April 2008 Archives
Now that spring work has started, Shirley says Alf talks about seeding and other jobs that need to be done. On that note, Shirley doesn’t remember a drier spring in their area. “I have never seen a spring with no sloughs before,” she says. Their son Shane runs the farm now. He wants to start seeding, but there’s no moisture.
Deadlines for government programs tend to get moved back over and over, but you might as well get the paperwork going while you’re thinking about it. It should only take a few minutes at this stage.
In provinces where the federal government delivers AgriStability, enrolment notices for 2008 will be sent to producers in late April. Even though the deadline to enrol and pay the fee is April 30, you actually have 30 days from the date your notice is issued to respond and pay the fee. If you participated in the 2007 program, you will automatically receive a notice for 2008 and be enroled.
If you did not participate in 2007 AgriStability or are new to farming, you must request a “new participant” package and send in the required information before April 30 so that an enrolment notice can be sent to you. You will have 30 days from the date your notice is issued to respond and pay your fee.
The federal government delivers AgriStability in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon. For more information, farmers in these provinces call 1-866-367-8506 or visit www.agr.gc.ca/agristability. In Alberta, call 1-877-744-7900. In Quebec, call 1-800-749-3646. In Ontario, call 1-877-838-5144. On Prince Edward Island, call 1-902-620-3091.
Your questions…
If you have comments or useful tips about the programs that you’d like to share with Grainews readers, please e-mail me at jay@fbcpublishing.com. Anything you can do to help others will be appreciated.
Even with the snow and rain this week, parts of the southern Prairies are still really dry. You never want a drought, but for cattlemen desperate for some nice green pasture to give them a break on feed costs, bone dry pastures are a bloody disaster. I got an article today from North Dakota State University on alternative feed products in the face of drought and high grain costs.
Here it is:
NDSU research results have shown that cows can be fed a wide variety of feeds that, if properly balanced for a cow's genetic potential, will support satisfactory reproductive performance, good cow condition and healthy calves.
"More responsibility falls on the manager to formulate diets to match respective gestation or lactation needs when cows are pen-fed versus allowing cows to graze," says Vern Anderson, animal scientist with the NDSU research center in Carrington.
Some of the feeds used successfully in balancing diets for lactating cows included small-grain straws (wheat, oats, barley) and several oilseed meals (canola, sunflower, linseed), screenings of all kinds (wheat, sunflower, pea, flax, barley), coproduct feeds (soy hulls, barley malt pellets, wheat midds, oat hulls, potato processing waste, distillers grains, corn gluten feed or beet pulp).
Conventional grains, such as corn, peas and barley, may be priced out of the market based on their nutritional value. Anderson says coproduct feeds may be preferred to grains because they contain more protein and fibre and the starch from grains will reduce forage digestibility to some degree. For optimum forage digestion, Anderson suggests limiting grain to 4 pounds per day. Each producer's situation is different, so local adaptation and feed cost assessment is critical.
"It may be more economical to 'limit feed' cows by providing them a restricted amount of a nutrient-dense feed, such as barley malt or soy hulls," Anderson says. "Cows will do fine on limited amounts of grain or coproduct feeds provided each cow gets its share. Forage is certainly the mainstay, but cows can get along on less than a full stomach if the nutrients are there, but it takes a better fence."
There are some concerns of vitamin and mineral nutrition with the extensive use of coproducts. Anderson recommends a vitamin A supplement that easily and inexpensively can be injected or added as a dry supplement to the feed. Extra calcium also may be needed to balance higher phosphorus levels, so a micro-mineral supplement is recommended. Palatability issues are not common, but can be avoided by mixing questionable feeds with other ingredients.
"Although the research in integrating crops and cows was not conducted as a drought strategy, our experience with drylot cows provides good basic information on how cattle producers can manage cows and early wean calves," Anderson says.
The Carrington Research Extension Center originally used the study for economic conditions in North Dakota. Only 16 per cent to 18 per cent of agricultural income is attributed to livestock in North Dakota. Surrounding states realize more than 40 per cent of agricultural income from livestock enterprises. Virtually all available rangeland is grazed, so increased cow numbers must be supported with crop biomass, Anderson says. The economic effects of increased cow/calf production based on cropping system biomass and the use of more coproducts in-state could be substantial, Anderson notes.
"The livestock sector has the potential for significant growth that could enhance producer returns as well as the overall economy of North Dakota," Anderson says, "While feeding calves after weaning is a major emphasis area, cows should not be ignored in terms of capturing value from feeds and forages. Drylot cows are much more common in other states where pastures have been converted to cropland."
He reminds producers that cow health and condition should be evaluated continually and beef cattle specialists and consultants should be contacted if producers have questions on feeds or strategies for feeding.
Our April 21 issue has an article by Gerald Pilger called "Vigorous seed has more disease resistance." At the end of that article, Gerald writes about a "breathalyzer for your canola seed." This VigorCheck test for canola seed takes 24 hours and you can do it at home. Wayne Buckley, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist who developed the test, sent Grainews nine test kits to give away. Because each farm has more than one canola seed lot, I'll give three kits each to the first three farmers who e-mail me and ask for them. My e-mail is jay@fbcpublishing.com.
More about the kits...
They are small jars, no more than 80 ml (or one quarter of a cup.) In those jars you put a sample of canola seed plus a little water. The kit includes a test tube to measure the right amount of canola and a syringe that holds the right amount of water. Then you put the lid on, shake for a few seconds and leave it for a day. In that time, the seed will give off ethanol. Deteriorated seed — low-vigour seed — gives off a lot more ethanol than sound seed. If the sensor on the jar cap turns solid blue, the seed is low vigour. If it stays yellow or blue-grey, the seed is good. If a canola seed lot does test low for vigour, you probably want to plant that seed later into warmer soils to reduce stress.
Lateness is part of the Via culture. The Crown corporation and its people are so oblivious to time, they don't even know they're pissing people off with their laissez-faire approach to schedules. But I guess Via isn't alone among its rail business cronies. "Timeliness" and "railroads" are rarely heard in the same sentence in North America. Germany, yes. Canada, definitely not.
Yet, knowing of Via's famous reputation, I went for a ride anyway. My son Liam and I took the train last week to visit my parents. The drive from Kenora, Ontario to Hartney, Manitoba is about six hours and boring, especially for a five-year old boy who'd rather be skinning a raccoon or grinding wheat. So I paid $170 for two return tickets to take the train from one unserviced rail stop in Reddit, 20 miles north of Kenora, to another in the middle of a field 10 miles north of Brandon. That's class. Did I mention it was 90 minutes late, to boot? A longnose gar makes a better first impression.
I hate when things are late, especially when my mother in law is waiting with us to make sure we get on and my parents are waiting at the other end to catch us when the conductor flings us off. Luckily for Via, they have you trapped on board for hours to soften you up and make you feel good about train travel. Once you take your seat, put the bags away and take out the snacks, the train becomes a relaxing retreat from the cramped car and slushy highway. I got to hang out with Liam. Not once did I turn around and yell, "Quit kicking the back of my seat or I'll tear off your foot and throw it out the window!" We went to the dome car 10 times an hour. We saw rocks and trees and deer. We saw parts of Winnipeg we'd never seen in the 10 years we lived there. We watched Monsters Inc. on my laptop. We went to the dining car for breakfast AND lunch. I let Liam drink tea.
You're going to think I'm nuts, but I loved the train. I can't wait to ride it again. As long as my in-laws and parents are willing to help out, I think I'll do the same trip soon with my younger son, Campbell. On second thought, he's almost three and he swears a lot and throws pointy objects. I'm not sure the friendly staff on board (and I'm serious, they are friendly) are up for that. I'm used to it. But they might not think it's cute like I do.
We just finished laying out the April 21 issue of Grainews, and I ran out of room to put in a note about this new hybrid from Dekalb. The next issue doesn't come out until the first week of May, which is a bit late for an announcement about a new seed variety. Especially since Monsanto has a limited quantity available for 2008. The company expects 72-55 RR to be the highest yielding in its line up. If you want a little more proof, check out field trials this summer. Monsanto will have 72-55 RR in 100 side-by-side field-scale trials and in 30 field analysis comparison trials, a.k.a. FACT trials.
Part of this contest was also to get people to say nice things about each other. Here are all the other entries and the kind words written.
Sherman Myrah from Brandon nominates his neighbour, James Frank. Sherman writes: “Well Jay, in these times when everything revolves around the dollar, I have a neighbour who is priceless. He has made large bales for me and would never think of charging for the work. His reply is, “You can do some repair work or welding.” We work together as much as possible. Sometimes my equipment is at his farm, sometimes at mine. Never is there a, “Do I owe you for fuel”, etc. He is a regular for coffee most days, showing up with my mail and paper, saving me a trip. He is always checking to see if I need help, as I keep a few head of cattle. At 60 years, he is a great help to me and others close at hand. I could fill pages with kind things, but you get the picture. P.S. I just passed my 79 on March 25, and still enjoy farming.”
Jason Hodson from Virden, Man., nominates his neighbour, Gary Hunter. Jason writes: “This was an easy one for me. I would dearly love to recognize my neighbour Gary Hunter. He has spent his whole life serving the community and helping his neighbours. He has his own small grain and livestock farm yet he always makes time to help a neighbour in need. Whether it be to help roundup our herd and medicate the fall run of calves, help repair a neighbour’s tractor, provide his labour to build an addition to the shop, pitch in to do chores while a neighbour is away or sick, mow the community cemetery and ball diamonds, prepare the ice for the local skating and curling rink, Gary always seems to be available to lend a hand. He also volunteers with the Legion and local fire department. People like Gary are such a blessing to a neighbourhood. He is my choice for the Great Grainews Farm Neighbor Contest.”
Marilyn Beres nominates her “great neighbours and friends,” Vince and Sandy Somogyi of Willowbrook, Sask. Marilyn writes: “They farm a mixed farm with cattle and grain. They are always available to all their neighbours and keep everyone connected. They have three daughters and one son who they follow and encourage in their endeavours to all limits. One took engineering at the U of S, and is now in Calgary on a work term. The second daughter is at U of A playing hockey on the university team. The third daughter is graduating, and achieving heights in volleyball. She obtained scholarships for the upcoming year at different schools. Their son is in grade 10 and excels in volleyball, curling and Ukrainian dance. All children were coached by Vince and Sandy in baseball and never missed a game. They are involved in curling, and are fundamental in keeping our small community rink of two artificial sheets of ice going, as well as organizing bonspiels and spearheading the bonspiel suppers. Our small village of Willowbrook is kept together by their dedication to keeping the community together. When the school was closed five years ago, they were definite leaders in taking the school over as a community. Today it is used for Ukrainian dance, wildlife and social functions, all keeping the community together.
They have time for everyone and have an upbeat spirit at all times to make the most out of whatever might come their way. They are not rich in wealth, but rich in friends (more than anyone I know). They can make you feel good about yourself. I would love for them to win and be able to take them out for a well-deserved meal. They are the true hub of our small community and should be recognized for their dedication and contributions. Vince is president of the Lions Club in Willowbrook, and they do great things for those in need. The saying, "Ask a busy person to do something, and it will get done,” sums up Vince and Sandy.”
Clarence Worona of Beausejour, Man., nominates his neighbour Eric Lefko. Eric and his family bought and rent some of Clarence’s land. “We co-operate. I took out an old fence between our properties and now in the spring when Eric is seeding, he just crosses over and seeds my land at the same time. I also help him with the farm work. We help each other. And in the winter, if I need snowblowing done, he’ll do it.”
Maureen Johnston of Calahoo, Alta., nominates her neighbour, Sharon Fetherston. Maureen writes: “Sharon is the best! She would lend you her car, make you a meal, look after your animals, watch your house or just be there for a chat. But the best example happened recently. She answered the phone only to hear laboured breathing. Instead of just hanging up, she noticed that caller ID showed the name of a neighbour. Realizing that this middle aged lady lived alone and had a bad heart, she rushed over to find the neighbour collapsed just inside her door (it was a -30 day). Sharon arrived in time to call the paramedics and get the lady to the hospital in time.”
Bernie Stadnyk of Alvena, Sask., nominates his neighbour Elmer Michalko. Bernie writes: “Elmer is there when I need him to help and to celebrate — what more can you ask for in a great neighbour?! Our families have a lot of heritage and when tough times hit he is there to lend a hand, and when things are good, it is always great to see and talk to him about what is happening on his farm. I am happy to have Elmer as my neighbour, and think that farm life would be a better place if everyone had an “Elmer” nearby.
Garry Klassen of Arborg, Man., nominates his neighbour Dennis Burkholder. Garry writes: “Dennis is the greatest neighbour and best friend. He’s a dairy gladly gives up his already over-packed schedule to help us out anytime of the day or night. He picks up stuff in town, helps out in the haying season, and helps working cattle. He reads every word of Grainews then recycles the paper to clean his cows’ udders.”
Jerry and Josie L’Heureu of Cherry Grove, Alta. nominate Wendell and Donna Johnson from just across the border at Pierceland, Sask. The L’Heureus write: “Wendell and Donna Johnson are the greatest neighbours. They are willing to help out people in a minute’s notice. They are such positive upbeat people and a pleasure to be with. If they do offer anyone advice, it is good sound advice and always given for the right reasons and with a positive spin. We would like to win and take our neighbours oout for supper because they are a great couple and deserve it.”
Eugene Syrotiuk of Moosehorn, Man., nominates David Fenning. Eugene writes: "I have a neighbour that I feel is a really great person. He is over 80 years old. Seventeen years ago we bought a place next to his property and he makes sure every winter out driveway is clear of snow. Sometimes two or three times a week he'll clean our driveway and wouldn't take a penny for it. It is really wonderful for a man of his age to do what he does."
Hilda and Gordon Peters of Wymark, Sask., nominate Pete and Leona Peters. Hilda writes: “The other day I was out for a cross-country ski and decided to stop in at Leona's to catch my breath before the return trip. It made me realize that though we may have business dealings with some neighbours, see them regularly or rarely; the very best neighbours are the one who are refreshing in a busy day and a busy world. Thanks Pete and Leona!”
Allan Enden of the Broderick area, near Outlook, Sask., nominated Lyle Derdall. Allan says, “Lyle runs a small farm himself, but people call on him all the time and he’s always there to help. He’s so handy at anything mechanical. There used to be a time when you would drop everything to help a neighbour. Lyle still lives by this principle. If anyone deserves this award, it’s Lyle.”
Helen Wiebe of Portage la Prairie, Man., nominates Onalee Wright. Helen writes: “When I read about your contest, I had no doubt that my neighbour Onalee was the one for me to nominate. She is a wife to Lorne Wright, mom to three married sons and their families.Onalee is a great friend and neighbour to many in our area from MacGregor to Portage and beyond. We moved here, about a mile north of the Wrights, about 25 years ago and I’ve often observed Onalee's care for others. She was one to call to arrange for neighbourhood gifts for newlyweds or for those moving away. She is often serving at showers for brides or babies, and at funerals and other community events. I'll always remember how, for five or six years running, she would arrive at my house with enough warm apple pies to feed my potato harvest crew! This happened in spite of the fact that she was a very busy hands-on farm wife involved in a dairy operation. Perhaps my greatest admiration for Onalee is the fact that three of her closest neighbours are her three sons, one on the same yard, the other two very nearby. From my vantage point, Onalee is both an appreciated friend and neighbour to her daughters-in-law and a beloved grandma! Many acts of kindness could be shared. I do feel she is most deserving of the prize supper.”
Carolyn and Calvin Stafford of Stratton, Ont., nominate their neighbours Abraham and Petra Gerber and their children, Peter, Stephan, Ruth, Sara, Philip and Eva. Carolyn writes, “Since our daughters have grown up, it is nice to have this family with their young children close by us. They moved here from Switzerland a few years ago, and they are always the first to help out anywhere when there is help required.”
Bernard Dease of Archerwill, Sask., nominates Blaine and Nadine Erickson and their two beautiful children, Janel and Joel. Bernard writes: “My reason for nominating Blaine and Nadine is mostly because of their extra effort and teamwork they have used to make their livestock operation a successful operation since BSE in 2003. In spite of the continued low prices and more regulations that “Carter has little liver pills,” all costing the cow-calf operation more money every time another “must do” is put in place, they continued to be successful in their operation. This takes guts and stamina. Through all this they remain great neighbours. P.S. I would also like to add that their two children can help with most operations with the cattle, doing jobs that most adults would deem too difficult.”
