CHANGES TO BSE TESTING

Everyday that senescence in a grain crop can be delayed results in yield increase of 1.5 bu/ac/day (Steve

Larocque, FarmTech 2010)

Residue management of chaff is especially important because it has the most nutrients in it (R.Ruwoldt,

FarmTech 2010)

80% of Canada’s honey crop is from

canola (L.Dosdall, FarmTech 2010)

1 ppb = 9 canola seeds in a B train

(Denise Maurice, FarmTech 2010)

Clubroot resistant canola varieties available in 2010 but an integrated approach still needed (Murray Hart-

man, FarmTech 2010)

Organic matter is 58% carbon

(R.Ward, FarmTech 2010)

The top two leaves in a wheat plant contribute to about 65 per cent of the

grain fill, and 80 per cent in barley.

Plant architecture can help improve yields. Leaves that are straight up and at the height of the heads receive the most sunlight. Changing the angle of the leaves, so they rest at a 75° an-gle, may also help prevent diseases such as rust and spores, which infect

plants by resting on their surfaces.

(Steve Larocque, FarmTech 2010)

When calf prices are more than 65% of the net value of a fed animal, that is a signal to sell. When yearling prices are more than 75% of the net value of a fed animal that is a signal to sell (Brenda Schoepp, Capturing Feed

Grain & Forage Opportunities, 2009)

Producers have until cattle are 10 months of age to apply RFID tags

and register birth dates.

The deadline has been extended in-definitely for the plastic bar coded dangle ID ear tags for cattle. CFIA decided not to enforce the Jan 1/10

deadline to delist bar code tags.

BITS AND PIECES

DID YOU KNOW????????

Changes to Alberta’s BSE program implemented January 1, 2010 has resulted in the age restriction being lifted regarding the category of neurological distress in which cattle display clinical signs consistent with a lesion in the nervous system. Cancerous eyes, lumpy jaws, mastitis and severe foot problems again qualify but only if they have reached the stage where they are unfit for human consumption or are unable to be humanely trans-ported. Also, there is no longer a seven day waiting period in the case of attempted surgeries that have not gone well. They now qualify immediately if the post surgery situation looks grave and neurological cases such as sudden paralysis, seizure, ataxic or circling deficit that a veterinarian attributes to a neurological problem can be tested at any older age. Producers can now put down severely injured

animals such as those with compound fractures and have a BSE test performed later. Calving related deaths or those resulting in prolonged downer status do qualify. Even cows that die with a prolapsed uterus qualify again. The changes to the BSE program will increase BSE surveillance. “Surveillance demonstrates that we have a low prevalence of BSE; we have to test the right types of animals and enough numbers in the proper age ranges and categories” explains Hauer.

Winter 2010 Volume 4, Issue 1

Special points of interest:

VRT Workshop

Growing Forward Program

Economics of Change for

Beef Operations

Biodiesel Workshop

Upcoming Events

NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

NPARA PURCHASED A SEED COUNTER To properly calculate seeding rates, 1,000 Kernel weights should be done on all seed lots which is a meas-ure of seed size: the weight in grams of 1,000 seeds of a seed sample. Seed size and the 1,000 K weight can vary from one crop to another, between varieties of the same crop and even from year to year or from field to field of the same variety. By using the 1,000 K weight, a producer can account for seed size variations when calculating seeding rates, cali-brating seed drills and estimating shattering and combine losses. Bring in a sample of your seed and we can determine the 1000 kernel weight for you to use in your calculations.

WORLD RENOWNED SOIL BIOLOGIST AND SPEAKER - JILL CLAPPERTON, PHD

Will be speaking in Ft. St. John, Wednesday, April 7 on:

How to establish healthy soil processes in northern soils

Soil dynamics in grazing and composting systems

We will be taking a van load of interested producers over to hear her speak. The charge is $30/person which includes supper. Please call us and book your seat now! 780-836-3354

Insect Identification Pro-gram CD-ROM

Alberta Yards & Gardens: What to Grow

Weeds of the Prairies

Weed Seedling Guide

Fencing with Electricity

Handling and Feeding Sheep – DVD

Beef Cow/Calf Manual

Meat Goats: 2nd Edition

Managing a Cow/Calf

Business: An Essential Guide

Canola Growers Manual

Soil Survey for Hotch-

kiss/Keg River and

Grimshaw/Notikewin

areas

Sod Seeding

Stock Poisoning Plants

of Western Canada

Pulse Crops in Alberta

Soil Fertility Manual

Brush Management on

the Western Canadian

Plains

Triticale Manual

Year Round Grazing

Manual

Pasture Planner Guide

Silage Manual

Building Added Value

through Farm Diversifica-

tion

NEW PUBLICATIONS ADDED TO NPARA LIBRARY - Stop by & check them out!

Training farmers how to use the technologies of precision agriculture and VRT is compli-cated. In an initiative funded by Growing Forward and Al-berta Agriculture and Rural Development, ARECA, it’s Associations and industry partners are pleased to offer workshops on GPS, Geo-graphic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and VRT with case studies to dem-onstrate implementation of these technologies. The work-shops will start at 10 am and finish at 3 pm. To complement the workshops, a resource manual is currently being writ-ten to support the presenta-tions delivered at the work-shops. The manual will pro-vide an overview of precision agriculture, GIS, GPS, VRT, economics, service providers, yield monitoring, remote sens-ing and websites/references.

ARECA, in conjunction with Association partners - NPARA and SARDA - is offering a workshop at the Sawridge Inn in Peace River

on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. The agenda is:

9:00 am Registration

9:30 am Ty Faechner,

ARECA, Introduction to Preci-sion Agriculture, GPS, Eco-nomics of VRT

10:15 am Coffee Break

10:30 am Regan Miller, Echelon AG – GIS and Case Studies to Implement

11:15 am Warren Bills, GeoFarm – GIS and Case Studies to Implement

12:00 LUNCH

1:30 pm Claus Toerper, Farmers’ Edge, Remote Sens-ing and Case Studies to Im-plement

2:15 pm Christie Dechief, John Deere – Equipment Overview

2:30 pm Kevin Sliger, Houl-der’s Equipment – Equip-ment Overview

2:45 pm COFFEE

INDUSTRY BOOTH

EXHIBITS ALL DAY

Adoption of precision agricul-ture technologies and meth-ods accelerated when the Federal Government provided financial assistance to assist with the purchase of GPS (Global Positioning System) guidance, yield monitors and mapping software. There were 2729 farmers in Alberta who spent $41 million to buy this type of equipment. Farmers bought precision farming equipment (GPS information collection, GPS guidance (i.e. autosteer, lightbars, software), manual and variable rate con-trollers for variable fertilizer application.

Despite these technology pur-chases, there continues to be very little implementation of the technology beyond auto-steering. There is much more potential for precision agricul-ture including record keeping (mapping) as part of an inte-grated crop management plan and variable rate technology (VRT) for more efficient appli-cation of fertilizer and herbi-cides.

VARIABLE RATE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Sawridge Inn Peace River

Cost: $20 (includes lunch)

Page 2 NEWS from

V R T T R A I N I N G

North Peace Applied Research Association

2010 FARM TRIALS, DEMOS & PROJECTS…

Variety Demos: Wheat, Oats, Peas, Camelina

Perennial Forage Plots: wheat grasses, fescues, brome grasses, alfalfas, clovers, other grasses and legumes Pulse Agronomy: Comparing soybeans, lentils & fababeans to field peas

Annual Legumes/Pulses Green manure: featuring Hairy vetch, Berseem clover, Fenugreek, field peas, soybeans and fabas Sub-Soiling Demo: AGROWPLOW demonstration plots on annual cropland and established forages Pre-Seed Herbicide Burn-off Trial on Round-Up Ready Volunteer Canola

Fall vs. Spring Fertilizer Application & Herbicide Trial on Smooth Bromegrass for Seed Production

On-Farm Swath Grazing Palatability Demo

We are always looking for ideas for trials, demos and workshops and welcome your ideas and suggestions - call us!!

Page 3 Winter 2010 Volume 4, Issue 1

The goal of the ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN program is to help identify environmental strengths and risks on your farm and to guide you in the development of a practical plan to reduce those risks. Developing an EFP is free! All materials and coaching are provided at no cost - contact NPARA: 780-836-3354 for more info. GROWING FORWARD STEWARDSHIP PLANS - completing your Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is the first step in accessing this funding. The Stewardship Plans are designed to help producers demonstrate environmental practices and plan for operational improvements that will reduce their environmental impact. Producers who apply to the Programs and are approved can receive 50/50 cost-share funding to help them achieve actions they have identified in their work plan. Stewardship Plans are divided into 3 programs and the maximum funding an Applicant can receive in each program is:

Integrated Crop Management - $20,000 Grazing & Winter Feeding Management - $15,000 Manure Management - $50,000

Producers can apply to more than one of the programs with separate Work Plans and Program Applications need to be completed for each. If you need assistance in completing these, we can assist you. You are eligible to apply for funding if you have completed an EFP and have a Growing Forward registration number. GROWING FORWARD ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY PRODUCER FUNDING is now available with up to $5000 on a 70/30 cost share basis. This funding is to assist producers with implementation of their Verified Beef Production (VBP) program and will include funding for expenses such as:

Chutes and head gates with neck extenders Individual animal weigh scales (load bars, scale head and associated software) Medical treatment software and possible related chute side hardware Audit costs Electronic animal thermometers

To be eligible for this funding a producer must: be enrolled in the VBP program (by attending a VBP workshop or completing the on-line training) **We are hosting a VBP Workshop on March 4, call and preregister 780-836-3354 have a Growing Forward (GF) registration number submit a Work Plan Application available from the website below or from our office. written approval of the Work Plan must be obtained prior to making any purchases

GROWING FORWARD WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - REPLACES THE PFRA PROGRAM This program provides technical assistance and incentive for the creation of a Long Term Water Management Plan.

Program payment will be based on ⅓ of eligible costs to a maximum of $5000. Eligible projects include:

Wells (including test drilling, new pump and well casing, electroseismology tests, disinfection of new well) Dugouts (including development of a new dugout, aeration, fencing and floating intakes) Dams (including intake and fencing) Spring Development Water tanks/storage/cisterns for low producing wells or as part of

permanent water supply Energy sources for access to new water sources or previously unused source Buried pipelines Livestock watering components ,water supply development services

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THESE PROGRAMS, YOU MUST HAVE A GROWING FORWARD (GF) REGISTRATION NUMBER. COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE GF REGISTRATION FORM WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED OFF THE WEBSITE BELOW, BY CALLING 310-FARM (3276) OR CONTACT NORA OR JANA @ 780-836-3354 Visit www.growingforward.alberta.ca for more information on these programs.

GROWING FORWARD - FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR PRODUCERS

Page 4 Winter 2010 Volume 4, Issue 1

AgriProfit$ Business Analysis & Research Program For Alberta Producers

Economics of Change for Beef Operations by Dale A. Kaliel, Sr. Economist: Production Economics, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

An economic analysis of north and central Alberta beef operations provides insight regarding the durability of the indus-try over the past 10 years and opportunities for profit driven change. Key drivers supporting the “economics of change” are farm level financial strengths and potential for herd cost reductions through integrated herd and grazing systems.

Economic Analysis & AgriProfit$ The data used in the analysis came from Alberta Agriculture’s AgriProfit$ Business Analysis & Research program.

AgriProfit$ works with producers across Alberta delivering:

Business analyses to participating producers Benchmark reports on productive, economic and financial performance Reports on various aspects of the economics of beef operations

The 10-year analysis of north and central Alberta beef operations involved sifting and sorting hundreds of AgriProfit$ records. Trends in year-to-year farm financial performance and the economics of cow herds and grazing systems were evaluated. To bring further focus, the average of “All” (all farms) was contrasted with “Low Cost” (farms with herds in the lower half of total production costs, by year). As a cautionary note, the analysis relates to averages and trends. There is variation about these averages, meaning there are businesses that performed well and others that did not in any given year. The analysis indicated opportunities for change in the future, based on solid economic rationale. Beef Operations are Profitable In the past couple of years, even though calf prices and input expenses may have dampened some of the optimism and “go forward” attitude that perennially characterizes the beef indus-try, north and central Alberta beef farms fared reasonably well. During the period of 1998 – 2007 (Figure 1), farm level return on assets averaged about 3%, with the low cost group averaging 4%. What messages does this deliver? Clearly, the drought in 2002 and BSE in 2003 substantially reduced the average return on assets. The upside is that these events kick-started a change process in the industry. Producers began to look long and hard at how they were producing. They were driven to fundamen-tally change their businesses and production systems, taking them to a sustainable, lower cost level. Keeping the farm level return on assets in the 1 – 4% range over this period suggests that these beef businesses have systematically changed. Most importantly, managers have visibly adapted to changing times. It’s Cheaper to Graze than Feed

The low cost group led the shift in days feeding to days grazing. This is driven by the notion that providing feed dry matter from grazing sources, at market value, is more cost effective than acquir-ing and delivering feed. This trend is also apparent in the “All” group over the 10-year span. Figure 2 shows the gap between feed and grazing costs, when each are brought into the cow herd at mar-ket value. In 1998, the gap between feed cost per Animal Unit Day (AUD) of feeding and grazing cost per AUD of grazing was $0.66 for the overall average and $0.46 for the low cost group. These amounts reflect cost savings to the herd for each AUD of feeding replaced by grazing. For example, on a 200 cow herd (averaging 1,350 lbs/cow), a 2 week feeding to grazing shift equals a cost savngs of $12.50/cow. This is for dry matter costs alone. The costs of time, fuel, equipment, etc. required to do the feeding are yet to be added!

Returns on AssetsNorth & Central Alta Cow/Calf Farms

( 0 .0 8 )

( 0 .0 6 )

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( 0 .0 2 )

0 .0 0

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19 9 8 19 9 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7

Year

PerC

en

t

All Low Cost

Feed & Grazing Cost Differential (CMV) / AUDNorth & Central Alta Cow/Calf Enterprises

0 .0 0

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19 9 8 19 9 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7

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$ / A

nim

al U

nit

Day

All

Low Cost

10 Yr Avg - All

10 Yr Avg - Low Cost

Figure 1

Figure 2

Your farm information is

the key to making better business choices

and your farm more profitable ...

Sign up for an AgriProfit$ Business Analysis today!

Call: 310-FARM E-mail: dale.kaliel@gov.ab.ca karla.bergstrom@gov.ab.ca pauline.vanbiert@gov.ab.ca

Approaching 2007, the gap dwindled to the $0.20 - $0.30 / AUD range. Observations regarding both the shift and its fi-nal resting place include:

From 1998 - 02, shifts were typically incremental additions of grazing days through practices like aftermath grazing and swath grazing parcels. Particularly in the low cost group, as time progressed shifts in grazing systems appeared, with more purposeful

combinations of native, perennial and annual grazing options. In the latter years both groups showed lower average herd operating and fixed costs due generally to adjust-

ments in feeding systems (types of feeds, labour use, machinery required). While this gap persists, there is opportunity to bring further cost effectiveness to cow herds. Gains made to this point have been mostly via application of production options that were easy to identify and implement. To close this gap fur-ther will require on-farm economic assessments of: grazing systems available to producers, relevant to their operations and locale winter feeding systems that complement the grazing opportunities other related production systems, such as types of feed used and

calving season Such assessments will lead to long term, truly integrated systems. The Land Gets Paid Too

The role of grazing land in the success of north and central Alberta cow/calf operations is easily overlooked. The grazing lands in be-hind many of the cow herds have helped create profits observed at the farm level while the herds within struggled.

Figure 3 highlights the performance of grazing systems integrated within beef operations. These systems are dynamic from an eco-nomics perspective. They include a multitude of elements that change within the system, across years, and among farms. Basic observations include:

Producers often ignore the profit motive for grazing land when used by the cow herd. On the other hand, grazing land is often undervalued as a profitable land use compared to field crops.

Over 10 years, grazing system costs, per Animal Unit Month (AUM), stayed stable. Systems adapted, dealing with the pressures of rising input expense, required productivity gains and balancing between intensive vs. extensive grazing options.

When a realistic market value is applied to grazing production it is consistently profitable. This will continue to improve given emerging grazing systems thinking and technology options.

A significant profit opportunity for Alberta cow/calf operators is linked to a systems approach to managing the grazing resource.

Home Stretch

Over the past 10 years, economics has both driven and led a significant change in the Alberta cow/calf industry. The key elements are: On-going, reasonable farm level profitability Feed to grazing days cost gap in cow herds Profit potential within grazing enterprises, particularly with a “systems” approach These support a significant change opportunity. Using economics as a management tool will lead the way to sustainable profits, with manageable risk. Alberta Agriculture, partnering with Alberta applied research associations, are working to create and deliver these important messages about economics of beef, forages and grazing to beef producers.

Figure 3

Grazing System Costs & Profitability - Per AUMNorth & Central Alta Cow/Calf Enterprises

( 10 )

( 5)

0

5

10

15

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

19 9 8 19 9 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7

Year

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ost

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UM

( 2 )

( 1)

0

1

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$ / A

UM

Grazing TPC - All

Grazing TPC - Low Cost

Grazing Prof it - All

Grazing Prof it - Low Cost

AgriProfits is currently looking for producers from our area to partici-pate in their program. The commitment is approximately one day per year. Producers participating in the program are visited by an inter-viewer and together a questionnaire is completed.

Participating farmers receive a business analysis of their operation and a comparison with benchmarks for the area. This is a useful manage-ment tool for making planning and marketing decisions about your operation. The only cost of this program is your valuable time.

If you are interested, you can contact NPARA staff or Alberta Ag staff directly.

Page 5 NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

Looking to Maintain or Improve Riparian Health? WHAT IS RIPARIAN?

Riparian areas are the lands adjacent to streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands, where the vegetation and soils are strongly influenced by the presence of water.

What do riparian areas provide?

Abundant forage and improved opportunities for long-term sustainable farms, ranches & communities

A buffer and filter to improve and maintain water quality

A 'sponge' to hold water, improve forage production and provide a drinking supply

Shelter and habitat for livestock and wildlife

Did You Know?

Riparian areas support 80% of all wildlife in Alberta.

Native bird populations are 2 to 3 times higher in healthy riparian areas than unhealthy ones.

What makes riparian areas different from the uplands?

Riparian areas are formed as the result of water, soil and vegetation interacting with one another.

Riparian areas stay greener longer and produce more for-age than uplands, partly due to soils and mostly due to an elevated water table. Vegetation is different and it attracts livestock, wildlife and humans.

Riparian areas are productive and can be reliable produc-ers of forage, shelter, fish, wildlife and water. These areas are a buffer, an insurance policy especially useful to have when drought or flood occurs. They are part of a healthy, functioning landscape and form part of an extensive drain-age basin within every watershed.

What can you do to improve riparian health? Have livestock? Calculate your stocking rates. Does

pasture production meet livestock needs and do you en-sure enough annual growth remains to support long term plant health?

Practice careful spring management. Riparian areas are

vulnerable to compaction in the spring, so avoid driving on or grazing when banks and shorelines are saturated. Early use severely impacts the plants throughout the rest of the growing season.

Provide rest during the growing season, which allows

plants to regrow and thrive. Whether you are grazing the area or using it for recreation, constant use will reduce riparian health—plants and soil must have rest.

Distribute pressure throughout the area. Riparian areas

are often hotspots of activity for people, pets and livestock, but we can reduce our impacts by: For livestock: place minerals/oilers away from the waters edge and outside riparian areas; provide alternate water sources; and fence ‘like with like’ units for better distribution. Control invasive weeds. These plants replace native, more deep rooted species and alter fish and wildlife habitat.

Give the area several years of rest, if you want rapid

recovery, especially of woody plants in your riparian area. Temporarily fence or prevent access to address ‘hot spots’.

Create a management plan for your riparian area

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A COOPERATOR TO WORK WITH ON A RIPARIAN PROJECT, IF THIS INTERESTS YOU - PLEASE CONTACT US.

Page 6 NEWS from North Peace Applied Research Association

BATTLE RIVER AG HALL, MANNING

OR NORA OR JANA AT THE NPARA OFFICE 780-836-3354

EVENT DATE TIME LOCATION CONTACT COST

Variable Rate Technology Workshop March 3 9 am Sawridge Inn,

Peace River NPARA @

780-836-3354 $20 (includes

lunch)

Verified Beef Production & Beef Marketing Seminar March 4 4:00 pm Ag Hall, Manning NPARA @

780-836-3354 $10 non members,

includes supper

Ranching for Profit March 8 9:30 am Grimshaw Legion Hall NPARA @ 780-836-3354 $50 per farm unit

Bio-fuel Workshop March 12 Ag Hall, Manning NPARA @ 780-836-3354

$36.75 includes lunch

Year Round Grazing with Steve Kenyon March 25 1 pm Community Hall

Dixonville NPARA @

780-836-3354 No charge

AGRICULTURAL SPRING SHOWCASE March 31 9 am Ag Hall, Manning NPARA @

780-836-3354 $20 (includes

lunch)

Jill Clapperton April 7 3 - 9 pm Fort St. John, BC NPARA @ 780-836-3354

$30 (includes supper)

Farmer Appreciation Evening April 9 5 pm Ag Hall, Manning NPARA @ 780-836-3354

Water Quality Workshop April 13 10 am Ag Hall, Manning NPARA @ 780-836-3354 Free for members

Jim Gerrish & Powerflex Fencing April 23 TBA Legion Hall, Manning NPARA @

780-836-3354 No

Charge

Page 7 Winter 2010 Volume 4, Issue 1

Speakers & Topics:

Bill Wilson, True North Beef, Dawson Creek : “Joint Marketing Ventures” Miles Crandall, Boehringer Ingelheim: “Value Added Programs”

Amber Havens, VBP & CCIA: “Verified Beef Production Workshop & Age Verification Update”

VERIFIED BEEF PRODUCTION WORKSHOP

& BEEF MARKETING SEMINAR

$5000 OF FUNDING AVAILABLE ON A 70/30

COST SHARE BASIS FOR PRODUCERS TO

IMPLEMENT THEIR VBP PROGRAM. ELIGIBLE

EXPENSES: CHUTES, HEADGATES, WEIGH

SCALES, AUDITS, SOFTWARE, ETC. For more information and to

register call 780-836-3354

Thursday, March 4, 2010 @ Battle River Ag Hall, Manning

Registration 4:00 pm

COST: No charge for NPARA members Non members - $10 includes supper

UPCOMING EVENTS

Box 750

Manning, Alberta

T0H 2M0

Phone: 780-836-3354

Fax: 780-836-2670

E-mail: npara1@telus.net

npara6@telus.net

We are on the web: www.areca.ab.ca/npara

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

North Peace Applied Research Association

North Peace Applied Research Association presents:

President Bill Gaugler Vice President Arie Loogman Secretary/Treasurer Michael Scott

Directors

Esben Johansen

Ed Schmidt

Trevor Paulovich

Mark Ressler

Judy Bowcott

Representatives

County of Northern Lights Teresa Tupper Agribusiness

Tim Burdick, UFA

STAFF

NORA PAULOVICH Research Coordinator/Manager npara1@telus.net

JANA UNGARIAN Assistant Research Coordinator npara6@telus.net

$20 buys NPARA membership & lunch

Murray Hartman, Oilseed Specialist, Alta Ag Canola Production Tips

Canola Varieties

Clubroot Update

Roger Andreiuk, Soils Specialist Soil Organic Matter/Quality

Variable Rate Technology

Dave Wong, Market Specialist, Alberta Ag Market Outlook

NPARA AGM: Research Hi-lites & Annual Report