2011 beginning June 1, 2010.
The strategic plan will challenge directors and staff with a broad vision for the organization that positions Ontario’s grain farmers as leaders not only in our province but beyond our borders.
“Our strategic plan will ultimately deliver tangible results into the bank accounts of our farmer members,” says Barry Senft, GFO’s CEO.
The strategic plan will require a small increase in license fees to $1.75 per acre, from the originally proposed $1.70 in 2007, but will deliver dividends that will be measured in:
• new market opportunities,
• increased access to information that will add value to members’ businesses,
• research results that will reduce costs or increase returns and
• better access to all levels of government, industry and the public on issues that affect your business.
“An example of where we have already started to add value was our new Market Development reception on June 23 in Guelph where we brought stakeholders from the industry and government together to discuss ways we can work together to bring new business opportunities for grain to Ontario,” say Senft. “There are lots of exciting new products under development and we intend to have that infrastructure built close to our grain producing regions.”
This work cannot be done without the continued support and input from our members. The GFO Strategic Plan will be available for comment later in the summer and all stakeholders are encouraged to contact the office or a local director or delegate with ideas and comments for ways we can work together to deliver results to Ontario’s grain farmers. .
WORLD RECORD TRACTOR PARADE PLANNED AT DRESDEN
06/28/10
Farmers & tractor enthusiasts are uniting to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society while attempting to break the current Guinness World Record for the largest parade of tractors! Current record is 601. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this one-time only event!
Ken Richards, parade organizer & cancer survivor will lead off with his “Colours of Cancer” Tractor, a 1944 Cockshutt 60. Ken’s tractor is painted these unusual colours to promote the event. Pink for breast cancer, blue for prostate cancer & yellow represents all cancers.
The event takes place, Saturday July 24, 2010
and is set to start at 12:30pm. Tractor drivers will be forming up at the Dresden Racetrack on 29123 Van Allen Rd.
Registrations start at 9am. For further information, contact Janice Paddick at 519-683-6062.
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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
YOU SUSPECT HERBICIDE DRIFT – NOW WHAT?
06/22/10
From the Vegetable Crop Update by
Kristen Callow, OMAFRA Weed Management Program Lead – Horticulture Leslie Huffman, OMAFRA Apple Specialist
Crop injury caused by herbicide drift is guaranteed to cause misery and confrontation, not to mention insurance claims and legal charges. No one wins when herbicides drift – the applicator loses two ways: his herbicide misses the target, giving poor weed control, plus he is liable for damage; the “receiving” grower loses yield, crop health, perhaps timely markets plus his time. Sometimes our environment loses, and in general, agriculture loses in the public eye.
There Are a Number of Steps to Follow When you Suspect Herbicide Drift:
1. Diagnose the problem:
Is it really drift? Eliminate other possible causes, such as: disease, insect, nutrient deficiency, herbicide carryover, environmental stress - may be similar to herbicide drift, etc.
Are there patterns in the field? Is the damage worse next to the spray source, with less damage occurring across the field? Is the damage patchy? If it is, you need to check your soil pH. If your pH is considered high or low, test for herbicide carryover.
Is there evidence of a spray application? Look for wheel tracks, weed symptoms, boom patterns and overlap on the headlands. Look for spray evidence in neighbouring fields, lawns, ditches, etcetera.
2. Contact the appropriate people:
Talk to your neighbour or sprayer operator. Ask what was sprayed, when it was applied and who did the application.
Contact your regional Ministry of the Environment office (1-800-265-7672 Southwestern Region) – MOE officers can do a site visit, take samples of tissue and soil, and have them analyzed for the suspect herbicides. Where appropriate, the offending applicator may face charges under the Pesticide Act.
Contact your insurance adjustor, and advise the applicator to contact theirs.
3. Document all details of the problem:
Collect spray records (yours - to prove it wasn’t your sprays) and the offending applicators’.
Collect weather records (temperatures, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall - for the date of application).
Take photos (many). Record date and location on each photo. Repeat photos several times through the season.
Document yield loss from the damaged area and an undamaged area. Choose a similar planting (same age, cultivar, rootstock, etcetera). For perennial crops (e.g. vineyards, orchards, asparagus, berries) document the effects for several years after the damage occurred.
Every herbicide applicator needs to take all possible steps to avoid herbicide drift. So what should an applicator do?
1. Work with the weather. Avoid spraying when the weather is against you, e.g. when winds are above 11 km/hr or dead calm, when temperatures are above 30oC, and/or when relative humidity (RH) is above 80%.
2. Identify vulnerable crops near your fields. Choose a spray day when winds are blowing away from these sites.
3. Make your spray less prone to drift. Choose herbicides with a low risk of volatility. Avoid products like 2,4-D or dicamba near susceptible crops or greenhouses. Choose higher water volumes and lower pressures for larger droplets. Use the newest anti-drift nozzles. There are many air-injection (AI) nozzles that will greatly reduce risk.
4. Work with your neighbours. Let them know your intentions. Maybe you can both make some buffer areas between vulnerable crops. Greenhouse growers need to be notified to close vents during early morning spray times to avoid any possibility of drift.
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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 - 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 - Advanced Nematode Workshop Date - July 6, 2010 Time - 5:00 PM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - OMAFRA Agricultural Information Contact Centre
Phone: 1-877-424-1300 or 519-826-4047 Email - ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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Event - SouthWest Crop Diagnostic Day, Alternative Date-July 8, 2010 Date - July 7, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - 1-877-424-1300 Website - www.diagnosticdays.ca
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Event - Kent Country Pork Producers Annual Golf Tournament Date - July 7, 2010 Place - Country View Golf Course, Oungah Contact Name - Ken Koster 519-692-5022
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Event - Lambton County Pork Producers 13th Annual Pork Barbeque Date - July 7, 2010 Time - 5:00 PM Place - Alvinston Arena Complex 3310 Walnut St. Contact Name - Anna-Lee Straatman
519-849-5611
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Event - SouthWest Crop Diagnostic Day Date - July 8, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Website - www.diagnosticdays.ca
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Workshop-Essex, Day Two-July 19 Date - July 12, 2010 Place - Essex Contact Name - Ernie Konrad at 519-825-4588 Email - essex@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Ontario Weed Tour Date - July 14, 2010 Time - 2:00 PM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Website - http://onvegetables.files.wordpress.com/2010/06...chedule.pdf
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Workshop-Elgin, Day Two-July 21 Date - July 14, 2010 Time - 10:00 AM Place - St. Thomas Contact Name - Margaret May 519-287-5334 Email - elgin@ontariosoilcrop.org
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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 - Ridgetown Vegetable Open House Date - July 22, 2010
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Event - THE GREATEST TRACTOR PARADE-FARMERS DRIVING OUT CANCER Date - July 24, 2010 Time - 12:30 PM Place - Dresden Racetrack Contact Name - Janice 519-683-6062
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Workshop-Middlesex, Day Two-Aug. 13 Date - August 6, 2010 Time - 10:00 AM Place - TBA Contact Name - Margaret May-519-287-5334 Email - middlesex@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Environmental Farm Plan Workshop-Chatham-Kent, Day Two-Aug. 17 Date - August 10, 2010 Contact Name - Ron Faubert at 519-352-1285 Email - kent@ontariosoilcrop.org
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Event - Lambton SCIA Twilight Tour, Date - August 11, 2010 Time - 4:45 PM Place - John Lammers Farm, 5272 LaSalle Line, Petrolia Contact Name - Bonnie 519-882-3215
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Event - Southern Ontario Draft Horse Basic Workshop Date - August 12,2010 to August 14, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Sparta near St. Thomas at Orchard Hill Farm Contact Name - Ken Laing, 519-775-2670 Email - kmlaing@orchardhillfarm.ca Website - www.orchardhillfarm.ca
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Event - Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Date - August 13, 2010 Time - 12:30 PM Place - Guelph Lakes Golf and Country Club, Guelph Contact Name - 519-780-5326 Email - golf@jfao.on.ca Website - www.jfao.on.ca/golf
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Event - Ontario Weed Tour Date - August 14, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Harrow Research Station Website - http://onvegetables.files.wordpress.com/2010/06...chedule.pdf
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Event - Is the Coast Clear? – 6th Annual Conference on Lake Huron coastal environment Date - August 20, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Oakwood Conference Centre, Grand Bend Website - www.lakehuron.ca
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Event - Southern Ontario Draft Horse Basic Workshop Date - September 9,2010 to September 11, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Sparta near St. Thomas at Orchard Hill Farm Contact Name - Ken Laing, 519-775-2670 Email - kmlaing@orchardhillfarm.ca Website - www.orchardhillfarm.ca
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Event - Essex SCIA Twilight Tour Date - September 11, 2010 Time - 2:00 PM Place - Thibert Farm, 20300 Lakeshore Road 308, Comber Contact Name - Jim Buck 705-696-2567
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Event - Outdoor Farm Show Date - September 14,2010 to September 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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Event - WOMEN IN AGRI-BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM Date - October 13, 2010 Time - 8:30 AM Place - Springfield Golf & Country Club 2054 Gordon St. Guelph, ON Contact Name - (519) 821-4655,
Fitzgerald & Co., 39 William Street, Elmira, ON N3B 1P3 or Fax: 519-669-3826
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Event - Royal Winter Fair Date - November 5,2010 to November 14, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Exhibition Place, Toronto Website - www.royalfair.org
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Event - Agr. & Rural Energy Expo Date - November 6,2010 to November 7, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - REACH Huron in Clinton Website - www.reachhuron.ca
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Event - Southwest Agricultural Conference Date - January 5,2011 to January 6, 2011 Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Website - www.southwestagconference.ca
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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
